I Love to Stamp!

Hall Passes for Classroom

2011-06-04T16:13:00.000-07:00

I made these to use for my cafe'-themed classroom for next year. I used wooden spoons this year, and though they were cute, they were pretty grungy (ewwwww) by the end of the year. I decided to go with the plastic ones this year so that I can disifect them a little more effectively than I could the wooden ones.

Day 4...Crafter's Challenge

2011-06-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

For today's craft, I decided to make a monster hat for my little monster. I have had this hat for a while with the plan to make the monster, but just haven't gotten around to it. That's one GREAT thing about this 30 day challenge...I am DOING all the projects that I have PLANNED to do forever! Yay!! I'm thinking I'll make at least one more of these for my nephew for Christmas!

Day 3...Crafter's Challenge

2011-06-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

For day 3's challenge, I broke out the sewing machine! I have seen these cute picnic placemats on several Internet sites and have wanted to make one for a while. Since Siler is with his nanny and papa today, I can take some extra time on today's craft. I think these are super cute!

Day 2...Crafter's Challenge

2011-06-04T16:05:00.000-07:00

Here is my creation for day 2 of the Iron Craft 30 day challenge. I went to Haleyville to scrapbook with Granny, Sarah, and LeeAnn, and scored some new designer paper. I just HAD to use some of my new paper! The beautiful brad is from Sarah's stash. Thanks sister!

30 Day Crafter's Challenge...Day 1

2011-06-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

Here's my creation for day 1 of the Iron Craft 30 day challenge. Just a quick card. The photo is really dark, but the ink and ribbon are olive green.

St. Patrick's Day 2010

2010-03-03T21:20:00.000-08:00

Here is what I came up with for this year's St. Patrick's Day cards.

February 2010 Virtual Stamp Night!

2010-03-03T21:18:00.000-08:00

February 2010 Virtual Stamp Night!

2010-03-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

February 2010 Virtual Stamp Night!

2010-03-03T21:14:00.000-08:00

May VSN Challenge A

2009-05-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

Here's my card for the first VSN challenge, Double Down. We had to make 2 identical cards within the 45 minute time limit. I am a hostess, so I got the challenges early. When our school closed for 2 days for swine flu, I made these...with pigs on the brain. I like to call these cards "Swine Flu Times Two"!

May Mini VSN Challenge 8

2009-04-25T19:38:00.001-07:00

MY CHALLENGE!

I was actually the hostess for this challenge! My idea was to use some kind of interesting fold for the cards. I also challenged everyone to try something that they had never tried before. I decided that I would try the Diagonal Double Pocket card for my submission. I really love how this turned out! I think I would have liked different DP for this, but I needed double-sided DP, and this is the ONLY sheet of it that I own! SHEESH! My stash is running low since Siler came along! :)

May Mini VSN Challenge 7

2009-04-25T19:27:00.001-07:00

So for this challenge, we had to make a swing card. I have never made one before, and after this one, I know why. SHEESH! I was so frustrated by the time I finished this darned thing! It'll definitely be a while before I attempt another one of these!

May Mini VSN Challenge 6

2009-04-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

This is my sports card. I will probably send this to Sarah so that she can give it to Brett one week during football season.

May Mini VSN Challenge 5

2009-04-25T19:20:00.000-07:00

Here is my Happy Hour card. I saw a tutorial on SCS for this Cup Card, adn decided that this would be a perfect time to try something new. I LOVE how this turned out! It's difficult to see, but the rim of the cup is 'salted' up with glitter and the lime has Crystal Effects on it.

May Mini VSN Challenge 4

2009-04-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

This challenge required us to use strips of paper as the background image of our card. IRL the flowers are really glittery!

May Mini VSN Challenge 3

2009-04-25T19:16:00.001-07:00

For this one, we had to get inspiration by one of the songs in the Cirque de Soleils show "LOVE" which features The Beatles. I chose 'Drive My Car' so that I could use Loads of Love.

May Mini VSN Challenge 2

2009-04-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, we had to use gold on our card. I'm not sure I'm crazy about the card as a whole, but I do love that pineapple in gold on the brown CS.

May Mini VSN Challenge 1

2009-04-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

This was a 'BlackJack" challenge where card elements were given a point value, and you had to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. I was at 21 exactly!

FEB VSN Challenge 5

2009-01-17T19:59:00.000-08:00

For this challengehe old stuff was the red cardstock and brads and ribbon, new was teh monogram stamp Michelle got me for Christmas, borrowed was the DP (it was Sarah's), and blue was the cardstock.

FEB VSN Challenge 4

2009-01-17T19:57:00.000-08:00

For this challenge, we had to make a box. I made this one for La'Tasha, my new secret pal at work. I'm planning to make a set of cards to go inside.

FEB VSN Challenge 3

2009-01-17T19:55:00.000-08:00

For this challenge, we had to use something soft on the card. I used pink and red flocking on the hearts on the DP and the stamped hearts beside the sentiment.

FEB VSN Challenge 2

2009-01-17T19:54:00.001-08:00

We had to use a Burned Batik technique for this. Not crazy about it, but I was out of time!

FEB VSN Challenge 1

2009-01-17T19:52:00.000-08:00

We had to make a Save the Date card. I made this one for Scott for Valentine's Day.

Friday Night VSN Challenge

2009-01-17T19:50:00.000-08:00

We had to make a little card using cardstock scraps. I wasn't crazy about this challenge when I first read it, but I LOVE how this turned out. I think I'll make more of these in the future!

Siler is 3 months old!

2008-12-20T19:21:00.000-08:00

Just look at my handsome man! I thought this beard was TOO CUTE on my little fellow!

VSN CHALLENGE G

2008-11-18T08:28:00.001-08:00

For this challenge we had to make a name plaque.

VSN CHALLENGE F

2008-11-15T15:31:00.001-08:00

This card was made for the 'spotlight' technique challenge. I don't think I'm crazy about it, but it is a new technique that I have never tried. And...that's what VSN is all about...trying new things!

VSN CHALLENGE E

2008-11-15T15:27:00.001-08:00

For this challenge, we had to use a geometric shape. I thought the circle would work well, and then I realized that the rectangle would work as well. Anyway...I used my monogram stamp that Kelly and Michelle got me for my birthday...I just love that darned thing! This beautiful DP is from my sister's stash! I'm so appreciative that she let me use it. I normally like a little more color on my cards, but I think this one is TOTALLY classy with the great DP!

VSN CHALLENGE D

2008-11-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

For this challenge, we had to make a removable element on the card. It has been a really long time since I made one of these because they are a little bit time consuming. But...I REALLY love how they turn out!

VSN CHALLENGE C

2008-11-15T15:17:00.001-08:00

FOr this challenge, we had to use the 'thumping' technique. I had never done this technique, and wasn't really sure how my card would turn out, but I really do like it!

VSN CHALLENGE B

2008-11-15T15:15:00.000-08:00

For this challenge, we had to use a CD cover ffor inspiration. I chose to use Creed's "Weathered" CD for my card.

VSN CHALLENGE A

2008-11-15T15:12:00.000-08:00

This card was made for the first VSN challenge...to use 3 identical images on a card. I have always loved these lollipops from Very Punny, so I decided to use them with some glitter! It seems that there are a million ways to use Very Punny and So Very together! Love it!

Siler is 6 weeks old!

2008-10-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

I snapped these photos today of my handsome little fellow! Isn't he a DOLL?!?!?

Thanksgiving Cards

2008-10-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

Here are our Thanksgiving cards for this year. I was inspired by the SU! catalog for this one. I just LOVE this darned Loads of Love set!

Picture Frame VSN Challenge

2008-10-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

Here is what I came up with for Michelle's VSN challenge to create a picture frame. I didn't get a chance to shop for a frame or mat before the big day, so I just made something out of cardstock. Siler has a cute little cowboy outfit that I'm planning to get some pictures of him made in, so I thought this western-themed frame would be perfect to use with that. Thanks so much, Michelle, for this great challenge to kick off the mini VSN!

I Love My Mummy

2008-10-22T11:09:00.001-07:00

My friend Kelly got this outfit for Siler, and I thought it was TOO CUTE! He was in a pretty good mood this morning, so I decided to snap a picture of him while he was wearing it!

Halloween Cards

2008-10-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

Here is what I came up with for this year's Halloween cards. I don't have any Halloween stamps, so I had to improvise with scissors and punches. I really like the way these turned out!

Ghost Pumpkin

2008-10-22T11:03:00.001-07:00

This is the ghost pumpkin I painted for my step mom. I love the little bow at the top. The ribbon says 'Boo to you!" and came from Wal-Mart for 97 cents a roll!

Witch Pumpkin

2008-10-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

Here's my withc pumpkin for this year. I ordered these pumpkin stands last year, but they came in too late to use them then, so I FINALLY get to use it this year!

Introducing.....SILER!!!

2008-10-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

I have FINALLY had time to sit down and upload a picture of my handsome little man! He was born on September 16 at 12:03 p.m. He weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces, and he was 19 inches long.

August 08 VSN K

2008-08-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

This was for the watercolor challenge. I haven't watercolored in a LONG time, so I really enjoyed this challenge.

August 08 VSN H

2008-08-24T10:10:00.001-07:00

This was made for the VSN bookmark challenge. This was actually a kid's challenge, but I enjoyed it also!

August 08 VSN I

2008-08-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

This challenge was inspired by Alice in Wonderland, and we were to use Pearl-Ex, Lumiere, or scallops. Since I have neither of the first two, scallops it was! This HUGE scallop punch was borrowed from Michelle. I Cuttlebugged the BG with the circles. The dots on the scallop were done with an acrylic paint pen.

August 08 VSN G

2008-08-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

This was for "The Shipping News" challenge where we had to use newspaper somewhere on our card. I sponged the newspaper with SO Saffron, Bravo Burgandy, and Choc Chip ink and then stamped some random imaged onto it so that it looked a little distressed. The yellow CS on the card is all So Saffron, but it is also sponged with the different inks. For the background, I used my Cuttlebug Paisley folder. The star is popped up on dimensionals and I used a big brown brad in the middle of it.

August 08 VSN E

2008-08-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, we had to use twine on our card/project. I have been thinking of making a little photo album for Siler for some time, and I decided this was the perfect opportunity. I am planning to get pictures of all of his family members and print out the name he will call each person and adhere that below the photo. That way, even if he doesn't see those relatives every day, he will already know who they are when he sees them! These are just little luggage tags and they are bound together with different ribbons. I think the plastic was a good idea, as I'm sure this will soon become another teether!

August 08 VSN D

2008-08-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, we had to use felt or flocking somewhere on our card. I used these cute felt flowers that I found a LONG time ago at Target. I just LOVE these because they coordinate so well with the SU! colors! Also, the 'B' is a chipboard letter covered in Elegant Eggplant paper.

August 08 VSN C

2008-08-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, we were to make a bookmark card. I have made a few of these giant paper clip bookmarks, but had never made the card that went with them. I used Markie's Mom's (from SCS) tutorial for this card. The polka dotted ribbon was a gift from my SIL, Kim, and it went PERFECTLY with the DP I used. Also...Faith (Markie's Mom) is KNOWN for adding those cute little dots on all of her layers...SO...this this was her challenge, I added some dots to my card as well!

August 08 VSN B

2008-08-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, we were to be inspired by our favorite childhood book. I chose the Raggedy Ann and Andy "Thank You, Please, and I Love You" book. The colors in the card are based on the dolls, and the sentiment comes from the title of the book.

August 08 VSN A

2008-08-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, we had to use one of the animals from teh children's book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? I used the green frog. I did faux stitching with a black Sharpie and white acrylic paint pen so that the CS would match the stitched ribbon.

Mini VSN N

2008-07-26T06:45:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, we had to use what was already out on our stamping area to make a card. I actually made a gift set for our birthing coach and decided tomake her a set of notecards to go in it. Everything was already out because of the little box I made.
***Oh...and I realize that there is no challenge M on here. You have to have metallic re-inkers to complete that challenge, and I didn't have any, so I sat that challenge out!

VSN Mini L

2008-07-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, we had to be inspired by Dr. Seuss. I actually needed a couple of thank-you cards when I saw this challenge, so I used the colors from The Cat in the Hat as my Seussical inspiration. I Cuttlebugged the red background with the thank you folder. The blue and read across the middle are actually grossgrain ribbon pieces that just happened to pull together easily because of the stitching.

Mini VSN K

2008-07-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, we had to make a pop-up card. I had never done this before, but I really like them! This monkey came from Michelle. She has TONS of these darned monkey stamps and I give her a hard time about them. Oh well...I'm guess I'm now converted to them too. Go ahead, Michelle....let me have it! :)

Mini VSN J

2008-07-26T06:37:00.001-07:00

For this challenge, we had to use distressing. I got a distressing tool from my DSS earlier this round and thought this was the perfect opportunity to use it. I distressed all of the edges of the CS except the actual card base.

Card Organizer for my Grandmother

2008-07-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

SO since I enjoyed making the one below so much, I decided to make another one for my grandmother. She sends TONS of cards, so I think she will really be able to use this. Again...I've got to have it bound, but I REALLY love these!

My First Card Organizer

2008-07-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

So I've seen these several times on SCS and have wanted to try them, but have always been too intimidated. Today I decided to take the plunge. And do you know what? They are SUPER easy! I am going to head to Kinko's tomorrow to have this spiral bound, but I was so excited about having finished this one that I decided to go ahead and post it.

Last Gift Set!

2008-07-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

Okay...I've gone NUTS with the gift sets! This is the last one for a while, I swear! I made this set for the lady who is teaching our birthing classes. She has been really wonderful, so I thought we would take her a little gift since tonight is our last class. The container is just like the two posted below. I also made her the mini composition book that has a ribbon-tie closure, and there are 4 of the 'T' notecards. The card on the right says 'thank you' and I used the Wonderful Words set for it. The T's on the notecards and the notebook are all Headline Alphabet stamped in Old Olive and I just cut them out. The 'T' on the container is chipboard with Old Olive Paper.
I was so excited to get to use a gift card I got for my birthday from our wonderful friends, Stanley and Don, to purchase this new My Mind's Eye DP package. I REALLY love the whole package!

Another Gift Set

2008-07-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

I liked the first one so much, I decided to make another one! The K on the container is chipboard...the others are stamped and cut out. I have seen the ribbon tied onto the letters in several places and decided to give it a try. I really like the results! Oh...and all the letters are done in Buckaroo Blue which I use VERY sparingly since it's a retired color from '07!

A Little Package of Goodies

2008-07-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a little package of goodies I made this evening. The container was actually sent to me (not embellished) by my DSS at SCS last round. I fixed it up first and then decided to use the same DP to make a mini composition book, a large paper clip, and a card. I really like this set, and hope that the person I am sending it to enjoys it! I used lots of primas on these items...special thanks to Michelle and Kelly for those!

I'm an Aunt!!!!

2008-07-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

We are so thrilled that Kayden John Robert is finally here! My SIL gave birth to a wonderfully healthy baby boy last night. Mommy and baby are doing great today. Scott and I are SOOOO excited! I will post a picture of him as soon as we receive some!

Wonderful Mother-in-Law

2008-06-30T06:12:00.000-07:00

So, I know, I haven't uploaded anything new in FOREVER! I am just spending all of my time, it seems, getting ready for the baby to arrive! This card was made as a thank-you note for my mother-in law who held a baby shower in her home last weekend. I used Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Brilliant Blue, and some DP I had in my stash. I really like the way this turned out, and I hope she does too!

Lowe Baby Card

2008-06-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

So since I already had all of my materials out while making the cards below, I decided to go ahead and make a card for a baby shower I will be attending on Sunday for our friends Brad & Melissa. Their baby boy is expected to arrive in late August. Since this is their first baby, I had to come up with something for the 4th square, so I used my printer to print the 1+1=3. Oh...both of these layouts (and for this one the color scheme also) were CASED from rhondag over at SCS. You can see her original card here: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/915182

Melicks Family Note Cards

2008-06-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some family note cards I made for our good friends Frank & Frances who just had a new baby girl today! I made 8 of these for them. Since they already have one little girl, they decided not to have a shower...I just couldn't let a new baby come into the world without SOME kind of prezzie!

Bella!

2008-05-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

I stamped this Bella from some stamps that Michelle has. I only have one, so I just borrow hers most of the time! I actually found (too late, darn it!) a Memorial Day weekend set of challenges on SCS for the WishRAK forum. I have never participated in WishRAK, but there's nothing like a good challenge to get my stampin' mojo going! So...I have decided to try out some of those challenges even if they aren't done with items received through the progam. This challenge was to CASE a card from a featured stamper...Qvande. Really the only thing I kept was the layout. Everything else (colors, stamps, paper) is changed. You can see her card here: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/926963?si=Qvande

Scarlett O'Hara's Dress

2008-05-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

This card was made for today's Inspiration Challenge over at SCS. We were to use a dress from a movie to inspire our creativity. Since I am a Gone With the Wind junkie, I HAD to use Scarlett's dress from the movie! The sentiment looks blurred in photo (it says thank you) because there is a vellum overlay that I dry embossed with my Cuttlebug. I say so many people doing that technique during the VSN challenges that I just had to try it for myself. The ribbon is velvet and I got it from my secret sister last round. I thought it was PERFECT for this card! I finished the card off with a couple of layered primas and pearl brads. Let me know what you think!

Mini VSN Challenge D...the FINAL product!

2008-05-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

Here's my second attempt at the altered book. I picked up a Little Golden Book of Children's Prayers at a thrift store and covered it with this cute DP. The B is actually inside a window that was cut out of the original board of the cover. I also finally got to use the cute baby bottle brads that my DSS from last round on SCS sent to me. I really think this turned out cute. I would really like to try this again some other time with a book that I could alter inside as well as the outside. This one really is not conducive to being altered inside.

Mini VSN Challenge D...my first attempt!

2008-05-30T20:10:00.001-07:00

So here's my first attempt at our 4th challenge. We were to alter a book. I chose to alter a photo album, because I have had this thing FOREVER and have never gotten around to cutesy-ing it up, so here was my opportunity. Then...when I ran it by the hostess, she really wanted us to use a real book. Alas...back to the old drawing board! That was fine with me though! I needed to get this photo album done anyway! So...I'm posting it anyway here because I think it turned out too darned cute not to share it! By the way...Siler is what we are naming our son, who is due to arrive October 1!

Mini VSN Challenge C

2008-05-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

So, for this challenge, we had to use a poem for inspiration. The only poem I could think of was The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere since we do that in my 5th grade class. I really enjoyed making this card! I actually used the clock from Artifacts in the top right corner of the card, but it doesn't show because it's stamped in VersaMark. (I don't have Creamy Caramel ink...yet!) Then I pulled the sentiment from the Land That I Love set. I have had these buttons for quite some time now, and thought this one worked well with the theme and colors!

Mini VSN Challenge B

2008-05-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

The name of this challenge was "What Lurks Behind the Cover". We were to use vellum to cover the main image on our card. The text is difficult to read because my vellum has shimmery swirls on it that made the picture not take too well. Anyway...it says 'to my Wonderful sister'.

Mini VSN Challenge A

2008-05-30T18:46:00.001-07:00

SO....what am I doing this fine Friday evening? Playing the mini VSN over at SCS, of course! This first challenge was entitled "The Scarlet Letter" and just take a wild guess at who the hostess of this challenge was?!?! That's right! ME!! I was so thrilled to get to host a challenge! I decided to have the participants use a red letter of some kind on their cards. In my case, I used chipboard letters covered with DP. The tempting turquoise BG on the card is actually dry embossed using a Cuttlebug folder. I don't know the name of it, but it's the tiny dots! Alrighty...off to post the next challenge!

Today's SCS Sketch Challenge

2008-05-28T12:28:00.001-07:00

Here's my card for today's sketch challenge. If you look closely in the upper left corner of the DP, you will see a pink dog paw...this the doggy theme of the sentiment. Unfortunately, the print on this paper is a little to big to give the full effect with lots of dog paws. Oh well!

OOPS!!

2008-05-28T08:07:00.002-07:00

The time for VSN Friday is actually 7:00 CENTRAL time! Don't want you all to be running an hour late!!

Hostess-Only VSN Challenge

2008-05-28T06:20:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! This card was made for the hostess-only VSN challenge. Our new VSN book club theme is really turning out to be a lot of fun. It is my first time being chosen as a hostess, and I am having the BEST time! I can tell you that we have some WONDERFUL challenges headed your way! Join us for our first mini VSN this Friday, May 30. We will begin at 7:00 pm eastern time. There are 4 challenges, and you will have 2 weeks to post. Go to SCS for all of the details!!

Okay...now for a description of this card. We were to create a card inspired by the cover of a book. I am totally in baby mode, so my mind kept drifting back to the bold colors of Eric Carle's The Tiny Seed. Stamp sets used were: Ginormous Flowers, Headline Alphabet (used the letter "I" for the stem), Love Matters (sentiment), and Itty Bitty Backgrounds for the BG on the white and the middle of the flower. I also sponged the flower, stem, and leaves to give the colors more depth. I sponged Real Red over YoYo Yellow on the flower and Old Olive over Green Galore on the stem and leaves. I know it's difficult to tell in the photo, but IRL, it really does add a lot!

Thanks for looking, and don't forget about VSN!!!!!!

BIG News

2008-05-23T15:58:00.000-07:00

We just found out that we are having a baby boy! These are the cards I made for the big announcement for family and friends!

Mini Composition Books for Parents

2008-05-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

These are to go along with the coaster clip boards below. The flower looks darker in the picture than it appears IRL. I painted the chipboard flower with acrylic paint and then glittered it up with a light green glitter.

Coaster Clip Boards

2008-05-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at the coaster clip boards that I have seen everywhere on SCS. I think they turned out really cute! I needed several gifts for parent appreciation prezzies for the end of the year, so this is what I came up with. The DP is from Hobby Lobby. I used SU! white GG ribbon, and crescent binder clips. SO easy! I made 10 in about 35 minutes start to finish! Oh...special thanks to Outback Steakhouse for donating the coasters! :)

My Nephew's Baby Announcements

2008-04-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

So here is what I came up with for my SIL, Kim, for her new baby's arrival! The image is the lion from the SU! Wild About You set (thank God for Michelle who let me borrow this set!) and the sentiment is a stamp from Old Time Pottery. I hope the ribbon doesn't make it girly, but I had to have something to tie (no pun intended) the top and bottom together. The colors are all SU!...Night of Navy, Real Red, So Saffron, and Mellow Moss.

Kim's Baby Shower Favors

2008-04-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

Here is what I came up with for my SIL, Kim's, baby shower favors. We are going with a garden party theme and thought we could use seed packets for favors. I have been racking my brain for an easy way to make 35 of these suckers, and I finally decided to use library card pockets from the teacher supply store. The colors we are using are green and orange, so I went with the green. They are a PERFECT fit! I used So Many Scallops and Celbrate Everything with Green Galore and Pumpkin Pie ink. The word in the center of the flower is 'life'. The flowers are on dimensionals. I'm thinking of adding some ribbon to the top of each pocket...what do you think?

April VSN Challenge S...the LAST one!

2008-04-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

We had to use paper piecing for this challenge. I think I should have put some pink into this guy's outfit to really pull it all together, but I'm tired, and this is the best I can do right now! My stampin' mojo is GONE! Hmmm...I just realized the sentiment is really blurry...it says Happy Birthday.

April VSN Challenge R

2008-04-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, we had to use something plaid. I got this ribbon ages ago, but I just love it. I have a hard time using it a lot because it is just so darned wide. BUT...when I saw this challenge, this ribbon immediately came to mind. The Bella is stamped on shimmery white CS and 'celebrate' is embossed onto the ribbon in silver EP.

April VSN Challenge Q

2008-04-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

For this VSN challenge, we had to use the cracked glass technique. You emboss about 4 layers of clear EP, let it cool completely, then bend it around and it cracks. I had planned to make this look like a window...where the glass cracked from the blast of the rocket, but I never could get it to look quite right. Oh well! I still think it looks bright and cheery.

April VSN Challenge P

2008-04-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

The name of this challenge was Sharp Dressed Man and we had to make a masculine card. I was inspired by Scott's wardrobe for this card. He LOVES khaki shorts and usually pairs it with a blue shirt. Inevitably, the blue shirt usually has some red on it somewhere. The gold brads are for his gold cross chain that he has worn since the day I met him. The Statue of Liberty is embossed with gold and an antique-y green EP. I used the antique EP because his favorite undershirts are 'aged to perfection' in his words, just like the Statue of Liberty.

April VSN Challenge O

2008-04-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, we were given this layout and had to make a card with it. I was a little freaked out at first, because I don't have any kind of circle cutter, but you can't keep me down when it comes to a VSN challenge. The large circle was patterned from a small altered paint can that Michelle & kelly gave me last year for my birthday and the smaller one is patterned from a spool of ribbon. WHEW! Now with the circles out of the way, I decided to use some more of that chipboard that I have been hoarding. Th shape of the flower matched the DP (yes, it's from the same mat pack that I have already used a million times this VSN). I used the coordinating circle from the same pack for the strip. Then I delved into some of my primas (yet another gift from Kelly & Michelle) and matched some flowers up to the colors in the DP. I put a bling-y brad in the primas to match with the bling in the center of the chipboard flower. I think this is one of my favorites so far!

April VSN Challenge N

2008-04-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

For this challenge we had to use the faux leather or metal technique. I chose the metal because I had no masking tape to make the leather. It's quite easy to make the faux metal. You just emboss a piece of cardstock with 3-4 layers of metallic embossing powder. Then while the top layer is still hot, you stamp your desired image onto the cardstock. The images I used were not what I had in mind when I started, but I couldn't get the stamp I really wanted to use to work, so I had to improvise to stay within the 45 minute time limit. I stamped the 'genuine' image in brown StazOn. I didn't think I was going to like this card, but when I finally finished, I think I like it.

April VSN Challenge M

2008-04-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

This challenge was to "Roll Out the Red Carpet" and make a card with red as the focal point. This card is much prettier IRL. I put red glitter on some of the swirlies in the BG and also a few dots on the image. The sentiment says 'merci' but for some reason it's blurry on here. Oh well! On to the next challenge!

April VSN Challenge L

2008-04-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

The name of this challenge was 1-2 Buckle My Shoe. We had to use a bucke of some kind for our ribbon. Well...I have not buckles because I haven't found them on clearance anywhere yet! (HeeHeeHee) Anyway...there was a PURE GENIUS on SCS that commented on the chat thread that she used a soda can tab for her buckle. Well...I just HAPPENED to have an empty Dt. Mt. Dew can with the tab still attached. Off the can that little suker came, and PRESTO! I have a buckle! Also...those of you who know me have probably just been WAITING to see with challenge I was going to do using Loads of Love. your wait is over. You didn't think I could make it through a WHOLE VSN without using it at least ONCE now did you?!?!

April VSN Challenge K

2008-04-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

This card was for the Wedding Elegance challenge. We had to make an elegant card. I think black, white, red, and silver SCREAM elegance, so that's what I went with. The Fleur de Lis is chipboard that was embossed in silver. MUCH better than the god-awful birthday card below, don't you agree? :)

April VSN Challenge J

2008-04-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

I have GOT learn when to leave well enough alone. This challenge was to create a monochromatic blue card. The name of the challenge was 'Favorite Blue Jeans.' The card was perfectly fine and then I drug out the glitter...big mistake! Oh well...I was out of time and couldn't start over, but just so everyone knows...there IS a such thing as too much bling!

April VSN Challenge I

2008-04-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

This was a limited supply challenge. I always love these, because lately my cards have gotten really busy and sometimes *gasp* cluttered. I LOVE this simple card and really need to make an effort to do more of these! Oh...I need to give a special thanks to my wonderful sister, Sarah, for letting me borrow this CTMH stamp set from her. I think this set is just beautiful! Thanks Sarah...I love you sister!

VSN Challenge H

2008-04-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

I will not be participating in this challenge, because it is a kiddie challenge so that those with children can involve them in the fun of VSN.

April VSN Challenge G

2008-04-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, we had to use lots and lots of flowers. I really wanted to use some of my new primas that my DSS sent me, but I just felt they would be TOO MUCH! This little sucker is already pretty busy! IRL the color is a deep red...not pinkish the way it is showingup here. Oh well! I still like it!

Genuine Gift Set

2008-04-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

I made this bag last night for a VSN challenge with the idea of making some matching cards for my secret pal at work. So...while waiting for VSN to get started again this morning, I got the cards done. I made a set of 4. The picture really doesn't do either of the projects justice. In the words of my SIL, Kim, I think this is a 'showstopper'!!

April VSN Challenge F

2008-04-04T21:38:00.000-07:00

This was for the Catwalk challenge, where we had to use animal-print DP on our card. I just love this set! It's difficult to see, but there are hot pink square brads in the four corners and the sentiment 'You're Just My Style' is embossed in gold at the bottom. The dress is also embossed with gold.

April VSN Challenge E

2008-04-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

This card uses the baby wipe and re-inker technique. I didn't have baby wipes, but the Clorox wipes I used seemed to work just the same.

April VSN Challenge D

2008-04-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, we had to make a 'purse'. This one was made with a brown paper lunch bag cut down to 6" in height. I used the SU Outlaw DP and the stamped image is from teh Bronc Buster set. You can't really see the 'straps' of the purse, but they are made of brown ribbon with ivory stitching.

April VSN Challenge C

2008-04-04T21:20:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, we had to use a sketch-type stamp. It's difficult to see, but there are red heart brads in all 4 corners of the DP. Also, the hearts on the coffee mug are actually brads. The DP is really busy, but I think I really like this one!

April VSN Challenge B

2008-04-04T21:18:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, we had to use the stitching technique-either faux or real. I decided to use an actual needle and thread because my faux stitching always looks really...well...faux! So...I stitched turquoise thread around the yellow circle on the flower. The DP also has a stitched look to parts of it, and I thought the red ribbon really tied everything together.

April VSN Challenge A

2008-04-04T21:15:00.000-07:00

Here's the first challenge for VSN. We had to use a dress for inspiration. The print on this DP is very similar to the print on the dress. I'm not crazy about this card, but this was a tough challenge for me, and I had to move on!

Easter Cards

2008-03-19T05:49:00.001-07:00

Here are our Easter cards for this year. I used my new A Good Egg set for this. It's hard to tell, but the little chick is colored in with Prismas using a very pale yellow. It seems to me that something is missing, but I was out of time and had to get these postal!

Sweet Boy Card

2008-03-19T05:46:00.001-07:00

Here is a card I made using my So Many Scallops set that I got from Sale-A-Bration. I saw this technique on SCS to use 2 different Cuttlebug folders for the top and bottom and thought I would try it. I don't think I'm crazy about this card, but I do love the way the different embossed images look together and LOVE my new scallop punch.

St. Patrick's Day Cards

2008-03-19T05:44:00.003-07:00

I'm a little late posting this, but here are our St. Patty's Day cards. I used the computer for the sentiment since I don't have any St. Patty's stamps!