Isn't it grand to be in Love?

Well Eloise from Stamping Bella thinks so. She's raising her banner and walking through town to let you all know it too. He he - I love to envision a story.

But seriously, I was cruising the net yesterday and found some inspiration at fellow Bella Babe - Dana's blog. She posted a great Sweet Sunday Sketch (SSSC102) and a neat card that gave me an idea and thus a card was born. Yup, how many supplies do you have that you never use? I've learned that I have lots. With the sketch calling for a circle sentiment or embellishment, I thought about extending the love sentiment on the banner to "U" using one of my never before seen the light of day - Bingo chips bought about 5 years ago. Sad isn't it? Well, I'm going to look at the bright side...I've finally used one in a card and I think it's kinda neat.

I've covered most of my image panel with Tim Holtz Tattered Rose Distress Ink but it started as Bella's Bestest white cardstock. I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored with copic markers. Shading was added with prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol for the ground and on the image but the pink shading immediately surrounding Eloise was done with a Caran d'ache pencil. Of course, a fairy requires glittery wings so I applied lots using my Quickie Glue pen.

Design Paper is Alphaabet Soup double sided Girl "Lovely" by My Mind's Eye. The teal cardstock is Papertrey Ink, red is Stampin Up! and the pink is AC Cardstock. I know, it's a hodgepodge but I'm trying to use up scraps.

Head on over to Karen Giron's blog to see more takes on this sketch or to link your creation.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cath

Isn't every day a Beer day?

Well if you're my husband it is. He loves his beer. Not to say that he overdoes it but this image had his name written all over it. I was thrilled that EMily asked me to color him up to bring to CHA with her. This is Beer Peep, a new release from Stamping Bella. It could only have been better if it didn't have the lime so I could make it look like a Coors Light bottle.


So, have you ever colored up beer before? I had not! I merely searched the internet for images of Corona and I found lots of inspiration. So I pulled out my Bella's Bestest paper, Memento Tuxedo black ink and copic markers. I used prismacolor pencils on the label so I could control the shading just a little better and of course used them to shade around the image and for the grass.

I wanted some depth to the image panel so I stamped and colored a duplicate image and popped it up on dimensionals. Then I applied a double coat of Crystal Effects from Stampin Up! to give the appearance of glass. Design papers are a combination of Pink Paislee 6x6 Bayberry Cottage and 365 degrees. Colored cardstock is Papertrey Ink. I used the Cuttlebug dry embossing folder - Houndstooth to give dimension to the green circle panel and of course did machine stitching to finish it all off. Men always make things difficult and frown on ribbon or bows or glittery girly embellishments but this needed something. So I found a metallic elastic cording to create a button looped adornment. Ha, if you look close it does kind of glitter.

Voila - a birthday card for the hubby is done!

Now don't forget that next week's Bellariffic Friday challenge is Valentine's Day. Get your heart stamps inked and send a picture of your creation to Emily by Thursday night ok? I'd love to see what you've come up with. Emily is @stampingbella.com of course. Then visit us at the Bella blog to see it showcased along with all the other sistahs.

Enjoy your weekend!

Cath

I've been asked which copic colors I've used to color the beer. I believe it was Y00, 11,15,17 with a smidge of YR15 at the bottom. Hope that helps!

Happy Birthday Wendy!!!

Today we are celebrating Wendy Bond's birthday with a birthday blog hop. Her friends from all over blogland have joined in to send Birthday wishes her way. There's quite a list of participants so you'll want to start on Karen's blog . I had the pleasure of being introduced to Wendy (AKA Bondabella) this past August. She, Pauline and I all joined Stamping Bella together. Some of you may know her as the spunky trendsetter on the MFT Challenge team or maybe from the Loonie Stampers.


For my card I've used Lulu's Birthday Cake from Stamping Bella. Can't believe this has never seen ink for me before because I loved coloring it. I started with Bella's Bestest paper, Memento Tuxedo black ink and Copics. But then I played with my new Caran d'ache pencils. Yup, Paula started this craze and I got lucky to find a set in Rochester at The Art Shop. Unbelievably, they accept competitor's coupons so I was able to get them 50% off. Sorry - back to the card. I wanted this nice and girly so I added glitter to the candles and pink rhinestones at each curve of the blossom die. I also know that Wendy loves lace. She's always using it to adorn her cards. I'm more of a satin girl so I made my own gathered satin adornment. I love it! Hope you do too Wendy!

From here head on over to Jessica Rone's blog and don't forget to head to Wendy's blog to send her some Birthday lovin too! Hope you enjoy your day Wendy!!!!

Thanks for stopping by.
Cath

Relaxing Stella

Girls, do you ever get to lounge in your bathtub? Personally, I have never felt comfortable hanging out in one but it could be because I didn't have one of the spanky large built-in-tubs you can find today. I couldn't resist the sheer pleasure Stella gives off in this Stamping Bella image titled Stella doing a balancing act.


Of course, it also seemed perfect Valentine's Day material so I decided to ink it up. I started with Bella's Bestest paper, Memento Tuxedo black ink and my copics. Believe it or not, I also worked in some shading with my prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol. Then I topped some of the hearts with Sakura Gelly roll pens in pink and red. The star too was adorned with a shimmery yellow. To help give the appearance of bubbles, I used a Quickie Glue pen to adhere glitter. I love the way it turned out. Additional shading was added with VersaMagic chalk ink in pink while leaving my image panel still in the Nestie small circle die. You can also see that I matted this panel with a Nestie large circle die of black cardstock. This was a scrap but I think it's from Papertrey Ink. White cardstock is Neenah Classic Crest Solar white. Finished cardsize is 5x5.

The design paper is one I found in my travels. It was my first trip to Utopia Stamp and Crafts in Rochester, NY. I found lots of fun papers. This one is called Lush Red Circles by My Mind's Eye. It was double sided so both designs were used here. I also added a layer with the Nestie Lacey Squares die. A little machine stiching, dimensionals and a bubbly bow finish this off. If you haven't seen Jeanie's post on how to make her "bubbly bow" you have to check it out here. I always make my bows free hand but I went right over left. Jeanie does it a little different and I like the result. Thanks for the video Jeanie!

If you haven't visited the Bella Blog to see the new releases Emily has given us in honor of CHA than you have to head over. She is also offering free shipping for the whole time she is gone on orders over $55. Just enter code: chafreeshipping. As if we need additional incentive to buy those lovely new stamps. I put my order in yesterday...hope you haven't bought out all the rubbah so I can get my order quickly.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cath

Good Luck Mother-to-be...

I have a new niece or nephew on the way. Woo Hoo. TeddyBella and Good Luck sentiment from Stamping Bella seemed to work perfectly together to send well wishes.


You know I started with Bella's Bestest paper, Memento Tuxedo Black ink and Copics. And you've propably already guessed that I added prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol. I know - it's the same thing with every card but it works so why change it?

I chose to stick to a neutral palette since I have no idea if we'll be seeing a boy or girl. Basic Grey Lemondade 6x6 design papers were perfect to work with. I added colored cardstock by Bazzil and Neenah Classic Crest Solar white. I was in Rochester when I made this so no sewing machine. I decided to dress it up a little instead using Tim Holtz's Vintage Photo Distress ink. A few buttons adorned with hemp cording and twill ribbon finish it off. Finished card size is 5x7.

Hope you're staying warm this weekend. It was 4 degrees this morning as hubby and I ventured into the woods to walk the dogs. Brrrr.

And don't forget to stop by the Bella Blog on Tuesday to see all the new releases Emily will be offering in honor of CHA. Yup, she'll be heading to California but she's sharing the release with us on Tuesday. If you've seen the sneak peaks, I'm pretty sure you won't be able to resist.

See you soon.
Cath

Bellariffic Friday and a Valentine to share..

Another week has gone by and that means it's Bellarific Friday at Stamping Bella. I've always loved Fridays but now I love 'em even more 'cause I love seeing all the creations on the Bella Blog. Unbelievably, I used an oval this week - possibly because we didn't have to. While last week's sketch called for one, it didn't fit the image I had in mind, so I went with rectangles. Perhaps I'm just a rebel. In any event, I used my Nestibilites Petite Ovals Large. Don't let the name fool ya, there is nothing petite about these. This oval is big! And don't look too closely either because I matted it with a salmon colored duplicate that I cut free hand.


Topiary Bella comes bearing gifts every girl loves, a heart filled with chocolates and a lovely flowering heart topiary tree. Love her full skirt and hair piled high. She reminds me of a prima ballerina. I'll bet you guessed that I started with Bella's Bestest paper, Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and copics. Then I adding shading with Prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol.

