The Beauty of Compassion...

Good morning! Today I want to share with you, a beautiful new sentiment stamp set called, "Christian Sympathy". The typefaces on this set are lovely and will express your heartfelt expressions beautifully. I always like to have a card handy for those unfortunate times when a friend needs encouragement or consoling from life's tragic seasons, and this set was a welcome addition to my collection! Many uses await "Christian Sympathy" by Clear Dollar Stamps, releasing February 1st. Ordering and pricing details may be found HERE. Be sure to see my team members' blogs, Stacy Morgan and Linsey Rickett for some other samples to view using "Christian Sympathy".

Stamp Sets Used: Clear Dollar Stamps "Christian Sympathy"
Cardstock & Papers: Basic Grey "Offbeat" Designer Paper Pad, K&Co."Remake" Earth Browns Mat Pad, Paper Trey White Cardstock
Inkpads: Stampin' Up! Baja Breeze Ink & Chocolate Chip Inks, Stazon Black Ink
Accessories: Nestabilities Labels Two Dies SU! Mat Pack, Piercing Tool, Karen Foster Click-It Hole Punch Set, Tsukineko Sponge Daubers, Martha Stewart Leaf & Bird Punches, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Sewing Machine, Thread, American Crafts Dimensionals, Adhesives, Kaiser "Bliss" Self-Adhesive Pearls, Spare Parts Paper Flowers, K&Co. White Glitter Bloom, Offray Satin Ribbon, K&Co. "Smitten" Adhesive Paper Ribbon
Special Techniques: Basic Stamping, Sponging, Machine Stitching, Paper Piercing

INSTRUCTIONS:
A 5"x 5"" card base was cut from Paper Trey White Cardstock and set aside. Three square mats were cut to size: Blue - 5" x 5", Brown - 4.5" x 4.5", Blue Print 4.25" x 4.25. All three square mats were glued together and then I embellished the smallest square blue, patterned mat with K&Co. "Smitten" Adhesive Paper Ribbon around all four sides. Using my Janome Hello Kitty Sewing Machine ; ) I machine stitched around the 4 sides of the largest blue mat, as well as the smaller, blue patterned mat (over the adhesive paper ribbon white trim), and set aside.

The main sentiment is from Clear Dollar Stamps "Christian Sympathy" and was stamped onto Paper Trey White Cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. The sentiment was centered and cut out using the Nestabilities Labels Two Die and then lightly sponged around the sentiment using a Tsukineko Sponge Dauber, and then more heavily around the edges. I "tipped" the sentiment die cut using Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip Ink. Using a Paper Piercing Tool, I freehand pierced around the edge of the sentiment die edge. Using the same Nestabilities dies, I created a white mat for the sentiment, and freehand paper pierced a double row border around the white mat edge for interest. I glued the sentiment and the white mat together. A bird was created using a Martha Stewart Bird Punch with Paper Trey White Cardstock. I lightly sponged the interior of the bird body with Stampin' Up! Baja Blue and then more heavily around the bird edge and more heavily with "tipping'. Using a Signo Black Gel Pen, I highlighted the bird's eye (he needs to see, right?)

A strip of Offray Brown Satin Ribbon was cut and anchored to the back of the card front, making a "V" at the bottom. I popped up the matted sentiment on American Crafts Dimensionals overtop the satin ribbon, and popped up the bird overtop the lower right edge of the sentiment. I embellished the sentiment with three Kaiser "Bliss" Self-Adhesive Pearls to represent the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

The floral ornament was created with two Paper Flowers from Spare Parts and a small part of a White Glitter Flower from K&Co. I added a smaller "Bliss" matching pearl from Kaiser as a flower center. The foliage around the flower was created with a Martha Stewart Leaf Punch and White Paper Trey Cardstock. The leaves and the flower were then anchored to the card, using a brad and adhesives. To finish, the card front was glued to the white cardstock base.

This card was the second card that I created using Clear Dollar Stamps' "Christian Sympathy" stamp set. I adore the typeface used in all the sentiments included in this set, and there are several. In fact, the beauty of this set is that the sentiments are useful for the front of the card or the inside of the card, and they are easily interchangeable. This stamp set can be used for expressing sympathy, concern or prayer cover for that special friend. Because the sentiments are so beautiful in this set, it easily lends itself to simple adornment with scoring or flower embellishment. "Christian Sympathy" stamp set will be released on February 1st. Ordering and pricing details may be found HERE. Be sure to see my team members' blogs, Stacy Morgan and Linsey Rickett for some other samples to view using "Christian Sympathy".

Stamp Sets Used: Clear Dollar Stamps "Christian Sympathy" & "Genuine Love"
Cardstock & Papers: K&Co."Remake" Sunset Oranges Mat Pad, Colormates Medium Spring Green Cardstock, Paper Trey White Cardstock
Inkpads: Stampin' Up! Barely Banana, So Saffron & Mellow Moss Inks, Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Accessories: Nestabilities Labels One Dies SU! Mat Pack, Piercing Tool, Karen Foster Click-It Hole Punch Set, Tsukineko Sponge Daubers, Scor-Pal, Fiskars Shape Boss Embossing System, Martha Stewart Leaf Punch, Zots, American Crafts Dimensionals, Adhesives, Spare Parts Paper Flowers Making Memories Jeweled Brad, Dress It Up Butterfly, Offray Ribbon, Mini Spool Ribbon.
Special Techniques: Basic Stamping, Sponging, Paper Piercing, Scoring, Dry Embossing, Stacked Ribbon

INSTRUCTIONS:
A 5"x 5"" card base was cut from Paper Trey White Cardstock and set aside. Two square mats were cut to size: Yellow - 4.5" x 4.5", White 4" x 4". The white mat was scored at .5" on all four corners using a Scor-Pal. Using a Fiskars Embossing System, I embossed the 4 squares on the white mat in all 4 corners. The two mats were glued together and set aside.

The main stamped image was first stamped using the fern stamp from the Clear Dollar Stamps "Genuine Love" stamp set, using Stampin' Up! Mellow Moss on Paper Trey White Cardstock. Next, the sentiment was overstamped on the ferns using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. The stamped sentiment was cut out using Nestabilities Labels One Die and using Tsukineko Sponge Daubers, I first lightly sponged around the sentiment mat using Stampin' Up! Barely Banana Ink and then more heavily along the edge using Stampin' Up! So Saffron Ink. Using a Paper Piercing Tool, I freehand paper pierced around all four sides of the sentiment mat. I cut a framing mat for the sentiment mat using Nestabilities Labels One Die out of Colormates Medium Spring Green Cardstock, and paper piercing around all four sides, as well. The sentiment mat was then popped up on American Crafts Dimensionals on top of the green larger mat. Both mats were popped up on the same Dimensionals overtop the white, scored mat..

