AWW-Forever Florals

Welcome! I am so happy that you are joining us for the last 2013 Artisan Design Team Blog Hop. These ladies are truly amazing, and it has been so fun creating with and getting to know them! Words cannot express my gratitude toward each one of these very special ladies. I have grown both personally and creatively over my year spent with these ladies, and I am blessed to have each one of them in my life. We hope you all have enjoyed joining us on our weekly ADT blog hops. We sure have had fun sharing our creativity with you. We've had a little something in the works for awhile, and we are excited to announce that we are going to continue to create together and share with you during our monthly Fancy Friday blog hop! Join us all the last Friday of each month, starting August 29th, for “Fancy Friday” as we are sure to continue to WOW you with some clever ideas you're sure to love!

Now, onto our Facebook projects from Friday! I created the card on the left first, and loved the idea of using the negative, but didn't want the positive to go to waste, so I decided to make use and create a card with it as well!

I know, they are bright! For years I have gravitated toward a more softer and subtle color palette. . .  perhaps it has had more to do with my personality than my "style". I have always been somewhat quiet, with not much to say. I was never accused of being "chatty". In fact, my mother and I once took a vacation to Washington State and we drove almost the entire 14 hour drive with not much conversation other than "do you need to stop?" or "are you hungry?". I have always just been comfortable to blend with the background and not stand out. . . But, this past year has changed me. I have learned to step out of my comfort zone, to share what I have to say, and to allow myself to stand out a bit more. A big thank you to "my ladies" (the current 2013 ADT) who have helped me gain some confidence, to be myself, and to create what I love without worrying about the backlash of criticism from others, to know I will always have them to help me through anything life throws at me, to feel loved and accepted for who I am. I love you all!

I want to take just a minute to recognize the members of the 2013 ADT, and thank them for all of their awesomeness! Thanks to our "team mom" Jane Lee, who never allowed me to give up and is always encouraging me to not be timid about standing out. To my girl Cathy Caines, she always adds a bit of flair and laughter to my day. I finally have someone who out matches me in sarcasm and witty comments. Jen Timko who is always so kind and well-worded, the team peace-keeper, the one I know I can count on to always be loyal and have my back! Connie Collins, the creative guru, who is always willing to share tips and techniques! Cindy Schuster, the sweetest person you will ever meet, the one who (unknowingly) has always encouraged me to stay positive just by staying positive herself! Jeanna Bohanon, the princess who is also one tough cookie! I admire her strength in all she has gone through! Alanna Wharf, someone I look up to with her keep on going attitude! Mercedes Weber, the gal who I thought was so quiet and shy, only to find out we are so much a like. .  she is like my sister from another, our past lives seem somewhat parallel. And, Erica Cerwin. She is a quiet one, but I admire her boldness in her creativity. Erica has caused me to stretch out of my shy, timid, comfortable creative zone and be a bit more bold and daring! This was truly an experience I will cherish forever!

Okay, enough of the sap and drama. . . let's go In The Cat Cave (I sure will miss saying that) and check out Cathy's awesome Project Life by Stampin' Up! page, she is the memory keeping Queen!

Don't miss out on my Stamps in the Mail! Click on the add for more info. Plus, for the first 10 people to sign up for Stamps in the Mail AND pay their fee will receive an accessory pack of their choice (up to $5.95 value). AND, refer a friend and if they register for Stamps in the Mail for Round 1 Month 1 you will get $5 off your registration fee for the first month! (Be sure and email me with the friend you refer so I can keep my eye out for their registration!)

AWW-World of Dreams

Welcome beck to another July AWW blog hop! Be sure to stop by ALL 10 of the Artisan's blogs so you don't miss a thing! I want to tell you ALL about what an AMAZING time I had at convention last week, and how much I loved meeting these amazing ladies, but since I am short on time, I will be doing that later this week. . . and sharing some of my samples I created for the Display Boards. Some of the others are already on top of it and are sharing, so be sure to search their blogs for Convention Display Boards 2014 to see all of their breathtaking work! I have a blog roll at the end of this post for all of the Display Stampers Blogs, there were 25 of us, and we each created 24 samples, so that is a TON of crafty goodness for you to check out!

okay, on for tonight's project. . .

I gotta tell ya, I am LOVING the new Cotton Ribbon! The texture is amazing, and it comes in some fabulous colors! Better yet, get it in Whisper White and use your reinker to color it any color you want! Seriously. . . best thing since seam binding!

Okay, lets' head over In The Cat Cave and see what my girl Cathy's been up too!

Supplies Used: World of Dreams stamp set; Kraft and Naturals Ivory cardstock; Flowerpot DSP; Lost Lagoon, Crumb Cake, and Night of Navy ink pads; Blushing Bride reinker; Venetian Crochet Trim; 1/4" Whisper White cotton ribbon; Linen Thread; Tea Lace Paper Doily; Very Vintage Designer Buttons; needle and thread.


Don't miss out on my Stamps in the Mail! Click on the add for more info. Plus, for the first 10 people to sign up for Stamps in the Mail AND pay their fee will receive an accessory pack of their choice (up to $5.95 value). AND, refer a friend and if they register for Stamps in the Mail for Round 1 Month 1 you will get $5 off your registration fee for the first month! (Be sure and email me with the friend you refer so I can keep my eye out for their registration!)

2013-2014 Convention Display Stampers
Cathy Caines
Anja Beckmann
Jennifer Blomquist
Jeanna Bohanon
Amy Bollman
Erica Cerwin
Chelsey Christenson
Becky Cowley
Ilina Crouse
Lynda Day
Shari Fritz
Lyssa Griffin Zwolanek
Mary Haugen
Krista Jensen
Jane Lee
Nance Lempinen-Leedy
Charlet Mallett
Sarah Naber
Allison Okamitsu
Amy O'Neill
Breelin Renwick
Sarah Sagert
Cindy Schuster
Jennifer Timko
Ashley Van Camp
Kimberly Van Diepen
Mercedes Weber
Alanna Wharf

Hello Darling

Welcome to another Artisan Design Team Blog Hop! Be sure to stop by all 10 of the team's blogs so you don't miss out on any of the crafty goodness!

My week has been super crazy, I'm still not sure how I survived! But, I did manage to get a card made for tonight's hop. . . It is also Nate and my 14 year wedding anniversary! Perhaps I should have made him a card. . . I really should have thought this out. . . Oh well. On to tonight's creation!

I used the Hello Darling stamp set. Super cute set, endless possibilities! I chose to use my Crushed Curry embossing powder to heat emboss a subtle floral background. Then I sponged around the edge to add some definition. I added some "junk"(i.e. embellishments) and stitching.

Now I just need to get my convention swaps done. . . HAHAHAHAHA! Yes, I am that behind!

Let's move on and visit Cathy In The Cat Cave! I'm sure she's been up to something fun!

 Supplies Used: Hello Darling Stamp Set; Crushed Curry, Daffodil Delight, and Whisper White cardstock; Flowerpot DSP; Crushed Curry, Night of Navy, Lost Lagoon, and Garden Green Stampin' Write Markers; Blender Pen; Crushed Curry, Lost Lagoon, and Garden Green ink pads; Venetian Crochet Trim; 1-1/4" Burlap Ribbon; Linen Thread; Basic Jewels Pearls; Crushed Curry embossing powder; Heat Tool; Large Scallop Edgelit; Deco Labels framelits; Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack; Essential paper-piercing pack; Paper-Piercing tool; Stampin' Peirce Mat; needle and thread.


Don't miss out on my Stamps in the Mail! Click on the add for more info. Plus, for the first 10 people to sign up for Stamps in the Mail AND pay their fee will receive an accessory pack of their choice (up to $5.95 value). AND, refer a friend and if they register for Stamps in the Mail for Round 1 Month 1 you will get $5 off your registration fee for the first month! (Be sure and email me with the friend you refer so I can keep my eye out for their registration!)

Watercolor Thank You

Welcome to another Artisan Blog Hop! Hope you are enjoying the first July edition of the hop. . . be sure to stop by all 10 Artisan blogs, you are sure to be inspired! Our Awesome buttons this month were created by Cindy Schuster, thanks Cindy!

For today's card, I have a super quick and easy card to share!

Seriously. . . super easy. . . super quick! The most involved process on this card was the faux enamel dots, you like? I just punched out my Hello Honey cardstock with my 1/2" and 1/4" circle punches, then added a bubble of crystal effects over the top! Viola! Super trendy faux enamels dots. . . make them in any color!

Now, let's head In The Cat Cave and see what Cathy's been up to!

Supplies used: Watercolor Thank You stamp; Crumb Cake, Lost Lagoon, Hello Honey, and Whisper White cardstock; Lost Lagoon ink pad; Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder; 1/2" circle, 1/4" circle, and What's Up punches; linen thread; Epic Day Washi Tape; Crystal Effects; stapler.


Don't miss out on my Stamps in the Mail! Click on the add for more info. Plus, for the first 10 people to sign up for Stamps in the Mail AND pay their fee will receive an accessory pack of their choice (up to $5.95 value). AND, refer a friend and if they register for Stamps in the Mail for Round 1 Month 1 you will get $5 off your registration fee for the first month! (Be sure and email me with the friend you refer so I can keep my eye out for their registration!)

AWW-Party!

Welcome Back to another Artisan Wednesday WOW Blog Hop! Today we are sharing in detail our projects from Stampin' Up!'s Facebook post.

Did someone say PARTY?! I am totally in! Oh. . . wait. . . that was me. . . I do like to party, especially when it is for no particular reason other than to just have FUN!

Really, who wouldn't want to come to a party with this yummy invitation?!

And that's just the "pre-party"! I didn't show anything for the "during party", but you can imagine! And as far as the "after-party", who wouldn't love to go home with this lively little favor?

Does it really matter what's inside?! Something awesome I am sure, but just the packaging alone?! I sure wouldn't want to miss out on it!

Lucky you! Due to a couple of requests, I put together a quick tutorial below on how to make the pocket card for the invitation! I decided to do the video at the last minute (because it was less confusing than the written instructions I was writing up), and so the video is totally rough copy and unedited! Here's the lucky part. . . you get to see just what a true total dork I really am! Hahahah! Don't judge. . .

Phew! Glad that's over! Torture. . . . I know!

Now, let's head In The Cat Cave and see the deets on Cathy's gorgeous project!

Supplies used: High Five stamp set; Tangelo Twist, Hello Honey, and Memento Tuxedo Black ink pads; Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker; Whisper White, Lost Lagoon, Hello Honey, Tangelo Twist, and Pool Party cardstock; Tangelo Twist 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon; Linen Thread; Crushed Curry Baker's Twine; 2014-2016 In-Color Clothespins; Banner Punch; Finishing Touches Edgelits; Envelope Punch Board.

AWW-Kindness

Welcome back to another Artisan Wednesday Blog Hop! Hope you are enjoying!

Funny. . . when I first looked through the catalog, I almost immediately fell in love with the Kinda Eclectic set! I though it was sooooo up my alley! Boy was I in for a surprise! I found it much more difficult to create with than I had anticipated. And although I originally LOVED the Gold Soiree DSP. . . it was a challenge for me as well! I just seemed to be having a hard time coming up with something using these products that I loved just as much as the set and paper itself.

So, I pulled a Jane. I used a banner and some stitching, and viola! It worked! I finally came up with a post worthy card. Thanks Jane, you are such an inspiration to me!

Oh, but BEWARE! It's a bright one! Perhaps I should have used a different color for the card base. . . NAH! I could use some bright and cheery!

Now, let's head In The Cat Cave and visit my friend Cathy, who is also full of inspiring ideas!

Supplies used: Kinda Eclectic stamp set; Crisp Cantaloupe, Calypso Coral, and Whisper White cardstock; Gold Soiree DPS; Crisp Cantaloupe, Calypso Coral, Pistachio Pudding, and Metallic Gold Encore ink pads; Tea Lace Paper Doilies; needle and thread.

AWW-Honoring Heroes

Welcome back to another Artisan Wednesday WOW! Be sure to stop by all of the Artisan's blogs to check all the crafty goodness this week!

I am dedicating today's project to all those who serve and protect us. We live in such a tumultuous world where tragedy seems to be striking more and more often. Yet through all the adversity, there are so many brave individuals willing to put their lives at stake day in and day out in an effort to keep our cities safer, to allow us to keep the freedoms that we enjoy, and to find some comfort in knowing that when calamity happens, we know we can count on those individuals to be there to help. I am so grateful for all those who serve and protect us, and I pray you stay safe. A big shout out to all police officers, ER nurses and doctors, firefighters, EMT's, military service men, and all others who are there when we need them! And, let's not forget their amazing families who support them. . . they are just as brave!

Let's honor our heroes! The next time you see someone in service uniform (of any kind) be sure to thank them! You can also help out the families of the Las Vegas Police Officers who were fatally shot on Sunday by donating to funds set up by HLCV in their behalf, for more details visit the Help Las Vegas Cops web page. Let's also not forget the brave civilian Joseph Wilcox who lost his life by attempting to end the rampage. A memorial fund has been set up for Joseph at Wells Fargo. Those who wish to contribute to the Joseph R. Wilcox Memorial Fund can do so using account number 8485852688.

 

Let's head In The Cat Cave and see what Cathy's been up to. . .

Supplies used: Fabulous Four stamp set; Stazon Jet Black and Baked Brown Sugar ink pads; Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Write Marker; Cherry Cobbler Blendabilities; Kraft, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy, and Silver Glimmer cardstock; Typset DSP; Linen Thread; Rhinestone Basic Jewels; Stars Framelits; needle and thread.

AWW-Spot the Difference?

 

Shout out to the amazing Jen Timko who made this months ultra fabulous blog buttons!

Hey there! Welcome to another awesome Artisan Wedensday Blog Hop! Hope you are enjoying the hop thus far! These ladies never cease to amaze me. . . not only are the super crafty talented, but each one of them has their own uniquely awesome personality! It has been such a blessing to get to know each one of them more personally. As the end of this years' ADT term draws to a close, I can't help but reflect on how much I have enjoyed getting to know each one of these amazing ladies - stampin' sistas fo life!

Okay, enough of the sappy whatever and on to the project. . . that is what you are here for, right?!

I am usually fairly organized and on the ball, but with Gage out of school, I can't help but enjoy some summertime activities with him! Thus, I was in a crunch getting a project done for tonight. . . but it turned out to be a good thing! I created TWO very similar cards for tonight's hop! Spot the difference? I am a total dork, I loved doing those puzzles as a kid!

So. . . I think it is fairly common for people who are new to the card making community to see something and think "wow", I could never do anything that complicated. But, here's the thing, YOU TOTALLY CAN! If it simply that you just don't want to, there is plenty of room to take a card a simplify it!

For the simple card on the right, I used a fairly basic technique of coloring the stamp with my Stampin' Write Markers. I added some depth by using a few different colors on the petals. Just be sure that you start with the lightest color, and then progress to the darker. It really is quite simple. . . you just need to try it! After stamping your image, add a few embellishments to give the card more "junk". . . one of my favorite things to do :) This will give it a more "complicated" look without actually being complicated at all!

For the second card on the left, I stepped it up a bit by simply fussy cutting the image out! This is a bit more tedious task than most people like to take on, but I find it very relaxing! It makes the card look a little more progressive than the other, but in all actuality, fussy cutting is the only major difference between the two cards.

Such a slight difference isn't really harder, yet such a small thing adds so much to the card visually! The dimension is what makes it more appealing to the eye. . . or, at least, I think so?! How will you choose to step up your crafting experience?

Oh, Oh! Let's head In The Cat Cave and see what Cathy has been up to. . . word on the street has it she's been on some crafty retreats, I can't wait to see what she has been working on!

Supplies used: Hey There Buds and Hi There stamp sets; Blackberry Bliss, Blushing Bride, and Naturals Ivory cardstock; Blackberry Bliss ink pad; Blushing Bride, Rich Razzleberry, Blackberry Bliss, So Saffron, and Pear Pizzazz Stampin' Write markers; Blackberry Bliss 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon; Gold Sequin Trim; Linen Thread; Very Vintage Designer Buttons; Fringe Scissors.

Project Life ® by Stampin' Up! ®

Welcome to this week's Artisan Wednesday WOW Blog Hop! Our super fun buttons for this month were created by my MDS super hero Jeanna Bohanon, aren't they bright and fun?! Wanna try your hand at creating digitally? Be sure to check out MyDigitalStudio.net for inspiration and get your FREE MDS 30-day trial today!

