Hello World Blog Hop!

Hello everyone and Happy World Card Making Day!

Today I'm celebrating with a special blog hop sponsored by Catherine Pooler Designs.
I'll be working with a special new stamp set and coordinating dies called Hello World that are now available in the Catherine Pooler Designs online store. For this entire week, Catherine Pooler will be donating all the profits from the purchase of these sets to a school in Boston to help them purchase computers for their classrooms.


If you're interested in more of the details on this cause, hop on over to Catherine's blog and she'll fill you in.

All of the sentiments I'm using on my cards today are from the Hello World Stamp set and have been cut out with the Hello World coordinating dies which are available now at Catherine Pooler Designs. 

I'm also showcasing a brand new stamp set that Catherine is releasing today called YAY Stripes! This is a set of three awesome border stamps. I made three cards today just so I could show them all to you. I am big on borders and if I were going to design a set of stamps myself, it would be EXACTLY like this one.

Check out these chevron dots!! They are so funky and fun! And I love how the scripty "hello" stretches across my faux shaker window.

Another fun stamp in this set is a wide striped border.  On this card I used it across the bottom in orange but it is long enough to run up the side of your A2 size card at 5 1/2".  I diecut the beautifully scripted "hi" so that I could place it over the top of my other diecut images.

My favorite way to use a striped border is to stamp it in a crisp black to run up along the side of my card.  This is such a bold look when you pair it with any bright color combination and it really sets off that awesome black sentiment.  Look how fantastic that large happy "Hello" is!  This is the largest stamp in the Hello World stamp set and I just love the way it pops!

If you look back on all of my cards today you will see one more thing they all have in common.  All of the other stamps and dies that I used today are from the Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection.  That's right!!  For all of you that missed out on the Lovely Notes Collection a few months ago, I'm excited to say that as of today,  these stamps and dies are now available for individual purchase at Catherine Pooler Designs online store!!  Woohoo!! 

Now, it's time to HOP!!

Catherine Pooler

Maureen Merritt

Amy Kolling

Laurel Beard

Miriam Prantner

Kristie Goulet

Amy Sheffer

Heather North

Donna Mikasa

Allison Cope

Amy Tsuruta

Lisa Harrolle <---you are here.

Kelly Griglione <---go here next!

Kimberly Wiener

Chrissie Tobas

Ingrid Blackburn

Michele Kovack

Stephanie Klauck

Chaitali Narla

Dana Joy

Jessica Frost-Ballas

Laura Bassen

Jennifer Ingle

The Ton's Fall 2016 Release Blog Hop!

Hi everyone and thanks for stopping by!   I'm super excited to be participating in
The Ton's Fall Release Blog Hop 
and giveaway today.  The Ton is giving away four gift certificates on this blog hop worth $25 each.  All you have to do is visit each stop on the hop and leave a comment on each one for your chance to win.  While you hop you'll be treated to some gorgeous cards made by a group of talented designers, showcasing the new fall line of products.
Can you believe there are a whopping 23 new stamp sets??  WOW!

I'm here today showcasing  two amazing Christmas stamp sets that are so fun and extremely easy to use on your Christmas cards this year:

Mistletoe Kisses 

Holiday Cones Coordinating Outlines  

Stamping the pine boughs and branches are super easy.  You can layer them  over the top of each other for a natural look.  Here I used my Zig markers to add a little brown to the stems and that's all it needed to make them pop.  Holiday Cones Coordinating Dies are also available for the Holiday Cones Coordinating Outlines but I did not use them on my cards this time, I stamped direct to paper.

For the next card I embossed some gold pine cone outlines onto a dark red background for a rich custom designed paper.  I stamped and colored the pine cones directly to the white background using Zig markers.  Then I stamped the green pine boughs over and around the finished pine cones.  I love the natural, organic look of this set, adding just a touch of gold elegance.

This next card is my absolute favorite!!  It's so realistic that I almost can't believe I stamped it myself.   First I  stamped and colored the pine cones, then I randomly stamped the pine boughs around the edges of the paper.  I masked the a couple of the pine cones so that some of the branches would look like they're behind the pine cones.  To fill in the white space between the branches I blended a lighter shade of green over the top of the branches.  This really made the branches look fuller and more realistic.   To add a frosted look,  I stamped over the top of the branches with  Versamark clear embossing ink then embossed with a sparkle embossing powder.  This gave my card beautiful dimension.

On a little more playful note I brightened up the colors a bit.  Here I used The Ton's Red Sangria and Bright Fern inks.  The smallest pine branch in this stamp set can be shaped to make a pretty wreath with repeated stamping.  And don't you just love the sentiments in the Mistletoe Kisses stamp set?  Such a great size and font!

The Ton's Fall line is a big mix of fun stamps and dies...not just  for Christmas.  I fell so in love with the sweet little scripty sentiments  and adorable roses from:

Scripty Greetings

The layered roses are so cute!  I stamped a bunch of them direct to paper and then fussy cut a few of them to pop up on top with dimensional tape.  They formed a beautiful spray of roses.  The perfect size if you want to load up that card with blooms!

I could make a whole set of cards using these roses, they really are so fun to bunch together.  And the
Scripty Greetings are perfect!  I love the affect of  linking the greetings together along the bottom of my card.

It's time to head on over to LauraJane Head's blog but before you go, be sure to leave your comment below for your chance to WIN!  You have until Thursday, September 29th at 11:59 pm to get all of your comments submitted so take your time and enjoy the view along the way!  Good Luck!

The Ton

Amy Tsuruta

Mayline Jung

Emily Midgett

Laura Sterckx

Eunji Jung

Chris Dayton

Vera Yates

Lisa Harrolle <---you are here

LauraJane Head <---go here NEXT

Carissa Wiley

Jenny Lee Yamasaki

Lydia Fiedler

Janet Kausen

Kymona Tracey

Justine Hovey

TaeEun Yoo

Laurel Beard

Have a great day!  Hop on!!

CAS-ual Fridays The Challenge - Shaker Card

It's The Challenge time again over at CAS-ual Fridays!  This week we are shaking things up with shaker cards!

For this card I used the following stamps and dies from CAS-ual Fridays:

Twinkle                                     Stars
  

This weeks card started off with some watercolor paper and distress inks.  First I blended the different  distress inks onto the paper, then I added some water droplets and spray to add some texture and dimension.  I absolutely love the way the star dies worked for this shaker card.  I made sure to section them off in the back with dimensional tape so that each star would hold their own sequins and beads.

For this card I also used the following supplies:

Ink: broken china, salty ocean, chipped sapphire (Ranger Distress Ink), clear emboss (Versamark).  Paper: White 140 lb cardstock (Neenah), white 140 lb watercolor (Canson).  Accessories: white embossing powder (WOW!), dimensional tape (3M), clear sequins, star sequins clear mini beads, transparency film (unknown).

I wanted to give these stars a nice, full, sparkly affect so I loaded those little guys up with a bunch of goodies!

Wait....I still had those awesome stars that I cut out so why not make another card while I have my supplies on the table?  I made this card using the same stamps and dies from CAS-ual Fridays.

For this card I also used the following supplies:

Ink:  broken china, salty ocean, chipped sapphire (Ranger Distress Ink), clear emboss (Versamark), brushed pewter spray stain (Ranger).  Paper: silver sparkle (My Favorite Things), soft navy (Simon Says Stamp), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah), white 140 lb watercolor (Canson).  Accessories:  white and silver embossing powder (WOW!), dimensional tape (3M).

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

All you have to do is make your own shaker card then link it up over on the 

CAS-ual Fridays The Challenge blog by October 4th.----------->HERE<--------------

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

Stamp of Approval Candy Cane Lane Open Sales start today!

The Stamp of Approval Candy Cane Lane Collection is available to everyone starting NOW and there are still some boxes left!   Woohoo!

Quick!  Head on over and get yours while supplies last!

Here are a couple more cards for you using the awesome Hip Holiday stamp and die sets.   Isn't this festive little deer cute with his plaid scarf?

For this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps: Hip Holiday, Merry and Bright Boughs (Stamp of Approval Candy Cane Lane Collection).

Ink: found topaz (The Ton), soft navy (Simon Says Stamp), onyx black (Versafine), clear emboss (Versamark).

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

Accessories:  Merry Labels Dies, Hip Holidays Dies (Stamp of Approval Candy Cane Lane Collection), fools gold embossing powder (WOW!), dimensional tape (3M).

I love how the little stamped "Christmas" sentiment tucks right under the"Merry" die from the Merry Labels Dies set.

Then using the negative space from the Merry Labels Dies set I was able to make another card.  This time I added more fools gold embossing powder and made an elegant stag for a whole different look.  The possibilities are endless!

Look how beautifully those large sentiments from the Merry and Bright Boughs stamp set look when embossed in gold!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Happy Stamping!

Stamp of Approval Candy Cane Lane Release TODAY!

Hi everyone!  I'm just popping in to give you the heads up

Stamp of Approval Candy Cane Lane Collection

is available NOW to everyone that signed up on the wait list. Check your email for your link!!

If you're not on the email list stick around because the Candy Cane Lane Collection will be open to the public for purchase tomorrow (Thursday) while supplies last.

Here's another quick peek at this adorable little tree in the Hip Holiday stamp set.  For the background I diecut a bunch of  little stars from the coordinating Hip Holiday Dies set.  So fun!

This little "crooky tree" was inspired by one of our StampNation sistahs, Joyce.  I think it's darling and works great directly stamping onto paper as I've done here, or using the coordinating dies to give it dimension.

And how about that fun stag!!  I tell you, I'm having so much fun with this stamp!  If that little cutie doesn't scream "Merry" I don't know what does.

And those cute little ornaments from the Merry and Bright Boughs stamp set are so fun!  There are so many great ways to use them  but I am loving them hanging from the stags antlers.

How can you not love this little guy?  So stinkin' cute!

I hope you all take a trip down Candy Cane Lane and get your orders in today!

Have a great day!

Stamp of Approval - Candy Cane Lane Blog Hop!

Hi everyone and welcome to day two of  the Stamp of Approval's blog hop where we are featuring the amazing

Candy Cane Lane Collection! 

On sale Wednesday, September 21st!

This Stamp of Approval box is full of amazing NEW  exclusive stamps and dies that were hand chosen by Catherine Pooler to coordinate perfectly for this collection!  These items will not be available for individual purchase for many months to come and there are limited boxes available so be sure that your name is on the mailing list ------>HERE!<------ so you get your email notice as soon as it goes on sale.  

This holiday collection offers any serious stamper (and beginners too!) the ability to create card, after card, after wonderful card, to send to your family and friends this Christmas and for many Christmases to come.

Did you know?.........With your purchase of this Stamp of Approval Collection you will also receive a bonus PDF file with dozens of designer projects featuring supply lists, step by step instructions and tips on how you can recreate these projects with your new stamps and dies. A great road map to some awesome Christmas cards my friends!

When I first heard the name of this collection:  Candy Cane Lane, the visions of sugarplums immediately started dancing in my head.  Bright colored candies and swirls of peppermint....how fun is that?  My first card turned out to be a gang of sweet treats frolicking in the snow.

For this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps: Candy Cane Lane, Peppermint Stick Background (Catherine Pooler Designs).

Ink: Ultra Pink, Lime Green (Hero Arts), Red Sangria, Bright Emerald (The Ton), Tumbled Glass (Ranger Distress), Onyx Black (Versafine).

Paper: Silver Sparkle (My Favorite Things), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah).

Accessories: Candy Cake Lane Dies (Catherine Pooler Designs), dimensional foam tape (3M).

I think the patterns on these candy canes are fantastic!

For my next card I'm showcasing the awesome Peppermint Stick rubber background stamp. Here it offers a great backdrop for the largest label die from the Merry Labels Dies set.

For this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps:  Merry and Bright Boughs, Peppermint Stick Background (Catherine Pooler Designs).

Ink:  Red Royal, Forever Green (Hero Arts), Tuxedo Black (Memento).

Paper: white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah).

Accessories: Merry Labels Dies (CAS-ual Fridays), gold glitter pen (Gellyroll),  Copic Markers, dimesional foam tape (3M).

Check out the sweet details in these little ornaments from the Merry and Bright Boughs stamp set.

There are so many stamps in the Merry and Bright Boughs stamp set that will make some fun backgrounds on your cards.  Here I used one of the holly branches and just randomly stamped on white cardstock.  I then used Copic markers to color them in.  Super simple way to make your own custom background.

For this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps: Merry and Bright Boughs (Catherine Pooler Designs)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), clear emboss (Versamark).

Paper: Schoohouse Red, Black (Simon Says Stamp), Gold Foil (My Favorite Things), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah).

Accessories:  Merry Label Dies (CAS-ual Fridays), Candy Cane Lane dies (Catherine Pooler Designs), white embossing powder (WOW!), Tarnished Brass Distress Spray Stain (Ranger), Copic Markers, white marker (Gellyroll), dimensional foam tape (3M), gold twine (unknown).

For this card I cut the large label from the Merry Label Dies set in half.  Then I punched a whole in both pieces and tied them together with a big gold bow.  For a fun accent I made some pretty gold foil holly leaves using dies from the Candy Cane Lane Dies set.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my little peek into the Stamp of Approval Candy Cane Lane Collection.  I tried to showcase as many of the sets that are included in this box as I could but just couldn't squeeze them all in.  Lucky for you there are three days of blog hopping and a lot more designers just waiting to show you the rest!

That also means you have THREE chances to win this collection for FREE!!!  Seriously, Catherine Pooler is giving away one box every day!  All you have to do is hop along each day and leave a comment with with each designer for more chances to  WIN!  You have until 9am EST Thursday to get your comments posted.  Good luck!!

I'm so honored and thrilled to be hopping today with these amazing designers! Before you head over to see Angelica Suarez, be sure to leave a comment here.  I'd love to hear what your favorite part of this collection is so far.

Catherine Pooler

Lydia Evans

Heather North

Laurie Willison

Lisa Harrolle <---you are here

Angelica Suarez <---go here next!

Jennifer Ingle

If you missed day one of the blog hop you can get started right ----->HERE<-----

Stamp of Approval Sneak Peek

Hey there!  I'm just popping in for a few minutes today because I wanted to throw you all a sneak peek of the new
Stamp of Approval Candy Cane Lane Collection.  
Catherine Pooler is about to release some serious holiday cheer this week,  woohooo!  There will be three days of blog hop fun starting tomorrow (Sunday) with the first stop on Catherine's blog.  Head on over there bright and early!!  The box goes on sale Wednesday for all those who are signed up to get their email notification.  Go --->HERE<--- to put your name on the list and Catherine will email you the moment the sale starts.  These sell out pretty darn fast so trust me...you want on that list!

Here are some gorgeous peeks from the design team.  Can you guess which one is mine?

Stop back here on Monday to find out!  I'll be joining in the blog hop bright and early Monday morning and I'll be showcasing three cards made entirely with the Candy Cane Lane Collection.

And don't forget there are THREE boxes up for grabs in the blog hop so make sure you visit each day (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday) and leave comments on all of the designers blogs because each comment puts your name in the hat to win the entire Candy Cane Lane Collection!!

Have a great weekend!

CAS-ual Fridays The Challenge - Dimension and Bling!

