Hand Stamped By Lacey

Make sure to check out my post below using Stampavie illustrator Gillian F. Roberts' Bear and Robin...

The New Release Whiff of Joy with new Illustrator Norma Fickel are now available for Pre-Order (expect 3-4 weeks for delivery).

Sunday, Nov 1st Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Crissy's Cuties and Holiday Sentiments will be available and the Twinkle Tots from The Greeting Farm will be available for pre-order.

Plus...

Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps are NOW in Stock and available for immediate delivery.

FREE SHIPPING on orders over $55.00!!!! 

If there is anything that I do not carry that you would like to order, please email me at LaceySoLiving@bellsouth.net and I will see what I can do about ordering them for you.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey Stephens

Holiday Greetings

Before I get started on my card today, I wanted to let you know that I will have a few new releases this weekend available at Stamp and Create.

Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps: will be having a new release and I already have them in stock!

Whiff of Joy: is having a new release with their new illustrator Normal Fickle and I will have them available for pre-order!

The Greeting Farm: Sunday the Twinkle Tots will also be avilable for pre-order! These are so adorable!!

I am also so happy to announce that I have started a Design Team for my store!! Well...I only have right now! LOL But at least it's a start!

Please welcome Jeanette at Happy Thoughts and Inkspots. So make sure to check out her blog for some awesome projects using stamps and products available at Stamp and Create!

Now on to my card...

I wanted to make a card with this adorable image by Gillian F. Roberts for Stampavie since I added it to my store Stamp and Create.

This is such a sweet image...

First, I have to appoligize for the black spot on his foot! Earlier in the week my son ran past my desk knocking my Canon Rebel Digital camera...onto the hardwood floors!! The impact broke my $500 lens!! I put my old lens back on...but there seems to be a spot somewhere I can not find either on the old lens or inside the camera. I will be honest, I think I see a "scratch" on the mirror that is inside...there's a chance that something scratched it because of the impact! So I have to deal with this spot for now!

This is Bear and Robin by Gillian F. Roberts for Stampavie. I used some Basic Grey Patterned Paper (Figgy Pudding line) from my Scrapbook kit which set the colors of the card. When I added the red scarf, I really loved how it popped! I added some white satin ribbon, a punched showflake, snowflake brad, and snowflake charm (all from the Basic Grey Christmas Scrapbook kit), and added a SU button from my stash. I card base is SU Blue Bayou (retired a few seasons ago).

I embossed the image in black onto watercolor paper and watercolored him using twinkling H2Os....

I added stickles around the card base, image mat, and to create "snow" and liquid applique to his hat and pom pom.

The sentiment is from Papertrey Ink "Signature Christmas" Punched with a SU oval punch and scalloped oval punch.

It's a simple layout, but I love how it turned out!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Wags 'n Whiskers are IN STOCK and Shipping!!!

Who-hoo!! I am so glad to finally get to share that the Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps are now in stock and will start shipping today!!

What, you haven't ordered yet? What are you waiting for? Go place your order now...here! Then come back to check out my pop-up gift card holder card using Ansley's Surprise.

My niece's birthday is friday. We usually send her a gift card. So I wanted to play around with a Sizzix die that I have had for months and never used! Almost forgot I had it!

Here is the front of the card....

The front looks like a regular card using Wags 'n Whiskers Ansley's Surprise. I used some Cosmo Cricket patterned paper for the card base and the sketch over at Sketch Saturday. I added some Pink Twill from my store, some primas, and some K&Co Valentine's Day hearts I bought on clearance last year.

Here is a close up of Ansley...

I embossed her in black and watercolored using Twinkling H2Os.

I used the pop-up die on the inside of the card (the purple layer is the die cut)...

I placed the Wags 'n Whiskers Business Card in the place where the gift card would go. This would also be great for sending wallet photos of the kids for Christmas!!

The die is made to work with regular A2 size cards (5 1/2" x 4 1/4") however, I use 5 1/4" square cards. So I added some White cardstock behind the purple die cut card stock...which was also punched with a Martha Stewart border punch....to dress it up a bit and make it work with the larger size card. 

Here's a closer look...

Of course I didn't think of taking a photo at an angle!! I will take a side picture later and edit the post.

Now, how awesome is that?! My niece is turning 9. What 9 year old wouldn't love to see a gift card pop up out of a card??!!

I will actually be adding these to Stamp and Create. The dies require a 12x12 card stock, so I will have limited colors available until I can place an order for more paper.

Now, if you haven't already done so...go order yourWags 'n Whiskers stamps now!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!!

