Sending Well Wishes

Hi there everyone!  Happy Sunday to you!  I had some more time this morning, so I took a little time to do one more card for Joanne's Sketch Plus Three challenge!  I used the only Pure Innocence set that hasn't seen any ink so that means I can buy some more!  If you're wondering what I'm talking about, I told myself that I couldn't buy any more Pure Innocence images until they had ALL seen ink at least one time!  So a new MFT order is in my future!  YIPPEE!!

Here are the "Plus Three" elements on my card:  Denim, Twill, Kraft, Text Printed Papers & Stitching......

I REALLY wish Joanne would make challenges a normal thing on her blog....she does the best challenges!! 

Well, we're going to be barbecuing in just a bit, and I hope all of my American friends have a fantastic Memorial Day.  We can never forget the sacrifices all of the brave men and women make to allow us our freedoms!!  God Bless!

Stamps:  Better Get Better (My Favorite Things)

Paper:  Kraft, Pure Poppy, October Afternoon Thrift Shop DP

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics

Accessories & Tools:  Medium Scallop Die (PTI), Oval and Big Scallop Oval Nesties, Pure Poppy Buttons, Twill Ribbon (SU!), Corner Chomper, Vintage Jute Twine, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Foam Tape

Embellish Magazine Color Challenge & Joanne's Sketch Plus Three Challenge!

Hi there everyone!  I have had such a CRAZY and BUSY week and there literally has been no time to sit and make anything!  I've been NEEDING to sit down and create, so after dinner tonight, I did just that!  It felt so good!  I hadn't stamped since Tuesday!  I rarely go that long.....but I digress...

Two things on my "Hope to do" list this week were to play with the Embellish Magazine Color Plus Butterflies Challenge and participate in Joanne Basile's Sketch Plus Three Challenge.  Well, for the sake of time, I combined the two!  I used a new set from Taylored Expressions (designed by Taylor herself), Garden Party Critters.  I used the colors from the Embellish Magazine challenge and for Joanne's Sketch Plus Three I used Kraft, Stitching, Gingham, Paper Piecing and Bling! (wow, I didn't realize I used 5!!)  I have the HARDEST time photographing Kraft cardstock....it always seems so gray!  I am very happy with how this card turned out!

That's all from me tonight!  I hope the remainder of your weekend is fantastic!  We are finally experiencing some beautiful weather!  YIPPEE!!

Stamps:  Garden Party Critters

Paper:  Kraft, True Black, Spring Moss, Bitty Box and Bitty Dot DP

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories & Tools:  Classic Oval and Big Scallop Oval Nestabilities, Gingham Ribbon, EKSuccess Scallop Punch, Adhesive Gems (KaiserCraft), Sewing Machine, Foam Tape

PTI May Blog Hop ~ Fun with Felt!

Hi there everyone!  I'll keep this short as I'm sure you're all busy hopping around!  I went pretty easy with the felt and made two felt ric rac strips with Vintage Cream felt!  Surprise Surprise.....I also used Year Of Flowers: Daffodils!  Well, in all fairness, it was already sitting on my desk from the card I made yesterday!  That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!  LOL!

I used this week's 2Sketches4U sketch.  It's actually my first time participating in their sketches!  Anywho....there is a supply list at the end of this post in case you're wondering what products I used!

Have fun hoppin' around and thank you for stopping by!!

Stamps:  YOF: Daffodils (Papertrey Ink)

Paper:  Kraft, Vintage Cream, Ripe Avocado Bitty Dot DP

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories & Tools:  Vintage Cream Felt, Ric Rac Border Die, Dark Chocolate Buttons, Corner Chomper, Foam Tape

DeLovely Daffodil {MTSC75}

Hi everyone!  It's Tuesday and it's time for another one of Mercy's sketches!!  I couldn't resist again this week and pulled out, well it actually sits front and center on my desk, Year of Flowers: Daffodils from Papertrey Ink.  Did I mention that I think this is one of the best sets I've ever ordered from Papertrey?  I did?  Well, I'm just reiterating it again!  I REALLY {heart} this set!

