CDS Sneak Peek Day #4

Today I will be showing you a new set being released tomorrow from Clear Dollar Stamps called Church Chatter. To see the stamp set sheet, check it out on Lori's blog. For this card I paired up the verse from Church Chatter (stamped in Memento black) with the cross from Prayer Journal (stamped in Memento Angel Pink). Colors of paper include kraft, pink pirouette, black, and white with designer papers by SU and BoBunny. Of course I had to add some stitching and pearls (these are actually dew drops)!

This card includes the stamp set Old Time Church with the verse from Church Chatter. I used my watercolor pencils on the church. I had to give it a green roof because my church back home was known for it. People used it as a landmark when giving directions or such. I remember in 1977 we got hit with a flood (I grew up in Johnstown, PA) and our church took the brunt of the water and debris, saving a lot of homes around it. Proof that God and Church can save you in more ways than one!! Anyway, about the card, colors include Soft suede, River rock, Bazzill scraps, white and Cosmo Cricket DSP Everlasting (also from my scrap bin). The river rock layer is embossed with the Swiss Dots folder. A button tied with hemp, dew drops, and a clip with a ribbon scrap are the embellishments. Simply had to add a bit of paper piercing somewhere!! Thanks for stopping by and checking out these sneak peeks, but you really should check out the other DT members blogs too:

Candy

Nancy

Stacy

For other stamp sets being showcased today for tomorrow's release, check out Laurie's blog.

Sneak Peek #3 -Sweet Symphony & Sheet Music

This is the second set of sneak peeks I get to present today from Clear Dollar Stamps. This set is called Sweet Symphony with the background set called Sheet Music. These stamp sets were designed by our design team leader Laurie Wilson. My son has been playing the saxophone for 5 years now, so I was immediately drawn to these two sets. For this card, which measures 5 1/2 square, I followed the color challenge of mustards and black. I used the Alegro embossing folder along the right side of the bottom layer then sponged Creamy caramel over to age it as well as make it pop. The layer of Sheet Music was also sponged with the caramel. Multiple punched circles are popped up as well. Embellishments include the three little primas with Basic Grey rhinestones, ribbon, and the fun musical note brad.

My second card using Sweet Symphony and Sheet Music also fit one of our challenges - make your own background paper. I stamped on watercolor paper then colored the instruments in with re-inkers. I even pulled out my spritzer tool to add the "splats" of color. The edges needed sponged with Close to cocoa ink to tone down the whiteness. The Sheet Music was stamped, believe it or not, on white then distressed with multiple layers of brown inks. I tore it to take away any straight edged and even crumpled it. One other challenge to add something cut out was the French horn. Colors include Chocolate chip, Soft suede, Dusty durango, and Very vanilla. Just a touch of ribbon, the button with hemp, and a few gold brads are the only embellishments. A great set and coordinating background that you must have if you are a music lover. This set and other Aug. 1st releases can be seen on Lori's Blog.

Other Design Team Members previewing Sweet Symphony and Sheet Music are:

Laurie

Candy

Katie

Cassie

Nancy

Day #3 of Clear Dollar Stamps Sneak Peeks

I couldn't wait to show you peeks of a new set being released by Clear Dollar Stamps designed by Kim Teasdale called Pansy. Check out what all is included in this set on Lori's Blog. This card was so much fun to make. I stamped the flower three times, colored it in with Copics, cut out two of the flowers and layered them up! Time consuming but I absolutely love the effect. Now those who know me know that purple is not my favorite color, but how could I make a pansy card without any purple!!!! I used Plum pudding (PTI), Almost amethyst (SU), Black and Basic Grey's Euphoria. The layer directly under the pansy was embossed with the Cuttlebug. I stitched around it as well as the bottom layer. The clip is by SU - love it because it sits so flat. Now as for the rest of the elements, laying flat it's not!!!!!! Lots of dimensionals used on this one. I found the diamond ribbon slide (okay, they're not diamonds, but a girl can dream, right?!) in my stash and thought it would be perfect. Ribbon is by PTI, and the pearls and rhinestones are Basic Grey.

Now for my second card, I made my own background on this card using the swirl stamp and bleach. I haven't done bleach in quite some time...love watching it change right in front of your eyes. The colors are an inspiration challenge put forth to the DT members - Basic black, Basic grey, Going grey, White and Scarlet Jewel (PTI). I used copics on the flower -- and pansies come in so many different colors you can go wild with the combos!! Lots of pearls (Basic Grey), I know, but they are so much fun to play with!! For other previews of this must have set, check out the following:

Kim

Katie
Sarah

Laurie

Other sets are being previewed so check that out on Lori's Blog.

Clear Dollar Stamps Sneak Day #2

Good morning! It's Day #2 of Clear Dollar Stamps sneak peeks of their August release. This set is called Bee-utiful Ballerina and is designed by the one and only Shawne Arnold. To see what all stamps are included in this wonderful set, check out Lori's blog. I know what you're saying, what a change from yesterday's robots! Even though I don't have any girls, I fell in love with this set the moment I saw it -- it's for the little girl in me!!!!!!! I found this fun designer paper in my scrap bin and used it as my inspiration. I loved how the flash brought out the yellow tones in the Stickles on her wings! It's tough to see buy I used a Cuttlebug embossing border along the strip to the left of her. Lots of sewing (even the buttons are "sewn" on with the linen thread); removed the thread from the machine to do the paper piercing. Check out the other Design Team members who are featuring this set today:

Candy

Katie

Nancy

For other sneak peeks, check out our wonderful DT Leader Laurie's blog.

Isn't She Bee-Utiful!

This is my second card using this adorable set, Bee-utiful Ballerina by Clear Dollar Stamps. It's also my interpretation of the sketch challenge given to us; it's also the sketch for the August Guest Designer Challenge, check it out on Lori's blog. The ballerina is colored in with Copic markers and her wings are Stickled for extra glitz. I then cut out and embossed the image with a Nestability. The corner doo-dad was a die cut. Colors of cardstock include Purely pomegranate (yes, I still have leftovers), Pretty in pink, Basic black, White, and BoBunny DSP. The two flowers are from Prima and a clear rhinestone centers it up. And I simply had to add my all-time favorite ribbon, wide satin pomegranate.

Just Sittin' Here

Got a card done for today's color challenge over on SCS -- Apricot appeal, Pixie pink, and Certainly celery. I also added black and white as neutrals. These sets are recently released by PaperTrey Ink - On My Couch, On My Couch Additions, and Polka Dot Basics II. I stamped the chair a second time, cut it out and popped it up. I love that little kitty fast asleep! The vintage buttons are also from PaperTrey Ink (can you tell I love their stamps and accessories!!!). Did a little zig zag stitching along the top and bottom of the one layer. These are such wonderful colors together -- funny thing is, I couldn't tell you the last time I used either the pixie pink or the apricot! Good thing for these challenges!

Clear Dollar Stamps Sneak Peeks

Today is the beginning of the Clear Dollar Stamps sneak peeks! Being a Mom of two boys I was immediately drawn to this set, Bitty Bots, designed by the one and only Kim Teasdale. To view the entire sheet of images, check out Lori's blog, Clearly iStamp. I simply had to use some of the new InColors from SU of both cardstock and markers -- Dusty Durango and Crushed Curry along with Taken with Teal and Black. One of the challenges our DT leader Laurie Wilson gave us was to make our own designer paper, so that's exactly what I did. A little bit of sewing, some ribbon, black pearls around the sentiment and I'm done!!! You really must check out other examples made by our fabulous design team for this set, you'll be amazed!!!

Candy

Kim

Angela

Tori

Cassie

Stacy

Three other sets are being previewed today so be sure and check them all out on Lori's blog!

Bitty Bots Sneak Peek #2

This is my second card made with this adorable set, Bitty Bots!! Of course I had to use the Cosmo Cricket DSP Cogsmo (but first I had to find it in my vast array of unorganized papers!!!). These guys are so fun to color, used my Copics and a nestie to cut out and emboss. This time I remembered to do the sewing before putting it all together!!! A few rhinestones along the side and some Riding hood red taffeta ribbon and this card is complete. This card measures 5 1/2, not a usual size for me but fun!!

Patchpal Piggy

I got a card done, in less than 45 minutes too...now that's something to oink about!!!! The planets were aligned tonight!! This cutie image is from Clear Dollar Stamps. He's one of several of the Patchpal animals; you really must go check them all out! I colored this piggy in with Copic markers and sponged in some green and blue ink. The sentiment is from the set Farm Critters (a big favorite of mine also from Clear Dollar Stamps). I pulled the pinks, greens and blues from the Basic Grey Two Scoops DSP. And check out another crocheted flower I did, this time in white!! I am so excited about these. While sitting in the orthodontist's office tomorrow with DS I plan on whipping off a few more of them.

Remember to stop by again tomorrow for the beginning of the Clear Dollar Stamps August sneak peeks, you won't be disappointed.

Clear Dollar Stamps News

Happy Monday everyone!! Just got home from work, figured I'd post a few tidbits because I have to head back in soon. The August Clear Dollar Stamps Guest Design Team Challenge has been posted, check it out HERE. August sneak peeks start tomorrow so be sure and come back to see what's in store for you!!

All Things are Possible

Sorry for the poor quality of picture. I'm tired and wanted to get this posted. A quick card and a quick post - sounds good to me!! I used PaperTrey Ink's sets Heart Prints and Heart Prints Sentiments for this one. As for the colors, I simply closed my eyes, (really, I did) and picked Hibiscus Burst, Aqua Mist and White, all by PTI. I inked the three hearts up in Raspberry Fizz, punched them out, and popped them up. That's my favorite embossing folder, swiss dots, along the upper half of the card and the sentiment in black along the bottom portion. A few buttons sewn in place with linen thread (both also by PTI) and I'm all done. Thanks for stopping by!

Yes, I Am Still Here!!

I can't believe, once again, how long it's been since I've posted to my blog! The problem is, life has a way of getting me all caught up in other things! What a drag!!



Well today was the day I told myself to get a card made! Now this image and scallop circle have already been on a card that I simply had to add "just one more thing" to and totally ruined it. I pulled of the image and scallop and made a completely different card. I used an old SU Simply Scrappin' kit called Friends & Flowers. Colors I used from that kit were Chocolate chip and So saffron along with the designer paper. The image is from Clear Dollar Stamps called Pretty Perches and the sentiment is from the set Christian Critters Too. I'll be honest with you, anytime a squirrel comes to my bird feeder, I chase him away! "I'm not filling up the feeders everyday to feed you," I tell him! They just look at me, and smile!

I appreciate all of you stopping by! We're doing the countdown till vacation, then after that, I'm allowed to countdown the days till school starts!!!!! Hooray on both counts!!

CDS Weekend Color Challenge

Clear Dollar Stamps has a weekend color challenge over at Paper Craft Planet - this weekend's colors are dark brown, rust or dark orange, blue , Kraft and very vanilla. I used the sets What a Hoot and Song Bird Silhouettes. I stamped the branch in chocolate chip and the leaves in kiwi kiss. The bird was stamped on the branch in dusty durango then stamped again on scrap, cut out, and popped up. I cut the rectangle out with a nestabilitie and embossed. Then before removing the brass template I sponged on some bashful blue ink. Love the layered effect it provides without actually adding one. Other colors of cardstock include Kraft, Chocolate chip, Dusty durango and a scrap piece of Granola DSP by Basic Grey. Now, if I may, I have to point out the crocheted flower --- I DID THAT ALL BY MYSELF!!!!! Yep, I sat in front of the computer learning how to crochet and make this thing!!! Practice will definitely help, but it sure is fun when it's all done! I added the vintage button from PaperTrey Ink and some hemp to the center. Gotta say, I'm proud of that darn thing!!

Happy Birthday Mom!

My Mom's birthday is next week so in the mail this one goes. She prefers the cleaner, less embellished cards so ribbon and a little paper piercing is all this one got. I used my all-time favorite set, Blossoms Abound. I stamped it in So saffron and Crushed curry for the flower and Kiwi kiss and Certainly celery for the leaves. Can you believe, I added, on purpose mind you, the Almost amethyst layers. I am far from a purple person, generally avoid it, but found it on my desk after another project and decided to pop some in. Other colors of cardstock are Crushed curry, White, So saffron, and Certainly celery.

Thanks for stopping. My goal was to make lots of cards this week since I'm off work, but it didn't seem to happen. Today is my oldest son's birthday, he turned 14! We're off to buy him a cake, he requested a Dairy Queen ice cream cake -- YUM!!

He Has Made Everything Beautiful

I didn't need much time to complete this card today!! It covers two challenges - first, the monthly Bible verse challenge and this week's Featured Stamper. The beautiful gallery we are scoping out belongs to B-gin-r. I cased this card, changing the colors to Basic grey, Going grey and So saffron. I white embossed the French Flair background stamp as well as the verse from Our Daily Bread Designs. I sponged around the embossing to make it pop then added the pearls from K & Co. A quick post about a quick card!!

Just Bee-cause

Yep, you guessed it, another WRAK challenge card. I actually made a second one for the same challenge because I goofed on the first one. We needed to use a winged image to make a Just Because card. I had already had these Stampendous bees colored, which doesn't take long, so I decided to finally put them on a card. I had received them thru WRAK then went out and bought the stamp because I simply couldn't live without them!!! The DSP is Lime Rickey by Basic Grey. I used Pacific point, Tangerine tango and Crushed curry card stock. The sentiment is from PaperTrey Ink. Basic Grey has some wonderful bling, rhinestones and pearls, that come in a nice variety of sizes and colors. I used the red/orange rhinestones on this card. Oh, and yes, I did some sewing!!!!!! I love that little somethin' it adds.


I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th yesterday. Our community doesn't put fireworks off on the 4th anymore, they will have a Carnival complete with fireworks next Saturday. It will be fun, no matter what day it is!

Daffodils

This is the Clear Dollar Stamps Weekend Color Challenge over at Paper Craft Planet. Shawne posted a wonderful array of colors - Real red, Baja breeze and Barely banana. All stamps come from Clear Dollar Stamps. The daffodils are from the set March Flower of the Month and the sentiment is from For Our Lord. I Cuttlebug embossed the bottom baja breeze layer then stitched around it. The daffodils themselves were stamped on watercolor paper and watercolored with reinkers and an aquapainter -- something I rarely do but decided to move out of my comfort zone tonight. The velvet blossom is by Maya Road and the leaves came from a Martha Stewart punch. The pearls along the bottom strip are from Creative Charms. That layer I ran thru my sewing machine without thread - a lot quicker paper piercing that way for me. Again, thanks Shawne for for a great color combo!!

Holly Cupcake Christmas

I am hostessing one of the challenges for the WRAK weekend of fun. I based my challenge off the song, "All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth." Of course a Christmas card had to be made...the twist came in twos: two colors of card stock AND two embellishments. I used brown and pink for my colors and the ribbon and pearls are the embellishments. I had received the Holly Cupcake image thru the generous ladies of WRAK. What a fun image to color...used my copics for that. My cuttlebug got a workout with the nesties and embossing folder.


Soon the grill will get goin' and crankin' out some burgers and dogs! Baked beans, pasta salad, fruit and chocolate chip cookies are also on the menu. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it all!!

Happy Bird Day!

Happy 4th of July!!! Just got done making the pasta salad and had to taste test it -- yummy!! I made this card last nite for the WRAK weekend of challenges. These are the cards that get sent to the troops to then send back home to loved ones. The challenges are based on songs -- this one, "Wind Beneath My Wings" - used a winged image to make a Just Because card. Well, being the dufus I am, I didn't fully read the directions, so I made mine into a "Just Because it's your Birthday" card!!!!! I received these Tickled Pink images thru Wish RAK. I used my copics on this flamingo. The embossed layer was sponged with green galore ink to make it pop. Black mini brads and a big white prima flower finish it up. I'm working on more cards, some for these challenges, some for my Clear Dollar Stamps August sneak peeks. Goodness gracious, I haven't even taken a shower yet!!!!! Simply not enough hours in a day!!

I'm So Blessed to Have You in my Life

This weekend is a Challenge Weekend in the Wish RAK forum at SCS. Cards made for these challenges are sent to the troops so they in turn can send greetings home to family and friends. For this one, we were challenged to use red, white and blue on a card that a service member could send home to their kids. I had received images from the set "A Kind Word" via WRAK, adding color with my copic markers. I loved the sentiment, which came from the set "Just for You" by Verve Stamps. I thought it fit perfectly into the challenge. My colors are Riding hood red, Pacific point and white. The DSP is Bella Rose by Stampin' Up. Thanks for stopping by. I plan on marathon stamping to get lots of cards done for such a worthy cause!

I Am So Excited!!!

Wow, I can't begin to tell you how SUPER excited I am with my news...I am returning as a Design Team member for Clear Dollar Stamps, a fantabulous stamp company!! Today starts their new release of stamps that you truly must check out...talk about adorable!!!! I will post links to the rest of the DT ladies' blogs whenever this black cloud of bad luck passes...this is my third attempt to simply post this!!!