A {Love Bug} Sketch For You To Try

Well, yesterday was my birthday (the 30th--not my 30th, but the 30th of January) and I just had a wonderful day! After I dropped off Audrie at preschool, I took myself shopping and got a new top, a sweater and some new shoes (I NEVER buy myself shoes unless I NEED them)! I then went all out and picked up a Starbuck's Mocha Frappacino (no whip cream), rather than my usual Iced Skinny Caramel Latte. Livin' the good life! Then I came home and changed into my new duds, picked up Audrie and my fun neighbors took me out to lunch at Chili's (I redeemed myself somewhat and had a salad!). Eric sent me a half dozen roses that are so beautiful and then I spent the rest of the evening with our little girls watching a movie. So fun!! Anyway, thanks to all of you who wished me a Happy (29th) Birthday (again) here on my blog, by email, private message and over on my Facebook page! Ya'll are too kind! As much as I'd love to continue talking about myself, I do have an agenda for this post--It's Jen's Sketch For You To Try time! Ever since she came up with this sketch, she has been giddy over it. Well, it was a really really fun one this time! I just couldn't decide what stamps I wanted to use, but since I was in a bit of a time crunch after my fun birthday day, I turned to my Kim Hughes sets from Cornish Heritage Farms. I used the leopard print from Sweet Thang to make the brown stamped paper and the hearts and ladybug are stamped on white, but just colored in roughly with a pink Prismacolor Pencil (no OMS). Oh and you can't see it at all in the photo, but I ran the black piece through my Cuttlebug (had to for a "love bug" card, right?) with the Argyle embossing folder. Maybe I'll try for a better photo, but it really adds some fun texture to this card! Well, it's still my birthday weekend, so I'm going to run off now. I've got big stamping plans with my mom and my twin sisters, Nancy and Sara. I'm going to be the princess for the day! But then again, that's nothing new....

Be sure and check out what the rest of the SFYTT love machine has come up with for today: Shannan, Carole, Amy R. and Amy S., be sure and check out Kelly as well!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Cut your sentiments into seperate words after you stamp them for a more whimsical look. (In this case, they were in a "block" formation and did not fit my layout, so by cutting it apart, I made it work!)

Stamps: Sweet Thang, Hugs and Kisses (Kim Hughes/Cornish Heritage Farms)
Paper: Basic Black, Pretty in Pink (SU!), Pure Poppy, White (Papertrey), Brown (Core'dinations)
Ink: Pure Poppy (Papertrey), Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: CM Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Cuttlebug, Argyle Embossing Folder, Prismacolor Pencil, CM Black Fine-tip Pen, Dimensionals, Black Brads, Pink/Brown Ribbon (Martha Stewart), Wide Red Grosgrain (SU!)

Luv-O-Dex Deal Of The Day!

Well, I just found out about a really fun project that I can't wait to get my hands on from Glue Art and Paper Studio! So I just had to share! It's called a "LUV-O-DEX"! How cute is that!
It comes as a kit and it includes: 14 limited edition LUV-O-DEX™ cards, the mini card file, over 100 plain rolodex cards to insert with your own fun ideas, ribbons, and some great embellishments. Here's the even better part--it's only $14.00! I've already ordered mine and will be showing you the finished project really soon. Here's a picture of one already done up--WAY too cute!! Anyway, I think it would make a wonderful and thoughtful Valentine's gift for a spouse, a child or anyone you LUV!!

Verve Project Parade ~ Day Five ~ I've Invented "Verve-kinz"

