Sweet N Sassy Blog Hops & More Blog Candy

Good Morning to you all on this last day of 2008! I had a lot of changes in my life this year. Not the least of which was discovering this amazing world of stamping and paper crafts. It is hard to believe that I only started this March!

Tomorrow I officially start my new DT position at Sweet N Sassy Stamps! I have been working on cards for the last little while with the new January Release. Let me tell you, it has been such fun! The new stamps are gorgeous and so versatile!

So I wanted to make sure you remember to visit Farewell Blog Hop for the DT members who are finishing their time with SNSS. You start here on Kathy's blog and continue along from there. If you want so early sneaks of the January release...you'll find some on their blogs!

Tomorrow starts the New DT Blog Hop. Korin has decided to let each of us have a new stamp set from the release up for grabs on each of our blogs as well as one on the SNSS blog. So that is 14 chances to win! I am on day 2 of the blog hop and I will have a card showcasing the stamp set that I am giving away! You have to comment on that posting for a chance to win my set.

All the details of the hop are on my sidebar! Don't miss out on the fun!

Also wanted to mention that Claudia is offering a lovely candy on her blog. Don't miss your chance to visit the most beautiful blog in blogland!

All my very best wishes to you all for a 2009 filled with happiness and inky goodness! I am so happy to have discovered this world and to have made such wonderful friends all over the world! What a blessing you all are!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Katharina's Sketch Challenge

Katharina's stamp company Whiff of Joy will be releasinge new stamps on January 3rd. She and her amazing DT have sneak peeks up and Katharina has a sketch challenge on her blog. The winner will get a cute stamp from the new line! I couldn't resist and managed to make a card quickly while the children were busy playing with their new Wii! It was a Christmas gift to them all from my husband's cousin who spoils them all the time! It is a lot of fun and gets everyone up and moving!

In case I don't get the chance to post again until next year :)

I wish you all a wonderful New Year and hope there is loads of inky goodness in store for you in 2009!

Whimsy Blog Candy

Blog Candy is now closed. Please come back on January 5th to see who the winner is!

Sorry I am late posting this. We all actually slept in (this hardly ever happens with 3 little kids) and I had to run out and have only just now gotten back. If anyone can explain the mystery of why children wake up very early every day except for the day when it actually would be useful, please let me know!

Without furthur ado, here is my Whimsy blog candy! It includes the Whimsy Skunk stamp and Simply Said sentiment set. As well, I am adding this card I made using my own Skunk stamp (there is a brand new one in the candy) as well as some button brads, resin brads, ribbon, flourish embellishments and prima flowers. I went over 30 000 hits some time over Christmas and want to celebrate!

To enter my candy, just leave a comment under this posting. If you want to let others know about my candy on your blog, that would be great! I know it is a busy time for us all so I want to make this as easy as possible. I will select a winner using that Random Generator thing on January 5th! It is open to all, no restrictions. I will post internationally!

For You ~ Friday Sketchers Challenge

Good Afternoon to you all! The kids are making a huge snowman outside so I am counting on a little bit of time to be able to post this! It has been ages (it seems) since I participated in any of the challenges. Last night I was able to get some cards done and I made this one for Friday Sketchers. I really love the Magnolia Valentine Collection. Is it me or are they getting cuter with each release? I have modified the sketch a little and tilted the middle tag!

• Stamps: Magnolia Valentine Collection, SU! Fresh Cuts
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, SU! Red Riding Hood
• Paper: SU! Bella Rose Do, Red Riding Hood
• Coloring: Copic Markers
• Embellies: Flourished made with EK Success Punch, SU! Red Riding Hood Ribbon, K&CO Pearls

If you stop by tomorrow, it is my turn to host a Whimsy Blog Candy. I'll have a cute Whimsy animal stamp AND a sentiment set up for grabs and since I just noticed that sometime over Christmas my counter went over 30 000 hits, I will add a few more goodies just to sweeten the deal!

