Fresh Air!!

Hello friends! It's Happy Hump Day--almost to the weekend! We're going to a Pig Roast/Pool Party at our club with friends on Saturday and I'm really looking forward to it. Did you know that for me & hubby's Engagement Party (many years ago, ahem) we had a Pig Roast at my parents house--so fun & casual. My dad always dresses the pig up in a hat & sunglasses while on the bar-b-q for the grandkids--they think its both gross & funny, LOL! Anyhow, hope I don't offend any vegetarians out there :o) but I do love some good barbecued pork--YUM! But I will be mindful of what I eat too--I lost another 1.5 lbs and another 1/2 inch around my waist--Yahoo. Let me tell ya--that "30 Day Shred" by Biggest Loser's Jillian Michaels is a KILLER--I'm on Level 2 & it totally turned my muscles to mush, omgoodness--it better be shreddin fat for sure, LOL! Anywho, onward.....


**Check out this LINK--my projects yesterday used the FABULOUS Dream Street Papers and they put them up on their company blog--WOW! I was really honored & I adore all their papers so what could be bettah'!! **

Isn't this Whiff of Joy "Willow in Summer Breeze" just beautiful--I just love her! I colored her with Copics to match this fabulous dp by Cosmo Cricket "EverAfter". The layout is this week's Mojo Monday Sketch #89--a great one too! I love, love the sentiment--perfect with this image; it's a Stampin' Up rub-on along with the flowers. I added some stickles to her headband and dress and a lovely Prima rose to the bow's center. I love this soft color combo! The blossom cut-out was done with my Blossom Nestabilities--just got these & love 'em!

Once again I got out my Shimmerz Spritz (cuz' I lovee it sooo much) and spritzed away on my card and flower! If you click on the picture you can see the small, soft sparkles of the baby's breath spritz--so much fun to use, hee hee!

Alrighty I'm outta here--just one project for ya today, hee hee--give your eyes a break! See ya tomorrow!

hugz,
Suzanne

Pinkalicious Party Happiness!!

Hello everyone & Happy Tuesday To Ya!! I tell ya the weather has been absolutely beautiful here in Virginia--I've had my windows wide open & letting the lovely breezes float in! Course my dogs bark at every fool thing that they here, but I'm used to that-LOL! Did I tell ya that when we went hiking down to the creek on Sunday there was HUGE copperhead snake on the path & Riley almost stepped right on it--EEEKKKK! If you were a reader last summer, than you remember my copperhead incident on my back steps---I HATE SNAKES & copperheads are nasty & poisonous too--yucky. Made me very nervous walking the dogs down there, but we didn't see anymore dangerous wildlife while we were there--scary I tell ya! LOL! Anywho, onto sweeter things for ya today, hee hee.....

Today is Try It Out Tuesday for Susana's Custom Art & Card Design and I've challenged the DT to create a party invite (summerlike in nature)! I decided to create a pinkalicious birthday party invite and candy favors! I used a Victoria Case for SCACD stamp "Follow Your Heart" which I just adore cuz' she's such a cutie--the sentiment was computer generated. The dp is some yummy papers from Dream Street papers--love the colors & patterns!

My invitation is a pocket invite with a pull-out insert. I left the insert blank cuz I'll probably turn this into a birthday card for someone later on--but you could print the info out on your printer and then cut out with the Curved Rectangle Nestabilities (I also inked the edges). Very easy to make too and fun for the receiver!
The scalloped border is where the insert pulls out--just a fun decorative element. My image is colored with Copics and then I stickled one balloon & put diamond glaze on the other.
These fun candy favors are made using a tutorial for "origami diaper pouches"--they come together so easily & no adhesive required. I made mine small by using a 6x6" square, but you can make them any size you'd like--really great when you use double sided paper too! I added some fun buttons from PTI with gluedots. The candy has simple wraps on them to coordinate with the rest of the papers--these are sooo easy to put together, so doing many of them would be a breeze!
You might have to click on this to make larger to see, but I sprayed all of my projects today with a FABULOUS new product! It's Shimmerz Spritz (by Shimmerz) in "Baby's Breath" and it is just beautiful IRL--such a soft subtle shimmer and NO GLOBS (like some of the other brands)! The baby's breath is great for any color paper or image, but I'm going to order the Cotton Candy for a soft pink as well. Susana has these in stock at her store right now--& you will lovee them, so go check 'em out! I literally was spraying everything yesterday, LOL--it really is beautiful!

Now make sure and stop by the store blog "Follow Your Heart" to see the rest of the DT's lovely invitations today--you're sure to be inspired!!


