H&M Sneak Peak for April!

Happy April Fool's day! Don't forget to be on top of your "game" today from all those conspiring tricksters known as "friends" and "family." lol!

No tricks here today! I'm thrilled to sneak a couple of new stamp sets that will be released very soon by H&M Stamps!! Man, when I got them in the mail, I fell in love with them and just wanted to crank out projects left and right! Unfortunately, I am restricted by this annoying thing called time!


My first card uses only a couple of images of TWENTY from the stamp set, Fairy Tale Wedding. I used the latest Mojo sketch #80 for inspiration. There are so many beautiful images in this set, I just can't wait to play with them all! For this card, I used the gorgeous trellis and, once again, that Sweet Pea Flower Soft...LOVE IT!! There's a lot going on in this card! I first colored the image with Copics and shaded. I then added the flower soft and added various bling throughout the trellis to match the bling on the 4 corners. The dsp is Basic Grey's Urban Prairie.

This last card I couldn't resist making either. I used the same layout from Monday's post using Clean and Simple, with a new set called Cupcake Wishes. Hope you enjoyed the sneak and thanks so much for getting, "in stamping mode." :)

*EDITED TO ADD* The new stamps are available now!! Go to H&M Stamps to view them and be sure to check out the other DT members fantabulous projects (links to them on the right hand bar)

Clean and Simple #8

So how did you enjoy that blog hop?! I thought it was a fun one and how cool at a chance to win some goodies at the end!

So I am on a roll with playing in these Clean and Simple challenges and the latest one was a sketch challenge. You KNOW I'm all about sketch challenges like white's on rice! lol You can view info about the challenge here. If you haven't had a chance, you should try and participate once. I find these types of cards sooo easy to do. Minimal embellishments, lots of white space...done in less than 30 minutes...WHAAAAT???! Need I say more? :) Here's my card for it.

I used the new stamp set coming out in the Occasions mini (in just a couple of days!!) called Oval All. I stamped the image twice. Once to color and punch out with the large oval punch and twice to color the large pink flower, cut out and pop up. You might be wondering what the small Kiwi oval layer is from. Well, since there isn't an oval punch that layers nicely beyond the large punch, I merely cut one out myself. Feel free to free-hand your own fine border if you don't have one. You can't really see my little jagged edges, so it's all good! :) I then punched out the riding hood red piece with the new Scalloped Oval punch. The border sticker is from the Simply Scrappin' kit called Sweet Nothings....GORGEOUS kit this is!

All Supplies Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Oval All
Ink: Basic Brown, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Sweet Nothing Simply Scrappin' Kit
Accessories: Scalloped Oval punch, Dazzling Diamonds

Thanks so much for your very sweet comments...I just love them! And thanks for getting, "in stamping mode."

Firecracker Designs Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Firecracker Designs BLOG HOP!!! If you haven't visited me from Julie's blog, then make sure you go all the way to the start on Pamela's blog. You may find a goodie surprise along the way. ;)

This month's theme was something Spring! Well, I just had the perfect product that matched beautifully with Pamela's set, Easter Blessings.

I took one look at that ring of flowers and it literally screamed at me, "Flower Soft me!!" Ok! Ok!! Who am I to argue with my alter-stamping ego? I grabbed my Sweet Pea Flower Soft and went to town. I must say, I'm in love with it. My husband was even intrigued when he saw it. Of course, the first thing he wanted to do was touch it...ACK! I mean, you can touch it, it doesn't come off or anything, but don't touch it!! Feel free to looky but no touchy. Undress it with your eyes...yesss. lol I'm getting a bit carried away with excitement here. :) I snapped a photo close up in case you were curious of the texture.


So, what do you think? Neat stuff? Want to see more cool Springy things?? Hop on over to Ursula's blog and shed some love!

Thanks for stopping by and getting, "in stamping mode."

SC221 with H&M Stamps

Ahhh, it's felt so good getting back into stamping. The weather here has been so dreary, perfect stamping weather in my opinion. As soon as the latest Sketch challenge was posted over at Splitcoast, I knew I wanted to tackle it. I already had the main image stamped a month ago and wanted to use it and this layout was perfect for it! I used this super adorable set Eggstra Special from H&M Stamps. I think one of my fellow DT members noted so accurately...doesn't that little chick look like he's giving some good attitude? I think mine is saying, "I busted outta here, whatchooo gonna do about it?" lol Sooo cute!

