Hello

I see my partner in crime (though 1000 miles away) has posted tonight!  Yea!  Though the topic is not the best...

I am here with a card for the challenge over at 2 sisters challenge and I used a Greeting Farm stamp since they are one of the sponsors this time.

I kind of went overboard with the bling, but I like how it turned out.  This the sunflower and hello are popped up with 3M tape.  I colored her with Copics (no Spicas this time, oh my!).  I painstakingly added pearls to her necklace.  What took me the longest though was using the Cheery Lynn frame die.  It took 4 tries before I could get it to cut out without double cutting (getting out of line) and with cutting all the pieces out.  Then picking at each piece to get it to come out.  I tried with and without the metal plate.  If anyone out there has any suggestions as to how to cut these larger Cheery Lynn dies, I would love to hear from you.  I have no trouble with the smaller ones.  I use a Sizzix Big Kick.

Anyway, I digress.  I glued the image to the frame and then the frame to the base.  I added strips of square rhinestones along the edge and round ones in each scallop.  I think she's fun!

I am also entering this in the Secret Crafter white on white challenge.

Until tomorrow, Happy Stamping!

kathy b

With sympathy

Hi everyone,
Shocker of shocks, it's me, Margaret, posting tonight.  The card I'm posting today is not the most pleasant of cards.  My friend Andrea recently lost her cat.  It reminds me of when I lost my dogs...so sad.  This kitty was with her before she even met her husband and had kids...he was about 15 years old, died of a rare kidney disorder.  I didn't have any appropriate cat stamps so I made just a generic sympathy card using MFT Dies, Nestability Dies, and a Stampin Up stamp.  I can't remember who made the paper. It's from an old stash (which I am trying to use up).  And of course glitter paper.  It's just a simple little card, but I think quite fitting for the occasion.

I have another card I will post tomorrow.  That one is a very special one and I can't wait to share it with you.  Thanks for stopping by!  Margaret

Home Sweet Home

This is going to be short and sweet tonight as I am not feeling very well.

My card tonight is for a challenge over at There She Goes.  I used a few stamps from the Day and Night set.

I love how you can "build" your own picture, because everything is separate, even the hearts on the flowers and the star hanging from the roof!  I used 2 MFT dies, & colored with Copics and Spicas (though it is hard to tell from the photo, there is lots of sparkle).  I added pink rhinestones to the centers of the flowers on the right and a clear one for the knob on the front door.  Ribbon is from SU! and paper is from my scrap pile.

Hope to be back tomorrow.

kathy b

Dog-Gone Cute

Monday is Here!

The 4th Monday of the month is my LEAST favorite.  It means I need to be at work by 7:30 a.m.  In case you haven't noticed, I am a bit of a night owl, so sometimes I think I would be better off just staying up all night!!!

I decided that probably wasn't a very good idea.  So instead, I made a card and prepared my blog post, in the event I fall asleep after dinner.

 This cute little guy is from the same CC Designs set I used yesterday.  I used the sketch over at deconstructingjen.  I really like this sketch.  It is very versatile and easy to use.  The dp is from my "doggie drawer", where I keep all crafty things that are dog related (except stamps - they have their own drawers).  The die-cuts are a new set I just got from Clear Dollar Stamps, and I cut the banner myself, without a die.  The bone came from the drawer mentioned above - not sure where it is from as the packaging is long gone.

I am going to enter this is the Simple Simon challenge (3 different papers), as well as at deconstructionjen.  

That's it for now.  Until next time, Happy Stamping!!!

kathy b

Funny Bunny

What a wet, yucky day for the Daytona 500, which of course, did not happen.  Now it will be run when most of us are at work...oh well.

The image I stamped today came from a very old C.C. Designs rubber stamp set called Love Ya' Much.  I love this little guy.  I colored him with Copics, added a little pearl to the flower.  Used my Nesties to cut him out and add a frame using Basic Grey dp.  The sentiment is from the same set.  The ribbon is from PaperTrey and the wooden flower came from Tuesday Morning.  I added a Teresa Collins big rhinestone to give it a little pop.  I think it looks

very "spring-y" with all the colors and the flower. 

