Coming soon...

My next post with more inspiration from Michelle is coming soon. I have had a migraine since about 4PM on Tuesday so I have not felt up to much crafting.... Thanks for understanding!

Michelle *Day 3*

Check out this cheery tag by Michelle:This tag is loaded with gorgeous torn paper effects--from the purple on the bottom to the flower! I love the colors of this card. They are sure to make anyone smile. The butterfly is colored to perfection! And finally, the glitter on the flower and stem add that extra punch and finishing touch!

Here is my take:
Oh, and I hope you get a chance to check out the Hero Arts BLOG today. I have a card posted and a photo tutorial! :) Here's a little peek at the card:Thanks again for all of your comments and encouragement, my friends!
Hugs, Jill
All Stamps Hero Arts (CG102, CG142, CL342)

Michelle *Day 2*

Check out this textured beauty by Skrappergirl: As soon as I saw this card I was in LOVE! The distressed crumpled paper in the background is FAB! The bright orange makes for such a fun bouquet of flowers. And there's even more texture on the stems and leaves! Finally, the subtle polka dots add to the stylish flair of this one-of-a-kind creation!

Here is my take:Thanks again for looking! See you tomorrow!
Stamps-- Hero Arts (CG148, CL374, CG125), Splatter (All Night Media)

Inspired by...Michelle!

Hello my friends! Hope you all had a nice weekend. Mine was great---with lots of time for stamping. :) Our next featured artist is so talented and has a heart of gold. It's Michelle (also known as Skrappergirl on flickr). Michelle recently caught my eye on flickr when she organized the sweetest mini card drive for Jennifer McGuire (you can read more about it HERE). Then, I started looking through her photostream and the inspiration started to flow!

Here is her first inspiration card:
Aren't these warm colors just beautiful?! I love the overall design of this card with the stitched panel along the bottom and the flower off to the side. Michelle has done a lovely job of combining patterned paper with stamping. Finally, the embossed white background is perfect texture to complete this card!

Here is my take. When I was all done with this card I realized it didn't look much like the inspiration, but I guess that is what I find so fascinating about creating based on an inspiration piece. It provides me with a jumping off point. In creating my card, I was especially inspired by Michelle's color choices and embossed background. Also, I turned the overall sketch of her card to the side and used that as inspiration, too. Thanks again for stopping by!! Be sure to stop by Michelle's BLOG for more great inspiration!Hugs and see you tomorrow!

Stamps: Sentiment and Text (Hero Arts C2962, K5344); Foliage (K&Co.), Butterflies (Martha Stewart and Fiskars Punch)

Lucy *Day 5*

I'm sorry to say that this is our last day of inspiration with Lucy, but I know you will love this last card by the digi Queen:This card is the epitome of all things "Lucy." We've got delicious polka dots, butterflies, digi images, soft sweet colors, dimension, and simplicity which shows off the cute images she chooses to use! It's such a great idea how Lucy coordinated her background polka dots with the butterflies. The three sizes of the butterflies takes advantage of the flexibility of digi images and adds to the awesome design of this card! Whoever receives this card is sure to have a VERY happy day!

Here is my take:

Thanks again to all who have stopped by this week! It has been MY pleasure to share Lucy's stunning creations. Remember to stop by her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM as often as possible because they are both loaded with eye-candy! And I can't wait to share our next "Inspired by..." stamper, too! No hints this week- I'm keeping you in suspense. LOL :)

Supplies- All Stamps Hero Arts (Digi Winged Friends, CG119, CL387), Polka Dot Paper (Michelle Underwood)

Lucy *Day 4*

Here is today's beautiful card by Lucy:
I just love the sweet simplicity of this card. Lucy has an amazing knack for making whatever image she is using the star of the show, just as she has done with these great tulips! I love the flower pot with the touch of string. The varying font on the sentiment adds to the visual appeal of this card. Finally, the tiny hint of stitching around her card finishes it out perfectly!


Here is my take: Thanks again for stopping by! I hope you will visit tomorrow for our last day with Lucy! :) HUGS!

All Stamps Hero Arts- CL342, S5362

Lucy *Day 3*

Happy Wednesday, my friends! I just wanted to take a second to thank all of you for stopping by and for leaving such sweet comments! You ALL make me feel so grateful and thankful for your online friendship! :)

Here is our next card by Lucy:

Isn't there something about this card that is just magical? It is so unique! I love the pink buttons at the top! The dimensional dragonfly soars perfectly across the beautiful green background. Lucy's stitching adds so much and is another trademark of her fantastic style. Finally, this color scheme is so fun yet also elegant, too!
Here is my take:
Thanks again for stopping by!

All Stamps Hero Arts CG152, CL342, CL228, CG125

Lucy *Day 2*

Here is our next card by the oh-so-talented Lucy: I just adore this design! The die cut looks great in the center of the card. Lucy has embellished it perfectly with a touch of string and a beautiful butterfly! The polka dots in the background provide of lovely touch of pattern. And finally, the tiny, delicate stitching around the edges is a great finishing touch!

Here is my take:

See you tomorrow with another masterpiece by Lucy! :)
Supplies---Stamps: Butterfly (Hero Arts Digi Winged Friends), Sentiment (Hero Arts CL342), Grass (Stampin' Up), Postcard (Michelle Underwood Digital Kit), Postmark (Stampabilities); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz); Other: Dimensional Adhesive (Therm O Web), String, Pearls (Recollections), Cardstock (Xerox)

Inspired by...Lucy!!

I am thrilled to introduce this week's "Inspired by..." stamper-- it's Lucy! If you haven't checked out Lucy's work you may be living under a rock! :) Just kidding! But seriously, you must visit her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM! It is such an honor to share her work here on my humble blog-o, so without further ado, here is our first inspiration card by Lucy:

Are you drooling? I know I am! I love the red on this card! The butterfly is colored beautifully. The soft text in the background adds an elegant feeling as does the center panel with gems. Finally, Lucy's signature string embellishment is FAB!
And here is my take. I was really inspired by that beautiful, bold, red butterfly:

Thanks for stopping by! I hope your week is off to a great start. :) See you tomorrow with another GORGEOUS creation by Lucy!

Supplies---Stamps: Grass (Hero Arts S5316), Butterfly (Martha Stewart); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up); Other: Patterned Paper (Michelle Underwood Digital Kit), Pearls (Recollections), Embroidery Floss, White Cardstock (Xerox), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media)

Sanne *Day 5*

Before we get started today with our beautiful card by Sanne, I just wanted to let you know that I am aware that some of you have been having a hard time opening up my blog. I have no idea what the issue is, but I'm working on it. Thank you so much for your patience and for still stopping by even though it may be taking a bit longer to see everything! And if any of you techy folks have any suggestions, please feel free to leave me a comment or email me. It would be MUCH appreciated! :)

Okay, onto the fun stuff- cards!!! :) Today is our last day of inspiration with Sanne. Be sure to check out her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM for continued inspiration and delightful creations. Here is Sanne's card for today:

This card is so unique! First, I love the delicate dandelion stamping and distressing in the background. The circles are a lovely design choice which spotlight the pretty butterflies and dandelion, too! The colors are unique--again Sanne has wowed me with her natural style! Finally, the pearls perfectly mimic the punched circles on the card. Great touch, Sanne!
Here is my take:Thanks so much for stopping by this week to see Sanne's beautiful work. I hope you have a great weekend with loads of crafting time. :) I will see you on Monday with our next "Inspired by..." stamper. I'm just bursting to tell you who it is....maybe I will give you a hint...think digi....Any guesses?
Supplies--Stamps: Sentiment (Hero Arts CL351), Aged Print Frame (Hero Arts CG154), Butterflies (Martha Stewart); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), White Gel Pen (Sakura), Black Ink (Stampin' Up); Other: Vintage Sheet Music, Pearls (Recollections), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media), Tag Die Cut (Provocraft), White Cardstock (Xerox), Thread

Sanne *Day 4*

Here's today's inspiration card from the talented Sanne:
More delicious kraft stamping by Sanne! I love this image stamped in red! The polka dots on the bottom add a playful, vintage touch. And the twine finishes this off beautifully!
Here is my take: Thanks for popping by and for leaving such kind comments! See you tomorrow with our last day of inspiration by Sanne.
Supplies--All Stamps Hero Arts (K5344, K5376); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up), White Gel Pen (Sakura), Martha Stewart Markers; Other: Lace, Thread, Pearls (Recollections), White Cardstock (Xerox), Patterned Paper (Martha Stewart)

Sanne *Day 3*

Here is our next beautiful inspiration card from Sanne:

I just love the natural feeling of this card! Sanne is always coming up with beautiful cards using kraft paper and this is no exception! The grass is a great soft background for those pretty blue butterflies. Finally, I love the unique shape of the sentiment and the twine adds to the natural feel!
Here is my take:

Thanks again for stopping by!!!
Supplies--Stamps: Grass (Hero Arts S5316), Definition (Hero Arts CG125), Sentiment (Hero Arts CL272), Butterflies (Martha Stewart); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), White Gel Pen (Sakura), VersaMark, Black Ink (Stampin' Up); Other: Vellum, White Embossing Powder (Joann's Craft Essentials), Top Note Die Cut (Sizzix for Stampin' Up), Punch (Paper Shapers for Stampin' Up), Pearls (Recollections), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media), Embroidery Floss, Misc. Thread

Sanne *Day 2*

I love the colors on this next card by Sanne:The cheery colors of this card bring a smile to my face! The polka dots in the background also add to it's happy effect. Sanne has done a beautiful job coloring those lovely daffodils. Finally, the ribon and pearls are the perfect finishing touch!

Here is my take:

See you tomorrow, my friends! :)

Supplies--Stamps: Hero Arts (CL333, CG139), Small Polka Dots (Martha Stewart); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up), VersaMark, White Gel Pen (Sakura); Other: White Cardstock (Xerox), Vellum, Embroidery Floss, White Embossing Powder (Joann's Craft Essentials), Top Note Die Cut (Sizzix for Stampin' Up)

Inspired by...Sanne!

Hi! I hope everyone had a nice weekend! Our next featured artist is multi talented and I just love the way she combines traditional stamping with digi images, too! Please welcome..... Sanne! To find loads of inspiration, be sure to visit her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM! Okay, here is our first inspiration card by Sanne: I just adore the beautiful blue of this card! It is incredible the way Sanne sanded the embossed background to add texture and a subtle variation in the color of the paper. Her butterfly is shaded to perfection. Finally, the thin ribbon is a delicate detail which suits this card amazingly!

Here is my take. I was especially inspired by Sanne's monochromatic color scheme and her beautiful blue butterfly!

Yes, I just can't get enough of these post card cards. :) I hope I am not boring you! I have had a few questions about the post card background. It is an element in THIS Michelle Underwood kit. I just insert it into Microsoft Word, resize it to my liking, and then print it on white cardstock.
See you tomorrow with another lovely card by Sanne! Thanks again for all of your sweet, sweet comments! You always make my day!
Supplies---Stamps: Post Card (Michelle Underwood), Text (Hero Arts K5344), Butterfly (Hero Arts CG139), Sentiment (CL342), Postmark (Stampabilities); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up), VersaMagic, White Gel Pen (Sakura), Martha Stewart Marker; Other: Leaf Diecut (Sizzix), Dimensional Adhesive (Therm O Web); Cardstock (Xerox)

Blog Award

Hi everyone! I hope you are having a peaceful Sunday. It's my hubby's birthday so I am looking forward to seeing a movie and relaxing with him today. :)

I am delighted to announce that I received this award from a couple of my favorite blogging friends--Sonia (Archiving Angel) and Carole (ish)!

Thank you so much, ladies. What a compliment!
As part of the award I must list ten random facts about myself...so here we go...
1. I love the symbolism behind butterfly images which is why you find them so often on my cards.
2. You will find this stamping partner lying under my craft table most days when I am stamping--3. And this troublemaker tried to eat my Distress Stickles. I guess he thought his food bowl needed a little sparkle. :)

4. Have I mentioned I love dogs?

5. I've been reading two great books lately - THIS one and THIS one.

6. I grew up about 40 miles from here-7. But now this is the landscape I call home:

8. I am contemplating opening an Etsy shop. (any advice??)
9. Oops- this little guy just came trotting in my craft room and insisted I post his picture, too. 10. Hhmmm... one last random fact...I love sunflowers but have yet to find a sunflower stamp I really love.

Now for passing on this blog award. The directions were to pass it on to 10 of my favorite bloggers, but I have sooo many favorite blogs, way more than 10, so I am passing it on to all of you, my friends. :) Please grab this award and post it on your blog with 10 random facts about yourself.

Thanks again Carole and Sonia! I hope I didn't bore you all with my random facts. See you tomorrow with my next featured artist. You're going to LOVE her cards!

Donna *Day 5*

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you're ready for some major cuteness--here is our last inspiration card from the uber talented Donna:

I'm completely in awe of Donna's coloring skills. I *LOVE* the way she can bring an image to life with her markers and color choices! The polka dot backgrounds are so fun on all of these cute cards! I love the bright bold colors and smooth blending! Finally, the touch of yellow on the inside of the circle really rounds out this stunner!
Here is my take:I want to thank Donna again for allowing me to share her work on my blog. She is a huge inspiration to me and it has been a priveledge to post some of her cards here! Make sure you continue to check out her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM for lots more eye candy!
Have a wonderful weekend, my blogging friends, and I will see you on Monday with our next one-of-a-kind "Inspired by..." stamper!
Supplies---Stamps: All Stamps Hero Arts ( K5314, CL351, CG139); Ink: VersaMark, Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up); Other: Pearls (Recollections), Butterfly Punch (Fiskars), Die Cut (Nestabilities), Dimensional Adhesive (Thermo O Web), Misc. Embroidery Floss, White Cardstock (Xerox), White Embossing Powder (JoAnn's Craft Essentials)

Donna *Day 4*

I've been so anxious to share Donna's scraplings this week. So without further ado, feast your eyes on these creations:

Aren't they cute? I love the distressed backgrounds with the text stamping. Donna's selection of images are so delightful, too! Finally, Donna always remembers the little details--string, dimension, leaf die cuts, distressing around the edges of the scraplings...Donna's cards are always a joy to look at and these are definitely no exception!

Here is my take:

See you tomorrow for our last day with Donna!

Sorry I don't have supplies listed today. Please don't hestitate to email me if you have any questions! :)

Donna *Day 3*

Here is our next inspiration card by Donna:

Aren't these colors just divine? I love the playfulness of the aqua, orange, and kraft. The faux postage is a wonderful idea! I also really love the tone on tone stamping on the aqua cardstock. The subtle image is really beautiful. Finally, the edges of the faux postage look fabulous against the kraft background.

Here is my take. I was especially inspired by the faux postage image with the blue sky and white edges and the touches of orange/yellow.Hope you are all having a great day! See you tomorrow!
Supplies--Stamps: Hero Arts (CL389); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up), Copic and Martha Stewart Markers, White Gel Pen (Sakura); Other: Misc. Cardstock and Thread, Kraft Cardstock (Stampin' Up), Embossing Folders (Provocraft for Cuttlebug), Scallop Die Cut (Nestabilities)

Donna *Day 2*

Here is another beautiful card by Donna:
Donna's shading on the flowers and leaves is marvelous! I really love the shape of the card, too! Overall this creation is just sooooo elegant-from the placement of the floral design to the ribbon on the side--it would be perfect for any occassion!
Here is my take:

Thanks again for looking! See you tomorrow!!
Supplies---Stamps: Flower (Hero Arts CG128), Text (Hero Arts CG125), Grass (Stampin' Up); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up), White Gel Pen (Sakura), Copics and Martha Stewart Markers; Other: Pearls (Recollections), Glossy Accents (Ranger), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media), Top Note Die Cut (Sizzix for Stampin' Up), Misc. Cardstock

Inspired by...Donna!

Welcome to another week of *inspired* creations. This week's featured artist is soooo talented and sooo kind! It is none other than....... Donna! (mi kasa (Donna) to us flickr friends) Donna has such a range of talent and I could spend all day on her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM!!
Here is our first card by Donna:
First of all, I can't get enough of all the layers and dimension on this creation! The colors and distressing add a natural feel. The dry embossed background also adds to this effect. Donna's clever idea of embossing it on that dark brown reminds me of the bark on a tree trunk. Finally, the bright orange butterfly is LOVELY!
Here is my take:
Thanks for stopping by! I just know you will truly enjoy seeing Donna's stunning creations this week! She is definitely a stamping idol of mine. :)
Supplies---Stamps: All Stamps Hero Arts (CG119, CL287, Digi Kit Winged Friends); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up), VersaMark; Other: Ribbon (THANKS PIA!!!!!), Misc. Cardstock, Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media), Embossing Folder (Provocraft for Cuttlebug), White Embossing Powder (Joann's Craft Essentials)

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter, my friends!

Blessings to you all!

I hope you have a lovely weekend!

Image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy.

See you on Monday with our next "Inspired by..." stamper!

Hugs, Jill

Agata *Day 5*

Happy Friday, my blogging friends! Today is our last day with Agata. Make sure that you check out her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM for continued inspiration! I just love this butterfly card of hers:

Once again, Agata has really caught my eye with her color choices! The orange, pink, and touches of purple/red look fresh and bright! The torn paper effect makes for a unique and unexpected way to include the sentiment! Finally, that butterfly trail looks just lovely made from those tiny beads!
Here is my take:Thanks again, Agata for letting me share your cards on my blog this week AND thanks to all of you who have stopped by!! :)
Supplies---Stamps: Sentiment (Hero Arts CG132); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), Black Ink (Stampin' Up); Other: Leaves Die Cut (Sizzix), Butterfly Punch (Fiskars), Metallic Decor (Hero Arts), Misc. Cardstock and Thread

Agata *Day 4*

Okay, find your strongest adhesive, tape runner, double sided tape, duct tape, whatever you've got and now adhere your socks to your ankles because if you don't this next card by Agata is going to knock them right off your feet!! Check out this marvelous creation:WOWSERS; right??!! I love the bright blended colors!! I also love how the order of the colors in background mirrors the order on the center panel only in reverse. The punched kraft paper is a unique way to attach the sentiment. One final element that I think really makes this card"pop" are the touches of white! Oh, Agata, you are amazing!
Here is my take:
Supplies--Stamps: Text (Hero Arts K5344), Leaves (K & Company); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger), VersaMark; Other: Pearls (Recollections), Embossing Folder (Provocraft for Cuttlebug), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media), White Embossing Powder (JoAnn Craft Essentials), Large Butterfly Punch (Martha Stewart), Small Butterfly Punch (Fiskars)