SemSee's Sparkly Scribblings

Crazy Whimsical Blog Hop!

2012-01-27T08:00:00.005Z

Happy Friday everyon!

Today I am participating in a joint company blog hop! Whimsy Stamps is joining One Crazy Stamper to bring you a Crazy Whimsical blog hop filled with lots of inspiration and of course some yummy PRIZES!

Here's a little about both companies:

Whimsy Stamps is a family owned rubber stamp company located in the United States. We carry a large variety of exclusive rubber and digital stamps, custom rubber and digital designs, our Shapeology metal crafting dies, and many different crafting embellishments. We have new releases each month for both rubber stamps and dies as well as new digital images. Hop by the shop and the Whimsy Stamps Inspirations blog to see what's new!

One Crazy Stamper is a fantastic Canadian crafting store with an online site as well as a brick and mortar store located in Bolton, Ontario! One Crazy Stamper has the latest products you are looking for! Be sure to check out the One Crazy Stamper shop as well as the OCS blog for your daily inspiration.

The theme of our hop is a fabulous sketch by my wonderful Whimsy Stamps DT sister, Iris. Thank you Iris for such an awesome sketch to work with!

For my blog hop creation I flipped the sketch and used it in its mirror-image. I used the brand *new* and just released Whimsy Stamps Mad Skillz rubber stamp (available HERE from the Whimsy Stamps store) and paired her with some yummy Echo Park Yours Truly 6x6 paper (available HERE at One Crazy Stamper):

Supplies
Whimsy Stamps Mad Skillz rubber stamp
Whimsy Stamps Shapeology Die - Country Heart
Echo Park Yours Truly 6x6 paper
Memento Tuxedo Black ink; Copics
MFT Die-namics Musical Notes
Black double-faced ribbon and Baker's Twine (from Sew Sweet)
4mm black pearls

We would love for you to join us in our hop featuring projects from the Whimsy Stamps and One Crazy Stamper Design Teams. We have hidden some prizes along the way, so be sure to hop around from blog to blog and leave a comment at each stop to be in with a chance to win some crafty goodies! You have 24hrs to enter the draws.

Finally here is a complete list in hopping order:

One Crazy Stamper Blog
Jacilynn
Debbie Eastman
Michelle
Alberto Gava
Sue
Heidy Blom
Joni
YOU ARE HERE --- > Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE
Madge
Iris Wiechmann
Sharon
Beate Johns
Lisa
Tammy Louise Cunliffe
Lora

Thank you for stopping by today and I hop you enjoy our join hop!

Hugs,

Whimsy Stamps January Release: Showcase Day 6

2012-01-24T17:00:00.008Z

For my Sparkle Creations Challenge card, please scroll down or CLICK HERE

Hello and welcome to Day 6 of our January Rubber Die Release Showcase!

On Wednesday (18 January) Whimsy Stamps released this month's rubber designs and new shapeology dies. From then until 25 January the Whimsy Stamps DT and Special Guests are showcasing these fabulous new stamps and dies with a daily mini blog hop.

Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you have 24hrs to enter each prize draw.

To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12.00PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12.00PM EST on 25 January.

To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations, please click on the links below...

Ann Vento
Deb Routledge {Special Guest}
Debbie Eastman
YOU ARE HERE ---> Simonne Clay <-- YOU ARE HERE
Stephanne Maraver
Tammy Louise Cunliffe

For today's creation I used the *new* Whimsy Stamps Bird Swing stamp and paired it with some Basic Grey Piccadilly papers. My feelings about this card? Well, let's just say it didn't quite turned out as I had envisaged it in my head, lol! But we all have our off days! ;)

Remember that the entire new release is available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check back at the Whimsy Inspirations blog tomorrow for more new release creations and the list of mini hop winners!

Hugs,

SCRSC71B: Tea Set Rin

2012-01-24T05:00:00.098Z

Hi everyone and welcome to Week 2 of Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge #71! This week we have a fabulous sketch by Kim to follow and you have until Sunday 29 January @ 9.00PM PST to play along.

For my challenge creation I used Tea Set Rin. As you may remember, I was unhappy with my Tea Set Rin release card and even though I already had a card ready for today's challenge, I decided to make a new one using this adorable stamp from our newest release. I'm pleased to report that I am much happier with this attempt! :)

Supplies
SCRS Tea Set Rin rubber stamp
Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
Copic markers
Basic Grey 'Picadilly' 6x6 paper
Spellbinders Nestabilities 'Wonky Rectangles' (S4-306)
15mm Double Faced Satin Ribbon - Old Gold (from Sew Sweet @ 35p/yd)
15mm Sheer Ruffle Ribbon - Gold (from Sweet @ 49p/yd)

Yesterday (23 January) was Chinese New Year and even though I wasn't consciously thinking about it, I can see now that it definitely influenced my choice of red and gold colour scheme, lol! I made some ruffly ribbon flowers (first time ever!) using some of the gorgeous 15mm Sheer Gold Ruffle Ribbon from Sew Sweet. Super easy - all you need is a needle and thread! The 15mm Double Faced Satin Ribbon - Old Gold is also from Sew Sweet and is a BARGAIN at only 35p a yard!! I have to say that the 15mm Double Faced Satin Ribbon that Emma stocks at Sew Sweet is the most beautiful and best satin ribbon I have ever used. It is such amazing quality and there are 25 different colours to choose from. I also love the width of it and it makes the most gorgeous bows!

Our challenge is open to all players. Each week a random winner will be chosen, and challenge 71's winner will receive Snow Angel Ruby. In order to qualify for a prize, you must use a Sparkle Creations image on your creation.

Thanks so much for dropping by today and I hope you have a fabulous Tuesday!

Hugs,

Whimsy Stamps January Rubber & Die Release Day!

2012-01-18T17:00:00.007Z

Welcome to Whimsy Stamps January rubber stamp and die RELEASE DAY!

Whimsy Stamps is releasing 16 fantastic new rubber stamps and 2 wonderful new Shapeology dies today! These new goodies are available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.

From today until 25 January the Whimsy DT and Special Guests will be showcasing these fabulous new stamps and dies with a daily mini blog hop. Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you will have 24hrs to enter each prize draw by leaving a comment on every blog listed for that day.

To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12:00PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12:00PM on 25 January.

To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations by the Design Team, please click on the links below...

Debbie Eastman
Ellie Stover
Erin Bailey
Mariska van der Veer {Special Guest}
Niki Estes
Stephanne Maraver
Tammy Louise Cunliffe

Here is a full list of the wonderful new goodies released today:

3 Crissy Armstrong rubber stamps
Everything's Just Ducky ~ Heart Hugs ~ Spring Zebra

4 Kenny K rubber stamps
Bodacious Bev ~ Cool Kid ~ Mad Skillz ~ Val Ventura

3 Meljen's Designs rubber stamps
Snow Bunny ~ Yeti Cocoa ~ Cozy Winter Raccoon

3 Wee Stamps rubber stamps
Bird Swing ~ Heidi ~ Wee Bunny

3 Raindrop Echo Designs rubber stamp sets
Sympathy Notables 3 (coordinating die available below)~ Thank You Tabs (coordinating die available below) ~ Celebrations Mini Tickets (coordinates with already released Mini Ticket die)

2 Raindrop Echo Designs Shapeology dies
Notables 3 (coordinating stamp set available above) ~ Tabs (coordinating stamp set available above)

Don't forget to visit today's DT and leave a comment on their blog posts to be entered into the draw to win a new release stamp, then pop back to the Whimsy Inspirations blog tomorrow for the next list of showcase posts!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy our new release!

Hugs,

SCRS Preview & Release Day: Tea Set Rin

2012-01-14T05:00:00.001Z

Hi everyone and welcome to Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps January RELEASE DAY!

Today we are showcasing the fabulous Tea Set Rin - I so {heart} this stamp! All new release stamps are available to buy from the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Store RIGHT NOW, yay!

Ingredients

SCRS Tea Set Rin rubber stamp

Bitter Chocolate Bazzill cardstock

MME 6x6 pad - All Spice (from MMSC)

Chocolate Brown Seam Binding (currently 25% off from Sew Sweet)

4mm black gems

Unfortunately I'm not veyr pleased with my card. :( I ADORE the stamp and I'm happy with my colouring and paper choices, but after that it went a bit "blah". I won't tell you how long I sat fiddling around with layouts when I was working on this card! I think my mojo was on holiday, lol! In the end I resorted to an old layout I used a while ago (I think it was one of Jen's 2011 SFYTT) ... and once I'd stuck everything down I started having ideas like "I could have used my new wonky rectangles nesties" - doh!! I may try adding some "Lori Boyd" style multi-coloured dots around her to take your eye away from the expanse of white. Anyhoo, the rest of the DT have done a superb job with their cards, so do hop on over to their blogs to take a peek!

Sparkle will be giving away Tea Set Rin to one lucky person! For a chance to WIN, you need to visit and comment on all of the designer's Tea Set Rin blog posts (links listed below), then head on over to the SCRS blog and comment on the Tea Set Rin post there. You have until midnight EST tonight to comment.

Alice Wertz
Danielle Lounds
Debbie Carriere {January Guest Designer}
Kerri Michaud
Kim Yu
Shaela Odd
Simonne Clay
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
SCRS blog

Thanks for dropping by! I promise I'll do better for my SCRS challenge card on Tuesday!

Hugs,

SCRS Preview: Nurse Lucy

2012-01-12T05:00:00.042Z

Hi everyone and welcome to the first day of our Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps January release previews.

Today we are showcasing the adorable Nurse Lucy who comes with the "get better soon" sentiment. All new release will be available to buy from the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Store on Saturday 14 January.

ETA: The eagle-eyed amongst you who are hopping in order would have spotted that Margie's and my card are extremely similar, even down to the choice of paper we used for paper-piecing! I can assure you that no copying has taken place on my part, lol! I hadn't seen Margie's card until I hopped around myself this morning. Great minds think alike, eh? LOL :)

I used some yummy new MME Love Me 6x6 paper (from My Mum's Craft Shop), some delicious 10mm *new* double-faced satin ribbon (from Sew Sweet) and the fab Sweet Sketch Sunday sketch #149 (in its mirror image). Sparkle is sponsoring the Sweet Sketch Sunday challenge with 2 adorable stamps, and you still have a day or so to get your entries in for a chance to win!

Be sure to visit all the rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Hockey Oliver. Sparkle will be giving away Nurse Lucy to one lucky person! For a chance to WIN, you need to visit and comment on all of the designer's Nurse Lucy blog posts (links listed below), then head on over to the SCRS blog and comment on the Nurse Lucy post there. You have until midnight EST tonight to comment.

Alice Wertz
Amber Hight
Debbie Carriere {January Guest Designer}
Kim Yu
Margie Cortina
Savannah O'Gwynn
Shaela Odd
YOU ARE HERE ---> Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creation Rubber Stamps blog

I hope you have a great Thursday! Thanks, as always, for popping by!

Hugs,

SCRSC70B: Something New

2012-01-10T05:00:00.087Z

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Today I have my Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge 70 creation to share with you. Well, actually I have a very quick substitute creation to share with you as I made a boo-boo! Sorry! I will be back later with my proper challenge card which follows Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch #149 which Sparkle is sponsoring.

So, our very first SCRS challenge of the New Year is rather appropriately to "Use something new"! It may shock some of you to hear that I didn't have any new crafty stash in my Christmas stocking this year (I was extremely lucky to win some a while back!). Instead I had some Debussy piano music, lots of new novels (I love to read!) and some beautiful new Wedgwood tea cups among a few other small things (including the new Glee DVD - yes I'm a huge GLEEK, lol!).

Unfortunately we had to buy a lot of new electrical appliances in the week before Christmas as our toaster, kettle, iron, electric mixer and DVD player all decided to go kaput! It is rather awesome to finally have a Blu-Ray player, yay! And I do love our new kettle and toaster - they are a gorgeous coppery colour (we've got a bit of a neutral + orange tones theme going on in our house, lol!) - but it did mean that our Christmas gift budget got used up!

I did buy myself some more Moleskine Cahiers before Christmas (got them from Amazon this time as the supplier I used when I first bought them doesn't sell them anymore and of course they are now double in price!). So once I'd realised my boo-boo, I stamped up Sweet Treats Emily in Vintage Photo Ink straight onto the front and voila, an (almost!) instand book to jot down recipes!

As I said, I'll be back later today with my proper challenge creation! :)

Our challenge is open to all players. Each challenge a random winner will be chosen, and this challenge one lucky winner will receive Daffodil Charlotte . In order to qualify for a prize, you must use a Sparkle Creations image on your creation.

Do visit the rest of the 'Team B' DT to see their beautiful challenge creations:

Kerri Michaud
Margie Cortina
Savannah O'Gwynn
Simonne Clay
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Store
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Thanks for stopping by today and hope to see you later!

Hugs,

TGF Release Day!

2012-01-01T06:01:00.103Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!!!

2012 is already off to an awesome start because it's RELEASE DAY at The Greeting Farm! Can I hear a "woo-hoo"?

We are SO excited because not only are there a tonne of new releases available in the store today, there are a TONNE of new faces being introduced on the TGF BLOG! We are welcoming 8 new Design Team members to our "SHOWCASE" team, the team that will be carrying you through until our next round of previews in March. Our new SHOWCASE team will be bringing you lots of fresh ideas using our new releases and some fun tutorials and other special posts along the way.

The fabulous SIX new releases we have been previewing for the last week or so are now available to buy in the TGF Store! And if you fancy being popped into the draw to WIN all six of them, simply hop around and say hello to our new PREMIERE and SHOWCASE teams.

For my new release creations I decorated a Moleskine Notebook and made a Gable Box.

This is the first time I have coloured an actual image properly on kraft using Copics - eek!!! It was SO different - you have to choose your colours very carefully, lol! I stamped CC Madden in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then coloured with Copics as per usual. I found that this paper soaked up the ink a lot so I had to use a lot more that I would normally do when colouring on white card. If you missed the 2 preview cards I made with CC Madden last week, please CLICK HERE to take a peek.

For my second project I decided to make a Gable Box (again, first time I have made one of these - super easy!). This is actually my 2nd attempt. I made the first from purple card and was going to go down a gothic, dark kind of road with it but once I'd made the box I couldn't find any paper that worked - oops!! So I started again with good old kraft cardstock and voila:

I really wanted to use the larger of the sentiments from the Lucky Bunnies stamp set (LOVE the font!). So I stamped it twice onto kraft cardstock using Vintage Photo ink and doodled around the edges with a brown fineliner. If you would like to see the card and corner bookmark I made with the other stamps in this fab clear set, please CLICK HERE for my preview post.

Myself and the rest of the TGF team hope you've enjoyed the last week or so of previews, announcements and are SO grateful that you are sharing in our excitement as TGF rings in the NEW YEAR!

HAPPY 2012 everyone! Now be sure to head over to The Greeting Farm Blog to check out all of the FUN!

Thanks so much for popping by!

Hugs,

Supplies
Stamps: TGF CC Madden; TGF Lucky Bunnies
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Tim Holtz Vintage Photo
Moleskine Notebook
Copics
Embellishments: Sew Sweet - Seam Binding; Sew Sweet - Kraft Button Twine; 4mm flatback pearls
Tools: Inverted Corner Rounder punch; Oval and Scalloped Oval punches

Are you feeling lucky?

2011-12-30T10:56:00.003Z

Hellloooooo everyone!!

Are you ready for some more The Greeting Farm January release previews? Today we are previewing a new and totally adorable clear set called "Lucky Bunnies". (The eagle-eyed die-hard TGF fans out there will spot that this is an updated and new version of an old retired set of 2008.)

For my 2 projects I decided to make a card and matching corner bookmark for my niece's upcoming birthday (she loves to read and is a real bookworm). I love creating "scene cards" and as soon as I saw this stamp set I just couldn't resist, lol!

This is also my entry into the January MFT Guest Designer Contest where they are asking you to paper-piece. I don't need to be asked twice to use all-time fave technique, lol! I paper-pieced the tummies and ears of the bunnies, the presents, and one of the balloons (the stamp has one balloon, but I stamped a second balloon onto patterned paper, cut it out and positioned it behind the first).

I also used my brand new MFT Die-namics die set "By The Letters" for the very first time (bought from My Mum's Craft Shop). I thought it would be fun to add some yummy Sew Sweet - Baker's Twine as actual strings of the balloons and I also made a teeny tiny hair bow out of it for one of the bunnies - I love my twine! [Emma has added Baker's Twine to the SALE section at Sew Sweet and it is currently 25% off!]

I created a border on the reverse of the bookmark using one of the accessory stamps of this adorable clear stamp set - SO easy to do!!! I also stamped the "Wrapped in Hugs" sentiment stamp to finish:

Do hop on over to the TGF Blog to see today's GORGEOUS "Lucky Bunnies" preview creations by the team - sooooo cute! :))) Only 2 more sleeps 'til RELEASE DAY!! WOO-HOO!!!!!! :))

Thanks so much for dropping by! And a very HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all! See you in 2012!

Hugs,

Supplies
Stamps: TGF Lucky Bunnies (clear set)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
Colouring Medium: Copics (E33 E31 E30 R20; R81 R83 R85; Y13)
Paper: Echo Park 6x6 pad
Card: White, Kraft
Tools: MFT dies; Martha Stewart border punches, Corner round punch
Other: SU Glitter, Sew Sweet - Baker's Twine

I'm a TGF Premiere Farmer!

2011-12-23T07:31:00.002Z

Hi everyone! I'm SO sorry that I've been MIA for a while. Unfortunately my beloved gran was admitted to hospital almost 2 weeks ago and then passed away suddenly just over a week ago, so everything has been rather topsy turvy ever since. :(

However, I'm here today to share some fabulouse news! I am honoured to announce that ... I am a TGF Premiere Farmer!!

I've known about this for a little while, but of course was sworn to secrecy until today! I can't tell you how amazed and shocked I was when I received the invite. "Me? You really want me? You sure you haven't made a mistake?" immediately came to mind! But once I'd stopped hyper-ventilating, punching the air, leaping up and down and generally making a complete fool of myself, I flew off a quick email of acceptance! Well, how could I not? It's not every day you receive a personal invite onto one of the most coveted DTs in the stamping world. I've always wanted to be a TGF Farmer but never thought I would be good enough!! WOO-HOO!! Huge thanks to Marie and Jess for inviting me and believing in me - you gals are the best and I hope I make you and The Greeting Farm proud! *bites nails nervously* :)

You can read all about the new way of doing things over at the TGF blog, but basically TGF has decided to split their Farmers into two groups and the "TGF Premier Farmers" are a small group hand-picked by Jess and Marie who will be handling the previews of each release.

If you stopped by the TGF Blog on Tuesday you would have drooled over the brand new "Miss Anya Garland" stamp set samples by new TGF Premiere Farmers Wendy and Corinna. Today I'm previewing samples made with the newest addition to the Creeper Crew, "Madden", and here are my cards:

I followed Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 148 and used Echo Park 'Happy Days' paper for my first card.

For my second card I used some fabulous Authentique Gathering 6x6 paper.

Isn't Madden cool? Hee hee! I loved playing with her and colouring that hair!! Next time I colour her up I will choose a different hair colour ... and it may not be blonde or red! *wink*

Make sure you hop on over to the TGF blog to take a peek at all of today's preview projects.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas. Thank you all so very much for your visits, comments, support and friendship over the past year. Here's to a blessed and peaceful holiday and a fantastic 2012!

Hugs,

Supplies - Card 1
Stamp: TGF CC Madden
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Colouring: Copic Markers
Paper: Echo Park 'Happy Days' 12x12 Collection - Bottle Caps (HD19005) and Big Flowers reverse (HD19007); 6x6 Paper Pad (HD19023)
Card: White; Black
Embellishments: Echo Park 'Happy Days' 12x12 Element Stickers (HD19014) & Alpha Stickers (HD19015)

Supplies - Card 2
Image Stamp: TGF CC Madden
Other Stamps: Whimsy Stamps Everyday Mini Postage Stamps; Whimsy Stamps Music Notes background stamp
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black: Dark Brown chalk ink
Colouring: Copic Markers
Paper: Authentique 'Gathering' 6x6 bundle
Card: White; Chocolate Brown
Embellishments: Prima flower; Sew Sweet - Brown brad; Bead cap; Sew Sweet - Seam Binding; Flatback pearls
Tools: Whimsy Stamps Vines die set; Whimsy Stamps Mini Postage Stamp die; MS border punch; Corner rounder punch

Whimsy Stamps: December Rubber & Die Release Day!

2011-12-14T17:00:00.002Z

Welcome to Whimsy Stamps December rubber stamp and die RELEASE DAY!

Whimsy Stamps is releasing 20 gorgeous new rubber stamps, 3 fabulous new Shapeology dies and 6 new Shape EZ templates and cut files today. These new goodies are available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.

From today until 21 December the Whimsy DT and Special Guests will be showcasing these fabulous new stamps, dies and Shape EZs with a daily mini blog hop. Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you will have 24hrs to enter each prize draw by leaving a comment on every blog listed for that day.

To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12:00PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12:00PM on 21 December.

To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations by the Design Team, please click on the links below...

Bev Rochester {Special Guest}
Deb Routledge {Special Guest}
Dena Concienne {Special Guest}
Ellie Stover
Erin Bailey
Jacque Beddingfield {Special Guest}
Tammy Louise Cunliffe

Here is a full list of the wonderful new goodies released today:

5 Crissy Armstrong rubber stamps
Giraffes in Love ~ Lend me your Ear ~ Valentine Fairy ~ Love Birds ~ Jumbo in Love

4 Kenny K rubber stamps
Atlantea ~ Groove Dude ~ Miss Fortune ~ Miss Thang

3 Meljen's Designs rubber stamps
Lovey Pup ~ Lovin' Turtle ~ Loving Ewe

4 Wee Stamps rubber stamps
Fluffy on the Lily ~ Rose and Felix ~ Sam's Special Delivery ~ Spring Bringer

4 Raindrop Echo Designs rubber stamp sets
Everyday Circle Postmarks ~ Friendship Notables 2 (coordinating die available below) ~ Love Mini Tickets (coordinating die available below) ~ Stylized Notables 1 (coordinates with already released Notables 1 die)

3 Raindrop Echo Designs Shapeology dies
Mini Ticket (coordinating stamp set available above) ~ Notables 2 (coordinating stamp set available above) ~ Country Heart

6 Shape EZ downloadable templates
Flip Tree ~ Magnolia Flower ~ Mini Rosettes ~ Pedestal Tag 1 ~ Sparkle Holiday Pin ~ Take Out Box

SCRS Preview & Release: Ice Skating Chloe

2011-12-10T05:00:00.028Z

ETA: I'm so sorry this post didn't go live when it was supposed to. It was set to publish at 05:00AM but when I checked a few minutes ago it didn't! Eek! Silly blogger - grrr!

Hi everyone and welcome to Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps RELEASE DAY! This is our last SCRS post for 2011 as the DT is having a well-deserved break over Christmas. Our bi-weekly SCRS challenges will resume on 3 January 2012.

Today we are showcasing the fabulous Ice Skating Chloe. All new release stamps are available to buy from the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Store RIGHT NOW, so hop on over there and treat yourself to a sparkly Christmas present! :)

Be sure to visit the rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Ice Skating Chloe. Sparkle will be giving away Ice Skating Chloe to one lucky person! For a chance to WIN, you need to visit and comment on all of the designer's Ice Skating Chloe blog posts (links listed below), then head on over to the SCRS blog and comment on the Ice Skating Chloe post there. You have until midnight EST tonight to comment.

Alice Wertz
Kim Yu
Shaela Odd
YOU ARE HERE --> Simonne Clay <-- YOU ARE HERE
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Thanks for popping by and I hope you've enjoyed our new release!

Hugs,

SCRS Preview: Hockey Oliver

2011-12-08T05:00:00.062Z

Hi everyone and welcome to the first sneak peek day of our last Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps release of 2011. I can't believe there are only 23 days left of this year and only 17 more sleeps until Christmas!! Eek! I am SO not ready, lol!

Today we are showcasing the awesome Hockey Oliver who comes with a fabby sentiment stamp that reads 'Slap Shot;. All new release stamps will be available to buy from the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Store on Saturday (10 December) - just in time for treating yourself to a sparkly Christmas present! :)

I confess to knowing nothing about ice hockey, so I used the net to search for some ice hockey uniforms to help me colour Hockey Oliver. Whilst I was surfing, I found the GB Ice Hockey website and so decided to replicate their uniform. Then I spent ages digging through my papers to try to find some red and blue to match, but I couldn't find anything suitable. So I then hit upon the idea to make the base of the card a Union Jack Flag! Being the type of person I am, I wanted to make the proportions perfect and so after a bit of searching I found them on Wiki! :) I'm really pleased with how my Union Jack turned out! Now I have the measurements all figured out, I will be able to make some Olympic cards for next year. London 2012 will be the 3rd consecutive Olympic Games my brother has competed in as part of the Men's Recurve Archery Team GB! :)
Be sure to visit all the rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Hockey Oliver. Sparkle will be giving away Hockey Oliver to one lucky person! For a chance to WIN, you need to visit and comment on all of the designer's Hockey Oliver blog posts (links listed below), then head on over to the SCRS blog and comment on the Hockey Oliver post there. You have until midnight EST tonight to comment.

Alice Wertz
Kim Yu
Shaela Odd
YOU ARE HERE --> Simonne Clay <-- YOU ARE HERE
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Thanks for popping by!

Hugs,

SCRSC69: Holiday Emily

2011-12-06T05:00:00.081Z

Hi everyone!

Sorry I've neglected this blog a bit recently. It's been busy, busy, busy here and I seem to be chasing my tail all the time, but I'm back now with my Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge 69 card to share with you, which is a fabulous sketch by Kim! This is our final SCRS challenge of 2011 and our challenges will resume on 3 January 2012.

I inked up Holiday Emily for today's card and paired her with some yummy Echo Park 'Merry Christmas' paper from last year:

Supplies

Image: SCRS Holiday Emily rubber stamp

Sentiment: Paper Makeup Stamps 'Little Moments Mini Sentiment Set'

Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad; Copics

Core'dinations 12x12 Colorcore cardstock: Poinsettia CR030

Echo Park 12x12 'Merry Christmas' paper: Holly Berry MC5009

Spellbinders dies: Lacey Circles S4-293 and Layered Poinsettia S5-055

4mm flatback pearls and 5mm gems

May Arts Striped 3/4" Twill Ribbon: Red/White (from Sew Sweet)

One of my favourite ribbons of all time is May Arts Striped 3/4" twill ribbon (available from http://www.sewsweet.co.uk/), and I think the red/white one is perfect for Christmas cards (it reminds me of candy canes!). For this card I cut a small piece of the ribbon and then carefully cut it in half vertically to create 2 candy cane-esque pieces to pop in the top left corner.

Our challenge is open to all players. Each challenge a random winner will be chosen, and the winner of challenge 69 will receive Sledding Chloe. In order to qualify for a prize, you must use a Sparkle Creations image on your creation.

To play along in our challenge, please upload a photo of your project to the SCRS gallery by Sunday 11 December @ 9 PM (PST). Here is the direct link to entries for this week's challenge: Sparkle Creations Photo Gallery -- SCRS Challenges -- Challenge #69. If you haven't registered yet, it just takes a few seconds to create a login and upload your photo. [Please note that contest entries will be pulled only from the SCRS Photo Gallery.]

Thanks for stopping by today! ......only 19 more sleeps to go!!!!! (We're very excited here in the Clay household, lol!)

Hugs,

I'm a cover girl!

2011-11-24T08:00:00.002Z

...okay, so not in the 'model' sense! (That would never happen, lol!) But I am pleased as punch that one of my cards is on the cover of the latest issue (99) of Cardmaking and Papercraft Magazine. My card is the traditional red and green Poinsettia card, and you can also see piccies of the matching bag and box I made in the bottom RH corner of the cover. My wonderful crafty friend, Jo Nevill, has been a designer for CMAP for a long time now and one of her gorgeous projects is also featured on the front cover - she has done a tutorial to make the most stunning Christmas table decorations and you can see a peek in the bottom LH corner of the cover:

I was commissioned to make 2 cards, a bag and a box for the Quickmakes feature of the magazine which you can find on page 35. Here's a shot of my ugly mug, lol! I straightened my hair the day thet piccie was taken.

And finally a piccie of the 2-page spread on pages 36 and 37. The magazine did an amazing job of staging and photographing the cards, box and bag:

As you can see, I used some fabulous Whimsy Stamps rubber stamps for my creations and paired them with some gorgeous Authentique 12x12 Wonder paper. I used red gingham ribbon, kraft cardstock and Vintage Photo ink to give the projects a warm, traditional feel.

Here is the list of the stamps I used:

Sweet Treats bag - Whimsy Stamps Vintage Christmas (large candy canes & "to and from" sentiment)
Winter Bloom card - Whimsy Stamps Vintage Christmas (large poinsettia)
Vintage Tree card - Whimsy Stamps Christmas Tree in Words

You can buy the stamps direct from the Whimsy Stamps store or from the lovely Elaine at Quixotic Paperie if you live in the UK/Europe.

Thank you for popping by and sharing in my excitement of being published! I know this is not a new thing for many of you, but it is huge honour for me and I am thrilled! :)

Hugs,

SCRSC68: Team Josh vs. Team Oliver

2011-11-22T16:20:00.003Z

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Today I have my Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge 68 card to share with you. Our current challenge is "Team Oliver" vs. "Team Josh". With Breaking Dawn out in theatres now, we thought we'd do our own spin on "Team Edward" vs. "Team Jacob"! If you aren't familiar with this, no worries - just use either an Oliver or a Josh image on your card or project! You have until Sunday 27/11/11 @ 9 PM PST to play along.

I'm still on a Christmas card run at the moment and so I chose to ink up Elf Oliver. I paired him with some fabulous Echo Park paper and followed Jen's November Sketch for You To Try:

Supplies
SCRS Elf Oliver
Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
Copics
SU glitter; Brown & White cardstock
Echo Park 12x12 Collection Kit - Holly Jolly Christmas
Divine Baker's Twine (from Sew Sweet)
Green buttons (from Sew Sweet)

Our challenge is open to all players. Each challenge a random winner will be chosen, and challenge 68's winner will receive their choice of either Football Josh or Backpack Oliver. In order to qualify for a prize, you must use a Sparkle Creations image on your creation.

Do visit the rest of the DT to see their beautiful challenge creations:

Margie Cortina
Mary Johnson
Simonne Clay
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Store
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Thanks for stopping by today and hope you have a fabulous Tuesday!

Hugs,

Whimsy Stamps November Release Showcase - Day 5

2011-11-21T17:00:00.072Z

Hi again and welcome to Day 5 of the Whimsy Stamps November Rubber Die Release Showcase!

On Wednesday (16 November) Whimsy Stamps released this month's rubber designs and new shapeology dies. From then until 23 November the Whimsy Stamps DT and Special Guests are showcasing these fabulous new stamps and dies with a daily mini blog hop and I am part of today's hop!

Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you have 24hrs to enter each prize draw.

To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12.00PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced here on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12.00PM EST on 23 November.

To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations, please click on the links below...

Beate Johns {Special Guest}
Deb Routledge {Special Guest}
Debbie Eastman
Ellie Stover
Erin Bailey
Jacque Beddingfield {Special Guest}

YOU ARE HERE ---> Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE

Stephanne Maraver
Sylvia Blum

For today's new release creation I have used the stunning Raindrop Echo Designs Sleigh Ride stamp set. I adore Ann's vintage sets - they are so beautiful. The "Winter Wonderland" sentiment comes from the Sleigh Ride stamp set, but the stamped border is from the Raindrop Echo Designs Winter Notables 1 stamp set. I simply stamped the sentiment onto kraft card, used my stamp positioner to stamp the border in the perfect position, and finally I carefully cut out the shape with scissors (...because silly old me didn't buy the Whimsy Shapeology Notables 1 die - duh!). I used my Whimsy Shapeology Elegant Notables 1 die with brown card to cut out the stunning flourish shape then glued my kraft sentiment on top.

I designed this card so that I could mass produce it using just one piece of patterned paper each time. My idea is to simply switch out the patterned paper for another but keep everything else the same! Next time I make this card I think I will be brave and use some green and brown markers to highlight a few bits of the image, but to date I have been too scared to colour on kraft with my Copics, lol! Here is a list of supplies I used ...

Supplies

Raindrop Echo Designs Sleigh Ride stamp set

Raindrop Echo Designs Winter Notables 1 stamp set

Whimsy Shapeology Elegant Notables 1 die

Teresa Collins 6x6 paper pad - World Traveller

Dark brown and kraft cardstock

Tim Holtz Distress ink pad - Vintage Photo

Brown ribbon, 4mm brown flatback pearls

Remember that the entire new release is available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Oh, and don't forget to leave a comment *wink*!

Hugs,

Whimsy Stamps November Release: Showcase Day 4

2011-11-20T17:00:00.082Z

Hi everyone and welcome to Day 4 of the Whimsy Stamps November Rubber and Die Release Showcase!

On Wednesday (16 November) Whimsy Stamps released this month's rubber designs and new shapeology dies. From then until 23 November the Whimsy Stamps DT and Special Guests are showcasing these fabulous new stamps and dies with a daily mini blog hop, and I am part of today's hop!

Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you have 24hrs to enter each prize draw.

To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12.00PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12.00PM EST on 23 November.

To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations, please click on the links below...

Debbie Eastman
Dena Concienne {Special Guest}
Ellie Stover
Erin Bailey
Minna Paajanen
YOU ARE HERE ---> Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE
Tammy Louise Cunliffe

For today's creation, I chose to ink up the adorable Wee Stamps for Whimsy Stamps - Wee Florist - isn't she pretty? I actually messed up the colouring of the parting of her hair (I seem to be having problems with my Copic E50s at the moment - they are turning orange if I colour more than one layer with them?). As I'd coloured everything else, even the background, I didn't want to start over, so I added a rose to cover up my mistake!

I also used my gorgeous Shapeology Double Scallop Tag Die and kraft card to create a sentiment tag that slots behind the main image. I used Vintage Photo ink to stamp the sentiment that reads "You bring sunshine to my life" which is from the stunning Raindrop Echo Designs Vintage Seed Packets stamp set (FYI: the stamps in this stamp set would go perfectly with the Wee Florist image!)

Supplies

Whimsy Stamps Wee Stamps - Wee Florist

Whimsy Stamps Raindrop Echo Designs - Vintage Seed Packets

Whimsy Stamps Shapeology Die - Double Scallop Tag

Copics

Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad

Tim Holtz Distress ink pads - Vintage Photo (sentiment) and Antique Linen (edges)

Basic Grey 6x6 paper pad - Picadilly (a gift from a friend - thank you SO much sweetie!)

Kraft and white cardstock

Spellbinders Nestabilities - Lacey Squares (from MMSC)

Cotton Lace (from Sarahs Cards Ltd)

Ribbon from stash

Rustic Cream Button Twine (from Sew Sweet)

Flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts

Remember that the entire new release is available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check the Whimsy Inspirations blog tomorrow for more new release creations!

Hugs,

Whimsy Stamps November Rubber & Die Release!

2011-11-16T17:00:00.003Z

Hi everyone and welcome to Whimsy Stamps November rubber stamp and die RELEASE DAY! Woo-hoo!

Whimsy Stamps has released 20 fabulous new rubber stamps and 4 wonderful new Shapeology die sets today. These new goodies are available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.

From today until 23 November the Whimsy DT and Special Guests will be showcasing these fabulous new stamps and dies with a daily mini blog hop. Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you will have 24hrs to enter each prize draw by leaving a comment on every blog listed for that day.

To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12.00PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12.00PM on 23 November.

To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations by the Design Team, please click on the links below...

Beate Johns {Special Guest}
Crissy Armstrong
Debbie Eastman
Ellie Stover
Erin Bailey
Mariska van der Veer {Special Guest}
Stephanne Maraver
Tammy Louise Cunliffe

Here is a full list of the wonderful new rubber stamps and dies released today:

5 Crissy Armstrong rubber stamps
Cool Pony ~ Penguin Skier ~ Sealed With A Kiss ~ Served With Love ~ Snow Fun

4 Kenny K rubber stamps
Brianna Blaster ~ Sexy Elf ~ Superhero ~ Toy Soldier

3 Meljen's Designs rubber stamps
Bundled Little Snowboy ~ Cozy Little Chickadees ~ Cozy Winter Owl

5 Wee Stamps rubber stamps
A Letter For Me ~ Christmas Bunny ~ Let It Snow ~ Suzi With Bunny ~ Wee Florist

3 Raindrop Echo Designs rubber stamp sets
Cozy Hands sentiments (co-ordinating die set available) ~ Sleigh Ride ~ Winter Notables (co-ordinating dies available)

4 Raindrop Echo Designs Shapeology dies
Layered Snowflakes ~ Mittens (co-ordinating stamp set available) ~ Notables 1 (co-ordinating stamp set available) ~ Elegant Notables 1 (co-ordinating stamp set available)

Don't forget to visit today's DT and leave a comment on their blog posts to be entered into the draw to win a new release stamp, then pop by the Whimsy Inspirations blog tomorrow for the next list of showcase posts!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the new release!

Hugs,

SCRS Preview & Release: Snow Angel Ruby

2011-11-12T05:00:00.044Z

Hi everyone! Today is the final day of our Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps November release sneak peeks and also it's RELEASE DAY!

Today we are showcasing the beautiful Snow Angel Ruby. All new release stamps are available to buy RIGHT NOW from the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Store! Yippee!

Sorry for the poot photo - this is so much more sparkly IRL. The snowflakes are punched/die cut from glittered card and I have used the very fine SU glitter all around Ruby. Hopefully the light will be better later today/tomorrow and I will be able to update the photo complete with glitter that sparkles, lol! :)

Supplies
SCRS Snow Angel Ruby rubber stamp
Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
Copics
Coredinations 12x12 Colorcore cardstock
Echo Park 'Wintertime' 12x12 papers: WT7002 Flurry (reverse) and WT7003 Snow
15mm Double-faced Scarlet Berry satin ribbon (from Sew Sweet)
38mm White Eleganza Web Ribbon
Martha Stewart punches: Arctic Snowflake
Spellbinders: Snowflakes Dies and Labels 22
White & Pale Blue glittered card
4mm red flatback pearls
YNS Glittered Skittles
SU Glitter

Be sure to visit all the rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Snow Angel Lucy. Sparkle will be giving away Snow Angel Lucy to one lucky person! For a chance to WIN, you need to visit and comment on all of the designer's Snow Angel Lucy blog posts (links listed below), then head on over to the SCRS blog and comment on the Snow Angel Lucy post there. You have until midnight EST tonight to comment.

Alice Wertz
Jen Shults {November Guest Designer}
Kim Yu
Shaela Odd
YOU ARE HERE --> Simonne Clay <-- YOU ARE HERE
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Thanks for popping by! I hope you've enjoyed our new release!

Hugs,

SCRS Preview: Snowbunny Lucy

2011-11-10T05:00:00.082Z

Hi everyone! Today is the first day of our Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps November release sneak peeks!

Today we are showcasing the adorable Snowbunny Lucy who comes with a darling sentiment stamp. All new release stamps will be available to buy from the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Store on Saturday (12 November)!

I decided to pair Lucy with some fun papers from my Echo Park Holly Jolly 12x12 Collection Kit (I love EP collection kits!!). This is such a fab kit, and the best bit is it's currently 10% off at only £12.59 from My Mum's Craft Shop (NB ALL EP 12x12 Collection kits at MMSC are 10% off at the moment - yippee!).

Supplies
SCRS Snowbunny Lucy rubber stamp
Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
Copics
Coredinations 12x12 Colorcore cardstock
Echo Park 'Holly Jolly 12x12 papers: HJ20002 Snowy Sidewalks and HJ20003 Merry & Bright (reverse)
Cotton Candy Baker's Twine (from Sew Sweet)
Martha Stewart punches: Arctic Snowflake & Himalayan Snowflake
Corner rounder punch
YNS Glittered Skittles (from Your Next Stamp)

Be sure to visit all the rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Snowbunny Lucy. Sparkle will be giving away Snowbunny Lucy to one lucky person! For a chance to WIN you need to visit and comment on all of the designer's Snowbunny Lucy blog posts (links listed below) then head on over to the SCRS blog and comment on the Snowbunny Lucy post there. You have until midnight EST tonight to comment.

Alice Wertz
Jen Shults {November Guest Designer}
Kim Yu
Shaela Odd
YOU ARE HERE --> Simonne Clay <-- YOU ARE HERE
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Thanks for popping by and see you again on Saturday for release day - yay!

Hugs,

SCRSC67: White on White

2011-11-08T05:00:00.081Z

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Today I have my Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge 67 card to share with you.

Before I get to my challenge card, I would like to remind you that from this month (November) we have switched to bi-weekly challenges - this means a new SCRS challenge will be posted every 2 weeks. Also, the SCRS team has been split into 2 groups - Team A will post their projects on the same day the challenge goes live and Team B will post their projects one week later. I am in Team B and so even though challenge 67 has been running for a week, it's now time for me to share my challenge creation with you!

Sparkle is sponsoring this week's Party Time Tuesday challenge #41 which is "bling" so I added some pearls to this week's card.

For my "White on White" creation I chose to ink up Relaxing Charlotte:

Remember that My Mum's Craft Shop is now an official UK/European stockist of Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps! So if you're in the UK/Europe, you can buy Relaxing Charlotte right HERE at the MMSC store.

Our challenge is open to all players. A random winner will be chosen to win a fabulous SCRS rubber stamp, and our prize for challenge 67 is the adorable Farming Oliver. In order to qualify for a prize, you must use a Sparkle Creations image on your creation.

Do visit the rest of the DT to see their beautiful challenge creations:

Margie Cortina
Mary Johnson
Simonne Clay
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Store
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Thanks for stopping by today and hope you have a fabulous Tuesday!

Hugs,

SCRSC66: No Colouring

2011-10-28T11:06:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone! I hope you're having a great week. Here in the UK a lot of schools are closed for the half term holidays, so we have been enjoying some fabby family time this week! We have been out shopping for winter boots for our daughter and I couldn't believe my eyes that most of the shops have their Christmas decorations up and Christmas gifts in store - we still have a week left of October!! I do LOVE Christmas though - it's my favourite holiday! :)

This post was supposed to post on Tuesday, but unfortunately we've had internet and computer problems since Monday lunchtime which totally scuppered my plans! We've had no internet for most of the week, but after consultaing an expert, it turns out that we had a virus that was causing all sorts of havoc - eek! It's sorted now, but it was SO frustrating not to know what was wrong and being without a computer/internet for alsmot a week! Grrrr! ;)

Anyhoo....this week at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge we are challenging you not to colour! This is not as scary as it sounds - you could stamp your chosen SCRS image in a different colour, perhaps get out your embossing powders, or even paper piece some or all of the image, just so long as you don't actually colour! :)

I chose to use Charlotte with a Rose (also available at MMSC if you live in UK/Europe) and went with a kraft and white/cream theme:

Our challenge is open to all players. Each week a random winner will be chosen to win a fabulous SCRS rubber stamp. In order to qualify for a prize, you must use a Sparkle Creations image on your creation.

I'm really not sure about my card - the jury is out whether I like it or not, LOL! But I can tell you that my fabulous SCRS DT sistahs have done an amazing job with their challenge cards, so please visit them for inspiration this week:

Alice Wertz
Amy Tsuruta {October guest}
Corinne Mercado
Kadie Ensley
Kim Yu
Margie Cortina
Mary Johnson
Piali Biswas
Shaela Odd
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Store
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Thanks for popping by today! Hope you're having a great weekend!

I have to go into hospital next week for a colonoscopy. Fingers crossed nothing goes wrong, but I have planned to take next week off just to be safe. All being well, I will be back crafting/blogging the week after, but I may schedule some cards that I haven't yet blogged in the meantime!

Hugs,

Card Supplies...

Whimsy Stamps: Bart Loves Christmas

2011-10-19T17:00:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone!

On 12 October, Whimsy Stamps released their fabulous new rubber stamps and dies. Over the past week the Whimsy Stamps DT and Special Guests have been showcasing these awesome new goodies and today is our final showcases day! Please visit the DT to take a peek at their final new release projects:

Annika Ryan
Debbie Eastman
Erin Bailey
YOU ARE HERE ---> Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE
Stephanne Maraver
Sylvia Blum

For my final showcase creation I decided to ink up the adorable Bart Loves Christmas. My paper is from the gorgeous Echo Park Seasons Greetings 12x12 Collection Kit (available from MMSC). The alpha stickers are from the same kit and I used them with the Whimsy Stamps Ornaments dies to create my sentiment! Twine and ribbon are from Sew Sweet.

Here is a full supply list, complete with links:

Supplies
Whimsy Stamps Bart Loves Christmas (from Whimsy Stamps)
Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad (from MMSC)
Copic markers (from MMSC)
Echo Partk 'Seasons Greetings' Collection Kit (from MMSC)
Core'dinations 12x12 Colorcore cardstock - Poinsettia and Mantis
Whimsy Stamps Ornaments die set (from Whimsy Stamps)
Red/White Twill Stripe ribbon and Divine Twine 'Cherry' (from Sew Sweet)
Turquoise Dew Drops and 38mm White Eleganza Web Ribbon (from MMSC)

I also want to let you know that the Whimsy Inspirations Magazine - Issue 4 has been released today! It features never-before-seen creations from our wonderful Magazine Staff as well as many stunning creations by the Whimsy DT, Special Guests and Friends of Whimsy.

Thank you so much for popping by today!

Hugs,

SCRSC65: Sunflower Charlotte

2011-10-18T05:00:00.070+01:00

Please scroll down or click here for my Whimsy Stamps Showcase Day 5 post

Happy Tuesday everyone!

This week at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge we have a gorgeous photo from which to draw inspiration, courtesy of The Pottery Barn:

Sparkle is sponsoring this week's Card Patterns Sketch #137 with some fabby SCRS rubber, so I decided to use their awesome sketch for today's challenge card, simply flipping it upside-down:

I chose to ink up the beautiful Sunflower Charlotte for today's card and paired her with some gorgeous Basic Grey Origins 6x6 papers (I'm now down to my last few scraps of this pad ... *sob*). The elements I took from the photo as inspiration for my creation were the white, lemon, green and brown colours, and the leaves.

Supplies
SCRS Sunflower Charlotte rubber stamp
Memento tuxedo black ink; Tim Holtz Vintage Photo ink
Copic markers
Kraft & White cardstock
Basic Grey 'Origins' 6x6 paper pad
Ribbon, Prima flower, button, 4mm flatback pearls
Green Button Twine (from Sew Sweet)
Circle & Scallop Circle Nesties, Corner Rounder punch, Scallop border punch

Remember that My Mum's Craft Shop is now an official UK/European stockist of Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps!

Our challenge is open to all players. Each week a random winner will be chosen to win a fabulous SCRS rubber stamp. In order to qualify for a prize, you must use a Sparkle Creations image on your creation.

Do visit the rest of the DT to see their beautiful challenge creations:

Thanks for stopping by today and hope you have a fabulous Tuesday!

Hugs,

Whimsy Stamps October Rubber & Die Release Showcase - Day 5

2011-10-17T18:15:00.005+01:00

Hi everyone and welcome to Day 5 of the Whimsy Stamps October Rubber Die Release Showcase!

On 12 October, Whimsy Stamps released this month's rubber designs and new shapeology dies. From then until 19 October the Whimsy Stamps DT and Special Guests are showcasing these fabulous new stamps and dies with a daily mini blog hop.

Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you have 24hrs to enter each prize draw.

To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12.00 PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12.00 PM EST on 19 October.

To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations by the Design Team, please click on the links below...

Ellie Stover
Erin Bailey
Mariska van der Veer {Special Guest}
Stephanne Maraver
Sylvia Blum

I am part of today's hop, but after collecting a very upset daughter from school, I've had to abandon everything for some "mummy & me" time. I will photograph my card later tonight when she's gone to bed and then upload it. So please bear with me. I am very upset for her at the moment. All I will say is that some parents are really not fit to be parents if they bring their children up to disregard the feelings of their friends. It's not some petty playground squabble either, but something that has been running in the background, unbeknownst to us. I'm not quite sure why human beings can't treat each other with love and respect and consider each other's feelings. I could go on and on about this, but I know it won't change anything, it won't change people. So I will stop there. It just makes me so very sad.

ETA: Here's my card

Supplies
*NEW* Whimsy Stamps Kenny K Mistletoe
*NEW* Whimsy Stamps Holiday Mini Postage stamps
Whimsy Stamps Music Notes (background stamp)
Whimsy Stamps Shapeology Die - Vines
Whimsy Stamps Shapeology Die - Mini Postage Stamp
Whimsy Stamps Shapeology Die - Double Scallop Border
Kraft, Red and Bitter Chocolate cardstock
Memento tuxedo black ink; Tim Holtz Vintage Photo distress ink
Copic markers
Basic Grey 'Jovial' 6x6 paper pad
5mm & 4mm flatback pearls
Spellbinders Layered Poinsettias dies (S5-055)
Chocolate Brown Seam Binding (from Sew Sweet)

Remember that the entire new release is available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check the Whimsy Inspirations blog tomorrow for the next mini blog hop list!

Hugs,

Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps have arrived at My Mum's Craft Shop!

2011-10-14T15:38:00.001+01:00

are now available to buy at...

I am ecstatic to announce that Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps are now available to buy in the UK at My Mum's Craft Shop! WOO-HOO!! Kitty has just taken her very first delivery of these wonderful rubber stamps and will be expecting more designs soon. If there is a SCRS stamp you would like but find that it's not yet listed in the MMSC store, just email Kitty and she'll sort you out!

As you all know, I {ADORE} Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps. I am so, so lucky to be on the SCRS DT, and so I would like to share some piccies of past cards I have made using the SCRS stamps that are now available to buy now at MMSC to maybe tempt you a little...

Charlotte with a Rose

Bicycle Chloe

Shopping Emily

Daffodil Charlotte

Surfing Oliver

Sweet Treats Emily

Sledding Chloe

Birthday Josh

Cruisin' Chloe

Cocktail Emily

Relaxing Charlotte

To view the complete range of SCRS stamps, hop on over to the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps store. And remember, if you are in the UK/Europe and you spy a SCRS stamp that you can't live without but it's not yet listed in the MMSC store, just shoot Kitty an email.

Once you get your SCRS stamps, don't forget to join in our weekly Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge HERE where you could win a SCRS stamp!

Okay, you can go off to shop now, LOL! Oooh, and remember that My Mum's Craft Shop UK P&P is only £1.75 or FREE for all orders over £29.99.

Hugs,

Whimsy Stamps October Release - Showcase Day 1

2011-10-13T17:00:00.022+01:00

Hello and welcome to Day 1 of theWhimsy Stamps October Rubber Die Release Showcase!

Yesterday, Whimsy Stamps released this month's rubber designs and new shapeology dies. From then until 19 October, the Whimsy Stamps DT and Special Guests will be showcasing these fabulous new stamps and shapeology dies with a daily mini blog hop.

Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you have 24hrs to enter each prize draw.

To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12.00 PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12.00 PM on 19 October.

To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations by the Design Team, please click on the links below...

Ann Vento
Debbie Eastman
Erin Bailey
Simonne Clay
Stephanne Maraver

Remember that the entire new release is available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.

For today's card I decided to go very "clean & simple" and create a one-layer card using a couple of the stamps from the Seasonal Ornaments stamp set and the compatible Ornaments Die Set. The size of the card is 119x119mm, the sentiment was printed straight onto the card base, the top part was embossed with a snowy CB EF (can't remember exactly what it's called), a bit of grosgrain ribbon wrapped around, and some Baker's Twine from Sew Sweet used to string up the ornaments. Easy! :) I really love the striking combination of red and white for CAS Christmas cards and I hope you do too! :)

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check the Whimsy Blog tomorrow for more new release creations!

Whimsy Stamps October rubber & die release!

2011-10-12T17:00:00.003+01:00

Woo-hoo! It's the Whimsy Stamps October rubber stamp and die RELEASE DAY!

Whimsy Stamps has released 15 fabulous new rubber stamps and 2 wonderful new Shapeology die sets today. These new goodies are available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.

From today until 19 October, the Whimsy DT and Special Guests will be showcasing these fabulous new stamps and dies with a daily mini blog hop. Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you will have 24hrs to enter each prize draw by ensuring you leave a comment on every blog listed for that day.

To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12.00PM EST tomorrow morning. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12.00PM on 19 October.

To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations by the Design Team, please click on the links below...

Annika Ryan
Debbie Eastman
Ellie Stover
Stephanne Maraver
Tammy Louise Cunliffe

Here is a full list of the wonderful new rubber stamps and dies released today:

4 Crissy Armstrong rubber stamps
Bart Loves Christmas ~ Christmas Dreaming ~ Jolly Little Santa ~ Little Santa Claws

4 Kenny K rubber stamps
Drama Queen ~ Lady Victoria ~ Mistletoe ~ Mrs Claus

7 Raindrop Echo Designs rubber stamp sets
Holiday Mini Postage Stamps ~ Holiday Pennants ~ Postcard to Santa ~ Seasonal Ornaments (compatible die available) ~ Stockings (compatible die available) ~ Advent Calendar ~ Holiday Postage Stamps

2 Raindrop Echo Designs Shapeology dies
Stockings Dies ~ Ornaments Dies

Finally, I would like to let you know that issue #4 of the Whimsy Stamps Inspirations Magazine will be released on 19 October! Woo-hoo! It's a FULL issue packed with never-before-seen creations from the Whimsy Stamps DT and guest designers, so be sure to check it out for lots of gorgeous inspiration!

Winner of my Wee Stamps mini blog hop draw

2011-10-12T16:55:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone! Just popping by to announce the winner of my Wee Stamps blog hop mini candy draw. I plugged the numbers into random.org and it came out with ...

Which means Mary Lou from http://marylouscorner.blogspot.com/ has won one new release Wee Stamps for Whimsy Stamps rubber stamp! Congrats Mary Lou!! Please email Denise with your full contact details and she will mail out your prize asap.

Hugs,

SCRSC64: Farming for Buttons

2011-10-11T05:00:00.008+01:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

This week at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge we have another of Kim's FANTABULOUS sketches for you to follow (thanks Kim!):

The DT are using Farming Oliver and Fall Charlotte for our creations this week. I chose to ink up Farming Oliver as I have a male birthday coming up for someone who likes gardening, and although Oliver is technically a farmer, I think he is great for gardening-themed cards too! [Perhaps we could have a gardening themed girl stamp in the future to 'match' him - big hint to Sparkle & Aki there, hee hee!].

I kept the card fairly simple and embellished with loads of yummy hand-dyed buttons from http://www.sewsweet.co.uk/. I can't tell you how wonderful the quality of these buttons are, and I think they are a steal at only £1.99 for a 50g mixed bag. I used buttons from the Hot Chocolate, Summer Mixed and Olive bags on my card, plus some of the fabby Natural Kraft Button Twine.

My sentiment stamp is from the Whimsy Stamps Party Mini Letter Seals, which fit perfectly into a 1 1/4" circle punch!

Our challenge is open to all players. Each week a random winner will be chosen to win a fabulous SCRS rubber stamp. In order to qualify for a prize, you must use a Sparkle Creations image on your creation.

Do visit the rest of the DT to see their gorgeous creations:

Thanks for stopping by today and hope you have a fabulous Tuesday!

Hugs,

News, news and more news!

2011-10-09T11:19:00.003+01:00

The lovely Kim Dellow always posts a Sunday Round-up on her blog, and as I have a lot of news to share today, I thought I would shamelessly nick her idea and post my own round-up! Hee hee! Thank you Kim for the inspiration! :)

Okay, so first up, My Mum's Craft Shop news....

My Mum's Craft Shop is holding an amazing SUPER STAMP SALE

Sweet November, Kraftin' Kimmie, Pink Cat Studio, Nellie Snellen, The Greetings Farm, Stampavie, and loads more rubber stamps are on sale right now in the super stamp sale section from as little as £3.00!Remember, UK postage is £1.75 or FREE if you spend £29.99 or more (which is not hard, LOL!), and Kitty is fabulous at getting out orders super quick.

My Mum's Craft Shop is now an official stockist of Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps!

I know that there are a lot of UK/European fans of Sparkle's adorable stamps, and I hope you are super excited that you will now be able to buy them from a local stockist! Yippee!! If there is a SCRS stamp that you want that Kitty hasn't listed in her store, be sure to let her know and she will add it to her next order! :)

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Over at Whimsy Stamps we still have our Wee Stamps for Whimsy Stamps hop going on until 11 October. If you haven't hopped along with us, hop on over to this post at the amazing Ann's blog and be prepared to drool at the Design Team and Special Guests beautiful creations. One lucky hopper will win the entire release, plus there are 4 mini candy stops scattered throughout the hop, where you can win one new release stamp, so get hopping! :) [Wee Stamps for Whimsy Stamps will soon be available to buy from My Mum's Craft Shop]

The Whimsy Stamps DT and guests are busy preparing for our regular monthly rubber stamp and die release this month. New rubber and dies will be released and be available to buy from the Whimsy stamps store on Wednesday (12 October). The DT and guests will be showcasing the new release with a daily mini blog hop from 12-19 October, so be sure to join us every day to see some fabulous inspiration plus be entered to win a new release stamp in our daily draws.

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On a sad note, I have taken the difficult decision to step down from the Sketch Saturday design team. I became a DT member for the challenge blog 2 years ago in October 2009 and the time has now come to move on. I have had a wonderful time being a DT member and have made some wonderful friendships throughout my time there. I hope the new DT members have a great time and I look forward to joining in the challenge as a challenger when time allows.

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Finally, I am super-excited to share that I have been published in a print magazine!! If you subscribe to the fantastic Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine and turn to page 32 (part of the subscriber's special pages) you will see a Winter Birthday card and matching tag that I was commissioned to make! I used ...

Whimsy Stamps Valerie's Gift rubber stamp

(currently available at 15% off from Quixotic Paperie for my UK/European readers)

Whimsy Stamps Party Mini Letter Seals (available from Quixotic Paperie in UK/Europe)

Chalk White Seam Binding (available from Sew Sweet)

Unfortunately I can't share any photographs of the creations here on my blog until 6 months after publication as this was a commission, but if you do subscribe the magazine I would love to hear what you think!

Okay, that's about it from me! Hubby has a tonne of lesson planning and marking to get through today, so dd and I are having a girly day together. We are off to bake some cupcakes now! I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday.

Hugs,

Sparkle Creations - Sunflower Charlotte

2011-10-08T05:00:00.029+01:00

Please scroll down or click here for my Whimsy Stamps Blog Hop post with candy

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Hello everyone and welcome to Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps October RELEASE DAY!

Today the SCRS DT are showcasing the last of this month's brand new SCRS stamps that are available to buy right now from the SCRS store! So without further ado, I am pleased to introduce SUNFLOWER CHARLOTTE who comes with a darling 'Autumn Blessings' sentiment stamp:

(ETA: New photo uploaded)

Supplies

SCRS Sunflower Charlotte rubber stamp

Memento tuxedo black ink pad (from MMSC)

Copic markers (from MMSC)

MME 12x12 Stella & Rose Hattie (S&R138b and S&R149)

Core'dinations 12x12 Colorcore CC040 French Roast

4mm flatback pearls; Prima flowers

50g Hot Chocolate Mixed Buttons bag (from Sew Sweet)

15mm Gold Sheer Ruffle ribbon (from Sew Sweet)

I also would like to share the awesome news that My Mum's Craft Shop will soon be stocking Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps!!!! WOO-HOO!!!! My Mum's Craft Shop is an online AND brick'n'mortar shop run by the adorable Kitty Frampton. I know that there are a lot of UK and European SCRS fans ... so now you will be able to buy Sparkle's fabulous stamps this side of the "pond"! How exciting!! :)

Be sure to visit all the rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Sunflower Charlotte. Sparkle will be giving away Sunflower Charlotte to one lucky person! For a chance to WIN, you need to visit and comment on all of the designer's Sunflower Charlotte blog posts (links listed below). Then head on over to the SCRS blog and comment on the Sunflower Charlotte post there. You have until midnight EST tonight to comment.

Alice Wertz
Amy Tsuruta {August Guest Designer}
Kim Yu
Shaela Odd
YOU ARE HERE ---> Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Thanks, as always, for popping by!

Hugs

Sparkle Creations October Release: Autumn Rin

2011-10-06T05:00:00.048+01:00

Please scroll down or click here for my Whimsy Stamps Blog Hop post with candy draw

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Happy Thursday and welcome to the first day of our Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps new release sneak peeks!

Today we are showcasing the first of 2 brand new SCRS rubber stamps which will be available to buy on Saturday! So without further ado I am pleased to introduce you to AUTUMN RIN (who comes with a darling 'give thanks' sentiment stamp)...

Supplies

STAMP: Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps 'Autumn Rin' (released 8 October 2011)

INK: Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad

COPICS: Skin E000 E00 E11 E02; Hair W9 W7 W5 W3 W2; Hair Bows R05; Leaves E15 E18 E08

PAPER: MME 'All Spice' 6x6 paper pad

CARD: Bazzill Bitter Chocolate

EMBELLIES: Ribbon, 4mm flatback pearls

I followed this week's Mojo Monday sketch #209 for my card.

Be sure to visit all the rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Autumn Rin. Sparkle will be giving away Autumn Rin to one lucky person! For a chance to WIN, you need to visit and comment on all of the designer's Autumn Rin blog posts (links listed below). Then head on over to the SCRS blog and comment on the Autumn Rin post there. You have until midnight EST tonight to comment.

Alice Wertz
Amy Tsuruta {August Guest Designer}
Kim Yu
Shaela Odd
YOU ARE HERE ---> Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Tomorrow the Karber SCRS DT will be previewing the darling new release for October and I will be back on Saturday with the final SCRS image, so I hope so see you again then!

Thanks, as always, for popping by!

Hugs

Wee Stamps for Whimsy Stamps BLOG HOP

2011-10-05T17:00:00.040+01:00

Hi everyone and welcome to the Wee Stamps for Whimsy Stamps BLOG HOP!

On Sunday, Whimsy Stamps announced the wonderful news that they are exclusively releasing Sylvia Zet's beautiful wee stamps collection in rubber!

Whimsy Stamps is releasing 6 new Wee Stamps for Whimsy Stamps today and these new goodies are available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites. [And for my UK/European readers, you will be pleased to know that My Mum's Craft Shop will be stocking these stamps, so drop Kitty an email and ask her to reserve your favourites before they sell out before they've even arrived!].

The Whimsy Stamps DT and Special Guests have been showcasing these fabulous stamps for the past 3 days, and today we are celebrating their release with a BLOG HOP! We are delighted to welcome our wonderful special guests who are joining the Whimsy DT for this hop - Alberto Gava, Mariska van der Veer, Jacque Beddingfield, Dena Concienne, Tab Robinson and Sylvia Zet herself!

The hop starts today (Wednesday October 5th at noon EST) and ends on Tuesday October 11th at noon EST.

For this hop we have 5 different prize draws! One lucky hopper will win the entire new release of 6 stamps. We also have 4 mini candy stops throughout the hop where you can enter to win a new release stamp ... and I'm one of the mini candy stops!!! So if you would like to win a new release stamp, just pop your details into InLinkz at the end of this post!

If you would like to hop along with us today and haven’t arrived from the lovely Alberto's blog, please CLICK HERE to return to the beginning of the hop at Ann’s blog.

For my blog creation I used the gorgeous Sweet Blossom. Usually I pick my paper after I've chosen my image, but this time I actually chose my flowers first! I have a small box of WOC flowers and one of the colours I haven't really used is lilac/purple. I thought the softness of this colour went beautifully with this image... but I couldn't find some lilac pattern paper to match! Ha ha! After pulling out ALL of my 6x6 pads, I eventually managed to find this piece from my Basic Grey Kioshi 6x6 pad - phew! I'm quite pleased with how my colouring turned out (although I think her face is a bit bright). I was trying to get a softer feel, which is quite difficult with Copics, but I think I managed it ... just!

So now it’s time for you to continue the hop by hopping over to the uber-talented Annika’s blog but don't forget to pop your name and details into the linky tool at the end of this post to be added to my mini candy draw to win one of the new release stamps.

Finally, here is a complete blog hop list in hopping order:

Ann Vento
Chris Olsen
Tammy Louise Cunliffe
Debbie Eastman
Dena Concienne
Stephanne Maraver
Sylvia Blum
Jacque Beddingfield
Erin Bailey
Ellie Stover
Mariska van der Veer
Alberto Gava

YOU ARE HERE --- > Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE

Annika Ryan
Tab Robinson
Sylvia Zet

Thank you so much for hopping with us today and I hope you enjoy the new release!

Hugs,

SCRSC63: 'Orange' Blossom Rin

2011-10-04T05:00:00.059+01:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

This week at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge we have a lovely colour challenge for you:

I {heart} these colours, especially orange! For once, I didn't spend AGES rifling through papers as I knew exactly which paper pad would be perfect - MME Honey Cake 6x6 paper pad (I think I'm going to have to buy another of these to squirrel away just in case I need it in the future when MME stops making it!). Once I'd chosen the paper I felt inspired to go down the oriental route and so I pulled out my beautiful Cherry Blossom Rin stamp (love her!).

Supplies

SCRS Cherry Blossom Rin rubber stamp

Sentiment: Whimsy Stamps Birthday Letter Seals stamp set

Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad

Copics

MME Honey Cake 6x6 paper pad

Martha Stewart Edger Punch - Arch Lattice

Rust 15mm Satin Ribbon (from Sew Sweet)

4mm black pearls; Prima hydrangeas

All supplies in pink are available from My Mum's Craft Shop

I followed Jen's fabby October sketch for you to try and so would like to enter this into the SFYTT challenge!

Our challenge is open to all players. Each week a random winner will be chosen to win a fabulous SCRS rubber stamp. In order to qualify for a prize, you must use a Sparkle Creations image on your creation.

Do hop on over to the SCRS blog to see the gorgeous creations from the rest of the DT.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Til next time ...

Hugs,

Wee Stamps for Whimsy Stamps - Sneak Peek Day 1

2011-10-02T17:00:00.050+01:00

Hi everyone!

Today is a very exciting day for Whimsy Stamps as it's the debut release of the Wee Stamps for Whimsy Stamps rubber stamps! Woo-hoo! Whimsy will be releasing Sylvia Zet's adorable wee collection exclusively in Whimsy rubber from this month onwards - how awesome is that! :)

Whimsy Stamps will be releasing six Wee Stamps for Whimsy Stamps rubber stamps this month on 5 October:

Autumn Happiness ~ Rose's Bike Ride ~ Silver Fairy ~ Sweet Blossom ~ Wee Suzi ~ Winter Fairy

The Whimsy Stamps DT are going to be sharing some fabulous sneak peeks of these darling stamps over the next 3 days in the lead up to their release on Wednesday 5 October! We will be holding a fantastic BLOG HOP on 5 October to celebrate the new release, so be sure to join us then as we will be giving away the entire release to one lucky hopper as well as having a few secret prize draws scattered throughout the hop.

For my card today I have used the darling WINTER FAIRY stamp. I just adore Christmas, and couldn't wait to start making some Christmas cards with my new Echo Park Seasons Greetings 12x12 collection kit that I bought from My Mum's Craft Shop. I also used my brand new Spellbinders Nestabilites Labels 22 (again from MMSC) - I love this new shape! I added polar white flower soft to all the 'fluffy' parts of her outfit and some SU Dazzling Diamonds fine glitter to her wings, wand and the snowy ground. I also added some gorgeous Prima Alencon 20mm Lace (available here at MMSC) to embellish the corners. In a perfect world I would have added some poinsettia flowers instead of roses and cherry blossoms, but I don't have any - not even a suitable punch! So I have promised myself that this year I will buy a poinsettia die - just haven't decided if it's going to be Spellbinders or Marianne Creatables yet!

To take a peek at today's amazing sneak peek projects, please visit the Whimsy Stamps DT listed below...

Annika Ryan
Debbie Eastman
Ellie Stover
Iris Wiechmann

YOU ARE HERE ---> Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE

Stephanne Maraver
Tammy Louise Cunliffe

Thanks for stopping by! I will be back on Tuesday with my 2nd Wee Stamps sneak peak and Sparkle Creations challenge card, but please visit the Whimsy blog tomorrow to check out more sneak peeks from my fabulous DT sisters!

Til next time!

Hugs,

Supplies
Whimsy Stamps Wee Stamps - Winter Fairy
Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad (from MMSC)
Copics (from MMSC)
Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 22 (from MMSC)
Kraft cardstock
Core'dinations Colorcore CR030 Poinsettia cardstock
Echo Park Seasons Greetings 12x12 Collection Kit (from MMSC)
Prima Alencon Lace 20mm (from MMSC)
4mm flatback pearls
Roses & Cherry Blossoms (from WOC)
Polar White flowersoft

SS173 Whimsy Stamps September Rubber & Die Release Showcase - Day 6

2011-09-20T14:00:00.019+01:00

Please scroll down for today's Sparkle Creations Challenge post

Hello and welcome to Day 6 of the Whimsy Stamps September Rubber Die Release Showcase!

On Wednesday (Sept 14th), Whimsy Stamps released their September rubber designs and new shapeology die! From then until September 21st, the Whimsy Stamps DT are showcasing these fabulous new stamps and shapeology die with a daily mini blog hop and today I'm helping to showcase the new Kenny K stamps.

Each daily mini blog hop will have a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you will have 24hrs to enter each prize draw.

Supplies

Whimsy Stamps Kenny K Teen Idol rubber stamp

Memento Tuexdo Black ink pad

Copics

MME 6x6 paper pad Lime Twist 'Fly a Kite'

Die-namics Musical Notes dies

Die-namics Stacking Stars dies

Divine Twine & Twill Stripe Ribbon (both from Sew Sweet)

All supplies in pink are available from My Mum's Craft Shop

I have used Kenny K Teen Idol for today's card and followed this week's Sketch Saturday #173 sketch.

To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 9.00am EST tomorrow morning. All winners will be announced here on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12noon on September 21st.

To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations by the Design Team, please click on the links below...

Annika Ryan
Debbie Eastman
Mariska van der Veer {Special Guest}
YOU ARE HERE ---> Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE
Sylvia Blum
Tammy Louise Cunliffe
Zoe McGrath {Special Guest}

Remember that the entire new release is available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites. Whimsy Stamps is also offering a fabulous 10% discount on all new release stamps and die. There is no need to enter any code when checking out as the 10% discount has already been applied. (Please note that this special discount is valid for one week only and until stocks last, and expires at midnight EST on Wednesday 21 September 2011.)

Thanks so much for dropping by!

Hugs,

SCRSC61: Back to Black

2011-09-20T08:55:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone!

This week at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge we are challenging you to create a card inspired by your favourite song.

Now, I have LOADS of favourite songs! I thought about using Ukelele Josh for Bryan Adams 'Summer of 69' or Cocktail Lucy for Pink's 'Raise Your Glass'. I really wanted to do a Lady Gaga 'Hair' inspired card (love that song!), but I just couldn't decide how to go about it with a SCRS image, lol! So, finally I settled on Amy Winehouse's 'Back to Black' and have made a B&W card using Cafe Lucy, as I think she is the most suited to sitting in a Jazz Club. (I slightly altered her by replacing her coffee cup for a microphone!)

You Tube have disabled embedding for the video I wanted to show you, but here is the link to Amy singing a phenomenal live acoustic version of 'Back to Black' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbVp09E1LRg I didn't want to link another version here, 'cause I just love this acoustic version. :)

I chose to follow this week's Card Patterns #133 sketch not least because Sparkle Creations is sponsoring this challenge! If you join in you will be entered into the draw to win 2 SCRS stamps (Cupcake Ruby and Turntable Josh). So why not combine today's SCRS challenge with the Card Patterns sketch as I have done, and double your chances of winning a SCRS stamp!

I turned the sketch 90 degrees to the right to accommodate the orientation of my image, and instead of using a border punch at the bottom, I used some 1/8" Black Mini Ric Rac from http://www.sewsweet.co.uk/. The yummy papers are from my *new* Echo Park Apothecary Emporium Collection kit from http://www.mymumscraftshop.co.uk/ - I just {HEART} this kit so much and you don't have to use the papers just for halloween themed cards!

Thanks for stopping by today. I shall be back later with my Whimsy Stamps Day 5 Showcase card, so I would love for you to pop by again! :)

Hugs,

Supplies
SCRS Cafe Lucy rubber stamp
Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad (from MMSC)
Copic markers (W0 W1 W2 W3 W5 W7 W9) (from MMSC)
Echo Park Apothecary Emporium Collection Kit (from MMSC)
1/8" Black Mini Ric Rac ribbon (from Sew Sweet)

Whimsy Stamps September Rubber & Die Release Showcase - Day 5

2011-09-19T14:00:00.081+01:00

Hello and welcome to Day 5 of the Whimsy Stamps September Rubber Die Release Showcase!

As I'm sure you know by now, Whimsy Stamps released their September rubber designs and new dies on 14 September! From then until September 21st, the Whimsy Stamps DT are showcasing these fabulous new stamps and shapeology die with a daily mini blog hop and today I'm helping showcase the gorgeous Crissy Armstrong stamps from this new release.

Each daily mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you have 24hrs to enter today's mini candy draw.

Supplies

Whimsy Stamps 'Ock Toe Bur Fairy' rubber stamp

Basic Grey 6x6 paper pad - Indian Summer; Kraft cardstock

Copics (list at end of post) (available from MMSC)

Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad (available from MMSC)

Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad - Vintage Photo (available from MMSC)

Eleganza Web Ribbon - 50mm Wide Natural (available from MMSC)

4mm flatback pearls; YNS Glittered Skittles - Spring Green

I have used the wonderful Ock Toe Bur Fairy rubber stamp for my creation and kept the card fairly minimal to showcase the fabulous image. I took quite a while to colour this image (pumpkins are hard using copics, LOL!), but I really did enjoy it. I was quite proud of the way I coloured the sunset and her wings to make the colours melt into each other (...well, that was the idea anyway, LOL!).

To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 9.00am EST tomorrow morning (2.00pm UK time). All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12noon on September 21st.

To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations by the Design Team, please click on the links below...

Ann Vento
Debbie Eastman
Mariska van der Veer {Special Guest}

YOU ARE HERE ---> Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE

Sylvia Blum

Remember that the entire new release is available to buy right now at 10% off from the Whimsy Stamps store! The discount ends Wednesday 21 Sept at midnight EST, so if you haven't filled your basket already, what are you waiting for? :)

Thanks for stopping by! I will be back on Wednesday with my final new release creation, so I hope you will join me again then!

Hugs,

Copics
Skin: E11 E00 E000 R20 E02
Hair: E18 E15 E11
Dress: R46 R85 R83 R81
Leaves: G99 YG95 YG91 YR20
Pumpkins: E18 E08 YR07 YR04
Sunset & Wings: V95 V91 V01 V000 BV00 R81 R11 YR20 Y21

Whimsy Stamps September Rubber & Die Release Showcase - Day 4

2011-09-18T16:19:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone! Today is Day 4 of Whimsy Stamps September Rubber Die Release Showcase!

On Wednesday (Sept 14th), Whimsy Stamps released their September rubber designs and new shapeology die! From then until September 21st, the Whimsy Stamps DT are showcasing these fabulous new stamps and shapeology die with a daily mini blog hop.

Each mini blog hop will have a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you will have 24hrs to enter each prize draw.

To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 9.00am EST tomorrow morning. All winners will be announced here on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12noon on September 21st.

Today we are showcasing the DT's choice of artist stamps along with the new Raindrop Echo Designs Sentiment stamps.

I was going to take part in today's mini hop, but unfortunately due to having a bad few days with my eyes, I've had to postpone today's post to Tuesday instead. However, 4 of my fabulous DT sistahs are showcasing today, so please hop on over to their blogs and take a peek at their AMAZING new release creations...

Ann Vento
Erin Bailey
Stephanne Maraver
Tammy Louise Cunliffe

Remember that the entire new release is available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.

I will be back tomorrow with a creation I made using one of the brand new Whimsy Crissy Armstrong stamps, so I would love you to stop by then!

Hugs,

Whimsy New Release Showcase Day 2: Wasn't Me

2011-09-16T14:00:00.054+01:00

Hello and welcome to Day 2 of the Whimsy Stamps September Rubber & Die Release Showcase!

On Wednesday (Sept 14th), Whimsy Stamps released their September rubber designs and new shapeology die. From then until September 21st, the Whimsy Stamps DT will be showcasing these fabulous new stamps and shapeology die with a daily mini blog hop.

Each mini blog hop will have a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you will have 24hrs to enter each prize draw.

To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 9.00am EST (2.00pm UK time) tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12noon on September 21st.

Today we are showcasing the new Kenny K stamps and Sentiment stamps. To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations by the Design Team, please click on the links below...

Alberto Gava {Special Guest}
Ann Vento
Debbie Eastman
Ellie Stover
Stephanne Maraver
Simonne Clay [that's ME!!!]

For my new release card I used the fabby Kenny K Wasn't Me rubber stamp (currently 10% off!). I wanted to make a bright, summery card and also use some paper and sticker elements from the Echo Park Country Drive Collection (available from MMSC), so this is what I did:

I found it a bit difficult to photograph this as the weather is awful here today - so dark and gloomy. I've done my best to lighten it with my free Microsoft photo editing software, but the colours are softer and brighter in real life! :) Again, difficult to see in the photo, but I covered the windscreen with glossy accents and then sprinkled with glitter, so it sparkles and shines!

Here is a list of supplies:

Whimsy Stamps Kenny K Wasn't Me rubber stamp

Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad (from MMSC)

Copic markers (from MMSC)

Echo Park Country Drive 12x12 papers - Bee's Knees, Leafy Tree Top, Just Dandy (from MMSC)

Echo Park Country Drive Element Stickers (from MMSC)

Prima flowers and gems, Flatback pearls

Glossy Accents, Fine Loose Glitter

Aqua Divine Baker's Twine (from Sew Sweet)

Yellow Button (from Sew Sweet)

September Rubber & Die RELEASE DAY!

2011-09-14T16:09:00.001+01:00

Welcome to Whimsy Stamps September rubber stamp and die RELEASE DAY!

Whimsy Stamps have released 15 fabulous new rubber stamps and one wonderful new Shapeology die today. These new goodies are available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.

From today until September 20th, the Whimsy DT and Whimsy Special Guests will be showcasing these fabulous new stamps and shapeology die with a daily mini blog hop. Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you will have 24hrs to enter each prize draw by ensuring you leave a comment on every blog listed for that day.

To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 11.00am EST tomorrow morning. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12noon on September 21st.

To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations by the Design Team, please click on the links below...

Ann Vento
Annika Ryan
Debbie Eastman
Ellie Stover
Erin Bailey
Mariska van der Veer {Special Guest}
Stephanne Maraver

Here is a full list of the wonderful new rubber stamps and die released today:

3 Crissy Armstrong rubber stamps
Football Bart ~ Ock Toe Bur Fairy ~ Pum Kinnie Fairy

4 Kenny K rubber stamps
Golfer ~ Scarlett West ~ Teen Idol ~ Wasn't Me

4 Meljen's Designs rubber stamps
Acorn Mouse ~ Cat O Lantern ~ Fall Wreath ~ Little Bunny Witch

4 Raindrop Echo Designs rubber stamp sets
Autumn Letter Seals ~ Lavish Flourishes ~ Steampunk Travels ~ The Fun Life Ticket Sentiments

Raindrop Echo Designs Shapeology die

Whimsy Stamps is also offering a fabulous 10% discount on all new release stamps! There is no need to enter any code when checking out as the 10% discount has already been applied. (Please note that this special discount is valid for one week only and until stocks last, and expires at midnight EST on Wednesday 21 September 2011.)

Don't forget to visit today's DT and leave a comment on their blog posts to be entered into the draw to win a new release stamp, then pop by the Whimsy blog tomorrow for the next list of showcase posts!

I hope you enjoy our new release!

Hugs,

SCRSC60: Cafe Lucy

2011-09-13T13:50:00.000+01:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

This week at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge we are challenging you to CASE one of the DT! Choose one of our designers, take a look at her project for this week and/or blog, and CASE (Copy and Steal Everything).

For my creation I decided to pull out one of my all-time favourite stamps, Cafe Lucy.

Here is a list of supplies I used:

Supplies

SCRS Cafe Lucy rubber stamp
Echo Park Happy Days 6x6 paper pad (from MMSC)
Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad (from MMSC)
Copic Markers (from MMSC)
Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 4 and Labels Small 4 (from MMSC)
Black Satin Ribbon (from Sew Sweet)
Prima flower, gems and flatback pearls

Our challenge is open to all players. Each week a random winner will be chosen, and this week's winner will receive the adorable Cheerleading Emily rubber stamp. In order to qualify for a prize, you must use a Sparkle Creations image on your creation.

Do hop on over to the SCRS blog to see the gorgeous creations from the rest of the DT.

Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!

Hugs,

SCRS Release Day: Franken Josh

2011-09-10T05:00:00.030+01:00

Hello everyone and welcome to Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps RELEASE DAY! Yay!

Today the SCRS DT are showcasing the last of this month's brand new SCRS stamps that are available to buy right now from the SCRS store! So without further ado, I am pleased to introduce FRANKEN JOSH who comes with the darling sentiment stamp "Happy Haunting":

Supplies

SCRS Franken Josh rubber stamp

Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad

Copic markers

Echo Park 'Happy Halloween' 12x12 Collection Kit (available from Quixotic Paperie)

Core'dinations 12x12 Colorcore card

Sander

Black & White Divine Twine (available from Sew Sweet)

Silver flatback pearls

Be sure to visit the rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Franken Josh. Sparkle will be giving away Franken Josh to one lucky person! For a chance to WIN, you need to visit and comment on all of the designer's Franken Josh blog posts (links listed below). Then head on over to the SCRS blog and comment on the Franken Josh post there. You have until midnight EST today to comment.

Alice Wertz
Jessica Diedrich {September Guest Designer}
Kim Yu
Shaela Odd
YOU ARE HERE ---> Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! :)
Hugs,

SCRS: Mummy Oliver previews

2011-09-08T05:00:00.075+01:00

Hi everyone!

Today, myself and the rest of the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps DT are previewing the first of 2 darling new stamps due to be released on Saturday! So without further ado I am pleased to introduce MUMMY OLIVER who comes with a fab "Spooktacular Treats" sentiment:

I used some of my brand new and very yummy Authentique 6x6 paper pad 'Glowing' which I bought from Kitty at My Mum's Craft Shop. Oooh, I LOVE this paper!! Such amazing quality and the best thing is that the pad contains 48 sheets (4 of each of the 12 designs), so plenty to use and to keep! (I like to save one sheet of each pattern...well, you never know if it will go out of print and then what would I do if I needed it in the future, LOL!)

I also used some of my all-time favourite May Arts Stripped Twill Ribbon from http://www.sewsweet.co.uk/ I used the Black/White striped one, but added Vintage Photo distress ink to tone down the white a bit so it matched the aged look of the papers.

Here is a list of supplies, complete with direct links, should you wish to do a little shopping *wink*:

Supplies

SCRS Mummy Oliver rubber stamp (available from SCRS on 10 Sept)

Square 148mm x 148mm White card blank (from MMSC)

Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad (from MMSC)

Copic Markers (from MMSC)

Nestabilities Labels 4 and Labels Small 4 (from MMSC)

Martha Stewart Arch Lattice border punch (from MMSC)

Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress ink pad (from MMSC)

May Arts Black/White Twill Stripe ribbon (from Sew Sweet)

Black cardstock, white cardstock, 4mm black gems

Be sure to visit the rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Mummy Oliver. Sparkle will be giving away Mummy Oliver to one lucky person! For a chance to WIN, you need to visit and comment on all of the designer's Mummy Oliver blog posts (links listed below). Then head on over to the SCRS blog and comment on the Mummy Oliver post there. You have until midnight EST today to comment.

Alice Wertz
Jessica Diedrich {September Guest Designer}
Kim Yu
Shaela Odd
YOU ARE HERE ---> Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

I hope you will pop by on release day (Saturday) when we will be showcasing the final SCRS new release stamp.

Thanks, as always, for popping by!

Hugs

RE-DRAW Winner of my Whimsy Stamps August Blog Hop Mini Candy

2011-09-04T18:42:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone!

Unfortunately the original winner of my Whimsy Stamps August Blog Hop Mini Candy draw never contacted me. As it has now been 9 days since I announced the winner, I'm afraid I have to re-draw.

So without further ado I plugged the numbers into the random generator thingy and it came up with ...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2011-09-04 17:38:11 UTC

So that means it's ... ASTRID G of http://astridcreative.blogspot.com

Congratulations Astrid! You have won the Vintage Seed Packets rubber stamp set.

Please email me with your full details I will pass these onto Denise so that she can mail out your prize!

Hugs,

SS171: The Crafts Meow

2011-09-03T20:26:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone!

Just popping by to share my Sketch Saturday #171 DT card.

As it's the first Saturday of the month, it's DT week and this month it's the lovely Lisa's turn to set the sketch. Not only is Lisa our hostess with the mostess, but her darling shop The Craft's Meow (don't you just love the name!) is sponsoring this week's challenge! Yay! If you enter you will be popped into the draw to win a TCM stamp of your choice, and let me tell you they are AWESOME!!

Lisa very kindly allowed me to choose a stamp to use for today (thank you SO much Lisa!) and I just had to pick Little Frieda at the Seashore. This is such a darling stamp set, and I must say it is fabulous quality! I don't own many clear stamps, and the ones that I do own don't really like Memento ink, but this one stamped perfectly first time! I also used Versafine for the sentiment, and again that worked perfectly!

I felt in the mood to make a pretty, soft card to go with this beautiful stamp, and so broke open my brand *NEW* MME Honey Cake 6x6 paper pad that I got from Kitty at My Mum's Craft Shop. I am in love with all the new MME 6x6 paper pads - they are gorgeous!

And speaking of My Mum's Craft Shop, Kitty is holding a FREE UK P&P weekend this weekend - woo-hoo! - so now is the time to stock up!! Be quick though, as the free P&P offer ends tomorrow at midnight!

Here is a list of supplies I used, should you wish to do a little retail therapy:

Supplies

The Craft's Meow - Little Frieda at the Seashore stamp (from The Craft's Meow)

MME Honey Cake 6x6 paper pad (from My Mum's Craft Shop)

Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad (from My Mum's Craft Shop)

Copic markers (from My Mum's Craft Shop)

Core'dinations 12x12 Colorcore cardstock

Craftwork Cards Back2Basics Straight Edge Square 148mm x 148mm White card blanks (from My Mum's Craft Shop)

Bakers Twine (from My Mum's Craft Shop)
Brads, paper distresser, paper sander

Thanks so much for popping by today! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Hugs,

SCRSC58: Anything But a Card

2011-08-30T05:00:00.089+01:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

This week at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge we are challenging you to make Anything But a Card.

For those who are interested, I went to see my optician last week, who carried out an eye exam and various other tests. My prescription hasn't changed and it's not my glasses that are the cause of my problems. She was very concerned that I am getting pain in my left eye and migraines that are increasing in frequency and intensity. Unfortunately she told me that the inward turning squint that I had in my left eye when I was child is back! Urgh! (I was 99.9% sure of this before I went to see her, as I have started to experience double vision again.) So, she has written to my GP recommending that I see a specialist at the eye hospital, and that brings me to today ... waiting for that appointment!

Soooo, now I've had a little break from crafting to rest my eyes I'm back! Although I'm trying to avoid colouring images as much as I can until I see a specialist so I can keep those headaches and blurred vision at bay. I hope I don't forget how to colour, LOL!

For my creation I slightly tweaked the measurements of the Coffee Cup template (which you can find over at the Scor-Pal website) to make a hot chocolate gift mug filled with yummy mini marshmallows! It was super easy to make, but I did make mine a bit bigger and taller than the original template so it would match the size of the tag. To make the tag, all I did was stamp Street Corner Josh in Vintage Photo distress ink and cut him out and matt and layer using my circle nesties! I attached the tag to the gift mug using some Chocolate Brown Button Twine from http://www.sewsweet.co.uk/ and also added the same twine around the bottom of the mug for a bit of decoration. A few Prima and punched flowers, together with a teeny tiny button from the Olive Mixed Button Bag to finish, and it was done!

Sorry the photograph is not very good - I must invest in a daylight lamp for both my eyes and my photographs! :)

Here is a list of supplies I used:

Supplies

SCRS Street Corner Josh rubber stamp
MME Quite Contrary Little Boy Blue 12x12 paper - Curious, Smarty Pants #QC1014
Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress Ink (from MMSC)
Chocolate Brown Button Twine (from Sew Sweet)
Olive Mixed Button Bag (from Sew Sweet)

Spellbinders Circle & Scalloped Circles Nestabilities (from MMSC)
Prima flowers and brown ribbon

Our challenge is open to all players. Each week a random winner will be chosen to win an adorable SCRS rubber stamp. In order to qualify for a prize, you must use a Sparkle Creations image on your creation.

Do hop on over to the SCRS blog to see the gorgeous creations from the rest of the DT.

Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!

Hugs,

Winner of my Whimsy Stamps August Blog Hop Mini Candy

2011-08-26T19:36:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone!

Before I announce the winner of my Whimsy Stamps August Blog Hop Mini Candy draw, I just want to apologise for my lack of blogging over the past week and a half. Real life and health is getting in the way at the moment, and to top it all off, when I have sat down to try to make something I've found that my mojo is non-existent! I'm hoping things will get back to normal (whatever that is, lol!) when hubby and daughter go back to school in just over a week's time!

Okay, so I plugged the numbers into random.org and it came out with...

Which means it's ...Sharron from Sharrahug's Sweet Blessings

Congratulations Sharron! You have won the Vintage Seed Packets rubber stamp set.

Please email me with your full details I will pass these onto Denise so that she can mail out your prize!

Thank you to everyone who hopped along with us!

Hugs,

Whimsy Stamps August Release BLOG HOP

2011-08-17T17:00:00.100+01:00

Hello and welcome to the Whimsy Stamps August new rubber and die release BLOG HOP!

On August 10th, Whimsy Stamps released their August rubber designs and new dies. Today we are hosting a blog hop to celebrate this release and to share creations made using these 15 fabulous new Rubber Stamps and 3 wonderful new Shapeology Dies. These new goodies are available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites. We also have our wonderful special guests joining us for this hop - Elaine Hughes, Zoe McGrath, Alberto Gava and Iwona "Chupa" Palamountain.

The Whimsy Stamps DT have been showcasing these fabulous stamps for the past 6 days, so if you missed them be sure to hop on over to the Whimsy Inspirations Blog for some more inspiration!

Here is a full list of the wonderful new August release rubber stamps and dies:

3 stamps from Crissy Armstrong
Bart Goes Golfing ~ Butterfly Sympathy ~ Hang In There

4 stamps from Meljen's Designs
Cupcake Treat Trio ~ Monkey Toes ~ Pen Pal Mouse ~ Topsy Turvy Cake

4 stamps from Kenny K
Bathing Beauty ~ Buggin Drummer ~ Wanda Wicked ~ Wedding Garter

4 stamp sets from Raindrop Echo Designs
Bottle Cap Sentiments ~ Film Markers ~ Schoolyard Fun ~ Vintage Seed Packets

3 dies/sets from Raindrop Echo Designs
Elegant Butterflies Die Set ~ Bottle Cap Die (coordinates with Bottle Cap Sentiments stamp set) ~ Film Marker Die (coordinates with Film Markers stamp set)

Today is also the release of the second edition of the Whimsy Stamps Inspirations Magazine! The magazine features never before seen samples and tutorials from our DT members as well as some creations from our customers and fans too! This issue is crammed full of crafty goodness and best of all it's FREE! Just click the link below and you will be taken to the magazine where you can read it online or download it and save to your computer.

CLICK HERE to view the Whimsy Stamps Inspirations Magazine Issue 2

Here is a little snippet of the card I created for the magazine using one of the *new* release stamps Kenny K Bathing Beauty:

If you would like to hop along with us today and you didn’t arrive from Minna’s blog, please CLICK HERE to return to the beginning of the hop at Zoe’s blog.

The hop starts today (Wednesday August 17th at noon EST) and ends on Wednesday August 24th at noon EST.

For this hop we have 7 different prize draws! We have not one but TWO grand prize draws, so two lucky hoppers will win a large selection of new release stamps. Grand Prize 1 will be for those who help us advertise the hop, and Grand Prize 2 will be for those who hop along with us. We also have 5 mini candy stops throughout the hop where you can enter to win a new release stamp ... and I'm one of the mini candy stops!!!

For my blog creation I used Anne's beautiful Vintage Seed Packets stamps and ... If you would like to be entered into the draw to win your very own Vintage Seed Packets stamp set, please leave your details in the linky widget at the end of this post.

As soon as I saw the grape one, I just knew I had to make a Hanging Treat Box (tutorial here at SCS). They are so easy to make, but I think they have a wonderful visual appeal and dress up a bottle of wine in a beautiful way! :)

I didn't want to make a coloured image card for today's blog hop as I'm having a lot of trouble with migraines at the moment, and I'm am 99.9% sure that they are being caused by eye problems. I won't bore you with all the details, but I had an esotropia strabismus (inward turning squint) in my left eye when I was very young. It was corrected by wearing a patch rather than surgery, but I have always suffered from very slight double vision when my eyes are tired. (It also means I can't see 3D, which is pants!). It's not a huge deal, but whilst I'm waiting to see my GP I'm trying to give my eyes a rest and not spend so much time on concentrated detailed colouring! :)

Here is a list of the supplies I used:

Whimsy Stamps Vintage Seed Packets rubber stamps (image and sentiment)

Kraft cardsstock; Coredinations 12x12 Colorcore card - DR040 Burgundy

MME 6x6 paper pad - Beautiful Life (available from MMSC)

Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Dstress ink pad (available from MMSC)

Seam Binding (available from Sew Sweet)

Kraft button twine (available from Sew Sweet)

And I would also like to share the card I posted a few days ago using the *new* Whimsy Stamps Penpal Mouse rubber stamp from this release, just in case you didn't see it! :) Click here to read my full post.

So now it’s time for you to continue the hop by hopping over to Alberto’s blog. But before you whisk yourself away, be sure to pop your name into InLinkz below to be entered into the draw to win your very own VINTAGE SEED PACKETS rubber stamp set!

Thank you so much for hopping with us today and I hope you enjoy the new release!

Hugs,

SCRSC56: Birthday Josh

2011-08-16T17:05:00.000+01:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

This week at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge we have a fabulous sketch by Kim for you to follow:

Before I show you my card I'd like to let you know that SCRS will be sponsoring a Paper Craft's giveaway on Facebook tomorrow! Be sure to check it out for a chance to win Karber Reading Millie, Karber Breakfast Leslie, Cafe Lucy and Bookworm Ruby! Here's a link to the Paper Craft's fan page http://www.facebook.com/papercraftsmagazine.

For this week's challenge I pulled out Birthday Josh and paired him with some Cosmo Cricket Joy Ride papers! I'm having a little trouble at the moment with headaches/migraines (hence why my post is a little late) and I think it's got something to do with my eyes. After spending a bit of time crafting I'm finding that I can't focus too well for a good 10 minutes after stopping. I have made an appointment with my optician, plus I am going to invest in a good craft light complete with a large magnifying glass to see if that helps. I do wear my glasses when I craft, but I just want to rule that out before looking into other avenues! :)

Here is a list of supplies I used:

Supplies

SCRS Birthday Josh rubber stamp

Sentiment: Paper Makeup Stamps

Cosmo Cricket 'Joy Ride' 6x6 paper pad

Coredinations 12x12 Colorcore cardstock - DR040 Burgundy

Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad (from MMSC)

Copic Ciaos (from MMSC)

Seam Binding (from Sew Sweet)

Spellbinders Nestabilities

Our challenge is open to all players. Each week a random winner will be chosen, and this week's winner will receive the adorable Valentine Oliver rubber stamp. In order to qualify for a prize, you must use a Sparkle Creations image on your creation.

Do hop on over to the SCRS blog to see the gorgeous creations from the rest of the DT.

Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!

Hugs,

SS168 and Whimsy Stamps PenPal Mouse

2011-08-15T18:00:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone! Hope you had a great weekend.

As you may or may not know, Whimsy Stamps released their August Rubber Designs and new dies on 10 August, and from then until 16 August the Whimsy Stamps DT are showcasing these 15 fabulous new stamps and 3 new Shapeology dies in the lead up to our new release blog hop on Wednesday (17 August).

Today I would like to share a card that I have made to say good luck going back to school using the new and adorable Meljen's Designs Penpal Mouse rubber stamp. This is also my Sketch Saturday #168 DT card (sorry for being a few days late - real life got in the way!). Over at SS we have a wonderful sketch by Jo and this week we are being sponsored by Simon Says Stamp who are offering a whopping $25 gift certificate for one lucky entrant! How awesome is that?

Here is a full list of supplies, should you wish to go shopping:

Whimsy Stamps Meljen's Designs Penpal Mouse rubber stamp
Whimsy Stamps Everyday Mini Postage stamps (available from Whimsy Stamps and MMSC)
Whimsy Stamps Mini Postage Stamp die (available from Whimsy Stamps and MMSC)
Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad (from MMSC)
Martha Stewart Edger Punch - Embossing Zigzag (from MMSC)
Copic Ciaos (from MMSC)
October Afternoon Schoolhouse 8x8 paper pad
Junkitz Back to School 6x6 paper pad (black graph paper)
Red Ric Rac Ribbon (from Sew Sweet)
50g Olive Mixed Button Bag (from Sew Sweet)
50g Strawberries & Cream Mixed Button Bag (from Sew Sweet)

To take a peek at today's other fabulous new release creations by the Whimsy Stamps DT, please click on the links below...

Debbie
Minna
Stephanne

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,

Sparkle Creations Release Day: Introducing... Cheerleading Emily

2011-08-13T05:00:00.050+01:00

Hello everyone and welcome to Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps RELEASE DAY! Woo-hoo!

Yesterday the Karber team previewed the adorable "Soda Jenny". Today it's the SCRS DT's turn to showcase the last of the brand new SCRS stamps that are available to buy right now from the SCRS store! So without further ado, I am pleased to introduce CHEERLEADING EMILY (who comes with two darling sentiment stamps):

Supplies

SCRS Cheerleading Emily rubber stamp

SU Real Red, SU Tempting Turquoise, SU Whisper White card

Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad

Copics and Promarker Poppy

Personally designed GLEE templates, scissors, glue, foam pads

If you popped by yesterday you would have seen my first glee-themed card where I transformed Football Josh into Finn from Glee. Well, today I thought I'd continue the glee theme and transform Cheerleading Emily into one of the WMHS cheerleaders! I've coloured her hair blonde, so she could be Brittany or Quinn! :) The cheerleading outfit was plain to start with, and I added all the WMHS detail! :)

I know it's a very CAS card, but it did take me an absolute AGE to 'design' and cut out those GLEE letters. Yep, that's right, they are all hand cut and made of card (no printing!!). The only crafting machine I own is a Cuttlebug and so I had to use my graphics programme and MS Word to design the templates, print them onto white and red card and then cut them out! If I had something like a Cricut or another electronic cutting machine, the card would have taken a matter of minutes, LOL! But I have the templates now, so if I ever need to make another card it will be a lot easier! :) Here are my templates. I printed them flipped so that the black printing lines would be on the reverse of the card so I wouldn't have to be too fussy when cutting them out as they would not show when stuck down:

(I didn't cut out the detail of the lettering in the white card so that it would be more true to the glee logo)

I'm really pleased with how this card turned out, even though it took a few hours to complete, LOL!

Be sure to visit all the rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Cheerleading Emily. Sparkle will be giving away Cheerleading Emily to one lucky person! For a chance to WIN, you need to visit and comment on all of the designer's Cheerleading Emily blog posts (links listed below). Then head on over to the SCRS blog and comment on the Cheerleading Emily post there. You have until midnight EST tonight to comment, and the lucky winner will be announced tomorrow!

Alice Wertz
Kim Yu
Shaela Odd
Silvia Rodriguez {August Guest Designer}
YOU ARE HERE ---> Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Thanks for dropping by and I hope you enjoy our new release!

Hugs,

SCRS preview: Football Josh meets GLEE Finn

2011-08-11T05:00:00.076+01:00

Happy Thursday and welcome to the 2nd day of our Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps new release sneak peeks!

If you joined us yesterday, you would have been treated to a preview of the first of 2 Karber rubber stamps that are being released this Saturday.

Today, it's the SCRS DT's turn to showcase the first of 2 brand new SCRS rubber stamps from our upcoming release! So without further ado I am pleased to introduce you to FOOTBALL JOSH (who comes with 2 awesome sentiment stamps). ...

[I have added a full supply list (complete with shop links) at the foot of this post.]

Living in the UK, I'm not really exposed to American Football, and so I was kind of stumped at first as to what to do with this image. I am, however, a HUGE Glee fan and so I had a bit of a lightbulb moment and decided to turn Josh into Finn and make a Glee card! :) I even drew in Finn's #5 on his shirt!! Hee hee! I don't know about you, but my red copics are really juicy, and so I'm always a little bit wary when I use them as I often make mistakes with them. So for this card I dug out my Poppy Promarker and simply used Copic R59 for the shadowing.

I made the banner completely from scratch, and this took WAY longer than colouring and making the card, LOL! I found a free font that I liked, installed it, then used my graphics programme to separate the 'middle' part from the outline so that I could keep the outline black and make the middle part of each letter red. I then mocked up the card to scale in MS Word so I could make the triangular banner panels the correct size and then scale each letter accordingly! Phew! :)

Be sure to visit all the rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Football Josh. Sparkle will be giving away Football Josh to one lucky person! For a chance to WIN, you need to visit and comment on all of the designer's Football Josh blog posts (links listed below). Then head on over to the SCRS blog and comment on the Football Josh post there. You have until midnight EST tonight to comment, and the lucky winner will be announced tomorrow!

Alice Wertz
Kim Yu
Shaela Odd
Silvia Rodriguez {August Guest Designer}
YOU ARE HERE ---> Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Tomorrow the Karber DT will be previewing the 2nd of their new release stamps for August and I will be back on Saturday with the final SCRS image, so I hope so see you again then!

Thanks, as always, for popping by!

Hugs

Supplies
STAMP: Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps 'Football Josh' (released 13 August 2011)
INK: Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
COPICS: Skin E000 E00 E11 R20; Hair E59; Shoes W9; Outfit (Promarker- Poppy) R59 W3 W2 C5 C3 C1 0; Ball E15 E18
PAPER: October Afternoon 12x12 Night Light PP034 'Jack'
CARD: Black, white, red
EMBELLIES: Sew Sweet Divine Twine Black Licorice
TOOLS: Martha Stewart Edger Punch - Grass

Whimsy Stamps August new rubber and die release!

2011-08-10T17:00:00.007+01:00

Today is an exciting day at Whimsy Stamps because it's ...

Rubber stamp and die RELEASE DAY!

Just as we did last month, we are releasing our August release stamps and dies a whole week before our new release blog hop! So that means... the August New Release rubber stamps and dies are available to buy RIGHT NOW from the Whimsy Stamps store!

We are holding a fabulous new release BLOG HOP on 17 August, when we will have our usual plethora of prizes, special guests, and lots of amazing creations from our DT. From today until 16 August, the DT are going to be showcasing this month's new release stamps and dies, so be sure to stop by our blogs to see what we've created.

Here is a list of the new stamps, sentiment sets and dies we have released today:

4 Kenny K rubber stamps
Bathing Beauty ~ Buggin Drummer ~ Wanda Wicked ~ Wedding Garter

3 Crissy Armstrong rubber stamps
Bart Goes Golfing ~ Hang In There ~ Butterfly Sympathy

4 Meljen's Designs rubber stamps
Cupcake Treat Trio ~ Monkey Toes ~ Pen Pal Mouse ~ Topsy Turvy Cake

4 Raindrop Echo Designs sentiment rubber stamp sets
Bottle Cap Sentiments ~ Film Markers ~ Schoolyard Fun ~ Vintage Seed Packets

3 Raindrop Echo Designs dies
Elegant Butterflies Die Set ~ Bottle Cap Die (coordinates with Bottle Cap Sentiments stamp set) ~ Film Marker Die (coordinates with Film Markers stamp set)

They are all available to buy from the Whimsy Stamps store RIGHT NOW!

Happy shopping! :)

Hugs,

SCRSC55: Charlotte with a Rose

2011-08-09T05:00:00.005+01:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

This week at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge we have a wonderful photo that we would like you to take inspiration from when making your challenge creations:

I wanted to use the green of the grass, the blue of the water, the white and lattice shape of the seating and the neutral colour of the stone tiles as my inspiration from this photo. Whilst I was rooting around for some suitable paper, I rediscovered the gorgeous Memory Box 'Frond' 6x6 paper (which I see is no longer being made ... *sob*!) and as soon as I saw this sheet it reminded me of tree branches! So I went with this, adding in a fence and some grass. And of course I just had to use the darling Charlotte with a Rose sitting under the branches of the tree:

I also wanted to add in the white paper lanterns from the photo, and so created them by simply running some white paper through my paper crimper, punching a hole in the top, threading some twine through and voila!

Here is a list of supplies, complete with links, should you wish to do a little retail therapy:

Supplies

SCRS Charlotte with a Rose rubber stamp

Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad (available from MMSC)

Copic markers: E00 E000 R20 E11; E55 E51; BG01 BG72; YG11 YG67; W1 W3 0 (available from MMSC)
Memory Box 'Frond' 6x6 paper pad
Kraft cardstock (available from Quixotic Paperie)
Kraft Twine (available from Sew Sweet)
Back2Basics Straight Edge Square 148mm White card base (available from MMSC)
Martha Stewart edger punch - Grass (available from MMSC)
Martha Stewart deep edger punch - Garden Trellis

Wishing you have a wonderful Tuesday!

Hugs,

Winner of my Whimsy Stamps July Blog Hop Mini Candy

2011-07-27T18:04:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone!

Just popping by to announce the winner of my Whimsy Stamps July Blog Hop Mini Candy draw.

I plugged the numbers into random.org and it came out with...

Which means it's ... Janette from Cosas de La Janette!

Congratulations Janette! You have won 'Kenny K Spy Chick' and 'Kenny K Hot Weave' rubber stamps.

Please email me with your full details I will pass these onto Denise so that she can mail out your prize!

Thank you to everyone who hopped along with us!

Hugs,

SCRSC53: Cherry Blossom Rin

2011-07-26T05:00:00.068+01:00

Happy Tuesday everyone! This week at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge we have a colour challenge for you and would like to see cards made using the official SCRS colours of Lime Green, Turquoise, Black and White:

For my card I used the darling Cherry Blossom Rin. When this stamp was released last month, I remember reading our illustrator Aki's post about how she had a Japanese Hakama in mind when illustrating Cherry Blossom Rin. I didn't know this but Hakamas are a type of kimono traditionally worn by men (although they are now worn by both sexes). They come in two pieces (top and bottom) and the bottom piece is actually trousers suitable for swordmen and horse riding. (Read more about this HERE at Aki's blog). So I coloured Rin as if she was wearing a Hakama this time!

I wanted to use some paper that had all 4 of the challenge colours, but this proved a bit of a challenge in itself as I could only find some paper that I used on a SCRS card a little while back and I didn't want to duplicate it. But after going through all my papers (ha ha!) I found this October Afternoon paper from the Farm Fresh line that was perfect!

Here is a list of supplies, complete with links, should you wish to do a little retail therapy:

Supplies

SCRS Cherry Blossom Rin rubber stamp
Whimsy Stamps Birthday Letter Seals rubber stamp set (sentiment)

Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad

Copic markers: E00 E000 R20 E11; Warm Greys; YG00 YG03 YG67; BG01 BG11 BG13
October Afternoon 12x12 Farm Fresh paper - PP078 Chicken Coop
Core'dinations 12x12 Colorcore cardstock Nightfall
Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 4
Martha Stewart Edger Punch - Arch Lattice

Finally here's little reminder about our SCRS Anniversary sale that is running through July. You still have a few days left to grab some bargains.....

Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!

Hugs,

Whimsy Stamps News - new challenge blog

2011-07-24T12:00:00.003+01:00

I have some fab Whimsy Stamps news to share with you - we have set up a...

Whimsy Inspirations Challenge blog

This will be a weekly Wednesday challenge hosted by our Digi DT, and our first challenge will begin on Wednesday 10 August!

Everyone can enter our challenge - you don't have to use a Whimsy Stamps image to play along! However, if you do use a Whimsy Stamps image (rubber or digital) you will be put into the draw to become a guest designer for a future challenge! The guest designer will be able to choose a digi stamp of their choice from the store to create their guest card too - how awesome is that!

We would love for you to help us spread the word and tell your friends about our new venture. To thank you for your help we are offering a wonderful mystery prize! All you need to do to be entered into the draw to win this prize is:

1. Hop on over to THIS POST at the new Whimsy Inspirations Challenge blog and grab the badge to add to your sidebar.
2. Tell your friends that there will be a new challenge starting on Wednesday 10 August.
3. Leave the link to your blog in the InLinkz list HERE at the Whimsy Inspirations Challenge blog.

Everyone who follows these 3 simple steps will be entered into the draw to win a mystery prize! The winner will be announced on the challenge blog on 10 August along with the very first challenge.

I hope you will join us!

Hugs,

SS165: MFT Sew Nifty

2011-07-23T08:00:00.097+01:00

Click here or scroll down for my Whimsy Stamps July Release Blog Hop post

It's Saturday (woo-hoo!) and so time for a brand new Sketch Saturday challenge! This week we are being sponsored by Your Next Stamp who are offering a $10.00 gift certificate to one lucky participant, and here is Jo's fabby sketch for you to follow:

It may be a little hard to see, but I did follow the sketch ... promise, LOL! I swapped out the large oval for a Nestie Label 4, placed the bobbin where the sentiment shoulw be, and added 2 buttons and a thimble for the 3 circles on the bottom right!

I used my brand new My Favourite Things Die-namics Sew Nifty stamp and die set for this card. I am in LOVE with this set! I bought it from Kitty at My Mum's Craft Shop, and even though they are out of stock in the store at the moment, all you need to do is drop Kitty an email and she will sort you out! :)

I also used my fabby Echo Park Country Drive 12x12 papers. I LOVE this kit, so much so that I will be ordering some additional sheets as I'm almost out of some - eek!! Both the individual 12x12 sheets AND the brand new 6x6 Country Drive paper pad are available to buy at MMSC.

This card wouldn't have been complete without the addition of some yummy seam binding, Baker's Twine and buttons from Sew Sweet. Ooh, and I must tell you that Emma is having a 10% off sale on orders over £10 at Sew Sweet at the moment! All you need to do is enter the code HOLIDAY when you're checking out. (The sale ends on 5 August.)

Here is a supply list, should you wish to do some retail therapy *wink*:

Supplies
MFT Die-namics Sew Nifty stamp and die set (from MMSC)
Echo Park Country Drive 12x12 papers (from MMSC)
Nestabilities Labels 4 and Labels 4 Small (from MMSC)
Martha Stewart Edger Punch - Doily Lace (from MMSC)
Mixed Buttons (from Sew Sweet)
Seam Binding (from Sew Sweet)
Divine Baker's Twine (from Sew Sweet)

Today is the first day of our lovely, long 6 week summer vacation - woo-hoo!! School is officially out for summer as from today!!!!!! Yippee!! Just hope the weather is better than last year.

Finally, I'd like to enter this card into a few challenges:

- Make it Monday with Kraft Outlet Challenge #28: My Favourite Things
- Sir Stampalot July Challenge: Anything Goes
- Crafty Creations #128: Seeing Double

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,

Whimsy Stamps July Release Blog Hop!

2011-07-20T17:00:00.040+01:00

Hello and welcome to the Whimsy Stamps July rubber release BLOG HOP!

We have 9 fabulous new Whimsy Stamps plus 2 new wonderful dies to showcase today! These new goodies are available to buy from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites. We also have our wonderful special guests joining us for this hop - Elaine Hughes, Niki Estes, Zoe McGrath and Deb Routledge.

The Whimsy Stamps DT have been showcasing these fabulous stamps for the past 6 days, so if you missed them be sure to hop on over to the Whimsy Inspirations Blog for some more inspiration!

Here is a full list of the wonderful July release rubber stamps and dies:

5 stamps from Kenny K
Boogie Down ~ Holla Back Girl ~ Hot Weave ~ Spy Chick ~ Victory Kid

4 stamps/sets from Raindrop Echo Designs
A Touch of Elegance ~ Adventure Mini Postage Stamps ~ Vintage Bottle Labels ~ Vintage Transportation

2 dies/sets from Raindrop Echo Designs
Dress Form Die (coordinates with ‘A Touch of Elegance’ stamp set) ~ Elegant Flourishes

If you would like to participate in the hop and you didn't arrive here from Crystal's blog, please CLICK HERE to return to the beginning of the hop at Lori’s blog.

The hop starts today (Wednesday July 20th at noon EST) and ends on Wednesday July 27th at noon EST.

For this hop we have 6 different prize draws! We have one grand prize draw where one lucky hopper will win a large selection of new release stamps for hopping along with us. We also have 5 mini candy stops throughout the hop where you can enter to win a new release stamp ... and I am one of the mini candy stops!! If you would like to be entered into the draw to win TWO rubber stamps from this release (Kenny K Spy Chick and Kenny K Hot Weave), please leave your details in the linky widget at the end of this post.

For my blog hop creation I used Kenny K Boogie Down stamp. This stamp is available HERE from the Whimsy Stamps store right now (and will soon be available from Kitty at My Mum's Craft Shop).

I used this month's fab July Sketch for you to try, but flipped it horizontally. July's SFYTT is being sponsored by My Favourite Things and I happen to have used 2 of their gorgeous dies on my card (available from My Mum's Craft Shop).

Supplies

Whimsy Stamps Kenny K Boogie Down rubber stamp

Memento Tuxedo Black Ink (from MMSC)

Copic Markers (from MMSC)

My Minds Eye 6x6 Paper Pad - Lime Twist Fly A Kite (from MMSC)

Die-namics Music Notes die (from MMSC)

Die-namics Stacking Stars dies (from MMSC)

Bakers Twine (from Sew Sweet)

So now it's time for you to continue the hop by hopping on over to Elaine's blog... but don't forget to enter my mini candy draw before you go! :)

Thank you so much for hopping with us today and I hope you enjoy our creations!

Hugs,

SCRSC52: Charlotte with a Rose

2011-07-19T05:00:00.067+01:00

(Sorry the photo's a little dark ... just like the weather here in the South West of England at the moment, LOL!)

Happy Tuesday everyone! Sorry I've been MIA for a little while - lots going on, mojo decided to take a holiday, etc.!

So this week at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge we want to see you make something using your favourite SCRS image.

I can genuinely say that each and every one of Sparkle's stamps has a special place in my heart, so this was an incredibly difficult challenge for me in that I spent AGES trying to decide which stamp to use! In the end I settled on the beautiful Charlotte with a Rose. I seem to come back to her time and time again, and she is so perfect for paper-piecing (which I love to do!).

I paired her with some yummy new Echo Park Country Drive Collection Kit paper from Kitty at My Mum's Craft Shop - it's SO pretty! (The green gingham paper is actually from the Sweet Summertime Collection Kit - I love that you can mix and match different ranges from EP).

I also got to try out my new Die-namics Mini Rolled Roses die from My Mum's Craft Shop. I used the smallest die to cut out a white paper rose. I originally made a pink rose, but the card I had was too dark and I didn't have any paler pink card, so I opted to use a pink flower under a white rose.

If you hop around the SCRS DT's blogs today you will see that Kim and I have used the exact same image ... and have both followed the same sketch (Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 126)!!! This was purely by accident, LOL! I didn't know Kim had chosen Charlotte nor the sketch until I was uploading my card to our DT group!! Hee hee!! Greats minds and all that, eh? ;)

To finish the card I used some gorgeous ribbon, twine and a button from http://www.sewsweet.co.uk/

Here is a list of supplies, complete with links, should you wish to do a little retail therapy:

Supplies

SCRS Charlotte with a Rose rubber stamp

Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad

Copic markers: E00 E000 R20 E02 E11; E55 E51; YG03 YG67; R81 R85; E50

Echo Park Country Drive Collection Kit (Clover Meadow & Flutter By reverse)

Die-namics Mini Rolled Roses die

Light Pink 5/8" Plain Twill ribbon

Cotton Candy Divine Twine

50g Strawberries & Cream mixed Button Bag

Finally here's little reminder about the Anniversary sale that is running through July.....

Hope you have a grand Tuesday!

Hugs,

July NEW rubber release at Whimsy Stamps

2011-07-13T13:49:00.000+01:00

Today is an exciting day at Whimsy Stamps because it's ...

rubber stamp and die RELEASE DAY!

This month we are doing things a little differently - we are releasing the stamps and dies a whole week before our new release blog hop! So that means... the July New Release rubber stamps and dies are available to buy RIGHT NOW from the Whimsy Stamps store! Yippee!!

We are going to be holding a fabulous new release BLOG HOP on July 20th, when we will have our usual plethora of prizes, special guests, and lots of amazing creations from our DT.

From today until July 19th, the DT are going to be showcasing this month's new release stamps and dies in the lead up to our BLOG HOP on July 20th, so be sure to stop by our blogs this week to see what we've created.

Here is a list of the new stamps, sentiment sets and dies we have released today:

5 new Kenny K rubber stamps
Boogie Down ~ Holla Back Girl ~ Hot Weave ~ Spy Chick ~ Victory Kid

4 new Raindrop Echo Designs sentiment rubber stamp sets
A Touch of Elegance ~ Adventure Mini Postage Stamps ~ Vintage Bottle Labels ~ Vintage Transportation

2 new Raindrop Echo Designs dies
Dress Form Die (coordinates with A Touch of Elegance stamp set) ~ Elegant Flourishes

Remember, they are all available to buy from the Whimsy Stamps store RIGHT NOW!

Happy shopping! :)

Hugs,

Sparkle Creations 1st Anniversary Release & Hop!!!

2011-07-09T05:00:00.065+01:00

Hello and welcome to the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps 1st Anniversary Hop! YIPPEE!!

Not only are we here to help Sparkle celebrate a year of SCRS, but we are also officially releasing 4 new SCRS images this month - Backpack Oliver, Bookworm Ruby, Hula Girl Lucy and Ukulele Josh. But wait, there's more... we are also releasing 2 new Karber Rubber Stamps - Rainbow Leslie and Reading Millie! They are ALL available to purchase in the SCRS store right now along with all your SCRS favourites!

We have assembled an all-star lineup consisting of our Current Design Team, DT Alumni and past/present Guest Designers. If you happened here by chance and would like to start from the beginning, please CLICK HERE to begin at the SCRS blog.

What's a hop without prizes? We've hidden TEN single stamp prizes along the way and one lucky winner will win the ENTIRE July release! All you need to do is leave some love at every stop along the hop. You have until 11:59 PM EST on Sunday to leave comments for a chance to win (winners will be announced on the SCRS blog on Monday).

For my blog hop creation I decided to make a card to match the bookmark that I blogged on Monday using Bookworm Ruby. I made the bookmark for a dear friend, and so of course I needed a card to go with it!

Supplies
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps 'Bookworm Ruby
Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad and Tim Holtz Distress ink pad 'Vintage Photo'
Copics: Skin E000 E00 E11 R20; Hair E50 E51 E53 E55 E57; Skirt/Shoes E41 E43 E44
SU Kraft and SU Whisper White cardstock
Crate Paper 'Emma's Shoppe' 6x6 paper pad
October Afternoon Country Fair 'Grandstand' #PP002 (lined paper)
MFT Die-namics Notebook Edge die
Prima E-line yellow flowers
SEW SWEET 'Bittersweet' Button Twine

This is also my Sketch Saturday DT make. This week over at SS we have a wonderful sketch by Jo and if you take part you could win a fabulous $25 gift certificate generously donated by Simon Says Stamp!

Finally, here is the complete hopping list:

So all that remains is for you to continue the hop by hopping over to the oh-so-talented and wonderful Stephanie's blog ... but don't forget to leave me a comment first! ;)

Thank you SO much for joining us today! Good luck to all and happy hopping!

Hugs,

Sparkle Creations: Ukulele Josh preview

2011-07-08T05:00:00.062+01:00

Hello again and welcome to the final day of our Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps new release sneak peeks! If you have joined us for the past 5 days you would have been treated to previews of some of the brand new SCRS and Karber rubber stamps that are being released this month. This week we have previewed:

Sunday - {Karber} Rainbow Leslie
Monday - Bookworm Ruby (click here to see my card)
Tuesday - Backpack Oliver (click here to see my card)
Wednesday - {Karber} Reading Millie
Thursday - Hula Girl Lucy (click here to see my card)

Today it's the SCRS DT's turn to showcase the last of the new SCRS stamps! So without further ado I am pleased to introduce UKULELE JOSH ...

Supply List
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps 'Ukulele Josh'
Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
Copics
SU Kraft and Bazzill Bitter Chocolate cardstock
Fancy Pants 'Beach Babe' 6x6 paper pad
SEW SWEET 'Hot Chocolate' button bag & 'Strawberries & Cream' button bag & Natural Kraft button twine

I used some more of my yummy Fancy Pants 'Beach Babe' 6x6 paper pad (which I actually bought especially for this release!) and embellished with some gorgeous SEW SWEET buttons and twine. Not a complicated card, but perfect for a boy I think! :)

Be sure to visit all the rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Ukulele Josh. Sparkle will be giving away Ukulele Josh to one lucky person! For a chance to WIN, you need to visit and comment on all of the designer's Ukulele Josh blog posts (links listed below). Then head on over to the SCRS blog and comment on the Ukulele Josh post there. You have until midnight EST today to comment.

Alice Wertz
Kerri Michaud {July Guest Designer}
Kim Yu
Shaela Odd
YOU ARE HERE ---> Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Tomorrow is RELEASE DAY, and so all of our yummy stamps will be available to buy in the SCRS store! Yippee!! We are holding a fabulous BLOG HOP to celebrate (with a few special guests!!!), so do pop by and hop along with us!

Thanks for dropping by, and hope to see you again tomorrow for the hop!

Hugs

SCRS Hula Girl Lucy preview

2011-07-07T05:00:00.041+01:00

Hello again and welcome to the 5th day of our Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps new release sneak peeks! If you have joined us for the past 4 days you would have been treated to previews of some of the brand new SCRS and Karber rubber stamps that are being released this month: So far we have previewed:

Sunday - {Karber} Rainbow Leslie
Monday - Bookworm Ruby (click here to see my card)
Tuesday - Backpack Oliver (click here to see my card)
Wednesday - {Karber} Reading Millie

Today it's the SCRS DT's turn to showcase the third of 4 brand new SCRS stamps! So without further ado I am pleased to introduce HULA GIRL LUCY ...

Be sure to visit all the rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Hula Girl Lucy. Sparkle will be giving away Hula Girl Lucy to one lucky person! For a chance to WIN, you need to visit and comment on all of the designer's Hula Girl Lucy blog posts (links listed below). Then head on over to the SCRS blog and comment on the Hula Girl Lucy post there. You have until midnight EST today to comment, and the lucky winner will be announced tomorrow!

Alice Wertz
Kerri Michaud {July Guest Designer}
Kim Yu
Shaela Odd
YOU ARE HERE ---> Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Tomorrow the SCRS DT are previewing the last of our new release stamps for July, so I hope so see you again then!

Thanks, as always, for popping by!

Hugs

Supplies
STAMP: Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps 'Hula Girl Lucy' (released 09 July 2011)
INK: Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
COPICS: E000 E00 E11 R20
CARD: Coredinations 12x12 Colorcore, SU Kraft
PAPER: Fancy Pants 'Beach Babe' 6x6 paper pad
EMBELLIES: Prima flowers, SU Linen twine
TOOLS: Paper crimper, SU white ink pad, sander, paper distresser

SCRSC50 and Backpack Oliver Preview

2011-07-05T05:00:00.092+01:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Welcome to Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge #50 and the third day of our Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps new release sneak peek!

Over at the SCRS challenge blog we have one of Kim's amazing sketches for you to follow this week! As we are also in the middle of our SCRS new release preview week, we are also showcasing the brand new and super adorable BACKPACK OLIVER stamp today, and this stamp will be available to purchase on Saturday from the SCRS store!

I just had to use my OA Schoolhouse (8x8) paper - a no brainer, really (plus it's the only school-themed paper I own, hee hee!). I didn't want to embellish this card very much as I love the papers so much, so I simply added three red buttons from my SEW SWEET 50g Autumn Mixed Button Bag and a little hand cut corner embellishment for balance in the top RH corner.

Be sure to visit all the rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Backpack Oliver. Sparkle will be giving away Backpack Oliver to one lucky person! For a chance to WIN, you need to visit and comment on all of the designer's Backpack Oliver blog posts (links listed below). Then head on over to the SCRS blog and comment on the Backpack Oliver post there. You have until midnight EST today to comment, and the lucky winner will be announced tomorrow!

Alice Wertz
Kerri Michaud {July Guest Designer}
Kim Yu
Shaela Odd
YOU ARE HERE ---> Simonne Clay <--- YOU ARE HERE
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Tomorrow it's the SCRS Karber DT's turn to preview the second Karber rubber stamp that is being released this month, so be sure to stop by their blogs to take a peek! I shall be back again on Thursday with another *new* SCRS July release stamp preview, so I hope to see you again then!

Thanks for dropping by - hope you have a fab Tuesday!

Hugs

Supplies
STAMP: Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps 'Backpack Oliver' (released 09 July 2011)
CARD: Coredinations 12x12 Colorcore YH020 Honey and NG010 Argos
PAPER: October Afternoon 'Schoolhose' 8x8 pad
EMBELLIES: Red buttons from SEW SWEET 50g Autumn Mixed Button Bag

SemSee's Sparkly Scribblings

Crazy Whimsical Blog Hop!

Whimsy Stamps January Release: Showcase Day 6

SCRSC71B: Tea Set Rin

Whimsy Stamps January Rubber & Die Release Day!

SCRS Preview & Release Day: Tea Set Rin

SCRS Preview: Nurse Lucy

SCRSC70B: Something New

TGF Release Day!

Are you feeling lucky?

I'm a TGF Premiere Farmer!

Whimsy Stamps: December Rubber & Die Release Day!

SCRS Preview & Release: Ice Skating Chloe

SCRS Preview: Hockey Oliver

SCRSC69: Holiday Emily

I'm a cover girl!

SCRSC68: Team Josh vs. Team Oliver

Whimsy Stamps November Release Showcase - Day 5

Whimsy Stamps November Release: Showcase Day 4

Whimsy Stamps November Rubber & Die Release!

SCRS Preview & Release: Snow Angel Ruby

SCRS Preview: Snowbunny Lucy

SCRSC67: White on White

SCRSC66: No Colouring

Whimsy Stamps: Bart Loves Christmas

SCRSC65: Sunflower Charlotte

Whimsy Stamps October Rubber & Die Release Showcase - Day 5

Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps have arrived at My Mum's Craft Shop!

Whimsy Stamps October Release - Showcase Day 1

Whimsy Stamps October rubber & die release!

Winner of my Wee Stamps mini blog hop draw

SCRSC64: Farming for Buttons

News, news and more news!

Sparkle Creations - Sunflower Charlotte

Sparkle Creations October Release: Autumn Rin

Wee Stamps for Whimsy Stamps BLOG HOP

SCRSC63: 'Orange' Blossom Rin

Wee Stamps for Whimsy Stamps - Sneak Peek Day 1

SS173 Whimsy Stamps September Rubber & Die Release Showcase - Day 6

SCRSC61: Back to Black

Whimsy Stamps September Rubber & Die Release Showcase - Day 5

Whimsy Stamps September Rubber & Die Release Showcase - Day 4

Whimsy New Release Showcase Day 2: Wasn't Me

September Rubber & Die RELEASE DAY!

SCRSC60: Cafe Lucy

SCRS Release Day: Franken Josh

SCRS: Mummy Oliver previews

RE-DRAW Winner of my Whimsy Stamps August Blog Hop Mini Candy

Random Integer Generator

SS171: The Crafts Meow

SCRSC58: Anything But a Card

Winner of my Whimsy Stamps August Blog Hop Mini Candy

Whimsy Stamps August Release BLOG HOP

SCRSC56: Birthday Josh

SS168 and Whimsy Stamps PenPal Mouse

Sparkle Creations Release Day: Introducing... Cheerleading Emily

SCRS preview: Football Josh meets GLEE Finn

Whimsy Stamps August *new* rubber and die release!

SCRSC55: Charlotte with a Rose

Winner of my Whimsy Stamps July Blog Hop Mini Candy

SCRSC53: Cherry Blossom Rin

Whimsy Stamps News - new challenge blog

SS165: MFT Sew Nifty

Whimsy Stamps July Release Blog Hop!

SCRSC52: Charlotte with a Rose

July NEW rubber release at Whimsy Stamps

Sparkle Creations 1st Anniversary Release & Hop!!!

Sparkle Creations: Ukulele Josh preview

SCRS Hula Girl Lucy preview

SCRSC50 and Backpack Oliver Preview

Whimsy Stamps August new rubber and die release!