Time for another Paper Take Weekly Challenge!

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Hi Everyone!

This week's sponsor @ Paper Take Weekly is The Paper Shelter. Now, I love to color, so I very seldom use pre-colored digis but their "Romantic Cupcakes" are so cute that I made an exception!

Our challenge is to use "Ribbons and Pearls"

My ribbon is the beautiful Fuchsia Shimmer Satin from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

And my pearls are the Vintage Pink Pearl brad and the Gradient Pink Pearl Stickers from Creative Charms.

This card also works perfectly as an example in Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings challenge which is "Hearts and Ribbons" sponsored by Creative Charms!

The beautiful paper is Heavenly White, Azalea, Amethyst, and Emerald from The Paper Temptress.

Thanks so much for dropping by!

Hope to see you in our challenge!

Hugs,

True :D

Bow With Brad Tutorial

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Hello everyone!

I got a very warm responce to my Inky Antics ~ "Consider Yourself Hugged" card that I posted last week and many of the comments were about the bow.

I even had a couple of people email me with questions on how I did it.
I thought the best way to explain it is with a quick video tutorial. You will see just how simple it is.
The ribbon I am using in the video is from Really Reasonable Ribbon's ~ January Ribbon of the Month package.

The Vintage Pearl Brads are from Creative Charms which works out perfectly because the are our co-sponsor for our current Really Reasonable Ribbon's Rambling challenge. The challenge is "Use Hearts and Ribbon" and runs through January 30th. I think we are all adding hearts to our creations this time of year so why not come join us in our challenge, share your creations with others who would love to see it, and be entered for a chance to win one of the prizes?  :)

OK... enough of my rambling!
On with the show!

See...told ya...EASY!

Thanks for dropping by!
Hugs,
True :D

Clear Dollar Stamps BLOG HOP!!!!

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Hello and welcome to Clear Dollar Stamps' January Blog Hop. As you can see from the logo above, we will be having a hop monthly, showcasing some old and some new stamps that we pick from our favorite sets.

We have a team brimming with super talented ladies who just LOVE our Clear Dollar Stamps, so I hope you will join us the 3rd Sunday of every month to see what we have prepared for you.

If you came from Barb's beautiful blog, you're in the right place. 

If you just happened on to my blog, head on over and visit Lori @ Clearly iStamp to start at the beginning. You will want to comment on all of the blogs to increase your chances of winning a prize!

This month's hop theme is "New Beginnings". We can interpret it in any way we choose so I went with a new day. Isn't it great that though we may make mistakes, or have problems, that God gives us new days to start over fresh?  :)

I used the "Rooster Sunrise" set that I illustrated for CDS.

The Moss Twill Ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

The Green Crepe cardstock is from The Paper Temptress.

The DP is "Butterfield" by Memory Box.

The sunflowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

If you have yet to see my post from yesterday, I hope you will scroll down and take a look. I have several cards that are done with my latest digi illustrations and a chance to win the digis just by commenting on that post!

Your next stop on the hop is sweet Cassie's blog. I am sure you are going to love what she has to show you!

Thanks so much for dropping by!

Please remember to comment for a chance at winning the prize from Clear Dollar Stamps.

Lots of DT Cards today! RRRR Challenge and CDS Sneak Peeks, Plus Comment Candy!!!

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Hi Everyone!
Today is the sneaks for this month's digi releases at Clear Dollar Stamps and also time for a new challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings that is co-sponsored by another one of my teams, Creative Charms!

This is a very long post so please keep on scrollin'!  :)
Because I want to show that I am grateful that you came to visit and took the time to look at my long post today, I am offering one lucky commenter both the new "I Love You BeeCause" and the "Monkey Business" digis below!


My first card covers both design team obligations plus I used some other teams supplies.
Do I know how to work it or what?!? Tehehehe!

My first sample is done with my new "I Love You BeeCause" digi set.
The fabulous ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon's ~ January Ribbon of the Month set. It is packed with lots of beautiful Valentine themed ribbons and trims.
Our RRRR challenge this time is to use "Hearts and Ribbons".

The pretty Pink Vintage Jewel Brad is from Creative Charms.
The paper is The Paper Temptress's ~ Heavenly White.

This is everything you get on the digi. It is a very versatile set that can be used for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and just BeeCause all year long!

It is just $2.50 for an instant download!

My next card was done with my new "Monkey Business" digi.

The paper is The Paper Temptress's ~ Heavenly White and  Jelly Bean Green.
The pretty Sunflower Swiss Dots Grosgrain ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

The digi comes with lots of fun images and is available for instant download now for just $3.00!

And now....I have some exciting news!

Starting with January's Clear Dollar Stamps release sets, CDS will be offering "Cuttin'Up SVG cut files to coordinate with the stamps!

I did this card using the "Heart Hugs" stamp that I illustrated, and the "Heart Hugs Cuttin' Up" SVG file with my Cricut. I am amazed at how fast and easy it was to cut! What would have taken about 5 minutes and been cut far from perfect, took about 10 seconds and the results are sa-weet!  ;)

This card also works for the Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings "Use Hearts and Ribbon" challenge!

This amazing time saving cut file is available for just $1.00 for instant download!!!!

The pretty ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon's - January Ribbon of the Month kit.

The card base is Bazzill Swiss Dots, the DP is from K&Co's Super Pad stack and the pretty sparkly cardstocks are Cappuccino and  Bronze mica metallics from The Paper Temptress.

The little jewels on either side of the sentiment are Pink Gradient Gem Stickers from Creative Charms.

To get all the details about our new "Cuttin' Up" SVG files please visit Lori's Clearly iStamp blog.

Please visit Clearly iStamp to get links and see the amazing projects the other girls did with this month's digi releases!

Hope to see you all at the RRRR "Use Hearts and Ribbon" challenge!  :)

To be entered into the drawing for my new digi sets, just leave a quick comment and let me know which card is your favorite and why. No need to be a follower but I would appreciate it if you are so inclined!  :)
I will announce the winner Monday the 17th.

Thanks so much for dropping by!
BTW...comments are like heart hugs...so nice to receive! *wink* *wink*

Hugs,

True :D

~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~
Card Recipe for Card #1:
CDS STAMPS USED: "I Love You BeeCause" digi
CS/PAPERS: Heavenly White, K&Co. Super Pad stack
INK: Inkjet printer
ACCENTS/TOOLS: I Kan Dee chalks, ribbon, Cuttlebug and Swiss Dots embossing folder, pink half pearls, Diamond Glaze, Stickles in Cotton Candy and Diamonds, Scor-Tape, double-sided foam tape, Scor-Pal
COLORING: watercolors
TECHNIQUES: watercolor, embossing, chalking, 3D, popping, tole'
~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~
Card Recipe for Card #2:
CDS STAMPS USED: Monkey Business Digi
CS/PAPERS: My Mind's Eye ~ "Summer Song" stack, Paper Temptress ~ "Heavenly White" and "Jelly Bean Green"
INK: ink jet printer, Color Box ~ Olive Pastel
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Wizard and square Nestabilities, Diamond Glaze, Grosgrain dot yellow ribbon, Scor-Tape, Scor-Pal, Black Micron Pigma Pen, Double-sided foam tape, micro scissors, Eye Candie chalks
COLORING: Watercolors
TECHNIQUES: watercoloring, chalking, 3D, Tole'
~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~

Card Recipe for card #3:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Heart Hugs"
CS/PAPERS: The Paper Temptress, K&Co Super Pad stack, Bazil Swiss Dots
INK: Staz-On Jet, Black, Versa-Magic Oasis Green and Malted Mauve
ACCENTS/TOOLS: CDS "Tabs and Tags" die set, Wizard, oval and scalloped oval Nestabilities, Scor-Pal, Scor-Tape, double-sided Foam tape, Pink Gradient Jewel stickers, Pink with white dots satin ribbon, sewing machine with pink and teal thread, teal and pink glitter glue, Diamond Glaze, white Gel pen, Cricut with "Heart Hugs" SVG file from Clear Dollar Stamps
COLORING: watercolors
TECHNIQUES: watercoloring, SVG cutting, sewing, popping, 3D, Tole', Paper Piecing.

