Flower Bunny Hopes for Eggs

Okay, am I pushing it with the title??? Today is the final sneak peek day for Clear Dollar Stamps February new release. All of the sets this release are totally adorable!! This set, Flower Bunny, is the Stamp of the Month, meaning with a $50 purchase, you get it FREE! Now, I've done pretty good so far with the name of this set for this blog post, but prior to this I had Funny Bunny in my head!!! I even asked the boss lady to change the name because I was having such a terrible time of it!! She just laughed! It was worth a try! Now this is another set that has its own SVG file, which I used here, layering up the rabbit and carrots. How fun!!!!

Now with our own lovely Katie going thru her personal journey (you can read about it HERE), this stamp set could not have come at a better time. I think it put a sense of hope and calm throughout the entire DT.

And here is the final set, You're Eggs-traordinary. How beautiful these eggs are! I heat embossed this one onto watercolor paper and used my Tombow markers and blender pen. I love how you can get a shadow effect without really trying!!!! I did add some sparkle to the pink dots of the egg. Oh and that bow is perfect, thanks to my Bow Easy. I went out of my comfort zone with the colors of this one, I am not a pastel person. But it still screams spring if you ask me!!! Now check out all these stamp sets on Lori's blog, Clearly iStamp. I'm sure you'll be wanting them all!!!!!

All Is Quiet

I do love when it's late at night and everyone is in bed...it's so quiet!!! Well, after the cats have been fed is it quiet!!! I wanted to hurry up and show you some last minute cards. This card is for the Picture Perfect Creations color challenge - Cherry cobbler, Marina mist, Bashful blue, and Very vanilla. Believe it or not, this is my very first time for using cherry cobbler and marina mist. Once again, using what I've got!!!! And what I got is this adorable sock monkey digital from Bugaboo Stamps. Notice anything different about this card? If you said no designer paper, you're right!! I'm submitting this for the Crafty Ho's Challenge for just that, no DSP. I sure put my embossing folders to work though!!!

Now this card is made using a Clear Dollar Stamps set called A Friend in Need. Place an order of $50 or more by tomorrow, the end of the month, and this set could be yours for free. I'm using the fun sketch from the Sweet Stampin' Challenge Blog. A great sketch, adorable stamp set and bright springy colors, what more could I ask for!!!!

Frogs, Butterflies and Flowers...

Oh my!!! It's the beginning of sneak peeks for Clear Dollar Stamps' February release. Ouch, I said February, but that means we're getting that much closer to spring!!! I wanted to show you this card first, because this new set, Hoppy Frogs, is my favorite for this month!!! And there is a Cuttin' Up SVG file that coordinates with this set for added fun! Remember, February 1st you'll be able to make your purchase of all the new sets!!!

I mentioned the SVG files for the previous stamp set, well this set, Bold Butterflies, has a set of dies to go with it!!!!!! You know I love my dies!!! I stamped these butterflies first then cut them out. I used some Basic Grey June Bug DSP to help me out with these adorable 3 x 3 cards. They will be perfect for little gift cards on a little something to tell someone you've been thinking about them.

And here we have a new set called Sentimental Flowers. I wanted to keep this one clean and simple. Now unfortunately I couldn't get a good pic, the ribbon is not as yellow as it looks here so use your imagination! This set also has a Cuttin' Up SVG file to use on your Cricut and PC/MAC. I use SCAL (Sure Cuts A Lot), a program that runs on my PC and downloads cut files to my Cricut. I have an older Cricut that hadn't seen much use, and now, look out, I'm cuttin' up a storm!!! Please be sure to check out the rest of the DT's projects and leave 'em a little lovin'.

Trudy

Tricia

Stacy

Michelle

Lisa

Laurie

Sarah

Christi

Cassie

Candy

Barb

Also, be back tomorrow when the rest of the February releases will be previewed! You won't want to miss these!!!

