StampAlley

The 12 Blogs of Christmas

2010-11-18T22:16:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the QKR Stampede Christmas/Winter Blog Hop. You should have arrived here from Monika's blog; if you didn't, go there now and then come back here to continue the Hop. If you didn't start at the QKR Stampede Blog, be sure to go back to the beginning so that you don't miss any of the fabulous projects! Now that you're back, wasn't Monika's project fantastic?!?! Not counting the QKR Stampede Blog, I believe I am the "third Blog of Christmas" -- no French Hens here, though!

My first project is a card using the Peace Angel (#16705) stamp.

For this card, I used the Argyle embossing folder by ProvoCraft and my oval nestabilities dies. I stamped the Peace Angel in the center of the oval using my Ancient Page Coal Black ink, then colored with my PrismaColor watercolor pencils and a blender pen. I added a touch of glitter to her wings (after all, angels should have glittered wings!) and the stars.

My next project is Christmas ornaments. These are very special to me for a couple of reasons: (1) my sister LOVES penguins . . . I know she would love to get this--or a set of these--as a gift for her Christmas tree; and (2) when we were kids, every year, the weekend of Thanksgiving, my Mom would take us to a local store that made ceramics . . . everything ceramic. We would get to pick out a bunch of ornaments and other items (Santas, snowmen, village buildings), then we would bring the items home and spend the weekend painting our items. It was always a lot of fun and it was especially fun to see how we evolved as "artists". So, on to my project:

The ornament to the left uses the Pine Cone Accent (#19603) stamp, while the ornament to the right uses the Ice Skating (#7902) stamp.

For the Pine Cone Accent image, I painted the stamp (just like when you color a solid/bold stamp image with markers) with a paint called Gloss Enamels, which is suitable for painting on ceramics, glass, and other non-porous materials. Then I stamped directly onto the ornament. The lighter color of brown is actually an open area of the stamp, so I painted by hand with a very fine paint brush.

For the Ice Skating image, I inked the image with Jet Black StazOn ink and stamped directly onto the ceramic ornament blank. I then painted the open areas using the Gloss Enamels and a very fine paint brush. With a "dry" brush (very little paint on the brush), I added some blue paint along the base of the ornament to represent the ice on which this little penguin is skating, and I added some glitter to the "ice" and around the penguin to give it a "snowy" look. The great thing about these paints is that they dry slowly (because of the thickness of the paint) and are water soluble -- you do not need any chemicals to clean your brushes or your stamps. That being said, the paint can be completely cured by either baking or allowing to air dry. If you decide to pick up these paints and use them, be sure to have a cup of warm, soapy water sitting by so that you can clean your brushes AND your stamps! You don't want the paint drying and becoming a permanent part of your stamp.

I hope you found these projects inspiring! Your next stop on the Hop is with JESSICA. You're sure to see some wonderful eye candy at Jessica's blog! Before you leave, please be sure to leave a comment. Thanks for taking the time to stop and visit!

Blog Hop Sneak Peek No. 2

2010-11-18T07:15:00.000-05:00

Today's post is another quick and simple post . . . another sneak peek of one of my projects for tomorrow's QKR Stampede Christmas/Winter blog hop.

Just a reminder that the Blop Hop begins tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM EST. Be sure to set aside some time tomorrow or over the weekend, to participate in the Blog Hop, as there will be many unique projects for any last-minute inspiration you may need. Looking forward to seeing you here tomorrow! Thanks for stopping by today; have a great day!!

Blog Hop Sneak Peek

2010-11-17T04:31:00.000-05:00

Today's post is short and sweet -- a sneak peek at one of my projects for this Friday's QKR Stampede Christmas/Winter Blog Hop. The Blog Hop takes place this Friday, November 19, at 8:00 AM EST. This Hop is a follow-up to our Frosty in July Hop and will be chock full of inspirational ideas for holiday cards and gifts.

Be sure to come back on Friday, pull out your winter woolies, grab a mug of hot chocolate and enjoy the Hop. Looking forward to seeing you at the Hop! Thanks for taking the time to stop by today. Have a WONDERFUL day!!

It's QKR Monday . . .

2010-11-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

I don't know about your corner of the world, but here in northeast Ohio, we had a beautiful Fall weekend (certainly to be one of our last), which inspired me to make this card. I used the QKR Stampede Leaf (#3901) and Hope Forever (#22801) stamps to create this card. The background of my card was stamped with the Leaf stamp and a Kaleidacolor stamp pad. For the focal image, I again used the Leaf stamp with foil and QKR Stampede's new line of Sticky Powder (some of you may recognize this product as Sticky Embossing Powder, or Heat-n-Stick powder). Being that Fall is quickly leaving us, I decided that the Cherish Yesterday sentiment, from the Hope Forever stamp (which is actually a collection of four sentiments), was perfect for this card.

Here is a close-up of the foiled image; as you can see, the result is absolutely stunning!

If you go to the QKR Stampede website and click on the Supplies tab, you will find directions on how to use the Sticky Powder, as well as illustrations of various craft mediums that were used with the Sticky Powder. If you follow my blog, you may recall that I did a photo tutorial using foil, which can be found here. I don't know about you, but I'm hanging onto these last few Fall days we have and enjoying the last of the colors of Fall ... Grab your hats, mittens, and scarves because this Friday, November 19, we will be having the QKR Stampede Christmas/Winter blog hop. We had a Christmas in July blog hop to get your creative juices flowing, but just in case you're looking for some ideas for Christmas cards or gifts, you'll want to be sure to put this Hop on your list of things to see! We have a very talented group of ladies on the design team, and the projects will be amazing and inspiring!! I'll be providing a sneak peek later in the week, so stay tuned . . .

Let's Talk Turkey!

2010-10-21T22:00:00.005-04:00

Welcome to the QKR Stampede Fall/Thanksgiving Blog Hop -- the first Blog Hop with the new Design Team Members. I have seen the projects by my fellow Design Team Members and they are FANTASTIC!!! We have quite a wealth of talent on this Design Team and plenty of opportunity for ideas and inspiration for our QKR Friends and Fans! You should have arrived here from Kristie's Blog. Kristie's scrapbook layout is fabulous!!! I don't scrapbook, but I love to see scrapbook layouts. I always think maybe . . . one day . . . For now, though, here are my projects. My first project uses the Leaf (#3901) stamp by QKR Stampede and is a stamped candle table centerpiece.

I stamped the Leaf image on tissue paper using a variety of StazOn inks (the StazOn inks don't bleed into the tissue paper like regular dye ink tends to), wrapped around each candle, and heated with my heat gun until the wax melted and absorbed into the tissue paper. Tied a little bit of raffia around the candle, then placed onto a square black tray and added some silk leaves, berries, and gourds to dress it up a bit. Here is a close-up of the stamped Leaf image:

My second project also uses the Leaf (#3901) stamp and is a set of wine glass charms.

When I was shopping for wine glass charm forms, my local craft stores didn't have any . . . so I substituted hoop earrings.

I stamped the Leaf image onto opaque shrink plastic using the StazOn inks, let the ink dry, then cut out each leaf, punched a hole into the Leaf image, then heated with my heat gun until it shrunk to size. Before I heated the shrink plastic with my heat gun, I punched into the shrink plastic so that I would be able to put the leaf on a jump ring. A few beads, a leaf image, and now I have some beautiful wine glass charms that can be used throughout the Fall season. Here is a picture showing the Leaf when stamped (before shrinking) and the size that it becomes once it has been heated and shrunk:

My third and final project is two cards that use the Skinny Turkey (#16308) and the Just Say No (#15212) stamps by QKR Stampede. I thought the Skinny Turkey stamp was fantastic -- the expression of that turkey leaves to your imagination to determine whether the turkey is scared or relieved! Either way, I think the expression is priceless!

Well, there are my projects! Your next stop is with Design Team Member Roxie Glaza. I know you'll be thrilled with and truly enjoy Roxie's projects. Roxie is quite an artist and always makes some amazing creations! Before you go, though, remember to leave a comment to be eligible for the $20 shopping spree -- you must leave a comment at EACH Design Team Member's Blog to be eligible for the shopping spree. Good luck!! Thank you for stopping by on the Hop!!! Have a GREAT day!!

Blog Hop Sneak Peek . . .

2010-10-21T04:00:00.002-04:00

As I mentioned on Monday, there will be a QKR Stampede Blog Hop this Friday, October 22, the theme of which is Fall/Thanksgiving. I absolutely LOVE the Leaf (#3901) stamp. There are so many possibilities with this stamp. You can emboss and bleach, stamp using a Kaleidacolor ink pad (as I did on Monday); just plain emboss then color; stamp, apply Heat-n-Stick powder (aka sticky embossing powder) and foil, . . . just so many techniques you can feature using this stamp. Today I am featuring a sneak peek into one of the projects I did for the Blog Hop. I hope this will entice you to come back tomorrow to participate in the Hop. And if my project isn't enough to pique your curiosity, consider the fact that if you participate in the Hop, you will be eligible to receive a $20 shopping spree at the QKR Stampede store--that's a terrific prize!!

The only detail that I will share about this project is that it uses the Leaf (#3901) stamp by QKR Stampede. For more details about this project, you'll have to come back tomorrow to see the whole project. Participate in the Blog Hop, and you have a chance to win a $20 shopping spree. All you have to do is visit each participating Design Team Member's blog, leave a comment, then leave a comment at the QKR Stampede Blog and voila . . . you have a chance to win a $20 shopping spree. Want an extra chance? Become a fan/liker of QKR Stampede on Facebook. Already a fan/liker? Become a follower of the QKR Stampede Blog. Already a follower of the QKR Stampede Blog? Do you have your own blog? Post about the QKR Stampede blog hop on your own blog and earn another chance to win a $20 shopping spree. This Leaf stamp is only $3.25 . . . just think of the possibilities that await! Be sure to stop by tomorrow for some amazing projects from the new Design Team for QKR Stampede. Thanks for stopping by today; have a GREAT day!!

It's QKR Monday . . .

2010-10-18T08:00:00.001-04:00

. . . and for today's post, since we are well into the Fall season--the turning leaves giving us such a splendid show of color--I couldn't help but think how nice it is to have note cards on hand that go with each season. My project today is just that -- a simple note card that uses the Leaf (#3901) and Thank You (#16620) stamps by QKR Stampede. The note card is gold embossed around the edge, and I simply stamped the Leaf image around the perimeter after inking with my Kaleidacolor ink pad. Thank You was stamped using Rich Cocoa ink by Memento.

I love the fact that the openness of the Leaf image doesn't overpower the Thank You sentiment. I hope you are enjoying the wonderful Fall weather and a terrific display of colors in your neck of the woods. I will have more examples of this Leaf image at the Blog Hop this Friday. The theme of the Blog Hop is Fall/Thanksgiving, so get ready for some terrific projects to celebrate the season and the holiday! Have a wonderful day and thank you for stopping by and paying a visit today.

It's QKR Monday . . .

2010-10-04T15:01:00.000-04:00

As promised, I am back at it with more QKR Stampede images! With the temperatures and weather as it is today, it really feels like a crisp, cool Fall day. My project is a card that uses the Leaf (#3901) stamp from QKR Stampede. I created a marbled/polished stone background using Ranger Alcohol Inks (Butterscotch, Meadow, and Red Pepper) and overstamped the Leaf image in Memento Rich Cocoa ink. Wrapped the piece with some gold cord, added a few silk leaves from my local craft store, and mounted onto my card stock base. The sentiment, "There is a harmony in Autumn and a lustre in its sky," by Percy Bysshe Shelley, is one of my favorites and was computer-generated and printed onto the card stock base.

Thanks for stopping by and paying a visit today! Have a great day!!

It's QKR Friday . . .

2010-10-01T08:03:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday everyone! I have been MIA for a few weeks just trying to get a few things together and working through some changes. I intend to do a lot of stamping this weekend -- Saturday is World Cardmaking Day (it is also my niece's 21st birthday!) -- and I intend to have a stockpile of projects to share with you over the coming weeks. No project today, but I did want to share with you that I will be continuing on the QKR Stampede Design Team, which means another six months of FABULOUS stamp images and monthly blog hops (October and November are already in the works!)! Over the last six months I have posted cards and projects using the QKR Stampede stamp designs and have really come to LOVE the images. I'm not just saying that because I am on the design team . . . these images are delightful and really grow on you! One of the benefits of being a part of the design team, is that I have seen others use images that I would not have necessarily chosen (or images that I "missed" while perusing the online catalog), but then I saw the possibilities based on someone else's imagination and creativity, which is VERY inspiring. In total, five design team members from the very first QKR Stampede design team are staying on and seven very talented ladies are joining the QKR Stampede family! Follows is a list of the current design team members (in no particular order). Be sure to check out their blogs (you will be AMAZED by the talents of these women!!!!), welcome them to the QKR Stampede family, become a follower of their blog, and watch for some new and wonderful QKR Stampede inspiration.

MONIKA STUTZKE (in Germany!)

As I mentioned above, some of our original Design Team members have decided to pursue other opportunities; we will be bidding a fond farewell to these individuals who were on the very first Design Team:

CHRIS (CHRISSY) DICKINSON (our fearless Design Team Coordinator)

I have truly enjoyed working with these ladies, have enjoyed getting to know them and have always been inspired by their work. Be sure to visit their blogs, continue to follow their spectacular work, and leave a little love for these ladies, as well. And don't think this will be the last you see of these ladies . . . they are very busy with other design teams and there are some other possibilities down the road with the QKR Stampede sister companies . . . so stay tuned! I will be returning to my regular QKR Monday posts this coming Monday. Thanks for stopping by and paying a visit!

Something's Brewing . . .

2010-09-09T22:00:00.043-04:00

. . . it's the QKR Stampede Autumn/Halloween Blog Hop! Welcome!! You are at your first scheduled stop from the QKR Stampede Blog. If you didn't start from there, please go there now for all the details about the prize being offered and what you have to do to be eligible to win. Go on . . . Go there now . . . I'll wait . . . You're back! That didn't take long!! I have a few projects to share with you tonight. Ready? First up, a Halloween-inspired card:

This card was created with the Trick or Treat (#12306) stamp from QKR Stampede. Isn't that little koala bear--dressed like a mummy--just the cutest?? I hope he gets lots of treats!! The first time I saw him, I knew he was going on my wish list!! Reminds me so much of the Halloween costumes we made when we were kids--no store-bought costumes then, and I have to say the creativity was fantastic!! Next up, Halloween treat bags.

