Sassy & Sweet Notes

High Hopes Christmas Fun Blog Hop & Release

It's time for a new High Hopes release! Today we have a Blog Hop to celebrate the release. The designers are showcasing some of the stamps that will be released today.

You will want to start at the top of the hop at the High Hopes Blog then hop along the way. There will be prizes along the hop, but you won't know where! Leave a comment at each blog to be entered into the prize giveaway.

The hop will remain open until 12:00 midnight EST, Saturday August 10th. The prize winners will be posted on Monday on the High Hopes blog.

Now, hop along to Aaemie's blog and see what wonderful inspiration she has to share with you!

High Hopes Challenge: Favorite Embellishment

The current High Hopes challenge topic is to use your Favorite Embellishment! For me, that's buttons!

For my project, I chose to use one of the new holiday images called Christmas Pals.

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamps: High Hopes
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Neenah, The Paper Loft
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: PB144, R1, R2, R3, R4, GY175, Y42, Y169, R136, YR132, Br103, BR107, BR96, Y36, YR31, BG1, BG3, BG5
Other: Tracing Wheel, October Afternoon button, hemp twine, Spellbinders deckled rectangle die

High Hopes Sneak Peek!

On Wednesday of this week, High Hopes is releasing their line of 2013 holiday images. And if you're a fan of Santa, snowmen, and penguins, you're in for a treat!

Speaking of treats, I decorated this treat packet with a fun and easy snowman tag -- one of the images in the upcoming release. The sentiment is a separate stamp, so you can leave his tummy blank, add To and From, or add a sentiment as I've done. So cute, so easy, so fun!

 

Supplies
Stamp: Snowy Tag & sentiment (High Hopes Stamps)
Ink: Memento Black
Paper: Neenah
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: PB144, BG1, BG3, BG5, BG7, CG1, CG3, CG5, GY175, Y42, Y169, R136, RP7, RP89
Other: Holly Punch (Martha Stewart), Button, string, tracing wheel, May Arts twine

High Hopes Challenge: Water Water Everywhere!

The current High Hopes challenge topic is Water Water Everywhere!

For my project, I chose to use Sea Floor Background and Puff Fish. I also chose to use wicked-bright colors... good gravy, this is bright!

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamps: Sea Floor Background and Puff Fish; Sentiment from the Swimmin' By cling set from Whipper Snapper Designs
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Neenah, Memory Box notecard
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: GY48, G48, BR104, BR107, BR109, Y36, YR33, YR23, YR24, R10, R13, GY175, PB75, P81, PB74
Other: glue dot, tracing wheel

The Challenge Chicks: Christmas in July

If you're a stamper and you like challenges, or you're new to the idea of challenges and want to give participating 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 July 2013 is being shared today!

This month's challenge is Christmas in July!

For my project I chose a cute High Hopes image, and added an old sentiment from A*Muse.

Now, get yourself a good dose of inspiration 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 CHXJULY13 . 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
Stamp: High Hopes (image), A*Muse (sentiment)
Ink: Memento Black, Brown Distress Ink
Paper: Neenah, JilliBean Soup, Bo Bunny
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: BR107, BR104, BR103, BR97, BR92, R2, R3, YR31, CG.5, CG1, CG2, BG1, BG3, R136
Other: Tracing Wheel, Twine, Button, May Arts Ribbon, Glue Dots, PTI Tag Die, Labels Fancy #4 Die by Stephanie Barnard for Sizzix

High Hopes: Lots of Layers

The current High Hopes challenge topic is Lots of Layers!

Truth be told, my broken foot has put a bit of a kink in my normal routine, and things just don't get done as quickly as usual. So I pulled a card from the archives for this week's challenge. This card, which is one of my all-time favorites, uses several images: Ally Rose, Bale o' Hay, Country Stand, Daisy, Country Fresh, and Fresh Picked.

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamps: High Hopes Rubber Stamps;
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Neenah, Bo Bunny

High Hopes Challenge: Summertime!

The current High Hopes challenge topic is Summertime! How fitting since the temperatures around these parts have certainly said "summertime" recently. We had our first triple digit day yesterday. Ugh!

For my project, I chose to use this adorable American Cowthic image. Cows are "summery", aren't they!? I certainly think so!

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamps: American Cowthick by High Hopes Rubber Stamps; Sentiment from Party Animal by Whipper Snapper Designs
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Neenah, Bo Bunny
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: WG3, WG5, WG1, R3, R4, Y34, BR107, YR32, PB144, PB76, PB68, PB66
Die: Banners #2, Stephanie Barnard for Sizzix
Other: button, bakers twine, tracing wheel

High Hopes Challenge: Thank You!

The current High Hopes challenge topic is Thank You! How easy is that!? You could choose to do a teacher themed thank you card, or just a general "thanks" card for anyone will do!

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamps: Teacher's Desk by High Hopes Rubber Stamps; Sentiment from The Stamps of Life
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Powdered Sugar from The Stamps of Life
Paper: Neenah, October Afternoon
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: YR24, Y34, R3, R13, GY175, BR107, BR103, CG1, CG2, BG2
Other: Scalloped Border Die by The Stamps of Life, button, bakers twine, tracing wheel

High Hopes Challenge: One of the Boys

The current High Hopes challenge topic is One of the Boys!

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamps: Jumping Party Robot, and Gears Border by High Hopes Rubber Stamps; Sentiment from A*Muse
Ink: Memento Black, Blue Adirondak
Paper: Neenah, Bazzil
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: BG1, BG3, BG5, R4, Y34, YR24, CG.5, CG1, R4, B65, B68
Other: Spellbinders rectangle and scalloped rectangle, circle and pinked circle dies, Corner Chomper

Bumble Bear

High Hopes is sponsoring the current Designed to Color challenge, on the DTC blog. As part of the High Hopes design team, I thought I would participate in the "inspiration" portion of the challenge.

Find all the details about the challenge on the DTC blog.

TGIF!

 

Supplies
Stamp: Bumble Bear by High Hopes
Medium: ShinHan Touch Twin markers
Fur: BR103, BR92, BR93, BR96
Costume: CG3, CG5, Y36, YR31, YR32, BR104, R13, R2, R3, PB185
Flower: Y42, GY175, Y36, YR31, YR32, YR24
Other: CG.5 (shadow)
Paper: Neenah, October Afternoon
Elements: Making Memories ribbon, Tracing Wheel

High Hopes Challenge: Add a Border

The current High Hopes challenge topic is to add a border to your project! I chose to use this adorable pair of birds to create my card.

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamps: Landing Birdie, Perched Birdie, Nest, and Branch by High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Ink: Memento Black, Distress Inks in blues and browns and greens
Paper: Neenah, Bazzil
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: BR109, BR107, PB185, B66, B68, BR103, BR97, BR92, GY175, Y42, BR96
Other: Tracing Wheel

High Hopes Challege: Grow Garden Grow

I am hosting this week's High Hopes challenge, and the challenge topic is Grow Garden Grow! For my project, I chose to use the cute flower seed packet image.

I stamped the seed packet image on cardstock and colored it up using Touch Twin markers. I added the "Friendship" and "Seeds" words to the packet using stamps that coordinate with the seed packet image.

Using an Xacto knife, I cut out the center window of the stamped image. I folded the packet into an actual "packet", slipped in a store-bought package of sunflower seeds for planting. The image of the girl and sunflowers is on the actual sunflower seed packet that's showing through the cut out window of the stamped image. Once the sunflower seed packet was inside, I lightly sealed up the packet I made and set it on the front of the card. I wrapped some garden twine around to keep the packet in place. I think this will make a cute little note card for a friend. Not only a nice little "hello", but seeds to plant in her garden, too!

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamp: Seed Packet by High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Ink: Memento Black
Paper: Neenah, Core'dinations
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: CG9, BG3, Y36, YR32, BR109, BR107, BR103, BR102, GY175, Y42, PB144, PB185, PB76
Other: Tracing Wheel, May Arts twine

High Hopes Challenge: Dots & Stripes

The current High Hopes challenge topic is Dots and Stripes! I chose to use Gardening Gertie for my card.

The sentiment on the card is from one of my Whipper Snapper cling mount sets called Friendly Expressions.

Appropriate, since this new little friend decided to pose for a photo! I think this is the cutest card sample photo I've EVER taken! *grin*

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamp: "Gardening Gertie" by High Hopes Rubber Stamps, "Friendly Expressions" cling set by Whipper Snapper Designs
Ink: Memento Black
Paper: Neenah, The Paper Loft, Bo Bunny, Paper Accents
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: YR132, YR133, YR25, YR32, YR21, BR97, BR107, BR102, BR92, Y36, WG5, GY175, Y42, WG3, PB144, PB185, B182, R136, B68, R3, R2, B64, B66, Y34, Y36, YR33, CG1, CG3, CG5
Other: Prima flowers, SEI brad, Tracing Wheel, Spellbinders label die, MFT label die, May Arts ribbon

High Hopes Challenge: Celebrate!

The current High Hopes challenge topic is Celebrate! I chose to celebrate Spring!

I used the adorable Jeepers Peepers chick to decorate a clear paint can that I filled with yellow "grass", a few pencils, and some treats.

I hope you'll join us for this week's challenge!

Find all the details on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamp: Jeepers Peepers by High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Ink: Memento Black
Paper: Neenah, Paper Accents, Bo Bunny
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: Y36, YR32, YR31, BR103, BR107, R2, R3
Other: Clear Paint Can, Ribbon, Paper Doily, Sizzix Flower Layers & Leaf die, Spellbinders circle and pinked circle dies

High Hopes Challenge: Two by Two

The current High Hopes challenge topic is Two by Two! I chose to use Skyla & Stretch and a pastel palette. I think this would be a pretty cute "twins" baby card!

I hope you'll join us for this week's challenge!

Find all the details on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamp: Skyla & Stretch High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Ink: Memento Black
Paper: Neenah, My Mind's Eye, Paper Accents
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: Y36, BR134, BR107, BR103, GY175, PB75, Y42, R139
Other: Baker's Twine, Button, Tracing Wheel, Spellbinders rectangle and scalloped rectangle dies

High Hopes Challenge: Flowers

The current High Hopes challenge topic is all about FLOWERS! You could add flowers to your card, use floral print papers, use a flowery image, etc. Just make sure that there are flowers somewhere on your project. Easy, right?

I hope you'll join us for this week's challenge!

Find all the details on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamp: Soo-eet Petunia An Audrey High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Ink: Memento Black, Antique Linen Distress Ink
Paper: Neenah, October Afternoon, Paper Accents
ShinHan Touch Twin markers
Other: ShinHan Touch Twin markers, String, Button, Tracing Wheel, Spellbinder Lacey Scalloped die

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

High Hopes Challenge: Sketch

The current High Hopes challenge topic is a sketch challenge. I chose to use the Red Hat Ladies. They remind me of a couple of ladies here in town, so I couldn't help but color them up like the two local ladies! Adorable!

I hope you'll join us for this week's challenge!

Find all the details on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies:
Stamp: High Hopes Red Hat Ladies
Ink: Memento Black, Ranger Antique Linen Distress Ink
Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, Crate Paper
ShinHan Touch Twin markers
Other: Bakers Twine, Spellbinders circle and scalloped circle die, tracing wheel

High Hopes Blog Hop: Senior Moments & Two by Two

Happy Hump Day! We're one day closer to the weekend, and you know how I LOVE the weekend! Today I'm participating in a High Hopes blog hop to celebrate the release of two new stamp lines, "Two by Two" and "Senior Moments".

This is Gardening Gertie, and she might just be my favorite senior of the Senior Moments line. Clearly she has a bit of style. And, I think she's wearing my hat! I can only hope to be so cute when I'm a senior!

I stamped Gertie in Memento ink and colored her with ShinHan Touch Twin markers. The prints and colors in the October Afternoon Woodland Park paper were just perfect for my project! That cute little tag is by Taylored Expressions, and the sentiment is by Stampin' Up!.

Since we're celebrating today's new release with a blog hop, High Hopes is offering some blog candy along the hop. But you won't know where, so make sure you leave a comment at each stop just in case that's the home of the candy! The blog hop ends at 7pm EST on Sunday, January 13th with the blog candy winners being posted on Tuesday, January 15th on the High Hopes blog.

Now, hop along the participating designer blogs for some fun and inspiration... Have fun!

Kristine

Karen

Alie

Michelle

Aaemie

Lynne

Alex.

Anna

Lacey

Andrea

 

Supplies
Stamps: High Hopes Gardening Gertie, Stampin' Up! sentiment
Dies: Spellbinders Circle and Pinked Circle, Taylored Expressions Designer Mini Tags
Ink: Memento Black, Ranger Antique Linen Distress Ink
Paper: Neenah, October Afternoon Woodland Park, Stampin' Up!
Other: Creative Impressions Twine, Tracing Wheel, button, thread
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: YR132, YR133, YR25, YR32, YR31, YR21, BR97, BR107, BR102, BR92, Y36, WG5, GY175, Y42, WG3, PB144, PB185, B182, R136, R8, B68, R16, R10, R2, B64, B66, Y34, Y36, YR33, CG1, CG3, CG5, 120

High Hopes Challenge: Stitching (Real or Faux)

This week's High Hopes challenge is to incorporate stitching (real or faux) into your card design. Pretty easy for me, since I use faux stitching on just about every project I make! We are also showcasing images from Wednesday's new release, Senior Moments!

This is Catlover Cathy, and is she ever a character!

I stamped Cathy in black Memento ink and colored her up with ShinHan Touch Twin markers. I think her kitties are adorable creatures! She was super fun to color, and her kitties too! I loved choosing the colors for each cat, giving them each their own personality.

I hope you'll join us for this week's challenge! You will find all the details on the High Hopes blog. And, stop by again tomorrow for a blog hop to celebrate the release!

 

Supplies
Stamp: High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Ink: Memento Black, Antique Linen Distress Ink
Paper: Neenah, My Mind's Eye, Paper Accents
Other:ShinHan Touch Twin markers , Bakers Twine, Tracing Wheel

High Hopes Sneak Peek: Two by Two

Good morning, and happy Monday! I'm excited to be able to share a sneak peek with you today, of a new image being released by High Hopes Stamps on Wednesday of this week.

This is Elle & Elmer, and I couldn't resist painting them in sweet pastel colors. I think this would be a super cute image to use for a mother who is expecting (or has delivered) twins!

I stamped the image on Fabriano watercolor paper using black StazOn ink. I painted the image using Twinkling H2O's. Check back tomorrow for more!

Now, how about this fine Monday morning ...

 

Supplies
Stamp: High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Ink: StazOn Black
Paper: Fabriano Watercolor Paper, Neenah, Unknown DP
Other: Twinkling H2O's, Bakers Twine, Ribbon, Button, Tracing Wheel

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

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

High Hopes Challenge: Snowflakes & Buttons

The current High Hopes challenge topic is Snowflakes and Buttons.

I used one of the newly released High Hopes images and a sentiment from the same release. The sentiment "Think Snow" is stamped very lightly in the background behind the penguin. As I get ready for the 2012 Christmas holiday, yup, I'm thinkin' about snow!

Find all the details on the High Hopes blog.

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

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!

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!

High Hopes Challenge: Anything that Hops

The current High Hopes challenge topic is "Anything that Hops". Well, I misread the challenge and read it as "Anything Goes Hop", thinking that any stamp image would work, for a blog hop. DOH!

I used one of my FAVORITE High Hopes images, called North Woods Stack. But I guess it sort of works, if you consider the bear hopped, the beaver hopped, and the goose hopped, but the moose just had to stand still. *grin*

Find all the details on the High Hopes blog.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

High Hopes Challenge: Bookmark or Name Tag

This week's High Hopes challenge is to make a bookmark or name tag. I chose to make a desk name tag, for one of the little gals in our town. She'll be starting school soon, and I thought she might like a cute name plate for her desk. Find all the details for this challenge on the High Hopes blog.

The backside of the name tag is scored about half an inch from the top. The two pieces are adhered together at the top, giving the entire project a bit of stability.

I chose to use this sweet kitty image called Sitting Kitty with Posey. Adorable, isn't she!?

High Hopes Challenge: Monochromatic

The current High Hopes challenge topic is "Greyscale or Sepia". Find all the details on the High Hopes blog. I chose to use this cute snowman image called Cowboy Snowman. What's not to love about this little fatty! *grin*

Happy FRIDAY!!

High Hopes Challenge: Glitter and Shine!

Today is the final day to enter the current High Hopes challenge, "Glitter and Shine". Find all the details on the High Hopes blog.

I chose to use this cute image called Shower of Love Teddy. The image was originally released as a Valentine image, but I think it works well as an encouragement/support/everyday-love themed card as well, which is what I used it for. There's ultra fine glitter on the cloud and flower centers, and Spica pen glitter on the umbrella, hearts, and as highlights on the bear. Sparkly, oooh la la!

High Hopes Challenge: Ribbon or Lace

There's a challenge being hosted on the High Hopes blog this week, and the challenge topic is to use Ribbon or Lace. Check out all the details on the High Hopes blog; play along!

High Hopes Challenge: Summer Fun!

This week's High Hopes challenge theme is "Summer Fun" You will find all the details on the High Hopes blog. The challenge runs through Monday; join the fun! You might even earn yourself a guest designer spot on the High Hopes team!

For my sample card I chose to use Country Stand, Basket of Apples, Basket of Corn, Strawberries, Country Fresh, and Thoughtful Kimberly. If you're the gardening kind, here's hoping you have lots of summer abundance!

Happy Weekend!

Hope you have a fun-filled weekend!

Image: Lizabeth Biking Angel

High Hopes Challenge: SKETCH!

I'm this hostess this week on the High Hopes Stamps blog, and this week's challenge is a sketch! You will find all the details on the High Hopes blog. The challenge runs through Monday; join the fun!

Hope you're having a great day!

June 2012 Guest Designer: Color Throwdown #195

My cheery news..... I am honored, and excited, to have been invited as the June 2012 Guest Designer for the Color Throwdown Challenge blog! Each week, a new color challenge is posted on the Color Throwdown blog. Stampers are encouraged to participate, and the designers who contribute weekly provide wonderful samples to inspire. I couldn't be more excited to join this group for the month of June!

This week's color challenge is a palette of soft pastel colors. Very feminine ... very spring ... very soft ... very cheery! Just what I needed!

I chose to use the "Buzzin' by Bear" image from High Hopes for my project. He's so FAT, I just want to pinch his cheeks! Both sets! *grin*

The image is stamped in Memento ink and colored with a combination of Copic and Touch Twin markers. I also used Prismacolor pencils to enhance some of the shadows. I added a layer of two-way glue and ultra fine glitter to the bear's wings and flower, for a little sparkle and shine.

Bzzzzz!!

Pop over to the Color Throwdown blog and participate in this week's color challenge. I'd be delighted, if you did!

Animals! A High Hopes Challenge

This week's High Hopes challenge theme is "Animals!" You will find all the details on the High Hopes blog. The challenge runs through Monday; join the fun and see if you win a chance to be a guest designer!

I put together a little wrapped envie, perfect for a quick gift of cash to a lucky fella! This is the backside, showing how the chocolate cardstock wraps around the plaid envelope.

Ooo ooo oooo!

All stamps by High Hopes.

Anything Goes: A High Hopes Challenge

There's a new challenge posted on the High Hopes blog, and today's challenge theme is "Anything Goes!" Get all the details on the High Hopes blog. The challenge runs until next Monday, so I encourage you to play along!

For my card, I chose to use this cute image called Posey's for Ewe. The image is colored with a combination of Touch Twin and Copic markers.

Hope you enjoy the day!!

Easter! A High Hopes Challenge

I haven't had much time for crafting lately, but did have time to play today's High Hopes challenge. Today's challenge theme is EASTER! Get all the details on the High Hopes blog. The challenge runs until next Monday night, so I encourage you to play along!

For my card, I chose to use this cute image called Easter Bunny Stack. The image is colored with a combination of Touch Twin and Copic markers.

Hope you enjoy the day!!

Bingo! A High Hopes Challenge

There's a challenge on the High Hopes blog, and it's a "bingo" challenge. I chose the bingo card's top line: Flowers, Ribbon/Lace/Twine, Buttons. Get all the details on the High Hopes blog. The challenge runs until next Monday night, so I encourage you to play along! For my card, I chose to use this cute tea pot image called Laurie's Teapot. The image is colored with a combination of Touch Twin and Copic markers.

Jeepers... is it Friday, yet?! I'm looking forward to the weekend!!

High Hopes Spring Release

High Hopes is celebrating March with a small spring release. Get all the details on the High Hopes blog. I hear there are some prizes being given out as well! I do love prizes, don't you!?! My card features Laurie's Garden Angel. She's pretty cute, I say!

Pop on over to the High Hopes blog for all the details.

We're expecting a big storm to roll through over the next few days ... we can use the rain, for sure! And lucky for Alan, the clouds are blocking the full moon. I get a little crazy during a full moon, so maybe I'll be a little LESS crazy this month! Haa!

A High Hopes Sneak...

High Hopes Stamps has a small spring release tomorrow. How about a sneak peek!?

Find all the details on the High Hopes blog.

...Green... a High Hopes Challenge

This week the High Hopes blog challenge is all about green... I chose to use several older High Hopes images to create a springtime scene. What's not to love about a top-hat wearing piggy!?

I used a combination of Shinhan Twin Touch markers and Copic markers to color the images. He just makes me chuckle ... he's just so ... naked!

I was asked recently how I photograph my cards for sharing on my blog. I thought it would be easy enough to snap a photo of my desk while I took photos of today's project. I place two sheets of patterned paper on my desk to create a simple staging area. I place the card or project at a slight angle to the camera and use two inexpensive desk lamps to light up my workspace. I use Reveal bulbs in the lamps. It works for me!

Join the fun here!

High Hopes Stamps used: Forest Background, Miss Peggy, St. Patrick's Day Hat

Valentines, Love is in the Air...

Thought I'd do a quick post to share a few High Hopes Stamps Valentine themed cards ... some new, some from the archives. *smooches*

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Sunshine!

 

The High Hopes team is having a little blog hop today to celebrate the release of a small new Alien stamp set as well as some pretty new floral images. You'll find the complete release here.

For my project, I chose to use two of the new florals to create this pocket card. This is a fun way to send a greeting that promises to bloom and grow!

Join the team on the hop by starting at the High Hopes blog where you will find a complete list of participating bloggers.

Your next stop from here is the always fabulous ANDREA!

Enjoy!

PS: I understand there is going to be a give-away, chosen randomly from commenters on one of the blogs on the hop, so be sure to mention you stopped by. You never know ... perhaps my blog will be the blog chosen to offer the prize to a reader!

Santa Ornament

There's a challenge being hosted on the High Hopes Stamps blog, and the theme is Ribbons, Lace or Twine. You've still got a couple days to enter the challenge (one winner gets free stamps!), so go on, play! The challenge ends Monday, October 31.

You'll find all the details on the High Hopes blog.

For my project, I used Santa Moon, along with a Sizzix die cut chipboard ornament, some old sheet music, ribbon, twine, a button and a bell. O, and glitter! A jolly ol' fella, I say!

Now, scoot! *grin*