Krafty Kat on Vacation!

I am taking a week off from the computer and cards!

I will be living it up in Las Vegas!

I'll return soon with some fun NEW stuff coming in MAY!!

Including the promised BOW INFO!

Have a great week! Get inky!

OCC Color Challenge - Golden Soul Kiss

It's Saturday, and that means it's time for the OCC Challenge. Today Silke asks us to use our favorite colors. I love browns. I know, drab and boring to most. But, they are my colors! Before Copics I did a lot of Browns! And Black and Gold -- Well, you can never go wrong throwing those in the mix. This card is a little "out there" isn't it? I started working on it and kept taking breaks from it doing some other chores -- every time I passed the desk I would add something. Maybe a little too much?!!? It is 10"x4.5"... I knew I wanted to make a big card, so I found my largest envelope and created it to fit in that. I air bushed and doodled a bit and colored with Copics. I accented with all sorts of doo-dads and ribbon tabs. One thing I wanted to point out -- The first layer is out of striped paper, I wanted the stripes on all sides, so I turned and did a second mat for the other sides, creating the checkerboard type mat. Click on the pic to enlarge. Hey, go grab some stamps and your favorite color paper and play along with the OCC today!



Check out the creations from the OCC ladies on their blogs! -Silke Ledlow, Cindy Haffner, Jennifer Meyer, Kim Teasdale, Lori Boyd, Robin Willis, Frances Byrne, Loretta Lock , Viki Garrett and Joycelyn Turner.


Our Creative Corner would like to welcome our guest designer Julia Betemps from Little Paper Shop. Julia is generously giving two stamp sets: Butterflies and Beautiful Things away for this weeks prize, Head to the OCC for details on how to win!

• Stamps: Stampington and Co. Fairytale Couture Stamp Line by Sandra Evertson
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
• Paper: All DP by Graphic 45, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Black, Gold
• Other: Black Rainbow Tape, Misc. Black and Gold Ribbon, Black Ribbon, Tassel, Black Pearls, Gold Metal Accents, Flower by Prima

Sharon says "Pipe it"

Well, it's my last play date as Sharon's Guest Stamper --- BIG THANKS to Sharon and the gals! I loved playing along side you talented ladies this month! All of you inspire with your creativity and it was FUN to be your guest!

Sharon's Challenge for April 24th - Let's Pipe Up!

I had no idea what Piping was when I saw the Challenge!

Most crafters have a sewing background and do know.

Here is Sharon's explanation for the Challenge:

Piping is a sewing term and I can't think of a comparable stamping term to explain what I mean. In sewing, piping is a piece of covered cording used to visually separate (but actually join) two patterns or two pieces of fabric. Think of a darling little girls dress with piping separating the bodice from the gathered skirt, or a much heavier type of piping on upholstered furniture. What I'm looking for today is that narrow strip of paper to separate 2 other pieces of paper. Head to Sharon's blog for more!

Please check out the great samples for the Stamp Simply Challenge

today on the blogs of these totally creative designers:

Dee - Janine - AJ - Jennifer - Julie - Becky -Tammy .

So here's my "Piped" Challenge card. I used lots of little paper strips to divide patterns. I love doing this! I have been playing with Basic Grey's Offbeat Paper Collection, and this paper screams use some TCP stamps on me! It's retro and fun and a perfect fit to TCP's great images. Sprinkle's TV background looks a little dark... it's the picture! I covered the screen with Crystal Lacquer and it enhanced the color in the pic... as it was not dry yet! Finished card size is an A2.

• Stamps: All Images by The Cat's Pajamas
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
• Paper: All DP by Basic Grey "Offbeat", Neenah Classic Crest Solar White
• Other: White Gel Pen, Crystal Lacquer, White Rainbow Tape, Blue Satin Ribbon, Spellbinder's Classic Ovals, Pearls, Large Scallop Scissors, Yellow Oval Eyelets, Green Micron Pen

Little Fairy on a Flower

Well, Thanks to everyone! -- the Monday Theme name suggestions rolled in .... I don't know how I am going to pick! I'll have to keep thinking over all of them. I think I'll make you wait til next Monday to see the winning suggestion... so if you think of any more-- drop another comment on the Underwear Frog!

I know I said I am not a fairy kind of girl when it comes to stamps, but again I am kind of liking this little Fairy series from Repeat Impressions. I showed my Husband this card... sometimes I share my cards with him, sometimes not.... he said.... "What is that?? -- a Naked Bug". Men! But now every time I see it I think "Naked Bug"!!! So the Naked Bugs always seem to be done up in pastels.... so I went the other way and tried to do it up in brights, using the "Offbeat" Collection of papers from Basic Grey. Finished card size is 5 1/2" Square. Check out other Repeat Impressions' Fairy cards from Robin and Sandy!

• Stamps: All stamps by Repeat Impressions
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
• Paper: Curious Cryogen White, DP "Offbeat" by Basic Grey, Riding Hood Red, Brown
• Other: Spellbinder's Curved Rectangles, Copics/ABS, Spellbinder's Tag Die, Riding Hood Red Tafetta Ribbon by SU, Scallop Scissors, White Rainbow Tape, White Gel Pen

Monday Mornings!

Everyone seemed to like the Dog/Hydrant card from last Monday and got a kick out of my warped humor, you must all be a little "warped" too. So I thought I'd start a theme and post a humorous card every Monday, to get the week rolling with a little laugh or at least a smile?! I love doing funny little images, they usually lend themselves to fun colors, layouts and coloring with Copics. SO.... moving on, here is my Monday Card. Now--- I was thinking Monday Cards should have a "Funny Name" for a regular weekly posting... but I could come up with nothing!! You know like "Funny Monday" -- but obviously something much more clever-- so I'm taking suggestions --- pleeease!! Give me some ideas!!! I got nothin'!! Leave me a comment with your suggestion for a Monday Theme name. There could be something in it for you, for coming up with the winning suggestion! This card is 5 1/2" Square and lattice type look was created with the two different size Corner Punches from SU and ribbon. It really is a quickie layout! Little doodles were created around the Nestie borders using a Black Micron Pen and Copics. AND... I let Martha out to play, I was so addicted to the Martha punches and could not stop using them on every card I made, so I made myself take a break from them.... but she's baaaack! Obviously I was over using them, as people were commenting -- Where's Martha!!! lol! Happy Monday to you guys!

• Stamps: All Stamps by Repeat Impressions; Frog #7120 L. Insanity Sentiment #7006-F
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
• Paper: Misc. Pink Embossed Shimmer DP, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Black, Wasabi Green
• Other: Green Gingham Ribbon from Sharon, Pink Souffle Pen, Martha Heart Border Punch, Corner Punch by SU, Copics, Spellbinder's Ribbon Tags, Spellbinder's Classic Circles, Misc. Pink Ribbon

Card Candy - WINNER!

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:16
Timestamp: 2009-04-20 01:04:27 UTC

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Sue from Oregon said...
What...you're birthday? Well I hope you are doing something FUN today! Been browsing your blog changes and can't wait to see your followers grow! and...wow look at all those DT's..you are on fire girl..I am so excited at each new addition! Happy, Happy Day!

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Sue! YAY! Your number CAME UP! Drop me an email with your addy and I'll get your Card Candy out ASAP! Thanks for the awesome comments and Birthday Wishes left by everyone! Future Candy Alert: Stay Tuned this week - for Info on "How I make my Bows" and a little "Bow Candy" that will be up for grabs! I love giving away stuff! So much fun!!!

Card Candy - Prize Preview!

These are the cards up for grabs for my Blog "Card Candy" give away. I know I said 5 cards, but I decided to make it an even 6 pack! So if you have not left a comment or spread the word to your friends, what are you waiting for? Leave a comment on the post below this one.... See the note "Celebrate My Birthday Blog Candy" at the bottom of the posting for what to do! Follow my Blog or Subscibe to my Email Feed and leave two comments for an extra chance! Drawing is tonight - Sunday at 8 PM! Card Candy will fly to the winner ASAP!

Thanks for playing!

OCC Challenge - And some Card Candy!

It's Saturday, Time for the OCC Weekly Challenge!

This week our April hostess, Silke Ledlow, has put together a fun and interesting challenge. With Earth Day approaching April 22nd, Silke challenges us to create a card/project using recycled items. Our Creative Corner would like to welcome our guest designer for this week - Betsy Griffin from Innovative Stamp Creations. Betsy generously is giving away one of her newly released stamp sets: Nature Silhouette II for this weeks prize. Head to the OCC page for the details!

For a close up view on the "Recycled" Challenge projects for this week please visit the OCC ladies on their blog -Silke Ledlow, Cindy Haffner, Jennifer Meyer, Kim Teasdale, Lori Boyd, Robin Willis, Frances Byrne, Loretta Lock , Viki Garrett and Joycelyn Turner.

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Now on to my little kitty card. Well, before I tell you about the card, I guess I'll let the cat out the bag and tell you today is my birthday! Another year, man, they fly by so fast!!! I told Silke this was the perfect challenge for today as I do feel plenty "Recycled" most days! Now the card.... So, we were to use something recycled for the challenge, and honestly thinking about it all week, I could not get past the simple brown grocery bag. Not much on the "cool and neat" idea scale this week! I created my brown bag using my Scor Pal to create some little folds and inserting a piece of chip board to give my bag some strength and lift. I edged the bag top with some pinking scissors for that "real bag" feel. I colored kitty using Copics and then went back and added a few white hairs with a gel pen. They eyes are not blue, but black, the camera did not like white gel pen and black ink together and turned them blue in the photo, thank goodness it wasn't devil red or something really bizarre.I cut out the main image using a Nestie, the additional layers were hand trimmed. I airbrushed a bit and added lotsa doodles! A few little crystals and a triple bow.... YES.... "HOW TO" BOW INFO SOON TO COME!!! Click on the pics for a closer view. Finished card size is 5x7.

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What?? You think I should offer up some "Celebrate My Birthday Blog Candy"??? I don't have any stamps to give away today. Hmmm, How about 5 of my Handmade Cards? Leave me a comment on this posting for your chance to win. Please spread the word on your blog and let your friends know, if you would like to. I will use random picker thingy to select a winner on Sunday night at 8PM. I'll send your cards out first thing Monday Morning! If you are subscribed or sign up now to recieve my Email newsletter or follow my Blog, then you can leave two comments for an extra chance to win.

• Stamps: All Stamps by Repeat Impressions; Sentiment #2516 G, Kitty #6216-N
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: All DP by SU, Paper Bag by Trader Joes!, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Black
• Other: Pinking Scissors, Copics/ABS, Crystals, Misc. Ribbon, Black Micron Pen, Paper Piercer, Spellbinder's Curved Rectangles

I used a Needle and Thread... for Sharon!

Friday's Challenge from Sharon:

Stamp Simply #83 Thread it Thru!

Sharon says: Let's thread something thru this week! Fun!!! There are punches that punch holes specifically for the purpose of threading something through, or we can make our own holes with any punch we have. We can thread ribbon or twine through button holes, or we could actually thread a needle and sew. Let your imagination and creativity run wild -- just start threading!!! If you upload to SCS use keyword ssnotime83 so we can look at your creations!

Please check out the great samples for the Stamp Simply Challenge today on the blogs of these totally creative designers: Dee - Janine - AJ - Jennifer - Julie - Becky .

My sentiment is Stamped Simply in Close to Cocoa on Pink Card Stock with a little sponging around the edges. And, Sharon.... for you I put needle and thread together! I used my scalloped rectangle nesties to create some panels from Ivory card stock. I used my Japanese Screw Punch to put holes in each of the scallops. Then I used a craft needle and a double strand of pink embroidery floss to go up and thru each hole in the scallops. I love the roped edging look that results. I know this is some crazy pink going on here.... I made it at the same time I made this card. I guess I do have a girly feminine side after all! The butterflies were punched out from a 12x12 sheet of K and Company paper. I also used them on this card, lots of people asked about them, so here is a link to see the paper. You just punch them out like paper doll clothes. I used three butterfly punch outs, splitting the lower two in the middle and extending the wings for a layered look and then raising them with a little foam tape. I even hunted down some wire and made some little antennae. I embellished the body with some pink pearls. I sponged a little Close to Cocoa ink on everything so it would not be soooo clean and pink looking! The little taupe bow is 1/4" Silk Ribbon from Sharon's Ribbon Store and then I added a pearl brad in the center. My card was not quite busy enough (ha!) so I added a little bit of pink Rick Rack to the bottom! Whew, I think I'm done with pink for a little while. Finished Card is an A2.

• Stamps: Happy Birthday by Endless Creations
• Ink: Close to Cocoa by SU
• Paper: Floral DP and Butterflies by K and Company, Neenah Classic Crest Ivory, Kraft, Pink
• Other: Textiles Cuttlebug Folder, Spellbinder's Classic Rectangles, Pink Embroidery Floss, 1/4" Silk Ribbon, Pink Pearls, White Wire, Rick Rack, Ivory Pearl Brad, Foam Tape, Inking Sponge

Get Along, Little Doggy!

I left this stamp set on the desk the other night, and I decided it needed a bit more inking before being put away. So, here is card #2 for the TCP Tuesday #54 Challenge using stamps from the "HAVIN' A POW WOW" set. I packed a lot of color on this little A2 card! Copics to airbrush and color. I made some little stitch marks around the Nestie borders using a brown Micron pen, then I made little blue dots in between with a Turquoise Souffle Pen. The brown edges on the main panel were created using a Spellbinder's Borderability Die, it's also embossed, but you can't see that too well. Swiss Dot Cuttlebug Action on the Blue background panel. Embellished with ribbon and buttons to complete. Woof. Finished card size is an A2. Click on the pics for a closer look.

• Stamps: All stamps by The Cat's Pajamas "Having a Pow-Wow"
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: Orange DP by Imaginisce, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Brown, Tree DP from Basic Grey's "Mellow" Collection, Green
• Other: Buttons, Hemp Twine, Copics/ABS, Turquoise Souffle Pen, Brown Micron Pen, Misc. Ribbon, Clear Glaze Pen, Spellbinder's Ribbon Tags, Spellbinder's Labels One, Spellbinder's Borderability Die, Swiss Dots CB Folder

Light my Fire!

Sprinkle has been calling my name, feeling very neglected lately... So, I just had to play in this week's TCP Challenge. TCP Tuesday #54 is hosted by Susan Liles this week. The challenge is to use ANY stamp from the "HAVIN' A POW WOW" set. I have not used this set as much as some of my other TCP stamps, so this challenge was perfect. I had fun with this card! I have been waiting for an occasion to use this neat ribbon ---until I cut into it for the corners --- fuzz flew all over the place! So that's how the buttons came to be in the corners, the fuzz fell out and I had to cover up the bald spots! I colored the images with Copics and airbrushed the background on the image and sentiment with a little Yellow and Peach Copic markers. To create the little shadows I made a mask using oval Nesties and airbrushed a little Warm Grey Copic. I added some little stitch marks on the black layer using a Peach colored Souffle Pen. Do you see the little baby Sprinkle? How cute is that!!! Finished card is 6 x 6 1/2" . Click on the pics for a closer look!

• Stamps: All stamps by The Cat's Pajamas "Having a Pow-Wow"
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: Orange DP by Imaginisce, Black, Yellow, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White
• Other: Funky Ribbon!, Buttons, Red Hemp Twine, Gold Pearls, Copics/ABS, Peach Souffle Pen, Clear Glaze Pen, Orange Spica Pen, Spellbinder's Classic Rectangles

Just landed from Planet PINK!

OK -- Seriously!!... Do you believe I made this Girly-Girly card? I did! Maybe I have multiple personalities and one of them is a frilly girly type! What can I say... Really this card almost leaves me speechless. There is only one stamp used; from SU's "Cute and Curly" (Geez, even the stamp set sounds too Girly for me!!) and the rest is paper upon paper layers! Lots of strips of paper. Some bling.... Some Rainbow Tape (kraft color) to cover my paper seams... a little cuttlebug action. And my little bow is all wonky looking in the picture-- maybe it is in shock from the over use of floral and pink! Finished card is an A2.

A SPECIAL NOTE:

To all my regular commenter's and the sometimes commenter's, well to any of you taking the time to read this --- a big THANKS to you! Between the recent shoe stories and the sweet and funny comments you leave.... Honestly, you make my day and you leaving comments really motivates me and my crazy (sometimes) creative self to post regularly! Sometimes I want to comment back to you, especially when you ask a question -- but your email address is not enabled on your blogger page.... just a thought, maybe you want to change it... but then maybe you don't want me in your IN BOX??? lol!

COMING SOON: Information on my little bows and HOW I make them!

• Stamps: Cute and Curly by SU
• Ink: Creamy Caramel
• Paper: All DP by K and Company, Neenah Classic Crest Ivory, Brown Kraft
• Other: Pink Souffle Pen, Spellbinder's Scallop Rectangles, Curly Punch by SU, Japanese Screw Punch, 1/4" Silk Ribbon (Sharon's Ribbon Store), Rainbow Tape, Crystals, Prima Flowers, Spellbinder's Scallop Edgeability

a MONDAY card!

I know... my humor is soooo warped! Well... I originally made this card for the OCC Sketch Challenge this past Saturday. I loved Silke's sketch that she gave us to work with. I had this card all made and ready to go.... then I went to upload my card -- of course last minute, and saw every one else had done these sweet and pretty cards... definitely more appropriate for Easter Weekend. So I said to myself, this card is going to really be out of place! So I decided to change it-- obviously as you can can see the more subdued and softer card I ended up posting Saturday! So I make another card.... and get ready to go switch my upload.... well I had no Internet! Nada! We had storms roll thru and it took out the cable, phone and Internet...ahhh the joys of bundled product! So there I am am dwelling on my fire hydrant card going live amongst all the "pretties" from the other OCC Ladies -- and not a thing I can do. Finally around 2:oo AM I had Internet back, so with three hours to go from posting... I made the SWITCH! That's the story! Hmmmm... the card kind of fits, actually! What... you want to know about the card and not my troubled Friday night??? OK, here goes...

This totally fun set is from There She Goes, and the whole set is full of FUNNY FUNNY stuff! They have fab sets! I had to splurge a bit and get some new stuff! I stamped the hydrant six times -- so easy to do multiple stampings with clear stamps! This "Suspicious Pup" image from Dog Gone Stamps fit right in to place with my card! Copics used to color everything. The red splatter dots you see here and there are from a stamp called "Splatter". I used a Silver Gel Pen to color in portions of the hydrants and also added some stitch marks too. I accented the Pup's nose and eyes with Crystal Lacquer. Leave me a comment if you read this entire rambling post!

• Stamps: Suspicious Pup from Dog Gone Stamps, Sentiment and Fire Hydrant from There She Goes: LOL Taglines Set, Splatter Stamp by Hampton Arts # 2240G
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black, Riding Hood Red
• Paper: Paw Print Dp by DCWV Pet Stack, Curious Cryogen White, Black, Riding Hood Red
• Other: Crystals, Crystal Lacquer, Scallop Scissors, Spellbinder's Classic Circles, Silver Gel Pen

Who won the Candy....

Well, here it is -- time for the CANDY!

I have to say the shoe stories were funny, quirky, some I really could relate to and all so much fun to read! If you need a laugh, there a few comments there that had me rolling! Thanks to all who left a note! A big Thank You to our Blog Candy Sponser: Repeat Impressions. I used the Random.org site to pick the Winning number.

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Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:62
Timestamp: 2009-04-13 00:33:29 UTC

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Michelle (sf9erfan) said...
Love love love your card! The musical bg is perfect as aren't shoes magical??My shoe story is a sad one. I love shoes (like most gals), and had my share of a massive collection! Then, I had 2 babies in a row and my feet suffered! Now, not only has my shoe size gone up 1/2 a size (good bye to my collection -sob), but I have a ligament condition in my feet now and CAN'T wear any shoes with any height to them! sob! So, it's tennis shoes and flats for me now!

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Michelle, thank you so very much for your comment! And -- I also don't wear shoes with height to them as I am already 6 feet tall! Please email me (jennygropp@comcast.net) so I can give you the deets on claiming your candy!

Branching Out!

Hmmmm. Where to start... This card originally started out as a "Cat" card, obviously it took a few turns as cards tend to do sometimes! I had that gorgeous gold design on acetate "paper" that I had been eyeing in the paper pile, and that was the only thing that stayed true to my original design thoughts! I named this post Branching Out, as this design is "branching out" for me. I am always in awe of Michelle Zindorf's designs and her brayer work. But the Brayer and I, well.... we are not friends! I have tried and tried and failed and been frustrated. I know practice makes perfect.... and I want instant immediate perfect brayering, which nothing comes with out investing a little time. Maybe one day, the Brayer and I can live together as one. I stamped my fantastic tree branches and flower branches from Coronado Island Stamps multiple times, and used the Versamark Pen and Clear Detail EP to act as the resist, keeping my flowers white. I used a couple of markers to outline and darken the branches. I added a few craggy limbs so they would all be slightly different. I don't know that this is a good representation of a scene/tree you would find in nature ---But it's my card, my interpretation! I made a circle mask for the moon. Then I used brushes and Adirondacks to stipple ink on the background, using colors I thought were in the background DP. I removed the Circle mask, and brushed in circular motion a little Latte ink. I wanted the moon to glow around the edges, so I went back and used my white gel pen to add a little white ink around the edges, then while still wet I smushed it around using my finger. Very technical process! I added a little dimensional pearl to accent the center of the flowers. I matted everything, and the gold acetate layer is popped up so you can see it is see thru IRL. I added my little Thank You, I know, I over use this Thank You stamp, but I love it! Ahhhh and more heavenly silk ribbon from Sharon's Ribbon Shop... I tied my little triple bow and also edged the corners with a silky strip of ribbon. Garnished liberally with pearls to complete! Finished card is 5x7. Anyone still with me here? I know my background might have been a little more fluid if I had used glossy paper, but I didn't know this is where my card was going!! And.... Happy Easter to all!

Have you signed up for my BLOG CANDY? Well if not, go a couple of posts down to the Shoe Card and leave a comment -- you have to leave a comment about SHOES... there are some pretty entertaining Shoe Stories...so go there! Candy Drawing tonight at 8PM!

• Stamps: All Stamps from Coronado Island -Thank You # 1305-B, Pine Limb #0713-I, Apple Blossoms #0316-D
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark and Gold Detail EP, Versamark Pen and Clear Detail Ep, Adirondack Inks: Latte, Currant, Oregano, Slate
• Paper: Gold Overlay from Hambly Studios, Gold, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, DP by Diane's Daughter, Neenah Classic Crest Ivory
• Other: Stipple Brushes, White Gen Pen, 1/4" Silk Taupe Ribbon, Pearls, Pearls, Pearls!, Dimensional Pearls "Mushroom" by Adirondack, Spellbinder's Labels Nesties

OCC Sketch Challenge - Wings of Peace

It's Saturday, and an OCC Sketch Challenge!

This week our April hostess, Silke Ledlow,

has put together a sketch for you to try.

Our Creative Corner would like to thank, Jessica Knutsen from There She Goes. Jessica is generously giving away one of her newly released stamp sets Tweeterpated for this week's prize on the OCC Blog. Details on what to do to enter on Our Creative Corner!

So, I had fun with Silke's sketch.... making three cards from it and choosing this one to share today. It had an Easter Weekend "feeling" to me. This is one of my all time most favorite sentiments. If only it was a simple as it reads. On to the deets... The base of the card is a Kiwi Green, but I covered it all up! The funky DP is from K and Company, and it was a 12x12 sheet with strips of different patterns in coordinating colors. So I cut and pasted to create the card background! I airbrushed a little grey around the sentiment while still in the Nestie, roughed up the paper edges with some scissors, then edged it with a little pink marker. The silver circle was cuttlebugged and adhered to a pink scallop circle. Then the butterfly... this also was from a 12x12 sheet from K and Co.... a whole page of butterflies that you popped out. I made this one using three of them, cutting the second butterfly in the center and extending the wings a bit so you could see the pink edges. A little foam tape gives "lift" to the wings. I also airbrushed the pearls to match and then finished it up with that 1/4" sweet silk ribbon that I am completely in love with (from Sharon's Ribbon Store). Final card size is an A2. Click on the pics for a closer look!

For a close up view on the Challenge projects for this week please visit the OCC ladies on their blog -Silke Ledlow, Cindy Haffner, Jennifer Meyer, Kim Teasdale, Lori Boyd, Robin Willis, Frances Byrne, Loretta Lock , Viki Garrett and Joycelyn Turner.

BLOG CANDY in my last post! Go leave a comment for your chance to WIN!

• Stamps: "Peace on your Wings..." by the Stamp barn #HSH030G
• Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: Silver Metallic, Neenah Classic Crest Ivory, DP by K and Co.
• Other: Copic ABS, Cuttlebug Folder, Pearls, Black Micron Pen, 1/4" Silk Ribbon, Spellbinder's Classic Circles, Spellbinder's Classic Rectangles

Hanging out with Sharon and BLOG CANDY!

So this is my card for Sharon's Friday Challenge this week.... My second week as her Guest Stamper... ohhhh, this month is going too quickly! Sharon issued the challenge to "HANG IT UP" -- to use a hanging tag or hanging charm on your card. Or make a project that *hangs*, or stamp an image of something this is hanging. Please check out the great samples for the Stamp Simply Challenge today on the blogs of these very creative designers:

Dee - Janine - AJ - Jennifer - Julie - Becky

BUT.... Before you go surfing around, head to the end of this post for BLOG CANDY!

So this is what I came up with for the Challenge. A simple layout using my Curved Rectangle Nesties for the card shape. The suspended charm I created with a Shoe Brad on a White Circle, inserted in the Silver Circle Frame, and then backed with a black scalloped circle. I was thinking I might put a magnet on the back of the charm, then you can snip the ribbon and have a fun magnet. I love the look of something suspended on the card and now with Nesties, it is so much easier to create a suspended project! I used only Black Ink on White Card Stock and then the additional layers were cut using scissors. Some mini dots around the border, bling and ribbon to finish it up! Now..... it's time for

BLOG CANDY!

The stamps used to make this card are all from Repeat Impressions and they put a $25 Gift Certificate up for grabs! How to win, you ask? Leave me a comment on this post sharing something "shoe related".... your favorite color of shoe, the most you ever spent on a pair of shoes (I won't tell!), you hate wearing shoes.... you get the idea... share a little shoe story! Look forward to hearing all about shoes! Now I'm wishing Sex and the City was still going... all this shoe talk makes me miss the girls! If you want to post a blog candy link on your blog that would be great, but not neccesary. Want to see more cards I have made using Repeat Impressions Images? Click here!

I will use the random number thingy to pick a name and post the winner at 8PM Easter Sunday night, so check back to see if your name came up!

• Stamps: All Stamps by Repeat Impressions, Ginger Rogers #8013 I, Music Background #6806-U
• Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Black, Red, Silver
• Other: Silver Circle Frame Charm, Spellbinder's Classic Circles, Spellbinder's Curved Rectangles, Red Ribbon, Silver Pearls, Red Crystals

Carrots!

I had to ink up my Easter stamps from TCP a little more, the cute factor is a definite 10 for the TCP Spring Release sets! I stamped and colored with my Copics. I used my Oval Nestie to draw the inner oval, allowing his ears to stick out from the oval, then trimmed the oval around his ears using scissors. Everything else is just paper layers. The paper is from Basic Grey; the Striped DP is from the Ambrosia Collection and the Grey Polka Dots from Archaic Collection. I thought they paired up pretty well for this non-pastel Easter greeting. A little faux stitching (the only kind of stitching I'll ever do!) and a some bling to finish it off. Completed card size is an A2.

• Stamps: All Stamps from The Cat's Pajamas
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: DP by Basic Grey Ambrosia and Archaic 6x6 Collections, Curious Cryogen White, Orange Bazzill Card Stock
• Other: Crystals, Spellbinder's Classic Ovals , Brown Micron Pen, Paper Piercer, Scallop Scissors, Copics

Flying Fairy

I don't have a big collection of fairy or fantasy type stamps... so when I needed to make a Fairy card for Repeat Impressions... I kind of groaned a bit. BUT after I stamped this image and the card came together... turns out, I think this little fairy is pretty darn cute!!! So I'm still not jumping on the fairy wagon anytime soon, but I'll use this little sweet fairy image again. I airbrushed around the image and colored with Copics, big surprise there. I stamped a second pair of wings for Wee Fairy and her Slave Bee, so I could pop them up and glitter them up! Maybe that's the appeal of the fairy -- is it the glitter you can add to the wings? All the paper on this card is from Basic Grey's Urban Prairie Collection. The little sticker embellishment is also BG and I outlined it with a black Micron to help it stand out a bit. More Heavenly 1/4" Silk Ribbon from Sharon's Ribbon Store. This is the best stuff!!! Some little stitch marks with a Yellow Souffle Pen and a drop of bling here and there. All Done. Finished card size is 5 1/2" Square. Whatcha think of my little fairy??

• Stamps: all Stamps by Repeat Impressions -Garden Fairy and Bee # 4320- I, Quote #5803-I
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Black, All DP is from Basic Grey "Urban Prarie" Collection
• Other: Crystals, Glitter Glue, Silk Ribbon 1/4", Basic Grey Sticker Embellishments, Yellow Souffle pen, Spellbinder's Classic Ovals, Black Rainbow Tape, Micron Pens, Copics/ABS

Fashion Flower Fringe

Ohhhh, how this card came together I have no idea! Kinda wild, but I like it. I chose the color for my friend Sandy, who loves all things PINK. The stamp is from Coronado Island and part of their collection called "On the Side", meaning a main stamp, then also a sentiment or coordinating stamp is mounted on the side of the wood. I started with the flower and stamped the image with Memento London Fog Grey. Then I used copics to color over the stamping, I was originally trying to achieve a watercolor effect with the markers, I quickly realized I was no where close to my idea, so really I was just playing with my markers. I used a black Micron Pen to go back and put some defining lines on the flower. The background was airbrushed with W5, then I used my blender pen to mop up color and make this sort of grunge/washy background. The flower has a stem and leaves, but I was not happy with how I colored it, sooooo the old "cover up technique" had to be applied. I cuttlebugged a bottom pink portion for that. Then I spotted the fringe... then the adhesive silver nailheads....some little dots around the edges, and well.... Here it is. All of the black you see was done by edging with the chisel tip end of the Copic. The additional nestie layers were hand trimmed with scissors.

• Stamps: Coronado Island - OTS/Birthday #1816-H
• Ink: Memento London Fog, Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: Groovy Guava DP by SU, Bazzill Dark Pink, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Misc. Grey Stripe DP
• Other: Copics/ABS, Swiss Dots CB Folder, Black Fringes, Silver Nailheads, Black Micron Pen, Pink Crystals, Spellbinder's Ribbon Tags, Spellbinder's Curved Rectangle

Easter Time at the OCC!

It's Saturday, time for the OCC Challenge - Our April host, Silke has challenged us to use our *favorite* Easter Stamp Set. How simple is that???

Well, I chose this little round bottom bunny for my favorite Easter stamp this year. I feel a certain kinship with his shape! It is actually two bunny stamps.... you do see the "other one" don't you? There's always one in every crowd! lol! I went a little nutty using Basic Grey's Euphoria Paper Collection to stamp these Bunnies. The "front" Bunny stamp actually has the tail to the left, but I trimmed it off and put it in different spots on everyone, so they would not look so cookie-cutter! I liked pairing the Elegant sentiment with these goofballs and mixing it up, what can I say.... some paper, stamps,ink and I can totally entertain myself! I added some little stitching using Souffle Pens, then embellishing in between with some sparkly little dot stickers. (Approximately 25 of those little dots are now embedded deep in the carpet). Click on the pics for a closer look. Now, I have to tell you about the heavenly ribbon.... I just got this in the mail on Friday, and I have fallen in love with it. The ribbon is from Sharon Johnson's Ribbon Store.... it is 1/4" SILK and let me tell you.... IT ties up and puffs out like a DREAM! It is so fine and light - the middle knot ties perfectly crisp, tight and clean, just perfect to attach to a card! I had fun with these little bunnies and this card! Finished card size is an A2.

For a close up view on the Challenge projects for this week please visit the OCC ladies on their blog -Silke Ledlow, Cindy Haffner, Jennifer Meyer, Kim Teasdale, Lori Boyd, Robin Willis, Frances Byrne, Loretta Lock , Viki Garrett , Joycelyn Turner also, this week we want to welcome our OCC Guest Designer Jeanette Fincher.

• Stamps: Front Bunny and Backside Bunny are from Morning Star Stamps, Easter Sentiment is from Penny Black
• Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: All DP from Basic Grey's Euphoria Collection, White
• Other: Spellbinder's Oval Nesties, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Folder, Green and Pink Souffle Pens, Sparkly Dot Stickers by Stampendous, 1/4 Silk Ribbon, Photo Corner Punch by SU

One Monkey, Two Cups, A Million Dots

These little monkeys are so fun to color and always bring a smile! I have no idea where I pulled this color combo from! I started with the Red Polka Dot paper and it went from there...After coloring Changito with Copics and outlining with Copic N1, I added some polka dots on the mugs and coated them with Crystal Lacquer. More dots around the Nestie circle and some Faux Stitching. Then I happened upon the Black and White Ribbon.... well I used it all up! A little Cuttlebug Action with my favorite folder Swiss Dots and lots-a-layers! Finished card size is 5 3/4" Square.

• Stamps: Changito and Coffee by Stampendous, Sentiment by Hero Arts #C2772
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: Red Polka Dots by Imaginisce Twitterpated Collection, Black, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Teal
• Other: Black and White Polka Dot Ribbon, Red Satin Ribbon, White Gel Pen, Silver Pearls, Spellbinder's Double Ended Tags, Spellbinder's Classic Circles, Paper Piercer, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Folder