Just Give Me Stamps...

A Rose for Mother...

Woohoo for Friday!!  I don't know about you, but I'm SO ready for the weekend!  This week has been a whirlwind of activities, appointments, and "to-do" lists!  Phew!  :-)

Another reason I'm excited it's Friday, is because today is my turn to share a little "peek" of an upcoming Waltzingmouse Stamps set!  

 

I used images from the upcoming Roses set...a GORGEOUS new floral set that is bursting with elegant sentiments!  

I reached for some of my favorite patterned paper (I truly love almost everything K & Co. makes!!) and paper pieced the rose and leaves.  It's a bit hard to see from this photo, but I popped up some of the layers on the rose fro some added dimension.  To the center of the flower, I added some Clear Micro Beads and a tiny bit of glitter (I do love me some sparkle)!  :-)

All three new Waltzingmouse Stamps sets will be released Monday, March 1st!

Both Claire & Bonnie are also sharing some peeks, so make sure to pop over and check them out!  :-)  

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you have a fantastic Friday!  ~Laurie

Canvas Friend Tag...

I'm back today with another JustRite project!  Ok...this project was OFF THE CHART fun to create!!  Seriously...WAAAY fun!!  Gorgeous new JustRite flower stamps, a canvas tag, acrylic paint, chipboard, several different trims, and buttons all equal papercrafting BLISS!!  {{Happy Sigh}}

When I saw that not only is there pink Lilly of the Valley flowers...but PINK SPECKLED ones this whole project magically appeared in my mind!  :-)  I knew right away what I wanted to do...and it had everything to do with this beautiful Lilly of the Valley stamp (from the Breath of Spring set by JustRite) and these brand new canvas tags (by Maya Road)!!
 
 

 I started by "dry painting" some white acrylic paint onto my canvas tag.  I didn't cover the whole thing, instead I left some areas natural for a more vintage feel.  I then stamped some polka dots onto the tag using Tim Holtz's Ultimate Grunge set and some pink acrylic paint.  While the paint was still wet, I took my white paint brush and "smudged" some of the polka dots a bit...you know, just for fun!  :-)

For the focal image, I colored the Lilly of the Valley flowers with my Copic markers, then matted it with my Oval Nestabilities and some Cuttlebug dies (the flourishes peeking out from behind it).  To add a bit of a "speckled" look to the flowers (which is hard to see in the picture, but in real life you can definitely see it :-) I added some dark pink "dots" using a Spica Glitter pen!  Of course, I couldn't not add some rhinestones...teeheheee!

 

I really had my heart set on adding a tag, so when I was searching for a sentiment that would fit on one of my Spellbinder's Tag Trio dies I remembered all my different alphabet sets from JustRite!  I mean, that's one of the best things about JustRite stamps...I can make any sentiment (or name) I want!  :-)  I chose the Trompe font because I thought the elegant script matched the style of project I was creating. 

 
 
To finish off my tag, I added some Vintage Pom Pom trim, and some Ivory lace trim to the bottom of the tag.  I actually thought my tag was finished and was in the process of adding to my gift bag when I saw these Mini Butterfly chipboard pieces sitting on my desk!  I thought it would be the perfect addition, so I covered it with some patterned paper, lightly sanded the edges, and added it to my tag!  :-)

Well, that's all from me today but there is still more JustRite inspiration to be seen!  Check out what Amy, Denise, & Tosh have come up with!

Thanks for stopping by!  ~Laurie

 

Stamps:  Breath of Spring (JustRite), Ultimate Grunge (Tim Holtz)
Paper:  Neenah White
Ink:  Rich Cocoa Memento Ink, Malted Mauve Versamagic Ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink, Spun Sugar Distress Ink
Accessories:  Canvas Tag (Maya Road), Oval Nestabilities, Cuttlebug die, Spellbinder's Tag Trio die, Twill, Pom Pom Trim, Lace Trim, Ivory String, Buttons, Mini Butterfly Chipboard, Spica glitter pen, Copic markers, Mini rhinestones

Cute as a Button...

A Happy Monday to you!  I hope your week is off to a good start!  I actually don't mind Mondays...in fact, I like them!  Completely weird, I know...but I enjoy the "fresh start" that a Monday promises, the return to a regular routine, and the chance to do better than I did the week before!  :-)

Today is the kick-off day for the Stamper's Dream JustRite week!  All week, the Stamper's Dream girls are going to be posting project after wonderful project featuring the latest JustRite release!  I know I always look forward to these weeks, and am always blown away by the amazing projects!! 

 

I seriously could not WAIT to ink up the new Stitched with Love set!  This is probably my most favorite JustRite set yet!!  And look at the Ric-Rac border...EEEEK!!!  Looooove it!  :-)  I thought this particular image would be perfect for a baby card, so I paired it with some of my new My Mind's Eye paper to create this non-traditional colored card.  One thing I'm not happy with...is how the brown photographed.  Ugh.  I seem to have a problem capturing that color on camera...which is especially hard for me because I LOVE brown!  Anyway, just pretend the "black-looking" color is actually a deep, rich chocolate brown, okay?  :-)

I used Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch #57 (I just added another layer under my circle)...love this sketch!!  

 

Here's a close-up of the main image.  I added just a tiny bit of Stardust Stickles (I mean, how could I not?  :-) to the buttons.

You won't want to miss one project the Stamper's Dream girls have planned for you...the talent these ladies have amazes me!!  Here's the schedule for the week:

Monday:  Amy, Carolyn, Dawn, & Laurie (that's me :-)
Tuesday:  Cindy, Denise, Michelle, & Tosha
Wednesday:  Carolyn, Michelle, Silke, & Tosha
Thursday:  Amy, Denise, & Laurie (me again :-)
Friday:  Cindy, Dawn, & Michelle

Thanks so much for stopping by!!  I hope you enjoy your day!  :-)
Hugs, Laurie

 
Stamps:  Stitched with Love (JustRite Stampers)
Paper:  My Mind's Eye (Quite Contrary line), Vellum cardstock, Neenah cardstock
Ink:  Rich Cocoa Memento Ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink
Accessories:  Circle Nestabilities, Labels Eight Nestabilities, Buttons, Sewing Machine, Natural Twill, Rhinestones, EK Success border punch 

February TE Key Ingredients Challenge...

Today, part of the Baker's Dozen DT is sharing projects made with this month's Key Ingredients subscription kit!  The challenge is to create a set of cards that are mostly black & white with just a "pop" of color!

Well, because I love mini cards so much (and they make an excellent gift), I created a set of four mini cards (3" square) that are all wrapped up in a cute little box!  :-) 

The patterned paper (from Making Memories) that is included in this month's kit is perfect for the challenge! 

  

For each little card, I used one of the four different colors of Prism cardstock and accessories (matching ribbon and buttons) to add my "pop" of color!  

 

Also included in the kit are these gorgeous black velvet flower (the opposite side of them has polka dots...how fun is that?!!?!)!

 

To add some texture and more depth, I stitched around the edges of each card.

I know this is a very bright combo...but this little yellow card is my favorite!  :-)  It's so happy and fun!  This set of cards was SO easy and fun to make!  The only "extras" that I needed were a heart punch, a sewing machine, and the dream sentiment from the Discover Your Wings set!  It doesn't get easier than that!  :-)

If you are new to the Key Ingredients Subscription Kits, you can read about all of the benefits over at the Key Ingredients Blog.  My favorite part of these kits is that all of the "matching" is done for you!  I know that the papers, embellishments, and ribbons are going to coordinate with each other!  

Want to see what the other girls have created with their kits?  Check out what Alex, Dawn, Karen M., Jackie, Sankari, & Taylor have created!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you enjoy your Saturday!  ~Laurie

My Finished Note Card Holder...

Hi again!  I'm back with my finished Note Card Holder.  For the step by step tutorial, scroll down or click HERE.

 I used the Window to My Heart template (from the Be My Valentine Click Simple Template).  I LOVE hearts and think they can be used year-round (not just for Valentine's projects)!  In fact, I will be giving this Note Card Holder to my Sister-in-Law for her upcoming birthday!  :-)  

 
After printing the template onto Kraft cardstock, I cut the image out using a craft knife and then mounted it onto a piece of embossed Pure Poppy cardstock.  Using the leftover paper from the cutout heart image, I traced it onto some natural muslin fabric, cut it out, adhered to the heart, and stitched around the edges.  

 

I created a little tag using the "Celebrate" sentiment (perfect for this birthday gift :-) from the Damask Designs set from Papertrey.  I embellished the front with a flower I had in my stash and a Pure Poppy button tied up with some Rustic Jute Button Twine.  

 

I wanted to add some ribbon, so I punched two holes on the Note Card Holder "spine" and thread some True Black Luxe Satin ribbon through them.  

 

On the inside there are two pockets holding six 4" square Kraft envelopes and  six matching 3 3/4" square note cards.

 

I kept the design of the notecards simple (and without added embellishments) so that they will fit nicely into the pockets (and be easy to mass produce :-)! 

 

I embossed the largest image from the Damask Designs set onto Pure Poppy cardstock using Black Filigree Detail embossing powder.  You've probably noticed that I like to emboss quite a bit.  :-)  I just really like the end result...the image is so solid and crisp, especially on colored cardstock!

I embossed the same image onto the envelopes.  This time, instead of centering it like I did on the notecards, I stamped it so part of the image is cut off making room for the recipient to write.

I hope you enjoyed my project today (and I hope my Sister-in-Law doesn't read my blog!!)!  Have a wonderful afternoon!  ~Laurie

Note Card Holder Tutorial...

Woohooo!  I've finally finished it!  :-)  You've asked me for a tutorial for the Note Card Holders I have made, and {{finally}} here it is!  :-)  I've taken step by step photos for this quick and easy project as well as measurements and instructions!   Enjoy!  :-)

To start, you will need a piece of cardstock cut to 5" x 11" for the card holder base.  For the pockets, cut two pieces of cardstock measuring 3 1/4" x 6 1/4" (for the thicker card pocket) and 2 3/4" x 5 1/4" (for the thinner envelope pocket).

Score the largest piece of cardstock at 5" and 6".

Score the larger pocket piece at 1/2" and 1" on three sides as shown above.

Score the smaller pocket piece at 1/4" and 1/2" on three sides as shown above.

Using a bone folder, crease each scored line on all three pieces of cardstock.  This is a VERY important step and will make for a cleaner end product.

Cut the bottom "squares" from each of the scored pocket pieces as shown above.

Add a strong adhesive (I like Scor-Tape) to the outside scored part of both pocket pieces as shown in the picture above.

Here's a close-up picture so you can see exactly where the adhesive goes.

Peel off the backing of the adhesive and fold the bottom flap and adhere to the sides as shown in the picture above.

Adhere the pockets to the inside of the Note Card Holder.  I like to place the thinner pocket (for the envelopes) on the left and the thicker pocket (for the note cards) on the right.

Here's a tip:  Use your bone folder to press on the flaps inside of the pockets to ensure a strong bond.

Voila!  Your Note Card Holder is finished! 

**NOTE**  This tutorial was created to fit 4" square envelopes (I buy mine from Papertrey) and 3 3/4" square note cards.   

Oh, one more thing,I created the pockets to hold 6 envelopes and notecards.   

If you decide to make one of these fun little holder, make sure to leave a link in the comments...I would love to see what you create!  :-)

I will be back in a little bit to share my finished project!  
Hugs, Laurie

Skipping Stones Hop(e) for Haiti!

 

Welcome to Skipping Stones Design’s Blog Hop(e) for Haiti. If you just happened upon my blog today, you’ll want to go back to the beginning at Skipping Stones Design.  You should have come from Sankari’s blog. 

Want to know what the Hope(e) for Haiti is all about?  Here is a brief explaination...

 "As a company, we wanted to do something to give back to the people who have been so devastated by the Haitian Earthquake.  So we thought what better way than to invite some of our favorite stampers to join us in this cause.  Each card you see on the blog hop today will be auctioned on E-bay with all proceeds going to the Red Cross in support of the Haitian Relief Effort (please check the Skipping Stones Design Website for the link to the auction).  100% of the proceeds of the Ebay auction and $2.00 from every stamp set purchased from February 16 - 22 will be donated to the Red Cross. We know that we can make a difference." 

 I can't tell you enough how excited I am to be a part of this wonderful event!!  You know, stampers are some of the most generous and compassionate people out there!  I just {{LOVE}} being a part of this community!! 

 

 As a HUGE fan of coffee, I couldn't wait to get my new Funny Coffee set inky!  I chose to create an "eclectic style" Thank You card (you can never have enough thank you cards, right?).  :-)

Here's a close-up of the tag.  I just LOVE tags...and the sentiments in this set are perfectly designed for them!  :-)  

For this "sweet" card :-), I used the Buns-N-Crunches set.  I kept the colors and embellishments soft and feminine.   

 

Here's a close-up of the cupcake.  I added some Stickles to the cherry and some rhinestones around the cupcake liner.  

 

For the inside, I used some of the same patterned paper but added a row of stitched hearts along the bottom.  I know, Valentine's Day is over...but it's always the perfect time to let someone know they are special, right?  :-)

 Thank you for stopping by and your next blog to hop to is Amy's blog.

How about a prize? In addition to the fabulous eye candy, we have decided to hide a prize somewhere along the hop! There will be a few pre-release sets up for grabs hidden along the blog hop.  The fun part is...we're not telling you who it is! So as you hop, make sure you leave comments on every post so you have a chance to win!!

A Get Well Blog Hop...

Hi there!  Today the Stamper's Dream girls are putting' on a little blog hop in honor of Michelle (owner of Stamper's Dream).  She has just had surgery and we're hoping this will help lift her spirits a bit!  If you've arrived here from Amy's blog, then you are right on track!  If you're here just check'in to see what I'm up to, you will definitely want to start at the beginning (Tosh's blog)!

I wanted something bright and cheerful...so I reached for the My Garden Borders & Centers set from JustRite.   The daisy is colored with Copics and layered (I popped up a layer) for added dimension.  I really wanted all of the attention on the daisy, so I kept my embellishments to a minimum (only some ribbon and Pearls).  You know the sparkled doesn't count as embellishments, don't you?  :-)  That's a staple!  LOL!  I added just a tiny bit of Stardust Stickles to the ends of the petals...giving it the sparkle but not overpowering it.

I ran out of room on the front of the card, so I added it inside.  :-)  The Get Well Soon sentiment is from the Just a Note set (by JustRite Stampers).

Next up on the hop is Becca's blog! 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  ~Laurie

 
Stamps:  My Garden Borders & Centers, Just a Note (JustRite Stampers)
Paper:  Ivory c.s., My Mind's Eye Patterned paper (29th Street Market), Scenic Route patterned paper, Vellum c.s.
Ink:  Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink
Accessories:  Copic markers, Quickutz die, Circle Nestabilities, Corner rounder, Stardust Stickles, Lace trim and Satin ribbon, Sewing Machine, Quickutz dots embossing folder, Pearls, Paper distresser

Easter Basket Gift Card Holder...

Have you been following all of the excitement over at Nichole's Blog?  This is going to be an A*MAZING release!!  Just when I think I have seen my favorite new thing, Nichole announces even more "Brand new - HAVE to have it - Papercrafting goodness!  {{{Happy Sigh}}}

Speaking of NEW things, I'm excited to share with you a sneak peek of my Click Simple project for the upcoming Papertrey release!  My project uses the basket shape from the Spring Fling Template!

 

I adore this beautiful Basket template so much!  With three different options (single image, stitched image, or card base) the creative possibilities are endless!  My first thought was to create a soft and Springy Easter gift.  I adhered two single basket images together to create a unique and festive gift card holder!  Although this basket is perfectly suited for all kinds of Spring and Easter projects, it would also make wonderful Mother’s Day, baby, or “Thinking of You” gifts!

The complete supply list, detailed instructions, and more photos of my project are included with the Spring Fling Template download (which will be available for purchase on February 15th)!

Want to see more peeks?  Jennifer Holmes, Kim Hughes, & Melissa Phillips are all sharing projects using this must-have template!

Thanks so much for stopping by!!  Hugs, Laurie

Take Time For Friends...

Good morning!  I hope you all are warm and safe...especially those of you on the East Coast!  This past week I've been knocked out with a nasty virus...NO FUN!!!  I am horribly behind in my emails...especially those of you asking about the stamps I have for sale!  Yesterday was the first day that I made it out of bed for more than an hour!  Yay!!  I'm doing much better but still pretty tired, so it might take me a day or two to get caught up.  I'm very sorry about the delay!!

I have a confession to make!  I am not a football fan.  I know..GASP!!  I just don't understand it I guess.  My older brother played football (and he was pretty good, too) so you'd think I would have a better handle on it!  LOL!  I even thought I was pretty clever...marrying a European and all (DH thinks football is a poor version of Rugby)!  He will turn on a soccer game or two, but never has touched football.  WELLLLL...my kids have now decided that they are interested in football!  I KNOW!!!  Even my daughter (traitor!!  LOL!) wanted to watch the Super Bowl yesterday!!  Because I was sooo tired of being in bed, I thought I would join them in watching.  Well, it didn't take me long to abandon that idea and head for my stamp room!  LOL!

I sat down, cranked up my iPod (to cover up the yelling and cheering coming from the living room :-)  and got busy with these new Hero Arts stamps (What's Perking set)!  I colored the mug and donut with my Copic markers.  I added just a little bit of Stardust Stickles to them...you know, I LOVE my sparkle!  :-)  I stamped the polka dots (from Tim Holtz's Ultimate Grunge cling stamp set) using Versamark ink onto the Aqua Mist background layer.  Instead of using checkmarks on the "multiple choice" sentiment {{grin}}, I added some rhinestones.

Well, that's all from me today!  I hope you all have a fabulous day!  I'm off to tackle some laundry (thankfully my DH has played Mr. Mom all last week so I'm not too behind there).  Hugs, Laurie

 
Stamps:  What's Perking (Hero Arts), Ultimate Grunge (Tim Holtz)
Paper:  Aqua Mist, Dark Chocolate (PTI), Kraft c.s.
Ink:  Versamark, Rich Cocoa Memento Ink
Accessories:  Copic markers, Fiskars border punch, Dew Drops, Circle Nestabilities, Paper piercer, Ribbon, Wood Button (PTI), Stardust Stickles, Rhinestones