Linda C's Corner

Alaska

2011-08-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

Griffin and Christina recently returned from Alaska. They attended a mycology conference where Griffin presented a poster, and then they spent time out in the wild looking for mushrooms. Here are a few of the photographs.

Griffin with his poster

Thanks for stopping by. Sorry I have been so absent lately. LC

New layouts, old photos

2011-07-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

These are new layouts that contain older photos. I am playing 'catch up'. These layouts aren't fancy or elaborate. I decided to let the papers, photos, or journaling tell the story. Thanks for looking!

Mike cut his thumb at Home Depot; the cut required 12 stitches! Mike did the journaling for me.

Griffin's skating birthday party in first grade.

My first scrapbooking book publication.

Spring pedi's with our neighbors.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend. The kids are coming over for dinner before they leave for Alaska! Another adventure for Griffin. This time Christina is going with him.

A Southern Treat

2011-07-26T18:24:00.000-07:00

I didn't do any crafting today, but I did make a treat for Mike....fried peach pies! I made the crust from scratch and cooked down the dried peaches. It was a messy job, but oh so worth it!

Before being fried....

Ready to be enjoyed.......

I think Momma, Grandma Griffin, and Aunt Reba would be proud of me!

Thanks for stopping by! LC

Edwin's Journey

2011-07-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

It is my turn for the inspirational challenge for the Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog. Here is the picture I chose as the inspiration. It is from Martha Stewart.

Here is my creation. I was inspired to create with a navy theme in red, white, and blue.

Here is a close-up of Edwin. The stamp is from the Bon Voyage collection at Magnolia-licious. I applied Glossy Accents to his hat, telescope, scarf, buttons, and shoes. The image was colored with Copic Markers. The seashell is an embellishment from K&Co., and the rub-ons are from Making Memories.

I hope you are inspired to join in the fun at Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog. The challenge is to create a project based on the inspiration above. Post your creation to the Challenge Blog to be eligible for a prize from Diana at Magnolia-licious.

Thanks for stopping by! LC

Graduation Layout

2011-07-24T18:38:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my layouts for Griffin's MTSU graduation. We are mighty proud!

In the top photo is Griffin with his dad, his Aunt Polly, and me. The middle photo is of Griffin and Christina. The lower photo is of Griffin with Christina's parents. They came up from Memphis for his graduation.

Thanks for stopping by! LC

Layout Ideas

2011-07-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

Let's see if you are like me......

Do you sometimes get in a scrapbooking slump?
Do you have scrapbooking magazines* aplenty?
Do page layout 'plans' fail to inspire you?

Let me say up front I am not attempting to bad mouth page 'plans'. I know there are many of you who rely on them for structuring your layouts. That is not a bad thing. But for me I just don't get it. Oh, I get the concept of squares, rectangles, and such, but I am not inspired to create when I look at them.

This is my plan of action when I get in a slump.

I look through a few scrapbooking magazine for layouts I like. I may like the color combination, the subject matter, or the construction. I cut the layouts out of the magazine and write on them why I am inspired. My notes may say "design", "school photo", "color combination", or "family". I might think a layout would be perfect with a specific set of photos and make a note of it. I tape them in a journal until I am ready to create.
If a magazine layout inspires me to use a particular paper and/or photo(s) I put all of the items together in a 12x12 folder. BTW, after I have used an idea I dispose of it. I don't usually duplicate a layout I have created.

*Magazines
Creating Keepsakes
Scrapbooks Etc.
Scrapbooking & Beyond
Memory Makers

Here are some samples:

I am not sure which magazine this layout is from, but the artist is Christina Smith. It is actually a digital layout.
When I saw the layout in the magazine I thought it would be perfect for the photographs I had taken of mushrooms when Griffin, Christina, and I went mushroom hunting.

Here is my layout.

~~I apologize for not being able to give credit for this layout. I did not save the artist's or magazine's name. If you recognize this work please let me know so I can give her credit~~. The artist is Valerie Salmon. Thank you, Bettye! You are always so helpful!
Here is my layout.

Here are several pieces of patterned paper, a layout idea by Becky Fleck, and a photo I want to use in a layout. They are stored together.

I hope I have given you an idea or two and maybe inspired you to create. Thanks for stopping by. LC

Summer Bash

2011-07-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hi!
Welcome to the Magnolia Summer Bash Blog Hop! If you have arrived here from Angie's blog you are at the right place. If not, you should procede to Magnolia Highlites Blog to begin. There is a secret 3 word sentence you need to make to be able to enter for the prize, and there is a secret letter at each blog.

Here is the Blog Hop order:
Sharon
Cabio
Angie
Linda (me) You are here!
Maria
Cheryl
Suzanne
Maureen
Janiel
Tracy
Mindy
Barb
Angela
Patti Jo
Norma
Pat

Here are my creations for the Blog Hop. I chose to use #3000 Tilda Gone Fishing from Magnolia-licious.

This is my August calendar page. You can see previous pages here July June April Here is a close-up of Tilda. I made her 3-D by raising the image with foam tape. Her boots, buttons, and lure have Glossy Accents on them. I also used Mrs.Grossman stickers and Quickutz dies.

I also like to create layouts with Magnolia images. Here is a 12x12 layout I created with the Tilda Gone Fishing image.

Now for the Blog Hop details:
There are 2 ways to win.

1. Details are on the Magnolia-licious Highlites Blog.
2. Participants are to hop around the blogs and put the letters together to spell the sentence and email it to
sjdean0574@yahoo.com
3. Participants have until July 31st to email the answer to Suzanne —winner will be chosen randomly

Prize is 5 stamps from Magnolia-licious and a Summer Sand Bucket full of craft goodies (photos below).

AND the 2nd way to win:

1. Create a SUMMER PROJECT with the theme of Beach, Picnics/Barbecues or Fishing using only Magnolia stamps by July 31st.
2. Enter it into the InLinkz on the Magnolia-licious Highlites blog.
3. One random winner will win 2 Magnolia stamps of their choice from Magnolia-licious.

Here is the prize for the random winner that emails the sentence correctly---it is $100 worth of goodies PLUS 5 Mini Magnolia stamps of their choice AND a Scor-Buddy—that’s a lot of fun!! Second prize goes to someone who does a project, and they get 2 stamps of their choice from Diana’s store.

a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a
MY LETTER IS: "a"

Now please hop to the next blog (Maria) to see more inspiration and collect another letter! When you are finished collecting the letters you will put them together to create a 3 word sentence. Find contest details at the Magnolia-licious Highlites Blog HERE! Thanks for joining us! Linda C

Sew Fun

2011-07-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

Hi!
I have been doing a bit of sewing lately. Here is a pin cushion I made for a friend this week to use in her scrap room.

Check back tomorrow for the Magnolia-licious Blog Hop! See you then! LC

Red, White, and Blue

2011-07-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

It is my month to choose the inspirational colors for the Magnolia-licious Challenge, and since it is July I chose red, white, and blue. Here is the picture I chose for my inspirational colors.

Here is my card for the color challenge.

For my card I stamped #3029 Tilda in Star Dress from Magnolia-licious. Here is a close-up of Tilda.

Be sure to check out the Design Team's creations at the Magnolia-licous Challenge Blog. We hope you decide to take the red, white, and blue challenge. You might win a prize from Diana at Magnolia-licious.

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate you. LC

Layout Re-done

2011-07-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever created a scrapbook layout that just didn't seem complete or 'right'? That is how I felt about the 'Howdy' layout I posted several weeks ago. There were elements I love and did not want to change; however, there were several that just didn't please me. I made some minor changes, and I do like the layout much better now.

Here are the two versions. What do you think?

This is the older version.

In the newer version below....
   I changed the upper corner pieces and put a decorate edge across the entire top of the layout to 'mirror' the decorated edge across the bottom. This seemed to better balance the layout.
   On the journaling box I added a larger blue mat to tie the mats together and better balance the middle of the layout.
   I added two charms to the title to give it a bit more 'character' and weight. The silver (gray) tone of the charms helped to tie in the color of the Jolee embellishment on the journaling box. I added rhinestones to the Magnolia image outfit, boots, and pink circles at the top of the layout. These rhinestones mimic the rhinestones on the Jolee.

This is the newer layout. I am pleased with the finished product.

Don't be afraid to re-do a project if you are not satisfied. Remember, it's your art....make it your own!!

Thanks for stopping by. LindaC

'A' Family Mini Album

2011-07-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

You may remember last summer when I assisted my KY friend with a family wedding. I was busy during the wedding and reception; however, I did get to take some photos during the rehearsal events.

Here is a fun mini album I created for my friend with those photos. I adhered tags for journaling, and there are pockets with extra photos and large tags. My friend has grandchildren who will handle this album so I did not embellish the pages as I usually do. I was inspired to make this mini album after watching a how-to video HERE from With a Grin blog. The album was made using black paper bags from Michael's and Graphic 45 paper.

My friend's last name begins with an 'A'.

I hope you enjoyed looking at this mini album. These are just a representation of the pages; I did not photograph the entire album.

Thanks for stopping by. LC

HOWDY!

2011-06-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

Today's Magnolia-licious Challenge is to create a card or project using the provided picture as the inspiration.

For the challenge I created a 12x12 layout using Magnolia #229 Cowgirl Tilda from Magnolia-licious.

The patterned paper I used is from Creative Imagination. I also used Quickutz, Thickers, Jo-lee's, and Bazzill cardstock.

Here is a close-up of Cowgirl Tilda. I used Copic markers to color the image.

The photograph is of me around the age of 5. As a child I loved anything related to cowboys. Roy Rogers and The Lone Ranger were my idols (along with Superman). The 50's was a great time to be a kid.

I hope you participate in the Magnolia-licious Challenge. You might win a prize from Diana.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day! Linda C

July Calendar

2011-06-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

Here is my July calendar. I stamped Magnolia-licious' #161 Lightening Edwin which is a Christmas stamp. After I colored the image with Copic markers, I covered the Christmas bulbs with star rhinestones. I also added some glittery stickers.

I got the idea of 'altering' this image from Suzanne Dean. She had used this image for a Valentine card and had covered the Christmas bulbs with hearts. I love discovering new ways to use my stamps. Hope you give it a try.

Thanks for stopping by. Check back Tuesday for the new Magnolia-licious Challenge. LC

Thrift Store Frame

2011-06-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

Those of you who often read my blog know that I like to alter items. Since I recently decided to change the accent color in my craft room from red to pink I have been busy painting and sewing. Here is a $1 frame I purchased to alter.

The altering steps I used:
1. Filled in cracks with wood putty
2. Painted the frame pink
3. Tore, distressed, and adhered pattern paper to corners
4. Adhered bling
5. Adhered flowers
6. Applied rub-on

I am pleased with the results of the altering. It was an easy process, and I hope you give it a try. You can find many used frames at thrift stores for very low prices.

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate you and your comments. LC

Grand Ol' Flag

2011-06-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago I told you about the calendar stands my husband made, and I posted a photo of one and one of the calendar pages I made for a friend. You can see them HERE.

Here is my calendar page for June.

The image is from Magnolia-licious #3029 Tilda in Star Dress. I colored the image with Copic markers and added Stickles. I paper pieced the flag with a scrap of Scenic Route. The embellishment on the right is also from Scenic Route.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Have a great day! Linda C

A Magnolia Challenge

2011-06-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

It's time for a new Magnolia challenge from Magnolia-licious. Today's challenge is a color challenge, and it is PINK!

My project for the challenge is a doorknob hanger I made for my craft room.

For my project I used Magnolia stamps #321 Hello Little Butterfly and Open Gate. These stamps are available in mini size also.

Here is a close-up of Tilda. Isn't she adorable?

I hope you decide to participate in the Magnolia-licious Challenge. Don't forget there is a prize from Diana at Magnolia-licious.