**Don't forget to stop by H&M Stamps for the huge blow-out SALE--all stamps $8 or under, so stock up now!! ***


hugz,
Suzanne

Busy Bee Monday!!

Hi & Happy June--here's to another Monday again!! I will keep my chit-chat to a minimum today cuz' I've gots lots to share since today is the first of the month! We had a wonderful weekend, the weather was beautiful & we spent alot of time outside. We rode our bikes & grilled outside and roasted more marshmallows--love that! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend too!

NEWSBITZ: Make sure and stop by H&M Stamps--they're having a fabulous BLOW OUT sale on all of their stamps! You won't wanna miss it! Sale runs from today thru June 30th and no stamp set above $8 (while supplies last)!!

I have 1 spot left in my Copics Technique/Coloring Class on June 14th (1-4:30)! If you're interested please email me. My next class will be July 26th!

First project of the day is the Magnolia-licious DT sketch for June--sketch by Kerry D-C (great one too)! You can find the sketch and the other beautiful DT projects on the new Magnolia-licious Highlites blog--also can post your projects there as well, so make sure to stop by & visit! I used a new Magnolia stamp from the Chasing Butterflies Collection, "Tilda w/ Ladybug"--isn't she a cutie-pop & she's available at Magnolia-licious! My papers are from Doodlebug Designs, the daisy buttons from my stash and I created the sentiment on my computer. Her lil' boots have diamond glaze on them and of course I added some stickles too--just a bright cheery card!!

Next card is for the Copic Creations Blog and this week's challenge was to color transparent objects. Gina K so kindly donated her fabulous Luxury cs (120 lb weight) and beautiful stamp set "Friendship Blooms" to the DT gals--love this set & ya know I recommend her paper for coloring with Copics too! Gina also donated a fabulous prize to a lucky participant who joins in the challenge! I colored the pitcher with my gray copics(C1,C2,C4) and also colored stems in the pitcher so it looks transparent. The dp is Basic Grey's "Ambrosia", flowers by Prima and the shimmery silver cs is from PTI.

I cut my flowers out with my Nestabilities Labels 1, distressed the edges, added some stickles and then diamond glaze on top of the pitcher! Make sure and stop by the Copic Creations blog to see the rest of the DT's lovely projects too!

Next up is for the Whiff of Joy Project of the Month! This month we were challenged to create a gift for Father's Day since its coming up real soon! I used an empty Petaloo flower box (cuz' I keep all container, hee hee) to create a fun holder for a gift card & card for my hubby. I used the "Castle" stamp from WOJ's Medieval Collection and colored it in browns & blues (hubby's fave colors). I added some silver Bella baubles to the corners and the sentiment is computer generated & attached like a flag/banner! I only added some stickles to the windows & water, not too much bling, hee hee!

The box slides open and I lined the bottom with matching cs--inside is a simple card that holds a gift card and message inside. I used my Cuttlebug Embossing folder in argyle and a simple strip of dp by Basic Grey's "Granola"--simple & masculine. I know hubby will love the gift card to REI (sports/camping equipment store) and I love how easy it was to assemble. So make sure & think outside of the box when you're creating gifts--its always fun! Make sure and stop by the Whiff of Joy store to see the rest of the DT's lovely projects!

Alrighty then, I'm done with my very long post for ya today!! I'll see ya tomorrow!

hugz,
Suzanne

Cock-a-doodle-Doo!!

Happy Saturday to ya friends! Ahhhh, the smell of the weekend & waking up to the sun FINALLY--it has rained & thunderstormed here since Monday & seriously messed w/ my mojo!! Suzanne needs sun--why oh why can't I live where its sunny & warm 300 days outta the year!! BTW, I noticed my hits are getting really close to 200,000--can you believe it, I can't!! I'm plannin' up some fun to celebrate so keep on the lookout for that very, very soon! I've also been kickin' up my workout routine, lifting heavier weights & doing more cardio. Do you know my Wii Fit asked me "did I trip alot"--LMBO--and the answer is "yes" I do. I am totally not coordinated, not a dancer & can never keep up in aerobics class cuz' I'm always missing a step or turn or whatever, LOL! I prefer easy movements that require no constant thought, like running & weight lifting!! The nerve of that Wii Fit!!! (course hubby thought it was hilarious)! Anyhow, hope you're off to a great weekend so far!

**Copics Used on Hen/Rooster--E09, E08, R05, Y21, Y26, E33, G94**

So my project today is another fun one I've done using more of my Graphic 45 papers which I {heart} so much! I paired them up with the Lockhart's "Rooster" and "Buttermilk Hen" for a fun kitchen gift set--both of these stamps are available at Susana's store. They were colored with copics & then I added some stickle bling to each of them!

