Sparkle Creations Challenge #8 : Inspiration Challenge

Happy Tuesday everyone!  [Hopefully Mr Blogger is playing nice and this scheduled post has actually posted!]

Welcome to a brand new Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge!  This week we have a lovely photo inspiration challenge for you:

I decided to take inspiration from the umbrella in the piccie and so used Cocktail Emily for my card!  I have followed this week's Sketch Saturday sketch #118 (so this is also my SS DT card, albeit very late - sorry!), where we have another stunning sketch from Jo and are being sponsored by The Craft Barn.

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

Sparkle has started Freebie Fridays over at the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps blog where all you have to do is comment on her post by the Sunday evening and you'll be entered into the draw to win a free SCRS stamp!  How awesome is that?  So make sure you hop on back to the SCRS blog this Friday!

Do pop along to my SCRS DT sistahs' blogs to take a peek at their challenge creations:

Sparkle

Stephanie

Laurel

Lisa

Mary

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,


Supplies
STAMP: SCRS Cocktail Emily
INK: Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
COLOURING MEDIA: Copic Ciaos
PAPER: MME
CARD: Core'dinations 12x12 ColorCore
EMBELLISHMENTS: Prima flowers, 4mm flatback pearls
TOOLS: Paper Trimmer, SU Scissors, 3D foam pads, PVA glue, MS border punch

A note to say....

...we're back from our mini-break to Chester!  We had a lovely time, but I just want to tell you all that I'm not going to be around for the next week or so as I deal with a few unexpected real-life issues.  I have a few scheduled posts ready, but I really need to take a break from blogging/crafting whilst I deal with real life.  I don't want to go into details here.  I will be okay...just need some time.  So please bear with me ....

Big hugs to you all,

Cash at the ready ... NEW STOCK alert!!

Just when you thought it was safe to close your wallets, along comes some more scrummy, MUST-HAVE new products at Quixotic Paperie!  And to tempt you even further, Elaine is currently offering FREE P&P on all orders over £25 until Monday (23rd August), so it's the perfect time to order some new stash!

First, Elaine has just uploaded the brand new PAPER MAKEUP STAMP release!  As always with PMS, there's something for everyone: breath-taking word-art stamps, new beautiful fairy stamps, the fab Moody Girl stamps, and some gorgeous new stamp sets!  Check them all out HERE!  And I bet you didn't know that Quixotic Paperie is the ONLY UK retailer for Paper Makeup Stamps!!!

How about some gorgeous new paper straight from CHA 2010 to go with your brand new stamps?  Well Elaine has just taken stock of 3 of the brand new Cosmo Cricket mini decks so grab your favourites whilst they're still in stock (each mini deck comprises 36 sheets of 6x6 paper - 18 designs, 2 of each):

Cosmo Cricket 'Togetherness' 6x6 mini deck:

Cosmo Cricket 'Pixielicious' 6x6 mini deck:

Cosmo Cricket 'Mitten Weather' 6x6 mini deck:

And one final product to tell you all about (especially if you have a penchant for all things vintage) is the gorgeous Graphic 45 Christmas Past Deluxe Edition 8x8 paper pad.  This paper pad comprises 28 double-sided sheets (two each of 14 double-sided designs).  I predict this is going to be another hot seller as we all embark on the mammoth task of making a start on this year's Christmas cards!

Get on over to Quixotic Paperie right now to take advantage of the free shipping offering and to grab these scrummy new products before they sell out!

Hugs,

Sketch Saturday #117: Ready, Steady, DUCK!

Happy Saturday bloggers!

This week over at Sketch Saturday we have another fab sketch by our wonderful leader Jo, and this week we are being sponsored by Digital Delights who are offering a $10 gift certificate to one lucky entrant!

The SS design team were given some of the fabulous new August release images to play with this week (thank you Digital Delights!) - Castle, Augustus the Dragon, Princess Shona and Sparky the Knight!  Did you know that you can also buy coloured version of these digi stamps for the same price?  Perfect for when you haven't got the time to spend colouring!

However, for my DT card this week I have used the adorable and slightly cheeky "Ready, Set, Duck" stamp from the Snickerdoodle Kids range by Crissy Armstrong over at Whimsy Stamps, as I want to get a head start on my Christmas cards.  And the best thing is that you can buy this stamp right now for only $5.25 as Whimsy Stamps are currently holding a 25% OFF EVERYTHING* SALE!!!!!!  (*excluding gift certificate).

I pulled out some of last year's MME Colorful Christmas paper and paired it with some Core'dinations cardstock.  The small snowflakes were hand-punched with a Woodware punch, and the large snowflake was created with a Spellbinders die both from glittered card.  And of course I had to add some Stickles for extra Christmas sparkle:

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. Ooh La La Challenge #60 - Spots and Dots
2. ASFOS #117 - Christmas in August
3. Creative Card Crew - Sparkle & Shine
4. My Time to Craft Challenge #103 - Glitter and Glitz

Have a fab weekend folks, whatever you're doing!  We're off at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning for a mini holiday to Chester.  Why Chester?  Well, anyone that knows our daughter knows she's animal mad, with a particular love for big cats, and so we're making one of her dreams come true by going to see a cheetah 'in the flesh' at Chester Zoo.  We've planned to return to Bristol on Wednesday, but I've got my Sparkle Creations post scheduled for Tuesday, so hopefully Mr Blogger will play nice as we're not taking the laptop with us!!

Thanks for popping by!

Hugs,


Ingredients
STAMP: Whimsy Stamps Snickerdoodle Kids "Ready Set Duck"
INK: Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
COLOURING MEDIA: Copic Ciaos
PAPER: MME Colorful Christmas 12x12 Gumdrop Sparkles CC1004
CARD: Core'dinations 12x12 Colorcore AB020 Aquarium and CO030 Tangerine
EMBELLIES:
TOOLS: Paper Trimmer, Scissors, PVA glue, 3D foam pads, Woodware snowflake punch, SU 1 3/8" circle punch, Spellbinders S4-085 Snowflake Wonder die

Sparkle Creations Challenge #6: Sketch

Hi again everyone!  I know I'm a day late posting this (sorry!) but .... this week over at Sparkle Creations we have another fabby challenge for you - a scrummy sketch by Mary:

I used Scooter Chloe from Release 1 for my challenge card today, and my most favourite colour combo of all time - green and blue!!

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

Do pop along to my SCRS DT sistahs' blogs to take a peek at their challenge creations:

Sparkle

Stephanie

Laurel

Lisa

Mary

Jodi (August GDT)

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,


Supplies
STAMP: SCRS Scooter Chloe
INK: Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
COLOURING MEDIA: Copic Ciaos
PAPER: October Afternoon Hometown: Woolworths
CARD: Core'dinations 12x12 ColorCore VB020 Montego Bay, SU Whisper White
EMBELLISHMENTS: Ribbon from stash, Prima self-adhesive pearls
TOOLS: Paper Trimmer, SU Scissors, 3D foam pads, PVA glue

Quixotic Challenge #37: Old, New, Borrowed, Blue...

Hi everyone! Just a quick post to share my DT card for today's new Quixotic Paperie challenge.  Judy has set the challenge of 'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue'.....so either make a wedding card or incorporate one of these elements into your card...old, new, borrowed or blue!

I have chosen to make a wedding card using this beautiful Paper Makeup sentiment stamp called 'The Most Important Thing'.  I cut it out using my Nesties, inked around it using my trusty Versamagic 'Wheat' dew drop ink pad, and then highlighted the words 'life' and 'love' with my R00 Copic pen.  I spent ages adding and taking away embellies from this card, and then decided that it looked 'right' being very simple and elegant so as not to draw the eye away from the gorgeous Memory Box paper, which is from the 'Gossamer' pad.

Supplies available to buy from Quixotic Paperie:

Paper Makeup Stamp - The Most Important Thing

Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad

Memory Box 6x6 paper - Gossamer

Thanks for dropping by today!  You may see a few more CAS cards from me this week, as I just can't seem to pull myself out of being "in the doldrums" at the moment, and I definitely think my usual mojo has taken off on holiday for a well earned rest! LOL!

Hope you're having a great day!

Hugs,


Supplies
STAMP: Paper Makeup Stamps 'The Most Imporant Thing'
INK: Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad, Versamagic Dew Drop ink pad 'Wheat'
PAPER: Memory Box 6x6 paper pad 'Gossamer'
CARD: 12x12 white card base, Coredinations 12x12 Colorcore 'French Roast'
EMBELLISHMENTS: Pink satin ribbon from stash
TOOLS: Paper Trimmer, Scissors, 3D foam pads, PVA glue, Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 1 dies

Get your pennies ready ... new stock alert!

Elaine has got some yummy brand new products that have just arrived over at Quixotic Paperie, and I predict these will sell out REALLY fast!!  I know I say that every time, but keep reading and you'll see what I mean!

We all love our flowery embellishments, right?  And of course Prima is a name that we associate with gorgeous paper flowers.  Well, a new product has landed at Quixotic Paperie ... Prima Craftable Flowers!  Why are these different?  They are paper flowers that have been made especially to be stamped on and coloured to make a totally unique, handcrafted embellishment.  Elaine has 5 different designs of Craftable Flowers in stock HERE (£3.95 per pack) and also has 15 of the brand new Prima Clear Stamps that have been made for stamping onto these fab flowers!  The stamps are approx. 3.25"x3.25" square, clear stamps that are only .... wait for it .... £1.95 each!!!!!  Now you can see why I think they will sell out!! LOL!

Take a Prima Craftable Flower ...


Use one of the gorgeous new Prima clear stamps (at only £1.95 each!) to stamp onto the flower ...



Colour the design as you wish with non porous markers/paints/inks, and voila!  A unique, custom-made flower ....


[The above photograph was taken from the Prima Inc Blog HERE]

Hurry over to Quixotic Paperie RIGHT NOW to grab yourself a packet or two of these new craftable flowers and a handful of the new clear stamps (which, of course, can be used for stamping onto any surface - great for backgrounds, I think!) ... I know they'll be out of stock before too long!!

Hugs,

Sketch Saturday #116 and Sparkle Creations Release Day!

Happy Saturday everyone and welcome to Day 3 of the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps new release sneak peeks!  Today I have a card to show you using the brand new "Cruisin' Chloe" stamp!  Isn't her car the coolest? Hee hee!  This is also my Sketch Saturday #116 DT card, where we have another fabulous sketch by Jo and are being sponsored by the fabulous Simon Says Stamp!

Sparkle's illustrator, Aki Fukuoka, has done it again and come up with 3 AMAZING new travel-themed stamps for the SCRS August Release.  "Suitcase Ruby" was introduced on Thursday, yesterday we sneak peeked "Travelling Josh", and today the DT are showcasing "Cruisin' Chloe".  I predict these will sell out FAST, so get your orders in now if you want to get your inky hands on these beauties.  Not only are they perfect for travel-related cards, but as Laurel showed with her "Suitcase Ruby" card, they would be just as great to use on cards to give to those loved ones who are off to college or university!  And who wouldn't want to be cruisin' in a cool VW beetle, LOL!?

Do pop along to my SCRS DT sistahs' blogs to take a peek at their Cruisin' Chloe creations, and then get yourself over to the SCRS store to grab your own stamps before they sell out!

Sparkle

Stephanie

Laurel

Lisa

Mary

Jodi (GDT)

Thanks for popping by and I hope you enjoyed the new SCRS release!

Hugs,

Sparkle Creations: Introducing...Travelling Josh

Hey everyone and welcome to Day 2 of the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps new release sneak peeks!  Today the DT (along with our August guest designer Jodi Collins) are showcasing ... TRAVELLING JOSH! 

As I made my new release cards in advance (so thankful I did as my tooth pain is unbearable at the moment!), there wasn't much point in using any current challenge sketches specifically to enter the challenge, as the challenges would have ended by the time today came around.  So, I popped over to "I Need A Sketch", had a good look at all the sketches, and decided that the recent Sketch Saturday sketch #109 was the perfect fit for this image and card, and so followed it!  Jo is the brains and design talent behind the fabulous sketches at Sketch Saturday, and she started a blog a little while ago where she has uploaded all her amazing sketches in one easy-to-find place!!  So if you're stuck for a sketch, pop on over to "I Need A Sketch"!

Do pop along to my SCRS DT sistahs' blogs to take a peek at their Travelling Josh creations:

Sparkle

Stephanie

Laurel

Lisa

Mary

Jodi (GDT)

Finally I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. PaperPlay Challenge #32 - Bon Voyage
2. BasicGrey Challenge #26 - Pearls (and I have used my BG Mellow 6x6 paper pad)
3. Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #95 - It's a Man's World

I'll be back with the 3rd and final sneak peek of the August release tomorrow, which is also release day (yay!) so you'll be able to buy all 3 of these fab stamps then!

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,

Sparkle Creations: Introducing...Suitcase Ruby

Hello everyone and welcome to Day 1 of Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps new release sneak peeks! 

Today, the DT (along with our August guest designer Jodi Collins), are showcasing the first of 3 brand new SCRS stamps that are due to be released on Saturday.  So without further ado, I am pleased to introduce ... SUITCASE RUBY! 

I must have been having a good day when I made this card, as for some unknown reason, inspiration struck and I came up with the idea to make an actual suitcase card adorned with luggage stickers (and I'm proud to say that I've never seen a card like this before, so for me, at least, it's an original idea, LOL!).  I made the luggage stickers myself by hunting on the www, re-sizing them and generally editing them to suit, and then distressing them to make them look like they've been around the world!  I'm really pleased with the result, but not too pleased with the photo, so I'll try again and update when I get a better one!

Do pop along to my SCRS DT sistahs' blogs to take a peek at their Suitcase Ruby creations:

Sparkle

Stephanie

Laurel

Lisa

Mary

Jodi (GDT)

Finally I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. PaperPlay Challenge #32 - Bon Voyage
2. Bunny Zoe's Crafts Challenge #3 - Vintage
3. Papertake Weekly Challenge - Something...Old, New, Borrowed, Blue (I have used my 'new' stamp, 'borrowed' some luggage sticker images from the www, tried to make my suitcase look 'old' and adding a few touches of 'blue')

I'll be back tomorrow with another sneak peek of another new stamp!

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,

Quixotic Challenge #36: Alter it!

Hello again!  This week's Quixotic Challenge has been chosen by Rowena, who is challenging us to alter an item, or create a card using, for example, altered chipboard etc!

Unfortunately I don't have a challenge creation for you today - sorry! - as I'm in the midst of another painful (and botched!) root canal saga (plus I have a stinking cold - urgh!).  Will it never end?  Doesn't look like it!  I had my other DT stuff already completed before I had the root canal treatment last Friday, but was planning to make my QP challenge creation early this week.  I spoke to the dental practice on Monday and am going in to see the head honcho for a second opinion - I'm also being sent out a complaints pack!  I suppose at least they are dealing with it promptly and professionally, but I know this will mean more work and I'm just not sure I can take it anymore!  It's almost been a whole year since my dental problems started!

Anyway, what I can share with you today instead is the long list of yummy new goodies that Elaine has just taken stock of over at Quixotic Paperie.  Check them out HERE...

CC Designs August Release (some gorgeous new Halloween stamps - yum!)

(NB This picture has been snagged from the All That Scraps store - this has not been coloured by me!)

TGF August Release

Check out the awesome 'Later Skater' set - perfect for teens or even pre-teens:

Elaine has added a couple more designs to the Memory Box 6x6 paper pads that she stocks.  First we have 'Blackbird', perfect for Halloween and Autumn, and secondly we have the scrummy 'Mistletoe', which is pretty self-explanatory, LOL!

I don't want to worry you, but I predict that these new pads will sell out rather quickly as we start to see the new Halloween/Fall and Christmas stamps being released by the stamp manufacturers, so I urge you to place your order now so that you're not disappointed later!

Please pop on over to the QP challenge blog and take a peek at what the fab QP DT have made for today's challenge - you won't be disappointed.

Hugs,

GDT Paper Makeup Stamps - Review Day 3

Hey everyone!  As some of you will know, lucky old me was invited to be a guest designer this month for Paper Makeup Stamps, and so I get to be involved in showcasing the new releases for August! Yay!  I've already posted a card using the brand new Leigh the puddle fairy stamp and another using Moody for Kitties, and today I have a card using one of the stamps from the new Home Matters stamp set (this set is only $9.00 - I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me when I read the price, LOL!).  The stamp set comprises 2 wonderful image stamps and 5 fab sentiment stamps:

I really wanted to follow this week's fabby sketch (OCCSC27) at the OCC Sketch blog and so I chose to use the birdhouse stamp from this fantastic set.  I spent ages adding and taking away embellies, but nothing looked quite right, so I went with it for a pretty clean and simple result!

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

1. OCC Weekly Sketch Challenge #27
2. Our Creative Corner - Embossing

Please do pop along to the PMS Blog as there are plenty more gorgeous review cards to see, including all the yumminess that has been posted over the past few days!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Sparkle Creations Challenge #5: Embossing

Happy Tuesday everyone!  It's time for a brand new challenge at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps, and today we are challenging you to use embossing:

I have used the awesome Surfing Oliver for my challenge creation today and have gone the whole hog with the surfy vibe.  The paper is a 12x12 sheet from the 'Island' collection by 'Three Bugs in a Rug' (I've just found out that they do a 6x6 paper pad, but unfortunately I can't find it anywhere in the UK!). This particular piece is called 'Reef' and I have used both sides of the paper to create my card.  The paper worked brilliantly with the sketch I followed (Card Patterns sketch #76), as instead of punching a border in the blue paper to create the scallop, I simply cut around the circles of the patterned paper and voila!  I tried to create a beach background for Oliver and using one of my Cuttlebug embossing folders to give texture to the sand!  I didn't follow the sketch to the letter, as once the card was assembled I didn't have enough room to add the sentiment where is should go, and felt that the blue was a bit naked.  So I added the "surf dude" sentiment right at the end - the second 'd' of 'dude' hasn't stamped very clearly, but I think this adds to the whole shabby, surfy vibe of the card! 

Do hop on over to the SCRS blog and see what the rest of the DT have made!  We'd love you to join us, so if you don't have a SCRS stamp, pop to the store and buy one (or more, LOL!).  Sparkle is releasing 3 new stamps this coming Saturday, and we are starting previews of them on Thursday, so be sure to stop by then, as they are FANTASTIC!!!!

Finally, I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
1. Card Patterns Sketch #76
2. Pollycraft Monday Challenge #56 - Photo Inspiration (I have taken inspiration from the circles)
3. The Pink Elephant - Summer Fun
4. ABC Challenge - A is for August
5. Simon Says Challenge - Sing it Baby ...pretty obvious really - "Surfin' USA" by The Beach Boys!
6. Crafty Catz Weekly #44 - Buttons and Bows (I've added 3 buttons, and tied a bow in the linen thread)
7. Saturday Challenge #95 - It's a Man's World
8. Our Creative Corner - Embossing
9. One Stop Craft Challenge #92 - Summer Fun

Thanks for popping by today!

 

Hugs,

Ingredients
STAMP: Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps 'Surfing Oliver'; Your Next Stamp  'Surfer Fhinn' (sentiment)
INK: Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad; Versamagic Dew Drop 'Jumbo Java'
COLOURING MEDIA: Copic Ciaos
PAPER: Three Bugs in a Rug - 12x12 double-sided - Island 'Reef' (isl-495)
CARDSTOCK: Core'dinations 12x12 ColorCore 'French Roast'; SU Summer Sun
EMBELLISMENTS: Cream buttons from stash, SU Linen Thread
TOOLS: Paper Trimmer, SU Paper Snips Scissors, 3D foam pads, PVA glue, Large Circle and Scallop Circle Nesties, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder 'Tiny Bubbles'

Paper Makeup Stamps Blog Hop!

Happy Saturday everyone and welcome to the Paper Makeup Stamps new release blog hop!

If you'd like to participate in the hop and you didn't arrive here from the wonderful Katie's blog, please CLICK HERE to return to the start of the hop at the PMS blog, and be sure to grab all those letters for your 15% discount code!  My letter for you is (rather appropriately, LOL!):

One lucky blog hop commenter will be awarded a $15 gift certificate towards PMS stamps, so be sure to comment at every stop along the hop.  The stamps will go live on the site at 8pm EST, and then at 9pm EST PMS are holding a release party at their forum!  Unfortunately I won't be able to attend, as here in the UK it will be 2am, LOL, but please do join in if you're able, as I'm sure it will be a blast!

Anyhoo, today I have a card to share with you that I have made for the Paper Makeup Stamps new release blog hop!  I've also followed Emma's fab DT sketch over at Sketch Saturday, and so this is my SS DT card too!

I've used the gorgeous new 'Moody for Kitties' stamp for my PMS blog hop card.  I love all the 'Moody for...' stamps, but this one has to be my favourite so far as it has kitties, hee hee!  You can buy the new releases directly from the Paper Makeup Stamps store (or from Quixotic Paperie if you're in the UK/Europe).  I've also used some more of the yummy and *NEW* Memory Box 6x6 paper from Quixotic Paperie - this time I've used Fernbrae (although the plain orange piece is from Basic Grey)

So now it's time to continue the hop and pop on over to Tina's blog, but I'd be ever so grateful if you left me a comment first - thanks!

I have to say that I'm glad the weekend is here, LOL!  This week has been manic for me (this is my 7th post since Sunday!) plus we've had our niece who is same age as our daughter stay for a couple of nights which was fun but meant we were out and about most days making the most of the summer hols, hee hee! And to top it all off I had a problematic root canal carried out yesterday afternoon.  Urgh!  The less said about that the better....although hubby is going to phone the dental surgery 1st thing Monday morning and get me back in.  Let's just say that the job was not carried out properly ... and when you're paying £315 the last part of the treatment shouldn't be rushed because there's another patient outside!  Leaving voids between the resin and the filling, and also wanting to fill with amalgam is just not acceptable.  Plus after the whole of the treatment was carried out, I was then told that he couldn't get right to the end of the roots! Will I ever find a decent dentist? Argh!!!

So tomorrow is going to be a chill-out day for me - no crafting, just a lazy family Sunday with not much more to do than take dd to her horse-riding lesson!  Might even get in a bit of piano practice if I'm lucky (watched a very intense masterclass from Barenboim last night on TV on Beethoven's Appassionata Piano Sonata movt 1, so I'd like to put some of what I 'learnt' into practice! ... if you're interested in listening to Barenboim play this, click here to go to a video at You Tube - amazing!).  I need to get a bit more balance into my life, as I seem to be neglecting the piano lately.....

Have a wonderful weekend!  Enjoy the hop and the new release!  I'm off to chill, LOL!

Hugs,


Ingredients
STAMP: Paper Makeup Stamps 'Moody for Kitties'
INK: Memento Tuxedo Black
COLOURING MEDIUM: Copics
PAPER: Memory Box 'Fernbrae' 6x6 paper pad, Basic Grey Marrakech (orange DP)
CARD: Core'dinations 12x12 ColorCore 'French Roast'
EMBELLISHMENT: Versamagic Dew Drop 'Jumbo Java', Brown organza ribbon, Prima E Line Brown flowers (#301071), Wild Orchid Craft roses