Wendy Bond

When I chose Wendy Bond to be Swanky Stamper, I knew that she was good, but she totally blew me away this week.


Like this card featuring Oh Chute! Her choice of papers and paper piecing are just FAB! Then add the "shadow" she put under the cloud by layering a different color paper. This is one I'm going to have to do myself. And is anyone else in love with her color combo?


And how about the color combo in this card? It's so fresh. And she stamps those tickets like no body's business. ADORE!


And speaking of adore, I adore this card using Bearing Presents. All the layering of paper and diecuts to create a winter scene just takes my breath away. Take a minute or two to really appreciate the detail in this card.

And how about how Wendy used the "throw away" part of the Circus Border? That's a great way to get double use from your CutUps Dies. And something else amazing? She used the megaphone from the Step Right Up set as the lights there in the corner. Then she added the vellum for the lights. I'm telling you, the gal's got mad skills. I love to see an artist just play!

And I am so grateful that she used them to show off our NEW Fall Collection. Thank you, Wendy, and thank you, Maggie for being a part of Sneaky Peek Week!

InLinkz.com

A New Day

Like the blog's new look?

I was really looking for a cleaner, fresher look. Still tweaking this a bit, but I really like it.

I especially like the little column on the right hand side that just has my Facebook button. Keep an eye on that side. I've got something pretty exciting up my sleeve.

Kirsten Dubosque 4

It's Special Guest Designer Wednesday! And Kirsten Dubosque is our Special Guest Designer for May.

Since it's the last Wednesday of the month, I thought you'd like to hear more about Kirsten in a little Q & A. So we asked her...

What's your favorite stamping technique or tip?
I would say that paper piecing would have to be my favorite technique. It's one more way to use my beloved patterned paper!

What was the first stamp you bought, and what was your last?
The first stamp was a snowman trio from Michael's, and the last was a set from Papertrey Ink.

What has been your happiest moment?
Definitely the birth of my son! I know it's a predictable answer, but nothing surpasses that.

Besides stamping, what is your next passion?
Definitely quilting. I was a quilter first, and I know that I will always be one. Something about making something that keeps your loved ones warm!

Ahhhhh! Love that! Now onto her card.


Here you can see a little bit of her favorite technique in the paper pieced balloon. And her love of buttons and ribbon? Check. But notice the little extra surprise in the Acetate star! It really helps bring the focus back to the penguin. And see how she added the words up the edge for an extra bit of design? Loves it!

I saved this card for last. Seems that May is the happening month for birthdays with The Cat Pack. Ana had hers at the beginning of the month, Leigh at the beginning of the week and Amy's is today! And there is me, of course. My birthday is Saturday. So thank you, Kirsten for helping us celebrate by being our Special Guest Designer for May.

Kirsten Dubosque 3

Yee Haw! It's Special Guest Designer Wednesday. Sorry for the late post everyone. More on that at the end. Today , we are bringing to you another one of Kirsten Dubosque's special creations. It features one of our very special characters, Ronnie.




Check out Kirsten's wonderful job coloring in the scene, I especially love the shading of the cactus. Last week Kirsten told us that she tends to design using greens and blues. Here, she has added brown to the mix. All the colors are in the patterned paper that she chose. And even though her choice of paper isn't what you would usually think of for a cowboy scene, it brings a sophisticated contemporary feeling to the card. The addition of the button echoes the circular shapes in the paper.

I also like how she placed the two large images on different pieces of cardstock, instead of on the same one. It adds interest and draws attention to Ronnie. I can see this same layout as a scrapbook page with my own "Ronnie" in the circle. Just love it.

Check with in with us next week for the last of Kirsten's special designs.

NOTE: So why I'm late. My office has a full bath attached to it. It had been added to the house about 30 years ago. The other week, we noticed that water was coming out from the other side of the wall of the shower. We pulled the shelves away from the wall, and the sheetrock was swollen will water and had buckled badly.

So when the plumber cut away the wall, he told us that the water had soaked through the grout and overtime had erroded the concrete base under the shower and destroyed the backing that the tile was on.

So for the past couple of weeks, I endured the noise and the dust and moldy smells that have come from the bathroom. And last weekend I decided that I couldn't take it anymore. So I moved my computer upstairs, and kept my laptop in the office, connected to printers and the like.