Happy Boxing Day!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Our little family had a really happy one. Their little faces Christmas morning were just beaming. The little one's face when he saw that the milk and cookies were gone was adorable. He is 3 years old and this is the first year he "gets" what is going on.
I have no card of my own today. Instead I wanted to showcase the beautiful cards I received this Christmas from my lovely blogging friends. This is my first Christmas in "blogland" and I have been overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of those I have met. Each time I received one of these cards I was totally blown away with how gorgeous they were! The are each tiny little masterpieces and I want to thank you all once again!

Moose You Much ~ Whimsy Stamp News

Wanted to show you the step card that I made using this cute Whimsy Moose. I found the directions on how to make a step card on Splitcoasters. Just search for: TLC190 Stair Step Fold. It was really easy and there are endless possiblities. I have made another step-card but I used my new SweetNSassy stamps so you'll have to wait until the Blog Hop to see it! You can check my side-bar for all the dates.

To make the snow, I used my Creative Memories wavy cutter and then sponged the edges with some Soft Sky ink. The sky background was stamped and then I air-brushed it with my copic airbrusher. The moose colored with copic markers and then I carefully cut him out. Do you like the sentiment? Well, you can get this and others at Whimsy as well! Denise had added some sentiments to go along with all these adorable little animals! Here is a side view of the card.

Denise is looking for a Guest Designer for the month of January. If you'd like to try out, then visit Whimsy Stamps for more details. You have until December 27th to enter.

My fellow DT member Hanne has some cute Whimsy Candy on her blog this week and I'll be having some Whimsy candy of my own next week!

In case I don't get another opportunity to post again before Christmas, I'd like to wish all of you the very Merriest of Christmases and I really hope that there is some yummy craft goodies under the tree for you all! I appreciate all of you who visit and especially those of you who leave such lovely comments! I love visiting your own blogs and being inspired by your creations!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Holiday Hello ~ Roses on Paper Challenge

Just saw this challenge tonight and I whipped up this card in record time! Probably because of the fact that with so many things to get done between now and Christmas, I have no business crafting! But I have Mojo and I can't help myself. We had a huge snowstorm today and are pretty well snowed in. I was supposed to be singing at another Christmas Concert tonight but it was cancelled because of the poor road conditions! So I stayed home and we all made S'mores gathered around the fireplace. The kids sure were sticky afterwards!

This is for the Roses on Paper Challenge which I saw on my friend Anki's blog. I hope I haven't missed the dead-line! I used a sketch that I saw on PCP #SK121308

• Stamps:Magnolia Winter 2008 Collection
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
• Paper: SU! Red Riding Hood, Best Creations Inc. DP
• Coloring: Prisma colors & OMS
• Embellies: SU! Red Riding Hood Taffeta Ribbon
  

Thanks for stopping by!

Merry & Bright ~ Sketch Saturday # 30

Well, Christmas is just around the corner and I want to wish all my Sketch Saturday Fellow DT members and all of you who participate along with us a very Happy Christmas! It has been a super experience being part of Sketch Saturday. I have met the most lovely people. I am looking forward to sharing the fun with you in 2009!

Here is my card using this week's sketch. I rotated it because I wanted to use my new Sugar Nellie stamp. I am happy to say that I am at the computer writing this post in my new craft room! Hurray! It is all ready (except for a few minor details) and I moved all my stuff in this week. This is the first card I made in my new craft room. So much easier to do things now that everything is in one place. I have been using the dining room table and storing all my stash in the garage! My hubby has been a saint and helped me get my computer all hooked up tonight. The rest of the renovation is still not finished but at least our main floor will be back to normal in time for Christmas!

• Stamps: Sugar Nellie's "Hug in a Mug" from Funky Kits
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, SU! Red Riding Hood
• Paper: SU! Red Riding Hood, DP from scrap stash and name no longer there!
• Coloring: Copic Markers
• Embellies: SU! red Riding Hood Taffeta Ribbon & Buttons

Here is Jo's sketch and I hope you find some time to play along with us! I know that time is at a premium for me as Christmas draws near!

Thanks for stopping by!

Best Wishes ~ Whimsy Owl

Another quickie post for me! I think we are all pretty busy trying to get all those last minute things done! My little one did very well at the dentist but this is thanks to my middle son. He coaxed him into the chair and provided distractions. Within a few moments he was giggling and laughing with the dentist!

This is a card I have made for my husband's uncle. He loves vivid color so I hope this pleases him. I used this cute Whimsy Owl. His expression makes me laugh. I imagine he has just woken up! You can get him here and stayed tuned because I have a few more Whimsy stamps and sentiments that I am going to ink up! And.....maybe there will be some Whimsy blog candy on the horizon so stay tuned! I used the sketch from this week's Friday Sketchers.

• Stamps: Whimsy, Sentiment Stampin' Up
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
• Paper: Basic Grey Ambrosia
• Coloring: Copic Markers
• Embellies: SU! Brad, Flower from stash

My craft room is almost finished and I have started moving my stash in! Yippee! It will be nice to be organized again!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

Happy Hoo-lidays!

Just a quick post today! My two younger sons are off to the dentist this morning for their check-up. It will be the youngest's first check-up so we'll see how he fares. He isn't too keen on the idea but I hope once he sees his older brother he'll want to copy him. Fingers crossed. Our dentist is really a great guy and loves to joke around with the kids so hopefully he'll get into that chair and open up!

Wanted to show you another Christmas card I made using Sweet N Sassy's Owl Occasions Set and the Owl Christmas accessory set. I love these sets because you can keep mixing them up to create different looks. I stamped the hat and then masked it and stamped Olivia on top. Then I masked Olivia and stamped the tree branch! Iadded stickles to her hat brim and glossy accents to her eyes!

Stamps: Sweet N Sassy Owl Occasions, Owl Christmas Accessories

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: SU! Red Riding Hood, Basic Brey DP

Coloring: Copic Markers

Embellies: SU! Ribbon, Stickles, Glossy Accents

Enjoy your day!

Christmas Eve ~ Sketch Saturday #29

Another gorgeous sketch by Jo for this week's Sketch Saturday. I am loving being able to participate with such a suber talented DT and I love seeing all the gorgeous cards you all create!
Well, Christmas is almost here and I'm heading into the home stretch of getting ready! I really am not a last minute kind of girl (sometimes I don't have a choice) and I like to spend the last few days before Christmas just enjoying the decorations, the excitment and anticipation of my little guys as they await Santa, and the beauty of Christmas Eve Mass. In this little scene I created, I imagine that it is Christmas Eve (see the time on the mantle clock?) and Willow is completely done with her holiday preparations and is taking a well earned rest with a warm cup of cocoa and can feel secure that all is ready! I wish this for myself and for all of you!

I couldn't find any embellies in my stash that worked well with the scene so I decide to use my new Cropodile and set these jumbo brads into the cardstock. I threaded some ribbon through and I quite like the look it gave!

You might notice that my photo is taken in front of a window. My new craft room is almost ready and I couldn't resist seeing how a photo would look taken from the window. The light is really soft and nice and I can't wait until the room is completely done. All that is left is the actual cabinets and we hope to get them in by next Tuesday. Then I can move in and vacate the dining room table and rescue my stamping supplies from the garage! I promise to post pictures! I am so lucky to have a husband that insisted that I needed to have my own room!

• Stamps: Whiff of Joy, The Stamping Place
• Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black
• Paper: SU! Red Riding Hood, Making Memories FaLaLa Dp
• Coloring: Copic Markers
• Embellies: SU! Brads and Red Riding Hood Ribbon

Here's the sketch! Hope you can find time to join in with us and don't forget to visit the rest of the DT! Their cards are so beautiful!

Holiday Hello ~ Stamp Something Challenge

Here is my card for this week's Stamp Something challenge. The challenge is to make a card using red, green and gold. I wanted to use one of my new Whimsy stamps but switch it up a little to make it more festive. I decided to use Froggie. I cut him away from the lily pad and now he is perched on top of a Santa Hat. As I'm typing this I realise that I have a little Mistletoe stamp from Magnolia that would have been perfect to hang over his head! Oh well, inspiration came a little late this time. I think I will add if before I send this card out! Denise has three new releases that are just as cute as the first ones. This time there is an Owl, Moose and a Skunk. Check them out at Whimsy Stamps.

