An Awesome Calm

To 2012.

2011-12-31T15:28:00.003-05:00

For the past couple of weeks, I've dabbled with the idea of a blog post or two. I do have a handful of updates that I'd love to share. First, I've begun stamping again. After a few years away, I couldn't be happier to revel in the creativity my (ten years worth of) supplies provide me. There is a cool serenity found when one cranks up the country music, closes their childhood bedroom door and decides that tempting turquoise really does work well with pretty in pink. I no longer know what patterned papers are in fashion nor when the next Stampin' Up catalog comes out, but I do know that my family members and friends still enjoy receiving a handmade card.

I've also found joy in physical exercise and healthy cooking for the first time in my entire life. I've taken up yoga and dabbled in corefusion. I made chocolate chip cookie dough hummus. I stock my fridge with almond milk. Who knew?

I even found a type of law I like (government contracts/real property) and received a full time job offer after the bar. Somehow, I truly became aware that adulthood is upon me. Whether I like it or not.

I realized the importance of old friends, but also of new.

So, with that. I leave you with a simple card, which I made yesterday. I hope all is well with all of you. Please, please, please post some of your life updates!

Happy Stamping,

Elyssa

to 2011.

2010-12-31T15:28:00.003-05:00

So, I'm not sure if anyone still reads this, BUT I'm sure it will pop up on someone's google reader (besides my dad's of course). Anyway, I, like most bloggers, have a few new years resolutions. But, first, again like most bloggers, I'd like to reflect on what 2010 was.

I'd like to think of it as the year I gained clarity, lost my grandmother, became half a lawyer, breathed more, felt true academic challenge, gave up scrapbooking, lost twenty pounds and spent the entire year within the United States (a first in a very long time). I realized that money is necessary but not imperative. And that I really do love quotes, but don't like blueberries. That farmer's markets are beautiful. And on this last day of the year, I feel a pretty awesome calm.

So, to 2011. I'm hoping for another 10 lbs lost. To finally figure out what kind of law I want to practice. To go to Cuba and Italy. To go to the dupont farmers market three times a month, even when its 20 degrees out. To blog more, even if its about food and cooking instead of scrapbooking. To get back to volunteering, possibly even in a legal capacity. To try Bikram Yoga, even if deep down I know I'll hate it. To wear less makeup. To embrace 23 and wrinkle cream. To try three more food trucks. To 2011. I hope you'll join me.

My new obsession...

2010-11-02T22:17:00.003-05:00

...is cooking!

Is anyone interested in recipes etc? 2L is going well! So much better than 1L!

Also, loving this website thefoundary the have super cool deals! Also, as a disclaimer-I get 1 dollar towards their site just for you signing up!

If you sign up then have your friends sign up (no purchase necessary) you get a dollar.

I'm saving up to get this (below), which is only 14 dollars, shipped (please help!)!

I'm Back!!!!

2010-05-29T10:59:00.004-05:00

Hiii!!!!
Wow, it really has been a while! I'm home for the summer in Sunny Miami! I had an AMAZING first year in law school, although admittedly I had NO time for stamping. I truly have not had any time for myself. But, alas, now its summer and my copics, ink pads and plethora of stamps have been staring me down. So please, join me this summer for some stamping, some frolicing and a whole lot of fun!

Alas, I am also no longer a teenager. In fact, tomorrow I turn 22! Can you believe it?

Ok, enough about me! Lets get back to the stamping. My goal is a card a day (I'm also working at a Law Firm). So please, be my sponsor (not financially, more like AA-but sober and with stamps), make me stamp. If you haven't seen a card in a while, write me! I love getting feedback. Also, in my absence many of my youtube videos have gotten literally tens of thousands of views, so also thank you for that!

I bid adou, with a simple card for my sisters birthday! Its my first one back on the wagon, so please be gentle with the comments :)

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

An Update.

2009-09-03T19:03:00.002-05:00

I've stopped stamping.

GASP!

I'm not sure when exactly it happened. But it has. Between law school and traveling I just lost my passion. I am still trying to find creativity in everyday things and to do something creative daily, but I just don't find myself reaching for my ink pad.

I haven't updated this because I thought that would make it too final. I thought I would start stamping again. I don't mean to sound melodramatic, after all it is arts and crafts, but it was such a big part of my life for so long.

I want to thank each and everyone of you who has come to visit this blog, who has commented, who has shared a little bit of yourself with me, I am forever grateful for that. Your passion for this hobby truly inspires me and I am sorry that I am no longer able to bring that inspiration back for you.

Elyssa

SALE ALERT!!!

2009-05-27T09:31:00.000-05:00

The new LPS sets are out and on sale! Check it out here!

LPSC15

2009-05-25T08:00:00.003-05:00

So somehow I got totally confused and ended up doing last weeks sketch challenge instead of the color challenge. However, I really do like the way this one came out so I thought I'd share it with all of you!

I used the {Beauty of Nature} set with one of my all time favorites {Inspired By Asia}! I colored them all in copics. Hope you like the card!

Elyssa

2009-05-24T08:18:00.001-05:00

Great news...LPS will be participating in....

Want to STAMP OUT ALZHEIMER's? We do too, and hope you'll join our cause!

Jen Tapler and Susanna Boyd have been hard at work organizing "Stamping Out Alzheimers": an amazing event that you won't want to miss!! For a mere $5 donation you will have access to exclusive challenges and fun prizes from numerous different companies. And the best part..... 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Alzheimer's Association!

Little Paper Shop is hosting a sketch challenge on the Stampin' out Alzheimers forum and would love for you to join us. At the end of the event we will be drawing one name from all the entries to win 4 - 4x6 stamp sets. That's over $60 in value! But the only way to enter is on the Stampin' out Alzheimer's forum! Hope to see you there!

Also check out the LPS Blog for details on the sketch challenge for tomorrow :)

Elyssa

LPS Monday-A Day Early!

2009-05-17T10:57:00.003-05:00

Life has this crazy way of getting ahead of me. But this time, I'm going to get ahead! Here is my LPS Monday Card!

This was really fun, especially because I used the new Marrakech Line from Basic Grey. I actually went to Marrakech(its near Casablanca in Morocco) so it made me reminse (although, incediently the line looks more Indian to me).

The sentiment is from the LPS Set {Make a Wish} which has great sentiments! I stamped it in Real Red from SU!. I utilized the butterfly from another one of my favorites {Butterflies and Blossoms} which I stamped in Green Galore. Then I spread an entire layer of stickles over the cut out butterfly. Lastly I sprayed the whole thing with red Tattered Angels Glitter spray.

I love the way it turned out. What do you think?

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

Mom!

2009-05-14T15:41:00.003-05:00

Sorry it took me so long to post, but alas, that is how life is. Some exciting things are happening: I am deciding between Emory Law and George Washington Law for next year. I am going to be teaching classes at a LSS this summer and working at Nordstroms. Busy, Busy!

The trip was AMAZING! I am trying to pick out a few pictures to post in the coming days. Today's project was made for my Mom for Mother's Day. It was super easy! I took an old wood SU! block that was collecting dust and painted it with White Acrylic Paint. I poured Diamond Glaze into the crease and held the letters into it in order to keep them upright (they're American Crafts stickers). Lastly, I tied a bow (American Crafts) around the edge of the block and TA DA! Simple and easy!

Happy Stamping,
Elyssa

Hello from DC!!!

2009-05-11T17:05:00.003-05:00

Hello from Washington DC!! I know I haven't been able to update since I've been back, BUT I have a good excuse! I'm visiting law schools. I have lots of exciting projects which just need to get photographed, SO I will be posting on Wednesday. In the mean time, I'm gonna do a surprise blog candy. It will just be a little token of my appreciation (no biggie) for following my blog despite my long absense. To enter just comment with your favorite travel experience!

Can't wait to read all about it!

Elyssa

I'm coming home!!!

2009-05-01T12:47:00.000-05:00

I'll be home May6th and updates will f0llow shortly there after!!!

ps. new LPS sets are coming out and they are TO DIE FOR!!

