…Mercy’s Tuesday Sketch Challenge #103 (MTSC103)

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 Jodi Collins 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, Jodi…we’ll miss you!  I do not have a card for this week because I was celebrating my birthday with my family, so I’ll be back with something for you next week.

As we say goodbye to last month’s Muse, it’s time to meet out guest for this month.  Without further adieu, I would like to introduce you to our Guest Muse for December 2010…STEPHANIE KRAFT of Handcrafted By Stephanie!

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

“Hi! My name is Stephanie Kraft, and I'm so honored to be Mercy's Guest Muse! I'm a Stay At Home Mom to a sweet and sassy 7-year-old daughter, Sabrina, and wife to a very supportive husband (and tolerant of my paper crafting obsession!), Dan. I'm a California native, though we've lived in Phoenix, Arizona for the last 10 years. I love all things paper crafting -- stamping, card making and scrapbooking and love to make handmade gifts for friends and family. Through this hobby, I've met some wonderful friends and am blessed to work with some great companies. I love a good sketch and am looking forward to working with Mercy and her Muses this month!”

Now for this week’s sketch:

Stephanie Kraft’s Sample:

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

• Cindy Haffner
• Jackie Pedro
• Pam Varnell
• Julie Lacey 
• Crystal Birr
• Stephanie Kraft (December 2010 Guest Muse)

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 MTSC103 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!

…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!

…Mercy’s Tuesday Sketch Challenge #94 (MTSC94)

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 Lori Tecler 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, Lori…we’ll miss you!

We are also saying goodbye to a couple of our precious Muses, Pam Speidel and Crystal Birr.  They have been with us forever and we are so sad to see them go…but we also understand that there are more important things that take precedence sometimes.  We love you both, and we wish you nothing but good luck in all of your future endeavors!

And without further adieu, I would like to introduce you to our Guest Muse for October 2010…HEATHER PULVIRENTI of Witty Title Here!

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

“My name is Heather Pulvirenti, though most people know me in the blogosphere as Heather P. I was born in England, and have spent most of my life in the US (in Maryland and Virginia), except for the four years we lived in Canberra, Australia (my mom was career Air Force). I would love to go back and visit Australia again one day, I just need to figure out how to convince my hubby to withstand the 14+ hour plane ride. *smiles* I currently live in Columbia, MD with my husband Jason, and our 5 1/2 year old daughter Lindsay.”

Now for this week’s Tuesday Sketch Challenge #94:

My Sample (using “C.C. Designs Sweet November Baby Trick Or Treat Witch” from All That Scraps…sorry for the blurry picture!  My camera went crazy, so I had to take it with my phone):

Heather Pulvirenti’s Sample:

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

• Cindy Haffner
• Pam Varnell
• Jackie Pedro
• Julie Lacey
• Jessica Diedrich
• Heather Pulvirenti (October 2010 Guest Muse)

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 MTSC94 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!

…Mercy’s Tuesday Sketch Challenge #90 (MTSC90)

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 Angela Thomas 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, Angela…we’ll miss you!

So without further adieu, I would like to introduce you to our Guest Muse for September, Lori Tecler of Inking Aloud!

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

“Hi, everyone!  I'm so honored to be joining the super-talented Muses for the month of September!  A little about me--I usually describe myself as a kindergarten teacher even though I left the classroom several years ago to work in the early childhood office of a large school system in the Washington, DC suburbs.  At night, I come home to my adorable and very active golden-doodle puppy, known as Chloe the cutie puppy.  We're still working on establishing who's the boss--LOL!   I stamp at night in between walking and entertaining her.  I've been stamping for about 7 years now and consider myself lucky to have to worked with, met, and become friends with so many fabulous people that share the very same obsession.”

Now for this week’s Tuesday Sketch Challenge #90:

My Sample (using “Little Loveosaurus” from My Favorite Things):

Lori Tecler’s Sample:

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

• Pam Speidel
• Cindy Haffner
• Pam Varnell
• Crystal Birr
• Jackie Pedro
• Julie Lacey
• Jessica Diedrich
• Lori Tecler (September 2010 Guest Muse)

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 MTSC90 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!

…Mercy’s Tuesday Sketch Challenge #85 (MTSC85)

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 Peggy McCurry for being such a wonderfully talented 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, Peggy…we’ll miss you!

I would like to introduce you to our Guest Muse for August, Angela Thomas of Sparkle and Bling!

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

“Hi there!!! Can I just say how excited I am to be Mercy’s Guest Muse this month??? I’m playing with some of the most amazing stampers out there!!! I’ve been stamping for about 4 years now after attending a Stampin’ Up party and then convincing my best friend, Kim Teasdale that we needed to make my wedding invitations. I never thought that my obsession with stamps, designer paper, ribbon and all things with “Sparkle and Bling” would turn into becoming a member of a couple design teams. I’ve met some of the most amazing people through cardmaking and love being able to share my creativity with others. I’m looking forward to spending this month creating alongside some of my stamping idols!!”

Now for this week’s Tuesday Sketch Challenge #85:

My Sample (using “Bee Happy” by There She Goes):

Angela Thomas’s Sample:

Now let’s see what the Muses have in store for us today:

• Pam Speidel
• Cindy Haffner
• Pam Varnell
• Crystal Birr
• Julie Lacey
• Jackie Pedro
• Jessica Diedrich
• Angela Thomas (August 2010 Guest Muse)

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 MTSC85 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!

…Mercy’s Tuesday Sketch Challenge #81 (MTSC81)

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It's the first challenge of the month, so that means we have a new guest designer!  I was so thrilled when this stamper (and avid MTSC participant) agreed to grace us with her weekly creations throughout the month of July.  I'm so happy to introduce you to my sweet friend....Peggy McCurry, of Artfull Journey!

Let's get to know a little but about Peggy in her own words:

“Hi!
I am a full time, work outside the home, professional during the day, and a crafter by night. I have been stamping for about seven years now and am still "defining my style". I love Copics and Ribbon! I share my life with my beautiful daughter, my sweetheart professional bowler, a mini poodle and a cat. When I am not stamping, you will find me bowling, reading or being a beach bum. I am so excited to be a Guest Muse for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenges!”

My Sample (using “A Drink A Day” from There She Goes):

Peggy McCurry’s Sample:

Now let’s see what the Muses have in store for us today:

• Pam Speidel
• Cindy Haffner
• Pam Varnell
• Crystal Birr
• Julie Lacey
• Jackie Pedro
• Jessica Diedrich
• Peggy McCurry (July 2010 Guest Muse)

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 MTSC81 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!

...Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #76 (MTSC76)

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It's the first challenge of the month, so that means we have a new guest designer!  I was so thrilled when this stamper (and stamp designer) agreed to grace us with her weekly creations throughout the month of June.  I'm so happy to introduce you to my sweet friend and "boss lady"....Jessica Knutsen, of There She Goes!

Let's get to know a little but about Jessica in her own words:

"I am the owner and designer for There She Goes Clear Stamps.  I am also a wife, stay-at-home mom of three girls, friend, business owner, graphic designer, facilitator, manager, banker, accountant, computer coding novice, shipping consultant, secretary, nurse, organizer, domestic goddess, chef, maid, crafter, customer service  representative, published artist, photographer, and many other things that I manage to fit into a 24-hour day! :)  I am so happy to be joining Mercy and her talented Muses for the month of June! Mercy is great at designing new and fun sketches that keep the creativity flowing."

Now for this week's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #76:

My Sample (using "Roll Call" from The Greeting Farm):

Jessica Knutsen's Sample:

Now let's see what the Muses have in store for you today:

• Pam Speidel
• Cindy Haffner
• Pam Varnell
• Julie Lacey
• Jackie Pedro
• Jessica Diedrich
• Jessica Knutsen (June 2010 Guest Muse)

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 MTSC76 when uploading to a public gallery.  ***I will be closing out the challenges at MIDNIGHT each Saturday, then will be posting my "FAVE FIVE" on Sunday from here on out....so be sure that your link works before you leave the sketch post.

On top of the wonderful happenings going on around here, my sketch is being featured today on the  ColourQ blog along with their regular weekly color challenge if you'd like to play along!  Here is the color combo for this week:

Happy Stamping...and Good Luck!

...Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #72 (MTSC72)

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It's the first challenge of the month, so that means we also have a new guest designer!  I am so happy that May's Guest Muse decided to grace us with her creations...and you will be, too!  Her clean and simple layouts are just extraordinary, and just wait until you see her hand-carved stamps!  So without further ado...I am happy to introduce my sweet friend and stamp creator......Yoshie Nakagaki (aka Torico)!