I distressed the edges after I cut this handsome guy out with my Labels 1 nestabilities. The ribbon is from Emma's paperie and I added some BG buttons to the top! (And yes I know the music notes are upside down, but I wanted the fruit at the top, hee hee)
I have soooo many of these large clothespins cuz' I picked them up at Michael's when they were only .50 each and haven't used but one. I covered the clothespin with dp and then modge podged(matte) over them so they're adhered well and can be wiped off if need be. I think this would be fabulous to use in the kitchen to hold a recipe card or note!

Well that's all for me--I'm off to see Alexa sing for the state senators today and then we're getting our toenails done for fun! I think we're going to go see Star Trek at the Imax theater tonie too--been waiting impatiently to see that!

hugz,
Suzanne

Summertime Kids!!

Hello again & a very Happy Friday to ya! I'm so happy for the weekend again, LOL! Riley has a friend spending the night tonight & then they're going paintballing with hubby tomorrow! Alexa and I have one last chorus performance to attend and then we're getting pedicures for fun! I also have a lot of work to catch up on cuz' Monday is the first of the month, which means all kinds of projects to get done! And if you know me, I'm a last minute kinda gal--my mojo works best when its stressed, LOL! Hopefully the weather will brighten up and we can grill out & go for a hike along the Potomac River too! We also booked a house in Hilton Head Island, SC for 2 weeks this summer & I'm soooo excited. It's right across from the beach & sits on the lagoon--you can fish right off the deck (Riley is so lovin' that)! Two whole fun weeks--yay, can't wait!! Anywho, I hope you have some fabulous plans for the weekend!

For today I want to share 2 cards I've made using the fabulous new Summer Kit stamps from Whiff of Joy (Elisabeth Bell)! These stamps are available now at 7 Kids College Fund--for pre-order and they will be in store next week! This card uses "Sitting Summer Willow"--isn't she a lovely? I used some of my new fabulous dp by Melissa Frances available at Emma's Paperie. The sentiment is from WOJ too and I've added lots of white pearls. My main image was cut out with my circle nestabilities.
To finish her off I added Shimmerz in Angel Wings to her dress and hat. I also embossed the back panel with my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder (a must have IMO). You likee her?

This fun patriotic boy card was made using WOJ's "Oakley with Wooden Sign" and the layout is this week's SCS sketch! He was colored w/ my Copics & then cut out and popped up on top of the WOJ "tree stump"--perfect together. The "hi there" sentiment is from PTI's "Mega Mixed Messages" set which fit perfectly on the sign. I faux stitched around the dk. blue cs (cuz' i don't like to sew) and stacked buttons on top of each other & tied off with Scrappers Floss. All the dp is by SU too! Those beautifully fun glittered baubles in blue are NEW and available from my friend Marti's store, Pez-a-Doodle Designs! She has them in a few colors & you can pre-order all the new colors--I've got my order in, I lovee them!!

Alrighty, that's all for me today. I've gotta get some projects done and I'll be back here tomorrow with another "vintage" project for ya!! Have a great Friday!!


hugz,

Suzanne

In the Doghouse!!

Hello & Welcome to Thursday, hee hee! Almost to the weekend, hurrah! Once again I'm wishing away the week for the weekend, LOL--oh well its the best part of the week usually! Horrors--I didn't exercise yesterday due to a major migraine so that means today my 1 hour workout will be 1.5 hours--ack--some running & then my 45 minute kettleball cardio video. If you haven't tried out a kettleball workout & you wanna tone quick--this one is for you. I have no issues making it thru the video but omgoodness the next day am I sore, so I sure hope its working!! I'm also hoping the rain is finally gone (rained for 3 days here in VA-blech) so I can get the doggies out for a nice long walk--they're in need of some good exercise (just like me, hee hee)! Speaking of doggies, I've got a cute one for ya today!!

**Newsbitz--I still have 2 spots left in my June 14th Copic class if anyone is interested!! Please email me if you are--I'd love to have ya :o) **

So here is my cute puppy dog card for ya! I lovee this cheery card with the pups--so cute! I used Magnolia's "Tilda w/ Puppy" and "Rufus the Dog" available at Magnolia-licious! The cute doghouse is by Alota Stamps and available at Magnolia-licious here too! The three work perfectly together! The dp is from DCWV "Citrus" pack and I added some small matching Primas as well. The sign that say's "Chillin' Out" is popped up w/ dimensionals and that sentiment is from PTI's "A Day at the Beach" set--fit perfectly on there!

Tilda & Rufus were cut out & popped up as well and I added some diamond glaze to Rufus' tongue (sloppy wet dog kisses) and to the sign! The butterfly is from two Martha Stewart butterfly punches that I put together! Perfect ending touch!

