Best "Fishes"!

**If you're here for the Bombshell Hump Day Hop, click here!**


A friend's 10-year old son had surgery and I wanted to send him a card. He enjoys fishing, so I thought I'd make him a card using this cute fish image from Elizabeth O. Dulemba's Coloring Page Tuesdays website. She draws the CUTEST images!!!! Here is the card that I made for Dylan:

Inside it says "I hope you're back in the swim of things soon!" I hope he likes it.

Stamps: Fish (Coloring Page Tuesdays), Feel Better (Penny Black)
Papers: Mellow Moss (Stampin' Up!), patterned papers from the Origins pack (Basic Grey), Neenah 80# white
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Mellow Moss for sponging
Accessories: medium oval punch, scalloped oval punch, pop dots, Copic Marker, green dew drops, Aleene's Jewel It glue, ribbon (Stampin' Up!)

Shiver Me Timbers! It's A Bombshell Hop!

Welcome to another Bombshell Stamps' Hump Day Hop! You should have arrived here from the multi-talented Kelli's blog. If you didn't, head on back to the Bombshell Blog to start at the beginning!!!

Alison has a fabulous theme for us this month! Here's what she wrote:

In honor of the latest Pirates of the Carribean flick, and the start of summer (cruises and such...work with me here, folks) I decided what better theme than pirates! More like the phrase "Shiver me timbers!" Now, I am thinking pirates...but what do YOU think of when you hear that phrase?

Well, I love pirates so that is the way I went with this challenge!!! Bombshell's A Pirate's Life was one of the first sets that I ever bought...and of course, I just LOVE Capt. Jack Sparrow...I'd like to shiver HIS timbers!!! :D Oh, sorry, I got a little carried away in my thoughts...uh-hem...so, here is my card for this month's hop but I must say it looks much better in real life:

This compass image is from Bombshell's Homeward Bound set:

Stamps: A Pirate's Life, Homeward Bound. sentiment and treasure map are computer-generated
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Red Riding Hood (for sponging)
Papers: Creamy Caramel, Cranberry Crisp (Stampin' Up), GP110 white, patterned paper from the Majestic Blue series from Close To My Heart
Accessories: Copic Markers, 1/16" hole punch, large antiqued copper brad, pop dots, distressing tool, Modern Label Punch, 1-1/4" circle punch

Now head on over to Sparkly Mary's blog to see what she's created for you!! In case you get lost, just head on back to the Bombshell Blog to pick up where you left off! Thanks for hopping with us!!

My Shoebox Card

Oops, I forgot to post the card that I took to the shoebox swap for everyone to make. It's a very simple card. You see, I have this BIG problem about taking my Copic Markers to swaps. I don't like anyone else using my Copics! So, any card that I take to a swap has to be colored using penicls or one that has no coloring at all, hence my very simple, non-colored card here:

I was happy how this turned out. I hope everyone enjoyed making my card.

Please scroll down to the next post if you'd like to see all the other cards from the shoebox swap.

Maryland City SBS!

Today I spent the day stamping, eating, and having great conversation with a fabulous bunch of ladies! Kathy was our hostess, and as usual, she hosted a GREAT swap!!

Check out all the cards we made! (I've put names with the cards that I know). I apologize for the poor pictures. I really shouldn't take pictures when I'm tired!! :)


Theresa R.

Mary Mc.

Our hostess, Kathy

Kelly (I still have red ribbon to attach to this one!)

Mary B.

Jan

Gloria

Angie

Lynn H.

Chiquita

Janine

Jo Anna

Lynn M.

Michele M.

Looking forward to Kathy's next swap in September!!

I've Discovered Designed 2 Delight!

This is the first time that I've used a Designed 2 Delight digital-image. Isn't this pretty?

It's a simple card but I love those flowers! Their images are so easy to color and are beautifully drawn. I know that I'll be using D2D images a lot more in the future!!

Stamps: Pail of Flowers digi-image (Designed 2 Delight)
Paper: Real Red, Bordering Blue, red checked DSP (Stampin' Up!), Neenah 80# white
Accessories: Copic Markers, Cuttlebug, oval and scalloped oval Nesties, square lattice embossing folder (Stampin' Up!)

Somebody Squealed!

Oh, my, what an ADORABLE image we received from Hambo Stamps this week for the Hambo Hoedown #21. The image that we received is Pig Inmate complete with striped shirt, plus 2 sentiments. Our challenge was to use the Pig Inmate image and twine, jute, fiber or string. Well, I had just received my first order of baker's twine from The Twinery 2 days before this challenge was posted! Timing is everything!!!! Whoever comes up with these challenges must be reading my mind! (Judy??)

Okay, enough chitter-chatter...here is my card for this week's challenge:

I even gave the "inmate" a number- # 10061.


Stamps: Pig Inmate digit (Hambo Stamps)
Ink: Mementi Tuxedo Black
Papers: Basic Black, Real Red, silver metallic, black and white DSP (Stampin' Up!), Neenah 80# white cardstock
Accessories: silver eyelets (Doodlebug), Crop-o-dile, Charcoal Baker's Twine (The Twinery), Copic Markers, Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, key tag punch (Stampin' Up!), sponge, red stick-on beads (Recollections)

If you'd like to purchase the Pig Inmate digi-image you can click here. If you'd like to play along with us at the Hoedown, click here. If you play, you will receive next week's image by email- as long as you follow all of the rules. READ THE RULES! If you want to play along this week, you don't have to buy the Pig Inmate image. You can use any HAMBO image. You don't have any Hambo images? Well, they offer a couple of freebie images that you can use. I hope to see you playing along with us!!

Congrats, Grads!

I received several graduation announcements this year. The first one was my niece, Cara. I've already posted her card here. Girl cards are always SO much easier for me to make. The other two that I received were for boys...hmm, MUCH harder!! Then I remembered I had a freebie digi-image called Kurt the Graduate from Dude Time Doodles that I could use! Here are the two cards that I made using this image- same layout just different colors and embellishments:

Card 1:
Close up:
Card 2:

Close up:



Card 1 was entered into the Tuesday Throwdown Challenge to make a masculine card.

Card 2 was entered into the Cards For Men Challenge to make a masculine card with stars. You can't tell in the picture, but the yellow panel has raised embossed stars on it.

Card 1:
Stamps: Kurt the Graduate (Dude Time Doodles), sentiment is computer-generated
Papers: Neenah 80# white, Brilliant Blue, Real Red and Newsprint DSP (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Copic Markers, black stick-on beads (Recollections)

Card 2:
Stamps: Kurt the Graduate (Dude Time Doodles), sentiment is computer-generated
Papers: Neenah 80# white, Brilliant Blue (Stampin' Up!), yellow star-embossed (unknown from Michael's)
Accessories: small star punch (Stampin' Up!), gold stick-on beads (Recollections), Copic Markers

Let's Take A Spin!!!

I found this adorable digi-image that I got a while ago. It's from the Diamond Graphics CD, which is full of wonderful images!! I had a scare earlier- my computer shut itself down and wouldn't restart. Thankfully, it was able to do a restart rebuild (whatever THAT is) and it seems to be fine now. All I could think about was all of the digi-images that I would lose!! Guess I'd better back them up somehow!! Anyway, here is that adorable image:

Stamps: Motorcycle Couple from the Diamond Graphics DD, sentiment from Harley Bikes (Bombshell Stamps)
Papers: Basic Black (Stampin' Up), Neenah 80# white, patterned paper from the Pocket Full of Posies with Sparkles pack (DCWS)
Accessories: Copic Markers, red satin ribbon (Offray), gold stick on beads (Bling IT by Basic Grey)

A FABULOUS Color Combination!

This week's Hambo Hoedown was a FUN one! We were to use the Laughing digi but this was also a color challenge. We were to use red, teal/turquoise and either white, vanilla, or kraft. Now what was funny (or at least to me) was that right before I saw this challenge, I was playing a game called Bubbles on Facebook. The bubbles are all different colors and you "pop" at least 3 of the same color in a row. As I was playing, I had a screen full of red and turquoise-colored bubbles and I thought "wow, that would be really pretty on a card!" Then the next day, Hambo's challenge is to use those exact colors. Anyway, here is my card for the Hambo Hoedown Challenge #20:

Make sure that you come visit the Hoedown and play along!! Who doesn't like to get FREE digi-images? I know I do!!! A new challenge is posted every Wednesday morning! What are you waiting for???? GO!

Stamps: Laughing digi-image by Hambo Stamps
Papers: Real Red, Cool Carribean, glitter DSP (Stampin' Up!), Neenah 80# white
Accessories: Copic Markers, Glimmer White flowers and Bold Brights Glitter Brads (Stampin' Up!)

Yes, I'm Team Edward!!

Over the weekend, I FINALLY sat down and watched the movie Twilight... ::sigh:: ... WHY did I wait so long?? And who knew vampires sparkled in the sun!?!?! I LOVED the movie and now I can't wait to read the books. My friend, Dawnmarie, has loaned them to me so as soon as I get my new reading glasses (I sort of bent my old ones all to pieces the other day!) I plan on sitting down and devouring the books!! Several of my fellow Meade Girls are "Twihards" and are obsessed with Twilight...and Edward...well, a few might like Jacob...but Edward...and those eyes... ::sigh:: Oh, sorry, I already sighed once...anyway, Amanda made and sent me this card and welcomed me to the world of Twilight. Isn't it FABULOUS?????

What a FUN rubber stamp set! The little charm is also the "Team Edward" emblem. How cool is that??? This rubber stamp set appears to be pretty rare. Guess I'll just have to keep an eye out for it...

Wild Thing!!!

***If you are here for the Design D.I.V.A.S. Oldies But Goodies Blog Hop, click HERE***


Hello, and happy Thursday! Ms. June Bombshell, Emily, came up with a fun and fabulous challenge theme for June- Wild Thing! She challenged us to create a card or other project using animal prints...so I went on a search through my mile-high stack of patterned paper for animal prints. Well, can you believe that I had not one piece of animal print in all of my collection???? WHAT??? Well, along came the art teacher at my school, Heather. She gave me several different patterns to chose from. Thanks, Heather, for saving the day! :)

I had this really cool idea in my head of a card to create...well, when it came time to put it to paper and ink, it just wouldn't come out like I planned. Okay- here's "Plan B". I'm not thrilled with it, but I do love the reptile print paper that Heather gave me!! Here's my card:

Head on over to the Bombshell Blog to see what the other design team members created for this Wild Thing challenge and to play along and have a chance at winning a fabulous Bombshell prize, just create a card or other project using animal print and Bombshell Stamps and link to this post using the InLinkz tab. Can't wait to see what you create!!!

Stamps: Bombshell Angel, Harley Bikes, Vintage Raceway
Papers: Basic Black, Green Galore (Stampin' Up!), GP110 white, reptile print patterned paper (unknown)
Accessories: Copic Markers, silver brads, 1/8" hole punch, pop dots, Modern Label punch (Stampin' Up!)

Oldies But Goodies Blog Hop!!!

Woo Hoo!! It’s that time again!!! It’s time for the Design D.I.V.A.S. “Oldies But Goodies” blog hop! This is your first stop on the hop. Thanks for stopping by!! I hope that you’ll enjoy yourself! There are LOTS of fabulous projects for you to ooh and ahh over!!!

Okay, let’s get started…here is my simple little card for this month:

I love this little duck image! He’s SO cute!! He is an image from Coloring Page Tuesdays’ website. Elizabeth O. Dulemba draws the cutest images and she gives them away for free. Did you hear that? I said FREE!!! Make sure to check out her site after you’ve finished the hop. I’ve had this image printed out for who knows how long, so I decided to go ahead and use it for this card. I’ve also had this patterned paper forever…hello, my name in Mary and I’m a paper hoarder! :)

Stamps: Duck image by Elizabeth O. Dulemba, sentiment is computer generated
Papers: YoYo Yellow, Cool Carribean (Stampin’ Up), Neenah 80# white, patterned paper by Provo Crafts
Accessories: Copic Markers, clear dew drops, Jewel It glue (Aleene’s)

So, I hope that you’ve enjoyed my little card. The next stop on your journey is the fabulous Melissa's blog. What till you see what she has in store for you!!! In case you get lost along the way, here is the entire blog hop roster:

Me---You are HERE!
Melissa- http://www.inkclinations.blogspot.com/
Maria- http://www.joyfulstamper.blogspot.com/
Cindy- http://www.cindysantics.blogspot.com/
Cindy G.- http://www.stampwithmecindyg.com/
Carolyn- http://utsukushiikami.blogspot.com/
Barbara- http://www.madeforkeeps.blogspot.com/
Angie- http://www.angiesstampingspace.blogspot.com/
Sharri- http://istamp4u.blogspot.com/
Linda- http://paynehollercards.blogspot.com/
Sue- http://suessentiments.com/wordpress/
Cathryn- http://inkitupstampitout.blogspot.com/
Mary Anne- http://sparkly-train.blogspot.com/


Have fun!!

Bombshell Stamps' June Sketch!

Here is Bombshell's June sketch, created by our sketch guru and DT captain, Kathi. This is a fun sketch!

And here is my take on the sketch:

It's pretty close to the actual sketch with just a couple small little changes. Here's a close-up of the image:

Head on over to Bombshell Stamps' blog to see what the other design team members came up with and to also play along! You might even win a prize!!! Check it out!

Stamps: Hawaiian Girl (Bombshell Stamps)
Papers: Cool Carribean (Stampin' Up! retired), Chocolate Chip (Stampin' Up!), Neenah white 80#, patterned paper is unknown
Accessories: Pumpkin Pie 1/4" grosgrain ribbon (Stampin' Up!), orange stick-on gems (Bling IT by Basic Grey), Cuttlebug, D'Vine Swirls embossing folder, pop dots, Copic Markers, Round and scalloped round Nesties

It's All About the Cupcake!

One of our teachers' daughter, Katie, a 6th grader, loves to bake. She's made several different kinds of cupcakes and sent them to us to snack on...and each kind has been delicious! I wanted to send her a card to thank her for thinking of us and to let her know how much I've enjoyed her cupcakes! This is the card that I'm going to send her:

Look at this scrumptious cupcake image!

This card didn't come out quite like I planned- the pink icing was a little TOO pink to match the paper and the sentiment that I computer-generated was too long so I had to cut it into 2 pieces. Oh, well...I hope she likes it anyway!! Thanks, Katie!!! You're a great baker!!

Stamp: Cupcake digi-set (Paper Garden Projects), sentiment is computer-generated
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Green Galore (Stampin' Up!), patterned paper from the Nook & Pantry pack (Basic Grey), Neenah white #80
Accessories: Cuttlebug, round and scalloped round Nesties, Copic markers, sponge, pop dots, pink stick-on gems (Bling IT by Basic Grey)

Happy Mail From My Secret Sister!

The Meade Girls are doing another round of Secret Sisters and yesterday I got my first piece of Happy Mail from my new Secret Sister! After a horrible day at school (the buses were running an hour and a half late due to an accident down the road from school) and me not getting home till nearly 5pm, it was great to find this in the mailbox:

I don't recognize the image but what a great image it is, and so beautifully colored!

It is a Center Step card and I was just recently reading the tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers and had wanted to give it a try. I love this card and want to thank my new Secret Sister, whoever she is, for sending me this beautiful creation!! I can't wait to see what else is in store for me for the next 3 months!!

Thank You "Berry" Much!

T.G.I.F.!! I'm am SO glad that it's FINALLY Friday!! Now on to a fun weekend!

It's time for the Hambo Hoedown again! This week for challenge #18 they're showing off the new kids on the block!! Check out these adorable fruit kids digi images!! Because I played along in the Hoedown last week, I was sent this too-cute Strawberry Kid to use on my card AND we had to use buttons somewhere on our card...and here it is! Isn't it cute??

Look just how adorable this little guy is up close!

Stop by the Hoedown Challenge Blog to see what the brand new Bacon Bits (AKA the Hambo Design Team!) have created! This is one talented group of ladies...and I'm really partial to one of the new Bacon Bits- my good friend and fellow Meade Girl Paula Riley!!! Go check 'em out! And while you're there, also check out the submissions for this challenge!!

Stamps: Strawberry Kid digi-image (Hambo Stamps)
Paper: Real Red, Summer Sun, Green Galore (Stampin' Up!), Neenah 80# white, patterned paper from the Eskimo Kisses pack (Basic Grey)
Accessories: red gingham ribbon (Offray), Bold Brights buttons (Stampin' Up!), Copic Markers, glue dots, pop dots, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dot embossing folder, Nestabilities Scalloped Oval