I paper pieced the daffodil using some new Cosmo Cricket DeLovely dp that I picked up the other day at my LSS.  This paper is really bright, but I think it's so pretty!  I paired it with what seems to be my new favorite Kraft cardstock.  I used to use Kraft every once in awhile, but I reach for it almost every time I make a card now!  I made the diamond pattern with my Scor-Pal, sponged the edges with Tea Dye distress ink and rounded the corners with my Corner Chomper.  A ric rac border, some stitching and a button finished it off!

Don't forget to check out the other Muse's did with today's sketch!

Cindy Haffner

Crystal Birr

Jessica Diedrich

Julie Lacey

Pam Spiedel

Pam Varnell
Torico (May's Guest Muse)

and of course, Mercy!

Meghan's Diaper Cake

Hi there everyone!!  I just wanted to pop in this morning to show you what I've been up to the last couple days!  My cousin, Meghan, is pregnant with her first child and yesterday we went to her baby shower!  On Friday, my youngest dd, Sarah, and I made this diaper cake for her.  Sarah loves to help roll the diapers!  This is the third one I've made as a baby shower gift and they are always a big hit!  I used this awesome tutorial from Susan Liles! 

Meghan is having a boy and the nursery is done in lime green, chocolate!  All of the dp is October Afternoon Fly a Kite and the Chocolate cardstock is Dark Chocolate from Papertrey Ink.  The rolled diapers surround a bottle of baby powder and a baby bottle!  I purchased the letters at my LSS.  She really loved it and it was a big hit with everybody!

You can check out my other two diaper cakes here and here!

I hope you have a great Sunday! 

Center of Attention Product Spotlight ~ Stickers

Hi there!  This month half of the Baker's Dozen Design Team will be showcasing all of the different stickers that Taylored Expressions carries and different ways to use them!  I will be showing you the October Afternoon Fly a Kite Word Stickers today!  They are made to coordinate with my new fave October Afternoon Fly a Kite DP!  Here is what they look like:

I am not one to use stickers when I make cards, but I always relate stickers to scrapbooking!  Now it's been a LONG time since I've made a scrapbook page, but back in the day when I first discovered scrapbooking, I couldn't get enough stickers!  So let's get on to today's focus!

Now go easy on me!!  I have not made a scrapbook page in what seems like forever, but man did I have fun with this page!  The October Afternoon stickers are fantastic!  They are a wonderful cardstock weight and are very easy move if you decide to change placement!  If you carefully lift them from one side to the other they don't rip the page.....ask me how I know!

Earlier this year I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Los Angeles and attend my first Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show (CHA) courtesy of Taylored Expressions!  (Thanks, T!) I had the most fun meeting and spending time with the fabulous women of the Baker's Dozen DT!  I thought it only fitting to scrap a couple of the pictures from that MOST FUN time not so long ago!  I {heart} these ladies!

Here is a close up of two of the stickers I used.  The pink sticker that reads "Just the 7 of Us" actually says "Just the 2 of Us".  I merely wrote the number 7 on a piece of cardstock and punched it out with a small cirlce punch and placed it over the number 2.  You can also see my sewing machine went a little wonky here!  The journaling was created on my computer and was cut out with Curved Rectangle Nestabilities.

And here are two more stickers.  I only used four stickers from the sheet and there are oodles and oodles left for me to use on other projects!  These would also be great on a card.

Each of our Center of Attention products will be on sale for a limited time following our product spotlight (May 20 - 23). This time we'll be offering a 15% discount on all Stickers!

Don't forget to check out the other stickers that were used for this product focus!  I can't wait to see myself!

Alex Maldonado

Carolina Buchting

Jeanie Witmer

Karen Motz

Sankari Wegman

Taylor Van Bruggen

Thanks for stopping by! 

Verve's Sizzlin' Summer Fun Project Parade!

Hi everyone!  I just wanted to pop in here to let you know that this month's Verve Project Parade kicked off on Monday over on the Verve Blog.  This month's theme is Sizzlin' Summer Fun!  Today is my day to post and here is what I made:

What makes this Sizzlin' Summer Fun you ask?  Well, you can't have Sizzlin' Summer Fun until you graduate, right?  LOL!  You can find all of the details on my card over at the Verve Blog! 

