Love a Man in Uniform...

Hello!  Today I am up on the CutCardstock.com blog sharing a cute card for any superhero in your life...

Full details on how this card came together can be found on their blog, so I hope to see you stop by!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Joy & Peace ( a little shine too! )

Hello!  Today I am sharing a new tag I've created with one of the newest Alley Way Stamps Set called Happy Everything. (It's 40% off too!)  This set is a must have for all stampers as it has all of the sentiments we usually need!

See the fun foiling I did along the edges?  Isn't it so fun!  And so easy too!  I know lots of people have seen it done with a Ranger glue stick, but since I didn't have one of those but I did have a Xyron Glue Stick I gave it a whirl, and ta-da!  It worked!  ( The foil is by Therm-o-web )  I started this tag by stamping my sentiment with a light grey and then stamping over it slightly to the right for a shadow effect with a darker grey.  I then used the same light grey to stamp some snowflakes with generational stamping too.  Finally, I diecut the snowflakes from a Spellbinders die and layered them together.

I am entering this into the Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Winter Wonderland
and the Addicted to Stamps Challenge: Winter

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Two Tags with One Set

Hello!  Today I am sharing these two tags that are both very different, but were made using the same images and sentiment.  To create such different looks I used stamping and coloring with matte colors on one tag.  I then used embossing and bright watercoloring on the other...

By using various color combos and coloring mediums you can really stretch your stamps.  Plus it's fun to try new things and see the results.
I am entering this into the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp: Winter Wonderland Challenge
Simon Says Stamp: Die Crazy

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Supplies:
Stamps: The Alley Way Stamps ( all stamps are now 40% off )
Die: MFT
Various Copics
Ink: Tsukineko
Watercolors: Gansai Tambi
Sequins: Mint Owl
Ribbons: May Arts
White Gel Pen

You're My Cup of Tea...

Hello!  Today I have a card I am sharing a card for The Coffee Lover's Winter/Holiday Blog Hop... with so much on my plate I wasn't sure if I'd get a chance to play along, but I'm so happy I did!  Here is my card...

To create this card I used the new Alley Way Stamps Set: Swee-tea (available now at 40% off fyi!), some DCWV papers, some heart dies and Copics.  I love how a little masking can really add fun dimension to a flat card :).

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist Challenge

Hello!  Today you will find I'm sharing this new tag that I've created here and on The Alley Way Stamps Blog.  This tag was totally inspired by the 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist Challenge Day 7, by the amazing Julie Ebersole's tag...

Here is what I created:

And here is her tag...

To create my tag I did things backwards to how I normally do them when I'm working with watercolors and heat embossing.  I started by watercoloring the background, then I heat embossed over top of that, and finally added some stamping just as Julie Ebersole showed in her video.  I then chose to flourish the top of my tag with a bow die cut.

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Supplies Used:
Stamp: Melt Your Heart Out (The Alley Way Stamps)
Watercolors: Gansi
Embossing: White (SweetStamps.com)
Ink: Deep Sea (Lawn Fawn)
Dies: bow (Spellbinders) tag (MFT)
Twine

A Fun and Funky Tag...

Hello!  Today I have a fun tag I've created and am sharing here and on The Alley Way Stamps Blog.  My inspiration has come from The 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist Day 6 by Kelly Purkey's Tag...

Here is my take first...

And here is what it was based on:

My biggest inspiration and love of this card was the white snowflakes mixed with the stripes.  Now to create my take on this technique I heat embossed the dots from the set Point of View with white first and then stamped over it with the Line Upon Line Stamp Set in red.  I then stamped my sentiment from the Happy Everything set in green, added it with a staple, some star embellishments by DCWV and a mini clothes pin.

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Happy 7th Birthday

Hello!  Today I am here and on The Alley Way Stamps Blog sharing a fun Numbered Birthday Card that I've made using their new Happy Everything and Digits Stamp Sets mixed with an older set called Wish Big.

