Swatch Ring

I've been working on this project for several weeks. It is still a work in progress. The picture left reminds me of Monopoly deed cards.

The Name Tab is printed on it's color of CS. I've then stamped a heart from the Mini Messages set in the coordinated ink color. This lets me see the true ink color on white.

At the bottom of each I've printed out a tag Bulleting the order number for the Ink Pad, Ink Refill, Marker, 12x12 and 8.5x11 CS.

When I have that item, I'll put a check mark so I know instantly what I have and what I still need to order.

When I have a package of the cardstock, I'll mat each one with the CS. The reverse side of the mat is large enough to audition colors for a project, I simply pull out my Swatch Ring and decide what colors to work with before even going to the drawers.

So far I've been able to complete the ring cards ( with the exception of inkspots) for past In Colors I have and all of the new 2009 In Colors (see left)

Next week... Part 1 of my workstation and how it's organized

Until then...

Creative Blessings!

Happy 4th of July!

I hope today's post finds all of my friends enjoying a safe and happy holiday weekend. It's quiet here in the central Ozarks. Hints of storms loom overhead, threatening to wash out any fireworks displays. I would like to have taken my granddaughter to see some tonight - our first 4th of July together. Instead, it sounds like an early night for her and a writing night for me.

I wanted to play with the layout. I hope you like it. I've finally made time to add links of some of my stampin' friends. These are gals I go to when I need a little inspiration. Next time you find yourself wanting to play with something different than the 'same old same old', check out their sites and you'll be back on track.

One of my favorite places to go for inspiration is www.splitcoaststampers.com If you've not been, you're in for a treat. Start with the GALLERY. More ideas there than you'll use in three lifetimes. Such creative people at SCS. I say people because you'll find some really talented guys as well as gals posting their samples at SplitCoast. SCS also has a wide variety of forums - everything from introduction to stamping/scrapping, tutorials, challenges and swaps just to name a few. A wealth of inspiration and information - FREE! You'll browse for hours so tuck the kids into bed, hand hubby the remote, grab your favorite beverage and take some personal time.

I have some things I'm playing with and hope to post early in the week.
Until then...
Creative Blessings!

Ink Spot ATC - June

Our theme for the ATC swap at the Ink Spot in Kirkwood MO was Medieval.

I had the idea to do a shaker ATC. I used a retired set from Stampin Up - www.stampinup.com called SnowGlobe. I couldn't find small enough stamps for the dragon or knight images so those were pulled from my PrintShop program. I used SU chalks to dust the background and SU inks for the stamped images.

Convention Recap

It's been a couple of weeks since the convention and I've lagged. It's just been too hot to want to do anything.

The convention was active. There were not any local vendors present but I was able to connect with the ladies from the Missouri stamp group I belong to. Among them was the ATC swap coordinator from The Ink Spot in Kirkwood MO. A bunch of us met in the lobby of the convention center for a ATC swap. Very creative ladies. I ran out of ATC's before I got the opportunity to meet a very talented young ATC artist. She was only 12! Looking through her book, you could see how she has already grown as an artist. There are great things in store for this young lady.

I found a stamp I'd been on the hunt for at www.stampsbyjudith.com I've shopped their booth before and never ever been disappointed.

In a couple weeks I'll be featuring an artist I met. Her name is Darlene and she does FABULOUS things with masking. I'll have a link for her company with the feature.

All in all I was impressed and came away with lots of ideas and new toys.

Rubber Stamping Convention

It's a beautiful day in Collinsville IL. Almost too beautiful to spend it wandering around an air conditioned exhibit hall all day. I say 'almost' because I'm going to be spending the time looking at booths and booths of rubber stamps and supplies. I wasn't suppose to be here this weekend but by the blessing of my grand daughter, I get to be here. Mommy is taking her to the St. Louis zoo. I'm hoping to find St. Louis papers and embellishments to use for her outing. I'd think there'd be local vendors, right? We'll see.

SCS Christmas Challenge

When I signed up for the Christmas Card challenge back in January, the pledge was to make 10 cards a month. The goal being I would have all the Christmas cards I needed by November when it came time to mail them. Well, I did okay until I got the call from my daughter she was moving back home. LOL

So as the thermometer climbs into the 90s today, I have a wintery card for you. This card completes my obligation for the CCC09-February challenge. hehe

I'm back!

First off, I have to apologize for being MIA. As most of you know, my daughter and 18mo old granddaughter moved in with us in March. It has been quite an adjustment from being in this house with only animals for company 3 weeks at a time. What a drain two extra people can make on your creativity! But I wouldn't miss this opportunity to get to know my only grandchild for anything in the world. She's a grandma's girl - when grandpa isn't home. hehe

With May being graduation month, I've had to make time to get some cards done and I think that is the key. Like my writing, if I want it I have to MAKE time for creativity or anything else I enjoy. So here's hoping I can be back in here on a regular basis and build the blog to theinteractive venue I first invisioned.

So here's to a fresh start in Creativity!

Creative Blessings!