New TAC catalogue set previews... Day 1

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?

Not feelin' it...

... 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.  :)

Monday morning quickie...

... 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?

Bubble Bear

How about a shot of cuteness tonight?  And no, I'm talking about my babies for once ;)

I KNOW... right?  I'm thinking a little more Scrapper's Floss is called for, so I'll add that later.

Stamps:  Bears & Bubbles, Friendship Strips

Paper:  kraft, basic brown, Mono- chromatic browns, Toodle Loo (blue) & white UltraSmooth cardstocks

Ink:  VersaMark, Palette Noir

Colorant:  Prismacolor pencils & mineral oil
Other:  White Scrapper's Floss, Stardust glitter pen, circle & scallop circle Nesties, EK Success & Fiskars border punches, PTI rustic button & misc. buttons

It was difficult to really show this card... the brown eyelet border is on the inside layer, but it shows even when the card is closed.  The bear circle is centered on the second big scallop so it makes a perfect border when it's open :)  That's just how I roll...

What do you think?

What's Moo?

Since it is so bright & sunny outside today, I thought I'd bring you a little shot of spring inside :)  Although, I guess this may look a little baby-ish...


The blue fabric?  Yeah, it's an old pillowcase :)

I LOVE this cow image from TAC... she is so cute!  I have had her colored in for a while now, and thought she would look really cute layered up with  bunch of fabric trims.  I once again grabbed that edger punch... I'm so diggin' it :)

Stamps:  An Udder Birthday

Paper:  Sophie BG (retired), Lilly Anna & White UltraSmooth cardstocks, and Mulberry Meadow cardstock (retired)

Ink:  Noir Palette

Colorant:  Prismacolors w/ mineral oil 


Other:  Stardust Stickles, Nesties, EK Success edger punch, misc. fabric & trims


What do you think?  Did it make you smile today?  :)
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Sweet Toodle Bunny

As promised, here is the sneak peek I told you about last time.  It's not a huge peek, but maybe a little something to "peak" your interest... get it... peek/peak... I know, I'm a nerd :)

The bunny is from the upcoming February Stamp of the Month:  Cuddly Critters.  There are two cute bears, another bunny, and four sentiments.

The large dotted circle is from the new Serendipity magalogue... from a set called Awesome Blossoms.  There are a bunch of bold graphic flowers, polka dots, and circles.  I LOVE how this dotted circle fits perfectly with my Nestie circle & scallop circle.

Stamps:  Cuddly Critters & Awesome Blossoms (coming soon!!), Sweet Thing (retired)
Paper:  Toodle Loo SWIC, Toodle Loo & White UltraSmooth cardstocks
Ink:  Reflection Blue & Noir Palettes
Colorant:  Prismacolors w/ mineral oil & blending stumps
Other:  Turquoise Scrapper's Floss, Nesties, misc. button, stick pin, lace & fabric

I dug through my fabric stash to find this swatch of dotted swiss and lavender lace.  This card lends itself to a baby or little girl card.  Too sweet.

Hopefully I'll get a few spare minutes to make a couple more with some of the other images.

What do you think?
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Hi ho, hi ho... it's off to work I go...

Well, the Evil Boss has struck again, and I have to go in and work on a holiday weekend Sunday. I also had to work on Friday even though all of our consultants were gone until Monday. Oh well, I AM thankful to have a job, I was just really enjoying working only three days a week :) Before I run off to the office, I thought I'd share a couple more submissions with you.

The first one uses sketch #1 from the new catalogue. I used Hello Baby & Running Stitches stamp sets, Lilly Anna paper & cardstock, a couple of paper posies, cloud scissors, and Prismacolors w/ mineral oil. This is still my favorite baby stamp... so cute!

The second one uses sketch #5. I used With Sympathy and Just Dream stamp sets, along with Amberley Grace paper, cardstock, & ribbon. I threw a little Angelee ribbon in for good measure :) It's pretty plain, but I think it would make a lovely sympathy card.

What do you think?

O.M.G., Becky... look at...

... Another challenge :)

Is your mind just reeling?! Utter chaos here at FDH {or is that udder :)}... I have never had this many posts, this close together :) I'm tellin' ya'... it would be like this all the time if I could be a kept woman ;) Oh how I wish Poot read my blog... although, I'm sure he would be laughing at my dreams of doing nothing! Anyhoo, on to the goods:

This little gem is for the 365 Cards challenge #85, Super Sketchy Sunday. I'm never very good at sticking to sketches... I rotated the sketch, went rectangle i.l.o. oval, and slid the middle portion down a bit.


Stamps: An 'Udder Birthday?

Paper: Mulberry Meadow SWIC & CS (both retired... how sad), Premium White CS

Ink: Noir Palette


Colorant: Prismacolors with mineral oil blending

Other: Audrey Embellishment Jar (button), Yellow Scrapper's Floss, Stardust Stickles, misc. ribbons, Nesties

I love this cow... he is the reason I bought this stamp set! I know I went overboard with the bow, but I wanted both colors... I should have made the loops smaller maybe. Oh well... I'm not adjusting it now! :)


What do you think?

Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers {say that three times REALLY fast}...

Just kidding! Hee hee... now it's stuck in your head for the rest of the day :) ... YOU'RE WELCOME!! I do what I can to bring a smile to your face, o-loyal-readers-o-mine! And tonight it is about a smile on my face...

YEAY! I won one of the monthly contests for TAC demos!! The catagory I chose was "Beautiful Bundle of Joy"... ok... so I started thinkin'... ummm... yes! Literally a 'bundle of joy'! So I went to work and sketched out a template for my blankie bundle {or is it bunting?}. Check out these awesome winners of the other contests!

I cut it from a 4-1/4" square card base (hinged at the top) and shaded it up with Fantastix & ink to create wrinkles in the blankie. I knew I wanted a flower & ribbon at the top, and I added the two in the corner to balance it out. I cut the petals half way down and inked the edges between to give depth.

So, now comes the baby! I punched the circle, and searched through my stamps high & low to figure out a face. Hello, Punctuation! At first I was going to glue some Scrapper's Floss on her head for the curl, but then I saw the question mark and knew it would work better! Her eyes & lashes are quote marks and her smile is a parenthesis... genius, me thinks :)

I added some shimmery rosey cheeks with chalk, popped a collar on, and then popped the whole baby head up on foam tape ... {"he's got a HUGE melon"... name that movie!}

The inside says "Congratulations".

Flowery Bundle O' Joy (lavender one)

Stamps: Trendy Greetings (inside sentiment), Punctuation (this is retiring! wwwaahhh!)
Paper: Angelee Cardstock (lavender, plum), Reece Cardstock (aqua), Bazzill Mono-Reds (pink)
Ink: Noir, Belle Rose & Cognac Palettes, Eggplant VersaMagic
Punches: Giga Scallop Circle, Extra Jumbo & Super Jumbo Flower, Super Jumbo Circle
Other: Angelee Ribbon, Shimmers Chalk, Fantastix, mani' pads, foam tape

What do you think? {pssst... if you would like the template for the blankie, just email me and I'll scan it}

Tell me if you know this one...

"Well, I made the duck blue because I'd never seen a blue duck before and I wanted to see one." **Name that movie... {tic toc, tic toc, tic toc}

I kept hearing this over and over as I was making my Pink Bee... :) Isn't she cute? I hadn't seen one before, but I've been on a Blossoms & Buttons kick and I've got a ton of pink ones, so a pink bee it is! I created another B&B-loaded card for the June contest for TAC demos, and I can't wait to show you... but I'm holding out until I find out who won first {insert evil grin with raised eyebrow here} I might post a teaser before then, but I just don't know :)

I once again dove into my scrap pile... aren't you proud?! Even the tag base & ribbon were scraps. I might have gone a little Scrapper's Floss happy... I should buy stock in that stuff... me loves it! And that little dark burgundy 'button'... it's another thumbtack from the same pack as THIS blue one!

Stamps: Cute as a Bug (Serendipity Hostess Level A set)

Paper: Mimi SWIC and Cardstock, Ivory UltraSmooth cardstock

Ink: Burnt Umber & Belle Rose Palettes

Other: Audrey Embellishment Jar, Lemonade Blossoms & Buttons, Icicle Stickles, Prismacolor pencils & mineral oil blending, Brown Scrapper's Floss, Glue Dots, foam tape, Target thumbtack

I'm thinking this would be a cute tag for Mother's Day, baby shower, or a Spring bridal shower gift. It would be easy enough to make it a card instead, or just have the sentiment printed on the back of the tag. I just love that little uber-fat bee... this image is the main reason why I wanted this set!

I love the little bit o' glitter on the wings {ooooooo shiny!} And I love my Glue Dots... they are wonderful for those buttons! Well...

What do you think?

**btw... the movie was Billy Madison :)

Pemberley Bay Matchbook Album...

Woo Hoo! Finally finished the Pemberley Bay Matchbook Kit that TAC gave us in San Antonio! I hadn't done much there because I was going on very little sleep (oh the fun we have) and just couldn't focus. I followed their directions for a few pages, but decided to just wing the rest (hence the "co-design" photo watermarks). I'm doing another slide show... do these work well for you guys? It's so much easier than posting a dozen photos! Just click on "view all images" for a larger lookie-see :)

Stamps: Interact

Kits/Paper: Pemberley Bay Matchbook Kit, Amberley Grace SWIC, Amberley Grace & Hemingway Cardstocks, misc. shipping tags & large coin envelope

Ribbon: Amberley Grace, Angelee, Reece, & Willoughby ribbons, Tan & Brown Scrapper's Floss

Ink: Burnt Umber Palette, Walnut Ink

Hardware: Antique Triangle Loops, Antique Copper eyelets, Antique Spiral Clips
Other: Acetate, Pop Dots, paper piercer

I've also done the Rockin' Roxie Matchbook Kit... I'm waiting for the sun to come out so I can photograph it. I actually completed it before the Pemberley Bay one, so I picked up a few tips:

1. Use foam tape (or similar) as spacers at the binding area... this allows for a more level look to album, especially when closed.

2. When using popped-up elements (or buttons in the case of RR), try to spread them out in different areas on different pages... don't just put them all at the 'open end' of the page. If not, it leads to an uneven look when closed.

3. Be careful when letting elements hang off the ends of the pages... top & bottom are fine, and you can do a teensie bit on the end (just not-so-much).

4. Be sure to do a 'dry run' with your pockets & tags... a couple of pages I did just use the photo mat as a pocket, and it really needed a bit of a gusset.

5. On the page with the triangle loop, eyelet & ribbon, I created a pocket with the AG paper by running strips of foam tape around three sides. This allowed plenty of room for a few tags and gives more dimension to the page.

My favorite page? I love the cover & binding, and all of the interactive pages, and the cool fancy frame page with the acetate window, and the foam tape pocket page... wait... did I just name every freakin' page?! ;)

By the way, I still have several tabs, photo corners, and two whole pages left over from the kit... hmmmm... what to make next...

What do you think?

Edited to add: TAC had pre-cut the fancy frame shapes with a die cutting system they had at the home office. I really like that shape, don't you? They provided everything except the stamp set, ink, the sheer binding ribbon, acetate, staples, foam tape, and some of the floss... pretty generous I think... it's great to be an Angel, huh?! :)

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Fabric & PrismaColor What's Moo?

My new favorite thing: stamping and coloring on fabric! Is he not the cutest little cow?!!

After stamping the image, I simply colored with pencils like I normally do on paper. It is a little trickier and you need to hold the fabric pretty taut, but the look is pretty nifty. Had I used the bleached muslin, the colors would probably be brighter, but I really like the muted look of the unbleached.

I attached the upper left corner with a safety pin [you really can't see it very well, dang it], and then stapled the lower left and middle right sides to the natural cardstock mat. I distressed the edges of all cardstocks and frayed the fabric edges as well.

Stamps: An Udder Birthday?

Paper: Bazzill Mono Blues, Natural Cardstock

Ink: New Canvas, Burnt Umber & Noir Palettes

Other: PrismaColor Pencils, Scor-Pal, unbleached muslin fabric, misc. ribbon, large safety pin, mini-stapler, Pop Dots, paper piercer, distresser

The navy card base was swiped with New Canvas, then I pierced a line of dots across the top sandwiched between two scores from the Scor-Pal [which you can't see either, dang it]. The natural mat, as well as the interior mat, was also pierced. I finished it off with a little bow [which was a total bi-yatch, by the way... the grosgrain ribbon is just too stiff].

What do you think?

A little Hotel Mia tonight...

I know, I know... WTH?! Where have I been... I've been a bad bad blogger. So, tonight, I'm going to share a couple of things I created for TAC's Serendipity release. All I have are single scans... I didn't have time to take photos like I usually do before I mailed them off, so you can't see much dimension. If you click the photos it should really blow them up BIG! For some reason, my scanner makes these ginormous pictures :)

This is a 6x9 scrapbook page. I think I would have liked it better if I didn't do all of the VersaMark around the edges, but overall, I like it. I can totally see a pregnancy picture here: you know, with the arrow pointing to a beautiful round 'non-vacant' belly :) I can't have kids, so I didn't include a photo, but I hope someone gets this page for a scrapbook!

Stamps: Hotel Signs
Paper: Mia's Cottage SWIC and Cardstock, White UltraSmooth
Ink: Bordeaux and Claret Palette Inks, VersaMark
Other: Mia's Cottage Ribbon, Mia's Cottage Hardware, Ava Embellishment Jar, Scrapper's Floss, Pop Dots

Next up, a fun party invite! I totally dig this one... it kinda looks like the Vegas Strip, doesn't it? Cutting all of the little pieces took a while, but it looks so much better than just plain stamping! And, of course, what's Vegas without a little bling... can you see the touches of Stickles?

Stamps: Hotel Signs, Circle Sampler
Paper: Mia's Cottage SWIC and Cardstock, White UltraSmooth
Ink: Bordeaux and Claret Palette Inks, Cosmic Copper Brilliance

Other: Mia's Cottage Ribbon, Icicle Stickles

What do you think?

Post #99, people...

This is post number #99, y'all!! I haven't had a chance to gather my blog candy stuff up yet, but hopefully by the next post!! I'll be celebrating two blogging milestones, really... 100 posts & over 5000 hits! Stay tuned...

More fun stuff:

I haven't done anything new since Saturday (except my Winger stuff... can't show that yet!), so here is an oldie that I hope I haven't shown before. I love this little giraffe... he/she is so fun to color and look at that absolutely adorable face!

Stamps: Hello Baby, Running Stitches
Paper: Bazzill Mono Pinks & Greens
Ink: VersaMagic Spanish Olive or Tea Leaves (ugh... can't remember!), Noir Palette, Tombow grey marker
Coloring medium: color pencil & Gamasol
Bling: misc. sheer ribbon


Also, Shannon was kind enough to send me this great photo that shows all of her creations from Saturday!! Be sure to check her blog here for more fun stuff!