Sending You Love

A blessed Sunday to each of you! It's time for another scripture-inspired challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ! Our challenge hostess this week is the inimitable Randi Barrett. Randi keeps us all in stitches with her wonderful sense of humor. I admire her for battling cancer and other health issues and yet putting all of her energy into counting her blessings and praising God. I love her and the example she sets for all of us!

Randi chose as the inspiration scripture Mark 10: 7-9 "7. 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8. and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. 9. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." (NASB)

As Valentine's Day draws near, we turn our focus on LOVE. This scripture is, of course, frequently read at weddings. Perhaps it was read at yours? And maybe after time has passed, you don't always feel as ONE with your husband. In fact, you might sometimes feel that you are very far apart. It might take quite a bit of effort... and a lot of humility...but perhaps you might consider Jesus's words and how you might restore your relationship to that of oneness. And if you're lucky enough to still have that oneness in your relationship, be sure to nurture it always!

Randi challenges us to create a card/project/layout that reflects this scripture's sentiment by following this formula: use whatever supplies/stamps you like to create whatever kind of card or project that you like BUT use must use TWO kinds of each item to make your ONE creation. An example would be as follows: 2 different colors of cardstock, 2 different pieces of patterned paper, 2 pieces of ribbon, 2 brads, 2 buttons, and so on.

For this challenge, I immediately reached for one of my new Taylored Expressions a la carte Animals in Love stamps. I love them all! I decided to paper piece my elephants, which I hope isn't a "cheat" on the challenge since it is technically a third DP. In any case, I have 2 elephants, 2 DP patterns, 2 cardstock colors, 2 hearts, and 2 ribbons. I also followed the Mojo Monday Sketch 124.

I hope you'll join us for this fun challenge. To get your mojo going, check out what the rest of the Stampin' Sisters have created to inspire you!

Have a blessed day my friends!

CHA Pictures - Finally!

Note: this is my second post today. Please scroll down for The Sweet Stop sketch.

Don't get too excited, though... I really didn't take that many pictures. I thought I'd have more time...and, of course, I was busy ogling everything. Plus, everyone was busy either running their booths, doing make-and-takes, chatting, etc., that the timing was seldom right for pulling out the camera and asking for a picture.

I also have to warn you... I am not the least bit photogenic. Something strange happens to my hair when it comes time for a snapshot, and I have enough oil on my face to solve the world's energy crisis. Perhaps it's denial, but I can't believe I'm this unattractive in real life! Say it isn't so, Lisa and Des! lol!

Okay, here we go! The first is a picture of my sweet friend Kim Yu, who is on the La-La Land Crafts DT with me. She lives in the Los Angeles area, so we met up on the Saturday to attend the Super Show together. Kim is a doll, and she LOVED doing the make-and-takes. I think she did more than I did (which reminds me... I'll have to take pictures of and post the make-and-takes in another post).


And here is a picture of me and Kelly Landers... I adore her! She is so much fun, and was having a blast at the Unity Ippity booth doing make-and-takes.

I was super delighted to meet Marie in person... the owner of The Greeting Farm and designer of most of their stamps. As you know, I'm a HUGE fan of TGF. This was her first time exhibiting at CHA. I got to see some of the stamps that will be coming soon to TGF, and I can't wait!!!

And here is Marie's right hand and the most upbeat, energetic stamper I know... Jessica Diedrich!!! It was fabulous to meet her in person.

Cambria (Cami) Turnbow is one of the first bloggers I found and followed a little more than two years ago when I discovered this wonderful cyber world of paper crafting. I've always loved her work, and I'm a huge fan of Our Craft Lounge stamps, which she co-owns. I tracked her down at the OCL booth at the Expo, did one of the make-and-takes and met all the other OCL girls. It was great! And I can't wait for the new release... which I got to see at the show. There's a golfer set that I MUST have... and so much more!

And here is sweet and ultra-talented (and very tall!) Sherrie Siemens, who is on the Taylored Expressions Sketch Crew with me. She was demonstrating at the Copic booth, and I was rhapsodized watching her color. I did pick up a trick or two from her, but my work doesn't hold a candle. (sigh)

The next few are shots of what the expo hall looked like in general. You can't really imagine how huge it all is... "expansive" is the word that comes to mind. The vendors went to various amounts of effort (and expense) designing their spaces... some were absolutely stunning. The first picture is of the Doodlebug booth. The photo just doesn't do it justice. Or perhaps it's the photographer!

Just imagine row after row after row like this!

eksuccess had one of the largest spaces... very high tech.

I was totally enchanted by this faux cupcakes display at the Prima booth.


And these were real! You could smell the buttercream frosting.