~Lacey

Family

Wow it has been a crazy few days! It's amazing how far behind you can get with you "play" for a few days instead of work! As I posted earlier, my mom and stepfather were in town from wednesday through sunday. We did so many fun things. While she was here, I had 3 large orders arrive so I have been trying to organize them in my "store" area.

I did get a birthday card made for my niece today, but I just finished it so I have to wait until tomorrow to take a photo in natural light.

So I am glad I had this project already made. I originally made it for the Scrap and Stamp Scrapbook Challenge last week (Thankful For...), but didn't get a photo taken until today. So I am glad it fits this week's challenge, too! This week's challenge is "Open"! Anything will work this week! Yeah!

I used some of my Basic Grey Scrapbook kit (which I just realized I never loaded into the store...doh...it's now been loaded)! I was going to have the stamping piece be my title...then I stamped it crooked so I had to cover it up! I printed it on the computer instead.

I used these scroll elements from a clear set from Inkadinkado called Bold Damask instead. I bought it on clearance at Walmart over the summer. I stamped it in Kiwi Kiss ink onto the Basic Grey paper.

The Basic Grey paper, Red Satin Ribbon, Christmas Tree charm, and Poinsettas are all part of the scrapbook kit available at Stamp and Create.

Here is a closer shot of the picture. This was taken almost 2 years ago and I am finally just adding it to a layout now! Man, am I behind! Well, I say that, but I have to confess that I have maybe 1 layout done from when the kids were infants...I am REALLY behind in my scrapbooking!!

The Wags 'n Whiskers Stamps will be shipping by the end of the week!! Yeah!! If you haven't already pre-ordered your stamps, you can still order them.

Don't forget that I offer free shipping for orders over $55.00 now! So this is huge savings if you want the "I want it all package" (I can only ship Wags 'n Whiskers to the US and Canada, but anything else in my store can be shipped anywhere)!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Free Shipping

The free shipping to the US for orders over $55.00 has been such a huge it, I have decided to offer it for international orders as well!

Place your order at Stamp and Create today!

~Lacey

Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps in Stock at Stamp and Create

I received my order of Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!! I have taken them off of pre-order and are available for immediate shipping. I received Crissy's Cuties including this adorable image...

And Kimmie's Everyday Sentiments - a sentiment for every occasion including:
" Oh no you didn't!"
" Yeah, Baby!"
"You Go Girl"
"Sweet"
so much fun...

Also, Cling Cushion Mounting Foam is also available. In my opinion, this is the best way to mount your bare rubber stamps. The cushion helps to give an even impression when stamping using an acrylic block. It is also easier to store your stamps without the bulky wood block. They are sold in sheets of 6" x 9" for only $2.80 US.

The Wags n' Whiskers stampsshould be shipping out shortly. If you want to add on any of the new items in the store and have a pre-order waiting to be shipped, please email me at LaceySoLiving@bellsouth.net and I will give you a code so that you do not get charged shipping for the add on.

Also, apparently I have had issues with both my email address and my paypal account. So if you are not able to complete your order, please email me at LaceySoLiving@bellsouth.net this is a different email address and is not experiencing problems.

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

Stampavie Stamps Have Arrived

The Stampavie Stamps have arrived at Stamp and Create. They are available for immediate shipping. I have taken them off preorder.

Dustin Pike Digital #2

My mom and step father are in town this weekend. They came for a short visit on Wednesday night when they got into town. Yesterday they came over for a few hours and my mom got to help me package up some goodies (*wink*) while we were talking and catching up.

Then today we spent the whole day together. Ansley had the day off from school today. So Ansley, Mom ("Grammie"), and I went shopping at the mall. Grammie told Ansley that she would buy her something at the mall...so Ansley chose Build-A-Bear Workshop. She has been driving me crazy about going to Build-A-Bear since we moved here (mainly because there is a store at the  entrance to the mall). I took some pictures, but I haven't had time to download them yet...but I will share them as soon as I can.

Anyway, when it was time to pick Ryan up from pre-school, we picked him up then headed to the Sawgrass Mills Mall (one of the largest outlet malls in the country I believe...seriously...I think it's like a mile long if you walk the whole mall).

There is an AWESOME attraction at the mall called "Wannado City"...you can do whatever you "wannado". The whole thing is set up with different "jobs". You can be a Vet, a fireman, perform in a circus, be a fashion model, dig up dinosaur bones, perform in a play, be an airline pilot, etc... You earn "money" for "working" which can be spent at the carnival...riding on rides.

It was soooo much fun. Again, I have pictures, but haven't been able to download them yet.

Last night my brother and his girlfriend came over for dinner along with Grammie so I am about beat!

But since we are going to be at a football game for most of the day on saturday, I wanted to get this posted. I may actually miss my High Hopes Challenge card for sunday :-(

This is the 2nd card I made for Dustin Pike's card drive...

I used another one of his free digi stamps colored with Twinkling H2Os.

I really need to get these in the mail! I am great about making cards, but horrible about mailing them!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Dustin Pike Card Drive

Do you know Dustin Pike? He has the most adorable digital images. My old printer didn't print digital images well so I never really got into digi stamps. But now I have a new Epson printer that claims to be "smudge proof". I don't use Copics, so I can't tell you how it works with markers, but it works great with watercoloring....which means I get to work with digital stamps now, too!!

Well, I saw on Dustin Pike's blog that he is holding a card drive for a local hospital. They will be selling the cards at a festival to raise money for the children's hospital.

Dustin offers free digital stamps on wednesdays...just to get you hooked on his work, I think...it may just work, too! I had such a great time creating a few cards to send to his card drive.

Today I am sharing my favorite one...

I don't know what it is about this card...maybe the colors?...of course it could just be the image...but I love it!! The image is soooo adorable! It's called Helping Hand! hehe Oh, this is an A2 size card (5 1/2" x 4 1/4").

The DP is from Cosmo Cricket, SU retired cardstock (Kiwi Kiss and Blue Bayou), Fiscars Threading Water border punch, a strip of Scoretape to hold the Red Ric Rac Ribbon (on sale in my store) that peeked out so I added some glitter, a Marvy punched snowflake, some red burlap thread, and some eyelets finish off the card.

I watercolored the image using Twinkling H2Os...

I also added some Crystal Effects to the ground to add more glitter (the crystal effects is thick so the glitter sticks out). And I added some Liquid Applique to the pom poms on their hats.

Dustin Pike is offering some blog candy for a groups of 5-6 cards that are submitted by the end of the month.

I have another card to share, but will do that another day. I may have to add some of my other cards to send since I am not sure I can get 5 new ones done in time...But believe me, I have PLENTY of cards on hand!!

Don't forget the Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps are currently on Pre-order. In addition, I have a bunch of Stampavie stamps on their way! So I added them as a pre-order as well. I am hoping they will be here by the end of the week, but I made them a pre-order just in case they take a little longer to get here.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Free US Shipping and More at Stamp and Create

I have decided to offer Free Shipping on orders of $55.00 or more for delivery within the US!!!

I am slowly starting to add more items to the store.

Many Stampavie stamps are on their way to Stamp and Create. I have added them into the store as a pre-order, but I am hoping they will arrive within the week so that they can ship out very soon.

Sarah Kay

Rachelle Anne Miller

Gillian F Roberts

Helz Cuppleditch

High Hopes stamps are at a new low price to be competitive with other US distributors.

And there is new Ribbon is in the store...

If you already have an order of Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps on pre-order through my store and would like to add on any new items, please email me at LaceyStephens@stampandcreate.com and I will send you a discount code for free shipping on your add-on.

Happy Stamping!

PS This is my 2nd post of the day. Scroll down to check out my Birthday Card for Ryan using one of HIS stamps...Ride 'em Ryan!

~Lacey

Ride 'em Birthday Boy!

I made this card for Ryan for his birthday this weekend. Last week I showed you Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps "Ride 'em Ryan" as a Christmas card...today I am showing you a Birthday card using the same image...

I love this image because it really is very versatile for different occassions.

I used some MME DP, Chocolate Chip and Creamy Caramel CS, some Brown Gingham ribbon from my store (which is currently on sale), some Natural twine, 1" circle punch, and a PTI button (I love their buttons!).

The sketch is for Friday Sketchers this week.

Here's a close up of Ryan...

This is a quick post. As I mentioned earlier, this is a very busy week for me. Today we are headed to the doctor for the kids annual physical. I hate to say that I think Ryan will get a shot. Don't they have a shot they get before kindergarten, when they are 5? He is NOT going to like that. I will have to bribe him with something I am sure!

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

And I have a sale right now on most of the Autumn/Fall items and discounted everyday low price for High Hopes Rubber Stamps.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

My birthday boy!

First off I have to say that I have a VERY busy week planned! Monday - replacing the Air Conditioning unit. Wednesday - furniture delivery for the livingroom (now that we have a formal living room again, we need furniture to fill it)!. On Thursday, my mom and step father will be in town through Sunday. We are going to the University of Miami vs Clemson University football game on saturday plus visiting some family.

And then I just found out that my Aunt is having surgery on thursday for either Ovarian or Uterine cancer that they just found out about! I'm not sure which one, my uncle's email mentioned both. Please keep her in your prayers!

Anyway, onto my project today...

As I mentioned, yesterday was my son's 5th birthday! I can't believe my baby is FIVE!! Where does the time go?

So, since I made a birthday countdown calender for my daughter (here), he wanted one, too!

I made this one for him earlier in the month using one of "his" stamps! This is Super Ryan illustrated by Crissy Armstrong for Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps. I created the calender on the computer and added some punched stars and Papertrey Ink buttons. The DP is My Mind's Eye "boy" pack. The Black Ric Rak is from my store.

Now that his countdown is over, I will remove the elements and recycle them into a card or scrapbook page.

This project fits the ABC Challenge this week..."F - Flying"! Ok, so maybe he can't really fly...but he can pretend to, right?! LOL

Here's a few pictures from his birthday party on saturday. We had it at a bounce house place. It was great, really clean, and the kids had a ton of fun!

Ryan getting ready to slide down one of the huge slides.

Check out this huge inflatable chair!! Ryan is standing on it (yes, that is the table at his feet...that shows how huge it is). I added the signature over the girl's face because I couldn't figure out how to use the "blur" tool in Photoshop.

Blowing out the candles on his Hot Wheels cake (he picked it out just so he could have that car on top!

Only one of the few shots of Ansley at the party. I had to crop this one to get the other kids out of the shot.

Anyway, it was a very fun birthday party. 

I have a bunch of new stamps on their way to my store Stamp and Create. And don't forget about the Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps pre-order.

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

New Ribbon in stock

A new order of ribbon has arrived at Stamp and Create.

I have restocked the Black and Dark Brown Ruffle Ribbon as well as adding a few new colors...

There are a few new ribbons in the Christmas Shop as well...

And this new ribbon would look adorable on a carding using one of the new Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps that are currently on preorder...

I also have some new twill ribbon as well...

In addition, I have some new charms and stamps on order. If you have already placed a Wags 'n Whiskers Pre-Order and would like to add any new items to your order to ship when the stamps arrive, email me at LaceyStephens@stampandcreate.com and I will send you a code for free shipping - that way you don't get charged shipping for your add-on. This is only for customers who have already placed a pre-order and would like to add to their order.

Speaking of Wags 'n Whiskers preorder, have you see some of the new cards the Design Team have created? Check out the blog post here.

~Lacey Stephens

Ride 'em Ryan

Ansley finally went back to school yesterday after missing 3 days. She still has a bit of a cough, but she felt well enough to make it through the day. So hopefully she is on the mend and Ryan and I don't get the cold (Scott had it first).

Here is a card I created for the Get Sketchy challenge this week. A sketch (of course) with an added bonus of watercoloring....I always watercolor, so that was an easy one for me!

This is Ride 'em Ryan illustrated by Crissy Armstrong for Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps. The little guy in this image is my son Ryan. He is a happy little boy on Christmas morning!

My husband was actually the one who came up with the idea for this design. We wanted a boy image that could be used for either a Christmas card or a Birthday card. What is better to a little boy on Christmas morning than a rocking horse?!

But I think this image would be adorable for a little boy's birthday card. Or a scrapbook page (I actually have a ton of pictures this image would work with). Or even a card for a new baby boy!

Here's a close up of Ryan...

Don't forget BoBo's there too! BoBo, Ryan's dog blanket, was actually a Christmas gift to Ryan from his Aunt and Uncle on his 1st Christmas...he was only 2 months old. When Ryan was only a few months old, he found BoBo in his crib and hasn't let go since! I tried to find a picture of Ryan with BoBo on his first Christmas, but I couldn't find it.

I used some of the Basic Grey Figgy Pudding DP and supplies that will be avaiable as both a Scrapbook Kit and a Card Kit at Stamp and Create shortly.

Ride 'em Ryan and the rest of the images from the Wags 'n Whiskers First Release are currently available for preorder now.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Ansley's Surprise

I have a combo challenge today. It seems like ages since I was able to participate with one of the Truly Scrumptious challenges! I really liked the recent layout. And this is also for Cute Card Thursday which is "charms"!! I love using charms on cards.

Here's the sketch...

 
Here is my take on the sketch...

 
I used one of my new Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps image that was released for pre-order last week. This is Ansley's Surprise.

This image was illustrated by Crissy Armstrong for Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps featuring my daughter Ansley and our little dog Princess. We have designed this image to be used for multiple purposes, including Christmas or Birthday cards.

I used some Basic Grey Figgy Pudding Designer Paper that will be available at Stamp and Create in both a Scrapbook Kit and a Card Kit soon.

I colored Ansley with Twinkling H2Os....

 
I added some stickles around the card, on the brads, and on her headband.

Other elements on this card include: SU Word Window Punch, label punch, and 1" circle punch, punched snowflakes and snowflake charm, and Flower Spacers and Christmas Tree Charm available at Stamp and Create.

Speaking of Ansley, she is still home sick today. Her cough is still pretty bad, but I think she is feeling better. She did not have a fever this morning. I am crossing my figures that she is feeling better this afternoon and that she will be able to get back to school. She has already missed 3 days.

Don't forget that this image, as well as the rest of the Wags 'n Whiskers 1st Release is available for pre-order here.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Blog Candy winners

Wow! I am still trying to recover from all of last week's activities! I am so thrilled that everyone seemed to enjoy the Wags 'n Whiskers Blog Hop on Friday. I sure had fun! And I am so excited about the pre-orders that have already come it! I can't wait to be able to ship them out as soon as they arrive.

But in addition to all of the blog hop activity, I have had a sick kid with me since thursday! Actually, thursday ended up not being sick at all...Ryan apparently got bit by some bugs or something (still don't know what they were), but we were a little scared that they might be the chicken pox! We went to the doctor and he said they were just bites. So he basically got to stay home for 2 days for no reason...luck him!

Unfortunately, while we were at the doctor, Ansley started complaining about a headache. When they took her temp, she had a fever! Saturday she was just a little tired, with a little cough, and a low fever that would go away with tylenol. So she still went to Hockey game with Scott on Saturday night. Then on Sunday, she just felt misserable...horrible cough, headache, and more lowgrade fever.

Last night she woke up with a bloody nose. Of course, she had to stay home from school today since she had a fever yesterday. But she woke up with no fever...just a horrible cough. Later in the afternoon, she had a 100.1 fever again so I took her back to the doctor. Well...she has the croup! He put her on a steriod so hopefully she will be feeling better soon...actually she seems to feel fine except for the horrible cough.

Anyway...I've been a little busy this weekend...to say the least! I wasn't able to anything crafty done today. Hopefully I will tomorrow.

But I did want to share the winners of my blog candies...

1. Blop Hop Candy for "Zoe and Gemma's Snow Fun" is:

Alison @  http://www.stretchnbubbles.blogspot.com/ 

2. $20 Stamp and Create gift certificate for spreading the word is:

Yolanda Rodriguez (no blog)

Congrats ladies. Please contact me with your mailing address and I will get these out to you!

Hopefully I will have something crafty to share tomorrow!

Don't forget that you can pre-order the Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps here.

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

Wags 'n Whiskers Stamps are now available for pre-order

The Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps have been added to the store. To pre-order your stamps, click here.

I am also offering an "I want it all" Package...

 
Receive all 9 stamps for only $70. That's a savings over over 17%.

If you are here for the blog hop, scroll down to the next post.

~Lacey

Wags 'n Whiskers Blog Hop and Release Day!!

I can not believe this day is finally here! Although it was actually only a few months ago that my partner Nikki and I even talked about going into business together...but at the same time it feels like FOREVER!!

Today is the day! Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps is having our very first Blop Hop and release!!!

You should have come here from Mina's blog. If you didn't, you may want to start at the VERY begining! There is blog candy on each blog, so you don't want to miss anyone!!

First my project...Snowman Soup!

I made this box using my tutorial here. The adorable image is called Zoe and Gemma's Snow Fun. Zoe is Nikki's oldest daughter with her "fat cat" Gemma. Last year it snowed in England and Zoe, her sister Danni, and their cat Gemma had fun playing in the snow! Since I am from Florida, we have to travel to see snow :-( Here's an interesting fact...it snowed in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida when I was in Kindergarten!! I actually still remember it!! Of course it melted before it even hit the ground! So, technically, the first time I ever saw "real" snow, was when I was 19 years old and I went skiing in W. Virginia.

Back to my project...Here's a few different angles...

Here's a close up of the front which uses this week's SCS sketch SC249...

 
And a close up of the image...

 
I used Liquid Applique on the pompoms on their hats, and some Martha Stewart chunky glitter for snow...look...it's snowing still!!

I used one of my snowflake charms and spacers on the snowflake. The DP is some Basic Grey Figgy Pudding that will be available as another card kit soon at Stamp and Create.

So what's on the inside of the bag?...

Why Snowman Soup of course (Hot Chocolate, Marshmellows, and pepermint candies). I created the bag topper for the candies using some Basic Grey paper die cut with the SU Top Note Die. I added a snowflake and another brad....easy peasy!

Ok. Now onto the prize!! I am giving away "Zoe and Gemma's Snow Fun"!! Pease leave a comment on this post in order to be entered into the drawing. The blog candy ends tonight at midnight EST/5:00amGMT.

The entire release will be available for pre-order today at 7:00amEST/noonGMT. Links to where you can purchase the stamps are on the Wags 'n Whiskers Blog. I will link it here after they go live.

Don't forget that I actually have more blog candy here.

Now it is time to go see Kristine!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Day 2 of the Wags 'n Whiskers Sneak Peeks

Sooo??? What do you think so far? Did you have the chance to look at the design diva's sneak peeks yesterday? I am just amazed at what they did!

Let me tell you...I am having so much fun! I can hardly wait for tomorrow!!

Today I get to share another sneak peek with you...But instead of a card, I went with a scrapbook page instead. I mentioned yesterday that one of the ideas behind the images are actually for scrapbook layouts. I am way too behind in my scrapbooking..maybe if the images where actually of my kids, I will be able to get more pages done!!

So, here is my project today...

 
I am so happy with how this turned out. You can click on the pictures for a larger view. I used 3 challenges as a starting point...Stamp and Scrap Challenge to "use a quote", Devine Design (to use scripture) and Friday Sketcher sketch this week (when I saw the layout, it reminded me of a scrapbook page...I changed the image layout to go sideways and used a strip of photos instead of 1 image...oh, and I moved the background layer to the right).

The image I used is called Angel Whispers designed by Crissy Armstrong for Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps. It features my 7 year old daughter Ansley with our dog Princess. Princess is a 2 year old Yorkie/Silkie who is just over 5 pounds...yes, she is full grown.

 
The inspiration of this image is a trip to a Butterfly exhibit that the kids and I visited this summer. It was so amazing to walk into a garden aviary with butterflies flying everywhere! Occassionally one would let you touch it, and on rare occasions, they would land on you! There were these White Morpho Butterflies that were huge! They flew around together in groups of 2 or 3. They were almost completely white. And when they flew together, I thought they looked like angel's dancing!

You will notice that each image of Ansley features her as an angel. When she was a baby I would either call her my Princess or my Angel. Well, when we got our dog and named her Princess, it got too confusing when I would call Ansley "Princess"...so now she is my Angel (my gift from God)!!

So, there's a little background about the inspiration for the image and the name.

Onto the layout...

I knew I wanted to use Angel Whispers for the layout so I went in search of pictures and a bible verse (my favorite form of a quote for the Stamp and Scrap part of the challenge). I found this great bible verse...which was also perfect for the pictures I had on hand...

 
"Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings" Psalms 17:8 NIV

The photos were actually taken 2 years ago right before Ansley turned 5. I remember when I got the photos, my mind raced 10 years...I could almost see her as a teenager! My baby was growing up right before my eyes.

Here is the journaling for the page...

It says... 

"Ansley, you make me so proud.

I watch you grow right in front of me.

You are the apple of my eye

and I just want to hide you in the shadow of my protection.

But although I would love to protect you from everything,

I am but a human...only your mother.

So, my dear Angel,

I pray that you seek out the only shelter of true protection...

In the shadow of God's wings!"

Here's a close up of the photos. I still can't believe she was only 4 when these were taken!!

 
For a little embellishment, I created a double layered butterfly out of the backside of the Cosmo Cricket paper (this is the backside of the polkadot layer)....

 
I die cut the butterflies from the SU die. I pierced holes and handstitched some embroidery floss to create a flight path. I added some rhinestones for the body.

This page makes me very happy!! And I am still in awe of Crissy Armstrong's illustration of my daughter!!

Don't forget that tomorrow will be the official BLOG HOP and RELEASE DAY!!! Yeah!! Start the blog hop on the Wags 'n Whiskers Blog. There will be giveaways at each stop along the hop! When you are done, you will head back to the Wags 'n Whisker Blog where there will be a giveaway of the WHOLE RELEASE and there will be links to where you can purchase the stamps (after 7am EST).

But today, there are more sneak peeks on the Design Diva's blogs! Links are listed below.

Don't forget about my blog candy here.

And don't forget that today is the last day for the 20% off of your first order at Stamp and Create!! You must enter discount code WELCOME at check out to receive your discount.

Inge Groot

Kristine Moldenhauer Biseth

Danielle Kennedy

Karen Goguen

Jacqui Dennis

Tina

Jeanette Comerford

Niki Estes

Nikki Fairbairn - Co-Owner of Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps

Denise Sanchez - Guest Diva

Mina Hartley- Special Guest

Debbie Eastman- Special Guest

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Let it begin!!! Wags 'n Whiskers Sneak Peek Day 1...

Oh I can hardly contain myself! For the past two months I have been waiting (not so) patiently...trying to be quiet about it all...but now I get to scream my excitement!! As "Rhino" from Disney's movie Bolt says...."let it begin...let it begin"!!!

Today is Day 1 of the Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps Sneak Peeks. The design divas have some wonderful creations for you today! If you haven't already been to their blogs yet, I will have links at the bottom of the post.

In the mean time, here is a project I made using one of the images featuring my VERY active 4 (almost 5...in less than 2 weeks) son Ryan!

 
This image is called "Super Ryan" designed by Crissy Armstrong for Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps!! The image features Ryan's trusty dog blanket "BoBo" (pronounced Bow-bow like a hair "bow" with a "long o", not boo boo). Ryan sleeps with BoBo every night...but he's not allowed to take him out of the house...ok, the car...sometimes he makes it into the car! Here's a picture of Ryan (in PJs with BoBo).

 
I know that stamping for girls is something easy to do...but boys?!...they are not so easy, huh?!

When determining the ideas for the Ryan images, we tried to think about what the images will be used for. Scrapbooking is high on my priority for these images...but so is party invitations and gifts. So, as soon as I saw Lauren Meader's backpack she created for her son, I knew I wanted to case her idea (using her template of course) to create a birthday gift set.

 
I am actually thinking of using these to hold the party favors for Ryan's birthday party...but it is less than 2 weeks away, so I don't know if I will get that many done.

Anyway, I used Lauren's backpack as a guide, but just added Super Ryan to the front.

Here's a few different angles...

 And the back...isn't that adorable?!

I needed a card to match....

I used the same Designer Paper (My Mind's Eye "Completely Boy"), a punched star, a PTI button, and a computer generated sentiment punched out with the SU oval punch.

Here's a closer view of Super Ryan!!

 
I remember my brother running around the house playing Superman...he's 30 now so it's funny how my brother and my son both can play the same character 25 years apart!!

We initially designed Ryan to be wearing PJs...because typically that is what Ryan would prefer to wear!! There are days where he gets out of one set of PJs just to put another set on!!

But I think Crissy Armstrong did a fantastic job with the design so that it can either look like PJs or just a short and top set!

Funny story...when we first started talking about "turning the kids into stamp images", Ryan didn't want to have anything to do with it! I thought he was just being shy. But the day we received the first draft of this image, Ryan had a huge smile on his face! I said "I thought you didn't want to be in a stamp" and he responded..."I thought you would actually TURN me into a stamp!! LOL Oh I do forget sometimes how LITERALLY a 4 year old thinks!!! He's fine with it now I think ;-)

All of the images in the sneak peeks on the Design Diva's blogs will be available for pre-sale on Friday.

We will have another sneak peek tomorrow.

Then on friday, we will have a blog hop with lots of prizes along the way, and you will be able to pre-order the images!! I can't wait!!

Oh, don't forget about my blog candy here!

But now, make sure to check out the other diva's projects...

Inge Groot

Kristine Moldenhauer Biseth

Danielle Kennedy

Karen Goguen

Jacqui Dennis

Tina

Jeanette Comerford

Niki Estes

Nikki Fairbairn - Co-Owner of Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps

Denise Sanchez - Guest Diva

Mina Hartley- Special Guest

Debbie Eastman- Special Guest

~Lacey

Blog Candy!!

This candy is now closed...the winner is: Yolanda Rodriguez.

In honor of all of my dreams coming true (at least stamping dreams ;-) with opening my own on-line stamp store, co-owning my own line of stamps, and getting to meet so many wonderful stampers in blog land.I think it's time to celebrate!!

 
I have a $20 Gift Certificate towards anything in the Stamp and Create store!!

In order to enter this drawing...

1. become a follower or subscribe to email updates (link in the sidebar...just enter your email address)

2. Spread the word! If you have a blog, post my candy in your sidebar. If you don't have a blog...tell your stamping friends!

If I get more than 100 entries, I will add something else to the pot!

The candy will end at midnight on Sunday, October 11th (EST). I will announce the winner on Monday, Oct 12th.

Thank you all so much for coming here and visiting me! You have no idea how much you guys mean to me!!

~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

World Card Making Day...For the Dogs!

 
I hope you are enjoying World Card Making Day Blog Hop today!! Wow! There are so many bloggers on the hop!

This is my 2nd post today. So make sure to scroll down to see my other post regarding the Wags 'n Whiskers Design Team.

I have a tutorial to share with you. But if you don't have time to check out the tutorial, just subscribe for email feeds or become a follower of my blog and come back later when you have more time.

In the mean time, here is my gift set...

 
I needed a thank you gift to give my sister-in-law for watching my dog while we were out of town. I wanted to give her a cute box to hold some dog treats for her own dogs. I think this is much nicer than having a store bought box sitting on your counter, right?!

The image on the box is actually the logo for my new stamp company Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps. This image will be released along with 8 other images on Friday, October 9th. We have a blog hop scheduled on the 9th with lots of prizes along the way. The stamps will be available in the US and Canada at my store Stamp and Create and they will be available in Europe and "the rest of the world" at my partner's store Bunny Zoe's Crafts.

 
 
Oh, the box is one that I created for this post, but haven't had a chance to create the tutorial I promised until now.

Onto the Tutorial...

Supplies needed:

~ 10 3/4" x 5 1/4" cardstock (for the bottom and 2 sides)

~ TWO 7 1/4" x 3 3/4" pieces of cardstock (for 2 sides)

~ 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" Cardstock (for the lid)

~ FOUR 2 1/2" x 5" Designer Paper (optional - to decorate the outside of the box - you can stamp on the box as well or leave it plain)

~ 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" Desiger Paper (optional - or background cardstock to decorate the top of the box)

~ Ribbon or other embellishments

 
1. Take the 10 3/4" x 5 1/4" cardstock and score the two long ends 2 3/4" from the sides...

2. Take the 7 1/4" x 3 3/4" pieces and score along 3 sides 1" from the sides...

3. Cut along the solid lines (see template)...

 
4 Fold along all of the scored lines.

5. Attach strong adhesive (I used Score Tape), on the outside of the sides and along the bottom of the 7 1/4" x 3 3/4" pieces...

6. Line up the bottom of the side pieces with the open side of the larger piece to create the box...

 
7. If you would like a more finished look to the inside of the box, take a piece of 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" cardstock and tape to the bottom of the box (optional).

8. Take your 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" piece and score along all 4 sides at 1 1/2" in...

9. If you would like a decorative edge on the lid, go ahead and cut that now. Then cut along the solid lines (see template) and attach strong adhesive on the flaps...

10. Assemble the lid...

11. Decorate the box!

Make sure to stop by later this week as there will be more information shared about the Wags 'n Whiskers Design Team! And I hope you will come back on the 9th for our Release!!

But don't forget about the blog candy!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Stamps: Wags 'n Whiskers Furry Friends, Thank you sentiment (retired SU)

Paper: SU Chocolate Chip CS, DCWV Pets DP, Watercolor paper

Ink: Twinkling H2Os using a Blender Pen

Other: Dark Brown Ruffle Ribbon, PTI Button, EK Success Border Punch, Nestability Circle and Scalloped Circle, Rhinestones (on the card-can't remember where I got these), Brads, Spacers.

Wags 'n Whiskers Day 3

Are you as excited about Niki and Inge being on our design team as much as we are?! If you haven't already, make sure you stop by their blogs and give them a warm welcome.

Today we have 2 posts for you both here and on the Wags 'n Whiskers Blog.

Why don't you head on over to meet 2 more of our Design Divas!

And while you are there, make sure to look out for the World Card Making Day post! I have created a cute container using the image on our logo (which is called Furry Friends).

But before you go, I just have to say that I love the ability to schedule posts! Although I am so excited about World Card Making Day, I am actually in Orlando right now at Disney's Epcot with my husband and some friends from our old neighborhood! We are meeting up for the International Food and Wine Festival!! At least I am sticking to the "International" theme this weekend!!LOL The kids are spending some time with their cousin...while Scott and I get a much needed break to just enjoy each other (and friends)!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Wags 'n Whiskers Day 2

Wow...this week has been a whirl-wind with everything that needed to get done before our big announcement of Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps!!

Nikki and I have been so busy taking care of all of the details. And one thing that we knew we needed was a STRONG Design Team spanning all over the world! We are so happy with how out team turned out!

So over the next few days, we will introduce you to the Design Divas. Go on over to the Wags 'n Whiskers Blog to see who is joining us today!!

But before you go...

I know it was mentioned on the Wags 'n Whiskers Blog, but I don't think I mentioned it here...Sneak Peeks of our images will start on October 7th. The Design Team will be showing a few of the designs on October 7th and 8th.

Then on October 9th, there will be a huge Blog Hop! There will be lots of Blog Candy along the hop and a huge blog candy on the Wags 'n Whiskers blog.

But the best part will be that the stamps will be available for pre-order on October 9th!!

So make sure to grab our blinkie or side banner, post about our company on our blog, become a follower of the Wags 'n Whiskers Blog and you will be entered into a drawing for the COMPLETE RELEASE!! Details about the candy are here.

You also might want to make sure you are a follower of my blog (or subscribe to posts) because there may just be even more prizes being given away here soon!! (*wink*)!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!!...now go see who is on our design team!!

~Lacey