I had a BLAST at the Topeka Midland Care Expo!

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I got to meet so many awesome women. This is the group of speakers. It just amazes me how well we clicked right of the bat! There were several new friendships made over the weekend! I will fill the names in later...I am so absent minded that I want to make sure I have them all straight. Old age is setting in ya know! I am on the far right and the pretty lady right next to me is Maggie Lamarre from Cuttlebug Challenge Blog ....which I used to belong to. It is such a small world and I was so happy to meet her in person. She is a real sweetheart!

I got to meet another person that I had corresponded with prior to attending the event. The lady in the middle in the picture below, is Tanya Fox , editor of CardMaker magazine. I was lucky to get to share my booth with her and meet her daughters. She is such a sweet person. It was great getting to know her better!

I also got to meet Karen Taylor (on the left). She was there representing Spellbinders. She is one of their designers and does awesome work! You would would not believe the jaw droppingly beautiful things she taught in her make and takes! I have decided I need every stinking spellbinder item they make now! LOL! She was a real hoot too...life of the party type! Love her to pieces already!

I was nervous for nothing! Teaching felt really natural once I got started! The people who attended made me feel I was the best teacher in the world...Thanks girls! You all did awesome work and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to share my love for card making with you!
Here are a few pictures of my classes...Pardon the blurred spots...the images are still top secret! Shhhhh! :)
They all LOVED their gifts from my sponsors! Thanks Clear Dollar Stamps, Sakura, and Petaloo! You ROCK!!!!




Here are a couple of smiling faces after learning how to watercolor "Trudy Style" as they called it. LOL!


The picture below is Jennifer Freidley. She is such a loving passionate lady. She worked tirelessly on the Expo with the help of some friends. She loves the people in their Hospice care and bent over backwards for them and for everyone attending the Expo. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to meet and work with her and the organization. I have already been asked to return next year. Jennifer said my classes were a major hit! Whhheeeew! ;)

CDS sneak peek Meowy Christmas Stocking

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Hello again!
Day three of Clear Dollar Stamp's sneak peeks and I have another cutie illustrated by Shawne Arnold. This is from the Meowy Christmas set that will be available November 1 with all of the other new releases.




This little card was fun to make. I used Debbie Mumm's Fall stack and Bazzill. I popped the kitty a couple of times, added some chunky glitter to the stocking and of course did some stitching. I think he turned out purrrrr-fect! ;) LOL!
Thanks for dropping by. I hope you will take a second to leave me a note. :)
Hugs,
True :)

Another Clear Dollar Stamp Sneak Peek!

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Day 2 of Clear Dollar Stamp's November sneak peeks and I have another stamp set done by Shawne Arnold for CDS. It is Jolly & Joy. You can spell out both words with the cute images she has Incorporated into the set.
I used DCWV designer paper and Bazzill cardstocks.


I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Winter Wonderland Challenge - Open Theme (anything goes)
ta da!
Paper Take Weekly Challenge - Spots and Stripes
Got 'em!
Daring Card Makers Challenge - "These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things"
Use at least 5 of your favorite things.
This one is easy!
My all time fave cardstock is Bazzill Dots.
My fave embellishment is ribbon.
My fave glitter glue is Stickles.
My fave time of the year is Christmas. (Christmas stamp)
My fave technique is sewing .
My fave color is green.
My fave size card base is 6" by 6"
My fave type of coloring is watercolor pencil,
My fave tool is my Wizard and Nesties.
My fave emotion....JOY!
That makes 10! :)
ABC Challenge - "G" is for Green
Lots o' green going on here!
Simon Says Stamp Challenge - All That Sparkles
I used a sparkly ribbon, added lots of Stickles to the image, and the striped DP is sugared.

Don't forget to check out the other DT's peek creations by clicking on their names in my left sidebar under "Our Clear Dollar Stamp Design Team".
If you missed my peek yesterday...scroll up one post. If you would like to sign up for my blog candy....scroll up 2! ;)
Hugs your way!
True :)

An emergency anniversary card for my brother and sister-in-law!

