...Just A Note

This is another card I've created with one of the January releases from Verve Stamps. I received BasicGrey's Black Tie paper pack, and knew I wanted to use "Accent Notes" with it! The papers have little accents of color throughout several of the pieces, so I decided to bring out the steely turquoise for this card. I colored the flourish with a Bermuda Bay Marker, but accented the rest of the card with white stitching and white pearls. Whatcha think?

That's it for me today! Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you tomorrow with a project for The Greeting Farm Blog Hop! Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: Accent Notes (Verve)

Papers: Sahara Sand, Basic Black, Black Tie DP (BasicGrey)

Inks: Tuxedo Black, Sahara Sand

Accessories: sewing machine, dimensionals, MS border punch, circle punches, distressing tool, sponge, bermuda marker, white pearls, nesties, big shot

...Crazy 4 Lollipops (C4C22)

Happy Saturday! It's time for another "crazy" challenge at the Crazy 4 Challenges Blog, and Lori Boyd has been rocking out the challenges this month! This week you're asked to use LOLLIPOPS in your creation...you can use actual lollipops, or one of Lori's gorgeous images from her Lollipop Collection. I chose to use this sweet "Lolli" image from our sponsor company, The Greeting Farm, and watercolored her with ink pads and an Aquapainter. The sentiment was from Verve Stamps' set "Sweet Valentine", and was punched out with the Word Window Punch. I added a splash of color by using some patterned papers from BasicGrey's Fusion paper pack...LOVE the purples, greens, and oranges in this pack!

Now let's see what the rest of the design team have created for you to peruse:

• Barbara Anders
• Cindy Haffner
• Frances Byrne
• Jessica Diedrich
• Jessie Rone
• Joanne Grzelak
• Joycelyn Turner
• Lori Boyd
• Lynda Benden
• Robin Willis
• Vicki Garrett

That's it for today! Thanks for stopping by to see me today. Now it's your turn to create a card or project using LOLLIPOPS, and share it with us. Be sure to add your creation to Mister Linky back at the Crazy 4 Challenges Blog post...we can't wait to see what you come up with! Until later...

Supplies

Stamps: Lolli (The Greeting Farm), Sweet Valentine (Verve)

Papers: Sahara Sand, Pumpkin Pie, Summer Sun, Whisper White, Watercolor, Fusion DP (BasicGrey)

Inks: Blush Blossom, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Cameo Coral, Lavender Lace, Perfect Plum, Pumpkin Pie, Dusty Durango, Certainly Celery, Green Galore, Riding Hood Red, Summer Sun

Accessories: dimensionals, distressing tool, sewing machine, mat pack, paper piercer, nesties, big shot, clear ep, heat gun, aquapainter, scissors, glaze pen, word window punch, apron lace border punch, sponge

...Monochromatic Madness

Happy Friday! It's Farm Fresh Friday time again at The Greeting Farm Blog, and this week's challenge is Monochromatic Madness! We are celebrating the new release coming out next month byMarina Neira, and this is her set called "Sweet Tooth". I watercolored the image, and matched it up with some patterned papers from Cosmo Cricket's Hello Sunshine paper pad. I used some rhinestone flourished on two of the corners, added some piercing around the circular panel, and stitched around all four sides of the card base to finish off the card.

Now let's see what the rest of the design team members have up their sleeves for today's challenge:

• Jessica Diedrich
• Cindy Haffner
• Cheryl Walker
• Kadie Ensley
• Mary Giles
• Melyssa Connolly
• Randi Wall
• Kim Nath
• Sandra MacLean
• Sparkle Smith

That's it for me today! Thanks for stopping by to see me, and I will see you back here tomorrow with a creation for Crazy 4 Challenges! Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: Sweet Tooth (The Greeting Farm)

Papers: Kraft, Basic Black, Green Galore, Watercolor, Hello Sunshine (Cosmo Cricket)

Inks: Graphite Black, Blush Blossom, Creamy Caramel, Cameo Coral, Close to Cocoa, Certainly Celery, Green Galore, Melon Mambo, Basic Gray, Sahara Sand

Accessories: sponge dauber, sewing machine, rhinestone flourish, mat pack, paper piercer, circle piercing guide, dimensionals, distressing tool, border punch, oval punches, nesties, big shot, clear ep, heat gun, aquapainter, liquid applique

...New Critters Sneak Peek

Hello everyone! The Greeting Farm is HOPPIN' this week, and we have all come down with DIGI-fever! In addition to an AMAZING rubber release on February 1st (and a surprise coming around Valentine's Day), TGF welcomes a few new kids on the block this month...and even a few new Critters, too! We will be previewing a new stamp set tomorrow, but today is dedicated to the new digital stamps. Don't forget to "HOP" on over to the Club Anya Blog today for a sneak peek of what's coming! You may remember this certain digital stamp that will be offered in rubber (wink wink!)! I can hear the pitter-patter of excited little feet RIGHT NOW!

Today, the Critter Crew is welcoming three new dynamite digis by Marina Neira...and these Critters just might be the CUTEST in the CREW! It is my pleasure to introduce to you one of Marina's new digis called..."Maggie Cleaning". I paired this precious image with some papers from Amy Butler's Faded China paper pad from K & Company, and colored her with Copic Sketch Markers.

Be sure to check out the amazing samples from the rest of the Critter Crew, and the TGF Farmers as they are also debuting a new DIGI line today from Jessica Hymas:

• Jessica Diedrich
• Cindy Haffner
• Cheryl Walker
• Kadie Ensley
• Mary Giles
• Melyssa Connolly
• Randi Wall
• Kim Nath
• Sandra MacLean
• Sparkle Smith

Are you making your list and checking it twice? Be sure to save some room on that list, because we'll be back tomorrow with even MORE! That's it for me today! Thanks for stopping by to see me, and until later...

Supplies

Stamps: Maggie Cleaning, Fairy Tales (Verve)

Papers: Sahara Sand, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Amy Butler's Faded China ( K & Company)

Inks: Tuxedo Black (Momento)

Accessories: mat pack, paper piercer, distressing tool, brads, sewing machine, copics, scissors, crystal effects, glaze pen, dimensionals

...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

...Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #58 (MTSC58)

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It's time for another sketch challenge, and I want to jump right into it...but I have one thing to say before we do. I wanted to thank our January Guest Muse, Vicki Burdick, for being such a wonderful guest designer. She was always ahead of the game, and showcased some gorgeous samples each week. I am so sad to see you go, Vicki! Thanks for starting out this New Year with a BANG!

Now for this week's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #58:
My Sample...not flipped! LOL!:
Vicki Burdick's Sample:

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

• Cindy Haffner
• Pam Speidel
• Pam Varnell
• Julie Lacey
• Crystal Birr
• Jessica Diedrich
• Shannan Teubner
• Vicki Burdick (January 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 MTSC58 when uploading to a public gallery!

Happy Stamping!

...Paper Flower Tutorial

You asked for it, so here it is! There are probably other tutorials that show the "right way" to create these paper flowers, but after a whole lot of trial-and-error...this is the way I wound up doing it. The pictures are posted below the supply list and step-by-step instructions...Enjoy!

Supplies Needed:

Patterned Paper (I used the Esther's Guest List pack by KaiserScrapbook)

Paper Piercer

Piercing Pad (optional)

Brad

Scallop Circle Punch

Step One: Punch ten (10) scalloped circles from the patterned paper of your choice.
Step Two: Crinkle each scalloped circle until they are tightly packed.

Step Three: Unfold each scalloped circle.

Step Four: Stack each circle on top of each other, then pierce the center with a paper piercer...be sure to pierce all the way through the bottom of the circle stack.

Step Five: Stick a brad through each layer, and secure the brad of the bottom.

Step Six: Fold each layer up tightly one layer at a time...be sure to get the first layer super-tight as seen below

Step Seven: Continue folding the layers until they look like this...

Step Eight: Starting with the bottom circle, unfold each layer loosely to create your flower blossom.

Optional Effects:

• Spray the completed flower with Glimmer Mist that coordinates with the patterned papers, and heat set with a heating tool. This makes the flower sparkle, and also makes it hard. This tip was past on to me by my sweet friend, Susan Liles...thanks, Susie! :)
• You can also open the flower up more to expose the inside of the the "blossom"(as seen below), but I recommend using a larger brad or a button for the centers instead of a small brad.