I also have another card to share from H&M Stamps using the new Angel set called Angelic Moments. I look at this card every day and absolutely love it. I'm not sure I will ever be able to part with it! Honestly, I think it's my most favorite card I've ever done. Ok, less gushing over it and I'll just post it!



Seriously, the picture just does NOT do it justice. There's so much sparkle and white space...I love it! I think this picture better captures the sparkle.


Oh yes, yes indeedy. haha! Oh hey! I also wanted to point out that the embossed flowers on both cards are actually the same (brand new) Sizzix embossing folder. For the top card, you see the embossed image and for the angel card I flipped it over and you see the debossed image. I'm totally loving how it looks debossed.

Be sure and check back this Saturday for a fun Blog Hop right here!! As a guest designer for Firecracker Designs by Pamela, I'm getting to participate!

I'll come back later and post supplies...I gotta run!

Clean and Simple #7

Did you know there are pre-printed Window Sheets in the upcoming Occasions mini?? Well, I just HAD to get them and I was bound and determined to use it on this CAS card. The requirement was to use punches. I used the Curly Label punch and the 1/8" hole punch...hope those qualified!



Ok, so I use a light box to take pictures of my projects...and you can see it reflected on the window sheet!!!! I'm still laughing at myself and I just can't figure out how to take the picture without that reflection while still making it look like a window shhet. Whatever! At least you don't see me with the camera in the reflection, lol!

Thanks for stopping by and getting "in stamping mode!"

All Supplies Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Great Friend
Inks: Basic Grey
Paper: Baja Breeze, Basic Grey, Whisper White, Clearly Thanks window sheets
Accessories: Valet ribbon originals, Pretties half back pearls, Curly label punch, 1/8" hole punch, Summer Love rubons

Spring Break's over ...insert sad face here...

My disappearance for a few days can be wholly attributed to the whirlwind of a week we had enjoying Spring Break with the kids. We went to Port Aransas a couple days, enjoyed a few relaxing days at home (I actually cleaned up my office!!), and headed to my in-law's ranch with our good friend's family for a camping trip. My version of camping was watching them set up their tents and bidding them a good night as I snuggled inside a warm, soft bed in the house. Ahhhh...now that's what I call camping! I've been looking forward to coming back and stamping though!!! I have so many new toys and no time to play. I got some new stuff from the soon-to-be released Occasions mini and set my mind to using it. All this time itching to stamp and I actually did ZERO stamping on this card...can ya believe it?! Ok, less talk...I'll just show the card!


I featured the new designer paper called Walk in the Park and matching rub-ons called Summer Love. I just LOVE The rub-ons! And a bonus...they are in color! I used Taylored Expressions latest Cupcake Challenge sketch for inspiration. I made this card with my friend Rosie in mind. In such a small amount of time, we have become fast friends. She is like a sister I've never had. I talk to her multiple times a day every day...sometimes, even the last person I talk to at night! This one's for your Rosie!!

All Supplies Stampin' Up!
Stamps: none
Ink: none
Paper: Basic Grey, Whisper White, So Saffron, Cameo Coral, Walk in the Park dsp
Accessories: Fire rhinestones, Eyelet punch, Backgrounds 1 Texture plate, Summer Love rub-ons, White gel pen, tool kit

Clean and Simple #6

Did you enjoy the blog hop? I know I did! These ladies amazed me with all of their outstanding 3d projects. I can't wait to recreate them myself! In the meantime, I "attempted" to tackle another Clean and Simple challenge over on Splitcoast. We were to draw inspiration from the Robeez site for children's shoes. I drew my inspiration from this pair.

And this is the card I made from it.


Believe it or not, but all the flowers are stamped! It took me a while to come up with this card, but I'm happy with how it turned out. :) Off topic, I'm watching American Idol in my office!!! My hubby put a tv in my office today and now, all I need is a kitchenette and a cot and I never have to leave!! MUAHAHAHAHAHA!!