The floral ornament was created with Paper Flowers from Spare Parts and a green jeweled brad from Making Memories. The foliage around the flower was created out of Paper Trey White Cardstock and Colormates Medium Spring Green Cardstock with a Martha Stewart Leaf Punch. The leaves and the flower were then anchored to the card, using a brad and adhesives. I created a "stacked ribbon" using a 5/8" wide strip of Offray Sage Satin Ribbon and a 3/8" strip of Mini Spool Yellow & White Striped Ribbon gluing the two together with Duck Tape Runner. I anchored a strip of the stacked ribbon diagonally across the upper left corner of the card, and then tied a separate, matching bow and attached to the stacked ribbon diagonal strip using Zots. To finish, the card front was glued to the white cardstock base.

Well, that's the end of the Februrary Sneak Peeks for Clear Dollar Stamps, but I hope that you have seen something that you like and visit them soon! On Monday, I will share with you a new baby (babies) card that I've made for a friend who is going to have twin baby girls! See you back here then!

Want Another Sneak Peek?

This pretty and versatile large stamp, "Watermill" will be a new February 1st Release from Clear Dollar Stamps. On this particular card, I decided to use my Nestabilities Labels Two die to frame the central portion of the stamp image, although the stamp itself has a larger image area, shown on my other "Watermill" card sample. This stamp is so much fun to color, and the possibilities of color medium is countless! For this card, I decided to try my hand at Copic coloring and blending my first scenic card. I thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with shadows, and blending for rich texture with this stamp. I'm sure you will too, as well as find many uses for this pretty stamp. Ordering and pricing details may be found HERE. Be sure to see my team members' blogs, Stacy Morgan, Linsey Rickett, Kim Teasdale and Laurie Wilson for some other samples to view using "Watermill". Be sure to see my team members' blogs, Stacy Morgan, Linsey Rickett, Kim Teasdale and Laurie Wilson for some other samples to view using "Watermill".

Stamp Sets Used: Clear Dollar Stamps "Watermill" & "What a Hoot"
Cardstock & Papers: K&Co. "Remake" Rose Reds & Ocean Blues Mat Pads, Colormates Medium Berry Red Cardstock, Colorbok Textured Brown Cardstock, Paper Trey White Cardstock
Inkpads: Stampin' Up! Bashful Blue Re-Inker, Adirondack Expresso Ink, Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Markers: Copic Sketch Markers: C1, C3, C5, B32, BG000, BG15, G16, G82, G94, YG63, E25, E29, E31, E34, R08, R29. Marvy Artist Marker Dark Brown.
Accessories: Nestabilities Label One Dies, Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots & Stylized Flowers Embossing Folders, Sewing Machine, Thread, Tsukineko Sponge Daubers, Aquabrush, Mini Spool Gingham Ribbon, Buttons, Twine, Adhesives, American Crafts Dimensionals
Coloring Medium: Copic Blending & Coloring, Watercoloring
Special Techniques: Basic Stamping, Sponging, Machine Stitching, Dry Embossing,

INSTRUCTIONS:
A 5" x 5" card front was cut to size out of Colormates Medium Berry Red Cardstock, and another mat cut to 4.25" x 4.25" from K&Co. "Remake Blues Mat Pad" Designer Paper. I ran the large red mat through the Cuttlebug using the Swiss Dots Embosssing Folder, and the smaller blue mat through the Stylized Flowers Embossing Folder for added interest and texture. The two mats were glued together and machine stitched along all 4 sides and set aside.

The main watermill image was stamped onto Paper Trey White Cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored and blended using Copic Sketch Markers. The clouds and sky were watercolored using Stampin' Up! Bashful Blue Re-Inker and an Aquabrush.Ink. I allowed the watercolored sky to dry overnight. When dry, I stamped the sentiment onto the stamped, colored image using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. The stamped and colored image was then cut out using a Nestabilities Labels One Die. Using a Marvy Artist Dark Brown Marker, I dot-doodled around all four sides of the colored, stamped image affter being die cut. I cut a brown mat for the stamped image using the next size up Nestabilities Labels One die. Using the same Marvy Dark Brown Marker, I drew "woodgrain" type lines around the brown die cut mat, to add a little rustic flavor to the image. I popped up the stamped, colored image over the brown woodgrain mat on American Crafts Dimensionals.

A strip of red and white gingham ribbon was run across the card front and anchored to the back of the card. The brown matted, stamped image was then glued to the card front. I tied two "bow knots" out of the matching ribbon, securing them onto the matching ribbon strip on either side of the stamped image. A button tied with twine was secured to each "bow knot" center for added embellishment.To finish, the card front was glued to the white cardstock base.

This second card that I've created using Clear Dollar Stamps' "Watermill" stamp set shows the full stamped image of the stamp. I wanted to create a rustic watermill and spring greenery around, so I chose Copic coloring and blending for the color medium. Watercoloring would work beautifully on this stamp, as well. "Watermill" will be released on February 1st. Ordering and pricing details may be found HERE. Be sure to see my team members' blogs, Stacy Morgan, Linsey Rickett, Kim Teasdale and Laurie Wilson for some other samples to view using "Watermill".

Stamp Sets Used: Clear Dollar Stamps "Watermill" & "Pretty Little Scriptures"
Cardstock & Papers: K&Co. "Remake" Rose Reds & Earth Browns Mat Pads, Paper Trey White Cardstock
Inkpads: Stampin' Up! Bashful Blue & Chocolate Chip Inks, Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Markers: Copic Sketch Markers: C1, C3, C5, B24, B32, BG72, G21, G28, YG67, E25, E27, E31, E34, R27, R29
Accessories: EK Success Corner Rounder Punch, SU! Large & Small Oval Punches, Karen Foster Click-It Hole Punch Kit, Tsukineko Sponge Daubers, Cloud Template, Adhesives, Morex Gingham Ribbon, American Crafts Photo Anchor, American Crafts Brads, American Crafts Large Eyelet
Coloring Medium: Copic Blending & Coloring
Special Techniques: Basic Stamping, Sponging, Machine Stitching

INSTRUCTIONS:
A 5.5"x 4.25" card base was cut from Paper Trey White Cardstock and set aside. Four rectangular mats were cut to size: Brown - 5.5" wide x 4.25" high, Red - 5" wide x 3.75" high, White - 4-3/8" wide x 3.5" high, Red - 4-1/8" x 3.25' high. The left and right bottom corners of all 4 mats were punched with the corner rounder punch.

The main watermill image was stamped onto Paper Trey White Cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored and blended using Copic Sketch Markers. The clouds and sky were created using a handmade Cloud Template and using a Tsukineko Sponge Dauber and Stampin' Up! Bashful Blue Ink. The stamped and colored image was then cut to 4" wide x 3-1/8" high, punching the lower left and right corners with the corner rounder punch. The colored, stamped image was glued to the progressively larger mat sizes, and set aside.

The sentiment is from Clear Dollar Stamps' "Pretty Little Scriptures" stamp set. Stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink onto Paper Trey White Cardstock, I punched it out using the Stampin' Up! Small Oval Punch, lightly sponging the oval edge using a sponge dauber and Stampin' Up Chocolate Chip Ink. I punched a larger oval mat for the sentiment using the Stampin' Up! Large Oval Punch. I glued the sentiment to the brown oval mat, and glued over top the stamped, colored main image. I secured a brown photo anchor to the right edge of the card, anchoring the sentiment, and punched a hole on the left side of the matted sentiment oval to accommodate a large eyelet, with which to thread the Morex Gingham Ribbon and wrapping around the card back to the front and securing with a "bow knot". Embellishing, I added two mini brads to the upper left corner of the card for added interest. To finish, the card front was glued to the white cardstock base.

Nestabilities Storage Dream!

If you're like me, you are going nuts over Nestabilities Die Cuts! But, also like me, you have no clue how to store them in a neat, organized manner. Some stampers like and use the CD/DVD Tin storage idea. That involves buying a CD/DVD tin for each Nestabilities Die Set, then buying some adhesive magnetic tape to adhere to the inside of the tin, and then they place their die cut set on the magnetic tape, and shut the tin lid to store. Well, I hemmed and hawed over whether I wanted to go that route or not. I really didn't want the added stress of all these individual CD/DVD tins stacked up on a shelf ready to spill over...so I did some research on the internet, and learned that the QuicKutz people had thought this through and designed a great die cut storage solution! It is called the QuicKutz Cookie Cutter Magnetic Book and retails for about $12.00-$13.00. So, as soon as I found these problem-solvers, I ordered two from CutatHome.com and they just came delivered the other day! As you can see from the photos above, they house several sets to a book, and then they fold flat with a magnetic flap closure and can be stored upright or flat, taking up little to no space at all! I'm lovin' these! Now, I need to buy more Nestabilities to fill them up, and then more QuicKutz Cookie Cutter Magnetic Books, and so forth! LOL

"Making a Scene"

Good morning! Ready for another Februrary 1st Sneak Peek? Today, I am featuring a super cool new stamp set called "Mini Silhouette Scapes from Clear Dollar Stamps. I've got to tell you that these stamps are very small to work with, and very overwhelming and intimidating to me...INITIALLY! But, once, I got them all juicy and ready to stamp, it dawned on me how incredible VERSATILE these stamps are! The possibilities of creating unique scenery with these little gems are ENDLESS, and I mean ENDLESS! I guarantee that when you use these for the first time and finish creating your first unique scene, you will be IN LOVE! I adore this set and I know that I will be using it over and over. I had such an enormous pleasure from creating this little mountain springtime scene and was able to not only stamp it, but color and blend it with Copic Sketch Markers! Below, you'll see another card that I created using "Mini Silhouette Scapes" stamp set, but this time, I decided to create a Fall mountain scene. Here you will see the versatility of this great stamp set. Ordering and pricing details may be found HERE. Be sure to see my team members' blogs, Monique Hawrelluck, and Laurie Wilson for some other samples to view using "Mini Silhouette Scapes".

Stamp Sets Used: Clear Dollar Stamps "Mini Silhouettes Scapes" & "Pretty Little Scriptures"
Cardstock & Papers: K& Co. Roam & Bailey Designer Mat Pads, Colormates Dark Pretty in Pink Cardstock, Colormates Light Pretty in Pink Cardstock, Paper Trey White Cardstock
Inkpads: Stampin' Up! Handsome Hunter, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Stazon Black Ink
Markers: Copic Sketch Markers - B14, B32, G21, G28, YG67, Signo White Gel Pen
Accessories: Nestabilities Labels Two Dies, Cuttlebug, Perfect Paisley and D'vine Swirls Cuttlebug Embossing Folders, SU! Mat Pack, Piercing Tool, Karen Foster Click-It Hole Punch Set, Tsukineko Sponge Daubers, Martha Stewart Rose Leaf & Fern Punches, Cuttlebug Flower Dies, Adhesives, Sewing Machine, Thread, Cloud Template, Zots, Dimensionals, Offray Mini Spool Ribbon, Generic Button, Silver Metallic Twine, American Crafts Brads.
Coloring Medium: Copic Coloring
Special Techniques: Basic Stamping, Dry Embossing, Machine Stitching, Paper Piercing

INSTRUCTIONS:
A 5"x5" card base was cut from Paper Trey White Cardstock and set aside. A green mat was cut to 4.5" x 4.5" from K&Co. "Roam" Designer Paper Pad, then embossed with a Cuttlebug Perfect Paisley Embossing Folder. Two horizontal strips were cut: a green patterned strip from K&Co. Bailey Designer Paper Pad was cut to 4.5" wide x 2" high, and a white strip from Paper Trey White to 4.5" wide x 2.25" high. The green patterned strip was run through the Cuttlebug Swirl Embossing Folder, then glued to the white horizontal strip. Using a Paper Piercing Tool, I paper pierced across the top and bottom of the white horizontal strip, then glued the 2 horizontal strips to the green 4.5" x 4.5" green mat. Using my Janome Hello Kitty Sewing Machine ; ) I machine stitched around the 4 sides of the green mat, as well as stitched along the top and bottom of the green patterned horizontal strip. A pink grosgrain dashed ribbon was run across the center of the horizontal mat strips and secured to the back of the card.

The main image is a handstamped, uniquely created scene using Clear Dollar Stamps "Mini Silhouette Scapes" Stamp Set. This stamp set is amazing as far as creative possibilities! The scene was stamped using various Stampin' Up! ink pad colors (as listed above), and the pond and background was drawn and colored in using Copic Sketch Markers. Using a homemade cloud template, I created the sky and clouds above the scenery, and then overstamped the sentiment from Clear Dollar Stamps' "Pretty Little Scriptures" stamp set, using Stazon Black Ink.

The stamped image was cut out using the Nestabilities Labels Two dies, as well as the two pink mats around the stamped image. The stamped image was then glued to the two pink mats and popped up on Dimensionals overtop the horizontal strip and ribbon.

Two paper flowers were punched using Cuttlebug Flower Dies, and using a Signo White Gel Pen, I polka-dotted the petals of the darker pink flower and set aside to dry. Using Martha Stewart Fern and Leaf Punches, I created the foliage for the die-cut flowers. The pink flowers were stacked together, along with the sage green button, and secured with a metallic twine. The flower stack was glued to the card front. The leaves were anchored down around the pink flowers using glue. Two mini pink brads were added to the upper left corner of the card. To finish, the card elements were glued to the white cardstock base.

45 Stamps! Yes 45!

This was another joy to make! I loved inking up all the individual stamps to create this Fall mountain scene.. You won't believe this, but there are 45 stamps in this set! Using "Mini Silhouette Scapes" stamp set again, I wanted to get that cool, crisp and autumn feel to the card and couldn't wait to ink Mr. Moose. After stamping with inkpads, I was able to fill in the grass and backgrounds with Copic coloring and blending. I really like the combination of stamping and copic coloring and the end result! I know that you'll love playing with "Mini Silhouette Scapes", to be released February 1st. Special thanks to my good friend, Traci Major for the cute "Jolee's by You" tree embellishment. Ordering and pricing details may be found HERE. Be sure to see my team members' blogs, Monique Hawrelluck, and Laurie Wilson for some other samples to view using "Mini Silhouette Scapes".

Stamp Sets Used: Clear Dollar Stamps "Mini Silhouettes Scapes" & "Pretty Little Scriptures"
Cardstock & Papers: K& Co. "Remake" Earth Browns, Sunset Oranges Mat Pads, Paper Trey White Cardstock
Inkpads: Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip, Handsome Hunter, Garden Green, Pumpkin Pie, Only Orange, Summer Sun Inks & Same Re-Inkers, Stazon Black Ink
Markers: Copic Sketch Markers - B14, B32, G21, G28, YG67, Y11
Accessories: Nestabilities Regular Round Dies, Cuttlebug, Perfect Paisley and Stylized Flowers Cuttlebug Embossing Folders, Watercolor Pen, Sewing Machine, Thread, Dimensionals, Adhesives, Jolee's By You Tree, Michael's Self-Adhesive Gold Beads, Offray Satin Ribbon, Offray Grosgrain Ribbon
Coloring Medium: Copic Coloring, Watercoloring with Re-Inkers
Special Techniques: Basic Stamping, Dry Embossing, Machine Stitching, Stacked Ribbon

INSTRUCTIONS:
A 5" x 5" card base was cut from Paper Trey White Cardstock and set aside. Three large square mats were cut to size: Brown - 4.75" x 4.75, Pumpkin 4.5" x 4.5", Apricot 4" x 4". The pumpkin mat was run through the Cuttlebug using the Stylized Flowers embossing folder and the pumpkin mat was run through the Cuttlebug, using the Perfect Paisley embossing folder, for texture. The three square mats were then glued together, and the using my Janome Hello Kitty ; ) Sewing Machine, I machine stitched around the 4 sides of the pumpkin and apricot mats, setting aside.

The main image is a handstamped, uniquely created scene using Clear Dollar Stamps "Mini Silhouette Scapes" Stamp Set. This stamp set is amazing as far as creative possibilities! The scene was stamped using various Stampin' Up! ink pad colors (as listed above), and the river and background was drawn and colored in using Copic Sketch Markers. Using a watercolor pen and Stampin' Up! Re-Inkers, I created the watercolor sunset sky above the scenery. The sentiment is from Clear Dollar Stamps "Pretty Little Scriptures" and was overstamped on the sky using Stazon Black Ink. The main image circle was then glued to the larger brown circular mat.

The stamped image was cut out using the Nestabilities Regular Round Die, as well as the Brown stamped image mat. I created a stacked ribbon out of Offray Rust Satin Ribbon and Offray Green Polka Dotted Grosgrain Ribbon, by using Duck Easy Stick Adhesive (my favorite tape runner!). The stacked ribbon was run across the upper part of the 3 sewn square mats and secured to the back of the card. Using Dimensionals, I popped up the matted stamped image overtop the ribbon on the card front. I embellished, tying a matching Offray Green Polka Dotted Grosgrain Ribbon to the ribbon strip. Using Michael's Self-Adhesive Gold Beads, I embellished the circular brown mat in a half circle, leading the eye to the Jolee's by You coordinated Tree Embellishment on the right hand corner of the card, which was adhered to the card front, as well. To finish, the card front was glued to the 5" x 5" white cardstock base.

Februrary Sneak Peeks Begin!

Good morning! Today I am previewing a Clear Dollar Stamp Set called "Zoo Critters" to be released on February 1st. This set is supercute and has many elements included: a Lion, a Toucan, a Panda, and Penguins! I love this Walrus - I just had to get him all inky! When I first saw him I knew exactly what I wanted to do! I love that when that happens! Using Copic coloring and blending, I was able to bring him to life and had so much fun creating this card with "Zoo Critters!" Before I forget, I want to thank my friend, Vicky Yeasley for the very cute red little heart-shaped brads that I used on this card. Below, you'll see another card that I created with this set, using the Toucan. I know that you'll just want to get your ink on these stamps! Ordering and pricing details may be found HERE. Be sure to see my team members' blogs, Monique Hawrelluck, Alysabeth Johnston, Stacy Morgan, Kim Teasdale, Tori Wild and Laurie Wilson for some other samples to view using "Zoo Critters".

Stamp Sets Used: Clear Dollar Stamps "Zoo Critters", "Critter Messages", "Winter Eskimo", "Pretty Little Scriptures" & "Monkey Madness" Stamp Sets
Cardstock & Papers: Strathmore Watercolor Paper, Colormates Light Berry and Dark Pretty in Pink Cardstocks, Paper Trey White Cardstock
Inkpads: Stampin' Up! Rose Romance & Real Red Inks, Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Markers: Copic Sketch Markers - RV11, C1, C3, C5, W1, W3, W5, Signo Red & White Gel Pens
Accessories: Nestabilities Regular Round Die & Scalloped Round Die, Cuttlebug,Heart #1 Dies, Stampin' Up! Mat Pack, Piercing Tool, Stampin' Up! Small & Large Oval Punches, Fiskars Heart Border Punch, Derwent Watercolor Pencils, Watercolor Brush, Karen Foster Click-It Hole Punch Set, Tsukineko Sponge Daubers, Martha Stewart Ribbon, Adhesives, Sewing Machine, Thread, Dimensionals, JoAnn's Heart Brad.
Coloring Medium: Copic Coloring
Special Techniques: Basic Stamping, Dry Embossing, Machine Stitching, Paper Piercing

INSTRUCTIONS:
A 4,25 "x 11" card base was cut from Paper Trey White Cardstock and set aside. Using Strathmore Watercolor Paper, I cut a piece to size: 4.25" wide x 5.5" high. Using various Stampin' Up! Ink colors (listed above), I created a handmade designer paper background using the fish from the Clear Dollar Stamps "Winter Eskimo" set, the heart from the Clear Dollar Stamps "Monkey Madness" set, as well as the other heart from the "Pretty Little Scriptures" set. I colored the fish and some hearts randomly with Derwent Watercolor Pencils and blending with a Watercolor Brush.

The red heart-shaped bordered bottom panel was cut from Colormates Light Berry Red Cardstock to approximately 4.25" wide x 1-5/8" high. Using Fiskars Heart Border Punch, I created the scalloped heart border. I paper pierced a double row on the bottom of the red panel (but later, regretted that I did it, since it would interfere with my plans to machine stitch around the card...learn from my mistakes! LOL). I cut a matching piece of white cardstock to lay behind the heart scallops so that the watercolor, stamped image wouldn't show through the heart scallops. I had to trace carefully around the punched heart-scalloped edge to align the top of the border. The white panel was glued to the back of the red panel and set aside.

The main image was stamped onto Paper Trey White Cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink, and colored and blended with Copic Sketch Markers. The stamped image was then cut out using Nestabilities Regular Round Die, and lightly sponged around the image using Stampin' Up Pretty in Pink Ink and then more heavily on just the tip of the edge, using Stampin' Up! Real Red Ink. I paper pierced by hand around the stamped image circle edge and then, using a Signo Red Gel Pen, doodled "x's" three-quarters of the way around the same area. A red mat was cut from Nestabilities Scalloped Round Dies to frame the stamped image, and using a Signo White Gel Pen, I dot-doodled on each red scallop edge for interest. The two circular mats were glued together. The sentiment is from Clear Dollar Stamps' "Critter Messages" stamp set, and was stamped onto Paper Trey White Cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and punched out using Stampin' Up! Small Oval Punch. I made a larger oval mat out of Colormates Dark Pretty in Pink Cardstock, cutting it with the Stampin' Up! Large Oval Punch and then paper piercing by hand around the larger oval. The two ovals were then glued together, and a heart-shaped JoAnn's decorative brad was added to the sentiment oval for fun.

After gluing the bottom red heart-scalloped border panel to the handstamped card background, and using my Janome Hello Kitty Sewing Machine ; ) I machine stitched around all 4 sides of the card. The scalloped, matted stamped image was then popped up on American Crafts Dimensionals, adding the matted oval sentiment along with another American Craft Dimensional, to keep it even. A two-layer die-cut heart was made using the Cuttlebug and a Heart Die, out of two different Colormates Cardstock: Pretty in Pink and Light Berry Red and glued together over the bottom red panel. A white We R Memory Keepers Jumbo Eyelet was secured to the bottom of the die cut two-layered heart and a pretty Martha Stewart Pink Ribbon was thread through the eyelet and around the back of the card and tied in front with a sweet bow. To finish the card, the card front was glued to the white cardstock base.

"Zoo Critters"

The second card I want to share with you today is another one made from the "Zoo Critters" stamp set. "Zoo Critters" is such a fun set anyway, and factor in a Toucan, and his rainbow colors, and you've got FUN! Again, I was able to incorporate inkpad stamping with some Copic coloring and blending here, and you can see where one medium compliments the other, as in the background stamping/coloring of the leaves and foilage. This stamp set has many versatile uses and coordinates with "Critter Messages", another Clear Dollar Stamps set, as well. Ordering and pricing details may be found HERE. Be sure to see my team members' blogs, Monique Hawrelluck, Alysabeth Johnston, Stacy Morgan, Kim Teasdale, Tori Wild and Laurie Wilson for some other samples to view using "Zoo Critters".

Stamp Sets Used: Clear Dollar Stamps "Zoo Critters" & "Monkey Madness"
Cardstock & Papers: K& Co. "Remake" Rose Reds, Sunset Oranges and Grass Green Designer Mat Pads, Paper Trey White Cardstock
Inkpads: Stampin' Up! Handsome Hunter, Garden Green, Mellow Moss, Barely Banana, So Saffron Inks, Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Markers: Copic Sketch Markers - 0, Y11, Y15, YR01, YR16, R27, G16, G82, E25, E27, 110
Accessories: Nestabilities Regular Square Dies, Karen Foster Click-It Hole Punch Kit, Tsukineko Sponge Dauber, Sewing Machine, Thread, Adhesives, K&Co. Paper Leaves, JoAnn's Silk Flowers, Basic Grey "Ambrosia' & "Urban Prairie" Brads, We R Memory Keepers Jumbo Eyelet, American Crafts Polka Dotted Grosgrain Ribbon.
Coloring Medium: Copic Coloring
Special Techniques: Basic Stamping, Background Stamping, Machine Stitching

INSTRUCTIONS:
A 5"x 5"" card base was cut from Paper Trey White Cardstock and set aside. Two large square mats were cut to size: Red - 4.75" x 4.75", and Yellow 4.25" x 4.25." Taking the yellow square mat, I handstamped the vines from Clear Dollar Stamps "Monkey Madness" stamp set, using Stampin' Up! Handsome Hunter Green ink and then colored with Copic Sketch Markers to fill in the leaves. When dry, I glued the mat to the red larger mat, and using my Janome Hello Kitty Sewing Machine ; ) I machine stitched around the 4 sides of both the yellow stamped mat and the larger red mat, and set aside.

The main image was stamped onto Paper Trey White Cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored and blended with Copic Sketch Markers. I added more vines from the "Monkey Madness" stamp set to the stamped Toucan image for interest and color the vines in with Copic Sketch Markers. Using a Tsukineko Sponge Dauber, I lightly sponged around the Toucan using Stampin' Up! Barely Banana first, and then, more heavily with So Saffron ink. The stamped colored image was cut out using the Nestabilities Regular Square Dies as well as the larger stamped image green mat. I glued the stamped image white mat to the larger green mat, and machine stitched around the four sides of the green mat.

The sentiment is from "Zoo Critters" and was stamped onto Paper Trey White Cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink, and lightly sponged with a dauber using Stampin' Up! Mellow Moss first, and then more heavily using Handsome Hunter Ink. I hand cut the red banner mat around the sentiment mat, and glued them together. The matted stamped image was popped up on the card front using American Crafts Dimensionals, and then I added the matted banner sentiment overlaying the stamped image, using glue and anchoring with a We R Memory Keepers Jumbo Eyelet, to also thread the embellishing ribbon. Polka Dotted Grosgrain Ribbon was thread through the jumbo eyelet around the back of the card and finished with a "bow knot".

Three woodsy tropical flowers on the bottom were created with K&Co. Paper Leaves, that are scored to fold for dimension. Adding JoAnn's Yellow Silk Flowers to the green leaves, and securing with a Basic Grey "Urban Prairie" brad to the center, gives the finished "jungle look" to the card. To finish up, the card front was glued to the 5" x 5" white cardstock base.
The stamped image was cut out using the Nestabilities Labels Two dies, as well as the two pink mats around the stamped image. The stamped image was then glued to the two pink mats and popped up on Dimensionals overtop the horizontal strip and ribbon.

Two paper flowers were punched using Cuttlebug Flower Dies, and using a Signo White Gel Pen, I polka-dotted the petals of the darker pink flower and set aside to dry. Using Martha Stewart Fern and Leaf Punches, I created the foliage for the die-cut flowers. The pink flowers were stacked together, along with the sage green button, and secured with a metallic twine. The flower stack was glued to the card front. The leaves were anchored down around the pink flowers using glue. Two mini pink brads were added to the upper left corner of the card. To finish, the card elements were glued to the white cardstock base.

A Photo Challenge

My friend, Oliva Ohlson posted a comment here, challenging me to a Photo Challenge. Now, I need to set the record straight that I am, in no shape or form, a photographer -- whatsoever. But Tom did give me a really nice Canon digital camera for Christmas, but all I wanted was a very cheap digital to just take photos of my cards that I make to upload to the blog or galleries.

Oliva's challenge was to go to my photos folder, to the 6th folder, then to the 6th photo in that folder and upload it to my blog and then write something about the photo. So, you're looking at the 5th photo in my 6th folder, because I have no 6th photo in my 6th folder. Whew! With that said, here's what I can say about this photo:

1. The photo was taken by my husband, Tom, who IS into digital photography BIG TIME.
2. The photo is of our calico tortoise-shell kitty, "Peanut"
3. "Peanut" is yawning, not ready to attack as some might think...LOL
4. "Peanut" is a precocious kitty and my very favorite kitty of all time

Now, I'm to pass on the challenge...
The Challenge:
A. Open "my pictures" folder.
B. In the 6th folder, take the 6th picture and post it on your blog.
C. Write something about the picture.
D. Challenge 6 new people to join this challenge.
E. Put a link in their blog to let them know they are challenged

I challenge these stamping sisters:
Lori Garrison
Beth Hartley
VikkiJo Erickson
Holly Krautkremer
Leona Carver

Have fun girls!

Cassie's Challenge

Good morning! We had a great participation in the Clear Dollar Stamps' Weekend Color Challenge this weekend, over on Paper Craft Planet. I was the hostess and chose these colors to work with: Apricot Appeal, Pretty in Pink and Sahara Sand, with white as an optional neutral. Below, in the previous post, you'll see the sample card that provided for inspiration.

As hostess of the CDS Weekend Color Challenge we like to feature one card from all the cards submitted to share with our blog readers. I have to say, it is a difficult task and I have chosen one in particular because of the orientation of the card. The elongated rectangular shape of Cassie Trask's challenge card was interesting to me and very conducive to her layout. I must admit, Cassie probably didn't know that I am a HUGE cat lover, so, this darling kitty card Cassie made tugged at my heart from the first minute! LOL Cassie used the individual stamp "Mama Kitty" and another stamp set "Kitty Toys" for the kitty pillow. There are other accessories in the "Kitty Toys" stamp set such as a ball of yarn, a fishbone, a little bird, a mouse, and the word "Meow". There's also another smaller kitty individual stamp called "Simon Kitty"

Cassie's card has interesting texture with the background embossing made with Tiny Bubbles embossing folder, and her coloring of the kitty and pillow are so sweet. I love how Cassie placed her brads around the die cut kitty image oval to bring the eye to the focal point (that cutie kitty! LOL). And that gorgeous Pretty in Pink ribbon embellishes the card perfectly. Thank you, Cassie for participating in the Weekend Color Challenge. Other card submissions equally worthy of viewing were:Christi B, Monique Hawrelluck, Lori Garrison, and Becky Sorensen.

Next weekend, there will be no CDS Weekend Color Challenge, as it falls on the fifth weekend of the month. Clear Dollar Stamps will have no Weekend Color Challenges on the following 5th weekends: 1/31, 5/30, 8/29 and 10/31. I hope that you will come back the first week in February when we resume our Weekend Color Challenge on February 7th, where Laurie Wilson, CDS Design Team Coordinator, will be hostessing the challenge! Have a blessed week!

A Hoot for You!

Good morning all! This weekend, January 23-25, is my turn to host the Clear Dollar Stamps' Weekend Color Challenge at Paper Craft Planet. I don't usually post the sample card or deets for the weekend color challenge this early in the day, but have a full day ahead and thought that those of you who may participate would like a head-start. I know that the CHA (Craft-Hobby Association) Winter Convention begins this Saturday, but those of you who are not attending that have some Clear Dollar Stamps - I hope that you will take time for yourself and play this weekend. Remember, I will choose one card from the weekend color challenge submissions to feature on my blog next Monday! Enjoy!

Stamp Sets Used: Clear Dollar Stamps "What a Hoot"
Cardstock & Papers: K& Co. "Remake" Sunset Oranges, Earth Browns & Pinks Designer Mat Pads, Paper Trey White Cardstock
Inkpads: Stampin' Up! Pretty in Pink & Apricot Appeal Inks, Memento Tuxedo Black & Cocoa Brown Inks
Markers: Copic Sketch Markers - BG000 Pale Aqua, YR21 Cream, YR24 Pale Sepia, YG63 Pea Green, Y21 Buttercup Yellow, Y26 Mustard, E25 Caribe Cocoa, E34 Orientale
Accessories: Nestabilities Labels Two Dies & Ribbon Tags Trio Dies, Karen Foster Click-It Hole Punch Kit, SU! Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, Fiskars Scalloped Shaper Scissors, Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug Perfect Paisley & Floral Fantasy Embossing Folders, Tsukineko Sponge Dauber, Sewing Machine, Thread, Adhesives, American Crafts Dimensionals, Prismacolor Pencils, Making Memories Polo Button Brads, Offray Satin Ribbon.
Coloring Medium: Copic Coloring & Blending
Special Techniques: Basic Stamping, Dry Embossing, Paper Piercing, Sponging, Machine Stitching

INSTRUCTIONS:
A 5"x 5"" card base was cut from Paper Trey White Cardstock and set aside. A 4.5"x4.5" mat was cut using K&Co. Remake Earth Browns Designer Paper, and using my Cuttlebug, I die cut a 4" scalloped square using the Nestabilities Scalloped Square Dies. Both these squares were run through the Cuttlebug using the Floral Fantasy and Perfect Paisley Embossing Folders, respectively. I created a wide horizontal strip out of apricot, patterned color designer paper and backed that up with a wider strip of Paper Trey White cardstock. Using Fiskars Scalloped Shaper Scissors, I free hand cut both sides of the white border on either side of the Apricot colored strip. Using a Paper Piercing Tool, I hand paper pierced each white scallop bump. I glued the stacked strip to the taupe colored card front. Using my Janome Hello Kitty Sewing Machine ; ) I machine stitched along the top and bottom of the Apricot colored horizontal strip and then around the 4 sides of the card front.

The main image was stamped onto Paper Trey White Cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black & Cocoa Brown Inks, as well as Stampin Up! Apricot Appeal and Pretty in Pink Inks and then colored and blended with Copic Sketch Markers. The stamped colored image was cut out using the Nestabilities Labels Two Dies. I created another matching mat using a Magic Mat cutter out of Paper Trey White Cardstock, as I wanted a smaller mat than what the Nestabilities Labels Two offered. I then matted that handmade cut mat with another larger die cut taupe colored mat with the Nestablities Labels Two dies again. I paper pierced around all four sides of the stamped image, the next white mat and the larger taupe colored mat. The stamped colored image was popped up on the white mat using American Crafts Dimensionals and then popped those two mats together popped up on the taupe colored mat with the same Dimensionals. Using a Karen Foster Click-It Hole Punch Kit, I hand punched a hole in each scallop bump on the pink embossed square mat. The three mats (the image, the white mat, and the taupe mat) were then glued to the pink scalloped mat, and then glued to the card front.

The sentiment was stamped onto Paper Trey White Cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. Using the Cuttlebug and the Nestabilities Ribbon Tags Trio Die, I cut a ribbon tag out of the coordinating apricot colored, patterned designer paper. Using the die cut ribbon tag, I traced onto the stamped sentiment cardstock to create a smaller inside sentiment mat. Using scissors, I carefully trimmed inside where I trimmed to create a smaller "oval" inside the apricot ribbon tag. I sponged the edges of the sentiment oval lightly using a Tsukineko Sponge Dauber and SU! Pretty in Pink Ink. I glued the sentiment to the apricot colored ribbon tag. A 5/8" wide Offray Pink Satin Ribbon was thread through the ribbon tag and around the back of the card front and then secured in a bow knot in front. To embellish, I added two pink polo button brads from Making Memories to the upper left corner for balance. To finish, the card elements were glued to the white cardstock base.

CDS Color Challenge 1/16 & 1/17

I'm sorry that I've not had anything new to share in the last week...when you serve on a rubber stamp design team, you have a set number of card samples to make called "Sneak Peek Cards" and cannot share them with your blog followers until the official "release date" of the stamp sets. So, that's where I've been and that's what I've been doing. I will be sharing 8 new Sneak Peek Cards beginning on January 28th...but for now,

the good news is that I do have a card to share with you made for the Clear Dollar Stamps Color Challenge on Paper Craft Planet, hosted by my fellow design team member Monique Hawrelluck. Monique chose these colors for the challenge: Pirouette Pink, Chocolate Chip, Olive Green and optional White.

Stamp Sets Used: Clear Dollar Stamps "Genuine Love"
Cardstock & Papers: Colormates Deep Coffee Brown & Pretty in Pink Cardstock, Paper Trey White Cardstock
Inkpads: Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink and Rose Romance Inks, Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Markers: Copic Sketch Markers - RV23 Pure Pink, YG63 Pea Green, Signo White Gel Pen
Accessories: Nestabilities Large Pinking Circle Dies, Regular Square Dies, Tsukineko Sponge Dauber, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Offray Satin & Organza Ribbon, Spare Parts Button, Michael's Self-Adhesive Pearls, Thread, Zots, Adhesives, American Crafts Dimensionals.
Coloring Medium: Copic Coloring
Special Techniques: Basic Stamping, Background Stamping, Sponging, Stacked Ribbon

INSTRUCTIONS:
A card base sized to 5.5 x 10 was cut and scored in half and put aside. Using CDS "Genuine Love" stamp set, I stamped using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink the foliage, blooms and dots randomly on a 5.5" Paper Trey Cardstock White background, coloring in with Copic Sketch Markers: RV23 Pure Pink and YG63 Pea Green. The bottom half of the card was created using Colormates Dark Coffee Brown Cardstock, Pretty in Pink Cardstock and White Paper Trey Cardstock. Using a Martha Stewart border punch, I punched along the wide of the white cardstock. The pink strip above the punched white cardstock border was background stamped using Pretty in Pink and the little blooms from "Genuine Love".

The sentiment was stamped onto Paper Trey White Cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. Using the same stamp set I stamped the foliage using Old Olive, coloring in with coordinating Copics and stamped the large blooms using Rose Romance and coloring in using coordinating Copics. The smaller blooms were stamped using Pretty in Pink. Using a Tsukineko Sponge Dauber, I sponged along the edge of the die cut circle - cut from Nestabilities Large Circle Die Set. I cut the sentiment mat from Colormates Dark Coffee Cardstock using Nestabilities Large Pinking Circles, and then added "doodle dots" on each point using a Signo White Gel Pen. The sentiment circle was popped up on American Crafts Dimensionals on top of the brown "pinking circle" mat and then they both were popped up over the stamped card front.

I created a stacked ribbon using two different width Offray Satin and Organza Ribbon and secured that to front of the card, anchoring the ribbon ends around the back of the card. I embellished the bow with a decorative button from Spare Parts sewn onto the bow and added a self-adhesive pearl to the center of the button, as well as three on the pink, stamped bottom trip. Tiny self-adhesive pearls were added to the centers of the flower center blooms on the stamped sentiment.

Poppin' in...

Good morning....glad you stopped by. I'm afraid that I haven't any new creations to share with you at this time, because I'm busy creating a number of February Sneak Peeks for Clear Dollar Stamps this week. They have some very cute stamp sets coming out, as well as some very pretty ones. I can't wait to share what they have and my card samples...that will happen at the end of this month. I plan to have some new things to show you starting this weekend, so I hope that you'll visit again soon! Have a blessed day.

A color challenge for sure!

Hi! How's it going? Ever have a challenge that's more than the kind of challenge you were looking for? Well, this card represents such a challenge! I created this card for the Clear Dollar Stamps Weekend Color Challenge over on Paper Craft Planet. The CDS Weekend Color Challenge is a new challenge and the wonderful thing about it is, that it is a 2-day event, each weekend! You have two whole days to come up with something amazing...

Well, amazing this, isn't...LOL. Laurie Wilson, our CDS Team Coordinator is hosting the CDS Weekend Color Challenge this weekend and she chose these colors which are beautiful on her card, but not so much on mine! ; ) The colors for the challenge was Rose Red, Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery and More Mustard. I didn't have Certainly Celery, so I used Mellow Moss as a substitute. We could use a cream or vanilla as a neutral. Well, I didn't have that, either! And I thought I was well-stocked in cardstock! Okay, here's the deets:

Stamp Sets Used: Clear Dollar Stamps "Bountiful Branches" images
and "Designer Garden" sentimen
Cardstock and Papers: Unknown blue cardstock (sorry...it's something I've had forever!), K&Co. Remake Yellow Designer Paper Pad, Colormates Medium Racy Raspberry, Colormates Medium Glorious Green, Paper Trey White Cardstock
Inkpads: Stampin' Up! Rose Red, Mellow Moss, So Saffron Inks and Stazon Black Ink
Accessories and Embellishments: Cuttlebug, Labels Two Nestabilities Dies, Martha Stewart Rose Leaf and Fern Punches, Paper Piercing Tool, Sewing Machine, Thread, Spare Parts Paper Flowers, JoAnn's Fuschia Silk Flower, Bo Bunny Blue Brad, Hero Arts Fuschia Butterfly Brad
Techniques: Paper Piercing, Machine Stitching

DIRECTIONS:
A card base was cut to 5" wide x 10" high. A square mat of K&Co. Remake Yellow Designer Paper was cut to 4.75" and set aside. I cut the blue mat to 4.5" square and hand stamped the background floral and leaf design using CDS "Bountiful Branches" stamp set using Stampin' Up! Rose Red and Mellow Moss Inks. The stamped floral mat was glued and machine stitched to the larger yellow square mat.

Using my new Labels Two Nestabilities Dies, I created 3 mats for the focal image. The first mat was cut out of Colormates Medium Racy Raspberry, the second mat was cut out of Colormates Medium Glorious Green and the smallest mat was cut out of Paper Trey White Cardstock. I stamped the tree branch and leaves onto the smallest white mat using Stampin' Up! Mellow Moss, Rose Red, and So Saffron. When dry, I stamped the sentiment "Friendship" from the CDS "Designer Garden" stamp set with Stazon Black Ink onto the stamped focal image.

Using a piercing tool, I hand pierced around all 3 die-cut mats, and glued them together, and then glued them to the card front. Using a Click-It Hole Punch, I punched a hole through the entire card front and attached the big yellow and fuschia flower with the Bo Bunny blue brad and secured to the back of the card. These beautiful yellow paper blooms are from Spare Parts, and were a birthday gift from my friend, Traci Major. Thanks, Traci! The flower leaves were punched out of Colormates Glorious Green using a Martha Stewart Rose Leaf Punch and a Martha Stewart Fern Leaf Punch. I glued them around the flower petals for more interest. I punched another through the card front to attach the Hero Arts Fuschia Butterfly Brad. By the way, these brads are beautifully detailed and they were a gift to me from my friend Vicky Yeakley. To finish the card, I glued the completed card front to the 5"x10 Paper Trey White Cardstock.

Prayers for my friend

Today I received very sad news regarding my friend, my fellow Dork Sister on Splitcoast Stampers Community, Jeanne Turner (peggysue), who hosts VSN's often on SCS. Her father who had been suffering from Mesothelioma, a form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos, passed away last night from cancer. If you know Jeanne and are so inclined, please remember her in your prayers and send her some love at this difficult time.

Stamps Used: My Sentiments Exactly Sentiment
Cardstock and Papers: K&Co. Remake Designer Pink & Purple Paper Pads, K&Co. Paper Flowers, Paper Trey White Cardstock
Inkpads: Stazon Black Ink
Accessories and Embellishments: Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots, Divine Swirls & Perfectly Paisley Embossing Folders, Marvy Mega Oval Punch, Marvy Giga Scalloped Oval Punch, Martha Stewart Rose Leaf Punch, Piercing Tool, Self-Adhesive Pearls, K&Co. Bird Sticker, White Mini Brad, Zots, Dimensionals, Sewing Machine, Thread
Special Techniques: Machine Stitching

DIRECTIONS:
This card design is pretty straightforward. I cut multiple square mats measuring 4.75', 4.25", 3.5" and 3.25" square. I ran the purple, the dark pink and light pink through the Cuttlebug and dry embossed each square using different embossing folders. The 4 square mats were machine stitched around all 4 ides. The big paper flower was created with and really neat die cut flower pad by K&Co. I paper pierced by hand around each flower petal for added interest. The 3 flower layers were secured with a white mini brad and adhered to the card with a few Zots. I created the 4 flower leaves using a Martha Stewart Rose Leaf Punch, and then hand paper pierced the veins of the leaves for added interest.

The sentiment was stamped with Stazon Black ink onto Paper Trey white cardstock and punched out using the Marvy Mega Oval Punch. I punched a scalloped mat for the sentiment using the Marvy Giga Scalloped Oval Punch. I popped up the oval sentiment over the scalloped oval mat. I paper pierced decoratively around each scallop on the mat. I added a dark pink bird on dimensionals to the stamped sentiment, and glued 3 adhesive pearls to the bottom left of the sentiment to represent to Jeanne who is a Christian, that the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit are present to comfort her.

A new design team for 2009

Just a short post today to announce a few changes in the design team at Clear Dollar Stamps. Lori McCroskey and Laurie Wilson have such a difficult task of trying to build a design team from quarter-to-quarter, maintaining the excellent standard of design as well as saying goodbye to some very gifted designers to offer opportunities to others to share their talent. I tell you...I sure wouldn't want that decision each time, but I know that they do so with great sensitivity and wisdom.

I have been offered an opportunity to continue designing for CDS, as a Senior Team Designer. This is such an honor and privilege to continue designing for such an outstanding stamp company, and alongside these incredible designers that I am truly humbled. Thank you Lori and Laurie, I only hope that my creations serve CDS well.

Please take the time to visit the Design Team's blogs and gallery links listed on the right sidebar. You will find so much creativity and inspiration and their artwork is truly amazing! Beginning January 1st the design team is comprised of:

Senior Design Team:
Linda Borneman, Candy Fosta, Nancy Grant, Katie Renz, Kim Teasdale and Laurie Wilson (DT Coordinator/Illustrator)

Design Team:
Cathy Bomgardner, Gloria Dojlido, Joan Ervin, Monique Hawrelluk (CDS Alumni), Alysabeth Johnston, Alexandra Maldonado, Stacy Morgan, Linsey Rickett and Tori Wild.

If you should ever have any questions about Clear Dollar Stamps or need direction to a blog that you're interested, please don't hesitate to ask me or any of the team designers, we will be more than happy to help!