Exciting News!

Yesterday I got to do something I've always wanted. I got to be part of the talented group that creates samples with brand new stamps, and then post them live at the show. My penultimate stamping genius and pusher, er, supplier, Gina K had a release last night over at Stamp TV! I got to show off and it was exhilarating! I need to give a

HUGE

shout out to Melanie Muenchinger for asking me to be a guest designer for her BRAND NEW stamp set, Basket Buddies. Melanie is ubber talented and has been my stamping IDOL for some time! I have to admit I felt like getting called on in 3rd grade to complete a math problem at the chalkboard, all nervous, wondering if your pigtails were straight... I think I like the feeling of those butterflies, tho *giggles*.

Isn't this set Ah Dooor Able?? LOVE it - perfect for all my critter card needs. This set works with other sets from her line, Spring Basket and Basket Blessings, but it's great all on it's own. For example, here I've used only stamps from this set:

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I used the beautiful black and white papers provided in the Vintage Chic Stamp TV kit. I went polka dot crazy on this one because the Splitcoast Stampers are still having the Dare to Get Dirty Challenge for fan club members. Those challenges close on Monday, August 8th.

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For this card, I paired Basket Buddies with Spring Basket with a ton of layers and distressing. I colored my Tim Holtz tattered flowers die with distress inks to match the Basic Grey Max & Whiskers papers. The flowers were cut out of Basic Grey Basics Manilla paper (LOVE). I love how this turned out, and I know some hero serving overseas is going to use this for that perfect letter back home.

Now... there's another secret coming soon. As soon as I can get all my projects caught up and have some camera time, you'll get to see what all I have in store for you! Thanks so much for stopping by - if you have any questions, please leave me a note.

Don't forget to play along with the Stamp TV release challenges and check out the AMAZING samples all the gals put together. Happy stamping!
♥ky

CHA Gone Again

The summer session of Craft and Hobby Association has come to an end (the industry side, that is). I'm always a little sad about that, but energized at the same time. I know new products are coming our way! It is my heartfelt prayer that everyone has safe travels home.

Everyone knows the heat is a big issue right now, and we've been struggling to keep cool. The kitties haven't had a romp in a week, I'm 5 days since my last phys-therapy, and the bunnies don't even want to move. We've all been huddled in the ArtLab hiding from the sun. Here's a glimpse of what I've been doing. As always, you can click on the images to see a closer view.

I colored a whole set of this beautiful anime faerie with copic markers, so I have a stash to just pull out and play with. I also used Sakura gelly roll star pens on her wings. Now, this isn't a problem unless these images are on cards heading to Operation Write Home (where 99% of my cards go). Yes, tiny bits of glitter will rub off on your finger, so they have to be sealed. What to do...

I didn't want to use a whole bottle of glossy or matte accents on these wings (there were 20 images!), nor did I want to pile on clear embossing powder. I thought maybe spray fixative would work, but then I discovered I didn't have any on-hand. Doot doodle DOOOO! (yeah, cheesy music here) Hairspray! Yep, I sprayed 2 light coats of aerosol hairspray over the images, and voila! Sealed! It also adds a subtle sheen to the image.

So there's your tip of the day. Aerosol - not pump sprayers, folks. Oh, and another sweet thing I'll share? See all the stitching on both cards? That's not real. Looks it, but it's not. Best of all? I can make it any color in the world and don't need to drag out my darling sewing machine. Yep, heat embossed Tim Holtz stitching stamp, then rub over it with a soft cloth to reduce the gloss.

Big news is coming soon for a new workshop from the ArtLab!! Happy experimenting, everyone!

♥ky

Jack's Here!

I made a set of cards for my cousin who just had her first baby, Jack. I also sent them a gift card, so I needed a folder for that. I know she will also need thank you cards. This is what I came up with:

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This tabbed folder card from Stampin' Up was the perfect size to hold a gift card. I dressed it up with Basic Grey paper, and images from Tami Mayberry's Special Delivery set. I created the little blue flower (tutorial coming soon!) and added touches of ribbon and distress ink.

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This is the set she will receive - a dozen thank you cards and envelopes along with the gift card. The card image is from Stenciled Spring by Gina K. I know these will help her celebrate her beautiful son. Thanks so much for stopping by today - it means a lot to me!

Have a beautiful day!
♥ky

Independence Weekend!

Wow - where has this year gone? I guess I shouldn't complain. It's July 1, and we haven't cracked 100 yet (or been too warm much at all). Here's a little something to stir your muse.

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So, this set shows you how the same products, design and placements can dramatically alter a card. The card above was put together with no distressing, and no textural elements.

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This card is the same with the addition of distressing to the horizontal patterned paper, and a different edging on the border. The ribbon treatment is a little less flamboyant as well.

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This card returns the flamboyant ribbon, uses the distressed edges on the patterned paper, and adds a different textured border along with a little stencil work. I will be teaching these techniques in an at-your-own-pace, video class soon.

Thanks so much for stopping by - I hope you have a great celebratory weekend (Independence and Canada Days). See you soon!

♥ky