Two New Hanna Sets!!!

Hanna's got a hot new motorcycle! 'Route 66' is a new set that will be released this Friday (Feb. 22).
I went over the entire image with a clear gel pen and Spica pens to give Hanna's outfit and motorcycle some shine and sparkle. (I'd love to have a motorcycle with this much 'bling', but I'd probably seriously harm myself if I had something like that!) While making this card, I kept thinking of black leather jackets with silver studs, so I added a bunch of silver brads to give it a similar look. I also realized that this card doesn't have any ribbon on it---a first for me in a VERY long time!! It still feels like it needs something, but I think I'll leave things the way they are---I'm afraid I'll have to start lining up those brads all over again if I tear it apart.

Stamps: Route 66 & Things Hanna Would Say by Hanna Stamps.
Paper: Basic Black, Real Red, Papertrey white cardstock.
Ink: Basic Black, Real Red.
Accessories: Copic markers, Spica glitter pens, ticket corner punch, brads, dimensionals, sponge daubers.


This is a new set called 'Spring Time', which is being released this Friday (Feb. 22). Adorable images in the set---just begging for me to put Hanna, in her sweet little Easter dress, in the middle of an Easter-egg hunt. I paper-pieced Hanna's dress, then cut out the fence, bunny, grass, and all the tiny eggs. I added Stickles to the eggs, and the bow in Hanna's hair, for a bit of sparkle. The soft, pastel colors in this American Crafts DP make me think of all the little girls in their frilly dresses on Easter Sunday. I have two boys, so I've never had the chance to buy all those frilly, beautiful things for a little girl. (That's why I love shopping for gifts for my nieces so much, I guess!)

Stamps: Spring Time & Things Hanna Would Say by Hanna Stamps.
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue, Barely Banana, Papertrey white CS.
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue, Barely Banana.
Accessories: Copic markers, ticket corner punch, brads, ribbon, dimensionals, Stickles.

Thank you to all of you who left such sweet, encouraging comments in my last post. Even though we've never met in-person, I do consider you friends. I've read all of your comments many, many times, and I can't begin to tell you how much better they've made me feel. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your kind words and thoughts. I treasure my blogging friends VERY much!! Hugs to all of you!!
Have a wonderful day!!

Pink & Cocoa, Peonies, and the end of a slump...

I wanted this set right away when I saw it in the catalog, but, for some reason, I'm finding it hard to work with. Even though the main floral image is open, which is nice for watercoloring, etc. I found myself 'stuck' when it came to trying different looks and colors. I need to browse the gallery on SCS for this set---the amazing amount of talent found on that site never fails to inspire me. I know the talented SCS'ers that have this set won't let me down!! I love the colors in SU's Berry Bliss DP---pink and coca or chocolate chip are my favorite color combinations. (Heck, to me, Chocolate Chip with almost any color looks great!) I wanted to decorate a little container to match this card, to hold a small gift or some candy, but I couldn't find anything that seemed 'right'. While going through my stash, I found a bunch of these little 'take-out' boxes that I'd forgotten about. So, I grabbed my jar of ribbon scraps, and this is what I came up with. Our elderly neighbor lady is a reall sweetheart--always giving my sons treats and small gifts--so this is for her, to let her know how special we think she is.

Stamps: One of a Kind, Delight in Life (swirl border around main image).
Paper: Berry Bliss DP, Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Gerogia Pacific white CS.
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink.
Accessories: Ticket corner punch, brads, clear Spica glitter pen, ribbon, SU oval punches, dimensionals, sponge daubers.

I've wanted this Peony stamp for quite some time, and finally decided to treat myself! Initially, I was going to make a set of smaller cards, but decided to add quite a few more layers, so they ended up measuring 5.5 inches square. I really liked coloring this image, even though it does have quite a few tiny areas. I didn't have a box that was large enough to hold the cards & envelopes, so I made some adjustments to the box directions that Nichole Heady posted on her blog. I didn't write down very clear directions, though, so I'm not sure that I could make this exact box a second time. I wanted to add more ribbon, as I have a 'need' to add a ribbon blossom to all of my cards! I tried several different options, but finally decided that the 3 strips of ribbon across the horizontal panel looked best against all of the color in the main image.

