TLC Shape EZ and Some Blog Candy!

Hi Stampers!

I wanted to make just a quick post before I get busy in my store...

This coming TUESDAY... October 2nd (can't believe it will be October tomorrow already!)
our Loves Rubberstamps Challenge will have a Guest Sponsor....  SHAPE EZ by TLC!! These gorgeous templates are carried by Whimsy Stamps and are created by the mega-talented Tammy Louise Cunliffe.

I am super excited to have Tammy Louise and her incredible product line as our sponsor this week! I was checking out Tammy Louise's Blog this morning and came across the ABSOLUTE CUTEST CUTEST CUTEST project that she made using one of her new files (which I must go buy as soon as I am done with this post - LOL) the Pumpy Kin Template!

In addition to a gorgeous card... she paired this cute template with a premade scarecrow to make the sweetest little gift bag holder! It went straight into my AUTUMN FAVORITES file on Pinterest!

You will have to visit her blog to see this cutie for yourself! If that is not reason enough to go visit her blog... she also is offering some AWESOME blog candy....

This new Pumpkin Trio die from Whimsy Stamps! These are adorable!

Anyway...I am off to go shopping for that CUTE PUMPY KIN template! I think it will be PERFECT to use in our upcoming challenge this week ;)

Be sure to play along in our challenge on Tuesday! Not only will you have a chance to win an amazing prize package you will also see some FABULOUS creations by our Design Team that use the Shape EZ templates!

Heck... while your stamping today... show us what you made by playing along in our current challenge too... it is a really fun Inspiration Challenge! We do have prizes every week!

Happy Stampin!
Laura

Walkin In A Winter Wonderland...

Happy Saturday Stampers!

It is GORGEOUS out here in the midwest today! It is about 80 degrees with just a slight breeze. Makes a beautiful day for getting outside and enjoy the colors of changing leaves and the pretty Fall scenery! I may have to go on a bike ride later :) Actually I NEED to go on a bike ride because I need to earn at least 5 activity points for weight watchers before my Monday weigh in because I am at -5 for my extra points this week! OOPS ;-o

For today's card we get to see one of Jacqueline's GORGEOUS creations! She has been really blowing our socks off with her beautiful Christmas cards and today is no exception!

I love those gorgeous blues along with those white snowflakes. Jacqueline used some new release Christmas stamps from JustRite Papercraft called Christmas Vintage Labels One and the Snowfall Background. We have just added JustRite products to our store! We got a small shipment in to start of some Fall and Thanksgiving themed stamps and will be adding these Christmas sets soon! I will actually be adding them as preorders this weekend along with any compatible Spellbinders or the JustRite Custom Dies that match! So be sure to check them out :)

The thing that I most admire about Jacqueline's work is that she puts in so much detail into each of her layers! I swear that everytime I look at her creation I find something new I missed the first time, and that is what makes seeing her work so much fun! Love it! You will have to visit Jacqueline's Blog to get the full details on this beauty!

Thanks for stopping by today!
Have a great (and safe) weekend!
Laura

Loves Rubberstamps October - December Design Team

Hi Everyone!

This is a SUPER EXCITING post where we unveil our Design Team for the Loves Rubberstamps - October - December Session!

                                                           Returning Members:

Olivia Marmara - ORM Crafty Nights

Monday Inspirational Post

Laura Love - You are here on my blog :) 

                                 ME! - LOL - Obviously since I am the owner of the store :)
                                                          Tuesday Blog Challenge Post
                                                         Wednesday Inspirational Post

Ceal Pritchett - Simply Beautiful

Thursday Inspirational Post

Holly Flores - KopyKat Creations

Friday Inspirational Post

Jacqueline Smith - Jacqueline's Creative Works of Art

Saturday Inspirational Post

PLEASE WELCOME THESE NEW MEMBERS:

Lydia Walker - Love, Lydia

Sunday Inspirational Post

Does Lydia look familiar? She should! She was our amazing Guest Designer on our Challenge Blog for the month of September :)

Here is a little about Lydia:

My name is Lydia. I live in North Wales, Great Britain with my fiance Will (getting married next May - yikes!!!) and our little ones Archie 3 and Matilda (Tilly) 1.

For as long as I can remember I have always been crafting in some way,shape or form. As a little girl my Aunty used to call me 'Sticky Fingers' as I used to love gluing things- mostly really tiny pieces of paper that I never tidied up... ooooppps!

