A Non-Traditional Valentine...

Hey, everyone!

Today I'm here w/ a fun post using NON-Traditional Valentine's colors for Ribbon Carousel.com's challenge today brought to you by our fabulous DT sister, Suzanne!

I love this challenge and think you will, too!

Today we are combining forces with Paper & Such and a $15 gift certificate is up for grabs to a luck winner this week!  Paper & Such JUST opened in May 2011 and they have some SUPER cute stamps so check them out!

I made this card for my DH for Valentine's day using some pretty Authentique paper and the words couldn't be more true.  We have been through everything together and just like I feel towards the kids- I don't think I could love him more and then I do.  The sentiment is from Verve Stamps and the rose trim I think *may* be out of stock right now at RCC but check out all the other fabulous things I found here! ;)

sorry for the bad pic- I am rushing through my day but wanted to get this posted! Shhhh!  don't tell DH ;)

Well, your day just won't be complete until you visit the Ribbon Carousel CHALLENGE for the rest of the deets on today's challenge- and also, PLEASE visit the amazing group of ladies that make up our Ribbon Carousel DT.   I can't even tell you how much I enjoy these girls and their lovely creations...they have heart and soul and they just plain rock!  Links on my sidebar... seriously- go see what I mean- I adore them <3

See you back here on Thursday, everyone!

xoxo,

Hi everyone!  It's Tuesday and time for another fun Ribbon Carousel.com challenge!

This week, Laurel is inspiring us with this gorgeous Pinterest photo:

And to make it even more fun, our sponsor this week is Whimsie Doodles!

Here’s a little about our sponsor:

Whimsie Doodles is so excited to be sponsoring the new challenge! In March of 2009 Melyssa Connolly, artist and owner, began turning her whimsical hand-drawn images into digital files for sale online. Whimsie Doodles' digital stamp line features images that range from cute little boys and girls, to punny stuff, and everything in-between. We enjoy sharing lots of samples on our company blog, where we also post challenges and tutorials.

We are huge fans of Melyssa here at the RCC! And can you guess why? Aside from the fabulous designs and amazing artwork from the Whimsie Doodles team, Melyssa is the designer of the carousel in our logo! The prize this week is One (1) winner will receive a $10 Gift Certificate to the Whimsie Doodles Online Store.

And just for participating, Whimsie Doodles is giving a special offer to you! Use the discount code (Ribbonrocks) at the Whimsie Doodles online store and receive 10% off your next order! Code is good until February 8, 2012.

SO, here's my card today using this fun Snowman Cocoa image:

I didn't have any dark brown cardstock so in keeping with the inspiration photo, I used kraft and aqua :)   I added some fun liquid appliqué for the hat and marshmallows ;)

Be sure to check out the RCC blog for all the details on how to play, and visit the Ribbon Carousel STORE, too!  I used the awesome May Arts Jute/Burlap Twine in NATURAL and you can get that for an AWESOME price at the RCC store!

See you tomorrow, everyone!
xoxo,

When you just have to say....

TODAY STINKS.

ha!

Well, not really...however, the flu bug has hit the Diedrich house and so far it's Mom and Ava down for the count :(   Little peanut had a 102.4 temp under her arm yesterday (which, are we still adding a degree these days?  I think we are- but nevertheless- it was HIGH!) and Mom has chills.

This is going to be a CRAZY. busy. week.

SO bear with me- cuz I might be here and there until next week.  The kids seriously have like 5 parties this week between school, dance, etc., a basketball game, Girl Scout cookie kick-off party, and oh yeah- I gotta get better ;)  Yikes!

Today's RCC33 challenge on the Ribbon Carousel blog made me pull out some twine and I have to say the sentiment makes me SMILE.   Today our teammate Danielle Daws  (LOVE her CAS style, btw!) has issued us a SUPER fun Twine Challenge today and Divine Twine is sponsoring a prize of 2 full spools to a lucky winner!

