2 cards for Kay

My friend Kay is in the forfront of my thoughts and prayers lately.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent a double mastectomy, and is now going through chemotherapy.   Through all of this she has been so strong, and a wonderful testimony for God.  Her faith and hope are amazing to me.  She has the best sense of humor, so, although this card would not be appropriate for just anyone, it is just right for my friend Kay.  I hope this brings a smile to her face in this very difficult time.

If you would like to join me in praying for Kay, we are praying for her white count to come up, so that she can continue in her battle. 

Stamps : FireCracker Designs by Pamela Fruit Cup

Colorization : H2O watercolors

I'm using this one for the Cupcake Craft Challenge this week : food/drinks
So this is another one I made her.  A little more appropriate.



I'm using this one for Charisma Cardz Challenge Blog.
The challenge - Spring

Stamps :  FireCracker Designs by Pamela  Easter Blessings (florals)
sentiment Impression Obsession

Thanks for stopping by!

Creative Belli Challenge #87

It's time for another Creative Belli Challenge!

And this week the Belli girls want you dig into your stash and use some of those clips we all have.  Dig deep, I know you have some!  This is Creative Belli's first sketch challenge as well.  So to play along, hop over to the Creative Belli Blog. 

My clip was given to me as part of a blog candy package!  Since the paperclip ends extend from the sides, I couldn't  help but use my clip in another way! 

Don't you love this bird house image???  I fell in love with it the minute I seen it!  It's one of the new digital images from FireCracker Designs by Pamela.  Check them out HERE.  I colored it with my Copics, inked the edges and added some pearls.  Friday there will be a Design Team Blog Hop showcasing some of FCD's digital images.  Don't miss it!  And you can get a freebie HERE.

Still the ONe!

Hello ladies.  It's time for another Firecracker Designs by Pamela Blog Hop. 

This months theme is "Romantic Lyrics". All of us will be sharing projects created with this theme in mind. And the best part for you is Pamela will be giving away some awesome blog candy. But to qualify for the drawing you have to post comments. She will randomly pick one of our blogs and then randomly pick from all the comments posted on that blog. So you will want to read ALL the blog hop details below and leave comments on each of the blogs to qualify for the drawing. Make sure you leave your email address in your comment!

I was a little ambitious on this project and didn't complete the whole mini album, but I was so inspired by FCD's "Heart Strings" stamps set and the theme that I wanted to create a mini album.  So when the entire project is completed I will show it off.  But for today I am revealing the cover.  I love the song "Still the One" because my DH is that for me.  We met when I was 15, dated for 5 years and then married.  We have been married for 24 years and he is my rock, my best friend, and the only one for me!

Blog Hop Details ...

The official start time of the FCD Blog Hop is Friday at 8:00am (EST). If you have arrived early, please be patient, as all the links may not be live until 8:00am (EST).

This is a "circular blog hop" where the only beginning is wherever you start. You will know you are at the end of your blog hop when you have arrived back on the blog you started with. (There are only 9 of us, so you should be able to remember where you started)

THE WINNER ... will be chosen by our mystery blog hostess. Who is she ? We want know until after the blog hop. So make sure you leave a comment (with your emial address included in that comment) on EVERY blog to qualify!!

Pamela will contact the winner via email (don't forget to leave your email address with your comment) and post the winner on her blog on Monday 8pm(EST).

You can read on below for more of my project details OR continue on to the next blog !

Next Blogger to check out is Michelle !

Paper Flower Tutorial #1

Here is another card using FCD's Christian Innies and Outies and Butter/ Dragonfly.  I also used one of FCD's fabulous Swirly Sets.  This one is retired, but she has lots of other sets that are just as beautiful.  To create the frame, I stamped the bottom swirly.  I used one of my Spellbinder oval dies as a template and after figuring out a good placement, I lightly traced the oval shape using a pencil.  I used the top of the penciled oval to help with placement of the swirly along the top.  Then I placed the Spellbinders Oval down again, and used a Micron 05 to draw the portion of the oval I wanted for the frame.  Then I used a white eraser to eliminate the pencil lines.

I want to show you a little butterfly trick as well.  See the bottom of the post.  

Paper Flower Tutorial #1

The lighter blue blooms are by Prima and I made the navy ones using punches.  I used to tell my friends all the time, that if you have flower punches, then you always have matching flowers for your projects.  I love Prima, but I can't always afford to buy them.  I bought these flower punches years ago, and I can't tell you how many times they have come in handy.  The ones I'm showcasing today are by Paper Shapers.  Tomorrow I will be showcasing another kind of paper flowers so stay tuned.

For today's paper flowers I used the Daisy punch in 2 different sizes.  I think mine are the small and medium.  Mine are both green, but I bought them years ago, so EK Success may have changed the color by now.  Here is a photo :

Punch 2 for each flower.  And then adhere together in the center, rotating the top layer so that the petals are staggered.  And don't forget to fluff them!

You can leave them as you see them, but they look even better if :

1. You layer the small in the center of the larger one.

2. Ink the edges with black ink using a eye shadow applicator.

or doodle around the edges with a fine tip (005) Micron pen.

3. Embellish the center with stickles, 1/2 pearls, gems, or little buttons. 

Butterfly Trick

Next I want to share with you a creative way to get the most out of a butterfly images.

I am using my Butterfly/Dragonfly stamp set for this one.  The butterfly image is a full spread of the wings. But for this particular design I thought it would look better with a side view of the butterfly and some dimension.

Start by stamping the butterfly twice.

Color the same side of the the wings depending on which way you want it to face.  Color the body as well.

Cut out as shown below with my preference, cuticle sissors.  Anytime I'm cutting small curved area's I find the cuticle sissors much easier to use.

Fold/crease along the side of the body, so that the wing pops up off the page.  You will actually be adhering it to the page along the body.  Stagger the wings so that the bottom on is visible.

Thanks for tuning in today!  I will be back tomorrow with another Paper Flower Tutorial!

H20 Watercolor Tutorial

Hello!  I'm back today with lots of news from FireCracker Designs by Pamela.

First of all, Pamela (owner), sent me the coolest stamp set to show off this month,

Christian Innies and Outties !  It's a sentiment set designed with coordinating phrases for the outside and inside of the card.  This is not the only set she has designed that works like this.  For my first showcase of this set, I chose this sentiment because I thought it would be so adorable with Pamela's Fruitcup set.  Ok, so I know, the last part of the sentiment was suppossed to be on the inside, but I thought it would be easier if I put it all on the outside for photographing purposes.  I promise I'll do it correctly next week, teehee.  So, at the bottom of the post I'm going to list some lengthy info on how I colored the pears.  Just in case your interested.  The short explanation is that I used Twinkling H20's.  But I am sharing some tips, so you might want to read on.  What I really want you to know is that FCD now sales Twinkling H20's.  So check them out HERE.  And Pamela has a tutorial - video HERE.    And tons of other tutorials HERE.

Twinkling H20 Technique / Tutorial

Is it even possible to make "pear jam".  I have no idea, but this all about being artistic, not realistic, teehee.  I couldn't pass up a chance to use this cute pear DP by Basic Grey.  It's part of the Nook and Pantry line.  I had so much fun coloring the pears with my twinkling H20's.  Trust me, they look WAY better in real life.  If you have never used Twinkling H20's you need to give them a try.  I'm not the best water color artist, but it was worth the practice to get this look.  I stamped a full sheet of pears on water color paper with water proof ink (I used Palette Noir).  I found the best way to get the blending that I wanted was to pre-wet the image a little.  The manufacturer recommends that you "spritz" the pot of color with water.  Here's a tip :  use and old bottle of eye drops, empty out the eye drops, fill it with water, and drop 1-2 drops in your pot.  Way easier than spritzing.  The amount of water you add depends on how thick you want your paint.  You can mix it pretty thick but then it can obliterate your stamp lines.  Mine was pretty watered down to begin with because I wanted to blend the colors.  I started out with a damp paint brush and loaded Heavnly Bamboo.  It's like a cedar green but has a slight yellow tint.  I lightly covered the entire image.  Because the image is already wet, the paint kinda spreads out.  Work fast, because I got the best shading when I was able to get all the colors on before it dried.  Then along the sides, I added watered down Cedar Wood (a dark brown with an orange tint).  This one is so dark it did take much.  My brush was damp, but now wet.   I kinda pounced it on with the brush around the sides to create some dimension.  Then I did the same with a darker green, Wild Vine, bringing it in toward the center of the pear.  Let me just say that this is not an exact process.  I had a paper towel wadded up and handy to tap over the image and used this to begin blending.  Then I layered on another coat of the Heavenly Bamboo.  If an area was to dry it would pull some of the previous color up and create lines I didn't want.  That's when I would grab that paper towel and dab it again.  Eash one seemed to be a little different, so on some I had to go back and add a little more darker green then dab again, until I got the shading I wanted.  They were fun to play with and I can't wait to do it again, now that I have a better feel for how to blend with them.  I the past I had pretty muched used them to highlight or added only one color, which is easier and beautiful as well.  But, blending these colors was very cool.  My stamp lines were no longer vivid at this point, so I used a 005 Micron to doodle over the stamp lines to restore them where needed.  I would take the time to do a step by step photo tutorial, but I didn't know if anyone was even interested.  And I'm not a real artist, just an amateur playing around with some great products, teehee.  Ok, so here is my last tip.  It has to do with orgainzing you H20's.  I store mine in a drawer.  I used those little white stickers (they are about 1/2" x 3/4")  you buy when your pricing stuff for a garage sale.  I stick them on the top of the black lid, and then paint the color over it, so I can see the colors easily when I'm picking them out of the drawer or trying to match them to my project.  You can't always tell by looking at the color in the jar what it will look like.

I hope you read something that inspires you to be creative!

If you have any questions about using H20's just shoot me an email.

FCD - Forgive Me Project #4

Created for :

 Just the Girls Challenge Blog  to use one of Lauren Meaders templates

and Cute Card Thursday #97 - Blooming Gorgeous

I created this cute little gift box using one of Lauren Meader Timeless Templates. Lauren still has lots of templates over at PTI, but she just started her own site as well. Check out My Time Made Easy HERE. It was soooo easy! It came in 2 sizes and I made the smaller one. Basically I downloaded the template from PTI ($5). Then I double clicked on the file and it opened up into an Adobe Reader window. Then I printed it! I cut the pieces, adhered together, decorated the front! You have to use your own punch to create the hole in the handle, as you can see, I'm a little off center. But it was my first time, so I'm sure my next one will be better.

Stamps : FireCracker Designs by Pamela (FCD) Forgive Me set and Butter/Dragon fly set.

I created 3 mask using Elipse Masking "Tape" (it's not really tape, it's like a post it note with the sticky stuff over the entire back of it). I inked the stem/leaf portion of the stamps with VersaMagic Spanish Olive and then added Purple Hydrangea to the floral area. I stamped the same image repeatedly to create my garden, using the mask to prevent clutter and enable me to stamp them "on top of each other". I poped up a butterfly, added ribbon, and inked the edges. Really quick and easy.

FCD - Forgive Me Project #2

I think that I mentioned last week that Pamela gave me the FCD Stamp Set "Forgive Me" to work with this month.   I love it!  And I decided to REALLY get my hands messy this week.

It's been a while since I sat and just made my own background panels.  I made them in several colors today.  I set these panels aside for future use.  I love texture and doing this gives me a break from working with patterned paper and gives my pieces a more distressed look.  Here is a close-up.

I started with watercolor paper I cut into 4.5" x 6" panels (it was sold 9 x 12").  I pulled out some vintage paper from an 1920's music magazine.  It includes some actual music pages and some article pages.  Next I gathered glazes (translucent paint) and crackle paint.  I have a few Golden Glazes I learned about taking a local class, but once I found out I could mix my own, I stopped buying them.  There is an acrylic glazing medium (also made by Golden) you can purchase to mix with inexpensive acrylic paint and this is a much cheaper way to go.  I glued my vintage paper over the watercolor paper then began brushing the glazes on.  The glazes have a longer "open" time, so you can use a paper towel to wipe it off if needed.  Why a glaze?  Because it allows part of what is under it to show through (the vintage paper) and enable you to build a collage.  Then I applied a coordinating color of crackle paint.  I'm very impatient, so I used a blow dryer to speed along the drying processs and this gave me some control of keeping the paper flat.  (the ones I left unattended roled up as the crackle medium dryed).  Then I set the panels aside for future use.  I can layer on more paper, paint, or ink when I begin to design the project.  You may remember me mentioning that I had done this process before but threw the panels in the bottom of a tall box and sprayed with Glimmer Mist (I usually start by brushing on a color first), sprinkles on distress embossing powder, while they were still wet, and then heat embossed.  I added a little crackle paint to some of these as well.  I have had alot of fun using them and thought it was about time to make some more.  To finish off my background for this card I distressed it with some Versa Magic Pumpkin Spice Ink.  I added Fun Flock to the center of the flowers to add more texture.  I stamped the flowers more of the vintage paper, but when I went to color them the print started to run, so I sprayed them with "Work Fixative" (you can get it at a local craft store that sells artist supplies).  Then I was able to color them with my copics. 

Forgive Me ?

$8.99

Well I hope yo forgive me for such a long post.  So much to tell you though!  Have a great Sunday!

FCD A Little Birdie Told Me Birthday Card

Happy New Year!!

It seems like it  has been forever since I posted.  I've been busy purging and cleaning my house for the new year.  Getting a few things organized, like my birthday list.  I have vowed to send more cards out this year, instead of hoarding them.  So I have generated a birthday list to keep me on track.  I have tons of birthday cards to make. How do you like the one above?  I'm still trying to get used to using the copics.  Man those things are addicting.  A friend and I found an awesome deal ($4 each for sketch) and we just ordered a few more.  I told DH this could be my wedding anniversary gift.  Yes, most women want diamonds, flowers, candy ...  I want markers, teehee.  I know you girls get it. 

Well as I mentioned above, I've been purging, organizing closets, cleaning the grout (yuck).  I don't know what it is about the new year that makes me want to do this, but I do.  How about you?

I've missed being crafty, playing along with challenges and blog hopping the last couple of weeks.  But now with the holidays wrapping up, I'm ready to GO!!  Time to get my priorities straight, teehee!

This week for my FCD post I'm sharing with you this cute little "Happy Birday" set!!

You can check out the "A Little Birdie Told Me" set at the FCD store HERE.

Paper : My Minds Eye 8x8 Paperpad (1/2 price from Hobby Lobby)  I love the colors of this pad (brown, yellow, aqua, very light lime green)

Ink : Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate (my most used ink pad after Palette Noir and Burnt Umber)

Thick and juicy pigment ink with a slight shimmer ( I sound like I'm at a wine tasting, teehee)

Takes forever to dry though.

Ribbon : my stash

Faux stitching : Close To My Heart stamp from years ago.

Tag punch : Paper Shapers

Spellbinders Labels 1 die set (I am getting ALOT of use out of this one)

That's all for now!  I hope you weekend is a great one!

Christmas Phrases by FCD

Hello!  I hope everyone has arrived back home safely if you had to travel for Thanksgiving.  I love Thanksgiving, it's my favorite holiday!  But I'm always exhausted by the time it's all over with.  I think it's because I try to get so much done in just a couple of days.  So I'm finally getting back on the computer tonight to find that I have recieved a gazillion emails since tuesday and that my post didn't go off as planned on Wednesday.  So you are gettin' a two tonight.  I'm starting with my FCD post you should have received Wednesday.  As you may remember, Pamela from FCD gave us each 2 wonderful Christmas sets to work with for November and December.  Tonight I'm focusing on Christmas Phrases.  These sentiments are perfect for so many different Christmas cards.  These sentiments would make a beautiful card if used alone with some decorative paper.  But I chose to combine them with a couple of other FCD Christmas sets.

. 

I combined this one with the ornament top and star from Season's Greetings.

I cut the tree section from a piece of green textured paper.

I combined this one with the snowflakes from Gifts of Love.

I found some snowflake patterned paper and stamped my FCD snowflakes using VersaMark Ink and embossed with white embossing powder.  Sooooo easy!

Pamela  packs alot of options on a plate, so you really get your moneys worth when you order from her.  It's not to late to order your Christmas stamps from her, because she mails them out so quickly.  The latest they will be shipping before the holidays is December 15th.

Hoping to post my FCD Christmas Ornaments by Sunday.  See ya then!

FCD November Blog Hop!!

Pamela sent each of us 2 of her new Christmas Sets to work with for the next 2 months.  I have been having a ball creating with Mistletoad and Christmas Phrases.  It's not to late to order YOUR christmas stamps.  Order online today!  Shipping is fast with Pamela! 

On the 8x8 Layout above I used one of the phrases from Christmas Phrases along with one of Pamela's other Christmas stamp sets, Season's Greetings.  The tag below was designed using Season's Greetings as well.   

Pamela also designed a special Manger Digi for us to work with as well.

I combined it with Christmas Phrases to create THIS CARD.

And you can check out the projects I have designed using Mistletoad HERE.  Only 2 Mistletoad sets left at the store, so check out these projects and then place your order today!  While you are over there check out the Flower Soft and Shimmerz!

I can't wait to share the other projects I have designed using these sets.  Please check back weekly to check out some more options using these sets!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Hoppy Holiday Treats!

Good Morning.   Just wondering if anyone else has started their Christmas shopping?  Me?  NOPE!  And my DH told be last night he expected HANDMADE cards to be sent out to his family this year!  I usually only share my handmade cards with other crafty friends.  But I guess that's about to change by proclamation of King Fred, teehee.  I hope you are further along than I am.

I hope one of these projects inspire you to get started if you haven't!

Hoppy Holidays Treat Box for challenges on the

Charisma Challenge Blog

Designed using Mistletoad by FCD.  Sold out right now, but Pamela says she is getting more in.  So keep checking back if you love this little guy.  Isn't this a cool image.  It looks like he's crawling up the treat box.  I couldn't help but add a little texture.  I used liquid applique on the hat band and Prisma Glitter on the fur ball at the tip of the hat.  I think the ribbon is American Crafts.  I've had it forever and was so happy to use it today!

Glory to the Newborn King designed for challenges posted at

Digital Tuesday Challenge Blog and Gingersnaps Challenge Blog

This card was designed using one of FireCracker Designs by Pamela's new digis.  You can check out all of Pamela's Digi's HERE.  Just scroll down on that page to see the manger!  Combined with the sentiments from Christmas Phrases by FCD.  I used yummy Pearlescent Chocolate embossed with clear for sentiments.

I colored the digi with Prismacolor Pencils and OMS.

Last Minute Gift Labels

You can make your own by stamping on these standard mailing labels by Avery.  OOPs, I just realized I didn't draw the lines to "hang" the ornaments.  This tiny bulb came with my Christmas Phrases set by FCD.

Just Breathe Week 4

This is my last project using Just Breathe.  I hope you have been inspired to use this set this month.  I was trying to think out of the box again and design something with this set you might not expect.  In addition, if you haven't started making your Christmas cards yet, I hope this one will inspire you to get started!!  This card was so quick to put together and I really like how it turned out.

Stamp Set : Just Breathe by FCD

Ink : Palette Noir

Paper : Green - My Minds Eye, Red - Prima, Black CS

Tools - Spellbinders

Sticker Jewels - Stampendous

Ribbon - Unknown

This one is so simple I don't think you even need instructions!

See you next month with 4 more projects using one of Pamela's awesome stamp set!!

Just Breathe Week 3

Hello and welcome back for another project using Just Breathe by FireCracker Designs by Pamela.

If you missed last weeks project, check it out HERE.

So for project #3 I built another scene.  This time I imagined sitting on the rock and gazing out into a field of wild flowers.  I love the sentiment this set comes with.  And the "blossom and grow" part seemed to fit for a field of wild flowers. 

Supply List:

Stamp Set : Just Breathe by FCD

Ink : Momento Sky Blue and Momento Bamboo Leaves.  Palette Noir.  Brilliance Hint of Pesto.

Colorization : Prismacolor Pencils with OMS and Shimmerz

Tools : Brayer, Dove Blender Pen, Liquid Pearls, Pop Dots.

I brayered top 1/2 of the card with Sky Blue and lower 1/2 with Bamboo Leaves onto glossy paper.  Honestly the green was a little to bright and I was afraid you wouldn't be able to see the flower stems since they would be green as well.  So to tone it down, I used a sponge and smeared on white and a tad of brown.  I used Brilliance Hint of Pesto and stamped the stems.  I added clouds using the cloud stamp.  I stamped the girl/rock on white cardstock and colorized with Prismacolor Pencils and OMS.  Added Shimmerz.  I adhered the bottom part of the image flat and used some pop dots at the head and shoulders.  Stamped sentiment and distressed edges and adhere with pop dots.  I stamped butterfly with Palette Noir and colored in with Dove Blender and pink ink.  Last but not least, I added my wild flowers.  The stamp set doesn't come with a flower stamp, so I used Liquid Pearls. 

Have a great Thursday and I'll be back Saturday with another Crafty Secrets Layout!

FCD BLOG HOP!! - Just Breathe Week 2

Good Morning and welcome to FireCracker Designs by Pamela's Monthly Blog Hop!

(The official start time of the FCD Blog Hop is Friday at 8:00am (EST). If you have arrived early, please be patient, as all the links may not be live until 8:00am (EST).)

The October DT assignment was to use mesh.  See my book mark below for my "mesh" project.  All 9 of us will be sharing projects created with this theme in mind. And the best part for you is Pamela will be giving away some awesome blog candy. But to qualify for the drawing you have to post comments. She will randomly pick one of our blogs, and then randomly pick from all the comments posted on that blog. So you will want to read ALL the BLOG HOP details at the bottom of my post and leave comments on each of the blogs to qualify for the drawing. Make sure you leave your email address in your comment!
Pamela is offering a coupon code today.
code :  hopidays
Use this code at check out to recieve a 15% off discount thru Monday at 8pm!  This discount does not apply to magazines.
With the release of Pamela's New Christmas sets it couldn't be a better time to place and order!

I like to show how versatile a set can be, when I can.  So, I try to create projects using my stamps on projects beyond cardmaking.  So for this weeks "Just Breathe" project, I decided to design some manly gifts.

I purchased a wood plaque for .99cents at Hobby Lobby for this great desk top decor.  The sentiment is NOT part of the set.  I picked that up at Hobby Lobby as well.  I loved the play on words for the trees, tree branches provide shelter and the tree cast a shadow.  I used Spellbinders die to cut that shape.  I used dusters to apply green and brown ink around the edges.

I also thought a book mark would make a nice manly gift.

I found some sticky mesh in my husband's workshop.  Apparently it's used to for dry wall.  It worked perfect as a mask for this project.  I placed it over some green cardstock and sprayed with glimmer mist.  I peeled it off and I got this cool mesh looking background. I know I will be trying this again!!  Funny though, I designed this for a guy, and my daughter seen it and wants it.  So, I promised it to her!

I have 2 more projects coming up for you using this set this month, so stay tuned!
If you like this set, check it out HERE!  This set is $8.99, untrimmed/unmounted!
Check out all Pamela's products and great prices.  It's so easy to order from her online and she ships fast!

I know this is a long post.  But I'm excited about another stamp set of Pamela's that I've been designing with.  It's a fruit set, FRUIT CUP,  and so far I have designed 5 cards with it.  I will be revealing all my projects for this set Saturday.  So please stop by and see me again.  This is such a great set with fun sentiments to go along with the different peices of fruit.  If you want to take a sneak peak at the stamp set you can see it HERE.  This set with 29 images is $12.99 untrimmed/unmounted!!  Awesome deals ladies!

Blog Hop Details ...
The official start time of the FCD Blog Hop is Friday at 8:00am (EST). If you have arrived early, please be patient, as all the links may not be live until 8:00am (EST).
This is a "circular blog hop" where the only beginning is wherever you start. You will know you are at the end of your blog hop when you have arrived back on the blog you started with. (There are only 9 of us, so you should be able to remember where you started)
THE WINNER ... will be chosen by our mystery blog hostess. Who is she ? We want know until after the blog hop. So make sure you leave a comment (with your emial address included in that comment) on EVERY blog to qualify!!
Pamela will contact the winner via email (don't forget to leave your email address with your comment) and post the winner on her blog on Monday 8pm(EST).

Next Blogger to check out is Michelle !

Altered Acrylic Photo Frame

Good Morning and welcome to FireCracker Designs by Pamela's Monthly Blog Hop!

This months theme is "Greetings and Salutations".  All 9 of us will be sharing projects created with this theme in mind. And the best part for you is Pamela will be giving away some awesome blog candy.  But to qualify for the drawing you have to post comments.  She will randomly pick one of our blogs and then randomly pick from all the comments posted on that blog.   So you will want to read ALL the blog hop details below and leave comments on each of the blogs to qualify for the drawing.  Make sure you leave your email address in your comment!

Altered Acrylic Frame

I found this old photo of my Great Grandmother and could not resist creating this altered frame using this set. I couldn't think of a better way for her to "greet me" than by displaying her photo for our family to see.

I really love altering acrylic frames.

#1 - They are inexpensive.  I got this one at Walmart for $1.  So you can spend your $$$ on the perfect embellishements (I highly recommend rubber stamps, hehe).

#2 - I get to decide where and how big the photo window, opening will be.  I like having all the design control!

#3 - They make great gifts because you can add all the goodies/decor to the outside of the frame and the recipient can add the photo easily later by sliding the photo in the back as shown above.

Have I convinced you to create one yet??  Are you seeing a great, unique idea for gift giving this year??

Blog Hop Details ...

The official start time of the FCD Blog Hop is Friday at 8:00am (EST). If you have arrived early, please be patient, as all the links may not be live until 8:00am (EST).

This is a "circular blog hop" where the only beginning is wherever you start. You will know you are at the end of your blog hop when you have arrived back on the blog you started with. (There are only 9 of us, so you should be able to remember where you started)

THE WINNER ... will be chosen by our mystery blog hostess. Who is she ? We want know until after the blog hop. So make sure you leave a comment (with your emial address included in that comment) on EVERY blog to qualify!!

Pamela will contact the winner via email (don't forget to leave your email address with your comment) and post the winner on her blog on Monday 8pm(EST).

You can read on below for more of my project details OR continue on to the next blog !

Next Blogger to check out is Michelle !

Michelle will give you the next link to keep you going round in the circle til you get back to the beginning. Hope your not dizzy, hehe.

Project Details ...

Cool Beans Gift Card Holder

Ok ... so I'm loving this gift card holder. 

Guess how many people I know who love getting Starbucks gift cards??  Bunches!!  Ok, so I know some of you out there don't like to give gift cards.  You think it's not very "thoughtful" or personal.  I beg to differ!!   I would rather receive a gift card anyday, to my favorite store, where I can pick out the perfect item, that I really want, instead of receiving something that will end up in the next garage sale.  And if I'm going to spend money on a gift I want the same to be true for my recipient.  Besides it's thoughtful to find out where they like to shop!!   You could actually create a few of the actual holders and have them on standby.  Then you could add stamped images, ribbon later when ever an occasion arises.  You know...  for that last minute ... oh crap I forgot ... moment ! 

Never happens to me, hehe!!

Project Details ...

Stamp set : Escape the Daily Grind - FCD
Ink : Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate
Kraft cardstock
Patterned Paper : Basic Grey
Ribbon : American Craft
Tools : Corner rounder, Scorpal, metal ruler, exacto knife

Cut Kraft cardstock 4" x 8.5".  Score using Scorepal at 2 3/4", 4 1/4", and 5 3/4 from one side.

Fold along score lines as shown below.  Cut opening as shown slightly smaller than 3 1/2" x 1/4" as shown below.  I used a metal ruler and exacto knife to do this.

Use a tape runner or red line double stick tape to secure as shown below.

Gift card will be held securely inside the slot you have created.

Stamp or hand write a message on the inside.

Stamp the outside and add ribbon!

You can view all of my Fun Fold Cards HERE

Prismacolor Pencil Tutorial / Artist Trading Cards

I recieved my order from FireCracker Designs saturday and was in rubber heaven!! I couldn't wait to cut up some of my sets and get started. So to get me warmed up with one of this months new realeases, I decided to start with an ATC card. But this could easily be a card as well. Adapt it to whatever works for you. Did you know that Pamela does ATC trades?? How much fun would it be to make one like this and swap with her !!!

You can view more of my Artist Trading Cards HERE.
You can view more Prismacolor Pencil Tutorials HERE.

Project Supplies :

Leading Lady Stamp Set, Decorative element is from German Script Background

Palette Noir Ink

Prismacolor Pencils : Light Peach#927, Peach #937, Crimson Red #924, Tuscan Red #937,

Black #935, Cool Grey 10% #1059
blending stumps, white eraser, OMS (oderless mineral spirits)

Black Micron Pen

Black Cardstock

Deckled Scissors

sticker jewels

Project Instructions :

This is an easy ATC because there is NO cutting involved. Stamp your images directly to paper using an ink that will not bleed when using OMS. This ink is water proof as well so I use it with watercolors as well. I use Palette Noir and Burnt Umber when working with OMS. I use them soooo much that I have refills form my pads as well. If you don't know where to get these locally, then be aware you can get them from a TAC Demonstrator. Please contact me if you have more questions.

Below I took some photo's trying to show you how I color with the pencils, in case you have never worked with them before. I always start with the lightest area's, which would be the gloves and skin on this image. I started by using Cool Grey 10% around some of the edges of the gloves to provide some shadowing for the white gloves. Working in small area's can be tricky and I definitely didn't want to smear any of the black from the purse onto the gloves when I went to do that, so I coated the gloves with Shimmerz. For skin I start out by lightly coloring all the skin area's with light peach. I then add a peach around the edges to create shadowing. Blended with OMS and later added just a bit of pink rose to her cheeks.

Always keep a white eraser close by when working with PC and OMS. I prefer the Pentel Click Eraser. You can get it in the school supplies area. You can use it to erase when you accidently color outside the line, or after you have added OMS to lighten an area.

Next I colored the dress and hat with the Crimson Red and then added some shading with it as well as shown below. I then added some Tuscan Red shading. Blended with OMS. I wanted the red a little darker, so I added more and blended again. You can aways add more shading where needed as well.

To finish up I colored the purse and hair with a black pencil. I colored the buttons, collar and top of had with a black micron pen. I think the buttons would have been cute with black liquid pearls, but I didn't have any. As you can see above. I felt like it needed another element on the right. So I added the decorative doodle from the German Script Set. But you could add some other type embellishment. I had some little sticker jewels that worked perfect. I hope you like it!