Prettie Scary Wednesday...

Last week Joanne presented the Pretties Challenge to "scare yourself". We were to step out of our box, use a stamp we've never inked, paper we've been avoiding, a technique that we're scared of, etc. For those that stamp with me you know the story of the $200 sand. So let me tell this story one more time for the world to read. LOL 7 years ago I was an obsessive stamp shopper (wait, I still am). I didn't care what it cost, if I liked it I had to have it. I went to an event called Rubberama. A convention center filled with rubber stamp vendors, paper vendors, etc...you get the idea. I walked around for hours oohing and ahhing over everything. I purchased my very first unmounted stamps there actually! I came across a booth with "shimmer sand". I watched the lady punch out various shapes using double sided adhesive paper, layer them onto each other and use different color 'shimmering sands' to add depth and dimension. I HAD TO HAVE IT! I didn't purchase a few, I bought every single color they made!!! That was 7 years and $200 ago....the box still sits on the shelf collecting dust.

So when I was presented this challenge I looked around and had no idea what 'scared' me...until my eyes fell upon that dusty box.

I used that sheet of adhesive I bought 7 years ago (hey, it was still tacky!) and cut 2 different sized strips. I placed them on the card and poured my shimmer sand. I ran the top pink strip through my CB and I used the sundae stamp from the MFT set 'How Sweet It Is' which I received in my Sept Paper Pretties box! (love that set!). I also added a bit of red glittah on the cherries (they needed it) and did some paper piercing around the oval greeting at the bottom. It really does 'shimmer' in real life, I was actually really happy with the results and made a few more while I had the supplies out on my table.

Did anyone else scare them self this week?!?! If you've been challenging yourself, let me know by leaving a link in your comment. Make sure you stop by the other Pretties Girl blogs to see what scared them! Kristine, Julie M, Alli, Charmaine, Joanne, Christie, Julie C.

And of course...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Don't forget, today is the last day to take advantage of the Happy Halloween Hooplah event over at Paper Pretties, so if you've been putting it off then get your tail over there today and sign up!!!

So Sweet...

Have you ever noticed that when you feel like total crud that somewhere, someone, somehow shines a little piece of sunshine your way and it perks you up?! Well yesterday it happened to me....I'm still not back to myself and my vertigo hasn't subsided one bit. I miss work horribly (never thought I'd say that but it's true) and I just want out of this house!!! Well, my hubby brought in the mail and this bright, beautiful, cheerful card was addressed to ME. Joanne, one of my DT sistahs sent it to me just to brighten my day. Well Joanne, it worked!! Sadly, I missed out on SIYJ (Stampin in your jammies) and I was quite bummed because I was really looking forward to it. It's the one night a month that I can run around in my craft room and actually get things done. ;) But I just couldn't muster up enough energy to get out of bed and 'running around' just ain't in the cards for me at the moment. LOL So 'Thank You!' to Joanne, I miss you guys too!!!

Don't worry, I won't tag back...

I typically ignore these, however since my DT sistah is the tagger then I will be stoned if I don't participate. LOL

- Link to the person that tagged you. Julie Masse is the guilty party!

- Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself (on your blog, we all want to know them).

1. I can belch better than most men (I'm not proud, actually I think it's not very lady like but it's something weird I can do and those were the rules)

2. All my siblings were given the middle name Lee, after my father...except me. So I think mom had an affair with the postman. ;)

3. My eyes are grey....not hazel, not blue/green....GREY. Good thing is they match with whatever I wear!

4. I can make clicking sounds to the beat of any song with my tongue folded in half.

5. I write with my left hand but stamp with my right. (Oh but I'm not a 'south paw')

6. My hubby and I did the quick-step as our first dance as husband and wife (we took lessons but we never got to practice with 'the dress' so that was a comedy of errors!!!).

7. I used to sing opera in high school and college.

Ok done...don't worry, you won't get tagged....I'm not a tagger, I'm a stamper!!! LOL Ok was that not THE cheesiest thing ever or what?!?!

Nesting Rectangles

I LOVE THE NESTABILITIES!!!! There, I shouted it from the rooftop so everyone knows it!

When I opened my mail I was thrilled to find my rectangle nestabilities had arrived. I've been dying to get my hands on these for many reasons....to play (obviously), but also to really find out if they were worth all the 'hype'. They SO are!!! I had a friend over and I decided to show her what they could do. I stamped an image and then ran it through my CB to die-cut it and then ran it through again with different plates to emboss the edge. Beautiful! So then I did it again with another image and the scalloped rectangles....fun, fun, fun. Then I said "you could even use just a greeting and layer them like this"....so I stamped up a greeting and ran it through and as I started looking at the greeting my brain started cranking and I just kept going.

You don't have to emboss the edge of all of your cut-outs...but I really love how it looks. It adds that extra 'something' without being over the top. For this card I placed my die onto my cardfront and ran it through my CB. For die-cutting only, use your A plate, C plate, Spellbinders die (blade side up), cardstock, B plate. You will hear a HORRIBLE cracking sound the first few times you run them through. Don't worry, you didn't break anything. As your B plate gets more and more cuts into it the sound will fade. I have also found that if I flip my B plate over each time then it lessens then bending of the plastic plate. Please note, these plates are cheap and replaceable. Over time with diecutting you will need to replace them. But they are quite inexpensive and there is always a coupon!! :)

I couldn't get a good picture so I turned down the lights and took a close up of the shimmer white cardstock used for the main greeting. You also can't really see the smaller snowflake I used on the main greeting, it's 2nd generation of soft sky and it's really stunning in person. I used Soft Sky and Blue Bayou for my colors and Staz-on White for the snowflakes on the window sheet. The snowflake sheet is adhered between the soft sky layer and the blue bayou cardfront. I had so much fun making this little guy, not to mention finally getting to use my fabulous new Paper Trey stamp sets!

I can't wait until I start getting more of these Nestabilities sets from the Paper Pretties monthly club...(yes, the DT is allowed to subscribe to the monthly clubs too). I actually think it's a great idea not only because I can afford $30 a month rather than $300 in one shot, but I found that I'm enjoying getting to play with ONE set to get a feel for it. And this way I can play with each set for a month until the next one arrives. When you get them all at once it's kinda like overload...too much too fast, ya know? Anyone else feel like that with their new crafting purchases? I know I REALLY feel like that when my first SU order arrives after a new catalog has been released. "Help! Where do I start?!?" Ain't that the truth!

Happy Halloween Hoorah!

From now thru Halloween, if you subscribe to any of the monthly clubs on Paper Pretties your membership fee of $7.50 will be waived. No tricks...just treats!!!!

I received the rectangle Nesabilities in the mail yesterday and I am IN LOVE....so I have signed up for the Nestabilities Now Club on Paper Pretties (I must now own ALL the sets and for only $30 a month I can afford it this way) so I will be sharing with all of you the fun project I made within minutes of tearing open the box. LOL

Luminary Tutorial

You asked for it, so here ya go!!! They are perfect for lining your driveway so those little trick-or-treaters can easily find their way to your door.

Supplies you will need:
-Small gift bag 5"x4" -Ruler, Scissors, Hobby Knife, Cutting Mat, pencil, heat gun
-Black Embossing Powder, Stamps, Versamark Ink pad, Sticky Tape
-Vellum Cardstock 3 1/4" x 3 1/4"
- 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" scrap piece of paper
(Optional items) Scoring Blade, Markers

Step 1. - Lightly trace the 2 1/2" scrap paper onto the front of the bag creating your center square.

Step 2. Use your ruler to make an 'X' inside your square on the front of the bag.

Step 3. Slip your Cutting Mat inside the bag to protect the opposite side when cutting. Note: The Cutting Mat from the SU tool Kit fits perfectly. Use your hobby knife cut along the "X".

Step 4. Carefully cut off the pointed tips of each triangle, leaving approx 1/2" flap on each side.

Step 5. Score and fold the flaps inside the bag. If you have a scoring blade or bone folder it makes this step a bit easier.

Step 6. Place strips of Sticky Tape on the outside of your flaps, then apply any adhesive on the inside of your flaps. Use Sticky Tape for both if using a real candle inside these bags. Heat can cause adhesives to come loose but Sticky Tape will hold up to the heat.

Step 7. Ink and stamp your images onto the vellum cardstock using Versamark ink then pour black embossing powder on top of image. Remove excess powder to reveal image and heat embossing with a heat tool.

Step 8. If you want to color your image, flip the cardstock over and color the backside.

Step 9. Remove the red film from the sticky tape on each of the inside flaps.

Step 10. Carefully insert your vellum cardstock into the bag and center image as desired then press firmly against the sticky tape on the inside of the bag so the cardstock holds in place.

Final Step. Add your tealight and enjoy!!! (I added some fun ribbons to make them more decorative during daylight hours) ;)

Pretties Challenge Day!!!

First let me apologize for being MIA this past week....I've been fighting an episode of vertigo and looking at a computer screen, tv or pretty much anything has been near impossible. I'm slowly recovering so I thought I'd better post while I can...then back to bed for me, followed by some quality time staring at a blank wall that stays still. lol

So it's Wednesday which means....Pretties Challenge Day!!! Did any of you try out the challenge I posted last week?? They were fantastic colors to work with, so if you haven't joined in the fun then get to it! ;) Last weeks challenge was from Charmaine and it was to use the Bouncing Brayer technique. I have to tell you that I was a bit scared of this technique, me and brayers usually don't get along. But I must say that I was quite happy with my creation...

I first stamped the circle in Versamark on glossy paper. Next I used my Blue Frost spectrum pad and inked my brayer and 'bounced' around the circle until I was happy with the coverage. I wiped the extra ink off with a tissue and added a few trees. I wanted to keep the focus on the image rather than any other part of the card so I decided to keep it very simple and classy. I stamped the wording in Craft white first, let it dry and then stamped over it with Navy ink just slightly to the left so it looked more dimensional. Of course I had to have some paper distressing and my ticket corner punch I love so much.

Be sure to surf around and look at all the girls creations (Julie M, Joanne, Alli, Christie, Charmaine, Kristine, Julie C) and take a shot at trying this out for yourself.

If you do join us for these challenges let me know, post a link to your creation so I can take a peek! Also, be sure to check back later today for this weeks challenge....

Julie emailed me first thing this morning and she got her card in the mail so now I can show all of you my Color Challenge card. I couldn't get a very good picture for some reason, it's much prettier in real life. I used Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip, Vanilla & Close to Cocoa paper....the strip of cocoa I ran through my CB using my new polka dot texture plate. I used the large Polka Dot background stamp from Stampin Up and inked it all in Soft Sky, then used a Chocolate Chip pen to change the color of some of the dots. :) The flower is from Heidi Swapp and I just love it!!! My July Bella Box from Paper Pretties contained this gorgeous yellow paper with this exact flower on it, so when I found the matching stamp set I snatched it right up!!! I added a little color inside the petals with my aquapainter and Soft Sky inkpad and Cocoa inkpad. It needed a little sparkle so I used the Sakura Clear Glitter pen to add a bit of shimmer around the petals.

Add a little paper piercing to the corner and some gorgeous Chocolate Taffeta ribbon (love that, btw) and tah dah!! I really wanted to keep this card, how horrible is that?!?! HAHAHAH

Wednesday Prettie Challenge

We all love a good challenge right?!?! Behind the scenes at Paper Pretties, we've been challenging each other for a while now. Each week, one Prettie Girl presents a challenge and we all have one week to complete it and get it in the mail to another Prettie Girl. So we've decided to let you all in on the fun!! This is a great way to get those creative juices flowing....or make you go insane, either way you're stamping right?!? ;) One of our past challenges was from Alli - Color Challenge; Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Vanilla and Soft Sky. I'm holding off on posting my card until Prettie Campbell receives it (I was late for my date with the postman).

Take a peek a the other DT's blogs (Julie M, Kristine, Charmaine, Alli, Joanne, Christie, Julie C) and see what everyone made using those fabulous colors!!! Last weeks challenge was Bouncing Brayer and we'll be showing off those creations next Wed (gotta wait for the creations to get to their destination before revealing to the world). And finally, this weeks challenge is from Joanne - Scare Yourself! *gulp* Yep, take out those items that you've been avoiding and make something.

I hope you will challenge yourself to create something new each week...start with the ones listed here and be sure to check in again on Wednesdays for the reveals and new challenges. Remember...you don't ALWAYS have to like what you make or the technique you try. It's just about staying active and keeping those creative juices flowing. :) XOXO

What a Prettie day....

Have you seen the new additions to the Prettie Girls family?!?! We have expanded our family even more!! We are thrilled have Charmaine and Joanne join the Paper Pretties Design Team, these gals are UBER-talented and I must actually say that they are fabulous women as well as talented crafters. You must got check out their blogs, I learn something knew from them every day (not to mention get great ideas for cards to case) ;) Congrats ladies, glad to have you aboard!!! XOXO

*****SNEAK PEEK******

I thought I would give you a glimpse of the exclusive MFT set that will be featured in the Nov Paper Pretties box, isn't it great?!?! As always, Paper Pretties subscribers get these fabulous sets before they are available anywhere else!!! At first I wasn't sure how I'd like this set and once I played with it I just LOVED it. I colored the main image using Copics Sketch markers and the SU white watercolor crayon, I'm really loving the way the white looks on kraft. I added some white flock to her boots, I'm really getting addicted to adding flock to a lot of my cards...it reminder me of those fuzzy stickers we all loved when we were kids!! I used my Snowflake embossing folder on the Soft Sky and dressed it all up with some Fancy Fur yarn I picked up a while ago at Michael's. Gotta love fun fibers!!!

My Buttercream Recipe

Since I received so many emails about my buttercream frosting I decided it best to just give it to ALL of you. :) Also, many of you asked how I was able to make the icing look like an actual cone....EASY! When I frost my cupcakes I use a pastry bag and the Wilton 1M star tip, that's it. I fill the bag with my buttercream frosting and swirl around the cupcake from the outside in...done! Shake on some sprinkles and you're finished! SO much easier than trying to use the knife-spreading method we all grew up with. ;)

Classic Buttercream
1 cup regular Crisco (I prefer the bars as they are pre-measured)
1 cup Land-o-Lakes Butter (softened)
2 teaspoons Clear Vanilla extract
2 lbs Powdered Sugar (approx 8 cups)
4 tblsp water
2 tblsp Meringue Powder

This will make 6 cups of frosting. I usually use 4 cups when making cupcakes or an actual cake. It's always better to make more than less, plus you can freeze what you don't use. :)

Nestabilities & Copic Clubs and product info...

***NESTABILITIES NOW & COPIC COLOR CLUB UPDATES***

I have received a few questions about these fabulous new clubs and the products themselves. I am by no means the expert on these products but I have researched them for a while now and will gladly share the information that I have.

First, the Copics....they are an alcohol based marker and can be used for a variety of things. I'm going to cut the fancy talk and tell you exactly what I think. THEY ROCK!! Here's my list:

- no lines, no matter how long I take to color....NO LINES
- color your own brads, yep that's right. I needed soft sky brads and we all know they don't make those so I took a white brad and colored it with the Copic marker that matched Soft Sky and tah-dah...Soft Sky brad!!!
- Ribbon Dying is a snap! I have always bought a lot of white grosgrain ribbon rather than spending tons of $ on ALL the colored ribbon. I usually sponge the ribbon with a dauber until I get the rich color I want, then nuke it in the microwave to seal the color in. Now, I just run my Copic marker over my ribbon and it's done!
- Shading...I am NOT an artist, I have no clue what to shade where, but when I used my Cool Gray 00 I just lightly trace the image and it fades as it dries so you can just barely see a shadow and it's perfect every time!

Now there are other great things about these that I know nothing about first hand, air brushing and using the colorless blender to blend colors, remove color, etc. But if you visit Ellen Hutson's blog she has more info on these fantastic markers. I also found this little tutorial very helpful, granted I'm not a cartoon artist nor do I wish to be but the information is really good..
http://finni.deviantart.com/art/Copic-Marker-Tutorial-37958912

I have one set of Nestabilities on their way to me, so I don't have first hand knowledge to share with you just yet. I will tell you that Nichole Heady has a fantastic review and tutorial on these puppies here and Sharon Harnist gives a fabulous comparison between the Nests and Marvy Punches here, so hopefully it will help answer any of your questions. The moment I saw her post on them I was sold, but I honestly couldn't afford them. When you spend $15 on a punch it seems reasonable, right? Well if you buy 2 punches for $30 then you could have two sizes for layering....what if that same $30 could give you 5 sizes for layering AND you could dry emboss your cards or layers? That is what the Nestabilities can do....more bang for your buck quite frankly. And if that's not enough, STORAGE! These dies fit right into a cd case, no shelving unit or large drawer required.

I hope this information helps you and once I get my hands on my first set I promise to post my findings. If you have any questions about the club or these two products just let me know. If I don't have the answer, I'll find it!! :)

Copic Color Club or Nestabilities Now Club...TOO COOL!!!

This weekend Paper Pretties has started two new monthly clubs you simply MUST check out!!! I myself have been slowly playing with Copic sketch markers. The more I play with them the more I love them and in turn, the more I buy. The nestabilities are another eye candy I've been wanting but don't have my hands on yet. Why? The price! No one can argue with me that it's that the price that holds us back from ordering all of those wonderful dies. Well, these new clubs are exactly for people like me. Slow and steady wins the race, right?

This is how it works. Each month, you will receive 6 Copic sketch markers or 1 set of nestabilities. The cost for the Copic Color Club is $36.00 per month (shipping included). The cost for the Nestabilities Now club is 30.00 per month(shipping included). If you are already a Paper Pretties subscriber you can add these to your membership and receive a $6 discount (since you won't need to pay shipping twice) how fantastic is that?!?! Plus when you subscribe to Paper Pretties you receive so many benefits...

- 10% discount at the Corner Store
- Access to the Members Only card gallery (some fabulous card ideas!)
- Membership to the Paper Pretties Yahoo group
- An invitation to "Stampin' In Your Jammies" - our monthly virtual stamp night
- Weekly and Monthly contests, specials and giveaways!!
- Exclusive news & sales available only to Pretties members
- And of course the wonderful monthly items delivered right to your door!!!

Just think, the die sets are $29.95 each and the Copics are $5.95 each and shipping is usually anywhere from $6-$15. These clubs INCLUDE the shipping cost with your items making this a really great deal.....you NEED to check these out. And when you sign up, let Christie know I sent ya and she'll waive your membership fee!!! Did you sign up yet?? How about now?....now?

Twas a quarter before midnight.......

When my husband finally got around to picking a winner. :) Care to know the technique in which my hubby picks "randomly" just before midnight?? He picks a post, he sticks his finger on the monitor, and scrolls the mouse up and down until I say stop. Quite scientific don't ya think? ;)

And the winner is......

Crystal (happy2stamp4ever)

Congrats Crystal! Send me your info so I can get your goodies in the mail.

Thanks to everyone for your fabulous and humorous comments....keep 'em coming (ya never know when my sweet tooth will kick in again). ;)

Cupcake Cones

I've never made these before....apparently they are something all kids love when they are young, especially when it's their birthday and they get to bring in cupcakes to the class. Well, I've never even heard of them before tonight so I'm going to have a little chat with my mom this weekend ;)

They are SUPER easy....just make your cake batter as normal. Then pour batter into each cone, approx 1/2 full. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until lightly brown (the toothpick is a bit short for these). Let cool and then add frosting and sprinkles.....TAH DAH!!!

Chiquita Banana!

Isn't this guy cute?!?! This was another DT challenge by Kristine, she sent us the image, the phrase, a small sheet of designer paper (no clue where it's from but I love it!) and a strip of ribbon. I fell in love!!! I ran right over to the Paper Pretties corner store and bought him...and the phrase...and another monkey...and some Ollie & Olivia stamps. I mean, if you're going to shop online you might as well buy enough to make it like Xmas by the time it arrives, right?! ;)
If you haven't checked the store lately go take a look, there are TONS of new Stampendous stamps in the Corner Store and as always, Pretties members get an extra 10% off!!

Tomorrow is "Treat Day!" for many reasons of course....1) Hubby is picking a Blog Candy Winner! and 2) I'm making Cupcake Cones for a birthday at work so I'll post a pic of how they turn out! Ok, back to work.....lots to do. :)

Short but sweet

I'm working way too much overtime at my job, so sadly that means less time at home in the craft room. :( I will tell you all that I have had numerous requests to post the details for the luminary bags from my last post so I'm hoping to put together a tutorial so I can post it for you all to use. They are great for all types of occasions and I can't wait to line my driveway with them for Halloween!!!

Here's a quick card I made recently for a Design Team challenge using dry embossing.

Oh and my Janome Sew Mini is FANTASTIC!!! I have only used it once for a test drive and haven't had time to play yet but I will!!! And I promise to show you all what I make!! Back to work I go....

Fall Madness

I love this weather! My joints aren't too happy but they'll get over it. LOL Yesterday was fantastic, my house was filled with warm hearts and lots of laughter as 11 ladies (and one little munchkin) celebrated World Card Making Day together!!! Everyone seemed to love the cards along with the real 'lesson' that came along with them...layouts. If you just alter the stamps and colors, you can cut your card making time in half by reusing a layout that you like. No guess work involved just a little alteration here and there.

I also gave everyone a sneak peek at one of the projects we'll be making at my Fall Fun class on Oct 20th. Want a peek???
These are so much fun!!! And now with those little battery operated tealight candles, you don't even have to worry about leaving them unattended.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ****ENABLER ALERT****

Time is running out on the Canadian Thanksgiving Sale over at Paper Pretties!!! I know a few of you were asking about whether you have to be a member to order and get the discount and the answer is "Nope!". Everyone can shop at the corner store at any time, but this weekend only you can get one regular priced item for 25% off!! If you are a member you already receive a 10% discount on everything so technically you'll get 35% off one item!! Also, if you've been on the fence about the Pretties Boxes, wondering whether you would use them, what items come in these boxes, etc....you can order a one time Limited Edition Premium box directly from the Corner Store (sale discount does not apply). This way you can test drive one of the boxes and see what the hype is all about. Granted, then you'll be hooked because it's a card class in a box delivered right to your door and it's like Xmas every month!! So what are you waiting for??? Get over there cause time is running out!!!!

Also, don't for get about my fabulous Halloween giveaway taking place this coming Friday, Oct 12th. The more comments you make on different posts the more times you are entered to win. Remember any of the posts, any day, any time. I want to hear from all of you (cause you're always so quiet) and see what you're up to....what your favorite craft items are, what stamps you love, what new techniques do you like, oh and what your kiddos plan to be for Halloween!! ;)

Paper and ribbon and stamps....OH MY!

Happy Thanksgiving Canada!

What's a holiday without a sale?!? Saturday October 6th through Monday October 8th Paper Pretties is having a great Thanksgiving Sale at the Corner Store!!! You can purchase one regular priced item for 25% off (35% off for pretties members) plus there are tons of items already on sale so it's a great weekend to shop for the little stuff AND that big item you've been drooling over. They have gorgeous patterned papers, embellishments, ribbon, stamps, Copics and so much more. I just got a variety of colored Flock so I could make some fuzzy creations this holiday season. I also got this fabulous stamp which is featured in the October Rubber Romance box (not available to purchase separately just yet). I truly believe that the artist was sitting and sketching me.....oh how I stare at those sale windows. ;)

I used the SU Wintergreen paper that I just recently purchased....LOVE it. I water colored the image using Prisma Pencils and I added some sparkle to the red shoe using my Sakura Clear Glitter pen. My hubby laughed when he saw this and said "Finally, a stamp that LOOKS like you!".....is he implying that I don't look like the Bellas?!?!?!

I will be spending my weekend stamping away for World Card Making Day, I am having an all day card making class which will include lunch and snacks. I love spending the day stamping, chatting and eating. The only thing that could make it more perfect is shopping...which I just might do after we're done!

So what are your plans for this multi-holiday weekend?!?!

Questions, answers and RAK's

So I must tell you all that I'm glad you came out of hiding and I loved all the funny comments (keep 'em coming). I decided since there were a few questions that I would answer them here. Mainly because it doesn't list your email when I get your comments so I have no clue how to respond other than to just post publicly and hope you read it. ;) No, I'm not a computer whiz but hey, I can type, I can talk and I can stamp....pretty sure that's all I need to function at this time in my life. ;)

Elaine has left a new comment: What do you do to stay organized and keep up with all of the newest or even keep up with your favorites?

Me?!?! Organized?!?! Those who know me would call it 'organized chaos'. I function on malfunction. LOL With that said, 90% of the time it takes me an hour to find my blending stump on my table because it looks like a bomb hit it. I clean up my craft room once a week and then it blows up again. However, if your craft area is clean then you're not using it enough. ;) I have found that filing is very important. I print out ideas, patterns, tutorials, etc and put them in a file. When I get the itch to try something new, I pull out my file and get to work. Another thing that helps me organize my chaos *heh* is I have a small basket next to my cutter. When I'm working on a project and I'm cutting paper, I just don't have time to put everything away. So I stash my scraps in the basket and then once a week when I'm cleaning up, I separate the patterned paper from the colors and then file them in their specific folders. As for keeping up with my favs...I buy everything I like. Horrible but very, very true. If I want it, I get it....I'm recently married and no children yet so I'm doing it while I can cause I know it won't last long. LOL

Angel Wilde has left a new comment: I always like to know what designers use, what products you love, tips... even color combos and sketches. I'm always on the lookout for something new.

There is actually a VERY popular color combo being used by the Paper Pretties DT right now...Kraft, Soft Sky & White. We all just can't seem to get enough of it! I just did a card that I adore using those colors, but sadly I can't show it to you yet because it's still a *hush hush* set. By the way, did you note that we added another Prettie Girl to the team?!?! She's fabulous!!! As for tools and products I love...the SU guillotine cutter, hands down my best investment! Next in line would be my paper piercing tool & mat, followed by the Crop-a-dile. Those are 'must haves' in my book.

Ok, that's all for now... How about a fab card using my favorite color combo?!?!?!

This is the featured MFT set in the October Paper Pretties box. Julie Masse created this FABULOUS card and I just can't stop ooing and ahhing over it. She stamped the seashells with White Stazon on acetate and layered that onto the Soft Sky before adhering it to the Kraft paper and finishing up the criss-cross card. The antique copper brads really give this a really nice look, I just love it! Kinda makes me want to take a walk on the beach in Monterey.

So here's a question for all of you....what are your product/tool 'must haves'??

Got Candy?

I have been so busy lately that I haven't had a chance to break in my new Witchy Bella....til now! Isn't she cute??? I wanted to do something simple and quick, something that could be duplicated quickly and without much hassle and I think this fit the bill perfectly. I used this fab new paper I got at Joann's, I cut two equal size pieces of paper (5 1/4 x 4) and placed the patterns back to back then cut off the top at an angle. Next I attached the small scrap piece of black patterned paper to the top to make it look like a fold over flap. I used the Karen Foster Snap Stamps for the "Got Candy?" sentiment (I'm sad those are retired, they are perfect for the bellas!). I doodled around Witchy and then decided she needed a few 'spideys' (as my nephew would say). The spiders were actually quite easy, just doodle a little line, make a small solid oval and then lightly make little legs comes out of the sides. I used Prisma Pencils and Copics from the Paper Pretties Corner Store to color her in (have you been there yet? TONS of stuff on sale plus the new MFT sets are now available and PP members get an additional 10% off!! So yea, my shopping cart is full!) Next I used the direct to paper technique with black ink on the lovely lilac layer just to darken it up a bit and make the edges rather spooky. LOL Lastly I added purple gems to the right side and she was done!

So after I made this, I looked at all the items I had used, the extra items I had purchased and decided it was time to give something away. Anyone in the mood??
Goodies include one pack of 12x12 patterned paper, adhesive gemstones, silk flower primas, two colors of twill, the above shown Witchybella card AND some Witchybella images so you can make your own!!!

Here's the fun part....all you have to do is comment. Anywhere, any day, any post...with over 130 subscribers and hundreds of hits a day there should be some interaction on here. So let's chat people! I want to hear what you like, don't like, want to see more of, what new stamps or products are out there and what your opinions are. I will have the Hubster select someone at random (it makes him feel special) on Friday Oct 12th...that way I can get these goodies in the mail to you so you'll have them before Spook Day! :) I know you're all out there...what has everyone been up to? You're so quiet lately! "Talk to me Goose...." **please tell me you know where that's from** ;)

A toast to Pretty Girls!

I would like to raise my glass (yes, even at 9am) to our newest addition to the Paper Pretties Design Team......

Alli Miles

She comes to us from BC Canada and we couldn't be more excited to welcome her to the team. Last night was our monthly SIYJ (stamping in your jammies) and she made some beautiful cards, here's one of them...

Isn't she adorable?!?! Now of course, I'm a little biased because Veggiebella is my FAV bella (at the moment anyway) and I love the simplicity of Alli's designs because it really makes you focus on the main images. So please join me in welcoming Alli...the newest Pretty Girl!!!!

***stay tuned, I'm in the mood to share some goodies, perhaps a little candy!!***