Blitsy's Grand Opening / Black Friday Sale!

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Hi Everyone!

I am busy in my craft room today making some pretties to share with you next week. I just thought I would pop in and remind you about Blitsy!

You still have time to get in on Blitsy's Grand Opening / Black Friday sale!
Check them out HERE
They have some awesome items on sale like:
Grand Calibur with dies for $83.00
Tim Holtz Alterations dies and embossing folder sets as low as $6.99
Spellbinders dies for as low as $12.95
Xyron Mega Tape Runner. reg. price $25.00 on sale now for just $9.95!

Tim Holtz Distress ink pads for just $2.99 regularly $4.99!
It takes just a second to sign up to be a member and then you can get in on their weekly bargains!

Have a great weekend!

Hugs,

True :D

Some Sales tips for some crafty shopping!

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Hi Everyone!

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

Now that it's over, it's time to start thinking about Christmas and all of this Black Friday shopping has me wanting to share some tips!

Tip # 1

The new Blitsy shop is open today! It just takes a minute to register. You will get to be included in their weekly private sales. Right now, they are having a Black Friday sale! They sent me some of the limited addition Tim Holtz Winter Distress Ink pads and the colors are STUNNING! I can't wait to play with them! 

They are also one of the items on the Black Friday Sale. Just $8.97 for the set!!!! That's a $17.990 value! Actually all of their Tim Holtz Distress pads are on sale for just $2.99! 

Sign up now with Blitsy and save up to 60% off of crafty goodies!

Tip #2

Simon Says Stamp is having a Black Friday sale! Almost 400 items are 25% or more off!  :)

Tip #3

MixBook is having an awesome sale on photo books, cards, stationary and calendars! Create amazing gifts with your own photos at up to 50% off right now! 

Tip #4

Really Reasonable Ribbon is having a Black Friday sale!

This is what Bonnie said about the sale...

In order to celebrate Thanksgiving and 'Black Friday' here in the US, we are having a 3-day SALE at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  All day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11/24 thru 11/26 we will be having a 15% OFF your ENTIRE ORDER including sale items!!

Please use the code TURKEY15 in the promotional code area on the first page at checkout.  

This offer is good through midnight (EST) on Saturday 11/26.

(Sale code is not valid on prior orders, ribbon club subscriptions, ribbon club gift subscriptions, or special order items).

Tip #6

Inky Antics is giving away free Diamond Dust with any order in November!

Hope you will check them all out! :)

Hugs,

True :D

"Celebrate Katie Renz's Life" Blog Hop

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Hello everyone!

Today we celebrate a beautiful lady and a beautiful life.

Our friend Katie Renz's battle with cancer is over. She is now cancer free in the arms of our Lord!

Katie had the most gorgeous and infectious smile. 

Seeing her in pictures like this one still brightens my day. 

Her light has not faded. It lives on in our hearts.

Katie's Clear Dollar Stamps sisters wanted to celebrate her by CASEing one of her cards or by creating cards for her family and sharing them in this blog hop. I did both because I CASE'ed her and will be sending my card to Kevin and the boys for Christmas.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you are here from sweet Linda's blog, you are in the right place. If you just happened onto my blog, head on back to Lori's Clearly iStamp blog where it all starts. I am sure you will find many heartwarming stories and beautiful creations along your way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Katie had such a special way of creating clean and simple layouts that beautifully featured sentiments.

I created this card with the "Christmas Scriptures" set from Clear Dollar Stamps and some pretty Gold Satin Gold Edged ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

This is the card that Katie made from which I drew my inspiration. I love how she placed the ribbon around the sentiment.

If you have not read, and been touched by Katie's cancer journey, I invite you to go visit her blog. You will not leave dry eyed or inspired by her strength, love for her friends and family, tremendous courage and remarkable grace.

Thanks so much for dropping by to help us celebrate the life of our dear Katie.

Your next stop on the hop is Jan's adorable blog.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Please remember tell the people you love how you feel. You never know when it might be too late. :)

"Pixelled" Helmar ZapDots card

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Hi Everyone!

Today I played along with the girls in Split Coast Stampers F4A91 "Pixellated" challenge. We were asked to use multiple squares on our card to create the look of pixels. While everyone else was using paper or paint,  I knew exactly what I wanted to use for my squares....Helmar ZapDots! :)

I thought I would show you really quick how simple my card was to make. I think I might have created a new technique. :) I haven't seen it anywhere at least. 

I used small black Helmar ZapDots and some Ranger Ink's Perfect Pearls Pigment Powders.

