It's sketch time with Lil Lolita!

I hope you can see the picture well enough. I shoudl've taken a closer one. I love altering these little kraft gift bags. I plan on using this one for a Christmas present! The sketch was just idea & I added lots of fun elements. I left the sentiment off as I didn't want to dig for my Christmas stamps just yet. I will add a pretty bow & tag when it's time to be used!

Don't forget to stop by the Lil Lolita Boutique Blog for all the gorgeous interpretations of this fun sketch by our own Boss Lady Kellie! And boy oh boy, you are NOT going to want to miss what is coming in OCTOBER!!! We are all busting with excitement for kellie as TPS turns 1!!

2 in 1 challenge card just for fun!!

How cute is this Puppy Kiki La Rue Rubber Stamp by CC Designs?!?! As soon as I got her I knew I wanted to use her paired up with this sentiment. I finally got a chance to sit down & color her just for fun. I've also been trying my hand at new copic skin colors so you'll have to tell me if you like this. I actually think it turned out pretty good!! I used the sketch this week from 2S4Y - I am new to their sketch challenge blog & LOVE what they come up with week after week!!! This week is a fun sketch with a decorative edge. I had fun pulling out my shape scissors that I hardly ever use to come up with my card. And how thrilled was I to make fab 5 last week!!!! That just made my day! I also used the color combination challenge going on at Cupcake Craft Challenges - pink & brown, who can resist? It's just the most yummy color combo!

Copics Used:

Skin: E21, E34, E27, R22

Hair: E50, E44, E49

Clothes: RV, 000, RV10, RV11, RV95

Dog: E35, E55, E57, c3, c8, 100

Tiddly Inks Sketch Challenge

Just in the nick of time..... I made this card for this weeks Tiddly Inks Challenge which was a sketch. Now I LOVE sketches and use them almost ALL the time but gosh, this one gave me grief! I don't know what it was, but I had serious creative block on it! hehe I think b/c I wanted to put something in those little squares but just couldn't find the right thing...ah well. I love the flourish though I think that's stretching it a little bit. I do adore this little versa bugg available now at Tiddly Inks & had a blast coloring her! I am also loving these handmade rolled flowers. The sentiment is from ippity's books a flutter set.

I was completely inspired by Zoe's coloring of this beautiful Fairy Tilda to try the dots technique around my image. Not sure mine came out as super cool as Zoe's tho! I also thought I'd submit it to Copic Creations as their challenge this week is Shading ON or AROUND your image. I will have to check to see if I can enter twice b/c I really want to try this technique again. I think it could be super cool but I just need practice!! I'm terrible about putting ALL my colored images on cards whether I'm entirely happy with them or not. I just don't get ALL that much time doing what I love so I try to make the best of everything I set out to start! :)

Copics Used:
Skin: E000, E00, E11, R20
Hair: E13, E17, E18, E19
Clothes: YR61, YR04, YR07,
Wings: R24, R22, R20, B00, B02, B05
Books: E08, E07, E13, W5, W1
Dotty shadow: Y38, Y11, Y06, Y00

Hip Hop Monday!

Quick post as I am late & still haven't eaten breakfast! hehe I made my card using the Now & Always set from ippity - I also followed this weeks Hip Hop Sketch. You can check it out here - in order to enter, you just need to use ippity or unity on your card!!! Don't own any ippity yet? Right now I'm having a 20% off sale at my ippity blog! Check it out & Place your order today.

It's sketch time at Anyone for Anya?

We have a great sketch today for you as well as a fun prize so I hope you will play with us this week.

For my card, I used the ever fabulous HG digi - Rain Rain. I actually WON her earlier this year from TGF and can you believe, this is the first time I've used her?! She is seriously so stinkin' cute, and I have always been a HUGE fan of the Hope & Grace line. The sentiment comes from PMS (that I also won, hehe) & is perfect!!! I have seen these awesomely cute rolled flowers on my girl Angie's blog & finally figured out how to make them!!! I just LOVE them & plan on making many more. They are a great, simple embellishment to use up little scraps as well!

