Sassy & Sweet Notes

Gone Fishin'

There's a new sketch challenge posted on The Paper Loft blog, and I thought I'd play along! I used papers from the Huckleberry Pond 6x6 paper pad, and a fun fishing hat stamp from Stamps by Judith. The image is stamped in black Memento ink, and colored with Touch Twin markers. Quick and easy!

 

Supplies
Stamp: Stamps by Judith
Paper: The Paper Loft Huckleberry Pond 6x6
Dies: Birthday Banner die Stephanie Barnard for Sizzix
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: GY175, Y42, R3, R2, YR24, Y36, B66
Other: Button, twine, tracing wheel

Coffee!

Coffee and tea are popular subjects these days (and not just in papercrafting), so I was excited to see The Stamps of Life release dies that coordinate with their coffee themed stamp set. I put together a few projects using the new dies, and thought I'd share them with you!

First, I made a treat packet using a glassine envelope. I put chocolate covered espresso beans inside, folded down the opening of the envelope, and added a paper band around the bag to keep it closed. I used the coffee cup die to create a small gift card that I added to the front of the treat packet. The backside of the coffee cup shaped gift card is just slipped underneath the paper band that wraps around the bag of treats. The paper band holds the coffee cup card in place, and the card helps decorate the front of the treat bag. Yummy!! Yes, please!

I also made this card, using the negative shape of the coffee cup die. Using different patterned papers with the die made this card super easy to make! The coffee die set also comes with the itty bitty coffee cup die I used on the circle charm. I cut it out in chocolate brown paper and added a cute antique button to the center.

And finally, I also made this card using the label die from the same set of dies. It's a great shape, and will come in handy for all kinds of fun projects!

And speaking of coffee .... if you're a coffee drinker, what's your favorite brand and roast?

 

Supplies:
Stamps: Coffee4Two and Coffee Dies by The Stamps of Life
Paper: Neenah, Bazzil, Cosmo Cricket, October Afternoon, and The Paper Loft
Other: bakers twine, buttons, thread, tracing wheel, glassine bag

Wishing you Luck!

All of us here on the farm wish you luck and happiness on this fine St. Patrick's Day!

We won't be having any green beer today, but we certainly will enjoy some green-shelled farm fresh eggs! And I think that's pretty fun! And speaking of eggs, are you keeping up with the daily egg count?

Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers;

Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours;

Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too;

And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!

 

Supplies
Stamp: Studio G
Ink: Memento Black, Antique Linen Distress Ink
Paper: The PaperLoft, Fabriano Watercolor Paper, Stampin' Up!
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: Y42, GY175
Other: Spellbinders Wonky Rectangle and label dies, tracing wheel, gems

The Challenge Chicks: It's Not Easy Being Green!

If you're a stamper and you like challenges, or you're new to the idea of challenges and want to give one a whirl, I invite you to participate with The Challenge Chicks! We're a small group of friends and stampers hosting monthly challenges. Won't you join us?!

Our challenge for March 2013 is being shared today: It's Not Easy Being Green!

I chose to re-purpose a few items and made something that gives my selected items an entirely new purpose! For my project I used the cardboard core from a roll of packing tape, a wooden lid from a jar candle, and chipboard from a box of Alan's favorite fiber bars to create this little "masculine" themed container.

I covered the packing tape core with paper from The Paper Loft. The base of the container is made from two scalloped die cut circles (adhered together) from a fiber bar box. The lid from the jar candle fit PERFECTLY inside the packing tape core.

This will be fun to fill with little chocolate goodies, or even a small gift for a birthday or Christmas!

Now get yourself a good dose of some "green" fun and check out the rest of The Challenge Chicks projects:

Diane Zechman
Lydia Fiedler
Jeanne Streiff
Kelli Hull
Kelly Schirmer
Anna Wight (that's me!)

And, finally, you'll find this month's challenge gallery on SplitCoastStampers using keyword CHXMAR13. We invite you to play along! Upload your project to your SplitCoastStampers gallery, add the keyword above, and your project will be automatically added to the gallery. Or join us on Facebook!

We look forward to seeing your projects!

 

Supplies
Paper: The Paper Loft
Ink: Ranger Brushed Corduroy
Other: Spellbinders Scalloped Circle die, tracing wheel, reclaimed lid, tape core, box chipboard

Paper Loft: February Layout Challenge

The February layout challenge has been posted on the Paper Loft blog, and while you may think that the layout challenge is only for scrapbookers, that's not so! Cardmarkers can join the fun too! I did! *grin*

I chose to use this older stamp from my collection. It's an All Night Media image, and one that I just adore. I stamped the image in Memento ink and colored it up with ShinHan Touch Twin markers.

I used a Prismacolor pencil or two to add blades of grass.

Have you started thinking about your garden yet? I've started thinking about it, but haven't done too much else. Just thinking.

 

Supplies
Stamp: All Night Media (Garden Lady)
Ink: Black Memento, Antique Linen Distress Ink
Paper: Neenah, The Paper Loft
ShinHan Touch Twin markers
Other: Spellbinders wonky rectangle and circle die,May Arts twine, tracing wheel, button, string

High Hopes and Ribbon Carousel Blog Hop

Today the High Hopes designers are pairing up with Ribbon Carousel for a fun Blog Hop. Each of the High Hopes designers have used some ribbon from Ribbon Carousel while the Ribbon Carousel design team members have each used a stamp image from High Hopes.

For my project, I chose the recently released Feathered Friends owl image. I pulled an old A Muse sentiment out of my stash for the banner across the bottom.

I layered my sentiment banner over the pretty pink grosgrain ribbon I received from Ribbon Carousel. I also used some pink and white baker's twine to dress up the button.

Now, hop along and see what kind of inspiration the other designers have in store for you today!!

Hop Details:

 

Supplies:
Stamp: High Hopes Feathered Friends (owls); A Muse (sentiment)
Ribbon Carousel: Bakers Twine, Grosgrain Ribbon
Ink: Memento Black ink
Paper: Neenah, Stampin' Up!, The Paper Loft designer paper
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: BR95, BR97, Y36, YR31, R136, R18, R16, BR104, YR21, PB144, WG1, WG3, WG5, WG7, CG.5, CG1, 0
Other: Corner Chomper, tracing wheel

A Snowy Thank You

I made this snowy thank you card using a very simple, but oh so cute, snowman image I picked up a few years ago at Hobby Lobby. He was in a little 4 stamp set that was availble in their Christmas crafts section, and he remains one of my favorite snow fellas!

I really love using the inverted scallop circle dies by Spellbinders. I didn't think I would use them as much as I have, but I really do enjoy them! They add a fun look, and are a bit different than a lot of other stampers use on a regular basis.

Oh, and by the way, this card also qualifies for this month's Challenge Chicks challenge: SNOWMEN!

You'll find this month's Challenge Chicks challenge gallery on SplitCoastStampers using keyword CHXJAN13 . We invite you to play along! Upload your project to your SplitCoastStampers gallery, add the keyword above, and your project will be automatically added to the gallery. Or join us on Facebook!

Happy FRIDAY!!

 

Supplies:
Stamps: Hobby Lobby (snowman); A Muse (snowflake); Lawn Fawn (speech bubble); Stampin' Up! (sentiment)
Paper: The Paper Loft, Neeneh, Bazzill
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: CG1, CG3, PB74, Y36, YR32, YR23, PB144
Ink: Memento Black, Ranger Antique Linen Distress Ink
Other: Two-Way Glue, Martha Stewart Fine Crystal Glitter, Button, Creative Impressions Twine, tracing wheel

Manger Scene 2

Here is another card I made using the manger image from Inky Antics. The image is colored with pastel cool tones.

The image colored with this sweet cool pastel colors coordinated really nicely with some of the Paper Loft paper I have on hand. I like the soft colors, and subtle shading.

December 2012 Sketch Challenge: The Paper Loft

There's still time to enter the December 2012 sketch challenge being hosted by The Paper Loft. And, there's a BIG prize for one lucky winner! Find all the details on The Paper Loft blog!

The challenge runs until December 31st, so get crackin'! *grin*

 

Supplies:
Main Stamp: "Not Exactly Monday" by me, available at Whipper Snapper Designs
Sentiment Stamp: by A Muse (an oldie!)
Paper: The Paper Loft "Huckleberry Pond", Neenah, Paper Accents
Ink: Memento Black, Ranger Antique Linen
Shinhan Touch Twin markers
Other: Button, twine, small self-adhesive pearls

High Hopes Challenge: Gift Card Holder

The current High Hopes challenge topic is to make a gift card holder or small gift box/bag. I chose to make a gift card holder, as I actually have a gift card on hand! I used the Small Stackable Santa image on the medalion, and tied the holder together with bakers twine.

To create the holder, I cut a piece of cardstock 3" wide x 10.75" long. Make score lines at the 1", 5", 6", 7" marks. Fold the sheet so you create a 1" flap, and a 1" mountain fold in the center of the holder. Adhere the short center piece together, leaving enough space without adhesive so you can insert the gift card slightly. Using a punch or cutting blade, remove a portion of the center fold so the gift card can slide into place.

I hope you'll join us for this week's challenge! It's not a bad time to get started (if you haven't already) on your holiday projects!

Find all the details on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamp: High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Ink: Memento Black, Antique Linen Distress Ink
Paper: Neenah, The Paper Loft, Paper Accents
Other: ShinHan Touch Twin markers, Bakers Twine, PTI layering circle dies, Stampin' Up! Word Windo Punch, Tracing Wheel

Happy Thanksgiving!

Alan and I want to wish each of you, and your families, a very happy Thanksgiving! We hope you are able to spend time with family, and fully enjoy the day.

Gobble till ya wobble!

Foxy Winter Cheer

Happy Saturday!! I have a sweet little wintery card to share with you today. This adorable fox and cheery sentiment are from the clear Inky Antics set called Snowy's Woodland Pals. This is a small card, only 4x4, perfect for sending along some winter cheer.

Coloring this card was quick and easy. Three marker colors and a bit of glitter. Easy enough!

This weekend, I'm going to be making lists. Grocery shopping lists for Thanksgiving, along with holiday gift lists. I might even get out to the grocery store today, in hopes of beating the Turkey Day rush. I'm hoping there are some delicious yams at the store ... yams are on the menu for Thursday!

Wishing you a wonderful day!!

 

Supplies
Stamps: Inky Antics Snowy's Woodland Pals (11137MC) 
Paper: Neenah, The Paper Loft, Paper Accents
ShinHan Touch Twin Marker Colors: CG.5, BR93, BR95
Ink: Memento Black, Antique Linen Distress Ink
Other: Spellbinders dies, String, antique mother of pearl buttons, Tracing Wheel

High Hopes Challenge: Non-Traditional Christmas Colors

The current High Hopes challenge topic is to make a Christmas card using non-traditional Christmas colors (no predominant red/green in your project). This was fairly easy for me, as I use a lot of blues on my holiday cards. I used the Just Chillin' image from the recent penguin friends release. Love this little guy!

I hope you'll join us for this week's challenge! It's not a bad time to get started (if you haven't already) on your holiday cards!

Find all the details on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamp: High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Ink: Memento Black, Antique Linen Distress Ink
Paper: Neenah, The Paper Loft, Paper Accents
Other: ShinHan Touch Twin markers, String, Dress it Up snowflake charm, Tracing Wheel

Holiday Deer "Poop" Jar

What's a holiday without a little poop humor between friends!?

I filled this empty spice jar with brown Jelly Bellies, and decorated the jar with a strip of designer paper. The image (by Inky Antics) was colored quickly with Touch Twin markers, and the tag was created using Spellbinders dies. The sentiment banner is just a narrow strip of paper with the ends snipped. Easy peasy!

Oh how I love subtle holiday poop humor...  *grin*

 

Supplies
Stamp: Inky Antics (deer), A Muse (sentiment)
Ink: Memento Black, Ranger Antique Linen
Paper: Neenah, The Paper Loft, Stampin' Up!
Other: ShinHan Touch Twin markers, repurposed spice jar, twine, vintage mother of pearl button, Spellbinders dies, Tracing Wheel

High Hopes Challenge: Feathers and/or Fur

The current High Hopes challenge topic is Feathers and/or Fur. I used one of the newly released High Hopes images.

I really love how this card turned out! The image was really fun to color, and I expect to be using this image for more projects during the holiday season.

I even pulled out an old favorite .... Fun Flock! I dressed the bear up in fuzzies, and gave the penguin some fuzzies, too! All those speckles on the snowman and ground ... that's GLITTER! This card has all KINDS of sparkle and shine! Ooooh, la la!

Find all the details for this challenge on the High Hopes blog. I hope you join us!

 

Supplies
Stamp: High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Ink: Memento Black
Paper: Neenah, The Paper Loft, Stampin' Up!
Other: ShinHan Touch Twin markers, Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue,Twill, vintage mother of pearl button, thread, Dress it Up snowflake charm, 2-Way Glue Pen, Tracing Wheel

Pumpkin Girl

Saturday is the last day to enter the current Touch Twin challenge. The challenge theme is to create a Fall themed card, using monochromatic colors. This is a fun challenge to participate in, and I hope you join us! Get all the details on the Touch Twin Challenge blog.

The stamp image I used on my project is from the set called Greeting Card Kids, by Stampin' Up!.

Supplies:
Stamp: Stampin' Up!
Papers: The Paper Loft, Neenah
Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Ranger Antique Linen
Other: Button, Hemp Twine, Twill, Tracing Wheel

Touch Twin Markers Used:
WG1, WG2,WG3, WG5, WG6, WG7
CG.5, BG1, BG3
BR92, BR93, BR94, BR97, BR103, BR109
Y36, YR32, YR21, R131, GY175

High Hopes Challenge: Blue, Black, White

The current High Hopes challenge topic is a color challenge to use Blue, Black and White.

I used one of the newly released High Hopes images and a sentiment from the same release. This snow angel penguin looks to me like he needs to be spinning around in the snow and ice, so I made a spinner card! The black line across the card is a slot that allows the circular shape of the penguin's layer to slide and roll across the card. Interactive and fun for kids (of all ages!)

Find all the details on the High Hopes blog.

High Hopes Challenge: Sketch

The current High Hopes challenge topic is a sketch challenge. I enjoyed the little extra touches the sketch prompted me to add to this card: three pearls (in the upper right corner - they're small!) and not just one, but TWO buttons on the sentiment banner.

I used one of the new High Hopes penguin images and sentiments. This image of the penguin selling snowballs is one of my favorites from the recent release. The designer paper I chose to use is from the Everyday Life line, by The Paper Loft.

Find all the challenge details on the High Hopes blog. I hope you join us!

Plant Kindness, Grow Love

Saturday is the last day to enter the current Touch Twin challenge. It's a color challenge which is fun and easy to participate in! Get all the details on the Touch Twin Challenge blog.

The stamp images I used on my project are from my "Farmgirl Betty" and "Farmer John" cling sets, available at Whipper Snapper Designs. I used various images from the two sets to create a simple scene that celebrates Fall.

I thought the patterned paper from Paper Loft's Funkysaurus line looked so much like tidy, interesting garden rows -- making it perfect accent paper for my Farmgirl Betty card!

Happy FRIDAY!!

High Hopes Blog Hop: Penguin Friends

It is time for the High Hope's Blog Hop to Celebrate the Penguin Friend's release! The High Hopes designers have created some fun projects to showcase the stamps that are being released today. The release includes 12 images, 1 background design, and 10 Sentiments illustrated by Laurie Furnell. There is blog candy along the hop. You won't know where, so leave a comment at each stop to enter yourself into the prize drawing!

The blog hop will run through Midnight EST Sunday, October 7th (MY BIRTHDAY!!) with the winners of the candy posted on Monday, October 8th.

You should have arrived here from Tina's blog. If you haven't, you might want to start at the top at the High Hope's Blog so you don't miss any of the fun.

From here you will hop over to Lacey's blog!

Have FUN! And enjoy the hop!

High Hopes Sneak Peek: Penguin Friends (Day 2)

Today is the second day of sneak peeks for the new stamp release at High Hopes Stamps. Here's a project I made to share with you today... I'm sooooo lovin' the new penguins!

More to come!

High Hopes Sneak Peek: Penguin Friends

Today is the first day of sneak peeks for the new stamp release at High Hopes Stamps. Here's a project I made to share with you today... I'm lovin' the new images!

Stay tuned for more projects shared this week!

Paper Loft

I've got a fun little announcement to share with ya! I was asked to be part of the Paper Loft design team, to create projects that feature their paper lines. Whaaa-hooo! How fun! The members of the design team are being announced one by one on the Paper Loft blog.

I think it's a perfect fit for me, as their paper lines have a lot of my favorite colors in them. They use rich, earthy colors that are just perfect for the kinds of projects and cards I like to make. I'm excited!

This month their Halloween paper lines are on sale, so I did a project using a few of their Halloween papers. You can bet that the spider print totally freaks me out. Ack!

My absolute favorite line is Funkysaurus. Not necessarily for the one dinosaur print in the line, but for the fabulous colors and patterns of all the other papers in the line! Seriously ... so perfect for fall, boys, farm, garden, ... me!!

Happy Friday!!

Oh, and if you're wondering about Lucy, she's still prego. No baby YET. Come on, Lucy! Any day now! *grin*