Monster's University Inspired... {Clear and Simple Stamps}

Hey there!!  Happy Saturday!  When I first saw the Rag Doll Scenes 2 set from Clear and Simple Stamps, and I saw the halloween themed book spines, I knew I wanted to make a card using that image and the Taglines: Uglies.  And as soon as I took my boys to see the Monster's University movie, I REALLY wanted to make this card.  So I did. LOL!

The books and bench are from Rag Doll Scenes 2, the rug (or shadow) is from Rag Doll Scenes 3, and the sentiment, stamped on a Favor Flag, is from Rag Doll Willa: Enjoy.

It is so funny how so many things can inspire a card...  :)

Thanks for stopping by... have a great weekend!!

Monochromatic Copic Coloring {Clear and Simple Stamps}

Hey there!!  I have a super fun tutorial to share with you today!  If you have visited my blog before, it is no secret that one of my most used crafty tools are my Copic Markers.  I love color, but you can create a striking effect with various shades of gray too.  I have a step by step tutorial to show you how to create a monochromatic image (I think it looks like a black and white photo!)

I chose to work with Rag Doll Willa: Enjoy, Rag Doll Scenes 2, Rag Doll Scenes 3 and Rag Doll: Tea Party.  People images are perfect for this technique!

Because there are so  many pictures, I have several collages.  Each will start in the top left, then go to the top right, then bottom left and bottom right.  You can click on each collage to enlarge the image.

1. I used various shades and tones of gray from the T and W families, plus 110 black and the colorless blender.

2. I stamped Willa on white card stock with Memento Tuxedo Blank ink.

3. I started with T0 and T1 for Willa's skin. I colored all skin areas with T0, then shadowed with T1 and blended over it again with T0.

5. For Willa's hair, I started with W5, making flicking motions with the marker where I wanted the darkest part of her hair (as seen in the top right photo).

6. Then using W3 and W0, I continued to color her hair, blending into the W5, and using W0 where I wanted the highlights in her hair.

7. Then I went back with W5 again to darken some areas that got blended out.  You can see her hair finished in the top right photo.

8. I used 110 Blank to color in the stripes on Willa's shirt.

9. I colored in Willa's skirt with T4, and then shaded her skirt a bit with T6.

10.  Using T0, I lightly outlined Willa's shirt for extra dimension.  

VIOLA!  A black and white Willa! :)  

I used the same colors to color in her coffee mug and then cut her out and sat her on top.  This is a really fun technique and a nice change from my normal brights.  If you find that you are having a hard time choosing appropriate shades of gray for certain areas, pull out a real black and white photo and take notice of the different hues and shading.

I hope you enjoyed my tutorial and will give it a try! :)  Thanks for stopping by!!

Papertrey Ink July Blog Hop

It's the 25th of the month and that means today is PTI Blog Hop day!  July's challenge was to choose from a selection of color combinations and make a project with this colors.  This is the combo that I chose:

Here is my card:

I was inspired by the circles of color in the graphic along with the color combo.  I used the three sizes of solid circles from Polka Dot Basics and inked them up in Raspberry Fizz, Berry Sorbet, Pure Poppy and Simply Chartreuse.  I stamped them each in full strength and then stamped them off again without reinking.  I diecut a 2.5" circle from the Limitless Layers dies and used the bucket and sentiment from Tremendous Treats Valentine.  The tiny heart is from the Simon Says Stamp Mini Hearts die.

I can't wait to hop along and see what everyone else has created!  Thanks for stopping by!! :)

Love You the Mostest {Clear and Simple Stamps}

Hey there!!  Today I have a card to share with you that I made for my sweet husband to celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary which was this past Sunday.

This card has a few elements that are significant to us... the plaid couch... We had a red plaid couch once upon a time, and it was my favorite couch.  But with small children, it didn't stand the test of time.  I saw so sad when it was time for a new one.  And the rag doll boy is wearing a yellow shirt.  My husband has a yellow shirt (actually a few) and he looks great in them.  I love him in yellow, and so, a yellow shirt.  Finally, the sentiment...  Drew actually asked if I had the sentiment made special... I lucked out and CSS made a set with this adorable sentiment.  We often have disagreements about who loves who more, and so, this sentiment was made for us.

Supplies:

Stamps: Clear and Simple Stamps Rag Doll: Jake Dude, Rag Doll: Emma ROFL, Ragdoll Scenes 3, Rag Doll: Chloe Love, Designer Lines

Paper: PTI Scarlet Jewel, CSS Kraft Like a Rockstar Cream, DCWV Gingham paper pad

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Rich Cocoa, PTI Fine Linen, Tea Dye Duo

Dies: CSS Build a Critter Pal Basic (heart)

Other: PTI Scarlet Jewel Button, Rustic Jute Twine, Copic Markers, Popdots

Pinspired Challenge #14

It's time for another Pinspired Challenge!  This inspiration photo is so pretty... perfect for summer, lovely colors and patterns!

Challenge #14 is sponsored by My Time Made Easy.

For my card, I used a new set that I just got from Simon Says Stamp called Pillow Talk.  I knew I had to have it since I have several felines that are pillow hogs! ;)

And drawing doodle borders on my card just may be my new favorite thing!

Be sure to visit the Pinspired Blog to see more inspiration from the design team and to play along with us for your chance to win a great prize! :)

Thanks for stopping by!!

Thanks for coming to my Paw-ty! {Clear and Simple Stamps}

Hey there!  Well, our Collection 7 party hop has wrapped up and Collection 8 will be coming soon...  But in the meantime, I have a few more projects to share with you.

 You can see my party invitation here and my puppy themed party here. Today, I'd like to thank you for coming to my Paw-ty! :) 

This thank you card, which coordinates with my party, uses Little Critter Pals 2 and Little Critter Pals dies, Rag Doll Scenes 3 and Party Elements: Critters.

Thanks so much for stopping by! :)

It's Paw-ty Time! {Clear and Simple Stamps}

Hey there!  Today the Clear and Simple Team is partying!  I am so excited to share my Collection 7 party with you!  You may have seen the invitation to my party, and now I get to share the rest of it with you!

I am throwing a dog themed party using a bunch of new Critter goodies!

You can't have a party without food... and dogs and people like popcorn right?

I create this little popcorn bucket, I used the Build a Critter Pal Basic and Build a Critter Pal 1 dies, along with the Favor Flag dies and the Alpha Duo Alphabet.

And here is a treat just for the pooches!

Little mini dog bones fit perfectly in the Party Favor 10.  I decorated the fry box with images from the Critter Pals 2 stamp set and Taglines: Little Critter Pals.

You can't have a party without cake!!

The Favor Flags dies make cupcake flags a breeze!  Here I used the Little Critter Pals Taglines again, along with the Gingham background.

And in case there are leftovers, a doggie bag to take home...

I used the same projects (mentioned above) and decorated a little kraft bag that I got at Michaels.

And that concludes my dog party!  I hope you enjoyed my projects!!

Be sure to visit the rest of the CSS and get your party on!

Kim Duran
Tracy Schultz
Lori Tecler
Elena Roussakis
Jennifer Rzasa
Jean Martin (guest)
CSS

Thanks for stopping by!! :)

You're Invited to a Paw-ty! {Clear and Simple Stamps}

It's almost party time with the Clear and Simple Stamps Crew!  Tomorrow is our Collection 7 Party Hop. I am pretty excited about the goodies that I have to share with  you, and I would like to invite you to join me for a PAW-TY!

In case you haven't guessed, this month has gone to the dogs...  I'm throwing a party that any pooch would love to attend.  The invite is a little peek into what's in store tomorrow on my blog!

My invite uses the Little Critter Pals 2, Taglines: Critter Pals, Critter Pals Sentiments and Party Elements: Critters.

Hope to see you back here at Midnight EST tomorrow to party! :)

Have a great day!!

Release in Review: Rag Dolls {Clear and Simple Stamps}

Hello there!  Happy Saturday!  Today, the CSS team is revisiting the Rag Dolls from Collection 7.  They are definitely my favorite part of the release in case you didn't notice *wink*

The project that I have to share with you uses the new Rag Doll: Spa set along with the new Bubblicious background.

I created a fun little gift card holder using the Bottle tag die to dress up a bottle of bubble bath.  I stamped the Bubblicious background in white ink.  Then I diecut, stamped and colored the Spa girl and added the sentiment on a Favor Flag diecut. 

One of  my favorite parts of this set is the little bunny slippers for the doll.  I decided that make a pair of bunny slippers out of washcloths to go along with the bubble bath.  The little tag on the bunnies is made from the Trendy Tags stamp set and the Tags 1 die.

For even more Rag Doll inspiration, but sure to visit

Elena

CSS

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a great day! :)

My Mane Squeeze {Clear and Simple Stamps}

Hey there!!  TGIF!  Today I have a fun card to share using Collection 7 Critters from Clear and Simple Stamps!  This simple one layer card uses the Little Critter Pals 3 stamp set.

To color the lion's mane and tail, I used 3 different colors of copic markers.  I used flicking motions rather than fluid strokes or circular strokes.  It looks a bit like tye-dye huh?  The shadow underneath him is from the Rag Doll Scenes 3 set, and the sentiment is 2 pieces, one from Little Critter Pals 3 and the other from  Critter Pals Sentiments, stamped on a Favor Flags diecut.  Of course, I broke out that bitty little heart from the Build a Critter Pal Basic die set.  The card was still looking a little bare, so I drew a border around the edge with a multiliner pen and ruler.

That's it for me today... I have quite a few posts coming in the next few days!!  Hope you'll come back for a visit!  Have a  great weekend!! :)

Newton's Nook Designs Launch Party - Day 4 - Campfire Tails

Hey there!  I am back with day #4 of the Newton's Nook Designs Launch Party!  Today, the team is showcasing another adorable set called Campfire Tails.  It will be available in the Newton's Nook Store on Friday, July 19th.  

This set is perfect for masculine cards, for those that love the outdoors and camping... so  many possibilities! Here is a little card that I made using my favorite image from the set:

Isn't he just SO cute!!  I could stamp and color him all day long!! :)

Would you like to win Campfire Tails?This set will be given away to Two lucky winners! 

Here's how to win: 

1. Comment on Newton's Nook Design blog: http://www.newtonsnookblog.com. One Winner will be randomly chosen from the comments on the launch party post.

2. Comment on the Design Team Member and Guest blogs (see list below)! One winner will be chosen at random from the collective blogs in the Launch Party. Make sure to check out each of their blogs and comment for your chance to win. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning! 

You have until Thursday, July 18th at 9 pm Central Standard Time to comment  -- winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, July 19th.

But wait… there's more. We will also be giving away a gift card on Facebook this week to celebrate our launch - so be sure to pop over there to like our page and enter to win! https://www.facebook.com/newtonsnook

Make sure you check out all the blogs participating in the Launch Party below to enter:

Jennifer Ingle

Emily Leiphart

Samantha Mann

Jocelyn Olson

Tessa Wise

Heather Campbell

Jean Martin

Audrey Tokach - you are here!!

Chari Moss

That's it for me!  Hope you'll hop along for tons more inspiration!!  Have a great day!! :)

Newton's Nook Designs Launch Party - Day 3 - Winged Wishes

Hey there!  Welcome back to day #3 of the Newton's Nook Designs Launch Party!  Today the team is showcasing an adorable set called Winged Wishes.  This, and 3 other sets will be available on in the Newton's Nook Store on July 19th!

Here is my card using Winged Wishes:

The little clothesline is my favorite image from the set.  The little birds are separate stamps and I happen to think they look so cute holding the clothesline in mid-air.  There are several other banner type images and sentiments in the set as well.

Would you like to win Winged Wishes? This set will be given away to Two lucky winners! Here's how to win:

 1. Comment on Newton's Nook Design blog: http://www.newtonsnookblog.com. One Winner will be randomly chosen from the comments on the launch party post.

2. Comment on the Design Team Member and Guest blogs (see list below)! One winner will be chosen at random from the collective blogs in the Launch Party. Make sure to check out each of their blogs and comment for your chance to win. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning! You have until Thursday, July 18th at 9 pm Central Standard Time to comment -- winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, July 19th. But wait… there's more. We will also be giving away a gift card on Facebook this week to celebrate our launch - so be sure to pop over there to like our page and enter to win! https://www.facebook.com/newtonsnook

Make sure you check out all the blogs participating in the Launch Party below to enter:

Jennifer Ingle

Emily Leiphart

Samantha Mann

Jocelyn Olson

Tessa Wise

Heather Campbell

Jean Martin

Audrey Tokach - you are here!

Chari Moss

Newton's Nook Designs Launch Party - Day 2 - Just Say Cheese

Hey there!!  I am back today to share a project using another of 4 new stamp sets releasing on July 19th from a brand new stamp company, Newton's Nook Designs.  In case you missed it, yesterday the Design Team and Guest Designers showcased Newton's Antics.  You can see that post here.  Today, it's all about cheese.  Yep, that's right... CHEESE!  So fun!

Here is my card using the new set, Just Say Cheese:

This adorable set features a bunch of cheesy images and sentiments, and even a cute little mouse!  I can't wait to pair that mouse with Newton!  ;)

Would you like to win Just Say Cheese? This set will be given away to Two lucky winners! Here's how to win: 

 1. Comment on Newton's Nook Design blog: http://www.newtonsnookblog.com. One Winner will be randomly chosen from the comments on the launch party post. 

2. Comment on the Design Team Member and Guest blogs (see list below)! 

One winner will be chosen at random from the collective blogs in the Launch Party. Make sure to check out each of their blogs and comment for your chance to win. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning! You have until Thursday, July 18th at 9 pm Central Standard Time to comment -- winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, July 19th.

 But wait… there's more. We will also be giving away a gift card on Facebook this week to celebrate our launch - so be sure to pop over there to like our page and enter to win! https://www.facebook.com/newtonsnook Make sure you check out all the blogs participating in the Launch Party below to enter:

Jennifer Ingle

Emily Leiphart

Samantha Mann

Jocelyn Olson

Tessa Wise

Heather Campbell

Jean Martin

Audrey Tokach -  you are here!

Chari Moss

Be sure to come back and visit tomorrow to see more of another new set!!
Thanks for stopping by! :)

Newton's Nook Designs Launch Party - Day 1 - Newton's Antics

**If you are looking for my post with Lawnscaping Challenges, please scroll down**

Oh my goodness!  I am so excited to share with you that I have been asked to help out with the launch of a brand new stamp company with super cute designs!!  Today kicks off the launch of Newton's Nook Designs! 

 If you love fun, whimsical designs that are perfect for coloring and paper piecing, you are in for a treat!  Today, the design team and Guest Designers are showcasing a new set featuring the company's mascot, Newton.  Newton's Antics is my favorite set of the release!  SO adorable!!

Here is my card:

I am sure you all know by now that I am a cat lover.  I squeeled out loud when I saw this stamp set!  This image is my favorite.  I just love Newton and his girlfriend all curled up.  The sentiment, paw prints (they are sort of hard to see in the photo) and tiny heart are also from this set.  These will be available for purchase on July 19th in the Newton's Nook Store.

Would you like to win Newton's Antics?  This set will be given away to Two lucky winners! 

Here's how to win: 

1. Comment on Newton's Nook Design blog: http://www.newtonsnookblog.com. One Winner will be randomly chosen from the comments on the launch party post.

2. Comment on the Design Team Member and Guest blogs (see list below)! One winner will be chosen at random from the collective blogs in the Launch Party. Make sure to check out each of their blogs and comment for your chance to win. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning! You have until Thursday, July 18th at 9 pm Central Standard Time to comment  -- winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, July 19th.

But wait… there's more. We will also be giving away a gift card on Facebook this week to celebrate our launch - so be sure to pop over there to like our page and enter to win! https://www.facebook.com/newtonsnook

Make sure you check out all the blogs participating in the Launch Party below to enter:

Jennifer Ingle

Emily Leiphart

Samantha Mann

Jocelyn Olson

Tessa Wise

Heather Campbell

Jean Martin

Audrey Tokach

Chari Moss

Be sure to come back tomorrow for Day 2 of the Newton's Nook Designs Launch Party! :)

Lawnscaping Challenge #62 - Paper Piecing

Hey there!!  It's time for another Lawnscaping Challenge!  This challenge is all about paper piecing!  Challenge #62 is sponsored by the super awesome Lawn Fawn!

One of the things that I love most about Lawn Fawn stamps is that they are perfect for coloring or paper piecing.  It is amazing the difference that stamping into patterned paper makes.  It adds so much versatility to your stamps!!

My card today uses Lawn Fawn papers, Gnome Place Like Home, You've Got Mail, the Hearts Lawn Cuts and Pink Lemonade Cord.

Be sure to visit the Lawnscaping Blog for more inspiration and details on our new challenge.  I hope you will play along for your chance to win some great stamps!! :)

Featured on the CSS App today!!

Here is a sneak peek of a project that I have featured on the CSS App today!  Click the preview below to be taken to the full version!

Thanks for stopping by!! :)

Well Said... {Clear and Simple Stamps}

Hey there!!  It's group post day with Clear and Simple Stamps, and today, the team is showcasing creative stationary sets using Collection 7 goodies!

For my project, I used one of my favorites of the release, Taglines: Little Critter Pals.  There is something about these little animals that makes me smile.  Hopefully whomever I send these little notes to will agree :)

To make my stationary set, I cut 3.75" squares and matted them slightly larger.  Each note card has a Little Critter Pal perched on the chair from Rag Doll Scenes 2.  The shadow underneath the chair is from Rag Doll Scenes 3.  I have used the shadows from that set SO much!  The coordinating sentiments are also from Taglines: Little Critter Pals.  

These cards fit perfectly inside the 4" glassine envelopes.  I diecut banners from Favor Flags and backed each one with Simple Adhesive.  To close and seal the envelopes, simply peel away the backing from the Simple Adhesive and fold the banner around the back of the envelope leaving the part that is on the front side to keep the flap closed.  These little banners then act as a label where you can write the recipient's name.

For more stationary ideas using Collection 7, be sure to visit the rest of the team:

Kim Duran

Audrey Tokach - You are here!! :)

Jennifer Rzasa

Lori Tecler

Tracy Schultz

Elena Roussakis

CSS

Thanks for stopping by!! :)

We go together like... {Clear and Simple Stamps}

I am still having a blast playing with the new release from Clear and Simple Stamps.  You can see all of Collection 7 here.  I am just loving the Foodie Fun and Foodie Fun Sentiments stamp sets.  They are perfect for all kinds of occasions from cookouts to love notes.  

Today, I have a love note to share with you.  I love making little notes and tucking them away where my husband will eventually find them.  This little note measures 3.5" by 5.5".  I used then peanut butter and jelly images and coordinating sentiment.  My husband and I, we really do go together like PB&J <3 p="">

I have lots more coming up on the blog in the coming days... I hope you'll come back for a visit... I have so many fun things to share with you!  I hope you have a great day!  Thanks for stopping by!! :)

Pinspired Challenge #13

Hey there!  Time for another Pinspired Challenge!!  This week's super sweet inspiration photo is perfect for summer!  I just love strawberries and gingham!

Challenge #13's sponsor is the fabulous My Time Made Easy!  They offer awesome templates, cut files and clear and digital stamps!

For my card today, I chose to work with the MTME Magical Birthday Wishes digi images.  I just love that adorable floppy eared rabbit!  He comes with a bunch of scene building options that are just so cute.  I enlarged the image to fill the front of an A2 card base.  I printed the balloon and cupcake twice to allow for me to cut them out and pop them up on foam squares for some added dimension.

Be sure to check on the Pinspired blog for more inspiration!  I hope you'll join us for a chance to win a great prize from MTME! :)

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great day! :)

Wesley Swinging {Clear and Simple Stamps}

I have been having so much fun playing with all of the new Ragdoll goodies from Clear and Simple's Collection 7!  Today I have a card featuring Wesley: GR8 and Scenes 3.  I just LOVE that tire swing!

I started off cutting a card base to make a 3.5" x 5.5" card.  Using distress ink, I sponged the blue sky.  To create the leaves, I used the small solid leaf image from Taglines: Critters, stamping once full strength, and then stamping again without reinking, for the lighter shade of green.  I diecut the Grass border and attached that to the bottom edge of the panel and then, stamped Wesley where I wanted him.  I masked him off using a post-it note and then stamped the tire swing.  The sentiment, stamped on a Favor Flag diecut, is from Jake: Dude.

Thanks for sharing part of your day with me! <3 p="">

Bubble Gift Wrap Tutorial {Clear and Simple Stamps}

Hello there!  Happy Friday!  Today I have a fun tutorial for you!  First let me share with you my ensemble.  This little card and coordinating package were created using some of the great new goodies from the Clear and Simple Stamps Collection 7!  When I saw the little Spa Girl Rag Doll and the Bubblicious background, I new I wanted to make something using a technique that I learned way back in Girl Scouts *wink*

Grab a cuppa something and sit back... this post is going to show you step by step how to create that fun bubble patterned gift wrap you see here:

First you need to gather supplies.  You will need:

CSS Gift Wrap ( I used A Blank Check Gift Wrap)

Acrylic Paint in your choice of colors

Bubbles (I used 3 small bottles from Dollar Tree)

Drinking Straws

A baking dish or deep bowl

A cookie sheet (for overspill)

Butcher paper or newspaper to protect your work surface

I covered my work surface with butcher paper to protect the table.  Then I used a cookie sheet underneath the baking dish to collect any overspill from the bubbles.  I added my bubbles to the baking dish, one bottle at a time.  I ended up using 3 small bottles in a 9x12" dish.  You need about an inch of bubbles in the bottom of the dish.  Then you add your paint.  The darker the paint, the more obvious the bubbles.  I started off with a light aqua.  This is how your mixture will look as you begin to stir it.  Stir it until the paint is dissolved into the bubbles and there are no clumps of paint.

Here you can see how the pale aqua paint has mixed with the bubbles nicely.  I decided that I wanted the paint to be a but darker so I added some darker paint.  Don't be afraid to add a good amount of paint. The mixture should stay pretty watery though.  If you add more paint and it seems to get too thick, just add some more bubbles.  This definitely is not an exact science *wink*

With the addition of the darker paint, I got the color I was going for.  Here you can see everything mixed nicely. :)

Now for the fun part!  This issuch a fun family activity!  My boys couldn't wait to help!  For once, I told them that I WANTED them to blow bubbles through their straws.  They thought it was awesome!  LOL!  You blow through the straws into the mixture to make bubbles.  Continue blowing until you have a mound of bubbles that sort of dome over top of the baking dish.  Then simply press the wrapping paper into the mound of bubbles allowing them to pop on the paper.  Just move the paper around, pressing each side into the paper until you have gotten the look you are after.  As the bubbles pop, you will need to blow into the mixture again to create more bubbles.  DO NOT submerge the paper into the mixture.  Let only the bubble touch the paper so that it does not get saturated.

And here is the end result.  It is so fun!  You can even make bubble mixtures in a bunch of different colors and use them all on the same gift wrap!  This would be so fun in red and green for Christmas, or in school colors for a graduation, or even using metallic paint for a fun wedding gift wrap!!

And here is what my package looks like all wrapped up in the bubble paper we made.  I make the tag using Trendy Tags, Tags 1 die, Ragdoll: Spa Girl and the Bubblicious background.

To finish off the ensemble, I made a matching card using the same product mentioned above, along with Mia: ROFL, one of the new sitting rag dolls :)

That's all for now!!  I hope you enjoyed my tutorial!

Thanks for stopping by!  And don't forget to follow me on Blog Lovin'!  The link is in the left side bar. :)

Have a great day!!