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Hello All!
In all of the craziness I have going on....I forgot about my brother and his wife's 25th wedding anniversary! UUGGGHHHH! As all of you card makers know, it is like breaking the law now if we give a "store bought" card. So....I a pinch I decided to make a card with papers that are so gorgeous that it doesn't need tons of extras or lots of time. I went to my stash and pulled out some "The Paper Temptress" papers. They are absolutely beautiful and the camera just doesn't do them justice because of the shine and sparkle. You should go check out TPT now because they are celebrating their 1 year anniversary and there are all kinds of deals going on!
I usually spend about 3-4 hours on a card but this little beauty only took about 1/2 an hour. Whew...saved by the bell! The bell and sentiment are from "Stampin Up's" "A Greeting For All Reasons" the numbers are from a generic set I picked up at Hobby Lobby.




All I did was stamp the images in Versa Mark, sprinkle on metallic silver embossing powders, heat to set, add a little ribbon, and voila!A quick elegant card!
I shouldn't have taken the time to post it tonight with all I still have to do but I couldn't help myself!
I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Paper Play Challenge - Your favorite embellishment
I used ribbon as mine. It is on almost all of my cards!
One Stop Craft Challenge - Celebrations
This card celebrates an anniversary
Colour Create Challenge - All White
Mine is...with a touch of metallic silver for accent
Paper Take Weekly - Spots and Stripes (use either or both
I used this beautiful laser striped paper
This is entry #2 for this challenge! :)
Creative Inspirations Challenge - Special card or project with a number on it
25! LOL!
Simon Says Stamps Challenge - All That Sparkles
The whole card does!
This is my second entry here too. Love these guys! :)
The Pixie Cottage Challenge - Celebrate
Anniversary celebration in da haouse! ;)
Please leave a note to tell me what you think!
Hugs,
True :)

It is time for the November sneak peeks @ Clear Dollar Stamps!

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Today's peek is from the adorable PatchPal Reindeer set illustrated by the talented Shawne Arnold. This stamp set will be available November 1st @ CDS.



I painted it to match this pretty "Be Merry O Christmas Tree" designer paper by: My Mind's Eye. I was lucky enough to find trees with dots so I colored the dots on the deer the same colors. The cardstock is Bazzil.



I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Paper Take Weekly Challenge - Spots and Stripes
The trees and the reindeer have spots and other trees and his socks have stripes.
Daring Card Makers Challenge - "These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things"
Use at least 5 of your favorite things.
This one is easy!
My all time fave cardstock is Bazzill Dots.
My fave embellishment is ribbon.
My fave glitter glue is Stickles.
My fave time of the year is Christmas. (Christmas stamp)
My fave technique is sewing .
My fave color is green.
My fave size card base is 6" by 6"
My fave type of coloring is watercolor pencil,
My fave tool is my Wizard and Nesties.
My fave type of image is cute critters
That makes 10! :)
All Sorts Challenge - Furry Friends
I used a reindeer
ABC Challenge - "G" is for Green
I used green as my card base and the scallop around the main image, the bow, the 2 square panels, some of the trees, the package, some detail on the deer, and the stitching are green.
Simon Says Stamp Challenge - All That Sparkles
I used a sparkly ribbon and added lots of Stickles to the images.
Winter Wonderland Challenge - Open Theme (anything goes)
ta da!

Please make sure and check out the other CDS girl's peeks. Just click on their names in my left side bar under "Our Clear Dollar Stamp Design Team".
Thanks for dropping by!
BTW...if you have not signed up for my blog candy, why not? LOL!
Scroll up for that post.
Hugs,
True :)

I have some AMAZING sponsors for my class!

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I am in awe of the generosity of some companies!
When I first found out I would be speaking and teaching at the Midland Expo event this weekend, I sent out about a dozen emails to craft companies (big and small) telling them what the event was about and asking if they would like to make a sponsor donation.
With the economy the way it is, I totally understand that some of them were not able to donate. They also get inundated with requests for donations so while they may have not been able to help with this event, most of them are still very charitable.
I must say though, I am so thankful to 3 companies who did make some very generous donations.

My friend Lori from Clear Dollar Stamps LLC donated PILES of 3 different styles of stamps. I obscured some of them in the picture because they have not released for sale yet. She went out of her way to make sure they were manufactured and shipped in time for the show. Those attending my class will be the first to see the first stamps done with my illustrations! :)

Julia from Sakura Color Products of America, Inc. sent me some Gelly Roll Stardust pens for everyone attending my class and a couple of sets that will be drawn for. (I just noticed I didn't get the sets out for the picture).

I just received a HUGE box of beautiful flowers from Cheryl with Petaloo International. There are so many different styles! Some with glitter centers, some with jewels, all diffent colors and sizes. I had to stack them in the pictures because I couldn't get all of them in otherwise!
Click on the pictures for a closer look!

I just want to give a huge shout out to these very generous companies. I hope you will check out their sites and become a patron ....if you aren't already.

THANKS!
True :)

I am starting to get nervous! ;)

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Hi All!
I was flipping through my newest issue of "Card Maker Magazine" and low and behold....I see a huge add for the Memory Expo event that I will be speaking and teaching at the end of October. Seeing it in my favorite magazine really sends home just how big an event this is! I am still shocked and honored to have been invited as a VIP Guest Speaker! My nerves are starting to kick in though! LOL!
If any of you plan to attend, I would love to know.
For those of you who have not heard about the event you can learn more about it HERE.
Hope to see some of you there!
BTW... Lori @ Clear Dollar Stamps is donating stamps illustrated by ME (my first) for my classes as well as some special "Charlie Horse" stamps. Sakura and Petaloo have also made some generous donations to be given away in my classes.

Hugs,
True :)

I love this time of year!

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Update.... The top picture was taken a week later. More read and orange and the sun shining on it. Looks like fire!!! :)

This maple tree sets down hill from the end of our septic lateral lines. It is always watered and fed well! teheeee!
I swear...it was still as green as can be just 2 days ago. I pulled into the drive after work this evening and saw this beautiful red tree over the top of the house. I just HAD to go take a picture and share it with you!
Hugs,
True :)

3 More Cuddly Buddly Creations!

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Hello!

I have 3 cards I wanted to post tonight.

These are all new stamps my friend Kim has for sale now over at Cuddly Buddly.

They were illustrated by my new friend Kim Sponaugle. Kim is an awesome children's book illustrator. You should go check out her blog.
All of these cards were done with Bassill CS and K&Company DP which is available @ Cuddly Buddly.

"Master Summer Fairy"

"Master Spring Fairy"

"Grateful Fairy"

Please leave a comment about one or all! ;)
Hugs,
True :)

Pumpkin Patch from CDS Patchpal Scarecrow Set

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Hello!
This cute little guy is part of one of "Clear Dollar Stamp's" October releases called "Patchpal Scarecrow" illustrated by Shawne Arnold. I just used a few small pieces of the set so I am posting a picture so you can see all of the cute images it has.



The CS is Bazzill and the DP is from Debbie Mum's Fall stack.



I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Simon Says "Boo" - Make a Halloween Card
Mine isn't scary but it is cute ;)
2 Red Bananas - "Here's to Halloween
Pumpkins are Halloweenie! Is that a word? LOL!
My Time to Craft Challenge - Purrfect Pets
I used a cute kitty
Stamp Something Challenge Blog - Use Brown
My card base and the frame around the orange DP is brown. There is also brown on the kitty the stem and the sentiment.
Stampin for the Weekend Challenge - Use Orange, Brown and Leafy Green
Check...check and...check! ;)
All Sorts Challenge - Halloween
Check! ;)
Pile It On Challenge - 3 Dimensional
Mine is! ;)

Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,
True :)

A simple little holly - My Original Artwork

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Hello All!

I am really having trouble finding a simple little holly stamp that I like. The ones I have found are either way too stylized for my taste or just plain funky!
The fix....make one of my own. Plain and simple but cute! ;)



Hugs your way!

True :)

"Squeek in Apple"My Original Artwork Card Plus Lots-o-Challenges! :)

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Hello!
I decided to work the digi I created yesterday into a card. I happened to see several challenges the image would work nicely in to I kicked it into high gear to get it done before the entry deadlines. I think it turn out kind of cute! ;)
The CS is Bazzill and the DP is from Pink Paislee. The sentiment is from Penny Black's "Critter Party".





Here are the challenges I am entering this card into...Brace yourselves! LOL!
Sketch and Stash Challenge #20 - Use provided sketch and some kind of stash.
I followed the sketch but used a rectangular frame around my "round" image. My stash is that pretty DP. I bought it before last Christmas with some other DP but didn't use it. I went looking for a DP with colors called for in the next challenge and viola!
Creatalicious Challenge #2 - make a creation with this colour combo pink or plum, with burgundy and green. Also add some sort of lace, ribbon or fibre etc.
I used pink, burgundy and green. There is also a green ribbon.
Digital Tuesday Challenge #26 - Heart to Heart - Use a heart somewhere on your creation.
I drew a heart shape hole in the apple and Squeek's nose is also a heart. Yes it is a digi...one of mine! ;)
Creative Card Crew Challenge #30 - All That Sparkles
I added a green jewel to the sentiment corner, the leaf has glitter and the apple sparkles and shines!
ABC Challenge - E is for Embossing
I dry embossed the pink CS with a Cuttlebug folder and embossed around the edge of the main image frame.
Charisma Cardz Challenge #39 - Decoupage
I decoupaged my main image up to 3 layers in spots

Stamp Something Challenge - Stamp something with apples, teachers, or school
I drew a digi apple. The sentiment is a stamp from Penny Black.
Daring Card Makers Challenge- Folding up!
I folded the corner down to stamp the sentiment.
Penny Black Challenge #69 - Autumn Breezes
I associate crispy red apples with fall because of harvest time and Halloween. The image is my original artwork but the sentiment is from Penny Black's "Critter Party" set.
One Stop Craft Challenge #49 - Autumn Inspiration"
I associate crispy red apples with fall because of harvest time and Halloween.
Secret Crafter Challenge #52 - Celebration
Mine is a birthday celebration.
Gingersnap Creations Challenge - GC22 Spicy Supply Challenge - Bling
I added a gemstone and sparkle.
Dare U 2 Digi Stamp Challenge - Punched Shapes or Die Cuts
I used my Nesties
Easy Breezy Kewl Colors Challenge - Old Olive, Crushed Curry, Rose Red, Rich Razzleberry.
I don't have these SU colors but played along with similar colors.
Pile It On Challenge #18 - 3 Dimensional and other challenges.
Mine is...and I think I got the other challenges covered! LOL! ;)

Wheew! That was a lot of work!
Please leave a comment if you have a second to spare. Thanks so much!
Hugs,
True :)

"Squeek in an Apple" My Original Artwork

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Here is another digi that I worked up from one of my sketches. I am slowly teaching myself Adobe Illustrator. Man is it complicated! I did the coloring in Sketchbook Pro.

Remember...you can click on the image to enlarge.

Here is the rough sketch.



Please leave honest feedback about weather or not you might buy this as a digi or stamp.
Thanks and hugs!
True :)

"Nutcracker Tag" CDS SP and "COMMENT CANDY"!

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Hello All!

Hope your weekend is off to a great start!

Today I am blogging about my versatile "Nutcracker Tag".

The DP is from Cosmo Cricket's "More Jolly by Golly" and the CS is my all time fave....Bazzill Swiss Dots. I popped the image for a 3D effect and added some gold embossing to it. I then stitched with gold and added a metallic gold ribbon. This tag really sparkles!

This is the flip side of the tag.

It could be used as a gift tag, a bookmark, or an ornament. It is done with this adorable "Holiday Nutcrackers" stamp set from Clear Dollar Stamps.

Just for a twist today...I will be giving this tag away as "Comment Candy"! Just let me know what you think and next weekend I will draw from all of the comments on this post and the winner gets the tag. Just a tiny little way to let you know how much I appreciate your comments. ;)

Hugs,

True :)