Peek-A-Boo Pretties

This week's Pretties challenge is "Anything But A Card" which is PERFECT for me since Dylan's birthday is on Saturday and I wanted to make him something special. So, I went to the Resources section on SCS and at the top of the list is the Peek-A-Boo Box. Perfect!!!
Since I saw the Love You This Much set it has always reminded me of my Dylan so of course I had to use it! I punched it out using a circle punch, colored with my Copics, and mounted it on another circle and a scalloped circle with Taylor's Tiny Twinklets in the scallops. It looked a tad plain so I added some Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon.
I just LOVE how the inside turned out. I used sentiments from my favorite birthday go-to set Birthday Basics, some more Tiny Twinklets and of course the "goodies" on the inside which is what ever kid wants...CASH!! LOL The top sentiment looked a little plain so I pulled out my Coffee Shop Glimmer Mist and spritzed it. I am sure my little man is going to love it.

I would love if you guys played along with this week's challenge! Check out the Pretties forum for all the deets! :)

Have you guys checked out the Paper Clip lately? You guys should definitely check out this week's Prettie Card of the Week! Awesome!!!

That's it for me today! :)

Christmas in July Pretties Wednesday

I just couldn't help myself! I have been seeing so many Christmas in July creations and I was starting to feel left out! So, when Danielle challenged the Pretties Girls to use something around your house to make a background I got a wonderful idea...What if I made a Christmas Fund jar! Every November I freak out when I realize that Christmas is coming and we have no money saved. This will NOT happen this year and that is thanks to this little jar. I LOVED that I could use my Snowflake Kisses set again!!!
The rest of the jar looked a little plain so I used this super sweet sentiment from the Snowflake Kisses set to add a little something. I think I went a little too crazy on the ribbon but what's done is done. I am just experimenting and playing...that is art right? :)

Be sure to check out the rest of the Pretties Girls recycled creations...

• Charmaine Ikach
• Danielle Lounds
• Frances Byrne
• Jackie Pedro
• Jackie Rakoski
• Jana Weaver
• Jessica Diedrich
• Jessica Rone
• Jodi Collins
• Julie Masse

BTW, thank you to everyone who took the time to comment about my rant on Monday. I have been feeling like stamping is forced and I am trying to figure out how to find my joy again. I guess everyone goes through this some time or another. Thanks for sticking with me as I figure out my way on this crazy journey. :)

and a huge Congratulations!!!! t0 Charmaine and the Ikach family in welcoming their newest member, beautiful Isabelle to the world. You can say your congratulations as well HERE.

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  Stamps: Snowflake Kisses (Paper Pretties)

  Paper: Neenah Solar White, Kraft, Bella Rose DSP (SU)

  Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Brilliance White, Copics

  Accessories: True Black Gingham Ribbon (PTI), Martha Stewart Snow, Red Brad

PMS Monday: Who's Got The Button?

Hello strangers! Sorry I didn't post this weekend but I needed a BREAK! I feel a bit better now but I do have a tangent that I would love to get your opinion on (see the bottom of this post).

This week's PMS DT challenger is Dawn K whose challenge is to use buttons! I knew that some people would go button crazy (and they did-check THIS out) but I have been in a simple mood lately and went for just one button on my creation...

I am not too happy with how this layout turned out. I had a whole other idea in my head for the sentiment and the rub-on's but time just got away from me so here ya go. This is a picture of Todd and me on our one year anniversary AND very newly engaged. :) We were *ahem* "healthier" at the time but man I wish I could get my hair to do that again! LOL I also love the Ranch Lay's potato chips above our heads-classic! :)

This gorgeous sentiment is one of the newly released digi sentiments from Paper Makeup. I know this sentiment probably does not seem like it matches the picture but trust me-it does.

I would LOVE for you guys to play along this week. You do not have to use Paper Makeup to participate AND you never know when Katie will randomly pick a winner from the participants so why not play? Check out the PMS blog for all the deets.

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Another Christi tangent...

I have a question for you...do you ever get tired of your stamping style? I was browsing through my cards this weekend and realized that I am not happy with my style. I want to go more simple with my stamping and get more into scrapbooking but how do you change your style? It seems like no matter what I do I still stamp like me. Does that make sense or does that sound totally insane? Well, regardless I am tired of how I stamp and am ready to get out of this funk. When you get feelings like this what do you do? I haven't bought new supplies in months (literally) and I think this could be affecting my mood a lot. I have had people offer to send me things (thank you...you know who you are) and that does help but here I sit still funking. LOL *whew* Ok, just typing that made me feel a tad better and I can't wait to hear your comments. :) Tangent over...hahaha!!!

Have a good one!

Stamps: Something So Small Sentiment (Paper Makeup Stamps)

Paper: Basic Black

Ink: Inkjet Printer

Accessories: SAB Rub-On's (SU), Ghost Heart (Heidi Swapp), Button, Hemp Twine

There She Goes Is Twinkling

Yes, I am {finally} posting my Twinkling Tuesday card!! Woot!! Well, it's not actually a card. Since I've been in a funk this past week (with my stamping as well) I thought I would do something a little outside the box and since I am a huge tea drinker I pulled out my Tea For Two and Tea For Two Special Blend sets and made this gorgeous creation...Isn't it yummy!! I actually made this for my soon-to-be-open Etsy shop (more on that later) but I have a feeling this is going to make its way to my kitchen. Isn't the sketch fab-u?!! The sketch is actually by Madelynn's little brother Jack! All of his sketches get better and better. The inside is just as yummy too...
Isn't it great?! I am in LOVE! I don't usually say that about my stuff but this one is so ME!! :) Be sure to check out the rest of the Twinkling Tuesday creations (the links to the team are on my sidebar) and if you want to check out the template I used you can find it HERE.

Today is Friday which also means the TSG Friday Night Chat AND this week's TSG challenge!! Jessica just got back from vacation yesterday so if they're up a little late no worries-they'll be there. :) I'll be off and on so I hope to see you there!!

That's it for me! TGIF my friends!!

Stamps: Tea For Two, Tea For Two Special Blend (There She Goes)

Paper: GP White, Baja Breeze, Walk in the Park DSP (SU)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics

Accessories: Aqua Satin Ribbon, Scalloped and Regular Circle Nestabilities/Cuttlebug, Paper Piercer, Taylor's Tiny Twinklets, White Eyelets, Crop-A-Dile, 1 3/8 Circle Punch, Dimensionals

Pretties Thursday

I am SO sorry that I am once again late with my card! I have been going through a lot of personal stuff lately and I don't know if you can tell or not but I've been pretty depressed. I don't know what my deal has been but I just haven't wanted to do anything. :( Today I am feeling better and am thinking that today is a new day so here I am smiling AND showing off my latest Pretties creation...This gorgeous sketch is this week's Pretties challenge on the forum! Danielle has some awesome sketches doesn't she? I haven't used my Simply Special set in awhile and I was in a floral mood today so I thought I would use my Euphoria dp. I paper pieced the water can and colored the rest of the image with my Copics. My circles are a combination of Nesties and a circle punch. I added some frilly ribbon and two little jewels in the corner and you've got one simple, floral card. :)

How about a Pretties update (taken from the main Paper Pretties page): Our move went smoothly and we are so glad to be in our new home! In the process we have been able to add some new items to the store. Some fun new colors of cardstock, some yummy new ribbon and some more of the marvy punches - ON SALE!!! Don't forget to check out our clearance section too for below cost items. When they're gone, they're gone. Happy Shopping!

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone and be sure to take some time out for yourself today. You deserve it! :)

Stamps: Simply Special and Made with Love (Paper Pretties)

Paper: Neenah Solar White, Pretty In Pink, Baja Breeze, Euphoria DP (Basic Gray)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics

Accessories: Jewels, White Wired Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Square and Circle Nestibilities/Cuttlebug, Circle Punch, Dimensionals

Pretties Wednesday Is Movin'!

Two weeks ago Jana challenged the Pretties Girls to make a card that moves. Well, everyone is going to interpret that differently. I thought a moving card could be something that the card does..like a pop up card! So I searched through the SCS Resources section and found THIS tutorial and decided to give it a try...This is the front of my card. I wanted to keep this whole card simple and I really wanted to get my Look Who's Perky set inky since it's been a long time since it's seen ink. When you untie the ribbon there is a sentiment under it that says, "What's brewing?" Here's what you see when you open it up...
Isn't that cute?!! I haven't had a chance to put a sentiment in there because I'm waiting to figure out what I'm going to use this card for. :) This is such a fun technique! You all should definitely try it.

Be sure to check out the rest of the Pretties Girls and their moving creations...

• Charmaine Ikach
• Danielle Lounds
• Frances Byrne
• Jackie Pedro
• Jackie Rakoski
• Jana Weaver
• Jessica Diedrich
• Jessica Rone
• Jodi Collins
• Julie Masse

I will be back with my late Twinkling Tuesday card! :)

Stamps: Look Who's Perky (Paper Pretties)

Paper: GP White, Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun, Chocolate Chip DSP (SU)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics

Accessories: Asst. Jewels, White Satin Ribbon, Circle Nestabilities/Cuttlebug, Dimensionals

PMS July Blog Hop!!!

ETA: I chose a random commenter to win this set and congratulations comment #9 which is Jane!!!! Katie will be contacting you soon about your digi stamp. Enjoy!!

I can't believe it's already time for the Paper Makeup July release! I am SO excited about this release AND today's blog hop! Why? Because today we are showing off stamps from our newest stamp designer: our very own Shaela Odd!! Woot!! This girl can rock some quotes!!

If this is your first stop you need to go back to PMS blog to start the hop AND to get all the letters you're going to need for this month's code!! This months blog hop code gets you 15% off your entire order and is good until Friday! :) If you came from Lisa M's blog then you're in the right place. My letter is E.

Now onto the eye candy...
Isn't that gorgeous?! This week's Mojo Monday challenge is the perfect sketch to show off a gorgeous quote like this. I printed out my stamp onto Neenah Solar White cardstock, cut it out with my Labels One Nestabilities and Cuttlebug, and sponged it using Tempting Turquoise ink. I used some Maya Roads chipboard and a large Heidi Swapp flower for embellies and painted them both with some Pixie Dust Blingz. The dp is my much-loved Pink Flamingo dsp and I added some black jewels to the corner to give it some glitz. My grandparents have an RV and are leaving today for a few months so I made this for them so they can have something pretty to look at while they're gone. :)

Your next stop on the hop is Dawn W!! Be sure to go all the way to the end of the hop to get your code AND to congratulate Shaela on her first release!!

Stamps: Plant Your Own Garden (Paper Makeup)

Paper: Neenah Solar White, Select White (Papertrey), Basic Black, Pink Flaming DSP (SU)

Ink: Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise

Accessories: Lg Heidi Swapp Flower, Black Jewels, Labels One Nestabilities/Cuttlebug, Maya Road Chipboard, Pixie Dust Blingz (Shimmerz), Dimensionals

PMS Monday Goes Hello Kitty Style

Yes, you read that right! :) This week Meli Mitchell has issued an adorable inspiration challenge...a cute little Hello Kitty picture that you can see HERE. I drew my inspiration from the colors and the patterns...
A friend of mine is having a baby soon and even though this isn't a baby card I kept thinking of her the whole time I was making it so it's going to her asap. :) This sketch is the first July Viva la Verve challenge with a twist which was distressing. I know it's hard to see in the picture but I distressed the edges of the dp and sanded the dp to rough it up a bit. This little sweetie will be released in digi form tomorrow night at the Paper Makeup release party!!

Be sure to check out this week's challenge. It is a lot of fun and you never know when Katie might give away a prize to one of the participants. *wink* You do not have to have PMS stamps to participate but if you've got them why not use them? :)

Have a blessed Monday!!!!

Stamps: Shelby (Paper Makeup)

Paper: Select White (Papertrey Ink), Regal Rose, Two Scoops DP (Basic Gray)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics

Accessories: Green Gingham Ribbon, Bone Folder, Nail File, Dimensionals

Happy Birthday Charmaine!!!

Yes, today the Pretties Girls are celebrating our girl Charmaine's birthday Prettie style with a Pretties Birthday Blog Hop!! If you came here from Jessica's blog then you're in the right place. If not, then hop over to Jodi's blog first and you'll eventually get back here. :)

I wasn't sure what to bring to the party but when I saw this I knew this is would be pefect...
Doesn't it look gorgeous? It just reminds me of Charmaine. I hope you like it sweetie! :) I drew inspiration from this yummy cake and made this sweet little card...

I am just in LOVE with Storytime Sophia! I think this image is perfect for birthday cards because, "Once upon a time there was a beautiful girl named Charmaine who had a birthday..." LOL Every part of our life tells a story right? I colored my Sophia with Copics and paired her with my yummy Pink Flamingo dp. This sketch is this week's Sketch Saturday challenge. I'm so sorry it's late Charmaine but I hope you like it and that you're having a wonderful birthday!!!!

Your next stop on the hop is Jackie P so hop on over there and be sure to go all the way through the hop to the end and wish Charmaine a very happy birthday!!!

Stamps: Storytime Sophia (Paper Pretties)
Paper: Neenah Solar White, Basic Black, Pink Flamingo DSP (SU)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics

Accessories: Silver Brads, Black Polka Dot Organza Ribbon, Slit Punch (SU), Dimensionals

PMS July Sneak Peek Day #3: Monsters!!!

I am so sorry I didn't get to post yesterday. I wasn't lying when I said it was a rough week! :) LOL I hope you guys have enjoyed the sneak peeks this month. I am SUPER excited about this release. All-digi is the BEST way to get new stamps when you're on a super tight budget (like I am right now and I'm sure a lot of you are too).

Today's sneak peek is monsters and when we release new monsters we have to have sweet little Caliope...
OK, I don't know about you guys but what makes me say aww about this image is that marshmallow!! LOL Too stinkin' cute! This sketch is an old TE Cupcake sketch (fab!) and even though I really wanted to do a RED, WHITE, & BLUE card (for obvious reason! LOL) I just had to use a fun color combo and what better dp to show off some bright colors than my Bali Breeze dp.

Be sure to check out the PMS blog for sneak peeks for all the monsters being released this month AND to find out how you can win all the monsters for this release! Woot!

In honor of the 4th of July Katie and Shaela are giving away a free digital stamp! Click HERE to snag it!! Happy 4th everyone!!!!

Stamps: Camping Caliope (Paper Makeup)

Paper: Neenah Solar White, Taken With Teal, Bali Breeze DSP (SU-Retired)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics

Accessories: Lg Scallop Square Nestabilities/Cuttlebug, Silver Spiral Clip, Rose Polka Dot Satin Rbbon (American Crafts), White Grosgrain Ribbon, Pixie Dust Blingz (Shimmerz), Dimensionals