Winner of my Sweet 'n Sassy Blog Hop Candy!!

(This is one of two posts today... it's time for the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps November sneak peeks to begin!! Please feel free to scroll up to check out that post!)

Good morning folks! Just popping in quickly to announce the winner of the "Cocoa's Ornament" digital image from the Sweet 'n Sassy Birthday Blog Hop. Drum roll please....

The lucky winner (chosen by random.org) is...

"GRANDMAFAIRYMARY"!!!

Congrats...I know you will love this sweet festive digital stamp! I'm sure it will be perfect for your holiday crafting. :) Please email me for new your digi stamp! (you'll find my email link through my blogger profile)

I would just like to say a heartfelt thank you to all who participated in the Sweet 'n Sassy celebration...and thank you for all your lovely comments. :) Stay tuned to the other designer's blogs to see if you won their blog candy...and Korin will be posting a complete list of all the winners on the Sweet 'n Sassy Blog this Saturday.

Blessings,

Melanie

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Birthday Blog Hop!!

Good morning folks! Earlier this year, I had the privilege of being on the design team for Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with that wonderful group of ladies, and I certainly have missed them. I was absolutely thrilled when Korin, the owner of Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, rallied up a bunch of us "alumni" and invited us to participate along with her current DT members in a Blog Hop to celebrate Sweet 'n Sassy's 3rd birthday!!

Here's a word from Korin about her wonderful company:

It's hard to believe that 3 years ago today Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps "opened for business" with just 4 clear stamp sets being sold on a simple blog. Since then SNSS has grown to over 100 clear stamp sets and hundreds of digital stamps! God has been so good to us!

Our images, sentiments and scripture stamps are sweet 'n sassy and everything in between. We're sure you'll find something you love. We hope you enjoy hopping along to see all the fun things we've created for your viewing pleasure. May you be inspired to create something truly amazing......something from your heart!

Today's huge Birthday Blog Hop includes the work of several Sweet 'n Sassy past and present design team members!! You will not want to miss a single participant's blog, as each and every one of us has BLOG CANDY to give away...so make sure to leave comments as you hop along!

The hop begins over at the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Blog, where you will also find a complete list of links to the hop participants. You should have arrived here after visiting with the very lovely and very talented Lisa...if not, just start the hop at the beginning, and you'll soon find your way back here. :)

For my card today, I used the festive digital stamp "Cocoa's Ornament". I adore this cute little mouse! Both the first and last projects I made during my term with Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps featured a Cocoa image, so I thought it fitting that I use him again for this celebration blog hop. One of the best features of digital stamps is the ability to re-size and flip them according to your specific project. Before printing the Cocoa stamp, I measured the Spellbinders die that I planned to use on my card, and adjusted the size of the image on my computer before printing. Before removing the image from the die, I used my Inkssentials Blending Tool to apply Distress Ink in Milled Lavender. The gorgeous Christmas paper is from Bo Bunny...I LOVE the colours in this paper line! The bow was tied with my Bow Easy. I added some machine stitching, rhinestones, pearls and a Spellbinders lace border as finishing touches.


"Cocoa's Ornament" was printed on Neenah smooth cardstock and coloured with Copic markers. Stardust Stickles were added to the bow and to the teal stripes on the ornament.

Copics: Cocoa: W00, W1, W3, W5, E50, R11, RV000, R83, R83 Ornament: YG00, YG11, YG20, YG67, G99, BG0000, BG000, BG11, BG72, BG75, BG78, RV000, V00, V01, V12, V15, V09, C00, C01, C03, E50, Y21, Y26, Y17, E33

BLOG CANDY TIME!!! Do you adore "Cocoa's Ornament" as much as I do??? Guess what...I get to give this digital image away to one lucky hop participant. :) Just imagine how many great projects he would be perfect for in the upcoming weeks!! Make sure to leave a comment on this post by Wednesday November 10 at 10:00 pm EST, and I'll announce the winner on Thursday November 11th! (Make sure to check back on my blog to see if you are the lucky winner!!)

When you are finished with the hop, make sure to visit the Sweet 'n Sassy Store to browse through the wonderful selection of stamps available for purchase!

Time for me to send you off to visit the next lovely gal on the hop...the very sweet and talented Joni!

Thanks again Korin for the invitation to join in the Sweet 'n Sassy birthday bash! It has been so much fun to reconnect with everybody and to have the chance to create with Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps again.

Happy hopping friends...and don't forget to leave those comments for your chance to win some great Sweet 'n Sassy prizes!!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Digital Stamp "Cocoa with Ornament"
Ink: Copic markers, Milled Lavender Distress Ink
Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, Bo Bunny
Embellishments: Ribbon, Stickles, rhinestones, pearls, machine stitching
Tools: Spellbinders, Bow Easy

Friday Sketchers (sponsorsed by Sweet 'n Sassy!!)

Korin Sutherland, owner of Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, is sponsoring Friday Sketchers Challenge Blog this week! A few of the Sweet 'n Sassy Divas played along, and I decided to jump in for one last hoorah! (I posted yesterday, letting everybody know that I am stepping down from the Sweet 'n Sassy DT at the end of this month.)

I used the very sweet digital stamp called "Precious Baby" and paired it up with this pretty paper from Imaginesce. I did have to shift the one flower up a bit from the original sketch, as I ran out of room! The sentiment is part of the stamp...I just trimmed it out of the image and placed it according the the sketch layout.

Hop on over to Friday Sketchers to see what Korin is offering up as a prize for one lucky participant!

Have a fantastic Friday, and make sure to check back with me later in the day. I'll have another post for The Town Scrapper up around 12:00 noon EST.

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Stamps "Precious Baby"

Ink: Copic markers

Paper: Imaginesce, Bazzill, SU

Embellishments: Prima Flowers, MM brads

Tools: MS border punch

An Easter Treat...and a little bit of sad news.

Good morning! My post today is mixed with a little sadness. This will be my last post for the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Stamps Blog. While I have enjoyed my time with this amazing group of ladies, I have some future endeavors in the works and therefore, reached the difficult decision to step down. I have appreciated the friendships made while serving on this team...these ladies are so supportive and encouraging. I still plan to stop by and see what they are up to...and to see what new images Korin is posting in her store! I would just like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to Korin for having me as part of this team, to Sandy who put up with my unending questions (lol) and to the rest of the ladies who have blessed me beyond anything I ever expected.

(Actually, I will have one more Sweet 'n Sassy card for you tomorrow, but it will not be posted on the Digi Blog. Korin is sponsoring a certain challenge blog...so come on back to my blog tomorrow to check out which one it is, and also to find out what she will be giving away as a prize!)

Ok...let me show you what I made for my final project. When I first started with Sweet 'n Sassy back in December, I used a Cocoa image for my first post (you can see that post here). I immediately fell in love with this cute little mouse, and Korin has been regularly coming up with new images featuring him. I felt it appropriate that my final post would also feature Cocoa. I printed this adorable Egg-Cited Cocoa on Neenah cardstock and coloured it with my Copic markers. I decided to cover one of these great wooden baskets I picked up from Michaels, and use it to hold some Easter treats. (I've used one of these baskets previously...you can see that post here.) Now brace yourselves...I used a sticker for the sentiment! GASP!! lol...Come on, fess up! I know there are a bunch of you out there who have gone sticker crazy in past years. When I first started scrapbooking...well actually, I pretty much "collected" scrapbooking stuff, and never really got around to using it...I bought tons of stickers. Where are they now?? In a big accordion file in my basement. So I though perhaps I should actually try to use some now and then. This little "Happy Easter" banner seemed to suit my project just perfectly. This project actually came together very quickly (maybe partially due to the sticker??!! lol), so you could make up a bunch of these for the kiddies, or even as place-setting favours for Easter dinner. Oh, your table would look adorable!

Remember, every Thursday is Digi Day over at the Sweet 'n Sassy Group on SNR. Today, your hostess is Leah. Hop on over there to get the details of the challenge, prizes and to participate in the friendly conversation. Make sure to visit the Sweet 'n Sassy store to pick up some new images too!

Again, thank-you to the entire team at Sweet 'n Sassy for the opportunity to work alongside you all.

God Bless!

Melanie

Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Stamp "Egg-Cited Cocoa"

Ink: Copic markers

Paper: Neenah, Prism, DCWV

Embellishments: Dollar store stickers and ribbon

Other: Wooden basket from Michaels

Easter Blessings

My goodness, March is just flying by! I wanted to remind my local readers of an event coming up on March 27, 2010 being hosted by Phebe of The Town Scrapper!(well, technically I shouldn't limit this to local readers!! lol, if you'd like to travel then we'd love to have you too!!) She is holding a fundraiser, which will run from 12:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon in beautiful Petrolia, Ontario! Phebe is planning a water colouring demo. There will also be two Copic demos, one by Krista and the other by me!! The three of us sat down together at Coffee Lodge the other night planning the details...well, and we may have indulged in some cheesecake too! lol Ladies, I know this will be a fun event! You will make up to three cards with Phebe's brand new Victoria Case images. There will also be snacks and refreshments...mmmm. Now, this event will be capped at 15 and as of the other day, there were only a few spots left. So, if you are interested please call or email Phebe quickly! (Oh! Don't foget to hop on over to The Town Scrapette's Blog for our weekly challenge! This week we're asking you to use Ribbons and Rub Ons! There are some fantastic examples by the DT on the blog for inspiration. If you participate this week, you could find yourself the lucky winner of a brand new Victoria Case stamp designed exclusively for The Town Scrapper!! Details are on the blog here.)

I also thought I'd share an Easter card with you today. Now, some of you may have seen this yesterday over on our Sweet 'n Sassy group at SNR. I made it for our Digi Day challenge (to make an Easter themed project). This Sweet 'n Sassy image is called "Christ Arose". What a beautiful image...so significant for the Easter season. Korin has several images that are just perfect for Easter.




The image was of course coloured with my Copic markers. I kept the layout very simple, as I really wanted the image to be the focus.




I hope you all have a wonderful day, and I will see you back tomorrow with a card for the Kraftin' Kimmie weekly challenge. (I've been working on a card with one of Crissy Armstrong's gorgeous fairies!)

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Stamps "Christ Arose" and included sentiment
Ink: Copic markers, Distress Ink (Antique Linen and Tea Dye)
Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, DCWV (Once Upon a Time)

Spring Showers

How are you all enjoying the weather lately? We have had some gorgeous sunny days here in Southwestern Ontario. I've even been able to open my windows and let the fresh air in! Now, we all know that along with spring comes rain. I honestly don't mind the rain...I quite like it! However, I DO NOT like the resulting mud! You see, we have white carpets and a dog. We did not put the white carpets in...they were newly installed when we moved in two years ago. I love the look of them when they are clean, but boy are they hard to keep that way! Poor Kalev...we have to catch him on his way into the house and scrub his feet each time he comes in.

When I saw this cute "Rainy Day Teddy" image available at Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Stamps, I knew I needed it!! lol I just love this cute bear in her galoshes! I adore watching kids splash around in the puddles...they're always filled with such joy. I made the sentiment myself on the computer. I think we all need to remember to slow down and enjoy the little things in life...like splashing in the puddles!

I printed "Rainy Day Teddy" off on Neenah cardstock and coloured her up with my Copic markers. The puddle and raindrops were given a coat of Stickles. I paired the image with some fun paper from Bella Press.

I hope you've been checking in with Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps frequently as Korin is adding new images regularly! Oh, there are so many to choose from...but thankfully, her prices are so reasonable that you will be able to purchase several! I know she has been adding some fantastic Easter images, so make sure you stop by and pick some up!

Today is also Digi Day at the Sweet 'n Sassy group on SNR. Your hostess today is your's truly! If you head over to the SNR group, you will find a link to our challenge for the day. The challenge will be up and running by 10:00 am EST, with a sample project to get your mojo going! I know some of the other DT members also have projects to share. So, make sure to drop in and say hi!

Have a blessed day friends!

Melanie

Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Stamps "Rainy Day Teddy" (sentiment is my own)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers

Paper: Bazzill, Prism, Neenah, Bella Press

Embellishments: Clear Dew Drops, Stickles, machine shitching

Tools: Spellbinders Ovals and Scalloped Ovals

Sweet Birthday Wishes

(This is one of two posts today. If you are looking for my Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Spring Kit preview, just scroll up or click here!)

Happy Thursday!! I hope you all have been having a fantastic week. It's been a busy one here! For my Sweet 'n Sassy project this week, I chose to work with "A Donut for Cocoa". Cocoa's been peeking out from behind all sorts of things over at the Sweet 'n Sassy store! Now, normally I would not be happy to find a mouse in my donut! lol But, with an image this cute I'll make an exception!

I printed Cocoa off on Neenah cardstock and coloured him with Copic markers. The icing was coated with Glossy Accents and the sprinkles were given some shimmer with Stickles. I cut out the image with my Circle Nesties and matted it with the Scalloped Circles. Before taking it out of the die, I sponged some Summer Sky Memento Ink around the image. (the sentiment is my own)

Make sure to take some time to hop on over to the Sweet 'n Sassy store to pick up some Digital stamps. Korin has been adding a ton of new images, so make sure to be checking the store frequently.

Oh, and as with every Thursday, it's Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Day over on our SNR group! I hope you find time to visit with us over there and participate in the chatting and the challenge!

Have a great day!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Stamp "A Donut for Cocoa"
Ink: Memento Summer Sky, Copic markers
Paper: Neenah, Wild Asparagus by MME, Doodlebug Designs, Bazzill
Embellishments: American Crafts ribbon, Glossy Accents, Stickles
Tools: Spellbinders Circles and Scalloped Circles

Bear Hug

I'll let you in on a little secret...I have always longed to have a window seat. Ideally, it would be in a bedroom complete with a turret in an old Victorian home. Picture it...a beautiful area off to the side of a bedroom with a window seat covered in big, soft pillows. A perfect spot to curl up with a novel, a sketchbook...or even a place to sit and daydream. Sigh...as much as I adore Victorian homes, I'm not about to take on the financial commitment of renovating and restoring one! Perhaps someday. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE my house and feel very blessed to have it! We can all have dreams though, right?

Well, this is just one of the reasons I fell in love with this image from Sweet 'n Sassy Digital Stamps. Just look at that window seat!! This is called "Bear Hug" by Deedee Anderson, and it is just absolutely adorable.

As always, I printed the image on Neenah cardstock and coloured with my Copics. I sponged all the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink...actually, I inked the American Crafts ribbon with it as well. The sentiment is part of the "Bear Sentiments" set. Finally, I added some Star Dust Stickles to the image and to the Prima Hydrangeas.

By now you know the drill! Thursdays are Digi Day on the Sweet 'n Sassy SNR group. Korin has something very exciting planned for the challenge today! She will be giving away a freebie for joining us (you must play along by 10pm EST tonight for the freebie), PLUS she'll be drawing one lucky winner who plays along by Monday morning to win a $10 digi credit to the store!! It all begins around 10:00 am EST. There is bound to be some great conversation and some gorgeous cards posted, so don't miss out on the fun!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Stamps, "Bear Hug" and "Bear Sentiments"

Paper: Neenah Cardstock, My Mind's Eye, SU

Ink: Copic markers, Antique Linen Distress Ink

Embellishments: Star Dust Stickles, Prima Hydrangeas, Dew Drops, American Crafts Ribbon

An Abundance of Cocoa!

That's right...Cocoa is popping up all over the place at Sweet 'n Sassy!! If you have not ever seen this sweet little mouse, then you are totally missing out! Korin Sutherland, owner of Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, illustrated this adorable little character, and he has been found peeking out from behind many different items over the last couple of months! Cocoa is definitely a popular image! Recently, Korin added several new Cocoa images and I know you will want each and every one! The beautiful thing is...you can get them all without breaking the bank! They are priced at an amazing $3.00 each(USD), and remember, because they are digital images you will have them instantly! No waiting in anticipation for the post man!

For today, I chose to work with "Peek-a-Boo" Cocoa. I think we are all longing for spring...to see that first shoot of green from under the white blanket. It will be here soon enough, but in the meantime it's fun to colour some fresh "springy" images! I printed Cocoa off on Neenah cardstock and coloured with my Copic markers. The sentiment is part of "Springtime Blessings".



That cute little butterfly flitting about above Cocoa's head is also a Sweet 'n Sassy image called "Whimsical Butterfly". I gave the butterfly a coat of Frosted Lace Stickles, and bent up the wings before adhering it to the main image.

Now remember, Thursdays are Digi Day over at our Sweet 'n Sassy Group on SNR. The challenge this week?? Butterflies! So, now you know why I added one to my image today! Our host for today is the fabulously talented Lynne...can't wait to see what she created for the challenge!

See you later on over at SNR!

God bless!

Melanie

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

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

One Post, Two Cards!

Today at Sweet 'n Sassy, you will find a bunch of new digis being released!! We've got several very cute images, and some fabulous sentiments to compliment them! Looking for inspiration? Well, hop on over to the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Blog ...a different DT member posts each day! Make sure you become a follower so you will not miss out on anything! Today is my day to post, so you will find the cards shown below over at the Digi blog as well!

I chose to work with two different images. The first is called Puppy Love. What an adorable little doggy! This cutie comes with two different sentiments, one of which I used here, as well as two small bonus images (a bone and pawprints). I used the little bone from the set to make the background paper that the puppy is mounted on. I distressed all the edges, and antiqued them with Distress Inks. The puppy was coloured with Copic markers. I hand cut the large bone and antiqued that as well. Finally, the puppy was pop-dotted for dimension.

The second image I worked with is Birdie Delivery. I am totally in love with this cute image!! So, I decided that I needed a whole parade of them!! lol Now, I'm not usually successful with a "clean and simple" kind of look, but I thought I'd give it a go. It usually takes me forever to put a card together, so I was quite pleased that this one came together in about twenty minutes (not including the colouring time). As always, I coloured with my handy dandy Copics! I also had this metal embellishment kicking around in my stash...how perfect!! Gotta love it when that happens!

I had coloured the bundles different colours, so as not to be gender specific. However, if you know a couple expecting quadruplets, then this card just may be perfect for them! lol...can you image four babies all at once??!!

So, head on over to Sweet 'n Sassy to take a peek at all the new digis! Korin's digital stamps are such a reasonable price. That means you can pick up several without breaking your budget!

Have a blessed day friends!

Melanie

Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Digital Stamps "Puppy Love" and "Bird Delivery"
Ink: Copic markers
Paper: Bazzill, Neenah, Basic Grey, DCWV
Embellishments: Assorted ribbons, dollar store metal embellishment
Tools: Spellbinders, Bow Easy

Someday My Prince Will Come

Good morning stampers!! I would just like to start off today's post by saying a big THANK YOU to everybody who takes the time to come by and look at my blog. I love to read your comments, and truly appreciate all the kind words. I understand that we are all busy, so thank you again for taking the time out of your day. You ladies (and gents?? perhaps??) ROCK!!

So, if you are a regular visitor here, you will already know that every Thursday new digital stamps are released at Sweet 'n Sassy!! Korin has so many fantastic images, and the prices are incredible!! You are sure to find something to tickle your fancy! So after reading my post, please stop by the Sweet 'n Sassy store to check out all the stamps!! Also, make sure you pop in to the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi blog. A different team member posts everyday, so you are always bound to find fresh inspiration there!

My card today features the two new images "Heart Princess" and "Fenton the Frog". Now, how perfect are these two for a "princess and the frog" theme?? Korin has also released three sentiment sets today. I used one sentiment from the "Princess Seeks Frog" set. (The other two sets are "A True Friend" and "Love Sentiments 1".)

I printed my images out onto Neenah cardstock and coloured them with Copic markers. The trim on the dress was "blinged" up (I love how we can just make up words to suit our fancy!!) with Frosted Lace Stickles, and Fenton received a generous coat of Glossy Accents.

It's a little difficult to see, but I sponged in a sky using a make-up sponge and a cloud template.

Now, we have some extra fun for you all today!! You can hop on over to Paper Craft Planet for Sweet 'n Sassy's Digi Day!! Join in for a challenge, chatting and PRIZES!!! Yup, free digis my friends!! You will find all the details on the Sweet 'n Sassy group at PCP. I'm hoping to hop on for a bit after work, and I'm looking forward to connecting with all of you!

Have a blessed day friends!

Melanie

Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Stamps "Heart Princess", "Fenton Frog", "Princess Seeks Frog" sentiment set Paper: Bo Bunny, My Mind's Eye, Neenah Cardstock,Bazzill Ink: Copic markers Tools: Various Spellbinders Embellishments: Dollar Store ribbon, Prima Hydrangea, flat backed rhinestone, Glossy Accents, Stickles

Humble Pie Challenge: Bling Bling!!

Break out your Stickles, rhinestones, glitter, spritzes, glitter paper...whatever sparkles and shines in your stash, because we are asking for projects featuring lots of bling (at least two different kinds) for the new Humble Pie Challenge this week!


I pulled out this Humble Pie image of Maggie holding a strawberry. I stamped her on Neenah cardstock and coloured her with Copic markers. The papers I used are from the new Basic Gray "Sugar Rush" collection (available now at The Town Scrapper!!). I found this fabulous rhinestone swirl at the dollar store (I do love a good bargain!!). I also used clear Dew Drops which I coated with Christmas Red Stickles. It is hard to see on the picture, but I used a Copic Spica pen to shimmer up Maggie's eyes and also to add highlights to the strawberry.




This sentiment is actually from a digital set from Sweet 'n Sassy stamps ("Cupcake Sentiments")...but I felt it was just perfect for making this Maggie stamp work for Valentine's Day!!
So come and play along with us this week! You could be the lucky winner of a prize from The Town Scrapper, exclusive home to Humble Pie stamps!! Hop on over to Humble Pie to find out more details!

Blessings!

Melanie

Stamps: Humble Pie "Maggie with Strawberry", Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Stamps "Cupcake Sentiments"
Ink: Copic markers
Paper: DCWV cardstock, Neenah cardstock, Basic Gray "Sugar Rush"
Embellishments: Dew Drops, Stickles, Dollar Store rhinestone swirl.

Of All The Fishies in the Sea...

I hope by now, that your Thursdays always include stopping by Sweet 'n Sassy to see what new digis are being released! There are so many fantastic images...right now, many of the newest images are perfect for Valentine's Day!! I always post my Sweet 'n Sassy projects here on my blog, but you should also sign up as a follower over at the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Blog. That way you can stay up to date on everything that is happening over there. Plus, you don't want to miss any of the projects posted by the talented design team and guest designers...I'm sure they will inspire you!

Today, I have two cards featuring the brand new Digis for today: "Pucker Up" and "Blowing Kisses Teddy"!

First up, is this cute little fish bowl is illustrated by Leah Cornelis...what a super sweet image! I played around a bit with "Pucker Up" and decided to make a window card. I cut around the fish bowl to use it as a template for my acetate window. I made sure to place the fish and the gravel so that they would show through the window exactly as seen on the original image.



Now, before you take a peek at the inside, I need to ask you to tilt your head a little to the left...more....more...ok, that should do it!! Why?? Well, I noticed after everything was stuck down, that it's all a little off-kilter. :( Now normally, I can tease layers off with some thread...however, I had just run out of my usual adhesive. Since this card was going to be quite thick and heavy, I decided to use my Glossy Accents to adhere everything...very permanently. These papers were NOT budging. So, please humour me and just "pretend" that everything is straight, ok?? lol ( a very wise friend once told me that things being a little crooked is just proof that something is handmade with love...after all, nobody is perfect right?? hee hee)

So, for the inside of my card, I cut a square of Neenah cardstock, and drew in a bit more gravel to fit this square. I coloured in the water and the plants with Copic markers. The fish were also coloured with Copic markers, coated with Stardust Stickles and pop dotted for dimension. I found this great package of coloured glass beads at my local dollar store, and used them for the little pebbles at the bottom of the fish bowl! Finally, I used some more of those great heart rhinestones (also from the dollar store) as the heart bubbles that Leah drew in this image.

"Blowing Kisses Teddy" was drawn by Deedee Anderson. This is such a sweet little bear! For the fur, I used layers of feather strokes done with Copic markers. I opted for a shaped card this time and used my Nesties Labels 8 for the cardbase and DP layers. Since I had cut the teddy bear out, I needed to draw in the "kisses" that Teddy is blowing. I also used Frosted Lace Stickles on these "kisses". The sentiment is part of the "Blowing Kisses" set.

I hope you all have a wonderful day! Make sure to head on over to the Sweet 'n Sassy store to pick up this week's digis!

God bless,

Melanie

Digital Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy "Pucker Up", "Blowing Kisses Teddy" (with included sentiments)

Paper: Neenah, My Mind's Eye, Bazzill cardstock

Ink: Copic markers

Embellishments: Glass beads and heart rhinestones from the dollar store, WRMK brads, Prima Hydrangeas, Dew Drops, Stickles

Tools: Nestabilities Labels 8

Valentine's Fun with Sweet 'n Sassy!

With the month January came a change to the posting schedule on the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi blog. There will be a brand new post each day by different members of our team! We will also be having two guest designers joining us each month. So, here's how it will work:

Monday: Nicole

Tuesday: Guest designer

Wednesday: Lynne

Thursday: Melanie (your's truly!!)

Friday: Micki

Saturday: Guest designer

Sunday: Spotlight Customer!

This month, our guest designers are Debi Southard (who will be posting Saturdays) and Jennifer Scull (posting on Tuesdays)! Sandy and Deedee will also be posting at different times. So, in order not to miss anything, make sure to sign up as a follower over on the Digi Blog!!

So, on to my card for this week! If you have been visiting Sweet 'n Sassy on a regular basis, you will already know that every Thursday, new digis are released! The new digis for today are "A Note for You" and "All My Heart". Both these images have accompanying sentiments. However, the sentiments used on both the front and the inside of this card are from "Valentine's Sentiments".

The image on the front of my card is from "All My Heart". This heart is so pretty with the flowers and wings. As always, I coloured the digital image with Copic markers. The wings were given a coat of Stardust Stickles, and I adhered little rhinestones in the centre of each flower.

I rarely remember to decorate the inside of my cards, however I wanted to include this adorable koala bear on my project! This Digi Stamp is called "A Note for You". He too was coloured with Copic markers. The little heart gems I used on this card were a bargain find at my local dollar store!!

It's time to get a jump start on your Valentine's cards stampers! Head on over to the Sweet 'n Sassy store to order some of the great digis available...you can be colouring in a matter of minutes!

Today, Sweet 'n Sassy is also hosting a Digi Day on SNR. There will be a challenge, chatting, and prizes! Just for playing along with the challenge, you will receive the Digi Stamp "Sweet as Hunny" . Also, there will be an "earlybird" image called "Blowing Kisses Teddy", and this image is not yet available for purchase!! Don't miss out on the fun!

Have a wonderful day!

Melanie

A Little Old, A Little New!

How many are still recovering from the Christmas holidays?? Don't get me wrong, I truly love this season, and celebrating the birth of Jesus! But, it is a busy time with all the baking, hosting, shopping...phew! I made my first turkey this year...a 25 lb beast it was! I am happy to report that it turned out pretty good. I have to admit though, I was nervous about it!

Now before I get to my Sweet 'n Sassy post for this week, I believe I promised to reveal one of my secrets today! If you have been visiting the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Blog, you may have noticed that they have announced their Digi Design Team. Now, I was asked to step in as a guest designer for December, but I had also been asked to be a member of the DT as of January 2010!! I am so excited to work with this great team, and to welcome in some new guest designers for this coming month! Be sure to stay tuned, and I will keep you up to date on all the happenings over at Sweet 'n Sassy!! I would just like to say thank you to Korin and Sandy for giving me this opportunity, and also say a big congrats to all the other DT members (who will be listed on the left side of my blog)!

So, the title of my post talks about the old and the new. I thought that along with a card featuring the new digi release for this week, I would also post a card with an "older" image. First up, we'll have "Be Mine Cocoa". I get so excited each time I see a new Cocoa image! Please keep them coming Korin!!

Can you believe it's already time to start thinking about Valentine's Day? I decided to make a smaller card this week, and used my scalloped Nestabilities to make a shaped card. I paper pieced the envelope, which had to be done a little differently with a digital stamp! I printed out a copy of the image on plain paper and used it as a template to trace on the DP I planned to use. I popped up Cocoa's head, as well as the little heart on the envelope. The "XOXO" sentiment is part of the Valentine Sentiments, which was also released this week.



Up next, we have Feel Better Paulie. This digi was released back in November. I also used a sentiment from Get Well Wishes. I couldn't help myself...I HAD to use some real tissue in poor Paulie's box! I just poked a little hole, and pushed some tissue up from behind. I also coated his water bottle and thermometer with Glossy Accents.


Here's a closeup of Paulie (you can see the tissue better in this pic!):


Have a blessed day!

