Monday, July 30, 2012

Cute as Pie with EAD Designs


Happy Monday !

It's that time once again . . .


If you've made your way here from
then you are right where you need to be.

If not, I would love for you to join the hop by 
heading back to the beginning at the
You know there is always a great prize to win !


I love cherries in the summertime . . . both as a refreshing snack
AND
as a theme for creating cards.
This 'sweet' set of EAD Stickerz is appropriately called
'With a Cherry on Top'.
The card was as 'Simple as Pie' to create too.
I used my papers from Gina K Designs called
'Berries & Vines' and cut a frame for my pie
using Spellbinders 'Cherry Pickin' die.


Here is the set I used
from EAD Designs . . . 


 I hope you enjoy these Stickerz sets as much as I do.

It's time get you on your way over to see
Kate was our July Guest Designer and it's been
great having her join us all month long.

I'll see you again soon here at The Open Window.


Project Recipe:
Patterned Paper: Berries & Vines by Gina K Designs
Embellishments: With a Cherry on Top by EAD Designs
Tools: Cherry Pickin' die by Spellbinders, Big Shot

Thursday, July 26, 2012

A Little Sunshine



Hey hey everyone!

It's time for another color challenge from


It's a kinda surreal day for me over there as we say
goodbye to FOUR A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. designers who have
been with us for 2+ years!
They will be incredibly missed as a part of our team,
but as a part of my friendships, they will always be near.

Savannah . . . Jinny . . . Colleen . . . Denise


I thought it would be so cool to go CAS for these colors and
that's pretty much what I did.
I grabbed my baker's twine from The Twinery in 'Marigold'
and the new 'Midnight Blue' and along with the papers & sentiment
from American Crafts, that's all it took!

The sunshine is super-easy to make and as a money-saving tip,
all I use is my circle punch and a sheet of double-sided adhesive.
No need to buy pre-cut circles.  You can get so many more punches
in a variety of sizes when you use a 'sheet' of adhesive.


I really hope you will make it over to The Cafe and wish
all the best to the designers who will be leaving us.
They have given so much of their time & talents to help
inspire you to play each week.

Next week, we will have EIGHT new designers joining us
for our next term.  It's going to be another amazing season in
The Play Date Cafe!


Project Recipe:
Patterned Paper & Die Cut sentiment:  
Dear Lizzy collection by American Crafts
Embellishments: baker's twine in Marigold & Midnight Blue

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

'Bringing Out the Old' Again!


Surprise!

Believe it or not, I am posting just because....

Actually, I've been thinking alot lately about something
I read over on Facebook last week and decided I would
challenge myself based on the comments that were made.

The comment that was made had to do with the fact that
so many people seemed frustrated with the 'box' they
felt locked into when it comes to using the
'latest & most popular' products on the market.
The idea of using only the trendiest colors or the
best-selling collections...and many of those comments
came because, to be considered for publication
in paper-crafting magazines, you need to be able to
use products that are current.

As someone who has been in retail marketing for 30+ years,
I totally understand it.  As someone who has the privilege to
serve on design teams who expect us to use the most current
products, I get it.

We seem to all have that common 'problem'...we buy the
current best-selling products, but typically, we buy so much
(or are given so much) that we never use it up
and the next thing we know, we are considered
'hoarders' by well-meaning friends or family because we
have SO MUCH STUFF !!  LOL

Back in 2010, I started something I called
'BOO' which stood for
'Bringing Out the Old'
You can read the first time I posted about it HERE
It was a New Year's Resolution...of sorts.
Every time I accomplished it, I posted about it.
 
I said all this to say, that I decided it was time to get back
to challenging myself to do something I did when I first 
started blogging and that was to use products that have
been in my stash, even if that means 'mixing brands' !
The idea is to have fun & create . . .
I know that is why I personally started blogging.


This collection from Simple Stories is such a fun one.
Not been in my stash all that long . . . but I've been using
it alot lately to make cards, so I'll have more to share soon.
It was such an easy card to make because all I added was the
'pearly' door know and Stardust Stickles to make my cloud all shiny.

The alpha & tiny words stickers are all a part of the same collection.


What I am happy to share is that this entire collection came from
an order from . . .


Every day, there are new deals that are out of this world !
They carry the newest collections at a MAJOR DISCOUNT
and of course, have some of your favorites in stock as well.

I hope you'll stop by and check them out.
Make sure you sign up for the newsletter as well because
they send out ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS nearly every day.

Okeedokee . . . that's it from me.

I hope you'll plan to join me on Thursday as we say
farewell to four of our designers over at
The Play Date Cafe.  It will be a very special post indeed.


Project Recipe:
Patterned Paper & Die Cuts: 100 Days of Summer by Simple Stories
Embellishments: pearls by Recollections
Starburst Stickles by Ranger from Blitsy

Monday, July 23, 2012

Think BIG!


Happy Monday!

With an ice cream cone like this, how can it not be ? !

If you just happened to stop by, welcome to the


If you've come by way of
then you are on the right trail.

Otherwise, pop back to the
and get started there because we always have
a fun prize up for grabs!


Ice cream cones are sure trendy right now, aren't they ?
Of course, they are the perfect summer treat and these are called
'Sweet Birthday Treats' from EAD's Stickerz line.
I'm a huge fan of BasicGrey & thought the combination of papers
from their Serendipity & Shine On collections
were a perfect match to create my card's 'wallpaper'.
I made an oval frame from Bazzill Swiss Dot cardstock
and my Spellbinders dies.
Tiny brads, a little lime green seam binding from Ribbon Carousel
and Mandarin & Honeydew baker's twine from The Twinery 
are the perfect embellishments to finish it off.


Here is the set I used this week . . .


and remember . . . 


It is time to send you on your way to our July Guest Designer
We've really enjoyed having Kate with us & we know you did too !

Thanks for stopping by . . . Have a GREAT day !


Project Recipe:
Cardstock: Gina K Designs, Bazzill & American Crafts
Patterned Paper: Serendipity & Shine On by BasicGrey
Embellishments: Sweet Birthday Treats Stickerz by EAD Designs
baker's twine in Mandarin & Honeydew by The Twinery
mini brads from American Crafts
seam binding from RibbonCarousel.com
Tools: Classic Oval Dies from Spellbinders, Big Shot


Saturday, July 21, 2012

It's a Sweet Taste of Summer


The day is here !!

It's New Release Blog Hop Day at


If you have arrived at my blog from my talented teammate
then you are in the right place!

If not, start back at the beginning at the
 and get started there because
when you do, you could  
win big . . .
All SIX stamp sets !!!


What I love about TCM stamps is the diversity
within
each set.  I chose to use the beautiful poppy from the
'Hope Blooms' set & the sentiment from the
'Sweet Taste of Summer' set.
Now . . . when you see the entire set of 'Sweet Taste...'
you'll see what I mean when it comes to the diversity . . .

 'Sweet Taste of Summer' by Mabel R-O

'Hope Blooms' by Karen Baker

Do you see how different these two sets are in
their styles and yet, they can certainly be used together.
That's what makes your stamp set purchases
so valuable.


All of the supplies I used for this card are below 
in the 'project recipe'.

Earlier this week, I created projects using the same two sets
and once again, I created two more designs 
that were totally different.
You can see them HERE and HERE 

Now for a chance to win ALL SIX NEW RELEASES  . . .

Visit each designer's blog on the hop, leave a comment
{there's only 15 total}
and you have until 9:00pm PDT, Sunday, July 22nd to do so.

They are all on sale today!!!
Don't forget . . .

You can get this set FREE

'Summertime with Fibi & Lilly' by Mabel R-O

with a purchase of $50 or more,
but only for a limited time

Look forward to your comment and I will keep my fingers
crossed that YOU are a winner!

The next stop on the hop IS the very talented

Karen Baker's blog


 Project Recipe:

Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Heidi Grace  
Stamps:  Hope Blooms & Sweet Taste of Summer
both from The Craft's Meow
Inks: Old Paper Distress Ink by Ranger, Copics
Tools:  Loop border punch by Martha Stewart

Friday, July 20, 2012

It's a 'Cool...Cool Summer'!



Welcome back to The Open Window !

It's Day #4 and the final day of New Release Previews for


Tomorrow will be the BIG TEAM blog hop and 
all SIX of the fabulous new stamp sets
previewed this past several days will be available for sale.

Today, we have one more set designed by Mabel R-O
called 'Summertime with Fibi & Lilly'
and for the month of July only,
it can be yours with a $50 purchase



We have had nearly two straight weeks of 96+ degree weather
and when I saw this glad with the ice cubes, all I could think
of was ice water with lemon & lime wedges, as that's been
my drink of choice every day.

I layered a variety of textured cardstocks created using
my embossing folders & Bazzill cardstock
and stamped the glass in lemon & lime inks.
The feel of the entire card made me think
70's and the sentiment was a perfect match !
It's difficult to tell from the photo, but I added
Stardust Stickles to make the ice cubes 'sparkle'.


Don't forget . . . this set can be yours when you order $50 or more
from The Craft's Meow when all new releases become available
tomorrow ! ! !

Make sure you pop by
and check out the creative work
from all of the designers.
TCM is giving away a new release set
each day, so make sure you leave a comment
on the blog for a chance to win!

I am so glad you stopped by today.
Tomorrow is the New Release Blog Hop,
so make plans to stop back.


Happy Birthday Project Recipe: 
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics/Two Scoop
Stamps: Summertime with Fibi & Lilly by The Craft's Meow  
Embellishments: Stickles in Stardust by Ranger
Tools: Swiss Dot EF by Cuttlebug
Diamond Pattern EF by LifeStyle Crafts


Thursday, July 19, 2012

Love Dwells Here

Christmas in July with
Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps
IS JUST BELOW
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN



It is Day Three of the New Release Previews over at


Today's set was designed by the one and only
Nina B Designs and is one adorable set
called 'Love Dwells Here'
Of course, I can only show you a snippet
of the set, but my card will give you an idea of
what you can expect with these adorable stamps.

 


Just wait until you see how many stamps come with this set ! ! !

For this card, I used five of them.  The theme was a perfect fit for
the background paper from Heidi Grace.
I layered the images on Bazzill cardstock and that was pretty much it.

Make sure you pop by
and check out the beautiful creations
from all of the designers.
TCM is giving away a new release set
each day, so make sure you leave a comment
on the blog for a chance to win!

I am so glad you stopped by today and I hope
you will plan to come by tomorrow and Monday
so you don't miss a thing!


Project Recipe:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Tweet Dreams by Heidi Grace
Stamps: Love Dwells Here by The Craft's Meow
mini brads by Recollections


Snowflakes...Yes, in July!

 


  Are you ready for a little holiday inspiration?

I am happy to be participating with some
uber-talented designers for the . . .


with Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps !


I love this set called 'Snowflake Flourishes'
and think it's really fun to use it with 'non-traditional' colors.
Although not technically a Christmas card, it can definitely be
created for the holiday season.
I stamped the small snowflakes using shades of
pinks, blues & greens and then played off of those colors
for the rest of the card.
The snowflake is made from Bazzill cardstock
and was embossed with a Swiss Dot EF by Cuttlebug
and cut using Spellbinders dies.
and the pearl flourish is from Want2Scrap.
The 'wallpaper' is made from papers from
Dear Lizzy for American Crafts & Doodlebug Design.


Lots of great things are happening at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps during these pre-holiday festivities!  ALL Christmas clear stamps are 20% off through Wednesday, July 25.  Three new holiday sets are in stock early, for a fun pre-release, and they you can get them before they are released in September and October... if you buy them now, you can take advantage of the sale price!

Every order of $25 in Christmas clear stamps will receive Gingerbread Man, a darling new 2" x 2" mini clear set.  And as always, all clear stamp orders of $50 or more get this month's free w/ stamp set, Christmas Candle (while supplies last).

Ready to see what the Design Divas and a few special friends have been up to with their Christmas stamps?  Take a look (and be sure to read on, for information about how you can join in on this hop  and win some prizes):


And what's the best part about Christmas in July?  We want YOU to play along with us!  Just link up your Christmas project using Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps below and join in our Customer blog hop.  You have until Sunday, July 22 at 11:59 PM EST to play along.  One randomly selected participant will receive their choice of one Christmas clear stamp set!

  Thanks for stopping by The Open Window.
I hope you will take a moment to let me know you were
here by leaving a comment and I can't wait to see
what you create along with us !


Project Recipe:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Neopolitan from Dear Lizzy by American Crafts
Sugar & Spice by Doodlebug Design
Stamps: Snowflake Flourish by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps
Ink:  A Muse Studio
Embellishments: pearl flourish from Want2Scrap
Tools:  Snowflake die from Spellbinders
Swiss Dot EF from Cuttlebug
Apron Lace border punch from Fiskars


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Hello...One Scoop or Two?



Welcome back!

We are celebrating Day Two of New Release Previews for


Summer is in full swing and today we have two
fabulous sets that will make you smile.

The first was designed by our newest designer
Mabelle R-O and is called
'Sweet Taste of Summer'




This set is full of fun images & I chose to go very simple for this card.
Those of you who visit often KNOW that I am not much of a color-er,
but this sweet set begs to be colored !
I love the design of these butterflies and chose to use them.
I used a few Copics to get the job done and added tiny pearls
for dimension.  The clouds were created by sponging ink
around a cloud template that I've had in my tool drawer for
over ten years.  It's one I never want to lose.



The next set was designed by our British designer, 
Amy Wanford called 'One Scoop or Two' . . .



What did I tell ya ? !  Just in time for summer !
There are so many possibilities with this set.
I can imagine using bold, bright, yummy colors...but I went pastel.

I just can't seem to capture white panels on cards very well
with my camera and light tent . . . but I love the patterned paper
from American Craft's 'Neopolitan' collection.
Perfect with these ink colors.


Make sure you pop by
and check out the fabulous-ness
from all of the designers.
TCM is giving away each new release set
each day, so make sure you leave a comment
on the blog for a chance to win!

I am so glad you stopped by today and I hope
you will plan to come by each day this week
so you don't miss a thing!


Hello Project Recipe:
Patterned Paper: Neopolitan by Dear Lizzy for American Crafts
Stamps: Sweet Taste of Summer by The Craft's Meow
Ink: A Muse Studio 
Embellishments: pearls from Recollections

Cherry on Top Project Recipe:
Patterned Paper: Neopolitan by Dear Lizzy for American Crafts
Stamps: One Scoop or Two by The Craft's Meow
Ink: by A Muse Studio, Copics

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

New Release Previews Day One with The Craft's Meow



Welcome back to The Open Window.

Over the next five days, there is SO much to share
with you and I can't wait !

Let's get started with . . . 

Day #1 of 
New Release Previews
from


Each day this week, you will see one or two new sets
revealed and have a chance to win them all!

Before we get to it, I am so excited to welcome our
July Guest Designer at TCM...
Naomi Gong
She is super talented and I am so glad she
will be a part of the new release festivities.

Our first set was designed by my friend
Karen Baker called 'Hope Blooms' . . .



I so enjoy the designs that Karen brings us because
they are full of loveliness, thoughtfulness and simple beauty.

I colored the poppy using Copics.  I let it 'bleed' to lend to a
watercolor effect.  The beautiful papers are from Cosmo Cricket.
I created the borders using one of the new deep edge
punches from Martha Stewart.


Our next release preview . . .


is a stamp set designed by one of our newest illustrators,
Elizabeta Kushner called 'Ladies & Gents' . . .

No matter how hard I tried or whatever angle I came from,
I just couldn't get a good photo of this card.


I thought this was a perfect stamp to do a little paper-piecing, so I grabbed my
6x6 pads from BasicGrey
I thought it was fun to have the panel paper displaying clouds too!

I grabbed the abstract circle stamp from TCM's 'Typically Teen' set
because it makes the perfect sun.
I am nearly out of my pear-shaped gems, but I love using
these as raindrops.


Make sure you pop by
and check out the fabulous-ness
from all of the designers.
TCM is giving away a new release set
each day and today, you have a chance to win one of two sets! Make sure you leave a comment
on the blog for a chance to win!


In Our Thoughts Project Recipe:
 Patterned Paper:  Tea for Two by Cosmo Cricket
Stamps: Hope Blooms by The Craft's Meow
Ink: Tuxedo Black Memento by Tsukineko, Copics 
Tools: Trellis Loop Deep Edge Border Punch 
by Martha Stewart Crafts

Rain or Shine Project Recipe:
 Patterned Paper:  Shine On & Serendipity from BasicGrey
Stamps: Ladies & Gents & Typically Teen 
both by The Craft's Meow
Ink: A Muse Studio
Tuxedo Black Memento by Tsukineko 
Embellishments: gems by White Blossom