Flowers for my Valentine

I am still playing with the new Valentine images Heather recently released at Fresh Brewed Designs. This digi image is called Flowers for my Valentine and can be found HERE. Now if you want to see all the fun images recently released then check them out HERE in the "Hot out of the Press Digis." I usually get flowers from my hunny every Valentine's Day. What's nice is he always gets me something different each year, not always red roses. My Valentine card is something different too in that it isn't pink and red with a bunch of hearts all over it. With nothing but boys in my life, I'm always aiming for the blues and browns!

Be sure and join us tomorrow for our new monthly challenge at the Fresh Brewed Blog. YIKES, guess that means it will no longer be January!!!

Be on the lookout Monday, February 6th for a one day SALE, SALE, SALE. This adorable rubber stamp, Cutie Pie in Clouds, will be $3.95. If she sells out, a new stamp will replace her at that price until the end of the day. I hope it sells out so I can see what the replacement stamp will be!!!! Hehehe!

Toucan Sam

I LOVE digis that are already colored!!! I was able to complete this card in no time. I also had the help of the fabulous Sketch for you to Try. My digital is from Clear Dollar Stamps, a set called Toucans of Love. The designer papers are also digital and also found in this set. How could I ask for more!!! I love the bright colors, definitely a pick me up kind of card.

You're Tea-rrific!

It's Saturday...Phillip is off to another indoor track meet. I hope he does well. He has been training so hard, now if the nerves don't get the better of him.

I wanted to show you the card I'm submitting to a great challenge blog, Seems a Little Sketchy. I enjoy their sketches and have played since they started. I like that they have new sketches every other week, allowing me plenty of time to get one done! And I was actually one of the winners of the last challenge, how fun is that! I have a prize package coming my way!!! As for my card, I used a Clear Dollar Stamps that's already colored called Tearrific Teapots Color. I was able to get this done in no time. Afterall, look at all the time savers I had - digital image already colored, coordinating papers, and a wonderful sketch. Fun, fun, fun!!!

You're Scent-sational

Yesterday I had some time before heading out for an appointment so I whipped up this card! It's not for a challenge or a design team requirement, it's just for fun!!! And it's flat, so it's mailable too!! I had the Doodle Pantry image, Quirky Skunk, already printed up along with the digital paper that's included. I had card stock right in reach and a card was born!! Talk about quick and easy, and I wasn't even late for my appointment!!!! Make time to create something fun this weekend! And remember, you're scent-sational!!!

Hello There

Good morning and welcome to our new challenge at Paper Lovin' Gals. Each week a photo is posted for you to draw inspiration from for your project. What pops out at you with this picture?

The color and butterflies hit me right away. I saw a purpley pink and pulled out my long ago retired Mauve Mist card stock. I can't stress enough how I am so trying to get a more simplified style to my cards and this one came out just right. Who doesn't love embossing folders to add just the perfect touch to any card without adding too much bulk. The butterflies are a Martha Stewart punch. Now be sure and check out what the rest of the DT did on the Paper Lovin' Gals blog. I always find it amazing how one photo can inspire so many wonderful creations! Can't wait to see yours too!!

Sweet Sketch Wednesday

Happy Wednesday! It's always wonderful when hump day is here for several reasons. One is it's time to reveal a new sketch for our Sweet Sketch Wednesday. Now be sure to read the rules carefully on our challenge blog as there have been some changes.

Something else that is wonderful this week is our lovely sponsor, A Day for Daisies. I have to admit, I was not very keen on these images when we first started using them, but let me tell you, I have done an about face. I love their images, so sweet, so whimsical, so fun to use. You will love them too, I just know it. Owner Tammy is graciously offering our winner a $12 gift certificate to the ADFD Shop.

Here is my card, using the image Can't Sleep. I simply love this little girl hugging so tight her beloved teddy bear. I used some old SU papers I have that are actually meant for Valentine's. Make it work!! Thanks for stopping by. Be sure and see what else our DT has created for your viewing pleasure.

Brrrrr, It's Winter

We're having a Snow/Winter theme for our challenge this week on the Fresh Brewed Blog. Yesterday and today our snow melted, leaving behind green grass with piles of snow where it was thrown when shoveling over the weekend. This is my kind of winter, I must admit. Of course I used a Fresh Brewed Designs snowman image on my card called Girl With a Snowman. The sentiment was part of the 12 Days of Sentimental Christmas and can be found HERE. I had to pull out some bright papers for this because I am so looking forward to the threat of snow being over and spring to arrive. I couldn't believe my luck when I found this ribbon in my stash - the colors are perfect! Now get crafty and join us for our Snow/Winter themed challenge at the Fresh Brewed Blog.

Bee Mine Valentine

I just can't say enough about this sweetie of a honey bee, she is so adorable!!! She is a new digi released last week at Fresh Brewed Designs. Her name is Cutie Pie Honey Bee and you can find her HERE. From the moment I saw her I couldn't wait to print her out and color her up! The sentiment is from a set that can be found HERE.

Phillip and I have our Disney trip all finalized. We are going in March and simply can't wait. I have a countdown app on my phone to remind me everyday - it's 45 days at this moment! I still need to make meal reservations but otherwise, everything is set. I'm so anxious to see my two nieces when we're down there. It's been far too long.

You Rock My World!

Check out the latest "Stella Says Sketch" challenge over at Catch the Bug. I do love a good sketch challenge!!

Here's my card using a Bugaboo Stamps digi called Skelekinz Boys - You Rock my World. I thought this would make a fun Valentine's Day card! The paper is from a Rock Star stack by Best Creations Inc. I needed something fun to make to get me back in the groove - no mojo means no cards. It's a start.

Time to go Sledding

We got about 6" of snow overnight!! Couldn't believe it when I woke up this morning! Kevin talked his Dad into sledding with him...they both came in with red cheeks. These ants look like they're having fun sledding too! This is a Doodle Pantry colored digital image called Sledding Ants...aren't they adorable?!!! Wanted to keep it simple too with the embossing, snowflake and sewing as the only embellishment.

Lasagna for dinner tonight, YUM!! Throwing some garlic bread in the oven too and a meal the whole family will eat is served! And there's leftovers too for another night!!! Even better.

Clearly Inspired Challenge

This card may be oh so sweet, but why did it take me oh so long to make? Being a slacker I guess. Anyway, welcome to our Clearly Inspired Challenge here at Clear Dollar Stamps. Our theme this time is PASTELS. I used the adorable pre-colored digi Sentimental Ewe, raiding my scrap bin for this little piece of pastel papers. The sentiment is from the clear stamp set Baby Bundle. Be sure and play this challenge because the players means more prizes to give away!!! And who doesn't love prizes?!!!

Fresh Brewed Valentine Blog Hop

Love, love me do.
You know I love you,
I'll always be true,
So please, love me do.

It's all about the hugging and kissing and daydreaming... sigh.
We are talking about that four letter word today.
LOVE!

If you are getting here from Stacy's blog, Impressions of a Ribbon Addict, then you are right on track. If not, you need to start at the first hop stop, The Freshly Brewed Challenge Blog.
Everyone at Fresh Brewed Designs has been creating and keeping secrets from each other.
You got it, even we don't know what the others got to create with! I will be hopping right along with you, excited to see what is new and next on the list for me to get to create with!!

Here's my card and I got to create with the new digi Hunka Lovin. You can find him as well as all the new Valentine digis in the Fresh Brewed Designs Store under Holiday Digitals - Valentines/In Love. Isn't he awesome!! I paired him up with Shy Girl...my Mom always said to watch out for the quiet shy ones!!!!! She has found her man, who comes with roses and chocolates!

Well this love train has come to the end of line...I am the last stop in our Valentine hop.

Thank you for hopping with us at Fresh Brewed Designs. Be sure to leave some blog lovin' on all the stops for your chance to win a SPECIAL FRESHLY BREWED PRIZE! You have to leave a comment on all of the hop stops in order to win.

Just in case you get hit with Cupid's Arrow along the way and get a little lost, here is the hop order:

Freshly Brewed Challenges Blog - http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/
Heather - http://joemamainks.blogspot.com/
Sheryl - http://butterflykisscards.blogspot.com/
Celeste - (guest)- http://www.touchedbyabutterfly.com/
Vanessa - http://vanessaspapercreations.blogspot.com/
Gale - http://galevarland.blogspot.com/
Kenzi -(guest)- http://kraftyhugzz.blogspot.com/
Stacy - http://impressionsofaribbonaddict.blogspot.com/
Linda - http://stamperstouch.blogspot.com/

Thankful Heart

This is the time of year when everyone is tired of Christmas red and green but also getting overloaded with red and pink of Valentine's Day. Well we are ready to change that up this week here at Paper Lovin' Gals with this beautiful photo. We ask you to find what inspiration you get from it then create with it!

I was first attracted to the yellow then the flowers. I used a new stamp from Clear Dollar Stamps called Dahlia. The digital option was just released on Tuesday and you can find it HERE. I stamped it twice on a scrap of designer paper and cut it out, the bottom layer the entire flower and the second one just some of the inside petals. I sponged around the edges with Crushed Curry ink for a little dimension. Actually, I stamped it a third time onto the white layer, colored in the stem, then glued down the bottom flower and popped up the top flower. Wow, a lot of words for a rather simple card!! Pass the word around about our challenge blog, Paper Lovin' Gals then play along with us, we love to see what inspires you!

Buttons and Bows

Welcome to our weekly challenge over at the Fresh Brewed Blog...Buttons & Bows. I wanted to use a Fresh Brewed Designs digi that I hadn't printed up in a while, and Debbie fit the bill. She looked like she needed a bow in her hair too, so how perfect!!! Using up more pieces of paper from my stash...hooray!!!

Just a quick reminder of our Valentine blog hop tomorrow. You are so going to love what you'll see from the design team...and if you want to see anything from me, I'd better get my butt in my craft room and start creating!!!!!!! Enjoy your day!!

From All of Us

Wow, would you look at this great sketch!!!! Can you say fun with layers?!!! Whenever Wednesday comes around, I am always excited to show off our latest sketch at Sweet Sketch Wednesday. You want to know what else is exciting...why our sponsor of course.

Once a month the lovely Sally Ann from Digi Stamp Boutique generously provides a prize to our big winner of 6 free digis!! Can you say FABULOUS?!!! Thank you so much Sally Ann.

Now here's the card I made using the Cute Bird Family. Adorable indeed. I went shopping in my stash and found this vibrant yellow and blue paper and knew I simply had to use it. The three flowers in the upper left corner of Arlana's sketch can be any type of embellishment so I went with clouds, cutting them out with a die from PaperTrey Ink. Be sure and check out what the rest of the DT created at the Sweet Sketch Wednesday blog. They always give me such inspiration.

Make a Wish

I am trying to keep up with the mini challenges over at Catch the Bug in celebration of Bugaboo Stamps second birthday. This is for Monday's challenge - 2 of something. I have two designer papers (from my stash!!), two embellishments, and of those two embellies, two gold brads. Keeping it simple so I don't fall too far behind! With the kids having been home on Monday it has messed me up this week! I have to keep checking the calendar to remember what day it is! And no, that's not a sign of old age!!!!! It's the change in my routine (that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!).

Winter Bear and Snowman in Blue

It's our January release of some wonderful digital stamp sets at Clear Dollar Stamps, and I know you're gonna love 'em! Here is Winter Bear. You can also find him in clear acrylic, but I love him in digital because he comes pre-colored!!! And you know how I love the quick and easy cards you can create with those pre-colored digis! Even the papers are digital so everything coordinates without much thought.

Here is Snowman Tweet Blue. Another colored digi that I so enjoyed making a card with. This snowman also comes all dressed up in green too, and you can find him HERE. Either way, he is one handsome snowman!! And both sets come with digital papers too to make your project quick and easy to create.

Check out the CDS Blog for all the wonderful DT inspiration. Then head on over to the CDS Store to purchase your new digital stamps today.

I Heart You

It's fun making a card, well, for fun!!! I decided to pull out an oldie but goodie digi from Fresh Brewed Designs called So Sweet Valentine. I had this one colored up for a week a so, but just now sat down and put it onto a card. And this card took me forever to make too, not because it's complicated or anything, but because I couldn't quit watching the football games this weekend!!! It's not quite as fun watching now that the Steelers are out, but I cheered teams on none the less.

Don't forget, this Thursday is our Valentine's Day blog hop at Fresh Brewed Designs. It will all start on the Fresh Brewed Blog so don't miss out on the fun!

Clear Dollar Stamps January Blog Hop

Well, it's the 3rd Sunday of the month (can you believe it, already?!) so that means it's our monthly blog hop for Clear Dollar Stamps. If you came here from sweet Cassie's blog, then you're on the right track. If not, be sure and go back to the beginning at the CDS blog.

Our theme this month is i {heart} you. The fun part is interpreting this your own way and seeing how everyone else does too! I used the pre-colored digi Heart Hugs. For those who prefer stamps, this image also comes in clear acrylic.

Be sure and hop along the entire way leaving comments. We will randomly choose a winner from one of the DT member blogs for a $25 gift certificate to CDS for digital stamps!!!

Your next stop is the fabulous Jerusha's blog. Happy Hopping!

Sweet Bird-Day!

Bugaboo Stamps is turning two and celebrating with a blog hop and mini challenges. Check it all out on their blog, Catch the Bug. They hold regular challenges every Saturday and today's is, you guessed it, birthday! I used this sweet image called Bird Greetings - Sweet Birdday. I used my favorite size of card, 4.25" square as well as some dsp scraps. Oh, and an update on the challenge I gave myself to not buy any new designer paper until my birthday in September is still going strong...well, maybe I shouldn't say strong. I'm lovin' the new valentine paper from Basic Grey!! Okay, back to my card, it's simple, but that works for me!

I'm heading off to bed, will either read a little bit or watch some TV. Watched football some. It's just not the same now that the Steelers are no longer in it! There's always next year!!!

Doctor's Orders

I wanted to show off this adorable digital stamp set from Clear Dollar Stamps called Happy Healing. You receive 3 images and 8 sentiments in this set for only $2.50!!! How fabulous is that?!!! I actually need something stronger than two hugs the way my back hurts from shoveling snow today! Our first snow storm and I'm ready for spring already!!! I'm submitting my card to the Get Well challenge over at Paper Pretties. Get well and sympathy are cards that I never seem to have on hand. I hope you'll come back tomorrow for our monthly blog hop at Clear Dollar Stamps. Hop along with us and comment for your chance at a prize!! Fabulous!

Have a Mice Day

EEEEK, it's a mouse...but a cute one at that!!! I wanted to make a quickie card so I pulled up my Doodle Pantry colored images to print off. I just got this darling little guy, Quirky Mouse, and couldn't wait to put him to use. I also used some of the digital paper included in the set. It's all about the image so a simple layout and only ribbon to embellish. I'm submitting this for the Doodle Pantry challenge found HERE on their blog. Simply by playing along, I will receive an adorable digital set called Workout Birdie...thanks Laurie!!!

Bonjour!

Bonjour and welcome to another challenge at Paper Lovin' Gals. Such a fun photo, so what inspires you? I loved the Eiffel Tower, so elegant, so iconic.

With that in mind, I had to go to my whimsical side and use the only stamp I have of the Eiffel Tower, the three French Hens from the 12 Days of Christmas Set at Bugaboo Stamps. I used the sketch from Seems a Little Sketchy challenge blog. I'm keeping this for my sister-in-law's birthday in March, she is a French teacher and will get a kick out of it. I hope you can join us this week at Paper Lovin' Gals.

Color Challenge Fresh Brewed Style

A busy day ahead for me. First, I'm meeting a friend for breakfast...wonder what I should order? I need to fuel up for the rest of the day of running around doing errands. It's a new challenge this week at the Fresh Brewed Blog, a color challenge - Kraft, Pink and White. I used the adorable digital stamp from Fresh Brewed Designs called So Sweet Waffle Cone. Not only did I use the liquid applique on the whipped cream, but I also used Crystal Effects on the strawberry. Such fun shine and texture. I turned it into a much needed birthday card so I'm going to submit it to several birthday challenges: The Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog and Birthday Sundaes. Enjoy your day everyone, mine is going to be busy.

Sweet Sketch Wednesday

Yep, it's Wednesday, and time for a new sketch over at our challenge blog Sweet Sketch Wednesday. Once a week the fabulous Arlana creates such wonderful sketches. This week's sketch is actually a blast from the past, one that we had so much fun with the first time, it was brought out of the archives to use again!

And this week we have a fabulous sponsor, Wee Stamps. Here's a little bit about 'em:

"The owner and illustrator behind Wee Stamps - Sylvia Zet – creates unique designs of charming and whimsical characters, which are loved for their adorable little faces expressing innocence and trustful hearts. Wee illustrations feature cute kids and fluffy animals are available as digital downloads at www.weestamps.com and also as deeply etched red rubber stamps at Whimsy Stamps."

What's the prize you ask...why 3 digis of the winner's choice! FABULOUS!!

I was thrilled to get to play with this adorable image, Let it Snow. Isn't she sweet?!! We got a little bit of snow the day before the kids went back to school. My youngest, Kevin, did a little sledding, but I know was wishing for more of the white stuff. Be sure and check out what the rest of the DT created, you are gonna love it!

Clear Dollar Stamps Product Parade Final Day

Today we'll be showing your the Stamps of the Quarter 2012. These are sets that you get to choose from to receive FREE with a $40 order. The trouble is, deciding on which one!! First up is Winter Bear. Isn't he sweet passing out Warm Winter Wishes to you and your friends?! I love the little penguin he's holding!

The next two pics use the stamp set Sweet Heart. I actually made a candy holder following the tutorial I found HERE. Yes, I know, hard to believe I made something other than a card!! Here's a picture of it closed...

And here it is open. Yes, I was able to fit two snack size Hershey bars inside...YUM!!

The third stamp of the quarter set is called Mini Verses. I made a little gift set using Basic Grey's Sweet Threads dsp, a variety of embellishments, and Designer Label Dies and Designer Label Accent stamp. The verses fit inside perfectly.

I hope you've enjoyed what we had to share with you of this quarter's new release at Clear Dollar Stamps. More information can be found on the CDS Blog.

That's Groovy

Oh my how this brings back memories!!! Fringes on your clothes, bell bottomed jeans, using the word "groovy", and The Brady Bunch. Yes, I remember it all! So imagine how thrilled I was when Heather of Fresh Brewed Designs came out with this girl image called Groovy. I paired it with some fun paper that I had from a kit from Taylored Expressions. Keepin' it simple and keepin' it fun.

Check out the Fresh Brewed Blog for all kinds of news (like a blog hop and DT call) as well as upcoming challenges. Click on the tabs along the top of the page to get all the info. Have a groovy day!!!!

Clear Dollar Stamps Product Parade Day 3

So how have you been enjoying the product parade so far? Such a marvelous release of stamps at Clear Dollar Stamps, and the show isn't over yet. Here is my card using the stamp set Ark of Faith. I have one small confession to make, coloring is not my thing, and boy is there a boat load to be done on this card -- okay, made you laugh with the "boat load" reference, right?! I wanted the image to shine so I kept it simple just with some layers and pearls.

Here is a beautiful sentiment, God is Love. I paired it with the lovely gold embossed cross from Peace for the Journey. Again, just keeping it simple.

Here is Psalm 46:10. I hit up the piles of scraps that never seem to go away, cut them in 1" strips and attached them to the panel, adding a bit of stitching. I have a little story I want to share about the ribbon on this card - I had won some blog candy on Katie Renz's blog early on in her illness and was able to choose from several bundles of ribbon she was offering. I went with the lovely silk ribbons. She had it packaged up so nice and included a card that I remember having commented on about how beautiful it was. It took a lot of strength to use some of that special ribbon, but I know Katie would have wanted it no other way. And as for her card, I have it on display on a book shelf for all to see.

Now I've got Walk by Faith. Who wouldn't love a pair of beautiful stilettos to strut you stuff in! I used to love super high heels when I was younger. Being short I wore them a lot. Now I'm just older and prefer my athletic shoes! Ahhhhh comfort.

Psalm 37:23. What a perfect sentiment for the shoes shown above!

The last card today makes use of the set Eternity. I cased a bookmark card that I made at our local stamp store, Stamp Fanci. The vellum pocket on the front holds the bookmark that I pulled out to show for the picture. Thanks for the inspiration Margie!

Now be sure and head on over to the CDS blog, Clearly iStamp, to see a slideshow of all the cards and projects created for these stamps. The stamps have been released and are ready for purchase, so get your wish list started!! And I'll see you tomorrow for the last day of our Product Parade.