Scrapbook {Express}ions Sketch Challenge

Join me over at the Scrapbook {Express}ions blog today for the final challenge of 2009. Layouts are due next week which makes them eligible for the January prize, so you'll have plenty of time to play along. See you there!

Merry Christmas!

Here's my little Santa, all ready for tonight's excitement. Join me at the myStampBOX blog today for the step by step instructions for making this stamped layout. Merry Christmas!!

The Little Shabby Box Card Contest

A friend of mine directed me to a card sketch contest at The Little Shabby Box, so I decided to play along. Here are my cards based on their sketches:


This first card makes me all nostalgic considering that Daisy D's is no longer in business. They were one of my favorite scrapbook companies of all time, so using these papers made me happy and sad all at the same time. The Santa tag is from a cool Vintage Findings pack by Making Memories. And for those of you who like to poke fun, yes, I used fibers. ☺

This card mixes up some of my favorite goodies: paper and embellies from the Mistletoe collection by Making Memories and the Winter Flakes stamps by myStampBOX. I have several musical pals at church, one of whom will be getting this little masterpiece. Good luck to everyone who enters The Little Shabby Box contest!

Vintage Yummies

My sister Michele sent me some cool vintage books a few weeks ago, and I have been enjoying using them in some scrap projects. Wanna know what this yummy is? Take a look!

myStampBOX: Let's Party!

Welcome to the "Let's Party!" blog hop for myStampBOX! If you have just happened upon my blog, please start at the beginning of our blog hop.

Take the time to leave some love on each design team member's blog post and you could be be picked to WIN a myStampBOX stamp set of your very own! You have until Friday December 11th at 6pm EST to leave your comments for a chance to win. The blog hop winner will be announced on the myStampBOX blog on Monday December 14th.

Here is our blog rotation for this evening:

mSB Blog/Bettina
Virginie
Trace
Nathalie
Liz
Jolene <-- YOU ARE HERE

Ellen
Tracey
Tina
Marci
Leica
Kim
Gudrun
Elisa
Ally

Here's a fun fact: tomorrow is my birthday! I know that the myStampBOX designers are sharing a variety of party ideas today, but I like to secretly think that they are all celebrating with me! *wink*

As a child with a December birthday I sometimes got gifts wrapped in Christmas paper or worse yet the dreaded "combo gift" which eliminated my birthday entirely. Since we have so many December birthdays in our family I try very hard to make sure that everyone feels special and remembered. Here's a fun card and gift bag made with stamps from myStampBOX: Birthday Numbers, He Loves Me (swirl) and Color Me Sentiments. I used bright polka dots and colors that are fresh and fun (and nothing like Christmas!)

I also stamped a quick treat bag topper using multicolored ink and the Birthday Numbers set to match the color scheme of my other projects. You can take a gift to the birthday girl or boy using this topper or send cookies home with your party guests. Either way it's an easy way to match all the items on your special day.
Now on to Ellen's blog to catch more fun ideas for all kinds of parties. Don't forget to leave a comment on each blog to be eligible for our blog hop prize! Good luck!

Just a Reminder!

Scrapbook {Express}ions: Theme Challenge

I'm hosting a holiday theme challenge at the Scrapbook {Express}ions blog today. Get the scoop on the challenge and the supply list for my layout of Rusty at the blog, too. See you there!

Scrappin' Sports Stuff: Tae Kwon Do

It's sharing day! I recently made this layout for the Scrappin' Sports Stuff online store. It features a cool die cut overlay which makes scrapping fast and easy! The overlays come in a variety of sports themes, too. Check out their blog post for complete instructions and the supply list for this project.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I'm thankful for the many family and friends who make my life so special, the blessings we receive and the joy in sharing so much of it with you. Take time today to tell someone how much you love them - I know I will!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Scrapbook Express: New QuicKutz Release!

It's QuicKutz release day at Scrapbook Express! We are taking orders for the Black Friday release dies today, so get yours while they last. I received the Cupcake Liner die which is designed to create scalloped borders for your sweet treats. But these projects are just a few examples of how you can use this same die on layouts, cards and altered items.

My layout above uses several Cupcake Liners layered together to make a border. I loved using the vintage text paper in several places. Details for this layout are here.

This fun Christmas card also uses the Cupcake Liner as the "crowning touch" for my Bo Bunny 'Tis the Season products. Details for the card are here.

And for this ornament I stretched my creative wings (ahem) to use the Cupcake Liner as a scalloped dress for this teddy bear angel. Details for the ornament are here. You CAN use the Cupcake Liner die to make actual cupcake liners! I just like pushing products beyond their original use to get more out of my money. Be sure to check out Scrapbook Express for their customer appreciation days going on now. Happy shopping!

Scrappin' Sports Stuff: Victory Field

Here's my first project for the Scrappin' Sports Stuff design team. I scrapped some photos from our family trip to see the Indians play late this summer. I had fun mixing up the baseball supplies on this one. A complete list of products and the instructions for making this layout are here.

I handcut some bats from one paper and added a knotted ribbon.

I also used a lasercut baseball, bat brads and more ribbon on this cluster. Be sure to check out the Scrappin' Sports Stuff online store for great themed products. Check back later this month for another SSS DT project from me.

Paper Genie Designs

It's official! This week I launched my new Etsy store called Paper Genie Designs. I sell handmade cards, altered items, scrapbook kits and premade layouts. I am getting some items loaded, but it will take a while to fill it up. If you are a local Hoosier and want to avoid shipping charges, please email me to make arrangements. I appreciate all the support and encouragement from friends and family as I start this exciting new adventure. I'd especially like to thank my pals Cheryl and Susie for their TLC. Be sure to check out Cheryl's Etsy shop "Purple Bow Crafts" for her amazing knit creations. Now who needs a layout? ☺

myStampBOX Sketch Challenge

It's my day on the myStampBOX blog! I'm sharing this layout, the stamps I used to make it and a fun sketch. Check it out!

myStampBOX Card Share

Here are a few of my latest projects that feature myStampBOX stamps. The first card is for my pal Susie who celebrates her birthday today. I used the Tree for All Seasons and Lines of Life stamps.

My second card is for my friend Celeste who also celebrates her birthday today. (How nice of them to coordinate that for me!) I stamped the background with stars from the Deck the Halls set and stamped the sentiment with Sigh, Gush, Gasp.

What have you been working on lately? Link me up! ☺

Gypsy Color Challenge

Today I'm hosting a color challenge at the Scrapbook {Express}ions blog based on Bo Bunny's Gypsy collection. Come play along!

Passport to Adventure!

Like these new stamps? Go check out the myStampBOX blog for November's giveaway!

You're Invited

It's Ama-ZING!

It's video tutorial time at the Scrapbook {Express}ions blog today! This post features not one but TWO videos about heat embossing with American Crafts Zing! powders. I also used one of my very favorite sets of myStampBOX stamps called BOO!

Be on the lookout for more projects from me using this set of stamps. They rock!

Order Me a Tall, NonFat with Extra Stickles.

It's challenge day at Caardvarks! Our sponsor for this challenge is Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker. Check out her products which include some incredibly cute stamps!

The challenge: Create a *new* tall card and upload it to 'Varks via Mr. Linky by midnight Pacific Time on Oct. 31st.

The prize: Scalloped chipboard album, acrylic alphabet stamps, 8x8 Designer Paper Pad "U R My Favorite," 8x8 Designer Paper Pad, "North Pole Nights" and other goodies thrown in for good measure.

For my first card I used a tree cut from the Stretch Your Imagination cartridge on the Cricut. Text papers are so hot right now, so I used this one by Bo Bunny as the background. I inked everything to within an inch of its life with my Tim Holtz foam ink applicator. It has become my right hand these days.

Then I decided to try one more tall card just for fun. That Stretch Your Imagination cartridge is perfect for this challenge! The turkey is just whimsical enough to make me smile. And what self-respecting turkey would come to Thanksgiving dinner without Stickles and pearls? It's a good thing these challenges allow for a little creative insanity. Ahem.

On a bittersweet note, this is my final challenge as a Caardvarks Crew member. For nearly two years I have joined in the fun with some of the most talented cardmakers on the planet - it has been such an honor. It's time for us to step down to allow some returning and some new members to carry the embossing tool torch to light the way for papercrafters. Jen and Nathalia, I thank you for all your hard work with creating challenges and galleries, securing prizes and DT sponsors, and most of all your friendship throughout it all. I'm so glad that we'll stay in touch! Thanks to all the support from the 'Varks fans as well. We couldn't do it without you. ♥

Scrappin' Sports Stuff News

It's official! I was recently named to the first Design Team for Scrappin' Sports Stuff's online store. What's even cooler is that my best pal, Carolyn, also made the team! I'm excited to use some of their unique products, especially for Ian's Taekwondo layouts. Congrats to the new team - I can't wait to start working with you!

Magazine Winners!

Big congrats to Amanda Profumo and Nikki C! You are the winners of the Crafts 'n Things magazine featuring my Christmas gift jar set. Please send your mailing addresses to bettina@mystampbox.com so we can get your information over to the magazine editors. Thanks to everyone for playing along!

Family Favorites + a Giveaway!

Today I'm excited to share this fun gift set called Family Favorites. It was accepted for publication in the December 2009 issue of Crafts 'n Things magazine and is on newsstands now! I used one of my very favorite sets of mystampBOX stamps called Neighborhoods to create this embellished cookie mix jar and matching card. Try using your stamps to jazz up premade packaging especially at holiday time. It will save you lots of time and make your family and friends feel extra loved by your handmade touch.

To celebrate we are giving away two free copies of the December 2009 Crafts 'n Things magazine that has the cookie recipe and more details about this gift set. For a chance to win, leave a comment here on this post about your favorite handmade gifts to give. For a second chance to win, click over to the myStampBOX blog and do the same thing. We'll accept comments until Sunday October 18th at noon EST. The winners will be announced at the mSB blog on Monday October 19th. Good luck!

Take a Bow!

Here's our first Caardvarks challenge for October, sponsored by the amazing May Arts ribbon company. The 'Varks crew members were treated to some lovely ribbon samples for this challenge. Thanks, May Arts! ♥

Challenge: Create a *NEW* card using ribbon in a wonderful way!

Deadline: Entries must be linked via Mr. Linky by Oct. 17th at Midnight, PST

Prize: An incredible assortment of May Arts ribbon! (Here's a little peek.)

Here's my first card. I love, LOVED making this card! First of all, can you just STAND how cute that monsta is? I have been inspired to love all things monsta by my creatively-kooky and lovable 'Varks Crew pal, Lauren. I paired the image up with some Making Memories Spook Alley papers and of course the outrageous orange and black pom pom ribbon from May Arts. Isn't it the best for Halloween? If you may recall, I also used it on this set of altered letters.

More details about these letters can be seen by clicking here.

The other ribbon I was treated to is this beautiful crushed textured ribbon with wire. That chocolate brown color looks good enough to eat! I paired it with a simply-designed card of My Mind's Eye paper and rub on plus one simple journaling sheet. I love the cool aqua with the warm brown tones in this card.

For more May Arts ribbon inspiration, check out the RIBBON GALLERY of projects created by the Caardvarks Crew. You'll be glad you did!

myStampBOX: Introducing Our New Designers

myStampBOX stamps: Deck the Halls and Colour Me Alphabet

ETA: The blog hop is now closed and a winner has been chosen. Thanks for playing!

We're so happy that you joined in our blog hop introduction to our new myStamp BOX designers! If you should have happened upon my blog today, please start at the myStamp BOX blog for an amazing journey of fabulous cards and introductions to all of our new designers.

I am pleased to welcome the lovely Tina McDonald to our team.

Hi everyone! I'm Tina! I'm 33 yrs old and live in beautiful Wickham, New Brunswick, Canada with my hubby of almost 10 years and our 4 beautiful children. I've been scrapping for about 6 years. I draw my inspiratin from life around me!! Everything from the looks on my childrens faces, to their clothes, to music we listen to and emotions in our daily life! My style is hard to name... but is kind of romantic, clean and simple. I love white space and journaling strips!! I've had the honor of being on several kit and store DT's and being published in several great magazines! I am more than thrilled to be a part of this team and look forward to digging into these stamps!! I'd love for you to come by and visit me at my blog!! _______________________________________________

Here's our rotation for this blog hop just in case you missed some of our designer's blogs:

Ally

Jolene <-- You are here

Leica

Tracey

Trace

Gudrun

Marci

Cherie

You have a chance to win some wonderful mSB goodies just by commenting on each participating designer's blog and by collecting the letters on each designer's blog to spell a very special phrase.


When you have collected all the letters and made all of your comments, please email your phrase answer, along with your full name and email address to Allison at sosketchy@live.com with "mSB Blog Hop" in your subject line. You can send in your answer and information to win up until Sunday October 4th at 5pm EST.

The letters that you are collecting from me are: CO

Now go hop to Leica's blog. Good luck!

Introducing....

Say It With Letters - BOO!

Here's my final project for the Say It With Letters blog. I received this chunky set of BOO letters and went to town!


All three letters feature paper from the Making Memories Spook Alley collection. The B also has a Fancy Pants glittered transparency tree, QuicKutz bats and Die Cuts With a View bling EEK.


I knew that I wanted to add a critter in the opening of one of the O's, so this black kitty cut on my QuicKutz Silhouette was perfect!



The final O has some May Arts ribbon, silk leaves and Halloween pins from Making Memories. I love adding all the finishing touches!

Be sure to check out the other Design Team versions of the boo letters in this SIWL blog post as well as ideas for other fall and Halloween shapes. Happy haunting!

Sketch Fest: Saturday

This is it, kids. Today is the final day of SKETCH FEST with Caardvarks. Create your last card using the sketch and upload it to 'Varks using Mr. Linky by 7 AM PST the following day to be included in our prize drawings. Prizes and a Caardvarks DT spot are up for grabs!

Saturday's sketch

Here's my take on Heidi's final sketch. I had fun using a Studio Calico stamp on the Little Yellow Bicycle journaling card. I also rotated the sketch. Be sure to upload your last card for a chance to win!

Sketch Fest: Friday

Only two more days of SKETCH FEST with Caardvarks left! Create your card using the sketch and upload it to 'Varks using Mr. Linky by 7 AM PST the following day to be included in our prize drawings.

Friday's sketch

Here's my take on Heidi's sketch. I love those pins by Making Memories. I hope they keep making them!

Sketch Fest: Thursday

Ready for more SKETCH FEST with Caardvarks? Create your card using the sketch and upload it to 'Varks using Mr. Linky by 7 AM PST the following day to be included in our prize drawings. Did you ever want to work side by side with the 'Varks crew? The grand prize winner is joining our team!

Thursday's sketch

Here's my take on Heidi's sketch. I think this is my favorite one from the whole week!