Windy City Stamper

Make each day your masterpiece......

2011-09-29T07:12:00.010-05:00

Yesterday I had physical therapy and while at my therapy I was talking to my therapist. I was talking about a wedding package that I am putting together for my nephew's wedding. I showed her my sample of the save the date card and told her that she should check out my blog. I also had to tell her that my blog has not been kept up too well. I need to give her a thanks, thanks Char! During our conversation she kinda called me out on why it is out dated. I have been home dealing with an illness and there really is no reason that I can't take the time to do something I enjoy and share it with others! So, Char here is another card to share with everyone! I am going to therapy weekly, so I will ask Char to keep inspiring me to add something creative to my blog. While home during this illness working in my studio helps me to relax and enjoy doing something I love to do.

I made a while back. The phrase on this card is one of my favorites! It reminds me to be creative every day...to make each day my masterpiece! I hope everyone enjoys it and hopefully I can inspire someone to be creative! This card is unique in that it is like an envelope and it has an insert that comes out that allows you to write a small note to someone special! The only reason that I have not sent it out is that I love it so much I wanted to make a few more so I can send them to those special people and I also want to make some for Lyzart's in Glenview were I sell my work.

Practicing with Copics

2010-10-23T22:49:00.008-05:00

Earlier this week I got the chance to attend the Copic Certification class. The class was wondeful and now I have the knowledge!! The next step is to practice, practice and practice some more. I will be sharing some cards and projects completed with those of you that come to view my blog. I hope you enjoy them and see some improvement in my work!!

ay's Weekly Challenge from Bloggers Challenge

2010-10-22T19:52:00.006-05:00

Hi everyone! Well this weeks Bloggers Challenge was to recycle something. Earlier this week I had a wonderful lunch....pork and beans! Well this is my recycled can from that wonderful lunch! I am planning to use it for a Holiday treat container. I intend to either put some fresh cookies or candy sticks in a cellophane bag to complete the gift!

I used copic markers to color the edges of the can that show and to color the pull top that I used for the top of the lid. I embossed my papers and used some Brilliance Moonlight White to highlight both the dots and the lines that were embossed. The phrase I used was from a stamp set from The Angel Company. Below is a picture were you can see the lid to the container, I cut some circles and punched some scalloped circles to decorate the top a little!

I hope you all enjoyed the project and take a few minutes to check out the wonderful projects that the other creative members of Bloggers Challenge have recycled!

Friday's Weekly Challenge from Bloggers Challenge

2010-10-15T21:06:00.004-05:00

Wow, another week has come and gone! Here is my card for this week's Blogger Challenge! This week we had to work with a group of colors. The colors for this week were black, white and orange. I spent most of the day attempting to use a cool technique from Technique Junkies, it was reverse soot stamping. I attempted to get this technique to work and came to the conclusion that I need to use a cheap candle. I only had Yankee Candles and I could not get soot to form on my paper!! Next time I go out, I will buy some cheap candles that burn dirty!

I am sure the other gals in the group have some wonderful projects for the challenge this week, so grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the Bloggers Challenge!

Happy Birthday Wendi!!

2010-10-15T20:58:00.003-05:00

Today we celebrate a special person!! Today is my daughter's best friend's birthday! Above is the card that I made for Beth to give to Wendi! I am hoping that she has a wonderful Birthday!
I used my new Cricut Imagine to create this card!! The background paper and the scalloped edged paper is some of the amazing papers you can print and cut with the Imagine! Being the rubber stamper that I am, I had to get some stamping included in the card!! I hope she will enjoy the card! Happy Birthday!!

Working in the studio

2010-10-14T11:34:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! I have spent the last few days in my studio playing! I will be sharing some cards and maybe a scrapbook page or two over the next few days. Today I would like to share a Christmas Note Card that was made with one stamp! I used my copic markers to color the flower and leaves in the image. Then I used a masking technique to add the color to both the image and the background. I cut a small portion of the layer and popped it up to add some effect and used some glaze to get the flowers and ornament top to stand out a little. I hope you enjoy the card. I will be teaching this card at a yahoo group SCRAPBOOKNOOK next week. If you want to stop by check the group calendar to get the information in regards to date and time!

Friday's Weekly Challenge from Bloggers Challenge

2010-10-08T17:55:00.009-05:00

Wow, it has been a long time!!! What can I say, I had surgery on August 17th. I was not allowed out of bed for about 4 weeks. I have had three cast and I am now in a boot!! The bad news is that I am still not allowed to put any weight on my ankle, so I am still not walking. Those of you that did not know, I had ankle reconstruction again. I am now going to physical therapy and I just started to crawl down into my studio to tinker for a while each day. So, last week I decided rejoin Friday's Weekly Challenge from Bloggers Challenge...and things at home were kinda crazy...so I am starting this week!! Above is my card for Bloggers Challenge for this week. Our creative leader did a wonderful job designing this card design, thank you Lisa...I enjoyed working with your sketch. I invite you to grab a cup of tea and enjoy the creativity of the other talented members of Bloggers Challenge.

Friday's Weekly Challenge from Bloggers Challenge

2010-06-11T19:49:00.005-05:00

Another week has pasted, last week I was not happy with my project....so I did not post it! This week I started a little earlier on the project and enjoyed working with a different card style. The card technique I used is called a side step card. The Friday's Weekly Challenge from Bloggers Challenge was the theme "Father's Day". When I put this card together I was think about my mother's boyfriend and I look forward to sending to him for father's day! I hope you enjoy the card. Please stop by the other talented bloggers blogs to enjoy more father's day cards!

Friday's Weekly Challenge from Bloggers Challenge

2010-06-01T16:31:00.007-05:00

Friday has come and gone! I am sorry I missed the deadline for the Bloggers Challenge but I had this card completed over the weekend and wanted to share it with everyone. The Bloggers Challenge was a color challenge using red, white and blue. Since the challenge was during the Memorial Day weekend I decided to do a Patriotic card. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend and I hope you enjoy the card!

Here is some basics of the elements of the card. The background paper was a glossy white paper that I stamped the stars with VersaMark and embossed, I then used a brayer with blue ink to brayer over the embossed stars. The next thing I did was take a soft rag and wiped off the extra ink. I then heated up the iron and used blank printer paper with background paper in the middle and heated the paper. This is the resist technique that I used that created my background paper.

My image of the eagle was stamped with black in and heat set. I then took a small craft iron and used old red and blue crayons to add the color to the eagle image. I really like the way the crayon turned out! The phrase was done with one of my cutters, I could not get a stamped image to stand out enough.

I wish to thank all our servicemen, women and their families for all the sacrifices that they make for our freedoms. Without our brave servicemen and women our country would not be as great as it is today! Thank you and may God bless you all!

Friday's Weekly Challenge from Bloggers Challenge

2010-05-21T18:30:00.009-05:00

Yes, it is already Friday and time to unveil my Friday's Weekly Challenge from Bloggers Challenge! This week we were challenge to use a wonderful sketch from Lisa Sommerville one our very talented artist and designer. I actually print out next months sketch and started to work on the card...and this morning I got a minute to look at a few blogs to see some of the idea other members use for the sketch...and realized...I was designing with the wrong sketch. Needless to say, I came home from work and sat down and came up with this card for the challenge! This card was created with a dear friend's daughter in mind. She will be graduating from high school in a few weeks! Thanks again to Lisa for the wonderful sketch and I hope everyone enjoys the card!

Enjoy a cup of tea and enjoy the other members blogs, see the wonderful work they created for this challenge!

Paper Wing's Blog Hop

2010-05-17T04:29:00.004-05:00

This card was to be posted last night....but my internet service was down! This card was for a Blog Hop from Paper Wings, the theme was to be a masculine card! I hope you enjoy it and I hope you stop by the other Bloggers to check out their work! My fellow bloggers for this hop were: Rita, Julie, Carol, Shirley, Teresa and Laurie! They all do wonderful work so check them out!!

Friday's Weekly Challenge from Bloggers Challenge

2010-05-14T19:14:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday! I am always thrilled when Friday comes and I have my project completed!!! I completed this card early this week! The challenge from Bloggers Challenge this week was a color challenge. The colors we had to use for this challenge where red, teal and curry! This was very difficult for me. I think color and sketch challenges are the most difficult for me! I find these challenges limit my creativity and they make me work so much harder then a theme type of challenge. Anyway, I started out with three different pieces of colorstock... the card style was looking southwest and I thought that may be the way! Then I slept on it and woke to with an idea....like a bell going off!! It was more like a creative chime! Then I dug through my papers and came up with this beautiful black and white floral paper....grabbed some copics and something wonderful came together! I hope you enjoy the card! Please, take a minute and check out all the awesome projects that the other bloggers from Bloggers Challenge have created for this challenge!

Same Card Different Look..

2010-05-07T22:06:00.004-05:00

After I posted my last post, I went upstairs and enjoyed a movie with my other half! While watching the movie, I was thinking about the card that I posted... and thought... I think it would look better with one of my favorite papers behind it! Well, I came downstairs and made the change and thought I would also share this version with you all! I really wanted to use the technique for the background layer on this card...but I also like it with this paper...what do you think?

Friday's Weekly Challenge from Bloggers Challenge

2010-05-07T18:30:00.004-05:00

This week has flown by....I just wish I had more hours in the day to spend more time in the studio! I have enjoyed getting involved with a few different groups and doing the challenges! I would just love to have more time to do even more!! Well, wouldn't we all! Anyway this card was for this week's Bloggers Challenge, the theme of course was Mother's Day! I love making Mother's Day cards....it makes me think of Mom...and who wouldn't want to think of Mom! Just in case I don't get back and post something this weekend, I would like to wish all the Mothers a wonderful Mother's Day!! Enjoy your day!!

Weekly Challenge from Bloggers Challenge

2010-05-02T20:46:00.006-05:00

This is my card for the weekly challenge from Bloggers Challenge. It was to be posted of Friday, so I am a little late! The theme for this weeks challenge was Emboss It. I chose to use the dry emboss technique and I inked my embossing folder with Vera Mark's Frost Dazzle to get the effect that I got on my glossy paper that I brayer with kaleidacolor ink. This was an easy technique that I used and the results are very stunning! Please take the time and visit the other members blogs at Bloggers Challenge and see the beautiful work all the members have submitted for this challenge!

Friendship Album

2010-05-02T17:21:00.018-05:00

This is a little TP Friendship album that was completed after Kristen from ScrapBookNook taught a class showing everyone how to put this sweet album together.

I designed by album to be a Friendship Album for my darling daughter. I am hoping that this book will bring many happy memories for years to come!

I enjoyed using the colorful pink papers and added a little bling and fibers to the album!

The inserts are tags that I cut with my cricut and I just used photoshop to adjust the size for the tags. I used some flowers that I punched for the little pull tabs.