Melanie

Be Mine Cocoa

Digi Stamp: Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Stamps

Ink: Copic markers

Paper: Bazzill, Neenah, Bo Bunny

Embellishments: Ribbon, Stickles

Tools: Spellbinders

Feel Better Paulie

Digi Stamp: Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Stamps

Ink: Copic Markers

Paper: K&K Company, Bazzill, Neenah

Embellishments: Ribbon, Glossy Accents (lol...Kleenex!)

SALES!!! (and a teaser!)

Hello all!! Hope you all have a marvelous Christmas season! I love this time of year, but boy, is it ever exhausting! I am more than ready to settle back into a normal schedule...and to get colouring again! lol

So, no card today (come back tomorrow morning for that!), but I did want to let you all in on some great sales going on:

The Town Scrapper: Phebe still has that super buy one, get one at 50% off sale! You really must get yourself out to her store to check out all the fabulous lines she carries. Trust me...you will find MANY things you must have!! Some of the stamp lines she carries are Magnolia, CC Designs, High Hopes, Whiff of Joy, Kraftin' Kimmie, Motivet...and more! She also has great papers, embellishments and Spellbinders. Too many things to name here! If you don't live close by, you will find Phebe's contact info on her blog!

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps: Even though Korin has taken holidays, you can still place online orders!! They will begin shipping out on January 4, 2010. There is a Discontinued Set Sale as well as Digi Bundle Sets!! Take a look around the store. She has a great selection of clear stamps, as well as digital stamps.

Skribbles and Scraps: Bob and Jennie are running a pre-inventory sale!! Bob tells me he'd rather sell it than count it! (I might have been in there today...spending a gift certificate my father-in-law gave me!) Lot's of bargains to be found...so go and check them out!!

Ok, before you rush out to shop...let me give you a bit of a teaser! I have some BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS coming up this week!! And before any of you get smart...no I am not pregnant!!! lol Seriously though...these are secrets I've been sitting on for a very long time! (one since September!! can you believe I have had to keep quiet this long?). So stay tuned to find out what they are...one will be announced tomorrow! (however, if you have been looking around my blog and perhaps another I am tied to, you just may already know this one!).

Hope to see you back tomorrow...and later this week too!!

Blessings stampers!!

Melanie

Gone Fishing (Sweet 'n Sassy)

Hello Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Stampers!! I hope you all are ready for Christmas. Can you believe it's only a few days away! Ladies, if your hubby has left his Christmas shopping until the last minute, let him know about the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Bundles on sale now!! These are a fabulous bargain. You will get over $30.00 (USD) worth of images for only $25.00 (USD)!! Easy shopping for the men, great images for you to create with...what could be better?! Don't miss out on these bundles.

So, my card today features the image "Gone Fishing". I just LOVE this image by Korin Sutherland!! This bear and penguin are so cute together. This image is so versatile. I love that it can make a great masculine card...which I have to admit, I struggle with. Does anybody else have a hard time with these? You could also use this one for a friendship card, birthday card, winter card...the possibilities are endless! Have a look:

Now, when I saw this image my wheels started turning. I was thinking how funny it would be for this pair to be ice fishing in a teeny tiny hole...but they have no idea what they are about to catch! So, I drew in this killer whale...or orca...whatever you prefer! Just imagine the look on their faces when they try to reel in their catch! (you might need a bigger bucket boys!). I tried to capture the same feel that Korin creates with her adorable characters...her illustrations are so cute! The image was coloured with Copic markers. I also broke out the Polar White Flower soft for the snow on this image. The sky was created with a cloud mask and Memento Summer Sky ink. Finally, I coated the underwater scene with Glossy Accents.

So, hop on over to the Sweet 'n Sassy store to check out the incredible prices on not only single images, but the Digi Bundles I mentioned earlier! There are so many images you will fall in love with!
I would just like to take this chance to wish you all a Christmas season full of wonderful moments you will treasure for years to come! God bless you and your family as we celebrate the birth of His son!

Melanie

Tip: If you plan to draw any of your own images to colour with Copic markers, make sure to invest in a Copic multiliner so you will not end up with a smudgy line!!

Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy "Gone Fishing" Digi stamp (the whale is a "Melanie" original)

Paper: Bazzil, Neenah, Fancy Papers

Ink: Memento, Copic

Embellishments: Ribbon, Bo Bunny Brads