I Heart You Cupid Emily

First, I'm sorry that I've been MIA this week. Up until now, I haven't had time to craft since before I left to go to Portland for Christmas. Though I haven't been posting or commenting, I have been peeking into my Google reader whenever I get a chance. I'll be back to posting, but I won't be back to commenting probably til Monday.

Whoever I missed this Christmas will be getting a darling valentine card from me. So, I'm actually excited to be making these darling cards! Aki has been furiously working and I know you all will be so excited for the new stamps to come in 2011.  I also used Card Patterns #96 for this.

Paper: Bo Bunny Crush
Stamps: Sparkle Creations, sentiment is Stamping Bella
Prima Flowers, PTI Buttons, Nestabilities, Crystal Stickles, Copics, Floss, and CB Embossing

I'm giving away a free stamp on the Sparkle Creations blog. Don't forget, you have to comment there to enter to win. Everyone have a fabulous and safe New Years!

Hello, Merry Christmas from Eleanor

For those who celebrate, I hope you're all having a wonderful Christmas and I hope you all got what you wanted from Santa.  With this card, can you tell that I'm already dreaming of sunshine and warmer weather, lol?!?  I'm hoping to get at least a little bit of nicer weather when I go down to LA in January.

Paper: Basic Grey Olivia
Stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie, sentiment is PTI
Pearls, Copics, BG Bloomers, and Crystal Stickles

My next paper pack to tackle is Sugar Rush.  I hope to get a bunch of images colored before the holiday weekend is over!  Everyone have a lovely Saturday!

Sending You Sunshine with Lantern Rin

In past years, the holidays have always worked out for us, as the Smiths celebrate Christmas on the Eve and the Bliatouts celebrate on Christmas Day.  This year, my parents decided to go down to California (where most of my dad's family live) and also go to Hmong New Years.  My family flies out tonight, so I will opening gifts wee early with all of my siblings today.

With this card, I started with Mercy's sketch challenge...and then it just didn't work out.  I liked how the tone on tone stitching with the green came out, but I regret not stitching the bracket boarder with navy.  Oh, well...guess it doesn't always turn out right, lol.

Paper: Basic Grey Olivia
Stamps: Sparkle Creations, sentiment is A Muse
Prima Flowers, BG Buttons, Nestabilities, Crystal Stickles, Copics, BG Brads, and Rhinestones

Today I am giving away a free stamp on the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps blog.  You have until Sunday night for a chance to win!  Don't forget though...you must comment there, not here!

Relax with the Manicurabellas

*All orders placed in the store will be shipped on Monday, December 27th, 2010.  Thank you!*

I bought this stamp when it released...and sadly this is the only time I've used it.  But I think it's perfect for a spa day with your bff or invites to a slumber beauty party, lol.  Okay, so it's not my most favorite sheet from the paper pack, but I thought I would be bold and see what I could come up with.

Paper: Basic Grey Olivia
Stamps: Stamping Bella, sentiment is A Muse
Nestabilities, BG Buttons, Twine, Pearls, Copics, Rhinestones, and Crystal Stickles

I hope you all have a lovely Thursday!  Brent and I will be visiting some friends tonight who just recently bought their first house!  I'm excited to see their new place.

Aloha Fluer Anya

I feel like my poor Anyas have been neglected forevah! I'm still on my heart kick, so I figured this card could be a 'hello' or an 'i love you' card. Hopefully, its too cheery to be a 'good bye' card, lol.  I also used this week's Club Anya and Friends Sketch for this.

Paper: Basic Grey Olivia
Stamps: TGF, sentiment is A Muse
Rhinestones, MS Border Punch, EK Success Border Punch, Copics, Nestabilities, Basic Grey Brads, and Crystal Stickles

I hope you all have a lovely hump day!  One more day til I head home for Christmas!  Is everyone ready for the big day? 

Happy Birthday Turntable Josh

Though different paper, another image that I've had colored for months now. My friend asked for a guy birthday card, so I thought Josh would be perfect for that and I'm using up my stash!  I'm almost to the end of this paper pack and it's always bittersweet for me. Happpy to have more space for new paper...but sad to not have any more, lol.  And though it's a bit different, I CASEd one of Shaela's cards.

Paper: Basic Grey Origins
Stamps: Sparkle Creations, sentiment is A Muse
Pearls, Copics, and Rhinestones

Well, I hope you all have a lovely Tuesday!  My team is still on Christmas break, but we'll be back with a new Sparkle Creations challenge on January 4th! 

Sunshine and Laughter Tatiana Ketto

My quest for the next 2 weeks is to make cards with the rest of the images I colored to match this paper pack. I forgot how much I love hot pink!  As my usual ritual, I always try to use up as much of my Basic Grey paper while I anxiously wait for a new one to release. I'm very excited to get Hopscotch!

Paper: Basic Grey Olivia
Stamps: Stamping Bella, sentiment is A Muse
Nestabilities, Copics, BG Bloomers, MS Border Punch, Rhinestones, and Crystal Stickles

I hope you have a lovely Monday!  It's back to work for me...and then a lovely crafting night with a few friends. :)  Also, I hope that Committed will win the Sing Off tonight!

SCRS Sponsoring Cupcake Inspirations and 2011 Christmas Card Challenge Week #3 - Holiday Travel

Today Sparkle Creations is sponsoring Cupcake Inspirations.  This week Rachel picked a cute Santa picture for the challenge, so I am actually combining this with my Christmas Card challenge - holiday travel.  Don't forget to check the Cupcake Inspirations blog and the Christmas Card Challenges blog to see the rest of the DT's lovely creations.


I thought Cruisin' Chloe would be perfect for this and I opened and used a lovely gift I just received from a friend!  I am totally Sizzix illiterate and took me a couple tries to figure it out on my Cuttlebug.  I know, I know...I could of just looked up the plate layers online, lol.  I'm happy to report that I haven't broken anything yet. 

Paper: Basic Grey Jovial
Stamps: Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps
SU Top Note Die, Snowflake Punch, PTI Buttons, American Crafts Brads, Twine, Crystal Stickles, Copics, and Rhinestones

If you play along with the Cupcake Inspirations challenge, you have the chance to win Cupcake Ruby.  Plus, every participant will receive a special code for a 10% off coupon to Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps!  Good luck and can't wait to see what you all make!

I hope you all have a lovely Sunday!  I plan to finish wrapping my gifts...clean the house...and craft a bit!

Birthday Wishes with Cupcake Ruby

Tomorrow is my friend Marjorie's birthday and this is the card that I made her.  I am posting this early, as I have 2 challenges for you tomorrow. :)  I couldn't resist, I had to make her a big puffy chocolate cupcake with my brown liquid applique!  I also used Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #104 for this...though it's a bit altered. 

Paper: Basic Grey Marjolaine
Stamps: Sparkle Creations, sentiment is PTI
EK Success Border Punch, Prima Flowers, BG Brads, BG Buttons, Twine, Copics, Nestabilities, and Liquid Applique

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!  I am getting my hair done today and then Brent and I are having a holiday dinner with his department from work! 

SCRS Sponsoring Flashback Friday 6.0

Today Sparkle Creations is sponsoring Flashback Friday!  This month's challenge is to post the first card you blogged about that featured an unexpected find from your home.

I just had to laugh when I found this picture in my photobucket account.  While I was cleaning my craft room, I randomly found these tiny sticker pictures that Catherine (my BFF) and I had taken while I visited her in Costa Rica (summer 2005).  I decided to make a fun little card out of them.

And you know it's old...my watermark even says my Livejournal on it, lol!  Catherine lives in Washington, DC, so I usually only see her about once a year.  We were roommates in college and lived together in the dorms and at the Sorority house. 

Here is a nicer and more recent picture of us.  Though I am also going to CHA in Los Angeles, I'm planning on going to CHA in Chicago as well.  Since Chicago isn't too far from DC, I will get to see Catherine this summer!  I haven't seen her since New Years 2010 and this is the longest we've gone without meeting!

You have until January 7th, 2011 to play along with this challenge!  Amy will be announcing a winner on January 8th and you could win a brand new stamp that releases that day!  Good luck!

Everyone have a fabulous Friday...it's almost the weekend!

Phoebe Ketto is Thinking of You

*Just wanted to let you all know that Cafe Lucy is back in stock at Sparkle Creations!*

One of my friends asked me to make this card for a co-worker. She is due in January and will be having a baby boy. But sadly, someone else in her family was also pregnect and lost the baby.  She's been having a hard time, as I think it's been trying for other people to be happy and excited for her baby without hurting other people's feelings. 

I hope that this card will cheer her up a little bit.  I also used Limelight's Sketch #62 for this.  Plus you're suppose to use SPARKLE on your card too...you know I can't resist, lol.

Paper: Basic Grey Olivia
Stamps: Stamping Bella, sentiment is Amy R
Heart Nestabilities, Copics, BG Buttons, EK Success Border Punch, Rhinestones, and Crystal Stickles

I've had this image colored since July...and I'm finally using her!  When I went to Yellowstone (July), I packed up 36 markers in my Copic marker wallet (not the colors shown here) and my Basic Grey Olivia paper pack.  I think people tend to think that I just randomly pre-color images.  I don't...I always pick a paper pack and just color a bunch of images to match.

Sadly, I think I colored about 20 images while I was in Yellowstone and I've only used a few of them.  I have summer images, lol, all colored and ready to go.  I may have to bust some out even though it's winter and freezing!

Well, I hope you all have a lovely Thursday!  Charlie Brown Christmas is on tonight and Brent and I will be watching!

Dashing Through the Snow...

...in a one horse open sleigh...

Brent asked for this card specifically, as his old branch manager is starting to DJ.  Since it's a guy card, I try to keep it simple and I used this fabulous sketch again from Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #99.  I think this will end up being a sketch that I will use many times again and again!

Paper: Basic Grey Jovial
Stamps: Sparkle Creations, sentiment is A Muse
Nestabilities, Copics, and Rhinestones

I hope you all have a lovely hump day!  I've become a huge Committed fan from the Sing Off, so I hope they do well tonight!

SCRS Challenge #23 - Stitching

Today's challenge is any kind (real or faux) stitching!  Don't forget to check out the SCRS blog to see the rest of the DT's lovely creations!

Note: This will be the final SCRS challenge for 2010. We will be taking the rest of the year off, but we will be back on January 4 with an all new challenge. SCRS is sponsoring a few more challenges this month, so please check back for more information!

Our challenge is open to all players. Each week a random winner will be chosen, and this week's winner will receive the adorable Turntable Josh rubber stamp. In order to qualify for a prize, you must use a Sparkle Creations image on your creation. Most importantly, have fun! We can't wait to see your creations!

As soon as I got this Ollie...it reminded me of my little brother Michael.  He is 3 1/2 and just to die for.  He's just the most precious thing and I love him so!  I also used last week's Club Anya and Friends sketch for this.

Paper: Basic Grey Origins
Stamps: Sparkle Creations, sentiment is A Muse
MS Border Punch, BG Bloomers, Copics, Nestabilities Labels 12, and Pearls

My family came up from Portland to visit us this last summer and we went to a wedding.  Brent took this picture of me and Michael at the wedding.  Can't you just image this cute little guy with a cap and his arms full of sweets?!? 

To play along in our challenge, upload a photo of your project and provide a direct link in the linky widget at the bottom of the SCRS post. If you use an online gallery (e.g. Splitcoast), please also use the Keyword SCRSC23. If you have a Facebook account and are a fan of Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps, you can also upload there. Deadline for this week's challenge is Sunday, December 19 @ 9 PM PST.

I hope you have a fabulous Tuesday!  Here's hoping enough people voted for Ada...

Have a Cozy Christmas with Glideabella

Okay, we're back to the last of my holiday cards!  This was just made with whatever scraps I had laying on my desk.  Even though I used a Bella, the sketch is from Club Anya and Friends.

Paper: Memory Box Tinsel
Stamps: Stamping Bella, sentiment is A Muse
EK Success Border Punch, CTMH Bigger Brads, Pearls, Copics, Nestabilities, Snowflake Punch, PTI Buttons, and Twine

Yesterday was my friend Julia's birthday.  Since our craft group meets the 2nd Saturday of each month, we decided to have a little birthday party for her as well.  I forgot to take a picture of everyone before they all starting leaving...it's kindof a come and go whenever you want group thing.  But here are a couple of pics I took.

 

And don't pay any attention to what Suzanne is holding in her hand...that's NOT the birthday card I gave Julia, lol.  We made something for our friend Sandy and after we give it to her, I'll explain the whole story.  :)

Well, I hope you all had a lovely crafty weekend and I hope you all have a fabulous Monday...it's back to work for me!

Release Day and SCRS Dec Previews - Valentine Oliver

Today is release day!  All new stamps are available right now in the store.  And for those who are waiting for Cafe Lucy...more should be in the store by the end of next week!

I bought these papers while I was at CKC.  I was tempted to buy the pink and brown version of this paper set, but there's just something about the boldness of red and black that made me pick this instead.  But I'm glad I did and this is my new favorite Ollie!  I also used Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #103 for this.

Paper: Bo Bunny Crush
Stamps: Sparkle Creations, sentiment is A Muse
Nestabilities, EK Success Border Punch, Rhinestones, Copics, and American Crafts Brads

I am giving away a Valentine Oliver stamp today.  Make sure to check out the rest of the DT's lovely creations and then come back and comment on the SCRS blog for a chance to win. You have until midnight EST to comment and the winner will be announced tomorrow morning.

Suzanne Czosek - December Guest Designer
Kim Yu
Laurel Seabrook
Lisa Hjulberg
Simonne Clay
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Everyone have a fabulous Saturday! I will be crafting with my Stamping Together Diva group and then dinner and a mini gift exchange with some friends!

SCRS Dec Previews - Cupid Emily

I make the most of Christmas and Birthday cards...but the ones I actually love to the make the most are Valentines.  And I'm not really sure why, since you typically wouldn't really send out a bunch, lol.  Well, unless you're still in elementary school and get to pass them out to your classmates.  I miss having parties like that. 

I will admit...it's a bit odd to be making valentines before Christmas, but as soon as I saw this patterned paper, I knew these circles would be perfect for Emily.  Don't they look like targets?!?  And I forgot how much I actually love my heart Nestabilities.  I should really try to use these more often.

Paper: Bo Bunny Crush
Stamps: Sparkle Creations, sentiment is A Muse
Copics, Nestabilities, Pearls, Rhinestones, CTMH Ribbon, and Crystal Stickles

I am giving away a Cupid Emily stamp today. Make sure to check out the rest of the DT's lovely creations and then come back and comment on the SCRS blog for a chance to win. You have until midnight EST to comment and the winner will be announced tomorrow morning.

Suzanne Czosek - December Guest Designer
Kim Yu
Laurel Seabrook
Lisa Hjulberg
Simonne Clay
Sparkle Smith
Stephanie Kraft
Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

I hope you all have a fabulous Friday!  It's almost the weekend!

Happy Holidays with Riley and Snowman

For the next few days (after my December stamp release), I'll be posting the last trickling of my Christmas cards.  I also made some crafty gifts this year, so after Christmas I'll finally be able to share those as well!  Here's Riley again with his snowman pal! 

Paper: Memory Box Tinsel
Stamps: Riley and Co, sentiment is Impress
CTMH Ribbon, Labels 1 Nestabilities, Copics, and CTMH Bigger Brads

I hope you all have a lovely hump day!  I'll be back Friday with valentine sneak peeks!

SCRS Challenge #22 - Color Challenge

This week's challenge is a color challenge - black, white, and red.  Stephanie picked it, so I swear I didn't have anything to do with it, lol.  But obviously, I totally love this color combo!  Don't forget to check out the SCRS blog to see the rest of the DT's lovely creations!

Our challenge is open to all players. Each week a random winner will be chosen, and this week's winner will receive the adorable Lantern Rin rubber stamp. In order to qualify for a prize, you must use a Sparkle Creations image on your creation. Most importantly, have fun! We can't wait to see your creations!

I went a little non-traditional and used Charlotte with a Rose for my card.  I decided to add the snowflakes to make the card a little bit more wintery.  I love how it all came out.  And this card is great for all of you hoarders out there who save every little scrap of paper! :)

Paper: Basic Grey Jovial
Stamps: Charlotte with a Rose by Sparkle Creations, sentiment is Savvy Stamps, snowflake is A Muse
CTMH Ribbon, Nestabilities, Copics, Rhinestones, and EK Success Border Punch

To play along in our challenge, upload a photo of your project and provide a direct link in the linky widget at the bottom of the SCRS blog post. If you use an online gallery (e.g. Splitcoast), please also use the Keyword SCRSC22. If you have a Facebook account and are a fan of Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps, you can also upload there. Deadline for this week's challenge is Sunday, December 12 @ 9 PM PST.

Warm Winter Wishes with Cocoa Emma

When I went to CKC, I got a pack of the Crate Paper Snowy Day paper.  I love using non-traditional colors and this is a fun and bright paper pack to play with!  I also love how the black really pops against the colorful card.  I also used a sketch from My Favorite Things for this card.

Paper: Crate Paper Snowy Days
Stamps: CC Designs, sentiment is A Muse
Copics, Snowflake Punch, Rhinestones, PTI Buttons, Twine, Nestabilities, Crystal Stickles, and American Crafts Brads

Many have asked how I like my camera so far and I absolutely LOVE it!  But, I am totally a novice.  This is my first digital SLR camera, so I really only have my little Sony camera to compare it to.  While I've taken pictures since I was a teen...it was never really about taking the pictures that interested me.  It was making my scrapbook that mattered more to me back then, lol.

I'm not really sure if you all can tell...but just even taking pictures of my cards - the quality is much better.  Obviously, that really should be the case, lol, but again - like I said - I've never had one, so I didn't realize until now that there is such a big difference!  My zoom lens is still on it's way to me in the mail, so I'm sure once I get that I'll even enjoy it more.

Well, I hope you all have a lovely Monday!  It's back to work for me...and The Sing Off starts tonight! :)  Last year I was so happy Nota won.  I can't wait for this new season!

2011 Christmas Card Challenge Week#1 - Monochromatic

Up until my wedding (2008), I was really good about making and sending out cards.  That year I made 250 Save the Date cards, wedding invitations, RSVP cards, and thank you cards.  When it came time to make Christmas cards, I panicked and my cards were super rushed!  I vowed to never let that happen again, so that's why I originally started the Christmas Card Challenge blog.

I typically need about 100 cards each year and if I make 2 Christmas cards each week all year long, it's an easy and very stress-free goal to achieve.  I typically mail my cards out at the beginning of each December, so that is why the challenge blog runs from December to December.  If you had been playing along all year, you'd already have your 2010 cards done and ready to start on cards for 2011!

This week's challenge is to make a monochromatic card.  Don't forget to check out the Christmas Card Challenges blog to see the rest of the DT's lovely creations!  I also used Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #102 for this.

Paper: Basic Grey Jovial, Memory Box Tinsel
Stamps: Rin and Snowman by Sparkle Creations, sentiment is PTI
Lacey Square Nestabilities, Copics, Rhinestones, PTI Dies, Pearls, and Crystal Stickles

With the new year among us, I always think it's nice to re-cap and go over the rules again.  I am also excited to have Shaela join the team!

The Rules

• Every Sunday, we're making Christmas cards, so by the first week of December each year, we will have all of our cards already made. 
• Though this challenge blog is owned by Sparkle and her company Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps, you are welcome to use any company's images for these challenges. 
• The only REAL rule is that you must make a new Christmas, Holiday, Hanukkah, or Winter card. The weekly challenges are extra and you can choose to do them or not do them. Easy enough, right?
• You can adjust the challenges to accommodate however many cards you need for the holiday season. Maybe you need to double up or only make one every other week.  
• You have all week to link your card. We give away prizes for the first challenge of each month. Once you link your card, you'll automatically be entered to win a free stamp from Sparkle Creations. We will randomly draw the winner on the next Saturday at midnight. 

I hope you all have a lovely Sunday!  I will be cleaning and crafting in between Sears delivering Brent's new TV and Comcast coming to hook up our new high definition DVR box.