The design paper is Basic Grey 6x6 Green at Heart. The cardstock is Neenah Classic Crest Solar white and AC Cardstock. A decorative Martha Stewart heart border punch along with some ivory trim finish this off. Since Bella looked all decked out for a special evening, I had to add some Bella glitter with a Quickie Glue pen to her dress. The finished size of this card is 5x7. I told you that oval was big!

Now let's take a look at the what the minibellas have to share. They had a snowday this week so I know they found some time to create. First up is Madison with Jammybella. Guess she enjoyed staying in her jammies all day on her snow day!


And McKenzie shares with you a very Daintybella. Notice how crafty she got with her ribbon poking up through her image panel - just like a real Babe. I know Paulabella does that alot. Guess you've been checking out the Babe's blogs!



Don't know if you noticed last week but we had 5 minibella's participate. I already had my post up when my cousin shared with me her girl's creations. I wanted them to have a special spotlight here too. It's kind of a promise I make to any mini. So please enjoy the work of 6 year old Lauren with Daydreamabella and McKenna (10) with Daisybella.


Great job ladies! Hope you can play along with us some more!

Next week Emily will be at CHA so there won't be a Bellariffic Friday challenge but visit all the Bella Babe's blogs to see what they've done with the new releases. We've all been busy making cards and sending them to Emily so she can display them at CHA. Not everyone can attend we know, so we'll be showcasing our creations on our blogs.

Have a great week and thanks for stopping by.

Cath

Life's a Juggling Act

Yup, that's how it seems anyway! There's the fine art of balancing home, work and love! This Bella knows all about that. Today I share with you Jugglabella from Stamping Bella. I love how she is all dressed up pretty balancing all the loves of her life. Or maybe she is just getting ready for Valentine's Day - a nice evening celebration with her hubby! He he, I've got quite the imagination don't I?


I wanted this to look a little dressy, like our Bella so I kept to a simple color palatte of red, black, and gray. Of course, I pulled Bella's Bestest paper first and stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. Then I colored with copics. I added some shading for the ground and around Bella with Prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol. Now I've gotta share with you that there is a difference in the Verithin and the Premier Prismacolor pencils. The Verithin pencil is a hard, thin core pencil best used for outlining, lettering or detailing. I use the Premier pencils. They are a soft, thick core pencil so they don't dig into your paper and they blend to a smooth coverage of vivid color without leaving lots of lines. There are a variety of prepackaged sets to choose from or you can pick them up individualy at Craft and Art supply stores. Having the right tools can make a difference in your ability to achieve successful results.

Now back to our card. Cardstock is Neenah Classic Crest Solar white and Papertrey Ink. Design paper is Basic Grey 6x6 Oliver. I've decked Bella out with some Bella glitter on her camisole, black glitter on her dress and Viva Decor Red Pearl pen for the hearts. I love how this product shines and is so bright. No coloring was needed for the hearts just the pearl pen. Emily demoed the product during my adventure to Bellaland and I must tell you that I added a couple of these to my last order. Love them.

Two EK Success border punches helped give me decorative edging and a red and black ribbon and a shimmery ivory and gold button finished it off.

No machine stitching...I'm having withdrawal but I'm traveling this week so I'm again working with limited supply. I'm spending my last week in our Rochester home getting it cleaned up and ready for the last U-Haul to take the garage treasures outta here. If you've seen my garage before you know that tackling that project was an undertaking. Top to bottom, front to back accumulation of 20 years of stuff. I brought in a 40 cubic foot dumpster and got rid of a ton of junk. Then I listed items that had value but we no longer wanted on Craigslist and within hours it all went on to new homes. I even received a wonderful thank you from a college student that was able to put our old executive desk with a hutch that was still in the original box to good use. It was refreshing to have such an appreciative note. It also made my husband and I feel better about not filling up a land fill simply because we had out grown the "things".

Now you still have time to participate in this week's Bellariffic Friday challenge. It should be easy for you too...it's a free for all. Color whatever is handy or whatever occassion you need to make a card for. But create and send a copy of your card/creation to Emily@stampingbella.com by Thursday night. And don't forget to head to the Bella blog to see what all the sistahs have to share. Emily is getting ready for CHA and a big release...she's been posting some sneak peaks you'll need to check out as well.