I wanted to give a close up of the flowers as well as show that I used glossy accents on her little rain hat & boots!!

Thanks for stopping by today & Be sure to check out the Anyone for Anya? blog for all the great inspiration by the DT this week!

Copics Used:
Skin: E000, E00, E11, R20
Hair: E29, E35, E37
Clothes: R20, R24, R27, R29, R46, C3, C8, 100

Owl Always - have FWF! hehe

Oh man, as if I needed another stamp obsession, Unity decides to come out with these oh so cute Itty Bitty stamps available exclusively in stores!!! I used Owl Always which I just had to have when I saw it - and got it from Limelight Papercrafts! I paired it with this super cute DP by MyMinds Eye I believe. Dusted off my MS lacey border punch which is about on it's last leg, hehe. Was my first punch and saw lots of love before I started branching out to others.

I had so much fun organizing my craft desk before making this card - I finally got rid of empty spools of ribbon from my make-shift ribbon hanger & added new ones. LOVE seeing all that gorgeous ribbon right in front of me. Now I just need a fun system for all my loose ribbon - any ideas? Right now, that is a big mess. I also started on a mini album for my daughter - hopefully will share that on next week's FWF!!! Until then, check out the Unity Blog for a list of everyone participating today (be on the lookout for that fabulous blinkie!!!) & have a fabulous weekend!

Lil Lolita Challenge #15 - In Stitches

Good Morning & Afternoon depending on where you may be reading this from! I really appreciated the break last week even though - wow I was completely inspired by all the button cards we had!!! Be sure to stop by the LLB Blog to check out our winner & top 5 - you sure didn't make it easy to choose. For our challenge this week, we are to use stitching. Now, I LOVE the look of REAL stitching on cards, but have NOT worked up the nerve to pull out the big old clunky sewing machine try it yet, but I did see a cute little one that would be just perfect to use on card and hinted at it to my hubby a couple weeks ago....maybe one day, right?! So, for my card, I used FAUX stitching. ALMOST as cute as real....I absolutely adore the original Willow - she is just super cute so I had to give her some love this week. My color combo comes from this week's All That Scraps challenge -pumpkin, burgandy, artichoke - it was so unique I just had to try it out. I love it because it screams fall to me. I didn't have any big centers for my flowers so I created it by using one large pear and several tiny ones. LOVED how it turned out!! Thanks for stopping by and be sure to leave the rest of the Lil Lolita's some love as well!!!

Copics used:
Skin: E000, E00, E11, R20, R37
Hair: E31, E34, E57, E79
Clothes: YG95, YG99, E34, E37, E29
Flowers: R22, R24, R27, R29

The Stamping Bazaar Guest Spot with Sweet Nancy!

This is my 2nd & final card as Guest Designer for The Stamping Bazaar. I have had so much fun being able to design for Marina this month! When I got Nancy in my inbox, I wasn't sure what I was going to do - I have to admit, she wasn't one I probably would've picked on my own, but wow, I am in LOVE with her now & have a few other ideas in mind for her coming up. Hubby wants me to create one with her with grey hair. hehe He sees her as a grandma I think! Anyway, Thanks Marina & Kellie, for this amazing & fun opportunity to guest design for you!!! I had a blast. I used Friday Sketches for my card design. And that fabulous gingham ribbon & lace trim is from Really Reasonable Ribbon. I LOVE them - if you LOVE ribbons you definately have to check them out!

copics used:
Face: E50, E51, E53, E55, R20
Fur: E31, E55, E57, E79
Clothes: R20, R24, R29, R46

Kickin' it OLD Skool with TGF!

