Jennifer's Sweet Designs

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2011-12-22T21:54:00.000-06:00

Just want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Since this might be my last post of the year, I want to thank all those that follow my Blog! I LOVE sharing my inspirations with all of you and hope you will continue to follow my blog in the coming year!

Before I go, I have one last card to share... Since my dad LOVES Starbucks coffee, I created card for him. Most of the supplies are from SU. The base of the card is crumb cake. I rolled the background using the Snow wheel and white craft ink. The cup was created by cutting a piece of red cardstock 2.75 x 3.75, then I used my scor-pal to slant in the sides to create a cup. I then stamped the red cs piece using an image from SU called Dasher. Before adding the cup to the card, I crimped another piece of crumb cake cardstock and wrapped a piece of twin and added a cute tag. To finish the card off, I added a couple of snowflakes.

I hope you are inspired by today's card, it was super fun to create and will certainly be well liked by those that LOVE coffee!!!

Merry Christmas to you all ~ Ho Ho Ho

Top Note Die Box - Gobble Gobble

2011-11-08T20:13:00.002-06:00

Hi there, just a quick post... I want to share a fun box I created using two tutorials. This box tutorial can be found here. After I created my box, I then used my top note die and made to matching pieces for the top of my box. Once those two pieces were cut out, I stamped on some leaves and then inked up the sides using some brown ink - close to cocoa. To complete my box I found this adorable turkey tutorial from Chic' n Scratch Live. Both of these projects are a must & I hope you are inspired as well.

Please stop by Thursday, I will announce the winner of my card giveway and share a Christmas project. Ho Ho Ho

Supplies: Stamps: Autumn leaf prints - SU, top note die - SU, ribbon, Cardstock - chocolate chip, crumb cake, Old olive, pumpkin pie, more mustard, really rust, SU punches - scallop1 3/4 punch, 1 3/8 round punch, 3/4 round punch, 1/4 round punch, boho blossom punch and 3/4 square punch, ribbon.

Our Creative Corner Challenge - Masculine Card/Project

2011-11-05T05:00:00.004-05:00

Happy Saturday! Before I tell you about my samples, I have a little giveway going on, click here if you would like to enter.

Today's cards are for this weeks challenge over at Our Creative Corner. Our November host has challenged us to create a masculine card/project. Everyone is warmly invited to play along.

For my first card, I followed a fun tutorial on Dawn's Blog. The following colors were used: Chocolate chip, crumb cake and baja breeze/DSP. Supplies: Top note die, ribbon, scallop punch, word window punch, little leaves sizzlit die.

Since I don't really feel comfortable making masculine cards, I really stepped out of my comfort zone and just did something really simple. I hope you enjoyed today's samples, don't forget to stop over and see the other designs by the OCC DT. Have a wonderful weekend!

Top Note Gift Card Holder & Giveaway

2011-11-03T22:20:00.000-05:00

Today's card was inspired by a tutorial I saw on Dawn's Blog. I was SO inspired by the video that I just had to create something special. For my design, I started by using some designer paper by October Afternoon (this paper was purchased last year). Since the paper is double-sided I was able to create a design that coordinated together.

The top note fold opens to add a gift card or even cash.

This card is super easy to make and makes a great gift card/money holder. If you are inspired by today's card/project please leave me a message - One lucky will win the card and a few goodies from my stamp room. Don't forget to stop by Dawn's Blog for more video tutorials.

Our Creative Corner Challenge - Fancy Fold

2011-10-29T05:00:00.042-05:00

Happy Saturday Stampers!! Today's card is for this week's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. Our October host has challenged the OCC DT to a fancy fold challenge. We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite supplies.

For my sample, I used a NEW fold from SCS - Side Spring Card. I used a stamp set from SU called Jolly Old Saint Nick. Supplies used: Cardstock, MS Tinsel Glitter, Copic Markers, SU Embossing Folder - Vintage Wallpaper.

Please stop back tomorrow, I will have another project to share. For more idea's on fancy folds, please stop over and see the wonderful designs by the OCC DT - there are so many wonderful designs and inspiration for this holiday season.

Mortey the Macy's Elf 2011

2011-08-24T22:59:00.003-05:00

UPDATE... My elf was one of the top 85 finalists to be picked, sadly it was not the winning elf. Check out the Macy's Thanksgiving parade this fall 2011, the winning elf will be floating in it.

Hello and thanks for stopping by... Just a fun post from little old me!!! Thousands of elves have been hidden in Macy's stores across the country... I was one of the lucky ones to find and elf and give it a name - Mortey. Mortey the Elf will be shipped to Norway for this years Christmas season. But...before he is shipped, he might be one of the top 85 Elf's selected for a chance to win. Be sure to stop by in the next week or so for an update.

NEW SAS Digi - I Love my Kittie

2011-07-01T22:23:00.000-05:00

NEW SAS Digi - I Love my Kittie

NEW Digi's - Stamps and Smiles

2011-06-21T12:45:00.004-05:00

NEW Digi - Floating Cuppy

NEW Digi - Let's Roll

NEW Digi - I'm Sorry

Our Creative Corner Color Challenge

2010-10-23T05:00:00.009-05:00

Hello Everyone!!! I know its been a while since I posted so I thought I would update my Blog for all of my subscribers and followers!!! As some of you know... I am taking some time off to regroup and enjoy my travels for 2010. In less then 6 weeks I will be traveling to Norway to see the last concerts of A-Ha. Traveling this year has been a dream come true and I have really enjoyed being a part of A-Ha history!!! While I have dropped in Blog posts, I have gotten to spend a lot more time with my family, friends, AND making ALL of my dreams come true!! Thanks so much for joining me on my adventures, I promise to update my Blog when I can...

Can you believe that the month of October is going by so quickly? Before you know it, all the ghosts and goblins will be out, running thru the neighborhood! Speaking of Halloween, this week's color challenge screams out Halloween to me! How about you? This weeks hostess, Diane Gilbert, is challenging us to create a card/project using these colors, or if you don't have these colors, use colors close to these:

Everyone is welcome to play along at any time, if you upload your card/project to SCS, use the keyword OCCC. Note: If you don't have these colors, use colors close to the color palette.

OCC - Sketch Challenge

2010-09-18T05:00:00.007-05:00

Happy Saturday Stampers!! Today's card is for this week's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. Our September host has challenged the OCC to a sketch challenge, we warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite supplies.

For my sample, I used a NEW stamp set by SU called Jolly Old Saint Nick. On my layout, I used kraft and baja breeze along with white cardstock to make the card pop. Martha Stewart punches were used on the layers as well as the tag. To finish off the card, I added some clear tinsel by SU along with a snowflake by K&Company.

Sorry for the in between posts, but I have been super busy with planning my trip to Norway this winter, I am heading to Oslo to see the last 3 A-Ha concerts!!!! As you can see, I have lightened up my load because of all of my travels this year!!!! This is a dream come true for me and I hope you all understand and will stop by at least once a month for a post or two from little old me!!

Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to stop by the OCC to check out the amazing samples by the Design Team!

Stamps and Smiles is on Facebook

2010-09-13T21:37:00.003-05:00

Stamps and Smiles

Promote Your Page Too

Stamps and Smiles in on Facebook, come and visit us!!

2010-09-11T05:00:00.008-05:00

Good morning crafter's!! Today's projects are the following challenges: Our Creative Corner (Let's Get paper folding) and for Project Tuesday (Gate Fold Card). Everyone is welcome to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

For my card, I created a gate fold card, you can find all of the directions here. For my sample, I used a NEW stamp set by Stamps and Smiles called Home Baked Goodies. Since I was baking some cookies for my daughters homecoming, I quickly put a card together for her to also hand out. Splitcoast created this easy to follow tutorial along with a super cute sample.

Since I have been super busy, I always seem to be playing catch up!! However, I did manage to play this weekend. We hope you have time to stop by and see all of the other wonderful samples by the OCC Design Team.
Before I go, I would just like to take a few minutes and say a prayer for all of those that lost there lives on September 11th. You will NEVER be forgotten!!

2010-09-04T05:00:00.006-05:00

Happy Saturday and thanks for stopping by! Just a quick post for today's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. Our September host, Lori Rider, has challenged the OCC to feature letters and/or numbers on a card or project. We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite supplies.
Even though school has started for my kids, I created this pencil holder for Hannah's teacher - she will surprise her with it on Tuesday!! For my sample, I covered a small paint can with red cardstock and found this adorable FREEBIE over Meljen's Designs. The image was paper pieced (Rose, I hope I make you proud) and some of the pieces were popped up using pop dots. To finish it off, I added the sentiment and a chipboard letter.

Before I go, I would like to share a picture of Jake, as you can see from the picture, he is doing much better and his scar on his head fades a little more each day! Thanks for keeping him in your hearts and prayers!!

I am also sharing a picture I took off our our deck last night. Yesterday it was dark and rainy but for a few moments, the sun came out to play. It was SO beautiful, I had to share it with all of you!! Have a safe Labor Day weekend and don't forget to stop by Our Creative Corner to see the other fun samples by the design team.

Stamps and Smiles Blog Hop TONIGHT: 8 - 9 pm CST

2010-08-27T19:59:00.012-05:00

Hello & welcome to the Stamps and Smiles Blog Hop!! Our Blog Hop begins at 8 pm to 9 pm CST. After the Hop, the entire NEW Stamp Release will be available for purchase at 9 pm CST. Please visit the Stamps and Smiles store to shop.

Blog Hop Game: All of the Designer's Piggy Banks are over flowing with change, break the piggy banks and collect all of the coins. Once you have added up the total, pick the correct answer below and email us your answer.

One winner will win 5 sets from the NEW Stamp Release. Visit the Design Team in the order below and then email us your answer by 9 pm CST tonight. The Winner will be announced at 9:01pm.

Cindy Burgess
Jennifer Meyer
Jennifer Stricker
Kim Gruetzmacher
Patricia Garcia >>> HAS $5.95 in her Piggy Bank
Rose Frydrych
Rose Miller
Sue Kment

Before you go, I wanted to share my yummy project with you. I found this recipe on line and had to try it. We are having company on Sunday and I thought I could make a few of these to pass out to our guests.

The image on top is a magnet that sticks on the lid. **Don't throw away old magnets, you can stick them through the Big Shot and cover them with LOTS of fun things!!

Here is the recipe, if you would like to try it. You can find the FREE Recipe Cards on the Stamps and Smiles store.