The stamps I used for these little treat bags are Parked (#9303), R.I.P. (#12905) and Scarecrow and Jack (#18807) from QKR Stampede. These little cellophane bags are great to fill with a few goodies, and they certainly won't be the same as what anyone else in the neighborhood is handing out to the trick or treaters on Halloween night! I simply filled the bags, wrapped with ribbon (like a belly band) and attached each image. Here is a close-up of each image:

My last project for the Hop is an Autumn-themed card. This card uses the Autumn Friends (#9206) and Without You (#11803) stamps from QKR Stampede.

I thought this ragdoll image was super sweet and, paired with the sentiment, is a fantastic way to let someone know just how special they are to you. I hope you enjoyed viewing these projects as much as I did creating them. One last thing before you go . . . you can be eligible for a $25 shopping spree at QKR Stampede simply by leaving a comment at each Design Team Member's Blog and on the QKR Stampede Blog. If you want to better your chances, follow the QKR Stampede Blog and/or become a Friend/Liker of QKR Stampede at its Facebook page. You already follow the QKR Stampede Blog and you're already a Friend of QKR Stampede on Facebook? Do you have a blog? If you do, mention the QKR Stampede blog hop on your blog. Be sure to leave me a comment before you head off to HOLLY'S blog. Holly always has some amazing artwork on her blog . . . You're in for a real treat!!!

Just a Peek . . .

2010-09-09T08:15:00.000-04:00

. . . at another one of the projects that will be featured on tomorrow's Autumn/Halloween Blog Hop at QKR Stampede. This is one the of many ragdoll images you can find at the QKR Stampede website; the ragdoll images are just adorable!!!

The image I am featuring on this project is the Autumn Friends (#9206) stamp. One of the things I really like about the ragdoll images . . . well, the QKR Stampede images, in general, is the fact that they need to be colored. That leaves so many opportunities to change up the look of your image; you could stamp this image 50 times and color it 50 different ways for a variety of looks.

Don't forget that tomorrow, Friday, September 10, is the QKR Stampede Blog Hop. The ladies on the Design Team have been creating some wonderful projects for your inspiration and enjoyment. As usual, QKR Stampede is offering a Blog Hop prize to the Blog Hop participants. To be eligible for the prize, all you have to do is visit each Design Team Member's blog, leave a comment, then return to the QKR Stampede Blog and leave a comment there, as well. It's that simple!! If you want to better your chances of winning, become a follower of the QKR Stampede Blog, and become a Friend/Liker at the QKR Stampede Facebook page. Already a follower and a friend? If you have a blog, make mention of the QKR Stampede Blog Hop on your blog. Thanks for stopping by today and visiting. I look forward to seeing you here tomorrow for the Blog Hop! Have a GREAT day!!

It's QKR Monday . . .

2010-09-06T15:15:00.000-04:00

I have an Autumn project to share with you today . . . and appropriately, the name of the stamp is Autumn Breeze (#8803) by QKR Stampede.

This is another of the ragdoll images offered by QKR Stampede, and she is just darling! For my layout, I used the Mojo Monday Sketch 155; but, rather than a tag, I used a flower as an embellishment. Now that we're into the month of September, that means another QKR Stampede Blog Hop. This month's Blog Hop will be this Friday, September 10, and will feature Autumn/Halloween projects! Here is a sneak peek at one of my Blog Hop projects:

Be sure to visit the QKR Stampede Blog this week for other sneak peeks and further announcements with respect to the Blog Hop. Make sure you check out the Fall-themed images at QKR Stampede! You won't be disappointed, and you just might see one of your favorite images featured in the Blog Hop.

It's QKR Monday . . .

2010-08-30T00:00:00.010-04:00

. . . and the kids are back in school, the temperatures are starting to cool down a bit, humidity seems to be less-- all signs of Fall! I love the warm days and cool evenings of Fall!! Today's card is Fall-themed . . . I used the Pumpkin Stack (#12910) stamp from QKR Stampede for this card.

Aren't these pumpkins adorable? The image reminds me of the song learned in elementary school about the "five little pumpkins sitting by the gate, the first one said . . ." As is my usual practice, the image was stamped using Ancient Page Coal Black waterproof dye ink and colored with my Prismacolor watercolor pencils and blender pen. The pumpkin brads and decorative paper were found at my local craft store. DESIGN TEAM CALL REMINDER: Tomorrow, August 31, is the last day to submit your application to be on the next QKR Stampede Design Team. For complete information and details, go HERE. As always, thank you for taking the time to stop by and visit today! Have a GREAT day!!

It's QKR Monday . . .

2010-08-23T01:00:00.004-04:00

Hello QKR friends and fans! I hope you enjoyed the recent School Days blog hop and congratulations to MARIA MATTER who was the winner of the blog hop prize. School Days are just ahead for many, including the young men and women who are heading off for their first year of college. The return to school always signals to me the end of Summer and the beginning of Fall. So today, I am sharing the Scarecrow (#18801) image by QKR Stampede on a card. This little guy is darling and looks like he's having a blast playing in the Fall leaves!

Fall happens to be my favorite season--I love the cooler temperatures--warm days, cool nights, and all the sights sounds and smells of Fall--the colors of the changing leaves, the sound of leaves as you walk and they crunch under your shoes, the smell of the leaves, the smell of home fires burning to take the chill out of the air, apple picking, fresh pressed apple cider, baking apple pies, baking pumpkin pies or pumpkin muffins, hay rides, and hot chocolate (to name a few!). All my favorites of Fall! Thank you for stopping by today and visiting. I hope you have a WONDERFUL day today!! ---Carol

An Award

2010-08-22T21:00:00.002-04:00

I was getting caught up with some blog posts of blogs I follow (didn't get the feeds from Google) and found that I had been given two blog awards--the Sunshine Award and the Trendy Blog Award--from Kristie of Kristie Kreates (Kristie, I am sorry I did not see this sooner; I am completely honored that you have bestowed this award on me!). Kristie started following my blog as a result of participating in the QKR Stampede blog hops and, in turn, I started following Kristie's blog. Kristie makes some really amazing projects and has recently made application to be on the next QKR Stampede Design Team--BEST OF LUCK TO YOU, KRISTIE!!! Now, I have to pass this award on to 10 blogs/blog owners who inspire me! These ladies have inspired me by their work, their stories and, in some instancs, their humorous takes on life. So, here are my nominations for the awards, in no particular order. I have included a link to each blog so you can see the terrific work of these ladies and understand how they have inspired me.

Barb

Stef (Glitterbabe)

Marie (With a Smile)
Margie
Jennifer
Jerusha
Chrissy
Velta
Ceal
Holly

So, ladies, if you happen to stop by and read this post, please "pick up" your award and display it on your blog! Thank you for your inspiration, support and encouragement over the past several months!

QKR Stampede Design Team Call

2010-08-21T00:01:00.009-04:00

QKR Stampede is having a Design Team Call . . . the very first Design Team Members' six-month assignment is coming to a close in September, which means that a new crew must be selected. I have to say, I was honored and thrilled--beyond belief!!--to be selected as a member of the first QKR Stampede Design Team. When I got the email from Maribeth welcoming me to the team, I read and re-read it, just to make sure it was for real! I have truly enjoyed working with QKR Stampede stamps and the other members of the Design Team--it has been a terrific six months!! I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite projects that I made while on the Design Team (in no particular order).

In the Rain (#12502)

Large Ship (#21705)

Waving Flag (#16112)

Picnic (#14207)

Relaxing Gnome (#17908)

Birdhouse (#14514)

Girl Friends (#8808)

Special Delivery (#14010)

Apple (#15814)

Out At Sea (#8104)

So, how would YOU like to have an opportunity to share your creativity with the blogging world at large and get free stamps for your time and talent? Here are the details and what will be expected of you as a Design Team Member:

A 6-month term (October through March) with an option to continue if agreeable to both the Design Team member and Maribeth;
Your choice of 3 or 4 stamps to work with each month

Maribeth may occasionally pick a set and offer it to anyone interested in exchange for stamps of their choice (with no samples required) after receiving scans/pics of finished projects;

Four (4) projects per stamp set/per month (one per week) posted on your personal blog (if you miss a post for one reason or another, you are expected to let Maribeth and the Design Team Coordinator know, and you will be expected to make two (2) individual posts the following week);
Two (2) projects per set of stamps/per month posted on the QKR Stampede blog;
For trade shows -- free stamps for card fronts -- one free stamp for every two (2) card fronts mailed to Maribeth (no free stamps for scans or pics);
You must be able to follow instructions on time and work well with others;
Regularly visit the other Design Team Members' blogs and comment (please!);
Post your work to other forums with which you are participating and comment as applicable in those forums (i.e., challenge blogs, Splitcoast Stampers, etc.);
Post a permanent Design Team banner on your blog;
You MUST have a blog and be posting regularly

Anyone interested in applying should send a submission email (be sure to put Design Team Call in the subject line) to Maribeth at maribeth@eurekastamps.com. Include pictures of three (3) or more items you have created in any medium as long as stamps were used somewhere (Note: You are not required to use QKR Stampede stamps for your Design Team Call submission). In your submission email, list any websites or blogs you may have, any publications you have been in, and any design teams you have been on (all of which are not necessary to be considered but will help QKR Stampede get to know you and your work better).

Submission deadline is August 31, 2010

And if that's not enough to pique your interest, look at all the free stamps I have received over the past six months . . . these were received for my monthly selections, as well as for card fronts that were submitted for trade shows for the company.

I did a quick count, and there are over 50 stamps and since I have submitted more card fronts for Maribeth's upcoming trade show, I have even more stamps coming to me!!! Thanks for joining me on my trip down memory lane. Leave a comment and let me know which one of the QKR Stampede projects I posted over the last six months was your favorite! And if you're so inclined, get stamping and apply to be part of the second QKR Stampede Design Team! Have a GREAT day!!!

School Days . . . Continued

2010-08-16T00:30:00.001-04:00

QKR Stampede is having a School Days (back to school) Blog Hop and is offering a fabulous shopping spree prize to one lucky Hop participant. If you haven't visited the Hop, please go HERE to find out all the details about the Hop and the prize. One important thing to keep in mind to be eligible is that you not only must visit the blogs of each Design Team Member, but you must also leave a comment so that we know you were here!

Today's project is something that could be a really neat teacher's gift. While I was coming up with ideas for my School Days Blog Hop projects, I came across this little leatherette Post-It holder at my local craft store for $1 (one of the bargain baskets!!).

I thought this would be a terrific altered gift idea. And what's great about it is that it is refillable/reusable, so there's really no waste! First, I cut and scored paper to cover the case, then I just started decorating and embellishing. The stamp that I used for this is the Mouse Teacher (#701) from QKR Stampede, which was colored using my Prismacolor watercolor pencils and a blender pen. I also added some buttons and strung some alphabet beads onto a thin gold wire.

This little item would be great not only as a teacher's gift, but could be adapted as a gift for anyone in an office -- secretaries, administrators, etc.,--anyone who uses Post-Its!! As always, thanks for stopping by, visiting, and commenting. Have a GREAT day!!

School Days . . .

2010-08-12T22:53:00.032-04:00

Welcome to the QKR Stampede School Days Blog Hop! You should have arrived here from Jenn's blog. Wasn't her card terrific?! What a cute mouse image, and what wonderful alphabet ribbon!!! If you didn't get here from Jenn's blog, please go HERE and then come back to visit with me for a while. As with the other Blog Hops that have been sponsored by QKR Stampede, there will be a $25 shopping spree (with free shipping) awarded to one lucky blog hopper . . . all you have to do is visit and comment at each Design Team Member's blog and comment at the QKR Stampede Blog. Once you've done that, your name will be entered into a random drawing for the shopping spree prize. Want to better your chances to win? Do one or all of the following: (1) become a follower of QKR Stampede at the QKR Stampede Blog; (2) become a fan of QKR Stampede on Facebook; and (3) spread the word about the QKR Stampede Blog Hop by posting about it on your own blog or website. You have until Midnight EST, August 19 to complete the Blog Hop and be eligible for the random prize drawing.

I have a couple fun projects for you; my first project is a card that I made and gave a sneak peek earlier.

This card uses the Apple (#15814) stamp from the QKR Stampede Store. I just loved this stamp--that little worm sold me on it!!--and thought it would be a cute stamp for a teacher to use when grading papers to give the students some encouragement! This would also make a fun set of note cards for any teacher friends you may know.

My next project is a corner bookmark. I have seen these on blogs and websites and always thought they were cute, but--until now--hadn't taken the time to make one. These little bookmarks come together so quickly and easily, they could easily be made by a teacher's aide or classroom assistant and distributed to the kids during their reading time; better yet, they could be a fun project to do with the kids as part of reading time!!!

I again used the Apple (#15814) stamp to create this bookmark.

And lastly, I remember when I was in elementary school (many, many, many years ago!), students could order paperback books through the Scholastic Book Club. Each month we would get a newspaper-style listing of books and an order form. I loved being able to buy books and there was so much excitement when the box of books that had been ordered arrived. My teachers always took some class time to go through the box and distribute the books to those who had ordered; there was always a sense of wonder and excitement. With that in mind, my final project is a set of bookplates. When I ordered the Book Bear (#701) stamp, I initially had different plans for it . . . which included cutting away "This Book Belongs To" (gasp!). Common sense, however, prevailed, the stamp has been left in its original form and look at the sweet set of bookplates that were created. As you will see, the image was stamped onto Avery Shipping Labels (6 to a page; however, because of lighting issues, I am showing 4 of the labels, but all 6 were stamped). What a fun and easy project. And what makes it even more fun is that you can just stamp the image and let the children color it in themselves--talk about personalization!!!

Your next stop on the School Days Blog Hop is at Jessica's Blog. Jessica always has some really cute projects and this one is no exception; you're in for a real treat!

