All My Love

This month has been all about Love on my blog in the preparations for the upcoming holiday. I must say, I'm breathing a large sigh of relief that I'm prepared for the big event. :) In a few days, I'll hopefully start mailing out those letters of love to loved ones and friends that I hold dear to my heart.

One project I wanted to complete, as my last days as a Verve Guest Diva dwindle, was a Love banner. Before I show my project, I just want to take a moment to thank Julee over at Verve Stamps for the invitation to join the rest of her fabulous Divas this month. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to work with your latest release and stamp alongside such fantastic stampers! Special thanks to the Divas as well for openly and warmly welcoming to the crew. :) It's been a fabulous month!

So, this is about to be picture heavy, so hold onto your hats ladies! Here's how my banner started.

The paper is called Spring Petal from Autumn Leaves (I bought this at the Hot Spot paper item at Archiver's) and I stamped the leafy image from Love's Flower randomly throughout with Antique Linen Distress ink...I just love how soft it turned out.

And then I poured my heart into creating each letter....


"I Love You" was stamped repeatedly across the top in Tea Dye Distress Ink using the Heart's Desire set.


The "O" fit perfectly atop my stamped image from Accent Notes...I was just tickled pink! This letter's a regal one with a large rhinestone from Anna Griffin in the center and a crown adorned to the side.

"V" for Valentine...and what's a Valentine without a heart? I placed a delicate crocheted heart under my "v" with a dainty ribbon rose.


And finally the "e," embellished with a single flower with pearl center and Prima bling flower centers on the sides.


And the banner in it's entirety. Made from my heart using all my favorite little things...


Hanging on my mantle...you can really see all the shimmer here. I sprayed Bed of Roses Shimmerz on my chipboard letters (which were also covered with fine glitter and glitter glass) and over the crepe paper rounds.

And finally a couple more projects that I haven't shared with you yet that I made early for the release.

I've always wanted to try a mussy tussy...romantic, Victorian, and just pretty in general.


Here I used vintage sheet paper and used the romantic images from the set Heart's Desire. Spritzed entirely with Bed or Roses Shimmerz again...can you tell I love that color? :)


And finally a card using the set Love's Flower. I'm not sure why I haven't shown this card earlier...I absolutely adore it! I love the fun colors from the latest Valentine collection from Pink Paislee. I want to make more cards with it! I wish I had more time..


And I think I've inundated you with enough pictures today. :) Enough to last the rest of the month maybe?? hehe I'm soooo looking forward to Friday tomorrow. Today was a rough one...my little girl took a Sharpie marker to the kitchen tiles...I cleaned up the evidence, but the grout didn't fare too well. My boy...he's just being a boy. Rough and into trouble. I'm a strict one though...we'll get a handle on it.

Until then, I look forward to my usual Friday evening margarita at my usual place with my usual suspects.

Any plans for you? I'd love to hear!

Thanks so much for your visit...and getting, "in stamping mode."

So Thankful

So thankful for so many things today. Thankful for a wonderful birthday weekend that began Friday morning and lasted into Sunday evening. I must give special thanks to my superman of a husband, my mom for being here, and my wonderful friends for sharing such special time with me. I loved it all!

This card definitely encompasses all the things I am thankful for today. First, a blogger by the name of Melissa Phillips. Her words are sooo inspiring to me. They are so real...so raw...and so heartfelt. She issued a challenge to create something inspired by this gorgeous photo.


Amazing, huh?! I definitely wanted to capture the soft and delicate texture. Enter yummy chenille.


Hues of pinks and purples...


Sketch layout was inspired by the latest Mojo Monday. A hodge podge of stamps was also used. A little Papertrey Ink, the background behind the chipboard is from Tim Holtz and I can't find the name of the set. The sentiment is a perfect little one from Verve...one of the nice little treats Julee gives as a thanks for the order.

And finally, sooo thankful to you. Readers that stop by and keep things going...you make my blogging world go 'round. :)

In Stamping Mode Supplies
Stamps: Vintage Label Papertrey Ink, So Thankful Verve, Unknown Tim Holtz
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Up!, Antique Lace and Tattered Rose Distress Ink Tim Holtz,
Paper: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Razzleberry Lemonade Stampin' Up!
Accessories: Bed of Roses Shimmerz Spritz, White Gold glitter Martha Stewart, Blush twill ribbon Papertrey Ink, Doily Lace punch Martha Stewart, rhinestones Michael's, Regal Alphabet Chipboard Tattered Angels, Flower Prima, Embossing Folder Stampin' Up!, Tissue paper

Aged, refined...but not yet vintage

Today I celebrate my birthday and as I reflect on my life as it is, I'm feeling a little bit aged, yet refined, but not quite vintage. I can definitely say that I have a better appreciation of things that have aged so obviously...become so tattered and worn, but yet have become so lovely. This gives me hope!

I am looking forward to a full day of fun...on into the wee hours of the night...I hope this body can keep up!

I do have a couple goodies to show you. More from the new Cuppie Love Scenes set that I think is one of my top favorite Cuppie sets yet!


This is just so stinkin' cute!! Definitely one of my FAVORITE things to do for entertainment. I'll make any excuse to see a movie just to eat some butter with a little popcorn. :) This is definitely on the agenda for tonight! I used a lot of the Valentine Key Ingredients here with the exception of the K & Co. Cut and Paste paper that I love...check out that movie camera! The sketch layout actually came from the latest Card Positioning Systems sketch challenge. I did a lot of paper piecing, but I definitely did my share of coloring with my Copics.

Let me just say that quite a few of my colors were shaded over with W1 and W2 to make the coloring match a bit better. :) Just want to point that out...got that great tip from my Copic Instructor, Sally Lynn!


Now, for this card, I was TOTALLY inspired by Laurie's card HERE. I absolutely fell in love with it and wanted to create something similar using the same layout. I'm still loving it! I used the January Key Ingredients for this one and the Crochet trim is ALSO in the store now...WOOHOO!!


Goodness, I can't believe how January has just flown by! I still have some exciting news to share....soon. (No, I'm not pregnant, LOL!)

Oh yeah, no Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge today...the crew is living it up over at CHA and I'm thinking about them constantly! I can't wait to see new goodies in the horizon.

Have a great weekend!

A couple color challenges

I'm back! My Monday was interesting, to say the least. Remember when I mentioned, oh a week ago or so, that I had broken out with hives? Well, I took that cortisone 6 day pill pack and once I was done with it, you'll never guess what happened. The hives came back....and with...a VENGEANCE. I was able to get in to see a doctor today (it was so unbearable, I couldn't sleep at night), and 1 steroid shot and 3 meds later, I'm feeling a little bit better. I'm about to hop in the bath after this post and do one of those oatmeal bath thingies. (When someone first suggested to me to do the oatmeal bath, I literally thought you cooked up some Quaker Oats in the tub) Go me on being the sharpest tool in the shed! LOL

In between all that scratching, I actually manage to stamp! I recently was turned onto Embellish Magazine and wanted to participate in one of their challenges.



And I actually put together something rather quickly using one of the new sets from Verve, Love's Flower.


I actually REALLY like how this turned out. I wasn't sure about the color combo, but I think it works!

The next color challenge I participated in was hosted by Verve Diva Amber over on the Splitcoast forums to use Black, Gray, and Turquoise.


This was a toughie! But here goes...


And this card used one of my faves from the release, Accent Notes.

Both cards were Clean and Simple style...which I really like!

Ok, I'm off to go and soak. I'm hoping for a decent night's sleep tonight. Wish me luck!

Also, I just want to quickly say a sincere "thank you" for leaving such sweet comments. I really do enjoy reading them....it's what keeps me going here. :)

On a Clear Night

The house is quiet. The kiddos are tucked away in their beds....ahh the sweet sound of peace. I relish these moments. I hide away in my office when everyone's gone to bed and engulf myself in my comfy headphones...either jamming out to some fun Pop music or the soothing sounds of John Mayer, Jem, or the likes of Missy Higgins. I love keeping up tabs in my Google Reader...I wish I had more time to leave comments. That's been one of my resolutions this year....to let those that inspire me know that they have. There are sooo many! I'll not make this too wordy. Just wanted to share a little snippit of me with you. :)

So I hadn't had a chance to post some of my creations as a Verve Guest Diva and I'm dying to share! Unfortunately, I slept right through the Release party on the Splitcoast forums. I was soo bummed. My friend Anitra called me and woke me up at 10:30 PM! I'm such a weak one. I drank only one margarita for dinner and then promptly snuggled up in bed with my son and ventured into la-la land. :)

This first card uses the set Heart's Desire. I just love this super elegant Valentine set. I felt the images were so soft and delicate and pretty, so I wanted to really convey that in my card. I used really gentle colors...so soothing!




And I always love doing my Clean and Simple cards. Here's one that I did using Accent Notes coupled with a sentiment from Celebrating You.


I just loved being able to build my own little pattern from all the gorgeous background builders and accents.

I still have more to share...for another day. :) It's almost 1 AM. Time to start creating.

Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge 98

Good morning everyone and TGIF!!!!!!! My goodness, I just loooove my Fridays! And I really don't know why I love it so much...I still have the exact same routine during the day. I guess it's just the anticipation of the hubby and the kids being home for the weekend. That and I look forward to my margarita in the evening...YUM! I also look forward to my Friday sketch challenge. Check it..


I loooove this sketch!! Definitely one of my top faves. And here we go with my take on the sketch.


Not much stamping here and do your eyes deceive you? No! No they don't! I didn't do any distressing!! I know, shock and awe! The sentiment however is a NEW Plain Jane from Verve that will be available tonight! Lots of new goodies on this card actually...patterned paper is the new Martha Stewart Valentine line and I finally got my hands on that Prima flower center I've been eying for a while now.

Don't forget to check out what the rest of the sketch crew has done!

• Alice Wertz
• Monika Davis
• Lisa Hjulberg
• Sherrie Siemens
• Taylor Vanbruggen

So do you have any big plans for the weekend? I like pretty uneventful ones....uneventful is good! :) Hope you have a GREAT one though!

In Stamping Mode Supplies
Stamps: Be Mine Verve, By Definition Stampin' Up!
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Valentine's Martha Stewart
Accessories: Pink ribbon Hobby Lobby, Sultan Gem Clear Prima, Clear rhinestones, Deco Wedding Pins Making Memories, Heart & Stamp stickers Martha Stewart, Apron Lace edge punch Fiskars, Swiss Dots Cuttlebug, Scallop punch Stampin' Up!

January Key Ingredient Challenge + Blog Hop!

Good morning everyone! Boy do I have a something SWEET to start your day with! Grab yourself some coffee...you're about to have a sugar rush!

You see, Taylor challenged some of the Baker's Dozen and guests to use the January Key Ingredients in projects incorporating FOOD!!! Well, this amazing kit included samples of Basic Grey's Nook & Pantry paper with coordinating Prism cardstock, matchy buttons, assorted ribbon, ....AND...get this...hand crocheted flowers (by Jodi's mom!!!) All of this and more, can be seen on the newly launched KEY INGREDIENT WEBSITE!!

I absolutely ADORE this kit...just love everything about it! The beautiful vibrant colors really get my juices flowing...or is that just my mouth watering? :)


And just look at this adorable teeny tiny button....these were definitely one of my favorites! I think I used them ALL!


Can you see why I'm in love with this?!! These were sooo easy to throw together! I think the most challenging part for me was not eating the cupcakes!

And, of course, I needed to make a card to go with it!



And that beautiful crochet flower makes its appearance!! Want to know one of my most favorite things about these Key Ingredients? Well, they match the stamps so perfectly!!! I used the new Sprinkled With Love set and combined that with the sentiment from For the Love of Cupcakes.

Now, there are some new and exciting details to the Key Ingredient Subscription AND a limited time special, so you're going to want to read all about those details over on Taylor's blog!

In the meantime, be sure and check out the gorgeous projects from these uber talented ladies:

Laura Leonard: http://www.lu-lascorner.blogspot.com/
Lisa Hjulberg: http://lisahjulberg.blogspot.com/
Lynn Mercurio: http://www.stamperosity.com/
Randi Barrett: http://randisanewcreation.blogspot.com/
Sunghee Chon: http://www.creativityinprogress.com/blog/
Candace Mitchell: http://cestmoicm.blogspot.com/
Kathie Bailey: http://justaninkling.blogspot.com/
Taylor VanBruggen: http://www.tayloredexpressions.blogspot.com/
Jodi Collins: http://stampingalatte.blogspot.com/
Karen Giron: http://kgiron.blogspot.com/
Melissa Sauls: http://www.instampingmode.com/
Donna Baker: http://www.serenityinstamping.com/
Charmaine Ikach: http://oodabugalley.blogspot.com/
Jeanie Witmer: http://thespottedchick.blogspot.com/

Verve Sneak - Love Monkey and Accent Notes

Whew! I've just been stamping up a storm this month...and it's only 13 days in! Having a blast though...although my husband just walked in my office and informed me, "this room is FULL of cards!" LOL! Yes it is! Guess I should do something about it, eh? :)

Oh well! I've got some fun stuff to show you! I have the greatest pleasure to Guest Diva for Verve this month and yesterday began the sneaks. Here are just a few things I came up with.

Valentine Treat Toppers featuring the new set, Love Monkey.


I just got giddy when I saw these little guys....TOO CUTE!!


The possibilities are just endless for these little furry friends! Remember this book?? :)


My little monkey, AKA my son, Harrison, is turning 6 next month. This little guy was just PERFECT for his card!

If I can manage my time well, I may even be able to make some cute little Birthday invites using this as a base!

And finally, a clean and simple stationery card using the new set Accent Notes. You are just going to squeal when you see this set in it's entirety! SOOO many beautiful images.


There is definitely MUCH more eye candy to see over on the Verve blog and Guest Diva Rosie's blog!!

I soooo appreciate you coming and visiting me on my little 'ole space on the internet. Thank YOU for stopping in! :)

In Stamping Mode Supplies

Title of Project: Monkey Valentine Toppers
Stamps: Love Monkey
Paper: Neenah Solar White
Ink: Cocoa Memento
Accessories: Copics, Red glitter Stampin’ Up!, Glaze pens Sakura, Clothespins

Title of Project: My Little Love Monkey’s Turning 6
Stamps: Love Monkey, Heart’s Desire
Paper: Whisper White, Lil’ Man Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Cocoa Memento, Frayed Burlap Distress Ink Tim Holtz, Chocolate Chip Craft Stampin’ Up!
Accessories: Copics (E53, YG0000), Tags die Spellbinders, Chipboard Stampin’ Up!, Felt ribbon Stampni’ Up!, Hemp, Buttons, Paper Distresser

Title of Project: Just a Note
Stamps: Accent Notes
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black and Soft Sky designer paper all Stampin’ Up!
Ink: Onyx Black Versafine
Accessories: Black Satin ribbon Papertrey Ink, White Opal Liquid Pearls, Small Circle and Small Scallop Circle Nestabilities Spellbinders, Circle Scissors Stampin’ Up!, Mistletoe Design Card Slice, Slice Machine

Come and see!

I have a post over on the Stamp a Sweet Impression Blog!!! Here's a little sneaky peaky!



Got your curiosity piqued?? Come and take a look over THERE and give me a HOLLA!!!! :)

A Valentine for Teacher

Good Sunday morning to you! I hope you had a wonderful weekend and are beginning to thaw out (for those of us in the states) from the freeze we seemed to have all experienced! I've been scratching a lot less so I'm feeling a lot better now. :)

In the mean time, I got to work (and have done!!) a cute Valentine card and treat for teacher. I've been itching to use one of the bears from my Beary Special set and was bound and determined to combine it with one of the new Valentine sets! So this is what I came up with.


So whattaya think?! It was really so quick and easy to put together. I think the thing that took the most time was coloring the bear...and well, coloring is fun and I like to take my time there. :)

For my treat bag, I used a simple small cello bag filled with a few sweet treats and made a tag using the heart balloon from the Love Everywhere set and sentiment from Beary Special! The ribbon is from Valentine Key Ingredients and I added a bit of bling to my balloon with Taylor's Tiny Twinkles. :)


Ooooh just looking at this sweet bear makes me smile. Soooo sweet! Bear was colored in with Copics and I popped up my heart balloon and smothered it up with Cotton Candy Stickles. The shiny heart gem is from the Valentine Sweets Sampler. It actually was a clear color and I wanted it pink...enter Copics! I quickly colored it with R83 and was done!

I have so many ideas swimming in my head for Valentine's treats so I'll probably be posting more soon. :) Hope you don't mind!

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

PS. Copics used here!

Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge 97

And another good morning to you today!! I hope you aren't getting tired of me yet? :) Well it's Friday and TGIF!!!! I NEED this weekend! I was on some medication over the weekend and just broke out in hives the past couple days. Uggh! I've never had hives before and I seriously feel the need to have someone walk around me with a cat scratch post. That way I can just rub up on it at will, LOL!

Anyway! Taylor has another AWESOME sketch for you and I sure hope you will participate! Please come back and reply here as I'd love to see what you've created. :)


Ok, I actually got a wild hair (or maybe it's just the hives) and flipped the sketch...woohoo, go me! :)


I used one of Taylor's new sets, Sprinkled With Love because it's just so darn cute! I also had this paper pack from K&Co that went perfect with this set so it all came together just beautifully! :) Don't ya love it when that happens?? I used the twill from the Valentine Key Ingredients...I actually tea stained the entire pack of ribbon, and the Stardust Stickles on my cherry. :) Added some vintage trim from my stash and that gorgeous Maya Road velvet puff blossom that I also had purchased from the store. Coloring was done with my Copics and added White Liquid Applique and Crystal Effects for dimension.

Now I can't wait to check out what the rest of the Sketch Crew has done...they always knock my socks off!

• Alice Wertz
• Jami Sibley
• Lynn Mercurio
• Monika Davis
• Rachel Sztonyk
• Sherrie Siemens
• Taylor Vanbruggen

Thanks for visiting and I hope you have a WONDERFUL weekend!!!

Taylored Expressions Release - Cuppie Love Scenes

The moment has finally come! This is the last of the sneak peeks and the exact moment that you can purchase it all!

This final sweet set of love features the beloved Cuppies! Cuppie Love Scenes are sooo fun to color and the concept for the scenes came from our very own Donna! I chose to feature Cuppies snuggling on the couch together because it's just so me! Hubby and I don't get to go out a whole lot so we savor our moments where we can snuggle and watch some Sci-Fi, LOL!


Isn't this the cutest little scene ever?! Ok, there are actually others that are equally cute, but you should go and visit the other Baker's Dozen to see what they are! :)

My card uses everything provided in the January Key Ingredients. Not only that, this month Taylor is offering a Valentine Accessory add-on that includes gorgeous velvet trim, heart trinket pins (which I used!), and heart rhinestones. And want to know a little secret? You know how I looooove using that lace trim right? Well, the one in this card will be available in the store!!! *Queue Angels singing*

But wait, there's more! See that cute matching button and frame? Those are ALSO new offerings in the store! Those were created by Jamie Pyles and they completely coordinate with the Key Ingredients! How cool is that? Now, I couldn't resist "sugaring" mine up for added sweetness. Just goes to show you how you could achieve a bit of a different look quickly and easily! One thing I have to mention about that frame...which are called Frameabellies...they COMPLETELY match the Spellbinder's Nestabilities dies! This girl Jamie is a genious I tell ya!



I hope you have enjoyed what you have seen so far! But the fun doesn't stop. When you proceed to the store make sure and take advantage of the FREE SHIPPING (US only) on all orders over $75!! There is literally TONS of offerings in the store so be sure to stock up for your Valentine's treats and papercrafting needs!

Visit the store here at TAYLORED EXPRESSIONS
....and
check out what the rest of the Baker's Dozen + our Guest Designer Jeanie and Polymer Goddess Jamie have created!

Alex Maldonado
Charmaine Ikach
Donna Baker
Jackie Pedro
Jodi Collins
Karen Giron
Karen Motz
Laurie Schmidlin
Melissa Sauls
Sankari Wegman
Taylor Vanbruggen
Jamie Pyles
Jeanie Witmer - Jan and Feb Guest Designer


PS...Pic of Copics used here!
Thanks so much for stopping in and I'll be back on Friday with Taylor's Sketch Challenge!

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek - Sprinkled with Love

Good morning and welcome to Day 2 of sneaks from the Taylored Expressions January release! Once again, I am just THRILLED to show you a card I made using the new set, Sprinkled with Love. Now, it may sound like another Valentine set, but don't let that fool you! This set is GREAT for almost any occasion! Having doubts? I have a picture to prove it! :)


Surely you believe me now, yes?! I just absolutely adore this double-scooped ice cream image! Another thing I LOOOVE about it? I get to do a bit of coloring!! (Oh yes, I pulled the big guns out for this one, ie., my Copics) All the sweet and yummy images in this set look GREAT when colored and they are nice and big for wonderful focal points! Want to know another little secret I did with my yummy ice cream? I actually colored it all first on my Choice Buttercream cardstock and then glued that atop a piece of chipboard. I then cut it out. Voila! My cute image now has more dimension as a chipboard piece! Maybe you can see it better at this angle....


But wait, the rest of the Baker's Dozen has even MORE to share! Go! Go there now!

• Alex Maldonado
• Charmaine Ikach
• Sankari Wegman
• Laurie Schmidlin
• Donna Baker
• Karen Giron
• Taylor Vanbruggen
• Karen Motz
• Jackie Pedro

And in case you're curious, here are the colors I used.


Tomorrow is release day and I'll be right back here, same time and place, to show you the last of the newest sets! Hope to see you bright and early!!

Thanks so much for visiting!