ISSC01- It's Time For Some FUN!!

Hey everyone, and welcome to the FIRST sketch with the SUPER fun new sketch challenge blog, iSpy Sketches!! Basically, the idea behind iSpy, is we look all over blog land, and various crafting galleries, and find fun, interesting sketches using other people's cards as our muse. This week, Loretta Lock has fallen under the magnifying glass, and I am in LOVE with her sketch!!




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For my card tonight, I started by stamping my sentiment from the SOON to be released, Clearly Sentimental About Romance set on Sweet Tooth. I then layered it with an Oval Dainty Doily Duo Die-namics cut out of Black Licorice. I paired it with the Teresa Collins Carolina Breeze paper pad, and Saffron, Grey, and Black Licorice cardstock. My flourishes were made with the Fancy Flourish Die-namics, and my flowers were made with the Scalloped Rolled Rose Die-namics. I used Black Seam Binding from the Ribbon Carousel, and some brads from Michael's. My border was made with the Monarch Border Die-namics.

For the inside, I used more of the same supplies, and another sentiment from this gorgeous set!

Here are the Die-namics I have used:









Wanna play along?

Here's how to play:

• Create a paper crafting project (card, scrap book page or 3D item), based on the sketch provided.
• Post your creation on your blog or an online gallery (using a code ISSC01), and link it here with the inlinkz widget below. Please provide a direct link to your post - not the generic link to your blog.
• A new challenge will be posted every Friday at 12.01 AM EST, and you have until noon on Wednesday EST to submit your entry.
• You may enter as many times as you like, but please provide a newly designed project with a new link for each additional project.
• We will choose the top 2 creations to be featured in our "Top 2 Thursday" post where we will announce who we have picked :) The winners will receive their very own iSpy Sketches blog badge!
• Don't forget that you may combine our challenges with others and use supplies from any company that you wish :)
• Have fun and we look forward to "spying:" your creations

Make sure you check out the iSpy blog for a look at what the other designers created!! FUN!!

Thanks For Your Help-Teasers Day Two

Hey everyone, and welcome to night two of this month's new release teasers from My Favorite Things!! Tonight we have three new sets for you: Fix It Fred Bear, Inspired By Lighthouses, and Up, Up and Away.

Before we get to my card, here are the important details!!

Here are the details about the upcoming release on February 7th at 10 PM EST:

• You can attend the New Release Party on February 7th from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!


• The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on February 7th at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.


• The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.


• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on February 7th just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

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For my card tonight, I started by stamping my Fix It Fred Bear on X-Press It Blending card, and then colored him with my Copics. I then layered him with Bermuda Bay, Jellybean Green, and Hot Fudge. My colors were picked based on my papers, the MME Lost&Found 2 Breeze pad. I used silver brads from Michael's, some Kiwi ribbon from SU, and my twine is Cappuccino from The Ribbon Carousel. I used the SUPER CUTE new Tool Charms Die-namics, on the inside and out, as well as, the First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics for my sentiment. My circles were made with old SU punches. My sketch is Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch. Fun!!


For the inside, I used more of the same supplies, and another sentiment from this set.

Here are the Die-namics I have used:





Be sure to check out KIM'S BLOG for a full list of designers participating!!

MFTWSC57- Merci

Hey everyone, and happy Wednesday!! Since it is Wednesday, it is time for another Wednesday Stamp Club challenge from My Favorite Things!!



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For my card tonight, I started with the MME Love Me Paper. I chose my colors: Grey and Bubblegum, and then colored my image from the Who's That Girl- Parisian Girl, set. I stamped her with Memento Ink on X-Press It Blending card. I then layered my image with my card stock colors. I used large Michael's Brads, as well as some Seam Binding From the Ribbon Carousel. I shortened the First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics.



For the inside, I used more of the same supplies.

Here are the Die-namics I used:

Let's Chat-It's Teaser Time!!

Hey everyone, and welcome to night one of this month's new release teasers from My Favorite Things!! Tonight we have the new Who's That Girl set, Let's Chat!!

Before we get to my card, here are the important details!!


Here are the details about the upcoming release on February 7th at 10 PM EST:

• You can attend the New Release Party on February 7th from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!


• The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on February 7th at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.


• The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.


• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on February 7th just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Pin It


For my card tonight, I started by stamping my image on some X-Press It blending card, and some MME Lost&Found Madison Avenue paper. I paper pieced her shirt, and then colored the rest of her in with my Copics. I then layered my image with Bubblegum, Rose Red, and Hot Fudge. My flower was made with the new Botanical Beauty Die-namics. I cut it out with some more of the paper, and Hot Fudge card stock. Then, I used the new Oval Dainty Doily Duo Die-namics, which was cut out of my MME paper and then cut in half to frame my image. I layered it on top of more of the paper, and some strips of Hot Fudge Card Stock cut out of the Simply Scalloped Small Die-namics. My sentiment was added on with the First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics. I also used Walnut Seam Binding, Michael's brads, and a spiral clip.



For the inside, I used more of the same supplies, and another sentiment from this set.

Here are the Die-namics I have used:









Be sure to check out KIM'S BLOG for a full list of designers participating!!

RCC38- Friends From the Start

Hey everyone, and welcome to this week's Ribbon Carousel Challenge. This week's challenge is a paper piecing challenge, which you KNOW I love!! We are being sponsored by one of my FAVORITE stamp artists, Torico, and her WONDERFUL Birdie Brown store.



I chose this ADORABLE image- Friendly Monsters, from her store...and seriously, I REALLY love it! I paper pieced my monsters with some MME Lime Twist Fly a Kite paper. I layered it with Sour Apple, Orange Fizz, and Hot Fudge. I followed this week's Sweet Stop Sketch, and added a sentiment from the There She Goes set, Puppy Love. To cut it out, I used SU Oval punches. My ribbon is Mango Vintage Seam Binding, and some yummy Brown Jute Twine. For the scallops, I used the MFT Simply Scalloped Medium Die-namics, and some brads from Michael's.

Well, that is it for me for now!! Be sure to head to the Ribbon Carousel Blog to see what the other girls have come up with!!

January Creative Chat-Creative Process

It's time for the MFT Creative Chat. The My Favorite Things Design Team Creative Chat is a monthly feature, where we are challenged to explore our creative spaces and share valuable organizational methods, tools, and shopping strategies with you. You'll be able to peek into our creative spaces, ask questions, and share your own ideas in the MFT forum. This month, we were challenged with the following:

• Show us your creative mind at work. Take us on a journey through a card-making session, start to finish.

• How do you select colors, layout, embellishments, and overall design?


• Share your creative process with us!

Every card of mine starts with a good sketch....or something close to one. I almost always start with a sketch I have found on my travels through the internet on my trusty Acer. Sweet Stop Sketch is one of my faves, but I have LOTS of faves!

Next, I try to pick a stamp set that I either haven't used, or will best fit my sketch....not always easy!! I have this wooden crate CD holder on my desk at all times, and it holds the latest releases from the companies I work for. I pick my stamps usually based upon what is new...but not always. I try to let the sketch inspire me, along with my mood. Sometimes, I feel like coloring, and sometimes I don't...I NEVER try to force it...it never works!!

Next, I chose a paper...I have a TON of paper(and more on the way...I'm weak) so I try to use a different paper pack everyday, as not to let them overlap. It doesn't always work, but I try!! From there, I chose my paper colors. I always get comments on my color choices, but honestly, I let the paper chose for me. It may seem crazy and off the wall, but if the colors are there, I use them...no matter how wild and crazy it gets!!



So that I can pick my colors, and make sure they match, I used my Copic coloring chart. I use it to pick everything from my marker colors, ribbon colors, to my card stock colors. It's nice having that kind of color reference at your finger tips!! As for choosing embellishments, I just go with what feels good. My staples are silver...everything, and lots of ribbons. I love brads, and try to use them on every card.....it's a sickness. Ribbon is my FAVORITE...I like lots and lots of it. I have two Ribbon Carousel's FULL of ribbon, and its SO nice having it all right there. My other loves are paper piercing...can't live without it, and LOTS of layers.



When all else fails, I turn to YOU, my fellow stampers. I surf through the galleries at Splitcoast and Two Peas and I can get lost for hours!! Blog surfing, and my Google reader are constants in my search for inspiration.

So basically my process goes something like this:

1. Chose a sketch or layout.
2. Chose my stamps based on new releases, new purchases, and what fits. If none of that applies, I go with what feels good.
3. Pick a paper to work with.
   
4. Chose card stock colors based upon those papers.
5. Color image based on paper colors.
6. I build my card from the image and base, up. I layer and embellish as the card goes along.
   
7. Embellish until it feels right!! Sometimes I like a lot, sometimes a little!!

Well, that is it for me for now!! Thanks for taking a look inside my crazy stamping brain!!

Visit Kim's Blog for a full list of designers that have taken up the challenge and get ready to delve into the minds of our creative team.

TSG141-Stick With It

Hey everyone, and happy Monday!! Since it is Monday, it is time for this week's There She Goes challenge!!

This week our challenge is brought to us by our Junior Trendsetters! They have challenged us to make a card or project using the photo as inspiration.

To be eligible for the giveaway, create a card or project using the photo as inspiration and then come back to the TSG Blog to add your name and a link to your project in the InLinkz that is located at the bottom of this challenge post. This challenge is open until the winner has been announced on the following Monday (February 6th). The winner will get a $5 gift certificate to use in the TSG Web store!

By participating in this challenge, you may also find yourself in the Trendsetting Spotlight that shines on the TSG Blog every Thursday. We will be on the lookout to find challenge cards that stand out and show Trendsetting qualities. TSG stamps are not required to participate in the challenges but are appreciated :)

You do not need to have a blog to be able to participate in the TSG Challenges! You can simply add the URL link from your project after it has been uploaded to your online craft gallery. If you upload your card to an online craft gallery, please use the keyword TSG141 so we can check out your beautiful work!

For my card, chose to be inspired by the layout of the photo. I loved the different heights of the vases, and I knew it would look amazing with paper...and I think it does! I also started using the pinks, but took a turn for the Valentine's, LOL!! I used the new Nursebot set, paired with some Echo Park Yours Truly paper. I stamped my image on X-press It Blending card, and then colored it with my Copics. I then layered it with Cotton Candy, Red Hot, and Black Licorice. My ribbons are Black and White Twill from the Ribbon Carousel, and Maraschino and Charcoal Twine from there as well. For my sentiment, I used my oval punches, and I also used some Michael's brads, and a spiral clip from Creative Express.

Well, that is it for me for now!! Be sure to check out the There She Goes blog to see what the other girls have been up to!!

Crazy 4 Layers and Embellies

Happy...okay, it's Sunday, and I am late, LOL!! I finally got motivated to make a card for this weeks Crazy 4 Challenges, challenge, and here I am with it.

Before I get into today's challenge, we have a couple of announcements to make. First off, it is with much sadness that we farewell Maria Bell from our Design Team, Maria was a valued member of our team and we will miss her.

Joining us this week is our newest member of the C4C Design Team .... Kelli Hull. I am sure you will love her as much as we do :)

Our challenge this week was to make a card with Lot of Layers and Embellishments...which pretty much describes every card I make, LOL!! If you decide to play along with us, all you have to do is create a card/project and upload it to your blog and/or to your SCS Gallery using the keyword C4C121. Don't forget to come back here and link it on Mr Linky so that everyone else can see it too.



For my card tonight, I started with the à la mode Genie set. I stamped her on X-Press It Blending card, and then colored her with my Copics. I paper pieced parts of her, and her lamp, with some MME Gertie paper. She was layered with Pink Pirouette, Berry Sorbet, and Jellybean Green paper. I then used more of the paper on the background. I used the MFT Dizzy Doily Die-namics, as well as the Solid Bracket Die-namics. For my embellishments, I used the Fancy Flourish Die-namics, as well as, the Mini Rolled Rose Die-namics. To finish it off, I used some Ruffled Edge Pink ribbon from the Ribbon Carousel, brads from Michael's, and a spiral clip from Creative Express.

Here are the Die-namics I have used:



For the inside, I used more of the same supplies.

Well, that is it for me for now! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!! Be sure to check out what the other Crazies have created!!

• Barbara Anders
• Cindy Haffner
• Dawn Easton
  
• Frances Byrne
• Jessie Rone<--you are here!!
• Joanne Grzelak
• Joycelyn Turner
• Lynda Benden
• Kelli Hull
  
• Silke Kittman
• Silke Ledlow
  
• Vicki Garrett

Key Ingredients- Happy Birthday

I am LOVING this month's Key Ingredients kit from Taylored Expressions, and WAIT til you see next months...SWOOOON!! For now, I have another card I have made with this gorgeous kit!! It is pretty CAS, but hey, it never hurts to step outside your comfort zone, right?!



For my card, I used the Moka Katie set, for my sentiment....and I colored....nothing. I know, it was hard on me, too, but hey, it works!! All my supplies are a part of the FABULOUS Key Ingredients kit from January including the: light and dark teal Bazil card stock, Snow White card stock, Paper Hearts paper from Crate Paper, ribbon, and a stick pin. To add to my card a little, I used some brads from Michael's, and the MFT Simply Scalloped Medium Die-namics.

Well, that is it for me for now!! Thanks for stopping by!!

Check THIS out!!

I SPY a new sketch blog in town.....and you will NEVER guess who is on the team!!!

Well, if you guessed me, YOU are correct!! Head on over HERE for a special announcement!!

YIPPEE!!!!