Elyssa

Semester at Sea

2009-01-17T16:52:00.004-05:00

I have been dreading this post for some time. Not because, I am not totally thrilled with the reasoning behind it (because believe me, I AM), rather it is because I won't be updating as much for the next 3 1/2 months.

Why, you may ask...

Well...

Tomorrow, I leave for Nassau to go on the adventure of a lifetime. I will be Studying Abroad for my last semester of undergraduate AT SEA! The University of Virginia offers a program called "Semester At Sea" which is really a huge opportunity for me because I will literally travel all around the world.

I will be blogging via Around the World in 108 Days. I toiled with the idea of blogging my trip on this blog, but y'all didn't sign up for a travel blog so this is what I have come up with.

I hope you join me back here in a couple of months or continue on this journey with me through my Around the World Blog.

I'll miss you guys SO MUCH!!!

Happy Stamping and Bon Voyage,
Elyssa

Happy Release Day!!!

2009-01-15T09:40:00.004-05:00

Here is "Tea Time", yesterday's sneak peak. This set just screams Alice in Wonderland to me. How fun is it? I colored it with copics then matted it on Real Red then a mellow green. Simple, but Oh So cute!

Today is the day!!!! You can officially purchase my FIRST EVER set!!!!! Just Click Here!!

I promised y'all some more samples. So here is a cute one I made for my mom. The Mug is from the MYOM set as is the word 'mom' and the foam. How great is that font? I love it!

One of the things I love about this set is that you can totally customize it by masking the mug.

So fun and easy!

Please let me know what you think :)

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

Puppy Love

2009-01-13T10:05:00.002-05:00

Thanks for all the positive feedback yesterday! This has been quite an adventure. Today's release is called "Puppy Love". It is such a fun valentines day set. The main image on my card is from it and was colored in E31, E33, R20, R11, R14 and E27. Copics are always lauded for their blendibility, but I also love the uneven textures that you can create for depth. I used this technique for the heart!

I mass produced this card for this years V-Day cards because it is simple, yet fun and cute!!!

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

MY FIRST SET!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-12T09:25:00.004-05:00

So today is the BIG day!!! With my BIG announcement....

I DESIGNED MY OWN SET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's right, this set "Make Your Own Mug" from the Little Paper Shop is MINE!!!!! My sketches, my font choices, my sentiment choices (and a lot of help from Julia on the technical computer side)!!!!

This set has been months in the making! I typed up a little introduction for LPS which you can find on their blog. BUT, let me just tell you how much this set means to me. This blog (which is almost one year old!) has taken me to places that I couldn't have imagined from design teams to friendships to this very set. I want to thank all of you who come to this site, subscribe, comment or whatever. You hold a very special place in this blog and my heart!

This set officially debuts on the 15th. BUT, if you head over to the Little Paper Shop Blog, you can enter for a chance to win this very set!!!

This particular card utilizes my set! (Love the exclamation marks!) The main coffee mug is from MYOM, but the decorations aren't. My concept for this set was a VERY customizable group of stamps that would work with sets that you already own. Flexibility is key. I used the peace sign and ampersand from the Little Paper Shop set "Peace", and the word 'love' is cut from a sentiment in "In Loving Memory"(which just shows the flexibility of acrylic in general). I stamped them in distress ink antique linen, tempting turquoise and ruby red, respectively. I colored and shaded the mug in B01, R29 and R20. The layer is done with dampening distress inks and the running the paper through the ink, then stamping the coffee beans from the set in Staz-On Timber Brown. Finally, the sentiment is stamped in Chocolate Chip.

The inside reads "You'd be a triple shot, caramel macchiato with three sugars and extra whip cream".

Please check out my fellow Design Team members for more inspiration: Julia, Bonnie, Allison, Cindy , Jessica, Mel, Sarah and Taylor!!

I made up about 3-4 more samples which I will be posting throughout the day, so come on back!!!

Happy Stamping!!!
Elyssa Blair
Stamp Designer

Happy Heart Day!

2009-01-10T13:41:00.003-05:00

The big announcement is coming in just two days as is the Little Paper Shop releases, coincidence? You'll just have to tune in to see!

I made this cute card a couple of days ago with images from my LSS. The background is pixie pink stamped with a stamp from Baroque Motifs (SU). The accent CS is stamped with a 'Delta Arts' stamp in versamark on Lovely Lilac. The main image is from my LSS and I colored it in R20, V01, E31, E33, E37, YG91 and the colorless blender. The sentiment is from MFT.

Please tune in for the big announcement in 2 days!!!!

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

Congratulations-Asian Style

2009-01-04T11:25:00.005-05:00

Do you ever buy a set and somehow it sits by your desk for months, but then when you decide to pick it up and play with it you realize just how WONDERFUL it is? When I first joined the Little Paper Shop Design Team, Julia sent me the premier sets, one of which happened to be Inspired by Asia. Which now happens to be one of my all time favorite sets and also happens to be on sale for 50% OFF!!! That's pretty major savings.

The entire background was made with stamps from this set. I used the circular fan image in Ruby Red, the crane in Chocolate Chip and the bamboo shoots in Old Olive to match the card front. The fan is from my Viva Las Vegas Stamps in Vegas. I colored it with copics in E00, E33, Y000, R20, YG96 and R29, and popped it up!

The sentiment is very special. It is actually a sneak peak from this months to be released sets and has a VERY special meaning to me (it also matches the SU word window). So stay tuned!!!

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

Viva Las Vegas and Recessionary Card Making

2008-12-28T14:07:00.008-05:00

(excuse the photography below, I had to shoot into the sun to get him in the pic)

I know, I've been a bad blogger. But, I had good reason! I went to Las Vegas for a little under a week with my most of my mom's side of the family. It was certainly entertaining. We saw shows, hung out and had a lot of fun. We also exchanged Hanukkah gifts.

I wanted to make cute themed thank you notes for my aunts, uncles and grandparents. But, alas due to the recession buying some new Vegas themed stamps seemed frivolous. So, I decided to do what us stampers do best...get creative!!! The concept started with some ancient foam stamps from Making Memories. Those babies had to be 5 years old. I took the 7 out and inked it up with Not Quite Navy, stamping three times on a piece of 5.25"x 4" paper. Then I took my grey EK Sucess marker (another old product in my stash) and my handy dandy ruler, dividing the paper (starting in the middle) into three 1.5" columns.

Next, I stamped my medium star from the Little Paper Shop set Basic Shapes (Love this set!) in More Mustard. Then, I worked on the other options per slot. I took and old cherry stamp and inked in Ruby Red and Old Olive. Lastly I used the flourish from Basic Shapes in Pumpkin Pie for the remaining slots. I shaded the sides with Old Linen from Distress Inks.

For the inside, I used my Little Paper Shop set A-Z for the inside sentiment. I love clear stamps for letters because they're super easy to line up straight on a clear acyrlic block. It's hard to see in the picture because I my dog seemed to want to get in the picture but the sentiment says "I'm Lucky To Have You" with stars from the Basic Shapes set.

Ok, so it was a little more intensive then my usual quick and easy stamps, but it was CHEAP! I made a totally themed card without buying a thing!!!

Do you find yourself doing recessionary card making? Let us know how!

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

It's a Little Paper Shop Chanukkah!

2008-12-17T16:17:00.003-05:00

...Well maybe it has a little bit of PTI too.

When Little Paper Shop came out with the set Global, I fell in love. The idea of a blank snowglobe conjured up so many ideas for me. From NYCesque skyscrappers to every holiday under the sun, I could feel the flexibility. One particular thing I liked about it was the idea that I could put a Menorah in it, to make my own holiday verison.

I'll explain the Snowglobe by steps:

Stamp Globe from Global set and Menorah from PTI onto 90lb watercolor paper in Staz-on Black.
Use a tempting tuorquoise reinker to color in the 'globe'.
Use a Rose Red reinker to color in the bottom.
Place distress stickles in Antique Linen on the flames and Broken China under the Menorah.
Shade globe with Night of Navy sponge.
Shade bottom with Adirondack Acrylic paint.
Cut out!

I had a blast playing with all the colors and blending everything!

Hope you like it!
Happy Stamping,
Elyssa Blair

Happy Chanukkah!

2008-12-16T15:38:00.004-05:00

Christmas comes but once each year...

...but Channukah comes for 8 days!!!

I'm finally home and settled. AND I'm FINALLY working on Channukah cards. You've heard of Limited Supply Challenges, right? Well, somehow it seems that every Channukah is a LSC. This year, I thought ahead a little bit and when my LSS was moving a purchased this stamp from American Art Stamps and last January I got this ribbon on clearance at Ms. PLUS the background (stamped in Encore Silver love that pad! on Brillant Blue) is another side of the stampendous four sided background maker.

I colored the American Art Stamp in copics (B00. B01, E00, B29 and B39). The Happy Channukah is from the PTI set Mazel Tov. I framed the sentiment with Crackle Paint (Broken China), Distress Stickles (Broken China) and Adirondack Acrylic Paint.

Hope you like it!
Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

PS.

If you're into MAC Cosmetics they are having a 25% off sale on their holiday kits. They NEVER EVER put ANYTHING on sale, so if you're interested check it out!

PPS.
It has been brought to my attention that the pic is small today to make room for the menorah. Just click on the picture and it will come up A LOT bigger!!!

Clean and Simple?

2008-12-15T14:04:00.002-05:00

I like to play. I like glitter. I like mess.

Clean and Simple?

Not usually.

While, I love the concept, somehow my cards always end up funky. I decided to challenge myself to LSC178 or the Simple Birthdays Challenge. I started of with a piece of Not Quite Navy. I stamped on it with one of my stampendous cubes from Michaels (again the 50% off plus 20% off deal) in Not Quite Navy. Next I placed a piece of burgandy vellum over the NQN and a piece of olive ribbon on top of that. Then, I used Diamond Glaze to stick on the three baubles. Lastly I used a sentiment from 'Best Yet' (which is one of my all time favorite sets-and it was a hostess gift!).

Clean and Simple? Check and Check!

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

Thinking of You-Spritzing and Spraying!

2008-12-08T13:01:00.004-05:00

Although coloring will always be my favorite card related activity, I do love to play with a new technique every now and again. One in particular that I have come to love is 'Spritzing and Spraying'. It really is very easy! All you need is a mister (I love my mini mister by ranger) and some dye ink.

Ink up your stamp (for alot of these layers I used my marveys to ink up the top of the flower in a different color than the stem.
Spray various degrees of water on your stamp(more water=less of an image will come out)
Stamp!
Repeat with various levels of water and stamping off to create layers of images
Lastly, Ink and Stamp one non-watered layer.
Add sentiment and bow

Easy Peasy!!!!

Happy Stamping!!!
Elyssa Blair

P.S.
I'm back with another sale, this time from www.allthatscraps.com.

50% off all Adirondack Pigment Ink pads and Reinkers-What a deal!!

Almost Famous!

2008-12-07T10:42:00.007-05:00

Do you remember this little post from a few months ago??? Well, shortly thereafter I got a PM from none other than Mona of Cornish Heritage Farms and Mona Lisa Moments. I was completely humbled when she asked me if she could CASE my card!!!

Thats right Mona likes my little ol' card enough to copy it!!!! (Happy dance around the room)

Which of course makes me Almost Famous (watched the first 15 minutes last night, It's All Happening!!)

Anyway, finals are this week so unfortunately no card today, BUT I will be home this week which means...

BACK TO DAILY POSTS!!!!! WOOHOOOOO....

See you soon,
Penny Lane

Thank You So Much!

2008-12-05T10:16:00.003-05:00

I just love this card! I don't think the picture came out so great, I tried to play around with it in photoshop to make it look more like it's amazing counterpart. Oh, well!

I had a ball making this card. It started with the swirly shape stamp (the image that 'thanks SO much' is attached to). I bought it at Michaels during their turkey day sale, so it was 50% off then another 20% off, which was perfect! So I stamped it in Versamark on my Georgia Pacific paper, then brushed over it with Perfect Pearls. Have you ever used PP?? They are just so glittery and cool, I think Ranger makes them. The 'Thanks SO Much' sentiment is from an old SU! Hostess set (So Many Sayings), which I also HIGHLY suggest because you can cut apart the blocks which makes it SUCH a great deal. I used my SU! word window punch to punch it out.

The flowers are from prima. I squirted a tiny bit of 'Broken China' distress stickles into the center (also love this product, can you tell I'm in a good mood??? lol). Next I rolled my wheel (I can't recall its name) over the bottom third of my card and finished it off with some impressions of an old Outlines stamp.

Publish Post

Love it!!!

Happy Stamping,
Elyssa Blair

PS. If you are a SmashBox (makeup) fan, then you have to check out the deals ulta.com is running! Just search SmashBox gifts and you'll find so many good deals!!!

PSS.
Can you tell I LOVE a good deal?

Happy Belated Turkey Day!!

2008-11-29T16:12:00.006-05:00

Wow! It really has been a while. It feels like these past two weeks have been a whirlwind. I am officially half way through my law school apps!! The scary thing is I only have two more weeks of my entire undergraduate career. Don't feel too sorry for me though, because I am so excited to move on to this next phase of my life.

I made today's project for my dining room table for Thanksgiving. It was super fun and easy to make. The turkey is from High Hopes Stamps. The sentiment is from Stampin Up. I colored the turkey with Twinkling H20s (super fun, if you've never tried). Easy Peasy!

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Elyssa

Here's The Scoop

2008-11-18T11:01:00.004-05:00

"How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon. December is here before it's June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?"
-Dr.Seuss

I absolutely love this quote from Dr. Seuss. It just seems to capture my life right now. I really am sorry that I don't update daily like I used to. But, between applying to Law School and trying to spend my last months in Gainesville with my friends, I just can't. I LOVE this blog and I so enjoy posting, so I hope you all understand that 3-4 times a week is still a large contribution of my time. I really do appreciate all the comments and subscriptions. Every time I get a subscription notice or a comment it brings a smile to my face. You all are just SO awesome!

Ok...back to today's card...

Masking is one of my favorite technique. It can add so much to a card. For the main image on this card I masked off the coffee cup in order to put the two girls enjoying coffee. I colored the mug with B00. The girls are colored with YR31, R29, RV27, V01, R20, BG04, YR11 and E00. The main base is Rose Red. The next piece up is apricot stamped in its adjoining ink with a Hot Potato stamp. The next layer is Taken with Teal with a random piece of cardstock on top of it.

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa Blair

Little Paper Shop Challenge

2008-11-15T17:28:00.003-05:00

Sorry I've been a bad blogger!!!! Life just sometimes gets crazy (good crazy, but crazy).

This month it was my turn to challenge the Little Paper Shop Design Team. I challenged them all to utilize at least 2 LPS sets, color something and use some sort of sparkle. I used FOUR sets, Flourished Dove (the word peace), Little One (the guitar on the right), Peace (the peace signs), and Rock Star(the guitar on the left). My color scheme was More Mustard, Old Olive, Rose Red and Taken with Teal. For my bit of coloring I tye-dyed (with copics) the guitar on the left.

You're Better Than Ice Cream...

2008-11-09T15:24:00.003-05:00

I made this particular card today for the MFT Guest Designer Challenge (MFGD12). The challenge asked participants to use watercoloring. This was actually quite the challenge for me since I am a not a super star when it comes to watercolors. But, I decided to play anyway using SU re-inkers. I believe I used Pumpkin Pie, Purely Pomegranate, Old Olive, Soft Sky, Always Artichoke, Taken with Teal and Violet.

To add some sparkle I utilized some Adirondack Acrylic paint for the carpet and the ice cream. If you have never played with them, you really must try them. I think they cost like 3$ per color and you get a whole lot of it.

I really had a lot of fun with this challenge!

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

Enabler Alert!!!

2008-11-07T11:40:00.002-05:00

Little Paper Shop is having 15% OFF THE WHOLE STORE!!! This Saturday ONLY!

If you are like me in that this economic crisis is seriously impending your stamping supply (any one looking for a DT member? Will work for stamps? LOL) this is a great opportunity to stock up on some AWESOME stamps!!!

Happy Birthday Hanna!