I searched through all my stamps for my friendship stamps!! I never knew I had so many until I was working on this project!

This project was a simple project that I really enjoyed to do! I can easily see myself making more in the future!! I hope everyone enjoyed seeing the album!

Mother's Day Challenge from ScrapBookNook

2010-05-02T17:07:00.008-05:00

I belong to a new group, ScrapBookNook. It was started by a dear friend and I ofcourse jumped right in to be a part of it... So every now and then I will be posting items from Challenge; items that we did in a class or just items that the gals from ScrapBookNook inspired me to do! Here is the card that I completed for our Mother's Day Challenge.

Card Completed for Paper Wings Color Combo Motivational

2010-04-25T22:01:00.004-05:00

This last week Paper Wings Color Combo Motivational inspired us with the following color combo: Red, Green, Blue, Brown and White. I finally got some time to complete this card for the motivational! I am still working on one more card for a PW Motivational from this last week...maybe tomorrow ......

Bloggers Challenge - Color challenge Orange/Blue/Moss

2010-04-23T19:58:00.003-05:00

Yet, another busy week...it just flew by! I did get to try a new technique from Technique Junkies Newsletter. This technique is from a older issue it is called Designer Tiles. It is a very easy technique and I love the out come! I kept the card simple because I love the butterfly paper I used and I wanted them to be the focal point! I hope you enjoyed seeing this technique showcased!

Always looking for a new technique?

2010-04-20T15:42:00.005-05:00

Earlier this month I broke down and purchased a subscription to Technique Junkie Newsletter. I am always on the look out for a new techniques to try....and I do love the newsletter that Pat Huntoon puts out! So whenever I get a few free minutes in the studio, I will be trying out a new technique from the newsletter. My earlier card called "Inspire" was a technique from one of Pat's newsletter and this is another card inspired from Pat using the technique called Scored Diamonds. I have to tell you ...my cow on the right nose stuck to my scanner! I let my glaze dry for over 45 mins!!! I should have more patiences!

Paper Wing's April Blog Hop

2010-04-18T18:52:00.038-05:00

I did this scrapbook page a while ago. I also made a card to go with it. I was intending to send it to The Angel Company for a contest..but I never got it into the mailbox! When I saw the April Blog Hop theme was weddings I decided I would share the layout with everyone! I will re-post the picture (hopefully it will come out better) tomorrow....I going to try to take it outside in the daytime with the nature light.

Making this page was so much fun! I enjoyed looking through my parent's wedding pictures to find the picture that I wanted to showcase. I also enjoyed seeing my parents and their wedding party. Most of my parent's wedding party were close family friends and we grew up knowing them all. The picture brings back many special memories we shared with them.

This picture also includes a picture of my Uncle Eddie (last man on the right) who passed away before any of my parent's children were born. I enjoy seeing pictures of my uncle and remembering all the wonderful stories that my grandmother shared with me about my father and his little brother.

When I scrap a page, I always enjoy the memories that are connected to the images that I am working with. It is funny, I seem to have tears in my eyes sometimes when I scrap! Even with the tears in my eyes I love scrapbooking! I always tell people in order to have those tears you have to have wonderful memories!! I hope that I have shared some of my memories with others and hopefully will open one of my scrapbooks someday and be able to share stories about my family and friends with some of our children's children!

All paper and images used were from The Angel Company. The papers were some of the free down loads from The Angel Company. The Angel company offers two different sets of free black and white paper which can be downloaded they are Black and White and More Black and White.

Hop over to my fellow Angel's blogs and see there creations for the April Blog Hop! Check them out....Rita K., Chelsea, Shirley, Teresa and Rita W.

April 16th Sketch Challenge from Blogger's Challenge

2010-04-16T20:35:00.004-05:00

Well, here it is. I really did not get much time to put this card together...it has been a busy week. The background panels are material and I did add a layer or two to the orginal sketch. The stamp I used is from The Angel Company (Fairtale Fun). I am looking forward to having more time to work on next week's challenge!

Running a few minutes behind but the winner is.......

2010-04-15T19:03:00.002-05:00

Congrats to Selesie, you are the lucky winner in the raffle. Please email me at luv2stampangel@gmail.com and give me your address and I will get the "Inspire" card out to you! I hope you or whoever you send it to will enjoy it!

Weekly Challenge from Bloggers Challenge

2010-04-09T22:05:00.010-05:00

I have just joined a new group of blogger's that do some fun challenges. Today we had a blog challenge...it was to alter something...I altered coasters...I gave up some Hacker-Pschorr coasters we had laying around to make this phone book. I purchased the image on the front page about 2 years ago in Wichita, KS at a TAC seminar. I wanted to make an altered phone book with it...and here it is! When the book is opened it shows the second page of the book and you will notice the picture of the person whose contact information is on the back of the page is now added to the center of the stamped image. I hope you enjoy the piece!

Artist Note Card

2010-04-09T06:57:00.002-05:00

Here is another card from my playtime in the studio. I needed a note card to send to a friend and this is what I came up with. This is the same paper technique that I used for the Inspire card below. I just added some extra to it!

2010-04-08T11:38:00.005-05:00

Here is my first completed project. I had so much fun doig this card. The technique I used was fun and it gave the card a wonderful artist look. I liked the main image so up that I put a magnetic backing on it...so who ever I send the card to they can remove it and use it as a refrigerator magnetic!! As a gift to my loyal bloggers I will draw a name from all those that comment on this post and you will be placed in a drawing....and this card will be sent to the winner! Drawing will be held on April 15 at 6:00 PM!

In the studio with inky fingers

2010-04-08T08:32:00.003-05:00

Wow, I woke up today and just had the urge to play with ink and gesso! I am having a wonderful time...my hands are colorful covered in ink, my desk is a mess and I have tiny pieces of embossing powder all over my keyboard... I love feeling creative ....I plan on spending most of the day in the studio playing... I love to play in the studio..I feel like a kid!! May have to wear gloves when I go outside. Hey that will work the weather here in Chicago is cold and damp... Will post the finished item later today!

Update: How much fun am I having....I called work and took tomorrow off!! More time in the studio!!

Doing a class with a Yahoo group today....here is the sample card!

2010-04-02T08:08:00.004-05:00

I will be teaching a stamping technique on masking with a newly formed Yahoo Group today! A dear friend of mine has just started a Yahoo group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scrapbookNook) and has asked me to join and teach some classes via the Internet. I will be teaching different stamping and paper techniques with the group at least once a month....maybe more if I have the time! If you are interested in today's class it will be at 7PM tonight. This class will be done using mostly TAC stamps...I will be teaching two different masking techniques and a 3-D technique! Please feel free to join the group for the class, it you join the group let Maddie know that you are a friend of mine!

Storage & Organization for Unmounted Stamps

2010-02-19T21:34:00.005-06:00

Organizing my stamps has always been a dilemma for me. Recently, I decided to solve that problem! So, I started a huge project. Over the years I have stored my stamps in CD cases. Due to the lack of time most of my sets did not have a index card in the cover of the CD case. So while my son was in the hospital last summer, I spent my time with him stamping images onto cardstock to index each CD. My fingers hurt from stamping...I stamped so many index pages!! (I have over 600 CD cases of stamps!) I even got help from my son's girlfriend who colored some of the index pages for me while she spent time with Jonathan.

My next step was separate each set by subtitles. I scanned each index page into my computer and I placed a number on each index page (those are the hand written numbers you see on each picture). The next thing I did was to make a label for the side of the CD case with the subtitle and the number from the index page. Then I scanned the index card for each CD into my computer. Then using a photo program I created a slide show for each subtitle much like the one you see above. The example above is a very small sample of my TAC Christmas stamp collection.

On the desktop of my computer, I have a folder of all my different subtitles (birthdays, valentines, Easter-Spring, Halloween, etc..). This system allows anyone working in my studio to retrieve a specific stamp quickly. To find the stamp you want, view the slideshow and once you have located the stamp, take the number from the index card and go to the CD shelves and retrieve the corresponding CD case.

This project is getting close to being completed. I will save time by not aimlessly looking thru all my CD cases to find that one stamp I need and it will also help to keep my studio more organized!!

Please feel free to share your ideas on how to store your stamps and index them. It is always wonderful to get a new idea from others!

Still around!!

2010-01-16T14:33:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to take a minute to let everyone know that I am still around! Hopefully within the next few weeks I will get my blog up and going again. I am looking forward to spending some time in my studio!! Hope to share some creative projects with you!

Jonathan's 21st Birthday Card....

2009-10-02T14:02:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to share with you Jonathan's 21st Birthday Card. It is hard to believe that my baby is 21!! I guess he is a grown man! I hope everyone enjoys the card.

P.S. Thank God I recounted my candles...I added another after I realized I was one candle short...after it was scanned!

Thrilled to place order today!

2009-10-01T06:23:00.006-05:00

I was thrilled to see this Fall & Winter Whimsy set become available!! I will be ordering it tonight! I love the set! I can't wait to make some great falls cards with them and I plan on making my Christmas cards to send to Germany with the stamp in the lower right corner!! I was overjoyed to see this stamp, it reminded me of the old world Germany Christmas cards that my grandfather would receive from his family in Germany when I was a child! I love when little things in life that bring back great memories! I am looking forward to sharing some great cards with you from this set this fall and Christmas season!

Another elegant but simple Chirstmas card.

2009-10-01T06:10:00.005-05:00

Thinking about making some Christmas cards? I usually have a few designs I create for my holiday season. Here is another easy card that is still very elegant. When looking to add some extra details to your card...look around to what you have available. I grabbed my photo corner punch to add the contrasting photo corners to this card. I also added some glitter pen in sliver that does not show up well after being scanned, but shines nicely in person! If you don't have glitter pens you can always grab a bottle of stickles to add some sparkle!

Keeping holiday cards simple but elegant...

2009-09-22T07:05:00.006-05:00

When working on holiday cards sometime simple is the way to go! Most of us send out numerous cards to family and friends; keep in mind when creating your seanonal holiday card you should keep them simple but elegant! Above is a sample of a elegant but easy card. I chose to TAC's train collage. I also used TAC's Reese Paper Collection.

Hoppy Everything!!

2009-09-17T13:13:00.009-05:00

Hoppy, hoppy, hoppy days! For the last few months my life has been consumed with my son's illness. I would like to thank all of you that sent kind words and prayers our way. Jonathan is still dealing with his illness. He is doing much better and was allowed to return to school this fall. We are all very thankful for doctors who just kept on moving forward each time a treatment did not work for him. I am grateful that they were able to find a treatment that is working and hopefully someday soon his body will be free of the virus that is causing the attack on his platelets. Last week was the first time he did not get an injection and I keep praying that his treatment will be over soon.

I need to apologize to all of you for not keeping my blog updated weekly. During this time my creativity was drained! I just was unable to open my mind to my artist side. I am looking forward to getting my blog up and going again. I hope that I will be able to share my love for paper crafting with everyone!

This card is dedicated to my son. Even if he is turning twenty-one this September he will always be my little boy and will always have special way of making me happy!

I use a wonderful TAC set call Summer Boys Summer Boys,

I also used a great paper collection called Kaleidoscope Boyz.

Life has been crazy!!

2009-06-03T07:37:00.006-05:00

Hi everyone!

Life has been crazy here. My son came home from college last month. We still are putting away his belongings. Once again I can brag...he got his grades and he got straight A's....he is a wonderful student....he works hard and I know he will reach his goals of being a dentist! Today is his first day volunteering in a dental office. I am looking forward to those free implants! If him coming home isn't enough...Beth has been getting ready to go to Germany...and guess who is running around making sure she has everything together! Ya, that would be me! She will be leaving June 10th...only days away, I am so excited for her! Beth has finals this week and the first part of next week, I don't know how she will keep her mind on her studies..but I know she will! Beth is also a wonderful student, she always makes me proud!! I have been bless with two wonderful kids!

So, with everything going on my blog got backseat! Sorry, hopefully life will get a little slower once Beth is off.

I have taught a few senior classes with my wonderful group in Park Ridge the last few weeks and I wanted to share some of the cards that we did. My gals in group are very inspiring! We have started a Christmas card each time we meet, this way they will have a few stashed away and ready for Christmas. The Christmas cards that we are working on are fast and easy...this way they can take the design home and make some more! Above are a few of the cards that we worked on! I hope you enjoy them!

After sleep on it....I made changes!

2009-05-07T06:10:00.002-05:00

Well, I did post that card below yesterday. I reposted it today...made some sizing changes to it today and reposted it! Then I went off to sleep....and my mind still was on the card I just posted. My thoughts...did I make her legs purple...then I thought ... I think I was making that area a cluff of the pants. Well, then this morning when I woke up at 4:56 AM.... I woke thinking, maybe I should have paper piece the outfit. So, I grabbed a cup of coffee and when downstairs...and this is the idea I had in my head when I woke up! Which one do you like better?

Surprise!! A card!!

2009-05-07T06:05:00.002-05:00

Here is a card made using Hello Sunshine. This set is on special this month! I also used TAC Uptown Girl paper and a few emblishments that I had stored.

Looking forward to next week....

2009-05-03T05:27:00.002-05:00

Next week I will be featuring our May special and our vintage set!! It will be a thrilling week! I can't wait till Monday comes to see which set is featured...ready, set, create...

Spring Showers

2009-05-02T19:08:00.005-05:00

This is a card that I just put together for a friend. I bought this stamp with her in mind!! I hope she will enjoy it, she is a teddy bear lover! The stamp is from a local craft shop and the papers are from TAC. I used one of my favorite papers, but I think it may be retired...so sad!

National Scrapbook Day

2009-04-29T16:59:00.003-05:00

This week Paper Wings is celebrating National Scrapbook Day all week!! How great is that! Some wonderful members have put together a week of fun for all of us! Everyday we are getting different scrapbooking inspirations and each day we can join in the fun! I set time aside to enjoy the event and above are two of my layouts. Sorry that the picture are not the best...I scanned them because I really did not have time to set up the camera and background. Once I get a chance I will take pictures and update the post! I hope you enjoy the pages!

Playing in the studio.....

2009-04-26T05:36:00.007-05:00

Taking time to play and try new techniques has to be my favorite time! Since getting things together after the flood I have not had the chance to enjoy that special time until last week! Last week I was playing with the oil slick technique and tweaking it a bit and this is what I came up with... I hope you enjoy it!

I used acetate instead of glossy paper to do the oil slick technique and I put some of the stamped images below and some above the acetate. I used two cute sets that will be discontinue this season they are; Something's Fishy and Treaser Seekers.

A little note to send some cheer....

2009-04-25T06:41:00.003-05:00

This card was a little card I put together to send a cheerful greeting to my cousin Cindy. I wanted to add a little smile to her face, so I colored the little girl to look like Cindy's granddaughter/ I used one of my favorite papers....Miss Moxie and TAC's Dear Friend stamp set.

Pictures!

2009-04-10T22:16:00.007-05:00

These are a few pictures from the Grand Canyon and of ... my daughter! I will post more in a few days, I am tired! To me these pictures still seem make believe! The Grand Canyon are so amazing!

Vacation update!

2009-04-10T06:54:00.002-05:00

Well, vacation was wonderful....did not want to come home but we got home last night. Ya, it was a bad joke to get off the plane to find weather in the 40's!
The Grand Canyon was awesome and we had a superb time in Arizona! Tonight I will post some pictures...for now it is off to work! Oh, I did get to go to an awesome stamp store!! More later...

On Spring Break...

2009-04-04T05:38:00.002-05:00

This is a first for both Beth (my daughter) and I, we are going on a spring break vacation together! Yes, it is a mother and daughter get away! I will be back just before Easter and will share some our adventures when I return! Looking forward to sunshine and not hearing an alarm clock!!

Simply Wonderful!

2009-03-30T19:59:00.001-05:00

I received a comment from Patti J who sent me a note about a card she
posted on her blog. I think I inspired her to challenge herself and the
out come was wonderful. If you have a minute please check out the link...www.cherisheachpreciousday.blogspot.com...the card is the one
the Visa lady. Anyone that knows me knows that I save all my scraps.
I always try to pick thru them before pulling out a new sheet of paper!
Anyway, Patti used her scraps and designed an awesome card! Great job!
It is always a thrill to inspire someone! Thank you, you made my day!

Just another Birthday sample!

2009-03-25T05:02:00.005-05:00

Birthday cards are something everyone needs throughout the year! Here is a Birthday card that I had fun creating! I used misc paper (I think from Hobby Lobby) and The Angel Company's Marvelous Mottos.

Welcome to my studio!!

2009-03-24T00:01:00.001-05:00

This is part of my view of my studio from my work area.

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Two different views of my stamps, ribbon tree and area for punches.

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This is just a little sitting area and to the right is some element storage, books and other items.

This is some of my work area. In the background are my storage drawers....that is my OMG wall as one of my girlfriend call it!

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This is the area that my other half had added to my studio. I don't know were I would have put all my stuff if I did not have this little addition!

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This is a close up of my work area.

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Here is some of my storage area near my work area.

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This is my button and small element storage...at least some of it!

Well, I hope you enjoyed my tour of my studio! I know I have a lot of stuff, I have been teaching in the Chicago land area for about the last 5 years now! My newest goal is to teach more in my home studio. I love doing what I do and I am thrilled to have my studio to share with others! If any of my fellow Angels find themselves in Chicago, call and set up a "play date"!

Quick card for a dear friend!

2009-03-22T14:48:00.010-05:00

Just a fast card for a dear friend! I used TAC's Hoppity Skippity to make this simple and sweet card!

What fun, a surprise in the mail!

2009-03-18T05:38:00.005-05:00

One of my sister Angels found this idea while blog hopping and I thought it would be fun!! So here it goes...

The first 5 people to respond to this post will get something made by me! Could be a card with which I am really pleased, a pin I made, a doodle or something else all together LOL! My choice!

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make although I hope you do!
2. What I create will be made with you in mind so you won't get something I already made unless I think it suits you to a T.
3. It'll be done sometime within the next 2 months.
4. You have no clue what it's going to be.
5. The catch is that you must offer this blog candy on your blog! Re-post this on your blog, offer something you make - your choice - to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog (then come here and post). Oh wait make that the first 4 people cause I am #1 {giggle}

Yep be sure to add my name to the #1 line on your blog post - I am the first participant and I am already offering to share. When you create your give-away you will be the #1 spot for players 2-5 on your list. The first 4 people to post this on their blogs and leave a comment here telling me they did (I will go to your blog to check that you have this posted) will get an art share handmade item from me. Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it! SO ...................who will be next????

1. Bren
2. Mary

Spring Memories..

2009-03-17T07:16:00.004-05:00

When I was 13 my father picked up my family and moved us to a small town in Wisconsin. We moved about 3 miles out of Ithaca, Wisconsin. One of the best things I can remember from that experience was owning my own horse! Misty was wonderful! I remember when spring was upon us you could see the change in Misty's spirit! Spring brought long rides in the country and wonderful time spent with her! This card was inspired by both spring and Misty, I hope you enjoy it! It was created with TAC's Happy Trails and TAC's Amberley Grace paper .

One day left to enter a great giveaway!

2009-03-17T06:47:00.008-05:00

Bonus!!! Visit Foster Design House and enter her great Blog Candy giveaway and enjoy her wonderful blog! It is like a double bonus!! Barb does lovely work and I think you will be thrilled to explore her blog! Enjoy!

Spring Card from last night class!

2009-03-16T06:05:00.011-05:00

Here is one of our spring cards from last night class! I enjoyed the time with the gals making some awesome cards! Ladies you did wonderful work! I hope you enjoy your cards as much as I enjoy putting together the class for you!

We used The Angel Company's Fluttter By, which is a wonderful set for only $10.95!! Wow, what a deal!

The paper we used for this card was The Angel Company's Lilly Anna, this paper is colorful and has a wonderful spring look!

2009-03-08T20:10:00.012-05:00

This is the inspiration that a sister Angel presented to use on Paper Wings. Paper Wings is a forum for TAC's Angels to share and inspire each other. Please feel free to click on the Paper Wings logo located on the blog to view other Angel's creations!

Anyway, here is the card that I completed for the challenge:

I used pattern paper from TAC's Willoughby collection and the stamp used was from the Celtic Images and Gift with Purchase stamps.

Please feel free to click on above products to be directed to my Angel Company site to purchase products.

P.S. My date on this post has an error...I am trying to fix it...today is the 13th...oh my it is Friday the 13th! I think I need to create something with a full moon and a black cat!

I am sorry...

2009-03-08T14:25:00.002-05:00

I was just informed by a few caring people that they are having problems leaving comments. It appears to be a blogger issue...I think you now can leave messages! Thank you to those who contacted me!

March Classes!

2009-03-08T07:35:00.002-05:00

The following are classes that will be offered this March:

March 15th Card Class, Theme "It's a Spring Thing"
March 28th Card Class, Theme "Birthdays"

All classes are $20, classes start at 6:30 P.M. and run about 2 - 2 1/2 hours. We will be making 5 cards in each class. Classes are taught in my home studio. For more information contact me at LUV2STAMPangel@gmail.com. Space is limited! Sign up early to reserve your spot! These are the first classes offered in my newly remodeled studio, will be having games, prizes and refreshment!

A Great Giveaway!

2009-03-08T06:44:00.009-05:00

The Angel Company is having a raffle and giving away a Fresh Spring Things Package which is pictured above! Just click on the banner on the left that says Win This to enter! Pass on the information to friends, maybe someone you know will win! Good luck to all! Deadline for entries is March 31, 2009!

Simple and quick....

2009-03-07T22:49:00.015-06:00

Hi, everyone! I just wanted to drop in and share some simple but cute cards that I did for my recent open house. Both cards were designed using some of the great new stamps from the new Serendipity magalogue.

This wonderful set is our Little Cupcake stamp set, it is only $18.95 for the complete set!!

TAC's Hoppity Skippity set is another awesome set that is fun to work with! This is another great set for the great price of $18.95!

The winner from 1st Challenge is.....

2009-03-05T21:02:00.002-06:00

Maddie Hall from Bonham, Texas! Congrats!!! Your prize is in the mail. Please come back to the blog and leave a comment about what you won. I don't want to expose your surprise!! Watch out for the next challenge...it will be posted on Monday and it will be another color scheme from the color wheel!

Saving man's best friend....

2009-03-05T20:26:00.013-06:00

Two days ago, while at work, I had the opportunity to meet a very nice young man. We chatted for a while about an organization that he, his wife and friends were involved in; it is a rescue organization for animals in the Chicago land area. It is Chicago's newest, greenest and most unique animal rescue and sanctuary. If you know anyone in the Chicago land area looking for a pet, please ask them to check out Alive Rescue, to see if they would be interested in adopting a pet that is available. ALIVE Rescue is looking for warm, loving homes for some wonderful pets! Please check out the link and spread the information with others. It is wonderful to meet young people at are getting involved with something that helps others, during this hard economy many people are having to give up their beloved pets because they can't afford them. I am sure having an organization such as ALIVE Rescue to turn to gives that family much relief knowing that their pet will find a new home. Steve, thank you for sharing your wife and your adventure with me! I look forward to watching your adventure grow and prosper.

2009-02-27T04:54:00.014-06:00

Unfortunately, I still am not done with the items that I started to work on the other day when I was off...so what I decide to do is to go to my storage box and grab a few of my older items that made it through the flood! Here are a few items some of them are retired TAC and some are not. I am an Angel but first and far most I am a stamper, so I do own stamps from other companies (will lighting strike me?). I hope you enjoy the cards! As always my hope is to inspire others. If you would like to check out other work of mine please cut and paste this link:
http://www.stampingbugfamily.com/gallery/browseimages.php?do=browseimages&c=9&userid=567

This link is to a wonderful stamping group that I have been a part of for years! While you are there check out the other stampers work!

This card was done with ribbon and flower seeds, sorry some of my seeds fell off! Some of these cards went through a being tossed around in Septemeber!

This is a set that TAC still has in the catalog!! It is called happy haunting!

This is one of my favorite Easter cards I have done over the years. It is an adult card that captures the true meaning of Easter.

On this card the background was orginally black and white...and then I thought some color would be nice!

I loved our buggie stamps, I hated to see them retire! Here is one of my buggie cards!

This last card I took two photos of so you can get an idea of what the card really looks like! I hope you enjoy it!

Here is a copy with a piece of white paper placed in the center of the card.

Well, I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my past work and I like to think that the best is yet to come!! Looking forward to long furture of fun and stamping!

A day off!!

2009-02-25T10:45:00.002-06:00

Well, today is truly a day off for me! I don't have anything that I have to do for anyone in the family! It is my day!! My plans on to spend some time in the studio and a little putzing around the house... Hopefully by the end of the day I will feel like I got something done!! Maybe...I will get to post something tonight or tomorrow.

Blog Challenge Entry!

2009-02-24T05:23:00.002-06:00

This wonderful card was sent to me for the blog challenge. This card was submitted by Maddie. Thanks Maddie!

Reminder - 1st blog challenge due the 23rd!

2009-02-22T06:02:00.002-06:00

February 23rd is just around the corner and the first blog challenges are due to me by midnight on the 23rd! Please remember to send them to me an email with your project as an attachment!

Exploring the Color Wheel

2009-02-21T06:29:00.004-06:00

Over the next few weeks I would like to spend some time exploring the color wheel. I recomend everyone to have a color wheel, they can be purchased at local arts and craft for a few dollars. My favorite would be one that has the colors and also has slots that show you what each color would look like if primary colors, white, black or gray would be added. The one I have is a floral design color wheel.

This week I would like to cover Mono-Chromatic colors. A Mono-Chromatic color scheme starts with one base color. When inplementing this color scheme you will be using any shade, tint or tone of the color chosen. The card below is a sample of using a Mono-Chromatic color scheme. I hope you are inspired to try this color scheme and if you do, please email me a copy of the card or project and I will post it on the blog!

OK, here are the rest of the cards for tomorrow's Make -N- Takes

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Well, they are all done! Remember these were made to be simple, this way anyone coming to the studio's open house will be able to complete them with limited instruction needed! I hope you enjoy them and they inspire you!

Seek Peek!

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Here is one of the three cards we are going to be doing for the make and takes.....This card was made using Tutti Fruitti paper and TAC Sweet Skunk set!

Open House

2009-02-20T06:32:00.003-06:00

Sorry I have been away for a few days. I have been doing the final touches on my studio preparing for my open house. I will be having an open house this Saturday and next Saturday. Hopefully someone shows up this Saturday, they are talking about 8" of SNOW here on Saturday!! Well....I will enjoy the time I set aside in the studio whether I get a studio full of people or if it is just me!! I still have a few things I want to get done and then I will be posting some pictures of the studio. I think you will be surprised! It is not a fancy studio, it is a working studio! It has taken some time to get everything organized....and I probably still have some to do! All in all, I love my space and look forward to have many hours of fun and hope to share my studio with other!

I have put together some quick make and takes for the open house and will be posting them within the next few days! I designed my make and takes using the sketch ideas that are in Serendipity magalogue! I hope that my samples will inspire you to try the sketches ideas!

Here is my sample!

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Here is my sample using the "Behr color scheme", I hope you like it! I used the color Bamboo leaf green 410b-7 which I matched up with the pattern paper. One of the color schemes showed the blues with it and I thought it was a nice contrast to the green. Bad news of the day, I can't see to link the completed color scheme choice to this post....maybe I can get someone to tell me how to do it!! Will ask around!

First Blog Challenge!

2009-02-16T07:27:00.005-06:00

This will be my first blog challenge! Anyone can join! Using the tip below (Choosing a color scheme) create a card, altered item or scrapbook page. Send me a copy of your item to be posted, please give details on the color scheme used and if you can give me the address for the color scheme I will link it to your picture! I will post everyones work and we will open the post for a vote on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd best, bloggers will decide the winners! Small prizes will be sent to winners! All items need to be emailed to me at above address by Monday, February 23rd! Voting will take place between the February 24th - March 2nd and the winner will be posted and prizes sent out March 4th!

Choosing a color scheme....

2009-02-15T22:49:00.008-06:00

This blog posting is another one based on my paint department tip! Most paint companies now have websites and they offer you the wonderful opportunity to explore color. Open another window to Behr paint's website (cut and paste: http://www.behr.com/Behr/home#), this way you can follow along with the post. After going to the website click on explore color with color smart, and then go to Behr's Virtual Color Center. The world of Behr color will open at your fingertips! Chose a color you want to work with. Sometime it may be my base card color I want to work with or perhaps a color from my pattern paper I want to work with. Once you chose the color, you will get a smaller selection, click once again on a color that you want to use in your paper craft project, click on the color closest to your paper, close your color and chose view & coordinate with ColorSmart, chose coordinate. The selection I like best from my next options would be Accents, give it a try. Numerous color schemes for that color are now given to you! This is a wonderful tool to have when you feel you just can't get that color combination right! I hope you enjoy my tips.... and remember to take a look at the paint department you will also find printed copy of color scheme ideas. I like to have them in the studio to use as a tool! Next week I will try to do some postings on working with a color wheel and creating a different schemes!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-13T22:23:00.010-06:00

Well, tomorrow is Valentine's Day! I just got done finishing Kent's (my other half) Valentine's Day card and thought I would share it with you. I used some scrap paper and TAC's Artsy Owls, just click on card to see the complete stamp set!! I hope you enjoy the sample!

Finally have the scanner connected!!

2009-02-13T06:43:00.008-06:00

Well, my other half install my scanner!! I now can add new items to my blog!! The last few days I did get a chance to work in the studio. I want to share some elements that I made from the first tip I posted. Above are some flower elements that can be added to a card, scrap book page or a altered item. I used a large flower punch with my paint chips and some scrap paper to punch the small center flower and a sun burst. The element was put together with a mini brad. The idea is that it cost almost nothing to have a wonderful element to add to my creative projects! Give it a try and open the door to a rainbow of colorful elements. You will see the samples of paint chips, the chip that I punched a flower and the complete elements.

This sample is from the same tip. The horse was stamped on a paint chip. These paint chips were from the Ralph Lauren collection.

I hope you enjoyed the tip and can see how adding some paint chips to your crafting can give you a new element to add to your artwork!

Always be yourself

2009-02-10T12:45:00.015-06:00

Here is a card I created some time ago! The card was made using TAC Affirmation Badges along with Miss Moxie paper! I love this set! It is a wonderful set to have for when you need a card on the go! These stamps have coordinating lever punches that make this card one of the fastest to create! This is a card that takes under 15 minutes to create!

Miss Moxie - V841 - $6.95

Affirmation Bages - T2958 - $19.95 - set of 6

Stamp of the Month • February 2009

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Random Patterns
TAC-3026 - $9.75 - set of 4

When you purchase $30.00* in merchandise, Random Patterns
(Retail Value $12.95) can be yours for a special price!

*Net total before shipping and
handling and applicable tax.
*No other discounts apply.

Sealed With A Kiss Vintage Set

2009-02-10T12:01:00.010-06:00

From February 1st - 28th, 2009 you can purchase this Vintage Stamp Set released from the TAC™ archives for a limited time only! We know you’ll enjoy using this very fun, spring stamp set, and don’t forget to Seal With A Kiss!

SWAK • TAC-3088 set of 11

• Special price $16.50 (retail price $21.95)
• No other discounts may apply to this offer.

• Some assembly required.

• AngelNet orders must be received by 12:00 midnight CST on February 28th, 2009.

All other orders must be received by 5:00 pm CST on February 28th, 2009.

• This Vintage Set is being released from the archives for a limited time only.

Day One

2009-02-07T07:41:00.001-06:00

Welcome to my blog! I am very new at this, so please be prepared for changes as I create my blog. I will be sharing creative ideas, samples and tips with you. I hope to inspire others with my creativity, share my talents and maybe challenge others to join my world of stamping! If you have any questions in regards to stamping, card making, scrapbooking or working with different art medias, please contact me by email!