JESSICA'S BLOG

Thanks for stopping by the QKR Stampede School Days Blog Hop. Don't forget, be sure to leave a comment here and at every other Design Team Member's Blog, then leave a comment at the QKR Stampede Blog giving feedback about the Hop and letting us know whether you've become a follower and/or a fan. Good luck!!! Have a GREAT day!!

QKR Monday . . . Back To School Hop

2010-08-09T20:30:00.000-04:00

I've been absent from blogging and the computer in general, but I'm back, and just in time for the QKR Stampede Back To School Blog Hop! Today I'm going to share just a sneak peek of a card that I created. I thought this stamp image was super cute, even though it seems more suited to a teacher using it on a child's paper!

This project uses the Apple (#15814) stamp from QKR Stampede--isn't that worm peeking out of the apple just the cutest??? The Blog Hop is this Friday, August 13, and as with the other Blog Hops that have featured QKR Stampede stamp images, you will be sure to find something that really sparks your creativity; I know when I go through the Hops I am delighted with the treasures I see and, quite frankly, get sensory overload--so many wonderful projects, ideas, colors, etc., etc., etc.

So, mark your calendars for the Hop this Friday, August 13, and prepare to sit back and enjoy all the terrific projects!!!

Ceramic Trivet Gift Idea

2010-07-27T02:35:00.000-04:00

About two weeks ago, I posted a selection of coasters that I had made using 4" square tumbled marble tiles that can be purchased at your local home improvement store. Today, I am featuring a ceramic trivet idea. This project was made using 6" square white ceramic tiles that can also be found at your local home improvement store.

Wouldn't this be cute in a little girl's room as a message board?

Wouldn't this be cute in a little girl's room? Here is a closer look at the flowers and butterflies:

These tiles were stamped a little differently. I used my stamps and a special ceramic paint that I bought at my local craft store. It's quite simple, just apply the paint to your stamp and stamp onto the ceramic piece. Be cautious when stamping . . . the paint is thick and "wet" which makes it easy for your stamp to slip and slide on the smooth ceramic tile surface. Stamp slowly and with even pressure to ensure that you get a good impression without distorting the impression. Worst-case scenario . . . you wash off the tile and start again. Be sure, also, to IMMEDIATELY wash your stamps when you have finished stamping, as this paint will dry permanently on the rubber. Once stamped, the ceramic tile piece can then either be baked or set aside and left to dry and completely cure on its own. You can then place cork on the back of the ceramic tile or just add some "feet" that you can find at your local craft store (I would add a strong adhesive to the "feet"; I wouldn't trust the adhesive on them to be strong enough to withstand use or the texture of the back of the tile). These tiles don't have to be used merely as trivets--you can also use them as little message boards in your kitchen, like you see advertised in home decor catalogs, or, put a few tiles together and make a message board for your child's room. If using the tile as a message board, it can be written on with dry erase markers. You can also create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind serving tray--purchase a wood serving platter at your local craft store, put a few tiles together and you have a beautiful serving tray.

So, take another look at your stamps . . . make custom trivets or message boards or serving trays. Give them as a gift! Like the coasters, your friends will be amazed that you made these--and only you will know just how easy it was to do!! All stamps used for these trivets are from Stampin' Up! sets.

Lastly, a reminder that if you haven't participated in the QKR Stampede Frosty in July Blog Hop, there is still time. There is a wonderful prize being offered--a $25 gift certificate (with free shipping)--to be used at the QKR Stampede store. You have until the end of the day Wednesday, July 28, to complete the Hop; a winner will be randomly selected and announced Thursday, July 29. You can start the Hop here. And don't forget if you aren't a QKR Stampede fan/friend/"liker" on Facebook, be sure to go to Facebook and become a fan of QKR Stampede. During the month of August, every Monday, a fan/friend/"liker" will be randomly drawn and will win a free stamp of their choosing. And one last little item . . . if you already have some QKR Stampede stamps and would like an easy way to "earn" free QKR Stampede stamps, make card fronts using only QKR Stampede stamps** (you can use any type of paper, ink, embellishments, etc.) and mail your card fronts to Maribeth Douglas, QKR Stampede, 19522 High Park Road, Cedaredge, CO 81413. Now, through the end of August, for each card front you send, you can receive one free stamp. Be sure to include with your card fronts a list of the stamps you wish to receive in return. (**You cannot use any stamp images from any other stamp company when making these card fronts, as they will be used for a convention and images from other companies will infringe on copyright laws.)

It's QKR Monday . . .

2010-07-26T00:00:00.001-04:00

Once again, it's QKR Monday! I hope you came by over the weekend to participate in the QKR Stampede Frosty in July Blog Hop. All of the projects created by the design team members were Christmas or winter themed and were absolutely spectacular!!! If you missed the Hop, there's still time to get in on it and be eligible for a prize--a $25 gift certificate (and free shipping)--to be used at the QKR Stampede store. If you're interested in participating in the Hop (and who wouldn't love a chance at some free stamps?), go here for the details. Be sure to read to the end of this post for two special QKR Stampede announcements!

In keeping with the Christmas Blog Hop theme, today's project uses the QKR Stampede The Reason (#8712) stamp with the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 79 (SSSC79). As you can see with this project, this stamp image works very well on its own as a focal image, and is perfect, of course, for the sentiment on the inside of your hand-stamped Christmas cards.

QKR STAMPEDE SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: Every Monday in August, QKR Stampede will have a random drawing from its list of Facebook friends/fans/"likers". The person whose name is drawn will win a free QKR Stampede stamp of their choice! If you're not already a friend/fan/"liker" of QKR Stampede on Facebook, go here today so that you have a chance to win a free stamp of your choosing. Good luck!!

Do you already own QKR Stampede stamps and have a wish list of other stamp images you would like to own? Interested in an easy way to earn some free stamps? QKR Stampede will be participating in its first convention, in Boise, Idaho, the weekend of September 24 and 25, and is in need of card fronts for its display boards. Using only your QKR Stampede stamps**, create a card front (or card fronts), and mail them to the attention of Maribeth Douglas at QKR Stampede, 19522 High Park Road, Cedaredge, CO 81413. In return, you will receive one (1) free stamp image per card front mailed. Now, isn't that an easy way to get some free rubber??? (**In the absence of a particular sentiment you may want to use on your card, you can either computer-generate or handwrite the sentiment; you CANNOT, however, use stamp images from other companies on these cards as they would not be QKR Stampede images and would expose the company to copyright issues. You can use any papers, inks, and embellishments of your choosing.) Thanks for stopping by and visiting today; your visits and comments are greatly appreciated! Have a terrific day!!!!

Frosty in July . . .

2010-07-22T22:00:00.018-04:00

It's here . . . the much anticipated QKR Stampede Christmas-themed Blog Hop. You should have arrived here from Holly's Blog; if you didn't, please go there now and enjoy the adorable project Holly has created for you, then be sure to come back here to continue the Hop. If you came here before visiting any other blogs, be sure to start at the beginning of the Hop so that you don't miss anything! I made a lot of projects for this Hop and just couldn't decide which to share, so I am sharing them all -- there are cards, gift tags, and a gift idea. So sit back, take your time scrolling through, and enjoy!

CARDS

When I first saw The Perfect Christmas Tree (#12708), it reminded me of the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree!! I LOVED it when I first saw it and knew I had to do something with it!

How CUTE is this Sledding Bear (#15906)? He's sledding down a snowy hillside--perhaps on his way to your house--with his decorated Christmas tree in hand!

When I saw this Christmas Lights Kitty (#23703), I just knew I had to get it and do something with it. I have two cats, and luckily, neither one has ever bothered my Christmas tree, the lights or decorations! I did have a cat, though, who liked to lie under my Christmas tree and paw at the ornaments; apparently, he liked the swinging motion.

Who doesn't LOVE snowmen . . . be it at Christmas or throughout the winter season. These darling snowmen have dropped by to do some Caroling (#13606) and spread some holiday cheer!

GIFT TAGS

The Perfect Christmas Tree (#12708) reminded me of the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. I knew I had to get this stamp and be creative with it.

In the Manger (#16710) is just one example of the "not so quirky" stamp images that QKR Stampede has to offer. This image is well-suited for gift tags, cards, and even scrapbook page layouts (any children or grandchildren participating in a Christmas play this year?).

Sledding Bear (#15906) is perfect for gift tags. Wouldn't he look adorable adorning a gift package?

GIFT IDEA

This set of coasters was created using the Birdhouse (#14514) stamp. There's just something about snowman images with birds and birdhouses--they're simply charming! If you follow my blog, you may recall that I recently posted a collection of coasters and directions on how I made them (you can find that post here). These coasters were made in the same manner and were colored using chalks and a blender pen. Here is a close-up of one of the coasters:

As with the previous QKR Stampede Blog Hops, there is a prize being offered--a $25 gift certificate to use at the QKR Stampede store--to those participants who not only stop at each Design Team Members' Blog, but also take the time to leave a comment. Once you have visited the last blog in the Hop schedule, go to the QKR Stampede Blog and leave a comment that you completed the Hop, as well as any general comments you might have to offer regarding the Hop. If you have met the criteria (visiting and commenting at each Design Team Member's Blog and at the QKR Stampede Blog), your name will be entered in a random drawing for the gift certificate. Want to increase your chances of winning? There are three ways you can increase your chances of winning: (1) become a follower of the QKR Stampede blog; (2) become a fan/friend on Facebook; and (3) make mention of this Blog Hop on your personal blog.

I hope you enjoyed seeing these projects as much as I enjoyed making them! Your next stop on the Frosty in July Blog Hop is at JESSICA'S blog, where an adorable project awaits you. Thank you for participating in the Hop, make sure you leave your comments, and good luck!!!

Another Note Card Set

2010-07-22T00:00:00.001-04:00

I enjoy making note card sets and giving them as gifts to friends and family. It's also fun to get notes from friends and family who have used one of the note cards I made. I'm often reminded of one of the designs I had done before I was keeping samples of my work! I am very fortunate to have a paper supply store in the area that sells good quality card stock and other card supplies (pre-folded cards, envelopes, etc.) very inexpensively. The note cards that I am featuring today were made with a card blank that has an embossed center and is pre-scored so all I have to do is stamp. The card blank measures 4-7/8" X 7" and is scored at 3-1/2". When complete and folded, the card is the size that is often associated with Wedding Thank You cards.

For this notecard set, I used the Heart Deco peg stamp set by Rubber Stamp Tapestry. The sentiment is from the Sincere Salutations stamp set by Stampin' Up! You can whip out a set of these note cards in a mere matter of minutes--it's that easy!! Rubber Stamp Tapestry offers over 120 wonderful peg stamp sets in different themes. Since I started buying some of their peg stamp sets, the company has branched out to offering individual peg stamps, fabric stamps, border stamps, and block stamps, as well. One of the great features of these peg stamps is their "placement line"--a line along a portion of the wood dowel that is an indicator, or guide, of the image's orientation; that makes my stamping so much easier!

Tomorrow is the QKR Stampede Frosty in July Blog Hop; and here is my final sneak peek of a project that I have in store for you:

I look forward to seeing you at the Hop and look forward to your comments and impressions of the Hop, as well. As always, thank you for stopping by and visiting. Have a terrific day!

Dry Embossing--The Old Fashioned Way

2010-07-21T05:04:00.000-04:00

Remember the days of dry embossing before the Cuttlebug, Wizard, and Big Shot machines and embossing folders? Remember Fiskars Texture Plates and the little contraption you held in your hand and rubbed--aggressively and with a lot of pressure--over the texture plate to get an impression (and not the best of impressions at that)? I usually wound up with a bit of an impression and a very sore hand! Remember dry embossing with a brass stencil, embossing stylus(es), and a light box (and those who didn't have a light box would tape the stencil to a window)? Remember how amazed you were when you first saw dry embossing demonstrated either at a home stamping party or at your local stamp store? Dare I say "those were the days"?? Those "days" aren't that far behind us . . . it's amazing to consider how quickly product lines and ideas change--out with the old, in with the new. As you might have guessed by now, today's card was created using the old-fashioned dry embossing technique--a brass stencil, embossing stylus, and a light box.

The close-up photograph shows the detail of the embossing . . . flower petals, leaves, and the decorative "dots". The brass stencil is one that coordinates with the Bodacious Bouquet stamp set by Stampin' Up! I also use PergaSoft, a wax product originally designed for use with pergamano tools, to "condition" my embossing stylus. PergaSoft allows the embossing stylus to glide effortlessly over, and prevent tears in, the card stock. Some people will rub wax paper over the card stock before using the embossing stylus, but I have found that the PergaSoft works better. One of the advantages of using a brass stencil for dry embossing is you can pick and choose your image(s) and where you want them to appear on your card stock--something you cannot always--or easily--accomplish with an embossing folder. All in all, dry embossing is a little more time consuming than using an embossing folder and one of the machines, but there is also a different sense of achievement when you dry emboss the old-fashioned way!

Don't forget . . . only two days until the Frosty in July Christmas Blog Hop. Here is another sneak peek:

Thanks for stopping by for a visit today! Have a great day!!

Note Card Sets

2010-07-20T00:34:00.000-04:00

Today I am sharing a set of note cards that were made based on dimensions shared at the Gina K Designs website for a Memory Keeper (you will find all the dimensions for this project at that site, as well). If you follow the link, you will see that the basic idea was also adapted for cards. The stamps used for this project were from the Sweet Dreams stamp set by Stampin' Up!

These note cards were fun and easy to make and when presented in the note card holder, are a terrific gift item. What I love about this project is you can design your cards to be fancy or simple . . . and either way, the recipient is going to love the set of note cards!! Thanks for taking the time to stop and visit today! Have a wonderful day!!

QKR Monday . . . Christmas Blog Hop

2010-07-19T03:00:00.035-04:00

It's QKR Monday! Today's project uses the Special Delivery (#14010) stamp by QKR Stampede. This image has been on my wish list for quite some time, and I finally got it!! What cute baby shower cards, birth congratulatory cards, birth announcements, or scrap book pages can be made using this stamp!

