Friday, January 27, 2012

Washi Tape goodness

Hi everyone!  I just love happy mail!  Lookie what I ordered from Etsy?  
Look at all this fabulous Washi Tape goodness!!  I love how some Etsy stores sell smaller rolls on these cute little spools.  This is a much cheaper way to get lots of designs.  Full rolls are sold for about $10 for 2 or 3 full rolls.  But this way, you get 5 yards of 3 designs for about $4!  These are from the store Chickydoddle and she sends the spools in these cute little tins.  L.O.V.E.!!

So, of course I HAD to make something with the tape this morning!!  I used this week's Fall To Layout sketch.  The sketch wasn't really tape friendly, so I had to work with it a little to get some in there.  The hearts are die cut felt (also from an Etsy store) using the Classic Heart Nestabilities dies and the banner from the Nested Lacey Pennants dies.  I didn't really plan on using the tiny rhinestones like that, but my baggie spilled all over the bottom and I kinda went with it.  The little rhinestones are from Pizzazz Aplenty.

Well, that's it for today.  Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!


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Monday, January 23, 2012

Bella is BACK!

Hi everyone!  I have a fun challenge card to share.  Stamping Bella is now a member company on SCS and I am very excited!!  Way back when, when I first started stamping, my first "LOVE" was Stamping Bella.  Yep, I even referred to myself on SCS as "Michell-a-bella" (remember when we did that?).  Oh the excitement of each month to rush over to the store and see what amazing new Bella was being released.  Those were good times :)

Then I started being invited to Design Teams and over the years slowly my spare time to use Bellas disappeared.  Well, Bella is back on SCS and I am determined to ink up these cuties!  I played along in last week's BellaRiffic Friday challenge which was to ink up your favorite Bella image. For me it is the oldie but goodie, Cosmobella!  Oh and small confession, I sold most of my Bella stamps years ago -yeah, kicking myself right about now!  DOH!

This card has a couple pieces of washi tape (most recently from this Etsy store) and some die cut flowers from the soon to be released Spellbinders Home Sweet Home die set! Aren't these little flowers sweet?  This die set was designed by Nina Bracket!

So, I thought it would be fun to share some of my older Bella cards.  This card was made in early 2009 using Teddybella:
This one I made in June 2008 as one of my Dirty Dozen cards for the theme Fashion Follies using Fashionistabella:
And this one I made for the Feature Stamper challenge #95 November 2008 using Cosmobella.
 So you can see, I was a fan from WAY back!  Fun to see how my style has changed over the years.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!  I'll leave you with a close up picture.
Card Deets:
Stamps -Cosmobella (Stamping Bella)
Paper - White and Chocolate brown cardstock (Gina K Designs)
Accessories - Spellbinders Classic and Scalloped Long Rectangles LG, Home Sweet Home, Nested Lacey Pennants and Standard Circles SM, Washi Tape, Copic markers, 2 and 4mm iridescent rhinestones (Pizzazz Aplenty), tiny circles from the Crop-a-dile
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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Whimsical cakes make me happy

Hi everyone!!  I have another sketch challenge card to share.  This one uses the January Sketch For You to Try.  Jen always has such great sketches, I hope to play along more this year!

My card uses the new Topsy Turvy Cakes set.  I LOVE the whimsical cakes and extra doodads in this set -they're just my style!  It is a departure from JustRite's normal stamp sets and I am lovin' it!!  The fun paper is from MME "Everyday Flair" Six by Six collection.  See how I stamped the matching little flower at the bottom of the long panel?  Cute!!
  Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!  I'll leave you with a close up picture.
Card Deets:
Stamps - Topsy Turvy Cakes (JustRite Stampers)
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black
Cardstock - Terracotta Tile, Pure Luxury White
Pattern Paper - Six by Six Collection, "Everyday Flair" (My Mind's Eye)
Accessories - Spellbinders Standard Circles LG and SM and Standard Rectangles LG Nestabilities, White wrinkled ribbon, button, Pink rhinestones (Kaisercraft), copic markers

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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Go confidently

Hi everyone!!  I took some time this weekend to play along with a couple sketch challenges that I haven't had time to barely look at lately.  I really love playing along with these challenges, they really are my favorites.  If anyone figures out how to add a couple hours to each day, please let me know! 