Last, but not least, I couldn't resist taking photos of this display, which was like the Rose Parade of yarn. I mentioned in an earlier post that I spent time looking around at other crafts. I'm fond of crochet and was drawn to that area for a bit. Check this out... all of the animals... everything in this display... is knitted or crocheted! Enchanting!!!




If you like knitting or crocheting, Lion Brand has a great website with lots of free patterns and instructions.

Okay, that's all the photos I took! I missed out on several I wish I had taken, but fortunately others did. One is of Lynn Mercurio and Deb Felts. Lynn also has some great photos of the Cricut Cake and a few other goodies here. There's an awesome picture of Taylor VanBruggen and the Taylored Expressions crew here. And Jay Jay has a wonderful photo journal of her trip from Germany to attend the show on behalf of Stampavie, which I think you'll enjoy! You have to scroll down a ways to see it all, but it's worth it! Use Google Translator if you want to read the text... although pictures paint a thousand (plus) words.

Thanks for hanging with me today!

Bee My Valentine

Yay, it's my debut as a Sugar Baby for The Sweet Stop sketch challenge sponsored by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps! I'm so proud to be joining this amazing group of stampers. Thank you Korin for the opportunity... and for the wonderful sketches! I've always said that I love a good sketch challenge, and Korin's are definitely among the best!

Sweet Stop Sketch #42 was a bit of a challenge for me... I'm not so good at making round cards. I can never figure out how to make them open! So I did the next best thing and turned the image block into a mini-card! I've been itching to play with Nina Brackett's Heartily Yours stamp set (for GinaK Designs), and this was the perfect sketch!

I used good ole Early Bird Mini Deck DP by Cosmo Cricket (with a strip of October Afternoon paper thrown in for good measure), and sponged around the edges to give it a bit of an aged look. A super simple card, but I love the way it turned out.

I hope you'll come along and play with us this week. To get you inspired, check out what the rest of the Sugar Babies have created:

• Andrea Vernagus
• Ann Clack
• Audrey Gonzales
• Candace Mitchell
• Jodi Collins
• Julie Masse
• Korin Sutherland - Sugar Mama
• Nancy Brown
• Nicole Anderson
• Renata Elenbaas

Have a SWEET day!

Home is Where the Heart Is

TGIF!!! And an extra happy Friday it is since we are resuming Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenges after a two-week break for CHA. PLUS, it's RELEASE DAY at Taylored Expressions! Wait until you see all the new stamp sets!!! I was lucky enough to see (and purchase many of) them at the CHA Super Show and can't wait to ink them up!

This week's sketch has a cool twist with the circle element, which I turned on its side to place the balloon. The picture just doesn't do this card justice (note to self: invest in better lighting). I love the rustic look of the October Afternoon Farm Fresh DP and those adorable images from the Love Everywhere stamp set.

I'm sure enjoying making Valentine cards. There's something about hearts and red and pink and all that girly stuff that's making me happy!

Please do play with us in this week's sketch challenge... I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Before you head off to your craft room, be sure to check out what the rest of the awesome Sketch Crew has created for your viewing pleasure:

Jami Sibley: More is More
Lynn Mercurio: Stamperosity
Monika Davis: M.A.D. Stamper
Sherrie Siemens: Card Creme

Melissa Sauls: In Stamping Mode
Rachel Sztonyk: Gingerbread Gallery
Alice Lihsuan-Wertz: Alice's Little Wonderland
and of course Taylor herself: Taylored Expressions

Enjoy your day!!!

Waltzingmouse Stamps New Release Blog Hop!!!

Woo hoo!!! I've been eagerly anticipating this day...the February release at Waltzingmouse Stamps and our very first blog hop to celebrate! If you've seen all the sneak peeks since Sunday on the Waltzingmouse Stamps and Design Team blogs, then you are just as excited! Claire has outdone herself again!!!

If you haven't already, you should start the hop at Lynn's blog. Be sure to leave a comment on every blog in the hop because a name will be drawn from one of the Design Team blogs to win Spring Baskets. A second name will be drawn from all the comments left on the Waltzingmouse Stamps blog to win L'il Buddies. You can see both stamp sets in all their glory at Waltzingmouse Stamps.

My card uses two of the images from Spring Baskets. This set is incredibly versatile and about so much more than Easter. It will quickly become one of your favorites!

I followed The Sweet Stop Sketch #41. The DP is from Honey Pie by Cosmo Cricket. And yes, those are some Zva swirls... I can't resist them! I colored two of the eggs with Copics and paper-pieced the third.

I won't keep you any longer... hop on over to Laurie's blog for a special treat. But don't forget to leave a comment first for a chance to win Spring Baskets. The deadline to enter is Sunday, February 7th at 11:59 pm Eastern. The winner will be announced on the Waltzingmouse Stamps blog on Monday.

Happy Hopping!!!

Princess Rosie of Hearts!

