THANKFUL...

Oh how thankful I am to have a space to share and to be shared with. Thank you all for your support and encouragement!!!

HUGS,


CARD DETAILS:
Clear Dollar Stamps Tag Frames
CDS Sweet Friends
DCWF Cardstock
Cuttlebug Ebossing Folder
Copic Markers
Palette Ink


By the way... THE NEW RELEASE STAMPS ARE NOW AVAILABLE OVER AT CLEAR DOLLAR STAMPS!!! HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

One MORE Day to Go!!!

One more day to go until all the new debut stamps will be available at Clear Dollar Stamps. Here's a few more of my preview samples made with the upcoming "Country Bridges" set. This collection has two country bridge scenes with four autumn background accompany stamps and the phrase, "Country Heritage". This set totally reminds me of my husband's family. It's their style all the way.

I had fun coming up with a different combination of projects with "Country Bridges". It includes a frame, a card, and a wall decoration. The first project I did was the BIA (Bind-it-All) bracket chipboard frame. I used the protective insert that came with the BIA bracket chipboard packaging as the main stand. It's at least twice the thickness of a single cover and is very sturdy. Originally the frame was going to be a diorama card but I like this much better. Not only that, it includes a picture of my husband's grandparents which is a perfect match with "Country Bridges".



Next up was the card. My inspiration here were the DT challenges. I managed to squeeze in two challenges into one card (color challenge and to include a fuzzy element). Don't cha just love the flourish pipe cleaner corner pieces? I know I do!



The final "Country Bridges" sample was the autumn wall hanging. This one also incorporated the same two challenges as in the card. It might be hard to see in the photo so I thought I'd mention that the background includes the dry embossed lines that I made with my Scor-Pal.

Anyhow, I hope you like my addition to the design team projects. Each one reminds me of my upcoming move to Oregon. (That's where some of my husband's family lives.) How precious is my time left here in Barrow.

Blessings,


All the stamps used on these projects were from Clear Dollar Stamps.

Sneak-a-PEAK

Saturday is finally here and now I can share my Clear Dollar Stamp projects for the October new releases! YIP-EE!!!



What started this project out was the new Bracket Bind-it-All chipboard covers. I was quite thrilled when I found that CDS's carries these 5x7 treats in four different colors. Here I used the white bracket chipboard covers as my base with a combination of the new release stamps and a selection of fun Clear Dollar Stamps from my stash to create a cute Bible journal. Pond Pals with Christian Critters were a perfect compliment to the upcoming Harriette Hippo and Tag Frames stamps for this project. It's hard to capture all the sparkles and details in a photograph so I guess you all will just have to come up for a visit before we make the move to the Lower 48 to check out my new Bible journal!



Thanks for visiting me today. I hope to be blurfing over the weekend. Oh how I miss visiting all my favorite blogs. There are so many!

Big SMILES,




B.I.A. Bible Journal Details:
Clear Dollar Stamps Harriette Hippo,
Tag Frames, Pond Pals, & Christian Critters
Bind-it-All White Bracket Chipboard
Bind-it-All Silver Wire
SU! Cardstock
Basic Grey Designer Paper
Palette Ink, SU! Ink, & Versamark Pigment Ink
Perfect Pearls
Shimmer Chalks
Prismacolor Pencils
Copic Markers
Gelly Roll Pen
Crystal Lacquer
Sequin Flowers
Beads
Michael's Wedding Paper Flowers
Brads
TAC Hardware Buckle
Notecards
Regular Binder Paper
SU! Scallop Circle Punch
MS Punch
Cuttlebug Single Embossing Folder
TAC Hardware

BROKEN!

I can't believe I broke my Big Shot!!! Not only did it brake but it broke in the midst of my design team deadline. YIKES! Thankfully my best friend Laurie Serino lent me her BS (Big Shot) so I could continue working and I was thrilled to death when Sizzix sent me a replacement sprocket. I am happy to report that the part is in place and I am able to use my BS again!



Hey by the way, I know this is short notice but I am mentioning it any ways. Cammie is hosting a huge Heart to Heart Blog Candy drawing in support and celebration of World Alzheimer's Day. There are three requirements to be entered into her drawing. For the first one I am sending a card to my Mom. My Grandma lives with my Mom & Dad because of elderly dementia. Although we have had that diagnosis for sometime lately things have progressed pretty fast. I will be keeping my Grandma company in December while my Mom & Dad take a cruise. I hope she doesn't mind me and Ellie keeping her company. :-)

The second half is to look over the donating prize companies. LOVE them donating companies!!! And the final part is to mention the Heart to Heart Blog Candy on my blog. So hey, consider yourself filled in! Please remember to celebrate and pray for those effected by Alzheimer's including their caregivers.

To get your entry in go to: Cammie's (Carolyn King) Blog



CARD DETAILS:
Clear Dollar Stamps Timeless Labels &
Cherish
Paper Scraps from Miss Elizabeth
Palette Ink
Ribbon Flowers from Michael's
Cuttlebug Embossing Mini folder
MS Punch
SU! Scallop Circle Punch
Creative Memories Circle Punch

Wednesday AGAIN...

Yikes! Time is flying and it's hard to believe that it's already Wednesday again! My Clear Dollar Stamp samples for next month release are finally done and so ready to be shared. I can't wait!!!!

For those that are wondering we are moving to Southern Oregon. It will be a new adventure for us and I hope to have lots to share. I know it's not as exotic as the arctic... Which makes me wonder if I should consider a new blog title? I wonder if "Inkcicles" would be appropriate for Oregon as it has been for Barrow, Alaska?



Anyhow, here's a couple of cards that I haven't shared yet. They're part of a card order that I need to complete. The coloring technique for these cards is watercoloring with Tombow markers. I've made some similar cards in the past with the same stamps and papers and I really liked how they turned out. I perused through my paper scraps and was able to come up with these simple designs. Not only that keeping the layouts plain helps make the vibrant colors of the images jump off the paper.

Thank you for visiting me again today. It's nice to be able to have a place to share and to come to meet other stampers from all over.
:-)

Have a blessed day!



CARD DETAILS:
Retired TAC Lighthouse Stamps
Sentiments from TAC & SU
Paper scraps from Basic Grey, DCWV, & CTMH
Palette Ink
Tombow Markers
Watercolor Paper
Silver Eyelets

A View from My Window...

Things sure have taken a turn in my life. My husband and I have decided that it's time to move back to the Lower 48. He's been praying about us leaving Barrow for a while now. As for me, I never thought that we would leave. Needless to say I've had to take a step back and trust God's leading. We put our house on the market and it sold within 24 hours of the first showing. Everything else has been selling too... furniture, car, etc. We anticipate being out of Alaska by the end of November. Big changes are underway...

On a stamping note, I will be organizing a sale of all the stamping supplies that wont' be moving with us. I'll probably have a local sale first and then post what remains here. I am still working on my designs for Clear Dollar Stamps to post this week. You can expect to see my samples by the end of the week. :-)

Yesterday as I was stamping my CDS samples I caught a snowy owl looking over me! Yep, perched on my neighbor's rooftop was a snowy owl. This was one of the few sightings that I've had all season. The last few summers there were many owls but this summer I barely saw any. Actually, last Friday was the first one that spied and even then I wasn't sure if it was one or not. Anyhow, there you have it... my peeping tom... a handsome snowy owl!

CDS Announcement!!!

Clear Dollar Stamps announced their open call for the next design team term! HOW exciting!!! You can see the full details on Laurie Wilson's blog Clearly Delightful. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DETAILS! They will be accepting applications between now and September 21st.

It thrills me to no end that I've had the privilege to be one of their guest designers for the last two months. It's been a blessing to get to be a part of their team and to get to know all the CDS ladies.

Just so you know, I haven't forgotten about you all... I am actually working on my CDS samples and a card order. It's hard not to post my samples right away but you'll have to wait until the 27th to sneak a peak.

Big SMILES,

Fresh & Fun... WSC57

It's been too long since my last sketch challenge card and even longer since it was one of Beate's Weekend Sketches. FOR SHAME! Anyhow, here it is already Sunday and I am just now posting my sketch inspired creation. I made it Friday night, goobered it up (as in totally messed it up) Saturday morning, and then completely fix it by Saturday night. I am so glad that my mistake was salvageable. It would of been so disappointing to have to throw it away and start all over again... especially since the liquid lacquer had fully dried! Thank you Beate for starting up your weekend challenges again and I hope to be able to many more in the future.

Hugs,




CARD DETAILS:
The Stamp Attic Eskimo Gal
& Sentiment from TAC (Retired)
Basic Grey Designer Paper
SU! & CTMH Cardstock
Palette Ink
Copic Markers
Prismacolor Pencils
Sakura Pen
Liquid Lacquer
Prima Flowers
Paper Trey Ink Lemon Tart Ribbon
Brads

Creative Space

Ever wonder what it looks like where I stamp? Here's your chance to take a peak into my space... my creative space. It looks so peaceful and inviting doesn't it? I can't wait to have the time to sit at my stamping table and be creative.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you are having a blessed day!

:-)

My Little SISTER...

Can't help but share/brag on my little sister!!! Today she was published over on Blissfully Domestic. Here's the link to her post: CLICK HERE.

And here's her bio as taken from Blissfully Domestic:
Cassandra Rae is an author, life coach, mother, and wife who goes on quiet walks with her camera to bring her hectic life back into peaceful focus. She lives with her husband, two teens, a three-legged cat, and the cutest Chihuahua who ever licked your toes. Yes, this provides her with a lot to photo and blog about, which you can check out at www.CassandraRae.com.

BIG SMILES,


PHOTO DETAILS:
"Light of Awareness" by Cassandra Rae

Wednesday ALREADY?

Be right back the dryer just stopped and I need to get the clothes out before they wrinkle...

Wednesday already?! I can't believe how time is just whizzing by. It just seems like yesterday that summer was still here. We didn't have much of a sunny summer but it's typical for Barrow to only have one or two really nice days all season. Now there is the smell of snow in the air and a chill nipping at my ankles. I say ankles because I have two pairs of cropped pants that I like to wear but now a days wearing them means that my ankles get numbingly cold. No fun having frozen ankles! ;-)





I hope you've had lots of inking time to let your creativeness roam free. I've had one good evening of stamping in the last week. This usually means that I've traded in my sleep for the simple pleasure of stamping. Anyhow I thought I'd share a tip with you. This is primarily for the newer stampers out there.

Distressed Edges
Distressing your paper edges is a simple way to complete the vintage look. This is an easy technique and here's how I do mine:

1) Ink paper edges with a sponge. I like to use two different shades of chalk or pigment ink and then top it off with a light layer of dark Palette ink.
2) Let dry. To speed dry set it under the air of your heat gun.
3) Use an aqua painter to dampen paper by running the tip of the aqua painter along the edges.
4) Finish off technique with your paper distressing tool. I have a pink one made by Heidi Swapp. If you don't have a commercial paper distressing tool you can swipe your paper carefully across the edge of your scissor blade.

The combination of the ink layering and paper softening makes the distressed edges look more jagged and authentic. Here's a card that I used this technique on and I hope you find it useful.

Smiles,





CARD DETAILS:
The Angel Company Ship Collage
Sentiment from Clear Dollar Stamps
Easter Blessings
DCWV Cardstock
Unknown Designer Paper Scraps
Palette Ink
Versa Magic Chalk Ink for Distressing
Satin Ribbon
Dew Drops

Oh BABY!

"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 19:14

Babies are the truest blessings from the Lord. It's with great joy that I made these cards for a client and as I create I can't help but pray for our families in the hope that they raise God fearing, God loving adults. I pray this for my children too.



There were so many different stamps and supplies used to make all these cards that I am skipping the "Card Details" section. If you have a question on a specific item or image please send me an email and I'll get back to you on what I used.

Smiles,




UPDATE ON MY BEST FRIEND:
I thank you all for your prayers said on behalf of my best friend. She is recovering from an emergency surgery and she sounded so much and like her old self when I talked to her last night. I can't wait for her to return to Barrow as we all miss her. Thank God for his mercies on my best friend's life.

What FUN!

I am enjoy coloring so much! Here's the perfect image to play with. It's a past stamp of the month set from The Angel Company. Since I have a limited amount of Copic Markers I've been blending Prismacolor pencils over the top to add more dimension. I am finding this technique very satisfying. Anyhow, time is short again for me tonight so I must end for now. I hope you've had a blessed week.

A special shout out to Beth Ann for being a huge blessing to me and my family. THANKS so much!!! :-)

Smiles,


CARD DETAILS:
Stamps from The Angel Company
Basic Grey Paper Scraps
Palette Ink
Copic Markers
Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol
Sakura Gelly Pen

Road Block?

I love this set of sentiments (Heaven Bound from Clear Dollar Stamps). It puts the focus of life on God and they go great with CDS's new set called "Cruisin' Classic". Here's the rest of my new release samples and I hope you like them.

:-)





CARD DETAILS:
Clear Dollar Stamps
Crusin' Classic
Heaven Bound
Basic Grey Designer Papers
CTMH Black Cardstock
Palette Ink
Atyou Glitter Pens
Copic Multiliner
Sakura Pen
Eyeletes
Prima Flowers
Button
Scrapper's Floss

Road Block?

More Freebies...

While I was blurfing a short while back I came across some more digital freebies. This set is called "Harmony" and is designed by Dawn. I love the soft and shimmery look of the butterflies and the rainbow sherbet colors. So sweet! I don't really know how to do the digital scrapbook thinkie so here's my best shot at pretending. Someday I am going to learn how to use PhotoShop so that I can really let my imagination loose.

On a personal note, my best friend is having some health concerns. Would you please join me in prayer for my BF. That's all I can share about her situation but if you do say a prayer for her I am sure God will know who you are mentioning.

THANK YOU!


PAGE DETAILS:
"Harmony" Designs by Dawn
Commercial Script
Software Programs:
Pages & iPhoto

Clear Dollar Stamps!

With the new month comes new stamps at Clear Dollar Stamps! Here's a couple more of my contributions of the new "Leaves" set. You can see the entire debut of the September new releases on the CDS's website.

CLICK HERE



Hey... don't forget about CDS's new shipping rates & Stamp of the Month (SOTM)!



CARD DETAILS:
Clear Dollar Stamps
"Leaves"
Basic Grey Cardstock
Cosmo Cricket Fleuriste DP
CTMH Cardstock
Palette Ink
Versamagic Chalk Ink
TAC & SU! Hardware
May Arts Sheer Polka Dot Ribbon
Eyelets