Dreams Really Do Come True!

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

Happy, Happy Friday!!!! I wanted to share with you a card I created using one of the adorable new stamps by Sylvia Zet for SCACD Stamp Co. - "3 Wishes". Isn't she absolutely precious...and look at that darling, little fairy!! I cannot help but smile when I see these sweeties! :o)

Lately, I have been creatively constipated and have had the hardest time coloring and creating a card. I have stamped images I have been dying to color just to have it end up in the garbage. So, I stop coloring out of frustration and try to create a card with images already colored...guess what? I find myself wasting more crafty goodies, but my trash bin is happy...he's had a feast the past few days. Do you ever experience this kind of creative blockage? It's times like these that I have a deeper appreciation for challenge blogs! Without their creativity and inspiration, there is no telling how long it would take me to finish a card...let alone one worth sharing.

Today's card only came to be because of the following incredible challenges:

• Crafting Life's Pieces - Sketch
• Cupcake Inspirations - Photo Inspiration (love this fun and vibrant color palette)
• Try It On Tuesday - Anything Goes, Louis Armstrong "What a Wonderful World" (I love this song, because it makes me smile and reminds me of the beauty in children and their limitless dreams...why do we struggle with dreaming when we become older? Note to self...gotta change that!)
• Ruby's Rainbow - For the Girls
• Crafty Creations - Fabulous Fairies (Isn't the fairy popping out of the box adorable? I just love her!!)

If I didn't have them for inspiration, this card would not be! Truly, it probably would have been another snack for Mr. Trash Bin. Fortunately, I had these awesome challenges and their talented design teams to keep me focused and on the right track. A huge THANK YOU to each and every one of you for helping me create a card I am happy with! :o) Y'all are mojo savers!!!

Blessings and Hugs,

Carolyn

Goodies used in the creation of today's card:

• Stamps: 3 Wishes by Sylvia Zet for SCACD Stamp Co., Fiskars - Dawn Houser "Friendship" clear stamps - #97607 (interior sentiment)

• Card Stock: PTI (kraft); Bazzill

• Patterned Paper: DCWV Nana's Nursery "Baby Girl"; Miss Elizabeth (Dollar Tree)

• Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black); SU Classic Ink (Pretty In Pink...interior sentiment)

• Coloring Medium: Prismacolor pencils, OMS

• Fun Extras: Nestabilities, DCWV glittery rub-on, EK Success punches (retro flower), Martha Stewart punch (leaf), Paper doily (Wilton), Kaisercraft rhinestones (soft pink), DecoArt Glamour Dust Ultra Fine Glitter Paint (ice crystal), SU corner punch, From stash - ribbon and lace

Fresh Brewed Designs "Save the Hooters" Blog Hop

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

Good Morning and thank you for being a part of the Fresh Brewed Designs "Save The Hooters" Blog Hop. If you are getting here from Yolanda's inspirational blog, then you are right on track. If not, please start off at the beautiful and talented Linda's blog.

We are so happy that you are joining us today as we spread smiles, share beautiful projects and most of all raise awareness.

The word Cancer is one that makes us all cringe and sometimes turn away. That does not make it GO AWAY it just means we try to avoid talking about it and pretending it is not there. Unfortunately, it is there and it is a very harsh reality. I know most of us have had family or friends who have been diagnosed with a form of cancer or know someone who has died of cancer related causes. One of these cancers is Breast Cancer. In the year 2011, in the United States alone, approximately 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women have been reported, approximately 57,650 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be found (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer), and approximately 39,520 deaths from breast cancer (women).

With these somber facts in mind, Heather, owner of Fresh Brewed Designs, wanted a way to help those who are battling breast cancer and to help raise awareness of the importance of having regular breast exams. Today, we have the privilege of sharing with you the "Save the Hooters" Breast Cancer Awareness rubber stamp set Heather created along with several fabulous digital stamps that were designed to spread the word to "Stamp Out Breast Cancer". A portion of every BCA stamp set and digital image sold will be donated to Chemo Angels.

If you are not familiar with Chemo Angels, we encourage you to look them up. Here is a little bit about their amazing program:

Chemo Angels is a volunteer organization dedicated to adding a ray of sunshine to the lives of those undergoing IV chemo treatment. We believe people going through the physical, emotional and mental rigors of chemotherapy deserve some encouragement. Many of our Chemo Angel volunteers are cancer survivors themselves, or people whose lives have been affected by cancer in some way. Our common denominator is a desire to brighten the lives of cancer patients while they are going through this challenging time.

Here is some information on the different types of Angels:

• Traditional Angels are assigned to a specific patient. They send their patient at least one card or letter and a small, inexpensive gift every week. 
• Card Angels are assigned to a specific patient. They send their patient at least one card or letter every week. 
• Support Angels make regular financial contributions to the Chemo Angels Cancer Support Organization. 
• Prayer Angels are put on a mailing list and notified whenever any of our patients has a special need of prayers. To become a Prayer Angel, send a request to admin@chemoangels.com

They are a wonderful and truly inspiring organization. They provide comfort and support to individuals battling all forms of cancer; and as you can see, they have ways to help in the form of time, cards, prayers...as well as monetary donations. To find out more about how Fresh Brewed Designs will be taking part, read HERE.

For today's hop I chose to use one of the adorable images from the "Save the Hooters" BCA rubber stamp set. This set has two wonderful images and two coordinating sentiments. This set is definitely Freshly Brewed SWEETNESS, and it helps to spread a very important message...not to mention helping a wonderful organization!!! In my opinion, it doesn't get much better than that! I wanted to show you the interior, but I wasn't able to finish it...my printer is being very temperamental...i.e, not working. :o( Since I can't show it to you today, the sentiment will say..."A friendly reminder because...I love you: it's time for your mammogram!". I plan on making many more cards with this fab stamp set, so I will show you the interior at a later date. ;o)

Fresh Brewed Designs is also sponsoring the Link Up For Pink. This pinkalicious linking party will be held from October 1 - 14. Every project linked will be pink themed and there will be lots of opportunities to win some wonderful prizes. Grab the badge and be sure to save the date!

Also, if you purchase the featured BCA stamp set or any of the BCA digital stamps, be sure to be watching for a special link in the tabs under the blog header at Freshly Brewed Challenges. There will be a special link up challenge just for you starting October 1st. We will allow back linking as long as you are using these images.

Your next stop on the hop will be at Rhonda's delightful blog.

Thank you again for hopping with us and for helping us spread the word.
Have a very blessed and beautiful day.

I am also playing along in the Less Is More - Anything Goes (CAS) Challenge, as they are attempting to reach 1,000 submissions.

Blessings and Hugs,

Carolyn

Here is the hop order in case you get lost along the way:

Linda

Celeste

Stacy

Crystal

Vanessa

Stacie

Yolanda

Me :o)

Rhonda

Sheryl

Catherine

Heather

Freshly Brewed Challenges

Oldies But Goodies Blog Hop & Another House Mouse Birthday Card :o)

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

Good morning and Happy Hump Day!!! It is time for this month's Facebook Designing D.I.V.A.S. "Oldies But Goodies" Blog Hop!!! YAY!!! It has been a while since I played along with the talented ladies in the monthly blog hop, and I just could not go another month without joining them!!! They are all so uplifting and inspiring I didn't care how busy I was...I was definitely hopping along in September...and if they put up next month's sign-up list...I am all in!!! In all honesty, it was because of the wonderful ladies in this group I decided to start up a new blog. My original blog was attacked by some kind of cooties, and I fought with it and fought with it to try and get it right...no luck! Out of frustration, I deleted it and thought I was finished with blog headaches. Everything changed when I joined this amazing group of inspirational ladies:o) Thanks to them for encouraging me to give this whole blog thing another go!! I have been having a blast...and so far..no cooties! :o)

Okay, I know you didn't come here for a novella. The concept of the Oldies But Goodies Blog Hop is to get us to use those creative "must-haves" that have been sorely neglected (or forgotten about) for at least six-months and create a card or project with them. We have the blog hop to encourage one another to use our hoarded goodies and to inspire others to do the same. For my card, I opted to use one of my sadly neglected House Mouse stamps (my first stamping love), one of my forgotten Indentz embossing folders, my Tim Holtz paper piercing ruler, and a Making Memories charm that I've had stashed away for about -dare I say it- five years. If you are interested in knowing specifics about the things I used in the creation of today's card, I will post a detailed list of the card supplies at the end of this post. I opted to keep the card super simple, so these adorable mice could take center stage.

Speaking of House Mouse...last week, the wonderful designers of the House Mouse & Friends Challenge Blog celebrated their 3rd birthday...and they are celebrating BIG!!! There are awesome prizes at the challenge blog; and if you participate in the blog hop, there are loads of blog candy to be won along the mousieriffic journey:o) If you are a mousie fan and would like to play along, you can find my House Mouse & Friends Birthday blog candy HERE.

Have a wonderful, wonderful Wednesday!!! Thank you so very much for dropping by. Your next stop on the Oldies But Goodies Blog Hop is Vicki Patranc. Prepare yourself to be WOWed by her talent, her sweetness, and her stunning creations!!!

I am also playing along in the Less Is More - Anything Goes (CAS) Challenge, as they are trying to reach 1,000 submissions.

Blessing & Hugs,

Carolyn

Goodies used in the creation of today's card:

• Stamp: Stampabilities House Mouse - Poppin Good Birthday (HMGR1010)
• Card stock: Georgia Pacific (white); PTI (Spring Rain)
• Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black)
• Fun extras: Prismacolor markers, DecoArt Glamour Dust Ultra Fine Glitter Paint (Ice Crystal), Indentz embossing folder (Lines & Dots), Tim Holtz ruler (perfect for paper piercing), Making Memories birthday charm, DMC floss, sewing needle, Nestabilities, PTI Swiss Dots satin ribbon (Spring Rain)

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

Merry Christmas, Little Princess!!

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

 

Hello and a very happy Tuesday to you!!! :o) I cannot believe it has been over a week since my last post!! Man, time has been getting away from me quicker than usual...must be the whole aging process I keep hearing about. :o} Speaking of time going by so fast...have any of you started your Christmas cards? Every year, I tell myself to start early...every year, I don't follow through. Yes, I'm LAME-O!! I don't even have an excuse...especially with all the incredible year round challenge blogs that focus on Christmas...yes, I am hanging my head in total shame. :o(

Today, that all changes! I decided to stop being Queen LAME-O and created a Christmas card. It is later than I should have started, but was very easy with no sunshine beaming through my windows and no scorching, hot weather to distract me. Honestly, the cooler weather we've had lately has helped me get into the cheerful spirit of the holidays...I've even started planning my holiday menus :o)

I also wanted to THANK the following challenges for all the wonderful inspiration:

• A Gem of a Challenge - Sketch (flipped)
• Ellephantastic - Here Come the Girls
• Christmas Stampin' All Year Long - Photo Inspiration (color inspiration)
• Phindy's Place - Christmas (theme)
• Tiffany Doodles - Stitching (hand-stitched using Sew Easy...which are currently on SALE at SCACD:)

Seeing that I have a ton of things yet to do before this day comes to an end, I am going to have to see you later. Thank you bunches for dropping by for a visit during your busy day! I appreciate it more than you know. :o) Have a fabulous Tuesday evening!!! Tomorrow, I will have two posts to share with you...shocking right?...my Creative Inspirations post and my Design D.I.V.A.S. Oldies But Goodies Blog Hop Post. If you feel like popping by, I would love to see you and share a cuppa hot cocoa. :o)

Blessing & Hugs,

Carolyn

Goodies used in the creation of today's card:
Stamp: Princess by Sylvia Zet for SCACD Stamp Co., Great Impressions - E512 (interior sentiment)
Card Stock: PTI (kraft); DCWV
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye "Stella Rose - Mabel"
Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black); SU Classic Ink (Real Red...interior sentiment)
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor pencils, OMS
Fun Extras: Nestabilities, Sew Easy (standard and zig-zag stitch), Martha Stewart punch (branch), Prima "Holiday Treat" (poinsettias), DecoArt Glamour Dust Ultra Fine Glitter Paint (ice crystal), SU corner punch, From stash - cheap, notebook paper, DMC floss and buttons

Happy Birthday House Mouse & Friends Challenge Blog + Blog Candy!!!!

Good morning and Happy Monday!!!! Today, I have the pleasure of joining the extremely talented designers of the House Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge Blog as they celebrate their 3rd Birthday!!!! I cannot express how ecstatic I am to be able to join them!!! You should have arrived here from Christine Craig's incredible blog...if not, then you will want to head on over to Vicki Parson's inspiring blog which is the start of the HM & F birthday blog hop celebration! I don't know if you are aware of this, but it was the adorable House Mouse stamps (along with their Happy Hoppers and Gruffies counterparts) that started my rubber-stamping/ paper-crafting addiction. My first stamp set was by Stampin' Up...but my first LOVE was House Mouse!!! Believe it or not...even my husband is keen on these cuties. Actually, he is the one who bought me my first hoard of House Mouse stamps. Gotta love a man who willingly supports and encourages his wife's stamping addiction...I think the technical term is a stamping enabler;) Hahaha!!

Also, it was the House Mouse & Friends Challenge Blog that led me to create my first blog (P.M.S etc...aka: Paper, Markers, Stamps, etc...). Regrettably, I had to delete it because some kind of cooties got into it and prevented me from being able to add anything or edit it. :( All I can say is, thanks to House Mouse stamps and the HM & F Challenge Blog, I was able to meet many, many wonderful and talented people...and a few have become lifelong friends...you could even say they are like family (you know who you are)!! :o) Okay...enough of my blah, blah, blah!!! Your next stop on this fabulously FUN hop is my wonderfully talented and super sweet friend, America Kuhn! You know she has something AMAZING to share with you!!!

 

One last thing before you go, to add to the birthday festivities...I have a little blog candy up for grabs :o) 

If you would like to have your name entered into the drawing, just leave me a comment. 

You don't have to be a follower (unless you really want to)...

you don't have to post this on your sidebar...

just leave me a comment so I know how to find you. 

Also, if you would like to have your name entered into the drawing a second time, 

participate in the current House Mouse & Friends Challenge. 

Once you have posted your link to the challenge blog, 

come back and leave me a second comment telling me you 

played and what your Mr. Linky number is.

(At the end of this post, you will find a detailed list of the items included in the blog candy package.)

This blog candy will close on September 25th, 2011 at 8 PM eastern time. 

The winner will be posted on September 26th at 10 AM eastern time...maybe earlier;)

There are some wonderful sponsors offering spectacular prizes and they can be found at the House Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge Blog AND there is more blog candy being offered throughout the hop! What can I say...we are in the mood to Celebrate!!!

A huge THANK YOU for joining us in our birthday celebration!!!! I hope your Monday is fabulous, and your week is off to a wonderful start!!! :o)

Blessings and Hugs,

Carolyn

Blog Candy Contents:

• Pink Paislee 365° Degrees 6 x 6 Paper Pad (30 sheets)
• House Mouse stamp - Flower Drop HMUR1049 (new; never been used)
• House Mouse stamp - Feathered Friends HMLR1023 (new; never been used)
• Sizzix Little Sizzles Cardstock Brights (48 sheets; perfect to make handmade flowers and embellies)
• Approximately 2 yards of blue, twill ribbon
• Approximately 2 yards of red lace
• Random assortment of Prima and Petaloo flowers
• 10 notecards with matching envelopes (2 blue, 2 fuchsia, 2 purple, 2 bright green, 2 yellow)

Hopping with Sylvia Zet for SCACD!!!

Today is the day we have been waiting oh so long for - the gorgeous new Sylvia Zet images are being released by SCACD Stamps! There are EIGHT fantastic and utterly adorable images, all exclusive to SCACD Stamp Co. in yummy red rubber, and they are all available NOW!!!

And... if you just have to have them all, you can grab them in discounted sets!

US/Canada: You will find the stamps in the Sylvia Zet section at Susana's Custom Art & Card Design HERE.

UK/Europe: You will find the stamps in the Sylvia Zet section at Quixotic Paperie HERE.

Today, to celebrate this fabulous new release, we've got a hop designed especially for you, filled with inspiration from the SCACD and Quixotic Paperie design teams PLUS some fabulous, special guests! We hope you will hop along with us as we introduce you to the Adventures of Loli & Shellie, Poppy and the rest of their precious friends!

You should have hopped here from Sylvia Zet's INCREDIBLE blog...doesn't her beautiful art work simply melt your heart?!?! If you're just joining us and would like to start the hop at the beginning, then pop back to the start over at ELAINE HUGHES' BLOG.

For my card, I used the adorably sweet stamp Precious Present. I just ♡♡LOVE♡♡ her!!!!

Your next stop on the hop is the beautiful and mega talented Mary Giemza. Thank you for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy hopping with us today!

If you get lost along your Sylvia Zet for SCACD adventure, a complete hop list can be found over on the SCACD Store Blog.

Blessings and Hugs,

Carolyn

Plum, Peeked Out!!!

Can you believe it...things have actually calmed down enough for me to make a card :) I have been eying this adorable stamp ~All Peeked Out Peeker~ from The Peekers Collection #2 by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD Stamp Co. This tuckered out cutie pie was colored with Prismacolor markers with hints of shimmer added with DecoArt Ultrafine Glitter Paint (Ice Crystal).

 

The beautiful DP is from the Melissa Frances 5th Avenue paper pad. I absolutely adore the soft color palette and the lovely designs in this stunning 6 x 6 pad. The image was cut out using Nestabilities large classic circle, and behind it is the Floral Doily Motifs. Speaking of Nestabilities, the poofy flower was created with the Big Scallop Circle dies. I wish I didn't add the pearls to the center of the flower...kinda makes it look like eggs in a bird's nest...oh, well...as they say, hindsight is twenty-twenty.

Thanks a bunch for dropping by!!! I hope your day is filled with love and happiness!!!

Blessings and Hugs,

Carolyn

The creation of today's card was inspired by the following inspirational challenges:

• Fashionable Stamping Challenges - Handmade Flowers
• CES Challenges - Banners, Bunting and Flags (I attempted to highlight the banners on the DP by hand-stitching the string...hope this counts)
• Sweet Stampin' - Babies and Little Ones

• Card Makin' Mamas - Pink

Baby, Come Back!!

 

Hello!!! Isn't the recently released news from SCACD absolutely FABULOUS?!?!?! In case you didn't know, a new artist has joined the SCACD Family...the amazingly talented Sylvia Zet of Wee Stamps!!!!! If you haven't already stopped by the SCACD store blog, you may want to do so now because Susana is offering a surprise to one lucky commenter...and it ends on August 14th. I'll let you in on a little secret...there is also a prize up for grabs at the SCACD Facebook page for one lucky commenter, but you'll have to go there to check out all the deets.

Now, for today's card, I had to get inky with the darling image, Sweet Cheeks Peeker, from the recently released The Peekers #2 Collection by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD Stamp Co. Isn't she a doll baby? I colored her with Prismacolor markers and highlighted a few places with DecoArt Ultra Fine Glitter Paint in Ice Crystal...to add a pop of sparkle. I also whipped out my Sew Easy because I love to see stitching on cards. For this card, I used the Sew Easy Zig Zag Stitch and Standard Stitch. In the photo above, you can see I also used the Standard Stitch on the card's interior. And, do you see the bow made with Baker's Twine? That is also from the Sew Easy Collection...all of which are on SALE at SCACD. I've been wanting some Baker's Twine for a while now, but could not afford those massive spools...let alone use it all. Since frugality is my middle name, I opted to wait for that perfect deal...which I found at SCACD:) Now, I have some of that adorable baker's twine to play with:) The card stock is DCWV and the patterned papers have been in my stash for a while now...Nana's Nursery Baby Girl Collection also from DCWV.

Well, I am off to run a ton of errands. I hope your day is filled with kindness and beauty!!! Thank you so very much for dropping by:)

Blessings and Hugs!!!

Carolyn

I am also playing along in the following inspirational challenges:

• 4 Crafty Chicks - Twine
• Kelley's Kids - Babies (I think she is more of a toddler, but as old as my boys are...she's a baby to me:)
• Stampavie and More - Girlie

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

Victoria Case for SCACD - Spotlight Day 1

Happy Sunday!!!!

I hope your weekend is going fabulously!!!!

