Lynette and an Important Announcement

Before I get to the card, I wanted to let all of you know that I am leaving town around noon tomorrow (Sunday), and will not return until Friday evening, May 28. Unfortunately, I'm in for a whole week of classes ending with a test on Friday. Ugh! Not fun, but quite necessary in order to keep my certification current for my *real* job.

All orders placed before I leave will ship on Monday. Those placed after that will be shipped as soon as I return. Thanks in advance for your understanding.


This adorable image is from Sarah Kay, and is called Lynette Collecting Her Vegetables . I stamped it on watercolor paper using Onyx Black Versafine ink, then embossed with JudiKins Detail Clear embossing powder. The image was colored using Tombow Markers and a damp paint brush to blend.

I sponged around the top of the card using Tumbled Glass Distress Ink .

The designer paper is from the Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety 6 x 6 paper pad. I used my Ric Rac Diamond Borderability from Spellbinders to make the red and green borders around the band in the center. I added a tiny red button to the corner and threaded it with Green Burlap String .

I plan to have a couple of posts scheduled while I'm away, so it won't seem like I'm really gone! :) Thanks so much for stopping by today.

Play Ball!

No, it's not a baseball card, if that's what you thought!
It's Sarah Kay's Jean-Luc Playing Ball With Claude . Have you noticed that their newest collection of stamps have longer names? I mean, some of them are really long! I digress.

Since I have four grandsons, these little boy images will really come in handy for me! I stamped Jean-Luc on watercolor paper using Onyx Black Versafine ink, then embossed with JudiKins Detail Clear embossing powder. The image was colored with Tombow Markers then cut and embossed with Spellbinders Labels Eight Nestabilities .

That gorgeous designer paper is from the Kaisercraft Reminiscing paper kit. The cardstock is Mystic Prismatics , and the twill is Natural 5/8" Heavyweight . The buttons were threaded with Natural Burlap String .

Well, it's definitely Monday again. I hope you had a fabulous weekend and that you're happier about it being Monday that I am! Ha!

Thanks for stopping by. I have several things for you this week, so I do hope you will come again.

New Stamps from Sarah Kay, Penny Johnson...

Aren't they sweet? You can see them in the New Arrivals section along with all the other new products we have in the store. OR just click on the Stampavie link.

Noel Joy

I suppose it goes without saying that I simply adore these Sarah Kay images!

This one is called Noel Joy . Isn't she sweet?

I stamped the image on watercolor paper using Onyx Black Versafine ink, embossed with JudiKins Detail Clear embossing powder, then colored with Tombow Markers . It was then cut and embossed using Spellbinders Labels Four Nestabilities . The edges were distressed just a bit using Tea Dye Distress Ink . I stamped another hat, colored it and popped it up with foam tape to add dimension.

To make the icy snow beneath her feet I used Diamond Glaze for my adhesive, then sprinkled Krystallos Glass Glitter Shards over the top.

The red patterned paper panel behind the main image was cut and embossed using my new Labels Eight Nestabilities . It's the first time I have used that one...and I LOVE it!

The designer paper is from My Mind's Eye. The cardstock is Blush Red Prismatics and Spring Willow Prismatics medium.

For those of you who got a holiday today, I hope you're enjoying the time off. The rest of us are drudging through another Monday! Ha!

Thanks for stopping by!

Noel Charity

Well it was definitely a stamping kind of day here today! It has been raining all day long, and there is a slight chill in the air as if fall is really coming! So I took advantage of the weather, stayed inside and stamped! As if I needed an excuse! LOL!Isn't this a sweet image? It is from the new Noel 2009 Christmas Collection by Sarah Kay, and it's called Noel Charity . I stamped on watercolor paper using Onyx Black Versafine ink, then embossed with JudiKins Detail Clear embossing powder. The stamped image was colored with Tombow Markers . The edges of the oval were distressed with Tea Dye Distress Ink . The only other thing I did to the stamped image was a little detailing on the white parts of her hat and between the bricks using my White Opaque Pen .

The designer paper is from the Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses paper pad. The cardstock is all three shades from the Crabapple Prismatics paper trio. The ribbon is May Arts Pink Crochet .

The snowflakes were punched from McGill punches, then covered with Diamond Glaze and sprinkled with Krystallos Vintage Glass . While the diamond glaze was still wet, I also sprinkled Crystal Ultrafine Glitter on top. You can click on the pictures to get a larger view. I just LOVE those snowflakes! LOL!

I'm off to catch up on the housework I didn't do this weekend, and hopefully a little time for the many Google Reader posts I haven't yet read.

Thanks for stopping by. I will be back tomorrow with something new.

How Sweet!

You've just gotta love these sweet little Sarah Kay girls! This one is called How Sweet You Are . And it definitely IS sweet!
I stamped the image on watercolor paper using Onyx Black Versafine ink, then embossed with JudiKins Detail Clear embossing powder. The stamped image was colored using Tombow Markers and a damp paint brush.

The flourishes at the bottom were cut and embossed with Spellbinders Flourish Accents . I added a couple of Primas, and the brad in the center is a Basic Grey June Bug Glazed Brad . The designer paper is from the Basic Grey June Bug paper pad. The cardstock is Yellow Prismatics , Classic Red Prismatics and Black Prismatics .

Well, the good news is that tomorrow is Friday, and we are off work Monday for Labor Day. So I have a long weekend! Woo hoo! With any luck maybe I can manage to get in some extra stamping time...I hope? :-)

Thanks for stopping by. I will be back soon with something new. Until then...

Sarah Kay Christmas Collection...

Oh my gosh...



I am in SO love with these new stamps from the Sarah Kay Noel Collection from Stampavie!

And the new Helz Cuppleditch stamps are pretty stinkin' cute, too!

NEW! Sarah Kay and Tina Wenke Stamps are here!

The postman was good to me today! She brought me all these GORGEOUS new stamps from the new Sarah Kay Collection and Tina Wenke ! And oh...I DO love them all!!!

Just for Joan

It's a miracle...but I did manage to get one card made with the grands here all weekend! You have no idea what a feat that is with little ones everywhere! LOL!



Today the featured stamper is my dear friend Joan Ervin! Be sure to check out her gallery and her blog at Stamping With A Passion . Joan makes some really AWESOME cards, can color like nobody's business, and is such a sweetheart! Love ya Joan! Congratulations on your special day!!! :-)

Her card that I chose to case is HERE . I used the same general layout and the same stamp, because you know I LOVE those Sarah Kay images.

This one is called Rose's Garden . I stamped on watercolor paper using Onyx Black Versafine ink, then embossed with JudiKins Detail Clear embossing powder. The stamped image was colored with Tombow (water based) markers and a damp paint brush, then cut and embossed with my oval Nesties.


The designer paper is Sera Sera by K & Company. The cardstock is Pink Prismatics medium and dark.

The strip across the center was made by punching with a Martha Stewart border punch. The self adhesive pearls were colored with Copic R85.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you're having a great Sunday afternoon.

I feel loved...

I just had to share my recent RAKS with you. I feel so loved! :-)

I got this one from Tosha in today's mail. She used one of my favorite stamps from Rachelle Ann Miller called Rainy Days . Just look at the perfect embellishing and coloring on this card! Isn't it awesome? And there was a package of Louisiana themed charms tucked inside. Thanks, my dear sweet friend! I love you!!! Today truly WAS a happy mail day! :-)


This card is from my friend Denise . She used the Flourishes set called Signs of Spring . I will never forget that the day I got this card out of the mailbox I was on a pretty low limb. I had been to a funeral for the father of a very dear friend. And what a lift it was when I opened this gorgeous card! It's almost as if she had ESP and knew I needed a smile that day.

This is a card I received from Denise earlier this week. I was a "just because" card...so sweet and thoughtful. She knows how much I love Sarah Kay stamps. This one is called Spring Blossoms . Thanks, my friend. You are so thoughtful. It's one of the many things I love about you!


This card is from the infamous Mothermark . She used an adorable little Penny Black stamp called Friendly Surprise . Cindy is known for her sponged clouds...aren't they awesome? Thanks, girlfriend!!!

Hello Friend! - FS115

It's been a while since I've had time to play in the SCS Featured Stamper Challenge. But this morning I decided I wanted to take the time to participate...and oh, I'm SO glad I did! The featured stamper this week is Jaymerz, and you can find her gallery HERE . She has some beautiful creations that I know you will enjoy!


The card I chose to CASE can be seen HERE . According to the rules you have to change at least two things, so I changed the paper, the image, and left off one of the patterned layers.

The image I used is one of my favorites, Sarah Kay's Spring Blossoms . Oh, who am I kidding? I love ALL the Sarah Kay stamps! LOL!

I added pink Mini Rhinestones to the centers of the flowers for a little bling. The sentiment is from the General Sayings unmounted set by Whiff of Joy. You have seen me use this designer paper a lot, and will see again later this week. It's from Basic Grey's Urban Prairie paper pad. That color palette really appeals to me!

The cardstock is Prism Papers Frosted Teal , and Frosted Pink . The ribbon is 3/8" pink satin by May Arts.

By the way...I need to let you all know that I have to go out of town this week for a few days. Wah! Unfortunately, it's not a fun trip! I am going to school for 3 days in Lafayette, Louisiana for educational requirements to keep my professional license current for my REAL job. I will leave early Wednesday morning (April 22) and return Friday evening (April 24). All purchases during that time will be shipped on Saturday, April 25. Sorry for the inconvenience, but it's totally unavoidable.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I will be back soon with something new!

I get by with a little help from my friends...

I felt like using a song for my blog title like Shannan Teubner does in her posts. (BTW...I met Shannan at CHA, and she is SUCH a hoot!) The reason I felt that way is because the words are so appropriate for this post!

These are ALL RAKS I've received from my friends in the last couple of weeks! Don't I have the bestest friends? After my sons father passed away a couple of weeks ago I received so much love and encouragement, and these cards from my friends.

This adorable Sarah Kay card is from Denise Marzec aka Peanutbee! Now Denise knows just how much I love Sarah Kay images, and she really gave me a big smile with this one. Thanks, my friend...for all you do for me! I love ya! Truly, I do!






This gorgeous card is from my dear friend Carolyn King . I wish you could see how stunning this card is in real life! The paper she used has mica in it. I'm sure of it! It glistens and shimmers beautifully! There was a lot of work and love put into this card. I know it, and I will treasure it always. Thank you Cam....you know I love you! And your thoughtfulness truly touches my heart.




This beauty is from my good friend Carol. Now I have to tell you a few things about Carol. We "met" through my blog more than a year ago. She continued to leave encouraging messages on my blog posts, almost every single day. We have never met in person, but we seem to know each other so very well. I always know she's there for me whenever I need someone to listen, and I know she feels the same way.


Thank you Carol. You mean so much to me! I truly appreciate your friendship and your thoughtfulness.




This card is from the lovely Charmaine Ikach aka Charmwarm. Charmaine is truly one of the sweetest ladies I know. She's always there with encouragement and loving words. Her note inside truly touched me. Doesn't she make the MOST AWESOME cards? This one uses the Flourishes Strut Your Stuff clear stamp set.

Thanks, my friend. You truly ARE the best, in every way!




Last, but not least is a thank you card I received yesterday from Denise . I told you that she knows how much I love those Sarah Kay stamps. AND I ADORE her AWESOME work!!! Honestly, I don't think this girl has ever made a tanker in her LIFE! Everything she does is over-the-top fabulous!!! And besides that, she's a great gal, and my good friend. Thanks for that. It means so very much to me.

So you see...I DO get by with a little help from my friends! Thanks for indulging me. And thanks for stopping by.

Picnic Time - SDDC5

Yes, I have noticed that this card is really green! LOL! But this month's Stamper's Dream Dreamy Challenge was to make a monochromatic card. Now since I don't completely understand all the rules about that, I tried to make REALLY sure I didn't goof up. If you recall, I screwed up the sketch challenge last month, and I DID NOT want the challenge police harassing me. Yes, we have those. Isn't there one in EVERY group? LOL!

The image I used for this card is Sarah Kay Picnic Time from Stampavie. I stamped on watercolor paper and colored with Tombow (water based) markers using a damp paint brush to blend.

The designer paper is from the Spirograph paper collection by Kaiser Craft. Actually, it's the reverse side of one of the papers shown in my store.

I used May Arts olive green ric rac along the bottom of the card.

The cardstock is all from Prism Papers. I used Prismatics Kiwi medium and dark.

I found the green chipboard in the $1 bin at Michael's. The button is from my stash.

Please be sure to check out the rest of the Dream Team blogs for their challenge cards! You know how awesome their work is!
Charmaine, Mothermark , Denise, Kimberly , Laurie and Tosha


We are offering a chance at this Dreamy Treat for those who choose to play along with this month's challenge.

All you have to do is make a monochromatic card and link it in the comment section of THIS blog post to be entered in the drawing. If you upload to SCS, please enter the key words: SDDC5. I will use the random thingy next Thursday night (March 5) and announce the winner in my regular blog post.

So...get busy making those monochromatic cards...okay? :-)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

First Kiss..and a SALE!

Gosh, I'm really late posting tonight! But I got some new inventory for the store , and had to get that listed. I also marked a lot of items down and put them in the sale section . Items that were already on sale were reduced even further! Be sure to check it out. I need space on the shelves for all the new items I bought at CHA...so my loss is your gain! There are some real deals there!

This card is made with Sarah Kay's First Kiss from Stampavie! I guess I don't have to tell you how much I love their images, now do I?

I stamped it on watercolor paper using Onyx Black Versafine ink, then colored using Tombow (water based) markers.

The stamped image was cut and embossed with Spellbinders Curved Rectangles Mega Nestabilities.

The sentiment is Impression Obsessions's I {heart} you . It was cut and embossed using circle Nestabilities.

The designer paper is from Basic Grey's Bittersweet collection. The cardstock is Baby Pink Prismatics light, and Suede Brown Prismatics dark.

The embellishments are Chocolate Pearls by Kaiser Craft.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

My Sweet Lili - FS104

I was so happy to see that BevR is the featured stamper on Splitcoast today. I have long admired her work, and it gave me the perfect excuse to ink up on of my Sarah Kay images!

The stamp I used is My Sweet Lili , and Bev's card I decided to CASE is HERE . According to the rules, you have to change two things about the card that inspired you. You will see that I changed the colors, designer paper and parts of the layout.
The image was stamped on watercolor paper and colored with Tombow (water based) markers and a damp paint brush. I cut and embossed it with my petite oval Nestabilities. The designer paper is Basic Grey Bittersweet, and the raspberry velvet ric rac is May Arts.

My friend Tosha gave me the flower punches. Thanks girlfriend! They are two different Martha Stewart punches, both called Hydrangea. The centers in the flowers are pearls by Kaiser Craft. The Dew Drops were added to give a little balance to the card.

I still haven't heard from the winner of the Dreamy Treats. I'm going to give her until noon tomorrow to contact me. If I haven't heard from her by then I will choose another winner.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Spring Blossoms

It's been a while since I colored a Sarah Kay image, so I was happy to choose this one for today. The name of the stamp is Spring Blossoms . I tell ya, I don't know which Sarah Kay image I like best, because I love them ALL!

I watercolored the stamped image using Tombow (water based) markers and a damp paintbrush. The hat was stamped a second time on scrap paper, colored, cut out and popped up with foam tape. The butterfly is a Martha Stewart punch. After adhering three purple gemstones to the body I used my Quickie Glue Pen for adhesive to cover the butterfly, then sprinkled Art Institute Crystal Ultrafine Glitter to make it sparkly. I adhered it to the main panel using a glue dot.

The yellow cardstock is Intense Yellow Prismatics . I embossed it using my Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder. The green cardstock is Intense Kiwi Prismatics , and the designer paper is from an old Basic Gray collection that I've been hoarding!

On the bottom left side of the card I added three Hyacinth Dew Drops for balance.

Do you see this award? It was given to me by my good friend Amy Sheffer of Pickled Paper Designs . Thanks Amy...I am truly honored and humbled!

"This award is given to a blog that invests and believes in PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!"

The rule of the award is to now pass it on to another 8 people who demonstrate this spirit. So, here is my list of some incredibly talented stampers and cardmakers. Yes, most of them are on my Dream Team...but they ARE incredibly talented! Please be sure to visit their blogs and appreciate their wonderful work.

1. Carolyn King
2. Charmaine Ikach
3. Cindy Motherway
4. Denise Marzec
5. Kimberly Crawford
6. Laurie Schmidlin
7. Tosha Leyendekker
8. Joan Ervin

Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm off work tomorrow for a holiday, so I get a little extra stamping time, as well as time to make some preparations for my trip to CHA next week! I will be back soon!

Fannie's Cuddle

I couldn't wait any longer before inking another Sarah Kay image. This one is called Fannie's Cuddle . I think she looks so, so sweet cuddling that precious little puppy!

I stamped the image on watercolor paper using Onyx Black Versafine ink, then embossed with JudiKins Detail Clear embossing powder. The stamped image was colored using Tombow (water based) markers and a damp paint brush.




The designer paper is from the Basic Grey Blush paper pad. The cardstock is Island Mist Prismatics dark, and Crabapple Prismatics light and medium.

The ribbon is from my stash. The border punch is by Martha Stewart, and the heart pin is something I found at JoAnn's a while back. They were really inexpensive, and there were quite a few in the package in assorted colors. Don't you just love it when you find a *deal*!



The sentiment on the inside is a new stamp from Impression Obsession called Best Part . I love that sentiment!

So that's it for me tonight. I'm posting earlier than usual so I can get some things done around here tonight. Isn't there always something to do? I mean, do people really do nothing???

Thanks for stopping by. I will be back soon...and hope you are too.