Foster Design House

Angels & Demons

2012-01-25T10:21:00.002-06:00

... tomorrow night's class at The Scrapbook Page. I'm using all Sweet Pea Stamps (LOVE!), and I kept all of the overall designs simple to show them off:

This first one is very sweet, no? Her wings turned out awesome!

This next one is a little more somber... it might make for a good sympathy card:

She is so pretty... and the skin tone turned out just right, though it is hard to see that here. And that big, fat silver sheer ribbon from May Arts... yummy!

And finally, the little demon:

Still kinda sweet for a demon, right? And just in time for Valentine's Day :)

What do you think?

A little holiday cheer...

2011-12-17T21:21:00.000-06:00

Just thought I'd pop in here and show y'all the cards from one of my classes last month at

The Scrapbook Page:

All very clean and simple, me thinks. I used Teresa Collins' newest Christmas paper line... LOVE IT! Very bold and graphic looking with the black.

And just in case I don't get back here to say it before next weekend...

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Magazine submission loser...

2011-11-06T21:40:00.000-06:00

Dang it! I thought it was so pretty. Oh well, at least I can share it on my blog now :)

Paper: My Mind's Eye Breeze, DCWV cardstock

Other: rose trim (JoAnn's), May Arts aqua sheer ribbon

Prima: aqua flower, gemstones & distressing tool

By the way, the new distressing tool from Prima is FAN-FREAKIN'-TASTIC! I'll never need another distressing tool again. And the new craft knife is really nice, too... soooooo comfortable to hold!

So...

What do you think?

Did ya' miss me?

You should visit my other blog...

2011-09-24T22:55:00.002-05:00

... it has way more posts being updated there :) Especially this time of year. Find me at:

http://HauntedDesignHouse.blogspot.com

How Tweet...

2011-08-28T00:06:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd pop in here and show you the card we made at my last hostess club meeting awhile back. Well, actually, the one we made was a no-layer card... but there was a big black smudge at the top, so I cut it off and stuck it on a black base:

Sweet, right? Simple with a bit of whimsy since I drew the border around it free-hand. The stamp set was one from The Angel Company :)

Sad news...

2011-08-23T18:47:00.000-05:00

So the low economy has claimed yet another small business. For those of you familiar with The Angel Company, for which I am/was a demonstrator, you may have already heard. The Angel Company officially closed their doors today. I had joined the TAC team in December 2005, so for the past almost-6 years I had a wonderful and kind extended family of-sorts. I know I wasn't one of their top sellers, but they welcomed me not only as a hobbyist, but as a fellow papercrafter and artist.

Thanks for so many memories, most of which were made during Angel gatherings & Seminars. I have found several life-long friends because of TAC... and though we are no longer Angels, those friendships will live on :)

I wish Mischelle & her family all good things on their future path, and to quote the image art of TAC's final cover:

"A truly happy person is the one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour."

May everyone's detour lead to great things!

Chicago CHA 2011 trip recap and TAC stamp set candy winner! (VERY long post)

2011-07-30T02:19:00.000-05:00

Oh My Gawd, Becky. It was so awesome :) I was so lucky to have been one of the instructors from The Scrapbook Page that was able to attend CHA this summer! Thanks Cameron & Carolyn!!! I had never been to CHA before, though I always read about it on the net.... the only bad part was that we couldn't take the new stuff home with us :( The bosses asked us to make a list of what we thought would be good sellers... our lists were LLLLLOOOOONNNNNGGGG!

It was complete crafty-sensory overload for me, so I didn't snap many pictures. I have a few from my phone, but they are out of focus (my first time using the camera on it)... I'll post them here anyway :)

Tim Holtz's booth


Tim Holtz's booth

I was SO glad to see so many creepily-elegant Halloween themed lines this year! I'm not one for cutesy, though they still had plenty of those, but there were a ton of grown-up Halloween lines.
At the top of my list:

Blackbird & Nightfall by Memory Box (LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!)
Midnight Dreary by Moxxie (LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!)
Apothecary Emporium by Echo Park
Haunted Hallows by Teresa Collins
Phantom by Pink Paislee
Kraft Halloween by Canvas Corp
Trick or Treat stamp set by Darcie's (LOVE)
Tim Holtz's new Halloween dies by Sizzix

Graphic 45's booth

Canvas Corp's booth

A few non-Halloween schtuffs that were awesome:
Burlesque line by FabScraps
HUGE background stamps by Impression Obsession
sassy sentiment stamps by Art Impressions
stamp & cut sets by Sizzix
Chalkstock, velvet, burlap and canvas by Canvas Corp
Let's Face It (doll parts) & Botanical (metal findings) by ArtC
chipboard, acrylic & papers by Harmonie
AWESOME new distressing tool by Prima (LOVE LOVE LOVE)
faceted, not-so-shiny bling by Prima
re-vamped Melt-Art by Ranger
Gelatos pigment sticks by Faber-Castell
Tim Holtz's kraft resist papers


Prima's booth (freakin' awesome!!!)

Prima's booth

Prima's booth (LOVE this!!!)

I was also over-the-top lucky to attend the two Ranger classes taught by Tim Holtz! He was a fantastic instructor, had each step timed perfectly, was very well organized and really fun, too :) Not only were the class projects awesome, but the amount of product we walked away with was un-freakin'-believable! Check it out:

(not all of this is from the Ranger classes... but a BIG part of it is... hellooooo, a Melting Pot! And those big plastic bags are STUFFED full of paint, ink, tools, UTEE, art supplies and more!)

(all Ranger projects... I'm still missing a couple of knobs & a pediment, but it will get finished eventually!)

(my absolute FAVORITE from Ranger Melt Art class)

I also took the 7 Gypsies altered tray class... it is probably my favorite project of the entire week (sorry no pic). Easy to do and not very time-consuming. The fabric binding tape isn't sticking as well as I'd hope, but it's probably due to the humidity around here (hello summer... when are you leaving?!!).

Had one downer of a class, but the products we received were awesome! The class wasn't structured, the focal product wasn't shipped by the manufacturer, and the mixed-media project was just too complex for the setting.

I didn't do my Faber-Castell Gelatos / Maya Road canvas album because I wanted more time to play at home. LOVE the products, and the project is very cool. Not a papercrafting project... more mixed media.

UTEE-dipped paper flower brooch.... delightful!

I took a couple of seminar-type classes... one on copyrights and the other was how to present/teach on tv. I thought the presentation one would give me a few hints to better present/instruct at my classes, but no... it was more like "how to present on HSN", "don't wear red or white" type stuff. The copyright seminar was very informative.

Shrink plastic on a whole new level :)

Whew, right? One more quick announcement... the random drawing winner of the TAC stamp set candy that I had blogged about early in July is: TRINA! Email me with your snail-mail address so I can send that out to you!

I also received a HUGE mound of rubbah stamps from TAC this week... I couldn't wait to redeem my gift certificates from Seminar, plus some of the sets with which I designed samples for the catalogue were in there :)

It's gonna take awhile to cut them all out, but what BLISS!!

What do you think?

Thank You Peony...

2011-07-08T13:51:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd share the other "thank you" card I made last weekend. More coloring... I find it really hard to NOT color on my cards now. Which kinda blows when I need to get a bunch done in a little amount of time :P

This is from Dotted Peony, which is another new Nina B. stamp set from The Angel Company:

Super simple card, one teensie little bow & a bit o' Tim Holtz texture. I am LOVING that large sentiment from For Everything... I wish we had a whole set of LARGE sentiments for card fronts.

What do you think?

Wednesday Card Quickie...

2011-07-06T18:46:00.000-05:00

I needed a couple of super quick & easy "thank you" cards to send out this week, so I thought I'd share :)

I don't know if this first card could get any more CAS:

Yep, card base, one stamped sentiment, one stamped border & one Copic marker & blender :)

The recipient of this card is a very elegant & CAS cardmaker, so I tried to emulate that.

I'll share my other one tomorrow!

What do you think?

Stamps: For Everything (TAC)

Cardstock: White 110# (PTI)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo

Copics: BG10, 0

America I Love

2011-07-01T21:48:00.000-05:00

Check out this sweet new image from The Angel Company! It's called "America I Love" and it is one of the new Rewards sets available only by having a TAC party or by being a member of my monthly Card Club.

(click for larger view)

I colored this cutie while I was at Seminar and finally had a chance to create a QUICK card. I used one of the Tim Holtz texture plates that we now carry... LOVE it!

I'm so glad we were able to receive this as part of our swag this past weekend... it came in handy for THIS weekend :)

I hope you all have a safe and festive July 4th!

The Angel Company Seminar 2011 recap...

2011-06-30T15:25:00.001-05:00

**warning... this is a long-winded post!**

Yeah, I know... I'm late with this considering I traveled back home on Sunday, but I'm still playing catch-up. I haven't even unpacked and put away all of the goodies we received yet! I had so much fun... but then I always do when I go to Seminar :)

Ok, I started off last Wednesday morning, Wichita bound. I had my list of stamp/scrapbook stores and the Garmin gps (aka Bitchin' Betty) was programmed and ready to go! I made great time and didn't get lost once :) (well, just a little bit on Thursday). My favorite store is still Mrs. O'Leary's... they have the BEST Halloween and collage stamps. And the store is so eclectic... you never know what little fabulous trinket you'll find hiding in a drawer or tucked behind something else. Let's just say, I'm glad I budgeted correctly before arriving ;)

After the "Cannonball Run" shopping excursion, I was off to see my WOSFF (web-o-sphere friend forever), Laurie W.! Oh how I love her :) We had a nice relaxing visit... which we both needed! Her new stamp room is amazing... me so jealous! I so wish we could have visited longer, but Thursday I had to get up EARLY to drive back into Wichita for the Copic Intermediate Certification class...

The class was great... a lot of it was definitely a refresher from those college classes I took oh-so-long ago :) Debbie Olsen was a fab instructor, and if anyone has trouble with shading and shadow, this course is well worth it.

We had a break for dinner and Mischelle Smith (TAC owner) had asked the catalogue cover designers to join her & Debbie R (also with TAC) at a local restaurant... well, we think it was local... we were driving forever... it could have been in Oklahoma for all we know (just kidding) :)

Angela K, Deb M, Risa A & myself didn't even eat our dinner... we were too busy scanning over the new catalogue, trying to memorize it until the next morning when it would be revealed :) It was such a great time... and the look on Angela's face when we saw that she was the covergirl... PRICELESS! Fab work, my friend!! All of the cover submissions from everyone were just fantastic... and seeing them in person, there are so many details to catch!

The classes and demos were awesome all weekend... the TAC Dream Team designers did a phenomenal job, and it is so interesting to see everyone's teaching style. We were lucky enough to have a few demos from Susan, the stamping cop from Tsukineko :) I must have Potion #9 now... thanks, Susan!

Banquet night was fun... except for that funky watermelon & cucumber cold soup... what?! Uh, ewww. Well, that and when I had to go on stage for being this year's Star Recruiter... what?! Yep, I've got another tiara, because they are sooooooooo me ;)

The best part of the night was watching Angela's face every time she had to go up on stage... that whole deer-in-the-headlights kinda thing. And she got Angel of the Year... which she TOTALLY deserves... you are amazing, Angela!!! I'm so glad we finally got to meet after all these years!

The Halo's luncheon was fun... Mary (Angel #001, & Mischelle's mom) is freakin' hilarious. No, really. Thanks for keeping it lively, Mary ;) And I sat next to Avis A, who really is a sweetie... why don't we get together more often, we're not that far away from each other?!

(Michelle McD & Danni B)

This year, I was lucky enough to get to room with Michelle McD again!!! And I also finally got to meet & room with Danni B. Danni didn't know what she got herself into... light sleeper... SUCKER! Giggling in the wee hours of the morning over off-the-wall, completely random poll questions initiated by Michelle... I'm still snickering over some :) Not to mention Michelle & I like it very cold... not Danni. We gave her our blanket though... we're nice like that :) And I swear that the beds got smaller this year... I didn't think we got wider... but maybe that's just me hoping ;) Unless Michelle was just trying to spoon me. We may never know >:)

(this picture does no justice... 28 stamp sets alone!)

And finally, the swag! Yeah! OMG, Becky, it was so much :) I ended up with like 28 stamp sets, 6 paper packs, a matchbook kit, fun project samples & instructions, an awesome uber-girly purse, a HUGE metal flower ring that is more like a throwing star (it will come in handy in dark parking lots), a tiara & gift certificates to be redeemed on MORE stamps/papers/whatever in the catalogue! The Angel Company really knows how to spoil us! And I know that when the attendance is low at seminar, they can really UP the swag... but still... this was amazing!

I am really fired up to get to stamping again! And though my day job is important, I really need it to slow down so I can enjoy my FUN job! Now, if you read this entire thing and made it all the way to here, then leave a comment for a chance to win a new stamp set from the catalogue... I'm not telling you which one, but it's rubbah, right?! In your comment, I need you to tell me what your favorite kind of card is to make... see, easy!

Also, TAC is having a fabulous new Angel Starter Kit special for the month of July:

Standard Starter Kit includes the following:
Catalog Bundle (10 catalogs)
Current promo set of the Month
T3273 Everyday All Day Booking Stamp Set
Order Forms
Recruit Brochures
Funshop Invites
Policy Manual (available online)
The Angel Company Logo Stamp
Foundations Collection (Premium White Cardstock)
Penelope Soar With It Collection
Natalee Soar With It Collection
5 Choice Paper Collections (1 Classic SWIC, 2 SWIC, 1 WIC, 1 DC)

Acrylic mounting Starter Kit
Noir Black Palette Ink Pad
7 stamp sets (you select from all price points)

AND IN JULY ONLY:

8 ~ Level A Rewards Sets ~ your choice from any current catalogue

2 ~ Level B Rewards Sets ~ your choice from any current catalogue

1 ~ Level C Rewards Set ~ your choice from any current catalogue

This promotion is valid through the month of July, so what are you waiting for? Contact me with any questions, to get a catalogue, and/or to sign-up! My contact info is at the top of my blog HERE. And to see the new catalogue online, go HERE!

New TAC catalogue set previews... Day 3

2011-06-26T09:00:00.002-05:00

Last day of new stuff for this week... I'm probably THINKING about getting out of bed and packing for the trip home right about now. Lucky for you I scheduled this post ;)

Anyway, let's get to it:

Awwwwwww, right?! Now let me just say that this would NOT be happening at my house. I hate it when the puppies kiss me... I'd much rather just snuggle up with them :) What about the rest of the set?

Cute! LOVE LOVE LOVE this set, being the dog lover I am :) Just look at the other main image of this set!

What do you think?

New TAC catalogue set previews... Day 2

2011-06-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

Today, a super quick post... and a super simple card:

Cute little puppy, no?! I decided to dig into my scrap pile for this one. I think this will be good to pop in with a little giftie. Wanna see the rest of the set?

LOVE that purse the chick is carrying, don't you? Not to mention the top right sentiment pair... heee heee.

Well, one more day of peeks tomorrow, and then maybe a Seminar recap next week!

What do you think?

New TAC catalogue set previews... Day 1

2011-06-24T10:00:00.003-05:00

Seminar is here! Well, more like I'm at Seminar :P Anyway, as promised, I am gonna share a few quick peeks at some new sets from the new catalogue from The Angel Company! The first two will be super simple, small, but cute ;)

First up is this little cutie:

ACK! Told ya'... ca-yoot! This little one is from the set called "Pocket Peepers" which is an add-on set that goes with "Friends and Pockets". Wanna see what both of those look like?

Fun stuff, right? LOVE the fancy pocket design... I might be using that one a lot :) And just look at that frog... and the daisies... and that BABY... seriously sweet.

Don't forget to pop by tomorrow for another peek!

What do you think?

More Not-so-Emo cards...

2011-06-09T21:46:00.000-05:00

I forgot to post the other two that go with my previous post! One for the boys and one for the girls:

Such a cute image! And now my FAVORITE of the three:

Is she not adorable?! I know! There's no more room in the class next week using the store Copic markers, but if you bring your own Copics, I can make you up a kit & you can attend the class!!

Just contact The Scrapbook Page :)

What do you think?

Not-so-Emo Teens card class in June!

2011-05-28T13:16:00.000-05:00

June 16th at The Scrapbook Page, I'll be teaching another Copic class... this one is perfect for those tweens & teens in your life :) We'll be doing a total of three cards... here's the first:

"Mwah Betty"

Don't you just LOVE her green hair?! And those huge eyes!

Sorry I can't give you all the deets for this one... but if you come to class I will ;) Just call and sign up over the phone at The Page... see you there!

What do you think?

One more Mythical Creature feature...

2011-05-14T11:32:00.000-05:00

I thought she deserved to have a post all her own :) This is the third card we'll be doing in Thursday's class. L.O.V.E. her!

This image is Jeweled from Sweet Pea Stamps:

Isn't she lovely? I ran out of time to foof up the background of the image, but the white sure sets it off, right?

I decided to give her a belly button :) I thought it worked out. Her tail was sooooooo much fun to color & try to get to look dimensional. And I think her skin coloring worked beautifully.

I used Basic Grey's Jordan from the Olivia line, and Mellow Birch... two VERY different papers that paired perfectly for this image! Blinginess of note: webbed trim, sheer ribbon, pearls & glitter pen accents.

I'm entering this little lovely in the
In A Sweet Pea Dream - Bling it Up challenge,
and the Basic Grey - Mix & Match challenge.

What do you think?

Upcoming class at The Scrapbook Page...

2011-05-14T11:12:00.003-05:00

Mythical Creatures.

Sounds fun, right? I'm pretty excited about it... I just love teaching :) And we'll be using some Sweet Pea Stamps... fantastic fantasy art style rubber stamps. LOVE them. The class is sold out, but there is always a chance that someone will cancel ;) It's Thursday the 19th at 6:30pm at The Scrapbook Page. Wanna see what we'll be doing? Check it:

First up, this cute little dragon baby. Adorable, right? I know! LOVE how the egg turned out! I saw this paper and knew I had to use it with this image... kinda looks like large scales AND the dragon egg shape matches them perfectly :)

This is the Sugar & Spice Dragon from SPS. I just can't get over how cute she is... not the coloring, just the image alone :)

Next up, this sadly sweet steampunk fairy:

LOVE how she turned out. I decided to make the metal pink... I mean she IS a fairy after all :)

Seriously loving her armor... especially how it fades into her chest... pretty cool me thinks. I am not happy with her hair... I should have added a more defined part line or something.

This is one of the two images in the Sheet 3 Plate 104 steampunk faires from Sweet Pea Stamps. I can't really give you any more info about these cards unless you attend my class... sorry >:)

Don't you wanna come to my class?!! Just wait until you see my next post for the final card ;) The store has already placed a second order for these images and we haven't even had the class yet!!

I'm also entering both of these into the Bling it Up challenge at the In a Sweet Pea Dream blog. Glitter, ribbon, beads & rhinestones... pretty blingy, no?

What do you think?

Blog candy alert...

2011-05-04T12:06:00.000-05:00

... over at my Haunted Design House blog.

If you want a little kreepy-kandy-korn-of-sorts, head on over :) And then be sure to scroll down & check out some of the weird and wonderful projects the Macabre Minions have been cooking up ;)

Happy Birthday to my WOSFF, Laurie Willison!

2011-05-01T12:00:00.015-05:00

This is definitely a day to celebrate! And we're doing it in style, with a birthday blog hop :)

Please click to make larger.

What is a WOSFF, you ask? It stands for web-o-sphere friend forever, of course :) In the short time that we've known each other, I have grown to love her as a TRUE friend. She is THE sweetest person, with a big HEART, and one of the MOST genuine people I've ever met. She's a bit of a country girl (yikes!) and one of the LEAST creepy people I know

(creepy in that Halloweenie-horror-movie-OMG-what-was-that kind of way)

Why do you talk to me, Laurie???? ;)


Please click to make larger.

Our papercrafting styles are very different. Every time I try the clean-and-simple look, it just doesn't work... Laurie has it down to a "t"!! CAS, yet detailed all at the same time... me so jealous >:)

So even though I don't pull it off as well as you, I decided to give the CAS another try... just for you :)

Please click to make larger.

There are several wonderfully talented ladies in this fun birthday romp... be sure to check them out:

Amy

Jen

Eva

You are here ---> Barb

Keva

Sue Ann

 Happy Birthday, Laurie!!!

I hope it is the best one yet :)

Card details:

Stamps (The Angel Company):  Simple Starters, Love You (hostess set)

Paper (The Angel Company):  white ultrasmooth & kraft cardstocks

Ink:  Ballet Blue & Burnt Umber Palettes

Other:  Labels One Nestabilities, aqua ribbon (Waste Not Paper)

            wood grain & canvas texture plates (PTI), pearls (Recollections)

Awwwwww.... cuteness alert

2011-04-06T19:23:00.000-05:00

I know, right?! This is my Heidi. I decided to do a little photo shoot of her Royal Cuteness with her duckie (or chickie?). Anyway, when Poot was moving furniture around in the bedroom, he threw Duckie on the bed from atop of the armoire.

No, this was not staged! ACK! Ca-YOOT-ness.

Heidi jumps up on the bed to sniff Duckie and decided to claim him as her own. She lays on him, spoons him or hugs him... isn't that sweet?

And no, she's not winking... she's our little one-eyed bruiser :)

Fiendishly Fun Friday, HDH081 - Dastardly Diva, Macabre Mistress style...

2011-03-25T20:56:00.000-05:00

Woo Hoo, baby... I was able to play along my Haunted Design House blog challenge this week, and I thought I'd share it over here, too! And though my card doesn't exude a lot of dastardliness, the image is still smokin' hot :)

Yowsa! If I batted for the same team, I think I'd be turned on right about now...

I had a lot of fun coloring up this awesome image from Barbara Jensen: Poison Ivy. The look in her eyes is enough to call this one a dastardly diva! Since she was earthy feeling, I used some paper from DCWV's green stack & got all flowery with fabric & stick pin flowers. The ribbon is some random awesomeness I came across at Michaels last year. Sentiment is from TAC's Joy, Found.

I could not capture the coloring of Ivy as good as it is in person, so you'll have to trust me ':) These are the Copic colors I used for her skin: E11, E01, E00, E000, R02 (cheeks)

Hair: E07, YR18, YR15, YR12

Ivy: can't remember... oopsie!

Well kids... you still have a few days left to enter your Dastardly Divas for the HDH081 challenge!! Be sure to enter for a chance to win some fabulousness from Barbara Jensen's shop!

Quickie card...

2011-03-22T22:55:00.000-05:00

REALLY quick :) This super clean and simple card was made with a JoAnn's $1 clear stamp. I'm not a fan of clear stamps, but it was a buck, and I can use it to mass produce cards for a real estate buddy of mine :)

Bazzill & Neenah cardstocks, ribbon & "happy" from The Angel Company, Memento Tuxedo ink & Copic markers.

What do you think?

Tuesday quickie post...

2011-03-08T11:38:00.000-06:00

...since I'm supposed to be working and all.

Super easy cards today... the first one is from my stamp club night last month:

I love making cards with DCWV's 8x8 scalloped cardstock... it adds just the right amount of foof on an otherwise super-simple card.

Stamps: Toot My Horn, Happy Thoughts

Paper: DCWV, white Ultrasmooth & black cardstocks

Ink: Noir & Moulin Rouge Palettes

Other: Scor-Bug & Scor-Pal, Bone Scrapper's Floss, white ribbon, Glossy Accents, Pop Dots, buttons & black pen

And finally, a truly tiny-scrappy card:

I think it's about 2-1/2" square maybe? Just the right size to drop in a bag or leave on a desk for a little pick-me-up.

Stamps: Fleur Birdies, retired sentiment from Playful Pets

Paper: scarlet & black cardstocks

Ink: Palette Noir

Other: unbleached muslin, rhinestone, MM trim, Smooch Spray, edge distresser

That's it! Now back to the grindstone... ugh.

What do you think?

More Steampunk class cards...

2011-02-24T13:24:00.000-06:00

I don't know if there are any spots left still, but here are two more of the cards for my upcoming All Occasion Steampunk Copic card class on March 21st at The Scrapbook Page:

This is Mercius... don't you just love that name?! The steampunk images are from a line of stamps from Simply Betty Stamps... I'm on her design team, too :) This pic was done on the scanner, so the colors are really muted compared to the real thing.

And these other pictures are too green, but it shows depth better.

Yep... waaaay too green. We'll be using papers from Graphic 45's Steampunk Debutante line... LOVE it!

This is Annie... very muted color combo, but I really wanted to use both sides of this paper. Annie may be my favorite image from this line so far. Anyway, don't forget to sign up for the class!

That's it for today, kids. I'm off to play and then go give a little talk about papercrafting to a local Girl Scout troop later :)

What do you think?

Help for Katie

2011-02-20T11:00:00.004-06:00

Cancer seems to touch all of our lives in some way. Maybe it's a family member, friend or co-worker. A mother of your BFF, an aunt or a web-o-sphere buddy. It's real, and it sucks. No matter what kind it is. Many of you may know all about Katie Renz's battle with cancer, however if you don't please go here: http://www.help4katie.blogspot.com

Katie seems like an amazing woman, and I want to help... and you can help too!
All you have to do is make a $15 donation, and you get this lovely digital stamp collection:

This is the second edition set for Help for Katie. Some fabulous contributors have come together to donate the monies from this set to help Katie and her family.

Though Katie has stomach cancer, I thought I'd use this opportunity to create a card for the mother of a very dear friend of mine who has breast cancer. The sentiment is totally fitting for my friend and her mom... I mean, not that they are bitches... well... ok... my friend IS a self-proclaimed bitch, so there ya' go :)

I colored-up Simply Betty Stamp's Katie digi with Copic markers and used the cardstock and paper from The Angel Company's Lily Anna collection. Super clean and simple card to keep the focus where it should be :)

Don't forget to donate to the Cause at the Help for Katie blog!

I'm the Guest Designer over on the TAC Savvy Blog today!

2011-02-17T00:09:00.001-06:00

Happy almost Friday! First off, I would like to thank Mischelle & The Angel Company for asking me to be a part of this fun & excitement-building month of stampiness { that would be "happiness" with stamps ;) } You should definitely bookmark the TAC Savvy Blog... there is a lot of February Fabulousness going on over there!

Disclaimer: this is one LONG freakin' post... so get comfy :)

Today I will be showcasing the stamp set Sunshine. And I know what you are thinking...

... yeah, right... The Mistress of the Macabre will be working with a sunflower and a happy sentiment?!

{insert loud thud here}

I'll wait for you to pull yourself up off the floor & back into your chair...

...

Hi! Welcome back, and yes! It's true :) The moment I saw this set I loved it. And the first time I colored one of the images, I loved it even more! These particular images lend themselves to be easily used with a large range of coloring media... and you know I loves to color ;) So today I'm showing you how the same image looks using three different coloring techniques.

First up, the good ol' standby:

Prismacolor pencils and mineral oil

blended with artist blending stumps

I ACTUALLY made a video of this technique and edited it... but even after cutting it down (and very choppy, by the way) it is still like 9 minutes long. Oi. Me thinks no one has THAT much patience to watch a technique video, so I didn't upload it :)

When I color with Prismas & MO, I tend to work dark to light... similar to when I color with Copic markers. I make sure that I leave some white areas so that I can just swipe over them to wash them with a bit of color to create natural color highlights. This is a more realistic highlight rather than just leaving an area completely white. Sometimes I also use the white Prisma to further blend... this particular pencil doesn't give you an "in-your-face" wash of white, but instead is very subtle.

Supplies: Sunshine, Premium White cardstock, Noir Palette ink, Prismacolor pencils, mineral oil, blending stumps, Scor-Buddy & Scor-Bug

Pencil colors used: Mineral Orange, Goldenrod, Yellow Ochre, Light Umber, Jasmine, White (petals)

Dark Umber, Dark Brown, Tuscan Red, Light Umber, Goldenrod (center)

Kelp Green, Olive Green, White (leaves)

Next up:

Lyra Aquacolor Crayons and the Niji Waterbrush

When I hosted my very first FunShop before becoming an Angel with TAC, these Aquacolors were my first half-price item :) Love love LOVE them. And the Waterbrush makes life so easy. These two items together make you feel like you can be an artist... silly, I know... but it's true.

Notice that this image is much lighter... in color and in the feeling of it overall. It is much more blended, but the depth is also more subtle.

When using watercolors, you can use a wet-on-wet technique for subtle shading or transparency, or wait for the colors to dry between applications for a bolder & more opaque look. I used both of these techniques here. Again, I worked from dark to light, and used similar shading/highlighting nuances as when using Prismacolors with MO.

What I like most about Aquacolors, is that you truly have a limitless color palette. You can mix so many colors, add black to make it darker, add water to lighten... on and on. And BONUS... you can color directly to rubber stamps, mist with water, and stamp your image to create a wonderful watercolor silhouette.

Did you know you can remove watercolor paint from paper? Simply empty your brush of all pigment and wet the area you want to whiten, lifting off the color from the paper & swiping it off on a towel. This may take several passes, and you want to be careful of over-saturating your paper, but it works.

Supplies: Sunshine, Swooping Sentiments, Sands of Time paper, Premium White cardstock, Burnt Umber, Landscape & Noir Palette inks, Lyra Aquacolor crayons, Niji Waterbrush, Willoughby ribbon, Pop Dots, & a hole punch.

Aquacolors: 13082, 13083, 13084, 13004 (petals); 13075, 13092, 13076, 13080, 13083 (center); 13074, 13068, 13070 (leaves)

Ok kids. The last technique covered today:

Copic Markers

Yeah... you knew that one was coming :) I'll admit it. I was one of those people that said I would NEVER get into Copics because they are too expensive... and they're "just markers". I've been eating crow ever since. I'm hooked. Let me put it into perspective for you: I used to be a craft store clearance aisle girl. I would buy all of this sale stuff thinking that I'd eventually make some cool altered items for gifts, etc. Ya' wanna know where all that stuff is now? Yep, on my shelves gathering dust or in the boxes marked for the garage sale :)

This is what I do now: I still fill my cart with those sale items, but then I count up how much money I would spend on, let's face it, junk. I then figure out how many Copics that would buy, and I put it all back. I save that amount of money and put it toward buying more markers. :)

Yes... yes I do.

Ok, enough story time... onto the last bit of coloring goodness for today :)

As you've gathered from reading THE FREAKIN' NOVEL that I just wrote above, I'm one of those people that color dark to light when using Copics. I think I use less ink in the long run, and I don't worry about over-saturating my paper (which then leads to ink bleeding outside the image). If you compare the three sunflowers showcased, you'll notice that this one is by far the boldest & richest in color, detailed yet blended, and the most realistic (in my opinion). I'm sure that the card details (lace, pearls, etc.) help in swaying my mind, but if you focus on just the flower itself in each instance, you can see what I'm sayin' :)

I used a stippling (dots) technique for the center, feathering (flicked lines) technique for the petals, and the usual blended circle motion for the leaves.

Supplies: Sunshine, Caboodle White cardstock, kraft cardstock, Emma papers, Memento Tuxedo ink, Burnt Umber Palette ink, Willoughby ribbon, misc. lace, Pearl gems, & Pop Dots.

Copics: YR24, YR23, YR21 (petals); E59, E29, E09, E25, E35, 0, YR23 (center); G99, G94, G82, 0 (leaves)

So if you made it all the way to here without getting too bored, I thank you!! :) I will continue to see if I can figure out the whole video-tutorial thing, and if I do I will post it on my main blog, FosterDesignHouse. I plan on making tutorials for many more techniques, so you may want to check back :) And be sure to come back to the Savvy blog for more February Fabulous-ness all month long!

****edited to add: I FINALLY got the Prismacolor blending video uploaded to YouTube... and it's a long one :) You can view it below or HERE on YouTube.

What do you think?

Last two Fairy cards for my upcoming class...

2011-02-15T10:25:00.000-06:00

I'm swamped with work, so this post will be full of pictures, but not-so-much with words

{was that a sigh of relief I just heard?!}

Don't you just love pink hair?! Doesn't her skirt look like an upside down crocus or maybe a tulip bud?

I saved my favorite for last! Love love LOVE her :)

Sweet and slightly dark, right?

LOVE how her hair turned out! And what about the sheer sleeves?

Again, I can't share the details of these cards unless you take the class... sorry ;)

The class will be held February 21st from 6:30-8:30 at The Scrapbook Page.

So, what do you think?

A sunny card for a cold winter's night...

2011-02-09T19:13:00.000-06:00

I thought I'd share another one of the All Occasion Fairy cards I'll be teaching on Monday, February 21st at The Scrapbook Page. And since it is soooooooo freakin' cold outside, this one just may bring a little sunshine into your life :)

This is Darby and Bumbles... aren't they both the cutest?! And just look at those bright colors... can't believe it was me that used them, can ya'? I know! But I need a little warmth & sunshine right now: the past few days have been totally sucky... and not in a good way... I'm just sayin'.

ACK! Cah-yoot-ness!! Just look at that face.

So, iffen you want all the details for this card, you have to come to my class :) Suckers ';)

And don't forget to tune in to Mischelle's blog on Thursday February 17th for my Guest Designer stint over there... I'm still trying to work on a video for that...

uh, yeah... riiiiiiiiight...

What do you think?

Help the technologically challenged...

2011-01-31T22:45:00.000-06:00

Yes, that would be me. Thanks for asking. :) I'm in need of some free & EASY digital video editing software. I've been shooting a couple of tutorials with our digital camcorder, but they are waaaaaaaaaaaaay too long. In fact, they would be just about right if I could just change the speed to fast-forward the whole time :) It's not like I'm talking throughout the thing... although I would also need to add some text to the video to explain schtuff.

I just downloaded the Windows MovieMaker, but evidently my video card is total sheeee-ite (according to the little pop up window) and so the program won't run. You would think that since I'm married to a compu-nerd that I would have some stellar system... evidently not. Wienie. Sooooooo... any ideas?

February Copic Class at The Scrapbook Page...

2011-01-29T21:31:00.000-06:00

... and it's all about fairies! Yep, on February 21st I'll be showcasing four different CC Designs stamps... all fairies... well, actually one is a pixie ;)

Here is one of them. And I used RED! I KNOW... I can't believe it either... Laurie, what's wrong with me?!

And me, being me, I just HAD to make her just a wee bit wicked ;) Black wings... BUT they still sparkle! And I am very proud of myself on the coloring of her boo-tay... like satin, right?!

And once again, to get all of the details for this bad boy, you have to come take my class :) Just contact The Scrapbook Page to reserve your spot!

I'll be back with some more pictures of this class as well as the Valentine's Treat Class that's on the 7th. Fun stuff!

What do you think?

Snowman blog hop winner!

2011-01-28T12:01:00.000-06:00

Real quick post today... but it's a good one :)

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2011-01-28 17:55:38 UTC

" laurlynn said...: Love the card... it just makes me smile!
January 25, 2011 1:01 PM "

Congratulations to Laurlynn! Please email me your mailing address and I'll get your goodies out to you!

My email address

Thanks to everyone you left a comment!

March of the Snowmen Blog Hop!

2011-01-25T08:00:00.031-06:00

Here it is! The Second Annual March of the Snowmen Blog Hop!

We had so much fun with it last year, we decided to do it all again :) To jog your memory, HERE is the march from last year.

We've got some very talented & inspirational artists and crafters throughout this hop, so you won't want to miss a blog! Not to mention that most of us will be giving away a bit of BLOG CANDY along the way! Be sure to see the details about that at the bottom of this post :)

Now... onward march!

I've chosen to keep it nice and simple today... one little ol' card with one little ol' snowman :) Don't you just LOVE him? He's from Stampendous and he just makes me smile.

See?

Not a lot of foof... just a bit of Copic coloring and some glittah baby :) So as to not bore you with all of it here, just page down a bit for the card details.

And please check out what the rest of these wonderfully talented ladies have created:

Angella Crockett
*YOU ARE HERE* Barb Foster *YOU ARE HERE*
Deb Felts
Holly Brown
Jen Carter
JenMarie Taylor
Joan Ervin
Julie Ranae
Kim Sears
Laurie Willison
Linda Lucas
Lynn Stevens
Pam Imholz
Patti Gilliam
Sue Pelletier
Stacy Rogers
Melisa Waldorf

And now... about the blog candy:

I just so happened to have just finished moving my studio from one room to another, so I found a PLETHORA of new, fabulous finds to give away! So as to not ruin the surprise, I'm not posting a picture...

{insert slightly evil laugh here}

...just know that there will be stamps, inks, trinkets and more to be had! All you have to do is leave a comment! Becoming a Follower is always a plus, but not necessary... but how will you find out if you win?! ;)

What do you think?!

Card details:

Stamp: "Jolly Snowman" Stampendous

Paper: Echo Park pp, Bazzill & Neenah cardstocks

Ink: Tuxedo Memento

Other: American Crafts stick pins, EK Success edger punch, Fiskars decorative scissors, misc. twill & glitter

Copic markers: 0, BG0000, BG10, BG13, G94, G99, R81, R85, YR14, YR18

Upcoming class at The Scrapbook Page

2011-01-22T12:49:00.000-06:00

February 7th at 6:30pm, I'll be teaching a fun Valentine's Treat class. I've got to get the other photos from the store, but for now here are a just a few of the MANY treat containers we'll be making:

Love is in the air... well, at least like is! And what better way to show it than by giving a little treat giftie?! This SAH-weet class is chock full of fun ideas that are a snap to replicate for family, co-workers, or the kids' school parties! Boxes, pouches, and bags... oh my! Not into Valentine's Day? Well these little beauties can easily be adapted to house treats for birthday parties, Easter, and even a little summer fun.

To reserve your spot, just call The Scrapbook Page and anyone would be happy to sign you up :) It's only $17.50!

Ugh...

2011-01-18T17:18:00.000-06:00

My creative mojo has gone missing again. I couldn't even find it for a class that I'm teaching tonight! And even though it is against my better judgment, I'm going to share these not-so-hot cards with y'all today.

First up, my "Love ya' bots" (get it, love ya' lots) card... very cute play on words me thinks, but the card kinda sucks. It was really late at night, and wasn't feelin' it.

Next up, a card that started out wonderful and ended up as a whoopsie. I'm going to do it over again, and this time I'm gonna leave off the vertical hearts & the three dots on the right. And I'm gonna make sure that the cute little owl is centered.

And believe it or not, the pinks really do match in person. Once again, my sucky photo-taking skills show up. But I'm moving on!

This last one, I actually like a little bit. Next time I might not make as many heart balloons, but otherwise, it's pretty cute.

I paper-pieced the car & colored the rest with Prismacolor pencils & mineral oil blending. I masked the heart balloons and drew in the streamers & mini-heart exhaust. And of course, Stickles glitter glue is my friend :)

What do you think?

Card details:

Love Ya' Bots: Robots stamp set, Catelynne dp, kraft & Caboodle White cs, DCWV brown cs, Reece ribbon, Prismacolor pencils

Owl Love You: Be Square, He Likes Me, Fabulous Frames, Awesome Blossoms, & Love You stamp sets, Lilly Anna dp, Lilly Anna & white ultrasmooth cs, Bazzill & misc. grey cs, Jewel Tone chalks, Dove Blender, Juliette ribbon, button, misc. glitter

Love Bug: Bug of Fun & He Likes Me stamp sets, Uptown Girl dp, black & premium white cs, paper piercer, Prismacolor pencils, Glossy Accents, Icicle Stickles, Micron pen

Mark your calendars...

2011-01-18T15:20:00.000-06:00

Lookie at what is coming your way:

Last year was SO much fun that we've decided to do it again. Be sure to check back and hop around for inspiration as well as a few blog candy giveaways!

Happy Birthday, Amy K!!

2010-12-30T06:00:00.012-06:00

Amy, in honor of this day, I have created this lover-ly card :) So pretend, for a moment, that you opened your mailbox and lovingly ripped open a big fat envelope from me, ok? HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope today is the best one yet!

Truth be told, my WOSFF (web-o-sphere friend forever) Laurie im'd me yesterday afternoon reminding me that it was Amy's birthday... after I kicked myself for forgetting, I said I'd love to hop along with the girls today :)

Disclaimer: please excuse the poor picture quality...especially the colors! You may want to click to enlarge, but it still might not help :)

By some strange coincidence, I managed to leave the dreaded office early & rushed around to create what you are seeing now... maybe I should work under pressure more often? It looks WAY better in person... trust me.

Stamps: Swooping Sentiments, Victorian Elements (The Angel Company)

Cardstock: kraft (TAC), plum (Papertrey)

Ink: VersaMark, Eggplant VersaMagic

Other: linen texture plate (Papertrey), ribbon (Hobby Lobby),

rose trim (JoAnn's), pearls (unknown), Scor-Tape

Amy has such a fabulous style to cardmaking... simple but detailed. It's hard to do, but she makes it look easy :) So, this card may be a little more foofy, but I was trying to channel you, Amy!

For some more birthday card inspiration, check out these ladies:

Laurie

Jen

Sue Ann

Happy Birthday Blog-Hopping!

My Top 10 Cards of 2010 Blog Hop

2010-12-27T23:57:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Weyremaster, Suzi, has organized a fun blog hop to round out the year!

All you have to do to join in, is create a post on your blog entitled

'My Top Ten Cards of 2010'. Then link that post to Suzi's post, using the inlinkz tool at the bottom of her post... please visit that post to see details about prizes along the hop!

And I figured since I maintain two blogs, I'd do this twice :)

Sooooooooo, here are my faves for the year:

Images by The Angel Company

Image by Simply Betty Stamps

Images by: The Angel Company (witch, swirl, hat),

Bad Axe Stamps (broom), Viva Las Vegas Stamps (sentiment)

Image & papers by The Angel Company

All items from The Angel Company

Images & paper by The Angel Company

Images by: Kraftin' Kimmie (girl), The Angel Company (sentiment)

Image by The Angel Company (sentiment)

All items from The Angel Company

Image & paper by The Angel Company

What do you think?

Happy Holidays from Foster Design House!

2010-12-23T19:06:00.000-06:00

My last (only?) Winter holiday card for you this year... and actually it isn't really THAT holiday-ish... me thinks I could send this anytime. And let me say that every time I use Stickles or glitter, I can't get the color balance & lighting right, so once again we have photos of the sucky variety :)

Nice sentiment, right? Yeah. I like it, too :) It's from Stamp Insanity. I'm picturing the adorable little Octopode Factory Angel yelling at the Christmas tree... like a few bulbs are out or something :)

Yes... yes... I like to make up little stories for my cards. And that's just one of the MANY reasons why y'all come back to FDH all the time, right?!

I hope you and yours have a very Happy Winter holiday, and a joyful & prosperous New Year!

~Barb

Sneak peek for an upcoming Copic class!

2010-12-16T20:57:00.000-06:00

Real quick post tonight. I thought I'd share one of the cards we'll be making in an upcoming class at

The Scrapbook Page! The new calendar isn't out & sign-up hasn't begun, but in late January I'll be teaching an all occasion card class... Steampunk style. Kinda excited about it. :)

What do you think?

December 9th Copic Card Class at The Page...

2010-11-27T14:31:00.001-06:00

There may be a couple of openings left in my upcoming All Occasion Cards - Flowers, Copic Class at The Scrapbook Page on December 9th 6:30-8:30pm... I haven't checked yet :) But I thought I'd show you what we'll be making:

We'll be coloring a spring flower, a summer sunflower, a holly sprig (winter flower), and a graphic kaleidoscope flower. The graphic flower one is actually a gift-card holder inside!

If you want to know the details about these, you'll have to come to class :) Sly, right? Just go to The SBP's website for sign-up info:

The Scrapbook Page

What do you think?

Steampunk Annie & a CARDS blog challenge...

2010-11-16T19:00:00.000-06:00

Hello again my friends! Today I wanted to share a mini-card... the challenge came from the CARDS blog. Just click the link to find out the details :)

I love mini-cards... they do not have a lot of 'real estate' with which to work, so the challenge comes from trying to foof up a pretty small canvas :) I worked with one of the new Steampunk Gang digis from Simply Betty Stamps... LOVE them! She commissioned a new artist that has such a wonderful style.

I chose salmon, olive & mustard as a color palette, which I think compliments the image very well. I added lace & velvet trims along with the metal elements to add to the whole vintage steampunk genre.

I packed this little 3x3 card with quite a bit of punch, no?

Digi: Steampunk Annie (Simply Betty Stamps)

Paper: Bazzill & Caboodles white cardstock

Ink: Burnt Umber Palette

Other: MM mini-eyelets & oval pearl, Nesties, misc. lace & velvet trims, metal findings, foam tape

Copics: E000, E00, E01, R02, R05, R08, YG93, YG95, YG97, YR20, YR21, YR23, YR24

What do you think?

Deck the Halls Blog Hop

2010-11-12T11:04:00.002-06:00

To get all the information on how YOU can play along with this hop, just head over to Mischelle's blog!

Well, I ran out of time to do something fabulous for this hop, so I'm just sharing a couple of no-frills Copic Christmas cards that we made in my Hostess Club & Creative Class Night this week :)

First up, super simple and all in pink & green... a little snowangel :)

Stamps: Merriest Wishes, Cuddly Christmas, Ornamental Snowflakes

Paper: Pop Rockz dp, Lily Anna, Mia's Cottage & Caboodles white cardstocks

Ink: Memento Tuxedo, Palette Chartreuse

Other: Crystal Stickles, misc. sheer ribbon, foam tape

Copic Markers: 0, B000, E55, E57, RV00, RV10, RV11, YG01, YG03, YR15, YR18

Next up, a Christmas Duck decked out in teal...

Photos aren't so hot... this looks waaaay better in person... trust me >:)

What I was trying to show in class was different ways to color white... because white isn't really white. The snowangel has a blue-white tone, however I wanted the duck to be a bit warmer but still look white. Ta Da! It worked, right? :)

Stamps: Cuddly Christmas

Paper: Hemingway dp, Hemingway & Caboodles white cardstocks

Ink: Memento Tuxedo

Other: Amberly Grace ribbon, Scor-Bug, Signo white gel pen, misc. buttons

Copics: 0, BG0000, BG72, BG75, BG78, E53, YR0000, YR21, YR23, YR24

That's it for today, peeps. Have fun hopping along!
What do you think?

{tap tap tap}... yes Laurie, this thing is on :)

2010-11-08T13:44:00.001-06:00

OMG... another post so soon?! Did you just fall out of your chair? :) Well, I thought I should post about my upcoming mini-album class at The Scrapbook Page before it's over ;) The class is on November 30th and is a Winter-themed multi-media album.

WTH is multi-media? Well... it has acrylic, chipboard & canvas/denim pages, a TON of ribbon & trims, crackle paint, Stickles, Crackle medium, chalkboard ink, and a lovely little snowman digi made by me :) Also, all of the pages are shaped differently... a house, fence, birds, scallop squares, file folders, hearts...

I'm tellin' ya', it is awesome {pats self on back} ;)

I put a ton of work into this so you don't have to. Just contact The Scrapbook Page at 913.383.1552 to sign up! It's only $35 for a 9"+/- album with about 16 pages (including cover), plus pull-out tags, and each kit comes with a full bottle of Rock Candy Distress Stickles {LOVE}.

I wish I could show you all of the pages, but I won't >:) They are soooooo much better in person...

... which means you'll have to come take the class {insert slightly evil grin here}

The only thing I'm not looking forward to doing, is cutting out all of those pages out of chipboard & acrylic :) It's gonna take forever, even WITH the die cutter at the store... but I'll do it for you :)

I do love this, and it was nice to get down-n-dirty with some different products. Sometimes I forget that there is more to papercrafting than Copic markers :)

What do you think?

Wow...

2010-11-06T14:05:00.000-05:00

... just sayin'. It's been a whole month since I've posted on this blog! At least I have a good excuse... October is OBVIOUSLY reserved for all things creepy, and therefore I was posting more on my HauntedDesignHouse blog :) But now that THE BEST HOLIDAY EVER is now over for the year, I guess it is time to start doing a little sumpin' sumpin' over here ;)

First up, since I am sooooooooo horrible at marketing my classes, I thought I'd share what we did on November 1st at The Scrapbook Page. These are 4 of the 5 cards we made... I was an idiot and didn't get a photo of THE BEST ONE, which was a realistic looking candle lantern image by Stampendous. But here are the rest (sorry about the sucky photos... it was at night for the first 3):

The leaves are Tim Holtz's & the snowman is also a Stampendous. I wonder if I can con Cameron into giving me a pic of the lantern one? It was on this heat-embossed glittery blue/violet damask paper from Bo Bunny.

Anyhoo... I'm actually going to post a few pics from my upcoming multi-media mini album class for November 30th, so tune in to my next post :) But in the meantime...

What do you think?

Very little time & a feature...

2010-10-05T19:35:00.000-05:00

Dude. Seriously?! Can someone please tell me if I have stepped into a time warp or something? WTH? I swear, I am never going to get caught up with all of my stuff! I haven't even unpacked the Halloween decor yet!

GASP!

{thud}

...that was me having a freakin' heart-attack & then passing out, by the way.

Thankfully I do have bits of Halloweenieness displayed year-round, so at least I have that... but there is just something about the bats hanging in the tree out front, and all of my jacko's, and the luminaries, and...

... you get the idea. :)

Here is my CAH-RAZY schedule this month:

work architectural job almost full time
work at The Scrapbook Page six nights
teach classes at The Page two more nights (plus prep)
TAC hostess club/class at my house 1-2 nights (plus prep)
class at a customer's house 1 night (plus design & prep)
Saturday afternoon FunShop (plus design & prep)
cleaning & laundry (haaa haaa!!!)
cooking (HAAAAAAA HAAAAAA HAAA...not happening)
Abdallah Fall Ceremonial (Shriner stuff)
CKC convention at the expo (fun stuff)
decorate for Halloween (REALLY fun stuff)
keep up with Design Team responsibilities
participate in my own Haunted Design House challenges
baby the cone-wearing fur-baby, including dermatologist & ophthalmologist appointments, ear/eye drops, & meds. Yeah, my dogs have their own derma/optho docs... thankfully I don't have children, because I would've spent their college fund on the dogs' doctor visits already. :P

Can you believe all of that? And I know I'm forgetting a few things :) I usually do.

Don't forget, that sign-up for my October 11th Eerie Elegant card class at The Scrapbook Page ends this Friday night! And sign-up for my October 19th Halloween Waterfall Mini-Album class ends on the night of the 16th! Please click HERE for more class & contact info.

I stayed up until 1am this morning coloring... but I got my "me" time in :) Now, what I'm showing you tonight is NOT what I colored last night... I still have to turn that stuff into cards ;) No, this is two of three items that I sent in for The Angel Company's Fall Supplement design call. Cool thing is that all three were slated for publication! And though TAC decided to not include any project samples in the supplement this time, they ARE featuring them on the MAIN WEBSITE.

What's the good thing about no samples in the supplement? More room for more stamp sets! You can click on the link above to download a copy or you can also click HERE to go to my online store to view & purchase.

The bottle o' bat wings was a fun one... inside is just scrap black cardstock. The gooey black sealing schtuff is actually made from embossing powder.
Stamp sets used: More Bone Appetit & Fundamental Frames. By the way, Fundamental Frames has been designed to be used with several Nestabilities.

I love the spidey bouquet card. The flowers themselves looked like spiders to me, so I stamped a couple at the base of the vase... are they dead flowers or are they spiders? Hmmmm...
I added a bit o' bling with a Stardust Clear glitter pen. The Copic coloring in real life is way more blended than the photos here... my auto-fix software kinda blows.
Stamp sets used: Festive Bouquets & Delightfully Spooky.

Well, that's it for today... yes, very long-winded, but it HAS been awhile since I posted on my "normal" blog :) I've been a little busy over at my Haunted Design House blog, so if you miss me lots, just go check there :) I'll be back sooner or later (hopefully sooner) to show you my favorite card that I submitted...
really...
I mean it.

Eerie Elegance & a Halloween waterfall...

2010-09-22T20:02:00.000-05:00

Yeay... the new calendar is out for The Scrapbook Page, and sign-ups can begin for my classes!

First up, Eerie & Elegant Cards on October 11th, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Click on the link and it will take you to the store's website where you can see all four cards.

This is my favorite of the four, but the others are pretty cool, too :)

And this one I am REALLY excited about... a Halloween Waterfall Mini-Album on October 19th, 6:30pm-8:30pm. It is a wine bag album :) Plenty of pockets & pull-outs...

all in Halloweenie glory!

There is no way to do this album justice in a photograph. Tons of heat embossing, Tim Holtz stamps, May Arts ribbons, flocked paper, and so much more. LOVE it.

If you are in the Kansas City area, stop by The Scrapbook Page and sign up! For you out-of-towners that would like to purchase kits, please email the store for details.

Surprise!

2010-09-21T14:21:00.000-05:00

Yeah, it's me... can you freakin' believe it?! I know. I know... I've totally been slacking. BUT I have been very busy working... two jobs, plus TAC, plus my Hostess Club, plus planning classes that I'm going to start teaching, plus... Oy. I'm tired just writing all of that :) Needless to say, my mojo has gone on a very long hiatus. My last Hostess Club/class night didn't even have brand new stuff... nope, they were similar to projects that I had done before, but they were new to the ladies.

Have you seen the HUGE list of specials from TAC?! Awesome grab-bag deals, stamp of the month, retiring stamp list, and more! Just go HERE to check the specials, and then go HERE to go shopping :)

So, anyway, back to today's bit o' fabulousness. :) Not really... but I REALLY like using that word.

How do you like this "fluffy" girl? You know: "I'm not fat... I'm fluffy" :) I think she's pretty darn cute... in fact she looks more like an adult than a kid. But how many adults still hold their teddy bears? Wait. Don't tell me... it might scare me a little ;)

Stamps: Movie Night, Happy Thoughts

Paper: Hemingway dp, Hemingway & brown cs, Neenah white cs

Ink: Memento Tuxedo, Burnt Umber Palette

Other: sheer ribbon

Copics: BG72, BG75, BG78, E000, E00, E01, E11, E31, E35, E53, E55, E57, G85, G99, N4, N7, R32

I don't really like the black trim & socks, but my BG's bled into them too much to do anything lighter... dammit. Maybe the colors make her look grown up instead of kiddish... I dunno. But her skin came out just right :)

What do you think?

Did you miss me :)

HDH055 - Elegantly Evil

2010-09-11T23:09:00.000-05:00

Today's post is HERE

enjoy :)

Not feelin' it...

2010-09-03T17:07:00.000-05:00

... still. What is up with me? It's gotta be job stress... I don't know what else it could be. I didn't even pick up the right cardstock to stamp & color this image, so it's notsogreat either.

Stamps: Boys Will Be Boys, retired TAC sentiment

Paper: Mia's Cottage, Mia's Cottage & white UltraSmooth cardstocks

Other: Memento Tuxedo ink, WeRMK eyelets, star gems

Copics: B12, B24, B32, E000, E00, E11, E57, R02, YG01, YG03, YG06, YR12, YR15, YR18, YR24

I have been spoiled when it comes to cardstock for Copics. So far, I'd have to say that Neenah 80# solar crescent white & TAC's White Caboodle Cardstock are my faves. Though the coloring ends up nice, Gina K's & PTI's white are too thick for images that I want to cut out... just can't get a nice cut.

Anyway, that's it, folks. I'm working tomorrow night & Sunday, so no creative time for me until Monday... only if the mojo shows up from it's looooooooooong hiatus. :)

2010-08-18T10:36:00.000-05:00

Took a little break from Copic coloring and went back to my Prismacolor pencils for this one. Yep, another Haute Diva card... I can't help it... I love this image.

This image was another that's been in my "already colored" stash for awhile. I love that slightly salmon pink color, and had this bit of velvet ribbon that coordinated nicely. So I tried the Scor-tape ribbon-ruffle thing, too... I just did a single row, but I'll definitely be trying it with two! The velvet ribbon wasn't very easy to work with, though.

Yes, I love Scor-tape. I tried this with that ultra sticky tape... you know, the "red" tape... no go. Totally didn't work. And Scor-tape you can tear with your fingers... bonus!

Stamps: Haute Couture (retired), Fundamental Frames, Flourish Trees of Hope, Damask Backgrounder

Paper: white ultrasmooth, black & DCWV pink cardstocks

Ink: Noir & Boudior Blush Palettes, Moonlight White Brilliance

Other: Prismacolor pencils, mineral oil, blending stumps, Scor-tape, Nesties Labels 4, Diamond Stickles, Pearl Gem, EK Success edger punch, velvet ribbon, foam tape

There's something just a bit "off" with this, though... something is missing but I don't know what it is.

What do you think?

Finally a card to show on this blog...

2010-08-15T13:45:00.000-05:00

... I know, right? The best part about this one is that I've had the image colored up for about three months, so all I had to do was slap a couple of layers on and BOOM, done. That's just how I roll.

Totally cute image... wish I could give this to my own kids, but they would just slobber all over it and then take it outside into the yard :) Sooooo, this will be going into the slowly growing collection of cards for sale at The Blue Bow. I haven't checked in with her for awhile, so I'm wondering how sales are doing :)

Stamps: Outdoor Adventures, This Boy (retired)

Paper: ivory ultrasmooth, Penelope, & brown cardstocks

Ink: Memento Tuxedo & Rich Cocoa

Other: Silver glitter pen, MS border punch, TH wood embossing folder

Copics: 0, B000, B00, B02, E000, E00, E11, E57, E59G21, G24,

G85, YG01, YG05, YR04, YR07, YR18, YR20, YR23, YR24

Can you believe it... no pop dots, foam tape or foofiness... what's wrong with me?! I tried... really... but nothing was working, so I just left it as is. At least I got the glitter pen out for the fishing pole and boat hooks :)

What do you think?

Note to all...

2010-08-12T22:27:00.000-05:00

... so sorry I haven't been commenting and everything lately. My reader is soooooo full, I will never get caught up, so I'm gonna just have to clear it out and start over to avoid being overwhelmed.

(Image "stolen" from Google Images)

So, please don't think I haven't been visiting... I HAVE... it's just been on down low :) I hope to be back on track soon!!

Happy (early) birthday to Poot...

2010-08-09T18:21:00.001-05:00

Yep, Poot's birthday is this week... he's turning 35. Why yes, I DID marry a younger man, thanks for noticing ;) At least I look younger than he does... sucka! Dang it, this isn't nearly as fun as it should be... he doesn't even know what my blog site address is. But, I'll be sure to relay that bit of info to him in a few days anyway :)

ANYhoo, I decided that the babies should give Daddy a birthday card this year... it's been awhile since they've done that :) For those of you new to my blog, allow me to introduce you to the babies, Heidi & Thor:

Heidi is the blonde & Thor is the redhead. She's uber-hyper & a licker and he's totally laid back & only gives kisses on occasion. She is a Daddy's girl, and he a definite Mama's boy. This is where I typically find them... napping on our bed. Heidi is obviously no lady.

Heidi usually wedges herself between Poot and I in the middle of the night, and we have to fight to get her back on the floor. Both of the babies end up in bed with us in the morning, usually nosing us awake to get their breakfast... damn kids. :) They NEVER let us sleep in.

As you can see, Heidi is a spread-eagle back sleeper, and Thor curls up in a tight ball... usually with his face covered with a blankie or his paw.

Now that you've seen the babies in real life, here they are in rubber stamp form :) Aren't they the CA-YOOTIST BABIES EVER?! I know, they are... both in real life AND on this card, right?!

I know... the colors are way brighter than they should be, but I'm still working on my Copic collection :) But could those stamp images be ANY MORE PERFECT?! I know!

The "We're" on the front is handwritten, as well as the sentiment on the inside. I tried to make the signature look like child's handwriting... I know... I'm a goof. But the paw prints really seal the deal, right?

Stamps: Good Dog, paw print (unknown)

Paper: kraft, black & Premium white cardstocks

Ink: Burnt Sienna & Burnt Umber Palette, Memento Tuxedo

Other: Juliette & Mimi hardware, PTI wood grain texture plate

Copics: E09, E31, E35, V99, Y11, Y15, YR07, YR18, YR 23

So there it is. All the cuteness that is my babies...

What do you think?

Undie Hero

2010-08-06T14:58:00.000-05:00

LOL! I totally giggle every time I see this :) I don't have any kids of my own, but I can sooooooo see this scenerio playing out for a few friends of mine :)

Don't you love the imagination that kids have? Ahh... to be young and worry free...

Stamps: Boys Will Be Boys, This Boy and Spring Dream (both retired)

Paper: Bazzill, scarlet, black & Neenah white cardstocks

Ink: Memento Tuxedo, VersaMark

Other: Transcendence EP, metal dots, MS border punch

Copics: 0, BV20, E000, E00, E11, E31, E35, E57, E59, RV14, R24, R29, R37, YR23

So much fun...

What do you think?

Gossip Chicks

2010-08-04T00:05:00.001-05:00

As soon as I saw this image, that's all I could think about... gossiping :) Can't you just hear those two ordinary yellow chicks cackling about how brazen the pink hussy chick is acting?!

{giggling}

I know... right?!

I almost put a different sentiment on this card: "Life is too short... singe out loud". Still very fitting, but I'm diggin' these gossip hounds instead :)

Stamps: Tail Feathers, Oh No She Didn't

Paper: Mia's Cottage dp, Cha Cha, black, white Ultrasmooth & premium white cardstocks

Ink: Memento Tuxedo

Other: EK Success edger punch, misc. ribbon & rhinestones

Copics: 0, BV20, E57, RV02, RV10, RV13, RV14, Y11, Y15, YG03, YR04, YR07, YR18, YR23

(there was another yellow that I borrowed from someone & I can't remember the number)

I'll say it again... yellows are HARD! Same thing goes for reds... ugh. If anyone has some tips for Copic yellows, let me freakin' in on THAT info!

What do you think?

Dragon Boo

2010-08-02T13:27:00.001-05:00

This little bit o' cuteness is part of the August Stamp of the Month set Delightfully Spooky. I put together this make-n-take for last month's Angels Inspired weekend in Kansas City... super simple, but when the image is this adorable, you don't need a lot of fluff :)

I was also asked to create samples for The Angel Company's main website to showcase this set. You can see all of those HERE. Just click on the photos on the right and they will enlarge. I will tell you that on the little Dracula guy card, I used some vintage red velvet flocked wallpaper... it is soooo yummy :)

BONUS... this month Delightfully Spooky is only $10.95 with a $30 purchase! Or you can also choose to purchase it at full price of $15.95 without a $30 purchase.

And I have to show you these wonderful new spooky & fall sets! TAC has released the following sets early! They will be in the Fall Inspiration Avenue magalogue, but some of us want them before that!

AND if you order Spiders are Seen this month, you will receive a Rockin' Roxie Album kit for FREE! Just be sure to enter the special code: AUG10... or if you email me the order, I'll enter it for you and you may take advantage of additional customer and/or Hostess benefits!
AND another great special: The August - September Starter Kit Special
August 1 - September 30, 2010
During the months of August and September, when you sign up to be an Angel, you can purchase your Starter Kit for just $75 (retail value over $160.00)!
Just click the link below to check it out:
August - September Starter Kit Special Form

Ok... now, back to today's card :)

Stamps: Delightfully Spooky

Paper: Sands of Time dp, Mia's Cottage, white ultrasmooth, DCWV & Neenah cardstocks

Ink: Memento Tuxedo

Other: Bazzill Bitty Blossom, Scor-bug, white grosgrain ribbon, Cha Cha hardware

Copics: 0, BG15, BG34, BG49, E000, E00, E11, R32, W3, YG01, YG03, YG91

I've got a couple more super cute images to show you... non-Halloweenie even... so be on the look-out this week!

What do you think?

Violet daisy

2010-07-29T17:15:00.000-05:00

Today's lil' beauty is from the new Blossoms & Blessings set from The Angel Company. And this was so relaxing to color... definitely a stress reliever.

And it wasn't HORRIBLE to cut out really. I created a stem from the same green cardstock and then edged it with a black marker. And don't you LOVE that fatty ribbon?! I know! No need for patterned paper or other foof when you've got that bit o' beautimousness... just sayin'.

Stamps: Blossoms & Blessings

Paper: Bazzill green, Neenah white & kraft cardstocks

Ink: Memento Tuxedo, Palette Burnt Umber

Other: Scor-Bug, fatty ribbon (Waste Not Paper), PTI wood impression plate

Copics: YR20, YR23, YR24, E57, V93, V95, V99, G85

I probably should have blended a little bit more, but oh well... it looks so much better in person... trust me :)

What do you think?

Copic Color Caboodles Marker Clubs

2010-07-28T22:40:00.000-05:00

So the Copic craze is everywhere... and I'm here to enable you :)

I'm so excited to offer some AWESOME Copic clubs of which ANYONE can take advantage. In case you didn't know, The Angel Company now has their own sets of Copics called Color Caboodles^TM. Each Caboodle set has 12 Sketch style Copic markers in 4 different colors. That means that you get three markers in the same color family making it easy for blending and shading. And as an added bonus, we have matching cardstock for each Caboodle set. There are a total of SEVEN different Caboodle sets to choose from!

Copic Color Caboodles^TM Marker Clubs

No matter which club you choose, Caboodle Club Members will receive the following benefits:

A Copic Caboodle Swatch Book to coordinate with each Caboodle set you purchase. There will be spaces for color swatches, paper swatches and special combos. This book will be such a great resource when coloring - you will refer to it again and again to get the same colors together!
Copic Club Happy Hour every month for members – come and play and see how to color and learn techniques. Fill your swatch book and create samples to look back to for color combos and tips.
Receive classroom style color instruction from me, a Certified Copic Designer.
You are also eligible for any TAC specials that require a $30 purchase – so you can get the stamp of the month at its special price without any additional order required.
Need something else – During your hostess month you can utilize the 20% discount on additional items (Limited to $150)

COPIC CLUB EXTREME - this is the club for those that want them ALL! You get the best savings because you are essentially paying for 5 sets and getting 2 FREE!

4 people 4 months $125 per month – Each month you’d get 2 sets of Caboodles and 6 sheets of Copic white cardstock! During your hostess month, you’d only get one set but you’d also get a FREE level A & B hostess set! Please note, $125 would still be due during your hostess month.

$125 too much to spend per month for you? Then maybe the 8 people 8 months $65 per month is more for you. Each month you’d get 1 set of Caboodles and 3 sheets of Copic white cardstock! During your hostess month, you wouldn’t receive a set but you’d still get the FREE level A & B hostess set! Please note, $65 would still be due during your hostess month.

COPIC CLUB ULTIMATE - This is the club for those that just want to get a few Caboodle sets at a time. At the end of the club you’d wind up with TWO Caboodle sets (THREE if you decided to purchase another one as your ½ price item) as well as matching color cardstock and white Copic cardstock.

4 people 4 months $55 per month – Each month you’d get 6 markers, 6 sheets of Copic white cardstock and 6 sheets matching color cardstock. During your hostess month, you’d have the option to get something at ½ price so you may choose another Caboodle set! You’d also receive a FREE level A hostess set! Please note, during your hostess month you’d owe the $55 PLUS whatever else you purchased.

COPIC CLUB - This is the club for those that want some Copics but realize that bills still have to be paid. At the end of the club you’d end up with ONE Caboodle set (TWO if you decided to purchase another one as your ½ price item) as well as matching color cardstock and white Copic cardstock.

4 people 4 months $33 per month – Each month you’d get 3 markers, 6 sheets of Copic white cardstock and 6 sheets matching color cardstock. During your hostess month, you’d have the option to get something at ½ price so you may choose another Caboodle set! You’d also receive a FREE level A hostess set! Please note, during your hostess month you’d owe the $33 plus whatever else you purchased.

Really want to take advantage of your hostess month? Why not 5 people for 5 months. The only difference is you wouldn’t owe the $33 during your hostess month – you’d owe just whatever you decided to purchase for ½ price (plus any other specials chosen).

Please contact me to sign up or if you have any questions! barbi007@kc.rr.com

For all of you that receive this blog post via their Reader, I've also added this club information to a page tab at the top of my blog HERE.

*Please note that any club must have full sign-up participation prior to beginning. Also, all prices shown above are for local customers. If your order requires me to ship it to you then actual shipping charges will apply.

**Please go HERE to view all available TAC exclusive Color Caboodles! Scroll down slightly and you will see Caboodles A thru G.

Another winner-of-sorts :)

2010-07-27T16:33:00.000-05:00

... ME! I was so excited to see that I won one of The Angel Company's demonstrator-only contests this month! What does this mean? Well, $100 in free rubbah, baby! Woot woot :) I could have also chosen from TAC's exclusive patterned papers, ribbon collections or hardware... but me wants the rubbah worst :)

I know... you non-stamping, non-crafty people are just shaking your head thinking "whoopity-do-dah", but those that ARE crafty have a big smile for me, I'm sure :) AND I'm not the only winner... check out these wonderful ladies' work at TAC's website! Mini-albums, scrapbook pages & cards aplenty!!

I'll say one of TAC's slogans yet again... because being an Angel is just more FUN!

These photos are a bit washed-out so you can't see the sky very well... although it IS a REALLY light blue. It's got a bit o'dotty action goin' on, but not a lot. I also added Glossy Accents to the water, her sunglasses & the boat sail... so cute. How can you NOT love that freakin' attitude?! The contest was "Beachy Keen", so I named this little gem "Beachy Little Girl"... more bitchy than beachy :)

Can't you just picture her head doin' that "mmmmmmmm hhmmmmmm" circle action?

Stamps: Oh No She Didn't

Paper: Lilly Anna dp, Lilly Anna & white ultrasmooth cardstocks

Ink: Memento Tuxedo

Other: Mia's Cottage Ribbon, Glossy Accents, button, White & Pink Scrapper's Floss (LOVE!)

Copics: B000, B00, B02, E000, E00, E11, E09, RV10, RV11, YG01, YG03, YG91, YR23, YR24

More wondermous news... I have a new Angel baby! Yep, I'm "officially" up to Team Leader again :) Jeannie Sturm hails from Ohio, and is just the sweetest thing {waiving wildly... Hi Jeannie!} I can't wait to see how she does with her TAC business!

What do you think?!

Studio60 Celebration Sketch Challenge Winners!

2010-07-27T15:51:00.000-05:00

Thanks to you wonderful few that participated in Sony's celebration! She is so sweet and has the best followers... you all did a wonderful job with the sketch challenge :)

Sony already announced the main winner on her blog, but I'm here to give you the full list :)

Winner of the Tube Album Kit:

Margie

Love all of the vintage style trims!

And the next three, who will receive a few little TAC grab bag stamps are:

Zulma

Dalis

Lucy

Thanks, ladies! Please email me or Sony with your mailing addresses so I can get your goodies out to you!!

Summer quickie...

2010-07-25T19:16:00.000-05:00

Quick post today... I'm tired and I still want to go do some fun stuff!

Super simple, no foof, totally boy card. And you KNOW I don't do boy cards very well! The tire didn't turn out too great because I don't have enough grays or black... so I just used V99 & the blender. The clouds were done with my copy-paper cloud template that I made, a little ink, and a manicurist pad.

Stamps: Summer Boys, This Boy (retired)

Paper: Toodle Loo dp, Toodle Loo, black & white ultrasmooth cardstocks

Ink: Reflection Blue & Noir Palettes

Copics: 0, B00, B02, E000, E00, E11, R02, V99, YR23, YR24, E53, E57

What do you think?

He likes me...

2010-07-23T18:46:00.001-05:00

... or does he?

Isn't she sweet? This cutie patootie image is one of the new Hostess sets from The Angel Company. Love her! I paired her with the Angelee paper line and created a tall skinny card for a little change of pace. Me likey.

And finally a little foof! Why-o-WHY haven't I been reaching for my beautimous ribbons? And check out the bow. My wunnerful buddy Michelle McD (yes, MISS Angel of the Year herself) was using a "Bow Easy" contraption last weekend and it caused me to dig mine out this week :) {psssst... luv u Michelle :)} Of course I had to rack my brain trying to remember how she did it... I STILL don't think I got it right, but whatever I did worked.

Stamps: One of a Kind, He Likes Me

Paper: Angelee SWIC, Angelee cardstock, & Neenah white cardstock

Ink: Memento Tuxedo, Palette Burnt Umber

Other: Scor-Bug, Angelee Ribbon, MM ivory pearl heart

Copics: skin: E000, E00, E11, R02; hair: YR23, YR24, E57; dress: V93, V95, V99; flower: BV20, YR23; bench: E53, E57, E59, E71; grass: G12, G21, G24, G85

I know I've been MIA lately, but for whatever reason I've got Halloween on the brain. I DO have several non-Halloweenie images colored up just begging me to finish a freakin' card with one of them... now to just do it :)

OH! I never even really talked about the fun Angel gathering last weekend. Good grief. Had a blast... loads of laughs, a ton of inspiring projects (thanks Heather & Lori!) and did a little coloring, too :) Can't wait for the next one!

By the way... I've got a couple of spots open for my Hostess Club that starts up in August... lemme know if you want in :)

I'm also going to be starting a separate Copic Marker Club if you would be interested in that. Since TAC has their own Caboodle sets now, with perfectly picked color trios and matching cardstock, it's THAT much easier to color like nobody's business :)

A few of us brainstormed last weekend to come up with a great club! (ok, more of them and less of me, but I was there, dang it!) I'll be adding a tab at the top of my blog with additional information very soon! Just plan on getting together 3 people for 3 months or 5 people for 5 months for this fun and easy Copic Club!! Please check back or, if you want to know now, just email me (see contact info at the top)!

But back to today's card...

What do you think?

Keep Life Simple...

2010-07-19T20:33:00.000-05:00

... if it was only that easy :)

I wish I liked camping, but alas, I am a true princess at heart.

{no laughing from the peanut gallery, thankyouverymuch}

Poot loves it... when we got married we made a deal that I would concede to go camping once a year. The first year, I went twice... the second once... the third once... and that's pretty much it! Yeay me :)

I mean really... heat, bugs, creepy-crawly-slithery things... not a fan! Well, FAKE creepy-crawly-slithery things for Halloween is ok, but definitely not the real thing :) So, this card will have to count as my camping trip for this year :)

Stamps: Outdoor Adventures, Background Soup

Paper: ivory ultrasmooth, Bazzill & misc. cardstocks

Ink: Noir Palette, VersaMark

Colorant: Prismacolors w/ mineral oil

Other: Nesties, blending stumps, MS border punch, MM metal plaque, Gold Star glitter pen

What do you think?

I hope you've missed me :)

2010-07-12T22:15:00.000-05:00

I know, I know... it's been awhile. I'm not EVEN gonna get into it... let's just say it's a beyond crazy week! I can't wait to see a few of you tomorrow & Wednesday night for classes! We're not doing a ton of stuff, but I've got a giftie for all of my Hostess Club ladies that I hope they will enjoy! AND I've still got openings for the next round of my Hostess Club that starts up in August! Contact me at barbi007@kc.rr.com for details!

Now, on to the fun stuff. This is one of the cards I sent in for consideration for the latest TAC catalogue. It's very similar to the one that DID make it in, but colored with Prismacolors & mineral oil instead of Copics. If you wanna see the one that made it in, turn to page 33... I've also loaded a photo under my Published Work tab on my blog HERE.

I know, it's not close to Halloween yet, but you know me :)

Stamps: Spunky Sprite Boys, Happy Haunting

Paper: Miss Moxie dp, Cha Cha, Miss Moxie, white ultrasmooth & black cardstocks

Ink: Noir & Violete Palettes

Other: black twill, White & Orange Scrapper's Floss, Pewter Hardware, Prismacolor pencils

If you don't have a new catalogue and would like to purchase one, please contact me at the above email address! You won't be disappointed!

What do you think?

Hedgehogs Gone Wild

2010-07-10T15:09:00.000-05:00

... courtesy of fellow TAC Angel, Chelsea C.!! May I please direct your attention to the following blog post:

Chelsea's Hedgehogs

Please note that not ALL the facts are represented... I was NOT the only instigator in this challenge :)

I'm just sayin'.

Thanks, Chelsea for the fabulous Ode to Hedgehogs...

... no one will ever look at that stamp image the same again :)

Studio60 Celebration Challenge!

2010-07-07T15:02:00.001-05:00

Ok kids... a bit of fun today! Sony Rivera over at Sonia-Studio60, who is just the sweetest gal, has asked me to co-host a birthday celebration challenge! Her mother & daughter both have birthdays in the summer, so she wanted to spread the joy :)

Sony and I will pick the winners... no random draw this time kids, so do your best work!! Be sure to go through Sony's previous posts for additional celebration challenges! Now, on to THIS challenge! It's a sketchy one :)

And here is my card:

Stamps: Little Cupcake, Thinking of You

Paper: Mimi (More Mimi is better!), white ultrasmooth & Mimi cardstocks

Ink: Memento Tuxedo, Palette Burnt Umber

Other: Jewel Tone & Shimmer chalks, Dove Blender, Bazzill Blossoms, Copper Hardware, Crystal Stickles,Corner Chomper, misc. ribbon, MS border punch

Don't you just LOVE the poofy bunch of flowers with the tag & ribbon?! Yeah, me too :) I wish you could see the shimmeriness of the chalks on the cupcake... it is so pretty.

Well, that's my take on the challenge... are you guys up for it? The challenge will last until Friday midnight (central time) July 23rd. Plenty of time to join the fun! Winners will be announced on Monday July 26th. Can't wait to see what you all do!

Oh! You probably want to know what is up for grabs for the winners, right? I'm offering up a
paper tube mini-album kit (shown HERE) for 1st place, and then we have three sets of cling mounted grab bag stamps for the next three winners (3 spring girls, 4 flower blocks, & 3 squiggle hearts). Not a huge prize or anything, but the thrill is in the WIN, right?!

And don't forget to go show Sony some lovin' & wish her mama & daughter
Happy Birthday!

I Like Poot...

2010-07-05T21:13:00.000-05:00

Cute, right? What's funny is that the sample I did for the new catalogue from The Angel Company with this stamp set really does remind me of Poot & I. The catty version has girl as a redhead and Poot wears his hair super short... so THAT card was called "I Like Poot", too :)

I know... there is none of the fluff and foof... no sparklies or blingies... me thinks I need to challenge myself to use some of that stuff. Otherwise, why in the heck did I buy all that crap... other than to sit unused in the cabinet?

Stamps: He Likes Me

Paper: Sands of Time dp, premium white cardstock

Ink: Memento Tuxedo

Other: Scor-bug

Copics: (can't remember... sorry... I did it awhile ago)

Yep, me & Poot. Both pudgy, but Poot doesn't bring me flowers much :)

What do you think?

HDH045 Macabre Monday challenge...

2010-07-03T11:49:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd post this before the weekend gets too far away from me. Of course it didn't help that I slept in until 10am!!! I KNOW. But, I didn't go to bed until the wee hours of the morning, so it's not like I'm THAT big of a loser :) I was up watching some LAME horror movie... I didn't even wait until the end to change the channel... yeah, THAT lame.

Anyway, on to today's bit of creepy cuteness :) Over at my Haunted Design House blog, I've got a stamp masking challenge going. I FINALLY finished my entry.

I had the idea for this since I first saw this set in the new TAC catalogue at seminar. Well, I didn't have the broom and hat in mind, but the rest... definitely. I admit, it looked better in my head... it looks kinda cluttered and busy now. I should have left off the broom & hat... but I LOVE that broom stamp. And isn't she such a cute little witch... all ready for bed in her pink curlers?!

Stamps: Movie Night, Spring Dream and All Season Swirls (retired TAC), broom (Battle Axe), sentiment (Viva Las Vegas)

Paper: Penelope & brown cardstocks, Cougar white cardstock

Other: Lime Stickles

Copics: 0, YR02, YR04, YR07, YR18, YR23, YR24, YG01, YG03, YG91, V01, V06, V09, RV02, RV10, RV11, RV13, E09, E31, E35, E53, E57, E59, BG02

Here is the original stamp image (above). I masked over the little girl on the left. I LOVE the hair curlers. They make me smile. They remind me of when I was a very little girl... I would watch my sisters & mom put them in their hair. I also masked the sentiment/swirls & a teensie bit of the broom.

So much fun to color... I need to work on my wood floor technique more. Maybe I should google you-tube that. Her hair & face turned out awesome, me thinks.

What do you think?

"Cel-a-brate good times..."

2010-06-30T11:20:00.000-05:00

"... come on!" doot doot doot doot

Please don't ask... it just popped into my head as I was uploading these photos :)

This is another set from The Angel Company's newly released catalogue... A Little Something. Very cute set with several different images you can switch out: baby booties, rattle, cupcake, and this tiered cake. And don't you love the little dots?! Yeah, me too :)

The cake is colored with Copic markers and then I filled in the dots with a blue gel pen. Quick and easy!

Stamps: A Little Something

Paper: Miss Moxie dp, white ultrasmooth, black & Mia's Cottage cardstocks

Ink: Memento Tuxedo

Other: Mia's Cottage ribbon, circle punches

Copics: 0, BV20, V01, V06

What do you think?

New catalogue & a Bonus Top Ten...

2010-06-27T22:09:00.000-05:00

This weekend was so much fun! It was The Angel Company's annual seminar, and I'm exhausted :) But totally in a good way! It was great to catch up with everyone and, of course, get the new catalogue :) check out the new cover:

Pretty, right?! And wait until you see the inside... fabulous!

Bonus #1: you can start ordering on Monday... no need to wait until July 1st... ahhh... JOY :)

Bonus #2: 87 NEW STAMP SETS. Yes... 87... that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

Bonus #3: TAC has partnered with Copic and we now carry 7 exclusive Color Caboodles! These are NOT new Copic colors... they have just customized the Sketch sets with natural blending groups and color families.

Bonus #4: Color Caboodles cardstock is available, too! TAC has taken the guess-work out for you, and created 6-color cardstock packs that match the corresponding Color Caboodle Copic sets! Sah-weet :)

Bonus #5: new double-sided exclusive paper collections! Emma & Maggie. A glimpse of Maggie is shown on the cover project!

Bonus #6: we now carry the Scor-Buddy, The Cinch binding system, a huge selection of clear & chipboard mini-albums, and so much more!

Bonus #7: I have printed catalogues available right now! Only $4.95 plus shipping, or place a $60 order & get it for free. But why stop at $60? Go for $100 and get some of the awesome items above for HALF OFF!

Bonus #8: Free catalogues to all of my Hostess Club members :) AND Sign-ups for my next round of Hostess Clubs are going on now! The new clubs will start up in August, so get a hold of me soon for details!!! My contact information is at the top of my blog: FosterDesignHouse.com

Bonus #9: I have seven card samples in this publication! Talk about Sah-weet, right?!! totally stoked about that... and you should see all of the other designers' cards... wonderful!

And finally, Bonus #10: This lover-ly card I made with one of the new sets:

Stamps: Art Gave Her Wings

Paper: kraft & brown cardstocks

Ink: Memento Tuxedo, Palette Burnt Umber, Walnut Ink spray

Copics: 0, E00, E11, YR23, YR24, E53, E57, BG72, BG78, RV10, RV13, RV14

Whatcha' think?

Seminar Day 2...

2010-06-26T09:45:00.001-05:00

... and I'm sure I am having a fabulous time :) Once again, this post has been scheduled ahead, but I'm sure y'all don't mind, since you get to see some more new stuff :)

How's this for a heart warming card?! The tree comes nekkid, but with two sets each of two different leaves (these and oak leaf shaped). It also has a little birdie in a nest, an owl, a tire swing, the bench swing, and I think a flower or two (can't remember).

But isn't it just the sweetest? I thought these leaves look like little hearts, so I colored one pink... it makes me smile... :)

See?

Stamps: Tree Swing Fun (available June 28th!), Happy Thoughts

Paper: white UltraSmooth, brown, & Bazzill cardstocks

Ink: Memento Tuxedo, Micron journaling pen

Copics: 0, YG01, YG05, E53, E57, E59, RV13, RV14

(I'm not sure about the pinks & there may be more greens in the grass... I colored this awhile back)

Another flat card! At least it is matted... the tree is so darn big, there isn't much room for anything else :) I jotted down the "of you" below the sentiment... sucky handwriting, but it works!

I might post one more on Sunday when I get back... just not sure yet :)

What do you think?

The Angel Company's 2010-2011 Inspiration Book & Catalogue...

2010-06-25T09:45:00.001-05:00

... is almost here! Well actually, since I've scheduled this post ahead of time, let's just say I am probably thumbing through it at Seminar right now!! Jealous?!! :) You should be... if the few sets that were sent to me with which to design samples are any inclination, this new catalogue should be awesome!

So, today I thought I'd show my swap card. Well, it is a little bit different than this, but close enough! The difference is that on my swap card I used a dark brown base (which looks better), didn't use the floss, and tied a knot instead of a bow.

Stamps: Hope Perches (available June 28th!)

Paper: kraft & Willoughby cardstocks

Ink: Memento Tuxedo, Palette Burnt Umber

Other: Angelee ribbon, Brown Scrapper's Floss, manicurist pads

Copics: 0, BG02, BG05, YR20, YR23, YR24, E57, E71, G21, G24, G85

Single layer card... BUT at least it is colored a bit :) I love the vintage look of the stamp set with the kraft cardstock... kinda like looking at an old book. The bird is a separate image from the sentiment, but I thought it fitting to put them together, no?

Oh! Be sure to tune in on Saturday around lunchtime or so... I'll give ya' another sneak peek :)

What do you think?

Another Charlotte card...

2010-06-22T19:45:00.001-05:00

... can't help it... she is so freakin' cute. If you remember on the last one, I said I couldn't wait to see her as a redhead... let's just say... A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E! You could kinda sing those letters like a cheerleader if ya' really wanted... no one will know ;)

Charlotte makes a fabulous redhead, don't ya' think? You just get lost coloring those curls... fantastic way to relax, I'm just sayin'.

I followed MOJO144 for the layout... for the most part. I am very disappointed with my photography skills (or lack there of)... those pearls TOTALLY look red, but they really do match the dark orange cardstock.

Trust me... really they do.

Stamps: Charlotte (Kraftin' Kimmie), Soul Kisses (retired TAC sentiment)

Paper: Penelope dp, Penelope cs, Neenah cs, kraft packing paper

Ink: Memento Tuxedo, Palette Burnt Umber, Glimmer Mist (flower)

Other: Reece & Angelee ribbon, Scor-bug, flower punch, pearls (Q. & Co.)

Copics: skin-- E000, E00, E11, R32

hair & clothes-- YR02, YR04, YR07, YR18, E09

clothes-- V01, V06, V09, G21, G24, G85

shadow & doll skin-- E71, E31, E35

What do you think?

Monday morning quickie...

2010-06-21T10:50:00.001-05:00

... I wonder how many people's attention I got with that title?! :)

Since I actually have work to do today, I'm just going to post this super simple card. No frills... which is starting to drive me crazy, actually. I'm missing my foofy mojo. Anyone seen it?

Stamps: Clothesline Bears (retired), Tag Tidbits

Paper: Mia's Cottage dp, Neenah cardstock, premium white & Miss Moxie cardstocks

Ink: Memento Tuxedo

Other: Bazzill Bitty Blossoms, Colorbok brad

Copics: don't know all of them... I colored this a while back ;)

LOVE the poofy flower. I learned that from a fellow TAC Angel demo, Holly Mays, at retreat a couple of years ago. Thanks, Holly!

That's it for today... nothing fabulous, but maybe just enough? ;)

What do you think?