Just Give Me Stamps...

May DT Blog Hop!

It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the Paper Smooches June stamp release with you! The three NEW clear stamp sets will be available to purchase at 12:01am, Eastern time...on June 1st. You will find them HERE.

To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the five design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of the three new June stamp sets! (you do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify) You have until midnight MT on Friday, June 1st to leave a comment. Please check all five blogs on Saturday, June 2nd to see if you are one of the five lucky winners.

 

Emily Leiphart

Heidi Van Laar

Kryssi Ng

Laurie Schmidlin

Teri Anderson

 

To increase your chances of winning:

1. Leave a comment on this blog post

2. Tell us that you Facebooked about our blog hop

3. Tell us that you Tweeted about our hop

4. Tell us that you posted on your blog about our blog hop

(which means that you have up to four chances to win on each blog)

 

For my card, I used the new Qwik Qwips set!  What a FUN set!!  So many fresh, hip sentiments are included...and a tag image to boot!  I used four of the new sentiments, along with the tag and flower images (all from the Qwik Qwips set)!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Hugs, Laurie

Pip Squeaks...

Hi there!  It's Pep Rally week over at the Paper Smooches Blog!  Kim is getting ready to release three brand new sets that you are going to just love!  :-)

Today, I have a card to share with you using the new Pip Squeaks set!  :-)

I just loved so many of the images in this new set that I couldn't limit myself to just one or two...so I used five!  :-)  I paper pieced all of the images (using Simple Stories patterned paper) except for the bottle top which I colored din using my Copic markers.  The tree and owls are part of the patterned paper I used.

I went for a more shabby look, and ink distressed all of the edges as well as tore up the outer edges a bit.

Well, that's all from me today!  The sun is actually shining today so I am going to try and soak as much up as possible!  Speaking of the sun...this is why I am so excited to see it (this photo was taken this past weekend)...

This is view from our Back Porch.  You won't hear me complaining though, as we desperately needed the moisture!!  You can see all of the green willows (well, you can't tell they are green but take my word for it) bowed over from the weight of the snow.

Have a great day!  ~Laurie

Winner Announced!

Good morning!  First, I want to wish all of my fellow Americans a VERY happy Memorial Day!  I am so thankful to have a day dedicated to honoring those that have given their lives to protect us!  My family and are so very grateful!!

Thank you all for the comments you left on my giveaway post!  It sounds like we all pretty much agree on what's important in cardstock for stampers:  solid color (with lots of great color choices), heavy weight (but not too heavy), and one that will fold well without cracking or fraying!  If you get a chance to try this cardstock, let me know what you think!  Like I said in my post, I am really enjoying it.  The only thing I can't attest to (yet) is the steadfastness of the color.  Time will tell on that though...  In my opinion, Bazzill has a real winner with this line!

Okay, now for the winner!

Drumrollllll...............

According to Random.org, the winner is Sue from Oregon!

Congratulations Sue!  I have already sent you an email!!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  ~Laurie

 

Three Cards, a Review, and a Giveaway!!

Good morning!  Today, I have three cards to share with you...and a fun giveaway!!  :-)

Several weeks ago I was contacted by Bazzill.  They have just released a new line of cardstock specifically geared towards cardmakers!  They were wondering if I would like to try it out, share my thoughts with all of you, and give a pack of their new cardstock away to one of you!  Well, I am always in the market for some quality cardstock so I told them I would love to!

What I look for in cardstock is the weight (I don't like flimsy cardstock...it just doesn't hold up), solid color and core (I don't like "grainy" color), and cardstock that creases and folds smoothly without tearing or fraying.

I created three cards with the new carestock and I thought I would share my thoughts about it as I share the projects with you (very similar to how I thought them as I was playing stamping).  :-)

For my first card, I used the new Sour Lemon, Licorice Twist, & Butter Mints Bazzill colors paired with the Ovals Classic Frames and Compact Sentiments sets from Waltzingmouse Stamps.  I love how the cardstock is smooth and stamps so nicely (I stamped a subtle leafy pattern on the scalloped yellow layers).  The focal images are embossed and I sponged around each layer with my Pumice Stone Distress Ink for some added depth.

