A Merry Christmas to All

A very Merry Christmas to all of my wonderful visitors! If you have been following the Advent box count down over at A Muse news, you may have been wondering what goodies were in the cute little projects. Well, the anticipation is over. I'm getting ready to share the goodie I placed in my box and if you would like a peak at all the others just check out this AMN post for days 1-12 and this post for days 13-24! So what did my cute little Annabelle share for Christmas:
Chocolate, of course! These little Lindt Milk Chocolate candies are a "bribe" I use on my DD for cooperation in Michael's. You can always find them at the check out counter and for .39 they are a lot of bang for the peaceful shopping buck!

So what goodies did Santa bring you for Christmas? He was super good to me! I received the new pink Bind-it-all- something I had been wanting for quite a while! Can't wait to play with it and have projects to share on my blog! I, also, received the Giga Scallop Heart punch and the Mega Classic Heart punch by Marvy (just in time for Valentine's A Muse projects) and some Copic markers to add to my ever growing collection. The girls got a Wii to share so the entire family had enjoyed that today! Truly a blessed day! Wishing you a new year of fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Jacksonbelle Embellishments DT Announcement and Blog Prize Winner

Yes, I have been a bad blogger lately! Between Christmas activities and having one very sick little Rachel at my house, by necessity my beloved crafts and blogging have had to take a back seat. Today I had such exciting news that I just had to peep in for a minute and share. So without further ado, I would like to announce the new (and returning) members of the Jacksonbelle Embellishment DT:

• AJ Otto
• Heather Lee-Reppen
• Jennifer Buck
• Jill Dunn
• Kim O'Rosky
• Kisa Peters
• Lynda Benden
• Maren Benedict
• Melissa Bove
• Michelle Woerner
• Rachel Hope
• Shannon Teubner
• Taylor Usry
• and of course, ME

What an awesome group of talented ladies, huh! I cannot wait to begin our weekly challenges and all the inspiration this group will bring!!! We will be kicking it off with an awesome New Year's Eve party so be sure to keep an eye out for the fun details!

On another fun, note I am pleased to announce that the winner of my blog candy is #7- Tinla! Tinla is a very talented stamper and huge A Muse fan so this prize is right up her alley! Congratulations, Tinla! If you will please send me your postal info. I will get those out to you ASAP! Also, don't forget to be checking out the daily Advent box count down on A Muse News! Wishing everyone fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Holy Cow!

It has been too long since I last posted! Life is crazy busy but I do think that there is some relief in sight! I am working on a couple of projects and hope to be able to post one of them tomorrow. In the meantime, today was my day to shine on the A Muse blog! I had day 13 on the Advent calendar and I would love for you to go and check it out! Since I am getting closer and closer to my 30,000 hits marker, why don't we make this a game and have a prize opportunity. Just take a look at the A Muse blog, and tell me the name of the cute little girl on my advent box in a comment on this post. On Friday, December 19th, I will choose one winner via random drawing to win a little sampler pack of 10 A Muse notecards that I will put together, along with some yummy A Muse ribbon. Easy Peasy. While you are there be sure to check out days 1-12 of the calendar. These little boxes are adorable! Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

December 1st

One of the fun things that I remember as a child was counting down the days of Christmas on an Advent Calendar. The tradition has continued with my children and they love it as much as my sisters and I did! To celebrate the holiday seasons the members of the A Muse Creative Team have each made a cute little box to be posted on A Muse News each day from now until Christmas Eve. Please be sure to check these sweet little boxes. Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

A Jacksonbelle Sell!!!!

Hello, All! I know that everyone is getting ready for Thanksgiving Day. Whether you are starting to cook or preparing for travels, this is a busy, busy time. Just want to mention some really super exciting news. Lindsey is having a huge sell over at Jacksonbelle Embellishments. From today (Wednesday) - Monday everything in the store is 20% off!!!!! Be sure to use coupon code THANK08 to receive this awesome discount! So while you are waiting for that turkey to bake OR if you just need a few minutes to yourself- be sure to sneak off to the computer and check this out! Hope you have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

Jacksonbelle Tuesday

The week of Thanksgiving is always exciting for me! In my mind it is the beginning of the Holiday season and my favorite time of the year! With all the fun and fellowship, comes a lot of hustle and bustle. Each year I vow not to get too stressed. So far, I have not been overly successful but I am slowly learning to take the "little" things in stride and focus on the true meaning of the season. Keeping that in mind, I was faced with 2 "tasks" (although fun) yesterday evening. Since today is the last school day before Thanksgiving, I had to get Rachel's birthday party invitations ready to take to preschool. Also, it is Tuesday and time for a Jacksonbelle Embellishments Design Team challenge. This week we are to use our favorite Jacksonbelle supplies when making a card (narrowing my favs down is a daunting task)! To kill two birds, so to speak, I decided to make a card that would do double duty. Two of my favorite products from JBE are Inkadinkado stamps and Shimmerz. I, also, love the adorable Imaginisce line "Fairest of Them All" and find it perfect for all the little girl projects that I make! Keeping in mind that the card had to be mass produced and that it might be "examined" by curious preschoolers, I decided to be selective with my embellishments. The class has children from 3-5 years of age and I am always careful about including any hard embellishments on projects for the children. When Rachel saw the completed invitation, the look happy look on her face made my night. Of course, she wanted to know if today is her birthday party- it is going to be a long 2 weeks!! Be sure to check out what the other DT Gals have selected as some of their favorite Jacksonbelle Goodies:

• Broni Holcombe
• Dee Jackson
• Kisa Peters
• Lila Holgate
• Lindsey Botkin
  
• Lynda Benden
• Maren Benedict
• Rachel Hope

I hope to be back before Thanksgiving but if not please have a enjoyable and safe one! And just a little hint: you might want to check in at Jacksonbelle Embellishments over the weekend- you never know what Lindsey might have up her sleeve in the way of a sale. Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers. Take care!

