Inspiration Nation Is Coming

There isn't a new challenge up on StampNation today.  That is because the design team is working hard on the Inspiration Nation event that is coming next week for all members!   Just wait until you see the collection of photos and mood boards that Maureen has come up with for this event!  

In the meantime, I hope you are all having fun playing with your new Stamp of Approval goodies.  I've been seeing lovely cards popping up all over on Facebook and instagram.  It has been so much fun.

I'm hoping to get my May bullet journal planner video edited today.  Can you spy the stamps I used?   I'm slowly branching out into adding more stamps and washi to my journal.  They add a pretty touch that my planner has been missing, and I especially enjoy the pretty pages.  :)  

Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps, Basic Alpha

Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Plan on it

Hero Arts Shadow Ink, Mid-Tone Mint Julep

Hero Arts India Ink, Black

Memento Ink Pad, London Fog

Have A Happy Day

Let's brighten up your Monday with a Dots for Days rainbow!  Last summer I did a series of cards using the Dots for Days stamp.  It was a fun way to brighten Monday up a bit.  Today's card uses the positive space that was cut out of card 4.

I simply added a sentiment, popped up the panel using dimensionals, and added some glittery silver washi tape to the top and bottom.  Super simple, yet bright and cheerful!  Using both the positive and negative pieces of a die can really stretch your dies.

Stamps: Dots For Days, (Stampin' Up!); Be Blessed (Verve)
Ink: Coastal Cabana, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie (SU); Black Onyx (Versafine)

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Vellum Cardstock (SU)
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder (SU); Rounded Stitched Rectangle Die (Lil' Inker Designs); Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh)

Sew Sunday | Arts Walk | OMG Challenge

The South Sound Modern Quilt Guild once again represented during the Arts Walk this weekend in Olympia, WA.   The challenge was to create an improv quilt that was at least 20" x  20" using the fat quarter of fabric in one of 3 colorways.  

Our quilts hung with pride at Canvas Works for all to see.   Those who visited the display were encouraged to chose their favorite quilt.  The winner will get a prize, but I can't remember what the prize is.  I don't even know if we were told what it is.  Winning obviously isn't my goal, and if you saw the "competition" you would know why.  We have some seriously talented and professional quilters.   I just like the challenge.

Here is my quilt.  I wish I would have called it wonky hashtag, because that is what I thought of when I saw it hanging at canvas works and the clerk asked me which quilt was mine.   Instead I named it wonky tic-tac-toe.   My plan is to donate it a foster child or other child in need.  

This quilt was my One Monthly Goal for April, and I am happy to say I finished!  When I get the quilt back I may add some more quilting to the yellow areas of my quilt. Then again, I may call it good.  

Check out the South Sound Modern Quilt Guild blog tomorrow to see more of the quilts on display at the show.

SOA Finale

The Stamp of Approval Beautiful World collection has officially sold out.  It sold out in 33 hours!  WHAT?!!! That is why we say, "get on the wait list so you will know the moment it goes for sale".  It was only open for public sales for a few short hours.  I'm already seeing people showing off their boxes.  Talk about fast shipping.   Please share your creations with me by including a link in your comments or posting on my Creative Blessings Facebook page or Instagram.  I'm so excited to see what YOU create!!!

Thank you everyone who left comments on my blog the past week!  You have blessed me more than you know!  I read each and every one of them and tried to respond to all of you.   Catherine has drawn the 2 WINNERS.  You can check out her post to find out if you are one of the lucky ones.  :)  Before I pack up this collection to start working on the next one, I wanted to show you one final card.  This card combines the 2 cards I shared on Wednesday.

Lynn Fletcher asked me for a video showing how I colored the leaves.  I was planning to film a video showing it for today's post, but the box sold out so quickly, I decided not to film it.  I didn't want to show something that is no longer available.   Since Lynn asked though, I will do that for all of you that purchased the collection.  It really is an easy technique.   Any time you want to see a video for me, please ask!  I love making them for you!!!

Stamps: Beautiful World (Gina K for SOA Beautiful World) Enchanted Garden (SugarPeaDesigns for SOA Beautiful World)
Ink: 003, 025, 082, 040, 041, 042, 033 (Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers) London Fog (Memento) Onyx Black (Versafine)
Paper: Bristol Cardstock (Strathmore) Solar White (Neenah)
Accessories: Blueprints 20, Wonky Stitch Circle  (My Favorite Things) Enchanted Butterfly (SugarPeaDesigns for SOA Beautiful World)

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 082, Purple

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 025, Pink

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 003, Fluorescent Pink

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 026, Light Pink

My Favorite Things Die-namics, Wonky Stitched Circle STAX

My Favorite Things Die-namics, Blueprints 20

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 040, Green

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 041, Light Green

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 042, Turquoise Green

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 033, Persian Green

VersaFine Ink Pad, Onyx Black

Memento Ink Pad, London Fog

My Sweet Petunia MISTI Stamping Tool

My Sweet Petunia Mini MISTI Stamping Tool

You Make Me Smile |SOA| Beautiful World

I am blown away by all the comments left on my blog yesterday for the blog hop. There are 450 at the time I am writing this post.  I'm working my way through them and reading them all.  You have no idea how much your comments mean to me. There is still time left to comment for your chance to win one of the 2 free boxes Catherine is giving away.  Clicky for deets.

Today is the official release of the new Beautiful World collection for Catherine Pooler's stamp of approval.  If you were on the wait list you should have the email with your link in your inbox.  If not, please email her.  In honor of this special occasion I pulled out my 3 favorite dies included in the collection.  

The coloring for this card is easier than you might think.  Be watching for a youtube video in the future for the techniques I used.  First I scribbled some Zig markers, then I spritzed with water.  Next I stamped, then I die cut.  Super easy to do!

Stamps: All About You (CAS-ual Fridays Stamps for SOA Beautiful World) Enchanted Garden (Sugar Pea Designs for SOA Beautiful World)
Ink:025, 082, 033, 040, 041, 042(Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers) Onyx Black (Versafine) Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: Bristol Cardstock (Strathmore) Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper, Vellum Cardstock, Whisper White (Stampin' Up)
Accessories: 2 Yous Dies (CAS-ual Fridays Stamps for SOA Beautiful World) Enchanted Butterfly, Enchanted Garden (Sugar Pea Designs for SOA Beautiful World) Clear Embossing Powder (SU) Wink of Stella (Zig)

We are celebtrating release day on StampNation with a beautiful challenge.  Literally.   The challenge is to create a beautiful card, and let me just tell you each and every one of the design team members and guest designers did!  Here is a sneak peek of mine.

Stamps: Beautiful World (Gina K for SOA)
Ink: 080, 081, 082 (Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers) Pool to Navy (Hero Arts Ombre) Onyx Black (Versafine)
Paper: White Pure Luxury (Gina K Designs)
Accessories: Circle Framelits (Stampin' Up!) Sparkling Clear Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh)

It's obvious I fell in love with the gorgeous Gina K stamp set, isn't it?   How could I not?    It's so elegant with a touch of whimsy.   To ink up the circle frame I used my ombre ink pad.  Would you like a video to see how to do that too?  Let me know in the comments below.  I love sharing videos that help spark your creativity!  

Hero Arts Ombre Ink Pad, Pool To Navy

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 080, Violet

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 081, Light Violet

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 082, Purple

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 025, Pink

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 033, Persian Green

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 040, Green

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 041, Light Green

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 042, Turquoise Green

Memento Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black

VersaFine Ink Pad, Onyx Black

Strathmore Bristol Pad 9x12

WOW Embossing Powder, Super Fine - Clear Gloss

Pretty Pink Posh Sequins, Sparkling Clear Mix (4mm, 6mm, 8mm &10mm )

Zig Wink of Stella Glitter Brush Tip Marker, Clear

SOA Blog Hop | Beautiful World

Welcome to the new Stamp of Approval Beautiful World collection blog hop!  I'm thrilled  you've stopped by to see some of the gorgeous new items in this new collection.

Direct link to video on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFNR1TLJ3-4

This beautiful new collection is set to go on sale tomorrow!  Be sure you are on the wait (at cpstampofapproval.com) to be the first to know when it goes for sale.  StampNation members will get notification 1 hour before the rest of the wait list.

Be sure to comment on this blog post and each hop along the way for your chance to win one of 2 boxes Catherine is giving away.  Entries close Thursday @ 9am EST

Up next on the blog hop is the fabulously talented Allison.  

Catherine Pooler 

Maureen Merritt 

Kristie Goulet 

Heather North >>>You Are Here<<<

Allison Cope <<<Go here next!!!  :) 

Laurel Beard 

Lisa Harrolle 

Ingrid Blackburn

Kathy Racoosin 

Kelly Tribout Latevola 

Beth Silaika

Stamps: Beautiful World (Gina K for Stamp of Approval)

Ink: Black (Staz-On) Squeezed Lemonade, Dried Marigold, Ripe Persimmon, Tumbled Glass, Salty Ocean, Mermaid Lagoon (Distress)

Paper: White (Gina K Pure Luxury)
Accessories: Mini Ink Blending Tool (Ranger)

Stampin' Up Retirement List

Just popping in here real quick to let you know that the Stampin' Up! retirement list is live.  Order early for best selection.  Once these products are gone, they are likely gone forever.



Clicky to shop now.

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