You also know that it wouldn't be a Project Parade without prizes, right?  To find out all the details on how you can win by....you guessed it.....heading over to the Verve Blog!  And while you're there why don't you check out the awesome projects that Charmaine and Jen have already created!!

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you have a great day!

Stamps: Happy Days, Hibuscus Plain Jane (Verve Stamps)

Paper: Kraft, Vintage Cream (both PTI), October Afternoon Thrift Shop DP

Ink: Summer Sunrise (PTI), Not Quite Navy (SU!)

Accessories & Tools: Circle Nestabilities, Summer Sunrise Satin Ribbon (PTI), Corner Chomper, Adhesive Gems (KaiserCraft), Foam Tape

TE Blast From The Past Blog Hop!

Hi there!  Welcome to the first ever Taylored Expressions Customer Blast From the Past Blog Hop where we are featuring any Taylored Expressions stamps that were released in 2008 and 2009!  You will see cards from the Baker's Dozen and many of Taylor's customers!  You will find a link list at the bottom of this post!

I used my MUCH LOVED Beary Special set!  This was one of my earliest purchases from Taylored Expressions before I became a member of the Baker's Dozen and I just love it!  The teddy bear was stamped in Memento Black ink on Choice Buttercream and colored with Copic Markers. I paper pieced the bear's patch, feet and ears.  He was cut out and popped up on foam tape.  The DP is a mix of October Afternoon Fly a Kite and Thrift Shop.  I rounded all of the corners with the Corner Chomper! 

Don't forget to check out all of the amazing creations from all of the particpants!  I can't wait to hop around!

Stamps:  Beary Special (Taylored Expressions)
Paper:  Kraft (PTI), Choice Buttercream, October Afternoon Fly a Kite & Thrift Shop DP

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics

Accessories & Tools:  Circle & Blossom Nestabilities, Martha Stewart Punch, Buttons, Twill Ribbon, Corner Chomper, Sewing Machine, Foam Tape

I'm So Lucky {MTSC74}

Hi there!  It's Tuesday and it's time for another one of Mercy's fabulous sketches!!  I know I say this every week, but I LOVE this week's sketch!  I actually changed the circle to an oval to accomodate my adorable Pure Innocence girl!  So let me get to it!

I used the darling 4-Leaf Clover Pure Innocence image from My Favorite Things.  I have a lot of the Pure Innocence images and am working hard to get them all inky before I order any more!  I think I only have one or two left to get inky and you can bet I will be buying a couple more that I've had my eye on!  But I digress...The patterned paper is Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety.  The image was stamped in Memento Black and colored with Copics!

This is the inside!  I've been decorating the inside alot lately!

Don't forget to check out what the other Muse's have done with this sketch:

Cindy Haffner

Crystal Birr

Jessica Diedrich

Julie Lacey

Pam Spiedel

Pam Varnell

Torico (May's Guest Muse)

and of course, Mercy!

Garden Party Blooms Gift Set plus SFYTT

Hi there everyone!  When Taylored Expressions had their release a couple weeks ago, I made a really cute Birthday Box with the new Garden Party Blooms set and said I would be back with a matching card......well.....here it is!

And here is the original box!

And here they are together!

Here are a few details:  The layout for the card is this week's Sketch For You To Try from Jen del Muro.  I used the new Garden Party Blooms set by Taylored Expressions.  All of the flowers were stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black onto a mixture of October Afternoon Fly a Kite and Thrift Shop DP, cut out and popped up for dimension.  I rounded all of the corners of the card with a Corner Chomper.  I just love how this set turned out!  Now I need to find someone to give it to!

Well, thank you so much for stopping by!  I hope you all have a great Sunday!

Stamps for Sale!

Hi there everyone!  I've been busy cleaning out my stamp area once again and have A LOT of stamps for sale!   I hate to sell all of these stamps, but I want someone to give them the love they deserve!!   I will ship USPS Flat Rate Priority Mail to the United States only.  I only accept Paypal at this time.  If you're interested just send me an email letting me know what you want!  You can find my email link on my sidebar!

  

Shipping prices will be:

 

4.95 for Flat Rate Priority Envelope/Small Box

10.70 Medium Flat Rate Box

Unity Stamps

Tree-mendous Love (2 Brand New)  10.00 each

Spring Unity (Brand New) 10.00 

June 2009 KOM~{Perfect in Every Way}  20.00

August 2009 KOM {following my heart}  20.00

September 2009 KOM~{go ahead...WISH!}  20.00

October 2009 KOM {...wherever you go}  20.00

Store Kit {100% Happy}  20.00

Stampin' Up Backgrounds 10.00 each (no case)

~Canvas

~Dotted

~Linen

~Paisley

~Pretty Petals-Sold

~Print Pattern

~Sanded-Pending

~Stitched

~Tres Chic-Sold

~Twill

~Weathered-Pending

Cornish Heritage Farms UNmounted Backgrounders  7.00 Each

~Chicken Wire-Sold

~Dotted Diamonds

~Fine Lines

~Geometric Flowers II

~Hexagon Tiles

~Large Polka Dot

~Lined Paper-Sold

~Paisley

~Petite Pattern

~Polka Dots-Sold

~Pretty Pattern-Sold

~Reverse Dots

~Ticking Stripe-Sold

~Victorian Floral

~Weave-Sold

Thank you! 

Lonely Without You SFYTT!

Hi there!!  I made a little time for myself in my little stamp area tonight so that I could participate in Jen del Muro's sketch this week!  I LOVE my Pure Innocence stamps from MFT but they do NOT ever see enough ink!  In fact, this adorable "My Balloon" image had never seen ink before tonight.  I know, GASP!  

So if you read my blog then you all know that my oldest daughter left for Science camp earlier this week.  It really has been quiet around here and we all miss her like crazy, even her little sister!  She comes home tomorrow afternoon (Friday) and this card is going to her!  She loves that I make cards and swears that every card I make is her favorite!  I can't wait to see her!

Thank you for stopping by!  I always love it when you do!  Have a great Friday!

 

Stamps:  My Balloon Pure Innocence (My Favorite Things)
Paper:  New Leaf, White, Green Boutique DP (All Papertrey Ink)
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories & Tools:  Circle Nestabilities, Fresh Snow Satin Ribbon, Picnic Plaid Impression Plate, Buttons, Sewing Machine, Foam Tape

Shabby Irish Blessing

Hi there everyone!  Thanks for all the well wishes with my daughter going away for the first time!  I'm happy to say she got off to camp without a hitch and I'm sure she hasn't given us a second thought!  I went to the same camp when I was her age and I had a BLAST, so I hope she really enjoys herself! 

Anywho....let's get to why you stopped by!  I made this card for Verve's latest release.  The set is called Blessings and is so beautiful!  When I first laid eyes on this set I knew I would TRY to make something sort of shabby and chose this Irish Blessing to use as the focal point.  I really love how soft these colors look together!  The ribbon looks like a light blue in the pic, but IRL it's a perfect match to the stripe in the dp!

Thank you all for stopping by and for all of the wonderful comments!  It truly makes my day!  Have a good one!

Stamps: Blessings (Verve Stamps)

Paper: Vintage Cream, October Afternoon Thrift Shop DP

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Ranger Distress Inks in Tea Dye and Antique Linen, Creamy Caramel (SU!)

Accessories & Tools: Oval and Labels Ten Nestablities, Adhesive Pearls (Kaiser), Picnic Plaid Impression Plate (PTI), Crochet Ribbon, Corner Chomper, Foam Tape

Tiny Little Thing {MTSC73}

Hi there everyone!  It's Tuesday and it's time for another of Mercy's awesome sketches!  I {heart} this week's sketch!  I love long cards and do not do them often enough!  I paired this week's sketch with a new release from Taylored Expressions, Hangin' Out!  I also couldn't resist my October Afternoon Fly a Kite DP.  Love this stuff!  You'll find everything I used on this card in the recipe at the bottom of this post!

 

Sorry to keep my chatting to a minimum, but my oldest is leaving (for the very first time) tomorrow for Science camp and I'm afraid Mom (me) is having a pretty hard time!  She'll be gone for three nights/four days...SNIFF SNIFF!  I know she'll have a GREAT time, but I'm gonna miss her so much!

Don't forget to check out what the rest of the Muse's did with this sketch....rest assured it will be amazing!!

Cindy Haffner

Crystal Birr

Jessica Diedrich

Julie Lacey

Pam Spiedel

Pam Varnell

Torico (May's Guest Muse)

and of course, Mercy!

Stamps:  Hangin' Out (Taylored Expressions)

Paper:  Kraft, Vintage Cream (PTI), October Afternoon Fly A Kite DP

Ink:  Dark Chocolate, Summer Sunrise (PTI)

Accessories & Tools:  Circle Nesties, Corner Chomper, Aqua Mist Saddle Stitch Ribbon, Hibicus Burst Button, Twine, DMC Floss, Adhesive Gem, Foam Tape

A Helping Hand

A couple days ago my good friend, Jessica Diedrich, asked if I would participate in a blog hop to raise money for the Nashville area Red Cross Relief Fund and I immediately said yes! 

The Nashville, TN area experienced some terrible flooding this past week and many families were greatly affected.  Jessica has a very touching video you can view on her blog here.

Today, some of my very favorite stampers and I are showing you cards made with images designed by Jen Shults, owner/illustrator of Wildflower Patch Kids digital Stamps, and Betty Roberts of Simply Betty, a new stamp line debuting June 1st.   This set is called "A Helping Hand".  The set will retail for $15 and 100% of the proceeds are being donated to the Nashville area Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Set will go on sale Monday at the Wildflower Patch Kids store.

I used the darling Country Girl Daisy for my card.  She was printed on PTI white and colored in with Copic Markers.  I cut her out with a Curved Rectangle Nestability and sponged some Ranger Distress inks in Antique Linen and Tea Dye before removing from the die.  I couldn't resist using some October Afternoon Farm Fresh dp for this card!  Some Machine stitching and ribbon and I called it done!

Now it's time to hop around and see what the other incredible women did with this set!

Jessica Diedrich

Cindy Haffner

Pam Varnell

Betty Roberts

Joanne Basile

Jodi Collins

Amy Sheffer

Jen Shults

WPK blog

Taylored Expressions Release Day!!

Good Morning everyone!  It's finally release day at Taylored Expressions!  All of the sets you've seen plus the sets you'll see today are all available right now at the Taylored Expressions store!

Today we are showing you Father's Day A La Carte which consists of two image/sentiment combinations from the Apple Doodle Ink Line!  I also have another project made with the new sets designed by Taylor, Garden Party Blooms and Garden Party Critters!  So why don't we get started!

This card uses the one of the new Father's Day A la Carte images, Real Classic.  I actually made this card for my BIL who celebrated his birthday on May 5th.  This A la Carte set comes with two sentiments.  I only used the one seen on the card and then used a Happy Birthday sentiment from another TE set on the inside.  All of the DP and cardstock are from the Garden Party Pantry Kit.  The twill is from my stash as is the button.  The car was stamped in Memento Black ink and colored in with Copics.  It was cut out with Curved Rectangle Nestabilities.  I love making cards for my hubby's family because they all appreciate the work that I put into them and they display them for a LONG time!  

 

My next project is this cute little 3x3 box!  It will house my girlfriend's birthday gift (a gift card) with a couple little candies!  I love making these boxes because they are so easy, but they really pack a punch!  I used the new TE sets Garden Party Blooms (flowers) and Garden Party Critters (sentiment) and just LOVE how this turned out!  The dp is a mix of the new October Afternoon Thrift Shop and Fly a Kite.  The flowers were die cut with the same dp with the smaller flowers popped up for dimension.  I will be making a card to match this, so be looking for that soon!

Don't forget to check out the rest of the Baker's Dozen and their awesome projects!

Alex Maldonado

Carolina Butching

Charmaine Ikach

Donna Baker

Jami Sibley 

 Jeanie Witmer

Jodi Collins

Karen Giron

Karen Motz

Melissa Sauls

Sandra MacLean-Guest designer for May-June

Sankari Wegman

Taylor VanBruggen

Thank you for stopping by!