"Hang In There! :)

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Hello!

I broke out with some pink rubber for today's card.

I used I Brake For Stamps' "Laundry". Isn't it cute? I know...I should be doing cold and frosty cards. Wrong! I do as I please and felt like something bright and warm! :)

I stamped the image on 5 different micro pattered papers form K and Company's ~ Super Pad stack then added some shading, cut them out and glued them to the image that I stamped on the white paper. It was a lot of cutting but I like the effect!

I made my own sentiment in PhotoShop.

I used bits and pieces of bright assorted ribbons from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

The cardstocks are: Heavenly White, Fairway, Punch, Flame, and Gold, all from The Paper Temptress.

I chalked the sky with I Kan Dee chalks and painted the grass with watercolors. The embossing in the background was done with Tim Holtz "Swirls" folder and around the sentiment I used my Scor-Pal and Scor-Bug.

I am entering this card in The Secret Crafter Saturday ~ "Tons of Texture" challenge

Thanks again for dropping by:

Sure would love some comments if ya don't mind!  :)

Hugs,

True :D

A Different Kinda Crafty! :)

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Hello All!

If you are here for the RRRR blog hop, scroll down one post.  ;)

I don't normally post this late at night but I just finished a cake for hubby and thought I would show you that I can do more then just make cards. LOL!

One of the guys that works for hubby is retiring and is a big K-State fan. I broke out with the purple food coloring because he wanted me to do a cake for Roy. I think my sweetie is an awesome boss to think of his guys like that!

The cake is bigger then it looks in the photo. It's 11" by 15".

Boy is it hard to do something like this when you're on a diet!  UGGHHH!

My house smells soooooo good!

See ya in the morning with another card to show ya, :)

Hugs,

True :D

It's Time For Another Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop and I'm Gettin' Inky With It! :)

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Hello All!

It is the 13th of the month which means that it is time for another fun Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings blog hop!

If you came from Cheryl's sweet blog, you are in the right place. If you just happened on to the hop here, you will want to start back at the beginning at RRR design team blog.

For the hop today, I used a ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon's - January Ribbon of the Month Club package. Bonnie picked out lots of pretty Valentine themed beauties in this set.  :)

The card base is Bazzill Swiss Dots, the DP is from K&Co's Super Pad stack and the pretty sparkly cardstocks are Cappuccino and  Bronze mica metallics from The Paper Temptress.

The beautiful Vintage Pearl Brad is from Creative Charms.

 The adorable image is from Inky Antics (my newest design team) and it's called "Fido and; Fluffy's Heart" and the sentiment is "Consider Yourself".

Your next stop on the hop is the wonderful Tilly's blog.  ;).

Remember to leave a comment on all of the hop blogs for your chance to win some beautiful ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon!

Thanks so much for dropping by!

Consider yourself hugged!

True :D

Paper Take Weekly DT "Brrrthday Snowman" Card

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Good Tuesday morning to you!

I have already got the fireplace stocked! Looks like it is going to be a cold snowy day here in Kansas!

How fitting for my post today!

Paper Take Weekly's challenge is "Cold and Frosty Morning". LOL!

For my sample card, I used my very own "Brrrthday Snowman" illustration.

It is available for purchase @ Clear Dollar Stamps for just $3.00. I bet you have someone on your list who has a winter birthday.  ;)

The cardstocks are Heavenly White,  Mountain Rose, and Spring Larch, all from The Paper Temptress.

