Happy Birthday Susan!

Hello!  Today I'm hopping along with some fun crafty friends to celebrate someone amazing- Susan McShirley!  Happy Birthday Susan!!

If you don't know Susan, she is the lady behind SRM Stickers.  She is an awesome lady- a great business woman, a kind friend, and a cheerleader for the craft industry!  I have loved getting to know her!

For the hop, we each made a special birthday card for Susan- here's mine:

I had my eye on this bright, cheerful zig zag patterned paper from Some Odd Girl.  I went with lots of white so it would really stand out!  I picked out the little chickie and sentiment from the Stickers By the Dozen: Birthday Birdie Sticker Sheet to feature on my card- isn't the little chick so cute!
A little embossing, a doily, some silver floss and vellum are all in the details of this card:

I'm so glad we get to celebrate with Susan today!  Pop through the rest of the hop to see what the other ladies made for her as well!  Don't forget to leave Susan a happy message on her own blog as well- you can find her at the SRM Stickers Blog.

Christine Meyer

Juliana Michaels

Lesley Croghan

Cathy Harper

Cassonda Tadlock

Tenia Nelson

Shannon Morgan

Stacey Schafer

Michele Kovack

Shantaie Caudill-Fowler

Tessa Wise (that's me!)

Angi Barrs

I hope you enjoyed the hop and thanks for stopping by!  Happy Birthday Susan!!  :)

Happy Anniversary to Newton's Nook Designs!

I'm so excited to be celebrating with Newton's Nook Designs today! Can you believe it's been two years of inky paws already?  Two years and their designs are only getting cuter!  I love Newton and all his little pals! :)

I got to play with their new Summer Scoops Stamp Set- it's so cute!  Here is what I made with it:

I love this little image- it reminds me of Rita's Ice!  Have you ever had one?  I love them!  I stamped the image and then used a cool technique to stamp the mirror image of it.  It is an easy technique.  You just need a pretty solid acrylic stamp that is bigger than the image.  Using Memento ink, stamp the image onto the back of the acrylic stamp and then stamp that image onto your paper.

I colored them both in using Copic markers in the colors I pulled from this adorable patterned paper by Doodlebug Designs.  It is so bright and summery!  I put my card together, popping up the middle panel of patterned paper.  I stamped the sentiment onto an oval and then added the colored images.  I added them with more dimensional foam adhesive and finished it off with a couple of cute sequins.

Now that you've seen what I made, check out the rest of the hop and win some prizes!!

Newton’s Nook Designs is so excited to be celebrating their TWO Year Anniversary - two whole years of getting our paws inky!  To celebrate we have an AMAZING blog hop featuring our Design Team and some AWESOME Special Guests! You are going to love all the fun inspiration they're sharing using Newton’s Nook Designs Stamps! 

Celebrate with us and enter to win!

Would you like to win a $20 Store Credit to spend at Newton's Nook Designs online shop? 

Here’s how to win:

Comment on the Design Team Member and Guest blogs (see list below)! One lucky winner will be chosen at random from the collective blogs in the blog hop. Make sure to check out each of their blogs and comment for your chance to win. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning! You have until Sunday, July 19th at 9 pm CST to comment  -- winners will be announced on the blog post on Monday, July 20th. We are running a giveaway on our Facebook page too so make sure to enter there for another chance to win!!

Special Guests:

Jennifer Ingle
Tessa Wise (that's me!)
Shellye McDaniel

Simon Says Stamp

Design Team:
Lydia Evans

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Crafty Math-Chick

Jess Gerstner

Stephanie Muzzulin

Danielle Pandeline

Nina-Marie Trapani

Kimberly Rendino

Yukari Yoshioka

Thanks for stopping by today!  Hope you have fun hopping and celebrating with Newton's Nook Designs!!

Coloring Fun Blog Hop with Waffle Flower Crafts

Hello!  I'm happy to be hopping along with Waffle Flower Crafts today for their Coloring Fun Blog Hop!  There are a bunch of us hopping along and of course there is a chance to win a prize!! :)  Fun, right? 

Since it's Shark Week, I used the fun new Tiger & Lily Stamp Set for today's card!  I pulled out my colored pencils and gamsol to color with:

When I color with colored pencils, I like to use Memento ink because it doesn't bleed with the gamsol.  I've been experimenting with paper and currently I like my Stampin' Up! Whisper White paper the best.  It is sort of waxy and the pencils blend nicely on it.
I stamped out the shark and colored him in using a medium cool gray Prismacolor pencil.  I went over it with gamsol to blend out the lines and then added some shading with the same pencil.  I blended that out a little and then went over the darker parts with a black Pitt Pastel pencil and blended it out with my finger.  I used a black Prismacolor pencil for his mouth, coloring pretty hard.  I blended it out and then darkened it a bit more with the Pitt Pastel pencil.

Once the shark was colored, I diecut him out using my Tiger & Lily Die Set.  I also cut out an orange patterned paper circle using the Flower Circle Die Set and two strips of matching patterned papers.  The patterned papers are from the Hip Hip Hooray 6x6 pad by Doodlebug Designs.  I loved the colors!
Next, I put my card together.  The white card base was embossed with a cool chevron pattern.  I splattered it a little with some gray mist.  I added a panel of vellum to the center and stamped the sentiment and a couple of pretty blue waves.  I layered the patterned paper strips next and then added the circle with dimensional foam adhesive.  I added the shark with foam dots as well.  To finish it off, I added a few matte black epoxy dots to offset the sentiment.

Are you ready to check out the giveaway?  Nina will be randomly choosing from the comments on the following blogs.  Leave a comment on any of them before midnight on Sunday, July 12, 2015.  The winner will be announced on Monday, July 13, 2015.

Waffle Flower

Sandy Allnock

Kathy Racoosin

Tessa Wise

Nichol Magouirk

Laura Bassen

Katie Gehring

Jennifer McGuire

Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope you have fun hopping along with everyone!!

Year 1 Blog Hop with Waffle Flower Crafts

Hi!  I'm excited to be hopping along with Waffle Flower Crafts today for their Year 1 Blog Hop!

I'm so happy to be celebrating Nina and her awesome company- they have grown so much this year!  If you are following along with the hop, I bet you came from Sabrina Alery's blog.  If not, pop over to check it out!  Her projects are amazing!

Nina had us all pick our favorite Waffle Flower Crafts product from the last year.  Oh how hard it was to just pick one!!  I love so many stamp sets and literally have a new favorite with every release!  One item that I constantly pull out to use over and over again is the Flower Circles Die Set:

It is a great basic die set with pretty stitching along the edges.  I love the mix of circles and flowers.  It is so versatile and can be used in so many ways!  I used it to make my card today:

I started with a white card base and splattered it with dark gray mist.  I added some black and white washi tapes next and then a panel of black and white patterned paper.  I wanted to create a bright pop with the largest scallop so I watercolored a panel of watercolor paper with pink and coral.  Once it was dry, I diecut it with the scallop and smallest flower.  

I diecut the largest circle out of white for my center.  I pulled out the new Doily Circle Stamp Set for the sentiment.  I stamped the Smile with a bright pink ink and the rest of the sentiment with black ink.  I layered the flower elements over the black and white patterns and popped up the layers as I went.  I added a matte black sequin to the center of the small flower and embellished it with the Tiny Twine Bow Die.  It was the perfect last detail:

Look for Waffle Flower Crafts Here:

Blog: http://waffleflower.com/blog
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/waffleflowercrafts/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/waffleflowercrafts/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/waffleflowercrafts/
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/2540006@N24/

Can't you imagine all the ways you can use these dies?  Nina is so kind, she is letting us give away So leave a comment before midnight on Wednesday, April 15th to win the Flower Circle Die Set and a copy of Waffle Flower's Year 1 Catalog!

Thanks for joining me today!  If you'd like to follow the hop, Amanda Coleman's blog is up next!  We all have giveaways so don't forget to comment as you hop!

Deck the Halls with Inky Paws Blog Hop

 I'm excited to be hopping along with Newton's Nook Designs today!  We are celebrating the holidays with the Deck the Halls with Inky Paws Blog Hop!  I pulled out one of my favorite Newton stamps from the Newton's Curious Christmas set and made this card:

I started with a gray card base and added the snowflake patterned paper to the center.  I cut snow mounds out of white paper next, edging them with Copic markers.  I stamped Newton and his snowman onto white paper and drew another mound under them.  I colored them in using Copic markers and then cut around the image and along my mound line.  After erasing any trace of the line, I shaded it all with more Copic markers.

I stamped the sentiment onto the shortest snow mound and added a few sequins for accent.  Then I layered all of the mounds onto my card front.  I used dimensional foam adhesive to adhere some of the layers- I love how it pops!

ENTER to WIN! 

We will be choosing two lucky winners to win a $10 store credit for Newton's Nook Designs online shop! To enter, just leave comments on the Design Team Member and Guest blogs (see list below)! Two winners will be chosen at random from the collective blogs in the blog hop. Make sure to check out each of their blogs and comment for your chance to win. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning! You have until Sunday, December 7th at 9 pm CSTto comment  -- winners will be announced on the NND blog on Monday, December 8th.

Deck the Halls with Inky Paws Blog Hop

Newton's Nook Designs
Nichol Magouirk
Jennifer McGuire
Amy Sheffer
Laura Bassen
Heather Hoffman

Taheerah Atchia

Lydia Brooke

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Crafty Math-Chick

Shellye McDaniel

Jess Moyer

Stephanie Muzzulin

Danielle Pandeline

Tessa Wise (me)

I had so much fun playing along with the hop!  I hope you get a chance to visit all of these wonderful artist- they made the cutest projects!  Don't forget to comment for your chance to win!!  

Thanks for stopping by today :)

Paper Crafts and Scrapbooking Magazine

If you didn't already know, my favorite magazine Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking is closing up shop soon.  I am hopping along with a few hundred of my friends today to let the editors, writers, and contributors know how much they'll be missed.  You may have come from Deepti Malik's blog- she's ahead of me on the hop list.  If not, pop over to check out her wonderful project.

I didn't realize just how sad I am about PC&S going away until just now.  It's more than a magazine- it's a giant sized community of cardmakers and scrapbookers- inspiration, challenges, contests, friends, cheerleaders, people who love the hobby and love to share what they do.  I've met so many wonderful people through the magazine- I can't imagine it not being there!

I didn't create this card with the hop in mind- it was made just for fun!  When it was done though, I knew it would be perfect!  A perfect blend of trendy inspirations that I see everyday on the various PC&S websites.  Everyone working there sparkles and shines just like the metallics and sequins.  And, the bike represents the journey ahead...

The patterned papers and semi-opaque tag are from Pink Paislee's Bella Rouge collection.  The bike is from a die I borrowed from my friend at the retreat I had a couple weeks ago.  We cut it out of silver plastic sheets from Elizabeth Crafts- a tricky feat but we got it done!  lol!

I love how the metallic sheet shines!  Just like PC&S always will in my mind :)  I hope all the people who work there go on to bigger and better things!  I can't wait to see where life takes you!

If you're hopping along, the next stop is Karen Baker's blog.  Pop over to see what she's made in honor of the magazine.  Also, pop over to Taheerah's blog- she put this whole thing together and did a wonderful job!  Thanks Taheerah for making it happen!

I hope you have time to hop along the list- it's a long one but so worth it!  Thanks for stopping by here today :)

Creative Blog Hop

Hi there!  Happy Monday!  Hope yours was a good one!  Mine was busy but I can't complain too much! :)  I thought I'd pop on tonight and share my post for the Creative Blog Hop!  Danielle was kind enough to include me in her nominations last week :)

Here are my answers to the hop questions:

1.      What am I working on now?

Today I am making samples for an upcoming class!  Lots of cute Lawn Fawn goodies, some adorable SRM doilies, and Copic markers are currently all over my desk!  I have one more card to go and then I can work on my design team stuff- I have cards due for Newton's Nook, SRM, and the Waffle Flower Challenge soon!  I also have a fun card planned in my head that was inspired by last week's Project Runway episode :)  Hopefully I can time to make it before Thursday, too!

2.      How does my work differ from others in my genre?

Well... I feel like I am a unique card maker but I wouldn't say I differ from other card makers- we are all talented, detail oriented crafters who love color, pattern, and stamps, right?  :)  

3.      Why do I create what I do?

For me it's all about fun and smiling!  I love smiling!  Hee!  Patterned paper and cute stamps make me smile big time!

4.      How does my creative process work?

I usually think about things for awhile before I start my project.  I often get my best ideas in the shower :)  I like to work on a clean surface so I try to clean up my last project before starting a new one.  When I start, I gather things that I think I'll use and spread them over my oversized table.  If I don't have an idea planned already, one usually springs up from the stamps or embellishments I've chosen to go with them!

I'm going to pass on the nomination to these two creative ladies:

Crafty Math Chick

I've known Crafty Math Chick for a few years through Newton's Nook Designs.  She is so sweet and always makes the cutest things for the release!  My favorite are her 3-d items!  Her candy apple treat from September was adorable!!

Creative Lady- Donna

Donna and I have been stamping together locally for years!  She has a great style- she creates pretty clean and simple cards and the most amazing cigar boxes!  She's always fun to hang out with :)

I hope you've enjoyed the hop!  It was fun answering the questions- I wish I could have included a messy shot of my table but well, you know... I gotta keep these cards under wraps for a few more days!  :) Thanks for stopping by today!!

Deck the Halls with Inky Paws Blog Hop!

Hi and welcome to the Deck the Halls with Inky Paws Blog Hop!  I'm hopping along with Newton's Nook Designs today- did you just come from Jennifer Ingle's blog?  If not, be sure to pop over and see what she made!  We are all sharing fun holiday projects today!  Here is mine:

I chose to work with the silly SEA-son's Greetings set.  This one just makes me smile!  I imagine that Santa sent his crabby friend a boat load of presents- he had no trouble picking one to open first! :)  I wonder what was on his list?  Hee!

I built my scene using cardstock and added the colored crab and boat with pop dots.  The crab and boat are colored with Copic markers.  I added the sentiment banners next- the 'wishing you' comes from the Holiday Wishes set. To finish it off, I added a few sequins- you gotta have a little sparkle on holiday cards!

Would you like to win a $10 coupon for Newton's Nook Designs online shop?We will be choosing Two lucky winners! 
Here's how to win: 
Comment on the Design Team Member and Guest blogs (see list below)! One winner will be chosen at random from the collective blogs in the blog hop. Make sure to check out each of their blogs and comment for your chance to win. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning! You have until Sunday, December 8th at 9 pm CST to comment  -- winners will be announced on the blog post on Monday, December 9th.
Make sure you check out all the blogs below to enter:

Deck the Halls with Inky Paws Blog Hop

Newton's Nook Designs Blog

Jennifer Ingle

Tessa Wise (me)

Jocelyn Olson

Samantha Mann

Shelly Mercado

Rachel W K

Jessica Esch

Chan Vuong

Ashley Marcu

Danielle Lounds

Alice Wertz

Danielle Pandeline

Kim Singdahlsen

Also, Newton's Nook Designs will be doing a free shipping promotion all weekend to celebrate the blog hop (until Monday Dec. 9 at Midnight CST).  Just use the code INKYHOP13 while checking out!

Well, have fun hopping today!  Your next stop is Jocelyn Olson- she always makes the cutest things!

Thanks for stopping by!

-tessa

Rock Chalk Baby Blog Hop!

Hi!  Hope your day is off to a good start!  If you are coming from Taheerah's blog you already know that today I'm hopping along with a bunch of my card making friends to celebrate our friend Erin!  Erin is pregnant with her second little one- he's due any day now- and we wanted to show our love for her as only card making friends can!

I created a card to accompany a gift at her shower using some Stampin' Up! goodies and Simple Stories stickers:

The bread tag stamp is from the Chalk Talk stamp set- isn't it cute?  I stamped it with Bermuda Bay ink and die cut around it with the matching die.  Next, I stamped the image a second time in Basic Gray ink and cut out the banner portion.  I attached the gray banner over the top of the teal one using pop dots.

The card base has been embossed using a folder by Cuttlebug- I borrowed it from a friend but might have to get this one for myself!  I like the size of the dots :)  I added a few heart stickers from the baby boy Snap kit by Simple Stories.

I really enjoyed creating this card for you Erin!  I sure wish we all lived closer so we could all get together in real life for your shower!  I wish you all luck on the day the baby comes and I can't wait to see pictures of the little fella!

Now it's time to pop over and visit the rest of the girls wishing Erin their best today!  Wida Yusufi-Miller is your next stop.  And here is the master list, too, just incase you want to hop out of order :) :

Aga Malyszek: http://justmadefrompaper.blogspot.com Amy Kolling: http://www.stamp-n-paradise.blogspot.com Anita Recksiedler http://craftygrldesigns.blogspot.com Cheiron Brandon http://cheironbrandon.typepad.com/ Dana Warren: http://www.kraftpaperstamps.blogspot.com/ Debbie Marcinkiewicz: http://www.papersweeties.com/category/blog/ Elena Roussakis www.justmeprints.blogspot.com Heather Campbell http://parkermolly.blogspot.com/ Jennifer Rzasa http://ourchangeofart.blogspot.com/ Jennifer Ingle: http://justjingle.blogspot.com JJ Bolton: http://rgcards.blogspot.com/ Jocelyn Olson http://redballooncards.blogspot.com Joscelyne Cutchens www.cutchens.com Laurie Willison http://soapboxcreations.blogspot.com/ Miriam Prantner: www.mprantner.blogspot.com Nina Yang: http://waffleflower.com Taheerah Atchia: http://littlemisst-papercraft.blogspot.com/ Tessa Wise: http://www.craftygrl.blogspot.com (that's me!) Wida Yusufi-Miller: http://beachorado.blogspot.com/

Hope you enjoyed our little hop!  Thanks for stopping by today!

-tessa