The Crazy Challenge - January 31st

Today, over at The Crazy Challenge, The Stamping Boutique is sponsoring their "Happy Birthday" challenge.  Check out all the lovely cards!  In the meantime, I actually went and did 2 cards for the challenge  ...

Tracey just added this picket fence to her store, so of COURSE I had to snap it up!  Love that picket fence so much.  This fence was colored with Copics.  I added some glossy accents to the center of the flowers and the little lady bug on the cross bar, then some diamond stickles to the butterfly wings.  Love how these buttons go with the paper and the yellow one - bonus! - matches the sunbonnet.  The sentiment is from Stampin Up, punched with an oval then added to a Nesties fancy label.

I had so much fun making a birthday card, that I actually made another ... Here's another new release from Tracey (or at least partial) - the chair Audrey is sitting on.  Love it!  She's just sitting there waiting for someone to bring her some birthday cake, I think!  I love the way this lavendar cross piece matches, yet doesn't the lavendar in the quilted background paper.  Using the lavendar colors, blue and yellow mats, I was trying to tie in this wonderful paper.  Being a quilter also, I love it when I find pre-designed quilted papers.  This Audrey is actually from one of the Audrey in Heart images that I cut down to pop her up on the chair for dimension.  Both Audrey and her chair were colored with Copics.

FUN challenge - I've become a follower of The Crazy Challenge so I can come back and play next time!

I have class today, but if the weatherman is right, we're looking at 20+ inches of snow this Tuesday/Wednesday here in the Midwest, so I may get my own Snow Day on Wednesday - yippee ... forget homework - "I feel the need ... The need for" ... well, Ok, Cards, lol.  Its getting late & apparently I'm getting a bit punchy, sorry about that.

Come on back and take a gander at my next post.

Critter Challenge for January 31st

Today over at the Critter Sketch Challenge, they've got a sketch all ready for you.  Here it is:


And since The Stamping Boutique is their sponsor this month, I had to use a fun Audrey stamp.  She was colored with Copics, as was the bench from C.C. Designs.  I added some fluffy clouds with a scalloped cloud template I made & sponging some bashful blue randomly.  I love the way this blue gingham looks against the Marina Mist mats.  Audrey was cut out and popped up on dimensionals to give the card some depth.

What do you think?  Love to hear your comments.

Secret Crafters Saturday Challenge 1-29-11

Today over at The Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge, The Stamping Boutique is sponsoring their Hot Chocolate themed challenge.

I used this digital image from The Stamping Boutique of the Snowman with Sign and added computer generated sentiment, "Got Cocoa?".  He was colored with Copics and then sparkled up with a clear glitter gel pen on Tracey's sparkles.  The designer paper is from Basic Grey's Max & Whiskers paper pack.  I added a Tango flourish from the Sizzix flourish die and some black faux nail heads.

Don't know about you, but I love the papers from Basic Grey - just can't get enough of them.  I especially like when I haven't used them in awhile and they catch my attention - Like buying new all over again ... In fact. you'll be seeing quite a few of them in my next few cards, as I was on a Basic Grey roll yesterday and this morning.

Hope everyone is staying warm.  Stay inside and STAMP!

Take care!

Tiffany Doodles New Floral Releases

How exciting ... Have been waiting to put these up - had so much fun.  Tiffany created 3 new floral digital images and asked some of the Design Team to come up with sneak peeks.  To be brutally honest, I'd never heard of an Angel Trumpet, Daphne or Nicotiana flower before, so I had to google them to see what kinds of coloring ... Well, like most flowers, each one of these had a variety of color combinations, so it was a veritable smorgasboard for me - coloring-wise.

This first card was made with the Angel Trumpet digital image.  The card measures 5.25 inches square, so I could get the image large enough to showcase it properly.  Tiffany has this image as you see it, as well as within an oval border.  These are the prettiest flowers.  Makes me wish I had some kind of a trellis system so that I could have these to come out to admire.

This next one is Tiffany's Daphne Flower.  Love the little cluster of blooms.  Once again, there were many different colors displayed, but I chose the pink so I could use my Basic Grey Bittersweet papers (Shocker!).  The stem and bottom leave extend outside the oval image panel that I cut with the Creative Memories oval cutting system.  The flourish is from a Tim Holtz die that I dotted with some pale pink liquid pearls.  This card is also a 5.25 squared card.

This next batch was made with the digital image Nicotiana.  As you can see, I just couldn't decide which colors I wanted to represent this beauty, so I made several.  This first one has shades of pink/orange.  I used my new Martha Stewart heart border for this one - been eyeballing it for 2 years now, but whenever I want it, they're out of stock and when they have it, it's not Valentine season, so I pass - not this time!

Sadly, my Money Tree in the backyard has not borne fruit or I'd have all the punches, dies and designer paper I want, when I want them - I think the Gardner sold me a dud, lol.

This next card was made using yellow tones.  I paired it with blue.  I think I like this card the most because of the soft colors.  What do you think?

Nope - I think this purple one might be my favorite out of the three ... I just can't decide.  Purple & green are one of my favorite color combinations, maybe that's why this one speaks out to me.  For this one I used my Paper Trey Guide Lines paper pack.  The sentiment is from Verve and I finished it off with a ribbon threaded through the slot punches and a couple of layered flowers.

Hope you guys were as excited as we were on the Tiffany Doodles Design Team to see the new releases. Head over to Tiffany Doodles' Store to see how to order these beautiful digital images!

Take care.  Remember - Love to hear what you have to say!

The Stamping Boutique and DeeDee Digi's

This card was made with a digital image from The Stamping Boutique for the challenge over at Tuesday Throwdown. The challenge this week to distress.  I used muted shades when coloring then crumpled the image layer and sponged over the wrinkles with Tea Dye from Tim Holtz.  I used deckle edged scissors to "fray" the edges.  The image lent itself to the 20-30's, so tried to make the card look like it was from back then.

This next card was made for the challenge over at Fab 'n Funky Challenges, using another digital image from The Stamping Boutique.  The sentiments were computer generated.  Instead of a tea party, this little beauty is having a cocoa party with her best friend, Teddy.   The image was colored with Copics, then I added some diamond stickles to the sparkles.

The next three cards were made using digital images from Dee Dee's Digi's.

This first one was made for a friend of mine who recently underwent surgery for lung cancer and who is scheduled for a double mastectomy shortly.  She's only 30 years old and has been having chemotherapy for the last few weeks since just before her lung surgery.  She's been through a lot for someone so young, so I wanted to send her some encouragement.  The image is from the Hopeful Hearts set, as is the sentiment.  I colored the heart with Copics then cut out so it would pop up.  The papers are from Basic Grey's Boxer set.

This latte is a digi from Dee Dee's Whole Latte Love set.  Could sure use a cuppa latte right about now - it's snowing again here in Chicagoland ... have I said I'm pretty much done with winter?  No?  Well, I'm ready for spring already!  I colored this latte with Copics then added some Radiant Pearls to the foam and the heart for a bit of shimmer.  The designer papers used here are from Basic Grey's Cappella set - yummy paper Basic Grey has, that's for sure.  The sentiment comes with the digi set.

This last one I didn't size as good as I wanted to, so I made it work.  The card fits in a business sized envelope - lots of room to write.

I took the original digital image, which is just the two hearts, and copied and flipped the set so I had 4 hearts total.  I colored them with Copics then added some glossy accents to the heart buttons.   The designer papers are from Stampin Up, but not sure which set since I got them from a paper exchange.  I used Teal and Turquoise for mats and the fancy label.  The sentiment is from Stampin Up.  The row of flourishes is from the CB foral border die.  I finished with some turquoise colored rhinestones.

That's it for today.  Be sure to come back tomorrow ...

I'll have a few cards from Tiffany Doodles' new floral releases.

Tiffany Doodles - Sneak Peak Day #3

Okay, so this is the last day for the Sneak Peak's - 3 different digital images available for purchase on this Friday, January 28th.  For each of the 3 individual releases Tiffany has 2 different versions of each that are included ... Does that make sense?  You buy one of them and you get 2 different versions of the same digital image - can't divulge, it's a Sneak Peak, after all.

This next one was super pretty to color - and so many different variations - as you can tell by this sampler Sneak Peak.  And that's not all - tons of inspiration for you once you buy the digital image.

Make sure to come back on Friday, January 28th, to Tiffany Doodles' storefront to pick up not just one, but all 3 of them.  I promise you won't be sorry - they're so beautiful!

That's it for the Sneak Peak's this week ... I promise.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Welcome to the Newest Stamping Boutique Design Team!

Current Stamping Boutique Design Team Members include:

Aletha Williams

Collette Landwer (you're here)

Jennifer McGee

Marie Bridgeman

Stacie Gorse

And we'd like to welcome the following newest members of The Stamping Boutique ...
These ladies will be serving from February through August of 2011.

Be sure to check out their blogs for some fabulous inspiration!

Christy Lindeman

Crystal Dennett

Colleen Spangler

Dardi Kemp

Dawn Bennett

Heide Dronchi

Jeanne Kupsh

Kecia Waters

Kendra Sand

Louise Forsyth

Michelle Single

Miranda van den Bosch

Pat Sergeant

Rhonda Miller

Suzi McKenzie

Hope everyone has a wonderful day ... Be sure to stop by again tomorrow

Tiffany Doodles - Sneak Peak Day #2

It's time for another Sneaky-Peak at what Tiffany has in store for you (literally IN her store for you, I guess, lol) coming this Friday ... Can't decide which one I like best ... Angel Trumpet or Daphne ... Daphne or Angel Trumpet ... Maybe ... No, can't decide ... You should definitely get BOTH of them on January 28th.  So many beautiful creations by the Design Team, I can't wait for you to see them all ... In the meantime ... here's a sneak peak of Daphne ...

Trust me, you'll love them and want them both!

In the meantime, check out Tiffany Doodles store front.  She's having a sale coming up in February that you won't want to miss.

Tiffany Doodles Sneak Peak - Day 1

Here's a Sneak Peak of a beautiful new digital image Tiffany has given us ... It will be available on Friday, January 28th for purchase.  Can I say gorgeous!!!  You should SEE what the Design Team has come up with for these beauties!

The Angel Trumpet is a night blooming flower.  I just LOVE the way the blossom droops downwards.  It was a blast to color, let me tell you!  The Angel Trumpet will be available this Friday for purchase, but in the meantime, check back tomorrow to see what other Sneak Peak's you might find!

Critter Sketch Challenge #49

This is what I came up with for today's Critter Sketch Challenge.  The challenge was TWO-fold ... Use distressing and use a circle of some kind (can be panels, embellishments, buttons, brads - your interpretation).

This digital image from The Stamping Boutique is called Max.  I colored him with Copics then added some glossy accents to parts of his guitar, spikes on his wrist thing (I'm sure they'd cringe if I said bracelet, lol) and his amplifier (?I'm not stereo savvy, so not sure what that is, lol?). 

As for the distressing, I scuffed up the circles and added some Tim Holtz Tea Dye ink to the edges.  I actually took all 3 of the paper layers and crumpled them a bit before running some Tea Dye over the wrinkles on those as well.  The sentiment is hand written - He was just calling out to me, "Rock On, Dude!", so I went with it.  I used some black distress Stickles to create a couple of paint blotches to the sentiment panel.

I've had this image downloaded forever it seems, and just couldn't come up with an idea in my head until now.  I don't know if it's just me, but I find it very challenging to create boy cards - I don't like to do too much as far as embellishments go - would they notice or even care? or think it was to frou-frou?  So, basically, my teen boy cards seem to come out fairly stark.  (In my humble opinion).

What do you think?  Any tricks of the trade you'd like to share with regard to Teen Boy cards (if they're not Birthday cards?)

Have a fab day !

Splitcoaster's Mini VSN - Virtual Stamp Night

The hostesses over at Splitcoaster's Virtual Stamp Night's You Make My Heart Sing had a blast - and some very fun ideas for the challenges.  There were only 6 last night, but head on over there on February 25th & 26th for the Main Event!

This first Challenge was called Punch Your Heart Out - we were given a sketch, 3 color choices (Cherry Cobbler, Kiwi Kiss and Regal Rose), told to use punches and last - only stamping was to be the sentiment.  I punched some flowers in 2 sizes from some Stampin' Up designer paper and attached them with pearled brads to a kiwi flourish.  I sponged the inside frame of a Nesties cut layer of regal rose for the middle panel.  The sentiment is from Hampton Arts, stamped in Cherry Cobbler and cut with the same Nesties die, just smaller.  Finished off with some thin green ribbon and pink half pearls.

The next Challenge was What Shape is Your Heart.  We were to create a heart shaped card.  I used some squares of Stampin' Up designer paper and made a 'quilt' which I then cut out with the Creative Memories heart cutting system.  The sentiment is from an oldie but goodie Stampin' Up valentine set, which was then punched with heart punch.  I double layered a red heart behind the sentiment.  Finished off with a ribbon and some red stickles.

The third Challenge was to create a luminary ... I may come back to that one, but last night, I skipped it.

The fourth Challenge was to Paper Piece Your Heart Out.  We were to paper piece 2 images - okay, I skimped and just used 2 different paper piecings on my one image (Pants and blouse).  Love this Magnolia image.  I used some digital paper from Two Peas in a Bucket for the paper piecing, then coordinated same papers for the background and middle layer.  Added a yellow ribbon and some yellow half pearls.  The sentiment is from Hero Arts that I circle punched & layered.

This fifth Challenge was Two Hearts Beat as One - to either entwine something (images, punches, etc), or to use an image that already expressed being wrapped up with each other.  This wonderful Mo Manning Digital Pencil Too image was perfect!  She seems to be saying "I love you, whether you like (or want) it or not!"  I also added a couple of flourishes that I entwined.  The sentiment is computer generated.  I used the Creative Memories oval cutting system then left out her pigtail & foot before matting on old olive.  This designer paper is another digital paper from Two Peas in a Bucket.  Finished with some graduating pink half pearls.

Last and kind of Least (in this instance) was Challenge 6 - Slimming Down.  We were to use Kraft/Crumb Cake card stock, keeping the layers to a minimum of 2 plus use something of Encouragement.  I plan on sending most of these (at least the valentine related ones) to St. Jude's Children's Hospital via Winter Sims for the children that are in the hospital - If you've got an abundance of Valentine cards and would like to do the same, check out Winter's Winter Wonderland Blog here.  You would write your own note in it (generic) and sign it, but you CAN'T say anything about them being sick or in the hospital or can't wait for them to get home.

I printed this digital image from The Stamping Boutique directly onto kraft paper then colored him with Copics. To create the faux oval frame, I used a negative of an oval previously used and sponged around the inside, then used cherry to sponge around the outer edge so it would pop when put on the card base, also kraft with one side run through the square lattice embossing folder. The sentiment was printed at the same time as image was.

Lots of fun! Head on over to Splitcoasters Virtual Stamp Night on February 25th & 26th for some more fun!

Let's Pretend with The Stamping Boutique

This is such a sweet image - a digital from The Stamping Boutique called The Magic of Pretend.  I actually cropped the image so it was only a circle - I wanted the edges to fade out - but the actual image is squared, in a frame.

She was colored with Copics - I wanted to keep this light and feminine, so I stuck with the softer tones and used the blender quite a bit to fade even the lightest out. 

I embossed the circle nestie then used scalloped circle.  Loved this pearl flourish.  I keep hoarding them - I need to get them out and use them ... Anyone use to watch Seinfeld?  "Is this card flourish-worthy?"

I am now out of my favorite-ist ribbon - Stampin Up Rose grosgrain ... need to restock - do they make it wider?  Will have to check that out, too.

Hope everyone is doing well - Lotsa lotsa reading for this nursing class, so I'm hoping it doesn't interfere with creativity.  They actually recommended at the orientation that if we don't have a relaxing hobby - GET ONE QUICK!  (can you really force a hobby?)

Let me know what you think of my card ... Love to hear your comments.

Critter Sketch Challenge #48

This week's Critter Sketch Challenge was to use blue and silver and add either rhinestones or pearls.

For this first card, the pearls & rhinestones were clashing with the background paper, so I went ahead and used a silver embellishment from Stampin' Up that attaches with a silver brad.  That, plus the flowers are dotted with gold Stickles.  This cutie is a Pocket Patootie (hey, that rhymes, lol) from The Stamping Boutique that I colored with Copics. 

This second card for the same challenge is also a digital image from The Stamping Boutique called AJ with Sign.  I computer generated the sentiment before printing the digital image out.  Can I say how much I miss my Cryogen irridescent?  This was the last half sheet that I ran through and it was an absolute dream to color - Not sure which one I prefer now - the Xpress Blend it or the Cryogen irridescent.  Guess I'll have to keep buying them both ...

SHOCKER - I digress ... Anyway, he was colored with Copics.  I was going to add rhinestones on this embossed brushed silver background, but the rhinestones weren't sticking - this Stampin Up paper must have some coating on it ... So, I pulled out the diamond Stickles and put a dollop on where ever I had intended the rhinestones to be.  Since the image was on the masculine side, I wanted to keep the adornments to a minimum.

I'm going to be sending these cards to Winter Sims for her St. Jude Valentine Card drive.  If you're interested, please check out my post from yesterday with all the details.

Thanks for popping in for a look-see ... Love to hear what you have to say!

Cards for St. Jude

Welcome to a Tiffany Doodles mini blog hop.  I apologize for not having this up sooner - With today being a holiday, my internal clock is still on "Sunday".

Winter Wonderland is Giving Back in honor of her 2nd blog anniversary by hosting a St. Valentine's Day card drive for the children of St. Jude Hospital.  St. Jude's is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay.  That being said, the children could use a little brightness to their lives, so lets pool our resources and send them some Valentine's Cards!

Here are some of the guidelines from St. Jude hospital ... (St. Jude's has added a few new rules, so please read carefully.)

* Cards need to be a Valentine theme.

* Cards can't have anything about 'Get Well Soon', 'Feel Better', or anything reminding them of being sick. (Only Valentine Cards)

* Please make cards that can be used for any gender or age. (This could be a little tricky, but I think you can handle it!) :)

* Cards must be able to fit into a 4 1/2 X 5 3/4 envelope (A2 size). (Winter will provide clear envelopes for each card, so there is no need to send one with your card.)

* You can include a message in the inside, but please remember, nothing reminding them of being sick. (Maybe just a Valentine sentiment.) You can also sign your first name but not your last name or where you are from. (St. Jude's rules state that they can't give out the givers info.)

*Winter will be accepting cards for the whole month of January. ( Jan. 1 - Jan. 31)  Please don't send any out after that, because she has to send them off so they will get to Tennessee in time for Valentines Day. At the end of the month, Winter will pick random winners for prizes. She will be adding more prizes, often. The more cards you send, the more times your name goes into the drawing. Let your kids get involved too! What a great way to have them learn about Giving Back, right.
* When you send your cards to Winter, please include  a piece of paper with your name, address, email address, and the amount of cards you sent. (It will help when she has the drawings.)

*Please send cards to Winter at:

Winter Sims
Cards For St. Jude
P.O. Box 754
Warren, TX 77664

Now, for the prize details ...

For each card donated, you'll be entered in to a drawing for free goodies!! And Tiffany Doodles is one of the prize sponsors! Be sure to visit Winter's page for full details on the prizes and rules.

Now - I was on a roll, especially since it's such a wonderful cause ... so I came up with 4 samples - all of the images are digital images from Tiffany Doodles and colored with Copics.  Head over to Tiffany's to see what else she has in the store. 

Remember, perfect way for the kids to get involved in sending a Valentine - Don't address it, just sent the A2 sized card (preferably in a ziploc) and Winter will take care of the envy's.

These are the 4 of us who were able to participate in this mini blog hop, so please head over to check out what they've come up with to send to the children at St. Jude's ...

Tiffany's Garden

Kim's Paperie Petals

Jeannie's Polka Cabana

Be sure to check the other works of art out - You'll be inspired to create some of your own!

Couple of Sugar Nellies

Okay, so I saw a cute card yesterday - loved the image - checked out the storefront - ended up buying a couple of images but couldn't "leave" without SOMEthing in my hot little ... I guess hands doesn't cut it - Computer!  So, I ordered a couple of digital images as well.  Where have I been?  And WHY didn't I know that Funky Kits has some Digital images as well?  Under a rock, I'm assuming. ME, that is, lol.

Both of these images are from the Sugar Nellie Line.

This first one is called Joy Sitting.  Again, it's a digital image.  I feel like I'm going through some kind of Vintage Withdrawal.  Can't remember last one I did (please don't correct me if it was just last week, lol).  I colored this little darling in softer shades with Copics in keeping with a sort of vintage feel then oval cut her with the Creative Memories system.  I then added some glossy accents to the ball.  Matted all with chocolate, then added chocolate ribbon and a brown 'n lavendar flowerI distressed just the image edges before sponging to make it look old.  This is such a sweet little girl - Dang, I miss those days.  Anyone have a toddler they want to rent out for a couple of years?

This next one is more fanciful, called Web Knitter.  Colored her with Copics as well.  I added mint glitter gel to her 'wings' and clear glitter to the web.  I love this paper from Basic Grey's Lemonade pack - the soft greens and roses look so nice together.  I'm not sure if you can tell, but look at the rose strip.  I used (for the first time since I bought it last summer) an embossing plate from My Favorite Things - it's supposed to look like grosgrain ribbon.  I ran it through the CB then sponged a little rose all over.  I may try darker color sponging or use a shim in the CB next time so it shows a little more.  I finished off with some pink pearls and celery ribbon.  This card measures 4x6.

I wish that Spellbinders would make their dies closer together in size - I like the thin border/frames so like to use this technique where you sponge the inside of the metal die before removing it from the image.  Problem is, your 'mat' is always white (or pale, at least).  I have been known to break out those little disc thingies (I really MUST remember the names for these tools, lol) and trace around then cut with an xacto, but running them through the CB is so much quicker, ya know?

Anyway - thanks for stopping by - I'm off to become a Domestic Goddess - at least for a couple of hours before we head out to see Dilemma with Vince Vaughn.  They filmed it here in Chicago and one of my friends' kids are extras in it - in the Diner/Cafe/Restaurant scene (yeah, ok ... like you care, lol).  Anyway, LOVE Vince Vaughn, so looking forward to that ... Cheerleading competition for my friend's daughter tomorrow then Munchkin's first Volleyball tournament on Sunday - so will be a busy bee.  Oh yeah, and Nursing School starts on Tuesday ... Must ... get ... fix ... of ... cards ... in ... before ... I ... can't.

Take care - Love to hear what you have to say!