Pretty Amazing!

Welcome back to The Open Window !

I am back with the honor of being a Guest Designer for

I blogged yesterday about this amazing news and

hope you will scroll down and check out that post.

Today the sneak peek is the 'Truth Is' set.

Can you just see all the CAS {and more} possibilities ?

I really did stay very Clean & Simple to make this card happen.

Just a variety of inks and Wa-La ! ! !

CAS-ual Fridays Stamps are the finest quality, photopolymer stamps 

made in the USA. 

There are five sets to the brand new release.  

Each day of the release, you will have a chance 

to win the featured set !  

All you have to do is head to the store blog and leave a comment

on each of the sneak peek posts to have a chance to win.

You can most definitely go back and comment on posts you may have missed,

so that's great news.  You have until 11:59pm EST, Wednesday Oct 24th to

comment for a chance to win. Click HERE to get all the details.

Winners will be announced the following day and the stamps will

be available for purchase on Friday from CAS-ual Fridays !

You can also play along with the CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

to have a chance to win the entire release!

 It's been a joy to celebrate this new venture with my

friend Michele & all her designers.

I hope you will check out all the amazing projects from her team.

Thanks for stopping by once again . . .

Project Recipe:

Cardstock: Gina K Designs

Stamps: Truth Is by Skipping Stones Design

Ink: A Muse Studio

Embellishments: gems from Little Yellow Bicycle

 

Grads & Dads ~ TCM New Release Preview Day Two

Welcome back!

We are celebrating Day Two of New Release Previews at

It's Graduation Season and Father's Day is just around

the corner and today, we have two

fabulous sets that fit both occasions.

The first was designed by Kaitlyn Ord

called 'Grads & Dads'

I called upon my CAS senses to create this card and I kinda like it.

I stamped the fab graduate's cap in Blueberry ink from A Muse Studio

and made the tassel from Stone baker's twine from The Twinery.

I am happy to enter this in to the Simon Says Stamp CAS Challenge.

Our second stamp set preview today was created by

the talented Michelle Bertuzzi

called 'For My Dad'

Can you tell I am loving this gray and blue color story ? !

I think this is pretty self-explanatory from a design standpoint.

Make sure you pop by

 The Craft's Meow Blog

and check out the fabulous-ness

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 each day this week

so you don't miss a thing!

Grad Project Recipe:

Stamps: Grads & Dads by The Craft's Meow
Ink: Blueberry by A Muse Studio 

Embellishments: baker's twine in Stone from The Twinery

Time to Wish Project Recipe:

Stamps: For My Dad by The Craft's Meow
Ink: Blueberry & Slate by A Muse Studio 

Embellishments: brads from Recollections

Believe in Make Believe

Visit the Birthday Blog Hop

for my friend Michele

by scrolling down just one post

It's time for the Monday get-together with the

designers of EAD Designs

If you arrived on my blog by way of

Judith of Jay Gee's Nook

then you are in the perfect spot to not miss a thing!

There is a prize up for grabs, so if you want to get in

on that, you'll definitely want to start back at the

EAD Designs Blog

There are only 10 blogs to visit & a whole lot of

inspiration to glean, so I would if I were you!

It's Clean and Simple day here at The Open Window.

I found these really sweet mosaic pieces on a recent visit to 

a local craft store and thought they would be perfect for a card like this.

I used EAD's 'Believe in Make Believe' Stickerz for the sentiment

and embellished with tiny pearls ... yes, so very easy.

I really love the textured cardstock as well.

It's so hard to make out the 'feel' of it, but it's Recollections brand

and I think it makes the simplest cards look elegant.

Here is the set of Stickerz I used for today's project ...

Next week, I'll be using the same set of Stickerz for

my project, but this time, I will be using Copics & Sharpies

to add color.

I AdOrE the design of these Stickerz and I see

so many possibilities.

It is time to send you on your way to my creative friend

Lauren of Lauren's Creative

Enjoy the hop...Enjoy the day !!!

Project Recipe:

Cardstock: Recollections

Embellishments: Believe in Make Believe by EAD Designs
pearls & mosaic tiles by Recollections

Have a Lovely Day !

Happy Friday to one and all!

The Craft's Meow is this week's sponsor of

CAS-ual Fridays Challenge and several of the

TCM designers have created projects using

this week's challenge.

This week's Clean and Simple Challenge is....

Find opposite colors on the color wheel and use

them as the focus of your project.

For me, it was lavender and lime green.

Yes...you've seen this wreath before...it's a Sizzix embossing folder and

has become a favorite.  I love the big beautiful blossom from the

'Beautiful Spring' set by The Craft's Meow.

Paige over at CARDS magazine / Create is looking for cards for Spring
and I think these colors really put the spring right into it!

Speaking of TCM....

YOU could win a stamp set of your choice if you

play this week because TCM is sponsoring!

Please stop by, check out the new Girl Fridays

and play along ..... just remember to

Keep it Clean and Simple!

Project Recipe:

Patterned Paper: Couture by SEI

Stamps: Beautiful Spring & Lovely Birds by The Craft's Meow

Embellishments: pearls by Recollections

Tools:  Wreath EF by Sizzix, Big Shot

A Sentimental Goodbye

Hello everyone...welcome back to The Open Window.

This post is a bittersweet one for me....

Nearly a year ago, I got the itch to start a new challenge.

You know me, always adding something to my plate.

I approached one of my dearest friends about the idea and

within a week, Michele Gross & I began a wonderful journey

as CAS-ual Fridays was born.  Our design team call began

March 11th of last year...and what a wonderful year it's been.

To read the story on how it all began, click HERE

Michele has really been the creative mind behind everything

having to do with CAS-ual Fridays....and now it's time to turn

it completely over to her.  I am excited to see her totally run with it!
The challenge is nearing 1000 followers and averages 150+ players
each week.  The sponsors & prizes are absolutely amazing and that is
a huge accomplishment for a challenge that is only a year old.

I will miss being a part of the challenge on a weekly basis

and I will continue to help promote the challenge and will play

when the opportunities are there.

Of course, a challenge is only as inspiring as it's designers and the

team that has been assembled for the past 2 terms has been

so phenomenal.  I know that they will continue to be inspiring to

those who come to play each week and I wish them success in

each creative step they take.

I could go on and on....but let's get to this week's challenge....

See what I mean about the 'creative' mind of Michele

Of all week's to be 'sentimental'...

This week's challenge is to create something that is Clean & Simple

with a sentiment as part of the project.

We are sponsored by SRM Stickers and they provided a beautiful

package of stickers to work with.

Since we are a CAS challenge, I couldn't go overboard using a lot

of images...and I truly kept it CAS.

I used the beautiful set 'We've Got Your Border-Baby Boy' set

for this card.  With 4 grandsons, I tend to lean towards boy cards.

The only thing I added was the tiny pearls for a little dimension.

I know the designers of CAS-ual Fridays have aMAZing creations

to entice you to play, so I hope you will make your way over, 

check out the ideas and play along.

I want to thank YOU for your support of our challenge.

It has been pure joy to get to know all the talented CAS designers

out there.  Keep up the CAS look!

Project Recipe: 
Cardstock:  American Crafts 

Embellishments:  We've Got Your Border-Baby Boy 
from SRM Stickers
pearls from Recollections

Lovin' my New Digs!

Hey there...what a GREAT idea for a Clean & Simple Challenge.

Well, of course I'm talking about

 

but I'm also talking about the 'challenge' itself...

BLACK AND WHITE!!!

When I first saw this new 'retro' set from Paper Smooches,

it screamed black and white...

It's called 'Vogue Abode' and...here it comes...I dig it!

This one is pretty self-explanatory.  I just 'arranged the furniture'

and done.

The black in is Tuxedo Black from Memento.

I actually have a variation on this card using a 'splash' of color,

but I'll save that one for another day. Wouldn't want to see anyone

'sneak' any color in on this challenge.

Hope you enjoyed it!

I will be back Friday morning with a FanTABulous bit of news

I've been keeping under my hat...in fact, there might

just be TWO bits of news.  We'll see.....

Project Recipe: 

Stamps: New Digs by Paper Smooches
Ink: Tuxedo Black by Memento from A Muse Studio

CAS-ual Fridays Joins the Market Street Block Party!

Taking another quick break from the holidays

because I've got an especially fun treat for you all!

This week the Girl Fridays of CAS-ual Fridays

are joining up with the fabulous designers of

Market Street Stamps in celebration of

their newest releases.

This week's Clean and Simple Challenge is...

Begin with a Clean and Simple idea

and incorporate Brown Paper and String

and you are good to go.

I love this sweet little button card from Cosmo Cricket's

Clementine Collection.  I thought it was the perfect backdrop for

this week's challenge using the new set

called 'Faith in You' from Market Street.

My 'string' is Mandarin bakers twine from The Twinery.

Along with the joint challenge, it is also

time over at MSS.

You can have a chance to be a guest designer with

our fabulous team, so make sure you check out all

the details over on the MSS Blog.

Hope you enjoyed your visit to The Open Window.

I know I enjoy hearing from you, so thank you

so much for stopping by!

Project Recipe:

Designer Paper: Clemetine from Cosmo Cricket
Stamps: Faith in You from Market Street Stamps

Embellishments: Die Cuts Clementine from Cosmo Cricket

Bakers Twine in Mandarin from The Twinery

How Sweet it is at CAS-ual Fridays

For the Sweet Stamp Shop

Blog Hop...Click Here!

It's a new day and a new challenge over at

CAS-ual Fridays

This week, the challenge is to make

Clean and Simple

Mini-Cards.  

I LoVe anything miniature!

I toyed with the idea of making gift tags,

but I couldn't resist picking up this beautiful

stamp from Layers of Color.

I received this beautiful set of stamps as

a gift from my friend Nina Brackett

and it's simply....gorgeous.

The challenge calls for cards 4" x 4" or smaller.

I 'adjusted' and sort of split the difference so I

could fit this beautiful image on to the card,

so mine measures 4 1/4" x 3 3/4".

This card reminds me of the bees that make

their way in to each bloom of the flowers on

my patio.  As summer draws to a close

(and for the past 2 nights, the pots have come in due to frost advisories)

I will miss the days of watching nature do

what it's supposed to do.

We are very happy to welcome another

new sponsor to the Break Room at

CAS-ual Fridays

I hope you'll come play...my fellow

'Girl Fridays' have created quite a gallery

of inspiration for you.

Thanks for stopping by...and thank you

in advance for leaving a little love

here at The Open Window...from my heart to yours!

Project Recipe: 

Stamps:  'Honeysweet' by Layers of Color
Inks:   Tuxedo Black by Memento from A Muse Studio
Copic Markers 

Tools:  Marvy XL Circle Punch
Embellishments: Stickles in 'Crystal'

Love is Being Stuck on You!

It's time for another Clean and Simple Challenge from

 Cas-ual Fridays

 

After creating cards for the past 17 years or so,

I have come to really appreciate finding ways

to make my card-making easier, but when it

comes to stickers, I am not an easy sell.

Usually there is too much of the clear adhesive

still showing through, but when I heard we

were working with this week's sponsor, I knew

there would be no problems here!

This beautiful sentiment is indeed, a sticker.

It's from SRM Designs and I absolutely love it!

 

Even though this card fits into the

Clean and Simple

category, there are a lot of elements to it.

That's what I loved about the challenge of using

stickers because it allowed me to be able to 

stretch my design to include paper-layers,

embossing, die-cutting & embellishing.

A big thanks to SRM Stickers for sponsoring

our designers this week with a most generous

package of designs.  I will be sharing more

in the coming days.

Now head on over to CAS-ual Fridays

and check out what our talented

'Girl Fridays' have been up to!!

Project Recipe: 
Designer Paper: A Muse Studio

Tools: Heart EF by Sizzix, 
Fancy Tags 2 by Spellbinders, Big Shot

Embellishments: Heart & Tag Nestabling by Want2Scrap,
Pink Sorbet baker's twine from The Twinery

 

Oh Baby...You're Sweet Indeed!

I am a *smidge* late with my post for this week's

challenge over at....

Many of you know why...and I'll share that in

just a sec....but first, here is my design team offering

for this week's challenge which is to create a

Clean and Simple

card measuring 4 x 9.....

Our design team was really fortunate to have a set

of stamps from this week's sponsor

and I used 'Admit One'

I kept it VERY clean and simple using just

a spot of color from Echo Park Papers

'Candy Shoppe Dots & Stripes'

We'd love to have you play along, so make sure you

check out the design team gallery at CAS-ual Fridays because 

our Girl Fridays really nailed this one!!!

Now...here is my wonderful excuse for being tardy

with my posts today....

Our sweet Baby Finn was born yesterday at 4:44pm

This photo was taken within 20 minutes of his birth

and it's truly amazing the gift that he is....

Finn Paul is grandson number 4 for Paul and I

and it never gets old!

Thanks for all of the well-wishes along the way

and I appreciate being able to share even the

'tiniest'

of blessings with you : )

Today's Project Recipe:

Stamps: 'Admit One' by Lawn Fawn
Ink: 'Tuxedo Black' Memento
Copic: Sand E33
Designer Paper:  'Dots & Stripes' Candy Shoppe Collection
from Echo Park Papers

Dream Big with CAS-ual Fridays

What perfect timing!

I have a niece whose graduation party is this

weekend, so the inspiration was easy!

Have you played along in the Break Room over at

CAS-ual Fridays yet?  We have a 'Girl Friday Pool'

that specialize in some of the most

creative CAS card-making around.

This week's challenge to 'Graduation...Clean & Simple-Style'

I have always loved my 'Dot Spots' stamps from PTI.

It was the very first set of PTI I ever purchased, but they

don't get used enough, so I am glad to have used them here.

They are really beautiful with the inks that I used

from A Muse Studio.

These have become my 

absolute favorite inks on the planet!

They are silky smooth on paper and so vibrant.

One of my favorite sponsors is on board this week

I finally had a chance to meet the very sweet

Angelica Suarez, the owner of Market Street Stamps

at the Milwaukee Rubber Stamp Expo this past

weekend and what a sweetheart!

We are both on the design team for The Twinery

and live just a few hours from one another, but this

is the first time we have had a chance to meet.

So I hope you will pop over and check out all the fab

designs from our Girl Friday Designers and then

make plans to play this week...those stamps from

Market Street just might be yours!!!!

Today's Project Recipe:

Cardstock & Designer Paper: A Muse Studio
Stamps: Papertrey Ink, Scrappy Cat, Wordsworth
Ink: A Muse Studio in Cranberry, Slate & Ocean
Misc:  Embossing Powder by Stampendous, 
Rhinestones by Recollections