Sunday, October 31, 2010

Clean and Simple Monday and Paper Cubed November Challenge

Busy, busy week...preparing for a two day art show this coming weekend and worrying I don't have enough art created and worrying that I will be a simple paper artist in the midst of painters and sculptors and jewelry makers.  I try not to think about it too much.

Back to today's post.  The SCS Clean and Simple Challege this week is a theme - "Sympathy".  I don't know anyone who enjoys making sympathy cards.  I think handmade greetings are so much nicer than store bought cards for times like this.

Here's my offering this week:

Card size is 4.25" x 4.5" .  I popped up both panels on dimensionals.  The embossed layer is an older Cuttlebug folder.  The sentiment is an older stamp that I picked up at Michael's years ago.  It doesn't have a manufacturer listed on it.  Ribbon is May Arts Black silk attached with Glue Arts Ribbon Adhesive (love that stuff!). 

It's also time for another Challenge at PaperCubed aka P3!  This month, the DT was challenged to make a votive or candle wrapper.  I have to admit that this candle is actually one I made last year since I'm so short on time due to the art show prep.  I was amazed how beautifully it has held up so I nestled it among my sparkly pumpkins. 


All supplies are Papertrey ink except for the MS binding ribbon.  The wheat sheaves are embossed and have a bit of Sakura glitter pen on the kernels.

I have a love/hate relationship with this time of year.  I love seeing little ones dressed in spooky cute costumes when they come ringing our doorbell for treats.  I love the smell of pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie as it bakes and the spicy sweet scent that perfumes the whole house.  I love fall leaves and turkey and counting my blessings and baking Christmas cookies to share with friends.   Amidst all there is to I love,  I hate the busyness...the rushing, the deadlines, the shopping (I don't have shopping gene!).  I hate seeing Christmas decorations before Halloween and I hate missing my children and grandchildren. 

Our grandchildren called tonight to share their trick or treating experience with us.  Our grandson said he wore the apple costume I made for his daddy when he and his friends decided to be the "Fruit of the Loom" guys.  I can't believe our son saved that costume all these years but I'm so glad he did.  Sigh....yep, I miss them.



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Friday, October 29, 2010

Hurry, hurry! May Arts has Treats not Tricks

May Arts Ribbon is giving away treats on their Facebook page.  Are you ready?  


                                3 rolls of ribbon!!!!!


If you're not yet familiar with May Arts...their ribbon is fabulous in quality, comes in every texture and design  and comes in rolls of up to 30 yards!


Here's all you have to do....just post a Halloween project on the May Arts Facebook page.  That's it!!  No tricks!


What are you wating for?  I'm heading over...I can't play but I can dream.   Hurry though because the winner is being drawn on Monday. 




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Foodie Friday - Quick Italian Cream Cake

So sorry...I forgot it was Friday!  There's been some family issues and I've lost track of the days.  Here's the
WONDERFUL Italian Cream Cake I told you about...It's quick and easy and best of all....it is soooooo good!


Mmmmm....we ate the last piece last night...should I make another?

Quick Italian Cream Cake


I know what you're thinking...she used a BOXED cake mix!!!???  Well, yes she did...it makes this cake fast for those of you who are limited in time and it will be our little secret because noone will able to tell the difference.  Shhhhh.

1 pkg. white cake mix with pudding in the mix
3 large eggs (room temperature)
1 1/4 c. buttermilk
1/4 c. vegetable oil

2/3 c. chopped pecans, toasted  plus 1 c. for the frosting 
1 1/3 c. shredded coconut
(to toast nuts, place in a 350 degree oven for about 10-15 min.  Don't skip this step!)

3 T. rum (optional but soooo yummy!)
Cream cheese frosting 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.   Grease and flour 3 (9 inch) round cake pans.

Beat first 4 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes.  Stir in coconut and 2/3 c. toasted pecans.  Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-17 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes.  Remove from pans, cool completely on wire racks. 

Sprinkle each layer with 1 Tablespoon of rum.  Let stand 10 minutes.

Spread frosting between layers and on sides and top of cake. 

Chill 2 hours before slicing. 

Cream Cheese Frosting 

12 oz. cream cheese, softened
3/4 c. butter, softened
24 ounces powdered sugar (a box and a half)
1 c. chopped pecans, toasted
3 t. vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese and butter at med. speed with electric mixer until smooth.  Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.  Stir in pecans and vanilla.

Enjoy!

Meggie...that piece is for you!  :-)
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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

House Mouse Challenge 81 - Little Punkin, Big Boo!

I've been creating, just can't share yet.  There's a blog hop coming with May Arts and Glue Arts so be sure to stay tuned for the fun. 

I've already sent off the Halloween goodies to our grandchildren so when I saw the House Mouse and Friends Challenge 81 this week, I thought I'd make a treat for my DH.  I haven't surprised him in a while so thought this little basket was perfect for tucking a few Halloween treats in.  I like to sneak surprises in his car so he finds them on his way to work.

 Other Challenges:
Stamp Something - Halloween
Cowgirl Up Designs - Anything Goes
Crazy4Challenges - Halloween


Supplies:
Paper - Papertrey black, SU Pumpkin pie, Neenah Classic white
Ink - Memento, Copic markers
Stamps - House Mouse Little Punkin, PTI Sweet Treats
Accessories - PTI basket template, SU word window punch, bling, Spellbinders circle dies





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Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Teapot Tuesday and May Arts Giveaway

My posting may be a bit sporadic for a couple of weeks due to DT projects and prepping for a two day art show.  I'll try to visit your blogs when I can grab a few minutes but hope you understand.

This week's Teapot Tuesday challenge (MMTPT117) on SCS is for Charlene Merrick's step-son, Jess.  Jess was attacked and bitten very badly in the face by a neighbor's dog.  He is healing but will likely require plastic surgery as the bites were near his eye.   Charlene is an awesome stamper and  one of the original Teapotters.  Be sure to visit her blog - Where M&M's Gather and show her some love.

Jess loves Nascar and especially Dale Earnhardt, Sr.  Now, our family happens to be be Jimmie Johnson fans so it was hard for me to put another car in first place...lol!  It's for a good cause though, right?
                                      
There are no Nascar stamps in my stash so I went online to find some coloring pages and re-sized them.  I colored the image with Prismacolor pencils and baby oil.  The #3 was hand drawn with a white pen.  Sakura glitter pen was used on the wheels but doesn't show up in the photo.

Supplies:
Paper - SU white, black, Blue Bayou
Ink - Prismacolor Pencils/Baby Oil, Sakura Glitter pen

Have you visited the May Arts Facebook page yet?  No?  Well, goodness, girls...why ever not?!   Did you know May Arts gives full rolls of ribbon away every week just for leaving a comment?

Here's a peek at this week's giveaway.  It's all about the sparkle!  4 gorgeous rolls of sparkly, shimmery lovely ribbon. 

So what are you waiting for?  Head on over the MA Facebook page and leave some love...somebody's got to win...could be you!  Be on the lookout here and on the May Arts blog...there's a blog hop coming soon.

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Sunday, October 24, 2010

Clean and Simple Monday - Gingham/Checks

This week's Clean and Simple challenge (CAS90)  at SplitcoastStampers is a "Ways to Use It" Challenge - Gingham/Checks.   I got all hung up on the word, "gingham" and totally forgot I could have used checks!  Oh well...Here's my DT sample - a very simple take on the challenge:



I masked off the borders of the card then stamped a wavy line image to achieve a gingham look.

Supplies:
Paper - Neenah Classic Soar White
Ink - Memento Rich Cocoa. SU Pink Pirhouette
Stamps - SU Two Step Plaid (retired
Saavy - Posey Bouquet, sentiment

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Friday, October 22, 2010

Happy Dance Saturday!

No creations I can share today...I've been working on lots of things for an upcoming craft show and some DT projects that I can't share yet.  We're celebrating DH's birthday today...a week late since he had to work during inventory so I'm baking Italian Cream Cake by request.  I'll try to remember to take a picture.

Here's the reason for my Happy Dance!


IO W REV SM


I won the gift certificate from this week's Impression Obsession challenge!  I can go shopping guilt free. 
Be sure to check out the next challenge and the super awesome DT samples as well.

Happy Saturday!

                       
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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Bookmark Tag and Foodie Friday

Today was a good day...I got the first little cucumber from my garden and the rest of the veggies are coming along well.  Yes, while the rest of you are raking leaves and pulling out your gardens, we in the tropical south are just beginning our growing season!  I may never get used to it.  It's actually still to warm for lettuces and parsley so I'll have to wait to plant those.

Did I remember to take a photo of my cucumber?  Of course not!  We put it in the Insalata we had for dinner.

I did some major cleaning in the studio today so today's project is a quick and easy one.  I'm planning on making some of these for the fall craft shows.


I have been on the hunt for some good manila tags.  The tags I found in the office supply stores were of so-so quality and I was afraid the hole wouldn't hold up to ribbon or tassels.  I finally found these:

Love them!  They have a smooth surface for stamping if I don't want to alter them and a reinforced hole.   I will have some of these in my Etsy shop.  They're too nice not to share.  :-)

My friend, Janet, showed me how to make these twisted bookmark tassels using cotton pearle embroidery floss.  They are super easy.
I found the directions here along with some easy instructions for tassels.

Supplies:
Paper - Manila tag, SEI Moonrise, SU Summer Sun
Ink - Versafine black, PTI Chai
Accessories - 1/8" ribbon, DMC #5 Embroidery floss, Glue Arts Ribbon glue

Now onto Foodie Friday!  DH had inventory this week.  He likes to treat the inventory team to homebaked goodies every year and they really look forward to it.  I usually make quick breads but this year, I decided to make our traditional holiday breakfast coffee cake.   I found the recipe years ago in a Pillsbury cookbook filled with yummy bread and breakfast goodies.

You can have this in the oven in less than 30 minutes!

Jewish Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Cake
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 t. vanilla
3 eggs
2 c. all purpose flour
1 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1/8 t. salt
1 cup sour cream

Filling and Topping

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 t. cinnamon
3 T. butter, melted

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and lightly flour 10 inch tube pan. 

In large bowl, cream sugar and butter; add vanilla and eggs.  Mix well.  Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off.  Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Add flour mixture and sour cream alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.  Combine only until thoroughly blended.

Combine filling/topping ingredients.   Mix well.  Spread half of topping in pan.  Top with half of cake batter.

Sprinkle with remaining topping and cake batter.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick in center comes out clean.  Invert onto a large plate or cookie sheet, then again onto serving plate, streusel side up.

12-16 servings



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Pretty Shoes


I had to go to the doctor today so thought I would hand deliver Lynette's card (MMTPT116).  I made some Chocolate Chip cookies and took them as well.  I got a good test result so maybe we can chalk it up to the cookies, you think? 

I had to work on another project so didn't have the time or mojo to think up something new tonight.  I just decided to do a color re-make of this CAS card.  The shoe is heat embossed with Clear EP then cut out and popped up on dimensionals.

I love this shoe  and sentiment from Impression Obsession.  They're by Alesa Baker.  Her stamps are so elegant. 

Challenge:
Impression Obsession - Favorite Poem, Quote, Saying


What do you think of the new blog header?  I'm thinking it may be a bit too light? 

Supplies:
Paper - PTI
Ink - Versafine black and Pearlescent Red
Stamps - Impression Obsession Peep Toe Pump, Pretty Shoes
Accessories - Clear EP, ribbon, button, dimensionals




                                                  
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Tuesday, October 19, 2010

CPS86 - Uh-Oh!





Yep, this bird's in a heap o' trouble!  He's fallen in the pot, he can't get out and his fate appears to be sealed 'cause that mosquitoe has a dead aim for his backside.  I totally forgot our son's nephew's birthday!!  Thought maybe a bit of humor might make up for my lack of memory.

I used the sketch from Card Positioning Systems - CPS86 and my Stamps by Judith.  I love these cute images because they're easy to build a scene with.  I just don't use them enough...have to remedy that.  They're so much fun! I stamped the grass on the left first, then the pot.  I masked the pot and stamped more grass.  After that, I stamped the pot again, masked it with a post-it note, then stamped the Dorky Bird upside down.  Cut them out and mounted with dimensionals on my base pot.  The mosquitoe has CE on it's wings.

Thought I was going to have two cards with this sketch but the second one just didn't want to come together on paper like it did in my head.  Does that happen to you?   I'll give it another go after I get some sleep. 4:30 a.m. was a long time ago! 

I'm going to bake some cookies and deliver them tomorrow with my card for Lynette -Teapot Tuesday - MMTPT116.  Hope you get a chance to make this special lady a card. 

Supplies:
Paper - PTI black, Neenah White, SU Ballet Blue
Stamps - Stamps by Judith Dorky Bird, pot. grass, mosquitoe
Ink - Memento black, Copic markers
Accessories -  Adhesive backed cork, Crystal Effects, buttons, ribbon, dimensionals


                                                       
                                         
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Monday, October 18, 2010

Teapot Tuesday - Donald was Set Up!!

The Teapot Tuesday Destination Station this week is my very own doctor's office.  Lynette Watson, my doctor's receptionist has cancer in several areas of her body.  You can read a bit of her story and Destination information here.

Here's what you need to know for the Teapot Challenge.  Lynette loves kids and Disney World so the uber talented Cindy Mothermark chose the most amazing teapot.  You MUST go to Cindy's blog and check out her EXACT replications of the teapots.  I don't know how she does it week after week!!

 If you have time to send Lynette a card, I know she would appreciate it so much.

Here's her address:

Lynette Watson

c/o A Cornerstone Family Practice
11786 SE Federal Hwy
Hobe Sound, FL 33455

Here's my card.  I used clipart since I don't have any Disney stamps.  You can read my story about how Donald got set up here.

I printed out two copies of the clipart then cut one out and popped it up on dimensionals.



Supplies:
Paper - SU Summer Sun, Regal Rose
Stamps - Justrite Stampers Times New Roman
Ink - Versfine
Accessories - clipart, buttons, ribbon, dimensionals





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Sunday, October 17, 2010

CAS89 - A "Couple" of Mittens

This week's Clean and Simple Challenge on SplitcoastStampers (CAS89) is a Sketch by kstamper.  Karen's coloring is just beautiful and the design is inspired.  I'm honored to be on the Fall DT with her. 

The original challenge was for the CAS Fall DT to make a card with a "couple" of things.  Not sure why this new challenge gave me so much trouble but I had major brain strain trying to come up with a card.  Then it would not photograph worth a plugged nickel!  I think it may be the photographer!


You can't see it, but I added subtle dots of glitter on the inside of the embossed panel and the snowflakes on the mittens.

Supplies: 
Paper - SU Taken with Teal, Neenah Classic Solar White
Ink - Taken with Teal
Stamps - Retired SU Holiday Sampler, Hero Arts Wavy Winter Wishes
Accessories - Spellbinders Rectangle dies, MS twine, Glitter Glue pen, Art Institute Angel Dust glitter


                                          
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Friday, October 15, 2010

May Arts Ribbon Contest and Foodie Friday

 I'm working on a new project that I can't wait to show you but have one little part to finish.  While you're waiting, take a look at this gorgeous ribbon!!  I just saw this on the May Arts Face book site :

                                
Didn't I tell you?  Guess what?  You can WIN it!!  This is the prize for the next May Arts contest!!  I'm loving those gold trees and that chevron stripe and I think I neeeeeed that red and taupe stripe.  Nuts...I can't play...but you can!  Details will be up soon on Facebook.

Ok, now for Foodie Friday....

I love fall...the temperature cools just a bit, the leaves turn gorgeous shades of yellow, red and orange and the new crop of crisp, crunchy, sweet, tart apples are ready for the picking.

Today's Foodie Friday is a recipe I've used for over 40 years...it's so easy and so good you may never buy applesauce in a jar again.  It can be served warm...that's how I like mine or chilled, for breakfast, lunch or dinner or added to your favorite apple recipes.  I have an Applesauce Cake recipe I'll share with you later that I use this in but for now...enjoy this

Chunky Applesauce


6 large cooking apples (I double this recipe) 
1 c. boiling water
1/8 t. salt
1 t. lemon juice
1/2 t. grated lemon peel
1/4 t. ground cinnamon
1/8 t. ground nutmeg
1/2 - 1 c. sugar

Note:  I use a variety of apples in my applesauce.  If you use a very tart apple, you may need to add up to a full cup of sugar.  Feel free to adjust to your family's taste.  I also add pears to the apples if I happen to have them....yum!

Wash, peel, and core apples.  Cut them into thick slices.  Want to see how I do it?  Easy, peasy...

I've had this "Yankee Apple Peeler" for years and highly recommend it as a time-saver.  Your kids will love helping you!  It peels, cuts and cores the apples!  I just cut them in half and done!  That little handle at the bottom sucks it right to your counter top so it doesn't move around.   Sorry...I didn't see that bit of peel until too late!


In a 4 qt. saucepan, combine apples, boiling water, and salt.  Cover tightly and cook over moderately low heat until apples are cooked through.  Add a little more water, if necessary, to keep apples from sticking to pan.

The cooking time will vary depending on the variety of apples used.  One way to tell if they're cooked through is to stir the apples vigorously.  They will chunk easily. 

Once apples are cooked, stir in lemon juice, peel, and spices.  Add sugar to taste, stirring until sugar is dissolved.

Serve warm or chilled. 


You can see how far the apples cooked down.  Apple Perfection!

Enjoy!!


                                                
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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

A RAK and A Cutie Pie

If you haven't been to Sue's Stamping Stuff, you really need to take a trip over there and see what this talented lady  "cooks" up on a regular basis.  Sue is one talented stamper (just take a gander at her House Mouse DT samples!) and a baker of cookies (woman after my own heart) but even more than that, she's just one nice thoughtful human being. 

When she read about my bum knee, she sent me a gorgeous (!) card which I'll show you in a minute but also a whole bunch of uber cute stamped images!  How fun!  Wanna see what I did with one of them?  It's from Lili of the Valley (LOTV) and just super adorable. 

                                               

Didn't I tell you?  I found the stamp sheets only at Simon Says Stamp but no individuals (insert sad face).  This little Cutie Pie will be in my Etsy shop.

Now for the awesome RAK from Sue:

Didn't I tell you?!

My card is for the Sketch Challenge at Our Creative Corner (OCCC)

Thanks so much for all of your lovely comments and don't forget to hop over to May Arts and Hero Arts because it's.......


P.S.
I'm about to give the blog an overhaul in appearance and maybe a name change to the name of my Etsy Store.   Has anyone changed their blog name and had trouble getting your posts transferred?


                                                 
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Monday, October 11, 2010

Have You Heard? It's May Arts/Hero Arts Blog Week!!!



It's here!  Hero Arts and May Arts have combined to bring you a fabulous week of stamp and ribbon inspiration!

There are prizes to be won so be sure to check out both sites and see what the Design Teams have created to inspire you this holiday season.



Here's a sneak peek at my projects....

Have you figured out what it is?  Hop on over to May Arts blog and check it out.  Be sure to leave me a comment and tell me what you think.  Then pop in here and find out how to win!


                                                     
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Teapot Tuesday - Spiders and Bats and Ghosts....Oh, MY!!

I have two posts today so be sure to check them out 'cause...It's May Arts/Hero Arts Blog week!  Woo-Hoo!!

Our Teapot Tuesday Challenge (MMTPT115) this week  Destination Station this week is Birchwood, Wisconsin. 

We are sending our cards to Jacob, the 5 year old grandson of Renee, a fellow SCSer/Teapotter (handmadebyme). Jacob recently had tonsil surgery and the doctors found a cancerous growth on the tonsil. As his plans for treatment progressed unfortunately they discovered his cancer was more advanced than originally thought and had spread to both his kidneys and liver. Doesn't seem quite right for a 5 year old!


We are bringing a Halloween Party to Jacob!  Renee says he loves scarey stuff! Since he might not have the energy to do any trick or treating this year, we'll brighten his holiday with a skeery teaparty!

Here's the inspiration teapot chosen by Cindy (mothermark).

Here's my card for Jacob:


I used the Round Card Template from The Cutting Cafe.  The base is actually SU Night of Navy but swiped my white craft inkpad across it.  The stamps are Michael's $1 spot (spider/web, pumpkin).  Those super cute bats and ghosties are from May Arts Satin Cutouts line of ribbon.  Aren't they the cutest?  I used CE on the pumpkin and the spider and Sakura glitter pen on the web.  I also used the most awesome w Glue Arts Glue adhesive squares....love them!!! 

If you can send a card to cheer up this precious 5 year old, I know it will help ease the stress he and his family find themselves faced with.  You can find all Jacob's information here.

Supplies:
Paper - SU Night of Navy
Ink - SU Craft White, Eggplant Envy, Pumpkin Pie, Copic markers
Stamps - Michael's $1, PTI Spooky Sweets (boo)
Accessories - May Arts Satin Cutouts, Crystal Effects
                                                 
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CAS88 - Crinkle, Crinkle Buttons & Bows

This week's CAS challenge at SCS this week is based on a word - "Crinkle" as in dry fall leaves.  I have to tell you it took some thought on this one...what crinkles besides leaves?  My DH even put on his thinking cap and walked all over Michael's with me looking for inspiration...now that's "l-o-v-e"!  ;-)

I dragged out everything I had looking for that sound...tissue paper, plastic wrap? Too quiet.  Paper leaves?  Yep, that works,  but not very original.  Finally, I remembered I had a roll of clear acetate cellophane, nice, noisy, crinkly cellophane!  I just made it into a clear crinkly bow... clean and simple!

I didn't "tie" the bow...I just looped the acetate back and forth then wound some sweet baby pink May Arts ribbon around it and pulled it tight.  The center panel has the ribbon underneath the flowered DP.

Head on over to SCS and see what the rest of the DT has crinkled up for you.  While you've got your acetate out for the JUGS challenge, you should check out the Transparent 3D challenge at PaperCubed, too!


CAS88 - Crinkle
Just Us Girls Challenge 54 - Technique/Acetate


Supplies:
Paper - SU Pink Pirouhette,  Barely Banana, SEI Chick-a-dee
Stamps - Papertrey Baby Button Bits
Ink - Versafine
Accessories - Acetate cellophane, SEI Chick-a-dee buttons, May Arts Wrinkled Ribbon, May Arts Satin Scalloped Edge Ribbon, Glue Arts ribbon adhesive

                                                           
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Sunday, October 10, 2010

Are You Ready? It's HERE!! The Hero Arts/May Arts Blog Week!!

                             

All of us over at May Arts have been so excited to announce to you our upcoming blog week with Hero Arts! Stamps & Ribbon just seem to go together like peanut butter & jelly, spaghetti & meatballs, bread & butter......well you get the idea. :)

All week long we will be posting projects that combine May Arts Ribbon & Hero Arts Stamps. We will also be having a fantastic giveaway coming up on Tuesday!

Here's a sneak peek of the what we have up for grabs:

Have we piqued your interest yet?  :-)  Be sure to head over to the May Arts blog and the May Arts Facebook  page for information on how you can win!

Want to know more about Hero Arts? They were kind enough to forward this bio:

Hero Arts is a family run business, a green business, and our wood block, Cling, and PolyCLEAR stamps are all proudly made right here in the USA! (You can learn more about the company HERE.) At Hero Arts we are dedicated to our customers, passionate about our community, and grateful to be a part of the wonderful and thriving craft of stamping. Visit the Hero Arts Blog and website to join the community and find creative inspiration every day!

So be sure to keep checking in for a fun filled week of crafty inspiration!


                                      
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