See ya again soon.
Cath

Gratty'tude Bellariffic Friday

Happy First Bellariffic Friday of 2011! We've been on break for the holidays but we're back and ready to take on the new year. I've been rummaging through my images looking for one for Valentine's Day. I pulled Gratty'tude, a Christy Croll image for Stamping Bella as one of them. It comes with a sentiment so it's already an added Bonus! Kim Teasdale made this week easy for us by giving us a sketch. I chose to add some artistic freedom and switched up the oval for a matted square inserted in a Label 17 Nestie die.

You have probably guessed that I started with Bella's Bestest paper, Memento Tuxedo Black ink and copics. I did use prismacolor pencils blended with gamsol to shade the grass and sky though. I also added crystal effects to the hearts in the flower bouquet. The sentiment was shortened to fit into a Cuttlebug die and the same set also gave me the hearts adorning the ribbon.

The cardstock is Neenah Classic Crest Solar White and Papertrey Ink as well as some scraps. The design paper is by Echo Park - also from my November road trip to Bellaland.

The Mini-Bella's have gotten back into the game this week as well..

Madison inked up Turtle Tots Baker


McKenzie shares Baykahbella


Next week's Bella challenge is a free for all. Create using whatever Bella stamp appeals to you, but please join us. Take a picture of your creation and send a copy to Emily@stampingbella.com before Thursday night. You'll be entered into the $20 BellaBuck's giveaway. You can double your chances by leaving a comment on the Bella Blog to be entered into the $10 comment giveaway.

Enjoy your weekend!
Cath

Friends...

Sometimes it takes a huge event to show us just how much our friends care. This past month has demonstrated that for hubby and I with our move (or dual moves as it turns out). The most challenging was our move from Michigan to New York. We didn't have family there but we had an equal substitute. My BFF (or Michigan BFF as we tease) spent 5 days straight with me during her week off to wrap, pack, haul and purge. She shoveled snow, threw salt to melt ice and carried more boxes than I think she thought she could. She came at the drop of the hat at 7 am when we called frantic that the 11:00 am pickup had been changed to 7:45 and the bed still had to be loaded. She and her husband cooked dinners, painted a door and kept me on track. She was sad for my departure but she never faultered in the task at hand.

In Rochester, the task was somewhat easier with kids home, family to call on and friends that again would come at the drop of a hat. Funny how others can give you a better perspective on the necessity to save documents, clothes, knick knacks, etc. It is in that light that I challenge myself to tackle 2011. What good is it to have if we don't use? So from craft items to household collections, I will determine need versus want (and by want I mean do you want to have to move that ever again?)


So for all my BFF's I have decided to use Gracie Lollipop, a Lori Boyd image for Stamping Bella, into a thank you card. I chose the sentiment, also by Stamping Bella, for it's play on words. You see, my friends are truly a "cut above the rest". Now notice how I paper pieced Gracie's dress - it's a cut? And then there is the "cut" image placed on dimensionals and centered right smack dab in the middle of my heart. Where they belong! Did ya get all that?

I started by stamping with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Bella's Bestest paper and coloring with copics. Cardstock is Neenah Classic Crest Solar White and Ridding Hood Red by Stamping Up! Design paper is Road Map Blue and White Motel by October Afternoon. This is the 12x12 double sided version. I got this during my trip to Bellaland in November - I think it's about time to start using it!

The heart was cut with a Nestie die and then matted with a Scalloped Heart Nestie. A little machine stitching finishes this off. (Yup, I finally found my sewing machine! Woo Hoo)

You still have time to participate in the first Bellariffic Friday challenge of 2011. Just send a picture of your creation to Emily by Thursday. Here's the sketch from Kim Teasdale again.

See ya soon.

Thanks for stopping by,
Cath

A day of exploring

Happy Sunday everyone! We have finally received all of our belongings. I haven't gotten them all unpacked but they are here and we are somewhat functional now. I have unearthed some of my crafting tools and made another card. Today I share with you a birthday card I made for my niece. She's a college student so I thought the almost dark nature of Gossmere designed by Cristy Croll for Stamping Bella would be perfect. Her beautiful dress reminded me of party attire.


