Samara Gugler

Gosh...when I'm gone....

2011-08-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

I really decide to be gone! I've been so super busy the last few months. I've been working LIKE crazy on my art journal. You can view some of it over to the right under flickr.

I also just remodeled my office/studio. I now have two distinct areas. I'll be sure to post some pictures.

Lots of exciting things are coming, I promise. :)

I recently lost my hard drive in my computer and lost all of my digital layouts. I had backed up my photos though. I now begin the daunting task of redoing all those layouts. Here's the first one:

Valentine's Blog Hop

2011-01-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

I used the Storybook cartridge to complete this adorable banner. I apologize for the poor lighting. Ever since I got this cartridge, I've envisioned something just like this. I added eyelets to the letters and also added real stitching around the banner.

Please be sure to check out the other members of this blog hop.
1) Wamfamily Creations With Kathryn
2) Craftyscentiments Crafty Scentiments
3) Lechristina3 All Things Crafty
4) TinaB Tina Time
5) Buggin Out Paper Crafting Chic

YOU ARE HERE
*****6) SamaraGugler Hybrid Artist-******

NEXT....
7) NicoletteSimpson Beyond Scrapin
8) Lissa So Many Crafts, So Little Time
9) CraftyCreations The Crafty Creation Spot
10) JenniferHawkins2 Confessions of a Scrapaholic
11) LisaKnight Cricuting with Lisa
12) Scrapincovers Cricut Crafty Clare
14) CroppinMomma Croppin Momma Designs
15) ScrapHappyDeb Deb's Electic Thoughts
16) ScrappyJess Scrappy Jess
17) Iluvscrpn Ink and Paper Creations
18) Txscrappermom Tx Scrapper Mom
19) Scrappin Nanapuddin Scrappin Nanapuddin
20) Octoberbeauty Macy Bella Designs
21) JavaJen Java Jen Creations
22) Oni's Wife Crafty Baskets
23) Scrappin'Place Scrappin' Place

Organizing my scraproom

2011-01-03T22:14:00.000-08:00

I pretty much love my space, but it's getting too crowded. I added a treadmill about 2 years ago. I recently joined the Y and my daughter and I go on a regular basis. I've found over the course of 2 years, I really don't use the treadmill. I originally paid $75 for it from a guy on Craigslist. I just listed it on my facebook for $60 and a friend is going to get it tomorrow!!! This will open up some space in my room.

All the pictures I've included are a few years old, but I identified some current problems.

Problem one:
My room is only 1/2 painted!!! It's been like that for nearly 3 years. It's a beautiful green apple with red accents. The wall behind my work area is still white.

Problem two:

Too much crap!!! I've definitely weeded out a bunch of stuff over the past two years, but I realize I need to do more. I have a giant drawer full of Jolee's and EK Success tags. I'm going to list them on craigslist or split coast stampers or ebay and finally get rid of them! I'm pretty comfortable with my paper supply, I have a lot. I weeded that out and got rid of patterns that I knew I'd never use.

Problem three:

The big Ikea shelf behind me. it's so disorganized. I'm going to really try to organize it.

Problem four:

I have these great metal bins from target, but they are blue. I'm going to have my husband get some spray paint and spray them red to match my room. I really love the bins as they provide great storage.

Problem five:

The mess on the big Ikea shelf. It's bad. The picture I included doesn't do it justice.

Problem six:

My ratty Herman Miller office chair. I will never ever give it up. Go ahead, look up Herman Miller chairs. Mine is upholstered. I'm going to figure out how to recover it in some great red fabric.

Problem seven:

The window. I really want a shelf above the window for a permanent display of some sort. I also want a valance. I have some red fabric I picked up at ikea, I just need to do it.

Those are all my problem areas for now...

I'm hoping to be back with a few of these problem areas FIXED! :)

Tree Topper Thing-a-ma-bob

2010-12-23T10:59:00.000-08:00

I made this cute little guy a few weeks ago.

I used the November Mega from Scrap Orchard for the backgrounds.

I also used my cute little Maggies and some fantastic beads to finish it off.

Orchard Girl and team call

2010-11-24T16:02:00.000-08:00

It is my pleasure to announce that I'm now a template designer at Scrap Orchard! I'm beyond thrilled.

You can visit my store here.... Hybrid by Samara
I'm running also running a creative team call. I'd love for some traditional crafters to join my team as well.

Thank You

2010-11-14T09:42:00.000-08:00

7 Kids College Fund offered a challenge to create a thank you card. Since completing my last challenge, I already had pink and yellow papers out. I searched through my Magnolia stash and found this adorable little angel from the Fall Stamp Club. She's absolutely precious! I thought that she'd be a lot of fun paired with a "thank you" sentiment.

Credits:

Flying Angel Tilda stamp
Copics
Martha Stewart Punches
Paper by CTMH

It feels good to stamp!

2010-11-13T11:34:00.000-08:00

Maybe I should say, it feels good to color!

One of my co-workers is a Stampin' Up demonstrator and she gave me a TON of discontinued cardstock and some designer paper too! I was using Gingerbread Tilda and wanted something more fall in theme. I decided to use yellows and green and honestly, I couldn't be happier with the results. I used Copics and some distress inks.

Magnolia

Tulips....

I have wanted this stamp for such a long time! I finally had the opportunity to order it and when my order was lost, I cried! Lucky for me, the seller reshipped my order and this lovely girl arrived safe in my hands!

I've been admiring the work of Angie Hunt and truly envy her ability to work with distress inks. A few months ago, I won a set of distress inks from her! I still haven't mastered any of the techniques as of yet, but I'm working on creating deep shadows using the Walnut Stain distress ink. I colored my image with Copics and then used the distress ink to really bring out the shadows. As usual, I have no idea which papers I used. I'm on a big mission to use my stash and didn't keep track of my papers. (I really wish all paper companies would print their name on the back!)

Last but not least is this cutie. She was in the same order of stamps that got lost. I was so happy to finally get her! I've had this pack of paper for a long time and honestly, I really don't like it. But like I've said, I'm on a mission to use it up! I think it looks great as a background for this image!

Santa and Hug Me

2010-11-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

He's checking his list, he's checking it twice...

My adorable Fall kit arrived last month and this is the first chance I've had to use it! :)

First up is Edwin.

I reached far into my stash and found these Christmas papers. I have no idea who makes them. The ribbon is new, I found it at Michaels earlier this year. I didn't keep track of my colors, please forgive me.

Next up is this cutie for the Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog. The challenge was to create using pink and yellow. This presented a little challenge for me as I didn't have any pink or yellow paper. I'm really on a mission to use some of my personal stash before I run out and buy more paper! For those of you that know me, you know that I've been stamping for nearly 20 years. I have demonstrated for Stampin' Up, Close to My Heart, and a host of other companies. I may have sold off many of the stamps, but I kept almost all the papers. I went digging through my old Close to My Heart stash and found some adorable papers. I have no idea what collection they are from or if they're still available (I'm guessing no). I used some silk flowers and ribbon from Michaels. The leaves are from Sizzix. I also used some paper flowers from Prima.

118!!!!

2010-08-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

I can't even believe it!!! 118 followers!!!! Woot!!! I'm currently working on some BLOG candy. I'll be posting it real soon with a small challenge!

I'm working on filling up a small box full of awesomeness! I have some Prima Flowers, some bulldog clips, swirly clips, some stamped images, and..... MORE. I'm going through my studio seeing what else I can stuff in the box!

Strawberry Tilda Free Standing Pop-Up

2010-07-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

Nothing like waiting until the last day! When I saw the July challenge over at Magnolia-licious Highlites, I just knew I had to participate. The challenge was to create a free-standing pop up card. I had never made one, but knew I was up for the challenge. Can you say, I'm in love?

Recipe:
"Sweet Wonderful You" - Magnolia Stamps
Strawberry Tilda - Magnolia Stamps
Beach Flower (Reg. & Small) -Magnolia Stamps
Flower with Ladybug - Magnolia Stamps
Papers are from Calliope by Tracie Stroud (digital)
Cardstock - Bazzill
Classic Scalloped Ovals Large Nestabilities - Spellbinders
Classic Ovals Large Nestabilities - Spellbinders
Colored with Copics

Nautical Tilda Scene

2010-07-29T07:07:00.000-07:00

What a night it's been. Yes, I'm aware it's morning, but I didn't really sleep last night. I ended up making this card. It's a frame card with multiple dimensions. The scene is set in the back, while Tilda, the bird, and the sentiment are on the outer area of the card. I made the flowers using coordinating scrap paper and my Tim Holtz Tattered Floral die. This card was created for the Magnolia-licious Highlites Challenge. I had an absolute blast making this card! :)

Vintage Cooking Tilda

2010-07-28T18:30:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this card for a few days. I really like how it came out.

Major Reorganization here in the studio

2010-07-27T15:09:00.000-07:00

This summer I spent quite a bit of time working on various things to organize my supplies.

This first one is a copic swatch book. I have a Copic Color chart that I've colored by hand, but I find when I'm looking to match colors to a particular pattern paper, it's very difficult as the color boxes just aren't big enough. I was searching and searching for something else, when I came across Michelle's blog at Purple Onion Designs. Off to work I went. I started by opening a spreadsheet in Excel. The top line is the color code, under that the color name. After printing and cutting out, I punched holes. I then colored three lines, the top line is one layer, the second is two, and the bottom is three layers. This provides a great representation of color. I then punched a hole in the corner and put them on a binder ring.

Here is an example of how I used the ring. I knew I wanted to use this paper and wanted to color coordinate the image.

What I like best is I ended up blending colors that I would not have normally blended! For example I used B93, B12, and B0000 together!!

Next up is my scraps storage.

Scraps are so frustrating! I have scraps everywhere. I don't dare throw out a piece larger than 2x2 inches. But what do you do with the extras? I wanted something affordable. Meaning if I could re purpose what I already had that would be the best option. Next I wanted something that didn't require a lot of space. Space is a premium in my studio. Lastly I wanted something that would make it easy to locate a particular scrap.

I started out with a notebook that I purchased on sale at Staples a few weeks ago. I realize that I do need a bigger one though. I then took page protectors that I already had and labeled them with a color name and type of paper. For every color I have two page protectors, one for patterns and one for cardstock. Next, I loaded them up! I don't have a problem with the 12 inch papers sticking out of the top as this binder sits on my desk.

Lastly I had a mission to organize my collection of 105 Magnolia Stamps. I wanted it to be portable, but I wanted to be able to see my stamps at a glance. I previously had used CD cases, but when only 2-3 stamps fit in a case, I was quickly running out of room to store the cases. I searched all over my office for something to use. Finally I realized that I had a PSB from Crop in Style. I've had this binder for YEARS and it's been sitting under my desk collecting dust.

First thing I did was dust it off! Heehee! Next I cut paper to fit each of the sections in the PSB refill pages. I then stamped an image on the sheet, turned it over and slipped into the pocket complete with the stamp!

Lastly, I always get asked about my Copic marker storage. I found this metal silverware caddy at Target a few years back. It has 6 sections. It's worked fine for my complete collection of Caio markers with a few Sketch markers. If I order even one more Sketch marker, I'll have to figure out something else to use! I attached a small wooden dowel on the side of the caddy so that I can flip it down and have all my markers peeking out at my horizontally. My scrap desk is pretty high and I can't have my markers vertical because I wouldn't be able to see them!

So there you have it! My mission to organize was very successful and so easy for me to use too!

Follower Status....

I have ONE more until I reach 100!!! Woot!!! I'm still thinking about what I should do to celebrate.

7 more!

2010-07-25T16:14:00.001-07:00

I only need 7 more people to become followers of my blog and then I'll have 100!!!

Woot!!!!!

How should I celebrate?

Dangling Tilda Easel Card

2010-07-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

OMG!!!! I just love this card and how it turned out!

I'm so sorry, I forgot to take a picture of the colors I used. The flowers are all created by me using Prima Hybrid flowers. I cut and layered them all.

Captain Edwin

2010-07-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

The summer Magnolia kit is so adorable! I made this card using two of the stamps from the kit. The paper is REALLY old and from my stash, it's Scenic Route. I distressed the edges and used Broken China Distress Ink on them. I can't wait to play more with this kit.

Yeah! It's here!

2010-07-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a happy mail day! My Magnolia Summer kit arrived AND my order of Copics from Oozak arrived!

Very soon I'll be posting some pictures of some new cards using my new Summer Kit!

Phew.....I'm exhausted!!!

2010-07-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

I just listed nearly 20 cards in my Etsy store! As I was entering product, I even got a sale!! Yeah!

Every sale means so much to me. Creating is truly a passion for me and being able to brighten someone else's day with my work is just the icing on the top!

Some of my favorite cards that I just listed are....

Buy it here.

Buy it here.

Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Another Easel Card

2010-07-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

For so long I fought the urge to create these gems, but finally at last I did!

Credits:
Stamp: Loves Me Tilda by Magnolia
Stamp: Watering Can by Magnolia
Papers: A little bit of Summer by Julie Bullock (digital)
Copics
Nestabilities
Gems
Glitter
Brads

Easel Card Details

2010-07-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

My first easel card

2010-07-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

I've been wanted to try one of these for a while, but just haven't had any reason. When i saw the challenge on Scrapgirl's blog I just knew that I had to make one!

Credits:
Stamp: Tilda with Gifts by Magnolia Stamps
Stamp: # 9 House by Magnolia Stamps
Background Papers (digital) A Place to Call Home by Amanda Heimann and Christy Lyle
Ribbon
Nestabilities: Labels 1
Glossy Accents
Copics
PrismaColor Pencils
Prima Flowers
Leaf Punch by Martha Stewart
Cardstock: Kraft and Brick Red
Embroidery Floss
Sheer Shimmer: Sparkle

MIA & Maggie

2010-07-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

I feel so terrible for leaving my blog unattended for so long.

Last November my husband was diagnosed with cancer. Thyroid cancer to be exact. For most people they say, oh, that's not bad. Well, his was. His cancer had spread to his neck, glands, chest, shoulders, and possibly even further. On Dec. 31 he underwent a radical neck dissection. His surgery was 14 hours long. Over the next few weeks we had to work on just the basics like feeding himself. His nerves were bruised and honestly didn't even know if he'd be able to perform daily functions. I'm proud to say that my husband is a champ and within a few weeks he was doing EVERYTHING!

Then on Feb 4 he had to go back under the knife for thoracic surgery. This time the goal was to get the cancer from under the clavicle and under the breast bone. This surgery lastest for nearly 8 hours! He bounced back and did great!

As luck would have it, all these surgeries did a number on his back and from mid April-mid May he was bedridden. I have never seen him in so much pain. As you can imagine this was very difficult on the family.

At the beginning of May he had to go in for radioactive iodine. They gave him the maximum dosage and he had to be hospitalized for three days. When he came home he was allowed no contact from family. At this time his back was still in extreme pain.

Mid May brought the first epidural for his back. It took several weeks for him to feel the effects.

Now here we are in July and wow, what a whirlwind it's been! He's getting ready to go back to work!!! Yeah!!! What's been funny is how I've dealt with all of this. For 6 months straight I was the rock. I stood tall, I stood confident, I held my tears, I never once let my emotions get a hold of me. Now that everything is starting to get better, that's when I've had the hardest time.

My wonderful co-workers made dinners for us for the last three weeks of school and honestly I don't know what I would have done without them. I feel honored and privileged to work with such amazing people.

While all of this has been going on I've been crafting, but not with the same intensity as I was. I have created a few cards that I'd love to share with you.

This cute little card was created for i {heart} copics. I used Copics, Tim Holtz Tattered Floral Die, NEstabilities, Spica Pen, and My Minds Eye paper. I also use a sentiment from ki Memories. The stripe paper is from Sweetwater (from my stash, it's pretty old). If you're interested in playing along in the i{heart}copics challenge, you can find it here.

FAB FRIDAY CHALLENGE - RED, WHITE, & BLUE

Trying out my old Prismacolor Pencils

2010-04-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

A little more than 20 years ago I was a sophomore in high school. I was an aspiring artist eager to learn everything I could. I would take core classes during the summer so that I could have more art classes during the year. It was at this time that I made my very first HUGE art purchase. I went to the art store and purchased a set of 60 Prismacolors. Now, I didn't really use them as I preferred to work in watercolor, charcoal, and graphite pencil. Occasionally I would pick them up and doodle, but I never really did much with them until now.

All of the pieces in this post were created with Prismacolor pencils and Odorless Mineral Spirits.

And now a glimpse of my studio. On my desk I have my pencils and my copics within reach.

Robin Hood

2010-04-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

Is this not the cutest stamp ever?

Recipe:
Sherwood Edwin by Magnolia
Copic Markers
Spica - Clear
Green Cardstock
Ribbon
Martha Stewart Punches
Prima Flowers
Buttons

i {heart} copics challenge #10

2010-04-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for it?

This week our challenge is sponsored by CHICKEN GIRL DESIGNS!!!! Yeah!!!!

Be sure to pop over the the challenge group and join in the fun!

Recipe:
Raccoon Flowers by Chicken Girl Designs
Love Me Do by My Minds Eye
Copics
Glossy Accents
Spica - Clear
Blossoms & Leaves
Rhinestones
Ribbon

Four new Maggies

2010-04-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to show you what I created this week!

Recipe:
Prince Phillip Frog by Magnolia
"Kiss Me I'm a Prince" by Magnolia
Copic Markers
Glossy Accents (eyes)
Prisma Glitter (crown)
Green Cardstock

Recipe:
Tilda with Apple by Magnolia
Copic Markers
Glossy Accents (apple)
Spica Clear by Copic (ruffles)
Martha Stewart Punch
Cardstock and Paper by Chatterbox
Ribbon

Recipe:
Magic Tilda by Magnolia
Copic Markers
Glossy Accents (star & Crown)
Spica Clear by Copic (edge of dress)

Doily
Rhinestones
Shimmer Mist - Frost
Paper by Prima Hybrid
Ribbon

Recipe:
Flower Girl Tilda by Magnolia
Copic Markers
Prisma Glitter (Crown and Flowers)
Doily
Paper by Chatterbox
Ribbon

Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

This week the i{heart}copics team brings you: Challenge #8 Sweet Springtime Inspirations!

Recipe:
Egg Cart by Chicken Girl Designs
Hog Heaven by Sassafrass
Copics
Glossy Accents
Spica - Clear
Pssst! Shimmer Spray Frost
Ribbon
Corner Rounder

Another Copic Tutorial!!

2010-03-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much for all your encouragement! I finally finished another tutorial for you all.

This one shows how I color faces.

As always, I welcome your suggestions for future tutorials.

i {heart} copics challenge #6

2010-03-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

This week the challenge over at i {heart} copics is very near and dear to my heart! Two of my creative teams came together to bring it to you!! :)

Challenge #6

Recipe:
Springing Bunny by Chicken Girl Designs
Gable Box Template by PixelGeek Designs
Love Me Do by My Minds Eye
Copics
Ribbon
Foam Dots

i {heart} copics challenge #5

2010-03-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

OMG!!!! Guess what? Chicken Girl Designs has gone digital!!! Not only that, they sponsored our challenge this week!

Be sure to check out the i {heart} copics challenge #5 over at PCP.

Recipe:
Sailing By Pirate by Chicken Girl Designs
Love Me Do by My Minds Eye
Copics
Glossy Accents
Spica - Clear
Silver Brads
Embroidery Floss
Ric Rac

She's Crafty

2010-03-07T16:11:00.000-08:00

I have a TON of stuff to share. I've been forgetting to share some of my digital layouts. Here are three of my latest. You can also find them in my gallery over at Scrap Orchard.

Last week I found a super cute little rubber stamp that was SOOOOOOOOOOOOO very expensive. LOL. It was $1.00. I just love the card I created.

I ordered a bunch of new Magnolia stamps this morning. I can't wait for them to come. I got some pirates, fairy tale, and wedding stamps!! I can't wait to create with them!

Oh, I have a secret too. You'll have to wait until the end of the week to find out. It's a good one though! :)

{Hybrid} Baby Carriage

2010-03-06T23:43:00.000-08:00

I added crystal beads, french knots, stitching, and buttons.

Tiny Tots Combo by Julie Bullock
Hybrid Template: Baby Carriage [Large] by PixelGeek Designs

Visit this in my Scrap Orchard gallery.

Fabulous Friday Challenge #4

2010-03-05T11:13:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check out the i {heart} copics challenge over at Paper Craft Planet.

Fabulous Friday Challenge #4

This week we were sponsored by the wonderful, talented, and generous Michelle Perkett.

Michelle Perkett Etsy Store

Supplies:

Flying Birthday Girl digi stamp by Michelle Perkett

Urban Prairie Papers by Basic Grey

Copics

Ric Rac

Blossoms & Leaves

Glossy Accents (added to balloons and cupcake)

Spica - Clear (clouds are outlined)

Perfect for a Tween Boy

2010-03-04T05:50:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I was checking out the store at Pollycraft and fell in love with Hamilton. Hamilton reminds me of my tween boy and I just knew that I had to have him.

As you can imagine, most of my cards do NOT get the stamp of approval from my twelve year old son. They are too cute, too girlie, too happy, too everything that he is not. When I showed him my cards with Hamilton his face lit up and he was just getting ready to tell me how much he loved the card, but then teen agnst creep in.

Son: I bet he has a cell phone.
Mom: He's a card
Son: Still, I bet he has a cell phone.
Mom: Well of course he does, how else does he call all the girl rubber stamps?
Son: Ugh....
Mom: Well? You like?
Son: It's ok, well um, yeah, but wait.
Mom: What?
Son: He's kinda smiling, tweens don't smile.
Mom: So, do I get your approval.
Son: Take off his smile and we'll talk.

As you can clearly see, I think my son approved of this card! :)

Supplies:
Digi Stamp: Hamilton - Bashful by Pollycraft
Copics
Paper: Daydreams by K& Company
Ribbon
Stitching

i {heart} copics

2010-03-03T21:07:00.000-08:00

Woot!!!! I'm pleased to announce that lil' ol' me has joined the i {heart} copics design team!!!

I got a fun package today from Kate, the owner of i {heart} copics!! :)

I can't wait to start using some of the yummy products she sent...

I hope you don't mind me showing them off to you.

Off to the left you're going to find a list of all the girls that are joining me on the team. I can't wait to be inspired by them. They are some seriously talented Copic Artists!

Scandinavian Style Coloring

2010-02-13T20:24:00.000-08:00

I've been debating on getting Distress Inks. I love the look, but really don't want to invest in them right now. I was checking out Suzanne Dean's blog and what did I find? A tutorial for using Copics in a scandinavian style!!! Woot!!! I loved the videos and colored this little Tilda as I watched Suzanne's video.

I didn't keep track of my colors, sorry.

Blog Candy: I'm a Farmer

2010-02-10T05:58:00.000-08:00

Are you kidding me? Isn't this the sweetest!!! This candy closes on my birthday! Wish me luck! Visit
A Latte Inkin' Fun for your opportunity!

Blog Candy: Jacque

2010-02-10T05:53:00.000-08:00

I was checking out Jacque's blog and OMG I found out that she has some AMAZING blog candy!!! And that's not even ALL of it!!!

Copic Tutorial #1 Feathering

2010-02-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

Enjoy!

Pollycraft Monday Challnege

2010-02-05T16:55:00.000-08:00

Challenge #33

Please forgive me, I did not keep track of my colors.
Here's my entry:

Copic Colour Challenge #49

2010-02-01T16:03:00.000-08:00

The Copic Colour Challenge for this week is AMAZING!!! I think I've already colored 49 images with these colors!!

Here's my card:

and my colors:

Recipe:

Stamp by Magnolia

Copics

Papers by Cosmo Cricket "Girl Friday and Everafter"

Flowers: Prima

Just Magnolia: Hearts and Flowers Challenge

2010-01-31T17:21:00.000-08:00

This week the challenge over at Just Magnolia is to create a card with Hearts and Flowers and of course a cute little Maggie girl. :)

Recipe:
Stamp: Dangling Tilda
Stamp: Elegant Heart Ribbon
Paper: Urban Prairie by Basic Grey
Flowers: Prima
Leaf Brad
Heart Charm
Copics:

Skin: e50, e00, e21, r20
Hair: yr20, e31, e33
Pink: rv10, rv13, rv14
Red: r22, r24, r27, r29
Eyelet: c1, c3, c5
Shadow: w1, w3, w5, 0

Simon Says DT Call

2010-01-24T15:36:00.000-08:00

Simon Says DT Call

I can't believe that I'm entering. It's such an awesome opportunity and how could I possibly pass up the chance?

Here we go kids...

Recipe:
Stamp: Swiss Miss Rosalie by CC Designs
Papers: She's a Hoot by Meg Mullens
Flowers: Prima
Letter Beads
Stitching
Inked Edges
Copics:

Skin: E50, E00, E21, E11
Hair YR31, YR23, Y28
Green G21, YG63, G94, G85
Pink RV32, RV34
Shadow 0, C1, C3, C5, C7

Pink, Chocolate, and Red

2010-01-23T11:20:00.000-08:00

The challenge this week over at All That Scraps is Pink, Chocolate, and Red.

Stamp: Swiss Pixies Gretel by C.C. Designs
Paper: Urban Prairie by Basic Grey
Flowers: Prima
Copic Markers:

Skin: E50, E00, E21, E11, R20
Hair: E35, E37, E57
Pink: RV21, RV13, RV14
Red: R22, R24, R27, R29
Green: YG06, G14, G07
Wings: C1, B32

Copic Colour Challenge #48

2010-01-23T09:39:00.000-08:00

Copic Colour Challenge #48

This week the colors were:

G21 Lime Green
B45 Smoky Blue
R85 Rose Red

Copic Recipes:

Skin: E50, E00, E21, E11, R20
Green: YG11, G21, YG 63
Red: RV32, R85, R37
Blue: B93, B95, B45
Hair: Y21, YR23, E31, E33, E35
Basket: E31, E33, E35, E37

Stamp: Sugarplums Apple Emma by CC Designs
Paper: Urban Rhapsody by K & Company

Copic Buzz - Challenge #26

2010-01-22T15:34:00.000-08:00

This week we have an AWESOME challenge!!! The Stamping Boutique sent over some awesome digi stamps. The challenge was to create a "non-card" item.

Here are the details.... http://copicbuzz.blogspot.com/2010/01/challenge-26-sponsored-by-stamping.html

Snow Nora

2010-01-18T18:59:00.000-08:00

This week the challenge over at CC Designs was "Snowmen". I searched my collection high and low to find a snowman image. Unfortunately I didn't have one. I then had the idea to create a snowman out of white buttons. Off to my stash I went!

Image: Nora by CC Designs
Paper: PrimaMarketing
Buttons
Ribbon
Copics:

Jacket, RV000, RV10, RV02
Boots/Scarf, G000, G00, YG41
Bottom of Boot, C3, C5
Wings, B32, C1
Snow, B32
Hair, Y21, YR20, E31, E33
Skin, E00, E21, E11, R20

Nurse Nora

2010-01-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

Created for the Pollycraft Monday Challenge: Fire and Ice
Stamp: Nurse Nora by CC Designs
Paper: Over the Moon Press by EK Success (from a REALLY old stash)
Cardstock: Bazzill
Sheer Ribbon
Markers: Copics

Red Apron/Boots, etc

R22 Light Prawn
R27 Cadmium Red
R29 Lipstick Red

White Shirt/Hat

Wings

B32 Pale Blue
B12 Ice Blue

Hair

E31 Brick Beige
E33 Sand
E35 Chamois
E37 Sepia

Bottom of Shoes

Skin

E00 Skin White
E21 Baby Skin Pink
E11 Bareley Beige
R20 Blush

Cute Pixie Card

2010-01-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

Swiss Pixies Gretel by CC Designs
Basic Gray Papers -Urban Prarie
Ribbon

Copic Markers:
Wings/Boots

YG03 Yellow Green
YG06 Yellowish Green
G07 Nile Green

Pink Dress

RV10 Pale Pink

RV21 Light Pink
RV23 Pure Pink

Purple Shirt

BV00 Mauve Shadow
BV02 Prune
BV04 Blue Berry

Hair

Y21 Buttercup Yellow
YR23 Yellow OChre
Y28 Lionet Gold

Skin

E00 Skin White
E21 Baby Skin Pink
E11 Bareley Beige
R20 Blush

Copic Colour Challenge #47

2010-01-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

Copic Colour Challenge #47

This week the colors were:

B97 Night Blue
YG07 Acid Green
W-5 Warm Gray

I selected the following for shading:

B93 Light Crockery Blue
B95 Light Grayish Cobalt
B97 Night Blue

I had to make a substitution for the YG07, since I don't own that color. I used my Copic Color Wheel and a Copic Color Chart to aid in the selection.

YG03 Yellow Green
G14 Apple Green
G07 Nile Green

The stamp I used is by Magnolia, it's called Tilda Holding Magnolias.
The paper is by K & Co, from the collection "Wild Saffron".
Ribbon is by Celebrate It (from Michael's).

Lots of Cards!

2010-01-13T05:54:00.000-08:00

I've been super busy this week with my Copics and stamps.

This first card was created with my daughter in mind. I beaded the paper and added some blanket stitching to the cardstock. I love the way it turned out.

Next up is another adorable Tilda stamp. I've had this paper sitting out on my desk and knew that I had this image somewhere in my stash. I just love it. The blending of the red doesn't show up too well in the picture, but it's really great in person. Check out that ribbon, isn't it the perfect touch?

Last up is a card I created for the Just Magnolia challenge. The challenge this week was to create paper pleating. I haven't done this before, so it was fun! I used another Tilda stamp and colored her in greens and blues. I just love this color combination. I added some paper flowers, ribbon, and rhinestones to complete it.

Copic Buzz Challenge #24

2010-01-11T11:24:00.000-08:00

This week the challenge over at Copic Buzz is to use ribbon. Heehee!!!! I LOVE ribbon!!! :)

I created this little card using an image from Magnolia- Tilda with Pencils, my copics, ribbon, and some chalk ink on a sponge. It's not exactly what I pictured, but it works. I used Earth Love & The Boyfriend papers by Cosmo Cricket. I created an adorable layered flower with my Primas. I completed the whole thing with some new ribbon by Martha Stewart.

Boy Valentines

2010-01-11T11:14:00.000-08:00

I'm seriously hooked on the images by Whimsie Doodle. I used Cloud 9 Cupid for the following cards. The challenge this week at Whimsie's PCP group was to make something real. I used embroidery floss for the shoe laces. :) The papers in the first card are Daydreams (paper pack) by K & Co. The second card uses Hog Heaven papers by Sassafras. As always, lots and lots of Copics and lots and lots of blending. :)

Cowgirl Pin Up Girl

2010-01-08T06:22:00.000-08:00

Click Image to visit in my gallery

Country Bumpkin by Ziggle and Faith True available at Scrap Orchard--
Stamp by Bombshell
Copic Markers
Buttons
Ribbon
Embroidery Floss

Cowgirl Birthday....

2010-01-08T06:09:00.001-08:00

Click on images to view in my gallery.

Country Bumpkin by Ziggle and Faith True available at Scrap Orchard
--
Stamp by Pink Cat Studios
Copic Markers
Buttons
Ribbon
Embroidery Floss

The Copic Buzz

2010-01-05T09:36:00.000-08:00

After a LONG, LONG week I came home to some fantastic news....

ready?

Yep, that's right!!! I'm a proud member of the Copic Buzz design team!!! Woot!! I can't wait to get started creating for them. If you haven't had a chance to visit them, you can find the blog HERE.

Earth Card

2009-12-29T05:16:00.000-08:00

Visit this card in my gallery.

Oh wow!!! What a pleasure it was to create this adorable card!!! The image was a freebie from Whimsie Doodle, available at Paper Craft Planet. I also used All Things New by Tracie Stroud. It was a PERFECT mix. I used the following Copics and blended, blended, and blended.... { R22, R27. R29, G14, G07, B00, B12, B02, C1, C3, C5, C7, E31, E33, E35, E37, E57, E47, and E29}

Some Christmas Cards

2009-12-23T12:50:00.000-08:00

Last night I finished two adorable cards. The first one features an adorable Gorjuss stamps and the second one is by Pink Cat Studio.

Visit her in my gallery.

Recipe:

Jolly Jingle Days by Jady Day Studio
Gorjuss Stamp
Copic Markers
Ribbon

Visit this card in my gallery.

Recipe:

Autumn in Hooville by Jady Day Studio

Owl Stamp by Pink Cat Studio
Sketch by Mojo Monday
Copic Markers
Copic Liner Pen
Prima Flowers
Ribbon

Snowflake Fairy

2009-12-21T09:10:00.000-08:00

OMG!!! I ordered this cute little digital stamp about a month ago, but haven't really had time to play with her. Oh!!! She was so much fun to color. I used my wonderful Copics. The blues that I used are B00, B02, and B05 and then blended, blended, and blended!! :)
Enjoy!!!!

Visit this card in my gallery.
Credits:
Snow Peeps by Amanda Heimann and Suzy Q
Snowflake Word Art by Bethany
Snowflake Fairy Lily by Pink Cat Studio
---------------------
Copic Markers
Prima Flowers
Prisma Glitter
Ribbon

Sweet As Sugar Magnolia Card

2009-12-20T20:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my Winter kit from Magnolia arrived!! I was a little disappointed that it didn't really have any "winter" images. I did love this little girl with the high heels. Isn't she adorable?

Visit this card in my gallery.

Credits:
Sugar Cookie by Megan Turnidge
Sweet Sugar Holiday by Meg Mullens and Lyndsay Riches
Back to Basics Mats by Tracie Stroud
-------
Tilda Stamp by Magnolia
Copic Markers
Stickles
Prisma Glitter
Stitching

Gingerbread House

2009-12-20T14:24:00.000-08:00

OMG!!! My bud, Mel, just put up an amazing hybrid Freebie!!!! You must run over there and download ASAP.

So, this is what I made with it!!! You can click for full credits. :)

Truffle Box

2009-12-12T07:07:00.000-08:00

OMG!!! I just picked up this adorable pattern from Pixel Geek and WOW!!!! Is it cute or what? I also used mle Card's Tealicious. Added some paper and ribbon rosebuds, some ribbon and called it complete!!! Seriously, I'm in love.

Popcorn Box

2009-12-06T11:40:00.000-08:00

Seriously, is this cute or what?

When Mel from Pixel Geek Designs showed me this template, I was in LOVE, in LOVE I tell you! This little popcorn box is really adorable. You can customize it for Christmas, bday parties, Valentine's Day, whatever!!! I filled it with some miniature mittens that were Starbucks gift card holders. I added the flower, bow, and a button to finish it off!

I also used Santa Friends by Ziggle and Amanda Heimann.

Sorry about that...

2009-11-29T12:28:00.001-08:00

I recently switched by blog over from Typepad and have lost my pictures. I'm slowly trying to add them back.

Christmas Stocking

2009-11-28T23:11:00.000-08:00

Oh wow!!! This stocking was SOOOOOOOOO much fun to make. I started with a FREE template by the wonderful and awesome Lauren Meader, then finished it off with an adorable kit by the talented Megan Mullens of Wild Dandelions Designs (Scrap Orchard).

Need Blog Help...

2009-11-03T19:28:00.000-08:00

I'm so sad, I just can't figure out this damn blogger thing. My typepad blog was soooooooo pretty. This blog...blah....

Anyone want to help a sister out. I can't pay you, but I can make you an awesome layout. :)

Awesome Halloween Stuff

2009-10-24T20:52:00.001-07:00

The awesome ladies over at Scrap Orchard have done it again!!!! There are some AWESOME new kits available right now. Here are just a few....

Hello all!!!

2009-10-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, I decided to make the move from Typepad over to blogger! Now, don't get me wrong, I loved typepad, I just couldn't justify the cost when I could have blogger for free! I'm still trying to work out the kinks here. Blogger is not as intuitive as typepad.

Any advice for me?

A lot has happened over the last few months. I'm proud to say that I'm now a member of the Scrap Orchard site team!!! I was thrilled to be invited as a Hybrid Honey Bee!!!! I've been super buy creating lots of goodies for the girls over there. Be sure to check out my gallery.

Me?? A product review??? YES!!!!

2009-07-06T02:45:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for this????
Last week I was contacted by the wonderful people over at Racks and Stands. They wanted to know if little ol' ME would be interesting in reviewing a product from their store. I immediately headed over to their store to see what they carried. HOLY MOTHER OF MEDIA ORGANIZATION!!!! Seriously, I was floored. From the gaming center racks to the desktop storage to entertainment centers, I was in heaven. They have everything, literally EVERYTHING. I fell in love with quite a few products over there. It's like someone has been stalking our home and knew that we needed help in those areas! I can't wait for my product to arrive and write an honest review of it.

Hybrid Project and new Magnolias...

2009-07-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! It's been a very busy week here in my studio, although I don't have a lot to show for it. Sorry!

I made a cute little project featuring one of Lauren Grier and Mandabean's (Sweet Shoppe Designs) kits, Along Came Miss Happy. I just love it! I added stitches, however I ran our of thread at the top. ugh.... I added some new trim that I found at Big Lots for a whopping $1. I braided the strap with a simple satin ribbon. The purse closes with velcro. It's the perfect size to hold a gift card.

Next up... I got some new stamps!! Yeah!!! I just love this cute little Tilda. The challenge this week in the Copic Buzz at Paper Craft Planet is jeans. How did they know that it's my favorite??? I haven't finished the card yet, but wanted to take a picture of all the markers I used on this image!!!!!

and for the recipes....

Rumor has it that the Magnolia Summer kit has shipped!!!!!!!!!!! Wooot!!!! Do you think I could be any further from Sweden, though??? I'll keep you posted as to when it arrives! :)
Peace out!

Copic Sketch book & MACS

2009-06-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

First of all, let me start off with such an awesome organization, MACS. MACS is all about helping children through difficult medical problems. One of the challenges by Simon Says Stamp was to create a card for MACS. At first I thought, ok, I'll do it for the challenge. The more I looked at the children on the MACS site, the more I wanted to help. My goal is to make at least 3 cards a month for each of the MACS kids being featured.

Here is my card for little Emily, yes you can see her address, that's the point. Mail a card to her yourself!!!

Next up, my buds over at Paper Craft Planet were asking me about my Copic Sketch book.
I took a regular artist Sketch book by Canson and added tabs to the top, every 10 pages or so. The Copics will bleed through the paper, so I took a piece of Gina K's 120 lb Pure Luxery cardstock and cut it to fit. Whenever I color, I put this cardstock behind to catch the bleed.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. :)

Scrapbook Sunday :)

2009-06-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

I've been a very busy girl!!!

Credits:
Kiss Me Goodnight by Melissa Bennett

Worn pages by Lynn Grieveson

Credits:
Whistle While You Work by Lauren Grier and Mandabean

Layered Up in You - Edges by Lauren Grier

Credits:
Summer Time by Melissa Bennett

Layered Up in You - Scallops by Lauren Grier

Credits:
Roughin' It by Melissa Bennett

Layered Up in YOu - Edges by Lauren Grier

Saturday updates...

2009-06-27T02:45:00.000-07:00

Just a super dooper quick post before I head out for a day of baseball with my son!

I scrapbooked last night!!!! HOLY COW!!! Don't all freak out or anything!! It felt great to be back in the saddle. I used Down by the Pond by Lauren Grier and Lliella available at the Sweet Shoppe :)

Next up.... TWO hybrid cards!!! Yep, that's right!! All designing was done in photoshop.

This little beaut was created with Oh Baby by Lauren Grier and Christy Lyle (available at Sweet Shoppe)

I colored the girl in with my Copic markers. I also added embroidery floss to each button on the flowers.
Next up...

OMG, I just love this one!!! I used Battle Galaxy by Lauren Grier and Penny Springmann (avail at Sweet SHoppe). I cut the little girl out and colored her with my Copics. I also cut the sword out and sprinkled with awesome glitter. I adhered both with pop dots. :)
Thanks for looking! May the force be with you. :)

So it's Tuesday...

2009-06-23T00:53:00.000-07:00

And I have way too much to share. I can't wait until tomorrow to post!! What can I say?
First up I wanted to share my studio space with you. In April of this year I did a little remodel of my office. Michael's was having a sale on their storage cubes and so I did it. I bought 12 of them! I just realized that I didn't take any pictures of them. I guess that will wait for another day. We spaced eight of the cubes across a 10 foot wall and then installed a precut counter top. I have my area separated into craft and computer with the printer dividing the two sides. I only took pictures of the craft side to share today.

These are my copics. I have them sitting right on my desk in their original containers. The tags show which color families are in each box. My "E"s and kinda spread out through all the boxes.

This is where the magic happens. :) On my desk I have my Daylight lamp which is a life saver!!! I can't imagine not having one! I have two little shelves above my work area holding flowers and cards. Above that is my Making Memories Embellishment Center full of goodness! The poppies on the wall are from Ikea. They are really cool! My walls are a light green apple color. I accented the rest of my studio in poppy red. It looks very cool. :) Peeking out from under the counter is a stack of older rubber stamps in boxes with a baby wipe canister sitting on top.

I worked on three cards yesterday.

This cute little card is from a very OLD CTMH set called Nantucket Retreat. I colored with my Copics and used the W1 to blend.
Next up...

This little beauty was created for Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #10. Are these colors just scrumptious or what???? The first thing I did was head over to Papertrey Ink and download their Copic Color Chart. I then checked off which markers I had and then for those that I didn't have, I looked for a close match. Here are my recipes:
Pink (*R20, R32, R35)
Orange (*R00, R02, R05)
Brown (*E35, *E37, E57)
*indicates that I didn't have the color suggested, so I replaced with a close match. I colored the buttons and flowers in the hair with sparkly Gelly Rolls. I had a small mishap when I smeared the buttons on the pants. Would you have noticed if I had not pointed it out? I also added Gold Stickles to the brads on the paper flowers.
Thanks for looking! :)
S

Happy Monday!

2009-06-22T08:34:00.000-07:00

Now that I'm on summer vacation, I don't dread Mondays!!! LOL I'm doing my best to stay busy because staying busy keeps me out of the stores. I LOVE Target, Michaels, and Joanns and I'd go there every day if I could!
I'm going to try to regularly update my blog Monday/Wednesday/Friday and perhaps once on the weekend. :) I get so excited and want to share my creations immediately, so I'm going to TRY to show some restraint.
I added BLOG CANDY over to the sidebar -----> Be sure to check them out, some are closing this week!

Now...my projects. Both featured my new Traveling Tilda stamp. I just LOVE her. I colored with my Copics, no big surprise. :)

I used the Warm Greys for her pants and to shade over the other colors. THe papers are by K & Co.

See you on Wednesday!

Sweetheart Tilda...

2009-06-20T01:58:00.000-07:00

I told you last night that I got three new stamps. I featured two of them in last night's project. There is NO way I could let the third stamp alone for too long! I got Sweetheart Tilda and she's just so adorable!!!
I stamped her onto my Gina K 80lb pure luxury cardstock. I then used my ancient CM circle/oval cutting system to cut around her leaving her hands and legs uncut. I then carefully cut around those. I then used my circle/oval cutter again to create a mat. I colored Tilda with my Copics.
Dress: RV000, RV10, RV21, RV 23
Lace:BG10, B00, B12

Paper is by Prima. I also used Distress Ink (Old Paper) to ink the edges of the paper.

BLOG CANDY!!!!

2009-06-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

You know I LOVE blog candy!!!!!!

Check out this darling Magnolia stamp courtesy of Simon Says Stamp! Isn't it just precious?

Good luck to me and everyone else...

New stamps

2009-06-19T15:44:00.000-07:00

OH MY GOSH!!!!
Let me tell you...
7 Kids College Fund has the most amazing service EVER!!!! I ordered a few stamps on Tuesday and they arrived TODAY!!!! Ready for what I got???? Well, two of the three are featured on this card right here! Sorry the picture isn't great. I didn't feel like setting up my mini studio for a full shoot. I have no patience either!! LOL!!! The wall, apples, and Tilda are all sitting on pop dots to vary the height. The new stamps I got are Traveling Tilda and Apple Basket. The wall is Tilda's Wall. All the stamps are by Magnolia. The paper is Basic Grey.

Mogo Monday 91

2009-06-19T02:05:00.000-07:00

Mojo Monday 91
What a fun challenge it was this week! I love the look of tall skinny cards, but I really don't make them too often as I don't have envelopes to fit. :( Any advice?
For this challenge I used some of my new yummy papers by Basic Grey. These come out of the Urban Prairie paper pad.
I first selected my papers, then found Copics to coordinate. :)

Then it was time to create! I used this adorable stamp by Rachelle Anne Miller, it's called Cute Kitty. You can see how nicely the card came together. I didn't blend as much as I wanted because about half way through the card I realized that it wasn't stamped in Copic friendly ink...in fact, I smudged the face so bad that I had to color another image, cut it out, and paste it on my first image!

Hooked on Copic Colour Challenge Combo!

2009-06-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Michael's where I spent a whopping $75 on papers! I got a bunch of really awesome paper pads that were all 40% off!! Woot!!! I figure I have enough paper to last me a while! I still have plenty of cardstock from my paper scrapping days however my patterned paper is pretty dated with mostly dots, gingham, and strips. I needed something more current! I used some of my new papers on the last card in this post. LOL, I just realized that its dots and stripes!!! LOL!!!!
I said previously that I loved the last colour challenge. I wasn't kidding! Everytime I go to color something I'm reaching for the fabulous colors!

Angel News by Penny Black (circa 1997)
Copics
Prima Flowers
Chatterbox Papers
Embroidery Floss (Flowers stitched on with French Knots)

For this card I used W1 to blend the colors, notice what a difference it made.

Way Over Wonder by CTMH (about 10-15 years old)
Tilda's Wall by Magnolia
Copics
Prima Flowers
Chatterbox Papers
Embroidery Floss (Flowers adhered with French Knots)

I also used W1 in this card for blending. I wanted Milly's dress to be a faded blue.

Nautical Milly by Pink Gem Stamps
Copics
Prima Flowers
Prima Hybrid Papers
Ribbon

Copic Colouring Challenge #18

2009-06-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

I think this is my FAVORITE colour combination ever!!! At first I thought I wouldn't like it, but the more I played, the more I fell in love!!!

Credits:
Dragonfly Tilda by Magnolia Stamps
Copic Markers
Chatterbox Papers
Prima Flowers
Copic Recipe:
Pants, Hat, Collar: R11, R32, R22, R85
Shirt: BG01, BG05
Shirt: Y11, Y15, Y17
Sorry, I didn't keep track of the other combinations.

House Mouse Monday Challenge

2009-06-16T06:58:00.000-07:00

Seriously CUTE!!! The challenge was to use the colors of Neapolitan (Strawberry, Chocolate, and Vanilla) to create an adorable card with House Mouse Stamps.
I had a blast doing this!

More Goodies in the Shoppe

2009-06-16T01:51:00.000-07:00

I've added some more goodies to the shoppe.
Be sure to check them out! :)
MY ETSY SHOPPE
A friend of mine, Liz, ordered a card last week and she LOVED it so much that she wanted to offer one on her blog. You can check out her blog to be eligible for some adorable blog candy sponsored by ME!
Liz's Blog

Roses on Paper Challenge #14

2009-06-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

Can we say addicted?
As soon as Roses on Paper posted their challenge for this week, I knew that I had to get started right away. Their challenge was to use flowers and another challenge at the same time.
I searched through my scraps of pattern paper looking for a spark of creativity. As soon as I saw the tiny bits of CHatterbox papers, I knew that I had enough to finish my card and paper piece it too!
The other challenge I completed is for Just Magnolia #9, Paper Piecing.
Once I got started on this card, I couldn't STOP. Seriously, it was a card making frenzy. I paper pieced Tilda's pants, cuffs, shirt, and hat. The rest is colored in with Copics. I colored in two white Prima flowers (the green on top and the blue), the others came straight out of the jar. I also used some $1 ribbon from Michaels.

Peace out...

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #9

2009-06-15T04:29:00.000-07:00

Seriously awesome color challenge!!!! This is my entry....

The stamp is by Penny Black, circa 1998. The paper is by Anna Griffin. As usual, I colored in with my Copics.
Leaves: (G21, YG63, YG67)
Stem: (E31, E33)

First day of Summer Vacation

2009-06-15T03:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's finally here. Summer Vacation is something we anticipate all year long and when it's here we simply can't believe it. The weird thing is...it's not hot. NOT even remotely warm for that matter. I live in the desert where we are used to 110 degree days. I normally MAKE my kids play in the morning and then bring them inside around 11 am for movies and other indoor activities. Right now, at 10:00 am it's 64 degrees. I guess it's good in some ways, the kids can play outside all day, right?
Last week I threw my back out and I'm still recovering. It's still pretty tender, but every day it seems to be getting better. I'm now just taking Aleve for the pain.
My son made the All Star team for baseball!!! I'm so proud of him! On Saturday he played in the first scrimmage game and THEY WON!!! Wooohoo!!! This week they play in another scrimmage. This weekend will be their first OFFICIAL game. I do hope they do well! He's worked so hard.
I stayed up really late last night working on a few more challenges. I know, you are SHOCKED!!! I really don't have many quality stamps, trust me this is something I'm working on! I did purchase a few stamps at Michael's and I really don't like them. First of all, the ink doesn't really stick to the stamp which makes it hard to ink, and second, the images just feel flimsy. It's too bad, some of them are rather cute.
This first card is for the Copic Creations challenge. This week we were asked to create wood. Seriously it's like someone read my mind!! Yesterday I colored three images with wood. In all fairness I decided to do one fresh for today! This image is by Penny Black. It's called Farm Love and it's from 1998 (the year my son was born!). It's colored with Copics.

The second challenge I did was for Taylored Expressions. I really didn't want to use my Magnolia's or Penny Blacks on this challenge, but rather some of the stamps I purchased from Michael's. As I said before, I'm not impressed with the quality. You do get what you pay for.

Peace out...

Copic Creations Challenge #5

2009-06-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

Challenge No. 5
This particular challenge was to color something transparent. I searched high and low through my stamps to find something that would work. I finally found a cute image by Imaginations. I'm going to guess that this image is over 10 years old, perhaps even 15 or so. I got it at a little stamp shoppe in West Hills that's been gone for at least 12 years, maybe even longer.
Anywho... For my technique I lined the edge of the jar with my lightest blue, B00. I then pulled the color towards the middle with my colorless blender. I colored the inside of the jar with my colorless blender, adding a little bit of blue directly to the tip.
I'm pretty pleased with my results.
I used Chatterbox papers to finish off the card.

More Blog Candy

2009-06-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

OMG!!! I just can't believe all the candy I'm finding today!!! WOW!!!

Check out this awesome give-away found HERE. Be sure to post and then link up in the comment section of her blog. :)

Holy blog candy batman!

2009-06-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

YOU MUST check out the blog candy that this site has to give away this month! Seriously, I would be in heaven if I were to win this!!!

Not only do you get a chance to win this, but she has some awesome inspiration too!

Hooked...

2009-06-14T05:19:00.000-07:00

First of all, I threw my back out last week. I've been sitting here in a Vicoden, Aleve, and Biofreeze stupor making veyr small movements.

I've been hard at work with my Copics. I know, I know you already know that I'm in love. Really you don't know to what extent!

I have some goodies to show off to you. The two images with the kids are some really old Penny Blacks. I just LOVE them!!! The third image on the left is by Whipper Snapper.

This adorable Gorjuss Girl card was created for the Cupcake Craft Challenge Colour Challenge, #43. I just LOVE these colors! I colored the Prima flowers with my Copics.

This adorable girl was created for the paper piecing challenge over at Just Magnolia. You must understand that I recently threw out tons and tons of patterned paper. It doesn't matter, though. I still have tons left! Here I used some old Chatterbox papers. her pants, cuffs, and hat are all paper pieced Her wings are colored in shades of blue and then glittered with Prisma glitter.

This last image is Tilda picking flowers by none other than Magnolia Stamps. Seriously cute!!!! She was created for the Copic Colour Challenge.

All of these challenges are stretching my mind and creativity!! I just love them!

Do you Etsy?

2009-06-08T10:44:00.000-07:00

It's always been a dream of mine to sell handmade cards. The reason it was just a dream is that so many of the rubber stamp companies had strict copyrights that prohibited selling handmade cards featuring stamp designs. Well friends.... many companies have changes that policy to finally allow it!! YEAH!!!!!

Yesterday I took a bunch of cards down to my parents. I asked them a simple question. Would you buy this? I then asked some of their friend. The response was overwhelming. All said without a doubt, YES!!!

I came home and thought about it for all of two minutes and decided to open up an Etsy shoppe. In my shoppe you will find several of the cards that I've designed. I welcome any and all advice. I do know that I need to make a banner. That will come soon, I promise.

My ETSY SHOPPE

Other exciting news.... I came home to an email regarding my card with "Tilda in the Sea." A nice shoppe keeper, Heidi, from Simon Says Stamp wanted to feature my card in her store. Of course I said yes!!!!! You can visit my card HERE.

I have two more cards that I finished up yesterday. I totally love them!! :)

First up is Dragonfly Tilda. I glittered her wings and this picture doesn't do this card justice!!!

Second up I have another adorable Gorjuss girl. I played around with the blue background and honestly I love it!!!!!

Peace out peeps!

Totally addicted!

2009-06-07T01:42:00.000-07:00

Well, guess what finally arrived? That's right my new copics. Everyday has been so exciting here. Copics, Magnolia stamps, cardstock, etc. I'm out of control I tell ya!!!!

Let me show you some of the awesome-ness I've been creating in my studio....

This first image is a beautiful Gorjuss stamp. I have been following Suzanne for years. In fact when I was a digital designer I purchased some of her art for my designs. :) The second image is by Magnolia. It's called Dragonfly Tilda. It's totally adorable!

This first card I created even before my stamps arrived!! I used circle punches to create the scalloped border. Again, I've used Dragonfly Tilda, colored with Copic markers.

The second card is another Magnolia image, Butterfly Background. I used my Copic Markers to color and for the background I used Whoose Ready for Spring by Traci Reed and Meghan Mullens. I added a Prima flower and some ribbon.

The third card featured Tilda in the Sea by Magnolia. I designed this card for the Mojo Monday challenge. I wanted to try a red dress as this is something that I had not done yet. I ended up with a very patriotic card. The backgrounds are by Sweet Water Designs (my very old stash of papers!!). I added a Prima flower.

Next up we have the adorable Bunny Lift stamp by House Mouse. Seriously, does it get any cuter? I colored with Copics and added ribbon. The background is from the WHose Ready for Spring by Traci Reed and Meghan Mullens.

Next up on the plate is that adorable Gorjuss image by Sugar Nellie. I created this for the Copic Colour Challenge. I totally LOVE this card. Backgrounds are by Sweet Water Designs (again, some really old paper!!) I added some Primas and ribbon.

Last up for today is my latest card. This was created for the Roses on Paper Challenge. The challenge was to use yellow, pink, and green. THe stamps used are Hawaii Tilda and Palm by Magnolia. I used my Copics to color. I added Prisma Glitter the the wings, a rhinestone to the flower in Tilda's hair, Prima flowers, Ribbon, and RicRac. The background is by Chatterbox.

Rubber Stamps

2009-05-31T04:48:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I was really big into rubber stamping. I had many of my cards published in Stamper's Sampler, Rubber Stamp Madness, Stampin' Up catalogs, and Close to My Heart catalogs.

Rubber stamping was my life 17 years ago. I was so passionate about it. I had penpals all around the world where we would exchange cards.

11 years ago I pretty much stopped. I sold off most of my stash and began scrapbooking. Why? Well, my son was born. I paper scrapped for going on 5-6 years before I made the transition to digital.

Well friends, I've come full circle. I am back to rubber. I miss coloring, I miss making cards, I miss the process. My daughter loves to stamp too. As soon as my new markers, Copics, arrive she'll be inheriting my old Tombow markers. She's very excited about that!

I'm not saying that I won't be digital scrapbooking anymore, I will. I just need something else to spark my creativity.

I'll be back next week showing off my new markers, stamps, and other goodies!

FOBTY 4/2/09

2009-04-02T00:11:00.000-07:00

FOBTY 4/2/09

Five shows....
1. Castle- This is new favorite show!!! The lead actor is seriously ON FIRE!!! mmmmm

2. Dexter - Seriously LOVE this show too!!!! I'm always rooting for my guy.

3. Big Love - I don't know why, but DH and I are addicted. It's the only show we watch together.

4. House - Seriously, how could you NOT love a doctor with a Vicodin addition?

5. Grey's Anatomy - LOVE every one of the characters, except Mer... I am in LOVE (maybe it's lust) with Mc Steamy. mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

FOBTY: 3/5/09

2009-03-07T06:23:00.000-08:00

Tulips Say You're Very Positive

You are very popular and universally admired.

You are often hopelessly in love, and you connect to other people easily.

You are a naturally cheerful and upbeat person. You have an amazing smile.

You have a fresh perspective on things. You have a different way of looking at the world.

What Do The Flowers You Pick Say About You?

FOB2Y — February 26th 2009

2009-02-25T22:08:00.000-08:00

FOB2Y — February 26th 2009

Did you know?

Paul McCartney's Birth Certificate was auctioned in March 1997,
for US $84,146. It is believed to be the world's most expensive
Birth Certificate.

Anne Frank's world famous diary was given to her as a present
for her 13th birthday.

The least common birth date in the U.S. is May 22nd.

Your Birthdate Predicts You're Fearless

Ever since you were born, you've always been able to assert yourself.

You are confident in carving your own path. Soon enough, other people will be persuaded and follow along.

You are driven and competitive to the point of being impulsive. You'll do just about anything to win.

It drives you crazy when you have to stay still in life. You are too dynamic to stay stagnant.

What Does Your Birthday Predict About You?

Feb 19th - FOB2Y

2009-02-19T21:56:00.000-08:00

Feb 19th - FOB2Y

You Are a Star

You have a Type A personality so big it makes other Type A's shrink away in shame.

You never shy away from adversity - and you love to tackle impossible problems.

Failure is not an option for you, and more than a few people are put off by your ego.

You tend to be controlling, and you hate leaving anything up to chance.

Your strength: Your bold approach to life

Your weakness: You don't accept help

Your power color: Bronze

Your power symbol: Pyramid

Your power month: October

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Nice....not exactly what I was looking for this morning. Great to know that people are put off by me and I'm controlling. Lovely.

FOBTY-02/12/09

2009-02-12T11:37:00.000-08:00

Your Word is "Fearless"

You see life as your one chance to experience everything, and you just go for it!

You believe the biggest risk is being afraid and missing out on something amazing.

Sometimes your fearlessness means you're daring. You enjoy risky activities.

And sometimes your fearlessness means you're courageous. You're brave enough to do the right thing, even when it's scary.

What's Your Word?

FOBTY- Feburary 5th, 2009

2009-02-06T22:51:00.000-08:00

Sweet Shoppe Designs Blog

"In the spirit of celebrating birthdays, I want to know how YOU
celebrate. Do you have a favorite birthday that stands out to you from
your childhood? A memorable party, gift, family member who made your
day? Tell us your best birthday memories (either as a child or adult,
anything goes!)."

My birthdays have always been time of anxiety. Due to reasons that I won't go into here, I usually end up sick or am stricken with anxiety. As I've gotten older, honestly it's downright hysterical.

The year that I thought I was turning 25 I had a total meltdown in our backyard. Jamie kept asking me what I was so upset about. I told him I was turning 25. He laughed, told me no, that I was turning 24. He made me do the math, it didn't matter. In my mind I was going to be 25!!!

This year I pulled another funny stunt. My birthday is at the end of this month. A few weeks ago I pulled out my driver's license and noticed that it was going to expire. I spent an hour on the DMV website trying to arrange an appointment. I go into the wonderful world of DMV only to have the worker laugh at me. Well, it doesn't expire this year!!! It's next year!!!! Cause apparently I can't tell the difference between 2009 and 2010. Really, it's like all common sense and the ability to reason go out the window when it's near my birthday.

I'm totally staying at 29. I really like the nice young age of 29. I have vowed to stay here forever. I've got it all worked out. My step mother is 39 and my grandmother is 49 (she's actually 94!!!) What happens when Annika reaches 29? Give me a margarita and I guess I'll relunctantly move onto 39 and make my step mother move to 49. :)

I remember the year I turned 16. My parent's hosted a sweet sixteen party at the house. It was beautiful. My dad forgot to take pictures!!!!

FOB2Y 1/29/09

2009-01-29T12:52:00.000-08:00

You Will Keep Your New Year's Resolution

You planning on making a resolution that's smart, attainable, and perfect for where your life is.

Will You Keep Your New Year's Resolution?