Top Dog Dies Inspiration

Hi Everyone!

I hope you enjoyed the sneak peeks of the new products just released from Top Dog Dies!  My card today uses one of the new dies, the Vintage Frame. I love the elegance this die lends to the card! 

I have also used the Butterfly Die Set and the Laurel Lace Border Die.
The colors come from this week's The Card Concept Challenge, which is this gorgeous combination of blue and green.  And those sweet dragonflies?  They are from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Vintage Postcard Stamp Set. 

Thanks so much for stopping by; have a blessed week!

Lee Ann  :)

Supplies Used-
Stamps-Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Vintage Postcard, Flourishes (sentiment)
Paper-SU Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Coastal Cabana, vellum and retired dsp;  Nature Gmund Savanna wood grain embossed cs
Ink- Versamark, Smokey Slate
Other- Hemptique Twine, Top Dog Dies Laurel Lace Border Die, Butterfly Die and Vintage Frame Die, clear glitter

Simple, yet Stunning Thank Yous

Hello Everyone!

I am up on the CutCardStock Blog today, sharing some very easy, but look-like-you-spent-hours-on-them Thank You note cards with a summer flair.

I used some Neenah Crest Solar White Cardstock from CutCardStock for my cards and  bit of Black Basis card stock for the butterfly.  A bit of Clear card stock ( I got my from Heartfelt Creations), alcohol markers and my butterfly from Top Dog Dies is all it takes to make these cards.  I added a sentiment (from the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps So Thankful Stamp Set). 
My inspiration for these cards comes from the talented Dina Kowal.  
You can get complete details on how to make this card on the CutCardStock Blog.  

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Lee Ann  :)

Adding a Little Dazzle to Christmas

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to our last Christmas in July Week of Inspiration and a Challenge at Add A Little Dazzle.
This week we are challenging you to make a Christmas ornament!

It is not required for you to use craft metal sheets, but if you have them, we would love to see them!  :)

I used the Brushed Copper and Dark Chocolate Craft Metal Sheets to make my ornament.  I also used the just released Vintage Frame Die from Top Dog Dies.

 I cut several die cuts from both the copper craft metal sheet and from card stock, backing all of the metal sheet die cuts with cs.  Each die was then scored in the middle and folded in half.  Two halves were adhered together.  I continued this until my ornament was to the desired fullness.   Before adhering the last two halves together, I placed liquid glue down the center of the ornament, followed by a loop of seam binding. Lastly, I added a Dark Chocolate Craft Metal Sheet bow and pearls.

 I hope you can join us for our Christmas Ornament Challenge. 

There is a $15  gift certificate up for grabs!

AND,,,

if you would like to do a little shopping (and who wouldn't), we are offering a limited time

Add A Little Dazzle Craft Metal Sheet Package.  This package includes 6 each of Brushed Copper and Dark Chocolate Craft Metal Sheets.  You can place your ORDER HERE!

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a blessed week!

Lee Ann  :)

More Sneak Peeks of New Top Dog Dies Goodies!

Hi Everyone!

Welcome back to my last preview of the newest releases coming tomorrow to Top Dog Dies! Yeah! Make sure you enter our drawing for a chance to win the ENTIRE release, if you have not done so already.  You can go HERE to enter.
 Today I am up on the Top Dog Dies Blog with a tutorial for this card~

 I love the brand new Dog Dies!  This set not only has the cute Labrador Retriever ( which I turned into a Golden Retriever) but has the adorable bone tag, the paw print label and, wait for it... a fire hydrant!  :)

I used the Top Dog Dies Home Album and Finishers Set to make the dog house. Check out the Top Dog Dies Blog for details for how I turned the Home Album and Finisher Dies into a dog house and how I turned a labrador retriever into a Golden Retriever.
I made this card for a friend who just got a Golden, named Georgia.  :)  But I can also see this being used for a Pet Sympathy card and a masculine birthday card, especially if you have a hunter in the family!  

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a blessed week!

Lee Ann  :)

Another Peek At a Top Dog Dies New Release and a Giveaway!

Hi Everyone!

I am back with another sneak peek at the new Top Dog Dies Release coming July 29th!  Did you know we have a give away??  Keep reading for details!

Today I am sharing a card made with the Corset Die. As you are probably aware, Breast Cancer Awareness month is in October and card makers tend to be pretty busy making cards for this cause.   This die is perfect for your Breast Cancer Awareness cards!

I cut my corset from pink (of course!) and then backed it with some pretty pink dp.  I added a white bow and white lace trim.
My vanilla cs was dry embossed and then I brayered a thin layer of silver acrylic paint over it.  

I got some sketchy inspiration from one of the Viva la Verve July sketches~

Check out all of the new dies being released on July 29th, here !  I would love to know which one is your favorite! 
 Then be sure to sign up for the giveaway HERE! 
Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings!

Lee Ann  :)

Supplies Used-
Stamps- Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps
Paper- SU Very Vanilla, Smokey Slate, Neenah Solar White, Authentique dp
Ink- Memento Tuxedo Black
Other- Top Dog Dies Corset Die, SU Vintage Wallpaper, ef, silver acrylic paint, bling, seam binding, dimensionals

Die~Namites and CanvasCorpBrands Come Together to Hop!

Hi Everyone!
It is a fun week over at Die~Namites, as we have joined forces with CanvasCorpBrands for a blog hop!

I really had fun with this one-  mixed media and all!

I used Die~Namites Winter Sunflower to make my flower, cutting it out of Canvas Corp Yellow and white Reverse Mini Dots cs. 

I also used the Knobby Branch Die and the Small Ivy Die to cut my background foliage. I cut it from both card stock and Canvas Corp canvas. 

I used some Pure Mistables paper to heat emboss my sentiment on.  Then I sponged and misted my background panel and my leaves, using Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist.  Complete details of how I made this card are on the Die~Namites Blog. 
I got my sketch inspiration from a Deconstructed Sketch from earlier this summer~

 Thanks so much for stopping by and have a blessed week!

Lee Ann  :)

Supplies Used-
Stamps-Wonderful Words Hello Mini Stamp Set, PTI
Paper- Canvas Corp Skinny Card, Canvas Corp Yellow and White Mini Dot, Mistables Paper, SU Smokey Slate and Basic Gray, Neenah Solar White
Ink- Veramark, So Saffron, Basic Gray
Other- Die~Namites Winter Sunflower, Knobby Branch and Small Ivy Dies, Canvas Corp Yellow Cord, Black ep, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Stone and Sunflower, Canvas Corp Canvas,Crafter's Workshop Cherry Blossom Stencil

Top Dog Dies New Release Preview!

Hello!
Excitement is brewing at Top Dog Dies!  Our July Release is almost here!  Wait til you see what we have for you; make sure you read to the end of the post for info on our giveaway!~

Aren't these just the cutest!?!!  We have these fabulous summer drink dies as well as a gorgeous new card top die.  And I can't forget the banner dies...
I used vellum with my drink dies, coloring the back of the vellum (one is a Copic marker and the other is a Sharpie) to make it look like yummy, icy cold beverages.  I 'salted' the rim of the margarita glass with course clear glitter.

.  I just love the look of these fun tropical dies!  And how about the adorable little banners!?  Aren't they sweet!?  To keep the card clean and simple, I embossed with the gorgeous new card top die, instead of cutting with it. I love the little extra pizzazz the subtle embossing gives. 
Here are all of the releases coming July 29th!

I hope you love the sneak peeks!  And I hope you love a GIVEAWAY as well!  I can't share the details with you just yet, but stop back in throughout the next week for more sneak peeks and details on our Top Dog Dies Giveaway!  

Update! We can now share the link for your chance to win the ENTIRE release!  Just head HERE for the details and the chance to win by entering the Rafflecopter giveaway! 

Have you checked out Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog this week?  This week's challenge is "EMBOSS".
I am also linking up to Catered Crop for the first time, where this week the challenge is "vellum".
The challenge over at Shopping Our Stash is "Eat Five a Day"- use fruit or veggie images!

Thanks so much for stopping in today and have a blessed week!

Lee Ann  :)

Supplies Used-
Stamps- Our Craft Lounge
Paper- Neenah SolarWhite, SU vellum and retired dsp, Echo Park Summer Bliss
Ink- Memento Tuxedo Black
Other- Top Dog Dies Banner Dies, Drink Dies, Card Top Die, Copic, Sharpie, MME Enamel Dots,  Martha Stewart Chunky Glitter

A New Challenge with AALD

Hello Again!
We have a new challenge today over on the Add A Little Dazzle blog; we are in week 4 of our Christmas in July celebration.  This week we have a color challenge for you!

Here is your color inspiration~

Our Color Challenge this week is Pucker Me Pink and Precious Pearl (deep pink and light tan or kraft).  My Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps image, Snowy Hello, was stamped on white cs and colored with Copics, then fussy cut out; I then stamped the snowman again, using Stazon Black ink,  on Pucker Me Pink craft metal sheet. I fussy cut the hat and scarf out of the metal craft sheet and using Scor Tape, adhered it over my colored snowman on the cs. 

 My bare tree is made using a branch die and the Precious Pearl Craft Metal Sheet.  Once it was die cut out, I added sticky powder to it and glittered the whole tree with clear glitter.

I hope you can  join 

us for our Christmas Color Challenge- Pucker Me Pink and Precious Pearl!

  You do not have to use craft metal sheets, but if you have them we would love to see them! 

There is a $15 gift certificate up for grabs!  

AND...

if you would like to do a little shopping (and who wouldn't!), we are offering a limited time Add A Little Dazzle Craft Metal Sheet Week 4 package.  This package includes 6 each of Pucker Me Pink and Precious Pearl Craft Metal Sheets.  You can place your order here!  

 

 You are also getting a peek at a brand new die being released by Top Dog Dies on July 29th, Vintage Frame.  I love the detailed scalloped edge and pierced border.  It is sooo gorgeous for vintage style designing.

I am entering this in the Jingle Belles Challenge- Header Challenge; we are to make a card inspired by the Jingle Belles Blog header.  The colors are perfect for this inspiration.  

 

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a blessed week!  

Lee Ann  :)

Supplies Used-

Stamps- Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Snowy Hello,  Winter Girls (sentiment)

Paper- Neenah Solar White, SU retired dsp, Very Vanilla

Ink-Stazon Black, Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark

Other- Add A Little Dazzle Craft Metal Sheets in Pucker Me Pink and Precious Pearl, dimensionals, Top Dog Dies Vintage Frame Die, Die~Namites Dies Knobby Branch Die, glitter, Sticky Powder, Scor Tape, Stampendous Crystal Snow Glitter

Fun Colors and a Farewell with The Card Concept

Hello Everybody!

We have a new challenge at The Card Concept; sadly, it will be my last challenge, but my plate was getting a little bit too full.  I hope you all will continue to play with this amazing team of ladies!

Lesley picked out some beautiful colors for us this week in this color challenge~

When I saw these colors, my first thought was a misty morning meadow, so that is what I created- well, sort of!
My background is stamped with a background stamp from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, Leafy Background Flourish and More, using the Faux watercolor technique.  I matted this piece with soft suede and framed it with white cs.  I added a circle element using a doily and a some Pool Party cs.  One of my all time favorite floral images is from a retired SU set, Elements of Style.  I stamped this in black and fussy cut the flowers out- seriously, I find fussy cutting relaxing!  I layered this onto my circles, then added a butterfly from the Sweet 'n Sassy Set, New Beginnings, and cut it out with its matching die.  A sprig of the Cheery Lynn Fanciful Flourish was tucked in behind the butterfly and flowers.
I added a tag sentiment, stamped in Soft Suede.  My sketch inspiration is from last week's Freshly Made Sketches~

Thanks so much for stopping by; I hope you can join us this week!  Check out all of the inspiration here! 

Blessings,

Lee Ann  :)

Supplies Used-
Stamps- Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps- New Beginnings, Leafy Flourish Background and More, SU Elements of Style and
Paper- Neenah Solar White, SU Soft Suede, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Mixed media paper
Ink- Lucky Limeade, Memento Tuxedo Black, Soft Suede
Other- MFT Circle Stax and Fish Tail Flag Stax Die-Namics, SU paper doily, Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps New Beginnings Butterfly Dies, Spellbinder Rectangle Dies, Cheery Lynn Fanciful Flourish Die, Wink of Stella Glitter pen

A New Sketch Meets a New Baby!

Good Morning All!

It is that time again; where are the weeks going??  I am a bit shocked that summer is almost over.  So here we are, with another new sketch at Seize the Sketch.  This sketch is brought to us by the talented Mona Pendleton.
My interpretation~

The sketch~

I decided to get outside my comfort zone with this card and try the collage style. The sweet bear is actually from a Valentine's set from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, Valentine Critters.  I think this cute bear doubles perfectly for a baby card. She is colored with Copics and fussy cut out.  I had some packaged die cuts that I had bought for the express purpose of trying out collage style cards with lots of layers and the rose image grabbed me.  To that I added a black striped journaling box die cut and some cheese cloth.  I framed all of the elements with a 'polaroid style' frame cut from dp.  The back panel is glossy white cs, mimicking the shine of photo paper.
I used the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Delightfully Delicate Background Stamp for the panel on the bottom of the card.  From glossy white cs I cut a scallop edge using Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Scallop Borders dies.
I also added a couple of leaves to the collage, mimicking the leaves that are a part of the rose image.  From white cs, I die cut 2 leaves using the Thankful Blooms Die Set.  I used various shades of blue and green Copics to color the leaves and tucked them in behind the circular rose die.  My seam binding bow finishes off the card.
 There is lots more A-mazing inspiration on the Seize the Sketch blog.  Hop on over an check it out, then why not play along!   If you are hopping along to check out all of the DT inspiration, the next blog to be inspired by is Lori Turner.
Thanks so much for stopping by;  have a blessed week!

Lee Ann  :)

Supplies Used-
Stamps- Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Valentine Critters, Delightfully Delicate Background Stamp
Paper- SU Blushing Bride, Basic Black, Glossy White, Naturals White; Neenah Solar White, dp
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black, Blushing Bride
Other- Copics, Seam binding, Kaisercraft ticket die cut, Glitz Designs Rose Die Cut, cheese cloth, Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Thankful Blooms Die Set and Scallop Border Dies, sequins, SU button

Leaping Lizards! It's a Birthday! Can you help?

Hi Everyone!

A stampy friend of mine, Deanna Dean, posted about a little boy with cancer wanting birthday cards for his birthday.  Well, for card makers, that should be easy enough!  Danny's birthday is July 25th. 
Here is my card for this little guy~

I used this week's Fusion sketch for this happy reptile.

  Let's see how many cards the crafting community can send Danny for his birthday!

I an linking up to Seize the Birthday Challenge, Anything Goes~

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a blessed week!

Lee Ann  :)

Supplies Used-
Stamps- MFT, SU (sentiment retired)
Paper-SU Mellow Moss, Early Espresso, Ruby Red, Cajun Craze
Ink- Memento Tuxedo Black, Real Red
Other- Copics, SU Heart framelits, MFT Fishtail Flag Stax Die-Namics

Viva la Verve

Hi Everyone!

Back again with another quick post as I played along in another Viva La Verve challenge.  I really went out of my comfort zone with this one, trying to use dp instead of my usual cardstock.

I love this Glitz Design dp- it has such a wonderful vintage flavor to it.  It worked well with the inspiration photo, from which I picked colors from. Love the way the black makes everything pop;  I really need to use it more often.  I used Verve's Bloom and Grow Stamp Set.

I am also linking up to this week's Curtain Call Challenge, celebrating their 1st birthday.  The challenge is Anything Goes.

Thanks for stopping by and have a blessed week!

Lee Ann  :)

Supplies Used-

Stamps-Verve Bloom and Grow

Paper-SU Basic Black, Cool Caribbean, Glitz Design dp, Neenah Solar White cs

Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black, Primrose Pink, Daffodil Delight, Cool Caribbean

Other-Verve A Cut Above Elegant Leaves Die, Hemptique Black Baker's Twine, MME Enamel Dots, Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Scallop Border Dies, MFT Circle Stax and Fish Tail Flag Stax Die-Namics

You are My Happy Place!

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to play in a few challenges, so after a bit of cleaning, I headed to the stamp room.  I used the sketch at Deconstructed Sketch and the colors are from the color challenge at Just Us Girls.

 I just had to give these colors a try- Vicki Dutcher is hosting the challenge this week, and if you know Vicki, you know she loves bright colors.  I took the challenge and love it! 

Here is the fun sketch from Jen at Deconstucted Sketch~

As you can see, I turned the sketch to accomodate my tag from PTI.  I embellished it with a leaves from the Rosie Posie stamp set and added a flower made with the button dies from PTI. 

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a blessed week!

Lee Ann  :)

Supplies Used-
Stamps- Phrase Play 1 Papertreyink, Rosie Posie 1 and 2 (PTI)
Paper- Rustic Cream (PTI), SU Gumball Green Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black, retired dsp; Neenah Solar White cs, Echo Park Summer Bliss dp (chevron)
Ink- Memento Tuxedo Black, Lucky Limeade, Gumball Green
Other- Phrase Play #1 Die, Rosie Posie Die collection, Button Stacks Dies, sequins, baker's twine

By the Sea with the Top Dogs

Hello Everyone!

I have been busy this week, trying to get ahead of crafty commitments as well as household drudgery- I mean chores.   I will be having some oral surgery tomorrow, so I guess I am in for some fun!  :(

Today's card was actually a lot of fun.  I used my Top Dog Dies to mat my image- I think it really shines this way, don't you?

  The base mat was made using the Wrinkle Free Distress technique that can be found here at SCS.
Next, I stamped a piece of white cs with a compass image for the next mat and then used a piece of dp from Heartfelt Creations for the next mat.
 I added the Top Dog Dies Laurel Lace Border Die across the middle.  The main image was stamped and colored then fussy cut out.  Here is where my favorite part comes in- I die cut 4 of the Top Dog Dies  Decorative Corner Dies and adhered them to the top panel in a diamond shape.  Then, using dimensionals, I added my image on top of the dies, which serve as a decorative mat. I can't forget the bit of cheese cloth that I tucked in between some layers.  A couple of pearls finishes things off. 

I am entering this card in this week's Curtain Call Challenge-

Thanks so much for stopping by today and have a blessed week!

Lee Ann  :)

Supplies Used-
Stamps-Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps- Across the Miles (compass), SU (shell)
Paper-Mixed Media Paper. Neenah Solar White, SU Calypso Coral, Naturals Ivory, Heartfelt Creations dp
Ink-Calypso Coral, Crisp Canteloupe, Pool Party, Island Indigo, Basic Grey, Soft Sky
Other- Cheese cloth, Top Dog Dies- Decorative Corner Dies, Laurel Lace Border Die

Inspired to Sail My Ship

Good Morning Everyone!

Popping in with a quick post sharing a fun card made with Verve Stamps~

I thought I would play along in the Viva La Verve Challenge this month and used this sketch~

Initially, I did not know what to do with the circles, but then I came across this fun set, Learning to Sail.  It does have some meaning for me this summer as I have learned how to do stand up paddleboarding.  I would post a picture of that, but, then again- not!  Bathing suits are not my friend!  LOL! 
I was inspired by this gorgeous palette at Inspired by Stamping~

Initially, I thought I would use a floral image with this palette; who new it would end up being surf boards?!
Shopping Our Stash wants us to use something that we can't seem to put down; I have been on a coloring kick lately.  I have been picking up the Copics and the colorable images over other stamps.  The Hemptique twine is my fave right now, even over seam binding and I have been using a LOT of it.  The other supplies would have fit well in last week's challenge, LOL!  My stamps have not seen ink in probably a couple of years and the wave die, although I have had it about a year, cut its first piece of paper with this card.  

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a blessed week!

Lee Ann :)

Supplies Used-
Stamps-Verve Learning to Sail
Paper-SU Real Red, So Saffron, Cool Caribbean, Neenah Solar White, PTI Rustic Creme, dp Glitz Designs
Ink- Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Crumb Cake
Other-Hemptique Twine, dimensionals, SU Deco Label Framelits, Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Wave Dies, Copics

Have a Dazzling Winter!

Hello Everyone, and welcome back to another Wednesday of Add a Little Dazzle inspiration!
We continue to celebrate Christmas in July; this week's challenge is 'SNOW'~

Here is your inspiration photo~

The Design Team chose to use the Craft Metal Sheet colors, Wondrous White and Baby Blue.  You can use whatever colors you would like.  Use of Craft Metal Sheets is not required, but, of course we would love to see you use them if you have them!
I used a large piece of Baby Blue Craft Metal and dry embossed it, them removed the color from the embossed areas (yes, it was a lot of spots!) by using a Q tip and rubbing alcohol.  I created my window with a circle die and white cs. I wanted to tone down the shine of the metal a bit so tried a piece of vellum over it.  To my surprise, it toned down the blue but accentuated the embossed, silver areas that had the color removed, for a really awesome look.  I cut my vellum a hair smaller than the craft metal sheet so that a shiny edge of blue remained.  My snowflakes were die cut using Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Snowflake Dies.

 Bling was added to the center and seam binding was added across the window panel before adhering the snowflake.  The sentiment is from the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps set, Winter Girls; it was embossed in Early Espresso on vellum and adhered across the window. 

I hope you can join us for this fun Christmas Challenge! 

 There is a $15 gift certificate up for grabs! 

AND

if you would like to do a little shopping (and who wouldn't!?), we are offering a limited time 

ADD A LITTLE DAZZLE CRAFT METAL SHEET Week 3 package. This package includes 6 sheets each of Baby Blue and Wondrous White Craft Metal Sheets.  

You can place your craft metal sheet order HERE!

I am linking this up to -
 Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge, Spots and Dots
and 613 Avenue Create, Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a blessed week!

Lee Ann  :)

Supplies Used-

Stamps- Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Winter Girls

Paper- Neenah Solar White, vellum

Ink- Versamark

Other- Add A Little Dazzle Craft Metal Sheets, Early Espresso ep, SU embossing folder, seam binding, Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Snowflake Dies, MFT Circle Stax Die-Namics, SU bling, dimensionals