Burrr...

Can you hear my teeth chattering? -17 this morning. Yes, that is a negative. Good day to stay inside and stamp some!

This card used up some of my much loved and hoarded SU paper from a few years back, as well as my CTMH snowflakes! I put flocking on the furry areas of Bella's outfit. She told me she prefers Arctic Fox. Expensive taste. ;)

I wish I looked this cute in my winter clothes!

Warm wishes for your week!

Red

As many of you know, I lived over in Japan for 4 years, only returning back to the US this past July. When the earthquake and tsunami hit, I knew I wanted to do something to help. Since Sami and I "own" Use It Tuesday, we figured why not use it as a forum to help raise awareness and make it a fun way to donate to the cause!

The challenge over at Use It Tuesday is to make a project using the color RED in honor of Japan. Remember to use something from your stash you have been hoarding and please tell us in your post or project description what that item (or items) is!

As an added twist...we are going to make a donation to the Red Cross based on the number of participants we have! If we get 1-25 players, we will donate $50; 26-50 players we will donate $75 and so on up to $400! So feel free to get the word out! We would love to make a great donation on behalf of our fellow crafters. :)

Even if you are not a regular player over there, I hope you will consider playing along this time. :) You have until April 1 to upload your creation!

SSDS How Many Buttons...

...can you get on one card?! The challenge this week at Scrap, Stamp, & Doodle Saturdays was to use...BUTTONS! (I know, betcha could not tell!)

I had a blast with this card! I tend to be a hoarder so it was freeing to have "permission" to use the stash. ;)

This card is based on an altered notebook I made previously for my friend Naomi. I did change it up a bit with colors and layout. I must admit, I love this sketch (from SCS) and I know I will use it again!

Stamps: Minty Coffee & Sentiment (StampingBella.com)
Paper: CM patterned paper from the stash, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, PTI White
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories: Buttons! (American Craft, SU), Ribbon (SU), Embroidery Floss, dimensionals, Stickles

Thanks for dropping by!

HSS From a Card to...

What a fun challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments this week! They wanted us to make a project based on a card. Well, lucky for me I had to complete a project just like this for a little silent auction on base next month.

I started with the card which was made for a Bellarific Friday challenge at StampingBella.com. I liked the colors together so much (with that pretty flocked SU paper!), that I decided to complete an entire gift set around it.

The notepad set was CASED from a good SCS friend of mine, Gail, who I had the honor of meeting up with in San Francisco last year. She made these little sets for the 4 of us that met up. Not only that, but we ate at Cheesecake Factory AND shopped. I know! The. Best. Day. Ever!

And then I made the little bag to hold it all together. :)

Stamps: Christmastini (Stampingbella.com), sentiment (Papertrey Ink), Merry & Bright (SU)
Paper: Basic Black, Brushed Gold, Whisper White, SU DSP from last year
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copcis to color, PTI Fresh Snow
Accessories: CTMH & Michael's Ribbon, SU Brads, Stickles, MS Snowflake punch, Eyelets, SU Punch

Thanks so much for stopping in. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Falling in Love with Ketto!

Fall is my favorite season! I just love the changing colors, the crisp air...unfortunately, in Alaska, we only get 2 weeks of it! I woke to the "s" word on Sunday! It was only a dusting, but still! :)

I made this card for Stamp, Scrap and Doodle Saturday's weekly challenge and for Bellarific Friday, as they both called for Fall Themed cards! Additionally, Flutterby Wednesday's theme was open this week, so I got this in just in time!

I could not resist this navy gingham ribbon I found in my stash! It guided my whole project this week.

Stamps: Anise Ketto (StampingBella.com), sentiment: PaperTrey Ink
Paper: All SU: Night of Navy, Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry, PTI white
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics, SU Night of Navy
Accessories: SU Embossed Dots background, Stickles, ribbon from my stash

I do have some fun news to share! First off, I won the Artist Pick from Hand Stamped Sentiments for my card made in the post below. Then, I got 4 cards published in the latest issue (Fall 2010) edition of Just Cards! I think this deserves some sort of celebration! What shall I get myself as a "reward"?? :) Unfortunately I just spent a good bit on some Decor Elements for the house, so I am looking at the reward on my wall! And boy, are they pretty! I will have to post some pics so you can see, too!

Thanks for stopping by!

HSS Color Challenge!

Nothing made me happier this week than to participate in one of my favorite blog challenges over at Hand Stamped Sentiments! This week's color challenge was to use Pear Pizzaz, Real Red, Early Espresso, and Pacific Point.

I decided to pull out a fun Stamping Bella image that had yet to see ink (sad, I know!) because I really wanted to use my Copics! Of course, since I was in tool withdrawal, I had to find an excuse to use my Big Shot (embossing). As I pulled open an embellishment drawer, my beloved Stickles were just begging to be used! Oh. My. Gosh! It feels so good to have my stuff back again! :)

I used the SU Background stamp, Dotted on the Pear layer with Versamark to give it some dimension, which you can barely make out in the picture.

Stamps: Daisy Balloon (StampingBella), sentiment (PTI), Dotted (SU)
Paper: Early Espresso, Pear Pizzaz, Real Red, PTI White
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Sepia, Versamark
Accessories: SU Ribbon, SU Brads, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Stickles, Dimensionals, Spellbinders Nestabilities

Thanks for a fun challenge, Hand Stamped Sentiments! I missed playing with you lovely gals!

Diaperbella Bag

So tell me, is this not the cutest diaper bag stamp ever?! I know! And I love it paired with the DCWV mat stack. Just perfect for that little bundle of joy!

I know I said previously we had a lot of babies in our squadron this year. I think I still might have a few more shower cards to share, but don't quote me! While my house is completely cleaned out, my computer is not! I had planned to use this time of "living simply" to clean out my electronic life, alas I am finding other things to keep me busy!

Speaking of keeping busy, I did get the chance to make cards on Saturday with my group here. :) We had a blast. It was also "fun" to make cards with very limited supplies! Pictures, you ask? Ha! I am not that organized yet! For now, you get to see the files that I already have on the computer!

My limited supply list: Stamp by Stamping Bella, Sentiment by Papertrey Ink. Paper is SU and DCWV. Ink is Copics and Memento Tuxedo Black. Accessories: Robin's Nest Dew Drops, Yummy SU Ribbon, misc button, CB embossing folder, SU punch.

Thanks for dropping in! T minus 30 days until we land in Alaska!!

Babies Galore!

Babies are a dime a dozen here right now, which is fun because it gives me a great excuse to make some fun shower cards!

This card was made for my friend Anna's shower. I did not know it, but her daughter's room is brown and pink! How perfect is that?!

I had so much fun with this one...I found those clothespins at the 100 yen store and I love them! Of course, I bought 3 packs of them in various colors because I am a hoarder. :)

You can't tell from the picture, but the main panel and the clothes are all up on dimensionals.

Stamps: Kettos' Clothesline and Baby Set (StampingBella.com)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, DCWV stack, PTI white
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories: Linen Thread, Wooden Clothespins, Brads, Pink Pirouette Ribbon, SU Button

My Spring Cleaning has slowed, but I am forcing myself to do something each day. I have all that yucky stuff left, like the file cabinets...and my closet...which is depressing in more ways than I care to mention!! HA! Once I finish though, I will have a ton more time to craft...so that is motivation for you! (...or maybe I can reward myself with some new paper!! LOL)

Thanks for stopping by today!

On the Move!

As many of you know, my husband is in the military. This means, among other things, every few years we uproot and move. As much of a pain the rear moving is, it sure is a great excuse to clean (well, be forced to clean) out the closets!

This looming move is why I have been absent from the blog world for a little bit. The kids were out on Spring Break, so I took the opportunity to clean house...and clean house we did! I only have a few more rooms to tackle...but it will be easy peasy with help from the DH!

Speaking of DH, he took a look at my craft area tonight and had to audacity to ask if I would be getting rid of anything. Silly boy...how long have we been married? NO, I am not giving up my toys. I would give up a child before I did that. Kidding, of course. Partially. ;)

So, where am I moving, you ask? Just wait...

Now for the card. This is ironic...a friend here asked me to make a card she could send to her friend in Alaska. She requested a thinking of you theme, with a little of Japan mixed in with Alaska. And she loves the Bella line of stamps. This is what I came up with!

Why is it ironic? Because soon thereafter, I found out we were moving Alaska!

While I am admittedly more than ready to be done with snow (California girl has had enough after 13 years, but who is counting?!), I am so excited for this adventure! And if I have to live in the snow, why not go to such a magical place?! We are lucky enough to have several friends already there and more moving in this summer. Plus, what makes the winter pass more quickly than to stamp it away?! :)

And hey, look at the bright side...I don't have to live in a State that likes the Cowboys! (That was for my football fan friends who know how much I **love** the Cowgirls! Ironically enough, that move to Texas almost happened!) Enough of the football smack-talk! ;) You can now bombard me with Sarah Palin comments in retaliation! I am ready for you...with my lipstick on!

Thanks for stopping by!

Maisy Ketto for Three!

Finally...I have finally done it! I made one card work for three challenges! All you hot shots out there that do this all the time, my hat is off to you! ;)


I used the Bellarific Friday Sketch (but obviously turned it...it has been an upside down week already anyway...), met the requirements for Flutter By Wednesday's #103 Color Challenge, and, drum roll please...completed the requirement for making something with wings for Scrap, Stamp & Doodle Saturdays!

Hope you like the end creation! How can you resist Maisy Ketto? She is just darling, isn't she?!

Stamps: Maisy Ketto (Stamping Bella), Mixed Messages (PTI)
Paper: PTI White, Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Cutie Pie DSP
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories: Old Olive ribbon, Felt Flowers, Rhinestone Brads, Opal EP, Versamark Pen, Rhinestones

As a side, my kids know they are not allowed to touch anything on my craft table. I am not sure why, but I think someone was sitting in my chair...and touching things! Humm...

I asked my 4 year old, who vehemently denied the accusation. Um hum. Maybe it was the dog. ;)

Thanks for stopping by today. :)

Domo Arigato

Hey Blog Buddies! Have you missed me? ;) I apologize for the longer than anticipated hiatus. I seriously think for each single day you take of vacation, you should get 3 days to compensate for all the things you have to accomplish upon your return...namely laundry. :)

At any rate, I did want to share a thank you card I made recently. I am not sure why, but it never previously occurred to me to paper piece my washi paper with these Ketto stamps. I must admit, I am just smitten with how it looks!

Stamps: Wasabi Ketto (StampingBella.com), Asian Poetry (SU)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Brushed Gold, Mellow Moss, Regal Rose, Washi Paper
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics, Versamark
Accessories: SU Brads, Gold Cord, CC Ribbon, Nestabilities

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

SSDS Just Charming

Scrap, Stamp & Doodle Saturdays challenge this week was to use a charm on your card. As I was looking through my charms, I came across this darling silver martini glass and knew it was the one!

Stamps: Cosmo Bella and sentiment from Stamping Bella
Paper: Basic Black, Garden Green, Real Red, Garden Green DSP, Patterned Paper from Creative Imaginations
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics, Markers to stamp for the sentiment
Accessories: Charm (Stamping Bella), Rhinestones, Stickles, Liquid Glass, SU Ribbon and Silver Cord

This is going to be me next week. We are vacationing way down south on the island of Okinawa! I am soooo excited! I will miss my stamps, ink, and blurfing, but holding my martini glass should keep my hands busy. :) Thanks for stopping by!

FBW 97 Sweet Agnes

I have been having a blast doing all of these challenges...maybe I am just subconsciously not wanting to scrapbook! ;) I still have so pictures that must get in albums before we move...**sigh**

At any rate, this weeks challenge at Flutter By Wednesday is to use hearts along with your butterfly, fairy or angel. So, I had fun and used the heart and sentiment from SU's Short & Sweet set since I don't have any "winged things" with hearts already in the image. (Reason to shop, I think!! As if I need a reason...) :)

And look how BOLD my colors are! I am trying desperately to shock Mother Nature into Spring. So far, no dice. Oh well! (Truth be told, I am trying to use my stash. I love this patterned paper by DCWV and I used that to choose my crazy color palette!)

Stamps: Agnes Ketto (Stamping Bella), Short & Sweet (SU)
Paper: DVWV Stack, Orchid Opulence, Gable Green, Barely Banana, Melon Mambo, PTI White
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories: Robin's Nest Dew Drops, CTMH Grosgrain Ribbon, SU Button & Linen Thread, Stickles, Crystal Effects

Thanks for stopping by today!! I hope you are having a wonderfully bright week!

Go Team USA!

So, I must admit, I am a HUGE fan of the Olympic Games! I can sit glued to the TV for hours watching all sorts of sports I don't necessarily follow all year. There is just something about the world's best athletes showcasing their incredible talents and sharing in the joy of everyone doing their best.

My dear friend Jane is starting a challenge blog and I knew immediately I wanted to play along! I Dream of Stamping's first challenge is to create a card using the colors of your favorite Country's flag or the colors of the Olympic rings. While I cheer for all the athletes, I must admit, I do cheer a little louder for Team USA!

This is one of my favorite stamps and I thought it would be perfect to use as a tribute to the Winter Games! Aren't those winter boots darling?

Stamps: Boots (Stamping Bella)
Paper: PTI Stamper's Select White, Night of Navy, Real Red, Night of Navy DSP, Real Red DSP
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics, Spica Glitter Pen in GOLD!!! :)
Accessories: MS Snowflake Punch, Stickles, SU Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by today! If you are a regular follower you will know my son's sleepover was on Friday. I will disclose that I "survived"...but only by a hair! Seriously, I need a nice long weekend away to catch up on my sleep. Who knew 10 year boys could play video games and watch movies sooo late??!! ;)

Jumping for Spring Joy!

Isn't this color combo fun? I wish I could take credit for it, but it was this week's Bellarific Friday Challenge. Quite frankly, it had me yearning for spring as I looked outside at the white palette Mother Nature has left me! **sigh** Winter lasts soooo long here...

At any rate, I hardly ever use a white card base, so this was a challenge for me. I really wanted to keep the card light and whimsical to go with the image and paper. (By the way, I cut paper I was hoarding to make this card! I am being soooo good! You would be so proud of me! I might just have to give up my 'paper ho' crown at some point!)

This card was also based on a sketch over at Scrap, Stamp, & Doodle Saturdays.

Stamps: Anise Ketto (StampingBella), sentiment by PTI
Paper: PTI Stamper's Select White, Pixie Pink, Apricot Appeal, Gable Green, DCWV Mat Stack
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics to color
Accessories: Ribbon, Button and Hemp Twine (SU), Stickles

I hope everyone is having a fabulous week! My son turned 10 and we are having a sleepover for some of his friends on Friday night. My husband "conveniently" is going to be out of town for business. Eekkkk! If you don't see me back, send reinforcements! ;)

Sake is a Cover Girl!

I have been a subscriber to Scrap & Stamp Arts for over 3 years. One of the main reasons I choose to renew my subscription each year is their publishing philosophy. They are truly a magazine that celebrates every level of stamper doing their personal best.

With that said, I am both humbled and honored to share with you that my card was chosen as one of the winners of the Scrap & Stamp Arts Black and White Challenge!

Here is a close up of the card, which is on the bottom right of the cover.

Who ever knew Sake Ketto would be a Cover Girl??!!

Hey, Tiger!

This card was made for this week's challenge in Bella-land. We were to make something "lovey-dovey"!

I had fun with this one...I made the kitty have stripes, like she was trying to be a tiger. The inside reads:

You bring out the tiger in me...Happy Valentine's Day!

The kitty is actually holding a flower with her tail, but I stamped a heart, stickled it up (yes, that is a technical term!), and layered with a ton of crystal effects and then adhered it with a dimensional. It looks pretty cool IRL.

Stamps: Felix Ketto with a flower
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Close to Cocoa DSP, DCWV stack, PTI white
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics, Cats Eye for distressing
Accessories: Robin's Nest Dew Drops, Stickles, Crystal Effects, Nestabilities

Thanks for dropping by today! :)

Bellarific Friday

The challenge at Stamping Bella last week was to create a Birthday card. Good thing too, as I needed one! I used an old Stamping Bella sketch to create this card as well.

I wanted to stick with red as to not lose my Valentine's Day mojo. ;) I thought the DCVW Retro Stack would be perfect for this image as well.

Stamps: Daisybella, Happy Birthday from Stampingbella
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, PTI White, DCWV Retro Stack
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Black, Copics to color
Accessories: Robin's Nest Dew Drops, SU Scallop Punch (my favorite!), Nestabilities, and Stickles...of cousre! No card is complete without a little bling!

Thanks for stopping by today! Hope you are having a wonderful week!

Bellarific Friday Sketch...late!

This was actually the Stamping Bella sketch for last week. I had it done, but did not get it posted! (oops!)

This card also fits the bill for our Inky One's Challenge hosted by Lou to use a color or colors we don't normally use. So, confession time...this was my first time using the SU In Colors for this year! (I know, I am dodging the tomatoes...I am such a hoarder!!). That Rich Razzleberry is gorgeous! And...I finally used my Liquid Pearls!! Sankari would be proud! She is the liquid pearl queen, you know!

Stamps: Bella's Garden
Paper: Ballet Blue, Rich Razzleberry, Kiwi Kiss, PTI White, DCWV patterned paper
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories: CTMH Grosgrain Ribbon, Bella Charm, Stickles, SU Texturz Plate

My 7 year old LOVES to play in the sketch challenges...so she posted a creation as well! I think I have created a monster...

DH was saying he liked it better when I was not working and I must admit, I agree with his sentiment! I had a lot more time to play! I think once I get settled, things will be in a better routine around here. We can hope anyway...

How could I forget the Paper Challenge?!! LOL

51/100 projects complete!

How are you doing?? :)

Domo Arigato with some Sake

If you have been following me for a while, you know that I have a fondness for Asian inspired images. When Stampingbella came out with the Ketto line, I was immediately in love!


I made this card when I played in one of my first Bellarific Friday Sketches. The Washi paper was purchased locally. It has such a neat feel to it, almost like fabric! It really adds that special touch to the card.



Stamps: Sake Ketto (StampingBella)
Paper: Red Riding Hood Red, Brushed Gold, Basic Black, PTI White, Washi Paper
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories: Red Riding Hood Ribbon (SU), Gold Pen (CM), dimensionals


I have a few blog awards to post and some other catching up to do, so please bear with me! I am starting a new job and my schedule is a little strange as I get oriented and update all of my mandatory requirements. :) My, how CPR has changed since I last certified!


I hope all my American friends have a wonderful holiday weekend! Are you doing anything fun? I am going hunting for seaglass on Monday! :) Taking the kids and hubby with me, too. Don't forget to leave me a comment on my post below if you want to be in the running for a jar of it!