Upsy Daisy Favor

This is a favor I made for our Women at the Well (WATW) program at my parish. This program occurs about four times during the school year, and this is our sixth season. We provide a light dinner of soup, bread and dessert (getting donations for these if possible), and then have a presentation by an inspirational speaker. It is an evening of spiritual renewal, so when I found this little "kit", I knew it would be perfect for a WATW evening. I made the "poem" so that it fit the cello bag topper. What you see in the picture is a closed topper with the cello bag and it's contents, plus an open topper (bag is tucked underneath). The fold over Confetti Cream hides the staples that keep the topper closed over the cello bag. I do not know where the words originated from, but as usual I didn't do a straight CASE either. ;). Here's what it says...

To: My Beautiful Woman
From: The Lover of Your Soul

A Loving Gift of Everyday Reminders:
♥ Toothpick – Pick out the good qualities in yourself and others. Matt 7:1
♥ Rubber Band – Be flexible. Things may not always go the way you want,
but it will work out. Romans 8:28
♥ Band-Aid – Heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else’s. Col. 3:12-14
♥ Pencil – List your blessings everyday. Eph 1:3
♥ Eraser – Everyone makes mistakes, and it’s okay. Gen 50:15-21
♥ Chewing Gum – Stick with it. There is nothing WE cannot accomplish TOGETHER. Phil 4:13
♥ Mint – You are worth a mint to Me. John 3:16-17
♥ Candy Kiss – Everyone, including you, needs a kiss or hug everyday. 1 John 4:7
♥ Tea Bag – Meet me daily for intimate conversation in the Living Room. It is our R&R (reconciliation and rejuvenation). I’m there every day, longing for your company. John 4:4-30

My Love – Together, We can Live Every Day Fully and Joyfully!

Stamps: Upsy Daisy
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Confetti Cream
Ink: Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red and Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Small Cello Bags, Slot Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, staples
ENJOY!

Mom's Daisy

Here is the card I will be sending my Mom to thank her for accepting the vocation to care for her mom, my Grandma. Click HERE for my original post about my Grandma, Alzheimers and the Heart to Heart Blog Candy.

A BIG Thanks to Carolyn King, not only for the awesome blog candy opportunity, but more importantly for the gentle reminder that we should never assume the people who inspire us in anyway already know they are an inspiration. Just like saying "I Love You" to spouse and kids, or giving hugs - we need to find a way to demonstrate our gratitude every day. What better way than by using our love for papercrafting as our starting point? THANKS again to the myriad individuals and companies who sponsored the Heart to Heart Blog Candy.

REMEMBER - YOU DON'T HAVE TO MEET THE BLOG CANDY DEADLINE TO SEND YOUR CARD! Please just do it as soon as you can - and maybe think about doing some Fall or Thanksgiving cards this year for other service providers you admire. THANKS!

Stamps: Upsy Daisy
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White
Ink: Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red & Versamark
Accessories: Tangerine Tango 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Pretties Kit, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots; Non-SU! Marvy Giga Scallop Oval Punch
ENJOY!

A Batty Bouquet (Tutorial Included)