2008-11-05T21:34:00.002-05:00

This card was made with a combination of stamp sets. I used Brocade Blue for the base and stamped it in versamark with the Little Paper Shop Flourished Dove. The next layer is a piece of white cardstock from Georgia Pacific stamped with more stamps from Flourished Dove in Brocade Blue and Rose Red. Next we have lovely Hanna from the set Kiss the Cook. The rest is self-explanatory :)

It's beginning to feel like winter! That cool breeze is turning frosty. I just can't believe the year is almost over.

Hope you're having a great November!!!

Elyssa

Blog Candy Winner!!!

2008-11-04T12:24:00.003-05:00

Sorry I've been MIA this weekend. I actually went to Puerto Rico to visit my grandparents! I had a such a ball traveling all over the island where adventures seemed to abound. From our trip to the rainforest, El Yunque, where I got stung by a bee (of course) to Old San Juan where my grandmother and I participated in a puertorican policial rally. This tiny island is VERY politically active. There were rallies everywhere! They only have elections every four years and when they do, they do it in style! Today everything will be closed for Election Day.

Ok, enough about my trip....on to the good stuff!

And the winner of the Little Paper Shop set {Christmas Wishes} is ...

Genevieve said...

You're on there! Great blog. Love the UTEE charm. Your bubbie will too.

October 23, 2008 4:23 PM

Her blog, Another Creative Outlet is just so wonderful!

Genevieve when you get this please email me your shipping info!

Thanks to everyone for playing and remember to get out there and V-O-T-E!

Elyssa

Multiple Occasions...One Card!

2008-10-31T08:07:00.002-05:00

We've all been invited to an all-in-one event, be it a combination birthday/graduation or an anniversary/holiday party. Making a multi-panel card is an easy solution to a multi-purpose events. Just devote one panel to each occasion and you're good to go!

This particular card uses the set 'Little Layers, Plus' as well as 'Groovy' from Stampin Up. I colored it in with copics, YR21, YR31, G21, G24, B05, Y15, B100, T05.

I also wanted to remind you all that the BLOG CANDY offer ends tomorrow! Please make sure you scroll down for more details!

Elyssa

Bloom Where You Are Planted

2008-10-28T15:21:00.003-05:00

I just love two-step stampin'. This particular card comes from a class I took at The Scrappy Stamper, my local stamp store. I just had to share it with you! It is made from the Technique Tuesday set Two Steppin' in the Garden. If you haven't checked out Technique Tuesday sets, you really should, they are very high quality. I especially love the butterfly!

Make sure you scroll down and look into the blog candy! It is super easy, just subscribe, comment that you have and ta-da you are entered!!!!

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

Scalloped Perfection

2008-10-27T14:17:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it's been a week since I last posted. I think that's an all time high. I'm sorry :( Life has just been super crazy lately. I went to Orlando this weekend meet my parents and my dog. I forgot how wonderful a little break from school can be!

This particular card is easy peasy! All I did was stamp my sassafras lass border on Very Vanilla CS, then stamp this quote from Unity in Tangerine Tango. Cut, pop and layer!

I made 10 as a stationary set, I'm trying to get prepared for the incoming holiday season.

PLEASE make sure you don't miss the opportunity for some LITTLE PAPER SHOP blog candy!! Just follow the instructions a few posts below this one!!!

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

So Thankful

2008-10-20T09:00:00.002-05:00

I just cannot believe that it is fall already. It's that time of the year when the air conditioner can safely go off and the windows go down. So, I decided to do a fall themed card! The background stamp is from Hero Arts and was stamped in ColorBox White Pigment Ink. The sentiment 'So Thankful' is from Autumn Leaves, stamped in Pretty in Pink by SU. Finally the Kraft CS is from PTI and the ribbon is from American Crafts.

See, its so easy I could explain it in one paragraph!

Hope you're having a wonderful monday!

Also, make sure you check out the BLOG CANDY a couple of posts down. Once you subscribe make sure you post in the comments section!

Ely

Hamsa Magnet

2008-10-16T11:01:00.003-05:00

A Hamsa is an ancient Jewish symbol meant to ward off the 'Evil Eye'. It is said to be mystical and a sign of good luck. I have personally always loved the symbol and I have many necklaces depicting it. When I saw this gorgeous stamp from Ruth's Jewish Stamps a couple of months ago I knew I needed it. AND when I saw the wonderful Mazel Tov set from PaperTrey I also knew I had to have. See a trend??

So, I decided to play! I wanted to make a gift for my Grandma Jean, whom I call 'Bubbie'. I used the UTEE impression technique to make this fun magnet. It really is an easy technique. All I did was cut a piece of cardboard into a rectangle, then melt UTEE Gold on it 3 times. After it was thick, I added some different sprinkles of other embossing powders, heated it again and pushed my stamp into the center. Hold down for 30 seconds and then release. VERY EASY! I used Black Staz-on for the sentiment and the other Hamsa impressions. I filled the impression with Diamond Glaze to give it a cool texture.

Make sure you scroll down to the post below this for a chance to win BLOG CANDY!!

Elyssa

Follow Me, Subscribe to Me BLOG CANDY

2008-10-15T14:41:00.007-05:00

Yay! It's BLOG CANDY TIME! The mail was crazy last month and I ended up with some extra Little Paper Shop sets from the WONDERFUL Julia. So, I am going to be giving them away in the next few weeks. The first set to be given away is {Christmas Wishes}.

So, how do you win it? EASY! Just subscribe to this blog through Blogger (click on the follow me button on the right side), FeedBlitz or almost any service and then comment here. If you already subscribe to this blog please leave me a comment telling me so. PLEASE be honest, I can check my subscribers and I would hate to see any dishonesty. I am doing this to reward my loyal readers :)

The Blog Candy winner will be announced here on NOVEMBER 1st. I will keep posting reminders, but please subscribe ASAP.

Good Luck!
Elyssa

PS. At this time the contest is only open to individuals in the United States and Canada.

PPS. If you link to my blog via yours on your blog roll I will add your name in the drawing THREE times :)

Little Paper Shop Day #4

2008-10-13T16:07:00.007-05:00

I have been getting a lot of new subscribers lately to both the blog and my 'YouTube Channel'. So, I decided to do something I haven't done in quite a while, a VIDEO TUTORIAL!!! I think you are going to really like today's! It features the set {Beauty of Nature} from Little Paper Shop. I LOVE this stamp!!

Hope you enjoy!
Elyssa

PS.
I know it's a bit of a mess around here as I am trying to rearrange a few things on my blog. Please hang with me as I try to improve this site!

Little Paper Shop Sneak Peak {Flourished Dove}

2008-10-11T09:53:00.005-05:00

I had a lot of fun making this card. I pulled out an old Kaleidacolor ink pad, which is a pad that has 4 different color ink swatches. As shown in today's card it has a such a great rainbow feel. I also love how it looks with the big swirly image from today's sneak peak {Flourished Dove}. I stamped three of the sentiments from the set in the circle and pop dotted it. The background also has some Scor-it marks for interest. It's simple but really fun!

I got tagged! First by Julia, the wonderful owner of Little Paper Shop, then by Ann, my amazing Law School Counselor. They each challenged me to share some little known things about myself. Here it goes:

1) My favorite drink is my dad's Chai Tea. I swear he makes it better than Starbucks (and it's not just because he reads this blog! HI DAD!)

2) I am working diligently towards getting my Law School applications out, I'm crossing my fingers for a Nov. 1 send date!

3)I have a younger sister Ilana, who is in the process of applying to college (she just got into UCF! Go Ilana!!)

4)My Google Reader has over 100 blogs.

5) I got into stamping when I was 13 because my sister had her birthday party at our LSS. I started working there that spring break (I was in 8th Grade) and I have been working there ever since.

6) I am no longer a teenager. (shh!)

7) I am addicted to Family Guy. I know it's stupid. But, I love it!

Ok, now I'm supposed to tag 7 blogs, here it goes:
Scrapbooks and Stuff
Mabie Stampin'
The Whimsical Butterfly
Mel Stampz
Treasure Oiler Designz
Crafting Creatively
Adventures with Ellie!

Hope you're having an awesome day!
Elyssa

Little Paper Shop Release {Flyin' By}

2008-10-10T15:51:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone who observed Yom Kippur yesterday had an easy fast and those of you who didn't had great days (minus the stock market, yuck). Today was a rather hectic day between last minute doctors appointments and working on my Law School stuff. But, I did have a chance to play with this fun set {Flyin' By} which is going to be released by Little Paper Shop on October 14th. This is my favorite set of the release. The owl is just SOOO adorable.

I embossed it in black on white paper which I sprayed with Radiant Rain (similar to Twinkling H20s). He is just so much fun! Have you been playing along with the Sketch Challenge? It's such a great sketch and an awesome opportunity to try to win a set!

I would also like to invite you to visit my fellow DT to see today's set!

JULIA- Addicted To Paper

ALLISON- Stampin' When I Can

BONNIE- The Lucky Clucker

CHELSEY- Musings of a Teenaged Stamper

CINDY- Cindy Haffner's Corner

DAWN- Treasure Oiler Designz

ELLIE- Adventures With Scrapbookmama

Mel-Mel Stampz

JESSICA- The Whimsical Butterfly

KELLY- Crafting Creatively

LAURA- Scrapnextras

RENÉE- Stamping For Sanity

SILKE- My Life

SILVIA- Mabie Stampin'

Enjoy!
Elyssa

May All Your Dreams Come True

2008-10-07T10:43:00.003-05:00

Little Paper Shop is hosting a sketch challenge! There are two choices for sketches which can be found at the Little Paper Shop Blog. I chose to use the 1st sketch. Make sure you play along, next Saturday there will be a drawing from all the entries for a free stamp set from the next release! If you upload it to SCS, make sure you use the code LPSSC1.

This particular card uses the LPS set 'A Dream', which was released last weekend. I love quotes and this set has some wonderfully inspirational sentiments. I used Ruby Red for the base and the sentiment. I colored in the hearts from the SU set 'A Little Bit of Happiness', with the following copics G24, B01, R27, R39 and V01.

Hope you liked it!
Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

Little Paper Shop WCD

2008-10-06T09:31:00.007-05:00

How WONDERFUL is my family? I decided to come home for Yom Kippur a little early after completing the LSAT and they made this adorable sign for the door. You guys are the best!!!

Here is my adorable dog, what a great thing to come home to! His name is Sushi, he's 3 and a maltese!

And, last but not least here is my not-so-sneak-peak sneak peak of the Little Paper Shop set {Topiary}. It is such a gorgeous mini-set. I colored the Topiary with G21, G24, G28, G07, E31, E33, E38 and BV000. I stamped the image and sentiment in Memento Tuxedo Black. I love this set!

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

Happy World Card Making and LSAT day!

2008-10-04T06:29:00.002-05:00

I'm off to finally take the LSAT! Thank you all for your well wishes. Little Paper Shop is having a sale in honor of today. She is offering 20% off ALL stamps!!! If you have seen the DT's cards recently, I know you will have some sets you will want to grab up during this sale.

I will have my samples up ASAP. To all my readers, friends, family and of course Julia thank you for being patient with me this last week, I know I've been a little discombobulated. Happy World Card Making Day!
Elyssa

The LSAT is Tomorrow...

2008-10-03T07:27:00.003-05:00

Hey Everyone,
Sorry I have but so MIA, but I have been studying hard for the LSAT tomorrow. Posting should be back to normal on Sunday (with LPS releases).

See you from the other side!
Elyssa

L'Shana Tova

2008-09-30T08:14:00.001-05:00

This particular card goes out to all of you, my friends, family and readers. May you (regardless of your faith) have a wonderful New Year. May you reach your goals, be inspired, happy and healthy.

For more information about Rosh Hashannah and the High Holy Days (strictly educational) please click here.

L'Shana Tova!
{To you a good year}

Ely

Paper: Real Red, Kraft, More Mustard
Ink:Versafine Black
Copics: R14,R27, R29, Y11, Y13, Y15, Y17
Stamps: Papertrey Ink {Mazel Tov}

Wishing you Peace and Joy

2008-09-29T13:47:00.001-05:00

Up until last week I had never owned a piece of 'kraft' cardstock. For those of you who don't know Kraft CS is basically a neutral, light tannish piece of cardstock that has a natural texture to it. I finally cracked after reading one of Mish's posts and decided to buy a 24 pack(for 5$ at papertrey). I AM IN LOVE!! It is such a wonderful color to work with. This particular card utilizing the CS as well as River Rock, Soft Sky and Purely Pomegranate. I also played with my SU scallop punch. The stamp set is from Little Paper Shop and is called {Snowflakes}. I love its crisp wintery feel.

Happy Stamping!!
Elyssa

Hang in There!

2008-09-28T10:10:00.003-05:00

My Michaels recently revamped part of their stamping collection. They added some awesome new Hero Arts stamps, some Stampendeous stamps and some random Penny Black images. I have only bought two of the new stamps so far, the cute Changito the Monkey image and it's matching sentiment. I think this sentiment is just perfect because I find myself wanting to send uplifting cards to people who are going through rough times and this one foots the bill.

The main image is colored in E00, E31, E33 and G24. I sponged the background with Bashful Blue. The leaves are from the Little Paper Shop set 'Jungle Fun', which I stamped in Garden Green. The yellow flower is from the Little Paper Shop set 'Floral Wishes' , which I stamped on yellow paper in versamark. The paper is super old KI from the stash.

Well, I'm off to brunch. Yesterday marked the 1 week countdown till the big day!!!

Happy Stamping!!
Ely

L'Shana Tova (Happy New Year)

2008-09-25T15:59:00.004-05:00

Wow! It has been a while, about 4 days since I last shared a creation with you! I had a lot of tests, papers and prep for the LSAT to do this week and I something just had to give. So, I am going to post the rest of my LPS samples today and tomorrow.

Next week marks the beginning of the High Holy Days for the Jewish Faith. The dove is an important symbol for peace in many faiths, including Judaism. Since the first holiday which marks the High Holy Days is Rosh Hashannah, or the Jewish New Year, I thought that utilizing the Little Paper Shop set 'Christmas Wishes' would be a perfect symbol of hope for a peaceful year. The sentiments also worked perfectly! As far as techniques go I managed to make a card WITHOUT copics, but I did utilize the 'Rock n Roll' technique for the dove. The rest of the card is simple, but I think it will make someone happy!

I'm off to LSAT class, see you tomorrow!
Elyssa

Little Paper Shop!!!

2008-09-23T08:08:00.001-05:00

I PROMISE I will have my other two samples up, I am just TOOOOO swamped to craft(3 tests, 1 paper, 1 cold, 1 lsat, you get the picture). BUT, they are out!!! So please visit www.littlepapershop.com and check them out!!!

{Little One}

2008-09-21T12:57:00.003-05:00

I love the fun, hand drawn look of this set. I started off with the heart from LPS's newest set 'Little One' which will be released on September 23rd. I love the whimsical look of the focal image which I colored in Rv11, Rv14, Rv29, B01 and Y15, then topped off with Stickles. Next I stamped one of the many sentiments from 'Little One' in Rose Red. The base is Lovely Lilac with stars from the set which are stamped in Eggplant Envy.

I'm off to study for my LSAT, two tests this week and begin my paper. I'll be back tomorrow with another sneak peak from LittlePaperShop.com!

Ely

Little Paper Shop Sneak Peak #1

2008-09-19T12:18:00.002-05:00

This set is my absolute favorite for this month. The main image is a snow globe with other sentiments and elements to go with it. The minute I saw it I thought of one word POTENTIAL. This set can be used with ANY set to create the perfect globe. I decided to play around with it a little make a nature themed global to sent to one of my cousins. She LOVES butterflies.

I used Little Paper Shop's Butterflies and Blossoms set for all of the stamping save the globe. I stamped the Butterfly in Memento Tuxedo Black and colored it in with YG91, YG95 and BG13. Next I masked the butterfly and stamped flowers to replace snowflakes as the 'floating element' of my globe in Soft Sky. Next, I masked the top portion of the globe and stamped the leaves from BnB in River Rock. I then cut out my globe and placed it aside. My focus then went to my layer. I decided to keep the two color theme and stamped the flowers in Soft Sky/River Rock. Then I used my copic marker (YG95) to make a faux layer by using the chisel tip and swiping my marker across the paper. Finally, I dyed my clear ribbon with YG13. EASY!!!!

I also wanted to share with y'all a little tip I've picked up with acrylics. Sometimes circular images (or straight lines) are hard to place on your acrylic block while maintaining shape by just 'eyeing it'. I find it helpful to place your block over the set's label and then layer your stamp over it. Thus using the label as a template.
Also, make sure you check out the wonderfully talented other members of the LPS design team at our very own LPS DT BLOG!!!

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

Go Green/Clear LPS Challenge

2008-09-15T11:22:00.003-05:00

The environment is an important topic for me and in this election year I find it is being brought up quite a bit. I think it is important to try to consciously make a difference in your daily routine to be more 'green'. From using recyclable bags at the grocery store to driving less, there are truly a plethora of ways to try to be more eco-friendly.

As many of you know, the Little Paper Store set 'Peace' was in part inspired by yours truly. So when Julia challenged us to make something with the something 'clear' I thought about this bottle. Now I know she probably had in mind stamping on acetate, but I decided to make this challenge about my Nalgene.

For those of you who don't know, Nalgenes are reusable travel bottles which are BPA-free. They are light-weight and easy to grab and go with. They come in a ton of colors and shapes, but most importantly they enable you to consume less plastic. Rather than grabbing a water bottle to go, I simply fill her up at the faucet.

I made a cute little tag to adorn my nalgene with a CLEAR (just in case you thought my use of a bottle for the theme was too much of a stretch LOL) tag. I stamped the tree from 'Peace' in chocolate chip/garden green, then I stamped the peace sign in soft sky and finished it off with the sentiment 'Go Green'.

Happy Stamping!!!
Ely

Earth Laughs In Flowers

2008-09-12T11:43:00.003-05:00

There is a definite 'Outline Flowers' trend going on in the stamping world this fall. I just love this clean look. I tried to emanate the 'Upsy Daisy' look with 'Stem Silhouettes'. I think it turned out pretty well. I used Garden Green and Cameo Coral on Georgia Pacific CS. The base is More Mustard. The ribbon is from American Crafts and of course the half-back PEARLS. I love those!!!

Isn't it YUM???

Elyssa

Give Thanks

2008-09-09T16:06:00.002-05:00

This card is another product of Mary's Retired Stamp Sale. This particular set is from a promotion SU did with Country Living a couple of years ago, it's called 'Country Blessings'. With SU pairing up with CL again this year, I figured this set would be apropos. The base card stock is Old Olive. I stamped the leaf in River Rock over the entire base. Then I did graduated stamping in Chocolate Chip Ink on the GP CS. I colored the darker CC leaves with Y91 or Putty. The sentiment is done in Garden Green and is matted on a piece of CC CS. These half-back pearls seem to be this month's BIG Pink Flower (if you've been reading my blog for a while you may know about my OBSESSION with Heidi Swapp's BPFs).

Simple and Sweet, my favorite combo.

Happy Stamping!
Ely

Friends like you keep me afloat!

2008-09-06T16:44:00.002-05:00

Thursday marked the official 'One Month till the LSAT' countdown, which also marked a definite spark in my stress level. Which, obviously, meant that I felt the need to stamp. Do you feel that it helps calm you? I definitely do. Hence, this month I feel confident in telling you that there will be A LOT of cards uploaded to this blog, so please make sure you bookmark this site or subscribe to it.

This particular card has an interesting story. Tuesday was stamp club, and the ever wonderful Mary agreed to let me purchase some of her retired stamps. She also mentioned that my blog could use some more Stampin' Up cards. She also supplied each member with an adorable sample ring of SU DP, which, I believe she meant us to use as a color reference. HOWEVER, watching those gorgeous squares of product sit on that ring was just tearing me apart. SO, I decided to release these four scrumptious pieces of Sweet Always DP from their bondage and use them in this card. The stamp is retired, but is called "Favorite Friends", which I colored with BG10, BG13, B01, YR65, RV11, RV34, and E31.

I used Faux Nestabilites by matting my image on white card stock. The ribbon is retired Soft Sky (again from Mary!!!). The pearls are from Hobby Lobby. *Helpful Hint* I like to buy my half-pearls in glued lines and the cut them off the line one by one. This way they have sturdy adhesive behind them (as opposed to individual half-pearls).

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

Ok Fine, One More Hanna Stamps Card

2008-09-04T19:45:00.002-05:00

Ok, maybe I'll show you just one more sneak peak from tonight's release via Hanna Stamps, called 'Thanksgiving'. I'll keep it short and sweet!

I LOVE this set! How gorgeous does Hanna look with more traditional colors? The paper is from Basic Grey and the sentiment is from Stampendous. Hanna is colored with YR21, E00, R20, BG10, R39, E31 and E37. The card base is Mellow Moss and the Ribbon is from Maya Road.

Hanna Stamps Preview #4

2008-09-04T17:58:00.002-05:00

I can't believe this is the final day of Hanna Stamps Previews, but not to worry you haven't seen the last of Hanna on this Blog. I have lots of other cards to share as the month progresses. This fun card is made with the new 'Thanksgiving' set from Hanna Stamps. The focal image (Hanna) was colored with E00, R20, R29, R39, V01, V04, BG10, B14, E31 and E33. The pattern on her dress is actually a stamp for the Little Paper Shop set 'Friends'. She is standing on leaves from the Hanna Stamps set 'Jump for Joy'. I water colored the background with some Blue Twinking H20s.

Doesn't she look festive???

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa Blair

Hanna Stamps Preview Day #3

2008-09-03T10:13:00.002-05:00

Well tomorrow is the big release so make sure you join us at the Hanna Stamps Forum at Splitcoaststampers.com . This set is called 'Kiss the Cook'! It has sooooo many possibilites. From BBQ thank you notes, to recipe cards this set is going to be a staple in my stamping room.

I decided to get creative with the set, so I created this little scene. I even used ribbon as wall paper! I also thought the saying could be one of those vinyl cling sayings that Stampin' Up is selling. LOL. Anyway, I colored Hanna in E00, R27, R29, R39, V01, V04, YR63, YR04, YR14, E31, E33, R20 and BG13. Her bread plate is E00, E33, E31 and E37. To create depth with the cabinets I sponged Only Orange on Bazzil Bling paper.

Last night was Stamp Club with the wonderful Mary. I broke down and bought the scallop punch as well as Tangerine Tango Ink and Paper. I also bought *a few* retired sets. I'll be showing you soon!

Make sure you check out Hanna Stamps tomorrow night for the big release.

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

Hanna to The Rescue

2008-09-02T08:49:00.003-05:00

As your Elementary School Teacher always said 'Fire Safety is Important'. Besides the usual drilling of your family on household exits and fire safety protocol, my teachers always ended the lessons by having us make a little sign for our front window which denoted how many animals lived there.

This project just screamed to me the minute I saw this Hanna Stamps set. The font is from Inque Boutique. I colored Hanna with C01, E00, YR14, E397, B14, R27, R20 and R29. Her feline friend (actually I colored her to be my Grandma's 20 YEAR OLD cat, Fonzie) is colored in C1, C3 and C5.

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa Blair

Free Fallin'- Hanna Stamps Sneak Peak #1

2008-09-01T09:42:00.002-05:00

In keeping with my tradition of one layer stamping, I present you with this one layer card from Hanna Stamps. Isn't she a beaut? I LOVED working with these high quality acrylic stamps. Kristi is great at having coordinating stamps for all of her sets and this pile of leaves is the perfect fall accompaniment to jumpin' Hanna. I also wanted to keep this card in my release tradition of having one very simple card. The background is done in BG10 and G21. The leaves are in E31, YR61 and E37. I paper pieced Hanna with Orange Bling CS, patterned denim paper and colored her with G21, G24, E00, R20, E39, and BG13 and Y29.

Kristi is also running a promo leading up to the one year Anniversary of Hanna Stamps on October 2nd. For the next month every 50$ you spend gets you entry towards a 200$ HS Shopping spree or a Copic Air Compresser. For more details please see Kristi's Blog.

Happy Stamping!!

The Future Belongs to Those Who Believe in The Beauty of Their Dreams

2008-08-30T17:32:00.002-05:00

I love quotes. I think that they are so powerful and meaningful , so obviously when I saw Unity Stamp Co's new quote stamps, I bought them all. I mean, at 5$ a piece they spoke to me! Plus it was Hip Hop Thursday so they threw in a free clock stamp (pictured above). The background circles are from FontWorks. I stamped the circles in Ballet Blue and Eggplant Envy. The clock is in Chocolate Chip and Ballet Blue. The background is Lilac.

Are you as excited as I am for the Hanna Stamp sneak peaks? I hope so! Starting Monday I will be showing off some ADORABLE sets!!!!

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

You deserve a day sprinkled with fun!

2008-08-28T10:04:00.002-05:00

As next week will be devoted to Hanna Stamps, I decided to do a little HS warm up with this Riley Stamp. I think Riley is just so adorable and he is so much fun to color. I colored him with: E00, E31, E33, E47, V01, R29, R27, YR21, BG10, BG13 and C1. The base of the card is Mellow Moss and I stamped my sentiment in matching ink. The Ribbon is from American Crafts, I actually found it for .75 cents a yard at a Gemstone's in Orlando. The sentiment and the cupcake stamp from the background are from Hero Arts (it's a clear set).

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

Little Paper Shop Release!

2008-08-27T08:21:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was the big release and I am happy to report that you all seemed to love the stamps! Beautiful Things, Chirp and Peace(yay!) are all sold out. Thankfully, they should be back in stock by Tuesday so Julia has made them available for back order. As an incentive Julia is offering free shipping on orders over 20$ AND a free 3x4 set with a 50$ order!

I'll be back later with a card!
E

Friends are the family you choose yourself!

2008-08-25T13:56:00.003-05:00

Every release I challenge myself to make a No Layer Card. It's sort of like a supply cleansing, just me, stamps, ink and a piece of white cardstock. While I am the first person to love busy cards (did you see my Rock Star card?), I think getting down to the bare bones of this hobby is just as special. So, I bring you this card. It's simple. It's chic. It's Taken with Teal, Rose Red and Elegant Eggplant. It's Little Paper Shop.

This set is aptly named 'Friends' and is a total classic. I especially love the sentiment, which totally speaks to this college girl who is 6 hours away from her family.

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

PS.
Tomorrow is the big release for LPS so make sure to check it out! Also Monday starts my Hanna Stamps previews which are (if I do say so myself) GORGEOUS!!!

Going in Circles

2008-08-24T11:41:00.003-05:00

This set is perfect for me, especially the day before school starts! I have always subscribed to the theory that everything is a cycle. As bid day approaches (its actually tonight!), I find myself reminiscing about my college experience and I can tell you as I look at the excited freshman that everything has a reason and a place.

Enough with the philosophy and on to today's card. As aforementioned today's Little Paper Shop Sneak Peak is called 'Going in Circles'. This fun mini-set has so much sentiment potential. This card features it as a focal point. The colors look better in person IMHO, but this was the best picture I could take.

Happy Stamping,
Elyssa

PS! If you haven't subscribed to my blog yet, please do! It's very easy with the buttons on the side bar, plus with all the new LPS stamps I'm previewing this week and all the Hanna stamps next week, you're going to want to stay updated!!

Thinking of You

2008-08-23T07:30:00.002-05:00

This particular set is called 'Beautiful Things'. It is LPS's first 2-Step Stampin' Set and let me tell you it is a dream to work with! I did a very simple scene for this card because I wanted to show off all of the different flowers featured in the set. I used the following stamping combos Pretty In Pink (stamped off)/Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise/Brilliant Blue, Liliac/Eggplant and Sage Shadow. I cut out the vase freehand and sponged it with Close to Coca. It's shadow is done in C1(copic). The ribbon is from American Crafts.

Ok, I'm off to take a 4 hour practice LSAT.

Elyssa Blair

Peace. Love. and Stamping

2008-08-22T10:35:00.004-05:00

This set holds a lot of special meaning in it because I actually got my feet a little dirty in the creation of it! After inking up my very retired 'Groovy' set by Stampin' Up for the 100th time, I thought the world (and of course myself) needed another more updated Go Green/Peace set. My first thought was to contact Julia to ask her if she would consider making that type of set. Always the trend setter, Julia quickly responded with some sample images and asked me to help her think of some sentiments!!!!!!!

I was on cloud 9 for a while, dreaming up the capabilities of this set. I decided to show you guys a piece of altered art utilizing the set in a personal way. My sister, Ilana, has a wall of memorabilia, art and magazine clippings and she too is OBSESSED with peace signs. So I decided to make something for the wall. It is a take on Tim Holtz's August Challenge.

1) I took a piece of Tim Holtz's Fragments acrylic and cover with red alchohol ink
2) Select Peace Sign from 'Peace' set by Little Paper Shop and ink and stamp in Staz-on Black
3) Remove Stamped Peace Sign from fragment with a baby wipe
4) Stamp Peace Sign in Staz-On in the hole where the original stamped image was
5) Utilizing Crystal Effects glue a piece of white CS to the back of the fragment, hold together for 30 seconds
6) Paint Crackle Paint on the corners of your fragment. Let dry.
7) Brush over front of fragment with a light coat of Crystal Effects (creates texture).
8) Paste baubles around the outside of your image.

I think it would also make a really cool element for a card or even a necklace. Make sure you check out all of the other DT members:

Hope you like it!
Ely

PS.
TS Fay seems to be hovering around us now, however it really doesn't feel much different than a bad rain storm, so all seems to be well. Thank you all for your concern.

Remember?

2008-08-21T15:45:00.007-05:00

Remember a couple of weeks ago when I said I had BIG news ?!? WELLLL.....

HERE IT IS!!!!!!

I am Hanna Stamp's September Guest Designer!!!!!!!!

YAYYYYY!!!!!!!!!

Starting September 1st I will begin previewing their September stamps!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok enough exclamation marks, I just am SOOOOO excited to tell you :)

Oh, ps.

It's currently monsooning out. It seems Tropical Storm Fay has decided to pay Gainesville a visit after all. I don't think its going to cause any real damage to us, but please keep us in your thoughts.

Happy Stamping and see you tomorrow for another Little Paper Shop sneak peak!
Elyssa

Have A Wonderful Day

2008-08-21T08:57:00.002-05:00

Julia is such a whiz at sentiments. I think she always manages to come up with the perfect font/sentiment match! I love the whimsical nature of this set especially paired with the classy sentiment font. I seem to be really into note cards this week as I made this into a set of 10. HOWEVER, I changed the color of the birds for each card!

1) Stamp the tree from the Little Paper Shop set 'Chrip' 4 times in Hunter on Certainly Celery Cardstock
2) Stamp birds in Rose Red
3) Stamp sentiment in Rose Red on Georgia Pacific Cardstock.
4) Whimisically cut it so that it looks cloud like
5) Adhere cloud and tie a ribbon with 5/8 inch wide white ribbon from Wal-Mart

Hope you enjoyed this sneak peak! Make sure you visit my teammates at:

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

Party Like A Rockstar!! ...and a worn look tutorial....

2008-08-20T09:41:00.002-05:00

...with this gorgeous set from Little Paper Shop. This set is aptly named 'Rock Star' for it's fun and funky vibe. I know that it will hit home with everyone from ex-hippies to Hannah Montana Tweens.

This particular card was made in a set of 10 note cards for my younger cousin. It was super easy! I'm trying a new was of explaining my card process, which is to just number my steps sort of like you would see in a magazine. As always, tell me what you think!

1) Stamp the guitar in Encore Gold embossing ink on various colors of TEXTURED card stock.
2) Heat Emboss with Egyptian Gold embossing powder by Judikins
3) Color inside the lines with different colors of Tombow water based markers.
4) Take a lightly damp cloth and smear the color. This creates the cool worn out look.
5) Get creative! Take other colors and smear them outside of your focal image.

I hope you like it! Make sure to keep checking back this week for more SNEAK PEAKS! Also please check out the other DT Members on their blogs which are linked on my side bar.

Copic Cardinal Card (say that five times fast!) and a Begrudged Love of Walmart

2008-08-18T21:21:00.004-05:00

I should despise of Wal-Mart. I know I should based on my love of locally owned stores, my liberal ideals and the sheer fact that it scares me that a store could carry so much stuff. But, alas, like many Americans I find myself utterly fascinated by Wal-Mart. I never had one growing up so when I moved to Gainesville the chaos that is our Wal-Mart intrigued me, but I usually choose the cleaner, sleeker Tar-jay (emphasis on the French pronunciation). Last week, upon my arrival to this glorious town, a friend of mine mentioned that there was now a SUPER Wal-Mart. Well, you know me, I was there that night! WOWZA!!!! That place is CRAZYYYYYY! I have never seen such a thing!!!! AND, I must admit I liked it. Although I don't think I would buy my meat again there (Can it really be quality at 1.30$ for 1/4 lb of salami?), but then again I won't eat fast food meat. I have meat issues.

OK, now that this post has gotten a little too personal I guess I should tell you its relevance. On the aforementioned SWM trip I purchased some Martha Stewart Clear Stamps. Another company I should despise of due to my morals, but again, I'm a sucker for clean images that beg to be colored. SO, begrudgingly I purchased her bird set. Yesterday I posted a video tutorial coloring the image I used on todays card. Thank you all for your comments, I'm glad to hear you appreciate them and like my voice overs. Your comments really encourage me to create more tutorials!!!

On a side note, my Local Scrapbooking Store just created a blog!! Please check it out here.

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

Copic Tutorial #17 Faux Watercoloring!

2008-08-17T20:53:00.001-05:00

I hope you enjoy this tutorial. I will have a matching card posted tomorrow :) Things are really hectic around here as recruitment for new girls for my sorority begins tomorrow and continues on through the week!!

Hope all is well :)
Elyssa

Little Paper Shop Challenge Time!!!

2008-08-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you everyone for the wonderful response to my tutorial AND a HUGEEE hello to all my new subscribers! So glad to have you here!

The 15th of every month is a really creative time for the members of Little Paper Shop's Design Team, because it is challenge day! Each month a different designer gets to challenge the other team members to get innovative with a set of constraints. This month the fabulous Sarah Green challenge us to make a 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 card with two colors and a neutral (mine being pink and taken with teal), then came the major constraint: to use only a sentiment stamp! I stretched it a little bit to bring you this SNEAK PEAK of one of the August Releases!!!!! I am head over heels about this mini set, it is just so classic!

PLEASE take the time to visit my fanastic teammates' creations at their blogs:

Happy Stamping!
Elyssa

Copic Video Tutorial #16

2008-08-12T11:27:00.003-05:00

After a brief tutorial hiatus, I am proud to present this new video! Let me know what you think, I do all of this for you guys! To see this stamp in a card please visit this post.

The Secret....

2008-08-10T07:37:00.004-05:00

"The secret to having it all,
is believing that you already do"

Believe it or not, I'm all moved in! My dad and I managed to unload and unpack two carloads full of clothes, books and other college necessities. Coming back to school is always bittersweet. On one hand I get more independence, have the chance to take wonderful classes and of course have lots of gator football fun. But on the other hand I miss my family, my room and the other comforts of my childhood home. I'm ready and excited for my last semester at college and for the new adventures to come!!

On a totally different note, I've noticed that its been about 2 months since my last video tutorial. I'm working on creating and editing one which I hope to have up on Tuesday!

This particular card was created with a magenta cat stamp. I actually have an older video tutorial, which depicts my shading process for this image(it uses different colors) I have embedded it below, if you're interested. I used a So Saffron card base on top of which I stamped an old SU Background (I think it's Aida Cloth) in So Saffron. I stamped my sentiment and its matching flowers from Friendship Flowers (SU) in Tempting Turquoise and Versafine Onyx Black on matching cardstock.

Happy Stamping!!!
Elyssa

Old School Card...

2008-08-08T16:43:00.003-05:00

Wow! I just can't believe the summer is over already! I have had such an amazing three months between traveling, spending time with my family and friends and of course growing creatively. I wanted to share with you the VERY FIRST card that I made! I can probably place it to have been created around five years ago, based on the Mrs. Grossman's sticker, the eyelets and the classy use of Twill! Five years ago I was working at my LSS Scrapbooks and Stuff, taking my first AP class (AP Euro!), learning how to drive and babysitting on the weekends. Just as my creativity and style have grown so has the rest of my life. I can't wait to see what the next 5 years will bring!

I am really excited to go back up to school for my last semester of college. I can't wait to continue to share my journey with all of you!

Happy Stamping,
Elyssa

PS. I have LOTS of exciting news that I am just bursting at the seams to tell you!!!! I will share what I can ASAP!

Thankful!

2008-08-06T09:40:00.003-05:00

I'm sorry I've been such a bad blogger lately, but I am really busy packing and getting ready to go back to school. I've also been trying to get ahead with all my wonderful design team commitments(I have some news for y'all in the coming weeks :) ). The good news is when I get back up to school I'll have some time before classes to stamp and also make some more COPIC VIDEO TUTORIALS!!!!

Ok, back to this card. I must be the last person in the stamping world to hear of 'Outline Stamps'. They are just SOOOO cool. The concept is basically a highly detailed stamp which you cut out from different papers and layer it. It looks especially nice with sparkly metallic embossing powders. For this particular card I used Diamond Sparkle by Judikins. After I cut my layers I popped them up with pop dots. The 'Thankful' stamp is from Hero Arts.

I think it's a fun stamp when I don't feel like coloring, but really want a card that pops!

Elyssa

Happy Summer!!

2008-08-02T09:36:00.003-05:00

The summer is coming to an end. One more week and I will be in sunny gainesville (actually it gets pretty rainy in the summer). I just can't believe it.

I thought I would make a summer card to convince myself that I still have lots of glorious summer left.

I decided on my adorable Hammock Riley from Hanna Stamps!! I colored him with copics and if you look closely at my Riley you will see that he is not as blended as normal. I did tip-to-tip blending whereby you hold the tip of your lighter color E33 with your darker color E49 and then color with the lighter color. It is perfect for times when you don't have the shade you are looking for (in my case a darkish brown/black). However, it does tend to get a little streaky and practice diffenietly helps. I also went for a splotchy look with the sand to help to illustrate the uneven nature of it. I'm not sure if it came out exactly how I envisoned it, but I do like it. I also colored the image with BG10, E31, E33, E49, YR04, YR09, BG13, YG13 and YG95.

Next, I matted it on white (it resembles a sort of faux nestablities). I used some Offray (Wal-mart) ribbon on the blue mat. Then I matted all of that on Gable Green SU cardstock which I stamped in Gable Green with a Hot Potato Stamp.

WOWZA, that was a mouthful. I hope you enjoyed this card, please let me know what you think! I love to hear from you!!!

Elyssa

Here's the Scoop...

2008-07-30T16:00:00.004-05:00

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...

2008-07-28T15:56:00.004-05:00

...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!!!!

2008-07-28T13:30:00.001-05:00

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

2008-07-26T09:33:00.003-05:00

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

2008-07-24T07:44:00.003-05:00

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

2008-07-22T16:08:00.004-05:00

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

2008-07-22T10:39:00.006-05:00

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

2008-07-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

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

2008-07-19T00:00:00.001-05:00

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

2008-07-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

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

2008-07-17T00:00:00.003-05:00

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:

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

2008-07-16T00:00:00.001-05:00

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!

2008-07-14T19:31:00.007-05:00

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:

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!

2008-07-13T09:50:00.004-05:00

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

2008-07-12T14:29:00.004-05:00

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

2008-07-11T15:43:00.004-05:00

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

2008-07-11T10:08:00.004-05:00

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!

2008-07-09T18:41:00.004-05:00

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

2008-07-07T16:42:00.005-05:00

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...

2008-07-06T09:13:00.003-05:00

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...

2008-07-05T08:32:00.005-05:00

...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