What Makes You Happy...Makes You Rich

When I saw this stamp available through TAC's Gift With Purchase program, I had to have it! I love the message. The Gift With Purchase program allows you to earn a free stamp (such as the sentiment used here) with a $30 purchase. During TAC's March & April Celebration, you earn double hostess benefits and double Gift With Purchases! Woo Hoo! Contact me for more information.

This card was made using a technique called "thumping." I learned about this technique from fellow Angel, Rita H. I love the tie-dyed effect (on the swirls)!!!

Materials Used:

Stamps: TAC Eclectic Swirls, GWP

Ink: Palette Burnt Umber, Tombow marker (blue)

Paper: Bazzill Pinecone, DCWV Brights, Kraft cardstock, white cardstock

Accessories: turquoise grosgrain thin ribbon

Another Oz-Some Sketch

Here is my latest take on Heather's 'oz-some' Monday sketch. I must admit I was trying to use up paper scraps...I've been trying to do some early spring cleaning around here-- although it is still in the 30s today. But, it's a good feeling to get organized! I really like the pastels paired with brown & the card has a springlike feel. We Kansans are so ready for spring this year--it's been a rough old winter.

Materials List:

Stamps: TAC Mini Occasions, TAC Trendy Greetings, TAC Spring Dream

Ink: Palette Boudior Blush, Palette Burnt Umber, VersaMark

Papers: Bazzill Reed, Bazzill Timber, DCWV brights

Accessories: 3 brushed nickel brads

More Fun With Black & White

This is a very simple card, but the black & white make a bold statement even with the few elements used. I used Palette Noir ink on white cardstock. Two stamp sets were used--TAC's "Juliette Florals" and "It's the Little Things " (Level A Hostess Set). The black paper is from TAC's "Uptown Girl" paper pack. I used a scallop punch and circle punch--both from TAC. Simple, fast & sophisticated...fun!

Black & White

Aaaaarg! After the fourth ice storm of this winter, I am finally back in business with my Internet service. One of the downfalls of country living is having to have wireless Internet using an antenna. When we get these huge storms with heavy icing, I lose Internet service until we get a decent thaw. This time, I've been without service for 3 days...too long! I don't know about you, but I am sooooo ready for Spring!!!

I've been on a black & white kick lately; I like the crispness and the simplicity you can get by pairing these 2 colors. For this card, I used white cardstock paired with a subtle black print from TAC's "Uptown Girl" paper pack. To me, this black print looks just like linen. I cut 3 cirles using my 1 1/2 inch circle punch. I stamped images from TAC's Level A Hostess set "It's the Little Things" and their "Juliette Florals" set. Finally, I embellished with a simple black brad.

I'll be posting another black & white card later in the week...check back soon!

Sketch 13

Here's a card I came up with this afternoon using Heather's sketch. I used Bazzill dark brown cardstock paired with TAC's Kraft Cardstock, Juliette paper (stripe), and Plum 3 DCWV cardstock. The floral stamp is from "Fresh Air Favorites".

I used VersaMagic Perfect Plumeria and Palette Landscape inks on the image. I also used my Tombow markers in conjunction with the inks on this stamp in order to give the stamped image a little shading and depth.

For the sentiment, I used an image from TAC's tried and true "Be Authentic" stamp set. Embellishments include velvet ribbon, copper brads, and paper piercing on the circular image. I also roughed up the edges on the plum cardstock before adhering. Thanks again for the inspiration, Heather!

Valentine's Day Gum Wrapper Tutorial

Gum is a favorite around our house. I found a tutorial for the gum wrapper on the Scor-Pal website, and had to give it a try. I made a few adaptations to fit my favorite brand of gum, and voila-an easy and practical Valentine's gift!

I like the Trident variety and I found the inside scores needed to be made about 2 3/4 inches apart (lengthwise). Make 2 other scores (outward from the first scores) at approx. 3 inches--1/4 inch from your first scores. For this gum, make your height at 3 inches and your length around 6 3/4 inches. This will give you plenty of extra to glue after you score and fold.

To embellish the wrapper, I used TAC's "Circle Sampler" set. This is a very versatile set that is great to have on hand for multiple occasions.

Weekly Card Sketch-12

For the last couple of weeks, I have been doing Heather's card sketch. I have been a longtime fan of her blog, and I always find her work to be an inspiration. I guess that is why I have enjoyed her sketches so much. Here is my take on her latest challenge. For this card, I used cardstock in Green 1, along with black and white cardstock. The stamp on the oval cutout is from "Juliette Florals"-- a new personal fave of mine from TAC. I also used their "Be Authentic" sentiment stamps. I used VersaMagic ink in Spanish Olive...this ink is from a set that I won last week from Sarah's blog candy giveaway! I love this shade! Thanks, Sarah!!!

More Fun with "Sprigs"

Here's a Valentine's Day mini candy bar slider (adapted from Kathy Werner's tutorial). I used a mini Hershey bar to fill this. The stamped image is from TAC's Sprigs set--a set that I am really loving right now!

Another Card Sketch

Here's another one of my creations using one of Heather's card sketches. For this card, I used TAC's Kraft cardstock for the background. I used a rosey salmon-colored paper from DCWV, and ran this through a crimper to add some texture. I also used dark brown cardstock and ribbon. The image was stamped onto TAC's Ivory cardstock with Palette Burnt Umber. I then colored the hearts with Tombow markers.

The stamp is from TAC's Sprigs set. I have been eyeing this set for a long time and finally got it! I've really been using this particular stamp (with the heart) for Valentine's Day projects. Thanks again for the inspiration, Heather!

Card Sketch

Here is a card I created using a sketch provided by Heather. It features TAC's "So Girly Swirly" stamp and one of their new gift with purchase stamps. I used TAC's lovely, rich Scarlet Cardstock paired with black and white cardstock. I used my oval Coluzzle to make my layered ovals.

I always get inspired when I visit Heather's blog. Her work it amazing!