I love lots of different crafts but my passion is scrapbooking- I love the fact that when I'm gone my babies will be able to look back on everything I've created for them and remember. There are times when I look back on some of my old books now and think 'my gosh.... I'd forgotten about that' so I'm sooooo glad I started this fabulous hobby as I don't want to forget these precious moments and sometimes my brain needs a kick start to remember- maybe its just too full ?!?!

I just love creating, and involving my babies is fun. My little boy loves it too, his fave is stamping and I'll get Tilly involved in a couple of months as shes a bit too wee at the minute. I craft a little everyday and if I didn't I think I might go crazy.

Shanna Shands - Shanna's Designs

Sunday Inspirational Post

Here is a little about Shanna:

Hi Everyone. My name is Shanna Shands. I am a SAHM of 1 and a half. I love crafting as it is my outlet. My favorite thing is to color images. Then I love to create and play with layouts and altered art. I love getting my fingers dirty and I always have ink and glue somewhere. Crafting really is my passion besides my babies and I love sharing it with everyone willing to take a peek.

Kelli Hull - Stamping With A Dream

Sunday Inspirational Post

Here is a little about Kelli:

My name is Kelli Hull and I am married and almost done raising my 2 kiddos! I have been stamping since 1992 but each day feels like my first, SO much to learn everyday! I am so excited to be here and sharing and learning with all of you~

Katie Skiff - Created By Katie

Katie's YouTube Channel - createdbykatie

Sunday Inspirational Post

We will also be sharing some of Katie's Videos!

Here is a little about Katie:

My name is Katie Skiff, and I’ve got a passion for paper crafts. I’ve been crafty for as long as I can remember, but found out about scrapbooking shortly before my oldest son was born. I thought that was the best thing ever, and his large scrapbook on his first year is proof. Shortly after I found rubber stamping, and fell in love with it as well. I love the instant gratification that comes from making a card. In the last few years, I’ve been lucky enough to make the hobby more of a full time hobby, as I’ve been a SAHM to three awesome kids and wife to one great guy. We recently moved into a new home, and the kids are in school full time, so I am anxious to share my ideas and creativity with you and the Loves RubberStamps team!

Marcy Dangcil - My Paperie Dreams

Marcy's Youtube Channel - Luv2Craft04

Sunday Inspirational Post

We will also be sharing some of Marcy's Videos!

Here is a little about Marcy:

Hello, my name is Marcy Dangcil and I live in California. I am married to a wonderful man and mom to 3 awesome boys who are Ryan, 11, Noah, 8 and my baby boy Ethan who just turned 3! I have been scrapbooking for over 12 years and majority of my crafting was previously making only scrapbooking albums. However 2 years ago I went to a class at my local scrapbook store and was introduced to the joys of stamping! I bought my first stamp set and I was hooked!!! I love stamping and coloring up my images and I love making cards!!! I also enjoy making layouts, mini albums, altered projects and working on my art journal. I’m slowly delving into Mixed Media which is so much fun! I am also addicted to watching crafting You Tube videos! I really enjoy all types of paper crafting and I am always interested in learning new techniques and sharing what I learn with others. Other than crafting, I enjoy reading, watching movies, going to the beach and just spending quality time with the family. I am so thrilled to be part of my 1st Design team at Loves Rubber Stamps and I look forward to sharing projects and hopefully providing some inspiration out there!

There you have it folks! The Loves Rubberstamps October - December Design Team! All of these ladies are exceptional Designers and I am sooooo excited for them all to begin sharing their talents with you all!

All of these Designers will be creating a project for the Loves Rubberstamps Blog Challenges in addition to their Inspirational Day Postings. You can visit each Designer's Blog every Tuesday to see all the details on their challenge projects.

Starting October 7th we will start a new style Sunday Post (the team and I are trying to come up with a catchy name for it - LOL)  This post will feature spectacular works of art from EACH of the new members to the team AND as a bonus... there might be some extra eye candy from our returning members as well! Just know that these posts will be PACKED FULL of gorgeous projects and TONS of Inspiration to begin your week with! Some week's there might be something a little more than eye candy for you as well ;) 

We had quite a few awesome applications and it was so hard to narrow down our choices. I wish we could have accepted all who applied but that just isn't feasible for us to do! For those of you who didn't make it this time we hope that you will apply again. We also have special Guest Designers each month on our Challenge Blog!

Thank you SO MUCH to all who applied for our team!

