Just Give Me Stamps...

Celebrate Life...

Well, it's here!  The Fifth of the month has arrived...and that means that there are new sets available at the Taylored Expressions store!  :-) 

This morning I have a card to share with you that I made with the new Celebrate Life set.  I have to tell you, that this is one GORGEOUS set!!  Sooo pretty, and so full of possibilities!

The first image to catch my eye was this swirly leaf stamp!  It immediately reminded me of some patterned paper that I used to have...and adored!  I knew right away that I wanted to use it to create my own "patterned paper".

I decided that a pocket card would be the best way to show off my new "patterned paper"!  LOL!  After embossing the swirly leaf image onto some solid patterned paper, I stitched it onto a card so that it made a pocket.  I added some pom-pom trim and then inserted a stamped bookmark.

The flower image is stamped onto Choice Buttercream c.s. using Bamboo Leaves Memento ink.  The sentiment (also from the Celebrate Life set) is embossed at an angle..to mimic the slanted pocket angle.

To finish the card off, I added just a bit of Diamond Stickles to the ends of the flower, a decorative brad and some ribbon, and a punched border.

You will definitely want to see what the other Baker's Dozen girls have created!  You can check them out here:  Charmaine, Dawn, Denise, Donna, Jackie, Jami, Jodi, Karen G., Karen M., Laura, Sankari, Sharon, & of course Taylor!

I hope you have a wonderful day!!  ~Laurie
 

 
 

Sweet Indulgence Sneak Peek...

Hi!  I'm back with another peek (or two) of a brand new Taylored Expressions set called Sweet Indulgence!

How cute is that cuppie!!?!  I can't help but smile every time I see this image...I just love it!  I thought a cute little circle card would be fun with this relaxed little cuppie!  I used the patterned paper (My Mind's Eye) and flowers from the Spa Key Ingredients.

Here's a little close-up so you can see the Crackle Glaze (Ranger) I put on the tub, the Silver Smooch I used on the tub's feet, and the little bit of Stickles I added to the bubbles!  

Here's another card I made...same set (Sweet Indulgence) and same Spa Key Ingredients (My Mind's Eye patterned paper, Ribbon, Flowers, & Prism cardstock), but a completely different feel!  :-)  This set, along with the Spa Key Ingredients kit will be available tomorrow morning (Thursday September 5th) at 9 a.m Pacific Time!

Make sure to check out what the other Baker's Dozen ladies have created:  Charmaine, Dawn, Denise, Donna, Jackie, Jodi, Karen G., Karen M., Laura, Sankari, Sharon, & of course Taylor!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  ~Laurie

 
 
  

Luxurious Labels Sneak Peek...

Today is the first day of the Taylored Expressions Sneak Peeks!  The set that is being "peeked" today is called Luxurious Labels - a truly unique set designed specifically to create beautifully handmade gifts!!  I don't know about you, but the majority of the gifts that our family is giving this Christmas will be homemade, so I was especially excited to see this set!

I went with the original use for the bottles this month...bath soaps!  I found some soft blush colored bubble bath and body wash and created a soft and very feminine ensemble.

Blush Blossom and Ivory were used to create this pastel monochromatic look. 

I just LOVE these silhouette flowers!!  After I stamped them in Blush Blossom, I embossed the soap name using Ivory e.p. 

I wanted to create a "seal" of sorts.  To do this, I used the Faux Metal Technique and one of the coordinating flower images from the Luxurious Labels set.  So that the flower would pop just a bit more (and to add a little more color), I rubbed some pink Liquid Pearls into the flower image.

 

These adorable bottles and the Luxurious Labels set will be available  Thursday, November 5th at 9 a.m. Pacific Time! 

Taylor has put together a wonderful bundle with everything you will need to make beautiful handmade gifts and cards!  You can read more about the bundle (and see pictures) over at Taylor's blog!

As always, there is more Sneak Peek goodness to be seen!  Check out what these awesome ladies made:  Charmaine, Dawn, Denise, Donna, Jackie, Jodi, Karen G., Karen M., Laura, Sankari, Sharon, & of course Taylor!

Thanks for stopping by!  I'll be back tomorrow with another peek!  :-)  ~Laurie

 
 
 

October Key Ingredients Subscription...

Good morning!  Today, part of the Baker's Dozen DT is sharing projects made with October's Key Ingredients Subscription kit!

I am a huge Cosmo Cricket fan, so I was tickled to see that this month's kit includes Cosmo's Earth Love patterned paper!  Woohoo!!  As always, Taylor has included matching Prism cardstock, embellishments (this month it is some waaaaay fun bird chipboard pieces (Maya Road), and ribbon.  Well, this month Taylor also included some Avocado Metallic Maya Mist! 

My first project is a little card I made (I signed up to make a 3-D project, but I couldn't help myself - I had to make a card as well :-) measuring 4" x 4".  The little bird was first painted with Ivory acrylic paint then spritzed with Maya Mist Avocado Metallic spray!  Everything (with the exception of the little rhinestone) is from this month's KI subscription kit.

When I first saw these adorable chipboard pieces, I thought they would make wonderful magnets!  I started by painting the bird and birdcage with Ivory acrylic paint.  I then covered the main part of the bird with some of the included patterned paper as well as adhering a cut out piece on the back (I chose a pattern that reminded me of the sky and clouds).  A little ribbon (also from the kit) and y magnet was done (I adhered magnet strips to the back)!  This was SO easy and so fun to make!  I love these chipboard pieces!!  :-)

If you are not familiar with Taylor's Key Ingredients subscription kits, then you can check out Taylor's blog for all of the details!!  Basically, she includes a TON of all coordinating papers/ribbons/embellishments and it arrives on your doorstep every month!  :-)  Also, don't forget about the new monthly charge option!  You can still sign up for a 3 month or 6 month subscription (best value) but will be charged monthly instead of paying all up front! 

There is more KI subscription inspiration for you to see!!  Check out what Dawn, Denise, Jackie, Karen M. Sankari, & Taylor have created!

Thanks for stopping by!  ~Laurie

 
Stamps:  Branching Out (Whimsical Wishes)
Paper:  Earth Love patterned paper (Cosmo Cricket), Prism c.s., Choice Buttercream c.s.
Ink:  Groovy Guava (SU!)
Accessories:  Ivory acrylic paint, Maya Mist Avocado metallic mist, Button, Rhinestone, Ribbon, Maya Road chipboard pieces, Paper piercer
 
 

Halloween Sweet Treats...

Happy Sunday!  I've got another quick and easy Halloween gift to share with you!  With our family as sick as we've been, my big idea of making homemade Halloween goodies has officially been abandoned!  My oldest two have missed almost two weeks of school (along with half of the Montana population apparently) so anything we make will have to be super fast as we all have a ton of catching up to do!  :-) 

  
 
  
I used the spider web and a couple of sentiments from the Spooky Expressions set (Taylored Expressions) to create this speedy gift set!

When I say "fast"...I really mean it!!  All I did was emboss the spider web directly onto some Making Memories glitter stripe paper.  I then added a tag, some ribbon, & a spider brad!

 For the matching bag, I stamped the spider web directly onto the bag using Black Stazon ink.  I topped it off with some ribbon, a tag, & another spider brad!  The black on black embossing really does show up better in real life...not sure why I couldn't get a good picture. 

Well, that's all I've got today!  :-)  Check back in tomorrow, because I've got lots of new stuff to share!  :-)

~Laurie

 
Stamps:  Spooky Expressions (Taylored Expressions)
Paper:  True Black (PTI), Making Memories Glittery Striped paper
Ink:  Stazon Black, Versamark
Accessories:  Black Detail e.p., Spellbinder's Tag Trio die, True Black Twill ribbon (PTI), True Black grosgrain ribbon (PTI), Spider brads, Mini pinking decorative scissors
  

Almost Clean & Simple...

I'm back with another Christmas card to share with you!  So...as a little disclaimer of sorts...I'm not the "clean and simple" kind of girl.  I mean, I LOVE the look but I just can't seem to make it happen.  I always add a little of this and a little of that and before I know it, it's not clean and simple any more!  LOL!  So, with that in mind...here's my version of clean and simple!  :-)

To my credit, I did keep my layers to a minimum, right?!? 

I stamped the swirly string (from the new Wings of Joy set by Taylored Expressions) onto Choice Snow White cardstock.  I then stamped the ornament five times so that it looked like they were all hanging from the string!    After coloring the ornaments with my Copics, I added some Crystal Effects to make them appear shiny!  I also added a bit of Silver Smooch to the ornament tops. 

The embossed background is done with a new Quickutz embossing folder I recently received (Diamond & Dots).  To finish it off, I added some red & white polka dot ribbon and a button.  Oh, I wanted the illusion of the focal layer being matted, but was trying my darndest to stay with the clean and simple theme, so I rubbed the edges with some silver ink. 

Well, that's all from me today, but I'll be back tomorrow with something new for you to see!  :-)   ~Laurie

 
Stamps:  Wings of Joy (Taylored Expressions)
Paper:  Choice Snow White cardstock
Ink:  Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, Silver Brilliance ink
Accessories:  Copics, Nestabilities, Red & white polka dot ribbon, Silver Fox smooch, Button, String, Quickutz Diamonds & Dots embossing folder, Copic air gun, Crystal Effects, Stickles, Scor-Pal

A Joyful Christmas Planner...

It's my turn to share a project on the Stamp a Sweet Impression blog today!  I've posted a fun and easy little Christmas Planner book - perfect for keeping all of your Holiday lists in one place!

   

If you get a chance, let me know what you think!  :-)   ~Laurie

A Totally Creepy (and a Bit Scrappy) Halloween Card...

Do you ever have those days where everything comes together so nicely...and quickly?  I LOVE it when that happens!!  Too bad it doesn't happen more often!  LOL!  Well, it was like that when I made this card!  Literally, it just came together in minutes!  

 
Admittedly, I did get carried away with the sewing.  I'm not sure how that happened...I just started stitching and before I knew it the whole card was covered with it!  LOL!! 