Well, I promised I would come out of hiding today and I am absolutely thrilled to show you my latest project for the Verve Project Parade! It's so stinkin' cute if I do say so myself! I invented a "Verve-kinz" puppy! (as opposed to Webkinz. If you have young girls you know what I'm talking about!) Anyway, ever since I received the "Hundred Hearts" set from Verve, I knew this particular quote needed to be associated somehow to a warm, cute and furry little puppy! So when I found out that Jen's Project Parade Challenge would be "A Kid at Heart", I couldn't help myself but to follow through with my concept. Earlier in the day, my girls were playing with their Webkinz and that spurred the idea of the Adoption Certificate to go along with the puppy! During the Christmas holidays, I stayed on the lookout for a furry little friend to use for this project and decided to take this sweetie home from Party City for $1! She had a Christmas bow on her, but I "redressed" her with her new tag and fresh bows to match.
Here's how the tag came together: I started with a Chocolate Chip base and found some scrap designer paper to place on top of it. I rounded the corners and punched the three small hearts along the bottom. I then placed a piece of white cardstock behind that and pierced in between the hearts. Next I stamped the quote on some more white in Versamark and heat embossed it in brown. I also stamped and embossed a few of the "open" hearts as I knew I would want them as little accents. I cut the quote piece down, rounded two of the corners and sponged it (a lot) with two colors of brown ink. I had a punched scallop heart in just the right color (Gable Green--who knew?) and I cut the swirly with my Cricut (Stretch Your Imagination Cartridge). I then just had a little fun and layered all those elements randomly. A large heart eyelet finishes off the top and the puppy finally had a new ribbon "collar" and tag!
Then came the adoption certificate: I simply printed out the wording onto white cardstock from my computer, sponged it heavily again with two browns, rounded all the corners, and added a few of the same elements I used on the tag to make it "matchy-matchy"! I am beside myself pleased with how it all turned out! I know my girls will be fighting over who gets it, so I guess I'll need to go out and "adopt" another pet to make one more!

Want to play along and be "A Kid At Heart?" Each participant that links their project to THIS POST will be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to Verve Stamps. Please be sure that your entries are linked there no later than 8PM (Mountain) on February 5th. The winner will be announced there on February 6th. Have fun and good luck!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Be on the lookout for cute and fun holiday gift items (any holiday) to "repurpose" and use for other completely different holidays. For example, this puppy was a Christmas item and I'm now making it for a Valentine's day gift. You can turn Easter items into baby gifts as well.

Stamps: Hundred Hearts (Verve Stamps)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Gable Green (SU!), Papertrey White, Christmas Stripe (k.i. Memories), Sweet Talk (K & Company)
Ink: Versamark (Tsukineko), Creamy Caramel, Close To Cocoa (SU!), Vintage Photo (Ranger), Gable Green, Pixie Pink (SU!)
Accessories: Scallop Heart Punch, Cricut, Stretch Your Imagination Cartridge, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Mini Heart Punch, Heat Tool, Chocolate Embossing Powder (Stampendous), Various Ribbons, Stuffed Animal, Computer Printer, Sponges, Corner Rounder, Large Heart Eyelet, Cropodile, Dimensionals

Coming Soon...

Well, maybe you did, maybe you didn't notice, but I've taken almost the entire week off from blogging. No real reason, it just happened. I will have something to share on Friday because it will be my turn doing the Project Parade over on the Verve Blog, so stay tuned! In the meantime, there are some super fun, kid-friendly projects over there you don't want to miss!!!

Viva La Verve!!

Well I had a chance to play yesterday afternoon while all was quiet on the western front. The girls were down at a friend's house playing, Eric and Shelbie were out running errands and I was home...all alone. (Poor pitiful me.) I decided to take a look at Amber's Viva La Verve Challenge over on the Verve Forum at Splitcoast. (Ya'll like the name I came up with for the challenges? Kind of catchy!) This one looked pretty daunting, but I was determined to "break it down". Anyway, there is always a "twist" to the sketches, like an extra requirement or omission and this time, you just have to use pink of some sort. So since pink is my favorite color, I HAD to play!! Now, I don't know why, but I seem to gravitate toward pink and black and this time was no different (roll eyes), but at least it's a guaranteed great combo, right?

Viva La Verve Challenge Deets: See THIS thread for the lowdown and prize info. See THIS thread for this week's challenge! I hope you get to play along!!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Be sure and "double-stack" dimensionals when necessary to make up for extra height. Since the black panel on this card was adhered using dimensionals, then the sentiment was adhered to the black panel with more dimensionals, I had to "double-stack" a pair of dimensionals on the end hanging over the pink card base to make it even. Does that make sense?

Stamps: Meditations (Verve Stamps)
Paper: Basic Black, Regal Rose (SU!), Papertrey White
Ink: Palette Hybrid Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Textiles Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Copic Markers, Liquid Pearls, Regal Rose Wide Grosgrain Ribbon (SU!), Slot Punch, Dimensionals, 1/2" and 3/4" Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Punch, Silver Brads, Cropadile

A {Spaced Out} Sketch For You To Try

Well have you ever done this?: Forgotten to take your kid to school? Yup, I did yesterday. Only preschool, but still, that's pretty bad. I've started watching a friend's little girl. So yesterday, all the kids were out of school for a teacher in-service day and I was keeping her and her big brother along with my 2 little ones, Audrie and Lindsie. With all the commotion of "many childrens" to watch over, I forgot to take Audrie to preschool and ended up being thirty minutes late (like she cared). I felt terrible!! I am blaming it on the fact I was overrun with kids and still on lots of cold and congestion medicine. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it! (How can I capture that in picture form for my Project 365 album?) Anyway, just a little snippet of my crazy life...good thing God takes care of me!! So it's Saturday and time for Jen's A Sketch For You To Try!! Because I was feeling so "spaced out", I thought it would be appropriate to stamp these cute little spaceships from The Cat's Pajamas and try a fun color combo! I absoulutely LOVE orange and pink together, so adding a little red for POP sent me over the moon!!
I also tried out my new Essential Glue Pad from Tsukineko that Alma had sent me. I had never used one before and I have to say I'm impressed so far. I stamped and cut the heart out and just smooshed it face down into the pad and then sprinkled the glitter on top. Worked like a charm and I like it better than some other glue pads I've tried. I hope you have time today to try this sketch. It's "out of this world"!

Be sure and check out what the other space cadets did with the sketch by moon jumping to each of their blogs: Amy S., Shannan, Amy R. and Kirsten, Jen's January Guest Designer (Carole, the rocket scientist, felt a gravitational pull towards Colorado, so her mission was not accomplished.) If you upload to SCS, be sure and use keyword SFYTT so we can see your creations in one happy galaxy!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Try an unusual color combo for Valentine's cards. I saw this combo in the card aisle at the grocery store (and am a little upset I didn't come up with it on my own).

Stamps: Puppy Love, Be Still, My Beating Heart (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Pumpkin Pie (SU!), White, Pure Poppy (Papertrey)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Swirls, Heart Blocks Embossing Folders, Cuttlebug, Scallop Scissors, Word Window Punch, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Silver Brads, Essential Glue Pad (Tsukineko), Ultrafine Red Glitter (Stampendous), Dimensionals, Copic Markers, Glue Pen (CM), Horizontal Slot Punch, Red Satin Ribbon (Target), Pink/White Polkadot Ribbon

Recipes Are Now At My Fingertips

Well, thanks to all who have sent get well wishes my way...I'm feeling better every day. Colds are the worst!! Anyway, as I said before, I've been working on some things even while I was sick. One of them being this fun little Recipe Card File.
Jen and I have been talking for a while now about doing another alterable project from Glue Art and Paper Studio (they have a lot of fun things coming down the pike!). We agreed to wait until after the holidays and scheduled it for this week.
I needed this desperately, so I made it for myself in the style that I would someday like my kitchen to reflect...French, Chocolate, Coffee somethin' or other!! I love how it turned out! It's a Standard Size Crafter's Card File that comes in just the unfinished wood and you get to complete it any way you want! For this one, I chose to use all Scarlet's Letter papers from Basic Grey, some old SU! stamp sets, some more classic sets from Verve stamps (so cool!), and a few other choice "goodies".
I simply painted only the edges that were to show with brown (why waste time and paint the whole thing?) and covered the rest with paper. I adhered it with Mod Podge and then applied another coat on top for extra durability. I may even go back and Mod Podge the divider cards. I thought I'd never use my 1/4" Square Punch from SU!, but I did here for each of the letters on the dividers. I really wanted to go to Michael's and get these cool Making Memories letter stickers, but was stuck at home with no vehicle--so I saved a little money and did it the "old fashioned way" by stamping my own. I probably would have run out of the "Vanna" letters anyway (R, S, T, L, N, E). It never fails.

Enabler Alert: Just a coincidence that Glue Art and Paper Studio is having a sale right now! Selected items are 30% off and you get a free card file with any $75 purchase!! Check out their new online store HERE!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: I was lucky enough to be chatting on the phone with my friend, Sheila as I was making this (Imagine that. Some days I talk so much, I have to ground myself from the phone the next day! Anybody wanna call me now?), so really this is her tip. I had counted up and stamped all my letters randomly that I needed for the file tabs. I was about to punch them all out when she suggested I run the stamped piece of cardstock "whole" through my Xyron "X" sticker maker first and then punch them out. GENIUS!! This saved me so much time gluing!! Thanks Sheila! I owe you a Starbucks! No maybe not, she's the one that got me sick. LOL!

Stamps: Abundant Blessings, Serenity (Verve Stamps), Parisan Plaza, French Script (SU!), Michael's $1 Alphabet Stamps
Paper: Scarlet Letter (Basic Grey)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Chestnut, Chestnut Roan Cat's Eyes (Colorbox), Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain (Ranger)
Accessories: Standard Crafter's Card File (Glue Art and Paper Studio), Standard Card Files (3x5), Corner Rounder, Hodge Podge Hardware, 1/4" Square Punch, Satin Stitched Ribbon, Bird Rub-On (American Crafts), Cinnamon Glitter Letter Stickers (Making Memories, Noteworthy line), Mod Podge, Xyron "X" Sticker Maker

By Doze Is All Stupped Up

Well, I wish I could tell ya'll the reason I haven't blogged in a few days was because I decided to stay at Pine Cove and extend my scrapbooking retreat, but I can't. I haven't been around much because I have caught a cold and am sick sick sick. 'By doze is all stupped up add I can't breade!' (I really do sound that way when I'm sick!) Anyway, although I understand the trendiness of tying a virtual nose diaper around my head to catch "the drips", I haven't ventured to go there. However, I have been working on some "crafty" stuff to share--I've got about 3 projects going at once and I haven't stamped on any of them!! More stamping for me is just around the corner though, and I hope to be back to "dormal" soon!!

A {Scrappy} Sketch For You To Try

Well, here we are, it's Saturday and time for Jen's A Sketch For You To Try! As you read this, I'm in Tyler, TX at Pine Cove Christian Camp on a scrapbooking retreat. As I am typing this on Friday morning, this post is one of the many things I still need to do in order to get ready to go! Therefore this is short, sweet and to the point--just like this card! (I decided to go for a scrappy feel, since I'm scrappin' the days (and nights) away until Sunday afternoon!) Have a great weekend!

Here's the other fab-o samples from our favorite SFYTT (keyword for SCS) friends: Carole, Shannan, Amy R. and Amy S.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Jen's blog has had a makeover by my sister, Sara! She is giving away a HUGE "blog tart" as she calls it. Be sure and check out all the details on her previous post about it HERE!! Also her new website is amazing and unlike any other...that girl just HAS to be different! But I love her anyway!

VERVE For The New Year!

Well, it's release time galore around here, have ya'll noticed?! I've been quite busy making Valentines and that started even before Christmas! I don't mind though! I love what I do!
Anyway, MFT released some fun-ness yesterday and tonight, it's VERVE's turn to reak havoc on your checkbook (see below for all of the release party details)! Hopefully you saved some of that Christmas cash for this very thing!
I hope you've been enjoying all the Sneak Peeks over on the Verve Blog and you are playing in the "Lookin' For Love" Challenges on the Verve Forum at SCS! You could win some free stamps, so both of those places are totally worth your time to check out! WHAT? You say you don't have any Verve Stamps yet? Well, let me tell you that this is the month to get some!
I seem to say every release is the best ever, but this one is over the top GREAT!! I can see using these sets year-round and they are so easy to use. You know how sometimes you get a new set of stamps and you stare at it wondering exactly what you are going to come up with to use them? These practically scream ideas at you! I LOVE that (and the fact that you can never have too many hearts to play with)! When I first started stamping, some of my first Valentine's sets came from Verve and I still use them to this day!
Verve is so classic! So here are the details for the RELEASE PARTY tonight. I won't be able to make it, since I will be at my scrapbooking retreat at Pine Cove, but ya'll be sure and miss me! It's tonight (Friday) starting at 8 PM EST in the Verve Forum on SCS HERE!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Always plan to have chicken nuggets and tater tots on release party nights so you won't have a lot to do for dinner and you'll be free to join the party! (Buy paper plates, too and you won't have dishes to clean!)


Hundred Hearts Altoid Tin
Stamps: Hundred Hearts (Verve Stamps), Polkadot BG (SU!)
Paper: Kraft, Pixie Pink (SU!), Papertrey White, Sweet Talk (K & Company)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU!), Versamark (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Altoid Tin, Scallop Square Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, White EP (Stampendous), Silver Brad, Heat Tool, Dimensionals, Cheeky Clip (Making Memories), Pink Grosgrain Ribbon (SU!), Xyron X Sticker Maker, Pink/White Gingham Ribbon, Cutter Bees Scissors, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Conversation Heart Candies

Comforting Wishes
Stamps: Comfort Plain Jane, Filigree Fantasy (Verve)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Orchid Opulence (SU!)
Paper: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky (SU!), Papertrey White, Boho Chic (Making Memories)
Accessories: Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Chipboard Flourish (K & Company), Adhesive Rhinestones, HP Hardware Brads (SU!), Chocolate Satin Ribbon, Lilac Satin Ribbon (Target), Lilac Polkadot Organdy Ribbon, Dimensionals

My Plans
Stamps: Jeremiah 29:11 (Verve), Bird (Michael's $1)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel (SU!), Versamark (Tsukineko), Reflecting Pool (SUINK and More)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Basic Black, Soft Sky, Very Vanilla (SU!), K-ology Addison (K & Company), Patterns Pack (SU!)
Accessories: Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Detail Black Embossing Powder, Prima Flower, Sponges, Brad (Joanns), Teal Satin Ribbon, Sewing Machine, Dark Brown Thread, Dimensionals

A Stack of Hearts on Fire
Stamps: Hearts on Fire (Verve)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Pretty In Pink (SU!), Papertrey White, Pink Small Dots (Making Memories)
Accessories: Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Wide White Grosgrain Ribbon, White Baubles (Stamping Bella), Dimensionals

My Favorite Things Stamps For The New Year!

Well, last night was the big release for My Favorite Things. Don't you just LOVE the new sets? And what do you think about the digital paper? Did you try it? I need to play with mine some more and follow Jody's tutorials/challenge. What's YOUR favorite from My Favorite Things? Who all went to the release party? You see, I wouldn't know because every time I tried to get on, my computer (NOT my favorite thing right now) would lose its wireless signal--AAACCCCKKK!! So annoying!
(I'm still having trouble with it, so if you've emailed me, but haven't gotten a response yet, that's why. I'll catch up soon with all that. I promise!) So I was only able to pop in here and there and only sneaked a couple of cards in for you to see before I said, 'the heck with it', and went to bed (and read some more Breaking Dawn---oooh girls!!). So here they are including the ones you might have missed!
Anyway, tomorrow (Friday) I'm going out of town on my annual scrapbooking retreat to Pine Cove in Tyler, Tx. I'll be autoposting at least once, possibly twice before I get back on Sunday. I couldn't miss a Sketch For You To Try (Jen would hurt me)! Off to make that card!
I LOVE the way this Flopsey turned out and the OWLS--I my goodness! Aren't they just the cutest!! They come all in a row to be able to put them on the little sticks or a branch, but I am debating as to whether or not to cut them apart to be able to play with them even more. What do ya'll think?
SUSIE Q-TIP: Instead of coloring an image in, try coloring around the outside of it to highlight it using a fun and unexpected color. This works especially well with Prismacolor Pencils and OMS (see how on my purple/brown owl card).






Hoppin' Heart
Stamps: Valentine Flopsey (MFT)
Paper: Barely Banana, Real Red, Very Vanilla (SU!), Be My Valentine (The Paper Studio)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Copic Markers, Various Buttons, CM Black Fine-tip Marker, CM Heart Punch, Glue Dots, Red/White Polkadot Ribbon (May Arts), Dimensionals

You're HOT
Stamps: Good Knight, Owl For All Seasons (MFT)
Paper: Chocolate Chip (SU!), Papertrey White, Green, Rust (Core'dinations), Mellow (Basic Grey)
Ink: Vintage Photo (Ranger), Palette Noir (Superior), Close To Cocoa (SU!), Galaxy Gold (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Scallop Circle and Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Chocolate Chip Marker (SU!), HP Hardware (SU!), Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon (SU!), Dimensionals, Copic Markers, Sponges, Dimensionals, Mosaic Embossing Folder, Cutter Bees Scissors

Owlways
Stamps: Owl For All Seasons (MFT)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Elegant Eggplant, Kraft (SU!), Papertrey White, Au Chocolat (SU!)
Ink: Elegant Eggplant , Always Artichoke, Certainly Celery (SU!), Vintage Photo (Ranger)
Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, CM Circle Punches, Argyle Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, HP Hardware Brads, Various Ribbon, Hemp Twine, Dimensionals, Prismacolor Pencils, OMS

XOX Flopsey XOX
Stamps: Valentine Flopsey (MFT)
Paper: Basic Black, Real Red (SU!), Papertrey White, Suprise (Scenic Route)
Ink: Palette Hybrid Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Black/White Wide Gingham Ribbon, White Bella Dots (Stamping Bella), Copic Markers, Thickers (American Crafts), Dimensionals, Ticket Corner Punch

I Heart You Owlways
Stamps: Owl For All Seasons (MFT), Tiny Heart (Rubber Soul), Alphabet Set (Michael's $1)
Paper: Papertrey White, Groovy Guava, Cameo Coral, Lovely Lilac (SU!), Sweet Talk (K & Company)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Lovely Lilac, Groovy Guava, Pretty in Pink (SU!), Vintage Photo (Ranger)
Accessories: Copic Markers, Purple Button, Glue Dot, Chipboard Flower (Heidi Swapp), Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Ribbon (American Crafts), CM Black Fine-tip Pen, Dimensionals

Regarding Project 365

Well, a couple of posts back I shared my excitement over this scrapbooking project idea:

SUSIE Q-TIP: Have you heard of Project 365? It's a cool and VERY simple scrapbooking idea from Becky Higgins (there's LOTS of info on her blog, especially from December '08). I haven't gotten to order my kit yet, as they are out right now (but working on getting more), but my pictures so far are sure interesting! Take a look and let me know if you plan to join me, and I'll make a new blog listing on my sidebar! It's not too late!
HERE'S a PDF with the TOP 10 reasons to do Project 365. HERE'S a PDF with 365 ideas for the project. I LOVE it!

Well, it seems as though there were a few issues surrounding the number of kits they made and it looks sort of "iffey" that they will be able to make more for those of us who missed out on ordering them the first time.

So why am I moping about all this? Because I REALLY want to do this project and I've already started taking my pictures for it even. If there is anyone out there who has ordered the kit, but has now decided against doing Project 365 for whatever reason, will you PLEASE email me. I would love to BUY it from you for what you paid for it plus shipping. If it is impossible for me to obtain the kit, does anyone else have any bright ideas as to how they are accomplishing it so easily without it? I'm losing sleep over it!!!

My Favorite Things Blog Hop!

Well, I hope you are enjoying our little My Favorite Things blog hop! If you are, you apparently hopped on over here from Shannan's blog, Pink Tulle with Feathers and Sequins. If not, you're missing out! Head on over to Kim's blog (The My Favorite Things Blog) to start where the startin's best! AND you never know what you'll find at the end of the hop! My Favorite Things release this month consists of 4 fantastic sets and I've had more fun playing with them! The one I'm featuring here is called Good Knight. I love how this card turned out and I couldn't wait to show it to you! I think I'm definitely past my missing mojo incedent from after Christmas (I can't stop making cards, plus it helps that Valentine's Day is one of the "funnest" holidays to create stuff for!). The two large hearts were cut from my Cricut machine, as I don't have any heart nestabilities (poor pitiful me). The red heart and the cocoa layer are sponged with their corresponding inks and then the cocoa layer also has some scoring from my Scor-Pal, creating a nice border. I stamped the castle and knight, colored and cut them out and popped them up on dimensionals, having the hearts as my focal panel "background". I then used one of several interchangeable sentiments from this super fun set to make the little banner. Anyway, it's a pretty simple card, but somehow it just came together nicely from the image I had for it in my head (I LOVE it when that happens!). It's hard to say goodbye, but I know you must move on down the road, so go see what Toni Armstrong of "Moved to the Mountains" has in store for you--I'm sure you won't be disappointed! I have several other samples to share with you, so ya'll come back now, 'ya hear!?!

My Favorite Things is having a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday, January 7th from 9-10 p.m. Eastern time. This month there are FOUR new sets being released including a Who's that Girl set that is Maid for You!

Head over to the MFT forum on www.splitcoaststampers.com to find out all the details and to find out how YOU can be the next MFT Guest Designer. We hope to see you there on Wednesday night! I'll be popping my head in for a little hello and maybe a share a few more peeks!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: As you make your projects, if you are like me, you'll find that "if you just had that certain embellishment" or a "turquoise button" rather than the one you have to settle for using. Keep a list for when this happens and write those things down. That way, the next time you go shopping for supplies, you are not just buying stuff you may never use--you know what you needed the last time and it may be needed again....but the next time, you'll have it.

Stamps: Good Knight (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Bashful Blue, Close To Cocoa (SU!), White, Pure Poppy (Papertrey)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Close To Cocoa (SU!), Pure Poppy (Papertrey)
Accessories: Cricut, George Cartridge, Copic Markers, Scor-Pal, Sponges, Blue Adhesive Rhinestones, Pure Poppy Stitched Ribbon (Papertrey), Button (Creative Cafe), Hemp Twine, Pop Up Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Silver Glitter Jelly Roll Pen, Stardust Gelly Roll Pen

The Verve Sneak Peeks Have Begun!

Well, now that the holidays are behind us and the New Year has started, are ya'll ready for some new Verve-aliciousness!?! This month Verve is releasing 6 new sets, and each one is better than the next!!! Ya'll are going to absolutely swoon over them!! So today I get to kick off the week of Sneak Peeks with the new set called Meditations. Not only does it include one of my favorite verses, but it also has some fabulous flower images that are so fun to emboss, cut out and layer, or just stamp as the main focal image. It also reminds me of a dear friend of mine who taught me this verse and its meaning several years ago...what wonderful words to live by! My flowers here are cut out and layered onto a scallop circle that I stamped the verse onto and then dampened with water to smoosh and create the bottom flower layer. (Wet it on the back, so the ink won't smear.) Once they dry, they pretty much stay in that shape--try it! I also followed the first Viva la Verve sketch challenge (VLVJan01) over on the SCS forum (I came up with the name--don't you just LOVE it!?)! You don't want to miss playing with us!! On Friday of each week, Amber will come up with a new sketch challenge, but with a "twist" and at the end of the month, there will be a drawing for the following month's Verve release for free! Hello!! So fun and easy!

Now head over to the Verve Blog to see what Amber and one of our newest Verve Divas, Jen Tapler (Welcome to both her AND Jackie Pedro!--hi girls!) came up with for this set AND find out how you can WIN it for yourself!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Have you heard of Project 365? It's a cool and VERY simple scrapbooking idea from Becky Higgins (there's LOTS of info on her blog, especially from December '08). I haven't gotten to order my kit yet, as they are out right now (but working on getting more), but my pictures so far are sure interesting! Take a look and let me know if you plan to join me, and I'll make a new blog listing on my sidebar! It's not too late!
HERE'S a PDF with the TOP 10 reasons to do Project 365. HERE'S a PDF with 365 ideas for the project. I LOVE it!

Stamps: Meditations (Verve)
Paper: Always Artichoke, Basic Black (SU!), Papertrey White, Stella Ruby (Basic Grey)
Ink: Always Artichoke, Creamy Caramel (SU!)
Accessories: Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Pink Rhinestone Brads, Sponge, Pop Up Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Wide White Organdy Ribbon

A {Sweet} Sketch For You To Try

Well, here we are, the first Saturday of the New Year. Just in case ya'll got all panicky and thought Jen's Sketch For You To Try would be "done" at the end of last year, fear no more! In fact she is kicking the New Year off right with her new guest designer, Kirsten DuBosque (ked on SCS). She and I have become friends through designing for My Favorite Things, so I decided to pull out an MFT set to use for my card today! It's called Paper Dolls and features the most precious little girl and she comes with all kinds of outfits to put on her--a very fun set to play with and I plan to use her a lot more! I realize I'm all over the place with my color palette on this one--I just couldn't get it to the right "proportions" (in my book, anyway). Anyway, I've got lots of stamping to do today, as you are in for some real treats with some upcoming releases (you will Luh-huvve them!), so I will leave this short and sweet. I'll be back soon!

Before you get started on your crafting adventure today, check out the other SFYTT girls and prepare to be amazed!: Shannan, Carole, Amy S. and Amy R.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Use a white gel pen to add highlights to your colored image.

Stamps: Paper Dolls, Essential Sentiments (My Favorite Things), Tiny Heart (Rubber Soul)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Berry Sorbet (Papertrey), Craft White (SU!)
Paper: River Rock, Blush Blossom, Close To Cocoa, Very Vanilla (SU!), Sunshine Polka Dot (My Mind's Eye), Surprise (Scenic Route)
Accessories: Scallop Square Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, CM Heart Punch, Copic Markers, Frost White EP (MFT), Heat Tool, White Gel Pen, Dimensionals, Heart Brad, Berry Sorbet Satin Polkadot Ribbon (Papertrey)

Happy New Year, TCP Style!

Well, as I said earlier today, I was hoping to have another card ready for your viewing pleasure a little later this afternoon and here it is! I thought it was only appropriate to inaugurate my TCP designer status with a TCP card in TCP colors--bright yellow, hot pink and black (sure wish I could get away with wearing those all at once)! I had this little penguin image in mind the entire time to use him with his little blowy thingy and have him celebrating the new year, 2009!! I then used the numbers to create the year and took the "woot woot" from the "Smells Like Cake" set and added it to my sentiment circle. This card "loosely" follows Tuesday's TCP Challenge #39 and the sketch Leigh came up with for that. You can't tell too awefully well even from this up close and personal picture, but I put Ranger's Glossy Accents on the dots on his hat, his beak and feet, the balloon, the numbers and randomly on some of the white polkadots on the yellow designer paper (October Afternoon--I'm seriously in love). Anyway, I'm off to get started making my Hoppin' Johns for our New Year's Day dinner! Have fun!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Dust off your Crystal Effects or Glossy Accents and use them on your cards again. They are great for all the Valentine's Day projects coming up especially!!

Stamps: You Say It's Your Birthday, Smells Like Cake (The Cat's Pajamas)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), White Craft (SU!)
Paper: Basic Black, Pixie Pink (SU!), Papertrey White, Depot Park (October Afternoon)
Accessories: Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Threading Water Scallop Punch (Fiskars), Glossy Accents (Ranger), Copic Markers, Plastic Baubles (Michael's), Corner Rounder, White Grosgrain Ribbon, Black/White Polkadot Organdy Ribbon, CM Circle Punches, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Dimensionals

I'm Feeling a Little Catty

Well, how was everyone's New Year's Eve? I hope ya'll had fun and nobody got hurt. We had a great time with our neighborhood clan last night playing Mad Gab and just gabbing in general! Then at midnight we went outside and made a little noise, screaming 'Happy New Year', blowing whistles, popping poppers and clanging on pots and pans. It's a tradition and I wouldn't have missed it for the world! Sunrise Drive has the best neighbors anybody could ever want and I'm so blessed to live among them! Anyway, are ya'll wondering who that ADORABLE, CUTE, IRRESISTABLE, PRECIOUS and oh-so-PRINCESS-like little two year old in the picture is and what is it doing on ms. susiestampalot's blog? Why, it's ME of course--yep from way back in 1969!! And you are saying, "so what", right? (You better not be.) Um, that would be my picture I sent to ALMA DE LA ROSA for her to use on the DESIGN TEAM PAGE for THE CAT'S PAJAMAS website (just scroll down a bit on that page and you can read my bio)!!!! Yup, it's true, I'm now a proud Design Team member for The Cat's Pajamas, or as we are lovingly referred to, a member of "The Cat Pack"! I adored working with The Cat's Pajamas stamps as the December Guest Designer and I can't wait to share more projects with you using her stamps. Alma has made a wonderful Project of the Month along with complete instructions you can find HERE, just to give you a glimpse at how fun these stamps are! Anyway, I hope you will share in my joy--I hope to have a card up a little later to celebrate with!!! Celebrate with me!! Happy New Year's Day!