Made Especially For You Blog Hop

Welcome to the Out with The Old and In with The New two-day New Year's Blog Hop! We're so happy you could join us.

Day one of the hop will feature some of our favorite projects we've created this past year and day two will feature a New Year's themed project. If you've just come across the hop and would like to start at the beginning, please visit Ashley's blog.  If you've come from Beckie's blog, then you're in the right place.

Now I want to share with you my favorite card and layout of 2011.  It was not easy narrowing the list down to 2, but here goes.  My favorite card is:

I just love that this card is busy.  I'm usually a stickler for not "junking" projects up, but I threw everything except the kitchen sink at this one and it turned out good.  Next my favorite LO:

Another "over the top" project.  I even added a stamped sentiment to this layout.  The reason I selected both creations is that I stepped WAY OUT of my comfort zone and liked the end result. 

I want to thank everyone that has visited my blog this year.  2011 was rough with the passing of my Papaw.  My mojo had disappeared by Summer, but you still stood behind me when it returned.  I've been so very blessed this year, not only in my daily life but also my crafting life.  God has opened so many doors in the industry for me that I never dreamed!  Thank you all for supporting me, inspiring me, and being my friend! 

Now a little blog hop candy.  Leave me a comment on today's post, you can comment about anything.  I'll combine today and tomorrow's comments (if you come back tomorrow and comment, you get 2 entries).  I'll randomly select a winner on Monday to win some crafty goodies!  Whether you are international or in the USA, you are welcome to join in the fun!

Thanks for visiting!  I'm the last stop on our New Years Blog Hop.  Stop by tomorrow for Day 2 of the hop.  And don't forget to join the Made Especially For You Design Team each Monday for a new challenge.

Enjoy!!!

Stamp School Countdown Day 2

Welcome to Day 2 of the Stamp School Countdown.  The Design Team is previewing the first 2 stamp sets brought to you by Stamp School.  Today I want to share a bit about the products SS will be offering crafters. 

Cardstock

Poptone Cardstock from Stamp School is a heavy 100 pound cover weight cardstock. It works brilliantly for card bases, however we suggest you score your cardstock before you fold it, it's just THAT heavy weight. The Poptone Cardstock cuts beautifully with any diecut machine and die, even the thin wafer thin steel rule dies from My Favorite Things or Spellbinders. It has matching dye inks, and matching wool felt.

Inks

The Poptone Dye Ink from Stamp School is a raised dye ink pad. The inks are made to match the Poptone Cardstock. The ink pad comes with a hinged lid, so you won't ever lose your lid, and is labeled with the ink color. It works beautifully on our clear stamps, and because it is a dye ink you can do any technique fit for dye inks. We also have re-inkers available.

Felt

Soft to the touch yet sturdy, Stamp School felt is medium-weight 100% merino wool, imported from Holland. Be forewarned, once you craft with it you'll have a hard time ever going back to a blend or acrylic. Approximately 14 oz. per linear yard (36x72 inches) and 1mm thick, almost 1/16 inch. Our felt is not flammable,and safe for babies and children.

Stamps

Stamp School stamps are made in the USA with the highest quality photopolymer.

Sound good???  Honestly the products are wonderful.  Now for my preview for the day:

Visit tomorrow for the last day of the Stamp School Countdown.

Stamp School Countdown

Hi all.  It's time for the countdown to begin....counting down the days till Stamp School's first stamp reveal...January 1st. 

Each month Stamp School will be releasing 2 stamp sets, a sentiment and themed set.  Stamp school will also be showcasing Pop Tones Cardstock with matching ink and felt, available at A Walk Down Memory Lane, Stamp School's sister site. 

Stamp School will not only be offering high quality stamps, they will also be showing you how to USE the stamps with tons of tutorials, tips, tricks, and inspiration.  I'm so excited to be a part of the faculty and share with you what I know about stamping and card making.

OK now for sneak peek of the new stamp sets:

For more inspiration, visit Stamp School and check out the Design Teams beautiful sneaks!  Stop back tomorrow for more of the reveal.

The Sampler

2012 is fast approaching and I've got a full plate!  So I wanted to share a few of my 2011 projects with you using The Sampler's December Kit.

I love the clean look of this LO.  I added Stickles to make my ornaments hang from the top of my page.  It's always fun watching little kids open their presents, you never know if they'll like it or hate it. 

This LO makes me smile.  Our Christmas party for work is always fun.  My buddy Kay was enjoying sniffing the candle, lol!  Was so happy I caught that with my camera.  It's also fun using non traditional colors on layouts and cards.  I think pink fits every holiday!

Visit The Sampler Kit Club to see the Design Teams beautiful projects using the December kit and visit Scrapbooking Supplies R Us to purchase your own.

A Colorful And Shabby New Year

I'm honored to share today's post with you becaue I'm this week's Guest Designer at The Shabby Tea Room!

This week The Shabby Tea Room wants you to have a colorful and shabby New Year!  Create a card or project inspired the following photo and use the colors pink, blue, green, yellow and red.

And now for my card:

 
This little card features goodies from Pink Paislee, Papertrey Ink, The Girls Paperie, and Ribbon Reel.  I added a touch of chunky glitter for shine.  I'm obsessed with seam binding and twine at the moment!  Think it adds so much character to a project.

I want to thank Debbie and the Design Team at The Shabby Tea Room for including me in their winners circle this year!  I can't think of a better way to end 2011 and begin 2012!  Visit The Shabby Tea Room to see the Design Teams darling creations and prize details. 

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

Hi peeps!  Merry Christmas Eve.  Who's ready for Christmas?  Hopefully you all are.  I've been having Christmas celebrations with different family and friends for a week now.  Loved every minute of it!  Playing along with a few challenges this week  Check out The Play Date Cafe's adorable color challenge:

And CardPatterns Sketch 146:

And here is my card using goodies from December's Sampler Kit:

Could this little Santa be any sweeter?  Loving the American Crafts Stamps and seam binding!  This card was so simple to make, basically lots of layering. 

Now on to some news.  Next week I will be the Guest Designer for The Shabby Tea Room.  So excited for the opportunity to work with Debbie and the Design Team!

I have been a fan of Regina Easter and The Cutting Cafe' for years now...and I was asked to join their latest Design Team, woohoo!  I can't wait to share some of my creations with you using goodies from The Cutting Cafe'.

I am also joining the Stamp School as a Faculty Member!!!  Stamp School will be bringing you 2 new stamp sets per month , along with cardstock and coordinating inks and felt.  The Faculty will be showing you the latest and greatest  techniques, plus basic stamping for beginners. You can see a sneak peek of Stamp School's first stamp set here.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and make many scrappy memories to cherish forever...

Giveaway Time

The new Sampler Design Team has been announced and I'm so excited to be returning as the Design Team Coordinator.  I've been with The Sampler since June 2010 and it's just such an amazing kit club that I love being a part of it.  Visit The Sampler's Kit Club Blog to see the new design team and leave a comment for your chance to win candy.  Crate Paper is one of The Sampler's favorite brands and they were kind enough to send 5 bundles of goodies that Holly is giving away!!!  So visit The Sampler's Blog today for your chance to win!