Unity Stamp Co + Ribbon Carousel Blog Hop!

I'm so excited to be a part of this hop and I know you've had a ton of inspiration so far. I made a bookmark using some of the awesome twill twine that says Back To School by Ribbon Carousel. When I got this ribbon, I knew I would use it to make a bookmark.

I used two different stamp sets by Unity Stamp Co. The sentiment I used came from 100% Real Life and the star and background I created (which didn't photograph well) came from an older store kit that I think is retired. You can see how I made the book mark in this UnityTV Episode where I used some more trim from the Ribbon Carousel!

And now for more inspiration  here is everyone participating! Be sure to stop by each blog as we have some AMAZING prizes - Unity Stamp Co. is giving away 10 itty bitty stamps (winner's choice) and Ribbon Carousel is giving away their awesome Ribbon Carousel perfect for storing all your favorite trims from their store!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Core Cards Creative Frenzy

Hi everyone! I'm here to share with you not 1, not 2...but THREE cards with you today!!! When I heard that Core'dinations was having an open DT call AND looking for video designers, I knew I had to try out. :)  You know how much I like making videos!!

I have to admit something first....when I love something ( a LOT ) I tend to hoard it....I know it makes NO sense, but it's what I do so I broke into my Core' stash and created these 3 cards just for the call. The call actually ends TODAY but I had to wait for the last day because I'm also sharing 2 of the new Phyllis Harris stamps that were JUST released by Unity Stamp Co. (Pssss...they are on special for an amazing price through the weekend!)

My first card uses some of the Core'dinations from the Tim Holtz 12x12 paper pack. I love distressing and one of the great things about Core cardstock is that you can get an awesome distressed look just by sanding it!

This cutie is from the A Tiny Witch stamp set. I colored her with Copics. I actually did quite a bit of coloring while I was feeling a bit under the weather and I hadn't colored with my Copics in WEEKS before coloring this cutie. It felt SO good to have them back in my hands.

This card I created also using cardstock from the Tim Holtz Core'dinations 12x12 paper pack. This time I used it to create my card base and also cut a border using the American Crafts Punch Out border punch. I also used a star corner punch to create my star clusters and distressed them by sanding the cardstock.

This stamp is from the NO. Fun. set. How cute is this little guy? I tell ya, he reminds me of my son who is 2....and whenever he doesn't want to do something he crosses his arms JUST like this and says "no thank you, mama" *giggle* It's so dang cute and I feel so guilty trying to make him pick up his toys.....take a nap....eat his veggies, etc! I used my Tim Holtz Distress Markers to color him - I just love the watercolor effect these markers achieve so beautifully (and easy peasy to use!)

My last card is possibly my favorite....although it's hard to choose. I just love how all the elements came together. I used a piece of Core'dinations cardstock from the Neutrals 12x12 stack to create my card base and using a Spellbinders edgabilities die I created an accent border along one side. Oh!!! I forgot to mention that I used the Sand It tool to distress the cardstock. This tool is a MUST HAVE when working with Core'dinations. I only just recently got it and it's taken my love of Core' to the next level. :) I used a piece of the core white wash to frame my image with the die cut.

So, that's it for my post and application for the Core Cards Creative Frenzy! I hope the Core'dinations team likes what they see here - it really would be super exciting to join their team!

Happy Friday and thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Core'dinations Cardstock
• Unity Stamp Co. A Little Witch, No.Fun & SOTW#27
• Copics
• Spellbinders
• American Crafts Punch Outs
• Tim Holtz Distress Markers
• Bella Blvd
• Authentique
• Copic Xpress It Blending Card
• Memento Tuxedo Black
• Archival Ink in Black
• Helmar Premium Craft Glue
• Helmar Zap Dots
• Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots
• Papertrey Ink Vintage Twine

Unity Stamp Co, Susan K Weckesser, Helmar Card + exciting news

Hi everyone! I made this card last week for the Unity + Susan K Weckesser + Helmar blog hop. I forgot to post it on the day I was supposed to. :( Do you ever have a spell when you LOVE creating but HATE blogging? LOL That is totally ME right now! I want a blog ghost writer....someone witty & charming. hehe

So, this card using the Create Your Day set. I love how cute and tiny the stamps are - they are pefectly sized for your card making needs! The sentiments are so sweet, the one I used says "Don't go through life, grow through life." I need that little reminder every once in awhile when I'm going through a rough spot. I constantly question myself in this industry and I know I don't really get personal on this blog (it's never been my thing, ya know?) I do kinda feel like I barrier myself off in order to protect myself from dissapointment......but then I'm also potentionally creating a barrier between myself and greatness!? Right?! (easier said than done, but I'm working on it!)

I love coloring with distress markers lately.....well, it happens that they are a LOT easier to transport and take into bed with me when I'm not feeling 100% than 200+ Copic Markers. *giggle* Plus, I don't feel like I have to be so perfect when I use them so it's a bit more liberating and freeing for me when I don't really want to think. I love that coloring can really take my mind off of anything and just let me be at one with my craft allowing myself some peace.

II used Helmar Premium Craft glue to adhere my main panel as well as Helmar Zap Dots to pop up my image panel. I love these dew drops by Robin's Nest and Helmar Gemstone Glue is great because it dries clear and doesn't discolor at all. 

Today I am also excited to share some fun news:

I am so exited! When Jennifer Evans sent me an email asking if I'd be interested, of course I said yes!! She is such an inspiration to me and she also has some exciting news today! Let's just say I wasn't surprsied at ALL to see her listed on the all new Heidi Swap Media Team!!! Congrats, girl!!!

Fun Shaped card with The Greeting Farm, Distress Markers & Studio Calico

Hi everyone!

I want to share my card for the current Shaped Card challenge at 7 Kids College Fund. I recently got these adorable stamps by The Greeting Farm - the Oliver & Amelia line is one of my all time favorites and I was SO happy to see a new pair released recently! I stamped this little guy on watercolor paper and colored him with Tim Holtz Distress Markers. I am absolutely in love with them. They are just so relaxing to use and I love the outcome each and every time.

I created the base shape of the card by tracing a Jennie Bowlin chipboard packaging. It matched my Spellbinders Labels 1 dies but they are much smaller and I wanted to create a larger card so it worked out perfectly. Making masculine cards are hard for me....I want to add too many embellishments so I tried to keep it simple with some washi tape and buttons. Twine is always a great embellishment for boy cards as are these fabulous Studio Calico wood veneer bits. I love using them naked but you can paint, ink, etc to add color too if you prefer.

Here is a close up of the image and coloring. I think what I love about the distress markers is that it is so vintage and well...distressed! *giggle* I've been coloring a lot with the distress markers lately so I will have more to show on my blog coming up. I'm also working on a few ideas for some coloring video tutorials. Speaking of videos, what are your favorite videos to watch?

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:

The Greeting Farm - OA Lovey Dovey

Tim Holtz Distress Markers

Tim Holtz Fine Detail Water Brush

Helmar 450 Quick Dry

Helmar Premium Craft Glue

Helmar Zap Dots

Copic atyou Spica Pen - Chocolate

Nestabilities Small Labels 1

Studio Calico Paper & Wood Veneer Hearts

Papertrey Ink Kraft Cardstock & Twine

October Afternoon Buttons

Ranger Archival Ink - Black

Basic Grey brads

Washi Tape

Water Color Paper