... 'Til the Cows Come Home

Happy Monday, crafty stampers ... hope your weekend was long and fabulous!

Today I'm participating in SCS's "Ippity Stamps Blog Hop" ... so, welcome to my blog Ippity fans! For all of the Ippity-Hoppity deets, clicky HERE. To visit the Ippity challenge blog, clicky HERE.

For my simple card, I used stamps from Ippity's "Simply Home" stamp set:

To add some dimension to my card, I stamped my cute l'il cows twice, cut out one set, and popped 'em up over the original stamped images. So easy, even I could do it!

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all of the heart-pounding product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooooo, this weekend Sheila invited us over for her (in)famous "Eggs, Eggs, and More Eggs," brunch.

Sheila was cooking when we arrived, so I mosied on into her kitchen. I was standing around, trying to look cute appear useful whilst actually doin' nothing, when her DH appeared and started chatterin' like a crazed magpie:

"Careful, careful! You're cooking too many at once. Too many! Scramble them! Now! And we need more butter ... they're going to stick! Careful, Sheila! Now scramble them again. Hurry up! Are you crazy? Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. Use the salt! The SALT!"

As my jaw went slack and my eyes bugged out, I discovered I was speechless. As for Sheila, first she turned bright red ... and then smoke started pourin' outta her ears ... and then she got right in her DH's face and yelled, "Just what the hell is wrong with you?!?"

Her DH calmly replied, "Oh, nothin', I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm driving."

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Busy Beauties: Anything Goes
• City Crafter: Button and Bow
  
• Crafty Ho's: Anything Goes
• Create 4 Fun: Black, White, and One
• Etsy Inspired: How Beadyful (My Tuxedo Bobby Pins)
• Fussy and Fancy: Sketch (A Kinda Loose Interpretation!)
  
• KAH-Wink-E-Dink: Six of Something (Six Stamped Cows)
  
• Oh, Alice: My Muchness (Signature Style - Clean & Simple)
• Pile It On: Quirky
• Pixie Dust Studio: Punch It Out (Button Punch)
• Speedy the Cat's Friends: Buttons and Bows
  
• Wee Memories: Punch It (Button Punch)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: All Stamps from "Simply Home" Stamp Set by Ippity Stamps
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Gingham Ribbon; Waxed Linen Thread
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Die; Button Punch; SAMJ, Stampin' Dimensionals, and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Top-Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

Simply Sweet ...

TGIF stampin' paper-hoarders and welcome to the weekend! And, since it's finally another Friday, it's time for another "Stamp Simply" challenge!

This week, our challenge comes to us from Jenny Gropp. Jenny wants us to create a card or a project featuring something SWEET ... a cake, cupcake, or candy! It can be a stamped image, patterned paper, or an embellishment ... whatever you have in your stash that fits the theme.

I sweetened my card by using a 'sweet' sentiment ... and a cute l'il 'cupcake' brad:

Please join us this week! When you've completed your sweet project, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery, then visit Sharon's blog, located HERE, to link up your project in Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime142" so that we can find your project.

Don't miss the fabulous sweet projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Sharon Johnson, Our Fearless Leader: No Time to Stamp?;

Janine Orchard: 2BKrafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover., and our talented guest designer for the month of June,

Julia Aston: Create with Me.

We can't wait to see your SWEET creations!

Sooooooooo, yesterday Sheila, Reid-the-Wild-Child, and I picked up Sheila's dumb-as-dirt crazy sister, Jill, and drove out west to pick up some citrus trees. On the way, we stopped by the Triple R Ranch to look at a Quarter horse that Sheila is crushin' on.

While we were in the barn, the Wild-Child picked up a rope and started waving it around.

"Look Aunty Jill, I'm a cowboy and this is my lasso. I'm gonna saddle up my horse now and go catch a cow." Reid said.

"That's all well and good, but exactly what do you plan on using for bait?"

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me ... hope you have a fabulous weekend!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• A Spoon Full of Sugar: Celebrations
• Ai Factory: Anything Goes with a Punch/Die-Cut
  
• Ann's Creative Nook: Red, White, and Blue
  
• Color Chef Challenge: Light Blue/Dark Blue/Red/White
• Corrosive Challenge: What's Cookin'?
  
