Something old, something new....an SOA Lovely Notes sneak peek!

Hello, just checking in from a long weekend of socializing and celebrating with family and friends.  I wanted to share a card today that I made to help welcome my nephew's beautiful new bride into the family.  Luke and Erica got married on Saturday so we headed out of town to join in the festivities.  There were so many beautiful faces there that I hadn't seen in so long.  A family reunion at it's best and we had a blast!

Something old....something new.......I broke out some brand new products and some old stash to make the bride and groom this card.   And shhhhhhh.....don't tell Catherine but I just had to sneak in a little touch of the new

  Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection that is due to release on July 13th.  What do you think?  Can you spy SOA? 

Something blue.......a shout out to this gorgeous couture color Lofty Mint by The Ton!  I love the soft minty/icy blue tones of this ink.  My favorite color!

Are you getting excited about the new Stamp of Approval Collection?   Remember, they sell out super fast so be sure to click on the picture below for more information and  to add your name to the email notification list.  

Catherine Pooler will email you when the sale starts so you don't miss out. 

I also want to remind all you StampNation members that there is an awesome free event going on right now over at  StampNation that is focusing on the art of heat embossing.  Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday thru the month of July,  the Dream Team and our guest designers are posting some great tutorials and challenging our members to 

Heat It Up!!  If you're not a member yet, what the heck are you waiting for?  Click on the picture to below to sign up and get started today!!

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Have an awesome day!

CAS-ual Fridays Challenge - Red, White, Blue

Hi everyone!  It's time for another CAS-ual Fridays challenge.  This week, in honor of the 4th of July here in the United States, we're creating cards using our patriotic colors:  red, white & blue!

For my card today I used these awesome stamps and dies from CAS-ual Fridays:

Exclamations              Smiling             Funky Round Tag             Fun-Fetti

             

How about some homemade fireworks!  Bravo!

For this card I also used the following supplies:
Ink: clear emboss (Versamark)
Paper: silver shine cardstock (My Favorite Things), lipstick red, soft navy (Simon Says Stamp), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah).
Accessories: white embossing powder (WOW!), dimensional tape (3M).

If you look closely you can see I used white embossing powder to add a subtle coordinating pattern to the white cardstock underneath the diecuts.

BONUS CARD!
And in the spirit of our red, white and blue celebration I thought I'd make one more!  Frankly, I couldn't resist playing with these CAS-ual Fridays goodies:

Frankly              Zigs & Zags              Fun-Fetti

  

For this card I also used the following supplies:
Ink: blue jay (Simon Says Stamp), pale tomato (Hero Arts Shadow Ink), onyx black (Versafine), clear emboss (Versamark).
Paper: lipstick red, black (Simon Says Stamp), silver shine cardstock (My Favorite Things) white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah).
Accessories:  clear glitter pen (Wink of Stella), clear embossing powder, white embossing powder (WOW!).


See the pretty sparkle from the Wink of Stella?

I hope you'll play along with us for your chance to win!

All you have to do is make a card using red, white and blue and link it up over on the 

CAS-ual Fridays The Challenge blog by July 12th.----------->HERE<--------------

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Tropical Hello!

It's a gorgeous day today and here I am, stuck inside at my computer.  To keep that sunny spirit going until I can get out and play, I thought I'd share a couple of tropical cards using this fabulous Color Layering Hibiscus stamp and die set by Hero Arts.  

I love hibiscus flowers with all of their tropical leaves.  They make beautiful leis and gorgeous cards!

For this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps: Color Layering Hibiscus (Hero Arts).

Ink: ultra pink, orange soda, raspberry jam, butterbar (Hero Arts Shadow Ink), catkin, duckling, hollyhock (Simon Says Stamp).

Paper: doll pink, cotton candy, lemon chiffon cardstock (Simon Says Stamp)  white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah).

Accessories:  Painted  Hello die (Simon Says Stamp),  Color Layering Hibiscus dies (Hero Arts), gold sparkle Gelly Roll pen, Nuvo morning dew crystal drops (Tonic Studios).

For the flowers I decided that instead of stamping the base layer I would just start with a colored cardstock and then stamp my way up from there. This really simplified the stamping for me.  

I'm just loving the tropical feel of the Hibiscus so I decided to do a stamped background using them.  A palm tree diecut panel frames the hibiscus pattern beautifully.  And my new pink inks from The Ton are so stunning!

For this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps: Color Layering Hibiscus (Hero Arts), Label Maker Sentiments (My Favorite Things).

