Stamped Designs Blog

February Calendar Cat...

2012-02-12T05:45:00.000-08:00

It's almost Valentine's Day and I decided to post the February cat calendar page in honor of the holiday. Little Bucle is peering around a red package - something she loves to do - hide behind things then poke her little head around. I cut the picture out with a Spellbinders heart die and added a scallop heart under it. Then I punched a bunch of hearts out of pink and red and added them to the layers.

Stay warm for the rest of the day - that cold air from Canada is coming down and making it quite brisk here in the Northeast!

Jeannette

Mimi the Mermaid...

2012-02-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

Little Mimi is a mermaid and swimming with some of her little friends! It's always nice to think about sun and warm in the middle of winter - even though our winter here has been pretty wimpy. I stamped Mimi with black Memento ink and colored her with Copic markers - lots of them! I layered her to some Tink Pink Bazzill cardstock, then to some BoBunny Double Dot. I pie cut out the waves and added those over the top, then stamped a happy birthday saying and punched it out with a circle punch. Add some little punched flowers to make it girly!

Thanks for coming by!
Jeannette

In Honor of the Super Bowl...

2012-02-05T08:45:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is Super Bowl Sunday here in the US - a day when most people's attention turns to the big game - this year in Indianapolis. I made this quick card in honor of the big game using Football Riley as my main image. He is colored with Copic markers and cut out with a Spellbinders circle and then layered with a couple more Spellbinders dies. I used a vanished cardstock from Bazzill as the main background and cut out and layered a couple football images from a DP from TaDa called "Game On." Those are popped up with foam tape. So, whomever your team is for tonight - ENJOY THE GAME!

Jeannette

Joe Cool...

2012-02-04T17:46:00.000-08:00

I used Jen Del Muro's February Sketch For You To Try (SFYTT) to create this card with Snoopy as Joe Cool. I do love the Snoopy images - we all grew up with Peanuts and they always make fun cards. You can view Jen's sketches on her website: http://iheart2stamp.com/. Join along and link your creation to her site. I stamped Snoopy with black Memento ink and colored with Copics. I added a black circle to accent it and then a blue layer with another Spellbinders die. The base card is Bazzill with DP from Kaiser. I added the 2-color stars (also a Spellbinders die) down the edge. A fun card that also works for guys.

Thanks for stopping by!
Jeannette

January Calendar Cat!

2012-02-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

I forgot to post the January 2012 calendar cat! Dora sent me an email to remind me that is "her month" and I had better get it posted. Someone brought the stamp that says "The dog did it!" to the last yard sale and I scoffed it up - knowing exactly what I would use it for. So I got Dora to lie on the floor with some crayons in front of her some time ago and thought that the saying was perfect for this!

More CHA stuff later - we're packing for the airport!

Jeannette

Oh The Things You See at CHA...

2012-01-31T06:10:00.000-08:00

One of the most interesting things about being at a show like this is looking at the amazing booth displays. Some companies literally go all-out. Here's some of the fun stuff I saw on day #2.

First we have Tim Holtz demoing with someone's iPad stuck in front of him so she could record the whole thing. A little gutzy in my opinion, but you see all kinds...

Next we have some of the samples from Ranger's "Designer Challenge" where they sent a paper mache dress form to a bunch of designers and they had to decorate it using some Ranger products. Tim's was missing, so someone either stole it (yes, a definite possibility) or it was taken down and displayed somewhere else.

This is followed by this peacock created with papers, glitter and crystals. I cannot imagine how long it took someone to do this...

But if you thought the peacock was impressive, this dress really takes the cake! It was hard to get a good picture with a small point and shoot camera, but this dress is made from paper flowers, adorned with Swarofsky crystals! It was truly stunning. Even had a matching shoe!

So, those were the fun finds in day #2.

Jeannette

CHA Day #1 - Elizabeth Craft Designs

2012-01-29T20:46:00.000-08:00

Today was day #1 of the official show. We're starting with Elizabeth Craft Designs - I knew Els (the owner) would have some new tricks up her sleeve - she always does. First we have a picture of Els, demoing and making samples for the attendees.

She started doing a "patchwork" effect with pieces of her "shimmer sheets" that had been embossed with dry embossing folders and then sanded and sometimes colored with Stazon inks. She uses her line stickers to cover the overlap of the pieces. The first picture here is a card where she did the patchwork as a background, then added a glitter piece - colored with Copic markers. VERY stunning...

Then she used the same technique to cover the top of a small, spiral bound journal. This was a wonderful idea and looked stunning in person.

We'll have the new shimmer sheets coming in soon and will be showcasing this technique in future classes.
Thanks for checking in...

Jeannette

New Twine Coming from Queen & Company

2012-01-27T10:50:00.000-08:00

Hey, we are all loving twine these days and Queen and Company is introducing some new Twine at CHA - including 3-color twine! It is all on order and should be shipping in February! Stay tuned!

Jeannette

Luka with Truck Birthday Card

2012-01-26T05:45:00.000-08:00

This is one of the first images I bought from La-La-Land stamps - little Luka with a toy truck. I have always liked this image and decided to do a fun little birthday card with it. It is always a challenge finding good images for little boys birthdays and he works out quite nicely. I stuck to "boy colors" and did a trick I like to use where I dry emboss a printed paper, then use Ranger's Distress inks (Brushed Corduroy in this case) to make the embossed part pop a bit. It works best with ones with a lighter background, as you see the ink and the embossed design more. He is colored with Copic markers and put onto the layers with foam tape.

Thanks for making us part of your day today.

Jeannette

Coming from Ranger - Distress Markers!

2012-01-25T02:40:00.000-08:00

This is one of the new releases from Ranger - Distress markers! In all the colors of Distress, plus Picket Fence. these are supposed to have the same characteristics of Distress that we have come to know and love - reacts with water. I am sure Tim will have some at CHA, so I am looking forward to seeing what these markers can do!

Jeannette

A Simple Thank You Card...

2012-01-24T14:49:00.000-08:00

I needed a quick thank you card to send to someone. I dug into a container that had some stamped and colored images from a while back (I never throw those away, as they come in handy when you're in a hurry) and pulled out this pink flower image. It is from Penny Black and it is colored with watercolor pencils. I tied a bow with May Arts ribbon and wrapped the ends around the base, punched the words out with a circle punch and added another green circle underneath. That is on with foam tape and all put on a pink card. Quick and easy!

Thanks for stopping in today!
Jeannette

Irojiten Colored Pencils from Tombow...

2012-01-19T16:57:00.001-08:00

Tombow is introducing colored pencils to their line - called Irojiten colored pencils. There are a total of 90 colors sold in 3 "books" of 30 - each book contains 3 volumes of 10 pencils each.

They will be featuring these pencils at their booth at CHA, so I will spend some time there seeing what the pencils are like and will report back. Usually products that come out of Japan are of high quality, so I am hopeful that these will be nice pencils. Stay tuned for more reports.

Jeannette

Spellbinders Blog Frenzy Day #8!

2012-01-19T02:25:00.000-08:00

We've got 7 dies to show you on day #8 of the Spellbinders blog frenzy. Starting with an aster flower layering die...
Then 3 new fun inserts for the Edgeabilities dies...

Next up is a sewing-themed shape die set...

Followed by a home-themed shape set...

And 2 more embossing folders...

And a blossom die...

And 2 more embossing folders...

That's all for now. Have a wonderful day!
Jeannette

Unconventional Water Lily...

2012-01-18T17:00:00.000-08:00

I know that traditional water lilies are white with a little pink on them, but I decided to create more of a "fall water lily." I started with some yellow-ish copics and added some reddish-brown, then blended it out. I used some of the 6x6 papers from the Authentique Freebird collection.The waterlily image and words are from Flourishes. Add a little ribbon and you have an interesting card.

Stop back soon!
Jeannette

Spellbinders Blog Frenzy Day #7

2012-01-18T11:41:00.000-08:00

We're in the home stretch of the new Spellbinders releases. Four dies to show you today. Starting with a large rectangle set that has very elegant edges.

Next up is another accent set - this one with a Moroccan theme...

Followed by a coordinating motif set...

And finishing out with another set of embossing folders.

As many of you know, Spellbinders always keeps some new stuff "up their sleeve" so to say, so be sure to stay tuned after the frenzy is over to see what is released at the show.

Jeannette

Spellbinders Blog Frenzy Day #6

2012-01-17T17:37:00.000-08:00

It's day #6 of the blog frenzy. More fun new dies to look at. Starting with a nestabilities in a fun square pattern.
Followed by some lovely new Edgeabilities inserts.

And some interesting grunge tags...

Then some interesting "play" pieces, if you will.

And some interesting mixed media elements.

And some bitty curled blossoms.

Followed by a couple more embossing folders.

And some fun ribbon buckles.

Stop by again tomorrow for more introductions.

Jeannette

More New from JustRite Stampers!

2012-01-16T17:28:00.000-08:00

This is another new set coming out from JustRite Stampers - Sea Shell Bay! I love this set - especially seeing that we live by the seacoast! This will be a very fun set to play with when it arrives!

Keep stopping by for more "sneak peaks!"

Jeannette

Dinosaur Birthday!

2012-01-16T15:39:00.000-08:00

How can you not love this cute dinosaur from Whippersnapper stamps? He's got a gift and a balloon - he is ready to party! I started with VersaFine ink and then colored him with Staedtler watercolor pencils and a Dove blender pen. Then I used some coordinating bright cardstocks and added a little zig-zag trim from an EK Success border punch to add a little zip!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Jeannette

Spellbinders Blog Frenzy Day #5!!

2012-01-16T03:52:00.000-08:00

Another day and some more new product to look at from Spellbinders. Today we start we an accents set.
Followed by the matching motif set.

Next we have what I believe is a new classification of Spellbinders dies - cut, fold and tuck dies. These remind me of some stencils that we used to buy from Europe years ago where we would cut the lines with an exacto and then do the folding. It was not easy and you always had to hope you had cut everything correctly! It looks like they have done the hard work for us!

And another set of embossing folders.

And a second cut, fold and tuck die.

And another set of inserts for the edgeabilities dies.

We have a few more days to go to see what else they have up their sleeves....

Jeannette

Spellbinders Blog Frenzy Day #4!

2012-01-15T03:10:00.000-08:00

Another day of fun releases from Spellbinders. Today we start with a nautical set with some interesting shapes, borders and frames.
Followed by an antique frame die, border and accents. I can envision some great ideas with these pieces.

Next is an interesting tea set die combo. Tea sets and cups seem to be all the rage right now!

Followed by another 2-set of embossing folders.

And the last die today is the second "grand" die that has been introduced. This time it is the grand version of the Dahlia die set. I am thinking the larger ones might make a very interesting card shape.

So, that is the release for today! I am planning on getting some of the Tim Holtz Sizzix introductions out later today. Have a great stamping day!
Jeannette

Spellbinders Blog Frenzy Day #3!

2012-01-14T03:20:00.001-08:00

We're into the thick of the introductions now! Lots of variety today, as well. We start with a very interesting flower die - I like the solid bottom with the lacey upper options! Very creative!

Followed up by another embossing folder combination. There is a video on these on the Spellbinders blog that you might want to check out.

And another "staple" if you will - a new "labels" die! Fun shape! I can see adding little adornments to the points already!

Now an interesting thing with the Edgeabilities dies. It looks like they are changing their thoughts on packaging and selling edgers separate from inner designs... We start with 3 edgers, which I think already exist in some of the previous sets...

Next we have 3 new insert designs - which I really love!

And 3 more cool insert designs!

Followed by 3 more edgers - which I also think already exist.

So, that is the release for today! Remember that you can "pre-order" with "no money down" the dies you want - this will ensure that I order enough at the show and that you get them first!!!

Jeannette

Spellbinders Blog Frenzy - Day #2!

2012-01-13T01:33:00.000-08:00

It's day #2 and they are showing 7 new die sets. The first 2 are the motif and accent sets - very elegant with lots of possibilities.

The next is apparently a grand die - not sure what to say about this one! Can't wait to see what the design team does with this one...

Next up we have a few what I call "accent dies." Looks like Spellbinders is expanding their range a bit...

Then a nice set of crosses - I like these better than the 1st set and will be quite elegant on a more religious card.

And finally - another set of embossing folders. I will definitely report on these from the show and let you know what I think!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check back tomorrow! I hope to get some regular posts, as well as some more new stuff from other companies!

Jeannette

Spellbinders Blog Frenzy - Day #1

2012-01-12T01:21:00.001-08:00

Yep, it's that time of year again! Time to see some of the new products to be released by Spellbinders.

First up appears to be some newly designed embossing folders! Yes, they said FOLDERS! I am very excited to see what they come up with, as I was always a little challenged with the previous embossing templates.

Next we have a new nesting labels set - I like this shape a lot!

This is followed up by what looks like a new concept - how exciting! Decorative circles that are nested, but different! I cannot wait see what the designers do with this!

And finally, another set of embossing folders!

Be sure to check out the Spellbinders blog and their designers' blogs to see what wonderful creations they come up with using the new products. Check back tomorrow for more new introductions!
Jeannette

Outlines Heart...Layered Style...

2012-01-08T15:07:00.000-08:00

If you like to cut things out and layer, then Outlines has some great images for you! This is a heart image from Outlines - consisting of concentric hearts. I stamped and embossed 3 total images for this card. The first heart I colored the 2nd heart ring from the outside and cut out the complete heart. The 2nd heart I cut out the outer ring and colored it. Layered it to the first heart with foam tape. Then I took the same image and cut out the 3rd heart and colored it, then layered it to the base heart with foam tape. The last heart I cut out the very center heart, colored it and layered it over the one attached to the base with foam tape. If you want to be frugal, you can do this with 2 images, you just need to carefully cut out the center heart out of the base heart with an exacto, as the hole will be covered with the layer. Now that you have that complete, the rest is pretty easy-peasy. The pink check is one of the print cardstocks from Memory Box. I layered that to black, then red swiss dot cardstock. I added 2 strips of white petite ric rac and then made a little flower and added that to the corner. The flower is 3 layers - 2 cut from red cardstock and one from white vellum. Each layer is slightly off-set. The heart is also attached with foam tape.

Thanks for stopping by today!
Jeannette

Some New Items Coming from JustRite...

2012-01-05T14:44:00.001-08:00

Well, the new products are starting to be introduced. This is a new stamp set and 2 different medallion die sets from JustRite Stampers. I really like these products - very elegant and you can create some classy cards (and the variety of matching words give you LOTS of possibilities). And the die sets make cutting out the images very easy. It also gives a very professional look - even if you're good at cutting out. The JustRite design team is starting to show projects with these products to get your creative juices flowing. I believe that they will be shipping at the end of January!

Keep your eyes open for more new releases as the weeks get closer to the CHA show!

Jeannette

Authentique FreeBird Cardstock...

2012-01-03T17:10:00.000-08:00

This is a card I designed with Authentique's FreeBird cardstock. This is a line of 6x6" cardstock that is available both in individual sheets and in pads. I then used a the Zinnia stamp set from Flourishes and stamped the image in back Memento ink and colored with Copic markers. Then I went around the edge with Ranger Distress Wild Honey ink. Layered that up to some Bazzill Tink Pink cardstock. I used 2 patterns of FreeBird paper. The stamped words are from the same Flourishes set. Between the 2 patterns, I used some green Bazzill cardstock punched with an EK Success border punch.

Thanks for making us part of your day!
Jeannette

Valentine Luka...

2012-01-02T16:50:00.001-08:00

This is little Amour Luka from La-La-Land Crafts. He's a real cutie and is decked out for Valentine's Day. I started by stamping Luka and coloring him with Copic markers - then I cut him out. I layered up the card with a Valentine paper from BoBunny, some Bazzill cardstock and some fun ric rac trim from May Arts. The green cardstock is border punched with a Martha Stewart Crafts punch. The Happy Valentine's Day words are from Inky Antics.

Thanks for stopping by today!
Jeannette

New Copic Colors Coming in February!

2011-12-30T18:42:00.001-08:00

I know, you just don't have enough color choices with your Copic markers! Well, they are listening and there are 12 new colors coming out for 2012. They should be shipping in February...

They are all on order and hopefully we will have them in stock by March 1st! They are available only in Sketch markers. I have not heard about refills, but I am sure that they are also coming.

Jeannette

A Holiday Thank You...

2011-12-29T14:49:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the extreme delay in posting - just don't know where the time went! Trying to get everything ready for Christmas really ate up all my free time. This is a holiday thank you card made with a cardinal image from Flourishes. I love this artist! Her designs are so realistic and they stamp beautifully. I stamped the image on white with black momento ink and colored with Copic markers. Then I layered it to a lacey circles die cut. Add a couple fancy layers, stamp a thank you and you're done!

I appreciate your patience while I have been amiss!

Jeannette

Penguins out for a ride...

2011-12-17T02:28:00.001-08:00

This wonderful image is from Art Impressions and features their fun little penguins geared up for a sleigh ride. If they are in the Northeast, they are in trouble, as we have had unseasonably warm weather - near 50 for the past week! Unheard of in these parts a week before Christmas! I started by stamping the image with black Momento ink and coloring with Copic markers. I did not color each section completely and left a little white space. The DP is from We R Memory Keepers - not even a holiday paper, but it works well with the card! I added some purple snowflakes and attached some Candi dots over them. These are fun little adornments and you get a ton in a package! Add some ribbon and you have a great little card!

I hope you have your shipping done (or close to it). I am not in that category and will hit panic mode Monday!

Jeannette

Beautiful Holiday Tildas!

2011-12-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

I cannot take credit for these beautful cards - they were designed and made by Sheila. All 3 use the new holiday stamps from Magnolia. Each one is uniquely different - using some different techniques and colors.
Starts with a blue theme with silver trim. A very elegant look to Tilda.

This one is little Tilda with a teddy bear, cut out and sitting on a holiday box. I like the more traditional Christmas colors on this one. I also like the Spellbinders holly accents dies with a little bling!

Lastly is Tilda with a snow heart - not the most holiday themed design, but I really like this image. This one was colored using Ranger's Distress re-inkers as a watercolor. You cannot tell from the photo, but Tilda was stamped and cut out, then layered over the die cut piece.

Thanks for making us part of your day today!
Jeannette

Skiing Bunny...

2011-12-11T03:50:00.000-08:00

This is one of those cute bunnies from The Cat's Pajamas! if you are a skier - or know someone who is, this is a great image that you can have a lot of fun with. On this card, I stamped the bunny on white CS with Memento ink and colored with Copics. Then, I cut it out. That is the true challenge of this card! Once you get that done, the rest is easy-peasey! The little snowflake corner in the left corner is a Memory Box die - embellished with glitter from Elizabeth Crafts Design. To do this, I adhered a piece of BeCreative tape to a piece of copy paper (the stuff you use in your computer printer). Then I cut it out with the die cut. Note, I tried this with cardstock and could not get a clean cut. The paper worked fine. Then you carefully remove the adhesive backing sheet and dip the piece in EC glitter - the glitter adheres to the adhesive. Brush off any excess. Then add a few dots of Ranger's Glossy Accents to the back and carefully adhere it to your card. The bunny is attached with foam tape. Enjoy!

Have a great day!
Jeannette

Holly Cupcake...

2011-12-09T17:40:00.000-08:00

Nothing like a tasty Christmas cupcake! This is an Elizabeth Crafts peel-off - attached to a piece of white cardstock, the painted with USArtQuest mica paints (everything except the frosting, that is!). The glitter layer on the card is made by taking a piece of the wide "Be Creative" tape and attaching it directly to the green card front and then covering with Elizabeth Crafts glitter (this is the finest glitter I have ever seen). Then it is simply a layering game. After I got it all layered, I added some Crystal Stickles to the frosting part of the cupcake.

Thanks for stopping by!
Jeannette

Weight Watchers Points...

2011-12-07T15:51:00.001-08:00

For everyone who battles the middle age bulge, this is the card for us! I love the image and the saying! These stamps are part of a cling mount set from Art Impressions. Stamped in Momento ink and colored with Copic markers. Layered up with some fun shapes, a few flowers and some pearls!

Thanks for stopping by today!
Jeannette

December Calendar Cats...

2011-12-04T04:20:00.000-08:00

Well, this is one way to turn your cats into ornaments! I started with 2 pictures and a Spellbinders circle die. Made to "ornaments" with the pictures and stamped some pine branches on the cardstock base, then used a gold twine from May Arts to "hang" the ornaments. The girls like being festive!

I hope your holiday planning is going well!

Jeannette

Stamped Designs Small Business Saturday!

2011-12-03T03:32:00.000-08:00

Come by on Saturday December 3rd for some "Small Business Saturday" specials! We were unable to prepare for last Saturday, so we are doing one, Stamped Designs style! Specials on Copic markers, Magnolia stamps, Hero Arts stamps and more! One day only!

Jeannette

Snowman with Cardinal...

2011-12-02T17:26:00.001-08:00

Where did the week go? I cannot believe it is Friday all ready, but it is! Only 3 weeks until Christmas and it seems like we just finished summer. Oh well. Father Time is not slowing down, that is for sure. Today I used another stamp from a Heartfelt Creations snowman stamp set that I used on a previous post. This time, I stamped the image on kraft cardstock with VersaFine ink and colored the snowman with Prismacolor pencils. This way you can use a white pencil for the actual snowman. I also used a Tim Holtz on the edge die to make the snowflake trim at the bottom of the card. Definitely creates a different look. I hope everyone is doing well getting ready for the holidays. I have 70 cards done - 40 more to go!

Thanks for stopping by!
Jeannette

Tilda with Holly....

2011-11-27T14:58:00.000-08:00

This is one of the new stamps in the latest Magnolia collection. I tried coloring the dress several ways - white was too boring, red tot bold for what I wanted to achieve. I really wanted an ivory, but struggled with my Copics trying to achieve that color. This is what I ended up with. Not exactly what I wanted... I went for blonde hair this time, as there was enough brown and I like the red hair bows. After coloring and adding a couple layers, I made a bow with a wonderful crinkle ribbon from Creative Impressions. I LOVE this ribbon. Ties like a dream and is soft as butter! I added another bow from a gold twine from May Arts. This is another product I love to use! Lastly I added a couple gold Dew Drops to the front. Sorry for the posting delay. We've had a couple minor crisis going on and then the holiday. Hopefully things will return to their normal craziness and we'll be back to regular posting. Thanks for your patience!

Jeannette

A Cute Christmas Card...

2011-11-19T13:42:00.000-08:00

When it comes to cute, there are 2 companies that I tend to turn to...Whippersnapper and Penny Black. Today it is Whippersnapper. Who can resist a cute bear on a hobby horse? Not me! I stamped the image with Momento ink and colored with Copic markers. Cut out with a Spellbinders oval and layered to a scallop oval in red. To make the card, layer the "Peace & Joy" print paper to a red layer, then add the flat ribbon piece. Layer to the base card, then attach the image piece and add the tied bow with a glue dot. Add a couple punched snowflakes layered with a couple colored dots.

Thanks for making us part of your day!
Jeannette

Chasing Butterflies...

2011-11-17T14:12:00.000-08:00

I know that by the calendar, this is a little out of season, but we have been having some unseasonably warm weather here in the northeast - hopefully that will mean a mild winter, but I doubt that the 2 are related. Back to the card...I used a set from My Favorite Things and this is a paper-piecers dream! You start by stamping the image on white cardstock with Momento ink. Then I stamped the dress part of the image on the floral print cardstock and the hair part of the image on a piece of tan cardstock and cut out the dress and her hair. First you attach the dress piece to your white stamped image, and then the hair. I like to use Ranger's Glossy Accents, which is my favorite "small piece adhesive." I use it for big pieces, too, but I LOVE it for the little ones. I also stamped the corner of her dress on pink and cut out the little heart and added that. Now you can color the rest of the image with Copics and the words on a strip of pink Bazzill. The striped DP paper is the reverse side to the floral print that makes up her dress. I added a couple butterflies above her with some pearls and you're done!

Have a great stamping day!
Jeannette

Christmas Silhouette...

2011-11-13T05:58:00.000-08:00

This card uses one of the new Christmas sets from Flourishes. The set contains some holiday silhouettes and I really like this one with the kids trimming the tree. I stamped the image with black Versafine ink, cut it out with a Spellbinders circle die, then only colored the skirt of the little girl with red and green Copic markers. You can use Versafine with Copics if you are careful not to run the pen over the ink. In this case, I stamped it a couple days ago, so the ink had completely dried. I would not do any heavy blending with this ink, but I prefer it for stamps like this as I think it gives a superior image. Then I went around the edge with Ranger Wild Honey Distress ink. Wild Honey is truly one of my favorites - I use it a lot. Sometime by itself and sometimes over a brown first layer - as it "warms it up." I stamped the words next, over the distress ink. Then I layered it to a green scallop layer and used a red and kraft harlequin paper from Canvas Corp for the main background layer. Add a red and green ribbon from May Arts and some little red crystals from Memory Box to give it a little bling, and you're done!

Thanks for coming by today!

Jeannette

I'd say we have a bear...

2011-11-13T05:52:00.000-08:00

This morning before breakfast we looked out in the back yard and noticed that 2 bird feeder poles were on the ground - the one was a metal pole arrangement, which we have had for years. The other was a 4x4" wood post put into the ground - and he (or she) just pulled that right out of the dirt. Yes, we have had enough rain here, but it still takes some force to get that down. I guess someone was hungry. Time to take the feeders in at night until they start hibernating, I guess. I asked the cats if they heard or saw anything, but they are not talking!

Now we'll return to our regular programming...

Jeannette

She's Ready for Christmas!

2011-11-09T15:53:00.000-08:00

The cats by Penny Black rubber stamps are some of my favorite images. I guess that is partly because I am a cat fan - especially tabby cats! And this cat is a smart cat and has started her Christmas shopping early! I stamped the image with Versafine ink and colored it with Staedtler watercolor pencils and a Dove blender pen. I layered some blue Bazzil cardstock underneath and stamped some words from Hero Arts. The ribbon bow hides the cardstock line. Layered to some DP and a base card to create a fun holiday card!

Thanks for stopping by!

Jeannette

Flourishes Waterlily...

2011-11-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

I just love Flourishes stamps! Besides the great artwork, the other thing I love about them is the quality of their clear rubber! It is the only company whose clear rubber stamps beautifully the first time, and every time - and gives a result that I cannot distinguish from red rubber. And I am a big fan of natural red rubber, so that is saying a lot! Okay, back to the card. This uses their waterlily set and the waterlily image is stamped with back Momento ink, colored with Copics and cut out. I took a Spellbinders label die and cut and embossed the cardstock. Before removing it from the die, I edged it with Ranger Distress ink. I find the Distress ink is the best ink for this effect. The fact that it stays wet a bit longer seems to allow it to blend over the cardstock easily and gives wonderful results. I stamped the words next, using VersaFine ink. The DP is from BoBunny and I added some crochet ribbon from May Arts with some beige double-face satin over the top tied in a square knot. Add a couple layers, a few pearls and you're done!
Thanks for adding us to your day!
Jeannette

Memory Box Polar Bear Card

2011-11-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

We got this cute polar bear card and all the fixin's to make it this week! You have to love the little guy! There is the stamp and a matching die to cut him out if you prefer. The snow globe is also a die cut! Add the north star die and the cute polar bear paper and you have a great card!

Thanks for coming by today!

Jeannette

Winter Seasonal Distress Inks are HERE!

2011-11-04T15:09:00.001-07:00

Just IN! The new seasonal Distress inks are here and will be in the shop on Saturday! Come and get them! The colors are gorgeous!

Use "Evergreen Bough, Festive Berries and Iced Spruce" to your holiday creations this year. They are here and when they're gone, they're gone!

Jeannette

Hanging out without power...

2011-11-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

We keep hoping for power to be restored at our house... No luck yet! You can always stamp - just cannot emboss!

Today's card is a bright and cheery one using the Penten Rose set from Flourishes. I stamped the image on a piece of white cardstock, then cut it out so it was along the edge of the Spellbinders oval die. Then I added the words - to ensure that they fit! Colored with Copic markers and layered up. The green background layer is embossed with a Cuttlebug embossing folder. I added some May Arts embroidered lace and a pink bow from double-faced satin ribbon. Then I added a couple pearls and voila! A card is born!

Have a great day! If you see a power crew - send them our way!

Jeannette

The Weather is Not Looking Good...

2011-10-29T04:21:00.000-07:00

Here it is 2 days BEFORE Halloween and we have a Nor 'Easter bearing down on us - predicting a substantial snowfall for tonight into tomorrow. This might mean more candy for us, as I am not certain how the trick or treaters are supposed to get around in a bunch of snow. So, today's card, of course, is a snowman, as they might start making an early appearance this year!

The snowman image I chose is from Printworks and he is one of my favorites. Well, honestly, I have a LOT of favorites, as I love snowmen. Starting with the background, this is similar to what I did for the wreath card a couple days ago. I took a lightweight watercolor paper from The Paper Cut and stamped one of the mega background stamps with white embossing ink and then embossed with white embossing powder. Then I took 2 colors of Ranger Distress Stain and covered the piece. Next, I spritzed watered with pearl Perfect Pearls mixed in. I actually prefer this to the pre-mixed variety for this technique, as I can control the "pearliness" and I prefer it a little lighter for this particular technique.

The snowman is stamped with Momento ink and colored with Copic markers. Layer it up and add a white ribbon wrapped bow and you're done!

So, if you're in the path of this winter storm - stay safe and be careful! Hopefully you won't lose power. We have the wood stove ready to go if necessary.

Jeannette

Purple Butterflies...

2011-10-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

This a simple card that uses an interesting resist technique. I started with a solid butterfly image from Impression Obsession. I inked the stamp with clear embossing ink and randomly stamped it on a piece of printed paper. Cover with clear embossing powder, shake off the excess and heat emboss. Then I took Dusty Concord Distress ink from Ranger and using a foam applicator, applied the ink over the piece. The embossed images will resist the ink. Take a tissue or paper towel and rub to remove any stray ink off the embossed designs. The words are from Flourishes and I went around the edges of the oval with the Dusty Concord ink, as well. Add some ribbon and layers and you have a great card.

Thanks for making us part of your day today!
Jeannette

November Calendar Cats

2011-10-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

Well, what do we think of when we think of November? Thanksgiving! And what is Thanksgiving all about? Yes, FOOD! So, November's calendar page is the 2 girls with their faces in the food bowl! This is a simple page - the background is a beige cardstock with some Fall leaves stamped on it in brown, then a couple strips of a coordinating cardstock added across it. The picture is cut out with a Spellbinders label die and I added a few gold pearls for accent. Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Jeannette

Fun Fall Cards...

2011-10-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

I love the Fall! The colors can be so stunning, sometimes the trees look like they are on fire. It has not been a stunning year here in the Northeast for foliage, but some of the trees are looking lovely. This card is made using a background technique and a beautiful Lockhart stamp. To make the background piece, I started with lightweight watercolor paper and stamped an Impression Obsession large background stamp with pigment ink and embossed in gold. Then I took some of the Ranger Distress Stains and applied them to the cardstock, then misted with plain water. The water reacts with the stains and blends the colors together. The wreath image was stamped with VersaFine ink and colored with Prismacolor pencils. The ribbon is from May Arts. Simple and lovely.

Thanks for stopping by today!
Jeannette

A Bunny Birthday Card...

2011-10-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

What is more fun than a cheery bunny birthday greeting? This cute bunny is from The Cat's Pajamas and I love this little guy (or maybe girl). Actually, given the hair bow (no pun intended), I would guess this one is a girl! Anyway, stamped with Momento and colored with Copics. Then cut out. I cut out two Spellbinders labels - one with brown Bazzill cardstock and the other with a BoBunny Double-Dot Designs - of course I had to use BoBunny paper! I went around the border of the smaller piece with a white Viva Pearl Pen. Add some layers and a punched border from an EK border punch and you have a wonderful card!

Sorry for the delay in posting - the days have just snuck away.

Jeannette

Distress Holiday Book

2011-10-18T16:07:00.001-07:00

I took a class with Tim Holtz on Monday and this is one of the projects from the class. It is a holiday book - with pocket pages that can be used for keeping mementos and other items for the holidays. It would make a nice gift for something - either empty for them to add their own items, or a special gift for someone where you filled it with various items (mementos and maybe some gifts). To create the book, we utilized some great techniques - the letters on the front are made by applying Ranger's silver paint dauber to black plastic letters, allowing that to dry, then applying Glossy Accents over the paint and allowing that to dry. Easy and inexpensive! It was a lot of distressing and combining, but created quite a unique book when finished.

This is the cover - you can see the tabs on the inside pocket pages sticking out the right edge. The book is held together with an elastic band that wraps around the knob on the front.

The side includes 9 pocket pages, made from Tim's enamel kraft paper - colored with Distress Stains. The tabs are made using one of his Sizzix dies. There are small pages where you could journal, write some inspiration or attach special photos to. the pockets would be perfect for little mementos or something like a gift card!

A fun little project that can be highly customized for any special recipient.

Thanks for making us part of your day today!
Jeannette

Spooky Tree!

2011-10-13T16:55:00.000-07:00

This is another fun Penny Black Halloween stamp - a nice spooky tree. I stamped the tree image, then cut the cardstock out with a Spellbinders die. To create the moon, I punched out a circle and placed it in the upper right corner as a mask, then sponged Ranger's Distress ink - Pumice Stone to create a grey sky background. I stamped the tree again on another piece of cardstock and cut out all the little "ornaments" hanging from the tree and colored them with Copic markers. Then they are attached to the card with foam tape to add a little dimension. The base card is an orange Bazzill card with a striped DP at the top and bottom. Lastly I added some crystal Stickles for a little glitz!

Thanks for checking out the blog today!
Jeannette

Cupcakes for Halloween!

2011-10-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

Cupcakes are all the rage and Halloween is no exception! This card was made with a fun set from Penny Black. The background cardstock is cut with a Spellbinders scallop rectangle die, then the edges are colored with Ranger Distress ink in Frayed Burlap before the cardstock is removed from the die. The base of the cupcake is stamped on the base cardstock. Next you stamp 2 different cupcake tops on a 2nd piece of cardstock and color with a foam dauber and Ranger Distress ink - Orange Marmalade. Cut out and attached over the cupcake base and adorned with the little bats and candy corn. Stamp and cut out the Halloween banner and attach so it looks like it is sticking out of the cupcake. Add that to a couple color layers and you're done!

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!
Jeannette

80 Degrees and We're Thinking Snowmen!

2011-10-08T11:14:00.001-07:00

This is one of the great images from the "Blizzard Bunch" stamp set from JustRite Stampers. He's stamped with Momento ink and colored with Copic markers. I layered the oval to a Spellbinders Labels Ten die. I used a Tonic holly punch to add a little trim to the design and some gold self-adhesive pearls to the Labels Ten die. The base card is a BoBunny double-dot cardstock, then added the presents paper by Little Yellow Bicycle and trimmed it with some gold cardstock - one edge cut with an EK border punch. Then add some brown lace trim by May Arts and 3 punched snowflakes with a Martha Stewart punch and some red circles added to the center. It's 80 degrees outside right now and it is hard to think about snow, but we all know it is coming!

Thanks for coming by!
Jeannette

Miss You A Latte!

2011-10-04T14:45:00.000-07:00

This card uses another fun A La Mode set from My Favorite Things! I stamped the image and colored her with Copics. I used a Spellbinders die to create something that kinda looks like a coffee cup lid and stamped that with the "Miss You a Latte" saying - which is part of the stamp set. The DP is from BoBunny. Very cheery paper - which is what we need here in the Northeast, as it continues to rain. We're considering building an ark! I punched a couple different flower punch pieces and layered them together and lastly added a few pink pearls.

Thanks for coming by today!
Jeannette

New October Release From La-La Land!

2011-10-01T02:58:00.000-07:00

These are the new 8 images from La-La Land that will be shipping mid-October! I am taking pre-orders for an order that I will place around October 10th...

I think my favorite is Autumn Marci, but I also really like Lil' Rocker Luka and Angel Marci!

Have a wonderful Autumn day!
Jeannette

A Slight Twist on a Fomer Card...

2011-09-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

Back around Mother's Day, I made a similar card. Today I needed a quick birthday card and started with the same basic idea - however on this one I stamped it with Momento ink and colored with Copics - using a color with more of a salmon pink vice true pink. I also opted to layer the pink part of the card to a green card, which allowed me to wrap the bow instead of just tying a bow and attaching it. I added the "happy birthday" image to the large Penny Black image, then stamped a birthday verse on the inside.

Thanks for coming by!
Jeannette

October Calendar Cat...

2011-09-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

October is breathing down our necks and it is time for the October Calendar Cat! This is one of my favorites months in the 2011 calendar. I started with a picture of Bucle on the stairs and then took a Penny Black Halloween stamp that had some critters with various hats and found one that I could cut out and layer onto Bucle. I stamped a spider web stamp in the four corners and added "trick or treat" cut out with a QuicKutz alphabet set and added some bats and a jack o' lantern.

Enjoy your day!
Jeannette

Snoopy the Soccer Star!

2011-09-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

This is the last of 3 Peanuts sports cards I created. Here we feature Snoopy playing soccer. I stamped Snoopy with black Momento ink and colored him with Copic markers. Then I cut him out and layered him to a circle cut with a Spellbinders die and trimmed with a reverse scallop die. I stamped the letters for the word GOAL from a Cat's Pajama's alphabet set then punched them out with a circle die. Add some red grosgrain ribbon and some layers (I used a glitter dotted cardstock from Best Creations) and you have a fun little card.

I hope you're enjoying your weekend!
Jeannette

Happy Wedding Day!

2011-09-22T15:01:00.000-07:00

I needed to make a wedding card and reached for a couple stamps from Penny Black. I chose the wedding couple and stamped it with black Versafine ink and colored the image with watercolor pencils and a blender pen. I added some pearl Twinking H20s on the gown and cut out the image with a Spellbinders oval die. Layered that to a scallop oval cut from a blue Bazzill Bling cardstock. I used a white Bazzill bling, cut 2 pieces to fit together and embossed them with 2 different Cuttlebug embossing folders. Then I layered them together and used a silver and blue ribbon to cover the edge. Add the wording (also by Penny Black), a bow and a couple silver pearls and you're done!

Enjoy your day!
Jeannette

Time to Celebrate!

2011-09-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

This is a card that can be for a variety of celebrations - not just a birthday. I used the main image from one My Favorite Things A La Mode set and the words from another one. I thought that the words went well together. The image is stamped with black Momento ink and colored with Copic markers. I stamped the words on the edge of a square-ish Spellbinders die and attached that to the side of the striped layer of cardstock. I used a combination of mini rick rack and ribbon for embellishment and added a single bow, as well. Very girlie, but a fun little card!
Have a great day!
Jeannette

Gift Card Holders...

2011-09-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

I needed to make a card that would hold a gift card for a birthday. Art Impressions came out with a line of stamps for just this purpose. I adore this lady - I am convinced that I will look like her in about 20 years! I stamped her on white cardstock, colored her with Prismacolor pencils and cut her out. Then I stamped the image again on DP and cut out just her top and glued it over the white image. I like to use a thin line of Ranger's Glossy Accents for this type of gluing - it has never failed me! I stamped the gift box image on the striped paper and cut it out. Stamped it again on Bazzill Tink Pink and cut out the bow and ribbon and glued it over the striped image. I cut out the blue dot paper (from Melissa Frances) and started to assemble. First I glued my lady down at the top of the blue dot paper with Glossy Accents. Next, I glued down the top of the package - positioning it so she looks like she is behind the box. I placed the lower box below (no glue) and put 2 small pencils marks the width of the box. I removed the box bottom and used an exacto knife to cut a slit between the dots (I cut 2 lines a snitch apart to create a small opening). Then I glued down the box bottom - carefully placing it just below the bottom of my slot. I layered this to the piece of black cardstock - applying 1/8" adhesive (I used 1/8" Scor-tape) so that the gift card would stop at the bottom. I stamped the words below the package and completed the cards. For the last little detail, I put 2 pink adhesive pearls on her ears for earrings! Hey, a girl has got to look good!
Then you simply slide in your gift card and you're done! Instant present!
Thanks for stopping by!
Jeannette

Too Cute to Spook!

2011-09-18T17:37:00.000-07:00

How can you be spooked with this cute little cat? This is an image from Whippersnapper rubber stamps - I love their cute designs. Stamped with Momento ink and colored with Copic markers. Then I cut the image out with a Spellbinders Lacey Oval die - and added some Ranger Wild Honey Distress ink around the edge of the die before removing the cardstock from the die. Layered up with a couple other Spellbinders dies in orange and black - with a few purple glitter brads from Doodlebug. The ribbon is a crinkle crepe ribbon from Creative Impressions - I LOVE this ribbon. Lastly I added some fun words from Memory Box with silver Encore ink from Tsukineko.

Thanks for checking out the blog today!
Jeannette

Doggy Birthday!

2011-09-17T02:38:00.000-07:00

This card uses a great dog image from Whippersnapper Designs stamps and some fun layering to make a great masculine birthday card. The dog image is colored with watercolor pencils and a blender pen and layered with coordinating DP and Bazzill cardstock - adding a layer punched with an EK pawprint border punch. Add a few brads and you have a great card!

Have a great stamping day!
Jeannette

Play Ball!!!!

2011-09-16T02:37:00.001-07:00

Yep, Charlie Brown is one of our all-time favorite underdogs and he is at it on the pitching mound in this card! This is another great Peanuts stamp from Stampabilities. I stamped the image with black Memento ink and colored it with Copic markers. I cut it out with a cicrle Spellbinders die, added a second straight circle in black for highlights, then added a red scallop circle. I used a couple coordinating papers and a green strip cut with an EK border punch. I used a word stamp from Great Impressions and added some black dew drops in the corners for accent.

Thanks for coming by today!
Jeannette

Elegant Butterfly...

2011-09-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

This card was made with the Butterfly Garden set from JustRite Stampers. I stamped and embossed the image with white embossing powder on vellum - then colored the image from the back with Copic markers. Copics work great on vellum because they dry quickly. I then took one of the borders and stamped it with Colorbox Aqua pigment ink on white cardstock and cut it out in a frame with 2 Spellbinder circle dies. Next I used the new Spellbinders Picot Edge circle die set (LOVE these!) and layered the butterfly piece to that. I placed it on a yellow card with a DP from Memory Box - very delicate design and perfect for this card. I used a couple crinkle ribbon from Creative Impressions and did a double-thickness bow out of the light blue ribbon. This ribbon ties like a dream! Add a few pearls in the corner and you're done!

Thanks for making us part of your day!
Jeannette

Snooopy the Tennis Ace!

2011-09-10T06:05:00.000-07:00

In honor of the US Open Tennis Tournament how going on in Flushing Meadow, NY, today I'll show a fun little card with Snoopy plating tennis. These Peanut stamps have been VERY popular - with all ages. I stamped the image with Momento ink and colored him with Copic markers. Cut the image out with a circle Spellbinders and did a coordinating color layer and a scallop layer, then added a little happy birthday image cut out in a circle (like a tennis ball) and added that and some ribbon. A simple card, but a good one to have in your stash!

Have a great day!
Jeannette

September Calendar Cats!

2011-09-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

Fall is quickly approaching - you can feel it in the air. We've also lost 2-1/2 hours of daylight since June 21st - quite sad! I would like winter much better if the daylight hours were longer! September's calendar page features both kitties - doing one of their favorite things - sitting in a window looking out over the "front 40." I took several fall colors of scrap cardstock and punched various maple leaves and adorned the page with them for a real Fall feel! It's been wet and damp here for 2 days - the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee. After Irene came through, we don't need a lot of rain. I wish I could send it to those poor folks in Texas - they cannot buy rain these days.

Thanks for making us part of your day today!
Jeannette

Mimi and Her Car...

2011-09-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

Today's card is a simple one using one of the Mimi stamps from Penny Black. Mimi is stamped with black Memento ink and colored with Copic markers. It is not real visible in the photo, but I did what I call "emboss/deboss" with an embossing folder. After you color the image, run it through an embossing folder so that the raised edge is on the top of the image. Then, run it through again so that the card is not inside the folder - this reduces the height of the embossed image and leaves an interesting effect. To finish off this card, I layered it to some fun printed paper and added punched flowers to the 4 corners of the image. Very girly!

I hope you had a great Labor Day weekend!
Jeannette

Fun with a Pinwheel!

2011-09-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

Remember making pinwheels when you were a kid? This fun design has come back into vogue and The Cat's Pajamas has created a fun pinwheel die to make creating one on a card very easy. The bear and word stamps used on this card is also from TCP - a fun little bear with a lot of possibilities. The bear is colored with Copics and then I created a stick with a piece of Bazzill cardstock. The pinwheel is held together with a small brad and then attached to the card. I used a Memory Box stamp to create the background on the light purple card.

Have a great day!
Jeannette

August Calendar Cat!

2011-08-30T16:13:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get caught up in the calendar cat pictures. This month features Dora trying to be "Mom's Little Helper" as I sort out some stamps. I started with a Bazzill cardstock base, then added some DP and cut the one edge with an EK border punch. I added a couple punched flowers and ferns for accent. A very summery looking month!

Thanks for making a visit today!
Jeannette

Pink Blossoms!

2011-08-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, Irene is over and people are starting to get their power back online. We were lucky enough to get ours back today - some folks will not get theirs back for 2-3 days! Ugh! The novelty of no power wears off after about 3 hours.

Today's card is using Penny Black stamps - the blossom image is stamped multiple times on a Melissa Frances printed paper. I colored the pink trim with a Copic marker. The layers are then cut-out, removing several on each layer to give it more dimension. I added the happy birthday words and a bow from May Arts dotted swiss ribbon for accent. Very feminine.

I hope your day is going well!

Jeannette

Flying a Kite...

2011-08-26T02:21:00.000-07:00

If you're on the East coast like I am, this is probably not the best weekend to fly a kite! Unless you want to lose it and have it end up in Canada! This card was made with a Pure Innocence set from My Favorite Things, along with a kite, clouds and scallop border die, also from MFT. I paper-pieced the dress with a small plaid cardstock, colored the sleeves and dress trim with a matching Copic marker. The kite string is from the Sew Easy collection from We R Memory Keepers. Add some ribbon and fancy paper and you have a fun card!

Enjoy the breeze and stay safe if you're on the East coast!
Jeannette

July Calendar Cat!

2011-08-24T17:37:00.000-07:00

I know, I missed July last month, but little Bucle was very upset that one of her best months did not make the blog, so I assured her that I would get it online. This was a fun month to do. I started by making a red and white striped background with Bazzill Swiss Dots cardstock, then cut the picture of Bucle out with a Spellbinders star die and made a couple layers before layering it to the calendar page. After putting the picture and the calendar on the page, I added a couple extra gold stars.

Enjoy!
Jeannette

Trimmed Posies...

2011-08-24T17:14:00.000-07:00

This is the 3rd card I made with the posies images from Outlines Rubber Stamps. To make this card, I stamped and colored the image, then free-hand cut around the top of the flowers with a pair of scissors. I layered this to a green Bazzill a little larger than the white cardstock and trimmer the green around the top edge, as well. I wrapped a pink bow around the bottom of the design, then layered the piece to a BoBunny double-dot cardstock in green. The dotted cardstock really creates a nice background with being too much. I stamped the birthday words up at the top and added a couple more layers. This would also be a good card to have in the drawer without any sentiment and add what you need for a specific event! I know, we all say we're going to create those cards and never get around to it!

Thanks for checking out the blog today!
Jeannette

Hero Arts Holiday...

2011-08-24T17:05:00.000-07:00

I know, we're not even over with summer and I am showing a holiday card! I fell in love with this little Christmas tree car stamp from the new Hero Arts collection. I stamped the image with black Momento ink and colored it with Copic markers. I cut out the image and created a "road" with a couple layers of Bazzill cardstock - trimmed with an EK Success border punch. I layered that to a green Bazzill Swiss Dots cardstock and punched 4 small white snowflakes (one for each corner) and added a little red pearl to the center. I opted to layer the car to the left side of the card and add the words to the lower right corner for some balance.

Have a great day!
Jeannette

Tilda with Kite...

2011-08-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

I love this image of Tilda flying a kite - though I think that the kite seems a little small. I stamped Tilda on white cardstock with black Momento ink and colored her with Copic markers. I added a couple swirls from an Imaginations clear set to the edges of the oval and then added a little color with a Ranger Distress ink pad. The kite was cut-out separately and colored with Copics, as well. The card is layered with a printed cardstock and some extra cardstock, cut with an EK Success edger punch. Everything layered up and a few flowers made from punches and attached to the edge of the oval. The kite is attached with foam tape.

I hope you're enjoying your summer!
Jeannette

Sparrow Card...

2011-08-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

This is another bird image from StacyStamps. What I like most about this bird collection is the realism of the design. To color this image, I stamped the design on white ultrasmooth cardstock with Momento ink, then colored the bird and flowers with Copic markers. To create the green shading around the image, I once again used a watercolor pencil and blended it out with a wet paint brush. I have found this to be much easier than trying to shade out and get the effect I am looking for. I cut the image out with a Spellbinders circle, then cut an ivy green circle, followed with a black Lacey Circle. The pola dot squares are 2 colors of BoBunny Double Dot cardstock, with a few pearls for an accent.
Have a great day!
Jeannette

How to dress up a package...

2011-08-07T17:33:00.000-07:00

The little triangular boxes from Inky Antics are not only cute, you can also use them for package decorations! This one with the yellow ducky with an inner tube is one of my favorites! To make this little guy, you simply stamp the box template on yellow cardstock, then stamp the duck pieces out of orange cardstock and the inner tube on white cardstock and color. Fold up the box, add the pieces and voila! You have a cute package decoration! Quick and easy!

Thanks for checking out the blog today!
Jeannette

Orange Posies

2011-07-31T03:30:00.000-07:00

This is another fun posie image from Outlines. I opted to go with orange on this card - as I usually struggle with orange tones. I stamped the image with Memento ink and then cut it out with a circle Spellbinders die. Before removing the cardstock from the center of the die, I went around it with a dauber and Ranger's Old Paper Distress ink. This gives a white edge around the circle where the die was. The flowers were then colored with Copic markers. I layered the image up and used a fun glitter dot paper from Best Creation. We have this paper in a variety of colors. You really cannot appreciate the affect of the glitter dots in the photo. Once I layered the circle to base layer, I tied a bow with an orange organdy ribbon and ran it over the right edge of the circle for a slightly different look.

I hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Jeannette

Chickadee Card from StacyStamps

2011-07-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

If you are a bird lover, you will love the collection of birds images from StacyStamps. This little chickadee is sitting on a milkweed pod. I colored the bird and the pod with Copic markers. To get the yellow-ish shading around the image, I used Staedtler watecolor pencil and pencil it with a wet paint brush. Because it is a water-based medium, it did not affect the coloring done with the Copics. It is also a lot easier to get a softly faded background with the watercolor pencils. The piece of yellow cardstock was cut with an EK Success border punch.

Have a great day!
Jeannette

New Tape Dispensers!

2011-07-29T15:40:00.000-07:00

One of the items we found at the CHA show was these "Plus" tape dispensers. Most of you know that I am an ATG fan, but the units are large and don't travel real well. The 2 things I like the most about the ATG tape is the value and the reduced amount of waste that is only filling up our landfills. These tape units are close to the same value for the ATG tape and the cartridges are smaller than many - which is better for the waste factor. The other cool thing is that one of the "pen-like" units has narrow tape - 1/2 as wide as the other unit. This is great when you need a narrow row of adhesive. We ordered a LOT - hopefully they will arrive soon!

Thanks for stopping by!
Jeannette

When it is HOT, think Winter!

2011-07-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, most of the country is gripped in a nasty heat wave. It started in the midwest, and moved east. The bad thing is I dealt with it in Chicago at the beginning of the week and now it is here in New Hampshire. So, besides seeking air conditioning - think about cooler days - or stamp them! This is a card made with a Tim Holtz reindeer die and a Sizzix holly die. I cut the deer out of designer paper and distressed the edges with Ranger distress ink. The words are from a Flourishes stamp set. I added some Twinks to the holly and flourish to add a little sparkle. I also gave the reindeer eyes - so they can see where they are jumping! So, if you're hot - start thinking and stamping cool. Just don't do any embossing!

Items used:
Tim Holtz Alterations Die - 656923 Reindeer Flight
Sizzix Die 656734 Flourish Holly & Mistletoe

Flourishes Holiday Greetings Set #39

BoBunny Chiffon Dot Double-Dot Cardstock

Basic Grey Cappella Dolce

1-1/4" Circle Punch

Spellbinders scalloped circle die

Bazzil Cardstock - Quartz, Pinecone, Leapfrog

Luminarte Twinkling H2Os - Fern

Thanks for stopping by and stay cool!

Jeannette

Paper Dresses...

2011-07-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

A couple ladies at the show created these fabulous dresses out of Bazzill Basics paper! They walked around the show in the new dresses and were probably the most photographed folks at the show! It's a good thing that the convention center was well air conditioned, as the heat wave out here would have destroyed the dresses.

You just never know what you will see walking around the show!

Jeannette

LIVE from CHA!!!

2011-07-21T07:02:00.001-07:00

I am finally getting around to posting some pictures from the show. I tried to take some photos of the booth of some of the companies that we carry at the store. Starting with one of my favorite companies - Penny Black. Penny Black had a lot of great new images - which are on order! Should be shipping in August.

Next we have Spellbinders. You have seen a lot of their new products in the blog frenzy - but there were some additional new products that they released. These new items are also supposed to ship in August and September.

Next we have Ranger. The Distress stains are now available in all colors.

Then we have the "candy store" in the show - the May Arts Ribbon booth! This is truly like walking through a stamper's candy store!

And last, but not least is Impression Obsession. LOTs of great new images from IO, as well.

I will try to post some more new images later today. Stay tuned.

Thanks for stopping by!
Jeannette

Summer Sailing...

2011-07-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hey, this is a true summertime card! Especially for those of us on the seacoast! This is using a great clear stamp set from My Favorite Things and also uses several of their dies. The bunny in the boat is stamped first on the white card, then stamped again on several other cardstocks, then paper-pierced onto the image. I've had several people ask me what I use to adhering paper pieces to card. Honestly, my favorite thing is Ranger's Glossy Accents. However, a word of advice, you want a VERY thin line of Glossy Accents - it is a liquid and it will spread. I usually place a thin line, all around the edge of the piece - and place it about 1/4" from the edge - that way it does not ooze out onto card. The front of the base card is partially embossed with a swirl Cuttlebug embossing folder. The sun was cut out of a Memory Box paper, then run through a swiss dot embossing folder and layered with foam tape. This card is more generic in the saying, but this would also make a great birthday card for a guy!

We'll be having some fun photos from CHA soon!

Jeannette

Spellbinders Blog Frenzy - Final Day!

2011-07-14T02:07:00.001-07:00

This is it - the FINAL day of the Spellbinders Blog Frenzy with their new dies coming out next week. However, in the past, Spellbinders has always held something back to release at the show and I would not be surprised if they do that this year, as well, so stay tuned! Today we start out with a fun ornament nestie die set.

Follow that up with an interesting and very creative accent set - these will allow you to add some great accents to your cards and projects. Try cutting these out of metal - bet it is HOT!

Now we get to my favorite die of this release day - a very cool butterfly die - each having a solid and lacey component - VERY cool! I love the way they did different shapes and designs for the different butterflies.

And we end with a very inetresting flower die - which works well with the butterfly die above. These dies remind me of the bold flower stamps from Hero Arts and Penny Black.

So stay tuned as we bring live info from the show next week. Hopefully we will see lots of new and exciting products to let you know about.

Jeannette

Spellbinders Blog Frenzy Day #8

2011-07-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

We are winding down for the release party and today there are more exciting dies to show! We start with another great border die set - this one might be my favorite so far! I really like the designer insert dies for this one!

Next we have another Nestability die - this one with a star border! I think it would be great for birthday designs, graduation and congratulations cards.

And finally 2 more Grand dies - designed for the Grand Caliber machine - this time straight and scalloped rectangles. These wouold be perfect for scrapbooking photos.

That is everything for today's preview. Be sure to check back for additional sneak peeks.

Jeannette

Spellbinders Blog Frenzy Day #7

2011-07-12T09:44:00.001-07:00

We are 7 days into the excitement and today is another day filled with fun designs that certainly spark creativity. We start with a poinsettia floral die - this is PERFECT for holiday card, decorations and packaging. Think about how easily you will be able to decorate packages this season!

And another fun border die set! I cannot wait to see these dies in action at the show! I am hoping that they work as wonderfully as I have seen them in samples with their design team!

And we end with another box die - this one a petal box. Also great for gift giving!

Thanks for stopping by! More tomorrow!

Jeannette

And now back to our regular programming...

2011-07-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in posting card stuff. There are days when I just don't think I will ever get ahead - especially in the summertime, with golf, another job and the stamp business. Today's card is another Magnolia image - this one with Tilda turning around to see a butterfly resting on the bow on the back of her dress. It is a cute image. I punched out a couple butterflies with a Martha Stewart punch to add over the ribbon piece on the card - it made for a nice finishing touch.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Jeannette

Spellbinders Blog Frenzy Day #6

2011-07-11T11:56:00.002-07:00

We are about halfway through the Spellbinders Frenzy - today we first get to see another Nestabililty with a new edge - Picot Edge! I LIKE IT! These are probably the dies I grab the most frequently, as they can add some wonderful subtle elegance to a card. When I look back at some cards that I did back in 1996 (yes, it has been that long), they seemed so simple and we did not have these great tools to create such professional looking cards and projects. These dies from Spellbinders have certainly been a big part of that!

Next is another blossom die - this one with an edge that is more "petal-like". It creates beautiful blossoms. You need to check out the flower that their design team member created with this die.

The last die is a combo set that allows you to create a small book! Very clever. It comes with a lot of pieces to create a pretty sophisticated book.

So, that is what is being shown today - tune in tomorrow to see what else they have in store for us!

Jeannette

Spellbinders Blog Frenzy Day #5

2011-07-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

We are at day #5 of the frenzy and today has some VERY fun dies! First, a couple accent and motif dies that coordinate together. You can do some beautiful things with these dies.

Next we have a NEW edge to the very popular Nestabilities line - Tear Drop! Wow! These will be a lot of fun and I cannot wait to get my hands on this set!

And finally, another new Edgeabilities set! Fun, fun, fun! I think Spellbinders has hit the ball out of the park again with this concept. I love the idea of the accent dies being separate from the actual border die.

We'll keep showing you all the new products - stay tuned!

Jeannette

Spellbinders Blog Frenzy Day #4

2011-07-09T02:31:00.001-07:00

We've reached day #4 of the Spellbinders blog frenzy - designed to give us all a sneak peak of the new dies being released by Spellbinders. I have not heard this direct from Spellbinders, but the new dies might be shipping by the end of August! That would be wonderful! I will be getting my order in with them before the show even officially opens, so we should be one of the first stores to be getting the dies in stock. If you pre-order any of the dies, it will be held for you and you will be one of the first people to have the new dies!
Today's release started with a very cool box die - I am thinking this might be a "grand die" based on the size of the die. The assembled box is 1-3/4" square. Very cute little box.

Next up is another fun flower die...

And lastly some interesting retro clock dies...

We'll continue showing the new die releases as they are shown by Spellbinders. You can stop by each day to see what the new dies look like!

Jeannette

Spellbinders Blog Frenzy Day #3

2011-07-08T01:36:00.003-07:00

Day #3 is here! Some cool new snowflake dies and a new Grand die! Lots of fun ideas with these two options!

Next is a very interesting flower pot die - more possibilities here!

And last, but not least, a very interesting spiral flower die! Spellbinders style! I like the lacey edge to it! VERY creative! You gotta want this one!

Thanks for coming by! Be sure to check back each day for more previews!

Jeannette

Spellbinders Blog Frenzy Day #2

2011-07-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

Today is day #2! Four more fun and creative dies to get you ready for some new creations! The first 2 are very elegant and lacy.

And then another innovative border die with 2 decorative inserts. I think these dies are amazing! The possibilities are endless!

And last, but not least, another fun labels set! Save your pennies - you know you're going to want most of these new dies!

The fun continues for another week - stay tuned!
Jeannette

Spellbinders Blog Frenzy Day #1

2011-07-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

Wednesday July 6th was day #1 for the Spellbinders Blog Frenzy - showcasing the new products that they will be releasing at the CHA summer show in Chicago. And day #1 was not a disappointment! New are some very innovative border die sets - where the inside pattern part is a separate die - which allows you to do some very fun things! Be sure to check out their blog and the blogs of their design team members, who are showing off samples with the new dies.

I LOVE this scallop die border set with the decorative inserts. I know this will be a BIG seller! I cannot wait to play with one when they are released.

And another great Labels die set - we have always found creative ways to use these - over and over again. Just when you thought that they could not come up with another fun shape, they do!

Thanks for stopping by!
Jeannette

Not Quite the Dog Days of Summer...

2011-07-03T04:49:00.000-07:00

I chose a basset hound image from Whippersnaller stamps for today's entry. It is warm and muggy here in NH - not the dog day yet, but tomorrow is supposed to be in the mid to upper 80's. Hot enough for me! I am a 70's kind of gal. The buttons on this card are made with a button punch by McGill - I punched out the buttons, then added Ranger's Glossy Accents to them and allowed them to dry completely. The dog image is colored with watercolor pencils and a blender pen.

I hope everyone is enjoying their 4th of July weekend!
Jeannette

June Calendar Cat...

2011-06-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

I know that June is almost over, but Dora wanted to ensure that her picture gets on the blog. For this page, I cut out the photo using a Spellbinders Labels Ten die and added a couple punched flowers to the ends. The flower border under the calendar is made with an EK Success border punch.

Just another fun way to use your stamping supplies to make a gift for someone!

Thanks for stopping by today!
Jeannette