Here's a Present Sissy!

My word the holidays wear me out! I've been in transit too and just want to find some time in my craft room but alas it's going to have to wait until next week. I wanted to share a quick card I made for my Sissy. Actually her gift will be in it or part of it anyway. She wants cash for a new high tech camera, so I had to at least make her a pretty card to put it in, right?

This is Izzie has a Prezzie, a Cristy Croll image designed for Stamping Bella. I love Izzie, her curls and swaying skirt just make me smile. I was a little done with Christmas so I decided to color her in bright cheery colors and paired it with October Afternoon Sidewalks 8x8 design paper. Of course I started by stamping her in Memento Tuxedo black ink onto Bella's Bestest paper and colored with copics. I've added additional shading with prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol.

Machine stitching, glitter, a border cut with a Fiskars punch and a new "package button" are the finishing touches. The sentiment tab was handmade using part of a Bella sentiment stamp and an inverted corner punch. This will be hand delivered so I could layer to my hearts content!

Have any New Year's plans yet? We'll be heading to Niagara-on-the-Lake in Canada to celebrate with some of our Michigan friends. Stay safe and enjoy yourselves.

Thanks for stopping by.

Cath

Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to send everyone some holiday greetings. I'll make this short and sweet because I'm sure that you are running around to finish your preparations or you're heading to a holiday party...

This is one of my all time favorite Christmas images from Stamping Bella. It's called Merry Christmas branch with birdies. The scene is so peaceful...with the stark branches and little birdies holding their holiday sentiment. I've added some snow to help add to the serenity of the scene and some red stickles to the berries so they sparkle.

The main image panel was cut using a Labels 14 Nestie. Bella's Bestest paper, Memento Tuxedo black ink, copics and prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol were the main tools. The design paper is from the Echo Park 6x6 Seasonal pack I bought from the Bella online store earlier this year. I've added machine stitching and a light application of Tim Holtz distress ink in Antique Linen to the edges of the image panel along with three clear baubles from my stash. I finished it up with a red seam binding ribbon and bow topped off with a button strung with a red jute bow.

I wish you all a safe and very Merry Christmas and holiday season!

Ciao,
Cath

Baby Boy

Are ya hanging in this week with all the hustle and bustle of the Holidays? I'm pretty set with all the shopping and just about all the wrapping too. I still have some special cards I need to make so I'll be spending some time relaxing in the craft cave before we leave for home on Friday evening. One of those special cards was this Baby Shower card for a co-worker. She's expecting her first, a baby boy, in three weeks. Her last day of work is Thursday and she and I are heading to lunch today for a little celebration. I couldn't let her go without a gift and card though.

I've used My Beary Best Friend, a stamp designed by Cristy Croll for Stamping Bella as my focal image. I stamped him onto Bella's Bestest paper using Memento Tuxedo black ink and colored him with copics. No pencil shading today...I was able to create the texture and shadows with the markers alone. This was a quick and easy card.

The design paper has been in my stash for years. It's a 12x12 piece that I rarely buy anymore. The name is Peek-A-Boo from the new arrival line by Pebbles. The Baby Boy sentiment is also by Stamping Bella. I don't own any of the fancy MFT tag dies but I love the look. So I simply stamped this onto Bella's Bestest paper and then used a corner punch to make it look like a tag. The open scallop border was cut using an MFT die - love how easy that is to use. Machine stitching and a twine topped button finish this off.

Hope you get all your last minute things done and can enjoy some quiet moments of the season. Thanks for stopping by and I'll see ya in a little bit.

Cath

Note: I can't connect to the Stamping Bella site right now so I'll have to update all the links for you this evening. Have a great day!

Happy Birthday Dana...

Happy Birthday to you! So glad to be sending you these wishes my friend. I've chosen to color up a Cristy Croll image called Cuppycake with a Huggabugg on top. She's just so irresistible and I know she's sitting atop a mound of frosting and you hate frosting but it still looks pretty.

I started by stamping this Huggabugg onto Bella's Bestest paper with Memento tuxedo black ink and coloring with copics. I then added shading with prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol. The cupcake is adorned with glitter and her antennae with rhinestones. The sentiment (one of my favorite Bella's that isn't currently available) was stamped using the stamp-a-ma-jig so I could ensure the placement of each word. The sentiment panel was cut with various oval Nesties and was also adorned with rhinestones. The leaves were cut with an EK Success punch. The layout is another one from Karen Giron and the SSSC #148 and it looked perfect for my image.

The papers are also from the Echo Park Victorian Garden 6x6 paper pack. I couldn't resist the musical note paper...can't you just hear me singing Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you...

Have a great year Danabella!

Love ya,
Cath

A Bunch of Thanks

Happy Saturday folks! Today I'm sharing a card that I was asked to make for a neighbor well actually the neighbor's sister-in-law. There's a story here, as if you didn't expect that from me! Well, Shannon is quite young, just had her fourth child and was having headaches. She went to see what was up and low and behold she had a brain tumor. They did surgery the next day. I was in shock! The poor thing had no warning but she's recovering and doing great. She asked if I would make a card to send to her surgeon. As if I'd turn that request down!

So out pops Paisley Pixie, a Cristy Croll image released in rubber through Stamping Bella. The bouquet of flowers is just so sweet and exudes thanks so it was a perfect fit. I used Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge layout again, as it too was a perfect fit! Sweet!

I stamped Paisley onto Bella's Bestest paper using Memento Tuxedo black ink (do you tire from reading that each and every post? hehe I just figure that anyone new stopping by should know the tools I like to use). Of course, you can probably guess that I also like to color using Copics. I did add some shading with prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol too. And as if a fresh kiss of dew came by, I added glitter with a Quickie Glue pen to some of the flowers. You might want to click on the photo to enlarge it to get a better look. (If it still comes out the same size, simply increase the page size - I do it all the time to see the detail people put into their creations).

Design papers came from the Bella shop, it's a 6x6 double sided pack of papers from Echo Park Paper named Victoria Garden. Oh how I am addicted to paper! A satin wire ribbon helped me form the bow and little purple rhinestones finish off the left corner. The sentiment is also from the Bella shop. I didn't want to add too much stitching because I didn't want to crowd the edges of the paper but I did add it to the image panel. Voila, another card done.

