Saturday, July 31, 2010

Sassy Studio Designs August Release!

I can't believe it is August 1st already, where has the summer gone?

But on a happy note it is release day at Sassy Studio Designs. Lindsay has some fantastic new images as well as some fun digi papers being released this month. Hope you will join us later at the release party, you can find the link on the SSD blog starting at 7pm EST. The theme of our party this month is "A Very Merry Un-Birthday Party."

Everyone knows you can't have a party with out presents! We are holding a blog hop with presents. So as you hop along to the Sassy Studio's DT blogs, leave a comment on each one. Each blog will select a random commenter to win one SSD image of their choice. Fun right? So leave those comments. Your next stop is Amanda's blog. You are in for a treat, I've seen some sneak peeks from her and she has some fun projects to share.



This first card uses The White Queen (she is not a new release), but the patterned paper with the crowns is. I thought a Queen needed her crown, so this image worked perfectly with the new paper. I apologize to all the Alice in Wonderland buffs, my son informed me I colored her wrong, that she should be all white. I have never seen or read AIW, so I had no idea. Better add that movie to my "to see" list.


And look at this little cutie, this is Cinderella from the Little Honey's line. I couldn't wait to get her colored and sparkly. I adore Disney princesses and was over the moon when I saw her. I made her into an easel card, the sentiment inside reads "Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life." I probably went a bit overboard with the rhinestones, but she is a princess! I won't give it all away, but there are several more Little Honey's being released tonight, along this same line. They are awesome!


Here is another of the fabulous digi papers released today. This image was the limited time freebie at the Paper Craft Planet party celebrating 300 members. If you didn't get her that weekend, she will be released for sale today.

Thanks for dropping by, hope to see you at the party later on. Hop on over to Amanda's blog next.

One last party treat for you, a cake recipe. Can't have a party without cake! Here is my mom's recipe for Irish Raisin cake. It is a bread like cake, it is amazing toasted with butter. Gotta love any cake that can pass for breakfast food!

Irish Raisin Cake
4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
3 eggs beaten with 2 tablespoons of milk
1 pint sour cream
2 cups raisins

Combine dry ingredients and mix well til blended. Add egg mixture and sour cream and mix well. Dough will be very heavy and stiff. Fold in raisins. Pour into a greased and floured tube pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, then turn oven down to 375 and continue baking for 45 more minutes. Allow to cool slightly before removing from pan.

Enjoy! Let me know if you try it.

Sherri in the Snow

Here is my entry this week for week 4 of Tuesday Morning Sketches month long first birthday celebration. This week's challenge was to pick a sketch from the past year (I'm using #12) and to make a Christmas card. Fun challenge!

This image is Sherri from Rubber Romance. She is one of my favorites. Love the giant snowflakes behind her. She looks so cool and glam, I don't know why, but I always think of Christmas shopping in NYC when I see her.

I used pastel colors for her for the Cupcake Craft challenge #101 (Pastel Christmas).

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you are having a great weekend.

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Sherri from Rubber Romance, sentiment from Amuse
Ink: Memento Tux. Black
Paper: PTI ssw, Pink Pirouette, Certainly Celery, Provo craft polka dot
Embellishments: copics, cuttlebug embossing folder, stickles, EK success border punch, SU ribbon, dimensionals

Friday, July 30, 2010

American Hero

TGIF! I made this card just in time for the Verve Project Parade this month. The theme is My Hero. I have a bunch of heros in my real life. I'm always amazed by the strength people have in various situations.

But the hero this card is going to is the soldier my family and I have adopted in Afghanistan. We send him cards weekly and a package monthly. It is really such a small thing to do, but makes us feel good, and is a great learning experience for our children. He actually sent us an email thanking us with a picture of his family, it was wonderful for our children to see him, it really gave them a sense of who was receiving the packages and cards we are mailing. Put a face with his name.

This has been my "go to" set for his cards. It is a newer set from Verve called American Hero. I was mainly doing red, white and blue cards, but after seeing the samples on the Verve Project Parade, I was inspired to change it up a bit. I used Wednesday's SCS sketch challenge (SC291) for the layout.

I hope he will enjoy this card and know how much his service means to us. Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Card Recipe:
Ink: SU Night of Navy, PTI Ripe Avocado
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, Ripe Avocado, SU Night of Navy, October Afternoon Fly a Kite
Embellishments: nesties, sponges, dimensionals, MS seam binding, PTI button and twine, K and Co. rhinestones

Thursday, July 29, 2010

CDAC Embellishment Challenge

Designed2Delight is sponsoring one of the CDAC embellishment challenges. The challenge is to make your own embellies, you can find it here. So many fun choices. I'm going to show you one of my faves. It's quick, easy and green (recycles) something you are sure to have around. Stop by CDAC, pick up your free image and join the fun!

First, here is my finished card with the free digi, Cup of Posies, Faith created for this challenge. Isn't it a great digi image?!
Next here is a close up of my home made chipboard photo corner.
I decided to make some of my own chipboard embellishments, because lots of times I buy a set of chipboard embellishments just for one or two shapes, and the rest sit unused. This way I can make what I need, in which ever color I need, when I need it. So easy and convenient! And the best part I use something I always have on hand, light weight cardboard. Think empty cereal boxes, snack boxes and things like that. To make the most of the piece of cardboard I'm using, I cut a bunch of shapes at once. You can see here, I've used SU and Martha Stewart punches and PTI and Nestability dies to cut some shapes out.For the next step, coat your cardboard with a good sticky glue. I use Mod Podge and a paint brush to do this.
Sprinkle glitter over the piece, shake excess off and let dry. After it is dry go back and repeat the glue and glitter, so it will be fully covered. Use the glitter over a tray like this or paper plate, so you can pour excess back into the bottle. There you have it, glittery chipboard in any shape and color!
Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you will join us for this challenge on CDAC. And check out all the links below for some great tutorials to make all different sorts of embellishments.

**Make-Your-Own Embellishments Blog Extravaganza**
The Designed2Delight Lead Designers have been busy!! Follow all the links below to view 9 different tutorials for 9 different embellishments (on 8 different blogs) that YOU can make YOURSELF!!
Designed2Delight.com
Don't forget to stop by the Designed2Delight Digital Stamps group on Crafter's Digital Art Center for the details AND a FREE Digital Stamp!!
Jane ~ Make Your Own Buttons Tutorial
Lola ~ Make Your Own Felt and Fabric Flowers Tutorial
Faith ~ Make Your Own Faux Prima Flowers Tutorial
Kathy ~ Make Your Own Chipboard Accents Tutorial
Debbie ~ Scalloped Punched Paper Flower Tutorial
Robin ~ Stitching with Beads Tutorial
Michelle ~ Scallop Punched Flower/Medallion Tutorial
Michelle ~ Ribbon Frame Tutorial
Sherrie ~ Make Your Own Ribbon Roses Tutorial

Cupcake Honey Sneak Peek!

How did it get to be Thursday already? Wow time flies! I wanted to treat you to a little sneak peek of Cupcake Honey. She will be released on August 1st, from Sassy Studio Designs. Isn't she yummy?

I do love my cupcakes! I had to use this Basic Grey Nook and Pantry paper with her, just perfect for the image. I actually just bought a new cookbook, Hey There Cupcake. It has all sorts of fun cupcakes in it. There is one that looks like peas and carrots, too funny!

Stop by the Sassy Studio Designs blog today for the Dare to be Sassy Thursday challenge. It is anything goes this week. Enter for your chance to win two SSD images.

The sketch for this one is Midnight Madness sketch #64 from this week (MMSC64). Once again I went somewhere between the fancy and the simpler sketch. I left off the flourishes, the ribbon tabs are a fun touch. I'll have to remember to use them again!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Cupcake Honey from Sassy Studio Designs, sentiment from Stampendous
Ink: Printer, Palette Noir
Paper: PTI ssw, SU Baja Breeze, PTI Lemon Tart, SU Regal Rose, Basic Grey Nook and Pantry
Embellishments: nesties, copics, SU ribbon, stickles, Crystal Effects, pink gems

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Have a Mice Day!

Hi, thanks for stopping by today. I have two cards that I made with the Mice Day image from Designed2Delight. This was the freebie for the week for participating in the Delightful Inspiration challenge. You have til tomorrow night to complete a card with this week's image. If you missed out on starting at the beginning of the month, you can purchase this image and play along and get next week's image just for creating with this one. Fun, right?


I thought Mercy's Tuesday sketch challenge for this week was perfect for this image (MTSC84). I also played along with the Double Delight Challenge (DD4) which was for buttons and blue this week. Check out all of the entries on the Delightful Inspiration Progressive weekly challenge blog.


This second card is a bit of a joke. One of my good friends has had a mouse in her apartment recently, so I made this to mail to her. I hope she gets a kick out of it! I used the Splitcoast Stampers sketch challenge from last week for the layout (SC290). I cropped the flower out of the image to focus on those little mice! I'm also entering it into the Sentimental Sunday's (challenge 13) It's all fun and games (my sentiment here fits the bill perfectly I think).

Card Recipe:
Ink: Printer
Paper: PTI ssw, gp110, SU Rose Red, PTI Ripe Avocado, October Afternoon patterned paper from the Thrift Shop collection
Embellishments: copics, nesties, dimensionals, PTI ribbon, SU mini brads

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Some Sunshine

My blogging buddy Karli posted about a sketch challenge for Cardabilities, (sketch #7). Karli is on their Design Team and she is super dooper talented! I thought it looked like a fun one with the double border on the side, so I wanted to try it.

I just received this card kit in the mail from my secret sister card kit swap partner on SCS. We swap card kits (all the makings for a card, the stuff all coordinates) with each other. I don't know who she is yet, I'll find out in August, but she really has fantastic taste. All the kits have been so much fun and just my style. Thanks so much secret sis, you are the best!

This card is headed out tomorrow to my Chemo Angel buddy. I'm sure she could use a bit of sunshine. Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you are having a wonderful week.


Card Recipe:
Stamps: CC Designs Polka-Dot Emma, Sentiment from Pink Cat Studios
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Blue and patterned unknown, PTI ssw, Pumpkin Pie, Yoyo Yellow
Embellishments: copics, spica pens, PTI green button, other buttons unknown, dimensionals, EK Success border punch, nesties label punch

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Magnolia-licious July Christmas Blog Hop




















Hi and welcome to the Magnolia-licious Christmas All Year Long Blog Hop. Once a month the Magnolia-licious Yahoo group holds a Christmas card blog hop. It's a great way to get some Christmas cards made year round. I just looked at my stash today and was thrilled that I have a nice selection of Magnolia Christmas cards ready for next year! If you want more info check out the Magnolia-licious Christmas All Year Long blog.

I've had this little Tilda for a while, and bought the envelope stamp this past Christmas, I thought they worked well together. I used the Friday Sketcher's sketch #112 for this layout. You can find a huge selection of Magnolia stamps at Magnolia-licious.

Now hop on over to Kerry's blog and see what she has created this month. Thanks for dropping by, see you on the next hop August 25th.

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Magnolia Tilda and Envelope
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream and Scarlet Jewel, SU Always Artichoke, Daisy D's patterned paper
Embellishments: copics, stickles, dimensionals, metallic dew drops, dimensionals, MS branch punch, primas, SU ribbon

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Peggy

This is Peggy from Rubber Romance, doesn't she look like she is having a great time in her convertible with all her shopping bags? She is one my newer Rubber Romance stamps, and I thought she was perfect for this hot day. I glammed her up with lots of stickles on her bags and sun glasses.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you are staying cool and having a great weekend.

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Peggy and sentiment from Rubber Romance
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: PTI ssw, SU Basic Black, Pure Pomegranate, Rob and Bob patterned paper
Embellishments: copics, nesties, stickles, dimensionals, cuttlebug embossing folder, American Crafts brads

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Hey Chick!

Here is this week's Delightful Inspiration image, Cluck. It was so much fun to play with! I was thinking a little chicken romance here, lol!

I printed the images three times and colored them, then I popped up the bodies and wings and heads on dimensionals. The Double Delight challenge this week (Popcorn Chicken) was to pop up some or part of the image.

This image is available in the Designed2Delight digi store. And Faith just started a customer loyalty points program called Delightful Rewards Loyalty Points, how cool is that? You can earn points/cash to spend on your next purchase! Here are the deets: Each $1 purchased at http://www.designed2delight.com/ earns you $.10 to turn into a voucher to spend on your next order. Your customer account keeps track of your points for you--all you have to do is spend them.

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Cluck from Designed2Delight, sentiment from MFT
Ink: Printer, Palette Noir, Choc. Chip, Bordering Blue
Paper: Real Red, Kraft, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie, PTI ssw
Embellishments: PTI buttons and twine, sewing, nesties, copics, ribbon, cuttlebug plaid embossing folder, sponges, dimensionals

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Sassy Patriotic Card

I made this card to include in the care package we send monthly to a soldier stationed overseas. I thought this 4th of July Honey from Sassy Studio Designs would be perfect!

I used this week's Midnight Madness sketch challenge (MMSC63) for the layout. It was a fun sketch to work with. I'm also entering it into Cooking it up with Katie challenge #22 (Blue, buttons and bows).

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Hope you are having a great week.

Card Recipe:
Stamps: 4th of July Honey from Sassy Studio Designs, sentiment Verve American Her0
Ink: Printer, Real Red, PTI Enchanted Evening
Paper: PTI ssw, Real Red, PTI Enchanted Evening, Provo Craft striped
Embellishments: Nesties, copics, MS border punch, Marvy star punch, buttons, twine, SU ribbon, sakura stardust pen

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

On the Line

Laundry lines always remind me of my Nana Fran. When we were little she would always hang out her laundry in the summer. She lived at the shore, and nothing smells quite like clothes dried in the sun and salt air. Helping her was one of my jobs when we visited.

This adorable image, On the Line, is from Designed2Delight. Check out this image and the other images available in the Designed2Delight digi store, and play along with us in the weekly progressive challenges at Delightful Inspiration.

It was fun to color. I used some more of my October Afternoon patterned paper, since I still had it out. I had to use my sewing machine and buttons to go with the laundry theme!

The sketch I used is from Tuesday Morning Sketches. For their first birthday celebration challenges, they are having us chose a challenge from the past year to work with. This is challenge #1. Also the theme this week was something that reminds you of summer, as I said above this reminds me of my Nana Fran and summers at the shore.

Card Recipe:
Stamps: On the Line from Designed2Delight, sentiment from Verve
Ink: Printer and Palette Noir
Paper: GP110, Summer Sun, Baja Breeze, Blue Bayou, October Afternoon Thrift Shop
Embellishments: copics, sewing machine, sakura glitter pen, dimensionals, nesties, SU ribbon, PTI buttons and twine

Monday, July 19, 2010

Loves Me...Loves Me Not

Monday already! I worked on this little card yesterday for my Magnolia card swap buddy for July. The theme was summer and I Immediately thought of Tilda with the daisy. The fence and sentiment are also from Magnolia.

The daisies in the corner I made with punches and brads. I stickled up the brads for some sparkle. In real like there is a lot of dimension to this card, Tilda is popped up on dimensionals and so are the petals and flower she is holding. Her overhalls are pieced with a piece of plaid paper from the same pack as the other two prints, it is Thrift Shop from October Afternoon.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope you have a wonderful week.

Challenges:
Stampin' for the Weekend Challenge #43: Recipe (3 patterned papers my third pattern is a subtle yellow plaid that Tilda's overhalls are pieced with, 2 flowers, 1 ribbon)
Paper Sundaes #27: make your own flowers (the daisies are made with punches)
KLSNS #39: Ribbon
Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenge #15: stitches, scallops and sparkle

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Magnolia
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: PTI ssw, Enchanted Evening, October Afternoon Thrift Shop yellow floral, plaid and blue and yellow floral prints
Embellishments: Copics, nesties, stickles, SU ribbon, Bellas blue dot embellishments, dimensionals, sewing machine, Marvy daisy punches, white brads

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Christmas in July for Edwin

I've gotten lazy the last month or so and haven't kept up with trying to do one Christmas card per week. But I've been inspired this week, by all the Christmas in July challenges that are out there.

I dug out my neglected Edwin and ornament stamps from Magnolia. I don't actually think I've ever used the ornament, so I'm glad I used it today.

I used on of the Tuesday Morning sketches (#2) for the layout. Tuesday Morning sketch challenge this week was to use one of the sketches from the past year in honor of their one year celebration.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

Challenges:
Tuesday Morning Sketches: sketch from the past year (#2)
Christmas All Year Long (week 32): stitching (the long panels are stitched in place)
ABC Christmas Challenges: O is for ornament, with added gloss and shine (on the boots)

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Magnolia Edwin with Star and Ornament
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: PTI ssw, SU Bashful Blue, Wild Wasabi, Pretty in Pink, Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses
Embellishments: copics, stickles, sakura glitter pen, sewing machine, MM brads, SU ribbon, PTI buttons, nestabilities snowflake die cuts, MS snowflake punch, SU top note die

Friday, July 16, 2010

Spa Day

TGIF! So glad the weekend is almost here. This post is going to be short and sweet, I have two little ones refusing to nap, yikes!

Sassy Studio Designs is one of the sponsors for the Stamp Something challenge this week. The challenge is to use something digital, anything goes. You could win some SSD images if you play along! There are also other sponsors and lots of prizes, check it out!

For my card I used The New Spa Day, she is available at Sassy Studio Designs (and she is a freebie)!

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Card Recipe:
Ink: Printer
Paper: gp110, Basic Black, SU saffron patterned, MME purple polkadot
Embellishments: SU border punch, offray ribbon, corner rounder, copics, sakura glitter pen, American craft brads

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Dare to Be Sassy Thursday color challenge

Since today is Thursday it is time for Sassy Studio Designs Dare to Be Sassy Thursday challenge. This week it is a color challenge (bright pink, lime and turquoise). Such a bright and fun summery color combo. I used Cheerful Chelsea (available in the Sassy Studio Designs store). I have to say after I colored her outfit with these bright colors, she reminded me of fashion from the 80's. I probably had something similar in my closet, LOL! Her shoes and necklace are glittered up for some sparkle.

For my layout I used this week's Midnight Madness challenge #62. Once again my take is somewhere between the simple and fancy version of the sketch. It was a fun one and the pieced background is a great way to use up some scraps!

Thanks for stopping by today Hope you have a great day!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Cheerful Chelsea from Sassy Studio Designs
Ink: Printer
Paper: PTI ssw, SU Tempting Turquoise cardstock and patterned paper, SU Green Galore and Pink Passion
Embellishments: copics, cuttlebug embossing folders, dimensionals, SU grosgrain ribbon, spica glitter pens

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Vino

Have you seen the new image at Delightful Inspiration? I love it! Probably, from my blog name, you assumed I like wine, and you are right. I was so excited to see the image, Vino, this week. It is the freebie from the progressive challenge. If you didn't get a chance to play last week, you can buy Vino in the Designed2Delight shop and join the fun this week.

I had so much fun coloring this image. It went perfectly with the Basic Grey origins paper, which was a gift from my stamping buddy Linda. I love the colors. I was going for a shabby feel here, so I embossed the two patterned paper panels with the script embossing folder (if you click on the photo to enlarge it, you can see the embossing better, it is a more subtle look on the patterned paper), then I distressed the edges and stitched around them.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. We are getting some much needed rain!

Challenges:
Double Delight DD2: embossing (both patterned papers are embossed)
KLSNS #38: dry embossing (both patterned papers are embossed)
Paper Sundaes #26: Lots of Layers (lots of 1/8 matting on the panels)

Card Recipe:
Ink: Printer
Paper: PTI ssw, Close to Cocoa, Garden Green, Basic Grey Origins
Embellishments: copics, cuttlebug script embossing folder, sewing machine, PTI twill, twine and button, dimensionals

Monday, July 12, 2010

Cutie Pie Owl Onesie

Can't believe it is Monday already! Where did the weekend go?

I've seen lots of these cute little onesie cards around, so I decided to try one. I thought this would be a perfect use for my Cutie Pie Owl stamp from Rubber Romance.

I made my own template, after studying one of Lilah's onesies, LOL! It was pretty easy to do. I even dug out the never used eyelets, to make some "snaps" along the bottom. This card was quick and easy. I think a set of them would make a nice gift for a new mom to use as thank you notes. I'll have to remember that when I need a baby shower or new parent gift!

Thanks for stopping by today. Stay cool, if you can.


Card Recipe:
Stamps: Rubber Romance Cutie Pie Owl
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: PTI ssw, Spring Rain, Dark Chocolate
Embellishments: copics, stickles, nesties, Bazzil eyelets, dimensionals, cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Denise's Birthday

Happy Sunday! Still hot and humid here, so grateful for the air conditioner! Hope you are having a great weekend.

This card uses one of the Divas, Denise, from Rubber Romance. She's ready for any party with her hat and cake. I used two of Splitcoaststampers challenges for this card. The color challenge, CC278, which was Rich Razzleberry, So Safron and Baja Breeze, and the sketch challenge, SC288. Unusual color combo for me, but I like them together. These are three colors I don't use often.

Thanks for stopping by today

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Denise and sentiment from Rubber Romance
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: PTI sse, Rich Razzleberry, Baja Breeze, So Saffron print
Embellishments: nesties, cuttlebug embossing folder, copics, stickes, SU ribbon, corner rounder

Friday, July 9, 2010

Army Honey

Sassy Studio Designs is sponsoring the CLP challenge blog for the month of July. Check out the sketch and give it a try. You could win 4 free SSD images. This cute image is one of Lindsay's newest, called Army Honey, just released on July 1st.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. So glad it is the weekend tomorrow. Stop by Sassy Studio Blog tomorrow night at 8pm EST and click the link for the party blog. We are celebrating the SSD Paper Craft Planet group reaching 300 members. Come and join the fun!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Card Recipe:
Ink: printer
Paper: gp110, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Night of Navy, Brushed Gold
Embellishments: copics, sakura stardust pen, gold brads, cuttlebug embossing folders, MS border punch, PTI ribbon

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Bright Wish

Here it is Thursday already. I completed my challenge for the Delightful Inspiration blog. This image, Wish Big, was the freebie for the first week of July. If you play along and enter your card, you will get the next image emailed to you. If you want to jump in anytime during the month you can go to the Designed2Delight digi store and buy the current image and jump right in.

Well, I'm off to get the kids some dinner. Thanks for stopping by and hope you had a great day.





Card Recipe:
Stamps: Designed2Delight Wish Big
Ink: Printer
Paper: PTI New Leaf, gp110 white, SU Tangerine Tango, Basic Grey Green at Heart
Embellishments: nesties, copics, stickles, stitching, dimensionals, Bellas Baubles