Saturday, June 26, 2010

Thinking Outside The "Square"

Time for another challenge at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps...and today it's my turn to play hostess! My challenge, should you choose to accept it (lol...sorry), is "Creative Cuts"...I would like to see you thinking outside of the typical "square" card format. If you're like me, it's so easy to fall back on the square-based card, but let's try something outside of our comfort zones this week! You could make any card with "fancy" folds or even a shaped card. (Lot's of your larger Nesties will lend themselves towards making some really fun shaped card bases!)

My card this week is a "side step card". I have done a couple of these cards before and I quite liked the result. You may have to do a little calculating to figure out which dimensions will best suit your images. The first time I saw one, I was a bit intimidated to try, but they really are not all that complicated...once you get past the little bit of initial measuring/math, lol! This card measures approximately 6x5.5. I'll show you a picture of the folds/cuts at the end of this post.

I have had this idea floating around in my head since Kimmie first showed us the mermaids from her summer stamp kit, and I thought this card would be perfect for it! This little scene features "Billy Blyth" and "Cordelia" (who is part of the Summer Stamp Kit)...what a pair!! There's Billy going about his pirate-y business...maybe looking for a safe place to bury his treasure chest...when he spies a gorgeous gal perched on a rock out in the water. Well "Blimey" (a sentiment you will find in Kimmie's Pirate Sentiments)...he's absolutely smitten! I stamped all my images on Neenah cardstock and coloured them with Copic markers.


Here's a side shot to show the folds on this side-step card. (and the foam squares under Cordelia's tail...that DON'T show from the front, lol)

Now, I borrowed a trick from Krafty Girl Michele and did not stamp the pupil of Billy's eye...I added it in after with a Copic multiliner so that he is looking right at Cordelia. The "sandy beach" he is standing on is just kraft cardstock...I crumpled it up to loosen the fibres and then separated the layers to expose the interior which was then touched up with some Distress Inks to accent the texture. Now, I wish I could take credit for this stroke of creative genius, but I'm a firm believer in giving credit where credit is due! I saw this technique while visiting the very talented Lorie at her blog "The Thinkin' Spot" (here's the LINK to her gorgeous project using this technique). LOL...guess I "borrowed" a lot of ideas for this card, but that's the beauty of the blogging world...you can be inspired by so many wonderfully talented artists who are willing to share their secrets and tips. Thanks so much ladies!




Cordelia's tail received a generous coat of Smooch Illuminate and some StarDust Stickles as did her hair adornments. I drew a rock for her to sit on, and then added some fun wave stickers.



The Krafty Girls have really rocked this challenge...every week I'm just amazed by the talent on this team! You will find pictures of all their "Creative Cuts" on the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Blog...you can click on the links to go to their individual blogs for details on their projects. You are sure to be inspired to participate in our challenge after seeing their creative genius!

You can link your project up at the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps blog...just make sure to use a KK stamp if you want to be in the running for this week's prize. What could you win?? Well, since I'm the hostess this week you will get to choose between "Billy Blythe" or "Cordelia" as your prize! We can't wait to see what you come up with!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps: "Billy Blythe", "Pirate Sentiments", "Cordelia" and mermaid accessory stamps
Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, Kraft cardstock
Ink: Memento, Copic markers, Distress Inks (Tea Dye, Brushed Corduroy, Stormy Sky)
Embellishments: Jolee's wave sticker, Stardust Stickles, Smooch Illuminate

Friday, June 25, 2010

June Release Blog Hop at Wags 'n Whiskers!!

Today is the day!! The new June release is available for purchase at Wags 'n Whiskers Stamps! This month, Lacey and Nikki are bringing you a batch of images by their newest artist Emma Metcalfe! We're celebrating all this excitement today with a fantastic BLOG HOP!

Now, you should have arrived here after visiting the lovely Karen. If not, then just hop over to the beginning at the Wags 'n Whiskers Blog. While you are hopping, make sure to leave comments at every blog on the way as there will be four lucky winners chosen from four different blogs...and each of those four winners will be allowed to choose two new images!

Here's the order of today's HOP:

Wags 'n Whiskers blog
Debbie

Mag
Lacey
Sharon
Jeanette
Michele
Chris
Mina
Nikki
Joy
Karen
Melanie
Crystal
Back to the Wags blog and comment on your favourite design!

For today's card, I chose to work with "Toby's Big Day"...what an adorable birthday image!! The papers are October Afternoon, and the sentiment is from another clear set I had in my stash of stamps.


I coloured Toby with Copic markers and created a "dotty" background after cutting him out with Spellbinders. The present was paper pieced with more October Afternoon paper, and shaded with a Copic marker.


Are you loving these images?? I know we are...they've been so much fun to play with! Your next stop is the talented Crystal who has a gorgeous project to show you today! Remember to leave comments along the way for your chance to win!

When you are finished hopping, you can buy these sweet new June images HERE!

Blessings stampers...and have fun!

Melanie

Stamps: Wags 'n Whiskers "Toby's Big Day"
Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, SU, October Afternoon
Ink: Memento, Copic markers
Tools: Spellbinders

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Wags 'n Whiskers June Sneak Peeks: Day Two!

Welcome back! We've got another round of sneak peeks for the "Let's Party" June release at Wags 'n Whiskers. The official release day is tomorrow, and we have a great BLOG HOP planned for you, so make sure to schedule us into your day. Nikki and Lacey are introducing their brand new artist Emma Metcalfe and her line of W&W stamps called "Millie and Friends". This release will be available in both rubber and digital stamp format...but there is only a limited number of the rubber version, so you'd better get your's ordered quickly

This image is called "Ellie and Squeak", and it is one of my favourites from the new release! When my son was little (he's now 17!), he was obsessed with elephants, so I have a bit of a soft spot for them. Once again, I went with a 5x5 base (if you stopped by yesterday, you will know that I'm using this release to create a gift set of cards) and this gorgeous October Afternoon paper. I used just a little bit of ribbon, but no bow as I want to keep these cards "low profile". My plan is to make a gift package to hold this set, which is why I would like to keep them clean and simple. I added a sentiment from a clear set I've had for quite some time (got it from a clearance bin at Michaels).


After colouring the elephant and mouse, I cut them out with my Nesties using the "out of the box" technique again. I then added in the grass and sky.



Are you excited about this release? The Divas have had a lot of fun playing with Emma's new images...you will find links to their sneak peeks over at the Wags 'n Whiskers blog.

See you back tomorrow for the release day BLOG HOP! Oh, and check out this post HERE for your chance to win some of these fantastic digital stamps!

Blessings,

Melanie
Stamps: Wags 'n Whiskers "Ellie and Squeak"
Ink: Memento, Copic markers
Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, October Afternoon
Embellishments: Ribbon (Daisy Buckets and Walmart), paper tag
Tools: Spellbinders

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Wags 'n Whiskers June Previews: Day 1!!

It's time for the "Let's Party" June release sneak peeks at Wags 'n Whisker Stamps. Nikki and Lacey are introducing a brand new artist to the Wags 'n Whiskers family...Emma Metcalfe!! Emma is an illustrator for children's' books over in Europe, and you are going to fall in love with her sweet designs! This new W&W stamp line is called "Millie and Friends" and will be available for purchase on Friday June 25, 2010, and it will be available in both rubber and digital versions!

I just adore these cute images. I am planning to use this whole release to create a set of 5x5 cards for a gift set. I am also attempting to go with a "clean and simple" layout for these cards, because I'd like to make a gift package for them when they are all complete. They will fit into a box much easier without a lot of bulky embellishments!

Today, I am showing you "Purrfect Day". I cut out the image with my Nesties using the "out of the box" technique. (here's a tutorial you can follow) Now, I had tried this once before but had some disastrous results, so I was a little intimidated to try it again. However, I really love the effect so I thought it was time to try it again! The pretty paper is from October Afternoon...I am really loving this paper! The sentiment comes with this cute image.



I sponged in a background with my Distress Inks, but it didn't turn out as smoothly as I had hoped...and it doesn't quite show up the same in the photo as in real life. I used a bit of both Spun Sugar and Bundled Sage. I then went over it all with Antique Linen, including the coloured areas, just to take away a bit of the intensity of the Copics.



You will find a list of the Divas participating in today's sneak peeks over at the Wags 'n Whiskers blog. Join us tomorrow for another day of previews and then on Friday for our Release Day Blog Hop!

You still have time to enter for a chance to win images from the June Release...check out this post HERE for details!
See you back tomorrow!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: Wags 'n Whiskers Digital Stamp "Purrfect Day"
Ink: Copic markers, Distress Inks
Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, October Afternoon

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

NewsFlashes

Hi friends! I don't have a card to share with you today, but thought I'd pop on for a second to bring you a few news tidbits!
  • The Town Scrapper: Yesterday was Showcase Monday at the Town Scrapper, so make sure to go and see all the fantastic projects by the Scrapettes! Also, don't forget our challenge this week....it's a fantastic Sketch challenge! The prize up for grabs this week is a Kraftin' Kimmie Stamp...Lilith!! (you can check out this post here to see a card I made with Lilith a while back...but don't use that sketch!! LOL...That was a previous post for KKS!)

  • Wags 'n Whiskers is gearing up for the June release this week!! This release features a brand new artist...and it's going to be a DIGITAL RELEASE! Sneak peeks start this Wednesday, followed by a blog hop on Friday...the official release day! Visit this post here to find out how you could win some new images! Oh, and don't forget about our current colour challenge...check that out here! You still have time to enter!

  • Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps: Still lots of time to enter our weekly challenge...a great colour combination this week! Check it out here. Don't forget Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps is also the sponsor for Cute Card Thursday this week (a sketch challenge)...so you can double your chances of winning this week!

  • Sundays With Crissy: We just started a brand new challenge this week...we'd like to see you create a monochromatic project! (you can scroll back or click here to see my post from Sunday!) Make sure to read the fine print, because Crissy has changed up the dates a little...this is an extended challenge, so it gives you more time to participate. Oh, and she's adding new prizes too! For the details, read my Sunday post and/or hop on over to Sundays With Crissy!

Ok...that's about it for today! I'll be back tomorrow with a sneak peek for Wags 'n Whiskers' June release!

Blessings!

Melanie

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Monochromatic Musings

Welcome stampers...hope you are all enjoying your Sunday. Happy Father's Day to the men in your life...or to any male readers?? (not sure if any guys stop by, but I sure didn't want to leave you out!) We are back with yet another new challenge at Sundays With Crissy. This week the amazingly talented Mary Giemza has challenged us to create a monochromatic project! I was really excited to try out this technique, as I've seen some gorgeous monochromatic creations around blogland.

This week, I've worked with one of Crissy's digital stamps available from Wags 'n Whiskers. This is "Ride 'Em Ryan". I thought this image would lend itself beautifully to the monochromatic challenge. I was thinking of those Old West "wanted" posters....something weathered, masculine and coloured in shades of brown.

In keeping with the overall "brown" colour scheme, I went with a Kraft cardstock base, dark brown Bazzill cardstock for matting a scrap of DP from Bo Bunny. I had a lot of fun distressing that piece of Kraft cardstock behind Ryan. I crumpled it up into a ball and rolled it around in my palms to loosen the fibres of the paper. I then misted it with water and ran it through two shades of Distress Ink (Antique Linen and Tea Dye). After drying it with a hair dryer (umm, I should probably get a heat tool, huh?? lol), I applied more Tea Dye ink followed by some Brushed Corduroy with my Tim Holtz blending tool. I also inked all paper edges with Brushed Corduroy.


I started off colouring with my Copic markers, but decided to add in additional shading with my Conte Crayons. I also ran a little more Brushed Corduroy over the entire image in an attempt to antique it a bit more.


You should see what the rest of Crissy's Crew has created for Mary's Monochromatic challenge...be prepared to sit and soak it all in. These ladies are so very talented, and I know you will find some inspiration when you check out their work over at Sundays With Crissy!

We're changing things up a little for this challenge...you will have until midnight (EST) on July 17, 2010 to create a project for this challenge. Crissy has also added to her fantastis prize package from LSL Diversified this month...the winner will also get a free Crissy Armstrong Digital Image!! Not only that, but Crissy will have a second prize for this extended challenge...a beautiful pack of paper plus a free Digital Image! The rules?? You MUST use one of Crissy's Digital Images on your project if you would like your name to be put in the running for this wonderful prize! (although, we do still love to see your creations even if they are featuring other images...there is so much talent out there in blogland!!) So, grab one of Crissy's digis and choose your monochromatic colour scheme...then all you need to do is link up your project over at Sundays With Crissy. We can't wait to see what you make!

(you can purchase Crissy digital images from: Wags 'n Whiskers, Whimsy Stamps or Squigglefly)


Blessings,

Melanie

Digital Stamps: Wags 'n Whiskers "Ride 'Em Ryan" by artist Crissy Armstrong
Ink: Copic markers, Distress Inks (Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Brushed Corduroy)
Paper: Neenah, Kraft cardstock, Bazzill, Bo Bunny
Embellishments: KaiserCraft brads, twine, metal corner embellishments (from the Dollar Store!)

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Shades of Summer

Happy Saturday!! Last week, I enjoyed a little "escape" with my friend and current guest Krafty Girl Krista! Our day kicked off with a cup of tea at Starbucks before hitting a couple of great crafty stores. I behaved myself, and just bought some paper, some foam pads for my Tim Holtz blending tool and some more StarDust Stickles!! Lol, this was honestly the highlight of my shopping time, as I was unable to find it in any of my local stores. After lunch, we headed over to Kimmie's place where Andrea also joined us. You should have seen the set up of Copic markers...it was amazing!! (my little collection paled in comparison to both Kimmie and Andrea's) Now, my plan was to be super productive and get a whole bunch of colouring done...yeah, not so much. We just had too much to talk about! Kimmie did show us how to cut easy-mounted stamps out with a hot knife...seriously, I now need a hot knife. It's SOOO much easier than struggling with gooey scissors. Thanks ladies for such a fun day!

Soooo, are you ready for another challenge at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps? Our hostess today is the amazing Jeanne Streiff! She has put together a great challenge for us inspired by the colours of summer...BLUE, TAN and YELLOW.

For my card today, I inked up another mermaid from Kimmie's Summer Mermaid Stamp Kit...hope you already ordered yours, because there are not very many left! This kit has been a huge success...apparently you all LOVE your mermaids!


This lovely gal is "Cordelia". I paired her up with some gorgeous papers from October Afternoon (I grabbed several papers from both Fly A Kite and Thrift Shop and played around until I had a combo I liked.) Now, I stretched the challenge a little...my blues are leaning more towards teal, but that's still in the blue family, right?? (Hope Jeanne agrees! lol) I decided to go with a Kraft cardstock base to make sure to get some "tan" in there! I stitched around all the layers of paper, and covered a little tag in the OA paper for the sentiment, which is also part of the Summer Stamp Kit.

Cordelia seems like quite the little diva! She certainly knows how to accessorize...look at all the hair adornments. This image is great for breaking out the Stickles, rhinestones and pearls...the girl loves her bling! I loaded her up with lots of Smooch Illuminate, StarDust Stickles and Rainfall Stickles (just on the green shells in her hair).


Hope you join us this week in the challenge...you could win Tubing Miles, the stamp Jeanne used on her gorgeous card! Just make sure to use a Kraftin' Kimmie Stamp so that you are eligible for the prize (go shopping HERE!!).

You can link up your creation at the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Blog where you will also be able to see what the rest of the Krafty Girls have made this week...they are stunning!!

How would you like to DOUBLE your chances of winning?? Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps is the sponsor at Cute Card Thursday this week, and it's a sketch challenge! I used their sketch on my Cordelia card today...it's a great layout! So, make sure to enter BOTH challenges this week, and increase your odds of winning!


Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie Summer Mermaid Stamp Kit (Cordelia and sentiment)

Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, October Afternoon (Go Fly a Kite and Thrift Shop)
Ink: Memento, Copic markers
Emebellishments: StarDust and Rainfall Stickles, Smooch Illuminate, dollar store metal brad, machine stitching

Friday, June 18, 2010

Anyone for Lemonade?

Good morning! Time for another Wags 'n Whiskers Challenge! This week, our fantabulous hostess is the one and only Sharon Caudle, who has called her challenge "Lemonade Stand". She's asking to see the colour YELLOW on your creation...so bright and cheery for this time of year!

This week, I've inked up "Magical Friends" from the May release. I pulled out this pretty paper from K&Company Wild Raspberry...I love the soft, buttery yellows in this paper. The gorgeous silk ribbon is May Arts, available at Lacey's store Stamp and Create. The bow was made with a tool I would be lost without...the Bow Easy. Love that little gadget! The sentiment is a clear stamp I've had kicking around for a while, but since I got rid of the packaging I'm not really sure of the company. (I found it in a dollar bin at Michael's one time, if that helps!!)




After colouring the image with my Copic markers, I added Star Dust Stickles to the wings, horn and tag. (I was able to find more on my trip to London last weekend!) I also gave the little unicorn a good coat of Smooch Illuminate.





We'd love to have you play along with us this week. You could be the winner of a Wags 'n Whiskers stamp...just make sure to use a W&W image (just click that link to find out where to buy them!) on your creation to be eligible. You can link up your project on the W&W blog here. You'll also find some beautiful projects by the rest of the Divas to get your mojo going!


Don't forget that we have our June release next week! Wags 'n Whiskers is introducing a brand new artist...trust me stampers, these new images are adorable! These new June images will only be available for purchase as digis!! Previews will begin next Wednesday followed by a BLOG HOP on Friday June 25th, the official release day! So mark your calendars now! Oh, and check out this post to see how you could win a great prize!!


Blessings!

Melanie

Stamps: W&W Magical Friends
Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, K&Company Wild Raspberry
Ink: Memento, Copic markers
Embellishments: May Arts Silk Ribbon, Pink Paislee brad, paper tag, StarDust Stickles, machine stitching

Sunday, June 13, 2010

It's June Release Day at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!!

The wait is over...it's RELEASE DAY at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps! There are four stamps featuring Miles The Mouse by Kimmie's brand new artist Steven Leary. You can also purchase the new Summer Mermaid Stamp Kit which includes six lovely mermaids created by Annie Rodrigue, a whole bunch of accessory stamps and a fantastic sentiment set. If you order these gorgeous mermaids now while they are available as a set, you will receive a 20% discount! This Summer Kit is exclusively available at Kimmie's Online Store.

So, what better way to celebrate such a fantastic release than with a BLOG HOP! Kimmie, of course, will be randomly selecting a few lucky participants who will win some of the new stamps...so make sure to leave comments at all blogs along the hop!! Go grab yourself a cup of your favourite brew and get comfy, because we have a ton of fun for you today!

Oh my goodness, what a lineup of talent Kimmie has in store for you on this hop! We have several guests joining us today, including both of the artists responsible for the images this month, Steven Leary and Annie Rodrigue!! Also, joining us today are some of the amazing Junior Krafty Girls, so be sure to leave them some love too! The hop starts at the Challenge Blog, so if you did not arrive here after visiting my friend and very talented stamper Lacey, then you should start back at the beginning so you don't miss anything! Here's the list for the hop:

11. Annie
13. Lacey
14. Melanie (you are here!!)
15. Vicki

Ok, how would you like to see another mermaid from our Summer Stamp Kit?? My easel card today features "Ariana". How adorable is she...and I just love her little seahorse friends! I wanted to create a bit of a scene with some of the accessory stamps included in the Summer Mermaid Stamp Kit. So, I decided to create a small recessed window on this easel card. I stamped and coloured up the little fish and seaweed and adhered them in the window. I used Glossy Accents to stick on some small beads to create the ocean floor. Ariana was attached in front of the window to add to the dimension of the card, as were her little seahorse friends. The sentiment from the Summer Stamp Kit was adhered to the inside/base of the easel card.




Here's a side shot of the card. I had to do a little "engineering" to accommodate the recessed window. Obviously, this card cannot fold flat, so I incorporated a 3/4" spine into the card. (The depth of the window is only 1/2", but the bottom layer also has a bit of dimension so as to prop the card up when open. Hmm...hoping this make sense!! lol)

Originally, my lovely daughter and Junior Krafty Girl Ainsleigh was going to have a card for today's hop as well. However, due to a busy week full of school projects and other commitments, she didn't quite get it finished. She is planning to have one for next week's challenge instead.

Ok, time for you to head off and see what the incredibly talented Vicki has to show you! My goodness, this girl has talent!

Remember to leave comments at every blog on the hop so you have the chance to win some of the new release stamps! After the hop, get yourself over to the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Online Store to place your order. (Remember, this is the ONLY place you will be able to purchase the Summer Mermaid Stamp Kit...at an incredible price too!) Guess what?? Each and every order placed this week, will receive a little goodie bag of random bonus accessory stamps in your package!

Have fun hopping!

Blessings,
Melanie

Stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Summer Mermaid Stamp Kit
Ink: Memento, Copic markers
Paper: Neenah, Fancy Pants, Bazzill
Embellishments: Dollar store beads, StarDust Stickles, Smooch Illuminate
Tools: Spellbinders Fancy Tags

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Beachy Keen Kraftin' Kimmie June Previews!

Wow, what a jam-packed week it's been at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!! Only one more sleep until you will be able to get your hands on the amazing June stamps. Have you got your favourites picked out?? LOL...why not save yourself the headache and just order them all! There are four fantastic new Miles the Mouse stamps by new Krafty artist Steven Leary and of course the amazing Summer Mermaid Stamp Kit by artist Annie Rodrigue. This is an exclusive kit that will be available only at Kimmie's online store...and only for a limited time! Although the images will eventually be released individually, you can take advantage of an amazing 20% discount if you order them as this Summer Kit.

We have another round of previews today along with our weekly challenge. Kraftin' Kimmie herself is our hostess this week and her challenge is "Beachy Keen"...we want to see projects with a summer or water theme. Of course, this challenge ties in perfectly with all our June release stamps! (psst....it's also perfect for our Bathing Beauties that were released last month!!)

Ready to meet another mermaid?? This is "Nerissa", isn't she just gorgeous?? I pulled out some beautiful Crate Paper for this card. Do you ever find paper that you stash away for just the right project/image?? I have been holding this one for a bit...found it in a clearance bin at Scrapfest a while back. Silly me...I only bought two sheets. The texture on this double sided paper is amazing, and the colour combination is divine! I also used a little scrap of K&Company paper for the Spellbinders layer that Nerissa is matted on. That sentiment is part of the Summer Mermaid Stamp Kit.

Nerissa was of course coloured with Copic markers, and her tail was glittered up with Smooch Illuminate and Stardust Stickles...which I'm sadly running very low on!! (and NOBODY seems to have it in stock locally...almost in panic mode here, lol!!) These mermaids NEED glitter, so I've been stretching my little bottle of Stickles to last me through this preview week! (I had just enough left for my Blog Hop card tomorrow!!) Lucky for me, I'm on my way to London today with Krista, and I'm hoping to find some there.



So, are you going to play along?? Go on and check out the amazing projects by the rest of the Krafty Girls...oh my goodness, they are rockin' this preview week with their creative genius! Then, ink yourself up a Kraftin' Kimmie stamp and get busy! You could be the lucky winner of a brand new Kraftin' Kimmie Stamp!!
Don't forget to come back tomorrow...did we mention it's RELEASE DAY!! Join us for our blog hop, and then go shopping at the Kraftin' Kimmie Online Store to buy all the fabulous June stamps!

See you then!

Blesssings,

Melanie

Stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Summer Mermaid Stamp Kit, "Nerissa" and sentiment
Paper: Neenah, Crate Paper, K&Company, Bazzill
Ink: Memento, Copic markers
Embellishments: Crocheted trim from the dollar store, pearls
Tools: Spellbinders

Friday, June 11, 2010

Calliope

(This is one of two posts today...just scroll down for the Wags 'n Whiskers weekly challenge!)

Welcome to Day 3 of the sneak peeks for the Kraftin' Kimmie June release!! By now, you've seen some gorgeous mermaids and some adorable little mice on the Krafty Girls' blogs....are you loving them?? As always, you'll find a list of the Krafty Girls participating in today's previews on the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Blog.

If you're just joining us on the previews now, you can still hop around to previous posts on the Krafty Girls' blogs to catch up on what you've missed. We have one more day of sneak peeks planned during our challenge this Saturday, followed by Release Day on Sunday June 13th!! Hope you plan to join us for the Release Day Blog Hop!

Did you hear the great news?? Kimmie is releasing a fantastic Summer Mermaid Stamp Kit that will be available exclusively from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Online Store starting this Sunday! Included in this kit will be SIX stunning mermaids by Annie Rodrigue, a bunch of accessory stamps and a great sentiment set!! You should plan to grab yourself one of these kits quickly to take advantage of the great price! The stamps will eventually be released individually, but if you wait until then you will be missing out on Kimmie's limited time special offer of a 20% discount!

Allow me to introduce you to the lovely Calliope! These mermaids are so much fun to colour. I jazzed up her tail and fins with Smooch Illuminate and Stickles (I did the same with Marina a couple of days ago...you can see that post here). I used a combination of papers from my scrap bin and October Afternoon, and sponged them all with a bit of Bundled Sage Distress Ink. The sentiment is part of the Summer Mermaid Stamp Kit.





Skin: E13, E21, E25, E29, E50 Hair: 100, C7, C5, B60 Tail and fins: YR00, YR02, YRo4, YR07, Eo8, E33, Y06 Octopus: RV00, V04, V07, C5

I hope to see you back tomorrow for our weekly challenge...I'll have a preview of another mermaid from the Summer Kit!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Summer Mermaid Kit "Calliope" and sentiment
Ink: Memento, Copics, Distress Ink
Papers: Neenah, Bazzill, October Afternoon, unknown scrap
Tools: Spellbinders
Embellishments: wooden tag, jewelry spacer, mini-brad, seashells, Smooch Illuminate, StarDust Stickles

Distressed Digis

(This is one of two posts today!! Please scroll up for the Kraftin' Kimmie June Previews!)

Welcome stampers...thanks for visiting today. There are some great things happening over at Wags 'n Whiskers!! Today marks the release day for another set of DIGITAL STAMPS!! That's right...some of your favourite rubber stamps are now also available as digis!! We also have a great new challenge over at Wags 'n Whiskers this week courtesy of the wonderfully talented Michele...Distressing Time! So get out those edge distressors, inks, rulers, scissors or whatever your favourite distressing tool is and get creating!

The image I'm using today is actually the same one I used for the challenge two weeks ago (you can see that post here), but I thought I would show you how the digital version opens up even more possibilities to stretch your creativity! This is "Say A Prayer"...I just love this pretty image. Before printing "Say A Prayer", I re-sized the image and flipped it (more on this in a moment). I found this great wooden cross at my local dollar store (yup, I'm a bargain junkie...the pearls are from the dollar store too!) and painted it with an ivory acrylic craft paint. I chose this gorgeous vintage paper from TCP and distressed the edges before adhering it to the cross. I used Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink on both the cross and the paper edges.



I wanted to mount "Say a Prayer" on a Spellbinders Fleur De Lis pendant, so I first measured the die to determine what size the image should be. When adjusting the size of your digis in your computer program, make sure to click on the "Keep Scale" option so the proportions will all remain accurate. After pop dotting her onto the pendant, I realized that the Copics were just a bit too vibrant for the muted vintage feel of this project. So out came the Antique Linen Distress Ink, and I very lightly applied it with a makeup sponge over the entire image until it was a better match for the paper. I did add a touch of Stardust Stickles to her wings for just a little glitz. Finally, I lightly touched a bit of Brushed Corduroy to the edge of the image.


Would you like the chance to win a prize from Wags 'n Whiskers?? Then come on over to the W&W blog to play along with us! You'll find some beautiful inspiration from the rest of the Divas to get your creative juices flowing! Just make sure to use a Wags 'n Whiskers stamp or digital image on your project if you want to be eligible for the prize. You can buy Wags 'n Whiskers stamps/digis HERE.

We can't wait to see your Distressing skills!

Blessings,

Melanie

Digital Stamp: Wags 'n Whiskers "Say a Prayer"
Paper: Neenah, TCP
Ink: Copic markers, Distress Inks
Tools: Spellbinders Fleur De Lis Pendant
Other supplies: Wooden cross decoration and pearls from the dollar store

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Miles The Mouse (Kraftin' Kimmie June Previews Day 2)

Good morning! Ready for another sneak peek of the June release for Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps?? There is a lot going on this month...a brand new Summer Mermaid Stamp Kit and four stamps featuring a new face at Kraftin' Kimmie's. We are helping Kimmie introduce her newest artist Steven Leary and the line of stamps featuring his character "Miles The Mouse"! Miles will be showing up in all kinds of situations that are sure to put a smile on your face. This month, Miles is into all sorts of "beachy" antics!

This is Sandcastle Miles....quite the architect, no? These little guys are so much fun to colour up. I have a "thing" for smaller cards...I just love them! They are perfect for slipping into little gifts, lunchbags, purses....just a great way to let somebody know you're thinking of them. However, many stamps are just too big to make them. Enter Miles The Mouse! I wanted to stick with a fuss-free layout, that way this card would be suitable for a boy or a girl.


I coloured Miles with Copic markers and added in a sponged sky created with a hand-cut template. His little shovel was also given a coat of Glossy Accents. Hmmm...wouldn't a set of little Miles The Mouse notecards make a fantastic gift?? Think I'll have to put that on my to-do list, lol.




Not too much longer to wait stampers...you will be able to purchase all of the June release stamps on Sunday June 13, 2010!!

I'll be back tomorrow with a preview of another gorgeous mermaid from Kimmie's Summer Mermaid Stamp Kit!

Blessings,

Melanie
Stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps "Sandcastle Miles" and Summer Stamp Kit Sentiments
Ink: Memento, Copic markers
Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, Fancy Pants
Tools: Martha Stewart Edge Punch
Embellishments: Glossy Accents

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

June Previews Begin Today at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!!

Are you all ready for the Kraftin Kimmie June Previews?? They are starting today. Let me tell you, the Krafty Girls have had a hard time waiting to share these stamps with you! This month is jam-packed with a ton of amazing stamps...you may as well just go ahead and order them all, because good luck picking just a few! lol This month, Kimmie is introducing a brand new artist. His name is Steven Leary and he has designed the "Miles the Mouse" line. (there are four stamps featuring Miles this month) Not only that, but Kimmie is also introducing her Summer Stamp Kit this month!! It features some of the most gorgeous mermaid stamps you will find! I was just ridiculously happy when she revealed them to us...I LOVE THEM!

Stick with us this week for previews every day, followed by a BLOG HOP this Sunday June 13, 2010 which is the date you will be able to get your inky paws on the stamps! Check in at the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps blog each day for a list of the Krafty Girls who will have sneak peeks for you.

So, without further delay let me introduce you to Marina! She is part of the amazing Summer Stamp Kit which includes a total of six gorgeous mermaids illustrated by artist extrodinaire Annie Rodrigue, accessory stamps and a fantastic sentiment set. Oh, Annie has just outdone herself with these mermaids! I love how Marina's tail and fins co-ordinate so beautifully with the little angelfish in this stamp.


After colouring Marina with my Copics, I glittered up her pretty tail and fins with Smooch Illuminate and Star Dust Stickles. Her little fish friend was given the same sparkly treatment. I added a few seashells I picked up at the beach too! All edges were sponged with Bundled Sage Distress Ink.



Copic colours:
Skin, E000, E00, E11 R20 Hair: E50, Y00, Y11, Y21, Y17, E33 Tail: YG00, YG03, YG11, YG63, YG67, G21, G99 Fish: Y02, Y06, Y21, Y17, E33, YG11, YG67, G21 Water: B000, B00, B02, colourless blender

So, do you want these mermaids for your very own?? You will not find these beauties in any retail store...the Summer Kit will be exclusively available for a limited time at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Online Store...and it will be on for a 20% discount (off the price if you were to buy them individually...which won't be until a bit down the road). I highly suggest ordering quickly on Sunday, as I know these kits are going to go quickly!

See you back tomorrow with a sneak peek at one of Kimmie's brand new Miles The Mouse stamps!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Summer Stamp Kit "Marina" and sentiment set
Ink: Memento, Copics, Distress Ink in Bundled Sage
Paper: Neenah, Daisy Buckets, Fancy Pants, Bazzill
Embellishments: Sea shells, jump rings, ribbon
Tools: Bow Easy

Monday, June 7, 2010

A Little Monday Morning Tilda...

Happy Monday Morning!! It's time for Showcase Monday at The Town Scrapper. Several of the Scrapettes have projects to show you today featuring some of the product lines that Phebe carries in her store. Today, I'm on the schedule for showing you a little something!

This is Tilda Holding Lamb from Magnolia Stamps. I always get so excited when Phebe gets a new shipment from Magnolia! This lovely little Tilda would be perfect for an Easter card, but there are so many other possibilities for her! I made a card that could work as a thank you card or even as a little something for a treasured friend. This gorgeous paper is from Jilly Bean Soup...picked it up on one of my recent trips out to visit Phebe!! The sentiment is from Amy R Thank you Sentiments from CC Designs...another stamp company Phebe carries.


I used an assortment of warm grays on the little lamb and coloured in a "swirly" motion to try and acheive a "woolly" look. (swirly...how's that for a technical term?? lol) I went back in with the colourless blender to soften the marker strokes a bit.


Take a look at see what the other Scrapettes have made today for an idea of the product lines you will find at The Town Scrapper! If you are not close enough to Petrolia, Ontario to make the trip, don't hesitate to give Phebe a call at 519-882-0623 or email her at info@townscrapper.com. Phebe will ship orders out to you!!

TOWN SCRAPPER SALE ALERT: For the month of June, stamps are buy one get the second of equal or lesser value at 50% off!! Distress Inks and microfine glitters are all buy 5, get the 6th for free...you can mix and match these two products for this great sale!

Don't forget about our current challenge at The Town Scrapper..."Save A Tree"! Use up your scraps and link up your project for a chance to win one of the Town Scrapper's exclusive Victoria Case stamps!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: Magnolia "Tilda Holding Lamb", CC Designs Thank You Sentiments
Paper: Neenah, SU, Jilly Bean Soup
Ink: Memento, Copic markers
Embellishments: Ribbon
Tools: Bow Easy

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Relish to Embellish

Good morning stampers! I'm trying to talk myself into being energetic and perky, lol. I didn't end up getting to bed until around 3:00 am! We were at Ainsleigh's recital last night and then we headed over to the after-party. The girls had such a fantastic time, and they were just beautiful up there on stage. Now, other than dancing in our Canada Day Parade and a couple of Highland Dancing competitions, we have the whole summer off!!

Are you ready for another challenge over at Sundays With Crissy? This week, Crissy has called her challenge "Relish to Embellish"! I think we all love to dress up our projects with a little something special.

I was thrilled to work with one of Crissy's brand new images released this past week for Whimsy Stamps....introducing "Maya Making Wishes". This image is simply gorgeous, and I just fell in love with it the moment I saw her. Do you remember how much fun it was as a child to make wishes with dandelions?? Sometimes as an adult, I think we lose sight of these simple joys.


I printed Maya Making Wishes on Neenah cardstock and coloured her with Copic markers. I used a lot of the colourless blender on her wings, and on the background. Her pretty wings were given a generous coat of Star Dust Stickles (probably my favourite!), as was the little dandelion.


Skin: E13, E21, E25, E29, E50 Dress: B000, B00, B02, B93, B95, B97 Wings: B000, B60, BG10, BG72, RV00, RV10 Hair: Black (100?), C7, C5, C3, B60

I used some of my favourite embellishments on this card: StarDust Stickles, machine stitching, Prima roses (which were also Stickled-up!), self adhesive pearls, crocheted trim and a metal word charm. This charm was absolutely perfect for this image...I knew I was holding on to it for something special!

The ladies of Crissy's Crew have outdone themselves once again with this challenge! Hop on over to Sundays With Crissy to have a look at the gorgeous projects they made. You will also be able to see a picture of this month's prize package! Crissy has introduced our very first Sundays With Crissy sponsor...LSL Diversified! This is a great online store based out of Ontario, Canada with a great selection of products at fantastic prices! To be eligible, you need to make a project for the challenge and it MUST include one of Crissy's digital images. You can find them at Whimsy Stamps, Squigglefly Stamps and Wags 'n Whiskers Stamps. So get busy embellishing and then link your project up...we can't wait to see it!

Blessings,
Melanie

Stamps: "Maya Making Wishes" from Whimsy Stamps
Paper: Neenah, KaiserCraft, Bazzill
Ink: Copic markers
Embellishments: Machine stitching, Star Dust Stickles, self adhesive pearls, crocheted trim, ribbon, metal charm, Prima roses
Tools: Spellbinders

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Ooh La La

Good morning!! Ooohh...last night was a busy but fun evening. I spent it backstage at our local theatre, keeping the younger dancers from Ainsleigh's dance studio busy while they waited for their turn in the spotlight!! My friend and I brought a couple of portable DVD players with movies and lots of colouring books...but I'm still pooped! Tonight, I get to watch the recital...can't wait to see Ainsleigh perform!! When the curtain closes, we'll be heading over to the after party...lots of great food and time spent with all the other dance families!!

Our fantabulous hostess at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps today is none other than the amazingly sweet and talented Stampin' Nana Diana....aka Kimmie's Mom. Diana is just lovely...and keeps us all in line!! Today she is challenging us to use Triangles on our projects! I decided to incorporate them into my background layout.

I inked up the stunning and sassy Vivienne this week. Gotta hand it to this gal...she knows how to accessorize! How many ladies can pull off wearing feathers like that, hmm?? I paired her up with this gorgeous paper from TCP, and matted the triangles with Bazzill cardstock. Vivienne strikes me as a girl who love her bling, so I used some rhinestone swirls from the dollar store to jazz her up.


Ok...I gotta confess something here. You may think I was being creative by distressing the edges of my cardstock...NOPE. Apparently my paper trimmer is in DIRE need of a replacement blade. I didn't even realize this until I saw the picture on the computer screen. Oops. Yeah...had I been paying attention then I would have either intentionally distressed my edges or at least inked them up to cover the tattered paper. Boo Melanie. However, if you'd like to humour me by pretending that this is just part of some brilliant shabby chic design, then I'll take it! lol




Vivienne was pop-dotted for extra dimension. Here's a list of colours:

Skin: E000, E00, E11, R20 Hair: E31, E33, E35, E37, E50, E59 Clothing/Feathers: BG10, BG72, BG75, blender

Wanna play along with Krafty Nana Diana and the rest of the Krafty Girls?? Well then, get on over to the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps blog and allow the girls to get your mojo going with all their triangular creations. Then, ink yourself up a Kraftin' Kimmie Stamp and get busy creating. We can't wait to see what you come up with...just link it up on the blog. As long as you've used one of Kimmie's stamps, you could be the lucky winner of the stamps seen on Diana's gorgeous card!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps "Vivienne"
Ink: Memento, Copics
Paper: Bazzill, Neenah, TCP
Accessories: Dollar store rhinestone swirls

Friday, June 4, 2010

S'up Dude?

(This is my second post for today...scroll down to see this week's Wags 'n Whiskers post!!)

This week, our new challenge at The Town Scrapper is "Save a Tree". We're asking you to be paper conscious this week by encouraging you to use up those scraps, or limit your project to one piece of cardstock. Now I know we all have that drawer or box FULL of scraps...this is your chance to use them up!!

I used this "soon-to-be-released" Victoria Case stamp exclusive to The Town Scrapper...this is "Moe". I LOVE this stamp...I think he may even be one of my favourites!! He was so much fun to colour up. I also decided to take advantage of this challenge to create another masculine card. No frilly, sparkly or flowery embellishments here...just those two brads holding the sentiment (which is from The Greeting Farm's "My Guy Ian" set that I got from The Town Scrapper). I pulled out a scrap of green Bazzill cardstock, and made a smaller card base measuring 4x5". The patterned paper is a double-sided scrap of My Mind's Eye paper, which was also from Phebe's store. Even guy cards need just a little pizazz...so I used a Martha Stewart border punch on the orange panel.



Moe was stamped on Neenah with Memento ink and coloured with Copic markers.



For those of you who like to know the colours used, here's your list:

Skin: E50, E13, E21, E25 and E29
Hair: 100, C7, C5 and a touch of C3...I just used these to "scribble" in strands of hair, and left some areas white
Shirt: YR00, YR02, YR04, YR07, E08
Pants: Boo, B12, B93, B95, B97, C7
Shoes: R27, R29, R59, 100, C7, C5, B60

I hope you have time to play along with us this week! Go take a look at what the other Scrapettes have made to inspire you!! You can link up your project there, and get your name in the running for a fantastic prize from The Town Scrapper!! (You'll also get to see projects by some of the newest amazingly talented members of our team!! )
If you are not local, feel free to contact Phebe by email at info@townscrapper.com or by phone at 519-882-0623.

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: "Moe" available exclusively from The Town Scrapper
Ink: Memento, Copic markers
Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, MME
Embellishments: KaiserCraft brads
Tools: MS border punch

Photo Inspiration!

(It's another double-post day on my blog!! Scroll up for The Town Scrapper weekly challenge!)

Happy Friday stampers!! It's recital weekend for my daughter!! First show is tonight...I'm helping backstage as one of the "room moms". I think my friend and I are in with the younger ones, so we're packing portable DVD players, movies, colouring pages...lots of stuff to keep them busy until their spotlight time!! We've got a second show tomorrow which I'm watching from the audience, followed by the after party. I can't wait to see Ainsleigh in her ballet number ...and in the mini-production of Mary Poppins! Dean took a bunch of pictures during dress rehearsal...maybe I'll post some next week!

Time for a brand new challenge over at Wags n Whiskers! This week, my fellow guest designer Renata chose a fantastically fun photo to inspire you! For my card, I chose to ink up "Speed Racer"! I coloured the image, as always, with my Copic markers. The little windshield of his car was given a coat of Glossy Accents. (The sentiment is from The Greeting Farm's "My Guy Ian" set.)




Here's a peek at the inspiration photo. The layout of my card is meant to look similar to the arrangement of the candies and I used a lot of the bright bold colours for my image.



I hope you are able to participate in our challenge this week. You must use a Wags n Whiskers image on your project to be eligible for the weekly prize drawing...just link up your project on the WnW blog! Are you in need of some of these fantastic stamps?? You can purchase them HERE. Did you know that some of the WnW stamps are now also available as digital images?? So no excuses stampers!! No need to wait for delivery, or even to leave your house...you can even shop in your jammies if you like!

Don't forget to head on over to the Wags 'n Whiskers blog to see what the rest of the team has made this week!

Blessings!

Melanie
Stamps: Wags 'n Whiskers "Speed Racer", The Greeting Farm "My Guy Ian"
Ink: Memento, Copic markers, Copic multiliner
Paper: Neenah, Basic Grey, Crate paper, SU cardstock