9.21.2010

Surprise!

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 ;)

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

9.11.2010

9.03.2010

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
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.  :)

8.18.2010

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!


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?

8.15.2010

Finally a card to show on this blog...

... 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)
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?

8.12.2010

Note to all...

... 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!!

8.09.2010

Happy (early) birthday to Poot...

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)
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?

8.06.2010

Undie Hero

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
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?

8.04.2010

Gossip Chicks

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 :)


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?

8.02.2010

Dragon Boo

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 specialThe 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 :)



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

7.29.2010

Violet daisy

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'.


Paper:  Bazzill green, Neenah white & kraft cardstocks
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?

7.28.2010

Copic Color Caboodles Marker Clubs

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 CaboodlesTM.  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 CaboodlesTM 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.

7.27.2010

Another winner-of-sorts :)

... 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?


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!

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:
Love all of the vintage style trims!
 
And the next three, who will receive a few little TAC grab bag stamps are:

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