Birthday Bash, Day Five: SNS Gift Certificate

Today is the fifth day or our birthday celebration, and, of course, one we have another giveaway. This is a "Great" one!

First, the Pocket Post-It Note Pad, shown above, is one of the tutorials from the Technique Junkie Newsletter's Great Gifts CD. This easy tutorial is wonderful for when you just want to give something small.  The beautiful stamps I used on the cover of the Note Pad are from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps called Season of Change. That brings me to the other "Great" part of this post!

The giveaway today is for a $15.00 Gift Certificate from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps! SNS has a great variety of beautiful stamps, and one lucky winner will have the chance to go shopping. Just leave your name and email address with your comment on this blog post; my random number generator will select one winner tomorrow. Good luck!

One last thing, I am thrilled that I am playing in the Blogger's Challenge this week, too, with the theme "falling for you". Hope to play next week, too!

Updated: the winner of the gift certificate is Alice A! Congrats!

Welcome to the Hop!

Today we are celebrating the Stampin' Companion CD Tutorials. We wanted to show you that the CD is for everyone -- you will find many inspiring techniques on the CD using ANY stamps and materials!

If this is your first stop, take a moment to start at the beginning at the Design Team Blog. Starting there, you will see Judy's gorgeous art, and continue on with Six other people until you are back here. If you arrived from Lisa's blog, you have arrived in the right place!

Today I chose to do the Swing Out Card, one of the 70 tutorials on the Stampin' Companion CD. I used stamps from Rogue Redhead Designs -- I think this is a great "girlfriend card"! As you can see from the photo below, the front panel swings out (um, hence the name...).  It is a cool 3D effect that allows it to sit on a table for display. This is also my card for Blogger's Challenge this week - Going 3D.

Although the Stampin' Companion CD was made with all Stampin' Up! products, I hope our blog has shown that the tutorials are perfectly paired with other companies, too. The CD is $17.95 ($19.95 for overseas) and has 70 pdf, step-by-step tutorials. How can you go wrong with that?

Since you spent some time with us today,  it's time for the reward! Simply leave comments on the blogs, and here, and on Tuesday morning (March 13) I will pick one lucky winner randomly who will have their choice of ANY two TJ CDs. You can choose the Stampin' Companion, 3D and Fun Folds, Stampbooking, Emboss or Die, Fancy Folds and Motion, OR ANY of the 9 annual CDs. It is your choice! (NOTE: The Specialty CDs in any combination can be ordered from the TJ Home Page.

Thanks for stopping by today -- hope you were inspired! Make sure to leave a comment here to enter the CD giveaway.

Bloggers Challenge - Fall

I guess it is no longer Friday -- and I missed Blogger's Challenge a little -- but I can still play along! I have these wonderful stamps from Mark's Finest Papers, after all, and I just couldn't resist using them, since the theme was Falling for You.

My main image uses the Out of the Box Nesties Technique from the Emboss or Die CD, layered using the Stacked Nesties Technique from the October 2011 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter. I just love this technique! It is so grand and it really sets off the main image.  Try it!

All of the stamps and paper used on this card are from Mark's Finest Papers. I love the fox peeking out -- just so sweet!. Don't forget that you can get 15% off anything in the MFP store, too, by using the code WEEKENDER. You will love all the new fall and winter sets!

You can still join in, too -- at least until Thursday -- by entering your Falling for You themed card. Play along!

Blogger's Challenge: I've got the blues

It's Friday, I finally have power, and life is good! I made this card for Blogger's Challenge this week. I actually stamped this by the light of batteries, so be kind about the color combo!  Our challenge this week was Monochromatic Blues. I took that a step farther -- and made a card for someone who HAS the blues!

My card uses the Out of the Box Technique from the October 2004 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter (yes, that was 7 years ago! How time flies!). All of the stamps are from Stampin' Up! (listed below). Want to play along? Simply follow the links below to play along (you might want to look at Lisa Somerville's Blog FIRST to read some qualifications (not much, but there are a few rules). Can't wait to see what you do!

