Pumpkins on a Vine Blog Hop Challenge

Hey everyone! Welcome to the last day of There She Goes "sneak peek" Blog Hop Challenges. If you're hopping with us, you should have come from Christine's amazing blog.  If not, you can begin the hop over at the TSG blog!

It’s almost time for the seasons to change and Torico has illustrated some adorable little girls just in time for autumn! The images in this set were sized so that they can also be used with other stamp sets from Torico’s line for even more versatility.  Oh my goodness, is there ANYTHING Torico cannot do?! I am so in love with all of these stamps...CA-UTENESS!! 

Pumpkins On A Vine is a 4x6 set that includes a total of 15 stamps and will sell for $15.

I used some new CTMH fall papers, die cut some labels, fall leaves and a medallion. I just love how fall is all about layers and wanted to evoke that feeling on my card.  I colored the girl with Copics and paper pieced her dress.

 To get that same misty feeling as the DP, I used my Air Compressor and Copics in 3 different colors on the sentiment panels.  A few embellies and Vintage Seam Binding complete the card. This is one beefy card! No regular envelope for this one!

I used the bottom row elements from this week's Crazy 4 Challenges C4C101.

Would you like a chance to win the Pumpkins On A Vine stamp set? Here’s what you need to do- go to each of the Trendsetter’s Blogs and leave a comment on their Pumpkins On A Vine 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 Pumpkins On A Vine stamp set. The winner will be announced Saturday Aug. 27th during the Release Party Chat.

Now hop on over to Danielle's amazing blog for more goodness!

Get Your Thong On Blog Hop Challenge

 ***You can find my blog candy post HERE***

 Hey everyone!  It has been a busy summer, hasn't it?!  With every new summer comes a new pair of "Thongs"!  Where I come from, we call 'em flip flops, but I'll go with "thongs" cuz it's a bit more cheeky, isn't it?! :D Hopefully you've arrived from Christine's gorgeous blog.  If not, you can start the hop at the TSG Blog.

 

 Melyssa will have you giggling at this mini set that features fabulous flip flops and sassy sentiments! These ‘thongs’ are perfect for coloring, paper piecing, creating backgrounds and so much more. This mini set will be the perfect addition to your summer stamp collection!

 Get Your Thong On is a 2x6 set that includes a total of 11 stamps and will sell for $7.

I love this stamp set!! It is adorable and cheeky and fabulously reasonable at $7!!!  This really is such summer fun.  I used the fab Lauderdale paper from Basic Grey. Buttons from PTI and CTMH. Bling from CTMH. Twine from RibbonCarousel.com. I'm using this card for the Ribbon Carousel Challenge this week too.


Would you like a chance to win the Get Your Thong On stamp set? Here’s what you need to do- go to each of the Trendsetter’s Blogs and leave a comment on their Get Your Thong On 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 Get Your Thong On stamp set. The winner will be announced Saturday July 30th during the Release Party Chat.
Now hurry, you don't want to miss anything, so hop on over to my fabby friend Danielle's!

July TE Key Ingredients Gift Box with Magnets Peek!

If you're looking for my BLOG CANDY POST click HERE!!

Hey everyone! It's my first post for Taylored Expressions July Key Ingredients Kit.  I was so excited to get the Kit in the mail!! It is packaged perfectly and has surprises throughout!

I am a HUGE fan of ribbon and twine, and this month's kit is chock full of both!! My best friend's birthday is next month, so I thought I'd make her a fabulous gift of Refrigerator Magnets in a cute Tin, and get it in the mail early.(I know *gasp* at the whole early concept, right?!)

Head on over to the TE KI Blog for step by step instructions on how to make these adorable magnets!

The twine came in the kit too! Oh yeah, this kit is full of goodies!! 

Want more inspiration? Be sure to visit the KI Inspiration Blog.  You can find July's Inspiration cards by the KI DT with step by step instructions along with projects and cards from past months too.


If you're not yet a subscriber, I hope you'll consider joining us! Take a peek around here at the Key Ingredients blog and you'll find all the information you need to know about our kit club! Click here to learn more about subscribing or click here for our FAQ page!

Thanks so much for sharing my first Key Ingredients DT post with me, and be sure to stop over at the Key Ingredients Blog when Lea will have more goodness to inspire!

TSG Blossom by Blossom Challenge Blog Hop

It's the last day of TSG's blog hop challenges!  Are you ready for another Torico-illustrated character set? I hope so, because we are in love with her latest release that showcases sweet little ladies enjoying the pleasures of spring along with some of their favorite spring creatures and blooms.

Blossom By Blossom is a 4X8 stamp set that includes a total of 22 stamps and will sell for $18.

I had to use some of my favorite spring paper by My Minds Eye (Tickled Pink) .  I just love these colors, and this stamp set is so amazingly adorable...every image and sentiment is lovely.  I used this week's Mojo Monday 188 sketch. 

Would you like a chance to win the Blossom By Blossom stamp set? Here’s what you need to do- go to each of the Trendsetter’s Blogs and leave a comment on their Blossom By Blossom 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 Blossom By Blossom stamp set. The winner will be announced Saturday (Apr. 30th) during the Release Party Chat.

Hopefully you arrived from Christine's fabulous blog.  If not, you can start the hop over at the TSG blog.  Now head on over to Pickles, errr....I mean, Danielle's dandi-licious blog to continue on the hop! And don't forget to join us release night Saturday.

It's A Small, Small World: Copic Face/Skin Color Chart

Hey everyone!! When I was a toy manufacturer/designer, mine was one of the first companies to come out with institutional multi-cultural plush (aka..puppets and dolls with different skin colors for daycares and hospitals). This was a big deal!  People laughed, whispered, gaffed.  Then another company came out with skin color crayons. And soon, everything was multi-cultural! It was so wonderful!!

So I made a little chart of my favorite combinations of skin color.  Some of them are slight in difference. I think as I am now getting better and better at coloring (my Kindergarten teacher would be so proud), these are the differences that bump the artwork up a notch. You can click on the pic to make it bigger.  To save, right click and "save as" on a PC.  I will also leave it in the "Copic" tab here on my blog.

I opted not to do hair with the skin.  I will put up another chart for hair next month.  Well, that's it for me today.  Please let me know what you think. :D

P.S. (I loved those crayons so much I hoarded them and wouldn't even let my son color with them.  I know, warped.)

Color Matching SU, CTMH and Memento Inks with Copics

Hey everyone! Today I am going to share a few charts with you that help me choose my Copic colors.  This is a long post with lots of pictures so grab a drink and let's get started!

The perfectionist in me won't allow for a mismatched color so I have acquired all of the current inks sold by Stampin' Up, Close to My Heart and Memento.  After completing the Copic Certification Class, Riley surprised me with all of the Copic Sketch markers except in the greys, which was every other marker. (I will confess that I don't like that minor limitation, so I ordered the rest of the greys and pre-ordered the 12 Soon-to-be-released Copics that Marianne blogged about recently. :D )

These two charts show you how I match each Memento ink to it's corresponding Copic.

 You can see that I stamp each ink on the cardstock that I normally use to create with Copics. (Currently PTI Stampers Select White, but I have recently ordered MFT's Perfect Paper Panelsand the The Blending Card from X-Press It to try). I add a scribble of each Copic that I think might match.  Then I walk away to let the inks dry thoroughly. 

Both the inks and the Copics can "settle" and change color slightly, so I have found that if I put the project aside for a while, I have a more accurate match in the end.  Most of the time, there will be a perfect or near-perfect match.  Every once in a while though, there will be a color that you have to mix.  I notate the mix with a "plus" sign. 

Here are my swatch cards for Stampin' Up's newest color collection...

...and Close to My Heart's colors.  Sometimes, I will 2nd and 3rd generation stamp the ink so I can really see what the underlying colors are in an ink.  You can get a better feel for the color composition this way.

I am updating my spreadsheets and will add them to the "Copics" box at the top of my blog some time in the next week. Hope this helps!  Have a great day everyone!!

Holiday Wreath

I'm so excited about all the new There She Goes releases from Saturday.  We had a blast at the release party. Now that everyone's in full holiday card-making mode, it seems like the perfect time to share some creations using the new sets.

Here is beautiful wreath designed by Chris Dark in the new set Seasons Greetings.  I just love EVERY image in it!

I broke out some Webster's Pages DP and colored my wreath with Copics. This cardstock is not the best so I had a little bit of bleeding, but the card turned out pretty all the same.  So here's the inside using a sentiment and the smaller wreath from the set...I messed up a bit on the placement, but hey, looks truly hand-made that way doesn't it?!

 I'm entering this card into the following challenges:
Papercutz Challenge#69-Anything Goes
Creative Belli Challenge#105-R Embellies
Sew Many Cards Challenges #34 - Red and Green
Simple Doodles Challenge #31 - Cute As A Button 
I Did It Creations Challenge #31- Surprise Me
Stampin' B's Design Team Challenge #86-Holiday Card

Have a great day y'all and come back tomorrow for some more eye candy! Am I at 100 subscribers yet?? Hmm...wonder what kinda blog candy I'll be offering?! Hee hee

TSG83 Cards 4 Kids

 This week's challenge is brought to us by our wonderful Trendie, Christine! She has challenged us to create a card for a child/kidlet/young person etc :). This can be anything from birthday cards to something to slip into their lunchbox before they head off to school. Use your imagination and have fun! 

 Here is a birthday card using the newly released set Wrapped In Joy. I love this set!!!  I used Basic Grey's Sugar Rush paper, PTI ribbon, Z1148 Pretty Pins and Z1263 Bitty Sparkles from CTMH.

 and here's the inside.  I sponged Cantaloupe Memento Ink around the inside of my oval Spellbinders die.

 

To be eligible for the giveaway, you are to create a card for a child 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 this challenge post. This challenge is open until the winner has been announced on the following Monday (Dec. 6). The winner will get a $5 gift certificate to use in the TSG Web store!

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. TSG stamps are not required to participate in the challenges but are appreciated :)

You do not need to have a blog to be able to participate in the TSG Challenges! You can simply add the URL link from your project after it has been uploaded to your online craft gallery. If you upload your card to an online craft gallery, please use the keyword TSG83 so we can check out your beautiful work!

Have a great day and I'll see everyone tomorrow!

TSG82 and a sneak peek of the this week's new release!

Hey everyone! Happy TSG Release week! We have a fantastic week lined up for you that includes sneak peeks of the soon to be released stamp sets, challenges and give aways!! But first we have this beautiful color combo for you to play with while you are waiting for the official Release Day to get here :)

I am uber giddy tonight since I'm sneak peeking a new There She Goes stamp set that will be released this Saturday. The DT will blog hop this particular set on Thursday....and that's all I'm allowed to say. (*lips sealed*)

 EDITED: I am honored to be one of the Top 3 at Paper Play Challenge Week 46!!

I am CASEing this card by this week's featured stamper (FS198) over on SCS ...CriminalGrace ...aka Sarah.  And of course, this week's Pile It On challenge is Winter means (PIO#46)...

Other challenges that I am entering with this card:
Fresh Brewed Challenge #23:Show Off Your Style (I'm lovin' this new CAS style)
Paper Play Challenge Week 46: Let It Snow 
Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge #12:Christmas Theme
Anything Challenge - Let It Snow
Stampin B's - Snowflakes
Stampin For The Weekend - Winter
ABC Christmas - X is For Xmas
Hodge Podge Shop - Anything Goes
ABC DT - Sewing

Have fun with these gorgeous colors and we can’t wait to see how you use them!!

To be eligible for the giveaway, you are to create a card that uses the provided color combo 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 this challenge post. This challenge is open until the winner has been announced on the following Monday (Nov. 29). The winner will get a $5 gift certificate to use in the TSG Web store!

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. TSG stamps are not required to participate in the challenges but are appreciated :)

You do not need to have a blog to be able to participate in the TSG Challenges! You can simply add the URL link from your project after it has been uploaded to your online craft gallery. If you upload your card to an online craft gallery, please use the keyword TSG82 so we can check out your beautiful work!

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

TSG75 Color Challenge Hostess

Hey everyone! I am this week's Trendsetter over at There She Goes Clear Stamps!! WOO HOO!!!

I picked some Halloween colors for this week's Monday Challenge...

to get in the Halloween spirit! And what better way than to show off the fabulous new set called Hauntingly Delightful.  Of course, I always assume that neutrals are staples for any card and got to craftin'! I'll be adding cards each day, so DON'T miss it!  Here's today's bit of fun:

and of course I showed you the close up of that fab lil' bat above that I colored with Copics (N3, N5, N7). I added a little Basic Grey's Eerie Paper, PTI cardstock and ribbons and the cutest brad by Recollections that I found at Micheal's.

To be eligible for the giveaway, you are to create a card that uses the colors provided then go to the TSG Blog to add your name and a link to your project in the InLinkz that is located at the bottom of this challenge post. This challenge is open until the winner has been announced on the following Monday (Oct. 11). The winner will get a $5 gift certificate to use in the TSG Web store!

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. TSG stamps are not required to participate in the challenges but are appreciated :)

You do not need to have a blog to be able to participate in the TSG Challenges! You can simply add the URL link from your project after it has been uploaded to your online craft gallery. If you upload your card to an online craft gallery, please use the keyword TSG75 so we can check out your beautiful work!

Have a crafty day! :-D

Intro to Copics Course

 Hey there! Sorry for the absence the past few days.  The moving van arrived from NY and it is a DISASTER in here!  lol  We have friends showing up tonight to help us move a few pieces of furniture and then I can finish putting things away.  The nice thing is...I haven't seen my things in 6 months so it's like getting lots of new things all over again. hee hee

Anyhow, here is the newest class I have scheduled.  If you are interested in taking a class or attending a crop, please join my MeetUp group. Here are the course details:

Intro to Copics Course

Would you like to learn all about the newest craze in paper crafting? During this course, we will cover all of the basics including color selection, blending, shading, highlighting, air brushing.

The $70 course fee includes the following:

• 10 Copic Ciao markers
• 1 blending pen
• 12 sheets of cardstock
• instruction and use of studio supplies

Space is limited to 8 so don't delay in securing your spot!

First Day of School, First Day of School!

Remember when Nemo says that at the beginning of the movie? Oh, I just LOVE that flick! Speaking of LOVE, I LOVE this new stamp set called Believe In You from There She Goes Clear Stamps!This week is the first week of school for my Aunt Sheila, so to celebrate, I combined a few challenges and voila......

 I used the sketch (by Mercy) for Flutterby Wednesday's #120 Birthday Challenge , The Pink Elephant's "Back to School" Challenge TPE83, W plus 9's Color Cue {7} Challenge and Pile It On's "Pile On the Layers" Challenge! :-D

I die cut the white cardstock and cork with PTI's Notebook die.  Then stamped the girl masking off the line she is normally drawing, then masked her to add the chalkboard.  Her dress is paper pieced with PTI Pure Poppy Bitty Dot Paper.  I used my copics to finish coloring.

 Look at this lil' chalkboard! Isn't it the cutest!!

The inside was finished off with a sentiment and the whole chalkboard from the Believe In You stamp set.  

 And here's the finished card.....

Well, I'm off like a dirty shirt (another movie quote, this one's from "Pretty in Pink").  Happy Crafting everyone! :-D