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

"... 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...

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...

... 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...

... 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...

... 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...

... 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?

Oh the cuteness...

I've been coloring up a storm as of late, and just had to share this today... even though it is not a stamp image from The Angel Company (gasp!) ;)

 

 

This is Charlotte.

Charlotte loves to play with her dollies...

... maybe a little too much?

I mean, she is squeezing the one so hard that it popped an eye out :)

That's love, baby!

LOVE THIS IMAGE.  Look at that hair!  Those fabulous corkscrew curls... 

I can't wait to make her a redhead :)

Stamps:  Charlotte (Kraftin' Kimmie), Spunky Sprite Boys (sentiment)

Paper:  More Mimi, Neenah cardstock, Mimi & premium white cardstocks

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo

Other:  Pink & Brown Scrapper's Floss, misc. ribbon, & WeR eyelet

Copics:  Hair- E31, E35, E57

Skin- E000, E00, E02, E11

Clothes- 0, E31, E35, E57, YG01, YG05, RV10, RV11, RV13, RV14

Doll skin- W00, W2, E31, E35

Shadow- E71

I'm not thrilled with my coloring job on her face... the cheeks are too rosey and too circular.  But look at that smirk... she makes me smile :)

What do you think?

O...M...G... Becky...

I FINALLY made a freakin' card.  AND I like it :)  Even though it is really simple, with hardly any foof.

But just look at that face!!  Isn't she A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E?  I know!  This little cutie is part of a new stamp set from The Angel Company called Oh No She Didn't.  However, you can't get your grubby little mitts on this set until after July 1st... sucka!  Don't be sad... it's not too far off  ;)

After I colored her up, I coated the umbrella, goulashes, frog, & the blue part of her jacket in a couple of layers of Crystal Lacquer... me likey!  Sorry the photos bite it... it was a bit overcast when I took these.  But the dimension & shininess of the lacquer are awesome in person.

Do you think this card has a bit too many dots?  Umbrella, background, puddle, punch, & trim... dang!  And if the photos would have captured them, I dotted her jacket, goulashes & umbrella... they look mottled... like water.

Stamps:  Oh No She Didn't (coming soon!), This Girl (inside sentiment), retired GWP (miss u), Go Places (sun, retired)

Paper:  Sands of Time, white ultrasmooth, premium white & DCWV cardstocks

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo

Other:  Crystal Lacquer, EK Success edger punches, Pop dots, dotty trim

Copics:  0, B000, B00, B02, BG02, BG05, BG07, V99, YG01, YG06, E000, E00, E02, E11, E53, E57, YR24, W2

What do you think?

A recipe-of-sorts...

... kinda... maybe.

No papercrafting post today.  Nope, still missing that creative spark.  So, to fill space, I've decided to share a fabulous summertime recipe.  Well... kinda.

I'm one of those people who doesn't really measure anything when I cook.  Well, unless it's a baking recipe... you really kinda HAVE to then.  So, this deviled egg "recipe" may drive you a little bit crazy if you want exact measures... not gonna happen... 

... that's just how I roll.

Pictured above is everything I used to transform a dozen eggs into something even tastier:

large bowl

pastry blender

mayo (NOT Miracle Whip... ewww)

mustard

white vinegar

ground rosemary

granulated garlic

chives

sea salt

Homemade Gourmet Garlic Basil

Homemade Gourmet Dill seasoning

not pictured:  Pampered Chef Chillzanne egg tray & Easy Accent Decorator

The pastry blender is perfect for breaking up the cooked yolks... much quicker than the traditional dinner fork Mama uses :)   I add all of the herbs & spices to the yolks prior to adding any liquid & blend well.  Then, a few dollops of mayo and small squirt of mustard.  To prevent adding too much vinegar, I cover the top with two fingers and kind of sprinkle it... don't ask why... that's just what I learned from my mama  :)  

Had I any prepared horseradish, I would add just a bit of that for more zing :)  Then I add more herbs, mayo or vinegar depending on the desired taste.  You know you've had deviled eggs before that had too much of one thing... mayo makes it too blah, vinegar makes it too wangy, etc.

Well, after the filling is JUST right, I fill the ol' Easy Accent Decorator with the large star tip... LOVE IT for deviled eggs & mini-cupcakes.  After filling all of the egg halves, I sprinkle more of the dill seasoning in-lieu-of the traditional paprika.

Don't they look tasty?!

Whoooo knew...

 ... that I have been slacking lately?!  I'm still not feeling creative... this is the longest creative slump I've been in for some time.  And this is the last of my 'spare' cards that I haven't shared, so enjoy it :)  Who knows when the mojo will return.

I am LOVING the Tim Holtz edge dies... how fabulous is the shape of this card front?!  I totally see using this die for a future handbag card, right?  I still need to figure out a foolproof way of using the die so that it is straight when it goes through the Big Shot... I've had so many that I can only use as mats because they had to be cut down.  Any ideas?

