...Sketch Challenge #218

This was my submission for today's Sketch Challenge #218 at SCS. I started with a Tempting Turquoise Cardstock base, then matted each additional layer with Basic Black Cardstock. The large Whisper White Cardstock panel was pierced using a Mat Pack and Paper Piercer, as was the Watercolor Paper focal panel. The patterned papers used were from the Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper pack, and three Silver Jumbo Brads were added to the polka dotted panel. The images and sentiment were from the set "Blooming With Love", and were stamped in Jet Black Staz-On Ink. I used a Stamp-a-ma-jig and Image Sheet for proper placement of all the stamps. The focal panel was colored using Blender Pens and the following Classic Ink Pads: Kiwi Kiss, So Saffron, Summer Sun, Tempting Turquoise, Pink Passion, Cameo Coral, and Close to Cocoa.

That's it for today! Thanks for stopping by, and I will have a new Sketch Challenge for you all to try tomorrow. I have enjoyed seeing all of the creations and beautiful cards that you have been making with my sketches this far. Until later...

Supplies

Stamps: Blooming With Love (SU)

Papers: Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black, Whisper White, Watercolor, Pink Flamingo DSP

Inks: Jet Black Staz-On, Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron, Summer Sun, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Passion, Cameo Coral, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: mat pack, paper piercer, brads, SAMJ, image sheet, blender pens, dimensionals

...300th Post & An Award

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER TO WIN $30 FREE STAMPIN' UP MERCHANDISE HERE!

Can you believe this is my 300th post already?!? It only seems like yesterday that I sat here and fought with myself over whether or not to start a blog. Now here we are...300 posts later. It has been such a fun ride! Enough rambling...on to the card!


I just received the new releases from Verve Visual yesterday...and they are so wonderful! I used the sets "Snow Wonderful" (snowman and sentiment) and "Snowflake Splendor" (snowflakes). I started with a Bashful Blue Cardstock base, then matted each layer with Chocolate Chip Cardstock. The patterned papers came from the Frosty Day Designer Series Paper pack, and each was pierced around the edges using a Mat Pack and Paper Piercer. A piece of 5/8" Tangerine Tango Striped Grosgrain Ribbon was added around the kiwi patterned paper, and tied off in a simple knot. All of the layers were popped up off of the base using Dimensionals. The snowflakes were stamped on the Whisper White Cardstock focal panel in Bashful Blue Classic Ink in a random pattern. The snowman was then stamped in Jet Black Staz-On Ink in the center of the white panel. I used a Two-Way Glue Pen on the bottom section of the panel, then sprinkled Dazzling Diamond Glitter over it to create the *sparkle* of snow. The snowman was stamped again in VersaMark Ink on a scrap piece of Watercolor Paper, then embossed with Black Embossing Powder and a Heat Gun. I watercolored the snowman using an Aquapainter and the following: Kiwi Kiss Classic Ink, Tangerine Tango Classic Ink, and Ballet Blue Classic Ink. I cut out the completed snowman with my CutterBee Scissors, and popped him off of the white panel using Dimensionals. The sentiment was stamped in VersaMark Ink also, and embossed in Black Embossing Powder using a Heat Gun.


Now onto the award I received from my bestest buddy, Pam Varnell. She nominated my for this sweet award, and I am so thankful that she thought of me! Thanks, Pam!

That's it for today! Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you all some time this weekend. My hubby and sons are taking me to Atlanta to eat at Joe's Crab Shack for my birthday {Look out, crab legs...here I come! LOL!} I will be announcing the winner of the blog candy after I get home tomorrow night, so if you haven't entered yet you'd better git 'r done! Until tomorrow...

Supplies:

Stamps: Snow Wonderful, Snowflake Splendor (Verve Visual)

Papers: Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Watercolor, Frosty Day DSP

Inks: VersaMark, Jet Black Staz-On, Bashful Blue Classic Ink, Tangerine Tango Classic Ink, Kiwi Kiss Classic Ink, Ballet Blue Classic Ink

Accessories: aquapainter, two-way glue pen, dazzling diamond glitter, black embossing powder, embossing buddy, heat gun, mat pack, paper piercer, ribbon, dimensionals

...Club Projects & An Award

These cards will be featured in my clubs entitled "Taking On Testosterone" for September. I wanted to focus on creating more masculine cards for the ladies in my monthly clubs. I know that we all tend to make more froo-froo and girly cards, but I didn't want to leave our counterparts feeling neglected. So here are the manly creations:

Supplies:

Stamps: On The Fly, Fundamental Phrases

Papers: Glorious Green, Tangerine Tango, Close To Cocoa, Basic Black, Watercolor

Inks: Tangerine Tango, Jet Black Staz-On

Accessories: scissors, photo corner punch, mat pack, paper piercer, markers, aquapainter, dimensionals, stamp-a-ma-jig

Supplies:

Stamps: Happiness Is A Journey, Canvas

Papers: Creamy Caramel, Real Red, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White

Inks: Not Quite Navy, Ruby Red

Accessories: markers, water spritzer, brads, distressor tool, dimensionals, stamp-a-ma-jig

Supplies:

Stamps: Haunting Jumbo Roller, All Holidays

Papers: Pumpkin Pie, Going Gray, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black, Ghostly Greetings Designer Series Paper

Inks: Jet Black Staz-On, VersaMark

Accessories: embossing buddy, white embossing powder, heat gun, word window punch, crimper, mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals

I was nominated for this sweet award by Teresa Otto (aka love2bcreative). Thanks so much for this award, Teresa....I am so honored! Here are the rules for accepting this award:

• The winner can put the logo on their blog


• Link the person you received your award from


• Nominate at least 7 other blogs


• Put links of those blogs on yours


• Leave a message on the blogs of the people you have nominated

And now here are my nominations for seven beautiful women and their lovely blogs:

• Amy Rohl
  
• Pam Varnell


• Joanne Basile


• Silke Ledlow


• Shannan Teubner


• Nancy Riley


• Amy Sheffer
  

That's it for today! Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you all again tomorrow. Until then...

...Color Challenge #172, Sketch Challenge #182, And An Award

This is my submission for yesterday's Color Challenge (Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, and Taken With Teal) and today's Sketch Challenge at SCS. It sounded like a crazy combo at first, but I really like the way it turned out! I started with a card base of Whisper White Textured Cardstock (8-1/2 X 4-1/4) that measures 4-1/4" square when folded in half. Basic Black Cardstock was punched out nine times using the 1-1/4" Square Punch. Wild Wasabi Designer Paper from the Prints Pack was cut into 1" squares, then mounted onto the black squares using SNAIL Adhesive. The completed squares were attached to the card base using SNAIL Adhesive again.

The focal panel consisted of Whisper White Textured Cardstock (2-1/2 X 2-1/2), Basic Black Cardstock (2-3/8 X 2-3/8) , Wild Wasabi Cardstock (2-1/4 X 2-1/4), and Whisper White Cardstock (2-1/8 X 2-1/8). The flowers from the set "Heartfelt Thanks" were stamped in Wild Wasabi Classic Ink and Taken With Teal Classic Ink. The image was stamped three consecutive times onto the white cardstock. Crystal Stickles was used to cover all of the blooms, Petina Stickles covers the darkest bloom's stem, and Lime Green Stickles covers the lighter two stems. The sentiment, from "Absolutely Fabulous", was stamped in Jet Black Staz-On Ink. The focal panel was attached to the card base using Dimensionals. A Teal KaiserScrapbook Rhinestone was added to each corner to finish off the card.

I was also given an award by my dear friend, Pam Varnell, from The Stamping Addict. You have to check out her blog if you haven't already...you will be inspired by her endless creativity! Thanks so much for this honor, Pam.

I would like to give this award to the following ladies for their creativity and inspiration. Swing by their blogs, peruse their creations, and tell them hello...I'm sure they would love to hear from you!

• Amy Rohl : Ink About Me
• Angie Zublionis : Quacking Creations
• Savitri Wilder : Scrappin and Stampin With Savitri

That's it for today! Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you all tomorrow. Please say a special prayer for my niece as she will be undergoing surgery today to remove the tumor from her back. Pray for wisdom of the physicians, a quick recovery for my niece, and peace for my family. I will keep you all posted. Until then...

...Featured Stamper #64 & Some Awards

This is my submission for today's Featured Stamper Challenge at SCS. The lucky recipient was Michelle (aka sf9erfan)...she is a brilliant and very talented stamper. I chose to CASE her card seen HERE, but I made several changes to make it my own which include: the colors, the layout, and the sentiment. I used Big Pieces for the top portion of the card, then used one of the sentiments from "All Holidays" on the bottom. The colors for this card include: Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Bashful Blue, and Pumpkin Pie. Stardust Stickles were added to some of the pieces, and some doodling was added around the edges of the Whisper White cardstock.


AWARD #1: The Arte Y Pico Award....I received the first one from my dear friends, Judy Rozema over at Joy In A Jar, and Kelli Roberts at Kelli Scraps. Here is how it works: There are 5 rules attached to this:

• 1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contributes to the blogging community, no matter what language.



• 2. Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his/her blog to be visited by everyone.



• 3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her/him the award itself.



• 4. The Award winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte Y Pico" blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.



• 5. To show these rules.

There are so many wonderful blogs that deserve this award, and it was very hard for me to narrow the field down to only five...but since I had to I awarded the following fabulous stampers:

• Amy Sheffer
• Ana Wohlfahrt
• Angie Zublionis
• Natasha Trupp
• Pam Varnell

AWARD #2: This one was given to me from my bestest blog buddy and inspiration, Chat Wszelaki. I can't tell you how exciting it is to know that you have brightened someone's life along the way, but it sure feels good! Here are some of my Lucys and Ethels:

• Debbie Olson
• Michele Boyer
• Nancy Morgan
• Nancy Riley
• Shannan Teubner

Well that's it for today, but I will see you tomorrow with a card for the Technique Lovers Challenge and some news about Christian. Until then...Hugs ~ Mercy

...Sketch Challenge #163 & I'm Excellent?

This is my submission for today's Sketch Challenge at SCS. I started with a card base (#1) of Green Galore cardstock measuring 10-3/4 X 5-3/8, and when it is folded to open at the right measures 5-3/8 square. It is stamped with "Flannel Plaid Background Stamp" in Green Galore Classic Ink. The next layer (#2) is Basic Black cardstock (4-1/4 X 4-1/16) and Real Red cardstock (3-7/8 X 4). A Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker was used to doodle around the edges, then they were sponged with Real Red Classic Ink and a Sponge Dauber. The layers were attached to each other and the card base using SNAIL Adhesive. Layer #3 is Green Galore cardstock (2-5/8" square) and Pink Passion cardstock (2-1/2" square). A Slit Punch was used on the upper left side of the green piece. The edges of the pink piece was sponged with Real Red Classic Ink and a Sponge Dauber, then slid underneath the punched slit. A Real Red Eyelet was put in the punched area using the Crop-a-Dile to punch the hole and attach the eyelet. Black Gingham Ribbon was added to the eyelet and tied in a knot. The panel is then attached to the card base with adhesive.

Layer #4 is made up of Green Galore cardstock (2-1/8" square) and Whisper White cardstock (2" square). The sentiment, the heart, and the frog image are from the set "Unfroggetable". The heart is from the set "Simply Said", and it is stamped in Pink Passion Classic Ink onto the white paper, then the sentiment is stamped in Black Staz-On Ink (with the assistance of a Stamp-a-ma-jig and Image Sheet) over the heart. The edges of the white cardstock were sponged in red ink also, then the panel is attached to the card base using adhesive. The frog is stamped in black ink onto a scrap piece of white cardstock, then colored using Derwent Studio Colour Pencils, Blending Stumps, and Mineral Spirits. It was then cut out with CutterBee Scissors, and attached to panel #3 using Dimensionals. The heart was also stamped in black ink onto a scrap piece of white cardstock, colored with a Real Red Stampin' Write Marker, cut out, and attached to the frog's hand with adhesive. That's it for the card......too easy!

Who would have thunk it? Someone thinks that I am excellent! Jackie Pedro over at The Scalloped Edge nominated me for this wonderful award.....I am so honored! Thanks so much, Jackie......you ROCK! Now for my nominations.....who to pick? Let's go with these awesome bloggers:

• Amy Sheffer
• Dawn Easton
• Debbie Harris
• Kelly Lundsford
• Lori Tecler
• Natasha Trupp
• Pam Varnell
• Shannan Teubner
• Taylor Usry

Check these ladies out.....you'll love thier stories and creations. Well that's it for today! I hope to see you all again tomorrow, so until then.........Hugs ~ Mercy

Supplies

Stamps: Unfroggetable, Flannel Plaid, Simply Said

Paper: Green Galore, Basic Black, Real Red, Pink Passion, Whisper White

Ink: Black Staz-On, Real Red, Pink Passion

Accessories: adhesive, sponge dauber, scissors, stamp-a-ma-jig, image sheet, ribbon, markers (red and black), colour pencils, mineral spirits, blending stumps, dimensionals, eyelet, crop-a-dile

...Color Challenge #152, Sketch Challenge #162, & An Award

This is my submission for yesterday's Color Challenge and today's Sketch Challenge at SCS. I started with a card base (#1) of Ballet Blue cardstock that measures 8-1/2 X 5-1/2, and when folded to open at the bottom measures 4-1/4 X 5-1/2. The second panel is made up of Basic Black cardstock (5 X 7/8) and Real Red cardstock (3/4 X 4-7/8). The third panel consists of Basic Black cardstock (3-1/2 X 2-1/4) and Apricot Appeal cardstock (3-1/4 X 2). The fourth panel is made up of Basic Black cardstock (3-11/16 X 2) and Whisper White cardstock (3-9/16 X 1-7/8). All images used on this card are from the set "One of a Kind", and were stamped in Staz-On Black Ink unless otherwise noted.

The apricot piece is collage stamped with the three-flower stamp in Apricot Appeal Classic Ink . I used a Stamp-a-ma-jig and an Image Sheet to stamp the sentiment in the bottom right corner of the white focal panel. The small single flower was stamped onto a piece of Vellum Paper, and was punched out using the 1/2" Circle Punch. The large flower was stamped onto white cardstock then watercolored using Aquapainters. The following colors were used to paint the flower: Ballet Blue Classic Ink(center), Apricot Appeal Classic Ink (middle), and Real Red Classic Ink (the petals). Christmas Red Stickles were added to the red petals and allowed to dry. The vellum flower circle was then added to the ballet blue-colored center using SNAIL Adhesive, then a Clear Rhinestone was attached with a Mini Glue Dot to finish it off. The completed flower was cut out using CutterBee Scissors, and attached to the focal panel using Dimensionals. All of the layers were attached to each other with SNAIL Adhesive, then the focal panel was added to the card base using Dimensionals. A Mat Pack and Paper Piercer were used to pierce holes in the card base in order to add the Real Red Brads above the focal panel......simple, simple, simple!

I was awarded the "You Make My Day Award" quite a while back by Vicki (aka basement stamper) at Stamped Smiles. I had forgotten all about it after my mojo went missing...sorry, Vicki! Thank you so much for brightening up my day during a very dark time in my life.....you were an answer to prayer.Well that's it for today! I hope you enjoyed stopping by to see me, and I hope to see you tomorrow with another creation. Until then....Hugs ~ Mercy

Recipe: Stamps: One of a Kind (Stampin' Up!); Paper: Ballet Blue, Basic Black, Real Red, Apricot Appeal, Whisper White, Vellum; Ink: same as paper, Staz-On black; Accessories: adhesive, scissors, mat pack, paper piercer, aquapainters, stamp-a-ma-jig, image sheet, dimensionals, brads, rhinestone, glue dot, stickles

...SC151, CC141, and Another Award?!

This is my submission for yesterday's Color Challenge and today's Sketch Challenge at SCS. The card base is Pretty in Pink and measures 11" X 4-1/4", and it is folded in half to measure 5-1/2" X 4-1/4" opening from the bottom. The green mat is Wild Wasabi cardstock (4-1/4" X 3-7/8") that has been embossed using the Textile Texture Embossing Folder from CuttleBug. I used a Sponge Dauber to accentuate the embossing with Wild Wasabi ink, then matted the wasabi onto a piece of scrap Whisper White cardstock that measures 4" X 4-1/4". This panel is adhered to the pink using SNAIL Adhesive, then the panel is outlined at the top using my Mat Pack and Paper Piercer to pierce the pink card base. I also added three Pearl Crystal Stickers to the bottom right of the card base before moving on to the focal image.

The focal image is from the set Lovely As a Tree, and the sentiment is from the set Hugs & Wishes. They are both stamped in White Craft Ink onto Watercolor Paper, then embossed using Ranger's Seafoam White Embossing Powder and a Heat Gun. I then used a sponge dauber to color the background in Pretty In Pink, then used another dauber to sponge the edges in Wild Wasabi. This focal panel measures 4-1/4" X 2-3/8", and is matted with another scrap piece of Whisper White cardstock that measures 4-1/4" X 2-1/2". The focal panel is attached to the wasabi panel with SNAIL Adhesive also. The card is finished by tying some of the Wild Wasabi Double-Stitched Ribbon around the top of the card base. I also added another Pearl Crystal Sticker to the knot of the ribbon.

That's it for the card, but I have more news...


My kindred spirit sistah friend, Debbie Harris, has honored me with the "Encouraging Blogger Award". You can see her nominees HERE. Every blogger hopes that he/she can encourage and inspire those with whom their creations are shared. I have had the awesome privilege of meeting and making some wonderful and lifelong friends through my blogging experience. You are all a huge encouragement to me, and you all give me the inspiration to continue creating artwork and projects that truly come from my heart and soul. I can never repay you for your faithfulness and kind words...I am so honored to call you all my friends! Thanks again, Debbie...what an honor!

That's all for today! Thanks for stopping by to see me, and I will see you all again tomorrow with a card for the Ways To Use It Challenge! Hugs ~ Mercy

Supplies

Stamps: Lovely As A Tree, Hugs & Wishes

Paper: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Wild Wasabi, watercolor paper

Ink: same as paper, White Craft Ink

Accessories: embossing powder, heat gun, pearls, paper piercer, mat pack, sponge daubers, ribbon

...I Apparently ROCK!

I have been nominated as a "Rockin' Girl Blogger". Thanks to Shannan and Deb for this awesome award! I am so excited to get to post the super cool pink badge on my blog...I just love pink! I hope everyone enjoys visiting my site as much as I enjoy sharing with all of you. It really has been a wonderful experience. I've gotten to know such talented, inspirational ladies since I started a couple of months ago. I can't tell you how excited I was when I saw that I had been nominated! I went to other sites that had been nominated trying to figure out how to get the badge to show up...and there was another surprise! Shannan had my blog listed as one that she reads often...I could have done a back flip if I wasn't afraid of hurting myself (or someone else)! LOL! Shannan, you truly made my day! That's a BIG deal for me! But now it is my turn to nominate five (5) other rockin' blogger chicks! So here we go...

1. Vicki Garrett...I love her cheerful and colorful creations at "Summerthyme Studio". She has also listed me as a blog to check out. Thanks, Vicki! You really do rock!

2. Lindsi Hartley...she has been having problems with a nerve in her arm, so she hasn't been able to stamp as often as she wants, but she has an awesome gallery. Check her out at "Everyday Life of a Stay at Home Stamper".

3. Taylor Usry...Taylor has created cute and quirky work. Take a gander at her stuff at "Musings of an Addict".

4. Jennifer Ofiana...I just recently found Jennifer's blog, and she is one rockin' blogger. She has great cards to share with you all at "Jen's Stampin' Spot".

5. Kristine Reynolds...I love her elegant and crisp artwork. Her designs are flawless. See more at "Stamping and Scrapping in California".

These are all wonderful and talented ladies, so please visit their blogs and give them your support...they all deserve it! There is something for everyone!

STAY TUNED TOMORROW FOR A..."MAGIC CARD"!