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Monday, May 30, 2011

~Stay Safe~


I hope everyone has had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend:)  We usually have a large gathering and cookout, but we chose not to this year.  Instead, we decided to spend a relaxing weekend at home watching old movies...Midway, Tora! Tora! Tora!, The Longest Day... and newer ones...Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan, The Great Raid, etc...  Being from a military family, these movies always touch my heart because the older ones remind me of my childhood days... sprawled out on the living room floor with my brothers watching these very same movies with my father.  It also gives us a glimpse of what all the men and women of the Armed Forces have sacrificed to ensure our freedoms stay intact and allow us to sleep peacefully each night...things we take for granted, but that have come at a great cost. Yes, today means a great deal to me.


This card was created for our son Jonathon, who is currently serving in Iraq. I am super happy to say...he will be USA bound next month:) I made the card while he was home on R&R, earlier this year. Unfortunately, I was not able to send it to him because I was not permitted to have his address...he is in Military Intelligence, so his whereabouts have been a secret for a while now.  At first, the whole secrecy thing was unsettling; but knowing it is for his protection, it has become much easier to handle. The layout for the card was from a sketch posted at the beginning of the year at Paper Crafts Magazine. I had the sketch saved on my older laptop...but my laptop recently decided to retire with no advance notice, so I lost it:(  Also, with my sketchy memory...I cannot recall the number (PCM had a download for 100 fabulous CAS sketches)...all I can tell you with any degree of certainty is...it is between 1 and 100;)


Before I head on out of here, I wanted to share a poem with you. I first read it in my European Lit class during my junior year of high school. It really struck a chord with me; and all these years later, it is still etched into my mind. I also think it is one of the reasons poppies are one of my favorite flowers. Truly, it took this poem to make the symbolism of the poppy more real to me.

In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

I hope this poem touches your heart as it touched mine.  Have a wonderful Monday evening...and remember to take time to thank and remember our soldiers everyday!!

Happy HUGS!!!
Carolyn

I am playing along with the following inspirational challenges:

Cards For Men - No Patterned Paper
Craft Your Passion - What a Guy!
Stamp Insanity - Red, White, and Blue
The Stamping Boutique - Red, White and Blue
Rubber Redneck - Color Round Up...featuring Service and Sacrifice...Red, White and Blue
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Use Buttons
Kaboodle Doodles - Show Us Your Colors



Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Naturally Styled


Happy Tuesday!!!!! Today, I wanted to share a card with you showcasing one of the GORGEOUS stamps from the very recently released "Natural Beauty Collection" by the fabulously talented Carmen Medlin for SCACD. This awesome stamp is called ~ Naturally Styled. Isn't the name absolutely perfect?!?! I don't know about you, but this lovely image SO reminds me of Cinderella...when her beautiful ball gown was being magically created:) Such a happy thought from childhood!!!



As soon as I saw this stamp, I knew I had to layer it up:) Doesn't it just *scream* layer me? The image was stamped 4 times...3 times on card stock and once on vellum. Once I finished coloring the parts being layered, I cut out them out and glued them in place. Next time, I am going to try different patterned papers or maybe even pieces of paper doilies for each layer:) I love an image that ignites my mojo...cuz usually, my mojo is  barely creating a spark...yeppers, mucho lacking:}


Did you notice the embossed background panels? It is one of the many wonderful embossing folders Susana has recently added to the store. This one is by Couture Creations and is called ~Drifting Emdless. It works beautifully and very much resembles the Cuttlebug embossing folders. What I really love about it (other than its fabulous design) is the size...5" X 7". This means I can use it...with no finagling or fuss...on my larger cards:) Susana has quite a few of these wonderful, embossing folders (by both Couture Creations and Craft Concepts) in the store, and they come in many different styles and designs. I put a bunch of them on my wish list...now, I just have to decide which ones I want first...


Well, it is time for me to head on outta here. DH has today off, and we are going to work in the yard and get the pool ready for the hot weather that will soon be here. This year, we have been having one heck-of-a-time getting it "right". Hopefully, today's labor will do the trick:) Wish us luck! We need it:)
Have a super, wonderful day filled with lots of smiles and sunshine!!! Thank you for popping in for a bit:)

This card was inspired by following fabulous challenges:
(A huge THANKS to all the talented designers for the lovely inspiration!!!)
HUGS!!!!
Carolyn
Card supplies:
Stamp: Naturally Styled by Carmen Medlin for SCACD; Card stock: Papertrey Ink; Miscellaneous goodies: Prismacolor markers, Couture Creations Embossing folder ~ Drifting Endless, Spellbinder's ~ Lacey Ovals, Classic Oval LG, Sew Easy, Paper Studio adhesive pearls, vellum, Glamour Dust Ultra Fine Glitter Paint ~ Ice Crystal, EK Success flower punch (small), Martha Stewart ribbon, Interior: Prima E Line flowers (#300159), Sentiment from Papertrey Ink

Monday, May 23, 2011

Flower Power & SCACD Blog Hop Candy Winner!


Good morning:) I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend filled with time spent with loved ones...plenty of relaxation...and some productive crafting time:) For my blogging friends who live in or around Joplin, MO...please know my thoughts and prayers are with you!!! After the series of tornadoes that hit Cumberland County, NC...I know a bit of what you are experiencing, and my heart aches for you!


Today's card features an oldie but goody...one of my many stamps that haven't seen ink for far too long:o} She is called -Flower Power (:from Sampler Editon #5 by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD Stamp Co:) Isn't she a cutie pie?!? Originally, I was going to use her for the FB Design D.I.V.A.S. Oldies But Goodies Blog Hop this past Wednesday...but with everything going on, I didn't have time to get her up on time:( SO...I decided to go ahead and share her with you today...and hopefully inspire you to dig out some of your poor, neglected (but loved) stash and show it (or them) some love. Truly, it is like finding a treasure...that whole concept of what is old is new again. In all honesty, most of the materials in this card are from my stash of hoarded goodies. I was also inspired to use this particular color scheme of red, white and blue because Saturday was Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day is right around the corner. Gotta give it up and show the love for all our soldiers...for without them, every freedom we enjoy as Americans would not be. We only enjoy these freedoms because of their honor and sacrifice!!!


Now...for the winner of the SCACD Carmen Medlin Release Blog Candy!!!! I bet you thought I forgot;) Before I share the winner with everyone, I first wanted to THANK YOU for dropping by and leaving such wonderful comments and for telling me which of the new Carmen Medlin stamps is your favorite:) With that said...let's find out who are winner is....

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True Random Number Generator
Result:2
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

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SO...the winner is:


Congratulations, Dotty!!! I hope you enjoy your new goodies:) Please, drop me an email with your mailing information at cbounds at nc dot rr dot com, and I will get your package sent to you lickety split:):)

Well, that about does it for me. I have a doctor's appointment in a few hours, so I guess I should be getting myself ready for that...BLECH!!!:} Have a wonderfully blessed day my stamptacularly crafty friends!!! Thank you SO MUCH for spending a portion of your Monday with me:)

Beofre I go, here are a few of the fabulous challenges that I am playing along with today:)
HAPPY HUGS!!!!
Carolyn
Card Ingredients:
Stamp: Flower Power by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD, Papertrey Ink card stock, Memory Box patterned papers, Prismacolor markers, Papertrey Ink ribbon, Nesties- Large Classic Rectangles, Dahlia and Big Scalloped Circle (for felt flowers on bow), Viva Decor Pearl Pen (Red), Stampin' Up ticket corner punch, pearl bridal spray and Paper Studio adhesive pearls (from Hobby Lobby), felt...heart-shaped button and floss (from stash)

Friday, May 20, 2011

SCACD "Natural Beauty" Blog Hop!!!


Good Morning and happy weekend eve, my friends!!! After seeing a week of teasers from this brillinat, new collection...I bet you are ready to see the entire set:) Well...the wait is finally over because it is the OFFICIAL release day for the beautifully stunning "Natural Beauty Collection" by Carmen Medlin for SCACD:O) I cannot stress enough just how much I LOVE this set!!!! I have a feeling you will love it too:) We have a few special guests joining the SCACD Family in today's hop...be prepared for fun stuff and loads of inspiration...so, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, a yummy snack, sit back, relax, and let your fingers do the walking across your keyboard...OH! and with all the talented artists on this naturally beautiful journey...you may need a drool cloth...of course that is optional;) You should have arrived here from my new DT sister, Melanie's magnificent blog. If you didn't and arrived here first, then you will want to head on over to the top of the hop at Elaine's sensational blog.


Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to the gorgeous stamp - Siren's Call. Isn't this the dreamiest of images? I absolutely fell in love with this beauty as soon as my inky paws got ahold of it. I love the koi and all the "koi-like" details in her dress and jewelry:) Carmen really thought of everything when she created this lovely image!!! Also, being part Japanese, the symbolism of the koi made this image speak to me even more. The image was colored with Prismacolor markers, and the sparkly bits were added with DecoArt Glamour Dust Ultrafine Glitter Paint and Copic Atyou Spica Glitter Pens. I love the way the DecoArt Paint gives the illusion of sparkly water...and can be painted over the entire area without altering the color of the image beneath. To give the ripples in the pond a touch of added dimension, I outlined them with a Viva Decor Glitter Liner in Sapphire. For the background, I wanted the koi details to carry through...so I used a Martha Stewart border punch to give me the desired effect I was hoping for...I think it turned out okay...especially the dimension and texture it created. To make the "scale" background have an extra pop and shimmer, I painted each of the border strips with DecoArt Glamour Dust Glitter Paint, and the interior of the "scales" were painted with Smooch Inks in Pumpkin and Sundance. I wish the pics could truly capture all the lovely shimmer and sparkle on this card. I also popped up this beautiful Siren...along with the koi popping out of the pond to say hello:)


I also wanted to mention...especially if you find yourself loving this gorgeous set as much as I do...with every Natural Beauty Collection (7 images) set purchased, Susana will be giving away for *FREE* 1 tulled rose set from Prima (pic below - it contains 9 roses - Approx 1" each). Please note: Susana will pick the color:o) This special offer is only good for the 1st week of the release and ends May 29th. This SPECIAL GIFT is ONLY available at SCACD.



Okay...I think I have taken up enough of your time. THANK YOU so much for hopping along with us!!! And, if you saw my Preview Post for yesterday and didn't leave a comment answering the question I posted, you may want to stop by so you can be entered into my little candy drawing...you have until Sunday night to get your comment in:)



Now...head on over to Mary's phenomenal blog to see the Natural Beauty she has created!!! I know it is going to be a stunner!!!! ALSO, don't forget to get your order in for these beautiful, new stamps. I have a strong feeling they are going to be flying off the shelves!!! They are NOW available for purchase at SCACD...and for our International visitors, you can get yours at Quixotic Paperie (Please note: the Bonus Primas are only available when purchasing the ENTIRE collection at SCACD)!!! AND...if you find yourself lost along the hop, you can find the entire hop order on the SCACD Store Blog:) Have a beautifully blessed Friday and super wonderful weekend!!!

Before I head outta here, I am also playing along with the following AWESOME challenges:
HAPPY HUGS!!!
Carolyn

Card ingredients:
Stamp: Siren's Call by Carmen Medlin for SCACD Stamp Co. and Studio G sentiment; Card stock: Papertrey Ink; Miscellaneous goodies: Prismacolor markers, DecoArt Glamour Dust Ultra Fine Glitter Paint, Copic Atyou Spica Glitter Pens, Viva Decor Glitter Liner - Sapphire, Smooch Inks - Pumpkin and Sundance, Martha Stewart border punch, Fiskars 3-in-1 corner punch, Papertrey satin ribbon, Paper Studio red rhinestones, Spellbinder's - Classic Large Rectangles and Classic Scalloped Rectangles, Petaloo blossom, dimensionals

Thursday, May 19, 2011

SCACD Sneak Peek Day 5...My Turn:)


Happy, Happy Hump Day!!!! Are you ready for the last day of Sneak Peeks of theVERY soon-to-be-released Carmen Medlin "Natural Beauty Collection" for SCACD Stamp Co.? Today...it is my turn to introduce you to one of the lovely stamps from this AMAZING collection...Sitting Pretty:) Before I go any further into today's post, I want to direct you to the previous days' teasers:

Sneak Peek Day 1: Elaine
Sneak Peek Day 2: Lori
Sneak Peek Day 3: Dianne
Sneak Peek Day 4: Danni

I hope you have had the opportunity to see all the stunning creations they have made showcasing these delightfully awesome, new stamps...by leaving a comment on each of their sneak peek posts, you will increase your chances at winning Susana's awesome blog candy!!!! More details below....


Also, don't forget... there is some yummy-to-the-tummy BLOG CANDY available simply by leaving comments at each of the SCACD designers' blogs during PEEK WEEK (May 15th through the 19th)...AND by leaving a comment at each of the DT "teaser" blogs (my post today and those listed above), your name can be entered into the drawing a max of 5 times...increasing your chances of winning! If you haven't left comments at all the teaser blogs...you need to get them in soon because Susana's candy ends TONIGHT!!! You can find all the scrumptious details on the SCACD Store Blog!

Tomorrow, May 20th, is Release Day, and we will be hosting a blog hop showcasing ALL seven of the gorgeous stamps from Carmen Medlin's "Natural Beauty Collection" designed exclusively for SCACD. I sure hope you will be able to hop along with us!!


To sweeten the pot...above, is a piccy of the blog candy I am offering...I was going to post it during tomorrow's blog hop, but why wait;)  To be in the drawing for the above candy, all you have to do is leave me a comment answering the following question...

What is your favorite "Natural Beauty" image out of the five that have been showcased over the past few days?

I say this...because there are two more stamps that have yet to be revealed...you can see them by hopping along with us tomorrow:)

To increase your chances at winning the candy above, please return AFTER viewing ALL of tomorrow's hop cards and leave me a SECOND comment telling me your fave image overall...is it the same as before or has it changed?

***Please...only two comments per person following the set guidelines.***

My blog candy will end Sunday, May 22nd at 10:00 PM (ET), and the winner will be posted on Monday. Winner will be selected using Random.org. Good luck!!! I cannot wait to see which one of these FABULOUS new stamps is your fave:)



Before I go, I wanted to mention the fabulous challenge blogs that provided inspiration in the creation of today's card:
Thank you for stopping by today:) I hope your Thursday is AMAZING and exactly as you had hoped it would be...even better!!!! I hope to see you at tomorrow's hop:)

BLESSINGS and HAPPY HUGS!!!!
Carolyn

Card ingredients:
Stamp: Sitting Pretty by Carmen Medlin for SCACD Stamp Co., Lockhart Stamp Co.: Missing You (sentiment); Card stock: Papertrey Ink; Patterned paper: My Mind's Eye Stella Rose "Mabel"; Miscellaneous goodies: Prismacolor markers, Copic Atyou Spica Glitter Pens (Chocolate, Sand, Mint & Blossom - from Color Set B), Papertrey Ink ribbon, Spellbinder's - Large Classic Square and Scalloped Square, Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Vintage Photo, EK Success corner punch, dimensional adhesives, eyelet lace and button from stash

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Spread Your Wings and Fly!!!


Good morning:) Sure hope your week has been FABULOUS!!!! My card for today was inspired by this week's Creative Inspirations Paint Challenge...it's all about Butterflies!! AND, I love anything butterfly themed:) I don't know why, but they always make me smile...like daisies and sunflowers:) Don't you just love those wonderful gifts from God that touch your heart and bring joy into your day?


Recently, I received some beautiful Prima butterflies from the Farfalla Collection...which by the way are on SALE at SCACD (:currently 25% off the regular price:)...wish I would have picked up a few of the others cuz they are WONDERFUL!!! All I can say is... if you think they are something you might be interested in...I would get my order in soon because once they're gone...they're gone! I am SO hoping to get the ones that didn't make their way into my shopping cart...but I just placed an order and have to wait a bit...don't want DH snooping around the ol' craft room...KWIM?;) I painted the butterfly's body with Ivory CI Paint and its wings with Fairy Dust CI Paint...can you see all the lovely shimmer it added? It also made the original colors *pop* a bit more:) I also used the Ivory CI Paint on the white blossoms. Man, I love these paints!!!!

Did you notice the doily? Can you believe it was originally a plain, white doily? Don't get me wrong...I love my white doilies, but every now and then...I wish they were a different color to better match my card. So, I painted on a coat of Beige CI Paint to help it match the colors I selected...and I must say, I really like how it turned out:) I also used this paint to "ink" around the edges of my patterned paper and card stock. I tell ya...these paints are a paper crafter's dream!!!

I also busted out my new Sew Easy on this card...and I love it!!!! Inititally, I was a bit hesitant about purchasing it...because I have the Cutter Bee Bug. It is supposed to do the same thing (minus the interchanging tool heads), but it only works when used on lighter weight card stock/ papers. Since my sewing machine doesn't really like me...and I love all the sewing I see on projects...I decided to bite the bullet and give the Sew Easy a go...AND I am SO HAPPY I DID:) The piercers in the tool heads are longer and have a pointier point than the Cutter Bee Bug, which makes them go through your paper like a hot knife in butter. Now, I want to get my hands on the new attachment heads Susana has added to the store!!! Woo Hoo...I can start sewing on my projects much more often:)


Here is the card's interior. I opted to keep it VERY simple. Can you see the sparkle? It was created with Maya Mists and CI Paints:) I know you have already heard me say this, but I don't know what I did before Susana introduced me to Creative Inspiration Paints!


I am also playing along in the following inspirational challenges:
Okay...have you fallen asleep at the keyboard from this mega long post? Sorry for blabbing away! I hope your Wednesday is filled with blessings and all things beautiful:) And...don't forget to check out my SCACD sneak peek post for today! Today marks Day #4...only a couple days away from Friday's Carmen Medlin "Natural Beauty Collection" for SCACD Blog Hop:) I am SO excited!!! The chance to win the awesome blog candy that coincides with this release ends tomorrow...if you want to get the deets, check out my sneak peek post HERE. Thank you for stopping by!!!!

HAPPY HUGS!!!
Carolyn

Card ingredients:
Stamps: Prima Clear Stamps "Recital" and Verve (sentiment); Card stock: Papertrey Ink; Patterned paper: Tim Holtz Idea-ology "Vintage Shabby; Miscellaneous: Creative Inspiration Paints (Ivory, Beige, Fairy Dust), Prima Butterflies "Farfalla" (currently 25% off at SCACD), Sew Easy (zig-zag), Maya Mist (iridescent pearl, latte metallic), Spellbinder's (Fleur De Lis Motifs, Flourish Accents), Tim Holtz Distress Inks (vintage photo), Prima E Line Flowers (#300388, #300159), Prima Innoscence Collection (#540333), EK Success corner punch, Paper Studio Pearls, DMC floss and paper doily from stash

SCACD Sneak Peek Day 4


Happy, Happy Hump Day!!!! Are you ready for Day 4 of Sneak Peeks of the soon-to-be-released Carmen Medlin "Natural Beauty Collection" for SCACD Stamp Co.? You are going to love today's teaser because my fabulously talented DT sister, Danni will be WOWing you with her dazzling creation:) Be prepared to be blown clean out of your socks!!! She is showcasing the fabulous, new stamp..."Naturally Styled". Believe me when I tell you, this stamp is GORGEOUS...and so is Danni's delightful card!!! If you missed the prior peekies, you can find the links below:
Sneak Peek Day 1: Elaine
Sneak Peek Day 2: Lori
Sneak Peek Day 3: Dianne

Also, don't forget... there is some yummy-to-the-tummy BLOG CANDY available simply by leaving comments at each of the SCACD designers' blogs during PEEK WEEK (May 15th through the 19th)...AND by leaving a comment at each of the DT "teaser" blogs (all those listed above and tomorrow's peeker card), your name can be entered into the drawing a max of 5 times...increasing your chances of winning! You can find all the scrumptious details on the SCACD Store Blog! Then, on May 20th (Release Day), we will be hosting a blog hop showcasing ALL 7 of the gorgeous stamps from Carmen Medlin's "Natural Beauty Collection" designed exclusively for SCACD. I sure hope you will be able to hop along with us...who knows, I just may have a bit of blog candy up for grabs that day too;)

By the way, if you didn't see yesterday's post, Susana has recently received LOTS of new, crafty toys in the store. I won't list all of them here, if you are interested in seeing them all...check out THIS POST. I just want to highlight a few of the items I have added to my wish list. Take a look at the new Sew Easy Attachment Tools:




Aren't they FABULOUS?!?!?! I want ALL of these...and there are even more in the shop;) How about you? Okay, enough of my enabling I mean babbling;) I hope your day is overflowing with blessings and your cup runneth over with happiness!!! Thank you so much for dropping by!!!
HAPPY HUGS!!!!
Carolyn

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

SCACD Sneak Peek Day 3


Happy, Happy Tuesday to you!!!! Are you ready for Day 3 of Sneak Peeks of the soon-to-be-released Carmen Medlin "Natural Beauty Collection" for SCACD Stamp Co.? I bet you are:) and today's teaser is coming direct to you from the uber sweet and SUPER TALENTED Dianne:) She is going to WOW you and make your eyes pop right out of your head with her stunning creation featuring the FABULOUS stamp..."Gathering Love". And let me tell you, you are going to fall head-over-heels in love with this beautiful stamp AND her wonderful card!!!! If you missed the prior peekies, you can find the links below:

Sneak Peek Day 1: Elaine
Sneak Peek Day 2: Lori

Also, don't forget... there is some yummy-to-the-tummy BLOG CANDY available simply by leaving comments at each of the SCACD designers' blogs during PEEK WEEK (May 15th through the 19th)...AND by leaving a comment at each of the DT "teaser" blogs, your name can be entered into the drawing a max of 5 times! You can find all the scrumptious details on the SCACD Store Blog! Then, on May 20th (Release Day), we will be hosting a blog hop showcasing ALL the gorgeous stamps from Carmen Medlin's "Natural Beauty Collection" designed exclusively for SCACD. I sure hope you will be able to hop along with us...who knows, I just may have a bit of blog candy up for grabs that day;)

By the way, if you didn't see yesterday's post, Susana has recently received LOTS of new, crafty toys in the store. I won't list all of them here, if you are interested in seeing them all...check out THIS POST. I just want to highlight a few of the items I have added to my wish list. Take a look at the new Memory Box dies:






Aren't they FABULOUS?!?!?! I want one of each;) How about you? Okay, enough of my enabling I mean babbling;) I hope your day is overflowing with blessings and filled to the brim with happiness!!! Thank you so much for dropping by!!!

HAPPY HUGS!!!!
Carolyn

Monday, May 16, 2011

Day Two of SCACD Sneak Peeks


Good morning and a super, happy Monday to you!!! This week, a few of the SCACD gals are showcasing sneak peeks of the soon-to-be-released Natural Beauty Collection by the mega-talented Carmen Medlin for SCACD Stamp Co:)  Today, the lovely and talented Lori will be WOWing you with her stunning "Water Babies" creation. Sure hope you are ready to have your socks blown off:) I know she has some sweet, eye candy in store for you!!! If you missed yesterday's teaser, you can check it out HERE.

Also, there is some yummy-to-the-tummy BLOG CANDY available just by leaving comments at each of the SCACD designers' blogs during PEEK WEEK (May 15th through the 19th). You can find all the scrumptious details on the SCACD Store Blog! Then, on May 20th (Release Day), we will be hosting a blog hop showcasing ALL the gorgeous stamps from Carmen Medlin's "Natural Beauty" Collection designed exclusively for SCACD. I sure hope you will be able to hop along with us...who knows, I just may have a bit of blog candy up for grabs that day;)
Before I leave, I wanted to give you a heads up on all the awesome NEW GOODIES Susana has recently added to the store. You know she always gets the coolest stuff, right?:)






    Thank you for popping by:) I hope your week is off to a wonderful start and your cup runneth over with blessings!!!
Happy HUGS!!!
Carolyn

Sunday, May 15, 2011

An SCACD Sneak Peek, a New Sister and Blog Candy!!!


Good morning!!! Sorry I haven't been around in a bit...but with all the recent Blogger issues, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to take a little blogging break. Thankfully, all the technical issues seem to have been fixed...and just in the nick of time too because today is the start of the Sneakie Peekies for the BEAUTIFUL collection of stamps created by Carmen Medlin for SCACD:):):) Let me tell you...these stamps are a true work of ♡heART♡!!! I know I couldn't wait to ink them up as soon as they arrived on my doorstep:o) To get a glimpse at one of these gorgeous stamps...head on over to Elaine's magnificent blog and let her introduce you to "The Travelers"...you know she has a masterpiece waiting for you. Don't you LOVE her mad coloring skills? I am always awestruck by her talent! Wish I could twitch my nose and color half as good as she does;)

Also...there is BLOG CANDY up for grabs:) The winner will be drawn from the comments left on the sneak peek posts on the individual designers' blogs. For full details on the candy, check out THIS POST!!! Good luck!!!!!

Before I bid you adieu...I want to introduce you to my new SCACD DT sister, Melanie:) You probably already know her because she is an AWESOME crafter!!!! Please, stop by her fabulous blog, Paper Blessings, and show her some love SCACD style (you know, filled with ♡HUGZ♡)...and while you're there, check out her amazing cards (grab a bib cuz you will definitely be drooling before you know it)!!!

Have a beautifully blessed day, my friends, and THANK YOU so much for dropping by:) Don't forget...tomorrow, you will get a peekie at another gorgeous stamp from the soon-to-be released Carmen Medlin "Natural Beauty Collection" for SCACD:)
HAPPY HUGS!!!
Carolyn

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Fresh Brewed Designs "Summer Fun" Blog Hop:)

Partying and laughing in the sun
Waves rise and crash as the children run.
Girls in bikinis, a lemonade stand,
Wiggling our toes in the sand.

Summer is most fun; you'll see,
We get to play and be carefree.
Dreaming of mermaids and magical things,
We close our eyes as the ocean sings.

Sand, sun, ocean, fun;
Thank goodness Summer has just begun!

Aloha!!! Welcome to the Fresh Brewed Designs Blog Hop! If you are getting here from the SUHweet, Sandcastle Stamper, Kelly's SUNsational blog you are on the right track. If not, please go back to the start of our hop at beach babe Linda's beautiful blog.

We are getting a head start on SUMMER FUN here at Fresh Brewed Designs! This hop will be featuring the new summer themed Rubber Stamps just released to the shop. Heather has created 8 super sassy, sweet and fun beach themed rubber stamps that are a MUST for all of your summer crafting needs! But no, she did not stop there! She has also created 5 adorable summer themed digis. Join us in welcoming Baby Ellie, Baby Elvis, Daisy and Scooter Elephant to the FBD family. I know that all of these things bring the cuteness meter to the tippy top, but we are taking it one step further...Heather has added beautiful, shimmery, fun and AWESOME Creative Inspirations Paints to her shop!!! YES!!! These paints are amazing! You can find three colors in her shop: Tickled Pink (the perfect summer pink!) Aquamarine (Beautiful bright ocean blue) and Fairy Dust (a MUST HAVE because it goes with EVERYTHING!!!)

Along the hop you will see many of these items, so sit back and be prepared for all the complete cuteness that awaits you. For this release, I created with three of the fabulous images from this awesome, new collection.


(also using Creative Inspirations Paint in Fairy Dust)

(also using Creative Inspirations Paint in Fairy Dust)

(also using Creative Inspirations Paint in Aquamarine)

Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope you are getting ready to bust out with your coconut bikini top, tanning lotion and throw yourself a beach party! With the weather being as crazy as it has been, you deserve some FUN in the SUN;)!!! Oh...and tell the Cabana Boy I said "HI!!!":)

From here you will surf on over  to Stacie's KOW-A-BUNGALICIOUS blog...and be prepared for the beach beauties she has in store for you!!!

ANd just in case you need it, here is the hop order for you if you happen to wipe-out along the way :)

Have a beautifully blessed day!!!!
HAPPY HUGS!!!
Carolyn

Card ingredients:
Marina One of a Kind card: stamp from Fresh Brewed Designs, Card stock & ribbon from Papertrey Ink,  Prismacolor markers, Viva Decor Pearl Pen (Ice White), Creative Inspirations Paint in Fairy Dust, Spellbinder's Dies: Labels Four and Classic Rectangles Large, Cuttlebug embossing folder (Divine Swirls), sentiment stamp from Sweet n' Sassy

Cordelia in Sand card: stamp from Fresh Brewed Designs, Card stock & ribbon from Papertrey Ink, Prismacolor markers, Creative Inspirations Paint in Fairy Dust, Spellbinder's Die: Curved Rectangles, Clearsnap Smooch (Moonlight), Viva Decor Satine (Gold), adhesive pearls from Hobby Lobby, Sentiment stamp from Sweet n' Sassy

Cutie Pie Mermaid card: stamp from Fresh Brewed Designs, Card stock & ribbon from Papertrey Ink, Prismacolor markers, Creative Inspirations Paint in Aquamarine, Spellbinder's Die: Curved Rectangles, Viva Decor Pearl Pen (Ice White), Cuttlebug embossing folder (Divine Swirls), Hearty Air Dry Clay, mini metal cutters (star), Glamour Dust glitter paint (Ice Crystal), Kaisercraft Pearls (Snow)