Here's the Scoop...

Oyyyy....where oh where has this summer gone???? I cannot believe that I am going back up to school in a week and a half. It's sooooo crazy.

But alas, what can I do? STAMPPPPPP


I LOVEEEE this set by My Favorite Things. Although I will concede that it took about 20-30 minutes to color, I think it looks pretty cute. I also love the 'Here's the Scoop' sentiment which is such a good basic sentiment as it doesn't HAVE to be used as a pun. For the main image I colored it with the following copics : R11, G21, G24, Y21, BG10, B01, BG09, BV04, BV000 and YR23. I mounted it twice with Bazzil paper then used a So Saffron card base with matching ink for the scoops of ice cream.

I think it came out really well.

I hope y'all are having a FANTASTIC day, I know I'm enjoying watching all the SU sneak peaks!!

Elyssa

If you Obey all the Rules...

...you miss all the fun! And let me just tell you this project was FUN! I started off with some glossy white card stock from SU, then I stamped my background image (stamper's anonymous) in Black Stazon. I went over that with different daubers of classic ink (regal rose, yoyo yellow, green galore, orchid opulence and taken with teal). Next I stamped my lawyabella in Tuxedo Black ink and colored with some very bright copics(Rv14, V04, V09, Yg13, G21, E00, E31, E33). I NEED to refill my BG10 which is why the background looks spotty.

Finally I stamped my sentiment, also from StampingBella, added some ribbon and ta da: a great inspirational bookmark.

For those of you who don't know, I didn't end up taking the LSAT last June. I just didn't feel ready. SOO, tomorrow, I have to get back the books. I'm hoping this bookmark helps to inspire me!!!

Hope you're having a great day,
Elyssa

PS
If you click on the picture you will get a MUCH bigger and more detailed version :)

I'm here, I promise!!!!

Oyyy I've been a bad blogger. I had a totally busy weekend, but I promise I will have a GORGEOUS project up later today.

Hope all is well!
Ely

For A Big Sister!!!WT152

I have VERY exciting personal news!! My cousin just had a baby boy Eli Michael!! I am just so happy for them. As the big sister in my family I know how odd it may seem when a new baby comes in the family. So my family and I shipped off some presents for the Big Sis!! The words from Little Paper Shop's All in the Family fit the gift enclosure so well. I preceded to sponge the white cut outs with Almost Amethyst (SU). I also wanted a fun girl image to represent Amie (the big sis!) and what would be better than the little Ballerina from Little Paper Shop's Tu-Turific. I colored her with the following copics R20, E00, V01, Rv11, E33 and C1.

The base of the card is Doodlebug Polka Dots (for the WT152-which was to use polka dots). Finally I topped off the card with the dainty flower sticker from EK Success.

I hope you like it!!
Elyssa

Cherish Today

I have always been fond of quotes. I just think that so much inspiration can come from a couple of words and that that is just so wonderful. Today's card definitely goes into the note card category on my desk as it's simple style and lovely quote can be sent for many occasions.

I'm really into this Thomas Kinkade card but at the same time I have trouble sitting down for 1 1/2 to color it, so my favorite way to utilize this stamp of art is to stamp it in a color. Today I chose Mellow Moss by Stampin Up with a card stock base to match.

I choose pink to be my contrasting color and stamped 'Cherish Today' by Hero Arts in Pretty and Pink. Next I used my Quickutz to punch out a photo corner. I wrapped up the contrast with pink rhinestones.

I think the contrast packs a lot of punch!

Elyssa

Impression Obsession DTGD08Jody

Jody's challenge to fan club members was to let ribbon inspire the card. I am, hmmmm how should I say this lightly, an, um, ribbon admirer. I hoard ribbon like its my job. I LOVEEEEE bright colors and my ribbon collection reflects that. For this particular card I was inspired by bright orange Offray ribbon. It is just SOOOO yummy and bright.

To go with the orange theme I grabbed one of my new Impression Obsession stamps. How awesome are the new divided line stamps from IO? They are just so gorgeous when they are colored with copics (I used YR04, YR09, BG10, BG13 and E00). The Taken with Teal mat was rolled over with the SU Wheel, Spotted. The base is So Saffron.

All in all I think the ribbon really sets the fun mood.

Hope you enjoyed it!

Elyssa

PS.

The FABULOUS new stamps from Little Paper Shop are now for sale! As an added bonus the phenomenal Julia is offering 1$ shipping for all US and Canadian orders.

Home from Vacation and The ScrapStamper Stamp of Approval

Wow! I just can't believe how tired my family and I get from our vacations. It is almost like we need a vacation from our vacations. But, no such luck. I am back to my internship (which I LOVEEE) and reality(which seems to take away from my stamping time.....hmph).

Ok so back to our regularly scheduled program. On our road trip I got to visit 10 STAMP stores!!! I am one luckyyyy stamper. I saw a lot of wonderful stamps, spent a lot of hard earned money and came to an old concrete conclusion: not all stamp stores are created equally. Everyone has different taste in stamps and papers as well as store keeping policies and prices and I understand that. SOOOO rather than tell y'all which stores didn't pass muster (as stores change over time and I would hate for someone to not visit a store based on an old review) I am starting the {drum roll please} ScrapStamper Stamp of Approval! This will be awarded to stores that I believe are OUTSTANDING! I'm talking rows of rubbah, aisles of acrylic and carts of ribbon.

SOOOO.......the very first awardee is the wonderful store Violette's located in Lakeland, Florida. It is located at 4604 Cleveland Heights Boulevard; Lakeland, FL 33813; Phone: (863) 644-0801. This store is one of my all time favorites. They are a dual stamp and scrapbook store with more emphasis on scrapbook stuff. HOWEVER, their stamp selection is certainly not lacking! Between their in depth selection of A Muse, My Favorite Things and Impression Obsession, I found my self spending a few pretty pennies. And let me just tell you, this store is HUGE! They also have a diverse selection of scrapbooks papers including K&Co, Basic Grey and Bazzil. If you want it, they have it. PLUS they always ask if you want a complimentary soda and with these hot summers believe me I wanted a cold can of Diet Coke.

Their prices were great too, they totally stick to MSRP which I find is hard to come by at a LSS, but very respectable. Their samples were also top-notch a feature I find is really helps me purchase stamps out of my comfort zone.

I hope you enjoyed this new segment! Please let me know if you have visited this store and what your thoughts were.

Elyssa

{1} Floral Wishes

Last, but certaintly not least is this fabulous set called 'Floral Wishes'. I love the clean lines of the images in this set and I also love the sentiments which include the one above. This set also includes a polka dot stamp which I used to stamp on my candle in White Craft Ink.

Sorry for another short post but things are still kind of hectic. The good news is I got to visit a bunch of stamp/scrapbook stores which I hope to review shortly!!!

Elyssa

Ingredients: Stamps: Floral Wishes by Little Paper Shop Ink: Craft White Ink by SU, Pink Passion by SU and Chocolate Chip by SU Paper: Random Orange CS, Pink passion by SU and Georgia Pacific CS Ribbon: American Crafts Bling: Michaels

{2} Fairytale Adventures

This HAS to be my favorite card of the release. I love this little princess AND that sentiment is TO DIE FOR! I think the fonts really express the quote in a moving way with the emphasis on 'Believe'.
Today has to be a quick post as I am actually in Orlando (visiting schools with my family for my sister). The ingredient list is below but I just wanted to add that I used a tinch of versamark for the shading of the clouds. I hope you are enjoying the releases!

Ingredient
Stamps: Fairytale Adventures by Little Paper Shop
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Lovely Lilac by Stampin Up, Ruby Red by Stampin Up
Paper: Ruby Red by Stampin Up, Georgia Pacific (painted with VersaColor Seafoam), Georgia Pacific
Ribbon: 'Spring and Summer' by American Crafts
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds
Copics:RV29, E00, E33, V01, V04

{3} All My Family

I've said it a million times, so I'll say it again: One of my favorite aspects about a stamp set is flexibility! This set is called 'All My Family' from Little Paper Shop, which contains family words, such as Mother, Father, in-law, Grandma and Nana. It is such a great set for gift tags.

It inspired me to paint and embellish this tin to put my sister's birthday gift in (a set of buddhas). First I painted the entire box with an Adirondack Dauber (AD) in Stream. Then I masked two sides with a flower mask from Heidi Swapp and painted over that with AD Pool. Finally I swiped AD Pool over the whole tin and dotted two sides with AD Aqua. I let it dry for 15 minutes.

Next, I topped the cover off with my favorite embellishment (of the week), Heidi Swapp BIG pink flowers. I then punched a random scrap of orange card stock with my Stampin' Up Scallop Punch, stamped 'For My Sister' in Taken with Teal, added a button and then TA DA! a gorgeous box for Ilana!

:)
Elyssa

{4} TuTu-rific

Another day, another gorgeous set and another gigantic Heidi Swapp flower. Do you ever get into a personal stamping trend? I do and I am totally head over heels about these giant flowers. PLUS, my marvy giga punch fits so well on top of it.

Ok, enough about HS flowers. Let's talk about this DELISH stamp set. It is a 3x4 set dedicated to this little ballerina (actually there are two focal ballerinas in the set). I love play on words, they crack me up every time, so this set is SO perfect for moi. I have made quite a few cards with it already.

What do you think?
Elyssa

PS. Make sure you check out the other AMAZING DT members:

• Silke's My Life
• Julia - Addicted to Paper
• Allison - Stampin' When I Can
• Bonnie - The Lucky Clucker
• Cindy Haffner - Cindy Haffner's Corner
• Chelsey - Musing of a Teenaged Stamper
• Elyssa - Confession of a Teenage Stamper
• Laura - Scrapnextras
• Renee - Stamping for Sanity
• Sarah Green - My Scrapbook Table
• July Guest Designer Dawn Easton - Treasure Oil Desginz

Ingredients
Stamps: TuTu-rific by LPS
Ink:Memento Tuxedo Black, Pretty in Pink by SU
Paper: Pretty in Pink by SU, Bazzil Bling
Copics:RV11, V01, V04, E00, E33, C1
Ribbon: American Crafts

{5} Endless Arrangements

Julia really out did herself with this month's Little Paper Shop Releases! This particular set is called Endless Arrangements and is a 4x6in. It has a gorgeous graphic designer look, clean lines and phenomenal flowers. I had a ball playing with it and I know you will too!

Make sure you bookmark this site (or subscribe) so you can see all the releases for the coming days!

Elyssa

Ingredients
Stamps: Endless Arrangements by LPS
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Regal Rose by SU, Brocade Blue by SU
Paper: Regal Rose by SU, Green Galore by SU, Georgia Pacific Paper
Paper Flowers: Heidi Swapp, Bazzil Wings
Ribbon: American Crafts 'Spring and Summer'

Little Paper Shop Challenge!

Every month the Little Paper Shop Design Team proposes a challenge to each other as well as our readers! This month, Bonnie over at The Lucky Clucker has proposed a two-fold challenge. To use some sort of stitching, faux or real, on our cards as well as to use a LPS June Release.

I went with some paper from KI Memories that had faux stitching as I have never attempted to sew. I was low on birthday cards so I also wanted an easy design which I could mass produce, so VIOLA I present to you another 10 minute card.

I colored the little girl with Copics (E00, Rv11, RV14, Rv34, G21, YG000, Yg91, E33, and BG10). I ATGed the pieces of paper to my base card (Georgia Pacific), tied a piece of 'Spring and Summer' ribbon from American Crafts and repeated. And repeated. And repeated. In total I think I ended up with 10 quick and fun cards to keep in my stash! Not bad for 30 minutes total.

Also, I wanted to remind everyone that the SNEAK PEAKS for July's sets start TOMORROW! I am SO excited to have the privilege to share with you all these wonderful sets.

Back to the challenge, please visit these DT members who are playing along for more inspiration:

• Julia - Addicted to Paper
• Bonnie- The Lucky Clucker
• Cindy - Cindy Haffner's Corner
• Laura - Scrapnextras
• Renée - Stamping for Sanity
• Allison - Stampin' When I Can
• Silke - My Life

ETA Opps...I almost forgot if (WHEN) you play along with us please upload it to SCS with the code LPSDTC02.
Elyssa

I've Got Challenge Fever!

Another day, another challenge. I don't know whats gotten into me! This particular challenge comes from the wonderful GinaK. The only requirements were to use her sketch and her stamps. I choose to use the sometimes neglected set 'Way To Go'.

I had a lot of fun with my Twinkling H20s for this card. First, I painted two different shades of blue on my Polka Dot Backgrounder from CHF. I had to scrub a little hard to get all the TH20 off, so don't get concerned if the same thing happens, it will come off!

Next I worked on my toilet. I know the black isn't as 'strong' as usual but that is because I stamped on 140 lb watercolor paper which has a texture. I haven't found a good remedy for this, besides pressing really, really, really hard. I did some simple blue shading with my H20s, then punched it out with my scalloped oval giga punch (haven't heard about that in awhile, huh?). Quick and easy from there, with just a stamping of the ladies room sign on the right corner. Some more shading, a sequin and then off the card went, into Twinkling H20 heaven!!

Also, I have a Twinkling H20 Video under the video tutorials section of my blog!!

Hope you like it!
Elyssa

Thankful For You IC136

When I saw today's Inspiration Challenge over on Splitcoast I thought of LPS's 'Butterflies and Blossoms' set! Julia just got these back in and I haven't played with them in a while. So in honor of Julia getting them back in stock, I decided to go for it!

I stamped the leaves in Certainly Celery. Then I used my copic marker (R20) to simulate the little flowers from the inspiration piece. Next I stamped my butterfly in VersaColor Black and embossed with some black powder from Jo-Anns(their brand). Next I whipped out my Twinkling H20s (sadly, it was more like searched my room head to toe for them) and started watercoloring. I love the look of the glimmer on the black outline! GORGEOUS! Finally, I matted it on pink sparkle paper, then put it on a piece of Bashful Blue Base CS.

I also wanted to answer a question from one of my readers:

'I want to ask you about the paper you buy at Wal Mart.....you said it was Georgia Pacific and about $5 for 150 pieces...what I want to know is what the weight of the paper is and do you buy it in a pack like copy paper. Also do you find it in the office supply section?

Thanks so much!

gina'

Thanks for the question, Gina! Georgia Pacific cardstock is 110 lb paper and yes it does come in a pack like copy paper. Be careful because GP sells other papers too, you want the 110 lb variety (as aforementioned). At my Wal-Mart it is in the office supply section!

Hope That Helps,
Elyssa

Kwerner Color Challenge #15

I totally forgot the Kwerner Color Challenge was due today, so you get two entries in one day!! I had a rough time with this combo as it looked so much better on her website then I could make it look. I tried. I am at peace with it (LOL), I think. The deets are below!

Elyssa

Stamps: Thomas Kinkade 'Make a Wish', 'All Occasions' by Little Paper Shop I
nk: Chocolate Chip Paper: Certainly Celery, Really Rust, Close to Cocoa and Whisper White
Accesories: Inksentials White Gel Pen

Roses In Winter Stationary in 10 minutes

I realized yesterday I was really lacking in the stationary department. I wanted something simple and classy. So I took my script backgrounder from Michaels, inked it up with some versamark and brushed over that with Perfect Pearls (Gold). Did some simple three step stamping with 'Roses in Winter' (in Ruby Red and Mellow Moss). Mounted it on Mellow Moss, tied a piece of Offray Ribbon (in White) and TA DA gorgeous SIMPLE stationary!

On another note, Little Paper Shop is only a couple of days away from previews for their next sets. They are GORGEOUS, I have been working on some DELISH samples!!! The DT will start showing sneak peaks on June 16!!! Mark your calenders ladies!!!

Can't wait to start the unveiling,
Elyssa

Swell News!

One of my favorite professors is about to have a baby! I am not sure of the sex of the baby so I wanted to go with a pastel color palette. I think it turned out really well! I used a the carriage from 'Fast and Fun Notes' from Stampin' Up and 'Swell News' from Little Paper Shop.

Swell News as well as all other LPS sets are on sale because Julia is changing the layout of her website and all LPS packaging. In order to clear out her prior packaging she has placed everything from 10-25% off. Make sure you visit Little Paper Shop asap.

My Internship is going really well. I love seeing Justice in action, it is truly amazing. Thank you all for your well wishes! Also, I just starting baking (literally just started as in made my first thing ever on monday)! I've only made Banana Bread and Cheesecake so far, but if anyone has any great recipes or recipe websites please let me know :)

Elyssa

Stamps: 'Fast and Fun Notes' by Stampin Up, 'Swell News' by Little Paper Shop
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Pixie Pink and Barely Banana by Stampin' Up
Copics: BG10, YR31, R11, B01
Paper: Barely Banana, Georgia Pacific, Bazzil

A Little Note...CC117

I'm not always a realistic stamp purchaser. I buy stamps that require intensive amounts of coloring times without thinking about it. This has been the case with Thomas Kinkade stamps and many House Mouse Stamps. This particular card involves an overzealous stamp purchase.

Y'all know I am a sucker for House Mouse Designs and when my lss had that 40% sale, I went HM nuts. This stamp is huge weighing in at around 5x4, when the average card is 4.25x5.5. I finally decided to conquer this purchase yesterday when I saw the Color Challenge 117 which called for Ruby Red, Certainly Celery and Elegant Eggplant. I think it works really well for this card!! What do you think?

Elyssa

Stamps: House Mouse, Karen G
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Elegant Eggplant (SU)
Copics: R14, R27, R29, BV000, BV08, Y13, BG10, B01, R20, E31, E33, C1, C3, W1, W3, YR31, YG91, G21, G24

It's Not Where You Go...

I have to confess that I received 'Baroque Motifs' OVER 2 months ago and I hadn't even put it together, until yesterday! Wow! I LOVEEE this set. I think I got a little carried away with the matting, but all and all I'm happy with it! I also got a chance to use one of the many sentiment from Little Paper Shop's Words of Love. I am going to send it to my Grandparents for their 55th anniversary!!

The weather is still gross down here, stormy and humid. So I am back to the inside photography. What do you think? I don't think it's quite as clear.

Oh well, I'm off to clean,
Elyssa

Stamps: Baroque Motifs (SU), Words of Love (LPS)
Ink: Apricot Appeal, Purely Pomegranate, Almost Amethyst (All SU)
Paper: Apricot Appeal, Purely Pomegranate, Almost Amethyst (All SU)
Accessories: Baubles colored with copic markers (R39)

When Life Gives You Limes...

...make margaritas! I have loved this particular stamp from A Muse Designs for a while now and when I saw it at 'The Ink Pad' I knew I had to have it. While I usually try to buy sentiments exclusively in acrylic, this one (despite its pricey 8.95 price tag...oh A Muse, why are you so darn cute and expensive?) just called out to me! I also thought this was perfect for Hanna Stamp's release party challenge. It was to do something summmery and I thought this was just so perfect!

I hope everyone had a wonderful fourth, the beach was super crowded but a lot of fun. It rained a lot here last night, but the nearby hospital still put on a spectacular show. I experimented with taking pictures of the fireworks, but due to the rain I couldn't use a tripod (we were huddled under umbrellas), but I did get some decent ones (I'll post later!).

I also scrapbooked yesterday for the first time in a while. I think I just got so used to the instant gratification of cards. Has something similar happened to y'all?

...also, sorry about the picture quality. It's rainy outside, but I still wanted to post this card, I'll re-shoot when it's sunnier.

Elyssa Blair

Stamps: Magenta, A Muse, Hot Potato Stamps
Copics: R20, Yr04, B01, Bg10, Y000
Paper: Stampin' Up Cardstock (Yoyo Yellow), Georgia Pacific, Stack Cardstock (Jo-anns)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, Quickie Glue Pen, Bazzil Wings Paper Flower

Buddha, Buddha, Buddha Rockin' Everywhere

My sister is OBSESSED with Buddhas. She thinks they are just so wonderful and full of good vibes. I just about screamed when I saw this stamp by Judikins at Chica Ink. It is just GORGEOUS!! I embossed it with Brown Embossing Powder and colored it in with Tombows. I choose tombows because they are water based and resemble a more watercolor-y look. I think the shaded look of the stamp really calls for it.

The sentiment is from Stampendous (House Mouse) and actually goes with a fortune cookie House Mouse Stamp, but I thought it was perfect for this card! I used my Star Wheel from Stampin' Up on the base cardstock, which is Chocolate Chip.

I also wanted to wish everyone a VERY Happy Fourth of July!! We're headed to the beach and to see Fireworks tonight! I also wanted to say thank you to all of those who serve to protect our country and those families who have loved ones who do the same!

:)
Elyssa

Brookline(Boston)'s The Paper Source

A cross between a LSS and chain, this two front store offers a lot of goodies. With over 15 locations The Paper Source is able to sustain it's own rubberstamping line. It also houses handmade paper, fine stationary and novelty trinkets. But, I suppose you are more interesting in their papercrafting supplies which range from Teflon Bone folders to Versafine Ink. I also loved their aforementioned rubberstamping line which has a diverse range of images. While some are tame verisions of buddha's and airplanes others house swear words. An entire wall was dedicated to ribbon and let me just tell you it was GORGEOUS!

I walked out of the store with two small containers of Judkins Embossing Powder (in Hannukah and Egyptain Gold), a long stamp which read 'Do Something Creative Everyday' (which I just about had a heart attack when I saw it as it is basically my mantra) and a funky sheet of paper (not just any paper, this was $3.99 goodness).

It was lovely, well organized and quite large. They also seemed to have items that would appeal to the novice as well as the advanced stamper. However, it was not exclusivly a stamp store and therefore much of its space was dedicated to other things. The prices were fair but a little expensive for ribbon. If you're in the boston area it accessible by the T and is located close to Cooliege Corner. All and all I would rate it 4 stars out of 5.

:)
Ely

I Picked Something Special Just for You!

I hope you all enjoyed yesterday's stamp store review. I am hoping to buildup a reference of a lot of stores. If you would be willing to write a review of your local stamp store, I would love to link to it or post it here. Just let me know!

Today's card was so much fun to play with and shade! I mean how gorgeous is that duck? I also really liked it's pairing with the butterfly and flowers, it is such a perfect spring/summer card. Hope you enjoy :)
See you next time!
Ely

Stamps: Penny Black (Duck), Little Paper Shop (Butterflies and Blossoms)
Ink: Stampin Up (Pretty In Pink), Memento (Tuxedo Black)
Copics: Rv11, Rv14, Yr31, C1, C3, Yr04, G21, G24, BG10
Paper:Stampin Up (Pretty In Pink), Georgia Pacific (White), Jo-ann's Stack (orange)
Ribbon: Joann's By the Foot