Hope this card brings a smile to your face today :o)! Don't forget to stop by the Stamping Out Alzheimer's site if you haven't already to join in on the fun challenges for a great cause!!

See ya tomorrow!
hugz,
Suzanne

Watercolored Rain!!

Hello & Happy Wednesday Friends!! Doesn't a three day weekend just make the week go faster, LOL! We had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend--really fun and relaxing! We went to see "Night at the Museum 2"-which was better than the first IMO!! Then on Monday we headed down to DC to the Smithsonian of American History & had lunch down there too. Great weather all weekend until Monday night-nasty storms & lots of rain, blech (rain today & yesterday too)!! News on the weight loss front--lost 2.5 lbs & have lost 1" around my waist and hips, .5" around each thigh (in the past 7 days)--so that totals 5 lbs lost so far! Woohoo---the fat is starting to move, hee hee! Slowly, but surely its a comin' off ..... :o)

So I'm a day late for the Try It Out Tuesday challenge for Susana's Custom Art & Card Design (due to electric & internet issues) but I got it done. I challenged the DT to only color their stamped images by watercoloring only--fun challenge! We all get so used to whipping out our Copics but sometimes it's good to mix it up! I used one of the new Victoria Case for SCACD stamps "Singin' in the Rain"--isn't she a cutie & perfect for watercoloring! I watercolored using my SU reinkers and then added some diamond stickles on the puddles, polka-dots & umbrella!

The papers are from Paper Trey Ink as is the Get Well sentiment (Around & About Sentiments). I cut out & popped up the umbrella for more dimension & added some Bella Baubles (String of Pearls). Perfect for a get well card!! Make sure and stop by the store blog "Follow Your Heart" to see the rest of the DT's absolutely beautiful watercolored projects!!

The second card today is just a fun card/invite I made thinking of summer parties & barbecues to come--this would be a perfect invitation for either! Not hard to mass produce, simple, fun & elegant! I used Lockhart's Itty Bitty stamps (hamburger, hotdog & pizza) and they're actually watercolored, lol! Very hard to do on these little images (pizza toppings were done with Copics though)! I paired them up with PTI's kraft and red cs & twill ribbon. The background was embossed with my Cuttlebug embossing folder to add some more texture! Perfect for a simple invitation!!

I hope you're having a fabulous day & I'll see ya back here tomorrow!!


hugz,

Suzanne

Vintage Gal!!

Hiya everyone & Happy Memorial Day to ya!! Hope you all have been enjoying the 3 day weekend here in the States. We've had a great weekend of relaxing, hanging out in the backyard grilling & roasting marshmallows! Yesterday Riley & hubby went paintballing while I got some time in my craftroom (yay) and then we went to dinner & saw "Night At the Museum 2"--loved, loved that movie! So funny & cute! I've also continued working out alot (only 1 coke this weekend & no bad foods--mostly fish & veggies) so I'm anxious to see what the scale says tomorrow (cross fingers)! Alexa comes back this evening from her trip with her friend's family--they went out on their boat for the weekend & sounds like she had a blast too! Today we're off to the Smithsonian of American History (Riley's fave place)--should be fun as long as the rain holds off for a bit & the crowds are small! So I've just got one project for ya & some newsbitz too!

NEWSBITZ: Today kicks off the start of the Stamping Out Alzheimers Event HERE--for just a $5 donation you get access to the site for a week of fun challenges & prizes! All the money goes to funding for research for Alzheimers (such a great cause)! Susana's Custom Art & Card Design and Whiff of Joy both have fun challenges posted, so make sure and stop by both!! We'd love to see you over there!

So after 2 tries I finally got my design team stamps from Whiff of Joy--boy someone in customs must love these stamps because this is the 3rd time they've gotten lost, ugh!! LOL Anywho, I'm late creating but wanted to share a project I got done (actually got 4 projects done yesterday, woohoo) yesterday using the new Whiff of Joy Summer Kit stamps available for preorder (early June) in the states right HERE! I really adore all of these images by Elisabeth Bell, but this "Dreamy Willow with Flowers" is my favorite!

I pulled out some more of those awesome papers from Graphic 45 and went to town, making Willow bold but vintage-y! I just adore how this card turned out--love the patterns & colors together (colored w/ my Copics)! The ribbon is from SU and I added some stickles to her flowers--the sentiment is available from Whiff of Joy too! Hope you like it as much as me too :o)

See ya back here tomorrow with some new projects & don't forget to stop by the Stamping Out Alzheimer's site when you get a chance!

hugz,
Suzanne

French Country Vintage!!

