My Idea of Recess

Ballerinas, Buttons, and Bows

2009-10-14T18:03:00.001-04:00

I had to take a second look at this adorable trio! They're so sweet. I can't decide if I like them more in pastels or in pink and brown. Luckily, I don't have to choose! Hope you're doing well today!

Digital Image: Ballerinas by Chichiboulie
Papers: PTI Melon Burst, Raspberry Fizz, Lemon Tart, and SS white
Accessories: PTI ribbon, Copics, nestabilities, CB embossing folder, PTI button

Hope

Pretty in Plum

2009-10-07T20:10:00.003-04:00

Here's another lovely dress stamp in the series by Chichiboulie. This is one of her new digital images, isn't it sweet?

Digital Image: Wedding Dress by Chichiboulie
Papers: SU Orchid Opulence, Old Olive, dp, PTI SS white
Accessories: Copics, nestabilities, SU punches, SU flowers, Stamping Bella bling, pop dots

Hope

Three Lovely Girls

2009-10-06T16:53:00.002-04:00

Now, who can resist these cuties? I think they're adorable! And, this is great fun, Chichiboulie has made them available in separate images too! This fun paper from Stampin' Up gave me my color scheme, but I can see them in pastels too. Gretchen has done something really grand with these images. She has arranged the file so that more the images print multiple times on the page. I love that because you don't get one image right in the middle of the page. It's a real paper saver! Of course, stampers love cardstock scraps, but this just feels less wasteful to me.

Thanks for stopping by the blog!

Digital Image: Three Ballerinas by Chichiboulie
Papers: SU Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, dp, PTI SS White
Accessories: Copics, SU ribbon, misc. button, pop dots

Hope

Perfect for a Party

2009-10-05T05:33:00.003-04:00

Happy...Monday? :P

Here's a second image from Chichiboulie's new printable line. Isn't it adorable?! I love dress stamps, they make such versatile images. This one would be so cute for a birthday card or to welcome a new baby girl, just darling!

Digital Image: Girl's Dress by Chichiboulie
Papers: SU Green Galore, PTI Raspberry Tart, SS white
Accessories: Copics, Primas, nestabilities, Stamping Bella bling, CB embossing folder, misc. ribbon

Hope

New Images to Love

2009-10-01T17:20:00.003-04:00

Long time no see! I have a great reason for coming back now, can't you tell? My sweet friend, Gretchen Jackub Fabre has begun a new undertaking and, when she asked me to help her, I jumped at the chance! Oh, silly me, you all know and love Gretchen already! She's Chichiboulie! But, have you checked out her site lately? Gretchen is now carrying a line of "printables" that we stampers are going to have to have. This is one of the first ones I have worked with, "Anabel's Ice Cream", but there are several posted now and Gretchen promises more to come. Take a look! The images are digital (no shipping charges, easy to store, quick to download).

I'm happy to say that Gretchen sent me several images, so I'll be back with a couple more cards, but don't wait on me. See what you think!

Stamp: Anabel's Ice Cream by Chichiboulie
Paper: SU Ballet Blue, Gable Green, Real Red; PTI SS White and Summer Sunrise
Accessories: Copics, SU ribbon, misc. dp, pop dots, nestabilities

Hope

A Blast From the Past

2009-08-20T13:06:00.000-04:00

Do you love this new stamp?? I grew up on sitcoms--Bewitched, Gilligan's Island, the Brady Bunch...my first album was by the Partridge Family. When I saw this image, I couldn't stand it! Too cute!

Stamps: Bewitchedattytude by Tiddy Inks for Stamping Bella, sentiment by Stamping Bella
Papers: SU Lovely Lilac, Brilliant Blue, PTI SS White, misc. dp
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Copics, nestabilities, SU Ribbon, Stamping Bella dots, pop dots

Hope

A Friend to the End

2009-08-16T20:40:00.003-04:00

Oh, such an adorable turtle carrying such a bright message. I had to put him on bright colors! The finishing touch is the Stamping Bella bonbon in the center of his flower, love those bonbons!

Hope you've had a great weekend! We spent the day with my nieces yesterday and I even got to play Barbies for a while. What fun! We were watching High School Musical and playing Barbies. It's a good thing I never had any kids, I'd be playing all the time! Oh, wait, I guess stamping is playing, isn't it? ;)

Have a great week!

Hope

Stamp: Whipper Snapper Turtle, PTI Sentiment
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers: SU YoYo Yellow, Real Red, PTI SS white, Doublesided dp
Accessories: copics, nestabilities, SU punches, Stamping Bella bonbon, SU ribbon, pop dots

2009-08-12T18:58:00.002-04:00

Happy Wednesday! I had a special occasion for this week's challenge card which makes it even more fun to make. Last week, I bought tickets to take my ten year-old niece to see Hannah Montana in concert when she comes to Greensboro, NC in November. I'm really excited and hope that she is too. I made this card to give her to let her know we're going. My last concert was an Amy Grant show in the mid-90's so I'm a little out of practice when it comes to concerts, but I think it will be great fun to take Helen to see a singer she enjoys so much. A good friend of mine suggested that, to really be "cool Aunt Hopey," I will have to dress like Hannah Montana before the concert. I think I will compromise and get a mullet like Billy Ray instead! Ha!

I had a nice surprise when I opened my mailbox yesterday. There was a Take Ten, Autumn edition, magazine there. Well, I knew right away that I must have a card published inside because I don't subscribe to Take Ten anymore, although I do subscribe to Stamper's Sampler. So, as you can imagine, I stood right in the street flipping the pages until I found my Turtle Tots card on page 73. What fun! Then, that night, I was reading the magazine before I went to sleep and was shocked to see that all three cards on page 106 were Stamping Bella teacup cards that I made! Wow! My name was at the top of the page and everything. I'm glad I didn't see that when I was standing in the street, there's no telling what I would have done! LOL!

Stamps: RockaBella and sentiment by Stamping Bella
Papers: SU Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, Cameo Coral, Tempting Turquoise, dp, and PTI SS White
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: copics, nestabilities, SU punches, Stamping Bella glitter dots, pop dots

Hope

Cookie Love

2009-08-06T09:43:00.000-04:00

And...it's almost Friday! Is it bad to live for Fridays? Lately, things have been so crazy that I just find myself holding on for the weekends sometimes. I have to work on that.

Anyway, hopefully you're here to see a card! Here's one! Vicki challenged us to use two of our favorite things on a card. I used doublesided dp and paper piercing. Oh, and cookies, of course! LOL! Have a great Thursday!

Stamp: Cookie Love by Stamping Bella
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Papers: SU Basic Black, Pretty In Pink, Regal Rose, misc. doublesided dp, and PTI SS White
Accessories: copics, nestabilities, piercing kit, Stamping Bella bling, Smooch, pop dots

Hope

CASEing Jenn

2009-08-01T04:49:00.000-04:00

This month's Bella's Favorite Stamper is Jenn Diaz, congratulations, Jenn! I chose this card from Jenn's gallery to CASE. Her card was so beautiful that I couldn't bear to change much. Jenn's cards are just awesome!

Stamp: Gratty-tude by Tiddly Inks for Stamping Bella
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Papers: SU Kraft, dp, and PTI SS White
Accessories: copics, nestabilities, primas, brad, pop dots, precut scallop strips

Hope

I want to be a Cowgirl

2009-07-23T04:59:00.000-04:00

I took a lot of liberties with Jamie's sketch this week, but I really needed a card with GiddyupaBella and this is what I came up with. My niece loves horses and she is going to camp next week, so I'll be sending this to her. I hope she likes it.

Stamp: GiddyupaBella by Stamping Bella
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, PTI Summer Sunrise
Papers: PTI Summer Sunrise, Berry Sorbet, and SS white, misc. dp
Accessories: PTI ribbon, copics, nestabilities, stamping bella dots, pop dots

Hope

A Monster Bash!

2009-07-15T20:51:00.003-04:00

Helllooo! Did I scare you?! :)

I have such a hard time making a card for a boy, but I needed one this week, so I gave it a good shot. I combined it with this month's twisted challenge, to make a card with a Bit of Bling! For my bling, I painted the details of the image with Smooch and then added a row of Stamping Bella glitter dots. I hope he likes it!

Stamp: Monster Bash by Tiddly Inks for Stamping Bella
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers: SU Wild Wasabi, Brilliant Blue, Bashful Blue, dp, and PTI SS White
Accessories: copics, nestabilities, SU ribbon, Smooch, cb embossing folder, pop dots

Hope

For the Birds!

2009-07-13T19:56:00.001-04:00

Hello! What a fun image, huh? My sweet nieces will be going to camp soon so we try to send them lots of mail. I think one of them is sure to get a kick out of this cutie from Whipper Snapper Designs. I had a lot of fun coloring this!

Stamp: Whipper Snapper Designs, PTI greetings, SU Backgrounds
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers: SU Ballet Blue, Gable Green, PTI SS White, and misc. dp
Accessories: Copics, nestabilities, SU punches, CB embossing folder, pop dots, Pebbles ribbon

Hope

Show Me Your Bliss

2009-07-09T09:07:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my blog! I hope you're having a great week and that you're enjoying your summer! I haven't been able to find enough time for stamping, but things are going so well here!

Vicki challenged us to make a card that shows our bliss. I think she was looking for a hobby or pasttime that brings us joy, but I kept coming back to this image. It really is one of my very favorite stamps and I just loved the idea of pairing it with this new Basic Gray paper. What's my "bliss"? Home! Whether I'm stamping, reading, playing on my computer, spending time with my family, working in my yard, etc., I just love to be home. And, even better, I love to be in my pajamas and robe with a pretty quilt! this card does it for me! So, what's your bliss? :)

Stamp: Alexis' Bad Hair Day by Tiddly Inks for Stamping Bella
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers: SU Brilliant Blue, PTI SS White, and Basic Gray dp
Accessories: copics, nestabilities, primas, and adhesive pearls

Hope

CASEing Tracy

2009-07-04T16:26:00.002-04:00

Today's favorite stamper is Tracy Cornhill. Congratulations, Tracy! I chose this card to CASE. I love the new papers from Basic Gray, they go together beautifully.

Hope everyone is having a great Fourth! We're headed to my parents' house for hot dogs and watermelon--what fun! Stay safe and enjoy your families!

Stamp: Teacup flowers by Stamping Bella
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers: SU Regal Rose, Kiwi Kiss, PTI SS White, and Basic Gray Lemonade dp
Accessories: copics, nestabilities, Marvy punch, PTI buttons, pop dots, Smooch

Hope

Summer Girl

2009-07-02T04:10:00.000-04:00

Here's a colorful, summery card for the Summer-themed Challenge that Sparkle is hosting on the SCS Bella Forum today. I wanted to use all colors of ribbon so I just started tying little scrap pieces onto a piece of blue and then stapled it into a strip of dp. It kind of reminds me of those streamers of flags you see at swim meets. Hope you're having a great summer!

Stamp: I Wish I Looked So Good On a Bike a Bella by Stamping Bella
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Papers: SU Baja Breeze, PTI SS White, and Cosmo Cricket doublesided dp
Accessories: copics, nestabilities, Spica markers, SU ribbons, staples

Hope

Hopping By After a Big Day!

2009-06-28T18:22:00.002-04:00

Oh, can it be that it's almost Monday again?! The weekend has, as always, just flown by. But, today was a great day because I went to Raleigh to take a Copic certification class with Sally Lynn MacDonald. I learned a lot and found out that I knew some things too, what fun! I am more in love with my Copics than I was before I left, uh-oh! Did you know that there are 12 new colors coming out soon? They will be soft pales and so pretty, so I hear.

I met such nice folks today at the class. I think the owner of every stamp store in NC and was there and many in SC too. There were also so many wonderful new SCS friends and design team members. I sat next to Nancy and Dawn, click on their names to check out their blogs. I really enjoyed the day!

Stamp: Whipper Snapper Designs
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: PTI Ripe Avacado, Melon Berry, and SS White; Wild Asparagus dp
Accessories: Copics, nestabilities, PTI ribbon, stapler, PTI buttons

Hope

Birthday Bash Post

2009-06-25T21:00:00.000-04:00

I'm so thrilled that you're here! If you've come as part of the Blog Hop, please scroll down to see my Blog Hop entry. Tonight, Em's birthday party continued in the SCS forum. Shannan had a sketch challenge for us, isn't it fun? I used the new SU colors, love them!

Sparkle honored Em's youngness (37, that is crazy young!) by challenging us to make a card with 3 embellishments and 7 pieces of paper, get it? 3-7? Love the challenge, Sparkle! Here's my card!

Sketch Challenge Card:
Stamps: I-Can't-See-a-Thing-a-Bella and sentiment by Stamping Bella
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Papers: SU Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, and Razzleberry Lemonade dp
Accessories: copics, corner rounder, paper piercing kit, SU punch, CB embossing folder, Smooch

3-7 card:
Stamp: Content to be a Bella by Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU More Mustard, Basic Black, PTI SS White, misc. dp
Accessories: copics, nestabilities, Stamping Bella dots, pop dots

Have a great Friday!

Hope

It's a Happy Birthday Blog Hop!

2009-06-25T06:22:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to Emily, the Queen Bella! We're starting today's celebration with a Blog Hop. If you have come here first, you'll want to go to Em's Blog and start from the beginning. But, I am so glad you've stopped by! Before we get to my blog project, take a peek at Em's fun birthday card. Christy, aka Tiddly Inks, drew this special image just for Em's birthday, isn't it the best? We need a stamp of this image, Em! Hint, Hint!

And, here's my blog project. I used Tiddly Inks' adorable image, "Is That a Cupcake on Your Head?" to make this great picnic tote. The pattern is one of the Timeless Templates from PTI. It was fun and easy to put together. I can't wait to fill it with treats and give it to a friend on her birthday!

How about a prize? In addition to the fabulous eye candy, we have decided to hide a prize somewhere along the hop! One pre-selected blogger will draw a random winner from the comments on her post, and the winner will receive a $40 Gift Voucher to Stamping Bella!!! The fun part is...we're not telling you who it is! So as you hop, make sure you leave comments on every post so you have a chance to win!! We will announce the winner in our SCS Forum on Monday.

Hey, I don't know if you've heard, but we're having a big Bella Bash in the SCS Bella Forum tonight! There will be challenges, chatting, and prizes. Please plan to join us.

Your next stop on the blog is Karen Motz' beautiful blog. Enjoy!!

Birthday Card Supplies:
Papers: SU Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, Gable Green, and PTI SS white, and misc. doublesided dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, SU ribbon, pop dots, and Spica markers

Picnic Tote Supplies:
Stamps: Is That a Cupcake on Your Head by Tiddly Inks for Stamping Bella, Loopy Border by Stamping bella
Papers: PTI Lemon Tart, Summer Sunrise, and SS White
Ink: PTI Summer Sunrise and Adirondack Pitch Black
Accessories: Timeless Template Picnic Tote by PTI, PTI ribbon, Copics, nestabilities, Primas, adhesive pearls

Bella Sketch Challenges are Back!

2009-06-18T12:31:00.000-04:00

It's Bella Forum Challenge Thursday and this is a very happy day! Jamie is back and she has brought us a wonderful sketch! Take a look for yourself, then why not give the sketch a try? Have a great day!

Stamps: DaisyBella by Stamping Bella, PTI sentiment
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Not Quite Navy, Soft Sky, Whisper White, and Cosmo Cricket dp
Accessories: Nestabilities, copics, SU ribbon, SU punches, misc. button, PTI twine, pop dots

Hope

As the Saying Goes...

2009-06-13T18:12:00.002-04:00

It's not easy being green...unless you're a cute dragon like this guy! The last thing I need to buy is a new stamp, but this image just caught my eye, I love his toes and they way he coordinates with this great Sassafras paper. Hope you're having a great weekend!

Stamp: by Lelo Designs for Stampavie
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: PTI New Leaf Green, SS White, and Sassafras dp
Accessories: PTI ribbon, copics, nestabilities, pop dots, SU punches

Hope

Red, White, and Flag Day!

2009-06-10T09:30:00.000-04:00

Summertime...and the living is easy! Betty Bombshell is ready for summer, are you? For this week's twisted challenge, I asked the sistahs to revisit Jamie's sketch, BSC70. But, this time, there's a twist of course! This time, in honor of Flag Day, the sistahs have been challenged to use red, white, and blue on their cards. Have fun!

Stamp: Betty Bombshell by Chichiboulie for Stamping Bella, sentiment by Stamping Bella, background by SU
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, PTI Lemon Tart
Papers: SU Real Red, Brilliant Blue, dp, and Whisper White; PTI Lemon Tart
Accessories: copics, SU punches, pop dots, Stamping Bella dots

Hope

CASEing Angie

2009-06-06T05:06:00.000-04:00

This month's Bella's Favorite Stamper is Angie, Renksi on SCS! Congratulations! I chose this card from Angie's gallery when it was time to make my CASEd card.

This is a busy weekend for Brent and me. We are taking a two-day investment course. The first day went well, so interesting! I'm hoping that I can keep up with all of the information--I don't know very much about the stock market! Have a great weekend!

Stamp: Jammiebella by Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Bashful Blue and dp, PTI SS White
Accessories: Copics, pop dots, piercing kit

Hope

2009-06-04T07:32:00.000-04:00

Today is an exciting day on the Stamping Bella forum. There have been some big changes and the first exciting new challenge is being posted today! Vicki has posted a Show and Tell Challenge--she has asked us to make a card that tells who we are.

Well, this is a big deal. There are a lot of choices! So I thought about it for a long time. Am I an aunt, a wife, a writer, a teacher, a stamper...who am I? Well, I decided to play around with the challenge and use my Addy 'Tude stamp. She looks like a little girl playing dress up and, so many times, that's how I feel. When I stamp, I can be a Diva. I can use my favorite stamps, my favorite cards, stamp with my favorite people, I am a stamping diva! So, that's the card I made. I had such fun with the textures. I used BoBunny glitter on her lime green shoes, Spica marker on her oversized shades, and Flower Soft on her fuzzy scarf. I want to be just like her when I grow up!

Stamp: Addy Tude by Tiddly Inks for Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Lovely Lilac, PTI SS White, Basic Gray DP
Accessories: copics, Spica marker, BoBunny glitter, Flower Soft, misc. ribbon, nestabilities, pop dots, Stamping Bella bling

Hope

Summer Girl

2009-06-02T06:09:00.002-04:00

I have really been wanting to use one of the Martha Stewart flower stickers I found at Michael's. I think they're so pretty! So I put one on this card. I was surprised that the color was such a match for the SU Regal Rose cardstock. The image is part of the Whiff of Joy Elisabeth Bell summer collection.

Stamps: Elisabeth Bell summer collection, CTMH sentiment
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Old Olive, Pretty In Pink, Regal Rose, dp
Accessories: copics, nestabilities, SU punches, piercing kit, Martha Stewart sticker

Hope

When Life is Stormy

2009-05-31T21:25:00.002-04:00

Where did the weekend go? But it was a great one! The Ketto Blog Hop was so much fun! I can't wait until we can do that again. Then, today, I was able to find time to play with my new Scattered Showers stamp set from PTI. I'm so predictable, though! I just couldn't resist using my favorite PTI papers with this adorable new set!

Stamps: Scattered Showers by PTI
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: PTI Sweet Blush, Berry Sorbet, dp, and SS White
Accessories: PTI Ribbon, PTI Buttons, SU punches, CB embossing folder, pop dots

Hope

A Ketto Caddy

2009-05-28T08:55:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the first Ketto Blog Hop sponsored by Stamping Bella! If you've just happened upon my blog, you can CLICK HERE to start from the beginning at Bloggabella.

Instead of a card, I decided to make a cubby caddy. I found the pattern when I was in Myrtle Beach shopping at my favorite LSS, Artful Legacy. I get lots of good ideas from them! Want to know how to make one? Check out the directions they gave me...they're at the bottom of this post.

Here's a side view of delightful Kenya Ketto:

And a view of the top so you can see the four cubbbies:

Here's another side. I plan to store pens and pencils and an assortment of memo pads in my cubbies so I used this Stamping Bella sentiment and Kenya's Sparkle to decorate one side.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Now it's time to hop on over to Lady Guinevere's Inky Faeries blog. Have a great day!

Stamps: Kenya Ketto, Kenya's Sparkle, Wasabi's Flower, "Write" Now, Sentiment; all by Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch black, SU Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, River Rock
Papers: SU Ruby red, dp
Accessories: SU ribbon, copics, nestabilities, Stamping Bella dots, eyelets, Stamping Bella bling

Hope

Materials Needed:

One 12 x 12 Cardstock
Two 12 x 12 Patterned Papers (1 each coordinating colors)
8 eyelets
ribbon
eyelet setter

Directions:

1. Score cardstock at 4" and 8"
2. Turn cardstock and score at 4" and 8 "
3. Crease all folds; Create a diagonal fold in each corner square
4. Patterned Paper #1: Cut eight 3 3/4" squares and one 3 7/8" square
5. Patterned Paper #2: Cut eight 3 7/8" squares
6. Cut each 3 3/4" square in half diagonally.
7. Glue each triangle shape to the outer corners on both sides of cardstock.
8. Glue the single 3 7/8 square piece of the inside center square.
9. Glue patterned paper #2 to the remaining cardstock squared.
10. Punch a hole in the tip of each triangle (2 holes per corner) and then set an eyelet in each hole.
11. Thread the ribbon through the holes, assemble the caddy, and finish with a bow.

Out of the Box

2009-05-27T20:29:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Wednesday! If it's Wednesday, it must be time to post another Bella challenge. This week, I've challenged the sistahs to think out of the box by making a card that's not rectangular. I think it's so much fun to use the nestabilities to make cards like these, but I haven't done an oval before. It was time to try, don't you think? I also asked the sistahs to use any orange and any brown on their cards. I've used PTI Melon Berry and Dark Chocolate on mine.

This week marks my last weekly challenge for Stamping Bella. June will bring big changes to the forum, so exciting! I'll be back in June, just not on a weekly basis! The sistahs are in for a lot of fun surprises, but I won't give away any secrets just yet. Stay tuned!

Stamps: Amplee 'Tude by Tiddly Inks for Stamping Bella, PTI Flourishes
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, PTI Dark Chocolate
Papers: PTI Melon Berry, Dark Chocolate, SS White
Accessories: PTI Buttons, Copics, nestabilities, stickles

Hope

Keepsake Boxes

2009-05-25T14:30:00.001-04:00

We will be spending this afternoon with my nieces, celebrating my older niece's tenth birthday. Hooray for double digits! I have been thinking of something fun that I could take them, something silly to give each of them. So I took out these containers that originally contained some Stamping Bella embellishments and altered them. I started by spelling out "My Stuff" with my Just-Rite stampers and stamping it on coasters with Staz-on ink. Then I used my new CTMH button stamps and some Staz-on ink to decorate around the words. I colored the buttons with Koh-i-nor pencils, cut out the circles, and glued one in the bottom of each tin. Because every little girl (and big girl!) loves a little bling, I glued a circle of Stamping Bella bling around the edge of each coaster cutout.

Next, I chose favorite pictures of the girls--pictures from our Christmas trip to the beach. I cut out each one and used my SU Crystal Effects to glue them to the inside of each lid. The last step was to wrap ribbon around the containers. I hope the girls will use these to hide important found objects, such as keys, shells, and buttons. But, whatever they do with them, I hope they enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them for them! Happy Birthday, Helen!!

Hope

A Treat of a Treat Box

2009-05-21T20:35:00.003-04:00

Is there anything better than the Friday before a long weekend? I love three-day weekends! We don't have any concrete plans, so that's a good thing. My niece will be ten years-old on the 26th, so we may get the chance to see the girls sometime. Ten. I can't believe it.

Lately, I've been playing around with the idea of stamping some things other than cards. I made this treat box because I think it's such fun to play around with the accessory stamps that can be purchased for the Kettos. This is Maisy and her flowers, what fun, huh? I stamped the three different flowers on the textured-in cardstock before I folded the box, of course. I also stamped the flowers on the strap and on the trim I made for the box.

Hope your Friday is a great one!

Stamps: Maisy Ketto and Maisy's flowers by Stamping Bella
Ink: SU Green Galore, Perfect Plum, So Saffron, Bashful Blue, and Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: Textured-in So Saffron, SU Perfect Plum, and Green Galore, PTI SS White
Accessories: copics, nestabilities, stickles, pop dots, SU punches

Hope

Show Us Your Stuff!

2009-05-19T19:46:00.003-04:00

This week, I've challenged the sistahs to show their stuff, the stuff on the inside...of their cards! I asked them to make a card using any colors and any images; then decorate the inside of the card to match the front. Have fun!!

Stamps: Turtle Tots-Bathtime by Stamping Bella, sentiment by Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Textured-in Bashful Blue, Brilliant Blue, and Jersey Shore dp; PTI SS white
Accessories: Copics, nestabilities, pop dots, SU punches, SU ribbon

Hope

Lovely Lilacs

2009-05-18T21:04:00.003-04:00

Monday, Monday. It's Monday and all of the television programs are coming to an end. What will we watch next week? The Amazing Race ended last week, Survivor ended last night, it doesn't seem right. But, it is exciting while it lasts!

For even more excitement, the LSS here in Greensboro has started carrying Magnolia Stamps. I stopped in on Friday and purchased a couple of the newest Tildas. My favorite is the Tilda with Lady Bug, but I decided to ink up this sweet Tilda first.

Hope you have a great week!

Stamp: Tilda Picking Lilacs
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Papers: SU Gable Green, Pretty in Pink, PTI SS White
Accessories: Copics, nestabilities, CB embossing folder, SU ribbon, pop dots, heart beads

Hope

You Are my Sunshine

2009-05-16T18:47:00.003-04:00

I had the most fun paper-piecing this sweet girl and her fuzzy friend! How do you like her striped boots? LOL! Happy Saturday evening!

Stamps: Gorjuss Girls, set 2; PTI sentiment
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Sweet Always dp, and PTI SS white
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, PTI button, pop dots

Hope

A Recipe for DP

2009-05-13T20:19:00.003-04:00

Stamps: Chick Stack by Tiddly Inks for Stamping Bella, PTI sentiment, PTI Polka Dot basics
Ink: Pitch Black, PTI Lemon Tart
Papers: PTI Lemon Tart, Aqua Mist, SS white
Accessories: copics, nestabilities, SU punch, PTI ribbon, Stamping Bella bling, pop dots

This week's challenge was so much fun, that I had to make two cards! I challenged the sistahs to use any blue and any yellow as they make their cards. But, here's the twist, I asked them to not use any DP as they make their cards. We all know how much we love our DP! As you can see, I made some DP for my Ketto card, that was so much fun! I stamped Anise's flowers and then colored them with Copics. For the Chick Stack card, I stamped the PTI Polka Dot Basics on the background with Versamark original ink. I am eager to see what the sistahs come up with!

Stamps: Suzette Ketto, Anise's Flowers by Stamping Bella, PTI sentiment
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU More Mustard, Brocade Blue, Whisper White, PTI SS White
Accessories: Copics, nestabilities, SU ribbon, primas, Stamping Bella dots, Tim Holtz charm, pop dots

Hope

Flowers on Moms' Day

2009-05-10T18:18:00.003-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms! I'm not a mom, but I was able to spend a few minutes with my mom today. My husband and I are fortunate enough to live just a few blocks away from my parents, so I was able to run over and visit with them for a bit after church (and Sunday naps--mine not theirs!) Hope your day was a good one!

When I took my Michael's coupon to the store this week, I intended to buy some storage stuff, but I ran across this Stampendous stamp set. Now, the last thing I need is more stamps, but this this set just spoke to me and I had to have it. It's got all of these great greetings that can fit into the box, what fun!

Tonight is the season finale for my very favorite show, The Amazing Race. I can't wait to see it, but then I'll be sad when it's over. Wonder who will win?? Have a great week!

Stamps: Stampendous
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Versamark Dazzle
Papers: Daisy Bucket Designs dp, SU Close to Cocoa, Apricot Appeal, PTI SS White
Accessories: Copics, nestabilities, SU ribbon, CB embossing folder, Big Bite, Stamping Bella dots

Hope

Oh, Really?

2009-05-09T17:29:00.003-04:00

Don't you just love this attitude on this little cutie? How many times do I feel like this during the day? I want to carry this card around in my pocket and flip it out when I want to stamp my foot at people. LOL!

Stamp: Gorjuss Girls 2
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers: Close to Cocoa, PTI SS white, misc. dp's
Accessories: copics, primas, Stamping Bella bling

Hope

Let's Play Paper Dolls!

2009-05-06T17:55:00.002-04:00

Happy Wednesday! Wow, what a week we have had. On Sunday, Brent and I went to Myrtle Beach to attend my family's reunion. I love Myrtle Beach! We had a such a great time. My nieces have been dying to take Brent to play putt-putt and they finally got him on the course on Monday night. Sarah, the seven year-old hit a hole in one on the hardest hole! Brent hit one too. We all had such a wonderful time, it was hard to come home.

For this week's Twisted Challenge, I decided to do a technique challenge. I challenged the sistahs to do a Paper-piecing challenge. I also asked them to used one of Jamie's awesome sketches on their cards. I used BSC24. I hope they have a great time!

Stamp: Ciao Bella by Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: PTI Pure Poppy, SS white, Lemon Tart, MFT dp's
Accessories: Copics, nestabilities. primas, Stamping Bella bling, PTI ribbon, corner rounder, Big Bite

Hope

CASEing Christy

2009-05-01T11:06:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Christy S! She is Bella's Favorite Stamper for May. I chose this card from Christy's gallery to CASE. You'll find so many beautiful cards in Christy's gallery, she is one of my favorite stampers. Enjoy!

Stamps: Krista's Flowers by Stamping Bella, sentiment by PTI
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Pretty In Pink, dp, and PTI SS White
Accessories: SU ribbon, copics, nestabilities, SU punch, pop dots

Hope

Happy May Day!

2009-04-30T20:26:00.002-04:00

Happy May Day! Happy Friday! Oh, I love Friday...this one is a big one too. Brent and I headed to the beach on Sunday for a family reunion. It'll be a quick trip, we have to come back on Tuesday, but a quick trip to the ocean is better than no trip to the ocean. Hey, that's my new life motto! :) I love the ocean!!

We're staying in a new place and they only have....dial-up! Yikes! So, I'm not sure what kind of internet activity I'll have. But, maybe that means more walking on the beach time, huh?

Don't you wish you could take a dip in a teacup like Tina Teacup? Or, at the very least, that you could sit by and watch her? She is the daintiest, sweetest thing.

Enjoy your day!

Stamps: Tiny Tina Teacup by Chichiboulie for Stamping Bella, sentiment by PTI
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: PTI Lemon Tart, Spring Moss, SS White, dp
Accessories: PTI ribbon, copics, nestabilities, Spellbinders tag die, misc. button, CB embossing folder

Hope

Do the Bella Twist

2009-04-29T19:27:00.003-04:00

This is such a big week for the Bellas! First, Em had a huge release. What, you haven't seen it? Well, check it out! Then, last night, we had a great Bella Bash in the SCS Forum. The challenges are posted there and the prizes are awesome! Check those out too! Now, I get to unveil the first-ever Bella Twisted Challenge! I started with one of Jamie's incredible sketches, BSC16. Then I chose my very favorite piece of dp. I used the dp and Jamie's sketch to make my card. Now I've challenged the sistahs to do the same! Have fun!!

Stamps: Huggabellas by Stamping bella, sentiment by PTI
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: PTI Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush, SS White, and dp
Accessories: Copics, CB embossing folder, PTI ribbon, pop dots

Hope

Three Cheers for You!

2009-04-28T22:25:00.001-04:00

Here's my card for tonight's second Bella Bash challenge. Shannan challenged us to use Coral, Green, and Black on our cards. My coral photographed as orange, I'm not sure why. Em released more cute Turtle Tots today!

Stamp: Three Cheers for Your Birthday Turtle Tot by Stamping Bella
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Papers: SU Gable Green, Basic Black, PTI Berry Sorbet, SS White
Accessories: Copics, nestabilities, Stamping Bella dots

Hope

There's Always One!

2009-04-28T21:32:00.001-04:00

This image is the most fun! It reminds me of the darling book, Stellaluna, by Janell Cannon. Tonight we're having a celebration to go along with Emily's latest stamp release. This card goes along with the first challenge. I've challenged the sistahs to make a card with the theme of "New. I used a new-to-me (never inked) image, new nestabilities, and a sheet of dp that had never been cut into. What fun!

Stamps: Branching Out Owlies by Tiddly Inks for Stamping Bella, sentiment by Stamping Bella
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Papers: SU Close to Cocoa, Kiwi Kiss, Misc. doublesided dp, MFT White cardstock
Accessories: Janome mini, Copics, Nestabilities, SU ribbon, pop dots, Stamping Bella dots

Hope

Party Time!

2009-04-27T05:48:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow night, at 9 pm est, there will be an exciting Bella Bash in the SCS Stamping Bella forum. There will be prizes, challenges, chatter, and fun! Emily (the Queen Bella) has promised a suprise that I can not wait to see! You're invited to join us--see you there!

Hope

A Blooming Beauty

2009-04-22T21:03:00.004-04:00

What a beautiful image, don't you think? I love to think of how this heavy flowered skirt must feel, as if it is the most beautiful costume.

This is for the Bella Color Challenge #77. I've asked the sistahs to use some blue and a punch (one or more) on their cards. I hope they enjoy!

Stamps: Hydrangea Bitty Bloom by Chichiboulie for Stamping Bella, sentiment by Stamping Bella
Ink: Graphite Black
Papers: SU Close to Cocoa, PTI White, misc. doublesided dp
Accessories: Copics, nestabilities, misc. coordinating accessories, stamping dimensionals, SU punch, pop dots

Hope

Pausing Among the Flowers

2009-04-20T21:43:00.001-04:00

Here's another beauty from Elisabeth Bell. Hope your Monday was a good one!

Stamp: by Elisabeth Bell for Sugar Nellie Designs
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Papers: SU So Saffron, Not Quite Navy, PTI SS White, Cloud 9 Designs
Accessories: Copics, Primas, brads, taffetta

hope

Stamping again!

2009-04-18T18:46:00.003-04:00

Hello, hello! I feel like it has been forever since I picked up a rubber stamp! It has been. Last Saturday night, my mom called to say that she and my dad were in the hospital. The doctors determined that my dad had bleeding ulcers and he was in the hospital until Thursday. But, he is feeling much better now and we are so relieved.

So, I have found a bit of time to stamp again. I was afraid that I had forgotten how, but I think it will be okay. Hopefully, you and your family had a wonderful Easter holiday! Thanks for stopping by the blog!

Hope

Stamp: Gorjuss Girl by Sugar Nellie Stamps
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Papers: PTI Summer Sunrise, Ripe Avacado, SS white, and Yellow Bicycle dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, PTI ribbon, Stamping Bella bling, misc. flower, SU punch

With Sympathy

2009-04-11T18:03:00.005-04:00

Every month, on the 10th, the Papertrey Ink site starts the countdown to their next release. I just get so excited about it! I am addicted to their matching papers, ribbons, inks, and, most recently, vintage buttons. I also use their sentiments on everything.

A friend asked me to make some sympathy cards and I was glad to get out the sympathy set I bought from PTI and play with it. Of course, I had to use some vintage buttons while I was playing. Hope you're having a great weekend!

Stamp: With Sympathy set from PTI
Ink: PTI Ripe Avacado, Black
Papers: Ripe Avacado, Kraft, dp, and SS White, by PTI
Accessories: nestabilities, PTI ribbon, SU punch, PTI buttons, stamping dimensionals

Stamps: With Sympathy by PTI
Ink: PTI Lavender Moon, Plum Pudding, Ripe Avacado, and black
Papers: PTI Lavender Moon, Plum Pudding, dp, and SS white
Accessories: nestabilities, PTI buttons, PTI ribbon

Fluttery Friends

2009-04-08T17:43:00.002-04:00

Hello! I hope this post finds you doing well. Things are settling back down here after the end of the NCAA season. Sigh...yes, the Tarheels won. Oh my, can you believe it? I have lots of happy friends so I will concentrate on that. I'm sad that it's over, I love basketball!

Today's color challenge is all about pink. Pink and green are two of my favorite colors. I love them together, but I used pink and brown on this card. I also challenged the sistahs to use circles on their cards.

I cut out the largest butterfly and bent it a bit to get some dimension to the card, but that doesn't show up so well in the picture.

Have a great Thursday!

Stamps: Papillon Ketto and sentiment by Stamping Bello
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip, and Sweet Always dp, and PTI SS white
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, SU punches, SU marker, misc. button

CASEing Janet

2009-04-04T09:28:00.000-04:00

April's Bella's Favorite Stamper is Janet, Corrosive69! I was drawn immediately to this card in Janet's gallery. If you know Janet, you know that she's a rocker, so I had to use this Tiddly Inks image on Janet's CASEd card. I hope you like it, Janet, because I think you rock!

Stamps: All Punked Up and Nowhere to Go by Tiddy Inks for Stamping Bella, sentiment by Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Real Red, Brilliant Blue, Yoyo Yellow, and PTI SS White
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, SU ribbon, misc. buttons, SU punches, Spica markers, stamping dimensionals

A Funky Flamenca

2009-04-01T20:31:00.002-04:00

Happy April Fools' Day! There are so many days that I miss being in the third grade classroom. April Fools' Day is one of them, oh my! I love telling jokes with the kids anyway and they love April Fools' Day. Second and Third Graders as a rule have such a funny sense of a humor. I miss them! The women in my office just aren't up for a good April Fools' Day joke, you know how that goes. LOL! I hope you had a great AF Day!

So, I took my humor out on this color challenge card. We were going through the rainbow, but somehow I took a sidetrack. I really wanted to color Flamenca's skirt in a rich grayish black gradient. Then I thought, well, let's just go with black as the feature color! So here we are. As an optional challenge, I've asked the sistahs to use ribbon or polka-dotted ribbon, on their cards.

Stamp: Flamenca Ketto by Stamping Bella, SU Back to Basics
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, PTI Hibiscus Burst
Papers: SU Basic Black, PTI Hibiscus Burst, SS White
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, Stamping Bella bling, Taylored Expressions ribbon, stamping dimensionals, SU punch, CB embossing folders

Pretty and Pink

2009-03-31T20:58:00.003-04:00

Here is another sweet Elisabeth Bell image from Sugar Nellie stamps. This has to be a quick post tonight, seems like there is never enough time during the week, oh my! Hope yours is going well!

Stamps: Demure by Elisabeth Bell for Sugar Nellie, PTI sentiment
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Raspberry Tart dp, and PTI SS white
Accessories: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, misc. button, stamping dimensionals, SU punch

Shout Out to Tori!

2009-03-28T16:59:00.004-04:00

I first "met" Tori of Wild Stamping Sprinkles when I saw one of her adorable cards on SCS. I had to have the image that she used and I ordered it right away. Since then, I have admired Tori's work and I visit her blog several times a week for inspiration. And, of course, Tori enables me every once in a while! :)

My latest Tori must-have is this darling bunny, Chester, from Whipper Snapper stamp designs. The minute I saw it on her blog, I knew I had to have it. Chester arrived at my home yesterday and I'm hoping I can do justice by him. Thanks for introducing me to Chester, Tori! I love this new stamp!

I don't know about you, but I am dragging today. The basketball games have been running way too late, good grief. I can't believe it's almost over, so sad. Tomorrow, our rival UNC plays OU for a spot in the Final Four. It's so ironic to me because I spent a year of graduate school at OU! Ha! I was destined to cheer against UNC. Now, if you follow my blog at all, you know that I graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln (in 1986!!). At that time, OU was our biggest rival. Pretty funny that I would go to grad school there, huh? Don't remind me. When your dad is in the Air Force, you live all over the place and you learn to accept all kinds. But if your dad went to NC State, you just can't accept a Tarheel! LOL!

Stamp: Chester Bunny by Whipper Snapper designs
Ink: Brialliance Graphite Black
Papers: SU Close to Cocoa, Summer Sun, PTI SS white, misc. dp
Accessories: Copics, nestabilities, Stamping Bella bling, Janome mini sewing machine, SU ribbon, stamping dimensionals

Almost Friday Fun

2009-03-26T20:46:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday Eve! I've been having a good time coloring some new Elizabeth Bell images from Sugar Nellie. I love the contrast of this sweet, delicate girl in her patched clothing. She reminds me of Cinderella. So, I wanted to put her on a card with a beautiful DP and some rough kraft paper. Of course, I needed some buttons, just because I think every card is better with buttons. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Stamp: Chick-a-Dee by Sugar Nellie
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Kraft, PTI Aqua Mist, SS White, Misc. dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, buttons, PTI ribbon, stamping dimensionals

A Personalized Tiddly Inks?

2009-03-26T06:00:00.004-04:00

You know, I just adore my new blog design! Sweet Christy of Tiddly Inks fame made it for me. After she finished the design, she told me I could send it to another Etsy artist and have it made into my own personal Tiddly Inks stamps! What a great idea! So, I made a larger image and a little "hallmark" stamp to use on the back of cards. The little girl has my name on her shirt so I think it's just perfect.

Now Christy wants to give away another design! Just comment on her blog and she'll be choosing a winner. That person will be one lucky stamper! Good luck!

A New Nestability!

2009-03-25T20:02:00.002-04:00

ooh, don't you love nestabilites? I love them!! Look what my LSS had yesterday! They didn't get them all, but they did get the inverted scallop squares and rectangles so I bought them. I can't wait to see the deckled rectangles and the octagons, I may have to have those too.

Tonight's color challenge takes us back to the rainbow, to red to be exact. And, I've challenged the sistahs to use an edge distressor on their card. It's an easy thing to do to get a different look to your card. Have fun!

Stamp: Ivy Ketto by Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Real Red, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Baja Blue, and dp; PTI SS White
Accessories: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, misc. brads, edge distressor, SU piercing kit, SU punch, Spica markers, stamping dimensionals, corner rounder

Polka-dot Peek-a-boo

2009-03-22T19:32:00.009-04:00

I write and edit books for teachers and students. There is nothing, almost nothing, the editors in my office love more than a good, alliterative, cheesy title. Well, I think I found one here, don't you? Now I just have to figure out how to use it in an upcoming publication. LOL!

This was my first time with the Polka Dot Basics set from PTI. It was really easy to use, I'm happy with the way it turned out. I'll be using it a lot, I think.

Yesterday, I took some photos of the blooms that are showing up all over our yard. I won't bore you with many, but here are a few.

This is a close-up of the blooms on our tulip tree. This tree and the dogwoods are my favorite trees in our yard. Some people call tulip trees tulip magnolia trees, I think.

These are the grape hyacinths that border many of the gardens in our yard. We planted them about four years and many of them still come up and look so beautiful. That's what keeps me from digging them all up and replacing them--good reason, huh? :)

Here are the daffodils from one corner of our driveway. My dad planted them for us, aren't them beautiful? That's it for spring from North Carolina. hope you're having a beautiful spring wherever you are!

Stamps: Whiff of Joy Mouse, PTI Polka Dot Basics
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, SU Craft White Ink
Papers: SU Only Orange, Tempting Turquoise, Green Galore, and PTI SS white
Accessories: Corner rounder, Copic Markers, Paper Piercing kit, Stamping Bella dots, stamping dimensionals, SU ribbon

Simply Spring

2009-03-21T15:08:00.003-04:00

Today is one of those beautiful spring days in North Carolina. I need to get outside and take some photos, but I'm not the best photographer. Maybe I'll give it a try, though. Hope you're having a great Saturday!!

Stamp set: SU Trendy Trees
Ink: PTI Dark Chocolate, New Leaf
Papers: PTI Dark Chocolate, New Leaf, SS White
Accessories: nestabilities, PTI ribbon, eyelets, SU punch, SU piercing kit, dimensionals

Won't You Please...

2009-03-19T20:40:00.002-04:00

Do you know what holiday falls on March 20? It's pretty special. It's "Won't You be My Neighbor?" Day in honor of Mr. Rogers' birthday. Now, Mr. Rogers has passed on it's true, but didn't he leave a wonderful legacy? I loved to watch Mr. Rogers when I was young and, in fact, our first cat was named Henrietta Pussycat. Oh, Mr. Rogers. He had the right attitude, didn't he? Let's all wear a sweater on March 20, think about Mr. Rogers, and try to take a page from his book of life. Have a goodie!

Stamps: Lulu Ketto by Stamping Bella, PTI sentiment
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU YoYo Yellow, Brilliant Blue, Going Gray; PTI SS White, and It's Raining, It's Pouring dp
Accessories: Copic Markers: SU Piercing kit, Bo Bunny glitter and fun fluff, Spica marker, stamping dimensionals

We've Got Spirit, Yes We Do...

2009-03-18T06:34:00.000-04:00

I am so excited about today's color challenge! Today is the first official day of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, so how could I resist using that as I planned the challenge? Here's my idea. I graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and I love the NC State Wolfpack, so I used red and white on my card. I've challenged the sistahs to use the colors from their high school, college, or their kids' schools, favorite team, whatever they choose, to make a card this week! The challenge is to show us your school spirit!

So, do you have your brackets filled in? I've done mine several times, guess I have to stick with one soon. You'll notice that neither one of my teams (the Huskers or the Wolfpack) made the tournament this year. As we Wolfpack fans always say, there's always next year! Good luck to all of the teams (well not all of the teams) and here's to March Madness!

Stamp: Pompomabella, sentiment by Stamping Bella
Ink: Staz-On Jet Black
Papers: SU Real Red, dp, PTI SS White, SU Watercolor paper, misc. dp
Accessories: SU Markers, Aquaflow pen, SU punches, nestabilities, SU build-a-brad kit, Stamping Bella dots, stamping dimensionals

Stampers Making a Difference

2009-03-14T14:26:00.002-04:00

The February 2009 Victorian Bushfires are a series of wildfires that began burning across the Australian state of Victoria on Saturday, February 7, 2009. The Splitcoast Stampers website is doing their part to help by holding a nonraffle raffle. Please see this link for more information.

A Bit Different

2009-03-14T14:05:00.004-04:00

Do you ever just want to do something different with your cards? Well, I do, but I love making cards with the character images that I have so fallen in love with. Plus, I've already invested so much in them! :) But, I did try to stretch a little bit on this card, can you tell?

I pulled the stapler over from the office supply drawer and used to attach the ribbon and the sentiment and I stamped the Aqua Mist background with my Versamark pad (instead of Cuttlebuggin'). I used to use that Versamark pad all the time and I think I'll try to get to it a bit more frequently.

There's a secret about this card. Look at it again, can you tell? I colored her hair with blue-violet markers! I tried several shades of black and gray, but this is what I finally settled on. I think it worked out well.

Today, we are watching the semi-finals for the ACC basketball tournament. My husband and I pretty much have to watch in separate rooms because he cheers for the Carolina Tarheels (after NC State is out) and I do not. At all. We stay happier if I am not in the room with him as they win and win and win. Here's hoping that someone finds a way to overcome! Have a great weekend!

Stamps: Gorjuss Girls, set 1, from Sugar Nellie stamps; sentiment from PTI; SU Background Basics
Ink: VersaMark, Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Night of Navy; PTI Aqua Mist, SS White; Heidi Grace Designs dp
Accessories: copic Markers, nestabilities, edge distressor, stapler, SU ribbon, Primas, Stamping Bella dots, stamping dimensionals

Flowers for Friday

2009-03-13T20:40:00.005-04:00

Today is finally Friday and I am playing with this adorable Daisy image from Sugar Nellie stamps again. My NC State Wolfpack went out of the ACC tournament on the first day yesterday...sigh... they may not see a court again this year, we'll see. And, to top that off, the Clemson Tigers were upset too! Oh, basketball is a crazy game! So, I'm watching the remaining teams, trying to choose a new champion.

Hmm...can you see the piercing? You may have to click on the image if you really want to see it. :) Have a great weekend!

Stamp: Daisy by Sugar Nellie Stamps
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Creamy Caramel, Old Olive, dp, and PTI SS white
Accessories: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, SU Ribbon, SU Felt flowers, brads, stamping dimensionals, SU piercing kit

Small Joys

2009-03-11T19:56:00.005-04:00

It's Color Challenge eve and this week's color brings us to purple! I haven't played with this image from Stamping Bella for a long time and I had the most fun with it! It will have to move to the front of its bindah, that's for sure!

Thursday is one of the biggest days of the year here in the Triad--the first day of the ACC Basketball tournament. Well, it's practically a national holiday, except that we have to go to work. My NC State Wolfpack finished in the bottom four again this year so we are playing on the first day. Tomorrow night at 7, we take the court against Maryland.

If you don't have a team in the picture, send some good thoughts toward my boys, won't you? I'm not naive, I know our chances are not so good. But, I am pinning my hopes on Oliver Purnell and the Tigers from Clemson! Oh, I can't wait for the games to begin!

Stamp: Teacup Daisies by Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, PTI Lavender Moon
Papers: PTI Lavender Moon, Plum Pudding, SS White, SU Certainly Celery
Accessories: Copic Markers, SU punches, CB embossing folders, PTI ribbon, sponges, stamping dimensionals, nestabilities

The Rain Dance

2009-03-10T20:16:00.003-04:00

Today I stopped by my LSS for my monthly Copic Sketch marker hook-up. Oh, they really have my number! Ever since my store started carrying their Copic Marker promotion, I have been picking up about 4 a month and I have really enjoyed having the new colors in my collection.

Anyway, the first thing I saw when I walked in the door was not new markers, no...it was new papers! And, they are so cute! They are called, "It's Raining, It's Pouring" and they are by the Piggy Tales people. I love them! I bought one of each piece--they have flowers, stripes, raindrops, and even one piece with umbrellas and a piece with rainboots on it. Too cute!

So I made this card for the sketch challenge. I wanted to add flowers or buttons or something, I tried. But the paper is so busy that everything just looked like one step too much. Sigh...I guess I will stop here. What do you think? I didn't even get to use the rainboot paper! I will, and soon! It's so cute!

Stamp: Belinda Bumbershoots by Chichiboulie for Stamping Bella
Ink: Adiorondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU YoYo Yellow, It's Raining, It's Pouring dp by Piggy Tales, PTI SS White
Accessories: Copic Markers, Stickles, SU ribbon

CASEing Dawnbarghorn

2009-03-07T06:47:00.002-05:00

Things always look better on a Saturday morning, don't they? If I were in charge, we'd have more of them in every week! Check out this adorable Huggabugg. I suppose I'll have to try in other colors--green or a nice melon-color. But, for her first time out, she had to be pink. And, she'll probably be pink again-she wears it so well!

This month's Favorite stamper is Dawnbarghorn! I chose this card to CASE. Congratulations!

Stamps: Twinkletoes by Tiddly Inks for Stamping Bella, Handwritten sentiment from PTI
Papers: SU pixie Pink, PTI Raspberry Fizz and SS white, doublesided dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, Stickles, SU ribbon, misc. charm

And Kitty Makes Two

2009-03-06T17:42:00.003-05:00

TGIF. I mean totally. A week that began with a rare snow day ended in a whirlwind of unexpected rushed deadlines and extra pressure. Some weeks are just harder than others, aren't they?

So, I came home to upload this sweet girl. I think it just makes me feel better to be around these adorable images. I hope that your weekend is wonderful!

Stamps: Gorjuss Girls, set 1, by Sugar Nellie
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla, Heidi Grace Designs doublesided dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, stamping dimensionals, Stamping Bella ribbons, SU piercing kit

Come on, Spring!

2009-03-04T22:25:00.002-05:00

Last week's color challenge, green, went so well that I decided to stick with the idea. This week, I'm challenging the sistahs to make a card that has some yellow on it. I love this image and I like the way it looks like Spring is growing up over the winter of the card. Hope you're having a wonderful week!

Stamps: Eva Bloom by Chichiboulie for Stamping Bella, PTI sentiment
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: PTI Summer Sunrise, SS White, and Kraft: SU Baja Blue, and Cloud Nine Designs dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, PTI ribbon, Stamping Bella bling, stamping dimensionals, SU punches

She's so Gorjuss!

2009-03-03T19:53:00.004-05:00

Here is my first card with the new Gorjuss Girl stamps from Sugar Nellie. These are a puzzle to color because the original artist, Suzanne Wolcott uses such a distinctive color palette. I like brighter colors, but stretching our creativity is what makes art so fun, so I'm eager to play with these images. Either way, I'm sure we stampers can't go wrong when we start with such pretty images!

Stamps: Gorjuss Girls, Set 1, by Sugar Nellie Stamps; sentiment by PTI
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Old Olive, Graphics 45 doublesided dp, PTI SS white
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, Stamping Bella dots, stamping dimensionals, stamping distressor

Let's Have a Chat

2009-03-02T18:12:00.003-05:00

Doesn't this image from Chichiboulie make you giggle? Don't you want to know what in the world she's talking about?! I do! I just got the new Handwritten Sentiment set from PTI and, when I saw the "Seriously" sentiment, I thought of sweet Chatty Cathy immediately.

Stamps: Chatty Cathy by Chichiboulie for Stamping Bella, PTI sentiment
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: PTI Sweet Blush, Berry Sorbet, SS White, and dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, PTI ribbon, misc. button, corner rounder, stamping dimensionals

A New Challenge to Love...

2009-03-02T10:12:00.003-05:00

Have you been to Tiddly Inks' blog today? She's starting a new series of challenges that will make Mondays a little easier for all of us to take, and, there are prizes!

Amimals on Parade

2009-03-02T07:41:00.002-05:00

Here are some of the stamps from the cute new line by Tiddly Inks for Stamping Bella. Aren't they precious?!

We have four inches of snow this morning. Can you believe that? It almost never snows here in NC and, when it does, it brings more ice than real snow. It's so pretty and I'm filled with Nebraska memories because of it. My office is opening late so I thought I'd sneak a card upload in this morning. Have a great day!

Stamps: Daisy Hippo Amimal, Daisy Lion Amimal, Bunny Amimal; all by Tiddly Inks for Stamping Bella; sentiment by PTI
Papers: SU Pixie Pink; PTI Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, SS White, and misc. dp
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, corner rounder, Janome mini sewing machine, SU piercing kit, CB embossing folder, SU punches, stamping dimensional

Extreme Hope Makeover

2009-03-01T06:52:00.003-05:00

Have you heard a lot of construction noise coming from my blog over the past day or so? Sorry about the noise, but oh, don't you think it was worth it?!

As you can tell, my lovely and talented friend Christy Croll, Tiddly Inks, has been busy givng my blog an overhaul. I just can't get over what a beautiful job she did, isn't it the sweetest thing? And, she moved me into three columns, updated the fonts and color scheme...well, wow! Oh, did you see? My sweet cat, Lily, even made the blog! She is my stamping buddy.

When I think of all I learned since I attended that first Stampin' Up party 9 or so years ago, I'm pretty amazed. But, when I think of the friends I have made because of rubber stamps and ink pads, friends like Christy and so many of you, there just aren't enough words to say how grateful I am. Isn't that what it's all about? Thank-you, Christy!

Friday Fun

2009-02-27T10:19:00.001-05:00

This is certainly a different look for a Bella card, but I think it turned out well. It was inspired by Em's new Friday challenges. I stamped the Leafy Flourish image on all three panels on the background, then I used white craft ink and embossing powder to stamp the image again on the Sahara Sand paper.

Stamps: Leafy Flourish and sentiment by Stamping Bella
Inks: SU Sahara Sand, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Craft White, and Basic Black
Papers: SU Sahara Sand, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, and Whisper White
Accessories: SU ribbon, misc. buttons, SU embossing powder, stamping dimensionals, SU punches

Welcome, Turtle Tots!

2009-02-25T20:24:00.003-05:00

It's color-challenge time again, sistahs! If you know me, you know I like to do something different when I prepare the challenge for the sistahs, and this week is no different. So, in honor of the new Turtle Tots line, I have challenged the sistahs to make a card with some green on it. They can use a Turtle Tots stamp if they have one, of course. But any stamp will be great! Kermit may change his mind about being green if he sees these adorable new turtles! Welcome, Turtle Tots!

Stamp: Love is in the Air Turtle Tot for Stamping Bella, sentiment by SU
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Pixie Pink, Certainly Celery, PTI SS White, misc. double-sided dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, SU Piercing kit, misc. flowers, Stamping Bella bling, stamping dimensionals

Happy Thoughts

2009-02-23T19:46:00.002-05:00

What a happy little guy! I have been wanting to play with this little cutie ever since he arrived in my mailbox and now, finally, here he is! I hope that you were already having a happy Monday but, if you weren't, maybe my cupcake-carrying friend can help you out!

Stamps: Mouse with Cupcake by Whiff of Joy, sentiment by PTI
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Gable Green, PTI Raspberry Fizz, SS White, Creative Imaginations dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, PTI ribbon, Stamping Bella bling, CB embossing folder, stamping dimensionals

Peace for a Chaotic Week

2009-02-18T19:40:00.003-05:00

Can it only be Wednesday? My, My. Work has me feeling like Friday already. Some weeks are like that. And tonight, my beloved NC State Wolfpack faces the UNC Tarheels on the basketball court. Something tells me that things may not be peaceful for a while yet...

But coloring this lovely image made me feel better. I just love these stamps...

Stamps: Beatrice Bellbottoms by Chichiboulie for Stamping Bella, sentiment by Stamping Bella, Never-Bored Border by Stamping Bella
Papers: SU Mellow Moss, Perfect Plum, Cameo Coral, and PTI SS White
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, SU Mellow Moss
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, CB embossing folder, Stamping Bella dots, SU ribbon, SU punches, misc. flower

Flowers for You

2009-02-17T20:38:00.002-05:00

Today was a rough day. I want to keep my blog focused on stamping and fun, so I don't like to dwell on real life too much, but today was real life. We had layoffs in my office and several of my longtime friends, as well as several new friends, were impacted. It could so easily have been me, I don't know why it wasn't. It was hard and my prayers are with those folks tonight. I just don't know where this economy is going to take us. I hope that you and your family are safe tonight. Say a prayer for our leaders, won't you? Someone has to get us going in the right direction again.

Stamp: Maggie with Flowers by Sugar Nellie
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: PTI Lemon Tart, Spring Moss, Aqua Mist, SS White, and misc. dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, Bassil precut strips, misc. flowers, Stamping Bella bling, SU Piercing kit

Ciao, Bella!

2009-02-15T15:35:00.002-05:00

When I look at this card, I wonder if she's waving farewell to my weekend? Sigh...they do go quickly, don't they? How was yours? Mine was pretty good--nice Valentine's Day, some good stamping time, and a win for my basketball team. I'll take a weekend like that anytime!

Stamp: CiaoBella by Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Taken With Teal, PTI Lemon Tart, SS White, and misc. double-sided dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, stamping dimensionals, misc. buttons

Something New

2009-02-12T07:45:00.000-05:00

I hope the title doesn't make you think of a wedding post! :) For a while now, I've been trying to shake up the color challenges, hoping to get more sistahs involved in the fun! Well, this week, I've really twisted things around! Instead of challenging the sistahs with specific colors, I've posted two fun photos (one and two) and asked my friends to use them as inspiration for their cards. They may use the colors, they may use the images, they may just decide to use the theme of the photos, it's up to them. This is what I came up with--I can not wait to see what they come up with!

Stamps: Shoebag by Stamping Bella, sentiment by Stampin' Up
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla, PTI SS White
Accessories: Copic Markers, SU Punches, Basic Grey Ribbons, CB embossing folders, Stamping Bella dots, stamping dimensionals

More and More Pink

2009-02-10T19:41:00.004-05:00

I just can't get enough of these new pink and black Sabrina papers and accessories. The button/stickers are called looking glass stickers, wow! They are really pretty. I picked up all of these fun goodies at Michael's.

Stamp: Lattebella by Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Basic Black, Pirouette Pink, PTI SS White, Sabrina
Accessories, Copic Markers, Sabrina accessories, stamping dimensionals

CASEing Lori

2009-02-07T06:33:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday! As I looked through Lori's gallery, I was struck by the number of Eloise cards she has done. Well, I love Eloise dearly so it made perfect sense to me to CASE this card by February's Favorite Stamper, Pinky66. No matter how many new stamps Emily releases, Eloise will always be a favorite with me. Congratulations, Lori!

Stamp: Eloise by Chichiboulie for Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Basic Black, PTI SS White, Sabrina dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, Petaloo flowers, SU Basic Black ribbon, Stamping Bella heart-shaped pin, corner rounder, stamping dimensionals

Sending You Love

2009-02-05T06:15:00.000-05:00

So many of Tiddly Inks' images are irresistible, but this one really gets me. Too cute! Don't you wish this sweetie was your boyfriend? Look at how hard he's trying already. Oh my.

Today's color challenge colors are, SU Cameo Coral, Garden Green, Bordering Blue, and Really Rust. The CTMH colors are Sorbet, Topiary, Indian Corn Blue, and Autumn Terracotta.

Stamp: Sending You Love by Tiddly Inks for Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Cameo Coral, Bordering Blue, Garden Green, and Really Rust, misc. dp, and PTI SS White
Accessories: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, CB embossing folders, misc. ribbon, flower charm

Fluttering By

2009-02-03T21:22:00.002-05:00

Hello! Have you seen the new flatbacks from Stamping Bella? Oh, they are the most adorable things! They come in all kinds of designs and colors. This card has a sweet Huggabugg! I had to make a Me and Mini Me card so I could show off this cutie. Enjoy!

Stamps: Funky Grass by Stamping Bella, Monarch Huggabugg by Tiddly Inks for Stamping Bella
Ink: SU Wild Wasabi, Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Wild Wasabi, Basic Black, dp, and PTI SS white
Accessories: Copic Markers, Shimmerz, Stamping Bella Flatback, misc. butterfly embellishments, nestabilities, CB embossing folder, stamping dimensionals, rain stickers

Picking Daisies

2009-01-29T21:17:00.002-05:00

Check out this little pretty! Isn't she something? I enjoyed coloring her so much. I was planning to color her flowers as daisies (white and yellow) but I decided to put the pink in her hair so I colored her shirt white instead. I think it worked out. Maybe next time I'll give her real daisies, or brown-eyed susans, now there's an idea!

Hopefully, you've had a great day and you're ready for Friday. I know I'm ready for Friday! Brent and I spent the day driving to his hometown for an uncle's funeral. It's a long trip, over two hours, each way, and a sad occasion. But it was good to see all of his family members. I'm glad it's over, I know Brent's glad too.

Have you seen any good movies lately? We almost never go, but I saw Seven Pounds with my Mom the other day. Wow, that was an interesting story. I could almost see it again. If you saw it, let me know what you thought, but don't give away the ending!

Have a great Friday!

Stamp: Picking Daisies by Sugar Nellie
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Green Galore, Ballet Blue, PTI SS White, and Basic Gray dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, SU punch, misc. ribbon, Basic Gray buttons, stamping dimensionals

Happy Early Valentine's!

2009-01-29T08:05:00.000-05:00

Thursday already? Where does the time go? Speaking of time, I'm still working on getting ready for Valentine's Day. That's where this week's color challenge comes in. I've challenged the sistahs to play off of Em's signature colors and use Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Green Galore, and Taken With Teal. The optional twist is, what else? A Valentine! We've all got lots of wonderful new Valentine stamps to sign off, let's use them!

Stamp: Lily Loveaboo by Chichiboulie for Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Green Galore, Taken With Teal, and PTI SS White
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, CB embossing folder, SU ribbon, stickles, stamping dimensionals, and Making Memories heart charm

A Card and a Cause

2009-01-25T20:04:00.003-05:00

Happy Sunday! Well, I try to keep this blog pretty lighthearted. If you're not having fun with all of this, then what's the point, right?

But, tonight there's something on my mind and I hope you don't mind if I talk about it for a minute. You may have heard that Kay Yow passed away yesterday. She was the coach of the women's basketball team at NC State and she had been battling cancer for over 20 years. There are so many things to celebrate about Coach Yow's life. It's a great loss.

But, cancer was on my mind before Coach Yow passed. This basketball season has been tough for us because our team has been playing so poorly, well, sort of like they played last year...sigh... But, my husband and I have season tickets to the home games and, for the last five years, we've sat next to the nicest couple (Kevin and Lista) and Lista's parents, Matt and Cissy. We enjoyed them so much. We chatted before the games and Kevin and Matt kept me straight on the action during the games. Lista was diagnosed with breast cancer in her late 20's and she had been in remission once. Last year, on January 17, at the age of 32, Lista passed away. She was at a game and then, three weeks later, Matt came to a game and told us the news. This year, Matt and Kevin sit in the lower section. They just couldn't come back and sit in our row. I don't blame them, it's so hard to look at her seat. I miss her.

So, tonight, I wanted to post this card and ask you to visit a site that you may or may not know about. Each time you click on the Breast Cancer Awareness Site, they get money that they use to pay for mammograms for women who may not otherwise get them. You can even sign up to get a daily email reminder from them. We're all on the internet all the time anyway, we may as well take a second to do someone some good, huh? :)

Thanks for listening to this, I really needed some talking time tonight. Have a great week!

Stamp: Ruby Ribbonlace by Chichiboulie for Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Pixie Pink, PTI SS White, Cloud 9 Designs dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestablities, primas, Stamping Bella bonbons, NC State sticker, SU Piercing kit

Letting it All Hang Out

2009-01-22T05:47:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday! Okay, okay, here's the Wolfpack update. We lost. Can you stand it? We really, really lost. One day, maybe, the basketball will bounce our way again. But not this season, I don't think.

Okay, let's talk about this funny image! It just makes me giggle! Wouldn't you know that all of Bella's lingerie would match? And, that it would be so charming that she wouldn't mind hanging it on an outdoor clothesline! LOL!

Today's color image is SU: Bravo Burgundy, Bordering Blue, and So Saffron.
CTMH Colors: Vineyard Berry, Indian Corn Blue, and Buttercup.

For today's twist, I have challenged the sistahs to use a corner rounder on their creations.

Stamps: Funky clothesline and sentiment by Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: Su So Saffron, Bravo Burgundy, Bordering Blue, and PTI SS White
Accessories: Copic Markers, SU Punches, CB embossing folder, corner rounder, stamping dimensionals

Fluffy and Frilly

2009-01-21T22:57:00.000-05:00

At tonight's bash, Laura challenged us to use our favorite Bella image to make a Valentine for our BFF. I just can't choose a favorite image, much too hard. So I decided to choose a favorite uninked new series stamp, Hollyhock Bitty Bloom.

I'm not a real frilly girl, so I may have gone too frilly here, but I love the colors on this paper. It was fun playing with this Stamping Bella ribbon too!

Stamp: Hollyhock Bitty Bloom by Chichiboulie for Stamping Bella
Ink: Pitch Black Adirondack
Papers: SU Cameo Coral, PTI SS white, Cloud Nine Designs dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, Stamping Bella ribbon, misc. ribbon, misc. adhesive pearls, Lil Davis large Daisy brad

A Very Bella Bash

2009-01-21T22:43:00.001-05:00

Tonight Jamie gave us a challenge that just may be my favorite ever. She asked us to make a card that's inspired by a love song. Well, there are just so many possiblities! I'd better not list all of the options I came up with, in case someone uses one of them, but just let me say that this was so much fun!

I finally decided to do "The Theme From Ice Castles" by Melissa Manchester. What? Of course it's on my Ipod, isn't it on yours? :) The whole Best of Melissa Manchester album is on my Ipod.

But, let's talk about "Ice Castles". What an awesome movie! Robbie Benson, Colleen Dewhurst, Lynn Holly Johnson. I cried every time I saw it. Sigh...

Okay, Okay, I'll tell you my runner up card if you promise to keep it just between the two of us. It's another tear jerker, because it's pretty bad. I had this album too, but it's not on my Ipod (although most of the rest of the album is!). Ready? I was going to use BarBella and do "Let's Get Physical"! I still love that! Oh, Olivia Newton John and Melissa Manchester. They just don't make 'em like that anymore.

Stamp: Glideabella by Stamping Bella
Ink: Staz-on Jet Black
Papers: SU Basic Gray, Watercolor paper, SEI double-sided dp
Accessories: SU Markers, Aquaflow marker, nestabilities, stamping Bella ribbon, stamping dimensionals, felt flurries snowflake, misc. rhinestons, Shimmerz, Liquid Applique

Give Me a Call!

2009-01-20T21:01:00.004-05:00

Oh, I can hardly type...and I hesitate to "say" it out loud...but it's halftime and my Beloved Wolfpack is playing those pesky Duke Blue Devils. And, we are leading! Oh my...shhh...don't break the magic. I don't know whether to turn the TV off and pretend like the game is over or watch the rest. Have you ever watched a game that's at Duke? I know, they make you want to turn the TV off, they're sssoooo irritating. Let's all send my boys good thoughts, though. And, if nothing else, we'll always have the first half, won't we?

Okay, onto important stamping stuff! Jamie has given us another great sketch to work with. And, have you heard? There's a Bella Bash tomorrow night in the forum! Laura and Jamie will be hosting and they have some great challenges planned. There will be prizes and lots of fun chatting, so please plan to join us.

Okay, off to watch my boys. Hope for the best, won't you??

Stamp: Rumor Has it Girl by Tiddly Inks for Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Basic Black, Ruby Red, So Saffron, PTI SS white, and misc. dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, SU Punches, Primas, Stamping Bella dots, Stamping dimensionals

Ice, Ice, Baby

2009-01-15T06:44:00.000-05:00

Now, is this little lady ready to tie the knot or what? And, what a ring! Wow! I love Bella images like this because they're so narrow. You can really play around with the layers on the cardbase.

The color challenge colors are Brocade Blue, Ballet Blue, and Lovely Lilac. With wonderful wintery colors like this, there was only one choice for an optional twist. I've told the sistahs that they can make a card that reminds them of cold, or frost, or, as in my case...ice! Have fun stamping, sistahs!

Stamps: Blingabella and sentiment by Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Brocade Blue, Ballet Blue, Lovely Lilac, and PTI SS white
Accessories: Copic Markers, CB embossing folders, SU Lovely Lilac ribbon, SU punch, Stickles, stamping dimensionals

Sweet Hearts

2009-01-14T18:43:00.002-05:00

Here's a Valentine for my sweet niece. I am really ahead of the game, huh? Making Valentines in the middle of January! Let's hope that I can find it when it comes time to mail it.

I have to admit, I am not feeling very sweet tonight, so I am counting on this card to cheer me up. My husband and I went to see our beloved NC State Wolfpack boys play basketball against the Florida State Seminoles last night. Boy, did they beat us up one side of the court and down the other. Gees. And we didn't offer to stop them either, well not for the whole 40 minutes the way we're supposed to.

It takes us about an hour to drive to Raleigh to get to the game. It's a much longer drive after a hard loss than any win, I'll tell you that. Oh my. We're in for a long season. Did I mention that we have season tickets? We do love the Wolfpack, we just wish they would play like they mean it!

So let's make some pretty cards and give them to people we love! That makes me feel better!

Stamp: Melinda Blowing Kisses by Whiff of Joy
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Regal Rose, Creamy Carmel, PTI SS White, Basic Gray Bittersweet dp
Accessories: CB embossing folder, Copic markers, Twill, misc. flower, misc. button, stamping dimensionals

No Fair!

2009-01-12T20:08:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I think there's just not enough stamping time, could never be enough stamping time. I am so happy to have the chance to ink up Stamping Bella stamps that I haven't used yet. And now Emily has released a whole batch of new stamps. Have you seen them? They are nothing short of wonderful! And, here I am with so many other wonderful stamps that I haven't used yet.

That's why sketch chellenges make me happy! I can use a stamp I haven't used yet! Here is No Fair Girl by Tiddly Inks. And you know what? It's no fair that I can't stay home from work until I've made enough cards to use the rest of un-inked stamps! Hmph.

Stamp: No Fair Girl by Tiddly Inks for Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Certainly Celery, Brocade Blue, PTI SS white, Sandy Lions dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilites, SU Punches, Stamping Bella bonbon, stamping dimensionals

Candy Colors

2009-01-08T06:46:00.002-05:00

This card was meant to be! I knew I wanted to use my new wooden organic flowers from Stamping Bella on a card, so I looked at them first when I was planning the color challenge. I thought they match this cute new adhesive ribbon I bought, so I put them together. Then, once I decided to pull out one of my very favorite Chichiboulie stamps, Twinkle Fairy, I knew that I could also use my new "Bibbity, Bobbity, Boo" stamp from Ellen Hutson. Oh, don't you love it when a plan comes together?

For this week's color challenge, I'm challenging the sistahs to use Barely Banana, Tempting Turquoise, Only Orange, and Chocolate Chip. CTMH colors are Sunkiss Yellow or Buttercup, Crystal Blue or Breeze, Orange, and Chocolate.

For an added twist, I'm asking each sistah to go back into the Stamping Bella archives and use one of Jamie's excellent sketches when she designs her card. Jamie has done 62 sketches, can you believe it? She is awesome! You can find many of her great designs on the Stamping Bella Challenge Blog. I chose BSC #22.

Stamp: Twinkle Fairy by Chichiboulie for Stamping Bella, sentiment by Ellen Hutson
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Tempting Turquoise, Only Orange, Barely Banana, Chocolate Chip, and PTI SS White
Accessories: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, CB embossing Folder, Adhesive ribbon, Stamping Bella Wooden organic flowers, misc. seed beads, SU Punch

Fluffy and Filled With Hope

2009-01-07T20:39:00.002-05:00

I have always loved dandelions. For years, snapdragons were my favorite flower. I love them because they come in so many beautiful colors, they're just so pretty. Now, I think I love gerbera daisies more than any other flower. But, there's just something about a puffy dandelion. It's so much fun to pick them and make a wish.

What's your favorite flower?

Stamps: Matilda with Dandelion and bench by Magnolia stamps, sentiment by Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Chocolate Chip, PTI SS white, misc. dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, SU Punches, Stamping Bella dots, stamping dimensionals

Slow Down...

2009-01-05T21:18:00.004-05:00

I have so many favorite Bella images and Yertle is definitely one of them. I have used it a dozen times, but I still love to get it out. Tonight, I decided to cut up this wonderful Daisy Bucket Designs paper and piece Yertle together. It's so hard for me to cut into some pieces of dp, do you have that problem? I want to use them, but I want to save them too. Decisions, decisions.

Did you see my new picture? What do you think of these beautiful girls? They are my nieces and my sister took this photo of us while we were on the beach after Christmas. We had such a wonderful time, they are the best girls. I have lots of fun stories I could bore you with, but here is my favorite...we had MP3 players for the girls, little tiny 2 mg ones. I had taken them out of the packaging and loaded some music on them. So, my 9 year-old niece took hers out of the gift bag and said, "Oh, thank-you, thank-you!" She was so excited. I said, "Do you know what that is?" and she said, "I have absolutely no idea." That made me laugh. She was really happy when she knew what it was! :)

Hope your Monday was a happy one. One day of our five-day work week down...four to go. Hang in there! Thanks for stopping by the blog.

Stamps: Yertle and sentiment by Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Mellow Moss and Blush Blossom, PTI SS White, Daisy Bucket Designs dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, Nestablities, CB embossing folder, SU Punch-outs, SU punch, stamping dimensionals

CASEing Jane

2009-01-03T08:34:00.003-05:00

Happy Saturday! The weeks have been so strange lately. Next week will be a big shock--five day work week! Yikes! My system will not know what to do.

The first Saturday of the month brings Stamping Bella's favorite stamper challenge. I love this challenge so much because it gives us a chance to show some attention to one of our sistahs. Of course, she wins a $20 credit to the Stamping Bella store, but I think the attention is the really fun part! I get so excited about this one!

Today's favorite stamper is Jane, or jbracht! When I saw her pink and brown Grumpabella card, I just knew that I had to get Alexis' Bad Hair Day out and make a pink and brown card of my own. I did some paper piecing, because I love putting stripes on Alexis' robe. Then I followed Jane's sketch to put my card together. I hope she likes it! Have a great Saturday!

Stamps: Alexis' Bad Hair Day by Tiddly Inks for Stamping Bella, sentiment by Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Close to Cocoa, PTI SS white, misc. dps
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, SU Punches, stamping dimensionals, misc. ribbon, Stamping Bella bling

Master of the Cupcake!

2009-01-01T08:26:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year! I can hardly believe that it's 2009 already. Wow, I can't believe how fast the years go by as I get older.

For this week's color challenge, I have pulled out an oldie but goodie. This is a look that I play with eveyr once in a while, but I still can't decide if I like it or not. When I saw PTI's new Raspberry Fizz, I knew that I wanted to try it again. So, we're trying a monochromatic look this week. Just choose a color and make a card!

For the added twist, I've challenged the sistahs to incorporate a New Year's resolution into their design. I think it will be a great chance for us to share something about ourselves with our sistahs. I can't wait to see what they come up with!

Stamps: CupcakeaBella by Stamping Bella, SU flower
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, PTI Raspberry Fizz
Papers: PTI Raspberry Fizz, dp, and SS white
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, liquid applique, Stamping Bella dot, stamping dimensionals, PTI Raspberry Fizz ribbons, su punches

Happy New Year to you and thank-you so much for visiting the blog!

Such an Honor

2008-12-29T21:26:00.002-05:00

I've received an award from Chichiboulie. I love visiting her blog--such a sweet person! But, more than her blog, I love using her stamps. Have you seen them? They're available from Stamping Bella. Her latest creations are the Bitty Blooms and I love them! Check them out!

According to the rules, I'll need to choose 7 blogs to nominate for this award so I can pass the honor on. Oh my! I will have to think about this for a bit. There are so many wonderful blogs to love! I have some ideas, so I wll take care of this soon. In the meantime, thank-you for this honor, Gretchen!

Thanks for stopping by!

Back in the Saddle!

2008-12-29T21:17:00.002-05:00

Don't get me wrong. I love everything about the holidays and being at the beach, but I am so happy to be stamping again! This card is for Bella Sketch Challenge #61. I wanted to use one of my too-cute new Huggabuggs from Tiddly Inks and, with Christmas cards and thank-you notes, I have been sending more snail mail than email lately, so I chose this darling Snail Mail Huggabugg. Giggle-worthy, for sure!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday! We certainly did but, like I said, I'm glad we're all back here together too!

Stamp: Snail Mail by Tiddly Inks for Stamping Bella
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Papers: SU Close to Cocoa, PTI SS White, Pebbles Inc dp
Accessories: Copic Markers, nestabilities, Stamping Bella baubles, dollar bin ribbon, stamping dimensionals