Off to wrap a bizzillion presents! Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Cath

Last Bellariffic Friday Challenge of 2011

WOW...I can't believe we've reached the end of another year. Now hold on to your panties...I know there are a few more weeks left before we hit 2012 but this is our last Bellariffic Friday challenge. Up this week was an awesome sketch by Robinabella...wanna see what I did with it?


I looooved this sketch. It was the perfect backdrop for Lulu's Birthday Cake, an image from Stamping Bella.

I started with Bella's Bestest paper, Memento Tuxedo black ink and copics. Of course lots of shading was added with prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol. Colors were inspired by the My Mind's Eye Lost and Found "Rosy" 6x6 design paper ...yummy chocolate browns and corals which I accented with kraft. After all the shading was done I added Stampin' Up! Cryastal Effects on the frosting for shine and glitter to the flowers and candles for sparkle. A seam binding tape ribbon and bow were topped with a button and jute. I also added Bella Birthday sentiments (this one is no longer available but there are plenty of others) cut using the Stampin' Up! Word Window punch.

Additional details can be found in the machine stitching, rounded edges cut with a corner punch and brown rhinestones in each of the four corners.

Hope you have some great weekend plans. Don't forget to keep checking the Bella Babe blogs over the next few weeks to see some more inspiration. We might not have challenges but we still have projects to share.

Ciao for now,
Cath

Over the River...

A very welcome sight this weekend was all the cars heading down the road with fresh evergreen trees on top. One of my favorite memories of Christmas past was the simple joy of heading into the woods, with a fresh coat of snow to pick out the annual Christmas tree. I had fun with that task every year with my daughter as well....until I met the dear Hubby and his kids. They would go to the Nursery at the end of the road, into the greenhouse, to the very back and pick the tallest, fatest tree. Hmpf! Daughter and I miss hunting down our tree to this day.

To keep the joy of that moment alive I have colored up "Car with tree on top" a stamp from Stamping Bella. Is that appropriate or what? I also decided to play along with fellow Babe Danabella and this weeks SSSC over on Karen Giron's blog. I have altered the sketch a little. I've turned it a bit and added the strip in front of the image instead of behind it. I was not happy with the shading of the Tim Holtz distress ink this one is Rusty Hinge...it didn't blend into the shading surrounding the image very well. So I glittered the heck out of the edge and thought it reminded me of a snow storm...perfect for the over the river and through the woods adventure.

I stamped the image onto Bella's Bestest paper of course using Memento Tuxedo black ink and colored with copics. The design paper is called Christmas Home by Teresa Collins - thank you Sissy! It's a 6x6 paper pack and I love the deep patterns. A Memory Box die was used to cut the snowflake adornment. Then I spritzed it with Ranger Perfect Pearls Mist in Heirloom gold. It's really sparkly IRL! The sentiment is also from Bella and I cut it out with Nesties Labels 19. Finished card is 6x5.

Love the fun feel of this stamp...it brings a smile to my face!

Hope you enjoy.

See ya back here again in a little bit. I've got some catching up to do with you all.

Ciao,
Cath

Decorating with White

Hello Folks! So sorry to have dropped out of commission...my computer would not understand that the power cord WAS attached so it drained the battery. I've been struggling for weeks with it...holding the cord ever so delicately so that it recognized the much needed power source but then I'd look and it was draining again. I finally gave in and took it to the shop. This is the first time I've bought a service warranty that I actually got to use. Anyhoo, they beat their repair estimate by two weeks and that made me so happy.

So now that I'm back in commission, I have my all white card to share with you from Stamping Bella's Bellariffic Friday. I've colored Ornament with Holly. The delicate lines of this one appeal to me. So I started with Bella's Bestest paper and Memento Tuxedo black ink. Then I colored with copics but I did need prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol to add shading. Then I glittered it up.

Oh, and I added Stampin' Up! Crystal Effects onto the berries for a little shine and copper Viva Decor Pearl Pen to the "dots" on and around the ornament for just a little more pizzaz. The image was cut and layered using Nestabiites Classic Rectangles in Large and Small and then Large Scallop. I cheated a little bit if you haven't noticed...I added a layer of creamy ivory to help make the ornament pop. I also think it helps pull your eye across the page. The background was dry embossed using my new Sizzix embossing folder from the Sugar and Starry Night set. T


Next week we have a wonderful sketch from Robinabella. Hope you can find time to play along.

Ok that's it for today. But I've got some more creating to do. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and holiday preparations!

Ciao for now,
Cath

I Even Love the Box (2)

Bellariffic Friday is once again upon us. This week we are inking up more Holiday images to share with you. I decided to dust off I Even Love the Box, a Mo Manning image released in rubber through Stamping Bella. Can't tell you how thrilled I am that Emily decided to bring us these great images to color. The expressions are so fantastic. This one melts my heart. Every kid shows more excitement from sitting in the box than the actual gift...that's for sure. I colored this up last year for a Mary Maxim class but this year I went with a little softer palet.

You know that I started by stamping this with Memento Tuxedo black ink onto Bella's Bestest paper...white if you can believe it. I added lots of surround shading with Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress ink. The image was colored with copics but I did add shading with prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol.

The design paper came from last year's Bella stash. I brought home a boat load of it when I went for a visit and should have realized that there was no way I could use it all...but I loved all the papers and couldn't decide. I'm sure that you've never had that happen to you have ya? As if I needed more, I bought the red paper this year online from the Bella shop. It's from the Echo Park 6x6 holiday pack. I accented with a seam binding ribbon, some light green dew drops, and a metal tag that says "believe" that I thought would be perfect.

Next week we have an all white card challenge. These cards can be so elegant looking. Can't wait to see what you come up with. Hint hint...won't you play along? Now head on over to the Bella blog to see some more inspiration.

Ciao for now.
Cath

Uptown Girls Victoria and Juliette's Night Out

I have yet another Uptown Girl image to share with you today. This one is for a girlfriend celebrating a birthday this weekend. I couldn't resist coloring Victoria and Juliette's Night Out by Stamping Bella designer Lulu. These girls are chic! And along with their sentiment I think they are the perfect image for a BFF on her birthday, or to celebrate a fun adventure which you might be planning (which we are). We're going to be meeting half way between Michigan and the Catskills along with our hubby's to celebrate New Years Eve in Niagra on the Lake. It's a gorgeous quaint little town and I'm so looking forward to the event.

