Hand Stamped By Lacey

High Hopes Sneak Peek: Day 1

Hello stamping friends!!

Today is Day 1 of the Sneak Peeks for the newest High Hopes Release!

There will be more peeks on the High Hopes Blog tomorrow and Thursday followed by a blog hop and release on Friday!! 

It is also a new High Hopes Challenge today. 

This challenge is: Anything High Hopes Goes

Just remember, you MUST use a High Hopes stamp to enter. 

One participant will win a free High Hopes Rubber Stamp.

The challenge runs for 2 weeks this time ending on June 11th at 7pm EST.

Here is my card...

This fun stamp is the new "Cat Trio" which will be available for purchase on Friday.

I use some new On the Sunny Side paper from My Mind's Eye along with Dainty Doily Die from My Favorite Things and Silver Round Spacer.

The sketch is from Sketchy File

The image was embossed in black onto watercolor paper, watercolored with Twinkling H2Os, cut out, and attached with dimensionals...

Now it's your turn!!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!!

~Lacey

 

High Hopes Challenge: May Flowers

Hello stamping friends!

I'm back today with the new High Hopes Challenge. 

The new challenge is: May Flowers

Let's see some flowers on your card or project. It can either be flowers on the image itself or add flowers to your card. 

Just remember that you MUST use a High Hopes image on your card to enter the challenge.

For my project, I used the fun Beach Girl Patti...

With Summer just around the corner, there will be plenty of time being spent at the beach and the pool. This image is perfect for a little pool-side birthday!!

It's been awhile since I did a Center-Step card, so I thought it would be a good time for one. The papers are Echo Park A Boy's Life along with Pearls, Mini Blooms, Heart Swirl DooHickey from Magnolia, Butterflies Die from CC Designs, Ticket Die from Whimsy Stamps, and Cloud dies from both Whimsy and CC Designs. 

Patti was embossed in black onto watercolor paper and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os...

Come join along with the fun. The Challenge runs through May 28th at 7pm EST.

This card is also for:

Lollipop Crafts: Make a Splash (Water)

Catered Crop: Rick Rack (and Chevrons are allowed)

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!

~Lacey 

High Hopes Challenge: Easel Card

Hello stamping friends!!

I'm a little behind (as usual). I swear our schedule is so busy and crazy with the kids in T-Ball/Softball. Last night was the last Softball game. It was pouring with lightning so they finally called the game after we only played half of the first inning. I'm not sure if they will reschedule the game or just let the season end. Honestly, I would be happy if it just ended. I would like to have a less-busy schedule!! Although that won't happen this week. We have a field trip this week, Scott's birthday, a T-ball party, school talent show, and Poker party! Plus Ansley might get baptized this weekend (she still needs to meet with the pastor). But so far our schedule is starting to lighten up next week. 

There is only 3 more weeks left of school!! Their last day is Wednesday, June 6th. We have lots of plans for the Summer so we are excited for Summer break. But within a few weeks, I'm sure my kids will be driving me bonkers!! I have them signed up for a few half-day camps so that I can get some work done. But it's going to be hard to juggle the blog, the store, and the kids. So don't be surprised if this blog gets a little scarce with the posts!! But I will try to keep up with it as much as I can and will post pictures of our Summer adventures! 

In the mean time, we have a new High Hopes Challenge for you this week. 

Our challenge is: Easel or Step Card.

I made a card for Ryan's T-Ball coach for the end of the season. The team are the "Pirates" in the Yellow/Black colors of the Pittsburg Pirates...

Peg Leg Pete is perfect for the Head Coach! I also used Treasure Map, Net ribbon, Anchor Charm, Magnolia Cloud & Flag DooHickey and Starlight Lace DooHickey. The paper is from MME Miss Caroline Dolled Up. 

The sentiment was printed on the computer. I cut it out in a strip, distressed it and rolled it up to look like a scroll.

Pete was embossed in black onto watercolor paper and watercolored with Twinling H2Os.. 

I also made cards for the Assistant Coaches as well using the adorable On Guard Oberto...

All of the products are the same except for the paper is from Echo Park This & That Charming.

You may remember my Kraftin' Kimmie Alice the Strawberry Pirate card from last week for the Team Mom. I used mostly the same supplies and layout. Here are all of the cards together...

Come join in on the High Hopes Challenge! The challenge runs though May 21st at 7pm EST. 

This card is also for:

Allsorts: Card for a man or boy 

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge (Late): Animals

Hello stamping friends!!

So I mentioned that I'm a bit behind this week. We have 3 softball/T-Ball games, T-Ball practice, a carnival, and 2 birthday parties this week! I can't believe I'm saying this, but I can't wait until Monday!! LOL

Oh, by the way, the new Magnolia stamps are now in stock and shipping.

Well I finally finished my project for the High Hopes Animal Challenge! I know I'm 2 days late, but at least it's done, right?! I have another scrapbook layout...

 The left side...

The right side... 

On Spring Break we went to Kingsport, TN to visit my in-laws. While we were there, we went Zip Lining! The kids had a blast!! Even my mother-in-law went!!

The adorable Tree Swingin' Dragon was perfect for this layout... 

The papers are from My Mind's Eye (from my stash). I used the dragonfly, butterfly, Doily flower, and Spruce DooHickey from Magnolia...

 I used some hardware to create a zipline...