I used a background paper that I have had for a while and which, unfortunately, has no manufacturer's identification. The image was stamped with my Ancient Page Coal Black dye ink and colored with my Prismacolor water color pencils and a blender pen. The baby feet brads are by Accent Depot and the "It's A Boy" charm is by Darice. To see another card project using this stamp, go to the QKR Stampede blog to this post.

Christmas Blog Hop: Just a quick reminder to be sure to mark your calendars for the Frosty in July Christmas-themed Blog Hop this Friday, July 23. Here is a sneak peek that I featured a couple weeks ago, before the Hop was rescheduled:

as well as a new sneak peek of another project for the Hop:

Be sure to join us for the Frosty in July Blog Hop this Friday, July 23, and be sure to tell all your stamping friends to do the same! The Design Team Members have some terrific projects prepared to share with you. Stop back throughout the week for other projects and Blog Hop sneak peeks! Thanks for stopping by and visiting today! Have a great day!!

Garden Silhouettes

2010-07-17T00:00:00.001-04:00

Today's card is based on the Clean and Simple Stamping Fall-To Layout 99 (FTL 99) and uses the Garden Silhouettes and Small Script stamp sets by Stampin' Up! In keeping with the clean and simple theme, I decided on a basic black and white color scheme. To add a little interest to the focal image piece of card stock, I scored along all four sides. I added a sentiment in pink to give a little splash of color, but chose not to layer the sentiment so that it wouldn't take away from the main stamped image. I have had the ribbon for a while and have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to use it; I thought it complemented the stamp image very well.

Thanks, as always, for stopping by and visiting today! Have a great weekend!

Bracelets

2010-07-16T01:36:00.001-04:00

Here's another project that is stamped, but is not a card . . . polymer clay bracelets. After the polymer clay has been conditioned (warmed and kneaded), it is then put through a pasta machine until it reaches the desired thickness (the pasta machine will be dedicated to polymer clay; do not use it for making pasta).

For this bracelet, black polymer clay was used. The clay was placed onto wax paper that was attached to a self-healing cutting mat and stamped into with a rubber mat for clay. After the clay was stamped, PearlEx powders were brushed onto the clay. The clay was then cut into 1/2" square tiles, placed onto pieces of mat board, then baked in a toaster oven at 275 degrees for approximately 30 minutes. (The toaster oven has been dedicated to crafting and is not used for any food preparation.) After the tiles have cooled, arrange as desired onto a bracelet blank and adhere with a strong adhesive (I use E6000, which can be found at hardware stores, home improvement stores, and local craft stores). After adhering to the bracelet blank, brush the tiles with a sealant, such as glossy accents, crystal lacquer, or Future Floor Wax.

For this bracelet, Premo Sculpey clay, in Pearl, was used and was stamped onto with StazOn Timber Brown ink. The stamp image is a floral image that, with treatment, got a bit distorted . . . I liked that look a lot. The individual 1/2" square tiles were edged with a Krylon Gold Leaf pen for a little added pizzaz.

This last bracelet also used Premo Sculpey clay, in Pearl, as the base. The clay was stamped into with a rubber mat for polymer clay and was brushed with PearlEx powders prior to baking.

Try this out some time . . . it's a lot of fun and you'll be amazed with the beautiful pieces of jewelry you can make. Change it up a bit by adding a watch face and turning it into a bracelet watch. Thanks for stopping by and paying a visit!! Have a great day!!!!

Cherry Mojo

2010-07-15T00:00:00.005-04:00

Today's card is for the Mojo Monday challenge (MOJO147) and uses the Tart & Tangy and Pocket Silhouettes stamp sets by Stampin' Up! I decided to use the cherry stamp in the set since I had some cherry-themed, double-sided background paper from Creative Imaginations.

I altered the sketch just a bit by centering a stamped square over the squares in the sketch. My background squares were cut at 1-1/2", the stamped cherries were cut out with a 1-3/8" square punch and layered onto a piece of red card stock. The half circles were cut with my Cuttlebug and Nestabilities circle dies. Thanks for stopping by today and visiting! Have a great day!!

Coasters

2010-07-14T07:00:00.001-04:00

Not the amusement park coasters, but drink coasters for your beverages!! These coasters were made using 4" square tumbled marble tiles that are found at your local home improvement store. When I first started buying these tiles, they came in boxes of 50--now I can find them only in boxes of 9. The following stamp images are from Stampin' Up!, PSX, and Just For Fun.

When I first made the coasters, I tried a variety of coloring techniques and tested them at a dinner outing with friends. I knew there would be beverages, so I took a bunch of coasters to "test" at the restaurant and see the results of my efforts, and there were some coasters that just didn't stand up to the sweat from the drink glasses. As a result, whenever I make coasters, I stamp the image using StazOn ink, then color using chalks and a blender pen or markers (you can also color with any permanent markers). The coasters are then baked in a toaster oven that is dedicated for crafts -- find one inexpensively at garage sales, flea markets, or your local Goodwill or Salvation Army store. If you are coloring with permanent inks, you can skip the baking step (I still bake the coasters, just for good measure). After completely cooling (they will be HOT!), the coasters are sealed using a Krylon sealant spray (I tend to use the satin finish, but I have also used matte and glossy). After the sealant spray has completely dried, I cut cork sheets to 3-7/8" square and apply to the back of the coasters using basic white craft glue (Aleene's). Even with the Krylon finish, the coasters absorb the sweat from a chilled glass. I keep a coaster at my desk--home and office--and often rotate the coasters, depending on the season or my mood!

The sky's the limit, so to speak, with these coasters. You can color or choose not to color, depending on the look you want. Any image can be stamped onto the coasters, including bold images. You can stamp with a variety of stamps, creating a collaged image. Make a set of four and give them as a gift; the gift recipient will be AMAZED that you made these!! As always, thanks for stopping by and visiting today. Have a terrific day!!

Inspired . . .

2010-07-13T02:52:00.001-04:00

My card today uses the CardPatterns Sketch 72. One of the papers I used for this card I used on yesterday's card . . . it was still sitting on my desk. The squares for this card were cut at 1-1/4", arranged and adhered onto a piece of 5-1/4" card stock, then mounted onto a 5-1/2" square card base. The sentiment is from the Define Your Life stamp set by Stampin' Up!

This card was very easy to put together. Look through your stash of patterned paper . . . you're bound to find a few that coordinate together and will make a terrific card! Thanks for taking the time to stop by and visit! Have a wonderful day!!

It's QKR Monday . . .

2010-07-12T03:18:00.000-04:00

Today's card uses the Clean & Simple Stamping Fall-To Layout 98 (FTL98) which, as you can see, is another terrific clean and simple design. The squares in the design can be either stamped or patterned paper that is cut to size. I chose patterned paper and then layered my sentiment Happy Birthday (#22803) stamp from QKR Stampede.

Even though the name of the stamp is Happy Birthday, there are four sentiments: Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, Happy Mother's Day, and Happy Father's Day--a terrific bargain!! Thanks for stopping by for a visit today! Have a GREAT day!!!

Summer Time

2010-07-11T01:30:00.001-04:00

I was at a loss as to what to call this post . . . after a while the titles seem to be redundant or bordering on ridiculous. Today's project is a clock that I created by stamping on a CD (hence, the use of "Time" in my title). A few years ago, my local stamp store held a class for stamping on CDs and turning them into clocks. I enjoyed the class, but was not extremely thrilled with the outcome of my clock (I still have it as a reminder of what NOT to do!). We used CDs--the ones that used to come unsolicited in the mail from AOL and other internet service providers--and painted the surface of the CD with acrylic paints. I was not impressed with the finish--it was flat, matte, unattractive and you could see all the brush strokes, despite efforts to get rid of them. But I liked the idea, so I continued to play with CDs at home; however, I used CDs that I bought at the store--and not just any CD, these CDs have a white surface, and are known as "printable" CDs. If you have fancy printing equipment, you can print logos or labels right onto the CD--no paper labels required.

For this CD, the background colors were created using Brilliance pigment inks and my color dusters. I then stamped the image using StazOn Jet Black ink and the Embrace Life stamp set by Stampin' Up! The leaves and flowers were colored using chalks and a blender pen. Yes, you read that right -- chalks and a blender pen. The words "embrace life" were stamped with VersaMark and embossed using gold embossing powder. Once the CD is finished, I spray with a Krylon satin finish sealant. The clock works were purchased at my local craft store and are very easy to assemble. I do have to trim the length of the hands, but that is easily done with a pair of scissors. I have made clocks in several different themes . . . golf-themed for the golfer in your life (the word "Fore" was stamped where the numerical four would appear on the clock face); baby-themed for a baby shower; floral, autumn, lighthouses, etc. There really is no limit to your creativity with these CD clocks--and if you don't want to turn it into a clock, burn some of your favorite music to the CD, decorate the CD to coordinate with the theme of the music, and give it as a gift. I have used various coloring mediums on these CDs--the above-mentioned chalks and blender pens, pigment inks, I have even used dye inks and heat set the ink with my heat gun. I have embossed on the CDs; embossing can warp the CD a bit, but if you turn it over and heat from the other side, it flattens right out. I have applied glitter, used Stickles, etc.; however, I would strongly suggest that you do not use glitter or Stickles on any CDs that would be going into stereo equipment!! One thing I suggest doing is to cut out CD templates (I use an EK Success Circle Scissor Cutter; I have an older version which has measurements in millimeters, so the size of my circles is 118mm) and practice with stamp placement on the templates. I find it easier to see how the stamp image fits on the CD template before actually stamping onto the CD. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or contact me through my email. Thanks for stopping by and visiting today! Have a great day!!

Tropical Thoughts

2010-07-09T01:33:00.000-04:00

The "tropical" for this card boils down to the colors and the floral image. It was created using the Bodacious Bouquet and Sincere Salutations stamp sets by Stampin' Up!

The dotted line was made using a paper piercing tool and the SU! mat pack; the dots bordering the floral image were made using the coordinating brass stencil. As you can see, the leaves were stamped, cut out, and adhered to the floral image. The center of the flower was enhanced using some glitter and a two-way glue pen. The pink card stock was cut using a pair of wavy line scissors, then layered over the blue card stock. A piece of turquoise ribbon was added for a little bit of interest. Putting together this card is pretty quick and easy. Thanks for stopping by and paying a visit today! Have a great day!!

Silly Dolphins

2010-07-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

This card was created using the Silly Sealife stamp set by Stampin' Up!

The waves were created by tearing two different colors of card stock (SU! Tempting Turquoise and Taken With Teal) and layering one over the other. The dolphins were stamped, colored with watercolor crayons and a blender pen, cut out and then inserted amongst the "waves" to make it look as if they were frolicking about in the ocean. This was put together quickly and, in retrospect, I should have sponged some clouds in the sky rather than having just plain white space. Thanks for stopping by and visiting! Have a GREAT day!!

Blog Hop Postponed

2010-07-06T22:56:00.001-04:00

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the July Blog Hop has been postponed until Friday, July 23. Please mark your calendars and plan to be "at the Hop" then! I just returned from an out-of-state holiday weekend and will resume posting Thursday. Until I see you then, have a GREAT day!!!

QKR Monday - Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-05T00:00:00.044-04:00

Independence Day -- a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. But did you know that the legal separation of the American colonies from the Kingdom of Great Britain actually occurred on July 2, 1776? The Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence, later titled the Declaration of Independence, and debated and revised the document, with final approval on July 4, 1776. In fact, John Adams had written in a letter to his wife, Abigail: "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. . . . It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, . . . bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

In honor of Independence Day, I am posting a card that uses the Waving Flag (#16112) stamp by QKR Stampede. I have previously used this stamp for Memorial Day projects, Flag Day, and here it is, again, for Independence Day. I absolutely LOVE this flag image . . . I love its simplicity and the movement depicted in the image!

For this card, I first had the ribbon in mind, so I wanted to create a card with a vintage/Americana/folk art look to it. I decided to make my paper look like old, aged parchment paper. Here's how I did it: card stock is Stampin' Up!'s Very Vanilla. I then rubbed over the card stock lightly using my Memento Desert Sand ink pad. Then I sponged Vivid! Straw, Brown, and Taupe inks (in that order). Then I rubbed the Memento Desert Sand ink all over the piece of card stock again. Lastly, I inked the edges of the card stock using Memento Rich Cocoa. The date was printed on my computer, cut out with a Nestabilities Oval cutting die, "aged" in the same manner, layered onto a scallop oval that was cut out with a Nestabilities Scallop Oval cutting die, and adhered using foam squares.

And now for the announcement I promised. As you know, QKR has been having a blog hop each month, and this month is no different. Our July blog hop will be all about Christmas! Yes, Christmas!!! I know Christmas is five months away, but now is the perfect time to start thinking about and planning your holiday paper crafting projects . . . like the design of this year's Christmas cards! The Hop will take place this Thursday, July 8, and as always, will be started at the QKR Stampede blog. More details will follow as the week progresses. Be sure to mark your calendar for the July 8 Blog Hop. Here is a sneak peek of one of my projects:

Happy Independence Day to you and yours. As you celebrate this holiday, enjoy the local parades and fireworks displays and do be careful. Thanks for stopping by and paying a visit. Have a GREAT day!!

Happy Independence Day!!

2010-07-04T00:00:00.007-04:00

Today's card is all patriotic, in honor of Independence Day . . . and features the Herringbone technique from the December 2009/January 2010 issue of the Technique Junkies newsletter. This technique is easier than it may look and is a lot of fun!!

The stamp was picked up at my local craft store in one of the dollar racks (and it was only fifty cents!) and has no identifying mark with regard to the manufacturer. Be sure to stop by tomorrow for another Independence Day card and a little bit of Independence Day trivia. As you celebrate Independence Day today (this weekend) please be safe! Thanks for stopping by to visit today. Have a GREAT day!!!

Lazy Days of Summer

2010-07-03T00:00:00.001-04:00

This cute little frog is just kickin' back . . . enjoying the Summer days, wondering how things are by you!

The image was watercolored, and a touch of glitter added to the flower and the dragonfly. The lily pad is simply a circle from which a pie shape was cut, layered onto the card stock base, and the excess removed. Dragonflies were stamped on the card stock base to create an interesting background. Another quick and easy card!! Thanks for stopping by and paying a visit! Have a great day!!

Summer Birthday Wishes

2010-07-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

Today I have a birthday card that is simple to make and has lots of bright and cheery Summer colors. As with my post yesterday, you can change the colors to whatever you desire.

The stamps used for this card were from the Watercolor Garden and Sincere Salutations sets by Stampin' Up! The white of the background was minimized using a scrungey-plungey . . . yep, that's what it's called. I bought this years ago at my local stamp store and still get a lot of mileage out of it. You can get the same look by using one of the plastic mesh dish scrubbers -- tap in into your ink pad, then tap onto your card stock. The difference between that and the scrungey-plungey is simply the amount of plastic mesh is less and it is adhered to a wooden handle (sort of looks like a bathroom plunger). After minimizing the white space, the card stock was wrapped with pink and green gingham ribbon. Thanks for stopping by and paying a visit! Have a GREAT day!!

Celebration Spots and Dots

2010-07-01T05:00:00.001-04:00

Today's card is just a quick and simple celebration card; it's generic, so it can be used for just about any type of celebration! And spots and dots seem to be associated with celebrations and happy times. Change the colors to match a theme and you're all set!

This card was created merely by randomly stamping circles and dots in shades of blue and green. Celebrate, by Hero Arts was stamped in blue, layered onto a green panel and onto a second panel in blue. For some visual interest and contrast, a polka-dotted ribbon was added. Thanks for stopping by today and visiting! Have a great day!!

QKR Monday Meets The Sweet Stop (SSS62)

2010-06-30T00:31:00.000-04:00

This week's QKR project is posted a bit later in the week than usual. My project today is based on a sketch from The Sweet Stop -- my first time to play along with one of their sketches. I had this paper, Cruisin', by Creative Imaginations and thought it would lend well to this sketch.

Here is the sketch:

I used the Old Car (#20205) from QKR Stampede and made a standard A2 card, rather than a square card. The sketch showed a flower as the embellishment, but I didn't think that would go quite well with the car image, so I opted for a matching button. I think with the inserted white button it resembles a whitewall tire. Next Monday will feature another QKR project, as well as an announcement, so stay tuned! Thanks for stopping by today and visiting! Have a great day!!

Celebration - FTL96

2010-06-25T00:09:00.000-04:00

TGIF!!! I was pondering what to do for a card for today's post when the Clean & Simple Fall-To Layout (FTL96) appeared in my inbox. Saved!!! This layout is super quick, super easy, fun and fantastic. You can use background/scrapbook paper you have on hand (which is what I chose to do), or you can create a sheet of your own. Here is my card:

And here is the layout sketch:

I chose to use a background/scrapbook paper I had on hand called Celebration by American Crafts. I liked the colors and the fun dotted circles. For my sentiment, I wanted to keep with the fun theme of the paper, so I simply added Happy For You from the Happy Everything set by Stampin' Up! (a set I don't use often enough!). No fancy embellishments (though I toyed with adding some ribbon . . . or something) and the card was done in a matter of minutes! Almost too easy!! Thanks for stopping by and visiting today. Have a wonderful Friday!!

Thinking of You - FTL95

2010-06-24T02:35:00.000-04:00

Today's project is based on a sketch from the Clean & Simple blog; this is the Fall-To Layout 95 (FTL95). I really liked the simplicity of this layout and if you look at the samples that have been uploaded, you will see just how creative you can be with this layout. Here is my card:

And here is the layout:

As you can see, I kept my card simple with just three colors . . . white, a bright yellow, and olive card stock. The sentiment that I stamped is from the Essence of Love stamp set by Stampin' Up! I decided to add a corsage pin with strung pearls and a clear faceted bead with a little twist of white taffeta ribbon, threaded through a plaid ribbon. The flower is a generic paper flower with a generic clear rhinestone brad.

Lovely

2010-06-23T01:15:00.000-04:00

I recently found a different and new (to me) challenge blog called Cards & Things Challenges. The challenges seem to alternate between sketch and color challenges and I decided--finally--to attempt the recent color challenge found here. So, with that in mind, here is my card:

And here is the color challenge:

As you can see, I have just a hint of Kraft, as well as a hint of the Pink Passion. My ribbon isn't exactly spot-on in color, but it added a little bit of color splash to the card. The stamped images are from the Garden Silhouettes stamp set by Stampin' Up! I'm not sure about the right-hand side of the card . . . too much black! I couldn't think of anything to put on that side of the card that wouldn't detract from the focal image. I tried running the ribbon under the focal image and having the knot and one ribbon tail cutting across the black, but that didn't look right . . . and it definitely looked too plain without any ribbon!!! So, as some would say, it is what it is. Thanks for stopping by today and paying a visit! Have a great day!!

For You

2010-06-22T03:43:00.000-04:00

Today's card uses the Mojo Monday sketch (MOJO144) found here. For this card, I used the Close As A Memory and Happy Everything stamp sets by Stampin' Up! The floral image was colored with markers, lightly misted with water to create a watercolor effect and stamped onto the card stock.

Here is the sketch:

This was a quick, easy layout -- the most difficult part was the ruffled ribbon (more time consuming than difficult)!! Thanks for stopping by today! Have a great day!!

Road Trip

2010-06-21T03:05:00.033-04:00

I've said this before . . . I love getting the sketch challenges for cards. The sketches not only have the hard work taken care of (someone has done all the thinking for the creative part of the card layout), but they often take me out of my comfort zone or give me an "a-ha" moment with regard to something new to try or something "old" to revisit. Since today is QKR Monday, I thought it would be fun to use the latest Card Patterns Sketch 69 with one of my QKR Stampede images.

Here is the sketch:

My card today uses the Old Car (#20205) stamp by QKR Stampede. This stamp is such a fun image and perfect for summer-themed cards or vacation/travel scrapbook page layouts!! The papers that I used for the background are by Creative Imaginations and a Travel paper pad by Making Memories. As you can see, rather than floral accents, I chose eyelets, a metal gear (which looks like a steering wheel) and a key. Today is also my day to post on the QKR Stampede Blog. Here is a sneak peek at the project I am featuring there:

This project uses the Rocket Dog stamp image. Be sure to pop over there and check it out!! Thank you for stopping by today and visiting. Have a great day!!

Happy Father's Day!!

2010-06-20T01:21:00.000-04:00

No card or other project today . . . just wishes that everyone who has someone to celebrate Father's Day with has a wonderful day! Dads are pretty terrific and deserve to be celebrated!! I'll be back tomorrow with another QKR Monday project. Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your day!!

On to Summer

2010-06-19T01:00:00.000-04:00

OK, enough of the masculine cards! Father's Day is tomorrow and, except for a few last-minute shoppers or crafters, their gifts and cards are already made, bought, wrapped, and ready for giving! Today's card is a simple floral card that uses the Bodacious Bouquet stamp set by Stampin' Up!

The floral images were simply randomly stamped in various colors, some paper piercing around the border for a bit of interest, and voila a card was born! Great for a summer birthday, quick note to a friend, a thank you, thinking of you . . . whatever you want it to be. And with the variety of options with punches, cutting dies, etc., this card can be personalized with a sentiment very quickly and effortlessly. Thanks for stopping by today and visiting with me! Have a GREAT day!!!

Celebrate!

2010-06-18T00:45:00.001-04:00

It's Friday!!! Today's card is one for celebrating--Father's Day:

This card was stamped using stamp images from the following sets by Stampin' Up!: Canvas, Up In The Air, and Lexicon of Love. The Canvas background was stamped onto the blue paper, which was then overstamped with the Up In The Air images. A portion of the bottom of the blue piece was torn off, wrapped with white and navy twine, then layered onto the tan card base. The "pattern" along the bottom of the tan card base was created using the direct-to-paper technique with an ink pad. The focal image was stamped with a waterproof dye ink and colored with watercolor crayons and a blender pen, then adhered to the card with foam dots. The word "celebrate" was colored with a black marker and stamped onto the card base. Thanks, again, for stopping by today and having a visit! Have a wonderful day!!

Architectural Rainbow Strip Flip

2010-06-17T02:00:00.000-04:00

Today's card was created using an older Technique Junkies technique called Rainbow Strip Flip. I used an older Stampin' Up! stamp set, Architectural Elements, to have a masculine theme for the card. There are other architectural-themed stamps used in this project, as well. The bold words that are seen are from a four-sided stamp entitled, "Building Slab" by Postmodern Design. The text on each side of the stamp is as follows: "Master", "not to scale", "Figure A", and "Architectural Rendering". I believe the focal image is one I picked up at a stamp convention from Stamp Francisco. It is an unmounted stamp and I did not note anywhere the manufacturer, but I do recall buying several images like this one from Stamp Francisco.

I brayered blue and grey inks on the background piece to imitate the look of blueprint paper and randomly stamped the many architectural details. The focal image was layered onto blue paper, and faux photo corners created. This card could be used for any masculine-themed celebration--birthday, Father's Day--and would also be perfect for use as a thank you to any contractor, designer, etc. Thanks for stopping by and visiting today. Have a great day!!

Happy Birthday, Old Dinosaur!

2010-06-16T01:00:00.000-04:00

A friend had a 50th birthday party for her husband and "old dinosaur" was the theme of the party. This is the card that I made to help him celebrate:

The stamp images for this card were from the Toybox set by Stampin' Up! and Stampendous. A touch of ribbon was added beneath the stamped dinosaur for a bit of interest. This card was quick and simple . . . and the recipient loved it!

QKR Monday - Flag Day

2010-06-14T03:05:00.001-04:00

Today is Flag Day; it is also my brother's birthday; and it is QKR Monday. If you were here for the Blog Hop this past weekend, you will recall the Waving Flag (#16112) stamp that I used to create a shaker card. Today, in honor of Flag Day, I have created another card featuring the Waving Flag stamp by QKR Stampede. As I mentioned in the Blog Hop, I put this stamp on my wish list the moment I saw it and couldn't wait to use it to make some cards.

This card is based on the Card Patterns Sketch 68:

For my card, the Waving Flag stamp image was colored with markers and stamped onto white card stock then cut out with an oval Nestabilities die, which was layered over a scallop oval that was also cut with a Nestabilities die. A piece of white taffeta ribbon was tied into a knot and a button adhered using a glue dot. The decorative papers are downloads from Gina K Designs. Be sure to stop by the QKR Stampede Blog to see another card made using the Waving Flag stamp and to learn a little about the history of Flag Day. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and visit. Have a terrific day!!

Summer Happy Birthday!

2010-06-13T01:46:00.000-04:00

If you came here for the QKR Stampede June Blog Hop, from Jenn's Blog, please go here. Remember, you have until Wednesday, June 16, to complete the Hop and be eligible for a $25 shopping spree (with FREE shipping) at QKR Stampede. Go to the QKR Stampede Blog for details and to start the Hop.

Today's card is a quick and easy summer-themed birthday card.

The stamped image is Green Line (Frogs) by Penny Black. The image was colored using chalks and a blender pen and a touch of floral ribbon was added behind the stamped image. The sentiment on the inside says, "Ribbit . . . Ribbit . . . Ribbit . . . aka Happy Birthday!" Thanks for stopping by today and having a look. Have a great day!!

A Note of Thanks - FTL 94

2010-06-12T01:19:00.000-04:00

If you came here for the QKR Stampede June Blog Hop, please go here. If you've already completed the Blog Hop, I hope you really enjoyed all the fantastic projects. Just a reminder, there is a $25 shopping spree (free shipping) being offered to one lucky hopper. For full details and to start the Hop at the beginning, please go here.

Today's card is for the Clean & Simple Fall-To Layout 94. This is a great layout that lends itself to many possibilities.

Here is a copy of the sketch:

The stamps used for this card are from the Pocket Silhouettes and Thank You Kindly stamp sets by Stampin' Up! I think these sets pair together very nicely. The circle is from a 1-3/4" Fiskars punch and the scallop border was cut using my Nestabilities Scallop Circle die. The patterned paper I used is Demeure Stripes by Pixie Press (and was a bargain at only $0.10 per sheet!). I have been wanting to play with the ruffled ribbon technique and thought this was the perfect opportunity to soften the line between the patterned paper and the card stock base. The stamped image was then adhered using foam squares. Thanks for stopping by and visiting. Have a wonderful day!!

Summer, Picnics, and Patriotism

2010-06-10T22:05:00.006-04:00

Welcome to the next stop on the QKR Stampede June Blog Hop. As you know, the theme is Summer, Picnics and Patriotism. You should have arrived here from JENN'S blog--wasn't Jenn's card fantastic?!?! If you didn't get here from JENN'S blog, go there right now and see her wonderful project, then come back here! Go ahead, I'll wait! Now that you're in the right place, I have a few projects to share with you. But before I do that, here is a little reminder of the Blog Hop prize that you will be eligible to win: a $25 shopping spree at the QKR Stampede website and no shipping charges! All you have to do is visit each Design Team Member's blog, leave a comment and when you have visited and commented at the last blog on the Hop, go back to the beginning of the Hop and leave a comment there, as well. Want to increase your chances of winning the shopping spree? There are three ways you can increase your chances of winning the prize: (1) become a Follower of the QKR Stampede Blog; (2) become a Fan on Facebook; and (3) spread the word about the QKR blog hop by posting about it on your personal blog. You have until Wednesday, June 16, at Midnight, EST to complete the Hop and increase your chances of winning. A winner will be announced Thursday, June 17. Good luck!!

Now, for my projects for this month's Hop. My first project was featured a couple days ago as a sneak peek and features the Happy Tummy (#1901) and Bon Appetit (#11507) stamps from QKR Stampede.

When I first saw this stamp image, I just loved this little guy's expression of being "full" after eating that apple! I kept this card clean and simple and thought it would be great fun to use for an invitation to a family picnic or outdoor barbecue. Wouldn't it be fun as an invitation to an apple-picking venture in the Fall? I colored the image using my Prisma watercolor pencils and a blender pen. The skin of the apple was inked in red, stamped, then cut out and pieced onto the stamped image. My next project:

This card was also a sneak peek and uses the Picnic (#14207) stamp from QKR Stampede. I thought this little koala bear was just darling with his little knapsack--imagine all the goodies he has brought to share at the picnic! Again, I colored this image using my Prisma watercolor pencils and a blender pen. In order to get the right color for his fur, I first colored the image with the Non-Photo Blue pencil, then colored over the image with the Cool Grey pencil. The paper behind the stamped image is a double-sided paper from Reminisce and is entitled Camping Cook Out. And now for my final project:

This is a shaker card that uses the Waving Flag (#16112) stamp as the focal image. Here is a close-up view of the Waving Flag image:

The first time I perused through the QKR Stampede website, I immediately put this stamp on my wish list and couldn't wait to get it! The stamp was colored with markers and stamped onto white card stock. The star confetti was found at my local craft store. This would be a fun card to send to someone whose birthday is on Flag Day or Independence Day. It would also be a great card to send to a veteran to thank that person for his/her dedication and service to our country.

I hope you enjoyed seeing these projects as much as I did making them! Your next stop on the Blog Hop is:

BARB GMITRO-BEST

But before you go, please be sure to leave a comment here. Not only do I read and appreciate all comments, but by leaving a comment at each Design Team Member's blog and at the QKR STAMPEDE Blog, you have a chance to win a $25 shopping spree at QKR Stampede, which includes FREE shipping. Have you left your comment? Thank you!!!

Now, hop over to Barb's place and enjoy your visit with Barb; I know she has some adorable projects in store for you!! And remember, if one of the links fails to work along the Hop, go to the beginning at QKR STAMPEDE and follow the links listed there. And don't forget, once you have visited and commented at each Design Team Members' blog, go to QKR STAMPEDE and leave a comment that you completed the hop.

QKR June Blog Hop--Sneak Peek #2

2010-06-10T01:00:00.002-04:00

Only one more day to the QKR Stampede Blog Hop and, as promised, here is a sneak peek at another project I have put together for the Hop. Today's sneak peek project features the Picnic stamp (#14207) and is perfect for this month's Summer/Picnic Blog Hop theme! This stamp image can be seen in its entirety at QKR Stampede.

If you are interested in QKR Stampede stamps but have moved away from traditional rubber stamps, and have a preference for digital images, that's all the more reason to check out the QKR Stampede website and peruse through the now available digital stamp images, which are offered at a discounted price. Thanks for stopping by today! Be sure to come back tomorrow at 8:00 AM for the official start of the June Blog Hop. I know you are in for a real treat with all the projects by the design team members. Have a terrific day!!

QKR Sneak Peek Wednesday

2010-06-09T03:34:00.001-04:00

I have to say, I have been enjoying being on the QKR Stampede Design Team. I enjoy working with the many stamp images that QKR has to offer--sweet, cute, and quirky. There simply is something for everyone! As I mentioned Monday, the next scheduled QKR Stampede Blog Hop is this Friday, June 11. The theme of this month's Blog Hop is Summer/Picnic and Patriotic. I can assure you that there will be some fantastic projects on display at the Hop--there are so many talented ladies whose work I admire. My sneak peek for today uses the Happy Tummy (#1901) and Bon Appetit (#11507) stamps from QKR Stampede. Be sure to check out the stamps at the company's website if you would like to see the full images prior to the Hop. And now for today's sneak peek:

Looking forward to seeing you at the Hop! Thanks for stopping by today. Have a GREAT day!!

A Father's Day Card Idea

2010-06-08T01:40:00.000-04:00

With Father's Day just around the corner, I thought I would share another masculine/Father's Day card idea.

The car is from the Antique Autos stamp set by Stampin' Up, and was stamped in VersaMark ink and embossed with a copper embossing powder onto a piece of polished stone card stock. The polished stone background piece was then layered onto a piece of card stock and the bottom edge torn. Three copper head brads were added, then the piece was wrapped with a copper cord and layered onto the card stock base which had been stamped with a license plate background stamp along one edge of the card. Simple, but attractive. And what man wouldn't enjoy getting this card?! Thanks for stopping by today and visiting! Have a wonderful day!

Fly Me To The Moon

2010-06-07T00:00:00.020-04:00

Be sure to read to the end of today's post for a QKR Stampede announcement! Today's card was created using stamp images from QKR Stampede -- Rocket Dog (#12404) and To The Moon (#11801).

The technique for this card is a bleaching technique. First, stamp your image with VersaMark (or other embossing ink) and heat emboss on card stock (any card stock, but dark card stock provides the most stunning effects). I embossed with a detail black embossing powder. After the embossed image has cooled, apply bleach to the image, being careful not to go outside the embossed lines. I use an inexpensive aqua painter watercolor brush that I got at my local craft store that is used only for bleach. Allow the bleached piece to dry (the drying process can be sped up with a heat gun). I usually allow the piece to dry completely, then bleach a second time to make sure the pigment is removed from the card stock. After the image has dried, color as you desire. I colored this image with Prisma watercolor pencils and a blender pen, but you can use chalks, markers, inks . . . whatever you desire. Flowers and butterflies are especially fabulous when done using this technique.

Here is a close-up of Rocket Dog:

ANNOUNCEMENT: Mark your calendars for the June QKR Stampede Blog Hop this Friday, June 11. This month's Blog Hop theme covers a variety of topics--Summer, Picnics, Patriotic. Wow!!! Imagine the variety of stamp images you will see, as well as the variety of project ideas. If you haven't already, go to QKR Stampede, peruse through the many images, make note of some of your favorites and look for them on the Blog Hop. As I have done before, I will have sneak peeks of my projects this Wednesday and Thursday. As always, thanks for stopping by today and having a look! Have a GREAT day!!

Thinking of You

2010-06-06T08:45:00.000-04:00

Today's card is one on which the focal image was made using punches. There are some amazingly talented individuals who create phenomenal pieces of artwork using only punches. I haven't the talent to figure out such wonderful creations. As you can see, my card is fairly basic, but I like how it turned out.

The flower on this card was made using an oval punch. The pink petals were sponged on the edges in order to offset the petals from one another and to add a little depth to the image. The green panel was also sponged and pierced around the border. The sentiment is from the Sincere Salutations stamp set by Stampin' Up! Thanks for stopping by today. Be sure to stop by tomorrow as it is QKR Monday and there will be an announcement you won't want to miss. Have a GREAT day!!

With Heartfelt Sympathy

2010-06-05T06:00:00.002-04:00

Today's post is another Sympathy card . . . not that I am wallowing in self-pity . . . just that I had some of these cards already made and since my week has been anything but productive in the stamping sense. The stamps used for this card come for the Lovely As A Tree and Close As A Memory stamp sets by Stampin' Up!

This is a very simple, monochromatic Sympathy card that was dressed up with a couple of silver brads and a small piece of twill ribbon. This would be a perfect Sympathy card for any nature lover or for that special man in your life. As always, thank you for stopping by and visiting today! Have a wonderful day!!

Quick Little Update

2010-06-04T21:43:00.000-04:00

I have been MIA this week for a couple of reasons . . . (1) my 91-year-old grandmother passed away, and (2) my modem died and I could not access the internet until I got a replacement . . . all in the last 6 days. I have many family members coming from out of state for the memorial services and have been helping my Uncle put together a collection of photographs for memory/story boards about my grandmother's life. Just a brief little tidbit--my grandparents and their two oldest children (one of whom is my Dad) had to flee Czechoslovakia after WWII and were political refugees. They were in an American-sponsored work camp in Germany for three years until they were sponsored to the United States (immigration then was very different than now). Looking through my grandmother's collection of photographs has been very interesting, and was something she often did not share because of the painful memories it conjured up. Overall, my grandmother would say she had a good life, and she was happy to be here. She lived to watch four children grow up and lead successful lives, had 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. This evening, in light of recent events, I will share with you a Sympathy card.

This card was created using the Close As A Memory stamp set by Stampin' Up! The oval was sponged using an acetate template that I made. The flowers in the image were colored with watercolor crayons direct to rubber, spritzed with water, and stamped over the sponged oval. The sentiment was stamped using the good old-fashioned method of inking a stamp and stamping! Thank you for stopping by and visiting! Have a GREAT day!!

It's QKR Monday!

2010-05-31T03:05:00.003-04:00

My project today is a recipe card that features the Relaxing Gnome (#17908) stamp from QKR Stampede. I featured this stamp on a card at the QKR Blog two weeks ago. If you missed that post, you can see it here. I have participated in cookbook swaps where each participant creates a 6" x 6" recipe card. Each recipe card had to be hand-stamped--the only part of the recipe card that could be mass produced (either by printing or photocopying) was the actual recipe.

I thought the Relaxing Gnome (#17908) would be the perfect accent for a recipe card featuring a mushroom dish. I love just about any kind of mushroom -- fresh, in salads, baked on a pizza, sauteed and served with chicken or a steak, grilled, stuffed -- you name it! This mushroom strudel is great as an appetizer or as the main course served with a salad. I use a blend of mushrooms when making it -- portabellas, regular snow cap mushrooms, crimini, shitake, and a wild mushroom mix.

I am also posting today at the QKR Stampede Blog. Here is a little peek at the project there that uses the Girlfriends (#8808) stamp.

Be sure to go check out this project in its entirety by going here. It is done in patriotic colors, in honor of Memorial Day. Please take a moment, today, to remember the brave men and women who served in our armed forces and gave the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our country and our freedoms. Please take a moment, also, to think of the men and women who are currently serving in our armed forces. Thank you for stopping by today and having a look! Have a wonderful Memorial Day!!

Hats Off!

2010-05-30T00:00:00.004-04:00

Today's card is for two different challenges--Card Patterns Sketch 66 and the "Hat's Off To You" challenge at I Did It Creations.

Here is the sketch:

The stamp images I used are from the Haute Couture stamp set by Stampin' Up! I have always loved this particular image--it's very nouveau chic and reminds me of fashion images seen from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s when women wore hats and gloves when they went out. I kept my color scheme to black, white, and red and included patterns that remind me of that era, especially the polka dots (I'm picturing dresses worn by Lucille Ball!). Thank you for stopping by and having a look! Have a wonderful day!!

Kind Thanks - FTL 92

2010-05-29T05:30:00.003-04:00

This weekend I am playing along with the May VSN (Virtual Stamp Night) at Splitcoaststampers. The theme of the projects is all about flowers. I will be sharing some of those projects with you next week. Right now, though, I wanted to share another "Fall-To Layout" (FTL) featured at the Clean & Simple Stamping blog. I am really liking these layout challenges. Not only is the layout design work already done, but the layouts force me to try something new and different. The layout for today's project can be found here. And here is my card for the challenge:

This is the layout:

My card was created using stamps from the Touch of Nature and Thank You Kindly stamp sets by Stampin' Up! The images were colored using Prisma watercolor pencils and blended with a blender pen. I think this would be a perfect Thank You card for any man or nature lover in your life. Thanks for stopping by today and having a look! Have a wonderful day!!

Summertime, Summertime . . .

2010-05-28T00:30:00.006-04:00

Well, according to the calendar, it isn't quite Summer, but the weather we have been having certainly seems to indicate otherwise! Here is a card using the Classic Convertibles stamp set by Stampin' Up!

I love these fun, vintage images! The images in this stamp set are great for those "manly" cards -- Birthday, Father's Day, Thinking of You, etc. The image was stamped, colored in with Prisma watercolor pencils, and blended with a blender pen. A very simple, easy card to put together. Thanks for stopping by and having a look! Have a terrific day!

Desktop Paperweight

2010-05-27T01:00:00.002-04:00

Today I am featuring a little gift idea that is great for a year-end teacher's gift, or even for a Father's Day gift--a desktop paperweight. The paperweight that I am using was purchased at Oriental Trading and is sold in quantities of 3 for $9.99.

The paperweights are 3" square (also available in 3" round) and have a foam pull-out base which allows you to create decorative pieces that can be slipped in, covered with the foam base, and displayed. The foam base stays securely in place and also protects desktop surfaces from scratches. The "empty" space that you decorate is 2-1/2" square and approximately 1/4" deep, so you can have some dimension in your little piece of artwork (you can see one of my inserts has buttons). If you keep your decorative inserts simple, without a lot of dimension, you can make several for different times of the year, etc., store them in the paperweight and change them for different holidays or seasons, etc. Just think of the possibilities . . . family pictures, children's pictures, mini works of art made by the children . . . all preserved under glass!! Thanks for stopping by and having a look! Have a GREAT day!!

"Vintage" Birthday Greetings

2010-05-26T00:30:00.000-04:00

This card is an attempt at creating a vintage look birthday greeting card. I love the look of vintage projects, but is a look with which I struggle. This project would probably look better if there was some lace or a lace-looking item to keep it feminine and vintage. There was no special technique for this--just sponging ink to give an aged look--and no particular sketch that was followed.

The stamp images used for creating this card are from the Best Blossoms, Canvas, French Script, and Tags (retired Punch Box) stamp sets by Stampin' Up! There you have it--nothing fancy, fairly plain and simple!! Thanks for stopping by today and having a look. Have a wonderful day!!

Unique

2010-05-25T05:38:00.000-04:00

My card today is based on the Card Patterns Sketch 65, which is another clean and simple card layout with a lot of possibilities. I chose the word "Unique" and stamped flowers since flowers are unique -- no two being exactly the same. Here is my card:

And here is the sketch:

The background paper I used is a retired Designer Series Paper by Stampin' Up! called Maine Blueberry. I also used the Define Your Life, Defining Alphabet, and Heartfelt Thanks stamp sets by Stampin' Up! The flower from the Heartfelt Thanks stamp set was colored with Old Olive and Bashful Blue markers, then Night of Navy was added to the flower using the marker tapping technique. The stamp was then spritzed with a fine mist sprayer, allowing the water droplets to fall onto the stamp, then stamped twice. Thanks for stopping by today! Have a GREAT day!!

QKR Monday Meets Mojo Monday

2010-05-24T16:30:00.007-04:00

The Mojo Monday sketch (MOJO140) came across my computer and I decided to play with that today, along with some of my QKR Stampede stamps since it is QKR Monday. This card uses the Train (#19207) and To My Dad (#11805) stamps and would make a great Father's Day, Birthday, or simple Thinking of You card for anyone's Dad.

