Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween everyone!! 

Here are some of the test tubes I made for the kids who were coming to our halloween party. 

I used Lisa Somerville's templates as a starting point. Unfortunately, we've had a virus going around the house this weekend, bringing spiking fevers of 103+ degrees, preventing us from having our HUGE Costume Party.

 The kids are VERY disappointed (Dylan showing his true feelings here), but still managing to have fun when they aren't lethargic on the couch. :-D I have more to share a little later on today. Have a great one!

Recipe:

Stamps: Waltzingmouse Stamps Midnight Feast, Wanda' s Pantry

Paper: PTI Cardstock Chartreuse, Orange Zest, Plum Pudding, Basic Grey Eerie 

Ink: Memento Bamboo Leaves, Tangelo, Rhubarb Stalk Tuxedo Black 

Embellies: PTI Buttons, twine, bakers twine, ribbon; CTMH Bitty Sparkles;  Kaiser Rhinestones Orange, Black;  SU Ribbon

October Stamp of the Month is almost over!

October Stamp of the Month is almost over! Place your order on my website OR contact me before tomorrow evening! And, as always, enjoy a 15% credit* towards your next order! 

Share the Magic (Set of 12)

Recommended Blocks: 1" x 1 1/2" (Y1001), 2" × 2" (Y1003), 3" x 3" (Y1006)

Want to join an exclusive club? Every month Close To My Heart offers you an exclusive My Acrylix^® D-size stamp set FREE or at a large discount. The stamp set is available to qualifying customers for that month only. It’s our way of saying thank you, and your way of getting fantastic deals on our amazing stamps!

Here’s how to get a fabulous deal on your very own Stamp of the Month!

You spend	You save	You pay only
$25	25% off	$17.21
$50	50% off	$11.48
$75	75% off	$5.74
$100	100% off	FREE

Need a catalog? Just contact me and I'll throw one in the mail for you. :-D Don't delay! It's time to make those holiday cards, tags and gifts!  Have a crafty day! :-D

SUP?

Welcome to our final day of sneak peeks and Blog Hop Challenges! Hopefully you've hopped over from Angela's blog.  If not, head on over to the TSG blog to begin today's hop. 

So far you have been enjoying samples made using some fall themed images but today is all about Snowy Days :)

 

Torico has been winning our hearts with her cute animals and this month she has done it again! Our favorite pooch from Puppy Love is all bundled up and ready for winter!! From Skiing and snowboarding to hanging out with a snowman pal, this adorable puppy will warm your heart just in time for the holidays.

Snowy Days is a 4x6 stamp set that includes a total of 17 of stamps and will sell for $15.

Here's a little card I made.  I love this adorable puppy snowboarding. Now, hopefully I won't get in trouble, but I just couldn't resist adding TSG on the bottom of the board! hee hee I stamped the snowflakes in PTI white ink on Kraft.  Added a little bling, ribbon and button. 
Would you like a chance to win the Snowy Days stamp set? Here’s what you need to do- go to each of the Trendsetter’s Blogs and leave a comment on their Snowy Days Blog Hop Challenge post. After you have finished checking out the eye candy and have left some love, return to the TSG Blog and add your name to the Mr. Linky at the bottom of this Blog Hop Challenge post. A winner will be chosen randomly using a random number generator to receive their very own Snowy Days stamp set. The winner will be announced Saturday (Oct. 30th) during the Release Party Chat.

Now on to Iwona's blog for more to see!

TSG Gobble! and In Stitches Blog Hop!!

Welcome back to another fabulous day of blog hopping! You should have arrived from Awesome Angela's blog. :-D  If not then head on over to the TSG blog to begin!

Today we are showing off not one, but TWO mini sets!! So grab your favorite beverage of choice and settle in for some crafty goodness :)

 

Just in the time for Thanksgiving! Torico has illustrated this fun and adorable Turkey that has a lot to say ;) Not only can he hold a sign designed to say 7 different sayings but he also has his glass and fork ready just in time for the big dinner.

Gobble is a 3x4 stamp set that includes a total of 13 of stamps and will sell for $7.

I love this stamp set! It is so cute and versatile.  I used Basic Grey's Pyrus paper, PTI cardstock, ribbons, button and twine.  I colored the turkey with Copics (E44,45,47,49 and BG10,72).

One of the biggest trends in stamping right now is using a sewing machine to stitch directly onto your hand stamped cards. While this technique gives a very detailed look, it can be a little frustrating trying to master! No worries, TSG is here with a quick and easy way to get that stitched look you love! This mini set not only has some beautiful silhouette border images but it also includes two styles of stitching that will give you that stitched look you are after.

In Stitches is a 2x6 stamp set that includes a total of 7 of stamps and will sell for $7.

Here is my card using this super cute set:

I used this week's Fall-to-Layout 113 for a nice clean look.  I just love these colors, especially after crafting with fall and halloween colors this month.

Would you like a chance to win the Gobble! / In Stitches stamp sets? Here’s what you need to do- go to each of the Trendsetter’s Blogs and leave a comment on their Gobble! / In Stitches Blog Hop Challenge post. After you have finished checking out the eye candy and have left some love, return to the TSG Blog and add your name to the Mr. Linky at the bottom of this Blog Hop Challenge post. A winner will be chosen randomly using a random number generator to receive their very own Gobble! / In Stitches stamp set. The winner will be announced Saturday (Oct. 30th) during the Release Party Chat.

Your next stop is Iwona's blog.....better refill your glass, cuz she does LOTS of amazing artwork!

Have a great day and I'll see you tomorrow for day 3 of the hop!

TSG Bountiful Blessings Blog Hop Challenge

Welcome to day one of the TSG Blog Hop Challenges! All week long the Trendsetters will be giving you sneak peeks of the 4 brand new stamp sets that will be released Saturday evening after the Release Party Chat. Not only will you gain lots of inspiration by participating in these Blog Hop Challenges, but you could also have a chance to win the stamp set being previewed! Hopefully you've made it here from the talented Angela's blog.  If not, head back to the TSG blog to start!

With the holidays just around the corner, it is only natural to really think about all of the amazing blessings in your life. This beautifully illustrated set is perfect for creating cards to give to those in your life that bring you joy.

Bountiful Blessings is a 4x8 stamp set that includes a total of 18 of stamps and will sell for $18.

And here's a card using this beautiful set!

I used Jen's SFYTT sketch for this week and Speedy the Cat's Challenge to use Dies or Punches (I used my Spellbinders).  Click on the card to see it in more detail! :-D

 

Would you like a chance to win the Bountiful Blessings stamp set? Here’s what you need to do- go to each of the Trendsetter’s Blogs and leave a comment on their Bountiful Blessings Blog Hop Challenge post. After you have finished checking out the eye candy and have left some love, return to the TSG Blog and add your name to the Mr. Linky at the bottom of this Blog Hop Challenge post. A winner will be chosen randomly using a random number generator to receive their very own Bountiful Blessings stamp set. The winner will be announced Saturday (Oct. 30th) during the Release Party Chat.

The next stop on the Blog Hop Challenge is Iwona ! Happy Hopping!!

Baby Booties

Hey everyone! I've been needing to make some baby cards and figured tonight would be good to break up the orange, green, purple and black that has invaded my craft area. :) 

 I used a There She Goes stamp set called Bit of Stardust, PTI felt, buttons, twine, cardstock, die, impression plate, ink and a very simple layout.  I don't usually make baby cards too fussy.  Babies are just so simple, pure, innocent, aren't they? And here's the card:

Well, this is super quick, cuz I have lots to do.  My workshop for Sunday is full so I have to cut everyone's paper, put away another 15 boxes of "stuff", clean the house.....well, you get the picture. :-D 

Have a great weekend everyone! :-D

Witch's Brew

Hey everyone! Here's a card that I did for a few challenges today. (I took a break from unpacking.... :-D ) I built the card around this week's Pile It On Challenge - Halloween for Kids (I'm giving this card to my 11 year old Step-Daughter for Halloween) and  Color Throwdown #115.  I'm not all that great with color challenges so I'm trying to participate in at least one a week to get better.

 

The Cupcake Inspiration Challenge#81 is sweet this week too!

 

 And here's my card:

It's so much prettier in person.  I used Spica Pens on the stars and swirls of the "Witch's Brew" and a little more to highlight the socks and boots! :-D

 

And here are a few of the other challenges that I LOVE and am so honored to be able to participate in this week:

Marks Finest/Speedy's Friends - Stitching

Stampin' for the Weekend - Halloween

Stamp Something/Stamp Challenges - Halloween

Inktegrity - Halloween/Fall

Karber Monthly - Halloween Characters/Fantasy

Really Reasonable Ribbon - Halloween
Crazy4Challenges - Autumn/Fall
Inky Impressions - Anything Goes
Alphabet Challenge Blog - Y is for Yellow
Creative Cottage Challenge#25 - Halloween
Stampin' for the Weekend - Halloween

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Friendship Jar and Friendship Jar -Fall Fillers
Paper: Papertrey Ink Cardstock, Basic Grey Max & Whiskers
Ink: Copics (YR12,15,18,20; E17;Vo6,91,99;BV01,13; G0000;BG11); Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Zva Crystals
Other: Spellbinders Oval, Scalloped Oval Nesties; Papertrey Ink Impression Plate; Janome Sew Mini

Kitty playing dress-up!

Hey everyone! The week has started and I've made just the cutest card to start the week off right. Sandra's bringing us a color challenge this week on the There She Goes blog.  

 Seems to be a popular color scheme this time of year, eh?! And Trudy over at Really Reasonal Ribbon posted that I should enter in their blog challenge Halloween with ribbon so Voila! So I broke out the new There She Goes Cattitude set which includes a sweet Kitty dressed in her Halloween costume. And here's my card:

I used a Spica Pen to highlight her bow and hat ribbon, but you have to look very, very close. :-D

Would you like to win $5 to spend at the TSG store? Then go on over to the TSG blog for all the details! See you there!!

Happy Fall!

Hey everyone....happy fall!! Well I am busy making lots of craft fair items and made these awesome felt flowers for lots of projects.  I am so excited about Kazan's sketch this week over at 2S4Y and the DT challenge! 2 challenge participants that get to be on this talent-filled Design Team?! Wowzer!! Here's the sketch:

And here's my card:

 I am so loving all the colors here in WA state, so I wanted to mimic them in a card.  In honor of my first challenge entry over at A Passion for Papertrey, I used Papertrey Ink products including the Woodgrain Impression Plate which I LUV! 

The flower is made withTerracotta Tile and Ripe Avocado felt die cut with the Beautiful Blooms 2 #3 die and Delightful Dahlia Die for the leaves.

Well, back to the craftin' table!  Hope y'all have a great day!

Bite Me!

Bwahahahaha!! I LUV that saying and couldn't believe it when I saw the phrase in the newly released TSG Hauntingly Delightful stamp set!  Over on the There She Goes Blog, this week's trendsetter, Piali, has challenged (TSG76) us to make a card with the following recipe:

1. Kraft card base

2. Black and white with a touch of color 

3. dry embossing

So here's my card:

 

I used the sketch from Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge-88 but turned it sideways.

And here's the inside:

To be eligible for the TSG giveaway, you are to create a card that uses Piali's recipe then go to the TSG Blog to add your name and a link to your project in the Mr Linky that is located at the bottom of the challenge post. The challenge is open until the winner has been announced on the following Monday (10-18-2010). The winner will get a $5 gift certificate to use in the TSG Web store! TSG stamps are not required to participate in the challenges but are appreciated :)

By participating in this challenge, you may also find yourself in the Trendsetting Spotlight that shines on the TSG Blog every Thursday. We will be on the look out to find challenge cards that stand out and show Trendsetting qualities. That's it for now...have a crafty day!

Card Recipe:

Stamps:There She Goes Hauntingly Delightful, HSH Halloween Additions

Cardstock: PTI

 Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: CTMH eyelets, PTI ribbon

Other: PTI rick-rack die, SU embossing folder (courtesy of Ashley, my SU demonstrator extrordinaire! thx girl)

 

Mercy Me! Did I make it in time?

Just a quick post trying to squeeze in Mercy's sketch this week - MTSC94...did I make it Mercy?

I embossed some images from this CTMH gorgeous stamp set called Childhood Portrait and papers from October Afternoon's Thrift Shop.  The little pearls are from CTMH as well, the new Licorice Opaques.  LOVE THEM!!

 I just finished hosting a two day crop here in the studio and I sure am exhausted! In trying to put together our calendar, we've realized that we've not got many weekends together before Riley deploys.  Lots to do I tell ya! Enjoy the rest of your weekend! :-D

TSG Stampbook Saturday - Aim For the Clouds

Hey, Happy Saturday y'all! Today's my last day as hostess over at the There She Goes Blog. 

For Stampbook Saturday, I decided to revisit one of the very first cards I ever made using There She Goes Stamps. The colors I used in the original card are this weeks colors at the Colour Q too so all the more reason to make a new project with these gorgeous colors!!

The set I fell in love with is called Aim For the Clouds.  So I dusted off my 12x12 cardstock and made this layout. The picture is a 5x7.

 I substituted the tag for the mountain image from the stamp set, because it so reminds me of the beautiful Lake Cushman which is nestled in the Olympic Mountains. 

I added journaling is below the photo, cuz you know that journaling is the most important part of a layout, well next to the photo that is..... :-D 

I've so enjoyed being the hostess at TSG this week! Thanks everyone for all the love, and have a terrific weekend!

Dollar Find Friday at TSG - Stamped Tea Lights

Well hey everyone....I'm sharing my Dollar Find Friday over at the There She Goes Blog. It's a fun, easy and inexpensive project for the holidays! I found a bag of tea lights at the Dollar Store and decided to punch them up a notch with a little stamping.

First, I assembled my tools:  Tea lights, Tissue Paper, Circle Punch or Nesties, Stamps (HSH Halloween Additions, Hauntingly Delightful), ink, scissors or silent setter, heat gun. (Optional: glitter and  1/2" x 5 1/2" strips of patterned paper to cover tin)

Next, I stamped my images on the cut out tissue paper circles.  You can use Copics, but be careful to just touch the tissue paper lightly as the copic ink moves fast.

Punch a slit for the wick to pass through in the center of each circle.

Place tissue paper over tea light.  Heat with the heat gun until the wax covers the tissue paper.  It looks similar to heating embossing powder.  The image becomes shiny and you know you are finished.  

*TIP: Do not over heat the tea light.  The wax will flow over the sides of your tea light.  It's not a huge deal, but you want that wax to stay on top of your image as much as possible. 

I covered the tin part of the tea light with patterned paper strips and VOILA! Instant party favor, decoration, or gift. Hope you enjoy your weekend!

Caution: These are just for display.