With the Oscars and NBA basketball on tonight (ie - no Desperate Housewives), I will probably spend the evening in my studio...YEA!  Until next time,
Happy Stamping!!!

kathy b

Que Pasa?

Wow, this day really got away from me.  I do have a card to share.  It is for the Pink Elephant Challenge which required something printed, script, etc.

I used a background stamp from Cornish Heritage Farms which is in Spanish.  I used the Spanish Magnolia, coloring her attire as if she were a little flamenco dancer.  I added glitter to her lace and the rose in her hair.  I added dimension glaze to her shoes.

The strand of bling actually comes from the gift wrap section of the Container Store! 

With all the "words" on the front, I put the sentiment on the inside, this time.

I think this turned out pretty well!

Hopefully, between laundry, housecleaning and grocery shopping tomorrow, (before and after the Daytona 500), I will find time to make a card or two and blog!!!  Until then, Happy Stamping!

kathy b

Sweet Baby

A quick post of a baby card I made tonight.  I am going to enter it over at the Sweet Stop Challenge.  I am also going to enter it at the Color Throwdown.  I  worked the blue into the bunny's polka dots, the dp took care of the rest of the colors.

The challenge had a sketch and required use of dies/punches, of which I used both.  I used nesties, a sizzix die which I cut into the banner, a Martha Stewart punch and an MFT die.  I added a couple of Basic Grey buttons, 2 heart hat pins from my stash, and some PaperTrey ribbon.  I used old dp and scraps of cardstock.  Bunny is a Lockhart stamp and Baby is from PaperTrey.  Very bright and girly, can't wait to give this to the new mom.

Until tomorrow...



February Mandala

A real quick post this afternoon.  I made this card for the challenge over at Outlines.  I love making mandala type cards and Outlines has some great stamps to work with.  I made this one for ME!  My birthday falls in February and I love purple - and all its variations.

All the Swarovskis are clear except the center one which is purple.  I used Stampendous gold embossing powder on Bazzill cardstock.  I fussy cut all the images and used 3M tape to mount them for dimension.  I plan on framing this one. 

Hope everyone is having a good day.

kathy b



Pearly Mimi

Well, it's been a busy evening in the studio, so I am going to post again on Thursday.  This is a card for the Penny Black challenge.

The image is from the Mimi in Paris clear set.  I think she's adorable.  I colored her using COpics and Spicas.  I used 2 nestabilities sets to frame Mimi and 1 Memory Box die for the "lace" since I didn't have any real lace.  The DP is Basic Grey and I used DCWV textured cardstock for the base.  The flower is from Prima.  I added Martha Stewart pearls to the die cuts.

I will be back in the morning with another post.  Until then, Happy Stamping!!!

kathy b



RN Thank You

Happy Thursday to one and all.

Since I don't usually work Fridays (just the 2nd Friday of the month), today is my Friday!  Lucky me!  Now I can spend time in my studio!!!

Speaking of work, a very sweet nurse co-worker provided my husband and I with a container of lovingly made gumbo this week.  I have made this card to give to her for her sweet and thoughtful dish.

I used the MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge template.  This is a Pure Innocence nurse, which I colored with Copics and Spicas.  I used nesties to mount her and and MFT border die and tab die.  I stitched the paisley dp to the white cs, added 3 buttons and stamped "thank you" using a different Pure Innocence set.  I think she's pretty cute and I hope my friend will like her.

Besides the MFT challenge, I am also entering her into the 2sisters challenge (http://2sisterschallengeblog.blogspot.com/) which is to add stitching to the project.

Until next time, Happy Stitching!

kathy b



Happy Mother's Day

I made a Mother's Day card today.  That shouldn't be too unusual except that my mom died when I was a teen and my mother-in-law passed away several years ago.  But the sentiment was in the stamp set I used and it fit perfectly on the card, so here it is.  I will probably send this to a friend's mom.

I used a nestabilities die and cut it out twice.  I used redline tape to attach the two pieces together at the top after scoring about .25 inches down from the top so the card could open.  The stamp set is Siberian Iris from Flourishes.  I colored with Copics and then added Art Institute glitter.  I used my bow-easy  to create the bow, using SU! ribbon.

I am entering this into the challenge at http://lexiscreations.blogspot.com/.

Until next time, Happy Stamping!

kathy b

Zakk

Today's card is one of those cards that you hate to have to make.  My sister-in-law's family lost their family pet unexpectedly and prematurely.  He went outside in the snow and then stood there, like he had lost his way.  They took him to the vet who sent him to a cardiologist. He had a bleeding tumor in his heart.  What started as a beautiful snowy day ended in heartache.  Zakk died.

So this is my tribute to Zakk for his family.  He was a big ol' boy, a great lab, and the boss.

I used SU! So Saffron and DCWV cardstock.  Patterned paper came from my "doggie stuff" drawer, as did the rub-on on saying.  Brads, eyelets and metal letters came from my stash from my old (and short-lived) scrapbooking days.   I used an Ellison die for the heart and nestabilities for the scalloped circle.  Zakk is embossed using chocolate bliss scented Gelly Powder.  I drew the pad that Zakk is lying on using Copics.  The lab stamp is from Rubber Stamps of America.

Until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge, rest easy Zakk.

kathy b

This card is being entered in http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/, http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com

and sentimental sundays challenges.

Thank You

Today's card is for the Mojo Monday challenge for Verve. 

I used a Provo Craft embossing folder and cut it up into 5 strips.  The flower is stamped using Versafine Majestic Blue and is  the Fancy Florals Remix from Verve.  The sentiment comes from Verve's Thankful Blossoms.  The ribbon is SU! and I added Memory Makers rhinestones to the center of the flower and sentiment.  The blue cardstock pieces came from my scrap box.

Until next time, Happy Stamping!

kathy b



Domo Arigato

I just couldn't resist the MFT Good Fortune stamp set.  I used this set for my entry into the MFT Wednesday Sketch challenge.

I used 4 different sheets of paper from the Basic Grey Kioshi pad.  I added a Prima flower.  The girl's outfit is paper-pieced and a rhinestone has been added to the center of the flower in her hair.  This actually worked up pretty quickly.  I made it while watching SMASH tonight!

Until next time, Happy Stamping!

kathy b



I Love Knitting

Happy Monday!

It is a holiday for me, but my DH is at work.  Darn.  I have been watching movies and creating in my studio.  I have managed to go outside and play a bit with the dogs, but they are all taking their afternoon nap, so I can continue my playing!

Today's card is for the challenge over at SFYTT.   I used a Your Next Stamp for my creation.  I am also entering at http://onecrazystampercom.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-ocs-challenge-love-is-in-air.html.

I paper pieced Fhiona and the chair and her knitting.  I used sparkly glitter paper for her knitting needles and used Spicas for her hair decoration.  I colored her face, hair and hands with Copics, everything else is pieced.  All buttons exxcept "love" are from Basic Grey.  Paper is from Echo Park.  Twine is from The Cat's Pajamas. I think she is cute as can be!

Until next time, Happy Stamping!

kathy b

HELLO!

Hello!

It has been a beautiful day up here on the mountain.  Crisp, but very sunny.  It was good to get outside for awhile, before it was time to do housework and laundry, ugh!

Today's card is for the challenge at Taylored Expressions.

This card is as bright and sunny as today was!  I stamped the image, colored with Copics and then added Spicas on top.  I selected buttons that matched the Copics and attached them with Zots.  The die border is from MFT, the RHinestone is from Memory Makers.  The dp is from my scrap pile.  I think this is a very cheery way to say "Hello"!

Until next time, Happy Stamping!

kathy b



Just sittin' here thinking of you

I decided to start posting some of my old old cards.  I am sure many of them were CASEd but I can't remember which ones :)  I have a ton of cards in my arsenal because my children go visit their dad for the whole summer and they get cards about once a week. :)  So here is one, "Just sitting here thinking of you"  It's a Magnolia stamp, background and sentiment.  The buttons were still from my scrapbooking days...way back from the early 2000.  Retro. LOL  Paper is from Stampin Up.  Enjoy!

Triptych

Today's card is for a challenge over at CritterSketchChallenge.  It calls for a sketch with 3 panels.  So I decided to take 1 stamp and cut it into 3 pieces - i.e. a triptych.

The stamp is a 6x6 Scrapblock from Cornish Heritage Farms called LOVE.  All the paper comes from Echo Park.

I used a Martha Stewart punch for the lacey scallop and topped it with a scrap of sheer polka dot ribbon.  The centerpiece is actually a brad that I removed the legs from and stuck on with a 3-d zot.

Hope you are having a good weekend.  I plan to spend more time in my studio since it is chilly outside and looks like rain, drats!?!

Until next time, happy stamping!

kathy b



Thank You Fairy Much

I am so excited about having a long weekend.  The Monday holiday has come at just the right time.  I am inspired to create in my studio, so hopefully I can dedicate some time over this weekend to spend making cards.  I also want to attack some of my drawers and purge things I am not using.  I have more stuff than I will ever be able to use.  Some will get donated, some I will try to sell.  I need to get rid of stuff each time I bring something new to my room, but that is hard to do.  So perhaps trying to do a mass purge will make up for it! Ha!

Okay, today's card is for the challenge at Pink Gem.  It is a sweet fairy from Stamping Bella called Wendy Papillion.  The sentiment is also from Stamping Bella.

I used the Cheery Lynn Doily frame as background.  I used the new die cut set from SU! to cut out Wendy and frame her with pink.  I used a Memory Box die for the sentiment.  I added pink pearls (Martha Stewart)  to the sentiment.  The rose in Reflections from Michaels.  I colored the image with copics and spicas.  I stamped the wings a 2nd time, colored them with Shimmers and glued them on the fairy for a little more dimension.  I thought she turned out pretty sweet.

Thanks for stopping by.  Until next time, Happy Stamping!

kathy b



i love you

This card is for the Outlines Monday Challenge.  I have a lot of Outlines stamps, but I don't use them as often as I should.  So I thought by doing a challenge, I may get more inspired.

The challenge was to use red, white and black.  It is simple, but I like how it turned out.  The deep red swarovskis look much better in person.  I used a couple of dies for the sentiment (from Papertrey) and I embossed the stamped image using desert red embossing powder.  It is much more sparkly than the camera could catch. 

Hope this inspires you, too!

Happy Stamping!

kathy b

Enjoy the Moment

Today's card is for the Sweet Stop Sketches Challenge.  I used a Sweet n' Sassy digital image.

I colored the image with Copics and added rhinestones to the swirls on the cup and the hole on the tag.  The flower came from Michaels and the cardstock came from my scrap bin.  I love it when scraps I saved work well on a project. 

I am heading to my studio to see what I can come up with next.  It's a gloomy day and I am done with work, so now it's time for play!

Until next time, Happy Stamping!

kathy b 

Happy Valentine's Day

I've been munching on pink, red and white M&Ms in my craft room as I made little gifts to give my co-workers.  Due to weather and  my schedule, they won't get them until Thursday, but I think all my sweet-toothed friends won't mind.

My card for today is a quickie I made as a thank you for Valentine donations to an animal rescue group with which I volunteer.  It's a very small non-profit...not even 1 employee, all volunteers.

I used an Impression Obsession stamp and Versafine ink.  The sentiment is from Studio G.  I printed the who gave in honor of whom on the inside and put a doggie stamp on the envelope.  I hope the recipients were pleased!

It was a cold night at agility class tonight.  Geena Bea stayed warm by running her little butt off while I stumbled around trying to keep up with her.  Cold weather seems to light a fire under the dogs. 

I was going to try to stamp, but I think I will just go to bed.  Tomorrow is another day.  Thanks for stopping by and until next time, Happy Stamping!

kathy b



Kick Back & Relax

Not exactly the snow day we hoped for, but it did snow a little and we are at home.  Perhaps I can spend some time in my studio today!!!

My card for today is for the MFT Wednesday challenge.

Until next time, Happy Stamping!

kathy b

LOVE

Happy Sunday evening!

Today's card is for the Outlines challenge and the 2 Sisters challenge.  It uses an Outlines montage stamp which I colored with Copics.  I used lots of Swarovski crystals.

The DP is from SU! and the cardstock is DCWV.  The die is from MFT.  The flower is Petaloo and the ribbon is from Papertrey.

We are preparing for a winter storm that is supposed to hit early in the am.  We have had a mild winter, with only 1 previous snow.  I'll let you know tomorrow how much we get, if any. 

Thanks for stopping by.  Until next time, Happy Stamping!!!

kathy b

I also entered the challenge at One Stop Craft Challenge and at Lexi's http://lexiscreations.blogspot.com/2012/02/challenge-58-and-winners-of-57.html

Happy Valentine's Day

Today I am posting a card for Valentine's Day with lots of glitter, sparkle and bling -- hence the namesake of this blogname. {smile}The stamp of the girl is Stamping Bella's new line Uptown Girl.  I love this line!  I especially love this stamp who's name "Claudia has candy"  As you know my youngest daughter's name is Claudia so I'm especially enamored with this stamp. LOL.  The paper is several years old (ANW Hugs and Kisses), the sentiment and heart are Stamping Up.  Flowers are Prima which I purchased at Michaels several years ago.  (can you tell I"m trying to use what I have?)  The dress has lots and lots of stickles all over it with Copics used to color the figure.  Enjoy the bling...thanks for stopping by!

Take Note

Happy Friday!

Yea! The work week is done...hopefully I can spend some time in the studio this weekend.  We recently moved to the country, as a result, I decreased my work hours and arranged to work at home 2 days a week.  This week was crazy.  I ended up going to town 4 days a week, my 2 normal days and one day for our belated Medical Home Christmas party because we couldn't find a date where most could attend and the other day for a doctor's appt.  There is a backlog in pathology, so it is going to be 2 weeks until I get the result of my biopsy.  I am going to take the positive thinking route and believe that there is nothing wrong.

I made today's card after dinner.  It is for the Critter Sketch Challenge and it gave me the opportunity to use two of the new Memory Box dies that Margaret gave me for my birthday.

My birthday gifts are the 2 in what appears to be pink, but is actually salmon (at least on my monitor).  Aren't they lovely?  I may end up adding some jewels before I send this off...

The black cutout is a SU! die from Sizzix.  The stamp is an oldie but goodie from The Greeting Farm.  I colored it with Copics.  There are actually 4 shades of purple, but they aren't showing up well in this photo.  The text is from Papertrey and the the punch is from SU!  I popped out the salmon cutout and the bird, so it is very dimensional in person.

Hope you like it!  Thanks for stopping by and until next time, Happy Stamping!!!

kathy b

Children's Corner

Hi all,
My children LOVE to make cards.  Well, today I am posting a card that my daughter created for a family member.  I think it came out quite good!  Claudia is 10 years old and considers herself an artist.  She also loves to make jewelry.  Her ambition in life is to become a pediatrician so she can be a healer (she is like a pied piper for animals and babies).  But her second motivation for this profession is to make enough money so she can feed her hobbies.  A girl after my own heart!  Enjoy!

Stamp: Penny Black; Diecut: Memory Box

Thanks a Million

Hello!  It has been a beautiful day, very sunny, but on the cool side, just how I like it!  The card I have to share with you today is for the MoJo Monday challenge and is a thank you card for a gift I received for my birthday on Super Bowl Sunday.  Still celebrating, as the girls from work took me out to eat and we finished our meal with chocolate creme brulee, my favorite!!!

Card stock is from DCWV and the dp is old stuff from my stash.  I used 2 sizzix embossing folders, an ellison die cut, papertrey stamp and ribbon.  Quick and easy.

Thanks for stopping by.  Until next time, Happy Stamping!

kathy b



Celebrate the Season

Yes, I know it is February.  But work is getting in the way and keeping me out of my studio.  So here is a Christmas card I made for my DH.  It uses a Pure Innocence stamp from MFT.  I colored it with Copics and Spicas.  I used My Mind's Eye dp.  I really like how it turned out.

I hope to get in my studio tomorrow and share with you with something NEW!

Until next time, Happy Stamping!!!

kathy b

Puppy Love

I love Valentine's Day.  I love red and pink with black and white.  I love hearts, and I really LOVE dogs.  So today's card is a combo of some of my loves.

The lab puppy stamp is a Sara England design from the old Cornish Heritage Farms.  I purchased the stamp because it reminds me of my former chocolate lab neighbors, Ozzie & Maddie.  I added 36 Swarovski crystals to the heart.  I'm not sure where I got the Puppy Love stamp.  I used Nestabilities Fleur de Lis frame, mounted on 3M tape.

It's been a long day of work and then a long drive to agility class tonight.  So this is short and sweet.  I am entering this in the One Stop Craft Challenge. I am also entering at http://onecrazystampercom.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-ocs-challenge-love-is-in-air.html.

Until next time, thanks for stopping by.  Happy Stamping!

kathy b

I {Heart} You!

Well, due to technical difficulties, I was unable to post.  We live in the country and our internet service was down until this afternoon.  We made it back from Mississippi in time to watch 3 quarters of the Super Bowl, while unpacking and getting ready for the next day.  I missed a lot of commercials, but I can watch them on my computer later!!!

Ok, back to card stuff.  I will take a photo of my BD card from Margaret and post it this week.  It is a hoot.  Tonight I have a Valentine to share.  This is a Pink Cat Studio stamp called Lily Valentine Fairy, colored with Copics & Spicas, faux stitched with a fine point Sharpie, several nestabilities were used, too.  A couple of pearls and a piece of Papertrey ribbon atop the DCWV dp, and tada, it's done!

Thanks for stopping by.  Until next time, Happy Stamping!

kathy b

Thank you, you're an angel

Hello!  Today it's Margaret posting today.  Kathy is in Mississippi but she will be back tomorrow.  By the way, tomorrow is also her birthday!  I would post her card tomorrow but unfortunately being in a new house with a new camera, I haven't yet figured out how to get the best lighting...so once I sent off her card and downloaded the photos, all of them were blurry! (interestingly they were NOT blurry on the viewfinder...LOL).  Anyway, today I'm posting a card of a Magnolia stamp.  I was recently surprised with a lovely surprise gift of a spice set from Penzey's.  So here is a card I made  to say Thank You.  The photo was taken with my iPhone--a much better rendition of what I got compared to my Nikon D90.    I'll get better with practice I know!  Well enjoy the card...til next time.  Thanks for stopping by!

Stamp: Magnolia, Glittery paper: American Crafts POWGlitter paper, Patterned paper: Me and my big ideas. Dies: My Favorite Things, Jewels: Hobby Lobby, Coloring: Copics, Stickles(on heart) and Distress Sickles (on wings)

I Woof You {2}

I seem to like the stamp, "I Woof You", because of the 15 cards I have posted at Splitcoast, I have used this stamp twice!  Don't get me wrong, I have no shortage of available stamps.  It just seemed to fit.  Of course, this is an MFT stamp - Dog Gone Cute, but the text comes from another MFT set, You Had Me at Woof.  All the paper is DCWV.  I used a nestabilities to cutout the boy and I scissored the pup and popped him out with 3M tape.  The text and scallop are also popped out.  I added Robin's Nest bobbles to the corners and I was done.  A very quick and easy Valentine card and I am entering it in the MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge.

Next post will come from Mississippi!!!  I'll let you know how we are faring!

Until then, happy stamping!

kathy b

I {Heart} You!

Today's card features a stamp from Pink Cat Studio.  I just love this cutie!  I used some DCWV dp, cardstock, faux stitching, my trusty Copics and Spicas, a little Papertrey ribbon, a couple of pearls and a 3 dies to create this little Valentine.  I entered this in the one stop craft challenge.

I'll be back in the morning with another post before I hit the road for Mississippi!

Until next time, Happy Stitching!

kathy b

Only 1 more day!

Just one more work day this week!  Yea!!!  Then we leave for Holly Springs, MS for Geena Bea's agility trial.  I am ready for the getaway.  It is always a fun girls weekend, as we leave the husbands at home! HA! 

I have a new card to share with you today.  It is for the Verve MOJO Monday challenge.

I took a little liberty with the sketch since it asked for a flower (count the printed paper for that, &/or the ribbon) and I added some lavender pearls from Martha Stewart and a few rhinestones.  I used my new Nestabilities #22 set to cut out the sentiment (Verve Birthday Surprise) and the border.  The patterned paper is BasicGrey Kioshi, while cardstock is DCWV.  Quick and simple.

Until next time, Happy Stamping!

kathy b