papermonkey.org {make time for playtime}

Angels Landing Blog Hop & Giveaway

Hello and welcome to my stop on the first Angels Landing Blog Hop! Each Design Team member will be showing you wonderful new projects on their blog to inspire you. Today is the release of two new digital stamp sets, Toys on Wheels and Alphabet Train. Judi says that the idea for these adorable sets came from custom wooden pull toys that spell out children's names. To celebrate, Angels Landing will be giving away two digi sets! More on that after my card details below.

Card Details

To create this sweet little baby scallop circle card I printed the smallest images from the Toys on Wheels set onto cardstock (the same images come in different sizes ready to print - love that!), colored the images with Copic markers, then cut them out and arranged them around my scallop circle card with foam dots onto Bazzill Swiss Dots in Salt.

This card will be for a baby shower where the gender of the baby is unknown, so I tried to keep it gender neutral. I alternated blue and pink Hero Arts Adhesive Pearls on the wheels.

The large white satin bow on top has a button with a larger Kaiser Champagne Pearl inserted into the center to round out the wheel theme.

Note: The animals from the Toys on Wheels set also work with the letters and numbers from the Alphabet Train set.

While I used the PDF images (Adobe files) which are about 1 inch square, the PNG images (PhotoShop or other photo editing software files) are larger, sized for scrapbook pages, banners, or table decorations. Of course they can be scaled smaller.

Win Two Angels Landing Sets!

To celebrate the release of these two new and adorable digital image sets, Angels Landing will be giving away the new set Alphabet Train, and any other one set of your choosing on the products page including the other new set used on my card, Toys on Wheels.

To enter please leave a comment on my blog - if you like you could let me know which other set you would choose. The drawing ends June 19th at 11pm EST; the winner will be announced on my blog June 20th.

The winner will be given two free download links to the digital images via email.

There are two chances to win! One other blog along the hop will be giving two sets away.

Hop Aboard!

Your next stop on the hop will be Cheryl Rowley. If you get lost along the way please visit the Angels Landing Blog on this post for a master list of the Blog Hop.

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Sumthin' Bout Summertime Blog Hop & Contest

You are cordially invited to the first ever Embellish-It.com Blog Hop!  We wanted to kick off summer in a big way so come along and get inspired, play a little game and enter to win an American Crafts Prize Package & a Stampavie Stamp !

How to Play

Hop along from Blog to Blog in the order given below. Each blog stop will provide one letter to a mystery word. At the end of the hop on June 3^rd, unscramble all the letters to figure out the mystery word, and post your guess in our forum in the specified post below.

On June 1^st start at the Embellish-Online.com blog, then head to the IT-Girls blogs  in this order:

Christine
Cindy
Danni

June 2nd head to
Julie
Kim
Michelle

June 3rd head to
Lee
Suzy

The Hop ends at the EI Forum on this post where you can unscramble the letters and post your guess word.

One winner will receive a prize package consisting of a Stampavie Stamp, American Crafts papers and Thickers, and ribbon. Value of prize is approximately $25. The winner will be announced on June 21^st, the first day of Summer!  

Rules: You can post your guess anytime between June 3^rd and Midnight CST on June 20^th, 2009. One entry per person please. We apologize, but due to high shipping costs, you must have a North American address to ship your prize package to.

Storage Solutions: The Ribbon Ring Review & A Chance to Win One

Today on CraftCritique I review a new storage solution for your ribbon called the Ribbon Ring.  I would love to know how you store YOUR ribbon - take a visit, let me know your thoughts over at Craft Critique. It could just win you your very own!

Edit: Please leave your comments over at the Craft Critique post for a chance to win :)

Be sure to play in my Brown Paper Bag Challenge for a chance to win $100 in Odd Bird Planet stamps plus other prizes. There is less than twelve hours left before the challenge is over!

Sweet 'n Sassy Blog Hop & Release Party (Prize Alert!)

Hello and welcome to the party! It may be April Fool's Day, but we are full of treats, no tricks! Sweet 'n Sassy is doing things a bit differently for this release. To celebrate the release of four new stamp sets, Sweet 'n Sassy will be having four challenges, each with a prize of the new set being featured. You will see each of the four challenges posted on DT member blogs during your blog hop from April first through the third.

I am hosting the sketch challenge, and you guessed it, the winner will receive this super sweet Be Blessed set used to make today's card. This is a stamp set with a cause - more on that below.

Sketch Challenge: I made a deceptively simple sketch for you - feel free to flip the sketch, add layers, foam dots for dimension, wrap ribbon around the bottom half, add a sentiment - so many possibilities!

To enter just make a card following the sketch (a sketch is a layout/design/pattern for a card), and upload it to the Sweet n' Sassy Gallery. There is no need for a keyword.

If you do not have a scallop punch feel free to use circles adhered together, ribbon, or anything that gives one side a special look.

Card Details: For my card, I used my very favorite set from the new releases, Be Blessed. This is a very special stamp set modeled after the real Baby Be Blessed handmade dolls.  For every set purchased, Korin will make a $2 donation to Give a Blessing, a charity that supports a different child or family in need each month.

I used Stampin' Up!'s Linen background stamp (retired) and Memento Desert Sand ink, a very light tan, to stamp over my little rag doll to give her a fabric texture.

The doll image itself is stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa ink and colored with the Copic Markers you see above (except for the Jade Green which snuck in from another project I was working on at the same time - oops).

I die cut the rectangular Nestabilities frame, then chalked it with blue Shimmers Pearlescent Chalk by Pebbles Ink, then, keeping the paper in the die, I sponged Creamy Caramel Ink by Stampin' Up! into the detail area.

The base of the card is Stampin' Up!'s Close to Cocoa Textured Cardstock (gosh I just love this color and I'm out of it now I think *sob*). Patterned paper is Stampin' Up!'s new textured paper, Parisian Breeze. I punched a few flowers from the paper with my Boho Blossoms punch and added Prima flowers and K&Co. Self Adhesive Pearls.

Your next stop on the Blog Hop will be to visit Lorie. The fabulous Chris has a fun and different challenge for you today too, with another stamp set to win!

Keep an eye out for the other challenges on April 2nd and 3rd; play along to win by uploading your challenge card to the Sweet 'n Sassy Gallery by April 10th :) The winner will be announced soon after from a random draw of entries.

Also be sure to join us for the Release Party on April 3rd from 9-11 pm EST for some chatting and silliness.

Thanks for stoppin' by!

Craft Critique Big Giveaway & Discount Code (Ends tonights!)

Online Retailer Eclectic Paperie is giving away a huge box of goodies for Craft Critique readers!

This prize includes:
* eclectic Paperie logo apron
* 2 Distressed Stickles
* Adirondack Alcohol Ink Applicator
* Adirondack Alcohol Ink Pack
* Adirondack Alcohol Blending Solution
* Stamp set from the Tim Holtz Collection from Stampers Anonymous
* Distress Ink
* Jet Black Archival Ink by Ranger

To enter, head on over to Craft Critique.com and leave a comment on this post before TONIGHT, March 22nd at midnight CST.

Eclectic Paperie is also giving Craft Critique readers a 10% discount. Please use coupon code SARAHSENTME. Receive 10% off your total purchase from Friday, March 20th to Sunday, March 22nd (minimum $20 purchase).

Craft Critique Giveaways

Craft Critique is having a couple of HUGE giveaways. The deadline is midnight tonight, so be sure to leave a comment and enter to win. Don't forget to scroll down as there are two separate contests - one for a huge prize package of goodies, and one for $100 worth of Ki products.

I will be back soon with this week's House Mouse Challenge card :) Woo hoo two posts in one day - can you believe it ;)

Sweet 'n Sassy Sneak Peek, Faux Cloisonne Tutorial & Blog Candy

Hi everyone and welcome to 2009 - may it be a good one for us all! Today marks my first day as a member of the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Design Team. I am so excited to be a part of this group of amazing women. To celebrate the new DT members and new stamp releases, we are having a Blog Hop, which just means that each DT member will be showing you a sneak peek of the seven new stamp sets that will be released on their blog. The set I have chosen to show you is called Love Blooms. I will be giving this set away today - more details on my giveaway and the Blog Hop are at the end of this post after today's card details and tutorial.

Card Details

I used a base of Bazzill Bling cardstock, which is pearlized so perfect for the shimmery look I was going for. I used the Stampin' Up! Top Note die to cut some Papertrey Vellum, which I first embossed with a Cuttlebug Script Embossing Folder.

My Faux Cloisonne Technique:

Atop the vellum is white cardstock that I used to create a Faux Cloisonne look. Cloisonne is a multi-step metal and enamel process that was popular in China and Tsarist Russia (think Faberge Eggs). Metal is used to separate the enamel. I have shown you this technique using embossing powder, which acts as a partition, and Glaze pens, which stands in for the enamel, but it also works with embossing powder and Shimmerz paints - perhaps even more so because of the silver glittery bits and pearlized paint.

To create a Cloisonne look I cut the white cardstock (use your thickest - I used thick Papertrey 140 pound paper) with Nestabilities Label One Die Cuts (available in the Sweet 'n Sassy Store)  and then embossed the roses from the Love Blooms set with Stampendous Detail Silver EP.

Next I watercolored the image using Stampin' Up! re-inkers in Kiwi Kiss, Garden Green, Riding Hood Red, and Pink Pirouette. It does not matter what medium you color with as long as it is sheer and vibrant, because you will be covering it up with paint.  Allow to dry.

After drying I applied Shimmerz Paints (on sale at The Rubber Cafe) in Pink Poinsettia, Rustic Red and Evergreen. I applied the paint in a rather thick layer between the roses with Candle Light and Sky Blue to fill in the spaces in between and to create a partitioned look thanks to the embossing.

The result is a thick, lacquered look similar to Cloisonne but also pearlized because of the Shimmerz.  The glitter in the paint adds a hint of grainy, thick metal and the shimmering pearl in the paint adds glow and dimension.

Note: While I applied the paint thickly, I was still careful to not warp the paper or to go over the embossing. Be sure to allow the embossing to act as a border, do not color the embossing itself or allow spillage over it. If you are unsure, apply paint in thin layers. If there is any warping of the paper, once your paint is dry put the paper under a heavy book for a day or so to straighten out.

For a high shine look you can add Crystal Effects as a final step, but only if you are doing so to a small area. I chose to skip this step as I was creating a background.

The sentiment (The rose speaks of love silently, in a language known only to the heart) on the top layer is Detail Silver EP once again, with a cut out rose attached. I actually used Copics on the rose - I wanted to see the difference between water coloring and using Copics with a very light pink to blend the darker colors. They look the same to me right down to the tones, so as I mentioned earlier, any sheer color will do. I am sure Stampin' Up! or any brand markers would be just fine as well.

Finishing Details: A bit of Stampin' Up! silver cord for a bow and a green K&Co. self-adhesive crystal finish off the feminine rose.

I ran a silver Krylon Leafing Pen over the edge of each die cut for an elegant look. I have been asked where I get these - you can buy them at Michael's, they should cost around $5-7 US. Be sure to pick up some extra nibs too as the cardstock really splits the nibs after only a few uses.

The self-adhesive pearls on the top right are by K&Co. (they came in the same pack as the green crystals) and are available in the Sweet 'n Sassy Store - they sell so much more than just stamps and are having a sale too! The lace trim is from Webster's Pages.

Love Blooms Giveaway

Would you like to win this set? I will be giving away this gorgeous Love Blooms set which is so perfect for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, and weddings during tomorrow evening's Release Party at the Sweet 'n Sassy Forum. The fun begins January 2nd at 9pm EST.

At the Release Party you can chat, play challenges to win even more SnS Stamps, and find out who are the lucky 14 winners of the Blog Hop Giveaway. I will be hosting a challenge and yet another giveaway there at 9:30 pm EST - I do hope you can join :)

To Enter:

Please leave a comment on THIS post to be entered into my giveaway. Winner will be drawn tomorrow night at the Release Party in the SnS Forum. Leave a comment on the 13 other blogs for 13 more chances to win one of the seven new Sweet 'n Sassy stamp sets!

Blog Hop:

If you would like to hop aboard the Blog Hop, your next stop will be Courtney Fowler's blog. For a list of all SnS DT members blog's please see my sidebar to the upper right. You can leave a comment on each blog for a chance to win a stamp set (a total of 14 chances, woo hoo!).

Thank you for stopping by, be sure to read my post below for the reveal of this month's Magnolia-Licious Sketch Challenge and New Year's card! I also have a personal post below that. Today is a busy posting day :)

Hugs across the miles and across the new year!

Update: The winner of the blog candy is Lisa Hjulberg! Congrats Lisa!

Happy Haul-a-Days Winner

Drumroll pleaseeeeeeee

The winner is Conniecrafter! Look for an email Connie to get your full name and addy so I can start the flood of goodies your way! Enjoy them!

Thank you to all the sponsors who graciously donated their products for no other reason than to celebrate the magic of Christmas :) 

Thank you to everyone who entered! I wish I had something to give everyone. Stay tuned for another giveaway come January - can't spill the beans just yet.

Merry Christmas to all!

Happy Haul-a-Days Giveaway

Here it is!  This is my biggest giveaway ever! I am bad at math but I am thinking over $200 worth of goodies for someone! Why? To celebrate the gift that is Christmas. I have been so blessed this year to be on so many wonderful Design Teams. I wanted to share a little piece of each company with you, and the following companies graciously offered the following, which will be sent to one lucky winner (see below for how to enter).

Embellish-It Scrapbooking:

One sheet of each patterned paper from the Imaginisce Fairest Of Them All collection and 1 of each of the mini clear stamps from the same collection. Perfect for a Princess! Thank you Barb!

Oh my goodness - Kelli and Vicki are donating a super cool goodie box worth over ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS retail! These two ladies from Texas manufacture wood products for altering. My Ways I Love You made last Valentine's Day was made with their Mini Crafter's Mini Card  File. They also have a vertical scrapbook album frame perfect for displaying pictures, calendars or scrapbook pages.

House Mouse & Friends Challenge Blog:

 As this is a challenge blog without a real store, this one will be from me: one of my favorite Gruffies by Stampabilities, this 3x3 wood block stamp Bedtime Stories. Isn't he cute?

 

Magnolia-Licious

An unmounted, cling cushioned Magnolia Tilda and a present stamp that is cute on it's own, or big enough for sitting pose Tilda and Edwin to sit on. This will be shipped by me courtesy of the super sweet and generous Diana.

 

Odd Bird Planet

The winner will receive a $5 coupon code from Odd Bird Planet.  Thank you Johanna!

 

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps

One Sweet 'n Sassy stamp set of your choice. Thank you Korin for giving my readers such a treat :)

Extra Extra: Want another chance to win a Sweet 'n Sassy set? Play in the Sweet 'n Sassy DT Challenge by December 14th. Details on how to participate can be found on the Sweet 'n Sassy Blog.

 

Toodles & Binks UK

Hold onto your hats this one is big: Kay is generously sending you EVERY stamp from the Toodles & Binks line as of December 10 AND some Zoomz, which are like Dew Drops!!!!!  Thank you Kay - I am amazed at your generosity! Toodlesandbinks.com is still being prepared as it is a new company - until then you can check out the T&B blog.

Whiff of Joy

I was a Guest Designer for Whiff of Joy in October and November, and Katharina graciously sent me a Lizzie stamp to give away from  her new collection; this will be shipped from me as well.

How to Enter:

Please visit two of the stores above by clicking on their logo images, and let me know a favorite stamp or product from each of the two stores you choose. You will get an extra entry if you link this giveaway on your blog, so please make a separate post with a link to your blog so that you get two entries. Only one post per each kind of entry per person to make the draw fair, please (so a maximum of two posts per person). International entries are fine - this contest is open to everyone.

The winner will be announced Monday evening, December 15th. Entries will be accepted until 3PM EST on December 15th! Good luck to all, and merry Christmas!

EDIT: PLEASE NOTE ~

There is a delay before your comment appears after you post.

Do not worry, this is normal, it just takes a few seconds for your post to appear on the blog. I will do my best to make sure that no more than 2 entries per person/IP address go into the bowl for the drawing. I am deleting the double entries - I know some people entered more than twice because of the delay so sorry about that. Please save me some work and make sure you do not post more than twice (one for each kind of entry) :)

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all who entered, and good luck!

I am running behind - need to feed my man then will do the draw later this evening :)

Papercraft Planet 12 Days of Christmas Challenge ~ Prize Alert!

It is day 11 at the Papercraft Planet's 12 Days of Christmas Challenges!  Embellish -Online.com is the sponsor of today's challenge which is Eleven Pipers Piping. How perfect is this Odd Bird Planet Three Pipers Piping stamp for this challenge? Ha! I colored the image with Copics and used BasicGrey Wassail patterned paper. The pretty sheer gold ribbon is by May Arts.

Join in the fun and create a card, scrapbook page or some other form of paper craft and upload it to the PCP Gallery using keyword 12day11 (all lowercase letters). Your card can be about pipers or musical instruments.

The winner, drawn at random, will receive a $25 gift certificate to the Embellish-Online.com store where you can shop for Copics, BasicGrey, May Arts ribbon or anything else they carry!

Your project must be uploaded today at midnight EST to qualify for the prize.

Be sure to join the Embellish-Online group at PCP while you are there :)

Thanks for stopping by!

 
 

Making Memories FaLaLa Meets Simone & Double Blog Candy Alert

This is the latest Toodles & Binks stamp .  I wanted a tall, skinny card just like her.  The big card also gave me the chance to add lots of pretty papers and buttons. I may have gone a little crazy with the embellishments ha!

    

She was so fun to color- I used the Copic Markers you see above. They are the same colors as yesterday's card as they also match the Making Memories Music Note and Scallop Circle papers from the FaLaLacollection that I used today.  The scallop Nestabilities trim around her is Bazzill's Dotted Swiss cardstock in Blissful.

The buttons are from BasicGrey's new Christmas collection Wassail and the waffle pattern flowers are Prima Press N Petals Christmas. The green matting is Stampin' Up!'s Kiwi Kiss. 

Everyone went vintage this year for Christmas and used yellowish olive, burgundy, cream and brown! I mentioned yesterday that the reddish orange brown of some of the papers in Wassail was impossible to match with the Copics perfectly unless you mix colors. Well I did find an ink that was perfect-0: VersaMagic Red Brick. I used it to sponge this card.

Last but not least, I added Crystal Effects to her boots.

The sentiment is by A Muse.

Do you like Simone? I think she is so funky yet chic. Would you like to win  her? Kay sent me an extra Simone stamp to give away. Just leave a comment here and I will pick a winner next Monday! To sweeten the pot I will throw in some Zoomz (like Dew Drops) and other goodies too :)

Whiff of Joy Blog Candy Alert

Its Kimmie's turn to offer up some Whiff of Joy blog candy! Enter to win Charlie the Chimney Sweep, a good luck stamp, on Kimmie's blog here.

Thanks for stopping by!

Suzy

Whiff of Joy Project of the Month, My Giveaway Winner & Bev's Giveaway

This month's Project of the Month over at Whiff of Joy is to decorate a candle. I used the beautiful Willow With Lanternfor my project. First I cut my latest obsession, Bazzill Dotted Swiss paper in Blissful, a burgundy color embossed with Swiss dots, to fit the glass candle.  Over that I added a thinner slice of patterned paper, Poinsettia Stripe, from Making Memories FaLaLa collection. The papers are edged with another obsession of mine, the Krylon 18K Gold Leafing pen and attached to the candle with 1/2 inch Scor-Tape from Scor-Pal which is kind of like red line tacky tape.

Next I die cut the image with my Nestabilities, ran my gold leaf pen over the edge, then colored her with Copics. I applied Stickles in Icicles over her hair and dress- at night when the candle glows she is sparkles beautifully.

I used yellow Copics around her for a candlelit glow. The glittery Poinsettia Primas are from my Calypso Tin. Finally, I added Red Liquid Pearls to the holly berries and gold and pearl Dew Drops in Golden Berry to the Primas.

Be sure to visit the Project of the Month Gallery to see  all the DT members projects this month. Christmas is fast approaching and the gallery is a great place to find inspiration for home made gifting.

Christmas Angel Winner & Bev's Blog Candy

Thank you to everyone who entered my Whiff of Joy stamp giveaway. The winner is Heather Fullerton! Congrats Heather!

If you didn't win there are so many more chances as Katharina, the owner of WOJ has given all DT members stamps to giveaway and we are doing it TWICE a week well into January! Today is Bev's turn so visit her blog for a chance to win Charlie with Presents and other goodies.

Thanks for stopping by!

Suzy

Fabulous Giveaways Around The Net

It is DT Member Murielle's turn to give away a Whiff of Joy Stamp! For your chance to win cutie Charlie the Chimney Sweep and some other little treats visit her blog. A Chimney Sweep is a good luck symbol in Europe.

This next giveaway has me all aflutter and yes I entered: Elisabeth Bell, the wonderful artist and illustrator for many Whiff of Joy stamps as well as Sugar Nellie is giving away  two personalized art prints. Imagine that hanging in your craft room ladies. *sigh* Fingers crossed! Be sure to visit her blog for your chance to win.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Copic chat with Emily Laurel last night. I had such fun and it was so cool to speak with people as far away as Sweden (hi Kama!). If you were not able to attend you can read the chat here. We were pretty chatty so you have to sift through the chat to find Emily's advice. If I am not lazy I will filter it out for you later lol.

I have to keep the details a secret, but one lucky attendee from last night will be getting a very nice little present from Emily the COPIC *cough* rep!

Last but not least, how would you like to win EVERY new release from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps? That is over a $100 value! They are selecting a winner tonight at their Release Party. To enter visit the blog here.

Be back soon with a Halloween card and my yearly Halloween recipe!

Suzy

Copic Chat is Tonight in the EI Forum & Giveaway Alerts

Copic Chat at Embellish-Online.com Tonight

Join Embellish-Online.com's Copic representative Emily Laurel in the EI Copic Forum tonight at 6pm PST (9PM EST). She will be discussing what makes these markers special, answering your questions and giving examples on making the most of the markers. Participation is free, you just need to be a registered user (also free).  Emily will have a giveaway drawing for those who attend. If you are even remotely interested in Copics you won't want to miss this.

If you are unable to make it the information will stay posted in the forum for you to read at a later time. I will be there, I hope you join us!

Copic Sketch markers are available for pre-order in the Embellish-Online.com store. They are listed with corresponding Stampin' Up! color names in the drop box to help you select that perfect color. Be sure to use code word GLITTER in the voucher field to save 20% off your entire order (yep - including Copics).

Imaginisce Fairest of Them All Drawing

While you're at the EI Forum be sure to enter to win the new Imaginisce Fairest of Them All Giveaway. The winner will get  2 pages each of 6 patterned paper designs (12 sheets total), 1 of each stamp from the collection, We're Off To The Ball Rub Ons and Glitter Giggles Rub Ons.  This is over a $30.00 value! Winner will be announced January 1 via e-mail and in the Forum. This giveaway is open to all US and Canadian addresses.

Suzy

Whiff of Joy Christmas Angel Card & Giveaway; Copic Chat Night

   

How's this for a simple card? Haha okay - so I went a little overboard. This is Whiff of Joy's Melinda The Christmas Angel. She reminds me of an angel used to top the tree, complete with a beautiful white satin dress that light up. I wanted a card like a tree topper - one that would be festive and sparkly. Thanks to Katharina, the owner of Whiff of Joy, I am giving away this stamp. Details on how to enter for the drawing are at the bottom of this post.

Card Details: To keep her dress white, I shaded it where the creases would be with Copic Markers in gray and blue shades. I went over her hair with yellow and gold Spica glitter pens, and also used them on her dress, present, and the holly, so she shimmers from head to toe. The present is so shimmery in real life but the photo didn't capture it.

The image was cut out and placed over Cuttlebug embossed gold cardstock and glittery poinsettia paper by Making Memories from the new Fa La Lacollection.   Her wings and the trim on her dress are covered with Stampin' Up! Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

 gave her blue eyes and a little red mouth. With her blonde hair in cascading waves she reminds me of 1940s film star Veronica Lake.

The Noel sentiment was a find at Michael's - it is flatback green plastic and was found in the Christmas section.

Would you like to win this unmounted, red rubber stamp? Just leave a comment on this post telling me what you top your tree with. Ifyou don't celebrate Christmas any comment will do. I will randomly pick a winner next Tuesday and announce it on the blog.

Be sure to keep an eye on all the Whiff of Joy DT member's blogs - we are giving away two stamps a week.

Supplies List

Stamps: Whiff of Joy Melinda The Guardian Angel by Elisabeth Bell

Paper: Select White by Papertrey; gold cardstock, Making Memories Fa La La glittered paper

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Copic Markers and Spica pens; Stampin' Up! Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Taffeta ribbon and gold brad; Nestabilities; Stickles in Green, Goldenrod and Xmas red; Prima Flower, Cuttlebug Snowflake  Embossing Folder; Krylon Gold Leafing pen

Copic Chat This Thursday Night

Emily Laurel, Embellish-Online.com's Copic rep, will be hosting a chat over at the Forum. She will be discussing what makes these markers special, answering your questions and giving examples on making the most of the markers. The chat is this Thursday night October 30th at 6pm PST (9pm EST) in the Forum. Participation is free, you just need to be a registered user (also free).  I will be there, I hope you join us!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day, and if the weather is being a grouch where you are stay warm and safe!

Suzy

Tiny Tag Blessings ~ Monday's House Mouse Challenge (Prize Alert!)

Hi there ~ I hope you had a great weekend! Nothing exciting on my end: Allan had to work on Saturday, so I spent the day with the kids (dogs) at the Dog Park. A little boy there took to Freeway and played with him for like two hours. They both just kept running and jumping the whole time. When he left he hugged Freeway and gave him a kiss ~ it was so cute. Later that night we all curled up to watch The Maltese Falcon. I love those old movies!  It was one of those do nothing but still enjoy yourself weekends. Time just flew though, and here we are at the start of a new week.

What better way to start off a Monday than with another House Mouse Challenge? This week's challenge is to use a tag on your card. We also have a prize of three Halloween stamps up for grabs this week thanks to our sponsor Alota Rubber Stamps.

Lots of layers and texture on this card - where to begin? Let's start with the tag since that is the challenge! I love using Cuttlebug's Tiny Tags on my cards ~ perfect for those super tiny Papertrey sentiments like this one from the Out on a Limb Set.

The tags are not "nesting" (larger and smaller sizes of the same shape) but I felt I needed the darker cardstock to offset the tag, and like how it is mismatched. It adds to the rustic look.

I colored the image, Wreath Love, with my Copic markers and then added Crystal Effects to the berries for a raised, shiny appearance. I am quite pleased with the result - they almost look like Dew Drops.

A bit of sponging around the cream colored cardstock and linen thread in the buttons adds a rustic touch to this fall card.

Be sure to stop by the House Mouse & Friends Challenge Blog to see what the other Design Team members have made for you this week. Come on, play along too! One lucky winner will get the prize of three Alota Rubber stamps.

Thanks for stopping by!

   

Supplies List

Stamps: House Mouse by Stampabilities Wreath Love; Papertrey Out on a Limb (sentiment)

Paper: Vintage Cream cardstock by Papertrey; Bazzill Textured Cardstocks; Doodlebug Bon Bon Chiffon Flocked Patterned Paper

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Aged Mahogany and Antique Linen Tim Holtz Distress Inks

Accessories:  Copic Markers; Cuttlebug Tiny Tags die cuts; May Arts satin stitched ribbon; Crystal Effects; Linen twine; Sponge; Petaloo fabric flower; BasicGrey Mellow buttons; Pop up glue dots; Glue Dots.

Card Size: 4.25 x 6 inches

Mark Your Calendar & Good News

Saturday October 4 ~ World Card Making Day

Its a global party ~ and you're invited! World Card Making Day is next Saturday, October 4th and Splitcoaststampers will be celebrating with lots of challenges and giveaways for people that participate in them from very generous Member Companies.  I will be hosting the Technique Challenge for the celebration and hope you all can join in and play.

There will also be a chat thread to bond with your fellow stampers across the globe, and random chatters will be picked for giveaways too!

More details can be seen in the SCS Forum *here*.

Virtual Stamp Night  (VSN) ~ Come To The Cabaret!

I will also be a hostess for the next VSN on Splitcoaststampers. Virtual Stamp Night (VSN) is when we all get together online (preferably in our jammies) and stamp, chat, and laugh around a theme. The next theme is The Cabaret, where you can expect lots of fun challenges centered around food, drink, and music. The challenges are a great way to get the mojo flowing, and to bond with your fellow stampers.

There will be a warm up with mini challenges on Saturday October 25th, and VSN weekend will be Friday Night November 14th and Saturday November 15th (I will post times and more details later).

I can't say just yet what my challenge to you will be, but I do promise you that it is fun!  The Forum to watch for details is located on SCS right *here*. I hope to see you there!

Whiff of Joy

Oh my goodness. I can't believe how blessed and lucky I have been this past month. Just a couple of weeks ago I was so down from a string of repeated rejection. I received an email this morning that I will be a Guest Designer for Whiff of Joy along with Aija from Finland. The entries were all so wonderful I do not know how Katharina was able to narrow it down. This is a good lesson to learn - never give up. Thank you to everyone who wished me luck. Now if I can only transfer that luck into finding a job, then life will be perfect :)

Suzy

P.S. Did you notice the new Fall/Halloween banner? The baby monkey dressed as a ghost with his little treat bag cracks me up :) I hope it makes you smile too!

Our First House Mouse Challenge with a Great Prize

This card was created for our first challenge over at the House Mouse & Friends Challenge Blog. This week's theme is "New" . I thought about fall fast approaching, bringing with it a new school year and the need for new school clothes. Here is mama mouse busy making them. I love the look of adoration on the little mouse as he watches his mama knit clothes that don't quite fit just yet.

The image with stamped with Memento Dye Ink in Tuxedo black onto Papertrey Select White cardstock, then colored it in with Copic Markers. It is a testament to the greatness of this ink that it survived my repeated Copic layering without breaking down. I tried to give the coloring a "watercolored" look with the use of the colorless Blender.

For some sparkle I went over the knitting needles and other places here and there with Copic brand Spica Atyou glitter Pens.

The entire card got a generous spritz of Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Iridescent Gold, which is a warm, subtle white gold.

After drying, I placed the cardstock under a heavy book overnight to prevent warping.

I created my own sentiment on the printer, then sewed it with blue unraveled yarn to a purple felt circle cut using a Cuttlebug die cut. The same yarn was used to thread the buttons. The needle is a very dull candle wicking needle.

Shopping Tip: There are many places to buy House Mouse stamps; I find the best pricing and shipping can be found at Dick's online store HMStamps.com - even for Canada and the UK he is way under retail pricing.

Challenge and Prize Details: If you are a House Mouse, Gruffies or Happy Hoppers fan you are invited to play in the challenges over at the new House Mouse & Friends Blog. The first theme, "New", can be interpreted however you like.

Every Monday a new challenge will be posted, as will several cards made by the design team to inspire you. We do hope you will join us!

All challenge entries received before this coming Sunday 8pm GMT will qualify to enter for a prize. Entrants from across the globe are welcome to enter. The winner will be announced after our next challenge has been announced. Here's whats up for grabs:

• Promenade Tilda - Brand new unmounted stamp
• Papermania Ribbons - spots and flowers citrus
• Dovecraft Pastel brads
• 5 stamped images (not shown, these will be stamped on SU whisper white using staz-on ink)

Thanks for stopping by!

August's Design Team Gallery Cards & Guest Designer Contest Reminder

August's Embellish-It Scrapbooking Design Team Gallery  marks the debut of the 2008-2009 Design Team, and it is one of the best ever. Inspired by the rich, lush jewel tones of BasicGrey's Boxer patterned paper, I made three cards and one journal. Grab a cup of your favorite drink, sit back and relax with some pretty pictures, this post is a long one :)

Golden Field of Flowers

The first of my projects that I am going to share with you today is my favorite card of the bunch.

I have a print of Gustav Klimt's The Kiss on my wall, and as I saw the beautiful BasicGrey Boxer paper patterns the idea popped into my head to create a lush scene of multi-patterned flowers brushed with gold.

I hand shaped the Stampin' Up! punches and Cuttlebug die cut flowers, then added rub-ons to some and Krylon Gold Pen to all. It is like liquid gold - no paint can compare.

I die cut and embossed the Cuttlebug Tag Team Butterfly (I think it out of stock in the store at the moment), then slightly shaped it and brushed more Krylon onto the surface.

I took a rub-on flourish from the Rub-on Book  and created a butterfly trail with it. There is also a rub-ons on the center of the butterfly itself.

This card has been published in the BasicGrey Gallery which is kind of neat :)

Flowers in Chintz

What I love about the Boxer patterns is that while they are meant to be masculine (all of the paper pattern sheets are named after men's underwear!), they can also be feminine and elegant.

Here I colored Karen Lockhart's Flowers in Chintz stamp with Copics, then framed it with Krylon again.

I matted the paper on a sheet of white for pop, then put it on a base of forest green cardstock.

Green lace and May Arts gold satin ribbon add more femininity.

Stickles were added to the vase and the flowers for sparkle.

I think sparkle takes a card that can easily go boring or staid, and livens it up a bit.

We all need sparkle in our lives!

I used my Copic Blender Pen to create a "sketched" shadow look - not sure if I succeeded. I need a Copic seminar! LOL

Creme de la Bella

Stamping Bella's Dainty Bella is paper pieced with a Boxer dress after being colored with Copic Markers. She is wearing MAC Eyeshadow pigment in Golden Olive - just kidding! Her eyeshadow is courtesy of Eucalyptus Stickles.

I popped her dress, and then her bouquet up with foam dimensional glue dots. Lots of Stickles were applied to her hair and flowers.

I can't seem to put the Krylon pen down - it just works so well with these lush fall colors.  Something different that I did was to first run my Copic along the edge of the oval, and then add the gold.

The flowers on the left are Boxer Chipboard stickers,while the flowers on the right are Stampin' Up! Boho Blossoms punch that has been hand shaped. The paper under the flowers is actually the packaging from the rub-ons. I thought it was gorgeous and too pretty to throw away. I save most of my BasicGrey packaging for this purpose.

The sentiment and flowers on the bottom are rub-ons. This card can also be seen at the BasicGrey Gallery.

Journal a la Carte

My final project is this altered journal.  I covered a Fancy Pants Story Book (it comes in all white with blank sheets) with Boxer papers then painted the edges with a custom blend of dark green and ivory acrylic paints, adding crackle paint in places.

Embellishments include Boxer chipboard, rub-ons and buttons, as well as BasicGrey Undressed Chipboard painted with acrylic paint and edged in Krylon.

I made a neat discovery: you can stamp with Krylon too! I stamped a flourish from Stampin' Up!'s Carte Postale (retiring August 10th). The Krylon came off from the rubber easily with Ultra-Clean, but I did work fast. I didn't want to let it dry.

I added Krylon and Stampin' Up! Gold Cord  to the buttons too.

The ribbon is actually 3 ribbons - 5/8 Ivory Grosgrain topped with Moss Velvet rickrack, and then a burgundy velvet on top of that.

I got the little lace butterfly on eBay a long time ago.

Be sure to see what the other Design Team members have made for you in the August Gallery - a definite feast for the eyes! These ladies have really put their heart, soul and mojo into their work - please be sure to pop over, take a look, and leave some love :)

New! Mothermark's Teapot Tuesday Challenge

Cindy (Mothermark on SCS) is hostess for a Teapot Challenge every Tuesday in the EI Forum right here.  She uses a teapot from  her huge collection for inspiration to make a card. The only rule is that no coffee pots are allowed! Be sure to check it out!

Become a Guest Designer!

Would you like to play along with the design team next month? To celebrate our first Friday Challenge in the forum one challenger will be sent design team goodies and win a spot as a Guest Designer for September. If you are interested in playing along please hurry - the contest ends this coming Friday, and a winner will be announced the same day. For details please see this post over at the forum.

Thanks for stopping by. If you like what you see, please spread the word. I am trying to get my blog "out there" and would appreciate it.

Beaded Elzybells, Giveaway Winner and a New Giveaway for You

 

Hi everyone!

Isn't this a sweet little card? I love Elzybells and can't wait to get my hands on more! These stamps are from the A Muse Elzybells collection. I wanted to keep today's card simple and focus on the fun colors and textures, and the message, make a wish. So nice - it can be for a birthday, or for no occasion at all. After all, we all have dreams and things we wish for. Some big (peace on Earth, good will to all) and some small (I would love to have a card published, get on a certain Design Team). What are you dreams and wishes, large or small? Do share :) Onto today's card: I applied silver, gold and blue beads to the cardstock with glue. I think the round and bugle shaped beads are a  nice stand in for stars.

More Tips on Copics: 

Here I go on my Copic mystery quest again. Today I used R00 Pinkish White with E21 Baby Skin Pink. The R00 really toned down the ruddiness that can appear in E21. Her cheeks are again colored with R20 Blush. I applied Shimmering Chalks over the markers for a subtle glow. It is hard to see in the photograph, but the results are wonderful.

For a warm, glowing moon I added some orange, making it more prominent on the left side of the crescent, then added some blue to the moon to tie it into my card color scheme. 

The twinkle in her hair is from a touch of Lavender Stickles.

Giveaway  Winner

Heather Fullerton is the winner of my little pack of goodies that includes a brand new Fancy Pants Simply Stated set, some lace applique butterflies, papers, flowers and a sampler of the beads I used on today's card.

Heather please e-mail me your address so I can get your goodies out to you. 

Thanks to all who entered and congrats to Heather! Stay tuned for another celebration giveaway when I hit 100k :)

Giveaway at EI

Embellish-It is giving away the much sought after Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Folder, a Storybook from Fancy Pants, Clear Pillow Boxes (set of 5) and the Journal Blocks Clear Stamp Set from Basic Grey This is a $30.00 value! Drawing will be held on July 31st, 2008 and will be announced on this page and in the EI Forum.  Winner will also be notified by email. Drawing is open to all US and Canadian residents.

Enter to win the EI Giveaway HERE!

Thanks for stopping by - see you tomorrow!

Stamps: Elzybells NA Moon Girl and Make a Wish

Paper: Papertrey Select White, Stampin' Up! Almost Amethyst, Bazzill Basics and Bling

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Pebbles Pastel Shimmering Chalks; BasicGrey ribbon, Fiskars Threading Water Punch; Stickles in Lavender; Copic Markers (see photo); beads (maker unknown).