ALSO! Don't know if you've noticed, but I (meaning, my husband) bought the www.instampingmode.com domain!! Hopefully, if you are a reader subscriber, you are still getting updates. Can you let me know if you're still getting updates? I went to check on my subscribers and nearly sobbed like Miss America getting her crown when I saw only 1 lonely subscriber! LOL I then realized it was my domain change that kind of make these wonky. Ok, I'm off to enjoy the TV in my office and maybe attempt to clean up. :)

Thanks for getting, "in stamping mode!"

All Supplies Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Enjoy Every Moment, Flight of the Butterfly
Ink: Rose Red craft, White craft, Summer Sun craft, Rose Red marker
Paper: Regal Rose, Whisper White
Accessories: Rose Red grosgrain, White gel pen, Tool kit

H&M Stamps BLOG HOP!

WELCOME!!! If you haven't come here from Maria's blog, be sure to go...go to top!! This post is part of a blog hop, and if you want to see some INCREDIBLE 3D art ideas, be sure and visit Carolina's blog and follow the hoppin' path. :) You'll eventually hop on down to me! Speaking of hopping....

My bunnies and chicks have hopped onto their own flower arrangement filled with yummy jelly beans! This is such a cute centerpiece...it really is big! I can't wait to eat all these jelly beans *grin*


Well, I couldn't just stop with that...what are bunnies without carrots? :)


I added these little gift carrots that came as a set kit from Wilton. All I did was add the bunnies and put some soft fur on their tummies.


I can't believe it...I'm already set for my son's Easter gifts for class! I'm NEVER this early...class holiday gifts are usually an undertaking that takes place at midnight the night before I give them out, lol!

Have you enjoyed what you've seen? I just know you want to see more!! Go to Suzanne's blog next!

Thanks for stopping in and getting, "in stamping mode." :)

Check out Pamela's blog!

I've done more artwork for Firecracker Designs by Pamela, so be sure and check it out HERE!! I made this AND a matching gift bag and you can view all of the pictures on Pamela's blog. :) I really love this rose...it was so realistic and wonderfully soothing to color. :) I used copic markers to color and spread Shimmerz over the entire rose for sparkle. Sooo pretty in person!

Be sure and tune back here on Sunday for a fun blog hop from H&M Stamps! You won't want to miss it if you want some super cute 3D ideas! :)

Thanks for stopping in and getting, "in stamping mode."

Happy Anniversary

Eight years ago today we said, "I do." I can still remember that day like it was yesterday. I thought I was the happiest woman in the world. Who knew that sitting here...8 years and 2 children later, I'd be happier and love you more than I did then? You have given me the greatest gifts I could ever have...your heart, our children, patience, understanding, and so much more beyond words. Thank you Jeff for being my rock. I love you always...forever.




I made this following the Mojo Sketch #77. I tried not to use too many "frilly" things since this is a man-card, lol. I used a couple of my favorite Verve stamps, Hundred Hearts and Hearts on Fire. The base cardstock is Baja Breeze and the rest of the paper is a new paper pack from Cloud 9 called Cocoa Mint. The argyle dry embossing is from a new Sizzix embossing folder I found at Archiver's.

Hope you have a GREAT day!

CAS Challenge #5

Time for another Clean and Simple Challenge over on Splitcoast! The challenge was to use shades of blues and greens. I really wanted to use some pretty subdued blues and greens but all I had in my flower stash was this Taken with Teal flower...BRIGHT! Well, it qualifies. It's blue AND green together! Nothing like some bright colors to get you in the spring/summer spirit. :)


Loud, huh?! I paired Taken with Teal and Gable Green together. I can't even remember the last time I used Gable Green! Maybe some time in the early 2000s, lol.