Invite deets: Stamps: Beautiful Fairy- Inkadinkado, Sentiment- PTI
Paper: PP- Imaginisce- Fairest of Them All, CS- PTI
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Supplies: Shimmerz, ribbon- PTI, Cuttlebug, Swirl Embossing Folder,
MS scallop border punch.

Cozy Winter Wishes

The last 2 mornings have certainly shown us that there are colder days just around the corner. I actually sent Rachel to school wearing a coat instead of a light jacket. Now in true North Alabama fashion, we may very well wish we had on shorts on Thanksgiving Day but you never can tell! To mark the change in the seasons, I decided to post a card that I made with one of the latest releases from the Artful Inkables set, Frosty Mug Mates. I stamped the little snow fellow, then masked the image to place the tree "behind" him. After coloring the images with Copic markers, I added Liquid Appliqué and heat set it for a fluffy snow look. The little yellow stars and the snowflake embellishments were made by running a sheet of red sticky tape through my Cuttlebug with a snowflake die. After adhering the stars to the card (and the snowflakes to a die cut cs version,) I covered the other adhesive side with Art Glitter. PP is Paper Salon's last year wintry print and ribbon is PTI. Wishing everyone fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Jacksonbelle Tuesday & A Design Team Call!!!

Whohoo! Yes, you read that right! This is not just any ole Jacksonbelle Tuesday! Today Lindsey is announcing a search for 5 new Design Team members! Believe me, if you are interested in becoming a designer this is a great team! With the Yahoo group, I have come to know some really awesome gals that encourage, support and make you laugh sometimes all at once! Be sure to check out the details at the

Jacksonbelle Embellishments Store Blog.

So on to the challenge which was to incorporate a Christmas or a snowflake theme. I am working on Christmas cards right now so this was perfect for me! We would love to have you play along and link you card to a comment on this blog so I can see your awesome Christmas creations!
For some super inspiring ideas, be sure to check out the blogs of the following DT members:

• Broni Holcombe
• Dee Jackson
• Kisa Peters
• Lindsey Botkin
  
• Lynda Benden
• Maren Benedict
• Rachel Hope

I have a ton of things to catch up on this morning so I will just leave you with the card deets.
All stamps are Inkadinkado (bird ornament, sentiment, holly flourish); PP is Basic Gray Wassail; ribbon is May Arts- all from Jacksonbelle Embellishments. The scallop and tag were cut with Nestabilities dies; Ink is SU Always Artichoke and Versamark; Clear and Gold EP are Ranger; CS-Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke, & Mellow Moss; pearls are from Ellen Hutson. Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Wishful Thinking...

Yes, these little snowmen from the latest Artful Inkables release are probably about as close to snow as this southern gal with get. These fellows can be found in Frosty Mug Mates, along with a super selection of other snow friends! Not much time for a long post today. I have an extremely busy week ahead with 3 A Muse classes, Girl Scouts, Dr.'s appointments, hopefully lunch with another local A Muse addict, Vickie Cooper (Hiya, Vicky) and then the usual- taxi to dance lessons, horseback riding lessons, Upward cheer leading practice, and oh yeah, homeschooling in the middle of all of that. Time is definitely more precious than money. Anyway, today's goal is to get the house cleaned and laundry for the week done. Doesn't allow for much blogging or crafting time. I will be back later this week with my Jacksonbelle Tuesday challenge, and at least one more card from Frosty Mug Mates, and how about a look see at the A Muse cards that I will be teaching on Monday at Once Upon a Scrapbook. I know I have promised an account of the fabulous Seattle trip but I really want to wait until I can give it the time it deserves. So I'm going to leave you with the down and dirty deets of this card and Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Card deets: Stamps- Frost Mug Mates, paper- Real red, white cs, MME, ink- Memento Black, supplies- Top Note die from SU, Cuttlebug, Copic markers, Liquid Appliqué , paper snowflake- Imaginisce, rhinestone brad-MM, snowflake brad and ribbon from stash.

Jacksonbelle Tuesday

First, a heartfelt Thank-You to all the great men and women of this countries military, both present and past, who have stood up for the freedom that we are so very fortunate to have! A Happy Veteran's Day to you!

I'm very squeaking in this Tuesday's card for the Jacksonbelle Embellishment challenge. After my weekend away in Seattle, I have needed to spend some time with the family I love! We have all missed each other and I truly felt the need to slow down the pace of things for a couple of days and enjoy my wonderful husband and sweet daughters!

This is NOT to say that the trip to Seattle was not totally incredible. Truly an experience that I will remember for a lifetime. My trip did end up having a rocky beginning. My fellow travelers and I were all buckled in ready for take off of the flight out of Huntsville headed to Dallas/Ft Worth when the starter on the plane would not work. So... I ended up leaving on Friday morning (after an extra night in my own comfy bed) and thus did not arrive in Seattle in time for the Copic Certification class. The gals that attended the class said it was great BUT that they felt a lot of it did not pertain to coloring the stamped images that we use. Luckily, Marianne from Copic did a mini inservice as part of our Saturday itinerary, and I at least learned that my technique was correct- of course, I still think I need to continue practicing because I see myself feeling more and more confident at time goes by. Tomorrow I plan on sharing more details about my incredible trip and the AWESOME company A Muse!

Today, Jacksonbelle Embellishments DT members were challenged to make a card using this sketchThis is such a fun sketch and we would love to have you play along! If you should make a card using this sketch, be sure to link a card to a comment for this post! I would love to see you beautiful cards. For some more ideas, using this sketch be sure to check out the participating DT members blogs:

• Broni Holcombe
• Kisa Peters
• Lynda Benden
• Rachel Hope

My card today features: Stamps from Inkadinkado, Wassail paper from BG, brads from Imaginisce, and paper ornament from Prima- all available from Jacksonbelle Embellishments,
ink (Always Artichoke), scallop punch and ribbon- SU, scallop rectangle punch- Marvy

Tomorrow I will be back with more deets about Seattle. Until then, wishing you fun Times and inky fingers. Take care!

Hello from Seattle

If all went well with my scheduled post, it is Friday and I am in Seattle taking the Copic Certification class! I cannot wait to get home and share with you, my friends, about my trip! Until then I have another card to share. These pretty little snowflakes from the Artful Inkables brand new release "Paper Snowflakes" are very likely about as close as I am going to get to any of the cold, wet stuff this year! So I better enjoy them any way I can! And who wouldn't have a good time playing with this beautiful set? It comes with 4 unique snowflakes and 2 sentiments for either a Christmas card or winter well wishes. Here is a look at the rest of the images of the set:

I made this card during the wee hours of the morning and shot my photo right away. The lighting was particularly poor for this pic and you cannot see all the sparkle and texture on this card. The light blue base layer is actually a piece of velvet paper that I ran through my Cuttlebug using the Snowflake embossing folder. The wonderful snowflakes are covered with Dazzling Diamonds after being traced with a Sakura Quickie Glue pen. Be sure to check out the samples created by Pam and Terri using the beautiful set. I guarantee these gals will inspire you! Also, remember to use this coupon code for savings on your order.

Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Card deets: Stamps- Artful Inkables Paper Snowflakes, paper- KI velvet paper, Lovely Lilac, Whisper white CS, Ink- Lovely Lilac, Supplies- Cuttlebug, Snowflake Embossing Folder, circle punches, Silver Cord- SU, small oval punch, ribbon- May Arts, Dazzling Diamond, Sakura Quickie Glue pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

A Cup of Tea...

Hiya, Friends! Just a quick post in the midst of getting ready for my trip to Seattle. I am so excited and a bit anxious because flying is not my favorite thing! Anyway, I have quite a bit to do between now and take off and one important and FUN thing is to share this card that I made with the darling "Warm Drinks for Cold Days" by Artful Inkables. This is yet another of the 5 new really released sets! Although it uses "cold days" in the title of this delicious, it definitely can be used year round for any coffee or tea fan! Here are the rest of the images of this awesome set:
Today I teamed up the cute little tea pot and cup with Urban Prairie by Basic Grey. Now I love BG but this may be my favorite line yet! I love the eclectic color mix and all the little "nature themed" surprises you will find in this pretty paper! The image is colored with Copic markers and the "tea" is Bees Wax Shimmerz. I cut a little folksie flower from the PP and added a stem with a black Copic to give the tea pot personality. Buttons are from my stash and the terrific ribbon is A Muse. Be sure to check out DT members Jenn and Julia's blogs for some more ideas of using this cute set. Also, remember to include coupon code save10BT for your 10% discount on all of your AI purchases! Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Whohoo! Some New AI in the House!

Yes, yes, yes! It is time, once again, for another incredible new release from Artful Inkables. Kristin has been super busy creating FIVE beautiful new sets! I am so impressed by the versatility she has given to her designs. While several of the sets have images that would make wonderful Christmas and winter holiday cards, you will find that they will be appropriate throughout the year! For example, here are the images of this first set, "Peaceful Wishes."

Right away, I'm a huge fan because of the sweet little pine cone image! Definitely a must for a nature lover card anytime of the year! The gorgeous deer images would work great on the front of a Christmas or for a masculine birthday card. Another neat feature about this set- both the pine cone square and the poinsettia square fit perfectly in a 1" square punch- instant Inchies. That was the first thing that inspired me when I first saw this set. I knew I had to make a card with a trio of pine cone inchies. I had some Cosmo Cricket Wonderland paper left over from last year (absolutely a favorite of all time holiday paper) and thought this pine cone print would make a great background. The beautiful shimmer ribbon is May Arts and a brand new product for Artful Inkables! Be sure to check out my sister DT members Julia and Jenn's blogs for some more samples using "Peaceful Wishes!" And don't forget use this coupon code for 10% off your order!

I will be back later today with a fun sample from another AI new release "Warm Drinks for Cold Days" yummmmm!

Card deets- Stamps- Peaceful Wishes, Ink- Adirondack Espresso, Encore Gold, Paper- Cosmo Cricket Wonderland, Chocolate Chip, Poison Ivy, Supplies- ribbon May Arts, 7/8", 1" 1 -1/4" square punches, Stampin' Dimensionals, button from stash, Gold Cord- SU

Jacksonbelle Tuesday

Finally, a Jacksonbelle Tuesday challenge! After not being able to play last week due to my sick little Rachel, I was so ready to for today! Lindsey carries all my favorite products so these challenges are truly my time to get to create for fun! My post right now will be extra short because I am getting ready to take Rachel to preschool and then go to VOTE. Today's challenge is to CASE a card from the awesome collection of sister Design Team member Kisa Peters. The hard part about this was choosing only 1 card from this super talented gal's inspiring collection! This cute little Prima Panda stamped card pretty much follows the sketch to a tee with the addition of some Shimmerz painted Primas- a truly Kisa touch. Be sure to check out the other DT members blogs to see how they were inspired by this very creative gal.

• Broni Holcombe
• Kisa Peters
• Lila Holgate
• Lindsey Botkin
  
• Lynda Benden
• Maren Benedict
• Rachel Hope

If you would like to play along we would love to have you join us. Just link up your card to a comment on this post! Enabler alert: Jacksonbelle Embellishments has added some awesome new goodies to the store- Memory Box, the new Shimmerz "Blingz," new May Arts and more!
Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Two Scoops of Fun

Wahoo! Can you believe that it is November already? With all the wonderful things that are associated with the years end, I am excited to announce that pre-sale orders are being taken for the delightful stamps of Two Scoops Rice Designs, as well! If you haven't checked out these adorable stamps you are truly missing the cherry on the top of your sundae. Just click on the above logo and it will take you right to the blog/site to pre-order yours today. Design Team members will be getting their sets soon, so be sure to check back for some samples.

Things have been beyond crazy around here! My youngest DD missed preschool all last week due to bronchitis and asthma- antibiotics, steroids, breathing treatments- the whole shebang. Then hubby came down with it (guess who was tougher through the ordeal- teeheehee.) My oldest daughter changed her mind about her Halloween costume at the last minute and so I was sewing a Little Red Ridinghood costume on Thursday night and Halloween Day- BTW other than cards, I had never sewn. It was an interesting experience. Youngest DD had her final soccer game on Saturday morning and then I started coming down with the crud. I'm feeling better, as far as, that goes but had to have an epidural for my back today (still kinda loopy from the meds.) I think Little Red Ridinghood and our last SU Stamp Camp did me in as far as that goes. I have several DT assignments due this week (can't wait to show them to you) and get ready for my trip to Seattle to meet all the awesome ladies from A Muse! Whew! Except for being sick, I LOVE it all! Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Pick of the Patch

Hello! Hello! Just taking a quick minute to poke my head in and share another card from my first A Muse class. Rachel has been sick this week with respiratory gunk and keeping us busy with breathing treatments. I'm also in the process of making Mary Elizabeth a Little Red Ridinghood Halloween costume so not much time to stamp this week. I have a growing list of "got to do's" which include some peaks at the AWESOME new releases from Artful Inkables of 5, yes, 5 brand new sets. Once again, Kristin has her outdone herself with these beautiful stamps!

So... if I don't get a chance to blog before the weekend I want to wish everyone a fun and SAFE Halloween! Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Card deets: All stamped images, notecards, and ribbon by A Muse.
Other: Marvy Uchida punches, Copics, Stardust Stickles, Zig white paint pen, fine tip black pen

Fall for A Muse- Another Peak

Just wanted to share another card that I will be teaching Tuesday at Once Upon a Scrapbook. I taught my first A Muse class at Wisescrappers a couple of weeks ago and I really think it was a huge success. I had some very newbie stampers who had primarily scrapbooked and they were thrilled with the results of their cards. It was the most wonderful feeling to see folks so proud of what they had accomplished and knowing that you had help them to get there! One lady said it was the most informative paper crafting class that she had ever attended and the owners said they had received very positive reviews. It was great to share my hobby/passion/obsession with others!

I am still very much a "newbie" when it comes to the wonderful company of A Muse and I cannot wait to travel to Seattle next month and meet this incredibly talented Creative Team. Already, I have gained so much knowledge and inspiration by visiting their blogs and I invite you to check these out too for some awesome projects. Definitely a different style than my usual many layered, embellished cards but with the same elements of design. As I have said before, simple does not mean easy but it is so fun! "Think Simply, Think A Muse" is a wonderful way to think! Wishing you fun Times and ink fingers! Take care!

Some Bunny Loves You

This week SCS is recognizing National Breast Cancer Awareness month by incorporating pink in all of the challenges. Yesterday's color challenge was too good to pass up- Pirouette Pink, Kiwi Kiss, and Chocolate Chip. I did not have Pirouette Pink but I thought this cute PP from Imaginisce Fairest of Them All collection certainly fit the bill. Also, since I was running short on Kiwi Kiss, I exchanged it for Old Olive. I had not stamped with this cute little thumping bunny image from Artful Inkables Deer Friends yet and thought it would be perfect for the soft colors. The image is colored with Prismacolor pencils and then blended with Gamsol. I feel the softer look of the pencils works well with these cute forest creatures. See the largest flower in the cluster? Well, the center was made using lace from Fancy Pants Designs. Fun stuff! Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!



Card deets:

Stamps: Artful Inkables- Deer Friend

Paper: Old Olive, white CS, PP- Imaginisce Fairest of Them All

Ink: Memento Creamy Cocoa, Ranger Distress Ink Tattered Rose

Accessories: Prismacolor pencils, Gamsol, Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, Prima Flowers, Imaginisce brads, Fancy Pants lace & velvet ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Jacksonbelle Tuesday

Baby, It's cold outside- NOT! Yes, we are still basking in the mid to upper 70's on the coolest days. Granted a light jacket feels good in the mornings and evenings but not anything I would call a cold snap. So... I guess I must live vicariously through my bloggin' buddies and turn the thermostat down a notch or two to really get in the spirit of making cards like the one for today's Jacksonbelle Embellishment DT Challenge- to make a Christmas card using items from JBE. Easy peasy! There are so many awesome Holiday goodies at Lindsey's store that the only hard part is narrowing it down on what to use! You will want to be sure to check out the cards by the rest of the team. They are as different and inspiring as the gals themselves!

• Amber Hight
• Broni Holcombe
• Dee Jackson
• Kisa Peters
• Lila Holgate
• Lindsey Botkin
  
• Lynda Benden
• Maren Benedict
• Rachel Hope

We would love to have you play along! If you would like to but don't have any specific products from JBE, then just have fun with a Christmas card! Regardless of the temperature, it is NEVER to early to get started on your Holiday greetings! If you would like, please, leave a link with your comment so that I can see you beautiful card!

Card deets: Jacksonbelle products: Inkadinkado Cute Penguin stamp, Fancy Pants- Happy Holidays 8 x 8 pad, sheer May Arts ribbon, Magenta Shimmerz
Sentiment- The Cats Pajamas
CS- SU
felt trim-Creative Imaginations
Black Sparkle EP from stash


Fun Stuff: This past weekend (in all the chaos), I had the pleasure of meeting Cheryl of Engineered Expressions! I have been a big fan of Cheryl's creativity and blog for some time and she and I will comment back and forth. She is a super sweet and talented gal! Anyway, she and her husband flew from Wisconsin to Huntsville to attend a wedding this weekend and my family met them at the Space & Rocket Center for a wonderful visit. I didn't have my camera (duh) but Cheryl said she would forward the pics to me! I can't wait to share those with you!

On another note, I am excited to add another Design Team to my resume! A brand new company, Two Scoops Rice Designs, has graciously added me to there team roster! The images set to be released for Pre-Order the 1st of November, are super, super cute and I cannot wait to ink them up!

I keep waiting on life to slow down a bit. We have 2 more Saturday soccer games, my in-laws visit this weekend, a Stamp Camp this Friday, an A Muse class on the 28th, Halloween and a visit from my dad that weekend and following that I am heading to Seattle for A Muse Instructor Team Training (whahoo)! The day before the A Muse IT training begins, there will be a Copic Certification class which I have signed up to take- Good Stuff! Keeping my fingers crossed for a weekend of NOTHING before the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I'd love to hear what is going on in your busy lives, cause I know they are!!! Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers. Take care!

I'm Still Here....

Just stopped by to check on a few things and was totally appalled that I have not posted since last Tuesday! I do have a couple of cards to share, as well as, some news and a fun story! I will try to post on those things tomorrow so that my Jacksonbelle Tuesday post does not become a novel! Hope everyone had a super weekend! Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Jacksonbelle Tuesday

Here is the card that I made for the Jacksonbelle Embellishment DT Tuesday Challenge. I made this card last night and then with the chaos of the day, totally forgot to post it!!! So now, in the darkness, I am unable to get a good photo so I apologize for that right away. I will try to get a better photo up in the a.m.! Today's challenge was to make a card using 4 layers or less. Definitely good practice and a lot of fun to make! I will be back with the deets after I get the kids to bed. Until then, be sure to check out the awesome inspiration of the rest of the DT:

• Amber Hight
• Broni Holcombe
• Dee Jackson
• Kisa Peters
• Lila Holgate
• Lindsey Botkin
  
• Lynda Benden
• Maren Benedict
• Rachel Hope

Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

TGIF

Is anyone else looking forward to the weekend? I know I am! My hubby is off work on Monday for Columbus Day and he took yesterday and today off to make it a long weekend. The kids are off of school this week for Fall Break so little Rachel has not been at preschool- both a blessing and a trial. It will be much easier on me now that Dan and I outnumber her- teeheehee! Thursday is Mary Elizabeth's riding lessons and since Rachel usually has dance at about the same time she has been going with a friend. Dance was canceled this week for the break so we are all able to enjoy watching her ride yesterday. We got to experience a couple of firsts with her. It was her first day of jumps and it was her first time to fall off the horse. She was not hurt, in fact she got up smiling and climbed right back on his back. She is definitely a horse loving girl!

My card for today didn't start out as a "get well" card but while I was making it, I discovered that a friend was having a rough time health-wise and decided to make this for her. The cute little raccoon is from none other than the new Artful Inkables set, Critter Country. I started by stamping the little guy on gray CS with a glue pad then added black Fun Flock. After I cut him out I decided to add Petal Pink Liquid Pearls to the inside of his ears and Pewter LP to his nose. I had previous stamped and colored the stump and "weeds" on to white CS and colored them with Copic markers. I used Stampin' Dimensionals to fix the raccoon on to the stump. The PP is from BG's Mellow line and I used So Saffron CS to accent. I inserted 2 SU jumbo eyelets in the corner and added yellow gingham ribbon from my stash. The tag is cut from the gray CS with a Cuttlebug tag die and the sentiment is from AIs Basic Sentiments. I fixed the tag to the card with hardward from WRMK. The little button in the corner is SEI with a tiny knot of the gingham ribbon. Hope everyone has some super plans for the weekend (even if those plans just have to do with getting some rest-lol)! Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Sonoma Critter Country

Be sure to leave a comment HERE for a chance for some awesome Jacksonbelle Embellishment Blog Candy
AND
Be sure to check out the Artful Inkables' website for an awesome grab bag offer!

Today is Wednesday and that means a Sketch Challenge on SCS (SK197). I purchased this beautiful PP- Sonoma by Scenic Route- at my lss and had been waiting for just the time to use it. Each and every design from this line of paper is gorgeous (and of course, I had to have it ALL)! This adorable little fox image is from the latest Artful Inkables release and it is found in an awesome set called Critter Country- completely cute critters with great accessory stamps to make wonderful little scenes. After stamping the image in Memento Rich Cocoa, I realized I still had my Prismacolor and Gamsol supplies handy so decided to use them once again. To give the little guy depth, I added white Liquid Appliqué to the tip of his tail and chest area. Finally, I cut him out and popped him up on this little grassy scene panel. The yellow polka dot panel is embossed using the Cuttlebug branch folder. Ribbon is May Arts and hardware is HHH by SU. A cute, happy card! Be sure to check out the Artful Inkables site to learn about Kristin's Grab Bag speciall! Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Jacksonbelle Tuesday

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It's Tuesday (already) and time for the weekly Jacksonbelle Embellishments Design Team Challenge. I'm barely sneaking this one in on Tuesday because I have been under the weather since Saturday afternoon- virus type symptoms: fever, headache, generalized pains- you get the picture. This simple card and short post has taken me ALL day to complete! I was determined to participate today because our challenge was to CASE a card from the beautiful collection of our own DT member, Broni Holcombe. Broni's work is awesome- her coloring is beautiful and her design is wonderful! The hard part was limiting myself to 1 card and if I had been up to it, I might have made more! Be sure to check out the challenge cards made by the rest of the Design Team!!!

• Amber Hight
• Broni Holcombe
• Dee Jackson
• Kisa Peters
• Lila Holgate
• Lynda Benden
• Maren Benedict
• Rachel Hope

For my CASE I chose this card:See what I mean about her beautiful coloring and design! I loved the clean lines of this card AND how the brads anchored that cute focal image! I used my new Inkadinkado clear set- Beautiful Fairies and teamed it up with BG Euphoria (perfect for this fantastical character.) The fairy is stamped with Palette Noir ink then colored with Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol. I enhanced her wings with my favorite Stickles- Stardust. The solid CS is SU Purely Pomegranate, as well as, the satin ribbon (both retired.) The Primas are brand new to Jacksonbelle and the centers are Euphoria glazed brads. A simple, clean card with just enough whimsy to make it fun! Stay tuned tomorrow for a card from the latest Artful Inkables release. And be sure to check out the Grab Bag Special that Kristin if offering at AI!!!! Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Inka Contest Winners

Be sure to check this post for Artful Inkables Blog Candy.

AND

this post for Jacksonbelle Embellishment Blog Candy.

Hello!! I am so pleased to announce the winners of the Jacksonbelle Embellishments Inkadinkado Contest! We had almost 100 FANTASTIC entrants! Thank you SO much to all of you that played! Lindsey enlisted the help of the Design Team to select the winners and without futher a do...–

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL!

The grand prize winner is….

HEATHER LEE REPPEN!!! Heather, you have won a $50 gift certificate to JBE!

Here is her fantastic card!

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Our Second prize winner IS……

CINDY HAFFNER! Cindy, you have won a $30 Gift Certificate to JBE!!!

Here is her adorable card!

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Our third place winner IS…..

SHARON JOHNSON!! Sharon, you have won a $15 Gift Certificate to JBE!!

Here is her gorgeous card!!

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All three ladies will receive an additional goodie bag from JBE ! Last but not least, everyone who participated in ALL the sketches were put into a random drawing!! The winner of the random drawing IS……-

Congratulations BARBARA ANDERS , you will ALSO receive a goodie bag from my JBE!

All of the entrants certainly earn a huge congratulations for each and every card certainly had a chance to win- I was completely impressed with the quality of each entry!

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Limited Supply Challenge- Almost

Be sure to check out the bottom of this post for information on a fun Artful Inkables Blog give away!

I originally made this card for Friday's Limited Supply Challenge- to make a card using NO embellishments. Yes, a very weighty challenge for someone like me who is addicted to ribbon and loves the use brads, bling, and so many more of the wonderful goodies collected in my stash. Well, apparently, I needed to slow down and read the instructions more closely because embellishments included Crystal Effects and this card is chalk full of it!

I started by stamping the cute little princess from Lizzie Anne Designs, Once Upon a Time. She is one of my favorite images to paper piece which I feel gives a card a lot of visual appeal and for me is lots of fun- I guess it's reminds me of paper dolls! After stamping the princess with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, I masked her and stamped the castle. The images are colored with Copic markers and the background scene was free handed and colored, as well. The shield frame is from a piece of light silver shimmer paper in my stash and the die is Sizzix. CS is Cameo Coral and Green Galore and PP is DCWV- Nursery Girl. For sparkle, I made a favorite mix of Crystal Effects (my contraband embellishment) with Dazzling Diamonds and SU re-inkers of different colors to make my own custom Stickles. Even though I didn't make the challenge, it was a lot of fun getting back to basics and really using my imagination. Be sure to check out the Artful Inkables blog where Kristin has a goodie give away for World Card Making Day!!!! Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

And the Winner is...

Lucky #5 Julia!!!

who said: Certified instructor for Amuse!!! congrats!!!! how super exciting and fun! I love their stamps! And I do too, Julia! Yes, that is my exciting news. Julia, if you would please contact me by e-mail to let me know which single A Muse wood mounted stamp and note card set you choose, I will get those to you pronto!

When I saw the call for A Muse Instructors, it was a dream come true. I had often wondered how one became a member of such an inspiring Creative Team and here was my opportunity. I admire and love the simplistic style that is A Muse and I am having a BALL playing with there cute and versatile images! Above is a sneak from my first class, Fall for A Muse. The class is schedule at follows:

October 16th at 6:30
and October 18th at 2:00
at Wisescrappers
Gurley, AL
256-776-4730

and

October 28th at 10am and again at 6:30
at Once Upon a Scrapbook
Huntsville, AL
256-471-6445

If you are in the area, I would absolutely love to have you join me for this class! Wishing you a weekend filled with fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Butterfly Blessings...

***********Be sure to check out this post for blog goodies opportunity!!!************



While the whimsical themed stamp sets such as the new Artful Inkables, Deer Friends and Critter Country are more my creative style, this beautiful, mosaic leaf butterfly from Butterfly Blessings was the image that I was most excited about receiving. The versatility of this stamp for such a huge variety of techniques it awesome! I can picture using my Copic markers, Gamsol Magic technique, pastel/chalk techniques, glitter techniques- get the picture! It is such a beautiful and unique stamp that I can tell I will be enjoying it for quite some time!

I stamped the image with Versamark onto Chocolate Chip CS then heat embossed with Rangers Gold EP. Rangers and SU are my two favorite EPs (often wonder if they are made by the same company.) Next, I painted the image using the Painted Pearls technique. It uses the combination of Pearl-Ex and a Futura filled Aqua Pen. It is a simply technique that really gives a big bang for the amount of effort! The sketch is a stretched out version of todays Sketch Challenge 196. It had been a while since I participate in a SCS challenge but I always enjoy it when I get the chance! Everything else is pretty straightforward. Ribbon is by American Craft, brads are by Paper Studio, and hardware is WRMK. PP is Cosmo Cricket Gretal that I purchase last fall from Jacksonbelle Embellishments and it remains one of my fav Autumn designs. I'll be back tomorrow with some peaks of the cards that I will feature in my first A Muse class- Fall for A Muse. Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Jacksonbelle Boosday

**************Be sure to check out this post for blog goodies opportunity!!!******************



Where does the time go? It is already Tuesday once again and time for a Jacksonbelle Embellishment challenge. After a month of some truly inspiring sketch challenges, today's challenge is to use anything from Jacksonbelle Embellishments. Boy, that's a hard one- teeheehee! Remember tonight at midnight is the deadline for submitting cards to Lynda to enter the Jacksonbelle Inka Sketch contest. If you would like to have another look at the details they are here and if you want to see all of the sketches they are here. If you play with the challenge this week be sure to either link them in a comment here OR if you upload to SCS use JBE022 in your key words. I want to be able to see all of your awesome cards! Also, for some great inspiration, be sure to check out the other DT members' blogs to see what they did with their Jacksonbelle goodies:

• Amber Hight
• Broni Holcombe
• Dee Jackson
• Kisa Peters
• Lila Holgate
• Lindsey Botkin
  
• Lynda Benden
• Maren Benedict
• Rachel Hope

I am having so much fun with the Inka Halloween stamps that I just couldn't resist using them for this weeks challenge. From the moment I saw this spooky-cute little group of trick or treaters I knew they belonged in front of the Cuttlebug Haunted House embossing folder. I used a piece of C'ordinations CS for the embossing then sanded the embossed image to create a distressed spooky look. Next, I highlighted the windows and moon with Shimmerz. The little costumed cuties were stamped, colored with Copics, sparkled with Shimmerz then cut out. PP is Cosmo Cricket Haunted, ribbon May Arts, Spider web sticker Imaginisce, hardware corner WRMK. Be sure to check out the post below for a chance at some fun blog loot! Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Blog Candy and Some Exciting News

Mmmmm! Everybody loves blog goodies and since I have some exciting news to share, I decided to make an easy (very easy) little scavenger hunt to share my fun. Here is what you, just scroll down the right hand column of my blog until you find something new and amusing. Let me know what you find in the comments for this post. I'll keep this glued to the top of my blog until next Friday morning where I will randomly draw a number. The comment that corresponds with that number will win a single stamp and a set of note cards of their choose from a "certain" company that has to do with my fun news! Easy peasy! Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers. Take care!

Such a Deer

How dear is this little deer!!!!! This is probably my favorite of the 4 newly released sets from Artful Inkables! All images that I used can be found in the Deer Friend set except the tree stump which is from Critter Country. See how awesome these 2 sets coordinate. If you buy one you know your gonna "have" to have the other! Truly stamping fun!!!! Be sure to check out the other gals blogs using this darling set:

Pam Miller
Terri Todd
and owner/designer
Kristin Soboloski

I thought that Basic Gray Archaic would be perfect for this little nature scene. I originally purchased the 6 x 6 paper pad to make cards for my dinosaur crazed nephew Ryulee. His birthday is in January and I may end up buying another paper pad before it gets here! I love the prints for masculine and nature cards! I colored the image with Copic markers and "created" the ground cover with them, as well. This idea was cased from the fabulous Julie Ebersole on this card. I am totally blown away by this cool technique! For the "sky" I painted the background with Sky Blue Shimmerz and swirled around some Angel Wing Shimmerz. It does not show up as well in the photo as I hoped it would. Essentially it give the appearance of a nice, clear day! I was a bit challenged when I was coloring because my Colorless Blender and favorite Gray marker are out on loan (gasp) to someone interested in purchasing the markers. I thought I would not need them because I had completed the coloring of this little scene. Well.... apparently Rachel felt it needed something and added her own little touch or two! Can you say ruined- ahgggg! Be sure to check out the new discount label in the right hand column of my blog. Kristin has given each DT member a coupon code to share with our wonderful blog readers! These stamps really are too much fun to pass up! Stay tuned tomorrow for some super exciting news that will accompanied some yummy blog candy! Wishing you fun Times and inky fingers! Take care!

Autumn's Flowers

Hello! Today I am excited because it is my turn to post a sample card from the awesome new release from Artful Inkable! Along with me, you can find awesome samples from Autumn's Flowers on these DT members blogs:

Jenn Muraoka
and
Pam Miller

If you love leaves, as I do, this is definitely a MUST HAVE set! The sentiment is absolutely wonderful "Autumn is a second spring, where every leaf is a flower!" Wow! I had the best time not only playing with this stamp set but experimenting with products that I have had on my shelves for a while collecting dust. When I am in a hurry to get things done, I tend to rely on my tried and true techniques, embellishment and style. This card is definitely outside my usually comfort zone but it was such fun and I like the end result. The image was stamped, heat embossed with Judikins Sparkle Chocolate EP, and then painted with 3 different colors of Shimmerz (Olive, Beeswax and Pumpkin.) Once that was finished I made a mask for the image and sponge Ranger Frayed Burlap Distressing Ink on the rest of the oval panel. I did the same thing for the little "helicopters" only I cut them out instead. The other neat thing is I used the Ranger Distress paints along the outer border of the card. Once it was dry and crackly, I painted it with brown Shimmerz! Using the Shimmerz is awesome within itself- they go on beautifully and dry super quick! My PP is Mellow by BG, ribbon is May Arts, and sparkle dots are Jesse James. Not my ordinary card but a lot of fun getting my fingers messy! I'd be so pleased if you would stop by tomorrow when I show a sample Deer Friend- probably my favorite on the new releases, well one of them at least, LOL! Also, don't forget the coupon code in the right hand column that Kristin was so awesome to share with my super readers! Wishing you fun TIMEs and inky fingers! Take care!

Jacksonbelle Boosday

Today is the 4th and final sketch for the Jacksonbelle Embellishments Inkadinkado Contest. For all the specifics, check out the JBE Blog. Before I get to any details about today's sketch, I have some incredibly wonderful news. Lindsey's little boy, Austin, was able to be removed from the ventilator yesterday! He remains on a small dose of nasal oxygen but they feel that if things keep going as is, he will be out of PICU in a couple of days, then home from the hospital a few days after that! Truly the power of prayers is amazing!
So here is today's sketch. Be sure to take a look at the wonderful cards from the rest of the design team.

• Amber Hight
• Broni Holcombe
• Dee Jackson
• Elezibeth Neumann
• Kisa Peters
• Lila Holgate
• Lynda Benden
• Maren Benedict
• Rachel Hope

Remember to use JBE021 in the keywords if you upload to SCS AND be sure to e-mail ALL of your beautiful cards to Lynda Benden, lynda.benden@gmail.com, to assure entry into the contest!

Now for some more exciting news! Today is Release Day for Artful Inkables Stamps! Now, obviously I love AI stamps but with this release, Kristin ,the owner/designer, has completely ROCKED!!!! Can you say beautiful leaves, the most awesome butterfly EVAH, and the absolute cutie patootiest critters! Here is a look at the awesome images for these 4 sets:

The Design Team has divided up the peeks for these awesome new sets so today be sure to check out these blogs today:

Kristin
Julia- please check later this evening
Terri

And what rocks even better than new stamps? What about new stamps at a discount! Besides the everyday offer of free shipping for U.S and Canadian orders over 40.00, Kristin has given each DT member a discount code to share with the readers of our blogs. So I can actually share the love with you awesome folks! You will find this reminder in the column on your right for the remainder of my DT stint:

Be sure to check back tomorrow for some more samples from these terrific new sets! Wishing you fun TIMEs and inky fingers! Take care!