Here is the sketch:

This card was fairly easy to put together . . . just had to figure out a few measurements and--voila--it's done!

One other piece of QKR Stampede news . . . the winner of the prize for the "It's A Boy Thing" Blog Hop is Kristie Maynard. Congratulations Kristie!!!! Be sure to go here for details on how to claim your prize. Thanks for stopping by today and having a look! Have a GREAT day!!

My Friend - FTL 91

2010-05-22T00:00:00.005-04:00

The next Clean and Simple Stamping Fall To Layout (FTL 91) was posted and I decided to play along again. I had fun with the last layout and this one seemed like it would be just as much fun. The layout required an object that "busts off the card"--something I have never done (how would I get it into an envelope???). Well, since something had to bust off the card and it wasn't going to go into an envelope anyway, I decided to take it one step further and do one of the 3-D flowers that are popping up all over the place on blogs, video tutorials, cards and projects. Here is my project for the challenge:

Here is a close-up of the flower:

The sentiment is from the Blossoms Abound stamp set by Stampin' Up! Here is the layout sketch:

That's my project for today -- clean and simple and busting off the card!! Thanks for stopping by to have a look! Have a wonderful day!

A Note of Thanks

2010-05-21T03:45:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday!! Today's card is a clean and simple thank you card using the Splitcoaststampers Sketch 238 (SC238). The stamped image is from Pocket Silhouettes and the sentiment is from the Thank You Kindly sets by Stampin' Up!

I didn't post yesterday because I spent the day looking for a no-kill animal shelter or foster system for a baby kitten that was orphaned at my house this past Sunday. I became his surrogate mom Monday and have been taking care of him all week; unfortunately, circumstances don't allow me to keep the little guy who, by the stage of his development, is about 3-4 weeks old. Yesterday evening I got a call from one of the shelters I contacted and they are going to take him in and put him in a foster home with a mother cat who has two kittens about the same age--hoping she will "adopt" him as one of her own. He has been a really sweet little guy. For not having been around people, he has loved being held, stroked, fed, snuggling, and playing. He just discovered his legs and has been wobbling around a bit here and there. He is going to be called "Mel", so here's wishing Mel a wonderful life going forward; he's already beaten some odds at a very young age!!

Thanks for stopping by today and having a look around! Have a wonderful Friday!!

Not Your Typical Graduation Card

2010-05-19T04:30:00.003-04:00

The Clean & Simple Stamping blog has "Fall To Layouts" or FTLs, and "Fall To Colors" or FTCs. Today's card is an idea for a graduation card--but not your usual graduation card. Mind you, this card could be adapted to a general graduation merely by substituting school colors.

This card was created to fulfill the FTL90 challenge and, as you can see, was done in patriotic colors and could be used for a young man or woman who has completed boot camp; specifically, I was thinking of Army boot camp. From 1980 to 2001, the Army's recruiting slogan was Be All You Can Be. The sentiment on my card is The Best is Yet to Be. I am not, by this post, supporting war or the events that lead to war. Like it or not, though, these brave men and women have made their career choice--whether it be a lifelong military career or a starting point from which they will have access to other and better opportunities--and that I support. I have several family members and friends who have either served or are currently serving in a branch of the military, and I respect and admire their choice and their many sacrifices. I think it's important to keep this in mind as we near the Memorial Day holiday. Thanks for stopping by today and having a look! Have a GREAT day!!

Girlfriends - Mojo Monday

2010-05-18T05:30:00.022-04:00

I have decided to try to incorporate more challenges in my card projects--be it sketch, technique, or color. It should--should--make it easier to assemble a card, because the basic design has already been done. Today's card is based on the Mojo Monday 139 sketch and uses the Girlfriends stamp by QKR Stampede. Aren't these little rag dolls the cutest??? If you haven't yet checked out the images at QKR Stampede, be sure to do so . . . there are many other rag doll images that are just as sweet! I chose the background paper and thought the squares in it would play off the quilt blocks rather well . . . that is, until I added my mat layer per the sketch. Here is the sketch:

And here is my card:

The stamped image was colored in with Prisma watercolor pencils and blended with a blender pen. Thanks for stopping by and having a look! Have a GREAT day!!

QKR Monday - Couch Potato

2010-05-17T00:00:00.009-04:00

I posted last week that I was working on my QKR Monday project. Well, after many trials, tribulations and frustrations, I finally came up with a card that I "liked" enough to post. My biggest challenge with this card was the look I wanted to achieve and the scale of the card versus the scale of the stamp.

This card was created using the Couch Potato and Early Retirement stamps by QKR Stampede. This was my first attempt at creating the look of a "room" using the Faux Painted Paneling technique in the October/November 2009 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter. The Couch Potato image was stamped three times -- once on patterned paper (the couch), a second time on kraft card stock (the potato, which was subsequently colored with Prisma watercolor pencils to enhance the color) and a third time on white card stock for the pillow, tennis shoes, and glove. Here is a close-up of the Couch Potato:

Today is also my day to post on the QKR Stampede Blog. Be sure to go there, as well, to see another project using the Relaxing Gnome stamp. Here is a little peek:

Thanks for stopping by and having a look! Have a WONDERFUL day!!

Tree Silhouettes - CardPatterns Sketch 64

2010-05-16T01:00:00.003-04:00

This sketch was posted at the CardPatterns Sketch blog and I decided to "play along".

I didn't have a distinct idea for this card and it wound up being not only a very clean and simple design, but monochromatic, as well. Funny how things turn out! I used the Gina K Designs stamp set entitled Tree Silhouettes. I have only a couple Gina K Designs stamp sets, but have quite a wish list! Not only does Gina K sell stamp sets, but card stock, inks, and embellishments that coordinate, and digital papers. Each month, Gina K Designs releases new stamp sets, card stock colors, and coordinating embellishments. I am always amazed at the designs her team comes up with! Be sure to check out the Gina K online store.

The base of my card is Kraft card stock, layered with Very Vanilla and Garden Green card stock by Stampin' Up! The scallop edge was created using a Fiskars scallop punch and was cut twice--once on Garden Green, and once on Very Vanilla card stock. The scallops were then layered over one another, their position staggered. The trees image was stamped with Memento Cottage Ivy ink and was cut out and embossed with a Spellbinders Labels Three die. I sponged around the edge of the paper while still in the die and it created a somewhat misty/foggy look to the image. An ivory taffeta ribbon was added. Thanks for stopping by today and having a look! Have a GREAT day!!

.... HELLO

2010-05-15T02:00:00.002-04:00

If you are here today for the QKR Stampede Blog Hop, please go here. And just a quick mention about the Blog Hop: there is a $25 shopping spree (and FREE shipping) being rewarded to one lucky hopper who visits and posts a comment on each Design Team Members' blog, and the QKR Stampede Blog. Be sure to visit the QKR Stampede Blog for ways to get extra chances in the drawing.

Now for today's post, this card was inspired by, and is a CASE (copy and share everything) of, a card posted at Papertrey Ink; I really liked the simplicity of the card and thought this stamp set would be a good substitute. The stamp set I used is Giraffe Party, by Memory Box, and the sentiment is from the Fundamental Phrases set by Stampin' Up!

The giraffe image was stamped on scrapbook paper (retired from Stampin' Up!), cut out, and adhered to the card with pop dots. The leaves and "hillside" were colored with Prisma watercolor pencils and blended with the use of a blender pen. Memento Summer Sky ink was used to sponge the edges to represent the sky. As always, thanks for stopping by! Have a GREAT day!!

It's a Boy Thing!!

2010-05-13T22:00:00.004-04:00

The May QKR Stampede "masculine" Blog Hop is finally here! You should have come here from the QKR Stampede Blog; if you didn't, go there now, be sure to leave a comment, then come back here. Now that you're in the right place, sit back and get ready for some fabulous masculine card ideas. You should get a lot of inspiration for cards and projects for the men in your life, and just in time for Father's Day! I know some people have told me they struggle with masculine cards--from the images to the embellishments. They often fret over whether ribbon can be used on a masculine card. As you will see on two of my cards, I did use ribbon--I just tied it in a square knot, rather than a pretty bow.

My first card was made using the Golfing Bear stamp by QKR Stampede. I grew up in a family whose members played golf, we watched golf tournaments on television, . . . the whole shebang. I picked up this scrapbook paper from my local craft store a few years ago--it was sold in a sealed package of 25 sheets for $2.50 (original price), but was in their deals section -- fill a large shopping bag with as much as you can from the deals section and whatever you get in the bag, you get for $5. This paper has been waiting for its debut, and what a perfect stamp image to pair it with.

This second card was made using the Train and Happy Birthday stamps. The colors for this card were inspired by a Dresden China plate:

I really loved the vintage look of this plate and used that as my basis for this card:

And finally, I made this card using the Old Car stamp image.

I added a bit of bling in the form of metal gears. After all, what guy wouldn't love seeing that on a card???

Thanks for stopping by for the Hop! Did you leave a comment? Be sure to leave a comment here and at each Design Team Members' Blog. If you leave a comment at each Blog (including the QKR Stampede Blog), your name will be included in a random drawing and you will be eligible to win a $25 shopping spree and FREE shipping! That's a pretty fantastic prize!!! Your next stop on the Hop is:

CHRIS DICKINSON

Chris always has fabulous projects . . . I know you will be in for a real treat! Enjoy the rest of the Hop and have a GREAT day!!!

It's A Boy Thing - Sneak Peek

2010-05-13T03:15:00.001-04:00

One more sneak peek before the QKR Stampede Blog Hop tomorrow. Make sure to start the Hop at the QKR Stampede Blog. The theme of the Blog Hop is "masculine", so get ready to be inspired and get ideas for the men in your life--and just in time for Father's Day! So, without further adieu, here is one more sneak peek before tomorrow's Hop:

I hope that my sneak peeks have left you intrigued and looking forward to the Hop. Be sure to stop by tomorrow and leave a comment. There will be one prize rewarded--a $25 shopping spree and FREE shipping. Those individuals who leave a comment at each Design Team Members' blog will be eligible to win the prize and will be entered into a random drawing. Thanks for stopping by! Looking forward to seeing you here tomorrow!! Have a GREAT day!!

Blog Hop Sneak Peek

2010-05-12T01:30:00.002-04:00

Just a reminder that the QKR Stampede Blog Hop--It's A Boy Thing--will be this Friday, May 14, so be sure to mark your calendars! Be sure to start the Hop at the QKR Stampede Blog. From there, you will find links to each of the Design Team Members' blogs which will, in turn, direct you to the next blog in the Hop via a direct link. As with the last Hop, be sure to leave a comment at each blog you visit.

As promised, here is my first sneak peek for Friday's Blog Hop:

Isn't this guy just the cutest??? Perfect for a card for the golfer in your life! I can't wait for you to see the whole image!

QKR Monday and Blog Hop

2010-05-10T11:30:00.000-04:00

Today's QKR Stampede project share will be a little bit later in the day . . . it's currently undergoing reconstruction (what seemed like a good idea, just didn't transfer onto paper very well). But I wanted to be sure to get the word out . . . be sure to mark your calendars for Friday, May 14, for the next QKR Stampede Blog Hop. QKR Stampede is going to have a monthly blog hop--isn't that exciting??? Last month's Blog Hop went really well and there was a fantastic prize offered. I am really looking forward to this month's Hop because the theme for the Hop is MASCULINE. Is that cheering and applause I hear? I know many people say they struggle with masculine-themed cards. So, just think, you will get inspiration for at least 12 different projects--and just in time for Father's Day. As the week progresses, I will give you sneak peeks into what I will be posting for the Hop, as well as a few reminders about the Hop. Now for me to get back to today's project . . . I think I need to walk away for a little while and approach with a cleared head! Stay tuned . . .

Mother's Day Bookmarks

2010-05-08T05:16:00.000-04:00

This is a double pocket card that holds two bookmarks. The double pocket card was made from a two-sided piece of patterned paper, Bella Rose, by Stampin' Up!

The bookmarks were measured and cut then stamped with stamps from the Wild Rose stamp set by Stampin' Up! There is enough white space on the bookmark to allow for a special message to Mom. Wishing all the Moms out there a wonderful Mother's Day! Thanks for stopping by today! Have a GREAT day!!

Roses for Mom

2010-05-07T10:00:00.003-04:00

Here is another Mother's Day card idea that uses the Stampin' Up! two-step stamping technique. This card was made using the Wild Rose and All Year Cheer II stamp sets by Stampin' Up! This is a very simple, quick, and easy card to put together. You could also dress it up a bit by adding ribbon or other embellishments.

The "white space" of the card front was minimized by using a "scrungie-plungie" (that's really what it was called!) that was purchased years ago at my local stamp store. Basically, it is a piece of a plastic kitchen pot scrubber that was mounted onto a wood handle (at a quick glance it looks like a miniature plunger). You tap the plastic mesh end onto your ink pad, then transfer the ink to your card front by pouncing. This effect can also be accomplished by using an artist spritzing tool with markers. Thanks for stopping by today! Have a GREAT day!!

On My Mind

2010-05-06T03:15:00.001-04:00

Today's card is what I consider a clean and simple card that uses a slight variation of the "Rock-N-Roll" technique.

To make this card, I used Riding Hood Red card stock for the base. White card stock (generic ultra smooth white) was embossed with the Swiss Dots embossing folder and layered over the card base. I used the Top Note die by Sizzix (exclusive Stampin' Up! design) and cut out the image twice--once on white card stock, a second time on Riding Hood Red card stock. There is a dashed border, which I cut off the white piece, then layered the white piece onto the Riding Hood Red piece of card stock to create the look of a different colored border. A variation of the Rock-N-Roll technique was used on the floral stamp--the edges of the flower petals were tapped/colored with a marker. The stamps used for this card are from the Upsy Daisy stamp set by Stampin' Up! Thanks for stopping by today! Have a GREAT day!!

Dresden China Ship

2010-05-05T00:30:00.000-04:00

I considered various techniques that could be used with the Large Ship stamp image by QKR Stampede. One of the first ideas that came to mind was the look of Dresden china. I chose to mimic the blue and white Dresden china and used the cracked glass technique because, with my luck, I would have dropped a vintage piece of china!