I created the scalloped border using 1" circle punches and tucked them under the pictures.

So what do you think?!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge: Purple Madness

Hello stamping friends!!

Today is the High Hopes Challenge.

Andrea is our hostess this week and her challenge is:

Purple Madness!! 

So, I thought I would do another scrapbook page from this year's Easter! I love when I get to scrapbook something within weeks of the event! It makes me feel productive! Ha!

The left side is filled with pictures from "Easter Eve" when we died easter eggs... 

And the right side is filled with pictures from Easter Morning hunting for eggs... 

I used the adorable Bunny Masterpiece embossed in black and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os... 

I cut out the image and added it to the layout with dimensionals.

The title was die cut using a cuttlebug set and added with dimensionals. I also used a Stampin' Up Punch to create the top border. The purple and pink glitter cardstock is from American Crafts.

The butterflies are a die cut from CC Designs along with some pearls.

And I used some flowers from my stash, purple ric rac ribbon, and staples.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge: Anything High Hopes Goes

Hello stamping friends!! 

I'm back today with the High Hopes Challenge.

This week's challenge is: Anything High Hopes Goes!!

That's right, as long as it has a High Hopes stamp, you can create any project for this challenge. 

One participant will win 1 Free High Hopes Stamp.

I wanted to scrapbook some of the picture I took from Spring Break and this was the perfect challenge...

Ryan wanted to climb a tree while we were we fishing one day. So I took some photos...while staying close below...to catch him! Haha!

The left side...

The right side...

The image is Cheeky Sean illustrated by Dustin Pike...

It was embossed in black onto watercolor paper and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os.

The journaling says:

While on Spring Break, we went to Tennessee to visit Nana & Papa. We had lots of fun and adventures. After 10 minutes of fishing one day, Ryan got bored. He decided he wanted to climb the weeping willow tree by the lake. It wasn't a big tree but it was filled with lots of tiny sharp branches.It was easier going up than coming down, but Mom caught him and helped him safely back to the ground.

The papers are from MME Eye Bloom & Grow from my stash. The tree is a sticker from an Echo Park kit from my stash. I also used some twine, Clouds die from CC Designs & Whimsy Stamps, liquid applique and Tab 1 die from Whimsy.

The title was die cut with an old cuttlebug set and corrugated card stock.

Not it's your turn! The challenge runs for one week ending on April 23rd. 

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!

~Lacey 

Happy Easter!!

Hello stamping friends!!

So, did you miss me?! Man, it's been crazy lately, but hopefully I will be able to get back on schedule tomorrow. One week vacation followed by 4 days of on-your-back-illness during tax season can really put you behind! Oh, then add on a 4 day Holiday weekend with kids who need to be entertained and that means....no "fun" work time for mommy! LOL

Well, this is just a quick post to say...Happy Easter!!

I made this Easter banner for a High Hopes Tutorial on Tuesday. Speaking of High Hopes, because I was sick, I didn't end up getting to play along with the current challenge. 

So here it is...my Easter Challenge project! There is still over a week left in the challenge if you would like to join us!

I'll have to take a better picture of the finished banner for the tutorial on Tuesday. The flash went off and it looks a little over-exposed.

Anyway, here is a close up of the High Hopes images that I used on the banner...

Last night we had fun getting ready for the Easter Bunny...

Today we are going to church then over to a friends house for lunch/dinner. I'm sure we'll have a good time. 

I hope you have a wonderful Easter and remember...it's not about bunnies, colored eggs, or chocolate! It's all about an empty tomb! 

He is not here; He had Risen!... Luke 24:6

High Hopes Challenge: A Recipe

Hello stamping friends!!

I'm going to make the chit chat quick because as I'm typing this I'm not feeling too great. I started getting achy then realized that I had a slight fever! Hopefully it's just because I'm run down from working so hard to get caught up from my trip. My husband was sick over Spring Break, but it was with a head cold and he did not have any fever or aches. 

On a good note, I found the software disk for my Canon Rebel camera so I can now download the pictures on my computer - which means I can get better photos since it's a much better camera!

Ok, so it's time for a new High Hopes Challenge. 

Kristine is our hostess this week she is cooking up a recipe!

Use 1 Ribbon, 2 Patterned Papper, and 3 Flowers

Remember you MUST use a High Hopes stamp to enter the challenge. 

Since I've been itching to do a scrapbook page lately, so I decided to do a layout using this recipe...

Here's a close up of each side.

The left side...

 The right side...

The image is Bunny Blooms (I'm out of stock, but you can find it here in the High Hopes' store). 

The image was embossed in black onto watercolor paper, watercolored with Twinkling H2Os, cut out, and attached with dimentionals...

The papers are from my stash (I think from Echo Park). I also used some twine, pearls, Pennant Banner Die from Whimsy Stamps and Numbers stamps from Magnolia.

The date was originally just stamped onto the paper. However, while writing this post, I realized that I had the wrong year!! So I had to great creative and cover it up somehow. I'm not sure I'm totally happy with it, but it's the best I can do with my error!

Here's a closer look at the banner made with glitter cardstock from American Crafts...

Now it's your turn! The challenge runs for 1 week. 

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping (and scrapping)!

~Lacey 

High Hopes Challenge: Bingo

Hello stamping friends!!

We are having such a great time on our Spring Break vacation!! The weather is turning out to be fantastic - although it's actually 10-20 degrees warmer than Kingsport, TN usually has this time of year. That is probably why we are having such a great time! We are usually cooped up in the house because it's either raining or too cold! But this trip has been wonderful. 

Yesterday I shared some pictures of our first 2 days here. Yesterday (our 3rd day) we went to Bristol Caverns. It was a lot of fun and the kids really seemed to enjoy it. They paid attention to what the guide was saying and even asked questions - by raising their hands (the adults, like me, just blurted out what we wanted to ask)! I will save most of the pictures for another post later in the week since this is supposed to be about the High Hopes challenge. But I will share two pictures.

Too many people ask "where are the pictures of you"! I'm usually the one BEHIND the camera so I'm not in many of the pictures (nor do I like to get my picture taken). But hubby took this one of us as we went into the beginning of the caverns.

And here is the best picture I could get of the formations in the dark cavern. 

At the lowest part, we were 180 feet below ground! It was quite a hike back up the steps, but we had a really great time. 

Ok, now it's time for a new High Hopes Challenge!

Tanya is our hostess and her challenge is: Bingo

Pick one row across, down, or diagonal and use all 3 items in that row on your project. 

Just remember that you MUST use a High Hopes stamp to enter the challenge. 

One random participant will win 1 Free High Hopes stamp of your choice. 

Here is my card...

This is the adorable Ryan and Ansley (yes, named after my two little ones :-) along with Sm Happy Easter Sentiment. The papers are the new My Mind's Eye Miss Caroline Dolled Up along with some rhinestones, ribbon, and bow easy (on order and expected to be restocked next week).

For the challenge, I used the bottom row: Bling or Sparkle, Distressing, Punches or Die cuts.

The image was embossed in black onto watercolor paper and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os... 

Now it's your turn! This challenge runs for one week - through March 26 at 7pm EST.

This card is also for the following challenges:

Creative Stamp Friends: Spring

Addicted to Stamps: Rhinestones, Flowers, and Ribbons

Dream Valley Challenge: Easter

Paper Sundaes: Photo Inspiration (color challenge)

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge: It's not easy being Green

Hello stamping friends!

Hi, it's me...from under a huge pile of work! I had record amounts of orders over the weekend and tried desperately to get all of the orders out. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get them all out so the rest will ship out today. Then I have to get some more tax preparations done! Boo! I was so busy yesterday that I didn't get any tax work done. Thank goodness I already had this card mostly done!

So I'm back again today with the High Hopes Challenge. 

This week we are being hosted by the fabulous Tina (former High Hopes owner) and her challenge is:

It's not easy being Green!

Create a St. Patrick's Day Card - or just add some green.

Just remember you MUST use a High Hopes Image to enter the challenge. 

The prize is 1 Free High Hopes Stamp. 

Here is my card...

Is it too early for an Easter card? I hope not! Actually, I have a few people I want to send them to so I still need to make some more. I don't really give cards for St. Patrick's Day so I thought I would go with the "green" portion of this challenge instead. 

The image is the cute Bunny Blooms and Sm Happy Easter Sentiment along with My Mind's Eye Fly a Kite paper, pearls, and Lovely Fence DooHickey.

The layout is from Seems a Little Sketchy this week. 

The image was embossed in black onto watercolor paper and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os, cut out, and attached with dimensionals...

Now it's your turn! The challenge is open through March 12th.

This card is also for the following challenges:

Love to Create Challenge: Stitches

Make it Monday with Kraft: Farm Fresh

Corrosive Challenge: Another Dimension

Thanks for stopping by!! Happy stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes & ABC Christmas Challenges

Hello stamping friends!!

Have you seen Journey 2 The Mysterious Island movie yet? It is really cute. We went to see it on Monday with a friend. The kids loved it. It was a little scarier than the movies they are used to, but they did great. So far no nightmares about dinosaur sized lizards or bees!! LOL

Ok...onto crafty goodness...

In an attempt to find more time in my week to get my tax preparations done, I had to combine two of my challenges this week. Of course it's going to take more than combining two challenges to get my taxes done, but at least it's a start. 

I have combined the High Hopes Sketch Challenge with the ABC Christmas "Distressing" challenge.

Edited:

This card made the Top 3 at Tuesday Throwdown! :-)

To participate in the High Hopes Challenges, you must create a card using this sketch...

And you MUST use a High Hopes stamp.

The prize is 1 free High Hopes Stamp. Enter the challenge here. 

The ABC Christmas Challenge is: D is for Distressing

We are sponsored by: Sweet Stamps and Karen's Doodles. See the challenge post for details.  

Here is my combo card...

The stamp is the adorable Christmas Kitty Fun. The papers are Bo Bunny Snowfall (all papers on sale this week at Stamp and Create). I also used Starlight Lace DooHickey from Magnolia, pearls, Cream Trim and Liquid Applique.

The image was stamped in SU Basic Brown onto watercolor paper and roughly watercolored with Twinkling H2Os (along with some paper-piecing)...

Now it's your turn!

You can enter the High Hopes Challenge here and ABC Christmas Challenge here. 

This card is also for the following challenges:

Die Cuttin' Divas: Favorite Pet 

Papertake Weekly: Get Krafty (use Kraft)

Tuesday Throwdown: Winter Blues (use Blue) 

Lollipop Crafts: Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!

~Lacey 

Valentine's Day Product Spotlight Sale & High Hopes Challenge

Hello stamping friends!! 

Oh my gosh!! This week has already gotten away from me! Since I hosted a Super Bowl party on Sunday night, I didn't get my normal Sunday night work done. Then on Monday I volunteered at my kids' school so it took up all of my Monday work time! I was up late last night trying to get everything done, but never got to finish this post!!

I will have projects today: The Stamp and Create Product Spotlight Sale and Monthly Challenge & the High Hopes Challenge. 

We also have a new weekly candy:

You can enter the candy here.

First up is the Stamp and Create Product Spotlight Sale & Monthly Challenge

This week all stamps in the Valentines/Love Category are on sale up to 25% off!!

The Monthly challenge is: Valentine's Day/Love

Here is my card showcasing one of the stamps on sale...

I used Tilda with Many Hearts from Magnolia. The papers are Yours Truly by Echo Park along with "With all my Heart" resin heart, pearls, and Red Ruffle Ribbon.

The sketch is from Raise the Bar. 

The image was embossed in black and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os...

Next up we have the new High Hopes Challenge!!

The challenge is: Seeing Stars

This challenge is special because it's also a sneak peek at new stamps being released tomorrow.

There will be a Blog Hop tomorrow beginning at 12:01amEST followed by the release. The stamps being released will ONLY be available through the High Hopes Website and will NOT be available through my store or other retail stores.

Here is my project using some of the stamps...

I thought these stamps were perfect for a scrapbook page of Ryan's first time on Space Mountain.

Sorry for the yellowed pictures. It was cloudy and late when I took these pictures. I will try to get better ones later.

Here is a close up of the stamps...

Aren't they adorable?! 

Make sure to check back tomorrow for the Blog Hop and Release.

The challenge runs for 2 weeks this time (through Feb 20th).

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping and shopping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge: Pink, Pink, and more Pink

Hello stamping friends!!

Well today is a special day for me....

I'm going to the Jimmy Buffet Concert tonight!!! You got fins to the left, fins to the right...

I'm going with 4 other ladies and it's going to be an all-day thing. The concert doesn't start until 7:30pm but they are coming by at 12:30 to pick me up!! Yikes, that's going to be a long day!! But I can't wait!! I have to remember to bring my camera!! :-)

Ok, so it's time for a new High Hopes Challenge.

Anna is our host this week and her challenge is: Pink, Pink, and more Pink!!

That's right, let's see some pink on your card or project!

Just remember that you MUST use a High Hopes Stamp on your card to enter the challenge. 

Here is my take on the challenge...

The kids school limits the amount of treats we can hand out on Holidays - absolutely NO homemade food/treats because of food allergies. So pencils are a fun treat instead. 

The image is the adorable Kitty's Heart Frame. I embossed the image onto watercolor paper, watercolored it, and paperpieced the heart....

The paper is Fancy Pants Beach Babe.

I created a wrap out of some scrap cardstock and paper and attached the image to the front.

I added a strip of adhesive on the inside of the cardstock before wrapping it around the pencils so that the pencils won't slip out of the wrap.

Here is the back...

This was so simple to make. Now it's your turn!! Let's see your take on the Pink challenge. 

The challenge runs through Feb 6th.

The image can be found here at Stamp and Create and here at High Hopes.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!

~Lacey

 

High Hopes Challenge: Valentine's Day/Love

Hello stamping friends!!

Thank you all for your prayers for my Father-in-Law. His surgery went well as expected. He now has a long recovery and we pray that he will heal quickly quickly with no complications or infections. Thank you for the prayers. 

Now it's time for a new High Hopes Challenge:

Valentine's Day/Love

Just remember that you MUST use a High Hopes Stamp on your card or project to be entered into the challenge. 

Since I have a few little sweet monkeys (aka kids) on my street, I have a few special Valentine's Day treats I need to make. So I thought it would be a good idea to make another Treat Topper like I made for the tutorial last week.

 This time I use the adorable Kitty's Flutter Friend illustrated by Laurie Furnell. The papers are Fancy Pants Love Story.  

They really are super easy to make. Here are the two of them together - well two so far! I still to make a few more. Not to mention the ones for Ansley and Ryan's class - however, I make them help by coloring their own images! :-)

The images were embossed in black onto watercolor paper and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os...

 The challenge is only open for 1 week this time so make sure to come and play along!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

 

High Hopes Challenge: Winter Wonderland

Hello stamping friends!! 

Did you hear? Tina, owner of High Hopes, has sold the business to the fabulous Diva Karen!! Go check out the High Hopes Challenge Post here to hear all about it. Plus there's a facebook promotion, too!! 

We are back with the High Hopes Challenges!!

The new challenge is: Winter Wonderland

Let's see something wintery and/or snowy!

Remember, you must use a High Hopes Stamp to enter the challenge.

Here's my card...

This is the adorable Homespun Heart Snowy - one of my favorite images from the last release. 

The papers are Echo Park Winter Park paired with the snowflake die from Whimsy, pearls, and spruce die from Magnolia.

The image was embossed in black, watercolored with Twinkling H2Os, cut out, and attached with dimensionals...

Now it's your turn!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge: Numbers

Hello stamping friends!

I'm proud to say that after taking 4 days off for Thanksgiving that I was able to catch up in just one crazy day! Of course, I didn't get to take a shower until 6pm, but I did get all orders out! 

I'm back today with the new High Hopes Challenge. This is going to be the last challenge of the year. 

We are being hosted this week by Sarah who's challenge is: Numbers

Add numbers on your card - or make a card for a specific date.

I will have to retake the photo in the morning. I didn't get the card done until it was dark so I didn't get the best photo...

I've always love this image called Tropical Santa. Since I live in Florida, I have spent many a Christmas in "beach weather"! More so when I lived in South Florida than here in Jacksonville (for instance today's high temperature is only supposed to be in the low 60's with overnight lows in the 40's). So I thought that it would be cute to send a card like this to one of my Canadian or UK DT members!! 

Edited to add better photos...

The papers are MME Fly a Kite. The date was created on the Silhouette then attached with dimensionals and covered in Stickles.

Santa is heat embossed in black onto watercolor paper and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os.

The Challenge will run through Dec 12th. 

This card is also for the following Challenges:

Craft Your Passion: Tis the Season

Crafty Cardmakers: Heat Embossing

Stamp with Fun: Stitching Faux or Real

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge: Snowflakes

Hello stamping friends!

It's time for a new High Hopes Challenge!

The new challenge is: Snowflakes! 

You can use snowflake paper, an image with a snowflake, or add punched/die cut snowflakes!

Just remember that you must use a High Hopes image to enter the challenge. 

If you are in need of High Hopes Stamps check out the High Hopes Diva's stores:

Lacey Stephens - Stamp and Create based out of the US

Nikki Fairbairn - Bunny Zoe's Crafts based out of the UK/Europe

Amy Wegener - Stampin' Stuff based out of Australia

High Hopes Website

Here's my card...

 This is the adorable Christmas Joy Snowy. The papers are Bo Bunny Blitzen. I also used: Magnolia Spruce DooHickey (due back in stock on Friday), pearls, liquid applique, liquid pearls, and stickles. 

The large snowflake was diecut with my Silhouette machine and the small ones are assorted punches.

The sketch is from Pink Ink Sketches. 

 

Snowy was embossed in black and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os...

Now it's your turn!! 

The Challenge runs through Nov 27th.

Make sure to check out the rest of the awesome DT samples on the Challenge Blog!

This card is also for the following challenges:

 Craft Your Passion: Let it Snow

Christmas Card Challenge: Wreath or Holly

Pile it on: Traditional Christmas

Scrappy Frogs Challenge: Use Kraft Cardstock (the trees)

Crafty Calendar Challenge: Winter Wardrobe

 

High Hopes Challenge: Anything Goes

Hello stamping friends!! I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween!! My kids had a great time trick or treating. Me...well...I'm just glad we made it through the weekend. I am fighting yet another cold so I have been pushing myself all weekend...pumpkin patch, 2 church fall festivals, 2 soccer games, a "character parade", school dance chaperone, and then Trick or Treating!! I'm thankful for the busy activities to be over. I plan on going back to bed after the kids go off to school today. Then I'll wake up refreshed and make a run to the post office!

Well, today it's time for a new High Hopes Challenge. 

But before we get to the new challenge, I wanted to let you know that the new Monthly Special is available at High Hopes! For one week only, the fairytale designs are on sale 25% off. You read about it on High Hopes Blog. 

This challenge is always one of our more popular ones: Anything High Hopes Goes!!

As long as you have a high hopes stamp on your project, you're good!! 

One random participant will win 3 free High Hopes Stamps. 

Here is my card...

I used the adorable Homespun Hearts Snowy from the latest release. I think this is my favorite one of the group...but they all are awesome!

The papers are Blitzen by Bo Bunny - I love the deep colors of this pack!! I also used some pearls, stickles, liquid pearls, and Spruce Magnolia Doo Hickey Die. 

Snowy was embossed in black onto watercolor paper, watercolored with Twinkling H2O, cut out and attached with dimensionals...

Now it's your turn!! The challenge runs through Nov 13th.

This card is also for the following challenges:

Catered Crop: Christmas/Fall Recipe (Christmas theme, Polka dot papers, & Gemstones)

Lollipop Crafts: Anything Goes

Bah Humbug: Die Cuts 

Jingle Belles: Not a Creature was Stirring

Crafty Hazelnut: Christmas Card for Someone Special

Crimbo Crackers: Anything Christmas goes

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Happy Birthday, Ryan/High Hopes Challenge

Hello stamping friends!!

I hope your week is going well so far. We have a short week this week because the kids are off of school on Friday. My mom and stepfather are coming down from Atlanta on Thursday night. So we will get to spend the day with them. We're not sure what we are going to do yet, but we have a few options. Then on Saturday, Scott and I are heading down to Orlando for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival along with 6 other couples. This is our 3rd time going together. We have a great time each year. It's only for one day so we will be home on Sunday afternoon. 

Well today is a special day...my "baby" turns 7 today!! Oh my goodness! That makes me officially OLD! When did my baby turn 7?! I can remember chasing him around when he was only two...just seems like yesterday. Well, maybe it was yesterday...he hasn't calmed down much since he was two!! LOL

Today is also a new High Hopes Challenge: Ribbons, Lace, or Twine.

Remember, you MUST use a High Hopes image on your card to be entered into the drawing for 3 free High Hopes Stamps. 

I made Ryan a super-special birthday card using the High Hopes challenge theme...

Ryan just LOVES all of the High Hopes Dragons. He will often go through my stamps, pull out 10 dragons and ask me to stamp them for him so he can color them. He doesn't make anything with them, he just likes to color them.

So I pulled out Warm Wishes for the outside of his card. The papers are My Mind's Eye Out of the Blue. I also added some Basic Grey Buttons and embroidery floss to finish off the front of the card.  

Now the inside holds a special surprise...

I pulled out 3 more High Hopes Dragons: Gavin the Giving Dragon (Red), Dragon's Finger 4pc Set (Yellow - plus a balloon stamp), and Party Dragon (Green). I colored them all different colors like the different colored "Yoshi's" from Super Mario Brothers - Which is Ryan's favorite games of all times!

I also used the Pennant Banner Die from Whimsy Stamps. The sentiment was created with my Silhouette machine. 

The pop-up was created using this tutorial from Splitcoast Stampers. I altered the dimensions since my card is 5 1/2" square...

Here's a side view where you can sort of see the support tabs under that help the images pop-up... 

Now it's your turn!

Let's see you take on the Ribbons/Lace/Twine challenge. The challenge runs for 2 weeks.

And make sure to check out the rest of the DT samples on the Challenge blog.

How about some pictures of Ryan's Birthday? (Ok, the slide show didn't work so I'll just add the pictures here instead)...

Ryan and his cousin outside the Go-Cart Track

"Put your hands up" - The gang at Laser Tag (minus 3 guests)

Ryan playing Mini Golf

Apparently it's easier if you stick your tongue out!! LOL

The girls at Mini Golf - You can see the boys in the background

The GANG!!!

The card is for the following challenges:

Corrosive Challenge: Flying Things

Scrappy Frog: Something that flies

Sweet Stampin: Go Masculine

Culture Shock: Rainbow Bright

Paper Cutz: Stars, Circles, or Diamonds

Stamp Man: Circles

Southern Girls: Boys or Men

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge: Party Favor

Hello stamping friends!!

It's time for a new High Hopes Challenge!

This week's challenge is: Party Favor

Think: little gifts, candy, and lots of treats!!

Just remember, you MUST use a High Hopes Stamp to be entered into the challenge for the 3 Free High Hopes Stamps.

For my Party Favor, I created a fun Halloween Treat using the adorable Standing Witchy Poo. She's just too cute to be a bad witch!! LOL The treat box is a variation of this tutorial (I just didn't add a handle).

The papers are from Oct 31 from Fancy Pants along with some Black Pom Pom Ribbon. 

The bag measures 4" tall x 1 3/4" wide and holds quite a bit of candy.

Now it's your turn!! Make sure to also check out the rest of the amazing DT samples!!

This is also for the following challenges:

Craft your passion: Anything Goes - must use Ribbon

Creative Stamp Friends: Fall Colors

My Partner in Crafting Crime: Sweets and Treats

High Hopes Christmas Release Sneak Peek Day 1

Hello stamping friends!! 

It is time for a new High Hopes Challenge. 

But it's special this week because it's also Day 1 of the Christmas Release Sneak Peeks!! 

We will have more sneak peeks to share tomorrow. 

Then, on 12:01am EST/5:01am GMT on Thursday, there will be a blog hop and Release!!

If you haven't already, help us spread the word about the release by posting the blog hop banner on your blog - you will also be entered into a drawing for some candy if you do!! You can find details here. 

This week's Challenge is: Home for the Holidays!!

Basically, let's see some Christmas projects!! 

Just remember that you MUST use a High Hopes stamp to be entered into the drawing for the prize - 3 Free High Hopes Stamps!

Here is my first sneak peek using "Baking Ginger" which will be available on Thursday...

I decided to create a "Cookie in a Jar" gift!! I think this image is perfect for these fun Holiday gifts!! I simply decorated the jar and added a tag.

The papers are My Mind's Eye Fly a Kite (not a Christmas pad, but I love the bright colors). I also used some lace for the lid along with some Red Rhinestones. 

 For the lid, I used a few nestabilities to create some fun layers...

Ginger was embossed in black and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os... 

Make sure to check out the rest of the DT projects. They really did a great job with these images!! 

This is also for:

Creative Stamp Friends: Anything but a Card

Hooked on Crafts: Ribbons and Lace 

I will be back tomorrow with another Sneak Peek project!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge: Autumn Colors

Hello stamping friends!!

Wow! Monday was just a crazy day. One of those days where you go non-stop, but don't really feel like you accomplished anything by the end of the day? Yeah, that's what I felt like yesterday - although I did get work, orders, grocery shopping, cooking dinner, some laundry, and stamping done...but still!

Oh, and I had another darn scorpion in my house!! I was just telling the cleaning lady (I have bad asthma and allergies so we have someone come in to do the deep cleaning) to be careful when she picks up something off the floor because that is what happened when I got stung...and darn if we both didn't look at something in the corner of our eye that ended up being another small scorpion!! Luckily we saw it and were able to easily step on it (she had shoes on) before anyone got stung. Then she went home and was cleaning her own house and found another scorpion under the rug by her front door!! She doesn't live near me but she does live by some woods - so I guess they are just out in full force this year!! I've never seen one in my house EVER...and now I've had 4!!

Anyway, our bug guy is coming back out today. I want them to check in the attic. That's the only place that hasn't been treated yet. EWWWW!!!

Ok, so it's time for the new High Hopes Challenge.

This week's challenge is being hosted by Niki and her challenge is: Autumn/Fall Colors

(Think: Reds, Oranges, Browns, Purples, and Black).

I decided to go with a Halloween themed project this week. It's actually a sneak peek at the tutorial that I am hosting next week...

I just fell in love with these witches that Laurie designed last year so I wanted to make sure that I got to use them again this year. I used Standing Witchy Poo and Witchy Poo and Kitty Frame. 

On the back, I used Happy Halloween Sentiment Top/Bottom to finish it off.

These are really easy to make, but make sure to check back next week to see the tutorial! 

I am out of stock of many of the Halloween designs, but I will be getting them in soon.

Oh, by the way, these cupcakes didn't last long - they were eaten as soon as the pictures were taken. I mean, it's too early to use them for a Halloween party - and it would be a shame to let them go to waste, right?! Yum! But I did save the images - I think they will be repurposed for something else!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge: Open Challenge

Hello stamping friends!! 

I have to make this quick. I am now in South Florida visiting more family and former neighbors. I'll be back on Friday. 

Today is the new High Hopes Challenge so I quickly threw together this card before packing up and driving down South. I already had the image colored so it wasn't that hard to put a card together. 

The new High Hopes Challenge is: Anything Goes (but you must use a High Hopes stamp).

I made another zig zag card - they only take a few extra seconds to create the base and the rest is just simply adding embellishments...not much extra work, but I think the effect is amazing...

This is Rhonda Stamping Angel (an older High Hopes stamp). The papers are Chapter One from Kaisercraft. 

Lots of pictures...

Now it's your turn...come play along!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!!

~Lacey

Luau Party - High Hopes Challenge: Birthday

Hello stamping friends!

We are still out town in Atlanta, Ga visiting family. We will be driving home tomorrow. 

There's a new tutorial over at the High Hopes Challenge Blog. Kristine did another great job! Make sure to go check it out. 

In the mean time, there is still another week in the current High Hopes Birthday Challenge. Come play along!

For my niece's birthday party, she had a luau themed sleep-over so she asked me to make her party invitations. I pulled out the sweet Leilani from High Hopes to make her invitations...

Now, I had a few days to make 10 invitations while still doing my regular job so I had to go with a simple design and coloring. 

I forgot to take a picture of all of them after I finished them.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!

~Lacey

Arr, Matey - High Hopes Challenge: Birthday

Well, once again, I didn't schedule my post correctly!!  I have made quite a few cards in advance lately...strange for me, but I've needed a bunch of cards so I made sure they fit some of my DT requirements. Anyway, I have pre-scheduled the posts, but I must have the times set up wrong. 

Anyway, I am here this week with the new High Hopes Challenge.

Tanya is our hostess and her challenge is: Birthdays

(PS, it's Tanya's birthday tomorrow)!!

Remember, you must use a High Hopes stamp to be entered into the drawing for the prize of 3 free High Hopes stamps. I have over 500 High Hopes designs in stock at my store Stamp and Create. 

Here is my Birthday Challenge card...

This is the adorable On Guard Oberto. He's the most adorable pirate I know...and I know a LOT of pirates!! LOL Anyway, I decided to use him for my friend's Pirate-themed birthday party last week.

I also used The Thundering Rogue and Treasure Map. The papers are Wanted by Cosmo Cricket with an Anchor charm for accent.

I created the sentiment on the computer... 

 A close up of Oberto...

Now it's your turn!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!

~Lacey

 

Surf's Up - High Hopes: Fun in the Sun (week 2)

Hello stamping friends.

This was supposed to have posted this morning, but I guess I had the wrong time scheduled. Anyway...

Have you seen the fun tutorial over on the High Hopes blog? Kristine is amazing and I love her fun Pop-Up Card Tutorial. 

This is the 2nd week of the High Hopes' Fun in the Sun Challenge. So I thought I would make a scrapbook page from our 4th of July Trip to Hammock Beach.

I loosely used sketch 259 over at Scrapbook Challenges...

 

The weather was beautiful while we were in Hammock Beach so Scott and the kids tried a little boogie-boarding. Ansley had a bad wipe out so she wanted to play in the sand by the time I managed to get the camera out. But Ryan sure had a great time.

The left side... 

I used Chenell (one of the Scrapbook Challenges DT)'s idea with the "waves". 

The right side...

The title and water swirl were created with my Silhouette machine. I added some wave border punches along the waves.

The adorable image is Surfer Dude Dudley by High Hopes...

I paper-pieced the surfboard and Dudley's swim trunks and added some Crystal Effects on the surfboard... 

You can also see the shimmer on the image which is the heat embossing (I usually heat emboss my images instead of stamping them - I love the puffy look and feel from the embossing).

I tucked in the journaling behind the photo of Ryan... 

Here's a close up of the journaling... 

I hate my handwriting, but I guess it would be nice for my kids to look back on these pages when they are grown to see something handwritten by me!

Surf's Up, dude...

There's still one week to play along with the Fun in the Sun Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge: Fun in the Sun

Hello stamping friends!

So, we might be (once again) battling a stomach virus! Yesterday morning Ansley woke up saying her stomach hurt then I read an email from a friend that we saw over the weekend saying her 2 year old son had a stomach virus and she wasn't feeling great either. After lunch my stomach felt "off", but it only lasted a short time. And by bedtime, Ryan said his stomach hurt. Only Ryan actually got sick yesterday so hopefully we are all feeling better by tomorrow with no additional instances. 

Now it's time for the new High Hopes Challenge. 

Our challenge this week is: Fun in the Sun!

With summer in full swing, let's see your summery, sunny cards, projects or scrapbook layouts. I'm actually working on a scrapbook layout that fits the theme so I might have a "mid-way" challenge post next week to share.

In the mean time, the card I have today was actually created last month for one of Ansley's teachers...

You might think this looks familiar. That's because it was made at the same time as I did last week's challenge card here.  I used most of the same materials for this card as well.

I used Annie Block for the main image and Open Thank You sentiment for the sentiment of my easel card. The papers are Class of '87 by Kaisercraft. I added some flowers, pearls, ric rac, lace, and butterfly punches. 

The inside is a gift card holder.

Now it's your turn!! 

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge: Thank You Card

Hello stamping friends!

Well, this morning, I woke up to a little surprise...Ryan was sick (stomach thing)! Ug! So instead of going to the beach, we had to stay home. My friend picked up Ansley so she was able to go at least. And luckily it only lasted an hour then he felt fine the rest of the day. In fact, he wanted to go to Vacation Bible School last night. Hopefully that is the end of it and it isn't a virus that moves throughout the house. This weekend we are going to Hammock Beach in Palm Coast, Florida for the 4th of July weekend with some friends. This is our 2nd year going to Hammock Beach for the 4th of July. We had such a great time last year. I just hope the weather holds out as well since there is a chance of rain next weekend.

Today is a new High Hopes Challenge. Lynne is challenging us to make a Thank You card.

Just remember you must use a High Hopes stamp on your card to be entered into the drawing for 3 free High Hopes stamps.

Here is my card...

This is the sweet Annie's Periwinkles illustrated by Laurie Furnell. The papers are Class of '87 by Kaisercraft. I also added some lace, ric rac, pins, flowers (the middle flower), and pearls.

I created an easel card...

The sentiment is Open Thank You (which is currently on order so hopefully I will have more back in stock soon). 

This was an "end of the school year" card for one of Ansley's teachers so I made it a gift card holder as well...

Now it's your turn!! Show some appreciation to someone and make them a thank you card!

This card is also for the following challenges:

Creative Stamp Friends: Dots

KB Cute Monday: Flowers

Hooked on Crafts: Flowers

Stamps are R: There was a little girl...

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!

~Lacey 

High Hopes Challenge: Favorite Pet/Animal

Hello stamping friends!!

Last night we had a blast at our friend's birthday party/BBQ. It was a BBQ for Memorial Day, but also a birthday party for both of their kids. Riley (girl) is turning 7 and Jordyn (girl) is turning 5. 

I decided to create Riley's card for the High Hopes Challenge. 

This week's challenge is: Favorite Pet/Animal

You will see Jordyn's card next monday for the next Stamp and Create Challenge.

Here's my card...

I decided to follow Kristine's fabulous tutorial for her Zig Zag Card. Oh my goodness, this card base was so much easier to make than I expected...shows you...you just need to try something new!! 

I used the following High Hopes stamps: Candle Balloon Birthday Sentiment, Kite, Sitting Patch Puppy, and Summer Sunshine.  

I also used some Summer Days paper by Echo Park and Pennant Dies from Whimsy Stamps.

"Riley" was created using my new Silhouette machine!! OMG!! So much fun and easy to use!! The "7" is an old cuttlebug die and glitter cardstock from American Crafts.

Now it's your turn! Remember, you MUST use a High hopes stamp to enter the challenge.

I'm also entering this into the following challenges:

Spotlight Challenge: Challenge Yourself (I have never made a zig zag card before)

Crazy Challenge: Pets

Make it Monday: Open Challenge

Stamps R Us: Pets

As a reminder, I will be out of town in St. Lucia for my brother's wedding from Wednesday through sunday. So...I'll see you on the flip side!! Well, maybe I'll see you earlier with some blog candy!! **wink**

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge: 3-D

Hello stamping friends!

Did you see my post yesterday with the early sneak peek of the new Wags 'n Whiskers Princess digi release? What do you think? The release will be on Friday along with a Blog Hop with prizes.

Today I have a new High Hopes Challenge to share. 

The new challenge hosted by Debby is to:

Create or alter something 3-D (box, decorate a bag, alter something, etc).

For my project, I created a box for my little friend Luke. He has come home from the in-patient rehab for the first time since New Year's Eve!! I am scheduled to make his family dinner on Friday so I wanted to make a little gift for them. 

I thought, since they have received so many handmade cards, maybe they would need a box to hold them! Or they can use it for anything they want!

I used the adorable Super Dragon.

My box measures 6 1/4" square and 2 1/2" tall. I used my tutorial here, but added an inch so that that the overall size is 6 1/4". 

 

Speaking of cards for Luke, I received a new card for him... 

This adorable spinner card using one of the Pray for Luke Fundraiser Digital stamps illustrated by Dustin Pike.

I also realized that I never posted this card either. It arrived at our new house before we did!  

Isn't it so cute!!

You can see the fundraiser stamps here.

Now it's your turn! Let's see your High Hopes 3-D project!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey