My Studio Blog....

Blog Candy Winner!!!!

2012-01-26T21:07:00.000-06:00

Sorry this is so late but I've been swamped this week trying to get some samples ready for the Gina K Designs release next Tuesday and truly almost forgot what day it was!!! This is gonna be short and sweet because I have been SUPER busy trying to get ready to head to California for CHA EARLY tomorrow morning! I have a 6 AM flight so I'll be up by 3:30 AM! UGH!!

The winner of Tami Mayberry's stamp set, "Special Occasion Tags" is....

Allie Cat Beads said...: Excited!! And happy blogaversary!! =) I love Suzanne's work and am signing up for her class soon! And StampTV.. well, they are just awesome over there!!

And.... the winner of a free Copic Class from Suzanne Dean at Color Me Creative Classroom is......

alex said...: Happy Blogoversary, great news love your blog :-)

Congratulations ladies!!! Please send me your addy and e-mail addresses and I'll get the stamps out to you and Alex I'll give Suzanne your e-mail so she can get in touch with you regarding your Copic class!!! Woot!!

I'm so happy to have you ALL stop by my blog. It means a lot to have you follow me and I really enjoy reading your comments!! Have a great day and again... thanks for all your support!! *HUGS*

Cheery News....

2012-01-23T08:00:00.002-06:00

OMGosh this little sweetie just makes me laugh. I know a little stubborn girl who resembles this one... hee hee. And... I just say... when she get to THIS level... there's not much cheering her at all! Ha! So... since this little thing doesn't look so thrilled I think I'll share some "cheery news" with you!!

As those of you who follow my blog know... last Fall I went to Kansas to meet the awesome Suzanne J Dean and to take her Copic classes. I must say it gave me HUGE reason to fall in love with my Copics all over again and I've been trying to color with them every chance I get. But... I NEVER thought in my wildest dreams that Suzanne would ask me to be.... Head DT Member of her site, Color Me Creative Classroom!!!! Woot Woot!!! I'm so excited and honored to be a part of Suzanne's team!! I think it's going to be a GREAT week!!! :-)

Now that I'm done doing the "nekkid banana dance"... hee hee.. how about a little info my card?

My sweetie pie girl is from Mo's Digital Pencil... Two Jill. LOL Perfect "terrible two" image if you ask me! LOL My card base is Gina K Designs Pure Luxury Black Onyx. I added a layer of DP from the Echo Park Be Mine paper pack. My image was colored with Copics and mounted with Pop Dots.

I hope you stop by The Color Me Creative Classroom and join in on our challenges. We have some awesome prizes we give away and you can even become a guest DT member.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check in on the Blog Candy HERE. Have a great day!!

Lovin me some Stately Flowers...

2012-01-20T10:06:00.001-06:00

Today I wanted to share a cared I created using Melanie Muenchinger's, "Stately Flowers 2". I sooo love this flower... the Alabama state flower.. the Camilla.

My card base is Gina K's Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight White card stock. I ran it through my Vegabond using the Cuttlebug Textile embossing folder. I stamped my image on more of the white card stock and colored it with my Copic markers. I used the Labels 9 Nestabilities to cut the image out and then again to make a frame around my image.

My sentiment was stamped on the same card stock and I used the Grommet Tags to cut it out before adhering it to my card. A bit of wrinkled ribbon and a Webster's Sparkler to finish it off.

I am not sure who I will give this card to, but I really like how it turned out. :-)

I hope you have a great day and thanks so much for stopping by!!!

Happy Engagement Anniversary & Blog Candy!!!

2012-01-18T23:46:00.001-06:00

Well this is a little late, but nonetheless... I didn't forget!! :-) Today is my THIRD Blogoversary!!! Yep, three years I've had this blog and I admit, I am truly surprised that I'm still here! NOT in life, but blogging!! LOL I really didn't think that 1) I'd have much to say (well.. maybe a little I did.. LOL).. and 2) had no clue what I'd have to post on a almost daily basis. But I have and I will continue to. First... I will share my card with you and then... we'll talk Blog Candy... ok? :-)

My card base is Gina K's Pure Luxury Lovely Lavender card stock. I embossed it using the Cuttlebug Polka Dots folder. I added a layer of Passionate Pink card stock and some of the awesome DP from the Stamp TV Kit, True Love. My image is from Tami Mayberry's newest set, "Special Occasion Tags". I stamped it on Ivory and cut it out using the Deckled Rectangles Nesties. Before removing the Nestie I sponged some Memento Lulu Lavender. I mounted my sentiment using Pop Dots and added my blow, a charm tied on with some Twine.

Before we talk Blog Candy though... there are a few people I'd like to thank that has really helped me through this last three years of not only blogging but crafting as well. As I hope you know, I am on the Gina K Designs Design Team. I have to say my first look into Gina K was thanks to Melanie Muenchinger. I found Melanie on Splitcoast Stampers and she sent me there to find her stamps. In doing so, I fell in love with Gina K!! Thanks, Melanie! Then... that amazing Gina started Stamp TV and who could resist getting hooked on that??? Gina featured my work as a Center Stage Spotlight member for a month. From there I was offered a DT position on the Creative Clear Stamps and on InStyle Stamps teams. All the while, still participating on Gina's Center Stage Alumni Team. In October, 2010, Gina offered me a position on HER Design Team. And I am forever grateful for everything she has shared, and helped me with. GK Rocks!!! While on Gina's team, I was honored to meet up with another awesomely talented lady... Suzanne J Dean. She too is on Gina's DT. I was lucky enough to go take Suzanne's Copic classes in the fall of last year and I have to say... Wow!! I learned so much more about Copics than I ever thought I would. Suzanne has become a fabulous friend and being the wonderful teacher she is... I am still learning from her daily and truly am blessed to have Suzanne to call a friend. I owe a lot to these ladies and they continually amaze and teach me on a daily basis! Love you all!! So... how about some blog candy now??? :-)

I thought an "engagement" card was quite appropriate today as it IS the beginning of later anniversary celebrations, right? So in honor of my blogoversary... I am offering Tami's "Special Occasion Tags" set today. There are so many occasions you can use this for I know you will love having it in your stamp library. Here's a full look at the set....

But that's not all.... the awesome Suzanne Dean (whom I call the Copic Queen!) has offered one of her online Copic Classes as well!!! Woot!! Trust me... you will never look at Copics the same way once you have taken Suzanne courses!! Nothing could ever prepare me for how much I learned in such a short time with her. You can look at Suzanne's online classes HERE!

So here are the rules... ready???? To be eligible for these prizes you must...

1) Leave a comment on this post.

2) If you're not already a follower, sign up to follow my blog...

3) If you ARE a follower... leave me another comment telling me so and you get your name in TWICE!

4) Stop over at Tami's blog... leave her some love... stop at Suzanne's blog... leave her some love... and last but not least.. stop over at my page on Stamp TV and tell me you're ready to win Blog Candy!!

Deadline for entries is Wednesday night, January 25th at 8 PM CST. I will be heading to California for CHA and I will chose a winner prior to my leaving. Winners will be posted here Thursday morning at 8 AM CST.

As always.. thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!!! *HUGS*

We R Smash Bookin'....

2012-01-16T10:56:00.000-06:00

Today I'd like to share with you a page from my "Smash" Book/Art Journal that I am working on. I recently joined a new group over at Suzanne Dean's "Color Me Creative Classroom" called "We R Smash Bookin'"! It's all about art journaling, scrapbooking and creating what your heart desires!

I LOVED the SMASH book idea the minute it came out and I love to art journal... so this was the perfect fit for me!!

The page I am sharing today is one that I created showing my different areas of creativity that I enjoy. I stamped the flourish... water colored the edges and middle and added some markers to the mix to create this page showing what I am currently enjoying using my creativity for. Yes, I even added a few words I pulled from a magazine and glued in. And that's what it's all about... creating... grabbing bits and pieces here and there and making YOUR page...YOUR story with it.

I do LOTS of journaling and so it won't be so easy to share those pages with you... but perhaps before I start writing on them, I can show you the base and tell you how I decorated each page. I just love creating with every color and using whatever I have around to add more art to it!

If you like SMASH books, journaling or sharing your art, come join us! We'd love to have you!! Suzanne even has challenges for us with prizes to win!!! Can't beat that for just a little peak into your art, right?

Thanks for stopping by today and make it a great one!!! *HUGS*

A Fairy Good Day....

2012-01-13T08:00:00.001-06:00

Today I finally had a chance to color this adorable fairy that I had been waiting to work with when I had just the right amount of time to be patient and do it like I wanted. This adorable Silver Fairy by Sylvia Zet can be found at I Brake For Stamps.

I found it really funny that when I went back to grab the link to the stamp and looked again at the image (done beautifully by Suzanne Dean) that I realized what "I" saw as vines around her legs and arms ended up on Suzanne's card as "covers". LOL Ooops... I guess that can be left to "crafter interpretation" too. Ha!!

I used the Paper Tempress' Glimmer card stock for my card and I stamped my image on Cryogen White (which I LOVE using my Copics on!). I added pearl flourishes an left my card front free of any sentiment thinking this would make an excellent card for to many occasions and decided I would add it later one I decide WHEN to use it. :-)

I added a bit of Diamond Stickles to her wings and her flowers just to add a bit of "magic" to her enchantment. ;-)

I hope you are having a great day!! It's Friday... my personal favorite day of the week... the beginning of the weekend!!! :-) Thanks for stopping by and remember to come back .... blog candy will be coming soon! *wink*

*HUGS*

Walk in Flowers....

2012-01-12T08:00:00.001-06:00

Today I was looking at my supply of embellishments and realized it had been far to long since I used some of my cute little Prima roses. And honestly.... a lot of times I ONLY have white embellishments. Yep, white. Because I do tons of recoloring with either my Copic markers or using Glimmer Mist. But, today I spied these little teal colored roses. I must have had a weak moment and grabbed some color, huh? LOL But regardless... these flowers were perfect for the lovely sentiment from the newest Stamp TV Kit, "True Love".

I used Gina K Designs' Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight White card stock for my base and ran it through my Vagabond using an embossing folder. I used the Labels 8 Nestabilitie to add a layer of Tempting Turquoise and the Labels 4 to add the White again which I stamped my image and sentiment on.

I added my roses and a few punched "twigs" using my MS punch.

I really like how this card came out... and I think with another sentiment it would be an awesome design for a wedding card. Just a thought. LOL

Remember to stay-tuned for Blog Candy... coming soon!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *HUGS*

Show Me State....

2012-01-11T08:00:00.001-06:00

I must say Melanie Muenchinger's "Stately Flowers" sets are really a huge hit!! Of course I'm still waiting for Iowa.. but.. Missouri is close enough for now. Hee Hee Missouri is represented in the "Stately Flowers 2" set. I've been quite surprised at the various state flowers AND how so many are/can be in such an array of colors. Not sure why that was a surprise to me as MY favorite flower is carnations and duhhh... you can get ANY color you want! LOL Either way... I decided to color these flowers according to what I found by Google.

My card base is Pure Luxury Kraft. I stamped my image on White and layered it with my Lacey Oval Nestabilitie using Lemon Drop. My flowers were colored with my Copic markers. I use a little bling and added some wrinkled ribbon along with a Cuttlebug embossing border to the edge.

I will be celebrating my third year Blogoversary and plan to give away a bit of blog candy this week so be sure to stop by and enter your name in the pot!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!! *HUGS*

Hugs & Love...

2012-01-09T08:00:00.003-06:00

Awwww... this adorable image, "Young Love", from Mo's Digital Pencil just makes me smile and melts my heart. Happily... I look at it and see my husband and I. Truly, I do! We've been through a lot together and not unlike many other marriages around the world, we had an area in our life where I wasn't sure if we'd make it or not. But.. with God on our side... I can feel in my heart that we will.. and some day, this WILL be us. :-) Again.. it makes me smile and melts my heart.

My card was created for The Outlawz Monday Greetings Challenge. This week's challenge was to create a card showing "hugs and/or love". I think this shows BOTH!!

My card uses Pure Luxury card stock in Wild Lilac layered with Little Boy Blue. My DP is from Gina K's newest Stamp TV Kit, "True Love". I colored my image with my Copic markers and used my Heart and Scalloped Heart Nestabilities to add my sentiment to.

I think I'll save this card for a special occasion. :-) I hope you stop over and join in on the Outlawz Challenges... there's always a new challenge every day!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *HUGS*

Booking it....

2012-01-05T08:00:00.002-06:00

Good morning! I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and New Year. I am slightly tired from all the festivities and really glad to be getting back to "normal" again. It is always a fun time of the year but doesn't go without lots of added work and sometimes stress. Today I am actually going to take time and do some "relaxed" creating. For me, that means not hurrying to get challenges, DT assignments or last minute creations finished but taking time to design and play as I wish. :-) And even though I created this card for a challenge over on the Outlawz site, it was a card I started long before all the rush of the season began. The challenge was to create a card in honor of National Book Month. Your card needed to either shows book images on it... or.... be something you created that was inspired by a book.

My card, obviously, used images of books from Magnolia stamps. I love this adorable image of Tilda with her little hand braced to cover a yawn. :-) It reminds me so much of when my daughter was younger and we would read a story every night before she fell off of to sleep. Now, she goes to bed listening to music.... *sigh*.... they grow up to fast!

I colored my image with my Copic markers and cut her out before adding her to my card base of Pure Luxury Wild Dandelion card stock. I used my Scor-Buddy to make a "quilt" impression and a half a doilie at the top to mimic somewhat of a bed and pillow. I cut the top of the card a bit shorter to expose the punched inner card stock to mimic a ruffle. My sentiment came from Melanie Muenchinger's stamp set, "The Best Things in Life".

I hope you take time to play along and maybe even remember how good a book or two made you feel. I'm a HUGE book fan and I'm especially happy that both my kids love to read as well.

Have a great and thanks for stopping by!! P.S. I am looking to get in touch with someone who stopped by my blog during the Gina K Inspiration Hop who's name was simply.. "CinBoopRella Place"... if it's YOU or you know who this person is, please send me an e-mail at mystudioart@aol.com. :-) Thanks!!

Gina K Designs December Inspiration Hop Day 3

2012-01-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today is the final day of the Gina K Designs DT Inspiration Hop for the December Release. And... what better way to end a hop than with a new Stamp TV Kit!!!! OMGosh.. it seems every time Gina has a new kit, I SWEAR it is my fav. I don't know how she does it! So... I think I'm finally learning my lesson here and I'm going to say.. this is yet ANOTHER FABULOUS kit!!! So... let's get this hop started....

True Love... StampTV Kit by Gina K Designs....

For my card base I decided to use my Labels 21 Nestabilities to cut my Pure Luxury Bubble Gum Pink card base. I LOVE this card shape!! My image was stamped on White and again I used the Labels 21. I added a 4" doilie half to one side. My images were colored with my Copic markers and I added some self-adhesive pearls for accents.

This set also has some of the most gorgeous DP and I used some of it during these Inspiration Hops. Trust me.. you will adore this set and it's perfect for the upcoming Valentine cards you're sure to make.

Have fun checking out the rest of the DT posts and remember to leave a comment for yet another fabulous Grab Bag full of stamps!!!

Have a great day and enjoy the hop. *HUGS*

Gina K Designs December Inspiration Hop Day 2

2012-01-02T08:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome back to the Gina K Designs Inspiration Hop. I hope you all had a very happy New Year and that this year is the best yet for you and your family!! Today, we are sharing two more of the December stamps released last week. First up....

Special Occasion Tags by Tami Mayberry...

I really had a hard time deciding what to show you for this set. Tami did an awesome job throwing in such amazing sentiments and I really liked all the cards I created with them. With this one I used Pure Luxury Wild Dandelion card stock and bordered it with some Grass Green. The awesome DP is from the new Stamp TV Kit, True Love. I added a strip of Wild Dandelion which I ran through my Vagabond using the Polka Dots Cuttlebug folder.

Next up... the One Free with Three....

You've got Style... by Gina K

This set had one word that totally had me from the start... Cinderella!!! I'm a HUGE Cinderella fan and the shoes and the sentiment immediately put this on my MUST HAVE list!!

I attempted to create an all white card with this so zero in on the "crystal shoes" highlighted with a small amount of light blue added using my Copic markers. My card base used the Swiss Dot Cuttlebug folder and a bit of scoring using my Scor-Buddy. I also punched the bottom of the card base to create a bit of a lacy bottom. My image was cut out using my Big Scalloped Rectangle and then mounted on top of the Lattice Rectangle Nestabilities. A little light blue bling and I definitely felt the fairy tale. :-)

Now hop on over to the rest of the Design Team blogs and remember to leave a comment as Gina will be drawing for another winner of a stamp Grab Bag!!! Fun fun!!

Gina K
Tami Mayberry – Illustrator Special Occasion Tags
Carolina Buchting
Cathy Tidwell
Deb Felts
Donna Baker
Giovana Smith
Jennie Harper
Jimmi Mayo
Lee Murphy
Melanie Muenchinger
Michelle Woerner
Sharon Harnist
Theresa Momber
Tina Gilliland (You're here!)
Vicki Dutcher

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of the hop!!! *smile*

A Personal Thanks...

2011-12-31T08:00:00.001-06:00

Today I am taking it easy.... REAL easy! It's been a busy couple weeks and well... why not end the year chillin and then... hopefully... bring it in chillin. :-) I decided this adorable Magnolia was a good way to remind myself that though it was a busy and sometimes hectic year... I am very THANKFUL for everything the year brought.

Whether it was good days or bad... there was an "upside" somewhere... even if it didn't feel like one. My husband taught me that years ago... "there's always an upside"... we just gotta look for it sometimes.

My card base is Pure Luxury Ocean Mist layered with Key Lime which I ran through my Vagabond using my Polka Dot Cuttlebug folder. My image was colored using my Copic markers. I cut it out and mounted it with Pop Dots.

I sat my sweet girl on my ribbon and added a few Prima roses to the mix.

I hope you have a fabulous New Year's Eve and if you're out partying, please please be careful and don't drink and drive! I want to keep a many friends going into the new year as I had leaving this year.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!! *HUGS*

Gina K Designs December Inspiration Hop

2011-12-30T08:00:00.005-06:00

Wow... what another amazing Gina K Release Party we had last night!! I LOVE when everyone joins in and chats up the site!! You can't turn away for 2 minutes and you've missed three pages of posts!! LOL Fast, fun and full of inspiration all around! Today the Design Team is sharing a bit more inspiration using two of the newest sets. First up....

Stately Flowers 2 by Melanie Muenchinger....

I made a very CAS cad with this gorgeous flower. As I looked up the Alabama state flower, the Camellia, I was shocked at how many different colors this flower grows in. I just love it!! I decided to go red!! :-) I used Pure Luxury White card stock and added a small border of Red Hot as well. My image was colored with Copic markers which I cut out and mounted with Pop Dots. A bit of twine and a little bling finish off my card.

Next up....

Mountain Wilderness by Theresa Momber...

My card today reminded me of a cold Alaskan day (my brother-in-law lives there so I always think of him on snowy days).. hee. He would truly appreciate this sort of card. I stamped all my images and made a "moon" by sponging around the trees and a punched circle. My card base is Pure Luxury In the Navy and I added a small border of Ocean Mist. I extended my wolf's mountain using my Copic markers.

For even more inspiration... check out the rest of the DT and be sure to leave a comment for a chance at a FREE Grab Bag from Gina K Designs!!

Gina K
Melanie Muenchinger – Illustrator Stately Flowers 2
Theresa Momber – Illustrator Mountain Wilderness
Michelle Woerner
Sharon Harnist
Suzanne Dean
Tina Gilliland (You're here!)
Vicki Dutcher
Carolina Buchting
Cathy Tidwell
Deb Felts
Donna Baker
Giovana Smith
Jennie Harper
Jimmi Mayo
Lee Murphy

Have a great day and enjoy the hop!!! *smile*

You're Invited - Gina K Designs December Release Party!!!

2011-12-29T08:00:00.002-06:00

We are very excited to extend an invitation to Gina K. Designs December Release Party. We have a fun evening planned for you - chatting, prizes, challenges, stamp sets reveal, design team shares, and most importantly, at the end of the party you will be able to start shopping at 7 PM!

If you came from StampTV , you're in the right place. If not... you can go there and you will find a list of all those participating in today's hop.

Here's a photo of one of the cards I will be sharing at the party.

This is one set that I'm sure no one will be able to resist!! It's full of fun images and sentiments!! And how about that DP??? Yep... it's new too!! I did a bit of paper piecing on these images and the DP was just perfect along with the sentiment!!! OMGosh I can hardly wait for you to see all the images in this set!! Trust me.. you don't want to miss out on all this fun and the awesome sets our illustrators have for you this month!

Hope to see you at the party, here are all the details:

When: Today, Thursday, December 29
Where: StampTV Release Party Forum
Time: 7 PM to 9 PM (CST)

Now head on over to Tami Mayberry's blog to see what she's sharing with you today and see you back here on tomorrow for the beginning of our three day Inspiration Blog Hop series for December!

Have a great day!!

Have a Safe Holiday....

2011-12-23T14:06:00.000-06:00

There are two days left before Christmas.... are you ready??? I'm not!!! Of course I've finished shopping... but I haven't wrapped ONE gift!!! Part of my problem is I always wrap in my bedroom. Well... since my hubby works the midnight run this year... he is sleeping until 11:30 PM!!! Ugh! My secret hidey spot in my bedroom closet. :-( This means... I have to transport all the gifts to another area of the house (nope, I didn't think ahead) without the kids seeing them... to begin wrapping!! Wish me luck!!

My card today uses one of my favorite angels this year from Susana's Custom Art & Card Design, Elisabeth Bell's, Angel of Hope. I just love the flow of her gown, her flowing hair and the huge wings! I colored her using my Copic markers and cut her out to mount her. My card base is Pure Luxury Vibrant Violet. I layered on some Turquoise Sea, some fun glitter paper that my daughter got in a little paper art kit that she KNEW I would need to make cards... hee hee... then a piece of White which I used my D'Vine Swirls Cuttlebug embossing folder on.

A bit of wrinkled ribbon and Websters Sparkler Button finished off my "guardian angel" for you. :-)

Have a safe and happy holiday and I hope you make special memories to keep for years to come!!

*HUGS & Blessings*

MY Angel...

2011-12-19T08:00:00.007-06:00

Oh for sure!!! MY angel would be dressed in purple!!! No doubt!! :-) The adorable little stamp is Angel Gilli. I just think the Gilli stamps are so darn cute!!! Also... today is the "Just Bling It" Monday Greeting Challenge over on The Outlawz. Come join in on the fun!!!

My card today started with Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight White and I layered on a piece of the Layering Weight card stock. I ran it through my Vagabond using my Swiss Dot Cuttlebug embossing folder. I layered on a 4" doilie and added some pearl flourishes around it. My angel was colored using my Copic markers before I cut her out and added her to my card using Pop Dots.

I hope you are enjoying your holiday season and getting all your cards and gifts ready. I've been spending a lot of time designing cards for our family to mail AND for my husband to use at work. Seems every day he adds another name to his list. LOL I don't mind though... and I'm hoping to get some homemade fudge and treats made to send with him as well. Always room for treats when you're a truck driver. :-)

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!! *smile*

Gina K Designs' Nature's Greetings Hop

2011-12-15T08:49:00.000-06:00

Welcome to another Gina K. Design Team blog hop. Today we are sharing cards and projects using the Nature's Greetings set. If you came from Theresa Momber's blog, you're at the right place. If not make sure to head over to StampTV you will find a list of all those participating in today's hop.

Here's what I came up with today.

My card base is Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight White layered with DP from Echo Park's Marjolaine paper pack. I stamped my images using my Memento markers to color them in before stamping. My butterfly was stamped and colored with Copics prior to mounting. I added a few buttons from the Button Jars offered at Gina K Designs. I LOVE these buttons!!! Never seem to run out and there are so many sizes I never need to look any further! Perfect to keep on hand plus the screw on lids are an added benefit!

Head on over to Vicki Dutcher's blog to see what she's sharing with you today!

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you have enjoyed a little more inspiration from the Design Team. Have a great day!! *smile*

He's Checking His List....

2011-12-13T08:00:00.001-06:00

A bit less than two weeks away.... are you ready??? I'm not quite ready, but almost. Christmas will be here and, as always, I WILL be ready! Isn't it funny how it comes the same time every year and yet... or so it seems... people are just rushing and fretting and scurrying along to get it ALL done???!! I don't know why others feel the "rush" of the season but "I" know for me... I hate buying my kids gifts to early. I mean you know how kids can be, right??? Sure they want something NOW... but will they want it in ohhh three months when Christmas shopping begins??? Or, is it really necessary to wait for the sale catalog and ads to come out. Because you can bet if you bought something two months before Christmas, chances are... it WILL be in the sale ads. *sigh* So for a mom buying for kids... sometimes it's just best to wait. I know.. doesn't help with the stress, but, in the end... I KNOW they will want something when it comes at Christmas and quite possibly even be less straining on my budget. Ya know??? ;-)

My adorable little Santa is, of course, a Magnolia stamp. I'm pretty sure I got it LAST Christmas release but never took the time to ink it up. And... I think I got kind of "intimidated" with the red and black Copic coloring. Not so much anymore since I went through Suzanne Dean's Copic classes! I am STILL in awe at her teaching skills and all the awesome information she gave us. Hee

I stamped my image and cut him out... adhering him with Pop Dots. My card base is Pure Luxury Red Hot card stock and I layered on some Sweet Corn. I added some DP and a row of buttons for my Santa to perch upon. My sentiment is from the "Wishing You Joy" Stamp TV kit.

I hope your holiday duties are going smoothly and that you don't get to stressed over any of it. The holidays should be fun... family time... memory making and full of good surprises. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

Snow & Flakes and Blechhhh....

2011-12-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

No sirree... I DO NOT like snow!! Do Not!!! Is that clear?? Butttt.... I admit... making SNOW cards is fun!!! Today's Greetings Challenge over on The Outlaws is to make a card with snow, snowflakes, etc. I had so much fun with this challenge that yes... I made more than one. But... as a blogger... some days, there's not enough time to create when you want, so, I decided to save my "other" snow card for another post. :-)

My card was creating using one of Mo's Digital Pencil images, "Kai in the snow". It reminds me so much of my son when I sat him outside in his green and blow snow suit for his first winter. He didn't have quite a smile on his face though... more of a "what the heck are you putting me in?" look. LOL And when he fell over... on his side... the green suit reminded me of a turtle on his back that couldn't get up! LOL Oh he was so adorable. But, shell shocked, I'm afraid. Ha Ha!

My card base is Pure Luxury Ocean Mist. I layered some White and added DP from a few different paper packs I had in my stash. I colored my image with Copic markers and cut my image using my Square Nestabilities and mounted it using Pop Dots. My flourishes were cut using my Slice machine and added a few punched out snowflakes. My flakes are sparkled using Frost Stickles.

I hope you're not getting to much snow... unless, of course, you love the snow like my friend, Lee Murphy. Hee Hee

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!!! *smile*

Simple Peace...

2011-12-09T08:00:00.003-06:00

Something very CAS.... something that says it all without much fanfare. THAT is what I was going for with this card.

My sentiment is from the Stamp TV Kit, "Wishing You Joy". I love all the sentiments in this kit and the adorable images. But for this card... the perfect sentiment was all I needed.

I began with Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight White card stock. I used Gina's tutorial on Partial Embossing with a Cuttlebug folder to follow. You can watch the video HERE.

I used my Bow Easy to make a triple loop bow and finished it off with my sentiment. I LOVE how clean and yet classy this looks.

Are you working on your cards? Are you mailing them yet??? I'm done with mine so... off to address and stamp.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by! *smile*

Inspiring Trio...

2011-12-08T08:00:00.001-06:00

Inspiration!! I LOVE being inspired and I LOVE inspiring others. Today I'm sharing three cards I made with the new "Inspirational Blocks" from Gina K Designs November release. This set has such awesome words in it and I couldn't quite decide which I wanted to use. Then... it hit me... my kids! I LOVE giving my kids as much inspiration as I can. So I chose words which I felt could work for a little inspiration I can give to them on any day (I love to mail them cards for no reason at all... hee).

My cards base is Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight White. I used the Layering Weight white to heat emboss my images using red, black and teal embossing powders. I followed Gina's awesome video on Gold Edge Embossed Holiday Card to do my embossing and edging/layering of my blocks. I added my ribbon and attached my blocks with Pop Dots. My sentiments were also embossed on the card base matching the blocks.

This would make such an awesome card set to give as a gift as well. But... I will send them to my kids for now. :-)

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

Make it a Tall One....

2011-12-07T08:00:00.002-06:00

My card today is one I designed for the Outlawz Greetings Challenge this week. Your challenge is to make "TALL" card! I rarely do this so it was fun to create this sample to give you all a little inspiration.

My card base is Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight White and I stamped my image from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, "Christmas Light Clear Stamp Set". I put out a call for help in looking for religious stamp sets I could us for Christmas. It seems it's harder and harder to find such stamps some times and I really prefer to keep the "true" meaning of Christmas in my card designs. Luckily for me, my sweet friend, Korin Sutherland directed me to this beauty!! Thanks, Korin!! I LOVE it!!!

I colored the image with Copic markers and added a bit of added bling. My sentiment is stamped on the White and I used my Labels 9 Nestabilities to cut it out. I added a bit of Memento Wild Dandelion ink around the edges before removing the Nestie. I adhered a white doilie to the card base before putting on the sentiment using Pop Dots.

I hope you play along. The winner will receive a $20 gift certificate from the E.K. Success!!! With Christmas around the corner, I'm sure that certificate could be put to good use!! :-)

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!! *smile*

Poppieeees....

2011-12-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

Red!!! It's NOT just for Christmas anymore! Hee Hee. Sorry... couldn't resist that! LOL Today I wanted to share with you one of the cards I created for the Gina K Designs November Release party. My poppy is from the awesome set Melanie Muenchinger released this month, "Stately Flowers1"... of course, the poppy is California's state flower! :-)

My card base is Pure Luxury Red Hot layered with White. I added a layer of the DP from the "Natures Greetings" paper pack. My image was stamped on White and colored with my Copic markers. I used my Labels 4 Nestabilities. I used Pop Dots to add some dimension to the card.

I hope you are having a great Tuesday!!! I am still reorganizing my studio and am happy to report that it IS complete enough that I actually created a little last night!! Woot! It's going to be a cold one here in Iowa so I'm planning to stay put and maybe... just maybe, sneak in a little nap while the kids are at school too!! Mmmmmm sounds so toasty on a cold December day!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!! *smile*

Gina K Designs November Inspiration Hop Day 3

2011-12-02T08:00:00.073-06:00

On our last day of the Inspiration Hop I hope you have enjoyed seeing all the awesome creations the Gina K Designs Design Team created for you! AND... I hope you got your order in early because this release has hit it BIG over the last few days since the release! Isn't it exciting to know there are more coming in conjunction with this release??? Today we are finishing up our samples but remember comment, comment, comment for your chance to win the HUGE grab bag of stamps that Gina will be drawing for! Christmas is near and we all can use a little FREE Christmas gift for ourselves, right??? :-) Now... on with the hop! First up....

Inspiration Blocks by Gina K Designs

I LOVE the inspirational words in this set and I have been thinking of my kids with every card I make using it. Perfect little "reminder" for them and I'm the mom that is always leaving notes for them or even mailing them a card of encouragement so this set is right up my ally!! AND.. this month this set is your "Free with Three" set!! My card begins with Pure Luxury Wild Dandelion card stock. I layered on a piece of Black Onxy which I first embossed using my Holly Ribbons Cuttlebug folder. I know it's more for Christmas but I thought it looked good with my stamp image. :-) Next I added another layer of the Wild Dandelion which I heat embossed my images. My sentiments are overlapping in red and I wasn't sure how it would turn out (afraid it would melt down into the black and nothing would show), but it still kept the fine line of the letters and I like that! Next up....

Master Butterfly Duo by Gina K Designs

I love coloring big butterflies and this one was no exception! I started off with some Pure Luxury Turquoise Sea card stock and did a partial embossing on the side using my Bird Call Cuttlebug folder. I added a layer of Wild Dandelion and some DP to the left and stamped my sentiment at the top. My butterfly was colored with Copic markers and cut out then mounted with the winds folded upward. I used a bit of Frost Stickles on the butterfly as well. Next up...

Just Calling To Say Duo

For my last card I used Pure Luxury Kraft card stock as my base. I added a layer of Little Boy Blue and some DP next. I stamped my image using Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Faded Jeans. I distressed the edges a bit and added some more Tim Holtz Ink, Vintage Photo.

I hope you have enjoyed these hops and there still more to see... hop on down the list and remember to leave comments on all the DT blogs for a chance to win.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

Gina K Designs November Inspiration Hop Day 2

2011-12-01T08:00:00.069-06:00

Did you enjoy yesterday's hop??? Well the Gina K Designs Design Team has even more eye candy for you today. This release is sooo packed with fun to color and awesome flowers and today's sets are no exception. Let's get started!!! First up...

Dogwood and Butterfly by Theresa Momber

For my card I began with Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight White and added yet another layer on top using Pop Dots to give it dimension. I stamped the "branches" on the corners and my sentiment in the lower right for balance. My flowers and butterfly were colored with Copic markers and cut out and also applied with Pop Dots. I added a bit of Frost Stickles to the butterfly. I know I will be using this set quite often... just adore the flowers!! Did you order yours yet???

Next up...

Label Borders by Tami Mayberry

Tami does it again with another fabulous set that not only makes for quick and easy cards, but is still so flexible!!! My card began with Pure Luxury Blue Raspberry. I added a layer of White and then grabbed some DP from my stash to add yet another layer. I stamped the border on White and added it to the middle. Instead of using the label area I cut a tag using the Nestabilities Grommet Tags and added a bit of sponging around the edges. Two self adhesive pearls cover the grommet holes. I also used Pop Dots to raise it up a bit. This set is FABULOUS for belly bands and even though my band didn't go "around" the card, it looks as though it did. LOVED working with this set and I'm sure you will as well.

Last but not least....

Friends are Flowers Duo by Gina K Designs

I love images like this flower that can be used both as a DP image and still be colored in and used as a focal image!! I decided to use it to create my background on my card base. I used Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight White and stamped my image in three colors randomly around the card. I added a small middle of Pure Luxury Creme de Menthe which I ran though my Vagabond using an embossing folder on just the top and bottom. My sentiment is stamped and bordered with more self-adhesive pearls.

Now hop on over to the rest of the DT's blogs and remember to leave a comment for them all as Gina will once again draw for a winner of a huge Grab Bag of stamps!!

Gina K
Theresa Momber – Illustrator Dogwood and Butterfly
Tina Gilliland (You are here!)
Vicki Dutcher
Carolina Buchting
Cathy Tidwell
Deb Felts
Donna Baker
Emily Giovanni
Giovana Smith
Jimmi Mayo
Lee Murphy
Melanie Muenchinger
Michelle Woerner
Sharon Harnist
Suzanne Dean

Thanks for stopping and enjoy the hop!! One more hop tomorrow and another chance to win!!! Have a great day!! *smile*

Gina K Designs November Inspiration Hop

2011-11-30T08:00:00.080-06:00

WOW What a FUN Gina K Designs Release Party it was last night!!! Did you enjoy the new format?? I sure did... so relaxed and everyone seeing and ordering and chatting right from the start! Loved it!! The Gina K Design DT is ready to help you with some inspiration. if you didn't get to see the samples last night, using all the new sets!! First up....

Stately Flowers... by Melanie Muenchinger

Oh ya... without Gina K Designs would there even BE a Wisconsin??? Bwahahaha! I LOVE LOVE African Violets and was thrilled to be able to color this image!! My card started with Pure Luxury Vibrant Violet and I added some Lovely Lavender which I embossed with the Polka Dots Cuttlebug folder. My image was colored with Copics and I cut it out using Big Scalloped Rectangles Nesties.

Next up...

Make a State-ment... also by Melanie Muenchinger!!

I, of course, HAD to do a card pointing out Iowa!!! I couldn't resist trying to mimic "corn" in my card! I found this cute DP that had a corn cob smilie on it and decided IT would cover the state. :-)

My card base is Pure Luxury Sweet Corn (ha!) and I layered two DP's that reminded me of a stalk of corn with the cob showing. :-) A bit of twine and there you have it!!

Next up one of the new Duo's set that Gina introduced in her Black Friday Sale....

Close Knit Friends Duo

My card began with Pure Luxury Cranberry Tart. I layered on some Sweet Corn and some DP. I stamped my image on White card stock and used my Beaded Ovals Nestties to cut it out. My image was colored with Copic markers.

And last showing today...

Because of You Duo

This couldn't have come at a more perfect time for me. Soooooooo LOVE this image!! One, I've been wanted an awesome silhouette image and... secondly... my darling husband needed a lift after MY having a bad dream about him. He gets so upset when I have bad dreams that he's in... ya... he's kind of a romantic guy. :-) So I designed this card for him.

My card base is Pure Luxury Black Onyx layered with Red Hot and some DP from the Echo Park Victorian Garden paper pack. I heat embossed with black and used my Oval Nesties to cut it out and mounted on top of more red hot which I cut from the Petite Scallop Oval Nesties.

Now head on over to the rest of the team's blogs and be sure to leave a comment. Gina will be drawing from them for TWO winners of a grab bag of 12 new stamps!!!

Gina K
Melanie Muenchinger – Illustrator Stately Flowers and Make a Statement
Carolina Buchting
Cathy Tidwell
Deb Felts
Donna Baker
Emily Giovanni
Giovana Smith
Jennie Harper
Jimmi Mayo
Lee Murphy
Michelle Woerner
Sharon Harnist
Suzanne Dean
Theresa Momber
Tina Gilliland
Vicki Dutcher

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the hop!!! Have a great day!! *smile*

You're Invited to a FABULOUS Gina K Designs Release

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

We are very excited to extend an invitation to Gina K. Designs November Release Party. We have a fun evening planned for you - chatting, prizes, challenges, stamp sets reveal, design team shares, and most importantly, you can start shopping at 7 PM (CST)!

If you came from Stamp TV, you're at the right place. If not make sure to head over to StampTV where you will find a list of all those participating in today's hop. I'm soooo excited about this release and you do NOT want to miss out on seeing all these awesome stamps sets our illustrators are offering up this month!

Here's a photo of one of the cards I will be sharing at the party.

My card today was created using Theresa Momber's new set, "Dogwood & Butterfly"! I LOVE this set and these flowers!!!

I started my card base using Pure Luxury Kraft card stock. I used my Textile Cuttlebug embossing folder on the front. My image was stamped on White and I used my Copic markers to color it. I stamped and colored the butterfly and cut it out before popping it onto the framed image. I added some ribbon and a bow and added Pop Dots to the oval which was cut out using my Oval Nestabilities.

Hope to see you at the party, here are all the details:

When: Today, Tuesday, November 29
Where: StampTV Release Party Forum
Time: 7 PM to 9 PM (CST)

Now head on over to Suzanne Dean's blog to see what FABULOUS creation she's sharing with you today and see you back here tomorrow for the beginning of our three day Inspiration Blog Hop series for November!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the hop!!! *smile*

Gina K Designs Black Friday & A Centerpiece

2011-11-25T00:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Shopping Day!!! Are you a Black Friday shopper??? I'm soooooo not an ANY kind of day shopper!! My husband does all the grocery shopping and I do the "have to" shopping... things like stuff for the kids. I don't even like to do the "have to" shopping for ME!! But for those of you that love to shop and CRAVE shopping on Black Friday... Gina K Designs has a special you won't want to miss!!

Aren't these just the sweetest stamps??? I especially ADORE the "Because of You" set. Can't live without a little romance!! :-) It's one day only so don't miss out on some of the newest sets that have not been released to the public yet!!

My card today features Melanie Muenchinger's, "Holiday Basket" set. My inspiration for the card were baskets that I had purchased for my dad's annual Christmas party gathering he has done for employees and family members. I had baskets created with the white poinsettias as center pieces for all the tables. It was sooo pretty and festive. At the end of the evening we would give the baskets away for others to enjoy at home during the holiday. :-)

My card base is Pure Luxury Grass Green layered with Pure Luxury Accents Key Lime and some White card stock. I stamped my basket on a red DP I found in my stash and the flowers on White card stock then colored with my Copic markers. I cut them but out before mounting them to the card base. I also used Melanie's, "Border Bling" set to add a little swirl under my sentiment and used Liquid Pearls to add a bit of shine and dimension.

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving and... I hope you take advantage of the awesome sale stamps Gina has for you today and if you're out in the crowds, good luck fighting off those hard-core shoppers!! ;-)

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!! *smile*

An Outlawz Birthday... Yessirree!!!

2011-11-21T08:00:00.001-06:00

Happy TENTH Birthday, Emily!!! Yep... MY little "outlaw" turned ten yesterday!!! Ten?? OMGosh, how time does fly!! I miss holding her... I miss rocking her to sleep... and seeing her sweet little face smooshed all up asking for a "sssmarshmellyohhh" (marshmellow).. hee. But I'll be the first to admit... she's STILL a momma's girl and she clings to me more than I ever imagined she would... STILL! But it's all ok... in the end, I KNOW it won't last long. :-( And yes.. she IS my "outlaw". She is the toughest thing I've "handled" in ten years. Even before she was born... I KNEW she was a girl... I KNEW she would be stubborn and yep... she wreaked havoc on my body!! Ha!! But I would go through it all again 'cause I love her more than I could ever have imagined I could before becoming a mom. I truly believe NOTHING can top the feeling of a warm baby being laid on your tummy after birth. A feeling I know I'll NEVER forget. Never! And I also know there will never be any real "unconditional love" that is better than that of a child. So, happy birthday, my sweet little "tween" (a title she's been looking forward to).

Now onto some REAL Outlawz business!! Today I am posting the Greetings Challenge over on the Outlawz site. Your task, should you decide to accept it, and I hope you will!!, is to create a card with a birthday or Christmas gift on it. Remember, your card must also have a greeting on the front as well.

My card was created using a sweet little Magnolia. I colored her with Copic AND... as a treat to my daughter... her dress was colored EXACTLY as the one we brought her home in from the hospital. A red velvet top... a white bottom with a soft netting that had tiny little red flowers embroidered on it... and little white shoes... she was so adorable. See the cute little gift she is hiding behind her back? Her brother, then four at the time, gave her a gift when she was born. Hee... this little girl reminded me so much of that day. :-)

My card base is Pure Luxury Red Hot layered with some Little Boy Blue and DP I found in my stash. My sentiment comes from Nina Brackett's, "Fanciful Tags". I cut my image out using my Oval Nestabilities and mounted her with Pop Dots. A few roses and a ribbon and my birthday card was complete.

I hope you hop on over to the Outlawz site and enter our Greetings Challenge. The Paper Temptress is our awesome sponsor this month and you surely will want to get your hands on some of her awesome papers!!

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you have a fabulous Monday!!! *smile*

Ornamentally Bright...

2011-11-18T08:00:00.001-06:00

Today I am FINALLY feeling much better and thought I felt well enough to even "think" about some Christmas cheer! Woot! Trust me... most often I'm in a dither thinking about Christmas so this is a welcome feeling for me. HA!

I created this card using the "Merry & Bright" set from Gina K Designs. I started with some Pure Luxury Red Hot card stock. I added a bit of DP and some lace. I heat embossed my ornaments onto White card stock and cut them out using my Spellbinder Heirloom Ornament dies. I mounted it on top of a layer of Good As Gold metallic card stock and raised it up on the card using Pop Dots. I heat embossed my sentiment as well.

I am actually ready to send out my Christmas cards this year, for a change. One of the ways I managed to get it done on time this year was I decided NOT to send out the same design to everyone this year. Each card will be an original and no two will be alike. I found that as I'm doing cards for challenges, design team hops, etc., it has been easier for me to get a nice assortment and just the amount I need to send out. Woot Woot!!

I hope you are getting ready for the holidays, they are quicker to come each year it seems. Thanks for stopping by and have a great Friday!! *smile*

Always Time for Thank Yous....

2011-11-16T08:00:00.001-06:00

Well I have to tell ya... I was going through my posts and trying to decide what I wanted to share today. Quite often I upload my photos and add a title then go back later to add the details. I spied this card and thought to myself... "hmmmm.. that card was for a challenge over on The Outlawz forum so can't use it." Then it hit me... it was marked as a "draft". Uhhhh... oooopsie!!! I had it all written up and never posted it to the blog. So... while it's no longer a challenge, I'll just share it and give you the deets. Hee Hee

I used a darling stamp from SCACD, Elisabeth Bell's, "Letter to a Friend". I started my card with a Pure Luxury Turquoise Sea card stock base and layered on some Wild Dandelion. I added a DP I found in my stash and stamped my image on white card stock. My image was colored with Copic markers. I used my Lacey Circle Nestabilitie to mount my image on which I cut in half. I added a nice satin bow to finish it off.

Here's hoping the next challenge I share actually shows up on the blog, eh??!! Sorry about that. :-(

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!! *smile*

Gina K Designs Gratitude Blog Hop

2011-11-15T08:00:00.002-06:00

Welcome to another Gina K. Design Team blog hop. Today we're featuring cards with a Gratitude theme to them. If you came from Theresa Momber's blog, you're at the right place. If not make sure to head over to StampTV where you will find a list of all those participating in today's hop.

Here's what I came up with today.

My card was created using the new Nature's Greeting Stamp Kit which is on sale now at Gina K Designs. This kit includes a DVD with 6 complete card projects from start to finish! Stamp Set, Card Stock, Patterned Paper, Ribbon, Brads and DVD. Be sure to check this out HERE and get your order in! Perfect gift for your favorite crafter!

I started my card with some Pure Luxury Grass Green card stock. I layered on some Bubble Gum Pink and then a piece of DP from the Echo Park Victoria Garden paper pack. I ran a piece of the Bubble Gum pink through my Vagabond using the Textile Cuttlebug folder for a bit of texture. My image was colored with Copic markers and I attached it to the card using Pop Dots. I also added a bit of Stardust Stickles to the center of the flower. I took a piece of lace from my stash and ran it a across my Tim Holtz Distress Ink pad, Shabby Shutters to coordinate with my card base.

My sentiment and a few self-adhesive pearls finish off my card.

Now head on over to Vicki Dutcher's blog to see what she's sharing with you today!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! Enjoy the hop! *smile*

Manly Outlawz!

2011-11-14T10:18:00.000-06:00

It's Monday Greeting Challenge time over on the Outlawz site!! Today we are creating "manly" cards! Put your crafty hat on and think of a way to create that perfect card for a man.

Today I am sharing the card I created for my "sailor"/vet that I made for him last Friday to celebrate and thank him on Veterans Day.

I've had this adorable little Sailor Magnolia stamp for quite some time but you how it is if you're a stamp hoarder like me.. *wink*... he just never got inked! Poor guy!

My card began with Pure Luxury Blue Raspberry and I layered on Cryogen White from the Paper Temptress to add a bit of sparkle to the card. My image was colored with Copic markers and I used some twine to accent the border of my card. A little blue "bling" to make the "waves" a real sailor is used to. Hee

I hope you play along with our Challenge... HERE is the site and details on how to play. The Paper Temptress is providing our prize and I KNOW you will want to get your hands on her paper. She has tons and sooooo many to chose from you won't want to quit buying!!! Have fun and good luck!

Thanks for stopping by! *smile*

Forgotten Halloween...

2011-11-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

Awww I'm so sorry little witchy... I so totally forgot to post you at the appropriate time this year. But I wuvs you so... here ya be... making a late appearance, but nonetheless... you're still a cutey pie! :-) I just wanted to make sure I shared this adorable little gal because I KNOW if I wait until NEXT Halloween, who knows WHERE she'll be!!! Hee Hee

My card started with Pure Luxury Sweet Mango card stock. I ran it through my Vagabond using the Seeing Spots Cuttlebug folder. I added a layered a square of Wild Lilac and then layered up some Black Onyx, Wild Lilac and more Sweet Mango under my image which I colored with my Copic markers. I used Pop Dots to mount the layered image onto my card. A few flourish punches and some twine and though she's late... she's to sweet to not share! :-)

I hope your weekend has been going great and you've had some awesome weather. It was very nice here Saturday and I'm dealing with a nagging cough, tickly throat and a bit heavy chest so I'm suckin down some Tussin to see it I can get rid of it before it gets worse. Wish me luck!

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous Sunday! *smile*

A Little Something...

2011-11-12T08:00:00.001-06:00

It's Saturday and I'm sooooooo glad!! It's been a rough, long, stressful week for me. But... I'm hoping all that will turn around now that I'm pretty much all caught up at work. Dealing with two companies simultaneously is NOT fun!!! Today I decided I deserved a "little something"... hee hee. In all honesty, my daughter saw me coloring one evening and asked if she could pick out the colors for the next little Magnolia I did. THESE are HER colors and how she wanted Tilda done. :-)

My card begins with Pure Luxury Wild Dandelion card stock. A layer of Little Boy Blue and Green Apple were cut corner to corner and added as another layer under my DP. I cut out my Tilda and used Pop Dots to prop her on the card. My sentiment is from Nina Brackett's, "Fanciful Tags".

I hope you are having a great day and enjoying your weekend. I am going to craft ALL day long and take the next two days as slow as I can. I feel like I've certainly earned it! :-)

Thanks for stopping by!! *smile*

The Reason for the Season...

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

Every year at this time, or earlier if I'm organized... hee hee, I get frustrated because I want just the right stamps for my Christmas cards. I RARELY "send" a card out at Christmas that doesn't depict the TRUE "reason for the season". I mean honestly... it IS Jesus' birthday! Right??!! It's important to me to send out cards that NOT commercialize the season any more than it already is. We get enough of that, right? ;-)

My card today begins with Pure Luxury Ocean Mist layered with Wild Dandelion and Blue Raspberry. I used a layer of Cryogen White card stock from the Paper Temptress to print my image on. It has just a bit of sparkle to it and I love that, plus it colors wonderfully with my Copic markers. My image, "Touched by Love", is a digi from Whimsy Stamps.

I colored the image with my Copic markers and created the starlight by sponging on some Wild Dandelion from Memento ink. I also added just a bit of Stardust Stickles to the wings of the angel for a bit more bling. :-)

Thank you for stopping by today and I hope it's a GREAT one...it's FRIDAY!!! *smile*

Tone on Tone with a Pinch of White...

2011-11-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

Well I'm baaack with more silvery goodness!! I told you yesterday, I couldn't help myself... the gold and silver were calling my name! Today's card is no exception!!

I started with a card base of Pure Luxury Silver Lining. I created my card using the Tone on Tone Embossing (except for the white dove). To see how this is done go HERE for Gina K's technique video. I used the my Labels 16 Nestabilities to coordinate with the stamp from the Stamp TV Kit, Wishing You Joy. My sentiment comes from Nina Brackett's, "Fanciful Tags" and I used my Fancy Tags Nesties to emboss with. Everything was heat embossed with Ranger Superfine Silver Embossing powder, except for the dove which I used Stampendous Detail White powder on.

A little ribbon and a few self adhesive pearls finish off my card. Fast, single layer CAS card and a perfect one to create in bulk for the holidays. :-)

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

Silver & Gold....

2011-11-09T08:00:00.002-06:00

Today I had a HUGE itch to design some Christmas cards using silver and gold embossing powders. I only got two done but that happens when you have a full schedule of picking up kids... it's raining out and cold so it seems to be a rush to get a parking spot in front of the schools WAY before school is actually dismissed. I hate dealing with that!! But since I only have two days a week to pick up my son and daughter, it's not so bad... but it DOES cut into my creative days! ;-)

My card today started with a base of Solar White Thick Column paper from the Paper Temptress. It didn't photograph to well here but it's so awesome in real life! I layered on some Good as Gold and Silver Lining card stock from Gina K Designs. My final layer which I stamped in Versamark on and heat embossed my image on is also from the Paper Temptress, Laser Silver Lustre Text.

My image is from Melanie Muenchinger's, "Holiday Basket". Definitely a FAB set to have for any holiday OR just a "because" occasion as well. :-)

Thanks for stopping by today and have a good one!! *smile*

Even a Good Day is Made Better with a Friend....

2011-11-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

I have a "thing" for umbrella/rainy day images, I think. LOL Seriously... I just seem to always be drawn to any stamp that has at least one of them in it!!! So... I HAD to grab up this adorable Gilli stamp, "Trench Coat Gilli".

My card begins with Pure Luxury Wild Dandelion layered with Passionate Pink. I ran the pink thru my Vagabond and used the Seeing Spots Cuttlebug embossing folder. I colored my image with Copic markers and used my Oval Nestabilities to cut her out. She was mounted on more Passionate Pink using my Petite Scalloped Oval Nesties. I mounted on her on DP using Pop Dots and added coordinated twine. My sentiment was stamped on more Wild Dandelion and I added a few bling to the end.

Personally... I LOVE the rain and that's just what it's doing outside as I type this. I could EASILY be a Seattle gal. :-) I had such a stressful day and the rain, just clears my mind and makes it all better. Hee (I know I'm odd... what can I say?!!)

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!!!

Once a Sister... Always a Sister

2011-11-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am sharing a card I made for my Stamp TV Secret Sister, Jennie Harper. Jennie and I belong to the book club on Stamp TV. Last year we all signed up for a Secret Sister/Christmas Book exchange. It was sooo much fun we all decided to do it again this year! Well... as luck would have it... and I LOVE having good luck... I ended up with Jennie as my Secret Sister AGAIN this year!! Yes, I had her last year and so this year was an extra treat because I already knew what Jennie liked. :-)

Jennie's favorite colors are pink and brown and I created this card for her using Pure Luxury Chocolate Brown and Bubblegum Pink card stock. My butterfly images are from Theresa Momber's, "Celebrate the Season" stamp set. I colored the butterflies with my Copic markers and mounted them using my Spellbinders Lacy Circles and under that the Spellbinders Lotus Pendant. My sentiment is from SRM Stickers which I had won on a challenge awhile back! (To many items in my shop = forgetting about fun stuff!!)

I added some of my favorite DP and wrinkled ribbon to my card and finished it off with a Websters Sparkler. LOVE those too!!

If you love to read AND stamp, please join us on Stamp TV at "Book Readers Unite!!". We'd love to have you and who knows... maybe next year you'll have a secret sister! ;-)

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

2011-11-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone!! Today I am hosting your Free For All Friday Challenge over on Stamp TV! This one should be pretty easy... I think it's been quite popular for some years now but I want to make it official here! Hee Hee

Your challenge today is to make a "Blue Christmas" card! Yep... all shades of blue... one neutral... white/ivory, your choice there but all blues otherwise, please.

Here is my sample....

I stamped my image from the Stamp TV Kit, Wishing You Joy, on white layering weight card stock and colored in with my Copics. I heat embossed the trees on the Raspberry card stock and then added stickles to them. A little ribbon a few pearls and a punched border and there you have it!!!

I hope you FILL the forum with some awesome Blue Christmas cards!!! Can't wait to see what you create!!!

Please use keyword STVFRITG4 You can see all the entries HERE. You have until Thursday, November 10th, 8:00pm to upload your entry.

Please create and upload a new project for this challenge that can only be entered into this challenge on StampTV to be eligible for a prize, no combining of Stamp TV challenges. However, you can combine it with challenges outside of StampTV. And remember you don't have to use Gina K. Designs stamps, but if you do your name will go into the drawing twice!

Have fun!
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

CAS Blessing

2011-11-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving isn't far way and I know this month is all about giving thanks so, I decided the one thing I am VERY thankful for is all the blessings I have in my life. Starting with my kids, my husband and my extended family!! Of course! But I'm also thankful for all the dear friends I've met online and then later, some, in person! This Internet/web thing is so powerful and brings so many things to our lives that we may have never known about had someone not started us all on this huge world wide web! And.... one of those many wonders I've met is Suzanne Dean. Suzanne is responsible (ha!) for getting me back in touch with my Copics and the reason I've dug out so many of my cute Magnolia stamps and a few others that I had purchased but never inked up!! So today... I am sharing a very simple, Magnolia that really doesn't need much more than a card to be mounted on. I love her! A perfect little image to say, "bless you", "I'm praying for you..." or even "thanks be to God...". I'm a HUGE lover of praying hands no matter how they are presented. It speaks volumes to me!

My little image sits on top of a Pure Luxury Wild Dandelion card stock base. I layered up some Wild Lilac and then topped it off with some Yellow Crepe Ruche paper from the Paper Temptress (LOVE that texture). And... the nice part about that Ruche paper... you can stamp directly on it and your image doesn't become distorted... (my sentiment was stamped direct). Love that!! I did color my image with Copic makers and cut her out then mounted her using Pop Dots.

I hope you are having a great week... even though this is hump day, it was kinda gloomy out. Rain, cold and I hear, later, snow! YUK YUK Phooey!! But tomorrow is my day off and I may just sit and count my blessings in my PAJAMAS!!! :-)

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile

Everyone Needs a Fairytale....

2011-11-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

Ahhhh the fairytale... we all need one, don't ya think??? I do!! In fact... I like to think I "lived the fairytale" when I married my DH. Since it wasn't my FIRST marriage... I decided, why not?!! And that's just what I did!! I fashioned our wedding on a fairytale! Cinderella to be exact! Ha!! I wore the light blue dress... he wore the whites AND... I even wore the "glass" slippers. Ok... they were acrylic pumps, but hey, they LOOKED like glass! Ha Ha!! Everything was decorated in clear twinkling lights, light blue, white and plenty of tulle! LOL Oh yesss... I even wore the tiara! Perfect... just perfect. ;-)

And my little Magnolia stamp? Well... she's waiting. For her "knight in shining armour", of course!!! :-)

I colored my image with my Copic markers. I stamped the "castle wall" directly onto my Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight card stock and colored the Maggie and glued her in place. I stamped my sentiment onto the white card stock and used my Fancy Tags2 Nestabilities to mount it onto the card base using Pop Dots. A few lavender blings and she's read for more than the fairytale. :-) But I have to say... I think she looks a bit tired of it all. Hee Hee

I hope you have a great Wednesday... the week is nearly over!! Right? RIGHT???!!! LOL

Thanks for stopping by! *smile*

Have a Wee Bit of Time for a Challenge???

2011-11-01T08:00:00.002-05:00

Today I'd like to share the card I created for the Outlawz DT Recycle & Sentiment Challenge for this week's Greetings Challenge. To see the cards created by the DT, click HERE and be sure to enter your recycled card to the mix!!

My card begins with Pure Luxury Red Hot card stock. I layered on some Wild Dandelion and grabbed my box of scrap DP! I found the flowered patterned card stock and the gingham red check and added them to my card! Perfect for my Wee Florist! I added a few of the Prima roses I found and grabbed some Glimmer Glam to them to match my sweet florist. :-) I colored using my Copic markers and added a little bow to set her and her flowers off. LOVE the Wee stamps!!!

I hope you join in on the fun. You could be the next winner!! Remember to check out all the challenges on the Outlawz site and play as often as you like!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile

Mirror Image Stamping Tutorial...

2011-10-31T08:00:00.002-05:00

When I posted this card using Tami Mayberry's "You Go Girl" stamp for the Gina K Designs October Release Inspiration Hop, I received MANY comments by people asking how I did the "reverse image" stamping. I promised to come back and show you how it was done... but... I PLANNED to do a video tutorial. As luck would have it... hee hee... my recorder battery was dead and I had left the charger at home. Soooo... I snapped a few pics and here is the tutorial you were asking for. Trust me... my voice sucks on video so this is MUCH better for YOU! LOL

First... THIS is a Mirror Image Stamp. It is what I used to create the opposite image of what the stamp was originally printed as. Pretty simple, the instructions are right on the stamp itself. :-) The flip side looks like this... just plain rubber.

To begin... I inked up the original stamp that I wanted to reverse.

Of course, I don't want the border NOR the excess ink which I managed to get around the image. Clorox Wipes to the rescue!!

Next... you simply stamp the image ONTO the Mirror Image Stamp itself.

Your image will look like this when done. I'm not concerned about the "missing" ink that shows up in the hair part of the stamp. We'll get back to that later. Now... you can "huff" on your stamp and place it on the paper.

Next, to be sure your image lines up correctly when stamping the proper image of the stamp, I use a Stamp-a-ma-jig. But, if you're good at seeing exactly where your stamp will be, feel free to skip this step.

Now, you have BOTH images on your sheet.

And that missing hair section??? Easy... GREAT time for that Copic Multiliner!!! I have never been able to get a solid image so the Multiliner really comes in handy!! And if you think some of the lines are not as solid as you like, simply retrace with the Multiliner.

I hope that explained how to stamp a reverse image. It's so much fun using it on animals as well.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

Fall Bounty...

2011-10-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

Today I wanted to share with you another one of Melanie Muenchinger's newest stamp sets, "Basket Additions" which I paired with her basket from the "Spring Basket" set. This set is just perfect for just about any occasion and when I picked the fall goodies, I was thinking how perfect this would be for welcoming someone to the neighborhood or just a nice Thanksgiving card design.

My card base is Pure Luxury Pumpkin Spice. I layered on some Chocolate Brown and Sweet Corn on that and mounted my image on Kraft. My image was stamped on White and colored with my Copic markers. I paper pieced the ruffle using some DP. I stamped my sentiment onto the Kraft and used my Scor Buddy along the top and bottom. I added a few Rain Dots on either side as well.

I hope you are enjoying the Fall colors and weather... it's one of my favorite times of year but I'd rather not see what comes after it. Ha!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!!! *smile*

COPICS USED:

E37, E35, E33, E31, E53, E50,

YR18, YR68, R17, R14, YR65, YR61, YR31, YR24, YR21, YR15,

YR12, YR01, YR000, YG95, YG67, YG63,

YG91, YG23, Y26, Y11, Y13, Y28, Y23

Reachhhhh....

2011-10-28T08:00:00.003-05:00

I have a confession..... I've been hording DIGITAL STAMPS!!! *sigh* Yes, I know... so sad. But the worse part is... I have these adorable images that I just NEVER used and now... I have to GUESS where I got them or who they were by!!! UGH!!! So, my goal is to start using them. AND to start using some of the stamps I have from other companies that I have bought... horded and NEVER let them touch ink! Blek Blek!! Just not right! So today's adorable image... I just LOVE his hair and face... hee hee... I THINK is a Maurie Manning image from Mo's Digital Pencil. I can't swear by it... because I can't find it on her site, but... I believe it was a freebie she gave away at one time on Facebook. Either way... I STILL love this guy and FINALLY decided to give him some color and a home. :-)

My card base is Pure Luxury Little Boy Blue. I layered on some Fresh Asparagus to coordinate with my DP I found in my scraps stash. The blue DP is yet ANOTHER FREEBIE from Stamp TV digital paper pack called, Jersey Shore. My image was stamped on Cryogen White from the Paper Temptress and colored with Copic markers. I added another panel of the Fresh Asparagus and more DP from my stash along with a bit of ribbon/bow and some flourished crystals.

I hope you don't horde as many stamps and images as I do. They are much to fun to play with and I am really going to try to use what I have, for a change!! Wish me luck!!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!! *smile*

I am entering this project in the CMC Copic Challenge Group. See details HERE.

COPICS USED:

Y28, Y26, Y15, YG95, YG93, B26, B24, B21, B41, B000, Y11, Y21, E97, E00, E000, E11, RS0

Loving Art

2011-10-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

FIRST A NOTE: For all of you who asked about a tutorial for the mirrored image stamping I did on yesterday's Gina K Designs blog hop, I have decided to do my VERY FIRST video showing how I did this. Pretty easy and I hope I can stand my voice recorded! LOL Stay tuned, I'll try to have it done by Saturday. Thanks for asking!!

Today I am sharing another one of my favorite Gilli stamps, "Painter Gilli". Isn't she adorable all decked out in her painting hat. Hee Hee

I started with Pure Luxury Creme de Menthe card stock. I added a layer of Lemon Drop and some DP from my stash. My image with colored with Copic markers and I used my Oval Nestabilities and Scalloped Oval Nestabilitie to mount her to the card. A few self-adhesive rhinestones which I colored with my Copics and a few flowers and ribbon finishes off my card.

I really like how she came out and hope my dear friend I sent her to likes her just as much!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!! *smile*

Gina K Designs October Inspiration Hop Day 3

2011-10-25T08:00:00.002-05:00

Well??? Have you been enjoying the inspiration hops so far??? I HAVE!! Today we are sharing the final two new releases in this hop. So, let's get started.... first up...

Tami Mayberry's... "You Go Girl!"...

This set IMMEDIATELY reminded me of my 9 year old daughter!!! First... she LOVES these sentiments, "You Go Girl!" AND... "Hey, Girlfriend!" LOL At one point she had a favorite teen show where the girls would "touch" fingers and say... "ewwww". That was my inspiration for this card.

I used my Reverse Image stamp to do just that for this card. I began with Pure Luxury Red Hot card stock and layered on some DP I found in my stash. I added some Black Onyx then my image which I colored with Copic markers. I put down a strip of Scor Tape and used my black ribbon to make a ruffle along the edge and added a small sparkley button to the top. I LOVE how this came out and my 9 year old did as well. :-) Perhaps I'll save it to give her someday when she's in need of some encouragement. Hee Hee

Next on our list... the "Free with Three" set... "Pleasant Plurals"...

For this card I began with some Pure Luxury Fresh Asparagus card stock. I added some of the awesome DP from the Stamp TV Kit, and some Cranberry Tart card stock which I used a border punch on. I used a piece of Wild Dandelion which I aged a bit using Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Tea Dye. I stamped my sentiment and added some self-adhesive copper nail heads.

This I plan to send to my son (actually mailed yesterday) to congratulate him on getting 1st chair in Concert Band and doing so good on his report card. I hope he likes it! :-)

Now hop on down the list to visit the other DT members. Remember to leave a comment and Gina will be choosing two winners from all the comments who will each win a fabulous Gina K. Designs grab bag filled with a least a dozen individual precut images! Enjoy the hop!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

Gina K Designs October Inspiration Hop Day 2

2011-10-24T08:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Monday!!! Are you all ready for another day of inspirational hopping??? Today the Gina K Designs' Design Team is hopping again to share even more of the October Release!! On the agenda today...

The October Stamp TV Kit, "Wishing You Joy"...

My card today is one of a set of three I made... I was on a bit of "white/snow" kick. ;-)

I started with Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight White and added some of that FABULOUS DP from the STV Kit. LOVE all the papers in this kit and I know you will too!! Perfect for holiday cards and warm winter wishes. :-) My was colored with Copic markers and I did a bit of scoring along the top and bottom using my Scor Pal. I added a bit of pearl/ribbon to the bottom to add to the "snow/ball" scene.

Next up...

I love this little penguin and decided he needed a few siblings. Hee Hee! I used the star in the kit and heat embossed it using using Halogram embossing powder. Again adding some of that awesome DP and coloring with the Copics.

And my final card in the set....

For this I used my snowflake Cuttlebug folder and some Red Hot card stock. Again I colored with the Copics and added some self-adhesive rhinestones which I colored to match the "lights" on the house using my Copic markers. Oh and my house coloring... IS MY house!! Yes, I have a PURPLE door!! Someone once told me you should paint your front door your favorite color and I did!! LOL (My sentiment is from the Pleasant Plurals set which we will feature tomorrow! *smile*)

Now hop on down the list and see what the other DT member have in store for you. Remember to leave a comment for a chance to win a fabulous Gina K. Designs grab bag filled with a least a dozen individual precut images! .

Enjoy the hop and come back tomorrow for yet another day of inspirational hopping!! Good luck and thanks for stopping by! *smile*

Eeeeek!!! Exciting News!!!

2011-10-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

I've been hunted!! Hee Hee Well... in a good way! Today I am sharing a card that I recently put up in the Outlawz Forum. Yep... I was asked to be a member of The Outlawz Design Team. Woot!!! I will be designing for their Monday challenges. You can see all the challengers HERE.

Today I'm sharing a card I did using the Fairytale Magnolias. They are soo cute!!

I stamped my image on white card stock and used my Copics to color him in. My card base is Pure Luxury Chocolate Brown. I layered on some Tan Leather and added my DP. My images were cut out and I used Pop Dots to mount my little Robin Hood. :-) My sentiment was put on white and I used Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Tea Dye to give it a more stained look.

I hope you join me over on The Outlawz site and enter in the challenges. I'll be back tomorrow morning with another Inspiration Hop for Gina K Designs newest release. Be sure to stop by and leave a comment... you know Gina gives away FREE stamps!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!! *smile*

Gina K Designs October Release Inspiration Hop

2011-10-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning!!! Did everyone have fun at the Gina K Designs October Release Party last night over on Stamp TV??? I was soooooo happy to see so many NEW faces!!! Yayy!!! Always fun to meet new people and find out what they enjoy! Hope you all come back again and again!!!

Now how about a little inspiration rom the Design Team using the new stamps??

First up…. Melanie Muenchinger’s, “Basket Additions”…

I had so much fun coloring all these awesome “toppers” from this set but today I’m just going to share the “crafty” topper. I used the basket from the “Holiday Basket” set. I colored it with my Copic markers. I paper pieced the “fabric" overlay” part of the topper and colored the crafty goodies with Copics.

My card base is Pure Luxury Blue Raspberry. I layered on some Ocean Mist and then some of that awesome plaid paper available in the Stamp TV Kit this month. LOVE those papers!!! I again added some Ocean Mist which I ran through my Vagabond using the Houndstooth Cuttlebug embossing folder.

I mounted my basket of goodies using Pop Dots and then added some rhinestone swirls and a few stars.

Ready for another NEW set????

Up next… Theresa Momber’s… “Strength and Hope”…

Theresa will be donating all her proceeds from Strength and Hope, for the first month of sales, to cancer research.

This is the card I shared last night and yesterday (just a peek). I began my card with Pure Luxury Bubble Gum Pink. I used my Scor Buddy to create the diamond embossing on the front. I punched just the end of the right side of the card using a border punch. This is a normal A2 size card but just the right edge on the card top is shorter in width. I stamped my image on white and colored it with my Copic markers. I added some Passionate Pink under it for a border.

I really like how this card came out and sadly, I know it will be used by someone I know suffering from the terrible breast cancer beast.

Enjoy the rest of the hop and remember to leave a comment on each DT member’s blog for a chance to win a FREE stamp set from Gina K valued at $24.95.

Gina K
Melanie Muenchinger illustrator Basket Additions
Theresa Momber illustrator Strength and Hope
AJ Otto
Michelle Woerner
Sharon Harnist
Suzanne Dean
Tina Gilliland (You are here!)
Vicki Dutcher
Carolina Buchting
Cathy Tidwell
Deb Felts
Donna Baker
Emily Giovanni
Giovana Smith
Janice Whiting
Jimmi Mayo
Lee Murphy

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by! *smile*

You’re Invited to Gina K Designs October Release Party!!!

2011-10-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

We are very excited to extend an invitation to Gina K. Designs October Release Party. We have a fun evening planned for you - chatting, prizes, challenges, stamp sets reveal, design team shares, and most importantly, at the end of the party you will be able to go shopping!

If you came from Tami Mayberry’s blog, you're at the right place. If not make sure to head over to StampTV where you will find a list of all those participating in today's hop.
Here's a sneaky peak of one of the cards I will be sharing at the party.

Hee Hee… want to see the FULL card??? I promise you’ll get your chance at the party tonight!!! Hope to see you at the party, here are all the details:

When: Today, Thursday, October 20
Where: StampTV Release Party Forum
Time: 7 PM to 9 PM (CST)

Head on over to Vicki Dutcher’s blog to see what she's sharing with you today and see you back here on tomorrow for the beginning of our three day Inspiration Blog Hop series for October!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

Card Drive for Kids with Spina Bifida…

2011-10-19T08:00:00.002-05:00

Join us for a Card Drive for Kids with Spina Bifida blog hop! Members of Gina K.'s Design Team have come together to host a hop where we will share with you cards we created for some very special kids! You can find more details on this special cause over at StampTV.

If you came from Stamp TV, you're at the right place. If not make sure to head on over where you will find a list of all those participating in today's hop and more information on the card drive. Here is the card I am sending to one of the awesome gals.

My card began with something BRIGHT and CHEERFUL…. Pure Luxury Accents – Key Lime card sock! LOVE that bright paper! I then layered with more brights… Wild Dandelion cardstock. My DP is from my stash. I stamped my image from Tami Mayberry’s “Fairy Tales” set and colored with Copic markers. I used my Oval and Scalloped Oval Nestabilities to but out my frog and added her crown with Pop Dots. My sentiment is from Melanie Muenchinger’s set, “Hip Hop Accessories”. Though it’s hard to see here, I added a bit of glitter to the hearts on the crown and rhinestones at the crown points!

If you’d like to participate in bringing some cheer to these awesome kids, you can send your cards to:

Giovana Smith
Card Drive for Kids
181 Perry Way
Yakima, WA 98901

Everyone who mails in a card for each of the children will be entered into the drawing to win a grand prize.

Create a fun, uplifting card or cards for one or all the kids listed below (you can click on their names to read more about each of them). The card can be anything cheery, encouraging, supportive, etc. Please DO NOT send sorry, get well or anything like that. Remember, we want to cheer them up. The kids:
- Madison: 2 years old
- Logan: 2 years old. (turning 3 on October 17th!!)
- Tanner: 2 years old (turning 3 on December 15)
- Rebekah: 9 years old
All cards need to have a message in it for the child/family. Please also sign your name and where you are from. On the card envelope, write the name of the child. Please, don't seal the envelope, as the parents might want to read the cards before the kids see them.
Cards must be received by October 31st to be eligible for the drawing.
Mail your card(s) to Giovana along with a piece of paper with your name, address, e-mail address and blog (if you have one). This will help a lot to contact the winner a lot faster!:

Awesome companies have donated amazing prizes for you! More than $400.00 in prizes!!

Heartfelt Creations: 8 stamping sets + 1 Coordinated Die Set. Value: $150.00!
Gina K. Designs: 2 StampTV Kits: Value: $70.00 (Gina will send the prize direct to the winner!)
Unity Stamps: 10 Itty Bitty Stamps. Value: $70.00
SP & Company: 3 Stamp Set. Value: $40.00
Lawn Fawn Stamps: 2 Stamp Set: Value: $30.00
Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps: 1 Stamp Set. Value: $11.00
Spellbinders: 2 die sets!! (Not included in the picture)
Tombow Markers: 6 packs of markers and several packs of adhesives (Not included in the picture)

Now head on over to Theresa Momber’s blog to see what she's sharing with you today!
Thanks for participating in our hop and have a great day!!! *smile*

A Cheer for Fall!!!

2011-10-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

It was a tad bit nippy outside last night and this morning and though I’m NOT a fan of cold weather, I couldn’t help but make this sweet Cheer Gilli image in Fall colors! I truly feel for those girls who cheer at all the High School football games in those short skirts and bare legs, but I bet it’s a great incentive for jumping around and keeping spirits high!!

I started with Pure Luxury Pumpkin Spice card stock and layered on some Green Apple which I ran though my Vagabond using the Hounds tooth Cuttlebug embossing folder. My girl is colored with Copic markers and layered on top of more Pumpkin Spice and Sweet Corn card stock. I used Pop Dots between a couple layers to give the card some dimension and added a ribbon, bow and a Prima flower to top it all off.

I am having sooo much fun using my Copics and I can’t seem to get enough coloring in lately. Thanks, Suzanne!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

A Note to Dad…

2011-10-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today I’d like to share with you a card I made especially for my dad to say not only “thank you” but to also congratulate him and wish him well on his retirement. And, it was yet another reason to practice my Copic coloring. Hee I’m sooooo enjoying my Copics again and even MORE now!!

My image is from Susana’s Custom Art & Card Designs by Victoria Case, “Thinking of You”.

My card base is Pure Luxury White from Gina K Designs. I layered on some Creme de Menthe and some DP from Prima. I layered again with a bit of Ocean Mist and again more DP. I cut my image out and mounted her with Pop Dots then added some ribbon and a Webster's Sparkler to the bow.

It as been a SUPER busy week at work!!! Closing one corporation and opening a new DBA it just sooo much paper work!! The new boss seems nice enough and has a positive attitude (I'm all for that!) and though I worked an extra day this week and late yesterday (then brought work home), I think next week should be a bit easier and not as rushed to get "details" in order.

My dad and mom left on Thursday (his first REAL day of retirement) for a ten day vacation to Australia!! When I called them at the airport, dad was upbeat and excited about his retirement. I don't think it will take him as long to adjust as HE thought it would. :-) They phoned last night from California and said they had a couple hour lay-over then a TEN HOUR flight to Australia!! OMGosh I sooo could NOT do that!!! I had a bit of a struggle on a two hour flight to Las Vegas!!! UGH!! I'm sure dad took his iPad to read his Kindle on and mom probably grabbed a good book as well. I just hope they have a GREAT time and take lots of pics!!

Today WE are heading to Waukee, IA for my son's high school State Band Competition. Afterwards the band is having a huge party at a member's house then we will be done with early morning practices!!! YAYYY!! Next up... Concert Band. :-)

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by! *smile*

Non-Traditional Christmas

2011-10-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

We have been having some beautiful, sunny warm weather here this last week and so I’m REALLY NOT thinking of Christmas and snow!! But, honestly, after spending the day in 88 degree weather with my son’s high school marching band yesterday, I was truly in need of “something” cool!! Lucky for us all, ice cold WATER was all that was available at the time! Ha!! Still… I’m sharing another one of the cards I made while we had our little Christmas card making day at My Studio. I added a strip of Lemon Drop and then applied my DP to it. I stamped my image from

For this card I didn’t have to look far to find non-traditional colors! My DP did it all for me!! I apologize for not remembering what paper pack it came from (I, like many other of my crafty friends, am a paper horder!!!), but when I’m back at My Studio and I find where it came from, I’ll post it for you later.

I started my card base with Pure Luxury Cranberry Tart which I ran through my Vagabond using the Snowflakes Cuttlebug folder. I added a strip of Lemon Drop card stock and applied my DP to it. My image is from Nina Brackett's set, "Winter Mittens". I cut the mittens out using my Nested Mittens from Spellbinders. I stamped my sentiment on more Lemon Drop and added a few self-adhesive silver nail heads to the ends.

I hope you are enjoying a few more days of nice weather before you're in need of the mittens. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!!! *smile*

RAIN!!!!

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today we got RAIN!!! The first time we’ve had rain in forever, or so it seems! I just realized this morning when I was taking my son to school that he and I were alike in that we both LOVE it when it rains! Not many people seem to, or so I hear, but I think it makes everything seem clean and fresh!

Today was also a bit sad for me. Twenty-two years ago I received a call from my father telling me.. “I want to start my own business. How do I get started?”. *sigh* I have an extensive background in 1) accounting, 2) law, 3) insurance and at the time was working for the Director of Human Resources at Blue Cross and Blue shield. So… needless to say, he came to me to figure out how to begin. He started very small… two employees (himself included) and me.. part-time.. taking care of the books, billings, and office. He grew… quick… and until he had a heart attack a couple years back, he worked hard and never slowed. It didn’t take six months before I truly needed to be there full-time. Like any job, it had it’s ups and downs. And honestly… I NEVER thought I’d be there working alongside my dad for TWENTY-TWO years!!! No, it wasn’t my dream, but it was his… and because of that, it was important to me.

My dad is one of the toughest persons I’ve ever worked for. But I should have known he would be. I remember when I was a teen he gave me two pieces of advice that I never forgot and that shaped my work ethics my whole life. His first piece of advice.. “If you’re boss wants 100%… you give him 110%.” and… secondly… “Do you best. You can ALWAYS be replaced.” . He never fired me and I strived to give him 110% every day. And though my dad never said I did a good job, I will “assume” he was happy with how I handled his office.

I will miss him and his work ethics and hope that the new owner has those same ethics because I am VERY proud of the company my dad built and I want nothing more than for him to continue to be proud of it as well. I will miss him being there.

My card today seemed appropriate. I’m not sick but I love these Magnolia images and well.. I did feel a bit down with all that is going on in the business.

My card base is Pure Luxury Innocent Pink . I added a layer of Sweet Mango which coordinated with my DP from My Minds Eye. I colored my image with my Copics, of course… practicing never ends. A few crystal flourishes and a bit of ribbon and flower and my card brought a smile to my face.

I hope you are having a great day and I’m going to try to keep it together when my dad meets up with me today to make my final transaction as his “financial officer” of HIS business. Wish me luck!

Keeping Up With the Jones’….

2011-10-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

Don’t you just hate it when the stores start putting up their Christmas decorations before Halloween???? ME TOO!!! Soooo… at My Studio… we decided “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!!!” LOL We spent last weekend making our Christmas cards!!! Ok… we got STARTED on them!! I mean between drinking our hot cocoa, eating the cookies and listening to the Christmas music we put on… we couldn’t begin to finish! LOL
This is one of those cards I made to send out this Christmas season.
My card stock is Pure Luxury Blue Raspberry from Gina K Designs. I used one of the newest stamp sets from Gina called, “My True Love Gave to Me” for my main image. I colored the birds with Copic markers and cut them out using my Labels 8 Nestabilities. I then mounted that on top of a Labels 9 Nestie in Little Boy Blue card stock. I added a few Waves Flourish punches and tucked them under and added a little Stardust Stickles to them. All of it was mounted to my card base using Pop Dots.
My card base was heat embossed in white using an older set by Nina Brackett called, “Vintage Borders”. I stamped my sentiment on more Little Boy Blue and used my Lacey Pennants Nesties.
I have many many more cards to make to get enough for my HUGE family, but it was definitely a fun day working with the other ladies and feeling festive!
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! *smile*

The Adams Family… Wednesday Child!

2011-10-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

Well… it’s time for Halloween soon AND another new Copic practice card!! LOL Yep.. I’m a good student… I follow the teacher’s advice!!
Today I wanted to do a “Fall” card in a fold other than a regular A2 card style for a competition I am entering on the Outlawz group.
I chose this sweet Magnolia image and decided to try my hand at an all black/grey Copic coloring style. This was my VERY FIRST attempt at this so for those of you who are well versed in this technique, excuse my clumsiness.
I decided to make her rose and stockings with orange to tie in to the whole Halloween motif.
Though it’s not perfect, I really enjoyed giving this a shot and will definitely try it again.
Thanks for stopping by and have a GREAT day!! It’s FRIDAY!!! *smile*

Copics Used:
C00, C0, C1, C3, C5, C7, C9, YR00, YR02, YR04, Y407, YG00, YG13, YG17, YG67, E15, R11

Lady in Waiting….

2011-10-06T08:09:00.001-05:00

Happy Thursday everyone!!! Today is a good day for me because I get to head to My Studio and play with my Copic markers once again!!! As I told you yesterday, when I took Suzanne Dean’s class a few weeks back she gave us strict instructions to “practice, practice, practice” and I am doing just that!!

The image I’m sharing today is from my friend, Anary Baumgarth’s adorable collection called Gilli Stamps. I used the cute RENAISSANCE GILLI for my card today.

I think reds are by far the hardest color to work with and I must say I did LOTS of blending to get her dress right where I felt it was acceptable but I must admit, it’s not the color I truly wanted. Seems burgundy is just as hard to create. At least for me it was. LOL I refuse to give up though… I’m definitely going to keep trying. My hair is a bit more “grey” than I’d like as well and I will probably go back today and add a bit more black to it… I really want just a highlight and again… practice!

My card base is from Gina K Designs, Pure Luxury Red Hot card stock. The DP is some I found in my stash and I mounted my Gilli on my Spellbinders Lotus Pendant which I cut out of Black Onyx card stock. I used Pop Dots to prop her up and give the card some dimension. As usual, I used my self-adhesive rhinestones which I colored with my Copic markers as well. LOVE using the clear rhinestones and matching them with the colors of my paper and inks using Copics!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

Learning from the Best!!!

2011-10-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Do you know Suzanne J. Dean??? I do! And… do you know how AWESOMELY talented she is??? I DO!!!! And… I spent two weekends ago learning from her!! I headed on down to Shawnee Mission, KS where I was able to attend Suzanne’s Beginners and Advanced Copic Color Me Creative Classes!

I was sooo impressed with not only Suzanne’s talent but with how much compassion and genuine care she takes in teaching all that want to learn how she has mastered the skills of Copic coloring. Suzanne touched each and every person in those classes and she took the time to look at and help offer suggestions and tips on person’s project they were working on. NO ONE was skipped. If you have an opportunity to take any of Suzanne’s classes, you will NOT be disappointed… that “I” guarantee!!

My card today is one I spent some time trying to apply what I learned at those classes. I used the “Wonderful Tilda” Magnolia stamp along with the packages I propped her on.

My sentiment is from Theresa Momber’s “Aloha” set. My card base is Pure Luxury Ocean Mist from Gina K Designs.

If you are interested in taking any of Suzanne’s classes… you can find the information at her Color Me Creative Classroom online. I’m sure you’ll be seeing more of my practicing in the next few days. That IS one of the rules of taking Suzanne’s classes… practice, practice, practice.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

Free For All Friday Challenge!!!

2011-09-30T13:04:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!!!! Sorry my post is late today, it's been a busy week with "festivities" going on at school every day to celebrate Homecoming tonight and... today is my dad's birthday so I've been thinking and TRYING to remember everything I needed to get done. Sadly, I am a bit behind this morning! But I hope you all join in on the Free For all Friday Challenge over on Stamp TV!

Today I wanted to challenge you to make a card that is not your average A2 rectangled design. That's right... we're going ROUND today!!

Here is the card I've created....

My card started with Pure Luxury Layering Weight White card stock. I stamped my image from Theresa Momber's, "Celebrate the Season" set. (Love this snowman!) I used my Copic markers to color his hat in and used paper piecing on his scarf. I added some Diamond Stickles on him and around him to mimic snow. For my sentiment I used my Fancy Tags 2, Nestabilities. I stamped the sentiment then added some red Stickles to the ends for a bit more bling.

Here's a couple more just to give you more ideas, that I did a while back...

Now it's your turn!! Simply create and upload a new project for this challenge and it can only be entered into this one challenge here on StampTV to be eligible for a prize. You can use it for challenges outside of StampTV. If you use Gina K. Designs stamps, your name will go into the drawing twice.

You have until Thursday, October 6 at 8 pm Central to upload your entry. Use the keyword STVFRITG3 for your tag for this challenge.

I hope you give it a try!! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! *smile*

Gina K’s Preserving Memories Blog Hop

2011-09-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Join us for a Preserving Memories hop! Members of Gina K.'s Design Team have come together to host a hop where we will share with you scrapbook projects - we hope this will inspire you to dust off those photographs and get scrappin'!

If you came from the Stamp TV Main Forum, you're at the right place. If not make sure to head over and you will find a list of all those participating in today's hop.

Every year my husband’s family has a Fried Green Tomato Fry Festival and last year was our first year going. In keeping with the tomatoes, I made a CD scrapbook last year. This year, I decided to keep it more of a basic and this is one of the pages I created for my 6 X 6 scrapbook.

I used Tami Mayberry’s, “Home Is” set to add the little house, clouds and hearts to my page. I colored them with my Copic markers and used Pop Dots to mount them. The little “welcome” sign on the house was stamped using the same set and I used my scissors to create a sort of “chopped” board look to the sign.

My Kraft and Green Apple and Grass Green card stock were all Pure Luxury. I used the self-adhesive rhinestones and turned them green using my Copic markers once again.

Now head on over to Tami Mayberry’s blog to see what she's sharing with you today!

Enjoy the hop and have a great day! *smile*

A Basket for Christmas…

2011-09-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Ummmm NOPE!!! I am NOT ready for Christmas, nor am I trying to hurry it along. BUT…. how could I NOT make a Christmas card with Melanie Muenchinger’s newest set, “Holiday Basket”????

I started my card with Pure Luxury Green Apple card stock. I added a layer of Key Lime then more Green Apple… and …. still more.... some white and finally ended with more Key Lime.

I stamped my basket on some textured red card stock I found in my stash and my flowers on white and colored in with my Copic markers. I added my sentiment in Vivid Red ink and added an image from Melanie’s “Border Bling” under it and used Liquid Pearls White Opal to the image.

The basket and flowers were all mounted using Pop Dots to give the whole card more dimension (as if all the layers weren’t enough… hee hee).

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

Celebrate Fall!!!

2011-09-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

It’s getting so nice and cool outside! I love Fall weather. NOT particularly looking forward to winter and snow… but Fall is always a nice reprieve after hot, hot summer days and wow we did have some big ones this year!!! I promised myself when I get my kids out of school… I’m moving south!!! San Antonio would be my choice of places to live and I’m hoping those involved, (the hubby dearest) will agree to tag along! LOL My card today is a reflection of what I’m really enjoying most about the season… the lovely change of the leaves on the trees.

My card features Theresa Momber’s newest set, “Celebrate the Season”. It begins with some Pure Luxury Green Apple card base which I used a Stampin Up embossing folder on. I stamped my branch and leaves on White card stock and used my Memento markers to add the color. I ran the image through my Vagabond using my Rectangle Nestabilities. My corner DPs are from the “Falling For You” Stamp TV kit paper pack.

My sentiment is stamped on ribbon I had in my stash and I stamp the leaves on white card stock and used my Copic markers to color them prior to cutting them and adding to the ribbon.

I hope you are having a great Wednesday and thanks so much for stopping by! *smile*

A Basket of Sunshine Thanks

2011-09-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

“… I’ve got a *basket*, got a *basket* full of sunshine…”…. ok ok… so I can’t even TYPE sing, LOL, but… I couldn’t help myself. This fabulous basket from Melanie Muenchinger’s newest set, “Holiday Basket”.

I stamped it on some dotted DP from my stash and LOVE how it came out! My card started with some Pure Luxury Sweet Corn and I added a layer of Tan Leather. To that I layered with some DP from the Springtime Silhouettes Paper Pack. I added a 4” doilie which I sprayed with some Glimmer Mist and added some of the brown Rain Drops to. I colored my basket in with my Copic markers and did likewise with the sunflowers. I used Pop Dots to mount the basket.

This is one of my all-time favorite basket stamps… just seems so easy to work with and I LOVE that! More to come, you can count on it!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

Ready for Halloween???

2011-09-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

I LOVE the little bats in Theresa Momber’s newest set, “Celebrate the Season”, AND the pumpkin!!! I just HAD to make another Halloween card with it!!

I started with some Pure Luxury Sweet Mango card stock as my base. I added three strips of various Halloween DP I found in my stash. I stamped the bats and my sentiment (from Gina K Designs’, “Spooky Silhouettes”). I cut it out using my Labels 16 Nestabilities and sponged Memento Tangelo ink around it before removing the die.

For the pumpkin I colored it with my Memento Markers and cut it out. After I applied it to the card using Pop Dots, I used some Clear Lacquer to coat just the pumpkin for added effect.

The bottom portion of my card was Black Onyx card stock which I punched with a fence design and added a bit of black twine to the upper portion of the card under the Label.

I do believe I’m ready for Fall and all the festivities that come along with it… including the warm colors!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! *smile*

Sending Hugs & Kisses

2011-09-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today I’d like to share with you a card I shared at the Gina K Designs September Release party. I sooo love this little bear from Rupa Shevde’s newest set, “Under the Weather”. He’s just so huggable looking!!!

I started with a standard A2 size card, Pure Luxury, Bubble Gum Pink. I freehanded the O and X and used my Tim Holtz Retractable Knife to cut it out. I stamped that cute little bear on Pure Luxury White and used my Copics to color him in. I didn’t really color him to smoothly… wanting him to look a bit scuffed up. I cut him out using my Circle Nestabilities and used my Memento Angel Pink to sponge around him before removing the die. I then grabbed my Echo Park Springtime paper pack to grab some DP and applied it to the “X” portion of my card. I stamped my sentiment on the DP and added a few self-adhesive crystals and a pretty pink bow.

I think this set is just so precious and I’m sure anyone would enjoy getting a cute little image from this set as a get-well-picker-upper. Kids and adults, I’m sure will love the images.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you are having a great weekend!!! *smile*

GKD September Inspiration Hop Day 3

2011-09-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today is the last day for the Gina K Designs DT show share the last of the new September Release sets. But don’t worry…. there’s still a chance to win MORE FREE stamp sets!!! Hee Hee First up…

Gina K Designs – “My True Love Game To Me”…

I decided to go with a 5 X 5 card for this set. I’ve always liked the “& a partridge in a pear tree” section of the 12 days of Christmas song so I decided to just highlight that portion of the set. Hee Hee Can’t help but sing along, can you???

I started my card with Pure Luxury Red Hot and added a layer of Green Apple. I added Pop Dots under my Green apple before applying to the Red Hot to give even more dimension. I stamped my images on White and colored with my Copic markers. The tags were stamped in Vivid inks and I added a layer of Red Hot under them as well. Next up…

The new Free with Three set – “Cool Beans”…

This set is such a warm and cozy set with sprinkles of Fall weather in the air. I used Chocolate Brown card stock for my base. I took some Tan Leather and layered it with some DP from the last Stamp TV Kit, “Falling For You” on three strips. I stamped the beans stamp along the bottom layer using brown Versamark. My image was stamped on White and I colored it with Copic markers. I stamped another coffee grinder and colored it then mounted it with Pop Dots on top of the originally stamped image. I used my Labels 4 Nestabilitie to cut out the image and sponged around it with Tim Holtz Distress ink, “Dried Marigold” before removing the die. I sprinkled on some “nuggets” I found in my stash that reminded me of the coffee beans.

I hope you enjoy the final day of the hop. The DT has plenty of eye candy for you today! Don’t forget to leave a comment on each blog for a chance to win a FREE set valued at $24.95.

Have a good day and thanks for stopping by!!! Enjoy the hop!! *smile*

GKD September Inspiration Hop Day 2

2011-09-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Did you enjoy the hop yesterday??? Well today the Gina K Designs Design Team is giving you even more inspiration and fun hopping along with two more of the newest September Release sets. First up….

Theresa Momber’s – “Celebrate the Season”…

I got the inspiration for my card during the Labor Day weekend when we were at my mother-in-law’s home. She had these very old pictures hanging on her wall that were sort of dome shaped but square. Almost like a shadow box, if you will. The images were silhouettes but looked as though they were painted on the actual dome and not the paper behind them.

I began with some Pure Luxury Sweet Mango card stock and layered on some Black Onyx. Next I used a piece of DP from last month’s Stamp TV Kit, “Falling For You”. I then took a piece of acetate and cut it just about 1/4” larger than the DP. I used my Scor-Buddy to make the folds so that it covered over the DP. I adhered it to the back of my DP using Scor-Tape. Next I again grabbed the Scor Tape and adhered the entire piece, DP and acetate to the Black Onyx. I stamped my images using Black Versamark ink. My “boo” are stick on letters I found in my stash.

Here’s a shot from the side so you can see the “domed” affect it made not adhering the acetate to the top of the DP.

Next up….

Tami Mayberry’s, “Home Is”…

My card started out with Pure Luxury Wine with Everything card stock. I layered on some Sweet Mango and a piece of the DP from the same Stamp TV Kit I used making Theresa’s card above. I used my Tim Holtz Retractable knife to cut out the vertical opening on the front of my card. My tree was stamped on White and I used more of that STV Kit DP to stamp the leaves (bush) for each branch then cut them and adhered them to the tree. My sun was stamped separately and adhered using Pop Dots. I colored the tree trunk and sun with my Copic markers. I cut the tree using the Rectangle Nestabilities and used Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Dried Marigold, to sponge on before removing the die.

This is how the card looks open. A vertical card now becomes a horizontal card.

Now hop on over to the rest of the team to see what fabulousness they have in store for you. Remember to leave a comment on each blog and Gina will draw for a winner to receive a stamp set of their choice valued at $24.95!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!! *smile*

Gina K September Inspiration Hop

2011-09-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

Did you enjoy the Release Party last night?? I did.. even though I arrived late. I had volunteered to work the concession stand at the high school and the sign up was done at the beginning of the school year so I had no clue it would fall on a Release night. But… I made it and wow… it was moving!!! Ha!
Today the Design Team is sharing cards they created to give you even more inspiration! First up….
Melanie Muenchinger’s, “Holiday Basket”…

Though I didn’t make my card a “holiday” card, I decided to make it using the roses and to use the theme my friend used in her wedding. I started with Pure Luxury Vibrant Violet card stock. I added another piece of the Violet and then layered on a piece of Lovely Lavender attaching it to my card base using Pop Dots. I stamped my sentiment in White card stock and used my Copics to color it in. I used my Square Nestabilities to cut out my image and again used Pop Dots to add the roses. I used my Lacey Square Nesties to cut out a layer of yellow DP from the Stamp TV Kit, Falling for You. I stamped my sentiment in the same Violet and Lavender card stock and again adhered with Pop Dots. A little bling in the corners and a sweet butterfly finish off my card.
Up next…
Rupa Shevde’s, “Under the Weather”…

I love this little puppy… he looks so sad!! My card starts with Pure Luxury Sand card stock. I layered on some DP from the Jovial Paper Pack. I stamped my images on white and colored them with my Copic markers. I cut it out with my Rectangle Nestabilities. The hot water bag I paper pieced on the bottom and adhered to the rectangle. I added some white trimmed in Red Hot to stamp my sentiment and added a few silver nail heads to the sides. A little twine on the top finished the card.
Now head on over to the rest of the Design Team’s blogs and remember to leave a comment. Gina will draw for two lucky winners to receive a free set valued at $24.95.

Gina K
Melanie Muenchinger-illustrator Holiday Basket
Sharon Harnist
Suzanne Dean
Tina Gilliland
Vicki Dutcher
Carolina Buchting
Cathy Tidwell
Deb Felts
Donna Baker
Emily Giovanni
Giovana Smith
Jimmi Mayo
Lee Murphy
Theresa Momber

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop in tomorrow and we’ll show even more inspiration using the new September Release sets. Have fun on the hop!!! *smile*

You’re Invited to Gina K Designs September Release!

2011-09-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

We are very excited to extend an invitation to Gina K. Designs September Release Party. We have a fun evening planned for you - chatting, prizes, challenges, stamp sets reveal, design team shares, and most importantly, at the end of the party you will be able to go shopping!

If you came from Tami Mayberry’s blog, you're at the right place. If not make sure to head over to StampTV where you will find a list of all those participating in today's hop.

Here's a photo of one of the cards I will be sharing at the party.

This awesome image comes from Tami Mayberry’s newest set, “Home Is”. I LOVE LOVE the images in this set and this is only ONE of them!!! I can’t wait until you can see them all!!!

My card started with Gina K’s Pure Luxury Wild Dandelion card stock. I added a piece of DP from the Echo Park – A Walk in the Park paper pack. I stamped my image and sentiment on White and cut out the house using my Labels 9 Nestabilitie. I colored my image with Copic markers and added some of the hearts with Pop Dots to add more dimension to the card. The entire label was then mounted on top of my Lacey Circles Nestabilitie and also applied with Pop Dots between the Labels 9 die and the base of the card. My sentiment was mounted with Pop dots as well and I added a small twine bow on the end.

Hope to see you at the party, here are all the details:

When: Today, Tuesday, September 13
Where: StampTV Release Party Forum
Time: 7 PM to 9 PM (CST)

Head on over to Vicki Dutcher’s blog to see what fabulous creation she's sharing with you today and see you back here on tomorrow for the beginning of our three day Inspiration Blog Hop series for September!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!!! *smile*

Gina K Designs Back to School Special Blog Hop Day 3

2011-09-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

To celebrate the beginning of a new school year, Gina K. Designs is having a Back to School sale! Members from Gina K's design team are hosting three mini hops featuring these three new incentive stamp sets. We just know you're going to love them as much as we do!

Some details on the Back to School Special:

Choose any ONE of the incentive stamp sets with any $35 or more purchase
Limit one incentive set per order
Customers may place multiple orders.
Gina K. Designs reserves the right to combine orders shipping to the same address
If no incentive stamp set is chosen, one will be chosen for you
This special can not be applied to existing orders - must be new orders only
Offer expires Monday, September 5th at 11:59 pm Central Time

Here's the card I came up with:

I used the “Thankful For You” set to create my Fall card. I began with Pure Luxury Fresh Asparagus and layered on a piece of Sweet Corn. I used a piece of DP I found in my stash and added it. I stamped my Image on White card stock and colored it with my Copic markers. I used my Labels 9 to cut out the image and sponged around it with Memento Cantaloupe before removing it. I added Pop Dots to adhere it to my card.

I stamped my sentiment and used my Fancy Tags Nestabilities to cut it out… again sponging on some Cantaloupe before removing it. I added a bit of twine and some self adhesive Copper Nail Heads to finish off the card.

Make sure to head on over to StampTV to see a list of all those participating in the hops!

Happy hopping and shopping!!! Have a great day! *smile*

Gina K Designs Back to School Special Blog Hop Day 2

2011-09-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Some details on the Back to School Special:

Choose any ONE of the incentive stamp sets with any $35 or more purchase
Limit one incentive set per order
Customers may place multiple orders.
Gina K. Designs reserves the right to combine orders shipping to the same address
If no incentive stamp set is chosen, one will be chosen for you
This special can not be applied to existing orders - must be new orders only
Offer expires Monday, September 5th at 11:59 pm Central Time

Here's the card I came up with:

I went with a clean and simple design using the “You Light Up My Life” set. My card base is Pure Luxury Red Hot. I layered on some White and a piece of distressed DP I found in my stash. I stamped my image on White and used my Copics to color it in. I sponged on a bit of Memento Summer Sky. I used my Oval Nestabilities to cut out the image and Pop Dots to mount it to the card.

For my sentiment I used the Ribbon Tag Nestabilities and again sponged on some Memento Summer Sky ink before removing the Nestie.

Make sure to head on over to StampTV to see a list of all those participating in the hops!

Happy hopping and shopping!!! Have a great day! *smile*

GKD Back to School Special Blog Hop

2011-09-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

Choose any ONE of the incentive stamp sets with any $35 or more purchase
Limit one incentive set per order
Customers may place multiple orders.
Gina K. Designs reserves the right to combine orders shipping to the same address
If no incentive stamp set is chosen, one will be chosen for you
This special can not be applied to existing orders - must be new orders only
Offer expires Monday, September 5th at 11:59 pm Central Time

Here's the card I came up with:

I used the Merry & Bright set for my card today. I started with Pure Luxury Vibrant Violet and layered on a piece of Metallic card stock, Silver Lining. On top of the silver I used a piece of Turquoise Sea which I ran through my Vagabond using the Spots & Dots Cuttlebug folder. I used my Sakura Glitter Pen, Silver Star pen to highlight some of the embossing.

I stamped my image on White card stock and my Copics to color it in. I used the Glitter Pen to highlight the ‘strings and bows’ and my clear pen to cover the ornaments giving them a bit of shine. I used my Fancy Tags 2 Nestabilities to punch it out and mount with Pop Dots. My sentiment was stamped again on White and I used the Ribbon Tags 2 which I sponged on some Vivid Turquoise ink before removing it. A few self adhesive pearls to the lower corner and bow finish my card.

This REALLY got me in the mood for making Christmas cards and I know you will enjoy having this for not only cards but it would be a great stamp for those Christmas tags!!

Thanks for stopping by and head on over to the Stamp TV Forum to see a list of all those participating in the hop!!

Happy hopping & shopping!! Have a great day! *smile*

More Tacky…

2011-08-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

I just really think this ‘How Tacky’ sentiment from Tami Mayberry’s set, “Gnome One Like You” is one of my favorites since my husband and I have such time teasing about putting pink flamingos in our yard! LOL I just can’t resist using it every time I stamp that darn flamingo! Hee

Today I used Pure Luxury Bubble Gum Pink card stock as my base and layered on a piece of Wild Dandelion and some of the pink dotted DP from the Echo Park Dots and Stripes, Candy Shoppe, paper pack. I stamped my flamingo on White and used my Oval Nestabilities to cut it out. Mounting on a piece of Wild Dandelion and using the Scalloped Oval Nesties on it. I added three yellow cabachon flowers to the right and used my Scor Buddy to added a few lines to the top and bottom of my card for added dimension. My flamingo was colored with my Copic markers.

I hope you have a great day and thanks for stopping by!! *smile*

Mix It Up Monday Challenge on Stamp TV

2011-08-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!! I’m so glad to be hosting the Mix It Up Monday Challenge over on Stamp TV!!! I hope you play along for a chance to win a FREE stamp set from Gina K Designs valued at $24.95!! Fun AND freebies… what could be better??!!

This week I am challenging you to use ONLY a sentiment to create your card! That’s right… the only stamping that can be done is to put a sentiment on the front! I know you are thinking how the heck am I suppose to center a card around JUST a sentiment??? Well, let me tell you… I had the same issue when I was given this challenge quite a while back. But… I prevailed and I am soooo glad that I tackled it and won!!! Now it’s your turn. Venture outside your comfort zone and stamp that sentiment to create your fabulous design!!! I know you can do it!!!

Here’s my card…..

I used Theresa Momber’s, “Heartfelt” stamp set for my sentiment. My card base is Pure Luxury Ocean Mist card stock. I added a layer of Bubble Gum Pink and some fabulous new DP I had in my stash!

My sentiment was stamped on White and stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black. I cut out the sentiment using my Nestabilities Fancy Tags. I sponged on some Memento Sky Blue before removing the die. A little bling and a big bow finish off my card.

Now… your turn!! You can do it!! Have fun and remember to post your creation on the Stamp TV Gallery and use the tag, STVMONTG3 on your post so your name is sure to get in the drawing. You have until Sunday, September 4, 2011 at 8:00 PM CST to upload your creation.

You don’t have to use Gina K Designs stamps, but if you do, your name goes in the drawing TWICE!!

Have fun and thanks for stopping by!!

Always Hope…

2011-08-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today I wanted to share with you another stamp I purchased from Susana’s Custom Art & Card Design. This gorgeous Angel of Hope stamp was totally irresistible to me. And I am dedicating this tag to my sweet friend and fellow DT member, AJ Otto. Susana is donating $1 for each of these stamps sold to help with the fight to find the cure for breast cancer.

I decided to create a tag using the stamp and began by layering on some soft pink, blue and yellow tinted paper from the Melissa Frances 5th Avenue paper pack, also available at Susana’s. LOVE the papers in this pack!!! I stamped the angel on White card stock and colored her using my Copic markers. I added her using Pop Dots to a layer of Pure Luxury Wild Dandelion card stock which I cut using my Nestabilities Labels 14 die and also mounted it with Pop Dots on a Lacy Circle Nestabilitie using Turquoise Sea card stock. I added some pink bling to the label and a Hope embellishment which I found in my stash.

This wonderful angel may become my main stamp for my Christmas labels this year!!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you stop on over to Susana’s and grab an Angel of Hope stamp and join me and the many others who are hoping some day a cure will be found.

Have a great day!! *smile*

Back to School…..

2011-08-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

It’s that time of year again… the kids are getting excited to head back to school. NOT, for homework, mind you… but to see their friends and get to know their new teachers.

I have one (Emily) in 4th grade this year and one (Steven) a Freshman in high school this year. Wow… yesterday was quite the day with high school orientation.. a FULL 2 1/2 hours!!! and “Meet the Teacher Night” for Emily. As I write this post, my head is still aching from the heat level in the high school… yuk!!

Today my card is one that my fellow Design Team member, Giovana Smith, asked us to create for her Mix It Up Monday Challenge to create a “school” themed card. I was thrilled to find out that was her challenge since I had already made my card the day before she posted! Lucky me!!

I started my card with Pure Luxury Chocolate Brown card stock. I added a layer of Just Peachy and then some printed vellum paper from my Websters Pages pack.

I used the teacher stamp and pencil holder from the Stamp TV Kit, Falling for You. I stamped the pencil cup on White and cut it out and mounted it near the sentiment with Pop Dots. A little twine and my card is ready for Emily to take her first day of school.

I hope you play along with Giovana’s challenge and get your name thrown in the pot for a chance at a free stamp set from Gina K Designs valued at $24.95!! Remember to add the tag, STVMONGS2, when posting your card to the Stamp TV Gallery.

Good luck and thanks for stopping by!! *smile*

Score!!!

2011-08-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today I’d like to share with you an absolutely adorable stamp that I purchased from Susana’s Custom Art & Card Design. “Momma’s Purse Peeker” by Elisabeth Bell, from the “Peekers Collection #2” is just so so cute I could NOT resist.

I am thanking my sweet friend, Suzanne Dean, for showing me these super sweet stamps! I am hoping to improve my Copic coloring skills and trust me… these are just to fun to color!!

I started my card base with Pure Luxury Wild Dandelion card stock. Layered on some Black Onyx and then some wonderful DP from the Echo Parks Dots & Stripes Candy Shoppe pack. I used more Black Onyx to cut a Lacy Circle using my Nestabilities.

My image was stamped on White card stock and, of course, colored in with my Copics. I cut it out using a Circle Nestie. A few added bling, some paper roses and my “sweet” sentiment were all it takes to show you how this cute little “peeker” SCORED big on her find! Hee Hee

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

Gina K Double Take Blog Hop

2011-08-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Join us in a Double Take hop! Members of Gina K.'s Design Team have come together to host a hop where we will show you how to make cards using the same products and stamp images to create two very different cards.

If you came from Vicki Dutcher’s blog, you're at the right place. If not make sure to head over to StampTV where you will find a list of all those participating in today's hop.

Here is my first card I created using Melanie Muenchinger’s, “Basket Buddies” (closed)

And open (a swing card design)….

My next card uses the exact same stamps, ribbon and button embellishments.

As you can see, I used the adorable puppies from Melanie’s set and the cute “pillow/bed” for them to rest on. I used the same sentiment from the set and added a “paw print” ribbon which I distressed using Tim Holtz Distress inks in Antique Linen on the first card and Tattered Rose on the second card. I also added the same button for each card. And… of course, the new puppy had to have the adorable bow image around it’s neck as well.

I used Pure Luxury papers and on my first card used DP from Basic Grey’s Max & Whiskers and on the second card my DP was from the Echo Park Springtime pack.

Now head on over to Theresa Momber’s blog to see what she's sharing with you today!

Enjoy the hop and thanks for stopping by!!! *smile*

Ruff Day(s)…

2011-08-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

These little puppies are just so darn adorable!!! I totally fell in love with Melanie Muenchinger’s newest set, “Basket Buddies”. The first stamp I grabbed was the puppies and how could you resist??? OMGosh the sentiment is so perfect for their cute little faces!!!

I started my card with Pure Luxury Green Grass card stock. I ran it through my Vagabond using the Cuttlebug Argyle embossing folder. I added some a small piece of Little Boy blue and used my Nestabilities Label 1 and some DP. I stamped my puppies on White card stock and used my Copic markers to color them. I stamped their little puppy bed cushion on DP and cut it out adhering both to my Labels 4 cut out. A corner punch and ribbon finished off my card.

Can’t wait to try more of these puppies in different colors!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

Tami’s Challenge…

2011-08-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

“Hey, Gnomie!”(s) ….. LOL LOVE that sentiment from Tami Mayberry’s newest set “Gnome One Like You”.

Today I am sharing a card I created to play along with the Mix It Up Monday Challenge which Tami hosted this week! Here is the inspiration Tami gave us to use for our card.

I LOVE the colors in this picture and I decided to use the little flowers AND colors to create my card. Tami’s little bird bath with the two flowers were perfect! I added the frog and colored him in the aqua colors shown in the pic. I had done a frog in those colors once before and really like him so I figured why not again! LOL

My card is a single layer card and I used my Copics to color the images. On the inside… though I didn’t photograph it my sweet gnome is hiding also decked out in aqua color. Hee Hee

If you play along with Tami’s challenge your name goes into a drawing for a FREE stamp set from Gina K Designs valued at $24.95!!! AND… you don’t have to use Gina K stamps but if you do, your name goes in the drawing TWICE!!!! Remember to upload your creation to the Stamp TV Forum and add the tag… STVMONTAMI2… to it.

Have fun and good luck!! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!! *smile*

Gina K Designs August Blog Hop Day 3

2011-08-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Have you all finished your orders from Gina K Designs??? Well… if you forgot anything… we have MORE stamp designs to share with you!!! Get ready for another day of fun hopping.

First up, Tami Mayberry’s, “Gnome One Like You”….

I just could NOT resist using the flamingo and the “How Tacky” sentiment. I tried… but seriously… I was laughing so hard at the thought of it all!! My husband is ALWAYS telling me he’s going to put pink flamingos in our front yard and I just shutter at the thought!! LOL I could soooo see him putting them there and decorating them up!! LOL So… my card today was to him!

I started off with some Pure Luxury Accents, Key Lime, card stock. I layered it with a piece of White and added some DP I found in my stash at the bottom. I stamped the shrubs from the set and then my lovely flamingos. I colored the shrubs with my Copic markers and paper pieced the flamingos with paper from the Echo Park Springtime collection. As much bling as I could manage on the first flamingo and I used part of the “Gnome My Goodness” sentiment stamp by just inking up the words I wanted with a marker.

“Gnome my goodness”… I love this set!! LOL

Next up the “Free with Three” set, “Various Verses”….

Simply stated, I used a verse from the set on the INSIDE of my card but really like the simplicity of just the flower image on the front.

I started with a card base of Pure Luxury Tan Leather and layered on some Chocolate Brown. I layered a piece of digital paper from the Grunge Damask collection. I used Versamark and heat embossed my image in a chocolate brown embossing powder right on the top of the DP. A big brown bow and a shiny button and done. With the verses in the set, this card could be used for just about any occasion! Love that!!

Now check out the rest of the Design Teams awesome inspiration!! Remember to leave a comment for a change at a stamp set from Gina K Designs valued at $24.95!!

Gina K
Tami Mayberry - Illustrator Gnome One Like You
Jimmi Mayo
Lee Murphy
Melanie Muenchinger
Sharon Harnist
Theresa Momber
Tina Gilliland - You’re here!
Vicki Dutcher
AJ Otto
Carolina Buchting
Cathy Tidwell
Deb Felts
Donna Baker
Emily Giovanni
Giovana Smith
Jennie Harper

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the hop.