I should be sleeping...

...but instead I've been happily abusing my stamps and papers (mmmm... papers...)
Of course, I wouldn't go to sleep either, if I didn't share my efforts with you before. So here I am, and here are my new babies...

Play Date Cafe is having a scrumptious challenge at the moment, a color splash (PDCC40). Ithought that a modest colour palette like this would be perfect for CAS design... and I ended up with another elegant card for PDCC :)
The sketch is CPS177, and my card goes also to CWC014 - Bling It Up.

Supplies: cardstock: DCWV; paper: Kaisercraft; chipboard: Collections; string: Papertrey Ink; paper piercer; sticker: SRM Stickers; trim; glitter

I also paired a SC291 sketch on SCS with ssnotime150, being a gorgeous color challenge. I'm slowly falling into addiction to these MFT cuties...

Supplies: paper: October Afternoon, DCWV; stamp: My Favorite Things; ink: ColorBox (Black); watercolour pencils: Belgrave; blender pen; ribbon: Sullivans; black pen; trim; buttons

...and last but not least, here's the card for MTSC84 & PPA53 - Monochromatic challenge. The colour family given to us is purple, and I was hesistating at first whether I really want to play with this one... In the end my card turned OK, but I'm sorry ladies... I just had to cheat a little, and used a couple of bright yellow butterlies to embellish my project with :)

Supplies: cardstock: American Crafts, DCWV; paper: Kaisercraft, October Afternoon; stamp: Papertrey Ink; ink: ColorBox (Dark Peony); decorative chalks: Pebbles; purple markers; chipboard: Collections; gingham ribbon; buttons; punch: Martha Stewart

Right... now I really must hit the bed :) Thank you SO much for peeking in! xxx

I stamp, therefore I am

Therefore I am... happy! :) Seriously, guys... you know this feeling, right?? The joy of creating, and satisfaction from the outcome is incomparable. I just LOVE this feeling... to the point of addiction. Yup, here's the guilty one...

So, as you might suspect, I did some stamping this morning. I've got heaps of other work (that makes me happy too!), but I wanted to catch up on several favourite challenges first, before some of them get past "use-by date". Here they are...

Laura's sketch 57... one of the nicest 2S4Y sketches that I had the opportunity to play with. I still had to tweak it... lol. Can you still see it there?
I combined it with Passion for Papertrey's Forever Friends challenge.

Supplies: cardstock: Stampin' Up! (butterflies only); paper: My Mind's Eye, Scenic Route; chipboard: SEI; stamp: Papertrey Ink (In Bloom); ink: Kaleidacolor (Cappuccino); rub-on: Fynmark; Cuttlebug & QuicKutz Polka Dots embossing folder; border punch: Fiskars, Martha Stewart; sewing machine

It's not normally that I would make an element stick out of the card base, but I thought it would create an extra interest here, especially that it's a super simple design.

Here's also how I interpreted this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch (SSSC77), and the colours of CTD103. These colours screamed winter Holidays to me, and I just had to comply... :)
Seems ilke I'm starting on Christmas cards early this year!

Supplies: cardstock: American Crafts; paper: Three Bugs in a Rug, plus a no-name brand (the center panel); chipboard: Maya Road; stamp: DRS Designs (trees), TPC Studio (sentiment); ink: Hero Arts (Soft Leaf), Versa Color (Khaki); decorative chalk: Pebbles; border punch: Fiskars; ribbon: Sullivans, stash; pearl: Kaisercraft

Did you notice, how I use a lot of shadowing lately? It's not sponging what I'm doing... it's the chalk from Pebbles, my friends, that stole my heart lately. I'm IN LOVE. I love the sponging effect on cards, but never mastered the sponge dauber + ink duo... and frankly, unless you're wickedly talented or use an airbrush, it's never going to be flawless, yes?? Now, with chalks it always is, and woohoo, it's right up my alley! :) Seriously, guys... you've got to check them out, it's worth the effort!

I've still got one more card to show you, and it's for the Card Patterns sketch 74 (I missed you, girls!!), paired with cQc#43. I really like this card... and I'm glad to finally found use for these fun DCWV chippies, that I was hoarding for ages.

Supplies: cardstock: American Crafts; paper: DCWV; chipboard: DCWV; stamp: TPC Studio (lion); ink: Versa Color (Bark); leafy trim: available here

That is all for now, I'm glad that you stopped by to check them out! Have a great evening, and I'll see you again soon!

Happy Birthday, LeAnne!!

Hi there, friends! You haven't seen me around for a while, but I swear that I've got a good excuse! You will find out soon what I'm talking about... until then, I'll stick around to the good ole' stamping...

I've got one card to show you tonight, and it's a very special one... please help me wishing our sweet LeAnne Pugliese all the best, 'cause today is her BIRTHDAY!!
I hope you'll have a blast, girl!!! Here's what I made for you!

Supplies: cardstock: American Crafts; paper: DCWV; stamp: Penny Black, MFT; ink: ColorBox (Black); watercolour pencils: Belgrave; blender pen; decorative chalk: Pebbles; decorative scissors: Birch Craft; sewing machine; Cuttlebug & QuicKutz Retro Diamonds embossing folder; glitter: Reeves; organza ribbon

In case you don't know, this post is a part of a mini Blog-Hop, organized especially for this sweet occasion! At the end of my post is the list of all participants - I hope you'll visit each link, and check out the rest of our birthday creations! Who knows, you might just get inspired... *wink wink*

I used the sketch from The Pink Elephant (TPE77), and the colours of CC281: Crushed Daffodil Pizzazz.

Oh, and one more thing... have you seen my new badge?? *grins*

Sketchy

Good evening! I'm running late tonight, but it's all because me & Chuplet spent a very nice day together. I didn't want to trade this time for anything that wasn't necessary, and thus I only made one card today (so far... *wink*) There's one more that I whipped up late night yesterday though :)
Before I get to them, there's time for a little woot! I received a shout-out for last week's challenges at 2S4Y, and Embellish Magazine. Thanks so much, ladies!

First card that I'd like to show you, is the Monday project that I prepared for Really Reasonable Ribbon. I'm featuring some scrumptious Lime Jute Ribbon on it, that I pleated to resemble grass. I also used a fun Imaginisce scooter stamp, that I covered with a dimensional medium, for a 'polished' effect.
The sketch that I worked with is TESC122. Isn't it divine?

Supplies: cardstock: DCWV; papers: DCWV; stamp: Imaginisce (scooter), Fiskars (swirl); watercolour pencils: Belgrave; dimensional medium: Glossy Accents by Ranger; rub-on: Fynmark; ink: ColorBox (Black), Versa Color (Lagoon Blue); jute ribbon; buttons; twine

The quick card that I made tonight, is for PPA52 (do you see how I rotated the sketch?).
I must have been low on mojo when creating this one, because sadly I sort of destroyed this yummy color combo... *sigh* I'm not saying it's bad, but it just hasn't got this "thing", it's soul-less. Don't you think?

Supplies: cardstock: DCWV, Artarama; paper: October Afternoon; stamps: Papertrey Ink (Blooming Button Bits), Flourishes (Taglines); ink: Vivid! (Lavender), Versa Color (Celadon); decorative scissors: Birch Craft; string; sewing machine; decorative chalk: Pebbles; buttons; ribbon: Sullivans

That's all for now, but I'll be back shortly... you know me :P Thank you for visiting! xxx

For the love of cupcakes

Good morning! Are you ready for another Curtain Call Color Challenge? Today's colours are fun, bright, and ideal for those birthday or kids projects! Check them out:

I decided that I do just this... make a fun birthday card. Here's what I came up with:

Supplies: cardstock: Bazzill, DCWV; paper: DCWV, My Mind's Eye; stamps: Basic Grey; ink: Versa Color (Khaki); Vivid! (Brick), ColorBox (Black); star punch: Kaszazz; decorative scissors: Birch Craft; grosgrain ribbon; black pen; buttons; twine

and here's the SFYTT sketch, that I used - I LOVE playing with these sketches!!

The rest of the Curtain Call Crew has samples to show you today too, so make sure you stop by to see:
Amy White at Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose at Andrea's Scrap- und Stampel Blog
Julie Smith at Paper and Such
Lea Lawson at Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen at Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert at My Paper Obsession
Shelley Germann at Stampin' Garden
Sue Kohler at My Inner Reflection
Stacey Schafer at Stacey's Stamping Stage (da boss!)
and our magnificent July Guest Designer, Silke Ledlow at My Life!

I hope you'll take time to play along with us! Post your Curtain Call Color Challenge: Act 33 creation using Mr. Linky at our fearless leader's blog, Stacey's Stamping Stage.

I'm leaving you to it now, got to clean the house & bake a cake, before our neighbours come for the afternoon tea (I don't remember ever having a mess like this! *sigh* Here's to the fun side of having baby Zuzia in the house, lol)
Hope you're having a magnificent Sunday, happy stamping!