Supplies:
Stamps: Short & Sweet
Ink: Taken with Teal
Paper: Whisper White, Taken with Teal
Accessories: Prima Flowers, Martha Stewart leaf punch, Labels 1 Nestabilties, Martha Stewart Cornice edge punch, Robin's Nest dew drop

Thanks so much for swinging by and getting "in stamping mode." :)

Verve sketch challenge and a Recipe class

Wow, I was on a posting spree at the beginning of the week and then I kind of petered out quick, huh? Sorry about that! I've been busy preparing for an upcoming class (later in this post), a get-together with my downline, and getting another hostess club started...wanna join?! :)
Anyway, I wrapped up all of those commitments and wanted to play. A brilliant opportunity appeared in the latest Verve stamp sets release challenge. Have I said before how much I love those Verve stamps?! Anyway, I actually combined this with another challenge over at Our Creative Corner to create a project using a doodle. See the little doodling I did on my flowers? That's about as doodle as I get, LOL! I think the designer paper also has some doodling to it to though. *wink*


All Supplies Stampin' Up!
Stamps: A Good Egg Ink: Basic Black, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie Paper: Kraft, Delicate Dots dsp, Bashful Blue, So Saffron Accessories: Flower Layers Sizzix die, Soft Subtles brads, 1/4" circle punch, dazzling diamonds, crystal effects, white gel pen, Eyelet punch

And now for my other project I've been working on...a Recipe card class.



I purchased this AWESOME stand from Taylored Expressions, painted it white and embellished it with items from the Sweet Nothings Simply Scrappin' kit. The entire project uses the "From the Kitchen of" stamp set, Sweet Nothings Simply Scrappin' kit, 6x6 page protectors, and the stand. I added the flowers from the Pretties kit and Flower Fusion just for fun. I really love the way this turned out! You can write the recipe on the front, and back if need be! You can also take a picture of what the recipe is for and attach it too the back. Interested in having this class mailed to you? Let me know and I'll see what I can come up with! :)

Thanks so much for stopping in....and getting "in stamping mode!" :)

Color AND Mojo Challenge

Gosh, I am on a challenge ROLL! I got to sneak in a little time to throw a quick card together, even though my son was home sick from vomiting...YUCK!!! Ever had a "Calgon, take me away," kind of day?? Today was mine! Anywho, I combined a couple challenges...Splitcoast's Color Challenge #208 and the latest Mojo Monday challenge. The colors to use were Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, and Pink Passion. Owww! That pink passion is BRIGHT! The layout to follow was this:


I used another stamp set from H&M Stamps called Angelic Moments. Is it at all obvious I've thoroughly enjoyed playing with these new stamps?! :)

I actually spent too much time photographing this card. There are just so many details that one picture could capture and another couldn't. I settled on this one where you can't see the dry embossing on the white layer very well. Be sure to click it to enlarge it and you should see it fine. :)

I stamped the Angel on watercolor paper in Onyx Black Versafine, and watercolored her with the Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Pink Passion, and Blush Blossom reinkers. I added pink bling to her wings AND dazzling diamonds for good measure, LOL. I didn't want a simple ribbon treatment, so I totally copied the idea from my good friend Rosie, to criss-cross the ribbon. You can see my inspiration here! The Chocolate and Pink designer paper is from the Sultry pack by Basic Grey. The chocolate and kiwi dsp is from the Bella Rose dsp pack.

Thanks so much for looking! A blingy Angel is there for you. :)

CAS Challenge #4

I've been having a ball with my new H&M Stamps and decided to use them for the latest Clean & Simple Challenge over on Splitcoast. The Challenge is to use dots, either with piercing or dots made from markers. I chose to go with paper piercing and made two cards, yay me! :)


I dusted off my Ornare Elegant Template and used it as a guide for piercing. The flowers are from the Eggstra Special set and the greeting is from the Angelic Moments set. Of course, you can't see the subtle sparkle on the flowers...I need to learn how to use my husband's Rebel. Anywho, I did get a nice closeup of them!


For my second card, I used another H&M set, Seasons of Trees. Once again, I used another greeting from Angelic Moments...it has such great ones and in such pretty font!

And another closeup of the sparkle and glaze on the flowers..


I stamped both cards with Tuxedo Black ink and colored in with Copics. Can ya tell I like rhinestones? I just can't get enough of them!

Thanks for looking...and getting "in stamping mode." :)

Guest Designer Firecracker Designs!!!

What an exciting (and busy) month!! This month I am the Guest Designer over at Firecracker Designs by Pamela! You can see my creations on Pamela's Blog, so be sure and check it out. Here's a little sneak. :)