9.20.2016

Love on Candy Cane Lane

It's the sweetest time of the year, and my card today reflects that. It is so sparkly and sweet in person.  The background was created by swiping Cotton Candy ink across white cardstock to create a soft pink background, then I inked up the Peppermint Stick background stamp in Versamark ink and used Red Glitz embossing powder to heat set it.  Using the Misti for my big background stamp as well as all the candy canes made it so much easier than trying to do it another way.


When I first saw this set I thought of our family tradition of hanging candy canes on the Christmas tree.  Then I was reminded of all the sweet treats we make around the holidays.  Do you have any sweet Christmas traditions?


Stamps: Candy Cane Lane, Peppermint Stick (Catherine Pooler Designs for SOA Candy Cane Lane Collection)
Ink: Cotton Candy (My Favorite Things) Onyx Black (Versafine) Versamark
Paper: Whisper White (Stampin' Up)
Accessories: Candy Cane Lane Dies (Catherine Pooler Designs for SOA Candy Cane Lane Collection) Clear Embossing Powder (Stampin' Up) Foam Sheets; Magenta Twinkle Embossing Glitter, Red Glitz Embossing Glitter (WOW) MISTI




9.19.2016

Candy Cane Lane Stamp of Approval Blog Hop

It's almost time for the newest Stamp of Approval release, the Candy Cane Lane collection.  This collection is just as cute as its name.   To celebrate this release Catherine is having 3 days of blog hops and 3 collections will be given away.  Today is my day to join in the blog hop.


Originally I made this card for the challenge this week at StampNation, but Catherine wanted to put it in the PDF, so all of you could see it too.  :)  Did you know that every collection comes with a downloadable PDF filled with loads of ideas and instructions from the entire design team?  If your mojo has disappeared this new collection and the PDF is sure to spark it back to life!


Stamps: Hip Holiday, Merry and Bright Boughs, Peppermint Stick (Catherine Pooler Designs for SOA Candy Cane Lane Collection)
Ink: Bermuda Cucumber Crush, Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Real Red (Stampin' Up) Cotton Candy, Lavender Fields, Ripe Raspberry (My Favorite Things) Onyx Black (Versafine)
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White (Stampin' UP)
Accessories: Merry Label Dies (Cas-ual Fridays Stamps for SOA Candy Cane Lane) 


In case you prefer to watch the video and not wait for the instructions, here it is.  :)


Direct link to youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxp2p6UJNmc


I'll be sharing cards all week made using this festive collection, so be sure to check back here often.  If you would like to be notified when the collection goes on sale, sign up to be added to the waitlist at cpstampofapproval.com


Now it is time to hop along and leave comments for your chance to win one of 3 collections Catherine Pooler will be giving away.  Up next is the super talented and creative Laurie Willison.  Don't forget to leave a comment here too!


9.18.2016

Winter Deer

The Hip Holidays stamp set from Catherine Pooler designs for the Candy Cane Lane collection comes with some fun little snowflakes.  I decided to use these these as a backdrop for the whimsical deer head.


One of the things I LOVE about this collection is the Merry Labels Dies.  They are a beautiful and versatile shape with lines that score as the die is cut.  No extra steps needed.  You've got to love that little detail.


Want to see exactly how this card was made and take a peek at the Hip Holiday stamp set? Check out my video below.

Direct Link to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYwC2auoevM



Now, head on over to Catherine Pooler's blog for today's blog hop and your chance to win one of the collections she is giving away.  Clicky

Stamps: Hip Holiday (Catherine Pooler Designs for SOA Candy Cane Lane Collection)
Ink: Lost Lagoon, Marina Mist, Soft Sky, Soft Suede (Stampin' Up) Onyx Black (Versafine) Versamark
Paper: Lost Lagoon, Soft Sky, Whisper White (Stampin' Up)
Accessories: Hip Holiday Dies (Catherine Pooler Designs for SOA Candy Cane Lane Collection) Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder (SU) Merry Label Dies (CASual Fridays Stamps for SOA Candy Cane Lane Collection)

9.16.2016

Girl Power

We are strong together.  That is why some of my sistahs and I are joining together for this month's Calling All Sistahs blog hop to share some Girl Power!


While we may not all be fighting breast cancer, we are all in this fight together.  Sistah, I encourage you to stop what you are doing right now and check yourself.  If  you haven't had your yearly mammogram, get it scheduled today. Don't wait.  It could just save your life!  If you are fighting breast cancer, please know that you are not in this alone.  We are all rallying behind you in this fight!!!  You've got this, sistah!


Direct link to youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW965N1NRDg



We've come to the end of the hop, but if you joined somewhere along the middle, just head back to the top and start at CAS-ual Fridays Stamps. Be sure to read her blog post for a touching story of how we are in this together. <3  Make sure you leave a comment on each blog along the way for your chance to win one of the three $15 gift certificate Michele is giving away to the Cas-ual Fridays Stamps store.



Are you a blogger that would like to be a part of next month's bloghop?  It's easy to do.  All you need is a blog and at least one item from the Calling All Sistahs line of stamps and dies to use on your card.  The hop is always on the 17th of the month.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so we will be doing a special theme with our hop to encourage our sistahs currently fighting breast cancer.



If you are interested in joining us, simply email me at sistahoodhop @ outlook .com  or visit our Facebook group to learn more about it.

Stamps: Calling All Sistahs, Hope Ribbon (Cas-ual Fridays Stamps) Peppermint Stick (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Ink: Onyx Black (Versafine) Versamark
Paper: Basic Black, Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper, Vellum (Stampin' Up) Candy Cane Lane (Bo Bunny)
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder (SU) Opaque Bright White Super Fine Embossing Powder (WOW) Friendly Flower Fri-Dies, Scallop Tag Fri Dies (Cas-ual Fridays Stamps)

Sketch from Stampin Celebration SC133

9.15.2016

Poor Kitty and Stamp Sale at Ellen Hutson


This week I was going to finally get back into the swing of things with new cards posted on my blog and a new video too.  But, then this past weekend happened.  I'll share more on that later, for those that are interested in my personal life, but first, something happy.  


Ellen Hutson is having a 3 day sale on stamps.  Use code saveonstamps for 20% their stamps only.  Clicky to find something to add to your cart.  I'll be getting this beauty after seeing my friend, Maureen use it on a card.

Color Layering Deer

More good news:
I've been getting ready for the new stamp of approval and have over half a dozen cards to share with you next week.  Would you like to see a sneaky peek?  I can begin showing you full cards on Sunday, so be sure to come back all next week.



My blog hop day is the 19th, so be sure to check back then.  It's going to be a very playful release to get you in the mood to make your holiday cards.


Now for the reason I have not gotten back to posting here and on youtube.
 Saturday I got the news that my uncle had passed away unexpectedly in his sleep.  It came as such a shock to all of us.  Sunday afternoon my cat was outside playing and he came to the back porch with a nasty wound on his back leg and a couple of other spots were bloody too.  We took him the emergency vet hospital where they had to sew him back up and give him a splint.  The vet thinks he was hit by a car because the knob on the end of his ankle bone was ground down to nothing.  We don't yet know if we will be able to save his leg.  Cats have an amazing ability to heal.  If we can keep his leg immobile while it heals, that is his best chance.  I've been on kitty watch ever since.  

At the pet hospital waiting to be soon.  Most of the damage was to his back legs.  I'll spare you the gory pictures.


Bandage and splint on his left leg, and bandage covering his stitches on the right leg too.

Cone of shame

Poor kitty can barely walk and he's not sure whether the bandages on his feet or the cone on his neck bothers him more.

New bandages and splint after pulling the first one halfway off.

Today is the first day he has slept and relaxed without being on my lap.  I've been trying to get some work done while he has been sleeping.


My Aunt Robin, Uncle Teddy and mom at Christmas in the late 80's or early 90's. 

My apologies for not sharing more often on my blog.  I know each and every one of you understands that my family (and pets) needed me.  We had to put our dog to sleep in June when the cancer moved into his lungs & brain.  My grandma went into the hospital in July and was going downhill fast.  She has now stabilized.  The doctors say she won't get better, but she is doing ok for now.  That was the phone call I was expecting from my mom, not that my uncle had passed away.  For those of you who know me in real life and have left me messages of love, prayers and encouragement on Facebook, I appreciate you!  <3 I know that my life is blessed, but the road is a little rocky right now.


9.02.2016

Winners Announced & Labor Day Sale

Happy Friday everyone!  Lots of news to share with you today.

First up, the new Stampin' Up Holiday catalog is live! You can see everything online now.  Clicky


Second, Ellen Hutson is having a HUGE labor day weekend sale!!!!  Shop early for best selection.  Clicky


Third, there is a new inspiration photo up at StampNation that I think you are going to love!  My card turned out nothing like the card I planned, but my stamps had a mind of their own when I went to the stamp table.  ;)  Does that ever happen to you? Here's my sneak peek.


Stamps: Holiday Trimmings, Ring in the Celebration (Winnie & Walter)
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Real Red (Stampin' Up) Black (Staz-On) Ombre Ink Pad (Hero Arts)
Paper: Whisper White (SU)



And last, but certainly not least, Catherine has announced the winners of her store opening blog hop!!!  Are you one of them? Clicky to find out.

Happy Friday, Happy Labor Day Weekend to my American friends,  and Happy Shopping!!!

8.30.2016

Grand Opening Blog Hop

Today is the day many of you have been waiting for.  Catherine Pooler's online store is opening for business.  She has many of her previously released Stamp of Approval products available along with some exclusive Catherine Pooler Designs stamps and dies!  :) To celebrate some of the design team is doing a blog hop.  Here is my card using one of my favorite stamp sets from the Beautiful World collection.





Catherine will be sending out an email to all newsletter subscribers as soon as her shop opens, so be sure to sign up when you visit her blog.  Before you go, don't forget to hop and comment for you chance to win one of the three $25 gift certificates that Catherine will be giving away on September 1st.




The incredibly talented Allison Cope is up next and she will blow you away with her creativity.  In case you get lost, I've also included the entire list below.




BLOG HOP LIST:
Stamps: Beautiful World (Gina K Designs for Stamp of Approval)
Ink: 031, 036, 080, 081, 082, 083 (Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers) Onyx Black (Versafine) Versamark
Paper: Basic Black (Stampin' Up) Bristol (Strathmore)
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Silver Embossing Powder (Stampin' Up) Sparkling Clear Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh)

8.28.2016

Bullet Journal Planner | September

September is right around the corner and I am so ready to get back into the swing of routine.  I'm starting by setting up my September layouts in my bujo (bullet journal) planner.  For most of August my blog and youtube have been pretty quiet, but there are loads of things coming this Fall, so I need to get busy creating, posting and editing so I can share it all with YOU!  Thanks for giving me grace this summer.

Direct Link to youtube video: 




My monthly isn't decorated yet, but it will be.  In the meantime this is a functional start for me.  It is more important that I have space to keep track of all the events and appointments than it is to have a cute (cluttered) page.  :)


Washi tape is a bujo's friend.  It's such a quick and easy way to decorate your pages.  This weekly/daily combo layout seems to be working for me, so I'll keep it for September.


School bus yellow for my bills and such layout.  Isn't that school bus stamp cute?!!!

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