The glitter paper is from The paper Studio.

The pretty ribbon is Really Reasonable Ribbon's  Sage Satin Shimmer.

I watercolored the image then added Diamond Glaze.

Hope you will head on over to PTW and join us in our "Cold and Frosty Morning" challenge.

Please leave a comment before you go.  They WARM my heart!  :)

Hugs,

True :D

Digis for Katie~Please Help a Crafty Friend!

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Hi Everyone!

Today I am sharing about my friend Katie Renz. She is a young wife and mother of 3 adorable boys, who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer. She is such a sweet soul and is loved by many. Some of her crafty friends have gotten together to help raise funds for her and her family to offset some of their medical expenses and to let them have some fun family time together.

Firstly, let me show you my card for Katie then I hope you will scroll to the bottom to see how you can help, while getting some awesome digis for yourself.

I illustrated the stamp set that this card was made with especially for Katie with this card in mind.

The image was watercolored and chalked.

The paper is White Diamond from The Paper Temptress.

The pretty ribbon is Sheer Woven Rosettes from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

The Pink Gradient Pearl Stickers are from Creative Charms.

The roses are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Here is the entire set that I designed for Katie.

Now for the some of details about how you can help. 

Katie's friend Jak came up with the awesome idea for some of Katie's Illustrator friends to each create a stamp set to donate for Katie's cause. Some people who don't really even know her offered up some too, out of the kindness of their hearts.

Jak has decided to bundle all 16 of them together and sell them for just $23!!!

I told my friend Patricia from The Paper Temptress about it and she wants to help too. Everyone who buys the set gets entered into a drawing for lots of beautiful paper packs!

If you would like to know more about Katie and her new journey, she has been eloquently sharing on her blog.

To go see all of the beautiful digi sets and get the details, visit Jak's blog.


I am entering this card in lots of challenges in hopes of spreading the word that much more. Here are the ones I have entered:

Sentimental Sundays ~ "Anything With Wings"

Aly's  Sunday ~ "Things With Wings"

The Crazy Challenge ~ "Animals"

My Time To Craft ~ "Up in The Air"

Paper Play ~ "Clean and Simple"

Stamp Something ~ "Digi Days"

Cupcake Craft ~ "Something New" (the digi I created for Katie is new and the card is for the new journey she is faced with)

Stamp Scrap and Doodle ~ "New Beginnings" (the digi I created for Katie is new and the card is for the new journey she is faced with)

Mark's Finest Papers ~ "Embossing"

Secret Crafter ~ "Tons of Texture"

Rainbow Lady ~ "It's All New to Me" (the digi I created for Katie is new and the card is for the new journey she is faced with)

Stampin' B's ~ "An Old Favorite Plus Something New" (The old favorite is the White Diamond paper. The new is the image I created for Katie)

CES ~ "All Creatures Great and Small

I would love a quick comment before you go so I will know how many people are headed over to help our Katie.

Big hugs,

True :D

And the winner of the coloring book is.....

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Hi All!

I wish everyone could win because I am so thankful to have crafty friends who care enough to take the time to leave sweet comments on my blog. Comments after all are one of the reasons I post. If no one was interested...there would be no point.

I did have to narrow it down to one winner though and that lucky person is....

Jacque!

Jacque wrote:

"Trudy, what an absolutely lovely card!!! Your coloring of the image is perfect and so beautiful!! Love all of the details you have added!!! Sending a big hug your way...Jacque"

It must have been karma that made me draw Jacquie's name. She is such a giving person. There is almost always a super sweet blog candy going on her blog. You really should check it out.

Thanks again everyone!

Big hugs,

True :D

I am so excited!

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My "Dainty Fairy" card made the top 3 list at Aly's Sunday Challenge!

There were 364 entries!  *big cheesy grin*

See Aly's post HERE.

See my original "Dainty Fairy" post HERE.

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

No Card...Just Some Yakin'. :)

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Hi Everyone!