Happy Friday everyone and Yay to the Holiday 3-day weekend (for those in the US)!! Still not sure what we're going to be up to, but my son informs me that he IS going fishing, hee hee! We got a new firepit & I see some marshmallow roasting in our future! I'm just looking forward to a 3-day weekend to relax and not run around alot!! I'll have a post up tomorrow, but then nothing until Tuesday since most of you will be away & relaxin' yourselves!!

**I have a few spots left open in my Copic Coloring/Technique class on June 14th for anyone who might be interested close to the Northern VA area! Just email me & I can give you more details & the cost.**

Okay, over the many years of crafting I've made millions of projects but I have to say that today's goes down as my "MOST FAVORITE" and there is hardly any copic coloring (gasp)!! I just adore how this turned out & its so "me"-my favorite colors & very french country (the rooms in my house are all these colors)!! It was also super fun to put together & make :o) And this Vintage Apron by Lockhart reminds me of an apron my mom used to wear growing up (although she doesn't wear them anymore)--I just love it! I'm thinking of making a recipe box with these papers for my own kitchen, hmmmm....!

The dp is from my new stash of Graphic 45 papers which I just adore--I knew when I saw them at CHA this past January that I would HAVE to have them, LOL! You can get the paper and this fun wine/cookie cylinder at Emma's Paperie (love that store)!! If you really, really love this and want to buy it, I might be able to give it up, hee hee!! (email me)

The card uses this week's Mojo Monday sketch #87 and I used Lockhart's new "Vintage Apron"--which I had so much fun paper piecing! I made my sentiment tag with my Nestabilities Labels 4 (love that shape) and distressed all the papers with my Inkssentials blending tool! And I had to add some fun Kaiser pearls to the apron & card to finish it off!

I wrapped the cylinder with my paper and took out the rope-like string that was in it & replaced it with this beautiful ribbon that I got free from Emma's for placing my order--it looks so pretty! I added another tag which uses the PTI's "Mega Mixed Messages" sentiment. These cylinders come in packs of 2 for only $3.59(a large & small)--I used the small size and you could fill it with all sorts of goodies! The large would hold a wine bottle.

So let me know what you think of this project today--you likee? I'll be back tomorrow with a last post until Tuesday! Hope you all enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!!

hugz,

Suzanne

You Go Girls!!

Hiya Friends & Happy Thursday!! One more day till the holiday weekend--yay!! It has been such beautiful weather here in VA the past few days--mid 70's & no humidity! I've had the windows open everyday--it's fabulous!! I hope it continues thru the weekend! I'm not sure of what we're doing yet, but Alexa is going on a weekend boat trip with her friend's family. I think hubby wants to go camping, but we'll see--I'm more for doing some fun day trips :o)!!

**I finished my Copic Colorless Blender Tips/Tricks Video for you yesterday & it's now up on my sidebar under Video #13!! It was hard to squeeze lots of info in 10 mins--darn YouTube, hee hee!**

So, I was inspired by my weightloss & gettin' fit struggle when I made my projects for today! I have some friends who are feeling my pain & going thru the same struggle right now & I thought it would be fun to make them all some "You Go Girl" packages!! Everyone needs a boost now & then ya' know! I pulled out my never-been-used(gasp) "Weightwatchabella" from Stamping Bella and went to town! Each set includes a fun card, a weightloss/diet notebook and a popcorn box full of diet goodies (yummy Fiber One bars & Crystal Lite packets). The dp is DCWV "Citrus" and I just used some fun ribbon & buttons for embellies!

Those popcorn boxes were bought in a pack at Michaels (in the candy section for like $3)--really fun to decorate & fill with all sorts of goodies! The notebook's sentiment says "Mama said there'll be days like this", LOL and its from Verve Stamps--pretty appropriate as we all feel the burn!!

Close-up of my card--I used this week's SCS sketch #229 for my layout! The image was colored with Copics and the sentiment is from Stamping Bella too! If you lovee this set, I have an extra one up for sale in my Etsy shop(link over on my sidebar)!!

**Also wanted to let you know of a fabulous event that will be happening next week (May 25th thru the 31st) for Alzheimers. It's called Stampin' Out Alzheimers and will be a huge challenge and contest site all next week to raise money for research & funding for Alzheimers. This is particularly close to my heart because my grandfather died many years ago from this disease before my children really got the chance to know him, sadly. The cost to enter, play & win is $5 a person (good for the entire week) and we'd love to have you join us. Susana's store is hosting a sketch challenge & the prizes include an entire set of Victoria Case for SCACD stamps (9 stamps), a pack of Dovecraft paper & some fun embellies! You can check out the site & join up by clicking on the link/widget on my sidebar!! And tell your friends too!! **

Hope you all have a fabulous day!!

hugz,

Suzanne

Flower Girls!!

It's Happy Hump Day & we're halfway thru the week & almost to the holiday weekend! Can you believe that I didn't know Memorial Day was this weekend, LOL! Is it possible to be so crazed & busy that you don't know the holiday is here--giggle. I really need a calendar taped to my dang forehead or somethin'--woweeee! Well yesterday was "weigh in" day for me and I am proud to say that I lost 3.5 lbs in 7 days---YAY!!! Only 19 lbs more to go, hee hee! I did the FIRM workout with 5 lb kettleball last nite & it totally kicked my bum--tuckered me out but I'm sure I worked off a ton of calories!! And I've been able to get over my "cherry coke addiction"--I only had one this weekend since my motto is 6 workouts=1 cherry coke, lol! Works for me!!

**NEWSBITZ--I have 3 new Copic Video Tutorials on my sidebar if you're interested (Videos 10, 11 & 12)! Included in each are some tips/tricks for using & stretching the capabilities of your Copics!! Tomorrow I will have a Colorless Blender video up to show you how many cool things it can do!! ***

So today I wanted to share a fun & cheery card I made using some new stamps that sweet Diana sent to me from Magnolia-licious. This lil' cute "Tilda with Bee" and Alota Rubber Stamps "Potting Shed" go hand in hand--I knew they would work fabulous together! My images are colored w/ Copics and I cut and popped Tilda up on top of the shed's stoop. My dp is from Cosmo Cricket and that fabulously appropriate sentiment is from PTI's "Flower Garden Sentiments" set. I cut the sentiment out with my Nestabilities Labels 3 and then traced the Nestability with my yellow Spica pen--then I stamped a Magnolia bee on the side!! So cute! Those flowers are from the Prima "Wildflower" collection that I stacked and adhered with dimensionals.
I addded stickles to the bee's wings, ivy & Tilda's shirt for some bling (a girl's gotta have it ya know)! I also added some grass underneath the shed in a few spots to bring in some more green to balance the card's colors. *Tip* after coloring Tilda's hair (E25, E35, Y21) I added some yellow spica pen to the lighter areas for some sparkle!!

Second card today uses another one of those Victoria Case for SCACD cuties--this lil' ballerina is "Belle" and she soooo reminds me of my daughter when she danced. I am so hoping Alexa decides to go back to ballet this year, she danced from age 3 till 12 and was so darn good at it! But she took the year off cuz' she said she felt burned out and wanted to do gymnastics, so we'll see...anywhoo! The dp is from DCWV and I wanted to carry on a soft monochromatic lilac scheme for this card. One of my new video tutorials shows how I colored her lil' ballet outfit & shoes! Those beautiful lilac roses are from Prima that I got at Emma's Paperie.

I added iced lavender Shimmerz to her tutu and some diamond stickles to her skirt for more sparkle! I also added flower soft to her flowery tiara! Perfect for the little ballerina or dancer in your life (she's for sale in my Etsy shop if you love her)!!

Alrighty, that was a long post, hee hee! I'm off to do more work & I'll see ya back here tomorrow!

hugz,

Suzanne

May Flower Power!!

Hello & Happy Tuesday fellow stampers!! I have a funny story to tell ya' that I think you'll get a giggle out of!! On Sunday morning I was in the shower and I was washin' my back and felt something round & hard. Well here on the East Coast (especially here in VA & MD) we have a tick problem every year which is nothing new to me, because I grew up here & know they're a regular occurrence when the weather gets warm. But now with worries about Scarlet Fever & Lyme Disease I'm much more careful about watching out for them on the kids & myself (doggies get Lyme shots & flea/tick meds). So I thought, "oh no, I have a tick"--so I jumped outta the shower and looked in the mirror expecting to find a nasty ole tick in my back! Well, no not a tick(thank goodness) but an adhesive rhinestone stuck to my back, LMBO--musta been stuck on there since the night before when I was crafting, giggle!! You just nevah' know where your crafting goodies might end up, LOL!! So now that I got you to laugh, onto my projects for the day.....

**BTW--if you're interested in taking a Copic Techniques class with me, my next class is June 14th (1-4:30 pm)! We'll cover all Copic techniques & really focus on coloring & choosing colors. Also some fun products we'll use, like flower soft, Smooch & Shimmerz! So if you're near the Northern VA area & would like to come, just email me!! The cost is $60 ($20 deposit required)


Today is Try It Out Tuesday for Susana's Custom Art & Card Design--and I challenged the DT to a "May Flowers" challenge. So they had to use stamped images with flowers and/or flower embellies! I pulled out my new Lockhart "Patio Pots" stamps to use on a set of notecards--2 of each (6 total) with envies in a decorated card box is available at my Etsy store!
I kept the layout simple and stamped my images on PTI's kraft cs--coloring on kraft cs with your Copics gives such a neat effect. The kraft soaks up more of the ink & gives a more subtle coloring, really nice! The kraft was embossed with my CB swiss dots folder and the colored cs is all by PTI too.
This image is Lockhart's "Patio Pot--English Daisy"--I just love these images, elegant & so many occasions to use them for! I colored with Copics and then added flower soft (in lemon & sunshine yellow) to the flowers. The flower centers are done with my white sharpie poster paint pen (extra fine tip, the best white pen on the market, I swear)!!

This image is Lockhart's "Patio Pots--Lavender" and I added flower soft to this image also.

The last image is "Patio Pots--Petunias" and I colored the flowers with pink poinsettia Shimmerz on top of the Copics!

Boxed them up in a clear box and made a tag with my Labels 4 Nestabilities--the sentiment is from PTI's "Spring Tag Collection" set. I just wrapped with ribbon & then threaded my tag & button with Scrappers Floss and tied off! Just a lovely set to give someone--Whatcha' think?

Now make sure and hop over to the store blog "Follow Your Heart" to see the rest of the DT's fabulous flower power creations!!

Hope you have a wonderful day & see ya here tomorrow!

hugz,

Suzanne

Nutty for You!!

Hiya friends & Happy Monday to ya!! We're off to another busy week here in VA, but at least the weather is supposed to be beautiful all week long. My son has a chorus concert at our mall today after school and he's excited about performing--he really loves chorus but says he's not going to do it next year in middle school. He wants to take guitar lessons instead, hee hee, at least its not the drums :o)!! I had my Copic Class yesterday which was fun & went well me thinks--we really focused on coloring with the copics & different techniques with them & the Colorless blender & also made 2 cards. If you're interested in taking a Copic Class with me, I have one coming up on June 14th (1-4 pm)--just email and let me know!!

This card today is one we made in my Copics Class yesterday--lots of coloring techniques on this image & lots of fun products too! I love to introduce people to new & fun products that you can use on your cards to bring them up a notch!! So this lil' cutie is another new stamp from Victoria Case for SCACD and she's called "Nuts for You"! Isn't that squirrel the cutest! The image is colored with Copics and then we added flower soft (sunshine yellow) to the flowers and diamond stickles to her sandals & hairbands. That yummy dp is from My Minds Eye and I love the cheerful colors of it.

We also used diamond glaze on her eyes for a nice, realistic shine & the flower centers are done with Smooch metallic paint in Siren. Her hair was done with E35, YR23 & Y23 (this bundle of Copics available HERE). And to finish it off I used one of the sentiments from the "Susanaments" set. Just a fun cheerful card!

Alrighty I'm off to get some work done and I'm shooting some more Copic videos for you (yay) including one on fun techniques you can do with your Colorless Blender! Have a fabulous day!

hugz,
Suzanne

Groovy Flower Girl!!

Happy TGI Friday everyone!! Aren't ya happy its the weekend---wahooooo! I sure am--5 workouts under my belt, no soda & no junk food in my system & I SURVIVED, LOL! We're going out to dinner tonight with friends & I'm going to try and be good, but I gotta have 1 glass of wine, I mean come on!!! I also have my Copic class on Sunday which will be fun! If you are interested in taking one of my Copic/Card classes and are able to come to the Northern VA area--I will be having another class on June 14 (1-4) and would love to have ya!! Anywhoooo, moving on to an EXCITING new Stamp RELEASE TODAY!!!!!

Want this badge?"

Introducing Victoria Case Stamps Exclusively for SCACD and the 9 new stamps are the "Hearts & Hugs Collection"

Also the DT's BLOG HOP too!!

So today I'm using "Alexa" from this new collection and a "Susanament" sentiment(this "groovy" sentiment was my idea & sentiments were created by Susana)--these new stamps by Victoria Case are exclusive to Susana's Custom Art & Card Design!!! And yes she is named after my daughter who loves everything "peace & eco-friendly" right now, lol! Isn't she the cutest and she was sooooo fun to color too! There are 9 new image stamps released today and a set of sentiments called "Susanaments" (10 sentiments in a set for $12). All of the stamps in this collection are to die-for--you will LOVE them!! (And that cutie-licious blinkie above was created by the oh-so talented Jami Bova of Stamp Happy with Sgt. Stamper!)

I used some of my brand spankin' new My Mind's Eye dp called "Pretty Please"--love the patterns & colors in this new collection! I colored my image with Copics and then added stickles to the flowers, her sandals & belt for lots of shimmer---she's a modern gal ya' know?? The flowers are all Primas from the Wildflower collection.

