Hand Stamped By Lacey

High Hopes Challenge #52 - a sketch by ME!!!

Yeah!! It's my very first sketch!! I had so much fun this summer learning how to use photoshop, that I thought I would attempt to create a sketch! I love using sketches for challenges, so why not attempt to create one?!

So for today's High Hopes Challenge, come play along with my sketch...

 

Here is my card...

 
 
I have seen so many beautiful antique-looking cards lately. So I went with that for my inspiration...although it's not as detailed as some of them out there. I guess it's also a mono-chromatic card...but it just ended up that way with the papers and image I used.

I used some SU designer paper (I think from the mini catalog). I matted it with SU Soft Suede in color with a Kraft card base. I created a bow out of Soft Suede ribbon and added a PTI button. The sentiment is from PTI Signature Christmas. I added some eyelets with Linen Thread and some matching brads. Last, I stamped some Autumn Leaves swirls (got it on clearance at Walmart this summer).

I embossed the image on watercolor paper and watercolored using Twinkling H2Os...

I think I now have about 8 Christmas cards done...only about 100 to go!! LOL No seriously...I have a ton to go! Good thing I still have a few weeks!

Now it's your turn to play along with my sketch. If you don't have a High Hopes image...come visit my store here.

Make sure to link your card to the challenge post to be entered into the drawing for some free stamps! And if you upload your card to SCS, make sure to use keyword HHC52.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge #50 - All about Kids

Happy Sunday to you all! I have had a busy, yet fun weekend with my mom and step father. Yesterday we went to the University of Miami vs University of Clemson football game and I am pooped!

No rest for the weary...it's time for another High Hopes Challenge!! I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get one done this week, but I chose a simple image to color and simple layout and I was able to squeeze it in.

This week's Challenge is brought to us by Danielle. Her challenge is All about Kids! High Hopes stamps are ALL about kids anyway...so almost any of their designs will work!

Here is my card...

 

I used His Love for Eweas my image. It was very simple to color...just a few browns and neutrals and it was done in seconds. I used some Basic Grey DP, punched snowflakes, a little glitter and done! I basically used items that were already on my desk...seriously, I could create a dozen cards with just the supplies on my desk right now...but we won't go into the condition or mess of my stamping area at this point!! LOL

Oh, I have to point out that there was something on my camera lens, sorry about the dark spot. I didn't have time to take another photo and edit it again.

Here's a close up of this adorable image (again with the spot on my lens in a different location)...

Now it's your turn. If you would like to participate with the challenge, make sure to upload your card using a High Hopes image to the challenge post. You will be entered into the drawing for the free stamps.

Oh, and guess what? We are now showcasing the winning card as well!! So make sure to participate this week!! We would love to have you.

If you upload your card to SCS, make sure to use keyword HHC50.

I have a restock on High Hopes stamps in my store right now along with a few new images like this cute one...

Also, the Wags 'n Whiskers Stamps should be shipping out SHORTLY!! Yeah!! And don't forget that I just added a new Free Shipping to the US feature for order over $55.00!! That makes it a great deal if you are interested in the "I Want it all Package"! 17% discount PLUS free shipping to the US!! Orders yours now!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge #49 - Christmas Card with Non Traditional Colors

Today is Ryan's Birthday!! Yeah...happy birthday, Buddy! If I have the time, I will try to post some pictures from the birthday party we had yesterday.

But now it is time for the High Hopes Challenge #49. It's Nikki's turn to host and she challenged us to make...a Christmas Card with non-traditional colors!

I have had this stamp for awhile now, but never had the chance to ink it up! When I saw this challenge, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. However, I think I got carried away with the chunky glitter!!

This is Bearly Swooshin from High Hopes Rubber Stamps which is available at Stamp and Create. I grabbed some Cosmo Cricket paper that set my color scheme.

I added some Vellum to create snow drifts, added massive amounts of Martha Stewart Chunky Glittler, some punched snowflakes with a PTI button, a snowflake charm, some brads and spacers, and some Bright Pink Ric Rak.

To finish it off, I created a scalloped edge with my SU punch on the SU Melon Mambo CS.

Here's a close up of the adorable bear...she is just swooshin' by!!

She was embossed in black and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os. I also added Crystal Effects to her goggles.

Now it's your turn. Create a Christmas card using a High Hopes Rubber Stamps and non-traditional colors (basically don't make Red and Green your primary colors). Link your card to the Challenge post for a change to be entered into the drawing for the free stamps.

What's that, you don't have a High Hopes stamp? Stop by my store Stamp and Create. If you order by Tuesday, I can most likely get it delivered in the US in time to enter this challenge. I ship internationally as well, but can't guarantee delivery by the end of the week to enter the challenge.

Oh, and if you upload your card to SCS, make sure to use keyword HHC49.

Don't forget that the Wags 'n Whisker Rubber Stamps are now available for preorder.

Thanks for stopping by today! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Ready, Set, Go!

I am sponsoring Scrap and Stamp Challenge Blog tomorrow for their new challenge. I wasn't able to get a project done for that challenge, but I did manage to get one done for this week's challenge.

The challenge - a Summery Challenge!! I have a TON of swimming pictures from this summer. Between going to the pool in Jacksonville before we moved, spending hours in my neice's pool to keep the kids occupied while we moved, and then our own pool...there was a LOT of swimming going on this summer!

The great thing is...we went in the pool yesterday! Yes...while the rest of the world is starting to get chilly and cold...we are still in the 90's!! They say there is a "cold" front coming in this weekend and that the high on Sunday is 80. 80 would be a REALLY nice change for us! I am looking forward to being able to play outside again without sweating to death!

So, for those of you who are already feeling the cold...I hope this layout warms you up! For those other Floridians out there who are still sweating, I hope this cools you off!!

Click on the pictures for a larger view.

 

While we were moving, the kids stayed over my sister-in-law's house. The kids swam all day long. While I was on a break from unpacking, I got a few great shots of them racing across the pool.

Keep in mind that Ryan learned how to swim only a few weeks before these were taken! He REFUSED to take swimming lessons...working himself up to actually getting sick...crying and histerical. He was more than happy swimming over steps or in 2 feet of water...as long as he knew he could just put his foot down if he wanted to. Next thing I know, he saw Ansley jump to me from the side of the pool and...Cannon Ball!! Seriously?! I paid $100 for swiming lessons that he NEVER took..then in one day, he decides to do cannon balls?!

Well...that's now an old story...he can swim the full length of our pool now. He actually has better form than his sister! PS Cousin Taylor is the big girl...she can swim fine...she just let them win every time!!

For this layout, I used some Cosmo Cricket Paper. I added a strip of SU Bashful Blue CS which was punched with a Fiscars Wave Border. I added some Blue and White Ric Rac from my store.

 
For the title, I printed some on the computer. Then I used Coaster Letter Die Cuts, sponging some ink on. I added a SU clip and ribbon.

 
For the image, I used High Hopes Beach Girl Patti embossed directly onto some Coaster Tag Dies (this is the largest one). The coaster material works similar to watercolor paper, so I watercolored Patti with Twinkling H2Os directly onto the tag. I added a SU Jumbo Pewter Eyelet, Natural Linen, some primas, and a button. Again, I printed the date and simple journaling on the computer.

I really had fun with this challenge and I am really glad to be able to get some scrapbooking done! One page at a time...that's all I can do, right?!

Tomorrow we are having Ryan's 5th birthday party. We are having it at a bounce house place. I ordered the cake, already have the goodie bags done, ordred pizza through the place where we are having the party...all we need to do it show up! Ryan's actual birthday is on Sunday. I am sure it is going to be a fun, yet busy weekend!

Don't forget that the Wags 'n Whiskers Stamps are currently available for pre-order! Hopefully they will arrive in the next week or so!! Yeah!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge #48 - Let's Go Green

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend so far.

