Hop Art Studio

You Make Me Smile

Oh I love pretty new paper! Isn't this just lovely? It's Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper.

I used the Petite Pennants builder Punch to create the banner. After adhering the pieces together I then punched some holes and threaded some ribbon through it. 

I then stamped the saying twice and cut out around the words, adhered it on top of the first stamped image and glued it to the banner. I used A Round Array clear stamp set.

Just got the new Holiday Catty preview in the mail. Oh I love! Can't wait to share it with everyone one it becomes available. 

Mosaic Madness

It was a busy week. Last week of school  and boy am I glad. I enjoy having my son home. 

I took a moment to play with some new things. Used Modern Mosaic Textured Impressions Embossing Folderfor the background of my card. Then I stamped the images from the set Mosaic Madness using  Pear Pizzazz and Strawberry Slush ink. 2 strips of the new Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape added to the bottom of the card for a additional splash of color.

Modern Mosaic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Mosaic Madness

Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape

I See a New Catty!

Are you ready?  Have you seen what's about to happen?

The Stampin' Up! 2013-2014 Annual Catalog begins tomorrow (5/31) at NOON Mountain Time.

(View the Catalog Online)

 However, don't forget that tomorrow is also the last day to order from the Spring Catalog (ends 5/31). 

To view current, retired and the New catty on May 31 go to my Stampin' Up! Site HERE

I used Spec-Tacular Clear-Mount Stamp Set 132673 (single stamp) for the above card.

Dress Up

Yes! The beautiful dress form is in the new catalog! Love it. So versatile. And I love the honeycomb embossing folder.

I sponged white craft ink around the edges of the dress.  And our new Baked Brown around the dress form. 

I added a pretty antique brad. Stamped the saying, from a set in the new catty, and die cut it out.

A Little Fly

Fun new products used on this card. All coming soon in the new Stampin' Up! catalog.  New - Postage Collection, Mosaic Madness, Gingham Garden paper and Washi Tape. 

I love that little bug! And the the typeface on the thank you is great. I'll be using that saying a bunch.

The little leaf is from the set from Sale-A-Bration, no longer available. But definitely a keeper.

You can find all the latest special, paper and stamps at my Stampin' Up! Store HERE

Perfect Day

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day.

 The guys went fishing so I had a very quiet day, which I spent cleaning. But I enjoyed it! 

I have been playing with SU!s My Digital Studio program a lot lately. Hence the lack of cards. But what fun I am having. I'm actually getting some scrapbook pages done now. Similar to Project Life. But so much easier when done digitally.

The above card was created using some of the new colors that will be in the upcoming catalog. I love the new colors! And the catty is awesome.

Here's my card before I modified it. It just didn't seem finished to me. Not balanced. It's funny how just adding the extra layers really made all the elements work well together.

The stamp set I used is lovely. It's called From My Heart.

Pink Rose

I've been playing with Stampin' Up!'s MDS (digital program) these last few days. Boy does it come with a lot of digital papers, embellishments and stamps! I ordered a few more things to add to it. But that was just a want, definitely not a need. LOL. 

I printed out the rose from the brush set below and colored it in using copic markers. Oh what fun! 

All the rest of the supplies can be found at my SU! store

Fifth Avenue Floral Stamp Brush Set

From My Heart

 

Two By Two Coloring

I love to color. Be it markers, pencils or watercolors it's something that I find joy in. SU! MDS (Digital program for cardmaking and scrapbooking) offers a lot of wonderful images, some of thme retired from their regular stamp line, for you to use. And they are a great deal!

If you haven't used digital stamps before it's easy. Just open up you MDS program and place the images on an 8 1/2 x 11 page. Size them to your liking. Then print them out.

After I print them out I like to spray the paper lightly with Krylon Workable Fixative. This step helps to seal the ink and prevent it from smearing when you color.

I used Copic markers to color the digital stamp Two By Two

You can try Stampin' Ups! MDS for free here or you can down load it or order the disk here  MDS price was reduced to $19.99! So it's a great time to purchase it and try it out. Especially if you want to have access to more images that you see in the catalog.

Kindness

I love the Honeycomb folder I just received in my last shipment . And I just couldn't wait to use it. 

For the main image I used Summer Afternoon stamp set , now only $10! I used markers to color it in. Adding a bit of dimension on the puppy by cutting him out and stampin' dimensionals to make him pop. I also added a little "bling" to his collar.

For the saying I used Round Array and the small punch that fit perfecting around the stamped sayings.

Find all the special and clearance items at my shop HERE

 

Foxy

Love SU! single stamps. This one is so cute! I stamped him using red and then colored him in using my markers. Adding detail with a fine tip black marker.

I organized my stamps and accesorries into keep and sell.

As soon as I can I will be posting them for sale. I'm not much of a hoarder (well....only a few things here and there, but not stamps.)

Keep up with all of the new specials by visiting my store HERE

 

Antique Thanks

 

Sale-A-Bration promotion is ending soon - March 22! With every $50 order you get free stuff. 

I used 2 stamp set images on my card. They work so well together. I love the old time feel of these images. 

Sale-A-Bration sets Vintage Verses and Feeling Sentimental. Sale-A-Bration Flyer

Background paper is from the Spring Catty, Tea for Two

Love the Antique Brads. So pretty.

 

Cup of Thanks

What a busy week, once again. My son celebrated his 21st birthday and it was nice having him home over the weekend. What a joy it is to have him still in the states.

I made this card using SU! Tea Shoppe stamp set. It has 10 wonderful images, which include sayings. Lovely set.

I used Marina Mist, Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie SU! ink for the tea cups.

I applied Lace Tape over a strip of blue paper. Background paper is  Polka Dot Parade DSP. I added a accent button. (From Sale-A-Bration kit.)

Stampin' Up! has a lot of wonderful new things coming out. Keep a look out on the front page of my SU! Site so you won't miss out on all of the announcements and specials.

 

Enjoying

Such a true saying. I need to enjoy every moment. It often seems like life gets too busy and one doesn't take the time to slow down and appreciate the little things. I'm looking forward to the air warming up and the flowers blooming in the spring.

I'm enjoying watching my boys turning into wonderful young men.

Taking the time, to just live. It's a good thing!

The stamp is a SU! set called From My Heart. Aren't these images gorgeous? I love them!

I stamped the saying using Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive SU! ink. Carefully cutting out the green word "Enjoying" and adhering it with Stampin Dimensionals to make it pop. 

The papers are from the spring catty Tea for Two

I hope spring is soon in the air in your area. Enjoy!

Miracles

I had time to stamp! I'm so excited. I have all of these wonderful new Stampin' Up! set just waiting to be used. And with the overcast sky and the chill in the air it was a perfect day to sneak into my tiny spot of a space and create.

Awwwww...it's the little things in life.

I love to color. And color and color. So when I have  stamp sets that can't be colored I find them very challenging. But I like a challenge.

I pulled out the cute, small images from one of the new Sale-A-Bration promotion sets called Blooming Marvelous (129654). I stamped the butterfly several times using Pretty in Pink ink and then added  Certainly Celery around the edges of the butterfly. And stamped over the pink images.

I used the new Framelits Oval Dies from the spring catty, embossing the larger oval using Perfect Polka Dot Folder.

Background paper is Tea For Two DSP

 

Whole Latte Love

MIA! That's me. Why is it that my life seems always busy. Doing stuff. Mind you I'm not going on any exotic trips. Heck I'm not even going to Disney World. (Which, by the way, is only a couple of hours from me and we've only been there a few times!)

I'm having craft/art room envy. I've been surfing Pinterest boards and drooling at all the wonderful places people have in their homes to create. Some even have places outside, cute little houses/sheds.

Oh one day!

I'm seriously eyeballing my son's vacant room. I don't really need a guest room, right? It'll be used, what once or twice a year.

And ohhhhhhhhhh what a glorious space for a studio! (I just ordered a dress form that was on sale on JoAnn's website for $99! Where will I be putting it until my dream studio becomes a reality? Guess it'll haunt my son empty room!

I made this card several weeks ago. Using one of the cute sets available during Sale-A-Bration! If you haven't had a chance to see all of the lovely new products in the Sale-A-Bration brochure ,head on over to my site and check it out.

I hope to have more time next week to stamp. I've been creative, just not stamping much lately.

My Heart Heals

I love the Dress Up Framelits Dies! So many different ways to use it. I die-cut 2 different dies for the dress and then the dress form in black. Love how you get the peek-a-boo pattern from the dress showing above the shirt. The shirt is just the dress die, cut in half.

I stamped the band-aid and wrapped it around the waist for a belt. It's a stamp offered from Sale-A-Brations brochure called Patterned Occasions

Paper is from SU! Print Poetry Designer Series Paper Pack

Saying is from SU! Petite Pairs

It's been a very busy week. But I found time a bit of time to just relax. I'm still knitting or crocheting at night. Anyone need a scarf? LOL

And I'm enjoying playing my ukulele. It's really a wonderful instrument. Glad I'm teaching myself to play it. A fun challenge!

Stick Me!

After die cutting the dress form (SU! Dress Up Framelits Die) using black card stock I had some negative black pieces left over.

I knew I just couldn't throw them away!

So I had an ahhhhh Ha! moment.

Why not use fabric to create a pin cushion form on my card front?  I used Tea for Two Fabric from the new Spring Catalog. I glued it to the backside of the card stock using tacky glue. Then, and very carefully I might add, I started to glue it to the Certainly Celery paper piece.  I started at the top of the dress form and stuffed small amounts of polyester fiberfill under the fabric. I glued the back edges of the black card stock and adhered and stuffed, until I reached the bottom of the dress form. Then glued the rest of the card stock to the Certainly Celery paper.

Yep, I got glue on my fingers! And it took patience to not get the polyfil stuck where it shouldn't be. But I love the results.

I die cut some buttons using my Big Shot and SU! Buttons #5 Sizzlits Dies. One of the buttons I adhered to a straight pin and inserted it into the dress form. Of course I had to add cute little pearls to my buttons.

Background paper is from the Spring catty called Tea For Two Designer Series Paper.

I used a running stitch on the Crochet Trim and pulled the end to create a ruffle and then secured the end of the thread so it would stay put. I then adhered the crochet trim to the card front.

I stamped the saying from Little Friends and die cut out the banner using  Bitty Banners Framelits Dies.

Don't forget Sale-A-Brations has begun. You don't want to miss out on getting FREE products when you place an order. 

Sale-A-Bration Brochure! See all of your FREE product choice. Sale ends March 22. So you lots of time to make a list and go shopping.

Pull Up a Chair...

Love this stamp set. Well I'm in LOVE with so many of SU! stamp sets that it's often hard for me to chose.

And I'm not just saying that. That's one reason I went back to them.

There are a few rubber stamp companies out there that I absolutely love their illustrators. They always use people who do top notch work for them. And being an artist I love using other peoples work that I admire. SU! is one of the companies that I always felt drawn to.

This set is called Cherish Friendship

You wanna hear something funny? Sure you do! I ordered this set in french, accidentally. Amazing what numbers can look like when you don't wear your reading glasses, right? Hahaha. And I didn't even notice it until after I had already inked up the stamps. Silly me!

So I'm gonna order it again 'cause I really like that saying. I'll have to give away the french set here on my blog. So look for it.

I used colored pencil, white first and then added more colors, to color in the stamped image. I love Crumb Cake cardstock. It's great for this technique. Try your colored pencil out on a scrap piece of paper before you begin coloring in your stamped image. The colored paper you use will change the way the color of the pencil appears on your image. 

I cut a strip of SU! new spring catty fabric, Tea For Two Designer Fabric. I then accordion folded it and pressed it with my nail. Attaching to the the card using Sticky Strip.

Other products used are Tea For Two Designer Series Paper, Natural Designer Buttons and Natural Trim Ribbon

 

Puppy No!

This is going to definitely be one of my favorite sets. If you have been following my blog for sometime you know I love to color. And these cute images are perfect for pencils or markers. I know I'll be using them over and over again.

I used colored pencils and Gamsol to color in the stamped images. Check your black in first on a scrap piece of paper by coloring in with pencil and gamsol. Some inks will smear. So try it out first. 

Little Friends by SU!

5/8 Inch Crochet Trim Victoria, 

Polka Dot Parade Designer Series , Tea For Two Designer Series Paper and paper white and Marina Mist   I feel the need to explain why I joined Stampin' Up! again, especially after being away from it for so many years. I know a lot of my friends, who are in the stamping world, were a bit shocked by my decision.

When I decided to quit stamping, illustrating rubber stamps and teaching card-making/ copic coloring classes 2011 it wasn't an easy decision for me. But it was a necessary one. 

I have found that some people seem to be able to do it all. I can't. Something would have to give. And I can't sacrifice one part of my life for another part. I enjoy being a stay-at-home mom and I enjoy all the things come with that responsibility. And in order to be really successful in this business you have to sacrifice something in your life to go for it. And I'm sorry, I just couldn't do that. I was spreading my life and time out too thin. Other women, well....I guess their worlds are way different than mine and they can do it all. I just can't go without the clean house, the evening dinners at the table with my family, my gardening, the cooking and the chores for this hobby. I just couldn't.

And then there was the cost! Oh my word. Really. Every time I'd go to a store there was a new product or line of products that came out. A new stamp company or stamp set. A new paper line. A new embellishment. A new tool. And to be published you have to "Keep up with the Jones". It's insane. And teaching. That's not easy either. And I loved it. But the prep, driving to the classes, setting up and cost of materials. Not cheap.(I didn't buy my supplies for classes at whole sale cost or a discount. So I tried to keep my cards simple.) 

And being on one or more design teams. I can't even begin to list how challenging that can be! God bless you who are able to juggle it all.

By joining SU! again I am forcing myself to limit my spending by only using one companies products. I get a discount as a demo and I also get free stuff! So when I quit stamping and made it a goal to get out of debt, which I did! I had to make sure that if I got back into this hobby again I would not be spending the amount of time or money that I did on it before. (Mind you, one could still go crazy and spend to much. But I know exactly what I really need and I'm not tempted by every brand of stamp or product out there by staying with just one company.)

So anyways....  I hope that you can understand why I quit stamping and why I'm back again, but with Stampin' Up! 

It's a good change and I'm feeling good about it. Living a stress free life is really much easier!

Friendship Please

Items used to create my card -

Delicate Doilies Sizzlits Die, Tea For Two Designer Series Paper,

From My Heart Clear-Mount Stamp Set , Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad, Marina Mist Classic Stampin' Pad, Always Artichoke Classic Stampin' Pad

 

I'm not a pushy person. So I truly hope that my blog doesn't come off that way. I've always enjoyed sharing my creations here and have been doing so for many years. Over the years I have been with several different companies. Whether as a designer or an illustrator. And I have enjoyed doing all of it. I took a long break from this business because I needed it. My personal life was fine but very busy. By trying to teach, illustrate and design  I found it was taking up way too much of my life. So I decided to step away from it. Not for good, but just long enough for me to figure out what "I" wanted to do.

When I quit stamping, it really surprised a lot of people. Including my family. And I sold just about everything I had. Except for the stamps sets that were of my own creations. For obvious reason, I wasn't going to part with them. And you know what? I don't regret it at all.

Some times we need to step back and re-evaluate what is truly important in our lives. And I did that. And it was a good thing.

When I decided to get back into stamping it wasn't something that I just woke up one day and jumped back into. I gave it a lot of thought. And I'm glad I picked Stampin' Up! as the company to help me get back to doing what I loved. I missed it. 

So when I post cards on here and links to products by Stampin' Up!, through my online store, it really is just a tool for you. Not because I'm being pushy.

In the past people would often email me, and I mean "often", asking me many questions about what materials I used or where I got them, etc. What markers I used. And so on.

But now that I'm with Stampin' Up! I'm able to have access to a quick and easy way to share the products that I use by either uploading an image or a link to my site. No pressure. I'm not asking anyone to buy anything. I just really like SU! and want to be able to list, in a fast and easy way, what I'm using or any new specials that SU! may be promoting.

I would feel badly if SU! is doing a promotion or has a new stamp set and I didn't take the time to pass that information onto you. Just like a friend would share a wonderful new restuarant she went to. You graciously listen to her excitement and you either chose to go or not to go. But  you allow her, because she's your friend, to share the good news. You know?

If this bothers you. I'm so very sorry.

I don't have one of those gorgeous blogs full of beautiful photos of my inspirational home. I don't go to any exotic places or even wander outside my neighborhood to keep you glued to my blog with all of my exciting new adventures. Or beautiful photos. I don't have an expensive camera. It's point and shoot for me. LOL. I don't even have a beautiful craft room for you to envy. (You would laugh at the spot in which I create.)

All I have is me. And SU! now. My home life is pretty uneventful. My family very normal. I do share things about them on Facebook, but even there, not much. 

So....I hope my new journey with SU! isn't one that makes you say...

"Oh God...another SU! demo trying to sell me stuff!"

That's not what I'm about.

I'm sharing. 

I'm creating.

I'm excited about SU! products and promotions.

I'm me.

 

So I'm going to take a few moments to share the new stamps....read on or not.

We all have a choice to either move to another blog, stick with Facebook or Twitter, spend time with friends scrapbooking, reading a good book or watching a tv program. I'm here just doing what I love and sharing what I make. That's all....

All New Arrival Stamps...including Single stamps HERE

Here are some peaks.....

Hello Foxy Clear Mounted Stamp  Price $7.95

Spec-Tacular Clear Mounted Stamp  $7.95

Oh! Baby Clear Mounted stamp $6.95

 

Let's Celebrate!

Stampin' Up! biggest promotion of the year is coming soon.

 It all begins on Jan. 22. 

Here's the scoop:  For EVERY $50 you spend on product (before shipping and tax) you'll earn a Sale-A-Bration product FREE.

I used one of the wonderful new stamps offered during Sale-A-Bration

"Feeling Sentimental"

Isn't that bike gorgeous!

I stamped it  using Night of Navy ink on Natural Composition Specialty Paper

This paper is so elegant. All the images on the paper (lines included) are clear embossed. So when you stamp over it the ink will not stick to the embossed areas. Creating such a cool effect!

The blue paper is one side of SU! line called Print Poetry.

I embossed the Real Red paper background using Chevron Embossing Folder

So mark you calendars for Tuesday January 22nd Sale-A-Bration!.

You can view all the catalogs here.

All Dressed Up

No stampining! Except for the saying. How totally fun!

I used Framelits Dress Up Dies for the dress form and 2 dresses. 

The papers I used SU! Black,White, So Saffron, Marina Mist and Certainly Celery.

You can view the Sping Catty HERE

You can order Spring Products HERE

The paper in the new Spring Catalog are gorgeous. I used the new paper pack Print Poetry for the dress.

Saying is from the set From My Heart

I love the new embossing folder.I used it for the background.

It's a preview of a new one that will be coming out Sale-A-Bration! Called Vine Street embossing folder.

And the ribbon and cute button are also part of Sale-A-bration. called Sycamore Street Ribbon & Button Pack.

 

Little Friends

Finally! Had some time to create. I'm really enjoying making cards again. Just for fun. Being with Stampin' Up! again was the right choice. I don't feel any pressure from them to sell. It's all about "doing it my way". I like that. My upline  is great.

And I love their stamps! I can chose to do this as a hobby or not. It's up to me. And all the goodies!

It's often hard to chose. Love the new spring catty and what is coming, Sale-A-Bration. Awesome!

I enjoyed coloring these cuties from the set Little Friends.

Saying is from the Stampin' Up! set Petite Pairs

I used my Copic markers to color them in. Love the little girl with the curls. My best freind, when I was little, had blond hair. These two make me smile.

I layered different papers to create, almost, a guilt pattern. Accordian folding a strip of  First Edition.

Other papers in the background are -

Polka Dot Parade

And new Spring line

Tea for Two

If you want any of these products you don't have to host a show. Email me if you want just a couple of things and I can place them on my next order. Or you can order yourself, online, through my Stampin' Up! store. 

Either way, all you have to do is sit at home and enjoy the products when they arrive at your home.

Shop Now

Spring Catalog Online

 

A Pretty Dress

What a wonderful Christmas we had this year. Our home was full of family. My son came home to spend the holidays with us. And he proposed to his girlfriend! She said yes. My mother-in-law, brother-in-law and nephew were also here. We shared a lot of wonderful moments and stayed very busy.

As you can only imagine I didn't have anytime to create. And this week my younger son had his wisdom teeth pulled, the second half. They were suppose to pull them all out at once. Unfortunately, he struggled while under and they couldn't. So poor thing, he had to go through it all over again.

I started this card just before Christmas and only was able to piece it all together today. I love all of the new products that are in the spring catalog. If you want one just email me. I'll make sure to get one in the mail to you. If you don't ever want to miss out on the catty's just register on my site. No purchase is necessary. That way I'll have your information and put you on my automatic mailing list through Stampin' Up!

I bought the SU! color coach . I love what a great tool it is. Easy to look through and find great color combos. Great tool to match my papers and inks. Match my DSPaper also!

I used these color combos as inpiration and a jumping off point for my card.

All Dressed Up Stamp Set

I love the Dress Up Framelit Dies! I can't wait to use them on the new fabrics in the spring catty. So fun.

I also used....Print Poetry Designer Series Paper Pack 48 sheets in ea. pad: 4 ea. of 12 double-sided designs. Ea. sheet: 4-1/2" x 6-1/2".

Natural Trim Ribbon  Earthy feel; burlap-inspired. Made of flax and cotton—just for you. 5 yds. Natural.

Occasions Paper-Piercing Pack 3 unique templates: ea. 6" x 6". Use with our Paper-Piercing Tool and Stamping

Ink pads - Marina Mist and Daffodil Delight

Basic Pearl Jewel Accents • Small, self-adhesive pearls
• 150 pearls per package; 50 each of 3 sizes (2 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm)
• Each package also includes three 2-5/8" strips of connected pearls perfect for borders

See all the new spring catalog products easily, online, anytime. My Stampin' Up!

 

Thanks Million

I got to use my new SU! Big Shot Machine. I loved it. Can't believe it took me years to finally invest in one. 

I just placed an order for more stuff. I ordered some more stamps and paper. Plus a few more things. It's fun starting over again. I get to be more picky about what I want and need.

I'm going to cut up the designer series paper into 6x6 sheets and offer them here on my blog. If you have ever wanted some of the gorgeous SU! paper that you see in the cattys but don't want to order the whole lot you can come here and buy just what you need.

I will be getting more paper in a couple of weeks.Then I'll try to post it on my blog, time permitting.

Some of it will be from the new Spring catty. (I can preveiw it but not sell it yet.)

I can't wait to use it! It's lovely.

The stamp I used on my card is a single stamp. Did you know you can order some single stamps from SU!?

Well this is one that I know I'll use over and over again

Word Play: Thanks A Million Clear-Mount Stamp 132305 The die I used is part of the set of 6 dies. They come in a wonderful sturdy snap envelope. I was impressed! No more worry about how to store these dies. I just put them back in the envelope, snap it shut and store it in a cute basket. Easy! Labels Collection Framelits Dies 125598 I used an embossing folder for the raised dots. Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die 117335  Ink is Always Artichoke The ribbon is something I had from last year.  Paper is  First Edition Specialty Designer Series  121878 (They paper looks more "old" looking than white. Like out of an old dictionary.)

Remember

I wanted to make a simple card using SU! Nature Walk stamp set. I love the images in this set. I just got my new SU! Big Shot. And I'm so excited! I haven't owned this of type machine before. Oh I thought about it, lots! But I just kept sticking with what I had, the very old Sizzix - push down handle - one. It finally broke last year. And since I took a long break from stamping, I just didn't see the need to invest in a new machine.

I used SU!  Large Scallop Edgelits die to create the green border. (The die cut smoothly through the paper. I was so impressed!)

The saying is Word Play: Remember When (single stamp)

Bird cage is from the SU! set Nature Walk

Paper SU! Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi and Whisper White

I used a hole punch, 2 different sizes, to create the bubbles over the bird cage.

Get this FREE  MDS digital stamp today on my Stampin' Up! website. 

Happy Owl Bookmark

Just spent a wonderful Thanksgiving with my sweet boys. My son came home for the holiday and we were so happy to see him. I'm glad he's still state side. I know that one day he'll be deployed and not able to be with us as much. So I'm cherishing the time that he is here.

I wanted to make something a bit different with this stamp set. I stamped the owl and the balloon using SU! Craft White Ink Pad. Then I colored around him with a brown colored pencil. Outlining afterwards. I added some orange for the beak. The saying was perfect! I used a scallop punch to create the edge of the bookmark. Punch a hole and it's done. Oh so easy.

Stamp set- Owl Occasions by Stampin' Up!

                 Petite Pairs by Stampin' Up! (saying)

Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad

 

Don't forget Stampin' Up! Online Extravangaza ends Wednesday the 28th!

The Stampin' Up! On-Line Extravaganza is our biggest on-line promotion of the year with

savings up to 50% on some of your favorite products

PLUS 24 hour "doorbuster" specials on Monday (11/19) and Wed. (11/28) that you won't want to miss.  

EXTRAVAGANZA SALE FLYER AND 24-HOUR DOORBUSTER SPECIALS

Click here to order Stampin' Up! products online

 

Party Owls

I'm loving this cute little owl. So many possible combinations. All the stamps used on this card are from the same set. So it's very versatile.

I'm having fun getting back into stamping. I'm slowly working my way back into it.

It's funny, how things in life are. You move on to something new, like knitting, to only come back to what you were doing before. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm still knitting and crocheting. And boy was it fun to learn all those new things. And I think it's important to do that. To always be in a state of learning something new.

This last month I dusted off my cross stitching and have been sitting around in the evening working on some kits I never finished.

I finished 2 that I had. And I'm working on a smaller piece that I plan to hang in my studio. (When ever I get one!)

For me, I think it's fun to have more than one interest. Life is too short. 

 Stampin' Up! Owl Occasions Stamp Set

 SU! Whisper White Paper

Stampin' Up! Ink Certainly Celery, Marina Mist, Pretty in Pink

Colored Penciled Bird and Stampin' Up Online Sale Today!

I think this Stampin' Up! set is just lovely. So I decided to try to create a card using colored pencils. A more realistic look. 

Nature Walk

I stamped the images in black ink and then started coloring. Colored pencils can be layered. Since they are translucent you can blend right on the paper. Using one of the paper from SU! Smooth Card Stock - Neutrals Collection for the background helps to give the coloring more depth. (As apposed to using white card stock.) Always try your colored pencil first on a piece of scrap paper as the color will appear different when it is applied to the paper the colored card stock.

Experiment and have fun. Remember, part of learning to color well is making a lot of mistakes at first. That's okay.

The Stampin' Up! On-Line Extravaganza, our biggest on-line promotion of the year, starts today and runs through Nov. 28.  Save up to 50% on many of your favorite Stampin' Up! products.   DON'T MISS today's 24 Hour Door buster sale items (including the Big Shot at 20% off). 

DON'T MISS:  The Simply Scored Diagonal Plate is a 24 Hour Doorbuster Special.   At 20% off, it's just $9.56.  Today only. 

Nature Thanks

There are so many beautiful sets in the  nature section of the Stampin' Up! catalog that it was hard to chose just one to start with. These are 3 of the stamps from that set. I love the bird cage.

Every time I go into an antique mall I just love looking at the old bird cages. I love the patina on them.

I tried to keep the card fairly simple. Just layers, More Mustard card stock under Very Vanilla. Then I paper pierced to give it a bit more dimension. I used Old Olive and More Mustard SU! Ink for the images.  The sayings is Petite Pairs. Such a versatile set. I'll be using it over and over again.

I added a small brad to the bird cage.

Nature Walk

Check back on Monday. Stampin' Up! Is having a huge online sale all week long. You won't want to miss this. I just looked at the list, and oh my! Some of the things are an amazing deal.

If you haven't created on online account with me yet please go here and enter your information. (You don't have to purchase anything, but by doing this I'll be able to send you the SAB and Spring catty.)

Snow Owl

I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving. And Christmas is just around the corner. Where did the year go?

But none the less I'm having fun making cards again. It really is a wonderful escape. 

I fell in love with this little owl set. It is so versatile.

I had to look for some ribbon in a container from last year. A small Christmas stash that I saved to create cards.

I think the ribbon is really old. But still pretty. I'll be ordering some SU! ribbon soon since I don't really have any ribbons left.

I sold or donated most of my stamping stuff last year and this year.

It actually was very liberating! And now I can be more picky about what I really need.

Stamp set is called Owl Occasions by Stampin' Up!  Isn't it adorable? I think so!

Ink is Stampin' Up! Real Red, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip

Paper is Stampin' Up! Whisper White and Real Red

Fabulous Shoes

If you have been following my blog for some time you know that I love to color. When I ordered this image I thought it would be lovely colored in with watercolors or even Copic markers. But then I thought, Asela step out of your comfort zone and don't color!

This was really fun to make. Yep, I used some really sharp scissors to cut out the flowers. And it actually didn't take much time. (Needed my reading glasses, that's for sure!)

I stamped the shoe using Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip ink pad. Boy what a wonderful change. Their new pads are not like the ones I use to use, way back when. OMGosh I love them!

I used Stampin' Up! Old Olive (one of my must have favorite colors) for the flowers and the saying.

We had a wonderful weekend. Enjoyed celebrating Veterans Day by talking to my sweet son who is in the Army. He really is loving what it. And babying my youngest son who had his wisdom teeth pulled out on Friday. (Unfortunately the doc was only able to pull out 2 of them because while he was under he was struggling too much. So he'll have to go through all of this one more time. Poor thing.

Stamp set by Fabulous You by Stampin' Up!

Card stock - Whisper White

Soft Suede

River Rock

Snow Gal

I used an image from the Stampin' Up! set Greeting Card Kids. She's colored in using Copic markers. I had to dig into a stash of christmas papers from last year. I can't wait to get an order of Stampin' Up! papers to start working with them. It's fun to get back into card making again. I did miss it. But surely needed the break. And I'm happy that I got rid of a lot of stuff I had. Gives me a chance to be more picky about what I really need. 

When I go online or to a store I get so overwhelmed. Don't you? And when I was submitting cards I had to try to keep up with everything that was new. It was maddening. And stressful. Life is stressful enough without our hobbies contributing to that stress. 

I bought a new cross stitch kit that says "Live Simply". I like that. I like that I'm gonna stick with just one company for my stamps and papers. (Not that I won't stray, I think it's fun to find something difference now and again.)

But I think it's going to make things easier for me this time.

Copic Markers - E000, RV32, E33, E23, E15, BG000, B02, B05, YG63, G99,G29, R27, R59, W3, Y15

You can purchase Greeting Card Kids rubber stamp set on

my Stampin' Up! Demonstartor Site

Saying - Petite Pairs (Merry Christmas)

Witchy

Along with the change in the weather there will also be a change for me.

I took a very long break from stamping. A journey. I needed it. There was a lot going on over the past year or so. And honestly, I just needed to step back, look at my priorities and take stock of what is really important to me.

In 2003 I discovered this wonderful new craft, stamping! My son's 2nd grade teacher was a Stampin' Up! demo. And after going to one of her workshops I was hooked. I loved being a part of Stampin' Up!

But when I started illustrated stamps for Cornish Heritage Farms I had to give up being a demo for Stampin' Up!. 

I went on to illustrate stamps for GinaK. I also met some other personal goals, being published.

Another thing that I did was teach. I found Copic markers and boy what fun!

Teaching how to color was a joy.

What a wonderful experience that was.

I wouldn't change it for the world.

Funny how we sometimes come full circle back to where we once started.

I'm back with Stampin' Up!

I want to start fresh again. I don't want to worry about design teams, publication deadlines, illustrating stamps and all of the stuff that comes with it. The non-fun stuff. You know?

I just want to be creative. Share what I make. Do it because it makes me happy.

I may even start teaching again. Or maybe offer on line kits.

Where ever this new journey takes me it will be a familiar one.

And that puts a smile back on my face.

Farm Cat

Copic Markers - B000, Boo, B12, RV23, RV69, RV55, RV66, Y35, YR04, YG09, YG67,0

Just a quick post. The last of the really cute Farm Animals by Hambo Stamps

Farm Cat

I had fun coloring in these adorable digital stamps in unusual colors. Something unexpected!

Who says a cat can't be blue?

I hurt my back this week. Something that hasn't happened to me in a very, very long time. I think I just pulled a muscle. But boy am I stiff.

It's getting better. So should be back to my normal, 100 miles a minute self by next week.

My son has settled in to his new room at the base and is really enjoying it there.

I miss him but I'm also very happy that he's found something that he really loves.

Farm Chick

Copic  Markers Y16, YR15, R29, BV0000, BV00, BV02

Farm Chicken Hambo Stamps

Well my oldest chick has flown the coop.

He left Sunday for his new journey. I'm very proud of all that he has accomplished in the last 9 months.

I know he will continue to do well in the Army.

I don't know yet if he will be deploying right away or not. He'll be in processing for 2 weeks.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed and toes crossed that he sticks around for a bit first.

No matter what happens I know he'll be okay. 

He's doing something he loves and we will keep him covered in prayers.

I have really been enjoying coloring in these cute farm animal digis from Hambo Stamps.

If you haven't tried digital stamps I would highly encourage you to try them out.

Hambo has so many wonderful ones to chose from, including some that I've drawn.

Hopefully I'll get back into drawing soon.

It's been a very busy summer!

Farm Goat

Copic Markers -BV0000, BV000, BV00, BV02, BV04, R81, RV34, C7, Y35

I am loving coloring in these cute farm animals by Hambo stamps. They are digital, which is great. They can be re-sized, printed out and colored. No need to take up precious storage in my house. 

Farm Goat

 

I'm itching to get back to drawing and doing something creative.

But time is precious right now as my son James is home before he has to report to his next duty station. With things heating up in the middle east I'm praying, not only for his safety, but for all of our men and women who are serving. 

I don't know if he will deploy right away or not.

I know he's in God's hand and that what ever happens is not in my control.

My parents, who came up to visit him, don't see it this way. 

It's hard to have to be more mature than those that raised you.

The burden I bear, unfortunately.

They, in a very selfish and immature way, think that we "forced" him to join the military.

Nothing that I can say can change their minds.

It couldn't be farther from the truth.

It was his choice. 

He went to college and he didn't apply himself.

He didn't want to continue to go to college.

He made the decision to join.

And we are very proud and very supportive of his decision.

He is extremely happy in the Army.

And he has excelled in all of his courses.

Because he loves it!

But I have to carry the burden of the guilt that my parents are now placing on my shoulders.

If, God forbid, something were to happen to my son, my folks would never forgive me.

As if I didn't have enough to worry about, right?

So....hence the lack of post. 

I'm bouncing back from the drain that their visit placed on my heart.

And enjoying this last, wonderful, amazing week with my son before he drives off to his new duty station.

I know he will do great!

And I'm very proud of all that he has done.

Keep him in you prayers.

Farm Cow

Copic Markers- V000, V01, V15, W1, W5, W7, Y17, YR15, 0, B05

 I hope these close ups help. Sometimes it's hard to see the blending from just a card picture.

I used 4 violet markers. V15 is the darkest. (The 5 lets you know that it has more pigment)

However, I have found that this rule doesn't always apply! LOL

So what I always do before I color, or blend my markers, is try them out on a scrap piece of paper first. 

Make sure that the scrap is the same as the paper you will be coloring on.

I like Neenah Classic Crest Solar White Super Smooth 80lb.

But I have used other brands, having found similar results when coloring.

Use what works best for you.

You can find this fun cow at Hambo Stamps Digital Store.

Farm Horse

Copic Markers - B12, B05, 0, Y0000, Y00, Y02, Y08, W1, W3, W5,R81, R22, RV34

This is the cutest horse!  I ordered him from Hambo Stamps. Farm Horse

I wanted to used different coloring than you would normally expect to see on animals. I decided a yellow horse would be fun.

(I thought of all those cute lil' girl toys.)

You can see that I used 4 yellows to color in his body. Y0000, being the lightest to the Y08 as the darkest color. Often you will read that you need to go from light to dark. If you have ever worked with watercolors you know that it's easier to build up layers, from light to dark.

Some people will color with markers from dark to light. Putting in the shadows first and then working towards the light areas. 

I have to confess....I do both!

So don't ever feel like you have to be stuck doing it one way because you see how this or that artist color in their images.

Do what works best for you.

With the horse I put down the Y0000 first. Colored all the body in. Then I added the Y08 where I wanted shading. 

After that I used Y02, Y00 and Y0000 to blend. Also, you can use 0 (blender marker) to lighten the areas, highlights.

Remember, that it takes practice to get colors to blend smoothly.

And you have to work over the darker areas with the lighter colors and then go back in and add dark again.

Don't give up....just keep working at it and you will eventually get the right "feel" when enough is enough.

 

Fiona's Flowers

Copic Markers - Y17, Y35, E23, E37, E25, E79, E50, E53, R20, R17, YG03, YG63, BG96, C1, C3, BG15, BG72, RV21, RV02, RV55, RV66

New gal I've drawn for Hambo Stamps. All profit benefits OWH.

You can find her at Fiona's Flower Hambo Stamp Digital Store

I thought I'd take some pictures while I colored her in. 

(I tried taking a film of one card I was coloring and well....let's just say...it turned out awlful! But I'll try again.)

 

Farm Dog

Copic Markers - W0, W3,W5, W7, E31, E35, E23, R17, R59, Y38, YR23

Farm Dog Digital  by Hambo Stamps

It's been a while since a posted. After getting home from seeing my sweet son graduate my hubby went to the west coast for a week.

I took advantage of that extra time and did some work around the house.

I hate clutter.

And I often get overwhelmed when I find that stuff needs to be purged and I haven't been able to organize it.

So I didn't get any rest while he was away, instead I spent that week re-arranging, purging, moving and cleaning.

But it felt good.

When we built our dream home, our retirement home, I really wanted my own art room. But I lost that battle. Some things just aren't worth arguing over, you know. The house looks huge on the outside, when you drive by it. And it is the biggest house we have ever lived in.

But big to me is 2500 sq ft. (Considering I spent the first 16 years of my marriage in a 1200 sq fr patio home and then 4 years in a 1400 sq ft home in California with no side, back or front yard. I think 2500 is huge!)

Well, we do have an office, but it's  weirdly shaped and we really need it to be an office.

We have a dinning room now, but we use our dinning room. Yep...one of those weird traditional families that sits down to dinner every night.

I have 2 small bedrooms upstairs. One for each boy.

My oldest, who's now in the Army, I would like to keep that room as is. It has my first bedroom set that we bought when we got married. And I want a guest room. Something that I never had in the past. 

My youngest son will be in his room for several years. One day...when he moves out to start his own life...I'll make that my dream art studio.

Anyways, I have this really cool, old cedar drop leaf chest that I keep all of my scrapbooking papers in, along with other supplies. 

So....while hubby was gone I kept looking at that dinning room table and thinking.

During the day, while everyone is gone, it's empty. 

I want to get back into scrapbooking.

But I need room to spread out.

So I moved the cedar chest to the dinning room

(Hubbies first words out of his mouth during dinner time was..."Hmmm, never seen a chest in a dinning room before.")

Men!

All the rest of my stuff I moved to a tiny space that I re-organized and moved other things out to make room for my stuff.

At least, it's all in one place now.

And I can make a mess and close the door and not feel bad about how it looks.

(Remember I'm a bit OCD when it comes to having things neat!)

So I have a desk upstairs with my coloring supplies.

A cedar chest in the dinning room with my scrapbooking supplies.

And all the rest of my stuff is tucked away....to embarrassed to tell you where, 'cause you'd laugh. Especially if you saw my house. 

You'd be, like.....seriously!

But hey....it's working.

I have 2 new gals that are now available at the Hambo digital store.

I've colored them.
And I just need to make them into cards and take photos.

Gosh...life just doesn't get easier, does it? 

SoleMates

It's been a lonnnnnnng week. I'm giving up caffeine (not 100%, still like a bit now and then. Especially tea.)

But I wanted to stop depending on it to give me a pick me up in the afternoon. 

It was hard the first few days when I cut back. Headaches! But I did it. 

I've only made de-caf coffee in the morning and no afternoon coffee for 3 days - Wednesday through Friday!

(I don't drink soda. Never acquired a taste for them. So didn't have that to worry about.)

I printed out one of Hambo Digital Stamps and colored it in using Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol.

Prismacolor Pencils- 910,926,1004,1011

 

Call Me

This is another cute digital stamp from Hambo Stamps.

Copic Markers - E50, E43, E21, R11, E23, E29, BV0000, BV00, BV02, BV23, C3, C5, C7, YG61, BG93

I really love working with digital stamps.

Don't get me wrong, the clear and rubber ones still pull my heart strings when I pass by them at stores.

But I've tried to live with less "stuff".

And digis....well they only take up space on my computer. That's way cool!

And I can print them in any size. Another plus!

(When you get up in years it's easier to color larger images, just sayin'. Wink)

I am enjoying the new space that I created upstairs, in that small nook. It's just a desk.

But since moving all of my pencils, paints, pens, markers to that desk I find myself drawn to it. 

It's like my own little piece of heaven.

Living in a house of "guys" I really am looking forward to the day when I can finally have my own art room.

I know I have some time till that dream comes to fruition.

Ben's only 15!

(I think I like the idea of his room better than the other room.)

So for now, I just enjoy what I can with what I have.

Life is too short to worry about what we "don't" have. 

We need to just be thankful for what we "do" have.

Hero

I just couldn't resist this adorable digi by Hambo Stamps.  Bird Hero

Copic Markers - RV10, RV55, V05, YG17, YG67, Y08, YR15, Y08, R46, W0, W1, W3, W5, C00, 0

We had a great Memorial Day weekend with the visit of my sweet son. He got to spend time with his friends and us before he had to leave back to post. 

He is half way through his training and doing really great.

We are so happy for him. He is really excited about the career path that he has chosen.

Here he is when we picked him up at the airport. 

My goodness he seemed all grown up.

Yes, I cried when we said our good byes on Monday.

....he's definitely my Hero.

Josephine

Copic Markers- W1, W3, W5, 0. B95. YG67, E50, E51, E35, E47, RV00, RV23, RV34, R46

Josephine can be found at Hambo Stamps.

I hope you guys are okay with me posting cards again?

It's actually weird for me.

I've been away from it for so long that when I see a card posted on my blog, I have to wonder if it's mine!

Yikes!

I have a new gal coming out this weekend.

Hopefully I'll be able to get a card done this week so that I can share it with you.

If not....

I'll make sure to post her and links to the hop here on my blog.

Here's my puppy.....

My son took this picture while there was a strong wind blowing and he was just enjoying all of the smells.

(I'm a dog person. But if I could find a cat that didn't shed I might, maybe, someday.....own one.)

Linda

 

Copic Markers-  E00, E21, E33, E35, Y08, YR04, Y38, RV10, BG05, BG90, R29, 0

OMGosh! I'm always running around.

And around,

And around!

This is Late Linda, one of my new digis for Hambo Stamps. Profits of these go to OWH.

Did you know that Hambo Stamps have some really fun challenges?

Now that I'm starting to get back in the game, the stamping and coloring game that is, I want to start working on something fun every week.

They have a great challenge this week, extra folds.

I want to work on it next week. I'm rusty! But I'm gonna give it a shot.

Take a look at all the beautiful cards the design team created.

Hambo Hoedown

I'm so inspired.

And oh my!

Look at the gorgeous fairy card created by Sarah.

It's so nice seeing what people create using my drawings. And I'm so happy to be able to help out OWH.

Not to change the subject....

But a mom can't help but brag....

James passed his first exam this week, missing only 4 questions. He's so excited.

Watch out for Army Geeks!

Celeste

 

 

Copic Markers - E50, E53, RV00, RV10, RV21, Y11, Y31, Y61, YR23, Y38, YG41, G02, BG93, W1, W3. W5, R46, E08, E37, 0

Meet Celeste. I printed her out twice. Then after I colored in the images, wings and mushroom only on one of them, I cut out the body and adhered it to the front of the card. Using foam dots.

I'm thinking now, glitter may have looked really nice on the wings. Maybe next time!

I cut out strips of the grey paper and layered it for the ground. To give it some texture.

(Okay....really to cover up a mistake! But texture sounded better....hehehe)

Fairy Celeste is part of my new digital stamps to help support OWH  sponsored by Hambo Stamps.

I already have 3 new gals drawn up. 

Just need to make them into digis.

Can't wait to share them with you.

I hope you have enjoyed the new digital images that I've created.

I can't wait to hop around the web and see what beautiful cards you make with them.

Please, leave me a link to your creation.

I would love to be able to see it!

Thank you for supporting OWH.

Thank you for supporting Hambo Stamps.

Addison

 

Meet Addison. I had a blast drawing her. You can find her here at Hambo Stamps Digital Store.

Copic Colors- E00, E21, E53, E31, E33, E35, E37, E47, E93, B00, B97, B95, C00, C1, C3

Remember that the profits from the sales of my new digital images go to OWH.

Last year when I decided to take a break from stamping and illustrating everyone, including my family, thought I was nuts! LOL

Really....a break?

But you're obsessed about it.

Look at all of those markers? $100's of dollars....let just add it up, hubby said one day....let's not! I replied.

(And I don't have ALL the markers! Imagine what he would say if I did have every one. All I have are the original 4 Ciao sets plus the 0000 set)

But I was serious. 

I quit teaching, I quit stamping and I quit illustrating. 

I learned to knit. 

And I enjoyed the year I had with my son before he left to the Army's basic training.

Sometimes.....we have to let go of something that we love inorder to focus on something that is more important.

I will always be an artist, just like I've told my son that he will always be an artist.

Just because he's in the Army doesn't mean that he has to give up drawing. 

I just sent him a care package and in it a little surprise.

A new sketch book with a set of black and a set of colored markers. No, not Copic. But thin ones for illustrating.

(Like the new Prismacolor ones, without the brush tip.)

So....

this year.....

with some of the stresses of last year gone....

with the joy of knowing my son is doing something he loves....

with my passion for illustrating tapping again at my heart....

I'm so happy to be able to share on my blog again.

Hang in there.....

it's gonna be a process for me to get back into stamping again.

And...

I honestly don't think I'm gonna get as involved as I once did.

This time...

It's on my time!

Serena Mermaid

I have some exciting news!

One of my dearest friends has been sweet to host my illustrations on her site. Hambo Stamps !

Not only that but the sales of my new digital images will benefit Operation Write Home.

As you know from reading my blog my son is now in the Army.

And I can't tell you enough how important it was for him, as well as for us, to receive a card or letter.  

I'm nervous and excited at the same time about this premier.

I've been having a blast playing with my new illustration style and I am so happy to be able to share it with you. You already got a glimpse of 2 of my new gals, Trena and  Bella, but now you get a chance to see all of them!

To see samples of all the new images please go to the Hambo Hoedown.

I hope you enjoy using them on your cards as much as I've enjoyed drawing them.

Meet Serena.  

She is printed out on Neenah Classic Crest White Super Smooth paper. I then spray the image with Krylon Workable Fixatif. This makes sure that the ink on the paper, from your printer, will not smear when you color in the image. I have tried other sprays but found that, for me, this one works the best.

Copic Colors - E50, E51, Y02, Y15, Y11, YR23, W00, W1, W3, YG03, YG63, YG91, 0, B02, BG05, RV14, RV21, R17

You can purchase all the new digital stamps at Hambo's "New Arrivals"

Please remember, all digital images are copyrighted Asela Hopkins for Hambo Stamps.

You can use them for your own personal use and to create cards. Handmade, not mass produced.

I think this clears up Copy Right questions. (Thanks Maurie J Manning!)

Purrfect Love

 

Copic Markers - E33, W3, W5, RV06, RV02, Y08, YR23

Another over cast day!

Love that it's rained. Helps with getting rid of some of the pollen.

It seems to be worst this year than last. Or maybe I'm just getting more sensitive? Don't know.

So I tried taking a good picture. Oh well. It's either that I've forgotten how to take pictures or it's not bright enough. 

I applied some glaze to the eyes and heart. Bottle was old, it has been about a year since I've used my supplies.

Hard to believe, isn't it!

These cute little animals are by Kim Hughes - Paper Smooches . I'm definitely eye-balling her newest stamp set. May need that one!

I'm also dealing with some funky blood work up results. Apparently my red-blood count is off.

And, oh yea, almost starting menopause. Yippee!!! Not!

Not needing estrogen. Thank goodness

 Oh yea, and I should be dead.

My blood pressure was 100/68. Dang that's low, right?

My T4/T3 levels are off too, just a bit. So I have to go get my blood drawn without taking my Armour thyroid med.

And while fasting.

Man, let's see....low blood pressure, not enough red-blood cells and they want to draw blood while I fast? Ha!

Now that's funny.

Have a great weekend.