Musings of a Stampin-de-va!

A new blog...

2010-03-04T18:07:00.001-05:00

Greetings my crafty idols! I have crossed over to the dark side and am venturing into the world of WordPress! I will no longer be posting to this blog, so please visit me on my new one, Bella Luna Paperie! I have some blog candy going on as well... I hope you will follow me over there if you have been following me here (or even if you haven't been following me here!).

A New Blog...

2010-02-04T20:52:00.000-05:00

EtsyInspired #73 - Elie's Happy Hats & Pixie Dust Studio!

2010-01-30T00:01:00.002-05:00

Happy Saturday! This week's shop is Elie's Happy Hats - hand crocheted adorable hats in different styles and fun colors! I want one of each style! Elie's adorable daughter Elizabeth is her model... check out the shop and see this little cutie sportin' her mama's handy crafts! Elie's hats are unique as they are her own patterns stored in her head! So you knows you're getting a one of kind hat for a cutie of your own!

Our amazing sponsor this week is the Pixie Dust Studio! Home of adorable digital stamps by children's artist Kathy Fronczak. Kathy gave the DT some new release images to work with this week, the Blueberry Fairy and Strawberry Fairy. Aren't they adorable?!

My card was inspired by the products in the shop... hats! I used the Strawberry Fairy and she is sporting a cute little strawberry hat! Perfect for this challenge!

Deets: DP is the ones I won from Character Cafe (not sure of name), CTMH ribbon, buttons, "Berry Good" stamp, faux stitching, stickles around her wings, the digi image is Strawberry Fairy from Pixie Dust Studio.

How do you play?! Click on over to Elie's Happy Hats and find an item or items to be inspired by... and create! You have until next Friday, the 5th of February, Noon PST to play along. Post your projects on the EtsyInspired Challenge blog, and if you post to on-line galleries, please use EIC73 in your tags.

What do you win?! Elie is giving one lucky a prize pack of fun, fun hats!
Baby Flapper Summer Hat 12-18mos

Baby Vintage style Hat with Purple 2 layers flower 6-12mos
Snow White Teddy Bear Hat 6-12mos

Pixie Dust Studio, our gracious sponsor this week is giving away to a second winner the two berry fairy digi stamps - Blueberry Fairy and Strawberry Fairy!

NOW, go check out the DT inspirations and go be EtsyInspired!
Ashley
Emily
Heather (on a short break)
Heather P. (January Guest DT)
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Shannon
Tiffany

EtsyInspired Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

Embellish Magazine Stripes and Everything But the Kitchen Sink Sketch #3 Challenges!

2010-01-25T19:57:00.000-05:00

Here is my card for the Embellish Magazine Stripe Challenge and Everything But the Kitchen Sink Challenge #3. My card uses the sketch from EBKS and the color scheme from Embellish Magazine which was to use kraft, brown and purple as well stripes. Ashley C. Newell created some amazing digital DP to use for the challenge so I bought some. There are several different stripe patterns in the shades mentioned above. It's really pretty!

Deets: Kraft CS, DP digital by Ashley C. Newell, purple rhinestones, Cricut branch and scallop circle.

Ink is CTMH Cocoa. Stamp is from Unity's August 09 Kit of the month.

Limelight Papercrafts Sketch Challenge #39 - Canvas!

2010-01-24T15:55:00.000-05:00

Here's my entry for the Limelight Papercrafts Sketch Challenge #39! I decided to make an 8x8 layout of my nephew Ryan, of course!!! These are some pics from my December visit. He is SO much fun! And hard to keep up with!!!

The CS is CTMH as well as the ink. The DP is some of the stash I won from the Character Cafe. The wide green ric rac is from Limelight. The challenge this week was to use canvas. I had to get creative and I took an old bag I had and cut a piece of canva off. I cute a large circle in card stock and wrapped the canvas around it. Then I stamped it! The middle heart is cut out, colored in with copics and popped up with a foam square. The stamp and sentiment are from Unity's "Confession - I {luv} Unity" kit.

EtsyInspired Challenge #72 Sweetie Pie Tutus & May Arts

2010-01-23T00:01:00.002-05:00

Welcome to another super fun EtsyInspired Challenge! This week's shop name says it all... Sweetie Pie Tutus! Their tag line is "If our tutus were any sweeter, they would be made of sugar!" At Sweetie Pie Tutus you will find the sweetest tutus and coordinating accessories ever. Sizes range from newborn through toddler. You can purchase tutus, wings, wands,
bows, beanies (in adult sizes too!) and clippies! Items and accessories are coordinated or you can buy one of their ADORABLE sets!!!!

But wait, there's more!!! Not only do we have another amazing shop to showcase, we have another amazing sponsor! May Arts is back to sponsor us this week and they are offering up a great prize pack! If you have never checked out their ribbon, you don't know what you are missing! You can buy their products at retailers locally and online! OR you could play along this week and win a great stash for FREE!

Here are my cards... I made them to send to Winter for Cards for St. Jude drive. I think she had such a huge response that the cards are now going to another hospital, Texas Children's Hospital! Wherever they go, if they brighten a childs day, it's well worth it! What a wonderful thing Winter is doing. SO, since Sweetie Pie Tutus specializes in children's ware, I chose kids as my inspiration and made some cards for Winter's challenge. They are very simple, but the Whimsie Doodle images are just TU TU cute (that just doesn't get old!). I used some scraps of Valentine paper from years past, SU scallop and circle punch and colored the images in with copics. The cards are 3x4. I plan on writing little sentiments inside and I have another 6 or so to add to the stack.

How do you play?! Click on over to Sweetie Pie Tutus and find an item or items to be inspired by... and create! You have until next Friday, the 29th of January, Noon PST to play along. Post your projects below using Mr. Linky, and if you post to on-line galleries, please use EIC72 in your tags. One lucky winner will win a bundle of fun ribbon from May Arts.

NOW, go check out the DT inspirations and Go be EtsyInspired!
Ashley
De
Emily
Heather (on a short break)
Heather P. (January Guest DT)
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Shannon
Tiffany

EtsyInspired #71 - Amethyst Soap Shop & The Cutting Cafe!

2010-01-16T00:01:00.004-05:00

Welcome! This week's shop is Amethyst Soap Shop - where each soap is hand crafted with the ultimate skin care in mind! This soap is so amazing... it's not soap, it's art! At first glance, if you didn't know this shop was a soap shop, you'd be sure they were little works of art!

Our amazing sponsor this week is the Cutting Cafe! Home of affordable printable stamps and cutting files galore! They have some amazing designs and their DT showcases them marvelously! I wanted to buy them all!

How do you play?! Click on over to Amethyst Soap Shop and find an item or items to be inspired by... and create! You have until next Friday, the 22nd of January, Noon PST to play along. Post your projects on the EtsyInspired Challenge blog, and if you post to on-line galleries, please use EIC71 in your tags.

My inspiration piece are these adorable little turquoise soaps...

And here is my card...

Deets: CTMH DP, CTMH twine, Unity Stamp Co. wish sticks, brown seed beads and Cutting Cafe monogram set. I was also inspired by the cards on the same page of the monograms by Regina Easter to create my card. My friend broke her back and wanted me to make Thank You cards for her to give out. This is one of several designs I plan to make for her.

What do you win?! Amethyst Soap Shop is generously giving away a a trio of small tumbled turquoise soap!

The Cutting Cafe, our awesome sponsor is giving a second winner any three sets of the winners choice!

NOW, go check out the DT inspirations and Go be EtsyInspired!
Ashley
Emily
Heather (on a short break)
Heather P. (January Guest DT)
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Shannon
Tiffany

EtsyInspired Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

I won BIG with the Character Cafe!

2010-01-14T19:55:00.002-05:00

So, back last month I won the big blog candy for the Character Cafe 12 Hops of Christmas! Look at all the goodies I won! I am SO excited about the Copic airbrush system, I can't wait to try it out! I also won Angie Cortes' comment draw too! So I won twice! That never happens to me! E X C I T I N G ! ! !

Go check out the Character Cafe store... they have some really great digis and more! Check out their DT as well, super talented ladies and all near and dear to my heart! Heather is on the EIC DT with me and Angie, Lola and Fink were on the AiFactory DT with me! Kendra and Kelly are the best too - THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! I owe Kendra's daughter big time for drawing my name (twice!). :-)

Embellish Magazine Color Challenge - Hearts (1 Jan 2010)

2010-01-13T20:35:00.002-05:00

Embellish Magazine's first challenge of the new year focuses on hearts and Valentine's Day! There is still time to play along so check out the Embellish Magazine page for details. Even if you don't play along, you have to go check out the AMAZING DT samples and all the AMAZING entries! There are some super talented ladies out there! I'm always in awe of the talent out there in crafty blog land.

The Cutting Cafe is sponsoring the challenge and you could win 3 free downloads from them if your card is chosen to win! The Cutting Cafe is our EtsyInspired sponsor next week so I was even more excited to play along! I hope to have more time since school is done to play Embellish regularly. It's an amazing site!

My card was a case of the Cutting Cafe's own Regina Easter's card located here. I'm not sure if it's the layout, the digi images, the color combo or all of the above but I just fell in love with it! As "they" say, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"!!

Deets: Cutting Cafe XOXO background, Paper Temptress Retro Black Glossy Lustre, My Favorite Things pink twill ribbon, digital cardstock using hex colors for "Pretty in Pink" as well as the printed digital image in "Real Red", machine stitching, heart brad, "love" coin from CTMH, SU scallop punch.

Thanks for looking!

EtsyInspired #70 - Skylar's Candy Clips & Paper Temptress!

2010-01-09T00:01:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the second EtsyInspired in 2010! It's so hard to believe we've begun a new year and been in it for 2 weeks already!!!! But on with the show... This week's shop is Skylar's Candy Clips - a store filled with yummy handmade hair goodies and accessories! Skylar's Candy Clips has a variety of cool products such as headbands, infant hairclips, ponytail holders, summer hats, baby beanies, and even beach bags! Each item is designed and handmade with lots and lots of love by Skylar's (and Peyton's and Deacon's) mom!

And as if that wasn't enough, our spectacular sponsor this week is the Paper Temptress! Let me tell you, their paper is VERY tempting! The beautiful pieces I received are luxurious, supple, rich, alluring and just down right beautiful! I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea!

Here's my card! For the layout, I used the Limelight Papercrafts Sketch #38 which required the use of buttons as well. Check out the LLPC blog for all the details and to play along to win some awesome BG stitched buttons! The inspiration came from the two pieces I noted in the above pic. I was also thinking, since it's Valentine-y, I may use this for the Cards for St. Jude project (click graphic in right column for details). I hope to make several different types this weekend to support the project.

Deets: Paper Temptress Laser Silver Lustre CS, misc valentine DP, MFT buttons, Prima Lollipop flowers (from LLPC), Thickers - By the Yard, CTMH fiber, metallic thread, misc pink silk ribbon.

How do you play?! Click on over to Skylar's Candy Clips and find an item or items to be inspired by... and create! You have until next Friday, the 15th of January, Noon PST to play along. Post your projects on the EtsyInspired Challenge blog, and if you post to on-line galleries, please use EIC70 in your tags.

What do you win?! Skylar's Candy Clips is generously giving away a Happy Flowers headband (regular or baby) of the winner's choice!

The Paper Temptress, our awesome sponsor is giving a second winner a luscious pack of Silver Lustre cardstock in a variety of styles. I used "Laser Silver Lustre" on my card today and fell in love with it (wish I could win!)!

Check out the DT inspirations and go be EtsyInspired!
Ashley
Emily
Heather (on a short break)
Heather P. (January Guest DT)
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Lee
Shannon
Tiffany

EtsyInspired Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

Some Personal Ramblings...

2010-01-07T20:36:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all of you that have left well wishes and checked up on me since my gall bladder removal. Things are progressing well and I'm feeling better, still a little sore, but better each day. I'm still off of work, but will return Monday (hopefully!).

I have not had a chance to share any pics of my nephew from Christmas yet, so here is one! Nana and Pop Pops got him this very cute tricycle! As you can see from the look on his face, he was very pleased! He was the most restrained 2 year old at Christmas I think I have ever seen! There were a mountain of presents (I'm talking Mt. Everest here folks!) and he opened each one slowly and with purpose and had to have whatever it was opened and played with before moving to the next... I think it took us literally about 5 hours before all of his presents were opened! What fun though!

And last, but not least, but some REALLY big news to share is... I am officially a college graduate! I got my diploma the other day. I now have a BS in Business Management. That and $1 will get me a cup of coffee. LOL. But I am SO glad it's over. I'm waitin' for that big $10K raise to kick in at work... yea right. I'm afraid I will be waiting a VERY, VERY long time!

I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful Christmas and that your New Year has started off on a positive note! I am hoping to have more time to craft now that school is done... tons of scrapbooking to catch up on! I need to get busy! See you all in the blogosphere!

EtsyInspired Challenge #69 - Manic Muffin Totes!

2010-01-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! This is going to be a very quick post as I am re-couperating from gall bladder surgery and am a little hazy!

This week's shop is Manic Muffin! This awesome shop carries unique plushies,softies,pillows,and quilts! You will fall in love with the adorable items in this shop!

This week's sponsor is Tiddly Inks! Christy loves to paint funky original watercolors and lovea to create custom art for children and all ages! Check her store out for some wonderful art and digital images. She is generously giving away 3 digi images to the winner!

My card below uses the cute "Happy Snow Day" image from Tiddly Inks. My card is VERY CAS and was inspired by all the soft colors used in the cute plushies at Manic Muffin.

For details, please visit the EtsyInspired Challenge blog (you'll post your creation here as well!)

Also, say Good Bye To Kelly Marie, our December Guest Designer. She really rocked the challenges! You definitely want to follow her blog and keep up with her awesome creations.

And welcome our January Guest DT, Heather Pulvirenti. Welcome Heather!

<----- Check out the other DT by following the links in the right column.

EtsyInspired #68 - Gypsy Rose Handbags

2009-12-26T00:01:00.005-05:00

I hope that everyone had a great Christmas and you are all geared up to craft with all your new products Santa brought you! AND it just happens to be another EtsyInspired Challenge Saturday so get ready to play along!

This week's shop is Gypsy Rose Handbags! This shop sells the most adorable camera bags in all shapes and sizes, lens cozys and camera strap covers! She offers a beautiful selection of rich, fun and stylith fabrics! Made to order, immediate ship and custom designs to satisfy everyone's needs!

How do you play?! Click on over to Gypsy Rose Handbags and find an item or items to be inspired by... and create! You have until next Friday, the 1st of January, Noon PST to play along. Post your projects on the EtsyInspired Challenge blog, and if you post on on-line galleries, please use EIC68 in your tags.

I drew the inspiration for my card from this cute bag below... I just love the little Asian girl fabric! So cute!

What do you win?! Our awesome sponsor this week Unity Stamp Co.!!! This month's give away is Everyday Adorable! One of my favs... it's going to be hard to mail off to that lucky winner! :-)

Check out the DT inspirations and Go be EtsyInspired!
Ashley
Emily
Heather (on a short break)
Joy
Kerry
Kelly (December Guest Designer!)
Tiffany
EtsyInspired Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2009-12-24T21:25:00.000-05:00

Wishing all my blog friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May you enjoy your holidays with family and friends and may the New Year bring you health, peace and blessings!

You guys are truly wonderful and I treasure you all!

EtsyInspired #67 - Kindly Noted!

2009-12-19T00:01:00.002-05:00

Happy Holidays! Christmas is fast approaching! Do you have all your shopping done?! It's not too late to shop on Etsy in time for Christmas! And a great place to start would be this weeks shop - Kindly Noted! This shop carries cute wall art and cards in whimsical and fun themes for children! Soft pastel colors, cute animals and other characters... you are sure to love this shop whether you have children or not!

I'm following Ashley's lead from last week and loosely interpreting this cute picture I used as my inspiration... true they are penguins and I used owls and the pic is in pastel colors, and I used primary colors... but hey, they still inspired me!!! When I saw this cute group huddled together, I knew I had the perfect image from Fairyland Dreams (our sponsor this week) that was reminiscent of this cute trio!!!

I used Fairyland Dreams SomeBIRDYs Birthday digi, BG Obsure DP, CTMH buttons and SU cardstock, colored with Copics and added a little Spica to the pom poms. Sentiment is by Your Next Stamp.

How do you play?! Click on over to Kindly Noted and find an item or items to be inspired by... and create! You have until next Friday, the 25th of December, Noon PST to play along. Post your projects on the EtsyInspired Challenge blog, and if you post on on-line galleries, please use EIC67 in your tags.

What do you win?! Kindly Noted is generously giving away two of those cute images they carry in their shop!!!! Here's a few to tempt you with!!!

Our awesome sponsor this week Fairyland Dreams!!! They are giving away 3 digi images of the winners choice! PLUS they are having a big buy two digi images get one free sale! Check them out and pick your winning stamps now!

Check out the DT inspirations and Go be EtsyInspired!
Ashley
Emily
Heather (on a short break)
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Shannon
Kelly (December Guest Designer!)
Tiffany

EtsyInspired Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

Character Cafe - 12 Hops of Christmas

2009-12-17T21:37:00.001-05:00

Here is my last attempt at winning the big loot over at Character Cafe this week! This is one of the freebie images available on their blog especially for this blog hop! She is a chibi named Rosebud. You'd think with a name like Rosebud she'd be pink, right?! But nope, I wanted her to be green! :-) I used my Copics and some Spica on her spikes for glitter! Basic Grey DP and silk ribbon (both from Limelight), and some CTMH buttons! She's holding a gift which could be for Christmas but I wanted to go birthday with it... you still have time to play over at Character Cafe! Click the blinkie on the right for all the different ways you can get entered for some really great loot! And play the EtsyInspired Challenge (below) while you're at it! Character Cafe is our sponsor this week and you can win some great digi's for playing along!!!

EtsyInspired #66 - Marmar!

2009-12-12T00:01:00.004-05:00

Good Saturday morning all! This week's shop, Marmar, is chock full of super adorable enamel and sterling silver jewelry and prints in cute animal and character designs! The intro on Mark Poulin's shop says "When I was a boy I had a recurring dream that I could fly. Having an etsy shop makes me feel like that again." How much fun does he sound like?! His free spirit is so apparent in his work too! Hop on over and check out his designs...

I was inspired by this adorable necklace!

And I created this card using the FaLaLaLa Trio digi from the Character Cafe who happens to be our wonderful sponsor this week! I colored the image with my Copics and used FTL #71 for my design inspiration. DP is Lime Rickey and some random DP. Ribbon is CTMH.

How do you play?! Click on over to Marmar and find an item or items to be inspired by... and create! You have until next Friday, the 18th of December, Noon PST to play along. Post your projects on the EtsyInspired Challenge blog, and if you post on on-line galleries, please use EIC66 in your tags.

What do you win?! Marmar is giving away this beautiful mother & daughter rabbit necklace ($46 value)!

Our awesome sponsor this week is the Character Cafe!!! They are giving away 3 digi images of the winners choice! PLUS they are having a big Christmas Blog Hop and Big Blog Candy Giveaway! Use the blinkie on the right side bar to check out the deets or visit the Character Cafe store home page!

Check out the DT inspirations and Go be EtsyInspired!
Ashley
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry

Shannon
Kelly (December Guest Designer!)
Tiffany

EtsyInspired Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

AiFactory Challenge #15 - Tag It!

2009-12-08T00:02:00.003-05:00

This week's challenge is to make a tag! AiFactory has some great tag frames for you to use or you can create your own tag! Check out the FREEBIES section for other images you can use to create your tag! You do not need an AiFactory image to play along, but we'd love it if you did!

My tag is another digi tag. I hand colored the frame in Photoshop and added some scrapbook elements to dress up the tag. These are easy to print out on cardstock and use on your Christmas packages for an extra special touch!

What's next?! Create a tag before next Monday night 14December at midnight EST to play along! Post your challenge on the AiFactory Challenge blog and if you post to online galleries, use AIF015.

What do you win?! A set of 4 adorable frames! What are you waiting for?! Go get crafty and create!

Please check out the DT for some awesome project ideas!

Angie
Carole
De
Erin
Fink (or Sheri)
Kerry
Lola

AiFactory Challenge blog (post your project from here!)

EtsyInspired Challenge #65 - So Stinking Sweet!

2009-12-05T00:33:00.000-05:00

This week's shop is full of delish looking soaps, lip balm and more! So Stinking Sweet will make you want to get dirty just so you can take a bath!!!!

My inspiration for my project this week is this funny soap called "Reindeer Poop"! LOL. What a cute and naughty Christmas gift idea! I'm going to make up a bunch of these little bags and had them out at work! Believe me, I work with ALOT of naughty people!

DZ Doodles Comical Reindeer digi, Copics, digi sentiment, SU DP

How do you play?! Click on over to So Stinking Sweet and find an item or items to be inspired by... and create! You have until next Friday, the 11th of December, Noon PST to play along. Post your projects on the EtsyInspired Challenge blog, and if you post on on-line galleries, please use EIC65 in your tags.

What do you win?! You have two chances to win this week! So Stinking Sweet is offering five bars of soap of your choice and a cute snowman ornament!!!

AND our WONDERFUL sponsor this week is Unity Stamp Co.! This month's great giveaway from Unity is Eco Chic!

Check out the DT inspirations and Go be EtsyInspired!
Ashley
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Lee
Shannon
Kelly (Welcome Kelly as our December Guest Designer!)
Tiffany

EtsyInspired Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

AiFactory Challenge #14 - Digital Design Paper

2009-12-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

It was Erin's challenge this week and she has challenged all to use some AiFactory Digital Design Paper! If you don't have any, pick up some, or check out the freebie section and get creative and make your own!

I decided to make a layout of my A D O R A B L E little 2 year old nephew, Ryan. I used the Midnight Black DP set. I think I used every piece avaialble in the kit but one grey paisley, so you can pretty much see them all in action on my layout.

You have until next Monday night 7 December at midnight EST to play along! Post your challenge from the AiFactory Challenge Blog and if you post to online galleries, use AIF014.

What do you win?! A set of AiFactory Digital Design Paper!!! What are you waiting for?! Go get digi!!!!

AND Mia has extended her Cyber Monday sale through Saturday December 5th! All items in the store are 50% Off! Just place your items in the cart and the deduction will happen at checkout!

Please check out the DT for some awesome project ideas!

Angie
Carole
Erin
Fink (or Sheri)
Kerry
Lola
AiFactory Challenge Blog (LINK POSTS HERE)

EtsyInspired #64 - Barefoot Weaver (& Limelight Papercrafts #35)

2009-11-28T00:01:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends! I am still stuffed. Lots of leftovers too... I love leftover holiday food! Now on to business...

This week's shop is Barefoot Weaver. This shop carries handwoven and fiber goodies! Cait has been weaving, dyeing threads and fabrics since the early 1970s. The shop carries beautiful, rich, colorful scarves, wraps, cuffs, jewelry and more!

I was inspired by the colors in the scarf below and created this card with it in mind. I also combined the Limelight Papercrafts Sketch Challenge 35 which focuses on patterned paper. The paper I used is Basic Grey Lime Rickey with the matching buttons (bought from Limelight!), Thickers Fabric letters, Mermaid Stickles (middle mushroom), Unity May 2009 KOM, misc fibers and wire embellie (on DP pleat).

How do you play?! Click on over to Barefoot Weaver and find a piece or pieces to be inspired by... and create! You have until next Friday, the 4th of December, Noon PST to play along. Post your projects on the EtsyInspired Challenge blog, and if you post on on-line galleries, please use EIC64 in your tags.

What do you win?! You have two chances to win this week! Barefoot Weaver is offering this beautiful flower pin!!!

AND our WONDERFUL sponsor this week is 7 Kids College Fund! Tab is giving away the High Hopes Tobaggan Joyride Stamp along with some Green Apple Notecards with Envelopes by Memory Box from Hero Arts! Make sure you take the time to check out 7 Kids College Fund for a huge variety of stamps and products at really great prices!

Check out the DT inspirations and Go be EtsyInspired!
Ashley
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Lee
Shannon
Shemaine (November Guest DT)
Tiffany

EtsyInspired Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

AiFactory Challenge #13 - Challenge Crazy!

2009-11-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hello all! Great to see the participation we had last week! Yea! Hope you all will want to participate this week as well!

This week's challenge is... use an AiFactory image (if you don't own one, you SHOULD! Or try out a FREEBIE!).

The other part of the challenge is to use any other challenge as your guide for your project... in other words, use the instructions for any on-going challenge - Mojo Monday, CAS SCS, Fall to Layout, Your Next Stamp, EtsyInspired, Ways to Use It, etc. Make sure you post your creation here from this post and on the challenge you are participating in! Double your chances to win!

This awesome card is from Lola. She followed the sketch challenge for the Card Patterns Sketch Challenge 42. The image the DT is using this week is the "Singing Choir" by Werner Designs. Check it out in the store along with the other adorable images located there.

For my project, I made a CD Envelope holder. The image the DT is using this week is the "Singing Choir" by Werner Designs. Check it out in the store along with the other adorable images located there. I thought, what a perfect gift idea - carolers just scream MUSIC so make a Christmas CD and give for gifts! This image was perfect! The DP is CTMH. Image is AiFactory the "Singing Choir" from Werner Designs. I used copics and applique to puff up the snow. And the challenge I participated is Fall To Layout 68.

You have until next Monday night 30 November at midnight EST to play along! Post your challenge here and if you post to online galleries, use AIF013. You may also tag with the challenge number of the challenge you play along with!

What do you win?! One free month in the Kit of the Month Club!!! What are you waiting for?! Go get inspired and create!

Please check out the DT for some awesome project ideas!

Angie
Carole
Erin
Fink (or Sheri)
Kerry
Lola
AiFactory Challenge Blog (LINK POSTS HERE)

EtsyInspired Challenge #63 - Sleepless Imagination!

2009-11-21T00:01:00.013-05:00

Welcome to another EtsyInspired Challenge! This week is fun, fun, fun! We have an awesome shop (Sleepless Imagination) and an amazing sponsor (Torendi!) both with great prizes!

Sleepless Imagination is owned by Laura who loves to draw, paint, papercraft and more! She sells original illustrations, prints, cards, tags and wood projects! Bright and cheery appears to be the theme at SI. All of Laura's products reflect sunshine and flowers and images of happiness!

My inspiration piece was this bright, colorful illustration!

My card uses products from Torendi... how trendy is this?! That's what Torendi means in Japanese... trendy! And they SO are! Domo Arigiato = Thank You Very Much! And guess what?! In January, I'm going to Japan for work!!! I can't wait!

How do you play?! Click on over to Sleepless Imagination and find a piece or pieces to be inspired by... and create! You have until next Friday, the 27th of November, Noon PST to play along. Post your projects on the EtsyInspired Challenge blog, and if you post on on-line galleries, please use EIC63 in your tags.

What do you win?! You have two chances to win this week! Sleepless Imagination is offering a Gift Certificate for $15!!! You can use the gift certificate on any cards or prints in the shop!

Our wonderful sponsor this week is Torendi! They are offering up a great prize of this cute "Thank You" cupcake shaped stamp! Make sure you visit their shop... they have some awesomely "trendy" items they sell!

Check out the DT inspirations and Go be EtsyInspired!
Ashley
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Lee
Shannon
Shemaine (November Guest DT)
Tiffany

EtsyInspired Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

Blog Award

2009-11-18T07:29:00.000-05:00

Thanks very much to Kerry and Erin for this award! Two of my wonderful co-DTs for AiFactory! Now here is my info!

So, the rules are: Pass this award on to five people, post on their blog to let them know you have left this award to them, and then answer a list of questions in one word. (oh man, this is going to be real tough.)
1. Where is your mobile?... desk
2. Your hair?.... flat
3. Your Mother?... awesome
4. Your Father?... best
5. Your favorite food?... potatoes
6. Your Dream last night?... none?
7. Your Fav Drink?....beer :-)
8. Your Dream?... Italy
9. What room are you in?... office
10. Your hobby?... crafts
11. Fear?... critters
12. Where do you want to be in 5 years?...solvent
13. Where were you last night?... home
14. Somthing that you aren't?...fake
15. Muffins... Cinnamon
16. Wish List item?...Wii
17. Where did you grow up?...Virginia
18. Last thing you did?...coffee
19. What are you wearing?...jewelry
20. Your TV?... old-style
21. Pets?... dogs
22. Friends?.... loyal
23. Mood?... non-descript
24. Life?... ok
25. Missing someone?... nephew
26. Vehicle?... RAV4
27. Something you're not wearing?... underwear. HA just kidding. Nailpolish.
28. Fav store?... Etsy
29. Fav color?... Lime Green
30. When was last time you laughed?... now
31. Last time you cried?... Monday
32. Best friend?... Darren
33. One place that I go to over & over?... work (argh)
34. Facebook?... yes/no (I'm never on it)
35. Fav place to eat?... Yokuska (Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse)

AiFactory Challenge #12

2009-11-17T00:02:00.002-05:00

Hey there and welcome to another AiFactory Challenge Tuesday! This week Erin has challenged the DT to make whatever we want, just make sure you use CHIPBOARD. So that is the challenge to you... create whatever you like, but make sure you use chipboard!

Here is my digital tag I created for a birthday present for a friend. I used Sweet Pea Fairies digi stamp set and colored her in Photoshop. The letters are "chipboard" and all of the DP and elements are from a digi scrap pack I bought a while back.

You don't have to use an AiFactory image, but we would love if you did! Make sure you check out the store for FREEBIES (new ones added!), $.99 specials, and the product of the week that is always 20% off. AND if you make a purchase, you get a set FREE (featured on store home page)! Also consider the kit of the month club... only $5 a month, valued at over $20!

You have until next Monday the 23rd at Midnight EST to play! If you upload to online galleries, tag your projects with AIF012. Make sure you link your project to the challenge blog!

Go check out the rest of the DT for some super inspiration and come play along! You could win a free month in the kit of the month club so you don't want to miss that chance!

Angie
Carole
Erin
Fink (or Sheri)
Kerry
Lola
AiFactory Challenge Blog (LINK POSTS HERE)

EtsyInspired #62 - Quiltish from Alissa Jacobs

2009-11-14T00:01:00.005-05:00

Ewwww, I love the shop this week! I think we all say that every week don't we?! LOL. We are Etsy-aholics! There are truly so many amazing artists on Etsy... you can't help but love them all!!!

This week's shop is Quiltish from Alissa Jacobs! Alissa creates baby bibs, organic washcloths, zipper pouches, journal covers, bags and more! So many items I want of my own! Check out the shop and look at the teasers below...

I was inspired by the colors in these two items and created the card below. The ribbon is courtesy of May Arts.

How do you play?! Click on over to Quiltish and find a piece or pieces to be inspired by... and create! You have until next Friday, the 20th of November, Noon PST to play along. Post your projects on the EtsyInspired Challenge blog, and if you post on on-line galleries, please use EIC62 & CAS## in your tags.

What do you win?! Our wonderful sponsor this week is May Arts! They are offering up a great prize of a bundle of holiday colored ribbons! BEAUTIFUL!

Check out the rest of the DT for some more inspiration and go get EtsyInspired!

Ashley
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Kristen
Lee
Shannon
Shemaine (November Guest DT)
Tiffany

EtsyInspired Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

Your Next Stamp Challenge 3 and Limelight Papercrafts #34

2009-11-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

Double whammy today! And a little outside of my comfort zone! The YNS challenge is to make a Christmas card but not to use red or green. Oi. That's harder then it sounds. And you can tell from my card below I DEFINITELY did not use red and green! LOL. I think I went a little TOO over board, but I liked the colors and it was fun, and that's what it is all about! I downloaded the super cute digi tree here. I apologize but the sentiment was a freebie and I can't recall where I got it from.

Limelight Papercrafts challenge is to follow their sketch and use chipboard. The sketch is below and I flipped it to make it work for my YNS image. I mounted the sentiment on a chipboard circle I inked up to match the wild colors to give it some depth. Be sure to check out the Limelight Papercrafts store for some really great products, including chipboard!

Deets:
Check the YNS Challenge blog for full details on YNSC3. You have until midnight the 17th to play along.

Check out the Limelight Papercrafts blog for full details on LLPC034. You have until Sunday, 15 November at midnight to play along.

Queen Kat Designs Review by the Lovely Ashley & Some Blog Candy!

2009-11-11T18:08:00.000-05:00

Hope on over to Ashley Ngyuen Newell's blog and watch her video on the quality of the QKD acrylic stamps! She'll tell you what you have to do to be entered to win a grab bag of QKD stamps too! She's so cute, you gotta go watch!!! Leave her some love too!

Ai Factory Challenge 11 - FREEbie for All!

2009-11-10T00:02:00.000-05:00

This week we are challenging you to go to the AiFactory store, go to the Freebie section and use one of the freebies to create something! Anything! We are also combining the challenge with SCS CAS Challenge 38 - Ways to Use It - Brads or Eyelets. So your project should use a freebie from the store, be clean and simple and use brads or eyelets! That's it!

I used the FREE calendar brushes and created this one page 11x17 2010 calendar in Photoshop and used brad elements from one of my digital scrapbook kits!

You have until midnight EST next Monday (11/16) to play along. Post a link to your project in Mr. Linky below and leave us a comment! This week the winner will win "Christmas Decoration Tree" single digi! When posting to on-line galleries, use AIF011, aifactory and CAS38.

Go be inspired by the DT!

Angie
Betty
Carole
Erin
Fink (or Sheri)
Kerry
Lola
AiFactory Challenge Blog (LINK POSTS HERE)

EtsyInspired #61 - Jared in Kansas Fine Art Photography

2009-11-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

Hello EICers! Wow, the response we had last week!!! Hope we can get the same or more this week! We love our players!!!

So this week we have a Fine Art Photography shop we're showcasing - Jared in Kansas. I love taking my own photos but when I saw Jared's I wanted to buy them all! I drew my inspiration from all the images in his shop... and how I would love to have them hanging on my walls...

I created this pop-up card and used a digital stamp set from Whimsie Doodles, which is our AWESOME sponsor this week! See the little picture hanging on the "wall"? Yep, that's one of Jared's!?! See how cute it would look in your own living room?!!!

How do you play?! Click on over to Jared's shop and find a piece or pieces to be inspired by... and create! You have until next Friday, the 13th of November, midnight PST to play along. Post your projects on the EtsyInspired Challenge blog, and if you post on on-line galleries, please use EIC61 in your tags.

What do you win?! Whimsie Doodles is offering the winner 2 single stamps or a set of your choice!

Check out the DT for some more inspiration and go get EtsyInspired!

Ashley
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Kristen
Lee
Shannon
Tiffany

Shemaine (November Guest DT)

EtsyInspired Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

A Memorial Tree for Sweet Henry

2009-11-06T13:53:00.001-05:00

From Pink Cat Studio:

This week has been a very sad one as a fellow stamper, blogger, and friend Sarah Anderson's 3 year old son Henry passed away. Little Henry was unable to overcome a virus that made him ill last week.

Lorie Ames has organized a way to donate for a memorial for Henry. Henryloved his local zoo and visited it almost every day in the summer. As a memorial, trees will be planted there in his honor. Melissa at Pink Cat Studio has created a digital stamp to help raise funds for a tree for Henry. All proceeds from the sale of the digi stamp, minus Paypal costs, will go towards the tree. If you would like to donate towards the tree, please visit this webpage to purchase the digi stamp:
http://www.pinkcatstudio.com/Digital/DigiStamps/Animals/Zoo/GiraffeAndMonkey.htm

Another way to donate to the memorial is to print out this form and mail in your donation directly:
http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Parks/PDF/MemorialTreePamphlet.pdf

Please write on the form that the donation is for Sarah Anderson's son Henry. Once all of the money is collected, a tree and location will be selected. If you have questions about the form please contact our former Limelight DT member Lorie Ames. Lorie will be in contact with Sarah along this memorial journey to ensure that her wishes are followed. To contact Lorie, please visit her blog at
http://www.live-love-laugh-create.blogspot.com/

If you don't know Sarah and would like to learn more about her, please visit her blog: http://scrampinmama.blogspot.com/

Please open your hearts and help plant a tree for this sweet innocent child that has departed this world so unexpectantly. A purchase or donation costs just a little but means a lot.

Your Next Stamp Top Pick - Challenge 2

2009-11-05T22:25:00.000-05:00

My flip flop card got "Top Pick" for the Your Next Stamp Challenge #2 so I can proudly display the blinkie on the left!

Go check out the challenge 2 recognition/winner and then be sure to check out challenge #3 and play along!

AiFactory Challenge #10 - Altered Item Players Choice!

2009-11-03T00:02:00.021-05:00

Hello digi friends! This week Erin has issued the challenge of YOUR choice. But there is one catch... you have to alter something! If you don't have any ideas, check out Splitcoast Stampers Resources area to find some great ideas and tutorials as well!

This week I altered an SU tin (it originally came with felt flowers in it) and I borrowed an idea from my friend Tiffany (check out her blog... she's one of my fav designers!) and created a tic tac toe board. The box opens to hold extra playing pieces. I used the "Sweet Bugs in the Garden" clip art set and made my own DP that I used for the background. Then I used my square punch and ribbon to make the playing area. The cute little snails and lady bugs are mounted on magnets as playing pieces and the felt flowers just add some flair. They can be moved and stored inside the box when being played, but look cute on the board when displayed.

What do you have to do to play along?! Alter something, using any image (AiFactory images if possible... check out the freebies if you don't own any!) and link to our challenge blog by Monday night November 9th before midnight EST. If you upload to an online gallery, please tag your photos with AIF010 and aifactory.

What do you win?! Digi paper of your choice!

Go check out the rest of the DT for some pretty amazing insipriation!

Angie
Betty
Carole
Erin
Fink (or Sheri)
Kerry
Lola
AiFactory Challenge Blog (LINK POSTS HERE)

Check out the AiFactory Kit Club too! Great price, great images, great deal!

Limelight Papercrafts Sketch Challenge #33!

2009-11-01T18:51:00.004-05:00

So this is the week for another Limelight Sketch Challenge! The challenge this week was to follow the sketch below and the feature this week was to use butterflies!

I decided to add a twist and make a layout from the sketch and I used a butterfly in my photo and as an embellie! This cute little butterfly is a Cricut image from the Graphically Speaking cartridge. The paper is CTMH, as well as the bling on the butterfly. I also did some cuttlebuggin'!

And here is a close up of the butterfly and photo....

What do you do to play along?!
**Use the sketch above and try to incorporate your favorite BUTTERFLIES!!
**Key word for SCS upload is LLPC033.
**Post a comment with a link to your card from this post on the Limelight Papercraft Blog post by Sunday, November 1, at midnight (or before winner is drawn Monday a.m.).
**PRIZE ~ One lucky winner will receive TWO Stampendous stamps: Mod Dot Butterfly and Ruffled Butterfly!

EtsyInspired #60 - Vivikas Toy Art (& Embellish Magazine)

2009-10-31T00:01:00.014-04:00

Happy Halloween all you spooky crafty people! It's Saturday and time for another EtsyInspired! We're on challenge #60 and you are going to love the adorable felt plush items this week's shop sells! Vivikas Toy Art sells cute owls and other fun plushies that will capture your heart! Each item comes with its own story to tell! If you don't fall in love with the images alone, you're heart will surely melt after reading its story!

It's not hard to see where I got my inspiration for my card! LOL.

Deets: BG Rhinestone owl courtesy of Mandy of Limelight Papercrafts, CTMH buttons, Cuttlebug, sentiment - Odd Bird planet, brown silk ribbon from Limelight Papercrafts, really cute owl DP that I can't remember the name of!

So you know what you have to do! Go check out Vivikas Toy Art, find an item or items to be inspired by and get crafty! You have until 6 November at noon PST to play along! Make sure you post your creation from the challenge blog at EtsyInspired.blogspot.com! Use EIC60 in your tags when uploading to online galleries!

What do you win?! These cute, CUTE little owls!

AND, it's the last day of the month so that means another challenge sponsored by Unity Stamp Company! One lucky winner will win "Birdie Inspiration"! Now you KNOW you want to play along and be eligible for these great give aways!

So what are you waiting for, go get EtsyInspired!

Go check out the DT for MORE amazing inspiration!

Ashley
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Kristen
Lee
Shannon
Tiffany

Mandy (October Guest DT) Thanks for playing with us this month! We'll miss you!!

EtsyInspired Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

Just discovered Embellish Magazine is having an owly challenge so I'm entering my card! Great timing!

AiFactory Challenge 9 & Softpencil Illustrations!

2009-10-27T00:02:00.022-04:00

Welcome digi fans! This week the DT girls used the adorable Bee and Flower digi stamp from Softpencil Illustrations to provide you inspiration! This cute digi is available for purchase in the AiFactory store! A BIG thank you goes out to Elizabeth for letting us use this adorable digi! If you play along and win... you could have one of your own!

This week's challenge is a sketch challenge! We are using CPS #138 for our sketch.

Use your creativity, with the sketch as your guide! Remember, you do NOT have to use AiFactory images to play! If you do want to play with AiFactory digis, there are some freebies available at the AiFactory store.

I flipped the sketch to make my card! I used Basic Grey "Offbeat" DP, colored with my pencils, added some blingy rhinestones, and used Key Lime Shimmerz!!!

What do you have to do to win? Just play along with the challenge and post your link in Mr. Linky. Leave us a comment too! You have until next Monday night (2 November) at midnight EST to enter! The winner gets the adorable Bee and Flower digi from Softpencil Illustrations! Make sure you tag your projects with AIF09 if you upload to on-line galleries. You may also want to tag it with CPS139 and Softpencil as well.

Check out the DT for more inspiration!
Angie
Ashley
Carole
Erin
Fink (or Sheri)
Kerry
Lola
Mia

AiFactory Challenge Blog (LINK POSTS HERE)

EtsyInspired #59 - The Little Red Door!

2009-10-24T00:01:00.030-04:00

This week's shop is The Little Red Door! As you can see from the super cute banner above, this shops original pottery and crafts are just too darn adorable!

Go browse among hand-built ceramic miniatures as well as functional slab & wheel pottery. Her signature item is the little house featuring a little red door like in the banner above, with many varieties and styles there's something for everyone. Start your little house collection today! AND get some Holiday shopping done as well!

My inspiration was the cute little fish bowl above! When I saw it, I knew exactly which Your Next Stamp set I was going to use - Happy Birthday Mermaid! And this card is a tribute to Karen of YNS since her birthday is tomorrow! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN! And I made a shaped card to be able to participate in the YNS Challenge #2!

Deets: YNS Happy Birthday Mermaid, October PM DP, SU ribbon,

Spica's, Copics, rhinestones and Stickles (the last two from YNS!)

Go check out the shop, find something(s) to be inspired by and create! Post a link to your creation from the challenge blog before 30 October Noon PST. Please use EIC59 when posting to online galleries!

The winner will receive this ca-uuuute miniature house!!! I just love things in miniature!!!

As an added bonus, we have a super duper sponsor this week... Your Next Stamp who will be donating one of their uber cute stamp sets... Just Swimming By Mermaid! Karen has been such a sweetheart to work with and we are honored to have her sponsor this week's challenge! You must go check the shop out and buy a stamp or two (or three or four or...)! You may see some cute digi's featured on the DT blogs from YNS as well. They are limited editions and available from Your Next Stamp for a short while so get them while you still can! Also, it's Karen's birthday tomorrow so leave her some love in your comments :-) or visit her blog. AND YNS has a new challenge blog so check that out and play along as well! You could play two challenges in one!!!!

Since Ms. Karen was so generous and let us play with some digi's, I also made this treat "bag" from a half of an envelope! The images are YNS digi stamps sold here.

Thanks for stopping by! Visit the DT for some amazing inspiration!

Ashley
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Kristen
Lee
Shannon (Shannon's having computer problems and won't have a post).
Tiffany
Mandy (October Guest DT)

LINK YOUR CREATION HERE!!!

AiFactory Challenge #8 - Snowboardin'!

2009-10-20T00:01:00.005-04:00

This week's challenge is a color challenge! Check out the kewl combo Erin picked out for this challenge! This week, the DT is getting ready for winter by playing with Ivan and/or Alicia snowboarding! How much fun does that look like?! If you play along, you could win a digi stamp too!

I am not feeling well and I'm sorry I don't have a card, but please check out the other DT member's for inspiration! You know what you have to do to play along.. create something amazing using the color combo above (or something close to it) and post your link on the challenge blog!

Do you want TWO chances to win?! I know we have several regulars, and my challenge to you this week, is get a friend to play along! Those that bring a friend, will get a little extra something from me! It may not be a digi stamp, but it will be something stamp related. If your friend plays along, just leave a comment on the post who your friend is. They'll be eligible to win as well!

Angie
Ashley
Carole
Erin
Kerry
Lola
Mia
AiFactory Challenge Blog (LINK POSTS HERE)

EtsyInspired is in the HOUSE! EIC#58 IN DA HOUSE!

2009-10-17T00:01:00.002-04:00

Okay, sorry about the title, it's Friday, I'm tired, my brain is fried, and I'm loosin' it a little. But hey, it's another EtsyInspired Challenge Satruday post! WOO HOO! Wow, it's amazing the response we've had lately with the challenge! It's so nice to see all the new ladies that are playing and all our loyal followers as well! THANK YOU to all!

SO, this week's shop is SO great. I could spend like a million dollars there! Seriously. Fun, fun stuff! The shop this week is Linkel Designs. Linkel Designs is the home to handcrafted gemstone, vintage and nature inspired jewelry. All of their designs are handmade by Kelly and Linda (Kelly's mom). Please contact us with any questions or requests - thanks for stopping by!

My inspiration was this amazing pair of earrings. I decided to do something different this week for my challenge and made a bracelet inspired by the earrings. Did you know, for EtsyInspired, you can create ANYTHING, it does not have to be papercraft! We are an equal opportunity challenge! :-)

What do you have to do to play along?! Go to Linkel Designs. Find a piece or pieces to be inspired by and CREATE! Post a link to your creation from our challenge blog by 23 October, Noon PST to be entered to win the beautiful earrings below! If you upload to an online gallery, please use EIC58 in your keywords!

Go check out the rest of the DT for some motivating inspiration!

Ashley
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Kristen
Lee
Shannon
Tiffany

Mandy (October Guest DT)

EtsyInspired Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

Limelight Sketch Challenge 32: Ribbon!

2009-10-15T00:05:00.000-04:00

Happy Thursday ladies! Today is a VERY special Thursday! The Etsy DT is participating in Limelight Papercraft's Sketch 32 Challenge! How awesome is that?! And what an honor! Those Limelight chicks are super sweet and talented! EtsyInspired is lucky enough to have Mandy of LLPC as a guest DT this month so we thought it would be fun to combine forces this week!

The focus this week is on RIBBON! Limelight Papercrafts has tons of awesome ribbon! My fav is the 1.5" wide silk variety, which I have used in my card below! My card is 5.25 x 5.25 on a cream base. The DP is Earth Love from Cosmo Cricket which I purchased from Limelight. The ribbon is the 1.5" wide silk in black. Limelight also carries Unity stamps including the NEW store kit! My card uses a little bird and a sentiment from the Unity September Kit of the Month! I stamped the bird in Memento white ink and added some stickles for some bling!

The Details:
**Use the sketch above and dress it up with some RIBBON!!
**Key word for SCS upload is LLPC032
**Post a comment with a link to your card from Mandy's Limelight Papercrafts blog from the post for Challenge 32. You have until midnight Sunday the 18th to play (or before winner is drawn Monday a.m.).
**PRIZE ~ One lucky winner will receive the BRAND NEW Paislee Tinsel Town Ribbons !

Thanks for looking! Please check out the creations from both DTs for more inspiration and then go get CRAFTY!

Limelight Papercrafts DT
Jennifer
Lisa
Marin
Sarah
Amy
Lee
Mandy

EtsyInspired DT as Guest DT's for Limelight Papercrafts Challenge!
Ashley
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Kristen
Shannon
Tiffany

Limelight Papercrafts Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

Your Next Stamp's FIRST Challenge!

2009-10-13T13:30:00.001-04:00

Your Next Stamp is hosting their very first challenge on their challenge blog this week! They have even released limited edition digi stamps for us to buy to participate in the challenge with, in case you don't already own any of their cute stamps!

The challenge was to use pink and yellow.. and here is my card! It's a digi card featuring YNSs cute Hairy Spiddie digi-stamp! The challenge deadline is Tuesday, October 20th at midnight! Check out the challenge blog for all the deets and prizes!

AiFactory Challenge #7

2009-10-13T00:01:00.002-04:00

Happy Tuesday and welcome to another AiFactory challenge! This week's super cute digi-stamps are the Sweet Pea Fairies and Hand Drawn Wings. The team was challenged to use one or both of these sets along with the following Clean and Simple Stamping sketch - Fall to Layout #43.

My card uses Cosmo Cricket 6x6 Earth Love pad that I got at Limelight Papercrafts (yea Mandy!). I colored the fairy in with my copics, use a little bling on her wand and some stickles on her crown. The sentiment is from Unity.

You have until next Monday night the 19th at midnight to play along! Make sure you use AIF007 and FTL43 as well for keywords in your online gallery. You may also want to post to the CAS Fall to Layout sketch #43 post as well! Make sure you check out the AiFactory Challenge blog and post your entries from there!

Check out the DT's creations below and get to creatin'! Have a great crafty week!

Angie
Ashley
Carole
Erin
Kerry
Lola
Mia
AiFactory Challenge Blog (LINK POSTS HERE)

EtsyInspired #57 - Kharlie Bug

2009-10-10T00:01:00.021-04:00

This week's shop is Kharlie Bug! Adorable handbags in designer fabrics! Make-up cases to match! Trendy and fun bags! I am a bag-o-holic and I have my eye on a couple of these awesome totes! Go check it out.. be inspired, create, post! How easy is that ladies?!

My card was inspired by this adorable handbag (that I just may have to buy... if it's not in the store tomorrow,you'll know why!).

AND to make it even better, Mandy of Limelight Papercrafts, our awesomely talented guest DT this month, will be sponsoring this challenge! One lucky winner will receive Cosmo Cricket's 6x6 Nutmeg pack and 6x6 Nutmeg chipboard from Limelight! WOW! I wish I could win!!!!

You know what you have to do... jump over to Kharlie Bug, find something that inspires you and create! ALSO if you make a purchase from Kharlie Bug, you will get FIVE entries into the give away from Mandy! WOW! Kharlie Bug's bag are reasonably price too, so you win all the way around on this one!

If you post to an online gallery, please use EIC57 in your tags! You have until Friday 16 October, noon PST to post on the EtsyInspired Challenge blog!

Check out the inspiration from the other DT below!
Ashley
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Kristen
Lee
Shannon
Tiffany

Mandy (October Guest DT)

EtsyInspired Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

AiFactory Challenge #6

2009-10-06T00:02:00.000-04:00

It's Tuesday and time for another AiFactory challenge! This week Erin is issuing a challenge to make a masculine card with hardware and no ribbon. I did another digi card and I used AiFactory's Little Cowboy on my card. This cute little guy comes in a set of clip-art and digi stamps! The sketch is using SCS Sketch Challenge #246 (SC246).

Make sure you go the challenge blog and post your creations from there. You have til midnight on the 12th to play along. If you upload to online galleries, please use AIF006. Make sure you check out the rest of the DT for some more masculine card motivation and inspiration!

Angie
Ashley
Carole
Elizabeth
Erin
Kerry
Lola
Mia
AiFactory Challenge Blog (LINK POSTS HERE)

Also check out the new line of digi stamps - Alicia & Ivan! We're taking suggestions for fun things for these two adorable kids to do as well!

EtsyInspired Blog Hop Coffee Break!

2009-10-03T00:05:00.012-04:00

EtsyInspired blog hop is on a coffee break this week! But please check out the EtsyInspired challenge blog for the EtsyInspired shop for this week and a few samples from the DT.

You may see the DT over on the PaperCraft Planet having fun hopping from group to group for World Card Making Day! I won't be there as I have my first Cookie Lee Jewelry show tomorrow! Yea me! If anyone is interested, you can click the Cookie Lee lady in the right column to view my website!

Ladies, enjoy your days!

World Card Marking Day on PCP!

2009-09-30T20:46:00.000-04:00

Please join AiFactory for World Card Making Day over on Papercraft Planet this Saturday! PCP is sponsoring a "Group Hop"! The overall festivities starts at 10:00am EST. The AiVault/Factory group is "on" at 3:00 to 3:59pm EST. Join them for fun, chit chat, games, giveaways and more! There are Guest DT positions to give away as well, hop over to find out more!

AiFactory is also offering some incentives from their challenge blog too... you have up to 6 chances to win!!! Hop on over to the AiFactory Challenge Blog for details!

AiFactory Challenge #5

2009-09-29T00:01:00.002-04:00

It's Tuesday and that means another AiFactory Challenge! Woo hoo! This week the DT has created samples for you using this adorable set, Alicia and Ivan!

The challenge to you is to create a card or project with at least 3 layers… your base can count as one layer. Next jump out of your comfort zone and use either one technique you've wanted to try, or an embellishment you just had to have but haven't used yet.

That's it! A winner will be chosen next Tuesday and will win this adorable girl and boy skating set! Post your project on the AiFactory Challenge blog and use AIF05 when uploading to on-line galleries.

I'm feeling a tad under the weather so this is a quick post and I leave you with my digi card… hope you like it! Can't wait to see yours! The card is on a white "base" but it's hard to tell here!

Don't forget to check out the sample from the rest of the DT! They I are amazing!
Annamarie
Ashley
Carole
Elizabeth
Erin
Kerry
Mia
AiFactory Challenge Blog (LINK POSTS HERE)

EtsyInspired #55 - The Salty Cat Co.

2009-09-26T00:01:00.005-04:00

It's another EtsyInspired Saturday!!! Thanks for stopping by! Our shop this week is The Salty Cat Co.! The Salty Cat sells modern metal jewelry using copper, brass, sterling silver, gemstones, briolettes, pearls, & more. Their creations are amazing and so affordable! Great treat for yourself or for a gift, it's not too early to be thinking about the holiday's so you may want to pick up a piece or two for you friends and family!

Be sure to play along! One talented, crafty winner will win this amazing brass cuff bracelet! Isn't it amazing?! I wish I could win! I am so jealous of you guys! What do you have to do to play and get a chance to win this beautiful item? Hop on over to The Salty Cat Co., find an item or items to be inspired by, and start creating!

Look at some of the amazing hand crafted items in the shop...

My inspiration piece is the brass cuff give away above... plus all the natural props in the photos and the blue in the photo above. And here it is:

My card uses kraft cardstock, DP from Limelight Papercrafts, buttons from CTMH (the glue hadn't dried yet!), Cuttlebug folder, SU image and sentiment. The sketch is from Fall To Layout #61, a CAS sketch. Perfect for tonight because I am so exhausted I am barely staying awake!

AND it's the last Saturday of the month so that means a challenge sponsored by Unity Stamp Co.! This week's set give away is Folk Inspired! How great is this set?! A BIG SHOUT OUT to Unity Stamp Co. for hosting this week!

After you've been EtsyInspired at The Salty Cat Co.... jump on over to the EtsyInspired blog and post your creation from the EIC post #55. If you post on an on-line gallery, please use EIC55. You have until next Friday, October 2nd at Noon PST to play along! Can't wait to see your creations!

Don't forget to check out the rest of the DT for even more inspiration!

Ashley
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Kristen
Lee
Shannon
Tiffany(Tiff is cameraless at the time being! Can you imagine the suffering?! Give her some love!)

Sarah (September Guest DT)

EtsyInspired Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

AiFactory Challenge #4 - More Halloween Fun!

2009-09-22T00:15:00.002-04:00

This week's challenge is using this Haunted Series "tags" set! Play along to win the set!

There's a twist to this scarey challenge... you should use the following color scheme (or something close to it!)

And here is my sample... it's a layout of my nephew (imagine that!) and his Halloween costume from last year. My sister's 'hood has a Halloween parade for the kids each year where they parade around the main street and people hand out candy. So cute! And one of the neighbors got their dog into the action last year! Isn't he cute?!

So, get out there and get creatin'! You have until next Monday night the 28th at 10:00PM to enter. Post your challenges over on the AiFactory Challenge blog! Use AIF004 if you are posting to on-line galleries. Visit the DT below for even MORE inspiration to get you motivated! Don't forget AiFactory's freebie section... there may be something there you can use! And of course the cute Softpencil, Bin and Bon Studio and AiVault images!

Ashley
Carole
Elizabeth
Erin
Kerry
Lola
Mia
AiFactory Challenge Blog (LINK POSTS HERE)

EtsyInspired #54 - I Heart Flowers

2009-09-19T00:01:00.005-04:00

Happy Saturday! Saturday is my fav day... not just because I'm not at work but because it's time for another EtsyInspired challenge! Thanks for stopping by! Our shop this week is I Heart Flowers by conniej! Connie sells unique vintage look jewelry, beautiful flower photographs and even hair clips!

Be sure to play along! One talented, crafty winner will win these GORGEOUS vintage look earrings! Aren't they beautiful?! You want them, don't you?! You know what you have to do to win... hop on over to I Heart Flowers, find an item or items to be inspired by, and start creating!

Here's some more inspiration to get your creativity flowing!

Here is my inspiration piece...

And here is my card...

Deets... CTMH DP, CTMH "Happiness" stamp set, very crooked pearls :-(, a vintage button with a pearl. Uses FTL#60 sketch.

After you've been EtsyInspired at I Heart Flowers... jump on over to the EtsyInspired blog an post your creation from the EIC post #54. If you post on an on-line gallery, please use EIC54. You have until next Friday, September 25th at Noon PST to play along! Can't wait to see what you create!

Don't forget to check out the rest of the DT for even more inspiration!
Ashley
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Kristen
Lee
Shannon
Tiffany

Sarah (September Guest DT)

EtsyInspired Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

AiFactory Challenge #3 - Trick or Treat!

2009-09-15T00:00:00.001-04:00

Hello all! Welcome to another AiFactory challenge! Thanks for stopping by! This week we are focussing on Halloween! The DT has some really amazing Halloween goodies for you this week so make sure you check out the team!

So, this week's challenge is to make something Halloween related! A card, a layout, anything but a card, etc. Anything goes, but it must be Halloween related! Don't forget there are freebies available on the AiFactory store you may be able to use for your project so be sure to check out the freebies!

Here is my sample... its a "gift bag" for the trick or treating puppies! I filled my treat bag with dog bones! LOL. I plan on making several of these for my neighbors who have dogs. How cute is this?! I used the Witch from SoftPencil and the Trick or Treat image from AiFactory! The "bag" base is half of a letter site envelope covered in DP. The image are digi images and are so versatile and SOOOO affordable! Check 'em out! And visit the DT for more inspiration! We have some REAL talent on this team!!! The DP is something from Target's dollar spot last year. Ribbon is SU. I used a papercrimper on the orange and black background. The witch image is from SoftPencil and the Trick or Treat is from AiFactory. The witch image is colored in with colored pencils. Isn't she the CUTEST?! I think so!

You can win this scarey stamp this week, so please play along! You have until next Tuesday, 22 September to play! Post to the AiFactory Challenge Blog to win. Also, if you upload to an online gallery, use AIF003. A winner will be chosen and a new challenge posted on the 22nd so make sure you play along to win!

Check out the DT for some more awesome inspiration!
Ashley
Carole
Elizabeth
Erin
Kerry
Mia
AiFactory Challenge Blog (LINK POSTS HERE)

EtsyInspired #53 - Pinky's Pet Gear!

2009-09-12T00:45:00.008-04:00

Welcome to another EtsyInspired challenge! Thanks for stopping by! This week's shop is all about our beloved pets! If you don't have one yourself, Christmas is just around the corner and the items in this shop would be a great gift giving idea! Pinky's Pet Gear sells awesome fabric collars and leashes for your dogs and cats! There is even some cat nip treats to buy! You can choose from a great variety of pre-made items, or have something custom made from a huge assortment of available, trendy, bright colored and fun fabrics! Designer fabrics to boot... Lilly Pulitzer, Vera Bradley, Kaffe Fassett, Amy Butler and Alexander Henry. Your pet will be tres chic!

Be sure to play along! One lucky winner will receive a collar and leash set of their choice! If you have a kitty, she'll do two collars instead of the leash. Wow, I wish I could win!!! My puppies would love some new bling!

Here's my inspiration piece... i chose the colors in this fun collar to create my card below.

This week's sponsor is the Digi Shack! Another lucky winner will receive a $15 gift certificate to spend in their store! Awesome, right?!

So I have used Lani Witch to create this 6x6 card. How witchy cool is she?! She's all decked out in her spica embellished hat and cape sporting a little purple bling as well!

You know what you have to do to win... hop on over to Pinky's Pet Gear, find an item or items to be inspired by and create! Link your post up to the new EtsyInspired challenge blog before next Friday, September 18th, noon PST. Make sure you use EIC53 when uploading to PCP or SCS.

Now hop on over to the other DT for some awesome inspiration!
Ashley
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Kristen
Lee
(Lee's post will be up later in the day)
Shannon
Tiffany

Sarah (September Guest DT)

EtsyInspired Blog (LINK YOUR PROJECTS HERE!)

Had to post a pic of my doggies too... this is Dixie (Terrier mix) and Buddy (Beagle).

EtsyInspired Birthday Bash... Another Winner!

2009-09-11T17:18:00.001-04:00

AiFactory sponsored a surprise, un-announced give away and I got to draw the winner! I used Random.Org and the winning number was 14. What was up for grabs?! A free week pass to AiFactory to download digi's! What a generous gift! Thanks Mia'! OH, you want to know who the winner was?! It was Chrisd who said "Great job De. Love those Gnomes!The ribbon accent is great too." Thanks Chris! Contact me with your details and I'll forward them to AiFactory for your shopping spree!

WOOT WOO! Check out the EtsyInspired blog to see all the other winners as well!

FREE STUFFS!!!!

2009-09-10T20:54:00.004-04:00

Who doesn't love FREE stuff... especially crafty stuff! Don't forget to participate in these two events and have a chance to win some REALLY cool, hip, trend setting, fun prizes!!!

In honor of EtsyInspired first birthday (52 challenges and going strong!), you could win a Scor-Pal and a bunch of accessories! PLUS someone will win a $15 gift certificate to spend with SoftPencil Illustrations (who has the most adorable digi stamps!).

Second, play the AiFactory challenge for a chance to win an adorable digi clip art set! PLUS this challenge is participating in Cards for Kate, a beautiful little 5-year old girl battling cancer. Who wouldn't want to put a smile on her face?!

SO, what are you waiting for?! Get to clickin' those links and you'll be one step closer to winning some AWESOME prizes, as well as giving back to a child in need!

AiFactory Challenge 2 - Sweet Bugs

2009-09-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

This week's AiFactory challenge is being hosted by Ashley and it's a very heart warming challenge! This week's set is "Sweet Bugs in the Garden" clip art set. Isn't it just TOOO cute?!

The challenge was for the DT to use this sweet set to create a card for Kate, a beautiful little 5-year girl battling cancer. You can read her story here. It touched my heart... and I know it will touch yours as well. Our challenge to you is to do the same - create a card for Kate. Jennifer McGuire of Ink and a few friends are having a card drive and are collecting cards for Kate, her little brother, her older sister and her parents. We'd love it if you would create an encouraging, cheerful card and participate in this drive with us. Check out the Ink blog for more details. You could win this cute garden bug set if you play along and win! Plus you're contributing to a great cause, to bring some cheer into a family faced with a very rough road ahead.

We encourage you to use AiFactory stamps and images, but it's not a requirement. Check out the freebie section and see if there is something you can grab there to use. Share your creations with us on the AiFactory blog! A winner will be drawn next Tuesday the 15th when our next challenge is released. Please use AIF002 if you post on AiFactory, PCP or SCS and link it up to the post for the challenge.

Here is my card... it uses the Sweet Bugs set and I used the sunshine from Unity's July KOM. The sentiment is from CTMH. I hope Kate likes this and that it brings a smile to her beautiful little face!

Make sure you check out the rest of the DTs creations for more inspiration:
Ashley
Carole
Mia
Elizabeth
Erin
AiFactory Challenge Blog (LINK POSTS HERE)

Still Time to Play AiFactory Challenge!

2009-09-07T08:36:00.003-04:00

One day left to play! Check out this post for details... AiFactory' First DT Challenge!

Happy Birthday EtsyInspired!!!!

2009-09-05T10:00:00.003-04:00

That's right, this is EtsyInspired #52... a year of challenges! How GREAT is that?! First I want to say a HUGE HUGE thank you to Ashley for coming up with the challenge. For someone completely addicted to Etsy, it's an amazing creative outlet and I love the challenge! And I also want to thank her for trusting me and allowing me to be on her DT with some of the most talented artists out there in blog land! GO TEAM ETSYINSPIRED!

So, by now, ya'll should know this is a big day of games, fun, laughter and give aways! You should have gotten to my blog from Jami Bova's (Stamp Happy with Sgt Stamper). If you didn't, please go back to Ashley's blog and start over. You'll want to follow the hop because one lucky winner will be chosen from all commenter's on one of the DTs or "guest stars" blogs! Whose blog it will be chosen from, is a mystery... so check them all out! And make sure you play along with the challenge to be as well... link your post up to the NEW EtsyInspired challenge blog by NOON September 11th PST. A winner will be chosen that afternoon.

Now, what you all have been waiting for... WHAT DO YOU WIN?! Mystery Blog Hop Commenter - The wonderful and sweet Diana Crik of Scor-Pal has generously donated a SCOR-PAL, SCOR-MAT, extra SCOR-TOOL and a SCOR-BUG. Can you say OH MY GOD?! I can! How awesome of a prize is that?! Even if you already have one, what a great gift to give to someone special?!

Challenge Winner - A very generous $15 gift certificate from SoftPencil Illustrations!!!! SoftPencil Illustrations designs some of the cutest digi stamps ever! You can see them on Etsy and on AiFactory...

After you complete the blog hop and start working on your challenge entries, you'll want to pop on over to the EtsyInspired Paper Craft Planet Group and join in on chit chat, games, give aways, fun and friendship! The PCP event starts at 11AM PST... we have MANY great prizes to give away and some awards too.

Without further ado... the challenge this week is "Player's Choice". Go to Etsy, pick a shop, any shop and create! Make sure you give the shop credit whichever one you choose and link your entry from the NEW EtsyInspired challenge blog. If you post on PCP or SCS, please use EIC52 as your keyword.

There are SOOOO many shops on Etsy I {heart} so I randomly chose one from my favs list. The shop is "nova rhyme". They carry super cute prints, totes and felt friends. My card is inspired by this super cute felt "bjorn the gnome". Isn't he CUTE?! So I created this card using Odd Bird Planet's "Kelly's Gnome in a Tea Cup" along with the sentiment "Mischief is Brewing". The DP was a RAK and it's called Autumn Leaves. I used Tiff's ribbon pleating tutorial with the SU ribbon. The buttons are CTMH and the gnome is popped with dimensionals! Thanks for looking... continue the blog hop...

NOW hop on over to wonderfully talented and creative Tanis Giesbrecht!!!!

Aloha RAK August - Received

2009-09-04T21:57:00.005-04:00

Check out this AWESOME RAK I received for the August Aloha RAK. Ilissa is from Hawaii and I tell you, if there is one thing I have learned about those Hawaii gals is that they are super sweet and super generous! I forgot to take a pic of the other things she sent... some macademia nuts, an Aloha postage stamp rubber stamp and and HUGE 12x12 pad of glitter paper. I mean, wow, plus the stuff below?! SO generous and so appreciated! Thanks Ilissa... check out her blog... Loving It Every Day. And if you are interested in playing with the Aloha RAK, check out Jen's blog. THANKS AGAIN ILISSA!

EIC Birthday Bash - This Saturday!

2009-09-02T17:37:00.000-04:00

Don't forget! This Saturday is our BIG One Year Birthday Bash! The blog hop will start on Ashley's blog at 7AM PST. Be sure to check out our new challenge blog as well. Fun, games and laughter start on the PCP Group at 11AM PST (adjust your schedule accordingly!)

First Ai Factory DT Challenge

2009-09-01T08:00:00.006-04:00

Here's my layout using Ai Factory's adorable set, Little Cowboy. There are two versions available in the Ai Factory Store, the digi stamp set and the clip art set. I used the clip art set to create this super cute layout of my nephew, Ryan. Check out the Ai Factory's challenge blog for all the details and play along! You have until Monday, September 7th to post your entry from the challenge blog!

Check out the other girls blogs for more inspiration too!

Ashley (Challenge Coordinator)
Carole
De(DT & Challenge Coordinator)
Mia (Owner Ai Vault/Ai Factory)

Blog Candy!

2009-08-31T12:23:00.002-04:00

You still have the opportunity to win this awesome blog candy from Ai Factory! It ends today, so get on over and check it out here: http://www.visualbitts.com/?p=101

Check out the new Ai Factory Challenge Blog tomorrow for our first challenge sponsored by the DT! AND if you want to be on the DT, check out this post... http://www.visualbitts.com/?p=30

Etsy Inspired #51 - Red Crow Arts & A Unity Give Away

2009-08-29T05:19:00.005-04:00

Happy Saturday all! Are you ready for EtsyInspired #51?! We are 1 challenge away from #52 and our one year anniversary!! WOO HOO! Mark your calendars for next Saturday 9/5 for our big birthday bash! Read the side column for more info and see you next weekend!

SO this week's shop is one of my very favorite Etsy shops, Red Crow Arts. I have a TON of items from Red Crow Arts and Judy is just the sweetest ever. She is super talented, super friendly and just plain old super! And she makes me spend money I don't have! HE HE. I'm addicted to her shop! I just ordered the beautiful bowl pictured on the left. Isn't it AMAZING! I can't wait to get it!

What do you have to do to play? Hop on over to Red Crow Arts, find a piece or pieces to be inspired by and create! Post your link on Ashley's blog by noon PST, 4 September. If you post on SCS or PCP, please use the keyword EIC51.

Here's my project which was inspired by this piece... ---->

This is a magnet, the kind you get on your phone books. I got the idea from fellow DT member Joy (thanks Joy!) and created this cute magnet... it is on my fridge now!

What do you win? From Red Crow Arts you win this BEAUTIFUL Tree of Life pendant!

AND since it's the last Saturday of the month, someone will win the Time for Travel set from Unity Stamps!

Other awesome items from Red Crow Arts:

P.S. Don't forget the birthday bash on September 5th... please grab the blinkie on the right to post on your own blog with a link back to Ashley'sblog! We have several sponsors besides the FABULOUS Scor-Pal and some special guest appearances during the PCP chat! You won't want to miss a minute of it!

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! Go get EtsyInspired!

Check out the other DT!
Ashley (Link your projects here!)
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Kristen
Lee
Shannon
Tiffany
Tonya (Tonya is "off" for a family emergency. Leave her some love!)

Sherry (August Guest DT)

EtsyInspired Birthday Bash and BLOG CANDY!