The card sketch I used is this week's Ismaki Challenge. I think it is a brilliant sketch because you can use up all your little bits and pieces of DP. I love all the papers that I use and I never want to throw any out but it does accumulate! This is the solution. I used my Creative Memories square punch and do you see that shiny gold paper? It is actually the inside of an envelope from one of the Christmas cards I received! Ssshhh don't tell!

• Stamps: Whimsy - Froggie, SweetNSassy - Santa Hat, SU! Circle Sentiment
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
• Paper: Making Memories DP, SU! Red Riding Hood Cardstock
• Coloring: Copic Markers
• Embellies: Prima Flowers, Stickles, Amuse Gemstones

I'll be back tomorrow with my card for Sketch Saturday. It is another "Scene" card and I don't think I am going to be able to part with this one! I think I'm keeping it!

Tilda with Cap

Well, the world outside is cold, snowy and icy! I think Winter has finally come to stay! I have another Christmas card to share with you. This Tilda is colored with distress inks and I kept to just a few colors but there are a lot of layers to the card to add some interest. The middle square is popped up with dimensionals.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sitting Tilda with Tree

Another quick post. Well, my children have gotten their wish and we had a huge snowstorm here today. It started in the early afternoon and is winding up now!

I colored this Tilda with copic markers and the tree is from Stampin' Up with I have embossed with a gold encore pad and pearl embossing powder. It is a really nice combo. The star is a brad and I've used a Martha Stewart punch along the edge of the DP.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by and leaving such kind comments. I still am not getting to as many of your blogs as I would like but everything seems to be happening all at once these past few weeks and I have very little spare time!

Peace, Love, Joy

Another late posting! The kids are home today and we had a late night yesterday. The Advent Concert was a huge success and we all really enjoyed it. I sang with my choir and a combined choir as well. My two older boys sang in the children's choir. My eldest also performed 2 carols as part of a violin duet. I was so proud.

I wanted to post something but haven't had time to participate in any challenges. I think I shall go into withdrawal. But here is a card I have made to send to a friend. The Magnolia stamp is colored with Distress inks and the sentiment is from Stampin' Up. I am sure we are all very busy trying to get ready for Christmas and I love this sentiment because it reminds me what it is all supposed to be about.

Have a good day!

Naughty or Nice?

Over at Paper Craft Planet, they are hosting the "12 Days of Christmas". Everyday, there is a new challenge based on that very famous Christmas carol that makes everyone out of breath! Sweet N Sassy is hosting day 10 which is "10 Lords a Leaping". You need to make a card with a boy or man! I decided to use this very cute little boy from the SNSS set called Frogetful Sam . I gave him a Christmas look by borrowing the bow,candy cane, and sentiment from another SNSS set. I used one of my new Martha Stewart punches along the bottom of the card. It is really cool, it punches and embosses!

• Stamps: Sweet N Sassy Stamps: Frogetful Sam, Owl Christmas Accessories
• Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, SU! Ruby Red
• Paper: Making Memories DP, SU! Sahara Sand
• Coloring: Copic Markers
• Embellies: SU! Red Riding Hood Ribbon, Felt Snowflakes, Martha Stewart Gemstone Brad
  
  

What do you think? Hope you can stop by PCP today and enter the challenge. You'll find all the details there. Did I mention that SNSS is offering up a prize to a randomly chosen winner?

We are going to be busy today. A hockey game, a hockey family jamboree, an Irish Dance recital and an Advent Christmas concert. I am going to fall furthur behind in my commenting. Hopefully I'll get back on track early next week.

Winter Sleigh Rides ~ Sketch Saturday #28

I am so late with my post!!!!! Sorry! Since I am in Canada, and Sketch Saturday is posted 8:00 am UK time, I always schedule my post the day before. Yesterday was so busy for the entire family and I didn't have time during the day and my choir practice ran REALLY late last night so by the time I came home, it was hit the shower and bed for me!

This week, it is my friend and fellow DT member Mariska's turn to host the sketch and give Jo a well-deserved break. We take turns each month. Mine will be coming up shortly! Mariska is a big fan of Pink Cat Studios and since she introduced them to me, I too have fallen in love. The images are so adorable and with so many little accessory stamps that come with each set, you can really change up the look to suit your needs.

This week,the owner of Pink Cat Studios is generously offering up this gorgeous set!

So, all you have to do to have a chance to win is follow Mariska's fabulous sketch!

Have a great day and don't forget to visit the rest of the SS team! Their cards are stunning!

Hot Chocolate ~ WOJ Challenge

My children LOVE hot chocolate and marshmallows. It is the ultimate treat for them, so when I saw this WOJ stamp, I knew I would have to have it! The sentiment is from Cornish Heritage Farms and is part of a really nice, festive set.

I used the wonderful sketch that is this week's WOJ challenge. I had colored the image a few days ago and it fit perfectly with the sketch. The snowflakes I made myself. I punched them out, then patted them onto my versamark pad, heat and stick powder, then glitter. I had a hard time getting a good picture this morning as it is pretty dull and gloomy outside.

• Stamps: WOJ Herb & Lizzie Collection, Sentiment CHF
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaColor #158
• Paper: SU! Navy, Bashful Blue, Pebbles DP
• Coloring: Copic Markers, Sakura Stardust Pen
• Embellies: Handmade Snowflakes, May Arts Ribbon

Have a great day. The week-end will soon be here!

Whimsy's First PCP Sketch Challenge

Denise designed a fabulous sketch for a challenge over at PCP. Paper Craft Planet is really fun and if you have't already gone over there, you should check it out. You can see my page link over on my side-bar. Check out the Whimsy group and you can join up and particpate in the sketch challenge. It isn't necessary to use a Whimsy stamp if you don't have any! Denise is giving away the new owl stamp as a prize!

I have colored my sweet duck image with distress inks. These images are perfect for watercoloring. I colored this little duck whilst watching "The Tudors". It is such a good series. Now my husband is hooked on it as well. The papers are Stampin'Up and Basic grey.

Have a great day and hope to see you over at PCP!

EDIT: I see that the challenge over at A Spoonful of Sugar this week is a thank you card, so I will enter this card!

Merry Christmas ~ Fridays Sketchers Challenge

This week at Friday Sketchers, it was the wonderfully talented Carole's turn to create a sketch and this one is amazing! I used this gorgeous Elisabeth Bell/Sugar Nellie stamp. You can purchase it at Funky Kits! It is actually quite a large stamp and this sketch was perfect for it. The stamp is rectangular in shape and at the last minute, I decided I wanted to maintain the square element in the center of the card. I was a little nervous to ruin the image but I cut away a portion of the skirt and in the end, I really like the effect!

• Stamps: Partridge in a Pear Tree - Funky Kits, Sentiment Stampin'Up
• Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black
• Paper: Stampin'Up Sahara Sand, Red Riding Hood, Making Memories DP
• Coloring: Copic Markers
• Embellies: SU! Red Riding Hood Ribbon
• Tools: SU! Word Window Punch

Whimsy Turtle ~ A Spoonful of Sugar Challenge

I have used the gorgeous sketch by Michelle O which is this week's challenge over at A Spoonful of Sugar. I thought it would be perfect for this sweet Whimsy Turtle stamp. Isn't he adorable! I colored him with watercoloring pencils and have used Daisy bucket DP.

There will be more cute Whimsy stamps released at the end of this week. Here is a sneak peek of the owl! Isn't he a "hoot"! (sorry couldn't resist)

Just wanted mention that Bev has an amazing candy on her blog. It involved WOJ stamps and her beautiful crochet snowflakes!

Also, Katharina is celebrated this Advent season with a WOJ Advent Calender. Everday until Christmas Eve, there will be prize offered up. See the top of my side-bar for the link!

Marsha has very kindly awarded me. Thanks you so much Marsha. Your creations are so beautiful and so it is an honor to receive it from you! I have already received this so I will not pass it along again!