It's The Challenge time again over at CAS-ual Fridays!  This week we're working with two of my favorite things.....dimension and bling!

For this card I used the following stamps and dies from CAS-ual Fridays:

Whole Shebang                       Funky Round                        Fun-Fetti
  

I just can't seem to get away from that fabulous white/black/pink color combination.   This week I made a birthday card using the Whole Shebang stamps.  I love watercoloring over the big embossed HB2U because it stands out so well on a card.  For dimension I popped up the HB2U sentiment strip with 3M dimensional tape.  The Fun-Fetti dies cut out these fabulous little rings which are the perfect place to nestle in some clear diamond gems (bling, bling!)

I also used the following supplies:
Ink: picked raspberry, spun sugar (Ranger Distress Ink), onyx black (Versafine), clear emboss (Versamark).  Paper: black (Simon Says Stamp), silver sparkle (My Favorite Things), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah),  watercolor 140 lb (Canson).  Accessories: white embossing powder (WOW!), dimensional tape (3M) striped washi tape, clear jewels (unknown).

When I think of bling I think of what else......a tiara!  I cut down this fun little die in the Funky Round tag set to form a "crown" that sit's perfectly on the letter "B" for the birthday girl!

Now it's your turn!  I hope you'll pull out your stamps and dies and play along with us for your chance to win!

All you have to do is make a card with some dimension and a little bling and then link it up over on the 

CAS-ual Fridays The Challenge blog by September 20th.----------->HERE<--------------

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

A whole set of Monster Love for boys and for girls!

Today I'm posting a monstrously fun set of four birthday cards that I made to keep on hand for the little ones in my life.   I think I found the perfect set of stamps that will be great for boys and girls....young and old.   I am really obsessed with these Monster Love stamps and dies by My Favorite Things. These stamps are so adorable and what I love most about them is they are quick and easy to use.  No tedious coloring.  I can whip up a card in no time using bright, fun ink colors.  The coordinating dies are great to have too but honestly, I only used them on one of the four cards I made today.

I started out with this card and die cutting all of my little colorful monsters.  Then I added that cute little party banner from Penny Black's Let's Go Wild stamp set.  I stamped it in gray so it wouldn't compete with the bright colored monsters.

For this card I stamped the monsters in a circle and then added a raised diecut panel.  A little masking and ink blending made a colorful green strip to hold the sentiment.  I added some black and white striped washi  tape to the bottom of all these monster cards to help tie them together.

There are just so many fun ways to stamp these Monsters and stacked on top of each other was definitely a fun option.

Pairing the Monsters up with some sentiments from other stamp sets worked perfectly.    Here I used CAS-ual Fridays Exclamations stamps for a little "Boo-Yah!"

I have to say again, I am totally in love with these little monsters.  I have two little nephews who will be celebrating birthdays this month and I think these cards are going to be a big hit!

For these cards I used the following supplies:

Stamps: Monster Love, Birthday Bears (My Favorite Things), Let's Go Wild (Penny Black), Exclamations (CAS-ual Fridays), Map Love (Concord & 9th)  Unforgettable (WPlus9).

Ink: soft garden, bright emerald, soft garnet, crystal pewter (The Ton), hot mama (Simon Says Stamp), orange soda, (Hero Arts Shadow Ink), onyx black (Versafine), tuxedo black (Memento), clear emboss (Versamark), Copic Markers.

Paper: black (Simon Says Stamp), solar white 110 lb cardstock (Neenah).

Accessories: Monster Love dies, Pinking Edge Circle STAX (My Favorite Things), Unforgettable dies (WPlus9), white and clear embossing powder (WOW!), dimensional tape (3M), washi tape, fun foam (unknown). 

StampNation members, check out the last Friday Feature to see the cute coordinating envelopes that I made for these cards.  If you're not a member of  StampNation yet, head on over and check it out today!

Thank you so much for stopping by.  Have a great week!