Stamps:  Be Square, Thinking of You (retired hostess set)

Paper:  white ultrasmooth, kraft, brown & random teal cardstocks

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo

Other:  metal button, Tim Holtz edge die

Copics:  0, BV20, E53, E57, BG72, BG78

I love this owl... he's my 2nd favorite in the whole set.  Those itty bitty wings totally make me smile.

:)

See?

And are you guys hating the simple cards I've been doing lately?  I have a room full of schtuff and all of these cards lately have been foof-less!  What is the trend now, anyway?   
Foof or NO Foof?

What do you think?

Yet another wedding card...

Can't help it.  This border punch screams wedding to me... can't you hear it?!  And I already had this ca-yootie patootie image panel done & Stickle'd up, so how's this for an uber quick & easy card?

Stamps:  Trendy Greetings, retired dress image

Paper:  Bazzill, black and Premium white cardstocks

Ink:  Noir Palette

Colorant:  Prismacolors w/ mineral oil blending

Other:  Stickles, Scor-bug, MS border punch

Whenever I make wedding cards, I get stuck in a time-warp and remember my own wedding.  All the planning (wedding checklist book was EXTREMELY handy), bridal magazines (searching for THE dress), invitations (made by me including the handmade paper!), hounding mama to make sure all the bridesmaids' dresses would be done in time (she's a procrastinator like me)...

... on and on... all for just a few hours of ceremony and partying...

... totally worth it! :)

Hoping your day...

... is simply delightful :)  Is that not the cutest, "feel good" sentiment ever?

I was in a recent swap, and we were to use THIS sketch that a fellow TAC Angel, Heather, created.  You've heard this before... I don't do sketches very well.  But this one turned pretty good, and I actually stuck to the given sketch!

I added a bit o' lacquer to the bubbles & water droplets... you can't tell in the photos, but it's there :)

Stamps:  Spunky Sprite Boys, Wonder and Joy

Paper:  Rustic Chic, Hemingway, brown, kraft & white ultrasmooth cardstocks

Ink:  Memento Cocoa

Other:  Nesties, Scor-bug, Crystal Lacquer

Copics:  0, E57, YR24, E000, E00, E11, R02, BV20, BV23, BG72, BG78

Well, I'm off to figure out what to take to my little stamping get together tomorrow with some former Angels... wait, that sounds funny... like they've turned evil or something... :)  Definitely NOT this group!  Actually, I'm the most evil one attending ;)

muhuwah ahh ahh ahh ahhhhhhhhh

What do you think?!

Double quick Wednesday...

I received a request for super simple, non-holiday cards, so I whipped up these two :)

This friendship card uses the chipboard back from a notepad as the base... recycling at it's finest :)

Stamps:  Friendship Strips (now 25% off!), Swirled Spring Life (Hostess Level A)

Paper:  chipboard, brown cardstock

Ink:  Burnt Umber Palette, Vintage Cream (PTI)

Other:  MS border punch, chocolate ribbon

The yummilicious ribbon?  Another clearance bin find at a LSS.  AND don't you just LOVE my new border punch?!  I have a love/hate relationship with Martha... I either love her products, or totally NOT love them... no in-between.

And how is this for a card quickie?!  Seriously, it took longer for the ink to dry than it did to make the whole card.

Stamps:  Toot My Horn

Paper:  Premium white cardstock

Ink:  Turquoise Gem VM, Noir Palette

Other:  Scor-bug, misc. ribbon

What do you think?

Croppin' time...

Come and crop with Crop-n-Doodle-Do & Key Lime Crops!  CNDD crops are always a good time, so don't miss out... here are the details:

POTLUCK CROP.........JUNE 12, 2010

"Join us for our first ever Potluck Crop.  This crop will be held at KING OF KINGS CHURCH in Gardner, KS.  See the invitation below for details.  After you register I will send you an email of what we need... side dishes/salads/desserts.  You pick which one you want to bring. (there will not be specific recipe for you to bring.  You can decide the specific dish.  I will just let you know which kind of item you need to bring)  The Theme is "Tater Tot Crop".  I will provide the main dish for Lunch and Dinner.

The website is under construction so just send Maria an email at cropndoodledo@gmail.com to register.  I will send you a paypal invoice.  If you prefer to pay by check you can send your check to:  Crop-N-Doodle Do, P.O. Box 483, Spring Hill, KS  66083. (if you are going to pay by check please still send me an email to let me know you are coming)"

I'll have a small booth set up in case you run out of cardstock or eyelets :)  Not to mention all of the new stamps and mini-album kits you'll need!

If you do register to attend, please let me know!  Anyone who attends after hearing about the crop here, will be put into a drawing for a little sumpin' sumpin' from me... TAC products!