Sweet Baby Girl

I have a baby shower to go to next week, as do a few others from my office. So, I bet you've guessed you'll see more baby cards this week! *wink* One of our graphic designers and his wife are expecting a baby girl. This card is one I made for my boss to give them.

It was the perfect excuse to use Jamie again, I love this little sweetie. I don't make many baby cards because we are done with babies in my family, at least until the kiddies grow up a bit anyway.

I love using girly stuff and this fairy if chock full of pink goodness and sparkle. I used a Bow Easy to tie my pretty bow.

Hope you and your family are enjoying your Memorial Day!

For You Color Cue 4

This card is for WPlus9's Color Cue 4. I used their set, Funky Foliage for my card. I tell you, these CAS cards are difficult sometimes, I couldn't tell you how long it took me to stamp this card. Yep, that's right, only three stamps used and about as many hours to design. Crazy. I just kept re-thinking it, but finally just went with what I thought was working.

I am sooooo ready for the long weekend! I don't think we have any big plans for Memorial Day, which doesn't bother me a bit. I am happy when I can just sit in my pjs and lounge around. Of course, I do hope to find some time to stamp....I need to get ahead in my blog posts and get some DT stuff done. I am feeling inspired.

Totally Rad VLV

This is my card for Viva la Verve's 3rd May challenge, I chose the 2nd room as my inspiration. I used Verve's Plain Jane: Totally Rad, Relax; Argyle Amazement from My Time Made Easy; and
Woodgrain Silhouettes from WPlus9. I am hooked on the argyle lately it seems.

I tried to mimic the wall with the woodgrain stamp, then I made the background since all of the circular hangings had some sort of pattern on them.

I changed the sketch up a bit, but overall, I enjoy this card. And, it is nice to have a few more masculine looking cards in the stash!

Butterfly ColourQ

I made this card for ColourQ 33, CQC33. The colors were a bit challenging and since I didn't have any dp with all the colors in it, I made my own. I used Puckered Up Patterns from My Time Made Easy for the panel under the image circle.

The grass from Faith, Hope, Love was stamped with a few different colors of green ink from Memento, then punched out.

I went with a super simple layout I saw from somewhere, not sure where though. It was nice to sit for a few moments and stamp last weekend, it had been some time and I was sure feeling mojoless.

Life is Good VLV

For the 4th May Viva la Verve challenge, we are to follow the sketch Amber provides and then find inspiration in our own hobby room. I chose some papers since I had recently gotten some October Afternoon pads.

I knew I wanted to use the palm tree from Relax, I have tropical everything on the brain lately. We are in the early planning stages for Cody's birthday and I am buying up all sorts of fun stuff for fear that it won't be around when I actually need it. His closet is bursting at the seams with party goodies.

Ok, back to the card. I just let the papers do most of the work and aside from a little bit of coloring, this card came together quickly. I may have found my will to color again.

It's been quite a while since I have stamped, had most of my blog posts through Wednesday scheduled from earlier this month. Feeling so out of practice, when I did stamp, I used word art or solid images; it was not line art that needed to be colored. I felt like my coloring was so bad, I apologized to Katie for the state of my projects recently. But, I may have found my groove again, and might stick with smaller images before I tackle ones with lots of detail. Until I remember what I am doing at least.

Celestial Possibilities Kit

Paper Makeup Stamps is proud to announce that we will now be selling kits with exclusive images and word art. The stamps are exclusive until the kit sells out, then they may be released at a later time. Each kit will center around a theme and all the elements of the kit will coordinate with that theme.

When I saw the brads included in the kit, I knew that I wanted to make jewelry with them. I just glued a bale onto the back of the large brad and then strung it onto a rubber/ silicone necklace. Similarly, I glued earring posts onto the matching smaller brads to complete the set. It's packaged in the Cutesy Cover from My Time Made Easy.

The fairy included in the kit is Celest and she is exquisite! I loved her the moment we got a glimpse of her. Here, I colored her to match this beautiful KaiserCraft paper. The layout I used is Mercy's MTSC74.

I added some Shimmerz to the moon and to each of the stars. And, of course, no fairy's wings are complete without sparkle; here I used Stickles.

I took a different approach to coloring her skin; I used a very light violet as a deep shadow. I think it adds to her ethereal look and also softens what could be a hard edge.

My second card uses Word Art that was release earlier this month. How fantastically does that quote sum up life? It just makes me smile! This card follows a sketch from Whimsy Haven.

I used some fun papers, ribbons (they tie like a dream), and brads from the kit. It is amazing how much you get for the price! The stars in the quote were colored with Copics and then I added just a touch of Stickles for a little twinkle.

I hope you've enjoyed what I've shown you today and I hope it inspires you to have fun with this kit when you get it!

Be sure that you head over to the Paper Makeup Stamps blog to see more details about the kit as well as more samples from the talented Senior Makeup Artists.

Introducing Celestial Possibilities

Paper Makeup Stamps is debuting their first kit. Here are the contents of Celestial Possibilities.

On my gravy, this is one fantastic kit. And, I am not just saying it because I love the company. The papers are just delish and so are all of those ribbons! Take a look at all you get:

Taken from the PMS blog

1 Image Stamp: Celest the Fairy
1 WordArt Stamp: Dwell in Possibilty
8 Sheets of 6x6 double sided patterned paper (by Kaisercraft)
8 full sheets of 8.5x11 Cardstock (by Bazzill)
1 pack epoxy brads (matches paper, by Kaisercraft)
1 pack Paper Flowers (dont be fooled, flowers are stack on top of themselves, theres a lot)
4 yards of delicious ribbon (May Arts)
20 star shaped brads (by Creative Impressions)
4 Star Spiral Clips (by Creative Impressions)

This kits retail cost is $25 but we're offering an introductory special of only $20!
(just add $2 more if you want the stamps on EZ mount,
click the product name to add the EZ Mount Option)

And not only that.... we're also including a $5 voucher towards a future order of $20 or more!
And because I know people will ask... these stamps are not being sold separately from the kit.
We may consider adding them to the PMS line at a later date, but they will not be sold separately so long as we have this kit in stock.

BUT, there is a limited quantity of this kit made up! Once we are out, we wont be restocking.
So get it while you can!

You'll get to see all the fun I had with this kit on Monday.

An Altered M4TW28

It's Fridy and that means it's time for another Makeup for the Weekend challenge. Our challenger this week is Dawn B; she put out the challenge to make an altered notebook. I picked up this lil cutie from The Dollar Tree over last weekend.

I stamped Willow Tree onto an Avery Sticker Sheet and then used the grass image from the Faith, Hope, Love set in varying shades of green. A little sponging of sky and then I stamped the tiniest bird from Nature's Song just above the trees.

We do hope you'll find time to play along with us this week. Just use the keyword M4TW28 when you upload to any public gallery or your blog. As always, Paper Makeup Stamps aren't required, but if ya got 'em, we'd love to see you rock 'em!! Be sure to head on over to the PMS blog to see Dawn and Christi's samples and to see the other Makeup Artists participating in the challenge.

Bombshell of an ATC

I made this ATC for a special project. I used Butterfly Queen from Bombshell Stamps; I hand drew the stems and used the brush end of a copic marker for the leaves. I used a sponge dauber and a scallop circle to sponge the sky and then, of course, a punch for the grass.

Sometimes it's really fun to make something other than a standard sized card. I find the ATC to be a little too small, but they do come together quickly.

I found out Tuesday, that starting next week, I will again be working a 40-hr week. Whew! While I love my extra day off, my family can really use the money at this time. In six months, the company will re-evaluate everything and determine whether or not it will continue.

Sweet Sailing

Have you seen that Paper Makeup Stamps is holding a DT call? You can check out this post. You've heard me gush more than once about this team and it is no act. I love being part of this group and you will too. If you've been on the fence about it, now is the time to act!

I was extremely happy to play along with the JUGS girls (hi Lisa!!). They had a color challenge, JUGS33, on May 15th, one of my favorite combos too! And, The Sweet Stop had a sketch with a twist challenge, SSS56, to make a guy card.

I am in great need of male birthday and general cards, so these two challenges really helped me out. I used this super adorable sailboat image from Sailing By. The background uses A Little Argyle and Background Basics: Woodgrain from PTI. It's hard to tell from the photo, but I sponged some sky with a sponge dauber and a scallop circle.

You Mean the World to Me VLV

Oh, did you see that there's a Design Team Call for Paper Makeup Stamps? You can read all about it here. Good luck to all!!


Working on week 2 of the May Viva la Verve challenges. This week I chose the blue craft space, it looked so serene. The sketch is a fun one too. I used Bountiful Backgrounds, One Person, and Because of You along with punches of green as found throughout the room.

I love the softness of the light blue and how it instantly soothes; I thought the sheer ribbon added another touch of softness.

Well, Duke finally made it to the doctor and it turns out the toe is not broken. He has gout. She prescribed an anti-inflammatory to get rid of the hurt and swelling. She told him he may never have another episode or it or he might. So, it's a waiting game. Sure hope he doesn't though, he's in tremendous pain.

Just a Note, TESC112

This is for the sketch challenge at Taylored Expressions, TESC112. I used the Faith, Hope, Love set again, I told you I loved it! The sentiment is FREE with any purchase from Paper Makeup Stamps.

I also took the opportunity to use some BG paper, this is from the Green at Heart pack. It's pretty enough, just some of the patterns are a little to dark for me.

Snail Mail Box

I finally broke down and put together this Happy Mail template from My Time Made Easy. Super fun and simple to assemble. It is always so shocking AND a pleasant surprise to see something look very complicated, but be a cinch to complete.

I used some dp from SEI for the decorative layers, and dug that ribbon from the stash. Then, it was a matter of choosing a small focal image for the front. I chose Ashlie's Solo Snail, kinda playing on the term "snail mail". I also thought the mat layer was similar to a postage stamp...a huge stretch, I admit.

Hello Sunshine

This little diddy is for the Makeup for the Weekend challenge, M4TW27. Danni is our challenger this week and the challenge is to use at least 3 flowers....DONE! I also chose to participate in the Color Throwdown, CTD91 because the colors were so pretty.

The images are from the newly released Faith, Hope, Love set. I. LOVE. THIS. SET. Sorry for the caps, but I needed to stress it! I used the grass border strip and then inked the flower silhouette with Rose Red and Ripe Avocado inks. I made another of these layered flowers, aren't they fun?

We'd love to have you play along with us this week; just use the keyword M4TW27 when you upload. Then, link it up at the PMS blog so we can take a peek. Remember, you don't have to use PMS stamps, but we woudl sure love it if you did.

Mother's Day Mojo 137

I had alot of fun using scraps of Cosmo Cricket paper for this sketch, it's Mojo137. I also pulled out a few Verve sets, Because of You and One Person. Granted, it's a little busy, but how can you not love those papers.

We should be finished with two of the magazines we publish today. This time, production went so much smoother. We tried a new system and it worked remarkably. Of course, next time we publish, it's four books, so I hope I have the hang of it by then and am not pulling out my hair.

Gonna get all the ads printed and the files set up by the end of next month, just to get a bit ahead of the game. It's amazing how the time flies between closings.

May Viva la Verve, Week 1

This card is for the first May Viva la Verve challenge; I chose the first room as my inspiration focusing mainly on the curtains and the punches of color. I used Blessings and One Person; they are really fun sets. The background polka dots is from the Bountiful Backgrounds set; I ended up stamping them in Versamark and then in white for a little dimension and interest.

Well, we think Duke has broken either a toe or another small bone in his foot. Poor thing can barely walk on it. I have him doped up with meds on the bedside table. I've begged him to tape it up and put some ice on it, but he refuses. I'm hoping to stop by his sister's today and borrow her crutches so he can at least get around without putting weight on it. I tell ya, it's always something.

Pink Wildflowers

This is for the fifth and final Verve Beach Party challenge, VSAPRBP5. The sentiment is parto f the Feel the Sun set, super quick and easy card. I adore this piece of paper from October Afternoon's Thrift Shop, it perfectly matched the ribbon and the berry cardstock I used. I decided to twist the ribbon for a little interest.

Hoppy Easter

I made this for the boy for his Easter card, I'm just a little late posting it. I just fell in love with this image from My Favorite Things, I think it's called What's Crackin'. I colored him in some unusual colors I admit, but he does match my paper. *wink*

Anyway, I used an old JUGS challenge, I believe the very first one and some October Afternoon Report Card papers. I did forgo the ribbon to make it a tiny bit more masculine.

More Word Art Review

I made a card this morning for the soon-to-be parents of a little girl. The sentiment is so sweet, perfect for conveying the wonder a new child brings.

The dp is from SEI and it is wonderfully pink and feminine. The sentiment was die cut with nesties and then added to the card front with dimensionals.

Word Art Review

Today, we are reviewing Word Art that was released May 7th. I have this sweet quote, perfect to congratulate a family on their new baby. This is going to a sweet friend of mine that is expecting a little boy. Of course, I have a few more things to pick up.

I made a tag using the Word Art for the gift basket- Bouncing Baby Buggy from My Time Made Easy. All the Word Art this month was themed for children and babies, perfect for the celebrations honoring parents in May and June.

I used more papers from October Afternoon to complete the ensemble; and some sweet sheer ribbon finishes the whole thing off.

Be sure to check out the PMS blog to see what else you might have missed. The Makeup Artists pulled out all the stops.

Teacher Appreciation Tote

I was so excited to see this Trendy Tool Tote from My Time Made Easy; I think it is just perfect to present lotions and the like. This has gone to Cody's teacher for Teacher's Appreciation, it was a big hit!

I used several My Time Made Easy Pretty Impressions sets to complete this ensemble: Argyle Amazement, Just For You, Take Time, and Petal Perfection. I used Avery Full Label sheets to make the labels for the large bottles.

The card layout is TESC111, one that allows you to get a card done quickly. I used the same sets to make the pattern on the sentiment panel, but stamped onto kraft cardstock for the card.

I got the lotion, bath salts, body spray, shower gel, and 2-pack candles at the Dollar Tree. So, for a little over $5.00, I made a one of a kind gift set! These templates make it so easy!

PMS May Blog Hop

Today is Release Day! You can get all the goodies you've seen so far, AND we've got some new Moody Girls and Monsters to show you as well. That's what we're hopping with!

You should have come here from Amber's blog. If you didn't, please start at the beginning and start collecting letters from each blog along the way. Once you have the code, you'll be able to save 15% on all the new releases.

I introduce to you, Louie and Lois. I must say that this image is not only completely adorable, but so fitting for my family! Cody (his nickname is monster) thinks dandelion fluff is the most beautiful flower in the world and I have gotten my fair share of them. And, of course, I take them with a huge smile and a big hug. Regardless, I appreciate that he thinks of me!

Doesn't the Mom remind you of Roz from Monsters, Inc?! Here, they are paired up with Basic Grey's Kioshi line. It's so beautiful and soft, one of my faves. How perfect is this image for Mother's Day?! Cody will be giving this to my Mom along with a hanging basket, so I am going to make a sentiment on the inside that reads, "From Your Favorite Monster". **Katie- we need that sentiment!**

The letter I have for you is:

Since I am the last stop on the hop, you now have your code. Happy shopping!!

Now, don't forget that we are gonna party the night away tonight on the Paper Makeup Forum! The fun starts at 8:00 CST and continues until the last person leaves! There is always fun chatter and giveaways!

PMS May Sneak Peeks, Day 3

Today marks the 3rd day of May peeks for Paper Makeup Stamps. Katie is really good about finding images to enhance the other lines she carries. The set we are featuring today is called Faith, Hope, Love and it has 5 floral silhouettes, a grass silhouette, and 3 quotes that perfectly match them. The fonts seem to make the images and sentiments come alive! This set was illustrated by Lindsay Spencer, we are thrilled to have her return to design more stuff for Paper Makeup Stamps.

I squealed when we were given our first glimpse of this set, it comes at just the right time. I will be honest and tell you that is was darn near impossible to be patient waiting for it to arrive. It is perfect when putting together a quick card and these images seem to fit just about any occasion, and you can pair them with whatever sentiment you wish.


I'm not sure the name of the flower/ weed I am showing you today, but isn't it grand?! I have many ideas in my head using these images, and I can hardly wait to get started. But for now, I made a total of four tumbled tile coasters to give my Mom for Mother's Day. Each is stamped with the same flower, but in different colors of StazOn, all use the same sentiment as well. I used a sanding block to tone down the color a bit.

I then made a matching card to accompany the gift. The papers are from SEI and seem to be a match made in heaven for these images.

You really need to click over to the PMS blog to see what the other gals did with this set, and it'll give you a glimpse at all the images and quotes included. It is an amazing set!

We are gonna party down tomorrow night in the Paper Makeup Forum. The festivities start at 8:00 CST, we hope you can make it! As always, we have lots to talk about and Katie always hands out lots of goodies!