I simply removed the paper backing from one row of the ZapDots then with a soft paint brush, just rubbed my first color into the sticky.

Then I did the same with a couple more rows and my second color of Perfect Pearls.

I cut a 3" card base and a 2 1/2" square out of Black cardstock from Discount Card Stock.

I stamped a fun Studio g sentiment with Ranger Ink's Snow Cap then added some white embossing powder and heat set it.

I then used some craft tweezers to place the "pixels" on the square around the sentiment.

I then cut a square of Brilliant White cardstock just a tad bigger then my black square and attached it with Helmar's 450 Quick Dry Adhesive. I added some Turquoise and Black Knotted Cord from Really Reasonable Ribbon, then attached it to my card base with more black Helmar ZapDots.

It was super fun using my Helmar ZapDots for decoration instead of hiding them under layers of paper!

Hope you will give this technique a try!

I would love to hear what you think about my project!
To get a closer look at, or to purchase the products I used, please click on the links below. :)

If you have a little spare time, I highly recommend that you check out Helmar's blog and "Like" them on their Facebook page. There is going to be TON'S of inspiration from the new Helmar Hotties!

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

Inky Antics Handmade Holiday Gifts Blog Hop!

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Hi everyone!
Thanks for dropping by to wish me happy birthday today!

This is my first post as a 49 year old...ugh! One more year 'til the big 50!

Ahem uhh ..Let's change the subject before I start sobbing! *sniff sniff*  :)

In all reality, you are probably here for the hop sooo....

I would like to welcome you to the Inky Antics Handmade Holiday Gifts Blog Hop!

If you came here from the Inky Antics blog, you are in the right place! If you just happened on to my blog, head on back there to start at the very beginning.  :)

With the economy what it is, we thought it would be fun to share some handmade "gifts on a shoestring" ideas.

Christmas has become so commercial that I think people really enjoy hand made items now a days anyhow! I know I do!

I used the adorable "Merry Mochaccino" clear set. 

This image is perfect for a homemade gift for any coffee lover!

Here is my project...

I used Discount Card Stock's Brilliant White.

Really Reasonable Ribbon's Red Velvet .

The image was colored with watercolors and a red fine tip Sharpie Marker. 

I distressed the edges with Ranger Coffee Archival Ink.

I thought I would also share a couple of my favorite Mochaccino recipes with you.

Yummy Instant Mochaccino Mix

1 1/4 cups of instant coffee granules

7 cups dry milk powder

5 3/4 cups powdered chocolate drink mix

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 3/4 cups powdered non-dairy creamer

Winter Spice Mochaccino Mix

1 cup instant chocolate drink mix

1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer

2/3 cup instant coffee granules

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions for either recipe:

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until powdery. Store in air-tight container. Mix 4-6 teaspoons into 6 oz. of boiling hot water. Stir until dissolved  Enjoy! :)

Jackie asked the team to "tally up" what we have in our gift items.

This is how mine added up....

1/4 of a sheet of white cardstock  - 4¢

1 clear bag - 6¢

scraps of ribbon about - 10¢

2/3 cup instant coffee - $1.75

1 cup cocoa mix - 80¢

3/4 cup powdered sugar - 25¢

spices, ink, staples, coloring medium...next to nothing!

Grand total.....$3.00 on the dot!

If you don't want to do all the mixing, you can cheat and buy the instant mixes and just decorate them with the tag and a bow.  :)

The hop runs through Sunday, November 20^th at midnight Central time. Please visit each DT members’ blog to view their projects and leave a comment for each designer. The more you comment, the better your chances are to win. (Limit one comment per blog, please). Two people’s names will be drawn at random to receive a surprise Inky prize pack. The winners’ names will be announced on the Inky Antics blog next Monday, so remember to stop back and see if you’ve won.

You next stop on the hop is sweet Michelle's Inspirational blog.

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

My Helmar Haul! :)

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Hi Everyone!

I don't think I officially announced that I made the Helmar Adhesives design team. Woo hoo!

I will be up to my neck in sticky goodness! :)

The Helmar girls aka "Helmar Hotties" do what the call "Helmar Haul" videos, where they share what the receiver in their first design team shipment. They get products from both Helmar and their preferred partner companies.

Here is my "haul" video.

* Edit* After watching the video, it sounds like I used the Lord's name in vain. My friends all know that's sooooo not me! :)  I actually said "...but byyyyy GOLLY it's...". I am notorius for running my words together especially when I'm excited and in a hurry. :)
 I just about took the video down but decided to just post an explanation instead.  :)

Please head on over to the Helmar blog and "follow" and  to their Facebook page and "like" so you won't miss a thing.