Be sure to check out the RCC blog for all the details.  Here's my card...and the story behind it today:

 I made this card for a friend of mine that I met at the beginning of this year.  Her daughter is in Ava's kindergarten class and she's our Girl scout leader and also is the reason I signed up to be a 31 consultant :)  She is a consultant too and also happens to make the CUTEST headbands, neck warmers (which is totally nuking waiting for me as I type!), ornaments, all kinds of cute personalized stuff.   Her name is Elizabeth and I am so, so excited that I finally met someone here in the neighborhood to hang out with who actually crafts, too!   Seriously- her stuff is SO cute- check out her Facebook Page and you might even recognize one of her little models ;)

We had to reschedule plans TWICE last week due to work stuff, sick kid stuff, etc. and then it just so happened that Friday we were talking on the phone and she said "are you busy"?  Well, we both are busy. Crazy busy.   But stir crazy too- LOL  So I said "hmm, no?"  LOL  and then the "let's do lunch" idea bloomed. (oh, and a spur-of-the-moment trip to Hobby Lobby where you 'accidentally' pass a Starbucks on the way ;) 

Anyway- as soon as I grabbed my UNITY Kit from November I knew it was the perfect card and tried to honor Danielle's CAS (Clean and Simple) style.

Thanks so much for stopping by today and seriously- check out not only the Ribbon Carousel store but also my friend's "Bees Knees" page!  See you soon!

xoxo,

RCC 31: Gettin' colorful on the Farm...

Hi, everyone!

I'm back with another fun RIBBON CAROUSEL challenge today!

The fabulous Stephanie Muzzulin is challenging you to Color our World!  Neutrals can always be used, but be sure to keep with Stephanie’s palette of Kraft, Red and Brown as your inspiration.  I threw in a little neutral blue and some fun DP just for fun and attempted to keep it clean w/ the HUGE red glittery star but ended up w/ a little bit all over myself as well, LOL!

This week we are honored to have The Greeting Farm back as our sponsor!

The Greeting Farm will be giving one lucky random winner a choice of 4x6 rubber stamp set or one of their fabulous new clear acrylic stamp sets!

 

I used the ever-so- awesome "Ebony" and in continuing with my Breaking Dawn spirit, she sure does remind me of Alice and her little "Twinkling' personality :)

I used some satin ribbon and cinched it up using Helmar 450 Quick- Dry....GOOD stuff....

...and that's it for me...know why?  Cuz you are gonna FLIP when you see how my AWESOME DT friends out did themselves this week using TGF images!  I'm SO excited and proud to be a part of this team!

Talk to you all soon! Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo,

RELEASE Day and Ribbons and Twine, Oh, my!

Hey, everyone!

I can't believe how quickly the past few days has gone by, can you?  I have to say that we had the BEST Halloween on record yesterday.  Not only was it pretty warm (sunny and about 65 I think), but it was the most FUN we've had on Halloween since I can remember!   I have over 200 pics to go through and edit, but we had an absolute BLAST!

Not only did my kids look fantastic, but my Mom and aunts dressed up too and I, of course, dusted off my 10/6 hat for the occasion along with some pretty fab (but short lived) eyelashes ;)

In other news, we certainly hope you've been enjoying all the new previews we've shown you and WAIT NO MORE- release day is here!

You can now add Holiday Anya, Matilda, and Creeper Saturday and Sunday to your TGF collection!  While you're enjoying the NEW releases on the DT's blogs today, be sure to leave a comment on each one because 

ONE.

LUCKY.

WINNER.

gets.....  ALL FOUR new releases!

Here's one of them, showcasing the new CREEPER Saturday:

Here's the list of our amazing DT for when you have time- you'll have until 10pm CST tonight to comment and be sure to stop back here letting us know you DID!  Thanks!

Kris Palakiko-November Guest

Jessica Diedrich  <-you are here!

Becca Fabozzi

Carisa Zglobicki

Denice Bartucci

Kim Yu

Tracey Pickersgill

What's more?  Join us over on our SCS forum today throughout the day for random chatter...and if we're not around?  Make your own chatter, too!   We LOVE watching the way our customers have been interacting on the SCS site.   SO fun to see and just what we wanted to see happen, too!

