CSS May/June Release Day

Today's the day you've been waiting for....release day at Clear and Simple Stamps!

I've got 2 projects to share.  First up is a set of mini notecards:

I die cut a folded piece of cardstock with the largest hexagon die (linked at the end of the post), then used the corresponding outline stamp.  I finished it all off with a sentiment and colorful flowers!

Next is a pincushion I made.  I'm sure you all think I am obsessed with pincushions (proof found here and here).....but I just like that they are quick and easy projects, and they are good to have on hand!  I cut fabrics on the floor- so I like having a set of pins there and another near the sewing machine.

I die cut the hexagons from different colored felt, and hand-sewed them to a circle of felt.  I stuffed it with polyfil, then used a blanket stitch to seal up the edges.  I don't often hand-sew (other than embroidery), so it was kind of fun to try something new!

On these projects I used:
Shapes: Hexagons
All Occasions 1 (flower stamp)
All Occasions 2 (sentiment)

I know you'll love visiting the DT too:
Dana
Denise
Jaclyn
Kim
Laura
Laurie
Lori
Steph
Tracy
Clear and Simple Stamps

Thanks for stopping by!

CSS Preview Day 4

Welcome to the 4th and last day of the Clear and Simple Stamps previews!  This is my favorite release of theirs to date.  The collection is just so amazing- you'll see tomorrow when it is all revealed!

These 2 cards I made use two of the new sentiment stamps out this month.  They come with these sweet little vessels and flowers too :)

(vase above covered with glossy accents)

These DT members have some great projects to share today too, so don't forget to visit them:

Kim
Laura
Laurie
Lori
Steph
Clear and Simple Stamps

Embellish Tape Challenge

I was so glad that I had time yesterday to make a card for a challenge.  I've been EXTREMELY busy these past few weeks getting ready for school concerts.  The kiddos at one school had their concert on Tuesday, and the other school's is next Thursday!  After that I have 3 more concerts and 2 moving-up ceremonies (through May and June)...then summer vacation!  This is always a hectic time of year, especially with grad school (which will be full-time come July).

Sorry for all of that....I just want you to be updated on everything :)

So anyway, here's my entry for Embellish Magazine- which is heavily inspired by Julie's card here.

(update: in response to Laura's question, yes, that is in fact a washi tape heart!  I placed some tape on a piece of cardstock, punched out the heart, then peeled the tape away from the paper so I could add it to my card!)

In other news, my brother and sister-in-law are visiting this weekend! Yay!

CSS Preview Day 2

Today is the second day of previews for the May/June Clear and Simple Stamps release.  We are focusing on butterflies and flowers...just perfect for spring!

I am so excited to reveal that in addition to the lovely flower/butterfly stamps and dies, CSS has a new product- impression plates!   These plates, or Imprints as they are known in the CSS world, are 2 sided and make amazingly detailed impressions.   Check it out in my card below:

The imprints coordinate perfectly with the new Flower Buds stamp set.  For another look at that set, you can turn to my project that is being featured today exclusively on the Clear and Simple Stamps App.

Time to hop along to the other designers who are sharing today:

Jaclyn

Kim

Laura

Laurie

Lori

Steph

Tracy

Clear and Simple Stamps

SSD Guest Designer!

This is my 3rd post today.  For my Runway Inspired Challenge post, or the MTE blog hop, please scroll down :)
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I have some fabulous news I have been dying to share...I was asked to be a Guest Designer this month at Skipping Stones Design!

Here's the fun sketch we are working with this week:

Using it upside-down, here is what I made:

Make sure you head over to SSD to see what the other ladies created!

(Update:  Maria asked about the butterfly- it is from the Healing Wings set)

MTE Blind Blog Hop

This is my 2nd post today.  For my Runway Inspired Challenge post, please scroll down :)
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Welcome to the My Thoughts Exactly Blind Blog Hop!  What is that, you say?

Well, we have some new DT members, and we are sending you on a hunt to find them!  I am NOT a new member, but maybe you will have better luck at the next stop, HERE.  I hope you find them, because if you do you can win a great prize from My Thoughts Exactly!

Run along now....

ric#11

Good morning! As you know, my favorite days on the blog are Runway Inspired Challenge days.  I LOVE sharing what the Design Team made from the inspiration....I'm always so impressed by them, and I hope you are too!

The lovely outfit below is from Christian Dior's Fall 2012 collection.  I am always drawn to Dior...and this look is so refined and lovely.  It's very conservative (high neck, long sleeves, skirt below the knees), but it still looks modern with the fun print, cinched waist, and sexy shoes.

source: style.com

And this is what I made:

I used my favorite (actually my only!) Spellbinders label die to cut the hole in the front of the patterned cardstock, and I used a smaller size with my embossing mat to make the impression you see.  

I just love how this card came out!

Don't forget to click on the links below:

Aga

Cristina

Laura

Sarah

Angeline

I hope you play along...you'll have a chance at a gift card to Simon Says Stamp!