Belated Prettie Day

A few weeks ago we were challenged to make a bookmark. Since I'm currently reading this book I opted for something simple. Of course I tend to lean towards simple, clean looks more often than not anyway, so it wasn't really out of character I suppose. *lol*

I used the single flower from the Bloomin' Beautiful set which is currently featured in the Occasions Mini catalog. I wanted to have a sentiment following along the stemline but couldn't find anything small enough to fit. Finally I remembered you can reposition rub-ons so I grabbed the ones I got during Sale-a-bration and they were perfect! I stamped the image in Brilliance Black ink and then colored the flower using Copics YG11, YG63, R81, R83, R85 and my yellow glitter stardust pen for the center.

My weekend goal is to make my hubby an anniversary card. Our 2 year anniversary is this coming up Monday, June 2nd and since we bought each other a house our wallets are pretty much tapped for gifts. Anyone have any creative ideas for a thoughtful, cheap, handmade guy gift? Details and directions if ya do! ;) xoxo

Oopsie

You mean it's not Tuesday?!?! Nope, it's Prettie Wednesday and I completely forgot! The holiday weekend threw me off a bit and today is my day to challenge! Two weeks ago Charlie assigned the challenge to create a bookmark (mine will be posted tomorrow since I totally forgot to post it today before I left for work) and last week Jana challenged us to create a Baby card using Paper Pretties stamps (and I just ordered all the new releases and a few others that I didn't have yet so I can't wait to get them!!)

Today my challenge to everyone is to "Make it new again!". Dust off your oldest stamp or set and create something with it. Come on, give it a shot! You once loved it for a reason right??

The house...

Since I have received a few emails and comments asking about the house I thought it would be easier to show you ;) We have our work cut out for us but I know in the end it will be worth it. Now remember, you're looking at the potential. *lol*

When you walk in the door there is a living room to the right (where my mom is looking-ish), and if you were to walk straight ahead there is a family room (where the fireplace is).

So if you go right into the living room it wraps around to a dining area and then heads into the kitchen

The kitchen which opens up to the family room (the one with the fireplace you saw in the previous pic)

The guest bathroom...

From left to right - the hall closet, laundry room, stamp room
I skipped over the guest room and hallway, although it's fabulous because it's filled with tons of cabinets (just forgot to take a pic apparently). So here is the Master, it has vaulted ceilings but the fan is mounted WAY too low, that will be one of the first things to go. ;) Oh and there is a master bath but I forgot to photo that too, nice huh? LOL

And lastly the rose garden in the backyard. I have a brown thumb so hopefully since they are already established, I can keep them alive so people will think my thumb is a slight shade of green ;)

So that's it! Again, lots to do but we're looking forward to it. Everyday we're running errands and taking measurements and meeting with plumbers, contractors, painters, engineers (don't ask). So my stamping is slacking but I think it'll be worth it! ;)

A Beautiful Bella day

I hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing holiday weekend! I was so looking forward to having 3 days to myself (hubby planned a weekend of camping with the guys). So Friday night I had the girls over for a Stamp night aka stamp, gossip and eat chocolate night. ;) I don't think the party ended til after midnight, I so needed that girl time! Well the next morning around 8am there was this horrible noise outside my front door. I staggered to the living room just in time for the front door to open and Scott to say "I'm home!" Apparently there was a snow storm at his camp site so they packed up and came home...there went my 3 days off. *lol* But on the upside I did enjoy some relaxing time with my fella, went shopping at Contractor's Warehouse (omg love that place) and yesterday we signed escrow papers!!! It'll be a matter of weeks until we get the keys to our new home and the renovations can begin!

So the only stamping I got done was this one card on Friday night. I fell in love with this floral paper a while ago and never got around to using it. It feels wedding-ish to me since it's soft and elegant so I brought out my Bridalbellas. I have a cousin who is getting married in August and she truly IS a bella....this gal is just gorgeous! No clue what her colors are yet but I think this will be perfect for her bridal shower.

Stamps - Bridalpartybellas by Stampingbella, Inkadinkado sentiments
Cardstock - So Saffron, Whisper White
Ink - Brilliance Black
Accessories - Copic Markers, Glitter, Organdy Ribbon, Corner Punch

Memorial Day Sales

If anyone is looking for online Memorial Day sales there definitely a few good ones out there...

www.Addictedtorubberstamps.com has everything on sale plus half-price shipping - I got some cute Penny Black stamps from there!

www.polkadotplaza.com has 10% off your entire order (coupon code mem10) - got my Monogram stamper and some Nestabilities from there

www.joanns.com has tons of scrapbook items on sale and 40% off one item (coupon code sed152)

Happy shopping and I hope everyone has a fabulous holiday weekend! I'll be spending the rest of my day at Contractors Warehouse and Lowe's....they really need a stamping & crafts aisle in that place, then I wouldn't gripe that we've spent 4 hours in there! LOL

Prettie Party recap

Paper Pretties had a fabulous release party last night and introduced the world to three new adorable sets! Sadly I was stuck filling out loan paperwork for most of the evening so I missed it. :( So if you missed the party too, here's a quick recap....

The first stamp challenge was to use Buttons. Jessie made this adorable card featuring Cooper from the new Look Out World set!

This is another one of the sets that was release, One of Those Days. Jules created this for the first challenge as well...only one button but hey, it's a button!! (her words) LOL

And lastly the third set released was Sweets for the Sweet, my fav of the bunch! Here is an adorable apron card created by the Prettie Mama herself, Christie.

The second challenge was to use light blue, celery & chocolate. I absolutely LOVE this color combo and the cards the gals made were just amazing. This is my fav, created by Danielle. Isn't her coloring fabulous??
The second one is by Charmaine, love those giant brads and I'm definitely putting this layout in my layout book!
And the last challenge of the night was to create a treat box/package. This is Charmaine's recipe box using the new Sweets for the Sweet, too adorable isn't it?!?!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend!!!! XOXO

Be Inspired...

Two weeks ago Jules challenged us to "be inspired". Normally, the inspiration comes from a magazine photo of a bedding set or something from a Crate & Barrel catalog and you are then to create a card "inspired" by that photo. Well, I decided to twist my inspiration a bit. I was inspired to finish something I had started. A while back, Joanne posted these adorable stationary cards with a holder. I was inspired to make my own and I had created the holder a while ago but not the stationary...I just said "oh I'll get to it sometime" (anyone else do that and end up with a huge pile of need-to-get-back-to stuff??)

So I sat my tail down and stamped away. I am in love with the SU designer papers, especially the groovy guava. I used the Mixed Messages set from PTI (love it) for the sentiments, I did a variety so I had a few different occasions covered. Luckily it got my engine going and I was inspired to finish a ton of projects I had set aside, so be sure to check back as I will be posting them regularly (now that they are finally done!) ;)

If you haven't heard already, the latest release from Paper Pretties is tomorrow!!! 3 new sets will be released and the party starts at 8pm EST in the Prettie Forum. There will be card challenges posted during the party so clear off your stamp table and get ready for a virtual stamp night with the Prettie Girls!!!

Stamps - Baroque Motifs (SU), Mixed Messages (PTI), Borders & Corners Circle (PTI)
Cardstock -Groovy Guava, Blush Blossom, Shimmery White
Ink - Groovy Guava, Blush Blossom
Accessories - Scallop Punch (SU), White ribbon (SU)

Just for Dad...

This is a Tool Time card just for Dad! I started this a while ago and never got around to finishing it, so since it was over 100 this weekend I stayed inside and got a lot done. :) The tools are dry embossed using the tool template from Lasting Impressions. I punched out a small circle and stamped "DAD" from the new Pond Life PTI set. I also roughed up the edges just a bit so it matched the card. I love using the Lasting Impressions cardstock because it has a white core so you can sand off the ridges and really make the images pop. The colors used here are Fudge, Silver, Poppy, Artichoke and Limeade Dots. I am currently in the process of creating dry embossing card kits for Polka Dot Plaza, I only have one done thus far but there will be more to come so be sure to check back soon!!!

Stamps - PTI "DAD"
Cardstock - Lasting Impressions Fudge, Silver, Poppy, Artichoke, Limeade Dots
Ink - Chocolate Chip
Accessories - Brass Template, Dimensionals, Paper Scuffer

A little girls birthday...

My friends little girl turns 3 this weekend so I wanted to make her a "big girl" card for her birthday. I brought out my Flutterby Sophia set from Paper Pretties and I love the phrase "Flutter your wings and fly" that comes in this set. The paper is from the same stack I've been using a lot of lately, American Designs or something (can't recall the name). I actually created a frame using the scallop oval Nesties, rather than just layering two pieces. It adds a little dimension in real life. I also decided I was bored with the straight edges so I threw a bit of a curve to the background paper. I thought about doing scallops but didn't want to take away from the focal point. I used Copics for the coloring and topped it off with some taffeta ribbon.

Don't forget, there is only one day left for the Paper Pretties chipboard sale. Drop on over to the Boutique and check out all the fun stuff that has been added and be sure to visit the sale section for some great deals (before they're gone!)

Stamps - Flutterby's
Cardstock - Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose
Ink - same
Accessories -Copics, Nesties

Blooming with Love...

I am in love with this set! Ever since I saw it I knew I had to have it and lately I've been seeing it a bit more from my favorite bloggers. Joanne made an adorable card with it just the other day and Michelle created some fabulous quick cards a few weeks ago. So I finally broke down and ordered it and I adore it!!!

I got a large stack of Wild Asparagus paper last year from Costco and I've been avoiding it...until now. I loved this fun stripe criss-cross paper so I decided to pair it up with some Pumpkin Pie & Chocolate chip cardstock. A little paper piercing along the bottom pumpkin strip and I added the small flower from the Bloomin' with Love set across the upper half of the strip. I used my Rectangle Nesties for the image & the scallop nesties for the chocolate layer. And of course Copics for the coloring & airbrush for the background orange.

It's a gorgeous day!

Oh the life of a beachabella! Since the weather is warming up, I thought it only appropriate to start stamping with summer stamps. Of course, beachabella is at the top of the list! I got my hands on this paper a month ago and I've been dying to use it. I used Copics to color her in and my Sakura Glitter roll pen for her bag, she looks better with bling. ;) I love using the Karen Foster snap-stamps, it's a shame they were discontinued. I added a little doodle and roughed up the edges a bit and she's ready to hit the sand!

We're starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel with the house hunting. Thank you all so very much for your kind thoughts and words of encouragement. I never knew this was so exhausting, but in the end I know it will be well worth it!

Stamps - Beachabella - Stampingbella, Snapstamps
Paper - unknown as it wasn't marked
Ink - Brilliance Black
Accessories -Copics, Paper Distressing Tool, White Eyelets

A belated wish...

Happy belated Mother's Day to everyone!!!! I have been MIA for a few days as we have expanded our house search radius thus causing my brain to explode. I curled up in a ball on Saturday evening and told the world to go away...and it did, for about two hours. Sunday was fabulous as we had a large family bbq and the food was just amazing....so much for my diet. There's always next week, right? ;)

This is May's Copic card on the PP forum. Each month over at Paper Pretties there is a step-by-step tutorial using Copic markers. It's a great way to learn about shading, blending, and even the airbrush system. Paper Pretties also just announced their new Stamp of the Month club! This new club features pre-releases of Paper Pretties stamps along with access to the online galleries and tutorials available on the Paper Pretties website. Head over there for a quick peek, the first stamp is simply adorable!!

Stamps - Paper Pretties Simply Special
Cardstock - Bashful Blue, So Saffron, SU Designer Paper
Ink - Brilliance Black
Accessories - Copic Markers, Oval Nesties, Copic Airbrush

New Toy!!

I think we got home around 10:30pm last night after running around house hunting, meeting with a contractor to look at the current house we're still debating on and going back and forth to Kinko's to fax paperwork to various agents. OYE! My hubby still had to do his homework and begged me to stay up with him for just 10 minutes while he finished. Ten minutes?

Ok, what's quick and will feed my stamp craving? The Monogram Stamper by JustRite was my selection, I just got this cute little guy the other day and it was still in its packaging (can't have that now can we?). I remembered a gorgeous stationary set that Debbie made so I whipped this together in 9.5 minutes leaving me 30 seconds left to turn off the light and go climb into bed. I used the Special Occasions companion kit (which comes with a small wood mount stamp) and the Versmagic dew drops. Sure it's not fancy but hey, I knocked out 3 cards in under ten minutes so I fell asleep with a feeling of accomplishment! *lol*

Stamps - DIY Monogram Stamper
Cardstock - Wild Asparagus, Groovy Guava, Whisper White
Ink - Pink Grapefruit Versamagic
Accessories - Nesties

Well....it's Wednesday

"When it's too good to be true it usually is"

I'm trying to find the silver lining in this house thing and I just can't. I love it, I want it....but it's a mess. Inspection reports came back and the previous owners basically abandoned their home and any issues it had, just left it to rot (figuratively and literally). No bandaid will fix these issues, it needs to go to the hospital just to survive. But do we want to take that on? The overall attributes of this home are what we love...location, school districts, open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, sq. footage. *sigh*

We spent yesterday making phone calls like crazy, I left work early to go see two new houses that were just listed. Insurance company won't even insure the new house in it's present condition. The bank wants a detailed estimate from a contractor for mandatory repairs BY THURSDAY! We just got the report on Tuesday! I had class Tues night and now I'm back at work trying to juggle work and personal (REALLY hard when it's busy).

Just needed to vent. I haven't seen my stamp room since Friday and I think it's taking it's toll. *lol*

Look at all the ladybugs!

There were hundreds, I swear! They were crawling all over my nephew and he was in heaven. He laughed, ran around chasing after them. Letting them crawl into his hand and then watched as they flew away. Getting him to leave was quite a task, he didn't want to leave all the ladybugs behind. "They don't have anyone to take care of them, Auntie". Seriously, could you just melt?! Oh and he picked out his room.....

I have a feeling he'll be spending most of his time in his closet since it doubles as a jungle gym. LOL

A picture is worth a thousand words....

And this picture melts my heart. This was at my wedding in 2006, my mom dancing with my baby nephew (who reminds me that he is 'no longer a baby auntie!').

I wanted to make a fun project for my Stamp Club and since Mother's Day is coming up I thought picture frames would be perfect. Everyone seems to be scared to use rub-ons but they truly are SO EASY!

Be sure to always clean your surface with alcohol to remove any grease, dust or residue. Simply cut out the rub-on of choice (I used one from the Sale-A-Bration set) and place it on the glass where desired. Each rub-on pack comes with a "rub-on tool" (popsicle stick people, sheesh). Just rub the stick over the image and slowly remove the paper. If a piece doesn't attach, just put it back in place and rub it again.

It's wonderful for vases, glass candle holders and obviously frames. Just be sure you only use a soft cloth to clean with as the rub-ons are not dishwasher-proof or Windex friendly. ;)

Guess what???

Yep, that's right....we found a house!!! We didn't tell anyone that we submitted an offer on this one because we didn't want to jinx it (since the last one fell through).

I wanted to tell my family so I invited them all out to some yummy Mexican food for a pre-Cinco de Mayo dinner...which was just my cover. ;) Then I made these adorable little postcards (the address is on there but thought it best to photoshop it out, just in case anyone tries to steal it from us!) Once the final papers are signed and we have keys, then I'll relax. LOL

So to all of you that put us in your thoughts and prayers and crossed every finger you have, THANK YOU!!!!!