Hoppy Day

I know I'll be having a hoppy day because once the kids are on the bus to school, I'm meeting a friend for breakfast! Then, I think I'll do some shopping!!! But right now, I have a card to show you using a digital image from Clear Dollar Stamps called Hoppy Log. Can I tell you, I adore this set!!! Of course I'm using a sketch challenge, Operation Write Home's to be exact. I love their sketches!! And I'm also using the color combo from Sentiment Sundays - Old olive, Summer sun, Handsome hunter and Poppy parade. Okay, I have to be honest here, these are the Bazzill versions of these colors, and believe it or not, I used everything from a KI kit by Taylored Expressions. The pattern paper is Pebbles Treehouse as is the rub on butterfly. I did a little bit of sewing on this one, something I haven't done on a few recent cards...GASP!!! Have a great Friday.

Keep Those Christmas Cards Comin'

Yep, I'm still making Christmas cards...for a challenge of course!!!! The Christmas Card Challenge is a great one...no coloring!!! Love it because talk about being able to whip up a super fast card!!! It goes even faster when you have a great sketch to help you out, so I turned to Stamping 411. One more challenge I want to submit this for is the Critter Sketch Challenge - dots and distressing. Yes, I distressed around my image layer, and the dots are the ornament and button (do you think I'm stretching it a bit??!!). I was cleaning up my work space, putting cardstock back on the filing cabinet I store it in, when I noticed the three packs of paper I had in my hand...chocolate chip, very vanilla and kraft. Hence, the inspiration for the color of my card!! Have a wonderful Thursday!!!

Sweet Sketch Wednesday, Bugaboo Style

After you read and comment (LOL!!) on this post, be sure and scroll down for the Freshly Brewed Challenges. Now for the Sweet Sketch Wednesday challenge...
It is so exciting to see all the talent each week for our sketch challenge! And I'm even more excited when I read on someone's blog that they just discovered us, and plan to keep playing!! You are all the best and won't be disappointed with the sketch this week! Ain't it a beaut?!! I love the layers. And you know what else I love??? Why our sponsor, Bugaboo Stamps, of course!!

Jodie is a very talented artist who loves to share her images, not just with the SSW DT and Friday freebies, but also with you!!! Be sure and leave a comment at the Sweet Sketch Wednesday blog and post a link to your project to be eligible to win the grand prize of 7 FREE DIGIS!!

Look at this sweetie of an image I was lucky enough to receive. His name is Michael and reminds me of my two boys with their iPods on at all times. I put together some papers I had in my scrap bin in my forever quest to use them up! I know, good luck on that!!! Be sure and check out all the other design team members creations, they are packed full of the WOW factor!!!

Okay, okay, I'm gonna have to say it now...STEELERS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!!!! We went out Monday morning to buy some new shirts!!!!! Now I need to come up with a menu that can be set up buffet style in the living room so we can watch the big game on the big TV!! I am so excited!!!!

Photo Inspiration at Freshly Brewed Challenges

Would you look at all those pillows!!! I love pillows, but try and explain their purpose to my husband when he sees them in large numbers like this!!!! LOL!!! Today at Freshly Brewed Challenges, we are using this photo as inspiration for your creation this week.

And this is what I came up with. I was inspired by the colors and, believe it or not, the "layout" of the pillows. Crazy and hard to explain, that's why I'm not good with inspiration challenges!!! I used the image Cupcakes in a Row from Fresh Brewed Designs. You're going to want to check out the store for all kinds of new images that were released last week as well as new handmade embellishments. And there is some new rubber coming in the very near future, so be on the lookout for that. We are actually holding a Blog Hop March 1st to celebrate, so you won't want to miss that!!!

You're My BFF

Does that mean Best Friend Forever or, in this case, Best French Fry??!!! I played along with the sketch at Clean & Simple Sunday Challenge...thanks Brenda for inspiring me to keep it simple! I used a Clear Dollar Stamps set called We Go Together Like and the corresponding SVG file. I used the burger and fries combo as well as the burger alone to pop up...gotta love not having to cut this all out by hand!!!!!! Doesn't it look yummy?!

As a lot of you know, our dear CDS DT leader Katie Renz is battling cancer and journeling her journey on her blog, My Paper Haven. Also, her crafting friend, Jak Heath, has organized a fundraiser for Katie and her family. Get all the details HERE. For your donation of not quite $24 USD you will receive a boatload of adorable digi images from some very generous companies. You are also then in for a drawing of some very sweet prizes (I've got my eyes on those promarkers and echo park paper, so look out everyone!!!). Mind you, you can only get these digital images thru this fundraiser. Hurry up because the drawing for the prizes is Feb. 10th. And that's not all...Jak is holding a Thank You card competition for a chance to win some other wonderful prizes. Check out the details HERE. A few simple rules, you must upload a new card or project using a Help for Katie image as well as provide a link to the fundraiser by Feb. 20th to be eligible for the prizes. So let's get those cards created as well as help a stamping friend in need!!!!!!

Today's the Big Game!

Dinner is in the oven - lasagna, YUM!!! I've already made dessert, apple pie, then garlic bread will be the last thing to bake. Then we're taking dinner into the living room to eat in front of the big screen tv for the Steeler game!!!! I'm telling the boys we're having a picnic!!

Had to show this card because it's for a couple of challenges, one of which expires tonight. I had this Bugaboo image on my desk so I went with it. Challenge #1, Critter Sketch Challenge, asked for colors of blue and silver and pearls or rhinestones for embellies. Silly me used silver brads before I realized I used the wrong embellishment, so on went the pearls. Challenge #2, the sketch from Card Makin' Mamas. It's a keeper, that's for sure. And Challenge #3, Picture Perfect Creations for their embossing challenge. Thanks for stopping by!!

Bugaboo Birthday Celebration

Bugaboo Stamps is having a week long birthday celebration, and I simply could not pass up all of the fun daily challenges because, may I say, the prizes are FABULOUS!!! Check it all out HERE. Well I wasn't feeling 100% yesterday, all achy and very cold, but today A OK! But with all the snow we got overnight plus the bitter cold temps, school was cancelled. I don't get a lot of stamping done when the boys are home, but I certainly did my best!!! This card is for the Bling challenge, and we got this adorable little clown for free to use for this challenge. Rhinestones are the bling I used.

Next was a wonderful sketch challenge. Now I love sketch challenges. And don't you just love this Bugaboo image too, he's part of the Skelekinz collection.

This card is for the birthday challenge. Coloring Bugaboo images is a snap. I love their bold lines, helps me to stay inside them!!!!!!!

And finally, today's challenge, Anything Goes. Another Skelekinz image. And yes, that's Halloween paper I used, but it works so perfectly.

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to look at all my cards. Tomorrow I plan on working on all my DT cards that need to be done because Sunday evening is the football game, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the New York Jets, that I'll be watching. GO BLACK AND GOLD!!!!!

It's a Three Post Wednesday!!!!

Don't miss out on any of the posts!! Here are links for each one individually:

SWEET SKETCH WEDNESDAY


DESIGN DIVAS BLOG HOP


FRESH BREWED DESIGNS

Design Divas January Blog Hop

Welcome to the Design Divas Oldies but Goodies Blog Hop! We are so glad you joined us. Now you should have arrived here from the uber talented Dawn Burnworth's blog. If not, be sure and start at the beginning at Sue Morris's blog because you won't want to miss a thing! Now the idea for this hop is to create a card, scrapbook page or 3D item using any of our stamps/supplies that are at least 6 months old. I've got that and more!!! This really fits into my New Year's resolution to use what I've got.

My card uses a Close to my Heart stamp set that I bought a while ago and, GASP, have never used!!! It's called "Be Yourself" and oh so much fun! I absolutely love this sentiment that's included!! Now I've even used papers from an April Key Ingredients kit from Taylored Expressions that I haven't used in quite some time. There's more - paper piercing is a technique that I haven't done in forever and the baker's twine, you know, all the rage!! Well I simply had to have it then it just sat there. Time to put it to use!!! You know what else it's time for...time to hop on over to the next blog (after you leave a comment here of course!! LOL!!). Go visit Gina Lindsay's blog next, you're gonna love what you see, I guarantee it!!!!!

Fresh Brewed Designs Blog Hop

Good Morning and welcome to the FRESH BREWED DESIGNS Valentine's Blog Hop and New Image Release! If you are getting here from Stacy's blog, then you are at the right place! If not, then please go back to Heather's Coffee Break to the start of the hop!

For those of you who are staying, we want to begin by thanking you for taking time out of your schedule to hop along with us. This hop will feature some of the many newly released Valentine's digis available TODAY in the Fresh Brewed Designs Shop . These images are all lovey and sweet; the perfect way to tell your someone special how you feel about them.

My first card I created using the Love Bird Owls and Sentiment. I adore owls and these two couldn't be any cuter!!!

And my second card is a cutie too...no really, her name is Cutie Pie!!!!!!! And this image is called Cutie Pie Holding Heart. Now this heart is all sparkly, like every heart should be!!!

Everyone hopping today will be entered in a random drawing for a Fresh Brewed Prize, so be sure to leave a comment on each blog you hop to. Everyone who snagged the Jan 19 blog badge and emailed Heather will be entered twice!
For every 10 hop participants, there will be an extra image added to the prize package for this hop, which means the more you share; the more chances there will be to win.

Thank you so much for stopping by. Your next hop stop will be our Special Guest Designer's blog, Lawren. Welcome Lawren!!!

BUT WAIT…..

Before you leave I want to let you in on a little secret! Fresh Brewed Designs is getting ready for another Rubber Stamp Release!!! Heather has designed several new stamps to add to the shop including the Cutie Pie featured on the badge below and some new coffee girls. The hop and release will be on March 1. Heather has created this badge and is asking us all to help spread the word by adding it to our sidebar and linking it back to Freshly Brewed Challenges. IF YOU DO add the badge, head over to the challenge blog, email Heather and let her know. She will add you to a drawing for a special prize that will be announced after the March 1 hop.

Thanks again for hopping with us at Fresh Brewed Designs.

TODAY ONLY (Jan 19) FRESH BREWED RUBBER STAMPS ARE 35% OFF! HEATHER NOW HAS HANDMADE EMBELLISHMENTS ADDED TO THE SHOP ALSO! COME CHECK IT ALL OUT AT FRESH BREWED DESIGNS.

Happy Sweet Wednesday

It's time for another Sweet Sketch Wednesday challenge. I can't even begin to tell you how much fun I have with these sketches and images!! I feel like a kid in the candy store (or an adult surrounded by chocolate in that candy store!!!)! I mean, would you just look at that sketch! You truly do amaze me Arlana! We want you to play along with us this week because there's another magnificent prize to be won from the one and only Digi Stamp Boutique!!!

Sally Ann, you are the bestest!!! Thank you for sponsoring us this week!!

Oh, and that prize I mentioned earlier...why you could win 6 FREE DIGI IMAGES OF YOUR CHOICE!! What could be finer than that?!!!

Now I fell in love with this darling elephant the moment I saw him!!!!! This is Emile. Now he has a lady friend too and her name is Emily. You can find the Emile and Emily collection HERE. I have to be honest with you, I printed and colored Emile several times, just not being satisfied with any of the results. Ever felt that way? I ended up using this one, though for some reason, he just didn't turn out the way I had imagined. Anyway, I used Basic Grey's Cupcake DSP along with some fun gingham ribbon. The sentiment is from TAC, as set of little verbages that are always within arms' reach. Now do me a favor and visit the rest of the DT's blogs, they created some real winners this week!!!

Please check out ALL of my posts today, there's lots to see!!!

Hugs & Kisses

And some yummy chocolates are tucked inside this cute little box!! I got the idea from someone's blog and didn't write the address down, so if it's yours, please let me know!! The box is Sizzix's Box #2 die that I cut out of some light blue Bazzill cardstock. I used scraps for everything else!! From Clear Dollar Stamps I used their Tabs & Tags stamps and dies for the tag on the front. As for the flower, I cut out the shapes with the Blooming Bouquet dies, then got to work folding and crumpling them till I got the shape I wanted. I tied a quick bow with green grosgrain ribbon for a leaf effect. Now for the center of the flower, I used a 4-hole button that I slipped a gold brad into each of the holes, then glue dotted it in. This button makes me eligible for two challenges - Craft Your Passion and The Crazy Challenge. Thanks for stopping by today. Be sure and come by tomorrow, it's a GINORMOUS day of cards and postings for me!!!!

Blue and White at Bugaboo

Bugaboo Stamps is celebrating their birthday all week with some extra fun challenges. Okay, so I'm a day behind, but I really hope to get them all done, because they are offering some wonderful prizes!!! This challenge is Blue and White. Now I couldn't stop myself from making the little bird Mr. Snowman is holding and his heart red. I also used the sketch found at the weekly Christmas Card Challenges.

Happy Birthday Bugaboo!!

Bugaboo Stamps is one of my favorite sites for fun and fabulous digital stamps, and this is their 1st birthday celebration!!!!! HB Bugaboo!!! I made this card for their weekly challenge blog, Catch the Bug, of a birthday theme. They are even having daily challenges this week, for prizes, in celebration of turning ONE! Play along, I know I plan to!!!!!!!

Clear Dollar Stamps Monthly Blog Hop

Yes, that's right, Clear Dollar Stamps will be holding a Blog Hop every month!!!!! The 3rd Sunday of every month to be exact! I'm so glad you've joined us because there is a wonderful prize at stake...one random winner will be chosen from all the posted comments on all the blogs for a FREE STAMP SET OF THE WINNER'S CHOICE! Now if you came here from Jasmin's Blog, you're on the right track. If not, start at the beginning at Lori's Blog so you can see all of the wonderful inspiration using Clear Dollar Stamps.
Now our Blog Hop has a theme...NEW BEGINNINGS. My inspiration came from a friend of mine whose daughter is buying her very first car. Now the poor girl has had to put up with my 1st car stories, so I thought a fun card was in order. Just to let you know, my first car was an orange VW Bug, so of course I made sure one of these cars was colored orange!!! I used the sweet stamp Bitty Car, stamping it over and over again to create my own background paper. I also used stamps from the newly released Tabs & Tags and the Additions set as well as the Dies. The sentiment is from the set Cool Ride. I am the last stop on our blog hop, sure hope you had fun. Be sure and check back on Lori's blog to found out if you are our lucky winner!! Good luck!

I Give You my Heart

Happy Digital Release Day at Clear Dollar Stamps! Okay, so it's not an official holiday, but it sure is fun!!! I'm enjoying showing off one of the new digi stamps being released today...and this one is called Chocolate Box (sounds yummy already, doesn't it!!). Now you have to see all the creations made by the fabulous DT so check 'em out here:

Barb

Chelsea

Cassie

Jan

Jasmin

Katlyn

Tricia

Laurie

Trudy

Sarah

Think Spring!!

A little winter time humor!!! Now how fab do these snowmen look in their ear muffs and scarves. This is a Fresh Brewed Designs digi. And the colors you ask...

why it's a color challenge at Stamping 411. I have always liked making out of the color box Christmas cards, and this one really takes the cake!!! I'm also submitting it for the Christmas Card Challenges, use snowmen on your project.

Talk about a 5 minute card!!!!! The starting point of inspiration for it were the flowers! I found them in my stash way back in the deep dark corners of the drawer. They sure looked like they could use some lovin'! Plus I had to hurry up and get this anniversary card made and in the mail for my parents. So to the Clean & Simple Sunday Challenge I go!

Here's the sketch I used. I cut the rectangle out of the white layer making it a frame for the black and white DSP. I added a few lines of scoring with my Scor-Pal and added a PTI sentiment. Dressed up the flowers with a pearl and in the mail it went. Luckily I remembered to take a picture before I actually mailed it!!!!

It's STILL Snowing!!

I don't think I ever saw it outside for three days now that it hasn't been snowing!!! We have 10 - 12 inches right now...AND I'M SICK OF IT!!! But then, it keeps me in so I can make some cards for the great challenges that are out there! This card I used a super sweet stamp set from There She Goes called Puppy Love. Can you believe I paper pieced the little girl's dress? Me, the self-proclaimed lazy stamper??? I simply had to! The sentiment is strategically placed to cover up a smudge!!

As for the layout, I used this sketch from the Critter Sketch Challenge. They always have such fun sketches.

Now here's my second card I made today (gasp!). Again, I pulled out some items that haven't seen much love, sad to say. I used from Papertrey Ink the Larger Than Life stamp set and die.
And the sentiment is from Verve called Beautiful You.

Here's the sketch I followed for this card, from Card Patterns. Isn't it great!!!

And the colors come from Picture Perfect Creations...Bravo burgundy, River rock, Perfect plum and Wild wasabi. Well let me tell you, the perfect plum threw me. I hardly every use it. As a matter of fact, the paper is still in the old clear wrapper Stampin' Up used to use years back, you know the one I mean, the one that only had a little white sticker on with the item #, not the name of the color?! Yep, it's that's old!!! Well I was able to slip it in and actually like the way it looks. Will it make me use it more often? Probably not!!! LOL!!!

Now you'll want to come back tomorrow to see the new release of digital stamps at Clear Dollar Stamps!

Simply Having Fun!

I am having fun with all the different challenges out there. I'm definitely getting my stampin' groove on...and it feels great!!! This card is for the Techno Stamper sketch challenge. What a fun sketch!!! I used a recently released set from Clear Dollar Stamps called Baby Bundle. Yep, you heard me right, I used a baby set!!! See how versatile some sets can be!!! I have a friend who recently got a new job, so this one's for her!!

Another challenge - Going Grey with Scrap-Creations has a theme challenge this week, Love is in the Air. What's more loving than a pig!!! LOL!!!!! Actually, this is another set from Clear Dollar Stamps called Loving Critters. Doesn't he look great in his fluffy grey sweater?! Like I said, I'm simply having fun!!!!!!!

Black and White and...

One other color, that's the challenge over at Freshly Brewed Challenges. Totally fabulous and fun, that's for sure. I started off using the image Latte Love from Fresh Brewed Designs. Heather just recently released this image and I think it is totally adorable. Now in a little bit I will tell you how you could get this very same digi of your very own!!! I covered each heart with Crystal Effects for that wonderful shiny dimension. I know exactly who I will be sending this card to.

Heather is having a new release coming up so we are having a Blog Hop to celebrate. It is scheduled for next Wednesday, the 19th, so put it on your calendar. If you snag up the badge below, post it on you blog, hyperlink it to Heather's blog, and email Heather (freshbreweddesigns(AT)yahoo(DOT)com) with a link to your blog, she will graciously send you the Latte Love digi image for free. We want a big turn out so help us spread the news.

I really must get to bed, hopefully I will sleep tonight. Not much luck in that department recently and I don't know why. For my Sweet Wednesday Sketch post, please scroll down. Have a wonderful Wednesday and thanks for stopping by.

I Love My Kitty!

Actually I have two cats, and the vet is making me put them on a diet!!! They scream for food all the time...it's actually pretty hilarious! Now I have to train my dear sweet hubby to stop filling their dish with so much food every time they "meow" at him!!

It's Wednesday, so that means another Sweet Sketch challenge for you to join us in. Above is the wonderful sketch our grand creator Arlana made! It's over the top fun, so be sure and play along. Please add your comment though on the challenge blog so you are in the running for the grand prize. Who's our sponsor and what is the prize you ask???

Why our lovely sponsor is Gerda from the Stamp Fairy. And she is providing a whopper of a prize...4 digis of the winner's choice!!! With so much cuteness and whimsy at her shop, you'll have a hard time keeping it only to four!!!!!

Here's my card!! Thank you Gerda for providing me with this ADORABLE Kasi Happy Life image. I fell in love with this kitty the moment I saw her. I had to stay neutral here and color this kitty golden yellow since neither of my two cats are!!! A Mother's gotta keep peace in the family!!! Now I must point something out on this card, the teal strip across the middle...I actually pulled out my crimper (after wiping the dust off of it!) and used it!!! I also got into my Max & Whiskers Basic Grey paper along with a "best friend" epoxy sticker from a scrapbooking kit I've had for a long time. I'm feelin' good about using what I've got...and it's about time too!!!

Can you tell I'm tired?! It's after midnight and I haven't been sleeping well at night. We already know school is delayed tomorrow, and with the way the snow is coming down, it wouldn't surprise me if they cancel. If you're snowed in too, play along and post your card link over at Sweet Sketch Wednesday. While you're there, check out the rest of the DT's creations, they are fabulous!!!