Congratulations to each of our team members!! I am so excited to work with each of you over the next term! And for our fans - be sure to check our blog each and everyday because I know each of these mega-talented ladies will knock your socks off with their designs!

Have a great night!
Laura & The Loves Rubberstamps Crew

Feeling A Little Seedy...

Good Morning Stampers!

Happy FRIDAY! Whoooo-hooooo! I am excited for TWO reasons today! First we will be announcing our line up of mega-talented Designers for the October - December session of our Design Team later this afternoon so don't forget to check back for that!

Second... it's Holly's Day to inspire your creativity! Holly's projects are always amazing so it is so fun to see what cuteness she has in store for us each and every Friday!

Holly used some GORGEOUS stamp sets from Flourishes... Seeds of Friendship and also A Year of Flowers Set 2 - which is where those beautiful roses came from! I love how Holly combined these two sets to create this! Just think of all the different "seed packets" you can create and for sooo many occasions just depending on what image you place in the packet!!

I love the soft, pretty colors that Holly chose for her card. The light hue that Holly sponged her main image panel edges with is Momento Cantelope. We just received some new Momento ink pads in the store including the newest release colors. That doily background is perfect with this also! This is a great card to have because it can be used for so many occasions!

Holly was inspired by our Loves Rubberstamps's Challenge Photo....

That pretty floral headband inspired this card! We hope you'll play along and show us how you were inspired by this photo!

Remember check back later today to see our upcoming Design Team members!

Happy Stampin All!
Laura

A Bittersweet Post...

Hi all -

Well this post is a bittersweet one. This will be Design Team Member, Lisa Rasmussen's last inspirational project. She is entering a busy time of year for her schedule and wasn't able to stay on with us for another term. While I completely understand and wish her nothing but the best...it is always hard to say good-bye to a team mate and friend!

Now I am hoping that she will pop in our challenges once in awhile when her schedule allows and that she won't be a complete stranger :)

Without further ado here is Lisa's Farewell Project... and it sure is a cutie :)

Lisa created this super cute bookmark using some of the new Die-Namics Dies from My Favorite Things that we have just received in the store. She used the new Bookmark Duo with Matching Stamp Set to create the main bookmark panel and that awesome sentiment. She also used the Die-Namics Chevron Stripes Die to create that adorable book page printed layers behind her main image! Speaking of that adorable image ... she is the one and only Miss Cheeky Geeky from the Cheeky Cherry Collection from The Greeting Farm. I love this image...she is so fun to color!!

Lisa did a beautiful job coloring her in rich colors perfect for the Fall Season. Makes me want to curl up in my jammies and read the books I picked up at the library today :)

Lisa - Thank you SO MUCH for being a member of the very first Design Team at Loves Rubberstamps! We really appreciate everything that you did while being a team member and all of the inspiration you provided, not only to our customers, but to your fellow team mates as well. You are an amazing and talented lady and I wish you the best in whatever your future plans hold. Don't forget to drop by and say Hi now and then and play along with us! We will miss you! :)

While it is always hard to say good-bye to a team mate...it also brings about new beginnings for others. On that note I want to share that we will be unveiling who the new Design Team Members will be for the October - December session on Friday! You will see some familiar faces and some new ones too! I can assure you that it will be one mega-talented team from the amazing entries we are receiving!

If you are wanting to try out... you still have a little time left to send your application! We are accepting them through tomorrow. You can see the details here.

Take care all!
Laura

Believe In Your Dreams...

Good Morning Everyone!!

It's Wednesday which means another super fun inspiration day at The Cutting Cafe! This week we were asked to use any of the Chevron Files that they carry on our project. Chevrons are so popular right now and are really fun to create with. They can be used for so many occasions too.

I chose to use one of the Chevron Fall Printable Backgrounds on my project. The colors are so pretty in this set! I printed the large Gold colored background on Stampin Up! Whisper White Paper. The large backgrounds print out at almost a full sheet, 8" x 10 1/2". I haven't used very many printable papers because with my printer it seems they come out a little grainy or get annoying lines in them. I did not have ANY PROBLEMS printing these!! They turned out awesome!!

I used the Gold Chevron as my background paper. I sponged the edges with Stampin Up! So Saffron, which goes awesome with this color, and then distressed the edges. The light gray panel, and the white panel are embossed using my chevrons embossing folder. I wanted to keep the chevron pattern in the other panels but wanted them more subtle than my background.

