Les Fleurs

It's Victoria Day weekend here in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada so my DH and I are extending our 3 day weekend into 4 days and heading to New York city to play 'tourist' for a few days!  Of course, one can't travel without a simply fabulous luggage tag, so I put my trusty Third Coast stamps to work to create a luggage tag with style!  This tag folds like a card with my contact info inside and tucks into a clear plastic sleeve attached to my bag.  NOW, I'm all set to travel! LOL!

Supplies Used:
Third Coast Rubber Stamps:
Les Fleurs, Romantic Hyacinth Collage
IMAGINE Crafts® Fireworks!™ Craft Spray

IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko® VersaFine™ Archival Pigment Ink  (Onyx Black)
Crayola Colored Pencils

To create this look, I first sprayed my patterned paper with Fireworks to give it a beautiful shimmer (I wish it would show up better when photographed - it's so pretty in person!)  The paper didn't really need it, but I ironed it so it would be nice and flat for this detailed stamp and then stamped the collage in Versafine, heat set it with my heat gun to avoid smudges.  I colored it with colored pencils and trimmed it and mounted it on a black card to make it the right size for my luggage tag case.  Next I stamped the letters on plain card stock, heat set them and colored them in with the same colored pencils.  I cut out each letter and stuck it in place with a dab of glue.  I printed out my contact information and glued it inside the card - voila - luggage tag extraordinaire!

SDC100: Anything Goes!

Wow! I can't believe it's our 100th Stampotique Designer's Challenge!  Here's what Kim has in store for us...

"This is Kim here and I'm excited to get to hostess this week as it's our 100th challenge. This week is super easy for you all-ANYTHING GOES. I find myself creating a lot for the wonderful design teams I'm a part of but once in awhile I just like to play a bit and create for no reason at all other than to participate in some of my favorite color, sketch or theme challenges. So create with ANYTHING in mind this week and can't wait to see!"

 What fun!  No limits!  I'm in an ATC groove lately (obviously!!) and I've been getting great mileage out of this fabulous thick mixed media paper for making them - it absorbs ink so nicely and keeps its shape without buckling!  I love how the sprayed backgrounds are turning out on it - AND how the new Fireworks Craft Sprays are making them so beautifully shimmery in every color!!  Don't the latest fabulous Stampotique images just make you smile!?!

Supplies Used:
Feline, Sometimes I pretend and Seaweed by Stampotique Originals
IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko® Memento™ Dye Ink (Tuxedo Black and Rich Cocoa)
IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko® VersaFine™ Archival Pigment Ink (Habenaro)
IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko® VersaMark™ Watermark Ink
IMAGINE Crafts® Fireworks!™ Craft Spray (Cantaloupe)
Copic Markers, Strathmore Mixed Media pad
various spray inks, patterned paper

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”
Marilyn Monroe

SDC99: Summertime

It's time for this week's Stampotique Designer's challenge with Carol who is looking for "sunshine"!

"I love the summer time. I love to spend time outdoors especially in the garden where you can sit surrounded by the sights and colours of summer. I used this as my thoughts for this weeks challenge. Whether its the bright summer colours that inspire you, the flowers or just the general lazy feeling you can get from an afternoon in the garden, take this summer and make it into your own work of art."

For this challenge, I thought about my favorite summer places.  At the top of the list is my very own house!  In the summer, our lake takes on a life of its own and nature blooms all around us!  This little composition book will be the perfect spot to keep track of everything that needs to be done in the yard this year... yep, it's a long list! :)

Supplies:
Dandelion Duo and Home Sweet Home by Stampotique
IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko® Memento™ Dye Ink Tuxedo Black

“Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair...” 
Susan Polis Schutz

Goddess

It will soon be time to dance outside without any shoes on!  Bring on summer!!  Today I'd like to share a little Artist Trading Card summoning the warm summer months!

Supplies:
ES-187-L  Dolunay Dances by Third Coast Rubber Stamps
Goddess by Stampotique Originals
IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko® Kaleidacolor™ Dye Inkpad Tomato Vine
IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko® Memento™ Dye Ink Rich Cocoa
IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko® Ink Potion No. 9™ Blending Solution

The ATC is made out of mixed media paper which really holds wet inks, sprays and paints nicely without warping so badly!  First I brayered the ATC with the beautiful Tomato Vine multi-colored ink and then sprayed it directly with Potion No. 9 to create a soft blended look.  I was surprised how much it enhanced the colors!  Next, I dragged the ink pad around the edges to create a subtle border.  Finally, I stamped the images and sentiments with Rich Cocoa and added touches of color with my Copics and some bling.  I really like how this little project turned out!


“My old grandmother always used to say, Summer friends will melt away like summer snows, but winter friends are friends forever.” 
George R.R. Martin, A Feast for Crows

TSC42: Tic Tac Toe Challenge - Using At Least One Stampsmith Stamp - And An Announcement

This month The Stampsmith Challenge features its first Tic Tac Toe challenge!  To play along, just choose any straight line across the Tic Tac Toe board, below.  Then create your project using the three items along your straight line and link up your project for a chance to win $21 toward your choice of Stampsmith stamps!

Before I share my little project, I'd like to congratulate Paula Tidman (aka Ephemera) on being selected as a Stampsmith Challenge Guest Designer!  She is scheduled to share her creativity with us during June, July and August!  I can't wait!

My project uses items from the first row of the board and features ribbon, patterned paper and pink!!  Three of my favorite crafty things!  This card was made for our friend's recent wedding and parallels a favorite layout I had previously designed.  To accompany this adorable image on the front, inside, I wrote, "Getting married means sharing your toys!"  Just so darling.

Stamps by Stampsmith

“If I get married, I want to be very married.”
Audrey Hepburn

SDC97: 3 or More Trimmed Images

It's time for another Stampotique Designer's Challenge!  France is our host this week,

‘Don’t you just love all the details on Stampotique stamps? The best way to realize just how detailed they are is… by trimming them! And that’s our challenge this week: I’d like you to use (at least) 3 trimmed stamped images!  Up to you to use 3 times the same image or 3 different ones, to use them on a tag, a card, an altered object,… I hope you find this as relaxing as I do! P.S.: sometimes you need to cheat a bit to get all the details. You can for instance cut off some details when trimming and make them visible again by stamping directly on your piece and sticking the trimmed image on top of the stamped image.’

 Well, it must be Opposite Day!  I mis-read and created a project with 3 UN-trimmed images - doh! FAIL!!! :(  Sorry, France!  It's so funny too because I usually use trimmed images!!  I thought I would share my project anyway since it was so fun to make!  My little ATC has a Dylusions Ink sprayed background that has been over-stamped with Moonlight White Brilliance ink and Honey Distress Ink.

Stamps by Stampotique Originals:
Spidergrass, Wildflower Verse,
Honeycomb Background, Tiny Bee, Sun Design

“Reverse every natural instinct and do the opposite of what you are inclined to do, and you will probably come very close to having a perfect golf swing.”
Ben Hogan quotes (American Golfer. 1912-1997)

SDC96: Happy Birthday!

It's time for the Stampotique Designer's Challenge! Carol is our hostess this week and she has a fun challenge for us,

"Like all of us I love birthdays. So that is my theme for the challenge this week. A simple card or let your imagination run wild with bunting and wrap . It's up to you , just make something lovely to share with us for the challenge."

I love birthdays too!  Do you celebrate yours for a whole week (ok, month!) like I do??? :D  Here's my silly little card using great new stamps from the latest release colored with Copic Markers.  Do you remember this background paper?  It's a scrap from eons ago but it seemed to work perfectly somehow! LOL!

Stamps by Stampotique Originals:
Molly, Upward Bound, 5-Petaled Flower

“My girlfriend bought me a collared shirt for my birthday, mainly so I don’t get too far ahead of her when she takes me for a walk.” 
Jarod Kintz, This Book is Not for Sale

SDC95:April Showers Bring May Flowers

It's time for a new Stampotique Designer's Challenge!!  Be sure to play along for your chance to win a $30 Stampotique gift certificate!  Sarinda is our hostess this week.  Here's what she has to say about her wet, Spring theme :)

"April Showers Bring May Flowers".
Springtime is in the air and I can feel it in my bones and on a cellular level. Excitement really. I am challenging you to create something Spring like. This conjures  different  images for each of us. It can be anything from rain, puddles, rainbows, clouds, mud puddles, boots, umbrella and a coat. You get my point. I hope you will have a fun, creative time with the challenge and I look forward to seeing all your wonderful creations. Happy Spring.
Much Love and Kindness.
Sarinda

For this little creation, I worked with Twinkling H2O's to create a background paper and then over-stamped with VersaFine ink.  Wow!  It's been a long time since I've used them!  I love the shimmering results (but they're hard to show in a picture).  The image is popped up on foam tape above an under-stamped image so the foliage could stick out beyond the colored borders.  The sentiment is computer generated and printed directly to the card stock.

Stamp by Stampotique:  Fish Tile

"Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man's growth without destroying his roots."
Frank A. Clark 

Thank You Card

I've been on a bit of a 'clean and simple' kick lately! It can be a real challenge to dial it back and create an effective layout with minimal layering and embellishment.  I'm always inspired by Paula Whittaker's amazing CAS creations!

The gorgeous Third Coast seahorses are delightful in this super clean layout. This background has been created using Carribean Sea Kaleidacolor ink on a distressed solid stamp. The images have been stamped using Onyx Black VersaFine ink. I tried adding some gems and pearls in various configurations but nothing seemed as nice as keeping it tidy!

Stamps by Third Coast Rubber Stamps:
DT-311-J Seahorse Pair, WS-099 Thank You

"Ocean is more ancient than the mountains, and freighted with the memories and the dreams of Time." ~ H. P. Lovecraft 

Remember to play along with the current Third Coast Creative Challenge for your chance to win a $25 Third Coast Gift Certificate!

For an extra bit of fun, I'm also playing in these challenges:
My ime To Craft Challenge - Clean and Simple (closes April 12th)
Pal's Paper Arts - Color Theme (closes April 11th)

Happy Weekend! :)

TSC41: Black, White and A Splash of Color

It's time for this month's Stampsmith Challenge!  This month, Barbara Washington suggested that she loves Black an White with a Splash of Color - one of my fav's too!  Be sure to play along for your chance to win - your odds of winning are amazing!

Stamp by Stampsmith: Serena

“The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love color the most. ” 
John Ruskin

SDC93: Stencils

It's time for the Stampotique Designer's Challenge and the lovely Jane is our hostess this week!  Here's what she says about her theme choice,

Hello! Jane here today and happy to be hosting this weeks' challenge at the Stampotique DT challenge blog!  I have an incredible love for stencils like a lot of creative bloggers do these days!  I also think the images from Stampotique look awesome stamped over a stenciled back ground.  So, for this weeks' challenge I am asking you to pull out one of your favorite stencils and use it on your creation with a Stampotique image.

Like Jane, I do love stencils, but for some reason, I tend not to reach for them as often as I could.  I've been on a bit of a 'clean and simple' kick lately so I opted for a very simple rectangular stencil.  I have stamped over the stencil with a solid stamp.  To achieve this look, I inked up the solid stamp with my Desert Heat Kaleidacolor ink pad and spritzed with a fine mist of water to help blend the colors for a subtle watery effect. I just love the bold effect of Jo's gorgeous new dandelion duo with this layout!

Stampotique Originals stamps:
Dandelion Duo, Beauty Verse

“The miracles of nature do not seem miracles because they are so common. If no one had ever seen a flower, even a dandelion would be the most startling event in the world.”
- Unknown

SDC92: Spring Theme

It's time for this week's Stampotique Designer's Challenge!  Sue is our hostess this week and she has us thinking Spring:

"Here in the Northern Hemisphere today is officially the first day of Spring It's been a long cold Winter so let's cheer ourselves up with some Spring colours and/or images and chase away the Winter blues."

Ok, Sue, I hope this works!  We have a snowstorm in the forecast TONIGHT!! **ick!**
Here's my little Spring creation.  I have used the same giant daisy as in my project last week but have showcased it much differently in a CAS layout with the adorable new sentiment by our very own Maria.

Stamps by Stampotique Originals:
Giant Daisy, Loving You

“Is the spring coming?" he said. "What is it like?"...
"It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine...” 
― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

SDC91: Sketch

It's time for another Stampotique Designer's Challenge!!  This week Maria is our hostess and she has created this fantastic sketch for us to work with.  It's a great starting point for a lot of stampers as it takes the guess work out of where to begin.

