Just Give Me Stamps...

Fishers of Men...

 Happy Sunday!!  We don't have any big plans today...as DH is still healing up...but we will try and sneak out for a picnic or something (somewhere close).  Our weather has finally started to warm up, so we are all anxious to get out and enjoy it!  :-)  I've shared so many pictures of snow...that I thought I would share a picture that we took this afternoon (see the bottom of this post).

Today is the release date of two brand new sets form Our Daily Bread Designs(Sing to the Lord & Fishers of Men)!  For my card, I also used some of the cardstock that Kelley (owner of Our Daily Bread) sent the Design Team for June's Color Challenge.

I had such a hard time getting a decent picture of this card!  I apologize for the poor quality, but after retaking the picture a half dozen times I decided that this would have to do.  :-)

Have a blessed day!

Recipe   Stamps: Fishers of Men (Our Daily Bread), Sanded   Paper:Papertrey White, Suede Light Brown, Suede Dark Brown, Mystic Dark (Prism Papers)   Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, Chocolate Chip craft ink, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa   Other:Clear e.p., Photo Corner punch, Copic markers, May Arts net ribbon, Linen Thread, Decorative brad, Paper piercer

Hope...

Happy Tuesday!  I'm going to make this post kind of short because I'm taking my DH to a Dr. appointment this morning.  He's doing better...but still in quite a bit of pain.  I tell ya, this riding young horses stuff is not for the faint of heart!  LOL!

I wanted to show you a peek of one of the stamp sets that Our Daily Bread is releasing this Sunday.  Along with this gorgeous bird and beautiful flower images, the set also contains several verses!

Here is a close-up of the flowers.  I cut several out and popped them up for added dimension.  :-)

I hope you all have a wonderful day!!   ~Laurie

Recipe   Stamps: Sing to the Lord (Our Daily Bread)  Paper: Shimmery White c.s., My Mind's Eye Tres Jolie Mon Cherie Springtime Floral/Brun Papier   Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, Sahara Sand, Creamy Caramel   Other: Nestabilities, White taffeta ribbon, Copic markers, Diamond Stickles, Metal charm, Sewing Machine

Taste and See...

Happy Saturday!  I hope you all are enjoying your holiday weekend!  It's so quiet around here (a very strange thing indeed!!), so I got a little extra stamping time in today!  Yay!

I made this card for a Color Challenge that Kelley (owner of Our Daily Bread Designs) issued to her Design Team.  She sent us some samples of the new Prism Cardstock that she is now carrying in her store.  I had actually never used Prism c.s....but I really, really like it!  It's sturdy, has a smooth side and a fun textured side, & the color saturation is wonderful!

I stamped the fruit basket (from Fruit of the Spiritset) onto Shimmery White c.s. with Adirondack Pitch Black ink.  After coloring the image in with my Copic markers and highlighting it with my Spica Glitter pens, I masked it and stamped my En Francais (Stampin' up!) background stamp (inked up lightly with Creamy caramel ink) over the top it.  The background is embossed with the Textile Cuttlebug embossing folder.

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you enjoy the rest of your day!

Recipe   Stamps:Fruit of the Spirit (Our Daily Bread Designs),  En Francais   Paper:Shimmery White c.s., Very Vanilla, Prism c.s. (Herbal Garden Dark & Medium, Sunflower Light)   Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, Always Artichoke, Creamy Caramel   Other: Copic markers, Nestabilities, Dew Drops, Textile Cuttlebug embossing folder, Ribbon, Spica Glitter pens

Path of Life

Happy Thursday!  You are not going to believe this...(well, maybe you will believe it..as I've mentioned before all of the crazy weather we've been having)...but it has been snowing non-stop since about 3:00 this morning!!  SNOW!!  Again!!  I have to say, though, that this is probably the first time in a while that I'm actually glad I'm not a gardener!  I say that because all of the flowers that I didn't plant...did not get frozen!  LOL!!

Even though I seriously lack in gardening skills...I am so drawn to beautiful flower and garden stamps!  And the new "Path of Life" set by Our Daily Bread is no exception...I LOVE it!!

I stamped the garden scene onto Shimmery White c.s. with Adirondack Pitch Black ink and then colored it in with my Copic markers.  I added some Stardust Stickles to the flowers (see close-up) below.  I then decorated the inside of the card with a verse and some more patterned paper (see second photo below).

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Recipe   Stamps: Path of Life (Our Daily Bread Designs), Fancy Flexible Phrases   Paper: Soft Sky, Almost Amethyst, Soft Sky & Almost Amethyst Palette of Prints patterned paper, Shimmery White  Ink: Adirondack Pith Black, Almost Amethyst craft ink   Other:Clear e.p., Tag punch (Martha Stewart), Butterfly brad, Stardust Stickles, Rhinestones, Corner rounder punch

Vintage Fruit Basket...

Happy  Thursday!  Today is soooo much warmer than it has been...and the only snow to be seen is on the highest mountain peaks...YAY!!  I think we've all had a bad case of "Cabin Fever", and can't get enough of the warm sunshine!  After my little guy wakes up from his nap, we are all headed out for a short hike!  Woohoo!

Today, Our Daily Bread released two brand new sets....and they are absolutely gorgeous!  Before I show you my sample though, I need to add a little "disclaimer"...LOL!  Coloring has never been one of my talents.  However, if wishing for more coloring skills worked, then I'd be a master!  LOL!  So...when these new sets arrived, I decided right then that I was going to do my best to learn all I can about different coloring techniques...and practice, practice, practice!  I want to do these amazing sets justice.  I have discovered one thing, though.  That a beautiful piece of patterned paper can help make up for what I lack in coloring skills!  LOL!

I stamped the fruit basket (from the Fruit of the Spirit set) onto Shimmery White c.s. and colored it in with Copic markers.  The patterned paper that I had picked out (by K & Co.) is somewhat soft and muted.  To create the same effect on my colored image, I brushed my Brick White copic marker over all of it...muting the colors just a little.

I added a tag (cut and embossed with the small tag from Spellbinder's Tag Trio set) which I tied with some Linen Thread.  I didn't want to add too many embellishments, but thought it needed a little something...so I chose to add a few Dew Drops in the same color as my paper.

Here's a close up picture so you can see the subtle sparkle I added with my Sakura Stardust pen.  I really like the Stardust pen because after I apply it to my image...and if I work quickly, I can blend it with my finger.  I also highlighted the grapes with a white gel pen.

Here is a picture of the inside.  This is one of my favorite verses...and chose to frame it with more patterned paper.

Thanks so much for stopping by!!  I hope you enjoy your day!

Recipe   Stamps: The Fruit of the Spirit (Our Daily Bread Designs), All Holidays   Paper: Shimmery White, Soft Sky, Vellum c.s., Patterned paper (K & Co.)   Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, Creamy Caramel (craft and classic)   Other: Clear e.p., Dew Drops, Lace trim (thanks Tosh!), Linen Thread, Spellbinders Tag Trio, Copic markers, Sakura Stardust pen, Nestabilities

New Our Daily Bread Stamp Sets Released Today...

Happy Tuesday!  We've been busy here...as the weather was starting to warm up a little.  I say "was" because it's actually snowing again today!  LOL!  We also just got our taxes filed today!!  Talk about "in the nick of time"!  Our accountant is our favorite person today...as he just told us we will be getting a refund!  Woohoo!  You know...I think I just heard my DH saying that he'd like me to buy some of those Mega Nestabilities sets....heheheee...a girl can dream, right?  :-)

  Our Daily Bread Designs released two new stamp sets today!   This first sample I've made (click on it to see it larger) uses a verse from the new On Eagles Wings set.  Although I absolutely love the wonderful eagle image...it was this verse that really jumped out at me when I first received this set!  As well as being one of our family's most favorite verses, the font is soo beautiful!  I felt like it should be framed or something...so that's what I did!  LOL! 

I embossed the verse onto Vellum c.s. with Chocolate Chip craft ink and clear embossing powder.  I used my Oval Nestabilities to create the various layers.  I added some sponging (with Antique Linen Distress ink and Basic Brown Classic ink) and some ribbon.  Just so you can picture the true size, the frame holds a 4 x 6 photo...not too large...but not too small, either!

Here's a close up picture of just the verse.  Yes, that is patterned paper under the vellum...actually the same patterned paper as the background.  What I did is...took my oval die and placed it on my piece of patterned paper where I was going to position my finished oval layer.  I then ran it though my Cuttlebug machine.  I used the oval that I cut out underneath my vellum...that is why the pattern on the oval matches perfectly to the background pattern.  To cover the hole, I just added a larger scalloped oval.

This card uses the new First Holy Communion set.  I stamped the image onto Shimmery White c.s. using Espresso Adirondack ink and then colored it in using my Copic markers (see below for the colors I used). 

The patterned paper is part of the new Basic Grey Boxer collection.  I added some brown velvet ribbon and a square decorative brad.

In this picture, you can see the Crystal Effects that I added to the cup.

I've had a few requests that I list the Copic colors I use on my projects.  Honestly, I haven't included that information because I didn't think anyone really was interested! LOL!  So...I will try and remember to take a picture of the colors that I use (I know...a total copy of what Debbie Olson does...but she's so awesome..can you blame me?  :-)

I hope you all have a wonderful day! 

Stamps: On Eagles Wings   Paper: My Mind's Eye (Bohemia Collection), Vellum c.s., Chocolate Chip   Ink: Chocolate Chip craft ink, Basic Brown, Antique Linen Distress Ink   Other: Frame, Clear e.p., Ribbon, Oval Nestabilities

Recipe For Card   Stamps: First Holy Communion   Paper: Shimmery White c.s., Chocolate Chip, Basic Grey (Boxer Collection)   Ink: Adirondack Espresso, Antique Linen Distress ink, Chocolate Chip   Other: Copic markers, Crystal Effects, Brown velvet ribbon, Square decorative brad, Rectangle Nestabilities

How About Some Free Stamps!!

Free stamps...it doesn't get much better than that, right?  :-)  More about that in a minute.  First, I wanted to share with you a quick little Mini card Gift set that I made! 

I made two each of the three different 4 x 4 notecards.  I wanted them simple enough in design to be easily mass produced.

I then created a little box to hold both the cards and envelopes.

To make the box, I just modified the "2-5-7-10 box".  (Click on the link for detailed instructions...and my measurements are listed next).  I wanted the box to fit my 4 x 4 notecards.  I started with a 6" x 12" piece of double sided patterned paper (all patterned paper is from K & Co).  I scored at the following intervals:  1 1/2", 5 3/4", 7 1/4", & 11 1/4".  I then turned my c.s. vertically and scored at 1 1/2".  The rest of the box is assembled the same way as the instructions on SCS (again...click on the link above).

I used a different verse (all are from the Light of the World set from Our Daily Bread Designs) on each of the cards below.

For the mini notecards, I used a 4" square textured Very Vanilla c.s. base.  On the blue cards, I added a couple of Dew Drops.

I added ribbon and some piercings to the Rose colored cards.

On the Moss green cards, I added some Vanilla taffeta ribbon (it looks white in the picture...but it is Ivory), a rounded corner, and a small rhinestone.

All of the cards have some subtle shading around all the edges.  **Note - I've received a lot of emails asking how I sponge my cards.  I will share some tips with you in the next couple of days!

Now...on to the FREE STAMPS!!!  :-)  Kelley (owner of Our Daily Bread Designs) has graciously donated one Light of the World stamp set for me to give away!!  Wooohoo!

There are five stamps included in this set.  To be entered into this drawing, just leave a comment on this post! 

**Optional:  you can also tell me, in your comment, what you do to get out of stamping "ruts".  I'm sure we all have experienced this (I know I have...OFTEN) and I would love to read your ideas!!

I will pick the winner (using Random.org) on Wednesday morning!  Please...only one comment per person.

Thanks so much for stopping by!!!  I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!  ~Laurie

Recipe   Stamps: Light of the World (Our Daily Bread Designs)   Paper: Very Vanilla textured c.s., K & Co. patterned paper   Ink: Buckaroo Blue, Blush Blossom & Rose Red (I mixed them to achieve the right color), Mellow Moss, Versamark, Antique Linen Distress Ink   Other: Clear e.p., Vanilla 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Vanilla taffeta ribbon, Ivory narrow grosgrain ribbon, Dew Drops, Rhinestone, Paper piercer, Corner Rounder punch

Light of the World...

Happy Monday!  I almost didn't add the exclamation point to that last sentence...but figured it might be a bit sarcastic sounding if I didn't.  For me...the happiest part of today is that it is almost over!  LOL!!  I started getting sick Friday night...and now it is a full blown Bronchial yuckness.  My DH has been wonderful though...taking care of the munchkins while I rest in bed.  I couldn't stand not doing anything anymore so I got up, cleaned up a bit...and headed to my stamp room for a little "stamping therapy"!   Something else I wanted to mention quickly...I *loved* reading your stories about your own experiences with an escape-artist child!  :-)  As quiet and "stealth" like as he is...he is not very stubborn and is responding well to my DH's and my correction.  Because of his "need" to go, go, go...a little time out and he is more than ready to comply to the rules!!  LOL!!  I SO wish our other children were like that!  LOL!

Isn't this lighthouse just gorgeous!!??!!!!  There is a brand new stamp company called Our Daily Bread Designs...and they are celebrating their Grand Opening today!!  What really impressed me about this company (aside from the stunning artwork) is that a portion of all the proceeds will be donated to various Hunger Centers!  Stamping and helping others...it doesn't get much better than that!!  :-)  You can read more about Our Daily Bread Designs at Kelley's blog (she's the owner) - The Stamping Studio.

For my card, I started by stamping the lighthouse image onto watercolor paper with Palette Burnt Umber ink and then using my Classic pads and a watercolor brush to color the image in.  I then used my circle Nestabilities to cut out a circle frame from some My Mind's Eye patterned paper.  I added some ribbon, a Prima flower, & a decorative brad for some embellishing.

Here's a peek at the inside.  I used the circles that were left over from the front to highlight this verse.  I also wanted to tie in the yellow from the front of the card inside...so I added the same color of Prima but just smaller in size.

I'm not sure exactly when I'll be posting again as my camera has totally died.  I am so grateful for my friend that has lent me her camera this past weekend (to finish taking pictures for the DD gallery (that opened on the 15th).  Alas...I must return it to her!  :-)  I DO have a new coming soon!  Woohoo!  It's "supposed" to be delivered tomorrow...but living way out in the sticks has taught me NOT to get my hopes up for deliveries being on time.  Hopefully it will be here more toward the middle rather than the end of this week. :-)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  ~Laurie

Recipe   Stamps: Light of the World (Our Daily Bread Designs)   Paper: Watercolor, Chocolate Chip, My Mind's Eye Patterned paper  Ink: Palette Burnt Umber, Various Classic pads for watercoloring   Other: Circle Nestabilities, Chocolate Chip 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Prima flowers, Decorative brad, Small brad