The Alley Way Stamps June Blog Hop Day!!! *Giveaway*

Hello!!!!!  It is hop day at The Alley Way Stamps, woot woot!  Time to have fun, be inspired and maybe be a winner!  Before I get into the giveaway info. I want to share a cute and simple little card I've created using the new Twinkle Toes Stamp Set...

To create this card I started by making my mini little envelope out of Patterned Paper.  I then adhered it to the card base so I would have an idea where I wanted to stamp my little snail and sentiment.  Once they were stamped I went over them with Copics.  I then trimmed a little note to go inside the envelope and stamped a sentiment from the older Say It Don't Spray It Stamp Set and added a little lady bug from the Twinkle Toes Set in the corner.  Add a bow to the front of the envelope and viola!
There are so many cute little guys and girls in this set that you will have a blast getting inky!

Now onto some giveaway information...  There is a rafflecopter found on The Alley Way Stamps Blog, with various ways for you to gain entries to win ALL 3 New SETS!!!!

You can pick and choose which ones you want to do, but the more you comment, the more chances you have to win!

For our friends that are not on Social Media, you can comment below to win - we will randomly pick from either the Rafflecopter participants or commenters!

This runs today only (May 31, 2015), so don't miss out on your chance to win!

And....

This super fun Mini Set, Brain Freeze, is FREE when you spend $40.00 

or more during the month of May 2015.

So, are you ready to hop???!!!

Angel

Anni

Chrissie

Dana

Emily

Francine

Heather

Holly

Jeni

Lisa - You are here

Marina - Go here next

Meredith

N@Ali
Simonne

Tanja

Tracy

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!

Lisa

Thoughts and Prayers...

Happy Saturday!!!  This time of year has been exceptionally busy for me this year, but I've begun to find that if I allow myself those little moments of playtime with my crafting goodies, then all of the other projects I need to get done come together more quickly... I guess it's true what they say all work and no play would make me a dull girl.  So I am glad I had a chance to play along with this month's Altenew Challenge!  I absolutely adore the Altenew Challenges and their products, so it's always relaxing and fun for me to play along.  Here is what I've created this time...

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Altenew (Striped florals, Sentiments and Quotes)
Distress Markers: Tim Holtz
24 k Gold Embossing Powder: SweetStamps.com ( this is seriously my favorite embossing powder ever)
White Embossing Powder: SweetStamps.com
Watercolored Cardstock: Ranger
Petaloo Watercolored Brush
Embossed Vellum
Cutterbee Scissors
Foam Adhesive: Scotch

 I love watercoloring, it is so relaxing to me, and the results are always different.  I stamped and embossed the leaves onto black cardstock and then fussy cut them.  Next I stamped and embossed the flower images onto watercolored cardstock.  I then used my blue distress markers and a waterbrush to pull the colors from the inside out.  Once everything was dry I fussy cut the floral images and arranged them onto an embossed vellum panel.  Finally I stamped and embossed my sentiment before adhering it with foam.  I chose not to use any other embellishments and I felt the stamping and shine in the embossing powder was enough to draw the eyes in.

Here is the Challenge photo that inspired me this month:

I am also linking this up to the Simon Says Stamp: Anything Goes Challenge
and in the Addicted to Stamps and More Challenge: Anything Goes
as well as the Marker Pop Blog Challenge: Flowers ( I used distress markers )

Thank you so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Donut Face - The Alley Ways Stamps Sneak Peeks!

Hello!  It is Friday and sneak peek day, woot woot!!!!  I'm here to share a layout using the soon to be released Slurp Stamp Set... this set is perfect for the upcoming hot months of summer!  Take a peek at what I've done with the doughnut image and a sentiment found in the set...

Here is an upclose look at the donuts and the sentiment stamped onto an embellishment.

This layout came together so easily after I stamped lots of donuts and sprinkles all over my background paper.  I then stamped some donuts on separate cardstock, colored, sprinkled with stickles, and fussy cut.  I then randomly adhered them to my background with foam adhesive.  I loved the sentiment and wanted to add it as an embellishment so I stamped it with Staz-On Ink, and ta -da I have a premade embellishment with a personalized touch!

This layout was also inspired by the Scrappy Friends Sketch Challenge: 

and I'm linking this up to the Simon Says Stamp: Anything Goes Challenge

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have fun checking out all of the other peeks of this set on The Alley Way Stamps Blog... and don't forget you have a chance to win this set before it is released!!! Double yay!!!

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Many Thanks...

Hello!  Today I am sharing a card here and on the SweetStamps.com blog that was very much inspired by the amazing Jennifer McGuire... you can visit her blog to read and watch more on how the technique I use works.  After watching her video I immediately thought of the Daisy Center Medallion Die from SweetStamps.com, and knew it would be perfect for this technique...

The results are stunning in person! I loved how soft the inlaid image was, so I choose to keep it simple and stay all white, except for the sentiment which was stamped in the same color as the inlaid faux waterpressed image.

Supplies Used:
Daisy Center Medallion SweetCuts Die sc052
Shades™ Dye Ink Cube RASPBERRY
 Framed Handwritten Words Clear Stamp Set SS4406

I am also entering this into the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: Thank you
and the Addicted to Stamps: Anything Goes


Have a wonderful weekend, thanks for stopping by, and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Suit Up! V's Sweet Ideas Has A New Stamp Set!

That's right, there is a new stamp set now available at V's Sweet Ideas and it is perfect for any guy in your life!  Suit Up has a fun classy man's suit image, as well as some great sentiments that are interchangable... check it out...

So fun, right?  And here is what I've created with this set...

To create this card I started by stamping the suit image down the right edge of my cardbase and trimmed around them.  Next I stamped the image on several sheets of patterned paper, colored, fussy cut and adhered to the cardbase.  Finally, I added the sentiment and a trim of blue paper on the inside so the cut edge stood out more.

Make sure you stop her store as she also has some new ribbons and more things in, so make sure you check them out!

Happy Crafting and thanks for stopping by!
Lisa

Special Bride and Groom...

Hi!  Today I am popping in to share a little card I created for my Brother-in-law and soon to be Sister-in-law's bridal shower...

Supplies Used:
Stamps: MFT
Patterned Paper: MME
Sequins: Pretty Pink Posh
Vellum
Doily
White Embossing Powder: SweetStamps.com

I was inspired by the latest CAS on Sunday - Tic Tac Toe Challenge (twine, male/female, heat embossing)

and the newest MFT Stamps Sketch Challenge:

And finally into the Simon Says Stamp: Anything goes Challenge

Have a beautiful Tuesday!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Best Fishes...

Hello!!!  Today I am sharing a super sweet and super fishy card here and on The Alley Way Stamps Blog...

Supplies:
Stamps: The Alley Way Stamps - All Washed Up, Gill-Friend, and Little Fellas
Ink: Memento
Magicals
Watercolor Cardstock
Various Copics
Embossing Powder
Foam Adhessive
Glossy Accents

This card was so fun to create, especially the background!  I started by spritzing watercolor cardstock  with lots of water and then sprinkled some Magicals in green and blue and watched them do their thing.  While that dried I stamped the fish, colored them in and fussy cut them out.  I then embossed my sentiment onto vellum.

I am entering this into the following challenge:
Crafting From the Heart - Anything Goes
Addicted to Stamps: Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Pinkfresh Studio Layout for Nani Ke Ola Blog

Hello!  Today I am sharing this lovely layout here and on the Nani Ke Ola Blog using up more of my Pinkfresh Studio goodies...

Supplies Used:
Patterned paper and foil embellishments: Pinkfresh Studios
Wood veneers: Elle's Studio
Gesso: Martha Stewart
Gellatos: Faber Castel
Twine
Sequins

This layout was a very easy mash of paper embellishments and photos.  I did have a little fun on the messy background which consists of white gesso, various pink gellatos, and a few mist splats woo hoo!

I was inspired by the following challenges:
May Tic Tac Toe Scrappy Friends Challenge: I used foil, flower, and arrow
Scrap Our Stash: Challenge 26 E- Elle's Studio product, M - mist, B- birthday photos, O- orange, S - sequins, S - the word "sweet"

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

A Pinktastic Card

Happy Monday!!!!!!!!  I thought if I added enough exclamation marks after it, your Monday just might be happy indeed hehehe!  Well even if my exclamation marks didn't do the trick... this little card is bound to brighten your day...

Check out all that pink yumminess!!!  Now why did I go crazy pink, I thought, why not?  When I kept looking at the little Narwhal little guy I thought he just needed to be colored pink, and why stop there?  When not just go crazy?  So I did!  And it was fun!  You'll also find this little guy on The Alley Way Stamps Blog along with other inspiration!

Supplies Used:
Stamps: The Alley Way Stamps (Little Fellas and All About You) 
Ink: Memento and PTI
Patterned Paper: Amy Tan
Spectrum Noir Pencils
Dew Drops: Robin's Nest
Die: Sizzix

I am entering this into the following challenge:
Crafting By Designs: Sentimentally Challenge
Inspiration Destination: Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Poppies Say Hello...

Happy Friday!  Today I am popping in with a lovely clean and simple Card created for the SweetStamps.com blog...

 (ooohhhhh look at the pretty sparkles too!)

Supplies Used:
 Poppy Garden Clear Stamp Set SS4801
 Gelly Roll White Gel Pen
 Glaze Pens 10 pack
 Wink of Stella Brush Marker CLEAR
 Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad
 Tuxedo Black Memento Marker

This card was a very easy clean and simple card to create.  I started my stamping my poppies onto my cardbase and coloring in with Colored Pencils.  I then stamped just the 3 larger flowers onto separate cardstock, colored in, and fussy cut.  Once I was done I popped them up with foam adhesive on my cardbase, and added the sentiment. I also added some sparkle with a Wink of Stella pen, as I just couldn't help myself, hehehe!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Wishing You Happiness...

Hello!  This is my second post for today, so if you would like to see my home decor house rules that I made with DCWV goodies I'd love for you to stick around and scroll down! :)

Now I'm going to share a card I created, literally just this morning!  I love trying and exploring new color combos so when i saw the newest challenge at Cupcake Inspirations I just had to get crafty...

And here was my inspiration...

Isn't this color combo just gorgeous!!!  This card was super easy to create... I started by trimming my patterned paper and then trimming the center at an angle.  I then stamped my sentiment before adhering the patterned paper.   Next I diecut the butterfly, adhered the two cuts together, added some glitter to the body and tucked it right at the top corner of the sentiment.  The enamel dots were the icing on the cake, no pun intended ( ok screw it, pun was totally intended me = dork )!

Supplies Used:
Patterned Paper: Amy Tan
Stamp: Clearly BeSotted
Die: Spellbinders
Enamel Dots: Teressa Collins

Have a fabulous rest of the day and hope to see you back here tomorrow!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

DCWV House Rules Decor/Layout

Hello!  It's Thursday, just one more day until the weekend, woot woot!  Today I am showing a fun home decor piece ( here and on the DCWV Blog ) that I could later put in the front of my Family Scrapbook. 

Supplies Used:

View blog post for supplies

I have always loved these home decor pieces with inspirational quotes, and I've wanted some house rules to hang up that really fit our house, and these were perfect!  ( The link for the free download is found on DCWV Blog post or you can find it on the Designer Blogs Search )  This also was a quick and easy project thanks to the DCWV Premium Paper Packs.  For full details on how I created this piece I would love for you to stop by the DCWV blog and check it out!

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Keep Your Fin Up

Hello!  I'm back today with a cute nautical card that I can't wait to share with you today here and on The Alley Way Stamps Blog...

Supplies Used:
Stamps: The Alley Way Stamps ( Gill Friend and Something's Fishy )
Material Paper: DCWV
Various Copics
Accent: Piccolo
Dew Drops: Robin's Nest

To create this card I started by covering a panel with Material Paper.  Then I mixed white gesso with a blue spray mist to get a light blue and rubbed this with my finger over the center of the panel.  Next I stamped the sentiment and Dolphin on separate paper, colored and fussy cut.  Finally I adhered the Dolphin with foam adhesive, and the sentiment with glue dots onto a wheel accent.  The dew drops were the icing on the cake, hehehe!

I am entering this into the following challenge:
Allsorts Challenge Blog: No Squares

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Craft and You Layout for Nani Ke Ola Blog

Hello!  Today you will find me sharing a layout using the Craft and You Spring Garden Collection on the Nani Ke Ola Blog!  I had fun mixing and matching the papers of this collection and getting a little messy with some Mixed Media techniques.  Here's a little peek, and I hope to see you over there!

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

CardMaker Magazine and Pretty Pink Posh Blog Hop!!! *Giveaway*

Hello!!!!  And eeeekkk!!!  I am so excited this day is here!  If you have just stumbled on my blog I encourage you to start from the beginning on the CardMaker Magazine Blog so you don't miss any of the inspiration you are sure to find using lots of Pretty Pink Posh goodness.

Let's move onto my project(s) for the hop...

 Supplies Used:
Dies: Square die from the Stitched Banner Duo Dies and Stitched Labels 1
Sequins: Springtime sequins mix, Clear sequins in 4 mm and 6 mm, 6 mm Silver Confetti
Patterned Paper: Crate Paper
Vellum Shapes: Crate Paper
Clear Stamp: Mama Elephant Party Kit
Glossy Accents

To create my cards I started with the square die from the Stitched Banner Duo Dies and die cut various patterned paper squares.  Next I sliced them all diagonally and matched them together.  In the third photo below you will see how I arranged them in two different patterns.  And with a few embellishments, sentiments and foam adhesive my cards are complete!

Paulina was so very kind in giving the CardMaker Magazine Designers a few of the Pretty Pink Posh dies and sequins to work with, and I want to take a moment to Thank her for her generosity!  She is also generously providing a prize pack to one of you just for hopping along!  Double Score!  And huge THANKS Paulina!!! ( She is truly one of the sweetest people I have met through blogging, if you don't know her or her products yet you are in for quite the treat! )

Prize Pack:

Includes:
Stitched Borders 1 die cuts
Stitched Banner Duo 2 die cuts
6mm Sparkling Clear sequins
6mm Marigold sequins
6mm Espresso sequins
6mm Mossy Green sequins
6mm Pink Peonies sequins
Silver Confetti
Silver Star Confetti

Now here is the full hop line up so you don't miss a stop...

Blog Hop List

CardMaker: http://www.cardmakermagazine.com/blog/

Lisa Lahiff: http://www.lisascreativeniche.blogspot.com/ - YOU ARE HERE

Patti Gilliam: http://cherisheachpreciousday.blogspot.com/ - GO HERE NEXT

AJ Otto: http://thewillowgarden.blogspot.com/

Sarah Ashley Posch: http://thirdsisterhandmade.blogspot.com/

Anita Mulcahey: http://happypapercrafthappenings.blogspot.com/

Lois Bak: http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/

Pretty Pink Posh: http://prettypinkposh.com/blog

Happy Hopping!!!
Lisa

Beautiful Inside and Out... and a Sale

Hello, and Happy Monday!!!  Today I am sharing a pretty floral mixed media card here and on The Alley Way Stamps Blog...

Supplies Used:
Stamps: The Alley Way Stamps (Say It Don't Spray It, Petal Pushers, and Flower Show)
Ink: Versafine
Gellatos: Faber Castell
Gesso: Martha Stewart
Watercolor Cardstock: Ranger
Clear Sequins: V's Sweet Ideas and Pretty Pink Posh

Sometimes it just feels good to get messy, and that is just what I did with this card today.  I started by covering watercolored cardstock with White Gesso.  Once this dried I went over the background with several gellatos, sprayed with water and blended with my finger and a paper towel.  Next I covered a second piece of watercolor paper with gesso and applied blue, purple, and green gellatos, blended with my finger and allowed it to dry.  I then stamped the background panel with my sentiment several times, and stamped the floral images on the other cardstock.  I fussy cut the flowers and leaves and adhered them with a mix of foam adhesive and Tombow Mono Glue.  Finally I dripped some purple mist with a dropper along the top and let it run down.  The clear sequins were the icing on the cake.

I was also inspired by The Mixed Media Monthly Challenge: May Flowers

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

PS...

With Sympathy... A Watercolor Beauty...

Happy Happy Friday!!!  Today I am sharing a soft embossed and watercolored card with you here and on the SweetStamps.com Blog.  I love watercoloring, and when I recently got the new Cracked Pistachio Ink pad in I had to mix the two...

Supplies Used:
Distress INK PAD MINIS
 Distress INK PADS
 Fine Detail EP DIAMONDS & PEARLS
 Curly Butterfly 437
 With Sympathy 975

To create this card I began by heat embossing my butterfly image onto watercolored cardstock.  Next I smooshed some Distress inks onto my craft mat and water washed ( or waterboarded as I like to think of it, hehehe ) my paper.  I then dropped my colors in with a brush and let the water do it's magic.  I LOVE how soft and calm these colors are together.  Once my paper was dry I stamped my sentiment and added a strip of patterned paper down the side.  The slight touch of glitter in the embossing powder gives just enough shine that I didn't feel any embellishments were needed.

I am entering this into the following:
Love's Rubber Stamps: Add a Sentiment
 Dream Valley: Things With Wings
Sparkle and Sprinkle: I used Glitter Embossing Powder

Make sure you join us in this weeks SweetStamps.com Challenge: Things with Wings, and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

CardMaker Magazine Blog - Scrap Treasures

Hello!  Today you will find me posting on the CardMaker Magazine Blog with a fun card I created from my scraps!  Here is a little peek, and I hope you will get a moment to visit me on their blog and leave a little love... it always means so much to me when you do!

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Hey Little Fella...

Hello!  Happy Mid of the week to ya!  Today you will find this square cutie here and on The Alley Way Stamps Blog.  My son loves sharks ( not many boys don't hehehe! ) and when I saw the shark images in the new stamp sets: Something's Fishy and Little Fellas I had to do something with them...

To create this card I started by using white embossing paste and a stencil for my background, while it was still wet I threw on some sparkly glitter.  Once this dried and spritzed with two different blues, and wiped off the excess on the embossing.  I then stamped the sharks on separate cardstock, colored them and added a layer of glossy accents for that shine you see in the second photo.  When the glossy accents were completely dried I fussy cut the sharks and adhered them with foam adhesive.  Next I stamped and diecut the sentiment banner, before stapling it to the front. Part of the sentiment came from the Gill Friend Stamp Set, which is the free set of the month with any $40 purchase.

I am entering this little guy into the Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Sentimental

Make sure to stop by The Alley Way Stamps Blog for more inspiration today!

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Hooked On You...

Hello!  Today I have a clean and simple cute love card to share with you using the new Alley Way Stamp Set: Gill Friend (free with your $40 purchase this month!)...

hehehe!  This set is so cute, and I had fun stamping and coloring this scene in.  I started by stamping the first and coral on a separate cardstock and then coloring them in.  Next, I diecut the heart around them, added the hook and fishing line (yes I used real fishing line hehehe!), then popped it up on a spritzed cardbase. Throw on some heart sequins and sentiment and ta-da!

I was inspired by the following challenges:
CAS-ology : Shape Challenge
MarkerPOP: Anything Goes Challenge
Simon Says Stamp: Sentimental Challenge

Oh, and stop by The Alley Way Stamps Blog everyday for more inspiration with new and old stamp sets!

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Embossing, Stenciling and Patterned Paper... Oh my!

Hello!  It's another beautiful Friday and I am here to share a card I've created for here and for the SweetStamps.com Blog.  I have been having a blast with stencils lately and I'm so excited with how this card turned out...

Supplies Used:
Art Stencil MOROCCAN TILE as46008
 Framed Handwritten Words Clear Stamp Set SS4406
 Elegant Leaves SweetCuts Die sc023
 Distress INK PADS
 Heat Embossing Tool
Self-Adhesive Pearls PEARL

This card is all about the background.  To create the background I started with a panel of patterned paper from DCWV.  I then temporarily adhered my stencil to the patterned paper and went over it with versamark ink.  Next I went over it with clear embossing powder and heat set.  Finally I went over all of this with two distress inks and fill in between the embossed areas.  In person this card has a beautiful shine to the background.  I finished the card by embossing the frame, stamping the sentiment and fussy cutting.  Then I diecut the leaves for a finishing touch.

I am adding this to the Virginia's View Challenge: Layering
and Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Sentimental

Also feel free to link up to the SweetStamps.com Challenge: For Mom

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Birdhouse fun with DCWV

Hello!  Today I'm popping in to share a birdhouse I have created easily, thanks to the new DCWV Project Stacks!  These stacks are beautiful and fun to work with.  In the back of each stack there are several templates making projects like this birdhouse a piece of cake...

Supplies Used:

View blog post for supplies

I kept my bird house clean and simple to show the simplicity of the project itself.  The butterfly that I added on top is also found in this stack with 800 other beautiful butterflies to be used in various ways.

I am entering this into the Decorate to Celebrate Challenge: Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Make A Splash Shaker Card

Hello!  Happy Wednesday!  Today you will find this fun card here and on The Alley Way Stamps Blog.  This new release is so fun to get crafty with, who doesn't love cute sea critters?!  I once again busted out my shrinky dink material and placed some tiny creatures in a fun shaker "tank" this time hehehehe...

Supplies Used:
Stamps: The Alley Way Stamps ( Something's Fishy and All Washed Up )
Patterned Paper: American Crafts
Sequins: V's Sweet Ideas and Pretty Pink Posh
Anchor Accent and Embossing Powder: SweetStamps.com
Shrink Dink Material
Various Copics

Isn't this fun?!  I love how the shrinky material still allows for the critters to be see through. I am entering this into the following challenge:

Simon Says Stamp: Anything Goes Challenge
Marker Pop Challenge: Anything Goes ( the sea creatures were colored with copics before shrinking )

Happy Crafting and thanks for stopping by!!!
Lisa

Shrinky Dink Fun with TAWS...

Hello!  Happy Monday!!!  Just to ensure you have a happy Monday I'm about to put you on cuteness overload... for reals!  Picture this... cute little sea critter stamps, stamped on plastic, and then shrinked to be mini cute sea critter stamps!  But wait, there's more... and they are on a necklace, sitting around the neck of a super cute 4 year old!!!!!  ahhhh!!!!

Cuteness overload, right?!?!?!

Supplies Used:
Stamps: (All Washed Up and Something's Fishy) The Alley Way Stamps
Ink: Staz On
Shrinky Dink Plastic
Heat Tool
Various Copics
Circle Die
Hole Punch

I have to thank my mom for the fabulous find of the shrink - it plastic as I hadn't thought about that stuff since I was a kid.  When I sat down looking at the newly released stamps the idea just came to me and I couldn't wait to see if it worked, and ta - da!  These make great kid crafts too, and I can't wait to try making more things with them.

I am entering this into the Simon Says Stamp: Anything Goes Challenge

Happy Crafting!
Lisa