That's it for me today! If you decide to use this tutorial to create a flower for one of your own projects, please leave a comment here...I would love to see how yours turn out! Thanks for stopping by to see me, and I will see you back here tomorrow with another Tuesday Sketch Challenge. Until then...

...Celebrating You

Here's another card using one of the new releases from Verve Stamps called "Celebrating You". I created a patchwork focal panel with assorted pieces of patterned papers from the Wild Wasabi pack by K & Company. I stamped the sentiment under the patchwork panel, sponged the sides of the Kraft Cardstock base, then stamped the flourish from the set onto a piece of Watercolor Paper. I colored the flourish with an Aquapainter, then cut it out to use as a leaf with the paper flower. Do you like the flower on this one? I was asked a few days ago to write-up a tutorial on making these flowers, would you like that? If so, I will work on getting that tutorial posted on the blog for you all tomorrow.

That's it for me today! I spent most of the day yesterday cleaning carpets, cleaning laundry, and picking up the house. Today is devoted to shopping...Sportsman's Warehouse, Earth Fare, and Wal-Mart. I'm also hoping I can talk the hubby into going to see Avatar in 3-D again! LOL! Thanks for stopping to see me, and I will see you all tomorrow with either a card or a tutorial. Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: Celebrating You (Verve)

Papers: Kraft, Watercolor, Wild Wasabi DP (K & Company)

Inks: Sage, Brown, Red, Sand

Accessories: scallop circle punch, brad, mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals, aquapainter, rhinestones, distressing tool, sponge, scissors

...Crazy 4 Pink (C4C21)

Happy Saturday! It's time for another "crazy" challenge at the Crazy 4 Challenges Blog, and Lori Boyd has been rocking out the challenges this month! This week you're asked to use pink as your main color. I used one of the sentiments from Verve Stamps' new set called "Heart's Desire", and paired it up with several pieces of patterned paper from K & Company's Smitten collection. I punched out a variety of circles, then distressed the edges of each one. I attached each circle to the card base using Dimensionals, then added a couple of rows of stitching. The sentiment was cut out using the Mega Curved Rectangles Nestabilities Die and the Big Shot. I added some Hot Pink Rhinestones for a little sparkle, then sponged the edges of the Sand card base with a Sand Ink and a Sponge.

Now let's see what the rest of the design team have created for you to peruse:

• Barbara Anders
• Cindy Haffner
• Frances Byrne
• Jessica Diedrich
• Jessie Rone
• Joanne Grzelak
• Joycelyn Turner
• Lori Boyd
• Lynda Benden
• Robin Willis
• Vicki Garrett

That's it for today! Thanks for stopping by to see me today. Now it's your turn to create a card or project using pink as your main color, and share it with us. Be sure to add your creation to Mister Linky back at the Crazy 4 Challenges Blog post...we can't wait to see what you come up with! Until later...

Supplies

Stamps: Heart's Desire (Verve)

Papers: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Smitten DP (K & Company)

Inks: Melon Mambo, Sahara Sand

Accessories: circle punches (1", 3/4", 1/2"), distressing tool, dimensionals, sewing machine, nesties, big shot, rhinestones, sponge

...Farm Fresh Summer

Happy Friday! It's Farm Fresh Friday time again at The Greeting Farm Blog, and this week's challenge was designed by our DT coordinator-extraordinaire, Jessica Diedrich...Sunshiny Send-Off! To celebrate the first appearance of TGF products at CHA in California this week, we were to create a bright and cheerful summer card. My sample showcases the images from the set "Sweet Messages" by Marina Neira. The images was stamped in black onto watercolor paper, cut out, then attached to the focal panel with dimensionals. The focal panel was cut out using Spellbinders' Deckled Rectangle Nesties...I LOVE those! I paired her with some patterned papers from the Ooh La La For Her pack by My Mind's Eye. The vertical panel was edged with a piece of melon cardstock that was punched with a Martha Stewart Border Punch, then stitched along the same side as the border punch. The circular panel was cut out using the Spellbinders' Circle Nesties, then pierced using a paper piercer and circular piercing guide. I also distressed the edges using my Heidi Swapp distressing tool, and finished the card by adding a rhinestone flourish by Me & My Big Ideas.

Now let's see what the rest of the design team members have up their sleeves for today's challenge:

• Jessica Diedrich
• Cindy Haffner
• Cheryl Walker
• Kadie Ensley
• Mary Giles
• Melyssa Connolly
• Randi Wall
• Kim Nath
• Sandra MacLean
• Sparkle Smith

That's it for me today! Thanks for stopping by to see me, and I will see you back here tomorrow with a creation for Crazy 4 Challenges! Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: Sweet Message (The Greeting Farm-Marina Neira)

Papers: sand, melon, white, melon, Ooh La La For Her (My Mind's Eye)

Inks: black, caramel, cocoa, chocolate, suede, melon, kiwi, olive, baja, coral

Accessories: MS border punch, dimensionals, sewing machine, nesties, big shot, mat pack, paper piercer, circle piercing guide, aquapainter, scissors, rhinestone flourish

...Thinking Of Verve

Another Verve release has gone by, and I'm still amazed how Julee Tilman can keep cranking out such gorgeous and elegant sets month after month! I keep referring to this month's release as her "Bohemian Rhapsody Collection" to everyone I know...that's the only way I can even try to explain the new sets. This card utilizes what I call a "medallion" element, and it's from the set "Accent Notes". I stamped the medallion in black onto cream cardstock, then colored the inside of it in a baby blue. The sentiment was stamped in VersaMark Ink, then embossed with baby blue embossing powder. The sentiment and medallion panels were cut out using the Spellbinders' Labels Nine Nesties and my Big Shot. I used some of the patterned papers from BasicGrey's Granola 6X6 Paper Pad, and wrapped some baby blue ribbon around the horizontal panel. I adding some stitching around the blue jean-like panel, then added a black cardstock scalloped border to the vertical floral panel. The upper right corner of the large kraft cardstock background panel was punched with the Spiral Punch, then the edges were sponged with sand ink. Baby blue rhinestones were added to the focal panel to complete the card.

That's it for me today! Thanks for stopping by to see me, and I will see you back here tomorrow with another TGF Farm Fresh Friday challenge. Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: Accent Notes (Verve)

Papers: kraft, black, cream, Granola DP (BasicGrey)

Inks: black, sand, VersaMark

Accessories: dimensionals, sponge dauber, spiral punch, sewing machine, distressing tool, ribbon, scallop border punch, mat pack, paper piercer, nesties, big shot, blue marker, rhinestones, blue ep, heat gun, embossing buddy

...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

...Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #57 (MTSC57)

Happy Tuesday! The boys had a holiday from school yesterday, so we went to see "Avatar" after our lunch at Macaroni Grill...and it was amazing! We saw it in IMAX 3D, and it was well worth the extra money to do so. I would love to go back and see it again...and I don't say that about alot of movies. Action, romance, amazing visual effects, and a wonderful storyline...what more could you ask for?

Last week's sketch was another hit, and I appreciate all of your participation! I am always so amazed at the amount of submissions, and the quality of the entries are just fabulous! Thanks again for playing with the sketch for last week!

Now onto the sketch for this week:
My Sample (I flipped the sketch...SHOCKER! LOL!):

Vicki Burdick's Sample:

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

• Cindy Haffner
• Pam Speidel
• Pam Varnell
• Julie Lacey
• Crystal Birr
• Jessica Diedrich
• Shannan Teubner
• Vicki Burdick (January 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 MTSC57 when uploading to a public gallery!

Happy Stamping!

...All You Need Is Love

I have discovered a recent love for Kraft or Sand card bases layered with bright and beautiful patterned paper...and this card started it all for me! This is another January release card made with one of Verve's sets called "Love's Flower". I started with a sand card base, then built the layers up using K & Company's Amy Butler-Faded China patterned papers. The flower was stamped three different times, watercolored, then layered with Dimensionals to create a gorgeous 4-layered focal image.

That's it for me today! I have a mom-and-son-movie-and-lunch-date with BOTH of my boys, so I will not be home for a better part of the afternoon. We are going to go see Avatar in 3-D, then eat at Macaroni Grill with Pam and her son. I love getting to spend some quality time with my babies...I call them babies , but they are both over six feet tall! LOL! Thanks for stopping by to see me today, and I will see you back here tomorrow with another Tuesday Sketch Challenge. Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: Love's Flower (Verve)

Papers: sand, vanilla, bashful, gray, watercolor, Amy Butler-Faded China (K & Company)

Inks: black, kiwi, olive, bashful, ballet

Accessories: heart punch, sponge dauber, dimensionals, distressing tool, mat pack, paper piercer, apron lace border punch, sewing machine, circle punch, nesties, big shot, clear ep, heat gun, aquapainter, scissors

...Crazy 4 Lori's Sketch (C4C20)

Happy Saturday, everyone! I am having such a phenomenal time stamping and partying with my girls! We are all holed-up at Pam Varnell's house...which we have designated a testosterone-free zone. LOL! Jessica Diedrich, Jessie Knight, and I have run Pam's husband and son completely out of the house in order to concentrate on running our mouths, eating, and laughing.
Luckily, Saturdays mean Crazy 4 Challenges time....and that totally fits the atmosphere in this house this weekend! Our challenges this month are being created by our stamping sister, Lori Boyd, and this week's was to create a card using her sketch. I decided to use one of the new Verve set "Love's Flower", and paired it with some Esther's Guest List patterned papers from KaiserScrapbook. The image was stamped in Chocolate Ink, embossed with Clear Embossing Powder, and then colored in Bermuda with a Blender Pen. I also created a paper flower, sprayed it with Glimmer Mist, and heat embossed it to make it hard (thanks, Susie...great tip, sister!). After some stitching, some brads, and a scalloped panel...you have my completed card!

Now let's see what the rest of the design team have created for you to peruse:

• Barbara Anders
• Cindy Haffner
• Frances Byrne
• Jessica Diedrich
• Jessie Rone
• Joanne Grzelak
• Joycelyn Turner
• Lori Boyd
• Lynda Benden
• Robin Willis
• Vicki Garrett

That's it for today...thanks for stopping by! It's your turn to create a card or project using this same sketch, and share it with us. Be sure to add your creation to Mister Linky back at the Crazy 4 Challenges Blog post...we can't wait to see what you come up with! Until later...

Supplies

Stamps: Love's Flower (Verve)

Papers: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Esther's Guest List DP (KaiserScrapbook)

Inks: Chocolate Chip Craft, Sahara Sand, Bermuda Bay

Accessories: clear ep, heat gun, blender pen, boho punch, sponge dauber, brads, dimensionals, nesties, big shot, sewing machine, mat pack, paper piercer, border punch, scallop circle punch, glimmer mist

...Picture This Farm Fresh Friday

Happy Friday, everyone! It's Farm Fresh Friday again at The Greeting Farm Blog, and Kim Nath has come up with a wonderful challenge...use a picture on your creation. I have to admit that I was terrified when I saw it, because I knew that a scrapbook layout was in my future! LOL! I don't think that I have ever shared a scrapbook page since I have started my blog, but I might have to start doing them more often...it was FUN!!! As you can already see, I used my oldest son, Christian, and his girlfriend as my subjects. I had taken this picture of them acting silly a few weeks ago, and I immediately knew that it was the one that I wanted to showcase here.

I stamped "Maggie Bunny" in black onto Watercolor Paper, then colored her with an Aquapainter. I paired her with some of my K & Company Ooh La La-For Her patterned paper. I stitched the green polka-dotted panel, and created a wavy edge on the striped panel with the EK Success Dotted Wave Slim Edger Punch. I created the sentiment with some of my retired Sizzix Alphabets, then added three Silver Brads above the photo. Maggie was attached to the lower right-hand portion of the page with Dimensionals.

Now let's see what the other design team members have come up with today:

• Jessica Diedrich
• Cindy Haffner
• Cheryl Walker
• Kadie Ensley
• Mary Giles
• Melyssa Connolly
• Randi Wall
• Kim Nath
• Sandra MacLean
• Sparkle Smith

That's it for me! I am heading out first thing this morning to spend the weekend with my girls to do a little stamping and laughing, so I have got to get some rest before then! LOL! Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you back here tomorrow with a Crazy 4 Challenges creation. Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: Maggie Bunny (The Greeting Farm)

Papers: Kraft, Melon, Watercolor, Ooh La La-For Her DP (K & Company)

Inks: black, melon, pink, saffron, sahara

Accessories: brads, sponge dauber, border punch, distressing tool, sewing machine, dimensionals, big shot, sizzlets alphabet, xyron sticker maker