Allison's Suggestive Sunday - Dotty

http://stampinwhenican.blogspot.com/

This week's Suggestive Sunday is easy (at least I think so!)...dots! Here are a few ideas to get you going...
Use polka dotted stamps or DP.
Add some dots with a gel pen. For some inspiration, visit the queen of the gel pen, Faith.
Pierce...that's a dot, right?
Pull out a dotty embossing folder or template.
Look here: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?si=dotty&x=0&y=0&limit=
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My first go at Allison's challenge - normally I'm at her blog to blurf !

( I think that means to use her blog as a springboard to discover other creative blogs to surf to ! Thanks Allison for the great job as always in making new discoveries ! )

Supplies : DCWV Butterflies & blossoms foiled CS, Doodlebug Design Loopy Lou stickers , Maya Road Transparent Ribbon, Making Memeories Spring Bright mini butterfly brads, AquaGlaze pen , Scrap piece of Cuttlebug embossing

Caardvarks- Purple Snurple Micro Challenge

http://caardvarks.blogspot.com/

For the Caardvarks micro challenge which ends minight Apr 1 .

Supplies : Cuttlebug reverse embossing with eggplant ink, Love , Elsie - Claire Patchwork pp, Colorbok sticky stitches

sketches by Tamara #38- New Cherry Arte Girl Power

http://sketchesbytamara.blogspot.com/

As always lots of sample layouts for ideas !

Supplies : Cherry Arte Girl Power pp, AC thickers Roller Rink Glitter chipboard alphas , Pinecone Flower Press stickers, Daisy D's tape rub ons, MM Anthology Scroll Chipboard, Prima Flowers

Copycatcards wk 13 - Punch & Stamp

http://www.copycatcards.blogspot.com/

Using New DCWV Butterflies & blossoms glittered & foiled CS , DCWV New Ric rac 8x8 cardstock , Fiskars clear stamp , Carla butterfly punch, New MM Vlapk Shapes mini brads Spring Bright

CPS #58 - New DCWV Butterflies & blossom

http://www.cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/

I rotated this week's sketch .

Supplies : Bazzill CS , New DCWV Butterflies & Blossoms CS & glittered friends rub on , carla punches , Cuttlebug reverse embossing

Friend tag ends were punched using a circle punch.

New findings - DCWV Blossoms & Butterflies quick cards

Some quick cards made using the latest DCWV Blossoms & Butterflies stack - 72 prints in 4.5"x6.5" ! They are also available in 8x8" & 12x12 " papers . But being the cardmaking scrapper I choose the 4.5x6.5" size as I felt they were sooo busy & bright that I can't even imagine using them on layouts ! 

This range of cardstock come Glittered & Foiled ! Foiled Flourishes & butterflies galore ! I had to buy some AC Velvet stickers - these are called Black Tie - to use with these papers . On this card I added a little Maya road transparent ribbon/tape  using my new found tool- the Kokuyo Dotliner HOLD . I have always had it in my stash but only recently discovered the great use of it ! It looks like a stapler & comes in handy for those times you need just a little to add to an embellishment & its adhesive power is really good even though it comes out in dots ! Of course it works great when needing lengths of adhesive too as on a layout . 

So this season's must haves are : glitter, foil, velvet , embossing . Letter stickers - perennial fave AC any thickers - I have only recently discovered Doodlebug's Loopy Lou sticker

 ( especially sweet in powder pink too ) .  & oh ! Fancy Pants Transparencies & Glitter Cuts - Almost every major brand seems to have a new little boy & girl collection - Daisy D's , SEI , K&Co , BG , Sassafras Lass, but I decided to go with Making Memories' Animal Crackers if only because they have such a comprehensive range of embellishments from small brads

 ( butterflies, bunnies ) to epoxy shapes. & their little girl collection is peachy rather than sweet pink ! Again their range also feature flocking & foiling on their patterned papers . Other not so oldies but still goodies felt & chipboard everything - Fancy Pants even has a felt 12x12" sheet die cut with similar shapes as their big board chipboard .

I have decided that purple is my new pink this year in my stash update but I'll see if I can even stay true to that for long ! 

Cute card Thursday challenge 2 - All Creatures Great & Small

http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com

A new challenge blog for cute cards ! 

All Creatures Great and Small!

This week we would like to see creatures on your cards, they can be animals, birds, fish even dinosaurs or dragons. Absolutely any creature imaginable!

Di Hickman's Card Sketch Mar #4

http://dihickman.blogspot.com

Don't forget to check out all the fab DT samples this week ! 

Supplies: Bazzill CS; Pinecone Press Flower Garden pp & cardstock sticker; May Arts ribbons; Loopey Brads

I didn't use scraps for this card . The new Pinecone Flower Garden pp was a buy for cardmaking for me, together with the matching cardstock stickers . The strips within the patterned paper has so much going on I don't even feel the need to reach out for the Cuttlebug to add on embossing ( my latest must use these days ! I just a click away from buying 12 more folders at one go ! But I'm still sleeping on it ! The Swiss Dots are a must have IMO ! So versatile a pattern & perfect with pastels & white cardstock ! yums ! ) 

Chriss' Love Challenge

http://craftsbychrissy.blogspot.com

Cards, layouts (digital or otherwise) atc's and altered items all welcome as long as you follow the theme Love.

