Inspired by Charms...

If you are here for the House Mouse & Friends Birthday post and Blog Candy, click HERE.

Happy Wednesday!!!! When I saw this  week's Creative Inspirations Challenge, I knew exactly which image I wanted to use - Precious Present by Sylvia Zet for SCACD Stamp Co...not just because CI Paints are awesome for coloring wings...but because...oh wait!...I'll tell you in a bit... ;o) These paints also give any creation that heavenly sparkle I love so much. :o) For today's card, I paired Fairy Dust and Sapphire. The pic below shows all the fabulous shimmer the paints create when light hits it. It's hard to believe a paint can create such brilliant sparkle, but CI Paints do!

I have been holding onto this "Best Friends" charm for quite some time now, and it was time to put it to use. What better encouragement than being challenged to "Use Charms"? Don't you love it when a challenge inspires you to use those neglected goodies you almost forgot about? I know I do!!

Now, onto WHY this week's particular challenge made this my "go to" image... I can't really explain it, but she reminds me of Wonder Woman, hence the color palette. I know Wonder Woman couldn't fly...she had her invisible plane to take care of that. I'm thinking maybe it's the hair...you know, I think that is it. Well, most of my BFFs (this is where the charm comes in) remind me of Wonder Women...they do it all and make it look effortless. I'm sure you can relate. Now, you can see how a simple challenge - focusing on one, little element - can jump-start your imagination and get those creative juices flowing. Hopefully, you have been inspired to show your CHARMing creations with us in this week's Creative Inspirations Paint Challenge.

Also, a huge THANKS to these awesome challenges for all their creative inspiration:

• Crafty Boots - Things with Wings
• Kaboodle Doodles - Lots of Layers
• Delightful Inspiration - Girls & Glitter
• Card & Scrap - Charms

Have a super, super day!!!

Blessings and Hugs,

Carolyn

Goodies used in the creation of today's card:

• Stamp: Precious Present by Sylvia Zet for SCACD Stamp Co.
• Card stock: PTI (Pure Poppy - red); Bazzill
• Patterned paper: Echo Park "Dots & Stripes" from the Metropolitan Collection
• Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black)
• Coloring Medium: Prismacolor pencils, OMS
• Fun extras: Nestabilities, Sew Easy (standard stitch), DMC floss, Offray satin ribbon, Studio His & Hers (Hobby Lobby) adhesive gemstones (black), Mainstays Crafts (Wal-Mart) "Token Charms" (#75081), DecoArt Glamour Dust Ultra Fine Glitter Paint (Ice Crystal), Creative Inspirations Paint (Fairy Dust, Sapphire), Viva Decor Glitter Liner (Sapphire...inside the heart on charm), Martha Stewart Punch (leaf), EK Success Retro Flower Punches

Back 2 School with CI Paints

Good morning and many happy hellos to you:) Sorry for taking such a long break, but I haven't been feeling so hot the past few days Thankfully, I am getting better and feeling more like my regular self. Yayyyy!!!

Today's card...I mean project was inspired by this week's Creative Inspirations Paint Challenge - Back to School. Our boys are grown, but I remember how expensive the cool folders, notebooks, etc..were when we went shopping for school supplies. With that said, I wanted to alter something that was very inexpensive by giving it a super quick facelift. Of course, I don't think our sons would appreciate a butterfly folder; but then again, they honestly didn't care what they put their papers in ;) I grabbed an el-cheapo folder (cost 5 cents), a Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist stencil, some painter's tape, a stencil brush and some Creative Inspirations Paint in Onyx and Antique Silver. Once the butterfly stencil and border dried, I simply added some Silver pearls with a Viva Decor Pearl Pen and four metal photo corners from my stash. To wrap things up, I also took a super cheap, standard pencil and painted stripes using Creative Inspirations Paint in Onyx and Rustic Red. I know it is nothing fabulous; but it is a one-of-a-kind:) I also hope I was able to show how a little bit of paint can take something plain and give it a bit of pizzazz...and you won't feel as bad when this folder and pencil needs to be replaced...the total cost was less than 50 cents.

