Monday Morning Greetings!!

Well, good morning friends! Welcome to another Monday, which means the start to another work week. (insert sigh here, lol) We're heading for a long weekend though, so that's good news! Oh, and the kiddies are back to school next week too...how on earth did the summer go so quickly?? I don't have a card to show you today, but just wanted to pop on to share a few things with you.

Did you enter my current BLOG CANDY?? Check out THIS post for a chance to win some Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!

Ok, I have to apologize as I'm a little late in posting a lovely blog award that I received from two very thoughtful stamping friends! I am so grateful to both Mary Lou and to Robin for thinking of me. I was so touched...thanks so much ladies! Take a look:

There are a few rules that go along with this blog award:

1. Thank the person (or in my case "people") who sent you this award.

To both Mary Lou and Robin....THANK YOU LADIES!!!! You have just brightened my day, and I truly appreciate you both...not just because you thought to send this along my way, but for your continued encouragement and support through all your lovely comments.

2. Post the award on your blog.

Done. :)

3. List three things about yourself:

• I love to read.
• I love to draw, although seldom find the time for it.
• I treasure my family...my supportive and loving husband Dean, our 17 year old son Nathan and our 10 year old daughter Ainsleigh.

4. Post a picture you love.

Thought I would share a picture that Dean took of our daughter Ainsleigh from her ballet recital this past June. Ainsleigh is often a "guest" on my blog, as she is one of the Junior Krafty Girls for Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps. She always joins us with a lovely creation on our release day blog hops. She loves anything art-related, but dance has been a passion for her since she could walk. We just love to see her up on stage...even her 17 year old brother comes out to support her! (I love that Nathan will sit through recitals to shows his sister he cares...even though we know it's not his "cup of tea", lol.) He always greets her with a hug and words of encouragement after a performance...and sometimes even a rose. Love my kids!!

5. Pass this award on to five friends.

Oh, it's so hard to narrow it down, as I can think of so many deserving stampers (and I hate to leave anybody out), but here you go:

• Amanda
• Krista
• Maria
• Rach
• Sharon

Oh, and Mary Lou currently has some fabulous Blog Candy...check it out on this post HERE!! I'll also be putting up a link to her candy in my sidebar.

Well, that's about if from me today! I hope you have a wonderful Monday, and I hope to see you back this Friday for a brand new challenge from Wags 'n Whiskers Stamps!

Blessing friends, and thanks so much for stopping by!

Melanie

Pearly Whites (oh, and I've got CANDY!!)

What a week! We have been so incredibly busy at work. Let me just say that I am thrilled it's the weekend at last! (although, our family has a lot on the agenda for the weekend, so it's bound to be busy too.) Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of spending most of the day stamping and colouring with some lovely gals. Kimmie, Andrea, Angie, Amanda and I were all invited over to Amy's brand new studio. What a fantastic space Amy has...I was just a tad jealous! lol My stamping space is my kitchen table! We all coloured to our hearts' content, and shared more than a few laughs! It was a great day, and we hope to do it again sometime soon.

Make sure to read to the end of my post, as I've got some CANDY to give away to one lucky stamper!!

One of the images I worked on last Sunday was for this week's challenge at the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Blog! The lovely Jeanne Streiff is your hostess this week, and her challenge is called "Pearly Whites"...so make sure to include the colour white and some pearls on your creation this week!

I pulled out one of my favourite Annie Rodrigue stamps, "Marie Antionette". I LOVE colouring this image! Just look at that skirt...I bet she has to turn sideways to fit though doors! lol In keeping with that vintage feel that I love, I decided to go with a creamier white for the accents on her dress. I also sponged all white cardstock with Antique Linen Distress Ink. That pretty punched border was cut with Spellbinders Classic Lace Borders Grand...I've been after this die for a LONG time, and picked it up last weekend at one of my favourite local stores, Skribbles and Scraps. The papers on this card are all from the Basic Grey Capella collection...I absolutely love these papers. I used some flat backed pearls from the dollar store.


The image was stamped on Neenah cardstock with Memento Ink and coloured with Copic markers. She was cut out and popped up on foam squares. Now, I believe Marie's little birdie friend is a raven...but I needed a bit more white on my card to fit in with Jeanne's challenge. So, I attempted to make him look more like a white pigeon...just pretend with me, ok? lol Oh, you'll notice that Marie also has some pretty pearls in her hair...just perfect for the challenge.

Copics: Skin E0000, E000, E00, E11, R20 Hair: E50, E31, E33, E35, E37, E59 Dress: B91, B93, B95, B97, B99, E50, E41, E43, E47

We'd love to have you join in with Jeanne's challenge this week. Make sure to use a Kraftin' Kimmie stamp (find them HERE) on your project, and you could be the lucky winner of the stamp Jeanne used on her card this week! For some inspiration, go check out the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Blog to see the gorgeous projects by the rest of the Krafty Girls and our lovely Krafty Guests!

Just a quick reminder to register soon for the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Event on September 25, 2010...space is limited and tickets are going fast! Check out THIS post for details. I sure hope to see you there!

Ok, are you interested in some BLOG CANDY??? I have been offering blog candy throughout the month of August as an expression of thanks to all the lovely folks who stop by my blog and leave such sweet comments. I appreciate each and every one of you! So, how would you like to get your hands on a couple of gorgeous Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps? Take a look:

If you would like to be the very happy winner of "Nerissa" and "Snow White", then just leave a comment on this post by September 3, 2010 at 11:59 EST. I will announce the winner next Saturday along with our next Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge. I'd like to say a great big THANKS to KIMMIE for generously donating these stamps! Good luck stampers!

Thank you so much for stopping by today. Have a wonderful Saturday, and I hope you find some time to get inky this weekend!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps "Marie Antoinette"

Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, Basic Grey Capella

Ink: Memento, Copics, Distress Ink (Antique Linen and Stormy Sky)

Embellishments: Pearls

Tools: Spellbinders Classic Lace Borders Grand

IT'S HIGH HOPES RELEASE DAY!!!

The candy is now closed. Check in at the High Hopes blog (link below) later today to see who the big winners are!! (Edited on January 23, 2010)

Today is the day you have been waiting for stampers!! It's release day for the Dustin Pike stamps at High Hopes Stamps!!! If you have been following the High Hopes Blog, you know that the Divas have been bringing you sneak peeks of the new stamps over the last few days. Well, today we are having a BLOG HOP to celebrate...and there are prizes to be won!! Want to know what you could win?? One lucky stamper will win the grand prize of an entire set of the new release!! There will also be three other winners chosen to win a stamp package!! That's FOUR prizes in all, so make sure to leave comments on each Diva's blog along the way!

If you arrived at my blog from the talented Karen's blog, then you are on the right track!! If not, the HOP starts over at the High Hopes Blog! You will find the order of the hop listed there!

Today, I am showing you a card featuring the stamp "Sir Dustin". This is one of my favourites from the new release!! I also used one of the brand new sentiments from this release..." I may look tough and on "attack", but it's good to know you've got my back!" One thing I always struggle with is making cute boy cards. I LOVE that this new release has many stamps that will be fantastic for making masculine cards!! Of course, they can always be "girlied" up too!!



Check out the look on the little knight's face!! Priceless! lol Not sure he's thrilled to have a dragon backing him up! These images are just so much fun to colour...and the quality of rubber is fantastic! You will have no problems achieving a nice sharp image. I stamped, as always, on Neenah cardstock and coloured with my Copic markers.

Have you picked out your favourites yet?? You still have several Divas to visit, and your next stop is the amazing Jeanette. She is sure to have something gorgeous for you to see! In case you get lost along the way, here's the order:

High Hopes Blog
Amy L
Danielle
Jeanne
Sirpa
Nikki
Karen
Melanie
Jeanette
Amy W
Lacey
Alex
Michelle

The candy will close Friday 22, 2010 at 8:00 pm EST, so make sure you leave those comments!! You could be the winner of one of the four fantastic prizes !!