2009-08-24T12:42:00.001-04:00

Ashley, creator of EtsyInspired is offering up some BLOG CANDY related to our one year Birthday Bash! Check out her post! Easy peasy to enter and you could win a whole flat rate box of goodies for playing! The box will be filled with good stuff like Stampin Up, Unity, tools, embellishments and more!

Sponsors are still being added too... check a few of them out!

Scor-Pal
Soft Pencil Illustrations

Ai Factory Blog Candy Give Away!

2009-08-24T05:41:00.002-04:00

Mia at Ai Factory is hosting her very first blog candy give away to celebrate her new releases! And let me tell you, they are SO cute! I can't wait to get the Sweet Pea Fairy set and get to creatin' with those super cute images! I hope to have something to post a little later this week. In the mean time, check out the Ai Factory blog, Visual Bitts and read the deets and play along! You can also check out all the new sets at the Ai Factory store!

You can win this adorable digi stamp set if you win! Isn't it adorable?!

AiFactory Paper Craft Planet Challenge!

2009-08-23T08:42:00.003-04:00

AiFactory is currently sponsoring a challenge on Paper Craft Planet. The challenge is to makea project, anything at all, using AiFactory products. And like I’ve said before, there’s a Freebie section that you can use. The winner of the challenge gets a gift certificate to the store! Post your project in the Paper Craft Planet photo gallery, and use the tag “aivault”.
You can read about the challenge on Paper Craft Planet HERE. Hope you’ll join us and enjoy the fun! Check out the AiVault Challenge gallery so far!

I created these super cute, super easy bookmarks with the Super Hero set! You can check out Ai Factory's tutorial here! You still have time to play (August 31st), so what are you waiting for!

EtsyInspired #50 - Mrs. Kwitty's Cottage

2009-08-22T10:59:00.008-04:00

Happy Saturday and Happy EtsyInspired #50!

This week's shop is Mrs. Kwitty's Cottage! Karen's aka Mrs. Kwitty's, little cottage shop on Etsy is adorned with shabby cottage styles and fun and functional items! Bookmarks, notebooks, decorative paper clips, cell phone pouches, and more!

I just love these little paper clip sets and since imitation is the sincerest of flattery, I cased the idea and came up with the below.

Deets: Cosmo Cricket Honey Pie "Megan" DP, Unity July KOM, vintage buttons, staples, pearls, binder and paper clips

What do you have to do to play? Hop on over to Mrs. Kwitty's Cottage, find a piece or pieces to be inspired by and create! Post your link on Ashley's blog by noon PST, 28 August.

What do you win? This week we have TWO exciting give aways for TWO different winners!!!! From Mrs. Kwitty's Cottage, you could win this beautiful notebook and paper clip set!!!!!

Our second winner could win a great pirze from our sponsor this week - Ildi C o. They have a some really adorable digital stamps. They are offering up 3 digital stamps of the winner's choice and a 10% off coupon for their next purchase!

So, what are you waiting for?! Go check out the rest of the DT for some more amazing inspiration and than go get EtsyInspired!

Ashley (Link your projects here!)
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Kristen
Lee
Shannon
Tiffany
Tonya

Sherry (August Guest DT)

P.S. Don't forget the birthday bash on September 5th... please grab the blinkie on the left to post on your own blog with a link back to Ashley'sblog!

EtsyInspired!

2009-08-22T00:54:00.003-04:00

I have had the week from ____ so I'm gonna be a little late on my post. I am behind on everything... homework, housework and crafting! I hope to have my EIC posted ASAP in the AM but probably later than usual! If you get here before me, I apologize but check back soon and thanks for stopping by!

Mark your calendars for September 5th and the Birthday Bash! Check out the details to the right...

Exciting News!

2009-08-17T20:38:00.002-04:00

So my friend Ashley from EtsyInspired Challenge referred me to Ai Factory to try out for the DT and I got in! Ai Factory offers digital stamps, clip art, digital paper, photoshop brushes
and much more!

You can check out AiFactory on Etsy too. And there is an AiFactory Ning group where Mia' offers tons of freebies and tutorials. Mia' also has a blog where she offers tutorials if you want to check that out as well.

Currently there are two challenges going on, one hosted by the lovely Ashley. Check it out here. Basically, you create something with a baby theme... a card, a layout or any other project. You do not have to use Ai Factory items, but there is a big section of freebies you can download if you want. The winner will receive this super cute digi set - Little Emma's Insy Winsy Nursery set. You have til August 27th to upload your project on the AiFactory Ning group. Use the keyword "babychal" when you do. This is Ashley's first challenge with Ai F so lets all show her some support in this endeavor!

Mia challenged the Paper Craft Planet and Susanna Boyd as well. Check out those details here. And check out Susanna's blog too for even more inspiration!

This 12x12 layout of my nephew uses digital stamps/clip art and elements from Ai Factory. The airplane and car are from the Locomotive set. It is just tooo darn cute! I also used an embellishment from the FREE set, Prudence Elements. Another FREE set
Lite Ornate Brushes was used to create the journaling block.

SO, what are you waiting for?! Go download some freebies, check out the store, the blog and the community! Then participate in Ashley's challenge! You're not restricted to totally digital so get creative and submit your entry!

Blog Candy - Unity!

2009-08-16T20:39:00.001-04:00

Go check out Bekah's blog for some Unity blog candy... you have til 31 August to play along!

EtsyInspired #49 - Melissa Kate

2009-08-15T00:01:00.007-04:00

Greetings and Salutations my crafty friends! It's Saturday AM and that means another EtsyInspired Challenge... #49 to be exact!

This week's shop is Melissa Kate! Melissa says "I love making colorful, useful stuff. I hand print all the cards in my shop from blocks hand carved by me. My
cards are printed on eco-friendly paper and come with 100% recycled
envelopes!". Her items are unique, fun and one of a kind! Cards, paintings, photos, vintage items and more! AND eco-friendly?! Wow, gotta love that! Make sure you check out her blog too... she advertises special deals for her shop there. For example, if you shop through today, you get one of her prints for FREE, so check out her blog for details.

So, my inspiration came from lots of places this week... first, I was inspired by these cards (pic on left) at Melissa's shop... and for some reason it made me remember this card I {heart} from Tracy Schultz (who I {heart} as well) and than I was inspired by all of Tiff's (who I double {heart}) awesome acetate cards so with all those inspirations, I created this card...

Deets: 5x5 Card... BG Lemonade DP, Shimmerz Key Lime (on the green lantern), Color Box Chalk Ink (Lime & Wisteria) and Color Box Pigment Ink (Orange) {from Limelight Papercrafts}.
Hero Arts Sparkle Clear Arigato Stamp set and rhinestones, 1.5" Silk Celery ribbon {from iheartpapers}, CTMH dimensionals, Martha Stewart eyelet punch, PTI white CS, acetate.

What do you have to do to play? Hop on over to Melissa Kate, find a piece or pieces to be inspired by and create! Post your link on Ashley's blog by noon PST, 21 August. Use EIC49 if posting to PCP or SCS!

What do you win? This week we have TWO exciting give aways for TWO different winners!!!! From Melissa Kate, you could win your choice of any printed (non-photo) card!!!!

Our second winner could win a custom blog banner from Ai Factory (the shop that Ashley is now DT for!)!!!

So, what are you waiting for?! Go check out the rest of the DT for some more amazing inspiration and than go get EtsyInspired!

Ashley (Link your projects here!)
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Kristen
Lee
Shannon
Tiffany
Tonya

Sherry (August Guest DT)

P.S. Don't forget... please grab the blinkie on the right to post on your own blog with a link back to Ashley'sblog!

RAKs Received!

2009-08-14T21:03:00.002-04:00

Sharing a couple RAKs I received!

The first one is from the EtsyInspired creator extraordinaire, Ashley! I had sent her some baby scrapbookin' goodies and she sent me a sweet, thoughtful "Thank You" for that and more! The card was designed by one of our other EIC DT member's extradonaire, Shannon! It's beautiful and the photo doesn't do it justice, but it's beauty is still very apparent!

These are the cards I received from my Aloha RAK giver, Wendy Ackermann's. Wendy doesn't have a blog unfortunately, but here are the cute cards she sent me! The twist was to send a card, and include a set of cards. The card with the giraffe is the card she sent and the others are the card set. There were a couple of each, but I only photographed one of each. They are SO cute! Can't wait to use them!

Join us for our First Birthday Bash!!...

2009-08-13T21:34:00.004-04:00

Join us for our First Birthday Bash sponsored by Scor-Pal!!! That's right, the EtsyInspired Challenge is one year old this month! And to celebrate, we have a big day planned of blog hoppin', challenges, chat, games, awards and special guest appearances! The date is September 5th and the Blog Hop starts at 7AM PST over on Ashley's Blog. At 11AM PST, we'll jump over to our Paper Craft Planet group to chat, play games, give out awards, and just have fun! SO, mark your calendars and join us on September 5th! It's promised to be a fun-filled, surprise filled time!

Ai Factory Baby Theme Challenge!

2009-08-13T19:21:00.003-04:00

I made this digital card in support of Ashley's first challenge she is hosting over on Ai Factory as one of their DTs. This is a long and short card, which I always admire. This is the first one I've made and I'm not quite sure the dimensions are proper, but it doesn't look bad! I used the "Little Bunny" digital stamp FREEBIE from Ai Factory. Isn't she cute?! I colored her in Photoshop which is the first time I've done that on a digital stamp. Check out Ashley's post for details... basically, you create a card or project with a baby theme and upload it to Ai's NING group and use the keywords "babychal". Go check it out and play along! Don't forget the FREEBIE section you can use, but Ai Factory images are not mandatory!

EtsyInspired Challenge #48

2009-08-08T05:08:00.018-04:00

Hola chica's! This week's shop is Vol25 by Jessica Rose! Jessica is somewhat famous in the papercraft world... she designs stamps for Unity (too many to link to!) and Stamping Bella! Her Etsy shop boasts her fun, colorful and whimsical art in the form of prints, original art, postcards, buttons and embroidery patterns! You have to go browse her blog and check out all the other links she has listed... Zazzle(where you can buy her art on shirts, shoes and totes), Artfire, Freebiesand more! AND she is such a sweetheart she offers her customers FREE embroidery patterns on her FLICKR group! I can't wait to try one out! You can see a gallery of completed projects here.

On to my project... guess what it is?! Another layout of my nephew! LOL. I am actually putting a dent in my scrapbooking! Yea! This is a digital layout that was inspired by Jessica's Zoo Love prints. Aren't they the cutest?! This was one of the pictures from Ryan's second birthday party in May. My mom is holding him and, as you can see, he is blowing out the candles!

Here's some other inspirational items from Jessica's shop I {heart}:

What do you have to do to play along?! Go to Vol25 by Jessica Rose. Pick out an item or items to be inspired by, design a project around it, then go to Ashley's blog and post a link to your project from her EIC48 post. If you post your project on PCP or SCS, please use EIC48 in your key/tag words. You have til Friday, 14 August, Noon PST to post to be eligible to win.

What do you win?! A free 8x10 print of your choice from her shop! Wow, I wish I could win!!!! SO, what are you waiting for ladies! Jump over to Vol25 by Jessica Rose and get to CREATIN'!!!

BOGO IS BEING EXTENDED AN EXTRA WEEK! Go find a friend to play with you to win a $25 Gift Certificate to Paper Makeup Stamps!!!!

Check out the inspiration the rest of the DT has for you too (left column and below)! We said goodbye to Vickilyn and Jacquie and WELCOME Sherry Campbell as our August Guest Designer! Give 'em all some love!

Ashley (Link your projects here!)
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Kristen
Lee
Shannon
Tiffany
Tonya

Sherry (August Guest DT)

BOGO with the EtsyInspired DT and win $25 in FREE Products from Paper Makeup Stamps!!!

2009-08-04T22:12:00.004-04:00

Come play along and you could win $25 in FREE product from the awesome Paper Makeup Stamps! In addition to their awesome stamps and sentiments, they also carry Nestabilities and COPICS!!!! Who couldn't use these things?!?!? BUT you have to play to win... find a friend and have them play the challenge with you! Doesn't have to be your neighbor, or your husband (he he), it can be a blog friend, a new friend you meet today, whatever!

You still have time to play and win, so find that BOGO buddy and get busy creatin'!

Stamp & Scrap Hawaii Challenge #2

2009-08-02T21:52:00.004-04:00

It's time for another Stamp and Scrap Hawaii Challenge! This week's challenge was to be isnpired by a magazine cover. Since I'm trying to really get caught up on my scrapbooking, I decided to interpret the piece into a layout. And guess who the layout is of?! My nephew Ryan! LOL. He just turned two and I'm about a year and half behind in scrapbooking so everything seems to be focussed on him! It's amazing how much life changes when a child arrives, even if they are not yours! Here is my digital layout inspired by this piece of magazine cover....

Be sure to check out the Stamp and Scrap Hawaii Challenge and play along! Those Hawaii bloggers are amazingly fun and sweet!

An Award & Congrats from/to Tiffany!

2009-08-02T21:34:00.005-04:00

Received this great award from the lovely and talented Tiffany Johnson! Thanks Tiff!

Everybody give Tiffany a big congrats as she will be a sub DT for Limelight Papercrafts in August! Tiffany's work is always inspirational, creative and cutting edge! It's an honor to be on the EtsyInspired DT with her! Mandy of Limelight is the sweetest and the products she carries ROCK! Go check these ladies out!

EtsyInspired #47 and BOGO!

2009-08-01T05:00:00.006-04:00

Welcome to EtsyInspired #47 an our BOGO Event! Bring one (friend), Get one (entry!) Basically, bring a friend that is new to our challenge and you get an entry for a prize IN ADDITION TO the shop prize! The more friends you bring, the more chances you get to win! Check out all the details by clicking the BOGO logo on the left! Our sponsor this week is PAPER MAKEUP STAMPS! Katie is offering a generous $25 gift certificate to the random BOGO player that is chosen... PLUS you could win an amazing prize from this week's shop!!!!

This week's shop is Julie's Jewels! This shop specializes in unique, artisan jewelry, lanyards, bookmarks, phone charms and more! Julie's items are unique and beautiful! Perfect as a gift, or for yourself! Beautiful items to be inspired by! Julie also has another shop she is transitioning to, so be inspired by either shop! What can you win this week?! A generous $20 gift certificate to either of her shops!!!! Here's just a sampling of her stunning designs:

I was inspired by this set of earrings. I owed my sister one of these cute post-it note holders because I didn't get them all made on my last trip to NC, but since I'm going up next weekend, I wanted to make sure I had one to take with me.

This cute post it note holder uses BG Lime Rickey Paper, October Afternoon DP which has been distressed, CTMH ribbon, CTMH sentiment, Unity July KOM Sunshine & sentiment, CTMH buttons, binder clip from Staples and a cute little picture of my nephew. :-) I just love these little things! Fairly easy to make and such great gifts!

Today we say a fond goodbye to Jacquieand Vickilyn as July Guest DTs and welcome Sherry Campbell for the August Guest DT spot! Well miss you Jacquie and Vickilyn and welcome to Sherry!

SOOOOO what are you waiting for?! Check out the DT samples (links on the left and below), check out PAPER MAKEUP STAMPS and start making out your wish list! Read the BOGO rules (on the left) gather some friend and GO GET ETSYINSPIRED over at Julie's Jewels!

Ashley
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Kristen
Lee
Shannon
Sherry (August Guest DT)
Tiffany
Tonya

Don't forget to visit our Paper Craft Planet Group and introduce yourselves as well! Stay tuned for some more fun and exciting things from the EIC DT!

BOGO Event - Etsy Inspired, 1 August!!!

2009-07-30T18:31:00.003-04:00

Check out the BOGO Event sponsored by the EtsyInspired challenge this Saturday, the 1st of August! Click the logo in the left hand column for all the details!

You've got one more day to play this week's challenge too and your opportunity to win TWO AWESOME PRIZES!

Limelight Papercrafts Challenge #26

2009-07-26T20:03:00.002-04:00

This is my project for the Limelight Papercrafts Challenge #26! My take on the challenge was a bit skewed because I really wanted to apply it to my digital scrapbooking from my Spain trip and my already downloaded digi paper and embellies. I am so behind on my scrapbooking! Anyway, here's my layout from the bodega tour we took in Jerez Spain. One of the gentlemen we were working with at the Naval Station is part of the Gonzalez Byass family (by marriage) and we got to go on the tour and wine tasting for free! It was so nice of him to take off the afternoon and take us on this memorable tour. Hope you enjoy! I would love to go back to Spain any day!

EtsyInspired Challenge #46 - Artistic Flair & Unity Sponsorship

2009-07-25T00:05:00.004-04:00

Aloha everyone!!! This week is chock full of fun and surprises here at EtsyInspired Challenge! First, this week's awesomely eclectic shop is Artistic Flair!!! This amazing shop sells one-of-a kind amazing framed fused glass art pieces and fun, funky and unique jewelry! This is such a fun shop to be inspired by! Deb also has a blog you may want to check out or subscribe to!

What do you have to do to play along?! Go to Artistic Flair. Pick out an item or items to be inspired by, design a project around it, then go to Ashley's blog and post a link to your project from her EIC46 post. If you post your project on PCP or SCS, please use EIC46 in your key/tag words. You have til Friday, 31 July, Noon PST to post to be eligible to win.

What do you win?! One of these super cute guitar pins will be randomly chosen by the shop and sent to the winner! Aren't they adorable?! Perfect for your favorite musician, high schooler, old school rocker, or for yourself!

AND this is the last Saturday of the month and for the next six months, that means you can win a Unity kit in addition to the awesome prize donated by the shop! This month's kit is "Love in the Air". We want to say a sincere THANKS to Unity for sponsoring us this week! If you do not already belong to the their KIT OF THE MONTH program, you have to go check it out! It's a great deal for some beautiful deeply etched red rubber stamps, and there is no commitment! Join for one month or one hundred! It's all up to you!

Okay, I went WAY out of my comfort zone on this one... I've always admired Artist Trading Cards (ATC) but have never attempted to create one, but this necklace inspired me to do so! I was nervous actually participating in a swap on ATC, so this is easing me into maybe trying to do so later. I used digital print outs/clip art from the web, the text was done in Photoshop and is called "Embossing Tape, some velvet ribbon, cherries from a Unity grab bag purchase and a vintage heart shaped button.

Go visit the rest of the DT (below and in the left column) and see what
fabulous designs they have created for you to be further inspired by
this week!

Ashley
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Kristen
Lee
Shannon
Tiffany
Tonya

Jacquie (July Guest DT)
Vickilyn (July Guest DT)

Come back 1 August to play the BOGO challenge with a friend or friends! Click the BOGO logo in the left column for details or visit our Paper Craft Planet group!

Thank you for playing along! We love our players! Go be EtsyInspired!

Stamp 'n Scrap Hawaii Challenge #1

2009-07-21T13:08:00.003-04:00

My friend Jen just started a new blog called Stamp 'n Scrap Hawaii! I've met so many sweet and talented paper crafter's from Hawaii from blogging and Jen was the very first one! After you check out Stamp 'n Scrap, check out Jen's other blogs too (start at her personal blog, Pieces of Me!). She also hosts the Aloha Monthly RAK from that blog as well. She's a very talented, busy, crafty lady!!!!

So here's the sketch my card was modeled after. Fun sketch, huh?! Part of the challenge is to list Hawaii's area code which is 808. I didn't even have to look that up! I had a friend with a Hawaii cell number and we have customers we deal with at work in HI. I know you all are really impressed, right?! That's what I thought! :-)

SO this card is actually for my parents... they bought me an early Christmas present... a bike like Bikeabella is riding! Unfortunately my dogs are WAY to big to ride in the basket!! LOL. The stamped image I received from charms1976 as part of the SCS Wish RAK (WRAK). Thanks Amy!! So I'm sending this card to my parents as a thank you!

It's a 5x5 card and uses BG Lime Rickey DP and brad, SU felt flower, Spica's and Copics, machine stitching and Cuttlebug embossing.

Etsy Inspired Challenge #45

2009-07-18T04:00:00.003-04:00

Welcome all! It's another EtsyInspired Saturday! This week we welcome Ashley back, the EIC Queen Bee! Welcome back Ashley! We missed you!

Up this week is The Daily Pincushion!!! Guess what you will find at this shop?! That's right, super cute, hand made pin cushions! She also has some cute felt tags as well! First we want to thank The Daily Pincushion to be our inspirational shop of the week and sponsoring a gorgeous prize! This super cute dogwood pincushion! Even if you are not a seamstress, how cute would this be as just a decorative item?! I already have the one I want picked out... EtsyInspired should be re-named "Etsy Temptation"! I want to buy something from every shop that hosts us!!! It can get expensive ladies! :-)

Here is my card which was inspired by this bright and cheery pincushion (the one on my wishlist!). This card uses kraft paper, BG Lime Rickey DP, Unity Eco Chic sunflower, Prima Breathe DP, CTMH rub-ons, misc ribbon, Copics, Spicas, Soufle pens. The layout was inspired by the FTL50 sketch.

What do you have to do to play along?! Go to The Daily Pincushion. Pick out an item or items to be inspired by, design a project around it, then go to Ashley's blog and post a link to your project from her EIC45 post. If you post your project on PCP or SCS, please use EIC45 in your key/tag words. You have til Friday, 24 July, Noon PST to post to be eligible to win.

Go visit the rest of the DT (below and in the left column) and see what fabulous designs they have created for you to be further inspired by this week!
Ashley
Emily
Heather
Jackie
Joy
Kerry
Kristen
Lee
Shannon
Tiffany
Tonya

Jacquie (July Guest DT)
Vickilyn (July Guest DT)

Thank you for playing along! We love our players! Stay tuned for some pretty exciting things coming down the road! Go be EtsyInspired!

Blog Candy Received!

2009-07-17T22:08:00.001-04:00

I received these awesome and beautiful cards from Vicki over at Summerthyme Studio. I stumbled upon her blog and was amazed by her creations and left her a comment not even knowing there was candy involved! All these cards were made by her and they are AWESOME! I also received a couple of stamps too! I don't want to give my cards away though!!! Go check out her blog, you won't regret it! Thanks again Vicki!

Limelight Papercrafts Challenge #25

2009-07-13T13:35:00.000-04:00

YEA! I finally made a deadline for one of Limelight's challenges! I don't know what it is, but every time I intend on playing, I miss the dang deadline. I had one entry once before, but every other time I've missed. So this is pretty monumental for me! HA!

The sketch challenge was for a card, but I converted it into the CAS layout of my nephew (imagine that!). This is another image of him during his 2nd birthday weekend in May. We went to the the Raleigh Museum of Life and Science and this was him being excited by one of the farm animal displays. The product challenge for this sketch was buttons!

Deets: Stamp is Unity and DP is Pebbles Make A wish Dandelion paper, both bought from Limelight!

Gee, thanks, I needed that!

2009-07-13T12:53:00.005-04:00

Here is a lovely award from my friend Jenn over at Double N Designs! Thanks Jenn! Here's how it goes: First I have to list 7 fabulous bloggers that I want to nominate for the award and then 7 things that are unique about me.

My 7 fabulous bloggers (that haven't already been tagged... my favorite blogger list is probably more like 70 too!):

Emily at Emmie Lou Who
Ashley of Heart Hugs Designs (and Etsy Challenge Queen Extradonaire!)
Tonya of Olde Country Creations
Carole of Ramblings of fibrejunky
Kyoko of Cards and Tag Mania
Mandy of Limelight Papercrafts
Anne of Raindrop Echo Designs

Seven things that are unique about me (not sure how unique these are but...):

My ex-bf and I share custody of our two dogs.
My much younger sister married one of my guy bff's from high school.
I worked for the country music star Alan Jackson for a year.
I am pathetically process oriented and organized (most of the time)!
I design web pages "on the side".
I have a very addictive personality, just ask Etsy or Ebay or my bank. :-)
My real name is Rene Deanne. No one calls me that except my mother when I'm in trouble or the bill collectors. :-)