On my second card, I used Whirlypop, Easter Grass, Peanut Cluster, & Licorice Twist Bazzill cardstock combined with the Bloom & Grow set, Great Friend set, & Elegant Leaves die (all from Verve Stamps).  I really like the bright yet trendy cardstock colors!  It was fun sorting through the pack and trying out new (to me, anyway) color combinations!  That is exactly how I came up with this card!  :-)

The flowers are all embossed using black embossing powder.  I added some white dots (using my Picket Fence Distress Marker) on the background to brighten things up a bit.

For my third card, I started with a Marshmallow base (a smooth white cardstock) and then added punched out hearts in the following  Bazzill colors:  Sour Lemon, Cotton Candy, Robin's Egg, & Gumball.  I kept the design clean and simple only adding some matching rhinestones and a stamped sentiment (from Half Pint Heroines set from Waltzingmouse Stamps).  Oh, and I added a tiny bit of white stitching to ground the hearts a bit.

I really, really liked how the cardstock folded smoothly.  One of my stamping pet peeves is to have my cardstock tear or fray when I fold it in half.  I do use my Scor-Pal to score the cardstock before folding it but this does not always solve the problem.  I was VERY impressed with how clean each of the folds on Bazzill's new cardstock were!  Yay!! 

With its 100 lb heavy weight, solid color and core, and crisp folding...I will definitely be using this cardstock more and more!  Yep, I'm a fan!  :-)

Sooooo, do you want a chance to win a package of this new cardstock?  One lucky commenter will receive a package of 56 sheets of cardstock (2 each of the colors below). 

Just leave a comment here on this post telling me what you look for in cardstock!  That's it!  Make sure to leave your comment by Sunday (5/27) at 9 pm Mountain Time.  I will post the winner here Monday morning!  :-)

Thanks for stopping by!  ~Laurie

Many, Many Thanks...

First off, I want to thank you all for the very sweet and encouraging comments yesterday!  You all brought tears to my eyes!  The kindness of fellow stampers never ceases to amaze me!!  I promise to do a better job of keeping you updated!  Also, several of you emailed and asked if you could continue to send cards to Alison.  I'm sure she would LOVE it!!  I {heart} you guys so much!!!  Here's the address again:

Alison Schmidlin
P.O. Box 990
Dillon, MT  59725
USA

Well, as the title of this post hints at...I have been stamping many, many thank you cards lately!!  Each of my boys will be giving a card to their teachers and bus driver.  I also made cards to give to Alison's teachers.  They have all been SO amazing and supportive of Alison this year!  I really am so impressed with just how encouraging and accommodating they have been...especially lately when she has had to be absent so much. 

Okay...this post is LONG!  Lots of photos!  :-)  Just wanted to give you a head's up in case you want to grab a cuppa...

I made two of identical cards like the one above.  I used Papertrey's Teacher Apple set combined with some yummy new Cosmo Cricket papers! 

I used the same stamp set and papers (justin different colors) as the one above.  The doily in the background as well as the apple was cut out using my Silhouette Cameo.  I LOVE this machine!  :-)

These next several cards are all the same design...just different colors.  I made several of each color.  I just get bored doing the same thing...so I like to mix it up a little.  :-)

This first card was created using Papertrey's Stitches & Swirls set and Round & Round set (for the sentiment).  The color I used here is Dark Chocolate.

The color I used on this card is Blushing Bride (from Stampin' Up!) for the cardstock and Victorian Velvet Distress Ink.  I used a darker pink ink because the lighter one just didn't show up well enough.

My next card was created using the Enchanted Evening colors from Papertrey.  I think this one might be my favorite.  :-)



Last but not least (of this design anyway) is the one I created using Lemon Tart cardstock (from Papertrey) and So Saffron ink (from Stampin Up!).

My final design is one I made for all the high school male teachers (as well as Ali's bus driver)!  I used an file from the Silhouette store as the focal image of the card and Stampin' Up!'s woodgrain background stamp.  The sentiment is from Verve's Celebration of Thanks stamp set.  I made about 15 of these cards.

Phew!  I think that about covers it!  :-)  I will be back tomorrow with a fun post and a giveaway!!

Hugs,
Laurie

A Card and an Update on Alison...

Hi there!  Long time, no post.  It's been a little overwhelming here in our household, and updating my blog has fallen pretty low on the to-do list.  In between all the doctor appointments, allergies (my oldest son has them bad), sickness, and all the end of the year stuff I have been trying to just spend time with my family.  I'm sure many of you can relate!  :-)

So how about I share a card with you?  :-)

I used the Alfresco stamp set from Paper Smooches!  I embossed the background layer using a brick embossing folder from Tim Holtz.  The patterned paper is from Authentique, and the BBQ grill is a shape I cut out using my Silhouette.  I colored the steak using my Copic markers. 

I know I keep saying that I will update you all on Ali and then never seem to.  I keep wanting to take photos of all the fabulous cards she received for her birthday...and I will...but there just doesn't seem to ever be time.  This is the last week of school for my boys so I will have quite a bit more time soon!  But for now, I will update a bit on Alison.  They have her on two different anti-seizure medicines as well as something for the nausea.  The medicine does seem to be helping.  She is having them less frequently and not always as severe.  She used to have several a day, and now she will go two to three days in between them.  That is very helpful because she has time to "recover" and the side effects (memory loss, extreme fatigue, vision problems, & decreased use of her left side) have time to go away before her next one.  That being said, her neurologist called her neurosurgeon from Seattle Children's Hospital to update him.  Well, he is pretty concerned and has scheduled a week's worth of testing.  Soooooooooo, it looks like we are headed back to Seattle.  We don't leave until next month so Ali can finish out her school year.

So that is all the technical stuff...  Emotionally, she is still having a hard time.  In fact, just going back to Seattle is going to be hard for her.  She's trying so hard to come to terms with it all again.  I think it's been so hard partly because we're not sure of the outcome.  I am really hoping that after our time in Seattle we will not only have more answers, but a treatment plan.  Another thing that makes it so hard, is that she has excruciating headaches almost constantly.  That definitely gets old. But like I said, she really is trying her best to come to terms with it all and works hard to get through each day.

Well, thanks for "listening"!  Hugs, Laurie

 

Gonna Be Alright...

Hi there!  It's my turn again to share some projects using the fabulous new Glitz Design collections!  One of my favorite kind of cards to make, is ones that I can use for almost any situation!  I like to keep several on hand to use when I need them.  As I was looking through my Glitz papers (a favorite past time of mine Teeheee!) I decided that the Happy Travels line would be perfect for what I had in mind!

Oh how I adore teal/aqua with red!  I think that's one of the reasons why I love the Happy Travels collection so much!  It's so classy, yet fun all at the same time!  I used several papers from the Happy Travels 6" Paper Pack, a Peek-a-Boo, and a coordinating Cardstock Sticker.  I adorned it with a Giant Rhinestone, ribbon, a flower, a button, and a decorative pin.

For my second card, I couldn't make up my mind which papers to use...so I used all of the ones I had on my desk!  Teeehee!  I layered them at an angle, and then added some Happy Travels Epoxy Stickers.  I wanted to keep the embellishments to a minimum, so I added a Giant Rhinestone and some mini staples. 

Thanks so much for joining me today!  Hugs, Laurie

Every Little Thing Card
Glitz Design Happy Travels 6" Paper Pack
Glitz Design Happy Travels Peek-A-Boo
Glitz Design Happy Travels Cardstock Stickers Titles
Glitz Design Happy Travels Giant Rhinestone

Journey Card
Glitz Design Happy Travels Papers: Polka, Planes, Floral
Glitz Design Happy Travels Epoxy Stickers
Glitz Design Happy Travels Giant Rhinestone

A Hero's Welcome Home...

Hi there!  How about a patriotic card today?  :-)

I LOVE Kim's new Circle of Honor set!  I couldn't be happier to have a set that can be used for so many purposes...and honoring the men and women that serve our Country especially!!  I don't have any immediate family that serves in the Armed Forces, but my grandpa did and he definitely instilled a pride of Country in our family!  I know we have our problems and obstacles that need to be faced, but I feel SO very blessed to live in America!  And I am very, very grateful to the men and women who serve and risk their lives for me!  

I plan on using this set.  A LOT.  In fact, I found out about a local organization that oversees the shipment of cards and gifts to deployed men and women form our area!  YAY!!!!  My DH (who is Swiss born and first generation immigrant) and I thought it would be a great idea to sit down with our kids and create cards and notes of thanks that we can send to those currently deployed. 

Sorry for the long post...I just wanted to share a little about how really excited for this new Circle of Honor set and how I plan on using it!  :-)

Oh...and another personal note.  I really am sorry it has taken me so long to update you on Alison.  In between stamping commitments (which has really been a blessing for me...allows me some much needed therapy :-) and all the running around to various doctors I have been doing, there has not been any extra time.  In fact, I'm getting ready to leave again today to take Ali to her Neurologist.  I do love where I live, but the definite down side to living in the middle of nowhere is the vast amount of driving I must do.  Her Neurologist is 2 1/2 hours away (one way).  BUT...I do get to spend that driving time with my daughter!!  :-)  Anyway, I really will update you soon.

HUGS to all of you!  ~Laurie

Waltzingmouse May New Release Waltz!

Hi friends!  It's here!  It's release day over at Waltzingmouse Stamps!  With three brand new sets and some other goodies (did you see Claire's post about the fun new twine??), there's a little something for everyone!  :-)

If you are waltzing with us today, you should have arrived here from Julia's blog.  (If not, why not go and start at the beginning?  Claire is kicking things off for us today!  :-)  Not only do you get to see some inspiring creations, but there is a prize involved (more details below)!!  Just sayin'...

For my card, I used the SUPER cute new Half Pint Heroines set!  I absolutely adore this set!!  What's great about it is it works for so many occasions...not just for girls (which is wonderful as well!)!  :-)

I have been on quite a patterned paper kick lately!  I think it's because the manufacturers keep on making amazing papers, and I keep buying them!  Teehehee!  At least I'm using them, right?  :-)  Everything except the elephant and bird are paper pieced.  I colored the elephant and bird using my copic markers, cut them out, and then adhered them to my paper pieced scene.

As you are waltzing today, make sure you leave a little comment love along the way!  A random commenter will be drawn from one of the DT blogs and will receive a stamp set of choice!  Woohooo!!!  You have until May 11th at 6:59 AM Eastern to leave your comments.  The winner will be announced on Claire's blog on May 12th!

Next up on the Waltz is the super talented Anya!  I'm sure she has something very fun and clever to share!

Thanks so much for joining me here today!  Hugs, Laurie

 

Waltzingmouse May Release Previews Day 3...

Good morning!  Welcome to Day 3 of the Waltzingmouse May Release Previews!  Today is the last day of Previews...and tomorrow is the day that all three sets will be available!!

Today the Design Team is sharing projects made with the Compact Sentiments Part 2 set!  I really loved the first Compact Sentiments...and I can tell you this one is just as fabulous!! 

For my first card, I paired the miss you stamp (from the Compact Sentiments Part 2 set) with the Paris Nouveau set.  Both the Eiffel Tower and the sentiment are embossed with a silvery pearl embossing powder.  I wanted a soft and pastel card, but still keep a modern look to it. 

I went with a completely different look for my second card!  I got my Distress Inks out and dirtied up every edge I could find!  LOL!  I let the sentiment take center stage and complimented it using patterned paper and embellishments.

In this close up photo, you can see the chunky glitter I added around the edge of the label.  So fun!  :-)

Ready for more inspiration?  Here's a list of the other ladies sharing projects today...

Anya Schrier
Beeca Feeken
Belinda Chang Langner
Clare Buswel
l Julia Aston
Jennifer Holmes
Kelly Schirmer
Laurie Schmidlin
Lynn Mercurio
Mona Pendleton
Sandie Dunne
Claire Brennan - Owner
Tosha Leyendekker

I'm so glad you joined me here today!  See you back here tomorrow for the New Release Waltz (hop)!!  ~Laurie