You might have guessed that I stamped these girls onto Bella's Bestest paper using Memento Tuxedo black ink. I then set out to color them with copics but I'll tell you that I did add lots of prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol too for extra depth shading. I love the way their dresses turned out. I gave Victoria on the left a sparkly celebratory dress full of glitter. Juliette's flowing skirt was also accented with charcoal extra fine glitter. The image is pretty tall so it takes up alot of card space and doesn't leave much room for embellishing but I actually like the clean lines of this. The finished card size is 5x7. Color inspiration for the dresses came from the October Afternoon Sidewalk dp.

I'd like to give a big shout out to Leslie Good who won Paula's stamp giveaway. Whoot whoot. All she had to do was play along with the babes and well, Leslie is pretty much a regular participant. In case you didn't know there are Bella Bucks up for grabs each week to one lucky participant and one lucky commentor. If you'd like to join us this week, we are inking up Holiday images. What a great way to knock one off your to do list. I know I still have quite a few more to go. Don't forget to send a photo of your creation to emily@stampingbella.com by Thursday night to be included in the Friday blog lineup.

See ya back here on Friday!

Thanks for stopping by.
Cath

Quinn sends You Warm Wishes

Good Morning! Did you survive the weekend of Holiday feasts and shopping? I had some new recruits with me this year...young nieces and a nephew. They were my runners.. it was hysterical to see them with a goal and how much fun they were having when they actually found what they were looking for. We come from one of the crazy families that actually shop on Black Friday. With the changes stores made this year, we actually started on Thursday night. We came home from turkey dinner, had a quick nap and were out the door at 11:00 pm. We shopped for hours and I took them home around 4am so they could sleep the day away. I on the other hand took another quick nap and then headed out for round 2 with my Mom. At 6am the stores were empty, parking was easy and we still got what we were looking for.

Now how about a card?

This is Uptown Girl Quinn and she comes with the sentiment. She's staying cozy warm with her ruffly pea coat, scarf, and Uggs. I would be covering up my legs if I was her but she's a little bit more resiliant than I am to the cold. This week Stamping Bella is sponsoring the sketch at CPS. So with that decision made, I started by stamping onto Bella's Bestest paper using Memento Tuxedo black ink. I colored with copics and added shading with prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol. Snowflakes falling were made with lots of glitter applied with a Quickie Glue pen. The snow at her feet was made with Opal White Liquid Pearls topped with glitter.

The design paper is from the 25 Days of Christmas 6x6 paper pad. I found this in the Bella shop a month ago and had to have it. If you haven't looked at the What's New tab in the Shop, you should. That's where I find all the new things...papers, embellishments, stamps. It's all in one neat little place so you don't have to hunt it down.


Want to see what the rest of the babes did with the layout? Head on over to the CPS blog and take a peek. You might even want to play along. Here's the sketch in case you do.

See ya back here later in the week.

Ciao,
Cath

Uptown Eve Sends Holiday Cheer

It's Bellariffic Friday again and I'll keep this one short and sweet 'cuz I'll bet you want to head out to get some Black Friday shopping done if you're in the States that is...I know that's where I'm gonna be. Our challenge this week was free form.. and I colored up Uptown Girl Eve Under the Mistletoe. She looks so classy and elegant to me so I decided to color her skirt in shades of darker grays to give the appearance of black. I also wanted to add the look of fur around the edges as if she was going to an Uptown Holiday Ball.

As you have probably guessed, I stamped her onto Bella's Bestest paper using Memento Tuxedo black ink and then colored her with copics. I used cool gray colors to gain the appearance of black. Her belt buckle was done with a Black Glaze pen. The fur was accented with glitter and the mistletoe was defined with Cream Viva Decor paper pen. Shading was added to the folds of her skirt, the ground and around her using prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol.

The sentiment is actually from the Uptown Christmas Tree image. It fit perfectly onto my image panel. Well, the sentiment is a long one so once you determine the placement using the stamp-a-ma-jig tool, you can stamp one word at a time.

The design paper is from My Mind's Eye Lost and Found collection of 12x12 papers. The solid teal is actually the reverse of the glittered polka dot paper. Black carstock was used to matt and cut using the Pine branch border punch from Martha Stewart. The image is tall so the finished card size is 5x7.

Next week's challenge is Christmas/Holiday again to boost your stash. Hope you can find time to play along. Don't forget to head on over to the Bella blog to see what the rest of the Babes and sistahs have to share.

Enjoy your weekend!

Cath

Anastasia

I'm finally getting around to coloring some more of the images from the Stamping Bella August release. Anastasia is another one that caught my eye and made me chuckle. She's heading to Colorado to Vicki, the winner of my blog candy. I couldn't resist coloring a card to enclose with all her goodies.

Anastasia was stamped with Memento tuxedo black ink onto Bella's Bestest paper. I then colored her with copics. Loved that head of hair and the big glasses. I wanted to use some more of the Crate Paper Random 6x6 dp and loved the country style of this. Shading was added too with prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol.

A Stamping Bella Thank you sentiment was cut using Nestabilites Pennants die. Machine stitching and two Dew Drops are the only embellishments. This card came together rather quickly. I didn't think I was going to be able to craft this weekend because our kids came in for a visit but I forget they sleep till mid morning. With my early morning routine, finding time to get this done was a piece of cake!

Hope you can find time to play along with our Free Form Bellariffic Friday challenge this week. Remember, you have two chances to win some Bella Bucks, one with Emily and one with Paulabella who has some of the Uptown girls included.

Ciao,
Cath

Big Girl Pants

While Ebrubella gave us a wonderful sketch to play with for this weeks Bellariffic Friday challenge, I couldn't resist pulling out one of my newest stamps from Stamping Bella's August release - it's a charming Mo Manning image called Big Girl Pants .

I started by stamping onto Bella's Bestest paper using Memento Tuxedo black ink and colored with Copics. Prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol also helped me add depth to the swirls of her hair, the folds of her pants, the ground beneath her feet and the sky around her. My color inspiration came from the beautiful floral design paper called Countryside from the Crate Paper Farmhouse collection. I complimented it with Crate Paper Romance designs. Both were also part of my latest Bella order.

The sentiment comes with the image and since I had limited space with the layout, I cut it up and matted it with cardstock. Finishing touches were machine stitching and a satin ribbon bow.

Next week our challenge is free form...which means color or use whatever suits your fancy from the Stamping Bella collections. Paulabella is offering up the chance to win some additional prizes too if you can play along with us. Head on over and Read all about it.

Enjoy your weekend....I have kids coming into town and a trip planned to see Breaking Dawn. So psyched for today to be here!

Ciao,
Cath

Spencer the Bookworm

I couldn't resist Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge again this week. And to mix things up a bit, I have a non-holiday image colored up. I've read through your comments and have determined that a few more boys cards are in order...it's so easy to do girl cards and I have way more uses for them but I guess a little attention to the boys wouldn't be so bad!

So here's a Green Bean Baby image called Spencer the Bookworm. I love to read! The layout was nice and easy and paper from the My Mind's Eye Lime twist line called Fly A Kite was my color inspiration. I stamped Spencer onto Bella's Bestest paper using Memento Tuxedo black ink and colored him with copics. The ground and surround shading was done with prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol. Believe it or not, I didn't use one Nestie on this card! Now that's quite a feat since I love those dies. But alas, the only adornment is the border cut using an EK Success punch. Oh and I did add some Stampin' Up! Crystal Effects on Spencer's glasses to make them look a little more real.

That's it. Pretty easy!


Now we're almost mid week and I hope you have time to play along with our Bellariffic Friday challenge. This week we have a sketch from Ebru. I must tell you that I found it very easy to incorporate into a card. Yup, I colored like a banshee over the weekend and I have my card done. Now don't forget to send a photo of your creation to Emily@stampingbella.com and you might win some Bucks!

Ciao for now!
Cath

We have a Winner!

So sorry for the late post on this...I have all my kids coming into town next week since they are scattered all over the East Coast now, out on their own and not everyone could take time to head "home" to Rochester for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will be having our own pre-holiday bash exploring the mountains, heading to Breaking Dawn and telling tales to new "friends" the kids are bringing home. I'm super psyched and had a bit of grocery shopping we had to get done today. I was up bright and early coloring but I didn't have time to post.

So without further ado...the winner of my blog candy is ..... well, Anonymous. Yup, someone left an anonymous post and her lucky number came in.


Someone said, "Cathabella,Thanks so much for giving back!! I don't comment on your post & I should, as all I would ever say is how beautiful & what an inspiration you are to me... I have your blog on my tool bar!!! We have an old 1800's victorian that we have restored. It's our vacation home in the old mining town of the beautiful Mt's of Georgetown CO. We allow our friends,family & do auctions for donations, for free,as we feel so bery blessed to have it. We are not wealthy! God has just blessed us with this home & we want to,"Give Back" as well. Thank you for your inspiration!!!

So, I don't know how to identify you other than we share a love of small mountain towns but it looks like God has found a way to give back to you too! Please contact me by email by next Thursday at craftycath@gmail.com and I'll send your goodies out ASAP. If for some reason this isn't claimed, I'll pick again and announce it on Friday.

Thank you everyone for all your wonderful comments, for following me,and for encouraging me. The past year as a Bellababe has been fantabulous and I've learned so much from everyone!

Ok, now I do have a card for you today too!

Ebrubella gave me a wonderful idea this week with her Bellariffic Friday card. She colored up Snowman with Cardinal designed by Mo Manning but released in rubber through Stamping Bella. Her sketch was of a scallop matted circle with snowflakes. I had an aha moment. What if I made it to look like a snowglobe and added the snowflakes as if it was just shaken? So I googled snow globes and hand sketched a base. I cut it out onto a peice of faux wood Cosmo Cricket Wanted 6x6 paper and then added Tim Holtz Vintage Photo distress ink so it looked like a stained piece of wood. I stamped the image onto Bella's Bestest paper using Memento Tuxedo black ink and colored with copics. I also added lots of glitter cuz this snowman is in a fresh snowstorm. The background paper looked perfect to me with the birdies all over. It came from the Mistletoe Memory Box 6x6 pack.

Liquid pearls topped with glitter was used for the snow on the ground. The snowflake was stamped using a Judith stick stamp using Memento London Fog ink.

Ok - I've got some more stamping to do before the day is done so enjoy and I'll see ya back here soon.

Ciao, Cath

Uptown Girl Christmas Tree

It's 11/11/11 today, how cool is that? Annnnd you still have the day to comment on my Blog giveaway here....I'll be announcing a winner on Saturday so I hope you find time to leave a comment.

Now, we're celebrating the upcoming Holidays in Bellaland today. For me that means time to get another Christmas card done. Woo Hoo - that's three done this week! I could not wait to get my hands on the new Uptown Holiday images. As soon as my last order arrived on my doorstep I dug Uptown Girl Christmas Tree out. Lindabella gave us a fabulous sneak peak of this and it totally inspired me.

Armed with the Sweet Sunday Sketch from this week and My Mind's Eye holiday paper I started to create. I stamped the image using Memento Tuxedo black ink onto Bella's Bestest white paper. I know it looks more like ivory but that's because I added Tim Holtz distress ink in Antique Linen all around the edges. There is also Pale Sage prismacolor pencil blended with gamsol directly surrounding the boughs of the branches but it blends in with all the shading. Most of the coloring was done with copics and then I applied lots of glitter. The string of lights also is highlighted with Sakura Gel pen in red and then topped with lots of glitter. I even sparkled the heck out of the presents under the tree.

The sentiment comes with the image so I decided to stamp it to look like a tag on a present and tucked it neatly under the red seam binding bow. Voila! Must say that I enjoyed making this card. Hope you likey!

Wanna play along with us again next week? Well we're making it easy for you and giving you another great sketch to get you started. Seems that alot of you would prefer to have this part of our challenge decided for you so you're in luck! This is once again from Ebrubella.


Can't wait to see your creations. Now head on over to the Bella blog to see the rest of the inspiration.

Enjoy your weekend. And it's Veterans Day in the US so here's a great big thank you for all they did to make our life better.

Cath

You Perk Me Up!

All the posts about snow and the holidays had me thinking about a nice cup of joe or maybe it's hot chocolate. Who doesn't love to come in from the cold to enjoy a nice cup of something hot? And the holidays also have me thinking about early morning shopping trips and a quick stop for some Starbucks! I'm starting to get a little excited. Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and so is the annual family Black Friday shopping trip and lunch! Woo Hoo and lots of us will actually be home this year to participate. I'm going to digress for a minute here but I thought I would share a funny...we sold our house in our hometown so now our visits back require us to stay with my Mom. Well Mom has my sister and her growing family coming in and my brother with his three boys so there's not much room in the inn so to speak. Hubby and I will be staying at a hotel. And since we will only have one car I'll need a little help getting places. I asked him for his thoughts about transportation for Friday and he told me he would bring me anywhere I wanted/needed to be...but does it have to be at 4 am he said. OMG he had me cracking up! Of course he does!