I had found this picture of a Mellow Yellow Dahlia on Gray and White Zigzag Pillow by bedbuggs, on pinterest quite awhile ago and had it pinned to my "card inspirations" folder. I loved the chevron background with the flower and also loved the colors together and thought it would make a pretty card so I used it as my inspiration for this project :)

For the image on this I wanted to keep it very simple too, so I just used a sentiment! This is my very first card that has no images and only a sentiment as the main image - new territory for me :)  I used the Believe sentiment from Great Impressions which I love. I did the dazzling diamonds technique on this to give it some bling and make it pop. The flower on my card is a homemade scrunch flower that I made. Here is a closer look at the sentiment and the "bling." See how pretty the chevron background printed too? ♥ LOVE ♥

The layout I used for my card is this week's Mojo Monday Sketch #260.. I used the Square version.

When you get a chance don't forget to pop on over to The Cutting Cafe Blog today... you can see what all of the other Design Team Members created using chevrons AND if you leave a comment on the Inspiration Post... you could win YOUR CHOICE of 3 FILES from The Cutting Cafe!! How AWESOME is that??

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stampin All!
Laura

I will be entering this into the following challenges:

Mojo Monday - Sketch #260
Bearly Mine - #54 - Add A Sentiment
The Stamping Boutique - #52 Embossing
Party Time Tuesdays - PTT#87 - Anything Goes
Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Distressing
Card Mania Challenges - CMC#4 - Handmade Flowers - 2nd Entry
Love To Create - #34 - Anything Goes - 2nd Entry
Make It Monday - # 108 Anything Goes
Paper Playtime - Punches & A Sentiment -
Simon Says Stamp & Show - For The Love of Sparkle
The Crazy Challenge - #129 - Spots or Stripes
The Pink Elephant - TPE167 - Chevron or Hexagon
Challenges 4 Everybody - #3 - Anything Goes - 2nd Entry
No Matter Which Challenges - #2 - Die Cuts and/or Punches
The Order of the Opus Gluei - #140 - A Little Sketchy
Scrapper's Delights - Distress It
Squiggles and Giggles - Punches & Dies
Stampin Sisters in Christ - Challenge #158 - Something Handmade on Project - My Scrunch Flower - 2nd Entry
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - #182 - BLING it On!
Secret Crafter - Distressing - 2nd Entry
Heck of a Challenge - Anything Goes
Ladybug Crafts - Anything Goes
Natalie and Amy's Challenge - Anything Goes
OOZAK - #6 - Sparkle
Avadares Challenge Blog - #3 - Make it Sparkle
Brown Sugar Challenge Blog - #8 - Anything Goes
Unique Crafters Challenge - Anything Goes - 2nd Entry

Standing Pretty

Hi Stampers!

Today is Tuesday which means it is a new Loves Rubberstamps Challenge!!
This week's challenge is a Pinterest Photo Inspiration Challenge! I love these! Here is the photograph that we had to use:

Isn't this adorable? There are TONS of ways to be inspired from this photograph. You could be inspired by that sweet little girl herself. You could be inspired by the gorgeous dress with the lace, pearls, and the creamy white layers. You could choose to be inspired by that gorgeous flower headband. Or just the vintage, shabby chic feel of the photo! Or combine it all! Your choice that is what makes it so fun!

Here is what I came up with for my inspirational piece...

I have always loved the look of the white on white layers using different embossing folders and this was the perfect inspiration piece to try it out myself! I used the little girls dress as the inspiration for my background. I distressed the edges, but I did it after I used my embossing folder so it was kind of hard to do it without tearing it too much. I also punched the edges of the strips with my tiny heart border punch from Stampin Up!

With having an all white background I really wanted my little girl image to pop so I chose to color her with deep, rich colors. This adorable image is called Standing Pretty and is from the Elisabeth Bell Designs Collection from Sweet Pea Stamps.

Here is a close up of my image. I added some Dazzling Diamonds to the ribbon in her hair and the front of her dress for some added sparkle.

I hand drew the grass using my prismacolor pencils and went around the image with pencil first and blended it out. The added some very faint clouds and sponged sky. I wanted it to be really faint. I think I got a little too much glitter on her dress and I noticed my red bled a little into her arm. Red is such a booger sometimes! I still think she turned out pretty though :) I added little pearls to her dress and ribbons too.

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to be inspired by that gorgeous flower so I created my own "scrunch flower" This is my absolute favorite flower to make. I love how they turn out! Reminds me of little carnations which are one of my favorite flowers.

Here is another look at the main panel and flower together...

