A Christmas Scene

******Please scroll down to the next post if you are looking for the DeNami Design Gift Wrapping Blog Hop. Thanks!******

Here's another one of my Christmas cards that I've made recently. I LOVE the little Christmas Truck stamp. It gives me the warm fuzzies! I'm also a sucker for Christmas lights, and Stickles work great for adding glittery lights to a card. I'm excited to enter this card into the DeNami Design Theme Challenge #8.

Without further ado...TADAA:

In case you're wondering, I used Distress Stickles to make the gravel driveway. Also, I used small DeNami stamps to add texture to the grass and the sky. I really did have fun making this card.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Holidays!

Amy

Stamps used (all by DeNami Design):

F207 Three Winter Trees, G137 Christmas Truck, H84 Three Houses, PF01 Classic Leaves set, PF06 Whimsical Christmas set

DeNami Design's December Blog Hop: GIFT WRAPPING

Ummm...where did 2011 go? Anyone else feel like posting a "Missing" poster for this year? I can't believe it's December already! However, that means another fabulous holiday-themed blog hop is upon us. YAY!!!! This fabulous blog hop is all about Gift Wrapping! Of course, that doesn't mean it HAS to be holiday-themed...it could be for birthdays or any number of other occasions, but I'm all about the holiday wrapping! So, let's hop!

If you need to start from the beginning, go to DeNami Design's blog. If you've been hopping along in order, you should have just arrived from Andrea Matthews' blog: Work in Progress. She is so talented and so sweet, it's almost unfair! You just have to love her, though. She's such a fabulous part of the blogging universe, and I'm always inspired by her! Also, don't forget to comment on all the blog postings! You could win a gift certificate to the AMAZING world of DeNami Design. I don't know about you, but that's on MY wish list this year!

Now, it's time for my project. I actually created a gift box for the last blog hop, so I was concerned about repeating, but I really loved taking a plain little white gift box and transforming into a DeNami-licious presentation. This time, I'm not sure my box was very successful, though. I wanted to use a non-Christmas stamp to create a holiday look. I had a vision of using the M74 Rainbow stamp to create a circular pattern. In my head, it looks FANTASTIC. However, my coloring got a little sloppy in the execution. I try to tell myself that the imperfections make it "stylized," but my OCD really craves perfection. However, I tried to spruce it all up with a fancy ribbon treatment around the lid and a fun layered bow on top (using the wonderful grosgrain ribbon by DeNami, of course). Overall, it's not my favorite project I've ever made, BUT...I still like the IDEA of it. I love the idea of using the rainbow to make a fun circular background. I'll have to try it again sometime on a card, where I can stamp on a much more even, flat surface.

So, here it is...

Thanks for stopping by my blog for this hop. You're next stop is Glenda Wyatt's blog: Glenda's Paper, Scissors & Rocks. She is a true artist! She creates absolutely GORGEOUS cards!

Thanks again for hopping & have a HAPPY HOLIDAY!

Amy

P.S. If you like holiday cards, check my blog regularly or subscribe to receive my postings by email. I have several cards (all featuring DeNami Design stamps) which I am hoping to post in the next few weeks. Stop by and leave me comments! Thanks!

Christmas "Fishes"

I love the holidays! I always tell myself that I have plenty of holiday cardmaking supplies, but then I see the newest papers and stamps, and I just can't help myself! I always come back to the same defense of, "...but I don't have THAT one!!!" So...my addiction continues. However, I also love a good challenge, and to me, that includes using non-holiday stamps to create holiday projects. This card is an example of a card idea that just POPPED into my head randomly, and I just HAD to make it. So, here it is:

Here's a close-up of the fish:

All the stamps I used are from the fabulous DeNami Design, and you can purchase them all HERE. I am also excited to enter this into the current DeNami Design Theme Challenge. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Thanks for stopping by my blog! Please consider subscribing to my blog via email so you can see the rest of my holiday cards!

Happy Holidays!

Amy

Stamps used (all by DeNami Design):

F209 Christmas Wishes, G143 Christmas Holly Vine, H82 Medium Round Bowl, PF06 Whimsical Christmas set, PF41 Sea Friends set

DeNami Design's November Blog Hop: ANYTHING but a Card!

Happy Blog Hop Day!

If you've been following the hop, you should have just arrived from the incredible Michele Gross' blog: Studio MSG. She is one of the sweetest and most talented women in blogdom! She's such an inspiration to me! If you need to start the blog hop from the beginning, or you get lost along the way, make sure to go to DeNami Design's blog. Make sure to leave comments on all the blogs for your chance to win a fabulous gift certificate to DeNami's website!

With this blog hop, I'm super excited! I love making cards, but I've recently been inspired to try other projects (I even made my very first scrapbook layouts recently!), so this was the perfect opportunity! I didn't have time to do everything I wanted (hoping to make a DeNami advent calendar one of these days as well as some DeNami-inspired jewelry), but my life is just a little crazy right now, so I had to simplify my plans a bit. I knew I definitely wanted something Christmas themed, though. I've been in crafty Christmas mode for a few months already now. LOVE IT! Some of my favorite Christmas stamps are the DeNami holly stamps, so here's a decorated gift box and a mini paint canvas ornament.

Here's a side view:

Check out my ornament! I used a mini picture canvas! How cute it is? The green background color didn't turn out quite how I wanted (I think it clashes a bit with the gold embellishments), but you still get the idea! I'm hoping to make more of these in different colors and with different stamps!

If you're a Disney fan, you probably know the phrase "Hidden Mickey." You can look all over Disney World for hidden Mickey Mouse icons. Well, here's my take on a HIDDEN CHICKIE! I put this little guy on the back of the ornament! Also, I used a couple glue dots to adhere the gold twine, and then I used the little Christmas tree sequin to mask the glue dots!

Well, thanks for checking out my blog today! Next stop on the blog hop is the lovely Tenia Nelson's blog. I'm sure she's created something extra special and beautiful!

Happy Stamping!

Amy

Due to time constraints, I am not listing individual stamps used, but if you have any questions, PLEASE let me know. All the stamps and grosgrain ribbons used are products of DeNami Design.

Give Thanks

If you've ever read my blog posts or you know me in person, you've probably figured out that I'm a bit quirky and silly. (Yeah, I know some of you are thinking, "A BIT?!") Well, this card is another example of my twisted sense of humor. The very first time I saw the new Thanksgiving Dinner stamp set by DeNami Design, this card idea popped into my head. I finally got around to making it. I decided to make it a tri-fold card. I hope this card makes you smile and laugh!

Here's the front of the card:

Here's the inside panel with my own sentiment (tee hee hee):

I even decorated the inside and left some blank white space for writing a personalized message to the recipient.

I hope you got the joke! Don't you just love the Ornamental Vine stamp, too? That's what I used to create the backgrounds and the inside embellishments.

Thanks for stopping by my blog! If you haven't already, please subscribe to my blog and FOLLOW BY EMAIL (see the right side of my blog).

Happy Stamping!

Amy

Stamps used (all by DeNami Design): D125 Turkey, G153 Ornamental Vine, PF49 Thanksgiving Chickie stamp set, TR30 Thanksgiving Dinner stamp set,

You're a Tweetie Pie!

I know...I know...I've been mostly absent from blogland recently. With the exception of the wonderful DeNami Design blog hops, I just haven't had much time for blogging. However, I have a card that I really want to share with you today. I submitted this card for a recent World Card Making Day challenge by DeNami. While I wasn't selected for that, though, I still want to enter it into their current color challenge.

