News From The Open Window

Even though I haven't offered much in the way of posting this weekend, there has still been a lot going on. As I said yesterday, I have been gathering a bunch of new 'goodies' to have a little fun with. You may recognize the EF from Cuttlebug that I used on this card. I enjoyed doing something a bit simpler...just added a little 'bling' with a variety of rhinestones, pearls and glitter glue.

Let's see...what else did I want to share? OH! My new Artful Inkables stamps arrived and I know the rest of the design team are already working on some great projects. Also, mark your calendars because the AI BLOG HOP begins Saturday, August 15th! I will make sure I remind you this coming week, but you will not want to miss seeing the new stamp sets that will be available starting on that date and of course, if you participate in THE HOP, you just may win ALL 3 BRAND NEW STAMP SETS!

Tags for the tag swap have started arriving as well. The first batch are pretty cool! I know Caz in the UK also put hers in the post and Ross from Australia should have hers on the way as well. A very international swap to say the least. As soon as I get the entire collection, I will post a gallery photo for all to see.

I very excited for my friend Mona over at Cupcake's Creations. Her blog went through a facelift over the weekend and it looks FABULOUS (say it with a high, wavy lilt, please)! If you haven't checked out her blog yet, please do. I love the talent of this lady and you need to get to know her a little bit.....that's all I'm sayin' for now......

Last but not least, as we bloggers reach milestones with our blogs, blog candy offers become quite the big deal. I am nearing my 100th follower, so it won't be long and I have already started gathering some pretty cool stuff for you to win (can you say Martha Stewart?). But in the meantime, I wanted to mention a fellow blogger who is doing the same in honor of not only her 1ooth follower, but also she has had 25,000 visits to her blog. Congrats to Steph over at Where'd All My Money Go?!
Head on over and leave a comment of congratulations for quite an accomplishment.

That's it for now....I have so many more things to share with you about some play dates that we will be offering with you, but those announcements will have to wait just a bit longer...STAY TUNED!

My New Toy!

It would not surprise me if I was the last person on earth to have one of these, but I finally have my very own Cuttlebug die cut and embossing unit. I have been using my original Sizzix over the years and decided it was time to make things a bit easier on myself. Now I know for a fact that there are some new die cutting units getting ready to be 'unleashed' on the community, but I've been watching everyone's "can't live without" lists and this little machine is at the top of most.

I decided to share my inaugural creation with you before I go back and start on some new projects. One of my favorite parts of this card is the polka dot brad in the center. Nothing to do with the die cut....I just like it! It's simple but elegant, I think. I like it enough that I will put it in my Etsy store.


In the meantime, I haven't forgotten about my promise from last evening. In fact, I had several comments left for me showing a great interest in some of my new favorite blog sites. So I am looking forward to sharing that list with you later this evening.

My husband is pulling an all-nighter at Barnes & Noble in hopes of doing some major relocation of some of the sections in the store, so I will have some alone time to spend with you. By all-nighter, I mean he is not expected home until at least 3am. Now I can't promise that I will be awake at that time 'chatting' here with you, but I will be back soon and I hope you will join me!