I pulled colors from Basic Grey's Eskimo Kisses 6x6 design paper. Colored cardstock is by Papertrey Ink. The image was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink onto Bella's Bestest paper and then cut out for dimension. Coloring was done with both Copic markers and prismacolor pencils. The sentiment is also by Stamping Bella and was pieced to fit on the Spellbinders Labels 17 die.

I've added some sparkle to Gossmere's dress by applying glitter with my Quickie Glue pen. I love the way it sparkles and seems more festive. I also used a Sakura glitter pen to make her crown shine as well.

Once I finished the card I decided to keep one of my New Year's resolutions. Our son and his girlfriend were in town to see us so we packed up the dogs and went exploring in the Catskill Mountains. We received about 8 inches of snow on Friday so it was a winter wonderland here. Justin found us a great park to hike in. He and Cait had snowshoes so they headed to the woods. Hubby and I quickly determined that the route would be too much for me so we turned back and walked the road instead. The dogs had a blast romping in the drifting snow. I've taken a few pictures to share with you.

Our new home...


The kids...


Hubby and dogs...


Awesome views...


A nice pot of chili awaited us when we returned home. It was a very good day indeed.

Hope you have enjoyed your weekend as well. Thank you for stopping by.

Cathy

First Bella Challenge of the New Year!

If you follow the Bella's, then you know we've had a few weeks off from the Bellarific Friday challenges. We're coming back on Friday January 14th. This should give you ample time to get your new supplies out and give them a test drive. I know you all received lots of new things or gift cards for your favorite shops.

We've made our first challenge of the new year easy for you too...it's is a sketch designed by Kim Teasdale. You have free realm to dig out your favorite image and pair it with any color or embellishments you'd like. Just go into your stash and dig one out and color. Then relax because we've got your sketch all ready to go.



Isn't it puuurty? To play along with us send a photo of your creation to Emily@stampingbella.com by 5pm on Thursday the 13th. One lucky participant will receive $20 in Bellabucks. If you're too shy to send us your creation then at least head over to the Bella blog and see everyone's creations. Then leave us a comment. Who knows you might be the lucky one to win $10 in Bellabucks.

Thanks for stopping by.

Cath

I could go for a cup of joe...

Happy New year everyone! I finally have internet in my new home. Yeah! Insert happy dance here. I don't have any furniture yet as the movers have had numerous delays....arg....but we are making the best of the move.

It took us less than an hour to learn that the dog behind our house (a mutt but big like a Saint Bernard) can jump the fence. So much for having a fenced in yard. Also, our dogs have never seen a full screen door and when Bella saw the said dog enter our yard she took off like a jet right through the screen. Great - now we have a screen to fix. I'm making do with one fry pan, two plates, and a glass I borrowed from Hose 22 over Christmas break. Thank goodness I'm resourcefull. The matches I gave my husband as a gag for x-mas were also a hit as we were able to light the one candle I threw into the car last minute. I now have a nice Balsam scent going while I create.

With my new found free time, I created a card. I actually started this before the holidays but I was dying for a mug of Cappucino today so this seemed fitting. A hunt through my Chirstmas tote (I love to buy gifts ahead and pull things out as I need them) came up with a third plate and a mug. I'm enjoying a cup of joe right now.


This is Minty Coffee by Stamping Bella. I'm not in love with it (the card that is - I love the image) but it's a start with the limited supplies I have on hand. I don't even have the darn sewing machine to give me that finished look. Ah, how we learn to appreciate things when we live without. I'll tell ya that living without you and my Bellas has been killing me!

My new Spellbinders Beaded Circle die, a gift from my Sissy and the mini-Bellas, was the perfect backdrop for this image. I double matted the image with both ivory and black cardstock using a Classic Circle die. I actually made two of the same size and hand trimed the black to fit next to the image panel. I then shaded the image panel using Wheat Versamagic Chalk ink and a sponge while keeping the image in the die. Of course I started with Bella's Bestest paper , Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and Copics but added some French Grey to the steam swirls and the counter.

I almost lost the whole image as I was trying to accent the berries and candy cane with a clear Sakura Glaze pen. When it dried I noticed it was white and just cringed at the thought of starting all over. I decided to add a little more red to the berries and it left a small amount of the white behind as if it was a sheen and I touched up the candy cane. This has really been a challenge in making do - that's for sure.

I'm off to explore my new town but I'll be back soon.

Thanks for stopping by.

Cath