Today's card uses Card Pattern's #148 sketch.  I love sketches with multiple strips on them, perfect way to use up those paper scraps!  The stamps are from Unity's, All About the Journey set and the soft and gorgeous paper is from MME "Blink of an Eye" Six by Six collection.
Also, one of the winners of the GlitterFast kits didn't get back to me, so I am picking a replacement.  Random.org helped me chose #17:

Giovana said...
This is super cool Michelle!! I love glitter, but I don't love to wear it, LOL. Thanks for the chance to win. I will check out the website :)
Congrats Giovana!!!!  Please send me an email with your address info and I will have Zoom Creative send you your kit.

That's it for today, I will post my next sketch card soon!  I'll leave you with a close up picture and the sketch picture.

Card Deets:
Stamps - All about the Journey (Unity)
Ink - (AMuse)
Cardstock - Aqua Mist, Pure Luxury Ivory
Pattern Paper - Six by Six Collection, "Blink of an Eye" (My Mind's Eye)
Accessories - Spellbinders Classic Bracket Edgeabilities and Standard Circles LG Nestabilities, Ivory wrinkled ribbon, buttons, Stickles, sewing machine

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Saturday, January 14, 2012

Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style - Thank you, Thank you!

Hi everyone!  Welcome to this week's Ribbon Inspiration Stamp Simply Style. This week we were challenged to make 2 thank you cards.  Both being essentially the same, only 1 being a CAS version of the other.  Fun, right?!?

Well, I took this opportunity to continue making my Christmas thank you cards for the boys.  They have lots of relatives to thank this year.  My cards focus on the Christmas paper, Snowfall by Bo Bunny.  LOVE this paper pad.  It has non traditional colors which are perfect for both Christmas and general winter themed cards.  I used the stamp set, O Christmas Tree by JustRite Stampers.  I love that this set coordinates with the Nested Lacey Pennant dies by Spellbinders -which is one of my favies. 
My CAS version is perfect for mailing.  For this design, I omitted the ribbon, flower and brown cardstock layers.  In lieu of ribbon, I used a piece of brown pattern paper.  I also used a corner rounder at the top to add a bit of interest.
 Each week we will have fabulous Blog Candy (this week's is pictured below) inspired by our theme.  This week Sharon is offering the Vintage Brown Ribbon Sampler!  The winner will be drawn from comments on one of today’s participating blogs, one comment per blog, please.  The winner will be selected at 6 p.m. EST on Tuesday, January 17th and posted on Sharon's blog on Wednesday. 
Here is the list of today's participants:
 Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!  I'll leave you with a close up picture.
Card Deets: 
Stamps - O Christmas Tree (JustRite Stampers)
Cardstock - White and brown
Pattern Paper -  Snowfall Collection 6x6 (Bo Bunny)
Accessories - brown wrinkled ribbon, Clear rhinestones colored with copic marker (Kaisercraft), Copic markers, Stickles, Prima Avon Rose in Alla Prima

Spellbinder dies  - Labels Three, Nested Lacey Pennants and Nested Pennants
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Friday, January 13, 2012

3 Glitter winners

Hi everyone!  WOW!  Thanks for all the wonderful comments on my GlitterFast giveaway post.  From the sound of it, you all are as excited about the prospect of NO MESS glitter as I am!

Well, on to the winners shall we? Random.org has helped me chose the following 3 winners:
Here are your random numbers:
48 24 14 
Timestamp: 2012-01-14 00:03:08 UTC

 Winner 1: Alison H said...
No mess glitter? SIGN ME UP! That is a gorgeous card and the heart really just makes it! Thanks for the chance to win some goodies!

 Winner 2: Vickie Z said...
Wow....that glitter paper looks fabulous!!! Thanks to you and company for chance to win some!! PS love your card!!!
Winner 3: Queen Mary said...
I love your whole project with the glitter paper! And I friended Zoom! Good to know about new companies!

A BIG congrats to the winners!
Please contact me with your address at my email address you can find on my sidebar.  Winners have until Monday morning to contact me, or I will chose another winner.  GlitterFast Design kits will be send directly from Zoom Creative.

Here is another card I made using some more of the Red sheet from GlitterFast Primary Design Kit as my last card.  I had the ivory cardstock piece already die cut and embossed in my "leftovers folder" and thought it would make a perfect backdrop for this card.  I just love the JustRite stamp set, Botanical Butterflies and haven't had a chance to ink it up yet.  I thought the beautiful butterflies would look great against all the red and kraft.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!  I'll leave you with a close up picture.
Card Deets:
Stamps - Botanical Butterflies and Musical Notes (for sentiment) (JustRite Stampers)
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper - Ivory and Kraft CS (Gina K Designs), Lost and Found 2 "Rosy" (MME)
Accessories - Spellbinders Standard Circles and Classic Scalloped Circles LG, Nested Lacey Pennants, Classic Triple Scallop Edgeabilities with insert; 2, 3 and 4mm red rhinestones (Pizzazz Aplenty), red grosgrain ribbon, Red GlitterFast sheet (Zoom Creative)
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Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Spellbinders Abilities and Beyond Blog Frenzy Day 1

Hi everyone!!  Welcome to the first day of the Spellbinders Abilities and Beyond Blog Frenzy!

The entry window for the
Spellbinders Paper Arts contest on this blog has ended.
Don't forget that you still have time to enter
at the blogs listed on the Spellbinders blog. Thank you!  
 
Spellbinders™ Paper Arts is absolutely thrilled to bring you our largest product releases ever! These new collections are some of the most innovative and beautiful die cutting and embossing templates in the world! The Spellbinders Abilities and Beyond Blog Frenzy allows you a sneak peek of our introductions for the 2012 Winter Craft and Hobby Association trade show later this month. 

Win today’s new Spellbinders products!

Be eligible to win the Grand Prize by entering each day, see the schedule below!

Enter my Blog Frenzy from 12:00 am Eastern Standard Time (EST) January 12, 2012 until 11:59 pm January 13, 2012.

Today’s participating Blog Frenzy includes my blog and Debbie Olsen and Latisha Yoast's blog.

See the Spellbinders Blog for the complete schedule of designers and contest rules.

Thank you Spellbinders Paper Arts for sponsoring this contest!

For my first project, I altered legal sized clipboard to make a large refrigerator magnet!!  This measures 9" x 15" and I decided to divide this into 3 functional parts.  The top part serves as a clipboard for important papers, the middle portion is a chalkboard and the bottom has 3 corkboard pieces.
Here are the new dies I introduced:
S4-341 Wavy Rectangles
MSRP: $24.99
DIE SIZES:
1. 3/8" x 1/2"
2. 1 1/8" x 1 1/4"
3. 1 7/8" x 2 1/8"
4. 2 3/4" x 3 1/8"
5. 3 5/8" x 4 1/4"
ES-003 Valor
MSRP: $7.99
PRODUCT SIZE:
4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

I am so excited to feature the new and innovative Spellbinders M-Bossabilities™ folders! These are unique reversible folders, with 2 separate yet coordinated embossing patterns for twice the designs and double the value! The folders simply flip over, so easy to use! There are 20 new folders, each with 2 designs, and they come in 2 sizes, 5 x 7” and 4 ¼ x 5 ½” for all your paper crafting needs.
Watch this introductory video!


See how to use the new Spellbinders M-Bossabilities in this video!

Here is a close up of the top part of the project.  You can see that the cardstock is embossed with one continual pattern.  This was done by embossing the paper, then flipping it around, lining up the pattern and continuing to emboss it.
Here are step shots showing how I did this.  First, I inked the folder, then emboss the first 1/2 of my paper.
 Next, reink the folder, but make sure to wipe the ink off the bottom row, as you will be overlapping that bottom row, and you don't want double the ink.
 Here is the final result as you can see, when you are done you have one continual embossed piece.  This measures 11" long.  I then trimmed this piece to the dimensions of the clipboard.
 Here is a close up of the middle.  The black cardstock is actually Chalkstock!  Yes, you can write and erase on this portion.
 
Here is a close up of the bottom part.  Here I die cut thin sheets of cork board I bought at an office supply store.  To get the cork to cut, I layered it with a shim and ran it through 2 or 3 times.  It won't be completely cut through like with cardstock, so just slightly pull at the die and it comes apart very easily.
 Here is my second project.  On this card, I used both Side A and Side B of the Valor M-Bossabilities folder.  On Side B I embossed with ink (like I did with the clipboard) and on Side A, I lightly sanded the embossed paper for more dimension.
 Here is a close up picture showing both embossed pieces.
By entering the Spellbinders Abilities and Beyond Blog Frenzy you agree to the Official Rules.  For questions on the Spellbinders Abilities and Beyond Blog Frenzy, send an email to contestquestions@spellbinders.us; no entries will be accepted at this email address.


TO ENTER:
My blog is open for entries from 12:00 am, January 12, 2012, until 11:59 pm, January 13, 2012, EST.

1) Send your Blog Frenzy email entry to: Reveal3@spellbinders.us

2) The subject must be S4-341 Wavy Rectangles and ES-003 Valor.

3) Send!

Be sure to visit all the Designers on their Blog Frenzy dates!
Daily winners will receive an email within 24 hours of the blog frenzy’s closing. The winners will have 72 hours to reply to that email to claim prize. If a winner fails to respond within 72 hours, a new winner will be drawn.

To be eligible for the Grand Prize, enter each and every Blog Frenzy within its designated time period, send your entries from the email address for each entry.  The Grand Prize has a retail value of over $1900 and includes the complete Spellbinders line of die cutting  and embossing templates released at the 2012 Winter CHA show, and a Spellbinders Grand Calibur® Die Cutting and Embossing Machine!

I love your comments! Unfortunately your comment does not count as an entry, so be sure to enter as stated above, and then leave a comment!

Thank you for visiting and good luck!!

To receive information and announcements from Spellbinders, sign up for the Newsletter and subscribe to the Spellbinders Blog. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube and Pinterest. Thank You!
Spellbinders and M-Bossabilities are trademarks of Spellbinders Paper Arts, llc.
Grand Calibur is a registered trademark of Spellbinders Paper Arts, llc.

Supplies (Clip Board): 
Spellbinders - ES-003
Valor M-Bossabilities folder Side B, S4-341 Wavy Rectangles, #4, LF-003 Donna's Alphabet, LF-005 Grand Peony Creations #1,2,3, E8-001 Classic Scallop Edgeabilities 
Ink - Clear Snap (Citrine Pigment Ink)
Paper - Gina K Designs (ivory cardstock), Fancy Pants (It's the Little Things 12x12 collection), Canvas Corp (Chalkstalk cardstock)
Accessories - Kaisercraft (rhinestones), Buttons Galore (button), Scor-Pal (1/4" Scor-Tape), Cosmic Shimmers (Twinkles in Aqua), Beacon Adhesives (Fabri-Tac to adhere cork), Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L (3D foam squares), Details (grosgrain ribbon in coral) 

Supplies (card): 
Spellbinders -
ES-003 Valor M-Bossabilities folder Side A and B, S4-341 Wavy Rectangles #4, S5-049 Carnation Creations #1,2, S4-130 Classic Rectangles SM #2
Gina K Designs Stamps - Framed Greetings
Paper - Gina K Designs (Ivory cardstock), My Mind's Eye (Six by Six collection "Vanity Fair" 6x6 pad)
Ink - Clear Snap (Citrine and Black Pigment Ink)
Accessories - Kaisercraft (rhinestones), Cosmic Shimmers (Twinkles in Aqua), Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L (3D foam squares)
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A couple Spellbinders Projects

Hi everyone!  I have a couple Spellbinders projects to share.  These can be found in the fabulous Spellbinders Idea Gallery found on their blog.  You should check it out!  There are tons of inspiration from the Design Team and you can sort the projects by Cards, Mixed Media or Scrapbook pages.

First is a card I made using the Presto Punch and templates.  Have you heard of the Presto Punch?  It is a machine that does the punching automatically with one button.  All the templates are similar to the regular dies in that they are thin and easy to store.  Imagine, NO MORE bulky punches to store?  Also this machine is perfect for stampers who have weakness in the hands.

Next up is a little tin I altered for Christmas.  I found this at Michael's Dollar Spot (when it was still a dollar, did you know they raised the prices to $1.50 now?).  Anyway, I just love this how this tin turned out. 
Thanks for stopping by and check back soon.  The Spellbinders Blog Frenzy -Abilities and Beyond, is about to begin and I am on DAY ONE!  woohoo!

Spellbinders Supplies -CARD:
 Preferred Partner Products:
Cross Promotional Partner Products:
  • Echo Park Paper Co, Victoria Gardens 6 x 6" Pad Patterned Paper
  • Clearsnap, ColorBox Dark Brown Fluid Chalk Ink
  • KaiserCraft, Libby Red Rhinestones, Birthday Clear Mini Stamps
  • SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L, 3D Foam Squares
Spellbinders Supplies -TIN:
Preferred Partner Products:
  • Gina K. Designs, Pure Luxury White, Red Hot Cardstock, The Magic of Christmas Stamp Set
Cross Promotional Partner Products:
  • Clearsnap, ColorBox Black, Red Pigment Ink
  • Craftwork Cards, Candi Regal Ruby Shiny Dots
  • KaiserCraft, Red Rhinestones
  • Creative Impressions, ⅝" Red Organdy Ribbon
  • SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L, 3D Foam Squares, Adhesive Sheets


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Monday, January 9, 2012

A super fun giveaway!

Hi everyone!  I have a fun giveaway for you today!!  Remember back on this post when I told you about a brand new company Zoom Creative Products and their no mess glitter sheets?  Well the nice people at Zoom contacted me and asked if I would give away some kits to my blog readers.  Fun, right?!?

First, I thought I would show you how the glitter sheets work.  The kits come with adhesive sheets and glitter sheets.  What I do is adhere a piece of the adhesive to some cardstock -I cut a piece just large enough for my die.  Then, using my Spellbinder dies, I die cut it into whatever shape I need.  Here I have chosen a heart.
Then, you peel back the protective sheet exposing the adhesive.
Next, you peel back the glitter sheet exposing the silver side.  This is the side you stick to the adhesive.  I just slipped my heart right in the middle.  Then, rub the glitter on just like a rub-on.  In fact, I use my old rub on stick to make sure all the bits and ends are stuck down.
Here is the heart all glittered up!  You can see I stuck the heart in the top corner of my glitter sheet, I like to keep as much of my glitter sheet as possible.
 Seriously, NO MESS!  You can whip your hand across it and nothing comes off, nothing on your craft space, or if you are like me and glitter on your pants and face!  LOVE this :)
And here's my final card.
Pretty cool, huh?!?  So, here are the 3 kits that I will be giving away:
 Be sure to check out and LIKE Zoom's FaceBook page.  I have it on good authority there will be more chances to win some glittery goodness in the near future!

To be entered in this giveaway just leave me a comment here on this post through Friday, 1/13 at 4pm (Pacific time).  I will announce the 3 random winners Friday evening.  Winners will have until Monday evening to contact me.
Thanks for stopping by and good luck!!  I'll leave you with a close up picture.
Card deets:
Stamps - Topsy Turvy Cakes for sentiment (JustRite)
Paper - Lost & Found 2 collection, "Rosy" (My Mind's Eye)
Accessories - Spellbinders Standard Circles LG and SM and Classic Hearts, Red glitter sheet (GlitterFast Primary Color Kit), buttons, 3/4" brown velvet ribbon, Stardust Stickles, 2 tone cherry blossom, 2mm and 3mm topaz rhinestones.
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