So, here's my card:

I recently bought the Thanksgiving Dinner stamp set. I knew immediately what I was going to do with the turkey stamp (I'll post that card soon!), but I had no idea what to do with the pie and bread stamps. I've been really in love with this little pumpkin chickie stamp recently, and THAT'S when the inspiration hit! TWEETIE PIE! I used the "You're Tweet" stamp to create the "You're a tweetie pie" sentiment on the card.

Hope you enjoyed my card! I have recently added the "Follow by Email" gadget to the right side of my blog. I would LOVE for you to subscribe to my blog! Just enter your email address, and then you'll receive my future blog posts in your email inbox! How fun is that? I REALLY hope you'll sign up!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Happy Stamping!

Amy

Stamps used (all by DeNami Design): C64 Pumpkin Chickie, C82 You're Tweet, PF21 Autumn Stamp Set, TR30 Thanksgiving Dinner Stamp Set

DeNami Design's October Blog Hop: FALL

I am super excited about today's blog hop! I love DeNami Design and fall is my favorite time of year! What a wonderful combination!

If you're following the hop, you should have just arrived from Nicki Scheck's blog. Isn't she amazingly talented? WOW!

If you've gotten lost or need to start from the beginning, go to DeNami Design's blog.

Now let's move right on to my project. I just adore the new DeNami Cornucopia stamp, and I also love plaid, so I created my own background pattern using the Three Line Border and Stitched Border stamps. I also love to color in the cornucopia, but for this card, I felt it would be better to just add a little glitter pen action and leave the focal point clean and simple. So, here's my card:

Also, since it's October, I had to add a fun Halloween card. I stamped the ghosts on vellum. When you stamp on vellum, you can easily reverse stamps because the ink is seen through the vellum. So, I stamped the ghost twice, cut them out, and then drew over the lines using a white gel pen. How cute are they?

Here's a close-up of one of the vellum ghosts:

I also wanted to add a splash of color and a friendly little spider to the inside of the card:

Next stop on the blog hop is Karen Larkin's blog. She creates beautiful cards! I can't wait to see what she's made for today!

Thanks for stopping by today! Have fun with the hop! Happy Stamping!

Amy

Stamps used (all by DeNami Design):

Card #1: F210 Cornucopia, F148 Thanks a Bunch, N128 Three Line Border, N130 Stitched Border, M68 Large Double Circle, PF01 Classic Leaves stamp set

Card #2: E145 Friendly Ghost, I65 Simple Tree, E119 Fence, PF36 Halloween stamp set

DeNami Design's September Blog Hop: TASTY TREATS!

WOW! What a busy week I've had! I performed several shows, including two performances of a one-woman show, Once Upon a Smidebush. It was so incredible to get to perform this show here. It was an expanded and updated version of the cabaret-style shows I have performed in NYC. Now, to top off my fabulous week, I get to participate in this month's DeNami Design blog hop! These hops always inspire and excite me! I can't wait to see all the creations!

If you've been hopping from the beginning, you should have just arrived from Lindsey Wood's blog: Lsey Creations. She is Talented with a capital T! I LOVE the cards on her blog. She is brilliant at paper piecing! I'm looking forward to seeing her newest DeNami creation today! If you're just joining the hop or have gotten lost, please start at the beginning at DeNami Design's blog.

Now, here are my cards for this post. I love DeNami's stamps (as evident by my massive collection...one of these days, I'll have to post some pics of my drawers), and while I do have some of their sweet candy stamps, I found myself reaching for the fruits and veggies! I guess I was in a healthy mood. Fresh fruit and veggies from a local farmers' market are MY favorite tasty treats! So, here's my first card:

Here's a close-up, with flash, of the centerpiece. I just LOVE that new cornucopia stamp! Plus, if you don't have any of DeNami Design's ribbons, you really should get some. Their grosgrain ribbons are so silky and luxurious. They are my FAVORITE ribbons! I layered their 3/8" emerald with their 5/8" lime, and VOILA!

Second, when I created this next card, I was in a silly mood. One of the great things about living in Indiana is the local superbly delicious sweet corn. It is definitely a tasty treat! This card just kind of popped in my head, and the thought made me laugh. It is indeed a "corny" little card.

Well, it is now time for you to hop on over to our next wonderful stop, Kimberly Kendle's blog: Kimberly's Kreations. Her blog creations are bright, colorful and fun. Let's check out her newest project! Don't forget to leave comments on every blog for your chance to win a fabulous prize from DeNami Design!

Happy Stamping!

Amy

Stamps used: (all by DeNami Design)
Card #1: A88 Mini Polka Dot, C87 Small Grapes, F210 Cornucopia, PF31 Apples and Pears stamp set

Card #2: B110 Corn, J137 Cornstalks

P.S. I'd like to take a brief moment to comment on today's date. I was living in New York City 10 years ago, on a day that changed all of our lives forever. While we will never forget the sadness of that day, I'd like to give thanks to those who showed us what true bravery and courage are. New York City is filled with remarkable diversity and such a broad spectrum of race, religion, age, and social status. But, on that day, we were all family. We were all survivors. Let us always remember how to love each other and appreciate each other, no matter how different.

DeNami Design's August Blog Hop: MINI CARDS!

Happy Blog Hop Day!

You hopefully arrived here from Amber Daigre's blog: Damask Love. Seriously, how amazing is she? Her blog is phenomenal, and I am constantly in awe of her genius creations. If you're lost and/or want to start from the beginning, go to DeNami Design's blog.

I was so excited by DeNami's July stamp releases. They have so many fabulous new images, and they inspired me instantly! This mini card (measuring approx. 2.5" x 4") was one of the ideas that I originally had. When I first saw that parachute chickie, I knew I HAD to paper piece that parachute! Plus, I wanted to paper piece the open box, too, giving the flaps added dimension. So, here's the result:

Here's a close-up of the paper pieced parachute:


This angle really allows you to see the dimension of the box flaps:

I also was inspired to make a 2nd card using more new release stamps. I wanted to make an ornament mini-card that you could send to someone, use as a gift tag, or use it as a decorative Christmas ornament.

This is the inside of the card:

Here's a close-up of the wire detail I created to make it look like a real ornament:

Thanks so much for reading my blog!

Your next stop on the blog hop is Karen Baker's blog: The Bald Dragonfly. She always creates GORGEOUS and sophisticated cards with clean, simple layouts, and every detail is beautiful and perfect. Make sure to leave comments on all the blogs for your chance to win a gift certificate to DeNami Design!

Happy Stamping!

Amy

Stamps Used: (all stamps by DeNami Design)

Card #1: E146 Parachute Chickie, E147 Dropping You a Note, F208 Open Box

Card #2: M76 Large Ornament, PF50 Ornamental Flower set, TR22 Christmas Word Dot set

Happy 1st Blogoversary to ME!

Wow! One year has gone by since I started this blog! My posts may have been sporadic, as time allowed, but it's been so much fun! I hope to have many more years of creativity flowing and crafty fun. I had been hoping to post a card each day this week, but the craziness of the week got in the way a bit. However, I want to dedicate this Blogoversary post to everyone who has supported me in my card-making endeavors. Whether you're family or a friend or just someone who as stopped by and left a comment, THANK YOU!

Today's card features stamps by DeNami Design. It's pretty obvious, if you've followed my blog at all, that I have a love of DeNami's stamps. They just released a bunch of new stamps, and I just HAD to get a couple of them, so here's one of my first cards featuring their new Cornucopia stamp.

Here's a close-up of the ribbon detail.

Here you can see how I colored the cornucopia with Spica glitter pens.

Thanks again for all your support of my foray into the crafty blog world!

Amy

Stamps used: F210 Cornucopia, F148 Thanks a Bunch, PF01 Classic Leaves stamp set

A Blogoversary Week Quickie!

This week is crazy busy, but here's another card in honor of my upcoming 1st Blogoversary. This card features the fabulous and adorable papers and a stamp by Imaginisce. They have the best papers with matching stamps and embellishments. If you're not familiar with them, check them out now! You won't regret it!

Here's a close-up of the Squirrel. I added fun fluff to his body, and I used Flower Soft on his tail to make it look extra fluffy.

Thanks for stopping by!

Amy

Another Day Closer to My 1st Blogoversary!

I hope you checked out my post from yesterday. If not, either scroll down or click HERE. I posted a really special birthday card.

So, for today, I am excited because I am posting my first ever Lawn Fawn card! I have been admiring their stamps for a while now, and I finally have a wonderful set, thanks to a spectacular giveaway they had last month. I am so grateful to have won the 'On The Mend' set. However, now I will HAVE to get more Lawn Fawn sets because they are so cute and fun to use. On this card, I combined the adorable little bandage stamp and the "Sending Hugs" sentiment with some DeNami Design stamps. Also, here's a li'l tip which you may or may not already know. The "Sending Hugs" sentiment stamp used below is actual one line, but I cut it in half so I could fit the words within the circle. It's easy to cut clear stamps so you can rearrange the words.

Thanks for stopping by my blog, and please check back each day this week in honor of my one year blogoversary! Hope to see you tomorrow!

Amy

Stamps used: 'On the Mend' clear set (Lawn Fawn), Polka Dot Background, Small Heart Circle, Medium Double Circle (DeNami Design)

If you'd like to know about any other supplies used, just ask!

My 1st Blogoversary is Approaching!

In honor of my 1st Blogoversary approaching, I am hoping to have a post every day this week! I often tend to be quite talkative and wordy, but most of these posts will hopefully be short and sweet! However, I do have some important background info in today's post.

Today's card is special because I made it for a friend's birthday. For those of you lucky enough to have visited Papertrix in Nashville, IN, you most likely have met Cindy, the owner. She and her husband, Wayne, run the most amazing stamp/scrapbook store I have EVER seen. It's a tiny little building filled to the brim with more stamps and supplies than you could imagine! It's like Toyland for stampers and scrappers! Cindy's birthday was on July 7th, and I wanted to make her a super-duper extra-special card to thank her for her kindness, generosity and never-ending inspiration. I never could have started this blog without her support and encouragement. My mom got me started making cards, and she introduced me to Papertrix where Cindy made me realize that I actually have talent with papercrafts! I will never forget how honored I felt when Cindy asked me to be a part of the store's incredible design team! The store is filled with amazing samples, and to have MY cards among them? It's absolutely AMAZING! I still get little butterflies of excitement when I see my cards displayed! Papertrix is also my 3rd "home." Obviously, my actual apartment is home #1. The Palace Theatre of Brown County is where I spend most of my non-home time, so that's home #2. If I'm not at home nor the theatre, there's a good chance you might find me at Papertrix. Whether I'm shopping or working, Papertrix is my "happy place." Just being inside the store makes me smile! Cindy and Wayne are so sweet, and I love spending time with them. I learn so much, too! Their product knowledge is phenomenal! Plus, I adore seeing people's faces light up when they walk in the doors for the first time. It's so special! So, to thank Cindy for all the wonderful experiences that she has brought to me and so many others, I wanted to pull out all the stops.

I decided to try a new technique of "kissing" stamps. I inked up the Large Flower Pattern stamp, and then I stamped the Houndstooth Cover-a-Card stamp over it to give it texture. THEN, I stamped it on the paper. The Houndstooth texture is subtle, but it's just enough to give it some added depth. Then, I colored the petals with Copic markers. I colored the stems using green colored pencils, but then to tone those done, I colored over them with a gray Copic marker. Of course, I just HAD to add some bling with the Stickles, and lastly, I created the ribbon detail using my ATG (check out DeNami Design's YouTube page for a video).


Thanks for reading this, and if you're ever in Indiana, make sure to stop by Papertrix and see one of the most amazing stores EVER!

Happy Crafting!
Amy

Supplies:
S5471 Large Flower Pattern stamp(Hero Arts), Houndstooth Cover-a-Card stamp (Impression Obsession), Navy & Lavender Cardstocks, Grosgrain Ribbon (DeNami Design), Copic Markers, Colored Pencils, Stickles, Corner Rounder

DeNami Design's July Blog Hop: LOVELY LAYERS!

Can you believe it's July already? I sure can't. Where has 2011 gone? The great news, though, is that it's DeNami Design Blog Hop time again! This month's theme is Lovely Layers! If you've been following the blog hop in order, you should have just arrived from Linda Monroe's blog: Stampin in the Suburbs. She makes lovely cards, and I can't wait to see her creation today! If you're lost or just joining the hop, I recommend starting at the beginning at DeNami Design's Blog.

Now, here is my card for today! I wanted to use one of the safari animal stamps, and the adorable li'l zebra was calling my name.

Here's a close-up with flash!

Next up on the blog hop is Pat Quinet's blog. She creates adorable clean & simple layouts, and I look forward to seeing her lovely layered creation!

Lastly, don't forget to check out DeNami Design's newest releases! They just released over 40 new images on July 1st, and I can't wait to own some of them and start creating! They've got new chickies, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and new elegant floral images!

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I haven't been posting much for the past few months, but I've created several new cards recently, and I hope to post them all soon! So, if you aren't already a follower, please do so and check back soon!

Happy Stamping!

Amy

Stamps Used (all by DeNami Design):

• 
  
  Zebra (from TR29 Safari Animals set)


• 
  
  N112 Harlequin Border


• 
  
  N128 Three Line Border


• 
  
  Hi! (from PF29 Everyday Greetings set)

If you'd like to know about any other supplies used, please ask!

DeNami Design's June Blog Hop: FABULOUS FRAMES!

Hop, Hop, Hoppity Hop! It's Blog Hop Time!!!!

My life sure has been busy recently, which is why I haven't had any blog posts since last month. However, I am so excited to return to the blog world with my favorite time of month: DeNami Design Blog Hop Time! I seriously love this. Not only does it mean SO MUCH to me that I'm a hop stop, but I also LOOOOVE actually hopping around and seeing all the talented bloggers! If you've been following this blog hop in order, you should have just arrived from the incredible Karen Baker's blog: The Bald Dragonfly. She has mastered the art of sophisticated and gorgeous clean & simple designs. If you're lost and want to start from the beginning, make sure to go to one of my favorite websites in the universe: DeNami Design. You've got two days to leave comments on all the blogs for your chance to win a gift certificate! Wowza! Who wouldn't want that?

Now, on to my project. I was lucky enough to find this vintage DeNami frame stamp a few months ago. This was the perfect opportunity to finally use it! I love it! However, I couldn't decide just what to make for this blog hop. I knew I definitely wanted to make a bright and cheerful card, but for some reason, I also was drawn to my Christmas stamps. I felt an urge to make a rustic Christmas card, which is usually not my style, but I felt the need to try it! So, here are my two opposite cards using the same fabulous frame!

Next up on the blog is the wonderful Paulina Nakamura's blog: Pretty Pink Posh. Paulina is a huge inspiration to me. She is so sweet and supportive, and she makes DeNami truly come alive through her blog and the DeNami sites. She is also phenomenally talented. I am constantly "Ooooh-ing" and "Ahhhhh-ing" over her cards. So make sure to check out her project and leave her a lovely comment!

Thanks for stopping by!

Amy

Stamps used (all by DeNami Design): P10 Checker Frame (retired), C73 Starlet, F172 Hello Friend, J114 Medium Curly Christmas Tree, J77 Large Daisy Blossom, PF22 Mini Ornament Set