3 by 3 Gift Set

Melanie Muenchinger's newest set for Gina K Designs, A Year of Flowers, is filled with gorgeous blooms--and although I have no idea what kind of flowers most are (lol!) I do know the sunflowers!

I created this little gift card set---the card measures 3" by 3". It is the perfect size to showcase any of the flowers and small enough to be able to complete the project quickly.
I simply stamped the flower, colored it with Copic markers and used my Scor-Pal to create the border around the image. Aside from providing a nice embossed edge, the border made it super easy to stamp the sentiment and align the little black crystal stickers.

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Here is the little gift bag. I originally purchased the little clear box of small cards at Michael's (in the $1 bin!) I gave all the cards that the box came with to my son (who is always wanting lots of things to add to his "school"!) I kept the clear box and small envelopes. So, all I had to do was create the new gift card and add the hemp braided handle and bow. The hemp handle is attached through holes punched with the Cropadile on the sides of the box.

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So easy!

Materials used: A Year of Flowers (Melanie Muenchinger for Gina K Designs); cardstock-white (Stampin' Up!); clear box and envelopes (Michael's); hemp (SU!); Cropadile (We R Memory Keepers); Scor-Pal; Copic markers; Memento black ink; black crystal stickers (Mark Richards); gingham bow (Hobby Lobby).


Here are a few RAKs I received this week from some stamping friends:

This card is from Amber (the winner of the Heart to Heart blog candy)! She send me this beauty to thank me (how sweet!) for all the fun goodies. She used my set Whimsical Autumn, that benefits the Alzheimer's Association, which totally warmed my heart! I love this card---the colors are fabulous. Thanks so very much, Amber. Glad you are enjoying your new stuff!

Denise sent this gorgeous creation to me just to let me know that she was so proud of me for all the Alzheimer's fundraising and cardraising!!!!! She also used Whimsical Autumn on this--Love it! Thanks so much Denise!

Thanks for stopping by!

Blog Winner, Pictures, RAK and a Gift Set

LONG POST WARNING!!!!

Thanks again for all the well wishes for Cara. Here is the picture of her when she came home from school on Friday---we gave her the cell phone then. Look at her face as she opens her gift and sees the cell phone box. (Little did she know then that the cell phone inside was just a card. Bawaahwaaa!) I didn't make her wait too long for the real thing. I had her cell phone ring in the house after she opened her card---She really loves it.

Blog Candy Winner:
Random.Cara selected #176 this morning before school. I had to count the posts about 6 times to make sure I got it right (She couldn't pick an easy one, could she?) Woohooo! Congratulations to Christina Gerlof who said "Congrats on being 12! Wow, I remember when I turned 12 I was finally able to shave my legs! LOL Happy Birthday!" Congrats, girl! Please email me (email link is on the side of blog) so I can get your goodies to you!

I had to show you the room my son, Ben (5), decorated for Cara while she was in school on Friday. On Fridays, I take my littlest two children out for "Fun Friday." Every week we do fun stuff like go to the park, McDonald's for lunch and the dollar store to pick out a prize. This week, my youngest (almost 3) picked out balloons. When she was napping, Ben took some of her balloons and decorated the playroom for Cara so she would be surprised. I asked him what was on the wall with the balloons and he rolled his eyes and said "Stringers, Mom!" (I guess he was improvising because he didn't have streamers! I thought this was so cute (and I tried not to think about the fact that he must have CLIMBED the cabinets to hang the balloons---UGH!)


Onto a RAK. I spotted this ADORABLE card on Charmaine's blog last week. I LOVED it when I saw it and wanted to case it. Little did I know that it was coming to me. I was so excited when I got this in the mail on Friday....Thanks so much Charmaine. You can read all about her card here.

Did I mention HOW MUCH I loved Charmaine's card????? I told her I was gonna case it and here is my version. I am not normally a big caser but I HAD to do this----This card was such a cinch to make because Charmaine already did the hard part for me.

I used this adorable set from The Cat's Pajamas called It's a Mod, Mod World. I love this set---it has TONS of images and I cannot wait to play with every one of them. (I have used this set already but cannot post the card--heehee!)

I used a muse twinkle stickers for the cat's collar--they are so small and fit perfectly (even on the tag!)


Did I mention HOW MUCH I loved Charmaine's card---Well, I decided that the card would make a perfect gift set. So I used a clear box and created a little handle out of beads. (The beads are strung on hemp and tied through small holes punched in the top of the box with my Cropadile.)

And here is a close up of the matching tag (The It's A Mod, Mod World set has an identical small cat image PERFECT for a matching tag---YEAH!)

Materials used: Stamps-It's a Mod, Mod World (The Cat's Pajamas); cardstock-whisper white, celery (Stampin' Up!); American Crafts Designer paper; Brilliance black ink; Nestabilities (Spellbinders) and Cuttlebug (Provocraft); tag punches (Stampin' Up!); twinkle stickers (a muse); Cropadile; silver eyelet (SU!); silver cord (SU!); black craft beads (Hobby Lobby); hemp; celery ribbon (SU!); paper piercing tool and mat pack (SU!); dimensionals (SU!); clear box (www.clearbags.com).

Thanks again Charmaine!!! I will be back tomorrow with another MFTeaser for you!

My Favorite Things (www.mftstamps.com) is having a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday, June 4 from 9-11 p.m. Eastern time. LOTS of fun (and a surprise release) is planned including finding out how YOU can be the next MFT Guest Designer. Head over to the MFT forum on www.splitcoaststampers.com to find out all the details and we hope to see you there on Wednesday night.

Thanks for stopping by!

More BRAKs-Thank you!

Here are a few more Birthday RAKS I received from my stamping friends:

This one is from Shirley (WannaBcre8tive). Isn't it adorable? I love that bear and it is colored so beautifully. Thanks so much Shirley!!!

This one is from Jessie. I love the color combination--and that popped up hippo is just the cutest. Thanks so much, Jessie!

Sweet Charmaine sent me this beauty. I couldn't capture all the beautiful glitter details on the lady bugs--I think because of the color. But trust me--this card is amazing. Thank you Charmaine! I love it!

Thanks guys---you really helped make my birthday so special!

Thanks for stopping by!

More BRAKS!

A few more surprises from my wonderful stamping pals-

My colorful friend Carole sent me a card that is way to racy to show on this site (this IS a g rated site, Carole!) and some fun dp, ribbon and embellishments that I cannot wait to use! Thanks gf! You are baaaddd....but I love you anyway! (Don't worry---I said two Hail Marys for your soul today!)
SEE you soon!

CARD FROM CAROLE-

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My sweeter than life friend Michelle sent me this beauty. I love the bling on the butterfly antennas! Gorgeous! Michelle also spoiled me (as she ALWAYS does) with fun stamps, a cuttlebug folder, stickers, and tons of gorgeous ribbon. She carries tons of fun stuff at her store-Stamper's Dream. I am on her design team and I can tell you that even if I weren't--I would be a frequent customer--she has got it all PLUS a heart of gold!

Joanne sent me this wonderful card. I love how happy the colors are and it is beautifully designed too. Joanne and I are on two dts together and I have gotten to know her more over the last month or two--what a sweet lady and friend.

My buddy Frances sent me this HUGE card plus a awesome stamp set and gorgeous ribbon! Frances is so super talented and she is so super sweet. She is on the MFT dt with me and is a part of that crazy CCEE group I do challenges with on Mondays. I am fortunate to have gotten to know her over the past year.

Denise--thank YOU for this oh so adorable card. I love the layout and it is so beautifully colored. I love Denise's work and I am so glad to be getting to know her---say hello to PA for me, gf!

Cindy (Mothermark) is such a colorful and creative lady. Another CCEEer, I am blessed to have been able to meet her last year and she is just as sweet as she is talented. This card is amazing--thanks so much girl! Also, thanks for the package full of fun stuff--cannot wait to play!!!

Charlene (LilLuvsStampin) sent me this cutie! Charlene is another CCEE pal and is so sweet and so talented. I love this adorable card--how can you help but smile when you see it? Thanks also for the fun paper and matching ribbon and embellishments. Too sweet!

Another one of my favorite SCS friends, Billie (myboys), sent me this beauty. We bonded after finding out we are living parallel lives! haha! Thanks so much Billie!!! huge hugs!

My fellow illustrator/dt member from Gina K sent me this awesome card. Melanie KNEW how much I adored this card when she made it--and thought I would like it---boy, was she right! Thanks Mel--I am in awe of your talent and cherish your friendship. So glad we finally get to meet!!!

I know--I am so lucky!

Thanks for stopping by!

Simple Cards and BRAKS

Just a quick post today---things are really busy around here but I wanted to share these five minute cards I made last night while watching American Idol! (The first time I have been able to sit down and watch it all season!)

I just got this designer paper from My Mind's Eye. I bought a huge slab at my local LSS and I really LOVE almost all of the patterns in it.

I was in a simple mood so I brought down a few items and planted myself in front of the tv and created these simple designs.

These were simple to create---I used the same materials for both and the only stamping on them is the "Enjoy" sentiment, which is from a clear Hero Arts set that I use ALL THE TIME! The flowers are created using a Cuttlebug die.

Here is a picture of both cards-
For the single flower card, I simply layered the designer paper over white cardstock. I cut a strip of the striped paper and then used my cuttlebug to create the flower. I pierced the stem and "faux" stitched it with chocolate chip marker.

For this card, the flower die cuts are layered on the dp strip. I paper pierced a row on top of the strip (but it doesn't show up well in the photo). I also pierced three holes on either side of the Enjoy sentiment.

Materials used: cardstock-white, close to cocoa (Stampin' Up!); Designer paper by My Mind's Eye; sentiment stamp (Hero Arts); corner rounder punch (Creative Memories); Chocolate chip ink and marker(SU!); Cuttlebug and flower die; paper piercing tool; buttons (Stampin' Up!).

Here are some birthday RAKs I received in the mail yesterday/today:

My dear friend Tosh sent me this beauty along with a huge box of FUN embellishments. Thank you my friend! Your too sweet to me. This card is just breathtaking!

Sweet Tammy sent me this beauty---the flower is so glittery and there are many glittery accents on the bird. It is a stunner for sure. Thank you so much Tammy! I adore this!

My neighbor, Deborah, gave me this awesome card (along with another gift card holder and a gift card to my favorite stamping store AND lots of other fun stuff!) when she took me out to lunch yesterday. She used my stamp set "Framed Flowers" for this card. Thanks Deb--you KNOW how much I love this and your friendship!

The talented Dawn L sent me this adorable card--it is such a cute scene and I just love the created background and the fantastic color combination. Thanks Dawn---I love it!

Thanks for stopping by!

I won't be posting tomorrow as I will be spending the day with my family!

Birthday Mail!

Nope...its not my birthday YET---I have a few more days of being 34. But special thanks to:

Joanne Grzelak (Jojot) for this beautiful card that found its way to my house! Joanne is such a talented designer and and wonderful person. Joanne--I love this card so much---it just makes me smile (despite getting older!) Thank you!

And sweet Rita Santos sent me this beauty. Thank you Rita--I love this card---what a cool scalloped piece to frame the card and I love the clip and ribbon. Hugs!

Now I can go back to enjoying 34 for just a little bit longer!

****Don't forget- Gina K is hosting a new release party on Splitcoaststampers on TONIGHT from 7-10 p.m. Central. She is adding four new sets to her store and some awesome new bling & dazzle embellishments. Stop by for lots of fun games, challenges and chances to win FREE stuff! Hope to "see" you there!

Thanks for stopping by!

Six Pencils and a GIFT

Last weekend I alluded to some happy mail that I received--totally unexpected. Well, here it is. This card was created by my friend Crissy Armstrong, an artist for High Hopes rubber stamps.

I found this (along with lots of awesome High Hopes stamps) in my mailbox. Crissy and Tina (Owner of High Hopes) sent them to say thanks for showcasing their stamps on my Prismacolor Pencil tutorial.....and all I have to say is WOW! (totally unnecessary but totally appreciated!)

THANK YOU Tina and Crissy! What a wonderful surprise.

Here is Crissy's card---Isn't she AMAZING!?!??! Her work/illustrations always take my breath away!

Although I really hate posting a card after that one---I am gonna do it anyway. I had to create a card using the new rubber---so I took some time to play a little!

This card was very simple to make. I used the palm tree stamp and stamped it in olive for the background. The darling boy is stamped in Brilliance black ink and I used JUST A FEW (6!) prismacolor pencils to color him in. Just goes to show you that you don't have to have tons to be able to color images. (For this one I used Raw Umber, Prussian Green, Beige, Black, Phinaio Ylw. Grn. Hue, Light Peach.) That is it!

I sponged the background with olive and bashful blue and distressed the edges. Whola! Done and it didn't take long to do.

Gotta love this fella---What a cutie! Check out the High Hopes site for lots more FANTASTIC stamps!


Materials used: Stamps--all by High Hopes; brilliance black ink; olive, bashful blue classic stamp pads (Stampin' Up!); Prismacolor pencils; Odorless mineral spirits; cardstock-olive, white, vanilla (SU!); Designer paper (Basic Grey); brads, eyelets (Making memories); hemp (Hobby Lobby); Cropadile; word window punch (SU!); dimensionals (SU!).

Hmm....It has been a little while since I posted BLOG CANDY.....might be coming soon (*wink!)

Thanks for stopping by!

RAKS The Kindness of Stampers

It never ceases to amaze me how KIND and WONDERFUL my stamping friends are. Today my mail was evidence of that.

First, I received this AMAZING card AND punch from Juanita. The card is soo pretty. I love the wonderful colors and her little tiny crystal stickers so perfectly placed. And check out the bottom border and then read this---

I have exchanged a few emails back and forth with this amazing woman---one regarding a card I did a week ago. She (and about 35 other people) asked where I got the punch I used for this card. I told her that it was a Martha Stewart pre-made card that I had used. Well, on a recent shopping excursion, she found this punch (which looks just like the beautiful border on the card minus the embossing). So, she picked one up for ME?!

What a sweetheart---I can tell you that I will be using this A LOT! Thanks so much Juanita!

Here is another one. This beauty is from Shawn. Shawn won my blog candy a few weeks ago and she just had to send this as a thank you!?!?!?! Wow---I feel like I just WON blog candy!

Thanks so much Shawn---you are soo sweet and your card is just amazing. I love the beautiful embossed swirl in the background.


I KNOW---I am a lucky ducky!

I have received hundreds of cards in just the past year that I started doing this. I usually do not post them but I think I just might start doing that. I keep every card (as you can see) and it is such a fantastic feeling to go back and read each one.

I am touched that so many wanted to share their beautiful hand-made creations with me.

Stampers are AMAZING!