Heartbreaker...

Dream maker, love taker Don't you mess around with me!! So I found out I'm going to get to host a VSN challenge for the VSN (Virtual Stamp Night) on Splitcoaststampers that's coming up this February.

The miniVSN "Crush" will be on January 17th. What's Love Got to Do With It? VSN will be February 20-21. So make sure you mark your calendars because they are loads of fun. I know this will be especially because Jimmi, Maren & Jenni Buck are hosting it.

If you don't know what VSN is you can read all about it here.
Here's Prep and tips.

A Bit Nostalgic

I'm hosting my very first challenge over at Splitcoaststampers.com today. I'm excited that Taylor asked me to help. My challenge is based on the fact that today would have been my grandparents' 71st anniversary. I was very close to my grandparents. One of the last one I remember celebrating with them included a round cake with yellow roses on the top somewhat similar to this one. I based my card on the memory of this and the cake. And I challenged everyone to base their creation on a memory. If they couldn't come up with anything they could always use the picture of my cake as inspiration.

Now without further ado, here's my creation...

Ink: Palette Noir, Versafine Black; Paper: Yellow Bazzill, White GP; Stamps: Rose; PTI Wedding Day; Other: EK Success Corner Punch, Glaze Pen, Copics, Clear eP, Baubles

It's Pinky, Pinky &

Ok no brain but how about a drink...

This week's Unity Addicts Challenge was to be a little monochromatic. I decided to go Pink!

Doesn't it just yummy enough to drink?!? I used Amber's sketch for this as well.

Stamps: Unity Stamp Co - Fun Night Out; Ink: Charcoal; Paper: All Basic Grey from different lines, PTI Sweet Blush; Other: Copics, Fake Baubles, PTI Berry Sorbet Ribbon, Crystal Effects

A Little Late

I made this with two things in mind, actually three but I'll only bore you with the 1st two.  The first being the challenge that Jimmi posted for the Friday Fun Challenge, see I told you I was late.  The challenge was to use Rubber Romance stamps...not really a challenge for me.  Especially since I'm the ringleader for the group over at Papercraftplanet (which if you would like to come join us PLEASE DO!!)

Which brings me to the second reason, the sketch challenge they currently have up at Papercraftplanet is this one.   As you can tell I loosely interpreted it.

Stamps: Rubber Romance - 3 Girlfriends, Unity Stamp Co. - Good Times; Ink: Palette Noir, Paris Lights, Versamark Black; Paper: Paper Salon Dazzle line, DP scraps; Other: Copics, Marvy Circle Punch, Rhinestones, clear eP, Glaze Pens, Zig Pen

Now for the surprise, if you can guess what three girls inspired the coloring of the card I might have something in it for you.  If I don't get some close guesses I'll ETA a clue.

Oh Where, Oh Where Are They Going?

So this is what I was doing tonight...

I was making gift boxes.  Aren't they pretty?  I got the directions for them on Julie Buhler's site.

I'm not letting you see what's inside of them until the people get them.  As soon as they do I have the pictures ready.  So this is just the teaser.

Heads Up

I don't know if you've ever been to Suzy's blog, blog.Papermonkey.org.

1) She's amazingly talented and makes some of the most creative stuff.

but that's not why I'm telling you about her today.

2) She's giving away some major blog candy. Including Odd Bird Planet, Whiff of Joy, Magnolia, and much more. You have to go check it out!! Here's a direct link to the post.

Did you miss Hip Hop Thursday?

Don't worry if you missed the Hip Hop you're just in time for the Hangover.  And you can't still catch the specials, just make sure you go check out Angela's blog to get the full run down on all the details from 20% off and $1 on some stamps.

Here are two of the cards that I did yesterday.  The first one I did was for Jeanne's Bling Challenge.

Stamps: Unity Stamp Co - Mix Up of Cuteness; Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Palette Noir; Paper: Paper Trey Ink Pink Patterns; Other: PTI Sweet Blush Swiss Dot, Acetate, Copics, Nesties, Pearls, Red Stickles

The second one I did was for Amber's welcome back card sketch seen here.  She just got back home from having ankle surgery.  Home being Japan.

 

Stamps:  Unity Stamp Co - Cuter Than Most, Distressed Dots; Ink - SU Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Palette Noir; Paper: Bazzill Brown, Misc DP, SU Certainly Celery, Very Vanilla; Other: Copics, Googly Eyes, Zig Pen

Copycat

This week's Unity Addict Challenge was to CASE one of the upcoming VSN Coordinator's Jimmi, Maren or Jenni B cards.  I chose to CASE Jimmi's seen here.

Stamps: Unity Stamp Co - Snow-one Like You; Ink: Versamark Black, Palette Charcoal; Paper: Imagine That Textured Cardstock, GA Pacific White; Other: Heidi Swapp Clear Snowflakes, Embossing Folder Snow, Snow brads, Copics, Liquid Applique, Label Template thanks to Mel Stampz, Zig Pen, Jewels (from Target $1 spot)

And don't forget tomorrow is Hip Hop Thursday!!  There's all kinds of fun to be found on Hip Hop Thursdays so come join us in the forums over at Splitcoaststampers.com.  Here's the link to the area you can find us.

Deja Vu

If you feel like you are having Deja Vu you are slightly. I did this card originally two months ago here. However there's a friend of mine that is graduating from college and is about to move away. This friend is a he and I didn't think it appropriate to give him a card with a person in a dress. So I thought I would remake just this part of the card and try drawing in some pants, a belt & a button down shirt. Now a realize the person is still a little hippy and comes in at the waist but it looks more masculine then it did before.

Stamps: MFT Going Places; Ink: VersaMagic Black, SU Whisper White; Paper: Misc Gray, SU Very Vanilla; Other: Primsacolor Pencils, Copics, Clear eP, 20g Wire, Black Pen

Who knew?

Apparently someone thinks I'm creative. I never would have guessed. I would like to thank the Academy, my family for always encouraging...ok, I know that's enough. But seriously I would like to thank Lisa for giving me this award. Although we have never met, Lisa is a great person and think a wonderful friend...it's too bad I can't nominate her back.

Here are deets for the Kreative Blogger Award:
1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Put links to their blogs
5. Leave a message for your nominees.

Chelsea
Lee
Michelle
Abra - my sister one of the most creative people I know
JenMarie

I'm Giddy!!

Ok, I did something tonight that I've never done.  I played with Polyshrink.  It was so much fun that I'm afraid that it might become addictive.

I got the idea to dig it out and try it because of Ashley's weekly Etsy challenge.  This week's store is Dragonfly Fine Designs.  I was thinking about using her Diaper & Wipe Carrier as my inspiration.  However then I got to thinking I wanted to do something besides make a card.  And since I've been making jewelry this last week (I know I haven't shown it to you yet but I will shortly.  I don't want the people I'm giving it to to see it yet)

Anyway now I'll stop babbling long enough to show you what I  did.  Granted it did take me a few tries before I got it all figured out.  I used Unity Stamp Co - Delectable Delights with Stazon Ink which I then colored in with Copics.  Big thing to do is to make sure that you sand the polyshrink before you use it or the ink won't color in that well.  Also, for me when I went over the Stazon lines with the coloring it wanted to lift it off so I learned to avoid them like the plague, unless I wanted to go over it on purpose.

 

Ok, here's a close up if you want to check it out.

Crazy Puppies

I have to share this picture (apologize for pic quality, taken with phone)/story with you because I think it is too funny!!

This picture is of Mom's dog, Freckles.  Now for the story...

Rat terriers have this thing when it's cold where they shiver all the time.  Where we have gotten sweaters for them in the past (no, before these two we've never dressed our dogs) but they've actually grown out of them.  Except for Bandit's which she just so happened to lose the other week.

Mom got them new sweaters.  Bandit must be somewhat used to the torture I put her through, however when Mom put Freckles' sweater on she went immobile.  She acted like she couldn't/wouldn't move.  Unfortunately, we were about to leave for at least a couple of hours so we made her move.

She runs ahead of us and promptly lays across the stair and says then NOW! I'm not moving.  We had to walk over her.  And here is where she stayed even as we drove off.

Crazy, I'm Going Crazy

This has been one crazy week at work.  I've had to put in all kinds of long hours which means I haven't had a lot of play time.  However tonight I made the time because I wanted to do Wednesday's Unity Addict challenge and then Jeanne also challenged us to be "golden" tonight (ie use something golden in one of our projects).

I can't even tell you the last time I did a scrapbook page layout.  But here it is, I've done one.  It's when Liam got rewarded with a trip to Stone Mountain.  I don't know if these pics are actually in the order then happened but it looks like they are on my page (a story).

And here is a closeup of some of the details.

Stamps: Unity Stamp Co - Tiny Trinity, Distressed Dots, Wispy Grass, Nov KOM; Ink: Stampendous Gold, SU Chocolate Chip, Versafine Black; Paper: DP Paper is all from Basic Grey Mellow, Plain CS is Bazzill; Other: Chalk, clear eP, Lil Davis Designs embellies

Now don't forget that today is Hip Hop Hangover and if you are coming directly to my blog, go check out Angela's blog to see the list of people who played along this week.

I'm Honored

I've never been given an award so when Catherine messaged me to let me know she'd given me one, I was kinda floored. So thank you Catherine so much.

All that I am awarding have inspired me so much over the past year, and I truly love your creations and your blogs! {{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}} All I ask in return is that you pass the Butterfly Award on to 10 people, posting their names on your blog and notifying them. Please also link back to me.

My seester - Abra
Lindsay
Ashley
Angela
Lisa
Jimmi
Maren
Colleen
Tanis
AJ

A Smorgasbord

So you may be wondering where I've been the last couple of days.  But don't worry I'm not taking one of my sabbaticals.  I've just been busy cleaning up my house (*GASP* I know, shhh Mom don't tell anyone how my house usually looks)  I've also been majorly organizing [special thanks to Lisa Hetrick, she is DA BOMB by the way.  If you have never checked her out you need to].  The $1 document holders that I was telling you about the other day, she sent me a bunch of them.  Want to see what I've done with them...

By the way one of those is holding what used to be 16 (yes I said 16) Stampin' Up sets.  This drawer used to only hold those sets, now it's holding most of my stamps...THIS IS AWESOME!!!  I'm so excited.

Number two on my things to tell you about, I have news of another Whiff of Joy giveaway.  This time it's Bev and she's giving away Herb and Baby, plus some other snow inspired things.  So go check it out.

Number three, I've been tagged!!  Lindsay tagged me so I have to  not only come up with 7 new things that you wonderful people don't know about me but tag some of you as well.

1.  I love peanut butter.  I even will eat it with my pancakes/waffles...got this one from my dad.

2.  I am severely allergic to a lot of things, including cats, mold, trees, grass, dust, etc.  These have only developed in the last couple of years before that nada, I was fine.

3.  I love animals especially dogs.  I had a love for cats to until a pesky allergy messed that up.

4.  I am a major night owl, I would rather stay up all night than get up early in the morning.

5.  I've been doing arts & crafts stuff since I was in the 3rd grade.  It all started with jewelry.  And although I've been doing stuff this long I still don't consider myself artistic.

6.  I am a huge movie buff.  I love watching movies.  Usually when I'm crafting I have a movie on.  I may not be watching it but I have it on for the noise.

7.  Right behind being a movie buff I love reading and music.

Now, who to tag?

JenMarie
Jan
Joy
Carole
Jimmi
Jenn
AJ

Unity Addicts Challenge

Every week we have a challenge for us Unity Stamp Addicts, no we do not have a problem.  This week Carole's challenge was to use the color's red & white to make a thankful card. 

Here's my take on it.  I tried to do some different stuff.

First I stamped some Simple Fans from the Gratitude=Joy kit in Palette L'Amour Red.  Once I had done that, I went over it in Versamark with clear eP.  I then went over it with Palette Canvas.

Stamps: Unity Stamp Co - Simple Fans, Gratitude=Joy; Ink: Palette L'Amour, Canvas, Noir, Versamark; Paper: Bo Bunny Velvet Flower, GA Pacific White; Other: Threading Water Punch (broke my stupid rounded corner punch on this one), Circle Punch, Stampendous Stickers, Clear eP, Red Ribbon

Etsy Challenge

Ashley's Etsy Inspiration this week is based on the store Mercy's Mark.  From what I can see their store looks really nice.  I'm thinking I might actually buy stuff from there later unless I really get special and win the challenge two weeks in a row.  That's right you heard me correctly, I WON LAST WEEK!!

This week I decided to think outside the box.  And I copied the layout of Mercy's Mark wallets for my inspiration.  So let me know what you think.

{Just to prove that it opens and the pockets work}

Stamps: Unity Stamp Co - November KOM; Ink: Palette Noir; Paper: Misc DP, Beige Bazzill, Other: Copics, Paper Piercer, Black Pen, Basic Grey Magnets, May Arts Ribbon

Craft Day & Candy Winner

Ok, yesterday I had the following conversation with my nephew:

Liam:  I don't have a mask.  I sure would like to have a mask.

Sara:  What kind of mask?

Liam:  A lion mask.

Sara:  Would you like to make it?

Liam:  YEAH!!!

And so proceeded to have our craft day.  Now let me explain some back thinking on my part (misguided as it was).  Here I was thinking, this is cool.  He will be working on his mask and I can get some work done in my craft room while he does it.  Let me resummarize that thought in one word....HA!!!!

I had to be involved in the entire process.  It was very fun.  First he wanted a front and back to his mask.  And this was to be no typical lion mask, he wanted his lion to be multicolored. (WARNING: My craft room looks like it has exploded.  Please ignore this fact)  Then when he colored the back and was finished, he wanted to put his name on it.

If this weren't all enough, I asked him, "Liam, would you like to add leaves?".  "No."

"Would you like to add flowers?"  Thinking there's no way a boy would want to add flowers.

"NO"  Ok, I was right.

"Would you like to add ribbon?"  Again thinking, he's not going to want to add ribbon.

"Yes" Huh? Ok.

Alright.  Now we have a multicolored lion that we're adding ribbon to.  I grab my scrap ribbon jar and then ask him which ribbon would he like to add.  He chooses the purple one.  Purple?  I think.  Hmmm? 

"You want me to find you some red since you said it was your favorite color?"

"No, I want purple"

By the way, he told me today purple was his favorite color.

And here is the finished product...

Now onto our last day of Blog Candy Winner.  Our prize basket winner is...

M.R

Candy Winner & Some More Candy

Our Day 3 Winner is #5, Renee from Lasting Memories Scrapbooking.  Please contact me with all your information and I will get prize out in the mail.

Now on to Day 4 Blog Candy

It's a prize pack of sorts.  It includes:  Tags, Tags in a bag, Cloud 9 Coasters & Plaques, Scallop Scissors, & a Basic Grey Mini Album.

You will have until Monday, November 24 at 6 pm EST to post a comment and I will choose a winner at random.

Blog Winners for Day 1 & 2

Day 1 Winner

Lindsay Spencer come on down you're our first winner!

Day 2 Winner

Jacqueline is our day 2 winner, come on down!

Don't forget I still have a blog candy open in the post below this one and I'll be posting another one shortly.

A Hip Hop, A Hip to the Hop

Yes, it's that time again.  Time for another hangover the one without the headache or other aftereffects of alcohol, well most of them.  If you hung out with us yesterday you may be tired.  Some cut out a little early to head to the movies.  There were a lot of specials going on yesterday including free shipping on all orders over $25 (these are still good until 12 noon CST).

One of yesterday's challenges was to make a Think Snow Challenge.  I went a little overboard on it and it didn't exactly come out as I imagined it in my head.  I used the new November KOM.

Stamps: Unity Stamp Co - November KOM; Ink: Palette Black & Raw Sienna, SU Always Artichoke; Paper: Basic Grey - Deciduous, SU Certainly Celery, Almost Amethyst, GA Pacific White; Other: Heidi Swapp Snowflakes, Snowflake Ribbon, Cuttlebug Snowflakes, Rounded Corner Punch, Copics

I will announce the Blog Candy winner for the Snow Paper and today's winner at the same time.

I also have another prize to give away for Day 3 of the Blogoversary.  I have a pail of Michael's Wedding flowers that are great for cards and just as easy to use as Primas.  Just leave a comment by Saturday, November 22 8 pm EST and I will randomly draw a winner.

One more thing and I will end this long post.  Debbie at Passion for Crafts is having some major Blog Candy including Copics so go check it out.

A Threefer and Day Two of the Blogoversary Giveaway

Tonight was such a busy little girl.  I was actually organizing.  I know *GASP*!!!  Natalie aka Dougnat suggested these stamp organizers that they have at Target for $1.99 but they don't have them at my Target.  Well, I started thinking what else do I have.  I have the Document Holders that Target usually sells in the $1 spot and they work just as well and let me tell you they hold A LOT!!

When I finished filling the ones I had, I decided to go ahead and make a card.  I made it to fit three challenges, the color, inspiration, and sketch challenge. 

Stamps:  Unity Stamp Co - Gratitude=Joy, Together Forever; Ink: Versafine Black, Creamy Caramel, Real Red; Paper: Real Red, Kraft, GA Pacific White; Other: Stickles, Black Pen

On the two side plants, I stamped off the black once before I stamped on the card.  Then on the reeds I used a blending stump dipped in Creamy Caramel ink to draw them in to match what I chose for my inspiration challenge.

Now it's on to Day Two of the Blogoversary giveaway.  Today I am giving away a Provo Craft paper pack.

Please leave a comment by Friday, November 21 at 6 pm EST and then I will randomly draw a winner.

Don't forget that tomorrow is Hip Hop Thursday so make sure that you join us in the Splitcoaststamper forum for loads of fun and giveaways.

Wednesday's Challenge

This week Mrs. Michelle Shuman is hosting this week's Unity Wednesday Challenge. For this week we are to use this picture from Mystic Valley Trader's for inspiration.

I used the coloring and and the "waves" in the bedding as my inspiration for my card.

Stamps: Unity Stamp Co - Neighborhood of Simplicity; Ink: Palette Noir; Paper: Basic Grey Sugared, SU Apricot Appeal, GA Pacific White; Other: Copics, Rounded Corner Punch, Pearls, Black Pen, Misc Ribbon

Big Dummy

I'm not exactly sure how one does it but I managed. I totally missed my own blogoversary. I started blogging a year ago in August. I realized this and wanted to smack myself on the forehead when I figured this out. So make up for this I want to make up for it by celebrating for the rest of the week. First up is this very weather appropriate paper pack. You have until Thursday November 20th at 6 pm EST to leave a comment and then I will randomly draw a winner.

Today I also got a gorgeous card from Stephanie aka SmilynStef. I got it out of the blue and it blew me away.

Creative Kick

Yes, I can't believe it either. After making 11 cards, I am still on a roll. I don't know that I've ever been on this much of a roll. It's kind of scaring me, I'm probably gonna crash soon.

Stamps: Unity Stamp Co. - Sweet ZZZZs & Worn Grid; Ink: Palette Noir, SU Cool Caribbean; Paper: SU Cool Caribbean, Making Memories Boho Chic, GA Pacific White; Other: Copics, Spica Glitter Pen, Decorative Scissors, May Arts Ribbon & Other, Darice Jewels

Stamps: Stampingbella Baboo's Owl & Happy Forest; Ink: Palette Noir; Paper: SU Certainly Celery, GA Pacific White, Basic Grey Two Scoops; Other: Copics, MM Brad, Rounded Corner Punch

This one I made for Ashley's aka Heart Hugs etsy Challenge. This week's challenge was to be inspired by something in BrightColorArt's store.

VSN Weekend

I don't think I have every made this many cards in one sitting that weren't the same. And believe it or not I actually liked most of them.

Day 1 - I made 7 cards
This 1st one was to use the technique Spotlighting. I chose this Gina K stamp because I thought it would be perfect for this technique.

Stamps: Gina K Designs - With Daddy's Help; Ink: Palette Noir; Paper: SU Whisper White, Blue Bazzill, Misc DP; Other: American Craft Ribbon, Ribbon Tag, Copic

One of things I loved about playing VSN this weekend was I got to use things I haven't used since I got them which may have been years ago. For example in this card was this shaker kit.

Stamps: Unity Stamp Co - Oct KOM, Whispy Grass, Together Forever; Ink: SU Going Gray & Brillant Blue, Palette Rouge; Paper: GA Pacific White, Misc DP; Other: Primas, Embellies

Stamps: Unity Stamp Co - Together Forever; Ink: SU Going Gray; Paper: Basic Grey - Sultry, PTI Sweet Blush & Berry Sorbet; Other: Fiskers Corner Punch, Primas, SticklesStamps: Unity Stamp Co - Cuter Than Most, Hambo - Heard You Had a Bug; Ink: Palette Noir, Versafine Black; Paper: SU Whisper White, Heidi Grace DP; Other: Copics, Fake Baubles

I based this on a saying that a friend of ours says all of the time, in fact I'm going to have to send this to her.

Stamps: High Hopes; Ink: Palette Noir, SU Chocolate Chip; Paper: Basic Grey - Deciduous, Misc Brown; Other: May Arts Ribbon, Copics, Cuttlebug Distress Lines

I got the idea to wrap ribbon around a frame and I had gotten this frame for like $1.

Stamps: Unity Stamp Co - Oct KOM; Ink: Palette Noir; Paper: Appricot Appeal, Tempting Turquoise; Other: Cuttlebug D'Vine Swirl

Day 2 - I made 4 cardsFor Maren's challenge it was to either touch up/remake one of the cards you earlier. I chose the one right above this one because I really didn't like the way it turned out.

Stamps: Unity Stamp Co - Oct KOM; Ink: Versafine Black; Paper: Making Memories 5th Ave, SU Apricot Appeal, Whisper White; Other: Mike's $1 Ribbon, Darice Jewels, Clear eP

Stamps: Unity Stamp Co - Giggle Groove;Ink: Versafine Black; Paper: All Basic Grey - Boxer Line, SU Handsome Hunter; Other: Baubles, American Craft Ribbon

Stamp: Girl Face by Stampland; Ink: SU Brillant Blue; Paper: All Bazzill Cardstock; Other: Fake Baubles, Prisma Color Pencils, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots & Birds & Swirls

Stamps: Rubber Romance - Trisha Spa Diva; Ink: Palette Noir; Paper: Georgia Pacific White, Misc DP; Other: Copics, Blue Eyelets, Brown Ribbon