Digi Desktop - Shabby Princess

Don't forget to get the new digi desktop for May over at The Shabby Princess.

CLICK HERE!

See what I did for my desktop with the free download.

Just a Quickie...

Just a quick post... I made this card over the weekend with Amy R's Weekend Sketch. I can't believe that it's already Thursday. It went so fast!



Have a happy day!



CARD DETAILS:
Clear Dollar Stamps Silhouette Wishes
April SOM 2009
Basic Grey Designer Papers
Blank Notecard
Blue Cardstock
VersaMagic Chalk Inks
Prima Flower
SU! & Marvy Flower Punches
Cuttlebug Folders
Blingy Jewels

It's on the Inside

Have you ever made a card and realized that you didn't stamp a single thing on it? Once I started putting this one together I realized that it looked great just how it was without anymore of anything. My eye loves a clean design and the designer paper here was all that this card front could take. This left the inside blank and crisp ready for inking up. So that's just what I did... it's on the inside.

Smiles,


CARD DETAILS:
Clear Dollar Stamps
Blank Notecard
Leftover Red and Floral DP
Offray Red Ribbon
Orange Flower
Butterfly Sticker

It's That Time Again!

I am so sorry for being to late in posting this opportunity. Do you want to be a guest designer for Clear Dollar Stamps? Here's the posting for the May Guest Design call. CLICK HERE. The call challenge is open until April 30th at 4 pm.

It's also CD Stamps preview time too. You can find all the sneak peaks on these blogs:

Lori McCroskey
Laurie Wilson
Katie Rentz
Candy
Kim
Angela
Tori
Cassie

You don't wanna miss all the sneak peak postings! Too many fabulous cards and projects to be inspired from!

Smiles,

Happy MONDAY!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. We had lots to keep us busy and out and about. The best part of my weekend was being able to go to church. We've been sick the last two Sundays which kept us homebound and missing our usual fellowship. It was an extra special blessing to be at church this Sunday because one we got to hear some good preaching and two because the evening service was lead by the youth with more good preaching. It totally amazed and humbled me to see God's work in the surrendered live's of these teens. REALLY COOL!

On a stamping note, here's a card I made last week for my Mother-in-law. She is a real country girl that loves horses. Charlie from Clear Dollar Stamps is the perfect match anytime for her. She loved her birthday as much as I had fun putting it together.

So... what are your happy Monday blessings?

Smiles,


CARD DETAILS:
Clear Dollar Stamps Charlie Frolic & Monkey Madness
Basic Grey Eva Designer Papers
Blank Scalloped Note Card Pieces
Blank Notecard
Palette Black Noir Ink
Copic Markers: E51, E33, E57, W7, YG06
Double Sided Ribbon from CDS
Felt Flower from Making Memories
Butterfly Bead from Michaels

So if I owned a four-wheeler what color would it be? Yes, maybe a wild pink! Especially if it kept the bugs away and let me always be the driver. Va-Room!!!

TGIF,


CARD DETAILS:
ALL CDSTAMPS LLC STAMP SETS USED: Dirt Rides
CARDSTOCK AND PAPERS: Basic Grey Eva, CTMH Black Cardstock
INKPADS: Palette Black Noir Ink
COPIC MARKERS: E04, E71, RV13, BV23, BV29, R00, V95
ACCESSORIES AND EMBELLISHMENTS: Doodlebug Buttons, Karen Foster Stamper's Floss, CD Stamps Ribbon, Nestabilities Peonies Die, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

By the way, here's some useful information if you find yourself in woods. My mother-in-law forwarded it to me this morning and I thought I'd share. I've never had to deal with ticks until now. So far they have just been on our dog but I know it's bound to happen one of us someday soon. EEk!!!!

HOW TO REMOVE A TICK
Spring is here and the ticks will soon be showing in heads. Here is a good way to get them off you, your children, or your pets. Give it a try. Please forward to anyone with children... or hunters or dogs, or anyone who even steps outside in summer!!  A School Nurse has written the info below -- good enough to share -- And it really works!!I had a pediatrician tell me what she believes is the best way to remove a tick. This is great, because it works in those places where it's sometimes difficult to get to with tweezers: between toes, in the middle of a head full of dark hair, etc. Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for a few seconds (15-20), the tick will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away. This technique has worked every time I've used it (and that was frequently), and it's much less traumatic for the patient and easier for me. Unless someone is allergic to soap, I can't see that this would be damaging in any way. I even had my doctor's wife call me for advice because she had one stuck to her back and she couldn't reach it with tweezers. She used this method and immediately called me back to say, "It worked!"
 