Stamps: Peony Square-Penny Black, Papertrey Faux Ribbon (sentiment), Floral BG.
Paper: Cameo Coral, Lovely Lilac, Orchid Opulence, Regal Rose, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, Basic Black, Gerogia Pacific white CS.
Ink: Same as CS.
Accessories: Ticket corner punch, brads, Copic markers, ribbon, SU oval punches, dimensionals, sponge daubers.



This is the card I made to go along with a gift set that I made using the same Peony stamp. This card measures 6.5 inches square. I did manage to add a small black ribbon blossom to each side of the sentiment. (I held out as long as I could, but my ribbon blossom urge won, in the end!) :-)


Stamps: Peony Square-Penny Black, Papertrey Faux Ribbon, Floral BG.
Paper: Lovely Lilac, Basic Black, Georgia Pacific white CS.
Ink: Lovely Lilac.
Accessories: Ticket corner punch, brads, Copic markers, ribbon, dimensionals, sponge daubers.




This is an ATC for a swap that I'm participating in. It's been a while since I've made an ATC, so it was fun making these. (Though, I admit, I went a bit overboard with embellishments!) I love this DP--the colors are so refreshing! (I need to order more, though, since I'm down to my last 3 sheets!

Another ATC for a swap that I'm signed up for. Haven't used my Bronc Buster set for a while, so thought I'd go with a more masculine look for this group. Everything is pretty self-explanatory, I think.











I'm sorry for the length of time between new posts. I've kind of been in a slump, not having much of an urge to create and share anything new. Sometimes, life, and family things, get in the way, you know?? My Grandfather passed away several weeks ago, and, while that was sad, it also made me revisit the time when my Grandmother lost her battle with cancer, and passed away, twenty years ago. All of the memories, visits to the hospital, seeing her decline....everything just came flooding back and hit me like a ton of bricks.
Then, a week ago, or so, my sister-in-law announced that she is divorcing my brother. This is a woman who has broken my brother's heart not once, but twice! My brother, and our entire family, forgave her, and welcomed her back to the family with open arms when she left him the first time.....and having it happen a second time just makes everything we've done for her, though all these years, feel like a complete slap in the face. The things she has done to my brother, and my family, would make a number-one soap opera---no kidding!! I'm not at all proud of the angry thoughts and words that have been running through my mind. Words spoken out loud can NEVER be taken back---no amount of apologies or explanation can erase them. In an emotional situation such as this one, it's easy to say the wrong thing, so I need to be sure about what I'm going to say, and how I'm going to say it, when I do see her again.

Thanks for listening to me vent. I normally don't make my blog a place to 'download' all of my feelings and family issues, but, right now, this is the most comfortable place for me to 'talk' about the situation involving my brother.
I hope you will come back and visit again soon---and I promise to have something new for you to look at in the next day or so.
Have a wonderful day, everyone!! Your comments always mean so much to me---and I read them over and over again---each and every one of them!

A 'Twisted' Valentine Set.....

I made this gift set for my DH, using a new sentiment set from My Favorite Things, called 'Twisted Sentiments', which will be released on Wednesday, Feb. 6th. The set includes a card, my version of a 'Do Not Disturb' sign, and a smaller card that I will add to his wallet or briefcase sometime as a fun surprise.For Valentine's Day, I'm giving DH this gift set, boxer shorts with red hearts on them, and a gift certificate to his favorite restaurant, in a gift bag that I decorated to match. I think it'll end up looking pretty cute! (My DH has a fantastic sense of humor too, so I think he'll really get a kick out of the sentiment I chose.)My Favorite Things will be hosting a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday night (February 6) from 9-11 p.m. EASTERN time. A fun evening is planned including MFTeasers of the newest sets and a chance to become MFT’s next Guest Designer. Head over to the MFT forum, on Splitcoaststampers, for more details. We'd love to have you join us!

Stamps: Twisted Sentiments & Cat 'n Dog--by My Favorite Things; Supersize Symbols-SU.
Paper: Basic Black, Real Red, Papertrey white CS.
Ink: Basic Black, Real Red, Versafine Onyx Black.
Accessories: Copic markers, Spica glitter pens, ticket corner punch, brads, ribbon, dimensionals, sponge daubers.

Been Gone A While....

I've had this beautiful embossed DP by K & Company for a long time....I've thumbed through it more times than I can count, have loved looking at it, but could never find the right way to use it. While looking through Flaxychick's gallery, I was inspired to use some textured CS (one of those huge slabs by DCWV), and found several shades that matched this K & Co. DP really well, so decided to put something together. I LOVE embossing and layering this flower! After getting frustrated from trimming the layers incorrectly a few times, I made myself a sort of 'template', with color codes to remind me where I like to trim each layer. Now, I just mark each layer with a certain color and I know exactly where to trim. No more ruined images and having to go through the whole process of stamping, embossing, all over again because I messed up! The only ivory embossing powder I have is vanilla-scented, so this flower smells SO yummy!! I used adhesive pearls for the center, then added Stickles to the edge of each petal for some sparkle. I also sponged the edges of each layer with cocoa ink, to make it look a little more aged.(My local fabric store had some leftover ribbon scraps clearance-priced for a penny a foot--I walked out with a bag full of ribbon for less than a dollar---can't beat that!)

Stamps: Fabulous Flowers, En Francais, Best Blossoms (sentiment).
Paper: K & Company embossed DP, DCWV textured CS, Sage Shadow, Naturals Ivory.
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Cameo Coral, Sage Shadow.
Accessories: Ticket corner punch, brads, adhesive pearls, ribbon, sponge daubers, dimensionals, embossing powder, heat gun, Stickles.

My cousin just had a baby girl, so I had to get going and make a card for her. I love the colors in Basic Grey's 'Oh Baby Girl' DP....so bright and cheery! The little giraffe is stamped twice, cut out, and layered with dimensionals. I pulled apart some twine, colored the smaller pieces with a black Copic marker and glued them to the mane and tail to add some texture. I traced over the image with Spica glitter pens too, to give it some sparkle.The sentiment is a Michael's dollar stamp. (Great way to add to your sentiment stash without spending a ton of money.) Added a small ribbon blossom to each side to make it a little more 'girly'.Off to wrap up a cute little pink baby blanket and some frilly socks....I have two sons, so I LOVE being able to shop for little girl things when I get the chance!

Stamps: Bundle of Joy, Michael's $1 stamp (sentiment).
Paper: Basic Grey-Oh Baby Girl DP, Gable Green, Pretty in Pink, GP white CS.
Ink: Gable Green, Pretty in Pink.
Accessories: Copic markers, Spica glitter pens, twine, ticket corner punch, brads, ribbon, dimensionals, sponge daubers.

Riley Moose and a Domestic Goddess.....

Hanna Stamps is releasing a new line of stamps featuring an adorable little moose named Riley. They are wood-mounted red rubber....and they stamp like a dream! A total of six new Riley images will be released on February 1st---this image is called 'Easter Chick Riley'. I used Basic Grey's 'Oh Baby Girl' line of DP since it reminds me of the beautiful, soft colors seen in little girl's frilly Easter dresses. I added a ribbon blossom to each side of the sentiment and gave the eggs & baby chick some 'bling' with my clear Spica pen.


Stamps: Easter Chick Riley-by Hanna Stamps; Papertrey sentiment.
Paper: GP white CS, Basic Grey-Oh Baby Girl DP, Lovely Lilac.
Ink: Gable Green, Pretty in Pink, Lovely Lilac.
Accessories: Copic markers, clear Spica pen, ticket corner punch, brads, ribbon, dimensionals, sponge daubers.



This is a new set from Hanna Stamps, called 'Domestic Goddess'. Pretty much describes all of us, huh?? Lots of cute images in this set! The DP is from Paper Studio----I seem to be gravitating toward brighter, happier colors more and more during this cold, nasty weather---it just cheers me up! Now, if I could just get rid of the huge piles of snow in our front yard---that would be great! I added a smaller version (for me, anyway) of my ribbon blossom....the space beneath Hanna's image just felt a bit too empty without it.


Stamps: Domestic Goddess & Things Hanna Would Say---by Hanna Stamps.
Paper: Regal Rose, Rose Red, So Saffron, Gable Green, GP white CS, Paper Studio DP.
Ink: Rose Red, Regal Rose, So Saffron, Gable Green.
Accessories: Ticket corner punch, brads, Marvy scalloped punch, SU circle punches, ribbon, dimensionals, sponge daubers, Copic markers.

Since it's Sunday, I'll have some time to stamp later this afternoon....check back for some new creations.....and thanks for checking in with me......have a great day!

My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge

I created this for the sketch challenge, hosted by Cindy Haffner (MFTDT member, current member of SCS's Dirty Dozen, and all-around sweetheart and fabulous stamper!!). I used 'Build A Bouquet' by My Favorite Things. I've had this set for a while now and hadn't had much time to play with it. I love it!! Lots of different styles and sizes of flowers, which is just perfect because I like to use lots of layers when I 'build' my flowers. ('Build' my flowers........ Build' a Bouquet....ha!!) ANYway.... I used the MFT sketch as my starting point, though I did cheat a little. (I added a Ribbon Blossom to the left side of the main image.) I don't often do the sketch challenges here on SCS, but I am really starting to like them for helping me find my mojo. (The lighter-colored flowers are Eggplant stamped off once, then stamped again and cut out.) I found the large gold brads in the office supply section at a local store---100 brads for just a little over a dollar-can't beat that! (I go through a TON of brads, so it's great to find a deal!) Be sure to check out the sketch challenge on the MFT Forum on Splicoaststampers....there are some really nice sketch challenges to inspire you too! Thanks for looking---hope you like it! Have a great afternoon everybody!

Stamps: Build a Bouquet, Tres Chic, Happy Harmony.
Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, GP white CS, Daisy D's DP.
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive.
Accessories: Ticket corner punch, brads, ribbon, sponge daubers, Coluzzle.

MFT Guest Designer Challenge....Questions

I've had several people post questions regarding 'how' to become a Guest Designer at My Favorite Things...... Here's some information that I hope you will find helpful. Also, if you'd like to read it directly from the MFT Forum at Splitcoaststampers, here's the link:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=164
(Sorry, I haven't learned (yet) how to 'write-in' a link with the company name and stuff... Someday...someday.)

My Favorite Things holds a 'Release Party' at the first part of each month. During the party, a challenge is posted by one of the designers on the MFT Design Team. The challenge will be different each month and this month's challenge was to 'Think Outside the Box'. The challenge was to create a project that IS NOT a square or a rectangle, to make any other shape out there…. circles, triangles, octagons, hexagons, just not a square or rectangle.
Everyone is encouraged to play along and the challenge is left open for 24 hours to give everyone time to upload. (We all know that not everybody can attend the party, and that's why the challenge is open for one day.) Though you are encouraged to use MFT stamps when you enter, it is NOT required!! A cut-off time is posted, and a winner is chosen. The entries have been outstanding, so it's been VERY tough for the ladies on the DT to narrow it down!
The Guest Designer receives the new stamp releases for the following month (before they're available to the public) and their creations are uploaded and featured right along with the MFT Design Team's stuff during the next month's 'Sneak Peek's' and Release Party.
We would love to have you play along with us----be sure to join us in February!
I'll be back later this morning with a couple of things to show you. Have a great morning everybody!