It's almost over.....

....and not only is it almost the end of August, it's also very close to the deadline for submitting your projects to our "Encouragement" challenge over at the a2z Scrapbooking Blog.

     I have a fun little sneak peak of my card to share here and then invite you to hope on over to the Challenge blog for more details and also to check out all the fabulous inspiration the Design Team has shared with us all month.

    For me, who LOVES summer it's never easy seeing it quickly coming to and end, but I do hope we still have lots of wonderful weather ahead.   The only exciting thing about September being so close it that it's only a matter of days now before I'll be off to San Diego to visit my son and daughter (in law), and I have been thinking about this trip for months.  I miss them so much and only seeing them a couple of times each year is really hard for this Mom who adores her sons.   And now with Alex, also living out on his own, we are truly empty-nesters.   I am very happy that I adopted my three little fur-babies to keep me busy and help take away some of the lonely times, without the kids!   

   After I get back from California, I am also looking forward to moving into my new craft room and hoping that Hubby will be working on the painting and such, while I am away!   After that, our next project will be to turn this room into an upstairs den and a little Doggie Room!    I want to pull up the carpets and add some new flooring, paint and then add a little Daybed,  a small TV and a little sleeping area for the dogs.  It's also where I'll keep their toys and such and will pretty much be their "new room".  It'll be a long project, as I'm very limited on doing painting and such, and Hubby can only get so much done on the weekends.  Luckily, it's not any type of major renovation, simply a fresh coat of paint in each room, and re-decorating.  Moving ALL my craft things and re-organizing every thing, will be the biggest project, but I can take my time and that's exactly what I plan to do.  It's a long cold winter here in New England, so I have lots of indoor time ahead and really want to have my space MUCH more organized than it is now.  It's also the perfect time for me to do a Major purge and I plan to donate everything I can to the two Dachshund Rescue Groups who brought Skye and Zeva into our lives!   Anything they can't sell or use, I'll donate to a day care for somewhere I know it'll be put to good use!  

   Okay...now that I have rambled on...hope I didn't bore you, I want to also offer you my Design Team Promo Code for any shopping you may want to do over at the a2z Scrapbooking Store.   This code will save you 15% off your total order of $25 and up (excluding shipping), and can also be used on our new "Digital Files", the new Christmas Release and even on the SALE items.  Simply fill up your cart and be sure to enter the promo code - LISAH15 - during the checkout process.  NOTE:  The 15% off will automatically be deducted, once your order meets the requirements.  Have fun shopping and don't forget to enter the challenge for your chance to win a $25.00 gift card for more shopping at a2z!!   Thanks for stopping by and I'll be looking for your projects over on the challenge blog -- Good Luck!!  

Big NEWS!!!

  Today, we are very happy to announce that Hero Arts and the a2z Scrapbooking Store, have combined talents are are now hosting a Digital Blog Hop -- which starts today, over on the Hero Blog!!

   Be sure to check out all the fabulous projects that have been shared by the Hero Arts Designers, as well as some of the Design Team at a2z!   I'm so excited that the a2z Scrapbooking Store, will be now be the Exclusive seller of Hero's fabulous Digital Line and have already enjoyed with with some of their wonderful design kits.    Here area a few of the cards I have recently created with some of my favorites, all of which are available now at the a2z Store and the best part is that they are instant downloads....just think, you can purchase one now and be making cards with it this afternoon!   And you can also us my Design Team promo code to save 15% off of any order of $25 and up an that does include the Digital Line too!   All you need to do is enter my code  - LISAH15 -  during the check out process and it will automatically deduct the 15% as soon as your order total reaches $25 (excluding shipping).

  

 

   And don't forget that you still have time to enter our August Challenge, where the theme is this month is "Encouragement", for another change to win a $25.00 gift certificate to shop at the a2z Store.  You can find all the details on the a2z Scrapbooking Blog and everyone is welcome to play.  Just be sure that you project fits the theme and includes at least one Hero Arts Stamp or Digital product, as the main image.  All the rules and requirements are also found here!    Hurry on over and play today --!!  

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    I also wanted to let you know that I'm taking off a couple of days as I have been over-doing things there and have kind of put myself into a little Fibro flare!   I had all these great plans of getting my new craft room ready to be painted and I did too much, I should now better and now am suffering a bit.  But, as always I know this too shall pass, as long as I take a bit of time to rest my body and relax and that's exactly what I plan to do for the next few days.

    I know I'll miss some challenges and that's always something I love, but I also have some appointments this week and that too will be a great way to relax!   I'm having wonderful Mani/Pedi tomorrow and  will actually be heading to my LSS on Thursday to take the second series in the Gelli Plate workshop and then on Friday -- I'm having my hair cut into a new style.....!

     I also really want to totally enjoy this week, since it's pretty much the last official week of Summer, with Labor Day coming so quickly!   I'll be back by the weekend and will have a fun post for you then, so stay tuned!!  Wishing you all a great week!!

