A Prickly Pair with Bazzill Basics

I have a new post up over on the Bazzill Basics blog today! It is SO fun to use Smoothies and Card Shoppe cardstock in fabulous colors to make stamps really shine!



These fun cactus stamps were a blast to use! You will definitely be seeing more of those on my blog! Be sure to head on over to check out the full tutorial to make these fun cards!

Have a Happy!

A New Beginning

I realized after I wrote that post title that it sounds all 'something-big-is-happening'. Nothing big is happening. Well, I mean, nothing other than a new ANYTHING GOES challenge over on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge blog. That's pretty big, seeing as you could win a $50 Gift Voucher to Simon Says Stamp. WHAT?! Yup. Totes, you guys. Totes.



The Design Team is featuring Spectrum Noir products this week. The kind folks over at Spectrum Noir sent us some of the new Aqua Markers to play with for this challenge! Umm...watercolor markers from my favorite marker company? YES, PLEASE! I love them so much! I used them to create the mint and grey background on this card. I also used my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers and my Spectrum Noir colored pencils on this one. I'm just an over achiever like that. HA! No, but, for reals, though.



The stamps are from the Simon Says Stamp Hop To It release. For some reason I held off on ordering this set and then it sold out and my devastation was beyond normal, so I figured I should order as soon as it came back in stock. So I did. That's what you would do, right? RIGHT?!

Anyway, now it's YOUR turn to play along! It is Anything Goes week and if you have Spectrum Noir products we would so love to see you rock them! You can enter up to five NEW creations in the challenge. One lucky participant will win a $50 voucher to the Simon Says Stamp Store! Woot! Woot!

Supplies:

Stamps: Simon Says Stamp Work Out

Dies: Simon Says Stamp Exercise Girls (Or get the bundle HERE)

Markers/Pencils: Spectrum Noir

Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black

Embossing Powder: Ranger Liquid Platinum

Sequins: Pretty Pink Posh

Have a Happy!

You're A Gem

So, I signed up for a few fitness classes. Two of them are dance classes - one Zumba and one called Rythm & Motion. Mind you, I have exactly zero dance training, but I do find dancing to be LOADS of fun and I know that I will actually enjoy my workout this way. The third one is a butts and guts class. I am a little scared to death of that one, but it will be good for me. Right? PLEASE tell me it will be good for me. ANYWAY.... dance... and this card... and these awesome new Tiny Dancer dies from Spellbinders®...



I layered the adorable dancer over the Labels 38 die stamped with some Avery Elle cuteness from the Many Thanks stamp set. I feel like this stamp and that die just go together so well! LOVE IT!



I added a bit of May Arts ribbon to create the tutu. Ummm... you guys, that tutu makes me ridiculously happy. For reals, though.

Be sure to keep your eye on the Spellbinders® blog this week! There is a LOT of fun stuff going on! Inspiration and Giveaways GALORE this week! You won't want to miss out!

Have a Happy!

Clean and Simple with Pinkfresh Studio

I am showcasing the March kit over on the Pinkfresh Studio blog today! I have two clean and simple cards over there. I actually loved this kit so much, I couldn't stop at two! One of these you will see over there, along with one that you will NOT see here!



For this one, I layered the dies (created by Spellbinders for Pinkfresh Studio) over the vellum label to create a new, fresh look. I love how this is so simple, but yet has so much interest.



This super fun card uses the feather puffy stickers. Wait. Let's go over that one more time. FEATHER. PUFFY. STICKERS. You guys, for REALS, I love them so much! I combined them with the green striped alphabet stickers for a super fun and super easy card! LOVE IT!

Be sure to head on over to the Pinkfresh Studio blog to see more!

Have a Happy!

Friends for a Lifetime

I love when supplies make a pretty card so easy to pull together. That is exactly how this particular design came to be. I pulled out the Urban Blooms die set from Spellbinders® along with the gorgeous Doily Art embossing folder to create the layers and texture on my card.



I die cut the three layers of the flower and then colored them with Chameleon markers. This allowed me to do the color fade SUPER quickly and easily. LOVE THAT! The background uses the embossing folder. I love how Spellbinders embossing folders give AMAZEBALLS dimension. For reals, though, you guys. They are awesome. Totally, dude.



The sentiment is from a Fancy Pants ephemera pack...I think. LOL! I added a simple enamel dot to the flower center for a pop of yellow. Bright and shiny makes me happy! YAY!

P.S. So does Chocolate Peanut Butter iced coffee.

Have a Happy!

Hoppy Easter!

Hello, friends! We have a fun Pinterest Mood Board to inspire you, this week, for the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge! Whether the weather agrees or not (hee-hee...see what I did there?), Spring is coming this week for half the planet, and daggnabbit, we are going to celebrate that!

This week we want to see you created something inspired by this Pinterest Mood board! Choose one image, or a group of images to inspire your design. The Design Team is featuring Bazzill Basics products this week. You don't have to use them to play along, but we would love to see them if you have some on hand!

For this fun little Easter card, I used a few Bazzill products, along with an adorable stamp set from Mama Elephant. You can find my complete supply list at the bottom of this post. I fussy cut the bunny from cardstock and accented him slightly with a Copic for just a bit of visual interest. 

Now it's YOUR turn! Create something inspired by this mood board and link it up to the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge blog for your chance to win a $50 Gift Voucher to the Simon Says Stamp Store!

Supplies:

Stamps: Mama Elephant Honey Bunny
Patterned Paper: Pink Paislee Bella Rouge 6x6 Paper Pad 
Dies: WPlus9 Timeless Tags 2

Cardstock: Bazzill Dotted Swiss Butter, Bazzill 40 lb. Vellum, Bazzill Card Shoppe Marshmallow
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, VersaMark
Accents: DMC Metallic Thread, Pretty Pink Posh Sequins, May Arts Silver String
Embossing Powder: Stampendous! Silver
Tools: Fiskars Stamp Press, Milwaukee Hero Arts Heat Gun, Fiskars Titanium Micro Tip Scissors, Spellbinders Artisan Explorer Die Cutting Machine

Make it 3D with Bazzill Basics

I have some VERY exciting news to share with you today! I am now a member of the Bazzill Basics Design Team! I am beyond thrilled to be joining this awesome team of amazingly talented designers! My very first post is up over on the Bazzill Basics blog today and I would love for you to stop by to check it out!



I created this super fun candy box and coordinating card. You can find more information about this project, along with a ton of inspiration on the Bazzill Basics blog.

Have a Happy!

A Quick Hello

Hello, friends! I have a quick layered card I created to share with you today. Basically, I pulled out a 6x6 paper pad and wanted to play with some patterns, so I DID! Because I can do that. And so can you. For reals, though.



I used the super fun Serendipity papers from the Dear Lizzy line. I just love them. They make me smile. Combined with the Big Hello die from Simon Says Stamp cut from Bazzill cardstock, this card came together super fast, and is totally fun!



I have some exciting news coming tomorrow, so be sure to stop by so you don't miss it!

Have a Happy!

It's Your Time to Shine!

We have another awesome new stamp and die set from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps to release today! Do you guys love stars as much as I do? 'Cause, for reals, I REALLY love stars. Lots. That being the case, I REALLY love these stamps and dies! Lots.



I die cut two of the stars, overlapping them, to create the shaker window. I then added my acetate and popped up a star frame over the smaller star to highlight it a bit. I traced around them with a grey pen for some added definition.



I heat embossed the sentiment on patterned paper for a quick and easy finish. This is just a shiny, bright, & happy card. I love it.

The Ink Squad has done some SERIOUSLY amazing things with this set! You really have GOT to head on over to the CAS-ual Fridays Stamps blog to check them out!

AND...there is no waiting! These Twinkle stamps and Star Fri-dies are available for purchase in the CAS-ual Fridays Stamps store right now! WOOT! WOOT!

Have a Happy!

HAPPY MAIL!

Hey, guys! Guess what?! CAS-ual Fridays Stamps is releasing new stamps today AND tomorrow!!! AND, there is NO waiting! That's right, you get to see the inspiration and buy the stamps and dies the same day! So, let's get this party started!

Our first new set is called Happy Mail and it has a coordinating Mail Box die available, as well! I created this super fun gift bag/treat bag using the new stamps and dies! SO much fun, you guys! For reals, though!



I created a tiny little shaker by cutting a window in my mailbox and filling it with stamped envelopes and tiny heart sequins. LOVE!!! You get a little peek inside the mailbox! I just love it! I simply cut my sentiment into a banner shape and then sliced a slit in the straw to insert it. This is sure to brighten someone's day!



You are not going to want to miss out on the super cute projects created by the Ink Squad! Be sure to head on over to the CAS-ual Fridays Stamps blog to check them out!!!

Get ready to send some HAPPY!!!

I Believe I Can Fly

Yes, we are flying high with the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge this week! The theme is Things That Fly and the design team is featuring American Crafts products this week. You don't have to use them to play along, but we would love to see what you do with them if you have some on hand!

I pulled out the Shimelle 6x6 paper pad along with the new Tim Holtz birds, with which I may or may not be slightly obsessed, to create a fun encouragement card for today!



I used the Simon Says Stamp curved die to die cut my paper to create a 'wire' of sorts for my bird to stand on. I then pulled the sentiment from the Mama Elephant Up and Away stamp set. I colored the bird using various greens and yellows from Spectrum Noir. I just love how he turned out! I did add a touch of an icy blue to his eyes, as well.



I added a few little Simon Exclusive heart sequins from Pretty Pink Posh for a bit of shine.

Now it's YOUR turn! Create something based on the Things That Fly challenge and link it up over on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge blog for your chance to win a $50 Voucher to the Simon Says Stamp Store! WHAT?! You guys, for REALS! It's pretty awesome!

You can find my complete supply list below. These are affiliate links and your support is always appreciated! 

Supplies:

Stamps: Tim Holtz Birds, Mama Elephant Up & Away

Ink: My Favorite Things Black Licorice Hybrid, VersaMark

Patterned Paper: Shimelle 6x6 Paper Pad (American Crafts)

Sequins: Pretty Pink Posh for Simon Says Stamp

Markers: Spectum Noir

Die: Simon Says Stamp Curved Edge Die

Embossing Powder: Ranger Liquid Platinum

Tools: Milwaukee Heat Gun, Fiskars Stamp Press, EK Sucess Powder tool, Fiskars Titanium No. 5 MicroTip Scissors, Scotch Foam Tape

Have a Happy!

You Simply Have to Fly!

Step 1: Begin with all white cardstock.

Step 2: Recognize that you really are a clean and simple designer and just embrace that.

Step 3: Create this card.



Oooohh... wait. You wanted steps for actually creating the card? Okay. I can do that.

Step 1: Head on over to CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and purchase the Butterbows Stamp Set and the Bubble Labels Fri-dies. While you are there, you may as well pick up a couple of other things because: Awesomesauce.

Step 2: Trim card base, fold, set aside for now.

Step 3: Stamp Butterbow in Little Piggy ink from WPlus9 on a white panel. Stamp it again on Post It tape. Cut out the butterbow on post it tape and place over the Little Piggy Butterbow. (You guys, I am NOT making these names up. For reals.)

Step 4: Ink entire panel with Fairy Dust ink from Wplus9. (Nope. Still not making it up.) Allow sufficient time to dry and heat set it anyway for good measure.

Step 5: Stamp and emboss sentiment with VersaMark ink and silver embossing powder.

Step 6: Die cut large Bubble Label from more white cardstock (Because that's all we are using, remember?), cut in half, adhere beneath butterbow.

Step 7: SEQUINS!!!!!



Step 8: Head on over to the CAS-ual Fridays Stamps blog for all kinds of awesome inspiration AND get ready for a new release later this week! WHAT?! Yup. Totally.

For reals, though. You should probably do all of the above.

Have a Happy!

Life is Delicious!

That is pretty much my take, anyway. Life is delicious. And food is delicious. And you need food to live. Therefore, we are back to life being delicious! See how that works? (This is likely why I had to sign up for three fitness classes. For reals, though.)

I was recently sent these super cute Donut Die-namics and Donuts and Sprinkles stamp set to create something adorable. You guys, for REALS, these are so much fun!



I decided to create a good ol' Dunkin Donuts strawberry frosted with sprinkles. Because I am a Boston girl, what can I say? I die cut the donut base and then inked the edges to make it look real-ish. (Yes, that is totally a word. Don't argue with me.) I then die cut the frosting and cut the sprinkles OUT of the frosting.

A couple of things to mention here: 1. I LOVE that these dies allow for so much flexibility! You can seriously create awesome layers. 2. I am a lazy crafter. There was NO WAY I was going to glue on a gagillion (yup, that's a word, too) tiny sprinkles, so I used some ingenuity to get that same dimension with less work.



I cut the sprinkles from the frosting layer and then adhered it to the inked donut base. I then used Ranger Enamel Accents to fill in the sprinkle 'holes' the die had left on the donut. They look like REAL SPRINKLES, YOU GUYS!!!!

Sigh.

I do so love when something comes together. For the background, I stamped the Simon Says Stamp Wide Stripe first, allowing it to dry thoroughly before continuing. I then did a little stamp surgery to cut the sentiment apart, bent it to make it curved like a donut, and then stamped and embossed it on the background above and below where I planned to place my donut using my Fiskars Stamp Press. I popped the donut up with a bit of foam tape and ended up with a SUPER stinking cute card.

It makes me happy. And hungry. Iced coffee and a donut, anyone?

Have a Happy!

Plan On It!

Are you a planner person? You know, a PAPER planner person. Do you sit down with colorful pens and your planner and get your schedule not ONLY set out on paper, but with colorful, artistic flair? Well, folks, if this is you, I have good news. If this is NOT you, I still have good news, because it COULD be you!

Simon Says Stamp has a new planner release! This release includes three new planner-centric stamp sets, four new sets of color cubes ink pads, and two adorable dies for planner and pocket scrapbooking use! The Plan On It! release is filled with fun goodies!!!



Here is a little peek at my planner using some of these great new stamps and inks! The inks are hybrid inks, making them a great choice for planner use. They won't sink as deeply into the paper as a dye ink, but they also dry quickly and will not transfer to the opposite page like a pigment ink would. These are Simon Says Stamp's first hybrid inks and I am wicked excited about them! I am a hybrid ink fan!

Head on over to the Simon Says Stamp store to check out the new goodies and pick some up! Seriously, even if you are not a planner geek, these would be great for pocket scrapbooking and other fun projects! 

Wishful Thinking

Yup. I've resorted to wishful thinking. Yesterday was a fabulous 41 degrees, but, alas, today is around 29 again. And there were FLAKES. Fortunately, they are saying less than an inch so the snow is pretty much non-existant today, but STILL! I just want spring. It's time, folks. For reals, though.



And these birds. In real life. I want them. On my windowsill. (I don't even HAVE windowsills. HAHAHAHA!) But, seriously, you guys, these birds are the CUTEST THINGS EVER! I colored him with Spectrum Noir colored pencils and gamsol. Kept him pretty simple.



And with that, I leave you to your day.

Have a Happy, folks!

A Little Girly

We are going GIRLY over on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge blog this week! We want to see you create a card or project with a feminine flair! The design team is using Doodlebug Designs products this week. If you love enamel shapes, you should totally check them out! You don't have to use them to play along, but we would love to see what you do with them if you have some!



I decided to create a clean and simple girly design. I cut and embossed the window using Spellbinders Pierced Squares. I used the piercing die on the inside to add some visual interest and texture to the window. A few enamel shapes from Doodlebug Design add a pop of color from inside the window.



One lucky participant is going to win a $50 Voucher to the Simon Says Stamp Store! You can enter up to five NEW designs! I can't wait to see your girly creations!

Supplies:

White Cardstock: Crafter's Companion Ultra Smooth White

Dies: Spellbinders Pierced Squares

Stamps: Simon Says Stamp Many Thanks

Enamel Shapes: Doodlebug Designs

Embossing Powder: Ranger Liquid Platinum

Heat Gun: Milwaukee

Have a Happy!

Firmoo Glasses Review and SALE!

Guys, I wear glasses. I know this is not news to most of you, however, what MAY be news is the fact that I LOVE wearing glasses. Yes, I need them to actually see anything, but I am totally okay with that because I love them. I have since my sophomore year in high school when the doctor laughed out loud to my responses upon reading the eye chart and confirmed that I do, indeed, need glasses. What I do NOT love, however, is paying ridiculous amounts of money to acquire cute glasses. I mean, for REALS, these are on my face EVERY SINGLE DAY, I want to mix it up a bit, have some fun with it.



Enter FIRMOO.COM.

Firmoo offers a wide selection of SUPER CUTE frames available both in prescription and clear lenses. You can get traditional or sunglasses, as well! AND... your first pair is FREE! Yes, you heard that right. You can get your first pair of glasses from FIRMOO Free! You just pay for shipping!

I actually own several pair of Firmoo glasses and I truly love them! They recently sent me a new pair to try out and review for you. I chose these adorable tortoise and blue frames. And yes. I love them. Lots.



These are GREAT quality glasses. I always order the anti-glare coating, but other than that, I generally keep my lenses pretty basic. You do have several options to upgrade them, if you so choose. One thing I have noticed about Firmoo glasses is that the fit. I don't know how, I don't know why, but when these come in the mail, they fit well and I love that!



This is a red and clear pair I recently purchased and one of my absolute favorites! They feel so ME! Love that!



This pair is a fun semi-dorky tortoise pair. They are large lenses and totally fun! These ones work really well with some outfits and I love that they are ready for me right when I need them!



If you aren't into funky designs, they do have some awesome basics, too! This black pair is my go-to. They go with everything, they are comfy, and they suit me well.



And this fun turquoise pair adds a pop of color in a simple design. These ones are particularly great when I wear neutrals and want just a little punch!

I honestly haven't shown you all of my Firmoo glasses. Yes. I love them. For reals, though.  If you haven't purchased from Firmoo before, I can't recommend them enough! It does take a bit of time for them to arrive, as they ship from China, however, they arrive with a free hard case, a free soft case, and lens cloth, and a keychain glasses repair kit. If you have ordered from Firmoo before, they are having a great sale (code: SPD6543), so treat yourself to a new pair for spring!

Have a happy!

All links in this post are affiliate links. I was sent a free pair of glasses to review. All photos, thoughts, and opinions are my own.