Papertrey Ink May 2012 Blog Hop

Yay...I finally got a chance to pull out my PTI toys to play.  The Papertrey May blog hop is here!  I'm usually so swamped, I can't play but I grabbed a few minutes for a quick card this afternoon.

I was totally inspired by the colors.  I love blue and lime green together.  I combined this challenge with the Ribbon Carousel RCC54 Fancy Flowers challenge to use flowers on your creation.

Here's my take on the photo:

                                    
It was so simple and yet so satisfying.

Supplies
Stamps - Papertrey Simple Little Things
Ink - SU Night of Navy
Other - Papertrey Bloom Builder #3 die; Sizzix leaf die; May Arts Navy Blue Silk/Textured Lines Ribbons; flat backed pearl; Crystal Effects

Foodie Friday and a sad good bye

So yesterday, I'm cleaning the pool and noticed that the chlorine bucket was nearly empty so I decided to carry the bucket with me as I was tossing chlorine into the pool.  Scoop in one hand, bucket in the other...evenly balanced...NOT.  After I tossed a small amount in the shallow end, I headed for the deep end, gave the scoop a big heave ho...and in I went, fully clothed, bucket and scoop still tightly clutched because SOMEONE would have to dive down to get them if they went to the bottom.  Thankfully, I was close enough to the swim out to get myself out...chlorine spots all over my BLACK shorts and top.  Oh, and my hair looked really good prior to the trip, too.  Rats

Ok, now that you've finished laughing, I have a sad announcement.  This will be my last month with Sparkle N Sprinkle.  They have graciously allowed me to step down from the team early.  I want to say thank you to all the ladies of the team who welcomed me so warmly and wish them all much success.  

I've made a card whose sentiment fits the ladies perfectly..they are "Sassy (in a nice way! and Classy".

                          

This image and sentiment are from another brand new set called Vintage Boutique.   And....Monday, May 31st, you can get your entire order 31% off in honor of Memorial Day!  You can find all the details here.

Now for the food....I'm trying to lose a few pounds in preparation for planned swims in the pool this summer, ahem!   3 lbs. down,  2 to go!   So the food today is for the dogs...literally.  Our little Bentley is graduating from Intermediate dog class tomorrow so we're taking treats for his doggie classmates.

These are as yummy as they look.  I didn't put them on a Google Doc before but finally got that done so that you can print out the recipe. 

Bentley in his bike basket. 

Sorry for the long post today.   I'm gonna wash my hair now.

SNSSC07 - sew, sew

Good morning!  Life is rushing by and I'm runnin' as fast as I can to keep up.  I'm happy dancing because our youngest son is moving 3 1/2 hours away instead of 15, he just got married and we have an instant grandchild who's 13.  Yikes!!...James Dobson said once that "when they're 12 you put them in a barrel and feed them through a hole, and when they're 13 you plug the hole up and don't let them out until they're 18"!!  That single quote and lots of prayer helped me survive the teenage years. The good thing is that our son remembers his teenage antics and is wise to the tricks.  :-) 

I have a card today for the Sparkle N Sprinkle May Sketch Challenge.   Did you know you can win a STAMP SET OF YOUR CHOICE just for playing along?  You can find all the details on the link above. 

I used this brand new set of stamps from Sparkle N Sprinkle called Sew Fabulous (461) (it's on sale right now too!)

Cute or what? 

I embossed the spools in SNS Black Detail Powder, then wrapped them with May Arts Baker's Twine. Love that stuff!

Supplies:

Stamps - Sparkle N Sprinkle Sew Fabulous (461)

Paper - Neenah; Lawn Fawn Bright Side Paper Pack

Ink - Versafine; Copic Markers; Versamark

Other - SNS Black Detail EP (EP171); May Arts Baker's Twine; lace; buttons; sewing machine

May Arts/Core'dinations Blog Week

It's here once again...a fabulous blog week with May Arts Ribbon and Core'dinations!  You know what that means...awesome project inspiration and great giveaways!

Here's a sneak peek at the project I've created for your "Thrifty Gifting" stash.

Be sure to head on over the May Arts Blog for crafty ideas from the Design Team and a full printable tutorial for this project!



Teapot Tuesday - Cat Party

This week's Teapot Tuesday destination (MMTPT199) is Athens, Alabama and a 12 yr. old little girl named Rebekah.  You can read her story at the link.  Rebekah missed her birthday party so we're sending one to her Teapot Tuesday style.

Rebekah loves cats so we were to incorporate one in our birthday card.  I love the Cat Set (597) from Rubbernecker and I don't even like cats!  There are so many fun cats to choose from.  I also used the Party Time set (439) for my cupcake and sentiment.  I cut the cupcake out, treated it to some Sparkle N Sprinkle Lemonade glitter then popped it on a foam dot under my stamped cat.  The sentiment is glittered too.  Hope Rebekah likes it.

I think I'd like to change places with that cat...YUM! 

You know you could own one of these sets!  Be sure to check out the Rubbernecker Blog Hop link on my top right sidebar.  You've still got time to play!!

Supplies

Stamps - Rubbernecker Cat Set (597), Party Time (439)

Paper - Neenah; Cosmo Cricket DeLovely

Ink - SU Pink Passion (old); Copics

Other - May Arts Sheer Dot ribbon; SNS glitter (Lemonade)

Clean and Simple Monday - Bright Bite

Fun sketch challenge by CAS DT member, Tilly,  on SCS this week CAS171.  (Heads up, the Summer DT search begins tonight!)

Here's my take on her sketch.  I was inspired by the colors in Moxie Fab World's Tuesday Trigger Bright Bite.

My ink colors are more vibrant but Picasa wouldn't go there without going too dark.  I love the fun Neon & bright glitter from Sparkle N Sprinkle!

Supplies:

Card size - 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

Cardstock - Neenah

Stamps - Papertrey Ink Cupcake Collection, Strawberry Patch Sentiments

Other - Sparkle N Sprinkle Neon Flamingo, Orange Crush, Lemonade, Spirited Green

Rubbernecker Stamps Garden Blog Hop

It's time for another Rubbernecker Stamps Stampin' Sisterhood Blog Hop and we've got some new surprises for you this month!  If you've arrived here from Bev's blog, you're in the right place.

Ok, there's ALOT of new info so I'll list them all the details:

1.  You have until Friday, May 25th to hop so you don't have to rush. Winners will be announced on the Stampin' Sisterhood blog on Saturday, May 26th so be sure to pop in to see if you're a winner.

2.   We've got a fun game for you to play as well as a Shopping Code for 15% off your ENTIRE Rubbernecker Stamp order.  Here's what to do to qualify for the code:

• Stop in at all the participating Sister blogs and leave them a comment
• Each Sister will have a secret GARDEN RELATED WORD hidden (not too carefully!) in their blog post.  Write down each word you find as you hop.
• Make the Stampin' Sisterhood blog your final stop.  Leave a comment with the words you've collected.
• Each participant will be emailed a code for 15% off their entire purchase from Rubbernecker Stamps!

3.  One lucky participant will be chosen to receive 25% off their entire purchase and one participant will be chosen "Media Winner" for posting the blog hop info on their Facebook or other social media page.
If the Sisters have new posts during the week, just click the Garden Hop Badge on their sidebar to find the hop.
Here are my cards for the hop.  I've used two of the NEW 2012 Wildflower Stamps. 

For this card I used the direct ink to rubber technique to color my stamp, misted with a tiny spray of water then stamped onto Neenah Cream cardstock for a soft watercolor look.  The stamp I used is Floral #3 (608-03).  I love the way the flowers SPROUT happily from the leaves.

This card is way out of my comfort zone!  I used the fun Floral #2.  It's stamped with 3 colors of ink to match the "Fireworks" spray by Tsukineko. I had a coupon for 40% off so couldn't resist.  You know I hate "messy" crafts but once I got the hang of it, this was fun.  It's slightly shimmery and dries super fast.  I bought a 3 color pack with red, orange, and yellow.  My only complaint is that the red really isn't red but guess what?  It matches my May Arts Ribbon perfectly! 

I masked off half the card, spritzed on my Fireworks, stamped the Wildflower image, the added that gorgeous May Arts Ribbon. Easy, peasy.

Ok.. your next stop on the hop is the uber talented sister, Charlene Merrick.  Here's a hop list in case you need to come back later.

• Anne Harmon  ( welcome our newest sister...she loves RED!)
• Bev Gerard
• Charlene Driggs (that's me!)
• Charlene Merrick
• Ellen Taylor
• Jacquie Peifer
• Jennifer Cuthbertson
• Joan Ervin
• Judy Rozema
• Julia Aston
• Juliana Swanson
• Karen Hunsaker
• Kecia Waters
• Stampin Sisterhood Blog

Thanks for hopping with us and be sure to watch for June's Hop.  More fun and more surprises!

Sparkle N Sprinkle Celebrating Summer Blog Hop

This event is closed.  Thanks for hopping!

It's almost summer and Sparkle N Sprinkle is Celebrating Summer by giving you a chance to win some awesome Sparkle N Sprinkle summer toys (aka prizes!!).  That's 2 GRAND prizes and 3 secret prizes that will be attached to 3 of the designers' blogs.

If you hopped here from Gerlinde Townsley's blog then you're in the right place.  If you've just arrived, you might want to start here so that you can be eligible for those " summer toys" I told you about.

Here's my card for the hop:

You can find a complete supply list here.

Is there any better way to celebrate summer than to kick off your favorite pair of sparkly flip flops under a palm tree and take a dip in the ocean?  Sign me up!!

Did you know that SNS has a monthly sale on your favorite stamps?  This month the sale is on Water, Food & Beverage Stamps as well as Featured Artist – Rosiland Solomon.

Remember, you need to comment on EACH blog to be eligible to win.  Here's blog list in case you get lost along the way or want to come back and click your way through.  Your next stop is Karin Martin.

SNS Home Blog

April Williams

Marie Berquist

Shona Erlenborn

Julie Zippel

Shanna Shands

Barbara Bruder

Angie Blasingame

Karalee Ingram

Jill Jacobsen

Gerlinde Townsley

Charlene Driggs (that's me!)

Karin Martin

Brenda Smalle

Thanks for celebrating Summer with us! 

May Arts Design Team Call - ribbon plates Tutorial

There are 3 posts for today so be sure to scroll down.

Here we go!!..my final project for the first round of the May Arts DT Call.

Designer Plates!  Plates made from ribbon?  This idea just popped into my head and I'm so glad it did!  This project was pure fun and and an easy one to do with the kids this summer.

Now you can have designer plates to match any occasion!  May Arts has literally hundreds of ribbons to choose from so you'll never run out of inspiration.   Be careful though, they're addictive!   I already have my choices picked out for Memorial Day to be sure to stay tuned.  :-)

These would be beautiful accent pieces for display and set of 4-6 would make a wonderful "Thrifty Gift"!

                                    

Aren't they gorgeous?

I have a  printable tutorial for you here as well.  Let's get started!

Supplies:

Mod Podge
Small Sponge Brush
clear dessert plates (dollar store)
May Arts Ribbons (if using ½” ribbon and matching patterns you will need approx. 3 yards; wider ribbons with no patterns will require much less)
Waxed paper to protect surface

1. Assemble supplies. I used May Arts ABB Check Stitched Ribbon. Cover your work area with a sheet of waxed paper.  This will not only protect your surface, it will also keep the plate from sticking if you happen to get some Mod Podge on it.

2. Cut enough ribbon strips to completely cover your plate.  Wipe any fingerprints from the back of the plate with alcohol or window cleaner.  Beginning in the center, cover the back of the plate with Mod Podge and ribbon strips, working a line or two at a time.  Continue until plate is covered with ribbon, set aside to dry. 

                                       

3.  Once the ribbons have dried, apply another coat of Mod Podge.  Set aside to dry.  You can work on other plates as each one is drying. 

4.  Use scissors to cut away the excess ribbon.  Make sure to stay close to the border of the plate.

5.  Apply 2 additional coats of Mod Podge.  Be sure to allow the first coat to dry before adding the next one. 

Once  the plates have dried they will be clear and ready for use.  Clean the top with a damp cloth, dry then add something yummy! I had our local bakery match the frosting to the ribbon...is that cool or what?



Note:   Hand wash the top only.  If a more permanent water resistant coating is desired, cover the ribbons with several coats of polyurethane.  

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I can't wait to see your May Arts Ribbon designer plates.







May Arts Design Team Call - pincushions

Ok, on to project #2!  Here's a fun out of the box way to use the fabulous Cotton Striped Ribbon from May Arts.

I adore this cotton blend ribbon.  Since it is really just strips of fabric, I thought why not sew them together to make my own custom ribbon fabric!   I am totally addicted to it now.   I love these sweet little pincushion/pillows. 

I love how these turned out!  May Arts Cotton Stripes in red and blue pair perfectly with  May Arts Natural Jute Cord and Burlap String for a wonderful nautical look that would be perfect as a wedding favor, a beach house accent or for baby pins in a little boy's room.  I tied the pillow on the left with a square knot and  the one on the right with a figure 8 knot that I stitched in place.  The buttons are also tied with square knots.  The "Ahoy" sentiment is a rub-on that I added prior to stuffing the pillow.

Don't worry, I didn't leave the girls out!  Sugar and spice and May Arts Sheer Organza Ribbon and Crochet Lace are nice! I added beads to a safety pin then cross stitched them to this pincushion.

                              

This version features May Arts Elastic Plaid Ruffle Ribbon, more of that yummy Crochet Lace  and a bit of 3/16" String Loop.

I can't wait to combine more colors to make more ribbon "fabric"...Love you, May Arts!

Supply List

Red/Blue pin cushions

hand drawn heart pattern

May Arts Cotton Blend Stripes, Jute Cord, Burlap String

Other:  heavy weight muslin fabric, buttons; plastic stars; beads/pin; flower; button; heavy duty thread;  Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive; rub-ons (stash); sewing machine

Pink Pincushions

hand drawn pattern

May Arts Cotton Blend Stripes, Crochet Lace, Sheer Organza, String Loop,  Elastic Plaid Ruffle, Burlap String

Other:  buttons; safety pins; beads; pearl headed pins; paper flowers; rub-ons (stash) sewing machine

Thanks for popping in.  Your comments are always welcome and much appreciated!!

May Arts Ribbon Design Team Call - wedding journal

It's that time again!  May Arts Ribbon is looking for designers for the coming year.  You can find all the details here.

This will the first of 3 posts today.  I wanted to show how versatile May Arts Ribbon is so I've used different techniques for each project. 

If you've been following my posts on the May Arts Blog, you know how much I love "Thrifty Gifting".  I don't know about you but we're being deluged with wedding invitations!  I can understand why the first sweet months of spring are popular times for weddings.  The air is fresh and clean, the grass is greener and the flowers sweeter than any other time of year.  This special time is the inspiration for my first project.

I thought of all the activities that happen during the time of engagement and all the emotions a new bride-to- be shares with her fiancee, her friends and her family.  I thought having a place to record all the memories of the year of engagement and wedding planning would also be a wonderful keepsake.

I found a stash of these 7" x 5" notebooks on clearance at my local drugstore for $1.   Cha-ching!!  (Note: you can click on any photo for a closer look.)

 May Arts Silk  and Crochet Ribbons along with some gorgeous Graphic 45 Le Romantique papers and a few embellishments, helped me turn that utilitarian notebook into this elegant journal :

Inside is a bookmark and a pocket for photos or mementos.  I embellished random pages with romantic wedding themed rub-ons.

May Arts Crochet Lace and 1/4" silk ribbons pair up with more rub-ons and stick on pearls for an elegant bookmark.

                                      

I used May Arts Champagne Silk in the 1 1/4" width to thread through the binding wires and tie into a gorgeous bow.  May Arts 7/8" Crochet Lace was threaded with 1/4" silk and string pearls to form the border.  I hand made the flower using a pear punch and Bazzill Basics Linen textured cardstock. 

                                       

I think this would make a lovely, one of a kind wedding shower gift that can personalized in the bride's colors as well...sigh...sweet love and special memories captured.  Thanks May Arts!

Supply List

7" x 5 " notebook

May Arts Silk Ribbon 1.25"and 1/4"widths (SK02 Champagne)

May Arts Crochet Lace (361- 5/8"; 361 7/8" ivory)

Paper - Graphic 45 Le Romantique; Papertrey Ink Smokey Shadow

Other - Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive; string pearls; Versafine Sepia Ink; pearl swirl (gift); pear punch; leaf punch; Papertrey Ink  Filigree border die; rub-ons (Michael's $1 spot)

Thanks for visiting.  I'd love to know what you think.

It's May Arts Ribbon Week at Paper Crafters Library

It's  May Arts Ribbon Week on the Paper Crafter's Library blog!  I'm honored to kick off the week for May Arts Ribbon. 

Here's a sneak peek at my project:

Be sure to head over to Paper Crafter's Library to see the rest of my project and let them know what you think!

Foodie Friday -Beautiful Burger Buns

Grr..this didn't post when it was supposed to!
Truth telling time...I didn't make these this week because we are in construction mess in the kitchen...new floors, baseboards and DUST everywhere!   If anyone has a few hours to spare, I could use an extra dusting buddy...just sayin'.

The recipe is King Arthur's and since they do a much better job than I do, you can find it here.   They will just spoil you for the kind that comes from the store so don't say I didn't warn you...Best part..you can do the mixin' in the bread machine, go pull some weeds (or come over here and dust!) then just shape'em and let'em rise up....beautiful.

I made some burger size and hot dog size.  That purty shine comes from an egg white wash before I baked them.  I can almost smell'em now.

One more card that I inked my fingers up with this week...I'm so loving those new Collage stamps from Rubbernecker...more truth telling!

Have an awesome weekend!   I'll be here...dusting.