Stamps: Creative Elements, Petite Pairs, Artistic Etchings
Colors: Not quite Navy, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Other: Bashful Blue Satin Ribbon, Not quite Navy Marker, Modern Label Punch, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder

Back to School Blogger's Challenge

This Week's Blogger's Challenge was to create a Back-to-School type of card. I really struggled with this -- in my stash of thousands of stamps, I have only a few school-related items.This forced me to think outside the box -- but I am pleased with the results.

The card here uses Club Scrap stamps on the front of the file folder using the Vellum Sentiments Technique from the August 2011 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter. I really wanted a collaged look for the background,so I used a combination of stickers, ribbons, transparencies and stamps to get the look I wanted. I really had to dig deep into my scrapbooking stash with this challenge to find just the right accents!

I thought it would be fun to add a sentiment inside the little file folder, here:

Feel free to play along in the challenge this week by adding your entry to the links below. And make sure that you take a peek through the other challenge entries -- they are always great!

White on White

White on white sounds so easy, doesn't it? It can be challenging to make something that has enough zing power so all of the white elements work together. Thank goodness for embossing machines!

Today's card also serves two purposes. First, it is for the Blogger's Challenge, in which we were challenged to use Embossing this week. The LNS 131 Challenge this week was to make a white-on-white card. My card serves two masters! A tutorial on White-on-White can be found on the Emboss or Die CD. 

To make this card, I used Stampin' Up's Blossom Petals punch on a sheet I had embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder. I punched the petals and arranged the flower on a piece I had embossed using the  with the Designer Textured Frames embossing folder (this is a hidden gem in the new catalog!). I used the Blessings from Heaven stamp set for the greeting. The flowers were colored with White Smooch ink -- and they are heavenly in person. Oh -- I added the punch on the bottom, too -- thought it needed a final touch for balance.

I had a really hard time getting a good photo of this card -- it is so pretty in person, and nothing I did seemed to capture that. I hope you get the idea!

You can join in the Blogger's Challenge below -- just follow the links. Have a great weekend!

Blogger's Challenge - Summertime

Sloppy, Juicy Lollipops. Summertime fare, right? Well, today's Blogger's Challenge was to create a card representing summer. These lollipops, paired with the bright Stampin' Up paper (long since retired) just screamed summer to me.

The Pink Paislee stamps used here were layered on pieces using the Faux Stitching Technique from the April 2006 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter. I covered each of the lollys with a coating of crystal effects to make them look more realistic. The only thing missing is the color they leave on your tongue when you lick them!!

You can join in the Summertime Blogger's Challenge, too! Simply make your card and post it using the links below.  Have fun!

Blogger's Challenge: Sketch

It's ironic. I had two sketch challenges this week, and they were close enough to each other so that I could use the same card! It is Blogger's Challenge Friday, though, so I am sharing it here today under that auspice!

This card uses the Copic Texturizing Technique from the April 2011 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter. The image is a cute Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Digi. The Texturizing is a bit hard to see in the photo, but it is there! I love this cute Digi. And don't forget to use TJNRocks to receive 10% off your order at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps!

Here is the Blogger's Challenge sketch:

 You can play along, too. Simply add the link below to your blog post using the sketch to play. Enjoy your weekend!

The CDs are here, June's issue and Blogger's Challenge!

What to talk about first? I don't know which I more excited about! I went out for a few hours this afternoon, and the CD fairy delivered the first shipment of the Stampbooking CDs! I will work on stuffing the mailers, labeling, and applying postage this evening so that they are all winging their way to the folks who pre-ordered their copies. If you have not yet, you do order the Stampbooking: The Art of Using Rubber Stamps in your Scrapbooks HERE.

The June issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter was mailed yesterday, too, and the link to the issue is live. If you are a subscriber, you can access the online pages right now! Email me if you subscribe and need the password, or if you would LIKE to subscribe, do so HERE.

Finally, today is Blogger's Challenge Friday -- and it is about shimmer. My submission uses Glitter for my shimmer, and it is from a new technique from the June 2011 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter called Glitter Roll. In addition, the LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH words are from an embossing folder that uses the Cuttlebug Highlights Technique  (From the Technique Junkie Newsletter Emboss or Die CD). You can, of course, play along with us on the BC Shimmer Challenge by adding your artwork to the hop list. And make sure you look at what the other ladies are doing, too!

I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

Blogger's Challenge - Nature

Today's Blogger's Challenge was easy -- NATURE. We simply had to create something -- open to our own interpretation -- that represents nature. My take is this card using the Pierced Vellum Technique from the April 2011 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter, along with the out of the box technique from the October 2004 issue of the Newsletter. The gorgeous paper and the cute stamps are all from Mark's Finest Papers  - and don't forget -- you can get 15% off anything at Mark's Finest Papers by using the code TJMAY15. Valid through 5-15-11.

Feel free to join in the challenge today - simply enter your artwork using the links below.

Thanks for stopping by --

Masculine Birthday

How convenient for me that Blogger's Challenge has the birthday theme, since I just sent this card out for another masculine birthday challenge. My card uses the Faux Barnwood Technique from the February 2011 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter as a background. The stamps are new-to-me from Stampin' Up!.  I thought the little Tim Holtz Gears were perfect with the stamped image. 

Hope you have a great day!

Peach Power

I recently received this adorable stamp from Susana's Custom Art and Card Design (from the Elisabeth Bell Collection)  and thought it would make the cutest baby card. Blogger's Challenge this week is a color challenge- peach, white and green -- it was a perfect time to get it inky.

My baby is colored with Copic Markers, and was cut using the Out of the Box Nesties Technique (which can be found on the new Technique Junkies Emboss or Die CD. The background behind my flower baby uses the Pastel Painted Pigment Technique (also on the Emboss or Die CD). 

I am normally not a pastel-type of person -- I tend to like earth tones and jewel tones the best -- but I really love this little cutie. I think it is the SCACD stamp! It is a little sad, though, I just can't get the colors to turn out right on the screen. This card is soft, and sweet, and soothing, and it just doesn't look like that here -- but trust me on this!

Have a great weekend!

Blogger's Challenge: Sketch Challenge

It's Friday and I am finally getting my Blogger's Challenge card posted! What a  whirlwind my life has been this week...I am actually amazed that I was able to post anything at all.

 I used the Petal Punch from Stampin' Up!, along with some of their Sell-a-bration sets (Are you sick of this flower punch yet? I am a little addicted to it). The background uses a  Stamp Camp background stamp under the SU stamps. The total effect is  It is a hybrid of the Bandana, Background Whimsy, and Pencil and Ink backgrounds, with some Glimmer Mist thrown in for good measure.

I love the way this flower turned out! I used the vintage paper from Stampin' Up!, a white Sharpie pen, and Glimmer mists on the petals. I had to take a little liberty with the sketch (below)  though -- what do you think? Is it close enough?

You can play along, too -- simply create something using the sketch, and upload your card with the links below. Have fun!

Blogger's Challenge: Emboss Me

Happy Friday! Today is Blogger's Challenge day and the theme is "Emboss Me."  I am very excited about this theme, since I have a brand-new CD called "Emboss or Die" available for pre-order now! The Cd contains 79 pdf pictorial tutorials for using your embossing folders, Die Cut machines, and Electronic Cutters. You can order it HERE, or on the sidebar of my blog.

My Card uses the Antique Wallpaper Technique on the flower petals. That technique is in the June/July 2009 Technique Junkie Newsletter, and is also on the  new CD!  The stamps on this card are from Stampin' Up!, as is the petal punch.

One of the things I did with this card was to use the brick embossing folder on just a little bit of the card to give it more grunge and added texture. You can see it better here:

Have a great weekend!

Bloggers Challenge: Love

 Happy Friday! Today is Blogger's challenge day and our theme is LOVE. Perfect for me...it forced me to make my DH's Valentines Day card!  

My card uses a modified version of the Spots and Phrases Technique, one of the bonus techniques from CD8, as the background. I layered a Cuttlebug Highlights (October 2008) Heart and the saying over that. Finally, I used the Curled Corners Technique from the February issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter to add my final accent.  All stamps Stampin' Up!. 

If you have a minute, take a peek at the submissions from the other Blogger Challenge art by clicking on a picture below this post. I am sure the Bloggers Challenge girls will be adding their art all weekend, so check back to see more, then play along.

Hope you have a great Valentine's day weekend!

Blogger's Challenge Reverse Herringbone

I am delighted to be able to participate in Blogger's Challenge this week, especially since the theme this week is to use one of my favorite color combination: black, white and red. I always love this combination! This week, though, I am especially excited because of the card above!

Sometimes you just make something and it just makes you feel happy. This card does it for me! My Butterfly uses the Reverse Herringbone Technique from the soon-to-be-released Emboss or Die CD from the Technique Junkie Newsletter. I just love the technique, and I adore my butterfly! I paired it with these pretty little pearls, some paper lace, and a lovely saying from Stampin' Up!. 

Like the technique? You can pre-order your copy of the CD HERE -- there are 79 techniques on the CD, all in step-by-step, pdf format -- with pictures for each step -- plus great artwork examples from the TJ design team. All designed to help you get the most from your Embossing Folders, Die Cut Machines, and Electronic Cutters. It is only $17.95. So much inspiration for so little!

The BC players are listed below -- click on any thumbnail to see their work, and play along, too! Have a great weekend.

Blogger's Challenge Birthday

Happy Friday! Today is Blogger's Challenge day and our theme is Birthdays. I love making birthday cards 0-- mainly because I never seem to have enough of them! Today's card is fun AND simple. This is a Hip To Be Square Card from the Technique Junkie Newsletter Fancy Folds and Motion CD. Can you believe that it only took me 15 minutes to make it?

The paper and cardstock is from Club Scrap, the Happy Birthday and inside greeting are from smARTworks, and the cattails inside the card are from Mark's Finest Papers. 

I know these are not the best pictures -- it actually took me longer trying to get a good snapshot than it did to make the card!

If you have a chance, take a  look at what the other challenge players did, below -- then join in with your own work!

Blogger's Challenge: Designer Paper

Today's Blogger's Challenge was to use Designer Paper on our creations. Couldn't be easier, right? I made this Stationery Box from the Technique Junkie Newsletter Fancy Folds and Motion Paper Crafts CD a while ago, and for some reason, I never shared it! (I have to apologize for the dark picture -- I took this on my kitchen table. Red Granite is NOT the best surface for taking pictures). I love this paper -- it has specks of glitter and raised texture throughout, and it is stunning on the box!

This box was a gift, and included the gift tags, pocket notes, and the 5 cards I made from the scraps left over from making the box. It is Easy to make, too! Don't forget, the Fancy Folds and Motion CD has 60 project tutorials in step-by-step, printable format -- with pictures for each step and plenty of examples for inspiration. It is only $17.95 -- for 60 -- yes SIXTY tutorials!  Order using the link on my blog or here. 

If you would like to join the Blogger's Challenge, or even just take a peek at what the other players did this week, click on the links below my signature -- and play along, too!

Blogger's challenge: Sketch challenge

Yoo Hoo! I am finally playing in the Blogger's Challenge again. Today's challenge was a sketch challenge, and it was a simple one to boot! the sketch is on the right - give it a try!

My submission for the challenge uses Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps on a piece of Newsprint Reveal from the April 2009 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter. That piece is layered over a piece of gray paper that uses the Texture Duet Technique (October 2010 issue of the TJNL). All papers are from Paper Temptress.

If you have a chance, click on the Blogger's Challenge link on my blog to see the creations from the other players. It is always a feast for the eyes!

Have a great weekend!

Blogger's Challenge: Birthday

Today is Friday -- Blogger's Challenge day! Our challenge today was to create a birthday card.

My card uses the Splash 'n Stick Technique from the August 2010 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter for the butterfly and dragonfly. the background is a piece of  Faux Metal from the June 2010  issue of the Newsletter. When I was creating this, the thought that the swirls from the background looked like the path of a butterfly in flight kept going through my mind. Does it look that way to you?

If you would like to see what the other Blogger's Challenge players created today, simply click on the Blogger's Challenge banner on my sidebar -- this is one fabulous group of creative ladies! 

The birthday sentiment stamp is from Stampin' Up!.

Have a nice weekend,

P.S. Dare I say it? These techniques can be found on the Cd8, which will be mailing in less than a month. did you order your copy yet? Email me for details.