If you haven't heard, Stampin Up! has teamed up with Becky Higgins to offer new Project Life products in exclusive Stampin' Up! colors! I admit, I heard about PL a few years ago but wasn't sure how it would fit into my scrapbooking style. . . However, after giving Project Life ® by Stampin' Up! ® a try, I am completely addicted! Project Life very well could replace my traditional scrapbooking style! Well, maybe not completely replace. . . but I LOVE the fact that I can get an entire page done in just 5 minutes! SERIOUSLY! This will be a HUGE time saver for me, as I usually take a minimum of 30 minutes to create a traditional page, not to mention the time consumed by trying to come up with an idea for a traditional layout! With PL the work is done for you! The pocket pages create the layout, so no time needed trying to come up with your own, and the per-printed journaling cards and embellishments take the time out of creating your own! With Project Life ® by Stampin' Up! ®, I simply slide my photos in the pockets, slide in a few printed cards along with my journaling cards, maybe add a few embellishments, and Viola! PAGE DONE! Couldn't be easier, or quicker!

Want more tips on how to get started with Project Life? Check out this blog post by Stampin' Up! Concept Artist Arika Bauer, she'll blow you away with how easy, yet still amazing,  Project Life ® by Stampin' Up! ® is!

Be sure to continue on the hop to see what the other Artisans have created with this fun new product! Let's head In The Cat Cave and see what gorgeous creation Cathy has to share, she is seriously THE scrapbooking QUEEN, I can't wait to see what she has created with the new PL!

Supplies used:

Winner Winner!

Hello everyone! Have you all been eagerly anticipating to see if you are a winner of last weeks AMAZING Artisan Wednesday WOW blog hop and giveaway?! I know I have!

But. . . before I announce the winner. . . I have one more project to share using Another Great Year, check it:

Confetti is super trendy, and this set was just SCREAMING for some fun!
Now, drumroll please. . .

the moment you have all been waiting for. . .

and the winner is. . .








Martha Inchley! *Martha, please e-mail me by clicking on the contact me button, and send me your mailing address before May 5th! **any prizes not claimed by May 5th will be forfeit.

YAY!

Just imagine me throwing confetti all over!
But, don't stop here! There are still 9 more prizes to giveaway! Be sure to check the other Artisan's blogs to see if you are a winner! 

Let's see who won over In The Cat Cave!

Artisan Wesnesday WOW and GIVEAWAY!

Hello everyone! Welcome to this week's edition of Artisan Wednesday WOW Blog Hop! This week is unique in that you have 10 chances to win one of 10 fabulous prizes!!! So, be sure to stop by ALL 10 Artisan Design Team Member blogs to enter!

I won't bore you with too many details on this super simple card. . . I used my aqua painter and ink refills to do some coloring for my background and then stamped over it!

Wanna chance to win Another Great Year Stamp Set and Brights Designer Buttons? Check out the details below at the bottom of the post!

Also, don't forget to continue on the hop for 9 more chances to win one of 10 prizes! Let's head In The Cat Cave and check out Cathy's GORGEOUS cards made with the Hell, Sailor set (and see what she will be giving away)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Artisan Wednesday WOW

Welcome back to another Artisan Wednesday WOW Blog Hop, be sure to stop by all 10 blogs to see what the team has to share with you this week. . .

April has always been a very solemn month for me for so many reasons. This is the time of year when we are reminded, and tend to reflect on our Savior, the grave sacrifice made. . . the sadness of death, yet the hope of resurrection and reunion of life. With recent tragedies that hit close to home for me, I am left both shocked and heartbroken. . . This April is also the 6-year anniversary of the death of my closest friend who passed away shortly after giving birth to her precious baby boy. . . I have made it a yearly tradition since to create a few sympathy cards during the month of April, just to have on hand for such sober occasions. Though words cannot heal such a loss, it can help bring solace and let them know you care, that you are thinking and praying for them, and that you will be there for them during life's difficult times.

Be sure to continue on the hop and head In The Cat Cave to see what Cathy has to share.

Supplies used: Blessed Easter and Simply Sketched stamp sets; Daffodil Delight and Whisper White Cardstock; Watercolor Paper; Stazon Jet Black ink pad; Crisp Cantaloupe, Daffodil Delight, Pistachio Pudding, and Always Artichoke ink refills; Aqua Painter; Tea Lace Paper Doilies; Naturals Buttons; Linen Thread; Occasions Paper-Piercing Pack; Stampin' Pierce Mat; Paper-Piercing Tool; Framed Tulips Embossing Folder.