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I wanted to try some white on white on cards just to see . Again limited to 3 embossing folders at the moment .

Can anyone from the US advise where to buy the Cuttlebug Embossing folders online ? besides Ebay ? Many thanks !

& using a small embossing folder that I haven't used before with reverse embossing .

CPS #57

Using the latest CPS sketch 

Supplies : Bazzill CS , Love, Elsie -Claire Prom Dress, Bo Bunny Birthday rub on

Sketches by Tamara #37

http://sketchesbytamara.blogspot.com/

Check out this week's one photo sketch

and all the layout samples.

Remember to upload a link to the comment section where we can see your finished layout using this sketch to get the chance at becoming a Sketches! Guest Designer!

My supplies : AC Roller rink glitter alphas, New Hambly Grandma's wallpaper, Hambly chandelier rub on , Daisy D hournaling spot rub ons, Luxe Design Monogram, 7 Gypsies sticker

Di Hickman's Card Sketch Mar #3

http://www.dihickman.blogspot.com/

Check out the DT card samples for lots of new ,  interesting & creative design ideas to try ! 

Using a card base of 5x5" so that I can use my D'vine Cuttlebug swirls embossing folder without showing up too much of the areas the folder couldn't cover. Just love the orange shade of the Dream Design blossom ! 

Since I'm not a kit subscriber of any sort , whenever I buy new released patterned papers I would make it a point to just pick out some matching Bazzill CS ( 4 different colours ) so that I don't have to rummage for matching cardstock thru my stash . I normally like to cut into my new stash ASAP ( as though to justify buying them in the first place ! ) And often I would make cards first rather than layouts. 

Supplies: New Pinecone Press Sunflower pp, Dreams Designs large blossom , speckled brad

My Sketch World Card DT

My Sketch World is getting bigger this year ! Big DT team for layouts & cards ! & I get to be on the Card DT this stint ! Thanks so much Lucy !

Do look out for new layout & card sketches coming our way . I'm so looking forward to seeing everyone's samples !

Made this card for the DT call using AC Amplified pp, SEI CS , Bazzill blossom , Cuttlebug embossing

Faux Altered Clipboard

Nothing like a project to get one digging thru' the stash ! 

I used leftover AC Spring & Summer pp & Luxe Design B&W patterned paper on the 6x12" base . 

I added a large office clip to create a clipboard effect . 

House of Color hand decorated buttons & rings unearthed from my stash finally !

 As were a star & heart shaped corrugated tags . 

Other embellies : K&CO dimensional sticker, AC foam bugs , Kaiser Pearls , MM Funky Vintageframe & clip , clear tag , Q&Co Frills, Jenni Bowlin Bingo card

More cuttlebug embossing

Experimented with using my only 3 Cuttlebug embossing folders at a go ( I cant believe I only have dots , swirls & happy birthday ! salivating over the new ones - Swiss Dot, Diamonds etc ) - after going thru' several tutorials about inking the cuttlebug folder ( the links I will add later ) & even to use more than one embossing design on the paper , this was my first result.

Not my most satisfactory of cards to show- I mainly used scraps to experiment - just for fun ! highlighted the Happy Birthday with some glitter gel pens as well as some embossing portions on the card.

Check out these tutorials on cuttlebug reverse & layered embossing

http://beestamper.blogspot.com/2008/03/technique-monday.html

http://silkeledlow.blogspot.com/2008/03/its-your-day.html

http://debbiesdiecuts.blogspot.com/

sketches by Tamara #35

You can check out the latest sketch & layout samples here .

My supplies : AC Amplified, Roller Rink Glitter Alphas, K&Co dimensional BOY sticker Luxe Design Journaling spot , Daisy D'stape transfers, Scenic route cardstock sticker, Bijous chipboard arrow

Starting next Saturday, March 22nd, and continuing each and every Saturday, Sketches! {by tamara} will be featuring a Guest Designer.

If you want the chance of becoming a Guest Designer at Sketches!, all you have to do is use the sketches and share your work here . It is that simple.

How will it work? If you are chosen, you will get an email from Tamara asking if you would like to be a Sketches! Guest Designer. If you so choose to accept, you will be able to choose a previous card or layout sketch that we have had up on the Sketches! Blog. Maybe it is one of your favorite Sketches so far. Or maybe one you haven't used before but wanted to. But it has to be a new layout made for your Sketches! Guest Designer Spot. Not something have already seen. You will have 2 weeks to get your layout or card to be emailed . Plus, a photo of you....only if you wish, and a short bio about you that you would like others to know.

This will be YOUR day.

You Make my day - award time

Thank you so much Christine for this award ! So kind of you !

Here are 5 blogs that I have stumbled upon recently in the stamping world that inspires me :

http://www.amazingpapergrace.com/

http://stampingmathilda.blogspot.com/

http://scrapworthy-arts.blogspot.com/

http://prbloom.typepad.com/my_weblog/

http://stampingandscrapingincalifornia.blogspot.com/

Do hop by & take a look at their beautiful creations ! & be inspired !

Sketches R Us

http://sketches-r-us.blogspot.com/

Just discovered Cherie's sketch blog . Do take a look at her lovely layout & card sketches especially when needed to add to your mojo !

A card i made using one of Cherie's sketches using latest PineCone Press pp & sticker, assorted brads , cuttlebug embossing , Junkitz button , AC plastic shape, Q&Co plastic sequin

Di Hickman's Card sketch Mar #2

http://dihickman.blogspot.com/

Do check out the latest card sketch & lovely card samples

here

Copycat cards - Week 10-Get Well

This week's challenge is in honour of our sweet DT member Tracy who is in hospital at the moment.

So...please make a GET WELL CARD - any colours/styles. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

http://copycatcards.blogspot.com/

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Supplies : Prima flowers & Kaiser pearls from Melanie ( Australia ) , One heart one mind rub on, Cuttlebug Embossing

sketches by tamara #35

http://sketchesbytamara.blogspot.com/

Do check out the latest sketch & sample layouts here .

I used a curve rule to draw the curve & the other piece of CS that was cut off I used as a backing for the Bazzill stitchable CS which I was prompted to use looking at the sketch.

I added silver star brads just to what the effect would be .

other supplies : AC roller Rink glitter alphas , SR chipboard

Surprising Sunday : recipes ...

When I get tired of creating with paper & crafts ( yupz especially when the dreaded mojo funk hits big time ! ) I then think of getting a little more creative with cooking.

After years of watching Jamie Oliver on TV , it finally dawned on me that I could find his recipes online ( before going out to rush & buy one of his cookbooks ! )

A relative I met last night over dinner gave me the heads up to check up recipes like

Chicken in Milk

Fantastic roast chicken

Burger

If you have a recipe link to share do leave it in the comment here for us to check it out !

Di Hickman's Card sketch Mar #1

http://www.dihickman.blogspot.com/

Do check out all the other fabulous card samples for this sketch !

The reason why ..

I buy Black & White patterned papers ...

Been sitting on a whole range of Black & White Luxe Design patterned papers since they were first sold here in the 3rd Q of 2007. 

& never quite using them in a way that I'd be happy with . 

I hope these colours work without looking too much like Halloween ! lol 

I cut out some Cherry Blossom stalks from one patterned paper which would have been difficult for me to use as is . 

Trying out the some layering with different patterned papers - using Scenic Route & Luxe Design .

Embellishments : Ribbons , MM stickers , BG Obscure buttons , MM button brads, MM Funky Vintage clear embellies ,MM metal washer, spiral clip , mesh ribbon , Bazzill Blossom , pumpkin speckled brad, BG rub ons , Daisy D transfer tape ( yea ! now I had create that stitched look anywhere & everywhere if only i can make it come out nice & clean ! ) 

You make my day ! ;-)

Received the award from pinkangel Tracie !

Thanks so much dear !

& I now get to pass it on to 10 bloggers

Paula , Bety, Melanie , Chris , Jay,

Sharon ,Donna , Emily , Sandy , Amy

Now you all need to pass it on to 10 bloggers.

Enjoy

March Sketch Layout - My Sketch World

My last sketch layout for the DT stint at My Sketch World.

Do take part in the DT Call at My Sketch World for both cards & layout if you're interested .

For this layout I finally took the courage to use my circle cutter ( not sure why I even hesitated before ! ) & using cuttlebug embossing (scraps actually ) on a layout ! LOL

Scrapping old pics of the DS & DD

Here is DS John Ross at 9-12 mths ! 
& DD Deb at 8 years old ! 

Found these  really old pics of DS & DD & managed to scrap them to my satisfaction . 

Papertake Weekly - Be there or Be Square

This weeks challenge is Squares! Square cards, square patterns or squares on your layout! This weeks challenge is sponsored by Katty at Skattykats and there are some yummy Prima playmates up for grabs! (Thanks Katty!)

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Supplies : 6x6 Bazzill Black card base , Eyelet Outlet Large Square Party Brad , EK Success Celebrate Chipboard sticker, DCWV Glitter Stack 

Sketches by Tamara No 34

Check out the layout samples by the DT over at

http://sketchesbytamara.blogspot.com/

Partial Cuttling

You can find the tutorial here 

If you look up other posts on using the Cuttlebug embossing folders on this same blog you will find other ideas on how to use even more than one embossing folder on the same card ! 

My supplies : Bazzill CS , One Heart One Mind rub on , Prima flowers , Brilliance Pearlescent Purple ink 

Copycat cards - Week 9 - Build It Up ! Card with layers

http://copycatcards.blogspot.com/

This week I have made a card with layers and would love for you to do the same. 

By this I mean start with a card and then use paper, cardstock, ribbon, punches, brads to build up the detail.

Supplies : Bazzill While Bling CS , AC Amplified mashed potato scalloped edge pp, Ribbon , MM brad, Prima flowers , Cuttlebug embossing 

AC Amplified - Thanks Card

Featuring Roller Rink Glitter  Thickers - had to try them out somewhere !