If you've been following along with the StampinJewels Blog this month, you have noticed I've been in a Halloween mood. Click on the 'Halloween" Label to easily find the other Halloween projects - (Frankie and His Bride are especially cute!) Better yet - subscribe to this blog and you won't miss any posts! :) Though I like the cutesy Halloween decor (can't stand the ugly, macabre stuff), I don't usually do much for Halloween. I've been having fun with my Halloween mood and my latest fun is this adorable little Batty For You Bouquet! Wouldn't this look cute as a table centerpiece? Or on a teacher's desk? Or on your spouse's, a co-worker's or your own desk? The best thing is how simple it is to make! Just a few punches, some lollipop sticks and some of the awesome SU! punches - Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Circle. I bought a small, square candle holder for $0.97 from Wal-Mart. I had some styrofoam cones on hand - so rubbed that with a black ink pad to reduce the white glare from the inside. You'll also need a bag of fun size Peppermint Patties.
Here's a brief tutorial...
Grass: Use a strip of Kiwi Kiss CS and run it through the SU! Crimper, then cut it into narrow strips. Fold the crimped strips in half at a slight angle and stick them loosely in with the styrofoam base to create the "grass".
Flowers: Stamp your chosen images from the Batty for You Stamp Set - then punch them out using the 1 1/4" Circle Punch. Use the 1 3/8" Circle Punch to punch out your choice of coordinating background layer. Punch TWO Scallop Circles for each flower. Adhere all layers of the front of the "flower". Use Mini Glue Dots (or Sticky Strip) to adhere the completed "flower" front to a Peppermint Patty. Use another Mini Glue Dot to adhere the non-layered "flower" back to the Peppermint Patty. Insert lollipop stick (these may be found wherever Wilton supplies are sold.) Tie a bit of Black Gingham Ribbon around the stick, under the "flower". Poke stick into styrofoam base to create the bouquet. Repeat this step for as many "flowers" as you want to make.
"Vase": Measure your chosen "vase" and cut a strip of Tangerine Tango CS to wrap around it, securing with Mini Glue Dots (or Sticky Strip). Measure and cut TWO pieces of Black Gingham Ribbon, and ONE piece of Tangerine Tango 5/8" Striped Grosgrain. Adhere to cardstock strip with Mini Glue Dots.
"Vase" Label: You may want to use the Stamp-a-ma-ji here if you are not good at eyeballing lining up images. Ink up the "Happy" from the"Happy Halloween" stamp in the All Holidays set and stamp on Whisper White CS. Clean stamp. Ink up the "Halloween" from the same stamp, and position under the "Happy" you just stamped. Then punch out with the Curly Label Punch, using the direct-to-paper technique to add Kiwi Kiss ink to the edges of the punched out cardstock. Punch out TWO more Curly Labels in a contrasting cardstock color - I used Basic Black. Turn one vertically, and adhere to the back of your punched sentiment. Holding the other one horizontally, use your Paper Snips to cut it in half. Layer and adhere one piece to each end of your punched sentiment. This create the 'faux layering' you see on my sample. Here's a close up of the "flower" for you..

Stamps: Batty for You & All Holidays (SU!)
Cardstock: Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, Lovely Lilac, Whisper White, Summer Sun
Ink: Whisper White Craft Ink, Black StazOn, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, Lovely Lilac
Accessories: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, 1 1/4" Circle Punches and Curly Label Punches; Tangerine Tango 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon: Black Gingham Ribbon; Crimper; Mini Glue Dots; Dimensionals; Non-SU! - glass square,votive holder, styrofoam cone, lollipop sitcks, Peppermint Patties.
ENJOY!

Alzheimers & Heart to Heart Blog Candy - WOW!

Walk, NO RUN - over to Carolyn King's blog and check out the more than super awesome Heart to Heart Blog Candy. Really, I mean it - there's over $800 worth of handmade items and papercrafting supplies and resources available to win - FOR ONE PERSON. Go check it out and see how to enter this AMAZING Blog Candy giveaway by doing what we all love to do - papercrafting - a card for an Alzheimers Caregiver. You have until 9/26 to enter.

I think most, if not all, of us have been touched by Alzheimers Disease in some way - whether directly through a family member or other loved one, or through a friend whose family member or loved one is experiencing this sad disease.

For me, my maternal Grandma is struggling with this disease, and my Mom is her legal caretaker. My parents uprooted themselves, and moved a few hours away from their local children and grandchildren (some of my family already lives many states away) to take on this loving and sacrificial yet daunting and heart-breaking task. My Mom shared that she and my Grandma had talked, years ago, about who would care for my Grandma should the need arrive. I am pretty sure neither of them expected Alzheimers to play a major role in Grandma's caretaking needs. Luckily, my Grandma remains is generally good spirits, and readily accepts that people she doesn't recognize are her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

I'd like to share some of the things I know about
the amazing woman my Grandma is...
♥ Grandma is in her early 90's
♥ She is a breast cancer survivor for I think about 20 years now
♥ She has 15 children - 13 born, 1 miscarriage, 1 stillbirth
♥ She outlived her youngest child, my Uncle Curtis
♥ She lived the hard life of a farm wife
♥ She lived with a husband who dealt with mental illness & alcoholism
♥ She was a nurse for many years
♥ She loves to dance, even still today!
♥ She met her second husband at a dance hall (I think she was in her 50's then)
♥ She has 48 grandchildren - 24 boys and 24 girls
♥ She has over 70 great-grandchildren and several great, great grandchildren
♥ Her name is Klementine
♥ My Darling Klementine is one of her favorite songs
♥ She loves roses, especially red ones
♥ Her favorite color is red
♥ She loves having her own box of chocolates
♥ She is of Polish descent and sometimes still prays in Polish
♥ She loves her Catholic faith

Here's a scrapbook page I did a few years ago. That's me and our three (long before our two in Heaven came along). Grandma was already living with my parents, but the Alzheimers was in it's earliest stages and she still knew who we were. She doesn't now.

WE LOVE YOU GRANDMA/GREAT-GRANDMA!

Witch's Broom Favor

This ADORABLE Witch's Broom Favor is shown on pg. 29 of the Fall/Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog. I had some smaller than normal kraft paper lunch bags so I used those for this project. I literally went outside and found a stick to use. :) One of the SU! small Cello Bags holds a treat inside the broom.

Stamps: Haunting Halloween
Cardstock: Tangerine Tango
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Tangerine Tango 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Linen Thread, Paper Snips, Small Cello Bag, Ticket Corner Punch.
ENJOY!

Blogs, Blogs, Blogs...

Guess what I did? Started another blog - well, every girl *has* to have at least TWO right? ;) (And a SU! Business website too, of course. See it HERE) This blog, StampinJewels, will be paper-crafting only (though I can't promise I won't stick in some family things every now and then!) Did you see the Cricut Giveaway HERE?

The new blog is The Lighthouse Crew and will be for showcasing family, homeschooling experiences, etc. Now that I linked up with The Secret is in the Sauce - you very well may see more contests show up too - especially over at the Lighthouse Crew Blog. As a matter of fact - there's new contest over there now - find it HERE.

I sincerely hope you enjoy all my sites - and please share them with others! :)

And don't forget to check out the links for some of my fav blogs in the sidebar too - whether link or widget.

ENJOY!

Cricut Giveaway!

Want to win a Cricut? Check out The Secret is in the Sauce for more details.
The chance is gone come Oct. 1st!

Chat & Challenge 134 - Sketch Inspiration

So here's my Sketch and Inspiration rolled all into one for the Sudsol Chat & Challenge I'm hosting tonight. Sudsol is a demonstrator only site, but you can play along with the sketch challenge and post your link on this post!

The layout idea was inspired by my friend Cami-One-Kenobi (aka Cambria Turnbow) in this post.

I used the technique called "direct to paper" where you rub your ink pad along the edges of your cardstock. I did this tone on tone on the Elegant Eggplant second layer, as well as on the Confetti White image piece. Harder to see is the Dazzling Diamonds Glitter that runs along the swirls with the stars (also stamped tone on tone) next to the sentiment. I dusted off my Watercolor Wonder Crayons(WWC) and Aquapainter for this image - I've been so caught in my Copics (who wouldn't be?! lol) I find I still adore my WWC and Aquapainter too. I used the Basic Black WWC from the Neutral Set for the kitty's shading.

Stamps: Haunting Halloween
Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Elegant Eggplant & Confetti White
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Elegant Eggplant, Black StazOn
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Kiwi Kiss 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Two Way Glue Pen, Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots.
ENJOY!

Enjoy Life Card

This is my second design for the swap mentioned in my previous post here. This In Color Combo is: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip & Kraft. Any reason to use more of that beautiful Kraft Taffeta Ribbon! - lol Does this layout look familiar? It should! It is the same one I used here. See how one layout can be interpreted in slightly different ways to create many designs? This is one of the reasons I enjoy the Chat & Challenges I host over at Sudsol - one sketch/layout inspiration - many different interpretations and styles. Incidentally, I will be hosting another C&C on 9/18 - so look for a sketch *you* can play along with too!

Stamps: Enjoy Every Moment
Cardstock: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Kraft & Naturlas Ivory
Ink: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss and Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Circle Brads, 3/16" Corner Rounder, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1/8" Hand Punch, Chocolate Chip /4" Grosgrain Ribbon & Kraft Taffeta Ribbon.
ENJOY!

Bella's Bloom

I made this card for an In Color Combo swap I am hosting on Sudsol, a demonstrator only site. I enjoy swapping - first because it is fun to make the swaps and second because it is fun to receive the swaps! Swaps are great because I end up with samples that show new stamp sets and embellishments I don't personally own, as well as design styles different from my own. Not only does this help me provide my customers with new ideas, *I* am challenged out of my own 'style box' too.

This is an In Color Swap because participants were required to use one of the In color combinations from the chart that SU! provides its demonstrators with every new set of In Colors. This combo was Tangerine Tango, Regal Rose, So Saffron & Kiwi Kiss.

Stamps: Bella's Bloom
Cardstock: Tangerine Tango, Regal Rose, So Saffron, Kiwi Kiss & Confetti White
Ink: Tangerine Tango, Regal Rose, So Saffron, & Kiwi Kiss

ENJOY! Cards

These were some very quick cards I made a night or so ago because we needed some extra support letters for couples who are attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend in our area this weekend. I was able to use up a few more scraps of the now retired Prints DSP (gotta use up the old to make room for the NEW Patterns DSP! lol) I am happy with how they turned out, as well as with how quickly they came together! A little tone on tone stamping, a little direct to paper around the edges of the focal sentiment...it's good to remember that a nice card doesn't always mean it has a ton of layers and embellishments. Everyone's style is different - I like to have a mix of styles!

Stamps: Enjoy Every Moment (SU!)
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Prints DSP in Almost Amethyst and Certainly Celery(all SU!, DSP retired)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Almost Amethyst & Certainly Celery
ENJOY!

ONLINE Ordering for Stampin' Up!

Now this IS exciting news! When the inspiration for THE PERFECT project breaks over you like a wave in the ocean or the dawning of the day - you can now order Stampin' Up! products online - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Just go to my Demonstrator Business Website - www.2stampinjewels.stampinup.net and click the "Shop Now" button!

As always - when you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

Happy Shopping!

Scripture Chicks - September Bookmark

"The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it."
John 1:5

Aaaahhh, caught up with BVC08 now. I love this project, begun by Lori Craig, so when I do fall behind on it - no matter what the reason - it only adds to my frustration. Being caught up with my bookmarks, as well as on the outside of the spiritual funk I was in this Summer, is such a wonderful feeling of relief.

This verse from the Gospel of St. John has renewed my hope. I came upon this verse after receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the end of August. Meditating on the first eighteen verses of John, chapter 1 was my penance. Again - you betcha I had heard these verses many, many times. I think this is one of my favorite things about the Scripture - that His word is timeless. No matter how many times I read a passage, He always has something different to say to me in it.

A note on reconciliation - most Christians believe in reconciliation, or confessing of one's sins to God. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a Catholic belief. It is sometimes mistakenly viewed as "telling a priest my sins." As defined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a sacrament is an outward sign, manifested by Jesus, to give grace. Grace is God's life within us. The priest is not God. The priest does not forgive my sins. The priest is like a 'stand-in', symbolic of Jesus' presence. It is Jesus who forgives my sins, and bestows on me His Grace to try again to live my life detached from sin. It is Jesus who offers a penance to help me understand the why's of my sins, and it is Him who transforms me, through His Grace, past my sins. What I enjoy most about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, is the fact that I am confessing my sins - out loud AND to another person. I have found nothing else more powerful in helping me overcome my weaknesses to sin, then speaking them out loud and to another person, as well as apologizing out loud. Is it uncomfortable? Of course! I liken it to apologizing to my children when I over react with them. If you've never gotten on your knees in front of your child, whom you have offended, apologized for your misbehavior and asked for forgiveness - you are missing out! Again, you feel sorry in your heart and know that your child won't hold against you - but that is not the same as confessing your wrong-doing out loud and to that child. Try it, and you'll see what I mean! And you'll also know the joy I feel after receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation - only those feelings are even better and stronger! Another reason I love this BVC08 - Besides be given the gift of sharing in YOUR faith, I get to reflect on my Catholic faith and share it with all of you!

I have been wanting to use a lighthouse for one of my bookmarks since the beginning - and this verse couldn't be more perfect! I printed the verse on my computer, then colored over it with Copic Y02. I am pleased with the unusual-ness of this bookmark. My fav features are the hanging verse, and teh shredded ribbon at the top (made simply by making many cuts into the ribbon.)

Stamps: A Light Unto My Path (SU!)
Cardstock: Basic Black & Whisper White (SU!)
Ink: Pacific Point
Copics: Y02
Accessories: Pacific Point 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Corner Rounder, Paper Snips, Craft & Paper Scissors (all SU!) ENJOY!

Scripture Chicks - August Bookmark

"I can do all things through Him
who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

As I mentioned in the Scripture Chicks - July Bookmark post, Summer was difficult for me spiritually. Through the "little things" that piled up, God allowed me to see another layer of my weaknesses. He is SO GOOD about this, in that He will not overwhelm us in this way, but one layer at a time. As I tried to draw strength from within to, once again, begin working on my weaknesses, I found I didn't have much left. This is where the middle part of last months verse from Romans 12:12 came into play "...patient in affliction...". And then, in conversation with a friend, Philippians 4:13 was spoken. And two different stamp sets with this verse were out on my stamp table. It was one of those 'slap yourself in the forehead' moments - DUH for me! I am always amazed at how we can "know" something, but not really *KNOW* it. Praise to You my Lord Jesus Christ - for always sending your Grace to strengthen me, especially when I forget You, Holy Spirit are there!

Stamps: Elegant Inspirations (retired SU!)
Cardstock: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue, Whisper White and Summer Picnic DSP(all SU!)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink (SU!) & Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, 1/4" Bashful Blue Grosgrain Ribbon & Mini Glue Dots (all SU!); Marvy Giga Scallop Circle Punch; Creative Memories Circle Cutting System
ENJOY!

Scripture Chicks - July Bookmark

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer."
Romans 12:12

Yeeeessss, I know - I am a couple months behind on BVC08 - I think the verses I chose for the Summer months will give you an idea of why. No, nothing major occurred in my life, or my family's life - Praise God! It's more the "little things" that seemed to converge and weigh heavily upon my psyche. Thank goodness the weather was so beautiful here in Illinois this Summer, because that helped me alot.

Pope Benedict XVI has named this year the Year of St. Paul - so I think it is extra fitting that I have chosen so many verses from various letters of St. Paul for BVC08. This one, in particular, provides me with a source fo strength. When all the "little things" pile up - I call upon His Word as He inspired St. Paul to share. It is a good reminder for me of what He expects of me - in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer...I am, after all, a member of His Bride, the Church.

This bookmark showcase several NEW Stampin' Up! products. I really like the NEW Upsy Daisy set (btw- it's 15% off through October 30th!). Then there's the Scallop Edge Punch - a must have (of course what SU! punch *isn't* a must have?!). And I've been waiting for an opprtunity to use the NEW Sage Shadow 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon!

Stamps: Upsy Daisy(SU!), Elegant Inspirations (retired SU!)
Cardstock: Handsome Hunter, Sage Shadow & Very Vanilla (all SU!)
Ink: Handsome Hunter & Sage Shadow
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, 5/8" Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/4" Sage Shadow Grosgrain Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Stamp-a-ma-jig

ENJOY!

Frankenstein & His Chocolate Bride

Isn't Frankie cute? And how about his Chocolate Candy Bar Holder Bride, including her beauty mark? :) These were inspired by samples from SU! demo Mandy Sutton(aka Mandy625 on SCS). Apparently there are several "Frankie's" out there - these are my interpretations. You all know I love to CASE (copy and share everything), but that I also do not usually CASE exactly! I wanted my guy to be a standard size card, even with his side screws. As I thought about it, I said to myself, "Well, Frankie's head is usually portrayed as more square at the top." Sooo, I cut at an angle on each side (the card opens from the top). I like the big eyes, even though that means his side screws end up coming out of his jaw, rather than his neck - hhhmm, maybe I'll make another one just to see..... ;)

Below, you'll find most of the details, a faux tutorial, I guess! ;)

Candy Bar Holder: I began with a 6" x 6 1/2" piece of Kiwi Kiss, and scored it at 1-3/4" and 4 -1/4" so it would fold around the Hershey bar better. I made eyelashes by cutting into the side of the 1/4" Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, and attaching it under the punched half circle eyelids with Mini Glue Dots. For both projects, I used the technique of direct-to-paper with my ink pads to add a little texture and interest to the edges and a little further in, as well as around the eyelids and nose so they stood out a bit more.
Cardstock
• Kiwi Kiss card stock: Card: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"; Candy Bar Holder: 6" x 6-1/2"
• Lovely Lilac card stock: 1-3/4" x 4-1/4"; 3/4" x 4-1/4"
• Basic Black
• Whisper White
• Scraps of all card stock colors

Ink
• Kiwi Kiss Classic Stampin’ Pad
• Lovely Lilac Classic Stampin' Pad
• Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad

Stampin’ Up! Accessories
• Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon
• Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
• Basic Black Stampin' Write
• 1-3/8" Circle Punch
• 1-1/4" Circle Punch
• 1" Circle Punch
• 3/4" Circle Punch
• 1/2" Circle Punch
• Corner Rounder (the one that SU! reitred, not the current one, which I also like!)
• Signo Gel Pen
• Paper Snips
• Craft & Paper Scissors
• Sticky Strip
• Mini Glue Dots
• Screw Brads (non-SU!) [I will admit, that I *could* have devised a way to make faux screw brads - but I'd rather keep stamping new projects!]
ENJOY!

