For You My Dear Friend ♥

Hiya!  As I'm writing this post, I have my little furbaby over my shoulder... In my post yesterday, I told you that he is just a baby (a four year old baby!).  I'm tellin' ya...he acts just like one.  He loves to cuddle and put his head on my shoulder!  It's WONDERFUL when it's cold : )  He's the best heater!

Well, I'm still gone on a business trip, but wanted to get this posted so you could see another fabulous image by Carmen Medlin for SCACD.  This is definitely one of my favorite stamps from the new Natural Beauty Collection.  Here's my take on Gathering Love:

This card has already gone to a good home...  one of my dear friends had a birthday on Saturday and I decided that she needed this beauty.  I chose the color palette she likes... which is not one that I normally use... but have decided that I needed to get out of the box more often!  Do you find that you reach for your favorite colors most often too?  It's so easy to do.  When I use colors or a style of paper that isn't my first choice, I actually am not sure if it looks good.  Isn't that funny?  Then... of course, I think, 'Maybe what I think is beautiful, someone else is gagging!' LOL!!!  Oh well.

I do think this card is pretty and turned out nice : )  She's stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink on Cryogen White and colored with copics:  Hair - E35 E34 YR21 YR20; Dress - Y17 Y15 Y13 Y11; Bow/Flower/Hearts - YR24 YR16 YR15 YR14 YR12 YR01 YR00; Grass/leaves - YG63 YG05 YG03 YG01.

Papers are printed from Nitwit.  I'm really enjoying using digi papers cuz you can print them over and over as many times as you need!  Roses are Prima and Cream Pearls from Viva Decor Paper Pen.  I've added Citrus Crush Ultra Fine Flower Soft over the grass area for the feeling of being in a meadow... Isn't she the sweetest?  Yes... just for you, my Dear Friend!!!

I'll be back in a few days with more projects... I'm hoping to have some serious coloring time while I'm gone!  I'm almost positive that I won't have access to a computer, so I'll miss you :(  Maybe my phone will be charged enough at the right time to be able to hop over to a few of your blogs!

See you soon, my lovely friends ♥

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

She's Sitting Pretty

Welcome to My Comfort Cottage!  Thank you for popping in to see me today!!!  It gives me great pleasure to know that you care : )  I pray that you are having a wonderful day... it's quite dreary here in California.  Where oh where has the sun gone?

Tomorrow I'll be headed down to Southern California.  I have mixed feelings about it... On one hand, I'm very excited because we'll get to promote the water pouches that NutraKist has come out with.  They are like Capri-Sun juice pouches, but obviously with water.  They are currently being sold in Safeway/Von's in a 10 pack.  They are great for sporting events as well as school lunches - they can also be frozen to keep food cool until lunchtime - or especially for the heat of summer, water gets warm very quickly!  Hopefully, you'll soon be able to see them in a store near you!!!

So... the other hand has a little bit of sadness.  The last time I traveled for a number of days, my little puppy dog, Sammy went 'emo' as my sons call it!  I really think that he was depressed, poor thing.  My hubby said that he didn't even get excited to get a treat.  He just moped... boo hoo!  Isn't it funny how attached we get to our pets?  I mean really... the Dog Whisperer would say, 'He's a DOG, not a human.'  But he's just a baby - a four year old baby that is... hee hee.

Have you seen the new release by Carmen Medlin for SCACD?  They are beautiful!  A sweet mixture of beauty and nature all rolled up into fabulousness : )  This one's called, "Sitting Pretty"

For a closer look at the sparkle, click on the photo...

As usual, I began stamping the image with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink on Cryogen White.  Although I used quite a few copic colors, they are only in two color families... well, except for a couple of browns.  Hair:  E35 E34 YR21 YR20; Clothing: Y28 Y26 Y23 Y21 Y11; Chair: BG75 BG72 BG02 BG01.  The leaf and vine were originally colored with the same colors as the chair, but then I added yellow to make the green!  Voila' - perfect match for the blues!

For bling this time, I used Glamour Dust.  I think it shows up better for the camera - at least in the closeup...  Her skirt got a generous dusting of bling, but then I decided that the smaller areas needed Stardust Stickles (bow and butterfly).  Wanna see it closer?  Click on the photo...