I hope you have found a bit of creative inspiration here today:) We look forward to seeing your wonderful Back to School Creations in this week's challenge!! And don't forget...lots of EXCITING stuff happening tomorrow and Friday...THURSDAY - Fresh Brewed Blog Hop introducing you to some fabby, NEW rubbah...FRIDAY - Sylvia Zet for SCACD Blog Hop introducing you to Lolli, Poppy and their merry band of ADORABLE friends:) Have a wonderfully blessed Wednesday!!!

Hugs,

Carolyn

I am also entering this inexpensive back-to-school project into the following FUN challenges:

• Clear It Out Challenge - Back to School and Use Old Supplies (the photo corners have been in my stash forever...and I have had these CI Paint colors and the stencil for quite some time now...this project gave me a reason to pull 'em out and put 'em to use:)
• Paper Cupcakes Magical Monday - Back to School

Hydrangea Hugs for YOU!!

Hello!!!! I hope your Wednesday is off the a beautiful start!! Today's card was clean and simply inspired by this week's Creative Inspirations Paint Challenge:o) A long while back...I won't share exactly how long back, but it was before embossing folders hit the market...YIKES...I purchased a set of DCWV embossed cards. Really, I couldn't pass it up...I have a weakness for a good sale! You heard of the Frugal Gourmet...well, I am his long, lost sister the Frugal Papercrafter;o) So, when I saw this week's Clean and Simple Challenge, I knew where to start...time to dust off those embossed cards and get busy.

The darling image I chose is Hydrangea Hugs by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD Stamp Co. Isn't she a doll baby? I thought this precious image would be the perfect accompaniment with the embossed baby card. I colored the image with Prismacolor markers...added teeny dots to the centers of each hydrangea blossom with my Viva Decor Pearl Pen (Ice White)...and the bow received a dusting of Fairy Dust Creative Inspirations Paint. Actually, there is some Fairy Dust sprinkled in the hydrangea centers too...but my camera didn't capture the shimmer very well. Don't you love how I blamed the camera...it couldn't be me...the unskilled photographer could it? ;o) I used my large circle Nestabilities to cut out my image, then hand-stitched the circle to a doily I colored purple...and the purples are really much closer to the same color in real life...again, it's all my camera's fault hehehe. I'll also let you in on a little secret...I used a stencil from Crafter's Workshop (Mini Dots All Around) as my piercing guide to do the stitching. Finally, I added some flowers and pearl leaves to finish it off. Yeppers! Easy peezy, lemon sqeezey!

I hope you will join us in this week's Creative Inspirations Paint Challenge!!! I am also thinking and praying for all my fellow East Coasters as Hurricane Irene approaches...please stay safe; and for all my friends in and around Virginia, I am praying and hoping all is well with you...we felt the aftershock of yesterday's earthquake and we live hours away. I can only imagine what it felt like for those of you living right there.

Blessings and Hugs!!

Carolyn

The creation of this card was also inspired by the following fabulous challenges:

• Ooh La La Creations - No Backing Paper
• The Ribbon Reel Challenge - Sugar Plum (Photo Inspiration)
• Cupcake Cake Inspirations - Photo Inspiration
• Clean and Simple Sunday Challenge - Sketch
  

~Beautiful You~

Although this post was supposed to go live quite some time ago (around the time Blogger went wacko for some of us), I thought it was still worth sharing...better late than never, right? ;o) This card was created for a previous Creative Inspirations Paints Challenge, and the theme was all about MOM:) So, I thought it would be nice to make my lovely Mom a card using one of my her favorite colors and incorporating one of her favorite things...flowers. She is an avid gardener and loves all things bright and cheerful. The floral background was created by sponging Rose Quartz CI paint over a Dreamweaver stencil (Flower Lace Background), then cut out using a Nesties Curved Rectangles die. The large blossom was made using the scraps from the background and another Nesties die...Dahlia. I love how the CI paint adds such a soft shimmer:) It isn't too overpowering, and it gives the card a delicate touch of elegance. I just love that! If you look closely, you will see that the bow also has a hint of shimmer. Yup...you guessed it...it started out a simple, white ribbon...but got the star treatment by simply adding a beautiful frosting of Rose Quartz CI paint:) Well, that about does it for me on this busy Monday morning. I hope your day is filled with happiness and overflowing with blessings!!! Thank you for dropping by and sharing a portion of your day with me!!!!