If it's Wednesday, it must be time for another fabulous La-La's Weekly Wednesday Challenge! This week, our challenge hostess is none other than my BBFF Kristine Breach (I love that girl!). She challenges us to use hearts in our cards/projects. How easy is that? You have no excuse not to play!!!

The DP is Sending Love Specialty by Stampin' Up, which is so pretty... and matches perfectly with Pretty in Pink cardstock. The lace and flowers were something I picked up at Road To California from Nifty Thrifty Dry Goods. That is always one of my favorite vendors. You would not believe the delicious eye candy... ribbon, buttons and beads, all coordinated and displayed in such a delectable way. Which reminds me... I never did post my pictures from Road, did I? And I also owe you some pictures from CHA. Okay, I'll make that a priority this weekend, I promise!

Princess Rosie's skirt has hearts all over it, which I touched with Taffy Smooch after coloring her gown with Copics. Her crown is colored with my Silver atYou Spica pen, and then I added Taylor's Tiny Twinkles rhinestones for "jewels." There's also a punched and layered heart tucked behind the lace and flowers.

I think this card looks suitable for an engagement or bridal shower, don't you? Hey, maybe La-La Land Crafts will design a Rosie and/or Lala bride! I'll have to put that in the suggestion box.

I'm also entering this card in this week's challenge at The Pink Elephant (#52), which is to use the color PINK!

So, come on and join us in this week's challenge! You can use any stamps you want, and there's a prize up for grabs. Just hop over to the La-La Land Crafts Blog to see which one (you will love her!) and feast your eyes on all the gorgeous cards the DT has created.

I hope you have a day full of hearts and flowers. Let your inner princess flow!

where ewe been?

Hello my friends! I'm so happy to bring you a sneak peek today of two of the FOUR new stamp sets being released by Waltzingmouse Stamps on Thursday! That adorable little lamb is one of several little animal images in a set called L'il Buddies that you will just LOVE! Once again, Claire has come up with the best greetings to coordinate with her images. There are LOTS of fun ways to mix and match the images and the greetings...you will have a blast with this set!

And see that wonderful design within the Nestie pinking circle? There are TWO sets of Spellbinders Nestie friendly circles being released on Thursday. If you are familiar with Waltzingmouse Stamps, you know that Claire has designed several that coordinate with Spellbinders Nesties labels and other shapes. Now we have circles, too! And wait until you see the variety of designs, plus the fun little extras thrown in for good measure. The circle set I've used here coordinates with another recently released set, Faux Fun, and is called... you guessed it... Faux Fun Circles!

I couldn't resist pairing my little lamb with DP from the Farm Fresh collection by October Afternoon. I used white fluff to give the lamb a bit of texture, and did a bit of coloring around her with my Copics. I also followed Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #54. I love Karen's sketches!

Be sure and stop by Lynn's blog today to see her sneak preview, and Claire's blog, where she's been showcasing the most incredible projects with the new sets for the past few days. We'll all be back on Thursday with a special blog hop to celebrate the new release...and there will be prizes up for grabs!

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope EWE have a wonderful day!

Guess hoo?

It's Olivia the Owl, of course! Coming to bring you some exciting news! Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps is going all digital!!! That means more of the CUTE images and greetings you've come to expect from SNSS will be released every week for your crafting pleasure! If you haven't already, you should definitely sign up for the weekly newsletter so that you'll be the first to see the new digis and hear all the news.

What this also means is that all clear stamps are on sale for 50% off!!! Yes, indeed. That includes the two sets I used to create my card, Owl Celebrations and Owl Occasions. Each set is only $3.75!!! That means you can get both for $7.50!!! And SNSS offers first-class shipping, so the value is incredible!!!

I wouldn't wait, if I were you...the remaining clear stamps are going to fly off the shelf!!!

To celebrate, there's a blog hop today over at the Digi Blog where you have a chance to win an entire month's new digi releases PLUS everyone has a chance to get this adorable digi image for FREE!!!


Isn't it cute!!!! This and so much more awaits you at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps!!!

What does this mean for me? Well, Korin very kindly invited the Stamp DT to either join the Digi DT or The Sugar Babies (sketch crew). Since I can't resist a good sketch challenge, I chose the latter. I'm excited to say that I am now officially A Sugar Baby for The Sweet Stop and will debut with this coming Saturday's sketch!!! And even if I'm not officially part of the Digi DT, you can bet I'll be using lots of SNSS digis since I am and always will be a huge fan of Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. I'm incredibly grateful to Korin... Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps was my very first DT position. Thank you Korin for taking a chance on me!!!

Speaking of sketch challenges, my card follows Mercy's Sketch Challenge #58. I LOVE Mercy's sketches!

Thank YOU for stopping by today. Enjoy the digi hop, and I'll see you back here tomorrow for a very special sneak peek!