Happy Halloween!

Today is the day!  Halloween that is!  Here is a tidbit of info ... my parents married 73 years ago today!  Now that is pretty crazy!  I have many great memories of Halloween myself.  When I was a kid I always had a costume and I can remember my friend Penny & I would go trick or treating all over the neighborhood and then we would go home eat a bunch of candy and watch scary old movies.  In my grown- up years, during my first marriage, I and a bunch of friends would throw the biggest and best Halloween parties.  I think we had one every year for like 15 years!  I had some great costumes, all handmade by me with hot glue!    Even when I was single our church group had parties and again I made costumes!  Halloween now is more laid back, but I will always have those wonderful memories!  Actually, this year we did something very fun.  Our local volunteer fire department offered a haunted hayride.  So we all got on this trailer with a bunch of hay bales and a tractor pulled us down a road in the woods and along the way there were scary items, including some pyrotechnics and fireworks and of course, characters dressed up who jumped at us to scare us!  We laughed more than we screamed, but what fun!  At the beginning we were greeted by the fire captain who preceded to tell us "Be courteous and don't pee on the hay"!  Is that not hilarious?  Thanks for letting me share.  Now let's get to the cards I have for you today.  I have two that I made and one that I received.  Here is the first one ... enjoy! 

I bet you are thinking what crazy colors these are for Halloween, since I used hot pink, orange, and red.  Well, it's not the colors I have used all month.  But, a couple of days ago, I came across The Cat's Pajamas blog where their challenge was to use these three specific colors.  (Earlier in the week, when I was having back problems, I got way behind on my blog reader, but now I am much better and caught up too!)  I knew I still wanted to make some kind of Halloween card for my mom and decided that these colors would work.  Pink is her favorite, and orange is Halloween, and Red ... well, the red I picked blends well!  All year, I have stamped my bear for all seasons, so I decided I had to use him for one of my last Halloween creations!  The witch's hat is actually a rub-on that I adhered to cardstock and then cut out.  It is not a perfect fit, but it works.  Do you like the layout I used?  Well, it is the current sketch challenge from Jen.  Let me show the sketch here...
 

Recipe:

Paper - Hot Pink and Red Dot is Stampin' Up Retired, Pick Glitter Dot is Best Creation, Inc., Cardstock White, Orange, Black

Stamps - Bear from The Cat's Pajamas, Halloween Treat Bag and Trick or Treat from Hero Arts
Ink - Versafine Black, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol
Tools - Classic Scalloped Circle, Classic Circle Nestibilities, Polka Dots Embossing Folder
Other - Rub-Ons from $1 Target find, Tiny Black Rhinestones by Hero Arts

Now, let's get to my next card.  This one I made for my hubby.  Enjoy!

How about that fun frog witch?  Cute, huh?  I found a way to use the last border I had punched from my friend, Cathy's border punches she shared with me!  Woo Hoo!  Love it!

Recipe:

Paper - Eyeball Paper from Best Creation, Inc. Trick or Treat Line, Orange is dotted cardstock from Bo Bunny, Cardstock Black, White
Stamps - Frog from Michael's $1 Bin, Sentiment from Hero Arts
Ink - Versafine Black, Tombow Markers
Tools - Classic Scalloped Circle, Classic Circle Nestibilites, Bat Border Punch by Martha Stewart
Other - Ribbon, Green Dot Baubles from Jo Ann's (.50 clearance bin!)

I have one more - this one is one I received from my friend, Donna.  She used my stamp set from My Minds Eye and came up with this adorable Halloween card!  I love it!  And I am very glad I can share it with you!

 

Last but not least, remember you only have until midnight tonight to get in on the drawing for my Just Treats blog candy!  One comment and you are in.  Full details are on Monday's post ... here!

I will announce the winner here sometime tomorrow! Have a very fun and safe Halloween!  

Happy Stamping!
Tina 

Wonderful Friend! And More!

Hello!  Happy Halloween weekend!  Do you know you have just two more days to get in on my blog candy?  All you have to do is leave one comment on any of my posts from this  week and you are entered.  And you can double your chances by becoming a follower!  If you need more details, you can see them on my last Monday's post HERE!  Right now, there are 6 entries, so the odds are good for everyone! 

I have a birthday card to show you today.  My friend, Donna, likes purple so I knew I wanted to find papers that have purple.  The paper I found to use for my background paper had purples and lots of other colors among the flowers to pick from.  I decided to go with orange as the coordinating color.  Yes, I guess I have Halloween on my brain!  I used one of the Pure Innocence girls from My Favorite Things.  Here it my card ... enjoy!

 

The only thing on the card I am not sure of, is how I covered up the stamped  flower that she is holding behind her back, with a large flower rhinestone.  You know me and baubles, can a card have too much bling?  Overall, I think it came out pretty darn cute! 

Recipe:
Paper - Flower Background from My Paper Studio, Purple Pattern by Die Cuts with a View Summer Dream Matstack, Orange Stripe from Stampin' Up Retired paper
Stamps - My Favorite Things, Sentiment by Penny Black

Ink - Versafine Black, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Ranger White Pen on hearts on her top and pantsTools - Classic Scalloped Circle, Classic Circle, Labels 8 Nestibilities, EK Success Scalloped Border Punch
Other - Ribbon by Unknown, Purple flower and circle rhinestones by Hero Arts, Button, Linen Thread by The Cat's Pajamas 

Donna & I had a very fun day Thursday as we drove down to Salado and went to Stamp Salado!  Yes, I got to go to a real stamp store!  Now, I love scrapbook stores too, but there is just something special about a stamp store.  Hee Hee!  And on the way back, we stopped at all the craft chain stores.  Remember we live out in the boonies, so we always have to drive to get to the chain stores.  So, we took advantage of already being on the road! 

I do have one more item to show you, as Donna brought me a little cone treat bag that she made to put Halloween candies in.  It is just too fun not too share!  Love it and you will too!

Check out the great job she did on the ruffled ribbon look!



Shows the inside and the ribbon attachment.  How about that cute pumpkin brad as an embellishment?

I plan on being back tomorrow with one more reminder about my Just Treats blog candy and probably another card! 
Happy Stamping!
Tina

Pumpkin Trick or Treat!

Hello!  I have one more Halloween card for you today.  I figured I had better not let Halloween go by without making one with a jack o' lantern!  Here is my card... enjoy!

The word panel was made with a square stamp I have from Art Gone Wild.  But, to line it up correctly, I had to get out my stamp positioner.  This tool is not something I use that often, but it is one when you need it, you really need it!  Simple card, but fun! 

Recipe:

Paper - Background Paper from $1 Target pack, Cardstock Orange, Black, White
Stamps - Pumpkin and Trick or Treat from Hero Arts, Pumpkin Border from My Minds Eye Blackbird Clear Set
Ink - Versafine Black
Tools - Classic Circle Nestibilities, Stampin' Up Border Punch, EK Success Victorian Corner Punch
Other - Black Rhinestones by Hero Arts

I say I am done with my Halloween cards.  But then again, I might make one for the hubby.  And I could show you the card I made for my friend's birthday, so look for posts both Saturday and Sunday from me.  Besides, I will need to remind you a couple more times about my blog candy give-away!  Don't forget you have until Sunday night at midnight to get in on your chance to win!  Full details on the post HERE!

Happy Stamping!
Tina



Best Witches!

Sorry I missed a day posting, but I have been having some problems with my back.  It is either a pulled muscle or a pinched nerve.  Either way, I haven't felt like doing my normal routine.  I made two cards over the weekend, before my back got really bad, but I just haven't felt like sitting at the computer to post them for you.  And now, I wasted two days to try and make more Halloween cards to send.  So, I ended up making 11 different ones and an additional 5 of one, so I have 16 to send.  I had hoped to have at least 20.  But it is what it is.  I have one to show you today and one for tomorrow!  Here is today's ... enjoy!

I have quite a bit of Halloween paper left that I won't be using this year, but will put away for next year.  I  didn't want to miss using this paper with the flying witches on it, especially since I knew I had a perfect witch to match.  I like the way it came out.

Recipe:

Paper - Karen Foster The Witching Hour line, Cardstock Beige, Purple, and Black

Stamps - Witch from Hero Arts, Best Witches from A Muse, Bat Trio by A Muse

Ink - Versafine Black
Tools - Classic Scalloped Circle, Classic Circle Nestibities, McGill tag Punch
Other - Ribbon by May Arts, Button, Glitter, Quicky Glue Pen, Rhinestones by Hero Arts


Don't forget to leave me a comment on one of this week's posts to enter in my blog candy give-away.  At this point, there have only been 4 entries so odds are very good!  You can find all the details HERE on Monday's post!

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Trick or Treaters!

If you missed yesterday's post about my "Just Treats" blog candy give-away, make sure you go HERE to find all out all the details! 

I have another Halloween card for you today.  I stamped out a little scene with some really cute A Muse images and then I finished it off with another border I punched from my friend's Martha Stewart's punches.  This time it is a little graveyard border.  Too cute!  Here is my card ... enjoy!

 

Recipe:

Paper - Background paper by The Girls Paperie Toil & Trouble line, Stars Paper by Unknown, Cardstock Black, White, Orange
Stamps - A Muse
Ink - Versafine Black, Towmbow Markers
Tools - Labels 4 & Classic Circle Nestibilities, Square Lattice embossing folder by Stampin' Up, Graveyard border punch by Martha Stewart
Other - Ribbon by Creative Impressions, Black Pearls by Queen & Co.

I am still trying to finish up my Halloween cards to send out.  The plan is to get them in the mail by Wednesday.  Yikes, that is tomorrow!  But, even after they go in the mail, I should still have one each day this week to show you.  So, stop back by.  And don't forget to leave me your comments! 

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Blog Candy Give-Away & Best Witches!

Hello! I started my blog last year after I closed my store, but I didn't really get going on it until this year.  I think last year I had 14 posts from July until the end of the year.  But, today's post marks number 161 for this year.  And I have had over 6000 hits since September of last year.  All in all, I like how my blog is progressing.  So ,,, to thank those that look at and enjoy my blog, I think it is time to have a blog candy give-away!  And since this next weekend is Halloween, my candy is "Just Treats"!  As you know, I love embellishments on my cards and I am sharing some of these goodies with you! 

The blog candy will include all that is seen here, which is two yards each of 15 different May Arts ribbons, a jar of Flower Soft, misc. sizes and colors of Prima flowers, two packages of buttons from O' Scrap, package of rhinestones by Queen & Co, and a whole jar of all kinds of baubles mostly from Stamping Bella!!  If you added this all up, it would be a retail value of approx. $30 or more. 

For your chance to win, this "Just Treats" blog candy, all you have to do is leave me a comment on any post this week. I know there are alot of people that leave comments on facebook instead of my actual blog.  And I love that too.  However, for your chance to win the candy, I am going to ask that you leave your comment on my actual blog.  This will help me to keep track of the entries.  It is not hard to do this.  You just have to set up a free google account before you can leave your comment.  If you would like to double your chances of winning, become a follower. Sign up for this on the right side of by blog or if you are on facebook and would prefer to follow me there, you can sign up on Networked Blogs through facebook.  Either way is fine.  The people that are already followers will automatically be entered a second time when they leave me their comment.  One last thing, make sure I have your email so I can contact you if you win!  Deadline is Saturday, October 31 at Midnight Central time!  I will throw all the names in a hat and get my hubby to draw a name and I will announce the winner on Monday, the 1st!

Now, let's get to today's card.  Yes, it has a witch on it.  I gave the hint with my title.  The layout is one I have done before and is a fun one to show off coordinating papers.  Here it is ... enjoy! 

Recipe:

Paper - Orange & Black Dot and Black, Orange Pattern by The Girls Paperie Toil and Trouble line, Witches paper by Reminisce (scrap from last year), Cardstock Natural White, Black

Stamps - My Minds Eye Blackbird clear set

Ink - Versafine Black

Tools - Classic Scalloped Circle & Classic Circle Nestibilities, Sizzix 12" Ric Rac die
Other - Black Pearls by Queen & Co.

I am really excited about my blog candy "Just Treats" giveaway.  I hope you are too.
Happy Stamping!
Tina 

What's Brewing?

I realized in the middle of the night that I did not post my Saturday card for you yet.  I guess with the Rangers win, I didn't think of anything else!  Our home team, the Texas Rangers are going to the World Series.  First Time!  So excited!  Hip Hip Hooray!

O.k. now let me calm down and talk about today's card.  Earlier in the week, I went through my box of cards I brought from the store to see if there were any Halloween ideas I could use.  Well, I found this small size card that I made when we did the Amuseapalooza event.  I decided to take just the stamped panel off and use it to make an updated card.  Now, I know you would have never have known that the stamps were not stamped this week, but I feel like for my blog, it is important to share my creative process with you and if that means telling you on on this card I used a prestamped image, that is the way it should  be.  I was glad that I did it this way because I realized later that the sentiment "what's brewing", I don't have in my stamp collection now and that really makes the card complete.  Let me show you my card.  Enjoy! 
 

I do have to tell you about the sentiment.  On the original card, it was just green in the flag shape, but when I went to pull off the original card, it was stuck down so good, it lost some of its cardstock backing, so I ended up punching it out with the Stampin' Up punch and then layering it back onto some black cardstock.  I think the new was is better.  I like the layout I used but I felt like it need something in the two top corners, so after playing with lots of ideas, the paper flowers from The Cat's Pajamas dies are what I came up with for the left side and the little corner punch for the right.  I really like how it all came out.  I wish I would have take a pic of the original card but basically it was the stamped panel on a preprinted polka dotted foldover.  This new card is so much more fun!

Recipe:

Paper - Green Spiders from $1 Target pack, Black felted spider paper by unknown (purchased recently at Scrapbook store but no name on paper), Cardstock Orange, Black, White, Green
Stamps - A Muse
Ink - Versafine Black (this is my favorite now but it is likely I used Memories Black when this was actually stamped), Tombow Markers
Tools - Flower Button Dies from The Cat's Pajamas, Cuttlebug Seeing Spots embossing folder, EK Success Corner Punch
Other - Green dots from $1 bin JoAnn's (I think ... last two in my stash)

I have one more fun card I found in the store's box to share with you.  It is a card I taught in a class when I had the store.  Too cute not to share ...

I don't have the exact directions for you, but basically you create a pocket with cardstock and punch two holes at the top of your pocket and string your ribbon through these creating a holder to place the Pop Rocks in and then tie the ribbon into a bow at the top, so when you pull on the ribbon the Pop Rocks move up so that they show!  Hence, the sentiment ... You Rock!  This wouldn't necessarily have to be for Halloween, but I know I taught it around that time because I can see the cardstock pocket was run through one of the Halloween Cuttlebug folders. 

That is it for my for this week.  I am working on  more Halloween cards to show you this weekend so I should have one for you each day next week to share!  Oh, and be sure to tune in on Monday, when I will be announcing my first ever blog candy give-away!!

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Music For Mummies!

Going through my trays of Halloween stamps, I came across this very cute Mummy stamp and the humorous sentiment stamps that goes so well with him.  My challenge started as I wanted to get all the stamps on the front of my card including some nice Halloween paper too!  I know, I don't have to get everything on the front, but I so like it that way!  The crazy part is with all that I was adding to the front, you would think that there would be no open spots.  But, yet on the left side, there was just this open spot that needed something, so what do I add?  A flower!  Who says I can't have a card with a mummy and a flower?  Maybe my mummy is a girl mummy!  Let me show you my card ... enjoy! 

Recipe:

Paper - Pattern Paper from $1 pkg from Target bargain bin, Cardstock Natural White, Black, Light Orange
Stamps - Mummy from Inky Antics, Sentiment from Printworks (2 sided wood mounted stamp)
Ink - Versafine Black, Tombow Marker N95 Gray for hightlights on mummy
Tools - Labels 9 Nestiblities
Other - Flower by Prima, Linen Thread by The Cat's Pajamas, Ribbon, Button, Pearls by Hero Arts

Leave me a comment and let my know what you think about my card! 

Happy Stamping!
Tina

I'm a Little Batty for You!

Hello!  Going through the blogs I frequent, I came across a color challenge using Black, Cream, and Craft.  I immediately thought those colors might work for Halloween, so I made myself a note, in case I got inspiration later for that combo when I was out in my "shack".  So, yesterday, I came across a DP with a cream background and beautiful black swirls and thought of that challenge again.  One note, this paper was purchased, I am sure, for the reverse side which is orange with tiny black polka dots.  And that is why the double sided papers are so cool!  Anyway, back to my card ... I went with a big bat for my main image because I knew he would be solid black.  In fact I embossed him in black so he would stand out even more.  I went with a simple layout that I have been wanting to try.  I think I might like to do this one again, with brighter colors.  Speaking of colors, I have to say, it was all I could do to NOT add another color to this card, like an orange, or a purple. As you know, I like colors, bright ones!  And that is why this one was a true challenge!  Let me show you my card and you can be the judge ... enjoy!

 

When it came to embellishing, I felt lucky to find a little jar with three pearls left in it.  But I thought it could use a little more so I found these pieces of rhinestones attached together and added them.  Truthfully, looking at it on the screen now, I am wondering if I should have used that big bat as it dosent' seem to go with the elegance of the paper and embellishments.  Help me decide ... do you like it?  Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Recipe:
Paper - The Girls Paperie Toil and Trouble, Cardstock Black, Cream, Craft
Stamps - Big Bat by Hot Potatoes, Sentiment by A Muse
Ink - Versafine Black, Judikins Detail Black Powder, heat gun
Tools - Marvy Matchable Corner Rounder, EK Success corner punch
Other - Ribbon by Stampin' Up, Cream Pearls by Stamping Bella, Attached black rhinestones by Prima

I will have another card for you tomorrow.
Happy Stamping!
Tina

Boo!

Hello!  O.k. I am really cooking on the Halloween cards now.  I realized it is a week and a half away which doesn't give me all that much time.  I have made four more to show you, that is one for today, one for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  And then I  hope to make four or five for next week.  If I do that, the count will be at 12 and then I will need to make multiples of a couple of favorites because I will need at least 20 to send.  Then, we move on to Thanksgiving cards ... and then Christmas.  Just thinking of that overwhelms me, so let's get back to today's card which is for Halloween!  I got a chance to stamp with some friends a couple of weeks ago, and one of the girls had brought one of Martha Stewart's Halloween border punches, so I spent time punching out some "Boo" borders.  I just had to come up with a card so that I could use them.  Here it is.  Enjoy!

My original idea was to have the boos lining up on the left, one boo on the first line, two boos on the second line and three boos on the last.  But, to make this work, there was no way I was going to get to use the image of the tree and moon, so I went with plan B!  I like the way it came out.  It showcases the tree image and the boo borders.  What do you think, is it bootiful?  (ha, ha!)

Recipe:

Paper - Orange Sparkle from $1 Pack from Target, Cardstock White, Black
Stamps - Tree Scene from Stampendous
Ink - Versafine Black, Marvy Matchable Pale Orange (I used JudiKins Eclipse tape to make a reverse mask so I could use my stipple brush to stipple color just in the center of the moon.)
Tools - Classic Circle, Pinking Circle, and Classic Scalloped Oval Nestibilities (Oval was used to make left side black panel), Seeing Spots Cuttlebug embossing folder, Martha Stewart border punch
Other - Ranger Quicky Glue Pen, Black Glitter (on tree), Gelly Roll Glaze Pen (on bats), Ribbon, Tiny Pearls by Kaiser (I love this addition on top of the ribbon)

See you tomorrow!  Happy Stamping!
Tina

Texas Tues-Step!

Hello!  Welcome to another Texas Tues-Step day!  My Texas card today is pretty simple.  I went with Deadbeat Design's big 'ole TEXAS word stamp, embossed it and combined it with some pretty papers, some pearls, a ribbon, and a little boot charm and it was done.  I love the way it came out!  Here it is.  Enjoy!

Recipe:

Paper - Bo Bunny Mama-Razzi Stripe, Cardstock White, Med. Blue, Rust
Stamps - Deadbeat Designs
Ink - Versamark, Adirondack Ginger embossing powder, heat gun, Brown Sharpie to color brass boot charm
Tools - Petite Oval Scalloped and Classic Oval Nestibilities, Stampin' Up Border Punch, Stampin' Up Square Lattice embossing folder
Other - Pearls by Kaiser, Ribbon by Unknown, Charm by Fancifuls

Be sure to go to the Texas Tues-Step team on the right side of my blog and see it there are any other participants for this week.  I know Mark with Deadbeat Designs is showing off one of his cool starbooks today! 

I will have Halloween cards for you the rest of the week.  So drop back by!

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Friends make the World Special!

Hello!  I had hoped to get back to my stamp shack this week to make you another couple of Halloween cards, but that has not happened.  So for today's card, I want to show you the birthday card that was made and given to a friend last week.  It might not be the exact fall or Halloween colors, but it pretty!  I hope you enjoy it!

This layout I have been wanting to try the the longest time.  I love how it came out, don't you?

Recipe:

Paper - Bo Bunny Flutter Butter Breeze and Flutter Butter Stripe, Cardstock White, Yellow, Green
Stamps - Verve Stamps
Ink - Versafine Black
Tools - Marvy Corner Rounder, Circle Scalloped and Circle Nestibilities, Ribbon Tags Trio
Other - Ribbon by Unknown, Pearls & Center brad on flower by Queen & Co.

Now, a couple of days ago, I promised you a picture of my mom. 

My mom, Dorothy, on her 95th birthday!

That is all for this week.  Look for more Halloween creations next week!  It's coming up soon and I still have lots of card ideas for this holiday so I need to get on the ball. (or my broom)!

Have a great weekend -

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Happy 95th Birthday Mom!

 Yes, today's card is made for my mom's birthday, which is today.  Let me warn you right now, it is not in fall colors!  Her favorite color is PINK and that is what she is gonna get.  I didn't have a particular sketch in mind, so I decided to go with the current Mojo Monday sketch.  I think it came out great.  I do have to tell you a quick story before I get to my card.  Last week, when I went to visit my mom at the nursing home, I decided to take in a box of my cards I've made to show her just for something different to talk about.  Anyway, she liked all of them but when she came to the one that had the sentiment on it that says "To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world", she started crying and saying how that was such a lovely sentiment.  I decided right then I would stamp that sentiment on her card.  You have seen it used on my cards a few times and this will be another time.  Thanks for letting me share my sweet mom story.  Let me show you my card   And the sketch.  Enjoy!

I do want to note that on the sketch, there were buttons.  But, I didn't have any that were the right color, so even though it is a variation, I went with the rhinestones instead.  I think having the circles behind them gives an illusion of a button.  In the Verve set, there was a small "mom" stamp, so I stamped it and added it under the ribbon.  And of course, I added the flower.  It just needed it to complete it.  I love the card and I know she will too.  If we take a good picture of her, I will try to post it later today.


Recipe:

Paper - Glitter Dots by Best Creation, Inc.  Pink and White by Stampin' Up (retired), Cardstock White, Pink
Stamps - Verve Stamps One Person set
Ink - Versafine Black, Tim Holtz Distress Ink Spun Sugar for flower stamped for background on white panel
Tools - Tim Holtz Bracket Die, Ek Success Scalloped Border Punch, Ek Success Small Round Punch
Other - Ribbon by AMuse, Rhinestones by Hero Arts

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Frightful & Delightful!

Hello!  I have another fun Halloween card for you today.  I often see ideas on other blogs, change the papers, and the stamps and make them my own.  Sometimes, I change the layout, sometimes I closely follow theirs.  I think this is what they call to "case" a blog.  Alot of times, I don't remember what blog I got the idea from.  But for today's card, I do know and I wanted to share her card with you here.  I love Julee's cards, stamps and all her ideas!  What caught my eye about her post was the little instruction she gave about leaving the die on and stamp to the edge and then draw a line around the inside of the die.  Absolutely wonderful idea!  And I followed her lead and did just that on my card ...enjoy!

Sorry about the scan being a little fuzzy.  That seems to happen when my card doesn't lay flat, but I love those big fat buttons!  I think I might be making a few extra of this one to send out.  Good idea, you think?

 

Recipe:

Paper - Best Creation Inc. Trick or Treat line, Cardstock White, Black, Lime Green
Stamps - Frightful sentiment by AMuse, Webs by Hero Arts, Spider by Printworks
Ink - Versafine Black, Tombow Marker #173 to make frame line, Ranger White Gel Pen to make dots on bracket
Tools - Tim Holtz Bracket Die (just got...woo hoo!), Labels 9 Nestibilities, Seeing Spots Cuttlebug embossing folder (another new item!)
Other - Green Dot Ribbon from Target (from $1 bin), Pearls by Kaiser, Button, Linen Thread by The Cat's Pajamas

Happy Stamping!
Tina

My Ghoulfriends!

Hello!  I am a little late in posting my card today because of a mishap in my stamp room last night.  I will tell you all about that after I show you my card.  I saw the challenge on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge blog was to make a card for BFF ...Buttons, Flowers and Friendship.  My first thought was, would would it be possible since I am doing Halloween?  And then I thought about the witch stamp I own from My Favorite Things.  When I got the stamp out and realized one of the sentiments said ghoulfriends, I did a little woo hoo and got to creating.  Let me show you my finished card.  I really love the end result!  Enjoy!

Now let me share my mishap!  You see, I was working on today's card and I had got the front done and was just adding my inside sentiment.  When I finished doing that, I realized the black stamp pad was left open on my desk.  My first thought was that could have been bad.  And then I looked at the front of my card... OMG black ink all other the bottom and especially on my main white panel!  Well, I almost cried.  It is so unusual for that to happen for me.  I am usually great about making sure to cover my inks so that does not happen.  But it was getting late and I was hurrying!  My main panel was the part I just didn't see redoing as I had paper pieced and colored.  There was also ink on the purple background on the left side of the card and a little on the orange panel. Just to let you know the layout I was going with before this happened was like the card I did here. So, I switched sides on everything to cover the ink, but had to create a new orange panel.  I couldn't figure out any way to cover all the ink at the bottom of my main panel without cutting it off and that is what I did!  I added a black ribbon at the bottom to hide where the cut off was. And my flowers covered the rest!  So, that redo took another hour. But, like I said earlier, I really do love the finished card.  What do you think?

Recipe:

Paper - Orange and Purple from $1 pack from Target dollar bin, Halloween text paper from old stash, Cardstock White, Black
Stamps - My Favorite Things
Ink - Versafine Black, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol
Tools - Rectangle Scalloped Nestiblities (I had to cut off and tape it to make it smaller when I had to cut my white panel)
Other - Black grossgrain ribbon unknown, Flowers by Prima, Button, White Thread by The Cat's Pajamas, Orange Dot Sparklers by Stampendous

I will have another card for you tomorrow.  See you then!
Happy Stamping!
Tina

DeNami Blog Hop!

Hello!  I am super excited to have the "hoppers" for DeNami's Autumn blog hop come visit my blog.  Welcome!  If you came from Nicki Scheck's blog, you're on the right track.  If you want to start from the beginning or if you get lost along the way, click on the Blog Hop Badge above and it will take you back to home base.   Now let me get to my card ... Enjoy!

For my card, I used two of DeNami's stamps.  The larger image is called Mimi's Pumpkin Patch, and the individual pumpkin is from the stamp called Pumpkin Patch Border.  I only wanted one pumpkin as an accent piece, so I used a Tombow marker to ink just one.  I think they sell an individual one, but I don't own it.  The card layout is one I have used before and it works very well with images that are as large as this one.  I love how it came out.  Don't you?  

Recipe:
Paper - Bella Blvd. One Fall Day Line called "Just Leafy", Cardstock White, Orange, Olive
Stamps - DeNami Designs
Ink - Versafine Black, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Black Tombow Marker (for indiv. pumpkin)
Tools - Classic Circles & Blossom Nestibilities, Sizzix Polka Dots embossing  folder, Marvy corner rounder punch
Other - Button, Ribbon, Rhinestones from Hero Arts, Linen Thread from The Cat's Pajamas

Don't forget there are two gift certificates that YOU could win!  All you have to do is leave comments on the blogs along the way and your name might be randomly drawn!  How easy and fun is that?  You have until Monday night at 11:59 p.m. PST to leave comments!  

Now let me get you on your way.  Your next stop is Laurie Chilton.
Thanks for visiting.  I hope you will come back to visit soon!

Happy Stamping!

Tina

Reminder for Tomorrow!

Hello!  I just wanted to pop in and remind you of DeNami's blog hop tomorrow.  It all starts on Sunday, at 8 a.m. PST.  This is my first blog hop to participate in and I am pretty excited about it.  My card is all made and ready to show you and the other hoppers!

As in other blog hops, there are prizes to be won!  For a chance to win one of two $20 gift certificates, all you need to do is leave a comment on the participating blogs (like mine!) by midnight on Monday. 

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Big 5 Card Challenge! (+ Blog Hop Announcement)

Hello!  Sorry about skipping a day of posting.  I decided to try and get all five of my cards completed to show you all at once.  I am again participating in one of the big challenges from Verve.  This one is in conjunction with their Fall Release Week.  Even though making five cards is alot to complete, I like doing the challenges because it will put my name into the hat for a chance to win their whole release!  I haven't won anything yet, but I always say ... "if you're not in it, you can't win it!"  I feel like I have spent days and days on them, but in reality I started on them on Monday after I got my Texas Tues-Step card done and I finished them on Wednesday evening.  I wanted to keep my fall theme going, and also I wanted to do fall since that is what their release is.  Back in August, when I did the last five card challenge, I used almost all Verve stamps.  But, this time, I found I didn't have enough fall Verve stamps.  I might just be taking a look at their fall release ... there might be some I need (want)!  I will show you each of my cards, the sketch, and the details before going on to the next one.  Enjoy!

I also have an announcement about a blog hop coming up that I am participating in, so be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of this post to hear about that!  Back to my cards ...

Card 1 - This is just about my least favorite.  But at least I did use a Verve stamp on this one.  Very simple.  Maybe that is why I don't particularly like it, you think?

Recipe:
Paper - Die Cuts With A View Cafe Mediterranean Matstack, Cardstock White, Turquoise, Brown
Stamps - Flower by Verve Fancy Florals Remixed, Autumn by Hero Arts
Ink - Marvy Matchables Brown, Turquoise
Other - Ribbon by Creative Impressions, Brad by Queen & Co., Pearls by Queen & Co.

Card 2 -

These cute pilgrims are from a new Hero Arts set.  I really wanted to use these new stamps but they were almost too big for my panel with the oval shape on there too.  But I got it to work, and I think it came out pretty cute.  I debated about adding the pumpkin because it is almost as big as the pilgrims but I decided it gave the card color and some dimension.

Recipe:
Paper - Basic Grey Max & Whiskers Pad, Cardstock White, Black, Orange
Stamps - Hero Arts clear set called So Thankful
Ink - Versafine Black, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol
Tools - Petite Scalloped Circle & Petite Circle Nestibilities, Tim Holtz Paper Piercing Tool & Stampin' Up piercing guide
Other - Ribbon, Black Pearls by Queen & Co.

Card 3 -


For this one, I went with an old stamping technique. Glossy paper, solid stamp, & markers.  Basically, I made my own background paper, something I did every day before I started using all the pre-printed papers. My sentiment is Verve, and even though it says nothing "fallish", I think it works for fall.  Because, without God, there would be no fall leaves.  The little maple leaf on my accent is punched out and then diamond glaze was added.  Now, I have to tell you about my happy mistake.  While the diamond glaze was drying, I accidentally layed something on top and so it ended up with a small dent after it dried.  Instead of making another, I added cracks to the whole thing.  And then I went over it with a black Marvy matchable pad, and used a napkin to pull off the black.  It left the black in the cracks on the leaf.  The end result worked out for the best, and that is what I call a happy mistake!

Recipe:
Paper - Orange Dot is from Hanko and is a type of Japenese Washi paper from my ex-stores class stash, Cardstock Ochre, Black, Kromecoat Glossy White from JudiKins
Stamps - Leaf by The Stamp in the Hand, Sentiment by Verve
Ink - Tombow Markers, Versafine Black, Marvy Matchable Black (for leaf cracks)
Tools - Maple Punch by Punch Bunch
Other - Ribbon by Stampin' Up, Baubles by Stamping Bella



Card 4 -

This is my favorite of all five!  I think I will be repeating this one, in fact, I think this might have to be one of my Thanksgiving cards I will make more of to send out.  It it very simple, but yet with the added elements, it doesn't appear as simple as it is.  My favorite kind of sketch!  When I stamped the leaf flourish on the white panel, I thought it needed just a little added something, so I went back and added tiny stickers from Stampendous.  And then, at the end, when I chose the bright orange ribbon, I thought that I should have picked out a brighter orange cardstock, so to brighten up the orange I did use, I added those tiny stickers again to the circle accent piece.  If I was making several of these, I might pick out brighter cardstock in the beginning to match my ribbon,so I could leave this last (kinda tedious) step out!

Recipe:
Paper - Bella Blvd. One Fall Day Line called "Just Leafy", Cardstock White, Green, Orange
Stamps - Sentiment by Verve, Leaf Flourish by Hero Arts
Ink - Versafine Spanish Moss, Marvy Matchable Brown
Tools - Classic Circle Nestiblities (sent thru machine at the same time to create the circle accent piece, EK Success Scalloped border punch
Other - Ribbon by Unknown, Green Pearls by Queen & Co., Orange Dot Spaklers by Stampendous

Card 5 -

Do I like this one?  Well, I don't think it is my favorite sketch, but I do like how it turned out.  The turkey is from that same Hero Art's set that the pilgrims are on.  The sketch was a little foreign to me and so I made all the layers from white cardstock first to help me to visualize how it would be and then I cut the pattern paper from each of the white cardstock pieces. 

Recipe:
Paper - All DP is from Basic Grey Max & Whiskers paper pad, Cardstock Brown, Ochre
Stamps - Hero Arts clear set "Be Thankful"
Ink - Versafine Vintage Sepia, Prismacolor Pencils
Tools - Classic Circle Nestiblities, EK Success Victorian Corner Punch
Other - Ribbon by Creative Impressions, Pearls by Queen & Co.

 

Now, on to the announcement ... a while back I came across a blog hop from DeNami and I ended up adding comments on the participants blogs for another drawing!   Wendy, one of the ones that commented on my blog, reminded me that I should join the blog hops because she knows I have DeNami stamps as she taught a whole weekend of DeNami classes when I still had the store.  Anyway, I saw where they are having another blog hop, this one using any of there fall stamps,  with an open invitation to anyone to join in ... so I am!  I am always trying to get more followers to my blog, and I thought this would be a good way to do just that! 

This coming Sunday is the day!  It all starts at 8 a.m. PST so I think that means 10 a.m. for us!  I will post a reminder on Friday or Saturday because I know you are not used to showing up here on the weekends!

Until then - thanks for sticking through such a long post from me! 

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Happy Fall Y'all!

I had to add the "y'all" to the title since today is another addition of Texas Tues-Step.  I told you that on the Texas Tues-Step days, you probably would not be seeing fall cards, but today I  decided to keep my fall/Halloween momentum going and make my card have a fall theme.  It is different, not like any Texas card I have ever seen.  But different is not always bad and I kinda like it!  Let me show you and you can be the judge ,,, enjoy!

I went through my sketch folder, found one I thought would work and started creating.  My Texas is a stamp from Deadbeat Designs (he is on on the team ... so I really try to use his images if at all possible).  The stamp had the words "God bless Texas" on the inside of the Texas shape, but because I didn't want the saying for this card, I just didn't ink that part.  I got all the layers done but went to digging through drawers to find some kind of embellishments, or something that I could add to the Texas shape to tie in with my DP I used.  Oh my gosh, I found all kinds of things.  I have so much stuff that I didn't even remember having ... yes, a true stamper!  Oh sorry, got a little off track.  Anyway, I found some copper Peel-Offs with a branch that reminded me of the DP, so that is the little sticker on top of my Texas shape.  It got colored with Magenta's Peel-Off marker before adding it.  I found 3 or four of these corduroy buttons, so you will probably see these again!  And last but not least, I found a whole little package of gold leaves.  So, I painted it with sharpies!  I originally thought I would want some dark navy ribbon for the card, but after looking through hundreds of yards of ribbon I own, I found I don't have any solid dark blue.  So, I ended up going with the linen thread, which worked!

Recipe:

Paper - Little Yellow Bicycle Fresh Print Traveler Line -Leaf Medley, Cardstock Natural White, Rust, Olive Green, Navy
Stamps - Texas by Deadbeat Designs, Happy Fall by A Muse
Ink - Versafine Majestic Blue, Magenta Peel-Off Marker - Green, Sharpies Green & Brown
Tools - Labels 9, Classic Circles Nestibilities, Square Lattice embossing folder by Stampin' Up, Scalloped Border Punch by EK Success
Other - Sticker Branch Peel-Off by Magenta, Button & Leaf Charm - unknown, Green Pearls by Queen & Co., Linen Thread by The Cat's Pajamas

Don't forget to click on the Texas Team links on the right side of my blog.  They should have some more great Texas creations for you.  And I will see you tomorrow.   

Happy Stamping!
Tina  

Trick or Treat!

Hello!  I had a little bit of a time deciding whether I should make a Halloween card or a fall themed card.  I decided I had better make a Halloween card as I will need to make additional ones of each one I make so I can have some to send.  I have gotten in the habit of just buying one 12 x 12 of each pattern paper since I make cards for the blog.  However, I need to rethink this when I am purchasing holiday papers, because it is hard to get very many cards out of one 12 x 12.  Along with the paper I used on my card today, I also purchased a set of clear sets that match and that is where my little "Frankie" is from.  I went with a sketch I have done before except I changed it up a little and didn't do as many circles.  You'll recognize it when you see it, I am sure.  Let me show you my card and then I will give you more details.  Enjoy!

Can we say embellishments galore on this one?  We have ribbon, a button, and rhinestones!  I like the way it came out.  Frankie is too cute!

Recipe:

Paper - My Minds Eye - Blackbird Line Big Dots & Costumes, Lime Star Paper from $1 packs at Target, Cardstock Black, White, Orange
Stamps - My Minds Eye Blackbird Clear Set
Ink - Versafine Black, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol
Tools - Classic Scalloped Circle & Classic Circle Nestiblities, Sizzix Polka Dots embossing folder
Other - Ribbon by May Arts, Button, Linen Thread by The Cat's Pajamas, Black Rhinestones by Hero Arts

I will be back tomorrow for Texas Tues-Step.  And then later in the week, I am hoping to make cards for Verve's 5 card sketch challenge for their new release. Oh, and today's card I am linking to this blog called Stamptacular Sunday because their challenge this week is to make a card with at least 5 layers.  I think this card fits the bill perfectly!  Lots happening, so check back often!

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Find & Share!

Today's post is kinda like a show and tell.  You see today my hubby & I went to Canton and I found a couple of items that will go into my "stamp shack" and I wanted to show you.  Hence the title - Find & Share!  The first is this chest with 6 slim drawers that I think will be perfect to separate and hold my 12 x12 scrapbook papers. Or it that dosen't work, it could also hold stamps, but as of now, I am thinking paper, maybe separated by color or theme.  Any ideas?  The chest was marked $25 and I asked if they would go lower and I was told $15 and I said "sold"! 

My other find was a book with sheet music.  On several blogs I have seen where they have added a strip of sheet music to their cards.  I found a perfect book with lots of music to cut out.  This find cost me ONE dollar!  Here are the pics.

That is it for my find and share!  Thanks for hanging with me!  I however, do have one more item to show you ... remember yesterday's card?  The one where I use the peg stamps from Rubber Stamp Tapestry?  I made a comment in my post about wishing I had added some of my pearl baubles.  I have now done that and so I wanted to show you the card now.  I like it better.  What do you think?

 Enjoy the rest of your weekend!  See you on Monday!

Happy Stamping!
Tina

P.S. One more thing, I figured out how to make my pics taken with my cell phone camera not to appear sideways on my blog!  Woo Hoo!  You won't have to turn your head to the left like you did in last Monday's post!