HUGS!!!

Carolyn

Creative Inspirations ~ Love is in the Air

Good Morning!!!  It has been quite some time since my last post, but I have been in and out of the hospital the past two weeks. Fortunately, I am feeling MUCH better...unfortunately, we are leaving today for Maryland because my MIL is having surgery to remove a cancerous mass. Please, keep her in your prayers. We would appreciate it more than you know! On a lighter note, Jonathon and Desiree will be here on Saturday:) We are extremely thankful he made it through his first tour in Iraq, and the two lovebirds are going to be having a ceremony at the end of the month to retake their wedding vows:)

 

So, it wasn't too hard to decide the kind of card to create...especially since this week's Creative Inspirations Paint Challenge is Inspired by Weddings:) I chose to use this sweet Precious Moments stamp I have had in my stash for forever. The colors were inspired by Jonathon and Desiree's color scheme...turquoise, black and silver. Below, you can see how beautifully the Fairy Dust CIPaint shimmers on the veil, the dress, and the bow tie. What I really love about this paint is you can "see through" it. You can color regularly, then add the Fairy Dust paint where you want some shimmer. It doesn't alter the color beneath it at all. As you have heard me say many times before...I love this paint!!! If you have never tried it and would like to, I would definitely recommend trying the Fairy Dust first. It creates a soft, sheer shimmer that would compliment any creation:)

Well, I am heading out of here...as we are preparing to go out of town. Thank you for dropping by!!! I hope the rest of your week is overflowing with blessings!!!

HUGS,

Carolyn

Victoria Case for SCACD - Spotlight Day 4

Happy Hump Day!!!!

I hope your week has been WONDERFUL!!!!

Today is Designer Showcase Day #4 for the AWESOME and soon-to-be-released "Sweet Meets Sassy Collection #2" by Victoria Case for SCACD:) Let me tell you this collection has something for everyone!!! Actually, it is two collections rolled into one - "Hearts & Hugs ~ The Fun Collection" AND "Retro Crew Collection #2"...but you know Susana, if you purchase both complete sets (Sweet Meets Sassy Collection #2)...you will get MUCH MORE for your MOOLAH!!! These wonderful stamps will be available for purchase on Friday, June 24th!!! And we will be showcasing a new stamp everyday until Release Day, but you will have to check the STORE BLOG to see which two designers will be spotlighting a new stamp:)

Today, Crystal and I have the pleasure of introducing you to "Rosie"!!!! Isn't she BEAUTIFUL?!?! She reminds me of June Cleaver, and takes me back to my childhood when I used to watch reruns of "Leave It To Beaver" and "The Andy Griffith Show":)  How very appropriate for her to be one of the lovely stamps from Retro Crew Collection #2....guess that means I'm now considered a relic, I mean, retro too;)

Rosie was colored with Prismacolor markers, and the hints of *sparkle* were made with "Ice Crystal" DecoArt Ultra Fine Glitter Paint...I absolutely LOVE this paint!!! It creates the most wonderful sparkle, and you know how much I ♡♡♡ sparkle!!! The fabulous polka dot papers are from the Echo Park - Dots & Stripes from the Metropolitan Collection. I am not at all a seamstress...me and my sewing machine have a very strained relationship...but I love seeing stitching on cards! My problem was solved by the wonderful Sew Easy tool:) Now, I can add a few stitches to my cards...without having to fuss with my sewing machine! And, did you see the fun button in the blossom? That was made using the 1st Impressions "Button Set 2" Mold and Hearty Air Dry Clay. I don't have the Black Hearty Clay, so I painted it with "Onyx" Creative Inspirations Paint, and pumped up the sparkle with a coating of DecoArt Ultra Fine Glitter Paint. Clay typically intimidated the heck out of me; but, with these fab molds and this lightweight clay...I have found some new, creative toys to love:) Okay! I have gone on and on enough...sorry for the rambling. Back to today's regularly scheduled program...

Would you like a chance to win "Rosie"?

