Party Time!

Tomorrow, June 1st Paper Pretties will be having their monthly Stampin In Your Jammies party!! The party starts at 8pm EST and will last until 10pm. We will be issuing only one challenge, so be sure to come and play along!! Besides the challenge, chatter, and all around fun, we will also be releasing Make a Splash Sophia and introducing our new Stamp Of The Month. Sneak peeks started yesterday so check out the Prettie Girls' blogs for more peeks (links are on my right sidebar)! Hope to see you at the party!!

My card today uses some fun Doodlebug paper with flocking on it that I received in a goodie box from Cards - it just seemed perfect for Make a Splash!

Cardstock: White (GP), Tempting Turquoise (SU!), Patterned Paper: Swimming Pool Dots (Doodelbug), Stamps: Make a Splash (Paper Pretties), Ink: Memento, Accessories: Ribbon (SU!), Button, Nestabilities, White Gel pen, Dimensionals, Copic markers, Clear Round Epoxy Stc

Happy For You

I had such a fun time with our white challenge on Prettie Wednesday that I decided to do another one - not all white this time, but more of a "clean & simple" look.

I know I've said this before but I just love these adorable stick people from Rubber Soul! There's something about the simplicity that just makes them irresistible! This set is appropriately called Baby and it's perfect for anything baby related. Even better - it's on sale right now along with a bunch of other cute sets and singles. Check them all out here. While you're there, take a look at the great NEW release stamps!

The frame on this card was stamped using Backgrounds (also on sale!) I actually stamped it twice and cut out the center of one so that I could pop-up the cute little family. The little dp strip along the bottom is from the diVine Collection paper pack.

Thanks so much for visiting today - have a wonderful weekend!!

Cardstock: White (Papertrey Ink), Patterned Paper: diVine Collection (Rubber Soul), Stamps: Baby, Backgrounds (Rubber Soul), Ink: Pear Tart, Tuxedo Black (Memento), Accessories: Hibiscus Burst Ribbon (Papertrey Ink), Dimensionals, Copic markers, Bella Baubles

Bellerific Friday Sketch

Happy Friday!! I had a bit of time yesterday so I was able to participate in Bellerific Friday for the second week in a row - yea!! Here is another of my new Kettos from Stamping Bella - this is Charlotte, so cute right?! Of course, I loved her too because my that's my Anna's middle name (I'm a big Bronte fan!).

This week's challenge was another great sketch from Nicky. I decided to go bold again and used some pretty dp from the Metropolitan line by American Crafts. I feel like there should be something in that bottom right corner, but. . .

I colored her with Copics, except her hair which was done with a black Prismacolor pencil. I also did some highlighting with Spica pens which is hard to see - her shoes and even some spots around her hair are sparkly.

Sorry about the bad photographs lately, I've broken a few lights for my photo tent which need to be replaced asap! If the lighting were better you'd be able to see the cute Ruby Red Bonbons around a pretty marble Bella Dot.

Come back this afternoon - I have CAS (clean & simple) Rubber Romance card to share! Until then . . . have a great morning! :)

Cardstock: Soft Sky, Basic Black, Riding Hood Red (SU!), Patterned Paper: Flower Stand, Skyline (Metropolitan collection by American Crafts), Stamps: Charlotte Ketto, Here's to You! (Stamping Bella), Ink: Memento, Accessories: Bella Bonbons, Bella Dots, Dimensionals, Pure Poppy Twill (Papertrey Ink), Nestabilities, Spica pens, Copic markers

Salt Challenge - The Holy Spirit

Today's challenge on the Salt blog is from Kim. Please take a minute to read her excellent write-up on the blog. The title that came to mind as I thought about the Holy Spirit was Comforter, from John 14:26-27: "But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you."

