Savor the Journey

This will be just a short post to share the culminating photo of the Bridal Collection all together.   I was surprised when I discovered how much I was enjoying the Hanna Bridal set …. which just goes to show that once you put the ink to the stamps, something special can happen!  In this case, I didn’t want to stop stamping with the new set!  LOL 

I hope you’ve enjoyed a wonderful week wherever you are.  Savor the Journey has actually been on a bit of “auto-pilot” while I’ve been away with our family in Michigan this past week!   We’ve looked forward to savoring the joys of being with family, as well as the beauty of lush green Michigan in the summer.  The sweet sharing of babies & little ones and meeting those we haven’t met yet ourselves … hearing new stories, exchanging the hugs that aren’t often shared due to being spread across the USA  … these are the bits & pieces that we have hoped to savor during this trip!  I’m sure we’ve been doing just that!  Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Share a {{{{hug}}}} with someone today!

~Bev

Here’s the final installment of my creations with the new Bridal Hanna set released tonight.  It’s available now at Hanna Stamps, along with the new Baseball Hanna, and Lazy Days!

As with my previous two posts, the image was stamped on Cryogen White cardstock, stamped with Palette Noir hybrid ink, and colored with Copic Markers!  The card base is of Prism cardstock, which has a lovely texture to compliment the design.  My cardstock was cut 4″ X 8″ to create a 4″ square card.  I hope you enjoy!

STAMPS>>Bridal Hanna, All Holidays (SU).   INKS>>  Palette Noir, Copic Markers.  PAPERS>>  Cryogen White, Poison Ivory, Prism, My Mind’s Eye Tres Jolie.  ACCESSORIES>>  Corner Rounder Punch, Offray Ribbon, Nestabilities, Paper Piercing Tool, Faux Pearls.

I’m adding more to yesterday’s wedding project, using the upcoming Bridal Hanna from Hanna Stamps!  We’ll be having a new release party on Thursday night, 7 p.m., in the Hanna Stamps forum at SCS!  You’ll have several chances to win any new set!   For the place cards, I’ve used the bride & groom’s champagne glasses, on a simple design to coordinate with yesterday’s bridal project.   These are so easy … my cards were cut at 3.5″ X 4″, & folded in half.   The champagne glasses are so easily stamped, “Nestied”, and quickly colored with my E02 Copic Marker.   You could make a complete set of these very quickly for a reception!   I hope you enjoy!  Thanks for stopping by today.   

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Project Recipe:  STAMPS = Bridal Hanna.   INKS =Palette Noir, Copic Markers.  PAPERS = Prism, Cryogen White, My Mind’s Eye-Tres Jolie - Mon Cheri - Beauty Floral/Creme  .  ACCESSORIES = Nestabilities, Paper Piercing Tool, Foam Tape.

This sneak peek from Hanna Stamps is truly ‘For the Bride’!   I’ve only used the main image from the set … but I’ll show you even more of it this week. 

Hanna was stamped on Cryogen White cardstock from eclectic Paperie, and layered atop Poison Ivory cardstock, also from eP.   This ribbon is wired, so it was easily persuaded into a rounded shape.  I hope you enjoy!  Thanks so much for stopping by Savor the Journey today! 

It’s hot here in Texas … but Riley has found a nice, snowy ski slope!  I hosted the ‘Gettin’ Punchy’ challenge recently at Hanna Stamps’ “Stampin’ in Your Jammies” night.  The challenge was to use 2 or more punches on your creation!  This one includes 3 different circle punches and the scallop circle punch, all within the computer texted tag.  Riley’s snow is actually white glitter by Martha Stewart.  It’s sparkly, but also opaque white, rather than clear, for a unique difference.   And, I’m sure it’s obvious that I do hoard some paper, as this is from my Basic Grey Blitzen stash.  The little tag is attached to the ribbon with a loop of silver metallic cord.  Now that I’m looking again at this, it’s clear that I’ve used some of my favorite things on this one … circles, scallops, glitter, & ribbon!  Have a sweet day everyone!  And keep your eyes open this week for some upcoming new peeks at Hanna Stamps goodies to come!  (Shhhhhhhhhh!  I didn’t say anything!) 

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Card Recipe:  STAMPS >>  Snow Ski Riley.  PAPERS >>  Old Olive, Soft Sky, Georgia Pacific White, Basic Grey Blitzen.  INKS >> Palette Noir, Copic Markers.  ACCESSORIES >>  Ribbon, Silver Metallic Cord, Zip Dry Glue, Martha Stewart’s Glitter, 1/8″ Handheld circle punch, 1 & 3/8″ Circle Punch, 1 & 1/4″ Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Spellbinder’s Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Foam Dimensional tape.

Here’s one of the newest Riley Moose stamps, Pumpkin Patch Riley!  This was one of the cards I created for last week’s ‘Stampin’ In Your Jammies’ night over at the SCS Hanna Stamps Forum.  One of the challenges was to create something using ‘flocking’.  So, this little Riley has his antlers flocked with my Stampendous Fun Flock.  I simply applied clear Quick Dry glue to the antlers, then sprinkled on the Fun Flock, and gently pressed it into the clear glue.    The card base is simply cut 4 & 1/4″ X 11″, allowing for the top-fold.   the image was stamped, then cut with my ever-favorite Nestabilities, along with the scallop layers.  I struggled with the decision for the ribbon, but I think I’ve come to be happy with this choice!    

If you have not already read the PayPal caution below this post, I hope that you will give yourself a couple of minutes to read what I hope is a helpful caution to my readers.    Have a marvelous Friday, everyone!  Thanks for visiting Savor the Journey today! 

Recipe:  STAMPS>> Pumpkin Patch Riley.  PAPERS>> SU Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Georgia Pacific White, the Paper Studio.  INKS>> Palette Noir, Copic Markers.  ACCESSORIES>>  May Arts Ribbon, Foam Tape 3-M, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Cuttlebug.

Hello Savor the Journey Readers,
This is TexasGrammy talking.   I’m writing this myself.  It is not something I am forwarding from anyone else.  Email me through my contact me area in the left column if you like, for verification.

I have just spent over 1 hour & 15 minutes on the phone with PayPal Security on the night of Monday, June 23, 2008.   I waited 20 other minutes on hold to get help.  Tomorrow I must change my checking account. I have had to change my credit card number.

Tonight between 7:15 p.m. and 9:05 p.m. CDT, someone made several large transactions FROM my PayPal account, draining it, and the rest of the $3,575.00 was scheduled to come from my checking account through PayPal. Transactions were being made very quickly … a couple were within 2 minutes of each other.

How did I find out? I am in awe …. I received a phone call from the last ’seller’ tonight at 9:25 p.m.   He asked for [my name].    My hubby had a cautious look on his face when he gave me the phone.  The gentleman asked if I ever go by ‘grammy’ …. Well, my paypal addy was ….grammyblahblahblah (disguised by me) . He asked if I had purchased anything from him tonight on PayPal … “No.  I haven’t used PPal in at least a couple of weeks.”   The caller explained to me that he just had a ‘bad feeling’ when the paypal payment came through from a … … grammy …. because he didn’t feel like a true ‘grammy‘ would ever be buying from him.  He could tell by talking to me that “you wouldn’t be buying what I am selling.”  Of course I asked what I had supposedly bought, but he said, “Let’s just call it ‘video equipment’ and leave it at that.”  He said,  ”I’m refunding your money right now …. go check your email.”   He did refund the $425 immediately.

Upon checking my PayPal account, I found it to be empty.  I was sick at my stomach.  I kept far more there than anyone should have, but hadn’t wanted to pay fees to switch it out.  Never again.  The seller called again later to tell me to call my bank asap to put a hold on withdrawals, because he had actually been paid with an e-check for $425. Called bank. Place hold note … must sign in the morning.

Called PayPal.  Discovered the lineup of transactions tonight.   A total of $3575, emptying my Ppal, +2 from my CCard on file, and the rest of the balance to come from my bank account.  Thankfully, PayPal had ‘already’ noted suspicious activity and placed my account on hold, since it was over-drained in the first transaction.

I don’t have my money back yet, as the investigation team has it now. I’ve filled out a bunch of forms for PayPal, plus the girl helping me was so gracious and kind. We had her on speaker phone … When hubby came in, I announced his presence, and he said, Ma’am, “I hope you can help her because she’s fighting back tears.”  I could not have asked for a better person to stick with my initial reaction of disgust, then being appalled at the total amount, the fact that my bank account and credit card are involved … etc.

Friends, I ask you to go to your PayPal account right NOW.  Check to be sure it’s correct.  And ….. change your password today, along with your security questions. Amber said that even reversing the order of your security questions will help, if someone has captured your info.  Theives just know what order the answers come in, but not usually what the question is.

I share this only as a way of sharing the fact that if you are not attending frequent watch over your PayPal, you need to check it.  Now is a perfect time.  I found out because of an honest, awesome seller.  Like I told him, he could have kept the $425, and I might not have known until my next bank statement.  I had been gone much of the evening, during all of this frenzy of PPal activity.  It only takes a small amount of time.

Best wishes to each of you. If I can help just one of you, I will feel that I’ve shared the learning tonight.

Sincerely,
Bev / Tex Gerard
TexasGrammy

I will certainly upload something better soon!  I just need this to get read!  *wink*

Well, finally there’s a special place for all sick moose to find the care that they need, right here at Moostropolis Moospital.  This room is filled, but I’m sure there are still some vacancies for whatever ails the moose that is/are near & dear to you.    “Sick Riley” is one of 20 new Riley stamps released tonight at the Hanna Stamps Stampin’ in your Jammies Party over at SplitcoastStampers!   The new Riley’s are all available in wood-mounted form, and in very limited numbers of unmounted rubber.  Once the unmounted rubber ones are sold, they do not return, but the wood mounted moose are available in much larger quantities.  If you’re an unmounted fan, try to shop early!  You’ll find all the new Riley’s and lots of other goodies at Hanna Stamps! 

This card was part of the 1st challenge of the party, which was to use the colors of your bedroom as inspiration for your creation.  My bedroom includes a bit of Perfect Plum (actually a deeper purple), a tiny bit of Sage Shadow, and Sahara Sand.  The Moospital sign is chipboard, covered with scrapbook paper.  The moose heads are popped up on dimensional foam … gosh … maybe that’s why they’re sick?  And although the thermometers are a little hard to detail in the photo, they’re mimicking the old-style mercury thermometers, encased in Crystal Effects.   Tissues are in hand, ever-ready for the next sniffle or sneeze.  I hope you enjoy!

You’re invited!

 Hanna Stamps is hosting a Stampin’ In Our Jammies night, tonight (Friday) from 7:00 p.m. Eastern until 11:00 p.m. Eastern time!

Card Challenges?   Yes!     Prizes?  Yes!     Chances to win free stamps?  Yes!

Fun?  Of course!  We hope you’ll join us!  Grab your favorite jammies and join in the fun!

7:00 p.m. Eastern until 11:00 p.m. Eastern!

I can’t help it.  It’s a proud Mom & Dad moment for us today.  Our son, Brandon, is a City Council Member in the town where he lives with his wife and son.  When he called us today, he retold the story of last night’s city council meeting there.   As it turns out, he was appointed by the Council to the office of Mayor Pro Tem!    Congratulations, Brandon!  We’re very proud of you!  

Love, Mom

Riley has some great advice for all of us, “Keep Life Simple”!  So he’s spent the day lounging on the beach, listening to the gentle ocean waves, sipping on something cool & refreshing.   I wanted to have a little fun with this cute stamp, so I peeked in at the SCS Technique Challenge for this week, TLC173, “With a Shimmer & a Glimmer”.  Although it’s hard to capture shimmer sprays on photos, I think a bit of the shimmer spray shows up here.  I sprayed the Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist on as the final step in making this card.   

I love being on a beach by the ocean!  So, I just had to add some real sand to Riley’s beach.  It’s glue on with a great clear glue for crafters, Elmer’s Craft Bond.  I usually find mine at Michael’s, in the area where the many craft glues & adhesives are located.  It is clear, dries clear, and has a thick consistency that’s easy to “keep in place” on a flat surface.  I also stamped the palm leaves again, cut them out, and added the cutouts to the tree tops, just to be sure that Riley has enough shade for his hammock.  ;)  I hope you enjoy!  Thanks so much for stopping by! 

Project Recipe:  STAMPS>>  Tropical Riley.   PAPERS>>  Prism Frosted Yellow, Prism Spring Willow Dark, Georgia Pacific White, and Basic Grey Lucky ‘Kharma’.  INKS>>  Palette Noir, Copic Markers.  ACCESSORIES>>  Twill Ribbon, Making Memories Metal Charm, Silver Brads, Nestabilities, foam tape, Elmer’s Craft Bond Paper Craft Glue Gel, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist ‘Sugar Cookie’, Sand.

Here’s a warm welcome and hearty Congratulations to the newest design team members of Hanna Stamps!   You’ll probably already feel like you know them if you visit SCS very often from their delightful galleries.  I’m including a link to their blogs for your browsing pleasure!  

Again, Welcome Ladies!!

Adela Rossol (a.k.a. adelaros) :  Creations by AR

Janette Olen (a.k.a. blessingsx3) :  Stampin’ with Style

Patti Stigale (a.k.a. Stigmom6 ) :  Design U

That’s such a powerful scripture!    You’ll find it available now in the “Fishers of Men” set at Our Daily Bread Designs!  Yep!  I must say, that these two newest sets, “Fishers of Men” and “Sing to the Lord” are two of the best-yet releases from Our Daily Bread.   I’m not saying that because I’m a member of Kelley’s design team, but rather, I’m saying it because that’s just how I feel.  The scriptures, fonts, images are all so beautifully presented in these sets.  

Today’s card was inspired by the SCS Featured Stamper, FS71, Denidill!  I knew the moment that I saw her similar card that it was “the one” for this stamp set!  Here’s Denidill’s inspirational card, Chickadees.    As you can see, I’ve really only changed the stamps, the colors, and the ribbon embellishments. 

I love using my punches .. and this card allows us to layer the oval punches, creating a unique area in which to set the jumbo eyelets.  Although I have a few different colors available, the SU antique brass seemed to be the perfect match here.  My trusty SU Mat Pack enabled me to pierce the holes around the Poison Ivory layer.  And finally, I saw another chance to use my beloved ‘twine’ … just plain twine from the hardware store!    I hope you enjoy this simple project!  If you have time today, check out the Featured Stamper challenge over at SCS.  And don’t forget to check out the newest sets from Our Daily Bread Designs!  Thanks so much for stopping by!  Happy Father’s Day to the appropriate gents in your circle of blessings!   

Card Recipe:  STAMPS>>  “Fishers of Men” by Our Daily Bread Designs.   CARDSTOCK>>  Brocade Blue, Chocolate Chip, Poison Ivory.  INKS>>  Palette Burnt Umber, Copic Markers.  ACCESSORIES>>  Paper Piercing Pack, both SU Oval Punches, Cropadile, Jumbo Eyelets, Twine, Foam Tape.

Here’s a look at the second new set being released this weekend at Our Daily Bread Designs, “Fishers of Men”!  In part, my inspiration for this card came from the SCS Limited Supplies Challenge, LSC172.   The challenge was to use knots on the project, and to limit layers & embellishments.   I used hemp for my embellishment, tied in simple knots.   My card base is a 6.5″ square, folded in half.  

I haven’t used my soaked & crinkled paper in quite some time, and knew as soon as I saw this set that I would be using it for one of my samples.  For my ’soaked & crinkled’ layers, I just cut the paper to the approximate size and shape that I needed.  Run water over the cardstock and carefully wad it up, squeezing the water out and creating lots of wrinkles. 

 Now just use your heating tool to dry all of the moisture from the wet cardstock.  Be sure to keep the heating tool at least 6 or more inches above the cardstock, and use wooden tongs or skewers to hold the paper in place when needed.  You’ll see a distinct lightening of the color as the paper dries, and the paper will also shrink just a bit during this process.

The Our Daily Bread design team has been busy making wonderful samples with this set, along with the other new set, “Sing to the Lord”.  Be sure to stop by the Our Daily Bread Designs website to see even more ideas for each of these sets.

Card Recipe:  STAMPS >>  “Fishers of Men”.  CARDSTOCK >>  Creamy Caramel, Kraft, Naturals Ivory, Basic Grey Aged & Confused Vagabond “Urban Dot”.  INKS >>  Palette Burnt Umber, Copic Markers.  ACCESSORIES >>  Hemp, Large Needle, Heat Tool, Foam Tape.

This scripture seems to easily evoke smiles for me.  I love the variances in the font on this stamp, with a bit of elegance and yet it’s easy to read.  This is another of the stamps found in the new release by Our Daily Bread Designs, “Sing to the Lord”.  My card design is very simple, just using several layers and foam dimensionals for extra dimension.  The white layer atop the card base was cuttlebugged, then given a touch of Bordering Blue ink to highlight the raised portions, somewhat echoing the design on the designer paper layer.  Just not a lot to tell today!   I hope you’re ready for a sweet weekend!  Thanks so much for stopping by today!      

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Card Recipe:  STAMPS >>  ‘Sing to the Lord’ by Our Daily Bread Designs.  PAPERS>>  Georgia Pacific White, Bordering Blue, Old Olive, My Mind’s Eye Bohemia ‘Boulevard “Pals” Medallion.  INKS>>  Palette Noir, Bordering Blue Classic.  ACCESSORIES>>  Cuttlebug Folder, Silver Organdy ribbon, foam dimensionals.

Brand new stamp sets are coming to Our Daily Bread Designs on June 15!   I’ve used the new “Sing to the Lord” set for this card.  If you would like to see the entire set, Kelley has both upcoming sets posted at the front of the Our Daily Bread Designs website! 

Even though square cards require a little extra postage, I enjoy the extra creation area.  This card is 5.5″ square.  After stamping the images, the white cardstock was shaped into an oval with my Nestabilities, and layered on scalloped ovals.   ‘Eclipse’ masking tape allowed me to mask the bird & flowers while I used my Copic Air Brush System to create the sky.  To create the scallops on the horizontal yellow strip, I’ve removed the corner guide from my corner rounder, then punched straight across the lower edge of the Prism cardstock.    Thanks a bunch for stopping by today! 

Project Recipe:  STAMPS>> “Sing to the Lord”.  PAPERS>>  Prism Frosted Yellow, Prism Intense Kiwi, Georgia Pacific White, Basic Grey ‘Oh Baby Girl’ “Sophie”.  INKS>>  Palette Noir, Copic Markers E25, E31, E35, E55, R00, RV02, YG03, YG11, YR21, & 0.  ACCESSORIES>>  Copic Air Brush System, Eclipse Tape, Nestabilities, SU Corner Rounder, Paper-Piercing Tool, Dimensionals, Martha Stewart ribbon.

Welcome to the new week everyone!   It seems that I rarely post on the couple of days prior to having a stampin’ class here, but afterwards I’m able to relax a little and do some photo editing while getting back to a more normal pace.  ;)  Last night’s class was special for me, because my guest for the day and for class was my sweet friend Jess (newtnewt @SCS) from Portland!  I was excited about her coming, and also trying to focus on fun things to do for class at the same time.   I guess all of that worked out, except that I totally forgot to put on any make-up whatsoever . … …   Oh my gosh!  Yes, it shows clearly in our photo, but I’m brave today … very brave. 

As I searched for inspiration for class projects, I decided I wanted to do something different.  I found the idea I was looking for at Scor-Pal, in the April-May ‘e-zine’ feature.   This little gift box features an acetate “window” for a peek at the gift or goodies you decide to give!    

The only special item you’ll need to be sure you have on hand is 12×12 cardstock, as the template requires a 6″X12″ piece to begin making the project.   We used the jumbo Petals wheel with Certainly Celery ink to stamp the outside before assembly. 

For the lid of this design, we used a 2.5″ square of glossy cardstock, Chocolate Chip Classic ink, and the crayon resist technique.  After stamping Polka Dots & Petals randomly with Choco Chip ink, just use a crayon to color in the areas that you want to see appear as ‘white’ areas later.  Next, sponge the entire area with Certainly celery ink, making the color as light or deep as you wish by sponging more or less.  Now use a paper towel to rub away the crayon.  The delightful gloss of the paper shows through, and the white areas really seem to pop!  This was layered atop a 2.75″ square of Chocolate Chip C/S trimmed with decorative scissors.  The entire scene is topped of with layers using the Scallop Circle Punch, 1.25″ Circle Punch, and 1 & 3.8″ Circle Punch, layered on ribbons. 

Inside, the window was punched with the a square punch, and lined with acetate.  (I use clear transparency sheets from an office supply store.)  The flap with the window tucks in to keep your gift securely inside, while the lid closes in a small slit using the window punch for the discreet “latch”.  I hope you enjoy!  Thanks for stopping by today!

Project Recipe:  STAMPS>>  “Polka Dots & Petals” (SU), “Petals”jumbo wheel.  CARDSTOCK>>  Certainly Celery 12×12, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Glossy White.  INKS>>  Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip.  ACCESSORIES>>  Transparency (office supply), Jumbo Handle, Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Celery Ribbon, and the following punches:  1 & 3/8″ Circle, 1 & 1/4″ Circle, 1 & 3/8″ Square, Scallop Circle, Word Window, and Boho Blossoms. 

The latest release of 3 new stamp sets from Hanna Stamps is one of the best releases yet!  Yes .. that’s just my opinion … but that’s really how I feel about these new Hannas!  This sample is from the brand new and already-popular “Cafe Hanna” stamp set, available at Hanna Stamps!   She’s ready to present your gift of sumptuous coffees to a deserving friend, or ready to invite a couple of dear friends for a day of coffee & chatting and whatever else meets their fancy!   Ohhhhh, to look this way again!  LOL

I hope you enjoy this one!  Hanna’s “Cafe Hanna” set is available now at Hanna Stamps!  Be sure to check out Hanna’s ribbons and embellishments while you’re there!  

 Card Recipe:   STAMPS:>> Cafe Hanna .   INKS:  Palette Noir, Copic Markers.     PAPERS:  Basic Grey, “Perhaps” 6×6 Pad, Purely Pomegranate, More Mustard, Georgia Pacific White.   ACCESSORIES:>> Circles Punches, Scalloped Punch , Word Window Punch, Ribbon Michaels, Copic AirBrush System.

Okay!  Well unbeknownst to you, my first attempt at blogging this post went “poof”!  Since I have not figured out exactly where “poof” is .. I’m just starting all over.  Seems the best that I can do at this point!  

This card is my first completed project using the brand new Hanna Stamps set, “Bookworm Hanna” … available on Friday at 12:00 a.m. EST at Hanna Stamps!   It’s also a sketch of Hanna’s DT Member, Frances Byrne!  (a.k.a. Stamp Owl). 

If you will please join me and the rest of the Hanna Stamps Team tonight (Thursday, June 4) in our SCS forum … we’ll have a New Release Party .. complete with challenges, opportunities to win Hanna Stamps!, and lots of fun & chatter along the way!  I hope to see you there!

In the meantime, here’s “Bookworm Hanna”, spreading the word about illiteracy!  The layout is from this weeks’ SCS Card Sketch Challenge 179.  IMO, it was perfect for this version of “Bookworm Hanna”!   I hope you’ll give this one a try!  Thanks for stopping by today!    ((((Stampin’ Hugggs)))))

Card Recipe:  STAMPS>>  “Bookworm Hanna” available at Hanna Stamps!  .   INKS>> Palette Noir, Copic Markers.  PAPERS>>  Basic Grey “Two Scoops” 6×6 pad, Prism Herbal Green Medium, Sunflowers Light, Iced Pink, SU Certainly Celery, Georgia Pacific White.  ACCESSORIES>> Michael’s Dashes Dots & Checks Ribbon,  SU Soft Subtles Brads, SU Mat Pack, MM Paper Piercer, foam tape, Nestabilities Circle Dies, Cuttlebug, hand-held 1/16th” Punch.

Here’s a wee little peek at part of the upcoming Hanna Stamps set, “Anthony”!  I challenged myself to come up with something simple, yet elegant for this card, and at last  I’m ready to accept this one.  LOL   While I love the simple styles such as works by my DD, Jessica, it’s not my “easy” place.   I will admit that with each of my 3 different layouts and attempts to get a “tini” card that I liked, each one became progressively simpler! 

These appletinis were stamped on cryogen white shimmer cardstock from eclectic paperie.  (I hope you can see the shimmer!)  Tex’s Tip:  When using punches for stamped images, always stamp ‘first’, then use the punch.  You can easily center the image correctly in the upside-down punch!  After a quick coloring, I used a toothpick to apply Diamond Glaze to the appletinis.  Be sure to allow drying time when using Diamond Glaze or Crystal Effects.  I prefer to leave them alone for a few hours when possible unless it’s just a tiny bit of liquid glaze.  I used my trusty Scor-Pal to emboss the lines along all 4 sides of the card.  Printing was arranged on my computer to print directly onto the shimmer cardstock.  Pop up the images with foam tape, and that’s all there is to it!  I hope you enjoy the idea!  Tomorrow I’ll have another sneak peek of our newest Hanna Stamps releases! 

Here’s the latest challenge from our Hanna Stamps Forum, over at SCS!  This one is for HSC19!  Our newest Design Team member, Candice Lighty (welcome, Candice!) presented this weekly challenge for us … and it’s simply “perfect” for the Hanna Stamps!   The challenge is a 2-part paper-piecing challenge! The first part is that you must do some paper-piecing somewhere on your Hanna or Riley image - and it doesn’t have to be clothes - it can be anywhere on the image. The second part of the challenge is that you must use some “bling” on your stamped image as well…have fun!!  Well, I love paper-piecing and I also adore bling! 

So here’s Hanna, from the “I Need It!” set .. our first Hanna Stamps set!  Now she’s wearing a paper-pieced dress, and carrying paper-pieced shopping bags.  Plus, she has coordinating rhinestone earrings … dyed to match with my trusty Copic markers!  Yep!  The two rhinestones on this card were “clear” before a few careful touches with my RV14 Copic marker!    Since this photography occurred inside at night, my Spica glitter pen touches don’t show up.  Actually, the Spica touches were supposed to be the lipstick and the toenails.  But a little “oops” happened!  Well, to make a longer story shorter, I wiped up some Spica glitter and purposely have smeared it in many places on the card.  Fun!  But alas, daylight might be required to capture the effect … or maybe a photography class?? 

Card Recipe:  STAMPS >> “But I Need It!”, “Things Hanna Would Say” (both by Hanna Stamps).  CARDSTOCK/PAPERS>>  Basic Grey “Perhaps” dp, Prism Papers >> Herbal Garden Medium, Razzleberry Light, Sunflowers Light.  INKS >>Palette Noir Black, Copic Markers E00, E37, E51, G21, Y21, RV14, & 0 Colorless Blender.  ACCESSORIES>>  Foam Tape, 1 & 1/4″ Circle Punch, 1 & 3/8″ Circle Punch, Scallop Punch, Paper Piercer, Paper-Piercing Mat Pack, Copic Air Brush System, Paper Studio Rhinestones, Crystal Effects, Zip Dry glue.

Here’s another project from my SU Stampin’ Club earlier this month.  I was inspired by a swap I received quite some time ago from Erin Blair.  This one is very quick & oh-so-easy!  For a 12×12 sheet of  designer paper, I cut each into 6×6″ squares.  Please keep in mind that this sized pouch will not accommodate every package of candy you find, but if you’ll keep your bagged candy purchase to less that 2 oz., it should fit.  The less air in the candy pouch, the better.  ;)   This is too easy, Ladies!  First .. put a line of your snail adhesive across the  bottom edge of the 6×6 paper.  Also, put a very thin line of adhesive along one perpendicular edge, as seen in the 1st side photo. 

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When folding the tube together, we won’t overlap very much, trying to save plenty of space for the candy package.  Papers are cut 6×6 in order to get 4 from a 12×12 paper.  Allowances are ‘tight’.  Simply fold over the two sides and overlap to adhere.   

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Next, crimp the glued end with a paper crimper, just rolling it for 3 or 4 “bumps” or ridges on the crimper.   Too many ridges will shorten the available length in the tube for your candy treat. 

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Use a circle punch or a scallop punch to take a small “bite” from the top of the pouch.  This creates an opening by which it’s easy to reach the end of the candy treat for quick removal and enjoyment!  Tex’s Tip:  If you opt to use a scallop punch, be sure to take a “tiny” bite.  SU punches and many others are designed with punching one layer in mind.  2 layers will work if you’re taking a small bite.  Otherwise, it’s very hard to accomplish, and there is the possibility of ruining your punch and your project. 

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Now it’s time to create your bellyband with coordinating paper, 1.25″ x 6.5″.   I’ve used SU’s ‘Cutie Pie’ desiger papers for this project.  Tex’s Tip:  Put your candy treat inside the pouch first, to get a better idea of how tight to make the belly band.  Glue the ends of the belly band together and slide onto your pouch. 

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Punches used for my project were the 1 & 1/4″ Circle Punch, 1 & 3/8″ Circle Punch, 3/4″ Circle Punch, and Scallop Punch, all from Stampin’ Up!  For added interest, I layered elements with SU Dimensionals. Stampers were offered their choice of stamps from “Stamp of Authenticity” and “Think Happy Thoughts” to complete their projects. 

 I promise … these are much quicker to make & enjoy than they are to “write about”!  hahaha    I hope you enjoy!  Thanks for visiting today!

The Our Daily Bread team recently received some beautiful Prism papers from owner Kelley Holland!   (Thank you, Kelley!)  Our challenge was to create a project with one of our newest stamp sets, using the papers included.  And now, you can now find these 12×12 colors and much more at Our Daily Bread Designs!  Prism papers have a delightful “leathery-type” texture on one side.  I adore the feel of it when I’m creating. 

I’ve used the new stamp set “Path of Life” for this card.  These stamps are such a pleasure to use.  Included is this beautiful garden path image, plus Psalm 118:20 (used on this project), Psalm 25:4 , Psalm 16:11 , and a “Handmade Original by” stamp for the back of your creations.  It’s cloudy here today, so the Spica glitter pen highlights aren’t showing on the gate.  In reality, there’s just a twinkle on that gate, which really looks nice IRL (in real life). 

Our color challenge included the following Prism Colors:  Blush Red Medium & Blush Red Dark, Herbal Garden Light, HG Medium, & HG Dark, Spring Willow Light & Sunflowers Light.    (I didn’t use Herbal Garden Light.)

Coordinating Copic Markers not named in the pic are  YR31 Lt. Reddish Yellow, E57 Lt. Walnut, & R22 Lt. Prawn.  Thanks for visiting today!

Last summer, at a small gathering of stampers in Salado, TX, I met Sherry Cheever (a.k.a. BadSherry).   A talented stamper?  You bet she is!   Quick-witted?  Absolutely!  But she’s also a Mom.   It’s the “Mom” side of Sherry that I came to know a little bit better today, and she has given permission to share a special story with you.  She tells the story herself on her blog, “Walkin’ on the Bad Side”.   Rather than try to re-tell her story, here’s the link to “Kate’s Story“, as told by her mom, Sherry Cheever.  

I have copied just the brief definition of the disease known as ‘epilepsy’ from Sherry’s blog, as printed on the brochure for their2008 Walk Around Kentuckiana. 

A seizure is a brief, temporary disturbance in the electrical activity of the brain resulting in altered or loss of awareness, shaking, convulsing, confusion or sensory experiences. Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurring seizures, also called a seizure disorder.

More than 3 million people in the United States, including more than 90,000 children and adults in Kentuckiana, live with epilepsy. This year alone, 200,000 will be diagnosed with epilepsy.

For 70% of people with epilepsy the cause is unknown.

Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition among children and the third most common in the United States among adults.

Epilepsy is more common than cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson disease combined.

There are currently as many seniors with epilepsy who are 60 and over as there are children with epilepsy who are 10 and younger.

Thank you, Sherry, for sharing this heartfelt story.  And thanks to my readers for taking the time to read, and to become aware of the magnitude of this disease.

Have a sweet weekend! 

Did you notice my brand new Our Daily Bread watermark on my ‘Glorious Fruit’ project posted below?   This was a surprise gift to myself, as well as to each member of the Our Daily Bread Design Team.  I truly love the delicate cross combined with the old world style font!   And to whom do I owe my sincere thanks for this lovely creation?  None other than our co-design team member, Dina Kowal, a.k.a. Mama Dini!  If you like what you see here, please feel welcome to visit her watermark site here at Mama Dini’s Digi-Sig Diner!

 Thank you again, Dina!!  

“Our Daily Bread Designs” has presented two beautiful new stamp sets!   This card features the image stamp from “Fruit of the Spirit”.   It seems like the first moment I saw this set, I knew what paper I wanted to use.  In some way, this single sheet of Daisy D’s paper was just waiting there for the right stamp.   While the basket of fruit is colored with Copics, the cloth beneath the basket is paper-pieced from the paper used atop the card.    Three inks were used in the sponging, to pull in some of the richest coloring from the papers.  At first I thought I might be making a mistake with the sponged colors, but once everything was put together, I felt like it should stay.  That thin vertical strip of paper on the left is Prism Sunflowers Light, cuttlebugged, then sponged with More Mustard and Really Rust craft inks.  And that rich black satin ribbon?  Why that’s part of my ribbon door prize winnings from Pat Sickler at the Arlington Shoebox swap earlier this month!  Thanks again, Pat! 

Card Recipe:  STAMPS>>  “Fruit of the Spirit” by Our Daily Bread Designs.  INKS>>  Palette Noir Black, Creamy Caramel, More Mustard, Really Rust, Copic Markers.   PAPERS>>  Basic Black, Prism Sunflowers Light, Prism Sunflowers Dark, Really Rust, Georgia Pacific White.  ACCESSORIES>>  Black Brads, Cuttlebug, Black Satin Ribbon, Foam Tape, Sponges.

I cased one of my own Convention 2007 swaps for this stamp club project this week.  I had asked my friend for an idea to use in class, and her response was “a Father’s Day card”!  Thanks, Cheryl!  Father’s Day seems like a great time to use an alphabet on a card.  Some of the choices for lettering include Dad, Love, or his first name!  One of the stampers was able to put her hubby’s name across the bottom using 5 letters.  Four letters will fit on this card vertically.  This bold “Happy Father’s Day” sentiment is part of the very useful “All Holidays” stamp set.  It’s such a good set, that I’ve used all but one or two of the stamps.  For this one, I stamped the ‘Happy Father’s Day’ with Craft Night of Navy (pigment) ink, then embossed with clear embossing powder.  Simple doodling with a Night of Navy marker was added to the edges to carry on the dashed lines within the sentiment.  The Wild West Alphabet was used to stamp lettering with Classic Night of Navy ink.  I love that star stamp too.  It’s included in the alphabet set!   The stamped star background panel was repeated on the inside writing surface of the card.   Thanks for stopping by today! 

Card Recipe:  STAMPS>>  “All Holidays”, “Wild West Alphabet”.  INKS>>  Classic Night of Navy, Craft Night of Navy, Night of Navy marker, Classic Sahara Sand.  PAPERS>>  Bravo Burgundy, Kraft, Naturals Ivory, Night of Navy.  ACCESSORIES>>  Burgundy Grosgrain, Clear Embossing Powder, Dimensionals, Ticket Corner Punch, Vintage Brads.

I truly adore using the “On Eagle’s Wings” stamp set by Our Daily Bread Designs.  It’s such a versatile stamp set, including horizontal scriptures, as well as this ever-popular verse, Isaiah 40:31 .  For this card, I stamped the eagle with Craft Blush Blossom Pigment Ink atop Blush Blossom cardstock.  I often set images stamped with pigment ink atop one of my OTT lights at my stamping table.  If I need an image to be dry a little quicker, I’ll boost the drying time with my heat tool.  It’s quite dependent upon my timing at the table that session.  Tex’s Tip:  Normally, do plan for extra drying time for pigment inks, either on their own, or beneath your ceiling fan (one of my favs), or give a bit of boost with a far-away heat tool, carefully applied.  *wink*  Paper-piercing is the only embellishment for the image layers, although ribbon layers and Vintage brads are balanced on alternate corners.  The background?  I dry-embossed Close to Cocoa c/s with my Cuttlebug, sponged the edges with Choco Chip, then inked the raised portions of the embossing with Craft Blush Blossom.  I like that shortcut when appropriate designer paper isn’t available in my stash!    Hope you are looking forward to a sweet week in May, 2008!  Thanks for stopping by!

Card Recipe:  STAMPS >> “On Eagle’s Wings” (Our Daily Bread Designs).  INKS >>  Craft Blush Blossom, Craft Close to Cocoa, Classic Close to Cocoa (all SU).  PAPERS >> SU Blush Blossom, SU Close to Cocoa.  ACCESSORIES >>  Vintage Brads (SU), Ribbon  = Martha Stewart, foam tape, SU Mat Pack & Paper Piercing Tool, Cuttlebug Folder Textile.

I love the lighthouse image in this set from Our Daily Bread Designs!  The split circle is brushed silver metallic cardstock, stamped with Psalm 119:105, also from the same “Light of the World” stamp set.  This layout is from the SCS SC175 Challenge.  It’s a unique look, and I found it much easier than you might think at first glance.  Check it out next time you visit SCS and try the challenges to add a little spark to your stamping! 

The lighthouse is embossed black, so as to stand on its own a bit more.  Rhinestones & a spica glitter pen add lots of sparkle, depending on the light on this card! Did you notice the paper in the background?  That’s a wonderfully detailed black vellum paper, with bright silver lettering from “True Faith” papers.  Both the stamp set and this paper are available at Our Daily Bread Designs! 

Happy Mother’s Day weekend, everyone!

Card Recipe:  STAMPS>> “Light of the World”.  INKS>>  Craft Black Pigment ink, Palette Noir Black, & Copic Markers.  PAPERS>>  Basic Black, Brushed Silver Metallic, True Faith dp.  ACCESSORIES>>  Black Organdy ribbon (SU), Black Embossing Powder, CM Cutting System, Spica Glitter Pens (Clear, Gold), Corner Rounder Punch, Dimensionals.