Savor the Journey

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 Here it is … the welcome weekend!  I can slmost ’see’ the happy smiles from here!  This also brings a sweet new sketch challenge from The Sweet Stop, SSS29.    Come on along and join us in the fun!  Follow the sketch, then upload it to Mr. Linky at The Sweet Stop for your chance to win $10 toward shopping at Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps! 

  The main image was stamped once with Memento Tuxedo Black, then a second time with Adirondack Pigment Pitch Black & heat embossed with black embossing powder.  Both images were colored with Copic markers, but the embossed snowman was later cut out to produce a popped up layer atop the first snowman.  Additional highlights were added with Spica glitter pens. 

For some added pizazz around the layers, a little line of Quickie Glue Pen was covered with glitter, and the punched fir leaves are also glittered.  I hope you like it!

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  Thanks so much for stopping by to share a “Hello” today.  Here’s to a wonderful weekend for each of you!   For even more sketch inspiration, you’re invited to check out the rest of the Sugar Babies’ blogs!

Korin Sutherland

Nicole Anderson

Holly Brown

Ann Clack

Jodi Collins

Barb Guinan

Bev Gerard  (Thanks a bunch for stopping by to say “Hi” today!)

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Card Recipe:  STAMPS:  ‘Snowman Framed‘ and ‘No-L’ (both from Rubbernecker Stamps)

  INKS:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Adirondack Pigment Pitch Black, SU Markers Garden Green + Real Red,  Copic Markers as shown (Please click image to enlarge.)

PAPERS:   DSP = American Crafts, Neenah Classic Solar Crest White, SU Garden Green & Real Red.

ACCESSORIES:  Ranger Black EP, heat tool, Spellbinders Wizard, Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Circles + Classic Rectangles + Classic Squares, Clear Rhinestones (colored with Copic marker), Martha Stewart punch, Art Institute’s Diamond Dust Glitter, Quickie Glue Pen, glue dots, Offray satin ribbon, foam tape, Ranger Glossy Accents (rhinestone adhesive), Sakura Glaze Pen clear, Spica Glitter Pens red & green.

  At long last, the photos have been edited and internet access has been located!  Yipppeeeeee!!   I started writing this post at the ABQ Sunport (i.e. ABQ Airport) while waiting to return to Texas.    Sounds like a most beautiful day will be in store for Albuquerque, and an equally beautiful forecast for N. Texas upon my return! 

I was so tickled during the weekend stamp show to have an SCS online friend come over to introduce herself … it was Tammy (tkfite)!!  I know that we have exchanged a card or two in recent years, but what a sweet surprise to meet her IRL!  Thank you, Tammy!

After a 12-hour drive to Albuquerque on Thursday, Friday was a full day of setting up the Rubbernecker Stamps booth, getting everything ready and ‘just right’ for the stamp show on Saturday & Sunday.  It’s actually a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of physical work … as opposed to my usual ‘design’ work here in the studio at a L-shaped table … complete with a chair!  (Oh how I dearly missed my chair!  hahaha)  Ahhhhhhh, those little comforts!  

Here are a few glimpses of the booth in Albuquerque!

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 Here’s Pat (a.k.a. ‘Mrs. Rubbernecker’) busy demonstrating a stunning technique using the new ‘Fall Trilogy’ stamp set, embossing & distressing. 

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Here’s a view to one side from the center of the booth.  Lots of shopping space!  (Please click image to enlarge.)

 ”Mr. Rubbernecker” mans the register and makes sure everything stays stocked.  I didn’t catch a picture, but he also jumps in to ink up some cardstock and see what new creations he can come up with!  (Why do I always ‘miss’ those shots?!)  (Please click image to enlarge.)

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I had the special pleasure of staying in ABQ after the show, to visit with a friend I’ve known since before 1st grade.  After we closed up the booth on Sunday, I was blessed to spend a couple of days with her and her family before returning home today.  Thank you, Joyce!

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  It was a pleasure and loads of fun to share the weekend in Albuquerque.   “Mr. & Mrs. Rubbernecker” are back in California now, pressing more rubber stamps and prepping for the next show in Phoenix, Arizona.  I know they’ll have a great show there next weekend.  Be sure to look them up if you’re in the Phoenix area!  

“Times” will be changing!  (Well, for many of us in the USA, that is!)  Yep!  This is the last day for Daylight Savings Time.   Welcome to the new weekend, everyone!  

Today’s Sweet Stop Sketch Challenge, is SSS28!   It’s always fun to switch to a different card size/shape for a new way to spice up your stamping.  This fun sketch might be just the ticket to spark your creativity in a new direction.  If you’ll upload your creation from this sketch to Mr. Linky on the SSS28 post at The Sweet Stop, you’ll have a chance to win $10 toward your choice of Sweet ‘n Sassy digital images!    Best of luck, everyone!

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My card started off with a 6.5″ square gold metallic cardstock, folded in half to create the 3.25″ X 6.5″ card.     Graphics 45 DSP with a small holly pattern gave me the idea to stamp & emboss the holly leaves for the addition atop the small red satin bow.  The ‘Peace’ sentiment is gold embossed for a touch of added elegance to echo the gold card base.  I hope you like it!

I’ll be working Saturday & Sunday at the Albuquerque Stamping Convention, so please come on by and share a smile if you’re in the neighborhood!  

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If you would like even more inspiration for this sketch, the rest of the Sugar Babies will be sharing their different versions on the following blogs, Saturday!   I’m sure that they would enjoy hearing from you as well! 

Sugar Babies >>    Barb, Jodi, Ann, Holly, Nicole, Korin, and (myself) Bev (Thank you bunches for stopping by today!!)

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Card Recipe:  STAMPS >>  Peace and Brush Holly (by Stamp Oasis);  both from Rubbernecker Stamps

  INKS >>  Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Ink, Ranger ‘Queen’s Gold’ Embossing Powder, Copic Markers (as shown - Please click image to enlarge.)

PAPERS >>  Graphics 45 DSP - Christmas Past Collection, Gold Metallic cardstock, Prism Simply Smooth Ivory

ACCESSORIES >>  Scor-Pal,   Offray Satin Ribbon, Ranger ‘Queen’s Gold’ embossing powder, tidy tray, heat tool, EK Success Scallop Border Punch, Ranger Glossy Accents, Clear Rhinestones (colored with Copic Marker), QuickKutz Quicker Picker Upper (Thanks, Jessica!).

Hi there, everyone!

I was planning to post a seasonal project tonight, but it seems that the required photos are back in Texas … while I’m here in New Mexico.  Alas, no project photos after all ….. my mistake!

But just to ‘check in’, Thursday included a 12-hour drive (almost precisely!) from home in N. Texas to here in Albuquerque, NM.  Some rains …. whew! … and some non-sticking snow during the NM drive, but a good day of travel. 

Tomorrow (Friday) will be set-up day for the ‘Rubber Stamp Events * Albuquerque Convention’, and the show itself will be held here on Saturday and Sunday.   Are you in the area?  Come on by to say “Hi”!   I do have a camera, internet access, and lots of other plans as well, so yes, I plan to have blog posts & other photos coming up across the next few days.  For tonight … it’s time to close these eyes and savor the pillows. 

Here’s to a fabulous Friday for each of you!    ;) 

~Bev

 Happy 2nd Birthday

Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps!

‘Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps’ is turning 2 next month and they plan to have oodles of fun in store to make it a birthday to remember…

They’re introducing a precious new line of stamps called The Sunbeams.  Of course, Sweet ‘n Sassy would love your help in spreading the word so if you grab their badge and add it to your blog sidebar, your name will be entered into a drawing to win the whole Birthday Party Bundle!

For more details visit the Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps blog.

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 1

   Alexis Hilgert  on 23 Oct 2009 at 1:13 am “Oooh, I’d love a chance to win this! I Love the flowers especially, but it’s all adorable!”

Congratulations, Alexis!  It’s yours!  Please use my “contact me” button in the left column to send an email to me with your mailing address!

Welcome to the weekend, everyone!  There’s just something about the weekends that makes me happy.

Let’s take a look at today’s Sweet Stop Sketch Challenge, SSS27!  I haven’t placed an image layer on a tilt in a very long time, so this cute sketch seemed like a lot of fun.  I hope you’ll enjoy it too!  If you’ll upload your creation from this sketch to Mr. Linky on the SSS27 post at the Sweet Stop, you’ll have a chance to win $10 toward your choice of Sweet ‘n Sassy digital images!  Good luck, everyone!

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A very sweet friend surprised me with an early birthday gift this week, so I just ‘had’ to trim it up and make something!  (Thank you, GF!)  The sweet little pie was stamped twice, trimmed, and stacked with foam tape.  The ’steam’ is ever so slightly sparkly IRL, thanks to a Spica clear pen.  I enjoyed bringing the checkered patterns together. 

Here’s to a funtastic Fall weekend for each of you!  I appreciate your visit! 

You’re invited to check out these blogs for more inspiration from the rest of the Sugar Babies:

Korin Sutherland

Nicole Anderson

Holly Brown

Ann Clack

Jodi Collins

Barb Guinan

Bev Gerard  (Thanks a bunch for stopping by to say “Hi” today!)

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Card Recipe:  STAMPS:  The Birds and the Bees (Kim Hughes Collection from Cornish Heritage Farms)

  INKS:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers as shown (Please click image to enlarge for a better view.)

PAPERS:  Crafty Secrets ‘Earthy’ collection, Prism Simply Smooth White, SU’s Basic Black + Kraft + Real Red.  

ACCESSORIES:  Spica glitter pens (Red & Clear), Offray Ribbon, Copic Airbrush System, Button (Blumenthal Lansing), foam tape.

  You know, there comes a time when we all need to take an honest look at the “stuff” we’ve acquired in our stampin’ zones.  Frankly, I’ve been shoving several things “to the side” for a very long time.  So, I thought I would give it all a cleansing toss in the circular file.   Besides, Mojo has left these premises for places unknown lately!  Yikes!  Yoooohooooo!  MoJo?!  Come back home, pleaaaaase!

Then, I realized that maybe some of this might work for some of you.  So, this is my first attempt at “Not My Style” blog candy!  If it’s your style, leave a comment and get a chance at winning this segment of the stash!   This particular segment includes a lot of pink & lavendar, plus more.  Maybe it’s not your style, but you would like it anyway?   That’s okay too.  I’m just ready to let it go on its merry way and bless someone else!  

Specifics are clean & simple:  Comments are welcome through Saturday, October 24.   The winner’s name will be posted on my blog on Sunday, October 25. 

 UPDATE!  The winner has been chosen!   Alexis Hilgert, Congratulations!  Please contact me with your mailing address!   Wooooooooooooooohooooooooooooooooooooo!!

   Just click on any of these images to enlarge.   Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Bev

Ahhhhhhhhhhh, yes … Fall seems to have officially arrived here in North Texas.  Days are typically wonderful, while the evenings are reaching into the ‘cooler’ zone.  I’m lovin’ the open windows, which we can savor only briefly in Spring, and hopefullya bit more often during Fall.  Alas, today we’re having rain … 100% chance, and that has proven to be accurate at this moment.    *wink* 

Yes, it’s true.   I should defnitely be “stamping ahead” for an upcoming online absence.  But …. I was temptedby this week’s SC251 sketch challenge at SCS.   (I know … I just couldn’t resist!!)  So as long as I participated, I’m boundto “share” it with you … right?!   I’ve been searching for missing ‘Mojo’ this week, so it’s great to find a challenge that enables one to forge ahead with papercrafting, even though the easy “flow” of creativity seems reluctant to show up at the table temporarily. 

While the layout stems from the SC251 challenge, my techinique with this stamp is directly inspired by my talented Texas friend, Joan Ervin.  Actually, my first IRL lesson with this technique occurred right here in my studio last March, from Joan!  How to achieve this mix of colors on an image??  It’s basically a simple “tap & smoosh,” approach, using a variety of Tim Holtz Distress Ink pads.  Seriously!  “Tap, tap, smoosh, smoosh!”  I would not have believed it, except that I watched it, then tried it myself.  Voila!  Please keep in mind that the results are varied with each attempt.  I think the ‘trick’ is to NOT let yourself expect perfection.  (I know …. tricky in itself, eh??!!  At least my DD, Jessica, understands this dilemma … not sure if anyone else “gets it”. )

I adore the new ‘Cheesecloth’ background stamp from Rubbernecker Stamps … … it just sat here, “begging” to be included on my next project.  What else could I do?  It practically ‘insisted’ on being a part of this card!  So, I inked it up with ‘Vintage Photo’ Distress Ink, and let it stand alone as the background for the card.  ‘Love’those raveled edges on the cheesecloth stamp!  The flower images were stamped twice, then one layer was cut out for the popped-up dimensional effect.  These floral toppers were also misted with Perfect Pearls for a bit of shimmery pizzazz before adhering with foam tape.  I hope you enjoy it!  Here’s to a fabulous Fall week for each of you!   Thanks oh so much for your ‘Howdy’ and your visit today!

~~ Bev

Card Recipe:  STAMPS = Floral Silhouettes and Cheesecloth background (both from Rubbernecker Stamps).

   INKS:  Tim Holtz Distress Inks= Aged Mahogany, Dusty Concord, Mustard Seed, Peeled Paint, Spiced Marmalade, Worn Lipstick, & Vintage Photo.    Also, Copic Markers as shown (Please click on image to enlarge.  Thanks!)

PAPERS:  DSP = We R Memory Keepers ‘Rich Ribbon’ and ‘Pretty Pinwheel’ reverse side.

ACCESSORIES:  Martha Stewart border punch, Clear Rhinestones (The Paper Studio), Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, sponge, foam tape, Ranger Glossy Accents, May Arts Ribbon

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I’m so glad that I checked out Beate’s weekend challenge, WSC102!   I’ve used her cool sketch as inspiration for a clean & simple (CAS) approach to a card that I plan to make more than once … because I want to spread the message as a reminder of Breast Cancer Awareness.  “Get’em Squished!!”  The images and sentiment are from a set from Our Craft Lounge.   Whether we send the message in October or not, it will serve as a reminder to our friends who might not otherwise be reminded.  In reality, a set month every year is the best plan … but a little pink nudge never hurt!  *grin* 

As stated earlier, I’ve purposely kept this one clean & simple.  (Stretch, Tex …. s t r e t c h!!)  The card base is a 6.5″ square, creating a 3.5″ X 6.5″ finished card.  The middle layer was a simply striped DSP, and I’ve stamped the Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon symbol atop with pink pigment ink.  As an added touch to the main image panel, I’ve given it a brief touch of pink with my airbrush system.  (This can be a little bit addictive once you get started .. so just be cautioned!  hahaha)

It’s been a gorgeous Fall weekend here!  I’ll plan to share more through the week.  I’ve got a stamping trip coming up at the end of the month, so I’ll need to be getting some things stamped “ahead”. 

Thank you ever so much for stopping by today … your comments & ‘Howdy’s’ make my days!   Wishing you Blessings and sweet times throughout the new week!

~Bev

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Card Recipe:  STAMPS = Granny’s Support Team (Our Craft Lounge)

INKS:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Craft Pretty in Pink, Copic Markers R81, R83, & R85

PAPERS:  Prism Simply Smooth White, Basic Black, DSP - American Crafts

ACCESSORIES:  May Arts Satin Ribbon, Spellbinders Wizard, Spellbinders Labels One Nestabilities, Copics Airbrush System, foam tape