Friday, September 30, 2011

Jane's Doodles {All Things Grow With Love}

Happy Friday! Today, I have a Jane's Doodles card to share with you. It uses two of the newest sets, Pretty Peonies and Big Sentiments with the ark from Noah's Ark as a planter.

I stamped the peonies with three shades of yellow distress ink and fussy cut them. I layered them around the base of the ark and tied Charcoal baker's twine around it. In the close-up photos, you can see that I scored an X on the black card base to create the look of a wood frame. Then I used a paint dabber to ink up the edges of the kraft panel.

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you enjoy your day. :)

Sources: Gina K Designs pure luxury white, kraft & black cardstock; Jane's Doodles Pretty Peonies, Noah's Ark & Big Sentiments; Tim Holtz for Ranger distress inks in Antique Linen, Mustard Seed, Scattered Straw & Wild Honey; The Twinery baker's twine in Charcoal; Memories Black ink; Jenni Bowlin for Ranger acrylic paint dabber in Malted Milk; Stampin' Dimensionals

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Lil' Inker Designs {Die Versatility}

There's just something irresistable about candy corn and, whether it's the colours, size or taste, I could eat an entire bag at once. I can't guarantee I won't feel sick afterwards but I love them. Okay, I've never actually eaten an entire bag but sometimes I think about it. LOL This year, I haven't bought any yet so that's a good thing, right? :Þ While we are on the subject of candy corn, I was thinking about what else I could make with the new Acorn Die & Stamp Set from Lil' Inker Designs and then it dawned on me that I could use the nut part as candy corn!

I cut into my new package of Echo Park's Apothecary Emporium, die cut three papers and snipped them all at once so the pieces would line up perfectly when attached to a plain die cut of the nut. I stamped one of the silly faces from the Acorn Stamp Set and used one of the sentiments which is so perfect for the idea of eating candy corn. I used my paper trimmer to create the frame.

Since I could theoretically make six acorns with the snipped sections, I made a few more acorns. Two of them looked very nice together but it was late so I asked my husband what it looked like. He said it looked like an egg. Ooohhh, now isn't that a great idea?! Then I thought of something gross. An insect torso. I thought about making legs out of twine when I looked over and saw the Rainbows & Clouds Die (see below for sale info). That's when the lightbulb inside my head lit up! I squealed and I'm pretty sure my husband thought I was crazy.

I seriously grossed myself out making this spider though and wondered if I should just go to bed instead of thinking of things like this. I might have nightmares! Obviously, the googly eyes and twine web make it cute and that's why I use those embellishments. ;) Another sentiment from the Acorn Stamp Set finished this card perfectly! I love, love, love the versatility of Lil' Inker dies. If you come up with new ideas for these dies, I would love to know!!

Don't forget! Lil' Inker Designs launched its brand new website yesterday and the Rainbows & Clouds Dies & Stamp Set is on sale for 20% off 'til Sunday, October 2nd 11:59 p.m. with the code 20OFFRC at checkout. I know that many of you have already bought this set so now you can make all the rainbows, flowers, rollercoasters, grass, hope ribbons and spiders you want. LOL ;)

Sources for Candy Corn: Gina K Designs pure luxury kraft cardstock; Echo Park Apothecary Emporium Collection; Lil' Inker Designs Acorn Die & Stamp Set; Memories Black ink; Stampin' Dimensionals

Sources for Spider: Gina K Designs 120lb pure luxury white & black cardstock; Echo Park Apothecary Emporium Collection; Lil' Inker Designs Acorn Die & Stamp Set & Rainbow & Clouds Die; Memories Black ink; Craft Medley googly eyes; The Twinery baker's twine in Charcoal; Stampin' Dimensionals

Monday, September 26, 2011

Hope, Luck and Love + Birthday Giveaway Winner

Since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Splitcoaststampers' Hope You Can Cling To challenges will begin, I thought I would start early and make a card for someone who is battling breast cancer now. I used the Lil' Inker Designs Rainbows & Clouds Dies & Stamp Set to make this quick card that could easily be duplicated in bundles for any breast cancer fundraiser. Ever since I made THIS card, I've wanted to make a pink ribbon with the rainbow dies. (Michelle, I smiled at your comment. Great minds think alike!) I used the two clouds and the largest of the rainbow bands, first adhered with Scor-Tape, and then to the card with foam tape. I combined two of the sentiments from the same set and rounded the corners to finish.

Do you love the Rainbows & Clouds Dies & Stamp Set? You're in luck!! Lil' Inker Designs is launching its brand new website at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 26th and you can purchase this set for 20% off! Just use the code 20OFFRC which will be valid until Sunday, October 2nd 11:59 p.m. Happy shopping and thank you for supporting Lil' Inker Designs!

***

One more thing before you go... I used Random.org to choose the winner of a MAC Cosmetics lipstick or eyeshadow from THIS post and that lucky lady is:

Congratulations, Lindsey! Please email me with your choice and I will get your prize out to you as soon as possible.

***

And can I say how much I love the OttLites my husband bought me for my birthday? I can't believe I didn't get them sooner! Thank you to all my crafty friends who recommended them. OttLites are amazing and you can see the close-to-midnight photography I did in this post. Do I have you convinced? My mouth was hanging open the entire time I was photographing my card and my husband rolled his eyes. LOL

Thanks for stopping by! I hope your week is wonderful! :)

Sources: Gina K Designs pure luxury kraft cardstock; Echo Park Be Mine Collection; Lil' Inker Designs Rainbows & Clouds Dies & Stamp Set; Memories Black ink; Stampin' Dimensionals

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Miss You

I used Paper Smooches stamps and the Embellish Paint or Mist Color Trends Challenge to make this card for my husband who was recently away on a business trip. It was his first trip away in three years but at least it was only two days as opposed to the two weeks he was used to in a previous job. This card was tucked into hubby's bag and he opened it for a smile when he missed us.

At first, I was going to paint with my Jenni Bowlin paint dabbers but I couldn't figure out how to incorporate it into my design. Then I realized I had to mist but didn't know how without any mists. Then I remembered I had Blopens. Do you remember those? Yup, that's what I used for the misted background! I love how it looks but I don't think Blopens are going to cut it in the long-term. :Þ Anyway, the crazy-cute rabbit is from A Little Lovin, the h-ear accessory is from Hang Ups and the sentiment is from Sentiment Sampler. How could you not giggle when you look at that rabbit? I love Paper Smooches stamps!

As I mentioned, my husband was away on a business trip the two days before my birthday so he didn't get a chance to make me a card. He also doesn't usually leave things 'til the last minute but life has been exceptionally insane ever since the move which I'm sure you can understand, especially since we're closing on the condo this week. Some of you may have been surprised after my last post when you didn't see a card from my husband because you all know he makes me cards, right?! I'll never forget when Lydia Fiedler featured THIS card on Splitcoaststampers' Facebook Page and it got more than 1,400 views which is waaay more than I ever get on mine. You can only imagine the eye-rolling he got from me when he continued to brag about it. LOL He felt really bad about not making me a card for my birthday because he takes great pride in making me cards. He also knows how much it means to me but even though I was sad, I understood his feelings and intentions. He will be making me a card so stay tuned. ;)

Sources: Gina K Designs pure luxury ivory cardstock; Discount Cardstock Posh Grass Green Dungaree; Paper Smooches A Little Lovin, Hang Ups & Sentiment Sampler; Memento Rich Cocoa ink; SU Basic Gray ink; Blopen in brown; Copics; Gary M. Burlin & Co. silver glitter glue; My Favorite Things Fresh Cut Grass die; Stampin' Dimensionals

New Home & Birthday RAKs + Giveaway Winners

Happy, happy weekend! As you all know, I moved into my new home three weeks ago and I also celebrated a birthday yesterday! I will show you the house and birthday RAKs I received in the last three weeks, in the order they were received, followed by the winners of The Moving Challenge and The Twinery Design Team Blog Hop Giveaway.

First up is a card that came from Jenny Mullens across the pond. I can't remember how I discovered Jenny's blog but I'm so glad I did because her cards are amazing and she can create a stunner in any style. I love that she made the craft supplies box the biggest one and it's one of several which was so true. LOL I'm also excited to be following in Jenny's footsteps as the next Paper Smooches Guest Designer!

Second, is a card from my birthday buddy, Angela H.! She's the first and only person I've met that shares the same birthday as me. I love this girl and we're going to meet in December! My son is already calling her, "Your 'nother stamping friend?" LOL She used my favourite colours for this adorable card. The masked party chick on houndstooth is so cute! Ang is always the enabler and you can find out where she got the supplies for this card HERE.

Third, is a card from Emily Keaton which you can read about HERE. I only ever met one other Emily growing up (it was a rare name in my generation but now it's extremely popular) so it is an honour to have a blogland friend who shares the same name. I love Emily's classically beautiful and elegant style and the fact that she can whip up amazing 3D projects as easily as cards! Emily's little neighbourhood scene is perfection.

Next up, Annette Allen sent me a fun and cheery card for my home. I love how she personalized it and you can read more about this card HERE. If you aren't familiar with Annette's blog, you should stop by for a browse. Annette uses stamps from a lot of different companies and you will love her use of colour as well as her colouring skills!

Finally, my most local 'stamping friend' Lindsey, as my son calls her, sent me this wonderfully embossed card. I think Lindsey is a master-embosser and I can't stop touching those trees. LOL You can read all about this fabulous card on her blog HERE.

Thank you ALL for these wonderful gifts and for brightening my days with them! Your talent amazes me when I see it on my computer but to actually hold your creations in my hands is really heartwarming.

***

And now the winners....

Thank you so much to the ladies who took time out of their busy schedules to play along in The Moving Challenge! I loved hosting my first challenge and I was happy to see so many players. I may just have to host another challenge in the future. ;)

I used Random.org to draw the three winners of baker's twine from The Twinery but officially sponsored by me. Congratulations to Annette Allen, Emily Keaton and Alison Spelman! Please email me and let me know your mailing address and colour preference out of Blossom, Honeydew and Charcoal. First come, first served since I only have one bundle of each colour. If you all want the same colour, I will just award them randomly.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by during The Twinery's Design Team Blog Hop this week! I was overwhelmed by the number of comments but thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed the projects displayed by the entire team. Thank you for supporting my work as well as The Twinery's incredible baker's twine!

I used Random.org to draw the winner of an Ultimate Color Sampler Pack sponsored by The Twinery. Congratulations to Marlena M.! Please email me with your mailing address which I will forward to The Twinery for the mailing of your prize. You have until Saturday, October 1st 11:59 p.m. to claim your prize.

Thank you for stopping by for this very long post. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Unity Friends With Flair {Sep 23} - Happy Birthday to...

This is my second post of the day! Click HERE for my Lil' Inker Designs Fall Release Week: Day 5 {Acorn Die & Stamp Set} post.

Not only am I celebrating a birthday today, I'm sharing it with one of my closest blogging buddies, Angela H. Happy birthday, Ang!! You're beautiful, generous, super-talented and have a wicked sense of humour. I'm looking forward to meeting you in December!

I inked up two new Unity stamps for the first time - a now-retired Suzi Blu called Chickadee and the Marah Johnson wings, Marah Freedom. I love how gorgeous those wings look cut out! I used a whole bunch of things Angela loves - favourite colours, text, felt and even stickers. I even tried to be clever with my stickers the way she is on her scrapbook layouts. ;) I did have another pink 'a' but I thought it would be cool to spell out 'angel' in pink within her name since she is so sweet. Plus orange is one of her favourite colours so 'a' is orange to match the wings. :Þ The text on Chickadee's head is masked from Giving It All Meaning, the 'happy birthday' sentiment is from To The Moon & Back, the background is patterned paper from Bella BLVD, the stickers are from a couple of different Echo Park kits and the gorgeous rose was made using two Lil' Inker Designs dies just released this week - Acorn & Fringe Flower!

Tomorrow, I will share a mega RAK post and announce the winners from The Moving Challenge as well as The Twinery Design Team Blog Hop Giveaway!

But that's not all! Since today is my birthday and Chinese tradition says that I should give away something for five-fold happiness, I'm going to give away the winner's choice of a lipstick or eyeshadow from MAC Cosmetics, my favourite products to use as a makeup artist. To be eligible, all you have to do is leave a comment in this post by tomorrow 11:59 p.m. EST and telling me exactly what you would choose (type, colour) if you were to be chosen by Random.org as the winner. If you don't want to be eligible for the giveaway, just comment on the card. LOL I will announce the winner of my birthday giveaway on Sunday, September 25th. Thanks so much for all your encouragement, support and kindness!

Sources: Gina K Designs 120lb pure luxury white cardstock; Bella BLVD Bookin' on the Beach; Unity+Suzi Blu Chickadee (retired); Unity+Marah Johnson Marah Freedom; Unity January 2011 Kit of the Month - To The Moon & Back; Unity Giving It All Meaning; SU Tempting Turquoise & Tangerine Tango inks; Tim Holtz for Ranger Shabby Shutters distress ink; Echo Park Be Mine & Apothecary Emporium stickers; Lil' Inker Designs Acorn & Fringe Flower dies; QuicKutz Epic Six; SU Stampin' Dimensionals

Lil' Inker Designs Fall Release Week: Day 5 {Acorn Die & Stamp Set}

Welcome to Day 5 of the Lil' Inker Designs Fall Release!!! If you've just come from Julie Ranae's blog, you are hopping in the correct order. If not, be sure to start at Laura's blog for all the details. Today, the entire design team is presenting projects made with the soon-to-be highly-coveted Acorn die & stamp set. It is cute, cute, cute!!

The acorn die has those amazing perforations (previously seen in the Rainbows & Clouds dies) on both the leaf and the nut! My card uses traditional earth-tones with a touch of colour for a masculine birthday card. This card would look equally good without the faces but I couldn't resist putting them on the acorns. They are wonderful and make me giggle when I look at them! The stamp set is a combination of backgrounds for the cupule (beret or hat), the most hilarious faces and fantastic handwritten sentiments. What's not to love? :)

Hopefully you've been hopping along all week and leaving comments on all the designers' blogs each day for a chance to win one of three $10 gift certificates to the Lil' Inker Store! My teammates have amazed me with the projects blogged thus far using the new Fringe Flower and Mini Pinwheel dies. Now, I'm sending you to Debby Hughes' blog where I know you'll swoon over what she's made using this Acorn die & stamp set!

And since it really is my birthday today, I'd like to go nuts and give this card to myself. LOL Just kidding. ;) I'll be back a bit later with a birthday-related post. Thank you so much for stopping by all week long!

Sources: Gina K Designs pure luxury kraft cardstock; SU Naturals Ivory, Certainly Celery, Wild Wasabi & Early Espresso cardstock; Lil' Inker Designs Acorn die & stamp set; Tim Holtz for Ranger Antique Linen & Walnut Stain distress inks; Ranger Blending Tool; Spellbinders Nestabilities Wonky Rectangles; Papertrey Ink Linen & Canvas impression plate; The Twinery baker's twine in Lemondrop & Mandarin; Stampin' Dimensionals

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Lil' Inker Designs Fall Release Week: Day 4 {Mini Pinwheel Die}

Welcome to Day 4 of the Lil' Inker Designs fall release blog hop! If you've come Laura's blog, you're on the right track. If not, be sure to start there for all the details. After I made THIS poinsettia card by stitching flattened blades, I realized how beautiful the blades can be in any direction. When I noticed those three pretty scalloped edges, I thought of wings, said out loud, "Ooohhh," and went straight to work on this flying heart. I love how the original Pinwheel Sentiments and Rainbow & Clouds Sentiments work so well with it!

To complete the scene, I die cut one of the fabulous clouds from the Rainbow & Cloud dies and added an a•muse grass border die. I must've changed the colour of the twine three or four times before I was satisfied with it. ;) I used a Copic Multi Liner to turn the dot into a comma at the end of the first line, connecting the two sentiments. It makes the perfect card for my best friend who lives in Montreal because I really do miss having her around.

Earlier in the week, my talented teammate Amy Kolling used the Mini Pinwheel as leaves. I hope that her leaves and my wings inspire you think outside the box when using the pinwheel dies. Imagine all the things you could make with leaves and wings alone! If there's one thing I love about a product, it's versatility and this one's got it in spades. Speaking of Amy, she's next on this hop so I'm sending you over to her fabulous blog right now!

Don't forget that today is Day 2 of The Twinery's Design Team Blog Hop and you could win the Ultimate Color Sampler Pack on every blog. Start at The Twinery Blog for more fun, inspiration and prizes.

Sources: Gina K Designs 120lb pure luxury white cardstock; SU Tempting Turquoise & Certainly Celery cardstock; Echo Park Be Mine Collection & Candy Shoppe paper pad; Lil' Inker Designs Pinwheel Sentiments; Lil' Inker Designs Rainbow & Cloud Sentiments; Memories Artprint Brown ink; SU Tempting Turquoise & Pink Passion inks; Lil' Inker Mini Pinwheel die; Lil' Inker Designs Rainbow & Cloud die; a•muse grass border die; EK Success Medium Heart punch; Papertrey Ink Sunshine impression plate; K&Company Heart Rhinestones; Stampin' Dimensionals; The Twinery baker's twine in Honeydew; Copic 0.3mm Sepia Multi Liner

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The Twinery Design Team Blog Hop {Day 1}

Welcome to The Twinery's Design Team Blog Hop! If you've come from Hera Frei's blog, you are on the right track. If not, be sure to start at The Twinery Blog for all the details. The team is three-quarters of the way through our term and we are have so much fun showcasing the best twine on the planet! The team is hopping in three groups over three days so you will see an array of incredible projects in many different styles. The card I'm showing you today was made with crocheted foundation chains in a rainbow of The Twinery's colours.

Every time I look at this card, I want to touch it! Don't you? ;) It looks like a snuggly little blanket which, by the way, would make a sweet baby card in your choice of colours. And I have a feeling some of you will ask so, yes, this was a publication reject for the last Paper Crafts call which didn't really come at a good time with my move and all. It was the only card I was able to submit and it was obviously rejected and I'm okay with that. I love it loads and that's all that matters. :)

Prize Alert!!!

Every design team member is giving away the Ultimate Color Sampler Pack courtesy of The Twinery!!! You will definitely want to hop along with us for the next three days and leave a comment on every blog to increase your chances of winning one of the most generous giveaways of the year! Leave a comment on this post by Friday, September 23rd 11:59 p.m. EST and I will choose my winner via Random.org. Check back here on Saturday, September 24th to see if you won!

I'm the last stop today but here's today's blog hop order in case you want to start at the beginning:

The Twinery Blog
Stephanie Johnson
Deena
Monika Wright
Jenny Suchin
Grace Hester
Jen Carter
Hera Frei
{me}

If you would like to hop along with Day 2's group, the fun starts at 8:00 a.m. EST tomorrow on The Twinery Blog!

I will be posting tomorrow for Day 4 of the Lil' Inker Designs Fall Release {Mini Pinwheel Die}. Be sure to hop with today's group starting HERE.

Sources: Gina K Designs 120lb pure luxury white cardstock; Unity Forever Friends; Memento Tuxedo Black ink; The Twinery baker's twine in Blossom, Pink Sorbet, Maraschino, Mandarin, Lemondrop, Honeydew, Peapod, Caribbean, Lilac, Cappuccino & Charcoal; crochet hook; SU Heart to Heart punch

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Lil' Inker Designs Fall Release Week: Day 2 {Fringe Flower Die}

Welcome to Day 2 of the Lil' Inker Designs fall release blog hop! You should've arrived from Laura's blog but if not, be sure to start there for all the details on this week's releases. Do you remember when you were a child and crafting was all about curling little strips of paper with your scissors? I've wanted to use this technique with the Lil' Inker Sentiment Flags die to make a flower. Originally, this was going to be a simple flower with a button. Then it dawned on me that I could use the Fringe Flower die to make something for the centre and, boy, do I ever love it! The ribbons for the rosette were originally leaves but when I chose a sentiment for the standard A2 card, I realized I needed a tall 3.25" x 6.5" card instead plus I think the curled flags frame the flower so nicely. ;)

The Fringe Flower die is amazing, easy to use and cuts like butter! I'm sure felt will be the most popular medium used with it but the die cuts cardstock exceptionally well just like I've done here. You're sure to see this die used on all kinds of fabrics in the near future. I can't wait to see what you do with it once you get your hands on it. It's an extremely versatile die! Do you see how this new Fringe Flower die might be a necessity? ;) To create this card, I also used two sentiments from the Lil' Inker Rainbow & Clouds Sentiments as well as a musical dot from Hero Arts' Many Dots set.

Now, I'm sending you over to my amazing friend, Julie Ranae's blog! Be sure to hop along all week and leave comments on every blog for a chance to win a gift certificate to the Lil' Inker store!

Sources: SU Pool Party cardstock; Basic Grey Oliver paper pad; Lil' Inker Designs Fringe Flower die; Lil' Inker Designs Sentiment Flags die; Lil' Inker Designs Rainbow & Cloud Sentiments; Hero Arts Many Dots; SU Basic Gray & Pool Party inks; Tim Holtz for Ranger Pumice Stone distress ink; Ranger Blending Tool

Monday, September 19, 2011

Lil' Inker Designs Fall Release Week: Day 1 {Fringe Flower Die}

Hello, it's the start of a very busy week on this blog! I'll be joining both the Lil' Inker Designs and The Twinery design teams for blog hops through Friday. Lil' Inker Designs is releasing three new dies and one coordinating stamp set this week. When you see the first release today, you'll want to drop it in your shopping cart immediately!! It is selling fast. ;) Remember to comment all week long on all blogs for a chance to win a gift certificate to the Lil' Inker Designs store. Here's today's line-up:

Laura Pryor
Sarah Jay
Chan Vuong
Alicia Thelin
Amy Kolling
Jen Carter
Lil' Inker Designs Store

I'm hopping with the second half of the design team tomorrow! See you then. :)

Friday, September 16, 2011

Jane's Doodles {You're the Best}

Happy Friday! It's my day to post on the Jane's Doodles Blog. I was up very late last night feeling exceptionally tired and having a beer. Well, I nearly gave myself a concussion making this card late last night - er, very early this morning - and you are going to laugh so hard when you read this story. I have a built-in desk with overhead shelves in my new house. Normally, I stand on my background stamps on the floor, on a magazine, to get a really good impression. Well, for some reason, I decided to press this one on the desk and when I threw my weight on the stamp, my head was propelled into the overhead shelves. I heard quite the nasty crack. Then I got scared when I touched my hand to my head 'cause there was a deep indentation and I ran to look in the mirror. I quickly got some ice and nearly froze my eyeballs while finishing this card. There's nothing like giving yourself a nasty bruise and a near-concussion while crafting! Lesson learned? Just stand on the stamp. Oh, and maybe stick to wine while crafting instead of beer. LOL

I used three Jane's Doodles sets to make this fun card! The large sentiment is from the wonderfully whimsical set, Big Sentiments, that was just released last week. The banners are from Party Time, also released last week, and the smaller sentiment which I stamped inside the banners, is from Little Miss Mia. The Envelope Pattern on the grey strip is, of course, Hero Arts.

It's not often that I use both a colour inspiration challenge and a sketch but that's what ended up happening here. I used the colourQ challenge #102 as well as Moxie Fab World's Vertical Sketch Challenge after I saw Emily Keaton's sweet submission to my Moving Challenge using the same colours and sketch. Thank you for the spark, Emily! I think my mojo might finally be returning, despite the hit on the head. :Þ The words on this card are for all of you who have left encouraging comments and emails! Thank you so, so much for the smiles and laughter. ;)

Sources: Gina K Designs 120lb pure luxury white cardstock; SU Basic Grey, Poppy Parade, Certainly Celery & Tempting Turquoise cardstock; Jane's Doodles Big Sentiments, Party Time & Little Miss Mia; Hero Arts Envelope Pattern; Memories Black ink; Hero Arts Snow Chalk ink; SU Basic Rhinestones

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

An Update + Embellish Stripes Color Trends Challenge

I'm back. Sort of. Not really. I haven't been too happy lately which is a bummer since it was a dream of mine to be in a house for a very long time. I don't know when the day will come when I'll feel truly happy here. I hope it comes soon. Exhaustion and stress has taken a toll on my mojo. I have no desire to craft, nor does it appeal to me. Sometimes I just feel like crying when I sit down with my stamps because I can't even bear to ink them up. I never imagined I would ever feel this way about crafting. I sure hope it's not gone forever. I haven't made anything in two whole weeks. In fact, my last two posts were things I made days before I moved! Well, this one was forced so it isn't the greatest thing I've ever made but I needed to push myself. I have design team commitments looming and something must be done about this terrible zone I'm in. Sigh.

Happy. Fun. Lucky. I know it's only three things but I could sure use some of that! I haven't played in the Embellish Color Trends Challenge for months which is a total bummer because I love their challenges. I liked the colours and the stripes theme so I used them to ink up Unity's August Kit of the Month, What I Know, for the first time. Sadly, I have a lot of wonderful new stamps that haven't seen ink due to this move! My card has rows of arrows, rays around the sentiment, stripes on the twine and, if you connect the dots of the two gemstones, you get a line. Rows, rays and lines are stripes, right? I know, that may be pushing it. LOL Well, it's all I've got right now.

I really appreciate all the emails everyone has sent me checking up on me and wishing me well. Thank you! I'm hanging in here as best as I can and it helps a lot to have caring and thoughtful friends like you. I plan to be back soon. :)

Sources: Gina K Designs pure luxury kraft & 120lb pure luxury white cardstock; Unity August 2011 Kit of the Month - What I Know; Memento Tuxedo Black ink; Tim Holtz for Ranger Faded Jeans distress ink; SU Riding Hood Red ink; Spellbinders Nestabilities Standard Circles Large; QuicKutz Epic Six; McGill 1 11/16" circle punch; The Twinery baker's twine in Charcoal; SU Basic Rhinestones; Stampin' Dimensionals; We R Memory Keepers corner chomper