On that note?   There will be prizes throughout the day and ANOTHER Release PRIZE PACK JUST for going to say hello at some point or another before 10pm CST!

As if that weren't enough...all the FUN guest designer happenings, our FIRST live stamping event on SCS, and MUCH more is just around the corner in November...we are JUST getting started!  See you around the Farm today!

 I also have a FUN announcement about where else you might be seeing more of me around.  I was absolutely THRILLED when Corinna McGregor asked me to serve another term on the Ribbon Carousel Design Team and there is a HUGE announcement about some new additions over there on the RIBBON CAROUSEL blog- I myself am pretty darn excited to get to know some of these wonderful ladies and continue on with some wonderful ones, too!   Our FIRST challenge of the new term is:

ANYTHING GOES!

My card uses some fun TWINE and it just so happens that Ribbon Carousel has a HUGE giveaway today regarding some AMAZING new reusable spools for sale in the store today for the VERY FIRST TIME!

Be sure to check out the Ribbon Carousel Blog for more details and also the Ribbon Carousel STORE to see the awesome new products plus a new 8-post carousel that would be PERFECT for holding full=sized spools of twine too- I know my wish list is growing- is yours?  ;)

Thanks everyone!

xoxo

Ribbon Carousel Info and NEW kit!...

Hey, everyone!

I'm here with some info for Ribbon Carousel.com and the BRAND NEW October Kit of GORGEOUS fall ribbon available NOW:

This beautiful kit is on sale now and includes samplings from the following FULL spools:

Are these colors not delicious for Fall???  LOVE them!

Today on the Ribbon Carousel Blog we are featuring another popular "ANYTHING GOES" Challenge and the prize is an OCTOBER RIBBON KIT to one lucky winner!

All the details, as well as a NEW Guest for October, Kim O'Connell, are on the Ribbon Carousel Blog!

Here's a sneak peek of my card today on the RCC Blog:

It's also featured on the above post combined w/ my Stamper's Dream post today- thanks so much for stopping by and talk to you all soon!
xoxo

"Adventure Bound" with 2 challenges in ONE!...

Hey, all!

I'm back today with not one...but TWO challenges in ONE with my Tuesday challenge and guest post for Sparkle Creations, and also my bi-weekly post for the Ribbon Carousel challenge!

Today at Sparkle Creations we have a " FAVORITE SONG" challenge.  Well, I have too many to choose just ONE...but a song very near and dear to my heart is "Life is a Highway", especially the Rascal Flatts version!  With all the amazing changes going on right now, I thought it was appropriate.

Oh- and speaking of change- this is NEVER easy, but I wanted to announce that I have had a WONDERFUL run with Stamping Bella and am moving on creatively from that team.  It was a fantastic seven months and I adore their stamps and you'll definitely still see them on my blog!  I love the girls and Em and know that our friendship doesn't know boundaries between design and everything else, so I can't wait to hang out with her again in L.A. next year :)   Thanks to the team for the fun camaraderie and this isn't goodbye...just...'see'ya around :)  Never easy though to walk away from something you love...is it?

Alrighty!  Today I'm using Bicycle Chloe, cuz she's ADVENTURE bound...on that highway we call life :)

The SCRS September Sale featuring the sweet "Emily"character is still going strong at SCRS, but you ONLY have til the 23rd, so be sure to check it out!

Last but not least, don't forget to visit the rest of the awesome SCRS girls:

Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Store
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog
Alice Wertz
Amber Hight
Elena Joldersma
Jessica Diedrich
Kadie Ensley
Kim Yu
Mary Johnson
Piali Biswas
Shaela Odd
Jessica Diedrich
Simonne Clay
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft

******************************************

Last but not least, the fabric/felt on my card is for this week's Ribbon Carousel challenge, 'The FABRIC of our lives...":

I used some extra thick Celery grosgrain from Ribbon Carousel.com and a "Gluber" to make a rolled fabric flower...what do you guys think!?