Thanks for stopping by and have fun on the Blog Hop!! Hugs & Smiles, Jennifer :)

Stamps and Smiles - Last Day of Previews - Blog Hop Tonight 8 - 9 pm CST

2010-08-27T01:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday & Thanks for stopping by!! We are on the last day of our samples for the NEW Stamp Release by Stamps and Smiles - we want to thank you all for stopping by and joining us!! Here are the last two sets to be previewed: Little One & Bundle of Joy.

Want another chance to win more FREE stamps??? Play along with our Blog Hop... Hint: Fill your Piggy Bank FULL... Stop back tonight from 8 - 9 pm CST for our Blog Hop - One lucky winner will win 5 sets from the NEW stamp release.

Here are a few samples I created. The frame was painted and chipboard letters were added so I could personalize it. Once the letters were glued on, I added some MS glitter. Check out the close up. After the image was colored, using my Copics, I added a thin line of glue and some MS tinsel glitter.

I also created this box. I took a piece of cardstock 8.5 x 8.5 and scored it on all 4 sides at 2". The lid, was created with a piece that was just shy of 8.5 x 8.5 and scored at 2" also. After the box was put together. I cut panels for the top and sides of the box and embossed them using the Sizzix jumbo polka dot embossing folder - I LOVE it, can you tell?

Here is a picture of the goodies inside the box. I created a onesie by layering the fabric using no-sew adhesive. There are also 5 pairs of socks that I made into tiny cupcakes.

I hope you have liked the samples so far, please stop by TONIGHT for our Blog Hop from 8 - 9 pm CST. Have a SUPER fun day!!

Stamps and Smiles - Day 4 of NEW Release

2010-08-26T05:00:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone!! Today is the fourth day of samples for the NEW stamp release for Stamps and Smiles. If you are just stopping by, our samples started on Monday and will continue until this Friday. We have 10 BRAND NEW STAMP SETS and each day we will reveal 2 NEW sets. Please stop the Stamps and Smiles Blog to see all of the wonderful samples this far along with winning your favorite set!

Stamps and Smiles Blog Hop - Friday night, August 27th from 8 pm – 9 pm CST we will have our Blog Hop. Grab the banner on the side bar and place it on the top of your Blog, one lucky winner will win 5 FREE stamp sets from the NEW release. Don’t forget to sign your name with Mr. Linky so we can easily find you.

Please stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog, the DT have uploaded some amazing samples using these two NEW sets. Will upload my samples a little later today, hope you will stop back to see them.

Stamps and Smiles NEW Stamp Release - Day 3

2010-08-25T00:45:00.002-05:00

Hello!! Today is the third day of samples for the NEW stamp release for Stamps and Smiles. If you are just stopping by, our samples started on Monday and will continue until this Friday. We have 10 BRAND NEW STAMP SETS and each day we will reveal 2 NEW sets. Please stop the Stamps and Smiles Blog to see all of the wonderful samples this far along with winning your favorite set!

Stamps and Smiles Blog Hop - Friday night, August 27th from 8 pm – 9 pm CST we will have our Blog Hop. Grab the banner on the side bar and place it on the top of your Blog, one lucky winner will win 5 FREE stamp sets from the NEW release. Don’t forget to sign your name with Mr. Linky so we can easily find you.
Today's projects are using the NEW Flower stamps: Martha, Rose and Daffodil. Please stop by the Stamps and Smiles store for a FREE download.

For my samples, I just used some extra canning jars and filled them up with my silk flowers. The images were stamped in Memento ink and colored up using my Copics. Quick, easy and affordable. All of the NEW images will be available to purchase on Friday night after the Blog Hop - 9 pm CST at the Stamps and Smiles store.

Here is a close-up from the top view. As you can see, I did not add the tops to the jars, that way I can just stick my hand in and pull a flower

This Daffodil image is available for FREE at the Stamps and Smiles store. Please hurry and stop by, this image is only available for a limited time.

See you tomorrow with a few more cards and projects!!

Stamps and Smiles - NEW Stamp Release - Day 2

2010-08-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks for stopping by yesterday, ALL of your comments were SO sweet!! As you know, we are starting our second day of samples for the Stamps and Smiles stamp release. If you are just joining us, we have 10 BRAND NEW STAMP SETS to sample thru Friday, August 27th. Please stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog for a chance to win your favorite set and to see all of the amazing samples by the Design Team!

Here are the next two sets to be sampled: Little Stinker & Yummy in my Tummy. As you can see by my samples, I have a lot going on!! I created this darling Box, blanket, onesie and card for some friends of ours that are expecting their first child and we are are SUPER excited for them!!

Here is a close-up of the onesie. I lined the onesie with a piece of cardstock and stamped the Little Stinker image onto the onesie using staz-on ink. I then stamped the blue fabric with the image and quickly ironed the stamped frabric onto no-sew adhesive. Once the image was cut out, I quickly added it to the stamped onesie. *This makes such a sweet gift and you can even stamp cloth diapers if you have them!!

I also am in the process of crocheting a baby blanket. After your blanket is complete, you can even create a tag. I would just like to add, that these sets were SO much fun to play and design with, I too hope you were inspired by today's samples!!

Before I go, I would also like to show you my card sample using the Yummy in my Tummy set. I have a ton of idea's using this set!! For my sample, I added some coins... what child would not like it? Please stop by after the release for my project and card samples using each of these sets!!

Join us this Friday night, August 27th from 8 pm – 9 pm CST we will have our Blog Hop. Grab the banner on the side bar and place it on the top of your Blog, one lucky winner will win 5 FREE stamp sets from the NEW release. Don’t forget to sign your name with Mr. Linky on the Stamps and Smiles Blog Post found HERE. See you all tomorrow with Day 3 of our NEW stamp release!! Have a fun day...

Stamps and Smiles Stamp Release - Day 1

2010-08-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone & thanks for stopping by!! This whole week we will be previewing the next stamp release for Stamps and Smiles - there are a total of 10 NEW sets. Please visit the Stamps and Smiles Blog for a chance to win your favorite sets!!! Today's samples are for the first two sets to be sampled: Home Baked Goodies & Fun in the Sun.

On Friday night, August 27th from 8 pm – 9 pm CST we will have our Blog Hop. Grab the banner our Blog Hop banner on the side bar and place it on the top of your Blog, one lucky winner will win 5 FREE stamp sets from the NEW release. Don’t forget to sign your name with Mr. Linky HERE so we can easily find you.

Stamps and Smiles is also giving away a FREE download - Homemade Recipe Cards. Click HERE for the Stamps and Smiles download & don't forget to tell your friends!!

Now let's check out my samples using the NEW sets - Home Baked Goodies & Fun in the Sun.

I dusted off an old recipe box that I had and added some designer paper along with Mod Podge. The recipe cards were created in Photoshop and can be downloaded for FREE here.

Along with the recipe cards, I also created a couple of magnets using some old magnets from the fridge. To create the magnet, I used a Sizzix die and punched out the frame. The image was then stamped on kraft CS and sponged using some dark brown ink. I don't know about you but I am always running out of counter space when I bake, SO... now I can add my favorite recipe to the fridge using my brand NEW magnets - who wouldn't LOVE that?!?!

My last card sample was created using a NEW card technique. You can find all of the directions here. Please stop back this Friday night, August 27th, for our Blog Hop 8 - 9 pm CST, I have other fun samples to showcase using both of these sets.

Have a fun day and don't forget to stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog to see more creative samples by the Design Team.

Stamps and Smiles Giveaway & Reveal

2010-08-22T00:20:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone!! Starting tomorrow, August 23rd - August 27th, we will begin our samples for the NEW stamp release by Stamps and Smiles. There are a total of 10 NEW sets. Please stop back all week long for a chance to win your favorite stamp set!!

Leave a welcome message for our Guest Designers on the Stamps and Smiles Blog and one lucky winner will win a FREE set from the NEW stamp release. The winner will be announced on Monday, August 23rd.

Blog Hop Info - Friday night, August 27th from 8 pm – 9 pm CST we will have our Blog Hop. Grab the banner on the side bar and place it on the top of your Blog, one lucky winner will win 5 FREE stamp sets from the NEW release. Don’t forget to sign your name with Mr. Linky so we can easily find you

Have a fun week and I will see you tomorrow with the first set of samples!!

Our Creative Corner Challenge & Finally a Post from Me!!!

2010-08-20T22:30:00.000-05:00

WOW can you believe I am actually posting?!?! A ton of things have happened since my last Blog post... Jake my youngest child, got hit in his head with a baseball bat. He got 11 stitches and with the extent of his injury I can't even begin to tell you how scary it was. While Jake was healing, I had a full week of company along with CHA. After CHA was over, it was nothing but shopping for four kids that needed school supplies, clothes and time with their friends!!

Well... School started this past Monday, you would think I would have some time to get things done for myself but NOPE!! LOTS of lunches to be made, papers to be filled out and a ton of homework ALREADY!! My oldest is in his last year of high school and my youngest is just starting school, Brittney just entered her sophomore year and Hannah is busy being a first grader! It makes me SO sad... it was just yesterday they were little and still in my arms all day!!

Here is a picture of Hannah, Brittney & Jake. The Crystal Lake Police hosted a special National Night Out. The kids had fun plus mom got to take a ton of pictures. This picture was taken a week after Jake's injury. Jake has to wear a hat to cover the area from the sun so it won't burn his scar.

To top it all off, Stamps and Smiles has 10 NEW stamp sets coming out. The release for that will begin on Monday, August 23rd - Friday, August 27th at the Stamps and Smiles Blog. We will sample 2 NEW sets each day and a Blog Hop on Friday night from 8 - 9 pm CST. Please stop by all week for a chance to win!!!

So now that I have caught you all up, lets get to today's card sample. My card is for this week's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. This week we have a fun sketch for you to play along too. Everyone is welcome to play, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

I used a stamp set by Stamps and Smiles called Fall Harvest. The image was stamped in Memento ink and colored in using my Copics. For my layout, I turned the sketch and added a homemade flower using my punches. For extra detail, I added some leaves, which were colored in using my Copics and glued on. Since I really don't have a lot of extra time to play right now, I was happy how fast my card turned out!

Thanks again for stopping by, see you Sunday with a fun giveaway. Don't forget to stop by the OCC to see the other sketch samples by the Design Team.

NEW Stamp Release - August 23rd - August 27th

2010-08-18T22:45:00.003-05:00

Stamps and Smiles has a BRAND NEW STAMP RELEASE starting - Monday, August 23rd - Friday, August 27th. 10 NEW Stamp sets will be released!!! We hope you will stop by and join us, we have a FULL week of samples and giveaways!!

We have 2 NEW Guest Designers that will be joining us, please stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog on Sunday, August 22nd for the reveal and a giveaway.

Off to CHA - Join us....

2010-07-27T00:34:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone!! My DT & I are off to CHA - WOO HOO!! Come and follow us over at our NEW Blog - CHA Stamps and Smiles. We will be posting daily with LOTS of pictures and goodies. Click here

OCC - Popsicle Card & NEW Blog

2010-07-24T00:03:00.010-05:00

Thanks for stopping by! Just a quick announcement... I have created a NEW Blog for posting our trip to this summer's CHA - Craft & Hobby Association Convention & Trade Show. Some of us from Stamps and Smiles will be attending so I created a NEW Blog to post our time at the show. Please stop by the NEW Blog and subscribe so you don't miss a thing. The show will be running Tuesday, July 27th - July 29th.

Now for my card/project. This week's challenge over at this OCC is a color challenge - Red, Green, White & Black. I needed to create something quick since I do not have a lot of time. School is starting in just a few week's, CHA is right around the corner AND Stamps and Smiles is releasing 10 NEW sets. Watch for the release the first part of August.

My Popsicle card was super simple to create. I cut a 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of cardstock into 4 pieces - A2 size. I then took each individual piece and folded it. Each of the corners were rounded and then I used a scallop punch to make a bite mark.

I used a set by SU called Tart & Tangy. The image was colored in using my markers and crystal effects was added to make the cherries shine.

We have company coming on Sunday for CHA, please stop by on Monday for a fun giveaway and some fun samples. Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to stop by the OCC to see the other fun samples by the DT.

OCC Sketch Challenge - OCCSC24

2010-07-22T01:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks for stopping by this week! Today's card is for this week's sketch challenge OCCSC25 over at the OCC Sketch Blog . Below you will find the sketch. Everyone is warmly invited to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies!!
For my sample, I started with a Sizzix scalloped circle. Then using my circle Nestabilities, I cut a small circle and stamped the background using a script block stamp. To warm the background, I sponged on some brown ink. Ribbon was added along with a homemade flower that I created using another scalloped circle. To finish off the ornament card, I punched out the bird and added some clear embossing powder to give it some shine.

Here is this weeks sketch layout. Enjoy your day and don't forget to check out the other beautiful designs by the OCC Design Team. See you Saturday with another fun summer card.

OCC Challenge - Let's go to the Beach

2010-07-17T01:32:00.006-05:00

Today's card is for this week's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. This week's challenge is create a beach themed layout. Since most of us are in a heat wave, we all could take a little time away to hit the beach!! We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite supplies.
Here is a close-up of the inside of the card. I used a NEW image by Stamps and Smiles called At the Beach. This NEW image will be available for purchase on Monday, July 26th. The image was colored in using Copic markers and layered to make it pop. Glitter was added to the swimming cap.

Have a wonderful weekend and stay cool! Don't forget to stop by the OCC to see the other fun samples by the DT.

OCC Weekly Sketch Challenge - OCCSC24

2010-07-14T23:59:00.000-05:00

Hello Crafters! Today's card is for this week's sketch challenge OCCSC24 over at the OCC Sketch Blog . Everyone is welcome to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies!!
For my sample, I created a design that you can mass produce for any occasion! All of the fun detail on the card was created using my Sizzix dies. I also incorporated a homemade flower that I had left over from my easel card project on Tuesday. As you know, I have don't have a whole lot of extra time to craft so making this card had to be quick and easy!! I am hoping that once the kids go back to school, I will have some extra time to play!!
Here is this weeks sketch layout. Enjoy your day and don't forget to check out the other fun designs by the OCC Design Team. See you Saturday with a fun summer card.

Playing catch up... OCC and Project Tuesday Samples

2010-07-13T01:31:00.008-05:00

Good morning crafter's!! Today's projects are the following challenges: Our Creative Corner (Let's Get Corky), Project Tuesday (Easel Card) and for last week's Project Tuesday's challenge (Lip Balm Holder). Everyone is welcome to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.
For my project, I created an easel card with a twist. I got my idea from Kristine Breach - Ink Something. Kristine created an easy to follow tutorial along with a super cute sample. If you stop by, please tell her Jennifer sent you. As you can see from the picture below, I used ribbon for my handle on the drawers.

Since I have been super busy, I have been playing catch up... Using extra scraps from the above project, I quickly put together a few of these lip balm holders. Hannah has a couple weeks left from her summer ballet and tumbling classes so I made up a couple of these to give to her teaches. These are super easy to make and really make a wonderful gift for every special occasion!!

Our Creative Corner Sketch Challenge & Mystery Giveaway

2010-07-03T02:00:00.000-05:00

Today's card is for this week's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. This month I am hosting the challenges and this week, I created a sketch for you to try. Every Thursday, the OCC has a sketch challenge. We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite supplies. Wait there is also a prize to be won!!! I am giving away a *MYSTERY PACKAGE* with lots of fun goodies!!! To play along, upload your creation to your blog or gallery and link it back to the OCC by Friday, July 9th at 10:00 PM CST!!
Here is a close-up of the butterfly. I layered the butterfly with vellum and cardstock and inked each of the layers to make it pop. Have a happy & safe 4th of July and don't forget to stop by the OCC to see the other beautiful samples by the design team.

Our Creative Corner - Case an OCC Girl & Giveaway

2010-06-19T02:21:00.007-05:00

Thanks for stopping by, today's card is for this week's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. Our June host, Linda Coughlin, has challenged the OCC girls to case each other. I decided to case a yummy card that Wendy Janson designed.

For my case, I changed the colors, used a different border punch and also flipped the sketch. Please stop by Wendy's Blog to see more of her amazing designs and layouts!

Before I go, I have two giveaways!! Today's card was created using a BRAND NEW DIGI SET by Stamps and Smiles called Sweet Baby. Stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog to sign up to win!! I will announce the winner this Saturday, June 26th.

Today's card is also being given away along with some white cardstock and ribbon. Leave me a comment and I will announce the winner this coming Saturday, June 26th.

Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to stop by the OCC to see the beautiful Cased cards by Design Team.

OCC Sketch Challenge - OCCSC20 - Sweet Baby

2010-06-17T02:00:00.000-05:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by today! Can you believe I posted?!?! Between my busy summer schedule with my kids and my next stamp release, I was able to squeeze out a card for this week's sketch challenge OCCSC20 over at the OCC Sketch Blog . We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies!! For my sample, I am using a brand NEW image from Stamps and Smiles called Sweet Baby. This image will be available to purchase this Friday, June 18th over at the Stamps and Smiles store.

On my layout I used some NEW paper called Songbird. I wanted to add some stitching to my card but for what ever reason, my Janome sewing machine has been giving me issues. Every time I try to sew with it, it keeps getting jammed up... GRRRR!! The stitching would of completed my card overall I am happy with it! Note... off to get a NEW sewing machine soon!!

Here is this weeks sketch layout. Enjoy your day and don't forget to check out the other fun designs by the OCC Design Team. See you Saturday with a fun giveaway & sample.

Our Creative Corner Challenge

2010-06-12T05:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Saturday and thanks for stopping by! Since I have been super busy, I still wanted to post a little something for today's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. Our June host, Linda Coughlin, has challenged the OCC to create a card or project complimenting the corners. Since I have little time to play, I am posting a fun summer card I created last year. We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite supplies.

For my design I used a stamp set from Stamps and Smiles called Hello Spring. The images were stamped in memento ink and colored in using my Copics. The paper is from Imaginisce called Twitterpated. Since I LOVE sparkle, I added chunky glitter by Martha Stewart to the whip of Cuppy, Flowers and the wings on the bee.

I promise to post something NEW & fun soon. Please subscribe for future updates and stamp releases. Have a fun weekend and don't forget to stop by Our Creative Corner to see the other fun samples by the design team.

Our Creative Corner - Summer Challenge

2010-06-05T03:06:00.010-05:00

I know its been a while since I have posted but with the kids being out of school, can you believe I have been busier then normal? I thought I would have more time to relax but between Nick & Brittney wanting to drive and Jake & Hannah tearing the house apart, I have NO time for myself & crafting!! Now that I am back from A-Ha's farewell concert tour, I am playing catch up!

To start things off, I created a card for this week's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. Our June host, Linda Coughlin, has challenged the OCC to a summer challenge. When I think of summer, I think of juicy hamburgers. My punched out hamburger idea came off a video from Dawn's Stamping Thoughts. In Dawn's tutorial she created a single burger but I just added an extra patty, bun and sides. We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite supplies.

Before I go, I still need to announce the winner from my last card giveaway. The winner is... Kathy J. Please email me so I can card your card out to you. Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to stop by the OCC to see the beautiful card samples by the Design Team.

My Farewell Tour with A-Ha - 2010

2010-05-18T22:17:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone!! Just a quick update... The US tour for A-Ha is over! In twelve days, I traveled to New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. By far my trip to New York was my favorite!! I met so many wonderful people standing in line PLUS not to mention that I was up front 3 days in a row!! WOO HOO!! The first day in NY I was #18, second day I was 6th and the third day I was 2nd. What an AMAZING time!!

More pictures and video's will be uploaded soon, I have so many to go through and also want to create a special place to showcase them! I was able to meet Morten, Magnes and Paul and will cherish these memories forever!! Can you believe I am now trying to get tickets for the last 3 concerts in Oslo, Norway?!

Please watch for updates here on my Blog. I have so much catching up to do. I also have a NEW stamp release that will be available soon - I can't wait to share it with all of you! Sending you all hugs xxxx

Our Creative Corner Challenge - Floral & Giveaway

2010-04-24T05:00:00.003-05:00

Hello... Just a quick post for today's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. This week our April host -Dana Grothaus, has challenged the OCC Design Team to use flowers. Everyone is warmly invited to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.
For my sample, I am using a some old supplies by SU. I inked up the image with my SU markers then created the 3D flowers using a small flower punch. Mini pearls were added inside the flowers along with the background layer. The sentiment was created using some old rub-on's from sell-a-bration.

Want to win this card??? Leave me a comment and I will announce the winner next Saturday, May 1st.

Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to stop over to see the wonderful cards by the OCC Design Team.

A-Ha - Ending on a High Note - OCCSC12

2010-04-22T05:00:00.006-05:00

Thanks for stopping by today! I found some extra time to play along for this week's sketch challenge over at the OCC Sketch Challenge. I incorporated to days sketch into a fun goodie bag that will hold these homemade A-Ha bracelets I made for the concert. There are several girls I am meeting in NYC for the concert and I thought it would be nice to surprise them with a little something extra! We warmly invite you to play along with today's sketch, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

Here is a picture of the bracelet I made.

Here is this weeks sketch layout. Enjoy the rest of your week and don't forget to check out the other fun sample designs by the OCC Design Team.

OCC Challenge - Butterflies

2010-04-17T05:00:00.016-05:00

Hello everyone and thanks for stopping by!! I am sorry I have been so quiet, I have not posted because I am getting ready for my trip to New York. I will be gone, Sunday, May 2nd thru Monday, May 10th. Before I leave, I really need to spend this extra time with my family! However, in my spare time, I am getting ready for my next stamp release - WOO HOO! I have a NEW stamp release coming out soon, please continue to stop by for all of the details!!

Today's sample is for this weeks challenge over at Our Creative Corner. Our April host, Dana Grothaus, has challenged the OCC DT to use butterflies. We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

I hope you enjoy my card, I probably won't be getting around to playing in my stamp room until I get back from NY. As some of you know, I am off to NYC to see my favorite band - A-Ha. I not only get to see them in NYC but I also have tickets to the Chicago concert as well! If all goes well, I will be posting a ton of pictures on my Blog when I get back. Until then...

Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to stop by the OCC to see the beautiful samples by the Design Team!!!

OCC Challenge - Wonderful Mother

2010-04-10T05:00:00.009-05:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by! My sample today is for this weeks challenge over at Our Creative Corner. Our April host, Dana Grothaus, has challenged the OCC to incorporate a bow on your card or project. We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

For my sample, I started with some old paper by Basic Grey and then just built up my card from there. The paper says it all, it is so pretty, I almost did not add the sentiment to it! Since the paper had a rustic background, I added to the edges by using my scissors and cutter kit by SU. To finish it off, I added the pearls, swirls and the beautiful butterfly. As you can see by my layout, this is not a card I typically design - I like to challenge myself from time to time.

Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to stop by the OCC to see the beautiful card samples by the Design Team

OCC Sketch Challenge - OCCSC10

2010-04-08T05:00:00.003-05:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by! Todays card sample is for this week's OCC Sketch Challenge - OCCSC10. Everyone is warmly invited to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies!!

For my sample, I am using a NEW image by Stamps and Smiles called Flower baby - Martha. This image along with a few other flowers will be available to purchase next week. Please watch for samples on my Blog, I have some cute projects using these precious images. I named this flower after the one and only Martha Stewart. As some of you know, I am heading to New York in early May and have requested tickets to her show. If I get tickets to see her, I plan on bringing my card to give her.

The image was printed out on white cardstock and colored in using my Copics. I layered the flower and used flower soft on the inner part of the flower. Thanks Sandy, I finally dipped into the flower soft you gave me!

Here is this weeks sketch layout. Enjoy the rest of your week and don't forget to check out the other fun sample designs by the OCC Design Team. See you Saturday!

Our Creative Corner - Buttons

2010-04-03T05:00:00.000-05:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by! Today's sample is for this weeks challenge over at Our Creative Corner. Our April host, Dana Grothaus, has challenged the OCC DT to use buttons. We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

For my sample, I am using a NEW set from Stamps and Smiles called Juggling Easter Bunny. I added the buttons instead of using the eggs. This is a brand NEW set, please stop by the Stamps and Smiles store to see the NEW images along with some NEW freebies.

Before I go I would like to welcome Diane Gilbert, Julie Leblanc and Sarah Gough to the OCC Design Team and we sadly say goodbye to Jenny Gropp & Silke Ledlow. Please stop by Our Creative Corner to say hello and check out all of the wonderful samples by the NEW Design Team. Have a wonderful Easter!!

Project Tuesday - Altered Picture Frame

2010-03-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by today! I am so sorry I have been so quiet lately but we have been hit with this terrible cold and it's been lasting well over a week! The good news is that it's not allergies and its just a cold... let's hope this is the tail end of it!! Today's sample is for this week's challenge over at Stamps and Smiles Project Tuesday. This week we are making an altered picture frame. I have done several of these in the past and this by far was the most fun for me!!

On my frame, I used some fun paper from TPE called Sunny Bunny Collection. The bunny images are from Stamps and Smiles called Bella Bunny & Some Bunny Loves Me - save 15% now thru April 5th. To add to the picture frame, I added a decorative border using my Martha Stewart grass punch and also cut out some of the eggs from the dp.

Seen here on this close-up, I printed out the bunny's, colored them in using my Copics & then added the eggs using extra scraps from the dp. I had so much fun putting this frame together and I can't wait to add our family picture!

Have a fun week and don't forget to stop by Project Tuesday to see the beautiful samples by the Design Team. Please stop by soon, I have some other Easter projects to showcase.

OCC Sketch Challenge - OCCSC8

2010-03-24T23:41:00.007-05:00

Happy Thursday everyone! Before I show you my card, I would just like to thank you all for your sweet get well wishes! I am feeling better each day and thank the lucky stars that I am sick now and not for my trip to NYC in May!! Today's sample is for this week's sketch challenge OCCSC8 over at the OCC Sketch Blog . Everyone is welcome to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies!!

For my sample, I am using a NEW image from Stamps and Smiles called Bella Bunny. I created this image for a friend of mine who looking for a special image for her niece. You can find this NEW image over at the Stamps and Smiles store.

Here is this weeks sketch layout. Enjoy your day and don't forget to check out the other fun designs by the OCC Design Team. See you Saturday with a fun giveaway & sample.

Project Tuesday - Flower Pot Card

2010-03-23T05:00:00.001-05:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by! Since today is Tuesday, it is time for another fun challenge over at Stamps and Smiles Project Tuesday. This week we are making flower pot cards. Since I have a really bad cold, I will be sharing my flower pot card that I made last year for my mom. Once I am feeling better, I will create another fun design and share it with all of you!!

The flowers were created using my flower nesties & cuttlebug dies. Have a fun day and don't forget to stop by Project Tuesday to see all of their gorgeous designs!

Our Creative Corner Challenge - Easter

2010-03-20T00:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Saturday everyone!! This week over at Our Creative Corner is to create a Spring/Easter card or project. Since I have been SO busy with the Easter digi release for Stamps and Smiles, I thought I would share a slide show of all of the samples I created during the release week. I am also including two of my favorite songs from my favorite band A-Ha!! I will be leaving in early May to see them in NYC and I can not wait!!!

Enjoy Shadowside & Foot of the Mountain. These two songs can be found on A-Ha's NEW cd called Foot of the Mountain.

Have a fun weekend and don't forget to stop by Our Creative Corner to see the other wonderful samples by the Design Team!

Stamps and Smiles Blog Hop 8 - 9 PM CST

2010-03-19T19:59:00.011-05:00

Update: Stamps and Smiles Blog Hop ended at 9:00 PM CST. Thanks for stopping by. Here is a project tutorial I created using the image Sweet Bunny of Mine. There are endless ideas for this image, I hope I can get them created before Easter is here!! Thanks for joining us on the Blog Hop ~ enjoy the tutorial.
I bought the NEW cutter by Martha Stewart!! I LOVE it and so will you if you, especially if you are a lefty!!

I forgot to take a picture when I punched out the handle. Feel free to use your favorite punch. I used the word window punch by SU but you could use a circle punch, Nestabilities or even a fun shape punch.

Add adhesive to the boxes and add the handle piece in the middle. The sky is the limit, I think the fun part of the tutorial is how I added the bunny. Enjoy and I can't wait to see your samples using this fun tutorial!

Stamps and Smiles Blog Hop - Tonight 8 PM CST

2010-03-19T05:00:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone! I would like to thank all those that stopped by during our Easter digi release over at Stamps and Smiles!! Our Blog Hop is TONIGHT - 8 PM CST, we hope you will stop on by for the fun. We have some fun games planned, PLUS the DT have some extra special samples to share with all of you!

Stamps and Smiles NEW Digi Release - Last Day of Sneak Peek's

2010-03-18T03:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday! Stamps and Smiles is on their last day of sneak peeks for the Easter digi release. This is the last day of previews, we hope you enjoyed all of the samples by the Design Team! Please join us tomorrow night at 8 PM CST for our Blog Hop. We have a fun night planned plus some giveaways. This full digi release will be available to purchase tomorrow night after the Blog Hop - 9 PM CST.

This NEW image by Stamps and Smiles is called Hoppy Easter. The paper on my card is from SU. The image was printed out on white cardstock and colored up using my Copics. I followed today's sketch challenge over at Our Creative Corner Sketch Blog. For my layout, I turned the sketch and added paper buttons using my button sizzlet by Sizzix.

As you can see by the close up, I layered the egg and added brads for the buttons on his outfit. I thought maybe the image I used on Tuesday - Sweet Bunny of Mine was my favorite, but... I think they all are!
Here is a project I created using the diaper fold technique. I had planned on making this project but when I looked for the candy that was going to be added, it was missing! One of my kids must of eaten it so I had to stuff my project with Reese's peanut butter eggs - grrrr!!

All of the NEW images you have seen this week will be available to purchase tomorrow at the Stamps and Smiles store. For more sample idea's using any of these images, please stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog.

Before I go, I would like thank you for your sweet comments about Hannah's leprechaun project. Sadly, none of the kids caught the leprechaun but he left some candy for the kids - YEA! Have a fun day and don't forget to visit the Stamps and Smiles Blog to see the wonderful samples by the Design Team! See you tomorrow with a fun tutorial and the Stamps and Smiles Blog Hop - 8 PM CST.

Stamps and Smiles NEW Digi Sneak Peek's - Day 3

2010-03-17T05:00:00.016-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! We are on day 3 for the Stamps and Smiles Easter Digi Release sneak peeks! For those just stopping by, samples started on Monday and will continue until tomorrow, March 18th followed by our Blog Hop on Friday, March 19 at 8 pm CST. Please stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog to see the fun samples by the DT & to play along for a chance to win your favorite NEW digi!!
Today's samples were created using this NEW image called Easter Shop. This image will be available to purchase this Friday, March 19th at 9 pm CST. For more sample idea's please stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog.

For a quick project, I created this top note box. I simply printed out the image on kraft cardstock and followed the instructions for the box on Splitcoast. After I had my pieces cut out, I sponged each layer using close to cocoa ink to give it a vintage glow. The inside of the box was filled with chocolates - YUM!!

Before I go, I would like to share a picture of Hannah's leprecon trap. This was a proejct the whole family got in on. We had such fun designing it with her, I just hope she catches the leprecon!! Have a fun day and don't forget to visit the Stamps and Smiles Blog to see the wonderful samples by the Design Team! See you tomorrow with the last set of sneak peeks.

Stamps and Smiles Easter Digi Sneak Peek's - Day 2

2010-03-16T05:00:00.016-05:00

Hello Everyone!! We are on day 2 of the Stamps and Smiles Easter Digi Release! Samples started yesterday and will continue until Thursday, March 18th followed by our Blog Hop on Friday, March 19 at 8 pm CST. Please stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog to see the fun samples by the DT & to play along for a chance to win your favorite NEW digi!!

Today's samples were created using this NEW image called Sweet Bunny of Mine. This image will be available to purchase this Friday, March 19th at 9 pm CST.
Here is a close up of the bunny. I printed the image out on kraft cardstock, sponged it up using some close to cocoa ink. After I cut the image out, I ran it through my fiskers paper crimper.

Here is a project I created. I will share the tutorial on Friday during the Blog Hop - 8 pm CST.

Before I go, I would also like to share a sample I did for the OCC on Saturday. Thanks so much for stopping by, if you get a chance, please stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog to view more samples and for a chance to win this NEW digi set!! Enjoy your day, see you tomorrow with more samples!

Stamps and Smiles Easter Digi Release - Day 1 of Samples

2010-03-15T05:00:00.007-05:00

Happy Monday! Stamps and Smiles has a fun Easter Digi Release going on now thru Thursday, March 18th followed by our Blog Hop on Friday, March 19 at 8 pm CST. Please stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog to see the fun samples by the DT & to play along for a chance to win your favorite NEW digi!!

Here is a quick project I created. I used the Sizzix pillow box and aded some fun paper by SU. I plan on giving this set to my daughters teacher for Easter.Today's samples were created using this set by Stamps and Smiles called Special Delivery. This digi set contains 7 images and 4 sentiments and will be available to purchase on Friday, March 19th at 9:00 PM CST. Don't forget to stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog to view more samples and for a chance to win this NEW digi set!!

Enjoy your day, See you tomorrow with more samples!

Our Creative Corner - Color Challenge

2010-03-13T05:00:00.000-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by! Sorry for the late post my camera was MIA after our trip to Milwaukee on Thursday. I am so glad to report I found my camera and I did not lose my pictures!! Now that the snow is 95% melted and my daffodils are about 5" above the ground, Spring is almost here - WOO HOO!!! Today's sample is for this week's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. Our host this month, Silke Ledlow, has challenged us to a color challenge - Pink, Yellow, Green & Brown. Everyone is invited to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

For my sample I used a NEW Digi from Stamps and Smiles called Sweet Bunny of Mine. This NEW image will be available for purchase on Friday, March19th. Samples for this set will be previewed on March 16th over at the Stamps and Smiles Blog. We hope you will stop by next week, we have samples, giveaways & an Easter Blog Hop Bash - 8 pm CST.

The image was printed out and colored in using my Copics. I brushed on a thin layer of Crystal Affects. Once the bunny was dried, I crimped some green paper and cut it into thin strips and inserted it into a small bag. The paper is from TPC Studio called Sunny Bunny Argyle. Its double sided and heavy like cardstock - I LOVE TPC Studio paper!!

Please stop by Our Creative Corner to see the other samples by the Design Team along with a fun giveaway by Silke! Before I go, I would like to share some pictures from our trip to the Milwaukee Domes. There are 3 huge domes that you can explore. The main flower dome is always changing but the Desert & Tropical domes pretty much stay the same except for the changes in the flowers & plant life.

Main dome, the last month or two they have the trains running through the main flower dome.

This is a picture of the desert dome. From the outside it does not look very attractive but as you can see from the inside how gorgeous the plant life is and how big these domes can hold!

Here is Hannah & Jake, not much to touch in the desert dome because its filled with a ton of cactus plants, however this plant was ok to touch.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures, see you on Monday with our first set of sneak peeks for Stamps and Smiles Easter Digi Release.

OCC Sketch Challenge - OCCSC6

2010-03-11T05:00:00.016-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by! Today's sample is for this week's sketch challenge OCCSC6 over at the OCC Sketch Blog . Everyone is welcome to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies!!

I first have to tell you how much fun I had with this sketch! I made this card for my husband for when I am away in NY this May. On my sample, I used a set from SU called Sweet Centers. The background dp is also from SU from this year's Sell-a-bration catalog called Welcome Neighbor. For the sentiment, I used a set from the SU Occasions Mini called Well Scripted - which I LOVE!!

Here is a close-up of the hearts that I created using the NEW heart punch by EK Success. To finish off my card, I added some linen thread from May Arts.

This is the sketch layout this week, I can not tell you how amazing the samples are each week! Stop on by the OCC Sketch Blog to check it out. Have a great day!

Project Tuesday - Hinged Card

2010-03-10T01:00:00.001-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by today! My sample for Project Tuesday is a little late but better late then never, right?! This week our March host, Cindy Burgess, has challenged us to create a hinged card. I found this wonderful tutorial on Wendybell's Blog really helpful and super easy to create. Everyone is invited to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.
On my project sample, I mixed some baja breeze cardstock along with some designer paper by Imaginisce called Pretty New Dress. As you can see by my sample, I mixed some border punches by EK Sucess along with Martha Stewart. The bunny image is from SU called Chocolate Bunny (I knew I had to have him as soon as I saw him)! I embossed the image and popped it up on the oval Nestabilities. To finish off my card, I added the sentiment, ribbon and flowers.
Here is the close-up. I was happy to see how easy this card was to make & the possibilities are endless. We hope you will give it a try!

Have a fun day and don't forget to stop by Stamps and Smiles - Project Tuesday, the Design Team have some beautiful samples to show you.

NEW Stamps and Smiles Easter Digi Release

2010-03-08T05:00:00.005-06:00

Before I begin, I would just like to wish my darling daughter a VERY Happy Birthday. Brittney you are such a joy to all, you not only touch us with your humor but you have a heart full of gold!! Happy, HAPPY Birthday my sweet baby girl!

No samples today but Stamps and Smiles has another digi release coming up… Our samples will start on Monday, March 15th thru Thursday. We will also have an Easter Bunny Blog Hop that will start on Friday at 8 pm CST. We hope you will stop by to view the samples & enter for a chance to win!!!

Please enjoy a FREE Stamps and Smiles Digi while we wait for the Easter release. This FREE digi will be available for download until Sunday, March 21st. Stop by the Stamps and Smiles store for the FREE download.

Stamps and Smiles Bunny Blog Hop - Please join us on Friday, March 19th from 8 pm - 9 pm CST. The Easter Bunny will be stopping by to fill all of your baskets. Feel free to grab our Blog Hop banner on the side bar and place it on your Blog, one lucky winner will win the entire Stamps and Smiles digi release. Don't forget to sign your name with Mr. Linky so we can easily find you.

OCC Sketch Challenge - Chocolate Bunny

2010-03-06T05:00:00.009-06:00

Happy Saturday & thanks for stopping by! Today's sample is for this week's sketch challenge over at Our Creative Corner. This week our March host, Silke Ledlow, has challenge the OCC to a fun sketch layout. Everyone is welcome to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

Since Easter is right around the corner, I used this NEW stamp by SU called Chocolate Bunny. After creating my card layout, I then embossed the bunny on close to cocoa cardstock using brown embossing powder. To finish it off, I added the pink ribbon.

Here is a close-up of the background of the card. I embossed both the pink & the white cardstock using the Sizzix embossing plates. I really tried to keep it simple so it would not take away from the chocolate bunny! Here is the sketch layout if you would like to give it a try! Don't for get to stop by Our Creative Corner to see the other samples by the Design Team.

Have a fun weekend!

OCC Sketch Challenge - OCCSC5

2010-03-04T05:00:00.005-06:00

Hello everyone! Sorry but this is going to be a short post, I simply just ran out of time! I have a project sample to show you as well, but will wait until tomorrow to sample it. Today's card sample is for this week's sketch challenge - OCCSC5 over at the OCC Sketch Blog ~ everyone is welcome to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies!!

As you can see from my card sample, I used the Sleepy Bunny image from Stamps and Smiles and used some fun supplies from Sizzix. I also incorporated some flowers that I got last year for a $1 at Michael's. Over all I think the card screams Spring and the bonus is I had fun while putting it together - isn't that what it is all about?

Here is the sketch layout, LOTS of fun idea's over at the OCC Sketch Blog , hope you have time to stop by & play along! See you tomorrow with my project sample! Enjoy your day!

Project Tuesday - Bird House

2010-03-02T05:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today is the day we announce the NEW Design Team for Project Tuesday. Please stop by to say hello and check out this week's samples.

This week our March host, Cindy Burgess, has challenged us to create this adorable bird house. The idea and template was created by Brenda Quintana. You can check out more of Brenda's samples here. Everyone is invited to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

On my project sample, I printed out the template on kraft cardstock and cut out. The cut out template was then stamped using my sanded block stamp by SU in chocolate chip ink. The edges were then sponged with close to cocoa ink to age the bird house just a bit. Since I forgot to punch out a hole, I added a circle using my SU circle punch and then rolled a piece of cardstock for the bird to sit on.

After putting the template together, I then printed out my images from a NEW digi set by Stamps and Smiles called Love Birds. The images were colored up using my Copics and then cut out and added to the bird house. Pretty simple and LOTS of fun!!

I hope you were inspired by today's sample, please join me Thursday with another fun project & card. Don't forget to stop by Stamps and Smiles - Project Tuesday, the Design Team have some fun samples to show you.

Before I go, I would like to announce the winner of my card & ribbon giveaway. Congratulations to Linda Coughlin. Please email me so I can get your goodies out to you. Have a fun week!

Our Creative Corner Sketch Challenge & Giveaway

2010-02-27T05:00:00.010-06:00

Happy Saturday everyone! Today's card layout is for this week's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. Our February host, Linda Coughlin, has challenged us to a sketch challenge. Everyone is invited to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

For my sample I combined a couple of stamp sets from Stamps and Smiles - Egg Hunt and Sleepy Bunny. The background paper is from SU and all of the ribbon is from May Arts. The images were stamped in Memento ink and colored in using my Copics. Once the pieces were added, I added some crystal effects on the eggs along with the brown dew drops in the right top corner of the card.

Want to win this card? Leave a comment and I will announce the winner on Tuesday, March 2. Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to stop by the OCC to see the other fun samples by the Design Team.

OCC Sketch Challenge & Project Sample

2010-02-25T05:00:00.018-06:00

Hello and thanks for stopping by! I don't know about you but I can't believe it's almost March!! Time certainly moves by so quickly, doesn't it?! Since Valentine's Day is over, I have moved onto making my Easter cards. Today's card is for a mix of challenges.

Our Creative Corner Sketch Challenge - Sketch layout

Your Next Stamp - Spring colors
Inky Impressions - Think Spring
Gingersnaps - 3 Colors
Lil Red Wagon - Ribbon
Flourishes - "All About Me" with you using your favorite technique, product or color
One Stitch at A Time - Stitching
Crafty Creations - Stitching
Sophisticats - Stitching

For my main layout, I used this week's Sketch Challenge - OCCSC4 over at the OCC Sketch Blog ~ feel free to substitute the hearts for any fun shape! Everyone is welcome to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies!!

I used a stamp set by Stamps and Smiles called Sleepy Bunny. After stamping the image on white cardstock, I colored it up using my Copics. White flock was added to the blanket. I also used a white get pen to add some fun accents - as you can tell, I am NOT so good at doing that! Below is this week's sketch, we hope you will play along!

Have a fun day & don't forget to stop by the OCC Sketch Blog to see the samples by the Design Team. See you Saturday!!

OCC Challenge - Try a NEW Technique

2010-02-20T05:00:00.001-06:00

Quick post, we having company all weekend! Thanks for stopping by, today's project sample was created for this week's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. This week our February hostess, Linda Coughlin, has challenged us try a NEW technique. I Incorporated a couple different techniques PLUS for the first time, I made this adorable box using my top note die by Sizzix.

Here are the instructions for the top note box, Beate even has a fun video that you can follow along with. The following techniques were used, sponging & embossing. These boxes are super easy to make and can hold quite a bit. I filled mine with Hershey kisses, since my mom will be over today, I will be giving this to her ~ I hope she likes it!!

Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to stop by Our Creative Corner Blog to see the other wonderful samples by the Design Team.

Sketch Challenge - OCCSC3

2010-02-18T05:00:00.001-06:00

Hi & thanks for stopping by! Today's card sample is for this week's sketch challenge - OCCSC3 over at the OCC Sketch Blog ~ everyone is welcome to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies!!

For my card sample, I used a stamp set by Stamps and Smiles called Hello Spring. The image was stamped in Memento ink and colored in using my Copics. Nothing fancy today, just a quick & easy layout! Below is this week's sketch, we hope you will stop by & play along. Have a fun day & don't forget to stop by the OCC Sketch Blog to see the samples by the Design Team. See you Saturday along with a fun giveaway!

Project Tuesday - Joy Fold Card

2010-02-16T05:00:00.013-06:00

Happy Tuesday everyone! We are back from our mini vacation, we had a blast and boy does time go by fast when you are having fun!! Today's project is for this week's challenge over at Stamps and Smiles - Project Tuesday. This week we are making a joy fold card. These cards can be created several different ways and we can't wait to see your creations! We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

Before I go into details about my card, I want to announce the winner for my project/ribbon giveaway on Saturday. Congratulations to Ravengirl, please email me your addy so I can get your winnings to you.

My card is a little different then my past samples because my daughter & I made this together. Brittney needed to create a Valentine card for German class. Since Valentine's Day is over, I still incorporated the colors for the layout. After Brittney cut all the layers for the card, I added the stitching. Brittney then picked the image and I helped her color it up using my Copics.

To add a little sparkle, Brittney used my clear glitter pen. Plus to give the card more of a Valentine design, we also added some loose hearts inside the card.

Thanks for stopping by, please don't forget to stop by the Stamps and Smiles – Project Tuesday page, the Design Team have some fun samples to help inspire you!! Have a fun week!!

Our Creative Corner - Got Something Old & Giveaway

2010-02-13T05:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Saturday everyone! Today's project sample was created for this week's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. Got something old in your stamp room that you have been saving to use? Now is the time to use it & WOW us over at Our Creative Corner!!

Our February hostess, Linda Coughlin, has challenged us to use something old. Everyone is welcome to play along ~ feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

For my sample I used an old template that I have been waiting to try. This template was designed by Julia Bettencourt from Julia Bettencourt.com. This 3D coffee/tea mug is perfect for filling up with fun goodies! For those that LOVE coffee or might be sick with a bad bug ~ you might give this project a try! Since I am have been SO love sick over seeing A-Ha in concert this coming May, I had to squeeze in one more project for Valentine's Day. Most of my supplies are not so old but I have saved a few templates that I have been wanting to try! If you stop by Julie's Blog, please let her know that I shared her template idea ~ thanks!

Oh and the tea bag was a last minute add, this adorable idea came from this week's featured designer over at the OCC ~ Dawn B from My Stamping Thyme. Directions: Open tea bag and empty. Add punched hearts and seal with a NEW staple.

Before I go, I would like to wish all those participating in the Olympics a very good run! May God watch over all of you and your families ~ thanks for the memories, God Bless!!

Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to stop by the OCC to see the other wonderful samples by the Design Team. Want to win my my project, leave me a comment telling me what you favorite sport is during the winter Olympics and one lucky winner will win along with some May Arts ribbon. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, February 16th.

Starbucks Project Featured over at Craft Gossip - WOW!!

2010-02-12T00:47:00.003-06:00

Happy Friday everyone!! I just wanted to share with all you that my Starbucks project that I made for my Dad was featured over at the Craft Gossip. I would just like to thank all those that follow my challenge Blogs and for those that help make it possible to be featured like this - what an honor!! Please stop by Heather's Blog, she has amazing crafting site you won't want to miss!

We are going out of town for my son's 5th Birthday, will be back on Monday, February 15th. See you Saturday with my OCC card and a fun giveaway! Have a wonderful weekend!!

Our Creative Corner Sketch Challenge - OCCSC2 & Valentine Project

2010-02-11T05:00:00.002-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by! Today's card sample is for this week's sketch challenge - OCCSC2 over at the OCC Sketch Blog ~ thanks for all those that stopped by and played along with us!!

For my card sample, I used a digi by Stamps and Smiles called Valentine Bunny. After printing the image, I colored it up using my Copics. Each of the layers were stitched using my Janome sewing machine. Valentine's Day is special but even more special because my little guy, Jake, was born on that day. This card is for him, I hope he likes it!!

Since I still have some time to create, I quickly put together this basket using extra scraps on my table. I filled it with some fun goodies that Hannah can give to her teacher at her Valentine's party this Friday. The basket was created using a piece of designer paper 10 x 10 and scored at 2 1/2 " on all four sides. The handle was created and to finish it off, I added the hearts using my heart Nestabilities.
Have a fun day & don't forget to stop by the OCC Sketch Blog to see the samples by the Design Team. See you Saturday with my OCC card.

Project Tuesday - Party Favor's

2010-02-09T05:00:00.008-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by!! Today's project is for this week's challenge over at Stamps and Smiles - Project Tuesday. This week we are making a party favor's. We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

My daughter is having a cupcake party on Monday so I created matching party favors to go with her invites. The party favors were filled with candy and tattoo's. After adding the ribbon, I added a Cuppy Love charm made out of shrinky dinks. After stamping on the the shrinky paper using staz-on, I colored the back of it using my colored pencils. I then pierced a hole and used my heat gun to shrink it - great idea if you don't have any embellies!! (I got my shrinky dink paper from Michael's)

Here is the card I created, nothing fancy, but I am sure the kids will LOVE it!! The cupcake party is this Monday, will let you know how it goes!

Thanks again for stopping by, don't forget to stop by the Stamps and Smiles – Project Tuesday page, the Design Team have some fun samples to help inspire you!!

OCC Challenge - Masculine Card/Project

2010-02-06T05:00:00.004-06:00

Hello everyone! I would like to announce that we have a NEW spot for our weekly sketch challenge - OCC Sketch Blog, that way our sketch is always at the top. Everyone is invited to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

We are starting a NEW month over at the OCC, which means we have a NEW hostess, Linda Coughlin. This week Linda has challenged the OCC to a masculine Valentine card/project. The challenge is to create a card/project for the men in our lives, a significant other, Dad, Brother or friend. We can’t wait to see where your inspiration will take you this week!!

Nothing fancy but I created this for my DH. For the colors, I used Kraft, white, close to cocoa and real red. The background was stamped using the block stamp from SU and then I embossed it using my Scor-Pal. The heart was added using my heart Nestabilities and tag. To finish off my card, I added the cord and four hearts for our four children. I can not tell you how nice it was to create a card in less then 10 minutes.

Before I go, I have to share with all of you that I got my tickets for the A-Ha concerts in NY this May. I am SO excited to see them in concert and hopefully I will even get my picture taken with Morten!! As of right now, they only have 4 concerts scheduled, two in NY & two in CA - I consider myself to be VERY lucky that I got my tickets!! Have a wonderful weekend!

NEW Sketch Blog for Our Creative Corner Sketches & Sample

2010-02-04T01:00:00.000-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by! I am SO excited to announce that we have created a NEW Blog for our weekly sketch challenge. We need a little more room on the OCC so we created the Blog so our sketch for the week is always at the top. Everyone is welcome to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

For my sample, I used a NEW digi set by Stamps and Smiles called Life is Like a Box of Chocolates. As you can see by the layout, I used a color combination of chocolate chip, close to cocoa, real red & white. The border was created using a punch by Martha Stewart. For fun, I used my Scor-pal and added some fun dots. To finish off the card, I added some ribbon along with some stitching using my Janome sewing machine.

Here is a close-up. The image was printed out and colored up using my Copics. Crystal effects was add to the chocolates. Can you tell the CE is not all the way dry? LOL

Here is today's Sketch - OCCSC1. Since we are starting a fresh Blog, we will start our sketches fresh too! Please stop by the OCC Sketch Blog to see the samples by the Design Team. Have a fun day!!

Stamps and Smiles Project Tuesday - CD Case

2010-02-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

Hello - today’s project is for this week’s challenge over at Stamps and Smiles - Project Tuesday. This week we are making a CD case. We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

I created my cd case to hold images from Hannah's Valentine party. I decorated the the front using Martha Stewarts Valentine paper. A pocket was added to hold a heart which is where I will add a picture of Hannah. Stitching was added to all of the layers and to finish it off, I added some ribbon.

On the otherside I added a border using my EK Sucess punch. I then printed out a NEW image by Stamps and Smiles called Be My Valentine - Cuppy. The image was colored up using my Copics and I then used my oval Nestabilities to cut it out. It turned out so cute, I will be making one for her teacher so she can remember class of 2022 - now I feel old!!

Before I go, just wanted to update you about dad... He is doing great - he thanks you all for thinking of him!! Please enjoy your week and don't forget to stop by the Stamps and Smiles – Project Tuesday page, The Design Team have some really fun samples to show you!!

Our Creative Corner - Music Challenge

2010-01-30T05:00:00.011-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by!! Today's card is for this week's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. This week our January host, Joycelyn Turner, has challenged the OCC to a Music Challenge - create a card/project using music as your inspiration! We can’t wait to see where your inspiration will take you - we warmly invite you to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

For my sample, I created something fun for my favorite music group A-Ha. For those that follow my Blog know that I LOVE Morten and can you believe they have not toured the United States since 1985?!?! Guess what, they are coming back to tour for their 25th year Anniversary - WHAAAAAAATTTTT!! So here's to you A-Ha - I totally adore you and LOVE all that you do - see you soon!! XOXO

Before I go, I would like to thank all those that stopped by yesterday - Dad is doing VERY well and is on his way to a speedy recovery! Hugs to you all!! Don't forget to stop by the OCC to see the other wonderful samples by the Design Team. Have a fun weekend and thanks again for stopping by!

Enjoy the video, it's one of my favorites!!

Starbucks Cookie Holder - Project & Tutorial

2010-01-29T01:10:00.001-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by!! Before I begin with my tutorial, I would just like to tell you that Starbucks is making it easy for you to donate to Haiti Earthquake Relief effort. Walk into any Starbucks stores across the U.S. and Canada, No purchase is necessary, and 100% of the donations will go to the Red Cross. You can even donate with your loaded Starbucks Card. The Starbucks Foundation will join your support by donating one million dollars (U.S.) to the American Red Cross in support of this effort.

Now grab your coffee, tea, hot chocolate and let's get started...

I am making my project for my dad, he is having surgery today on his left hand. A few months ago he had surgery on his right hand for carpal tunnel and now he is getting his left hand done. So to cheer him up, I made him a fun treat! While I was at Starbucks the other day, I noticed some parfaits filled in the SB cups and thought of this fun idea. So before I left, I asked for some cups and filled them up with homemade cookies. Attached to the project, I added a Starbucks gift card.

Cookie recipe/Toll House Cookie recipe:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups of Nestle Toll House - Semi Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 cup chopped nuts

Here are the instructions for my Starbucks Cookie Holder:

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial, if you make one of these, be sure to link it here so I can check it out! Have a wonderful weekend, see you tomorrow with my OCC sample!

Stamps and Smiles Sketch Challenge - SASSC50

2010-01-28T05:00:00.003-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by today!! My sample for today is for this week's Sketch Challenge "SASSC50" over at Stamps and Smiles. We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.
On my sample I used more of this beautiful Valentine paper by TPC Studio called Little Lovin' - Hearts all Over. I used a NEW image by Stamps and Smiles called Love Birds. The image was colored using my Copics and cut out. Stitching was added on each of the layers and for fun, I created a pocket on the heart where I added a removable mini heart & sentiment.

Have a fun day and don't forget to visit the Stamps and Smiles & Our Creative Corner Blogs to see the wonderful samples by the Design Team using this sketch layout!! See you tomorrow with a fun project & tutorial.

Stamps and Smiles Project Tuesday - Wiper Card

2010-01-26T02:00:00.000-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by! Today’s project is for this week’s challenge over at Stamps and Smiles - Project Tuesday. This week we are making a wiper card . We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

For my design I used more of my favorite paper by Martha Stewart - I LOVE it and can't get enough of it!! I printed out the NEW digi set by Stamps and Smiles called Love Birds. The image was colored using my Copics. This NEW digi image by Stamps and Smiles is one of my favorites you can order this NEW set here.

Before I go, I would like to thank all those that stopped by & played along with us during our NEW digi release! Enjoy your week and don't forget to stop by the Stamps and Smiles – Project Tuesday page, The Design Team have some really fun samples to help inspired you!!

TONIGHT - Stamps and Smiles Blog Hop 8 - 9 pm CST

2010-01-23T19:59:00.016-06:00

Hello & welcome to the Stamps and Smiles Blog Hop! We would like to thank all those that stopped by and participated this week! Play along TONIGHT 8 - 9 pm CST for a chance to win the entire digi release!! Each of the DT members have a special giveaway too, be sure to stop by for a chance to win!!Our Love Birds have a note for you. Figure it out and one lucky winner will win the entire Digi Release. Have fun on the Hop! Here is the order of stops, just in case you get lost:
Next Stop - Jennifer Stricker

Want to win this NEW digi? Leave me a comment and I will announce the winner on Tuesday, January 26th. Have fun on the Blog Hop & thanks for stopping by!!
The NEW Stamps and Smiles Valentine release will be available for purchase at 9 pm CST. Please visit the Stamps and Smiles store to shop. Save an extra 15% Now - February 15th on this NEW digi release!!

Here is a fun project I created using the NEW Digi set by Stamps and Smiles called Love Birds. Directions will be posted this coming week!

Stamps and Smiles - Last Day of Previews - BLOG HOP TONIGHT 8 PM CST

2010-01-23T04:00:00.000-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by! We are on our last day of sneak peeks for the Stamps and Smiles Valentine release. We would like to thank all those that participated & played along, we had a blast! Don't forget that our Blog Hop is tonight 8 - 9 pm CST, join us for a chance to win the entire release! This FULL release will be available for purchase TONIGHT at 9 pm CST at the Stamps and Smiles store.

This is the last set to be previewed called Love Birds. This set contains 9 images and 7 sentiments. Please stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog to see the wonderful samples by the Design Team.For my samples today, I used this week's sketch challenge over at the Our Creative Corner. Please stay tuned, I have a matching project you won't want to miss. I will post it tonight during our Blog Hop! As always, with any of our challenges, we warmly invite you to play along & feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

Have a fun day & we hope to see you TONIGHT at our Blog Hop - 8 pm CST. Don't forget to stop by the OCC to see the samples by the Design Team.

Stamps and Smiles Valentine Release - Day 3 - Be My Valentine - Carl

2010-01-22T02:00:00.000-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by! For those stopping by for the first time, we are on day 3 of the Stamps and Smiles Valentine Digi Release. These sneak peeks will continue until Saturday, January 23rd. Our Blog Hop will follow from 8 pm - 9 pm CST.
Want to win the NEW digi down below... Play along in today's game for a chance to win. Carl just left the flower shop but they are out of flowers until tomorrow. The DT have some flowers to give to Carl, collect them on the DT blogs and then email us your answer. Don't forget to sign your name with Mr. Linky and add challenge after your name. The winner will be announced on Saturday, January 23rd. I have 4 flowers to give to Carl. If you get lost, please stop by the Design Team Blogs:
Cindy Burgess
Jennifer Stricker
Kim Gruetzmacher
Lisa Cook
Lisa Foster
Rose Frydrych
Rose Miller

This is the third digi set being sampled called Be My Valentine - Carl. It has 3 images & 6 sentiments.

Here is a quick project I created. Hannah wants to have a cupcake party, I thought it would be fun to decorate the box and the container of frosting. Matching invites will be posted shortly - stay tuned!!
Have a fun day & don't forget to stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog, the Design Team have some wonderful samples using this NEW digi set. See you tomorrow with more sneak peeks!!

Stamps and Smiles Valentine Release - Day 2 - Life is Like a Box of Chocolate's

2010-01-21T02:00:00.000-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by! We are on day 2 of Stamps and Smiles Valentine Digi Release. We have a game for our readers, play along for a chance to win this NEW digi set.

Carl just left the candy shop and ALL of his chocolate's are missing... Please help Carl find his missing chocolates, visit each of the Design Team's Blogs and collect the missing candy. Let us know how many chocolates you find and email us your answer. Don't forget to sign your name with Mr Linky here, so we can easily keep track. Carl found 2 pieces on my Blog!

Just in case you get lost, here is a list of the Design Team:
Cindy Burgess
Jennifer Meyer
Jennifer Stricker
Kim Gruetzmacher
Lisa Cook
Lisa Foster
Rose Frydrych
Rose Miller

Here is the second digi set being sampled called Life is Like a Box of Chocolates. This digi set measures 4 x 8. It has 4 images and 13 sentiments.

For my card sample today, I followed the Stamps and Smiles Sketch layout. We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.
Since I still had some scraps near by, I quickly put this project together & filled it with Valentine candy! I hope you have enjoyed the samples, please be sure to stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog along with the OCC for more inspiring samples.
See you tomorrow with more sneak peeks! Have a fun day!!

Stamps and Smiles Valentine Release - Sneak Peek's - Day 1

2010-01-20T05:00:00.009-06:00

Hello Everyone!! Stamps and Smiles is having their next Digi Release & just in time for Valentine's Day!! The samples by the Design Team will run thru Saturday, January 23rd followed by our Blog Hop - 8 pm CST. All images will be available for purchase after the Blog Hop at 9 pm CST.

During the next few days, you will see samples using each of the 4 NEW digi sets, along with some some fun games for you to play along with. Please stop back all week for a chance to win. We also have a FREE Digi - Please stop by the Stamps and Smiles store for the FREE digi download. Available now - January 23rd.

Blog Hop - Please join us on Saturday night, January 23rd from 8 pm - 9 pm CST. Grab the banner on the side bar and place it on your blog, one lucky winner will win a FREE stamp set of their choice from the Fall/Winter release or the FULL Digi Release. Don't forget to sign your name with Mr. Linky HERE so we can easily find you.

Here is the first set being sampled called Be My Valentine - Cuppy. This digi set contains 10 images. For my samples, I used some NEW paper by Pink Paislee called Bow & Arrow. For my first sample, I covered a box of conversation hearts with a layer of white cardstock and then some of this NEW paper. Stitching was added and I just ruffled the edges. My card was created using more of this yummy paper - I LOVE it! The images were printed and colored up using my Copics.

Have a wonderful day and don't forget to stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog, they have created some wonderful samples using the NEW Digi set!! See you tomorrow with a fun game & giveaway!!

NEW Digi Release & Giveaway

2010-01-19T01:00:00.001-06:00

Hello & Thanks for stopping by! Stamps and Smiles is having their next digi release. Samples will start tomorrow, January 20th - Saturday, January 23rd & our Blog Hop will follow at 8 pm CST. FREE Digi now - January 23rd ~ CLICK HERE

Please stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog for the FULL details, we have samples, games & giveaways!! Want to win the entire release - TWO WAYS TO WIN!!! Post our Blog Hop banner on your blog and one lucky winner will win the entire release or Play along with our Blog Hop - January 23rd from 8 pm - 9 pm CST.

I will be uploading my project for Project Tuesday a little later today!! Have a fun week and don't forget to stop by the Stamps and Smiles – Project Tuesday page, The Design Team have some really fun samples to help inspired you!! See you tomorrow with the first set of sneak peek's!!

Our Creative Corner - Color Challlenge & Giveaway

2010-01-16T05:00:00.013-06:00

Happy Saturday & thanks for stopping by!! Today's card is for this week's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. This week our January host, Joycelyn Turner, has challenged the OCC to a Color Challenge - Blue & Green - any shade, any number of hues.

Play along with us this week and one lucky winner will win a $25 Gift Certificate from Totally Stampalicious. They just released TWO new stamp sets so be sure to play along and post your creation right here using Mr.Linky for your chance to win!

For my card layout, I used a NEW image by Stamps and Smiles called Valentine Bunny. This image is available to purchase at the Stamps and Smiles store. I used some paper by SU called summer picnic. The image was printed on white cardstock and cut out using my oval Nestabilities. I colored up the image using my Copics and paper pieced the blanket. Hearts were then added along with glitter to the trim of the blanket. To add some detail to the heart, I added crystal effects.

Please stop by the OCC to see the other samples by the Design Team. Have a fun weekend and thanks again for stopping by!

Stamps and Smiles Sketch Challenge - SASSC48

2010-01-14T02:00:00.000-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by!! Today's card is for this week's Sketch Challenge over at Stamps and Smiles. Every Thursday our sketch is posted on The Fresh Batch and Our Creative Corner. Please stop by to see the wonderful samples and to play along - feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

For my card layout, I used a NEW image by Stamps and Smiles called Valentine Bunny. This image is available to purchase at the Stamps and Smiles store. I created the heart border using a punch by Martha Stewart and the paper is also by Martha Stewart. After I printed out my image, I colored it up using my Copics. Crystal effects and glitter were added to the image. To finish off my card, I added some ribbon and a tag.

Please stop by the challenges blogs to see the wonderful samples by the Design Team's. Here are the links: Stamps and Smiles & Our Creative Corner. Have a fun day and I will see you Saturday with a fun project.

Project Tuesday - One Sheet Box

2010-01-12T01:00:00.000-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by! Today’s project is for this week’s challenge over at Stamps and Smiles - Project Tuesday. This week we are making a one sheet box . We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

For my box, I used my Scor-pal. After scoring your lines, use a bone folder and really fold the lines. When putting the box together, turn the box on the 8 1/2" side. Fold both the left and right on the 11" side into the piece on the 8 1/2" side. I would of taken pictures but I can't spend a ton of time on my post today, Hannah is sick with pneumonia again. If done right, the box will look crisp and will stand flat.

I decorated my box using a NEW image from Stamps and Smiles called "Love You". This image is available to purchase at the Stamps and Smiles store. After printing the image, I colored Cuppy up using my Copics. The balloon was printed again and popped up, crystal affects was added to give it even more dimension.

Before I go, I would like to announce the winner for my twine giveaway. Congratulations to Sue from Oregon. Please email me so I can get your goodies off to you. Have a fun week and don't forget to stop by the Stamps and Smiles – Project Tuesday page, The Design Team have some really fun samples to help inspired you!! See you Thursday with a fun sketch challenge.

Our Creative Corner - 3D Challenge

2010-01-09T02:00:00.006-06:00

Happy Saturday! Today's project is for this week's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. This week our January hostess, Joycelyn Turner, has challenged us create something 3D. For fun, I created a Box in a Bag to hold my homemade chocolate spoons (Recipe: melt chocolate chips and dip your spoons in melted chocolate, add more chocolate chips and put into the freezer. In just a few minutes it will set around the spoon. Wrap & decorate). This project was so quick and easy that I made two! We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

Here are the directions for this project along with some fun samples. I created my bags using some fun paper by TPC Studio called Little Lovin. I used a NEW images by Stamps and Smiles called Latte & Smiles. The image was printed and colored using my Copics. I added a heart along with some glitter by Martha Stewart. This project took less then 15 minutes to create.

Want to win some fun twine? Guess what I did to my project, I will announce the winner on Tuesday, January 12th.

Thanks so much for stopping by, please don't forget to visit the OCC, the Design Team have put together some wonderful samples to help inspire you. Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by!!

Stamps and Smiles Sneak Peek - Jollyland & Winter Sentiments

2010-01-08T01:00:00.001-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by!! This is day two of Stamps and Smiles Winter Digi Release. We have to sets to showcase - Jollyland & Winter Sentiments. These NEW sets will be available for purchase at 8 pm CST.Each month we print out a NEW calendar for Hannah & Jake to color up. This year, I created a template in Photoshop and added SAS images. Here is Hannah's masterpiece. I created a Blog for Hannah to store her special cards and projects. Feel free to stop by and let her know what you think of her calendar.

Here is a project I created a couple of weeks ago. Please stop by the Stamps and Smiles blog, the Design Team have some fun samples to show you.

See you tomorrow with a fun challenge for Our Creative Corner! Have a wonderful weekend.

Sneak Peek - Latte & Smiles & SAS Sketch Challenge - SASSC47

2010-01-07T03:00:00.000-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by!! Stamps and Smiles has a NEW digi release and samples start today! This NEW set is called Latte & Smiles and will be available to purchase tomorrow night at 8 pm CST.

Want to win this NEW digi? Leave your name with Mr. Linky on the Stamps and Smiles blog and add “latte” after it. The winner will be announced on Friday, January 8th.

For my card layout, I used this week's sketch from Stamps and Smiles - SASSC47. I sized up my image and printed it out on some fun paper I got at Archivers called Little Lovin' by TPC Studio. I then decided to create this box along with a simple thank you card (Don't tell anyone but I had to fill my center with chocolate chips, I ran out of coffee). LOL

Please stop by the Stamps and Smiles blog, the Design Team have some really sweet samples to showcase this NEW digi set.

Before I go, the OCC has added a NEW sketch Design Team. Please stop by and see the team, along with the samples for today's SAS Sketch Challenge. We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies! Have a fun day & I will see you tomorrow with another fun digi set!!

Special Announcement & Project Tuesday Sample - Notecard Box

2010-01-05T03:00:00.000-06:00

Hello & thanks for stopping by!! Today’s project is for this week’s challenge over at Stamps and Smiles - Project Tuesday. This week our January host, Karen Wilson, has challenged Project Tuesday to create a 3 x 3 Notecard Box. This makes a wonderful gift and can be given all year long!! We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

Special Announcement - This Thursday & Friday, Stamps and Smiles has another fun digi release. Please stop by the Stamps and Smiles Blog for some fun sneak peeks and giveaways!!

For my box, I used an NEW image by Stamps and Smiles called Be Mine. The image was printed out and colored up using my Copics. To make the image pop, crystal affects was added to each of the cupcakes whip and glitter was added around the oval. I followed the instructions on the box but decided to add some score marks to give it a waffle look. The lid was created using some NEW supplies by Martha Stewart. This SAS image will be available Friday at the Stamps and Smiles store.

Inside the box, I added some crinkle paper along with some mini cards I picked up at my local Michaels store.

Before I go, I thought I would share a picture our our sunset yesterday! It was so pretty and the picture really did it justice!! Thanks for stopping by, don't forget to stop by the Stamps and Smiles – Project Tuesday page, The Design Team have some fun samples to help inspire you!! See you Thursday with some fun sneak peeks and a giveaway!

Our Creative Corner Challenge - Clean & Simple

2010-01-02T02:00:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year everyone!! Today's card is for this week's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. This week our January hostess, Joycelyn Turner, has challenged us to a clean and simple challenge. We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

For my sample, I used a stamp set by SU called Sweet Centers. I stamped the base of the balloon in chocolate chip and popped it up over an embossed piece of cardstock using my hearts embossing folder by Cuttlebug. Using my heart Nestabilities, I punched out three white hearts and three red hearts and glued each of the hearts together. I then glued the three hearts together and added it to the popped up balloon base. Bakers twine was added to each side of the balloon along with a fun loop above. Clean, simple and easy! I hope you were inspired by my card today.

Before I go, I would like to announce the winner for the bakers twine giveaway. Congratulations to Mary Lou, please email me your addy so I can get your goodies off to you.

Thanks so much for stopping by, please don't forget to visit the OCC, the Design Team have put together some wonderful samples to help inspire you. Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by!!

Stamps and Smiles Sketch Challenge SASSC46 & Giveaway

2009-12-31T02:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and thanks for stopping by! This is my last post of the year and it's for this week's challenge Sketch Challenge - SASSC46 over at Stamps and Smiles. I want to thank you all for a fun blogging year, I wish you all a wonderful new year blessed with good health and LOTS of happiness!! As you know, we post a two challenges during the week, Project Tuesday our our weekly sketch challenge - we warmly invite you to play along.

On my sample today, I am using NEW images from Stamps and Smiles called Latte & Smiles. This NEW set will be available the beginning of 2010. Please stop by Stamps and Smiles for more details and don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss a thing!!

The images were printed out on kraft cardstock and then ink was added to give it a warm glow. To finish off my card, I popped up the cup and added some bakers twine by Martha Stewart. I ordered mine from Two Pea's in a Bucket. Here is this week's sketch layout, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

Want to win some of the twine I used on today's card? Leave me a comment and I will announce the winner on Saturday, January 2nd. Thanks so much for stopping by, don't forget to stop by the Stamps and Smiles blog to see the wonderful samples by the Design Team. Have a wonderful New Year - see you in 2010!!

Project Tuesday - Mini Scrapbook

2009-12-29T01:33:00.005-06:00

Hello everyone! Before I show you my samples for Project Tuesday, I would just like to thank you all for the wonderful Birthday wishes yesterday! I had a wonderful day and even got to go on a date with hubby later that evening! Here is a picture of me and my four children: Brittney, Nick, Hannah & Jake oh and my VERY yummy Birthday cake!!This week over at Project Tuesday we are making mini scrapbooks. I will be sending my book to my sister in California who we don't get to see very often! Miss you Julie :) We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.
Please stop by Stamps and Smiles to see the other creative samples by the Design Team. Have a fun week, see you Thursday with our weekly sketch challenge.

Have a fun day and stay safe!!

OCC Challenge - Food or Drink

2009-12-26T01:14:00.007-06:00

Hello and thanks for stopping by... I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!! We have been super busy here but a I took a few minutes and stamped up a quick card for today's challenge over at Our Creative Corner. This week our December host, Jenny Gropp, has challenged us to incorporate a food or drink into our card or project layout. We warmly invite you to play along, feel free to use your favorite stamps and supplies.

For my sample, I used a NEW image from Stamps and Smiles called Hot Chocolate - this NEW image will be available in the NEW year. After printing out the image, I colored it up using my Copics and added some glitter. This card can be used for a fun winter design - quick, simple and fun!!

Thanks so much for stopping by, please don't forget to visit the OCC, the Design Team have put together some wonderful samples to help inspire you for the holidays! Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs & Smiles...

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2009-12-24T05:00:00.001-06:00

Wishing you a Christmas abundant in God's blessings... rich in the joy of others... warm in the presence of love! God Bless you at Christmas and in the New Year!

I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. LUKE 2:10,11

Merry Christmas!