This precious promise was given by Jesus as he was talking with His disciples before the crucifixion. As Charles Spurgeon states in a sermon entitled "The Comforter"

"Jesus must go. Weep, ye disciples; Jesus must be gone. Mourn, ye poor ones, who are to be left without a Comforter. But hear how kindly Jesus speaks: "I will not leave you comfortless, I will pray the Father, and he shall send you another Comforter, who shall be with you, and shall dwell in you forever." He would not leave those few poor sheep alone in the wilderness; he would not desert his children, and leave them fatherless. . . . [B]efore he left, he gave soothing words of comfort; like the good Samaritan, he poured in oil and wine, and we see what he promised: "I will send you another Comforter—one who shall be just what I have been, yea, even more; who shall console you in your sorrows, remove your doubts, comfort you in your afflictions, and stand as my vicar on earth, to do that which I would have done had I tarried with you."

What a blessing to know we have such a Comfort! We'd love to have you participate in our challenge - if you, please leave a link on the Salt blog.

My card today uses a beautiful dove, which is a common symbol for the Holy Spirit in the Bible, from the Kitchen Sink Stamps set, 3 Step Love Birds. The layout is a sketch by Suzanne Dean for the Susanna's Custom Art & Card Design Challenge on the Stampin' Out Alzheimer's site. Thanks for visiting!

Cardstock: Soft Sky (SU!), Smokey Shadow, Soft Stone (Papertrey Ink), Patterned Paper: Everyday Blessings (Papertrey Ink), Stamps: 3 Step Love Birds, sentiment from 3 Step Bells (Kitchen Sink Stamps), Ink: Platinum Planet (Brilliance), Soft Snow (Papertrey Ink), London Fog (Memento), Accessories: Dew Drops, Nestabilities, Dimensionals, Ribbon (SU!)

Prettie White Wednesday

Happy Prettie Wednesday! Our challenge this week is from Jackie Pedro and I think it was a lot of fun! She challenged the Pretty Girls to make an all white card - no color except for the stamped image. We could have layers and embellies, just had to be white. I had fun trying to come up with something a little different without going crazy and this is one of those cases that I promise you, the card looks much better in person than in the photograph - it just looks blah here! Oh well - trust me! :)

The image is Lady Liberty from Paper Pretties of course.The middle layer is a piece of shimmery white paper which I embossed using my Scor-Pal. I then stamped a line of stars using Fresh Snow white ink. The layer behind the main image is a piece of clear acetate (was that cheating Jackie??) from an stamp box which I cut using the scalloped oval Nestabilities. For the star embellishment, I cut one Cuttlebug star from the clear stamp box and one from the shimmery white paper and then layered on a white star button I found in my stash.

I tried to get an angled shot of the shimmery cardstock and stamped stars but I'm not sure it's any better - lol! I didn't really like any of the placements I tried with the sentiment so I ended up putting it on the inside - layered on another piece of shimmery cardstock.

Be sure to take a few minutes and visit the rest of the Prettie Girls - I can't wait to see their white cards!!

Charmaine

Christi

Danielle

Frances

Jackie

Jackie P

Jana

Jessie

Jessica

Jodi

Cardstock: White, Shimmery White (Papertrey Ink), Stamps: Lady Liberty (Paper Pretties), stars from Plaid Plus (Kitchen Sink Stamps), Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Fresh Snow (Papertrey Ink), Accessories: Ribbon (Papertrey Ink), Nestabilities, Dimensionals, Copic markers, Button, Cuttlebug star dies, Acetate stamp box

Welcome Home!

Good morning! We had an excellent day here yesterday - I hope you all did too! My children ate entirely too much watermelon that's for sure!

So have you played along with any of the challenges on the Stampin' Out Alzheimer's site? I decided to give a few more challenges a try - there are so many! This card was made for this sketch challenge. I used one of Paper Pretties' newest sets, Home Sweet Home by Fat Cat Stamps. This townhouse is so much fun to color, there are so many possibilities!!

The patterned paper is some Crate Paper from my stash but the good thing is that it's still available (here and here) in the Paper Pretties Boutique! It's just gorgeous - beautiful colors and texture!!

Thank you for visiting today, I appreciate you all so much! :) Have a great day!

Cardstock: Brown (Bazzill), White (GP), Patterned Paper: Seaweed collection (Crate Paper), Stamps: Home Sweet Home (Fat Cat Stamps for Paper Pretties), Ink: Memento, Accessories: Brads, Dimensionals, Ribbon (Crate Paper), Primsacolor Pencils, OMS, Nestabilities

Remembering . . .

Good morning and Happy Memorial Day! I want to take time to say thank you to any and all veterans out there who have served or are serving our country, protecting our freedoms! What a privilege to live in this great country!!

I'm sure that you've heard the news about the Stampin' Out Alzheimer's event going on today coordinated by Jen Tapler. I'm excited to tell you that Kitchen Sink Stamps has joined the effort and is sponsoring a challenge today on the Stampin' Out Alzheimer's site. Maria herself issued the challenge, here's a bit about it:

With Alzheimer's effecting a person's memory and this Monday being Memorial Day, I thought a fitting challenge would be remembering those who've touch our hearts.

kss4soa Challenge:
"Remembering someone you love" by creating a card, project or scrapbook page ...

• remembering a loved one who is far away
• remembering someone you love depicted at a younger age
  
• in memory of someone you love
  

It is not necessary to use Kitchen Sink Stamps to enter this challenge ... but if you would like to, that would be lovely too. :D Deadline for the challenge is May 31 midnight EST. Then one lucky number will be chosen by a random generated number to win ..... "Everything but the Kitchen Sink" - KSS Mystery Box. This box will contain at least one KS stamp set... plus inks, stamping blocks, embellishments, etc. (all things from Kitchen Sink Stamps). Total value will be at least $ 75.00 it could be more ... it's all part of the mystery! :D.

When uploading your creation to the SOA gallery, please be sure to tag your creations with kss4soa so we are sure to include your entry.

I don't scrapbook that much anymore. . .there just doesn't seem to be time . . . but I decided to make a 6x6 page using a photograph I have of my Dad and his parents when he graduated from college. My dad was the baby of his family so my grandparents both died when I was quite young. I remember them only in small vague snippets but I treasure the few pictures that I have of them.

For this layout I used 3 Step Graduation set from Kitchen Sink stamps and this layout I found from Erika Martin on the stampTV site.

Please head over to the Kitchen Sink Stamps blog to view the other Crew member's creations!! And don't forget to play along with the KSS Challenge - you could WIN but most of all, you'll be supporting a fabulous cause!! :)

Cardstock: Kraft (Papertrey Ink), Night of Navy (SU!), Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket, Stamps: 3 Step Graduation (Kitchen Sink Stamps), Ink: Fresh Snow (Papertrey Ink), Desert Sand (Memento), Frayed Burlap (Ranger), Summer Sky, Danube Blue, Paris Dusk, (Memento), Going Gray (SU!), Smokey Shadow (Papertrey Ink), Black (Memento), Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink), Accessories: Brads (WRMK), Dimensionals, DMC floss (for tassle)

Bellerific Friday!

Happy Friday friends! We had a HOT one here yesterday, a bit much for me but the whole weekends looking sunny and warm so I'm not complaining!

I got a few new goodies from Stamping Bella last week and decided that Bellerific Friday was a great way to put them to use! I ordered a couple Kettos, have you seen them? I wasn't sure at first but they've grown on me and I love them!! Em's team has done a great job making yummy cards with them - they "made" me buy them (I'm blaming Joanne - lol!!) :) So my card uses Suzette Ketto - cute or what?! The dp is also from Stamping Bella - it's American Crafts Craft Fair collection.


The sketch was by Nicky for this week's challenge - lots of fun!! :) Thanks for visiting - have a wonderful weekend!

Cardstock: Dark Chocolate, White (Papertrey Ink), Summer Sunrise (SU!), Patterned Paper: Craft Fair collection (American Crafts), Stamps: Suzette Ketto, Dare to be Different (Stamping Bella), Ink: Memento, Accessories: ribbon, Copic markers, Nestabilities, Flowers (Stamping Bella), Swarovski crystals, Dimensionals

Prettie Color Challenged Wednesday

Good morning!! Sorry that I'm late today for the Prettie Girl Challenge . . . I had a pretty sick little man last night - Aaron got a high fever all of the sudden last night and I ended up having to hold him a lot of the night which meant I couldn't stamp. But he seems to be much better today other than a cold which is good!

Two weeks ago Jodi gave us a color challenge - Apricot Appeal, Baja Breeze and Pacific Point. I don't have Pacific Point but I found some cute Scenic Route dp in my stash that seemed to have the "close-enough" colors. I used Bugs & Fishes from Paper Pretties for my image and the sentiment is from Beach Bum. The sketch also comes from Jodi - it was the sketch she brought to the sketch swap at Stamp New England in March! :)

Take a minute and check out what the other Prettie Girls made for today - lots of Pretties!! :)

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Apricot Appeal (SU!), White (Papertrey Ink)
Patterned Paper: Scenic Route
Stamps: Bugs & Fishes, Beach Bum (Paper Pretties)
Ink: Memento
Accessories: Flowers (Doodlebug), Brads (Pink Hedgehog Crafts), Nestabilities, Copic markers

Give Thanks

Hello my friends! I have my last card for the Paper Pretties release night. This image is Give Thanks Sophia and it is the June Stamp of the Month Club stamp from Paper Pretties! I've actually had her for such a looooonnng time and have been just aching to show you how simply adorable and sweet she is!

I used some just dp that I've had for quite a while - it's so pretty I've been hoarding! :) Some of it is actually still available in the Paper Pretties Boutique - it's Paper Salon, the Pristine collection (scroll down to the bottom of the page) I pieced her dress and then die cut a few circles with the dp as accents. The perfectly matching button was a sweet find!

You have until the end of the month to join the Stamp of the Month Club to get this sweetie - why wait! Have a great day!

Cardstock: Brown (Bazzill), White (GP), Patterned Paper: Paper Salon Pristine, Stamps: Give Thanks (Paper Pretties), Ink: Memento, Accessories: Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Ribbon (May Arts), Button

Inspiration Stamping

Good Monday morning and Happy Kitchen Sink Stamps Monday! I decided to try something a bit different for me today but before I show you that, I wanted to remind you of my COUPON CODE! Any time you order Kitchen Sink Stamps, simply use the code JULIE10KSS and receive 10% your order. This code does not expire and you can use any and every time you order - cool, huh?! :)

Ok, on to the project . . . I recently picked up the latest issue of Rachel Ray's magazine, Every Day With Rachel Ray which just looked interesting as I stood in the grocery store aisle. As I was flipping through I came across this page. The large, beautiful tulip image and the mixture of fun colors just struck me! And since KSS has a 2 beautiful tulip sets I decided to have a try at creating a card using this page as my inspiration.

I pulled out my Multi-Step Tulip Garden set and got to work recreating the gorgeous tulip in the photo. The I used mostly Memento inks (available in the KSS store) as follows:

Tulip: Step 1- Dandelion, Step 2 - Cantelope, Step 3 - Tangelo, Step 4 - Lady Bug Red

Leaves: Step 1 - Pear Tart, Step 2 - Bamboo Leaves, Step 3 - Certainly Celery (SU!) NOTE: I used a bit of a lighter shade for step 3 rather than the usual darkest shade because I wanted a more subtle shading. Try mixing up your tones for a different effect!

The sentiment was stamped using 1/2 Pint Playful Alphabet Buddy. I stamped both words with Baja Breeze (SU!) ink but for "many" I stamped it off first.

When I finished with the sentiment it was still missing something and a bit off balance - the right side needed something. Back to the inspiration photo . . . see those little symbols on the right side? I looked through all my KSS sets and found this cute little image in the Nesting Dolls set. I stamped it in 3 different colors and added coordinating Swarovskis to the center of each.

So what do you think? Was I able to translate the magazine page in stamps? I really love the fun mix of colors - it's unexpected but it works! I'd love to see you give it a try - send me a link if you do!! Be sure to visit the other KSS Crew members to see what they've been cook'n up this week!!

Maria, Lynn, Tammy, Lori, Angela, Makiko, Connie, Lisa

Cardstock: White (Papertrey Ink), Stamps: Multi-Step Tulip Garden, 1/2 Pint Alphabet Buddy, Nesting Dolls (Kitchen Sink Stamps), Ink: Dandelion, Cantelope, Tangelo, Ladybug red, Pear Tart, Bamboo Leaves (Memento), Certainly Celery, Baja Breeze (SU!), Accessories: Swarovski crystals Finished size: 4.25 x 4.5

Hoot Hoot!!

I was in a bit of a funky mood last night when I was making this card. I just felt the need for some fun, graphic, bright paper and a simple design. Just look at that adorable little owl - how cute is he? The stamps and paper are all from Rubber Soul. The fun part is that the own is available as an individual rubber stamp, Otto the Owl, or as part of a clear set, Animal Love. The sentiment is also available in rubber here. The background stamp is from a neat set called, Backgrounds. I thought this stamp almost resembled tree bark which is so hot right now!! The dp is from a collection called Shake it Up - I love the colors and fun prints!!

Rubber Soul/Wordsworth actually just released a bunch of fun new stamps!! Take a look at the cute new rubber stamps (look at the adorable Gnome and the super bicycle stamp)!! There are also several new Wordsworth clear sets, like this beautiful Life Affirming set.

Thanks for visiting this week and I hope you all have a terrific weekend!!

Cardstock: Spring Moss (Papertrey Ink), White, (SU!) Patterned Paper: Shake It Up! (Rubber Soul), Stamps: You're a Hoot!, Backgrounds, Otto the Owl (Rubber Soul), Inks: Rich Cocoa, Accessories: Dimensionals, paper piercer, Brad (Queen & Co.), crystal effects

Salt Challenge - God's Strength

It was my turn to pick the topic for this week's challenge on the Salt Blog. I chose God's Strength based on 2 Corinthians 12:9

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

It seems lately that I have been made aware of so many people going through so many difficult trials, serious illnesses/injuries, financial strains, marital stress, loss of loved ones, and more. It's often easy for us to begin to question God's purposes and worry or despair. In this chapter of Corinthians, we see the example of the apostle Paul, how he prayed 3 times for God to remove a "thorn in the flesh" (we are not told what it was). God's answer should be our encouragement and comfort as it was Paul's! "My grace is sufficient for you."

Matthew Henry in his commentary on this chapter states that

"Grace signifies . . . The good-will of God towards us, and this is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort us, to support our souls and cheer up our spirits, in all afflictions and distresses. . . . Christ Jesus understands our case, and knows our need, and will proportion the remedy to our malady, and not only strengthen us, but glorify himself."

For my card I used an old SU! set. When I thought about what things could signify strength the first thing that came to mind was a tree . This tree image certainly looks like a strong, solid tree to me! The layout is this week's Mojo Monday sketch.

Thank you for taking the time to visit. We would love to have you participate in our challenge this week and if you do, please leave us a link on the Salt blog so we can be view your project! Don't forget also to visit the other Salt members' blogs and read their contributions for this week's theme.

Cardstock: Ripe Avocado, Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink), Patterned Paper: Scenic Route, Stamps: SU!, sentiment from Something Within (Unity Ink: Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink), Accessories: Copic Markers, Dimensionals, Ribbon (Papertrey Ink), button, Linen thread, Corner Rounder punch (SU!)

Prettie Tri-Color Wednesday

Good morning! Our Prettie Wednesday challenge comes from Jackie today. She told us to make a card using our favorite color and then use one shade lighter and one shade darker. . . hhmmmm, I wonder if anyone out there can guess my favorite color??? I love any shade of green! But as I've said before on this blog, I have a hard time with monochromatic cards, they just aren't my thing. But that's why this is called a challenge right?! :)

For my card I used Rainy Day Friend from Paper Pretties which was just re-released in rubber - yeah! I also pulled out one of my favorite stashes of dp - Scenic Route Charlotte - love that stuff! The dotted dp was perfect since it has 3 shades of green in it. The card is a "tent topper" card which was originally designed by Michelle Wooderson I believe.

Take a few minutes and visit the other Prettie Girls, their cards are sure to be gorgeous!! :)

Cardstock: Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink), Wild Wasabi (SU!), Patterned Paper: Charlotte (Scenic Route), Stamps: Rainy Day Friend (Paper Pretties), Ink: Memento, Accessories: Ribbon (Papertrey Ink), Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Brads (Pink Hedgehog Crafts), Scalloped scissors

One last little personal tidbit . . . last weekend was very productive around here. We found a set of bunk beds for the boys, purchased new mattresses, brought them home and set them up in the boys "new" room (formally just Aaron's room). Everyone was excited and have been enjoying the new configuration - although we still have quite a mess from the move to clean up.

Anyway, just thought I'd share this pic of Aaron sleeping in his "big boy bed" for the first time!! He's actually done quite well and as I type this now is sleeping his first night in the bed tucked in next to his big brother Ethan!

A Color Challenge or Two . . .

At our last Paper Pretties release party one of the challenge was a color challenge, Tango Tangerine, Chocolate Chip and Kraft. For my card I pulled out the brand new set Home Sweet Home from Fat Cat Stamps for Paper Pretties.

The images in this set are so much fun! I chose the set of packing boxes for my card. I forget the exact size, but this card is pretty small, around 3x3.5 or so. The boxes are colored with Copics, cut out and then layered on the Tangerine oval using foam adhesive.

Have you tried this week's Prettie Challenge yet? You have until Wednesday at midnight to enter the Mystery Color Combo Challenge - Apricol Appeal, Soft Sky, Not Quite Navy and ???? - you fill in the blank! You could win a $5 gift certificate to the Paper Pretties Boutique!

Cardstock: Kraft, Dark Chocolate, White (Papertrey Ink), Tango Tangerine (SU!), Stamps: Home Sweet Home (Fat Cat Stamps/Paper Pretties), Ink: Memento, Accessories: Copic Markers, Dimensionals, Nestabilities, Word Window Punch, Brads (Pink Hedgehog Crats), Corner Rounder punch, Ribbon (Kitchen Sink Stamps)

Get Well Teddy and a Coupon!

It seems like lately I've had the need for a lot of "get well" cards. I've tried to be better this year about actually mailing my cards out and while I still have a lot of work to do, I'm working on it!

I hadn't pulled out this adorable 3 Step Get Well Teddy from Kitchen Sink Stamps in quite a while and he just was begging to be stamped! Once I decided what I was going to do - this card could be made up so quickly! The bear is actually 4 steps and is so easy to line up! My inks were: 1) Pink Pirouette 2) Close to Cocoa 3) Chocolate Chip 4) Black. I like the softness the pink layer gives to him.

The sketch is Jen del Muro's weekend Sketch For You To Try - I just flipped it sideways to fit my image.

Now here's some GREAT news for everyone! Starting today you can save 10% anytime on Kitchen Sink Stamps (stamps only) just by using the coupon code JULIE10KSS!! This code will not expire and you can use it anytime you like - so be sure to write it down, bookmark it, burn it into your computer desk . . . just don't forget it! :)

Stop by the other Crew members' blog for your Monday shot of Kitchen Sink Stamps inspiration. Just a note, Dee won't be posting today. You may have read elsewhere that she was having some health issues - we look forward to her full recovery soon!! We miss you Dee and we're praying for you! Have a wonderful day everyone!!

Maria, Lynn, Nicole, Tammy, Lori, Angela, Makiko, Connie, Lisa

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red (SU!), Vintage Cream, Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink), Patterned Paper: October Afternoon, Stamps: 3 Step Get Well Teddy (Kitchen Sink Stamps), Ink: Pink Pirouette, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Black (SU!), Accessories: Circle punch & Scalloped circle punch (SU!), brad (Making Memories), Dimensionals

Happy Birthday Blog Hop!

We Prettie Girls have lots of birthdays, don't we?!! LOL! Well today is an extra special day too - it's Mother's Day!! A very happy day to all my friends out there reading today as well as my amazing Mom, my wonderful mother-in-law and my sil Heidi! Hope you all have the very best day!

But, guess what? It's also Christi Thorsen's birthday (and coincidentally my brother's but I'll make him a different card!)!! If you didn't start on Christie's blog, please go there so that you can enjoy all the Prettie cards!

My card for Christi uses the June Stamp of the Month, Give Thanks Sophia. I think she is just so darling and since Christi is super sweet . . . perfect! :) I used Taylor's Cupcake Challenge #67 for the sketch - great sketch!!

I was so tired when I sat down to make this card that I wasn't expecting much but I know a lot of you will agree with me that crafting and especially coloring can be so relaxing and almost therapuetic. I found myself thoroughly enjoying the making of this card! I colored Sophia with Copic markers. Her dress was done with Y21 (a must-have color!). I then used my Colorless Blender to make the little flowers, just 4 dots with the tip of the marker. The color gets pushed away and leaves a flower. I went back with my Y21 and darkened the center of the flower.

I thought the card was done until I realized it didn't say "happy birthday"! So I stamped the sentiment repeatedly on a scrap of dp and then used my Cuttlebug flower die (and Swiss Dot embossing folder) to make a little Happy Birthday Flower. I'm still not sure if I liked it better before or not . . . .

Your next hop is over to Jessica's blog for more Prettie birthday wishes. At the end you'll be at Christi's blog so you can wish her a happy day! :)

Cardstock: White (Papertrey Ink), Patterned Paper: Chatterbox, Stamps: Giving Thanks (Paper Pretties), sentiment is from Papertrey Ink, Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Pumpkin Pie (SU!), Accessories: ribbon (SU!), Copic Markers, Brad (Target), Gems (??), Corner Rounder punch

Home Tweet Home

Good morning! Another rainy day here in Maine but I know we need it so I'm not going to complain!

I am very late in finishing up this project for Say It With Letters but I'm finally ready to post it. Look at this cute Nesting Collection - a cute little egg, bird and birdhouse. The birdhouse is one of my designs - a bit whimiscal and fun! :) I used the Spring Fling paper collection from Pink Paislee for my shapes and added some real birch bark to the birdhouse for something a bit different.

Before anyone gets too worried, my birch bark came from our woodpile - no live trees were harmed in the crafting! :) It was actually pretty easy to cute the bark in the shape of the roof and I left the edge jagged where it had come off the log. The tree on the side is from Maya Road - covered with more dp and the trunk was painted with a crackle finish.

For the little sign I peeled another piece of bark off very thin and then stamped directly on the bark. I used a few strips cut from the bark to make a "frame". The final touch was a little wreath added to the roof. I was a punch out shape that I cut the center out of to make a wreath.

I left the bird rather plain since there was so much going on with the birdhouse. I painted the edges, covered it with dp and added a punch-out shape for the wing. For one final thing I used another thin piece of birch bark and die cut it in a flower shape using my Cuttlebug.

Finally, for the egg I again painted it with a crackle finish - can't get enough of the crackle! I then cut a flower and some grass out of one of the papers and adhered it to my egg. The sentiment and butterfly are Cosmo Cricket rub-ons - a nice easy way to dress up the shapes!

Check out all the cute Spring related shapes Deb has in the Say It With Letters store - so many cute shapes to help you welcome Spring! :) Have a great day!!

Prettie New Again Wednesday

Welcome back to another Prettie Wednesday challenge - this time from our fabulous Jessie. She challenged us to Make it New Again, take out one of your "older" Paper Pretties stamps and give it some new life! I chose Simply Special - not that it's been neglected really, but I haven't used it in a couple of weeks and it is such a pretty stamp!

I bought these papers sooooo long ago with just this set in mind - love those pretty watering cans!! I used Julee's Mojo Monday Sketch for this week #85 I believe and was able to get quite a few patterns in there for a fun, colorful look! The image is colored with Copic markers.

Be sure to visit the other Prettie Girls and see what they chose to use today! Have a Prettie day! :)

Cardstock: White (Papertrey Ink), Garden Green (SU!), Patterned Paper: Paper Salon, Stamps: Simply Special, Ink: Memento, Accessories: ribbon (May arts), Copic markers, petite scalloped scissors