Tami Mayberry

Gina K Designs Post Release Blog Hop

2012-02-02T08:00:00.009-06:00

Welcome to the Gina K Designs post release blog hop! Today's posts feature my new set Girl Talk along with Theresa's Whimsical Spring. Both can be found in the What's New section at Gina K Designs.

I have had a few things come up unexpectedly so just photos today.

Back with more details next week ;)

From the Girl Talk set:

And Whimsical Spring

Please visit the rest of the Gina K Designs Team for more!

Gina K

Tami Mayberry – Illustrator Girl Talk

Theresa Momber – Illustrator Whimsical Spring

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Introducing: Girl Talk!

2012-02-01T09:30:00.000-06:00

It's here!! My newest stamp set Girl Talk.

Now available with my other stamps at Gina K Designs

If you have other Gina K Designs sets (or want to shop a bit!) at the bottom of this post are a few great sets to check out that go really well with the sentiments in this sets. And, of course, the frame can go with pretty much any greetings you make already have This set especially interchanges well with my other set- You Go Girl! (below)

Sentiments in this also go well with the girly, coffee, sweet and fashion images from these older Gina K Designs sets. I'll be showing more samples with them together in the near future ;)

Fairy Tales

Thinking of You

Retro Botique

My Cuppa Joe

Perfectly Polished

Text Messages

You’ve Got Style

Vintage Chic

Springtime Silhouettes

Garden Fresh (carrots)

Cool Beans

Just Calling To Say

Mugs and Kisses

Have a Cookie

Celebrate in Style

Check back tomorrow for a blog hop featuring this set and to see what the Gina K Designers have been doing with it!

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Join us for the NEW Gina K Designs releases!!!

2012-01-31T08:00:00.010-06:00

The Gina K. Design Team is excited to invite you to another fabulous Release Party tonight!! The party starts at 7:00 pm Central Time in the Stamp TV Release Party Forum. Join us for Challenges, Contest Questions, Design Team Samples, Full Stamp Set Reveals and, of course, party chit chat!!! Everything will go "live" at 7:00 pm Central in Gina's Store, so there won't be any long wait to start shopping! Hope to see you there!

If you came from Tina Gilliland 's blog, then you're right where you should be. If not, please go toStampTV where you will find a list of all those participating. Here's a sneak peek of one of the cards I will be sharing with you at the party tonight using my new Girl Talk Set!

Supplies:

Stamps: Gina K Designs (Girl Talk-available Tuesday 1/31/12)

Patterned papers: Cosmo Cricket

Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin

Dies: Spellbinders

I am super excited about this wset because it goes great with so many other sets as well!!

I'll be back later tonight with a list and full review for those who can't make it to the party.

Next stop--Sharon Harnist 's blog

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New stamp set coming tomorrow evening!!!

2012-01-30T08:58:00.000-06:00

Just a little peek of my new set "Girl Talk" which will be available with my other stamp sets at Gina K Designs tomorrow evening at 7pm CDT.
Check back tomorrow for more info!!

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Sew Kawaii! book review and a giveaway!

2012-01-25T09:56:00.001-06:00

That's right! Today I am stepping away from the paper for just a bit to tell you about this great book I received from Fox Chapel Publishing titled Sew Kawaii!

I've had this book for a month or so and have been meaning to share but time just got away from me. I finally put it on my calendar so I wouldn't forget because it is one I was super excited about.

First off if you have a tween or teen this book will be a for sure hit! Think Hello Kitty cuteness with a trendy twist. Many of the projects remind me of things you would find on Etsy in a do it yourself format. Not only is it fun to use, this book would also be a great gift for someone who is beginning to sew as it not only covers the basics but also has outstanding clear and helpful step out photos.

The175 page full-color book begins with an introduction that explains what "Kawaii" is. That is followed by a breakdown of the book that categorizes projects by skill level- very easy, easy, experienced beginner, and intermediate.

Next is the section entitled "Getting Started". This section contains a wealth of information including types of fabrics, basic sewing tools, closures and notions, batting and fillings, basic hand and machine stitches and a list of important techniques and terms.

Once you have all of that figured out you are ready to get started!
There are 22 projects divided among 6 chapters- Key Chains, Storage Accessories, Wearable Accessories, Plushies, Clothing and Home Decor.

I love pretty much all of the projects in this book but my favorites would have to be the character hats and arm warmers from the wearable accessories section followed by the fun ponchos and hoodies in the clothing section. Super cute and all tagged with a difficulty level of "easy".

In the back of the book you will find 10 pages of patterns that can be copied to make the various projects.

I found this book to be of outstanding quality with a wealth of clear and helpful information. For those who already know how to sew it contains some adorable projects that can be created quickly and easily as last minute gifts. For those who don't yet know how to sew it is a great place to start. I also highly recommend this book as a great gift for a teen wanting to learn to sew or a nice project for some together time with your favorite teen or tween.

If you click on the book image above that will take you to the page on Amazon. Once there you can click on the image to look inside the book. This will show you the high quality of the publication and give you a taste of what is inside.

For a sample of the type of projects in the book
I have a copy of the smaller 20 page book Sew Your Own Pillow Pets to giveaway.

While not as extensive as the Sew Kawaii it does have concise instructions and patterns for 12 pillow designs such as those found in Sew Kawaii.

To be entered in the drawing for this book simply leave a comment on this blog post by midnight Monday 1/30/12.

For more about Fox Chapel Publishing
visit their website at http://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/
or join them on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/foxchapelpublishing

Also, I'd love it if you would stop by my Facebook page and say hello when you have time
(link below)

Thanks for stopping by today.

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Scor-pal and My Favorite Things Blog Hop!

2012-01-24T11:00:00.021-06:00

Welcome to the Scor-pal and My Favorite Things blog hop!!

For my project I am featuring some of the great Die-namics dies from My Favorite Things and two of my favorite Scor-pal products that you may not be familiar with--

The No More Shims Embossing Mat and Scor-Tape 6 x 6 Sheets.

First off we have the 6x6 Scor-Tape sheets which I used with the rainbow Die-namic die.

First, I cut the shape in the desired colors.

Next I cut the same image from the Scor-Tape sheets.

Here is what I ended up with:

Next I adhered the die cut Scor-Tape image to my base panel

Then adhere each color of the image

For the final results

I used three of the Wonky Scallop borders and layered them together to create clouds.

Finally I created the sun design using the sunshine Die-namic die. I added a smashed bottle cap greeting with the aid of the No More Shims Embossing Mat.

To use with the Big Shot machine from Sizzix begin with the multipurpose platform with all tabs closed. Place a soft bottle cap with the sharper side facing up.

Cover with the No More Shims Embossing Mat

Place one plate on top

Gently run through the machine and this is what you get.

To finish the bottle cap I cut a circle from yellow card stock and a 6x6 sheet of Scor-Tape. I used the Homespun Birdhouse die-namic which was a perfect fit.

Adhere greeting inside the bottle cap. I desired it can be covered with a bauble or glossy accents.

Place the bottle cap in the center of the sun and you're finished!!

Now, if you haven't been to the Scor-pal blog you'll want to head on over there to find the complete list of designers participating and also learn more about how you can win some Scor-Tape or a Scor-Buddy!!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Tami

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Shinhan Touch Twin Markers at Heather's Hobbie Haven!

2012-01-21T08:00:00.033-06:00

The Shinhan Artisans and Heather Huggins from Heather’s Hobbie Haven are doing a Fairy hop today to celebrate the addition of Touch Twin markers at Heather’s Hobbie Haven! Heather has a fun variety of paper crafting supplies at her store make sure you head on over and take a peek!

Here is the card I created using the Kenz and Tilly image:

The colors I used:

(click to view full size)

(R131, R136, R2, BR99, BR98, BR107, R135, YR29, BG1, BG3, BG5, BG7, B64, B62, PB185, Cg1,0 Colorless Blender)

And the color map:

As you hop along make sure and comment on every post because one lucky person who comments will be chosen to win a $10.00 Gift certificate from Heather’s Hobbie Haven!

Winner will be announced by Heather on January 23^rd.

Heather’s Hobbie Haven Blog

Touch Twin Blog (featuring Lydia Fiedler’s project)

A few things to check out today

2012-01-20T15:55:00.000-06:00

New dies from The Stamps of Life:

A blast from the past from Sweet N Sassy Stamps using this super cute puppy:

Stamps: Sweet n Sassy Stamps

Ink: Clearsnap

Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin

Ribbon die: My Favorite Things

Heart punch

Gems: Want2Scrap

A chance to win one of my Special Occasions Tags sets:

And, of course, come say hello on Facebook-- Tami Mayberry Art and Designs

Back tomorrow with a special blog hop!!

CardMaker Blog day and Layering Images

2012-01-19T12:21:00.000-06:00

If you haven't been to the CardMaker blog today, be sure to check it out. I am blogging there with a quick tip for making the inside of your cards clean and neat.

Here is a peek of the card I created for that post:

Gnome One Like You, So Groovy and All Occasion Tags stamp sets from Gina K. Designs; Touch Twin markers from Shinhan Art Materials; ink from Clearsnap Inc.; twine from The Twinery; brads from Creative Impressions; die templates from Spellbinders™ Paper Arts.

I used three of my stamp sets for this card. I used the mower, greeting and shrubs from Gnome One Like You set to create the fun scene and then accented it with a heart from So Groovy. The tag design comes from All Occasion Tags.

You'll notice that the mower and shrubs are two separate pieces.

Here's how I created the scene using the masking technique.

When creating a scene using masking begin with the image that is going to be closest to you. In this case it is the mower. Stamp that image on a piece of scrap paper then cut it out.

Next stamp the image on your card stock that you will be building the scene on. I used Simply Smooth White (Bazzill) since I will be using my Touch Twin alcohol markers to color the image.

Next take a temporary adhesive and adhere the cut out image over the stamped image.

Follow that by stamping the image you want to appear behind the focal image, which would be the shrubs on this card. I stamped them twice because I wanted them to appear behind the mower at both ends.

Peel away the cut out image and this is what you get

Now it's simply a matter of color and create!!

This really is a fun and easy technique for building scenes and adding interest to designs. You can easily add multiple layers by masking off each layer of the image. The main thing to keep in mind is to begin stamping with the closest image and then stamp images in the order they appear as the move further away.

TTC9 and a coloring tip

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

Well, if you follow me in Google reader you have most likely already seen this post and are wondering why it's here again. Well, it seems that last week wasn't the week for the Touch Twin Challenge like I thought it was. Sooo, this card that I created using last week's CPS sketch and *this* week's challenge had to be removed so I was actually on track and people weren't looking for the new TT challenge. I said that's what I get for actually trying to be on time for a change! ;)

I combined last week's CPS sketch along with the Touch Twin challenge for the first half of the month and this is what I got (now this is where you oooh and ahh and pretend you have never seen this card before ;)

Stamp: Unity, Patterned papers: Bo Bunny, Dies: Spellbinders, Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin, Ink: Clearsnap

Here is the sketch that I used:

The Touch Twin Markers that I used:

And the color map that shows what colors are where:

Now, you may look at the marker photo and something seems a bit off. How is B67 possibly the color on that snowman? It's too bright, right??

Well, used alone it is.

Here is what it looks like on paper straight from the marker.

Now I really like working with bright colors; but, at times, they are too bright and need a little softening. Of course you could use a lighter color, if you have it. But what if you don't? Some people blend colors together. Me? I have learned to use my secret weapon!

I take the "too bright" color and dab some on a smooth surface. I use my non-stick craft mat but a CD case, clear stamp block, plastic stamp package or anything that the ink won't absorb in to will work.

Next, I clean it up with my colorless blender. (My favorite kind of cleaning!)

Then I use the colorless blender to color the image. Here is a difference between the two methods.

You can continue to add more color to the blender as needed.

No worries if the darker color dries on the surface, it will be reactivated by the blender.

And there you have it!

Pale colors without pale markers ;)

(again.)

CardMaker Blog Team Sweets for You Sweet Hop

2012-01-13T08:00:00.028-06:00

It's time for another hop with the CardMaker blog team!

This month's theme is Sweets for Your Sweet.

For my card I created a quick and easy design by using a base created from a Bo Bunny 12x12 sheet of patterned paper (Sweet Tooth Collection) that contained four 6x6 panels. These panels work really well for cards because all of the patterns are already there and there is an open area perfect for adding an image or greeting.

I cut the panel out, trimmed it to a 5 3/4" square and used my Fiskars corner rounder on it then adhered it to a 6x6 base.

Then it was just a matter of adding the image and greeting. I used the Gina K Designs Sweetest Blessings stamp set and stamped the pie image onto white card stock, colored it with my Touch Twin Markers and the cut it out with my Spellbinders oval die. Finally, I matted it in brown and attached with 3D foam squares.

For the greeting I stamped it onto pink card stock with Clearsnap chocolate brown ink and then cut it out into a ribbon design.

Add pearls to the corner and gems to the flower centers and it's done!

Be sure to stop by and visit the rest of the team today to see what they have created as well!

Stamping Bella Teacup Daisies

2012-01-11T19:25:00.000-06:00

Just a quick card today that I created some time back for a CPS sketch. I don't use a lot of pink but on this one I really liked the contrast of the pink with the mix of black and white plus the circles were a perfect addition for my 3 pearls :) Instead of large circles that went off the top and bottom edges of the strip I decided to go with smaller ones peeking out from the edge of the image.

Stamps: Stamping Bella (lady OWLIE on her sign-greeting, teacup daisies)

Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin (WG.5,R3,RP17,RP87,P82,P146,RP138,GY48,Y42,P83,0)

pearls: Want2Scrap

Here's the sketch:

What's Up? card and winner!

2012-01-05T06:00:00.073-06:00

Today, I have a card to share using a mixture of products from some of my favorite companies. Typically when I make something I have a habit of sticking with products from one company. But, sometimes it's just fun to mix things up a bit.

Here is a breakdown of what I used

Card stock: Razzleberry Light and White Prismatics (Bazzill), White Linen (Discount Cardstock) and Black Onxy (Gina K Designs)

The main image and greeting on the tab is from my You Go Girl stamp set from Gina K Designs.

The large greeting comes from the Hello2You set from The Stamps of Life.

The gingham background comes from Market Street Stamps and was stamped "splotchy" and on the Prismatics card stock to create a more distressed look

I colored the image with my Touch Twin Markers from Shinhan Art Materials. (R131,BG7,RP17)

The inks are from Clearsnap's Stephanie Barnard Line in Bubblegum and Licorice

The tab die is from My Favorite Things.

And of course my 3 little pearls from Want2Scrap.

Now how's THAT for a mix of products LOL

I not only have the card to share today but also a stamp set to share!

This one:

As I mentioned earlier this week, I am giving away one of my new sets Special Occasion Tags (above) to one blog follower and one fan on my fan page on Facebook. (totally don't like that term, "fan". Need to think of something new there!)

So, the winner here is:

Regina Hardy

Please email me with your mailing address (contact link at the top of the page) and I'll get that in the mail!

I am going to be working on lots of tips and tricks this year so if there is something you would like to see or a set you want more ideas for leave me a comment, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope to see you back soon!!

Special Occasion Tags and You've Got Style

2012-01-02T08:00:00.075-06:00

Welcome to the Gina K Designs post release blog hop.

Today we are featuring two new stamp sets release last week. Those sets include Special Occasion Tags, by myself, and You've Got Style, the free with 3 set.

Here is a peek at those 2 sets:

Special Occasion Tags

(keep reading to find out how to win it!)

You've Got Style

For my first card I combined the two sets. The greeting and shoes are from the You've Got Style Set and the tag is from Special Occasion Tags. The tag was cut with the Ribbon Tags 2 die. For coordinating card stock colors look for Gina K Designs Pure Luxury Card Stock in Grass Green, Passionate Pink, Black Onyx and White.

For my second card I used the Special Occasion Tags stamp and greeting. I also cut it out with the Ribbon Tags 2 die but snipped the end tabs off to make a rounded rectangle.

One of the things I want to focus on in 2012 is not only posting cards but also sharing tips and tricks using my stamps and getting to know those stampers that like/use them. In order to do that I would love to have you as a follower of my blog or on Facebook. As an incentive to join me I am giving away one of my new sets to one of my blog followers and one to one of my Facebook fans. All you have to do to be entered is to become a fan or follower and I'll give away 2 of my new sets on Thursday morning. The link to follow my blog is over in the sidebar of my blog and the link to my Facebook page is: Tami Mayberry Art and Design.

Now, of course, you will also want to keep right on hopping with the Gina K Designs team for lots of chances to win a great grab bag of stamps!

Gina K
Tami Mayberry – Illustrator Special Occasion Tags <--you are here
Carolina Buchting
Cathy Tidwell
Deb Felts
Donna Baker
Giovana Smith
Jennie Harper
Jimmi Mayo
Lee Murphy
Melanie Muenchinger
Michelle Woerner
Sharon Harnist
Theresa Momber
Tina Gilliland
Vicki Dutcher

GKD Release Party!

2011-12-29T08:00:00.027-06:00

We are very excited to extend an invitation to Gina K. Designs December Release Party. We have a fun evening planned for you - chatting, prizes, challenges, stamp sets reveal, design team shares, and most importantly, at the end of the party you will be able to start shopping at 7 PM!

If you came from the blog of Tina Gilliland, you're at the right place. If not make sure to head over to StampTV where you will find a list of all those participating in today's hop.

Here's a photo of one of the cards I will be sharing at the party. (please excuse my photography, getting used to a new camera lol)

I used the new Special Occasion Tags set. This set is designed to work with Spellbinders Ribbon Tags 2 dies but also works well with Oval and Rectangles. It is also interchangeable with All Occasion Tags and Label Borders.

This set and all of the others will be available for purchase when the party starts at 7pm Central.

I stamped the image on multiple colors, cut them out and paper pieced them together.

Hope to see you at the party, here are all the details:

When: Today, Thursday, December 29
Where: StampTV Release Party Forum
Time: 7 PM to 9 PM (CST)

Head on over to visit Sharon Harnist and see what she's sharing with you today.

Touch Twin Marker Challenge #8

2011-12-27T06:00:00.012-06:00

Be sure to stop by the Touch Twin Challenge blog and play along for a chance to win some free markers! This is the last week that you can use *any* brand of marker. Here is what I created for the color challenge:

Stamps: The Stamps of Life

Touch Twin Markers: R2, Y41, Y42, Y34

Clear gems (colored with R2)
Ink: Clearsnap Wicked Black

Black pen

Corner punch

My Favorite Things- Little Loveasaurus

2011-12-22T06:00:00.004-06:00

Supplies:

Stamps: My Favorite Things (Lovosaurus)

File Folder Tab die: My Favorite Things

Patterned Paepr: My Mind's Eye
Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin (PB183, PB70,G54, PB74, PB185, BG50, BG179, BG57, GY172)

CPS Snowman Card

2011-12-20T06:00:00.008-06:00

Warm Winter Wishes

Flower Soft-Ultrafine White

Stamps: My Favorite Things (Pure Innocence Holiday Hugs Snowman)

Dies: My Favorite Things Wonky Scallop border, Fisrt Place Award Ribbon)

Markers Shinhan Touch Twin (PB73,P83,CG1,CG4,CG5,0)

Ribbon: May Arts

Scor-Tape sheets

Last Minute Christmas Cards with The CardMaker Blog Team

2011-12-16T08:00:00.035-06:00

Welcome to the very first CardMaker blog hop featuring Last-Minute Christmas Cards from the CardMaker Blog Team.

So, the theme: last minute cards.

Um, yeah. I know a little bit about that. ;)

The scene: 25 minutes before church starts. A 15 minute drive. 10 if you take the shortcut.

Me: ok, everyone go to the bathroom and get in the car.
Child: But, Mooom. I *have* to have a card to go with this gift.
Me: WHAT!?? Seriously?? You're telling me this NOW? Why in the world did you not say something this afternoon when I was downstairs digging through things for the bag to put it in? Sheesh.
Child: I don't know. I forgot. But, I really want to put a card in it. Don't you have one??
Me: Take the bag, get in the truck and help your brother in his seat. I'll be there in just a minute.

Child leaves. I grumble.

Shoving things to the side. Stamp! Where is that stamp?? Duh. Laying on the table under the paper pile. Quick and easy! YES! *grumble*
Stamp image onto white card stock. Grab 3 Touch Twin markers-green, orange, blue. Quickly color staying somewhat inside the lines. Die cut image into a circle. Mat with matching green card stock.

Child #2, coming in the door: I forgot my Bible.
Me: Get it and get in the truck. I'm coming! And don't' forget your coat.

Stamp border in matching green ink. Find greeting. Stamp greeting crooked. *grumble* Throw in the floor. Restamp border and greeting.

Child #3: I forgot my deodorant.
Me: Well go do it. No one wants to smell you all morning. I am almost done so hurry up and brush your teeth if you forgot that too!

Cut out border and mat with green card stock.
Make card base from white card stock. Get green colored finger prints on it. Toss in the floor and use the other half.

Child #5: sticking head in door, about to fall off step. Mooommmyy are you tumming?
Me: Yes! Why are you not in your car seat. I told your sister to buckle you in.
Child #5: But I nee to dive you a tiss.
Kiss child #5, yell for Child #1.
Child #1: Sorry, I thought he was buckled in. I was getting my book.

Me: Put him in his seat and wait in the truck before we are late.

Score 2 lines on base.
Add border. Add image. Find matching gems. Drop one. Realize that was the last one of that color. Pull them back off, replace with another color.
Dump box of envelopes in floor, grab one that fits,
grab a pen and run out the door!

Child #4: About time. Do you know what time it is? We are going to be late.
Me: Yes! I know exactly what time it is. We still have 3 minutes before we have to leave, we're fine.
Child #4: Ok, well as soon as we get there I need to go to the bathroom because I forgot to go.
Child #5: I need to doe too.

And with that I give you my last minute card ;)

Stamps: Gina K Designs (Label Borders, Wishing You Joy); Ink: Clearsnap (Wicked Black Archival, Stephanie Barnard- Spearmint); Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin (YR24,G46,PB185), Scoring board: Scor-pal, Dies: Spellbinders Classic Circles SM and L

Now, be sure to visit the rest of the CardMaker Blog Team for more last minute ideas:

Carolyn King

Trudy Sjolander
Colleen Schaan
Kimberly Crawford

Nature's Greetings Blog Hop

2011-12-15T08:00:00.026-06:00

Today I have a quick and easy fairly monochromatic card to share for the Gina K Designs Nature's Greetings blog hop. Image stamped with green ink, colored with my Touch Twin Markers, matted with green, placed on a green base and some green gems added. Done!

Stamps: Gina K Designs, Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin

As I mentioned, this is just one of the stops along the way. If you came from the blog of Suzanne Dean you are on the right track and your next stop is Theresa Momber.

If not, you'll want to start back at the beginning. The full list can be found on the StampTV site.

Touch Twin Marker Challenge #7

2011-12-13T06:00:00.002-06:00

My entry for Touch Twin Maker Challenge #7. Be sure to check it out for a chance to win some Shinhan Touch Twin Markers ;)

Supplies:

Stamp: The Stamps of Life

Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin (colors shown below)

Patterned Papers: My Mind's Eye

Gems: Want2Scrap

Touch Twin Markers Used:

CPS/Clearsnap Card

2011-12-12T06:00:00.003-06:00

A past CPS card using the Rollagraph products from Clearsnap:

Stamps: Clearsnap Jumbo Rollagraph Wheel (Floral Frenzy) with self-inking handle and Ancient Page Rollagraph Ink (Cardinal)

Greeting:Gina K Designs

Card stock: Brown, red, ivory

Brown Pearls: Want2Scrap

Ribbon: May Arts

Wishing You Joy

2011-12-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

Another quick and easy Christmas card today

Supplies:

Nestabling Circles: Want2Scrap

patterned paper: Bo Bunny

stamp: Gina K Designs

Scor-pal

Fiskars corner punch

ink: Clearsnap Stephanie Barnard Line (Licorice)

CPS #247 Lawn Fawn Baby Card

2011-12-08T06:00:00.008-06:00

This week's CPS challenge card:

Stamps: Lawn Fawn (Plus One)

Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin (BR102,GY175,0)

Patterned Papers: Fancy Pants Designs

Gems: Bo Bunny

Touch Twin Marker Challenge #6

2011-12-06T14:03:00.000-06:00

Still time to enter the Touch Twin Marker Color Challenge!!

One person will be randomly chosen among
the entries to win
12 Touch Twin markers!!!

Don't have any Touch Twin markers? That's OK too... for now. Starting in January we will require using our markers, but for now you can use any coloring medium.

Just use similar colors for your challenge entry.

Here are the colors for challenge #6

My entry...

because I refuse to admit it is winter....

Supplies:

Stamps: Gina K Designs (Just Be-Claws)

Patterned Paper: October Afternoon

Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin ( BR107, BR103, Y34, R4,WG.5)

Ink:Memento

Scor-pal

Touch Twin Markers Used:

Exciting news!! CardMaker Blog Team

2011-12-05T14:20:00.000-06:00

Just a quick note to share some exciting news and them back to decorating ;) Hd to share with everyone that I have been invited to be part of the CardMaker Blog Team! You can find out more and see the rest of the team by clicking here. :) Super excited! Now back to hanging lights and ornaments. Back soon with a new card and some product reviews!

GKD December Release--Dogwood and Butterfly & Label Borders

2011-12-01T07:58:00.000-06:00

Today I am hopping with the Gina K Designs Team who will be featuring 2 new stamp sets along with a new Duo. Today's sets include:

Dogwood and Butterfly

Label Borders

Friends are Flowers Duo

For my first card I made a super simple birthday card using the dogwood frame in Theresa's Dogwood and Butterfly set. I embossed the ivory card stock base, colored the image with my Touch Twin Markers, cut it out with an oval Spellbinder's die, attached it with some pop dots and it was done!

For those that use the Touch Twin markers, the flowers were colored with Touch Twin color R28 and 0 colorless blender. The leaves are GY173 and GY175 and the frame is BR107.

Next up I have three cards using my Label Borders set.

I used the same 3 stamps to create something Clean and Simple but added an extra layer with each card.

First the simplest of the 3.

I stamped the border on an ivory card base using Clearsnap Fluid Chalk ink, stamping in the greeting and then added 2 score lines with my Scor-pal.

Next add a layer:

I stamped the border on a 1" strip of ivory card stock using Clearsnap Fluid Chalk ink, stamping in the greeting and adhered to a red base. I then added 2 score lines above and below the border with my Scor-pal.

And finally one more layer:

I stamped the border on a 1" strip of yellow card stock using Clearsnap Fluid Chalk ink and adhered to a brown base. Next I stamped it again on a second piece of yellow card stock, added a greeting and then cut out the block. I then added score lines above and below the border with my Scor-pal and attached the greeting block with pop dots.

If you missed Tuesday's post here are some tips and tricks for this set

(click image to enlarge)

Now for more projects by the Gina K Designs team featuring these versatile new stamps, visit the links below. Make sure you leave a comment on each of the blogs along the way because we have a huge grab bag of stamps to give away to one of the lucky participants. The more you comment, the better your chances! Winners will be picked next Monday.

Gina K
Tami Mayberry - Illustrator Label Borders<--ME!! :)
Theresa Momber – Illustrator Dogwood and Butterfly
Tina Gilliland
Vicki Dutcher
Carolina Buchting
Cathy Tidwell
Deb Felts
Donna Baker
Emily Giovanni
Giovana Smith
Jimmi Mayo
Lee Murphy
Melanie Muenchinger
Michelle Woerner
Sharon Harnist
Suzanne Dean

Introducing Label Borders

2011-11-29T18:55:00.003-06:00

Yep, I am still here! Lots going on here at home, including getting strep along with 4 of my 5 kiddos so, as you can see, my blog has been a bit neglected lately. Hoping to remedy that though as I have lots to share.

Unfortunately, I haven't gotten a lot of samples with my new set ready yet. But, I still have some things to share :) First off, a peek at the set, Label Borders which is available now!!

This set is designed with both the card makers and scrapbookers in mind.

Below are a few tips and tricks that I have to share for tonight and I'll be back with more samples soon! (click on image to view full size)

Clean and Simple with Market Street Stamps

2011-11-17T09:16:00.000-06:00

A quick and easy card for today. I made this one for one of the HYCCT challenges. The Market Street Stamps image was colored with a BR107 Touch Twin Marker and then I stamped the wings onto a pink vellum and paper pieces them over the stamped design. The strip on the bottom is from Bo Bunny.

Stamps: Market Street Stamps (Gone Campin')

Ink: Clearsnap (Stephanie Barnard Line-Chocolate)

Pattern: Bo Bunny

Marker: Shinhan Touch Twin (BR107)

Gems: Bo Bunny

Touch Twin Marker Challenge #5-Sponsored by Gina K Designs

2011-11-15T09:44:00.000-06:00

I am super excited that Gina K Designs is this month's Touch Twin Marker Challenge sponsor this month. Not only that, but the team is using my Gnome One Like You stamp set for the first group of samples!

Be sure to stop by and play along for a chance to win some great markers. The theme for this first month's challenge is In the Garden. You can use any garden related image and until the end of the year you can use *any* markers.

Here is my card for this challenge:

Supplies:

Stamps: Gnome One Like You (Gina K Designs)

Patterned Papers: My Mind's Eye

Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin (B182,WG1,WG2,BR92,TR32,YR133,BR98)

Ribbon: May Arts

Ink: Clearsnap Mix'd Media Inx and Stephanie Barnard Line (Licorice)

Dies:Spellbinders

Gems: Bo Bunny

Touch Twin Markers Used:

Color Map:

Clearsnap Color Challenge

2011-11-14T15:12:00.000-06:00

Playing along with the Clearsnap Color Challenge today.

Here are the colors:

Here's my card:

Clearsnap products used:

Colorbox Dye Ink: Stephanie Barnard Line (Chocolate)-greeting

Rollagraph wheel (Fine Flowers) with ancient page ink cartridge (Leaf Green)-flowers

Smooch accent ink (Carrot)-flower centers

Veteran's Day- 11.11.11

2011-11-11T09:20:00.000-06:00

11-11-11.

Veteran's Day.

Today I thank my Great Grandpa, Grandpa and Dad as well as all of the other great men and women who have given so much for our country.

In honor of the day, today's card is one featured on the Sizzix blog as part of the Operation Write Home Veteran's Day Blog Hop. If you haven't joined the hop be sure and go to the beginning located at the Operation Write Home blog.

Supplies:
Dies: Sizzix (Framelits-Circles, Heart #7, Scribbles Swirls, Framelits-Fancy Labels)
Stamps: The Stamps of Life (sentiments4circles, thanks2you)
Ink: Clearsnap (Stephanie Barnard line-Licorice)

Patterned Paper: Bo Bunny
Ribbon: Creative Impressions
Red Gems

Thanks for stopping by!

The Stamps of Life & The Twinery Blog Hop

2011-11-09T07:00:00.024-06:00

Today I am playing along with The {Stamps} of Life and The Twinery for another fun hop!!
If you came here from Hera Frei's Blog you are on the right track!

If not head back to the Twinery Blog to start at the beginning so you don't miss any stops and can learn all about these great sponsors.

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Here is the holiday project I created for today's hop:

Stamp: The Stamps of Life (praise4Him); Twine: The Twinery (Blossom, Caribbean); Snowflake die: Sizzix; Ink: Clearsnap (Stephanie Barnard line-licorice) ; Scor-pal and Scor-Tape

Tip: To keep the twine perfectly straight and flat, instead of wrapping it around the card cut sections slightly longer than the width of the base (in this case 4.25"). Attach a piece of Scor-Tape where the twine will be placed and layer sections securing on back side of panel.

For this card I used six 5 inch pieces attached with 1/4" wide Scor-Tape

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As you make your way through the hop make sure you comment on each and every post. There will be 2 prize winners chosen randomly among the blogs:

One winner will win 2 stamp sets (winners choice) valued at $12.95 -total retail value: $26.90 per prize! from The {Stamps} of Life. &

One winner will win the Ultimate Color Sampler Pack ($25 value!) from The Twinery!!!

The prize winners will be announced on The {Stamps}of Life and The Twinery Blogs on Wednesday November 16th.

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Thanks for stopping by today!

I hope you'll come back again or become a follower.

You can and also join me on Facebook

Now for your next stop: Stacey Winters

Quick & Easy Card + Facebook

2011-11-08T18:19:00.001-06:00

Thanks to all who have stopped by this week!

Tomorrow I will be here with a new hop featuring The Stamps of Life and The Twinery.

Until then I hope you'll stop by and join me on Facebook

Lots of chat, fun, tips, prizes and reviews coming!!

Hope to see you there.

And with that I leave you with a quick and easy card featuring some Cosmo Cricket paper, May Arts ribbon and My Stars stamp set from Gina K Designs.

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Birthday Blog Hop

2011-11-07T07:00:00.024-06:00

Hello and welcome to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Birthday Blog Hop! Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps is so excited to be celebrating four wonderful years and I am very excited to get to have the chance to join in on the fun! I have been familiar with this outstanding company since the beginning when Korin sponsored the CPS blog. In addition to that Sweet n Sassy was one of the first companies I illustrated for so they have a special place in my heart. I am blessed to call Korin my friend and thrilled to support her efforts. Now as far as the hop, a fantastic group of Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps design team members past and present, along with some special friends, have put together this Birthday Blog Hop to kick off a whole month of fun. We have 36 stops so the hop will take place over three days - feel free to take your time visiting each blog! You have until 11:59pm EST November 9th to leave comments on as many blogs as you can. On Saturday, November 12th Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps will announce FOUR winners (chosen at random from comments on random stops along the hop); each lucky winner will receive a prize pack including stamps, dies, paper & twine valued at $40!

If you have been following along already you should have come from the blog of Shelby Goolsby. If you are only starting here, please head back to the SNSS blog and go from there. You won't want to miss any stops along the way! Also, don't forget to comment on as many stops as you can....the more comments the better your chance of winning one of the fabulous prize packs! :)

For my project, I chose one of Korin's illustrations from Cocoa's Latte.

I just love all of the Cocoa stamps!

Stamps: Sweet N Sassy Stamps (Cocoa's Latte) Patterned Papers: My Mind's Eye, Dies: Spellbinders, Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin (shown below)

Here is the complete stamp set:

Here are the colors of Touch Twin markers I used for the adorable image:

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you'll stop back by again.

Your next stop on the hop is Lorie Souther, but just in case there are any hiccups, here is the whole list of celebrants on this party train:

Korin Sutherland
Holly McMillen

In the Flourishes Limelight

2011-11-06T08:00:00.052-06:00

Today I am super excited to be kicking of this month’s Flourishes Limelight feature with not only some gorgeous new Flourishes stamps but also one of my favorite tools/companies-Scor-pal. I have been working as DT Lead for Scor-pal for a few months now and just love seeing all of the great projects the designers create for the Scor-pal blog.

For my first card I went with my signature clean and simple style. The A Season of Celebrations stamp set was perfect for that. I stamped the image onto a metallic card stock, embossed with silver embossing powder and added it to a blue base. To finish it off I added some ribbon, scored some lines and placed gems in between.

Stamps: Flourishes, Scoring tool: Scor-pal, gems: Want2Scrap, Ribbon: May Arts

The Scor-pal team creates some absolutely amazing 3D projects that would be nearly impossible without a Scor-pal, but I have to admit this is one of my all-time favorite uses for mine. I love creating perfectly straight, perfectly even, decorative score lines that I can put gems between, use for journaling, accent greetings with and use for borders.

My second card focuses on the new Christmas Candles I colored it with my Touch Twin markers, added a greeting from A Season of Celebrations, cut it out, double matted it, and put it on a base layered with some My Mind’s Eye papers. The great part about this image? It is so pretty that it makes the card! It needed nothing more than a piece of ribbon to be complete.

Patterned papers: My Mind's Eye, Stamps: Flourishes, Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin (GY175, Y36, B182, YR21, BR97, R2, R4, G43), Ribbon: May Arts, Dies: Spellbinders

In addition to making cards, I am also a sketch artist for CardMaker magazine as well as the sketch artist/owner of the Card Positioning Systems (CPS) card sketch blog. Both Scor-pal and Flourishes have a special place in my creative heart because when I started the CPS blog nearly 5 years ago Flourishes and Scor-pal were two of our very first sponsors. I have become a fan of both companies ever since. So, in honor of these 2 great companies and their support of all of my efforts I also have the sketch from my second card to share!

I’d love to see what you create as well:)

Scrapbooking with Scor-pal

2011-11-04T08:50:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in the past, when I started with paper crafting it was primarily scrapbooking. That was around 14 years ago and scrapbooking was a fairly new hobby. Unfortunately, when it became more popular it also became very competitive in certain circles. It seemed as if you weren't "good enough" to scrapbook if your photos were not professional quality and the supplies were not piled on and the latest and greatest. It became expensive and stressful. It was about that time I lost interest in scrapbooking and turned to card making and then to stamping. I started card making roughly 7 years ago and stamping about 4 years ago. I've made many friends and have enjoyed the process. I've taken a needed break from scrapbooking. But, now I think it's time to slowly venture back into it in hopes of doing it just for me, without the worry of having a popular style or tons of the latest and greatest piled on the page. With 5 children and 16+ years of photos I have lots of memories to capture. Plus, I now have lots of stamps to incorporate into my pages for some new looks! So, today I am sharing one of my latest projects that I created for the Scor-pal/Bo Bunny Cross promotion.

Here is the layout I created. Not the best photos but truly some of the best memories as this little sweetie will be turning 11 next month! Even the background has memories of my older kids and their artwork and the house where we once lived.

Coredinations card stock, all papers and embellsihements from Bo Bunny. Scor-pal scoring tool, Scor-Tape and Non Stick Craft Mat

Now for a few tipes and tricks! First off I used my Scor-pal with some Core'dinations card stock to create a border around my patterned paper.

I simply scored evenly spaced lines from the back of the page, flipped over and sanded lightly. This is also a great way to line up paper strips or borders keeping them straight and even.

I also used the Scor-pal to create the rosette at the bottom of the page. Rosettes are super easy to make with the Scor-pal and best of all you can customize them for the size of your project.

Each rosette is created by scoring a strip of paper or card stock at equal distances then simply accordion fold, connect the ends, press down in the center and secure. The height of the rosette is controlled by the distance of the scores. 1/4" scores will make a rosette 1/4" tall, 1/2" scores will create a rosette that is 1/2" tall etc. The diameter of the rosette is controlled by the width of the paper strip. The wider the paper the larger the rosette.

I have found that the rosettes are best held together with hot glue. To do this simply hold down the center, fill with glue and let cool.

I've also found that the Stay Put Craft mat is an ideal for base for making them on. With it's non-stick and heat resistant surface the Stay Put Craft Mat allows me to press the flower center down flat to cool and it will peel right up without sticking.

It also helps create a flat surface ideal for adding embellishments on the top and adhering flat to the project on bottom.

So, there you ahve it. My not professional but never forget this moment project of the day ;)

A Frameless You Go Girl

2011-11-01T12:17:00.001-05:00

Last week I showed you this card from the You Go Girl set during the post release blog hops:

You'll notice that this stamp typically has a frame around it like in the card below:

Today I am going to show you a quick and east way to remove the frame.

Begin with a die in the shape you want the overall image. Today I am using an oval. I like to lay the die over the image to find the size I want to use.

Next, cut the shape from a piece of light weight paper.

This is a great way to recycle junk mail!

Place the die cut frame over the stamp with the part you want inked in the opening.

Ink the image.

Remove the paper and stamp

This is your final result

Here is them image colored with my Shinhan Touch Twin markers (BG7, PB76, R139) then a greeting (Gnome One Like You) and an embossed frame added.

Super easy! I'd love to see your cards as well.

If you are a Facebook user you can post them on my fan page for everyone to see!

Tomorrow I'll be back to show you how I made this card from last week as well as another version

All Occasion Tags is Moxie Fab!!

2011-10-27T09:03:00.000-05:00

Super excited today because my All Occasion Tags set just got the Moxie Fab Stamp of Approval!!

Be sure to check it out for a chance to win!

Back a bit later today with more! ;)

Gina K Designs Post Release Blog Hop-You Girl Girl, Pleasant Plurals

2011-10-25T07:58:00.040-05:00

Today's hop features my new set You Go Girl along with the Free With Three set-Pleasant Plurals.

For my first card I combined the 2 sets.

Stamps: Gina K Designs (You Go Girl), Pattern: Fancy Pants Designs, Markers Shinhan Touch Twin, Dies: Spellbinders.

You'll notice I didn't use the frame attached to the image on this one. I have a quick and easy way to do this to share with you. I know everyone is busy on hop days trying to get though and comment on all of the blogs so I will come back later this week with a tutorial on how to do that ;)

For my second card I combined one of the sentiments with the frame from the new StampTV set shown yesterday.

Stamps: Gina K Designs, Ink: Clearsnap, Dies: Spellbinders, Embossing folder: Provocraft

You can check back later this week to find out more about the cards including products used and quick and easy tips on how I created each of my hop cards.

But for now- on to the rest of the hop!

For more ideas you can check out the blogs of my guest designers:
Laura Williams
Jeanne Streiff

and for the official Gina K Designs designers' blogs (and chances to win some Gina K Designs stamps) see the links below

Gina K Designs Post Release Blog Hop-Wishing You Joy

2011-10-24T07:58:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Day 2 of the Gina K Designs October Inspirational Blog Hop.

Today's card comes from the Wishing You Joy StampTV Kit.

Stamps: Gina K Designs (Wishing You Joy)

Ink: Clearnsap (Stephanie Barnard line)

Dies: Spellbinders

Cuttlebug embossing folder

Gems

Be sure to check out the rest of the designers participating as well!!

Join me on Facebook for a chance to win!

2011-10-23T11:16:00.000-05:00

I just started a new Facebook page this weekend.

(Click here to go there)

I've already hit 50 fans and to celebrate I am giving away my new You Go Girl stamp set (see post below) and some twine from The Twinery.

Plus, if I hit 100 by 8am Monday (the start of the next GKD hop!)

I'll throw in some Clearsnap Smooch Spritz too!

And, for my big goal

when I hit 500 fans I am giving away a $25 gift certificate to the Gina K Designs store!!

I'm off to make some cards for some challenges today.

Lots of new cards coming up this week!!

Wishing you a blessed Sunday!

I missed the party!

2011-10-20T22:05:00.000-05:00

Well, I miss the Gina K Designs release party for the first time in quite some time but on the plus side I had a very nice evening with my family...which is always #1. ;) My newest set is now available for purchase (here). And here it is....

If you are here for the hop from this morning you can scroll down to the next post for a card using this set as well ;)

The Gina K Designs release party is tonight!!!!

2011-10-20T07:58:00.037-05:00

And I have a peek of my newest set!!

We are very excited to extend an invitation to Gina K. Designs October Release Party. We have a fun evening planned for you - chatting, prizes, challenges, stamp sets reveal, design team shares, and most importantly, at the end of the party you will be able to go shopping!

If you came from the blog of Suzanne Dean, you're at the right place. If not make sure to head over to StampTV where you will find a list of all those participating in today's hop.

Here is a peek of one of the cards I created using my new set, You Go, Girl, along with a paper from the new StampTV kit. I simply stamped the image, colored it with my Touch Twin markers, cut it out with a Spellbinders die and added the sentiment. Easy peasy!

Stamps: Gina K Designs: You Go Girl (available 10/20/11 @9pm CST)

Markers-Shinhan Touch Twin (R131,BG1,BG7,R8)

Card stock and patterned paper: Gina K Designs

Dies: Spellbinders rectangles

Ribbon: May Arts

Hope to see you at the party, here are all the details:

When: Today, Thursday, October 20
Where: StampTV Release Party Forum
Time: 7 PM to 9 PM (CST)

Head on over to the blog of Tina Gilliland to see what she's sharing with you today and see you back here on tomorrow for the beginning of our three day Inspiration Blog Hop series for October!

Gina K Designs Release--tomorrow night!!

2011-10-19T08:50:00.000-05:00

Here's a little peek at what is in my new set.

Available tomorrow night at 9pm Central.

Check back tomorrow for more ;)

Market Street Stamps Anniversary Blog Party

2011-10-18T23:42:00.002-05:00

After way to much thinking and fretting I finally decided what I wanted to make for the Market Street Stamps Anniversary Block Party.

One of my favorite sets is the Gone Campin set. So, I decided to use that one for this fun thank you gift set. The sucker holder is simply a block of wood I found in my husband's scrap box. I had my son drill some holes in the top for suckers and then covered it with card stock. The gingham print on it was made from the Gingham background stamp. I stamped it on white card stock with brown ink and used my Touch Twin Markers to outline the edges. I colored the mosquito with my Touch Twin markers cut it in an oval shape and matted it with matching card stock. For the card I used the Gone Campin set and Woodgrain background stamp stamped with brown ink on brown card stock to create my background paper.

Now, I think I am going to make a second one of these and put it on the kitchen counter so the next time I hear someone whine I can simply hand them a sucker ;)

Click image to view full size

Stamps: Market Street Stamps

Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin -YR23, YR24, R1, R14, RP9, YR33 ,BR98, BR100, BR102 ,BR107

Twine: The Twinery

Ribbon: May Arts

search4words from The {Stamps} of Life

2011-10-13T08:01:00.000-05:00

Today's cards come from the newest release from The {Stamps} of Life.

The set I used is called search4words and was perfect for lots of clean and simple cards!

All 4 cards use the search4words set along with card stock in Kraft, red and brown, a few gems, my Scor-pal and the Stephanie Barnard line of inks from Clearsnap.

Flourishes Challenge

2011-10-12T18:51:00.001-05:00

The name game challenge from Flourishes was so unique that I had to play along! Since my Flourishes stamps are currently retired I decided that I would enter a stamp free card :)

The challenge is to use your initials as inspiration for the card. So here it is:

T-turquoise

G-gingham and gems

M-multi-layer die cut flowers

Card stock: Coredinations; patterned paper: My Mind's Eye; flower dies: Sizzix, gems: Want2Scrap; Rub on greeting: EAD Designs; Scor-pal

Touch Twin Marker Challenge #3

2011-10-10T18:29:00.000-05:00

My card for the current Touch Twin Marker Challenge-Florals. Be sure to check it out and play along. You could win a set of 12 markers. Any brand of marker allowed until the end of the year!

Supplies:

Card stock: Bazzill Simply Smooth Ivory

Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin (colors shown below)

Stamps: Impression Obsession

Ink: Memento and Clearsnap

Dies: Spellbinders

Embossing folder: Provocraft

Color Map:

Shinhan Touch Twin Markers Used:

Challenges

2011-10-09T16:49:00.001-05:00

Sometimes that is what life throws at us--challenges. With dedication and faith those challenges can be overcome. This weekend I am standing in support of a challenge by supporting Operation Julie's Smile. If you haven't seen that post please scroll down to the next post. You can have a chance at over $2500 in prizes and more importantly the chance to help someone overcome one of life's challenges. Today's post, however, celebrates challenges in a FUN way! I have my CPS card to share. But, not only that, I combined it with two challenges, both of which are run by Julie! I used the color challenge at The Play Date Cafe and the Clean and Simple Quote Challenge at Cas-ual Fridays.
The quote: Every day spent without a smile is a lost day. My thought--change (and sometimes a challenge). A smile can change the world-it makes you feel better and brightens the day of those you meet. If we would all smile more often, slow down and enjoy life how much nicer the world could be...

stamps: Gina K Designs- Follow Your Dreams and Fairy Tales, Nestabling-Want2Scrap; dies-Spellbinders;ribbon-Creative Impressions; Ink-Clearsnap

Operation Julie's Smile Blog Hop

2011-10-07T07:00:00.008-05:00

Welcome to one stop on the Operation Julie’s Smile blog hop. If you aren't familiar with Julie's story scroll down just below my card to read her story.

If you came here from Libby Hickson’s blog, then you are in the right spot. If not, you may want to start from the beginning at the Sweet Stamp Shop’s blog and take your time.As one would expect, with a blog hop this large there could be a break somewhere in the chain, so please bear with us. A complete list of blogs on the hop is posted on the Sweet Stamp Shop Blog and you have ALL WEEKEND to hop with us and win prizes!

Yes! I said prizes!!!!

We have over $2500 in prizes donated by the very generous companies.

A complete list of sponsors is listed on the Sweet Stamp Shop Blog.

How can you enter to win??
Prizes will be drawn for the following:
1. from Blog Comments left
2. from PayPal Donation list
3. for Blog Hop Hosts

As for my card, since this hop is to help Julie I decided to also play along on one of the challenge blogs she runs: The Play Date Cafe. This weeks colors are

Slime Green.....Frightful Fuschia...

Putrid Purple...Black as Night

Card stock: Core'dinations, Star and open scallop border Die-namics dies: My Favorite Things, Rub on greeting: Pebbles Inc., Scor-pal; Gems: Bazzill; Marker: Shinhan Touch Twin GY47 (used to color gems)

Julie's Story

The creative blogging community is coming together this weekend to help one of our friends, Julie Ranae. You may know her as the Design Team Coordinator for many wonderful companies from bakers twine, die cuts, rubber stamps and more. What many people don’t know about Julie Ranae is that she has had some pretty major dental surgeries in her lifetime due to medication she had to take as a child. It was in her plans to think about having all of her teeth replaced at some point in the next 5 years, a decision that was pretty easy to plan out. But then it happened…she chipped her front teeth on a weekend a month ago. The dentist told her there was no way to save them & that it was his recommendation that she give in and have them all her teeth removed soon, but for that day, they needed to get her front teeth done so her gums could begin to heal. He said he would 'work out payments with her to have ALL this work done...but when she called to make her appt for the first step of impressions, they told her the amount of money that was needed and that the 'payments' applied only to the two teeth that were extracted that day. Her husband Paul was with her & that too, was his understanding as well. So this is how she has found herself in this situation…Needing at least $4000 to get started and another $3000 to finish the process…a total of $7000.

Nicole Rixon, owner of Sweet Stamp Shop put together this benefit after finding out about this situation and before Julie Ranae knew it, it took flight!

Because she is an event organizer by trade, she has taken on the job of organizing all of the blogs in this hop as her way of ‘working overtime’ for what she needs, the same as if she were able to work overtime at an outside job to pay for the work to be done.

It is the goal of all of these generous friends & sponsors to help make this situation more do-able for our friend so that she can share a brand new smile with all of us soon.

If there is anything you can do to help with a financial donation, there is a donation button ready for you to click. Any amount is appreciated and ALL DONATIONS will be eligible for prizes from our sponsor pool of over $2500.

If you would like to donate simply click on the link below which will take you directly to Paypal.

I hope you enjoyed your stop here on the hop!

The next stop is Sankari Wegman’s blog.

Make sure you leave a comment here before you go so that you can have a chance at the amazing prizes up for grabs and if you can, please make a donation so we can help bring back a new smile for our friend”

My (slightly late) CPS card!

2011-10-04T09:12:00.000-05:00

I have totally lost track of time lately! Just realized this morning it is TUESDAY! Which is the day my cards are *supposed* to be on the CPS blog. Although, it *just* went on today's post...an hour late...I have had it done for quite some time though. LOVE the stamps I got this week from The Cat's Pajamas and will be using them much more in the near future!! I paper pieced the plane adding accents and shadows with my Touch Twin markers, colored the bunny with my Touch Twins and added die cut clouds that were accented with Touch Twins.

Stamps: The Cat's Pajamas ( Take Off, Simply Said)
Patterned paper: My Mind's Eye
Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin (Y27,WG1, WG3, WG5, R8, B143,B182,Y141,BR102)
Cloud die: My Favorite Things
Ink: Clearnsap
Gems: Want2Scrap
Twine:The Twinery

October Scor-pal Designer Challenge

2011-10-03T06:00:00.003-05:00

This month's Scor-pal Designer Challenge is "Sweet Treats". For my project I decided to go with a simple sweet card. I used my Scor-pal to create a frame for the image and a line behind the greeting. I scored the gray area form the back side at 3/8" and 1/2" from the left on each edge and then sanded the front. I added gems where the lines cross. I scored the purple card stock from the back and then centered the greeting on that. If you haven't already be sure and stop by the Scor-pal blog to see what this months guest designer has created and play along with the challenge for a chance to be the December guest designer. Also don't forget to post a link on the Scor-pal Fan Page too and you'll be in the running for a Kindle!!

Card stock: Core'dinations; Stamps: Sweet n Sassy Stamps, Dies: Spellbinders, Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin (colors shown below); Scor-pal Scoring tool; Scor-Tape

Touch Twin Marker Challenge #2

2011-09-30T12:23:00.000-05:00

Time for another Touch Twin Marker challenge. This week is a color challenge!

Use the above colors and play along for your chance to win a set of 12 Touch Twin markers!! Until the end of the year you can use any brand of marker, so if you have markers you'll want to play!

Here is the card I created using those colors:

Supplies:
Card stock: Core'dinations (Colors); Gina K Designs (White)
Stamps: Unity Stamp Company
Ink: Memento
Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin Brush (B182,B143,YR21,B96)
Dies: Spellbinders
Gem and Pearl: Want2Scrap
Scor-pal Scoring Tool

Gina K Designs Preserving Memories Blog Hop

2011-09-29T08:00:00.043-05:00

Welcome to the Preserving Memories blog hop! Members of Gina K.'s Design Team have come together to host a hop where we will share with you scrapbook projects - we hope this will inspire you to dust off those photographs and get scrappin'!

If you came from Tina Gilliland's blog, you're at the right place. If not make sure to head over to StampTV where you will find a list of all those participating in today's hop.

Admittedly, even though I started scrapbooking 14 years ago since starting card making it has been quite some time since I have done a page. It was nice sitting down and looking through old photos to see what I wanted to work with. I chose a photo of my husband and girls from quite a few years ago and below is what I came up with. I combined stamps from 3 of my stamp sets for this page. I used hearts from my very first set, Special Delivery, to create the border and accent behind the wording. I used a tag from one of my most popular sets, All Occasion Tags; and, the wording is from my latest set Home is.

Stamps: Gina K Designs: Home is, Special Delivery, All Occasion Tags; Patterned papers: Echo Park Paper; Ink: Clearsnap Stephanie Barnard Line; Tag dies: Spellbinders Grommet Tags; Ribbon: Creative Impressions; Gems: Bo Bunny; Scor-pal scoring tool and Scor-Tape

And there you have it! Another page added to my collection. Have to say it was a nice change of pace. Might have to try it again soon :)

Head on over to Lee Murphy's blog to see what she's sharing with you today!

2011-09-26T08:16:00.000-05:00

I am hosting this week's Mix it up Monday Challenge at StampTV today!! Be sure to play along for your chance to win a free stamp set of your choice!

Here is the image I chose:

Here is the card I created:

Stamps: Gina K Designs Home is (tree), Thanksgiving (greeting), Card stock: Gina K Designs Pure Luxury Ivory, Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye, Ink: Rich Cocoa, Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin (BR96, YR25), Scor-pal and Scor-Tape

I stamped the tree trunk onto ivory card stock and colored with my Touch Twin markers. I stamped the cloud shaped pieces onto patterned paper, cut them out and layered on to the trunk. Then I stamped the greeting. A super easy Autumn thank you!

Visit StampTV for all the details!

Operation Julie's Smile-Support and Win!

2011-09-21T14:32:00.001-05:00

Today I am taking a bit of time away from crafting to share about a special benefit blog hop for a special creative friend, Julie Ranae Murray.
Below is Julie's story, taken from her blog.

Many of you may have heard that I recently
had to have emergency oral surgery which resulted
in the removal of my front teeth.
As a child, I struggled with brittle teeth due to
some health concerns and my parents did all
they could to ensure that I went into adult-hood
with the best teeth possible. Unfortunately with age,
the brittle teeth became a problem again and well,
long story short, the dentist recommended that
I bite the bullet and have them all replaced.

I made the appointment, had the consultation
and was handed a piece of paper that said to
bring $4,000 with me to have the rest of the teeth
taken out. I was in shock because the dentist made
reference to the idea that 'it could all be worked out' ; )

Well, here I am today, missing front teeth (and a few others)
and being frustrated because I believed that this was
a procedure that would be taken care of quickly.
The unfortunate thing, is that THAT amount was JUST for the
removal of the rest of my teeth...it does not account
for the 'permanent teeth' that would need to be put in place.

With that information in hand, Nicole Rixon of Sweet Stamp Shop, one of the companies Julie designs for, decided it was time to take action and help Julie get her smile back!
She contacted not only her design team, but a variety of other friends
and designers. Including me!

So, what am I doing? I am not only donating prizes but also will be participating in the hop and helping spread the word. More importantly, I will also be praying for Julie during this time. Praying for God to comfort her and help her deal with the issues that arise from the ordeal. Praying for God's hand in all of this and that His will be done and that He will provide for Julie's need in whatever way He sees fit. I believe that even though this is not a "life threatening" medical issue, it is life changing in many ways. I also believe God cares about each one and answers prayers both large and small.

What can you do? Join in! Whether it be through a monetary donation, prize donation, helping spread the word about the event or even prayer on Julie's behalf, each little bit counts. Full details can be found below.

'Operation Julie's Smile' Benefit Blog Hop
Oct 7-9

There are a variety of
companies and design teams, including myself, who will be participating
in this hop to help raise funds.

Prizes will be awarded (over $1500 worth of prizes to date) for both participants and those who donate in any amount.

You can donate right now through Paypal using the button below and be entered into the drawing or you can wait until the hop begins.

If you would like to participate in the hop or donate a prize
'Operation Julie's Smile'
is now asking for designers/teams
who would like to be a part of the benefit hop.

If you are interested
in getting involved in this creative fundraising event,
please contact Sweet Stamp Shop's Nicole Rixon at nicolehrixon@gmail.com

The deadline to be a part of the hop
is Wednesday, Sept 28th. Participants will be notified of the blog hop order
between Oct 3rd-5th.

You can also keep up with the latest event details on the OJS Event Page at Facebook.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Handmade Shaker Gift Box That Sparkles and Shines

2011-09-21T09:47:00.001-05:00

Today I have a fun and easy gift box with a shaker style lid that I created using my Scor-pal and GlueArts UCutIt foam.

Supplies: Card stock: Bazzill Prismatics, Patterns: Bo Bunny Press (lid/stars), Bella Blvd (box sides); Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts; U Cut if Foam:GlueArts; Scor-pal scoring tool; Designer Adhesives Foil:Clearsnap; Glitter and Sparkle Fibers: Clearsnap; Gems: Want2Scrap; clear acetate

For this box I began with the One Cupcake Box tutorial by Scor-pal Designer Kittie Franken.

When making the base of the box I skipped the part of step 3 of adding an opening and instead added a shaker style lid with the aid of GlueArts UCutIt foam, double sided foam adhesive.

After step 6 of the tutorial we begin the process of creating the shaker lid.

Begin by cutting a foam square roughly the size of your lid/base (in this case 4x4). Then cut another square from the center of the previous square. I used Spellbinders dies for both steps.

Once you have your frame cut, place it on the scored panel to be used for the lid positioning within the center scores and use a pencil to trace the opening. Cut opening using die or craft knife. Fold sides of lid as directed in original tutorial.

If your foam is larger than lid (as shown below) simply trim to fit. Once you have a nice fit, cut two clear square slightly smaller than foam frame. I used the backing from a clear stamp set but you can use recycled packaging, acetate, transparencies or any other clear material. Adhere one square to the frame, fill with glitter or other filler and cover with second clear piece. (Sample uses silver glitter and sparkle fibers form Clearsnap) Adhere finished shaker to inside of lid and decorate finished box as desired.

I used the piece of foam that I cut from the center of the frame along with Design Adhesives Foil from Clearsnap to create shiny 3D stars. I used my Spellbinders dies to cut a star from the UCutIt foam and then simply peeled the backing off of one side, placed the foil on and peeled off leaving a sparkle finish.

Here are some more peeks of the final result:

Market Street Stamps and Marker Giveaway!

2011-09-19T08:48:00.000-05:00

Today I have a card to share that I created for the Market Street Stamps blog where I was asked to stop by as a guest designer.

Card stock:Gina K Designs Pure Luxury white, Bazzill Prismatics; Stamps: Market Street Stamps; Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin (R1,BR101,YR31,BR96,YR24,YR32,Y36); Twine: The Twinery; Dies: Spellbinders;Scor-pal scoring tool and Scor-Tape.

I started by making the multicolored gingham background. I stamped the gingham background in brown and then used the fine point of my Touch Twin markers (R1, BR101) and a ruler to highlight the edges of the lines. It was quite similar to this technique posted here on the Marker Street blog. The only difference is that I only made one line on each stripe and lined every side rotating between 2 colors. I trimmed that to fit my card base but didn't adhere it until everything was layered on. I typically build everything on a single panel and then adhere it to the base last so that the inside of the card remains clean.

Using the gingham print as my base, I layered on some gold and dark red card stock. I scored the edges of the gold with my Scor-pal to help define the edges and stamped the red with the gingham background stamp and brown ink. I wrapped the panel with some matching twine from The Twinery and secured the ends to the back of the panel with Scor-Tape.

I stamped the greeting (Gone Campin) on gold card stock and cut it out with an older Spellbinders die. I tied some more twine through the opening so that it would look as if it were part of the pieces I wrapped around the panel. Next I attached the tag with foam tape and added 3 matching pearls.

For the main image, I stamped the fire and marshmallows from the Gone Campin set on a piece of white card stock with the stick placed at a slight angle. I then stamped the images onto another piece of white card stock, colored them with my Touch Twin markers, cut them out and adhered them to the first image to give it a more raised effect. I cut the whole thing out with a square die and matted it with gold card stock. I used foam tape to attach the panel at a slight angle so that the stick was horizontal and the panel balanced out the tag a the bottom. For my last step, I adhered the completed panel to the card base.

Super easy! :)

Now, for the Marker giveaway info! :)

Starting today (through the end of September!)

Touch Twin will be giving away 2 markers to FIVE people every single day!

Each day there will be a question on the Touch Twin & More blog. Winners will be chosen randomly among all the responses to the questions.

Tell your friends!

When we get to 1000 followers on our Facebook page we’ll be giving

away 24 markers to a lucky follower!!!

Gina K Designs Post Release Blog Hop-Home is and Celebrate the Season

2011-09-15T08:00:00.042-05:00

Today we are taking a closer look at two of the newly released sets from Gina K Designs, Home is and Celebrate the Season.

Celebrate the Season, illustrated by Theresa Momber, is a perfect mix of images for all of your Fall projects.

Below is a peek at what I did with this set. I stamped the image onto Pure Luxury base weight card stock with gray ink and colored very lightly with my Touch Twin markers. Once finished I stamped the greeting over the image with black ink and added 3 clear gems.

I am the illustrator of the Home Is set and below is the card I created.

Stamps: Gina K Designs (Home is), Card stock: Gina K Designs (Pure luxury base weight white, black onyx,moonlight fog) Patterned papers: My Mind's Eye; Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin (R11, BG61, G55, YR33, CG9, CG3, CG .5, BG1, WG1, Black 120) ; inks: Clearsnap and Memento; Twine: The Twinery.

For this particular card I wanted to go a bit more in depth and share with you how I added a sentiment to the center the image and gave it a faded overlay effect.

I began by stamping the house image from the Home is stamp set onto white Pure Luxury base weight card stock using a gray ink. For this particular project I used a regular dye ink not designed to work with alcohol markers (Ancient Page-Flannel Gray). I wasn't concerned with the type of ink on the gray section as a bit of bleeding helped to soften the look. If you are concerned with bleeding an alcohol marker compatible ink such as Memento ink in the London Fog color is recommended.

Next I cut a 3/4" wide strip of scrap card stock and used a temporary adhesive to adhere it over the center of the image. The length of the strip is not a huge factor. Basically, just use a piece at least as wide as the size you plan on cutting the image to.

I then stamped once again over the previous image with a black ink. This time I used Memento ink in Tuxedo Black to avoid bleeding of the main image. You might be able to do this by eyeballing it or using the grid on your stamp block. If not a Stamp-a-ma-jig works well and is what I typically use for such projects where a precise placement is desired. It is ok if the image is not perfectly aligned as the gray outline will simply give a shadowed effect.

Next, I used the fine tip of my Touch Twin marker to draw a line along the top and bottom of the card stock strip.

Once finished I was able to remove the card stock strip leaving the final image that was ready to be colored.

I began by coloring the sections outside of the lines in the normal fashion using my Touch Twin markers. (while the colors used are the same, the two colored images below will look slightly different in the location of the center lines that in the final sample as I forgot to take the photos the first time and had to redo that part. oops!)

Next, I colored the section between the lines in shades of gray. I colored the would be blue section with a blue gray and the lights, which would normally be a warm yellow, with a warm gray. As I mentioned previously, there was slight bleeding due to the ink I used which also help lend to the effect.

Once finished I added my greeting between the lines and added the final details and assembled my card.

If you decide to try this fun and easy technique be sure to stop back by and leave me a link to your creation, I'd love to see it!!!

Thanks for stopping by today. Be sure to visit all of the designers below for more ideas using these two stamp sets. Don't forget to leave a comment on each of the blogs because we will be randomly choosing two of today's comments and each of those stampers will get to choose a free stamp set valued up to $24.95! The more you comment, the more chances you have.

Gina K
Tami Mayberry – illustrator Home Is you are here
Theresa Momber – illustrator Celebrate
Carolina Buchting
Cathy Tidwell
Deb Felts
Donna Baker
Emily Giovanni
Giovana Smith
Jennie Harper
Lee Murphy
Melanie Muenchinger
Michelle Woerner
Sharon Harnist
Tina Gilliland
Vicki Dutcher

Introducing "Home Is"

2011-09-14T10:31:00.001-05:00

I am excited to reveal the complete image my newest stamp set,

Home is:

As I mentioned yesterday, this set has some versatile and multi-function pieces. The "cloud" shapes can be used not only as clouds but also as tree leaves or cut in half and used as bushes! The two patterned shapes are designed to fit perfectly inside the outlines as well. Here is a little digital example I created to illustrate that feature:

Here is a card I created using the the shapes with the tree trunk and then adding red gems to mimic apples.

Patterned paper: My Mind's Eye, Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin, Gems: Bo Bunny; Scor-pal

I added the top layers with some foam adhesive. In this video, you can see how Gina K did that as well.

The hearts in this set are great for a variety of purposes as well. The small heart matched the one on the house to add a pattern to that. It also fits inside the larger hearts. Both make great accents for the greetings in the set. The small heart can also be used as fruit on the tree.

Many of the sentiments can be combines as well! Here is just a sampling:

So, there you have it! Home Is :) I'll be back tomorrow for the blog hop using this set and will have a tutorial to go along with it!

The Gina K Designs release party is tonight!!!!

2011-09-13T08:00:00.044-05:00

We are very excited to extend an invitation to Gina K. Designs September Release Party. We have a fun evening planned for you - chatting, prizes, challenges, stamp sets reveal, design team shares, and most importantly, at the end of the party you will be able to go shopping!

If you came from the blog of Suzanne Dean, you're at the right place. If not make sure to head over to StampTV where you will find a list of all those participating in today's hop.

Here's a photo of one of the cards I will be sharing at the party using the
Home is stamp set
which I illustrated.
I am very excited about this set as there are
LOTS of greetings and quotes
as well as
some versatile/multifuntion pieces!

Home is will be available with my other sets at Gina K Designs after the party at 9pm CDT.

Supplies: Card stock and stamps: Gina K Designs; pattern: My Mind's Eye, Spellbinders Dies; Shinhan Touch Twin Markers (R11,R12,R8,B62,BG3,WG4,Y36)

I stamped the image on Pure Luxury white from Gina K Designs, colored it with my Touch Twin markers and cut it out. Next I cut a circle from the pattern and a circle from the brown card stock and layered them together. I matted that, attached it to a circle card base and added the greeting. Super easy (as always!)

That's all for today. I'll be back tomorrow with more!

Hope to see you at the party, here are all the details:

When: Today, Tuesday, September 13
Where: StampTV Release Party Forum
Time: 7 PM to 9 PM (CST)

Head on over to visit Tina Gilliland to see what she's sharing with you today and see you back here on tomorrow for the beginning of our three day Inspiration Blog Hop series for September!

Scor-pal and Unity Stamp Company Blog Hop

2011-09-13T06:00:00.052-05:00

Hi and welcome to the Unity Stamp Company and Scor-Pal Blog Hop!
Our teams have come together to show you ALL of the amazing things you can do with Unity Stamp Company stamps and Scor-Pal products!

Along the blog hop you will find cards and projects that are sure to INSPIRE you!
Oh and we have prizes, too, so BE SURE to leave a comment on ALL of the blogs on today’s Blog Hop!
There will be 2 winners!

1 will get a Scor-Pal and 1 will get 10 Unity Itty Bitty stamps of their choice!
Winners will be picked from ALL of the comments so the more comments you leave, the more chances you have to WIN!

The winners will be announced on Thursday, September 15^th on the Unity Stamp Company blog and the Scor-Pal blog!

You should have came here from the blog of Shemaine Smith

If not, head back to the Unity Stamp Company blog to start at the beginning.

Below is the card I created for the hop. It is a simple Z Fold card, which is super easy using the Scor-pal. I created the card base by cutting a 5.25" x 12" piece of card stock. I used my Scor-pal to score lines at 4" and 8". From there it was simply a matter of fold and decorate! I used patterned papers from My Mind's Eye. The image and greeting are from Unity Stamp Company and called Sweet Celebration Birthday. The cupcake was stamped, colored with my Touch Twin makers, cut out and attached with foam tape. I also used my Scor-pal to create lines between the solid and print pieces.

Supplies: Card stock: Coredinations and Gina K Designs; Patterns: My Mind's Eye; Stamps: Unity; Scoring tool: Scor-pal; Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin (B97,B92,B95,BG1,B182,PB185, 0 Colorless Blender)

Your next stop on the blog hop is: Lisa Henke

Shinhan Marker Challenge!

2011-09-12T09:28:00.001-05:00

Today starts the very first of the bi-monthly challenges using Touch Twin markers from Shinhan Art Materials. The first challenge is to use any people image-realistic or cartoon. For my card I chose one of the Magnolia images that I haven't used yet. (See, I'm coloring!!)

Be sure and check out the challenge because you can use *any* brand of marker until the end of the year and if you play along you'll have a chance to win a set of twelve Touch Twin markers.

Here is the finished card

Supplies: Markers: Touch Twin Brush by Shinhan Art (colors shown below); Card stock: Coredinations, Bazill (Simply Smooth White), Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye; Image stamp: Magnolia (Tilda with Ice Cream Cone); Scoring tool: Scor-pal

The markers I used

The color map

LOVE my Nestabling!!

2011-09-11T13:38:00.000-05:00

I have to say, once again, I love the embellishments from Want2Scrap! They were a sponsor again this week at CPS and I used one of the Nestabling shapes. I am so much in love with the fact that they keep their shape when I peel them off of the backing and it's not a fight to get them in place.

Here is my card for this week.

Spellbinders Labels 14 die + Nestabling + Gina K Stamps= super easy!!!!

Patterned paper:My Mind's Eye; Classic Circle and Labels 14 die: Spellbinders; stamps: Labeled with Love by Gina K Designs; Nestabling:Want2Scrap; ink:Stephanie Barnard line from Clearsnap

This week's CPS card

2011-09-09T09:39:00.000-05:00

My card for this week's CPS sketch sponsored by Unity. I think this was one of the very first images I colored with my Touch Twin markers. The layout is from the sketch, obviously. The card stock is from Corediantions with distressed/accent lines added using my Scor-pal. The tag I used is from an older Spellbinders die.

Supplies:

Stamps: Unity Stamp Company (Matching Socks-Itty Bitty Collection)

Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin ( CG.05,R13,R15,GY59,YR24,YR23,PB70,G56,B66)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Card stock: Simply Smooth White (Bazzill), Core'dinations

Dies: Spellbinders

Scor-pal

SUPER EXCITING NEWS!! (and the why behind it)

2011-09-08T16:53:00.000-05:00

Yes, that was me..shouting!!

No that wasn't an earthquake in the Midwest.

That was just me jumping up and down.

I am finally able to share why I have not been around as much lately. I have been super busy on projects. What's new about that? Well, some of you might have noticed in my past few posts I have had a new product listed. A product you don't see from me a whole lot. Markers. Now you will be seeing them a LOT more! Because I am a....

Yes, you read that right! I am playing with markers! *gasp*

But, truth be told...

Yes, I do color.

Yes, I love markers. And paint...And crayons...and...oh, you get the idea.

No, I don't post a lot with them.

It's like a told a friend some time back, I am the "does not color in public" type. I color all of the time but found myself comparing my work to others and not posting simply because I "don't measure up". Well, this opportunity came along and I have to tell you, at first I kinda freaked out. The conversation went sort of like this on my part:

I do color.

All the time. I just never post it.

Because I don't color like (add long list here)

What!? Color in public? *gasp*

Seriously?

Follow with spooky music where someone pops out and you scream...

After a lot of thought and prayer I gave in. I tried the markers. I was comfortable with them and what I was able to do with them. They felt good in my hand and the results were beyond my expectations. So, I finally decided it is time to just be me and do what I enjoy. "Good" or not. Time to get out of my comfort zone and stop trying to compare to everyone else. And you know what? I'm excited! About coloring. Truly excited.

So, what does that mean as far as what you'll see from me now?

Well, I describe it to be like a workout video.

Ever hear of The 30 Day Shred? We have that video. (noticed I said *have* not use). And in it they have two girls working out in the background. They tell you if you are advanced and can keep up then watch the girl on the left. If you are just beginning and can't do all of the moves just yet watch the girl on the right. But, either way, keep pushing and don't stop until you get it. Me? I'm the girl on the right. I'm the one that will modify the moves so everyone can keep up. I'm the one you can learn right along with. I'm the one you are going to be looking at and saying well sheesh I can do that. Let's go! That is now my my goal. To be me and stop comparing my work with professional artists and people who have been doing this for years. I want my coloring to be like the rest of my designs- keep it simple and doable. Some (many?) of you are going to be the ones that look and say ok, enough of that, I know how to do this so move on to Level 2 already. If that's you then there are a lot of other talented "artisans" also working with these markers. They are the girls on the left. Watch them. Learn from them. And totally come back here and show me what you are learning/doing because I am have a lot to learn and love to cheer on those who are up ahead, running the race and sharing their talents :)

If you want to learn more about these markers be sure and check out the links below. Follow the blog and Facebook page, for sure. (A little birdy tells me pretty soon you're going to be happy you did)

Touch Twin Marker Blog

Touch Twin Marker Fan Page

Shinhan Art Materials Website

Scor-pal + Basic Grey= Back to School Fun!

2011-09-05T12:19:00.001-05:00

Starting in September, on the first Monday of each month (that's today!!) Scor-pal will be introducing a new Scor-pal Designer Challenge. This month the Scor-pal Design Team was challenged with an "Out of the Box" challenge--create any type of box with your Scor-pal.

Here is a peek of what I made using the Scor-pal along with the Oxford collection of papers and embellishments from Basic Grey. You can find the "how-to" for the pencil holder on the Scor-pal blog and the tissue box instructions by Diane Zechman can be found here.

You'll want to check out the Scor-pal blog for all the info. There you can play along and link up your projects for a chance to win prizes *and* an opportunity to be a guest designer for the October Designer Challenge and be featured on the Scor-pal blog!

Gina K Back to School Special-Day 3

2011-09-04T08:00:00.009-05:00

Back again for the final hop day of the Gina K Designs Back to School sale! Members from Gina K's design team are hosting three mini hops featuring these three new incentive stamp sets.

Some details on the Back to School Special:

Choose any ONE of the incentive stamp sets with any $35 or more purchase
Limit one incentive set per order
Customers may place multiple orders.
Gina K. Designs reserves the right to combine orders shipping to the same address
If no incentive stamp set is chosen, one will be chosen for you
This special can not be applied to existing orders - must be new orders only
Offer expires Monday, September 5th at 11:59 pm Central Time

My sample today uses the Thankful for You set. I left it as a quick and easy all occasion card that will be great for many fall occasions.

Stamp: Gina K Designs-Thankful for you; markers: Shinhan Touch Twin (Y36,YR32,BR95,BG52,G43,GY59,GY175,PB185,0); gems: Bo Bunny; Scor-pal

Make sure to head on over to StampTV to see a list of all those participating in the hops!
Happy hopping and shopping!!!

Gina K Back to School Special!

2011-09-02T08:00:00.008-05:00

To celebrate the beginning of a new school year, Gina K. Designs is having a Back to School sale! Members from Gina K's design team are hosting three mini hops featuring these three new incentive stamp sets. We just know you're going to love them as much as we do!

Some details on the Back to School Special:

Choose any ONE of the incentive stamp sets with any $35 or more purchase
Limit one incentive set per order
Customers may place multiple orders.
Gina K. Designs reserves the right to combine orders shipping to the same address
If no incentive stamp set is chosen, one will be chosen for you
This special can not be applied to existing orders - must be new orders only
Offer expires Monday, September 5th at 11:59 pm Central Time

Here's the card I created using the Merry and Bright set:

Supplies- Stamps:Gina K Designs (Merry and Bright, All Occasion Tags); Markers: Shinhan Touch Twin (R4,R5,G53,G57,B63,B67); Dies: Spellbinders (Classic Circles S &L, Grommet Tags); Scor-pal.

I colored the image with my Touch Twin markers and then used my Spellbinders circle dies to cut it out in an off centered circle and mat it. I stamped the greeting onto colored card stock and cut it out with the Grommet Tags die. After it was cut out I stamped over it with All Occasion Tags using Colorbox Top Boss watermark ink. I then added gems tot he ornament and tag that I color coordinated by coloring clear rhinestones with the same marker I used for the image. The embossed lines around the edge was created with my Scor-pal.

Make sure to head on over to StampTV to see a list of all those participating in the hops!

Happy hopping and shopping!!!

Owls2Love from The Stamps of Life

2011-09-01T13:11:00.000-05:00

Two new cards today featureing the new owls2love set from The Stamps of Life.

3x3 mini card.

Owls2Love stamps, Clearsnap inks (Stephanie Barnard line)

Owls2Love stamps, Clearsnap inks (Stephanie Barnard line), My Mind's Eye paper pad papers, My Favorite Things cloud die, May Arts ribbon

Card Making Fun With Bella Blvd!

2011-08-31T09:41:00.002-05:00

Good Morining!! Coffee in hand, so, yes, that would be good morning! Sorry I have been a bit quiet lately but all for good reason. Which I'll share in the near future ;) I've been super busy creating and have lots of things lined up to share in September. Today, I have a few cards I created using papers from Bella Blvd. I've had these papers for a while. Hoarding is probably more the word since they are from last year's release but I needed to make room for the new releases on the way so that worked. :) Anyway, Bella Blvd is having a design team call and I was very seriously considering applying as they have such super cute products that I always admire. I created the 4 cards I needed to enter but left them on the shelf for a while trying to if I would apply or not. After much prayer and consideration I decided to pass. While I would love a chance to work with their products and company I try very hard to over commit. With all I currently have going on I didn't want to add extra work and stress and end up slacking on that or any of my other commitments. I'm sure you wanted to know all of that! lol All that said, I had lots of fun with the papers and here are 4 new cards I created ;)

I only have papers from Bella Blvd, no extra embellishments, so I improvised a bit for images and greetings. I also mixed and matched from different lines.

(All of the papers I used are at the end of this post)

For my first card I cut the scarecrow image from the One Fall Day Borders and Blocks.

This guy was originally supposed to be a journaling block but I decided he would make a cute card. The border behind the image and the "thankful for you" came from the same sheet. Patterned paper from the same collection. Card stock from Coredinations and lines added using my Scor-pal.

Here is a peek at the original paper I used on that card (as well as all of ones below):

For my next card I again pulled from the blocks and borders paper above.

I used a combination of the apples and Thankful for you strip. The multicolored pattern is from the same One Fall Day collection and the green is from the Sunny Happy Skies Collection.

I used my Scor-pal to creat horizontal lines on the paper and Coredinations card stock.

My third card combines...my third card combines..Sounds like I am on Cupcake Wars..oh, back to that I was saying...

My third card combines a print from the All Inclusive collection and once again a block from the borders and blocks. The cloud that I popped up was cut from the other side of the patterned paper I used on all of the other cards. I added mini clear rhinestones from Want2Scrap and then colored them with a Touch Twin marker. The stamp is from the Sweet Celebration Birthday set from the Bella/Unity set

For my final card I used the same prints as the cards above. The top plaid is from the One Fall Day collection, the middle print is from Sunny Happy Skies and the bottom one is the back side of the All Inclusive line print. Greeting from the blocks and borders. I love that I was able to get use of that one strip on three cards!

More bang for the busk as the saying goes :)

Basically, everything was from 4 sheets of paper! Here is a peek of the 4 sheets of papers I mixed and matched to use on the cards:

If you made it this far I just have to say, thanks for stopping by and listening to me ramble...and go check out Bella Blvd's blog and awesome products!

Clearsnap & Scor-Pal Summer Fun Blog Hop

2011-08-23T02:01:00.049-05:00

Welcome to the Clearsnap & Scor-Pal Summer Fun Blog Hop 2011!!

The design teams from both Scor-pal and Clearsnap have created some wonderful summer fun projects with their Scor-Pal lots of Clearsnap inks!

Since the theme is "Summer Fun" I decided to create a fun wrap that can be used to dress up a Mason jar filled with a delicious summer drink.

I started with a strip of red Core'dinations card stock and using my Scor-pal and Scor-bug embossing tool I created score lines every 1/2". I then sanded the paper to accent the lines. Next, I used the new Licorice colored Colorbox Premium Dye Ink by Stephanie Barnard ink and stamped a pattern of flip-flops (Market Street Stamps) and used my Azure colored Smooch accent ink to color in the heart on each one. I matted the panel with another sheet of Core'dinations card stock and created a score line 1/8" from the edge using my Scor-pal. I wiped the line with Clearsnap ink to add a more dramatic look. I stamped the words onto a piece of card stock using the strawberry Stephanie Barnard ink. I cut that out and adhered to the wrap. Wrap around the jar, secure with Scor-tape for an extra secure hold. Add some twine from The Twinery and it's done!!

Visit each Design Team member's blog below to see what inspiring projects
they have to share. Leave a comment on each blog. One winner
from all of the comments posted will be chosen to receive a prize pack from Clearsnap and
another from Scor-Pal.

Clearsnap Blog http://clearsnap.blogspot.com
Scor-Pal Blog http://scor-pal.blogspot.com/
Mary Dawn Quirindongo http://mypinkmexico.blogspot.com
Diane Zechman http://papercookies.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
Sabrina Alery http://sabrinaalery.blogspot.com/
Gini Cagle http://ginicagle.blogspot.com
Jean Okimoto http://davebrethauer.typepad.com/inkollage/
Lisa Andrews http://scrappingwithlisa.blogspot.com
Daniela Dobson http://danieladobson.blogspot.com/
Katie Tate http://bothsidesofthepaper.blogspot.com
Charlotte Jenkins http://suepup.blogspot.com/
Stephanie Ackerman http://stephaniescraps.blogspot.com
Tami Sanders http://tamisanders.com/
Robyn Weatherspoon http://robynweatherspoon.blogspot.com
Tami Mayberry http://tamimayberry.blogspot.com
Jennifer Priest http://hydrangeahippo.blogspot.com

CPS 232

2011-08-22T14:04:00.000-05:00

My card for this week's CPS sketch:

Stamps: The Stamps of Life (butterfly2build,labels2use)

Inks: Stephanie Barnard Dye ink by Clearsnap (Licorice,Tangerine)

pearl flourish: Want2Scrap

Back tomorrow with a project for the Scor-pal/Clearsnap blog hop!!!

Our first Scor-pal blog hop!!

2011-08-16T06:58:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the Twinery/Scor-pal blog hop!!!

Today we are excited not only about our very first Scor-pal blog hop but also to be celebrating the first anniversary of our friends at The Twinery. These two teams have joined forced for an amazing line up of projects that will show you the wonderful things you can create using your Scor-pal along with baker’s twine from The Twinery! From boxes and bags to cards and 3D projects the creativity by these two teams is sure to please.

Here is a peek of what you will see from the Scor-pal team along the way:

I am the second stop on the tour so if you came here from The Twinery's blog, you are on the right track. If not, you'll want to back up to there to start the hop. There are some great prizes for those who complete the hop by commenting on each blog so you won't want to miss a stop. Since The Twinery is celebrating all week, you'll have five days to enjoy this hop, so relax and have fun!

All of the projects today contain two elements, baker's twine and use of a Scor-pal. For my card I created a gate-fold card using my Scor-pal and then added twine accents on the sun, kite and to tie the card shut.

My vision was a card that appeared as if the clouds were clearing when opened.

(papers from My Mind's Eye, stamps and dies from My Favorite Things)

The gate fold card was super easy to create using my Scor-pal. No measuring or trying to figure out how to get the folds even. Simply cut the base, place on the Scor-pal and score at the pre-marked grooves!

I'm so glad you stopped by! I hope now you two will give the Scor-pal and baker's twine fro The Twinery a try.

Please make sure you leave a comment on my blog because there are terrific prizes for those who leave comments on each designer's blogs!

Here is a peek of what you can win!!

A twine sampler from the Twinery

and the mini version of the Scor-pal, a Scor-buddy

The deadline for commenting is 11:59pm EST, Friday, August 19th.

Your next stop on the hop is Julie Ranae's blog.

StampTV Mix it up Monday Inspiration Challenge

2011-08-10T09:05:00.001-05:00

My daughter asked me this morning, "Mom what day is it anyhow?". I have those days too. Those where I am thankful for that little calendar at the bottom of my screen that I can point to and it pops up telling me what day it is! So, yes, it is Wednesday and I am just now blogging about Monday. I'm slow like that. This week I am hosting the Mix it Up Monday challenge at StampTV. I have become quite a fan of the Pinterest site when I need some inspiration. Below is one of the images I have pinned and decided to use for the challenge.

Flicker photo found via Pinterest

and here is the sample I created. I used the colors from the image. The horizontal lines were inspired by the lines in the blinds and dresser. Black greeting inspired by the dresser handles.

Card stock: Gina K Pure Luxury (White), Core'dinations (Colors)

Stamp: All Occasion Tags

Ink:Clearsnap

Be sure and stop by the thread at StampTV and play along.

You'll have a chance to win a free Gina K Designs stamp set of your choice!

Deadline to enter is 8pm on Sunday August 14.

More cards from Gnome One Like You

2011-08-09T16:09:00.001-05:00

Two more cards from my newest stamp set Gnome One Like You.

Stamps: Gina K Designs (Gnome one like you)

Ink: Clearsnap

Pattern: My Mind's Eye

Dies: Rectangle and ribbon: Spellbinders, Grass: My Favorite Things

Stamps: Gina K Designs (Gnome one like you)

Ink: Clearsnap

Pattern: Echo Park Paper

Twine: The Twinery

Scor-pal

Stamp set used: