Last TAWS Blog Hop

Today we are hoping for the last time for The Alley Way Stamps.  Since this is the last hop there are no giveaways, but don't let that stop you from visiting and giving a little hello to all of the team, and for some inspiration on the newly released stamp sets!

I created my card using the new mini stamp set called Melt Your Heart Out...

This little guy is so cute... and the melted version is even cuter!  To Create this card I started by stamping and coloring the snowman in with various Copics.  I then diecut with a stitched circle die.  The sentiment was stamped on a banner and all of it was adhered to some DCWV patterned paper.

I am also linking this up to the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp: Anything Goes

Addicted to Stamps and More Challenge: Make Your Mark

Now here is the hopping order:

Chrissie 

Angel

Archana
Dana

Emily

Heather

Holly

Jeni
Lexa

Lisa - You are here

Marina - Go here next

Meredith

N@ Ali

Yuki

Thank you so much for stopping by and any time you may take to leave comments, it means so much!

Happy Crafting/Hoping!

Lisa

Sweet-Tea Sneak Peek for The Alley Way Stamps

Hello!  Sadly this is my last sneak peek for The Alley Way Stamps, as they will be officially closed at the end of this month.  I'm still so sad to think about it, but time to push those thoughts away as I have a sweet one layer card to share with you today using the new Sweet-Tea Stamp Set...

Sorry for the lighting in the photo we've had rain for several days making it hard to get a nice bright shot, grrrr!  But I still had fun creating this cutie!  I started by stamping my image and masking it.  Next I layered the masked image with a stencil and went over it with two purple distress ink colors.  I then removed the mask and Colored it in with various Copics.  I stamped the sentiment in the lower right corner before adding the glitter washi tape, sequins and rounding one corner.

I am also linking this up to the Simon Says Stamp: Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Oh, and I would love if you clicked over to my earlier post from this morning!
Lisa

Guest Designing for Butterfly Reflections Ink

Hello!  Today you will find me Guest Designing on the Butterfly Reflections Ink Blog, and I am sharing a way to make and mass produce some fun, easy and unique Christmas cards!  I hope you can stop by and join me!

Also, I didn't want to forget to mention this gem of a deal still going on!  There are some Christmas goodies that are already marked 10% off and a Clearance section to add this discount to! yay!!!  So make sure you check them out! (I am an affiliate, so while I may make a small percentage if you choose to take advantage of this deal it will add no cost to you :) ). Just click on the picture below!

Happy Shopping/Crafting!
Lisa

We're So Proud... A Bookmark

Hi!  Today I'm sharing a tag/bookmark I've made using the new Wispy Wishes by The Alley Way Stamps ( this set is now 40% off as is the entire TAWS store ).  I have made bookmarks for my oldest son, but my little one wanted some bookmarks for her big girl books too, hehehe!  And how could I say no?  So here is what I've created...

I started by diecutting the tag shape, stamping the sentiment and flowers and coloring them in with Copics.  I had recently seen a fun technique using a glue stick and foil, so I was curious if I could do it with supplies I already have on hand, and guess what?  I did!  I used my Xyron Glue Stick and Thermo-web foil! yay!!!  ( Be warned you will probably see me use this everywhere now, hehehe! )

I'm linking this up to the Addicted to Stamps Challenge: Make Your Mark


Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Inspired by Jennifer McGuire

It's not hard to be inspired by just about everything Jennifer McGuire creates... and today's card was based on one of her videos called Monochromatic Stamp Layering.  Using the Wispy Wishes and From Us Stamp Sets by The Alley Way Stamps this card came together quite easily...

I am linking this up to the Seize the Birthday Challenge: Vellum or Acetate 

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!

Lisa

ScrapRoom Kit Blog Share

Hello!  Today I have a post up on the ScrapRoom Kit Blog!  I am loving my time as a Guest Designer for them, these kits are incredible!!!  Here is a peek at what you'll find, but please visit over on their blog for full details and more pictures!

Plus stop by and check out their awesome kits that really give you a variety of products that are new/currently on the market.

Hope to see you over there, and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Wedding Invitations Inspired by Your Venue

Hello!  I am excited today as I have a bit of a different post to share with you today.  As some of you may or may not know I create handmade Wedding/Party Invitations on the side.  I love being able to have a part in making someone's day everything they imagined it to be, and being able to create custom touches.  Fairmont Hotels and Resorts along the West Coast is seeking out wedding design insights and approached me to create invitations based on their West Coast Resorts and Wedding Venues.  I was immediately intrigued and couldn't wait to play along, and after I was sent some photos of their sites I was inspired times 100!

So today I am going to share some photos of Fairmont's gorgeous Sonoma hotel, and invitations that I've created that match the themes.

This first one has a simplistic elegance to it...

To play off of the natural beauty of this clean setting here would be a fitting invitation that plays up the natural elements...

The small touch of sparkle the gold matting adds to the invitation keeps the occasion formal with a touch of glam.  The soft coloring of the handstamped flower ties in the natural elements depicted in the above photo, while the Band ties in the clean lines found throughout it all.

Next there is this gorgeous mix of purples and silvers that really had my creative thoughts flowing...

I really wanted to play up the purples and reds together with a touch of shine, as this setting just screams unique elegance that every attendee will melt into upon arrival...

Here I've gone with a touch of sparkle, but in silver.  I also made the purple matting larger to really add depth, color, and prominence to the invitation.  I then tied the red in by using a few red gems in each corner.

It's fun to find a venue that inspires the rest of your planning, and really takes all of the guess work out of it!  If you are interested in the wedding options the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa have to offer you then make sure to click over to their site.  The photos alone have me California dreaming...

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

Mini Snowflake Tags

Hello!  Today I am sharing some quick and easy snowflake tags I have made here and on The Alley Way Stamps Blog.

I was inspired to make some tags by the fun 25 days of tags event that is currently going on at Tracey's Blog called In My Creative Opinion, as well as the Frosty Festivities being held on Jennifer's Blog called Jennifer Grace Creates.  With so much wonderful winter inspiration I just couldn't help myself and had to make some mini tags for the Holidays.

I started by die-cutting my mini Tags and punching holes at the top.  I then heat embossed them in three different colors.  I used two mini stamps called Melt Your Heart Out and Holiday Sparkles to create all 3 of the tags.  By stamping and embossing the images in three different designs I was able to achieve three very different looks.  I then using my new Gansai Watercolors and added my colorful backgrounds.  I have to say that the mint and silver is my favorite one of the three, and the actual sparkle in person from this embossing powder is stunning!

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

Thanks... An Ellen Hutson + Mama Elephant Challenge

Hi!  Today I'm happy I was able to find a little play time and I've made a card for the Essentials by Ellen Mix It Up Challenge using the Essentials by Ellen with Mama Elephant goodies!

To create this card I used the Essentials by Ellen Bold Blossom Stand alone dies by Julie Ebersole and the Mama Elephant Party Kit Stamp Set.  I started by trimming Crate Paper Craft Market Designer Paper and stamping my sentiment on the trimmed strip.  I then diecut the leaves from the Bold Blossom die set from vellum and heat embossed the tips in gold before adhering them behind my strip.

This card came together rather quickly and I like it!  I am also entering this into the Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Thanks 

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Embossed Vellum for CutCardstock.com

Hello!  Today you will find me sharing a Christmas card featuring the CutCardstock.com CTI Glama Translucent Paper... the thickness of this vellum is fabulous!  Does anyone else find paper yummy?  Cause this one is def. qualified for this description...

Would love if you had a moment to pop by their blog and see the full project and step by step instructions.

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Rain or Shine

Hello!  Happy Monday to you all!  I hope you had a nice weekend :)  I am popping in this morning to share a little lift me up card I've created with the new Alley Way Stamps Set Rain or Shine...

See?  Don't you feel better already?!  To create this card I started by stamping my umbrella onto the watercolor cardstock.  I then masked it before adding some smooshing with various watercolors and a piece of plastic.  I then splashed some grey misting over it before finally removing the mask.  After the mask came off I colored it with my Copics.  The clouds were stamped and embossed onto vellum and ran through my Xyron ( perfect for adhering vellum! ).  Add the sentiment and adhere it at an angle, and ta-da you have one happy card!

I am entering this into the following challenges:
Thinking of you Challenge at Simon Says Stamp

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a fabulous day!!!
Happy Crafting too!
Lisa

CASEing Genius Challenge Take #2

Hello!  I'm back real quick with one more card based on the CASEing Genius Challenge currently going on at Kelly Latevola's blog, and I'm so happy I get to play once more before the linky is closed!  This time I was inspired by the funny and kind Darnell Knauss.  She leaves so of the nicest messages of encouragement, she's hilarious (you must check out her blog), and her work is just so awesome!  Here's the card of her's that inspired me...

And here is what I've created...

I didn't stray too far from her original card because I loved it so much and really wanted to recreate that white and black contrast.  I started by heat embossing my Altenew images in white on a separate black panel.  I then went over some of the flowers with Perfect Pearls, and added blue stickles.  Once it was all dry I trimmed my panel, taking one section out and stamped and embossed a Technique Tuesday sentiment in between the two pieces.  I was slightly bummed that my embossing buddy didn't do such a great job with keeping all of those pesky embossing powder strays away, but I really do love the effect of the white embossing on black.

I am also linking this up to the Virginia's View: Textures Challenge

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

Here For You... Caseing Genius Challenge

Hello!  Today I am sharing a card I've created based on the {Case}ing Genius Challenge that Kelly Latevola put together as a way of celebrating her series turning 1 years old! yay!!!  I am so honored to be able to share that I was her first installment of this series for the 2nd year, and I can not wait to see who else she shares with us as time goes on.  Not to mention her blog is freaking amazing, as is her work... like for reals.  Anywho, I was inspired by a new to me blogger Michele from I Card Everyone.  Here is the card she had shared during her time on Caseing Genius...

I love love love this color combo and hardly ever use it. I also loved the softness of the grey watercolored background contrasting to the bright yellow watercolored flowers.  So here is what I created...

To create this card I did things a little backwards, due to the way the stamps were made that I wanted to use.  I love these wispy flowers from the new Wispy Wishes by The Alley Way Stamps, and so I started by coloring the fuller flower image in with my Fosilized Amber Distress Marker and spritzing it with water before stamping.  I hit this with my heat gun and went over the images with the thinner image in white embossing powder.  To blend the flowers out a little more I hit them once more with my waterbrush.  I finally added some soft grey watercoloring by using a distress marker again but this time on a clear block and picked it up with my waterbrush.  The sentiment was stamped and heat embossed in the same white and trimmed at an angle.  Finally I just had to add some bling to my card so I busted out my favorite mix of clear sequins, and ta - da!  My take on an already fabulous card!

I am also linking this up to the Virginia's View Challenge: Texture

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

A great use for Washi!

Hi!  Today I am sharing this fun and easy card that I've created with the new From Us Stamp Set by The Alley Way Stamps and a mix of washi tapes.

To create this card I simply started by laying my gold washi tape across the middle of my card on the diagonal.  I then went down with various strips of washi tape until that whole side was covered.  I then went back and stamped the sentiment with Versafine ink and ta-da!  Super easy, takes very little time, and it's a great way to use up some of that washi tape ( something I totally needed to do! ).  You can find this card as well as more inspiration on The Alley Way Stamps Blog.  And as many of you already know The Alley Way Stamps is closing down, and it would be so awesome if you could help Alison out by buying up some of her amazing stamps at an incredible price...

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

10 Minutes Christmas Card with CutCardstock.com

Hello!  Today I am over on the CutCardstock.com Blog sharing a quick and easy card that would be great for mass producing too!  Here is a little peek...

To find out how this beauty came together go check out their blog!  Thanks so much!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

DCWV and The Ribbon Source/May Arts Blog Hop

Hello!  Welcome to my blog and my project for today's joint Blog Hop!  I am so excited to share what I've created with goodies from both DCWV and The Ribbon Source/May Arts...

This little cutie is going to be this year's advent calendar for my mini people, hehehe!  I am calling it the Do Good Mission Calendar because each little tag that I've created has a Mission on the inside that they will have until the end of that day to complete to get a little treat (ie: a candy cane, a cookie, maybe a little dollar store goody hehehe!).  An example of some of the missions would include: give out 20 high fives, volunteer to clean something, tell two people something nice.. I am really excited to take this approach with our calendar this year and I think calling them missions will really make the kids more excited to do each one.  Here is a closer look at all of the tags...

I used the Oh What Fun Stack to create the tags with.  And the number tags came from the DIY Project Stack: Favor Boxes.  Of coarse I used lots of Ribbon supplies by The Ribbon Source, and I just love all of the fun textures, colors and yes even glitter the ribbons were made out of.

I also created this fun tree skirt from the Colored Burlap Cardstock by tracing a large circle and cutting it out.  I then traced around the bottom of the tree and cut it out.  I then cut one straight line down one side and adhered the ribbon trim with double sided tape.

And there you have it!  My Mission Do Good Advent Tree!  Stop by the May Arts Blog to get entered in a giveaway from both companies!

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Duck, Duck.... Goose!

Remember that game?!  I use to love playing it, everyone waiting in anticipation as to who is going to be the goose, hehehe!  Anywho, today's card has me reminiscing about childhood games.  I used the Just Ducky Stamp set which was just released, and it is too darn cute!

I started by stamping the cute little ducks and goose with the sentiments up top.  Then I used various Copics to color them all in as well as create some grass for them to be standing on.  Finally I layered it all up with various patterned papers and some mix of enamel shapes to top it all off.

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

Thank you so much for stopping by and don't forget everything in The Alley Way Stamps Store is marked down 30%!
Happy Shopping and Crafting!
Lisa

Guess What... I'm on CASEing Genius!!! AAAAKKKK!!!!!

Ok folks, shut the front door.... I am being CASEd by the amazing Kelly Latevola in her amazing series called CASEing Genius... aaaaaahhhh!!!!!!!  I can not believe it!  When Kelly first contacted me I totally screamed yes to her in my email as well as happy danced in my chair.  I can not wait to see what she has created, so make sure you run over there (yes run, no walking) to check it out!

And while you are there check out the awesome challenge she has going on to celebrate her CASEing Genius One Year Celebration.  There is some serious inspiration to be had there.

Ahhhh!!!!  I still can't believe it!  Anywho, I would love to see you over there and thank you for stopping by!!!
Hugs!
Lisa

Mixed Media with a New Set from The Alley Ways Stamps

Hello beautiful crafting friends!  I have a bit of sad news to share, The Alley Way Stamps is liquidating all of their sets and closing their doors.  I am so sad that it had to come to this, but I fully support Allison the creator, designer, and owner of the company during this difficult time.  I am beyond blessed to have been able to be a part of her amazing team, and will forever be grateful for her kind support, inspiration, and most of all her friendship.  She is a beautiful person inside and out, and someone I will always admire.

Please go support her one more time by making some awesome stamp purchases at a great price...

Now don't worry I'll end this on a happy note by sharing a Mixed Media journal page I've created with the new Wispy Wishes Stamp Set...

To create this page I started by embossing the dandelion seeds in white embossing powder.  I then just started layering the entire page with various Peerless watercolors.  I also used my heat tool in between colors to ensure they were drying before adding a new color.  I then stamped my sentiments with Versafine ink.  Finally I used a circle stencil and white chalk ink to add various sized "bubbles" to float along side of my seeds.

I am linking this up to the Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Anything Goes


Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

V's Sweet Ideas Challenge Time + New Stamps!

Hello!  Today starts the new monthly challenge for V's Sweet Ideas, woo hoo!!!!!  And this month we are challenging you to get sparkly!  For my card I've used the newest set by V's Sweet Ideas called Sweet Break, it is so darn cute and fun!

To create this card I used StazOn ink to stamp the images and sentiment onto DCWV glitter paper.  I then used a white gel pen to color on the mints and trimmed everything out.  I then adhered it all to a diecut panel and stamped my hearts, colored them in and added stickles.  Finally, I added some sequins from V's Sweet Ideas Shop (currently sold out, but she carries other colors!).

I am also linking this up to the Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Anything Goes

I can not wait to see what you create for this challenge!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa