What?? No Patterned Paper??????

DTBST # 151 challenge this week is to create a card using no patterned paper.  WHAT???  It's been so long since I've NOT used patterned paper on my card!!  Well, here is my card with no patterned paper:

Close-up of the beautiful Frostina image:

It was pretty hard looking at all of my patterned paper and not being able to use it!  Instead, I embossed the background paper using my Cuttlebug and the Tim Holtz cracked glass embossing folder (I thought it looked like ice).  All in all, I'm happy with the clean and simple design.  I hope you like it too!!

Now, put away your patterned paper and come play with us at Sassy Studio Designs!  Check out what the rest of the DTBST team has to share!

Stamp:  Frostina (Sassy Studio Designs), sentiment (Stampin' Up)
Papers:  Bashful Blue (Stampin' Up), Neenah 80# white
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  Copic Markers, Cuttlebug, TimHoltz Cracked Glass embossing folder, stick-on rhinestone flourish (Recollections), stick-on rhinestones (Stampin' Up), 1-1/4" and 1-3/8" circle punches (Stampin' Up), pop dots

Art Jouraling with Dyan Revealey at The Queen's Ink!

What a FABULOUS day at The Queen's Ink!!!  Today, Gloria and I took an art journaling class with the uber-talented Dyan Revealey!  I was a little nervous going into the class since I had never done anything like this before, but by the time I left, I was no longer an art journal virgin!  Dyan made it easy...she helped me shed any doubts that I had whether I could do this or not.  Here are a couple of pictures from today:

THE Dyan Revealey cleaning her leopard-print cat's eye glasses prior to the beginning of class.  I absolutely LOVED her dress- the fabric was covered with pin-ups!!  How adorable!!!

 

Getting ready to start!



My pretty brand-spanking new Creative Journal:

 

My not-so-brand-spanking-new journal all inky!  Uh, now I see why Dyan says to wait till your journal is full before decorating the outside.  Here's the front of mine:



...and the back:

Dyan autographed a blank page in my journal.  She said that I HAD to journal on the page- that the Sharpie that she used would still show through.  I think it's gonna be hard to do that!

 

So not to be intimidated by the blank sheets in our journals, Dyan made us rip out pages and taught us how to put them back into the journal.  She also had us spray onto many pages...the beginnings of journals to be.  On this one, you can see some of the stenciling that we did:

Here, you can just see the shadowing of the stencils:

 

The next pages were made using Distress Stain Daubers.  There are 4 different pages with torn edges.



I love the colors on this page.  Can you see the slight shadowing of the numbers?

On this page, Dyan had us write a paragraph that she recited, then had us write whatever came to mind to completely fill the page.  We then used a black star stencil to cover up the writing and color in the stars.  Of course, mine isn't completed.

This is the only page that we actually completed.  She had us cut out pictures from a magazine then attach a different head to it and then decorate the image using a white pen.  The leaves were stamped over the black ink and then we removed the black color from the leaves using a waterpen before coloring them in with inks.  Definitely a little out of my comfort zone, but it was fun!!

 

Now I have all of these pages started and have to work on getting them finished.   I have several brand new sets of Dyan's stamps and I think it'll be a lot of fun using them!!!

 

I am SO glad that Gloria convinced me to take this class!!  Thanks, Gloria!!!  I had a blast!!

G45 November Contest Entry

Graphic 45 papers have become my absolute FAVORITE!!  Their November 2012 contest is to create a thank you card using G45 products.  I have had a pack of A Ladies Diary paper that I've been hoarding.  I really HATE to cut into my new papers, but I just got a new image from Sassy Studio Designs that I had to use with these papers!  The image is called My Fair Lady.

 

Here's a close-up:

 

 

 

I got my sentiment a little crooked, but oh, well...nothing I can do about it now!  I know I probably won't win the contest but I sure had fun making this card!!  Check out Sassy Studio Designs' images HERE.

I also entered this card into

Party Time Tuesday's challenge #93- Thank You card
The Paper Girl's challenge #19- Thank You card
Eclectic Ellapu's challenge #4- It's a Vintage Thing

 

Stamps:  My Fair Lady (Sassy Studio Designs), thank you sentiment (Stampin' Up)

Papers:  Early Espresso, Soft Suede (Stampin' Up), Neenah 80# white, A Ladies' Diary (Graphic 45)

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copic Markers, paper roses (unknown), pop dots, glue dot, gold stick-on beads (Recollections)

Stamp-a-Stack Fun!

Yesterday, my friend, Paula, hosted a Stampin' Up Christmas Stamp-a-Stack.  8 very chatty ladies invaded her house to create some fabulous cards created by our own Amanda.

Here are the cards that Amanda had for us to make...I love them all!!!  (Sorry the pictures aren't great.  I'm still learning how to use my new camera!)

 

We made 2 of each card, so now I have a headstart on my Christmas cards for his year!!!! 

Fifty Shades of Sassy: Celebrating 800!

Sassy Studio Designs is celebrating reaching 800 members on our Paper Craft Planet page!!!  To celebrate, Lindsey has created a 50 Shades of Gray-inspired freebie for you and the design team is having a blog hop to show off this fabulous image!!

You should have arrived here from Karal's blog. If you did, great, you're on the right track!  If you didn't, please go to the SSD blog HERE to start the hop at the beginning!!

The "challenge" is to create a project using black,white and gray ONLY.  Here is my card:

 

Here is a close-up of this gorgeous image:

 

...and the inside:

I'm not quite sure what I will do with this card, but it sure was fun making!!    :)

Don't forget to go to the SSD page on PCP to grab this freebie before it goes on sale in the store!!! But hurry!  She's only available as a freebie until Saturday, November 10th, at 11:59pm! Make sure to play along by posting your creation to our BLOG using the InLinkz tag!!  To play along you must make a project in shades of black, white, and gray only and you must use a SSD image to play.  If you use the Shady Sassy freebie you will get Lingerie Lindsey emailed to you for free as a bonus!!

Did I mention that there would be PRIZES???  Here's how you can win!

Hop Commenters: (random) Two images of choice for two randomly selected commenters.
Challenge Grand Prize: (chosen by team) All images from next release in November AND a guest designer spot for FFF on PCP for December.
Challenge Random Prize: Two images from the upcoming November release.

Your next stop is Lori's blog.  Just in case you get lost along the way, here is the entire blog hop list:

SSD: http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.com/
Debbie: http://www.craftingwhenican.blogspot.com/
Kim: http://itsallaboutcrafting.blogspot.com/
Alaine: http://www.missalaineousmosaics.blogspot.com/
Susan: http://stampingtink.blogspot.com/
Karal: http://karalscreativespace.blogspot.com/
Mary: http://www.mystampinhide-away.blogspot.com/
Lori: http://lorib117.blogspot.com/
Ruza: http://ruzascraftcorner.blogspot.com/
Erin: http://elfiessparkleanddust.blogspot.co.uk/
Rebecca: http://sydneyssentiments.blogspot.com/
Star: http://youcouldbewishingonastar.blogspot.com/
Carrie: http://carrieshandmadecards.blogspot.co.uk/
Regan: http://charmedstamping.blogspot.com/ 

Stamps:  Shady Sassy (Sassy Studio Designs), inside sentiment is computer generated
Papers:  Basic Black, Sahara Sand (Stampin' Up), Neenah 80# white, patterned paper unknown
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black for sponging
Accessories:  Copic Markes, 1" grosgrain ribbon (Michael's), 1/4" white organdy (Offray), 1/8" grosgrain ribbon (Michael's), silver key charm (Recollections), stick-on rhinestones (Stampin' Up), gray paper flowers (Recollections), glue dots

DTBST #149- Season of Thanks

This week's DTBST challenge is "Season of Thanks"- to create a Thanksgiving or thank you card.  I decided to go with Thanksgiving and used the Scarecrow Honey image.  Here's my card:

Please make sure to stop by the SSD Blog to check out the rest of the DTBST team's creations. We hope that you'll play along, too!!!

Stamps:  Scarecrow Honey (Sassy Studio Designs), Happy Thanksgiving sentiment (Stampin' Up)
Papers:  Crushed Curry textured, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip (Stampin' Up), Neenah 80# white, patterned paper unknown
Ink:  Pumpkin Pie (Stampin' Up), Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  Copic Markers, large oval punch (Stampin' Up), gold stick-on beads (Recollections), pop dots, glue dots, paper flower, glittered-edge leaves  (Recollections), checked ribbon (Offray)

DTBST #148-Happy Holidays in Pink!

Our challenge this week for DTBST is to create a holiday project using pink- after all, it IS still Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Here's mine:

I used the Holiday Belle Honey image available HERE.  Isn't she beautiful?  Such a sweet face!

Head on over to the SSD blog to see what the rest of the DTBST team has created for your inspiration.

Stamps:  Holiday Belle Honey (SSD), sentiment (Stampin' Up)
Papers:  Pixie Pink, Bashful Blue (Stampin' Up), Neenah 80# white, patterned paper (Basic Grey)
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  Copic Markers, stick-on pearls (Zva Creations), 1-1/4" and 1-3/4" circle punches (Stampin' Up), pop dots, pink organdy ribbon (scrap from my visit to Moulin de Paris for tea- they had the ribbon tying up the napkin!)

Wreath-making at Willow Oak Farm!

Willow Oak Farm is a flower and herb farm located not too far from me.  I grew up in that neighborhood, went to hgh school there and never knew this place existed!  It's located almost directly across from where my husband works.  Do you think he'd ever mention it??  No!  Well, this morning, I went with two friends, Gloria and Theresa, there to make a fall harvest wreath.  I have never made this kind of a wreath before but I figured I'd give it a try!

Willow Oak is a very rustic place and what a great place!  Our "class" was in the greenhouse.  In a little over 2 hours we created some very beautiful wreaths. Each one using the same flowers but each one so totally different!  It was a slightly chilly morning and, upon arrival, we were offered hot chai tea.   Yumm!

Wreathes in progress

 

Our completed wreaths.  Each one is so different!  Here's mine:

 

Here's Theresa's:

 

Here's Gloria's:



 

Here's mine hanging on the wall.  I just couldn't get a good picture of it...it really IS prettier in person!  I think I need to ask Santa Claus for a new (better!) digital camera!!

 

Thanks to Gloria for taking pictures!!

 

I think we'll be going back to Willow Oak to make a Christmas wreath.  I can't wait!!!



DTBST #147- Halloween Spook-tacular

It's time again for  another Dare To Be Sassy Thursday challenge!  This week's challenge is Halloween Spook-tacular!  Sassy Studio Designs has some great Halloween images including 3 brand new images that were released last week.  I'm using Grimm Reaper Sassy.  She, along with all the other fabulously sassy SSD images are available in our store HERE.

Make sure to visit the SSD Blog to see what the rest of the DTBST team has come up with for this week's challenge!!!

Stamps:  Grimm Reaper Sassy (Sassy Studio Designs), sentiment (Hambo Stamps)
Papers:  Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black (Stampin' Up), Neenah 80# white, patterned paper from the Happy Haunting pack (Graphic 45)
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black for sponging
Accessories:  Copic Markers, Modern Label Punch (Stampin' Up), black jet stick-on flourish (Recollections), pop gots, 1-3/4" circle punch (Stampin' Up), paper flowers (Recollections), glue dots, Stickles, sponge

Oldies But Goodies Bloghop!





Hello!  It's time for another Oldies But Goodies Bloghop!!  It's been a while since I hopped with this fabulous group of ladies but I'm ready to get back into the swing of it again!  It's a small group this month, but I know they'll have some beautiful creations to share!

 

For those of you who don't know- I am part of a Facebook Group called Design D.I.V.A.S.  Each month, they have a bloghop and the "theme" of the hop it to use things in our "stash" that is at least 6 months old...and believe me, I have TONS of things that are lots older than that!  Things I've bought and are still in the bags that I brought them home in!!  So, now you know what the OBG Bloghop is all about- let's get you on your way!

You should have arrived here from Maria's blog.  If you did, great, you're on the right track!  If you didn't, please go to Mary Anne's blog to start at the beginning!  You don't want to miss anything!

 

The card that I want to share is a sympathy card.  These past few weeks I've have to make several of these cards.  I don't feel comfortable making sympathy cards- are they appropriate?  That's my biggest concern!  I made this one for a co-worker who just lost her father. 

 

 

Close-up

Inside

 





 

 

The stamp set is Guiding Light by Gina K.  I've had this set for probably well over a year and had never even cut the rubber.  The patterned paper is probably older- it's from the "It's A Guy Thing" pack from Close To My Heart.

 

OK, now head on over to Mary H.'s blog- your last stop on this month's hop.  In case you somehow get lost, here is the small but complete bloghop list:

 

Mary Anne at http://sparkly-train.blogspot.com/
Cindy at http://www.stampwithmecindyg.com/
Maria at http://joyfulstamper.blogspot.com/
Mary G at http://www.mystampinhide-away.blogspot.com/
Mary H at http://www.carolinacardsbymaryh.blogspot.com/


Linda P at http://paynehollercards.blogspot.com/

 

Thanks for stopping by!!



Halloween BINGO! SSD October Release & Blog Hop!

It's time for another Sassy Studio Designs new release weekend!!!  This release not only introduces Lindsey's brand new images, but we also introduce our brand new design team!!  After last month's HUGE release, this month we are only releasing 3 images, but they are fabulous!!

You should have arrived here from Tina's blog.   If you didn't, head back over to the SSD blog to start the hop at the beginning!!

For this release, our challenge was to use this Halloween Bingo Card:

 

 

Halloween is so fun!!!  I chose to go across the middle- spider-skull/bones-green-cauldron- and here is what I came up with:

 

 

 

I decided to make an 8 x 8" framed Halloween wall hanging.  Here is a close-up of the beautiful witch.  There are 2 glitter spiders in the upper corners.  The skull is in the flowers in the lower right corner.  The cauldron is from Sherrod Studios, a company which unfortunately is no longer in business.  There isn't a lot of green but it's there on her hat and the bubbling brew in the cauldron.  I also added a little "bling"- a stick-on rhinestone flourish for the vapor from her broom as she flies through the Halloween night sky- for my FREE space.  Here is a close-up:

 

 

 

Your next stop on our hop is Kim's blog.  If you get lost along the way, here is the entire blog hop list.  Make sure to leave comments on each blog.  There will be randomly selected comments selected for prizes and we also have a challenge for you to play along!!  I can't wait to see what YOU create!



Kathy http://willstampforwine.blogspot.com/
Jacki R http://www.papermoments.blogspot.com/
Debbie www.craftingwhenican.blogspot.com
Jodi www.elamdesign33.blogspot.com
Kate http://www.scrapperscreativecorner.blogspot.com/
Tina http://craftyandgreen.blogspot.com
Mary www.mystampinhide-away.blogspot.com
Kim http://itsallaboutcrafting.blogspot.com/
Christine http://happyscrapper-sweetpeacards.blogspot.com/
Robin http://robins-reflections.blogspot.com/
Ruza http://ruzascraftcorner.blogspot.com
Star http://YouCouldBeWishingOnAStar.blogspot.com
SSD http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.com/

 

Check the SSD Blog again tomorrow for Part 2 of our New Release blog hop!!!

 

Stamps:  Sassy Witch image

Papers:  Neenah 80# white, "Fright Night" patterned paper from the Happy Haunting pack (Graphic 45)

Accessories:  8 x 8" black frame, Copic Markers, stick-on rhinestone flourishes (ZVA Creative), stick-on spiders (Jolee), prima flowers, glue dots, pop dots, stick-on glitter skull


DTBST #146- Sketch!

This week's Dare to Be Sassy challenge is a sketch- and it's a really fun sketch!!!

Here is my take on that sketch:

 

I did omit the strip across the middle of the sketch.  I just couldn't get it to look right.  Here is a close up of the beautiful Wicked Honey image:

 

 

Make sure to stop  by the SSD Blog to check out what the rest of the DTBST team has to offer using this sketch!!!

Stamps:  Wicked Honey, sentiment is unknown

Papers:  Pumpkin Pie, Green Galore (Stampin' Up), Neenah 80# white, patterned paper (Happy Haunting- Graphic 45)

Accessories:  Copic Markers, shimmer pen, pop dots, 1-3/4" hole punch (Stampin' Up), black jet stick-on flourishes (Recollections)



DTBST #145- Think Pink for Breast Cancer!

With the start of a new term for Sassy Studio Designs, I'm back on the Dare to Be Sassy Thursday team!!  I want to welcome the newest DT members and let them know that I am very excited about getting to work with them!  They are VERY talented and you can be prepared to have your socks knocked off!!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  This week's DTBST challenge is "Think Pink" for Breast Cancer.  SSD recently released two new Pink Ribbon images. I decided to use Pink Ribbon Sassy which is available HERE.  This is my card for this challenge.  It's a simple card, but I hope you like it:

Now head on over to the Sassy Studios Designs' Blog to see what the rest of the DTBST team has for your enjoyment!!

I will be submitting this card to the Link Up For Pink blog hop.  Check it out HERE.

Stamps:  Pink Ribbon Sassy, Think Pink Sentiments (retired)
Papers:  Basic Black (Stampin' Up), Neenah 80# white, patterned papers (unknown)
Accessories:  Copic Markers, black jet stick-on flourishes (Recollections), pop dots

Another Sympathy Card

I am not very good with making sympathy cards, but I had to make another one for a friend whose mother just passed away.  I always stress over making them- I'm never sure if it's appropriate.  I hope this one is okay:

 

 

I wasn't able to get a very good picture of it.  The patterned paper has glitter on the flower centers and I added Stickles to the center of the flowers on the images to match.

 

Here is the verse I put on the inside of the card:

Stamp:  Coneflowers digital image, Sympathy digital image (I'm not sure who these images are from)
Papers:  Old Olive, Chocolate Chip (Stampin' Up), Neenah 80# white, patterned paper (K & C Company)
Accessories:  Copic Markers, Stickles, sponge