To create this card I started by stamping my sentiment and balloon image.  I then colored the balloon image and "th" in with Copics.  Next I stamped the 7 on the balloon and used stickles to "color" it in. Finally I added stickles all over the panel for a confetti look and backed it with two sheets of DCWV birthday patterned paper.

I am linking this up to the Virginia's View Challenge: All About Glitter

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great start to your week!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

You're My Cup of Tea...

Hello!  It's Wednesday and I feel like the business is never going to end, ahhhh!  Ok enough of my self pity party... because I have a card I made that I am so excited to share!  Sometimes cards just come together, and it makes me so happy when that happens and this was the case with this one.

I created this little beauty with the new Alley Way Stamp Sets called Sweet Tea and Point of View... both are available at discount right now too!  To create this card I started by stamping the arrows on the cardbase.  Then I stamped and colored my cup with Copics.  Next I diecut some aquamarine cardstock and added it over the arrows.  Finally I added some gold arrows washi tape, stamped the sentiment and steam.  And I just had to add some more gold dots with a pen near the steam.

I am entering this into the following challenges:
Cupcake Inspiration:338

Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Happy Crafting!
Lisa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Alley Way Stamps Blog Hop!!!

Woot woot!  It is time to hop along with The Alley Way Stamps, as we share the new stamps being released this November!  This month's images range from super cute, whimsy, pretty, and everything in between!  There is also a great new sentiment set called Stamps From Us that will basically cover everything you can think of!  Anywho, I have the pleasure of sharing a card I've created with the new Wispy Wishes Stamp Set.  This one is gorgeous, and the layered stamping that you can do with it is awesome!  I kind of thought everyone would want to show off the gorgeous flowers in this set, so I opted to show off one of the leaf images... (I'm such a rebel, right? hehehe!)

I also used a sentiment from the new Rain or Shine Stamp Set.  To create this simple yet classic card I started by stamping the leaf randomly in three different colors.  I then stamped the sentiment in the middle of my panel.  I ran my panel through my Big Shot with my label diecut and when I adhered it all to the cardbase I added foam adhesive under my cut for a more dimensional look.  And of course I needed some bling so I felt that clear sequins would be the perfect touch.

Now of course a hop is not a hop with out a giveaway sooooo.....

Today's winner will get all THREE new sets!

If you want to be that winner, all you have to do is follow the Rafflecopter instructions on The Alley Way Stamps Blog! 

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

This runs today only (OCTOBER 31, 2015), 

so don't miss out on your chance to win!

And in case you were curious....

This crazy cute Mini Set, Just Ducky, is FREE when you spend $40.00 

or more during the month of October 2015!

Here's the list to HOP AND WIN! Good Luck!!!

Chrissie 

Angel

Archana
Dana

Emily

Heather

Holly

Jeni
Lexa

Lisa - You are Here

Marina - Go here next

Meredith

N@ Ali
Simonne

Yuki

Happy Happy Crafting/Hoping!!!

Lisa

TAWS November Sneak Peek!

Hello!!!! And yipeeee!!! I get to share the first sneak for next months release of the set Rain or Shine by The Alley Way Stamps.  This set is so cute and whimsy!  I love the little images and sentiments in it.  Here's what I made with this set to share with all of you...

Cute, right?  I was inspired by a card I had seen a while ago in one of the PaperCrafts Magazines, when it was still around *snif snif*.  Sadly I couldn't find the article that it was in so I can't give credit where it is due by using generational stamping on this plane, but just know that I am trying to!  Anywho, I started by stamping this image and repeated stamping the image until you could no longer see the ink.  I then stamped my sentiment and added a little heart next to it.  I then went back and colored my plane in before diecutting my panel and adhering it to map patterned paper!


I am entering this into the Simon Says Stamp Monday Throw Back Challenge: and I'm going back to the February No Rules Challenge, the first one of 2015! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by and check out The Alley Way Stamps Blog for more sneaks!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa