March 31, 2010

Agata *Day 3*

I find this next card by Agata simply breathtaking: Aren't ALL of those flowers beautiful?! I love that Agata used text on the flowers and kept them white! The ever so light distressing on the edges give them great dimension, too! The woodgrain on the flower pot adds visual interest. Finally, I find it so amazing how Agata created this neutral card that really packs a punch and is so eye catching.

Here is my take. I was especially inspired by Agata's text flowers in white.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks also for all of your lovely comments, my friends! I seriously can't tell you enough how much you ALL make me SMILE! :)

Oh, and I nearly forgot, I've had a few questions about the marker holders in my craft room--I got them at Michaels (very inexpensive) and they are made by a company called "Simply Built."
Supplies---Stamps: Hero Arts (CG125, CL272, S5213), Tulips (Jane's Doodles Digital Stamp available HERE), Woodgrain (All Night Media); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up), Martha Stewart Marker, White Gel Pen (Sakura); Other: Embossing Folder (Provocraft for Cuttlebug), Pearls (Recollections), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media), Misc. Cardstock and Embroidery Floss

March 30, 2010

Agata *Day 2*

Welcome to day 2 of inspiration with Agata. Now, not only is Agata an accomplished cardmaker, but her scrapbook pages are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Check out this one: Isn't this just striking? I love the simplicity and how the focus is on those SUPER cute photos!! The color blocking is fantastic! And by placing the color squares and photos on kraft, they really come to life! Finally, the small butterflies are perfectly placed and make a fantastic embellishment!
Here is my take:

Thanks to everyone for stopping by and for leaving such sweet comments!

Supplies--Stamps: Hero Arts (CL272, CG119, CG125), Woodgrain (All Night Media); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up); Other--Flower Punch (Punch Bunch), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media), Misc. Cardstock and Thread

March 29, 2010

Don't you think...

Don't you think we should get together and stamp, my blogging friends??!! :) Just thought I would share some pics of my craft room. Last night my very patient hubby (yes, this is the third time I've switched rooms-LOL) helped me move my craft room to a different room in the house. I don't think I will be moving anytime soon! :) So here are some pics (while it is still organized...):

Well, it's nothing fancy, but I'm happy with how it turned out. Do you have any pictures of your crafting space that you'd like to share? Leave a comment with a link and I'd love to check it out! :) Thanks for stopping by and make sure you don't miss today's earlier "Inspired by..." post with our new featured artist--AGATA!
See you tomorrow!

Inspired by...Agata!

Hi everyone! Welcome to another week of "Inspired by..." creations! :) This week the featured artist is none other than the talented Agata! If you haven't checked out her PHOTOSTREAM and BLOG make sure you pop by as she is always sharing her awesome work!

Here is our first inspiration card by Agata: This vibrant card is just brilliant! The background is brimming with rich color and the lightly stamped flourish is subtle and pretty! I love the way Agata has stamped the center panel with text and that gorgeous floral image. The colors on the flowers really "pop!" This card is a STUNNER (but so are all of Agata's cards so I'm not surprised!).
Here is my take:
Thanks everyone for stopping by! I will see you tomorrow with another one of Agata's lovely creations!

Supplies--Stamps: Background (Hero Arts S5213), Text (Hero Arts K5344), Sentiment (Hero Arts CL272), Flowers (Tim Holtz), Postmark (Stampabilities), Postcard (Digi kit from Michelle Underwood available at twopeasinabucket.com); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up); Other: Misc. Cardstock and Embroidery Floss, Stickles (Ranger)

March 28, 2010

Robin *Day 6*

Today is our last day of inspiration with Robin. I've just loved sharing her gorgeous creations and this last card by her is sure to inspire: This bouquet is as good as the real thing! The lace doily stamp and text paper make the perfect holder for those roses! And speaking of the roses- aren't they such fab colors??! Finally, Robin's simple embellishments, from the tag with the sentiment to the pearls on the roses, round out this beautiful card!

Here is my take:
Thanks again, Robin, for allowing me to share your AWESOME talent on my blog!

See you all tomorrow with our next "Inspired by..." stamper! I am going to try announcing my featured stampers on Mondays and sharing cards Monday-Friday, so thanks everyone for bearing with me as I'm catching up on my crafting time!! :)

Supplies--Stamps: All Stamps Hero Arts (CL153, S5314, CL374); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up), VersaMark; Other: Vellum (Helix), Misc. Cardstock and Embroidery Floss, Vintage Sheet Music, White Embossing Powder (JoAnn's Craft Essentials), Pearls (Recollections)

March 27, 2010

Tulips and Rabbits

Happy Saturday, my friends! I have a special post this morning as I am the guest designer for Jane of Jane's Doodles! I have absolutely LOVED working with these fun images of Jane's and I know once you see the GORGEOUS tulips and cute rabbit that Jane and her talented design team are debuting today you will have to run to Squigglefly to download yours. :)

Here is my first card. I really enjoyed being able to resize the tulip image--definitely a BIG benefit of digis...
Supplies--Stamps: Tulips (Jane's Doodles at Squigglefly), Postcard (Michelle Wooderson), Sentiment (Inkadinkado), Grass (Stampin' Up), Flourish (Hero Arts CG119); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up), Copic Markers, White Gel Pen (Sakura); Other: Misc. Cardstock and Thread
And here's another tulip card (I just can't get enough of these flowers!):
Supplies--Stamps: Tulips (Jane's Doodles at Squigglefly), Sentiment (Hero Arts CL272), Text (Hero Arts K5344); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up), Copic Markers, White Gel Pen (Sakura); Other: Pearls (Recollections), Butterfly Punch (Fiskars), Misc. Cardstock, Thread and Embroidery Floss
And finally, here's Jane's super cute vintage rabbit:Supplies--Stamps: Vintage Rabbit (Jane's Doodles at Squigglefly), Carrot (Jane's Doodles), Text Background (Hero Arts CG125), Sentiment (Penny Black); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up), Copic Markers; Other: Kraft Paper (Stampin' Up), Scallop Punch (Fiskars), Misc. Cardstock and Ribbon
I want to thank Jane again for choosing me as a guest designer for her release! I TRULY loved every minute of creating with her awesome images. Be sure to check out what her design team created, too:
See you tomorrow with our last inspiration card by Robin. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

March 26, 2010

Announcement and Robin *Day 5*

Hi everyone! I hope you are ready for a LONG post today! To start things off, I have an announcement--sweet Jane of Jane's Doodles for Squigglefly, asked me to be her guest designer this month! Wahoo! Soooo today she is debuting a super cute image for her daughter Mia's birthday. And a little birdie told me that Jane is sharing the image for free on her BLOG.... :) Here is my card with cute Mia:
Be sure to check out what the rest of Jane's ultra talented design team has created:
Alice
Jane
Kelly
Lucy
Lysa
Mariana
Sanne
Next order of business--Robin's inspiration! Here is the next card by Robin:
These bright colors and eastern influence make such a fun combination! I love how Robin used pink, white, and yellow with black! Soooo striking! The dimensional butterly adds a fun flair to this card. And finally, the embossing is the perfect touch!

Here is my take:
Thanks again for stopping by! Be SURE to stop by tomorrow for more of Jane's awesome images AND another card by Robin!! :) HUGS!

March 25, 2010

Robin's cards are coming, I promise!

Hi everyone! Just had to update you on my week with Robin. I have been CRAZY BUSY with work (10-14 hour days) and am behind on my stamping! And yes, my fingers are itching to get inky. :) That being said, our next day with Robin will be on Friday and it will be a double post with double the inspiration. (Thanks, Robin, for being patient with me. You're so sweet!)

Today I have a eggstra special card to share with you created for the Hero Arts blog. Make sure you stop by and see what the other Hero Hostess have created- you will be amazed and inspired!
AND MAKE SURE YOU STOP BY ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FOR A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT AND POST...

March 24, 2010

Thank you!

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for all of the sweet comments on yesterday's post! I am sorry to report that I have nothing for you today. Last night was a late night of conferences and so I was left with no crafty time. :( I'll have something for you tomorrow (hopefully), my friends!

March 23, 2010

Robin *Day 4*

I love this next beauty by Robin:

The blue and brown color scheme on this card is so soft and easy on the eyes! In addition to the color scheme, the gingham and lace punch give this card a great country feeling. Finally, isn't it fun the way Robin attached the ribbon with the button off to the side?
Here is my take:

And I have a bonus to share with you today. My sweet 12 year old sister-in-law is in town and we got to spend a little crafty time together last night. So fun! Here is her fabulous take using Robin's card as inspiration:Thanks for stopping by and for your lovely comments! I am really busy this week with work, so I did not have time to type up my list of materials/supplies for this card. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me. :)

March 22, 2010

Robin *Day 3*

This next card by Robin is the epitome of spring:

This design is just sooo cute! I love the flower pot with the cute rabbit peaking out! The pastel flowers and butterflies have the perfect amount of dimension and texture. And Robin didn't leave any detail out- check out the "dirt" at the brim of the pot!! GENIUS!
Here is my take:

Thanks for looking!
Supplies---Stamps: Flowers (Hero Arts CL375), Sentiment (Hero Arts CL390), Text (Hero Arts CG125), Grass (Stampin' Up); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up); Other: Leaves Die Cut (Sizzix), Butterfly Punch (Fiskars), Pearls (Recollections), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media), Glossy Accents (Ranger), Misc. Cardstock

March 21, 2010

Robin *Day 2*

Here is our next inspiration card by Robin: Robin's card is so warm and beautiful! I love the tones of yellow and gold mixed with the grey. The heart stamped with the flourish is the perfect resting place for that cute bird! And how about the creative way Robin attached her sentiment?! Perfect! I just love that ribbon!

Here is my take. I was especially inspired by Robin's color scheme of golds, yellow, and brownish grey. Thanks for stopping by! I hope to see you tomorrow with another of Robin's delightful creations! Hugs!
Supplies--All Stamps Hero Arts (CG119, CL261, CL394); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up); Other: Scallop Punch (Fiskars), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media), Copic Marker (C7), White Gel Pen (Sakura), Misc. Cardstock

March 20, 2010

Inspired by...Robin!

Hi everyone! Sorry I am getting this posted a little late! We have company staying at our house and I was busy making breakfast. :) It's so nice to be able to spend time with family!

The next "Inspired by..." stamper is ultra talented....it's.... Robin! ("Card"rageous Robin on flickr) Robin's cards are always polished and pretty. Make sure you head over to her flickr PHOTOSTREAM to see lots more of her gorgeous cards! Here is her card for today:

I love the unique color scheme Robin has used here! It's so eye catching! And the soft white polka dots make for a nice, delicate detail. Finally, Robin's shading and glitter center give the flower wonderful dimension!
Here is my take:

Supplies--Stamps: All Stamps Hero Arts (CG121, CG125, C2962); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up); Other: Misc. Cardstock and Thread, Microbeads (Martha Stewart), Scallop Punch (Fiskars), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media)

March 18, 2010

Anne *Day 6*

Today is our last day of inspiration with the marvelous Anne! Be sure to check her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM often for lots more eye candy! Now, on to Anne's card---

Now I know we are a few months from Christmas :) but I just HAD to share this card of Anne's! I love the nontraditional colors and all of the layers of scrumptious stamping! Anne has also embellished this card to perfection with small pearls and a ribbon fit for royalty! Finally, I love, love, LOVE the unique design of the layered tags that form the shape of the card!!

Here is my take. I was especially inspired by Anne's layered tag design:

BTW- the lovely daffodil image is by my friend, Jane, who is such a talented artist! You can check out more of her digi images on her BLOG and SQUIGGLEFLY.

Thanks again, Anne, for all of the AMAZING inspiration this week!
Supplies--Stamps: Text (Hero Arts CG125), Dots and Flowers (S5213), Sentiment (Inkadinkado); Ink: Copic Markers (Y11, YR68, Y08) and Martha Stewart Markers, White Gel Pen (Sakura), Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up); Other: Pearl (Recollections), Misc. Cardstock and Thread, Scallop Punch (Fiskars)

March 17, 2010

Anne *Day 5*

Here is another unique card from Anne:

I love how the colors just pop against the craft background! Even the touches of white are so vibrant! The overall stamping design is very different and unique. The way Anne has stamped the floral elements across the card front is very eye catching! Finally, I love the punched edge with the white highlight!
Here is my take:Thanks for stopping by! See you tomorrow with our last day with Anne!
Supplies--All Stamps Hero Arts (S5316, CL342); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), ColorBox Chalk Ink, Black Ink (Stampin' Up); Other: Pearls (Recollections), Border Punch (Fiskars), Misc. Cardstock and Thread, Kraft Cardstock (Stampin' Up)

March 16, 2010

Anne *Day 4*

Here is today's inspiration by Anne:

Anne's card is amazingly bold and artistic! I so admire her skills! I love the way she has added water splotches and trails in the distress ink. It goes perfectly with the dandelion frame stamp. The colors of this card make me smile and the touch of ribbon and border punch at the bottom add a lovely finishing touch!
Here is my take:Thanks again for stopping by and for leaving such SWEET and KIND comments. I don't think I can tell you enough--THANK YOU! :)
Supplies-- All Stamps Hero Arts (Digi Kit Winged Friends, CL351, CG146); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up); Other: Misc. Cardstock and Thread, Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Metallic Decor (Hero Arts)

March 15, 2010

Anne *Day 3*

This next card by Anne is truly AMAZING!!

I love the metallic and distressed look of the background! The touches of pearl and blues contrast perfectly with the rust colored flowers. And Anne's innovative design makes for a SUPER fab gift card holder!!
Here is my take: See you tomorrow!
Supplies: All Stamps Hero Arts (CL274, CL351); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up), VersaMagic Ink, White Gel Pen (Sakura); Other: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (ProvoCraft), Pearls (Recollections), Perfect Pearls (Ranger), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media), Picket Fence Punch (Martha Stewart), Misc. Cardstock, Thread, and Ribbon

March 14, 2010

Anne *Day 2*

Thanks everyone for stopping by yesterday and for all of your lovely comments! You always make me smile! Here is our next gorgeous card by Anne:Anne's big pink flower makes my heart happy! I love the dots she's added to the flower. They coordinate so well with the polka dot patterned paper. This card also has such a unique color combo which adds to its whimsical appeal!

Here is my take:

Thanks for looking!
Supplies--All Stamps Hero Arts (CL351, CG119, CG139, CL298, CG134); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up), Copic (C7), White Gel Pen (Sakura); Other: Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Stickles (Ranger), Pearls (Recollections), Misc. Cardstock and Thread

March 12, 2010

Inspired by...Anne!

It's my favorite day of the week...I get to announce the next "Inspired by..." stamper! :) So up next is.... Anne Gaal (prospuring on flickr)! Anne is an amazing artist in so many ways--from cardmaking, to photography, to digi scrapbooking---Anne does it all! You MUST check out her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM.
Here is our first GORGEOUS inspiration card from Anne:
This card is such stunner! I love the distressed dandelion frame stamped in blue! The soft colors contrast perfectly with the warmth of the butterflies (which, by the way, are colored to perfection). The sentiment stamped on the ribbon is a great designer touch. And finally, Anne's use of the label die cut shape is genius!

Here is my take:Thanks so much for stopping by! Oh, be sure to check out the CURRENT CHALLENGE on Anne's blog to make a card inspired by one of hers! I will definitely be entering a couple of mine this week!! :)

Supplies--All Stamps Hero Arts (CG152, CL342, CG154), Music Notes (Paptertrey Ink); Ink: Black Ink (Stampin' Up), Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger); Other: Top Note Die Cut (Stampin' Up), Metallic Decor (Hero Arts), Vintage Sheet Music, Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media), Misc. Cardstock

Another little tutorial...

Happy Friday everyone! I have gotten a few questions on how I made the background on the following card so I decided to make a little tutorial. I hope you enjoy! Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or any steps are unclear. :)

Here is the finished card:
This next step is shown on black paper so you can see the technique. This is what you would do with your small, white center panel that you have just sprinkled with white embossing powder (in the previous step).
*Before heating the embossing powder, use a paint brush to brush away sections of the embossing powder for a distressed look.

Finally, add stitching, butterfly, and adhere panels.
Thanks again for stopping by! See you tomorrow with our next "Inspired by..." stamper!

March 11, 2010

Barb *Day 6*

Here is our last inspiration card from Barb:

Can you believe that this is her first try with Copics?!! I love the shading on the flowers and the grass at the bottom looks awesome, too! The purple is such a regal color choice. Barb's overall design perfectly draws attention to the focal image. Finally, the rounded corners and embossing finish off this beauty of a card!
Here is my take:

Thanks so much everyone for stopping by this week! AND BIG THANKS to Barb for playing along and allowing me to share your talent on my blog! If you haven't been to visit Barb's PHOTOSTREAM be sure to stop by--she updates regularly with her lovely creations!
See you tomorrow, my friends, with a little photo tutorial...
Supplies--Stamps: Flowers (Hero Arts CL374), Sentiment (Hero Arts CL351), Text (Hero Arts K5344), Grass (Stampin' Up); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up), White Gel Pen (Sakura); Other: Misc. Cardstock and Embroidery Floss, Glossy Accents (Ranger), Corner Rounder (EK Success), Hero Hues Notecard (Hero Arts) *THANKS KATHY!*, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (ProvoCraft for Cuttlebug)

March 10, 2010

OOPS!

**edited to add- I finally have it posted! Click HERE for the complete post! :) **

Hi friends! I just realized I forgot to upload the picture of my card for today! LOL! I will upload it as soon as I can, but until then I know you will enjoy Barb's card! :)

Barb *Day 5*

Here is today's card by Barb:

I love the unique way Barb has used this Hero Arts grass stamp! By stamping it in white on that beautiful blue she has added a bit of magic to her scene! It reminds me of a warm, starry, summer night. The organza ribbon complements Barb's color scheme. Finally, Barb always pays close attention to details like the tiny pearls on the butterflies!
Here is my take:


See you tomorrow with our last day with Barb! Thanks for popping by!
Supplies--All Stamps Hero Arts (Fern K5314, Sentiment CL156); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up); Other: Scallop Punch (Fiskars), Misc. Cardstock and Thread