Hello from Kansas! We're in Wichita for one day visiting dear sweet friends and picking up Brian's guitar so he can play at the wedding. Thought I would take a minute and post while I have access to a computer.
I made this card a while back having fun with punches and Big Pieces and Little Pieces, lots of punches, Happy Harmony, and my Cuttlebug for the tag and background. Not a lot of time so I will leave it at that.
Dinner is ready....
Blessings~
Angel

Leaving Soon ~and~ Blog Candy Winner

I'm working hard on my party favors for the wedding rehearsal dinner. The kids are helping me. I can't wait to show you the pics. but for now, here is another quick anniversary card. It's a small square card using French Flair on Kraft card stock in Basic Brown.

We are leaving for Kansas early tomorrow morning as that is Kevin's first day of leave. I am going to try and still post from time to time this week. I have lots of drafts of things to share and of course there will be before, during and after pictures of the wedding!

Now for a WINNER!!! Bloggy Giveaway Winner is

Lilian who said...
this is a great and practical blog candy! thank you!! :)

Lilian, if I can get your address today, I will mail your envelopes to you when I go to the P.O. to get my mail put on hold. If not, I will get it to you as soon as we return from Kansas!

Have a great weekend and please keep my family in your prayers as we have a rather LONG road trip (16+ hours).

Blessings~
Angel

Priceless Anniversary

I found myself seriously short on anniversary cards for the month of August. It seems to be an extremely popular wedding month! And there will be one more in August next year as my son's wedding is coming up very quickly. I added a countdown widget on my sidebar this morning with the official wedding countdown. I can't look at it very often though. It makes me nervous. I already can't sleep well. I was awake at 4:30 this morning. That is why you see so many updates and changes on my blog today. heeheehee

I made 8 of the card you see here. Some of them are slightly different but the color scheme and such are the same. I found that the Tres Chic background has words that are perfect for an anniversary card. And I really like this Soft Sky color. This really would be my "Simply Saturday card" it was so easy. But we won't be here on Saturday so I am posting it today!

Details, details- Card base is Soft Sky with "Tres Chic" stamped with Soft Sky ink. Heart from "Priceless is stamped on Whisper White and colored in with the blender pen (have I mentioned that I hate that there are no markers for the "in-colors"?) I used both Blue Bayou and the Soft Sky pad lids for this. The small piece of background paper is one of my favorite My Mind's Eye DPs and I used pop dots under the heart. The swirl from the same Priceless set is stamped with Palette Noir black ink as is the sentiment from Stampabilities. I had not added the glitter yet when this pic was taken, but it adds a perfect sparkle.
This card was super simple and I even had time to stamp the envelopes to match. That is what I worked on as I waited for my hair color to set in last night. I am getting a lot of things checked off my list. I got my hair cut and colored yesterday AND I found a pair of shoes to match my dress. I was starting to think I wasn't going to find a good match. But, the kids and I went in to Macon yesterday and I popped in to Shoe Carnival and there they were....on CLEARANCE! YEAH!
I colored Katie's hair last night as well. When I went to bed her hair was still wet. I am anxious to see what it looks like this morning. She went much darker. Cross your fingers....:-)
I hope to get to post tomorrow...... we'll see how that goes. Have a happy Thursday!
~Angel

Bloggy Giveaway

As I woke up this morning (a little late) I told myself that I would only stay on the computer until 9 today and then get started on the very long list of "things to do". And THEN I stumbled onto this innocent looking puppy wearing sunglasses. I'm in trouble!
If you haven't been over to "Rocks in My Dryer" this week, you really need to go. Shannon has compiled a HUGE list of blogs giving away all kinds of stuff. I was truly amazed. I am not sure how I missed this earlier in the week. I don't have time to go to each and every site today.....but you have fun! :-)
And because I am a great team player, I want to play. So, I am offering a bloggy giveaway as well. I have 100 white "linen" envelopes (standard invitation size) to give away this Friday, July 27th. (pic later). These envelopes have a squared flap on back and have a linen look and feel. They are a very nice envelope. (4 3/8 x 5 5/8)
All you have to do is comment on this post......I will draw a name on Friday!

Blessings~ Angel

Two on Tuesday- RAKs that is

I've got a couple of RAKs to share with you today. Then I am off to Macon to the Party Supply store.

This first little card was sent to me from Sara Jondahl of Joy to Stamp as a blog candy thank you. It has lots of sparkles AND butterflies....my favorites! Thank you, Sara!

This next card came from Carol Shafer and was included with some yummy blog candy.
The colors are so soft and sweet together. And lots of texture with that adorable Cuttlebugged background. This card is so pretty. Thank you, Carol! (I wish I could find your blog to like to as well.)

That's all I have for today. Lots to do before we leave for Kansas. But I will get back here eventually.

Hugs~
Angel

No. 2

Had the time (relatively speaking) to make one more card for the Sketch This card challenge. And since I hadn't used my new "Priceless" stamp set from SU, I combined the 2 tasks for this card. I also used a couple of the new in-colors. Groovy Guava is very pretty and this color combo (featured on pg 6 of the new catty) is stunning- Groovy Guava, Old Olive and River Rock.

Details, details- Card base as mentioned is Groovy Guava. I stamped the rectangles in the 3 above-mentioned colors using my Stampamajig!!!!! (Yeah for me!) Then I masked off the shape and stamped the butterflies in my Palette Noir Black ink pad. Next step was to distress the edge of the white using my Cutter kit from SU. I layered that onto River Rock which was paper pierced using the Ornare corner template I purchased at Ellen Hutson's online store. A little Heidi Swapp bling accents the piercing nicely. I punched a small horizontal slot (SU) onto this piece as well and slipped an Offray sheer black and white polka-dotted ribbon through, tying it in a knot and hanging a small paper charm* (sponged with River Rock ink and a small copper star added). The last step was stamping one corner with the large swirl from the set and the bottom corner with "Priceless".

This adjective describes a certain friend of mine to a tee and I can't wait to send her this card.
I've got company coming for dinner so I am off to make my skillet lasagna. I'll "see" you guys here again tomorrow.hugs

Angel ^i^

*P.S. I got the cutest little envelope in the mail today with a few little odds and ends including the paper charm I used on this card. It was just what I needed at just the right moment...thank you, Lisa W!

It's All About Love...

LOVE- the more you give away, the more you have. Ain't it true? I love this saying and find it especially true.

This is my entry for Week 3 of the Sketch This Challenge. I had so much fun with these challenges and have found they really stretched me and that was a good thing. I've gotta be honest.....once upon a time all I did was CASE. But, I've found my own niche and I kinda like my "Angel" originals as well.

Details, details: (Sketch Below) I started this card with Soft Sky CS as the base. I grabbed my new papers from SEI- the Penelope's Potpourri line. I love, love, love SEI papers!!!! I'd be in heaven to be a designer for them! I used the Perfect Petals sheet behind the vellum sentiment (DCWV Love & Friendship Quote Stack), I punched out a flower center from the Breezy Blooms sheet and attached it to a new SU punch "5 Petal Flower" (Certainly Celery) with a snap, This flower sits on a strip from the Lush Lines sheet and a silver heart brad gave it some oomph. The other flower is made with a Snow Blossom punch (Ruby Red),Spring Flower Bouquet punch (older SU silver CS) and Michael's $1 bin flower (doodled Sage Shadow with Crystal Effects). Love You is stamped along the bottom (new Short & Sweet SU set). Note- I used Vellum dots adhesive.....LOVE this stuff!

I am going to try and make another submission for the contest today. I hope I can find the time. I can't believe it, but we leave THIS WEEK to go to Kansas for the wedding. Time is going to fly from here on out. I hope to blog once in a while....we'll see how that goes.
Happy Monday, friends!!
Blessings~ Angel ^i^

Harry Potter has Arrived...

And I've lost my son for a few days....

Anybody else lost someone for a while??

Simply Saturday & Vintage Violet

I just received my new catty order this week and was putting away my new "in-color" pads and was very surprised to see I had never used one of the colors from last year. The ink pad was unopened and the card stock was unopened. Even the matching stitched ribbon was unopened! For goodness sakes! I guess it wasn't one of my favorites. I'd love to hear what you thought of this color.
Well, since it wasn't used at all, I made sure to use it at least once. Simply Saturday was a good day to go for it.
Details, details- You can't get much simpler. Two cards in 5 minutes. PaperTrey's Stamper's Select White Card stock is my starting point. I punched 3 holes along the bottom with my SU 3/4" circle punch. Using Vintage Violet ink I stamped my new "Little Flowers" stamps inside the holes. HB greeting is from SU retired "Birthday Greetings" and friendship sentiment is from Rubber Stamping Fun- my review set. Vintage Violet stitched ribbon finishes it off.

NOW.... I would have used the air art tool and a touch of Vintage Violet ink to relieve a bit of the starkness. HOWEVER, there are no matching markers for the in-colors. A bit of a pet peeve for me. The itty-bitty background stamp just isn't what I want to use all of the time. It's not the same effect, KWIM? Okay, I will get off my soapbox.
I am off to make my Sketch This challenge card after I make waffles for my kiddos!
Have a great weekend~
Angel

Check This Out

"Say it With Letters" is having a cool Girlie Giveaway. Thought you might want to check it out!

Son's Wedding Present

I finished making one of my son's wedding presents today. One thing to check off my list. the date is fast approaching. I am sure they have way too much on their plate to look at Mom's blog so I feel safe enough to post the pic! heehee

(Sorry about the reflection here....)

I love making these name frames for wedding gifts and I think Jake likes them too. He asked if I was going to make him one a while back. I think this is my favorite one that I have made so far.
Details, Details- Frame was purchased at WalMart. Chipboard letters are "Chip Chatter". Lots of Antique Brass Hodgepodge hardware. Most DPs are Basic Grey and Daisy D's. Only one stamp used....Antique Cracking. Date was computer generated. Various ribbons are wrapped around frame edge. Primas with brads and little key add final touches.

What do ya think?? I have one more of these to make to take to Kansas- a special 25th anniversary present. Lots to do before the wedding. I'll try not to be too scarce!
Happy hump day!

~Angel

Rockin' Girl Bloggers... And the Nominees Are...

I just checked out the blog of my sweet personal friend, Lori Craig and was surprised to see my name listed under her picks for "Rockin' Girl Bloggers". Her comments brought tears to my eyes. She's one of the busiest gals I know and takes her family and friends very seriously, even offering to make this eternally grateful friend's son's wedding rehearsal dinner nearly all herself!!! THAT is what I call a Priceless friend!! I {HEART} her!

My picks for Rockin' Girl Bloggers?

Rose Ann at Paper Delightz is one of my faves! A new online friend of mine, I visit her blog every day and love her work.

Tracy at Misplaced Texans is one of my closest friends and a fellow military wife. I will never forget meeting her at a Beth Moore Bible study in KS. She turned to me and said "Do you sell SU? I want to sign up!" I nearly fainted. Now neither one of us sells SU and neither one of us lives in KS. But both of us still love stamping and staying in touch!

Angie at Quacking Creations... Ms DuckWaddleQuack herself. An amazingly talented teacher by day and stamper by night. Her creations are pieces of art.... each and every one!

Leslie at Running with Scissors. Have you seen her Ruby Tuesday feature? I can't wait for Tuesdays to go and see what she's done this time with the Stella Ruby paper. I had to go buy this paper after seeing her creations. And the other days of the week are just as good!

Julia at Belle Papier {Pretty Paper} one of my most favoritest stamping bloggers. I have gotten numerous tips and ideas from visiting her blog. It's one of the first places I go every morning! She's amazing!

There you have it.....my picks for Rockin' Girl Bloggers. Feel NO pressure to keep the ball rolling ladies. Just know that I LOVE YOUR BLOGS!

Brian Picks A Winner

Look who's here! My middle Wilde Child...Brian. And he obliged me a photo after he drew Michaela's name as the Blog Candy Winner!

michaela said...
I think your blog is already hot, so if you kick it up a notch it will be sizzlin'. Blog candy is always a great touch:-)

Michaela, email me (angel2stamp@yahoo.com) your snail mail address and I will get your stamps right in the mail to you!!!

Have a great night!!
Angel

Two on Tuesday- RAKs that is

I am horribly behind on posting my RAKs I have received! And I have gotten such cute things in the mail. I am going to try making Tuesdays my day to post those...and at least 2 of them. Here is my first one. I received this cute little altered band-aid tin from Teri S. over at Big Ideas From a Little Girl. She worked so hard and made several of these cute tins for giveaways to gals. Go see the rest of them at her blog....So cute. Thank you, Teri, that was so generous of you!

The second RAK I have to show you came with some blog candy I won a while back from Karrie B. over at Burnin Rubber. Isn't this little card too cute?? Thank you, Karrie!

That's all I have for now. I will be back after I go to the airport to pick up my boy. I'll have a WINNER then!

Blessings~ Angel

Sympathy Cards

I hate needing Sympathy cards. But this weekend I found myself needing two of them. Both are for friends who have lost a parent. I don't know how that feels, but can only imagine the grief.
The first thought I had when I received my Rubber Stamping Fun review set was that it would make a sweet and delicate sympathy card. And I think it did!

Details, details- A complete CASE from the new catty. I used Mellow Moss, River Rock, Confetti White and Bordering Blue CS, Mellow Moss ink, Bordering Blue and Mellow Moss markers, Canvas Background, Air Art tool, Pewter MM brads and this cool Ivory Burlap ribbon from Berwick Offray. It is actually wider, but I cut it in half.

I hope your week is off to a great start!!!
Blog candy winner announced tomorrow....You still have time to enter!
Blessings~~ Angel ^i^

I was TAGGED

I'm so sorry I haven't gotten to this sooner. I was tagged a couple of times recently and I just haven't had time to think of 7 things about me you may not know. I am pretty boring! So, I will try to do it now...
1. I have lost about 77 pounds in the last couple of years (more than that if you count how many times I gained a few back and lost them again....it's a lifelong struggle!)
2. I have 2 sons who both feel called to the ministry and are attending Bible College this fall and my DD wants to be a teacher. (2 preachers and a teacher)
3. All 3 of my babies were born premature.....Jake was the smallest and weighed only over 2 pounds at birth. (in 1986)
4. My toes do not touch eachother....looks weird.
5. I have a Webkinz monkey named Peach (butterfly1107 is my screenname and I love to send KinzPost presents!)
6. We just moved to Georgia this year, but will have to move again next summer. And I was just starting to love boiled peanuts!
7. All of the rooms in my home have to have a "theme". Roosters in the kitchen, leaves and ferns in the bathroom, Cabin feel in the guest room, DD's room is B&W, etc.
Now to tag some of my military stamping peers..... Tracy at Misplaced Texans, Nikki at Military Wife Stampin Spot, Laura at The Stampin Soldier, and Suzanne at Just a Bunch of Nothin. Play only if you want to, ladies!

A Sunday Bloom 4 U

Here is my second submission for this week's Sketch This Cards Challenge. I bought these ginormous (a new word in Webster's Dictionary!) Primas at Target and this is my first time using one. I would love to know if anyone else had this same problem....upon opening the pretty clear plastic "paint can" a very foul odor emerged! These Primas do not have a very flowery smell! (It's rather "fishy".) I had to put a dryer sheet in the can to cover up the bad smell. Ugh!

Details, details- Card is 6x6 Certainly Celery but opens a little differently. I scored the front flap on the left side about 3/4 in. and then adhered it to the inside. The Offray "Maypole" ribbon is secured inside this edge. I found this very pretty vellum in my DP drawer and had to use it here. Flower middle is a K & Co brad. Small Script is stamped on Apricot Appeal strip, torn on both edges and then attached to the same width strip of Pixie Pink. A little Heidi Swapp bling (Icee Jewels) is the last touch.

I hope you all are having a great Sunday! Don't forget to comment below for my blog candy!!
Blessings~
Angel

Butterfly Kisses Again

My son said my blog has been boring! So, I'm going to "kick it up a notch"! Today I offer my own version of the traditional blog candy- Butterfly Kisses!! I happen to have on hand an extra stamp set from Image Tree- Antique Typewriter Lower ABC's.

Leave a comment here on this post giving me your own review of my blog. Tell me what you think or what you want to see. Or tell me what you look for in a blog. Add me to your own blogroll or become a subscriber for an extra shot at this little set. If you're already a subscriber, just let me know in your comment. AND all comments already on today and yesterday's posts are in the drawing! Frequent commenters get special attention, you see. ONE comment per person on this post please.
I'll draw a name on Tuesday, July 17th- the day I pick up said son, my 19 y/o middle child from the airport. He's coming to visit!!! Yeah!

Simply Saturday- Using DP

Begin to end- 5 minutes. That's how long it took to complete this card. My idea of simple.

Designer Papers (DP), Background Paper (BP) or Patterned Papers (PP)- whatever you chose to call them, the fact is, they make easy backgrounds when you're short on time! The paper selection has never been better. There is something for everyone. I love papers from Basic Grey, Daisy D's, My Mind's Eye, K & Co, and lots of others! I always try to mention what paper I am using in my posts, because that is info I would want to know. When bloggers tell me what kind of paper they use, I look for those papers for future projects if I like them. We bloggers are the best thing that ever happened to the Rubberstamping/Scrapbooking industry. Wouldn't you agree?

Details, details- Card base is Barely Banana (white sometimes shows too much empty space IMO). DP is from Pretty Posies collection from DCWV- it sparkles! Ribbon is another freebie from Ellen Hutson- came with my last order. Sentiment is from Stampabilities (Hobby Lobby). And I also used a CTMH background (Leafy Print) in Barely Banana ink. This was an afterthought so it didn't stamp evenly. Last, but not least I added a little flower punch out from the same DP. It is actually the middle of my SU Snowflake punch.

I hope you enjoyed my first ever Simply Saturday! I've got lots more simple cards that will save you lotsa time!
Have a great weekend~
Angel

Stay Tuned for a Regular Feature!

I have decided to introduce a regular feature on my blog starting tomorrow. WHY? I think it gives me (and you) something to look forward to. I enjoy regular features on a few other blogs myself.... such as Ruby Tuesday on Leslie Miller's site and Scrapstash Saturday on Amy Westerman's blog. I think it's a great idea. And so, I am introducing "Simply Saturday".
Simply Saturday gives me the opportunity to share with you once a week my favorite kind of card. One that's Simple yet Striking. Easy yet Elegant. For me this is sometimes just a one layer card. But more importantly, it takes only a few minutes to make!

Defining the word SIMPLE:
sim·ple (sĭm'pəl) adj. sim·pler, sim·plest
Having or composed of only one thing, element, or part. See Synonyms for pure.
Not involved or complicated; easy: a simple task. See Synonyms for easy.
Being without additions or modifications; mere: a simple "yes" or "no."
Having little or no ornamentation; not embellished or adorned: a simple dress.
Not elaborate, elegant, or luxurious. See Synonyms for plain.
Unassuming or unpretentious; not affected.

That is what I will try to accomplish on Saturday......Stay Tuned.

Happy Card

This card I am sharing today was one of "those" cards. You know the ones that you tear your stamping room or area apart making. My stamp room looked like a tornado went through it. And this card took a few days to make with all the drying time in between steps. I made it for the Sketch This 3 week challenge. This is Sketch 2 and it threw me for a loop.

Details, details- I started with chipboard flowers. The large one is SU and the smaller one is MM. I painted both will acrylic paints. The large one in light yellow and the small one in Robins Egg Blue which happens to match my Cool Caribbean base exactly. After they dried I added small oval punches (SU) to each petal of the lg flower punched from scraps of papers by DCWV (Pocket Full of Posies) and Me & My Big Ideas (Chester). I coated the bloom in Crystal Effects sprinkling it with Dazzling Diamonds glitter. The smaller flower I doodled a bit with my Signo white gel pen. The button on top has a punched out scrap from the Chester paper ran through the "X", coated with DD and ran through the "X" again and adhered to the button. White embroidery floss is tied in a knot. (Needle threader is an invaluable tool here!!)
My dimensional flower is then attached to my 4 squared background of the same papers. I also made a grid of ribbon. This ribbon was a freebie with my last order from Ellen Hutson. By the way, Ellen is offering a great sale today. If you haven't ordered from her before you really should! You will love her excellent customer service. Back to the ribbon- it's a double-sided aqua/lime and worked great with my color scheme. Last, but not least I tore a scrap of notebook paper, stamped "Joy" from Small Script and stapled it to my card. I thought this was such a happy card....JOY seemed to fit.

I'm off to offer my face-painting services at hubby's squadron picnic. Should be fun!
Have a great Friday the 13th!
Blessings~
Angel

"Friend" Gift Set

I finished this gift set yesterday and am pretty happy with how it turned out. It was a project that I was commisioned to make for a friend. Not knowing the recipient, I wanted it to be neutral. So, what did I do? Went to my favorite papers from SEI- "Grandpa's Attic". The card I posted yesterday goes along with this thank you gift.
You may notice I try to distinguish the stamping jargon by making that a smaller print and labeling it "DETAILS, DETAILS". This is so you can pass over those details if you wish and not miss anything important in the post. Here we go.....

Details, details-
Acrylic Frame Calendar uses Looks Like Spring argyle background on scalloped oval in Sahara Sand and Cranberry Crisp ink and Rubber Stampin Fun sentiment in Noir Black Palette ink. HL satin ribbon is woven through small slot punch and tied in knot on side. I believe the polka dot brads are from The Paper Studio and blue flower is unknown.

Pencil Cup has a scalloped edge on bottom that was made using the slit punch and Julia's tutorial. Large Prima paper flower, smaller prima and same polka dot brad. There is also a wide polka dot satin ribbon wrapped around (Walmart).

RSVP Pen has a scrap of the SEI paper rolled up inside to match the desk set.

Memo Cube simply has Basic Black cardstock and SEI SP band scored to fit around with 2 corners rounded and tied with HL black satin ribbon.
Large Paper Clip Bookmark has Cuttlebugged chipboard and DP flowers layered on both sides and a MM star brad. Crystal Effects holds them together.

Candle is from Mike's $1 section and has a strip of SEI polka dot paper around the bottom, stitched black and white ribbon (The Paper Studio) around the lid (both use Tacky Tape) and the SEI paper on top. SU small and large oval punches (stamps from Noteworthy and Carte Postale) and Primas and a MM brad.

Have a great Wednesday!
Blessings~
^i^ Angel

NEW Stuff Coming Soon

I've been bad. I caught my hubby in a moment of weakness and took advantage. Actually, he called me on Monday a little frantic and said "Please tell me I asked you about babysitting?" I said "no-o-oh....?". Turns out last week one of his co-workers had asked him if I was available to babysit her twin baby boys for a few hours and he had volunteered me. And that afternoon was the day she wanted me to do it. So, what was he supposed to say when I asked if I could order a few things and asked for a spending limit? "At least a party!" of course. heehee. I told you I was bad.
So, what should a girl get from that pretty new SU catalog? It was incredible hard to narrow down, that's for sure. Here's a few things on my order:
1. Stampamajig- I guess I didn't realize I needed this. THEN Trudee explained why (here) .
2. Sanded background- Can you say COOL?
3. Short & Sweet- love this font w/ words I will use often. Little images are bonus!
4. Little Flowers- I can't get enough of this line, but HAD to narrow it down.
5. Priceless set & So Swirly wheel- If I couldn't get anything else in the catty, this wheel would be mine regardless. And I {heart} this set.
6. Tres Chic background- Can't believe I missed this my 1st time thru the catty. It's SO cool.
7. DPs "Outlaw & Le Jardin"- This was the hardest to narrow down. I love paper.
8. Borders & Blossoms Accents & Elements- I think these look so versatile!
9. "Beachfront" ribbons- That ruffled ribbon got me.
10. 5 Petal Flower & Snow Blossom punches- running out of room for punches, but these are cool!
And of course some ink pads and cardstock in the new "in-colors". I just bought the assortment of cardstocks for now. Once I figure out my faves, I'll order packages.
I love my demonstrator. She was on vacation when the cattys came, but I think she must have sent it out almost as soon as she got home. I didn't wait long. She's the best!
Thanks, Lori! Can't wait to play with these cool new things!

Another Sketch Entry

This is Julee's Blogger Bingo sketch this week. I've been playing blogger bingo all along, but haven't done any of the sketches so I felt compelled to do what will probably be our last bingo sketch for now. Julee went to a lot of work and must be a computer genius besides being a stamping diva. Why do some people seem to have ALL of the talent?

Details, details: For this card I started out using my favorite DPs from the SEI "Grandpa's Attic" line. I have now cut into each and every piece. Three of the papers are featured on this card. Card base is Sahara Sand. I also used my new set from Rubber Stamping Fun. The sentiment and the flowers are both from the set. I stamped both in my new Noir Black Palette Hybrid Ink Pad purchased from Ellen Hutson (who by the way is having a big sale this Friday!). Primas cover the actual flowers to give it more of a 3-D appearance. The red prima matches better IRL. I also used the harlequin background stamps from my "Looks like Spring" set. The stitched looking stamp is stamped in Cranberry Crisp under the flowers inside the oval and the more solid harlequin is stamped in Versamark on the Sahara panel. The polka dot word window punches are folded over the top of the large panel with MM pewter brads on them (as well as the flower centers). I have an abundance of these brads as I originally ordered them to use with my wedding invitations, but they weren't used after all. Look for them in future blog candies! I scored the black strip that goes along the middle of the front into an "embossed plaid". It's really cool.
I will show you the gift set that I made to go along with this card in tomorrow's post along with my how-to on the scored plaid background which you can kinda see in this pic.

Thanks for visiting today!!
~Angel

New Rubber!

On Saturday, hubby and I went to the opening of a new flea market here in town. I found these magnetic photo frame storage tins

there. The lid is actually a 3" diameter frame. I wish I would have bought them all! I may need to go back on Thursday! THEN, when we got home DD handed me my envelope from Rubber Stamping Fun! What did I do? I used both of my goodies right away.
I contacted Rubber Stamping Fun back in April when I learned they were looking for people to "review" their stamps. I threw my name in the hat and they contacted me in early May to let me know I had been chosen. I have been patiently awaiting the stamp set I was able to CHOOSE myself. THAT was a hard decision to make and I chose a set that would not be my normal choice, but that I could easily envision cards and projects with. PLUS, I loved the sentiments and I am crazy about friendship sayings. This one fills the bill with 3 sayings- "Friends and flowers are a little bit of heaven on earth."; "Friends are the flowers of life." and "Thanks for being such a true friend." I'll be using this set often with those sayings and the 2 flowers included are so pretty too. This set doesn't even have a name that I know of. I love it.

Details, details: I used a slightly smaller than 3" circle of Naturals Ivory CS and took SU Real Red and Garden Green markers directly to the rubber to ink the stamp. I stamped over that with Basic Black for the sentiment. Easy as pie. The DP on the side came from a pack opened long ago so I have no idea who made it. The ribbon on the side is attached with Terrifically Tacky Tape (the red tape) and is made by RibbonFX (HL)

Thanks for stopping by! See ya later!!
~Angel

Another Sketch This Card Entry

I had so much fun playing with that Sketch This Sketch, that I decided to do it again. This time I started out just playing with the medallion from Carte Postale- stamping it in several different colors and cutting out sections, using pop dots and making it really 3-D. I added stickles after it was finished so it also sparkles. I tried to get a good picture of the medallion so you could see it, but this is all I could come up with-

Details, details- Card is 4 1/4" square SU Naturals Ivory stamped with hearts from "Beyond the Basics" in Pretty in Pink. DPs are both Aunt Gertie's Garden from SEI. The DP strip is from a stack and I can't recall the maker. It is mounted onto Old Olive. Sentiment is from Stampabilities and stamped in Basic Brown. A mini pink brad is in the center of the medallion. SU Pretty in Pink, Choc Chip and Old Olive inks and CS are also used- No coincidence that it was also the Splitcoast color challenge for this week. heehee

Yesterday I was so excited to receive my Rubber Stamping Fun stamps which I was sent as part of their review team. I put them to work right away and I will have some cool ideas to share with you this week!!
Have a Super Sunday, friends!
~Angel

~SNAP STAMPS WINNER~

We have a winner! I put all of the names in a bowl and DD drew:
Kristina Lewis from all of the many many names in the bowl. Kristina, please email me your mailing address and these stamps will be out in the mail for ya!
Thank you all for visiting this week and for playing my game. DD had fun checking my email all of the time to see if someone guessed my lunch menu right.
I have more blog candy to give away soon. So check back, friends! And don't forget to comment.
Blessings~
Angel

Make your Own Paper Piercing Template- Tutorial

My first tutorial.....bear with me.
Yesterday as I was blogging, someone in blog world (I can't remember who) mentioned the cool Ornare Piercing Templates available at Ellen Hutson's online store. Of course, I rushed over and bought one. (I am so impressionable.) I love paper piercing and wanted to try one of these cool designs and it was within my budget. I also got the Noir Black Palette Hybrid Ink Pad and refill. I "needed" this item! {wink}
Today as I was finishing my entry for the Sketch This Cards contest I decided my card needed a little piercing and I absolutely couldn't wait for the template to arrive. So, I made my own. I have enough swirls and flourishes, so why not?

I started with a sheet of Write-On transparency film, a StaZon black ink pad (which desparately needs reinked) and my favorite Autumn Leaves Rhonna Farrer flourish. I stamped the flourish and cut out the square it was on.

All I did then was place it where I wanted and poke the piercing tool through the transparency.

I stamped 2 of the same flourish so I could make them go both directions. All I had to do was turn the other one over and use it that way.

And I have reused the template again and again. I have other flourishes to try. But first I have to reink my StaZon Pad!

I'll be back later to give away those Snap Stamps so ya'll come back now ya hear??
Have a great weekend, friends~
Angel

My "Sketch This" Card

I really liked this sketch challenge from the girls over at Sketch This CARDS. And I like the prize for their 3 week contest even more. I decided I have to try to win it.
So here is my entry:

Details, details: I started with SU Cool Carribean CS in a slightly wider card. Man, do I ever regret not stockpiling that SU in-color. The DPs are both from Basic Grey's "Blush" collection. SO pretty. I did a little paper piercing which I will give a tutorial on later. And I distressed the cardstock and DPs with Basic Brown ink. The "miss" stamp comes from SU set "All About You" which I have never regretted buying! I used a Chip Chatter "U" that was already brown in color. The chipboard flower comes from a MM Cheeky Jigsaw shapes pack. This time I painted the chipboard with a Robin's Egg blue acrylic paint and then doused it with a coat of Stickles for lots of glittery shine! When that was dry I added a peach colored prima and a new SU jeweled brad. A strip of this SU velvet ribbon (a gift from my sweet creative friend, Lori) sits on top of a piece of scalloped vellum (another scrap from those wedding invites). And lastly, I scalloped the bottom edge using Julia's technique with the SU slit punch.

I can't wait to see next week's sketch!
Blessings~
Angel

A Baked Sweet Potato!

Someone guessed it right. I have a baked sweet potato for lunch almost every day. A few were so close with baked potato, but I was waiting for a more specific answer and today I received it from L8ybug2!
"How about a baked sw