Southwest Stamping Class

Are you all as happy as me that it is the weekend?!! :) These are some cards I made for my next class at my LSS, Mementos. There is a big demand this time of year in my neck of the woods (or maybe I should say in my "neck of the desert" LOL) for Southwest classes. I had fun stretching my creative muscles to use some stamps I wouldn't normally pick out. And I have to admit, it was kind of refreshing! Here are the cards:

Thanks for looking and for stopping by. I hope you have a wonderful, creative weekend! HUGS!

Shari *Day 5*

As I typed "Day 5" as the header for this post, I must say I was quite bummed to see the week of inspiration with Shari coming to an end. :( BUT on the bright side, we can continue to enjoy Shari's lovely creations on the Hero Arts blog and website and on Shari's personal blog.

Here's our last inspiration card by Shari: Incredible, fun, cute...I could go on and on describing this card by Shari! This bright little cityscape just makes me smile. I think we should start painting our towns like this in real life! Okay, back to the card. :) I really like the way Shari has added dimension to this stamp by "popping up" several of the buildings. And, like always, Shari hasn't forgotten the finishing touches, including the subtle flourish stamped in the background and the string embellishment!

Shari's fun coloring really inspired me to try a new color scheme on this Artist's Butterfly by Hero Arts:

BIG, HUGE thanks to Shari for allowing me to share her work on my blog this week! And thanks, as well, for the inspiration you provide to all of us in the Hero Arts fan club!! :)

All Stamps Hero Arts (H5426, K5344, CG211, CL342)

Shari *Day 4*

Check out this amazing card by Shari:

The layers on this card are simply stunning! And Shari has done it again with fabulous color choices! I love the mix of teals, purples, and blues with a touch of green. The shape of this card is very eye catching as are Shari's butterfly and flower embellishments!
Here is my take: And I finally found a good use for my set of Martha Stewart markers I bought ages ago and have never really used. I used them on this card as a direct-to-stamp marker. Just color right onto your stamp, spritz with water a few times and then stamp on paper. Too easy. :)
All Stamps Hero Arts (CL351, CG170)

Shari *Day 3*

Here's our next inspiration card by Shari:

The first thing that caught on my eye on this card is the awesome dimension that Shari gave to the flower image. Isn't the design of this card perfect; too? I love the long, vertical layers on the bottom, especially the textured piece of red/pink paper next to the text scallop. Finally, the subtle polka dots stamped behind the flower add a charming touch to this card.

Here is my take. I used Shari's overall design/layout but switched up the colors on mine to go with the sunflowers. (And don't ask me what happened with the flower centers and glossy accents...LOL. They looked normal until I got them out in the sun for the photo. I guess I'll call it an UNhappy accident!!)

All Stamps Hero Arts (CG197, S5420)
Oh, before I forget, if you have some extra time, I have a card posted on the blog for my local scrapbook store, Mementos. Here's a peek. You can visit the Memento's blog HERE to see the entire card.
Thanks again for visiting! See you tomorrow with another fantastic card by Shari!

Shari *Day 2*

First of all, thanks ssssssoooooooooooo much for all of your truly wonderful comments yesterday for my Hero Arts blog day with Jennifer McGuire. You are all the absolute best and your support continues to overwhelm me. Your kindness is simply amazing and means so much to me.

Here is our next inspiration card by Shari: This card is such a cutie! And boy does it show off Shari's coloring skills. The shadows and highlights on her stamped images are terrific. And have you ever noticed that Shari has such a knack for choosing interesting color schemes? All of her color choices have that special *something* that makes her cards stand apart. I love the grey and brown tones on this card. Finally, this card design is extra fun and lends itself to being used with many different stamp sets. The kraft panel that extends to the top of the card is the perfect little "home" for many different images.
Here is my take:

Please know that while I haven't had hardly any time to comment on your blogs, that I am still visiting you and enjoying all of your creations, my friends! Thanks for continuing to visit me! HUGS!
All Stamps Hero Arts (CL272, CL383, S5435)

Inspired by...Shari

Okay, I must admit, all last week I was counting the days until I could announce that the next featured stamper here on "Inspired by..." is the one and only Shari Carroll!! Yes, you heard me right-- thee Shari Carroll, Hero Arts artist, author, and artist extraordinaire! You can find her creations all over the web, including on her awesome BLOG! Let's get started; shall we? Here is our first inspiration card by Shari: Shari's box card is sooo elegant! I love the way she has crafted this card into a box. In fact, she has a tutorial for this technique HERE. Shari's subtle tone-on-tone stamping really makes this a beauty. And I love the pop and brightness the white embossed flower gives to this card. And isn't Shari's butterly colored perfectly?? Of course!! And finally, the twine on the flower is a great texture to finish off this charmer.
Here is my oh-so-humble take on Shari's box card:

All Stamps Hero Arts (CL389, CL383, CL428, S5433, CG125)

Also, today is a very special day for me over on the Hero Arts blog. I want to give a HUGE shout-out to the super sweet and talented Jennifer McGuire for choosing me for this honor. Working with you and sharing a day on the Hero Arts blog is like a dream come true! BIG, BIG, BIG hugs!!!

Catching up, DAY 5

I am sooo loving this Vintage Snowflake set by Purple Onion:Today I have two cards to share using this set:
Thanks so much for continuing to visit this week while I was busy "catching up" and and sharing some new projects. I promise I'll be back on Monday with a new "Inspired by..." featured stamper. I just know you all LOVE her work!!! :)

Catching up, DAY 4

This is a card I made for the Mementos blog (my LSS). The stamp is by Inkadinkado and is perfect for emboss resist with Distress Inks.I'll be back tomorrow with a Purple Onion Designs card! :)

Catching up, DAY 3

This is the final card for my class using Perfect Pearls and Hero Arts stamps:

Again, it's hard to capture the shimmer of the background on camera, but it's there, I promise. :) Thanks for visiting--see you tomorrow--I have an Autumnish card to share with ya!
All Stamps Hero Arts

Catching up, DAY 2

Here is the next card that is part of my Perfect Pearls class at my local scrapbook store:It is so difficult to capture the beauty of Perfect Pearls on camera, but on this card the background flowers have a gorgeous, gold shimmer in real life. Thanks for looking. Be sure to pop back tomorrow to see the final card from my next LSS class. :)
All Stamps Hero Arts

Catching up, DAY 1

Good morning everyone! I'm sorry to announce that I do not have a featured artist on the blog this week (don't worry, more are coming!). I was working on lots of cards this weekend, just not any I can share here yet. :) BUT I do have some new, never-before-seen cards to share. SO this week, I will still share a new card each day. I hope you will continue to stop by. And I will be back with a SUPER talented featured artist next week!!!

Today's card is 1 of 3 I have made for my next class at my local scrapbook store, Mementos. The class features Hero Arts stamps and fun effects with Perfect Pearls and Distress Inks.

Thanks again for stopping by! See you tomorrow with my next Perfect Pearls card! :)

All Stamps Hero Arts

Dana *Day 5*

Wow! I can't believe that it is already Friday! This week has flown by. I hope you have all enjoyed our inspiration with Dana as much as I have. Remember, you can always continue to keep an eye on her work by visiting her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM. Here is our last card by Dana: This card is DISTRESS HEAVEN! I love the awesome background with the Friends Definition background by Hero Arts. Dana's bright flowers are happy and fun! I also love how she has stamped the green and yellow one off of the edge of the paper- very eye catching! Finally, the welcome banner coordinates perfectly with all of Dana's scrumptious distressing!
Here is my take:See you tomorrow with another Purple Onion Designs card. Thanks again for stopping by!!
All Stamps Hero Arts (CL272, CG125, CG134)

Dana *Day 4*

I love Dana's take on Jennifer McGuire's Thinking Inking class:

This card has that wonderful homespun charm that only a handmade card can achieve. I love the warm colors and beautiful distressing. The horizontal panels make for an eye-catching design. And that plaid ribbon is the perfect finishing touch!
Here is my take:

Thanks again for your continued visits and for your comments. The encouragement of my blog readers and online buddies always leaves me with a smile on my face and a spring in my step. You guys are the best. Period. :) BIG hugs!
All Stamps Hero Arts (CL342, H5426, S5447)

Dana *Day 3*

Isn't this next creation by Dana just fantastic?? This piece is sooo cute! I love how Dana has paper pieced the scarecrow image. And her coloring is awesome, too. The shading completely caught my attention on this one. I just love the vibrant blue oval backdrop--it makes all of the fall colors "pop!"
Here is my take:I also wanted to mention that I have a card posted over on the website for my wonderful local scrapbook store, Mementos. Here's a peek--to see the full card, visit HERE.
Thanks again for popping by! See you tomorrow!
Stamps: Flower (Hero Arts K5431), Sentiment (Papertrey Ink)

Dana *Day 2*

Welcome back to day 2 of inspiration with Dana. Look what she has in store for us today:

I love the elegance of this card! Dana has pulled out all the stops on this creation! Don't you love the beautiful pearl and gemstone embellishments? And Dana has also done a superb job of subtle stamping that adds just the right touch, like the flourish on the left hand corner. Finally, one can't look at this card without appreciating the layered ribbon and black lace punch. WOW!
Here is my take. I must admit, I think mine looks pretty humble after looking at Dana's!!

We'll see you tomorrow with a beautiful fall creation of Dana's. HUGS!
All Stamps Hero Arts: CL389, CG170, CG125

Inspired by...Dana

Welcome to another week of "Inspired by..." Our featured artist this week may very well be one of the sweetest friends I've met online. And not only is she super sweet, she is incredibly talented. It's Dana A.K.A. Scrapper43 on flickr. So without further ado, here's our first inspiration card by Dana:

The first thing that caught my eye on this beautiful card of Dana's is the unique colors. I love how she has paired the dark brown of the die cut with her super vibrant butterfly. (Which is colored and embellished to perfection, I might add!!) Then the teal of the background is so unexpected and lovely! And if you like this card, be sure to see THIS post on Dana's blog, because this card is part of a charming set of cards whose rainbow of colors will just make you feel happy!
Here is my take:

Thanks for popping by and I hope you will visit again tomorrow to see another of Dana's awesome cards. Oh, and if you just can't wait until tomorrow to see more of Dana's work, you can always pop over to her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM! :)
All Stamps Hero Arts (CL351 and CL383)

Mass Production

Hi folks! I've got a quick Sunday night post for ya. :) A good friend of mine recently "ordered" 15 cards from me. Her requirements were:

1. polka dots

2. flowers

3. pinks and blacks

4. have this beautiful verse "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." -James 5:6

So last night I cranked out 15 of these:

I sure hope she likes them!! Thanks for looking!

Stamps: Flowers (Hero Arts CG172), Polka Dots (Martha Stewart), Verse (Computer-generated)

Inspired by...photography (POD)

Hi everyone! Welcome back to another Purple Onion Saturday. Today I was inspired by the beautiful purple and orange colors in THIS PHOTO I saw on flickr. Here's my card:

First, I created the background by applying a light layer of Rusty Hinge Distress Ink to white cardstock. Then I inked up the Vintage Damask Background stamp by POD with Rusty Hinge Distress Ink:

Before stamping the large background, I misted it with water. Oh boy, I will be using this stamp lots in the future--so fun and a quick way to make a bold statement!
I also used the Late 1800's Script background and Single Stem by Purple Onion Designs.

Thanks for stopping by! See you on Monday with my next "Inspired by..." stamper! :)

Kath *Day 5*

I'm sooooo glad it's Friday and that I have a three day weekend, too! I have lots of crafting planned; how 'bout you? :) There is one sad thing about today, though, and that is that our week of inspiration with Kath will conclude today. BUT, you can always check out her work on her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM. Thanks, Kath, for playing along and letting me share your work on my blog! Here is our last card by Kath:Kath's card is the epitome of delicate and pretty! I love the gingham at the bottom combined with the gorgeous stamped background. And Kath's little flower embellishments add so much to this creation, without looking cluttered. Finally, I just love this sweet color scheme. PERFECTION!
Here is my take. (Sorry for the poor photo. I had to take it late in the evening and because I take all my pics outside, this one did not have the best lighting...)Oh, and I nearly forgot, Kath always shares such cute photos of her pup (seriously, you need to check him out on her blog!) so I thought I'd share a pic of one of my little "helpers:"

Thanks again for visiting this week! See you tomorrow with an inky Purple Onion Designs card. :)
All Stamps Hero Arts ( CL380, S5447, K5376)

Kath, Day 4

Here's our next inspiration card by Kath:

I love the unique shape and fun stamping on Kath's card. Don't those butterflies look gorgeous stamped in the background on the kraft paper?? And the paper piecing on the big butterfly is superb!
Here is my take:

Thanks again for popping by! I hope you'll visit tomorrow for our last day with Kath. HUGS!
Stamps: Sentiment (Papertrey Ink), Butterflies (Hero Arts CL383)

Kath, Day 3

Here's another stunner by Kath:How does she do it??!! Kath has managed to create another simply stunning card. I love the layers of script, beautiful flowers, and charming butterflies. And the color scheme on this is FAB! The golden background with the blue flowers and ribbon is so fresh. Finally, is Kath not a total genius to take an already spectacular idea, the easel card, and turn it into a BUTTERFLY easel card??!!!
Here is my take. I was especially inspired by Kath's colors and layers of stamping:All Stamps Hero Arts CG172, CL342, CL383, K5344

Kath, Day 2

I have no time to type today so this is going to be a very short post. Sorry!
Today's lovely inspiration card by Kath is so fun: Here is my take:So fun to create the stripes using Hero Arts CG118. I colored each stripe using markers and misted the entire stamp with water before stamping. I can't wait to try some more color combos! Thanks for visiting!
All Stamps Hero Arts (CL272, CL374, K5344, CG118)

Inspired by...Kath

I'm so excited to announce that our next featured stamper is the beyond talented Kath Stewart! (Kath in Westhill to the Flickr Family) I have admired Kath's stamping for quite some time-- her cards are always mini-masterpieces with so much attention to detail! Speaking of details, check out this A-M-A-Z-I-N-G creation by Kath:Total eye-candy; right? I love the colors, distressing, textures, ribbons, dimension, pearls....um, yeah, I love it ALL!!!!
Here is my take: Thanks for stopping by! See you tomorrow for our next FAB creation by Kath. And remember, you can always see more of her cards and projects (and her cute pup) on her BLOG!
All Stamps Hero Arts (CG170, K5344, CL351)