I thought I would drop in and share a few things with you.

First I have to tell you that I found an awesome new tool today! I had to go to the post office to mail my friend Katie a card because I thought it might be too thick for regular postage due to the embellishments. I was right but while I was there, I asked if there was something that would let me measure for size and thickness at home. The postal worker handed me a template. They didn't charge me for it either! WAY COOL!

Now I won't have to run to the post office all of the time! I am sure that most of you have thick cards or odd sized ones too that you have wondered abut. I went on line to look them up and you can BUY them online but why pay for them if you can just pick one up for free at your local post office?

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

Item #2

I was trolling my design team blogs so that I could start a blog list of them (see right-hand sidebar) and I saw that Inky Antics posted about me joining their team.

Please pop on over there leave a quick comment, and add them as a follower so you can see updates. :)

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

Next is a BLOG CANDY ALERT!

Head on over to Creative Charms Facebook page and sign up for some sweet candy!

Then you should check out the Creative Charm's blog and see this month's "Deal of the Month" and Kit of the Month". They are both AWESOME!

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

"Strip Quilt" Card Set

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Hello Everyone!

Today I wanted to share a set of cards that I made in a strip quilt kind of style. They were a lot of work but fun to do!

I used the "Mini Flower Background" stamp from I Brake For Stamps.

The papers are Vista, Fairway, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Mountain Rose, and Antique Gold, in text and cardstock weight, all from The Paper Temptress.
The beautiful ribbons are from the "Shimmer Satin Assortment" from Really Reasonable Ribbon.
The roses in the center of the bows are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

First, I stamped the scraps of assorted papers in VersaMark ink then sprinkled with gold embossing powder and heat set. Then I colored in the leaves and flowers, cut into strips, glued the strips to a piece of cardstock, cut and positioned on the card. I think the results are pretty cool. ;)

I hand drew the sentiments and embossed them as well as the edges of the "quilt".

Thanks so much for dropping by!

I would love to here what you think!

BTW...if you have not entered my comment cand to win one of the Annie's Attic "Coloring Techniques For Card Making" books, CLICK HERE!  :)

Hugs,

True :D

PTW challenge sample and a card for my sick friend Katie

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Hi Everyone!

I have 2 cards to share with you today.

The first is my sample card for the Paper Take Weekly's "Anything Goes" challenge with the option of adding lace. I didn't add lace because I forgot but it was an "option" after all so I am good! ;)

I guess I have been under a rock because this is my very first "Lili Of The Valley" card. I have always loved seeing what others create with their pretty images but am usually so busy creating with my design team images, that I seldom use non-design team stuff. Since LOTV is sponsoring PTW this week...I got to play! :)

 The image is called "Best Friends" and it is one of LOTV's newest releases. It is watercolored.

The papers are Heavenly White, and Amethyst Mica Metallic from The Paper Temptress.

The beautiful ribbon is Turquoise Satin Shimmer from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

The jewels are Clear Gradient Gem Stickers from Creative Charms that I colored with Copic markers to match my paper and ribbons.

The pretty roses are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

I am entering this card in the Lili Of The Valley "New Beginnings" challenge. My new thing is that pretty image and the fact that I am new to using LOTV stamps!  ;)
I am also entering it in the following challenges:
My Time To Craft ~ "Brand Spankin' New"

Paper Sundaes ~ "Something New"

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday ~ "Use Flowers"

Stamp Something ~ "With Glitter"

One Stop Craft Challenge ~ "New Beginnings"

Tuesday Throwdown  ~ "Add Embossing"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My second card is for my sweet friend Katie, a young mother, wife, and fellow design team sister, who  has just recently been diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer. Her friends in the Clear Dollar Stamps team have started a card drive for her. Please visit the Clearly iStamp blog to view some of our cards for her, leave her an encouraging message, and to see how you can join us in letting her know that she is loved and supported by many.

Funny...I made these cards over a week apart and didn't realize until I loaded the picture on this page that I used the exact same papers, ribbon, and a WOC's flower on this one too! I didn't even think about them posting on the same day. Guess you know what my fave supplies de'jour  were! LOL!

The image is from Clear Dollar Stamps ~ "Every Day Jar-Gon" set.

Thanks so much for dropping by!

One of my "New Years" resolutions is to leave more comments on my friend's blogs.

Hope it's one of yours too! *hint* *hint*  ;)

Hugs,

True :D

Oh Man!!!! I Got PB&J On My Card!!!! :)

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Ha! The title made ya look didn't it?  ;)

This sweet little Valentine card is made from one of my new clear stamp illustrations for Clear Dollar Stamps.

It's called "We Go Together Like..." and it is available now.

I just knew that the drop dead gorgeous Purple Glitz ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon would go perfectly with grape jelly.  I think I was right! :)

 The papers were purchased from Hobby Lobby. The Red was just marked "Red Hearts" no company name and the Purple Glitter paper is from The Paper Studio. The brown cardstock is from The Paper Temptress.

Click to view thw photo below to see how real the peanut butter and jelly sandwich looks. Lots of layers of Diamond Glaze gives it it's realistic dimension. I just love the stuff!

The set has lots of images and sentiments and would be great for Valentine's Day, Teen's cards or just about any friendship or love card.

Thanks for dropping in!

Hugs, True :D

BTW...anybody got MILK?  ;)

"Tag You're It! BLOG HOP!!!!!

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Hi Everyone!

This is my second post for this morning so please click HERE or scroll down to see my Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings and Whimsy sponsored challenge sample card.  ;)

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Welcome to Clear Dollar Stamp's "Tag You're It" blog hop!

Lori is releasing the newest tag dies and stamp sets tomorrow and wants to celebrate by throwing a 3 day hop party! There will be lots of inspiration and prizes!

If you came here from Barb's cute blog, you are in the right place. If you just happened to pop into my blog, you will want to go visit Lori's Clearly iStamp blog to start at the beginning.

My bookmark uses all 3 new releases.

The "Tabs and Tags" die set, the "Tabs and Tags" stamp set and the "Tabs and Tags Additions" set.

The pretty ribbon is Really Reasonable Ribbon's ~ Mauve Satin.

Please remember to leave a comment on all of your stops for a greater chance of winning one of the wonderful prizes from Clear Dollar Stamps!

Your next stop is sweet Shell's blog.

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

Really Reasonable Ribbon/Whimsy Challenge Starts Today!!!!!

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Hello Everyone! 

Happy New Year!

Today we start a brand new year so I thought that a great challenge theme would be "Something New Plus Ribbons".

All you have to do is create a card or project with something new and ribbon, and head over to Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings and join us in this fun challenge. Be sure to read the simple rules so you can be entered into the drawing for one of the prizes offered by RRR and Whimsy Stamps.

Now I know all of my crafty friends had to have received something new in your stocking to craft with. Or perhaps you got in on some of the great deals that the big craft stores had running. It would be fun if when posting about your card that you tell us what new item you used!

I am using a new (to me anyhow) digi called "Dragon's Little Friend" that MelJen has to offer over @ Whimsy Stamps. I think her images are all just too sweet!  :)

The designer paper is new too. It was a gift to myself...hard to resist using 50% off coupons and free shipping @ Joann's! LOL!

The DP stack is My Mind's Eye's ~ "Summer Song".

The gorgeous ribbon is Green Glitz, my all time fave from Really Reasonable Ribbon!

That pretty shimmery pink cardstock is Azalea Mica Metallic from The Paper Temptress. The base is her Heavenly White.

I popped the dragon, then popped his wing for added dimension then covered him in Diamond Stickles to match the ribbon.

I made the sentiment on my computer.

Thanks so much for dropping by!

I hope to see you and your project in the RRRR "Something New" challenge!

Hugs,

True :D