Everyone needs this helpful info!

Boxed In?

Okay... I've started and restarted this post so many times! Have you ever had a hard time just starting something? That's me right now.



Little Ellie has been sick off and on this whole month. Yesterday we wound up at the clinic. I am so thankful to have a place that I can take her to be seen. I was even more thankful that her prescription was affordable too. Today Ellie is doing much better and she actually has an appetite! What a blessing! To top it off my husband has let me sleep in. I got up early with Ellie so to be able to go back to bed and rest late is a guilty pleasure (smiles x's two!). I was up by 9:15! Am I bad? ;-)



I hope your day is full of many blessings and that you find my card an encouragement.

Smiles,


Today's Verse:
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James 1:17

CARD DETAILS:
ALL CDSTAMPS LLC STAMP SETS USED: Cat-Tastic
CARDSTOCK AND PAPERS: Basic Grey Porcelain, Blank White Notecard
INKPADS: Palette Black Noir & Burnt Umber Ink
COPIC MARKERS: E31, E37, E47, E77, C1, C3, BG96, G99
ACCESSORIES AND EMBELLISHMENTS: Burgundy Silk Flower, Prima Flowers, Micro Silver Brads CD Stamps, Marvy Scallop Square Punch, Marvy Square Punch, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

Check it OUT!

Wanna see the mother load of BLOG CANDY? You can check it out on Debbie's blog, Passion For Crafts. CLICK HERE for the link.

Check it OUT!

Charliene Showers

Just one short week ago the weather here in the woods was cold and rainy. Not only that we woke to find a blank of snow one inch deep one morning. Boy is today so different from last week. A blue sky, sunshine, and a very warm breeze. So far I really haven't enjoyed it yet because I'm a big sissy. It's not the weather that's got me... it's the bugs! We have crawling bugs! Flying bugs! Shiny BIG bugs! Either way I find them all just plain yucky! After living in the arctic for a decade I've been totally sis-ified! Well, all I can say is that I did enjoy not having to live with bugs up in Alaska and now I'll just have to get used to my new home among the creepy crawlies. It shouldn't be that hard with lots of prayer. :-) Thanks for letting me share... where I was really heading when I started this post is to Spring showers.



The Spring showers here have definitely lead to them May flowers and another Charliene April Showers card made with Clear Dollar Stamps new release set. With this cute Charliene set you won't mind playing in this kind of rain.

I hope you are enjoying your day where ever you are.

Smiles,


April Showers Charliene
ALL CDSTAMPS LLC STAMP SETS USED: Charliene April Showers
CARDSTOCK AND PAPERS: Botanical Bliss Tinkering Ink
INKPADS: Palette Ink Noir Black & Burnt Umber, Versa Magic Chalk Ink Turquoise
COPIC MARKERS: Y11, Y15, YR04, E21, E33, E37, E57, W3, C1; Spica Pens Silver & Gold, Multiliner Black
ACCESSORIES AND EMBELLISHMENTS: Crystal Lacquer, Cowboy Robin's Nest Dew Drops, Prima Flowers, Brads, Lace, Cuttlebug Folder, Remember When Scrapbook Plates

Dirt Rides - Clear Dollar Stamps

Have you seen the new Clear Dollar Stamps set called "Dirt Rides"? What a fun masculine/outdoor sports set! The main images are a dirt bike & four wheeler. It also includes the coordinating phrases like: "Ride On", "Off Road", and "Gnarly". Here's my first creation using this fun set. I had to dirty up my paper with the ink to make it look more outdoorsy. Oh what fun indeed!



Back in Barrow just about everyone had at least one running four wheeler. Riding a four wheeler in the arctic is not for the faint of heart that's for sure. SO COLD! The most practical use for four wheelers up there was for either getting yourself to and from work or to go out on the tundra hunting. Most often the kids would roam town on their four wheelers stirring up the dust. Here in Oregon for us right now the most practical use would be to go off road in search of downed trees for fire wood and for getting muddy. My husband wants one really bad. He envisions himself doing odds and ends around the property with it, hunting, and playing off road. For now he's gonna have to settle for owning this wonderfully fun "Dirt Rides" four wheeler from CD Stamps. This four wheeler is a whole lot less maintenance, gasoline free, and is within our budget. ;-)





CARD DETAILS:
ALL CDSTAMPS LLC STAMP SETS USED: Dirt Rides
CARDSTOCK AND PAPERS: Basic Grey Recess & Brown Textured Cardstock
INKPADS: Palette Ink Burnt Umber & Noir Black, Encore Gold Pigment Ink
COPIC MARKERS: Y06, Y11, BV23, C3, E57
PRISMACOLOR PENCILS: 941, 965
ACCESSORIES AND EMBELLISHMENTS: Colouzzle Alphabet Lower Case, We Are Memory Keepers Pewter Press Hardware, Creative Impressions Star Fasteners, Sewing Machine, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder
SPECIAL TECHNIQUES: Z-Fold Card with Sewing Machine Stitches

Tutorial - The Card Stand

I am having so much fun with Clear Dollar Stamps new Charliene stamp set. It's called "Charliene April Showers" and is only $7.99. She's cute and budget friendly! Gotta love it! Instead of making a traditional card I thought it would be interesting to try something different. This card folds into itself to display like a picture in a frame. I hope you like it.




THE CARD STAND
Disclaimer - I haven't take the time to check the internet for any other cards like the one that I am sharing today. If there is I just haven't seen it yet and I don't know it's "official name". Basically it's a variation of a z-fold card with tabs. I used Basic Grey's Notch & Die Cutting Tool to make the tabs. If you don't have this tool you could try substituting a circle Coulluzle template and blade to form the tabs.

INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Cut cardstock to 11" long x 4 1/4" wide to form the card base.
2) Score at 5 1/2", 8 1/4", & 10 3/4".
3) Fold on lines.
4) Place three half circle notches on what will become the card front. In my picture it's the side closest to the left and is the longest of the scored areas. I placed the notches at approximately 2" above the first scored line across approximately at 1/4", 1 3/4", and 3 1/4". You can eyeball the placement too which is the easiest way to do it and how I did it for my sample.
5) Design your card front and attach to the notched card base. Again this is the longest third of the scored areas.
6) Cut a matching piece of cardstock to 2" x 4". (This will become the area that you can stamp a second sentiment or write a note.)
7) Attach the 2" x 4" piece UPSIDE DOWN in the third scored area. (This is the space two over from the card front.)

TO DISPLAY:
1) Take the smallest scored end and slide the edges into the notches.
This should form the base and allow for the card to be propped up and displayed. Unfold the base and fold over to place in an envelope for mailing or gifting.

I hope that wasn't too confusing. If I lost you somewhere in the instruction and you need some help, please email me. I'd be happy give further clarification.

CARD DETAILS:
ALL CDSTAMPS LLC STAMP SETS USED: Charliene April Showers
CARDSTOCK AND PAPERS: Basic Grey Periphery, The Angel Company Textured Cardstock
INKPADS: Palette Ink Charcoal & Noir Black, Versa Magic Key Lime & Aegean Blue
COPIC MARKERS: Y06, 11, 17; C1,3,5; E21, 31, 57, 93; Black Multiliner
STICKLES: Silver & Crystal
ACCESSORIES AND EMBELLISHMENTS: Judikins Diamond Glaze, Marvy Liquid Applique Brown, Prima Flowers, Darce Bling Finishing Accent, Miscellaneous Ribbon (Unknown)
SPECIAL TECHNIQUES: Cardstand

Copic Fun!

Here's two simple cards that I put together this morning. I had colored the printed off images two days ago while Ellie took her afternoon nap and then left them on my desk. Unfortunately, I had to rescue the lady in red yesterday when Ellie found my colored images and foam pop dots. For only being two years old I was really surprised to discover that she had perfectly placed the pop dots on the back. It was the four on the front that I had a hard time getting off without any noticeable damage. Thankfully it all came out okay and now I have two fun cards to send to two of my favorite chickahs.

:-)

Don't forget about the new Copic Creations challenge site. Here's two more challenge cards featuring coloring faces/skin tones.





CARD DETAILS:
Images - Girls of the World
Downloaded from the internet.
Copic Markers
My Mind's Eye Designer Papers
Blank Notecards
Marvy Punches
MS Punches
Bling Jewels
Basic Grey Ribbons
Silk Flowers

Thank You Jacksonbelle Embellishments!

Thank you Jacksonbelle Embellishments! I love my goodies!

:-)

White on White

So... have you seen them yet? You know those cards that are white on white? What a concept! Can you make a card all white except for you main focal point? I wasn't sure if I could do but once I got started it went really fast. I had a harder time choosing what color to make the cat (my focal point).

After I finished my card I discovered that the white on white motif is this weeks Jacksonbelle design challenge. How cool is that? :-) I had originally saw the white on white design on the All That Scraps blog. Anyhow... here's my go at white on white. I can easily see wedding, anniversary, and sympathy cards done in this style. What do you think?

By the way, the images are part of a new release set over at Clear Dollar Stamps. It's called Cat-Tastic. Click here to right to go right to the CDStamps link. What a fun kitty set! :-)



Smiles,


CARD DETAILS:
Clear Dollar Stamps Cat-tastic
Blank Notecard
Rectangle Doily Dollar Store
Palette Ink Charcoal
Copic Markers: C1, C3, C5, C7
Spica Marker Black & Silver
Sakura Glaze Pen Black & Grey
I-Kan-dee Pearlescent Chalks
Krylon Glitter Spray
May Arts Polka Dot Sheer White Ribbon
Unknown Ribbon Scrap
Bella Pearl Baubble

Double Challenge Card

Have you been to the new Copic Creations Challenge Blog? They've posted their first challenge and it's a challenge indeed...coloring faces and skin tones. What's really cool is that they share samples and have links to Copic tutorials. I watched the video tutorials that Suzanne produced and was encouraged to go Copic coloring. I took an image that I had already colored and then redid him by adding highlights to give him some depth and interest. Since I had already colored my image I used my colorless blender to push the color away to reveal the paper underneath. In my opinion the highlights came out okay. It probably would of worked out better had I used a more appropriate cardstock and had started fresh with an image that wasn't already colored. I can see some uneven areas where the paper didn't take the color. It's weird that way!



After I had my little cowboy all Copic'ed up I had the perfect card in mind to make by using Amy R's Friday Sketch #56. I kinda ran out of space with the top three circle elements and had to settle for two circles instead. All in all the card came out hoedown fun. Oh by the way, Amy also has a video tutorial on how she does her Copic coloring. Here's the LINK. :-)

I hope your week is going well. Ours is off to another busy start. We did three loads of laundry yesterday. It's still hanging on the drying racks above our wood burning stove. It's quite a chore but I love the way is makes the living room smell. Clean laundry! Ahhh.... smells so good!

Smiles,


So... are you the least bit curious about the laundry drying that mentioned above? Here's a glance at what it looks like. Real glamorous haw? Please don't get me wrong. I am thankful to have a warm cabin to call home. What a blessing to be taken care of so well.

Mojo Monday Week 80

I can do sketch challenges all the time. I just never get tired of them. This time around I discovered the Mojo Monday site and decided to give their most recent sketch a try. I also chose to use this month's new Stamp of the Month set from Clear Dollar Stamps. It's called Silhouette Wishes April 2009 SOM. I just LOVE IT and I hope you LOVE IT too. :-)

You might note that lately I've been using many of the same papers with different projects. For the most part, I have been trying to be more frugal with my DP since my supply budget has disappeared. It's a perfect time to use up all those mounds of papers that I've been hoarding over the years. I think my worse problem is paper scraps. I have one box just sitting waiting for me organize and I just can't bring myself to get to it yet. (For shame!) That box is a mix of little stamped doodads and paper scraps. It's a mess. :-(

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. We had to drive down the mountain to Grants Pass and Medford for some necessary errands yesterday. It sure does make for a long day but in the end it's nice to get things done.



Speaking of getting things done... I haven't done any stamping over the last couple of day. I wonder if that's why I'm so cranky? If it's not the lack of creating it could be the rainy weather. Who'da thought that leaving the snowy cold tundra of Alaska for Oregon would be so rainy wet? By God's grace I am adjusting. By the way, someday I will be changing the look of my blog to reflect our move but for now we don't have enough electricity coming to the cabin for me to spend the time on the computer for such an undertaking. In the mean time I've been brainstorming on what changes I'm gonna make. Lots to think about there. :-)

Smiles,


CARD DETAILS:
Clear Dollar Stamps
Silhouette Wishes April 2009 SOM
Blank Notecard
Unknown Paper Scraps & Cardstock
Palette Ink: Boudoir Blush & Giverny Green
Copic Markers: R00 & 20, RV13, G00, GY06
VersaMagic Chalk Ink Pink Grapefruit
Clear Dollar Stamps Ribbon
Cuttlebug Embossing
Marvy Scallop Square Punch
SU! Flower Trio Punch
Dollar Store Mini Flower Punch
Michael's Decorating Dew Drops