FTHS August Blog Hop

Good morning; it's time for From the Heart Stamps August Blog Hop!  Our theme is "Use Your Stash"; sounds fun, right?!

As you hop along, please leave a comment on each entry.  One random commentor will be selected on each blog to win an image of choice from the FTHS Store.  Plus, one lucky commentor on the FTHS Blog has a chance to win a $15 voucher!

If you have arrived from From the Heart Stamps you are in the right place, if not why don't you start there so that you don't miss anything?

I've used Party Hat Birdbrain; she's colored with pencils and accented with glitter.  Don't you just love the look on her face?  She's a hoot!  I've done some simple layering and embellished with a twine/button combo.  

Old Stash: Twine, Buttons
New Stash: Doodlebug Paper, Gina Marie Designs Die (I love how the x's coordinate with the twine/button.)

Here's a close-up:

Image: From the Heart Stamps "Party Hat Birdbrain" Digital Set
Ink: Printer
Paper: B.P. 110 CS, PTI Harvest Gold CS, SU! Pink Passion CS, Doodlebug Patterned Paper
Embellies: Martha Stewart Crystal Fine Glitter, Doodlebug Button, Divine Twine
Extras: Prismas/Goo Gone, Gina Marie Designs Die (circle), Spellbinders Nestabilities, Foam Tape

Now head on over to Brenda's Blog to see her fabulous creation!

Thanks for hopping along with us today; the hop will end on Sunday, August 7th at 6:00 a.m. EST.  Winners will be posted at From the Heart Stamps on Wednesday, June 10th.

Challenges entered:

4 Crafty Chicks: Favorite Designer (Doodlebug patterned paper because the it makes me smile!  Plus, I love the color palettes and the coordinating extras like buttons, enamel dots, etc.)
Hannah and Friends: Animals
Hand Stamped Sentiments: Sketch #243

Tuesday Throwdown: Happy Birthday
Watercooler Wednesday: Jean's "B" Theme Challenge (bird, birthday, balloons, button, banner)

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Nerd Boy Balloon

Good morning and Happy Memorial Day!  In addition to remembering your loved ones, I hope you are able to celebrate the holiday with family and friends.  We have a new sketch for you at From the Heart Stamps, along with a new twist "Show Off Your Coloring Skills"; here's the sketch:

I would have done a 1 layer card with a colored image in the right lower corner, but since I'm without a printer right now (thank goodness for the printing service at the library!) I had to improvise and make use of the images I have printed and waiting to be colored.  I have several printed on a page and I would have needed to pre-plan the layout, so I did the next best thing...cut a hole so I could slip my image between the layers and let it peek out.  It worked!  Faith's adorable new image is colored with pencils and I've added some Glossy Accents to his glasses...I really do need to remember to use this more often...love the raised shine!  I've embellished with banners, a button, and some twine.  Here's a close-up:

Image: From the Heart Stamps "Nerd Boy Balloon" Digital Set
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI Stamper's Select CS, Simple Stories Patterned Paper
Embellie: Ranger Glossy Accents, PTI Button, Divine Twine
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Lawn Fawn Dies

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here, along with the challenge details.  We do hope you will play along!

Challenges entered:

Cards and More: Let's Use Lots of Color
Jo's Scrap Shack: Anything Goes
Pile It On: Tic Tac Toe (plus at lease 1 other challenge)
Tuesday Throwdown: For a Child

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Instant witch...

Good morning!  It's ABC Monday at Catch the Bug; for my "anything but a card" I made a treat container.  I actually had planned to make some treat packaging for my kids, but when I saw this fun image, already printed, and laying on my table I switched my plan.  Gotta love Stella!  And her sass!

The image is colored with pencils and I've accented the green brew, the star, and her purple eyelids with glitter.  I matted the image and adhered it to a basic tag; the sentiment is also a tag and I've tied it all to the container with twine and a button.  The container is covered with patterned paper held in place with a strip of double stick tape; I've filled it with iridescent shred and it's the perfect size for some instant coffee treats.  Voila'!  Cute packaging that's quick and easy!

Image/Sentiment: Bugaboo Stella Witch-Instant Witch Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110, PTI Orange Zest and True Black, Carolee's Creations
Embellies: Divine Twine, PTI Button
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Fiskars Circle Punch, Crystal Light Container, Packaging Shred

Please take a peek at the other DT's ABC creations here.  Remember that Fall/Halloween images are 25% off through October 31st!

Thanks for stopping by!

Angela

Sketch Saturday #382

Good morning!  We have a new sketch for you at Sketch Saturday; Simon Says Stamp is sponsoring this week.  One lucky player will win $25 to spend in the store!  Here's this week's sketch:

I combined this challenge with Catch the Bug's "Fall" theme challenge.  I colored Edward to coordinate with this pretty patterned paper...I like that the leaves aren't tradition fall colors, it's a nice little twist!  I embossed the blue panel with a wood grain texture, added a sentiment from Stampendous and a bit of twine.

Image: Bugaboo "Edward-Fall Pumpkins" Digital Image
Sentiment: Stampendous
Ink: Printer, Memento Tuxedo Black, Sakura Black Gel Pen
Paper: G.P. 110, PTI Orange Zest, SU! Island Indigo, Carta Bella Patterned Paper
Embellie: Divine Twine
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Tim Holtz Embossing Folder, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Foam Tape

Please check out the rest of the Saturday Girl's creations here, along with the challenge details.

Please check out the rest of the Bugaboo DT's creations here, along with the challenge details.  Halloween and Fall images are 25% off through October 31st, so this is the perfect time to pick up those images on your wish list!

Challenges entered:

Chocolate, Coffee, and Cards: Animals
C.R.A.F.T.: Autumn/Halloween/ Thanksgiving/Bonfire Night
Crafting By Designs: All About Autumn
Crafty Catz: Embossing
Mod Squad Challenge Blog: Get Your "Fall" On
Time Out Challenges: "Autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile."

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Edward USA

Good morning!  It's Oldie But a Goodie Day at Catch the Bug, so I pulled out this fun Edward image and my patriotic papers.  I used both a marker and pencils to color the image, then added some glitter to the stars.  I've embellished simply with twine and a button.

Image: Bugaboo "Edward USA" Digital Image
Ink: Printer, Sakura Black Gel Pen
Paper: G.P. 110, PTI Stamper's Select and Pure Poppy, Doodlebug Patterned Paper
Embellies: PTI Baker's Twine and Button in "Pure Poppy", Martha Stewart "Sugar Cube" Glitter
Extras: Spectrum Marker, Prismas/Goo Gone, Foam Tape

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here...they are sure to inspire you!

Challenge entered:

Sunday Stamps: Sketch

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

FTHS February Blog Hop

Good morning!  Welcome to our From the Heart Stamps February Blog Hop; our theme this month is "Love is in the Air"...hop along for some fabulous inspiration from the DT!

As you hop along, please leave a comment on each entry.  One random commentor will be selected on each blog to win an image of choice from the store.  In addition, one commentor on the From the Heart Stamps blog will win a $15 gift voucher to the store!  

If you have arrived from our Guest Designer Debbie's blog, you are in the right place!  My card today features Balancing Hearts/Balancing Hearts Sentiments.  I love the simplicity of this image.  I had originally planned to do some paper piecing, but decided to go with colored pencils and glitter instead.  I went super clean and simple...lots of white space and simple embellishing with a sentiment and twine.

Image: From the Heart Stamps "Balancing Hearts" Digital Image
Sentiment: From the Heat Stamps "Balancing Hearts Sentiments"
Ink: Printer
Embellies: Martha Stewart "Sugar Cube" Glitter, Divine Twine
Extras: Prismas/Goo Gone

Now head on over to Imke's blog to see her fabulous creation!

Thanks for hopping with us today; the hop will end on Monday, February 9th at 6:00 a.m. EST.  Winners will be posted, on the From the Heart Stamps blog, on Wednesday, February 11th.

Thanks for hopping along!

Angela

Cotton Candy Ants

Good morning!  It's release day at Doodle Pantry today and I'm working with the adorable set, Cotton Candy Ants, that is free with purchase from February 3-25.  How is that for a great deal?!

The set has line art, pre-colored images, sentiments, plain, and patterned papers.  I used a pre-colored digi and added some glitter to the cotton candy.  The sketch is from Retro Sketches and I've embellished simply with twine and Swarovski flatback crystals.

Image/Sentiment: Doodle Pantry "Cotton Candy Ants" Digital Set
Ink: Printer
Paper: PTI Stamper's Select and True Black, Echo Park Patterned Paper
Embellies: Martha Stewart "Sugar Cube" Glitter, Swarovski Flatback Crystals in "Jet", Divine Twine
Extras: Spellbinders Nestabilities

Please check out the rest of the Creative Teams creations here, along with details about today's release and free with purchase set.

Challenges entered:

My Time to Craft: Bugs and Insects
Retro Sketches: Sketch #151

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

One-of-a-Kind

Good morning!  I have a card using FTHS Sketch #89 to share.  This week I even incorporated the twist and the inspiration photo...that is a first for me!  Here's the sketch and inspiration board:

The cupcake is colored with pencils, fussy cut, applied to the tag, and topped with the snowflake which is popped up.  I've added some ribbon, twine, and mini brads for embellishing.  I also added a larger layered snowflake to the inside.

Image: FTHS "Hamlet Pigwit Pig Out" Digital Stamp
Sentiment: FTHS "Friendship" Digital Stamp
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110, SU! Tempting Turquoise, PTI Vintage Cream and Dark Chocolate, Doodlebug Sugar Coated CS, Reminisce Patterned Paper
Embellies: Spare Parts Mini Brads, Divine Twine, Ribbon (stash)
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, MFT "Let it Snow" Die-namics, Spellbinders Snowflake Die, PTI Tag Die, Foam Tape

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here.  We'd love to have you play along with us using a From the Heart Stamps image; remember, all participants will receive $1 to Faith's shop!  Sounds good, right?  I can't wait to see your take on the sketch...the twist and inspiration photo are optional.

Challenges entered:

Challenge Up Your Life: Turquoise and Brown
Dream Valley Challenges: True Blue
Just Inspirational Challenges: Snowflakes
Order of the Opus Gluei: Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Thanks for stopping by!

Angela

Good Luck

Good morning, Tuesday Morning Sketch fans!  We have a new sketch for you, along with a twist..."3 B's"...that's right, we would like to see items starting with "B".  Our sponsor for this challenge is one of my favorites...Bugaboo!  Sounds like fun, right?  Let's get to it!

Here is the sketch we are working with today:

I've chosen Sock Monkey-March-Good Luck...I love the cheeky grin!  The monkey is colored with pencils and the shamrock is coated with fine, subtle glitter...wish you could see it, it has wonderful sparkle!.  For my "3 B's" I've chosen black, buttons, bow.

Image: Bugaboo Sock Monkey-March-Good Luck Digital Image
Ink: Printer, Sakura Black Gel Pen
Paper: G.P. 110, PTI New Leaf and True Black, Reminisce DP
Embellies: Martha Stewart Crystal Fine Glitter, PTI Buttons in "True Black" and "Pinefeather", Devine Twine In "Black Licorice", SU! Black Grosgrain Ribbon
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Foam Tape

You can check out the rest of the DT's creations here...play along to win free digis from Bugaboo!  Remember, to win you must use the twist!

I am also entering my card in the following challenges:

Brown Sugar: Make it Sparkle
Crafty Boots: Green
Digi Makeover Challenge: Buttons
My Craft Spot: Cute Critters
Really Reasonable Ribbon: Show Me the Green and the Ribbon
Savvy Handmade Cards: Going Green

The Corrosive Challenges: Animals
The Pink Elephant: Photo Inspiration

The Ribbon Girl: Animals

Thanks for stopping by!

Angela

Dear friend

Good morning!  I'm have a card and some exciting news from Clearly Digi Stamps...not only is today a new release, but it also opening day of the new store!  Woo hoo...I can't wait to check it out!  I hope you will check it out too, along with the new creations the DT have designed to inspire you.

Today I am working with a new set called Coffee Cup Greetings.  The set includes line art, pre-colored images, sentiments, and DP.  I used a line art image, as I thought this cup would be so fun to paper piece....  It was too...no tricky detail cutting!  Love that!  I pulled out some papers that I thought coordinated perfectly and I also used some bling from my stash that I have been hoarding.  Sometimes I really have a hard time using the stuff that is "extra pretty"!  Does anyone else have that problem?  I simply had to make myself do it!  (I even used one of the gems on the sentiment...to "dot" the "i".)  The sentiment is tied onto the cup handle with twine.

For the next month, Clearly Digi Stamps will be giving away free digis on Thursdays and Sundays.  Click here to see the current offering!

Image/Sentiment: Clearly Digi Stamps "Coffee Cup Greetings"
Ink: Printer, SU! Black Marker
Paper: PTI Stamper's Select, Little Yellow Bicycle DP
Embellies: Zva Creative Bling, Divine Twine in "Oyster"
Extras: Spellbinder's Nestabilities, The Paper Studio Sticky Doos

I am also entering this card in the following challenges:

Alphabet Challenge Blog: "G" is for Glitter and Gems
Clear it Out Challenge: Anything Goes, Stash Item: 2 or more patterned papers
Crafty Catz: 3-2-1 Challenge (I used 3 DPs, 2 die cuts, 1 tag.)
Crafty Blogger's Network: O's and X's Challenge (I went diaganol---die cut or punch, stamps, tag)
Creatalicious Challenge: For the Girls
Deep Ocean Challenge: Let's Sparkle
Use it Tuesday: You Can't Touch This---My item is bling!  (Oh my, now I will be singing MC Hammer all day...too fun!  LOL)

Thanks for stopping by!

Angela

Smile Big

Good morning!  We have a new challenge, for the fortnight, over at Ruby's Rainbow.  My teamie Ang has chosen our challenge and she would like to see something that makes you smile or a smiley face...sounds good, right?!  I couldn't resist using this fun set from Technique Tuesday...it has the cutest assortment of stamps...I chose the silly smiley face to help remind me to take things in stride and not to take myself too seriously.

The sentiment was inked first with Versamark, then with Memento Tuxedo Black...I have found I get better coverage this way.  The smiley faces are stamped on DP and cut out...I added a bit of pink with a marker.  I finished the card with more patterned paper and a button/twine combo for embellishing.  I used Retro Sketch #44.

Image/Sentiment: Technique Tuesday
Ink: Versamark, Memento Tuxedo Black, SU! Pretty in Pink Marker
Paper: PTI Stamper's Select, PTI DP
Embellies: PTI Lemon Tart Button, Divine Twine

I hope you will check out the rest of the DT's creations...they are sure to put a smile on your face!  You have 2 weeks to play along...so I hope you will do so!

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Halloween Treat Container

Hello there!  Since I was one of the lucky winners at Quirky Crafts "Quirky Monster" challenge, I was invited to be a guest designer for this challenge.  How cool is that?!  The challenge is "Anything But A Card" and is sponsored by Robyn's Fetish.

I had seen a challenge, that involved recycling, that I also wanted to play so it was an easy decision to use an old Crystal Light container and turn it into something fun!  I covered my container with DP and added a band in a coordinating print to dress it up a bit...I also used the same print for the lid.  I used a cute image called Bearly a Pumpkin...thank you, Robyn!  The bear is colored with pencils, accented with glitter, and cut/mounted with Nestabilities.  I added some buttons, attached them with twine, and tied the twine in the back.  (I wanted the image panel to gently curve, but not be stuck to the container.  I just pulled the twine tight enough to curve; this allows you to see the full image from the front.)

This is what the finished container looks like...it's ready to fill with shredded paper, a gift card, and a sweet treat!  It was inexpensive too...less than 50 cents!  The container was free, the DP (love it...it reminds me of wall paper...it has wonderful texture!) was on sale, and I just added the twine and buttons.  Quick, easy, inexpensive and cute...now that's my kind of project!

Image: Robyn's Fetish Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110, SU! Pumpkin Pie, Daisy Bucket Designs DP
Embellies: Martha Stewart Glitter (Orange Sorbet), PTI Buttons, Divine Twine
Extras: Prismas/Goo Gone, The Paper Studio Sticky Doos

I hope you will head on over to the Quirky Crafts challenge blog and check out the team's creations!

I am entering my project in the following challenges:

ATCs With Attitude: Halloween/Anything Goes
Blogger's Challenge: Alter It
Inspire Me Fridays: Anything Goes
Robyn's Fetish: Halloween
The Poodles Parlour: Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by!

Angela

Too Cute To Spook

Good morning!  We have another fun sketch for you this week from Tuesday Morning Sketches.  It was created by Laura and I think you will find it's very versatile!  Our sponsor this week is Stamping Scrapping.

I flipped the sketch to fit my image, which was chosen by Denise.  (A group of us at SCS use the same image each month to make a card...it's really fun to see what everyone comes up with!)  I used pencils to color the image and accented it with a bit of glitter.  (Shoot, I realize I forgot to add a bit of pink to her cheeks!)    I embellished with a ribbon, button, and some twine.

Image: Kraftin' Kimmie
Ink: Sakura Black Gel Pen
Paper: PTI Orange Zest, SU! Basic Black, Bella BLVD DP
Embellies: PTI Orange Zest Grosgrain Ribbon, PTI Button, Divine Twine, Doodlebug Glitter
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Spellbinder's Nestabilities, The Paper Studio Sticky Doos

I hope you'll head on over to Tuesday Morning Sketches to check out the DT's creations using this sketch; if you choose to play along, you have a chance to win the prize from Stamping Scrapping.

Don't forget about Theresa's Virtual Birthday Party...you have until October 31st to make a card and link up.  One randomly drawn winner will win some blog candy!

I'm also entering my card in the following challenges:

Allsorts Challenge Blog: Too Cute To Spook
Craft Your Passion: Which Witch is Which?
Di's Digi Designs: Too Cute To Spook
Just Some Lines: Too Cute To Spook
The Cutie Pie Challenge: Halloween

Thanks for stopping by!