The Large Ship was stamped with blue ink onto white card stock, cut out with a Spellbinders Nestability Classic Oval die, and embossed three times with clear ultra thick embossing powder. Once cooled, the embossed image was cracked then rubbed with Rich Cocoa ink to give it an aged appearance. The piece was then layered onto a piece of card stock cut with a Spellbinders Nestability Scallop Oval die. Decorative paper is from the Citrus Matstack by DCWV. Thanks, again, for stopping by! Have a GREAT day!

Mother's Day Card

2010-05-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

This card is one I created several years ago for a swap group in which I participated. We had 20 members, and each month we gathered at one person's home and swapped, which meant each person had to make 20 copies of their particular card. Today, I cringe at having to make multiples for swaps; when I participate in a swap, the exchange has to be a low number -- I much prefer one-for-one swaps!

This was created by tearing off a portion of the folded card stock and adhering another piece of card stock in its place. The mat layer was then cut from the torn off piece of card stock and layered with the stamped image. A bit of glitter was added to the stamped image, and pink ribbon tied on to make it really girly! The stamps used for this card were from the Stampin' Up! Cottage Rose and Victorian Lace sets, both of which have long been retired. Thanks for stopping by today! Have a GREAT day!

It's QKR Monday!

2010-05-03T04:30:00.000-04:00

It's time for another project using stamp images from QKR Stampede. I didn't post over the weekend, spending the time, instead, to work on some project ideas. Unfortunately, my MOJO--if I ever had any--seemed to have taken the weekend off. I muddled through, though, and created this card using the Old Car and Early Retirement stamps.

For this card, having the Old Car and Early Retirement stamps in mind, I found this travel/beach-themed scrapbook paper and built from there. If I were retired, I would want to drive to the beach every day!! The car and the sentiment were both stamped and embossed with a metallic copper embossing powder.

As always, thanks for stopping by today! Have a GREAT day!!

Denami Design Online Gift Certificate Giveaway

2010-04-30T00:00:00.003-04:00

If you are a fan of Denami Design stamps (and who wouldn't be?) be sure to check out their $25 online gift certificate give away in honor of obtaining 800 Facebook Fans (or is it "Likers" now that the format and terminology has changed?). All you have to do is go to the Denami Design Blog and leave a comment. You can leave two additional comments if you are (1) a Facebook Fan/Liker; and (2) a public follower of the Denami Design Blog. Good luck!!!

Aged Tile

2010-04-29T11:00:00.006-04:00

This card was created using the Aged Tiles technique from the April/May, 2008, Technique Junkie newsletter and the Large Ship and Sail Away stamps from QKR Stampede.

I haven't used the Aged Tiles technique in a while, and it was actually brought to mind when someone recently posted a card to the Technique Junkie group using the technique. This particular card reminds me of tiles you would see in a kitchen or bathroom of an older home--tiles from the 1920s or 1930s--that have an image decoupaged onto the tile. Putting this card together is quick, clean, and simple!

As always, thanks for taking the time to stop by and visit. Have a GREAT day!!

QKR Monday on Wednesday

2010-04-28T15:15:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned in Sunday's post, my Monday posts are going to be dedicated to QKR Stampede, the rubber stamps that are "somewhat cute, somewhat quirky". I am a member of the first QKR Stampede Design Team and my days to post on the QKR Blog fall on the first and third Monday of each month. So, every Monday, I will be posting on my blog a project that was created using stamps by QKR Stampede, as well as any breaking news about the company, such as events and specials. Unfortunately, Monday and Tuesday brought computer/internet/Blogger issues (losing posts, losing comments, etc.); so, even though it is Wednesday, this is the project I had intended to post on Monday. Without further adieu, here it is:

This card was created using the Large Ship stamp by QKR Stampede. While the company is known for its "cute" and "quirky" images, there are also some very nice, serious (for lack of a better word at the moment) images, as shown here.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a GREAT day!!

Virtual Stamp Night Mini

2010-04-25T00:00:00.014-04:00

This past Friday, April 23, was another Virtual Stamp Night Mini at Splitcoaststampers. Virtual Stamp Nights are a series of challenges for which you receive instructions/guidance, and then have 45 minutes to complete the challenge. There was a lot of buzz about the theme being showers and flowers . . . I couldn't wait for it to begin. I looked at the "shopping list" and had all but one item -- but some generous person happened to offer that item on Freecycle, so off I went to get it and then I was all set! The challenge for this card was to create a monochromatic "pastel" baby card. The stamped image is from the Year After Year stamp set by Stampin' Up! The dark purple layer of card stock was embossed using the Argyle embossing folder (though it doesn't show up well in this picture). Generic paper flowers were added for a little bit of "bling" and to make the card a bit more feminine. The elephant image was paper pieced (after stamping the focal image, the image was again stamped on scrapbook paper, cut out, and glued in place).

Tomorrow begins my regularly scheduled QKR Monday posts, featuring stamp images and sentiments from QKR Stampede. I will be posting on the QKR Stampede blog the first and third Monday of each month; however, I will post a project on my blog every Monday.

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a wonderful Sunday!

Faux Patterned (Designer) Paper

2010-04-22T11:32:00.001-04:00

By masking, sponging, and stamping, you can create the "look" of patterned (or designer, or scrapbook) paper in your projects. For this card, a piece of typing/copy paper (my mask) was torn to create an interesting edge. I use typing/copy paper because later I will be stamping and will stamp over the mask. If I were using card stock, the thickness of the card stock would create a "ghost" area causing my stamped image(s) to not go to the edge of my faux patterned paper. I adhered the mask to my card stock with a temporary adhesive; generally, I use a light application of glue from my Sailor Two-Way glue pen, but you can also use temporary Dotto or Monoadhesive. Since I will be sponging along a torn edge, I place the glue along the torn edge in order to minimize the chances of the paper lifting while I'm sponging and the sponged ink going where I don't want it. I sponged a light-colored ink (Sahara Sand by Stampin' Up!) onto my card stock, making sure that I had good, even coverage. With the mask still in place, I then stamped my images to create the look of patterned paper. When done, remove the mask and finish your card. This could also be considered faux layering, as you have the look of patterned paper over your card stock. If you wanted to add a bit more depth to your faux patterned paper, with the mask still in place, sponge with a slightly darker ink just along the torn edge of the mask. This will create a shadow effect and enhance the faux layered look. Stamps used for this project are from the Wild Rose and Elegant Greetings stamp sets by Stampin' Up!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a GREAT day!!!

Dreams . . . Take Two

2010-04-21T08:30:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I posted a card, the sentiment of which I thought would be perfect for graduation cards, being that graduation celebrations are right around the corner. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I not only used the sentiment, but repeated the layout as well (if it ain't broke, don't fix it!). I created three versions of the same card--clean and simple, clean and simple with masculine bling, and clean and simple with feminine bling--using papers that represent the school's colors. The stamps used for this project are from the Live Your Dream and Year After Year stamp sets by Stampin' Up!.

My clean and simple card:

My clean and simple card with masculine bling:

My clean and simple card with feminine bling:

Thanks for stopping by today; I hope you have a WONDERFUL day!!

Dreams . . .

2010-04-20T04:00:00.010-04:00

I know it's still the month of April and we have yet to celebrate Mother's and Father's Day, but also lurking around the corner, for some, is the celebration of graduations. I had this card in my arsenal of samples and thought the stamped sentiment would be perfect for graduation cards. No special technique for this card . . . just something quick and easy. The stamped sentiment is from the Live Your Dream set by Stampin' Up!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a WONDERFUL day!!

Pearly Flowers

2010-04-18T19:02:00.000-04:00

This post is a bit later than usual because today has been a most UNcreative day -- my creative mojo (if ever I had it) went on holiday. My last post used gold leaf flakes and heat-n-stick (or sticky embossing) powder. I thought while I had that bold image stamp and the heat-n-stick powder out, I would show another technique using PearlEx powders. PearlEx powders, manufactured by Jacquard Products, is a mica powder that can be used in a variety of ways. If you wish to use PearlEx as a paint, you will have to add a binding agent, such as gum arabic and water (the Jacquard website recommends 1 part gum arabic powder to 4 parts PearlEx mica powder--add water to desired consistency). Here is a little container of PearlEx paint that I mixed using the recipe above (PearlEx, Gum Arabic, and water). PearlEx can also be added to acrylic paints, varnish, and other art mediums.

There are other ways you can use PearlEx without gum arabic, such as mixing with hairspray and spritzing onto your card stock or scrapbook page, or applying PearlEx to a stamped image that has had heat-n-stick powder applied. Here is a close-up of a bold stamp image that was stamped, embossed with sticky embossing powder, and PearlEx applied (the stamp used in this project is from the Fabulous Flowers set by Stampin' Up!):

How to create this: Ink your image with either VersaMark or an embossing ink, stamp onto your card stock, cover with heat-n-stick (or sticky embossing) powder and heat with heat gun just until sticky (the stamped image will appear shiny; if you overheat, the image will become dull and will lose its tackiness). To color, dip just the tip of a fine paint brush into a jar of PearlEx, tap off the excess, then apply the PearlEx powder to your stamped and embossed image. I use more of a pouncing technique to apply the powder so that I get it exactly where I wish. Because you are working with sticky embossing powder, once the PearlEx powder is applied, it is there for good.

Notice there is a tiny bit of PearlEx on just the tip of the brush. You can use a variety of colors, but remember, once the PearlEx powder has been applied to the heat-n-stick, it's there for good -- you cannot blend, which is why I use the pouncing method as opposed to brush strokes. As usual, whenever you are working with multiple colors, be sure to clean your brush before going to the next color. With this technique, the PearlEx can be removed from your brush easily by either wiping on your hand or onto a soft cloth. Once you have colored your entire image, brush off the excess PearlEx with a soft cloth.

Your beautiful image is now ready to be incorporated into your project. I made this card:

The PearlEx colors that I used for this project were: Brilliant Yellow, Flamingo Pink, Micro Pearl, Misty Lavender, and Spring Green.

For other ideas on how to use PearlEx, visit the Jacquard website. Be sure to check out the projects listed and the list of Quick Tips (be sure to check out Tip No. 11 -- who would have thought?!). I have used PearlEx on polymer clay (before baking) when creating bracelets with stamped polymer clay. I have also mixed PearlEx with Lumiere Metallic Acrylic paints (also by Jacquard) to create my own paint colors. Let me know if you have tried this or any other technique using PearlEx.

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a GREAT day!

Foiled Again!

2010-04-16T10:00:00.005-04:00

A question came up on a group about how to use gold leaf -- the kind that comes in sheets or flakes. I thought I would post a card that uses gold leaf and quick instructions on how the card was created. This particular technique works best with bold image stamps. Using a detail stamp image (depending on the amount of detail) can lose the effect of the foil. If you have various colors of foil, have fun mixing your colors. I have gold leaf that I have bought in flakes and in sheets.

Once I open a bag of gold leaf, I store it in a tin.

Here is a close-up of a stamped and foiled image (the stamp used in this project is from the Fabulous Flowers set by Stampin' Up!):

How to do this: Ink your image with VersaMark or an embossing ink, stamp onto your card stock, cover with heat-n-stick powder (also known as sticky embossing powder), and heat emboss just until sticky (the stamped image will appear shiny; if you overheat, the image will appear dull and will have lost its tackiness). Firmly press the gold leaf flakes into the heat-n-stick and make sure that the entire image is covered.

It looks like quite the mess, but with the fine mesh scrubber pictured above (found at your local stamp or craft store; a kitchen scrubber can be used, as well), you will scrub, or buff, away the excess foil, gradually revealing your stamped image. Any large pieces of foil can be put back in your "stash" (I scrub holding my card stock directly over my storage tin so that all pieces go right back in for future use). Your beautiful stamped/foiled image is revealed.

Use the piece in your project, be it a card or a scrapbook page. I made this card:

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day!!

And the Winner is . . .

2010-04-12T10:08:00.001-04:00

. . . Theresa Kamp! For more details, please visit the QKR Blog. A May blog hop is in the planning stages, so be sure to check back here for more information as details become known. Congratulations, Theresa, enjoy your shopping spree!

April Showers . . .

2010-04-12T00:00:00.006-04:00

Although the first day of Spring was March 20, it usually takes quite a while for it to actually look and feel like Spring in northeast Ohio. With Spring in mind, and it being the month of April, I couldn't help but think of the old rhyme, "April showers bring May flowers." This card was created using the In the Rain stamp by QKR Stampede. The card base is 5" square; the first (green) layer has double score lines on all four sides. The stamped image was watercolored on a piece of white card stock, and an identically sized piece of white card stock (embossed with the Spots and Dots embossing folder (April showers) and cut with a Nesability scallop circle) was layered over the stamped image with pop dots. White eyelets were used for the flower centers (May flowers), which were attached to punched branches and added to the lower left corner of the card.

A close-up of some of the card details:

I hope you're enjoying Spring! Thanks for stopping by!

Up, Up, and Away!

2010-04-10T00:00:00.034-04:00

First of all, wasn't yesterday's Blog Hop fantastic? If you missed my blog post, be sure to go here, have a look and leave a comment. Then, go back to the QKR Stampede Blog and leave a comment that you commented at every blog on the Hop. Each person who leaves a comment at each Design Team Member's blog and comments on the QKR Stampede Blog, will be eligible to win a $30 shopping spree at QKR Stampede. You have until Midnight on April 11 to leave your comments. As for the Hop itself, I absolutely loved all of the projects posted by each of the Design Team Members and would certainly be hard-pressed to pick a favorite (thank goodness no one has to do that!). I feel very fortunate to be included on a team of such talented women and expect to learn a lot from each person.

For today, this cute little guy, Floating Away by QKR Stampede has launched himself on a journey in search of a lucky birthday celebrant! The Happy Birthday embossing folder and the Cuttlebug were used on a portion of the card, score lines were added, then the image was stamped and watercolored. A bit of bling was added by adhering colored rhinestones.

There you have it -- quick, clean and simple! Thanks for stopping by! Have a GREAT day!