Here is Maria's fun sketch:

Here is my interpretation of it.  I hope I'm forgiven for not using actual circles and stars... this is where the muses took me! LOL! :)  Thanks, Maria, this was loads of fun!

Stamps by Stampotique Originals:
Fairykeeper, Just Be U, Giant Daisy

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” 
Oscar Wilde

Between The Pages

Hi everyone!

Today I'd like to share a little Third Coast project inspired by a trip to the bookstore to pick up my favorite crafty magazines.

They had these awesome little bookmark "Sprouts" on a shelf by the cash (perfect product placement or what!? :)  This gave me the idea to build a bookmark that could fit between the pages and fold in the same way.  The lovely Edie's Butterfly (ES138) seemed like the perfect choice for the job.

Page is clearly marked

Folds when the book is closed

Has a post to help it stand above the pages

Opens to a beautiful butterfly marking your page

To create this project, the butterfly was stamped with Momento Ink and colored with Copic Markers.  The post is a 3/4" strip of paper folded in half and then splayed open at the top (to form a T shape).  The T was then glued to the underside of the wings to form a post.  I thought afterword that it would have been nice to make the post blue and stamp it with green grass or a flower... next time!! :)  This stamp is just beautiful without embellishments, but next time, I might add a few gems, a bit of glitter or a Spica Gel Pen sparkle.... oh the ideas are endless! LOL!  I hope you'll make one of your own and share a link to it in the comments - I'd love to see your version of this!

The green grass and the happy skies

court the fluttering butterflies.

- Terri Guillemets

SDC90: Song Inspiration

It's time for another Stampotique Designer's Challenge.  Sam is our hostess this week.  Here is an overview of this week's theme in her own words.

"I have often been inspired by songs to create something, it could be the song title, the message behind the song or just a line of the song that resonates with me. So I'm excited to be inviting you to create anything that makes you smile using a song for your inspiration. There is no right there is no wrong it's just the way you sing your song!"

Well, my DH showed me a riveting Youtube song video last weekend and I knew right away that it was my inspiration for this project... the song's still in my head!!  Here's the song (a must see) and my project!  Hoping you like both! LOL!

Stamps by Stampotique Originals:
Banner, Birdie Up, Some Budgie Loves You

"A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song."
-  Chinese Proverb

TSC40: Spring Flowers and Colors

It's the beginning of March and the beginning of another new Stampsmith Challenge.  The design team is excited to see signs of Spring all around and they want to celebrate - NOW!  This month they challenge us to use Spring flowers and colors as our inspiration. Plus you can enter a draw for little giftie just by telling the designers about your favorite challenge themes in a comment on the challenge site!

Here is my little Spring creation featuring one of the little darlings from the Thank Heaven for Little Girls #2 set.  I am trying to use my dies more lately.  I like this combo! :)

Stamp by Stampsmith:
Thank Heaven For Little Girls #2

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"
Robin Williams

Stampotique March New Release Blog Hop!

Today Stampotique and the design team invite you to join us for a Blog Hop to introduce the new release.  Our design team (as well as a few of the stamp designers) have created some fabulous creations to show off these awesome new stamps, you are going to LOVE them!!

This creation was inspired by my super busy schedule during the past few weeks!  I'm happy to say that  I made it through and the year-end accounting was actually finished on time (barely! LOL!)

Stamps by Stampotique Originals:
Cowardly Lion, Toto, You're Strong

From here, you will want to hop on over to Sam's Blog!
Hop through the all the links and leave comments along the way for your chance to win some new stamps.  We will choose random commenters and announce on our next challenge the winners who will get some of thew new images.

If you want an additional chance to win some Stampotique goodies, join us for the Stampotique Designer's Challenges.

Thanks for hopping with us today, we can't wait to hear which stamps are your favorites from this release!

SDC89:Triangles

It's time for another awesome Stampotique Designer's Challenge!  Nellie is our hostess this week and she has a fun challenge for us!

"I often like to incorporate geometric shapes in my cards, be it squares, circles, rectangles etc. So this week I challenge you to use such geometric shape  in your card or project. But not just  any shape you like. It has to be a TRIANGLE. Use just one or as many as you like."

There are some overt and some less obvious triangles in my little creation!  Hope you'll join the fun for your chance to win Stampotique bucks for new stamps!

Stamps by Stampotique Originals:
Butterfly (body),  Spider Wings,  Mushroom Group, Quiet Place

"The best angle from which to approach a problem is the Try-angle."
Unknown

SDC88:Use Text

It's time for this week's Stampotique Designer's Challenge and Libby is our hostess with the most-ess!

"Hi everyone, it's Libby here, hosting this week's challenge. So who doesn't love a bit of text on a project? It's very popular these days, and for good reason. I just love a dictionary definition or an old book page when it makes an appearance on a card or canvas. So that's the challenge this week - use some sort of TEXT on your project. Anything goes - just text me! ;-)"

I love this challenge!  There are so many ways to use text in a project!  This week I chose to stamp the Stacked Stones and the Sun Design on text paper for a bit of paper piecing.  I used Momento Ink so I could color those images and Dance Party Break Up with Copics to create this sunny scene. C'mon Spring!!! :D

Stamps by Stampotique Originals:
Sun Design, Dance Party Break Up, Escape The Ordinary,
Stacked Stones, Splatter  Long

"A simple 'good morning beautiful,' text could make any girl smile for the whole day."
Unknown

Be Mine Rain Or Shine!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Wishing you a day filled with friendship and love.

I had loads of fun with the coloring with my Copic Markers for this card; however, fussy cutting around Heidi took a while!!  The background doily was created with the Sophia's Heart die by Cheery Lynn and the red heart matt was created with the Heart To Heart die by Cheery Lynn as well.  Inside this card reads, "Rain Or Shine!"

Stamps by Third Coast Rubber Stamps:
(JB027) Be Mine Heart Collage, (VB140) Heidi

Quietfire Designs is having a Queen of Hearts Celebration today, so I plan to join the fun and share this project over there!


The first recorded association of Valentine's Day with romantic love is in Parlement of Foules (1382) by Geoffrey Chaucer. Chaucer wrote:

For this was on seynt Volantynys dayWhan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.

["For this was on Saint Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate."]
This poem was written to honor the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia.

SDC87: Winter Whites

This week, it's my turn to select the Stampotique Designer's Challenge theme!  I'd like to see various shades of winter whites in your projects - white, shimmer white, off-white, ecru, eggshell, etc. It wasn't planned, but this theme has a striking significance for those of us here on the East Coast who have just endured a big winter snow storm! All of nature is drooping under the weight of a heavy white winter blanket! Mother Nature really does provide the most beautiful inspiration!  Be sure to play along for your chance to win $35 in Stampotique stamps.

This week I was also inspired by a beautiful white card posted by Kim at Joyful Creations.  Her gentle elements worked perfectly with the gorgeous Stampotique images.  I have stayed true to her elegant layout with just a few minor changes.

Stamps by Stampotique Originals:
Single Sunbeam,  Grass

"Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus."

Alexander Graham Bell 

Photo Contest - Using Etchings App

For those of you who love photography as much as I do, be sure to check out the Etchings App for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch!  Etchings turns your photos into unique works of art with filters inspired by stamps, currency and 19th-century illustrations.

Just in time for the weekend (and a snow storm here!) Etchings has posted a contest with some really great prizes - just for entering your etched photos!  You'll have until Feb.22 to post as many entries as you wish!  Good luck!!

SDC86: Colors of Love

I'm always shocked how fast the weeks fly by! It's already time for this week's Stampotique Designer's Challenge!  Here's what Jenn is challenging us with this week:

"Hi Stampotique friends and followers! Jenn Cochran here with a LOVELY assortment of colors for your challenge this week. Show us how much your LOVE Stampotique Originals by using the colors of LOVE: Red, Pink and White! Cannot wait to see what you all create!"

Here's my creation featuring the ever-glorious Queen of Hearts!  She is stamped on patterned paper and colored with Copic Markers.  The red plaid backing piece was a ripped paper gift bag that I mounted on card stock and die cut.  Be sure to join the fun for your chance to win your choice of free Stampotique stamps!

Stamps by Stampotique Originals:
Queen Of Hearts

"Curtsy while you're thinking. It saves time."

Queen of Hearts, 1951

Today, I'd also like to share how I created the "perfect mat" for the centre heart.  Some dies have a border that you can trace and cut around for a perfect mat... this Heart To Heart die by Cheery Lynn does not have a border to trace.  You may also want to create a mat for a piece of shaped chip board or punched item.  One simple method is to use a steel washer with a small hole in the centre and put your pencil in the hole. On the BACK SIDE of the paper you want to use as your mat, put your item FACE DOWN and trace around it using your washer as a guide along the edge. Just cut along the pencil line with your scissors and you'll have the perfect mat!  

Washers of various sizes will give you wider or narrower mats.  I used the 1/8" width from this set of washers, but you could use any size from the hardware store!  Hints: Washers that have a bit of thickness help the disk flow around your shape easily.  Washers will cling to a magnetic sheet for easy storage!

Dreams of Desire

Today I would like to share one of my favoriate Third Coast mermaid stamps!  Mahina Mermaid has been stamped on paper made with Dylusions sprays and mounted on a coral background paper.  The white paper flourish was created using the EK Success Scroll Pattern border punch.  I cut the right-hand side of the scroll pattern off of the border by hand so it wouldn't have a straight border on that side.... reminds me of waves :)  For more Third Coast inspiration, drop by the Third Coast Coterie Blog!

Wishing you an inspiring weekend!  Thanks for stopping by!

Stamp by Third Coast Rubber Stamps:
KC004J Mahina Mermaid

"I have seen them riding seaward on the waves
Combing the white hair of the waves blown back
When the wind blows the water white and black.

We have lingered in the chambers of the sea
By sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown
Till human voices wake us, and we drown." 

T.S. Eliot 

TSC39:Photo Inspiration

The Stampsmith Challenge has a fun new theme this month!  This month, we are asked to use the following picture as creative inspiration for our project.  Use any aspect of this photo to guide your composition using any Stampsmith image.

Not only do I absolutely LOVE this shoe, but I love the colors in this photo!  I have tried to capture the color scheme in my project as well as the "architectural" elements of the shoe which reminded me of the criss-cross pattern in the Eiffel Tower supports.  Plus, what better place to shop for shoes than Paris?!? :D  I had a lot of fun with this theme!  I hope you'll join us for your chance to win!

Stamps by Stampsmith:
Cartolina Postal Sheet (script),
Paris Sheet (Eiffel Tower, Post Mark)

“Paris is a heaven for all woman's obssesions: hot men, great chocolates, scrumptuous pastries, sexy lingerie, cool clothes but, as any shoe-o-phile knows, this city is a hotbed of fabulous shoes.” 
Kirsten Lobe, Paris Hangover

SDC85: Whatever Makes You Happy

It's time for this week's Stampotique Designer's Challenge.  Today, Kaz is our hostess and she wants us all to get happy!

"We all have our problems in life, but life is short and we should all find something to put a smile on our faces as often as we can. So whether you choose 'happy' as your theme, your word or you use a technique that makes you smile, show me your little bit of HAPPY!"

This is such a fun challenge theme!  This project embodies many things that make me very happy...

• working with Stampotique monsters
• the color pink
• paper piecing
• sugar, sprinkles, licorice, candy, etc.!
• hanging out with friends
• flowers and polka dots

Stamps by Stampotique Originals:
Flying Heart, Line Up

“Will looked horrified. "What kind of monster could possibly hate chocolate?” 
Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Angel

SDC84: Love

It's time for this week's Stampotique Designer's Challenge!  Carol is our hostess this week and here is what she has challenged the team with:

"I thought with February just around the corner it would be nice to get us all in the mood and share our love-themed makes. These don't have to be with a romantic aspect, you could just celebrate that friendship you have with someone who always brightens your day just by seeing them. Or share your love of a technique, or just share your love of all things Stampotique, of course you can go full out love and romance..."

Here's my little project celebrating love with a calendar page dedicated to February.  I just LOVE Daniel's Oh Tree so I thought I'd have Snowy Fran dress it up for Valentine's Day!  The background is paper canvas painted with acrylic paints, Oh Tree has been embossed in white and Snowy Fran has been colored with Copics.

Stampotique Originals stamps:
Snowy Fran, Oh Tree, Hearts Cubed

"Stop waiting for Prince Charming.  Get up and find him.  The poor idiot may be stuck in a tree or something!"
Unknown

Love Bites!

I hope you're also enjoying a beautiful sunny day where you are - even if it is -200 outside!! LOL! :)

Today, I'd like to share a little flower bouquet card that I created for one of my friends whose birthday also happens to be Valentine's Day!  She always has a fun anti - Valentine's Day birthday party so she can celebrate her big day instead of some gushy day of love!!

Here, I've colored the Mistress of the Night by Third Coast with Copic Markers (C1-7 and R29), cut it out and mounted it on patterned paper cropped close to fit the image.  The full project ends up being just 3.75" x 3.75 inches - it will make a perfect addition to a lovely bouquet!  Be sure to check out the beautiful, inspiring projects on the Third Coast Creative Coterie Blog!

Stamp by Third Coast Rubber Stamps:
Mistress of the Night (VB-180-M)

"I love you, Angel, but every story has its end. Now ours ends here."
Buffy The Vampire Slayer

SDC83:New Year's Resolution

It's time for this week's Stampotique Designer's Challenge!  Here's what Jane has to say about her theme choice for this challenge,

We all make New Years resolutions..and I make many! I am asking you to use your New Years resolution as your "inspiration" this week on your creation "Stampotique style". It can be any! ...I think Stampotique stamps go hand in hand with art journaling so why not? Get going and show us your stuff! Have fun!

Well, when I'm not crafting, I have many other projects underway so I often find my time spread very thin with very little focus on any one task.  My biggest project right now is working my way through a 3 year course to become a professional herbalist, so my New Year's resolution was to study more so I'm trying out a new weekly schedule that will help make that happen.  Be sure to play along for a chance to win $30 to spend in the Stampotique store where there are over 1500 stamps to choose from!

Stamps by Stampotique Originals:
Nerd Cat, Hard Work

"Dear God, my prayer for the new year is a fat bank account and a thin body. Please don't mix these up like you did this year."
Unknown

SDC82: Die Cuts and Punches

Hi everyone!  It's great to be back after an extended holiday!  Happy New Year!

It's time again for the Stampotique Designer's Challenge!  Astrid is our hostess this week and she has challenged us with the theme of die cuts and punches.  Here is what she says about the challenge:

"Hello everyone! I challenge you to use punches and die cuts in your creation. It doesn't matter how much or what shape you use. This is a fun one :-) cause you can use any (Stampotique) stamp you have. Now I hope you have enough punches and die cuts you can choose from ;-)"

Well, I have a huge stash of punches and dies so the real trick with this challenge was figuring out which one(s) to use! LOL!  I checked out Mojo Monday for some layout inspiration and came up with this punny little project :)  Be sure to play along too for your chance to win $30 in Stampotique Bucks!

Stamps by Stampotique Originals:
Floating Dog, Scallopped Lace Border 

"My Labrador retriever had a nervous breakdown. I kept throwing him a boomerang."
Nick Arnette

SDC79:Ornaments

It's time for this week's Stampotique Designer's Challenge! We are wishing you all a Merry Christmas and have enjoyed having you along for our challenges this year. We can't wait to ring in 2013 with us as well.

Today, Maria has selected an ornament theme and says, '' Christmas is right around the corner. Are you ready for Santa? Create an ornament for your Christmas tree, the front door or for a special present. How do you like Christmas this year? Traditional or modern? Have fun creating and Happy Holidays.''

And don't forget to check out our Stampotique Designer's blog for a guest design opportunity
(only a few days remaining).

Here's my little ornament featuring another adorable Stampotique owl.  Hoo am I kidding, I just can't get enough of them!! LOL! :)   He's hiding in the fabulous new Stampotique Christmas wreath designed by Daniel Torrent!  This fabulous star is made from a single square piece of paper folded like a fan and then pulled together at each end.  Check out Jen's great tutorial at Pieces of Me for step-by-step pics!

Stamps by Stampotique Originals:
Front Door Shrubbery,  Lil Hoo-Hoo

"The Earth reminded us of a Christmas tree ornament hanging in the blackness of space. As we got farther and farther away it diminished in size. Finally it shrank to the size of a marble, the most beautiful marble you can imagine."
James Irwin

TCCC#11: Baby It's Cold Outside

There is still one week left to play in the current Third Coast Creative Challenge theme of  Baby It's Cold Outside.  I've put a real spin on this theme with my Unicorn Collage creation!  Since it is so cold outside, I thought I'd do a card about the fantasy of it being warm enough to grow roses and hatch butterflies - what better way to beat the cold than to imagine it away!! LOL!  Of course, no fantasy is complete without a unicorn!

Stamp by Third Coast Rubber Stamps:
JB-091-U Unicorn Collage

To achieve this look, stamp the unicorn collage twice on glossy paper with Clearsnap's Ancient Page or Archival dye ink.  Cut out the unicorn and butterfly on one image and colo.  Sponge the other image completely with  Old Paper Distress Ink.  Color the roses and butterfly cut-out with water-colour inks.  Layer the white unicorn and colored butterfly cutouts over the distressed image (popping up the butterfly wings).  Layer the rest of the layers, punched border, ribbon flags and bling together to finish the card.

SDC78:Non-Traditional Christmas

It's time for this week's Stampotique Designer's Challenge.  France is our hostess and she's picked a fun theme:

"As Christmas is coming closer, it's sad to see how most of the non Christmas themed stamps are neglected! So, how about making a Christmas card, with non traditional stamps?  This might take you out of your comfort zone, but there's help: music!
Put some Jingle Bells on and you'll see Christmas in just about any stamp!
Have fun!"

Be sure to play along for your chance to win your choice of free Stampotique stamps and don't forget to check out the Stampotique Designer's blog for a guest design opportunity!

For this challenge, I selected Stampotique's Owl With Wings designed by Jo Capper-Sandon.  I just think he looks totally guilty with those big eyes!! It's almost like he's saying, "Hoo, me??" LOL! :)

Stamp by Stampotique Originals:
Owl With Wings

"There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions."
Bill McKibben

SDC77:Sentimental & Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge

Today is a busy day!  Stampotique's new challenge theme starts today AND Stampotique is sponsoring Wicked Wednesday's ATC challenge - so be sure to play along!! You have double the chances to win Stampotique stamps! :)

Our hostess for this week's Stampotique Designer's Challenge is Gez.  She's asking us all to get 'sentimental',

"I love to add sentiments to my artwork whether I am cardmaking or art journaling. To me a simple sentiment can say it all.  Stampotique Originals have a lovely selection of sentiments to suit all occasions and tastes and as you would expect from Stampotique some out of the norm sentiments too! So, it's time to get creative and share your favourite sentiments with us.  Have fun!"

Here's my clean and simple sentimental creation using one of my favorite sentiments:

Stamps by Stampotique Originals

Next, the Wicked Wednesday crew has asked us to create ATCs featuring wings!  I knew exactly what wings I wanted to use as I've been itching to ink these babies up for a while!!  Here's what happened once I got going...

Stamps by Stampotique Originals

"Memory... is the diary that we all carry about with us."
Oscar Wilde

TSC37: Handmade Holiday

It's time for the announcement of this month's Stampsmith Challenge theme.  This is the time of year when we spoil those we cherish with gifts from the heart. Will you alter an item, make a mini-album, create a card, hang a holiday decoration or share something unexpected? Be sure to invite a friend and play along for your chance to win a $21 gift certificate to The Stampsmith store!

Here's my handmade picture frame designed with paper from my grandmother's favorite music book.  This frame has the Tim Holt's easel stand on the back so it can be propped up on a shelf or mantle during the holidays.

Stamp from Stampsmith:  Grace

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."
Charles Dickens

TCCC#10: Christmas Countdown

Today I'm showcasing a project for the current Third Coast Creative Challenge. The theme this week is the Countdown to Christmas. I thought it would be fun to explore the song for the 12 days of Christmas. I think I found the perfect stamp!!  Be sure to play along for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate for Third Coast Rubber Stamps.

Stamps from Third Coast Rubber Stamps:
FA-470 Love birds