Happy Birthday to Sweet 'n Sassy

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps is celebrating its 4th birthday!! 

Happy Birthday Sweet 'n Sassy!

Sweet 'n Sassy has brought together the design teams, the previous design teams and guest designers and we are putting on a celebratory blog hop.  If you are starting here, you should head back to the Sweet 'n Sassy blog to start at the beginning.  If you have hopped here from Jessica's blog ...welcome!!


I have been using Sweet 'n Sassy stamps from the beginning.  I even own their very first set.  (Can you imagine how thrilled I was when they recently asked me to be on their design team??!!)  I really wanted to use that first set today but the "rules" we were given required that we use current sets and their first set has been retired.  Then my next thought was obvious...I'll make a birthday card!  Sweet 'n Sassy has lots of fun images and characters for birthdays (Rhubarb and Cocoa are my FAVES!). 

I finally went an entirely different direction.  I thought about what drew me to Sweet 'n Sassy stamps and it was their Christian focus and their images that work for my clean and simple style.  This is what I came up with...

The silhouette is from Serene Silhouettes which also includes cattails and birds and dragonflies - absolutely perfect for a clean and simple card.  The sentiment is from Elegant Blessings which also includes two gorgeous crosses and a number of Christian sentiments in this lovely font.

To add interest, I added a touch of the red ink on the edges and then colored the flower centers with a Garnet Spica Glitter pen.

I had prepared this post last night so it was ready to go early this morning.  Then when I got up this morning, I saw that the idea of this card could also work for today's Splitcoast Clean and Simple challenge which includes a sketch by Taylor (whom you have already seen on this hop!)  So, I made a second card for you that showcases a different sentiment.  Unfortunately, it belated occurred to me that I should also have used a different silhouette for you to see.

I'm sure that if you have been hopping along - you have seen a number of Sweet 'n Sassy's very cute images.  I also have a Label down the left side of my blog that says "By: Sweet 'n Sassy".  If you click on that you will see all the other cards that I have made.

If you hop and leave comments in the next three days, you have a chance to win a random drawing from all the comments on all the blogs to win one of four prize packages worth $40 each!!  Winners will be announced on the Sweet 'n Sassy blog on Saturday, November 12th.  The more you comment, the better your chance of winning!

Next, you will be hopping to Mary's blog.  If you happen to get lost - here's the complete list.  Have fun!

Korin Sutherland
Holly McMillen

Taylor Usry

Kim Schofield

Monika Davis

Lydia Fiedler

Harriet Skelly

Makiko Jones

Jerusha Borden

Mary Marsh

Lori Craig

Kim O'Connell

Chris Dickinson

Stephanie Wright

Shannon White

Janette Olen

Katlyn Traxler

Deb Felts

Stephanie Serrano

Jessica Fick

Kim Singdahlsen

Mary Faus

Sandy Domelle

Bridget Finlay

Ceal Pritchett

Dina Kowal

Margo Smith

Shelby Goolsby

Tami Mayberry

Lorie Souther

Darsie Bruno

Cathy McCauley

Beate Johns

Janice Melton

Jacquie Peifer

Lisa Hjulberg

There's a whole lotta "CASE"ing going on!!

As a general rule of thumb, I haven't posted cards that I have totally CASEd from someone else.  But a good friend recently pointed out to me that she reads my blog, but isn't as obsessive/anal as I am about reading a hundred other blogs and keeping up with new releases.  She wants to see even CASEs on my blog so she can see the products and techniques.  Plus, I realized how great I feel when somebody CASEs one of my cards!!  So...this week...there has been a whole lotta "CASE"ing going on!!

The first card comes straight from Papertrey Ink, made by the great Nichole Heady.  When you are browsing Papertrey, always click on View Idea Gallery button for the set - they have spectactular samples from a variety of designers with different styles. This one is from the Star of Wonder gallery.

• Stamps: Papertrey Ink Star of Wonder, Mehndi Medallions
• Paper: Papertrey Ink Scarlet Jewel and Ripe Avocado
• Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Aged Mahogany, Versamark
• Accessories: Papertrey Mat Stack 3 die and Layerz Mat Stack 3, Ranger Detail Gold Embossing Powder, white pen

This next card would have been a 100% of Lisa's Star Card except for two things (1) amazingly, I don't have that incredible sentiment and (2) a long time ago I gave up trying to emboss on black paper - it greatly increases my blood pressure trying to remove stray powder whether or not I use an embossing buddy or used dryer sheet!  The blue on my card gave it less depth than Lisa's card, so I tried to compensate with a little bling on the star.  You definitely want to check out her card as it truly is head and shoulders above my CASE.

• Stamps: Biblical Impressions (very, very old)
• Paper: Papertrey Enchanted Evening, silver cardstock from Michaels (no brand listed)
• Ink: Versamark
• Accessories: Quickutz star die, detail silver embossing powder, Memory Box bling

This CASE is from the display boards at Archivers.  I was a little irritated the day that I found this card because it had this incredibly sparkly paper on it - that Archivers DIDN'T carry.  They tried to compensate by listing Olive Best Creations Glitter Cardstock on the card's recipe, but when I pulled the Olive it was NOT the one on the card.  So...taking it as a personal challenge...I went online hunting...and found it!!  This is THE best Christmas sparkly green paper ever because it carries a little gold sparkle and maybe a hint of red.  It's Best Creations Glitter Cardstock in Kiwi Gem.

• Stamps: Northwoods, pine branch unknown
• Paper: Papertrey Leaf Green, Pure Poppy, Kraft; Best Creations Kiwi Gem Glitter Cardstock; watercolor paper
• Ink: Staz-on Black, Versmark (for the pine branch in the background), Stampin' Up Bashful Blue and Crumb Cake (for the watercoloring), Copics and Prismacolors (FYI: Prismacolor markers are alcohol based as are Copics, but they have differents ends - one is super fine and one is very broad.  In general, those two tips aren't great for coloring things in - but it is very handy to have a few basic markers around for the fine tip - such as when you are coloring pine boughs)
• Accessories: Aquabrush, Stickles

Here's another CASE from Papertrey Ink.  This one is in the gallery for the stamp set Christmas Blessings which is the sentiment.  The dove is a coordinating die from the set Peace Be Still.

• Stamps: Papertrey Ink Peace Be Still, Christmas Blessings
• Paper: Papertrey Ink, Ripe Avocado, Best Creations white glitter cardstock
• Ink: Papertrey Ink Ripe Avocado, Spring Moss
• Accessories: Papertrey Ink Peace Be Still die, corner rounder, misc white ribbon and red gems

The last CASE for today is from Sue's Heart Prints Gallery.  Sue is the QUEEN of embossing folders.  This card is a mishmash of two of her recent cards using this tree die cut.  I didn't have the embossing folders that she used (surprising, huh??) so had to change it up a little, but it is totally inspired by Sue.

• Stamps: Stampin' Up Best yet
• Ink: Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler
• Paper: Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler, Papertrey Pinefeather
• Accessories: Tim Holtz die, Sizzix embossing folder, Memory Box gem

With that snowy tree, I have to share a few pictures from my backyard.  We got a mini blizzard on Wednesday - the kids were even home from school, but Thursday dawned sunny and beautiful and the deer came to play!

Freshly Made Sketches: Big Snowflakes

I really liked my idea for this week's sketch from Freshly Made Sketches until I took a good look at the finished project and realized that that poor little village was going to be crushed by those giant snowflakes??!!

I also decided to use a product that I don't tend to have the best luck with - Glimmer Mist (or any of the other brands).  I think it's because I like clean cards and I simply cannot control the blotches, etc. with glimmer mists.  I have a bottle of pearl sparkle that I use regularly because it adds a wonderful subtle sparkle to the card - but I have only toyed with color sprays. 

For this card, I embossed the snowflakes and then spritzed the whole panel with Tattered Angels Frost Glimmer Mist.  Also, the glimmer mist makes the whole card curl up to be almost unusable so I also spritz the back with plain water and it flattens right out.  After it dried for a few minutes, I blotted it off with a tissue so that the snowflakes show up.

• Stamps: Stampin' Up The Snowflake Spot, Papertrey Christmas Blessings (sentiment)
• Paper: Stampin' Up Marina Mist
• Ink: Stampin' Up Marina Mist, Versamark
• Accessories: Tattered Angels Frost Glimmer Mist, Stampendous Kaleidocolor embossing powder, Stampin' Up Marina Taffeta, Martha Stewart border punch, Jolee's Boutique snowflakes

Hopping with Sweet 'n Sassy!

Welcome to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Release Day Blog Hop!

This is a very special hop because we have the Design Divas and the Digi Team together to give you a taste of the stamp sets, digis and dies that are being released tonight!

If you started on my blog, head back to the Sweet 'n Sassy Blog to start at the beginning. 

If you came from Makiko's blog - welcome!  I know you are having a wonderful time and getting lots of great ideas.

I have two fantastic sets to show you.  They are so different, yet each so perfect for the cards that I like to create.

My first card uses God's Purpose.  The main reason that I make cards is for a church cardmaking ministry.  That's part of the reason that Sweet 'n Sassy stamps are such a great fit for me.  This set is a perfect example.  You get this sweet chickadee plus a number of sentiments - all focused on "Thinking of You". 

I used Echo Park Dots & Stripes Christmas dsp which is currently in the Sweet 'n Sassy store.  The chickadee is stamped on kraft paper and then colored with Pastels Pencils.  The berries are done with Copics and a dab of Glossy Accents...and check out the Glossy Accents on his eye!  As a final touch, each branch is covered with some Stickles "snow".

My next card uses the new set Cozy Friends.  I used the same dsp so you could see some of the other patterns.  This guy does "warm my heart"!

His fur is white Flowersoft and it looks much better IRL.  In this photo, it looks like he is shedding!!

And...I'm going to give you a bonus card!  When I am making cards for church, if I make a boy card like the last one, I always make sure I have a similar girl card.  I'm not sure whether I like the bear or the penguin better??!

I love the sentiment on this card and it definitely shows why I love Sweet 'n Sassy.  Even in a cute winter set - they are sure to include a sentiment with "blessings"!

I used Doodlebug dsp and Pink Sorbet baker's twine for this simple card.


Next on our hop is Jessica Fick.

Once you have stopped by each blog, be sure to end up back at the Sweet 'n Sassy blog and leave a comment letting us know your favorite set from what you've seen.  Tonight at the release party, we will hold a random drawing from these comments and the winner will receive the ENTIRE NOVEMBER RELEASE valued at over $130 - 6 stamp sets, 3 die sets and 11 digis!

Then...don't forget to join us tonight at 8:00PM EST in our Sweet 'n Sassy Forum over on Splitcoaststampers - we have a great release party planned!  There will be full reveals of all the stamp sets, digis and dies, plus challenges AND more prizes!!

In case there are any hiccups in our hop - here is the complete list of participants:

SNSS Blog
Kim Schofield
Sandy Domelle
Ceal Pritchett
Mary Faus
Janette Olen
Makiko Jones
Kim Singdahlsen  - YOU ARE HERE!
Jessica Fick
Stephanie Wright
Dina Kowal
Holly McMillen
Carol Longacre
Taylor Usry
Cathy McCauley
Margo Smith
Bridget Finlay
Harriet Skelly
Monika Davis
Korin Sutherland

Happy hopping!!!! See you TONIGHT at the party!


FYI: The polar bear card uses The Sweet Stop Sketch for this week from the Sweet 'n Sassy Challenge blog.

A Big Announcement!!

I have been keeping a secret for weeks now and now I get to make a big announcement - - -

I am very honored and extremely excited to be a new member of the Sweet 'n Sassy Design Team!!!

I have been a fan of their images for years.  They have a wonderful array of clear stamps and digital stamps. Their stamps range from very elegant and sophisticated to absolutely darling.  And, being a Christian-focused company, their stamps are PERFECT for church card ministries! 

I wanted to have a card up today that gave you a taste of their wonderful stamps, but I quickly realized that one card wouldn't do it.  They have such a variety.  So I have put together two totally different cards. 

The first card shows just how elegant and inspirational their stamps can be.  I started out looking for a very unique sketch challenge or a new technique, but I quickly realized that this stamp doesn't need anything special.  With the beautiful flowers and the elegant font for the sentiment - I simply stamped on an oval and colored, then added a punch for the sentiment.  (OK...maybe I relied on some pretty dsp and a few pearls - but you have to admit that the focus is the stamps!)

This card uses Sweet 'n Sassy's Poppies & Greetings clear stamp set.

I also wanted to go an entirely different direction.  Sweet 'n Sassy has so many cute images.  For this card, I used one of their digital images, but they also have this image in a clear set called Snow Friends that has a number of coordinating sentiments.

Aren't they just the happiest pair?

I have many other Sweet 'n Sassy cards throughout my blog - just go to the "Labels" section on the left side and click on "By: Sweet 'n Sassy".

And I will have many more coming soon!  Look at EVERYTHING that is going on!

There are sneak peeks of the new stamps on Sweet 'n Sassy's blog. The new release caps off with a party the evening of November 3rd in the Sweet 'n Sassy's Splitcoast Forum.

There is so much going on this month - check out this link to Sweet 'n Sassy's Splitcoast Forum that lists all of the activities and sales (!) that are happening for November in celebration of their 4th birthday.

PRAYING FOR YOU

• Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Poppies and Greetings
• Paper: Creative Memories dsp, Stampin' Up Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla
• Ink: Memento Black and copics, edged with Tim Holtz Antique Linen
• Accessories: Nestabilities Oval and Lacey Oval, Stampin' Up Punch and Riding Hood Red Taffeta, Gunmetal Stickles (just on the very centers)

SNOW FRIENDS

• Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Snow Friends digital image
• Paper: Stampin' Up Lucky Limeade, Elegant Eggplant
• Ink: Copics
• Accessories: Stampin' Up Wisteria and Baja ribbon, Fiskars border punch, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Nestabilities Circle and Scalloped Circle, Martha Stewart Fine Crystal Glitter
• Challenge: Cardabilities Sketch #42

Just Add Ink to Freshly Made Sketches

My husband's niece has a birthday and I needed a little inspiration for the card.  I found Just Add Ink's color challenge with pinks, then...I have an iPad app on which I keep all the challenges that I like sorted by day - and right next to the Just Add Ink challenge was this week's Freshly Made Sketch!

I had such fun with the sentiment.  Most of it comes from Papertrey's Heartfelt Basics set that includes
fill-in-the-blank sentiments with elegant add-in words...hope your day is filled with "love" and "laughter"...may your day be filled with "blessings", etc.  But with that embossing folder, I HAD to include cupcakes.  I found one of those clear $1 sets that had the sentiment "Cupcakes forever" - I inked it up and applied a post-it to the "Forever" and I have a nice but quirky sentiment!

• Stamps: Papertrey Heartfelt Basics, Studio G
• Paper: Stampin' Up Blushing Bride, Cherry Cobbler, white
• Ink: Stampin' Up Blushing Bride, Cherry Cobbler, black
• Accessories: Cuttlebug embossing folders, Nestabilities, Stampin' Up Cherry ribbon

Stamping 411 with SCS CAS colors

I had mentally tagged this week's Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge as a great way to use stamp sets from my overflowing box-of-stamps-that-will-not-be-put-away-until-they-see-ink.  Then the Splitcoast CAS challenge came along with its colors of ivory, chocolate and red and it all came together!

I really wanted to use the "Best Wishes" stamp from the Stampin' Up set Petite Pairs but it was a little small for the space that I had available.  Since this stamp set includes innies/outies, I simply included the "dot dot dot" with gems to lead to the inside sentiment of "to the new Mr. and Mrs.". 

• Stamps: Stampin' Up Floral Fillers, Petite Pairs
• Paper: Stampin' Up Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
• Ink: Stampin' Up Real Red, Chocolate Chip
• Accessories: Stampin' Up gems colored with copics, Stampin' Up embossing folder, Stampin' Up heart punch and scalloped heart embosslit, misc ribbon and button