More Coffee, please

But seriously, do you have some? I'd love a cup. I have to admit, I am actually a tea drinker, but since my son was born both my husband and I seem to drink a LOT more coffee than we used to. Maybe that's because Bailey's goes better with coffee than it does with tea? HA!

Kidding.

Not really. 

But, alas...I have yet another fun card for the Coffee Lovers Blog hop! I used the Picket Fence Studios Jill Girl stamp and die for this one.

I used the Picket Fence Studio Jill Girl stamp and die. I stamped her on kraft cardstock and colored with Spectrum Noir colored pencils. I just love how she turned out! The background is the Simon Says Stamp Leafy Leaves stamped in Gold Brilliance ink (Tsukineko). I did heat set the ink, since it is a metallic pigment ink, to avoid smearing. The Just Because sentiment die from CZ Designs is die cut three times and layered to give it a bit more depth. I then added just a few metal dots as accents.

This is image has such a cozy feel to it! I just love it! 

Be sure to check out the Coffee Lovers Blog hop to see SO MANY PROJECTS and join us!

And with that, I wish you a wonderful weekend!

Two Cards for the Price of One!

 Well, 'price' probably isn't the right word, but basically, I started out creating one card and ended up with two very different designs from the work I put into it. I kind of love them and how very different they turned out even though they use the very same basic supplies all around.

Here are the supplies I used:

Simon Says Stamp Leafy Leaves Background Stamp

CZ Designs Chunky Thankful Die

Prima Watercolors, Decadent Pies

And a Neat and Tangled Maple Leaf stamp that is no longer available, but you can find a similar one in this Simon Says Stamp set

Oh... and some cardstock, bristol, and May Arts twine. 

Fir this one, I stamped the background on bristol and watercolored it to create a nice fall background look. I then die cut the sentiment, saving the middle pieces, adhered the painted panel to a card base and then adhered the sentiment pieces back into the 'Thankful' to make a cool outline look. This let the background be the star of the show for this card.  A simple wrap and bow with twine finished it off nicely.

Now, as you know, I don't normally just jump into a supply list. BUT... for this one, I had to because... CHECK IT OUT! After making this card, I realized I had the perfect makings for a beautiful clean and simple design with the leftovers!

There is a slight chance I like this one even better. Even though the painting took a bit of time and effort and you can't really tell that as much here, BUT, alas...I still LOVE the way that die cut sentiment looks cut from the stamped and watercolored background. It's like.... perfect. So, I used the outline that was left over on a simple white panel and then just stamped a few maple leaves to finish it off in a nice deep red tone. 

Two cards from one set of work! LOVE IT! And I hope you do, too. Never forget to check out what your 'scraps' are giving you! You may just find some treasures in there!

Thanksgiving Blessings

Hello, folks! I have a little quick tutorial up over on the CAS-ual Fridays Stamps blog! I combined an older favorite with a new favorite for this super fun card!



I colored the flowers using copics, you can find the colors I used over on the CAS-ual Fridays Stamps blog. I love how these turned into gorgeous fall flowers using some warm tones!



Be sure to head on over there to check out my tutorial and LOTS of other awesome inspiration!

Have a Happy!

Because Leaves.

It's your favorite challenge of them all, folks! It is ANYTHING GOES week over on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge blog! This week we are featuring Lawn Fawn goodies. Lawn Fawn tends to hold a pretty strong 'King of Cute' status in the industry, but I wanted to take it a slightly different direction, so I made a non-cute Lawn Fawn card. WHAT?! Yup. And it was hard. Because I really like that adorable hamster AND the adorable alpaca. Lots. Like, lots and lots and lots kind of lots.



SUCCESS! I created this pretty design using the absolutely gorgeous Lawn Fawn Small Stitched Leaves die set, some awesome distress inks, and an absolutely fabulous sentiment from the Simon Says Stamp One With Nature Stamp set. I adore that stamp set. If you don't have it just go buy it because I told you to. For reals.



I used just a bit of gold string behind my layered leaves to add some texture and visual interest to the card. Ummm... you guys... this is one of THOSE cards. You know, the ones I love. Super lots. Yup. Totes one of those.

BUT...I also love seeing YOUR work! Create something awesome 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! WHAT?! Yup. For reals, folks! For. Reals.

Now go make something!

All links to Simon Says Stamp in this post are affiliate links. Your support is always appreciated!

Have a Happy!

So Incredibly Grateful

Have you SEEN the November Card Kit from Simon Says Stamp? Have you SEEN IT? Well, it is fabulous. For reals fabulous.

Actually, I'm not even going to say too much, I'm just going to show you this card that I made with it. Because... THESE STAMPS, YOU GUYS!



I used the gorgeous leaf stamps with several different embossing powders to create a layered, embossed design on the Kona Coffee cardstock and layered that over one of the pretty patterned papers. I am in love with those leaves. Lots. Lots of love for leaves. And such.