Thanks for stopping by. Check back later to see other projects I created for my craft room. Have a great day! LC

A Banner Day

2011-06-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share another banner I made using Graphic 45 'Steambunk' and Crafty Secrets 'Creative Scraps'. As you look at each pennant you may recognize some Tim Holtz, 7 Gypsies, Papertrey Ink, Vintage Market Place, and Prima. This was so much fun to create!

I have been redecorating and reorganizing my craft room. I bought pink material today to make a curtain to replace the red with white polka dots. My cat has been helping me with my paper reorganization!

Thanks for stopping by! LC

Guest Blogger

2011-06-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Today I am honored to be the Guest Blogger for Vicki Chrisman HERE. You can see my projects on her blog. Thanks for visiting me and Vicki! Have a great day. LC

In a Magnolia Mood

2011-05-24T03:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been away for a couple of weeks. Thanks for checking back with me. I have not been in a crafty mood. Some days I have gone to my craft space and just looked around. I even tried 'retail therapy' during the past weeks only to leave Michael's, Hobby Lobby, and JoAnn's empty handed. Luckily for me, I had created today's card in mid-April....and best of all, my depression seems to be lifting.

Today's post is for the Magnolia-licious Inspiration Challenge. Here is the picture Norma chose to inspire us.

The item in the picture which inspired me most was the purple tablecloth over the gold one. I immediately focused on the purple cloth and the brown chairs.I had stamped and colored my image before I ever noticed the floral arrangement. I find it interesting how each person sees her own 'version' of the picture. The green leaves and the yellow flowers never 'appeared' to me until much later.

Here is my creation.

For my card I stamped #231 Spellcaster Tilda. She can be purchased from Magnolia-licious HERE. I think she is so pretty; I love how her hair rolls back, her see-through pinafore, and the magic wand. I had fun coloring this image and adding the bling around the wand. I used rhinestones, Glossy Accents, and Stickles.
The embellishment in the middle of the seam binding ribbon (dyed with Glimmer Mist) is a star brad added to an off-white button. I put the prongs through the button holes to add it to the button.

Here is a close-up of Tilda.

Be sure to check out the details of the Magnolia-licious Inspiration Challenge HERE, and while you are there check out the creations from the Design Team. I am always amazed by the cards and projects those creative ladies share. I am sure one of them will inspire you!

Hopefully, the positive, 'feeling better' attitude will stay with me for a long while. I have had four good days. During those days I read The Lincoln Lawyer, spent a day shopping with a friend and actually bought things, ate out, and worked on organizing my craft space. I slept less and did more. I decided to make some changes in my craft space. I am adding pink, and I found some happy fabric for a curtain. I will show you pictures as I go.

Thanks again for hanging in there with me! I appreciate you! LC

Thursday News

2011-05-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hi!
What a way to start the day! My Facebook account was hacked, and all of my friends were sent a very ugly message. Fortunately for me, I think, the person used such terrible language that my friends realized the message was not written by me. The unfortunate part is I have young people who are friends, and I dislike them getting that message. I have de-activated my FB account...I just don't need that aggravation in my life.

On to something more pleasant...........

It is time for a new challenge at Mo's Digital Pencil (#82). It is also the second week for the Guest Designer call. Here is my card for the 'Here Comes Summer' challenge.

The image I used is Mo's 'Pool Party'. It can be found HERE. Like so many of Mo's images there is humor, innocence, and a story behind this image.

Here is a close-up of the image.

After I colored the image with Copic markers I added red chalk to create a sunburn. This was a fun image to color.

Hope you have a great day! Thanks for stopping by. LC

Return of the Cicadas

2011-05-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

These critters are everywhere...under the trees, on the porch, in the air! Ugh!

Griffin took this photo.

Cicadas are flying, plant-sucking insects of the Order Hemiptera; their closest relatives are leafhoppers, treehoppers, and fulgoroids. Adult cicadas tend to be large (most are 25-50mm), with prominent wide-set eyes, short antennae, and clear wings held roof-like over the abdomen. Cicadas are probably best known for their conspicuous acoustic signals or "songs", which the males make using special structures called tymbals, found on the abdomen.

All but a few cicada species have multiple-year life cycles, most commonly 2-8 years. In most cicada species, adults can be found every year because the population is not developmentally synchronized; these are often called "annual" cicada species. In contrast, populations of the periodic cicada species are synchronized, so that almost all of them mature into adults in the same year. The fact that periodic cicadas remain locked together in time is made even more amazing by their extremely long life-cycles of 13 or 17 years.

Periodic cicadas are found in eastern North America and belong to the genus Magicicada. There are seven species -- four with 13-year life cycles (including one new species described in 2000), and three with 17-year cycles. The three 17-year species are generally northern in distribution, while the 13-year species are generally southern and midwestern. Magicicada are so well-synchronized developmentally that they are nearly absent as adults in the 12 or 16 years between emergences. When they do emerge after their long juvenile periods, they do so in huge numbers, forming much denser aggregations than those usually achieved by cicadas. Many people know periodic cicadas by the name "17-year locusts" or "13-year locusts", but they are not true locusts, which are a type of grasshopper. http://www.cirrusimage.com/homoptera_cicada.htm

If you are inclined to eat insects here is a link for cicada recipes...from quiche to cake! Ugh!

At the Beach with Tilda

2011-05-10T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hi! It's the second Tuesday of the month and time for the Magnolia-licious Color Challenge. Norma's color challenge for today is 'black, white, and one other color'. You can see the Design Team's creations and details of the challenge HERE. Don't forget about the prize Diana is offering.

Here is the image Norma provided for the color challenge.

For my card I chose to use blue as the third color to go with the black and white. As most of you know, I color the images with Copic markers, so for this card I used the 'C' (cool greys) series of markers. Using the cool greys along with the blues gave this card a monochromatic look. I chose silver-toned charms, corners, and white seam binding as embellishments to compliment the colors. The Magnolia stamps I used are #237 Beach Tilda and #612 Bathing Ring from the Magnolia-licious store.

We hope you decide to participate in the color challenge at Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog. We really enjoy looking at your creations.

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your comments! Linda C

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

I received my Mother's Day gift a day early. Our son, Griffin, graduated from MTSU yesterday! We are so proud.

Here is Griffin and Christina.

Happy Mother's Day to my Friends and Family! Hope you have a great day! LC

Mo's Monochromatic Challenge

2011-05-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

I created a friendship card today using an image from Mo's Digital Pencil for Mo's Challenge #81. The challenge is to create a monochromatic project. You can find details about the challenge HERE at Mo's Challenge Blog. The image I used is BBBFF (Best-best-best Friends Forever).

Here is a close-up of the image. I used the W series of Copic markers to color the image.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend! LC

For A Friend, For Me

2011-05-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

Today I want to share a gift Mike helped me make for a friend. He made the wooden stand, and I decorated the calendar part. The calendar is from Taylored Expressions. I left the stand plain so that my friend could paint it to match her scrap room if she decided to. (The flower is just for photographing purposes.) Since it is plain she can add paper, rub ons, bling, or flowers to match her room. On each calendar page I stamped a Magnolia image. The calendar pages are held by 6x6 (scrapbook) page protectors.

Here is a card I created for a friend who is the grandmother to two little boys. I used a Mo's image.

As many of you already know, I suffer from bouts of depression. Sometimes the depression is quite deep. On those days all I want to do is sleep and avoid the world. I attempt to fight the depression by creating and giving to others. Hopefully by sharing I can bring joy to others while I strive to find happiness for me.

Weather Watching

2011-04-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

As most of you know the southern part of the United States was under tornado warnings for the past few days. Most of us spent the days and nights watching the sky and television. Not much else was achieved between the times of putting on our shoes, ducking into a small space, and listening for warnings. Even our cat watched the local weather alerts.

Each of us had a hiding space.

We are grateful that our neighborhood was spared. Please remember those who were not so fortunate. LC

Card for a Friend

2011-04-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

It is the 4th Tuesday of April and time for the Magnolia-licious Challenge. Today's challenge is inspired by this photograph.

Here is my creation based on the photograph.

Here is a close-up of Tilda. Magnolia stamps can be purchased at Magnolia-licious.

Card Recipe:

Tilda stamp from Magnolia-licious

Memento tuxedo black ink

X-Press IT blending paper

Copic markers

Graphic 45 paper

Bazzill cardstock

EK Success Jolee

Glossy Accents

America Craft rub-on

Papertrey Ink banner die

Be sure to check out the Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog to see the Design Team's creations and to get the details of the Inspiration Challenge. We love to see what you design and create. Don't forget about the prize Diana offers from Magnolia-licious.

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your visits and comments. Have a great day. Linda C

Spring Blooms

2011-04-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share what is growing at the end of our drive on our split rail fence. Isn't it beautiful?

Hope you are having a great day! Thanks for stopping by. LC

Just A Note

2011-04-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Wanda, a blog friend and former DT member with me, is The Greeting Farm's choice for a challenge. Her card was chosen by The Greeting Farm as the card to CASE for TGF Farm Fresh Challenge. Here is her cute card featuring Cheeky Cherry Pie. Wanda creates lovely cards, and I have added her to my list of blogs for your enjoyment.

Here is my card for the CASE challenge. It features WS Chelsea.

Here is a close-up of Chelsea with her bling and sparkly eyeshadow.

I love her red hair. The Copic colors I used are E02, 08, 19, 29. These four colors blend together well to create the red hair.

Speaking of hair color....I'm off to get my grays covered. Know what I mean? lol

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your visits and comments. Have a great day!

Saturday Fun

2011-04-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

I had a great time attending a crop and teaching a Copic class today. The ladies were excellent students, eager and quick to learn. Thanks, Bettye, for including me. Reada, Carol, Cathy, and Bettye, you did really well today!

Here is one of the cards I shared with them. I am going to enter it in the 7 Kids College Fund Easter/Spring Challenge.

Here is a close-up of Tilda with Hawaiian Flower.

Thanks for stopping by. LC

Some Bunny Loves You

2011-04-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

It is a beautiful day in Tennessee. I hope you are able to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

Today I am sharing a card I created using three Whimsie Doodles images. They are Leah Bunny, Easter Basket, and Some Bunny sentiment. They can be seen HERE.

I paper pieced the bunny suit using a K&Co. paper that is on the card. Here is a close up of Leah.

I am entering this card in two challenges. The first one is Whimsie Doodles' "I'm Blushing". The challenge is to use pink and red. The second challenge is The Craft Challenge#98 which is Easter and sponsored by Whimsie Doodles.

Thanks for stopping by! LC

Hello Spring!

2011-04-11T23:45:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! It is the second Tuesday of April and time for the Magnolia-licious Color Challenge. The colors for today's challenge are pink and green...perfect for this time of the year. Be sure to check out the Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog where the Design Team members' creations are posted. Don't forget to enter the challenge. You have until April 25 to create your own pink and green project. We love to see what you create. Don't forget about the prize from Diana at Magnolia-licious.

Here is a close-up of Tilda dressed in pink and green just for the challenge. This Tilda with Hawaiian Flower is from the Butterfly Dreams 2011 Collection at Magnolia-licious. Isn't she adorable?

Here is the card I created for the challenge.

Card Recipe:
Tilda with Hawaiian Flower stamp
Memento ink
X-Press IT blending paper
Copic markers
Paper from stash
Stampin' Up! ribbon
Button and rhinestones from stash
Quickutz dragonfly die
Stampin' Up! leaf die
JoAnn's card base
Bazzill cardstock
Sharpie white poster paint pen

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your comments. Have a great day! LC

Hey Chick!

2011-04-10T16:36:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post on this lovely April evening.....

Here is another close-up of one of my favorite Bildmalarna images.

I hope you have had a great weekend. It has been really warm in TN. In fact, yesterday was a record setter for the earliest 90's weather. I spend time with a friend yesterday, and today I colored in my craft room. Great ways to spend the weekend. Check back on Tues. for my Magnolia-licious Challenge card.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week! LC

From the Front Porch

2011-04-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a beautiful day in Tennessee. Thank you God. It is such a great day to sit on the porch and look at these irises. Aren't they a pretty color?

The wild violets are taking over the yard.

I can hardly wait for the peonies and the clematis to bloom.

Well, I have to run. I have a strawberry cake baking in the oven, and the time is about up. It is a reward for Mike's work on the porch posts today.

I hope you are enjoying your day. Thanks for stopping by. LC

Springtime in Tennessee

2011-04-05T15:53:00.000-07:00

Our lilac bushes are in full bloom so I cut a bouquet for us to enjoy. I love the smell of lilacs.

I did a little crafting today, but I think my mojo is on spring break at the beach...probably Tybee Island.

Here is a close-up of the image. It is a Bildmalarna. Isn't she adorable? I love everything about this image!
Thanks EC!

Card recipe:
Bildmalarna stamp
Copic markers
Memento tuxedo black ink
X-Press IT blending paper
Bazzill cardstock
K&Co. design paper
Scraps from stash
Martha Stewart border punch
Papertrey Ink butterfly die
Dew Drops
Seam binding dyed with Glimmer Mist
Button from stash
Twine
7Gypsies sticker (sentiment)
Glossy Accents
Hobby Lobby card base
Wilton doily

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your visits and comments. I read every one of them. LC

A Sunday in April

2011-04-03T20:38:00.000-07:00

Mike, Griffin, Christina, and I tromped around in the woods again today looking for mushrooms. We found a small group inside a dead log...but our biggest find was when we got back home and noticed ticks were on all four of us. Ugh!

I found a couple of these flowers...~~not sure what they are~~.
I was notified today that the flower is a trillium.
(Trillium cuneatum grows in the southern areas of the United States, producing a triad of spotted leaves and deep burgundy flowers.) Thanks, Susan C.!

Christina and I crashed on moss-covered rocks while the guys continued over the hill.

It was a good afternoon.

Australian Sights from Griffin

2011-04-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

Kangaroos on a golf course

Boyd's Forest Dragon

Netted Stinkhorn

Termite Hill

Qeensland

Above Sydney

Kyan Alltop

2011-04-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Kyan Alltop was a special little boy to our family. Four years ago today he went to be with Jesus. We miss him.

This photo was taken when Kyan and his momma stayed with us for a few weeks in 2005.

Layouts of Kyan...

Kyan liked to sleep on 'Uncle' Mike's chest.

Here is Kyan after a bath at our house.

Thanks for sharing him with us.

Aloha

2011-03-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends! Today I want to share a card I created using Hula Anya from The Greeting Farm. iCopic.com has a great selection of stamps from The Greeting Farm along with stamps from Magnolia, C.C. Designs, and Whiff of Joy Stamps. All of the iCopic.com stamps can be seen HERE.

Here is a close-up of Anya.

Card Recipe:

Hula Anya from The Greeting Farm
Memento tuxedo black ink
X-Press IT blending paper
Copic markers
E00, 11, 15, 18, (skin and hair)
Y0000, 000, 11, 13, 15 (flower and bikini top)
YR000, 15, 18,(flower) 21 (hair)
R02 (hair)
YG61, 63, 67 (skirt and grass)
B0000 (sky)
K&Co. designer paper
Spellbinder dies
Quickutz font, rub-ons, border die
Stickles
Hobby Lobby card base
Bazzill cardstock

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your visits and comments! Don't forget the iCopic Color Challenge#23. The details of the challenge can be found HERE. Have a great day! LC

A Day in the Woods

2011-03-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

Griffin is back from Australia! Praises and Thanksgiving for a safe trip!

Christina looking cute surrounded by a 'circle tree'...actually cedar gone wild!
Today Griffin, Christina, and I tromped in the woods looking for mushrooms. It was a perfect day!
Here is a sampling of what we found.

Back to being artsy tomorrow instead of woodsy! Thanks for stopping by! LC

Mermaid Anya

2011-03-23T22:21:00.000-07:00

Hi! It's my day to share a project featuring iCopic.com goodies. If you haven't visited iCopic.com lately you really should. There are 12 new Copic marker colors, more stamps, and a new instructional book on shading and shadowing. iCopic.com has added Divine Baker's Twine to its inventory also.

For my card today I chose to use this week's iCopic Color Challenge#22 colors...green, lime, and turquoise.

Here is my card featuring Mermaid Anya from The Greeting Farm. She's so cute!

Card Recipe:
Mermaid Anya
Memento Tuxedo Black ink
Copic markers
E00,11,30,31,33
R02
BG0000,000,01 (for turquoise)
YR20,21
G20,21,24,28 (for green)
YG03 (for lime)
Spellbinder dies
K&Co. designer paper
Bazzill cardstock
Dew Drops
Net from stash
Stickles
Glossy Accents
Jo-Ann's card base

Don't forget the iCopic Color Challenge#22.
Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate you and your comments! LC

Hello Spring!

2011-03-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

Hi! It's the 2nd Tuesday of March and time for the Magnolia-licious Inspirational Challenge. Angela has chosen this picture to inspire us.

Here is my card based on the picture. I used the eggs' pastel colors as my inspiration.

For my card I used Magnolia's #252 Tilda with Hanging Rabbit and Tulip Walkway from Magnolia-licious.

Be sure to check out the Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog for all the awesome creations from the Design Team.

Card Recipe:

Magnolia stamps from Magnolia-licious

Memento ink

X-Press It blending paper

Copic markers

Jo-Ann card base

Designer paper from stash

Prima flowers and pearls

K&Co. epoxy embellishment

Coluzzle

Petaloo flower

Spellbinder leaf die

Thanks for visiting my blog. I appreciate it. LC

Where My Mind Is

2011-03-18T21:51:00.000-07:00

and also my heart! Here is our son in Sydney, Australia. He is there to gather specimens for the research he conducts at MTSU.

"And even though I know how very far apart we are

It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star

And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby

It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky."

'Sew Much Fun'

2011-03-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Today's card features Washi tape from iCopic.com. Washi tape has adhesive which adheres well but can be removed if you want to change it. It can be torn or cut and comes in 89 different colors and patterns. They can be seen HERE. These two are my current favorites for spring....birds and flowers!

I also like these two. They remind me of chicks, ducklings, and bunny rabbits.

Here is my sewing-themed card which reads 'Sew Glad We're Friends!'

I covered white cardstock with the Washi tape before I cut the buttons with a die.

Recipe:
Washi tape
PTI dies and ink for distressing
EK Success border punch
Seam binding colored with Glimmer Mist
Buttons from stash
Little Yellow Bicycle doily
Paper from stash
Making Memories pin
Sewing Machine and thread
Black thread and pen
Computer generated sentiment

Just a reminder about the iCopic Lover's Color Challenge#21. These colors are Delicious!!

Be sure to check the iCopic Lover blog for the details, and don't forget there's a prize! Woo Hoo!

Thanks for stopping by. I apologize for my absence lately....been in a funk! LC

Howdy Pardners!

2011-03-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hey Cowgirls! Let's mosey on over to the corral and check out Wild West Anya from The Greeting Farm. She's all dressed up in the iCopic colors for Challenge #20...turquoise, green, and purple. Not your typical cowgirl colors, but she's looking adorable!

Card Recipe:
Wild West Anya from The Greeting Farm
Memento tuxedo black ink
X Press IT blending paper
Copic markers
E00, 11 (skin)
BV0000,00,02 (purple)
B0000, 00, 02 (turquoise)
G20,21,24 (green)
R20 (mouth/cheeks)
YR000, 21,31,23 (hair)
KI Memories design paper
Cosmo Cricket design paper
Bazzill cardstock
Quickutz cloud die
Quickutz fence die
Martha Stewart grass punch
EK Success Jolee flowers
Twine, brad, sticker letters charm from stash
Stickles (copper)
Nestabilities

When you are coloring an image with Copic markers don't be afraid to venture out and try new color combinations. Let the iCopic Color Challenge inspire you to experiment with color. Also check out all the new stamps and markers coming to iCopic.com.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day....and in Middle Tennessee, stay warm! LindaC

Color it Green!

2011-03-08T03:00:00.000-08:00

Hi! It's the second Tuesday of March and time for the Magnolia-licious Color Challenge. Today's challenge is issued by Angie, and here is her challenge color. Could there be any better color for this month?

Check out the Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog for the Design Team's creations and the prize offered by Diana, owner of Magnolia-licious.

Here is my challenge creation.

This is an easel card which features #221 Ribbon Hair Tilda at Magnolia-licious. She is part of the "You Are So Special" 2011 collection. The entire collection can be seen HERE. She is sitting on #517 Old Bench.
I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to place the bench.

Here is a side view.

I used 2 metal brad strips from Karen Foster to hold the ribbon and the easel in place. They were bright orange so I buffed off some of the color to tone them down a bit. Scrap Our Stash has challenged their readers to use a forgotten product or tool in their 'Dust It Off Challenge', so I decided to accept the challenge and use the brad strips I have had for several years.

Here is the easel part of the card.

Here are some close-ups of the image. Isn't she delightful with that sassy red hair and the bows? How about the pearl necklace and earrings? She looks like she is ready for a wedding. I really like her green shoes!

I like how the rose leaves turned out. I wanted them to have tips that were tinged with red and burgundy.
What do you think about them?

Card Recipe:
#221 Ribbon Hair Tilda Magnolia stamp
#517 Old Bench Magnolia stamp
Memento tuxedo black ink
X Press IT blending paper
Copic markers
Stickles
Glossy Accents
Recollection pearls
K&Co. designer paper
Bazzill cardstock
Seam binding colored with Glimmer Mist
Karen Foster metal brad strips
Prima flowers
Robin's Nest Dew Drops
Quickutz border die
Insect die cut from stash
Nestabilities dies
Sharpie white poster paint pen
Stamp-a-ma-jig
Sewing machine and thread

Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to check out the Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog. Have a great day! LC

Revisiting an Old Product

2011-03-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

Hello! It's Monday....a new week, a new challenge, and a new card. But first I need to explain the title...

Several years ago when I taught scrapbooking classes my fingers always were covered in brown ink...to be specific, Ranger's Van Dyke brown ink. I was known to distress anything that came across my table..altered clipboards, cardstock, and mini albums. There were very few items I created that weren't edged in Van Dyke brown.

Then I began to make cards, stamping images, and coloring with alcohol markers. I started out with Prisma markers and then graduated to Copics. The images I color are stamped usually on white paper, and most of my cards are brightly colored. Over time the brown distress ink moved to the bottom of my supply drawer, and my fingers lost their brown stains...until yesterday when I made this card.

After I had colored the image I began to look for paper to finish the card. Every piece of designer paper I liked for the image had brown tones and a distressed look. The image, stamped and colored on bright white paper, just did not look right with the distressed papers. (Light bulb moment!) I grabbed my distress ink and began to color the edges of the image paper. The vision I had for the card was coming together! I then layered the image with several pieces of designer paper and cardstock, added staples, twine, and Washi tape to finish the look. I really like how it looks; however, I wish now that I had distressed the edges of the image paper to give it a torn look. I also wish I had sewn around the image. Oh well...another day, another card.**

**Be sure to check the card at the bottom of the post.
Card Recipe:
Stampavie Sarah Kay "Lynette Collecting her Vegetables" stamp
X Press IT blending paper
Memento tuxedo black ink
Copic markers
YR 20, 23,31
E00,11, 13,15,17, 31,33,35
R02,05,08, 24
V20(new color) V91,93,95
B91,93,95
C1,3,5
YG 61 (new color)YG63, 67
G20, 21, 24,40,82,85
October Afternoon designer paper
Flair Designs designer paper
Bo Bunny designer paper
Bazzill cardstock
Baker's twine
Washi tape
Ranger Distress Ink
Tim Holtz stapler

Above I mentioned a new challenge..... here is iCopic Color Challenge #20 that starts today.

You can check out details of the color challenge HERE at the iCopic Lover blog.

My personal challenge for you today is to get out an old product you haven't work with in a while and use it. It might be some acrylic paint or epoxy stickers you just had to have...or those cute buttons you've been saving or that 3-D embellishment that called your name when you first saw it!! Just take it out of the package and put it on a project. Leave me a comment about what you plan to use. You're more likely to use it if you commit it to words! My next old product I plan to use is my Fastenator! Remember that tool?

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate you and your comments. I read every one of them! Linda C

**I couldn't leave well enough alone and had to finish my project like I saw it in my head. Have you ever done that...took a project apart to fix it like you wanted it? Aren't we a funny group of people?

iCopic Store Opens

2011-03-06T14:34:00.000-08:00

iCopic is opening a new store on March 12! Check HERE for details.

The amazingly talented Mindy is going to be teaching a class. Even if you want to just come for the fun and excitement and skip the class, you are more than welcome to stop by!! Here is your official invite!

What a fun place to visit, shop, and take a class! Mindy is an awesome colorist. Check out her blog HERE to see her great creations.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day. LC

Musical Ethan

2011-03-03T13:42:00.000-08:00

Today I am sharing a card I made using Washi tape and Your Next Stamp's 'Musical Ethan'. The card is simple, and I like the way it turned out. It is for an elderly gentleman's birthday so I didn't want it heavily embellished with flowers and ribbons.

The background on the card is made with strips of green dotted and blue dotted Washi tape. I also covered a piece of scrap paper with the blue tape before cutting it with a die to mat the image. I chose not to have thread in my needle when I 'sewed' around the image since the tape has adhesive on it. (Faux thread could be created with a marker.) The background around Ethan was done using a technique explained HERE.

Card recipe:
Your Next Stamp 'Musical Ethan' (coming to iCopic.com soon)
X-Press IT blending paper
Memento tuxedo black ink
Copic markers
Washi tape
Kraft cardstock
Dymo label maker
Sharpie poster paint marker
Nestabilities dies
Sewing machine

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate each of you! LindaC

Getting Organized

2011-02-28T11:04:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends! Thanks for stopping by. It's a rainy Monday in TN and a good day to stay in my craft room. Since it is Monday there are new colors for the iCopic.com color challenge#19. With March beginning and St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, shades of green are perfect for your projects.

Today's project is one I created to help me stay organized. Using a mini composition book I purchased at a $1 store, I created a system for keeping up with my stamps from iCopic.com.

The image I used to decorate my book is Miss Anya from The Greeting Farm's Miss Anya Collection. She is one of three in the collection. I colored her with Copic markers and added pearl earrings to dress her up. We all like bling! The pages are divided with tabs and labeled by stamp company names. On the pages I stamped images of the stamps I own from iCopic.com along with the stamp's title. This organization tool will be helpful when I am deciding which stamp to use or buy. Don't we love to buy craft supplies?!

These little composition books would make great gifts....address books, list keepers, or shopping aids. How many of us have purchased an ink, a punch, or a stamp we already had? I know I am guilty. The little books can be purchased 3 for $1 at the Dollar Tree. I have seen them also at Hobby Lobby and Dollar General. Covering them is not difficult. Be sure to use a wet adhesive (glue stick, liquid glue) when adhereing paper to paper if the item is going to be handled.

Book recipe:
Copic markers:
YG11, 13, 17
E00,02,08,11,19,29,50,53,55
R20,22,24
Paper from my stash
Bazzill cardstock
Bazzill paper trim
Stampin' Up! punch
Panasonic label maker
Seam binding dyed with Glimmer Mist
Recollection pearls
Uhu glue stick
Letter stickers from stash

I am entering this project in the "Anything but a Card" challenge HERE at The Cheerful Stamp Pad and the Flashback Friday Challenge HERE.

Well, I'm off to stamp and color. Be sure to check out the iCopic color challenge HERE. We would love to see what you create, and you might win a prize! Have a great day! LindaC

Happy Anniversary

2011-02-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Wow! Today's post has several facets! Get a cup of coffee, relax, and enjoy!

First, today is Mike and my 32nd anniversary! Where did that time go?

Like many couples just starting their lives together, Mike and I did not have a great deal of money. Since we both were older when we married we paid for our wedding. I bought my dress in Columbia, TN, where we got married and paid $49 for it. We splurged on the decorations and our reception; the flowers, candles, catering, etc. cost $75. At that time, for us, that was a great deal of money! Our wedding bands cost less than $40 total at Service Merchandise, and we still wear them. Obviously, from the above photo, we didn't have a professional photographer. We are thankful for friends and family who took photos that day. What about that Farrah hair?!

Well, now it is 32 years later. We have weather many storms, raised a fine son, and have a comfortable home. God has been good to us. We are blessed and thankful!

Today is also my last Thursday posting for Your Next Stamp. My term on the YNS Design Team as a Starlet ends Feb. 28. Today's card is for the Etsy Inspired Challenge sponsored by Your Next Stamp. The Etsy store being featured for inspiration is Claylicious.

Here is the Claylicious creation I chose for my inspiration. The details of this wall plaque can be found HERE.

Here is my card inspired by the Claylicious wall plaque.

The hearts were stamped using Your Next Stamp's Mini Greetings. This is a great set; there are 20 small sentiments and 19 small images that coordinate. The set is perfect for making tags, gift cards, and for decorating larger cards and scrapbook pages. The sentiment on the card is computer generated, and I colored the hearts with Copic markers (R32, 35, 37). The designer paper is an older one (Twitterpated) by SEI.

Since it is Thursday I also have a post for iCopic.com. Using The Greeting Farm image from Miss Anya Collection I created a bookmark. These slender Anya images are perfect for bookmarks.

I colored the image with Copic markers and sewed the edge of the image piece to 2 of the layers to make the bookmark more durable.

Card Recipe:

Miss Anya image

Copic markers

B00, 12, 14

Y000, 000, 11, 13, 15, 21, 23, 35

YR00, 12, 15, 18

E00, 11, 31, 33, 37

R20

G40, 82, 85

Bazzill cardstock

Basic Grey designer paper

Sewing Machine and thread

Whew! That's it for today! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read this post. I appreciate you! Have a great day! LC

Magnolia-licious Inspiration Challenge

2011-02-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

It is time for the Magnolia-licious Inspiration Challenge. Today's challenge photo was selected by Tracy. Tracy's idea was for the design team members to either use the colors or baby team as the inspiration.

Since I don't own any baby related Magnolia stamps I went with the pink and brown theme.

For my card I used a new Magnolia stamp from the 'You are So Special' collection called 'Romantic Window'. It can be seen along with the rest of the collection and purchased from Magnolia-licious HERE.

The card shape is called a 'tag card'. You can find samples and instructions HERE.

Card Recipe:
'Romantic Window' Magnolia stamp
Memento black ink
X-Press IT blending paper
Copic markers
Prima flowers
Recollection pearls
Making Memories designer paper
Bazzill cardstock
Seam binding dyed with Copic ink
Brown ribbon from stash
Sewing machine and thread

Be sure to check the Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog to see the design team's creations. There is a baby carriage, booties, a circle card, and cards with special folds....a visual feast for all! The details of the challenge can be found on the blog along with information about winning a prize. Be sure to link your creation to the blog.

Thanks for stopping by. Linda C

The Colors of Sherbet

2011-02-21T11:56:00.000-08:00

Today's iCopic Color Challenge #18 is about the colors you find in sherbet...or if you grew up in the South (US) you might call it sherbert. Either way, it is a frozen dessert of primarily fruit juice, sugar, and water with milk, egg whites, and gelatin added. (When researching sherbet I learned in some countries it is a beverage.) What is your favorite flavor of sherbet? My favorite is orange.

Okay, back to the color challenge. Here are this week's colors.

Here is my card for the color challenge.

As you probably can tell I had difficulty photographing this card. The top of the card is too light and the bottom half is too dark. That happens when I photograph at night. Oh well!

Card Recipe:
Your Next Stamp 'Thankful for you Fhiona"
SP and Company 'Mix 'n Match Occasion' sentiment set
X-Press IT Blending paper
Memento tuxedo black ink
Copic markers
R81,83,85
Y11,13,15,17
YR000,00,12,16,20,21
E00,11,31
G20,21,24
B00
K&Co. designer paper 12x12 pad
Seam binding dyed with Glimmer Mist
Button, twine, and tag
Nestabilities

Speaking of Copic markers, there are 12 new sketch colors. They can be purchased HERE.

Check out the Color Challenge for detail and prize information HERE. We would love to see what you design with these lovely sherbet colors. Be sure to link them to the iCopic Lover blog.

Have a great day! Hope you have nice weather where you are. Thanks for stopping by. LC

Anika from Holland

2011-02-17T12:23:00.000-08:00

Today I want to share 'Anika from Holland', one of the images from Your Next Stamp 'World Kids Collection'. I created her for the YNS Challenge #36 on paper piecing. Paper piecing is one of my favorite ways to use stamps with designer paper, and using Copic markers along with the paper piecing is a fun way to decorate a project. The majority of the YNS image is colored with Copic markers; the only paper piecing is her shoes. I used the yellow distressed Basic Grey paper for her shoes since it had marks in it to resemble wood. I shaded her shoes with Copic markers for dimension. Details of the card can be seen HERE.

Here is a picture of Your Next Stamp's 'World Kids Collection'. They can be purchased as singles or as a collection HERE.

Be sure to check out YNS's Starlets' paper piecing designs. They can be seen HERE along with the details of YNS Challenge #36. We hope you decide to participate in the challenge. We love to see your creations, and you might win a prize! Who doesn't love prizes?

Speaking of prizes... I am entering this card in the 7 Kids College Fund Challenge #15 for square cards.
You can see the challenge HERE.

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate that you take the time to look at and read my blog! Have a great day! LC

Gift for a Friend

2011-02-15T11:49:00.000-08:00

Today I want to share a gift I created for a friend.

On wooden clothespins I wound seam binding I had dyed with Glimmer Mist. The seam binding is 'Hug Snug' I purchased on Ebay. The Glimmer Mist colors I used are Candy Apple Red, Santa Baby, Vintage Pink, and Juneberry Wine. It was an easy process. I placed the white seam binding on my Ranger mat (for easy clean up) and sprayed the Glimmer Mist until I achieved the color I wanted. Wearing gloves (a must!) I tousled the seam binding to get complete coverage. I air-dried the seam binding and then wound it on the clothespin. The seam binding is perfect for cards, scrapbooking, and decorating gifts.

The tag was created from Vintage Street Market's 'Dimestore Vogue' collection. The collection has designer papers with sewing images, aqua foil paper, brown crepe paper, and paper embellishments. I also used some of Vintage Street Market's tinted tape (aged) on the tag. If you like sewing-theme papers or a nostalgic 40's/50's look, you will like Vintage Street Market's collections.

Hope you have a great day and there is sunshine where you are. Thanks for stopping by! LindaC

A Beautiful Wedding Day

2011-02-14T19:50:00.000-08:00

Today's iCopic Color Challenge #17 is a great combination for this time of year....pink, brown, and white. Are you thinking chocolates with strawberry cream inside or cosmopolitan ice cream? Have a look at this cake...yum! Here are the colors.

Here is my card for this color challenge.

For my card I used a stamp set from SP and Company called 'Mix 'n Match: Occasions'. It is a great set for many occasions as you can see from the photo below. Each is a separate clear stamp so you can 'mix and match' the wording according to the occasion.

Card Recipe:
SP and Company 'Mix 'n Match' stamp set
Copic marker R85 to color pearls to match ribbon
Memento tuxedo black ink
X-Press It Blending cardstock
Basic Grey design paper
Nestabilities
Recollection pearls
Seam binding dyed with Glimmer Mist

Be sure to check the iCopic Lovers blog for the challenge details. You could win a prize if you complete the challenge and link your project to the blog. Who doesn't like prizes?

Hope Valentine's Day has been lovely for you. I have been in chocolate heaven today with chocolate covered strawberries, Russell Stover's, and a mini 'I Love You' chocolate cake. Yummy! I sat on the porch today and had lunch in the sunshine. I am so thankful for the sun and its warmth.

Thank you for stopping by. LC

Shhh, Don't Tell Mike

2011-02-13T16:10:00.000-08:00

Thought I would show you Mike's valentine before I give it to him tomorrow morning with his coffee. He doesn't check my blog so he won't see it here. lol Mike tends to like bright colors so I used a K&Co. paper stack with blues, reds, and yellows instead of the usual valentine red and pink.

Recipe:
Bildmalarna Stamp
SP and Company 'Artsy Heartsy' sentiment
Memento tuxedo black ink
X-Press IT Blending cardstock
Copic markers
B91, 93, 95, 97
R01, 02, 05, 08
E00, 11, 35, 50, 53, 57
Y11, 13, 15
G85, 94, 99
YG63
K & Co. designer paper stack
Nestabilities
Martha Stewart corner punch
Recollection pearls
Quickutz heart punch
Bazzill cardstock
JoAnn's card base
Seam binding dyed with Glimmer Mist
Sharpie white poster paint pen

I hope you have a lovely Valentine's Day with your family and friends. I hope you have a day full of sunshine. Thanks for stopping by and spending time with me. I appreciate it! LC

Honey, You're Sweet!

2011-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends! Hope you are warm! We are snuggled in here with the snow outside! It's a good day to create.

Today's card is one I created using a stamp from iCopic.com. It is 'Love Lolita Honeybee' by C.C. Designs. It can be purchased HERE.

Recipe:
'Love Lolita Honeybee' stamp
Memento tuxedo black ink
X-PRESS IT Blending cardstock
Copic markers
   R000, 20, 22, 24, 30, 35, 37, 39,
   Y32, 35, 38
   E00, 11, 25, 31, 37, 50
   W9
   B000, 00
Washi paper adhesive tape
Bo Bunny design paper
American Craft ribbon
Recollection pearls
Bazzill paper trim
Stickles
chalk
SEI rub on

Thought I would share a tip I have been using recently. On my Copic markers I have been replacing the broad nibs with round nibs. The round nibs are stiffer and easier to control than the brush nibs. I use the round nibs in small areas and to outline the outside of an image.

Thanks for stopping by. Let me know if you decide to try my tip. Stay warm. Linda

Valentines

2011-02-08T03:00:00.000-08:00

It is the second Tuesday of the month and time for the Magnolia-licious Color Challenge. Here are the colors chosen for the challenge...red, pink, and black. Great colors for this time of the year as we make valentines for the people we care about and love. Be sure to check the Challenge Blog HERE to see the awesome projects from the Design Team and get all the details regarding the challenge and the prize!

This challenge card features 'Tilda Blowing Hearts' which also comes as a mini Magnolia at Magnolia-licious.

Speaking of mini Magnolias, here is another card with the Magnolia-licious Challenge colors.

For this card I used a mini stamp, 'Snowy Hug', from Magnolia-licious.

Hope you decide to create a project with a Magnolia stamp or two using the challenge colors. Be sure to link it to the Challenge Blog to be eligible for a prize. We love to see what you create.

Thanks for stopping by. Stay warm and be careful! Linda C

Just Pleat It!

2011-02-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

Click HERE for Your Next Stamp's Blog Hop.

Good Morning! Brrrr...it is cold in Middle Tennessee. Hope everyone is warm and toasty.

Today's post is about adding pleats to your project. What are pleats? Webster defines pleats as...
"a flat double fold in cloth or other material of uniform width and stitch or pressed in place". Why add pleats? Well, that is the challenge for Your Next Stamp. Check out YNS challenge blog for details of the challenge and the Design Team's examples. Create a card or project with pleats and link it to the YNS challenge blog for a chance to win one of 2 prizes!

Here is my card for the challenge.

For my card I used Your Next Stamp "Tea Time Fhiona".
Recipe:
YNS 'Tea Time Fhiona'
Memento tuxedo black ink
Copic markers
Papertrey Ink white cardstock
Bazzill cardstock
Club Scrap cardstock
Basic Grey designer paper
Vintage Street Market foil paper
Fiskar border punch
Recollection pearls (colored with Copic marker)
Ribbon and button from stash
Sharpie white poster paint pen

I hope you get to stay in where it is warm so you can create something awesome with pleats. Be sure to link it to the YNS blog for a chance to win a prize. Have a great day! Thanks for stopping by! LC

CHA Release Blog Hop!

2011-01-28T02:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Your Next Stamp CHA Release BLOG HOP!

We are so excited here at YNS because Karen has taken YNS to CHA for the very first time! That's right, as you are reading this Karen will be at Winter 2011CHA at booth #4518! WOO-HOO!!

So to celebrate this event, YNS is releasing some fab new YNS stamps just in time for CHA. You may have caught a sneak peek of some of them last week over at the Scrapbook & Cards Today blog, but today you get to see all 9 World Kids stamps plus a fabulous new Celebrate Collection from HR Designs and
7 new mini stamps. These new stamps are available to buy right now from the Your Next Stamp store along with all your YNS favorites.

Of course we couldn't let this release pass by without having a fun blog hop! We also have 4 fabulous guests joining us for our hop - the amazing Tori Wild, Cindy Haffner, Carole Burrage and Maylee Pham!

If you would like to participate in the hop and you didn't arrive here from Maylee's blog, please CLICK HERE to return to the start of the hop at Kerri's blog, as you don't want to miss these fab new releases!

The hop starts today (28 January 2011 at 08:00 EST) and ends on 2 February 2011at midnight EST.
As always here at Your Next Stamp, we have a wonderful prize for you to win! One lucky winner will be drawn at random from the links in the linky list to receive your choice of 3 of the new World Kids stamps!

You will see that every stop along the hop has a linky list - this is the SAME linky list posted on every blog, so that you can enter the prize draw from any stop (although we hope you will visit all the blogs on today's hop!). The linky will update itself on everyone's blog when a link isentered - how cool is that? Please remember to only enter your name ONCE into the linky list during the hop - you do NOT need to enter your name at every stop and multiple entries will be removed. It's not a requirement for you to comment at every stop along the hop to be eligible to be entered into the prize draw, but the DT would sure love to hear what you think of their new release creations!

Karen is also running some special bundle promotions, so be sure to hop on over to the YNS store once you've finished the hop. If you order all 9 World Kids stamps in one bundle, you will save 15% over the cost of buying them individually!

So onto my blog hop creation! For my card I used the Dutch World Kid. I knew there was a reason I had been hanging on to this K & Co. tulip paper from several years past. It worked perfectly with the Dutch girl.

For this side view I removed the bow so you could see the tulips in her hand. I like it better without the bow.

For this card I used Heather's (HR) pinata, banner, and confetti from the Celebrate Collection.

Here are close-ups of the pinata, banners, and confetti to which I added Stickles and Glossy Accent.

Here is a complete blog hop list in hopping order:

Kerri Michaud
Beth
Ranney-Thomas
Chris
Olsen
Cindy
Haffner {Guest DT}
Crystal Irwin
Jenny Suchin
Maylee
Pham {Guest DT}
Linda Cummings
Maureen Wong
Tori Wild
{Guest DT}
Simonne Clay
Sylvia Blum
Carole
Burrage {Guest DT}
Wendy
Ramlakhan
Karen
Dedman

So now it's time for you to hop on over to Maureen's blog as she is the next stop on our hop, but I'd love it if you left me a comment before you go!

Thanks so much for hopping with us today! I hope you enjoy our new release!

Hugs, LC

Be Mine, Valentine

2011-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi! Today I want to share a valentine card with you. For my card I chose Swiss Pixies Laying Nora by C.C. Designs. You can find Laying Nora and other C.C. Designs HERE at iCopic.com. My sentiment is from SP & Company's 'Artsy Heartsy' stamp set.

Here is how I cut the heart-shaped card base using a Spellbinder Nestabilities. This technique will work with other Nestabilities shapes. The key is to extend the die beyond the fold line in order to create hinges. The hinges hold the card base together.

After I cut my card base I cut a larger scalloped heart in the dotted purple paper to make the front of my card. Since I was using a brad on my flower I adhered a second scalloped heart to the front one to hide the brad prongs.

Copic markers I used:
E00, 11, 25, 29
Y11, 13, 15, 35
V12, 15, 17
R20

Recipe:
Copic markers
C.C. Designs 'Laying Nora'
Memento tuxedo black ink
SP & Company 'Artsy Heartsy'
Cryogen paper
Martha Stewart border punch
Papertrey Ink die
Nestabilities
Flowers, paper, brad from stash
Quickutz tag die
Stampin' Up cardstock

Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to check out the iCopic Lover Color Challenge #14. When you have finished your creation link it to the blog for a chance to win a prize. You know you like prizes!! Have a great day! LindaC

Magnolia-licious Challenge

2011-01-24T23:14:00.000-08:00

Today's Magnolia-licious Inspiration Challenge is issued by Cabio. Here is the inspiration photo for the challenge:

What do you see in this photo that inspires you to create? Is it the beige tones, the yellow and orange flowers on the mantle, or the pink cloth on the table? Do you focus on the couch with the pillows, the brown rug, or the yellow walls? Those of you who love earth tones will have a delightful time with this inspiration.

I must admit this was a difficult challenge for me. I am not fond of beige, orange, or yellow. If you remember the 'Color Me Beautiful' by Carole Jackson 1980's trend of assigning seasonal tones to each person according to her skin and hair coloration, you know that I am a 'winter'. ( color analysis) My colors are bright and jewel-toned. There are no browns, oranges, yellows (except icy yellow) in my color palette. I think that is why this challenge was so 'challenging' for me.

Here is my challenge card:

Recipe for card:
Couch stamp Magnolia-licious
Tilda in Heart Jumper
"Just Sittin' Here Thinking of You" sentiment (inside)
Copic markers
Memento tuxedo black ink
Jo-Ann card base
Martha Steward border punch
Sizzix corner die
Nestabilities scalloped oval
Walton doily
Bo Bunny designer paper
Papertrey Ink white cardstock
Bazzill cardstock
Sewing machine and thread

Be sure to check out the Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog to see the Design Team's creations. They have done a great job intrepreting the inspiration photo. After you have finished your challenge creation link it to the challenge blog for a chance to win a prize from Diana, owner of Magnolia-licious. We love to see your work!

Thanks for stopping by! Stay warm! LC

Keeping it Cool

2011-01-24T10:38:00.000-08:00

Today's iCopic Lover's Challenge #14 is all about being cool...er, should I say coloring it cool. Today's iCopic colors are teal, moss, and blue.

These colors are perfect for this time of year when we are coloring snowmen, sweaters, and winter scenes.
Here is my card.

Copic markers I used are:
BG10, 72, 75, 78
G85
YG 63, 67
B91, 93, 95, 97
R24, 27
E00, 11, 40, 41, 43, 44
C00, 1, 2, 4

Card Recipe:
Pure Innocence Stamp
Memento tuxedo black ink
Copic markers
Papertrey Ink white cardstock
Nestabilities
Sharpies white poster paint pen
Bo Bunny designer paper
Bazzill cardstock
Chalk (for cheeks)
Snow eyelets from stash
Sentiment from Artsy Heartsy (SP & Company)

Be sure to visit the iCopic Lover blog to see Wanda's card for the #14 challenge. When you finish your project for the challenge link it to the blog for a chance to win a prize. We love to see what you create.

Have a great day....stay warm! Thanks for stopping by and being a follower! LindaC

2011-01-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

YNS NEWS

The end of January is shaping up to be a busy and exciting time for YNS ...

The first piece of extremely exciting news is that Your Next Stamp is going to be at Winter 2011 CHA in LA! WOO-HOO! The event runs from January 29th to February 1st and Karen will be promoting YNS at Booth #4518.

So with CHA in mind, Your Next Stamp will soon be welcoming some new friends to its little family with a fabulous YNS CHA New Release BLOG HOP on January 28th, so be sure to mark your calendars as you really won't want to miss this! But if you'd like a small sneaky peek of who is joining us, hop on over to the Scrapbook & Cards Today blog right now... and while you're there, why not enter the super fun contest to WIN a $25 gift certificate to spend on stamps at the YNS store!

And that's not all... Your Next Stamp now has a Facebook page!

We would love to invite you all to LIKE our YNS FB page so you can be the first to know about promotions, new releases, sales, competitions ... and there may even be the odd quick giveaway! We'd also love to see all your YNS creations, old and new, so why not upload them to our YNS FB wall.

To celebrate our YNS Facebook launch we have 2 special promotions:

1. We have a special 20% off discount code - hop on over to our FB page to grab it (discount ends Jan 31st).

2. We are holding a prize draw just for those of you who LIKE our page. Come on over and sign up by February 1st to be entered into the draw to WIN a $25 gift certificate to spend on stamps at the YNS store.

Valentine Tag

2011-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi! Today I want to share a valentine tag I created using a stamp set from SP & Company. This is a stamp company that I was introduced to when I became a member of the iCopic.com Design Team. Samantha, designer and owner of SP&Co., is the team leader for the iCopic DT.....and a new bride!! Congratulations!

Here is one of the stamp sets SP & Company released for January. It is called 'Artsy Heartsy'. The set has 8 clear heart stamps (6 of these are textured) and 5 sentiments. It is a perfect set for making valentines, gift tags, and scrapbook layouts. While using these stamps I was quite impressed by the clear detailing of them.

Here is my tag:

The heart flower embellishment on my tag was created with the 'wavy heart' from the stamp set. I stamped the heart four times on white cardstock. I used Memento tuxedo black ink just in case I decided later to color the hearts with Copic markers. I then cut the hearts out with a Spellbinder Nestabilities, adhere the hearts to a circle, and adhered the circle to a scalloped circle.

This photograph shows hearts stamped with the 'cross-hatch' stamp.

The heart on the clothespin was made by stamping the 'dotted heart' stamp on pink cardstock.

As you can see, the stamp set is quite versatile. By using different colors of ink, Copic markers, embossing powders, or cardstock with the 8 different hearts the combinations are endless.

To see other creations using the SP & Company stamps you can hop over to the SP & Co. Blog Hop HERE.
Here is a description of the 'Love is in the Air' Blog Hop.
"There will be 7 designers working with SP & Company stamps to create love themed projects - perfect for Valentine's Day, wedding, and anniversary projects. Each stop on the hop will have its own prize to give away, 6 stamp sets and 1 gel pen holder for the Cricut. The grand prize will be randomly chosen from one of the blogs and is any 2 SP & Company stamp sets of your choice."
And who doesn't like prizes??

Thanks for stopping by. Check back Friday morning for news from Your Next Stamp and CHA!
Stay warm and drive safely! LC

YNS Challenge #34

2011-01-19T21:06:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends!

Today it is my turn to issue the new Your Next Stamp Challenge#34. When I was given this date last September I decided today's challenge would be to create a 'snow scene'. Little did I know how correct I would be. For those of you reading this and not in Middle TN, you might not know we had lots of snow and ice last week. In fact, area schools were closed all week. Now the weatherman is saying to expect more snow Thursday night. What a great time for a 'winter scene' challenge!

Here is my challenge card.

Be sure to visit the YNS Challenge Blog to see the projects by the talented YNS Design Team. You can also read about the challenge and the prizes....yep, there are prizes!

Card Recipe:
Your Next Stamp 'Happy Snow Day' and 'Skating Fun Fhiona'
Memento tuxedo black ink
Papertrey Ink white cardstock
Copic markers:
B91, 93, 95, 97
BG000, 72, 75, 78
E00, 11, 30, 35, 41, 42, 43, 44, 47, 49, 53
R14, 46, 59
C00, 1, 2
Bo Bunny designer paper
Bazzill cardstock
Martha Stewart punch
Hobby Lobby snowflake stickers
Recollection pearls
Stickles
Glossy Accents
Little Yellow Bicycle sentiment sticker
JoAnn card base

Thanks for stopping by. Check back tomorrow for a Valentine tag. Stay warm! Linda

Royal Colors

2011-01-17T06:05:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! Today's iCopic Lovers challenge#13 is to use a color considered to be for royalty...purple. Along with purple are green and orange. Here are the colors from iCopic.com.

When I first saw the challenge colors I immediately thought of Mardi Gras, then I remembered a comical image I have from Mo's Digital Pencil. Isn't he fancy in his robe, crown, and slippers?

Recipe:

Mo's Digital Pencil image

Papertrey Ink white cardstock

Copic marker (numbers in red designate new Ciao colors)

V000, 01, 12, 15, 17

Y32, 35, 38

G20, 21, 24, 28

E00, 11, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41

R20

Nestabilities

Bazzill cardstock

Stickles

Recollection and Kaiser rhinestones

Glossy Accents

My Mind's Eye designer paper

Now it's your turn. Get out those Copic markers and create a project for the iCopic Color Challenge#13. Be sure to link it back to the iCopic Lover blog for a chance to win a prize. You have until Jan. 23rd to complete your project. Rules for the challenge can be found HERE.

Have a great day! LC

I Chews You!

2011-01-16T21:17:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share the inside of my card from last week. Here is the card again.

Here is the inside.

I used a Stampin' Up! set called 'Treat Yourself' for the inside image and sentiment (I Chews You). The writing at the top is computer generated. For the gum balls I colored white cardstock with Copic markers and then punched the circles out.

Recipe:
Stampin' Up! stamps
Papertrey Ink white cardstock
Memento tuxedo black ink
Copic markers: R20, 22, 24; Y11, 13, 15; C0, 1, 2, 4; YG13, 25; B000.
McGill circle punch
Stampin' Up! corner punch
American Craft solid pink paper
Heidi Grace floral paper
Three Bugs in a Rug striped paper
Sharpie white poster paint pen

I hope you have a pleasant day tomorrow and get some crafting accomplished! Stay warm. I hear more freezing rain is coming to TN tonight. Brrrrr LindaC

Your Next Stamp 'Tasty Treat'

2011-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Today's card features new stamps designed by Heather Rolin for Your Next Stamp. You can see Heather's stamps HERE. For the design I used the colors from this week's iCopic Color Challenge #12....pink, yellow, and white.

Recipe:

YNS 'Celebration Cake and Sentiment'

Papertrey Ink white cardstock

Memento tuxedo black ink

Copic markers: R20, 22, 24; Y0000, 11, 13, 15

Nestabilities

K&Co. designer paper

Bazzill cardstock

Jolee's leaves and flowers*

Stickles

*The Jolee's were originally white. I colored them with Copic markers to make them stand out from the white cardstock. Copic markers also can be used to color rhinestones, pearls, flowers, and ribbon. Check out the Whimsie Doodles Blog's Tuesday Tutorial on 'customizing your cardstock' with Copic markers.

Thanks for stopping by! Stay warm! LC

Magnolia-licious Jan. Color Challenge

2011-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's the 2nd Tuesday of the month and time for the Magnolia-licious Color Challenge. Today's challenge is issued by the talented Cabio. For the color challenge, Cabio chose orange and green and used this photo for the color inspiration. You can find more details about the challenge at the Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog.
The blog challenge is sponsored by Diana, owner of Magnolia-licious. When you visit the blog you can see the other Design Team members' creations for the challenge.

Here is my creation for the color challenge.

For my card I used the Magnolia stamp, Tilda Throwing Snowballs.

Card Recipe:
Tilda stamp
Papertrey Ink white cardstock
Memento tuxedo black ink
Copic markers
Nestabilities
Recollection pearls
Ribbon from stash
Bazzill cardstock
Crate Paper stack
EK Success snowballs
Sharpie white poster paint pen

I hope you decide to play along with the Magnolia-licious Color Challenge. Be sure to link your creation to the Challenge Blog for a chance to be a winner.

Thanks for stopping by. Stay warm! Linda C

iCopic Color Challenge #12

2011-01-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

It's Monday, and new colors have been chosen for the iCopic Color Challenge #12...pink, yellow, and white. Aren't they yummy? Wedding cake...ice cream...candy...bubble gum....cupcakes! YUM!

Here is my card for the challenge.

I also am entering this card in the Pile It On Challenge (all about cute children).

I used a Sassy Cheryl's digital image for my card. You can find them HERE. Her images are so cute!
Copic markers iCopic.com
R 20, 22, 24
Y 11, 13, 15
E 00, 11, 34, 35, 37
YG 13, 25
YR 20, 23, 31
Papertrey Ink white cardstock
Stampin' Up! corner punch
Heidi Grace floral paper
Three Bugs in a Rug stripe paper/pink dots
American Craft solid pink paper
Bazzill yellow cardstock
Quickutz bubble die cuts
Ranger Glossy Accents
JoAnn's card base
Sharpie white poster paint pen

Be sure to check out the iCopic Lovers Blog to see what Wanda, Sam, and Alyssa have created. Don't forget to create a project for the challenge. You could be a winner!

Thanks for stopping by. Stay warm! Linda C

Snowy Saturday

2011-01-08T07:22:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! It's a snowy morning at my house, so I am in for the day. What do you have planned?
I was surprised this morning to realize I had been given a blog award from Tracy V. Thanks, Tracy.

Now I have to tell you eight things about me and pass this award on to 8 more bloggers. Here goes.....

1. I am a 'home body'. I usually get out of the house only once, maybe twice, a week.
2. I am a 'napper'. I take a nap almost every day.
3. My favorite home decor is a combination of primitive antiques and 'Americana'.
4. Red is my favorite color.
5. Altering items is my favorite form of papercrafting.
6. I have one grown son; I am so very proud of him.
7. I have no desire to visit a foreign country.
8. I am a Christian. I look forward to seeing my loved one in Heaven.

Now, I am off to pour another cup of coffee and choose my 8 bloggers to award. Have a great weekend! LC

YNS Blog Hop

2011-01-07T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hi....a warm welcome from cold Tennessee! Brrrr

Welcome to the Your Next Stamp January New Release Blog Hop! We've got some fabulous new YNS stamps to showcase today! These new stamps are available to buy right now from the Your Next Stamp store along with all your YNS favorites. We also have 2 wonderful guests joining us for our hop - the amazing Angela Wood, who was our fabulous GDT here at YNS before Christmas, and the creative
Jen del Muro.

If you would like to participate in the hop and you didn't arrive here from Sylvia's blog, please CLICK HERE to return to the start of the hop at Wendy's blog, as you don't want to miss these fab new releases!

The hop starts today (07 January 2011 at 03:00 EST) and ends on 10 January 2011 at midnight EST.

As always at Your Next Stamp, we have a wonderful prize for you to win! One lucky winner will be drawn at random from the links in the linky list to receive a new release stamp package!

Here is the prize....Heather Rolin's yummy 'Chocolate Lover's Collection'...just in time for Valentine's Day.

You will see every stop along the hop has a linky list - this is the SAME linky list posted on every blog, so that you can enter the prize draw from any stop (although we hope you will visit all the blogs on today's hop!). The linky will update itself on everyone's blog when a link is entered - how cool is that? Please remember to only enter your name ONCE into the linky list during the hop - you do NOT need to enter your name at every stop and multiple entries will be removed. It's not a requirement for you to comment at every stop along the hop to be eligible to be entered into the prize draw, but the DT would sure love to hear what you think of their new release creations!

Karen is also running some special promotions, so be sure to hop on over to the YNS store once you've finished the hop. There is a fab clearance section, where you can grab a bargain or two, and Karen has also put together some special-priced bundles!!

So onto my blog hop creation.... I used Heather Rolin's Wedding Dress stamp. I stamped it on embossed cream cardstock and paper pieced it on the hanger. The sash is covered in platinum Stickles.

To embellish this card I used Recollection pearls and flowers, Prima flowers, and fabric leaves trim from Really Reasonable Ribbon. I am entering this card in the Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge (# 15-Something New) since Heather's 'Wedding Dress' stamp is new for January.

So now it's time for you to hop on over to Jen's blog as she is the next stop on our hop, but I'd love it if you left me a comment before you go!

Thanks so much for hopping with us today! I hope you enjoy our new release!

iCopic Colors Revisited

2011-01-06T12:27:00.000-08:00

Hi!
After I finished my first card for the iCopic Color Challenge (#11) and before I put my markers away I decided to use them again on another stamp. This time I chose two Stampin' Up! sets, 'Loads of Love' and 'Loads of Love Accessories'.

Here is my birthday card.

Recipe:
Copic markers
R20, 22, 24, 27, 29
E00, 11, 21, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31
YR12, 15, 20, 23, 31
W00, 1, 3, 5, 7
Stampin' Up stamps
Papertrey Ink white cardstock
Memento black ink
Flair Designs paper
Bo Bunny dot paper
Nestabilities
Petaloo flower
Recollection flower
Twine
Dress It Up buttons
Sewing Machine and thread
Bazzill cardstock

Here is a close up of my embellishment.

The dog was a button. I removed the shank so the button would be flat against the twine and flower. I used model railroad 'rail cutters' to cut off the shank since they will cut flush (flat) against the button. I think the rail cutters do a better job than wire cutters when cutting off button shanks.

Thanks for stopping by. Check back tomorrow for the Your Next Stamp 'Blog Hop' to see the January releases. LC

YNS Challenge #33

2011-01-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

Welcome! It's Wednesday and time for the Your Next Stamp Challenge #33. Today's challenge is issued by Kerri, and she has given us a sketch to use as the challenge. You can check out the details of the challenge at the YNS Challenge Blog. Be sure to read about the 2 prizes and how you can be a winner!

Here is the sketch.

I enjoy having a sketch to use as the basis for my card. I think it makes designing a card much easier. Kerri does a great job at creating sketches. That is a talent I wish I had.

Here is my challenge card.

For my card I used YNS 'Mother Hen' stamp.

Recipe:
YNS 'Mother Hen'
Papertrey Ink white cardstock
Memento Black ink
Copic markers
Nestabilities dies
Button and ribbon from stash
Really Reasonable Ribbon twine
Bazzill cardstock
Sewing Machine and thread
Computer generated sentiment 'Just Chicken in to say Hi!'
Daisy D's paper (This paper is several years old, but I like the roosters and flowers.)
Creative Memories cutting system

Now it is your turn to create a card with Kerri's sketch. Be sure to link it to the YNS challenge blog for a chance to win a prize.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day! LC

iCopic Color Challenge #11

2011-01-03T22:37:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends! Happy New Year!

2011 begins with a new adventure for me with the iCopic.com Design Team. Our first color challenge has been issued. You can read the details of the challenge on the iCopic Lover Blog.

Here are the colors for the challenge....brown, cream, and red.

Here is my card for the challenge.

Recipe:

Copic markers iCopic.com

R20, 22, 24, 27, 29

E00, 11, 21, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31

YR20, 23, 31

W00, 1, 3

Magnolia image Magnolia-licious

Papertrey Ink white cardstock

Memento black ink

Ranger Stickles platinum

Jenni Bowlin paper

Bazzill cardstock red and brown

Fiskar heart border punch

Graphic 45 button

White seam binding dyed with Glimmer Mist

button from stash

Martha Stewart baker's twine

Sharpie white poster paint

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate you and your comments! Linda C

Thank You Whimsie Doodles

2010-12-30T22:50:00.000-08:00

It is the end of 2010 which signals the end of my assisgnment to the Whimsie Doodles Design Team. Being a Doodle-licious Diva has been great fun. I have worked with an amazing group of creative and talented women. I have learned a great deal from them; not only have I gained 'artsy' knowledge, but I also have gained technical knowledge. They have been generous with their expertise and patient with me while I learned. Melyssa, owner and designer of Whimsie Doodles, has been generous with her stamps and images. It has been a pleasure working with her products. Thanks Melyssa and Divas! It has been an awesome experience! The best to you in 2011!

This tag is for the current Whimsie Wednesday Challenge "Thanks a Million". The challenge is to create a 'thank you' card or project. You can read the details of the challenge HERE on the Whimsie Doodles blog.

Recipe:
Whimsie Doodles Snowboy's Stars (I used part of the image.)
Papertrey Ink white and khaki cardstock
Copic markers
Sizzix tag die
Nestabilities dies
KI Memories brads
My Mind's Eye paper
Sewing machine and thread
White ribbon sprayed with Glimmer Mist
Bazzill cardstock pink and blue
Making Memories star button
Pink embroidery thread
Computer font (QK)
Colorbox pink ink

I also am entering this tag in
Cute Card Thursday Callenge #145
Phindy's Friday Challenge #36 Thank You
Paper Issues Something New
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #91 Snow

Thanks for stopping by! Happy New Year! LC

Inventory Blow Out Sale

2010-12-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, you read that correctly. Your Next Stamp is having an inventory sale. Check out the sale HERE.

Some items are 50% off! Check those out HERE. What a great way to spend that Christmas money in your pocket and get some awesome stamps at the same time. Can't beat that!

Let's get shopping! I'm on my way over there right now! LC

Card Share

2010-12-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite card designers is Pam Sparks. Her blog post for today shows her 5 favorite Christmas cards for 2010. You can see them HERE. I am the proud owner of this one.

Her work is so beautiful. I don't know how she can bear to part with it, but I'm glad she does! Thanks Pam! I love it and will cherish it. It is going on a scrapbook page! Linda C

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T21:15:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to my Family and Friends!

iCopic, Do uCopic?

2010-12-23T12:20:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to announce that I have been chosen to be on the first iCopic.com Design Team!! Can I get a WOO HOO from all my blog friends?! (Thanks!) You can check out the announcement HERE. I am super excited! You know how much I love and use my Copic markers!! iCopic.com is an awesome store selling Copic markers, accessories, paper, and ink. iCopic.com also carries a wide variety of stamps, including SP and Company by Samantha (iCopic DT leader). The iCopic DT will have opportunities to work with Samantha's stamps along the way. Too much fun!

Here are the other creative ladies chosen to be on the team with me.

Wanda
Oh my! Be sure to check out her blog! She has awesome creations for your visual enjoyment! Eye candy!

Alyssa
Alyssa has some great projects on her blog. Take a look at her birthday binder and her altered elf stocking.
I especially like the elf stocking with the rusty metal and jingle bells. I love altered items!

Well, I'm off to bake for my family and the neighbors. We have our annual 'Griswald' family Christmas tonight. Always a hoot...the only thing we reallly need is an RV parked out front! We have everything else!

Merry CHRISTmas!

Fhiona Goes Sledding

2010-12-22T22:58:00.000-08:00

Here is a clean and simple card I made with Your Next Stamp's Fhiona and Her Penguin Friend.
Good news....she is 20% at Your Next Stamp . I really like YNS's winter stamps with Fhiona and her friends.

Recipe:
YNS Fhiona and Penguin stamp
Papertrey Ink white cardstock
Memento black ink
Copic markers
Bazzill cardstock
Me and My Big Idea paper stack
Kraft cardstock
Glossy Accents
Quikutz font

Check back tomorrow for my news!!!

Stay warm and enjoy CHRISTmas!

Whimsie Wednesday

2010-12-22T06:07:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends! It is my turn to host the Whimsie Doodles Whimsie Wednesday Challenge #61. I decided today's challenge would be to create a birthday card or project, and I used Whimsie Doodles new stamp set, 'Have Cake' for my creation.

Have you seen the new Whimsie Doodles 'Have Cake' stamp set? It is awesome. There are 5 sentiments and 12 images in this 17-piece rubber stamp set. It can be purchased HERE.

Here are my creations.

inside of card

I created a double pocket pouch from a brown paper bag and decorated it with Cosmo Cricket paper and Whimsie Doodles 'Have Cake' images.

Recipe:
Whimsie Doodles 'Have Cake' stamp set
Cosmo Cricket paper stack
Bazzill cardstock
Papertrey Ink ink for distressing
black embroidery thread from stash
black button from stash
white ribbon dyed with Glimmer Mist
brown paper bag
Really Reasonable Ribbon twine
Tim Holtz die
sewing machine and thread
EK Success punch
Copic markers

Now it is your turn to create a card or project for the challenge. When you have completed your project link it to the Whimsie Doodles Blog and leave a comment. You have until Dec. 28 to complete your project, link it, and leave a comment for a chance to win a free Whimsie Doodles image.

We look forward to seeing what you design for the birthday challenge! Have fun with it!
Thanks for stopping by! Merry CHRISTmas! Linda C

Kylie has Candy!

2010-12-21T09:59:00.000-08:00

Kylie at Kylie's Kraft Room has candy....boy, does she have candy. Look at this! Stamps, bling, ribbon, flowers...all the things we love for our projects!!

You should run right over to Kylie's BLOG and check it out! It would be awesome to win this, huh?
Thanks Kylie for the chance to win!

Get Organized for 2011

2010-12-20T15:39:00.000-08:00

I want to show you what I did with a $1 notebook from Michaels. I thought it might be the answer to staying organized during Christmas (too late for this year...lol). The tabs are ready to be labeled...maybe gift ideas, card list, recipes. What are your thoughts for the tabs? This was not difficult to alter and was a fun project.

I used Tilda with Fir from Magnolia-licious.

Recipe:
Tilda with Fir stamp
Papertrey Ink cardstock
Memento black ink
Copic markers
Bazzill cardstock
K&Co. paper
My Mind's Eye paper
American Craft ribbon
Dress It Up snowfall buttons
jingle bells from stash
Quickutz tab
SU tab punch
Stickles
Glossy Accents
Martha Stewart ink

I am entering this in the Paper Cubed December challenge. Maybe I should make a run to Michaels and get a handful of these $1 notebooks!!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a Merry Christmas! Linda C

A Blog Favorite

2010-12-20T11:55:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite blogs, Mish Mash, has a great give-away to celebrate the completion of her 12 Days of Christmas. She has had some great projects for the holidays, and there are also yummy recipes I want to try. The 12 Days of Christmas starts HERE.

Here is my favorite project from the 12 Days....Double Pocket Pretties made from brown paper bags.
You can read the details HERE on Day 3.

Even though Christmas is almost here, and you may not have the time to create these 'pretties' now, remember Valentine's Day is not far away. They would make great projects to create after the frenzy of Christmas is over.

I'll be back later with a card to share. Merry Christmas! LC

Mindy Has Blog Candy!

2010-12-19T11:32:00.000-08:00

Yes, Mindy has blog candy!! Check it out at Stampin' Mindy! Mindy want to reach 1000 followers by the end of the year. Will you help her reach her goal and possibly win a prize? Visit her blog to see the details HERE. Good luck Mindy!

iCopic Lover's Final 2010 Challenge

2010-12-17T21:20:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that title? Is it really time for the last challenge of the year? It seems only several months ago when I was posting about my 60 influential people, and yet, that was 11 months ago! Where did that time go?

iCopic Lover's Final 2010 Challenge involves some interesting colors for this time of the year. The colors make me think of the beach, sand, and summer clothes. It would be easy to stamp a beach scene or a tropical drink, but I decided to make the challenge more challenging for me. I decided to stick with the season we are in and make a Christmas card using the iCopic Lover's colors.

Here are the colors for iCopic's #10 challenge.

There are 'happy orange', 'so saffron', and 'soft suede'.

Here is my card.

Recipe:
Stampin' Up image
Papertrey Ink white cardstock
Memento black ink
Copic markers
Bazzill cardstock
Quickutz font
brads and star from stash
Pink Paislee paper

Hope you have time during this busy season to get out your Copic markers and give these colors a try.
Surprise yourself!

Stay warm, be careful, and remember it's CHRISTmas! Linda C

Let's Party at YNS

2010-12-15T16:06:00.000-08:00

It's challenge time at Your Next Stamp, and YNS is having a party! Yes, the challenge (#32), issued by Karen this week, is to create sometime party-ish.....card, invitation, favor, etc. You can find additional challenge details HERE at the Your Next Stamp Challenge Blog. Also the Design Team Stars' creations are on the blog for your viewing pleasure.

I decided to create a festive door knob hanger to use during Christmas. I know how tempted children and many adults are to shake, feel, and peek at the presents under the tree. Here is my creation.

I used Your Next Stamp's Merry Mouse Candle stamp for my hanger. You can find the stamp HERE.

Recipe for the hanger:
Merry Mouse Candle stamp from YNS
Papertrey Ink white cardstock
Memento black ink
Copic markers
Stickles
Chalk
Glossy Accents
Papertrey Ink inks for distressing
Nestabilities
Cloud 9 epoxy dots
My Mind's Eye papers
Hanger from Hobby Lobby
Buttons and bells from stash
Really Reasonable Ribbon twine
Quickutz font
Bazzill cardstock
Yes! paste from Michaels

We hope you decide to create a project for the YNS challenge. Due to the holidays there are 3 weeks for you to create something awesome. Be sure to link your creation to the Blog.

Here is the information about the PRIZES!

1. Winner – one lucky winner will be chosen by random.org to win $10 in YNS Stamp Bucks (to spend on YNS stamps) and the Winner Blinkie to proudly display on their blog!

2. Top Pick – one lucky entry, chosen by the YNS DT, will win $5 in YNS Stamp Bucks (to spend on YNS stamps) and the Top Pick Blinkie to proudly display on their blog! [NB You must use a YNS stamp on your creation to be eligible to win the Top Pick prize].

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I appreciate you! Be careful, stay warm, and remember it's CHRISTmas! Linda C

Christmas Countdown at Whimsie Doodles

2010-12-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

Seems like everybody is counting down to something. Of course, right now it is Christmas. Kids can tell you how many days, hours, minutes until Old St. Nick arrives. I can remember watching tv on Christmas Eve with Griffin when he was young, and the weatherman would announce that Santa had been spotted by radar. His eyes would light up! Those were magical times!

Now the 'Christmas Countdown' is at Whimsie Doodles. Doodle-licious Diva Alicia has issued the Whimsie Wednesday Challenge (#61) on the Whimsie Doodles Blog. You can find specific details about the challenge HERE.

Here is the 'Christmas Countdown':
     On your card or project you are challenged to have:
          5 Accents (brads, eyelets, buttons, etc.)
          4 Papers
          3 Shapes (can be 3 of the same or 3 different)
          2 Corners (can be rounded or fancy)
          1 Image

Here is my challenge card:

I have 5 buttons, 3 designer papers and 1 cardstock, 3 snowflakes, 2 fancy corners, and 1 image.
I used Whimsie Doodles Leah in PJ's for my image. Isn't she adorable in her fancy sleepwear?

Recipe for my card:
Whimsie Doodles Leah in PJ's
Papertrey Ink white cardstock for image
Copic markers
Glossy Accents
Bazzill cardstock
K&Co. Christmas stack
Spellbinder Nestabilities snowflake dies
Bazzill rhinestones
Buttons from stash
Martha Stewart baker's twine
Sizzix corner die

We are looking forward to what you will create for this 'Countdown' challenge. I found this challenge to be fun and interesting; I had a good time deciding what to use for the numbers. Be sure to link your creation to the Whimsie Doodles Blog for a chance to win a prize.

Thanks for dropping by. Stay warm, drive safely, and remember the meaning of CHRISTmas. LC

Winter White

2010-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

When I look out my window I see snow covering everything...the ground, the trees, and the streets. What an awesome sight as I prepare my inspiration challenge project for Magnolia-licious. How fortunate for me to have real inspiration as I gather my materials.

Yes, the challenge for the Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog is a 'White Christmas' Challenge. Here is the inspiration picture. You can get more details about the challenge at Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog.

The challenge is to create a card or project based on your interpretation of this picture. What are you inspired to create?

Here is my creation:

I created my Christmas ornament with Tilda with Christmas Letters from Magnolia-licious. Diana, owner of Magnolia-licious, has a great selection of Tildas, Edwins, sentiments, scenery, and stamping supplies. Be sure to check out the December specials while you are there.

Recipe for my ornament:
Tilda with Christmas Letters stamp
Papertrey Ink white cardstock
Memento black ink
Copic markers
Snowflake ($1 store)
Snowflake buttons (Hobby Lobby)
Branch (Ben Franklin Crafts)
Flower Soft white
Wiltons doily (Michaels)
Ribbon

I am entering this ornament in the Really Reasonable Ribbon challenge HERE. It is also a 'photo inspiration' challenge.

Be sure to link your creation to the Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog when you have it completed. Diana is offering an awesome prize!!

Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comment. I hope you are well, warm, safe, and ready for the holiday.
Linda C

A Sale at Whimsie Doodles

2010-12-11T21:51:00.000-08:00

Just in time for creating Christmas cards, Whimsie Doodles is having a 20% off sale on the entire store!
Hurry to Whimsie Doodles and check out Leah, Deer Friend, the Angels, and the Snowmen!
The sale is scheduled for Dec. 12th-19th (at midnight). The coupon code is SAVE20.

And there is more!!! Woo Hoo!
With every purchase Melyssa, Whimsie Doodles owner and designer, will email you this free image!!

Isn't this a cute image?! I can hardly wait to print and color it!

Thanks for stopping by. Linda C

Clean and Simple

2010-12-08T20:23:00.000-08:00

Today's challenge (#31) for Your Next Stamp is from Jenny, and her challenge is to make a 'Clean and Simple' Christmas card. A 'clean and simple' card generally is one that has a great deal of open space, little or no embellishment, and can be duplicated very easily. This type of card is great for mass production.

You can check out the Your Next Stamp Challenge Blog to see the creations from the YNS Design Team Stars. We also have 2 guest designers, Melissa and Angela. You want to be sure to check out their creations for this challenge. Also on the blog you can read about the 2 prizes being awarded!

Here is my 'clean and simple' Christmas card. I used YNS Fhiona's Snowman.

Recipe:
Your Next Stamp 'Fhiona's Snowman'
Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Papertrey Ink White Cardstock
Copic Markers
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder
Spellbinder Nestabilities
Bazzill Cardstock
Glossy Accents

When you have completed your 'clean and simple' Christmas card be sure to link it to the YNS Challenge Blog in order to be considered for the prizes. We look forward to seeing what you design.

Thanks for stopping by! LC

Winter Blues at Whimsie Doodles

2010-12-08T02:37:00.000-08:00

No, we are not sad at Whimsey Doodles.....Winter Blues is the new Whimsie Wednesday Challenge at Whimsie Doodles. The challenge issued by Joy is to create a card or project that is primarily blue. You can check out the details of the challenge HERE.

For my challenge card I used a new Whimsie Doodles December release, Deer Friend. He is so cute!

Card Recipe:
Whimsie Doodles 'Deer Friend' digital image
Papertrey Ink white cardstock
Copic markers
Sharpie white poster paint pen
Bo Bunny designer paper stack
Recollection snowflake embellishment
Bazzill cardstock
Sewing machine and thread

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
iCopic Lover #9
Stamptacular Sunday #88
7 Kids College Fund Challenge #10

We look forward to seeing what you create for the Winter Blues Whimie Wednesday Challenge. Be sure to link your creation to the Whimsie Doodles Blog when you have completed your project for a chance to win a prize.

Thanks for stopping by. Linda C

Magnolia-licious Challenge

2010-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

With the holiday season upon us the Magnolia-licious Challenge dates have been changed to accommodate all your busy card makers and crafters! The December 7th challenge is a color challenge. Here are the colors Chrissy chose: blue, pink, and green. You can check the Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog for the details.

Here is my card for the color challenge:

This is Tilda Hanging Ornaments from Magnolia-licious.

Card Recipe:
Magnolia stamp Tilda Hanging Ornaments
Papertrey Ink white cardstock
Memento tuxedo black ink
Copic markers
Bazzill cardstock
Bazzill decorative strip (originally white sprayed with Glimmer Mist)
Glimmer Mist
Kaiser pearls
Stickles
My Mind's Eye designer paper
Quickutz corner punch
Spica pens

When you have completed your Magnolia challenge card be sure to link it to the Challenge Blog HERE for a change to win a prize. There's a prize, you ask?? Yes, and a great one at that!
Diana, owner of Magnolia-licious, is giving a $25.00 gift certificate for the winner drawn by random. Woo Hoo! How awesome is that?!!

Ok, now it's your turn to create a card or project with the colors Chrissy chose for the challenge. We look forward to what you come up with. Be sure to link it to the Challenge Blog.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day and stay warm! Linda C

Whimsie Doodles December Release

2010-12-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

Today is the day to see what Melyssa has designed for the Whimsie Doodles December release. You can check out the new releases HERE. You can see them HERE also.

This is one of my cards for the December release. This is Santa Leah . Isn't she cute!?

Recipe:
Whimsie Doodles Santa Leah (digital)
Papertrey Ink white cardstock
Copic markers
Martha Stewart punch
Glossy Accents
Cloud 9 holly embellishment
Martha Stewart baker's twine
buttons from stash
Bazzill cardstock
Me and My Big Ideas paper stack
rub-on from stash

Thanks for stopping by. Check out the Doodle-licious Divas' blogs to see what they created for the December Whimsie Doodles release. Their addresses are on the side of my blog. There are some cute creations!

Have a good day! LC

Whimsie Doodles Sneaky Snippets

2010-12-03T22:24:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow Whimsie Doodles will release the December images. Curious?

Here are some 'Sneaky Snippets'. What do you see?

You can see more 'Sneaky Snippets' on the Whimsie Doodles Blog HERE.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for my card made with one of the new releases. See you then! LC

$1 Stocking Stuffer

2010-12-02T00:15:00.000-08:00

Are you like me? Do you enjoy looking through the $1 bins at Michaels and browsing down the aisles of the dollar stores? It's alot like going to the thrift stores. The idea is to look at items not as they are but as they could be. I constantly am looking for items that can be altered or re-purposed. Last week at Michaels for $1 I purchased a small box that held memo-sized sheets of paper. This is how I altered it.

I covered the box with patterned paper, tied a ribbon around it, and added a Your Next Stamp (Tea Time Fhiona) image to the back. I think it makes a cute little 'thank you' gift or a great stocking stuffer. Easy peasy!

Here are several blogs I want to share with you. These ladies are great 're-purposers'.
      Check out Missy's re-purposing of a can for Christmas packaging HERE
      Vicki does a great job of taking the usual and creating awesomeness. Check out her frame HERE
       Nicki shows how to create Christmas gift wrap from a cereal box HERE

Thanks for stopping by. Check back tomorrow for more ideas on re-purposing and altering $1 store and thrift store finds. Don't forget to leave a comment! I appreciate it. LC

Whimsie Doodles Challenge

2010-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

It is my turn to issue the Whimsie Wednesday Challenge (WWC#59), and I decided to use an inspiration picture for my challenge. Here is my picture. This is a Dr. Martens' Taupe Victorian Flowers boot and can be seen HERE. I think these boots are super cute....and if the weather is bad enough to wear boots, you might as well be cute! :)

Here is the card I created using the Dr. Martens as inspiration. It is Whimsie Doodles Winter Leah wearing her brown boots surrounded by flowers!

Recipe:
Whimsie Doodles Winter Leah
Papertrey Ink white cardstock
Copic markers
     R20, 22, 24,27,29
     YG91, 95, 97
     E000, 00, 11, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 37, 39, 99
     W00, 1, 3, 5
Bazzill cardstock
Kaiser pearls
Prima flowers
Recollections flowers
K&Co. designer paper
Martha Stewart punch
Recollections flourish
Glimmer Mist 'Santa Baby'
Hero Arts flowers

I look forward to seeing what you create after looking at the Dr. Martens. You can check out the details of the challenge HERE. After you have completed your creation remember to link it to the Whimsie Doodles blog for a chance to win a prize!!

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your visit and your comment! Linda C