…I’m Being CASEd! (CSC21)

Don’t Forget To Check Out My Stamp Sale HERE…Prices Have Been Reduced AGAIN!

Yep…I’m being CASEd, and I’m even CASEing myself!  I was approached by Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) from the CASE Study Challenge Blog a couple of months ago to be the Guest Muse for her January challenges, and I jumped at the opportunity.  Each Thursday they will post an inspirational piece created by me, and will challenge you all to CASE it in some way.  Here’s my new sample:

…and it’s based on this card:

I decided to use the layout from the original sample, but I changed the color palette, the stamps used, and the sentiment placement.  I used “Wonderful Winter Wishes” from There She Goes, stamped the image in Black Ink and colored it with Copic Sketch Markers. Instead of using grass for the image to stand on, I added some Chunky Crystal Crafty Sparkles from Our Craft Lounge instead.  I paired the completed focal panel with some patterned papers from Cosmo Cricket’s Pixie-Licious paper pad along with some White and Plum Pudding Cardstock from PTI.  I Paper Pierced and Distressed the edges of the large green patterned paper panel, then Stitched the crooked strips together before adding them the green panel.  After adding some Ribbon, Silver Pearls, and several Dimensionals the card was complete.  So did I do a good job CASEing myself?  :)

Check out the samples from the rest of the CSC team:

• Iwona Palamountain (Chupa)
• Amy Wanford
• Andrea Ewen
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Jean Martin
• Julie Smith
• Lenet Mos
• Melyssa Connolly
• Sue Kohler

That’s it for me today!  Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to stop by the CASE Study Challenge Blog to see the official rules and linking tools to play along.  I’ll see you all back here tomorrow with another TGF Farm Fresh Friday Challenge, so until then…

…Guess What???

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO SEE MY TGF PREVIEW POST FOR TODAY

Yep…you guessed it!  I’m on the byLORidesigns’ design team!  I’ve always been a HUGE fan of Lori Boyd and her artwork, so when the chance came for me to join her team I JUMPED at it!  I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to help her out when she first asked me to join her other ladies, but she was sweet enough to let me wait to start until December 1st.  I’ll have a couple of Guest DT positions come to an end on November 30th, so I will be able to join these fabulous ladies starting December 1st.  I can’t wait to share my BLD creations with you!

I used “PJ Katie & Grace” for this card along with some patterned papers from BasicGrey’s Pyrus paper pad.  I printed out the wonderful digital image and colored her with Copic Sketch Markers.  The finished focal panel was cut out using a Nesties Die, and I added a ribbon and button treatment that I learned from the sweet, Tori Wild.  After adding some Paper Piercing, Rhinestones, and tons of Dimensionals to card was complete.

That’s it for me today!  Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll see you all back here tomorrow with another installment of Mercy’s Magnificent Musings.  Until then…

C & Co Winter Release Party and Blog Hop

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO SEE MY TGF FARM FRESH FRIDAY POST FOR TODAY

Happy Friday, and Happy Winter Release!  Today Claudia & Company is celebrating this fabulous occasion with a HUGE Blog Hop.  All of the DT members and I will be showing off some of the new images for this winter season designed by the lovely and talented, Lori Boyd!

Here are the cards that I’ve created for today’s hop:

“Puddle Jumpers Winter Ella”

“Puddle Jumpers Winter Landon”

“Puddle Jumpers Party Time Piper”

Now let’s see what the other ladies have in store for you all:

• Claudia & Company Blog
• Sandra
• Tori
• Pam
• Risa
• Shelby
• Krista
• Nicole
• Margie
• Tracy
• Jacquie
• Kim
• Sheri
• Lysa
• Lori
• Shelly
• Kadie
• ME!!!
• Claudia

Enjoy the Hop, and don’t forget to leave a comment (one per person please) at each blog along the hop,  Die Cuts R Us will be giving away a HUGE prize pack to at least one lucky commenter, so you do NOT want to miss out on a shot to be a winner!  That’s it for me today, but I’ll see you back here Sunday with another Mercy’s Magnificent Musings!  Until then…

…Claudia and Company Preview

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO SEE MY ATS WEDNESDAY CHALLENGE FOR TODAY

Yep, you guessed it…I’m the special Guest Designer for Claudia and Company this week!  I was so honored when Claudia approached me to join her fabulous design team for November’s Release, and so I jumped at the opportunity.  The C & Co’s Winter Release Party is getting closer and closer, and we’re inviting you to join us on Friday, November 5th for their biggest release yet.  The company’s two design teams will be coming together for one super blog hop, and I’m also joining in the festivities!  Die Cuts R Us will be providing a wonderful prize pack for at least one lucky hopper!

But today I’m delighted to share a preview with you using one of the new Puddle Jumpers designed by Lori Boyd:

Introducing “Party Piper”

I stamped her and her present in Black Ink, colored them with Copic Sketch Markers, then carefully cut the images out using scissors.  The focal panel was cut out using Nesties and a Big Shot, then I attached the images to the panel tucking the gist behind Piper’s back.  I paired the image with some patterned papers from SU’s Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper pack, then stitched around the edges of the dry embossed Green Galore Cardstock panel.  I also added some piercing around the edges of the large Rose Cardstock panel, and stitched a White Cardstock border to the patterned paper panel.  After adding some Silver Brads, Distressing, and tons of Dimensionals the card was complete.  Isn’t she one sweet little party-goer???

That’s it for me today!  Thanks for stopping by to see me, and I’ll see you back here tomorrow with another Verve Day Thursday creation using some of the new Winter Release sets!  Until then…

…MTSC98 Meets SCRSC17

Hello, everyone!  This is the beginning of a new month, and it is time to welcome a new Guest Muse.  But before we get to that, I wanted to thank Heather Pulvirenti for being such a wonderful addition to the Muses last month.  Week after week she produced gorgeous and inspiring creations.  Thanks for all of your hard work and your friendship, Heather…we’ll miss you!

I also have a very exciting announcement to make as well!  I am November’s Guest Designer for Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps (SCRS), and I’ll be combining my weekly sketch challenges with SCRS’s challenges since they post at the same times…I can’t wait to show off their cute images!  Our challenge today was to use my sketch, so be sure to check out the SCRS Blog for the details and rules.

We said goodbye to last month’s Muse, so it’s time to meet out guest for this month.  Without further adieu, I would like to introduce you to our Guest Muse for November 2010…JODI COLLINS of Stamping a Latte!

Let's get to know a little bit about Jodi in her own words:

“Hi!  My name is Jodi Collins, Kharmagirl on SCS, and I am just THRILLED to be Mercy's Guest Muse for November!  I live on Long Island, New York, with my very supportive husband Chris, and two little girls, Meredith and Avery.  I am totally addicted to ALL things paper crafty, and have the pleasure of stamping just for fun and also for wonderful design teams.  When I am not stamping (which isn't often!), I am working full time as a real estate paralegal, and I am also an avid reader.  Aside from being addicted to paper crafting, I am also somewhat (cough cough) addicted to all things Twilight.  I can't wait to work with the Mercy and her Muses this month!”

This week’s Tuesday Sketch Challenge #98:

My Sample (using “Caroling Josh” from Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps):

Jodi’s Sample:

Let’s see what the Muses have in store for you today:

• Cindy Haffner
• Pam Varnell
• Jackie Pedro
• Julie Lacey
• Jessica Diedrich
• Shannan Teubner
• Jodi Collins (November 2010 Guest Muse)

Now for the SCRS design team:

• Kim Yu
• Laurel Seabrook
• Lisa Hjulberg
• Simonne Clay
• Sparkle Smith (Owner)
• Stephanie Kraft (DT Coordinator)

Now it's your turn! Create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch above, and add your creation using the InLinkz linking system below.  Be sure to use the keyword MTSC98 when uploading to a public gallery.  Be sure that your link works before you leave the sketch post, and I will post “Mercy’s Magnificent Musings” on Sunday!

Happy Stamping!

…Guess What!?!

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO SEE MY TGF “SWEET SEPTEMBER” BLOG HOP POST ALONG WITH TODAY’S ATS CHALLENGE POST

You guessed it!  I have been asked to be a Guest Designer for Our Craft Lounge for the next three months!  I will be joined by Lori McAree and Latrice Murphy for the months of September, October, and November!  I can’t wait to start sharing some OCL creations with you all…so be watching for them!

…New Challenge & An Announcement

As you may have already guessed…I’m designing for the ATS Wednesdays Challenge Blog for All That Scraps!  Every Wednesday the design team will be bringing you new and inventive challenges as well as showcasing some of the wonderful images available at All That Scraps! 

Today’s challenge was to use the colors Aqua, Chocolate, and Kraft!  I chose to use C.C. Designs’ Sugarplum Spring Emma and a sentiment from AmyR Stamps Spring Sentiments for today’s card.  She was stamped in Black Ink and colored with Copic Sketch Markers.  The sentiment was stamped in Black Ink as well onto Kraft Cardstock then punched out with 1” Circle Punch.  I also added a Melon Mambo Cardstock flower using the Trio Flower Punch.  I embossed the Kraft Cardstock panel with a floral embossing folder, and stitched the edges with chocolate thread.  I automatically reached for the Ooh La La For Her paper pack from My Mind’s Eye to go along with the fabulous color combo, and pierced the edges using a Mat Pack and Paper Piercer.  The focal panel was cut using a Classic Circle Nesties Die, and I added some Hawaiian Shores Saddle Stitch Ribbon around the card front.  The card was completed by adding the layers to the Hawaiian Shores Cardstock base.

That’s it for me today!  Be sure to head over to the ATS Wednesdays Challenge Blog and play along with us!  Every week there is a new and exciting prize being offered…but in order to be eligible to win, your card must include a stamp that is sold in the All That Scraps store. Whether it is one of our wonderful in-house designs or from the various other stamp companies that ATS carries, the choice is yours. Then be sure to link up your creation with Mr Linky by next Tuesday at 10pm EST with only one entry per person please! 

Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you back here tomorrow with some CHA stuff and another Verve Day Thursday.  Until then…

…Sirens of the Sea

This month’s releases from All That Scraps are absolutely amazing, and I still have this week and next week to show off the rest of them!

Let me introduce you to a couple of the new characters in the Sweet November Stamps line!  This first card is "Pearl Tidepool” (she also has a little turtle friend included in the set):

....and this is her friend, "Fathom Calmsea" (along with her little sea horse pal) :

 

These are the most beautiful mermaids that I have ever seen, and they are so much fun to color!  I also like that each mermaid has a little sea critter that accompanies her in the stamp set.  Another of my favorites is the “AmyR Stamps Summer Sentiments” set…the perfect match for these stunning beauties!

That's it for me today!  Thanks for stopping by to see me, and I will see you tomorrow for another Verve Day Thursday, and it’s a SNEAK PEEK for one of the JULY RELEASES, so you don’t want to miss it!  Until then...

…Honey, It’s August & Summer

I can’t tell you how much fun I’m having being the June Guest Designer for All That Scraps (ATS)…and boy, did I get in on a GREAT month!  LOL!  I loved each and every little stamping morsel that arrived in my mailbox from Christine…and you will see why again today!

I have been showcasing the June Stamp Release each Wednesday, and today is no different!  But this week I am using the two new “C.C Designs’-Honey” images.  This first card utilizes “Honey Summer” and “AmyR Stamps Summer Sentiments” (by Amy Rysavy).  These little girls are just sweet as can be, and an absolute delight to color!

…and this next one is “Honey August”, and “AmyR Stamps Summer Sentiments” was used again!

So how NUTS are you for these amazing stamps???  Get on over to the ATS Web Store to get the ENTIRE C.C Designs June Release…you won’t regret it!  Head over to the ATS Blog to see my showcase EVERY MONDAY, too!  Go show ‘em a little love! :)

That’s it for me today!  Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll see you tomorrow with another Verve Day Thursday!  Until then…

Supplies for “Have A Groovy Day” ~ Stamps: C.C. Designs Honey Summer, AmyR Summer Sentiments; Papers: Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black, PTI White, Rainbow Sherbet DSP (SU!); Inks: Black Accessories: dimensionals, mat pack, paper piercer, ribbon, sewing machine, nesties, big shot, copics, crystal effects

Supplies for “Thanks” ~ Stamps: C.C. Designs Honey August, AmyR Summer Sentiments; Papers: Melon Berry, Basic Black , PTI White, June Bug DP (BasicGrey); Inks: Black; Accessories: dimensionals, sewing machine, pearls, oval punches, flower punch, brad, copics, ribbon, mat pack, paper piercer

…Summer Fun With ATS

I can’t tell you how much fun I’m having being the June Guest Designer for All That Scraps (ATS)…and boy, did I get in on a GREAT month!  LOL!  I loved each and every little stamping morsel that arrived in my mailbox from Christine…and you will see why again today!

ATS released all  of their June stamps on Monday, and these two cards were made using three of the sets.  This first card showcases “Sweet November Darby & Skip” (by Amy Young) and “AmyR Stamps Summer Sentiments” (by Amy Rysavy).  I LOVE these tall little ladies along with little critters!

…and this is “Sweet November Penelope & Shelly”, and “AmyR Stamps Summer Sentiments” was used again!

So how GAGA are you for these amazing stamps now???  Get on over to the ATS Web Store to get the ENTIRE C.C Designs June Release…you won’t regret it!  Head over to the ATS Blog to see my showcase EVERY MONDAY, too!  Go show ‘em a little love! :)

That’s it for me today!  Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll see you tomorrow with another Verve Day Thursday!  Until then…

Supplies for “Happy Summer” ~ Stamps: Darby & Skip, AmyR Summer Sentiments (All That Scraps-C.C. Designs); Papers: Brilliant Blue, PTI Kraft, PTI White, Be Loved DP (My Mind’s Eye); Inks: Black; Accessories: copics, dimensionals, mat pack, paper piercer, sewing machine, embossing folder, scissors, nesties, big shot, oval punch, rhinestones

Supplies for “Friends To The End” ~ Stamps: Penelope & Shelly, AmyR Summer Sentiments (All That Scraps-C.C. Designs); Papers: Pumpkin Pie, PTI Kraft, PTI White, Tall Tales DP (SU!); Inks: Black; Accessories: copics, dimensionals, mat pack, paper piercer, nesties, big shot, scissors, circle punch, rhinestones

...I'm A Guest Designer For ATS

Please scroll down to see my TGF Roll Call cards for today...thanks! :)

I am so excited to announce that I am the Guest Designer for All That Scraps this month!  You all know how much I love this store, the owners, and their stamps....so I was thrilled beyond belief when I received an email from Amy Rysavy asking me if I was interested in the DT stint.  My answer was a resounding "YES"!  LOL!  I was even more thrilled when my shipment of goodies arrived at my house...it was like Christmas! :)  There were TEN sets included in the package.......6 Sweet November Stamps (designed by my sweet friend, Amy Young), 2 C.C. Designs "Honey" stamps, and 2 AmyR sentiment sets!

Since I will be the Guest Designer for the whole month of June,  I will be dedicating Each Wednesday as ATS Day!  I will be sharing a couple of samples each week to show off these extraordinary sets!  You can also hop over to the ATS Blog to check out samples and more details concerning these sets each Monday of this month.

Let me introduce you to a couple of the new characters in the Sweet November Stamps line!  I am privileged to introduce you, first, to a little mermaid named "Coral Reefweaver" (she also has a little fishy friend included in the set):

....and her friends, "Treasure Tempestwind and Eddy":

Aren't these mermaids just wonderful?!?  Each mermaid is accompanied by an ocean-dwelling friend in each set, and Amy Rysavy's new sentiment set "Summer Sentiments" coordinate perfectly with all of these splendid images!

That's it for me today!  Thanks for stopping by to see me, and I will see you tomorrow for another Verve Day Thursday!  Until then...

Supplies For "You're Fin-tabulous!"

Stamps: Coral Reefweaver & Moki, Summer Sentiments (All That Scraps-C.C. Designs)

Papers: Kraft, Old Olive, PTI White, Offbeat DP (BasicGrey)

Inks:  Black

Accessories:  copics, dimensionals, mat pack, paper piercer, border punch, pearls, ribbon, nesties, blig shot, scissors

Supplies for "Smile"

Stamps:  Treasure Tempestwind & Eddy (All That Scraps-C.C. Designs)

Papers:  Pale Plum, Elegant Eggplant, PTI White, Eva DP (BasicGrey)

Inks:  Black, Pale Plum

Accessories:  copics, pearls, sewing machine, dimensionals, nesties, big shot, scissors

...TGF Preview & An Announcement

Please scroll down to the next post see this week's edition of Verve Day Thursday!

It's Preview Day over at the The Greeting Farm Blog, but I have a very special announcement to make before we get started.  I am so excited and proud to announce that I am now a TGF Farmer!  WHOOHOO!  I have enjoyed being a part of the Guest Design Team (Gardeners) in the past, and I've had such fun being a Critter Crew member as well.  And now I can't wait to join the other fantabulous Farmers each week creating samples with all of the wonderful releases...I am on Cloud Nine, people! :)  Special thanks to Jessica and Marie for giving me this opportunity.  I love their images, their company, and their friendship...thanks, ladies!  I also wanted to say goodbye to Cheryl Walker, who will be leaving the team.  She has always been so sweet and gracious, and I am truly going to miss her!  Hugs to you, Cheryl!

Now for the preview!  Today we are showcasing this precious grandparents set called "Grammie and Gramps", which will be released on May 1st.  Marie has totally been outdoing herself with these new characters, and these senior members are no exception!  I stamped the images in Black Ink onto PTI White Cardstock, and colored them with Copic Sketch Markers.  I paired the splendid seniors with some patterned paper from Cosmo Cricket's Early Bird paper pad.  Some stitching, piercing, and a Corduroy Button with Linen Thread completed the card.

Let's see what the other Farmers have created with this sweet set:

• Jessica Diedrich
• Cindy Haffner
• Kadie Ensley
• Mary Giles
• Melyssa Connolly
• Randi Wall
• Kim Nath

Would you like a chance to win the "Grammie and Gramps" stamp set?  Simply go to the TGF Blog and leave a comment on the preview post.  One lucky commenter will receive this new set for FREE!

That's it for today!  Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you back here tomorrow with a Farm Fresh Friday Challenge and another preview!  Until then...

Supplies

Stamps:  Grammy and Gramps (The Greeting Farm)

Papers:  Real Red, Chocolate Chip, PTI White, PTI Cream, Early Bird DP (Cosmo Cricket)

Inks:  Black, Sahara Sand

Accessories:  dimensionals, mat pack, paper piercer, sewing machine, sponge dauber, nesties, big shot, word window punch, corduroy button, cream twine, mini glue dot, copics (0, E00, 00, 11, 25, 27, 29, 50, 51, 53, R21, 22, 24, 27, BG72, 75, 78, N0, 2, 4)

...Where Did She Go?

THERE SHE GOES! Yep...you guessed it! I have been asked to join the phenomenal junior design team at There She Goes...I am now a Trendsetter!

I can't begin to tell you how excited I was when Jessica contacted me about becoming a part of the Trendsetters. This group boasts some amazing and "big name" designers, gorgeous card samples each month, and stamps that are easy and fun to use! I will be joining the team from now until August, and can't wait to share sneak peeks, previews, and challenges with you during my term.

Let me introduce you to the rest of the beloved TSG designers:

• Jessica Knutsen (Owner, Illustrator, and DT Coordinator)
• Holly McMillen (Senior DT)
• Jessie Knight (Senior DT)
• Jodi Collins (Senior DT)
• Sandra McLean (Senior DT)
• Danielle Lounds (Junior DT)
• Donna Wardle (Junior DT)
• Heather Pulvirenti (Junior DT)
• Kim Teasdale (Junior DT)
• Lisa Henke (Junior DT)
• ME!!!!!! (Junior DT)
• Pam Varnell (Junior DT)
• Chris Dark (Illustrator-new)

That's it for now! Be sure to run over to the There She Goes Blog to meet the rest of the new Trendsetters, and I will see you later on today with the announcement of the BLOG CANDY WINNER. Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: ROFL Taglines (There She Goes)

Papers: Tangerine Tango, Soft Suede, PTI White, Carnival Ride DP (Scrap Within Reach)

Inks: Black

Accessories: copics, nesties, big shot, dimensionals, mat pack, paper piercer, sewing machine, brads, border punch, ribbon

...Be Inspired Challenge #68

This is my last sample as the January Guest Designer for the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog. This one is for the Be Inspired Challenge #68. We were to create a vintage card, but I'm not really a "vintage" type of girl...so I created a card that was my kind of vintage. Whatcha think? I used the patterned papers from the 6X6 Early Bird Pad from Cosmo Cricket along with a couple of Verve Stamps... "Be Mine" Plain Jane and "Heart's Desire". I love how all of the colors look against the Kraft Cardstock base!

That's it for me today! Thanks for stopping by to see me, and I will see you back here tomorrow with a Sneak Peek at an upcoming release from The Greeting Farm! Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: Heart's Desire, Be Mine (Verve)

Papers: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Early Bird DP (Cosmo Cricket)

Inks: Sahara Sand, Riding Hood Red

Accessories: distressing tool, sponge, spiral punch, circle piercing guide, paper piercer, mat pack, dimensionals, cuttlebug embossing folders (mandarin screen, japanese scales), sewing machine, apron lace border punch, nesties, big shot, heart punch, rope twine

...Be Inspired Challenge #67

Happy Wednesday! I am having such a great time being the January Guest Designer for the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog, and this is my sample for today's Be Inspired Challenge #67. I am in L-O-V-E with the new Verve set "Love Monkey"...can you tell? LOL! I reached for my new pack of BasicGrey's Nook & Pantry patterned papers for inspiration, and came out with this rust, chocolate, and white combination. The chocolate horizontal panel was embossed with the Cuttlebug Mandarin Screen Embossing Folder, but the orange rectangular piece under the focal panel was embossed using the Cuttlebug Japanese Scales Embossing Folder. I am loving these new embossing folders, too...you will definitely see more of them!

That's it for me today! Be sure to hop over to the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog to see the other design team members' pieces of art...those ladies are so flippin' talented! Thanks for stopping by to see me today, and I will see you tomorrow with another Verve creation! Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: Love Monkey (Verve)

Papers: sand, chocolate, melon, durango, white, watercolor, Nook & Pantry DP (BasicGrey)

Inks: chocolate, caramel, cocoa, melon, durango

Accessories: CB embossing folders (Mandarin Screen, Japanese Scales), border punch, dimensionals, mat pack, paper piercer, circle piercing template, distressing tool, scallop oval punch, large oval punch, heart punch, nesties, big shot, clear ep, heat gun, aquapainter, scissors