Great Impressions Stamps May Challenge - Anything Goes!

Did you have a great weekend? Celebrate Cinco de Mayo? I managed to get sunburned Friday morning, so not a lot of out and about for me! Stayed in, attempted to get caught up on emails, Facebook, projects...it seems my to-do list is just growing and to think the kids are almost out of school, so more fun there!

Well, thank Goodness this month's Great Impressions Stamps Challenge is Anything Goes! You can create anything your creative heart desires...cards, boxes, tags, scrapbook pages, etc.

There are some juicy details about bonus entries and even a 25% discount offer, so even if you've read the challenge guidelines before, I highly encourage you to read them again!

I'm still in clean and purge mode - purge mode meaning I'm working at *using* my stash - so this month for my challenge project I'm using one of my 'dirty tags' again...

Pulled bits of vellum, card stock, papers and embellishments...all from my bits and pieces...

If you haven't had a chance to see all of Great Impressions' April Stamp of the Month sets...go now to the online store...they're gorgeous! You can see how I used some of the stamps in this picture...

Beyond the Board is a monthly class I teach at a LSS using the Great Impressions Stamp of the Month sets.  Classes are available as kits, if you can't make the date.  Contact me for more info!

Alrighty...enough chit chat...go work on your challenge project - can't wait to see it!

Inky hugs,
Angi

Great Impressions DT - Chicken Soup - Not Quite Like Mom's

Another Thursday, another Great Impressions' project! Here's a peek...

Visit the Great Impressions' blog to see what's cooking'!

Stop by Friday afternoon  THIS POST for the recipe...it's good!

Inky hugs,
Angi

Live Class - Great Impressions Beyond the Board Cards and Box

Just a quick post today. I'm teaching on Thursday (tomorrow) at Simple Pleasures. Yay! I miss being around all that crafty goodness...if you're interested there are a few spots left and if you can't make class, you can order a kit!

Call the store to register! Please bring your basic class kit (detail scissors, wet and dry adhesives and don't forget foam tape/pop dots, etc.!)

Thursday, March 22 @ 10:30am

Simple Pleasures 719.528.1338

Plus an Anything But A Card project...

By the way...this is a monthly class that features stamps from the current Great Impressions Stamps Stamp of the Month set. New stamps, new card designs, including one project that isn't a card Every. Month. Available as a kit, too!

Have a great day!

Inky hugs,

Angi

Great Impressions DT - A Bird in Hand...Or Fancy Rose Frame

Okay, it's another late night/early morning post. Was considering waiting up for another 30 minutes so I could watch a live webcast of Phil the Groundhog. Really. Must be more tired than I thought! Gonna be a short one...so many items on the to do list lately and so little time!

I have had a lot of fun with Great Impressions' January Stamp of the Month stamps! These ones are definitely keepers...

Here's the last card I finished (click on it to see more detail)

The bird is stamped on vellum & colored with Copics. The frame's embossed. Other than that, this was a simple card to put together. Even the fussy cutting was quick and easy!

Love the ruched ribbon. Now that I've got the technique down, it's a cinch! (yep, pun intended! Must be the lack of Zs! lol)

Have a great Groundhog's Day!

Inky hugs,
Angi

Stamps: Great Impressions Lace Background (K97), Rose Intertwined Hearts (G450), Bird in Roses (F517), Fancy Rose Frame (H223)

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black; Archival Ink Jet Black; Tim Holtz Distress Inks Vintage Photo; Copics (R24, 29, 46; B02, 04)

Tools: Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, heat gun

Other: Vellum, glue pen, glitter; American Craft Zing Black; Tim Holtz Perfect Pearls Powder Pearl

Great Impressions DT - Getting Inked!

If you're stopping by because you think it's me that's getting inked...sorry...have to disappoint you, but if you're here to see what projects got inked this week...well, pull up a chair and visit!

Happy 'Day before Friday!' It's been a crazy week around here...spent the last couple of days under the weather...on my day off no less...and still recovering, so this post will be short & sweet.

I've always been fascinated by tattoo art (not that I've ever really wanted to get inked) and how people seem to choose their designs based on some life experience (okay...there are exceptions to this...yes, lots of exceptions, but we're not going there today...) anyhoo...this week's project was based on some older, simple designs...

The Great Impressions' Rose Banner reminds of those old fashioned valentines with the hearts and swags, so I couldn't resist (pun intended!) getting my heart inked up, dressed up...embossed, crackled and popped up! This is the perfect banner stamp...I'm going to get a lot of use out of this one!

Okay, after looking at this picture while I'm typing up the post, I realized this card still needs a little something...extra ribbon, pearls, bling...so you may find another version of this card in a few days (with a few close up shots)...just saying'...

Hope you're making some time to get messy this weekend...I know I will! Don't forget to stop by the Great Impressions' blog to see the rest of the Stamp of the Month's stamps for January and leave a little comment love.

Off to get some rest...

Inky hugs,

Angi

Stamps: Great Impressions Rose Border (E744), Always Cherish Memories (E745), Rose Intertwined Hearts (G450)

Inks: Versamark Watermark

Tools: heat gun; Martha Stewart Doily Lace Punch; EK Success Heart Punch

Other: Ranger Distress Crackle Paint Rock Candy; American Crafts Zing Embossing Powder Wave, Silver; Tim Holtz Distress Ink Vintage Photo; Ranger Perfect Pearls Mist Pearl; Wild Orchid Crafts Mulberry Paper Roses

Great Impressions DT - If the Shoe Fits...

That paper clip is a DIY heart!

{edited to add: "Great Impressions - Beyond the Board" class Saturday, January 28 you'll make 3 cards using Great Impressions Stamp of the Month stamps and receive your very own flirty footwear to decorate! Call Simple Pleasures in Colorado Springs 719.528.1338 for more info!}

Welcome to another Thursday with Great Impressions! (Stop by the blog and see what else the Design Team has been up to!)

I've got a fun and flirty project using stamps from the January Stamp of the Month program...

You won't believe how easy this project is...

Start by printing out Ellen Hutson's High Heeled Shoe template onto white card stock; follow the directions to put it together.

Now make this baby a one-of-a-kind designed by you shoe!

The toe of the shoe is perfect for holding a little package of goodies...mints, chocolates, hard candies...etc. 

If you're doubting this project is as easy as I said...this is my second shoe. I made the first shoe out of printer paper just to see how it went together.

I didn't have any red roses, so out came the Glam and a little more glitter (couldn't get a good photo of the glitter!) The red and black tulle were leftovers from my Twilight project.

Thinking that I'm going to make some themed shoes in the next few weeks...stay tuned...I may have a new addiction to shoes!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Inky hugs,

Angi

Stamps: Great Impressions Lace Background (K97), Changed My Life (D41)

Inks: Versamark Watermark, Memento Tuxedo Black

Tools: heat gun, Martha Stewart Doily Punch, Tim Holtz Tiny Tags and Tabs Sizzix Die, Tiny Attacher

Other: Ellen Hutson High Heeled Shoe Template, Scor-tape, Helmar 450 Quick Dry, paperclip, assortment of fibers and mulberry rose from my stash, Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam Big Apple, black and clear embossing powders, clear glitter

Great Impressions DT - I am a thousand winds

Warning...you may need a tissue...and some chocolate...and a little extra time...

(Don't forget to stop by the Great Impressions blog!)

There is an *Irish bereavement blessing that says, "...I am a thousand winds that blow...". I love this thought. If you've ever lost someone close to you - a pet, a friend, a family member...you know where ever you are there seem to be reminders all around you...the thousand winds that blow...

Creating handmade cards and projects means that you have to plan ahead, so as a Great Impressions Design Team member I've been thinking ahead to next month; February is always a bittersweet month for me. Although my birthday and Valentine's Day are in February, I experienced the loss of someone very important to me many years ago shortly after the holiday.


Over the years I have learned to focus my thoughts on the gifts of love in my life and to celebrate those wonderful people who take the time to let me know they care.


Recently, some friends of our's were waiting for what many would consider a tragedy to happen. While the loss seemed inevitable, families and friends, and even strangers chose to help the family share the beauty of the moment with pictures and heartfelt words.


One particular act of love caught my attention: one family released balloons with their children. What a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of life and love, no matter how brief!


(This would be a really good time to hug or call and let someone know you care...no worries...I'll wait...)


Okay...ready?


So, when I was thinking about this project of love and my project for this week, it all came together.


Well, in my head it all came together...not so much (at first) with my project...


For those of you new to the crafty bloggy world...don't be dismayed when the idea you had doesn't quite work out the first time...

or the second time...

or the third time...seriously!

Art for me is really about the process and this card literally took all day to make and I'm so glad I had the time to finish it!

I absolutely love the Great Impressions' Water Swirl Border (H200) stamp! I've used it as water, as billowing snow and now as the gusty wind...it's a great 'go to' stamp when I need 'something' to fill space, too.

For the sentiment, I chose to use just the 'Memories' portion of Always Cherish Memories (E745 - it's part of the January SOTM collection) 

Whew! I think I'll have that piece of chocolate now...


Happy Thursday! Hug the ones you love...

Inky hugs,
Angi

Stamps:  Great Impressions Stamps Water Swirl Border (H200), Patterned Balloons (F514), Always Cherish Memories (E745)

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black; Tim Holtz Distress Ink Vintage Photo, Versamark Watermark; Tim Holtz Distress Stain Picket Fence

Patterned Paper:  Scraps from my Stash

Tools: Sizzix eclipse and eCAL; heat gun; needle; Tim Holtz Blending Tool; heart punch

Embellishments: brown twine, Flowersoft Polar White

Other: foam tape, tacky glue, Diamond Glaze

*To read all of the blessing visit Irish Blessings

Great Impressions, Memory Box and Vintage Tags

Happy Monday!

I can't believe how fast the weekends go! I am definitely looking forward to Turkey Day and some down time with the family...

Just wanted to share one more project from this month's Great Impressions Stamp of the Month set (if you don't have a local retailer, contact Simple Pleasures - they'll take good care of you!)

I love making tags...whether it's to try a new technique or dress up a gift, they are always useful. Not to mention they are the perfect size for a quick creative fix!

This time I used a Tim Holtz Sizzix die and Distress Inks, clear embossing powder and lots of glitter! (Only the sentiments and 'pictures' are clear embossed.)

I can't seem to get enough of Memory Box's La Rue die...used it again on these tags. Die cut them and then cut them in half. Adhere and cover in glitter...it doesn't get any easier than this!

Have a great week! Hope you find some time for your creative fix.

Inky hugs,
Angi

Hello, Deer One...

Happy Friday (and Happy Breaking Dawn for you Twilight fans!)

I'm so excited for this weekend! With such busy schedules, it seems rare anymore that my family gets to spend time all together...but this weekend I get to hug each of my kiddos and Mr. Mayhem! I'm thinking family photo op...now how to convince the family that's a good thing... lol

Speaking of good things...here's another card from my monthly Great Impressions class - Beyond the Board at Simple Pleasures (Check out yesterday's post to see the center step card using the birds stamp). Love this wood grain paper and the cork accent - no ribbon here!

Makes me think of Fall, crackling fires and cider. Do you see the snowflake peeking out from behind the reindeer on the vellum?

That's the La Rue die from Memory Box. LOVE. Beautiful, right? I have a feeling you'll be seeing more of this one...if you need this die, too, call Simple Pleasures. They carry everything Memory Box and if they don't have something in stock they will order it for you!

Watch for upcoming posts:
- More Beyond the Board goodness
- Twilight Inspired Mini Album Kit
- December Daily Mini Album & Art Journal

It was so good to visit with you today! Thanks so much for stopping by.

Inky hugs,
Angi

WOYWW #19 (128) - Hello, Birdy!

Hello, WOYWWers! I've been away for a bit, being busy, of course, but made a little time this morning...and I do mean morning! It's almost 3am...to share a little fun. (If you'd like to know more about WOYWW...and we know you do! Stop by and say hi! to Julia. You'll be glad you did!

So, there's the desk. Bits and pieces from my Twilight Inspired Mini Album (kits will be available for the mini album at Simple Pleasures very soon!) 

And can you believe it? I've got another quick picture to share...this is one of the cards from my last Great Impressions - Beyond the Board class. What do you think? Click on it to see more detail. This is a center step card - love this design! If you made it just a tad larger, you could use it for the holiday photo! Frame/card/display all in one. Very handy.

There are 2 more Great Impressions cards and a lovely set of tags using Memory Box's La Rue Die to share later this week, so stop back by and see them, too!

Happy Wednesday!

Inky hugs,
Angi

Just a card...Beyond the Board (using Great Impressions Stamps)

It's way past my bedtime and with an early rise to boot, so this will be a quick post! I had made samples for my October "Beyond the Board" class, but hadn't had a chance to post any pictures. Already gave away 2 of the samples (one was a card; the other project was acrylic tags - might get around to remaking them, just to post...then again, maybe not...no promises!)

Here's one of the cards...think it was my favorite. The Holidays usually bring on the glitter!

There is a lot of glitter on this card - the reindeer, his harness, the trees, the edge of the tree layer, the snowflakes and even the edges of the tiny tab!

Love. Love. Love the tiny jingle bell. What is it about making things tiny that make them so cute?!

Okay...click on the picture if you want to see more detail...glitter is hard to photograph...especially late at night! lol

Might sneak in a late WOYWW (on Thursday) post later today.

Inky hugs,
Angi

WOYWW #17 (119) - Great Impressions Halloween

It's time for another episode of WOYWW! Happy Wednesday! Hop over to Julia's blog to see what the fuss is about...keep reading to see what projects I've been up to...

I'm in the middle of lots of creative chaos! This mess is the direct result of prepping my cards for my Great Impressions - Beyond the Board class on Saturday. This has been so much fun and quite the challenge. Since I don't get to see the stamps much before the date of my class, I have NO IDEA what we'll do until I see and play with the stamps.

So, you've seen the desk...want to see the projects? This month the theme is Halloween and we've got 2 interactive cards...a waterfall and a shadow box card...and they both fit into an A2 envelope!

(The Beyond the Board class is a class offered monthly at Simple Pleasures in CO. The class features 3 cards + 1 Anything But A Card. It's even available as a kit, if you can't make the date! There's still a few spots left for this Saturday...call Simple Pleasures to make your reservation. 719.528.1338.  Make sure to bring your basic kit!)

Pull the string and watch the pictures flip through to a surprise message at the end!

We use paint dabbers, Distress Stains and new Perfect Pearls mist to put the finishing touches on this layered card.  

Shadow box card - stands up on its own and even folds (mostly) flat to fit into an A2 envelope.

Perfect size treat box...and who doesn't love playing with Tim Holt's Rosette Dies?!


Alright...hope to see you on Saturday!

Inky hugs,
Angi