• Fun to Stamp: Metal (Cupcake Brad)
• Gingersnap Creations, Random Redhead: Quotes
  
• Magical Crafts: Metal Madness (Cupcake Brad)
  
• One Stitch at a Time: Something New (Cupcake Brad)
  
• Stamp, Scrap and Doodle: Red, White, and Blue
  
• Sunday's with Chrissy: Layers
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Real Red" and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Sassafrass Lass
• Stamp: River City Rubber
• Ink: "Real Red" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Cupcake Brad Pitt
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Square Die; Corner Rounder by WRMK's; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

So Jazzed for You!

Happy Thursday crafty stampers!

Today's card project was created for no-good reason using a cute stamp from Studio G and not much else:

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all the jazzy product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooo, recently Sheila's DH, Ken, was the Best Man in his brother's wedding. Yesterday when I stopped by Shelia's, she had to show me the 'Best Man' gift that had arrived for Ken.

Sheila pulled me into the family room and nudged me toward the bookcase. There on a shelf sat a simple but elegant silver mug.

Unfortunately, the engraver made a teensy-tiny mistake as the mug read, "Best man once, a bother forever."

Thanks so much for stopping by today ... I really appreciate your visits!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• 365 Cards, Day 95: It's So You
• Allsorts: Black and White and One Other
• Cinema Saturday: Ferris Bueller's Day Off ("Wake up and smell the coffee, Mrs. Bueller")
  
• Corrosive Challenge: What's Cookin'??? (Coffee)
  
• Crafty Cardmakers: Least (Yellow) and Most (Black)
• Delightful Sketches: Texture
  
• Etsy Inspired: Sunshyne Silverware (Daydream in Yellow)
  
• Just Us Girls: Dry Embossing
• Meljen's Designs: Dry Embossing
  
• Oh, Alice: Swirls
  
• Paper Playtime: Groovy (Sentiment)
  
• Stempeltraume: Swirls
  
• Tuesday Taggers: Touchy Feely Texture
  
• Totally Stampalicious: Inspiration, Sex and the City (Coffee Shop)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Basic Black" and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Thrift Shop" Collection by October Afternoon
• Stamps: Coffee Cup by Hampton Art for Studio G; Sentiment by Verve Visual
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Black Satin Ribbon
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Square Dies; A2 Embossing Folder; Stampin' Dimensionals by Stampin' Up
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

CAS-tastic Focus on Sentiments

Happy Stump Day, hampers ... and welcome to another fantastic CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge!

This week, the fantastic CAS-tastic team is focusing on sentiments:

To play along ... and we hope that you do! ... simply create a clean and simple card focusing on the sentiment of your choice.

Upload your project to your blog or online gallery and link your post to the CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge blog, HERE, by 9:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, June 8, 2010. Please mention that you're playing in the CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge on your blog post. One random winner will be chosen to receive a fabulous prize from this week's fantastic CAS-tastic sponsor, "Your Next Stamp."

Be sure to submit your link to the "Simply Linked" widget on the CAS-tastic Wednesday blog ... and if you upload your project to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please be sure to use Keyword: "CWC006" so we can find your project.

Be sure to check out the fabulous cards posted by the fantastic CAS-tastic design team:

Agata: Under Construction;

Angie: Angie Cortes Designs;

Barbara: Paper Pursuits;

Bonnie Rose: A Life Unrehearsed;

Karen: The Bald Dragonfly;

Maylee: Maylee's Creative Corner; and,

Regina: Scrap Creations by Regina.

We can't wait to see your sentimental cards!

Sooooooooooo, yesterday was Sheila and Ken's wedding anniversary. The official celebration is this weekend, but I couldn't let the day pass without stopping by to wish them a happy anniversary.

"What do you love most about me," Sheila asked Ken, "my tremendous mothering and homemaking skills or my superior intellect?"

"What I love most about you," Ken responded, "is your incredible sense of humor."

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Aly's Sunday Sketch: Bows and Ribbon
• One Stitch at a Time: Use Something New (Ribbon)
• Party Time Tuesdays: Anything Goes Birthday
• Really Reasonable Ribbon: Masculine / Ribbon
• The Crafty Pad: Masculine
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamp: Hampton Art by Studio G
• Ink: "Old Olive" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Natural Silk Ribbon from the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Label Dies; Stampin' Dimensionals by Stampin' Up
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

You're so Sweet My Teeth Ache

Happy Tuesday, hoarding card-makers ... hope your long holiday weekend was fantabulous!

Today's card project was created for my "You're So Sweet" card stash using stamps from SU's "Trendy Trees" stamp set and lots of different shades of pink:

A l'il bright, huh? And I just realized that looking at this card makes my teeth hurt ... hurry, look away!

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all of the sweeeeeet product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooooo, yesterday after the parade Sheila and her family and the DH and I went to our community center for the Memorial Day ceremonies. On the way, Sheila explained to Reid-the-Wild-Child that he would meet some local veterans there.

"But what should I say to them?" Reid asked.

"Oh, just start by introducing yourself," Sheila replied, "then ask what branch of the military they served in."

Later at the meet-and-greet, a veteran came up to chat with us and Reid made sure to introduce himself to the gentlemen.

And then the Wild Child asked, "So, what tree are you from?"

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• My Time to Craft: Vivid Greeting Cards
• Quirky Crafts: Girly-Girl
  
• The Pink Elephant: Gotta Wear Shades
• Timbroscrapmania: Pink
• Totally Papercrafts: Monochromatic
• Tuesday Throwdown: Trees and Nature
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Melon Mambo" and "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Retired, Stampin' Up
• Stamps: Tree Parts from "Trendy Trees" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up; Sentiment by PTI
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" and "Melon Mambo" Dye Inks by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Square Dies; Rick-Rack Die; SAMJ by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

Simply Patriotic ....

TGIF stampin' peeps and welcome to the long holiday weekend! And, since it's finally another Friday, it's time for another "Stamp Simply" challenge!

This week, our challenge is a "Flying High and Proud" color challenge. This weekend marks the beginning of the Memorial Day Weekend here in the U.S., a time we remember and honor those who have so bravely and proudly served our country. Realizing we have blog readers that span the globe, today our challenge is to make a card or other project using the colors of your country's flag. The project can be patriotic in nature, but it's not necessary.

When you upload your creation, PLEASE tell us your Country and your flag's colors.

Sooooooo, since I'm an American and my flag colors are red, white, and blue:

Please join us this week! When you've completed your patriotic project, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery, then visit Sharon's blog, located HERE, to link up your project in Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime141" so that we can find your project.

Don't miss the fabulous, patriotic projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Sharon Johnson, Our Fearless Leader: No Time to Stamp?;

Janine Orchard: 2BKrafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover., (Barb is on hiatus this week), and tonight we're saying goodbye to our wonderful Guest Designer for May,

Teresa Kline: Enjoy the VA Sunshine.

Sooooooooo, yesterday afternoon Sheila and I teamed up to do some grocery shopping for the long weekend. After we'd gotten all the groceries packed away in the trunk, I noticed a stream of fluid pouring from the bottom of Sheila's car.

Sheila turned red, white, and blue then got on the phone to call her DH to come rescue us. After leaving messages at his shop, on his cell phone, and back at her house, he finally called back and promised to come save us.

When he arrived twenty minutes later, he immediately got down on the ground to check the leak. After a few minutes, he popped back up and said we were good to go.

"Are you sure? Absolutely sure? I don't wanna break down somewhere between here and home." Sheila asked.

"Oh, I'm sure," he answered, "it's apple juice."

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me ... have a fabulous holiday.

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• ABC Challenge: "V" is for Vintage ('Vintage' Vogue Stamp Set)
• Crafty Creations: Favorite Stamp (Vintage Vogue Set by Stampin' Up)
• Diva Coffee Break Designs: Color Challenge
  
• Fresh Brewed Designs: Red, White, and Blue
• Pixie Dust Studio: Going Round and Round (Brad, Flower)
• Res-Q Challenge: Red, White, and Blue
  
• Sentimental Sundays: Get Well
• Theme Thursday: Beauty (Beautiful Stamps)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Real Red" and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Patterns Pack III by Stampin' Up
• Stamp: Sentiment from PTI; Flowers from "Vintage Vogue" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Night of Navy" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Red Brad Pitts by American Crafts
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Dies; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

Sweet Memories

Happy Thursday, crafty stampers!

Today's card project was created using stamps from Elle's Studio's "Sweet Summer" collection. I won 'em ... and lots of other fun "Sweet Summer" goodies ... on Jennifer McGuire's blog, Jennifer McGuire, Ink.