AMIRIGHT? I am. You don't even have to answer that. Those leaves are awesome. Those stamps are awesome. This kit is awesome. Basically...

Everything is Awesome.

And I'll just leave that right there. *wink*

Have a Happy!

It's RELEASE TIME! (And Giveaway!)

You GUYS! It's CAS-ual Fridays Stamps release week and I am SO excited about the stamps and dies I get to share with you this week! For reals! They are absolutely AWESOME and you are going to love them!

We are starting out today with the brand new Autumn Blessings stamp set and Acorn Fri-Dies. You can see the full set and dies over on the CAS-ual Fridays Stamps blog. You guys, for reals, this is a fantastic, versatile fall stamp set that I know I will be reaching for all year for various projects. It just rocks!



I went with a simple design for this one. I stamped and colored the acorn with Spectrum Noir colored pencils and then die cut the top piece only to add some dimension. I am absolutely IN LOVE with the tiny stamps in this set. Yes, of course the big ones are fabulous, but that tiny acorn is TOO CUTE! And there are a couple of tiny leaves, too! They are perfect accent stamps! LOVE IT!



A bit of May Arts twine finishes off the acorn perfectly. Also, I used pumpkin pie ink for the sentiment. Because pumpkin everything.

Now, leave a comment here and then head on over to the CAS-ual Fridays Stamps blog to check out this full set and to find out how YOU can win a $25 Gift Certificate to the CAS-ual Fridays Stamps Store! Woot! Woot!

Have a Happy!

I Create Backgrounds Now. Backgrounds are Cool.

Yeah, so that's pretty much my default format for a blog post title when I can't think of one now. You're cool with that, right? Good. 'Cause, well... that's how it's gonna be. That's what comes with reading the blog of a Dr. Who fan, folks. Thems the breaks, kids. For reals, though.

We have a BRAND NEW challenge for you over on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge blog! This week it is all about CREATING YOUR OWN BACKGROUND! Umm... yup. So that's fun stuff, folks. For reals, though. The design team is featuring Faber-Castell Gelatos this week! You don't have to use them to play along, but if you have some, we'd love to see what you do with them! They are such a fun medium to work in! SO versatile!



I actually went a slightly different route and used my gelatos as a water color medium on my images and used embossing paste for the background that I created. I love the tone on tone textured background using the brand new Dots and Lines stencil behind the adorable pumpkins. To watercolor with the gelatos, I simply colored on a craft sheet and then used my waterbrush to paint the pumpkins. I SO love this look!



Now it's YOUR turn! Create a project with your own unique background and link it up for your chance to win a $50 Gift Voucher to the Simon Says Stamp Store!

ALSO... I wanted to let you guys know that I have a few more de-stash mystery boxes ready to ship. They are Medium Flat Rate USPS Priority boxes that I can ship to US addresses only. I am asking $45 SHIPPED for these boxes. (That is around $30 for the product! WHAT?!) They are SUPER stuffed and include both new and gently used stamp sets (over ten in each box), patterned paper, embellishments, ribbon/twine, some even include dies, inks, and more! Please email me if you are interested in purchasing one of these boxes!

Have a Happy!

SSS Thanksgiving Table Stamp Set SSS Feast of Thanksgiving Stamps and Dies My Favorite Things Black Licorice Hybrid Ink *Faber-Castell DESIGNING WITH GELATOS KIT 770402 *Ranger Inkssentials Non Stick CRAFT SHEET Reusable 15 X 18 Stamp Paint Ink *Sakura KOI MEDIUM WATERBRUSH Water Brush Watercolor #6 *Wendy Vecchi WHITE EMBOSSING PASTE Studio 490 *Silhouette SPATULA TOOL Fancy Pants Me-ology 6x6 Paper Pad *Crafter's Companion 50 PACK ULTRA SMOOTH PREMIUM WHITE CARDSTOCK 752252 *Fiskars Compact STAMPING PRESS Stamp Entire Project at Once! 02958 *Precision Heat Embossing Emboss Tool Gun Hero Arts PW200 *Sizzix BIG SHOT MACHINE Powder Blue & Teal 657900

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A Bit of Old and a Bit of New

As you know, all this week I have been featuring fun new products from the Simon Says Stamp STAMPtember® release. I LOVE these goodies, but I also love how Simon creates a consistent line so you can totally mix the new with the old seamlessly! Today's card does just that!



For this card I used the brand new Leaf Background stamp along with Ranger's Sticky Embossing powder and some fun autumn-toned glitters to create a sparkly background. I then die cut the Big Love You and the feather from that background to use on my clean and simple card. I love how the background stamp offers a beautiful textured pattern on the die cut pieces!



I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Have a Happy!

It's STAMPTEMBER® time!

Yes, that's right! It's STAMPTEMBER® time at Simon Says Stamp! If you haven't heard of Stamptember® you are in for a treat! LOTS and LOTS of fabulous new products, blog hops, inspiration, prizes, and more!!! There is so much going on and it is SO MUCH FUN!

I will be sharing some fun cards with you using goodies from this fabulous release all week this week! I think you are going to LOVE them! I will begin with this simple fall beauty!



I am in LOVE with this gorgeous Real Leaves stamp set! The detail on these is just amazing! And yes, there is a set of dies to coordinate with it, as well! Gorgeous, folks! Absolutely gorgeous! I heat embossed the design with gold and then added some May Arts burlap string for a simple, but striking fall look. The sentiment is from the new Feast of Thanksgiving stamp set, which is WICKED cute!



Doesn't it just make you want to whip up a batch of pumpkin spice cupcakes, wrap 'em up, add this pretty card and deliver them to a friend?! Do it! I'm hoping I am that friend. HA! No, but really, such a simple way to give a wonderful smile as autumn begins!

Be sure to check out the FULL STAMPTEMBER® selection! You DO NOT want to miss this release! So many amazing goodies!!! As always, I so appreciate it when you use my affiliate links. All links in this post are affiliate. Thanks! :)

Have a Happy!

Giving Thanks!

Have you heard?  Spectrum Noir markers have been COMPLETELY redesigned and they are FABULOUS!!!!  I've been playing with them a bunch lately, which, if you have been following along, you know is amazing because I am NOT one to consider myself a 'coloring artist', but I am really enjoying these new markers and I'm finding that success isn't nearly as hard to achieve as I had originally thought!  I wanted to share this fun little Thanksgiving card that I created using the markers.



ACK!!!  LOVE!!!  This was one of the first large images I colored after receiving my markers, so perfection it is not, however, I do still LOVE how it turned out.  Oh...and I kinda want those jeans, dude.  Talk about awesome fade!  HA!



I love how I was able to not only blend the similar colors, but also use complementary colors that blended so well on the leaves!  YAY!  A few sequins popped in throughout the leaves brighten it up and just make it plain 'ole fun!  I like fun.  For reals.

One thing I should probably note is that I am using Crafter's Companion smooth white cardstock to color.  It is made specifically for use with alcohol markers and it really allows for beautiful blending!  You can find links to supplies similar to those I used for this fun card, along with the markers and such below.

Have a Happy!!!

*Simon Says Clear Stamps GIVING THANKS SSS131001 *Stampendous Cling Stamp FALL FLIGHT Rubber UM HMCRP01 House Mouse *Stampendous Cling Stamp TRICK OR CHEESE Rubber UM HMCQ01 House Mouse *Stampendous Cling Stamp FALL FLOAT Rubber UM HMCM01 House Mouse *Stampendous Cling Stamp CHIN UP Rubber UM HMCP03 House Mouse *Stampendous Cling Stamp HAY RIDE KIDDOS Rubber UM CRR150 *Stampendous Cling Stamp MONICA BUTTERFLY Rubber UM HMCV01 House Mouse *Stampendous Cling Stamp CANDY CORN TREATS Rubber UM HMCR01 House Mouse *Stampendous Cling Stamp KITTY CANDY KIDDO Rubber UM CRP175 *Stampendous Cling Stamp BAT GIRL KIDDO Rubber UM CRW078 *Crafter's Companion BLENDER SPECTRUM NOIR MARKER *Crafter's Companion DARKS 24 SET SPECTRUM NOIR MARKERS 751736 *Crafter's Companion BRIGHTS 24 SET SPECTRUM NOIR MARKERS 751729 *Crafter's Companion PASTELS 24 SET SPECTRUM NOIR MARKERS 751712 *Crafter's Companion GREENS SPECTRUM NOIR MARKERS 404638 *Crafter's Companion TURQUOISES SPECTRUM NOIR MARKERS 404621 *Crafter's Companion ESSENTIALS SPECTRUM NOIR MARKERS 404553 *Crafter's Companion BROWNS SPECTRUM NOIR MARKERS 404607 *Crafter's Companion SKIN TONES SPECTRUM NOIR MARKERS 404546 *Crafter's Companion YELLOWS SPECTRUM NOIR MARKERS 404591 *Crafter's Companion REDS SPECTRUM NOIR MARKERS 404584 *Crafter's Companion BLUES SPECTRUM NOIR MARKERS 404614 *Kelly Purkey KPSQ02 METALLIC GOLD SEQUINS *Kelly Purkey KPSQ06 METALLIC RED SEQUINS *Tsukineko MEMENTO Full Size Ink Pad TUXEDO BLACK *Tsukineko Memento Ink Pad RICH COCOA Brown *Fiskars Compact STAMPING PRESS Stamp Entire Project at Once! 02958 *Ranger Inkssentials GLOSSY ACCENTS Glue Dimensional Adhesive *Bazzill WARMING UP Card Shoppe Variety Pack Heavy Weight 8.5 x 11 Cardstock *Crafter's Companion 50 PACK ULTRA SMOOTH PREMIUM WHITE CARDSTOCK 752252

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