L-INKed with Friends

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #27

I am so glad I found the"The Sweetest Thing" blog!  I admire Karen Giron's artwork, sketch challenges, and blog design and she has been SOOO patient (what an understatement!  ;) while teaching me a few tricks about behind the scenes blogging.  It is amazing how much I have been able to accomplish and spruce up my blog with her help and encouragement!  Check out this post about how to add watermarks to your photos. Her directions are clear and perfect for anyone that is not computer savvy (yup...that's me!)   I asked Karen if I could recommend her to you all for designing watermarks.  She does great work and I know you will be pleased.  Let her know I sent you.

Karen has a "Sweet Sunday" Sketch Challenge on her blog and I decided to jump in.  I love this particular challenge as I find it hard for me to "think simple".  I decided to use the new SU In-colors and really like how this came out. The one thing I would have done differently? Pop up the cupcake too. Well, next time.  Head on over to try this challenge.

Recipe:  All materials Stampin' Up!

Stamps:  Party Hearty

Ink: In-color Markers

Paper: Textured Crushed Curry, Bermuda Bay, Whisper White

Accessories: Circle Fire Brads, 1/2" Polka-Dot Dusty Durango Grosgrain Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter  

Watercolored Water Lily Botanical Challenge No. 8

I love Botanicals!  The Waterlily image called my name when Flourishes released this set.  I also love coloring and I am proud to announce that I am now Copic Certified!:)  So when I found the latest Challenge No. 8 on the Copic Creations Blog sponsored by Flourishes, I knew they had created this challenge for me! (well, at least I would like to think so. I have been known to talk myself into these things from time to time;) 

Check out other Botanicals colored with Copic Markers Here.

Stamps:  Water lily by Flourishes

Copic Sketch Markers:  yg00, yg95, y11,y13,y15, yr04, yr21, yr24, r27,e00, e33, w5, w7

Paper:  Basic Grey Porcelain Paper Pad, Prism Simply Smooth White,

              SU Always Artichoke, So Saffron, Old, Olive,

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Basic Grey Porcelain Glazed Brads, SU Stampin’ Dimensionals, SU Ticket Corner Punch

The NEW 2009-2010 Idea Book is HERE!!

It is here...Finally!!  I am loving this new award winning Idea Book and am so excited to share it with you! 

Click HERE to download your copy (be patient..it is a lonnngggg download but totally worth it ;)

And....to make it all the more exciting, Stampin' Up! is offering a "Deal of the Week" for the month of July.  Here's the news......

DEAL OF THE WEEK: From July 1-31, Stampin’ Up! is offering a Deal of the Week each Monday at noon (EST).    This week it is the Scalloped edge punch!  

This is a very popular punch that creates a beautiful accent to your projects! And it is over 30% off! 

Period	Item #	Page #	Description	Regular Price	Special Price
July 1-5, 2009	112091	186	Scallop Edge punch	$15.95	$10.

Click here to order online and then click "Shop Now".

View the Big Shot Project Video

View this fantastic featured Big Shot Die Project Video on my Stampin' Up! website now.  How did we ever get along without the Big Shot?!  Here is another idea from Stampin' Up! using this easy die-cut machine. This is the "Be Happy" Jar.  What a great project to do with the kids this summer. Contact me to book a class in your home or mine. image© Stampin' Up! 1990-2009

Teresa has done it again!

"Who?" you may ask?  What? When?  Teresa Kearns is a stamping buddy of mine and I just had to show off two of her cards.  Can you believe that she is a more recent stamper?!  I love her details and quality of her work.  Who wouldn't just LOVE receiving one of these cards;)  Thanks for sharing, Teresa!

 

Summer Fun Bonus

 

It Pays (More) to Have Fun

From June 1-30, in addition to the already fantastic hostess benefits from Stampin' Up!, get even more hostess awards when you host a qualifying workshop, Catalog Party, or Personal Order:

• Hold a $250-$399.99 workshop and receive an additional $20 in hostess free dollars!
• Hold a $400 or more workshop and receive an additional $40 in hostess free dollars!*

Earn more rewards while having fun with friends and family this summer! Contact me today to learn more or place your order.

Happy Graduation, Chelsea!

I am so excited for one of our dear friends who just graduated.  I wanted to make her something different.  More artsy, more "just let myself go".  Hope this one works. We are so proud of you girl!

Copic Markers

As many of you know, I LOVE to color!!  It is so relaxing and soothing and I can spend hours doing it. Prismas color pencils and watercoloring have been favorites of mine for many years but now I have a new love...Copics!!  Here is a card I did with the sketch markers.  I did not watercolor it but instead used the Sketches with the blending marker.

Not a card

I love the Spring. It is my favorite time of year and this picture gives you a clue why. Yesterday, we got to see a last Spring baby feeling very comfortable in our back yard.  It is the first time I have seen a deer laying down in the open.  My niece was on the back deck watching the mom and baby for quite awhile.  I am hoping we get to spot the newborns of this year soon! 

Ladies Night Out with Fondue and Crafts

 My church had an awesome Ladies Night Out last night with LOTS of Fondue choices and Crafts. Thanks to Janet and Sharon and everyone else that made it so successful! (There is not one fondue flavor that I did not like.  What is there not to like about chocolate and cheese?!)  Our great social time together included jewelry making, cards, and spa-treatments.  I had two card designs for them to make and I loved seeing the variations of the themes I provided. (My long time students know how I love when they think outside of the box:)  Here are two card samples made by Christine Poole and Jamie West.  (can you believe that they are new to stamping?)  Great job, ladies!