Another Use for Cardstock

My mom recently gifted me a subscription to Midwest Living magazine. This month's issue features "26 Heavenly Homemade Gifts" and one of them is homemade bread in packages made from cardstock. How cool is that? Click HERE to see a picture of the package, and HERE for a template to make some of your own! What a cute holiday gift idea!

I soooo wanted to share the picture here, but was afraid I'd be violating copyrights, so the links will have to do. Click 'em though! You won't be disappointed!

i {heart} papers Birthday Bash Challenge!

Welcome to the first of this week’s i {heart} papers Birthday Bash (IHPBB) challenges! We’re looking forward to seeing all of your creations, and we’re very happy to have you celebrating with us!

Here are the hosts for each day. Be sure to check their blogs on their scheduled day to find out that day’s challenge. You can also check the main IHP Birthday Bash page at the store. It will be updated daily.

Day 1(10/19): Kate (owner), Sarah Anderson, and Dee Jackson
Day 2 (10/20): Deb/Latisha Yoast
Day 3 (10/21): Gretchen/Lesa Smaligo and Lynn/Asela Hopkins
Day 4 (10/22): Cathleen/Kerri Michaud and Carolyn/Maria Fiscella
Day 5 (10/23): Megan/Chris Veneruso and Kendra/Debbie Fisher
Day 6 (10/24): Tracy/Heidi Van Laar and Amber/Kerry Davis
Day 7 (10/25): Sunday, day of rest (finish up your challenges!)
Day 8 (10/26): PARTY! GRAND PRIZE (winners are announced)

What’s the first thing you do when you’re planning a Birthday Bash? Before you can choose invitations, decorations, etc., you must decide upon a color scheme, so our first IHPBB challenge has to do with color.

Our challenge for you today is to make a card (scrapbook page, 3-D item, etc.) using the colors of our IHP logo: celery, light blue, rose and black. Remember, everything this week has to do with birthday celebrations...so be sure your creation is birthday related!

Before you begin, take a few minutes to review the challenge guidelines! You’ll want to follow these rules to maximize your points and qualify for the opportunity to WIN the prize for today’s challenge and the Grand Prize, all announced on the last day of our festivities!

To qualify for the prize of the day, all you have to do is upload your challenge card/project to Splitcoast Stampers (SCS) and/or Paper Craft Planet (PCP) with the appropriate tag so we can find it. Today’s challenge tag is IHPBB1. The daily challenge winners will be randomly selected at the end of the week.

To qualify for the Grand Prize of being IHP Guest Designer for the month of November, here’s how it will work: Every challenge card/project you enter will earn you points (see below), and one with the most accumulated for the week the Grand Prize winner. So the more challenges you enter, more points you earn — and the better your chances of winning the Grand Prize (and the bigger the value of your Guest Designer box will be)!

You will have until October 25th to post your work, and you can enter as many challenges as you like, but you CANNOT combine challenges in one project. All winners, including the Grand Prize winner, will be announced at the Birthday Bash on October 26th.

Birthday Bash Points

For each project:
5 points for each challenge card/project you make, upload and tag to SCS
5 points for each challenge card/project you make, upload and tag to PCP
2 points for uploading to your blog and linking at least one IHP item used to the IHP website

One time points:

2 points for signing up to receive our newsletter*
2 points for joining our PCP group*
2 points for becoming our fan on Facebook*
10 points if you participate in all 6 IHP Birthday Bash challenges

*When you sign up, or if you are already signed up, a comment on the IHP blog Birthday Bash week so your points can be credited.


I hope you decide to participate! I had a blast making this card set using all of the yummy papers and ribbons Kate sent me from her store! Have fun with it! :o)

Itty Bitty Christmas Release Day!

Seriously, aren't they ADORABLE?! Remember to check all of the design team blogs (including our awesome guest designers MacKenzie Bruckler and Tracey Cuccia) for lots of Christmas-y design ideas! The stamps are available for purchase today and you can find them HERE, if you're interested! Have fun shopping!! Remember, only two(ish) months until Christmas (*gasp!*), so you'd better get crackin' on those Christmas cards!

Pink Cat Studio Sneak Peeks, Day 2

Here are some more fun images from the new Itty Bitty Christmas set that is being released TOMORROW at Pink Cat Studio. Aren't they just adorable? I love the clean lines of all the Pink Cat images. So cute!

Here we have a little gingerbread man:


And here he's shed his costume for a little gift giving. I did a close up of the image so you can see the glitter snow. I just dotted around the image with my glue pen and then sprinkled on the Dazzling Diamonds:

Here's the whole card. I really felt like I needed to get away from traditional Christmas colors for once:

And that knotted silver ribbon? That was totally supposed to be tied in a bow, but I've realized something very important (and tragic)... I am totally bow-tarded. I can. not. make a bow. Sure I could make one separately and then adhere it to straight ribbon, but that's cheating, isn't it? How do you make your "bunny ear" bows? I tried following info on SCS and I still couldn't do it! ACK!

Pink Cat Studio Sneak Peeks, Day 1

It's time for another new release from Pink Cat Studio, and it's also time for CHRISTMAS! Wahoooo! I love Christmas! I'm probably the only person around who gets excited when the snow starts to fall (which it totally just did Saturday morning!!!). This super cute set is called Itty Bitty Christmas, and here are two cards made with it:

Stay tuned for another peek tomorrow and then the set release on Wednesday! Click over to the Pink Cat Studio Blog and the other design team blogs (in my sidebar) for more super cute cards!

WFMW - Keeping Paint Brushes Wet

Hey there! I know what you're thinking.... this isn't a stamping post! How did this get in my reader? Well, I'm still the same stamper you subscribed to, I've just been sidetracked with other things lately. One of these things happens to be some little fix-it projects around the house. Another is finding cool new blogs to share! One of the cool new blogs I found is http://www.wearethatfamily.com/, which hosts Works For Me Wednesday. The idea is that every Weds, you post a hint or tip or trick... something that makes your life a little easier. You can read all of the guidelines HERE. Then go back to We Are That Family and link your tip on that Wednesday's post. And while you're there, look at all of the other tips that have been linked. You may just learn something!

This week, I started touching up some paint around the house, and because I have two beautiful little boys who keep me on my toes all day long, I never know how much time I'll have to do the work that needs to get done.

My grandpa was a professional painter, and I started helping him on jobs at a young age (I want to say about 8 years old). One trick he taught me was to wrap a paint brush in tin foil and stick it in the freezer if you weren't going to use it for a few hours, but weren't ready to clean it yet. So here you can see my work in progress:

Imagine how difficult it must be for me to open that freezer door and reach for the paint brush instead of my beloved mint chocolate chip ice cream.

When you are ready to paint again, just unwrap and dip it in the paint. Works like a charm, and doesn't get all gookey (yes, that is a technical term).

And this is totally random, but I just have to say I love that paint brush. It's a professional sash brush, and it was my grandpa's for years before I inherited it. It's like having him right there with me while I work, and I like that. :)

Do you have a tip to share? Play along! It can even be craft related! There are themes you can work off, too. Check it out!

Itty Bitty Pink Cat Studio Sneak Peeks... Part 2!

Remember that fun card I shared yesterday? Well, here is the whole set! How stinkin' cute are these Itty Bittys? I just love them. Especially the look of surprise on their faces in that image with the gravestone! hee hee. :) TOO CUTE! I dare you to tell me you don't need this set! Go on, I dare you! :)

Itty Bitty Pink Cat Studio Sneak Peeks!

Pink Cat Studio is releasing a new set tomorrow, and it includes two new characters! I'm sure you love Lily and Billy as much as I do, but check out the new kids on the block!



Are they not adorable?! This is just one of the images from this awesome new set. I LOVE IT! The sentiment for the card is tucked behind the main image. You just have to pull out that ribboned edge, and you'll find this:

Cute, no? :)

Be sure to click over to the other Pink Cat Design Team member blogs (linked in my sidebar) to see all of the other images! You won't be sorry!

In case you're wondering, that patterned paper in the background has velvet flocked spiders on it (!!). I picked that up last year at i {heart} papers.

I'll Never Leave You

Hellooooooooo my blogger friends! Oye vey, it has been AGES since I've blogged! Yikes! Things have been a little whack-a-doodle around here, and I haven't stamped in awhile. Actually, that's not entirely true. I actually made this card a few weeks ago but didn't care for it (on kraft paper) and didn't have any Chocolate Chip paper on hand (Seriously people, how does that happen?) so it sat there for awhile until I broke down and hit the Hobby Lobby for a suitable brown stand in.

Despite my absence here in the blogosphere, I need you to know:


bwahahahahahaha!!! Ok, fess up - who gets the joke?! I *know* my girl Lorie is giggling out there somewhere... anyone else??

The main image in this card is from the Sporty Billy set that Pink Cat Studio released in June. This set is awesome! I just love it. :) I colored Billy with my copics, and printed the sentiment on the computer using Mufferaw font (love that font, btw!).

In case you're still wondering about that sentiment, here's a clue (a friend of mine has this set as his profile picture on Facebook and I think it's absolutely hilarious):

Again I say..... BWA HA HA HA HA HA!!!! :)

Ok, I'm done now. Carry on. ;)

P.S. I'm reeeally hoping less time will pass between this and my next post! Don't give up on me!

Howdy!

Here is a card I made this evening using the new digi-images that Melissa is offering over at Pink Cat Studio as a fundraiser for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. You can read more info about the images, and their significance in the post below this one, and also on the Pink Cat Studio Blog.

If you've been drooling over Lily and Billy for awhile but haven't made a purchase, this is a great place to start (though technically they are called Ethan and Ava in this set, but still...). Not only do you get super cute images, but you also help an awesome cause.

Thanks for looking!

Pink Cat Studio: Weiman Wranglers

Pink Cat Studio is releasing these new digital stamps today to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in honor of Ethan Weiman. Little Ethan passed away on July 12th from Neuroblastoma cancer. Ethan was a true cowboy and loved horses, balloons and Knock Knock jokes. By purchasing these digital stamps you will help brighten the day of a sick child as the money we raise will go toward making one of their dreams come true.

I should have a sample posted later today, but until then click over to the PCS blog to see a few cards and read some info about a few contests you can enter as well!

Extra! Extra!

I just received an email from my friend Kate over at i {heart} papers. It seems Miss Kate is having a HUGE sale right now on all kinds of fab products including Nesties, Flowersoft (I soooo need some of that stuff), stamps, JustRite, and more!! Be sure to click over and take a peek!

Oh Hoppy Day!

It occured to me after I made this card today that the colors I used don't really shout "hoppy day". lol! I really wanted to use that striped paper though, and used that to pull the rest of the colors out, so I blame it on Basic Grey. ;) hehehe.

Isn't that little frog the cutest? Frogs always remind me of my childhood. My mom and I lived with a friend of hers for awhile when I was little, and she had a HUGE frog collection. They were everywhere. I recently reconnected with her online, and was so sad to learn she got rid of all of them a few years back! I don't know why that mattered to me, or even why I'm telling you about it, but still.... it did, and I am. *wink*

This cute little foggy (and lily pad and sentiment) is from the Pond Pals set over at Sweet n' Sassy Stamps. It's such a sweet little set. Perfect for every day cards, or even baby cards! My next card with it will be much brighter though! :)

Pink Cat Studio Sneak Peeks, Day 3

It's day 3 of the Pink Cat Studio release, and you know what that means! Time to show you the WHOLE set. Check out these images! I'm dying. I love them alllllll! But if you know me at all, you have to know the football one is my favorite. :) Wait until you see what I've done with him. I'll have that (and a baseball sample) posted within the next few weeks.

Enjoy the day!

Pink Cat Studio Sneak Peeks, Day 2

Good morning! Welcome to day two of our Pink Cat Studio sneek peaks! Here is the image of Billy with the soccer ball. Isn't it fun? I know I probably say that all the time, but I just love these stamps!

Did you get a chance to look at all of the other DT blogs yesterday? Well, go back and check them again today! :)

Enjoy your day!

Pink Cat Studio Sneak Peeks, Day 1

Yay! It's time for another Pink Cat Studio release! Y'all know I am just in LOVE with Billy. He reminds me so much of my Henry (who turns 3 soon! Ack! How did that happen?!). This newest Billy set is absolutely adorable. Four of the most deliciously boyish stamps EVER! And the little appearances by the pooch just crack me up. :)

Be sure to stop back tomorrow to see another peek, and then Wednesday to see the full set. You can also click over to the other PCS DT members by following the blog links in my sidebar.

Enjoy the day!

Remember Me?

Hi friends! I am still here. Still alive! I just haven't been stamping and/or blogging as much lately as I used to. Haven't been doing much blog reading either, to be honest. And I apologize for that! I've been in spring cleaning mode, doing things around the house, and have also been working on a few bigger projects (non-crafty, unfortunately) that have taken up a good chunk of my time. Don't give up on me though! I'm still here, and will get back in the swing of things eventually!

Meanwhile, I wanted to share this bright little card I made last night using the Doodle Flowers set from Sweet n' Sassy Stamps! What a fun set! I love the look of the doodles. So cute!

I have to share a few more books with you while I've got your attention, too.

Second Chance, by Jane Green:

Jane Green is one of my favorite authors. She was the author that got me interested in "chick lit" to begin with, with her Babyville, and I have loved everything I've read by her ever since. I was hooked on this book by about page 25, which is excellent.... but then she lost me for awhile about 3/4 of the way through. It's not that it wasn't a good story, it just seemed to linger on certain points longer than I thought it had to. I loved the premise though, and the idea that maybe we all deserve a second chance. The characters were easy to relate to, I enjoyed it.

Another of my favorite authors is Jodi Picoult (she's probably #1, if I had to make a list). I just finished her Salem Falls...

As with all of her books, she had me at hello. Her writing style is just amazing, and sucks me in as soon as I turn the first page. This story interested me because of its play on The Crucible, and the way that false accusations can warp our societal beliefs. I loved the book and the story, but I have to say I kind of saw the end coming, which is odd for me with Picoult. Usually she pulls something out of left field and I end up not knowing what hit me. Not this time though...

Have any of you read this? I'd love to chat about it if you have! Especially if you remember the ending. I'd like to see if my interpreation was the same as yours...

Hey Chick

Good Morning! It's day one of the Sweet n' Sassy Stamps bloghop! Isn't this a fun card? I just love this bandana paper and fun Funny Farm set! I have been kicking myself for ages for not buying that barnyard set that SU used to sell, but this one totally makes up for it. The animals are just too cute. :)

Ok, now it's time to carry on to the rest of the hop!

Wednesday, May 27th: SNSS Blog, Jeanette, Sarah, Chris, Cindy, Ceal

Thursday, May 28th: Sandy, Faith, Courtney, Deb, Deedee, Korin

Friday, May 29th: Teresa, Janette, Suzy, Lorie, SNSS Blog

Enjoy your day! I have another book review to share with you, too, but it will have to wait until next time. The boys aren't being too kind about letting me have blogging time. lol!

Don't Worry, Bee Happy!

Ok, be honest... How many of you are singing that song now? :) You're welcome.

Here's a quick card I made tonight using the Bee Happy set from Sweet n' Sassy Stamps (which, by the way, I just noticed is currently on sale for only $6 something if you're interested!). It's a cute little set... but I love me some bees, so maybe I'm biased? Nah...

So, get this... see the little "buzz" tab? That's stamped on Almost Apricot (or whatever SU's Apricot is called). The DP and the base are both So Saffron. The ribbon, which matches the So Saffron paper PERFECTLY is Almost Apricot. What the??? Isn't there something wrong with this picture?! Anyhow, I thought it was odd, so of course I had to point it out. hehehe.

We've got a big weekend in front of us... Two weddings tomorrow, followed by a two hour choir rehearsal on Sunday for an alumni choir I'm participating in for my high school. At least we'll stay busy. I'd rather be busy than bored... most of the time, anyhow.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thanks So Much

Hellooooooo! I am SO excited to share this card with you. I made these (I actually made three, but could only fit two in my white space) for some of the people that I sing in our local choir with who gave me gifts before our performance (flowers, bread, chocolates - YUM!) on Saturday. We had our annual concert this past weekend, and we had an island theme for the show, so that explains the color combo, DP, and primas! The music clef stamp is by Unity Stamp Co., and was a sweet gift from my friend Lorie a few months ago. I've said it before, but I'll say it again: Thanks, Lorie! The words on the image stamp are pretty small, but it says, "You make my heart sing!" Isn't that sweet? I love it! And holy man, have you been to the Unity site lately? I just looked up the link to add it here, and I think I have to go back and shop now. LOL! :) I love their single sentiment stamps!

Keep a song in your heart!