FBW #194 - For The Kids

This week at Flutter By Wednesday we are doing a special card drive for Send A Smile 4 Kids. That means that we want to see those cards for KIDS! Remember you must include a butterfly, fairy or angel on it to be a part of the FBW Challenge. To see all the details about Send A Smile 4 Kids and their requirements, check the FBW blog.

I seem to always do girly stuff so I really wanted to use my boy stamps. I looked through my stamp book and came across this set, Rolling By. It was fun pulling blues, greens and oranges instead of pinks and purples.

I had this "plan" and was so freakin' stoked to do the card and then realized I needed a fairy, butterfly or angel. Well that's easy for me on a girly card...not so much on a boy card. I decided to add little butterflies since the boy would be zooming by and they'd be fluttering out of the way, lol.

Last week I welcomed Peggy back...but really it should have been done this week. So welcome (again) Peggy!! Glad you're back on the team!

I hope you'll decide to join us at make some child happy. There are so many out there that could use a smile! Just head over to the FBW blog for all the details! Thanks for stopping by!

Meet Lucy

Friends meet Lucy - isn't she adorable? She used to be available as a rubber stamp through The Angel Company but now you can get her through Whimsy and Stars Studio as a digital stamp! Yippee!!

I had to use my favorite Valentine's Day color combo again - pink, red and purple! She's perfect to let those friends know they are in your heart.
I used The Sweet Stop Sketch (SSS144) for my layout along with some doodlebug papers. I really like how it turned out. Whatcha think?

You can find Lucy and many other cute digital images over at the Etsy store. PLUS Mabelle just released some "new" digital images as well. Head on over to see all of them!

Thanks for stopping by!

FBW #168 & Some Sad News

First up is Flutter By Wednesday - today is an OPEN challenge which means ANYTHING goes as long as you create a NEW creation using a Butterfly, Fairy or Angel. I want to thank Victoria Case as she designed this wonderful digi and gave it to the DT to use...isn't it beautiful?! So So pretty! LOVED coloring it in. Unfortunately, that's all I got done...

Over the weekend I took some time and colored 4 different images for upcoming DT assignments, finished a swap and worked on a TAC Dream Team project. Well that's all I got done as I learned that The Angel Company was hanging up their wings...WHAT? you say! Yep, after 14 years we now have to say goodbye to TAC. To say that I'm doing good is a lie. I'm in totally shock and am unsure what and where to go from here. For the last 5+ years, TAC has been a HUGE part of my life. This last year I was accepted to the Dream Team and was doing more TAC business then ever! I've developed wonderful friendships through other Angels and customers. I am so sad to see it end but I know that this was not an easy decision for Mischelle. My heart goes out to her and her family as they go through this transition.

For me, well it's VERY hard to create...when I step into my room it's full of all things TAC. I'm sad and am taking time to work through the shock and grief. I don't know that joining another company is for me...I have lots to work through and after many headaches I've decided to just let things be for right now. No thinking about the future and what's next. I hope my customers will give me some time and realize that I can't rush into anything as I want to make the RIGHT decision for me.

I do hope to finish up the images that I colored into cards and to post those but as I said before it's so hard...I know there is so much going on in the world and this may seem so small to you but it's such a BIG part of my world...please pray for me. Help me decide what to do and to find the energy and creativeness to go on...my mojo has truly suffered!

Blessed By Your Friendship

Happy Wednesday to you! Today is a special day as school starts back up today! I can't believe the summer is over...man, it went fast! Abby's excited to start back so here's hoping that this year goes a little smoother than last.

Time for another Flutter By Wednesday! This week our challenge is to create a NEW creation using a butterfly, fairy or angel and include punches or die cuts! Easy enough, right?

For my card I used the cute digi by Wee Stamps called Suzi with Bunny. The fabulous sketch comes from The Sweet Stop this week. It was PERFECT for what I visioned I wanted to do. The butterfly is from my Martha Stewart punch. I backed it with the yellow paper and trimmed. Then I covered it with my Smooch Pearlized Top Coat. It has a nice shimmer to it! The sentiment is from a new set called Grace & Peace from The Angel Company.

So whatcha think? I hope you join us this week at Flutter By Wednesday - just head on over to the blog for all the details! Thanks for stopping by!

Tune in Tuesday on the Savvy Projects Blog

Today I'm the designer over on the Savvy Projects Blog. Go check out the meaning behind this card as well as the tutorial to make it!

Another FABULOUS Blog Hop featuring FABRIC

Today over on the Savvy Projects Blog we are doing a technique blog hop - Stamping on Fabric

I have to admit this is something I've always looked at doing but have not actually tried. I know you can stamp on T-Shirts and such but I didn't work up the nerve to try that yet. I will though especially since I already bought the supplies, lol!

I went to the Fabric store and started looking around...I finally decided on some burlap and muslin swatches and headed home. All I could think was "fall" - you know hay rack rides, pumpkins, changing leaves. So I set off to create something with that in mind.

I stamped THANKING GOD a Level B Hostess set onto the muslin with my Memento Ink. I read online that you should heat set it but I'm thinking that is if you are going to wash it. I just let it set for a few and then I colored the image with my Copics. Go slow and don't go all the way to the outline of the stamp (yes, I'm speaking from experience here)...TRUST ME. Once I finished coloring I let it set for awhile and then applied some chalk all around it.

Card Details:

Stamps: Script Background, Background Soup and Thanking God all from The Angel Company

Papers: Miss Moxie Cardstock Collection and Kraft

Others: Muslin and Burlap fabric, Copics, Chalks, Button, Burnt Umber Palette Ink and Memento Tuxedo Black Ink

I'm pleased with the results but definitely want to play more! I'm hoping to find time this weekend! I hope you will join us - just look at all the fabulous creations so far!

August Card Kit is Available NOW!!

The August Card Kit is available for ordering! You get TONS of awesome product, pictures and instructions. Have you wanted to try your hand at the ruffle ribbon technique? How about making your own felt flower? Well you will with this kit! I provide everything you need to complete these cards and more! Just look at all the things you get!

What a great deal! Contact me today to get yours!!

Flutter By Wednesday #165 - Sketch Time!!

Today for Flutter By Wednesday we are getting sketchy! Danni has created a wonderful sketch for us to use - don't forget your butterfly, fairy or angel!

There are so many possibilities with this sketch so have fun! I rotated the sketch for my card.

I'm using a new set called SEW LOVELY by Nina Bracket available through The Angel Company. It's also a sneak peek at my August Card Kit. I'll show the rest of the cards this week. I paired the sweet stamps from Sew Lovely with Juliette SWIC - love the vintage feel it has. I was going to add butterflies around the image (where the dots are on the sketch) but it seemed a little too much. So I decided to add a butterfly with the sentiment and then accent the image with a few dew drops.

I'd love to see what you do with Danni's sketch! Join us over at the FBW blog and play along! Thanks for stopping by today!

Christmas In July Blog Hop!!

Good Evening! I joined in a Paper Wings blog hop for July and our theme is CHRISTMAS!! Paper Wings is a place for Angels to gather and there is a fabulous online gallery showing creations using The Angel Company stamp sets.

Of all the Christmas stamps I have I decided I wanted to try something a little different. I seem to always purchase stamps and if I can find other ways to use it then it's a bonus. I grabbed my favorite set HAPPILY GRATEFUL and decided to try and see what I could do.

I love the vine in the set and thought if I paired it with red rhinestones it would give a great Christmas look. I embossed it for extra oomph. Polka Dots are very popular right now so I made my red panel embossed polka dots too.

The mixture of fonts in the sentiment is the perfect addition to the overall card. So whatcha think? I hope I've inspired you to grab those favorite stamp sets and try something new.

Be sure to visit all the other participants for more awesome ideas!

Rita W - http://handmadebits4u.blogspot.com

Michelle M - ME
Seleise - http://www.amethystcat.blogspot.com/
Laura - http://www.thecraftysister.com/
Wendy - http://wendyswhimsyandwit.blogspot.com/
Laurie U - http://laurieunger.blogspot.com
Chelsea C - www.inkystamps.blogspot.com
Shirley H - http://glitteredpaws.blogspot.com
Kim S - http://angelatmydoor.blogspot.com/
Mary - http://marysangelinspirations.blogspot.com/
Angela K - www.angelakelley.blogspot.com
Carol N - http://stampincarol.blogspot.com/
Betty - http://www.stampinteacher.com
Rita K - http://ritasangels.blogspot.com
Julie - http://juliesstamppad.blogspot.com
Donna - http://lakesidestamper.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by!

Card Details:

Stamps: Simple Starters (polka dots); Happily Grateful (vine); Hung in a Tree (sentiment)

Papers: Kraft, Scarlet and Olive Cardstock

Other: Noir Black Palette Pad, VersaMark, Clear Embossing Powder, Ribbon, Red Rhinestones

FBW #164 - Get Your Stripe On!

Good Morning to you! Today at Flutter By Wednesday we are getting our STRIPES on! Your NEW creation must include a butterfly, fairy or angel and STRIPES! I don't know about you but I always pick out the stripes and dots so I've got just a few choices.

I received some new stamps from The Angel Company and couldn't wait to ink them up. When I saw these two sets from Nina Bracket in our catalog at seminar I knew they'd be a part of my first order!

And what fairy doesn't have sparkle on her wings? I love that her wings look like butterfly wings...so so pretty! And that sentiment...just makes me smile! I wish I had a bag of pixie dust that I could sprinkle on everyone. I'm sure there would be a lot more happy people in the world that's for sure!

Thanks for stopping by today! Please visit the Flutter By Wednesday blog for all the details on this weeks challenge and to link your creation.

Card Details:

Stamps: Fancy Labels RN-18, Fairy Wishes RN-6

Ink: L'Amore Red Palette Pad, Tuxedo Black Memento

Other: Labels 18 Nestabilities Die, Crystal Stickles, Stardust Clear Gelly Pen

Tune in Tuesday with Happy Leaf

Today over on the Savvy Projects blog the design team is showcasing creations using the Card Club set for August, Happy Leaf. It's such a wonderful set - providing lots of possibilities! When I first saw the stamp set I knew I wanted to make a card with different colored leaves. I LOVE the colors in the Penelope line so I based my card around that.

I couldn't stop trying things though (yes, it's true I had more than an hour to play...can you believe it?!?!) so I grabbed my Kaleidacolor Autumn Leaves pad and created this beauty.

Pretty simple card - it's a good one to make multiples of. The quote is from another leaf set, Every Leaf that works PERFECTLY with the leaf stamp. Once I finished this card I decided I had to make my own background using the same ink pad.

I'm participating in a sketch swap so that's where the layout came from. I enjoy the Fall because I think it's so amazing how the leaves change colors and each one is so unique. It is definitely a time that delights my heart! The sentiment, which is from a new set called Grace and Peace, captured my feelings exactly.

I hope you've enjoyed my examples today using the set Happy Leaf. Don't forget to stop over at the Savvy Projects Blog to see all the other wonderful samples from the Design Team! Thanks for stopping by!

All the supplies used to make these cards are available through me. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to purchase anything for yourself.

As Promised...FBW #163

Well I'm back as promised to show you my Flutter By Wednesday card. Thank you for the emails/comments - I'm feeling better. Thank goodness for good medicine and rest! It's so hard to function with a migraine - especially with a bored 7 year old home with you!

So I whipped up this quick card using one of my favorite paper lines, Echo Park. I've had the butterflies for quite some time but they are black and white and it seems here lately a lot of my cards are using brown. I specifically created this card knowing I wanted to use that butterfly. I found the sketch in my pile of ones to try.

Thank you for coming back to see me! Be sure to visit the FBW Blog and play along with us - the challenge is easy and fun! It's ANYTHING GOES as long as you include a butterfly, fairy or angel!

Christmas in July

Have you been visiting? Such wonderful inspiration! Today I'm showcasing a few cards there.

My cards are using one of my favorite paper lines, REECE (V-846). It has the traditional red and green colors that you normally think of at Christmas but also some blue and yellow. The first card uses the stamp set WITH HIS GLORY T-3397. I've never inked it up and thought it was about time I did. I just love the reindeer in the set and the gorgeous script on the sentiment is so pretty!

I wasn't sure how to color him as my favorite reindeer is Rudolph! I did a quick Google search so that I could *try* (key word here) to make my reindeer look as realistic as possible.

Next up is a little cutie patootie set called ANGELS SING T-3428.

This stamp set brings back the memories of caroling which is one of my all time favorite childhood memories. Not sure why I don't do it now - maybe it's because my voice isn't what it used to be, LOL. My daughter, who is a singing fool, would LOVE to do this! Guess I'll need to try and work that in this year...

Not sure you can see that I added some yellow shimmer chalk around the image and some grey chalk at the bottom. I used one of the tags from the REECE Soar With It Collection for my sentiment.

I hope I've inspired you to get out all those holiday goodies and start creating! It's never too early and you'll be glad you did once December rolls around. Because you'll be enjoying the festivities while everyone else is freaking out to get their projects done :D

If you haven't been over to the SAVVY PROJECTS BLOG this week, be sure to visit. There are TONS of wonderful Holiday cards to get your creative mojo going!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Seminar News & Card Kit Debut

So I know this post is a little late but I said that I'd do it so I'm doing just that! Above shows all the wonderful trades that I received at seminar as well as my awards. I'm happy to report that I was once again very blessed and feel very fortunate to be working for such a wonderful company!

The seminar group was smaller than usual - I think that where seminar is located and the economy had A HUGE impact on that! We were told that next year TAC was looking to move seminar back to Kansas City and I, for one, couldn't be happier!!

We were given lots of awesome product and did some wonderful projects. I even had the opportunity to teach one - I was nervous but I think it all worked out okay and everyone seemed pleased with my project.

Can you believe all that rubber?!?! I was given 28 stamp sets - yes, folks I was one happy camper. I've gotten them all cut out and indexed but have yet to use them all. Never fear though - I will!! PLUS the catalog is chalk full of so many sets that I've already cashed in one of my gift certificates for more rubber!! If you don't have the catalog yet, you are missing out! Contact me ASAP so I can get this sweet publication in your hand!

While we were at seminar we had the opportunity to hear from another Angel about Card Kits. I don't know if you know but while I was in Memphis I used to work at the LSS there, Eclectica Scrapbooks and Stamps. I had a card kit and it was pretty popular. I enjoy making cards and if I can make it easy for others well then that's a huge plus!

So folks I introduce my first card kit. This is ONLY good for JULY! So get it while you can!!

The kit uses one of the new Nina Bracket stamp sets called WONDERFUL TREES.

It includes all of this!

That is MORE than enough to make the 4 cards I show and more! PLUS if you don't want the kit with the stamp set then I have an option just to get the papers and accessories. Remember this kit is only available for JULY. Contact me today to get yours!

Thanks for stopping by!

It's a SPOTLIGHTING Technique Blog Hop!

This weekend over on the SAVVY PROJECTS BLOG, we are having a blog hop featuring the technique SPOTLIGHTING. Here's what I came up with:

The hardest part for me was to determine what stamp set to use. I finally decided on BLESSINGS TO YOU (T3240) and stamped that on my white cardstock. Next I stamped it on another piece that I knew I'd color in using my Copics. I realized that a circle element would be neat so I used my circle punch to punch out the color portion. I did a small scallop mat around the circle to set it off a little more.

Once I got done I realized that some bling would really make the spotlight portion shine so I grabbed my IROCK tool and started gluing...have I mentioned how much I LOVE that tool :D

I used an old Playdate Cafe Challenge for my colors...love how the yellow seems to make everything pop! It's a color combo I probably wouldn't have thought of on my own!

I hope you'll join in and participate in the blog hop. You have all weekend to play along! Need some inspiration to get you started? Check out what others have done!

America I Love

Today I'm showing a new Level A set called America I Love. You can get this stamp FREE with a qualifying party. I'm not used to stamps like this but I have to tell you I had so much fun coloring it up and I'm diggin' the collage look...

It's hard to see but where the "white" is I used my Stardust Clear Gelly pen for some shimmer. I kept my card pretty simple as I wanted the image to really stand out. I used the new Signo White Gel Pen in the catalog to had the white border and let me tell you it is THE BEST EVAH! I {heart} it and totally recommend it! We even have Gold and Silver ones and I'm going to be ordering those right away!

I want to share a little about seminar - so look for another post soon. I had a fabulous time, got lots of inspiration and hung out with lots of Angel friends! I'm trying to unpack and cut all the rubber I got...can you say 28 stamp sets!! I'm LOVIN' them all too! I'll be having a OPEN HOUSE next week so I'm trying to update my sample boards, sample tubs and get everything prepared. If you are near Topeka I hope you'll join me - it's Friday, July 8th at 6pm. I'll have catalogs, a FREE make-n-take, we'll do a little coloring and have TONS of fun so email me if you can come.

Thanks for stopping by!

Catalog is now Online

Folks I'm so happy to report that the NEW 2011-2012 catalog from The Angel Company is now available online. So if you are waiting to get the new book and just can't wait to see all the wonderful new stamp sets then you better check out this link!

http://www.theangelcompany.net/page/20112012-inspiration-book

If you would like to get a catalog feel free to contact me - I picked up my order at seminar and have them now to deliver!

The cost is just $6.95 if you are local or I can ship it for $10. Better yet why not get two and share with a friend for just $15 (includes shipping to one address).

Grab a cup of ice coffee and enjoy browsing the online version - then contact me to get the book as you are going to want to have all the wonderful inspiration and ideas and your fingertips!!

A Joyful Hello for Flutter By #160

Today for Flutter By Wednesday we have an OPEN challenge - anything goes as long as you use a butterfly, fairy or angel on your new creation. I'm showing a card that I originally submitted for the catalog design call at The Angel Company. I used the butterfly from the Gift of Friendship stamp set. The stamp set was first released as a Spring Fling special but is now available in the new catalogue.

My friend Ellen and I are a little ROY G BIV obsessed - love me some color! It makes me happy and totally brings a smile to my face. Repeating the butterflies in that color combo just seemed the thing to do, lol!

This week Through The Craft Door is giving away a FREE one year subscription to one random participant. So make sure you play along! Head over to the FBW Blog to read all the details and to link your NEW creation. Good Luck!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cupcakes & New Stamps

Good Afternoon! Have you missed me? Last week I spent time finishing up trades, swaps and such for seminar. Plus I was asked to teach a class at seminar so I had to work out those details. Danni, who I've had the pleasure of talking with on the phone and exchanging lots of emails with also flew out on Wednesday and then left on Monday. It was a complete blast and I will share details very soon but let me tell you if you don't have a rep from TAC already, contact me as you will want to get the FABULOUS new catty!!!

Ok so I'm a tad late with Softpencil but that is because all my stuff was packed for seminar and since I hadn't unpacked anything yet I had to do that first. Then I couldn't see my desk to even create so had to clear that off....let's just say that the last day has been trying to get organized!

Today, I'm sad to say is the last day for Softpencil as Elizabeth has decided to close her digi stamp store. No worries you have until August 1st to get the digi's though so hurry on over there!

Today we are using Ratiny on a Cupcake. I'm in the patriotic mood with 4th of July coming up so thought I'd use those colors. Plus I'm hoping to make some kind of treat for our parade & picnic and I thought cupcakes would be perfect!

Now even though we are saying goodbye to Softpencil Digi's we are saying hello to her new rubber stamps! I'm so thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful company! The Angel Company has launched three new sets exclusively from Softpencil Studios.

I can help you get these rubber stamps in your home! You can email me for details. And I can ship ANYWHERE so everyone can get them!! At seminar we were give the first set called Sunshine & Joy....it's so fun and I can't wait to show you some projects using it! The second set is called Sweet Spring and the third is With Love. I adore that snail and rabbit in the With Love set...can't wait to get that one!

Thanks for stopping by today! I'll be back tomorrow with a Flutter By project - see ya then!

NEW Inspiration Book & Catalogue Available NOW!!

I'm so excited to share with you the new catalogue from The Angel Company! It is jammed packed with TONS of new stamp sets as well as many other things like...

• 3 new illustrators - Softpencil Studios (yep, Elizabeth now has rubber stamps!!), Nina B and Phyllis Harris plus wonderful new sets from the fabulous Mabelle RO
• 60 Smoothies cardstock colors - and let me tell you these are YUM-O-LICIOUS!
• Individual Sketch Copic Markers and Refills
• Sew Easy Fancy Floss and Bakers Twine
• New Mementos line - ink pads, dew drops, re-inkers, markers and I-Zing glitter glue
• Big Kick Die Cut Machine, texture plates and dies
• New Nestabilities Dies (plus Nina B has released coordinating stamp sets for them!)
• Copic XPress-it cardstock
• Spica Glitter Pen sets
• New Flower Punches - LOVE the Floriano 2/18" one...BEAUTIFUL!

Is that enough? No? Well we also have 8 NEW level A Hostess Sets, 4 NEW level B Hostess Sets and 1 New level C Hostess Set. And who can forget the 12 NEW GWP stamps that are FREE with a $30 purchase!?!?!

I'm telling you - you need to get this in your hands! The samples are so inspiring and truly beautiful. And I'm not saying that just cause I have a card in there :D

So how do you get this...well you can email me and I'll will send you one for $10 (which includes priority shipping). Want one for your friend? Then you can get two for $15 (shipping to the same address). How's that for a deal? Contact me soon cause these are going to FLY off the shelf!