Angela

Clearly Digi Stamps August Release

Hello!  I'm back with some samples from the August release.  Today I'm working with 2 sets drawn by Austin Owens, Baby and Bugs.

For my first card I have used an image from Baby.  I wanted to make a baby girl card, but decided to mix it up a bit by using green and accenting with pink.  The image is colored with pencils, the baby blanket is paper pieced, and I've added buttons and twine for embellishing.

Image: Clearly Digi Stamps "Baby" Digital Set
Ink: Printer
Paper: PTI Stamper's Select and New Leaf, Doodlebug DP
Embellies: Divine Twine, Buttons
Extras: Prismas/Goo Gone, Spellbinder's Nestabilities, The Paper Studio Sticky Doos

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Card Crafter's Circle: Oh Baby!
Fetch a Sketch: Sketch

Next I have a couple of cards using Bugs.  I kept them very simple with a lot of white space; I wanted to keep the focus on the pretty images.  For the first, I combined the image with a sentiment, colored the image, and popped up the image panel for a bit of dimension.

I have to tell you, I was a bit afraid of coloring the rose on the second card, but once I got started I had fun!  I like the combo of pink and orange...it's fun and cheerful!  Again, I layered the image panel and added some Swarovski flatbacks for a bit of sparkle.

Image: Clearly Digi Stamps "Bugs" Digital Set
Sentiment: Clearly Digi Stamps "Faith" Digital Set
Ink: Printer
Paper: PTI Stamper's Select
Embellies: Swarovski Flatback Crystals in "Topaz"
Extras: Prismas/Goo Gone, The Paper Studio Sticky Doos

I am entering these cards in the following challenges:

Crafting For All Seasons: Bright Colors
Jellypark Challenges: Summertime Bugs
Love to Create: Sparkle
Party Time Tuesdays: Garden Delights 

Thanks for stopping by today; I hope you will head on over to Clearly Digi Stamps to check out the new stamps and samples.  There are some amazing sets and card samples!

Angela

Charlie Daisy

Hello there!  How is your Monday going?  After working the weekend, I made sure to get a little crafty time this morning....  The laundry can wait, right?

Today I am working with Clear Dollar Stamps Charlie Daisy.  This set is a fun one because it comes with not only line art, but sentiments, DP and colored images as well.  The fresh turquoise and orange, of the DP, caught my eye so I went with it.  I kept the card very simple with crisp lines and minimal embellishing; I simply matted the image and DP before adding a bit of ribbon, a button, and some twine.

Stamp: Clear Dollar Stamps Charlie Daisy Digital Set
Ink: Printer
Paper: PTI Stamper's Select and Orange Zest, G.P. 110
Embellies: Wright's White Grosgrain Ribbon, PTI Orange Zest Button, Divine Twine
Extras: SU! Dimensionals

I am entering my card in the following challenges:

Fashionista Challenge: Simply Summer
House of Gilli: Vibrant Colors/Summer
Make it Monday: Anything Goes
The Pink Elephant: Vibrant Colors
Whoopsiedaisy Challenge: Summer Colors

Thanks for stopping by!  I'll be back tomorrow with new challenges from the Creative Card Crew and Tuesday Morning Sketches...see you then!

Angela

SCS SC337: I Think I'll Hang On To You!

Good morning! I played along with the SCS sketch challenge yesterday and was able to use a few goodies from some "happy mail" that my Secret Sister sent me. How fun to get "happy mail"!

Changito is colored with pencils; he turned out a bit lighter than I usually color him. I ran out of the PTI Stamper's Select and was using white paper from another source. While the paper is really nice, it is super smooth whereas the PTI has more "tooth" to "grab" the color. I tried to shade and blend, but didn't have much luck. After I started coloring the image, I remembered I had some Copic markers in "Changito Colors" sent to me by a stamping/blogging friend. Ack! I think I really messed up here, because the paper probably would have been perfect for the markers.... I will have to try them next time...I confess I am a bit nervous since I see so many who color beautifully with them.

I tried to make a little scene and added some felt grass and clouds, along with a punched sun. I finished it off with a button and Baker's Twine, and some brads. The sentiment for the inside reads: I think I'll hang on to you! I thought the card would be perfect for one of the kids to give to my hubby for Father's Day.

Image: Stampendous "Changito Piggyback"

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Sakura Black Gel Pen

Paper: SU! Baja Breeze and Pumpkin Pie, SU! DP

Embellies: Spare Parts Brads, PTI Button, Divine Twine Baker's Twine,

Extras: Crayolas/Goo Gone, MFT Die-namics Grass and Cloud Dies, EK Success Sun Punch, The Paper Studio Sticky Doos

Thanks for stopping by; enjoy your day!

Angela