 

Papers are My Mind's Eye, Stella and Rose - Hattie.  I didn't want a lot of 'clutter' so I placed a couple of photo corners (which were cut out with Paper Shapers) in two corners, topped with Viva Decor Gold Pearl Pen pearls.  To balance it out a little bit, I gave the other corners their own pearls : )

More Viva Decor pearls!  Yes, there is a Viva Decor Pen to match any color palette!  This time I used Turquoise.  Are you using Viva Decor?  I don't know how much money I've already saved by not buying the pre-made pearls...  I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Viva Decor Pens!!!

That's it from me today...  Enjoy your blogging time and say 'Hi!' to everybody for me lol!

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

Natural Beauty Collection Blog Hop

Want this badge?

Happy Happy Friday to you my lovely friends!  As I type this, the sun is peeking through the kitchen window reminding me that it's been a wonderful day filled with lots of sunshine.  After so many rainy and/or cloudy days, it is definitely a welcomed sight.  Thank You, LORD ♥

I do hope that you enjoyed the last five days of sneak peeks.  We sure had fun showcasing some of the Natural Beauty Collection images by Carmen Medlin for SCACD.  Aren't they awesome?  I just love how each one brings out a mixture of beauty and nature, don't you?  I'm so glad that Susana has these in a money saving set... it's too hard to pick lol!

So... have you arrived from Crystal's blog?  If so, you can rest assured you are right on track!  If not, you can find the beginning of the Hop at Elaine's Blog.

And now... the moment you've been waiting for!  If you participated in the Sneak Peeks, you've already seen Elaine's FABULOUS creation using The Travelers.  I'm excited to share with you today my own version of The Travelers by Carmen Medlin for SCACD...

After stamping the image with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink on Cryogen White, I reached for my trusty copics in the following colors:  Hair - E49 E59 E25 E53; Clothing - BG75 BG72 B14 B12 BG000 BG0000 W7 W5 W3 W1; Wolf - W7 W5 W3 W1 E25 E21 E00 YR24 YR21 YR20 - yep, a lot of colors!

The name of this stamp inspired my project.  The books reminded me that when one begins to read a good story, it can take you anywhere!  In my darkest times, I needed to have a lot of 'Calgon Take Me Away' books lol!  Anyone ready for a Road Trip?????  Let's go with The Travelers : )

I came across this printable template from Daisie Company after I had colored the image.  What?!?  Thank You, LORD... it's perfect!!!  I plan to give it to my hubby for Father's Day (shhhhhh!).  Can you believe that I am EARLY for once?  That rarely happens lol!

 A side shot...  The tag was part of the kit.
I printed two of them, cut out the key and popped it up.

Because the inside was more of an afterthought, you can see both the white of the base and the copic marker I used to try and hide the white.  Oh well...

  Here's a couple of the yummy goodies I'm including as part of my hubby's Father's Day gift.  
LORD, please help me not to open up the bag of chocolate... hee hee

Want FREE Roses?

With every Natural Beauty Collection (7 image) set purchased Susana is giving away for FREE 1 tooled rose's set from Prima (contains 9 roses - Approx 1" each). Susana will pick the color :o) Only good for the 1st week of the release - offer ends May 29th. Only available at SCACD.

IN THE UK/EUROPE, you can find Carmen Medlin for SCACD at Quixotic Paperie

Don't forget that my Magnolia Lace and Pearls

BLOG CANDY is going on right now... See post HERE

Your next stop is the fabulous Mary Lou... 

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

Last Day for SCACD BLOG CANDY and Sneak Peek Day Five!

*** MAGNOLIA LACE & PEARLS BLOG CANDY ***

Happy Sneak Peek Day Four!!!  If you've missed Elaine's, Dianne's, Danni's or my previous Sneak Peek post, you'll definitely want to go back and do that so you don't miss out on the BLOG CANDY!  Make sure you leave a comment on ALL of the designers' Sneak Peek posts this week.  You have 5 chances to comment!  Susana is generously giving away a fabulous prize... and you'll WANT it!!!  SCACD Candy Ends TONIGHT at 7 pm PST.

Full details on the previews and prize can be found on the SCACD Store Blog.


Today's Designer:
Carolyn has designed a fabulous creation for you today, so head on over and leave her some love ♥ You won't be disappointed... ALL of Carmen's new images are wonderful!  Here's a little sneak peek to pique your interest : )

IN THE UK/EUROPE, you can find Carmen Medlin for SCACD at Quixotic Paperie

The new release will be available in both the US and UK/EUROPE on May 20, 2011.

MY BLOG CANDY

See post below to enter...

 A few of my favorite things...

 These are the actual stamps the winner will receive.  

They are VERY GENTLY used...

SCACD Reminder - 5 Chances to win! 

If you haven't done so yet, leave a comment on the following blog posts as well as today's SCACD designer, Carolyn!

1. Elaine
2. Me : ) 
3. Dianne 
4. Danni

Thank you so much for stopping by today!  I hope that you've had as much fun as I have!!!

I'll see ya tomorrow for the Blog Hop :)

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

Sneak Peek Day Two and More CANDY!

Edited 5/16 @ 10:15pm:  CANDY ALERT: Susana is giving away a fantastic prize,  including a full set of the new release, to ONE lucky winner.  To be in with a chance, all you need to do is comment on each of the sneak peek posts over the next few days.  A winner will be drawn at random from the comments left on the designers’ blogs.  Full details on the prize can be found over at the SCACD Store Blog.  The winner will be drawn after 7pm PST on May 19th.

So... if you haven't already commented on Elaine's and my sneak peek posts, you'll want to do that now!  I'll have another puzzle piece for ya tomorrow with another fabulous designer :)

A Surprise for You!!!

Welcome friends!  It's a very special Monday because I have the honor of sharing my Sneak Peek Card with you - yay!!!  In case you didn't have the opportunity to read my post yesterday, Elaine rocked Sneak Peek Day One Here.  You'll definitely want to drool over her fabulous work!

Also, I forgot to tell you that SCACD has a brand new Designer.  Join me as we welcome Melanie Holtz!  I am looking forward to working with you, Melanie.  I already can tell that you are a 'Sweetheart' : ) 

Now... I present to you... Sneak Peek Day Two - Water Babies by Carmen Medlin for SCACD.  This cutie will be available May 20 along with the rest of this FABULOUS collection!  Carmen's images are so detailed, giving them that extra special something, making them so much fun to color!!!  The name of this new release says it all:  Natural Beauty Collection!

I began stamping the image with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink on Cryogen White paper.  Of course, I've used my fave copics again to color.  Honestly, I have no desire to change lol!  I LOVE my copics :)  Hair:  E35 E34 YR21 YR20; Body: V99 V17 V15 V12 V01 V000/B18 B16 B14 B12 B01 B00; Shells: E15 E21 B16 B14 B12; C7 C5 V99 V17 V12; Seaweed: G28 G24 G21 G20; Background: B00 B000 V000.  
The rocks have a touch of B00 for shading and then I smothered them with Glamour Dust!  My sweet friend Mandy takes the most fabulous photos of her sparkly creations... sorry - you'll have to put up with my inferior ones... IRL the sparkle factor on this card is out of this world!!!

The oval and scalloped oval were die cut with my (large) nesties... I used this fun water paper I picked up one day at my local craft store.  To give it more dimension, I covered each water droplet with Diamond Glaze as well as creating some bubbles around the image.  The shells and her lower body also received a thick coat of Diamond Glaze.  The color and sparkle shows through beautifully.

Although subtle, I embossed the lilac cs with a 'circles' quickutz embossing folder.  Deep edge border punch by MS using white cs gives a nice 'pop' against the darker colors.  To soften the edge, I've added a bit of lace and stuck on a few white dew drops for more interest.  I adore the look of pearls and lace!  Don't you?  Susana has similar 'drops' Here.

This card was feeling 'undone' still, so I added some sparkly roses compliments of Diamond Stickles.  Susana has similar roses Here.

So what do you think?

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Really Reasonable Ramblings - Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly - Fancy a Punch?
Tuesday Throwdown #48 - Die Cuts
My Time to Craft #140 - Scallops
PaperPlay wk 19 - Anything Goes
Crafts and Me #34 - Punches
Alphabet Challenge - B is for Brads and Bling (dew drops ok?)
Crafty Creations #118 - Anything Goes
Divas by Design - Anything Goes
Scrap-Creations - Circles (embossing folder, brads, bubbles, oval?)

Blog Candy!!!  Details HERE.

Ha Ha Ha Ha... why use lots of words when all you want to know is where? Hee Hee...

New Product Alert!

• Epiphany Crafts -  New charms and embellishments
• 6 x 6 Paper Pads - Echo Park, Memory Box, My Minds Eye and BasicGrey
• Glubers - Create your own flowers using scraps of fabric, ribbon or trim
• Memory Box Dies - These are fabulous!

AND... Here's a sneak peek of a little bit of my own BLOG CANDY coming very soon!

Have I told you lately that I love you?  I dooooooooo, I doooooooo!!! See you soon, my sweet friends ♥

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

Sneak Peek Day One plus CANDY!

Just For You!

Happy Happy Sunday to you, my sweet friends!  This is the day the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!!!  Today I have a special surprise for you...  Not only is this the first Sneak Peek day of Carmen Medlin for SCACD Natural Beauty Collection, it is also CANDY day!!! Yippppeeeeee!

Isn't this the greatest sneak peek pic you've seen?  I LOVE it!  Elaine not only has the first Sneak Peek up on her blog, she also created this fabulous puzzle piece.  Thank you so much sweetie - you are wonderful and oh-so-talented!!!

Now on to the deets...  I know that you are intrigued about the CANDY, but hold on... Elaine has some fabulous eye candy for you to drool over.  Check out Elaine's blog HERE.

When you're done soaking in all the inspiration from Elaine, head on over to the Store Blog HERE.  You will find some very yummy CANDY there!  Don't worry, Elaine will also point you to the CANDY hee hee!

But that's not all... lol!

Very very soon, you will be pointed back here for Sneak Peek Day Two - yahoooooo!  I promise that you will not be disappointed when you return... hint hint...

Thanks for playing with me today!  I've missed you a lot... God has had me pretty busy lately :)  But He knows that I must have my craft and special friends time too.  So... until next time ~

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

I Loved This Challenge!!!

Howdy!!!  So nice to see you again :D  I've just finished dinner and I'm kicking back in my office chair while I type this.  I was just thinking about my silly puppy dog.  He was lounging on the sofa with my hubby while I prepared dinner.  He probably was watching TV... As soon as I said, "Dinner's ready!" my hubby said that he (Sammy) got all excited and wanted to get down so he could come to dinner!  Do you think that your pet knows what you say?  I'm sure they understand more than they let on - you know, selective hearing LOL!  Oh, Sammy is sooooo spoiled!  Why do we let them take over the household?  What is it that we fall head over heels in love and let them do things that we'd NEVER let our (human) children do?  hee hee...  Just a few thoughts...

OK... I'm gonna be totally honest with you (not that I haven't been!)... I was so not looking forward to coloring this image.  It just looks intimidating!  I don't have a ton of experience coloring animals and I didn't really know how to begin.  With that said, I am pleased with the results!  Do you also shy away from images that you're not sure how to color?  Really... this wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.  Once I decided that the sun would be shining on the deer's face, the rest just kinda fell into place.  I KNOW that I still need to work on perfecting my coloring - I hope that I never stop learning!

So this is Forest Fairy by Victoria Case for SCACD.  She's one of the 'From the Vault' stamps at SCACD!

I used a ton of copic colors - some which surprised me lol!  Deer: E59 E57 E55 E53 E51 E50 YR24 YR23 YR21 Y21 R20; Greens: G40 G85 G94; Hair: E35 E34 YR21 YR20; Eyes/Flower: BG05 BG02 BG000.  Sparkly wings?  Stardust Stickles of course!
 

 Look Mom, no flowers!!!  Or  p i n k  hee hee...

 A little bit of decorating inside... I usually don't have time!  

AND... you know that I gotta use my paper pens!!!  This time it's Moss Green :)

This last shot is just so you can see how Diamond Glaze makes the eyes 'pop' - love this stuff!

New SCACD Product Alert!

• New Basic grey - Sweet Threads and Lauderdale 6 x 6 papers
• New My Minds Eye
• New Crafty Individual Stamps
• New gorjuss 
• Artist mini canvases

I'm off to a meeting now... then home to color up more images - yipppppeeeeeee!!!

See you soon my friends ♥

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~