This card was also made for today's challenge on the Copic Creations Blog--the challenge is "blonde hair". Make sure and stop by the Challenge Blog to see the DT's lovely creations and variations on blonde hair & enter your own creation to win a great prize by Magnolia-licious!! For my blonde hair I used E99, E35, & Y21!!

Close up of this lil' cutie-pop! I just love her and all the beautiful flowers!!

I had to make my "groovy" girl a groovy purse--every girl needs a pretty purse!! I bought some of these awesome little purses from Emma's Paperie--they come in different colors for only $1.59 each. I liked the clear so I could gussy it up a bit with my pattern paper and I covered the snap with some fun Primas. Finished off with some ribbon and a die-cut tag from the MME's paper pack "Pretty Please". This would be a fabby gift for a girl in your life--the purse could fit lots of goodies inside (jewelry, candy, makeup,etc.). GROOVIE-LICIOUS!!

Now for the Blog Hop!!

Susana's DT has a fantastic line-up for you today--everyone used a different stamp for their projects so you get to see them in all their glory!! I'm the start of the hop and next on the hop is Aud Nordheim. Make sure and stop by all their blogs & see their fabulous projects (all their links are also on my sidebar)! And grab that blinkie up top for your own blogs if ya love it!!

Now get HOPPIN'!!!

And make sure and stop by Victoria's blog to see her DT's projects too!

And make sure to stop by the Copic Creations blog too for some great Copic inspiration!! I'll see ya back here tomorrow!

hugz,

Suzanne

Beach-y Fun!!

Hello my friends & welcome to Thursday, hee hee!! Oh boy am I in a funky mood--giving up caffeine is soooooooooooo HARD!!! I am loopy, grumpy & super irritable--just ask my hubby, LOL! I'm hoping to get over this hurdle soon, cuz' it stinks! Why does being healthy have to be sooo hard, I ask??? ROFL! I keep thinking about how toned & thin I can be so I'll keep working, working on it---keep your fingers crossed! I think about all those useless calories I was drinking away (and no I can't stand diet soda so that's not an option)!

*****Today is your last chance to enter the oh-so-yummy BLOG CANDY over at Susana's store blog right HERE!! The prize is a set of 9 Brand New Stamps by Victoria Case for SCACD that will knock your socks off in cuteness I swear!! They will be released tomorrow morning & the DT is having a Blog Hop to celebrate! So make sure and check back for it!!***********

Moving on....I have been oh-so good these past five months and haven't bought any patterned paper (except for Basic Grey & DCWV stacks) so I went on a buying spree at All That Scraps & Emma's Paperie (oh the paper yumminess!!)! And of course I could NOT resist these cute new Sugarplum stamps by CC Designs at All That Scraps--I mean how cute are these? (All of these CC stamps are also available as digi stamps too--I like rubber tho')! I bought a bunch of these fun bath goodies at Target awhile back & just knew that I'd have stamp set to use them with! If you could see the bags of Target "gift" items I've bought over the past 8 mos. it might just shock ya, giggle---so I gotta start using more of them!!

So first up is "Surfer Emma" and I paired her with this fun Nemo-esque bubble bath soap (fish) and bath fizzy tablets. I used Lauren Meader's "Timeless Templates--Lolli-pop-Along" for both gift sets! If you haven't tried out her templates ($5 at PTI) you really should--they're so easy to put together & so many ways to use them! The fun dp is from Frances Meyer and I paired it with aqua for a nice summer pop! The flip-flops on the card are cut out & popped w/ dimensionals & then I also cut-out the flowers & popped them up too (and some stickles of course). All the images were colored with Copics and have some Shimmerz & Stickles on them!

Here are close-ups of both of the cards I did. Same layout just different stamps and sentiments from the CC Designs "Sugarplums Beach Scene" & Amy R's "Beach Sentiments".

Second set uses "Trevor Sea Shell" and he reminds me of my son sooo much--such a cutie! I used more blues on this project & the dp is from Flair Designs, perfect for this set! Aren't those whale bath goodies cute-a-licious? I've got a pink octupus & green turtle bath goodies too, hee hee--not sure what I'll do with them yet!

Just a side view to show you the holder--I attached everything with my favorite Scor-Tape so it will stay together perfectly! If you're interested in these gift sets they are for sale over on my Etsy site!! Hope you like them as much as me :o) and they were fun to do too (even w/ my caffeine deprived mopey self, LOL!).

See ya back here tomorrow for the release & Blog Hop of Victoria Case's new stamp line for Susana's Custom Art & Card Design! You won't wanna miss it!!

hugz,

Suzanne