GinaK Release Party Sketch Challenge

I attended my first New Release Party over at SCS - I mean where I actually hung around and chatted a bit in the forums! I briefly checked in on a previous GinaK Designs new release party, but only managed to jot down the sketch challenges - which I did participate in. See them here and here. THIS is challenge SEPTGKDCK, set by one of the stamp designers and GKD Design Team members, Carolyn King.

I ADORE the supermom images in the Kindred Spirits line by GinaK Designs - but this one, Julia, is my absolute FAV! Look at the *PURE JOY* on her face! It's the JOY of marriage and motherhood - and with so many put downs of both in our cultural, this image is so refreshing. I plan to make cards with Julia for many of my "Mommy friends" to let them know they are doing a great job in their vocations as wife and mother, and that I appreciate their support as I strive to do the same.

Julia is flying in a Spica glittery filled sky, and her leotard is also Spica sparkled. (Spica Pens are AWESOME, and are made by Copic.) I believe GinaK Designs has this product. I got mine from CreativePlayStamps - of course! :) A customer and friend had a pack of the Sakura Glaze Pens at a Stampin' Chat a few months ago - that is the shiny you may be able to see on her cape.

Stamps: Super Mom Julia - Kindred Spirits and Kindred Greetings for Kids(GinaK Designs)
Cardstock: Brilliant blue, Real Red, Creamy Caramel (all SU!); StampersSelect White(Papertrey)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Brilliant Blue (SU!)
Accessories: Koh-i-noor Pencils, Odorless Mineral Spirits & Blending Stumps (GinaK); Spica Glitter Pens; Sakura Glaze Pens; Marvy Giga Scallop Oval Punch; Corner Rounder Punch, 1/4" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Brilliant Blue Brads, Crafters Tool Kit(all SU!)
ENJOY!

Horse in Copics

Here's another one of the Serendipity Stamps Horse images I mentioned in this post. This time I played with source of light and shadowing. I was pleased with the results.

I started with an all over layer of YR00 - (I am really bummed, my E31 is missing, I think it may have gotten mixed in with the markers at the Copic training, cuz I haven't seen it since then.) Next came an all over layer of E25, and then E27 for the shadowed side of the horse's head. Many, many layers of color were used here - and to help in the blending so the source fo light side and the shadow side look realistic, I went back over the light and shadow lines with more YR00. The lighter colors work similar to Colorless Blender, only - well, they aren't colorless, so when the color is pushed together it's not blended out to white(which is what the Colorless Blender does.) Instead, it's blended out to the what the light color you are using is. And considering YR00 was my base color, this is an effective means of blending.

Can you see the glitter frame around the horse image? On the same visit to our cousins over at CreativePlayStamps, I also did some shopping (remember, Sakura Glue Pen and Stardust Pens, several glitters, etc.) Well, I used the Sakura Quickie Glue Pen, and one of those glitters. This glitter is Leather Ultrafine Opaque Art Glitter. I took one look at the jar and fell in love with the color! I've been wanting to use it all these months, though I will say the Pewter glitter side-tracked me for awhile! lol

The sentiment is a rub-on from the now retired, SU! Sell-abration Love & Happiness package, and did you notice the yummy Baja Breeze textured cardstock? I am so hoping SU! will offer the textured cardstock in single color packages soon!

Stamps: Horse (Serendipity Stamps)
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze (both SU), StampersSelect White (Papertrey Inc.)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Copics: YR00, E25, E27
Accessories: Leather Ultrafine Opaque Art Glitter(CPS); Love & Happiness RubOns (retired SU)
ENJOY!

YOU Did It!

How FUN is this design? This fab little birthday card was made by Marcia R. - GREAT JOB Marcia! Marcia began stamping just two short years ago, and was hooked! (Weren't we all when we first saw stamps laying ink on paper? lol) Marcia dove in head first, and has made many wonderful creations over this time, with her talent continuing to blossom as she goes.

I adore the sentiment; "Seize the cupcake", don't you?

ENJOY!