Hooray!! And a little giveaway

Hello and good day to you, my friends!
I'm SO happy to have just finished all 33 of Splitcoast Stampers Dare To get Dirty challenges! Funny how I did not have this in plans, I didn't even think of participating - the sheer number of them was making me dizzy... but then I saw one that I really liked, and the rest is, well... a history :)
Tonight I 'ticked' the remaining six ones, with two projects. As always, please refer to the link above and my SCs gallery (link in the sidebar), to find out the details. Bear in mind though, that the event is for the Fan Club members only!

First creation that I want to show you, is the card below. I love how it turned out. It's full to the brim with bling, but it makes me... happy :)

Supplies: cardstock: DCWV; paper: DCWV; stamps: Grace Taylor (butterfly); Hero Arts (flourish), Stampin' Up! (sentiment); ink: ColorBox (Black, Peach Pastel); glitter: Reeves; bling: Kaisercraft; border punch: Fiskars; ribbon: available here; paper piercer; Spellbinders Impressabilities (Flourish); decorative chalk: Pebbles; button; string

Next, I made another gift ensemble. There's a tag-shaped greeting card, and a pretty little clear bag full of trinkets, treasures and pretties. There are many kinds of yummy paper & fabric flowers and ornaments inside, assorted ribbon, various embellishments, vintage buttons, and much more!
The fun part comes here: I'm giving away this set to one lucky person!
Please leave me a comment under this post, until 31th of July, and I'll randomly draw one lucky gal to receive the set below in a happy mail :)

Supplies: paper: Scenic Route; stamps: Grace Taylor (flowers); Papertrey Ink (sentiment); ink: ColorBox (Black), Vivid! (Brick); Versa Color (Olive); coloured pencils; edge distresser; assorted ribbon; letter stickers: American Crafts; decorative chalk: Pebbles

There's a challenge that I'd like to enter the set into... C4C47 with this gorgeous photo inspiration:

Thank you for checking my blog out tonight, hope you'll all have a wonderful day... and good luck with the drawing! xxx

Clean & simple 100th sketch Celebration!!!

A warm hello, and welcome to the Clean & Simple Stamping Blog Hop! This much loved challenge blog is celebrating a 100th sketch today - congratulations girls!!!
Every week, I watched their simply irresistible challenges gain ever more poularity, and now there's rarely a stamper that I know, who wouldn't play along at least once! With their beautiful sketches, I certainly understand - check the one below, if you don't believe me!
FTL team kicks off the celebration with a brand new layout, that you're going to fall to... :)

Below you can see the full list of participanting designers. I hope you'll visit each one of them, because I know that you'll get boat-loads of inspiration on the way. These gals are AMAZING!!
Now, there is no set up order for this blog hop. The list below is sorted alphabetically, and it doesn't mean that you need to follow it. As soon as you pay all of the girls a visit, that's fine! (make sure that you leave a little love on the way!!)

Angie Tieman: http://schwooo.blogspot.com/
Becky Carafa: http://www.lakeshorestamper.com/
Harriet Skelly: http://allycatcards.blogspot.com/
Heather Pulvirenti: http://heatherpulvirenti.blogspot.com/
Iwona Palamountain: http://ipalamountain.blogspot.com/ (that's me!)
Jen Carter: http://jensinkspot.blogspot.com
Julie Ebersole: http://papertrufflez.typepad.com/
Julie Lacey: http://stampsandtaxes.blogspot.com/
Kelly Jo http://kjsstamppad.blogspot.com/
Lea Lawson: http://leascupcakesandsunshine.blogspot.com/
Natasha Trupp: http://palmtreesandpogosticks.blogspot.com/
Susan Raihala: http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/
Silke Ledlow: http://silkeledlow.blogspot.com/

When you're finished, go to the Clean and Simple blog: http://cleanandsimplestamping.blogspot.com/2010/07/100th-sketch-blog-hop.html

and link your own creation there, based on the anniversary sketch. I hope you'll join in the fun of creating!

And here's how I interpreted the layout... I meant to stick to the general arrangement of the elements, but ended up with this instead... lol
I lowered the ribbon line, and resigned from scallops at the bottom, replacing them with a more low-key border. There was something undone about the finished card, so I decided to pop up a part of the sentiment. How did it work?

Supplies: cardstock: Quill; paper: Basic Grey; stamp: Prima, Flourishes; ink: Versa Color (Bark); glitter: Reeves; ric-rac: Stampin' Up!; rhinestones: Kaisercraft

I used the colours of Embellish Ric Rac Color Challenge,

and the card also goes to Card Style Classy and Elegant Challenge in the Moxie Fab World :)
Thank you so much for 'checking me out', happy hopping!

EDIT: I would like to also take the opportunity, and encourage you to play along in the Really Reasonable Ribbon Inspiration challenge. There is still time to play, and we're giving away a yummy prize - one lucky winner will be eligible to win a $10 gift certificate to Really Reasonable Ribbon store!

Sweet!

Good afternoon, lovelies! The "Dare To Get Dirty" event on Splitcoast Stampers continues, and it's time for another installment of my submissions! Are you ready?
This time I used most of yesterday's challenges on these. Please refer to the link above, and to my SCS gallery, to find out the details (the event is reserved for Fan Club members only)
Here are the cards:

Supplies: cardstock: Quill; paper: The Girl's Paperie, DCWV, October Afternoon (apples); ink: Kaleidacolor (Cappuccino); ribbon: Sullivans; lace; letter stickers: Carolee's Creations; decorative chalk: Pebbles; brads; border punch: Fiskars; string: Papertrey Ink; handle from a paper bag

Supplies: cardstock: Quill, Artarama; stamps: Hero Arts (doily), The Paper Company (sentiment); ink: ColorBox (Black), VersaMark; white embossing powder; sewing machine; snowflake charm; string: Papertrey Ink

Does it look strange, to have a doily design on a holiday card? I thought it could resemble a snowflake... well, sort of *snort*
So, there you go. I hope you liked them! I had fun especially with the "wicker" basket... I like it when everyday items find use on my cards. And I love burlap :)
Until then,

Love these birds!

Hey there, friends! Thanks to one of the recent challenges, I de-hoarded my chipboard, and I couldn't be more happier! I will show you two cards tonight, that use the same cute birdies from Collections. There are four sheets full of them in the packet, yet I know I will be hunting for another one sooner than I expected, 'cause I love them this much :) *stretches arms*

Firstly, I used them on Kazan's sketch 57. It was a tough one, and I needed to arrange the elements on the card, so that they wouldn't look "out of the blue". So, I cut out a branch from the Prima paper, and sat the birdies on it.

Supplies: cardstock: Quill; paper: Prima; border punch: Fiskars; chipboard: Collections; ink: Versa Color (Umber, Khaki); letter stickers: Carolee's Creations; string; vintage button, sewing machine; white & black pen

I think I can't omit TSG64, with its Polka Dot & Chipboard theme with this card too :D

Then, I reached for Mercy's sketch (MTSC84), and PDCC39, with one of the most classy colour combos ever. These two asked for an elegant card :)

Supplies: cardstock: Quill, Artarama; paper: Kaisercraft, SEI; pearls: Kaisercraft; stamp: Stampendous; chipboard: Collections; ink: ColorBox (Dune, Black); rub-on: Fynmark; black pen

I hope you like these... As always, thank you so much for popping in, I'm grateful for every one of you! Have a wonderful TGIF! xxxx

Two

Hi peeps! Wanna see what I cooked up this morning? I hope so, since you're here already... :P
So, I finally played with this week's SFYTT (yay!!), and thought that the colours of CTD102 would fit righ in (I'm sorry, girls, for not following the colours too aptly! It's as close as I can get right now...). Also, TSG64 - Polka Dots & Chipboard looks like a right-on challenge for this one :)

Supplies: cardstock: Quill, DCWV; paper: October Afternoon, Three Bugs In A Rug; stamp: Papertrey Ink; ink: Ancient Page (Cobalt), Versa Color (White, Blue); chipboard: Collections; silver glitter; blue marker; decorative chalk: Pebbles; silver brads, buttons, lace doily

Also, I did a bunch of yesterday's Dare To Get Dirty challenges. I'll say it again... what fun it is!!
If you're interested to see which challenges are these, please hop over to my SCS gallery (link in the sidebar). These challenges are reserved for the Fan Club members only, so perhaps you should consider joining, if you're not? :)

Supplies: cardstock: Quill, DCWV; paper: American Crafts, October Afternoon; stamp: Hero Arts; ink: ColorBox (Ice Jade), Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Pumice Stone); pearls: Kaisercraft; decorative chalk: Pebbles; border punch: EK Success, Fiskars; decorative scissors: Birch Craft, button; string: Papertrey Ink; May Arts lace & organza ribbon available here

Got to go now, but I'm hoping to be back once again this evening... Happy stamping! xxx