Thanks for dropping by today!

Hugs,

True :D

Digi Release Day @ Clear Dollar Stamps and a New Challenge @ Really Reasonable Ribbon

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Hello Everyone!

Today is digi release day at Clear Dollar Stamps and I illustrated and colored 3 of them!  :) 

The first is one I am super pleased with. I did more realistic coloring which was my "normal" style before I started stamping and making cards. Why not incorporate the way I love to color into my card making world?

This card was made with my new  "Basket Kittens" digi set.

The cardstock is Brilliant White, Wheat, and Teal, all from Discount Card Stock.

The sweet ribbon is Turquoise Organza from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

I used Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive and Helmar ZapDots.

This is what my "Basket Kittens" set looks like. You get the colored version that you can simply print and create with, but then I also included a line art version for those of you who would rather color it yourself. It also comes with 4 fun sentiments. It's just $4.00 for the instant download! :)

My next card was done with my "Paper Christmas Trees" digi.

This is the card I created for Really Reasonable Ribbon's latest "CAS Christmas" challenge.

Hope you will head on over to the Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings blog, take a peek at what the other girls have created, and maybe even join in on the fun. You could win a prize from Really Reasonable Ribbon!  :)

For this card, I used Discount Card Stock's Brilliant White and Prussian Blue.

The pretty Moss Green Double Faced Satin is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

I used Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive and Helmar ZapDots adhesives.

This is what the "Paper Christmas Trees" digi set looks like. I have pre-grouped the trees for you and have them set up as individual files too. There are also line art trees that you can either print on white paper to color yourself or...print directly onto your favorite designer paper to cut out. 

This set is also just $4.00 for instant download. 

My final card was done with my "Hearts and Holly" digi set. It is not exactly done in "normal" Christmas colors but I think that is what will make them stand out in a crowd of cards! :)

I layered my digital designer papers and the image right on my computer. All I had to do was print and embellish! This card took less than 10 minutes to make! When you have lots of Christmas cards to make...quick is a GOOD thing!  :)

I used Brilliant White (my standard digi printing paper) from Discount Card Stock.

The pretty Capri Blue Satin Grosgrain ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon.
I used Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive.

This is what my "Hearts and Holly" digi set looks like. It comes with "Keep Jesus in Your Heart!" and "Keep Christmas in Your Heart!" versions in both colored and line art, plus 3 matching 6" x6" digital papers and separate heart and holly colored images, for just $3.50 for instant download!

I hope you liked my cards and digis today! I would love to hear which of the three are your favorite so I will know what styles you like best for future digi sets!

Please take a few minutes to head over to the Clearly iStamp blog to see what the rst of the CDS DT have created with these images. You can also check out all of the new digi releases while you are there.
Don't forget to check out the latest Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings challenge too!
Still have blogging time?
Head on over to Helmar's Facebook page, LIKE them and tell them True :D sent ya! *wink* *wink*!

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,
True :D

Time For Another Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop and MY Mistletoe Digi Set

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Hi Everyone!

It's the 13th of the month so it's time for another Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings blog hop!

If you found your way here from Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings, you are in the right place!

If you just happened on to my blog, head on back there, because that it where it all starts! :)

You don't want to miss any of the awesome projects the girls have created for your viewing pleasure...or a chance at a great prize from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

This month's Ribbon Club kit has some beautiful silver and gold ribbons in it. I couldn't decide which color to use so I used both! :) I also used more of them in my photo. Couldn't help myself...they are soooo beautiful! :)

The image is one of my latest digital stamp sets called...you guessed it....Mistletoe.
Real original aren't I? ;)
You can instantly download the set for yourself for just $3.00!



Click HERE to see a card I made the other day with the red bow version.

If you aren't a ribbon club member, now would be a great time to sign up!

You get automatic shipments of 10-15 yards of assorted beautiful ribbons for just $9.00 domestic and $11.50 international!
You can also give your favorite crafter the gift that keeps on giving by purchasing a GIFT Subscription to the  ribbon club for 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months! It's a super idea and your friends will LOVE you for it! :)

This is what the entire November club kit looks like...



Bonnie will be giving away an November Ribbon Monthly Club kit to a random commentor so please make sure and comment on all of the girl's projects to increase your chances of winning!

Your next stop on the hop is Judy's joyful blog. You're gonna love it! :)

Thanks so much for dropping by today!

Hugs,

True :D

           

These are the products I used on this card. Click on any of the pictures to go get yours. ;)

God Sure Knows How To Rock The Color Wheel! :)

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Hi Everyone!

Just a quick post to share some beautiful leaves that I shot of our pear trees this afternoon.

The beauty took my breath away!

I am thankful that God has blessed us with so much beauty. We just have to stop and take the time to see it.

I hope you all will look for beauty in something simple today!

Hugs,

True :D

A Mistletoe Christmas Card

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Hi Everyone!

I posted about my new Mistletoe digi stamp earlier, 

but decided to go ahead and make a card with it really quick today after all.  :)

Fickle me! :)

It was quick too...print, cut, doodle with a Copic marker, distress with some Ranger Archival ink, add a snippet of some cool Hunter Green Jute Ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and voila!

I added some dewdrops to make it dimensional for today's Split Coast Stampers challenge.

The cardstock is Brilliant White, Posh Cherry Satin Sparkle, and Posh Spruce Satin Sparkle, all from Discount Card Stock.

Of course, it was all put together with Helmar's ZapDots, and Helmar Craft Glue! :)

Here is another peek at my Mistletoe digi set available for instant download for just $3.00. ;)

Thanks for dropping by again today! 

Hugs,

True :D

I Totally Forgot to Share my Mistletoe Digi With You!

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Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to pop in really quick and share my Mistletoe digi stamp that I created for a Clearly Inspired Challenge over at the Clearly iStamp blog.

You still have a week to join in on the challenge!

This is the set and it is available now as an instant download for just $3.00!

This set makes adorable CAS (Clean and Simple) cards, or you can add all kinds of fancy stuff to create your own masterpiece!

Come back on the 13th to see a card I have created with it for a Really Reasonable Ribbon blog hop!  :)

Hugs,

True :D

"Time Goes By So Slowly..." Card

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Hi Everyone!

Today I am sharing another card that breaks away from my norm.

I have been inspired as of late by some of the artwork from my friend Tracy Weinzapfel.

I love the way she doodles her sentiments and frames!

I wanted to play with the girls in today's CC348 color challenge over at Split Coast Stampers, and I also wanted to try out the new Clockworks embossing folder I bought yesterday.

Since the background texture is clock parts and I used a "Tracy-ish" heart, I thought the sentiment I used was very fitting. Especially since my sweet hubby is away in Iowa on a business trip!

Look closely and you will see that I used some Glimmer Mists and a Sakura Green Star Gelly Roll pen to add some sparkle.

The cardstock is all from Discount Card Stock.

The pretty little ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

I put it all together with several Helmar products...
Helmar Craft Glue, Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots and Helmar ZapDots.
I love how the Liquid Scrap Dots and ZapDots worked together to make my heart pop off of the page!

See the picture links to all supplies I used at the bottom of this post.

Here is that Clockworks embossing folder I used.

Isn't it fun!?!

Thanks for dropping by!

 Hugs, 

True :D

Be One Of The 1st to Sign Up For Blitsy!

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Hey crafty friends!

BLITSY is going to be a super cool site for us crafters!

Sounds like there will be some awesome deals on craft supplies.

Sign up now and be the first to get in on the deals when they go live!

I did! 

 Hugs,

True :D

News Print and Glimmer Mist Grung Card

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Hi Everyone!

I played along with the girls in the Split Coast Stampers WT347 Ways to Use It challenge "Extra!...Extra!Read All About It!" We were asked to use newspaper in our creations.

I figured "Why stop with just recycling news paper?". Almost everything on this card is recycled!
The card base itself is chipboard packaging from some paper that I received from one of my design teams (Discount Card Stock). The flower and leaves are also made form it. My heart was made from some corrugated packing that I "hoarded" and some foil from last night's baked potatoes. :)
The ribbon was just about tossed a week ago when I got a big glob of glue on it rendering it (what I thought at the time) useless.
The stamps are both from Stampers Anonymous' ~ Tim Holtz Collection. They are "Admit One" and "Fabulous Flourishes".. 

I used Walnut Gold and  Meadow Green Glimmer Mists to glam it up.

The ribbon and trim are both from Really Reasonable Ribbon. They are Silky Crush Antique Gold, and Black Licorice baker's Twine that I sprayed with some Glimmer Mist to stain.

I hand cut the leaves and for the flower, I used this new Rolled Rose Die that I am soooo in love with!

I would love to hear what you think about my card since it's not my normal style!

Thanks for taking a closer look!

Hugs,

True :D