I used the spider web, bat, & sentiment (totally creepy) from the Spooky Expressions set (Taylored Expressions).  The paper is some leftover scrap I had in my stash (sorry, I don't remember who made it).  All of the images are embossed using Versamark and Black detail embossing powder.

Well, that's all from me today!  I hope your day is a wonderful one!  ~Laurie

 
Stamps:  Spooky Expressions(Taylored Expressions)
Paper:  Choice Buttercream c.s.(Taylored Expressions), True Black (PTI), Polka Dot patterned paper
Ink:  Versamark, Orange Zest (PTI), Basic Gray (SU!)
Accessories:  Black Detail e.p., Circle Nestabilities, Moder Label punch (SU!), Orange grosgrain ribbon, Star pin (Making Memories), True Black buttons (PTI), Sewing Machine, Rhinestones(Kaiser Kraft), Halloween Bingo Cards (Jenni Bowlin)

The Magic of Christmas...

Not only is today World Card Making Day, but it is also release day for Taylored Expressions!  Three brand new sets, a new Key Ingredients Kit, and a coordinating bundle!

You've seen peeks for Christmas Blessings and Wings of Joy...and today the Baker's Dozen DT is sharing projects made with the new Holiday Wonder set (the latest in the Stamp a Sweet Impression line)!

There are so many fun images in this set (including a super cute mini cuppie), but I had envisioned this card from the moment I saw this set!  I paper pieced the tree (using some Cosmo Cricket Jolly By Golly patterned paper from the Christmas Key Ingredients kit).  I created some "snowy" hills by stitching on some strips of Choice Buttercream cardstock to a Kraft c.s. base (with snowflakes stamped in Versamark).  I stamped the sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento ink and then added some piercing around the edge of my main layer.  The simplicity of this card was just so appealing to me, so I didn't want to add to many embellishments (GASP!!!  Can you believe it??!!)!  LOL!  I decided on a couple of coordinating buttons (included in the Christmas Bundle) and a bit of Ivory Flower Soft on the trees.

To celebrate the World Card Making Day holiday Taylor is offering:
 

• a FREE download of a digi stamp for the back of your cards!!  You can read all about it (and download them) over at Taylor's blog!
• for today only, a FREE card kit (to create this card) will be included with all purchases at the Taylored Expressions store!
• WCMD challenge (and PRIZE :-) over at the Stamp a Sweet Impression Blog (hurry, because the deadline is Sunday night)!

If that wasn't enough fun...Taylor is also having a sale on the two original Holiday release stamp sets (from October of 2008)!  Both Home Sweet Home & Season's Sweetings are 25% off now through October 5th!  Here are a couple of cards that I created last year with these sets...

 
  

 To see more projects featuring the new Holiday Wonder set, check out what Charmaine, Dawn, Denise, Donna, Jackie , Jami, Jodi, Karen G., Karen M., Laura, Sankari, Sharon, & Taylor have created!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope to be back later with some more creations that I've created for some of the fantastic World Card Making Day challenges going on!!  :-)  ~Laurie

 
Stamps:  Holiday Wonder (Taylored Expressions)
Paper:  Kraft c.s. (PTI), Choice Buttercream (Taylored Expressions), Jolly By Golly patterned paper (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink:  Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, Versamark
Accessories:  Buttons, String, Sewing Machine, Ivory Flower Soft

On Wings of Joy...

I'm back with my card for Taylored Expressions's second day of sneak peeks!  This is my second post for today, so make sure to scroll down (or click HERE) to see my first post!  Today, we're peeking the new set (available Saturday October 3rd at 9 am PST) called Wings of Joy! 

 

How cute are these birds!?!?!  I love them!  Just to mix things up a bit, I made my card 4" wide by 5" tall (still fits in a regular envie for mailing).  All of the materials I used for this card (except for the Kraft c.s. - which is from my own stash and the buttons - which are from the Christmas Bundle) are from the Christmas Key Ingredients kit!   It is SUCH a fun kit this month (oh wait, I say that every month...LOL!)!  The patterned paper (Cosmo Cricket's Jolly By Golly), Choice Buttercream c.s., ribbon, chipboard snowflakes, & the Rocket Red Sparkly Fluff (I used it on the heart)...they are all from the Christmas Key Ingredients kit!  Fun, fun, fun!

I created the decorative top and bottom of the main focal layer by inserting just a portion of my piece of cardstock into one of my Nestie Label 4 dies.

To see more On Wings of Joy creations (trust me, you will want to see them...this set is SO cute), check out what Charmaine, Dawn, Denise, Donna, Jackie , Jami, Jodi, Karen G., Karen M., Laura, Sankari, Sharon, & Taylor have come up with!

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you have a wonderful day!  ~Laurie

 
Stamps:  Wings of Joy (Taylored Expressions)
Paper:  Choice Buttercream c.s., Kraft c.s., Cosmo Cricket patterned paper (Jolly By Golly)
Ink:  Tuxedo Black Memento Ink
Accessories:  Labels 4 Nesties (to create the top and bottom decorative images on my focal image layer), Fiskars border punch, Sewing Machine, Chipboard snowflake, Buttons, Ribbon, Rocket Red Sparkly Fluff, Diamond Glaze, Copics