     My rest won't be quite this wonderful, but I can dream..........................

 

      

Hero's New Christmas Release available NOW.....!!

   I am so excited to share the news that the brand new Hero Arts Christmas Release is now available over at the a2z Scrapbooking Store.  I headed there bright and early this morning to pick out some new goodies to add to my Christmas stash and want to invite you to shop with me.  If you would like to use my DT Promo Code,  - LISAH15 - all you need to do is purchase a minimum of $25.00 in products (excluding shipping), then enter the CODE during the checkout process to save 15% on your entire order.   And that includes our sale items, the brand new Christmas release and all the new digital products too!   Hurry on over for the best selection....!!

  Just go HERE to find the newest products ready to ship right out to you!  I already picked up a couple of my new favorites and I'm sure those goodies will sell out fast, but do not worry, a few things are still on back order from Hero, so please check back daily, as we continue to add new products from the release and re-stock those that sell out super fast!!

   We are also adding new Digital products daily, are now carrying the very popular Wink of Stella and Wink of Luna Markers, just in time for your Christmas Cards.   And for those who love to create with their Silhouette, we are also now carrying accessory items to go along with the new digital line.  We have mats, blades and tools and we'll also happy order any special items you want or need.  Please let up know and we'll be happy to add new items!!

   In the meantime, I'm going to now finish up my morning chores, take the dogs out and then will be back to work on new cards.

   There is also a new Hero Arts Scramble today and it will be hosted over at the Hero Arts Flickr Group, starting at 4:30 pm EDT!   I'll be playing along and hope to see you there!!

   UPDATE:    Just finished playing in Cat's really fun and creative Scramble and thought I would stop by to share the cards I made, as well as a few more I created during the day, after I finished a little shopping over at the a2z Store.

    I'll start with the two cards that I created for Cat's Scramble and will also share a copy of the three cards and photo inspiration that she shared with us today, as there theme.  You can read more on her instructions and the details over on the Flickr Group in her post HERE!!

Cat's Cards and Our Inspiration Photo

My Cards -- Card One

I picked my stamp and colors, based

on the colors/design of Cat's little bag.

  I started with a piece of Watercolor Paper and then applied Ranger's Distress Inks, Broken China and Tumbled glass directly to an acrylic block, then heavily misted that with a mist of Perfect Pearls.  I then stamped that Inked block onto my Watercolor Paper and heat set it to dry and added a second layer and again used my embossing gun to dry it.  Next, I took my "Starbursts" Stamp and inked it with Versarmark and stamped that onto the blue background and then embossed it with White Embossing Powder.   I cut a black frame to go around the image, which was another theme I saw in Cat's designs.  I added that to a nice wood-grain card base and then chose the Sentiment, and this is when I had a major OOPS and totally "wrecked" the card, by smearing the sentiment "big time"....I was very disappointed, but knew I did not have time to start all over and so I re-stamped the same sentiment onto another piece of white cardstock and then popped it up on top of my mistake.  I can see now it's a bit Crooked, so I'll still have work to try and salvage this card!   It's also so heartbreaking when your final step ends up making your card a disaster.  

 Card Two

This time I chose to use

Cat's card Design as my Inspiration!

  For this card I started with Hero's Everything Flowers background stamp and used a variety of Distress Inks to ink up the entire stamp.  I again misted it with a mix of Perfect Pearls and heat set it to dry.   I then created my card base with some Black Layering Paper and took the now stamped piece and it it down to fit across the card.  I added a black mat to the floral strip and adhered that directly onto some white cardstock and then stamped on my Sentiment, using the Stamp set that Cat has used on her cards, which is Messages with Flourish, one of my favorite sentiment sets.  I finished off this card by added some black enamel dots.   Oh and speaking of Enamel Dots, my Design Teammate Barb, has a great tutorial today over on the a2z Scrapbookign Blog on how you can "make your own enamel dots", simply by melting beads! I already made one batch using Pony Beads that I bought from JoAnn's and today I found some really pretty Perler Beads on Etsy that I've now ordered to bake some smaller dots!   So easy and a great money saver too!  My thanks to Barb for sharing her "recipe" with me and also linking me to some great You Tube Videos.  

    My next card is another challenge inspired card and this one was created for the current challenge over at "Cas(E) This Sketch".  I'm also sharing this week's sketch and hope it will inspire you to play along!!

CTS # 89

My Card

  This card was really fun to create and I actually used my Silhouette to cute the little "Sentiment" banner and also the background piece, which is actually a patterned paper design that I used as a "Fill" that I had in my "pattern" folder and I thought it would go great with this Pool Card base!   I also then decided to add an image and chose this stamp from Hero Arts, "Flowers On a Stem" which is another on I love and have used many times.  Today I stamped it with Silver Shadow Ink and then simply highlighted the flowers and leaves with some Copic Markers that matched the background!   

  And I'm slowing adding to my Christmas Card stash and today I designed two more digital cards using some more of the wonderful Hero Digital images from a2z.  The first one is another adorable little bird, from the "Feathered Friends" set that I used earlier in the week.  Today, I totally changed the colors again and this time picked a pretty blue background paper to make this sweet card. I even found I had some blue enamel dots that worked perfectly for his pretty Blue Eyes!!  

  That brings me to my final card for today and it too is another very fun and easy card that I created with another set, this one is the "Swirl Christmas Set" and it's another set full of a wonderful variety of images making it very easy to quick create your own Digital/Hybrid Cards!   I love how this one turned out and it's all done in a very bold black and white theme.  I simply added the printed section to a Black Hero Note card and then embellished with enamel dots and sequins. 

     I'll have lots of new Christmas cards to share over the new few months, as I love to make all of my own and it takes a long time to create them all.  I always like to add some new stamps sets each year too and now can hardly wait for my new Hero Arts Goodies to arrive.   Plus, I know they'll be more added to the store as they continue to come in from Hero!  Yippee!!

Uber Cool!!!

    Oh what a JOY it is to be back in my craft room today making card again.   It's been such a crazy and busy week and despite planning to work on cards every day, for one reason or another, it simply did not happen, until today.

    I'm so happy to be here to share my latest cards, most of which were inspired by some of my favorite challenges.  I just love challenges and for me, it's not only a great way to practice trying out new craft items, it's also a great way to come up with new ideas, that you might not other every try.

   And my first card today, is pretty much a card, I think fits into that category perfectly.  It's a card that was created for the current challenge over at "Addicted to CAS", where are theme for this week is "Geometric", which is also very much on trend.

    Another card that I made a while back, (for Hubby's' Birthday) was also partly this inspiration for this card, and you can see that card HERE!   I started using the same punched "Strip of Chevrons" going down the left side of my card and then continued to add a variety of geometric shapes, using punches and stamps from my stash, include this awesome border set by My Favorite Things, the "Uber Cool" sentiment from Paper Smooches and two punches, hexagon and the chevron border punch, both favorites of mine from Stampin' Up.   I started with a "Tide" card-base and did all my punches and stamping in black Hero Ink.  To finish off my card and add some sparked, I coated all the black shapes with a clear Wink of Stella Glitter Marker, which we are now selling over at the a2z Scrapbooking Store, along with all the fabulous Hero Products.  

   And speaking of new items at the a2z Store, the brand new Christmas Release "Handmade for Christmas" from Hero Arts is currently in route to the store and we hope it will all be available for ordering starting this Saturday!!  ...Yes, you heard me right, as long as the order arrives, as expected, you can shop early at a2z Etsy Store, starting this Saturday!  WOOHOO!   Just two more days and I don't know about you, but I sure am excited about that news!    There are some items on back order from Hero and not everyone will arrive in the first shipment, but you'll find a great selection and we are happy to share this fun news!       Please stay tuned for more updates this weekend.   Remember you can also save money by using my special Design Team Promo Code!  Just add $25.00 (or more) in product to your shopping cart,  (excluding shipping) and you'll be eligible to take 15% off your total order when you enter my code -- LISAH15 !   I'll have an update as soon as the items are available and I too, already have my wish list ready, so I'll be there with you shopping early!  Woohoo!!

    With Christmas on my mind, I am now the early stages of making the my cards for this year and my new two cards are two adorable little Christmas cards that I created today, using one of my new favorite Hero Arts Digital Kits, this one is DK029 is available now!   It's called "Feathered Friends" and is a wonderful little kit.  I addition to this kit, we also have more, in the Christmas/Winter Theme, which you can buy and download instantly to start creating your Holiday and Christmas Cards.  You'll find them all in the new "Digital" section of the store HERE!!

  For my first card, I chose to use the sweet little bird with the ornament, along with the Merry Christmas Sentiment and the Red digital background paper, all included in the set.   The stripped background is also a Hero Arts Digital, called "Earth Background" papers,  one that hope to have available in the store soon.   I always own several of Hero's  Digital Kits and looks forward to adding even more, as they arrive in the store!   What I love most about using Digital Images is that you can also combine them with tradition stamping to make these very easy and fun "Hybrid Cards".  Once I had this design done, I use Microsoft Word to create all my digital cards, I printed it out on some white cardstock, and then layered it own to a Hero Wet Cement Notecard.  I then added a black Gem to give his little eye more dimension and added another sparkling gem to the ornament.  

  And this is the second card, where I used the bird holding the star.   On both of these cards I used the pre-colored images, but all the images also come in Black and White, so that you can color in them anyway you want.  For this card, I used the same Merry Christmas sentiment, but changed my background by using three different digi background papers -- Red, Green and the Red and White Striped!.  I also created my card base using Hero's Pine Layering Paper, which matched really well with my finished card.    I used a Wink of Stella Marker to add some extra sparkle to the star and also to the legs of this adorable guy!   NOTE:   We also are now carrying the Gold and Silver Wink of Luna Markers in the store too and they are fabulous to use on dark backgrounds!!   

   Next, I have a card that has me back into more summer like colors and it's the card I created for this week's MUSE Challenge.   I am happy to share a copy of the Muse Card, which was created by Marion Vagg.

Muse Challenge # 84

My Card

    The main two elements I chose to use from Marion's card was the zig-zag patterned background and the pretty butterfly die cut in the center.  I also wanted to use pretty pastel colors and started by first picked out a piece of Pink Polka Dotted Cardstock, from the Let's Polka  Lawn Fawn Set.   My next goal was to create my card and initially I thought I might use a zig-zag die and cut it several times, into a white card-base, then then I came up with the idea for using my fabulous new Silhouette Cameo to design my own card and did so buying this "Circles and Zags" file from the Silhouette Store and altering it to change it from a single layer "Project Life" style card, into a standard A2 size card.   Note:  I have been absolutely thrilled with my brand new Cameo and the awesome "Lightning Deal" bundle that I bought from Amazon last week.   It was only $199 (with Free 2 Day Shipping), for this Bundle shown below!  And, having this new machine which works so well, I'm 100% certain now that my original definitely as a "lemon" and even MORE disappointed that Silhouette did stand behind it.   I really wish there was another machine the was compatible with all the accessories and files that I own, but since there isn't, I'm simply thrilled to have found this deal.   If you are in the market for a Cameo, I highly suggest you go to Amazon daily and check the prices, and hope you'll find a Lightning deal too.  I am so grateful for the gals in the Facebook Silhouette Group who posted these deal. Well worth some patience and a little wait!!   Thank you Amazon!!

My Silhouette Cameo / Starter Bundle

Silhouette Store "Circles & Zags" Cut File

  Once I had my new card designed, I cut it from White Cardstock, and scored it down the middle on my Scor-Buddy to make it a pre-folded card.  I then adhered the "Pink and White" paper to the inside behind the zigs/zags and using a new die set from SSS, added a little background area for my Butterfly, which I created from two Memory Box dies.    I cut a little label shape, added a simple sentiment, stamped in Pink and had my card done!  

  And my final card of the day was a cute little card that was inspired and created for the current challenge over at CASology, where the cue card this week is "Java", and whenever I hear the word Java the very first thing that comes to my mind is Coffee and how it's the very first thing I start off my day with each and every morning, right after the pups start eating their breakfast.  

  This card also was created with the help of my Cameo and two new Silhouette files that I picked up on the online store.  I found two different styles of coffee mugs, and really loved this one with the heart, but also loved the "steam" from another file, so I took the two and combined them to make my own little cup of morning "Java".   I cut them from white cardstock and then used my Hero Arts Shadow Inks, to color each piece.  The mug was colored with Soft Pool, the steam with Wet cement, and the heart was colored with Raspberry Jam and then coated with a clear Wink of Stella Marker.  I created my card-base with Mixed Pool Layering Paper, and die cut the black Frame with my the same new set from SSS.  The sentiment, "Oh Happy Day" seemed to fit perfectly and is a set by the same name, from Avery Elle.

  And that's it for today...and boy am I now tired after typing this very long post, which I admit, took me a LONG time with lots of breaks in between.  It was so FUN to be at my desk and I'm also especially excited about my move into my new room soon.   I did pick out a few paint samples this week, but didn't love either of them.  I was not sure what color I wanted to add to the basic "Black and White" themed room, but I have finally decided that it's definitely going to be shades of "Purple".....which I am sure is NOT a major shock to most of you!   It will be a light shade, more like a very subtle lavender and I'll be picking  up two more samples at Ace tomorrow.   I had thought I would go with white trim, but after painting some of the trim white yesterday, I just don't LOVE it, and because my IKEA furniture is a bit of an off white color, I have to be very careful about using white.  If it's to bright it could make my furniture look creamy or have a hint of yellow and that is NOT what I want.   Plus, we have already replaced the baseboard trim in that room to go with the rest of the house, which is pretty much  a pine that we leave natural and paint with 3-4 coats of Poly to keep it very easy to clean.  I prefer trim be a wood tone and since we have pine floors in that room, it makes since to have it match.  Plus, that way you do NOT have to paint it when you can the room color, you simply can leave it alone or freshen it up with a new coat of poly.    But, we will have to paint the window trim and the doors etc., since they are painted now...if only wish they have been left alone too!  But, they were painted before we bought this house, so we continue to paint them or replace, when needed!   The color names of the samples I pick up tomorrow are called -- "First Dance" and "Purple Essence".   

Happy Birthday to my Hubby!!

   Just a short little post to send out special Birthday Wishes to my Hubby!   We went out and enjoyed a delicious dinner with our best friends on Friday evening and will have a very quiet little dinner tonight, at home.  Ironically, I also share my birthday with Hubby too, which is very unique and it's always interesting to see who will make a cake or pick up the tab for Dinner.  

   I have my new Silhouette, which was my early birthday gift and one I was thrilled to have!  I am heading to the bakery shortly to pick out some special treat for our "birthday" dessert!   I also one last minute gift to pick up and need to get that all done before he gets home from work!

   I made his card a while back, and although it's very much a CAS style, I think it's a great Masculine card and I'm sure he'll like it!  I'm sharing it here now and then I hope to find some time later to get back to creating and have even more new cards to share!

   Hope everyone is enjoying these wonderful final weeks of August and I hope even more so, that we still have lots of Summer left to enjoy!  I'm thrilled to be extending mine by heading to San Diego in mid September, to see Brian and Meghan, who I miss like crazy!!    Have a wonderful day and I'll see you in a day or two -- with some new creations!!   

   

   PS:    Don't forget that you still can enter our new "Encouragement" themed challenge over at the a2z Scrapbooking blog.   One lucky winner will be picked by random drawing to win a $25.00 gift certificate to the a2z Store and by the time the challenge ends, we'll even the brand new Hero Arts Holiday products in stock.  They are due in any day and we already have some SALE goodies from last year, plus some adorable new Christmas/Winter themed digital products!    I'm loving this set and working on some adorable cards with it now!!   If you are shopping and would like to use my Design Team Promo Code - please be sure it enter it at checkout -- LISAH15 --  As long as your spend $25 or more (excluding shipping), it was save you 15% off your entire purchase and it can be used on ANY products...including the new products, any of the SALE products and even the new digital line!!  WOOHOO!   Happy Shopping!!

Happy Hello...

...A happy hello to you this afternoon!  How are you doing?  I'm having another delightful day, the sun is back out, the humidity is gone, the dogs are happy and having fun being outside again and I'm also spending more time creating, which always makes my day.

    I'm also thrilled to have my new Silhouette Cameo and I've already put it to use today to help me create some of my new cards.  I can say already that there is definitely a difference in this machine, versus my original.  First or all, it cuts better (Yippee) and it also has a totally different sounds when it is cutting and also seems to be a bit faster.  To me, that already has me even more convinced that my original machine was a lemon and oh how I wish I could get Silhouette to agree.  If I could get it fixed and knew it would work well I could donate it to someone who otherwise could never buy one or even donate it the one of the Dachshund Rescues.  But, of now, I have packed it up and we'll likely sent it off to "Cameo" heaven when Hubby makes the trash run this weekend.
 
      I am also a bit sad, knowing that tomorrow is the last day of the fabulous Stretch Your Stamps 2 Class.  We do have another week to add projects the Gallery and/or ask questions in the forum, but tomorrow will be the last new less and that's always a bummer!  You love the classes so much that you hate seeing them come to an end!!   Today, was is Day 10 and again the class focused on using "build-able" stamp sets and I have a new card to share that I not only created for class, but also created as my entry into this weeks' MUSE Challenge.   Today, I used three different stamp set to create my card and the theme, and color scheme pretty much came from the Muse inspiration card below, which is another of Therese's fabulous creations.

Muse Challenge #80

My Card

   I started my card with a deep pink panel and started stamping first with this wonderful set, which is the same one, "Spring Blooms" I used yesterday, by WPlus9.  I combined that with two more sets of florals, this one, "Favorite Flowers" from Simon Says Stamp and this one, "Flower Garden CL778" from Hero Arts, which also contains the sentiment, I chose for this card.  I used a variety of inks, but started most of my flowers which this fabulous Unicorn White ink.  I then used an assortment of Hero's Shadow Inks to add color and also their black ink for my sentiment.   I finished off my card by layering it onto a black notecard and added some pink dots from Stampin' Up.

  For my next card, this is where I really put my Silhouette to use, but admit, that the first couple of cuts, were not all that great and that's when I determined I would change my blade and try again and that seemed to solve the problem.  I do feel that the blades don't hold up very long, as that's kind of a bummer, but now that I can buy them and mats from a2z Scrapbooking Store, it's a whole lot easier and I love that I get them so quickly.  I also have my discount, and you too can use my Design Team Promo Code - LISAH15 - to save 15% off any of your purchases.  All you need to do is spend $25 or more (before shipping) and enter the code during the check it and it will automatically deduct the 15%.   Be sure to check out some of the new goodies in stock, in addition to the cutting mats and blades, we now had the fabulous "Wink of Stella" and Wink of Luna glitter pens that I LOVE!!

   This card was actually created with two different challenges in mind.  The first is the new "Shaped Card" Challenge being hosted over on Virginia's View and the second is the new "Summertime Fun" themed challenge being hosted on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog.  Both challenges are open to all and I hope you'll stop over and see the wonderful inspiration that each one has to offer.  

  

My Card

  I don't know about you, but around here "Watermelon" is very much a summer fruit and it's also one I Love.  I love to but them and simply cut up a big bowlful and keep it nice and cool in the fridge.  Whenever I even think about Watermelon I also think about Summer and that's which I thought this fun little card would work out perfectly for both challenges.   I cute the watermelon pieces with my Cameo and then put them together to make this cute card  I also added the "yum" sentiment and tied on the black and white polka dotted ribbon.  This watermelon has those big black seeds, luckily now, they also have "seedless watermelon", my favorite, although it isn't exactly totally seedless, but the smaller white seeds are a whole lot better than the big black ones, I remember so well.  I actually added a coat of 3d Crystal Lacquer to these seeds to make them have extra shine and dimension!!  Now, of course, I want some watermelon, but we are out?  Hopefully, they'll have some nice fresh ones in the grocery store tomorrow!

   My final card today, is another Challenge inspired card and this one is for the brand new challenge over at Cas(E) This Sketch, which is another of my favorites and one I have missed out on for the last couple of weeks, while in class and also working on DT Projects.  I'm happy to be playing again today and will start by sharing this week's Sketch in the hopes that you too, will play along.

CTS #88

My Card

   This card was very fun to make and I again use my Silhouette to design the top piece of the card, which is the area that has the cut out circles.  I started by creating a 4" x 5 1/4" rectangle on my cutting mat and then added the circles, pretty much in the same location as the sketch.  I then used the "Modify" Function to "Subtract" the overlapping part of the two circles on the edges, which then subtracts the pieces of the circle that hang over the edge.  Super easy and just one of the many amazing things you can do with this machine.   I also have learned a LOT from taking Silhouette Classes, and is you are interested in doing the same, I highly recommend the classes offered by Kerri Bradford!  .  I then decided that I wanted to create my sentiment also using my Silhouette and picked out this cute, "Love Circle" from my Library.  It's one of the many cut files that you can find in the Silhouette Store.  I happen to have a Premium Subscription to the store and for $15 a month, I get a store credit of $150 dollars to use for new shapes!   The current price is now $19.99, but you buy it NOW on SALE, just like I did.    All store subscriptions are currently 20% off using promo code AUGUST and that sale ends on 8/19/14, so hurry on over if you are interested in buying one!  I've had a store subscription since I had my first Silhouette and feel it's well worth the money.   It's good for any online shape/font purchases and even works on clearance and sale shapes.  It's a great way to build you library.  And once you've learned more about creating and editing your own files, you can also edit your purchased files to make them work anyway you desire!

   And that's it for today my friends, as the pups are getting restless and it's just about dinnertime too!  I hope you all had a nice day and are looking forward to a nice weekend.   I will be off tomorrow, doing all kinds of fun things --- and some not so fun things, like a dentist appointment.  But, we'll also be heading out to Dinner tomorrow night with a group of long time friends and it's something I always look forward to.  We'll be going to a favorite place that has yummy seafood and you can get that's exactly what I'll be ordering!   Have a great night and I'll be back over the weekend with some final class cards and more challenge cards too!!

It's Happy Mail day....

...and boy was I excited when my mail arrived to find my brand new Mama Elephant dies, but just a short while later the FedEx truck arrived with my brand new "Silhouette Cameo".  Woohoo!!   Now, I can hardly wait to set up it and hope it works perfectly!  I'm so excited because I was able to be very patient, and found it on Amazon as Monday's Lightening deal for only $199, with Free two-day shipping.   That's by far the best deal ever and for me, it really did pay off to wait and check every day and Monday was my lucky day!  It's also a great bundle, as it comes with an extra mat and blade in addition to what comes in the basic package.  When I purchased my first Cameo it had just been released and I paid the typical $269 price, and did not receive any extras.  Not to mention that I have always felt that I had a machine that was a bit of a "lemon" and was NOT overly thrilled with the fact the Silhouette did nothing for me, once the warranty was up.   However, since I LOVE this machine and it's capabilities so much, and also because I have already invested a lot o money in a store subscription, thousands of cut files, product accessories and add-on kits, I knew that I had to have another!   I'm so happy that I had been told about the Amazing "Lightning" deals from a craft friend and because I was still able to use mine for very simple cuts, I did have some time to wait and boy am I ever glad I did!!  Woohoo!!

   On top of that exciting stuff, I've also enjoyed spending this very wet and rainy day over at the Online Card Classroom, where I've had lots of time to catch up in the Stretch Your Stamps 2 Class.    I have now watch every video and downloaded all the class PDF files and even had time to work on a card I'm sharing now.  It's also one of my favorite cards from the entire class.   Today is Day 9 and today we focused on using "Build-able" Stamp sets and I was so inspired by the cards the designers shared today, especially Yana Smakula and Dawn Woleslagle, (who also happens to also be the owner and creator of Wplus9).   I also loved what Julie and Jennifer shared and every card and video today was so inspiring and taught me so much -- it was such a great day in class too!   A Cry Happy Day for me!!

    My card is was inspired be each of the designers and all of the techniques and inspiration they shared today.   If you are a student in class, I think you'll see that I combined some of Yana's ideas with those of Dawn and put them together to make a card all my own!   If you are still thinking of taking this class, or plan to take it down the road, I highly recommend it and also suggest you check out the "Featured Stamps List", as those the ten stamps sets, that are the primary stamps featured in this class.  Every one of the designers had those sets to work with and they will amaze you with what they have created and the techniques they use to get the look they desire!   Of course, you do NOT have to purchase these exact set and once you do enroll you'll find a wonderful video that Jennifer shared that will also help you pick out sets that you may have in your stash, that would work equally as well in class!    I did buy a couple new sets, but for the most part, I used that I had or already owned many of the stamp styles that were used!

    For today's card I chose to use a new set that I bought specifically for class and it's this set, by WPlus9 called Spring Blooms.  There is even a matching die set that you can purchase to go along with this set, if you like having the combo sets.  .  It's also one that seems to be very popular and I can now see why.  I have to admit that I have a few of these types of sets, but never really figured out exactly how to use them, but know, after today's class, I finally do and I'm thrilled about that, because I really love the looks of the cards your can make!   I also love the card that Jennifer shared and know I will trying that technique too!

My Card

   I am so happy with how this turned out, because I have never used these type of sets before, as they always kind of intimidated me.  Yet, I always loved the look, but really wasn't sure exactly how to use them. I'm also loving being back in my purple mode and feel in love with a pretty "Purple" craft mat that "Yana" had in her class videos.  As soon as I saw it, I sent her a message on her blog and asked her where she ever found a purple mat and in a matter of minutes she was so kind to reply.   As it turns out she bought hers from the UK division of Amazon, but it seems they are no longer made!  They were made by Dove-craft, but after spending some time searching this morning I've yet to find one!   If anyone does EVER see a nice "Purple" mat, please let me know, as it would be something I would love and I do need to get a new mat, sooner that later, after getting some glue stuck on mine!!

  I also want to thank Yana for the fabulous videos she shared in the class today.  I really learned a lot from what she shared and also found Dawn's Video and card to be amazing.  And we also have even more today from Julie Ebersole and Jennifer!!   Pretty cool Huh?  Now, you can see just WHY I love these classes so much.  They are jam packed full of videos, tutorials and amazing inspiration by these fabulous designers!  

  And that's going to be it for today, but now that I feel really can come up with so many other cards with this stamp style, it's as if I have a whole new selection of stamps to create with!   Now, I'm going to set up my Cameo and see how it works!  I'm hoping it works just as it should and that I do not have any more cutting problems and that I can now also easily make new Print and Cut Files!    Stay tuned for updates and have a wonderful evening!!  

   If you are looking for my a2z post for today, please scroll down to the next post and it'll be right there!! 

 

I love my friends....

  ....and I'm sure you love your too!   But, do you ever send them a card --- totally out of the blue?  One to say Hello, how are you or a simple Friendship card?   When they are down or feeling sad, do you send cards to cheer them up, to say you love them?   That's something I really do try and do and since I now make all my own cards, it's extra special to send them out and to say how much I care!

     Plus, as you probably know, I also love to play in online challenges and to take new classes, both online and at my LSS, and that has me with even more cards, so sending cards to make someone smile is really a joy for me and I also LOVE it when I receive one of those fun cards in the mails!   They really can make you day!

     If you love this idea too, then our newest challenge over at the a2z Scrapbooking blog, is going to be perfect for you!  Our theme in "Encouragement" and all those types of cards are pretty much what I have been talking about today!   Kind Cards, Caring Cards, Thank You cards and so many more can easily fit into this category.   And it's NOT all about cards either...there are so many wonderful paper-crafts that can easily also fall into this category!

    Today, I have a sneak peek of another of these fun cards and I also incorporated it in with the fabulous Stretch Your Stamps 2 class that I'm taking too!   Today will be Day 8 and we'll be working again with those fun and cool and very trendy - Graphic Stamps!   And you too can even make a card for class and create it so that it also qualifies for the challenge!

   To see my entire card, and all the card ingredients you'll find ALL the details over on the a2z Blog and you can go as well for more inspiration too.  And then when you are ready to add your project, all you need to do is link to the challenge from the blog side bar!   Or you can click HERE to go directly to the challenge post, scroll down towards the bottom of post and look for the Inlinkz little Blue Froggy!!

   I'm now heading back to class and may be back this afternoon with some more updates!   Hope to see you in class and/or over at our Challenge!   Thanks for stopping by and Good Luck to all those who enter!!

More fun in class!!

   Oh, how I love the Online Card Classes, and today's class was no exception !  A perfect way to start out a new week with some awesome inspiration by some very talented designers.   Not to mention the fun bonus classes they shared over the weekend!!  WOOHOO!!

 

    Today is Day 7 and both today and tomorrow's classes will focus on creating with Graphic stamps, which are a style I really have grown to love.   I am happy that I own quite a few newer sets in this style and seeing today's videos has given me all kinds of new inspiration to use them more and more.

    I already have one card done and another in process!  Today's card was  inspired by a wonderful video that Laura Bassen created for us.  I should also say that I just LOVE her and already follow her blog and get daily emails of her work.  She's super talented is a very busy Mom and has such a fun and bubbly personality.  It's also fun to not only see her work, but to hear some of her stories about things that just happen in her life.  I love how down to earth she is and find her to be a true joy!    If you would like to see some of her other creations (class cards and videos are private and for students only), you can visit her blog HERE!!

   Although I did not "CASE" her card or use the same colors or stamp, my card was totally inspired by her design and I did use the same stamp set, which is this awesome set called Rounded Diamonds by "Avery Elle".  It's one I have owned for a long time and I'm now so happy it have it and can now think of lots of ways to "Stretch" it even more. 

  For my card I used just one stamp from the set to create this very unique flower type outline.  It was all stamped with the larger of the two stamps that reminds me of a "spade" from a deck of cards.  I used three different colors of Hero Arts Shadow Inks, all in my favorite color of Purple, of course.  The two lighter shades are Soft Purple and Soft Lilac and the deep shade is Grape Juice, which is my favorite.  I layered the colors on top of each other and kind of went a round in a circle...that idea was from Laura.  I then decide I wanted extra dimension and added on a sheer flower and had the design look more like a background for my flower. I added a simple white enamel dot to the center and then stamped on my sentiment, which is from this "Handwritten Messages" Stamp Set, by SSS - using the same Mid-Tone Grape Juice Ink.  I cut it down to layer onto my card base which I created with Hero's Lilac Layering Paper!!    

   It's been nice to be using some Purple again, as I have been using all kinds of different colors lately!   Tomorrow, I will be back with a second card and maybe even more, depending on how the days goes.  For now, my Doggies are hungry and want to eat, so it's time to say goodbye for today!!   See you all tomorrow and for those in class, hope you are having as much fun as I am!!

Ready Set --- Scramble!!

   If anyone is interested, I just posted today's 90 Minute Scramble over at the Hero Arts Flickr Group and as I mentioned yesterday, everyone is welcome to play!   Just go HERE for the all the details.

   If you happen to love Hero's products like I do, I'm sure this will be a fun and easy challenge.  It's all about "Caring Cards" -- Pretty Colors and of course -- Bling!    All you need to do is create any type of paper-crafting product, get it posted and uploaded to the Hero Arts Gallery before the time ends at 3:05 PM.

  The colors for today's them are Teal (Aqua, Turquoise etc.) and White and you may ALSO chose one additional color, but ONLY you.    You also need to be certain to use a Hero Arts Image - (Digital or Stamp) and a Hero Arts Sentiment on your projects.   Pretty easy don't you think!  I even have three inspiration cards to help inspire you.   They are also posted over in the Hero Group!

Card One

Teal, White and Silver 

Card Two

Teal, White & Navy

And one more card, which also happens to be the card that I created for this month's challenge, for the a2z Scrapbooking Blog Challenge, where our theme for August is "Encouragement".    

Card Three

Teal and White Only

   My prize today for the winner, which will be drawn by "Random Drawing" is a $25.00 Gift Certificate to the a2z Scrapbooking Store!   And as it turns out, because all the cards for today's Scramble will also fit perfectly with a2z Challenge, you'll have a second chance to win another $25.00 Gift Certificate if you also enter your Scramble Cards to the Challenge!   How cool is that!!  

  Hero Arts will also be donating a second prize, as always and that is a digital prize package.  One the Scramble is over, we'll do the drawing the both winners will be posted over in the Scramble thread!   You still have over a hour to play --- I hope you WILL!!   Good Luck!!  

   For now I'm heading over to work on some cards for the Stretch Your Stamps 2 Class and may have some to share you with you later!  

   UPDATE:   Stopping by to update you all on today's SCRAMBLE Winners!!

• First Place - $25 Gift Card to a2z Scrapbooking Store -- Won by Pat Crank     This is a copy of the card she created.

• Second Place - Digital Kit donated by Hero Arts -- # 4 Cat Craig and this is Cat's lovely card.

  I also want to say Thank You to "Martha" who was actually the first winner I drew for second place. She told me after that they wanted to me to draw a second name and that's when Cat's number came up!   Special thanks to everyone who play and made such gorgeous card!   If you would like to see them ALL, please go HERE!!   I hope you will all take time to also enter your beautiful cards into the "Encouragement" challenge over at the a2z Scrapbooking Blog!!

   As it turned out, I did not have much time to make any new cards for class today, but I did enjoy watching all the the wonderful videos and now have some great new ideas in mind.  I am now looking forward to tomorrow's class and hope this week will be quieter her at home, so that I have lots of time to create and keep up with class!!    See you all back in class tomorrow!!