I Spy With My Little Eye...

(This is my second post for today. Scroll down or click here for my Sweet 'n Sassy post!!)

PREVIEWS!!! Yup, we are starting the previews of Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps February release!! Oh wow...there are some fantastic "gotta have" images in this release. Well, actually I think all of them are on the "gotta have" list! lol So, for the next three day, you can visit the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Blog to find a list of the Krafty Girls who will be participating in the sneak peeks! Following the previews, we will be having a BLOG HOP on Sunday to celebrate RELEASE DAY!! You are in for a jam-packed fun-filled few days!

Ok, so now that you are "in the know", let's get on with the sneak peeks!! Today, I am showing you a brand new image by Crissy Armstrong! This is "Puddles of Love". I immediately fell in love with this gorgeous image. Remember back when splashing in the puddles was THE greatest fun?? Somewhere along the way, we "mature" and tend to loose sight of the joys of small things...like splashing in a puddle! Hmmm...maybe next time it rains I'll have to put on my galoshes (or Wellies, if you prefer!!), slicker and get out there and splash to my heart's content! lol



I stamped "Splashing Love" on Neenah cardstock and coloured with my Copic markers. I first picked out my paper, and decided to go with a pink raincoat to coordinate with the DP. Now, it has come to my attention that MANY of my Copic markers sit neglected in their cases...oh the shame! Do you all do that...always reach for you favourite combos? Well, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and reach for the RV's. I'll tell you a secret....the RV shades scare me a bit! I rarely have success with them, but I felt it was time to conquer that fear. So I played around until I found a combination of markers that worked. What do you think? The result is a little bright (if you have to put on your sunglasses, I will not be offended! lol)...but what little girl doesn't adore pink??


I hope you have fun hopping around to the Krafty Girl's blogs...these ladies are AMAZING!!! Make sure to check back with us over the next few days, because you don't want to miss out on any of the fun! You see, if you've been keeping an eye on the sneak peeks, then you can be ready to place your order at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps as soon as these fantastic images are available on Sunday February 14, 2010!! Remember, we will be having a BLOG HOP that day...there will be some special guests participating and perhaps even some PRIZES!!

Now, there is one thing you should be aware of! On your travels, you may see previews of a new Moonlight Whispers image called "Alicia the Strawberry Pirate". Kimmie has a very special prize up for grabs for this release. Here's what she has to say:

Alicia the Strawberry Pirate is the first stamp that we have produced that is designed based on one of Annie's original illustrations! It's really exciting and we have more on the way!! I am giving away a 5x7 print of the illustration, Alicia the Strawberry Pirate that can be seen here: http://www.moonlight-whispers.com/catalog.php?item=33 Every order placed on Sunday, February 14th and Monday, February 15th is eligible to win and one lucky stamper will be the random winner!

How exciting! As a heads up, I will be making a card featuring Alicia for our blog hop on Sunday...but I know for a fact that you will see her today if you visit all the Krafty Girl's blogs!

See you back tomorrow!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps "Puddles of Love" with coordinating sentiment
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers
Paper: Neenah, SU, Fancy Pants
Embellishments: Prima Hydrangeas, Dew Drops, Jewelry spacers, ribbon

Sweet Melody

Good morning! Today, I am sharing a card I made with Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps "Melody of Love". I fell in love with this image as soon as I saw it! I have always loved the violin. It is an instrument I have always wanted to learn to play. Actually, I did take lessons for a short time in high school, but my busy homework schedule just didn't allow for the time I needed to pour into the lessons. Sigh. See, I'm not exactly musically inclined. My husband is though...he has been involved in music since childhood. He is one of the worship leaders at our church, and I love to listen to him play and/or sing. Perhaps someday I'll try to get back into lessons...I guess you're never to old to learn something new. I have my own violin too...well, my grandmother had given me my grandfather's very old violin. It is in major need of repairs though!

I suppose you probably would like to see the card though, right?? I printed "Melody of Love" on Neenah cardstock and coloured with my Copic markers. I cut the image out with Nestabilities, and then sponged around the edges with Distress Inks while it was still in the the die. There are some beautiful sentiments that come with this image, however I chose just to use this little metal embellishment that I found at the dollar store.



Don't forget that Thursdays are Digi Day over at our SNR group. Korin is our hostess today, and she has put forth the challenge "So Sweet". Well, my card does not feature a "sweet" that is tasty but I do think of the sweet music that the violin produces...when played by a skilled musician. I could just sit for hours and listen.

So, head on over to the Sweet 'n Sassy store to pick up some brand new images and then hop over to SNR to get in on the fun!

It's a busy day on my blog...I have two posts today! It's time for sneak peeks of the upcoming Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps February Release!! Click here to see!!

Blessings!

Melanie

Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Stamps "Melody of Love"
Ink: Copic markers, Distress Inks
Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, Bo Bunny
Embellishments: Dollar store trinket, ribbon
Tools: Spellbinders Labels 8

Tubby Time

Good morning! Our challenge at High Hopes today is brought to us by the fabulously talented Karen!! She has called this challenge "WIRED"!! Karen would like you to use wire and/or metal on your project this week!

I pulled out this cute stamp called "Good Clean Fun". How cute are these little piggies in the tub? Now I have to admit that I found this challenge, well....challenging!! lol I had no idea how I would incorporate wire into a card...it's not a material I had ever thought to use! So I sat and stared at my stamp of choice, and decided it would be fun to give the little piggies a bit of privacy! I cut a piece of pre-gathered lace and added some metal grommets. Voila!! Instant shower curtain! I added two metal brads and strung the "shower curtain" on some white floral wire.

And when we open the shower curtain, we see:

I stamped "Good Clean Fun" on Neenah cardstock and coloured it with my Copic markers. I also added some Star Dust Stickles to the bubbles to help them look more iridescent. The little bar of soap was given a coat of Glossy Accents, and the water droplets were traced with a Spica pen.

So, what's your plan?? How will you use wire and/or metal embellishments on your card this week? The Divas cannot wait to see your creations! Hop on over to the High Hopes Blog for some inspiration from the rest of the Divas. When you are done, link up your project for the chance to win some High Hopes goodies! Just make sure to use a High Hopes image!!

I hope you all have a fantastic day!

Blessings!

Melanie

Stamps: High Hopes Stamps "Good Clean Fun" and sentiment "May your day be filled with more bubbles than troubles!"

Paper: Coordinations cardstock, Neenah, Bella Press

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Summer Sky, Copic markers.

Embellishments: Metal brads, Pre-gathered lace, metal gromets, floral wire, Star Dust Stickles, Glossy Accents

Have a Cup on Me!!

Happy Saturday!! Hope you all have had a great week. We've had a busy week here. My son has started his first job! He's pretty happy about it...and pretty happy about the money he will soon have to spend! lol My daughter has had extra dance classes in preparation for ballet exams and Highland Dancing competitions that are fast approaching. Actually, she had a competition last Saturday and took three seconds and one fifth out of eight dancers!! My husband and I have been busy trying to get them to all their commitments!

So, today brings another new challenge at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!!! Today, our hostess is the talented Diana!! She would like you to be "A Little Ripper"!! Yup, time to let go of the need for perfectly straight edges...tear them up baby!!

For my card, I pulled out "Oliver", inked him up with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and stamped him on Neenah cardstock. I coloured him with Copic markers. His hat was paper pieced, and trimmed with Polar White Flower Soft. Now, I know most cards around blogland are "springy" right now...I think many of us are more that ready to see some green!! Time for a reality check though...IT'S STILL COLD OUT!! So, I made this card into a cocoa gift card to warm up somebody's day!



The sentiment is part of the "Everyday Sentiments" set.





Here's a quick peek at the inside (the sentiment here is also part of the "Everyday Sentiment" set):

You know, I've heard it said that tearing paper can be good therapy! So, get in on the action and make a project this week for Diana's challenge!! Hop on over to the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps blog and link up your creation! Make sure to use a Kraftin' Kimmie image so that you have the chance to be the winner of a new Kraftin' Kimmie Stamp!!

Did you see that Kimmie posted an extra challenge on her blog this week to celebrate her birthday, and her blog's anniversary?! Yup...check out her post Here for more information!

Have a fantastic Saturday, and I hope to see you back here tomorrow!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps "Oliver" and "Everyday Sentiments"
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers
Paper: SU, Prismatic and Coordinations cardstock, DP from my stash
Embellishments: Metal "Mug" brad (from my stash), Walmart Ribbon, Polar White Flower Soft

A Little Love

Hello!! Well, we've made it to another Friday and today, I'm showing a card I made for The Town Scrapper. Phebe carries so many terrific stamp lines, one of which is Magnolia. I so love these stamps!! "Jam Tilda" from the "Yummy for your Tummy" line is one of my all time favourites! She is just so pretty! I can't tell you how happy I was the day she arrived at Phebe's store!

I really love white cards, however I rarely attempt to make them...I find them really difficult! Thought I'd give it another go with this one though, after all...you'll never get better if you don't keep trying, right? I used my Swiss Dots embossing folder with my Cuttlebug to add some texture to the white panels. For a splash of colour, I added some red cardstock for matting, and a scalloped circle of some Sugar Rush paper from Basic Grey (available right now at The Town Scrapper!) cut with my Nesties. Those lovely swirls were cut with my newest Nesties set, Doodle Parts. Phebe carries many of these terrific products...she ordered the Doodle Parts (and Flower Creations) Spellbinders for me, and you would not believe how quickly she received them! So, even if Phebe does not have a certain set you are looking for, she can easily order them for you!

Tilda was stamped on Neenah cardstock and coloured with Copic markers. Although I went with a bit of a Valentine's theme, I think you could give this card to a loved one any time of the year!!

Don't forget about the SALE going on right now at The Town Scrapper!! The "Buy one, get the second of equal or lesser value for 50% off" is ending on February 14, 2010!! If you miss out on this sale, you will kick yourself!! Head on out to Petrolia, Ontario to take a look at all the goodies at the Town Scrapper! You can also contact Phebe...her information is on her blog!

Also, don't forget to check over at Humble Pie Stamps for the weekly challenge! Some of the Bakers also previewed a new image that will arriving soon at the Town Scrapper for purchase!!

Blessings!

Melanie

Stamps: Magnolia "Jam Tilda"

Paper: Neenah, Prism, Bazzill, Basic Grey "Sugar Rush"

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers

Embellishments: Ribbon, self-adhesive pearls

Tools: Various Spellbinders

A "Little" Something Special...or Two!!

First thing's first...did you see Sweet 'n Sassy's big news this week??!! We're going all digital! We helped Korin celebrate this announcement with a blog hop on Monday...you can still scroll down to Monday's post to visit all the DT's blogs to see their creations...wow, they were incredible! What a talented bunch of ladies! Speaking of the DT...we GREW!!! (let me clarify that we grew in NUMBERS, not by pant size... lol) So much excitement this week already, and would you believe there is more?? Korin has decided to release all the February digis, and a few of the March images today! Yup, go take a look at the store...so many adorable images! Also, you will need to keep your eyes on the store, because Korin will be releasing new digis frequently. My advice is to check daily!

So what will this mean for "Digi Day Thursdays"? Well, since we will be having daily releases of new digital stamps, we will now have a challenge day on SNR every Thursday! The first Thursday of the month will feature a "prize" challenge. We hope you will play along on the other Thursdays too, because Korin will be on the lookout for our Guest Designers and Spotlight Customers from the participants! Today, our hostess over on SNR is Micki! The challenge....USE THOSE BUTTONS!!

Whew...oh yeah, I have a couple of cards too! (hope you've stuck with me this long!)

The first card I made, is a teeny little 4x4 notecard. I LOVE little cards...I'm always drawn to them in stores! I used the adorable "Benjamin Bunny", printed him off on Neenah cardstock and coloured him with my Copic markers. I kept the layout really simple, and just layered him on some coloured cardstock and My Mind's Eye DP.

My second card was made with our SNR challenge in mind! This new image is "One of a Kind". Again, I printed it off on Neenah and coloured with Copic markers. The sky was sponged in with a make-up sponge and a hand-cut cloud template. I think the DP here is from Fancy Pants. This little birdie just makes me giggle! Being different isn't necessarily a bad thing...after all God made each of us unique! We should celebrate who He made us...but at the same time, be willing to be shaped and molded into who He wants us to become!

So, I hope your day will include a stop by SNR to participate in the chatting and challenge! I hope to stop by there later after work. I hope you all have a fantastic, blessed day!!

Melanie

Lots of Love Blog Hop with Sweet 'n Sassy!

Good morning!! There is some BIG NEWS being revealed over at Sweet 'n Sassy today!! SWEET 'N SASSY IS GOING COMPLETELY DIGITAL!! You will find the details of Korin's big announcement over at the Sweet 'n Sassy DIGI BLOG !!

We are celebrating this big news with the LOTS OF LOVE BLOG HOP!! I will also tell you that our design team is growing! You can meet all the new designers along the hop!! These ladies are amazingly talented...I feel honoured to be on a team with them all!

The hop will start on the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Blog. From there, hop to each of the following blogs (in no particular order):

Micki ♥ Sandy ♥ Deedee♥ Melanie ♥ Nicole ♥ Lynne ♥ Korin ♥ Leah ♥ Ceal ♥ Darsie ♥ Janette ♥ Kim ♥ Lorie ♥ Nancy

So, back to the hop! The theme of our hop is "LOVE"!! Each DT member will be showcasing a different Sweet 'n Sassy digital image. Now, since we all have been focusing lately on the new releases, we thought it would be fun to show you some of the older digital images available at Sweet 'n Sassy!! You will also have a mission...you must tally up the number of times the word "LOVE" appears on the DT's projects along the hop. Perhaps some of the designers have used it 20 times, and some maybe not at all!! So keep track, because there is fantastic PRIZE up for grabs!! One lucky hopper will win the entire January release of digital images! Feel free to leave comments on each designers blog, but make sure to hop back to the DIGI BLOG when you are finished to leave a comment with your answer!! Korin will be choosing a winner from the correct answers!! As an added bonus, you can grab the "I heart Sweet 'n Sassy Digis" blinkie from the blog and post it on your own blog...if you do, you will be the happy recipient of a FREEBIE!! You will again need to leave a comment on the DIGI BLOG with your email address so that Korin can confirm that you posted our blinkie!! Oh, there is just so much fun to be had today!

Oh yeah, my project!! I worked with the digital stamp "Noah's Ark". I was in the mood to create something other than a card, so I decided to make a door plaque. I had this wooden heart in my stash of craft items, and painted it white. I covered it in DP, sanded down the edges and embellished with Spellbinders Doodle Parts. I also added some pearls. I coloured "Noah's Ark" with Copic markers and pop-dotted it on the plaque. I made a "hanger" out of ribbon and added a bow (made with my Bow Easy!). I also added a smaller wooden tag covered in DP. On one side I wrote "Hush, Baby Sleeping"....the other side says "Baby Awake".

Although Valentine's Day is just around the corner, I chose to make this project with the love of a parent in mind. As a parent, we love our children unconditionally. There is nothing else that compares to this challenging, and yet most rewarding "job". To be responsible for another life, and to nurture that child until they are ready to go out in the world as an adult themselves is perhaps one of the most difficult things one may ever do. But, oh the blessings!

So, help us at Sweet 'n Sassy SPREAD THE LOVE!! Start over at the Digi Blog to find out the big announcement, then hop along to all the designers!

Have fun hopping!!

Melanie

Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Digital Stamp "Noah's Ark"

Ink: Copic markers

Paper: KaiserCraft, All My Memories, Neenah

Embellishments: Dollar store metal embellishment, ribbon, pearls

Tools: Spellbinders Doodle Parts