A Great DT Member's Post

CHA started on January 24 and as promised by Mitra, the rest of her Valentine-Spring line up of stamps is available online HERE.

Now about our Design Team member.  It is Jenny Gropp at One Krafty Kat, and she really is!  She has a gorgeous post today with one of Gary Robertson's designs, but what really caught my eye on the tip side of things is HERE.  She shows you in her post how to be creative with dies that aren't the exact size you want, and how to use tape on your creations to add a wonderful finishing touch.  I think you could even do it with cardstock or ribbon too.

 

I know you agree she is one talented lady.  One more reason why you need to hop on over to the DT's blogs during challenges......And speaking of challenges.

Don't forget our next challenge is Feb 4 - Shades of Green Color Challenge.  I hope you will join us for the next challenge.  If you would like to prepare early for the challenges, here are the guidelines:

• Impression Obsession stamps only.
• Please provide the names and/or stamp numbers with your email to me.  If you have a problem find this information, sometimes I can help.
• Entries will be accepted until that Saturday, February 10, at midnight, EST.
• You email your entry to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the second sidebar to the right.
• All participant cards will be posted here and our Customer Gallery under the Card Galleries at the top of the page.
• The drawing will be on that Sunday for a $25 Gift Certificate for use at our Online Store.
• The winner is chosen by Random.org.

I can't wait to see who plays next!!  Hope your weekend is turning out great and thanks for stopping by all!

 

 Shirley

 

And The Winner Of The Shaped Card Drawing

Our winner Is Terri Dodd.  Congratulations, Terri!  You will be receiving an email with your gift certificate for use at our Online Store.  Included also is the "I'm A Winner" widget at the top of the next sidebar to the right.

We want to thank the rest of you for participating and for sharing your beautiful art too.  You can all check it out in the DT and the Customer Art Galleries at the top of the page.

Today is the official start of CHA Winter and as promised by Mitra, you have the rest of her Valentine-Spring line up of stamps available in the store online HERE.

Our next challenge is Feb 4 - Color Challenge (Shades of Green).  You can find the rest of our challenge dates in the second sidebar to your left.   I hope you will join us for the next challenge.  If you would like to prepare early for the challenges, here are the guidelines:

• Impression Obsession stamps only please.
• Please provide the names and/or stamp numbers with your email to me.  If you have a problem finding this information, sometimes I can help.
• Entries will be accepted until the following Saturday at midnight.
• You email your entry to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the second sidebar to the right.
• All participant cards will be posted here and in our IO Customer Gallery in the very next sidebar over.

The drawing will be the next day on Sunday for another Impression Obsession $25 Gift Certificate, to be chosen from those customers participating in this Spring Challenge. I will be using Random.org.  It is for use at our Online Store.

I can't wait to see who plays next!!  Hope your weekend is turning out great and thanks for stopping by all!

 

 Shirley

 

Four More Beautiful Entries

For our "Shaped Card" Challenge.  In addition we have great cards created by the IO DT below to inspire you:

• Daniela Dobson
• Deborah March
• Dina Kowal
• Jeanne Streiff
• Jenny Gropp
• Julie Koerber
• Kathy Menzies
• Kelli Richardson
• Laura Fulcher
• Rosemary Marino
• Shirley Ross

Now take a look at the the next four wonderful entries.  The first one is from Terri Dodd at Paper Scissors Stamps...Rock.  Her clever and creative card was done using Golf Martini.  The very clever words are computer generated.

Our next entry is from Cammy Wall at the Pink Therapy Room.  She chose Candy Jars and Life Is Sweeter for her words.  A really beautiful card using a die cut for her base.  Very pretty, Cammy.

The beautiful card below was submitted by Melisa Waldorf at Art From My Heart.  She used Clear Stamp set Lucky Ladybug to create her lovely entry.  Thank you for the wonderful card, Melisa.

Last, but not least, is the gorgeous landscape card below by Sandy Hulsart at Creative Moments With Sandy.  She used Small Lighthouse with the Clear Stamp set Anytime Sentiments for the words. A really clever shape too!

I want to thank you all for sharing your beautiful cards.  Good luck, ladies, in the drawing too.  It will be held tomorrow.