Ink: rose quartz, soft garnet, red sangria (The Ton), field greens, raspberry jam (Hero Arts Shadow Ink).

Paper: silver glitter cardstock (My Favorite Things), black cardstock (Simon Says Stamp), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah).

Accessories: Palm Tree die (My Favorite Things), Painted Hello die (Simon Says stamp), clear sequins (unknown) dimensional tal (3M).

Stamping a nice full background pattern really makes this negative die space pop....and so does a little dimensional tape!

Thanks for stopping by for a little tropical fun today.

Join me here again on Friday for another great challenge from CAS-ual Fridays!  Are you up for 

The Challenge??

Have a great day!!

Fun! New! Catherine Pooler Designs!

Hi everyone!  The new launch of Catherine Pooler Designs online store is fast approaching......are you getting excited?  I sure am!  

It's going to be an exciting weekend, not only for the availability of previous collections but Catherine Pooler is also debuting the first three items in her new Catherine Pooler Designs collection.  I'm so happy for her!

As part of the StampNation Dream Team I am honored to get to introduce you to:

Wild Bloom, And Sentiments and And Dies.

For this card I used the Wild Bloom Stamp set to create a colorful background piece.

For this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps: Wild Bloom (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Ink: duckling, teeny bikini (Simon Says Stamp), orange soda (Hero Arts), clear emboss (Versamark)
Paper: Black (Simon Says Stamp), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah), vellum cardstock (My Favorite Things).
Accessories: white embossing powder (WOW), silver embossing powder (Ranger), fun foam.

Using the And Dies along with the And Sentiments stamps I created a fun focal point on this card.

For this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps: And Sentiments (Catherine Pooler Designs)

Ink: clear emboss (Versamark)
Paper: sea glass, black (Simon Says Stamp), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah)
Accessories: And Dies (CPDesigns), washi tape, gesso, swiss dots stencil (My Favorite Things), gold thread, gold sequins, white embossing powder (WOW), fun foam.

Finally, I layered the Wild Bloom stamp set to create a soft accent on this card.  I just love the delicate, leafy details in this layered stamp.  I also added a beautifully scripted "thought & prayers" sentiment from the And Sentiments stamp set.

For this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps: Wild Bloom, And Sentiments (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Ink: soft sand, wet cement (Hero Arts Shadow Ink), onyx black (Versafine), clear emboss (Versamark).
Paper: khaki (Simon Says Stamp), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah).
Accessories: morning dew crystal drops (NUVO), clear embossing powder (WOW), twine, fun foam.

If you're itching to see some more cards and samples using these fun new stamps and dies, head on over to

  Catherine Pooler's blog  today!  She has been showcasing her new line all week with some fun videos.  She also has all the details and information you'll need  for the opening of her online store this weekend. 

Have a great day and happy stamping!! 

An Ode to "Crooky Cake".

Hello friends!  As we're counting down to this weekend's soft opening of the new Catherine Pooler Designs store, I get so excited when I think of all  the items that are finally going to be available to everyone.  There are going to be so many amazing stamps and dies from the first three Stamp of Approval Collections up for sale:  the Friendship Collection the Holiday Magic Collection and the fabulous Young at Heart Collection!  Yes...that "crooky cake" is finally on the shelf and waiting for you in the Bring on the Cake stamp set and the Birthday Journal Card die set by Sugar Pea Designs.  Woohoo!!

For some of you who don't know, "crooky cake" is our pet name for one of my absolute favorite stamp sets and die sets ever!  And because it's my favorite, I wanted to revisit it  again today on my blog.  Just a little reminder of what an amazing set this is I've pulled up a few of my projects using this fabulous little cake.  Here's my:

Ode to "Crooky Cake"

On sale this weekend while supplies last!!  For more details Catherine Pooler has some great postings on her blog this week that fill you in on everything.  Today she is featuring the Young at Heart Collection and all of the wonderful product that will be offered for individual purchase in her new store.  Check it out ------>HERE!<------

Have a great day!!

Eva's Favorite Flowers - Coordinating Dies in the house!

Hi everyone!  Today I am so happy to be able to help debut the very first product that will be offered at
Catherine Pooler Designs online store that is opening this weekend!!  Woohoo!   

I am a sucker for a great stamp set but boy oh boy a coordinating die set just sends me right over the edge!

When I bought the first Stamp of Approval box, the Friendship Collection I was so excited that it included
Eva's Favorite Flowers by Winnie & Walter.  That is a wonderful set of flowers and shapes that layer so nicely.  I couldn't have asked for anything more in a stamp set......except......coordinating dies please!

Well my wish has been granted!

Introducing......Eva's Favorite Flowers Cutaway Dies!

for this card I use the following supplies: 

Stamps: Eva's Favorite Flowers (SOA Girlfriend Collection/Winnie & Walter), Girlfriend (SOA Girlfriend Collection/CAS-ual Fridays).

Ink: wet cement (Hero Arts), tumbled glass (Ranger Distress), rose quartz, red sangria (The Ton), catkin, duckling (Simon Says Stamp), onyx black (Versafine).

Paper: khaki (Simon Says Stamp), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah)

Accessories: Eva's Favorite Flowers Cutaway dies (Winnie & Walter), Clear Wink of Stella marker, natural twine, fun foam.

They cut so perfectly around Eva's Favorite Flowers,  they are super easy to line up and there is a die for every single stamp in the set!  It's awesome!!

for this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps: Eva's Favorite Flowers (SOA Girlfriend Collection/Winnie & Walter), Girlfriend (SOA Girlfriend Collection/CAS-ual Fridays).
Ink: red sangria (The Ton), catkin (Simon Says Stamp), charcoal, butterbar (Hero Arts), onyx black (Versafine).
Paper: black (Simon Says Stamp), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah).
Accessories: Eva's Favorite Flowers cutaway dies (Winnie & Walter), clear Wink of Stella glitter pen, clear sequins

Adding little details to a card can really step it up a notch.  It's so wonderful to be able to add a few flowers with lots of layers to my designs with no fussy cutting!

for this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps: Eva's Favorite Flowers (SOA Girlfriend Collection/Winnie & Walter), Girlfriend (SOA Girlfriend Collection/CAS-ual Fridays).
Ink: peacock feathers (Ranger Distress), field greens, wet cement (Hero Arts Shadow Ink), hollyhock (Simon Says Stamp), red sangria (The Ton), clear emboss (Versamark).
Paper: black (Simon Says Stamp), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah).
Accessories: Loveya dies (SOA Friendship Collection/CAS-ual Fridays). Eva's Favorite Flowers cutaways (Winnie & Walter), natural twine, clear sequins, white embossing powder (WOW).

For more information on this awesome weekend event over at Catherine Pooler Designs,  head on over to Catherine Pooler's blog!  She has a video up, some more great cards to show you and has all of the information on this opening weekend first hand!!

Have a great day!!

More Than Ice Cream

Happy First Day of Summer!!

What better way to celebrate than with a big scoop of ice cream?

Using a new Hero Arts stamp set Color Layering Ice Cream I made up this adorable card for my little buddy Rylee.  School was out a few weeks ago and she's been so busy that I haven't seen hide nor hair of her.  I wanted to send a little something her way this week to let her know how much I like her....and miss her little face.

The layers on this stamp set are incredible.  I swear it looks yummy enough to eat!  And check out those adorable sprinkles that I used for the background!  I'm just totally in love with this stamp set!  I don't have the dies yet but to be perfectly honest, the shapes in this set are super easy to cut out with scissors so I'm not even sure I'll be needing the dies.

This closeup shows a little more of the details.  This Love and Ice Cream sentiment set by Reverse Confetti is so nice and bold and fun!  It coordinates perfectly with this delicious ice cream cone!

for this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps: Color Layering Ice Cream Cone (Hero Arts), Love and Ice Cream (Reverse Confetti), Candy Jars (My Favorite Things. 
Ink: spring rain (Simon Says Stamp), wet cement, mint julep, soft sand (Hero Arts Shadow Ink), rose quartz, soft garnet (The Ton), pink lemonade (My Favorite Things), onyx black (Versafine), clear emboss. 
Paper: fog cardstock (Simon Says Stamp), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah). 
Accessories: Tag Builders Fri-Dies (CAS-ual Fridays), Blueprints #15 die (My Favorite Things) clear sequins, bakers twine, clear embossing powder (WOW).

There is nothing sweeter to me than when I can mix and match a bunch of different sets of stamps and dies to make one card.  I feel like I'm getting so much more use out of my supplies that way.  This card incorporates the Hero Arts Color Layering Ice Cream Cone set along with three awesome stamp sets from My Favorite Things.  I thought they worked so well together and that combining them really makes my card a little bit unique.

for this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps:  Color Layering Ice Cream Cone (Hero Arts), Candy Jar Companions, You're The Sweetest, Fine Chevron background (My Favorite Things).