There's something about clean polymer acrylic that makes me wanna get all dirty with 'em:

KWIM? I'm lovin' these cool flower stamps ... and that fontalicious sentiment! For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all of the sweet product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooo, Sheila's certifiably insane wacky sister, Jill, took a part-time job at Macy's. Apparently she knows something about dressing men, because she was assigned to the Men's Department. And we thought she only knew about undressing men ... go figger.

Anyway, last night, Sheila and I decided to stop by and harass see her.

When we arrived in the Men's Department, we found Jill helping ... and I use the term loosely ... a customer:

"I'm wanting a tie that would make my boyfriend's blue eyes really stand out," the woman explained.

"Well, I really shouldn't tell you this," Jill responded, "but any tie will make blue eyes stand out if you tie it tight enough."

Thanks so much for swingin' by ... hope you have a fabulous day!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• 365 Cards, Day 86: 1 Image/1 Sentiment/1 Embellishment/No DP
• Inktegrity Design Team: Sketch
• Inky Impressions: F.L.O.W.E.R.S. (F=Flowers / O=Pearls)
• Nutty Nutshells: Polka Dots (Flower Petals)
  
• Sew Many Challenges: Anything Goes
  
• Stamp Something: Two Somethings (2 Stamps/2 Colors)
• The Corrosive Challenge: Clean and Simple
  
• The Secret Crafter: No Patterned Paper

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Soft Suede" and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: "Sweet Summer" Stamp Set by Elle's Studio
• Ink: "Bermuda Bay" and "Soft Suede" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Color Medium: Copic Markers
  
• Accessories: White Pearls
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rick-Rack Die (Leftovers); SAMJ by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

CAS-tastic Color Challenge

Happy Stump Day, hampers ... and welcome to another fantastic CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge!

This week, it's a color challenge and the fantastic CAS-tastic team is creating Clean And Simple cards featuring a 'Touch of Green.'

Here's a look at my 'touch of green' card:

To play along ... and we hope that you do! ... simply create a clean and simple card using just a touch of the color green.

Upload your project to your blog or online gallery and link your post to the CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge blog, HERE, by 9:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, June 1, 2010. Please mention that you're playing in the CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge on your blog post. One random winner will be chosen to receive three digi images of their choice from this week's fantastic CAS-tastic sponsor, "Squigglefly."

Be sure to submit your link to the "Simply Linked" widget on the CAS-tastic Wednesday blog ... and if you upload your project to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please be sure to use Keyword: "CWC005" so we can find your fabulous touch-of-green project.

Be sure to check out the a-mazing, b-eautiful, and c-olorful cards posted by the fantastic CAS-tastic designers:

Agata: Under Construction;

Angie: Angie Cortes Designs;

Barbara: Paper Pursuits;

BonnieRose: A Life Unrehearsed;

Karen: The Bald Dragonfly;

Maylee: Maylee's Creative Corner; and,

Regina: Scrap Creations by Regina.

We can't wait to see your "Touch of Green" cards!

Soooooooo, I was hangin' out in Sheila's kitchen yesterday with her DH, Ken, while she was leafing through one of her magazines:

"A new survey has found that one-third of all married women with pets say their animals are better listeners than their husbands." Sheila read aloud.

"Did you say something?" her DH asked.

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• 365 Cards, Day 85: Flora and Fauna
• Allsorts: Tag or Label
  
• Challenge Up Your Life: Recycling (Tag Has Been Flipped & Reused)
  
• Creative Inspirations: Distressed (Bird)
• Daisy Doodles: Anything Goes / Digital Image
• One Stitch at a Time: Furry (and Feathered) Friends
• Speedy the Cat's Friends: Animals
  
• Stampin' for the Weekend: Cheer Someone Up
• The Crafty Pad: Over the Edge (Leafy Branch)
  
• Wee Memories: The Sky's the Limit
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Basic Black" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Making Memories
• Stamp: Sentiment Stamp by PTI
• Digital Image: Heaven's Gate Designs
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Mini Tag by Stampin' Up; Leafy Branch, Unknown
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Label Die; Dotted Embossing Folder; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

A Quick Preview of the Year Ahead ...

Happy Tuesday, hoarding card-makers!

I ♥ the 'Order of the Opus Gluei' gals and their humorous take on ... everything! Today's card project was created for the Gluei's "Seasonal Icons" challenge. If you're not familiar with the Opus Gluei challenge blog, you can check 'em out HERE.

After spending an hour and a half trying to incorporate the theme of 'four seasons' into one CAS card, I finally gave up and took the easy way out ... and created a card using "The Seasons" stamp set by Hero Arts.

Can we shorthand it? Here's the highlights of the upcoming year:

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all the exciting product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooooo, yesterday I was hangin' out with Sheila when Reid-the-Wild-Child came home from school.

Stuffed in his lunchbox was a note from the Principal, advising all parents of an upcoming Drug Abuse Resistance Eduction program.

"Reid, do you understand what this is all about? Do you have any questions?" Sheila asked.

"No, I know: they're gonna teach us to stay away from cigarettes, beer, and marinara."

Thanks so much for stopping by ... hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Order of the Opus Gluei: Seasonal Icons
• Pile It On: Out of the Box (Stamp Set Came In a Box - I Took 'Em Outta the Box)
• Secret Crafter: No Patterned Paper
  
• Sew Many Challenges: Anything Goes
• Stamping Vacation: Clear As Mud (Icons Represent the 'Star' of the Season: Spring Flowers/Summer Sun/Fall Leaves/Winter Snow)
  
• The Crafty Calendar: The Great Outdoors
• Totally Stampalicious: The Dreaded Man Card
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: "The Seasons" Stamp Set by Hero Arts; Sentiment by PTI
  
• Ink: All Dye Inks by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Square Die; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Top Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

A Red, White, and Don't-Be-Blue Birthday ...

Happy Monday, crafty stampers ... hope your weekend was fabulous!

Today's card project was created for my birthday card stash using a patriotic color scheme and a large, swirl-infested sentiment stamp.

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all the fascinating product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Soooooooooo, this weekend Sheila and I decided to do a little mall-crawling. And we decided to go w-a-y downtown to do so.

Concerned about theft, Sheila removed the GPS system from her car and stuck it in her bag when we got there.

We immediately popped into Lord & Taylor and while there, the GPS came alive and a voice stated, "Lost satellite contact."

We weren't at all embarrassed until a woman turned to Sheila and said, "Your ankle bracelet monitor is talking to you."

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• C.R.A.F.T.: Celebrate / Birthday
• Crafty Ann's: Lots of Color
  
• Crafty Creations: Encouragement / Celebration
• La-La Land Crafts: Birthday Wishes
• Lots to Do: Flourishes and/or Swirls
  
• Meljen's Designs: Seeing Spots
• Our Daily Bread Designs: Focal Sentiment
  
• Stamp Something: 2 of Something (Card Stock/Words/Colors)
• The Crafty Pad: Over the Edge (Ribbon)
• The Creative Cottage: One for the Boys
  
• The Pink Elephant: Sketch (A Loose Interpretation)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Real Red" and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Patterns Pack III by Stampin' Up
• Stamp: Unknown Sentiment (Unmounted)
• Ink: Night of Navy Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Navy Blue Satin Ribbon
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Die; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Top Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

Simply Gone Askew ...

TGIF hoarding card-makers! And, since it's finally another Friday, it's time for another "Stamp Simply" challenge!

This week, our challenge is "Gone Askew." Simply place your focal image(s) 'askew' on your card. No trying to center it or mat it perfectly; this week, it's all about off-center, misaligned, or outta whack. What could be easier!?!

Here's my "gone askew" card:

Why not join in this week? Creating a "gone askew" card is fast ... and fun! When you've completed your "askew" card, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery, then visit Sharon's blog, located HERE, to link up your project in Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime140" so that we can find your project.

Don't miss the fabulous, off-center projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Sharon Johnson, Our Fearless Leader: No Time to Stamp?;

Janine Orchard: 2BKrafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.; and our talented guest designer for May,

Teresa Kline: Enjoy the VA Sunshine.

Soooooooooo, yesterday Sheila and her deranged nutty sister, Jill, stopped by to say 'hey.'

While we were yakkin' it up, Sheila asked Jill if she was planning on attending our Church's Folk Mass this coming Sunday.

"Naw, I haven't gone to Mass in such a long time," she said. "Besides, it's too late for me. I've probably already broken all seven commandments."

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me ... hope you have a fantabulous weekend!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Creative Inspiration: Punches or Die Cuts (Heart Punch)
  
• Die Cut Dreams: Lace It Up
• Incy Wincy Designs: Blast From the Past
  
• Moe Joe Designs: Sketch (A 'Loose' Interpretation )
• S2G: Home Sweet Home / Color: Shades of Brown
• Shelly's Images: White Background Paper - No DP
  
• Sisterhood of Scrap: Shades of Brown
  
• The Secret Crafter: Metal
• The Three Muses: Relationships (Siblings)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Other Paper: Corrugated Cardboard; Vintage Photo
  
• Stamps: "Definition" Background Stamp by Stampin' Up; Library Card Stamp by Maya Road
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; "Pumice" and "Old Paper" Distress Inks by Ranger; "Chestnut Roan" Chalk Ink by Clearsnap
• Accessories: Crocheted Lace Ribbon; Metal Library Clip from Hodgepodge Hardware Kit by Stampin' Up; Metal Key Brad; Metal Photo Corners
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rick-Rack Die; Large Heart Punch by Stampin' Up; Tombow Mono Multi Glue from Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

Plucky Plush Panda in a Pickle ...

I ♥ me some alliteration ...

Happy Thursday, crafty stampers!

Today's card project was created for the current Digi Kitty Challenge. This challenge is a "progressive" challenge: as long as you keep playing, you'll continue to receive free digital stamps. A no-brainer, yes?

I created my challenge entry using one of the cute l'il panda images from their "Panda Skies" digital stamp set:

I wasn't goin' for this bonus effect, but doesn't this l'il guy look a little ... terrified? It's those wiggle eyes .. they add a lot of terror for so little money!

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all of the heart-pounding product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooooo, I was hangin' out at Sheila's last night when she got a phone call:

"Omigosh, 7 pounds 5 1/2 ounces!?! I'm sooooo proud and happy for you!" Sheila said.

After she hung up I asked, "Who ... and boy or girl?"

"Barbara. Neither. Diet." Sheila said, short-handin' it.

Thanks so much for swingin' by today ... I'll be back tomorrow with this week's "Stamp Simply" challenge!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• A Spoon Full of Sugar: Cute and Girly
• Digi Doodles: Ribbon / Digital Image
• Doodle Palace: 3-D
  
• Etsy Inspired: Creation Designs (Fabric Hearts)
• Order of the Opus Gluei: Healthy: Fun Outdoor Activities; Wealthy: That's a LOT of Balloons; Wise: That Terrified Look
• The Crafty Calendar: The Great Outdoors
  
• The Digi Kitty: Panda Skies Challenge
• Your Next Stamp: Cut It Out and Pop It Up
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Basic Black" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Patterned Paper: Digital File by Hot Flash Designs
• Stamp: Sentiment by PTI
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Digital Image: "Panda Skies" Set by The Digi Kitty
• Color Medium: Copic Markers; Sharpie Paint Pen
  
• Accessories: Wiggle Eyes; Vintage Seam Binding; 1/8" Eyelet
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Tiny Tags Die; Tombow Mono Glue, Stampin' Dimensionals, and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

CAS-tastic One-Layer Card

Happy Stump Day, Hampers ... and welcome to another fantastic CAS-tastic Wednesday!

This week, the fantastic CAS-tastic team is creating Clean And Simple one-layer cards. To play along ... and we hope that you do! ... simply create a clean and simple card using a single layer. If you're uncertain, the definition of a one-layer card is a single piece of card stock folded in half.

Upload your one-layer project to your blog or online gallery and link your post to the CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge blog, HERE, by 9:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. Please mention that you're playing in the CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge on your blog post. One random winner will be chosen and will receive a $15.00 Gift Certificate from this week's fantastic CAS-tastic sponsor, "Busy Beauties Boutique."

Be sure to submit your link to the "Simply Linked" widget ... and if you upload your project to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please be sure to use Keyword: "CWC004" so we can find your fabulous one-layer card.

Be sure to check out the a-mazing 1-layer cards posted by the fantastic CAS-tastic designers:

Agata: Under Construction;

Angie: Angie Cortes Designs;

Barbara: Paper Pursuits;

Bonnie Rose: A Life Unrehearsed;

Karen: The Bald Dragonfly;

Maylee: Maylee's Creative Corner; and,

Regina: Scrap Creations by Regina.

We can't wait to see your one-layer cards!

My CAS red, white, and blue card was created for my DS ... a proud Seabee ... who served in the U.S. Navy for six years. I'll send him this for Memorial Day; he digs the color combination ... and, as he likes to say, "these colors don't run."

Sooooooooooo, yesterday, when I described this card and it's purpose ... and repeated the "these colors don't run" sentiment to Sheila's brain-dead wacky sister, Jill, she said, "Oh, yes, they do ... and I have a drawer full of pink underwear to prove it!"

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Crafty Ann's Challenge: Anything Goes
• Glenda's Random Amusing: Use Twine (In Button)
• Just Us Girls: Red, White, & Blue
  
• Ooh La-La Creations: Bright and Cheerful
  
• S2G Twisted Thursday: Home Sweet Home (USA)/Ribbon
  
• Stamp Something: Celebrate Something (Memorial Day)
• Stamp TV: Red, White, & Blue
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamp: Sentiment Stamp by Heidi Swapp; Star by Stampin' Up
  
• Ink: "Night of Navy" and "Real Red" Dye Inks by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Vintage Button; Vintage Bakery Twine; 1/2" Red Satin Ribbon
• Tools: SAMJ by Stampin' Up; Corner Chomper by WRMKs; Mini Glue Dot by Mini-Glue Dot
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Fly Away L'il Notarized-Document Birdie!

Happy Tuesday, Hoarding Card Makers!

Today's Clean and Simple card project was created for my down-in-the-dumps BFF using a fun digital image:

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all of the heart-pounding product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooooooo, Sheila's brother's wife, Denise, is pregnant and expecting a bouncing baby boy this summer. Yesterday Sheila, Reid-the-Wild-Child, and I went by Sheila's SIL to drop off some of Reid's old baby clothes.

"Aunty Denise, you're getting fat!" Reid observed.

"Yes, honey, but remember Aunt Denise has a baby growing in her tummy." Denise explained.

"I know, but what's growing in your butt?"

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me! I'll be back tomorrow with this week's fantastic CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Anne's Creative Nook: Round and Round We Go (DP)
• BasicGrey Challenges: Punch It (BG Paper: "Offbeat" Collection)
• Cute Card Thursday: Someone Special (BFF Needs Cheerin' Up)
• Dare U 2 Dig Stamp: Anything Goes / Digital Image
• Inktegrity Design Team: Sketch (Rotated 180)
  
• Pile it On: Photo Inspiration
• Pixie Dust Studio: Cut It Out (Bird)
  
• Practical Scrappers: Patterned Paper
  
• Shelly's Images: Anything Goes / Digital
  
• The Crazy Challenge: Something New (Martha Stewart Border Punch)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: BasicGrey
• Digital Image: Heaven's Gate Designs
  
• Stamp: Sentiment from "Whimsical Words" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Leaves Die by Sizzix; Border Punch by MS; A2 Embossing Folder by Provo Craft; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Top-Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

Shhhhh ... I'm Watchin' Paint Peel

Happy Monday, Craftologists ... hope your weekend was long and lovely!

Today's card project was created with the current Play Date Cafe Challenge, PDCC29, in mind ... among others. I love to participate in this challenge as the color schemes are always fantastic ... and unusual. And this week is no exception ... here's a look at the inspiration photo:

WoWzA, you don't see this color combination every day ... or do you?!? 'Cuz you'll never guess what this photo is: it's an intense close-up of peeling paint. Who knew it was this exciting to look at paint peeling?!? W-a-y more fun than watching paint dry ... For all of the challenging deets, please visit The Play Date Cafe Challenge blog located HERE.

I tore my stash apart looking for something in that shade of lime green and was astounded to discover I had nothing. Well, we won't let a l'il thing like that stand in our way! I used something as close to that lime green as possible ... the mat behind the bunch of tulips:

A few l'il details: the tulip thingie is an ancient sticker from Paper Bliss, the ribbon is vintage seam binding, the edge of the tulips were colored with a pale blue Copic marker, and the flourish was cut from vintage wallpaper.

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all of the amazing product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooooo, this weekend, Sheila's DH, Ken, was reading to us from the Palm Beach Post. He does this a LOT and it's kinda annoying ...

"Says here that the Department of Agriculture has decided to set new, stricter salmonella standards for poultry." Ken read to us.

"Well, Lord knows I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure the standard should just be 'no salmonella allowed'." Sheila replied.

Thanks so much for visiting today ... I really appreciate it!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• ABC Challenge: 'U' is for 'Unused' (Paper Bliss Tulip Sticker)
• Clearly Delightful: Blue and Green
  
• Crafty Catz: Petals and Pearls
• Drunken Stampers: Scraps (Tulips; I Can't Get Rid of This!)
  
• Fairy Fun Friday's: Flowers
  
• Meljen's Designs: Flowers & Blooms
• Paper Make-Up Stamps: Three Flowers
  
• Res-Q Challenge: Superfoods (Kiwi: Color)
  
• The Play Date Cafe Challenge: Color
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: White by PTI; "Garden Green" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Pale Blue From "Periphery" Collection by BasicGrey
• Other Paper: Vintage Wallpaper
  
• Stamp: Sentiment by PTI
• Ink: "Garden Green" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Color Medium: Copic Marker (B0000)
• Accessories: Tulip Sticker by Paper Bliss; Vintage Seam Binding; Flat-Back Pearls
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Die; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

Simply Sketchy ...

TGIF, crafty stampers! And, since it's another fabulous Friday, it's time for another fabulous "Stamp Simply" challenge.

This week, "Stamp Simply" team member Jennifer Buck created a sketch for us to follow. It's a fun one and we can't wait to see all the creations it inspires! Here's a look at Jen's sketch:

There's nothing like a great sketch to jump-start your creativity! Here's a look at the 'thank you' card I created following Jennifer's sketch:

Please join us this week! Create anything you'd like following this fun sketch. When you've completed your sketchy project, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery, then visit Sharon's blog, located HERE, to link up your project in Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime139" so that we can find your project.

Don't miss the fabulous sketchy projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jennifer Buck: The Buck Stamps Here; (Sadly, this will be Jennifer's last week with us as she's decided to lighten her load of commitments and spend more time with her family. We'll miss you, Jennifer, and we'll be praying for you and your Mom! To read Jennifer's post, clicky HERE.)

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Sharon Johnson, Our Fabulous Leader: No Time to Stamp?;

Janine Orchard: 2BKrafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.; and our fabulous Guest Designer for May,

Teresa Kline: Enjoy the VA Sunshine.

Sooooooooooo, yesterday I stopped by Sheila's and found her and her whacked-out fun sister, Jill, lounging by the pool sipping frosty blender drinks and reading celebrity magazines.

"So, listen to this: Tyra Banks is writing a new series of kids' books. Like, hello? Tyra Banks?!?" Jill exclaimed.

"Oh, sure," Sheila responded, "It's prolly gonna be similar to Kate Moss' book, 'Green Eggs and Crack.'"

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me ... have a great weekend!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• 365 Cards, Day 73: Tri-Colored
• City Crafter: Color Challenge
• Crafty Ann's: Anything Goes
• Etsy Inspired: Lindsay Brackeen (Cat Kitten Girl Print)
  
• For Fun Challenge: Use a Real Stamp
  
• Glenda's Random Amusing Challenge: Die-Cuts
• La-La-Land Crafts: Anything Goes
• Splitcoast Stampers, CC270: Melon Mambo, Soft Suede
  
• Stampaholics 10 Minute Challenge: Inspiration
  
• Stampavie and More: Pink
  
• Whoopsi Daisy Challenge: As You Like It
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Soft Suede" and "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Patterned Paper from the "Bloom & Grow" Collection by My Mind's Eye
• Stamps: Stamps from the "Trendy Trees" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Melon Mambo" and "Soft Suede" Dye Inks by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Square Dies by Spellbinders; Rick-Rack Die by PTI; Stamp-a-Ma-Jig by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

A RAK to Share ...

Happy Thursday, Crafty Stampers ... hope your week is flyin' by!

Today I have a beautiful ... and delish ... RAK to share with you. I received this stunning card AND these yummy Tazo teas from my dear bloggin' friend, Allison from Stampin' When I Can. I love everything about this card ... the fab DP, that gorgeous stamp, the great color palette, and those wonderful l'il pearls. It's my new-favorite-Allison-card ... and it's mine, all mine!

I've been havin' a pretty rotten week, so this envie full o'wonderful came at just the right time ... hmmm, it's almost like you knew, Allison!?!

I'll be back tomorrow with my "Stamp Simply" challenge post. And if you don't already, please be sure to visit Allison's blog. Allison's blog is kinda 'Ground Zero' for all of Stampin' Blogdom. Clicky HERE to visit Allison's wonderful ... and too-much-fun! ... blog.

Thanks so much for droppin' by today ... see y'all tomorrow! And thanks again, Allison!

~Hugs,


Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE