Sassy & Sweet Notes

Can you say CUTE?!

Here's another photo of the kitty I posted yesterday -- this one's for you, Michele! *grin*

Kitty ... x 4

Last week we were surprised to find some new babies on the farm... four of them, to be exact. All of them are gray. All of them are striped. I caught this one playing yesterday evening. What a cutie!

This one was a bit more shy, and hid under our shed. ....this one is probably a girl!

An Alphabet Challenge

Vicki invited the Crafty Secrets designers to a challenge using the Artsy Alphabet stamp set from Crafty Secrets. Oooooh, what fun! I don't find myself reaching for alpha stamps that often, but when I do Artsy Alpha is always at the top o' the stack. I love the scrolls and fancy details on each letter.

I aged some natural cardstock with distress inks and stamped a snowflake and flourish from the Vintage Christmas set randomly. I stamped JOY in Chocolate Chip ink and added a bit of glitter for sparkle. I wrapped the card with some dark brown wispy Italian fiber, and added a sparkly snowflake button for embellishment.

Here are the links to the other designer's blogs -- check out their projects using the alpha set! Thanks for the fun challenge, Vicki!

Lisa - http://shabbychickjunk.blogspot.com
Vivian - http://www.vivlyndesigns.typepad.com
Pam - http://pamhooten.blogspot.com
Marisa - http://marisa-isa.blogspot.com
Heidi - http://embellished-dreams.blogspot.com
Vicki - http://vickichrisman.blogspot.com
Crafty Secrets Heartwarming Vintage Blog - http://heartwarmingvintage.blogspot.com

Zippidydoodah! ...Now!

This afternoon I went out and took a few photos here at the farm. This is Zippidydoodah, our little (and I mean LITTLE) Mille Fleur rooster. He crows all of the time.

ALL OF THE TIME.

Whomever it was that said roosters only crow in the morning was full of hooey. They crow in the morning. They crow in the middle of the day. And this little fella crows if we go outside in the middle of the night. He's chatty, that's for sure.

Here is a photo of him I posted on June 3rd of this year, when he was a chick. He has changed quite a bit, wouldn't you say?

EAT CAKE

Crissy Armstrong, the illustrator over at High Hopes Rubber Stamps, has been busy busy BUSY! Today is a new image release day, and I must say it's one of my favorite releases yet! There's also a fun new blog for you to enjoy which is all about High Hopes Rubber Stamps. There's a challenge posted with big incentive, so check it out!

To celebrate today's release, I made this "eat cake" card featuring one of Crissy's new dragon images. I love this little chubster, Albert.

Paula Williamson caught my eye recently with this card and with this card -- her colored pencil technique is wayyyyy cool! Thanks for the inspiration, Paula!

The EAT CAKE sentiment on this card is from my unmounted birthday sentiment set called 29 Again, from Whipper Snapper.

Farmer and Adell

I recently asked my friend Karrie if she would like to join me in a little card challenge -- she accepted! We decided to use my Farmer and Adell image from Whipper Snapper for our challenge. I think I was channeling Mish when I made this card. These papers by My Mind's Eye, and this layout both remind me of her style.

I must admit, the image on my card isn't stamped. *grin* It's a print of a digitally colored version of the image that I finished yesterday. Is this cheating!? Hahaa!! I hope not! I still did all the work - from drawing the image to digitally coloring it, to assembling the card (said the little red hen)!

The happy birthday sentiment on the banner is from my unmounted set from Whipper Snapper called 29 Again. I love having this set handy -- I can always find an expression I want to use.

I am happy to say that I do believe my skills creating and coloring digital images is improving! And as Alan can attest to, I'm having a GREAT time learning! Sometimes I feel like a young child.... "Alan, look what I did! Lookie lookie!!" The poor guy is probably bored to tears having to look at my projects.

Thanks, Karrie, for joining me in this challenge! I'm tickled with my card, and can't WAIT to see yours!!

Illustration Friday: Packed

This week's Illustration Friday topic is "Packed". With recent raccoon issues here on the farm, this little beauty is packed and headed out! I hear Italy's nice this time of year...

Songbird

Here is a super quick card! My Songbird stamp is colored with markers and glitter was added for sparkle. A couple of layers using good quality cardstock, some faux stitches, and it's ready for the mail. Not having any bulky embellishments keeps this one from needing any additional postage too! Gotta love that!

For those of you who've asked how I make the faux stitches... there are a couple of ways you can do it. Cutter Bee makes a little hand-held tool called a Piercing Bug Rotary Tool that has a wheel with little pokey things on it. They also make one that has two pokey wheels, so you can make two lines at once. Or you can use a piercing template and make impressions using a tack or piercing tool. There are several brands, shapes and sizes of templates. But most of the time I use a little serrated tracing wheel normally used for sewing.

I've had several requests for an update on the chicken/raccoon situation. He's still out there, somewhere. Since we discovered that it was in fact a raccoon that was causing all of the problems in the barn, the chickens all go into lock-down at night.

Chicken lock-down is a bit of work. When the chickens (they free-range around the farm all day long) go to roost for the night, Alan and I go around the barn pick them off of their roosting spots and tuck them away inside safe cages and wire covered troughs that we use for bringing up baby chicks.

Raccoon are clever so we've had to rig up a chicken "sleep cell" basically, that the raccoon can't get into and get at the birds. The critical part is that we still want the chickens in the barn where they normally sleep -- but we want to keep them from the greedy little hands of the raccoon. Having them in the barn still entices the raccoon into their area, where the live-traps are baited.

Since the skunk trapping last week, we weren't sure if the raccoon was coming back into the barn at night. But just to be safe we've kept doing nightly lock-down, setting the traps, and monitoring the activity with the baby monitor. Last night at about 3am there was enough noise on the baby monitor to wake both of us up. It was the raccoon and he'd come back looking for a chicken dinner. He didn't get one..... but, we didn't entice him into the trap either. Tonight we've got a good assortment of fresh treats waiting for him. Maybe tonight will be the night. I'm still hoppin' mad.

While raccoons are "cute", they can be devastating to small farms, as we've experienced. Raccoons carry disease, and can cause all kinds of trouble on a farm. From stealing eggs, to killing chicks and/or chickens or other farm animals like rabbits, to getting into feed supplies, or help themselves to all kinds of things in out buildings, garbage cans, etc. They're just not good to have around. Unfortunately too, because if all of the animals could just live in peace, mind their manners, and be good to each other, we really wouldn't have too big of a problem. But the troublemakers just aren't welcome to stick around.

So hey! Happy FRIDAY!!

Novel Greetings

Here's a real quick card I put together using my recently released Give Thanks set from Whipper Snapper. I was flipping through one of my *many* magazines and kept seeing book pages and newsprint layers being used in layouts. I thought I'd give it a try. I felt a little rebellious tearing a page out of an old book, but it wasn't in great shape to begin with so that made the crime seem a little less serious.

I stamped the tree directly on the book page and colored it with a white gel pen, followed by a bit of green marker (over top of the gel pen) to give the leaves their color. The apple is its own layer, popped up on a foam dot.

This harvest blessings pie card is even simpler! Just a few pies colored, cut out, and adhered to the card with foam adhesive. The pie and sentiment on this card are from my recently released Harvest Blessings set from Whipper Snapper.

I like the look of the old book paper. It's already browned from age, and has a nice soft texture so different from "new" designer paper.

Stamp Girl

Next week my friend Karrie is celebrating a birthday. But being the crazy gal that she is, she has been celebrating all month! In honor of her big day I sketched up this little illustration for her, of her at her stamp table surrounded with some of her favorite goodies! Karrie is a *serious* Starbucks fan, so of course I had to give her a branded pen holder. *grin*

Hope the rest of your birthday month is as grand as your birthday day, Karrie!

Stamp happy!

Dancing with Sophie...

So, did you watch Dancing with the Stars last night? We did .... we got a great kick out of the show. We haven't watched tonights show yet, but plan to shortly. I'm not putting my money on anyone as the winner just yet ...

The glitz, the glamor, the injuries! That's good television, I tell you..... *wink*

I put this card together on Sunday. The stamp is from Hanna Stamps, and is called Ballet Sophie G Moose. I understand that a portion of the proceeds of this stamp will be donated to the Kelly Laude Cancer Fund. Thanks to Hanna Stamps for supporting the cause.

I'm a HUGE fan of the Riley/Sophie stamps put out by Hanna Stamps. So much so that as I finished up the final touches on this card, I hopped online and did a little Riley shopping! *grin* I'll be sure to take the stamps up to my parents house during the holidays, so Aunt Patty, Mom and I can color ourselves some happy moose!

Can you believe tomorrow's Wednesday!? ...boy does time fly...

cha cha cha!

This weekend I made some time for stamping. I had several projects I wanted to get done, so nothing could be too complicated and time consuming since, as usual, time was limited. But that's what I love about stamping ... it can be as simple, or as complicated as you let it be.

This stamp was a must-have for me. When I was in college I worked at Camp Cleawox, a girl scout camp on the Oregon Coast, for five summers. We didn't go by our real names at camp -- instead, we had "camp" names. I was "Chiquita". (Get it? Anna Banana ... Chiquita Banana...) Whoa, what fun we had at camp as "grown up's". *grin*

This is me (on the right) in 1993, my first summer as camp staff. I was a unit counselor my first summer, and these were two of my fellow counselors, Huskie and Otter. We were getting dressed for a "crazy dinner" where everyone came to dinner kind of wacky. And that's a long banana slug on my hand ... about 4 inches long. This reminds me ... I should seek out some of the ol' camp friends! Maybe I can find some of them on Facebook!

ANYWAY, I put together this little cha cha cha monkey card using a couple of images from Stampendous, along with some hemp twine. I wasn't sure about the twine at first, but it's growing on me... I stamped the monkey in black Memento ink and colored the image with markers. There's glitter on her hat, her skirt, and her maracas!

I stamped the palm fronds on the background, and a little bit on the monkey layer, using Certainly Celery ink from Stampin' Up. I like the depth that using various shades of the same green gives. For the darker leaves, I inked the stamp and stamped it onto my paper. For the lighter leaves, I inked the stamp, stamped it once on scrap paper, and then stamped it on my background.

...we're still waiting on that raccoon to show himself...
...another night of chicken lock-down...

Meanwhile, over at Etsy...

Several months ago (maybe even longer) I registered with Etsy, an online site where artists sell their work. It's taken me a long time to get around to actually posting something for sale on Etsy, but I'm happy to say that I finally have! **YAHOO!**

I'll be using Etsy as a place to sell high quality prints of my illustrations, and original art. I've added a link over on the right side of my blog for "My Etsy Shop".

I chose to sell prints on Etsy rather than eBay, it's because Etsy is dedicated to artists, where eBay is everything under the sun....and then some. It's a great site with LOADS of talented artists! Check it out!

FYI: Etsy is not an auction site. Items are listed with a buy price, so if you want something there's no waiting for an auction to end.

Be Strong...

I made this card using one of my all-time favorite Rosie's Roadshow stamps. This is Lovie. I made this card for a very special someone... I just want to remind her to be strong.

The bee image on the background is by Stampendous, and the polka dots are from Stampin' Up's Itty Bitty Backgrounds set.

Lovie is stamped in Tuxedo Black Memento ink and colored with markers. I added glitter to the heart for lots of sparkle and shine.

Happy Monday!

Happy Birthday, Miss Daisy!

Today is Miss Daisy's 8th birthday! Woof Woof!!

Daisy is a chocolate lab. I adopted Daisy when she was four years old from a family who could no longer keep her. She'd been moved between several homes before she came to live with me. The family I adopted her from didn't feel like their home was the best place for her. They didn't trust their neighbors not to harm Daisy, so the family decided it would be best to find a safer place for her to live. It was a happy, happy day when Daisy came to live with me.

Big birthday wishes to you, my sweet Miss Daisy! You're STILL my favorite chocolate chunk!

Here's a great recipe for homemade, healthy dog treats if you're interested!

Sweet Miss Daisy *Hearts* Cookies
2 cups Whole Wheat flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
2 TBS Honey
1 Egg
1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
1/2 cup Milk (soy, rice, goat, or fat free cow)

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees. Mix flour, baking powder and onion powder together in a mixing bowl. Stir in honey, egg, oil and milk. (I just use a fork for all the mixing and it works great!) The dough will be somewhat dry, but it will stick together.

On a wheat floured surface, knead the dough 10-15 times. Pat into nicely shaped ball and roll out onto cutting surface 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes (we recommend HEARTS), or cut into 1.5" squares. Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15 minutes. Let cool on the sheet. Serve one cookie to all dogs, and store remaining cookies in an airtight container.

All the dogs on the farm give these cookies TWO PAWS UP!

PS: Daisy says THANKS for the fun birthday wishes from Bogey and his family, and sends happy birthday wishes to Bogey's granny, who shares Daisy's birthday! *grin*

and i dreamt of snow...

It was hot today...

I tried something a little different with this illustration. A black background! And 'chalk' instead of brushes! FUN FUN!! I'm having a great time with these little illustration studies.

I also made some time to stamp today. I'll have a couple of those projects to share with you tomorrow...

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

balancing act

I made this little sketch last night - I clearly still have chickens on the brain. Will it ever end? Who knows... there are worse things, I suppose.

I'm so glad it's the weekend! This week has been tiring. Thankfully, chicken lock-down was successful in keeping all of the chickens safe last night, but we didn't trap the coon yet. I'm wondering if the stink the skunk left in the barn has anything to do with that. *grin* We'll keep trying! He hasn't redeemed himself...and he never will. I'm that mad.

Illustration Friday: Clique

This week's Illustration Friday topic is "Clique". Here's my sketch.

"Hello, my name is Clair."

It would seem that the "in crowd" wears polka dots.

Great.

happy chickens.

The chicken lock-down last night was successful in that we didn't lose any chickens last night. YAY!! But we were not successful in trapping the raccoon. HOWEVER, that could be because a HUGE SKUNK beat him to the prize!

Tonight, the chickens will all go into lock-down again, and we'll give it another go with the live-traps in the barn. We're determined... it's a requirement that our farm animals are safe and free to go about having happy days and nights.

Oh, and the long-distance baby monitor works GREAT!

Be safe, chicken friends...

 
I've got chickens on the brain. For good reason...

We've had a rough few nights here on the farm. A wild raccoon has decided that he really likes chicken dinner. But he didn't wait for an invitation, and he didn't say "Mother may I, please". He is most certainly an uninvited guest.

Since he started hangin' around, we've lost a handful of our adult laying hens, a rooster, and Turkey because of him. It has been so frustrating...  And if he digs his way into the chicken yard where the young silkies, frizzles, cuckoo marans, and other small birds are, it will be completely devastating.

Last night was the first time we actually saw the raccoon in the barn -- and believe me, he was up to NO GOOD. Until last night, we were just made very aware that he (or something) was causing problems at night - we've been losing birds left and right.

I'll spare you the "details"... but, it's come down to us putting all of the chickens who normally just hang out down at the barn and "free range" during the day, into nighttime lock-down. We've got live-traps in the barn baited with "gross stuff" hoping to lure him into one so we can remove him from the farm. I do NOT want to loose another chicken to the little fish-turd. Life on the farm isn't always glorious. In fact, in situations like this, it's reason enough for tears.

This evening we set up a baby monitor in the barn so we can be in the house and listen for any suspicious activities in the barn. At least the crickets seem happy... but for now, all the live-traps remain empty.

I'm hoppin' mad.

PS: Yes, we really do have a white and black spotted one-legged hen, and yes, her name is I'Lean. *grin* You can see a photo of her HERE and HERE. Tonight, she's safe.

Lil' Ol' Me...

I've had a few late nights lately and have been able to get some new projects started, some ongoing projects moved along, and even some projects finished! It's a good feeling!

Last night I created this cheery thank you card using a couple of stamps from High Hopes Stamps. The elephant is stamped on watercolor paper in black StazOn ink, and watercolored with reinkers and a water brush. I added some glitter to her ears, trunk, and toes. Her toes match mine. Well, mine aren't green ... just sparkly! Ha!

The sentiment might just be a Whipper Snapper sneak peek of some kind. Maybe. Just maybe. *grin*

Chicken Grain...

I was cruising the galleries over at SplitCoastStampers this evening and was really admiring the cards that were being created based on today's sketch challenge design.

So, I played along!

I pulled out some country/vintage style papers from my extensive paper stash and my new Crazy for Chickens set. (It's true... I am...)

Putting this entire card together was great fun! The images are stamped in black Memento ink and colored with various markers. I added a bit of distress ink to the edges to "earthy" things up a bit.

If you're looking for inspiration, you'll find GOBS of it over at SplitCoast! Check out the daily challenge forums. Good stuff to be seen, that's for sure!

Cluck cluck!

happy cluckin' birthday

So, this card cracks me up! It pinches my funny bone that when I sent Lisa (of Whipper Snapper) the Crazy for Chickens set draft with the sentiment "happy cluckin' birthday" included, she actually wanted to KEEP it in the set -- HAHAA!! Lisa, you bring me to happy tears!! Thanks for all the joy!

The other thing that cracks me up about this card is the button. It's not just any brown button... it's an Armani button - says so right on it! *giggles* Matched with all the rustic goodness of the farm, I think it looks quite nice.

I recently bought one of the Rusty Pickle button jars. I love buttons, and feel one can NEVER have too many on hand. I was surprised to see names like Armani, Pierre Cardin, RALPH, US Polo, SeptWolves, and others, on the buttons. So, I guess now I've got "designer" cards. Hahaa!!

Reasons to be Thankful...

My favorite season is autumn, so designing a stamp set to use with rich, earthy colors was a must for the September Whipper Snapper release. When I illustrated the Give Thanks set, it was the earth tone color palette I had in mind.

For the main layer on this card, I used various distress inks to create a warmly colored page. I applied the inks with a foam applicator so the colors blended nicely. I used one of the blossoms from the set, along with the sanded background stamp by Stampin' Up, to create this sort of Prairie Girl style background.

The "weeds" (could be wheat, or lavender, or...) are watercolored with various yellow, orange, and brown inks to make them more of a focal point in the design. I used the same image on the background for a soft, repeating texture.

I'm having a ball with the new sets ... they give me just that many MORE reasons to be thankful. *grin*

Apple Note of Thanks

Here's a clean and simple (CAS) design using one of the images from my new Whipper Snapper set called Give Thanks.

For this design I chose four colors of ink -- in this case Stampin' Up's Summer Sun (w/ a hint of More Mustard added), More Mustard, Really Rust and Ruby Red. I stamped the image four times, but only used one red apple from the Ruby Red impression. Some quick stitching and foam adhesive under the main layer for dimension and this card came together rather quickly.

I'm totally loving the new (relatively) polka dot papers by BoBunny. The paper is double-sided (the other side is a more solid color wash with just a hint of color variation), is a nice heavy weight, and comes in an entire slew of colors! It's got great texture too! And who doesn't love polka dots!? *grin*

The 2009 A Muse Calendar Project

I was absolutely tickled to be asked to assist with the A Muse Calendar Project this year! I think the A Muse calendar template is perfect for not only my desk, but for gifts as well.

The A Muse Details:

Last year Linda Carnell, owner of A Muse Artstamps,designed a calendar to raise funds for Scleroderma Research, an illness her mother suffers from.  The project was so successful that she was determined to expand the variety of calendars, and find another great cause to support!

In honor of Victoria Nelson, an avid fan of A Muse who is undergoing treatment for Hodgkin’s Disease, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this year’s calendar will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

This year’s calendar features 16 months and includes Sept 2008 through December 2009.  It also includes a perpetual calendar which is great for keeping track of birthdays and anniversaries.  The calendar has been designed in several different sizes.

There are THREE donation levels per calendar.  The minimum donation is $4 per calendar, but there is also an option to donate $10 or $20 for each version.

We hope people will enjoy stamping these calendars as fun projects and gifts for friends and family, while contributing to a great organization at the same time!

I decided to do a flip calendar with this years 4x4 template. These are also great stored (and displayed) in clear CD cases as well. I chose to use some coordinating designer papers by Luxe Designs. The papers are double sided with the prints being "opposite" which made mixing up the pages a snap.

Each page features an A Muse image stamped in Pitch Black ink and colored with Copic markers. I added a cute little polka dot flourish (from The Cat's Pajamas) to each page, and the cover as well.

Because I chose to use the binder rings for my closure, I was able to add a bit more thickness to the project. This allowed me to put the perpetual calendar on the back of each daily calendar page. This will be a great place for jotting down birthdays, important engagements, etc.

In encourage you to visit the A Muse site to learn more about purchasing the 2009 calendar templates. You'll find all the necessary details, and even find more inspiring ways to create your own calendar! While you're at it, visit the A Muse blog as well for a seemingly endless supply of inspiration!

Introducing Crazy for Chickens, Harvest Blessings and Give Thanks!

Today's the day!! My favorite time of the month, when new Whipper Snapper sets release and I get to see what the Featured Designers have been up to!

This month, we're releasing three new sets! Two of the sets have a fall theme to them: Harvest Blessings and Give Thanks. The third set is called Crazy for Chickens, and is all about chickens of course!

I have been having a GREAT time stamping with these new sets, and can't wait to show you the projects I've been working on! I'll be sharing projects throughout the week -- I have lots to share this month!

For my first card I used images from Harvest Blessings. The images are stamped in black StazOn ink and painted with re-inkers and a water brush. The pumpkin is popped up on foam adhesive for some dimension.

So often scarecrows are "male". I wanted a girly scarecrow, so I chose to put her in a skirt, and added a flower to her hat. *grin*

Harvest Blessings features a she-scarecrow, a fat black bird, a pumpkin, a pie, apple harvest, and various other autumn themed images. (Click on the image to see the set larger.)

Give Thanks features a large tree, several sentiments and several accessories the tree. (Click on the image to see the set larger.)

I'm pretty sure Crazy for Chickens is my favorite set for this month! (Are you surprised!?) The set includes several hens, chicks, hay, eggs, and even some extra images for adding details to your projects. (Click on the image to see the set larger.)

I think I am crazy for chickens...

Not only are there new sets to introduce you to, but we are delighted to have FIVE new Whipper Snapper Featured Designers working with us for the months of September and October as well! Be sure to check out the work of these  Featured Designers!

The Who's Who of September/October Featured Designers:

Sherry Cheever
Blog: http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/badsherry

Denise Marzec
Blog: http://thepaperlandscaper.blogspot.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/peanutbee

Jessie Rone
Blog: http://canyousayaddictedtostamps.blogspot.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/knightrone

Paula Williamson
Blog: http://paulatracy66.typepad.com/paper_possibilities
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/paulatracy

Sharon Harnist
Blog: http://paperfections.typepad.com/paperfections
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/stampersharon

Please visit their blogs and galleries, and see their amazing creations. There's no doubt the designs they have waiting for you will be AMAZING!

Today's the day!! My favorite time of the month, when new Whipper Snapper sets release and I get to see what the Featured Designers have been up to!

This month, we're releasing three new sets! Two of the sets have a fall theme to them: Harvest Blessings and Give Thanks. The third set is called Crazy for Chickens, and is all about chickens of course!

I have been having a GREAT time stamping with these new sets, and can't wait to show you the projects I've been working on! I'll be sharing projects throughout the week -- I have lots to share this month!

For my first card I used images from Harvest Blessings. The images are stamped in black StazOn ink and painted with re-inkers and a water brush. The pumpkin is popped up on foam adhesive for some dimension.

So often scarecrows are "male". I wanted a girly scarecrow, so I chose to put her in a skirt, and added a flower to her hat. *grin*

Harvest Blessings features a she-scarecrow, a fat black bird, a pumpkin, a pie, apple harvest, and various other autumn themed images. (Click on the image to see the set larger.)

Give Thanks features a large tree, several sentiments and several accessories the tree. (Click on the image to see the set larger.)

I'm pretty sure Crazy for Chickens is my favorite set for this month! (Are you surprised!?) The set includes several hens, chicks, hay, eggs, and even some extra images for adding details to your projects. (Click on the image to see the set larger.)

I think I am crazy for chickens...

Not only are there new sets to introduce you to, but we are delighted to have FIVE new Whipper Snapper Featured Designers working with us for the months of September and October as well! Be sure to check out the work of these  Featured Designers!

The Who's Who of September/October Featured Designers:

Sherry Cheever
Blog: http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/badsherry

Denise Marzec
Blog: http://thepaperlandscaper.blogspot.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/peanutbee

Jessie Rone
Blog: http://canyousayaddictedtostamps.blogspot.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/knightrone

Paula Williamson
Blog: http://paulatracy66.typepad.com/paper_possibilities
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/paulatracy

Sharon Harnist
Blog: http://paperfections.typepad.com/paperfections
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/stampersharon

Please visit their blogs and galleries, and see their amazing creations. There's no doubt the designs they have waiting for you will be AMAZING!

Illustration Friday: Island

It's been a while (ok .... so like a year!) since I participated in Illustration Friday (IF), so I thought I'd try and get back into the habit of doing a weekly sketch to the IF theme. Friday's topic was "Island". Here's my sketch. Don't know what Illustration Friday is? Read about it here, and see other artists who participate.

Stew Pot

It must have been yesterday's windy, rainy weather that has made me want to make a big pot of soup, or even maybe chili! Or, have you ever had corn chowder? Yummm... Here's a recipe on AllRecipes.com that's similar to what I make. (I don't have my recipe handy or I'd just share it with you here.)

Thankfully, the weather we got from the hurricane wasn't too bad. It was fairly windy, but nothing blew away so it wasn't overly windy. We got about 3/4" of rain, so that wasn't too bad either! We've had worse storms, that's for sure. Today, we're back to sunny + hot. And the rest of the week promises more sunny + hot temps. Guess I'll wait a while before dragging out the ol' stew pot.

PS: Chef stamp from Inky Antics.

So Many Candles...

Now that John (Alan's Dad) has received his birthday card, I can share it here with out fear of ruining the surprise!

This is the card I made for him using the little digitally colored image I made earlier this week. This was a fun way to incorporate art on a card without a lot of stamping. (Never mind the hours it took for me to digitally color the image...) Fun fun!

The dots on the background are from the Happy Birthday Whipper Snapper set, and the sentiment is from 29 Again, also from Whipper Snapper.

Tonight Alan and I drove his parents up to Dallas to have dinner with Alan's brother Steve, and his wife Susan who were in town for a couple of nights. We all enjoyed a nice dinner at YO Ranch Steakhouse, in downtown Dallas. Thanks for the fun!

Practice, Practice, and more Practice...

I've decided that it's time for me to improve my digital art skills. There's certainly something to be said for the eye-poppin' colors made possible by creating images on a digital canvas.

While similar colors are attainable on traditional canvas as well, they don't always transfer to the digital viewing platform as bold as I would like them to.

So.... since I want to be able to create digital art, and do it WELL, that means it's time for me to study.

I am by no means an expert when it comes to digital illustration or digital painting. It's an entire art form, just as traditional watercoloring is, oil painting is, etc. And I will be the first to say that I only know the basics. And only a few basics, even! But I have the desire to learn, and that's the most important part.

Since I'm just a beginner, I probably do things a little wacky. Someone with more knowledge and skills probably does things a bit differently... but I'll share my work flow with you so you can get an idea of how I created this little scene (even if it IS wacky!). Just remember, I'm just LEARNING to do this so no giggling! *grin*

I drew up this little scene last night, and then spent a few hours this evening coloring the image. Since I drew the image in black ink on white paper, I first had to scan the image to get the sketch captured as a digital image. The page was a bit crooked on my scanner bed and if you look close you can see the faint lines of the edge of the paper showing as a shadow.

Once I had the image scanned, I opened the image in Photoshop and started editing. There are other programs you can use to do this, but I have Photoshop so that's what I use. I straightened the image and cleaned things up a bit. I removed those goofy shadows around the edge of the paper, and even swapped out one of the clouds. Copy and paste. It's a wonderful thing.

I started using wide brush strokes of bold color to fill various areas of the image. On this project, I used a Wacom tablet and pen to control color and the way it was applied. Similar to how you can control things using a mouse, the Wacom tablet and pen allow you even MORE control using pressure-sensitive technology. Way cool!

Yesterday, when I colored the cupcake kitty, I actually used my mouse and not the Wacom tablet or pen at all. So it is possible to create digital art without a Wacom tablet and pen ... but you have far more control with the pressure-sensitive Wacom pen.

I fiddled around a bit with adding shadows (see the car and tree trunk), and even tried adding a few subtle textures (see the tree leaves).

One of the things I appreciate most about this kind of art is that it's quite simple to change colors or fix "boo-boo's". Making changes and fixing mistakes isn't quite as easy when you're working with actual paint and paper. I could have experimented all day with colors and textures, and the best part is that all of my experiments were able to be "undone" with a quick click.

As I added more and more colors to the image, it really started to get fun! I wasn't satisfied any longer with just the big bold areas of color, so I started adding subtle changes of color, shadow, and light on all of the objects in the image.

I added various shades of color to objects to give them depth. I did a lot of undo's as I tinkered with colors, shading, and getting a general feel for the Wacom pen.

Finally, (because I could tinker with this image for DAYS, but need to call it quits at some point) I applied a texture filter to the image. See how it looks like it's actually painted on canvas or textured paper!? I also cropped the image a bit, and added a black border to give the entire image a frame.

While this process certainly took longer to do than my usual method of coloring, I had a GREAT time and I'll be doing a lot more of this! And I'm excited at the possibilities!!

Alan even gave his .02 to the project as well! Notice the color of the car window in the final version -- it's "tinted", as suggested by Alan. And the color of the door mat? It went from brown (which Alan said just looked like a worn out area of grass in front of the door), to a nice fresh orange color (and weave texture that you can't really see in the small web images).

I'm sure I'll continue to share my practice sketches now and then... hopefully improvements will be seen as I learn more about the art form.

Yahoo! It's almost the weekend!! Make something crafty this weekend! Just for fun!

Birthday Boy!

Today is Alan's father's birthday... Happy Birthday, John!! You don't look a day over 30!

I took one of my Whipper Snapper kitty illustrations and created this little digital painting in honor of John's birthday. Normally I do my paintings the old fashioned way, with watercolors, but I thought I'd do something a little different tonight.

It took a LOT longer to do it this way than my usual way, but it was fun! I am by no means an expert at digital painting. In fact, I only know the basics. But I kind of like the youthful quality I get with this kind of illustration. It's something different to do, if nothing else. *grin*

It's a great day to have cake.

Stork on Hill

The grassy hill stamp was still out on my desk, so I thought I'd put it to use again before putting it away. This time I paired it up with the stork from my Bundle of Joy set, which released earlier this year with Whipper Snapper. A friend of mine recently had a baby, and I've been meaning to send her a card -- I should probably send one before the kid graduates from high school...

I'm gearing up for another Whipper Snapper release. We've got three...yes, THREE... unmounted sets releasing on Monday, and there are five new Featured Designers to introduce as well! Oooooh, the fun of it all! This weekend promises to be busy, that's for sure!

FOXY...or is it?

Alan and I had to have a discussion about this card tonight.

I say it's a fox. The stamp is even called "Sly Fox".

But Alan says it's a squirrel (that I colored wrong). He says that fox don't sit like this. In fact, Alan says, on his way home this evening "right there in the middle of Water Street" was a squirrel sitting JUST like this. Apparently that justifies this little critter being a squirrel.

Regardless of how a fox sits or doesn't sit, I still say this is a fox. OK, so fox don't really have little flipper hands like this guy, and they are redder with more white, but come on... *grin*

The stamp, by the way, is from Memory Box. So is the grassy knoll. But I drew in the flower, and the sentiment is from my Blooming Expressions set from Whipper Snapper.

You be the judge.... is this a fox, or a squirrel?

Magical Big Birthday

I made some time to be crafty on Sunday and actually finished several projects! I made this card using this cute High Hopes Stamps magician, and a sentiment from my Whipper Snapper unmounted set called 29 Again.

I stamped the image in black StazOn and watercolored the image using re-inkers and a waterbrush. I added a bit of ultra fine glitter to the bunnies and the magician wand. The other High Hopes designers are always adding white dots to the cheeks of their colored images, so I thought I'd try it too and see how I like it -- pretty cute! I also added some white highlights to the boy's outfit using a white gel pen.

The circles on the side are actually two buttons, one on top of the other. I think their matte finish makes them a little difficult to see in the photo. ...and I think I got a little crazy with the sewing machine...

I wonder who I could send this to...

Happy Tuesday!

Crafty Secrets Hallowe'en!

If you've never created with any of the Crafty Secrets vintage image booklets, I think you're missing out on some serious fun. *grin* They make card making so quick! The coloring is already done for you!

I put this card together today, with a little bit of help from Alan. He was in the room with me when I was adding the glitter to the image. I showed him the Sakura Quickie glue pen, my little *stress, little* jar of glitter, and I demonstrated the application process.

Adding glue to the image with the glue pen is easy. Adding the glitter with my little paper "spoon" is a little challenging, as the paper "spoon" I made isn't the easiest thing in the world to pick up (or find on my desk). Once enough glitter is on the card, the task of pouring the excess glitter back into the jar is even more challenging than finding, and using, my paper spoon!

Understanding my struggles, Alan suggested I "rig up" a glitter applicator. He suggested I create a system that would be similar to an automated feeding device that's used to feed grain on a timer, to deer and other critters. (Image is a Boss Buck feeder.)

The glitter applicator wouldn't need a timer, but instead just a little lever that I would move to allow the glitter to drop, along with a catch-plate below for any excess that might fall. I think, for as much as I love glitter, I just need to use the automated feeding device for my glitter applicator. Never mind trying to "rig up" something similar. 250 pounds of glitter might just be plenty...  ...can you imagine!?

Anyway, the part of the card that Alan helped with was suggesting to add glitter to the ridges of the pumpkin. So I did. And I think it looks great! Looks like Alan was full of good ideas today!

Mini-Moos: A WSJ Video

This morning my friend Shala sent me a link to a fun mini-video posted by the Wall Street Journal. The video shares a cute story about Dexter cattle, and some families who raise them. Check it out!

Oh, and here's a link to the article, as shared on Green.MSN.com: http://green.msn.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx?bid=611&GT1=45002

Thanks Shala!

PS: They've got a LOTTA chickens, too!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Happy Birthday, Dad! Hope you have a wonderful day, and a fun-filled weekend!

In honor of my Dad's birthday, I thought it would be fitting to post a masculine card for today. I used an old Stampin' Up set called Fly Fishing for the main image. I stamped the image in black StazOn ink on natural paper and painted it with a water brush and reinkers. I added some Dazzling Diamonds glitter to the snow capped mountains and the water for lots and LOTS of sparkle and shine. The body of the fisherman and the net are cut out and popped up on foam for a little bit of dimension, though you can't really tell that by looking at this photo. What can I say... I was tired when I took the photo and there's no fixing it now!

The background was created with another old Stampin' Up set called Pinecones. I really love both of these sets and almost always use them together. I used a bit of hemp twine in the upper left corner to create some lacing. Texture...it's a good thing. *grin*

Dad, now that you've seen this card online, forget about it. Erase it from your memory. I'll tell you why later.

Happy Birthday!

Swiss Dot Rosie

I pulled out my Rosie's Roadshow stamps last night, but really didn't have any intention of making such a "soft" looking card. It's just how it all came together, I suppose.

I couldn't settle on a sentiment for this card yet. Several things come to mind, so when I get ready to use it I'll figure out what to use.

Plus, I FINALLY got my inky fingers on one of the Swiss Dots embossing folders! Ooooh, I love it! I've seen so many great projects made using the folder, and well, who doesn't love polka dots! I used a Memory Box note card for the base of the card and put the front half of the card into the embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot. What a great texture!

The past couple of days have been really windy and yesterday was quite cloudy. The edge of the hurricane created big swooping circular clouds around us. Today we're back to *sunny & hot*.

Friends Charm

I've received several emails and notes from readers who say they appreciate the soldered projects, but are nervous or hesitant to try the technique for themselves.

Believe me, I totally understand! I was nervous too! I had most of the supplies for at least a couple of months (maybe even longer) before I finally broke down and decided to just DO it. And thanks to Bev for the personal instruction. *grin*

You can still create super fun projects while not investing in tools for soldering. Ranger makes Memory Glass in various sizes, and they make little metal frames in various colors and sizes as well! It's really a snap to put together a great little altered treasure.

I made this 2" charm for a friend. I created my stamped piece (front is the blue flowers and the back has the butterfly) and sandwiched them between two pieces of 2" Memory Glass.

I slid the glass sandwich into the frame, added a silver charm and fun ribbon. The frames are easy to use, and I think they're as fun as can be!

Whipper Snapper Featured Designers

Meet the designers who've been selected as Whipper Snapper Featured Designers! I encourage you to visit their galleries and blogs -- you're sure to find amazing inspiration at every click!

You can see all of the projects current and past Featured Designers have uploaded to their SplitCoast galleries by viewing the Whipper Snapper Featured Designer Gallery. Have a look -- it's a great place to find all KINDS of great inspiration!

March/April 2011:
Shellie Daniel
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/ShellieD

Beth Matson
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/ematson
Blog: http://nevertoooldtocolor.blogspot.com

Dawn Burnworth
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/flowergal36
Blog: http://mystampingthyme.blogspot.com

Peggy Marsh
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/PMarsh5
Blog: http://thewiredangel.blogspot.com

Shelly Mercado
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/3_Little_Love_Bugs
Blog: http://www.shellypop.com

Jennifer Woodward
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/Thimbles
Blog: http://thimblesbobbinspaperandink.blogspot.com

September/October/November 2010:

Dawn Lusk
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/DawnL
Blog: http://dawnanewday.blogspot.com

Denise Marzec
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/peanutbee
Blog: http://thepaperlandscaper.blogspot.com

Kecia Waters
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/littleseaotter
Blog: http://stampingdeets.blogspot.com

Kelly Bee
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/kellybee
Blog: http://kelly.studiobeemusic.com

Holly McMillen
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/toy
Blog: http://toyzhaven.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com

June 2010:

Danielle Lounds
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/dlounds
Blog: http://fatcatstamper.blogspot.com

Jeanne Streiff
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/jeanne_s
Blog: http://inkypaws.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com

Kim O'Rosky
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/kauai17
Blog: http://sunshinydayswithkim.blogspot.com

Leigh O'Brien
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/leigh_obrien
Blog: http://sunflowerstudio.typepad.com

Shannan Teubner
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/steubner
Blog: http://withfeathersandsequins.blogspot.com

 

March/April 2010:

Andrea Murdock
SCS Gallery:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/ajmurdock
Blog: http://mystampingheaven.blogspot.com

Barb Hardeman
SCS Gallery:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/foster_mom
Blog: http://stampelicious.blogspot.com

Chrissy Le
SCS Gallery:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/bossboo
Blog: http://paperinkcolor.blogspot.com

Tammy Hershberger
SCS Gallery:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/stampertammy
Blog: http://stamphappy-tammy.blogspot.com

Tobi Crawford
SCS Gallery:   http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/jazzytobi
Blog: http://tobicrawford.blogspot.com

 

November/December 2009:

Amy Rohl
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/rohla
Blog: http://inkaboutme.blogspot.com

Carla Murphy
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/cardsbycarla
Blog: http://cardsbycarla.blogspot.com

Gabriela Divine
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/gabydee
Blog: http://gabiwithaneye.blogspot.com

Jennifer King
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/jkincolorado
Blog: http://lookiewhaticando.blogspot.com
 

Randee Elsing
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/Randee_E
Blog: http://www.mystampingground.blogspot.com

 

September/October 2009:

Danielle Lounds
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/dlounds
Blog: http://fatcatstamper.blogspot.com

Jeanie Witmer
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/Jeanie_Witmer
Blog: http://thespottedchick.blogspot.com

Katarina (Kathy) Menzies
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/katarinam
Blog: http://thecreataholic.blogspot.com

Kelly Bee
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/kellybee
Blog: http://kelly.studiobeemusic.com

Stephanie Kraft
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/booga3
Blog:http://handkraftedbystephanie.blogspot.com

July/August 2009: 

 Heather Pulvirenti
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/inglishrea 
Blog: http://heatherpulvirenti.blogspot.com

Kimberly O'Rosky
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/kauai17
Blog: http://sunshinydayswithkim.blogspot.com

Leigh O'Brien
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/leigh_obrien
Blog: http://sunflowerstudio.typepad.com

Lisa Kind
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/lakind
Blog: http://kindcreations.blogspot.com

Susan Liles
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/susiestampalot

Blog: http://susiestampalot.blogspot.com

May/June 2009:

Julie Campbell
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/juliemcampbell007
Blog: http://stampedinhisimage.blogspot.com

Joanne Basile
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/basilefamily
Blog: http://stampedbyhand.blogspot.com

Sandra MacLean
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/b-gin-r
Blog: http://paperfuntastics.blogspot.com

   Shellie Daniel
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/shellied

Tab Robinson
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/tabbycrafts
Blog: http://tabbycraftdesigns.blogspot.com

March/April 2009:

Bev Rousch
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/BevMom 
Blog: http://bevithia.blogspot.com 

Danielle Kennedy
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/dpkennedy 
Blog: http://wilddragonflydesigns.blogspot.com

Lori Craig 
SCS Gallery:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/stamp_momma
Blog: http://loricraig.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com

Natasha Trupp
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/tashers  
Blog: http://palmtreesandpogosticks.blogspot.com
 
Shannan Teubner
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/steubner
Blog: http://withfeathersandsequins.blogspot.com 

 

January/February 2009:

Amy Sheffer
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/PickleTree
Blog: http://pickledpaperdesigns.blogspot.com

Beth Matson
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/ematson
Blog: http://nevertoooldtocolor.blogspot.com

Jackie Pedro 
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/strappystamper
Blog: http://thescallopededge.typepad.com

Lisa Zappa
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/lzappa
Blog: http://shabbychickjunk.blogspot.com
 
Tosha Leyendekker
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/stamps4funinCA
Blog: http://stamptalkwithtosh.blogspot.com

 

November/December 2008:

Cindy Haffner
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/cindy_haffner
Blog: http://cindyhaffnerscorner.blogspot.com

Cindy Lawrence
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/one_happy_stamper
Blog: http://onehappystamper.typepad.com

Kim Teasdale
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/blondie090277
Blog: http://paperintheworks.blogspot.com

Lana Lepinski
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/LunarLana
Blog: http://lunarlana.typepad.com/livelaughlove

Tori Wild
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/wild4stamps
Blog: http://wildsprinkles.blogspot.com

September/October 2008:

Sherry Cheever
Blog: http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/badsherry

Denise Marzec
Blog: http://thepaperlandscaper.blogspot.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/peanutbee

Jessie Rone
Blog: http://canyousayaddictedtostamps.blogspot.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/knightrone

Paula Williamson
Blog: http://paulatracy66.typepad.com/paper_possibilities
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/paulatracy

Sharon Harnist
Blog: http://paperfections.typepad.com/paperfections
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/stampersharon

July/August 2008:

Carol Halvorson
Blog: http://happinessblooms.blogspot.com
Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/hb

Jami Sibley
Blog: http://jami.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com
Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/jami

Leslie Miller
Blog: http://leslierich.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com
Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/leslierich

Pam Hooten
Blog: http://pamhooten.blogspot.com
Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/iris

Trudee Sauer
Blog: http://trudee.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com
Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/trudee

May/June 2008:

Karrie Baker
Blog: http://www.stampgirl.typepad.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/karrie_baker

Kittie Caracciolo
Blog: http://kittiekraft.typepad.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/kittie747

Laurie Schmidlin
Blog: http://justgivemestamps.typepad.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/lauraly

Michelle Wooderson
Blog: http://michellewooderson.blogspot.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/michelle_wooderson

Vivian Peters
Blog: http://vivlyndesigns.typepad.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/vivlyn

March/April 2008:

Meg Shumaker
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/waxyo

Shellie Daniel
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/shellied

Michele Boyer
Blog: http://papercuts.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/shel9999

Valerie Stangle
Blog: http://valeriestangle.blogspot.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/11valerie11

Yvette Ashe
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/yvette

 

January/February 2008:

Cheryl Rowley
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/cheryl_l_rowley

Diane Zechman
Blog: http://papercookies.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/cookiestamper

Jeanne Streiff
Blog: http://inkypaws.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/jeanne_s

Leigh O'Brien
Blog: http://sunflowerstudio.typepad.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/leigh_obrien

Tracy Harp
Blog: http://inky-doodles.blogspot.com
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/lodichick

   

 

High Hopes Rubber Stamps Design Team

Meet the designers who make up the High Hopes Rubber Stamp Design Team (aka the DIVAs)!

High Hopes Divas

Tina Russell: Owner
SCS: Pickled-Tink
Blog: High Hopes Rubber Stamps

Inge
SCS: **Inge**
Blog: Patterned Paper

Michelle
SCS: MilwaukeeMommy
Blog: Mommy Time

Amy
SCS: AmyW
Blog: Stampin’ Stuff

Nikki - DT Coordinator
SCS: bunny-zoe
Blog: Bunny Zoe’s Blog

Lacey
SCS: LaceyStephens
Blog: Hand Stamped by Lacey

Amy Leggate
SCS: StarGazerAmy
Blog: Scrapbooking Obsession

Jeanne
SCS: Jeanne S
Blog: Inky Paws

Ying
Blog: Creative & Stamping

Me!
SCS: SweetMissDaisy
Blog: Sassy & Sweet Notes

Happy Labor Day!

I got crafty! Last night (late!) I was feeling the itch to solder, so I colored up this little apple basket image (from an old retired Stampin' Up set) and created a little magnet. Once I was done with the magnet, I decided to put together a card so I could send it as a gift. Some of my stampin' friends have done similar soldering projects, and they're just so stinkin' CUTE I had to do it myself! Thanks for the inspiration Cindy, Mish, Ellen, Debbie, Sharon...

I found this picnic tablecloth paper in my stash and thought it was pretty cute for a simple little card featuring the apple basket. I added some flourishes and a sentiment, did some faux stitching and inked the edges of the paper.

On the backside of the soldered piece is a round magnet glued to the glass with E6000. I used another magnet piece on the card to hold the magnet in place.

I'm so glad we're having a holiday weekend! Growing up, labor day weekend usually involved a family BBQ and either a couple of days spent at the lake, or we had family visit the house. My Dad's birthday is September 5th, so we usually celebrated his birthday as well. As an adult, I appreciate the three-day weekend. I don't even mind not having plans. Staying home and making it a day of relaxation is just fine with me. Now, if only it weren't quite so HOT...

Hope you and your families are having a wonderful weekend!