Just Give Me Stamps...

A Year of Sweets...

Happy New Year's Eve!!  My family and I looked forward to this holiday so much!  Personally, I just *love* new "stuff"!  LOL!  I love new years, new days, meeting new people....and NEW stamps ((grin))!!  Speaking of new stamps, I've got some really cute ones to show you today!!

In my list of "new" things that I love...I would definitely have to include calendars!  And this new perpetual calendar from Taylor is SO clever!  I love how there is a space to decorate...but it isn't as long as the whole calendar.  It really is perfect!  On January 2nd (at midnight), Taylor is releasing some really, really fun new stamps and today the Baker's Dozen DT gets to show you a "peek" of one of them!!  Below, are two pages that I made with the new A Year of Sweets 1 and A year of Sentiments sets.

This first page showcases the stamp for February.  (Is it just me, or are all of you getting excited about making Valentine's Day stuff too?)  :-)  I stamped the image on White Choice c.s. (this is new from Taylor...it's 100lb c.s. that is just a dream to color on ), colored with my Copics, and then used my circle Nestabilities to cut/emboss it.  I mounted it on a piece of background paper, added a ribbon (both the ribbon and paper are from this month's Key Ingredients pack), and some Stickles to bling it  up a little! :-)  I also added some hearts on the calendar page itself (I just stamped the same stamp onto patterned paper and cut out just the hearts).

  

For my March page, I stamped the image for March (also from A year of Sweets 1) onto White Choice c.s., colored it in with Copics, and cut out around it (I wanted to keep the shape of the rainbow as the main image).  I mounted it on some patterned paper (also from the Key Ingredients pack), added a sentiment tag (from the new A Year of Sentiments set), and some punched out flowers (I thought they could look like 4 leaf clovers also :-) and some rhinestones.  Oh yeah...I added Stickles to this image as well (like that's a shocker, huh?)!  :-)

   

Click on the pictures below to see them larger...

    

For more peeks at the new A Year of Sweets and A Year of Sentiments sets, check out what the rest of the team came up with: Ana Wohlfahrt, Charmaine Ikack,Carol Halvorson, Denise Marzec, Donna Baker, Jami Sibley, Jen del Muro, Monika Davis, Sharon Harnist, Stephanie Hargis, Taylor VanBruggen, Terri Dodd.

Thanks for stopping by!  ~Laurie

A Comforting Card...

Wow!  Can you believe that 2009 is almost here?  I remember when I was a kid, hearing my mom (and other adults) say "time goes by faster and faster....each year".  I thought they were crazy!  Time couldn't have gone any slower for me...(this from the perspective of a kid...LOL!).  Now that I'm older and have kids of my own, I find myself saying the very same thing!!  LOL!

Here's a little encouragement card that I made last night.  I was determined to use this paper (from Basic Grey's Urban Prairie collection).  There is something so comforting about it...it actually reminds me of an old but loved quilt! 

   

I stamped the small flower from Stampin' Up!'s Bella Blossoms set (I inked it in Certainly Celery and sponged some Taken with Teal around the edges) on to some Pearlized White c.s..  I then embossed the Proverbs 3:5 Plain Jane stamp (from Verve Stamps) over the flower.  I stitched around the edges of the patterned paper (in keeping with the loved quilt feel), and added a button for embellishment.  Over all, a pretty quick and easy card!

We are headed out of town for the night, but I have some really fun stuff to share when we get back!  **wink**  I hope your day is a blessed one!  ~Laurie

Recipe   Stamps: Proverbs 3:5 (Verve Stamps), Bella Blossoms (Stampin' Up!)   Paper: Pearlized White c.s., Certainly Celery c.s., Prism c.s., Patterned Paper (Urban Prairie collection from Basic Grey)   Ink: Certainly Celery, Taken With Teal, Versamark   Other: Clear detail e.p., Nestabilities, Certainly Celery 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Sewing Machine, Sco-Pal, Button

Sweet Cakes...

Happy Saturday!  I hope you all had a blessed Christmas!  Ours was so wonderful...quiet and peaceful (well, as quiet and peaceful as it gets with four kiddos...LOL)!  I can't remember ever enjoying just being together more than I did this year.  With everything that has happened these past few months I have come to realize just how precious our time together is...and we certainly are grateful to be home together right now!

While the kids were out sledding yesterday, I headed to my stamp room...and man, was it great to stamp again!  I received some new My Mind's Eye paper (oooh, I am in LOVE) for Valentine's Day and I just had to use it on today's Our Creative Corner Challenge!  Julee (this month's hostess with the mostest) challenged us to add something clear to our projects...acetate, clear button or other embellishment, clear e.p., shaker card etc.  I chose to make a Nugget Tin (with a clear acetate top) and matching card (with clear e.p. on the card :-)

 

When Michelle (owner of Stamper's Dream) got this Sweet Cakes stamp set in (by Pink Paislee), I HAD to have it!!  I love the mixture of bold/whimsical/elegant that this set has!  I love all the images so much that it took me forever just to decide which image I wanted to use first!  LOL!!  The cute cupcakes won....but only by a little!  The ice cream cone and the adorable cherry were just begging me to use them, but they will have to wait till next time!  LOL!!

 

 

Make sure to check out what the other ladies (Amy, Cindy, Dawn, Denise, Jennifer, & Julee) have created for today's challenge!  Check out the OCC blog for challenge details and info on how you can play along!

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you have a fabulous weekend!  ~Laurie

Recipe   Stamps: Sweet Cakes (Pink Paislee)   Paper: Kraft, My Mind's Eye Irresistible Collection, Dark Chocolate (PTI)   Ink: Close to Cocoa Craft ink, Sahara Sand   Other: Clear Detail e.p., Kraft taffeta ribbon, Rhinestones, Button, Linen Thread, Border punch, Paper piercer

Treat Yourself...

 So, do you all have your Christmas cards/presents all finished?  Oh, PLEASE say no!  LOL!  This year has just been so different for us, and I'm finding myself hurrying to finish everything.  As much as I have hurried, I still don't have everything done...and will probably just have to send out New Year's cards!!  LOL! 

One card that will definitely be late is my Mom's birthday card.  Man...how bad is that??!!!?  I'm so used to having her here...and hand-delivering her card/gift.  Her birthday is Christmas Eve (yeah, I know...that's tomorrow...what AM I THINKING??!!), and I have always made sure that her card and even the wrapping paper for her gift is the opposite of Christmas colors (on purpose...to make it a "separate" holiday).  So...today's card is made with soft and pretty colors...definitely no reds and greens!  LOL!

      

I stamped this YUMMY looking sundae stamp (from theLife is Sweet set by Our Craft Lounge) onto shimmery white c.s. and colored it in withmy copics.  Of course I couldn't stop there...LOL!...I had to add some sparkle and shine (I used pink Stickles on the sprinkles and Diamond Glaze on the glass and the cherry)!  The background papers are from Basic Grey's Urban Prairie collection(soooo perfect for spring!).  I created the little wavy tag by stamping the "Treat Yourself" sentiment (also from the Life is Sweet set) onto some Aqua Mist c.s., cutting the ends, and adhering it to my card with one glue dot in the center (sothe waviness would remain in tact).

Here is a close-up of the shine and sparkle.  :-) 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  In case I don't make it back to show you some of the gifts I'm finishing up tonight...I want to wish you all a truly blessed Christmas!!  Hugs, Laurie

Recipe   Stamps: Life is Sweet (Our Craft Lounge)   Paper: Shimmery White c.s., Pretty in Pink (Stampin' Up!), Aqua Mist (Papertrey), Urban Prairie (Basic Grey)   Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black   Other: Nestabilities, Copic markers, button, Ric-rac, Diamond Glaze, Stickles, Rhinestones, Paper piercer

A SUPER Easy Gift...

Happy Thursday!  I've been trying to post this little gift I made, but for some reason, our internet doesn't like our sub-zero temperatures we've been having (it's been around 24 BELOW zero in the mornings)!  Today we're having a heat wave (it's only -6 degrees F) and our internet is much happier!  LOL! 

I found these old-fashioned looking candy cane sticks at Wal-Mart and had to have them!!  A bag of them was only $ .94, so I bought quite a few bags with the idea of making little gifts for neighbors and Sunday School Teachers.  There are so many people that are important to us, and we want to show them that we care...and I think a handmade gift does just that!  :-)

I used THIS tutorial over at Splitcoast Stampers to make a 2-5-7-10 box.  I altered it just a little  by cutting off the top (I wanted these cute candy canes to show)!  I embossed one of the stamps from the JustRite Christmas Ensemble in red and used my circle Nestabilities to cut  it out.  It may be hard to see in the photo, but I punched out a lace border along the top.  I felt like it needed something...but didn't want to make it too time consuming (since I am mass-producing these), so I added some red rhinestones along the front top panel.  Sparkle is always a good thing!  :-)

Michelle (owner of Stamper's Dream) is having a huge sale!!  All holiday stamps are marked down, as well as all theDoodlebug items (including my favorite"Stick With It' adhesive -you know those really cool swirly things that you can put glitter on)!!  She's also offering gift certificates, so if you are wanting a last minute gift for a stamping friend or relative these are perfect!!

I hope you all have a wonderful day...and stay warm!  :-)  ~Laurie

Recipe   Stamps: Christmas Ensemble (JustRite Stampers)   Paper: Real Red c.s., Shimmery White c.s., Basic Grey patterned paper   Ink: Real Red craft pad   Other: Clear e.p., Lace punch (Martha Stewart), Red rhinestones, Red satin ribbon, Cello bag, Paper piercer

Season's Sweetings...

I've been SO busy trying to finish up my Christmas gifts...but wanted to take a few minutes to share some of them.  :-)  Also, this past month (aside from taking care of my daughter) has been a busy one for us with birthdays (definitely a good kind of busy :-)!  A month ago David turned three, two weeks ago Jared turned 10, and TODAY my sweet Bryan turns 5!  It really was just yesterday that I was sitting by our Christmas tree, holding my newborn son!!  Wow, does time ever fly!!! 

While my kids are on lunch break (sledding outside), I thought I would show you a couple of projects that I finished recently...

This first card's colors are based on this fun My Mind's Eye patterned paper (from the Christmas Key Ingredients pack).  I actually envisioned this card when I first received this set...and could not wait to make it!  The "peace, love, & Cupcakes" sentiment cracks me up!!  I love it!  Both the cupcake and the sentiment are from the Season's Sweetings set.  Oh, and isn't that pink "cherry" the cutest thing?  They are called Candy Dots, come in different colors (I used Baby Pink on this card), are self-adhesive, and are SO much fun!  I can't believe I didn't know about them before...  I bought like 5 packages from Taylored Expressions, so you will definitely being seeing more of these!  LOL!  Sorry for the rambling...it's just that I get SO excited about embellishments!  Teeheheee!

When I saw this adorable cuppie all tangled in the lights (also from the Season's Sweetings set), my first though was that "he needs some coffee"!  That's when it hit me...this is the PERFECT image for a little "de-stress" coffee gift!!  LOL!  I covered a General Foods International Peppermint Mocha (special Christmas edition) with some Scenic Route patterned paper (Sonoma), added my colored image, a tag, a Red Candy Dot, some Stickles on the lights, and a fun Christmas light embellishment! 

Well, I better go make my son's birthday cake!!  Thanks so much for stopping by!!  Hugs, Laurie

Recipe for card   Stamps: Season's Sweetings   Paper: Prism c.s., Pretty in Pink c.s., Shimmery White c.s., My Mind's Eye patterned paper   Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark   Other: White e.p., Stardust Stickles, Baby Pink Candy Dot, Ribbon, Snowflake Punch (Martha Stewart), Rhinestones

Recipe for Coffee Gift   Stamps: Season's Sweetings   Paper: Shimmery White c.s., Red Prism c.s., Scenic Route DP (Sonoma)   Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark   Other: Ivory e.p., Spellbinder's Tag die, Nestabilities Label 1 and Circle, Red twill, Thread, Stickles, Red Candy Dot, Christmas Light embellishment

Sweet Blog Candy Alert!!!

My sweet friend Tosh is giving some AMAZING blog candy away on her blog,Stamp Talk With Tosh!!  While you're there, you should definitely check out her gorgeous creations...pure eye candy!!! 

A Slightly Vintage Gift Card Holder...

Happy Saturday!  We've been hit with a major winter storm (below zero temps, snow, and lots of wind) and I'm just now getting to post my card today!  This was the kind of day that should be spent inside by a warm fire (either that or in my cozy stamp room LOL!)!

I was so excited to see this weeks's Our Creative Corner challenge!  Julee (this month's hostess) challenged us to make a gift card holder...which is wonderful for me, because that is what we are mostly giving as gifts this year!  :-) 

I picked up a gift card that has a Thomas Kinkade painting on it...and wanted to duplicate the soft vintage feel.  I knew my Worship the Lord set (from Our Daily Bread Designs) would be perfect! 

 

Because I am making several of these, I kept the coloring to a minimum (I don't know why, but I color extremely slooooowly).  Also, I think I was just looking for an excuse to create another monochromatic card!  LOL!  I added some subtle sparkle by highlighting the image with my Sakura Stardust pen.  For the final touch, I added some Crystal Effects to the trees and roof of the church.

I cut a strip of Herbal Green Medium Prism c.s. (measuring 4 3/4" x 11") and scored it at 4 1/2" and 9".  Instead of having a two inch flap that goes the whole width of the card, I cut off part of it (using a large place as a template for my curve) leaving only a rounded flap.

    

 So that it would close, I added a Basic Grey magnetic snap closure underneath the flap (and hid the other part under one of the many, many layers I added...hehehee!

To hold the gift card, I stitched around a piece of vellum c.s. (that I had embossed the Merry Christmas sentiment on - also from the Worship the Lord set) and created a little pocket.  So that it is easier to slide the card in and out, I punched out a half oval (using the lg. Stampin' Up! oval punch sliding it in only half way).

 

After I embossed the Psalm 100:2 verse, I used my corner Ornare template to trace (and pierce) a corner swirl.  Of course I couldn't make a project without adding some bling, so I used some mini rhinestones to accent the swirls.

 

Make sure to check out all the "gifty cards" the fabulous OCC ladies have created!

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you all have a wonderful (and warm!!) weekend!  :-)   ~Laurie

Recipe   Stamps: Worship the Lord (Our Daily Bread Designs), En Francais (Stampin' Up!)   Paper: Pearlized Cream c.s., Prism Herbal Green Medium c.s., Vellum c.s., My Mind's Eye DP   Ink: Always Artichoke craft ink, Mellow Moss craft ink, Antique Linen Distress ink   Other: Nestabilities, Clear e.p., Copic markers, Ribbon, Buttons, Crystal Effects, Sakura Stardust pen, Basic Grey magnetic closure, Martha Stewart lace edge punch, Ornare corner template, Rhinestones, Sewing Machine

Having a Gray Day?

Happy Thursday!  Today is the day for December's Stamper's Dream Dreamy Challenge hostessed by my friend Tosh!  Here's the challenge she came up with:  Having a Gray Day?  Add a splash of color or a touch of bling. December's weather can be gray and gloomy, so amp it up with a bit of color and bling.  Most of the card needs to be gray/black with a hint of any color and some sparkle.  You can also include white or cream.

Now, I admit...I'm not **always** the best at following rules (teeheheee)...but I did try this time!!  I just think my definition of "splash" of color is slightly different than the others... LOL!!!   

 

I stamped the Penguin/Igloo stamp onto Pearlized White c.s. using Tuxedo Black ink and then colored the image in with my Copics.  I then added some Frosted Lace Stickles to the Igloo and the trim of the penguin's hat.  I also added just a little bit of Silver Stickles to the snowflakes.  The sentiment is from Hero Arts' Holiday Messages Sparkle Set.  I chose the Happy New Year stamp...because at the rate I'm getting things done...well, most of my cards will need to be New Years cards!  LOL!  For the background, I ran a piece of vellum c.s. through my Cuttlebug using the snowflake embossing folder and then adhered it to a piece of Brushed Silver c.s. (it's in the "Gray" family, right???  :-)  For embellishments, I added some ribbon, silver cord, snowflake charm, piercings, & some Ice Blue Rhinestones .

Want to play along?  Michelle is giving away some fun blog candy to a randomly chosen winner (just link your card to her post to be entered).  Or...if you upload to Splitcoast (which is always a good idea :-) please use the keyword SDDC3.  Oh, and don't forget to check out the beautiful cards that Cammie, Charmaine, Cindy, Denise, Kimberely, Michelle, & Tosh have created!!

I hope you have a wonderful day!  ~Laurie

Recipe   Stamps: Penguin with Igloo stamp (Artful Stamper), Holiday Messages (Hero Arts)   Paper: Pearlized White c.s., Brushed Silver c.s., Bashful Blue, Vellum c.s.   Ink: Tuxedo Black, Versamark   Other: Copics, Nestabilities Label1 dies, Stickles, Ribbon, Snowflake charm, Rhinestones, Circle punches, Cuttlebug

I've Learned a Few Things...

Thank you all so much for the wonderful comments and emails you have left for me!  It really does feel good to stamp again!!  Speaking of stamping again...I could hardly believe that I went 5 weeks without touching a stamp!  Gasp!  LOL!!  Seriously though...my family does come first, and they really needed me...but now that we are home, it does feel good to get inky again!!  :-)  I have learned a few things though...like apparently my ability to sew a straight line atrophies if I don't use it regularly (and if you can't sew a straight line the first time...then don't use your LAST piece of matching c.s. to experiment on)!!  LOL!!!  Oh, and don't glue your layers together until you have already stitched, sponged, punched, or anything else you might want to do that is nearly impossible to accomplish if assembled!!  And last but not least DON'T add the Stickles, Diamond Glaze, or any other wet liquid until the layers are assembled (well, at least don't wear your favorite long sleeved shirt if you do decide to live on the wild side...don't ask me how I know...sigh...).  Yeah.  I can't make this stuff up!  LOL!  You would think that after stamping for as many years as I have, this stuff would be second nature, right?  Sadly, no.  :-)

So...before I show you the card I made for today's Our Creative Corner Challenge, would you all step back from your screen....like 5 or so feet?  Please?  :-)

 

As many flaws as this card has, I absolutely adore it!  First off, this snowman cupcake (from Taylor's Home Sweet Home set) is just the cutest thing...ever!!!  I could just eat him up!  Teehehee!  Second, I love this sketch that Julee came up with (for today's OCC Challenge)!  Third, the little ivory snowflake charm is a gift from my daughter, Ali!  :-)

I won't go into all of the creative details...mostly because it's all pretty self explanatory.  But, if you do have a question about something, let me know!  The link to my email address is located under my picture on my left sidebar.

I hope you all have an amazing weekend...and don't forget to hug your loved ones!!  :-)  My kids are getting sick of me hugging them so much...LOL!  I can't help it though...I am so grateful for them!  ~Laurie

Recipe   Stamps: Home Sweet Home (Stamp a Sweet Impression)   Paper: Shimmery White c.s., Sage Prism c.s., My Mind's Eye Laundry Line DP   Ink: Tuxedo Black, Creamy Caramel   Other: Copic markers, Nestabilities Label1, Sewing machine, Felt snowflake, Ivory taffeta ribbon, Hemp, Martha Stewart lace edge punch, Spellbinder's Tag die,Rhinestones, Stickles, Snowflake Charm, Cuttlebug Snowflake embossing folder