Don't forget all of the new Valentine and Cover-a-Card™ background stamps now available in our online store HERE.  The new Spring stamps will be added with the start of CHA tomorrow or soon after.  Wait until you see what Mitra has for a new line of stamps and adds to the other designer groups as well.  Pet lovers will go crazy!!!

I will be back tomorrow with a winner for the Gift Certificate. It is for use at our Online Store.  The winner will also receive the "I'm A Winner" widget at the top of the next sidebar to the right.  I have 3 different sizes. I will be emailing it to the winner and if you want a bigger or smaller one, just let me know.

I can't wait to see who wins!!  Hope your weekend is turning out great and thanks for stopping by all!

 

 Shirley

 

Three More Wonderful Entries In The Shaped Card Challenge

We also have our new Valentine and Cover-a-Card™ background stamps now available in our online store HERE. In addition we have great cards created by the IO DT below:

• Daniela Dobson
• Deborah March
• Dina Kowal
• Jeanne Streiff
• Jenny Gropp
• Julie Koerber
• Kathy Menzies
• Kelli Richardson
• Laura Fulcher
• Rosemary Marino
• Shirley Ross

Now take a look at the the next three wonderful entries.  The first is from Ulrike at Blonde Aquamarine's Cards.  She chose Butterfly 1 and Elegant Bow to create her Easter Egg card.  Very creative and pretty, Ulli.  Thank you for your wonderful entry.

The next is great card is from from Karen Wallace at Karen's Kreations.  She chose to use stamps from the Filigrees Clear Stamp Set to create her card.  A very pretty card, Karen.

Last but not least is from Chris Blagrave at the Botanical Cafe.  She used Birthday Martini for her bright and cheerful Octagonal Card.

What a great group of lovely cards.  I want to wish you all good luck in the drawing too.

I hope you will join us for this challenge.  Here are the guidelines:

• Impression Obsession stamps only.
• Please provide the names and/or stamp numbers with your email to me.  If you have a problem find this information, sometimes I can help.
• Entries will be accepted until this Saturday at midnight, EST.
• You email your entry to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the second sidebar to the right.
• All participant cards will be posted here and also permanently in our IO Customer Gallery in the very next sidebar over.
• The drawing will be on that following Sunday for another $25 Gift Certificate, to be chosen by Random.org.  It is for use at our Online Store.

I can't wait to see who plays next!!  Hope your weekend was great and thanks for stopping by all!

 

 Shirley

 

It's Time For The Shaped Card Challenge

That's right, anything but a rectangle will do.  To get us started check on the DT's blogs below for some beautiful inspiration.  It may also give you some Sneak Peeks for the Valentine and Spring releases.  The Valentine and New Cover-a-Card™ background stamps are available in our online store HERE:

• Daniela Dobson
• Deborah March
• Dina Kowal
• Jeanne Streiff
• Jenny Gropp
• Julie Koerber
• Kathy Menzies
• Kelli Richardson
• Laura Fulcher
• Rosemary Marino
• Shirley Ross

And if that isn't enough here are two entries we have already. The first is from Jodie Heuser at Cool Crafting.  She used Latte and Thank A Latte for your warm and wonderful circular card.

Our second entry is from Suzanne Czosek at Suzanne's Stamping Spot.  She chose Swirl Background and Bee to create her beautiful layered flower card.

Very creative and pretty cards, ladies.  Thank you both for the great entries and good luck in the drawing too!

If the rest of you would like to enter the challenge and the fun, here are the guidelines:

• Impression Obsession stamps only.
• Please provide the names and/or stamp numbers with your email to me.  If you have a problem find this information, sometimes I can help.
• Entries will be accepted until the following Saturday at midnight, EST.
• You email your entry to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the second sidebar to the right.
• All participant cards will be posted here and also permanently in our IO Customer Gallery in the very next sidebar over.
• The drawing will be on that following Sunday for another $25 Gift Certificate, to be chosen by Random.org.  It is for use at our Online Store.

I can't wait to see who plays next!!  Thanks for stopping by all!

 

 Shirley

 

Two Great Pieces Of Information

The first is a tip for watercoloring your images with supplies on hand from DT member Julie Koerber at Out To Impress.  She used her tip "technique" to paint this beautiful image, Pansy Vase.

You can read all about how she did it HERE.  While you are there, check out the rest of her blog.  She is a very talented artist!