Unfortunately, the Wi-Fi in the house doesn't get to the computer upstairs. So I've been loading up my flash drive with files and transporting them up and down from computer to laptop.

Today my flash drive died while transfering Kirsten's files. Luckily, my BRILLIANT sweetie, Anthony, suggested using my camera as a portable drive. Whhhhhaaaattt? I had never heard of such a thing. But, lo and behold, it works. He is a genius and boy am I lucky.

Kirsten Dubosque II

Yo Ho Ho! It's Special Guest Designer Day and the Special Guest Designer for May is Kirsten Dubosque.

I hope you enjoyed Kirsten's card last week, featuring stamps from our "Spring Fling" set. And shiver me timbers, we have another doozy for you!

Kirsten's not sure what her favorite color combo is. But she tends to use a lot of blues, greens, and blue-greens. She also likes black and white with a bold accent color.

And this next card shows a sophisticated use of her favorite colors, with a bold accent. Check out this wonderful card using our "Arrgh! Piratey Set."

Don't you just love the how water is suggested by her whimsical use of paper? From the embossed blue paper, to the yellow and orange circles to that paper that brings to mind ripples in the water. This girl is clever. And though her colors are not what you'd expect with a Pirate card, everything still works. Just fabulous.


Want to see more Kirsten? Just check out her blog and come back next week for another wonderful project!

Kirsten Dubosque

It's Special Guest Designer Wednesday! And the time that I feature a special designer who has caught my eye. (Okay, I stalk them). This month I am so happy to announce that Kirsten Dubosque is our Special Guest Designer for May.

Kirsten, first caught my eye when she became a DT member for two of my favorite stamp companies, MFT and American Art Stamp. And since she had been a customer of mine, I checked her out. And boy am I glad I did.

Kirsten not only brings a great sense of style to her projects, but she brings humor and a sense of fun. I can't tell you the number of times I've been looking at her cards and I just have to smile.

What makes Kirsten tick?

What got you into stamping?
I went to a Stampin' Up! party, thinking I could use stamps in my scrapbooking. Next thing I know, I'm up to my elbows in greeting cards! LOL

How long have you been stamping?
Since the end of 2005.

What's your favorite product?
I can't seem to make a card without ribbon, so I'll have to go with that. Buttons are quickly becoming a close second, though!

No buttons on this card, but there is ribbon. Check out what she's done with some Cat's Pajamas stamps.

This card uses images from our "Spring Fling" Clearly Swanky Set. This card just screams Easter Egg hunt to me. Can't you just picture kids searching in the tall grass for eggs? And I love Kirsten's use of color here. Who would've thought turquoise and orange for Easter? But it works.

Want to see more of Kirsten? Check out her blog and come back next Wednesday for another great card.

Christyne Kane

It's Special Guest Designer Wednesday!

It's our final week featuring Christyne Kane, and her final card is a doozy. Check out all the textures and colors and shapes. With all that is going on in this card, it would be easy to let the design get away from you.
Christyne's take on the layout is just perfect. And she is perfectly in control of each element. Her design shows engery and confidence.


Want to learn more about Christyne? Last chance.

What is your favorite color combo?
Well, I am a HUGE fan of anything pink. I would have to say that the mood of the project usually determines the shade of pink that I would reach for, but there’s always a special place in my heart for a bright magenta/black/white combo.

What has been your happiest moment?
While life is filled with so many special moments, it’s very difficult to choose just one. However, I would say that participating in the 2000 Inaugural Parade with the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band was surely a moment that I will remember forever.

Besides stamping, what is your next passion?
My second greatest passion is running dog agility with my golden retriever, Harvey. He’s the world to me and we enjoy participating in the sport together immensely.

We have certainly enjoyed seeing what Christyne can do with our stamps. Thank you for being our Special Guest Designer, Christyne. It has been a treat.

Christyne Kane III

It's Special Guest Designer Wednesday!

So you've met Christyne Kane our very Special Guest designer for April. And now you want to know more.

What got you into stamping?
When I was in college and on winter break, my mom came home one night with this giant catalog full of all rubber stamps (Stampin’ Up). I was in disbelief that there could be so many rubber stamps and everything seemed so complicated that I shrugged it off and went back to my knitting. A couple months later when I was on spring break, I attended a workshop with my mom and we made a card using Versamark and pearlEx powder. I was so hooked once I saw this woman’s inspiration board with many of her cards. Seeing how these beautiful catalog wonders were created was just so fascinating to me. I ordered my first stamps at that workshop!

How long have you been stamping?
I was able to convince my mom to lend me her “Stampin’ Bin” (that point in the beginning where everything you have can fit in a large under-the-bed bin) so that I could play for Mother’s Day cards. This was about 5 years ago, to the month. Since I didn’t have much money to spend on my own stamps until I got out of college, I really only got back into the hobby about 2 years ago.

What was the first stamp you bought, and what was your last?
The very first stamp that I could call my own was Stampin’ Up’s Daisy set. The most recent stamp set that I have purchased is Stampin’ Up’s Always, closely followed by TCP’s Loving Mew and Puppy Love sets.

Ah! And the magic she makes with our stamps.



Take a look at this wonderful card that she made using our birthday sets, You Say It's Your Birthday and Smells Like Cake. I just love it.

There is a lot going on in this card. There almost has to be with that paper. She balances the busy patterned paper with just the right amount of texture and shape. Add to that a wonderful coloring job with Prismacolor pencils and Goo Gone with blending stumps, and she's got a winner.


Take a closer look at her coloring. Just wonderfully controlled. This card just jumps off the screen, no? It is just a happy card, that makes you want to celebrate.

Christyne Kane II

It's Special Guest Designer Wednesday!

Christyne Kane is our very Special Guest designer for April. And once you see this next project you will know why I chose to spotlight Christyne. Not only does she have crazy stamping and design skills, but she has a wicked sense of humor.






When I opened this email, I couldn't stop laughing. Easter S'mores. Not only are the ingredients provided in the jar, but the recipe how-to, as well. She's so considerate.


So after, I picked myself off the floor I took a closer look at her project and my smile got bigger. Her use of color, just blows me away. This woman is not afraid of color, and lots of it. And the details on this project are just wonderful. From the grass, to the fluffy bunny tail, I just keep finding more to look at.
Want to make a jar of Easter S'mores yourself? Here is the recipe. Thanks, Christyne!

Recipe:

1. Reduce 1 sleeve graham crackers to crumbs.

2. Layer 2/3 of the crumbs in a 1 qt jar.

3. Place 8 marshmallow bunnies or peeps standing up, facing out around the inside of the jar.

4. Press them up against the glass, but don't squash them.

5. Carefully spoon remaining crumbs in the center of the jar to support the bunnies, pressing down to keep it snug.

6. On top of this pour 1-1/4 cup Easter M&M's.

7. Spoon 1/3 cup brown sugar into center of M&M's, gently pressing with a spoon.


Attach a gift tag to say:

Empty the jar contents into a bowl. Snip the bunnies into bits with kitchen shears or cut up with a knife. Return the bunny bits to the mixture. Mix well.
Melt 1/2 cup butter; add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour this over the dry ingredients, mixing well. Pat into a greased 9" square pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.

*Option - leave bunnies whole; combine remaining ingredients and place the bunnies on top; then bake as directed.

Christyne Kane

It's Special Guest Designer Wednesday!

Our very Special Guest Designer for the month of April is Christyne Kane. You may remember Christyne as one of our past Swanky Stampers.

After poking around her blog a bit, I knew I had to feature her as a Special Guest Designer, so I asked her

What's your favorite product, Christyne?
Well, that would have to be rhinestones. I’m just sure that it all stems from the Swarovski crystal animals that I used to collect when I was little. I just love the way they can accent to balance an image or fill in that last little space in a layout.

And, what's your favorite stamping technique or tip?
It’s tough to pick just one technique as I prefer a variety to keep things interesting. My favorite tip would definitely be to sketch out an idea before attempting execution. I have found that this can save a bunch on materials in the event that things don’t work out as planned. I suppose it all goes back to “Measure twice, Cut once!”

Now, take a look at this wonderful basket that she created. Not only is her color choice wonderful, there is a bit of whimsy with the flowers that she used to adorn the place where the handle meets the basket.

Now get closer. Did you see that the handle is a different color on the inside than the out? Did you see the wonderful shading in the sky where the penguins are? This basket is a "WOW".

And I love the use of her favorite product on this basket. They give just the right amount of bling.

Amy Rohl

It's Special Guest Designer Wednesday!

And it's time for one last look at our Special Guest Designer for March, Amy Rohl.

What has been your happiest moment?
Watching my kids grow up and the loving moments between them, those genuine smiles and hearty belly laughs.

Besides stamping, what is your next passion?
My biggest passion would have to be my family, trying to ride "the wave" of life with them and keeping everyone balanced, afloat and enjoying the ride!

Amy's done a lot of great pieces this month, but this one, has got to be my favorite. Why? Because not only is it beautiful, it shows that she gets me.


I designed this stamp with the chick on the end wearing an Easter bonnet. It looks like a bonnet when colored, but in black and white, when you see it as a stamp image, it's hard to tell what it is. I got many queries as to what it was. So when I saw this card, it brought tears to my eyes. Amy got it. Plus the fact that she must have channeled my brain. This was exactly how I pictured these little birdies colored. Even down to their rosy cheeks.


And then, I took a closer look. This card is a knocks-your-socks-off kind of card. If the subtle coloring doesn't wow you, perhaps the careful cutting around the birds will. Then Amy adds texture with some sweet trim. A little bit of lace here, a little bit of scalloped there and then BAM! This is such a pretty card. Don't you think?

Thank you, Amy for sharing your creations with us.

Amy Rohl 111

It's Wednesday and I've been chomping at the bit waiting to show you this next project by the 'Oh So Awesome Amy'. But before I do, let me tease you a bit with more "Amy Facts".

What was the first stamp you bought, and what was your last?
The first stamp I bought must have been that Disney characters birth announcement stamp back in 1993 and the last stamp set purchased would actually be two SU! sets: Trendy Trees and Thoughts and Prayers. (Does this disqualify me as March GD at TCP since my last purchase wasn't TCP?!) Ü

What is your favorite color combo?
That's a tough question, sort of like asking me what my favorite type of music is—depends on my mood and the day. I can tell you that I enjoy bold colors combined with neutrals and always a splash of something fun. I love black with a splash of Kiwi Kiss or Black and a fun, bright pink.

And now, the project. Amy tells me that she based this on a template by Kelly Lunceford. And while the template is a good one, Amy has made it all her own.

This slider box is perfect holding chocolate or cookies or that special gift.


And this project is chock full of details that make it special. From the pearls adorning the flowers on top, to the matching "lace", to the dimension on the sentiment panel.


See what I mean? I love how she used the brads to accent the sentiment. It gives that pop of color and texture that just finishes it. It looks so perfect that I can't image them not being there.

Just Purrrfect!

Amy Rohl II

It's Special Guest Designer Wednesday! And I suppose you are here get another peek into the world of our Special Guest for March, Amy Rohl?

Here is another of Amy's Cards that uses the Beans, Bunnies and Peep, Oh My! Clearly Swanky Set. Amy uses primary color and pattern to highlight the main image. And then adds simple touches to make this card a stand out. I have a special place in my heart for neat stampers, and I love how she controls the edging on the card.


Buttons, random stitching (notice the different thread in the buttons) glitter and a spatter technique that adds to the, yet down home look to this. I have a special place in my heart for neat stampers, and I love how she controls the edging on the card.


Buttons, random stitching (notice the different thread in the buttons) glitter and a spatter technique that adds to the modern, yet down home look to this.

What got you into stamping?
I was invited to the proverbial Stampin' Up! party; hosted my own party; signed on as a demonstrator six months later; rest is history! Of course I have to chatter a bit more though because, yes the first stamping party got me going, but how could have ever known that my love for stamping and papercrafting could have grown so many wonderful friendships near and far; given me so much personal satisfaction; and enabled me to give back using my craft?!

How long have you been stamping?
Funny you should ask because I was looking through my 16 year old daughter's baby book and here was a stamped birth announcement, made by Moi! So the most accurate answer would be 16 years ago, but I really began stamping about 7 years ago.

Want to see another great project? The next one is sooo awesome. Come back next Wednesday and check it out.