Ink: wet cement, cup o' joe, mint julep (Hero Arts Shadow Ink), Hollyhock (Simon Says Stamp), red sangria, rose quartz (The Ton),  onyx black (Versafine).

Paper: fog, cotton candy (Simon Says Stamp), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah).

Accessories: Sweet Treats, scallop dies (My Favorite Things), Tag Buddies (CAS-ual Fridays), Stitched Mats Rectangle dies (Lil' Inker Designs), striped washi tape (Recollections), twine, dimensional tape (3M).

The soft serve ice cream top from Hero Arts fits really well into the little cupcake/bowl from the My Favorite Things stamp set.

Thanks for stopping by!  Be sure to check back later because this is going to be an amazing week of sneak peaks.  Catherine Pooler is revealing some fun new stamps and dies for the opening of her new store this weekend!  I have a whole bunch of fun projects I've been working on behind the scenes and can't wait to show you.  She'll have some videos and projects up this week over on her blog too so be sure to stop by CatherinePooler.com today!   

The next new Stamp of Approval box is scheduled for release on July 13th, woohoo!  You still have some time to enter to win it for free!!  Entries are due today so check out the details------->HERE<------!!

I hope you all have a wonderful summery day!

Calling All Sistahs Blog Hop!!

 Hello and welcome to CAS-ual Friday's Calling All Sistahs blog hop!  We are supporting our sistahs everywhere and encouraging you all to "check yo self" every month as a preventative measure in the fight against breast cancer.

Today I'm using  these stamps and dies from the CAS-ual Fridays Calling All Sistahs line where 50% of the profits  will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. for research and medical help for our fellow sistahs affected by breast cancer.  Just click on any of the photos below and you'll be directed to these special products.

  

For my card I used a light pink, Rosie Cheeks ink color from Simon Says Stamp and paired it with some soft Charcoal Gray ink for the background and sentiment.  I used CAS-ual Fridays new background stamp Tin Roof on the ribbon and mixed it up a little by adding some little hearts from the Sassy Smiles stamp set into the design.

For this card I also used the following supplies:
Stamps:  Calling All Sistahs, Tin Roof, Zigs & Zags, Sassy Smiles (CAS-ual Fridays)
Ink: Rosie Cheeks (Simon Says Stamp), Charcoal (Hero Arts)
Paper:  white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah).
Accessories: Sistahs dies, Ruffled Ribbon die, Tag Buddies dies (CAS-ual Fridays), Butterfly Duet dies (Paper Smooches), Scallop Border (My Favorite Things), silver twine, clear and silver sequins, dimensional tap (3M).

My sistahs, thank you so much for joining in this special hop today.  Please be sure to leave a message at each stop along the way because CAS-ual Fridays will be generously giving away a $15 gift certificate to three people who comment. You have until  June 19th to get your comments in for your chance to win!

Now it's time to hop on over to Diane Jaquay's blog, for some more fun and inspiration on our
Calling All Sistahs Blog Hop.

Casual Fridays Stamps
Shona Chambers
Lori McAree
Nora Noll
Claire Apostoloff
Lisa Lahiff
Lydia Evans
Ceal Pritchett
Vicki Dutcher
Kimberly Rendino
Susan White
Kelly Griglione
Alanna Moses
Jeanne Jachna
Jennifer Ingle
Lisa Harrolle <-----YOU ARE HERE
Diane Jaquay <------GO HERE NEXT!
Penny Ward
Bonnie Sharp
Lori Kobular
Archana Burke
Sue Nagata
Kim Sherrod
Heather North


Have a great day and happy hopping!

CAS-ual Fridays Challenge - Thanks Twine

Hi everyone!  It's time for another CAS-ual Fridays challenge.  This week we're creating a thanks card that also incorporates some twine into your design.

For my card today I used these awesome stamps and dies from CAS-ual Fridays:

Casual Comfort     Wonderful Words    Pretty Posies

    

Posies Fri-Dies       Funky Round Tag

  

For this card I also used the following supplies:
Ink: mint julep (Hero Arts Shadow Ink), onyx black (Versafine), Kuretake real brush watercolor markers (Zig).
Paper: fog cardstock (Simon Says Stamp), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah).
Accessories: bakers twine, clear sequins, clear Wink of Stella glitter pen,  fun foam.

I hope you'll play along with us for your chance to win!

All you have to do is make a Thanks card using twine and link it up over on the CAS-ual Fridays The Challenge blog by June 28th.----------->HERE<--------------

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Have a great day my friends!!