Check out all the awesome SPONSORSHIP details on the RCC post today to see how you can enter to WIN a prize pack of felt!

Be sure to check out the RCC girls playing along this week, too!  They are wonderful, talented, and definitely worth visiting:

Angela Thomas - Guest Crew CoordinatorAshley Nguyen Newell - Sponsorship Coordinator
Corinna McGregor - Crew CaptainDebbie Carriere
Danielle Lounds
Jessica Diedrich
Jessica Knutsen
Jessie Knight Rone
Linda McClain

Laurel Seabrook
Savannah O'Gwynn

Sparkle Smith

That's all for me today!  Whew!

Hope I've kept you entertained and I'll see you back here tomorrow!

xoxo,

New Monthly RIBBON KITS at RibbonCarousel.com!...

Hey everyone!


Today is Tuesday and of course, time for another SUPER fun RCC challenge...but first, we have some NEWS!


Ribbon Kits are now being offered monthly at Ribbon Carousel.Com and I am excited to show you our first kit, for September:

This awesome sampling is taken from these collections of ribbon:

Here is the information for the Ribbon Club Kits.  I've also attached pics and the links on the store website for y'all.  September's kit includes 10 different ribbons and twine for a total of 20 yards!  The best part is that they're a great sampling size for special occasions, won't' take up a ton of space, and allow you to collect all different shapes and sizes of ribbon.

Sept Ribbon Club Kit $9.25

3 months of Ribbon Club Kits $27.00

6 months of Ribbon Club Kits $49.95

Each kit will include 15 to 20 yards of ribbon and twine.  For the 3 and 6 months of kits, shipping is only paid once!  That's a great deal!

Be sure to check out the new kits-and now...let's get to our challenge this week, RCC19 with our new "Stowaway" aka Guest Designer, Danielle Daws!

This week's challenge is an "Anything Goes" challenge, so you guys have it easy, LOL!  Just teasing, I do too, thanks Danielle! :D

I used some hemp twine for today's project, featuring the new "Bantastic" stamp set from The Greeting Farm:

Just use Ribbon, twine, or Jute somewhere on your card or project and link up to the RCC Blog this week and check out all the details for this week's challenge HERE.


See you all soon! 
xoxo

So Proud...

Hey everyone! It's Tuesday and you know what that means...a new challenge on the RIBBON CAROUSEL challenge blog!

Grab your school colors, blue and red, or any school image, because Angela wants us to celebrate the kids and teacher’s going “Back to School” for this week’s Ribbon Carousel Challenge (RCC17).

My card is a little non-traditional that I have to share with you today.  I actually made it early knowing this challenge was coming, because I made it for my little one who began Kindergarten this year.  It all but broke me to send her through the school doors that first day, but after almost 3 weeks of school she is I am adjusting just fine :)

Both the sentiments are from Verve stamps- the "so proud of you" is from the "Small Phrases" set which is the perfect go-to stamp set, I swear. I just got it and I'll be getting a TON of use out of it, I am sure!

  The large sentiment is from another one of my must-have sets, "Always on my Mind".

This week, we're giving a $10 gift certificate to RibbonCarousel.com to one lucky participant, so be sure to check out the RCC Blog for all the rules and details!  I used a cute saddle-stitch ribbon on my card today.

Last but not least, don't forget to visit:

Angela Thomas - Guest Crew CoordinatorAshley Nguyen Newell - Sponsorship Coordinator
Corinna McGregor - Crew CaptainDebbie Carriere
Linda McClain

Laurel Seabrook

Thanks for stopping by and see ya soon!
xoxo,

Gettin' EDGY with TGF...

Hey everyone! We are so excited about all of your creations from last week! This week, the Ribbon Carousel Challenge (RCC15) is brought to us by me and The Greeting Farm! 