Sooo let's get back to my card.

I used this weeks Sweet Sunday Sketch and immediately flipped it too! Danabella has a tendancy to do that and I just loved the way it looked so I followed her. My image is Perk Me Up Peeps and it comes with the sentiment! I stamped it onto Bella's Bestest paper using Memento Tuxedo black ink. I then paper pieced the cup and colored the Peeps with copics. I added lots of shading on the paper and under the cup using prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol. I couldn't resist adding a winter theme since I had the Basic Grey Jovial design paper on my desk.

I had some crap on my fingers when I was working with the image panel and it made a smudge. I ended up covering it up with some clear baubles in the upper right hand corner. The snowflake border punch is from EK Success and I finished it off with machine stitching.

Check out Karen's blog to see the rest of this weeks creations.

How's your holiday card coming for this weeks Bellariffic Friday challenge? You still have time to join us. Send a photo of your creation to emily@stampingbella.com by Thursday night and you may win some Bella bucks!

Thanks for stopping by.

Cath

Holiday King!

It's getting to be that time of year again. The store flyers have Christmas sales all over, coupon inserts are full of baking ideas and your online Bella Babes will be showing you holiday card inspiration! I'm a little excited about all of them except maybe the baking...I'm a much better cook than I am a baker.

So what to color???? How about one of my newest images from Stamping Bella designed by the phenomial artist Cristy Croll? I adore her images and King of the Candy Canes had to make its way into my stash. I started by stamping him on Bella's Bestest paper using Memento Tuxedo black ink and colored him with copics. I used the design paper as my color inspiration. It's from a 6x6 SEI pack I bought at the end of the season last year called Kris Kringle. The red background paper is full of sparkles and the stripes caught my eye because I like the addition of the soft blue. A little untraditional but I love the color.

For my copics, I pulled out BG75, BG72 and BG70. I must tell you that I was thrilled when copics came out with BG70 but I find it doesn't blend with BG72 all that well. No problem, I simply grabbed some BG75 with my BG70 tip and it gave me a nice transition from the BG72. Phew! Shading is one of the reasons I love to color with copics. I simply love the depth it gives images.

Once I finished coloring, I cut the image out. I then applied Polar White Flower Soft along his crown and stocking top. I placed him on top of a circle cut using a Nestie and textured using a Darice "snow" embossing folder. The sentiment is also by Stamping Bella and I framed that in a panel cut using the Petite Oval Nestie large. Shading was added using Tim Holtz Tumbled Glass Distress Ink. Machine stitching and a few Swarkovski red crystals are the finishing touches.

I'm linking this to Cristy's challenge #71 for her Anything Goes challenge. November is a free form month and well that only means I have to stew on which image I want to color. Hehe and that CAN be a challenge!

Enjoy your weekend and hope you can find some holiday inspiration for this weeks Bellariffic Friday challenge.

Don't forget to leave a comment on my first blog giveaway...Friday will be here before you know it!

Ciao,
Cath

Have a little Snow?

We did! Last Saturday we only got 4 of the 12 iches predicted for our area. I know that there were many though that got more than they expected and tons lost power. Mother Nature does not seem to be happy with us this year! For this weeks Bellariffic Friday challenge we didn't go quite so extreme, but we did ask for some snow.

For that, I decided to color Mo Manning's Penguin with Gift released in rubber through Stamping Bella. I then added glitter, a sentiment and felt snowflake to tie in the theme. This image is so fun and adorable. Everytime I see him, he makes me smile. Reminds me of Happy Feet. I of course started with Bella's Bestest paper, stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo black ink and colored with copics. The surround shading and ground were done with prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol. And just as snow glistens, I added glitter to the ground here to add lots of sparkle.

Now I know this might be hard to see in the picture but I actually cut a hole in the Basix Grey Jovial design paper with a Nestie. The opening left me with a place to put the image. But I wanted to showcase it a little more so I made a scallop border with two Nesties and adorned it with more glitter and then put it over the opening. Machine stitching brought it all together. A little red twine, a felt snowflake topped with a pearl button and a Bella sentiment cut with the Stampin' Up! word sentiment punch complete the ensemble.

Next week we're looking for Holiday cards! I for one am thrilled to get some in my stash. So pull out your favorite Bella Holiday stamp and get at it. But don't forget to send a photo of your creation to Emily@stampingbella.com by Thursday to be included in the Friday lineup. Then head on over to the Bella Blog to see all the inspiration.

Lastly, the Bella Babes are look for your help. In your opinion, what challenges do you like to see? What do you like to participate in the most; sketch challenges, themed or perhaps color challenges? Please leave me a comment or go to Emily's blog and leave it there! We are gathering valuable information for the upcoming season and YOU have some say in it!

Have a great weekend!

Thanks for stopping by.
Cath

11/1/11 and a prize is up for grabs

Hello folks. I have a few of my favorite Stamping Bella treasures up for grabs. But I need your help. You see, it's been a year since I joined the Bella Babes and I've been ever so grateful for all the sistahs who stop in to see my creations. So I have some of the items I use on just about every card I make to giveaway...Bella's Bestest paper, Black Glaze pens, Memento Tuxedo black ink pad and refill, Quickie glue pen and Bella glitter, Tim Holtz distress ink and sponge applicator, Bella Baubles, and of course Bella stamps! One of which is from the new Uptown Girls line.

I think the month of November puts me in a thankful mood. I often recall how I started with this craft and the people I've met along my journey that have influenced me. I start with my Mom who asked me to join her in a Stampin' Up! class, Lizzy from my LSS who showed me so many new card styles and techniques, Jen del Muro whose own blog giveaway got me to start my blog and then Lizzy who showed me how. Brenda encouraged me to bring copic classes to Mary Maxim but Paula showed me how to color. Sure I had my Copic certification, but Paula showed me how to add depth to images so they came to life. Through her I found Emily and I can't explain the thrill I felt when she called me Cathabella. With that I've gotten to meet more Babes (Dana, Ebru, Linda, Pauline, Robin and Regan) at Bellaland and Scrapfest and Leslie too and they've given me friendships I adore. Then there's you, one of the many faces that visit me each week and leave me comments and encouragement! You're my blog friends and an integral part of my day...I Love Ya!

So, as I start this next year, I'd love to hear from you. Tell me what you've liked about my cards or images or posts this past year. Was there something I did that stands out more than all the others or perhaps there's something you'd like to see? Leave me a comment and we'll see what I can do. Here's some rules...

1) Feel free to leave me a new comment on this post each day from now through 11/11/11 (how cool is this date?). I will announce a winner on Saturday, November 12th.

2) You will have one chance in the pot for each comment you make.

3) Since it's my followers that keep me going, feel free to leave two comments a day if you follow my blog. Not a follower yet, no problem you can start now. And for those of you not signed up with Blogger, I allow annonymous comments. Just leave me an email address so I can get in touch with you.

That's it...no hoops and no need to have a blog or post anything on it.

Thank you for keeping me going each and every week!

Good Luck friends!
Cath

October SFYTT - just in time

Phew, I'm sneaking this in just in time. I love that Jen del Muro has changed her Sketch For You To Try (SFYTT) into a monthly format; it gives me time to fit it in~! I'm mean seriously, who couldn't play if you had a month to do a card?

Today I colored up Uptown Girl - Posh with sentiment. She seems so aptly named with her ruffly, glittery dress, so full of girliness. Because she is tall (close to 5 inches)and due to the sketch, I wanted to place her packages outside of the image panel. I love the way that looks. But experience has left me wiser. Here are the steps: stamp image with Memento Tuxedo black ink onto Bella's Bestest paper, cut with Nestie, stamp another image of the packages, color, shade with Prismacolor pencils, machine stitch image panel to matt panel, attach colored and trimmed packages, add glitter. Then attach to card layout. Color inspiration came from the design paper. It's by My Mind's Eye Lost & Found II Rosy 6x6 pack which I got from my trip to Archivers in Columbus.

I think this image is so fun. And I think the sketch works great too! I just may have to make a few more of these up!

We only got about 4 of the 12 inches of snow predicted over night and todays sunshine is melting it all away. Thank goodness. We haven't had time to rake the leaves yet and well, they haven't even all fallen off the trees yet either. But it's a beautiful backdrop of inspiration for this weeks Bellariffic Friday snow challenge. I'm off to color again!

Thanks for stopping by and see ya again soon.

Cath

Baby Time or Stipes revisited....

Today I share Babycarriageabella, an adorable expectant mother image from Stamping Bella. I often make cards on request and this is one of them. I think it's a little too stipe crazy actually. You now get to learn that I had intended it for last weeks Bellariffic Friday stripe challenge but wasn't in love with it. I also often make two cards for Friday's challenge because things didn't turn out quite like my vision. See, it isn't always smooth sailing in the Cath Craftdom.

Boy or girl we do not know so I used pink and blue, hence the extra stripes. Some things never change though, I started wtih Bella's Bestest paper and stamped with Memento Tuxedo black ink. Then I colored with a combination of prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol and copics. To spice things up, I added lots of glitter adhered with a Quickie Glue pen.

The sentiment is also by Stamping Bella. I handmade a tag to place under the sheer blue ribbon bow. A few blue metal brads are the final touch.

I'm hunkering down today. They are predicting our first Northeaster with 6-12 inches of snow for the mountain region. Great! Perfect inspiration for next weeks Bellariffic Friday challenge.

Thanks for stopping by and see ya again soon!

Cath

Pushing Stripes

It's Bellariffic Friday again. If you've been following along, you know that this week we were challenged to use stripes. I've got some...well, if you look close you can see a strip of stripes in the lower design paper. And I'm pushing your imagination with the black and green diamonds to instead see ribbons basket weaved into alternating black and green stripes. Ha, can you see it?

This about wraps up my Halloween card blitz. But Trick or Treatabella is a must every year. I mean I wish I had legs like hers that I wouldn't mind showing off with my spiffy black boots.

You have no idea how much Halloween design paper I have and never get around to using. The papers I used here are from Imaginisce Hallowhimsy line. They are 12x12 pieces but the scale was just right. Ms. Bella was stamped using Memento Tuxedo black ink onto Bella's Bestest paper. She was colored using copics - I love using E99, E97, Y21 and YR23 as they blend so beautifully together. A piece of black velvet scallop ribbon and a sheer orange ribbon bow are the only adornments, well as long as you don't count machine stitching as an adornment. I did however add lots of Tim Holtz rusty hinge distress ink to shade around the image while it was still in the Nestie die. Its a real warm color and I love the added pop.

Next week we ask you to add some snow to your card. Ha, never thought I would be thinking about that so early in the season but girlfriends, we got snow last night for the commute home from work. Big fat wet fluffy flakes and they were sticking. Ack, I'm not ready for snow yet. So bring it on, either in the image, using glitter or flower soft or whatever suits your fancy.

Enjoy your weekend and see ya again soon!
Cath

What's Brewing?

My most favorite Halloween image has got to be the Mummy, the Witch and the Pirate designed by Cristy Croll for Stamping Bella. This trio is just too cute and reminds me of so many little ones who will be flocking the neighborhood next week.

I used a combination of prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol and copics to color. Some things never change like using Bella's bestest paper and Memento Tuxedo black ink. You might remember that I colored this last year too. Well, I wanted to switch the colors up a bit and really like this combo. The bold red pirate outfit is my favorite. And I used E71, E74, E77, E79 to color the couldron. I always envision black but this is a lovely brown/black. The colors have neat names like Champagne, Cashew and Maroon and I never really dig them out so I gave it a whirl and love the result!

Design paper is from the Authentique 6x6 Glowing Bundle pad which you can find in the Bella shop. As you can see, it's perfect for fall and Halloween. I also used a piece of orange spiderweb and word paper from the Teresa Collins Haunted Hallows pad.

I know this is going in the mail so I chinced on embelishments - Mr. Postman loves to charge me lots of extra postage and isn't nearly as careful as I would be with my creations so this is going flat! Machine stitching and a simple sentiment I've had in my stash for ages finishes this off.

I'll be linking this up to Cristy's challenge blog for her Halloween challenge...hey when you're on a roll, you go with it.

Ciao for now,
Cath

Gossmere's ready for Halloween

Where the heck did the month go? I can't believe that next week is Halloween and I have hardly started to get my cards done. I cannot think of Halloween without including Gossmere, an image by Cristy Croll for Stamping Bella. Her dark feel just oozes the thrills and chills of Halloween doesn't it? Then I remembered a piece of My Mind's Eye 12x12 design paper from their Haunted line called "Raven" I knew would create an awesome "scene".

So, I stamped Gossmere onto Bella's Bestest paper using Memento Tuxedo black ink and colored her with copics. I did add some extra shading with the black prismacolor pencil blended with gamsol. Then I also dug out the purple glitter Atyou Spica pen and Golden Star Sakura Gelly Roll pen to add some sparkle to the crown and purple sash. After cutting Gossmere out, I glued her to the design paper and added a Halloween sentiment. This one is from Stampendous...I like the way the lines look scrawled with an unsteady hand instead of solid. This is actually a much bigger stamp but I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig and inked it in sections and placed the sentiment where I wanted it. Love that tool now that I know how to use it. Machine stitching added just enough to tie it all together especially with the rich velvet on the candlestick.

Pretty easy right?

Dig out your stripes and play along with this weeks Bellariffic Friday challenge. Just send a photo of your creation by Thursday to emily@stampingbella.com to be included in the weekly lineup. Who knows, you might be our lucky contributor winner. Not abe to play, don't worry head on over to the Bella blog and leave Em a comment, she loves them. She also has some Bella Bucks every week for one commentor. Now that is pretty easy.

Want to see some more of Cristy's creations? Check out challenge #69 on her challenge blog here for more Halloween inspiration.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Cath

Stella Celebrates Halloween

Happy Bellariffic Friday folks! This weeks challenge was an awesome sketch from Ebrubella. It was a perfect road map with all her colored papers and embellishments. All you had to do was insert your image. If only I was that computer skilled.

Today I have a project I made for some special girls in my life! They are young enough to still appreciate the fun of going into the neighborhood on October 31st so I thought they might enjoy a little festive decoration. I started with Spooky Stella and of course my Bella's Bestest paper. I stamped with Memento tuxedo black ink and colored with copics. Since I wanted to cut the image out to create a scene, I didn't use any pencils. Design paper is from Haunted Hallows 6x6 paper pack by Teresa Collins. It was a gift from my Sissy that I couldn't wait to get into. I loved the blank October page and filled the lower half with another piece that fit perfectly with halloween words and of course the big 31. I framed the 31 in the lower left hand corner with a Nestie.

The Spider Web border is one of my favorites from Martha Stewart. The ribbon is from Making Memories and came as a set of 4 Halloween themed styles. The sentiment is also from Stamping Bella. I used some Tim Holtz distress inks to add some color. Emily has all Distress Inks on sale 50% off this week. Call the store to find out if she has what you're looking for in stock. I love these inks and use them all the time. This is one of her weekly sales though so ya better hurry you only have until Wednesday.

Next week we are challenging you to BRING ON THE STRIPES. Use either striped paper or embellishments. I know I have more than a few ribbons that would be perfect for this. And there is always Bella Bucks up for grabs to one lucky participant and one commentor so head on over to the Bella Blog to see some more inspiration.

I also have two new Babes to welcome to the neighborhood. First is a welcome back to Shannan Teubner whom I followed when Stamping Bella first caught my eye. Next is Regan D'Agostino who has been a long standing weekly contributor. She's got a fresh, fun style I know you're going to love. Check out their blogs and give them a nice big welcome.

Shannan Teubner
Regan D'Agostino

On a sad note, Tammybela has decided to step down so she could spend some more time with family. We all know the pressure of trying to balance family, work and our play time so I wish you well Tammy! It's been a pleasure craftin with you Dirty Girl!

Well the weekend has finally made it's way back around. I for one can't wait to make some time for my cards. My double weddings out of town was fun last weekend but dang the 10 hour drive home on Sunday killed me. I didn't get anything done...as you noticed this week. I owe ya so check back over the weekend to see what I've been creatin'.

Ciao for now,
Cath

Bellariffic Halloween

Today we are sharing Halloween creations at Stamping Bella for our Bellariffic Friday challenge. I had so much fun with this challenge. I decided to look a little outside the box and repurposed Everyday Princess another Cristy Croll creation.

This Princess was made a little Goth with her dark purple and black sparkly skirt. I couldn't resist. She was stamped onto Bella's Bestest paper using Memento Tuxedo black ink colored with copics and cut out. No, I didn't make a mistake which had to be fixed by the cutout, it was my intention. I really wanted her to pop on the center image panel. I covered that with Basic Grey Eerie design paper I have had for a few years now but find it perfect for the season. Then I used rectangle Nesties to layer cardstock.

A sheer purple ribbon bow was adorned with a Boo sentiment from Stamping Bella placed onto a tag cut using Nesties Tag 5. I added a little distressing with memento ink and toped it off with a black button which was tied with black Bella cording I found in the jewelry department at JoAnn's. I couldn't resist when I saw the name. I thought the addition of the flying bats would further transform this princess into a holiday favorite. They are from an EK Success border punch - only they are the pieces that punch out - I just love them and reuse them.

You like? Next week we have a sketch challenge for ya. As you know, I so love these. Our very own Ebrubella has done half the work for you. Check this out, it's a roadmap to an adorable looking card and perfetly themed already for you too!

Won't you play along? There's always the incentive of Bella Bucks to one lucky commentor and one lucky contributor so head on over to the Bella blog to check it out.

And if you haven't seen already, there were three new Uptown Girl images released this week just in time for the holidays. Emily is offering free shipping on orders over $55 through Monday, October 17th. Use the code freeshippingoctober at checkout. It's her way of saying thankyou for your patience after the August release. She offered us so many new stamps then and you all went hog wild that the Bella elves couldn't get the orders out fast enough.

I'm out of town to share some time with family and friends at two weddings! What a weekend this is going to be. Anyhoo, I'll see ya back here next week.

Thanks for stopping by.
Cath

Wedding Cake take 2

You'll have to excuse the photography for this one folks. I took the picture over the weekend outside in the sunshine. I never noticed the glare on the image until I went to upload it. ARRRGGG! We're heading out of town for our double weddings in Columbus so I had to post this regardless of the glare.

You might recognize this card from earlier this summer. I made card one for wedding one. This is the second one and I decided to use a little different color scheme. I love the teal, taupe combo. Color inspiration came from the Basic Grey Cameo 6x6 paper pack.

