Crazies Hearts on Display

These dang cloudy and snowy days are making all my photos muddy, especially the white ones.  This is a crisp white in real life.

Anyhoooooo......Crazy4Challenges has a new hostess this month.  Kelli Hull has challenged us to make Valentines Cards, and if possible, to send them to our mothers.

I used an old Hero Arts heart stamp with a sentiment also from Hero Arts.  I pierced a frame around the edges with some corner piercing as well.  CAS it is.

Be sure to check out the Crazies Blog to see the heart creations by the rest of the team.

The Crazies Are Inspired by Love

Kristine is the hostess for the Crazy4Challenges for February.  This week she asked us to be inspired by LOVE.  Love, hearts, anniversary, weddding....whatever speaks to you.  She also wants us to use sparkle iin some way.....glitter, stickles, rhinestones, etc.

I went CAS this week.  I used a glitzy copper embossing powder for both the image and the sentiment.  I then added some coppery rhinestones to the heart image just to give it some dimnesion.  Unfortunately, my picture is very muddy.  When I tried to brighten it up in editing, it either washed out or darkened, so this is the raw picture.  In real life it really does look glittery and crisp.

Now be sure to go to the Crazies Blog to see the fab LOVE creations by the rest of the DT.

Totally Stampalicious Monday - Valentines

It is time for another Totally Stampalicious Monday Blog Challenge.  This week we are getting a start on our Valentine's cards.  I used two sets for this card.  The main image comes from a newly released set called Monkey Love.  The sentiment comes from the set called Winter Bird Snowman.

If you are thinking of getting started on your V-day cards, why not play along with us?  For inspiration, be sure to visit the Totally Stampalicious Blog to see the sweet V-day cards created by this totally stampalicious DT.

CCEE1202

Hi!  Welcome to the CCEE Stampers Challenge.  This week Frances challenged us to a sketch challenge.

Sketch challenges are really fun.  It is exciting to see how different the cards can become even though they start from the same basic design.  I have an apology to make.  After getting the basics of my card done, I never looked at the sketch again.....and forgot to put the elements at the right of the diagonal.  But.....no problem......we do this for fun, so I know I will be forgiven?????

I used this sweet image from Penny Black.

Now...you need to head over to the CCEE Stampers Challenge Blog to see the fab creations of the rest of the team.........AND when you do that you will be introduced to some of the NEW team members.   The CCEE DT is expanding so added inspiration will be provided each week.  HOW FUN!!!!!

Totally Stampalicious New Release and Blog Hop

(If you are looking for my CCEE Stampers Challenge card, click HERE!)

Happy New Year from Totally Stampalicious!!!

(Made using Monkey Love)

Welcome to the 2nd Stop of our FIRST RELEASE of 2012 and our BLOG HOP!

We have FIVE BRAND NEW STAMP SETS from our fabulous Bugaboo line by artist
Jodie Mackerell!!  They are AVAILABLE NOW at Totally Stampalicious!

(Made using the set Gus Fishing)

As always we'll be giving away PRIZES as well to THREE lucky Hoppers!!!
1st Prize - All 5 New Sets
2nd Prize - $15 Gift Certficate
3rd Prize - $5 Gift Certificate
All you have to do is Hop along with us and leave your comments along the way and maybe
YOU could be a WINNER!!!!

(Made using the set JJ Desperate Housewife)

We also have an incredible promotion going on...so even if you don't get a prize you can still be a WINNER!!

It's the Stampalicious Dessert Menu

Level 1 - Vanilla Ice Cream - Buy 5 Get 1 Free

Level 2 - Strawberry Shortcake - Buy 8 Get 2 Free

Level 3 - Triple Layer Chocolate Cake - Buy 11 Get 3 Free

(Made using the set Stella Another Drink)

Now it's time to hop on over to the fabulously inspiring Stacy's Blog to see what Stampalicious delights she has to share!!!

(Made using the set Occupation Bears)

Here is the entire line-up in case there are any glitches along the way!!