All you have to do is leave me a comment before 10 p.m. eastern time June 23rd, and your name will be added to the drawing to receive this FABULOUS stamp! AND

if you would like to better YOUR chances at winning, pop on over to Crystal's AMAZING blog and leave her a comment (you know she has a beauty in store for us with all her amazing talent...and she ALWAYS  accessorizes her creations perfectly)!!! 
That's all you have to do. 
Then, on Thursday (June 23rd) at 11 p.m. eastern time, check the store blog to see if you are a winner.

****Don't forget...TOMORROW 2 of my design team sisters will be spotlighting another new stamp from this stamptacular collection AND you will have another opportunity to WIN on their blogs too ...BUT, you'll have to check the STORE BLOG tomorrow to find out who:)

Have a sensational Wednesday!!!!

HUGS!!!!

Carolyn

Oldies but Goodies Blog Hop with the FB Designing DIVAS!!!

Hello, and welcome to this month's Facebook Design D.I.V.A.S "Oldies But Goodies" Blog Hop!!! You should have arrived here from Cindy's creative-alicious blog. If you didn't and arrived here first, then you will want to head on over to the start of the hop at Mary's marvelously magnificent blog. We hope to have loads of fun and inspiration to share with all of you, our crafty friends, every third Wednesday of the month (so keep your eyes open for the next FB Design D.I.V.A.S hoppity hop).Our main goal is to inspire all of our crafting friends to take out their poor, neglected items, and show them some much needed love and attention! I have a sneaking suspicion that most (if not all) of us crafters have stashed away a ton of goodies that are screaming to be used. I don't know about you...but for me, I have plenty of stamps, papers, embellies, etc. that I simply "needed" to have when I saw them...unfortunately, these goodies somehow fell into the mysterious black hole somewhere in my craft room never to be seen or heard from again. Oh the shame and the scandal!! Fortunately, the wonderful Designing D.I.V.A.S have sent out the S.O.S and all my "lost" goodies have miraculously reappeared and are being put to crafty use:)

Okay...about today's card...I absolutely ADORE this image:) Don't I remember these days...my sons' have left many fingerprints in the frosting of many cakes and cupcakes:) Of course, they never owned up to it...I suppose that's the joy of having a sibling...someone else to point a finger at and/or a partner in crime;) You would think...now that they're older (18 and 23)...the infamous fingerprints in the frosting would cease...NOPE...uh-uh...not a chance...and still passing the buck...and now Dad's in on it;) Come to think of it...he's probably been in on it all along;) Sorry...I digress.

This scrumptious image is from the "Peeker Collection" by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD and is called "Sweet Mischief Peeker".  Isn't she a cutie? I love how she is on a stool and is still having to stand on her tippy-toes:) Too stinkin' CUTE!!!! She is colored with Prismacolor markers, and all the shimmery sparkle is from Fairy Dust Creative Inspirations Paint. I also added some Diamond Glaze to the counter-top, and the frosting was made with dimensional paints (I found on clearance at Hobby Lobby). I love that it looks like real, chocolate frosting:) I'm not too sure why, but it has been in hiding for far too long...glad it came out to play! The DCWV and K&Company papers were also living in an alternate dimension...happy they decided to come back to this one;)

Okay...I have babbled enough! Your next stop on this FUNtabulous hop is beautiful Barb's incredibly inspiring and sensational blog!! We thank all of you for hopping along with us on this wonderfully blessed Wednesday!!! Have an awesome day and hope you find some time to play with the Oldies But Goodies you have stashed away:o)

Hugs!!

Carolyn

Celebrating with Quixotic Paperie!!!

Some of the SCACD Design Team have the pleasure of joining Quixotic Paperie today to help celebrate their 2nd Anniversary, and also to throw the spotlight on SCACD Stamps, which are available in the UK at Quixotic Paperie!

Today, designers from both the SCACD Stamps and Quixotic Paperie teams are showing off creations featuring some of the gorgeous images available through SCACD Stamps. 

It's not a hop, so feel free to dip in and out of the list of blogs however you please!

Here's the list of participants:

- Annika - Elaine - Kim D - Mary - Rowena -

- Alex - Carolyn - Colleen - Crystal - Danni - Dianne - Lori

As you may be aware, SCACD Stamps is run by the lovely Susana of Susana's Custom Art & Card Design in the US.  The SCACD Stamps range is available in the UK exclusively at Quixotic Paperie.

