Sassy Stems ~*Thank You*~ Gallery Idol Submission

Sassy Stems "Thank You"

I am so nervous, I have seen several of the top 20 finalist's cards and they are fabulous... hopefully I will get to play another round. Here is my submission for this week's Gallery Idol theme (Thank You). Be sure to stop by and place your votes... I am counting on you all to help me make it as far as possible, thanks in advance for your support!!

Voting Details:

Voting for “Round 1: Thanks Cards” begins at noon (MST) on Monday, April 30. This is open to ALL online viewers and designers. Everyone will have until noon (MST) on Thursday, May 3 to cast your vote for your favorite designer. (You may only vote once. All duplicate votes received from the same computer will automatically be removed.) The top 15 finalists will be announced on Friday, May 4, and given a theme for the next round.

To view this weeks Gallery Idol Thank You cards, click here.

Card Details

Stamps: Sassy Stems, Warmest Regards, Cheesecloth Background

Cardstock: Cool Caribbean, Almost Amethyst, Vintage Violet, Whisper White, Designer Series Paper (new from Stampin' Up!)

Ink: Basic Black, Cool Caribbean, Almost Amethyst, Vintage Violet, Whisper White

Other: Organdy Ribbon (May Arts), Sprial Punch, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" circle punches, Adhesive Gems (EK Success).

I'm a Gallery Idol Top 20 Finalist!! Woohoo!!

I am so excited... my dear friend Jana Weaver had posted about this Gallery Idol project that Papercrafts Magazine was hosting. I am a huge fan of the American Idol show and of course card making... naturally I love the idea of combining these two concepts. Well I entered a card just for fun and I am absolutely excited to announce... I am a top 20 finalist!! (Doing a Very HAPPY Dance!!) They announced having 1100 submissions, that is so amazing!!

Looks like I will be playing with some new DCWV supplies... finalists received the following prizes:

5" x 5" White Scalloped Glitter Cards - $4.99
5" x 5" Green Scalloped Glitter Cards - $4.99
A2 Blue Scalloped Glitter Cards - $4.99
A2 Pink Scalloped Glitter Cards - $4.99
Friendship Color Vellum Quote Stack - $5.99
Free copy of a current issue from Paper Crafts magazine

This weeks theme is "Thanks"

Voting for “Round 1: Thanks Cards” begins at noon (MST) on Monday, April 30. This is open to ALL online viewers and designers. Everyone will have until noon (MST) on Thursday, May 3 to cast your vote for your favorite designer. (You may only vote once. All duplicate votes received from the same computer will automatically be removed.) The top 15 finalists will be announced on Friday, May 4, and given a theme for the next round.

For more information about Gallery Idol, click here.

Double-Lined Doodles... Tips and More!

Love those Petals

It has been a few days since I posted a sample... I have been extremely busy finishing up deadlines etc. This is the first card I have created using my Cuttlebug and folders that I recently purchased... love it and I am so glad I purchased one.

Tips: I love the look of the flowers in this set when they are cut out and popped up, it adds a lot of dimension and detail to the cards quickly. Some may frown on cutting because it takes so long, others have trouble cutting due to issues with hands etc... I wanted to share some tips specific with this set that will help the cutting process go faster. With the help of one of the Stampin' Up! punches you will wonder why you weren't cutting these out all along.

Supplies Needed: 1 1/4 " hole punch, paper snips and flowers

Fast Cutting: Start by stamping and coloring in images, it is easier to do it now than later. Once you have completed that you going to center the flowers inside the 1 1/4" hole punch and pop them out. Then use your paper snips and create triangle cuts to finish cutting out the flowers.

Card Details:

Stamps: Double-Lined Doodles

Ink: Basic Black, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac and Certainly Celery

Cardstock: Whisper White, Almost Amethyst, Rose Red

Other: Cuttlebug Spots and Dots folder, 1 1/4" hole punch, Rose Red Brads

Cards for Troops Contest.... Combining Postage

I have had a few questions come in sending in cards for the contest. I think to keep our overall objective in mind (400 cards) I would like to welcome combined mailings, if you want to send all of your cards in one package that would be fine. Please be sure that you include your information (recipes etc) with each card because they are sure to get seperated at some point.

I cannot wait to see your cards, and thanks again for helping!

Tagged!!

I have been having a very hard time selecting blogs for this tagged thing... and I am sure you are supposed to pick a few new people to tag, but some of my absolute favorite blogs have already been tagged so I apologize in advance for the repeats.

My Top 5 Picks... (in no particular order are)

* Inkin' It Up! with Kendra Giles (she is also helping judge the Cards for Troops Contest)

* Susiestampalot with Susan Liles (she has some adorable projects on her blog)

* Just Us with Sara Allison (I stumbled across her blog after seeing her comment about Wyoming and let me tell you she can scrapbook, I just love her pages)

* Janas Creative Pursuits in Stamping with Jana Weaver (I have been stamp buddies with Jana for years, I have enjoyed many swaps with her and absolutely love her blog)

* Stamping Therapy with Jen Javorsky (Jen always has such adorable projects on her blog, she is such a sweethearts, and is also judging our Cards for Troops contest)

**I wanted to mention also that this was absolute torture... I have so many blogs that I peak in on and visit often that it was really hard to pick 5... these are the blogs I visit often and continue to return to because of their fabulous creativity and talents as well as their fun loving spirits and enthusiasm.

If a dog was your teacher.....

If a dog was the teacher...

My dear friend Gina Pacheco sent me this adorable email and I thought instead of email forwarding it all over the place that I would post it here and share it with you. I am not much of a fan for email forwards because it seems that once you get started it can be extremely overwhelming to keep up but Gina always has the best! Thanks for sharing Gina!! Rubber Hugs dear friend. This is our beloved Kita, we have had her for almost 6 years and I cannot imagine life without her.

You would learn stuff like:

*When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
*Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
*When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.! Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
*Take naps.
*Stretch before rising.
*Run, romp, and play daily.
*Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
*Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
*On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass.
*On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
*When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
*No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout..run right back and make friends.
*Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
*Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
*Stop when you have had enough.
*Be loyal.
*Never pretend to be something you're not.
*If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
*When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Doodle That!

Doodle That- Regionals Re-Creation

I am back to work on a major deadline and find the time is flying and I still have lots of projects to complete. I was also out of town this weekend helping my grandparents get ready to move. There will be new projects this week (new color challenge, sketch challenge, more Double-Lined Doodles and projects using my newest toy...the Cuttlebug) so be sure to check back.

Today's card is a variation of the projects I shared during my Regionals presentation.

Card Details

Stamps: Looks Like Spring (small print pattern), Doodle That

Cardstock: Elegant Eggplant, Certainly Celery, Cool Caribbean, Whisper White

Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Certainly Celery, Cool Caribbean

Other: White Narrow Organdy Ribbon, Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon, Black Brads, Various Punches

Technique: Frayed Ribbon

Don't forget about the Cards for Troops Contest... you can find more information about how you can help by clicking here.

I've Been Tagged!!

I have been tagged by several blogging buddies and thought I would post to tell you I will be posting my 5 favorite picks tomorrow.

New Look!!

I am excited to share the new look with everyone, I have been working with Beth Silaika and she has done an amazing job!! So... what do you think?? I cannot wait to show you the new watermarks, they are just as amazing as the banner!

If you would like more information about Beth and her fabulous creations, click here!!

Sketch Challenge 118 Double-Lined Doodles

I Just Love You.... Sketch Challenge 118

I created this card using Sketch Challenge 118 from Splitcoaststampers. You can find more information about this challenge by clicking here.

Card Details
Stamp Sets: Polka Dots and Paisley (spots), Double-Lined Doodles
Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, Cool Caribbean, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Real Red, Cool Caribbean
Other: Black Organdy Ribbon (May Arts), Real Red brads, Large Oval Punch, Cutter Took Kit (Faux Stitching), 1/4" Punch (brad mats)

Techniques and Other Details: I created a Cool Caribbean marker by adding re-inker to a new blender pen. I also used the Faux Stitching with the Cutter Tool Kit again, I just love this look!! (use the perforating tool, drive it through lots of craft ink (whisper white was used here), and then drive it over the cardstock, re-inking as needed.)

Don't Forget about the Cards for Troops Contest,
for more details click here.

More Double-Lined Doodles!!

Scalloped Double-Lined Doodles

Card Details

Stamps: Polka Dots and Paisley (spots), Double-Lined Doodles

Cardstock: Basic Black, Real Red, Cool Caribbean and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Cool Caribbean, Real Red, Certainly Celery

Other: Scalloped Circle Giga Punch & Mega Circle Punch (Marvy Uchida), Organdy Ribbon (May Arts), Real Red Brads, 1/4" Circle Punch (brad mats), 1/2" Circle Punch (tabs), Large Oval Punch

More Scalloped Doodles

Card Details
Stamps: Polka Dots and Paisley (spots), Double-Lined Doodles
Cardstock: Basic Black, Real Red, Cool Caribbean and Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Cool Caribbean, Real Red, Certainly Celery
Other: Scalloped Circle Giga Punch & Mega Circle Punch (Marvy Uchida), Organdy Ribbon (May Arts), Real Red Brads, 1/4" Circle Punch (brad mats), 1/2" Circle Punch (tabs), Large Oval Punch

Don't Forget about the Cards for Troops Contest,

for more details click here.

Finally... The Judges Panel is Complete!!

I spent most of yesterday emailing and messaging back and forth with some of my favorite stampers putting together the rest of the Judges Panel for the card contest.... so are you ready for the complete announcement???

Your Judges Are:
* Kendra Giles
* Jennifer del Muro
* Susan Liles
* Debbie Olson
* Jen Javorsky
* Kyla Maestas

In addition the prizes and gift certificates for the winners, each of the judges will be creating a special card for the winners. It's going to be a great contest, so get out your stamping supplies and get started!! We cannot wait to see what you put together! For more details about the contest, click here.

Another Double-Lined Doodles

Double Doodles

I have been having so much fun with the Double-Lined Doodles that I decided to create another fun card with today's Sketch Challenge (SC120). I am so excited... this is the very first time I have ever been on time in posting a sketch challenge... too fun. For more details about this sketch challenge, click here. Enjoy!

Card Details

Stamps: Double-Lined Doodles

Cardstock: Basic Black, Real Red, Cool Caribbean, Whisper White

Ink: Cool Caribbean, Real Red, Basic Black

Other: Real Red Brads, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches, 1/4" Circle Punch (brad mats)

Techniques and Other Details: I created a Cool Caribbean marker by adding re-inker to a new blender pen. I also used the Faux Stitching with the Cutter Tool Kit again, I just love this look!! (use the perforating tool, drive it through lots of craft ink (whisper white was used here), and then drive it over the cardstock, re-inking as needed.)

Cards for Troops... Judges!!

Cards for Troops Card Contest...

Announcing the Judges!!

I have been contacting a handful of stampers to help in judging the contest and I am pleased to announce that two of them have already announced that they will help in judging the cards. I am pleased to announce the following Judges: (more to come so check back often)

* Kendra Giles
* Jennifer del Muro
* Susan Liles
* TBA **Coming Soon**
* TBA ** Coming Soon**
* Kyla Maestas

In addition the prizes and gift certificates for the winners, each of the judges will be creating a special card for the winners. Keep checking back for more details!!

Card Contest... No Hallmark Stores in Iraq or Afghanistan

Cards for Troops... Card Contest!!

I was recently contacted by Debbi Dresser about helping with a Cards for Troops project, I was very excited to get involved and to help out.... and you can too! I have paired this effort with a blog Card Contest and hope that each of you will do your part to help us in acquiring as many cards for troops as we can.

Card Contest Details:

1- Participants can send as many single entries as they like for the contest. Each entry should include a recipe (please do not include this on the card, as troops will be using these cards to send to friends and family). Your recipe should include information about all the supplies used to create your card as well as your contact information, contact information will be used for the sole purpose of contacting the winners.

2- Send cards with the following themes: Father's Day, Happy Birthday, Thinking of You, Hello, Friend, Missing You, Sympathy, and Kids. Please refrain from placing greetings or sentiments in the inside of the cards, we want to leave plenty of room for the troops to send their personal messages to friends, family and loved ones. If the card is a darker color, please include a lighter card front in the center of the card for correspondence.

3- Cards should be full cards (no fronts) and should include a coordinating envelope. Envelopes must not be clear.

4- Vendor Restrictions- there are no vendor restrictions for this contest, anything goes.

5- Cards will be judged by a private panel of judges based upon quality and creativity... your best work is greatly appreciated.

6- All card submissions must be received no later than May 15th. Winners will be announced within 7 days and posted to the site. All card submissions will be packaged and mailed to Debbi Dresser to be included in her next shipment of cards to the troops. If you would like more information or more ways to get involved you can visit Debbie's blog by clicking here.

7- Contest submissions and donations should be sent to Kyla Maestas 3714 Madison Dr. Rock Springs WY 82901.

Winners and Art Gallery Feature
3 winners will be selected. Winners will receive the following prizes 1st place- $20.00 SU gift certificate (redeemable through Kyla Maestas), 2nd place- $10.00 gift certificate from Eclectic Paperie and 3rd- $5.00 SU gift certificate (redeemable through Kyla Maestas). Kendra Giles has agreed to be on the judges panel and will be donating a $20.00 SU gift certificate as well (redeemable through her). Your cards will also be featured on my blog during the week following the contest close. If you would like a link to your blog or website included with this post, please include this information with your submission.

Spread the Word... in order for this project to be a huge success, we need as many participants as possible. Please feel free to include information and links on your blogs, websites, and on-line forums encouraging others to get involved and make a difference. My goal is to gather 400+ cards to send to troops.

Other Ways You Can Help... Maybe you are not interested in the contest or may not have time to participate, but you can help by sending your old swap cards and samples to be forwarded to the troops as well. It's okay if they are card fronts, I will donate the time and supplies to turn them into full cards to be sent to the troops.. if you are choosing to do this, please include your contact information with your cards, any envelopes you can include with this donation are greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance for your help and efforts to make this a success.

If you have questions for Debbi, you can contact her at pfcrensmom-cardsfortroops@yahoo.com

New Stamp Set from Regionals..... Double-Line Doodles

I Just Love You... Double-Line Doodles

Here is a sample using the new stamp set I received at Regionals. I wanted to use my new punch (spiral punch) too. The color combination was inspired from Color Challenge 92... The original color challenge used the following combination: Real Red, Cool Caribbean, and Whisper White. In creating the card I decided to bring in another tone so I used the Tempting Turquoise as well... hopefully this is not too far off the original color challenge. For more details about the color challenge, click here. This card also gave me the chance to play with a sketch challenge.... this card was created using Sketch Challenge 119, for more details about this sketch challenge, click here. I also had an opportunity to play around with the faux stitching technique I learned at Regionals this last weekend, using the cutter tool kit, see below for details. Enjoy!

Card Details

Stamps: Double-Line Doodles

Ink: Cool Caribbean, Real Red, Gable Green, Whisper White Craft

Cardstock: Real Red, Cool Caribbean, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White

Other: Polka Dot Ribbon (May Arts), Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Real Red Brads, 1/4" hole punch (brad mats) spiral punch, large oval punch.

Technique Details: I used the faux stitching technique I learned at Regionals to create this background on the spiral punched piece as well as the real red piece. You use the perforating tool, drive it through lots of craft ink (whisper white was used here), and then drive it over the cardstock, re-inking as needed. I was excited to see this new technique, it does an amazing job as a faux for the stitched look.... I have grown tired of the faux stiching using the gel pens and paper piercing kits, so this was a fun twist and a new technique I am likely to use again and again.

Bubble Queen... Regional Wow Presentation

Bubble Queen... You're Fabulous!!

This is a duplicate creation of the Bubble Queen projects I presented this last weekend at Salt Lake City Regionals. There is a coordinating card (left), Genie Bag (right) and a small cello bag of grapefruit scented bath salts. I cannot believe I have had this set for over a year and have never used it... I am pretty pleased with this sets first projects. Enjoy!

Project Details:

Stamps: Bubble Queen

Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, Cool Caribbean, Whisper White, Petals and Paisleys Designers Series Paper

Ink: Basic Black, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Cool Caribbean, Pretty in Pink

Other: Rose and Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, White Narrow Organdy Ribbon, 1/4" circle punch (brad mats), 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches (various tags), Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

Technique: Frayed Ribbon (SCS TLC109) For more information about the frayed ribbon technique, click here. The bubbles in the bathtub were created by rolling the frayed ribbon into tiny balls and adhering to the centers of the bubbles (SU liquid glue).

Regional Display Board... Workshop WoW's

Workshop Wow's

I was fortunate enough to be one of the Workshop Wow Presenters for the Salt Lake City Regionals this last weekend (Saturday session). I had a great time, despite being extremely nervous. It was a wonderful experience and I had an amazing time. I learned several techniques that I hadn't seen before (love the idea of using the perforating tool on the cutter tool kit for faux stitching, I cannot wait to try this), and met some amazing stampers. I have included a photo of the display board, not all of these projects are mine... I shared this with another presenter. The first two projects in the first row across are mine, the first two in row two, and the first one in row three. I shared the frayed ribbon technique (main technique for presentation) and a little altered designer series paper (Bundle of Joy Card). I am hoping to share a few close ups of these projects throughout this week so be sure to check back!

Chicken Soup For the Soul...

Chicken Soup for the Soul.... well maybe if it were plucked LOL!

This is one of the samples I created recently for a *Secret Project* (details to be announced on Sunday!!) that was not picked for the final cut. I have had many laughs about this card... I love the frayed ribbon technique and I have used it for so many fun and different projects. I thought a splash for ribbon might add some fun texture to this card... however after creating this card I realized that it looks like someone made chicken soup with a chicken that was not quite plucked LOL... it is more noticeable in person but you might be able to see it on the close up.

Card Details:

Stamps: Under the Weather

Cardstock: Cool Caribbean, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Petals and Paisleys Designer Paper

Ink: Cool Caribbean, Regal Rose, Apricot Appeal

Other: Rose, Turquoise and Apricot Grosgrain Ribbon

Blog Make-Over...I am excited to announce that I have seen the draft of my new blog banner... and I so excited, I cannot wait to post it to the site. I have been working with Beth (AkA MyPrecious SCS), she does an amazing job with the blog banners and I couldn't be happier!! I cannot wait to show you all!!

SLC Here I Come!! I am getting everything packed and ready to head to SLC tomorrow... I am so excited to attend the Scrapbook Expo tomorrow and to attend Regionals on Saturday. If you are planning to attend either event, I look forward to meeting you!! This weekend is bound to be exciting for everyone attending. Happy Stamping and Scrapping!!

New Toys!!

First and foremost a few updates.... I have not been stamping much as you already know, I had a bad fall recently and hurt my thumb pretty bad, it hurts to do most things so stamping has been very limited. With SLC Regionals coming up I decided I better do only what I needed to for the next couple of days in hopes that it will heal quickly. I have my swaps to finish and that has been about all I have been working on.... sadly enough I have several deadlines that could use some attention, but hopefully in a few days my hand will be better.

So, badly hurt hand, doesn't keep a girl from shopping!! I visited several of my favorite eBay stores today and purchased a new Cuttlebug and some embossing folders... I cannot wait for them to get here so I can play!!

If you are attending SLC Regionals, post, I would love to meet up with you!! I am attending the Saturday session!! I can't wait to share a few good secrets with you.... you will see what I mean soon enough! Fun projects to share on Sunday, I have been holding onto these for several weeks, be sure to check back!

Hope everyone had a fabulous Easter!!