Savor the Journey

PLEASE NOTE:  My “Fairy Blog Hop” post follows this Kittie Kit Hop.  You’re definitely  invited to participate in both blog hops today!

Welcome to Rubbernecker’s Kittie Kits Blog Hop!  We’re featuring the delightful ‘Kittie Kits‘, which are stamp sets developed by our own Kittie Caracciolo (a.k.a. Kittie747).  These sets enable stampers to create a never-ending multitude of scenes in many varied styles!

We invite you to hop along with us, leaving some love at each blog stop along the way, because each blog comment is a chance for you to win the Kittie Kit of your choice!  (Psssssst! Be prepared … you might have a tricky time choosing just one!) The winner will be announced on the Rubbernecker Blog on January 27.  I’ll also post the name here when I learn who is the lucky winner!

Here’s our Kittie Kits Blog Hop route!

•    Bev Gerard  (That’s me!)
•    Charlene Driggs
•    Charlene Merrick
•    Jacquie Peifer
•    Jen Charboneau
•    Jennifer Cuthbertson
•    Joan Ervin
•    Judy Rozema
•    Julia Aston
•    Juliana Swanson
•    Karen Hunsaker
•    Kecia Waters
•    Rubbernecker Stamps Stampin’ Sisterhood

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Whew!   Now that the details are done, let’s take a look!

I’ve combined two Kittie Kits for this chicken yard scene:  Kittie Kits Out Door Master, and Kittie Kits Scene on the Ranch #3.   The chicken is popped up on dimensional tape, while she overlooks her ‘seed’ choices created with tiny beads.  I made a cloud template using a scalloped circle punch, then sponged in the “clouds” on the scene, as well as on the top cardstock layer.   The coiled ‘rope’ was created from rough twine.  You might notice that since the rooster has sounded the ‘Good Morning’ crow, he has worked up a morning appetite.   Squawwwk!!

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Here’s a look at the Touch Twin markers I’ve used to color the scene.  Just click on the photo to enlarge.  The finished card is 5.5″ square.

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Enjoy the rest of the Kittie Kits Blog Hop, my friends!   Be sure to leave a comment at each stop, to increase your chances of winning your own new Kittie Kit!   Thanks so much for hopping along with us!

NOTE: This is my 2nd hop for today!  Check the post below for our Touch Twin Fairy Hop with Heather’s Hobby Haven!   You guessed it  …… more chances to win goodies!

Card Recipe:

The Shinhan Artisans and Heather Huggins from Heather’s Hobbie Haven are doing a Fairy Hop  today to celebrate the addition of Touch Twin markers at Heather’s Hobbie Haven!    Heather has a fun variety of paper crafting supplies at her store make sure you head on over and take a peek!

As you hop along make sure and comment on every designer’s blog post, because one lucky person who comments will be chosen to win a $10.00 Gift certificate from Heather’s Hobbie Haven!   Winner will be announced by Heather on Monday, January 23^rd.  You could be the winner.

Fairy Blog Hop order:

Heather’s Hobbie Haven Blog

Jeanne Streiff

Vicki Garrett

Tami Mayberry

Bev Gerard  (Thanks!  You’re here!)

Dina Kowal

Touch Twin Blog (featuring Lydia Fiedler’s project)

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Now that you know the hop scoop, here’s my project!

This darling fairy stamp is “Ally & Beeble”!   If you’re familiar with my stamping, then you probably know that fairies are not my usual style.  Confession:  This was soooo much fun!   Just a bit of Stickles glitter glue was applied to Ally’s wings, followed by a scant pinch of the glitter from the edge of the image.

I think I know the perfect recipient for this one.   She & I captured lots & lots of unsuspecting crickets many years ago.  Not the icky mole crickets that try to take over N. Texas each Fall, but the big, fat reddish brown ones that matched the red earth of Oklahoma and are perfect for fish bait!   I promise …. this is fact, not fiction.  Please note that I wouldn’t touch one now without a long stick between me and such a cricket!

Okay … back to today’s fairy project.   Here’s a color map to share the placement of my Twin Touch marker colors.   Just click to enlarge the images.

Thanks so much for hopping along with us today.  Be sure to leave a comment at each blog as you hop along, for your chance to win the gift certificate!

Card Recipe:

STAMP:  “Ally & Beeble” from Heather’s Hobby Haven

TOUCH TWIN MARKERS:  as shown in photo above

PAPERS:  Neenah White, Prism Sunflowers Dark, 7 Gypsies dsp

ACCESSORIES:  Stickles – Scattered Straw, 2-way glue, MS Glitter – Smoky Quartz, sheer ribbon, Spellbinders Labels Ten, dew drops, Ranger Glossy Accents, corner rounder, dimensional foam tape

Are you looking out your windows at a beautiful (or perhaps a once-beautiful) snowfall?    Even though I am ‘not’ in the midst of a snowy wonderland at the moment … and happy am I about that … I’m sharing a cute little snowman with you who is hoping to melt your heart!   This darling snowman stamp, “You Melt My Heart” is from Unity Stamps, our Touch Twin challenge sponsor this month.  This week’s TTC09 challenge is “Winter”!   We invite you to play along for an opportunity to win your own Shinhan Touch Twin markers.   Be sure to check in at the Touch Twin Challenge blog for the complete details on entering.  

This little snowman stamp has already melted my heart!   He was so easy to color.  His heart was paper-pieced.  I’m including a couple of photos to share the markers I’ve used along with their placement on the image.  Just click on either of these photos for a larger view. 

Thanks “snow much” for stopping by today!  I appreciate your visit.   We hope you’ll join us in the ‘Winter’ challenge.   C’mon along and play!

~Bev

Card Recipe:

Stayed tuned for my Wednesday morning post!

Why, you ask?

I’m bringing a challenge to you, and an opportunity to enter-to-win some Shinhan Touch Twin markers!   Hope to see you at or after 8:00 a.m. CST!     

Today I’m sharing a card that “could” be Christmas themed … or maybe it’s just my vision of a figure I “wish” I had.   Yep …. I’m a dreamer for sure.   But she does set a nice ‘goal’ for those of us who want to shed a bit, doesn’t she?

Miss Candy was colored with my Shinhan Touch Twin markers, and her bag of presents was paper-pieced with October Afternoon paper.  The white stripes on Candy’s dress and the candy cane were actually painted on with a mixture of Perfect Pearls pigment powder and a couple of drops of water.   The larger photo doesn’t capture the true essence of the shimmer, so I’m including a closeup photo for a more shimmery peek.  (Just click the photo for a larger view.)

I love the look of snowy, wintery scenes on paper-crafted projects!  I’m just not such a big fan of such things in person.      In general, I believe that I was surely supposed to live near the beach!  But alas, that plan was obviously flubbed along the way. The snowflakes are covered with glass glitter chunks, while the ‘furry’ elements of Candy’s dress, hat, & boots are sporting Flower Soft for their fluffy look.  I hope you like it!

I had a marvelous time over the weekend, demonstrating in the Rubbernecker booth the Heirloom Productions stamp show in Grapevine, Texas.   Spending a couple of days with my sweet friend, Joan, is always a true treat.   Plus, we also were fortunate to share {{{{hugs}}}} with Texas stampy divas, Anne Harada, and Shannan Teubner!  Catching up with old friends, and making new ones is an awesome blessing that I reap from the stamping shows.

Here’s to a beautiful week for you!     …………..   ~Bev

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Card Recipe:

STAMPS:   “Miss Candy“  (463SO) @ Rubbernecker.com

MARKERS:  Shinhan Touch Twin markers as shown in photo.  (Click photo to enlarge.)

INKS:  Memento Tuxedo Black

PAPERS:  Neenah White, SU Cherry Cobbler + Very Vanilla, dsp = October Afternoon – Good Cheer

ACCESSORIES:   Perfect Pearls pigment – Pearl, watercolor brush, Stickles (green + red), Flower Soft – Polar White, Flower Soft Glue, Diamond Dust glass glitter,MS border punch + Snowflake punch, Spellbinders Snowflakes

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BLOG HOP NEWS:   The Rubbernecker design team will be having a blog hop later this month.   You’re definitely invited to join in the fun.   Hope to see you there~!

I’ve got two great ideas for stampy-scrappy shoppers this weekend!   http://blitsy.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/12578/

First up is for everyone, since it is a very cool place to shop online: BLITSY ! If you haven’t been there yet, you’ll want to check it out on your next online shopping spree.     

Now the second idea I have is basically for the N.  Texas audience, and of course, any visitors in the area.  What is a place for stampin’ and shoppin’?  Did you guess?   It’s a stamping convention!

Actually, it’s the

GRAPEVINE RUBBER STAMP SHOW!

Saturday & Sunday, Jan 8 & 9

Sat: 10-5 and Sun. 11-4

Come check out the Rubbernecker booth while you’re there!  My design team colleague, Joan Ervin, and I will be demonstrating, and would love to share a “Howdy” with you!   Don’t be shy … come over & say “Hi”!   Hope to see ya! 

~Bev

Just a little ‘Stampers’ Public Service Announcement!

Upcoming Texas Stamp Shows!

Visit our Rubbernecker booth in Grapevine, TX
January 7th  -  January 8th
and
Pasadena, TX
January 21st – 22nd

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OPPORTUNITY:  Rubbernecker Stamps is seeking demo artists for the Pasadena, TX show.   If interested email dave@rubbernecker.com

GRAPEVINE NOTE!:   I’ll be demonstrating at the Grapevine show, along with my Rubbernecker

Sistah, Joan Ervin.   Please stop by to say “Hello”!   We’re  looking forward to seeing you!

Hi there, stampy friends!   We’re having a Touch Twin markers color challenge, TTC08, and you are invited to play along!

MORE DETAILS:  Don’t have any Touch Twin markers?   That’s OK too… for now.    Starting in January (our next challenge) we will require using our markers, but for now you can use any coloring medium.  Please use similar colors for your challenge entry.

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Stay tuned right here for a new Color Challenge …

coming up at 10:00 a.m. Central, Wednesday, December 28!  

Welcome to Inky’s “Wrap It Up” Blog Hop!   If you’ve arrived here from Michelle Pearson’s blog, you’re on the right path.   If not, just be sure to check out her blog as well, as she’s the first stop on the hop!   For today’s project, I used Inky’s  Snow Birdies clear stamp set, which you can find on this page.

This Clear Pillow Box is a perfect gift package for a variety of surprises, including jewelry, gift cards, tickets to The Nutcracker, that new smart phone, or your favorite sweet tweets!    Before I cut the dsp for the inside, I used a scrap page of printer paper to determine the width I liked.   Of course, when I added the border punched layers, I had to trim down  the width.   I started out with 3.75″ wide dsp, but ended up with 3.5″ in order to accommodate the red border punched layer.   In the past, I’ve stitched these types of layers for pillow boxes, but as you know …. this is Christmas “crunch” time when it comes to packaging, wrapping, shopping, decorating, etc. … and Tex’s house is no exception to that rule.  Sooooooo, clean & quick was the rule today!   

I truly enjoyed coloring this sweet little red bird with Prismacolor Pencils & Gamsol.   There are times when this coloring medium literally seems ‘therapeutic’.   I have a girlfriend who thinks so as well, and we’ve been known to share my stampin’ table for an afternoon of what we lovingly refer to as “color therapy”.   The birdie was cut out & adhered to a die cut featuring the reverse side of the primary designer paper.   Glitter was applied with Quickie 2-way glue, and allowed to dry before inserting the entire band in the pillow box.   This project is oh so very easy!    Tuck some beneath the tree, or even tuck a few into those blank spots within the tree!

Blog Hop Details!! The blog hop starts today and ends on Sunday, December 11^th at midnight Central time.  Please visit each DT members’ blog to view their projects and leave a comment for each designer.   The more you comment, the better your chances are to win. (Limit one comment per blog, please).  Two people’s names will be drawn at random to receive a surprise Inky prize pack. The winners’ names will be announced on the Inky Antics blog next Monday, December 12th, so remember to stop back and see if you’ve won.   Best of luck to you from Tex!!

Your next stop will be the oh-so talented Keri Lee Sereika’s blog!