There are three fantastic artists in the current range from SCACD Stamps - Carmen Medlin, Elisabeth Bell and Victoria Case, each with a different style.

  

As part of the celebrations and the spotlight today, there is a PRIZE GIVEAWAY!  Visit the Quixotic Inspirations blog for details and to enter!

For my card, I chose to use one of the beautiful stamps from the recently released "Natural Beauty Collection" by Carmen Medlin for SCACD, which can be found HERE at Quixotic Paperie. This beauty is called "Dances with Dragonflies". She is colored with Prismacolor markers and all the lovely shimmer on her dress is from Creative Inspirations paint...Autumn Wheat and Ivory. The background was created using the Dreamweaver's stencil "Vertical Dragonflies" and Viva Decor Champagne Modeling Creme. I couldn't resist using the stencil since it coordinates perfectly with this image. If you are interested in learning how I did it, let me know in the comments section, and I will whip up a photo tutorial for you. All I can say is...it is easy peasy lemon squeezy...hope you like to get a wee bit messy;)

If you look closely, you will see that I used some sparkly gold spritz over certain areas of the card...this was created using my Gold Creative Inspiration Paint. I recycled an empty spritz bottle, but you can also use the Mini Mister by Tim Holtz as well. Then, you add approximately 20% water...80% rubbing alcohol...and a few drops of paint...I add everything into my spritzer (which looks a lot like the Mini Mister) with a recycled medicine dropper. I always begin with the fewest amount of drops...spray a test sample to determine if I like the color...then, I add more paint if I need the color deeper or richer. It is always best to start out small and work your way up, this way none of the paint is wasted...you can always add more; but once it's mixed with liquid, you cannot take it out.

Well, I have gone on and on enough. Thank you for joining us, we hope you enjoyed checking out SCACD Stamps with us today! Have a wonderful day!!!!

I am also playing along in the following inspirational challenges:

• Craft Room Challenge - Anything Goes
• Everybody Art Challenge - Distress
• Pile It On - Summer Heaven
• One Stop Craft - Texture
• Sugar Creek Hollow - Paper Flowers, Vintage Lace & Bling
• Daring Cardmakers - Roses and Honeysuckle (I chose the colors of soft, pink roses and creamy honeysuckle)
• Creative Card Crew - Wings
• Anita Be Stampin' - "Layer" It On Me!

Blessings & Hugs!!!

Carolyn

Card Ingredients:
Stamp: by Carmen Medlin for SCACD Stamp Co., Card Stock: Papertrey Ink (kraft and cream) and Bazzill (powder pink), Dreamweaver stencil (Vertical Dragonflies), Viva Decor Modeling Creme (Champagne), Creative Inspirations Paint (Ivory, Autumn Wheat, Gold), Copic Atyou Spica Glitter Pen (Blossom), Bazzill Chips "Flourishes," Nesties (Peony, Labels 4), Magic Mesh (Gold Fine Weave), Kaisercraft rhinestones (soft pink), Martha Stewart adhesive pearls, Tim Holtz Idea-ology "Adage Tickets", Hobby Lobby pearl sprigs, eyelet lace from stash, Scotch adhesive, dimensional adhesive

Some Freshly Brewed Creations:)

Stamp used above: Caution Contents are Hot

Available in both Unmounted or Cling Mounted

Happy Hump Day!!! How are ya? Things have been quite hectic around these parts as we are preparing for our youngest son's graduation:)  He walks the stage on Friday, and we are in the midst of planning a get-together. Food, food and more food...I'm sure many of you can relate.  Tomorrow, the fridge will be filled with so much food...I hope I don't have leftovers to store in there...it may have to be a pizza night;)

Stamp used above: Hot and Stylin'

Available in both: Unmounted and Cling Mounted

Today, I am showing you a card set I whipped up using a few of the fabulously fun stamps from Fresh Brewed Designs. I just love Heather's wonderful stamps and digis!!! They are so sassy and such fun to color!!! And did you know that Heather is going to be releasing some awesome new digis into her shop? Yes sirree!!! If you are interested in seeing what she has been up to and a glimpse at the soon-to-be-released cuties, check it out HERE.

Stamp used above: I'll Take Mine To Go

Available in both: Unmounted and Cling Mounted

Do you see the hints of sparkle? All of it was done with Creative Inspirations paint, which Heather also carries in her shop...along with some beautiful, handmade embellishments:) I hope your Wednesday is WONDERFUL and filled with smiles and sunshine!!! Thanks bunches for dropping by!!!

These are the fun challenge blogs I am playing along with:

• Stamptacular Sunday - Color Challenge (Hot Pink, Black, White & Tan)
• Card Makin' Mamas - Use Your Scraps

Blessings & Hugs!!!

Carolyn

Inspired by Friendship:)

Good morning and Happy Wednesday!!!! 

Can you believe we are already into the month of JUNE? 

WOO!! HOO!! Only a few weeks, and our son will be finishing up his tour in Iraq!!! The countdown begins!!

Today's card was inspired by this week's Creative Inspirations Paint Challenge..."Friends":)  I may not have many friends, but the friends I do have are truly gifts from God...and I would be lost without them!!! We laugh together...Cry together...and...We keep one another as sane as possible:) I know these amazing ladies are always there for me...and I hope they know I am always there for them. I think the hardest thing is...we all live in different states (NC...SC...WI...CA), so what we share is typically over the phone or via the internet. One day, I hope to win the lottery and have them all move to rural NC:) A girl can dream right? Anyhoo! When it came to making a card that signifies friendship, I immediately thought of marathon phone calls and laughter!!! It doesn't matter why we call (to vent, to cry, to complain, etc...) at some point, it all leads to laughter:)  If y'all are looking, you know it's true;) So, this is how today's card came about...

There is no "real" patterned paper on this card...but there is recycled paper.  Can you tell what it is? If you guessed a page from an old phone book, you are correct! I went to the "L" section, and chose the page that contained the last name of "Love" cuz I got a lotta love for my BFFs (if you look at the upper right hand corner of the top panel, you can kinda make it out). For privacy purposes, I also tried to conceal names and numbers...you can see one or the other, but not both. I sponged Tutu Pink CI Paint over the entire page, don't you just love all that sparkle and shine? It took a drab looking page from a phone book and jazzed it right up!! I tell ya...I simply cannot get enough of this awesome paint!!  For the phone, I colored it first with Prismacolor markers, then painted a coat of Tutu Pink over the pink areas. I don't know if you can see it (my photography skills leave much to be desired), but the dots on the phone dial, the top layer of the stamped doily, and the edge of the circle have shimmer from Antique Silver CI Paint. I really wish I could have captured the shine and shimmer better!

I hope you will be able to play along with us in this week's Friendship Inspired Challenge at Creative Inspirations Paint!!! We love admiring your beautiful creations, AND it's the last challenge of the month, so you know what that means, right?!?! Next week, one lucky winner will be drawn from all of this month's challenge participants!! That means you could win some awesome Creative Inspirations Paint to try out for yourself! BUT...you gotta be in it to win it;) We'll be looking for you!!!

Have a super blessed day!!!

HUGS & SMILES!!!

Carolyn

I am also playing along with the following amazing challenges:

The Ribbon Reel - Sketch

2 Sisters Challenge - Anything Goes

Challenge Up Your Life - Recycling

Bloggers Challenge - Make It Shimmer

Just Add Ink - Just Add Fussy Cutting

Totally Papercrafts - Pink & Girly

Wags n' Whiskers - Stitches

Card supplies:
Stamp: "Thinking of You" by Rupa Shevde for Gina K. Designs, Stella Rose "Gertie 'Girly' Stamps" by My Mind's Eye; Card stock - Bazzill; Patterned paper - page from an old phone book; Miscellaneous goodies: Prismacolor markers, Creative Inspirations Paint (Tutu Pink and Antique Silver), Papertrey Sweet Blush Swiss Dots satin ribbon, The Paper Studio pink rhinestones, Sew Easy w/ standard attachment head, DMC floss #3689, pink lace from stash.

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:

• Creative Craft Challenges - Distressed/Vintage
• Cupcake Craft Challenges - In the Garden
• Get Hippity with Ippity - Flowers
• Happileigh Scrappin Challenge - Stitching
• Make It Monday - Anything Goes
• Creative Cowgirls Challenge - Anything Goes
• Cupcake Inspirations - Inspiration photo
• Dream Valley Challenges - Dig Out the Old to Use with the New (there is a combo of both old and new goodies in this card)

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

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.

Marina One of a Kind

(also using Creative Inspirations Paint in Fairy Dust)

Cordelia in Sand

(also using Creative Inspirations Paint in Fairy Dust)

Cutie Pie Mermaid

(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 :)

Linda
Kelly
Me:)
Stacie
Lawren
Rhonda
Jeanette
Stacy
Heather:

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)

Egg Inspired Gifties:)

Digital Image - Joyful Noise Easter Egg 
by Fresh Brewed Designs

Good morning!! I can definitely tell you that I have been making a joyful and grateful noise these past few days!!! God has definitely showered us with blessings, and I am praising Him as loudly and as often as I can!!!  I don't know if you are aware of this; but this past Saturday, multiple tornadoes touched down in North Carolina. We live in Cumberland County...just outside North Fayetteville, a hop, skip and a jump from Dunn and Sanford... and about 45 minutes from Raleigh. Needless to say, we were in the midst of a potential disaster. The areas all around us look like a war zone...a housing development five minutes from our front door was totally destroyed, my mother's neighborhood, my husband's workplace, and my son's school were all hit...and all of us are okay!!!  Yes, we have friends who are going through a very trying time right now by having their homes wrecked...but all of our friends and family survived!!!  Yes, I am a very thankful woman!!!  Please, say a prayer for all those who are rebuilding and for those who lost loved ones in these storms. Prayers are free and can move mountains...I cannot imagine a more precious gift than that!!!

Now let's talk about today's projects. This week's challenge at Creative Inspirations Paint is "EGGS"...so, I thought I would get a few Easter gifties together.  I dug out a few of my inexpensive plastic eggs and decided to give them a facelift by jazzing them up with a few coats of paint.  The first thing I did was lightly sand them...this makes the paint adhere to the egg.  Then, I put on a coating of white acrylic paint...this served as a primer to allow the true color of the paints I selected to shine...you know how bright most of the plastic eggs are.  Once the white paint was dry, I sponged Sapphire on one egg and Peach on the other. When this layer dried, I sponged on Aqua Marine (over the Sapphire) and Rose Quartz (over the Peach). As the eggs were drying, I started working on the cards.

I kept the layouts for both cards VERY simple. Keeping them simple makes it much easier to make quite a few in a short period of time. For the card above, I used Aqua Marine (birdie), Tanzanite (light blue around music notes), Rose Quartz (polka dots on birdie's wing) and Sunshine (around flourishes and the tiny hearts). I love all the sparkle on this card...and since it is going to a little girl, I think she will get a kick out of the sparkle too:)

Digital Image - New Creature Easter Egg 
by Fresh Brewed Designs

Now that the eggs were dry, I gathered up some yummy Easter candy and threw them into the freshly painted eggs. Then, I simply threaded grosgrain ribbon through a rhinestone ribbon slide and tied it in a knot. Doing this makes it much easier for the recipient to get to the candy quickly:)

Above is another super, simple card. This sweet image was painted with Rose Quartz (blossom and dots in the butterfly), Sunshine (flourishes and center of the blossom), Aqua Marine (butterfly), Mint, Buttercup and Plum (dots in butterfly). I do hope these are enjoyed! If nothing else, it comes with candy, right? I know one thing, I will definitely be painting more plastic eggs with these awesome paints!! I think they made these eggs look glamorous!!! A huge difference from the eggs I brought home from Wally World...and I got 6 eggs for .97! Sure can't wait until they clearance these out;)

Today's project was inspired by the following fabulous challenges:

• My Time to Craft Challenge - Easter Wishes
• Craft Your Passion Challenge - You've Been Spotted (use dots)
• Die-Cut Dreams Challenge - It's Easter Time!
• Incy Wincy Designs Challenge - Bright & Bold
• Fresh Brewed Designs Challenge - Lots of Sparkle 
• For Fun Challenges - Easter

Thank you for dropping by, and don't forget to show us your lovely egg inspired creations in this week's Creative Inspirations Paint challenge. Have a wonderfully blessed week!!!

HUGS!!

Carolyn