Now for the next piece of good information.  I had someone ask me about using the Mega Mount.  She commented she should probably watch the video before asking.  I said, "Is there a video?" as an email response question.  Then I did what I always do to learn or find things.....I Googled...........

And I found a YouTube video demonstrating the Mega Mount^TM by Melanie, the owner of Scrapbooks & More, in Knoxville, TN.  I tried to find an email to let her know I was using her YouTube video, but didn't find one.  So Melanie, if you read this, this "shout out" is for you and to say, great way to go with your video.  Let's hear it for Melanie from the rest of you too!

Don't forget our next challenge is coming January 21.  The theme is listed below.  Some of you asked if we knew what challenges were coming up so you could plan.  Well, Kelli Richardson, our Design Team Coordinator has provided the following new challenge themes to keep your creativity flowing:

• Jan. 21 -- SHAPED card (anything but rectangle)
• Feb. 4 - Color Challenge (Shades of Green)
• Feb. 18 - Background Bonanza -- (Cover-a-Card stamps if you have them)
• Mar. 4 - Easter themed- A tisket, a tasket, where's my Easter basket, etc. :-)
• Mar. 18 - It's a "Me" day -- show us how you'd spend a "me" day

I hope you will join us for the next challenge.  If you would like to prepare early for the challenges, here are the guidelines:

• Impression Obsession stamps only.
• Please provide the names and/or stamp numbers with your email to me.  If you have a problem find this information, sometimes I can help.
• Entries will be accepted until the following Saturday at midnight, EST.
• You email your entry to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the second sidebar to the right.
• All participant cards will be posted here and also permanently in our IO Customer Gallery in the very next sidebar over.
• The drawing will be on that following Sunday for another $25 Gift Certificate, to be chosen by Random.org.  It is for use at our Online Store.

I can't wait to see who plays next on January 21!!  Thanks for stopping by everyone!

 

 Shirley

 

A Winner And A New Challenge List!

Our new winner for the Spring Challenge is Karen Wallace at Karen's Kreations. Your certificate is on its way to you by email.  Thank you so much for playing Karen.

We want to thank the rest of you too, for participating and for your beautiful art.  You can all check it out in the DT Albums and the Customer Art Album.first column to your right.

Don't forget our next challenge is coming January 21.  The theme is listed below.  Some of you asked if we knew what challenges were coming up so you could plan.  Well, Kelli Richardson, our Design Team Coordinator has provided the following new challenge themes to keep your creativity flowing:

• Jan. 21 -- SHAPED card (anything but rectangle)
• Feb. 4 - Color Challenge (Shades of Green)
• Feb. 18 - Background Bonanza -- (Cover-a-Card stamps if you have them)
• Mar. 4 - Easter themed- A tisket, a tasket, where's my Easter basket, etc. :-)
• Mar. 18 - It's a "Me" day -- show us how you'd spend a "me" day  

I hope you will join us for the next Challenge.  If you would like to prepare early for the challenges, here are the guidelines:

• Impression Obsession stamps only.
• Please provide the names and/or stamp numbers with your email to me.  If you have a problem find this information, sometimes I can help.
• Entries will be accepted until the following Saturday at midnight, EST.
• You email your entry to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the second sidebar to the right.
• All participant cards will be posted here and also permanently in our IO Customer Gallery in the very next sidebar over.
• The drawing will be on that following Sunday for another $25 Gift Certificate, to be chosen by Random.org.  It is for use at our Online Store.

I can't wait to see who plays next!!  Hope your weekend was great and thanks for stopping by all!

 

 Shirley

 

• Jan. 21 -- SHAPED card (anything but rectangle)
• Feb. 4 - Color Challenge (Shades of Green)
• Feb. 18 - Background Bonanza -- (Cover-a-Card stamps if you have them)
• Mar. 4 - Easter themed- A tisket, a tasket, where's my Easter basket, etc. :-)
• Mar. 18 - It's a "Me" day -- show us how you'd spend a "me" day  

Our Last Two Entries Before The Drawing

We have two more entries in our Spring Challenge.  The first one is from Jodie Heuser at Cool Crafting.  She used Flower Pitcher to create her bright and lovely Spring card!  Thank you for joining in the fun, Jodie, and good luck in the drawing.

Our last, but definitely not least, entry is from Cammy Wall at the Pink Therapy Room.  What else is Spring all about but love, and a really beautiful card to show it! Cammy chose Valentine's Margarita (this stamp can also be purchased as part of a Red Rubber Cling Set or a Clear Stamp Set) and A Heart Full Of Love to design her bright and lovely card!

Thank you for participating Cammy!  I wish you and the others good luck in our drawing.  The results will be posted this afternoon.  Also a new list of challenges will be announced by our DT Leader, Kelli Richardson, to allow you more time to prepare your creations.  So stay tuned.

While we are waiting for that don't forget the DT blogs below for some more inspiration and Sneak Peeks at stamps to be released soon:

• Deborah March
• Dina Kowal - She has blog candy too!!!
• Jeanne Streiff
• Jenny Gropp
• Julie Koerber
• Kathy Menzies
• Laura Fulcher

Thanks for stopping by all!  See you this afternoon.

 

 Shirley

 

 

 

Another Entry For Our Challenge

It comes from Karen Wallace at Karen's Kreations.  She created her card using   Springtime Birdhouse.  Isn't it beautiful.  Thank you so much for joining in the challenge, Karen, and good luck in our drawing.

And don't forget the DT blogs below for more inspiration:

• Deborah March
• Dina Kowal - She has blog candy too!!!
• Jeanne Streiff
• Jenny Gropp
• Julie Koerber
• Kathy Menzies
• Laura Fulcher

And the previous 3 posts have the other great cards from our participants.  In addition, the good news is, you can still join us for this fun Spring Challenge.  Here are the guidelines:

• Impression Obsession stamps only.
• Entries will be accepted until tonight, Saturday (Jan. 9) at midnight, EST.
• Please provide the names and/or stamp numbers with your email to me.  If you have a problem find this information, sometimes I can help.
• Email your entry to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the second sidebar to the right.
• All participants' cards will be posted here and also permanently in our IO Customer Gallery in the very next sidebar over.
• The drawing will be on Sunday (tomorrow) for another $25 Gift Certificate, to be chosen by Random.org.  It is for use at our Online Store.

Tell your friends and enter yourself!  It is really fun and something to do while hibernating from that cold.  It is cold out there.  Even Floridians are cold!!

Thanks for stopping by all!

 

 Shirley

 

Three More Wonderful Entries For Spring

First check out the DT blogs below for their wonderful and inspiring creations for the Spring Challenge:

• Deborah March
• Dina Kowal - She has blog candy too!!!
• Jeanne Streiff
• Jenny Gropp
• Julie Koerber
• Kathy Menzies
• Laura Fulcher

This entry is from Dee Marie Kelemen at An Inky Imagination.  She chose  beautiful Truffle Tree for her Spring card.

A really lovely card and the butterflies so pretty too!  Thank you for participating in our challenge, Dee Marie, and good luck in our drawing too.

Our next entry for the Spring Challenge is from JenMarie Taylor at Taylor Made By JenMarie.  She used Italian Villa to create her beautiful card!

A really warm and beautiful Spring card!  Thank you for your entry JenMarie and good luck in our drawing too!

The next gorgeous Spring entry is from Sandy Hulsart at Creative Moments With Sandy.  She chose  Hummingbird, Swirl Background, and 'Thinking Of You' from Anytime Sentiments Clear Stamp Set.

Thank you, Sandy, for the very vibrant beautiful entry.  Good luck in the drawing tomorrow.

The good news is you can still join us for this fun Spring Challenge.  Here are the guidelines:

• Impression Obsession stamps only please.
• Entries will be accepted until tonight, Saturday (Jan. 9) at midnight, EST.
• Please provide the names and/or stamp numbers with your email to me.  If you have a problem find this information, I can help.
• Email your entry to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the sidebar to the right.
• All participant cards will be posted here and also in our IO Customer Gallery.

The drawing will be on Sunday (tomorrow) for another $25 Gift Certificate, to be by Random.org.  It is for use at our Online Store.

Tell your friends and enter yourself!  It is really fun and something to do while hibernating from that cold.  It is cold out there.  Even Floridians are cold!!

Thanks for stopping by all!

 

 Shirley

 

Two Treats For Today So Far

The first treat is the cards for this challenge are on the DT blogs below:

• Deborah March
• Dina Kowal - She has blog candy too!!!
• Jeanne Streiff
• Jenny Gropp
• Julie Koerber
• Kathy Menzies
• Laura Fulcher

The second one is the next 2 entries for this Spring Challenge!  The first is from Jennifer Burnham at Just Jennifer's Stamping.  She chose Get Away to create her gorgeous Spring card!

A very beautiful card, Jennifer.  Thank you for entering our challenge.

The second entry comes from Melisa Waldorf at Art From My Heart.  She chose Large Bunny In A Watering Can and Happy Easter from our Greetings Galore Clear Stamp Set to create her lovely card!

Thank you for entering, Melisa.

I wish both of you good luck in our drawing.  If the rest of you are blog hopping and missed the first great entries, you can catch up by reading the two posts below this one.

The third treat is you can still join us for this fun Spring Challenge.  Here are the guidelines:

• Impression Obsession stamps only please.
• Entries will be accepted until this coming Saturday, (Jan. 9) at midnight, EST.
• Please provide the names and/or stamp numbers with your email to me.  If you have a problem finding this information, I can help.
• Email your entry to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the sidebar.
• All participant cards will be posted here and also in our IO Customer Gallery in the very next sidebar over.

The drawing will be on Sunday for another $25 Gift Certificate,to be chosen from those customers participating in this Spring Challenge. I will be using Random.org.  It is for use at our Online Store.

It is so cold out there, people.  Do a warm up with those stamps!!  I can't wait to see who plays next!!

Thanks for stopping by all!

 

 Shirley

 

Another Entry For The Spring Challenge

With our Spring Challenge under way, don't forget to check out the DT blogs below for some inspiration.  They are using a lot of our new IO Valentine-Spring Collection of stamps that will become available within the next couple of weeks.

• Deborah March
• Dina Kowal - She has blog candy too!!!
• Jeanne Streiff
• Jenny Gropp
• Julie Koerber
• Kathy Menzies
• Laura Fulcher

In addition to that we have our newest entry in our Spring Challenge from Mary Anne K. at Lakeside Stamping.  She chose Primrose and Butterfly and clear stamp set Spring Seals to create her beautiful card!

Thank you for the beautiful and creative card, Mary Anne, and good luck in our drawing too!

I hope the rest of you will join us for this fun Spring Challenge.  Here are the guidelines:

• Impression Obsession stamps only.
• Entries will be accepted until this coming Saturday (Jan. 9) at midnight, EST.
• Email your entry to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the second sidebar to the right.
• All participant cards will be posted here and also permanently in our IO Customer Gallery.
• The drawing will be on Sunday for another $25 Gift Certificate chosen by Random.org for use at our Online Store.

It is so cold out there, people.  Do a warm up with stamps!!  I can't wait to see who plays next!!

Thanks for stopping by all!

 

 Shirley

 

It's Love-Spring Challenge Time

With the weather across the country, I think I can say Spring is welcome any time.  In the meantime we have our Spring Challenge.  To get us started check on the DT's blogs below for some beautiful inspiration.  It may also give you some Sneak Peeks!:

• Deborah March
• Dina Kowal - She has blog candy too!!!
• Jeanne Streiff
• Jenny Gropp
• Julie Koerber
• Kathy Menzies
• Laura Fulcher

We have already received 2 wonderful Spring entries.  Our first one is from Ulrike at Blonde Aquamarine's Cards.  She chose Butterfly Frame, Beautiful Butterfly and Butterfly 1.

A very beautiful card, Ulli.  You even have spaces to add a sentiment appropriate for the occasion.

The second entry is from Susan Hviid.  She chose Butterfly Tree to create her lovely card.

Thank you for the wonderful entry Susan.  I want to wish both you and Ulli good luck in the drawing too!

I hope the rest of you will join us for this fun challenge. Here are the guidelines:

• Impression Obsession stamps only.
• Entries will be accepted until Saturday, January 9, at midnight, EST.
• You email your entry to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the sidebar to the right.
• All participant cards will be posted here and in our IO Customer Gallery in the very next sidebar over.
• The drawing will be on Sunday, January 10, for a $25 Gift Certificate, chosen by Random.org for use at our Online Store.

I can't wait to see who plays next!!

By the way, New Stamps are on the way.  You can check some of them out by following our challenges.

Thanks for stopping by to look and share!

 

 Shirley