Sunday Bliss

Good Morning!  Today's Sunday Bliss edition is actually inspired by my sister Theresa and the girls over at JUGs.  For the There She Goes release, my sister created some adorable to 3x3 cards (you can see them here).  I haven't made these in years, so her sweet creations got my juices flowing.  And then JUGs challenge this week is to create a box with matching cards.  So here's what I did with all this creativity....

I did design my own mini pizza box.  The card stock measures 5 1/2 x 10".  I scored at 1" on the left and right sides long ways.  Then scored at 1", 4 1/2", 5 1/2" and 9".  This will give you a 3 1/2" squared box.  I used my Scor-Pal.

I didn't take a picture of the inside, but I did stamp "To" "From" and "Merry Christmas" - I'm thinking of going back and punching holes and adding some ribbon so that they can be tied to a package.  Or I can whip up some envelopes.  I haven't quiet decided.

Supplies:
Images:  Christmas Tree Cocoa, Stocking Cocoa (SNSS)
Card stock:  Neenah Classic Crest, Always Artichoke
Paper:  Holiday Thyme (SU!)
Copics:  E34, E37, E53, R27, R29, YG63, YG67, Y15, Y17, R00, R02, R11
Spica Glitter pens red and turquoise, gold gel pen
Embellishments:  burgundy organdy ribbon (Offray)

SNSS VSN Challenge #13 - Gift Giving

Hi! It's me again. I am back here to bring you another challenge. This time we're creating gift cards. You all have heard the saying that big things come in small packages. Well, I know for sure that if I give my youngest son a gift card to Game Stop, he's in 7th heaven. So why not treat someone to a special greeting that gives something sweet and special.

This one I created with an envelope, a crimper and, of course, Cocoa.

Supplies:

Stamps/Ink: Cup of Cocoa, Tuxedo Black (Memento)

Card stock: Neenah Classic Crest, Neenah Milled Ivory, Neenah Envelope

Paper: Merry Christmas (Echo Park)

Copics: R00, R02, R27, R29, W-0, W-2, W-3, YG17, YG63

Tools: Cricut, SCAL, SVG created from Digi stamps by MTME, Paper Crimper

Embellishments: green grosgrain ribbon

And then I couldn't stop there, so I created this little money envelope....

And the inside....

Supplies:
Stamps/Ink: Santa's Helper Cocoa, Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Card stock: Neenah Classic Crest, Ruby Red, Garden Green
Paper: Christmas Plaid (unk)
Copics: R00, R02, R27, R29, W-0, W-2, W-3, YG67

White Winter Wishes

Hello everyone,

I am playing at my craft table this whole weekend.... at least that's my intention.  I have a lot I want to do to get ready for a Winter Wonderland at work.  So to play along with some of the challenges at Sweet n Sassy VSN forum, this is helping me accomplish what I want to.

Korin is challenging us to create an all white card.  No decorative paper, no other color except what goes on the focal image itself.  I am pretty certain this is a first for me.

So, I must tell you, that my daughter Hollyanne colored this image for me.  She wanted to color with me the other night, so I gave her this one.  She did such a great job, that I thought it was perfect for this card.  It also fits the challenge over at Crazy 4 Challenges is to have snow on your card.

Supplies:
Image:  Winter Friends
Card stock:  Neenah Classic Crest
Copics:  B000, B05, E37, G99, R27, R29, Y16, YR16
Tools:  Cuttlebug, Snowflakes embossing folder, Lacey Eyelet Border dies (SNSS)

Thanks for stopping by!

SNSS VSN Challenge #8 - Card with Detachable Ornament

Hi Everyone!

OK, be honest, you're totally loving this weekend of fun fun fun challenges just as much as I am right? I have seen some pretty phenominal projects so far and *squeal* there are more to come!!

So now we come to my challenge - and this is such a fun challenge! Let's get dual purposed with our card. My challenge is to create a card with a detachable ornament.

First, I printed this really great digi paper that I got for $1 at JessicaSprague.com, it's an Echo Park collection.  I still have more to learn about how to get postioned correctly on the card base, but I got closer.  I then added a text box for my greeting.  It was perfect for the sweet snowman image, Smiley Snowman.

The snowman is adhered to the card with temporary adhesive and his hanger is hidden between the layers. He's actually 3 images thick.

Supplies:

Image: Smiley Snowman
Card stock: Neenah Classic Crest
Paper: Sleigh Ride digi paper (Echo Park)
Copics: B000, B95, B97, C10, R11, YR16, YR68
Font: Never Let Go

Be sure to head over the Sweet n Sassy Stamps Forum here to get in on this challenge and all the others.  I'll see you later for the other challenge I have to share with you!

The TV was off...

Hi everyone,

OK so most of you know me and that I don't watch TV.  Well, I have to admit that since moving to FL and having free cable, I sit and watch TV with my kids more than I have in a very long time.  Truth is, I work a job that I talk to people all day long and most of them are complaining or arguing or yelling.  It's really mentally exhausting which spills over to physical exhaustion.  This type of daily activity makes it super easy to just come home, plop down in my favorite chair and just veg in front of the TV.

So, Hollyanne is sucked into a book so to respect her, the boys stayed in their room and we kept the TV off last night.  Look what happened.....

Yep!  I actually went to my room to play with some new stamps that I treated myself to.  I'll feel bad about them when I get my bill, but for now, it was fun.  I just had to have the new stamp kit from Sweet n Sassy.  It arrived a week ago and tonight was a perfect night to break it in.  Let me tell you, I am totally in love with baker's twine.  I'm going to buy all the colors SNSS carries, so that means I need to sell some unused stamps and things.

I did also play along with a couple of challenges.  There She Goes has a color challenge:  Soft Yellow, Chocolate Brown and Baby Blue.  I also used the sketch from Simply Stamping Challenge.  I love clean and simple cards.  I think even with little embellishment it still fits the definition of CAS.

Supplies:
Card stock:  Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Barely Banana, Chocolate Chip
Paper:  Nana's Kitchen (DCWV)
Stamps/Ink:  Your Friendship (SNSS), Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Copics:  YG06, YG17
Tools:  Apron Lace border punch (Fiskars), Cuttlebug, Frills embossing folder
Embellishments:  Honeydew baker's twine (SNSS), yellow button (SNSS)

Thank you for visiting me today.  I do love your visits.

Berry Sweet Cocoa

Good Morning everyone!  I had such a great time yesterday stamping.  I didn't get a lot done - I have no idea how some people can sit down and crank out 20 cards - I did 4 and feel like that's a GINORMOUS accomplishment.

So here's a card I made to play along with The Sweet Stop and Crazy 4 Cocoa weekly challenges.  The Sweet Stop provided a great sketch for a round card and Crazy 4 Cocoa challenge is to add buttons or brads.  I'm also entering this into Crafts 4 Eternity which is to embellishment with the letter R - I have ribbon on my card.

I've used Berry Sweet Cocoa (SNSS) for my focal image and paired it with some great digi paper from Doodle Pantry.  I pulled out my Cricut and SCAL to cut the card - it's an SVG by Kristina Werner available from Two Peas in a Bucket.

The buttons are white, but this picture makes them look silver.  I found some ribbon that I won last year that is just the perfect compliment to this card.  Look at those sweet strawberries!

Supplies:
Card stock:  National Paper Smooth White, Real Red (SU!), Embossed Swirl White (Michaels)
Paper:  Juicy Strawberries digi paper (Doodle Pantry)
Copics:  R00, R11, R27, R29, W-0, W-02, W-03, YG09, YG67
Tools:  Apron Lace border punch (Fiskars), Cricut, SCAL
Embellishments:  strawberry ribbon, buttons, red embroidery floss

Thank you visiting me today - I am so glad you decided to drop by!

Just Because You're You

Good Morning!  This post is a hard one for me to do - I can't believe that 6 months has just flown by and this is my entry for Sweet n Sassy Stamps.  I have really enjoyed my time being a Diva and I thank Korin (over and over) for having given me the opportunity to be here.

So for my last entry, my card features the sweet new image, Abby's Birdhouse and a sentiment from One of a Kind.  I hope you like it.

I did use a lovely sketch from Card Patterns for the layout and some great paper from the Latte Matstack from DCWV.  It's a sweet and simple card that, I think, delivers a message with impact.

Sweet n Sassy Customer Blog Hop

Good Morning and Happy Friday!!  I hope you had a really great week and have fun plans for this weekend.  I'm bracing myself for a slumber party.  Hollyanne turned 13 last week so she's having some girlfriends over this weekend to celebrate.

Today is the start of another really fun Customer Blog Hop at Sweet n Sassy.  This hop's theme is a birthday one to celebrate Korin's birthday.  Click here for the details.  And here's my card....

I am featuring a new release that is available beginning today.  This is Cookie's Gift.  I added a sentiment from a Papertrey Ink set and the layout is inspired by this week's sketch challenge at Sweet Sketch Wednesday.  I also treated myself (bad me!) to a few new Copics.  Love these colors I just got!!

Supplies:
Card stock:  Neenah Classic Crest, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum
Paper:  Nana's Kids Print (DCWV)
Copics:  R00, R11, RV000, RV10, RV91, RV93, RV95, W-0, W-2, W-3, YG06, YG17
Tools:  Circle cutters (CM)
Embellishments:  Flower (Prima), button (my stash), satin ribbon (Offray)

Thank you for stopping at my blog, I hope you enjoy the rest of the hop and join in the fun!

Pretty Tulips

Good Morning!  We're now on the downhill side of this week. Whoo-hoo!!  Yesterday was Hollyanne's birthday, so this weekend we'll be having a few girls here for a slumber party. 

I have another card to share with you that features one the newest digis from Sweet n Sassy Stamps.  These Tulips are so gorgeous, I was really worried that I wouldn't be able to color them well enough to do the image justice.  I think they turned out really pretty.

I did get some inspiration from Andrea's Stampin Moments Simply Saturday post (last week).  She did this great embossed grid and I like that look.  Combine it with another technique or two, this could look like a real tiled wall.

Supplies:
Card stock:  Neenah Classic Crest, Regal Rose, Black
Stamps/Ink:  Swirls (Autum Leaves), Regal Rose
Color:  Prismacolor pencils, Gamsol
Tools:  Scor-Pal, Cuttlebug, Scallop oval Nesties (Spellbinders), Oval cutter (CM)
Embellishments:  button (SEI), black/white gingham ribbon (Offray)

I hope you like my card - I am pretty pleased with it.  Have a happy Thursday and thank you so much for stopping by.

SURPRISE!! Happy Birthday Korin!

** If you're here for my Tuesday Morning Sketches post, please come back tomorrow.  Thank you.  **

Good Morning!  Welcome to the surprise Birthday Party Blog Hop for Korin!!  If you came by for a visit and you want to join in the fun blog hop, start at the Sweet n Sassy Blog and enjoy the birthday fun.  Don't forget that if you spend $33 in the SNSS store, you will get a FREE stamp set.  See my Friday's post for the picture of the adorable set.

And now for my birthday card to Korin....

Dear Korin....  I just want to thank you for having given me this opportunity to design with your fabulous stamps!  I wish you the most amazing birthday ever, may God continue to bless you with your family, friends and other loved ones and may you also have your wishes come true.  Sending you hugs!

I did use a great sketch from JUGS to inspire this card.  I did have to flip the sketch a little to make it work with my image, but I am pleased with how it turned out.  I hope you like it, too.

Supplies:
Card stock:  Neenah Classic Crest, Kraft
Paper:  Latte Matstack (DCWV)
Stamps/Ink:  Springtime Cocoa (SNSS), Wishing You (TAC), Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Copics:  B000, B23, B95, B97, E30, E53, R00, R11, V91, V93, V95, Y17. YG00, YG03
Tools:  Circle cutters (CM)

Now your next stop on the blog hop is Amber Hillman's blog.  Enjoy the hop!

Baby's Circus

Good Morning!  Happy Friday - Happy April 1st!  I have a super sweet card to share with you and a super sweet deal from Sweet n Sassy Stamps.  Today is release day at SNSS and Korin is releasing a whopping 8 sets today.  They are all so fabulous and in addition to offering the entire release in a bundle for $70 (15% off) she will also be offering a FREE stamp set when customers spend $33 (in honor of her 33rd birthday on the 5th) in clear stamps throughout the month of April.  Wanna see it?.......

Isn't this toad-ally frog-tastic?!

And now for my card, this features a couple of images from the new set Baby's Circus.

I created this card using a great sketch from Crazy 4 Challenges.   I don't usually do very well with primary colors but I think my card turned out really cute.

Supplies:
Card stock:  Neenah Classic Crest, Brilliant Blue, Yo-Yo Yellow, Real Red, Gable Green
Tools:  Cuttlebug, Candy Stripes emb folder, 1 1/4 & 1 3/8 circle punches
Embellishments: Buttons (my stash), ribbons (my stash)

OK - so head on over to shop at SNSS.  You really can't pass up that deal.

Springtime Cocoa Sneak Peek

Good Morning!  I can't believe that it's already Thursday!  Tomorrow is a brand new release at Sweet n Sassy Stamps, so I've been having some fun playing with some of the new sets.  This one is called Springtime Cocoa, which is probably familiar to you since this image has been available in digi format.  This set comes with two Cocoa images and 5 sentiments!

I created this card using a great sketch I found at Try Stampin' Tuesday. 

Supplies:
Card stock:  Neenah Classic Crest, Gable Green, Black
Paper:  Hippie Chic Matstack (DCWV)
Copics:  B05, BV00, BV02, E30, E33, R00, R11, R27, R29, Y06, Y15, Y17, YG03, YG63
Tools:  1 1/4" and 1 3/8" circle punches
Embellishments:  buttons (my stash), black grosgrain ribbon (Offray)

I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek.  Thanks so much for stopping by.

Lovin' Spring

Good Morning! How is everyone doing?  We're on the downhill side of the week, something my kids are having a love/hate relationship with.  They're getting bored with not having a ton to do and are without their routine but they're not really looking forward to going to school either.  But it's rather funny to me that here it is, only March and my children are able to swim in an outdoor pool!

Well I was finally able to play with an image that Korin released weeks ago.  This is Gardening Cookie and she's been busy re-potting some plants.

Isn't she just darling!  I also love the layout of this card, the sketch is from Sweet Sunday Sketch and it was perfect to show off some of the yummy papers, too.

Supplies:
Card stock:  Neenah Classic Crest, Chocolate Chip, Kraft
Paper:  Garden Party Matstack (DCWV)
Copics:  C8, E30, E33, E34, E29, E57, G00, G02, R11, R27, R29, RV000, RV10, W-3, Y11, YG63, YG67, YR16
Embellishments:  button (my stash), linen thread (SU!)

I do hope you enjoy my card I made to share with you today.  Also, the digi sale is still in full swing over at the Sweet n Sassy Store but you better hurry, the 30% off sale ends March 31st.

Lovely Silhouettes

Good Morning Everyone!  I hope your week is going well, now that its on the downhill side to the weekend, it has to be good.

I was asked by a friend to make a Sympathy card, these are not the easiest cards for me to make when making them for people I'm unfamiliar with.  This type card is so personal.  So I had to set out to find what would be fitting, my eyes fell on one of my favorite sets from Sweet n Sassy.  I love Serene Silhouettes and it was the perfect choice for this card.  What do you think?....

I did use a great sketch from Card Patterns for the layout.  I created the background using baby wipes, re-inkers and glossy card stock.  I like the simple layout, it's very versatile.  The embossing and flowers added feminity and softness.

Supplies:
Card stock:  Glossy White, Sahara Sand, Night of Navy, Brocade Blue (SU!)
Stamps/Ink:  Serene Silhouettes (SNSS), Mini Messages (PTI), Tuxedo Black (Memento), Bashful Blue,
   Lavendar Lace, Certainly Celery
Tools:  Circle cutter (CM), Cuttlebug, Textile Embossing folder, Word Window punch, baby wipes
Embellishments:  Flowers (Prima), Pearls (Recollections)

Have you heard about Sweet n Sassy's digi sale?  Well, you can't beat this one.... now is the time to go shopping!!

We'll see you in the virtual shopping line!  LOL  Have a wonderful day!!

Think Spring SNSS Customer Blog Hop

Good Morning!  Are you excited about this 2nd customer blog hop from Sweet n Sassy?  I am!!  Sweet n Stamps features so many wonderful images, but Korin's recent releases in digi and stamp mediums are AWESOME!!  So if you have no idea what I'm talking about or you know what I'm talking about and you want to join the fun, click here to find out all about it.

So here's my card for the hop....

I think my card is shouting Spring!  What do you think?  The soft colors, flowers and butterflies.  I am featuring one of the newest stamps sets called Polka Dot Silhouettes.  Now, for those of you who know me, you know I love love love polka dots so you know I had to have this set in my collection and it's a big set - flowers, butterflies and lots of great shapes.  The layout for the card is from Twisted Sketches.  This was so much fun - really made me think.

Supplies:
Card stock:  Neenah Classic Crest, Bashful Blue, Always Apricot, Whisper White
Stamps/Ink:  Polka Dot Silhouttes, Holding Flower Bethany (sentiment), Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Always Apricot, Barely Banana
Tools:  Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder, border punch (Martha Stewart)
Embellishments:  baubles (Michaels)

I do hope you'll join us, the fun lasts all weekend and be sure to check in on the SNSS blog for new entries posted.  Have a great day and Happy Friday!

New Releases at Sweet n Sassy Stamps

Good Morning!  With a new month comes new stamps and digis at Sweet n Sassy.  If you hurry, you have a few more days to enter in the entire release give-away.  That's a $55 value!!  Go here to enter.  And to see the entire release, just go here to the store.

And now for my card that I made to share featuring Holding Flower Bethany.

I did use a great sketch from Our Creative Corner for the layout of my card and also part of their challenge was distressing.  Not a technique I use too often, but it's so much fun.  No where else can you wad up paper, smooth it out a bit and call it art!  LOL

Supplies:
Card stock:  Neenah Milled Ivory, Kraft, Chocolate Chip
Paper:  For the Record (Echo Park)
Stamps/Ink:  Holding Flower Bethany, Benjamin Bunny, Rich Cocoa, Desert Sand (Memento)
Copics:  C10, E02, E29, E30, E57, R00, R11, R27, R29, RV29, Y15, Y17, YG03, YR16, YR68
Tools:  Circle cutters (CM), corner rounder (CM)

I hope you like my card.  I enjoyed creating it to share with you.  Also, I hope you noticed the badge - SNSS is having another Customer Blog Hop.  Be sure to click on the badge to find out how to participate.  It's going to be so much fun!

Bethany Picking Flowers

Hello Everyone!  I hope you're all doing well.  I am getting over a cold and now seasonal allergies are setting in.  Winter, as I hear it, is over here in Florida.  I guess I still have more acclimating to do.  I am hoping this sweet little card in it's very Spring-y colors will help me towards that acclimation and maybe bring some warmth to your neck of the woods.

I found this really great card on the Scor-Pal project site and just had to give it a try.  This is called a half-window card and was really easy to do.  I actually did this on the first try, which I think was dumb-luck.  Haha!

Recently, Korin introduced us to a sweet little bunny named Bethany.  Here's one of them called Bethany Picking Flowers - she's part of an absolutely adorable collection that is perfect for Spring and Easter greetings.

So as I said, this is a half window card and it was super easy to do.  All you need is a scoring tool, I have a Scor Pal and a circle cutting system, I used Coluzzle.  You score the card stock in half for a standard sized card and then score again the front panel in half.  Now I didn't score the entire front panel.  I only scored a little at the top and a little at the bottom.  Placed my Coluzzle template so that it was between the score marks and only cut the circle on the right side of the template.  Then finished the card.

Open it and reveal a message that you stamp behind the focal image.  Easy!  The sentiment is from Benjamin Bunny stamp set.  Pretty spring colors and a sweet sentiment is just what any friend would love to receive.

I hope you enjoyed my card today.  Don't forget the great sale going on in the SNSS store.  Have a super day!

Love is in the Air Blog Hop

Good Morning!  Happy Saturday!  It looks to be a gorgeous day here in my neck of the woods, the sun is shining finally after 3 days of miserable gray.  Now yesterday was the start of a weekend long customer blog for Sweet n Sassy Stamps.  Everyone who wants to play along will receive an adorable free digi and a chance to win a $25 shopping spree!!  All you have to do is create a card or project that is love themed and use any Sweet n Sassy Stamps (stamps or digis) and link up.  So easy and so much fun.  Already there are some pretty awesome cards linked up so you're going to want to hop around and check back throughout the weekend for more links.  Here's my card....

I kept my card fairly simple - the same I feel that love should be.  Simple... plain... just out there with no embellishments.  My card features Cocoa's Heart and a sentiment from the Valentine's Sentiments digi set.

Now here's a close-up of the image and you can see that I did some pretty intricate cut work - again, another definition of love - love is complicated and intricate and has all these little details to it.  Love should be obvious but with a intricacy to keep it interesting.

Challenges:
4 Crafty Chicks - Valentines Day
Crazy 4 Challenges - Hearts
Card Patterns - sketch
Our Creative Corner - fussy cutting

Now to join in the hop visit the rules page here.  To link your project, you do that here.

I hope you like my card and thank you so much for stopping by.  Be sure to head on over to the SNSS Store, too, there's a clearance sale!!!

Just be you...

Good Morning!  I hope you all had a great weekend, I did - it was very relaxing.  I know my sisters a freezing in Colorado and many of my friends are under snowy, cold conditions in their parts of the country but it was near 80 on Saturday here in Florida.

Now I am really love the new stamps from Sweet n Sassy Stamps, especially One of a Kind.  This set has such wonderful sentiments and the birds are fantastic.  This image is so much fun to color.  I did also incorporate The Sweet Stop's sketch this week, too.

Supplies:
Card stock:  Neenah Classic Crest, So Saffron, Always Artichoke
Paper:  Just Chillin' (Making Memories)
Copics:  B97, C10, E29, E57, R27, R29, Y06, Y11, Y15, YG63, YG67, YR68
Tools:  circle cutter (CM)
Embellishments:  brads (Bazzil), dark green grosgrain (Offray)

Thanks for coming by my little blog today - have a great Monday!!

God made you special....

** scroll down for my StampFairy post **

...and He loves you very much.  Are those words familiar to you?  My kids were huge Veggie Tales fans and even now that they've out grown the sweet singing/acting vegetables, they will still watch them once in awhile or sing a silly song.  Well, with the great line up of new releases this month, the sentiment (used on my card) from One of a Kind reminded me of Bob's wise words.

God did make you for a special purpose and I truly believe that in the way we treat each other, love our families and worship Him is a glimpse of the person He is molding you to be.  Our real potential will never fully be developed until we are in Heaven with Him, but I think that here on earth we certainly should be practicing.

You can practice by just saying a little prayer for a friend, or helping a child see the awe of Creation or just being kind enough to create a card for someone special.  So go ahead... practice!

I did use a wonderful sketch from ICSketches to create this card.  I do wish I could photograph purple better, but I still haven't mastered lighting yet.

Supplies:
Card stock:  Neenah Classic Crest, Elegant Eggplant
Paper:  Latte matstack (DCWV)
Copics:  B95, B97, B99, BV02, BV04, E34, E37, YG00, YG03, YR23