The little sentiment on the jewelry tag punch is from Stampin Up! I wanted just a subtle one nothing too big and this was perfect.

I also used this week's sketch from My Favorite Things because it had lots of awesome layers which I wanted for creating all of the white on white embossing. Here is a look at the sketch:

I am also entering this in the Elphine House challenge because it is for Elisabeth Bell images. Their challenge is a 3,2,1 challenge. I used 3 - Different Embossing Folders, 2 - Large Pearls, 1 - Homemade Scrunch Flower :)

This challenge was a lot of fun and our Design Team really rocked this one with creations that are simply STUNNING! But you will have to go visit the challenge blog to check them out... you won't be disappointed ;)

Hope you will play along with us....

Happy Stampin!
Laura

I will also be entering this in the following challenges:

Card Mania - CMC #4 Handmade Flowers
House of Gilli - 2 Favorite Things - Large Pearls & Punches (Scallops for flower & Heart Border)
Incy Wincy Designs - Friends
Lollipop Crafts - 2 Different Punches or Dies - Scallop Punch & Heart Border Punch
Love To Create - Anything Goes
Stamp and Create - Anything Goes
Tammy's Scrappin Corner - Design a Kiddie Card
Gingerloft - Embossing - 2nd Entry
Challenges 4 Everybody - Anything Goes
Joanna Sheen Challenge - So Sweet
Stampin Sisters in Christ - Something Handmade on Project - Scrunch Flower
The Secret Stamper - Distressing
Delightful Challenges - Distressed
Crafty Ribbons Challenge - Vintage
Divas by Design - Lots of Layers
Elphine House - 3,2,1
My Mum's Craft Shop - Hearts & Flowers
Simon Says Stamp - Emboss It!
Lia Stampz - Challenge 25 - 3 of Something - Used 3 Different Embossing Folders
Unique Crafter's Challenge - Anything Goes
Pattie's Creations Design Challenge - Anything Goes - Must use an Image
The Stamping Boutique - Challenge 52 - Embossing
The Order of the Opus Gluei - Challenge #140 -A Little Sketchy
Heck of a Challenge - Anything Goes
Natalie & Amy's Challenge - Anything Goes

Miss Perry...

Good Afternoon Stampers!

I love starting the week off with seeing a beautiful creation by design team member, Olivia Marmara. Her cards are always so vibrant, with rich colors, they just make you smile! Perfect way to try and combat the Monday... Back to Work Blues. I think that should be a song title - LOL!

Olivia used the ADORABLE Perry on her Laptop stamp from the Uptown Girls Collection from Stamping Bella. I love the gorgeous fall colors that Olivia used in her papers and then capturing them in coloring her image too. This is one of my favorite stamp lines and this image is so fun to use! Just think of all the paper piecing you could do on that fabulous chair! I also love that Olivia used a non-traditional card shape which just adds to the charm of this card! Love this!!

Not to mention...this is totally what I have been up to for the last two days! I feel like I have not been off my computer except for coffee runs, then potty breaks, and to grab a bite of food! I have been busy listing lots of new in stock items, with lots more being delivered today that I will need to add! I have also been busy going through the Design Team applications! We have had some awesome entries so far makes it so hard to choose! You still have until the 27th to get your's in!

You have a few more hours to play in this week's Loves Rubberstamps Challenge - Make Your Own Background so be sure to get your's in! We will be giving away a prize voucher to our store for one lucky player :) We will start a new one tomorrow and I promise you that the Design Team has really outdone themselves for this next one! The samples are GORGEOUS! Plus the challenge will be really fun as always! Come play along with us!

Well, I am off again to get some customer orders packaged up to mail, get some blog posts pre-scheduled, and get some more goodies listed in the store! Love adding new stuff!!

Have a beautiful day!
Happy Stampin!
Laura

Alleluia Angel

Happy Saturday Stampers!

It is FREEZING here! We are in a freeze warning tonight it is supposed to get down to 25 degrees! YIKES!! My poor tomatoes will have to be covered up in the garden because I have loads of green ones still. I guess it is time to break out my crochet football afghan that I have been making my son since he was 3 and start plugging away on it again...he is 15 now so I am a little behind on that too not just my scrapbooking...LOL! I am halfway done finally!! He asks me every year if I am going to finish it so I really need to get it done. I swear every year I will plug away and get it finished for Christmas but then I only manage to squeak in about 6 rows it seems like. Shame on me! :(

With the FREEZING cold weather it really puts me in the Christmas spirit and Jacqueline's card fits perfectly! Look at this GORGEOUS STUNNER!!

This is sooooo beautiful I don't even know where to begin! That gorgeous angel is from the Alleluia Angel stamp set from Flourishes. We will be starting to get in their Christmas sets very soon! I am excited because they have some really beautiful sets. Jacqueline colored this using prismacolor pencils which she is AMAZING at! I really need to use mine more. I have the big 120 color set but only about 10 are sharpened to a dull point. I don't like sharpening - LOL.

I love this gorgeous blue it really pops off all the gold layers. I bet this is super sparkly and gorgeous in person. You can see that there is dazzling diamonds on the wings and you can see shimmer in the sentiment too.  Someone is going to be super lucky come Christmas time to receive this gorgeous card!

Be sure to stop by Jacqueline's Blog - Jacqueline's Creative Works of Art and let her know what a beautiful job she did!

Stay Safe.... and Warm ... this weekend :)

Happy Stampin!
Laura

Just a ... SINGIN!

Good afternoon stampers!

It's FRIDAY!! Whoo hoo! Let the weekend BEGIN! Do you have anything fun planned this weekend? I plan on getting new stuff listed in the store...both stuff that has arrived and some more preorders... and hopefully will get to spend some time stampin! And ALL of that is fun for me! Maybe the hubby and I will hit a movie or something too. Now that his racing is over for the season our guarenteed weekend entertainment is over too - LOL!

AND.... another thing that makes Friday special is that it is Holly's Inspiration Day!

Holly used the super cute Gene from Kraftin Kimmie Stamps and created this adorable scene to stay in line with this week's Loves Rubberstamps challenge of creating your background. And if anyone ROCKS at creating adorable scenes using an airbrush...it is Holly! TOO TOO CUTE!! I love the simple layout that just pops with Holly's choice of designer paper. It is beautiful...but still manly looking. I usually HAVE to make my own backgrounds...so I can hoard my paper...LOL! So I commend everyone that actually uses it :)

Be sure to visit Holly's Blog - KopyKat Creations and let her know how awesome her "Man Card" is! It is always a great day when you can "favorite" an awesome masculine card like this because they can be a real challenge.

Don't forget that our Design Team Call is open! You have a little less than a week to apply! We have had some awesome entries so far and look forward to your's too :)

I am off to work in the store :)

Have a great night all and a safe weekend!
Laura

Pretty Pink Snowflake?!?!

Hi Stampers -

Just a quick reminder that we are having a DESIGN TEAM CALL for Loves Rubberstamps! Don't miss it :) 

Ok... on to today's card .... I am not sure if I really like this yet or not - LOL! Do you ever do that? It seemed a lot prettier in my mind! I think it is ok...but definately not one of my favorites...but I worked on it forever so I am gonna show it anyway - LOL...

I wanted to play in a splitcoast challenge this week because it has been awhile. I decided to REALLY challenge myself with the color challenge this week! You were to use Primrose Petals, Pink Pirouette, & Lucky Limemade...YIKES! This is a perfect color combo for flowers...but the dessert was a Christmas card...and I like dessert just ask my waistline - LOL!

This frame illusion technique is the master mind of Michelle Zindorf, who is awesome! Basically the whole main panel is a one layer card. I started off by stamping the dark pink snowflake by inking with versamark, then primrose petals. I then embossed it with the irridescent ice. Then I stamped the snowflake flourish all around in just versamark and clear embossed it. I sponged pink pirouette to create my "canvas", taped the center off with post it notes, then sponged crumb cake, soft suede, and early espresso to create the wood frame. I removed the post its and responged crumb cake at the edges to soften. Then went very lightly with a sponge and primrose around the very edge of the faux canvas and the center of the snowflake to create some depth. I created the shadow with a close to cocoa marker.

I used the Lucky Limeade for my sentiment.

I have to apologize because my picture isn't the greatest! These colors do not photograph well with my el-cheapo camera. I promise it does look a little better in real life because it does have irridescent ice on the primrose petals snowflake so it shimmers...LOL

The images are all from the CHILLIN stamp set from Tattered Angels. I LOVE this set but haven't used it much because it is HUGE 12" x 12" and so are the images! This would be an AWESOME set for art journals or scrapbook pages, not so much card fronts.

I also wanted to create an inspiration piece for this week's Loves Rubberstamps Challenge which is to create your own background. I used my favorite technique of sponging scenes. Come play with us and show us your favorite technique to use to create a background :)

Anyway... I think I will give this card to my Mom for Christmas since I am not sure about it...LOL...she will love it and if she doesn't she will tell me that she does - LOL!

Happy Stampin All!
Laura

I am entering this in the following challenges:

In The Pink - Lots of Pink plus Embossing
Nutcrafters - #27 - Glitter & Gems
Simon Says Stamp - Embossing
Dawn's Crafting - Think Pink or Breast Cancer Awareness
Going Grey With Scrap-Creations - Embossing
Shopping Our Stash - Embossing 
Amusing Challenges - Pink, Green & Brown
Gingerloft Challenge - GL48 - Embossing
Scrapper's Delight - Make your own Backing Paper

MMMMMMM Cherry Pie for Christmas!

Hi Stampers!

It has been a Cherry Pie kinda week here! My talented design team ladies are lovin' the Cheeky Cherry Pie stamp from The Greeting Farm!  I don't blame them because she is sooo cute and one of my favorites :) If you remember on Monday, Olivia created a circular shaped card that actually looked like a pie and used this stamp as well. I might have to try and bake my first cherry pie on my days off... we will see! I have only made homemade... completely from scratch...crust and all... pies twice and both were apple ones.

Today's Inspiration Post is created by Design team member Lisa Rasmussen. She used her cheeky cherry pie to create a really cute Christmas card!

This just shows you how versatile this little gal is! you can use her for many different occasions! I love how Lisa colored her image and her little rosy cheeks! Too Cute! Both ladies rocked this stamp this week! That snowflake paper from My Mind's Eye is gorgeous too!

Before I sign off here to go pack some orders... I wanted to let you know that earlier today I posted my Design Team Projects that I created for The Cutting Cafe... which you can see here, anyway... on The Cutting Cafe's Inspirational Post - Regina is offering an AMAZING special through tomorrow at midnight... You can purchase all 3 of the sets we could could choose to use on our projects for only $2.99! Visit The Cutting Cafe Blog for all the details (and a chance to win 3 files of your choice just by leaving a comment!

Have a great night!
Laura

The Cutting Cafe - Fall Projects

Hi Stampers!

Today I want to share my inspiration post for The Cutting Cafe. This week Regina gave us a choice of three different beautiful Fall sets to use on our project. We could choose the Acorn Shaped Card, Welcome Fall Printable Stamp Set, or the Autumn Days Printable Stamp Set.

I loved both of the printable stamp sets and couldn't decide which I wanted to use - so I made TWO projects - LOL - that way I didn't have to pick just one!

The first project I made is a Matchbook Treat Holder that I made to fit the Apple Cider Travel Sticks.

Here is the outside. I used the Autumn Days Printable Stamp set on this project. That gorgeous Fall Words background and the Apple Cider Circle Saying are just 2 of the 16 images that come in this set. The Apple Cider Mug is a stamp that I had from Gourmet Rubber Stamps that I thought would be perfect to use with the Apple Cider Word Circle. I colored my mug using Spectrum Noir Alcohol Ink Markers.

Here is a peek at the inside of the matchbook:

For my second project I totally loved the Apples and the Baskets in the Welcome Fall Printable Stamp Set and knew I wanted to create my own "basket" background to pop a pretty bushel of apples on.

To create my basket background I dug into my hoard of the long retired and my all time FAVORITE Stampin Up! cardstock... Creamy Caramel. I cut my cardstock into 1/2" strips and then ran them through my cuttlebug using a wood grain texture plate. I then sponged the tops with close to cocoa ink to make the wood grain pop, then sponged all the edges with early espresso to define them even more. I then created a weave with my strips and added brads to look like a basket edge. If you like to create your own backgrounds too...that is this week's challenge at our challenge blog so be sure and play :)

My basket and apples are colored with spectrum noir markers. I added white gel pen to my basket to make the stripes look like leather stitched trim, and added mini brads to the basket as well. I also added white gel pen highlights to my apples to make them appear shiny and used to my white pen to create the faux stitching on my gingham table cloth.

Here is a close up of the apples and basket:

This project is actually a little folder that opens up to hold two packets of apple cider mix. You could also put hot cocoa packets in there too, fits either one.

Here I stamped an image from the Flourishes Stamp Set - Apple of My Eye and then added the Simple Pleasures sentiment from The Cutting Cafe's - Autumn Days Set.

Well I hope you enjoyed my projects today! Here is one last look of both together :)

Be sure to stop by The Cutting Cafe's Blog on Wednesday to see all the projects the Design Team made with these beautiful sets! PLUS if you leave a comment on the post ... Regina draws one lucky person who will win their choice of 3 files from the store! Very cool!

Have a great night all & thanks for stopping by!
Laura

I will be entering these into the following challenges:

Bearly Mine - #53 - Fall Colors
Elke Kaart Een Feestje - Fall is on His Way
Paperminutes - #235 - Autumn
Papertake Weekly - A Hazy Shade of Autumn
The Ribbon Carousel - RCC71 Fall into Fall
Use It Tuesdays - Anything Goes
Paper Makeup Stamps - Digi Stamp Challenge - Welcome Autumn
Eureka Stamps - #6 - Autumn Colors
Lexi's Creations - Make a Gift - Anything But a Card
Mygrafico - Fall
Tammy's Scrappin Corner - #28 Anything Goes
The Crazy Challenge - Spots or Stripes
Use Your Stuff - Fall into another color challenge
Addicted to Stamps - Autumn Colors
PanPastel UK Challenge Blog - Autumn/Fall
Pile It On - #38 - It's a Stitch Up
Stampin Sisters in Christ - Harvest Card or Autumn Project
The Crafty Pad - Autumn Colors
Color Me Creative Challenge - # 52 Fall Colors
Crazy 4 Challenges - Anything Goes with a Fall Twist
Card Crafter's Circle - #40 Gone Gingham
Fairytale Challenge Blog - #50 - Autumn
C.R.A.F.T Challenge - Autumn
Delightful Challenges - Anything But a Card
My Heart Pieces Digital Stamp Challenges - Anything Goes

MMMMMM Cherry Pie!

Good Afternoon Stampers!

Hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was super busy and didn't leave a lot of relaxation time. Which is a total bummer because I do like to relax - LOL!

Today I have the CUTEST card to share from design team member Olivia Marmara! She used one of my favorite stamps from The Greeting Farm called Cheeky Cherry Pie!

Now seriously? How can you NOT love something this cute AND that has Cherry Pie in the name that won't make you gain an ounce? I do have my weight watchers meeting tonight so it is probably good that THIS is my cherry pie fix instead of the real thing - LOL! I am one of those lucky people that can gain weight just by SMELLING the pie baking - LOL! And the Lord knows I had a few slips this weekend...chocolate chip cookie dough...busy busy schedule...means needed a chocolate chip cookie fix...a LOT... LOL!

I love that Olivia made her card circular - kind of reminds me of a pie shape with the scallop edges! I have never made a circle card but it is on my list of things I need to try! The bling is gorgeous and Olivia did an beautiful job coloring her image. Her color scheme goes with this week's Loves Rubberstamps Challenge - espresso, aqua and pumpkin! You still have a few hours to play!

Don't forget about our Design Team Call also!

Anyway I better scoot to go face the scale....wish me luck! Boy this post made me hungry - LOL!

Happy Stampin!
Laura

Beautiful Poinsetta!

Hi Stampers!

Sorry I didn't get to post yesterday, I had to work from 3am - 3pm. After work I had errands and by the time I got home and got supper made I crashed! So today I am sharing Jacqueline's BEAUTIFUL Christmas card that she created for her weekly inspirational project!

This is absolutely stunning! I LOVE the deep, rich colors and Jacqueline always blows me away with her coloring with the prismacolor pencils. She always makes me want to break mine out and play with them :)

This GORGEOUS poinsetta is from the stamp set called Poinsetta & Boxwood and the beautiful "Believe" sentiment is from the Santa - I Believe stamp set, both from Flourishes. We will be starting to add some Flourishes Christmas sets very soon! They have some breathtaking new sets! :)

Couple of announcements we don't want you to miss....

First - We have a Design Team Call that is going on until September 27th for our October - December term, with some positions being extended. Read all the application details and send us your application :)

Second - Don't forget to play along in this week's color challenge of - Espresso, Pumpkin & Aqua...these are great colors for those Fall & Halloween projects you are working on!

Something else to look forward too... With our new Design Team we will be having a special Sunday Post called... Sunday STAMP-Tacular where you will be blown away by lots of gorgeous creations by our amazing and mega talented designers! We will be starting that in October! I am excited for that because I know it will be really fun! :)

Hope you have been having a wonderful weekend!

Happy Stampin!
Laura