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Project Recipe:  STAMPS > Snow Birdies clear set from Inky Antics

INKS:  Memento Tuxedo Black

PAPERS: SU Real Red + Whisper White;  Fancy Pants designer paper

ACCESSORIES: Pillow Box, PrismaColor Pencils (925, 943, 1105, 1012, 1015), Gamsol, stumps, Ultrafine Crystal Glitter, Quickie 2-way Glue, EK Success border punch, Spellbinders Labels Eleven

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This week’s ShinHan  Touch Twin Markers Challenge is a color challenge, and one that offers lots of possibilities.   Gina K. Designs has sponsored our December challenges at the Touch Twin Challenge Blog, and I chose these delightful Christmas bells from the “A Very Merry Christmas” stamp set.    I love the great Christmas images in this set!

The latest color challenge is to use these colors on your colored image:

Of course, we would love for you to join in with the color challenge by linking your creation on our Touch Twin Challenge Blog.  You’ll find Mr. Linky there through which to share/link your challenge creations, and to become entered to win free markers!

If you’re wondering “where are those earthtone markers, they’re in there!   You’ll see where they’ve been used (along with a few extra colors) in the color map.   (Just click to enlarge the color map image.)

The bells & ribbons image was cut out and popped up on dimensional foam tape.   For some added holiday sparkle, I’ve smudged the image a bit with Distress Stickles – Rock Candy.   It’s a top-fold card with an easy-to-reproduce layout … which is a great thing during the season of ‘hustle & bustle’!

Now please remember to check out the Touch Twin Challenge Blog for the full scoop on joining in with our color challenge!   We would love to see your color work and give you the opportunity to win some ShinHan Touch Twin Markers!

The weekend is upon us.   I’m looking forward to watching my daughter and her son appear in a theatre play on Saturday night.   Since Elijah is only 7.5, I didn’t tell him “Break a leg”, but he’s excited to know family will be there to applaud!   Have a fabby, creative weekend!

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CARD RECIPE:

STAMPS: A Very Merry Christmas (Gina K. Designs)

PAPERS: SU Certainly Celery + Real Red;  Shimmery White; Echo Park – Season’s Greetings dsp

INKS: Memento Tuxedo Black

TOUCH TWIN  MARKERS:  R4, Y34, BR103, BR107 (Color Challenge list) …  plus R134, Y37, Y38

ACCESSORIES: Distress Stickles – Scattered Straw, corner rounder punch, Spellbinders Lacey Circles dies, dimensional foam tape

Rubbernecker Stamps is Having a Sale!

up to 45% off Until Sunday evening 9 pm EST  All Stamps on Sale

All categories have sale prices marked on individual stamps.  Just add to your cart. Free stamp program is still active during the sale so remember to add your additional free choices to the order notes at the bottom of the shopping cart.  See the home page for additional info.		New Releases on SALE Stamp Oasis deep discount KK Originals

Actually, we have 2 winners of Inky Antics stamp sets!   Congratulations to the following blog hoppers!

Sue from Oregon

and

Lillian Child

Check today’s post on the Inky Antics blog for complete information on collecting your prizes!

Happy Thanksgiving week, everyone!

Welcome to our first Sisterhood Sunday Challenge, hosted by the Rubbernecker Stampin’ Sisterhood!   The coming Sunday challenges will vary each time, and this week we’re starting off with a photo ‘inspiration’ challenge.  How does an inspiration challenge work?   Just view the photo (click to enlarge), and use that to inspire your own creation.  Whatever “speaks” to you as creative inspiration from the photo is what it’s all about.

Each week, members from the Rubbernecker Sisterhood will join together for the Sunday challenges.   We would love for you to check out our creations, then visit the Rubbernecker Blog for complete details on how to submit your own creation inspired by this challenge.    To all who join in the challenge fun, you’ll have sweet chances to win Rubbernecker Stamps!

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I love the shimmery, glitzy look of the inspiration photo, and started looking for a way to include a bit of both in my card.   The Flourish 05 was stamped with red pigment ink, then clear embossed for it’s own depth & gloss.   Next I added rhinestones that once were clear, but have been colored with my ShinHan Touch Twin markers for coordination with my piece.

For lots more challenge inspiration, I welcome you to check out these beautiful blogs for more to spur your creativity!  Let me know what you think about the challenge!

Charlene  M.

Judy

Julia

Jen Charboneau

Frances

Holly

Rubbernecker Blog (details on playing along here!)

CARD RECIPE: STAMPS:  Flourish 05 (Rubbernecker Stamps)

INKS:  SU Craft Red

PAPERS:  Shimmery White, SU Real Red + Kiwi Kiss, Echo Park – ‘Season’s Greetings’

MARKERS:  ShinHan Touch Twin Markers = GY48 + R11

ACCESSORIES:  Clear embossing powder, ribbon, MFT Scallop die, clear rhinestones, twine

Welcome to Inky’s Homemade Holiday Gifts Blog Hop!

If you have been traveling through the Inky Blog Hop, you’ve likely come from Keri’s blog .   If not, please check my enclosed hop list so you don’t miss any of the great inspiration from the team today.     My first project is a gift of Tex’s Spiced Tea, gifted and labeled in pint jars, and accompanied by a Santa’s Brew gift card.   I’ve  used Santa Square 0077G,  Santa’s Brew 0069G, and  Holiday Kitchen Label 0046G to create this project, which you can find on this convenient shopping page .  (click images for a larger view)

Unless you’ve been a follower of mine from “waaaaay back” …. you might not realize that my earliest step “away” from home demonstration stamps began with Inky Antics.   Well … the truth is revealed, once again.    Ever since discovering Inky Antics rubber stamps, I’ve been a true fan.  Across the years, I’ve been blessed to now be on their design team, and when possible, I so love to work with the mastermind behind Inky Antics (Jackie Wamhoff)  at the annual stamp shows in Texas.   (Stampy life is gooooood!) Thank you, Jackie & Ted!

I’ve filled 3 pint jars with Tex’s Spiced Tea mix, a great choice for holiday sipping at any time.  I’ve been blessed to receive a similar gift a few times over the years.  So it seemed natural to search my files & the internet for a recipe for Spiced Tea.   (Ulterior motive:  We’ll have spiced tea available for the upcoming family holiday dinners & gatherings!)   Well … I didn’t find a recipe that seemed to include all of my particularly favorite ingredients, so I just had to “mess around” like we do in stamping, and see what I came up with for “my” tastes.      The jar labels (0046G, Holiday Kitchen Label) were colored with ShinHan Touch Twin markers, given a bit of Glossy Accents on the candy images, then affixed to the glass.   The gift card features the darling Santa Square image, with popped up mustache & star.  Inside the card is the fun Santa’s Brew 0069G stamped poem.  Santa’s hat & beard are fluffed up with Flower Soft.  The finished card size is 4.25″.    Now here’s the ‘tea’ recipe!

RECIPE:  Tex’s Spiced Tea

There’s more!

BONUS!!!   I’ve tucked in one more project!   This time, the feature is the 2011-trendy Cake Pops!   Okay … This is totally inspired by my daughter.   In September, we celebrated DD’s combined birthday with our Grandson’s 4th b’day.   Alas, DD shares her birthday with her darling blonde little man.   While I do not have the pics from said celebration …. let’s just say that it was totally eye-candy-inspiration to any/all paper-crafty peeps who were privvy to observe!   These cake pops are a mere representation of the eye-candy from a fun September day.

The tags were cut with Spellbinders large scalloped rectangle dies.  The Batter Christmas stamp provides both the front & interior sentiment for these easy-peasy tags.   I will say that cake pops have one problem … they disappear very quickly!!

Below you will find the ‘official’  blog hop sequence for our Inky Antics Giftable Hop.    I must warn you …    the designers are here to totally inspire your holiday giftable creations …. so you might just plan on some upcoming “gifty creative” time.  Grab your little notebooks because I have a feeling that you might want to take notes!!    

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Trudy Sjolander

Michelle Pearson

Jovi Kloess

Keri Lee Sereika

Tex Gerard   (Thanks so much!   You are here!)

Debbie Fisher

Inky Antics Blog

The blog hop starts today (Thursday, November 17) and ends on Sunday, November 20^th at midnight Central time.     Please visit each DT members’ blog to view their projects and leave a comment for each designer. The more you comment, the better your chances are to win.  (Limit one comment per blog, please).  Two people’s names will be drawn at random to receive a surprise Inky prize pack.  The winners’ names will be announced on the Inky Antics blog next Monday, so remember to stop back and see if you’ve won!

Your next stop will be Debbie Fisher’s blog.