So off you go!! You can check out the online catalogue over at High Hopes Stamps. There are links there and on the High Hopes Blog for retailers who will be carrying the new release(look for the little hippo on the right side of the page)!! Several of our Divas have online stores too...so no excuses!! Find a store nearby or get online and order yours now!! The sooner you order, the sooner you can be stamping!!

Have a blessed day!

Melanie

Stamps: High Hopes "Sir Dustin", "I may look tough and on attack, but it's good to know you've got my bakc!"
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers
Paper: Neenah, Basic Grey, Bazzill, (not sure of the company of the metallic cardstock)
Embellishments: Flat-backed rhinestones (Walmart)
Tools: Spellbinders Circles, Scalloped Circles, Fancy Tags

Exciting News From High Hopes!!

Hold on to your seats stampers!! High Hopes has officially announced their next release and their new artist...none other than Dustin Pike!! If you are not familiar with his work, please stop by his blog to check it out!





I can't wait to show you what I've been working on with these fantastic new images. I know the other Divas are bursting to show you their creations too! Well, the wait won't be long now!

This Sunday, the Divas will be bringing you cards with this brand new release on the Challenge Blog!! The sneak peeks will continue on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday January 20, 2010 is the BIG RELEASE DAY!! We are having a blog hop to celebrate this new release!! Oh, I can hardly wait!

What would a new release be without the chance to win??? Well, here are the details on some amazing candy being offered by High Hopes...you will also find this (along with the blinkie) over on the challenge blog!!

Do you want to win a package bursting with new release stamps? Of course you do :-) Then we would love you to help us spread the news about our blog hop and release on Wednesday January 20, 2010.

To be entered into the draw:

1. Grab our blinkie from the sidebar and place on your blog.

2. Tell your friends about the news, blog hop and release on January 20th.

3. Become a follower of this blog if you aren't already ;-) You don't want to miss out on the fun and there will be tons of prizes along the blog hop!!!

4. Leave a comment on this post with a link to your blog post sharing our news.


The contest ends 8pm EST (Midnight GMT) on January 22nd!!

Good Luck!!!

I can hardly wait!! I hope you all are excited too...see you Sunday!

Melanie

Reminder of the Blog Hop for Humble Pie!

This candy is now closed. Thanks to all who played, and stay tuned for the announcement of the big winner!

Good morning everybody! Did you miss the big blog hop yesterday for The Town Scrapper's new stamp line?? You can still get in on all the fun. Hope over to Phebe's where you will find all the details regarding rules, and links to the designer's blogs! You don't want to miss out on this. Phebe is offering up some tremendous candy as a grand prize! She is such a generous lady! Check it out:

Included in this awesome grand prize:

THIRTEEN Sweetie Pie Halloween Humble Pie Stamps!
Witch Maggie
Super Bat Boy
Haunted House
3 Jack-o-Lanterns
1 Large Pumpkin
Broom
Bat
Cobweb Spider Lamp, and
3 Halloween Sentiments!
A complete 4-pack of circle-shaped Spellbinders Nestabilities
The Robin’s Nest Dew Drops – in 3 colours
6 pieces of 6×6 BoBunny’s 2009 Halloween Line of Patterned Paper
6 pieces of Co-Ordinating Bazzill Cardstock
Pebbles Chips printed and glittered chipboard pieces in various shapes
We R Memory Keepers Designer Eyelets & Snaps – Halloween

And, that’s STILL NOT ALL! There’s a second prize, too!!!

Second Prize:

Stamped images of the above Sweetie Pie Halloween Stamps
6 pieces of 6×6 BoBunny 2009 Halloween Line of Patterned Paper
6 Pieces of Co-Ordinating Bazzill Cardstock
Pebbles Chips printed and glittered chipboard pieces in various shapes

My goodness...don't miss out on this! You will kick yourself! Remember, these brand new Sweetie Pie stamps are exclusive to the Town Scrapper. Go visit Phebe in Petrolia, or give her a call at 519-882-0623. Her email is info@townscrapper.com.

As a side note, I would like to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to everybody who has left me get-well wishes! You are all so sweet, and I really do appreciate you taking the time to leave your comments. Again, sorry I don't have a project to post...but I do hope to have some for next week! While you are here, feel free to have a look at my older posts.

I hope you all have a wonderful week...and good luck on the prizes!

Blessings,

Melanie

Humble Pie Stamp Release

Hello everyone! All the members of Phebe's design team are participating in a great blog hop today with fabulous prizes to celebrate the release of the new stamp line. Sadly, I am sitting today out as I am recovering from some unexpected surgery this week. I hope to have some projects to post next week featuring these images.

So off you go to Michelle's and then to Carla's . The ladies have all designed some fantastic projects for you to look at!

Have fun today folks!

Melanie

No card today...but a link to some great blog candy!!

Hi all. The beginning of September is always so busy! Everything gets back into full swing, and it is quite an adjustment to find my groove again! I have had NO time to stamp, sniff sniff. Hopefully I will sneak in a few minutes this week.

However, I am posting today to let you know about some fabulous blog candy up for grabs over at my friend Amy's blog. She is celebrating 10, 000 hits on her blog!! Let me tell you...this candy is HUGE! She is one talented lady! Go visit her blog, and plan to spend a while looking at all her creations. Congrats Amy!!!

That's all for now. Hope to be back in a couple of days with something to show you!

Melanie

The Town Scrapper's Sweetie Pie Blog Hop #2!

This candy is now closed. Thanks to all who played!

Welcome to our second Humble Pie Stamps blog hop!! We are so excited to introduce the new “SWEETIE PIE” line, and the Humble Pie Design Team to you!!
My blog is the fourth blog (of 5) before you get to Phebe’s/The Town Scrapper's blog. Each designer is offering blog candy, so make sure to join in the fun! If you participated last week, you will get to double your chances to win!

I was just blown away by all the lovely comments left last week. Thank you all so much for your kind words! It is my plan to visit all blogs represented on those comments! Thanks as well to those who joined as followers!

Here are all the designers participating in this week's blog hop (blop!). It isn’t absolutely necessary to do the blop in this order, but it is important that you visit every blog, and leave a comment on every blog, in order to be eligible to win a prize.

Kim
Amy
Krista
Melanie (you are here!!)

Phebe

Today, as part of our second Blog Hop, I am offering up another chance to win the Chrysanthemum Fairy stamp. As a second prize, I will be offering some printed images of Maggie (from last week's card), and I might just throw in a couple of embellishments! Remember...this stamp is not yet released! (but will be soon!) I'll even print her on Neenah cardstock...so you can use Copics to colour!

I am thrilled to be a part of the Humble Pie Stamps Design Team!
Today, I thought I'd show you a card I made with the Chrysanthemum Fairy stamp that is up for grabs as blog candy from the design team. She is so pretty, and so suitable for adding lots of bling! It is my humble opinion that you cannot make a card featuring a fairy and not have lots of sparkle! Who doesn't love a card with lots of sparkle?? Here she is:

She was stamped on Prism Simply Smooth cardstock...another of my favourites!...and coloured with Copic markers. The card base is DCWV, and the design paper is all My Minds Eye. I sparkled her up with Stickles (love my Stickles!), Stardust pens and a Copic Spica pen. I really wish that the glitter would show up more in the picture...trust me, it really does sparkle! This image is also terrific for layering. I stamped her wings, skirt and the flower a second time so that they could be popped up for dimension. Here is a close-up of the image:

The new Sweetie Pie images will be available for purchase only at the Town Scrapper ! We are taking pre-orders now, so if you want to be sure to get your stamp, give Phebe a call, (519-882-0623) or send her an email... info@townscrapper.com .

What do you think? Wanna know how to win my blog candy prize? Leave me a comment today on this post to let me know you were here, that you did the hop and that you want to be entered to win this scrappy prize from me. You are only eligible if you comment here before 11:59 p.m. (EST) Tuesday, August 25. I will pick and announce two winners on Wednesday (one from last week, and one from hop #2!). Thank you for joining me on the hop today. Be sure to make your way to the next blog - Phebe's which is your next stop. Don’t forget to leave a comment…you must comment on each blog to be eligible for a prize.

Thanks again for taking time to look in! God bless you all today!

Melanie