As I write this post, it is saturday night at 11pm. Scott scored 2 tickets to the Florida Panther's hockey game (2 rows behind the goal...sweet)! So he took...Ansley! It was a Daddy/Daughter date nite! So Ryan and I had a Mommy (ok "Mom"...he says he is turning 5 next week and doesn't want to call me mommy any more) also had a date night...take out dinner and "Monsters vs Aliens" movie on the couch in our PJs. It was a nice night. When it was time for bed, it was also time to walk the dog. So Ryan and I took a little stroll down the street with the dog. Ryan looked up and saw the starts. After he pointed out that the brightest star is actually a plant (learned that from Jay Jay the Jet Plane cartoon), he decided to make a "wish". We have discussed that wishes are actually little prayers. He said softly (as he closes his eyes) "I wish my mom could always be with me, Amen"!! Awe!! How sweet is that?!

Anyway, I was all worried about making sure I got the High Hopes Challenge Blog post written tonight so that our lovely Lead Diva Nikki could enjoy the day off for her BIRTHDAY, that I almost forgot about my own post! Give me a break...it's been a long week *wink*!

This week's High Hopes Challenge is called "Let's Go Green". No, silly...not the color green...green as is "recycling"...re-using...that sort of thing.

You can reuse buttons off old pants, or packaging from a recent shipment...heck...anything that is re-purposed is fine.

I almost didn't get a card done this weekend. I actually woke up early this morning with an idea in my head...but then it occured to me..I have a better plan.

Remember this project?

I made this calender to hang on my refrigerator (original post here). Well, since I wrote all over the calender, I knew I wanted to re-use the elements on the calender for either a scrapbook page or a card.

So out came the butter knife (to carefully remove the image from the calender)...and here is my new card...

I reused the image, charm, and flowers. I tried to save the ribbon, but it just wouldn't budge. I used the same colors (SU Bermuday Bay CS) and some left over scraps of the DP (MME).

I used the sketch at Sketch Saturday this week...it was PERFECT since I only had 2 little strips of the Green/blue DP. I added some lace from my stash (I think I got this at JoAnn Fabrics a while ago), and called it done! Oh, I did have to eliminate the sentiment since the image was too large...it would have completely covered the lace. And I had to keep the flower in the left corner since I would have ripped the image trying to remove it.

Oh, the image is Mary Angel which is available in my store.

If you want to participate with the challenges, but don't have a High Hopes stamp, I have plenty in my store. If you order early enough in the week, I can usually get it to you before the weekend.

I do hope you are able to play along with the challenge this week. There is always a lovely prize for 1 lucky winner each week. In order to be entered into the drawing, make sure to use a High Hopes image on your card, recycle or reuse something, and upload it to the blog post.

If you upload your card to SCS, make sure to use keyword HHC48.

Edited to add: Don't forget my blog candy here. It ends tonight at midnight EST.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

New High Hopes in the shop!

I just received an order of High Hopes Rubber Stamps! They are now available at Stamp and Create!

In addition to the stamps shown above, I have 2 sentiments as well...Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas.

Don't forget that the 20% off your first order ends on Thursday at midnight EST! So hurry now! You must enter Discount Code WELCOME at check out!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge #47 - Lots of Layers!

It's High Hopes Challenge Time!! This week our wonderful Diva Amy W (confusing with 2 Amy's and now 2 Michelle's on the team!!) is challenging us to use Lots of Layers!!

Oh...I just LOVE lots of layers on cards!! So why don't you play along with us this week? We have a wonderful prize on the line?! All you need to do is create a card using lots of layers and a High Hopes image! You don't have a High Hopes stamp, yet?! Well, go check out my store! If you order by Wednesday, I can guarantee you will have it by Saturday (US delivery guarantee only) so you can participate in the challenge. And I still have my sale of 20% off your first order using Discount code WELCOME at check out. This offer is only valid through October 8th...so you better hurry!

Anyway, on to my card...

I am not going to tell you how long it took me to make this card! It's not that is was a hard card to make...I just had soooo many interruptions that day!

I decided to try using a Blender Pen instead of an Aqua Painter for this image. Mainly because my Aqua Painter is on it's last leg...and a new one isn't broken in yet! And I really liked the control I had with the Blender pen. Since I use watercolor paper now, I was really able to control and blend much better than the first time I started watercolor with a blender pen 2 years ago...I switched to an aqua painter...and now I may switch back!

This is Guard Duty Rudy (Large)...they have a smaller version, but this is a large one. So I had to increase my card to 6"x6" instead of my usual 5 1/4" square cards.

 
I think this image is also perfect for scrapbooking fall layouts or pumpkin patch photos!! I REALLY do need to do some scrapbooking!!

If you want to play along, make sure to link your card to the challenge post this week to be entered into the drawing for the free stamps. And if you upload your card to SCS, make sure to use keyword HHC47.

Also, don't forget to check out the Wags 'n Whiskers Blog today to see who some more of our Design Team!! And don't forget the blog candy, too!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~lacey

High Hopes Challenge #45 - Playing Favorites

It's time for this week's High Hopes Challenge!! This week Jeanne challenged us to Play Favorites!! Use your favorite images or products! Oh what fun!!

For my card, I used one of the my favorite types of stamps from High Hopes...the Angels!!

I used Lynne Angel (available at Stamp and Create). Isn't she such a doll? I used some papers from American Crafts (the green layer is actually the backside of one of the DP). I used the SU Spiral Punch, some gingham ribbon, PTI button, Butterfly charm (can't remember where I got that - I only had 1 so I may have bought it from a local bead store), a spacer and brad, and the Martha stewert butterfly punch (punched twice with the top layer popped with dimensionals).

Lynne Angel was embossed in black and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os. I added stickles to her wings, hair bows, and butterfly.

I carried the layout on the inside and added a punched butterfly to the inside cover...

Now it's your turn. Grab your favorite High Hopes image and create a card or project! Make sure to link your card to Mr. Linky in the challenge post to be eligable for the drawing of the free stamps!! And if you upload your card to SCS, make sure to use keyword HHC45.

And for a special treat, I am going to have my first sale at Stamp and Create!!

20% off your first order!!!

Just enter coupon code "welcome" when checking out.

Can not combine with any other offers or discounts. Limited to your first purchase.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

My first Divine Design (late): Job 5:9-10

He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. He bestows rain on the earth; he sends water upon the countryside. Job 5:9-10

I have been watching on the sidelines for a least a year now seeing beautiful posts by Taylor and Angel for their monthly Devine Design challenges! Well, this month, I decided it was time to play along!!

After making this project for my daughter's birthday countdown, I enjoyed see this project on the refigerator. So, I decided to hand make a calender each month for our fridge! And what a perfect place to include a bible verse as well!

I have to be honest, the bible verse and stamped image I chose was inspired by the DAILY thunderstorms we have been having for the past 2 weeks here in "sunny" South Florida!! LOL I moved away from this area over 7 years ago...and how quickly I forgot about the DAILY summer thunder storms...yes, while the rest of the world gets to enjoy Autumn...it is still considered "Summer" here!! Hot and muggy...add in daily rain storms...and you get HIGH humidity (aka Bad Hair days)!!

So, I pulled out this adorable image from High Hopes Rubber Stamps called Mary Angel. I have been wanting this image since I first saw it and I finally got it last week when my wholesale order arrived in my store! Yes, it is available in my store Stamp and Create!

I printed the calender and bible verse on the computer (yes, I am aware I made an error on September 2nd, but I didn't notice it until I was completely done with the project GRRRR)!!

I love this verse....Job went through some "stuff", yet he was still able to stand in his beliefs. This verse is a wonderful reminder (especially to me), that God does wonderful things...more than can be counted...yet He still remembers simple things...things that WE take for granted...and, yes, even get mad about (guilty)...like rain for the earth!

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

I added an awesome umbrella charm, used the SU eyelet border punch, SU Bermuda Bay Dotted ribbon and CS, MME DP, some primas, pearl brads, and stickles for lost of glitter. I also added some crystal effects on the puddle...

I hope you can see it in the photo.

Anyway, Niki Estes has a great Christmas idea that she does every year. She creates a calender with matching scrapbook pages for the following year, scans them, prints multiple copies, and binds them as Christmas gifts for the Grandparents! I really want to be able to do this. However, I will have to start with another calender page...my scanner can only handle 8 1/2" x 11" and since the image is popping off the page, it won't scan completely. I plan on starting it next month!

Anyway, I had a really great time playing along with this challenge. It feels great that I finally did it!!

Ansley received some wonderful cards for her birthday (some from my blog candy challenge and some just from friends). I am trying to get photos of all of them, then I will announce the winners of my blog candy tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge 44 - Wrap it up!

It's time for another High Hopes Challenge! This week our wonderful Hostess is Inge!! Gosh, I just love all of the layers she adds to her cards!

Anyway, Inge's challenge is called Wrap it up! Create anything that can hold something...candy holder, pencil holder, box, gift bag...anything! Just make sure to use a High Hopes Rubber Stamp for your image!

I wanted to create a new box template. Something that I can hold more stuff or a box that holds my larger 5 1/2" square cards. So, I got out some paper and pencil and worked out the dimensions...

I am so thrilled with how this turned out (especially since it worked on the first try)! The box measures 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" x 2 3/4" tall. I will try to create a tutorial for you soon. I will have to make another box since I didn't take photos of this one as I was making it.

I used the awesome Weekend Sketch over at Beate John's blog Fresh & Fun. I thought it would really work nice for the top of the box...

I used SU Ridinghood Red for the box base (Retired - I stocked up on a few packs before they retired). The DP is SU Christmas Cocoa Specialty Paper from the Holiday Mini. The white Damask design is actually flocked!! I used the Circle and Scalloped Circle Nestabilities for the layers and some Making Memories ribbon (I LOVE this ribbon and I only have about 6" left).

The image is Sitting Santa available through my store Stamp and Create. I embossed Santa in black onto Watercolor paper and watercolored him using Twinkling H2Os. I added some Liquid Applique to his coat and hat.

For the last detail, I added some awesome pom-pom ribbon I got from Joann's awhile ago.

Now it's your turn to play along. Here are a few tutorials on boxes, bags, and wrappers that I have created in the past if you want to get some ideas....

A2 Box

The Perfect Gift Bag/Gift Box

Card Folder Holder

Candy wrapper

Just make sure to add a High Hopes image (it can even be a tag) in order to play along. Don't forget to link your project to the High Hopes Challenge to be entered into the drawing for the FREE stamps!! And if you upload your project to SCS, make sure to use keyword HHC44!

Edited to say...We now have Mr. Linky! Make sure to link your card through Mr. Linky NOT in the comment section on the Challenge Post.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Happy 7th Birthday Ansley!!!

I have been posting a lot lately! So, if you haven't stopped by in a few days, make sure to scroll down to see all of the posts! And don't forget my blog candy here for the opening of my new on-line store called Stamp and Create.

Well, I will getting ready to go to bed last night when it hit me...I didn't make a birthday card for Ansley!! Yikes!! I made her birthday invitations, her party favors, and even a more invitations for a mini-party we are having with a few neighbors (see the end of this post for those)...but I totally forgot about her actual birthday card!! Since she's seen all of my work, I couldn't just give her one I made awhile ago...she would think that I didn't do it for HER!

So, I was up until about 12:30am making this card....keep in mind I only remembered it around 11:15pm!! So I am glad this card quickly came together!! It took me just over an hour to do everything including the coloring! Most of my cards can take me 3-4 hours to make...mostly just trying to figure out what I want to do!!

Anyway, here is Ansley's birthday card...

 
Isn't she adorable? I have to admit...I have had this Miss Anya set for months, but have had so many other cards to make for different reasons that I didn't have a chance to personally ink her up! I chose this image since her hair is more like Ansley's than the other Miss Anyas in this set.

The DP is from one of my new MME mega packs called Totally Girl. I love polka dots and I love this color combo! The pink layer had a little green in it, so I used that as an accent color. Check out that awesome charm I got from Bunny Zoe's Crafts!! Perfect for a little girl! I added some sparkle to the edges, headband, prima, and brad with Crystal Stickles. And the butterfly was punched with the Martha Stewert punch twice, then the top layer attached with foam dimensionals.

The image was embossed in black onto Watercolor paper and watercolored with twinkling H2Os...

I carried the layout on the inside...

The sentiment is from SU Full of Life and Teeny Tiny Wishes.

On the inside of the cover, I added some DP, some ric rak, and #7 from SU Well Worn Numbers (retired) punched out with a Marvy circle punch...

I think she was happy to get it...I was still sleeping since I was up so late making it!! But she did thank me for it before she went to school.

I brought cupcakes to her school for her class. And tonight we are going to The Rainforest Cafe for dinner (her choice). I am also going to get her some sushi for an afterschool snack..she LOVES Salmon and Tuna Sashimi!! I might pick me up some sushi lunch, too!

But her birthday celebrations aren't over! Tomorrow we are having a few of our neighbors over to swim in the pool after school! I really hope the weather holds out...it's been major thunderstorms EVERY afternoon for over a week (and always just as the bus is about to drop off)!! I'm talking "rattle-the-walls-thunder"!! But it's always beautiful in the mornings...strange Florida weather!

Anyway, since I can't have a party without a little invitation, I made up 3 of these using inspiration from Debbie Olsen's style....

Ok, it's not Debbie Olsen...but these Cosmo Cricket papers make me think of her. Since I can't make a bow like she can, I just created a knot through the tag which is a Sizzix Scalloped Tag die (ribbon SU). I added a button (Debbie always has buttons on her cards) and rounded the corners on two sides a-la-Debbie!

The image is Beach Girl Patti from High Hopes Rubber Stamps available at my store Stamp and Create....

She is embossed in black onto watercolor paper and watercolored using twinkling H2Os.

I added Crystal Effects from SU on her mask and Stickles on the beach ball (which is from SU Life's a Breeze - Retired)...

Here's all three together...

I think that's a long enough post today!! LOL

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Big Announcement!!!!

Hello all of you High Hopes fans!! Wow, it seems like a long time since we did the Sunday High Hopes Challenges! But guess what? We will be back in business This sunday!! Make sure to check it out!

In the mean time, I have some wonderful news to share...

I have opened an On-Line store!!!

And I will be carrying the awesome High Hopes Rubber Stamps!! My order is on it's way!! I gone ahead and made them available in the store. However, they won't ship out until next week.

I am based out of the US - Florida to be exact. But I will ship internationally.

I have chosen a few of the Thanksgiving and Christmas stamps from the recent release as well as some of my favorites...like the angels, the dragons, the pirate, and more.

I will be adding to my store in the future. So if there are any High Hopes images that you would like me to carry, please feel free to email me at...

laceystephens@stampandcreate.com

This is one of the things I was working on "behind the scenes" that I mentioned earlier...but it's not the only thing! Unfortunately, you will have to wait a little longer for that announcement!! I promise you, it will be even MORE exciting!!

Now on to some other High Hopes news...

There has been a lot of changes lately at High Hopes Rubber Stamps. I am sure you have already heard that Crissy Armstrong, illustrator for High Hopes has stepped down to pursue other areas. Crissy is such a talented and wonderful person. We are so sorry to see her leave. She will be dearly missed. But we wish her the best of luck in everything she does.

Lead Diva Kimmie has also stepped down so that she can focus on other things. She is going to be missed so much!

Nikki Fairbairn (aka Bunny Zoe's Blog and Bunny Zoe's Crafts) will be taking her place as Lead Diva. We look forward to Nikki's wonderful guidence with things to come!

Niki Estes and Janette Olen also recently stepped down as High Hopes divas.

We have also welcomed a new Diva to the team...Amy Leggate has recently come on board! We look forward to working with Amy...although it will be a challenge having 2 Amy's on the team!! LOL Oh, by the way, Amy L has some High Hopes blog candy going on...ending Friday!! Go check it out!

Lastely since we took a little break, Danielle and Sirpaliina have been asked to extend their guest time with us for another month!! Yeah!!

There are wonderful plans in the works at High Hopes for the future!! So make sure to check the blog often for any updates and make sure to join us on Sunday when we start up the weekly challenges again!!

In the mean time, go check out my new store and tell me what you think!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

So you wanna be a pop star?!

I have mentioned before that we are going back to North Florida this weekend to visit some friends and to throw a surprise birthday party for Ansley. She doesn't know many girls her age yet in our new city.

So I set up a birthday party at a local children's salon that specializes in girls "glamour" parties. They had a few options for party themes, so I went with "So you wanna be a pop star" party!! The party includes hair, makeup, nail polish and costumes. Then the birthday girl gets to pick a song that the rest of the girls get to sing for kareoke! They even get to make a music video that Ansley gets to take home!

Here are the invitations that I created for the party...

Aren't they the cutest thing ever?! The purse card is created using a Sizzix XL die. It cuts the purse card-base and the mat for the inside.

I created the wording for the inside on the computer..making sure to align it so that I could stamp Singing Catrina by High Hopes Rubber Stamps!! What a perfect image for this birthday party! 

Sorry for the shadows in the photos. This party was kind of last minute so I didn't have much time to create the invitations...especially since I was working on them behind Ansley's back! When I finished them, I had to quickly take photos early in the morning so I could get them in the mail! And I didn't have much time to mess with them since Ansley was home while I was taking the pictures!

Anyway, I printed the wording, cut it out with the sizzix die, then embossed Catrina in black and watercolored her using Twinkling H2Os. I had to make 10 of these so I didn't really focus too much on having great shading. But I actually love the way the hair turned out! Oh, and I added some stickles to her belt for some extra shine!

The card base is SU Melon Mambo embossed in white using Bella Toile Background stamp. I added some black embossing to the flap along with some primas and bling on the front!

I really love how these turned out! I am making little purses using one of PTI's templates designed by Lauren Meader for the party favors. I will be posting them soon.

I will be carrying Singing Catrina in my new store soon!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Golf anyone?

My Mother-in-law's birthday is next week. So I went through my stamps to find one that would fit her....

I found this adorable Swinging Sherry from High Hopes Rubber Stamps available through Bunny Zoe's Crafts. My MIL used to play golf. Of course, after I made the card, my husband told me that she hasn't golfed in a few years because of his father's bad back (they always golfed together). So I may hold onto this card to give to MY mother instead...which means I need to get stamping again to make my MIL a new card!

Anyway, I used some retired SU DP (I have a TON of this paper because I really love the color combo). I added some primas, punched flowers, some some jewelry spacers, pearl brads, and ribbon. I used the SU Horizonatal slot punch to run the ribbon through the image and the SU Photo Corner punch.

I used the sketch last week from A Spoon Full of Sugar. I really like all of the layers...

For the image, I embossed Sherry onto watercolor paper and colored her with Twinkling H2Os. This was my 2nd attempt at using Watercolor paper.

I carried some of the DP onto the inside along with some punched flowers.

I have a really busy week this week. We are going home to North Florida this weekend for a visit and to have a surprise birthday party for Ansley. So I have to finish her goodie bags for the party and the pop-up scripture balls that I am making for her teacher last year for her daughter's wedding.  Not to mention Open House at School, Ryan starts karate this week, an allergist appointment, AND packing!! Whew!!

Well, I guess I need to get busy!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Countdown to Ansley's 7th Birthday!

This morning Ansley asked for a piece of paper. She started drawing boxes and numbering them. I asked her what she was doing. She said that Daddy told her that there were 25 days until her birthday so she was making a calender so she could countdown the days!!

I thought this was a great idea...so I decided to make her one "my" way!!

After choosing my stamp, I figured I would make the project to fit the Whiff of Joy Challenge #43 - Pink and Brown color challenge...

Click on the pictures for a larger view...

This measures 8 1/2" x 11"

What do you think? I started by creating a "calender" in Excel. I printed it onto Papertrey Ink Stampers Select White since it's a nice and heavy white CS. I stamped the numbers (retired SU set - Best Friend Numbers) in SU Melon Mambo. I stamped a party hat from High Hopes Rubber stamps randomly around the Melon Mambo CS in MM ink. I inked up the edges of everything in Chocolate Chip.

I punched the bottom of the calender with the SU Eyelet Border Punch (by the way, most Martha Stewert border punches will not punch through PTI white since it is so thick). I added some Making Memories brown "ribbon".

For the image, I used the new Bruno with Cupcake. I embossed him in black and watercolored him with Twinkling H2Os. Then I cut and embossed him with oval nestabilities.

We are actually planning a surprise birthday party for her back in North Florida the Saturday before her birthday. She doesn't know many girls here and she really wanted a party at a kids glamour boutique called Sweet n Sassy. Since it will be a holiday weekend, it would be a good time to go back home and visit friends!

So this week, I will be working on a few things for the party. But I also have a ton of "fun" stuff to do with the kids since this is their last week home from school!!

Oh, don't forget my blog candy here!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge #42 - Go for the Gold!

It's time for another High Hopes challenge! This week's challenge is brought to us by the super funny, supper talented Jeanne!! Her challenge is to...Go for the Gold!! Add some gold to your card!

Now, I will be honest...when I saw this challenge I thought to myself "this is going to be a CHALLENGE for me"! I don't have any fun gold stuff...I'm more of a silver girl myself. In fact, my wedding ring is platinum instead of gold!

Luckily for me, Nikki sent me some of her new gold lace ribbon in my Bunny Zoe's Crafts DT kit!!! That was my starting point...

And what image works the best with Gold? How about royalty?!

Click on the images for a larger view.

I used one of the new images from the latest released called Three Kings paired up with the We Three Kings Sentiment both available from Bunny Zoe's Crafts. I used the SCS sketch this week, but flipped it to the other side...the stars on the DP in the background actually looked better this way...the sentiment covers a bare spot and it didn't look right with the sentiment on the top. The DP is a VERY old piece that I've had for ages (actually before I started stamping...I had it for a craft project for the kids).

I cut 2 stars out of lightweight coasters using the Sizzix Star die. I painted the large one with Distress Crackle paint. The smaller star was just painted with some gold Twinkling H2Os.

Speaking of Twinkling H2Os, I embossed the image in black and watercolored it using H2Os...

I had a bit of an issue with coloring this image. The gold twinkles is more irredesent than solid so it kept coming out streakie. I finally went with a "sunflower" color instead, but the gold residue was still there, so it's still sparkly with gold in real life.

Plus with all of the stickles all around the edges...it REALLY sparkles in real life!!

So, now it's your turn. Grab one of your High Hopes images and go for the gold!! If I found gold in my stash, I am sure YOU can find some, too! Make sure to link your card to the High Hopes Challenge Post to be entered into the drawing for the stamps used on Jeanne's card. And if you link your card to SCS, make sure to use keyword HHC42.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge #41 - Sparkle and Shine

It's time for another High Hopes Challenge!! This week's challenge is brought to us by the very talented and very sweet Nikki aka Bunny Zoe's. Nikki says "Make it Sparkle and Shine"!! I love adding sparkle to my cards!!

I found this awesome glittery embossed fruit Designer Paper from K & Company so I knew I wanted to pair it with one of the images from the new release...

This is Kimmie!! Actually, it's not just Kimmie...it's 4 different stamps...Thoughtful Kimmie, Country Stand, Country Fresh Sentiment, and Basket of Apples (stamped 4 times). This is such a fun set! You can change it up using some of the images (strawberries, Bucket of Sunflowers, Daffodils, Basket of Corn, Poppies, or Daisies) and different sentiments (Farm Fresh, Fresh Picked, or Kissing Booth)!! I also love how Danielle made this Kissing Booth using Mooshie Steals a Kiss!!

I embossed the stand in black first. Then I carefully embossed Kimmie (because I didn't have time to mask off or pull out my Stamp-a-majig). Then I embossed the green apples in the back. When that came out a little crooked, I decided to emboss 3 other baskets of apples to cut out. So the front 2 baskets are popped out with dimensionals...

Everythin was watercolored with Twinkling H2Os. I added Stickles to Kimmie's hat and hair balls, around the image mat and card base, and on the top prima. Added a clear Rhinestone brad from Stampin' UP. The apple charm is from the Hobby House. The Jute Ribbon is from Nikki's store (Bunny Zoe's Crafts).

I carried the DP to the inside of the card. I didn't add the layer to write on so you can see the fun DP better...

I love the fun colors and all of the fruit designs on this DP.

Anyway, now it's your turn! Pull out ANY High Hopes Stamp and add something to make it shine (rhinestones, bling, glitter....anything)!! Link your card in the High Hopes Challenge post to be entered into the drawing to receive the stamps used on Nikki's card! And if you upload your card to SCS, use keyword HHC41.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge #40 - Christmas in July!!!

It's time for another High Hopes Challenge today!! This week's challenge is brought to us by Miss Diva Divine...Kimmie!!! Her challenge is called Christmas in July! So pull out any winter'y-Christmas'y High Hopes Stamps and come play along!!

Before I get to my project, I also wanted to say that today is Tina's birthday - the wonderful and kind owner of High Hopes Rubber Stamps! Happy Birthday, Tina!! I hope it is filled with all of the things you love!!!

Instead of doing a card, I chose to make a gift bag....

I used one of the Santas from the newest release. This is called Santa in Chimney. I used my tutorial for the "Perfect Gift Bag" here. But instead of the regular handles, I used 1 handle and added it to the sides (this time they are adhered so they don't move under the lace ribbon).

I embossed Santa in Black and watercolored him using Twinkling H2Os basically using a mono-chromatic color pallet...

I added Liquid Applique to the "furry" parts of his hat and coat for added texture. And I added some Martha Stewart Mica Flake Glitter for "snow".

The DP is Graphic 45 Playtime Past Collection (Life's a Ball) that I got from a local stamp store. It looked like old-time Christmas to me.

Here is another view of the bag....

Now it's your turn. Create a Christmas/Winter card using a High Hopes image and link it to the High Hopes Challenge for a chance to win the stamps used on Kimmie's card! And if you upload it to SCS, make sure to use keyword HHC40.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Important High Hopes NEWS!!!!

I took this off the High Hopes bog this morning...

Important High Hopes News!!

We would like to thank you for your support over the last four years as we started with a dream and an idea, and were blessed to watch it grow. We have made so many cherished friendships along the way, and cannot state enough how much we appreciate those of you who have shared ideas, and your beautiful artwork with us.

As of August first 2009 High Hopes Rubber Stamps will change from accepting both wholesale and retail orders to accepting wholesale orders only. We will of course continue to process all existing retail orders until they are complete, and in your hands.We hope that this change will not discourage you from keeping in touch, and continuing to share your ideas and art with us. We will continue to have a project of the month that we hope our awesome family of retailers will be making available to you. We will of course continue on with our super talented Design team, having calls for "Guest Divas" every three months, and highly anticipate great new images by Crissy every three months as well. The design team blog will continue to inspire you, keep you posted with updates, challenges, and blog candy. We feel so blessed to have one of the most talented group of ladies designing for us, and look forward to meeting new designers as we have the guest spots filled.

The decision to go wholesale only was a very hard one to come to, as we loved having personal contact with so many talented, encouraging, funny, and lovely people! After much soul searching, however, we feel that this is the best route for us at this time. We had grown so much over the past two years that we had been working 14-16 hour days to process orders, and just when we thought we were getting caught up, we would be blessed to have a card or project featured in a magazine with one of Crissy's beautiful images...which of course would create a new influx of orders! The blessings we were feeling, were giving us growing pains, and sadly were not allowing us to give each of our customers/friends the top notch personal customer service that they deserve. It truly weighs so heavy on our hearts if just one customer is left unhappy or feeling un-appreciated.

With this new change, we hope to accomplish several things:

1) We will continue to keep the whole line of stamps listed at our website, as well as listing new releases
2) We will update our list of retailers so you can easily find us, as well as list companies that will mail order and ship internationally... This is the main benefit to our existing friends as when you order from one of these retailers, they will have the stock in store, and can ship immediately. You will not have a waiting period as you have currently while we custom make each order.
3) Wholesale orders are much easier for us to fill, so hopefully this will free up some of our time so that we can work on an updated catalog (YEAH!!). Once completed we will have a free downloadable pdf. catalog available, and hope to have a high quality catalog available to order.
4) We also hope that with this change we will be freed up to complete a stockpile of stamps so we can go to shows and get to meet our friends face to face! It's our hope that we can talk Crissy, and some of our divas to come to shows with us, so that they can meet you as well.

We have no delusions as to the source of any success we have been given, besides giving glory to God (whom we have looked to daily for strength and wisdom), we know it is the blessing of the awesome design team that has shared their talent with you, and inspired you to take a chance on us. We cannot state enough how much we appreciate all their hard work... as they are the real "Stars" of our show!

Likewise, we sincerely thank you for your friendship over the years. We cherish the sweet encouraging emails, the ideas that you have given us, and all the beautiful art that has been shared with us. We hope that this transition will be an easy one for us all, and we hope that you will stay in touch with us, as getting to know you has been the best part of this business!

Tina, Bethany, and the High Hopes Family

 

So, what this means to you....

~ if you have already placed an order through High Hopes, they will still fulfill those orders and any orders received through July 31st.

 

~ Begining August 1st, you will have to place your orders through a wholesale distributor. A list of distributors will be available on the website shortly.

 

I know that Bunny Zoe's Crafts already has an order waiting to be fulfilled with the new release.

 

The great news is that when you place your orders with the wholesalers, they already have the stamps instock...no more waiting for the rubber to be pressed!! I live in the US and Bunny Zoe's Crafts is in the UK, but I receive my orders from Nikki in around a week's time!! And most wholesalers ship internationally!

 

Personally, the only downside I ever saw with High Hopes stamps was the shippnig times. So, hopefully this will alleviate that time making buying High Hopes stamps a much faster process!!

 

~Lacey

Upsy Daisy - High Hopes Challenge time

It's time for another High Hopes Challenge!! This week is brought to us by the very talented, very funny...Miss Sweet Daisy aka Anna Wight!! Her challenge is called Upsy Daisy...use some Daisys in your card.

For my card, I wanted to use one of the new images...

This is Andrea's Kitties...isn't she so adorable? (I say that for every High Hopes Stamps, don't I?!) The sentiment is actually from Whiff of Joy. Did you know the owner of Whiff of Joy, Katharina, is a High Hopes Design Diva?!

The DP is a K&Company Small Wonders - Girl pack that I've had for ages (I bought 2 packs when I was making the Baby Scrapbook for my husband's coworker). I added some Daisy primas with some SU Cordouroy Brads, and the charm is from JoAnns.

I embossed Andrea in Black and watercolored her with Twinkling H2Os...

Look how sweet she is!! I just want to pinch her cheaks :-)

The sketch is from Amy R Amyrs71 (haven't done one of hers in a long time...

 

I carried the papers and part of the layout to the inside...

However I realized after taking this picture that I forgot to add the white Oval for writing....I will fix that before I give it to someone. I was late getting this card finished. As we were working on the house yesterday, we got a call from the Realtor asking to show the house to two people...which required us to leave for 2 1/2 hours!! That wasn't in my stamping plans!!! Now, let me explain...we didn't sell the house in time to close on our new house so we had to accept the Corporate Buy-Out option that was included in my husband's relocation package. We are soooo grateful to have that option because houses are not moving in our neighborhood. It is full of Military families so many of our neighbors have been transferred to new bases so we have a TON of houses on the market right now. But getting back to our house...as far as we are concerned, the house is no longer ours...it belongs to his company. We still have to show the house if they want until we move. But what a major inconvenience when we have so much to do before the move!! Not much longer now...we are planning to move the week of July 20th...that's a week from tomorrow!!!

Back to the card...I received the personlized stamp that I ordered from Bunny Zoe's Crafts so I used it on the back of my card...

I think it's crooked! Anyway, I really think it's cute. I used to use a clear label on the backs of my cards with my phone number and blog address, so I am happy that I have something that can be stamped instead.

Oh, if you missed my post yesterday, you may have missed the announcement that the High Hopes release is now on the website!!! Yeah!! What do you think of all of the new images? Are you ready to get started on your Christmas cards yet?

High Hopes will be making an announcement in the coming weeks...so stay tuned for that along with a Blog Hop with Blog Candy that I mentioned before!!! I just may have some blog candy before that...I am fast approaching 100,000 hits!!

Anyway, speaking of free stamps...if you would like to play along with the challenge this week...create a card using a High Hopes image, add some daisys somewhere on the card, and upload it to the challenge post to be entered into the drawing to win the stamps Anna used on her card!

And if you upload your card to SCS, use keyword HHC39.

Thanks for stopping by today!!  Happy Sunday...and Happy Stamping!!

~Lacey

High Hopes Sneak Peek 3 - Poultry in Motion

I have another High Hopes Sneak Peek for you!! Today is release day for the new images!! They should go live on the High Hopes Rubber Stamps website!!! 

Since I have been sharing some Christmas in July images...here is one to get your ready for Fall...

Isn't he so funny?! Looks like he's trying to thin himself down before Thanksgiving...maybe he won't be as attractive to the butcher!!! LOL Actually, the image is called Turkey Getaway...apparently is makin' a break for it!! The sentiment is also from this release.

The DP is a retired SU set from last year. The card base is SU Chocolate Chip. The leaves are a sizzix die cut out of Mellow Moss CS. I added a Prima, a button from Bunny Zoe's Crafts, and some Linen Thread. The brads in the corner are from SU and the spacers are from Bunny Zoe's Crafts.

The sketch is from SCS this week SC236...flipped on the side.

Remember, the new High Hopes images will be available soon on Bunny Zoe's Crafts.

The image is heat embossed in black and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os....

I carried the sketch and papers to the inside...

The sentiment and the leaves in the corner is also High Hopes for this release.

On the inside of the cover, I added some die cut leaves, a punched flower, a prima, and another button.

Make sure to check out the other Diva's blogs for more sneak peeks (links in my sidebar). There are some amazing fun images with this release including some adorable little girl images; a build-a-stand set that can be made into a Kissing Booth, a Fresh Produce or Flower Stand (this set will be added on in the future including a Lemonade stand, and more); a new Noah's Arc image... Oh I wish I could have shown them all to you this week!! Make sure to keep checking back because I will EVENTUALLY show them all!!

I will also have some blog candy soon with some of the new images ;-)

On a personal note, we are tentatively scheduled to pack up and move the week of July 20th...that's just over a week away! I will try to get a few posts scheduled that week so you don't miss me! But I will have limited access to email during the move.

We are lucky to have the packing and moving included in Scott's relocation package! With an exception of plants, pets, and liquids, they pack and move everything!!! How awesome is that?! They will unpack the boxes off the truck in the new house, but we will have to unpack everything from the boxes...that's the only hard part we have to do...that and decluttering before they get here!

So, I am off to work on decluttering the garage today!! Amazing how much "stuff" you accumulate in 5 years!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Christmas is July...another sneak peek

Have you seen some of the High Hopes sneak peeks from some of the other Design Divas yet? I have another one to share with you today! Here's another look at Christmas in July...

Of course this is what Christmas in DECEMBER looks like South Florida!!! Maybe that will be us this year for Christmas! North Florida actually can get a little chilly with temps below freezing a few times (not many, but some). However, South Florida ...although it's the same State...doesn't get very cold. I was born and raised in South Florida, so I am just going back "home" when we move in less than 2 weeks. I remember one year swimming in the ocean one New Year's Day!!

Anyway, on to my card...

The designer paper is Cosmo Cricket "Snorkle" line. I bought it thinking I would scrapbook some of our Daytona trip, but thought it would work well with this image instead. I used Fiscars "Boundery Waters" border punch to create waves. The card base is SU Bashful Blue.

I added a large yellow prima flower paired with a large button from Bunny Zoe's Crafts for a "sun". I got the flip flop charm at Michaels or Joanns (can't remember which). The Ric Rac is from Joanns. I added Crystal Stickles to the border of the card and the prima, Frosted Lace Stickles to Santa's hat, and Broken China Distress Stickles to the stamped waves.

Here is a close up of Santa (he will be available on Saturday)...

Santa is embossed in black and watercolored using Twinkling H2Os. Looks like Santa needs to apply some more sunblock...a common error made by visitors to Florida!!

I carried the DP to the inside of the card...

The Sentiment was printed on the computer. The signature is actually an old personalized stamp from SU.

I added some punched circles on the inside of the cover...

I am really happy with how this card turned out. It's so fun and really makes me smile!!

Make sure to check out some of the other Diva's blogs....there are more sneak peeks out there!! Links are in my sidebar. And make sure to check back tomorrow for another sneak peek here!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Peek-a-Boo I have a Sneak Peek!!!

High Hopes Rubber Stamps is having a NEW Release this weekend!!! There are some amazing stamps in this release...some to help you beat the heat and get ready for the Holidays...along with some adorable little girls (gotta love those).

Today I have a sneak peek for you! Since it's so hot lately (at least here in Florida), I hope this image helps you beat the heat...

Looks like Santa is getting a head start on wrapping some gifts! This adorable image will be available on Saturday so that YOU can get a head start on your Christmas cards!!

The sketch is from Sketch Saturday this week; I really love the layout. The ribbon is from Taylored Expressions. The charm is from Hobby House also available at Bunny Zoe's Crafts. The button is from my stash.

I embossed Santa in black and watercolored him using Twinkling H2Os. I added Frosted Lace Stickles to his hat and coat...

 

Some of the other Divas have some sneak peeks on their blog today...not everyone has received their stamps yet. So go check them out...links are in my sidebar.

I know for sure that Crissy Armstrong has a FEW peeks...in addition to some AWESOME blog candy...with 7 (that's SEVEN) winners!!!

I also have some wonderful news....

I have been chosen to be on Bunny Zoe's Crafts Design Team!! I am so excited! Nikki is a fellow High Hopes Diva and I am so excited to be on her team! I am excited to be on the team, but even more excited that she has been able to start her own business :-) It seems like she is adding new items to the store almost every day. She will also be carrying images from this High Hopes release!! Plus she has some wonderful charms and designer paper, too!! So make sure to check out the store and help get her new business off to a great start!!

I am planning on having a High Hopes sneak peek each day through Sunday...so make sure to check back! Oh, a little birdy told me that there "may" be some blog candy here in the near future!! Shhh! I can't tell you when....you will just have to wait and see!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

The Perfect Gift Bag/Box tutorial

I finally redid the tutorial. Here are the projects I have created so far...here, here, and here.

To start, you need:

~ 2 pieces of Card Stock measuring 8 1/2" x 11"

~ Piece of Card Stock measuring 3" x 5" for the bottom

~ For Box option: Card Stock measuring 7 1/8" x 5 1/8"

~ Strong Adhesive

Designer Paper (Optional):

~ 2 pieces 4 3/4" x 6"

~ 2 Pieces 2 3/4" x 6"

~ For Box Option: 1 piece 2 3/4" x 4 3/4"

~ For Bag Option: 2 pieces 3/4" x 8 1/4"

Let's begin...

1. On the 11" side of the 8 1/2' x 11" card stocks, score the CS at 1"...

Click on the pictures for larger views.

 

2. Move the CS to the 8" mark and score again...

 

3. Move to the 9 3/4" mark and CUT...

 

This will give you a 1 1/4" x 8 1/2" strip that is cut off...if you plan on making the "Gift Bag" Option, keep this strip to use for the handles (the strip is not shown in this picture).

This will give you a 1 3/4" top that will fold over to create the decorative border, a 7" height, and 1" to create the bottom.

4. Turn the card stock to the left (the 1" scored area will be on the bottom with the 1 3/4" scored area on the top).

Move the left edge to the 3" mark and score...

 

5. Move to the 8" mark and score....

 

This will give you 3" area for the sides, 5" width for the front and back, and 1/2" to tape the box together.

6. Score and cut the 2nd card stock using the same dimensions.

For those of you who need a template...the dotted lines are score lines, the solid lines are cut lines....

7. Using a border punch, punch along the "top" of the box/bag...this will be the 1 3/4" piece...

 

In picture above, the CS is actually upside down of how will end up when completed.

8. Cut the verticle lines on the 1" piece...

 

9. Fold the scored lines. The 1 3/4" top will fold "out", while the bottom and sides will fold "in"...

10. Next, add the Designer Paper if you are using it. Attach the DP to the sides of the box/bag leaving a 1/8" border on the sides and bottom (the top will have more of the box/bag showing since the flap covers it, you don't need to go all the way to the top)...

In the picture above, you will see how the decorative edge will fold out, while the botto will fold in.

11. Add some Score Tape or Sticky Strip/Red-Line Tape (or really strong adhesive) to the inside of the decorative edge, fold over and attach to the front and sides of the card stock...

12. Next you will put the box together. Add more strong adhesive (regular "snail" tape will NOT hold a box or 3-D project for long) to the 1" pieces on the bottom of the box and along the 1/2" sides of the box...

13. Remove the backing of one of the 1/2" sides of the box, carefully line it up with the opposite side of the other piece of CS. This will make it a continuous line of 3" side, 5" side , 3" side , 5" side , 1/2" piece with tape...

14. Next remove the backing of the other 1/2" side of the box and carefully line it up with the other CS making it turn into a box....

15. Next remove the tape backing from the 1" strips on the bottom and form a "bottom"...

16. adhere a 3" x 5" piece to create a bottom for the box/bag...

Your box/bag base assembly is complete. You can leave it as it is or choose to add handles or a lid.

For the "Box" option, you will need to create the lid.

1. Using the 5 1/8" x 7 1/8" piece of card stock, score a 1" border around all 4 sides...

2. cut according to the template...

3. Form into a box using adhesive on the corners.

4. Add the 2 3/4" x 4 3/4" Designer Paper to the top and your box is done!

To add handles for the "Bag" option...

1. Take the 1 1/4" x 8 1/2" strip that you cut off in the begining and cut them down to 1" x 8 1/2" strips.

2. You can add DP (3/4" wide), ribbon, stamp, or leave plain. I used ribbon in this sample. I also like to round the corners for a more finished look.

3. Then punch holes around 1/2" from each end...

4. Using a Crop-a-dile or 1/2" hole punch, punch a hole at least 1/2" from the edge and 1" in from the sides...

5. Attach the handles using brads and you are done!

There it is!! I hope my instructions are clear. I would love to know what you think about this box/bag or the tutorial. If you make one, please send me a link or email me a picture and I would love to showcase it on my blog!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey 

Tille - a gift for a friend

I was finally able to re-do my tutorial for "The Perfect Gift Bag/Box". I will post that in a few minutes.

Before I get to the Tutorial post, I have a new project to share using my Perfect box/Bag.

As I have posted before, we are in the process of moving. That means the house is on the market...and needs to be kept "mostly" clean so that I can show the house to a potential buyer on short notice. Now I say "mostly" clean because...come on..I have 2 young children!! AND I am a messy crafter!! LOL

I have asthma and allergies which makes it hard to me to clean my house without ending up sick! Therefore, we have a "cleaning lady". Shannon has been cleaning my house for over a year...every 2 weeks. Since we put the house on the market, she comes every week. We only have a few more weeks left in the house so I wanted to give her something special to say "Thank you" for all of her hard work.

I made her an altered notebook so she can keep track of her customers! Tidy up Tillie from High Hopes Rubber Stamps is the PERFECT image for my gift!!! Isn't she the cutest!!

I used the layout on the notebook and the bag front from Friday Sketchers this week. The DP is MME Everyday Tango collection. I used a Martha Stewart doily lace punch on the side. The DP was put through the spiral coil using the SU Spiral punch. The ribbon is also SU Bashful Blue stripped ribbon. And the image was cut using a Nestability die.

Tillie was embossed in Black and watercolored using Twinkling H2Os....

To hold her notebook, I created the Perfect Gift Bag...

I used the same materials to create the bag...adding PTI Stampers Select White for the bag base. I had to use a different border punch on the decorative top for the bag since the Martha Stewart punch wouldn't punch through the PTI white...it's too thick!! So I used a SU punch instead. The brads for the handles are also SU as are the flower buttons (the large button on the notebook is PTI, but it matches so well with the SU flower buttons).

Here's another view...

  

Edited to add... This is one of the Projects of the Month (POTM) at High Hopes. This image along with Danni Dress-up and Singing Catrina are on sale this moth for 25% off when you buy them and their sentiments together. However, they are not on the website yet. So if you want them, email Tina or Bethany directly at highhopesstamps@sympatico.ca

Ok. Now on to the tutorial here...

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge #37 - Stars or Stripes

It's time for another High Hopes Challenge. This week it is MY turn to host the challenge!! My challenge (in honor of the 4th of July American Holiday aka Independence Day), my challenge is to use STARS or STRIPES on your card. It doesn't have to be a patriotic theme. In fact, my card is not a patriotic card.

I went through my stash of High Hopes Rubber stamps and looked for an image that either had a star or would work with stars or stripes. I found a few good ones. But this one called Little Sand Architect hadn't been inked yet!!

I embossed him in black, then watercolored him using Twinkling H2Os. Now, it took me a little bit to get a "tan" on him!! I didn't want him to blend in too much with the sand. So I just had to try a few different colors. Then I added a little pink to his back...I think he needed a little more sun screen!!  I added a little starfish to help with the "star" theme.

The DP is an OLD retired SU pack and the card base is an OLD SU in-color Blue Bayou. I love the soft stars in the red layer and thought the stripped layer was appropriate for a "red, white, and blue" background without screaming USA!! I do LOVE my international visitors and don't want to offend ;-) LOL

The large star is vellum CS which was first run through a crimper, then diecut with the Sizzix Star die (a scrap left over from this project). The yellow star is also a scrap left over from this project. I added a button from my stash...don't remember where I got it. The sentiment is also from High Hopes.

I carried the layout through to the inside....

I had to reverse the DP though because I only had scraps left of the striped paper. I added some more stars on the inside of the card front.

So...now it is YOUR turn!! Would you like to win the stamp and sentiment that I used on my card? Make a card using a High Hopes image, add some stars or stripes (you don't have to use both), and upload your card to the challenge post on the High Hopes Blog. Kimmie will pick a random winner next Sunday who will receive these stamps for free!! Gotta love free stamps, right? This is a simple challenge...most stamps can be paired with stripes!!!

Oh, and if you upload your card to SCS, use keyword HHC37!

On a personal note, our closing of the new house was postponed until Monday. So we are "stuck" in South Florida for the weekend. Usually not a bad deal, but I have a head and chest cold so I would much rather be home. Not to mention that there is NO stamping here!! Yikes!! I am going to go through withdrawals!! Hopefully we will be home Monday night. We are supposed to leave again on thursday for the 4th of July weekend in Daytona Beach! And I have some DT stuff that needs to be done before I leave. Oh well! At least the kids are having fun with their cousin.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you can play along!! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Picnic Time!!!

I am sooo excited about my project today!! I've had this image from the last High Hopes Release that I haven't inked up yet. I wasn't sure what I was going to use it for, honestly. I thought I would have to have a picnic with my family so I could use it on a picnic scrapbook page! Of course, that would be fun, but it's been too hot for a picnic lately! It would also work for a cookout invitation.  But when I saw the latest My Timeless Template that Lauren created for PTI, I knew exactly what I wanted to make!!!

Click on the pictures for a larger view.

Isn't this just the cutest thing in the world? Lauren hosts a challenge on her blog each month using her templates. This month's "My Time to Create Template Challenge" theme is "Create your own designer paper". I was a little torn because I REALLY wanted to use this picnic blanket looking DP (from DCWV). So I decided to alter the DP by stamping some strawberries (Whiff of Joy), and pieces of pie and hot dogs (SU Voila to go)randomly on the DP. I'm not sure if this still qualifies for the challenge, but it's not about winning the challenge for me....I just HAD to pair these two together!!!

Here's a side view that you can see the images on the DP a little better (maybe).

For the image, I used Ant's Picnic from High Hopes. Aren't those ants so adorable?! I embossed the image in black and watercolored it using Twinkling H2Os. Here is a closer view...

So cute!!!

Anyway, I decided to fill the basket with cookies! What a neat way to bring something to a cookout or BBQ?!

Can you see my chocolate finger print at the top of the basket?! Ugg...the cookies were still a little warm when I put them in the basket. I got a little chocolate on my finger and accidentally hit the basket!! Oh well!

Anyway, I was able to fit a dozen cookies in the basket. I am sure I could have fit some more in there as well...it's much larger than it looks in the pictures.

Ansley fell in love with this basket, so I gave it to her. She says I don't give her enough cards...whatever! It is now on her dresser holding some of her Petshop pets!

School is already out for the summer for us. But this little basket would make a really cute gift for a teacher. Although my friend Brandi says the worst thing you can give a teacher is cookies made by kids! I guess she has visions of kids licking their fingers, then "helping" make cookies!! LOL So, I obviously wouldn't make this for her!! I still love you Brandi...but I won't make you any cookies :-)

Thanks for stopping by today!! Happy Stamping!

High Hopes Challenge #36 - Use up those Scraps!

It's time for another High Hopes Challenge!! This week's challenge is brought to us by the VERY creative Jeanne. I love how Jeanne uses scraps on her cards...not always using designer paper, but stamped cardstock...making the image center focus on her cards. So, her challenge this week is so appropriate to her style..."Use up those scraps"!!

I still have a hard time not using DP, but I made sure that I didn't cut any paper unless it had already been cut down.

I grabbed some scraps and went to work making a birthday card for my "little" brother Paul who will be 30 tomorrow!!

  

I used Norman Goat for my image (embossed in black and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os). The image is considered a "scrap" since I embossed it weeks ago for another purpose and chose to use another image on that card...so it went into the "scrap" pile.

The DP is from SU Manchester. I had cut the background paper for another card, but chose to use different DP instead along with the Always Artichoke card base. The two horizontal strips were already cut, I just had to trim the top one to fit the sketch I used which is Friday Sketchers this week...

Instead of the flowers in the sketch, I used some scrap velvet ribbon and a SU Cordouroy brad for more of a masculine design.

The sentiment on the outside is a sneak peek of the new SU set called Teeny Tiny Wishes which was stamped on a scrap piece and punched with the SU Word Window punch. The cirlce was punched out of some scraps as well.

On the inside, I added some more DP with a High Hopes sentiment (embossed on scraps)...

I kept the rest simple since the DP is light enough to write on and I wanted a larger space to write a note to my brother.

On the inside of the card, I added some chipboard letters and punched some more scrap DP with the SU Photo Corners punch...

Here is a close up of Norman...

I wanted to say HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all of the dads out there (although, I doubt there are any "dads" checking my blog today)!!LOL 

We are hoping to spend some time together with Daddy today! We're not sure what we are going to do, but the kids are just excited to spend time with daddy!!

Now, if you want to play along with the challenge this week, make sure to link your card to the challenge post in order to be entered into the drawing for the free stamps!! And if you upload your card to SCS, make sure to use keyword HHC36. Don't forget to check out the rest of the Diva's cards...they will knock your sock off (links in my sidebar)!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Anniversary 3-in-1 challenge!

My wedding anniversary is next tuesday so I wanted to get Scott's card done before he comes home tonight for the weekend. I browsed some of my favorite challenge blogs for some inspiration and ended up combining 3 challenges in 1 card. I love doing this...why? It's not that I want to cheat by combining the challenges (I don't really enter challenges to win...although that is always a plus if that happens), but I love the "challenge" part of it! How to combine 3 inspiration pieces into 1 card.

So, here are the challenges...

Cute Card Thursday: "Tag, your it" - Use some sort of tag on your card or make the card into a tag shape.

SCS sketch SC233 (I turned it to fit the vertical image)

Stampavie and More: "Numbers" - Use numbers on your card

Here is my card for Scott for our 8 year anniversary...

I used First Kiss by Sarah Kay for the image, embossed in black and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os. The DP is SU Parisian Breeze (which is retiring, but I managed to get another whole pack, so you will see this again).

Here's the sketch...

The tag was created on the computer and is the date of our wedding and was diecut with a sizzix scalloped tag die.

I added a brown button (I think it's Basic Grey), a few brown brads, and that was it. I kept the embellishments simple since it is more of a masculine card (eventhough the image isn't exactly masculine...it is a card for a guy)!

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

Aren't they so cute!!

I followed the sketch through to the inside...

The sentiment is from High Hopes.

Tonight we are going to a "Goodbye Party" that a friend is hosting for me and another mom in the neighborhood. She is moving next week, we will be moving in about 4 weeks. It's going to be fun, but sad at the same time!! Since it's still a few weeks away, I'm trying not to get too sentimental about moving YET!! But I know I will loose it closer to moving time!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge #35 - Lotsa Circles

It's time for another High Hopes Challenge. This weeks challenge is brought to us by by the very talented and super sweet Janette and her challenge is "Lotsa Circles"! What a fun challenge!

For my card, I decided to make a Father's Day card for Scott. Since he started his new job in April, he has been driving back and forth to South Florida (5 hour drive) during the week, then he comes home for the weekend. It's been really hard on him...taking over the new territory...doing sales rallies for new products...AND he is still handling the Daytona Speedway account so he has the Coke Zero 400 race to worry about in a few weeks on the 4th of July!

So I thought this card would be something he needs....

I used one of the images from the latest release called Sweet Dreams. This image is perfect for Scott's card...the busy worker ant really needs some time to rest and just take a break! Thesentiment is from the Farm Release. Unfortunately, AFTER I uploaded the picture did I realize that the image is crooked!! Apparently this little restful spot is on the side of the ant hill!! LOL His face is red because all of the blood is rushing to his head!!! ROFL Oh well, I can't fix it now!

The card base is an old retired SU in-color Wild Wasabi (I still have a full pack left). But I really love this color so I knew I would need to hang onto some of it. The orange mat is a sneak peek of one of the new SU in-colors called Dusty Durango. The DP is MME.

Oh, I loosely used the Friday Sketcher sketch this week, but turned it on it's side.

I kept it fairly simple on the inside...

The sentiment is another sneak peek at a great new SU set called Tenny Tiny Wishes. It is FULL of sentiments for almost ANY occassion...even retirement (which would also work great for this image). I love that about the High Hopes images...they work with any Designer Paper or stamp set sentiments!

I embossed the image in black and watercolored him with Twinkling H2Os. Here is a close up...

If you would like to play along, make sure to link your card to the challenge post  to be entered into the drawing for the free stamps!! I just LOVE the stamp set they are giving away this week!! Oh, and if you link your to SCS, make sure to use keyword HHC35.

Don't forget to check out all of the wonderful DT cards (links on my sidebar)!!

Oh, speaking of High Hopes DT...did you see my new banner on the right? Fellow HH DT Nikki aka has opened up her own on-line store!! She will be carrying High Hopes stamps amoung others. Plus she has some spacers and jute ribbon! Go check it out. She is giving away a certificate to her store if you spread the word!!!

Thanks for stopping by today!! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey