Haunted High - My next class at CP2 (10/9)

Good Morning! Welcome to the halls of Haunted High where there's a ghoulish surprise around every corner and there's no such thing as a stranger. Mainly because they don't come any "stranger" than the attendees of this special institution for higher learning. Here you can hone your skills as a Master of the Macabre, focus your studies on General Mayhem, or dabble in the fine art of Catastrophic Destruction. The choice is yours.

A firm believer in the No Ghoul Left Behind policy, the administration of Haunted High extends it's welcome to all manner of ghosts, gobblins, monsters, and various other Menace to Society types. Previous elite graduates include John Revolta, Christian Slaughter, Amy Grindhouse, Katy Scary, and George Gooney. Don't wait...join the student body today!

Hahaha! I had a grand old time putting this project together. I used the haunted house chipboard book by Magenta and papered it with all sorts of fabulous designs by Reflections. I was a little intimidated at first, because this is not my usual type of task. I'm a card maker and that's where my comfort zone resides most of the time...a nice, warm, safe environment for it to dwell. This, however, was as simple as covering the chipboard with glue stick, slapping the paper on it, and then trimming it out with a craft knife. After I papered the back and front of each of the 4 pages, then the fun really started! I played with a whole cast of the Stampotique Characters. They just seemed to belong in this slightly off-kilter setting.

A couple of things that I overlooked and will remedy later...first of all, it needs to say Haunted High somewhere on the project, which I will be adding to the green panel on the back. The way the board is layered it will appear center stage when the book is closed. Also on the last page, I added a take on a common yearbook phrase that appears in countless annuals year after year...2 cool 2 be forgotten. Instead I changed it up to read "2 cruel 2 be verboten". It doesn't even really make sense, but it sounded good and that's all I was really trying to accomplish. My confession is that I spelled verboten incorrectly on my project. Hmmm...maybe it's not such a great school after all...LOL!!! Perhaps spelling is not part of the Sinister Studies Curriculum ;D

September's Bombshell Blog Hop!

Hello! I am thrilled to be blog hopping with the Bombshells this month, because it is my first blog hop as an actual Bombshell! How cool is that?!

Kas, our fabulously creative Blog Hop Goddess has set the challenge this month. Read what she has to say:

September – Back to School, Time For Geography. Kids with their new colored pencils and cute backpacks remind me of how much I miss school….NOT. But it did inspire this month’s blog hop. Please remember, if you can tie it into the theme…GREAT. The theme for this month is Geography: Travel, foreign lands, exotic colors. Maybe show us how your Bombshell would look if she came from an exotic land. Maybe she would be traveling by motorcycle, or perhaps she would be a pilot. She could even be a pirate avoiding scurvy and looking for an exotic date???

I have taken the theme and diluted it for my own devices. You see, I originally, did not read the entire description of this month's blog hop. Instead, I saw "Back to School" and assumed it was a school themed hop. I had an extra Bombshell Angel all colored up and dressed in a smart looking suit and I also had several birds ready to go, as well. My intention was to use these images on a Hitchcock inspired card and capture the creepy essence of a little ol' film called "The Birds". Maybe you've heard of it? As you can see, that didn't happen. Instead, these little pieces sat in a Ziploc baggie for about 10 months waiting to see daylight on a card. When I spied the phrase "Back to School" in the blog hop description, my first thought was to dig the image up, create a black die cut "chalk board", add some letters to it, and assign my bombshell the duty of teacher for the day. HOWEVER, a little nagging voice in the back of my head told me to read the description again. Good thing I did! This card is a loose (very loose) interpretation of the theme...please forgive me ;D

The Bombshell Blog Hop participants have created some wonderful things to share with you. You won't want to miss a single one! You should have started hopping at Kas' fabulous blog and hopefully you arrived here from Mary G's awesome blog. Your next stop from here is to check out the eye candy at Kelli's blog. Be sure to make all the stops along the way and leave a comment on everyone's blog to increase your chances of winning a fabulous prize! This month's prize is an actual Bombshell Stamp set.

Witch Marci and a couple of things...

Hello, everyone! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Mine was fabulous and I stayed busy throughout, going non-stop from Friday morning until just a little while ago. I wouldn't have it any other way ;D I'd like to say a big "thank you" to all of the wonderful ladies who attended my Halloween card class Saturday afternoon. I'm so flattered that you would opt to spend the afternoon with me when I know how busy you are ;D You guys rock!!

Today I am posting over at the Lala Land Crafts Blog and featuring a card using Witch Marci. Witch Marci is part of the new Halloween release. She is just one of 5 new adorable images! You can find all of them in the Lala Land Crafts Boutique. These images pair perfectly with Copic markers, so if you need some great images to hone your Copic skillz, any of these images would be fabulous!

Finally, I want to remind everyone that Sunday, the Kenny K's Krafty Girlz (Team B) announced a new challenge. This one is a fabulous sketch. I love the sketch challenges, because they take care of half the work for you. No guesswork regarding how to lay the card out. I love that! BUT...the announcements don't end there! Not only is Team B hosting another challenge, but they are showcasing a new release! Yes, you heard that right...another NEW RELEASE! How does Kenny do it? This release features adorable new animal images called the CRITTERZ. These images are super fun and not only look amazing on their own, but can be combined with other, previously released images to create fabulous cards, as well. Check them out now!

That's it for now. Have a great day!

Countdown to World Card Making Day Oct 2nd

Hello and welcome back! Did you know that World Card Making Day is October 2nd this year? I have to be honest and confess that until a few days ago, I was not familiar with this holiday, so I did a little research on the old Google-izer.

World Card Making Day was launched in 2005 by PaperCrafts Magazine to celebrate the connection and creativity that crafting and sending handmade cards cultivates within the paper arts community. It also provides a somewhat official start to the upcoming frenzied holiday card making season. An inspirational kick in the pants to get those ink pads and rubber stamps revved up for some high octane creativity. Okay, that's not exactly how it was described on the World Card Making Day website, but that's what it boils down to in "Cheryl Speak". Any reason to get inky is fine by me ;D

The Bombshell Stamps Design Team is celebrating right alongside everyone else and has elected to build on that energy by announcing a new challenge every couple of days until the official stampapalooza date arrives. Yep, I made that word up...I practically need my own translation button at the top of my blog.

Extremely lovely and talented ladies, Kathi and Kas, have already announced their challenges on their blogs, so if you missed them, please check them out. They are fun and fabulous! My challenge is to "Bring the Bling"! I don't care how you do it, just make it shine! My card features one of the beautiful new stamp sets that the postman graced my mailbox with recently. I used the gorgeous bombshell from A Pirate's Life and colored her up with Copics. I got a little overzealous with the blue eyeshadow and at one point my beautiful bombshell looked like she had been brawling in the local tavern. Seriously, she had a black eye and was in need of an eye patch, but my colorless blender came to the rescue. A quick reapply of the blue eye "shadow" had this wild wench looking sexy and ready to school some scalawags. She is quite fond of her makeup and I'm pretty sure she has an account at Sephora.

The map on the die cut is an older Hero Arts stamp. I got so carried away putting this card together, I completely forgot about the whole purpose of my challenge, which was to "Bring the Bling". I looked at it and thought "I need some bling on here and lots of it. I want Alf, and E.T, and Mork to be able to see it from outerspace." If you don't get any of those references, then I'm going to have to ask you to leave. At the very least, I will need to check your ID to make sure you are old enough to be on my blog. Anyway, I used an entire strip of gems down the side of the card and added a few choice gems on the map to provide Pirate Girl with an elegant "Places I Have Pillaged" visual.

Sheesh! This post is a mile long! If you have managed to stick with me through all of this, I thank you and will reward you by providing the Challenge Rules:

1. Use Bombshell Stamps somewhere on your project

2. All submissions will be eligible for Bombshells' monthly drawing

3. All posted entries will receive a 25% off coupon toward the purchase of Bombshell Stamps

4. Challenge submission cards should be posted in The Casino under Gambler's Annon thread in the Bombshell Stamps Forum.

5. Deadline to post challenge submissions- World Card Making Day, Saturday, October 2, 2010

You Rock!

Hello! I am going to keep this post short today as I have a big class this Saturday and am supposed to be making kits. Don't tell anyone that I snuck away for moment to share a card with you. It will be our little secret ;D

Today's card features an image I have used before. Her name is Star and she is part of the Glam Gang gals by Kenny K. Okay, don't laugh, but I attempted to give her guitar the leopard print treatment. Hey! I heard that snickering! Okay, you're right, I definitely need some practice in this area ;D

I paired Star with a couple of images by Inkadinkado. Slathered her boots with glitter glue and Diamond Glaze, and stuck a tuft of black lace behind one of the die cut panels. I really kind of dig her auburn hair, too (E19, E15, E13).

Well, that's all she wrote..."she" being me. Have a great day ;D

BIG Halloween Release for Lala Land Crafts!

Hello! BIG news today! We're blog hopping at Lala Land Crafts to celebrate the unveiling of the newest release which features a slew of Halloween cuties! These images are so much fun, they will instantly put a smile on your face ;D Be sure and leave a comment at each stop to increase your chances of winning some hidden blog candy.

Make sure you start at Irina's blog so that you don't miss a thing. Your next destination from here is Eva's blog, but I am including the whole hop list at the bottom of this post just in case you get turned around along the way. The DT has some spectacular projects to share with you ;D

For my card, I used Pumpkin Marci. I opted to color her in purples rather than the traditional oranges. I'm hoping she doesn't look too much like an eggplant. Well, if she does, she is a cute eggplant ;D If you see images along the way that get those creative Halloween juices flowing, head to the Lala Land Craft's Boutique to pick them up. After all, Halloween is just around the corner ;D Now off you go to the other DT blogs!

Irina

1LuvnMama

Cheryl <---Hola!

Eva

Jan

Jana

Karen

Kim

Kristine

Lisa

Shantaie

Lala Land Crafts Blog

A Memory Book

Thanks for stopping by today. I have something special to share this morning. My sister-in-law requested I make a book cover for an album she is putting together for a coworker. This is a small photo album and the inside contains clear pockets for photos. I don't recall the size right off hand as the album is currently packaged and en route to Iowa via USPS as I type this. Instead of photos, Diane has asked the recipient's friends and coworkers to share stories regarding their mutual friend. She provided each of them with uniform kraft colored notecards and envelopes. Once they are all received, she will place these notes and fond memories in the clear cellophane pockets inside the album. I thought this was such a wonderful idea that I had to share it with you.

I was lucky enough to be asked to create the cover for this special memory book, which I happily did. Diane gave me a few details about her friend and at first, I wondered if I even had an image that would work, but, as everyone knows, stampers are notorious hoarders. We'll buy stamps and hang on to them for years without ever introducing them to ink...just in case. While digging around for an image, I happened upon this beautiful, intricate stamp by Auntie Amy Stamps. It's actually only 2 or 3 years old, so it's still a "youngster" compared to other seasoned members of my stamp collection. It had never seen ink, so I was excited to use it. It took a long time to color, but hey, this is not just some ordinary memory book. It demanded something special with lots of detail. I used some of my favorite papers at the moment...the patterned green design is by October Afternoon and the text paper is an older design from who knows what company, but I wish I had a whole stack of it to use on everything. I colored up a couple of white paper flowers with my Copics so they would match the card. I finished up with a bit of twine, a handwritten label, and some glitter glue. I rather like how it turned out...I hope Jerry likes it, too :)

Hooray for Cheerleader Marci!

Hello! Today the new release festivities continue at Lala Land Crafts. We have featured a new image each day since last Wednesday and the DT has been busy crafting cards to showcase these delightful darlings. Have you been by the Lala Land Crafts blog to check out the DT's card wizardry? If not, you MUST go! Plus, if you leave a comment, you could win a set of the new Halloween images that have yet to be unveiled! Yes, that's right! They are hot off the rubber presses and will make their appearances soon...very soon...so be on the lookout for them ;D

In the meantime, if you order all 5 of the brand new Marci images that have just been released you will receive the Panda stamp for free! What a great deal!

Today we are featuring Cheerleader Marci. She is sure to make you smile with her enthusiasm ;D Do you know someone that needs a little boost? Then this is the gal for you! Pop on over the the Lala Land Crafts blog to see what the other DT members have cooked up using this little cutie. Have a cheerful day ;D

Kenny K's Krafty Girlz Challenge - Week 11 Stitch It!

Good morning! Just a quick announcement to remind you to visit Kenny K's Krafty Girlz blog for this week's newest challenge hosted by Team B. They are challenging you to Stitch It! That's right! Get "stitchy with it" by showing a little of your seamstress prowess on your card. If you're like me and can't sew a stitch to save your life, then feel free to throw in some faux stitching instead. OR how about some hand stitching? Whatever works for you ;D Head to Kenny K's Kraft Girlz Challenge blog for all of the details and lots of inspiration from our illustrious design team ladies. The samples are fantastic and "sew" wonderful! Sorry, couldn't resist ;D Remember, there are prizes to be had, so RUN, don't walk, over to the challenge blog now!

Edward who?

Good Morning! I'm back today with a new card.

My husband's coworker needed a card for a friends birthday who just happens to be a huge Twilight fan. She wanted me to poke a little bit of fun at Twilight. Unfortunately, I don't have a huge collection of vampire stamps and, as a matter of fact, until a couple of weeks ago, I didn't have even one! Don't get me wrong, I love vampires, particularly of the True Blood variety and even more particularly of the Eric Northman variety. Speaking of True Blood...was anyone else disappointed in the season finale? Someone needs to tell the writers that not every character needs a major story arc. Too much going on almost to the point of ridiculous. The story has strayed so much from the books that it is almost unrecognizable. Please, oh please, Mr. Alan Ball, get it together next season!

Anyway, I digress...now where was I? Oh, yes, I didn't own even one vampire stamp. However, lo and behold, my sweet, sweet mom mailed me the new Kraftin' Kimmies Halloween set and there just so happened to be a vampire stamp in the mix. Yay, mom! It's a good one, too! It is sort of a large image, so I really didn't need to add any other accouterments to it. I colored it with Copics, but for the life of me, I can't recall which colors I used. I've really got to start writing them down. Inside, the card will say "Edward who?" I think that's sort of a subtle poke at Twilight, don't you?

That's it for today. I am hoping I'll be back tomorrow with something new, but it seems I just jinx myself when I make those claims, so I am going to refrain. See you tomorrow...maybe ;D

It's new release day at Lala Land Crafts!

Good Morning! It's finally here! The moment you have all been waiting for! The new Marci images from Lala Land Crafts are now available in rubber...YAY! They were available as digis for a limted time, but now they are making their rubber debut and they are waiting for you to visit the shop and give them a good home ;D

I do not have a new card for you, but I am reposting a few of the cards I have made using the new images. I just love these sweet stamps! Be sure and visit the Lala Land Crafts blog today, because some of the DT members have made some very inspiring cards for you to get you started on your Marci journey. After you're done there, then head to the store and round out your rubber stamp collection with these fabulous new images! What are you waiting for ;D

Pretty Little Ballerina

Good Morning! I am posting over at Lala Land Crafts today, so be sure to stop by their blog and pay me a visit there, too!

Well, folks...it's almost here! The debut of the new Lala Land Crafts images, Marci and Luka, in RUBBER! September 15th you will be able to purchase these new images in rubber format, but if you are in dire need of a Marci fix right away, then swing by the Lala Land Crafts shop and pick up Marci with Rose and Cheerleader Marci in digi format.

If you will be in the Northern California area, join the fun by attending one or both of the scheduled trunk shows:

Wednesday, September 15th, 4 to 7 pm at the Cranberry Hill Mercantile in Sunnyvale, CA. Click HERE for details.

Saturday, September 18th, 1 to 4 pm at Scrapbook U in Freemont, CA. Click HERE for details.

Thank you for stopping by today! Have a wonderful week ;D

Kenny K's Krafty Girlz Challenge - Week 10 Embossing

Hey, all! First up, I want to give a big shout out to the fabulous ladies that joined me at China Phoenix 2 yesterday for my Basic Copic Techniques class. This was my first time teaching this class and I have to confess, I was a bit on the nervous side. I usually teach card classes which means there is a lot of instruction on completing a specific project, but this time I had to be more informative and pretty much talk non-stop about Copics; their history, fine attributes, benefits, and uses. I really thought I would have a difficult time presenting a class that would be basically 3-hours of me...talking! Little did I know, I am a born blabber mouth and had no difficulties yammering on about the greatest invention since Alexander Graham Bell laid the foundation for the cell phone...LOL! (Well, he did! Think about it!) Nobody's eyes glazed over, I didn't have to resuscitate anyone, and nobody pelted me with ink pads for being boring. It was a great day ;D

My next order of business is to let you know that it is Sunday! Like you didn't already know what day of the week it is...LOL! Anyway, that means it is time for a new Kenny K's Krafty Girlz Challenge! This week's theme is Embossing (wet or dry). Show us your embossing skillz and enter your card on the challenge blog for a chance to win fabulous free images from Kenny K. Kenny is adding new images frequently, so if you haven't stopped by the store lately you should check it out. Also, the design team has cooked up some fabulous inspiration so get on over to the Krafty Girlz Challenge Blog and leave them some love ;D

Mail from Mom...The Little Mermaid

Good Morning! Today I want to share with you a card that I received recently in the mail from mom. I LOVE this card! It is glittery, it is sweet, it is beautiful! Plus, mom has used a mermaid image from one of Kraftin' Kimmies more recent releases by Annie Rodrigue. What more can anyone ask ;D

Lots of details, too! She has twine wrapped around lace, topped with a metal flower and leaves, and just a scattering of pearls in the corner. AND Mom really knows how to work those Copics ;D

Speaking of Copics, I am having my first ever Copic Primer class tomorrow afternoon at China Phoenix 2. I am thrilled because this will be very different from teaching folks to make an actual project. It will be more educational as I will be talking about the tools, what makes the markers special, decoding the color wheel and the numbering system, basic coloring, shading and shadowing techniques, and how to use the sometimes challenging Colorless Blender. I am really looking forward to this class and hope I have additional opportunities to teach it again.

By the way, just a quick announcement...I am thrilled to share with you that I am officially a Bombshell Girl! I'm on the Bombshell Stamps Design Team! If you scroll through my older posts you'll see that I am a HUUUUUGE fan of Bombshell Stamps and frequently use them in my classes at CP2. These are truly some of my favorite images and so very different in style from other stuff I've seen. They are reminiscent of vintage tattoo art, which is great for cards for both men and women. Women love them for their aesthetic beauty and men love them for...their...er...umm...okay, they love them because they're HOT!! LOL! It's not just about the bombshells, though, check out the site and you will find vintage hot rods, motorcycles, Dia de los Muertos, and Sacred Heart images, too. Each and everyone of them wonderful in their own way. The lovely Bombshell DT is listed in my sidebar, so be sure to stop by their blogs and show them some love ;D

I won't have a card tomorrow, but Sunday means there's a new challenge at Kenny K, so stop by to see what I've cooked up for that. It's going to be a scorcher...LOL! Also, Monday is my day on the Lala Land Crafts Blog, so I will have a card featuring one of Lala's adorable new images, so come back if you have a hankering for something sweet ;D Have a crafty weekend!