Totally Stampalicious

Joanne

Stacy

Angel

Jessica

Kendra

Dawn

Lori

Julie

Jessie

Laurie

Lynda

Becky

Joycelyn

Vicki

The Crazies and The Friends

The Crazies are going crazy for HEARTS this week.  I used this old Hero Arts Viine Heart along with my Cuttlebug Heart embossing folder to meet that goal.  I added some Primas, lace from May Arts, and ruffled gingham ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  I used my Lacey Circles from Spellbinders, my Copics, and some pearls from A.C.Moore.

Now you really need to hop over to the Crazy4Challenges blog to see the works of  'heart' by the rest of this fabulous team.  But....first check out my other challenge team card.........

We had our first sketch challenge on the Speedy's Friends Blog Team (well, first since I have been playing).  Unfortunately, I am somewhat computer illiterate and just could not 'snatch' the sketch from Vicki's original email to show you here.  You can check the team blog to see it, or imagine my card reversed.....I just couldn't have that bunny looking the wrong way on the card.....so I used the sketch in reverse.

I used this fun basket of 'cuteness' from the newly released set by Mark's Finest Papers called SPRING HAS SPRUNG.  I used my Spellbinder dies, a Martha Stewart border punch, my Marvy corner rounder, my Copics, and my fav May Arts lace.

It will be fab to see how the rest of the team used the sketch. 

Now here are the links to get you to the two challenge team blogs so you can gaze upon the creations of the other team members.

Speedy's Friends
Crazy4Challenges

This third card I am sharing with you is the one I made for the Teapot challenge this week.  Our goal was to create cards  with things that fly.  The recipient of our cards this week is Sean who is 23 years old. He has stage 3C testicular cancer. He has had initial surgery and four rounds of chemo, and unfortunately has identified spots in other locations, some that surgery cannot help.

Let's hope the 'swarm' of cards can help brighten his day.  It is so sad when someone this young is facing such a difficult medical journey.

If you have some free time, join the Teapot Challenge each week and help make someon's day.

Totally Stampalicious Challenge

This was done for the Totally Stampalcious Monday Challenge which was to make a card with at least 3 hearts on it......somehow I think I reached that goal...lol......!!!!  For my card I used the set called Stupid Cupid.

Now please head on over to the Totally Stampalicious Blog to see the work of the rest of this fabulous team and to see how you can play along with us.

The sketch I used is the SCS Sketch Challenge from last week.  I goofed on Wednesday....forgot the back panel....however, I am sharing that 'mistake' below.

Have a great day!!!!

Crazy4Challenges and Speedy's Friends

 With a new puppy in the house, I am finding much less time for stamping and commenting.  Apologies for not getting to your galleries and blogs.  Hopefully life will return to a new normal really soon.  If you have not yet seen our new pup, you can go here.

Speedy's Friends were challenged by Geri to make a card using a homemade flower.  I am hoping that using die cuts was okay........!!!!  For my card I used a soon-to-be-released set from Mark's Finest Papers called Greet the Day with Gerber.  Loving the feeling of spring that came with this card/set.

Now travel over to the Speedy's Friends post on the MFP blog to see the creations of the rest of the fab team AND to see how you can play along with us.

The Crazies this week were challenged by Angela to make a Valentine.  Well, that was an easy one for me as I am totally amused with this fun and sassy set from Totally Stampalicious (from their Bugaboo line).  Just the name of the set (Stupid Cupid) gives me a giggle.  AND Stella....well....I just love her attitude!!

Now head on over to the Crazy4Challenges blog to get inspired by the wonderful valentines you will find there.  We'l love for you to play along!!!

As this posts, CT is facing yet another snow/ice/rain storm for today.........Seems like we have one every three days or so.  Please tell me that winter is going to end.......soon??!!

A 'Challenging' Share -- C4C, Speedy's Friends, etc.

The Crazies this week are making shabby chic and vintage cards.  I know...there is no distressing or sponging, sure signs of a shabby chic card, but the elegance of pearls and lace is often a characteristic of vintage, and I think I have that covered.  You really must head over to the Crazy4Challenges Blog to see some truly lovely shabby chic cards.

In one of the comments someone asked me to post the company for the Mr. & Mrs. stamp I used.  It is by Stampendous.  Hope that helps.

The challenge for Speedy's Friends this week is to create a Valentine's Day card. I decided to use this cute little critter from Mark's Finest Papers with his 'necklace' of blooms. Be sure to check out the other fabulous V'day cards at the Speedy's Friends post.

This third card was the one I did for this week's Sketch Challenge on SCS.  I used the Happy Pansies set from Mark's Finest Papers for the image and the sentiment.

And...this last card is the one I did for the Teapot Tuesday Challenge on SCS.  This image is by Penny Black, while the sentiment is computer generated.  These cards are being to to honor the birth of twin grandchildren to a fellow SCS'er, Pat (kokirose).  We were to use 'double' of something.  I masked my image and added a second package to the image, representing one boy and one girl present 'from above'.

Phew.....I tried to keep my words short as I had so many cards to share.  Thanks so very much for taking the time to visit.  Your visits and comments are greatly appreciated.

AND...on a personal note......
I AM ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY SICK OF SNOW!!!!

Here in Connecticut we have had snow....snow.....snow.......We actually broke a major record this month.  The snowfall amount in January is the most our state has EVER seen in one month since such things were recorded.  And....as a shoveler, I will attest to that!!!!!!!  Enough already!!!!  More snow is predicted for the weekend....so the month is not even over yet......OMGoodness.........AND we are facing a possible BIG one mid week......ack!!!!!

She Loves You by the Beatles

Today I was able to combine my CCEE Stampers Challenge with my Stampin B's Challenge into this one card.

Frances is our hostess for the CCEE Stampers Challenge this month, and this week she challenged us to make a white on white card.  A touch of color was okay.  I once again used this little Penny Black image with the BIG heart. 

NancyRuth was our hostess for the Stampin B's this week, and she asked us to be inspired by a song.  I chose one from the Beatles......."She Loves You"........cuz that is what this sweetie seems to be 'saying'.

We really hope you will be able to join the teams in their challenges this week.....or at least stop by their blogs to see the fab creations by the rest of the team.  Here are the links to help you find your way.

CCEE blog
Stampin B's blog

I have also entered this into the Creative Belli Challenge which involved the letter 'P'.......I used PINK.
Also....Inky Impressions Challenge which was to use some type of embossing.   I used lace which was the challenge at the Little Red Wagon.  Delightful Challenge asked for hearts on our projects.  I also entered this into Lily of the Valley Challenge for anything but a square.  Paper Play asked for a card with many layers.

Am also using this for this week's Penny Black challenge to use new stuff.  Well...this stamp in new this month and the embossing folder is new as well.  This also goes with the challenge from the Pink Elephant of red, pink, and brown.

Valentine's Schmalentine's

Welcome to the Monday Challenge from Totally Stampalicious.  Our challenge this week was to use reds and pinks.  Since they are hues of my fav color, I had not problems with this one.  I chose to use an image and sentiment from the Stupid Cupid stamp set from Totally Stampalicious from their Bugaboo line.  You really should check these stamps out......they are irreverent and fun to 'play' with!!!!

Now be sure to go to the Totally Stampalicious Blog to see the pink/red creations from the rest of this multitalented and FUN design team.  You will also find the juicy details on how you can play with us AND possibly win a prize or a Guest Designer spot on the team.

This was also entered into the Pink Elephant color challenge of red, pink, and brown, which posted shortly after this post.

Sit Back and Relax....A Few to Share Today

This first card was done for the Stampin B's Challenge this week.  Emily is our hostess, and she wanted us to use a banner on our card.  Well, to be honest, I am not a banner person....so I struggled a bit.....AND then I saw this Martha Stewart heart punch sitting on my stampcave table and ......VOILA!!!.......and honestly I can say that I love the way it turned out AND I might even try a banner again.  So, thanks Emily, for making me work out of my comfort zone.  That is one of the great things about being a part of a challenge team!!!

This sweet litle image is by Penny Black as is the sentiment.

Now...I KNOW there will be some BANNER creations on the Stampin B's blog, so be sure to stop in to see them....and then, maybe, you could find some time this week to play along with us.

This simple penguin card was made for the CCEE Stampers Challenge.  Frances is our hostess this month, and apparantly today is Penguin Awareness Day, and since we have a penguin fan in our group, she challenged us to make a card with a penguin or two.

My image is by Penny Black, while my sentiment is from a retired SU set.

So, since we already know that the CCEE Stampers Blog will be full of cute little critters in tuxedos, be sure to stop in to check them out AND to join us in this week's challenge.

This third card is part of a commitment I made to a Teapot Tuesday challenge.  A couple of weeks ago our destination station was a teenage girl who is battling cancer with a yearlong chemotherapy journey ahead of her.  I have signed up as part of a group who will send her cards each month to help cheer her along on her journey.

The image and sentiment on this card is by Mark's Finest Papers from the set called Sew What.

This fourth card was done for yesterday's Sketch Challenge on SCS.  I have been playing with these digi images by Delicious Doodles.  Of course this pulled at my heart because it looks very much like my Pepper, our Cairn Terrier.  I decided to make some Valentine's for family members from the dog.  This is another fabulous sketch by Rox, the hostess of the Sketch Challenge on SCS.  The sentiment and translation is computer generated.

This last card for today is again a card I did for the Sketch Challenge on SCS.  I just had to make this card because it totally expresses my feeling about winter.  We have had snowstorm after snowstorm followed by ice/sleet/freezing rain and then more snow.  I want spring to come so I can retire the shovel/snowblower/ice scraper.

These wonderfully hilarious image and sentiment are by Totally Stampalicious.  Their stamps just make me happy!!!!

Phew!!!  Thanks to anyone who actually made it through this post.  Your time and comments are greatly appreciated.

A Few Challenges to Share........

This card was created for two SCS challenges.  Our destination station for the Tuesday Tea Party Challenge is a police officer hurt in the line of duty who happens to love dogs.  I used one of my fav funny sets from There She Goes Clear Stamps (TSG) as I thought it might generate a smile during his recuperation.  This is also for last week's Sketch Challenge on SCS which I just never seemed to get around to doing.  Fab sketch, Roxie!!!

I am also entering this one into TSG's Challenge to use wet embossing.  I used it on my sentiment.  This is also being done for the Wild Orchid Challenge to have a sentiment on your card.

This second card was done for the SCS Techniique Challenge which was to use silhouette images.  As many of you know, I have times when my peepers are pretty weak, and at those times, silhouettes are just the best stamps for me.  So I was happy to play along with my SCS/blog friend, Joan Ervin, who was the hostess for this challenge this week.

I have entered this card into the Anything Goes challenge at Pile It On.

This third card is not my fav, but it is an example of my struggle to get better at CAS cards.  The CAS challenge on SCS was a sketch challenge this week, and this is my result.  CAS is soooooo tough......I know my image should have been smaller so the balance was better, but I just didn't have the time to do it all again.  The image is a digi from Delicious Designs.....and was chosen 'cuz it looks like my Pepper......figured the pooch might want to send a V'day card or two.

This card is also entered into the Cuttlebug Challenge to use a song for inspiration.  My song is the oldie called Puppy Love.  Also entering this into the Happy Monday challenge which was to use a heart in your design.  Since this image is a new one to my stash, I am entering the Crafty Pad challenge of using new stuff.

Snow/Ice/Freezing Rain/ Rain.....they are all on the menu for our weather tonight and tomorrow (Tuesday), so I am hoping to stay inside, warm, and play a bit more in the stamp cave.  Hopefully it comes in the stated order so that the rains will take care of snow without shoveling needed!!!!!

Totally Stampalicious Release and Blog Hop

Welcome to the January Totally Stampalicious Release Blog Hop!!

As usual we will be releasing THREE NEW SETS from the Totally Stampalicious Bugaboo Line
which are AVAILABLE NOW at
TOTALLY STAMPALICIOUS!

AND....here are samples made with some of the new and fabulous sets.........

This card uses a set called Stupid Cupid, a great set for an irreverent celebration of Valentine's Day.

Mr. Fix-it will be the perfect set to bring a smile to your handy (or not so handy) guys, honoring those who 'collect tools' and 'how-to books'.

This pair of cards use images from the set Cute Turtles.....perfect name for a perfect pair of cuties!!!

AND....now presenting.....

STAMPALICIOUS SCARLETTE

After a tease earlier today.........here is the Diva of Stamping......the Copic Queen.....

and here is her story........

She is part of a Very Exciting  Brand New Promotion today!

Isn't she FABULOUS?!!! We had the incredible Jodie Mackrell, owner/artist of Bugaboo Digi Stamps, draw her up SPECIAL for us!

She knows just what to say and is oh-so fashionable with her Rolling Cart and markers in hand!

And the BEST part is you can have her for FREE with any purchase over $50!

Stampalicious Scarlette is NOT for sale!

She is only available at Totally Stampalicious through this special promotion!



I hope you enjoy our FIRST Blog Hop of 2011 and be sure to comment on all of the DT's AWESOME CREATIONS to increase your chances of winning one of these AMAZING PRIZES!!

1st Prize - All FOUR New Stamp Sets Including Stampalicious Scarlette

2nd Prize - $15 Gift Certificate

Now....you really want to get hopping and from here you should go to the fantabulous Joycelyn's Blog to be dazzled.  If by some chance you become lost I have added the entire blog roll so you can get back on track.  Be sure to leave a comment at each stop along the way so you will be eligible for the prizes.

Totally Stampalicious

Stacy - Twinshappy

Vicki - Summerthyme Studio

Joanne - The Inky Ocean Gazer

Joycelyn - Stamps 'n' Coffee

Patricia - Stamping with Kokirose

Rebeccah- Stampin' FOr Fun

Laurie - On the Bright Side

Lynnor - Just Add Glitter

Monique - For the Love of Paper

Cindy - Cindy Haffner's Corner
Sue - Coffeestamper's SCS Gallery
and our January Guest Designer, the fabulous....

Irene - DandI93's SCS Gallery

A NOT-CHRISTMAS Holiday Card

I used this fun image from the Totally Stampalicious Cupcake JJ set to make my Valentine. Our original challenge was to make a holiday card but NOT a Christmas card, but because of the chaos of the season, it was changed to ANYTHING GOES.   My sentiment is computer generated when I was doing the original challenge.  There are actually a few fine and sassy sentiments that go with the set.  I used my Nestie Hearts and a MS border punch and small heart punch. Other than that, you can surely see what I did to create this one. JJ just cracks me up.

Now be sure to go to the Totally Stampalicious Blog to see the work of the fabulous design team. I am so thrilled to be playing with them as a Guest Designer for November and December. We would love for you to play along with us.
Totally Stampaliicious Blog Link

In The Pink

Had a bit of time to play in the stamp cave today.  AND.....by the looks of it, I was in a PINK mood.  This first card was done for the WaltzingMouse Challenge, their very first.  This gave me a chance to use this stitched heart image from that company.  I also go to use some new punches.....which I LOVE!!!

This second card was done for a sketch challenge at Sketch Saturday.  I did an A-2 card instead of a square card, but otherwise I stayed true to the sketch.  The flower is from SU and the sentiment is from The Little Paper Shop.

This third card was done for challenges as well.  I used the sketch from the ODBD challenge (just flipped it on its side) and I did buttons and bows for the Speedy's Friends challenge.  The flower I used is by Innovative Stamp Creations, while the 'medallion' surrounding it is by Waltzingmouse Stamps.

This last card was done for the Inspiration Challenge on SCS.  It was inspired by some designer sheets/bedding I found on the inspiration site.

Thanks so much for stopping in.  I enjoy company!!!

Crazy4Challenges #23 -- Valentine

Robin Willis is our new hostess for the month of February and she has challenged us to create a Valenine this week. Our sponsoring company this week is The {Stamps} of Life by Stephanie Barnard. I do not have any stamps from this company, so I used a new Penny Black cutie I had just received in the mail. Isn't this bear just the sweetest.....he could really be for any occasion. In this case I paired him with some hearts, so he is part of a Valentine. I colored not only my image but also some silver heart brads with my Copics, used a MS border punch, my paper piercing tools, and a bit of ribbon. I also used one of my new Romance CB embossing folders I got from HSN a bit ago. This one is embossed candy hearts.

Now, be sure to visit the rest of the Crazies to see what they have been up to AND be sure to visit the team blog as well. Here are the links to help you get there......

Crazy4Challenges Blog
Barbara Anders
Cindy Haffner
Frances Byrne
Jessica Diedrich
Jessie Rone
Joanne Grzelak
Joycelyn Turner
Lori Boyd
Lynda Benden
Mercy Kerin
Robin Willis
Vicki Garrett

By the way....I had a question about where I get the Penny Black stamps I've been using.  I have been ordering for years from a fabulous (and funny) guy in Ohio whose wife is a regular on SCS.  So....if you are looking for Penny Black Stamps you might want to check out PB STAMPS.  Dick has the current stamps as well as some of the oldies available.  (And...no....I get no commission...I don't even know Dick....he just gives good and fast service and goes out of his way to save us money or get us stamps not available any where else.)

CCEE Challenge -- Hearts with Charms

(Stampin B's card can be found in previous post.)

Charlene Merrick is our hostess with the mostest for the CCEE's February challenges.  In the spirit of Valentine's Day, this week she challenged us to make cards with hearts and charms.  I used one of my fav Penny Black stamps and that wonderful deep cut MS border punch to make the focus points on this fairly simple card.

Now please be sure to go check out the rest of the CCEE crew.  Here are the links to their fabulous blogs/gallery where you will truly be dazzled.

CCEE blog
Frances Bryne
Joanne Grzelak
Cindy Haffner
Tosh Leyendekker
Charlene Merrick
Shirley Quarry

CCEE Challenge -- Sketch TURTLE LOVE

For this last challenge of January we again have a fabulous sketch by Cindy Haffner for out CCEE Challenge. I struggled a bit with this sketch, but must say that I absolutely love the final result. I used my Nesties to cut the circles, a corner rounder on the main image, a MS heart punch behind the heart button, MS designer paper, and an image from Stamping Bella. The ribbon, cardstock, and piercing tools are by SU.

Here is the fab sketch Cindy created.

She really could publish a book with all the sketches she has created for various design teams and challenge teams. Fabulous!!!

Now, we would love for you all to play along with us. Come on! You know you want to!!!!

For details on how to play along as well as to see all the fabulous creations by the rest of the team, be sure to visit the CCEE Stampers Blog and the individual blogs of team members. Here are the links to help you do so.

CCEE blog
Frances Bryne
Joanne Grzelak (you are already here)
Cindy Haffner
Tosh Leyendekker
Charlene Merrick
Shirley Quarry

ISC Release.....More to Share!!!!

I had such a great time using the two new sets released by Innovative Stamp Creations on Wednesday, that I just had to share some more with you. Please go HERE for information about the release. You will find info about the stamps and digi-papers that were released.

Wishing you a wonderful day. Hope you find many reasons to smile, at least a few giggles, and one hearty laugh in your day!!!