Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Bombshell Stamps Hump Day Hop!

Welcome to the Bombshell Hump Day Blog Hop! The Bombshell Design Team Members are bringing you a fabulous blog hop every month! View rockin' projects at each stop along the way and leave comments to win a fab prize. The more comments you leave the more contest entries you get! See what the girls have been up to for the holidays and the New Year!

I had to wait for layers of glue to dry before assembling this, but here's mine!


I will admit that I saw this concept using different stamps and a different layout, but I did it up my way. *grin* I used the martini glass from the Lady Luck set by Bombshell Stamps. My Stamp-a-ma-jig was an absolute necessity for this card. Each glass was colored with Copic markers, touched with a tad of Stickles glitter glue, then coated with a layer of Glossy Accents. The paper is Bazzill Bling, so it's properly sparkly for the "Cheers!" theme. I added texture with a beloved Cuttlebug embossing folder. I used a Spellbinders fancy label die cut, some sparkly ribbon, Making Memories Shimmer alphabet stickers, and a lot of rhinestones.

As usual, my photographic skills leave something to be desired as you can't really see all the glimmery and glittery accents. *sad frown*

Now that you've seen mine, go on to the other Bombshell's blogs. I bet you'll be properly wowed by their talent!

December 30th Hump Day Hoppers!
Mary G.

Ms. December - Erika

Nicole

Kas

Gabby

Terra

Katie

Miss Magoo

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas: A Sketch/Color Challenge Two-fer!

Merry Christmas!!! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday filled with love, laughter, and loads of loot. Talkin' about loot, you can win a great prize by participating in the sketch and color (pink, green, and ivory) challenges over at Bombshell Stamps. Click here to check out the challenges.

Here's a card that fits both challenges and in keeping with the Christmas loot theme, my card features major booty! *grin*

Here's the sketch!


Here's the prize you can win!


Finally, here's my card for the sketch and the color challenge!


I used A Pirate's Life and Holiday Accessory sets by Bombshell stamps for my card. The images were colored with Copic markers, highlighted with Spica pens. I added a bit of texture with a Glaze pen. In fact, her red belt was coated with the Glaze pen. Sadly, all you can see is glare. Hmm. Maybe it should be a Glare pen *giggle*. My mad photographic skillz also prevent you from seeing that her Santa hat has fuzzy white trim thanks to Fun Flock. Bummer.

The papers are from Basic Grey. I didn't have any bling, pearls, or buttons that matched, so I colored some plain white pearls with a Copic marker. I did alter my sketch by making it a square card, rather than a rectangle.

Thanks for visiting!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Changin' it up a little!

It's fun to mix it up a little and try different styles of stamp. Sweet Pea Stamps just started carrying a new line of animé-inspired fantasy-themed stamps and Lynette sent a Winter Watcher stamp to the Smeared & Smudged dt members.

I really love this stamp. It's unlike any of the cat-themed stamps I have in my (huge) collection of cat stamps.

Here are two cards featuring Winter Watcher! Since they're both very dimensional, I took photos of them sitting on the windowsill with a snowy background!



This one is big at 5x7 and does not have a sentiment yet. When I decide who will get it, I'll put one in the lower right framed with more rhinestones.



The images on both cards were colored with Copic markers. Spica pens added a touch of glitter here and there. I used old and hoarded Daisy D patterned paper for both cards.

Thanks for visiting today!

Monday, December 21, 2009

TCP Tuesday Sketch Challenge -- Card #2

As I stated earlier today, I thought that this sketch was seriously cute, so while I was working out, watching Oprah, and listening to Dire Straits (at the same time), this idea popped into my head. I had to get it out of there since there's just so much space before my head starts to spin. *grin*

This one uses a another cute penguin from the latest release over at The Cats' Pajamas, plus a sentiment from a set from last year. If you love penguins as much as I do, you should click here and go check out all the stamps. You'll be glad you did. If you're a cat lover, Sprinkles is a necessity as well.

Anyways, here's the card.


It's a shaker card, so the depth, the acrylic, and the microbeads make it impossible to scan. Sadly, I'm not such a good photographer, so the image isn't the best. The image was colored with Copics. Krylon's silver leafing pen was used on the buttons and on all edges. The patterned paper is Rusty Pickle (blue snowflake) and Fancy Pants (stripes). The card itself and the scalloped circle are sparkly white, which photographed oddly.

Since a penguin is a critter, this is another one for Moxie Fab World's "All Creatures Great and Small" challenge.

I bet you're shocked that I posted two cards in one day. So am I!

Thanks for visiting!

TCP Tuesday Sketch Challenge

I finally got around to doing another TCP (The Cat's Pajamas) Tuesday challenges! This one was a sketch challenge and the sketch was über-cute.

Here's my take on the sketch.


I used one of the adorable penguins from the Give a Little set, which is new and terrific! As a penguin fanatic, it's a "must have"! The image was colored with Copic markers and the lights were accented with Spica glitter pens. The patterned paper is by Flair Designs.

Since penguins are critters, this card also qualifies for the "All Creatures Great & Small" Challenge over at Moxie Fab World.

Thanks for visiting today!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Smeared & Smudged Sketch Challenge!

Here's the Smeared & Smudged Sketch that Kelli created. Shannon from Bombshell Stamps has graciously donated the Retro Cowgirls stamp set to the winner. For more info, click here.

The Sketch:


Here's my take on the sketch.


The cat is from the Party Cat Hat set by Lost Coast Designs. I added Flower Soft to his hat to make him into Santa. Doesn't he look like he's in a proper snit and about to say "Bah Humbug"? The cat and his hat were colored with Copic Markers. The papers are a mix of Scenic Route and Basic Grey. Tree punches were used for the triangles. I shabbed things up with a combination of distress inks, plus I added a ton of three colors of Stickles for the bling factor. Glitter stickers were used for the sentiment.

Since the card features a cat and some people consider cats to be critters, this card also qualifies for the "All Creatures Great and Small" challenge over at Moxie Fab World. Personally, I consider cats to be furry people, but I'm weird like that.

Thanks for visiting today.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Happy Birthday Daughter O'Mine!


It's my daughter's birthday. Sadly, her birthday seems to keep falling on "Reading" weekend, so the poor thing has to spend the day studying. Such is the life of "the Sophomore".

I sent her this card, which contained three gift cards, to brighten her day. I know she'll like the gift cards and hope she likes the card, which features Stanley the penguin from the Waddle I Do set and a balloon from the Owl Celebrations set. Both sets are from Sassy & Sweet Stamps. The images were colored with Copic markers. Stanley is standing on some Stickles "snow". The balloon is coated with a layer of Glossy Accents. The balloon string was outlined with Glaze Pen to add some dimension to it. The sentiment is from Savvy Stamps (I think). I love that little script font!

I wanted the card to be bright and cheerful, so I used some old, but seriously bright patterned paper from my stash. I don't even recall who makes it.

Anyways, Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Thanks for visiting today!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Smeared & Smudged Sketch Challenge with a Prize!!!

If you're observant, you'll notice I joined a new design team -- Smeared & Smudged! This group focuses on alternative art styling and unique ways to use rubber stamps. If you enjoy creating art using gothic, alternative, vintage, or out-of-the norm stamp images, you are welcome! Simply click here to go sign up!

The talented Kelli created this month's sketch challenges for Smeared and Smudge. Click here to see the sketches (one for cards, another for scrapbook pages). Best of all, if you participate, you win two ways. You create something special for yourself or someone else AND you get a chance to win a set from Bombshell Stamps!!!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Happy Chanukah!

I've been itching to do some of the cool techniques featured in Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas feature on his blog, but couldn't because I didn't want to stain my hands with alcohol ink before my nephew's Bar Mitzvah last Saturday.

Anyways, I finally got around to doing the alcohol-ink-plaid-on-glossy-paper technique and was really happy with it.

Here it is!

The dreidl stamp is from Sparkle & Sprinkle, the swirl stamp is from Fancy Pants, and the Happy Chanukah sentiment is from Paper Trey inks. The ribbon and metallic floss are from my stash.

I added a piece of backing cardstock to the tag and sent it to the Sophomore as one of her Chanukah gifts. I do hope she doesn't peek inside and opens only one gift per day as per our family tradition!

Thanks for visiting!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Bombshell's Hump Day Hop!

Miss December, Mrs. E. Taylor, has decreed that this month's theme is "Naughty or Nice". She issued us a challenge to create cards and/or projects to illustrate where you think you fit on the "Naughty or Nice" scale.

I often make rude and/or inappropriate comments. When I do, I blame it on my "Evil Twin". When my daughter was around 10 years old, she said, "Face it Mom! You ARE your evil twin." Out of the mouths of babes...

So with that as a preface, here's my take on the challenge.


I used the Bombshell Pinup from the Bombshell Angel set and the wings from the Sacred Heart set. I drew in a halo, a demure skirt plus devil horns and a tail. The images were colored with Copic Markers. I used Sakura's Glaze pens to add dimension to the horns, tail, belt, and shoes. The wings were painted with golden Twinklin' H20s to add some glimmer.

I used looseleaf paper with Basic Grey's Eskimo Kisses patterned paper (holly leaves) and a solid sheet of Basic Grey's paper from my stash. The sentiment was created with Doodlebug rub-ons.

I used the December sketch for the card's layout. You can find the sketch on the Bombshell Forum, in the Player's Hand area.

Now that you've seen my take on the challenge, go visit the other hoppers and see who is naughty or nice!

By the way, each time you comment on a project in the hop, you get a chance to win an awesome prize! Be sure to check what you can win on the Bombshell Forum.

December 2nd Hump Day Hoppers!
Ms. December
Angela
Katie
Alyssa
Terra
Sarah
Kas
Gabby

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Bombshell's Hump Day Hop -- "She's Mighty Mighty"

Angela, our Head Hump Day Hottie, decided that this week's challenge is the Brick Wall technique which was recently a tutorial by Brigit at SplitCoast!

Angela named the the challenge "She's Mighty Mighty" because of the fabulous Commodores song, Brick House.

Here's my take on the challenge!


I wanted my card to look like artwork drawn on a wall and then aged by exposure to the elements and street grime. I stamped the ship from the Homeward Bound set by Bombshell stamps, drew in a frame, and then watercolored the scene and swiped on some black and gray chalk to muddy it up a bit. I wrote "Dreams", hoping to make it look graffiti-ish. I had fully meant to make it "Dreamz" with a "z", but my inner editor/proofreader apparently took over my brain. Then I cut the image into strips, then bricks (with some goofs that made the whole thing a bit uneven and tilted), and reassembled the image. I used Distress ink to further age and distress the "brick wall".

Thanks for stopping by! Now go visit the other hoppers' blogs to see how they interpreted the challenge. Remember to post a comment at each stop along the way to get the chance to win a fabulous prize!

Here's the list!
Angela

Ms. November - Mary G.

Glittery Katie

Gabby

Sarah

Kas

Miss Magoo

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Bombshell Stamps Hump Day Hop!

Welcome to the Bombshell Hump Day Hop! Bombshell Design Team Members are bringing you a fabulous hop each and every Wednesday! View rockin' projects at each stop along the way and leave comments to win a fab prize.

This week's theme is "Who's Got The Button?" Buttons hold up our pants, keep our shirts closed, and yes, they even add a little extra something to our cards. This week's challenge was to use buttons: shell buttons, faux buttons, sparkly buttons, panic buttons ... hmmm I wonder if anyone is going to use that "Easy" Button! *wink*

Once again, my entry is late but will be posted later today, so please come back to check it out.

***Here it is!***


I used the Hula Girl set and colored all the images with Copic markers. I used Spica pens to add glitter to the center sticky-outy thing of the Hibiscus. Is that the stamen, pistil? The "Aloha" greeting is from the Hawaiian Girl set.

The striped patterned paper is by Basic Grey. The wood-grained paper was in my stash. I've had the buttons for a really long time.

By the way, it took me twice as long to add the buttons, glue 'em down, and then sew them on than it did to stamp, color, mat all images, and adhere them to the card front, which demonstrates that I really AM sewing-impaired. No wonder I failed Home-Ec in Junior High!

Incidentally, I made a mistake on the card and can't fix it. I only noticed it after everything was firmly and permanently adhered. Can you find it?

Not only did I use buttons, I also used November's Bombshell sketch, which I designed! It's not the most original sketch, but it is versatile, which counts for something I suppose.


Meanwhile, grab yourself a cup of cheer and hop along to see what the other Hump Day Hoppers have in store for you! I'm sure their projects will push your Happy Button!

Here's the list!
Angela

Ms. November - Mary G.

Miss Magoo

Glittery Katie

Kas

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Late to the Hop!

Eek! I'm late to the Hop. . . the Bombshell Stamps Hump Day Hop that is! This week's theme, set by Angela/Inky Button, our Head Hop Hottie, was "Single Ladies", which meant that we were to use one layer.

Got busy. Got tired. Blah, Blah, Blah. Yeah. Excuses.

But, better late than never! So, without further whinging, here's my take on the theme!


I will say that making a one layer card is not easy for me. I'm a multi-layered patterned paper gal! I used the Mermaid Anchor set by Bombshell stamps. I stamped my images, colored them with Prismacolor pencils blended with Citrus Thinner, used a diecut as a mask over the image, used removable tape as a horizon line, inked an ocean/sunset, pulled off the mask, then chalked the interior sunset. I'm not sure how I feel about it, but it's done! Yahoo!

Thanks for visiting my blog to check my take on the Hop. Now go check out the other Bombshell Hump Day Hoppers!

Here's the list!
Angela

Ms. November - Mary G.

Gabby

Miss Magoo

Lyss

Kas

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Great time at Stamping Around PA!

The Stamping Around PA retreat was a total blast! I learned a lot, met some great new people, and finally met a few cyber-pals.

I taught a crayon resist Post-It notebook and card class to more than 40 people using the wonderful Love & Luck set by Bombshell Stamps! I was frankly terrified to teach such a large group, but put on my "game-face" and went for it!

It was such fun to introduce Bombshell Stamps to new people and to teach them a fun and versatile technique! The ladies seemed to enjoy both the technique and the stamps.

A gazillion thanks to Shannon, our head Bombshell, who graciously donated six sets of Love & Luck to use for the class and as prizes. She also donated either 12 or 16 (bad memory) Handmade By stamps for door prizes too!

I'd like to congratulate and thank both Kim and Julie for organizing and running such a wonderful retreat.

Heartfelt thanks to eclectic Paperie and Gina K Designs for donating glossy paper, yummy Basic Grey patterned paper, and luscious black 120 lb. cardstock to use for my class!

I'd also like to give a shout-out and thank you to the other talented ladies who taught great classes. They are Julie, Korin, Becky, Charmaine, and Tammy. I loved the products and projects. Even better, they've inadvertently added to my "wish" list for the upcoming holidays. I've been nice this year, right? *wink*

I'd also like to thank my tablemate, Beth, who assisted me with the last project. By that time, my brain (such as it is) was fried.

It was a particular pleasure to meet Belinda, who I had only met online. She's as sweet as she is talented, and boy-oh-boy is she super-talented!

I would post photos of the event, but alas, my P&S camera is missing and I couldn't bring my slr because the lens cap is lost somewhere in the house. *sigh*

All in all, it was a terrific experience and such fun to be in a room filled with such an amazing and friendly group of obsessed stampers!

Hee! I've edited to add a photo of my project samples! Such fun to see how the ladies tweaked the design to make their projects their own!

My samples:




Thanks for visiting today!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Bombshell's Hump Day Hop!

Yes. It's Wednesday, which means it's time for a Bombshell Hump Day Hop.

Sunday marked the beginning of Miss November, Mary G's reign. As the newly coronated pin-up, she got to select the challenge for the month -- to create a project using music or song lyrics as your inspiration.

Today's Hump Day is "Song Inspiration Challenge!"

Sadly, my project has not yet been completed due to circumstances which shattered the mojo and calm that I require to create anything that isn't a pile o' poo. I"m going to try to give it a go and post later. If not, sorry!

This week's Hump Day Hop participants are:
Ms. November - Mary G.

Glittery Katie

Nicole

Jacquie

Angela

Terra

Kelli

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Halloween Treat Box v2.0

About a month ago I went to Michael's and found a little coffin-shaped wooden box that I knew would be perfect for a Halloween treat box to decorate, fill, and send to the Sophomore! Ironically, Angela, aka Inky Button, discovered the Martha Stewart Coffin treat box and decided it would make a great challenge for the Bombshell Hump Day Hop! So, I ended up making and mailing the wooden treat box and made a second cardstock one for the hop.

Here's the one that was sent to the Sophomore, who received it today along with a myriad of Halloween goodies. She loved the coffin, the contents, and all the goodies, which pleases me greatly.



I painted the box with acrylic paint, stamped the Sacred Heart from the Sacred Heart set by Bombshell stamps, and heat embossed the image with Tarnished Gold embossing powder. I then tried using my chalk pencils to color the image and it sort of worked, but then the chalk seemed to fade into the paint, so I ended up going over the chalk with acrylic paint which worked moderately well. Stickles Glitter Glue was added to simulate sparks from the fire.

Thanks for visiting today!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Bombshell Hump Day Halloween Hop!

Hooray! It's time for another Bombshell Hump Day Hop! Angela, aka Inky Button, found a great Coffin Treat Box template at Martha Stewart and challenged us to create Coffin Treat Boxes with Bombshell style!

The entire project



I printed both the top and bottom of the coffin template directly onto plywood colored cardstock. I cut out the bottom of the coffin first, scored the lines, and put the bottom of the coffin together. Then I cut out and scored the coffin lid, but then flipped it over and stamped the garland from the Sugar Skull set using brown ink. The flowers were colored with Copic markers, which I also used to outline and shade the sugar skulls. I then finished cutting, folding, and assembling the coffin's lid. I used brown ink to edge the sides of the top of the coffin. Both the lid and base of the coffin were lined with satin specialty paper (Shantung by FiberMark).

I used the sugar skulls from the Sugar Skull set and stamped them on white paper. I colored them with Copic markers and added some shimmer with Spica pens. Hidden in my stash are some tiny paper bags that would have been perfect for the candy, but I couldn't find them, so I went to plan "B", which looks a bit tacky. I cut second squares to match the stamped squares, used my Tiny Attacher to staple the top corners, added lollipops, and then stapled the squares closed. I did the same thing with a piece of chocolate and a larger stamped square. It was fun to use my new toy (Tiny Attacher), but the result isn't especially elegant. But I've always said that I don't do "elegant" very well.

Closed Coffin Close-Up


Candy Close-Up:


Thanks for visiting my blog today. Now that you've seen my project, hop to the next person on the list below! Be sure to make a comment on each blog, since each comment gets you one more chance to win October's fabulous prize!

Bombshell Hump Day Halloween Hoppers
Angela

Kelli

Lyss

Terra

Kas

Miss Magoo

Sarah K

Glittery Katie

Gabby

Nicole

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Change of pace!

Cathy, of Paper Garden Projects fame, created this wonderful free digital image based on a drawing she had done. She's a fabulous artist and paper crafter, who designed several of my favorite Odd Bird Planet's Stamps.

Anyway, I loved the autumnal still life image and felt like a change of pace, so I made a card with the free digital image.

Here it is!


The image was colored with Copic markers and the shadows (which are barely visible) were added with chalk pencils. The papers are a combination of K & Company and Basic Grey Mellow. I used a stamp from Purple Onion Designs for the sentiment.

So yesterday, in between the downpours and in a steady drizzle, I went to the Farmer's Market, where I saw baskets upon baskets of Indian Corn -- all with different colorations. Being me, I pulled out a pen and a pad and started writing down the color combinations, so if you visit my blog regularly, you'll see different variations of Cathrine's beautiful free digital image -- though I'm back into Halloween mode for a while.

Thanks for visiting today.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Bombshell's Hump Day Hop!

Here's the list of the Bombshell Hotties participating in this week's Hump Day Hop!


Angela

Miss Magoo

Terra

Jacquie (Ms.October!)

Kas

Gabby

Glittery Katie

Sarah K

Lyss



Remember to leave a comment for the chance to win a fantabulous prize!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Countdown to Stamping Around Philadelphia!

I'm beginning to get really excited because Stamping Around Philadelphia is less than three weeks away!!! It's going to be held on November 6th and 7th at a gorgeous resort in the Lehigh Valley of Pennnsylvania. There's still room available, so if you're interested, click here!

It's been forever since I've gotten away to a retreat with other obsessed paper crafters and it'll be my first time at a stamping retreat! Yahoo!!! I'm totally stoked.

I'm also excited that I'll be teaching a special class sponsored by Bombshell Stamps.

Here's a sneak peek of the project.




I can't wait and hope to see some of you there!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Bombshell Hump Day Hop!

Angela/Inky Button, our Hump Day Head Hottie, decided that this week's theme would be "What was I thinking?", which refers to all that stuff that papercrafters seem to *need*, buy, and never use. Since I have a huge stash of that stuff that I "had to have", usually in every available color or pattern, this challenge was relatively easy for me. The hard part was deciding what unused or underused supplies to use.

As a totally indecisive sort of person, I couldn't decide and ended up with two projects, a card and a calendar/wall hanging thingy.

Here's the card.



I used the Cauldron from the Holiday Accessory set by Bombshell stamps. Then I pulled out an old journaling prompt card thingy and set about making another Halloween card. The cauldron was colored with Copic markers and I used Spica glitter pens to add the cauldron's contents and steam. Then I aged the background with chalk to make it blend better with the Making Memories patterned papers (witch legs, orange grid, Halloween words). Finally, I grabbed some Grungeboard, another underused supply, and inked the arrows with Distress Ink and then used Black Soot Distress Stickles over the ink.

The Calendar:


When I returned from visiting the Sophomore, my new Sugar Skull stamps were waiting for me and I had to use one immediately. I also had wanted to finally use the Stampbord and etching tool that I had bought ages ago. I had a Eureeka moment and stamped the Stampbord with one of skulls from the Sugar Skull set. The skull was colored with Copic markers and used some Distress Ink to age the skull. I sponged blue, pink, and purple ink from the skull to the edges of the Stampbord. Then I cut a mask for the skull and overstamped it with the spider web from the Tattoo Backgrounds set using white ink. I let the ink dry and then etched the spider web with the etching tool. I also etched little hatch marks around the circumference of the skull to make it stand out a little bit more. When I was done with that step, I added a bit of Black Soot Distress Ink to the edges of the Stampbord, and added Stickles to the flowers on the skull.

Then I had to decide what to do with my finished Stampbord piece. I remembered all those coasters that I had taken from Chili's and remembered that I had some tiny calendars. I painted the coaster black and when it was dry, I stamped some swirls from the Painted by Me set and a flower from the Sugar Skull set and heat embossed them with black sparkly embossing powder. Then I decided the skull looked lonely, so I grabbed more Grungeboard, chose a crown, some wings, and numbers and painted them with my underused Paint Dabbers. After everything was dry, I adhered all the pieces and added some gems. BTW, if I had known what I was going to do with my Stampbord experiment, I would have colored the heart and lips red, to match the type on the calendar. Oh well.

Now that you've seen what I created for this challenge and read my long-winded ramblings, hop to the next person on the list. Remember, each time you post a comment, you get another entry to win a super-duper fabulous prize!


Angela

Kas

Miss Magoo

Jacquie (Ms.October!)

Gabby

Sarah K

Glittery Katie

Lyss

Terra

Nicole

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Bombshell Stamps' Hump Day Hop!

This week's Hump Day Hop features the Bombshell Girls' take on the October Color Challenge to use orange, black, green, and purple (optional).

Here's my card!


Bombshell Stamp sets used were the Love & Luck set (the birds), the Tattoo Background set (the spider web, Black Widow spider, and the flame border), and the Holiday Accessory set (the cauldron and bones).

The scene was stamped on light purple cardstock. The birds, bones, cauldron, and flames were colored with Copic markers. I used Spica glitter pens to add steam, cauldron contents, and drips. A Glaze pen was used on the Cauldron's handle. I stamped the spider web and bones and heat embossed them with white embossing powder. I didn't like how the bones looked, so I sanded off some embossing powder to age 'em, then added outlines to them with a Sharpie pen to define them better. I sponged Black Soot Distress ink over the entire panel. The color challenge was met with layers of black smudged purple patterned paper, plus green and orange cardstock on a black card base. The sentiment is a sticker from the same 7 Gypsies Halloween sheet I've been using. The card is a bit on the large size at 5" x 8.5"

Now that you've seen my take on the challenge, hop along to the next stop on the following list of Hump Day Hop participants, being sure to leave comments as you go to be entered to win a fabulous prize.


Jacquie (Ms. October)

Angela

Kas

Miss Magoo

Terra

Stephanie

Gabby

Nicole

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Bombshell Stamp Sketch Challenge at Rubber Stamp Chat!

Bombshell Stamps is sponsoring Rubber Stamp Chat's October Sketch Challenge with a sketch designed by little ol' me. It's a simple sketch based on one my favorite "go to" card layouts! It's easily modified to fit any card size, can be flipped, plus you can use any shape to contain your stamped image (ovals, hearts, etc.).

To enter, create a card similar to the sketch shown below and post it HERE. You'll also find a handy-dandy discount coupon for Bombshell Stamps on the Rubber Stamp Chat website. It's that easy!

**Project entries MUST be posted in Rubber Stamp Chat's Forum thread (linked above)**

Sketch & Sample Card



Enter as often as you like, and use whatever stamps you choose...no company or style restrictions. Everyone who plays will be entered in a drawing for the "Love & Luck" stamp set shown below and elegantly displayed on my sample card (above). The stamps come mounted on static cling cushion and ready to use with your favorite acrylic blocks.

Love & Luck
set by Bombshell Stamps



Be sure to post your card at Rubber Stamp Chat to be sure your card is entered in the contest. Plus, feel free to share it at Bombshell Stamps Forum and Gallery!

Have fun with the sketch! I can't see what you do with it!

Thanks for visiting today!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Bombshell Stamps World Card Making Day Blog Hop!

Yahoo! I'm finally home for World Card Making Day and plan to craft most of the day! Yippee!

Some of the Bombshell DT Girls are participating in the World Card Making Blog Hop and we decided to make holiday and/or travel cards. Since Halloween is my most favorite holiday, I decided to make another Halloween card.

Here it is!


I used the Pirate Queen from A Pirate's Life set. Via masking, I added the Witch Hat, Cauldron, and Bones (in the Cauldron) from the Holiday Accessory set, and created a long skirt from the Spider Web from the Background Tattoo set. The Flames also came from that set.

I colored the images with Copic Markers, added some Spica pen for sparkle, and a Glaze pen for the handle of the Cauldron. Since I accidentally smudged the background with black ink after doing all that stamping and masking, I decided to add some Distress ink to camouflage it. My new Scattered Straw pad was way juicier than I thought, so my inking is a bit on the heavy handed side. Not thrilled with it, but I muddled on and used Cosmo Cricket papers together with a sticker from 7 Gypsies to complete the card, which measures 5.5" x 8".

Thanks for visiting my blog! Now go visit the other Bombshell Gals' blogs!

Oh yes. Happy World Card Making Day!

World Card Making Bombshell Gals

Jacquie

Glittery Katie

Kas

Kathi

Nicole

Sarah K

Shannon

Terra

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Bombshell Stamps' October's Color Contest



Bombshell Stamps' Miss October, Jacquie, has started her reign with a great color challenge with a chance to win an amazing prize!

CONTEST GUIDELINES: (CONTEST ENDS OCT. 31, 2009)
The creation can be a card, layout or altered item, but must have:

1. A Bombshell Stamp somewhere
2. Use of ORANGE, BLACK, and GREEN. Purple is an optional substitution color.
3. Tag the photos of your submission with "BSSOCT09" at Paper Crafts Planet, to be entered in the drawing!

The prize is the perfect package to use with the newly released Sugar Skull Stamps!

THE FANTASTIC PRIZE PACKAGE INCLUDES:
• Our Sugar Skull Font mounted stamp set
• Festive printed papers from Crafty Chica
• Paper and brad flowers from C Custom Creations
• Colorful Toe Tags from C Custom Creations

To INCLUDE YOUR SUBMISSION you need to have either an album created in our Gallery, or a profile on Paper Craft Planet (PCP). Just tag your photo with the code listed above so we can find it and add you to the drawing. You can also show off your card by posting it under the contest thread on the Bombshell Stamps Forum.

Now get crafting and have fun!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Bombshell Hump Day Hop!

Hooray! It's time for the Bombshell Hump Day Hop!

This week's challenge, as issued by Angela (aka Inkybutton), is "Pencil Me In". We had to use pencils, but had a choice of colored pencils, water color pencils, or chalk pencils!

I was really happy about this challenge since it had been eons since I had used my Prismacolor pencils and they were getting lonely AND dusty. So, without further ado, here's my card!



I love the clipper ship from the Homeward Bound set by Bombshell Stamps. However, I wanted to create a stormy day, so I masked off the setting sun with removable tape before inking the stamp.

I colored the clouds with grays, purples, pink, yellow, and sky blue pencils. The sky was colored with gray and blue pencils. The sea was colored with black, teals, greens, and dark blue pencils. I usually use a Citrus based thinner and paper stumps to blend the pencils, but decided to try a Goo-Gone pen, which I had read about on SCS. I was very pleased with the result, but the technique is a bit stinky, so it was good that I had the window open.

I used some old patterned paper that I've had in my stash forever. I don't know who makes it. Making Memories letter stickers were inked with Distress ink and provide the sentiment. I added some hemp twine and a charm which I colored with alcohol ink. I will eventually complete the card by stamping "Smooth Sailing" from the same set on the interior.

Now that you've seen my card, hop on over and visit the blogs listed below! Remember, that each time you comment, you get an additional chance to win a great prize that you can read about here! You should also visit the new Bombshell Stamps forum and see what's new. There are challenges, tutorials, and lots of great chatter!


Angela

Mary G

Glittery Katie

Miss Magoo

Terra

Stephanie

Sarah K

Gabby

Jacquie

Kas

Lyss

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Caardvark's Sketchfest Saturday!

It's the last day of Caardvark's Sketchfest and I had such a great time completing ALL of the sketches! I'm actually very shocked that I did it, but pleased too!

Here's today's card!


I used the web & the Black Widow spider from the Holiday Accessory set by Bombshell Stamps. I heat embossed both the web and the spider for added texture and maximum creepiness. The patterned paper is from a K & Company Halloween pad and the sentiment is from a sticker sheet from 7 Gyspies. The spider circle is popped up on dimensionals.

Thanks for visiting today!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Caardvark's Sketchfest Friday!

For Caardvark's Sketchfest Friday's card, I decided to try one of Godelieve's techniques -- heat embossing a stamped image on vellum. I'm moderately pleased with the way it came out, though it didn't scan or photograph at all well. I ended up having to photograph the card without a flash because I had chosen to stamp on some shimmery white vellum which of course reflected the light from the scanner and/or the flash. You'd think I'd know better by now. The card looks better in real life. The red is redder (less pink) and the green is greener. ***Godelieve saw my plight and was able to fix my photo. It's so much better, though it's still a bit off. Thank you Godelieve!!!***



The roses in the squares are from a rose garland that is part of the Love & Luck set by Bombshell Stamps. The skull with a rose is from the Man's Ruin set by Bombshell Stamps.

As mentioned, I stamped the images and embossed them with white detail ep on shimmery vellum from my stash. I also stamped them on regular translucent vellum. They looked cool on regular vellum, but like a true magpie, I opted for the shimmer. I layered the vellum over a patterned paper from the 6x6 Porcelain pad by Basic Grey. I ran a piece of white cored red cardstock through the Big Kick using the Swiss Dot embossing folder, which I then sanded to mimic the dotted pattern on the red rose on the patterned paper. The sentiment is a rub-on by QuicKutz. The base of the card and the frames are cut from green cardstock.

Thanks for visiting today.

Caardvark's Sketchfest Thursday -- Two Cards!

Eureeka! I'm on a roll! While the Mojo Express is at my station, I'd better stay aboard! I did two cards for Caardvark's Sketchfest Thursday because I was not thrilled with my first one. I thought it was sort of boring.

Anyways, here's the first card.


I used Sail Away patterned paper by Flair Designs with one of their older stickers, which was a border. I used my word window punch and cut it down to size! I used the compass, ship's wheel, and anchor icons from the Ahoy There set by Bombshell Stamps and stamped them with Rust Brilliance ink. The icons included in each stamp set can be so very useful!

Here's the second one, which is a 6" x 6" card.


I used the martini from the Lady Luck set by Bombshell Stamps with birthday candle paper from Scenic Route and subtly printed red paper by Memory Box. I colored the martini with Copics and added Spica glitter pen to add some shimmer to the glasses. I also added a foil border sticker and a foil sentiment by Stampendous.

Thanks for visiting today!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Caardvark's Sketchfest Wednesday!

I'm having too much fun with the combination of these sketches and my Bombshell stamps and I hope it shows. I do need to break out some other stamps and play, but I'm on a Bombshell kinda roll, so I might as well go with it.

I will admit that I mixed up Wednesday's sketch a little bit to make it work with this stamp, but I think I captured the spirit of the sketch...



When I first saw this car from the Speed Shop set by Bombshell Stamps, I pictured it coming out of flames. Then I had a "Eureeka!" moment and realized that Bombshell's Tattoo Background set contained the perfect flames. Voila!

I first stamped the flames in Adirondack Red Pepper, then masked it and restamped it. Then I stamped the car so that it would be behind the flames. The car and flames were colored with Copic markers, which I am growing to totally adore. The "sky" area was chalked. I found a free clip art image of a traffic ticket, printed it out, filled it out, cut it up, and added it and a computer generated sentiment. I used my new Cuttlebug folder on silvery metallic paper to create the background and used some T!m Holtz Ideology Phillips Head Screw brads too.

Thanks for visiting today!

Bombshell Hump Day Hop AND Caardvarks' Sketchfest Tuesday -- Take #2!

Oooh. So much going on. *grin*

Yep. It's officially Wednesday, so that means it's time for the Bombshell Hump Day Hop! This week Inky Button, aka Angela, challenged us to use glitter and bling! Since I'm a human magpie, who loves all things glittery, shiny, and blingy, I was up for the challenge. I will say that I'll be finding glitter everywhere for the foreseeable future.

I decided to use Caardvarks' Sketchfest Tuesday sketch again. Here's the result!



I'm not so sure if I love this one, but it's done and it does use a ton and a half of glitter. The witch hat, bats, broom, and bones are all from the Holiday Accessories set by Bombshell Stamps. The broom and hat were colored with Copics. Then I added Prisma Glitter to the hat and black and purple glitter to the floor to be swept up. The bats were stamped in VersaMark and then heat embossed with pretty glittery black embossing powder. The bones were stamped with white pigment ink and the I colored in the bones with the same ink, added sparkly embossing powder, and heat set it. There are also glittery stickers in the corner. The patterned papers are by K & Company & Doodlebug. The sentiment stickers (which I should have distressed) are by Making Memories.

Now that you've seen my entry, here's the list of the Bombshell Hump Day Hoppers!


Angela

Glittery Katie

Kas

Terra

Miss Magoo

Stephanie

Sarah K

Mary G

Nicole

Gabby



Remember to leave comments to earn a chance to win a fabulous prize!

Thanks for visiting today!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Caardvark's Sketchfest Tuesday-- Take #1

When I first saw Caardvark's Sketchfest Tuesday's sketch, I admit that I was flummoxed. However, I thought for a bit, pulled out a bunch of Bombshell Stamps sets and came up with two ideas using Bombshell Stamps. I also came up with an idea for another card using a different stamp company, which would probably be a cool idea to show that I can, in fact, use other stamps than Bombshell or Odd Bird Planet. The second card is on my table. I'll see if I get to the third idea (non-Bombshell) or not. After all, all play and no sleep makes Kathi a grumpy gal.



This card uses the anchor and "Hold Fast" banner sentiment from the Ahoy There set and the anchor chain from the Homeward Bound set by Bombshell Stamps.

I colored the image and sentiment with Copic markers and colored the stars with a blue At You Spica glitter pen. The chain was stamped with Starlite Black Brilliance ink. I edged the layers with Distress ink, just because I felt like it.

The patterned papers are by Flair Designs. Like yesterday, I did a favorite layering technique whereby I match up layers of the patterned papers. It's an effective technique and actually requires that I use old arithmetic skills. Oh the horror!

Thanks for visiting today!

Caardvark's Sketchfest Monday!


Yeah. I know it's actually Tuesday already, but I was out most of the day visiting family. Anyways, since I love sketches, I'm really going to try my darnedest to complete a card for each daily sketch. Let's see if I really manage it!

Without further ado, here's my card for Caardvark's Sketchfest Monday! Sadly, it only meets one challenge. I used one of the birds from the Love & Luck set and "Good Luck" from the Lady Luck set. Both sets are by Bombshell Stamps. Both images were colored with Copic markers which I also used to tint the foil corner and border. The patterned papers are from the Mellow (sky paper) and Two Scoops (scalloped border and green/blue paper) 6x6 pads by Basic Grey. I stamped the bird onto the sky patterned paper and then used a second sheet of the sky paper as the card base. Both the image panel and the sentiment are popped up on foam dimensionals which threw off the colors in the scan a bit.

Thanks for visiting today!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Two Challenges -- One Card!

I just love when I'm efficient and meet two (or more) challenges with one card! This card is a day late for the "International Talk Like a Pirate Day" challenge over at the Bombshell Stamps forums (at PCP and the new Bombshell forum). However, it's on time for the first sketch's deadline of the week-long Caardvarks SketchFest! You should check out the sketches and the prizes. Nifty!



The card uses the parrot from A Pirate's Life set by Bombshell Stamps. The image is colored with Copic markers. The textured papers are all by FiberMark and include Bling and Quills. The swirls are from a Sizzix die.

Thanks for visiting today!!!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Yahoo! It's Bombshell's Hump Day Blog Hop again!

Welcome again to the Bombshell Hump Day Blog Hop! The Bombshell Stamps Design Team Members are bringing you a fabulous hop each and every Wednesday! View rockin' projects at each stop along the way and leave comments to win a fab prize.

Here's how it works:
Start at any of the Design Team Members' Blogs and take a peek at their Hump Day project. Leave a comment and tell them what you think about it! Then follow the links to the other DT member blogs and leave them comments. The more comments you make, the more entries you will have to win a great prize from Bombshell Stamps at the end of the month!

Feeling stressed? Having hot flashes? A touch of PMS? Contact Dr. Kathi for a special prescription! You'll be feeling cooler and more relaxed in no time!



The card uses Man's Ruin, colored with Copic markers and Spica Pens. I computer generated the prescription pad and earned an MD and a PhD in the process!

Now that you've seen my card, hop on over to the others' blogs.

Here's a list of this week's Bombshell Hump Day Hop participants!


Nicole

Glittery Katie

Kas

Angela

Terra

Mary G

Gabby

Anam



Oh. While I have your attention, you might want to meander on over to Bombshell Stamp's homebase. You've got to see the awesome new release that will be out just in time to celebrate Halloween and Dia De Las Muertes.

Thanks for visiting and happy Hump Day Hopping!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Bombshell Hump Day Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Bombshell Hump Day Blog Hop! The Bombshell Stamps Design Team Members are bringing you a fabulous hop each and every Wednesday! View rockin' projects at each stop along the way and leave comments to win a fab prize.

Here's how it works:
Start at any of the Design Team Members' Blogs and take a peek at their Hump Day project. Leave a comment and tell them what you think about it! Then follow the links to the other DT member blogs and leave them comments. The more comments you make, the more entries you will have to win a great prize from Bombshell Stamps at the end of the month!

This week all of our projects are based on Ms. September's Challenge. Ms. September is Sarah K and she challenged us to make a project inspired by a movie.

Here's mine! What movie do you think it represents?


I used the Bombshell Pin-up from the Bombshell Angel set for my focal image. I also used the Spider Web and the Black Widow Spider from the Tattoo Backgrounds set.

The Pin-up was colored with Copic Markers with a touch of Spica Pen on the flower in her hair. The belt and shoes were colored with Glaze pens to make 'em look like Patent Leather. The background was chalked with grey chalk, then I stamped the Spider Webs with VersaMark and heat embossed white embossing powder.

The sentiment was computer generated, chalked, and I stamped the Black Widow Spider and colored her with red Copic and Spica pen.

The film strip background is a very, very old transparency that I've been hoarding for the perfect occasion. The background was Cuttlebugged with a spider web folder and sanded to show the white.

Now that you've seen my take on the challenge, add your comment, and then hop on over to the other Bombshell DT Member blogs and comment on those for more chances to win a fabulous prize.

Here's the blog list to make things easier for you!


Sarah K

Glittery Katie

Kas

Angela

Terra

Miss Magoo

Nichole

Stephanie

Mary G



Feel free to take this challenge and then share your creation on the New Bombshell Forum and at The Bombshell Forum at Paper Crafts Planet.

Don't forget to join us again next week!

Thanks for visiting!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Which came first? The stamp set or the patterned paper?

I saw this Graphic 45 paper and had to buy it to go with the bird and the cherry from the Love & Luck set by Bombshell Stamps. Then it was sort of overwhelming all by its lonesome, so I added a strip of Cosmo Cricket stripe to break it up a bit in one is one of my favorite "go to" card layouts.



The bird was stamped on pale yellow cardstock and colored with Copic markers. The cherry was stamped with VersaFine Crimson Red & Olympia Green inks and then heat embossed, so the cherry would have a little shine. I tried to use Glossy Accents, but made a big old mess when I sneezed and the circle flew and landed gluey side down.

I used my newest Martha Stewart Lattice Border punch.

Thanks for visiting today.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Yahoo! Another Challenge!

There's a "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man O' Mine" challenge over at SCS. The card was for either a teen or adult male and could not use glitter or bling. Oh, the horror!

Anyways, here's the card that I made for the challenge.



I used the Striped by Me and the Speed Shop sets by Bombshell Stamps. The swashes and skulls were heat embossed with white ep, then I added some ep speckles because I felt like it.

The car was colored with Copic markers. The "chrome" was added with a Krylon Leafing pen. I wanted the car to look metallic and I just haven't figured out how to do that with my markers yet. So I wracked my brain (ouch!) and remembered these Craf-T rub-on colorants and used a green one. It really worked, though I don't know if the scan shows it. I suppose I ought to figure out how to photograph reflective things.

Thanks for looking!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Good news. Bad news.

Bad News
I didn't get a chance to do any card-making or crafting this weekend other than an anniversary card for my husband.

Good News
Bombshell Stamps has a great new forum that will be in addition to the existing one at Paper Craft Planet.

Really Good News

If you join the forum by Monday evening, August 24th, you can get a coupon for 20% off your order.

Click --->HERE<--- to zoom on over to sign up, get your coupon, and chat with us!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Registration for Stamping Around Philadelphia! is open!

Kim & Julie have finalized their plans and registration is now open for Stamping Around's Philadelphia retreat. It'll be held at a gorgeous B&B in the beautiful Lehigh Valley on November 6th and 7th.

I'm totally stoked because I'm going to be teaching a class!

Here's a link to more information.

I sure hope I see you there!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Spooky Blog Hop Revisited

Since I was such a dunderhead earlier and wasn't ready to post my card for the OBP Spooky Blog Hop, I over-compensated and created two Halloween cards.


I embossed Bat Gate using both Rust and Verdigris Antiquities Embossing powder to make it look old and creepy. I cut out the gate and mounted it on gray textured cardstock that had been chalked to look like a stone wall. Flying Al on Earth was an OBP Earth Day limited edition stamp and is one of my faves. He was colored with Copic markers. Flair Designs Rub-ons were used to create the sentiment.


Felines can be notoriously witchy and Priscilla is no exception. She's a true witch Diva. Halloween is her favorite holiday and she has a whole collection of witch hats, brooms, and other witchy accessories. Don't be fooled by that broom though. It's only used for flying, never cleaning, as can be seen by those icky cobwebs!

I used Priscilla Witchy Cat and Webby Border. Priscilla was colored with Copics. The patterned paper (orange) is by K&Company. I used a Skull/Flourish Cuttlebug folder on Core'Dinations cardstock to create the layer under the stamped image panel. After sanding the cardstock to reveal the orange core color, I swiped a Distress ink pad over it to heighten the orange. Gem stickers are in the corners.

Please visit the other OBP DT folks who participated in this Spooky Blog Hop! The blogroll is down there on the right!

Thanks for visiting today again and thank you for forgiving my ineptitude!

OBP DT Spooky Blog Hop!


Color me crimson with embarrassment. I misread the directions for the blog hop and thought I was supposed to post at 6 PM, not 6 AM. Oops. So I still haven't made my card. Bad me, procrastinating yet again.

Not only that, but I broke the link in the chain (cue Chain of Fools by Aretha).

So here's a wall hanging that I never posted that uses Priscilla Devilish Cat, Thorny Flourish, Solid Skull, and "Eek".

I will create another card, but meanwhile, hop along to Laura and spend some time there. Her stuff rocks!

Sorry! Oy.

Oh well! If at first you don't succeed...


I submitted this card to PaperCrafts using one of their two sketches. It wasn't picked up, but it's all good because I like it and because Thank You notes are always useful.

I used an image from the Butterfly Queen set from Bombshell stamps that I received from Kelli in an image swap that we did over at the Bombshell forum at Paper Craft Planet.

The butterfly was colored with Prismacolor markers. The patterned papers are Aerial by Memory Box, the border punch is Lattice by Martha Stewart/EK Success, the flowers are Primas that were colored with the same orange markers as the buttterfly, the flower center is a RainDot by Fiskar's, and the sentiment is a rub-on by Deja Views. I used Distress ink to all edges as a common element to tie the layers together.

Thanks for visiting today!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Another TCP Tuesday Two-Fer!

I've decided to get all my uninked or underinked stamps inky and build a stockpile of cards from them and my humongo stash of patterned paper. What better way to do that than with challenges!

This week's TCP Tuesday challenge is a sketch challenge hosted by Carole. I liked the sketch so much that I created two cards!

Cheers!



I flipped the sketch and used The Cat's Pajamas Relaxing stamp and "Cheers" from Odd Bird Planet with fun cocktail paper from Flair Designs and old Junkitz paper (distressed green)! The image panel was colored with Copic markers. I might go back and add some gemstones.

Reach for the Stars

This one uses a TCP Rocket ship that was stamped, colored with Copics, and then made sparkly with Twinkling H2Os. The scan shows the sparkliness (new word) of the Twinklings as streaks. Bummer! IRL, the space ship looks metallic and shiny/sparkly.

The sentiment was created (poorly) with rub-ons. I'm clearly rub-on impaired. The papers are from the now-defunct Inque Boutique. It's sad because it's a super-cute pad of spaceships, robots, stars, and aliens. Oh well. The cardstock is old Club Scrap cardstock that is a lovely grayish blue with glittery silver sparkly bits embedded in it, so it's perfect for a starry sky!

Thanks for visiting today!