OK- so here's the deal!  I want you to get in touch with your “edgier side”. So rip your paper, distress your edges, use an edgy character or image….just do something “edgy”.  And if you're BRAND NEW to TGF, here's a little bit about the most AWESOME company that I have the privilege to work for:

"The Greeting Farm" first sprouted into the stamping world in 2008 as a small dream and has cultivated into something wonderful because of our wonderful customers and new friends such as you! August marks a special month for us as we are celebrating our third year of fun! The Greeting Farm brings you cute and charismatic images that are LOADS of fun to stamp and COLOR! Shortly after the popularity of Anya and her sidekick Ian arose, our Wild Sprout line was added, including the Cheeky Cherry collection which debuted during our after our first CHA trade show in the winter of 2010! Also added to to our line last year was the adorable Oliver and Amelia collection, bringing you back to precious childhood memories. New this year, our "Creepers" have quickly become a favorite for those who prefer a more edgy and artistic side of TGF. There is truly something for EVERYONE on the Farm and we are HONORED to be sponsoring the Ribbon Carousel Challenge! Please visit us at www.thegreetingfarm.com!"

For one lucky participant in this week's challenge The Greeting Farm is giving away a 4x6 stamp set of YOUR CHOICE!! So get your edgy on! Your creation can be anything from cards, quilts, sewn items, paper crafts, paintings, anything will work!

*** Please remember that your creation must have ribbon, bakers twine, jute twine, lace (basically anything that comes on a spool). ***

The Greeting Farm was kind enough to supply our Crew with some awesomely “EDGY” images. Here is some inspiration- I used Sweet and Toxic and some My Mind's Eye :

Th Distress Ink is BRUSHED SAGE and I used Honeydew Twine from The Twinery to top it off!
We'd love for you to join us this week! I am SOOOO excited to give out this prize!!!

Here are the details: 

• Make your creation following the ribbon carousel challenge of the week. Be sure to include some type of ribbon, twine, hemp, lace....basically, anything that comes on a spool.
• Load your creation up onto your blog or a public viewing forum like SplitcoastStampers, (use the keyword RCC15) with a direct link back to THIS post. Including the challenge graphic isn't a requirement, but sure is appreciated! (A participant of our very first challenge didn't link back or mention our challenge and couldn't be named Top Spool, so don't let that happen to you!)
• Link up your creation using the Inlinkz button at the bottom of this post. Your image may take a little while to pop up, but don't worry, it will appear shortly.
• Be sure to come back the Friday after the challenge ends to see if YOU are a Top Spool! :D

This Challenge will end on August 14, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. 


THANKS so much and We'll back SOON and with BELLS ON!!!!!!!!!!

Up, Up and Away!...

Well HEY there.

Nice to see ya!  After a day off yesterday, recovering from CHA last week and the wonderful birthday wishes this past weekend y'all left me on Facebook, I'm feeling as if I could float into the clouds today, ha!

Ok, not really, but today my card was made for TWO challenges.  My darling friend Mercy is being CASED' over at the Farm Fresh Challenge Blog and today is the "A Stitch in Time" challenge over at the Ribbon Carousel Challenge Blog:

Now, how could I NOT case my sweet amazing friend?   That girl is the source of SO MUCH love and laughter in my life I can't even tell you- I cannot WAIT to see her later this month!   I even went to the stamp "archives" to pull out this same adorable "Fly Away" set from The Greeting Farm- just a wee bit of dust on it, LOL!  Isn't it sweet?  Here is my card, using the July Key Ingredients Kit by Taylored Expressions and a button by Crate Paper:

I used TWINERY twine in Blossom  to decorate around the card a few times and attach the button with. I LOVE this color combo- so summery and sweet, don't you think?  Oh, before I continue, I just wanted to thank everyone who visits daily and apologize for not getting very far through Google Reader this week.  If I haven't been to your blogs, I will- just CRAZY this past week!

Be sure to see the rest of my Ribbon Carousel peeps' lovely stitched creations today- start on the RCC blog and check out the blogs of:

Angela Thomas - Guest Crew Coordinator

Ashley Nguyen Newell - Sponsorship Coordinator

Corinna McGregor - Crew Captain

Debbie Carriere

Danielle Lounds

Jessica Knutsen

Jessie Knight Rone

Linda McClain

Laurel Seabrook

Savannah O'Gwynn

Sparkle Smith

That's it for me today- I'm taking tomorrow off too but will be back with previews from The Greeting Farm's amazing August RELEASE!  YAY!!!!!!!!!

Getting Inspired...

...with RIBBON CAROUSEL.com's CHALLENGE today and by our BRAND NEW Design Team member, my sweet friend Savannah O'Gwynn!

I have known Sav for about 2 years, I think, back when I first was with Unity.  Savvy is not only sweet, but she's been published NUMEROUS times and just isn't recognized ENOUGH for the talented and awesome designer she is!  I am SO so stoked that she's our newest DT member- WELCOME, my friend!  xoxo

Our challenge this week comes from DT member and another WAY talented chick, Laurel Seabrook!  Here's RCC 11:

I have to admit I struggled a bit when I first saw this challenge. I do not own a SINGLE piece of grey cardstock, for starters, LOL!  Thankfully, it was Stella and Rose (from My Mind's Eye :) to the rescue and some fun rose trim from Theresa Collins.  I am SO glad I pulled something together for this challenge- cuz hey, if you're not REALLLLY  "challenged" sometimes, where's the fun in that?!  The stamped sentiment "Just wanted to say" is one of my favorites from Stamping Bella:

Be sure to check out the rest of our Ribbon Carousel Crew today:

Angela Thomas
Corinna McGregor
Debbie Carriere
Jessica Diedrich
Linda McClain

Laurel Seabrook

and our newest DT member- SAVANNAH!  yayyyy!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out the RCC BLOG for ALL the rules/deets/sponsorship deets and prize info as there is LOTS to see over there!   I'll be back TOMORROW with a SUPER fun Blog Swap post for the HELMAR/PSA Essentials swap going on RIGHT NOW!
xoxo,

Splashin' into DAY TWO of TGF Previews!...

Alrighty...

Who's READY for some SUMMER FUN?!?  

I am!  I am!  We heard ya over at The Greeting Farm, too, because Oliver and Amelia are already on the task at hand to bring YOU some SUMMER FUN!   

Introducing....Oliver/Amelia SUMMER FUN!

I LOVE this set because it totally reminds me of my kids and our favorite time of year...which is RIGHT. NOW.  <3  My children absolutely LOVE to be in the water- so when I saw this set I literally squealed!  Totally perfect for the Diedrich clan.

With that in mind, I created a fun little card based on yesterday's Mystery Monday CASE of my sweet friend Kris! Today's challenge is ALSO the Ribbon Carousel challenge to use Red, White and Blue on your card.  Two challenges in one PLUS a preview?  Whew!  I'm on a roll, guys....look out, LOL!

 

Here is sweet Oliver, totally looking like my Nicky boy or Jack man getting ready to MAKE A SPLASH:

I used twine from the TWINERY in Maraschino for my card and also experimented with Helmar Premium Craft Glue and LOVE the effects of his snorkeling mask.  I was out of Glossy Accents....but WHO needs it?!  Helmar Premium Craft Glue TOTALLY did the trick!

SUMMER FUN will be released this FRIDAY, JULY 1st, during our "BLUSHIN' into SUMMERTIME" DT BLOG HOP/RELEASE PARTY, beginning at 12:01 am, CST...but you can WIN this adorable set today by 'swimmin'  over to theTGF Blog to read how!

We sure do hope you'll splash on over to party with us this Friday, but for now, I'll be back on Thursday with ONE more preview- can you BELIEVE how HOT, HOT, HOT these releases are for the month of July?!?

In the meantime, you'll definitely want to stop back over at the TGF BLOG tomorrow for a special treat from July Guest Designer Jen Shults!  We have a FULL week of fun planned and you won't want to miss a day!   See you then...and don't forget to visit the BRAND NEW TGF Farmers today...links are on my sidebar!

xoxo,