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

"Hello everyone! I'm Torico. I live in Japan. I'm so thrilled to spend this month with Mercy and her super-talented Muses! 

I've been carving rubber stamps for about 4 years, and started card making with my own stamps in 2009. Stamp carving is a very popular hobby in Japan, and I spend almost all of my spare time doing it.  The first exhibition of my stamps was held from January to February this year in Hong Kong.  

When Mercy asked me to be a Guest Muse, I was so surprised and hesitated because I wondered if I deserved it. But I thought that it would be a good chance to let you know about hand-carved stamps. I hope you enjoy my stamps and sample cards for this month's MTSC!"

Now for this Tuesday's Sketch Challenge #72:

My Sample (using "Totally Rad" and "Hibiscus" from Verve Stamps):

Torico's Sample:

Now let's see what the Muses have in store for you today:

• Pam Speidel
• Cindy Haffner
• Pam Varnell
• Julie Lacey
• Jackie Pedro
• Jessica Diedrich
• Torico (May 2010 Guest Muse)

Now it's your turn! Create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch above, and link your creation below in Mister Linky. Be sure to use the keyword MTSC72 when uploading to a public gallery.

Happy Stamping!

...Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #68 (MTSC68)

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It's the first challenge of the month, so that means we also have a new guest designer!  I am so honored that April's Guest Muse has taken time out of her extremely busy schedule to grace us with her creations.  So without further ado...I am so happy to introduce my sweet friend and stamping mentor......DEBBIE OLSON!

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

"I live in the pristine Upper Peninsula of Michigan with my husband (who is incredibly tolerant of my many creative pursuits) and my fabulous ten-year-old son. My paper and ink obsession blossomed when I began my paper crafting blog Thinking Inking in September 2006.  I have been blessed since then to work for several paper crafting companies, and never lacked in an abundance of raw materials for creativity. I enjoy card making primarily, but also have fun with mini albums and altered art on occasion as well. When I'm not creating, blogging, or working on publication assignments, I'm home schooling; it makes for a full and interesting life!"

Now for this week's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #68:

My Sample (Lulu Doll -free digital stamp by Bugaboo Stamps):

Debbie Olson's Sample:

Let's see what the other Muses have for us to drool over today:

• Pam Speidel
• Cindy Haffner
• Pam Varnell
• Julie Lacey
• Crystal Birr
• Jackie Pedro
• Jessica Diedrich ...will be posting later
• Shannan Teubner ...may not post this week
• Debbie Olson (April 2010 Guest Muse)

Now it's your turn! Create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch above, and link your creation below in Mister Linky. Be sure to use the keyword MTSC68 when uploading to a public gallery!

Happy Stamping!

...Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #63 (MTSC63)

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It's the first challenge of the month, so that means we also have a new guest designer! But before I announce the lucky lady, I need to answer a question about my sample for last week. I have been asked by several people about the image that I used on last week's sample. I used the digital image from All That Scraps called "Baby Bunny Chick" designed by Amy Young for her Sweet November stamp line as part of C.C. Designs. It is also available in rubber. Go check them out...there are several to choose from.

On to our special guest! Hold on to your hats, because this guest is going to take you for a ride with her breezy and cheerful designs! I am so happy to introduce my friend and March's Guest Muse (and one of my favorite Canadians! LOL!)......DAWN EASTON!
Let's get to know a little about Dawn in her own words:

"Hello! I was so excited when Mercy asked me to be a guest Muse for the month of March! I remember when she asked me sometime ago and it seemed like forever away and then last week I realized, yikes it's almost March! LOL! I'm a 38 year wife and mother who recently just went back to work full time after a 10 year absence. It's been a little bit of an adjustment but I think I've finally found a balance between everything. Stamping is something I enjoy doing daily, if time allows. Thanks for inviting me, Mercy!"

Now for this week's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #63:
My Sample (and pic of Copics used):

Dawn Easton's Sample:

Let's see what the other Muses have for us to drool over today:

• Pam Speidel
• Cindy Haffner
• Pam Varnell
• Julie Lacey
• Crystal Birr
• Jackie Pedro
• Jessica Diedrich
• Shannan Teubner...will not be posting for a while, but please take a moment to go by to see and encourage her
• Dawn Easton (March 2010 Guest Muse)

Now it's your turn! Create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch above, and link your creation below in Mister Linky. Be sure to use the keyword MTSC63 when uploading to a public gallery!

Happy Stamping!

...Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #50 (MTSC50)

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It's sketch challenge time again, but I have a couple of announcements to make before we get started. First up, I have a new sponsor for this month's sketches!

Beth Schultz, from StampInsanity, contacted me a while ago to see about sponsoring the sketches for December...and I was so thrilled...especially when I saw her images! They are so fun and so easy to work with! I am a huge fan of high-quality red rubber stamps and/or acrylic stamps...and these deeply-etched red rubber stamps are WONDERFUL! Thanks for the sponsorship, Beth! Now be sure to stop by her store, and show her some love!

As you already know, each month a "Guest Muse" is featured, and they create samples for each sketch during their month. This month's lucky lady is none other than my sweet Yankee friend, Jessie Knight of Can You Say Addicted To Stamps? I had the privilege of meeting this sweet and goofy woman a couple of months back when we got together for a weekend of stamping, laughing, and eating. I fell in love with her spirit and personality immediately...it was as if we had known each other forever...kindred spirits.

Now it's time for you all to get to know a few things about her...in her own words:

"Hi everyone!! I am thrilled to be December's Guest Muse for my dear friend Mercy!! It is an honor to be a guest for her and to work along side all the AMAZINGLY talented Muses!! A little about me....I am a 31 yrs old and I live in Carmi, Illinois. I work as a manager for a local convenient store chain, as well as working part time for the USPS. I have been stamping since 2001, but didn't really get hooked until 2007 when I took a break from work and decided to check out the daily challenges on SCS....and the rest is history. Although I don't have as much time as I used to, I still love to stamp, and it is my way of staying sane!! Well, sort of....."

Now for this Tuesday's Sketch #50:

My Sample:
Jessie Knight's Sample:
Now let's see what the other Muses have created for our viewing pleasure today:

• Pam Speidel
• Cindy Haffner
• Pam Varnell
• Julie Lacey
• Crystal Birr
• Jackie Pedro
• Jessica Diedrich
• Shannan Teubner
• Jessie Knight (December Guest Muse)

Now it's your turn! Create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch above, and link your creation below in Mister Linky. Be sure to use the keyword MTSC50 when uploading to a public gallery! I also have a surprise for one lucky participant this week! A random winner will receive the "Morgan's Star" stamp set from StampInsanity for FREE! We will announce the winner along with next Tuesday's Sketch Challenge.

Good Luck & Happy Stamping!

...Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #46 (MTSC46)

Happy Tuesday, everyone! You know what that means...it's time for another Tuesday Sketch Challenge, and this week I have a couple of special treats for you! First off, I am pleased to announce that our sketch for this week is sponsored by Whimsie Doodles Stamps! We will be showcasing one of the new digital stamps from their new "Muffin Tops" line called "Muffin For Christmas". Special thanks to Melyssa for the sponsorship and digital images...we love these images, girl! Please stop by the store and show them some love!

And as you already know, each month I am be featuring a "Guest Muse" who will be creating a sample for each of the sketches during their designated month. This month's lucky guest is none other than my friend from across the big pond, Vivienne Holden of Crafting Haven!

Here are a few things you may want to know about Viv from the lady herself:

"Hi everyone, I'm Viv. (Vivienne is for when I get told off)! I took up cardmaking about 5 years ago and millions of pounds later, am still as addicted as ever! LOL! I love stamping and colouring images with my Copics or Promarkers. I don't really have a style, unless you can call 'eclectic' a style. I'm so pleased and proud to be asked by Mercy to be her November Muse, and working alongside some wonderful old friends again (And now some new ones, too)."

Now for this Tuesday's Sketch #46:

My Sample (Outside & Inside) :

Viv Holden's Sample :

Now let's see what the other Muses have created for our viewing pleasure today:

• Pam Speidel
• Cindy Haffner
• Pam Varnell
• Julie Lacey
• Crystal Birr
• Jackie Pedro
• Jessica Diedrich
• Viv Holden (November Guest Muse)

Now it's your turn! Create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch above, and link your creation below in Mister Linky. Be sure to use the keyword MTSC46 when uploading to a public gallery! I also have a surprise for one lucky participant this week! A random winner will be receiving the "Muffin For Christmas" Digi Set from Whimsie Doodles Stamps for FREE! We will announce the winner along with next Tuesday's Sketch Challenge.

Good Luck & Happy Stamping!