I stamped Lulu's Wedding Cake from Stamping Bella onto Bella's Bestest paper using Memento Tuxedo black ink. I then set about coloring with copics. I also added some shading using prismacolor French Grey 90% pencil blended with gamsol. Machine stitching, Viva Decor Paper pearls, a Sweet Sunday Sketch, glitter and a fabric rose (tinted with copics) complete this card.

I'll see ya back here Friday for the Halloween Challenge. And if you haven't stopped by Em's blog yet - you'll want to check out the new release of Uptown Girl Holiday images. Just in time to help you make some spanky sweet Holiday cards. And to sweeten the deal she is offering free shipping on orders over $55.00 just enter coupon code freeshippingoctober. I've placed my order today...

See ya Friday!

Cath

Summer Days - turned Fall

Today I have a Fall "Summer Day" scene to share. That sounds wierd doesn't it? Well our very own Paulabella has designed a line of stamps and we got to see them in Stamping Bella's August release. Since it's now Fall, I decided to color my Summer Days scene using a little bit darker shades and I envisioned the flower pots as mums. I found this awesome design paper Paula actually sent to me. I believe it's from a Memory Box 6x6 pack. The colors were perfect.

This is a two inch square stamp so coloring goes pretty quick. Now the layout time, that took me awhile. I knew I wanted to stamp on the design paper so I had to place the image panel off center. Some machine stitching, distressed edging (with a nail file and Tim Holtz distress inks), a little Bella sentiment and this card was good to go.

Of course you already know that I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo black ink onto Bella's bestest paper. The panels were all cut using Nestabilites dies.

If you liked the last Stamping Bella release, you might want to check out Emily's blog today. I've heard whispers of a mini-release and I've seen Lindabellas blog. There is an awesome Uptown girl coming to town.

Have a great week!

Cath

Madison is ready to hit the town

I had soooo much fun coloring this Uptown girl. Meet Madison has a Margarita! She's one of the newest girls in town from the latest Stamping Bella release. I couldn't wait to get her into my craft room. Ya gotta love the Uptown girls with their long skinny legs and gorgeous dresses!

This week's challenge was fall colors so I actually went with orange, black and white...perfect Halloween colors even if this isn't a Halloween image. Ya can't think fall without thinking of trick-or-treat colors right? I scored some great orange design paper from the My Minds Eye Honey Cake 6x6 pack. I stamped Madison onto Bella's Bestest paper using Memento Tuxedo black ink. My color medium of choice was copics but I added depth shading using prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol.

Her dress has some spanky charcoal glitter applied using my favorite Quickie Glue pen. I also appplied Black Glaze pen to the buttons to give them some pop. The sentiment is a bonus as it comes with the image. I stamped it in sections so it fit in my image panel onto two lines. And since it's Friday I'll be so happy to see 5 o'clock come along.

Madison is pretty tall too so you'll notice that you don't need to fuss alot with embellishments. I don't think she needs it anyway with her fruity drink and sparkly dress. I did add machine stitching and matted with a MFT open scallop die.

Wanna play along with us next week? Well the theme for real this time is Halloween. If you don't have a Halloween themed stamp from Stamping Bella in your stash just pull another one of your favorites like I did here and simply use Halloween colors in your paper and/or embellishments. That's what I did and I can't wait to show you how I repurposed one of Cristy Croll's stamps. Send a photo of your creation to emily@stampingbella.com by Thursday night to be included in the Friday lineup. And don't forget to stop by to see what the rest of the sistahs have to share with us at the Stamping Bella blog. Hope I see a card from you there.

Have a fabulous weekend and I'll see ya back here soon.

Cath

Arthur and Annie

Today I have a great pair to share with you. This is Arthur and Annie, another Cristy Croll creation released through Stamping Bella. So do you think I can pass this off as a baby congratulations? I mean I was asked to make a card for a new Mom who just had twins - a boy and a girl. I immediately thought of Arthur and Annie - ya know a little glimpse of the future for this new Mom.

I started by stamping onto Bella's Bestest paper using Memento Tuxedo black ink. I inked Arthur first. I Then stamped him again on scrap paper and cut out his head to create a mask. I placed the mask over my stamped image. Then I stamped Annie onto the clear plate with the Stamp-a-ma-jig. That way I could tell where to line up my stamp block again. I placed the clear sheet over Arthur to find the right placement for Annie. Line up your stamp-a-ma-jig, remove the clear sheet and stamp Annie onto your paper right over the mask over Arthur's image. Simply remove the mask when you are done and voila you have a perfect overlay of Arthur over Annie. You can reverse who you want in front but all of Annie's curls had me choosing Arthur's image to cut out.

Coloring was done with copics and surround shading was added using prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol. Design paper is from my new My Minds Eye 6x6 Lost and Found two Sunshine pack. I love this paper! The sentiment was computer generated onto vellum and held in place with metal brads. The border is by Stampin' Up!

There you go - quick and easy.

Don't forget that our theme this week is fall for the Bellariffic Challenge. I hope your scenery outside can give you lots of inspiration.

See ya Friday.

Cath

Planets and Galaxies

Happy Sunday folks! Wooee I've been busy. It's rained the past two days and its cold so I've been hanging in the craft room. Wanna see what I have to share this morning? Just checked and it's now afternoon but I swear it still feels like morning...why can't I have a few more hours to the day? Ok, my Bella shipment arrived and I ordered the October Afternoon Rocket Age 8x8 design paper. I thought it would pair perfectly with the Planets and Galaxies stamp. Of course Paula beat me to the post though - she stopped into Bellaland and brought her stuff home. Mine was a little delayed waiting for all the new release rubbah to get in.

I love playing on Sunday because I'm pretty sure that I can find something to color using Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge and today was no exception. You can see the sketch here if you want to play too.



I think this came together pretty nicely. Of course I started with Bella's Bestest paper and Memento Tuxedo black ink. Then I colored with copics. Highlighting was done with prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol. This is heading to my nephew so I didn't bother with machine stitching...he's more interested in what's inside anyway. I followed the sketch for the most part but added my usual "belated" birthday sentiment panel. Dag nabbit I tried to get this done on time but the UPS man took to long to get my stuff here. Honest, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Finished card is 4x8. Tools used were a corner punch, EK Success border punch, Nesties circle and star dies.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your day. Thanks for stopping by.

Cath