Today is Designer Showcase Day #1 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, Melanie and I have the pleasure of introducing you to "Femme Fatale"!!!! Yes...she IS the Material Girl....AND Yes...Diamonds ARE a girl's best friend:):):) Hahaha!!! Isn't this image the COOLEST?!?!?! I absolutely adore all her Sass and Class...AND she is so very versatile...you could make a wide array of cards using this beauty!!!

Would you like a chance to win "Femme Fatale"?

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 Melanie's AMAZING blog and leave her a comment (you know she has created a showstopper with her mad coloring skillz and her phenomenal creativity)!!! 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 Sunday!!!!

HUGS!!!!

Carolyn

Got GOO?

Wanna be able to make your own vintage-style embellishments?

Well, does Susana have THE perfect thing for you!!! Today, she is releasing some awesome new products  that will let you do just that:)  POP on by the STORE BLOG to check out the videos Marti has created to show you how to make the most wonderful embellishments for your one-of-a-kind creations!!! And, while you're there, check out the beauties my marvelously messy sisters have created...and we all have something a bit different to show you:) So...you don't wanna miss it!

The goodies I played with were Viva Decor Crystal Gel (Violet/Gold #503), 1st Impression Molds (Button Set 2), and Hearty Lightweight Air Dry Clay.

 

Above is a photo of a few of the vintage-style buttons I was able to create using the 1st Impression "Button Set 2" Mold and the Viva Decor Crystal Gel.  Although the color of the wet gel looks purple, it dries to this purplish-copper color. Isn't it beautiful? And look at the gorgeous detail. As you can see, especially if you click on the pic to make it larger, I don't have a crafting spatula...so a few air bubbles got in there. Fortunately, these are "vintage-style" buttons...in which case, the *popped* air bubbles add to the antiqued look...kinda like they have been used and tossed around a bit. I guess it gives them a little character...of course, that is a crafters way of not admitting to any "mistakes";) HeeHee! And that's my story, and I'm stickin' to it:)

Above is a photo of a few more buttons that were created by using the 1st Impression Mold and Hearty Lightweight Air Dry Clay.  Doesn't it look like porcelain? And this is what it looks like with nothing on it or added to it...just clay!

Above is a photo of a few more buttons made with the Hearty clay and painted with Creative Inspirations Paint.  Don't they look expensive? Just think...you will never find yourself searching for the perfect button to add to your project...you can whip up exactly what you want just for yourself:) If you're not into buttons, Susana has a large variety of 1st Impression Molds...I'm sure she has something that is ALL YOU:)

Don't these buttons look like jewelry...or aged metal embellishments? These were created with the Viva Decor Crystal Gel and Dreamweaver Mica Powders (Goldfinch). Once your gel dries...it takes about 24 hours; but for the thicker (deeper) buttons, I let it sit longer (you'll know when it's dry because the goo starts pulling away from the mold)...dab the decorative portion of the button on your Versamark pad. Then, dip your stencil brush into your favorite color Dreamweaver Mica Powder...tap off the excess into the jar...and dab it on your button. The powder sticks to all the areas the Versamark has touched, and it will stay there...it won't rub off:)

Above are a few buttons created with the Hearty clay, Dreamweaver Mica Powders (applied the same way as in the previous pic), and the added sparkle is from DecoArt Ultra Fine Glitter Paint (Ice Crystal). Aren't they dainty and elegant? And whether you choose to use the clay or the goo or BOTH, the buttons are extremely lightweight and won't make your card feel heavy. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I LOVE these fabulous, new products and being able to make my own buttons!!!!

I even used one of these handmade buttons to brighten the bow on one of my cards:) I will be posting the card later this weekend...probably Sunday. I'll share more details about the card then, but the button was made using the Viva Decor Crystal Gel and the 1st Impression Button Set 2 Mold...nothing else.

I hope you are as excited about these awesome products as I am, and don't forget to stop by the STORE BLOG to see the amazing videos Marti has created AND links to the blogs of  a few of my wonderfully talented DT sisters. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE COOLNESS THEY HAVE CREATED:):):)

Thanks for dropping by!!! Have a beautifully blessed day:)

SMILES & HUGS!!!

Carolyn