Blog Candy ALERT!!!

My friend Tracy has BLOG Candy to give away!!!  Wow!  It is awesome....

Go check out her blog by clicking HERE and become her follower...she is one talented writer and her blog is really fun and motivating...plus her photos are gorgeous!

Smiles,
Lesley :)

Summer Mini Catalogue Ends Tomorrow (A Recap)

The Summer Mini Catalogue ends tomorrow! Ack!

If there was a certain stamp set from that mini you were hoping to get, now is the time. 

You can order from the Summer Mini Catalogue in my Online Store and combine it with some great deals in the Clearance Rack.  To visit my Online store please click HERE and then click on SHOP NOW.

Here are some cards I made with the stamp sets from the Summer Mini!

Watercolour Trio (120084 clear set or 117050 wood set)-this set is so easy to use...I love the semtinents it comes with!!

Sweet Scoops (120057 Clear Set or 117143 Wood Set)-I LOVE these sweet images....this is one stamp set I am going to cherish for a long time!

Favourite Thoughts: (120048 Clear Set or 116968 Wood Set) Great sayings for the women in our lives!

Motorcycle:  (117657 Wood Set Only) A great masculine stamp and easy to use!

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley

Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge #166

I love playing with the Sketches at Stamping 411.  They are always so fun to work with!  This week I was inspired by their sketch but did not have an oval shape so I copied a cool idea from my new stamping pal Nance and her "Wicked Cool" card that inspired me is HERE.  I used the Two Tags Die in a new way....

I pulled out my Two Tags Die.  I used the largest tag from the die and used it to represent the oval shape on the sketch!!!  I also used some of the fabulous new In Colour DSP from the Hostess Level One set in Pear Pizzazz and paired it with Real Red.  The stamp set "Big On Christmas" is one of my favourites and seemed perfect for this layout. I also made another card using this sketch but will share that for our next Paper Players Challenge on Sunday.  I can see myself using this sketch again and again!

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley :)

Paper Players Challenge #13-Anything Goes!

This week at the Paper Players we are saying "Anything Goes"! 

This week we would like you to link up any new creation you make starting today through to Saturday.  This is your chance to share some of your work!  You are welcome to combine challenges...we just want to see and celebrate your work!  Please use any stamping product you have.

Today I am sharing a card that I made for the Pals Paper Arts #57.  I loved the sketch they offered! I also used the colours from the Colour Throwdown #107 which was to use So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz, Rose Red and Pretty in Pink. 

I inked up the newest butterfly stamp set called "Butterfly Prints" and punched out the butterflies with the Extra Large Butterfly Punch.  I used some of the awesome Pear Pizzazz DS Paper from the Hostess Level One set and embossed the pear Pizzazz card stock with the Fine Details Texturz Plate!  The grass is from the "Inspired by Nature" stamp set.  I added some So Saffron with my Scallop Trim border punch and the sentiment is punch out with the wide oval punch and mounted on a tag from the "Lots of Tags" die.  I also used some of the new Basic Rhinestones to create the bodies of the butterflies.

Come on over to the Paper Players this week and link up any paper creation you would like to share!  We would love to come to your blog and see your work!  To link up your card, please click HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley :)

Stamp-A-Holics 134- An Inspiration from Cynthia

Stamp-A-Holic Design Team Member Cynthia Stevenson has given us an awesome inspiration photo to try this week!  Of course, at the Stamp-A-Holics Challenge, you can make a card, layout or 3D item...your choice.  This week I have chosen to make a card and it had to be made in 10 minutes or less!!  Well I did it by stamping simply!

Here is her pretty inspiration photo. 

This is what I came up with...and in 9 mins and 48 secs!!!  Whew...I was a mad stamper!!!  But I kept the card simple!

When I saw her photo, I immediately thought of using Concord Crush and Old Olive together.  I also loved the pretty white hand rail and tried to copy that with the scallop edge punch on my card.  I wanted to keep this card clean and simple and decided to stamp the main flowers all in Concord Crush rather than inking each one individually with markers...I liked the bold statement the solid colour made.  You can't tell in the photo, but the flowers and the sentiment are stamped on Shimmery White Paper and the Old Olive Satin Ribbon really shines too!  It is a special card...I will save it for a special occasion.

Come and join us at the Stamp-A-Holics Challenge Blog and link up your creation by clicking HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley :)

Guest Designer for Stampin' Royalty

This week I am a Guest Designer for the Stampin' Royalty Design Team.  I was so excited to be asked by Sandra Farrell to play along with her team this week!  I love their challenges!!  This week's challenge is Monochromatic Neutrals...I did my first card for the challenge in traditional neutral colours...Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla and Soft Suede.  I used three new sets on this one card..."Word Play", Friends Never Fade" and "Elements of Style".  I created my own DSP on the Crumb Cake cardstock using the En Francais BG stamp and Soft Suede. 

After that, my mind got thinking of using all Blues as a Monochromatic Colour Scheme and I pulled out the "Because I Care" Hostess Set.  I love this set and the way it stamps.  I was also excited to use my new Marina Mist Satin Ribbon!!!  OH it is SO beautiful and shiny!!  I used Bashful Blue, Marina Mist and Not Quite Navy on this card.

Come and join the fun challenge this week at Stampin' Royalty and play along with the Goddesses!  They have created superb samples to share with you!  Please click HERE to play along with the challenge this week.

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley :)

Triple Play Challenges: Mojo 153, Colour Q 47 and Party Time Tuesdays 13

I took two days to "design" this card and I am still not completely happy with how it turned out but it is the best version of it so far.  I think I need to rework it but for now...this is what I came up with!  It all started with Arielle's colours over at the Colour Q...Poppy Parade, Taken with Teal, Basic Gray, Whisper White and More Mustard...then I noticed the challenge at Party Time Tuesdays.  They were looking for a Birthday card for a child.  Then I remembered seeing Mary Fish's cool sketch at Mojo Monday and it all came together! 

Here is my creation....which was a challenge for me to photograph!!!  Sorry!

And here it is from another angle...

I made the birthday hat using my crimper to crimp some More Mustard paper and then cut out a small triangle, then added a little Poppy Parade flower using the Boho Blossoms punch...and I added some bling with the new jewels.  I just love Owls...they are part of my classroom theme...so I had to have this punch! LOL!

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley :)

Pals Paper Arts and Stamping 411

Couldn't sleep tonight...my brain was whirling with thoughts of going back to work in a couple of weeks...I need to set up my classroom and get myself ready and organized for the year!  With my mind full of work thoughts, I decided to get up and...yep you guessed it...make a card!  Here's a sneak peak of what I created...

So off I went in search of inspiration and I went back to the cool photograph over at Pals Paper Arts. What I noticed in the photo was lots of reds and browns and vanilla.  I also loved the elegance of the items...the floral images and the textures.  

I was also inspired by the unique sketch over at Stamping 411.  I was unsure of how to use the circle in the sketch but I am happy with how it turned out on my card.  I used my Circle Scissors Plus...I think it is one of my favourite crafting tools!  I decided to flip the sketch and used my newest set called "Just Believe".  I've had it for a couple of weeks but this is the first time I have inked it up!

So after putting the sketch and the colours together I inked up the flowers in Real Red and Chocolate Chip.  My little butterfly has one little gem on it.

I also used my En Francais BG stamp on the circle...and the Real Red background is embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing folder.

Well I am perfectly worn out now and somewhat de-stressed...hooray...off to sleep! 

Thank you for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley :)

Paper Players Challenge #12-Inspiration from Jaydee

The talented Jaydee has come up with a fabulous photo for us this week to use as an inspiration at the Paper Players Challenge Blog!  I was stumped at first with what to do but the colours really grabbed me, particularily Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Whisper White and Basic Black.  Here is the Inspiration Photo below!  Yummy isn't it!!!  Look at all that scrumptious food!  I thought of making a card that had a French Flair or maybe with some food images but the colours really stood out for me...loved those bright strawberries!!!

This is the card I came up with in Jaydee's Clean and Simple Style that I so admire.  I let the colours do all the work this week!  The white cardstock is actually Shimmery White Cardstock and really gleams in the light.  I used the "Inspired by Nature" Stamp set and the new "Word Play" Stamp set; I love this sentiment.  I left the butterflies simple...I just punched them out of So Saffron DSP with the Extra Large Butterfly Punch.  I was going to add pearls to make the butterflies' bodies but it was too heavy looking on the card.

Now it is your turn to play along!  Drop by the Paper Players Challenge Blog by clicking HERE and link up your creation.  The challenge ends Saturday, August 28th at 6pm.  We can't wait to see what you create!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley :)

Stamp-A-Holics Sketch 133

This week's Stamp-A-Holics Challenge is a sketch created by ME!!  I love creating sketches, it is so much fun!  So I was pleased to be able to have a turn at creating one for the Stamp-A-Holic Challenge! Recently I took a little break from my DT duties at the Stamp-A-Holics Challenge, I just needed a long break...and spent July traveling with my husband and August getting a new Challenge Blog up and running of my own!  Carole'Anne and Sandi are just the best!  They supported me while I was off and I appreciated it!!!  Thanks ladies!!

Now, onto the sketch.  I wanted to create something clean and simple that could be added to!  The circle that is there can be any shape...and doesn't need to hide...it was just an idea...of course any sketch can be intrepreted!

This is my 10 minute card turned into 27 minutes....I was rushing!!!  I used my new Music Notes Wheel and wheeled in Cherry Cobbler all over the Cherry Cobbler cardstock.  Then I inked up a new set called "Bells and Boughs" from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalogue in Early Espresso and stamped on top of the Cherry Music Notes...I created my own DSP. 

Then I cut a piece of Very Vanilla...2 1/4" x 4" for the strip...and stamped the main image in Espresso, sponging the edges with Crumb Cake.  Then I rubbed my versamark pad all over that piece, poured some Clear Embossing Powder on it and heated it up with my Heat Gun.  I was left with a shiny, vintage looking piece.  I decided to make an A2 box to hold a set of these cards.  This was not a part of the 10 minutes!!The front of the box is created the same way as the with the music wheel and the stamp set.  The main image in the middle of the box is from the new "Deck the Halls" Designer Paper...I cut out one image from it...isn't it pretty paper!

Okay, you are up!  Go on by Carole'Anne's Blog and link up your STUNNING creation with the sketch. I can't wait to see what you create!

Smiles,
Lesley :)

Paper Players Challenge #11 (A Sketch)

This week at the Paper Players Challenge, we have a Sketch Challenge created by me!  I wanted to create a square card but feel free to make the sketch your own!  I combined it with the fabulous and vibrant colour combo over at the Stamp-A-Holics Challenge which was to use Poppy Parade, Early Espresso, White and a colour of my choice!  I chose Old Olive!!!

I decided I needed to get a head start on my Christmas Cards!  I used the "Tree Trimmings" stamp set and paired it up with the sentiment from "All Holidays".  Each ornament is cut out and popped up on dimensionals. 

I even finished the inside! :D  That greeting on the inside is from "Many Merry Messages".

Now it's your turn!  Come on over to the Paper Players and play along with us this week!  I am SO excited to see what you do with my little sketch!  Be sure to visit our new Challenge Blog located HERE, check out the work of the talented Paper Players Design Team and link up your creation! 

Please hop on over to visit the blogs of the Paper Players to see their samples:

GD Ann Schach of The Stampin' Schach

GD Marlene Peters of Hands On (Marlene will link up her card later in the day)

Jaydee of Stampin! with Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese of Wee Inkings
Corie Foster (Will be back next week!)

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley

Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge & a Sneak Peak

The sketch at Stamping 411 was the perfect excuse to ink up a new stamp set "Bells & Boughs"and to cut into some new Christmas Designer Paper "Deck the Halls" from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalogue.  The sketch stumped me at first but as I starting playing with the sketch, I realized that I could use two different patterned paper on this card.  I also am so used to creating a square or a circle for the centre...this sketch really forced me to try something new!

I usually sponge or make a frame for the Wide Oval punch that I used for the sentiment...but this time I liked that is was stark Very Vanilla paper and against the lace ribbon.  The poinsettia is from the new stamp "Bells & Boughs" set as is the sentiment.  I watercoloured the poinsettia with my Cherry Cobbler Marker and my Aqua Painter and then, after all that hard work, I covered it with a Vanilla coloured Poinsettia...to add some interest.  It is hard to tell in the photo, but I covered the centre of the flower with glitter.  'Tis the season for glitter!!

I echoed the sketch again on the inside of the card, then inked up one of my stamps from the "Many, Merry Messages" Set in Cherry Cobbler and stamped another image from the new set of holly in Crumb Cake over top...my inspiring friend LeAnne always does that on the inside of her cards, I have always wanted to try it!

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley :)

Pals Paper Arts Colour Challenge

Pals Paper Arts is having a colour challenge this week!  Click HERE to see the challenge.

I missed last week's deadline with the Masculine KISS card and so I made sure I completed my project on time this week!  I wanted to make something extra special for a friend.  I made this cute card purse I found the instructions for on Splitcoast Stampers.  You can find the instructions HERE. 

After figuring it out, the card purse was really easy to make and I liked the way it turned out.  I created two matching cards to fit inside the purse and I added two envelopes.  I think a couple of treats will fit in there too!  Unfortunately I don't have the colour Daffodil Delight yet, so I subbed in So Saffron.

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley

Supplies:

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes, On Your Birthday

Paper: Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron (instead of Daffodil), Melon Mambo Cardstock and DSP, Whisper White

Inks: Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron (instead of Daffodil), Melon Mambo (Ink Pads and Markers)

Extras: Crop-A-Dile, Oval Punches, Scallop Edge Punch, Clear Rhinestone Brads, Large Flower Punch, Crimper (for the flower), Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Scoring Blade, Bone Folder, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8 Circle Punch

Christmas Card Class #1 and Sneak Peak

On Tuesday, August 31st from 6-8pm, I am offering my first Christmas Card Class for my card making ladies!!  I was holding off but I have caught the Christmas bug and want to get an earlier start on my cards this year!  The cost of the class includes the Big on Christmas stamp set as well as this set of cards and emailed instructions on how to make these cards at home.  My friend Christin is hosting this same party at her home and we will be making these cards with her fabulous friends!  For more information on Christin's class or to book your own please click HERE.

This is a special class...we will be making this set of Christmas Cards with the Big on Christmas stamp set and using some new Christmas Designer Paper from the Holiday Mini Catalogue, which starts on September 1st.  I have made the cards with this new paper for a sneak peak of some of the new goodies coming out soon! 

Here are the details:
What: Christmas Card Making Class
When: Tuesday, August 31st from 6-8pm
Where: At My Studio

The Cost of the Class Includes:

1. The Big on Christmas stamp set for you to keep!
2. This set of 3 cards, made by you, to keep.

3. The emailed instructions on how to recreate these cute cards at home.
Cost: $30

Please RSVP by Monday, August 16th to secure your space! 
I have 8 2 spaces left.  THIS CLASS IS NOW FULL BUT I AM TAKING NAMES FOR A SECOND CLASS.  PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT OR EMAIL ME IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING THIS CLASS.  MY EMAIL IS LOCATED IN MY PROFILE.  THANK YOU!

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,
Lesley :)

Some Cards I Made...

I was playing around with some sets and came up with these simple designs...I actually made one of them for the Pals Paper Arts Challenge to make a Masculine Clean and Simple Card but I missed the deadline!  Whoops!!  Anyway, it was a great challenge and I had fun making these cards....

My Masculine, clean and simple "Get Well" Card:

I used a mask to create the large moon/sun for this card...I made the circle mask using my circle scissors plus.  It has a get well message on the inside, I thought it would make a nice get well card for a man...not too soft and feminine but still caring...the flowers are stamped in Soft Suede and are from the set "Watercolour Trio" which will retire from the Summer Mini Catalogue come August 31st.  It is really one of my most favourite sets!  The sentiment is also from that set.  I created the moon using the new Peach Parfait and So Saffron together with sponges...

This card is made with the new "Friends Never Fade Set":

Again this is a clean and simple card, using the new In Colour "Poppy Parade".  I love how rich and vibrant this colour is. 

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you are enjoying your Wednesday...
Smiles,
Lesley :)

PS  Don't forget about the current Paper Players Challenge happening...it is a fun Colour Challenge!  To find out all the information and to link up your card....please click HERE.

Stampin' 411

I found this week's Stampin' 411 Sketch such an inspiration.  I have missed so many of their sketches as of late, due to a busy schedule and holidays but I am back and so happy to be playing along again!  I wanted to create something using the Presto Patterns Paper and some other newish goodies I have been hoarding.

I cut a small piece of the Presto Patterns Paper and inked it up first with Bashful Blue but it did not look right to me, so I inked it up in Marina Mist...and I loved the darker, bolder look that it created.  Using some Early Espresso Ink, I inked up the flower image from the Hostess Level One set called "Because I Care" and stamped right over top of my sponged Marina.  Then I embossed a piece of Sahara Sand for the background with my absolute FAVOURITE embossing folder...Vintage Wallpaper.  Oh how I LOVE it!  Then I wrapped two pieces of 1/8" Espresso Ribbon at the bottom and punched out the sentiment with my scallop oval and large oval punches...the inside is also finished with the flower again. 

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley :)

Curtain Call Colour Challenge and Card Patterns Sketch Challenge

July was so hectic but now in August, I can really get back into the crafting swing of things and boy am I happy!!  I just LOVED the colours over at Stacey's Curtain Call Colour Challenge and my friend Carole'Anne made a beautiful card using the Card Patterns Sketch.  You can view her gorgeous card HERE. 

So I decided to use both of these challenges and came up with this card:

I just LOVE these new "In Colours" and the best thing is...you can order the new In Colour Kit (120952)for $36.95 which includes the 5 new In Colour Ink Pads and a multi-pack of the In Colour Paper!!!  It is a fabulous deal.  The In Colours I have used here are Peach Parfait and Pear Pizzazz.  Love 'em!

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley :)

Supplies:

Stamps: Always, Watercolour Trio (retiring August 31st)

Inks: Early Espresso

Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Early Espresso, Whisper White

Tools: Circle Scissors Plus, brads, scallop edge punch, scallop circle punch, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder

Hand Stamped Sentiments and the Sweet Stop Sketch Challenge

I had a wonderful birthday today.  My husband and I went to my parent's house and celebrated with them and my sister and her fella.  My mom made my favourite meal...soft tacos...yummy!!  She also made a fabulous homemade chocolate cake with white icing...also my favourite...it was such a nice day!  Thank you mom and dad!  We just got home, but all day I had been thinking about the sketch at the Sweet Stop and the colours at Hand Stamped Sentiments. 

This is what I came up with...

I should have paid more attention to the sketch at the Sweet Stop and not relied on my 35 year old brain for memory...so I guess the sketch was more of an inspiration...and I loved it!!  The colours at HSS just said "Birthday" to me...so I went with it...my mom told me today she needed more birthday cards for her stash.  So I am putting together a bundle of cards for her...this one will be on the top!

These are different colours to use with this stamp set "Charming" but I think it kinda works...what do you think?

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley :)

Supplies

Stamps: On Your Birthday, Charming

Inks: Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise (Markers and Ink Pads)

Paper: Melon Mambo DSP, So Saffron Paper, Tempting Turquoise Paper, Whisper White Paper

Tools: Big Shot, Finial Press Embossing Folder, Tempting Turquoise 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Dimensionals

Paper Players Challenge #10-A Colour Challenge

Today at the brand new Paper Players Challenge Blog, LeAnne has challenged us to use an awesome colour combo of Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla.  As soon as I heard those colours together I immediately thought..."dessert"...hence the inspiration photo below. 

I know that Christmas is a long way off dessert but I wanted to get cracking on some Clean and Simple cards for my stash and upcoming Christmas Classes.  This card uses the set "Delightful Decorations" (116517) and the matching "Ornament Punch" (119847).  I also used the new "Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder" (120175). 

How to make this card:

1.  To cut your card base to measure 4.25"x 5.5", you will want to cut your 8.5" x 11" piece of Early Espresso Cardstock on the 11" side at 5.5".  Put the piece of 5.5"x 8.5"cut cardstock into the cutter and using your scoring blade, score the 8.5" side of the paper at 4.25" then fold and press down on the fold with your Bone Folder.

2.  Cut the Very Vanilla piece to measure 4"x 5.25".

3.  Cut the Crumb Cake piece to measure 2" x 5.25".  Emboss this piece using the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder and the Big Shot.

4.  Cut the Cherry Cobbler strip to measure 1.5"x 5.25", using the Scallop Border Punch, create a scallop going across the 5.25" strip.

5.  Stamp the ornaments in Cherry Cobbler Ink onto Very Vanilla Paper.  Use some 1/8" Early Espresso Taffeta ribbon for the ornament strings...I love this ribbon!  Punch out your stamped ornament images with the Ornament Punch, put dimensionals on the back of the ornaments to pop them up. 

**Tip**-Tape down the ribbon at the front with a small piece of clear tape, then hide that tape with the punched out ornament.

6.  Ink up the Peace, Love and Joy sentiment with your Espresso Ink, add to the top right hand side of the card.

7.  Using Snail Adhesive, put your card together.  Assemble the face of the card first before adhering it to the base of your card.

Please visit the blogs of my fellow Paper Players to check out their "Yummy" creations!

Ann of the Stamping Schach

Corie of Corie's Creations

LeAnne of Wee Inklings

Jaydee of Stampin' with Jaydee

Marlene of Hands On

Thanks for stopping by!  Be sure to visit the new and improved Paper Players Blog to add your creation using these yummy colours!  You can link up your challenge creation until Saturday, August 14th at 6pm (PST). 

Smiles,

Lesley :)