flip floppin' on home {The Stamps of Life}

Today I'll be hopping a plane (well, two to be precise) and heading home after almost a week away in Utah. (This is the longest I've ever been away from my house of crazy boys!) I'll be back in the land of year-round flip flops, (you may know it as a place called Florida.) 

You can find a fabulous new flip flop stamp set in the TSOL store today, and create your own flip flops! Perfect if you live in a place where flip flops are the usual footwear. . . .or if you live in a place where you wish that it was!

I'll be playing catch up this week, and adjusting to the time difference (it kills me every time!) but I'll pop in when I can! I'm sure I have a million pictures to share after my adventures with the crew from Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking! 

Thanks so much for stopping by! xoxo 

PS, if you're reading this first thing in the morning, check back shortly, because it's a TWO POST kind of day around here! I'll be back at 11am EST with another post!

Christmas Countdown Day 2 {wedding invitation}

Welcome to Day 2 of my Christmas countdown. 

Today's project is a wedding invitation and favor box that I created a few years ago, during my time designing for Discount Cardstock.  I used dotted swiss cardstock from Bazzill, which comes in a million colors, and adds the perfect detail and finishing touch to so many projects! I love it! (And I noticed that it's 20% off at Discount Cardstock right now!)

The box was a simple printable template. I printed it right onto the back side of the cardstock, cut it out and assembled it. Just be sure to print on the side which will be the inside of the box, so the lines don't show! (I believe I used the tiny cube pattern from Mirkwood Designs - they have great printables for all kinds of boxes!)

I'll be back tomorrow with another Christmas project as we count down the days till Christmas!

Hugs!

xoxo

My famous kiddo {Paper Crafts Card Creations for Him}

Card Creations for Him. 

Have you seen this issue yet?

I gotta say. . ..it's pretty much amazing.

No - it's exactly AMAZING. 

Who doesn't struggle with masculine cards? 

For most of us it's impossible to stray from flowers. . .from jewels. . . .from ribbon. . . .from all that stuff that so easily becomes Way. Too. Girly.

This issue is a GAME CHANGER when it comes to card-making.

And truly, even if you don't create a lot of masculine cards - it's completely inspiring anyway! A fabulous card design is a fabulous card design. The ideas, color combos, and layouts will inspire you in everything you create. 

I gotta say I'm a little partial to this issue, because of this card here. . . .

Why?

Because my little dude helped me with it! I enlisted his help to do some math practice on these sheets of diecut notebook paper. His name is even listed on the page! He was OVER THE MOON excited. 

See? 

He asked me for MONTHS when it would be out. (I'll be honest, he was mainly concerned with when he would get his cut of the compensation that I promised him!) But when he saw his name IN PRINT in an actual magazine, he was pretty thrilled. He asked me, "Am I famous now, Mom?" 

YES.

Dude, you are FAMOUS. 

You can find the print issue on newsstands, (what a great gift for a crafty friend or relative!!!!) You can also order a print issue, or download the digital issue in the Scrap and Paper Shop.  

Thanks so much for letting me brag about my guy today! Have a great day!

xoxo

(You can also find some more sneak peeks and information about this issue on the Paper Crafts Connection!)

(card goodies: stamps, dies - Paper Smooches, cardstock - Discount Cardstock)

Alphabet banner cards! {The Stamps of Life}

Not too much to say today, but I wanted to share two cards featuring new stamps from The Stamps of Life. TSOL releases stamps on the 1st of the month, plus an extra release on the 7th. These cards feature alpha4banners, one of the three new sets released on the 7th of this month. 

Alpha4banners coordinates with the stamps and dies in the sampler2love set, which I shared in my last blog post. Now we can make banners spelling anything and everything, for absolutely ANY type of card. Today I have a seriously QUICK, seriously CLEAN AND SIMPLE card for Valentine's or even an anniversary. I stamped the banners right onto the cardstock - this card is flat and perfect for mailing.

Next up, a MERRY card just in time for the holidays! I adhered these banners with foam tape for a little bit of POP.

That's about all I've got for today! I survived my nine-year-old's birthday party this past weekend, so now we can really start focusing on CHRISTMAS! I'm hoping to start wrapping gifts tonight - this year's goal: NO WRAPPING on Christmas Eve!!! :) (We'll see how that goes!) Have a great day! xoxo

Happy {Funky} Thanksgiving!!!!!!

Funky Thanksgiving?

Yes, funky Thanksgiving, because these cards are a little funky for me!

(Funky in a good way.) 

On this first funky fall card, I die cut the center rounded rectangle, and then overlaid the die cut circles, smaller rectangle, and leaf. (Stamps and circle dies from Technique Tuesday.)

This second card is a little funky because I put everything at a funky angle. I feel like it isn't quite right. . . .but I LOVE these trees from Sweet Stamp Shop! They are SO much fun!

I'm keeping it short and sweet today, (and funky of course) because well - hello, it's THANKSGIVING!!!!! Have a fabulous day! HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY Thanksgiving! 

Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo

The appearance of holiday magic! {Hero Arts}

Is it just me, or did the holiday season magically appear this week?! I can't decide if I'm ready or not. . . it still feels a little early to dive in - but I also know how quickly it goes by, so part of me is ready to embrace it. And although I am sharing a Christmas card today, don't think for a second that I've bypassed Thanksgiving and fall, and rushed through to Christmas. I LOVE autumn, autumn colors, autumn fun, and Thanksgiving festivities. But when Thanksgiving is upon us, that means it's time to bust a move on holiday cards - so here's a little bit of quick inspiration for you!

I created this card using Hero Arts stamps, and I embossed the images and text in white, on metallic cardstock from Discount Cardstock. A strip of glitter tape along the bottom, plus a little bit of bling was the perfect shimmery finishing touch.

Thanks so VERY much for the time that so many of you took to blog hop with us, to celebrate Moxie Fab Cath last weekend, and throughout this week. Your comments made ME feel so warm and fuzzy, and I know they did the same for Cath! If you're looking for the Moxie Fab Thanks post, just scroll right on down!

Have a beautiful festive weekend, filled with fall AND winter fun! I am cleaning house today, so it will be all ready for DECKING THE HALLS this coming week! Hugs! xoxo

PS if you're looking for more holiday inspiration, check out my Holiday Magic board on Pinterest!

November's new stamps - tv2stamp {The Stamps of Life}

It's another new month, and another cute new stamp set from The Stamps of Life! 

I'm pleased to introduce you to tv2stamp. 

I had fun pairing these stamps with some other TSOL sets, like phone4you. the sentiments work really well together!!!

I might have done some diecutting on these cards. . . so you might want to stay tuned for dies to come!!!

On this next card, I diecut the bursts from We R Memory Keepers adhesive wash sheets. I've mentioned these, a time or two. .  .they are SO fun, and as you can see, they diecut beautifully! 

Thanks so much for coming by, today! Be sure to stop by the TSOL gallery for lots more samples, and lots of great stamp sets for sale in the TSOL shop! 

xoxo

Story Card dies {Technique Tuesday}

As promised, here I am with another Technique Tuesday project. This one features the Story Card dies. These are perfect for pocket page scrapbooking, but they are pretty handy dandy on cards too.  I diecut a bunch of pieces and then just started playing around to create this card. I sort of liked the idea of sticking two story cards onto one card. I just flipped the second one over, to vary the placement of the arrow. Pretty fun stuff to just play around with and see what happens!

Every Sunday on the Technique Tuesday blog, you'll find their Story Card Sunday series. . . such super cute inspiration, whether you're creating for an album or for cards, or even tags for that matter! After checking out the last few posts, I'm totally inspired.  Check out Story Card Sunday over on the TT blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm off to play with family and friends this weekend, as we hit two fall festivals, a BBQ dinner party here at home, and a Girls Day Out with a couple of pretty fabulous chicky-pies of mine! Have a BEAUTIFUL weekend! xoxo

card goodies: That Arrow Card die, cardstock from Discount Cardstock

Discount Cardstock {My Top Ten-or-so list}

As a papercrafter, cardstock is well, umm. . .like, THE most important thing. (Can I get an amen!?) Without paper, we are NOTHING! I have been so fortunate to work as a designer for Discount Cardstock for the past few years, and I have had a chance to experience and share a LOT of cardstock. Can I share (and tempt you with) a few of my favorites, plus some coordinating projects?

First up, Posh Sky Blue Crepe Cardstock.  It's cardstock. . .but it has the texture of crepe paper.  I have found the Sky Blue to be my favorite, because it makes a FABULOUS water texture, as you'll see in a minute. . .

Next up in my Top 10: Kraft Smooth Cardstock 80# 

{a side-note. . .do you know what the numbers after cardstock and paper mean? It designates the weight of it. 80# cardstock is pretty average, what you would normally think of when you imagine a cardstock. The larger the number, the heavier the weight.}

And to show off these two cardstocks, one of my favorite oldie-but-a-goodie cards featuring Paper Smooches Stamps, along with the Posh Crepe, and Kraft cardstocks. Also shown in this card, is the next in my Top 10. . .

Brilliant White 80#  . . .this is my absolute go-to white cardstock.  I have another I love (you'll see it shortly) especially for markers, but my everyday cardstock is this.  It stamps nicely, folds smoothly, and is just an all-around great cardstock.

And if I'm using alcohol markers, and I really need an extra crisp, bleed-free, smooth finish I turn to 

Simply Smooth cardstock by Bazzill, also for sale at www.discountcardstock.com.

What number are we up to? Well, whatever it is, Razzleberry Pop Tone cardstock by French Paper Company.  The whole collection of Pop Tone cardstock has delicious names, like Berrylicious, Banana Split, and Pink Lemonade.  The colors are fresh and bright and the 100# is thick and sturdy. Razzleberry is my favorite, but Blu Rasberry is a close second (you know I have a love affair with aqua colors!)

And a sample.  On this card, I embossed the Razzleberry, using a Sizzix embossing folder. 

What was I saying about aqua? Posh Aqua Satin Sparkle . . . .swoon.  Aqua with little flecks of mica loveliness in it? It's fabulous!

Here's a sample featuring Aqua Satin Sparkle (and stamps from The Stamps of Life.)

 Equally as fabulous, but different as can be, is the Posh Dungaree cardstock.  It has a denim texture to it, which really creates a polished look for card bases and matting.  (It's not really made for stamping on, although the back side is smooth and fine for stamping!)

The card below actually features the Citrus Lime Dungaree, along with a smooth red cardstock - but you can definitely see the great texture in this sample! 

And last on my list of "Top 10 or so" papers from Discount Cardstock, is this . . . the Scored Card Variety Pack. 300 pre-scored, precut card bases. (And right now it's on sale for $10.99 - hello, can you BEAT THAT!?) The cards come in a variety of colors, and textures - even metallic.  If you make a TON of cards, and you like a lot of variety to pull from, this is a great stash to have! I have so much of it, I even give stacks of card bases to my kids when they're creating.  They love choosing the color they want to use, and it's all ready to go!

Discount Cardstock is offering free shipping on purchases over $49.  

Now, will you ever forgive me for enabling you all, and taunting you with my favorite cardstock? 

Thanks so much for stopping by!!!

xoxo

TSOL banners2cut cards

Hello, hello!!!!  I have a few more cards featuring the special releases at The Stamps of Life! (Lots of photos for you today!!!)

This stamp set, banners2cut, has a fabulous coordinating die set, (which includes stamps too!) On this first card I used just the stamps to create a background.  That lovely pink stripe across the card has a secret purpose. . .it disguises any minor imperfections in lining up the stamps just perfectly! I colored the sentiment with colored pencils to add a little shade and shadow.

 On this next card, I hand trimmed the banners and put them together to make a cheery little sunshine.

There really are a lot of possibilities with this stamp set, and having the dies makes it quick and simple to make a LOT of banners!!!  (They make terrific tags too!)

 Here's another card showing the banners as a background. I thought it was so cool the way the angles fit together. I whipped this up easy-peasy in just a few minutes. 

Thanks so much for stopping by!!!!! 

Be sure to stop by my previous post, with another TSOL project, and a goodie giveaway, through July 31!  

(card supplies: ink - Clearsnap, cardstock - Discount Cardstock and The Stamps of Life, twine - The Twinery, and May Arts)

cards with crayons {TSOL}

This cutie patootie stamp set (crayons2stamp) from The Stamps of Life came out a while back, but now. . . ..we have DIES that coordinate!!!!! So fun. I've been diecutting cute crayons like a crazy person! {I'll have another crayon die project to share in a few weeks! Stay tuned!}

Patterned paper crayons? Yes please - adorable!

(This patterned paper is from Penny Black.)

Some of my favorite cardstock colors. . . .greens and teals, and mixed with that dark Prussian Blue - OOOH. Love. (Sea Blue, Prussian Blue, Posh Aquamarine Dungaree, Posh Citrus Lime Dungaree - all from Discount Cardstock!)

And last but not least, some "traditional" primary colored crayons. 

Be sure to visit the TSOL shop for the stamps, dies, and coordinating stamp sets. You can also check out the gallery with tons of inspiration from the designers and customers! 

Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm heading out on vacation this weekend, but I have lots of posts scheduled while I'm away. . .just so you don't miss me too much!

xoxo

PS Be sure to stop by this previous post, with another TSOL project, and a goodie giveaway, through July 31!  

Shine On! {TSOL plus a giveaway!}

Hello, hello! 

Today I have a few different things to share with you. . .first up - a new card. This card showcases  the new circles4awards stamp set. It's perfect for making awards, banners, and flair. And it coordinates with the Framelits zig zag circle die (also shown on this card!)

The metallic cardstock really brought this card together. Gold is super trendy right now, but I often struggle with what color to pair it with. I like the way this yellow came together. It's hard to tell in this photo, but the yellow cardstock has a subtle shimmer to it. This is one seriously SHINY card! 

Okay, next:

Many of you are fairly new to my little blog, so I want to tell you about a program I'm a part of.  It has nothing to do with crafts. . . WHATTTTT????? (I know!!!)  The Purex Insiders receive exclusive products to try out and to share. Then we relay our experiences via social media and blogs.  My theory is this: we're crafters, but at some point, there's laundry to wash, and a house to clean, so we can all use some free goodies to try out! Right? So bear with me, in this quick crafty break, and maybe you'll win something!

Today I have two coupons for free Dial Body Wash to share with you! You can use the coupon for a completely free bottle of any variety Dial Body Wash you'd like!  Right now, I'm using the White Tea and Vitamin E variety, but I have used the Coconut Water Body Wash as well, and they are both terrific! Leave a comment on THIS blog post for a chance to win one of my two coupons!  I'll draw two winners on Thursday, August 1. (Oh - and I'll send you a handmade card along with it, too!!!)

Dial is also having a huge giveaway in honor of their 65th anniversary.  They're giving away $65K in gold. (Now we could buy a LOT of craft supplies with THAT.) Click on over for a chance to win!

(See how I tied in my GOLD card with this GOLD giveaway???? I know. I'm kind of impressed too.)

Thanks so much for stopping by! Now - leave a comment!!! (And be sure you give me some way to get in touch with you if you win!!!)

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED! THANKS SO MUCH FOR PARTICIPATING! :)

(card supplies: stamps - The Stamps of Life circles4awards, cardstock - Brilliant White, Gold Ore Metallic, Gold Mirri cardstocks, ink - CTMH Creme Brûlée)

If you are interested in becoming a Purex Insider, click here!

award2stamp {new from TSOL!}

Welcome to July, and a new stamp set from The Stamps of Life! 

I am often forced to GASP when I see the sneak peek of the new stamps heading my way, each month, from TSOL.  This month was no different. . . and I instantly thought of all the award-winning moments in my family's life, and all the cute little projects I could make, to celebrate school achievements, special occasions, and even the simple every-day moments that could use a little blue ribbon treatment!  Plus, the circles make AWESOME flair, to use even without the ribbon.

Today I have a few cards to share with you, featuring these new great stamps! 

This first is a simple card featuring the little tiny ribbon. And I love this LITTLE "congratulations".  It makes the perfect finishing touch (as you'll see on ALL of my cards today!) 

(patterned paper is from Penny Black)

 I pulled out some oldie-but-a-goodie October Afternoon paper to put together this next card.  Oh - and have I mentioned the icing on the cake? Stephanie's zig zag circle Framelits, and banner stamp/Framelits dies coordinate PERFECTLY! This is going to make whipping up a whole BUNCH of banners easy peasy! (I'm envisioning some sort of classroom project for school next year!)

 And on this last card, I used the zig zag circle die again, but just grouped together some of the fun circle sentiments. (patterned paper is from Pebbles)

 Be sure to visit the TSOL gallery to see all of the designers' projects showcasing this new must-have stamp set! I definitely see this as a set I'll be turning to for projects again and again!  Thanks so much for stopping by today! Happy JULY!!!!! xoxo

i thank my lucky stars. . . {thank you cards!}

Hey there friends! I have two cards for you today, but I realized I still owe this little blog some pictures and a recap of my trip to Utah, with the Paper Crafts magazine chicks.  I'll get right on that, I promise.  The days have been whizzing by since I got home, and I've neglected the old blog. 

But right now, quickly, while the kids are happily playing with army men AND dinosaurs on the kitchen floor, let's get through these to cards, before the army men and dinos start flying across the room. 

Shall we?

First up - Hero Arts! I was so excited to dip into the funky and fun neon ink pads from Hero Arts.  The colors are so vibrant and fabulous!!!  The Year Round Sentiments, also from Hero Arts is one of those "super practical - keep using it again and again" stamp sets.  But even better than being practical. . . . it's CUTE too! 

 Next up, Lawn Fawn! I used Daphne's Closet 6x6 paper on this card, along with Quinn's ABCs dies.  There is a great accompanying stamp set too, but I used simply the dies for this - and I kind of love it! This is my FIRST set of alphabet dies, and I have a feeling they will be getting a LOT LOT LOT of use!

I created both of these cards on Brilliant White cardstock, from Discount Cardstock.  It's my go-to white cardstock. It holds ink well, and it folds nicely.  It's one of my favorites! 

Okay, my promise to you - many goofy photos from ed board in Utah. Coming soon.  

xoxo

quick and simple thank you cards

I've been so blessed to received goodies from some super generous companies lately, and I wanted to make some cards for them, to show my appreciation.  Plus, I did a little crafty shopping a few months ago, (something I RARELY do) and I haven't had time to get everything inky yet. So, I thought I'd share some product today, that is making me absolutely HAPPY! This first card shows off a SUPER FUN stamp set from Paper Smooches, called I Heart Art.  It's perfection for a card for a crafty friend!  

I whipped up a couple of these cards at one time. They were quick and simple, plus a great way to use up some scraps.  (That paper is Dots and Stripes, from Echo Park.) There's just a little bit of coloring on here, on the easel, and I used some awesome new colored pencils, from Tombow. The Irojiten colored pencils are so smooth - I swear, it was like I was coloring with butter. (Well, not exactly.) But seriously - if you are in the market for colored pencils, I highly recommend these! I have been a Prismacolor pencil girl, for years - and I only have a couple of these Tombow pencils, but they have me craving the whole set!!!  They are absolutely gorgeous. (Sorry. I totally drool over great pencils! It's the art major in me. I can't escape it!) 

Next up, is another quick card, featuring Penny Black clear stamps - AND their paper. This 6x6 stack, called Madison, has bright colors, and cheery patterns.  I am all about BRIGHT and CHEERY so this paper is the perfect addition to my stash! 

Thanks for stopping by! I'll be back in a day or two with some more quick thank-you cards, and to share some more of my new favorite things!

xoxo

(other card goodies: cardstock - Discount Cardstock, twine - The Twinery, blue pearls - Hero Arts, ink - Clearsnap)

{TSOL} ladybugs2love

I always LOVE the beginning of the month, because I can finally share the new stamps from The Stamps of Life! I have usually made samples almost a month in advance, so it feels like FOREVER before I can share the cuteness!  And as always, we have a whole bunch of CUTE to create with, in the new ladybugs2love stamp set!

On this first card, I stamped the background in gray in, and then paper-pieced the big ladybug. I popped her wings up on foam tape, and added some sparkly glitter jewels for her antennae. 

 I busted out my TSOL sprays on this second card, using the Strawberry spray (it matches the Strawberry ink pad) to add a little spotty-dottiness to this card.  And the black and white twine (from The Twinery) was the perfect finishing touch.

Okay, so this third card I created is really cute. . .and incredibly NOT EASY to photograph.  It's a tri-fold card.  I scored it on my Scor-Pal, then attached the red panels, and then used circle dies and punches to make my polkadots. 

On this second image, you can see from the top right image what it looks like when you open the first flap, and then the bottom right image is the entire inside.  I had fun with those little ladybugs! (They are tiny and adorable!!!!) 

You can find all sorts of fabulous stamps, ink, dies, and supplies at The Stamps of Life!!!! Head over, and while you're there, check out the gallery for all of the spotty-dotty samples that the design team created!

Thanks so much for coming by!!! 

xoxo

(card supplies: cardstock - Discount Cardstock, ink - Clearsnap, twine - The Twinery, circle dies - Sizzix, gray polka-dot washi tape - Close To My Heart)