I used Pretty Hat Anya for my Old Skool challenge card! I actually don't think I ever colored her up before and when I came across her while trying to decide which stamp to use I thought how cute she is & knew she deserved some long over due love! I used last week's Cupcake Craft sketch but somehow always manage to miss the deadline!!! hehe I wanted a different way to showcase gorgeous doublesided OA paper & this worked perfect with the sketch I was using. I love the effect it has. I used this fabulous Jute ribbon I picked up at Really Reasonable Ribbon! I love it all the texture it adds. I also used some Baker's Twine for the doggie's leash. I've also been in a vintage mood as of late so I'm entering this in The Bear Scrap Vintage Challenge & the ABC Challenge D is for Distressed! I've inked and distressed the edges of my DP as well as inked the mulberry roses.


Copics Used:
Skin: E000, E00, E11, R20
Clothes:G94, G99, E50, E51, E53
Dog: C1, C3, C5

Make it Crafty - Fun Challenge: Anything Goes!

Our first Make it Crafty technique challenge has come to an end and wowsa, I was blown away by all of you that entered! I think you made it mighty tough for Zoe to choose some winnahs. Be sure to check out the Make it Crafty blog to find out if you won! For our first fun challenge at MiC we're doing ANYTHING GOES. Can't get any more fun than that! I had a blast coloring up this adorable little Olivia from TGF's OA-Journey set. I stamped the image on Xpress It Blending Paper available from Make it Crafty! I couldn't wait to get my hands on this paper after hearing all the rave reviews from all my Aussie crafting friends - and wow, I am happy to report it lived up to all they hype!! I love this paper & think I have finally found my favorite paper to use for coloring with Copics. I have tried neenah & others but really didn't care for them. The neenah bled outside the lines & my hammermil seems to soak up way too much ink. You won't have either of those probelms with this Xpress It Blending paper! Plus it's just the right amount of weight to cut out images. MiC has a great sample pack if you want to try it out pre-cut to the perfect size for stamping images. I love this as sometimes I want to try something out but really don't want to buy a big pack if I'm not going to love it. You can find the sample pack HERE.

For my card, I used this week's sketch from 2S4Y, check it out - I love their sketches!

Copics Used:
Skin: E000, E00, E11, R20
Hair: E57, E37, E30
Clothes: E40, E41, E43, BG09, BG75, BG72, BG10, R46, R29, R24, R20, C8, C5, C3
Bear/Suitecases: E37, E34, E31, E30, E07, E08, E13

{ippity} Blossoms and an {ippity} SALE!!

I am so excited for today - when I saw that Ippity was doing a new feature for ippity chicks, I knew I wanted to get in on the action & volunteered as soon as I was able to! In honor of my big day, I am having a BIG sale on my ippity blog! I'm offering 20% off every order until the end of September. As always FREE shipping in the continental US. Just place your order thru paypal & I'll refund the difference. Or you can email me your order & I'll send you an invoice reflecting the sale price.

For my project today, I'm sharing some onesies and a gift bag I made for my daughter's teacher. She is having a baby boy any day now & before she left for her maternity leave, I wanted to make her something special. When she told me her nursery theme is Dr. Seuss, I knew I wanted to use Fishy Philosophy! What do you think? Does it scream Dr. Seuss? One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish is one of my favs to read to the girls.

ETA: To stamp on the onesies, I used a combination of palette inks & staz-on.

H{ippity} Hop Monday!

Happy Monday! And a very happy Monday indeed - I HAVE THE DAY OFF!!! I'm so excited. I'm going to be making cards & stamping all day long. Well, in between school drop off & pick up, hehe. For this week's H{ippity} Hop I decided to play along with All Things Unity this week. They have a great challenge going on for the rest of the month & that is to make a card honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming up next month. You not only have to make a card but share your story -- one of my dear dear friends -- almost like a 2nd mother to me when I was in high school lost the battle to breast cancer about 6 years ago. She was a beautiful woman, full of love & laughter & just had a great spirit. I will always remember her laugh and the way she always took the time to listen to me. Her legacy lives on in 4 beautiful daughters & now grandchildren. I know she is looking down from above & just so thrilled to see her family grow. So, as I made my card, I thought of her & I remember always hearing a song by Mercy Me called Homesick that really touched my heart when she passed. I guess that is how why this set jumped out at me when I sat down to make my card. Since I used the bird from one of my favorite ippity sets Music of my Heart, I am also entering it in this weeks Cute Card Thursday challenge - Tweet & a Flutter! Check it out, all you need is a bird or a butterfly somewhere on your project.

Thanks for stopping by today & for a full list of blogs hippity hopping along today, visit the Ippity Blog! Be sure to check out my blog tomorrow for something exciting!!!

Anyone for Anya? Monochromatic Challenge

We have a great challenge for you this week at Anyone for Anya? Make a monochromatic card. As you can see from the samples the DT made for you on the blog, it can range from your card being monochromatic to your image being monochromatic. I have done B&W images before but really wanted to try a more vintage feel with browns this time. I had just received this gorgeous Twisted Sister Caladium stamp this week from CMC & was dying to get her inky. Instead of inking her with memento, I used one of my hybrid palette inks from ippity & stamped her on some Xpress It Blending Paper - I just started using this paper & it's the best paper I've used with my copics, I definately reccommend trying it if you are looking for something new. I LOVE how it turned out. I hope you will join us this week in this fun fun fun challenge! I got that gorgeous lace trim from Really Reasonable Ribbon - they have an amazing selection of ribbons at great prices & shipping. They actually REFUNDED me for overcharging on shipping once it shipped. Talk about great customer service!

Copics Used:
E40, E41, E43, E44, E50. E51, E53, E55, E57, E77, E79

It's Friends with Flair Friday!

I couldn't wait to make my card for this week - I wanted to use the NEW fabulous Live Laugh Love Girl itty bitty! Just LOVE her! Had to have her as soon as I saw her previewed for CHA. So, I went searching and Mandy @ Limelight Crafts got her for me along with the amazing SHE set I wanted to keep it simple & knew stamping her on kraft would just pop - then adding my favorite ribbon flowers just added the prettiness I was looking for. This sentiment is so inspiring for me as I'm really thinking about taking a leap & doing something I've wanted to do for a long time. I am on the verge of designing the life I will love. And I'm going to have faith that it will be a success!!! Wish me luck.

I hope you like & for a full list of everyone participating today - check out the Unity Blog!

Halloween Emo Challenge!

When I saw the new Halloween Emo's coming SOON in rubbah, I knew I had to quick make a card for the Blog Hop contest!!! I used Back 2 School Emo London and dressed her up for Halloween. Emo's love fun hair colors so she is sporting Purple & Orange to just rock the night away! I colored her with copics and some spica glitter pens for some added sparkle. I just love the way she turned out & Had so much fun coloring her. I also used this weeks Mojo Monday Sketch! If you haven't seen the new Halloween emo's or done the blog hop, you'll want to stop by SBS blog HERE! I also followed Amy's Straight Hair coloring tutorial & am entering this in the challenge at Color Me Copic! I am a HUGE fan of Amy's and love that she is so open to sharing her technique.

Copics Used:
Skin: E000, E00, E11, R20, R22
Eyes: E55, E44, E57
Hair: V12, V15, V17, V09, Y38, YR23, YR04, YR68
Clothes: 100, C8, C3, V17, V12, YR04, YR68, YG93, YG95

Lil Lolita Challenge All About Buttons!

Hi there Lil Lolita fans - I am so sorry I don't have a card for you today - have you ever had a week that just got away from you? Well, that's been mine this week. The ladies have forgiven me and I hope you will still stop by the Lil Lolita Boutique to see all their amazing cards this week. They have totally knocked this one out of the park!!!

The Stamping Bazaar Guest Spot with Marvin the Bat!

Oh my goodness, how cute is Marvin?! I mean seriously, the cutest bat EVER! As soon as I got him, I just had to make this sentiment to go along with him in a fun font. I colored him with copics and added some spica glitter pen to his wings. I picked up this fun halloween paper at Joann's a couple weeks ago with the girls & it fit perfectly. He, of course, had to go on a halloween card. I am so excited to be Guest Designing this month for Marina at The Stamping Bazaar! Her designs are just too cute & I am excited to bring you another fun card next week! So stay tuned!

Copics used:

100, C8, C6, C3, E93, R20

oh sheesh, it's Monday & I'm late with my hip hop post!

Seriously, I had a crappy weekend! Lost my mojo b/c I worked both Saturday & Sunday!!! Found half of it last night in my attempt to create the following cards! I'm so sorry I'm late in posting this morning - I also had to grab some groceries after dropping Tolla off at kindie cuz well, we had like no food in the house!

This first card is for Michelle whose last day is today at ippity!! She is an amazing woman & so inpsiring. I remember when I first signed up to be an ippity chick you could just feel the sincere excitement she felt with me. So, Michelle, thank you for all that you've done for ippity & I wish you great success in the next venture in your life! I felt this sentiment was fitting - one of my favorite ippity sets is this collection of great quotes.

My 2nd card I made for Tiddly Inks birthday challenge. I absolutely LOVE this cupcake with the skully & think it will brighten up anyone's day. I also followed this weeks Taylored Expressions sketch as when my mojo is no where to find, I desperately needed a sketch!!!

So, that's it for today. I hope to find my mojo underneath something today as I clean & iron. I think maybe a messy house has sapped it away. And my hubby is gettin' kinda tired of heading to work in wrinkled shirts. Hehe

I have to give a big shout out to my friend Eulanda for changing my old outdated 2 column blog to the hip new 3 column!! yeah yeah, I know I'm a bit behind in the times but hey, do ya love it?! I know I do!!! And I just love the new background from Cutest Blog on the Block - I may never design my own blog again! haha

Anyone For Anya? has a color challenge for you!

This week at Anyone for Anya? we have a color challenge for you! I have been dying to get this adorable OA-Journey set inky since I got it & finally knew it was a perfect match for these colors. They spoke boy to me even tho there are pearls it's still a little girly - ah, see, a masculine card would be a REAL challenge for me! haha

I have really loved being on this challenge blog & playing with one of my all time favorite stamps!!! Check out the Anyone for Anya? blog for our wonderful challenge sponsor this week for your chance to win the fabulous prize below & to find out who won last week!

Don't forget check out the rest of the challenge team:

Caz
Durvina
Hetty
Julie
Marina
Sabina
Sandie
Sarah
Yvonne

Thank Goodness It's Friday - FWF

Happy FWF Friday!!! I LOVE this set from ippity Fall For You & since I'm starting to feel fall sorta in the air on some days, I just had to make a fall card. Plus there was a challenge but I don't know if it's still going on or not, LOL. I have this little sprout of a tree in our backyard & I thought this stamp which is really a branch looked like it so I made it into a tiny little tree with the fun paper piece pumpkins leaning against it. It's a very simple card, but I love it & hope you do too. I am exhausted tho, just got off work, but was on such a high from it (really love what I am doing) that I couldn't go to sleep right away, LOL. But now as I'm writing this it's hitting me.

If you want a full list of everyone participating today, please see the Unity Blog!

Lil Lolita Boutique Challenge - Music Sheet

Hiya Lolita Fans!!! Can you believe this is challenge #14?! I remember when kellie first came up with this idea & asked me to be on the DT how thrilled I was and to see it being loved more and more each week just makes my day! Be sure to check out the Lil Lolita Boutique Blog for the winners of last week's challenge!

When I found out this week's challenge would be music sheet - I just knew I had to whip out my Music of the Heart ippity set b/c it has that awesome background music sheet stamp. I love it & originally I thought I was going to be making a birthday card with this gorgeous Lylah but somehow as I colored her & started putting the card together, she turned all christmasy on me! LOL Totally not what I had in mind as I sat down to design but I am in LOVE with the way she turned out. LOVE LOVE LOVE And speaking of LOVE you have GOT to see what the rest of the DT has come up with. We have welcomed 4 new DT members and are thrilled that a couple joined us this week even though it wasn't required. I hope you will join us this week!