Caron Vinson featured artist at Sweet Pea Stamps HOP

If you are here for the Bombshell Hop, please see the post below this one.  Thank you :)

Today the design team will share with you the lovely artwork of Caron Vinson, the current featured artist! Currently all Caron Vinson designs are 25% off!

This beauty is the image called Scorpio.  She is part of Plate #77 or can be purchased individually.  I am looking forward to coloring her up in some additional color palettes, but am loving her in purple :)

Now, go enjoy the rest of what the DT has to show you.  There is some amazing talent on this team and I just know you won't be disappointed .


Your stops along the way include:
Sweet Pea Stamps blog
Alexandra Lundgren
Angela Sowell
Dawn Knight
Holley Barnhart
Jennifer Willis
Karina Lange
Micki Harper

Leave a comment at every stop to be entered into a drawing for a $20 gift voucher to the Sweet Pea Stamps store!

Get Inky!

Alex

Bombshell Hop!!

Put Me in the Movies!!  That is the theme for this month's Bombshell Hop.  This is the first month I have played along, and I am REALLY hoping they don't invite me to never participate again :).  So, can you tell what movie I put my Bombshell Mermaid Treasure in?

I know, I am SERIOUSLY showing my age here, but the minute I heard the theme I knew EXACTLY what I wanted to do and this is it.  This is meant to be the scene in Mermaid when Madison is relaxing in the bathtub in the hotel room and unfurls her beautiful tail.

Your next stop on the hop is Sparkly Engineer.  However, make sure you visit ALL of the blogs for the wonderful Bombshell Hop creations and leave a little love along the way.  You won't regret it!

Bombshell Blog: http://bombshellstamps.blogspot.com/
Alison: http://alisonsrandomthoughts.blogspot.com
Laura: http://craftylittlewoman.blogspot.com/
Alaine: http://missalaineousmosaics.blogspot.com/
Meredith: http://www.papercanteen.com
Kelli: http://www.cajunstampingqueen.blogspot.com
Mary G.: http://www.mystampinhide-away.blogspot.com
Alex: http://www.paperandstring.blogspot.com/
Sparkly Engineer: http://sparkly-train.blogspot.com/
Celina Anthony: http://poniesandcrafts.blogspot.com
Glittery Katie: http://ferrishyn-frontier.blogspot.com
Kapree: http://kc-consultant.blogspot.com/
Cheryl: http://inktrap.blogspot.com
Dianne: http://dkspinner.blogspot.com

Get Inky!

Alex

The BEST Rhubarb Crisp EVER!

Since rhubarb season is upon us, I have decided to share my very, very FAVORITE way to have it.  This is also probably one of my very favorite desserts ever. 

Topping:
1 1/2 cups regular (not quick cook) oatmeal
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
mix all these together and add 3/4 cup melted butter.  Place one half of the mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 inch backing pan.  Spread out and press in place. 

Cover with:
6 cups of cubed rhubarb.

In a saucepan cook together:
1 1/2 cups white granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Stir constantly while cooking.  Cook until a thick consistency then poor over the top of the rhubarb.

Spread the other half of the topping mix on top.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.

I strongly recommend having vanilla ice cream on hand when this comes out of the oven :)

Enjoy!!
Alex

Annie Oak Leaf

I hope you were able to see all the DT samples of the surprise new release of the Fall Flora Fairies from SCACD.  There are 4 fairies and each one is cuter than the last!  I just HAD to play with Little Annie Oak Leaf.  The new Memory Box - Nightfall paper pack was perfect to create this fall card.

Don't forget to swing by the store blog  to enter for some BLOG CANDY and see what other members of the DT created with the Fall Flora Fairies!

Challenges:
Sparkles Forum #19 - Punch It
Send a Smile 4 Kids - Punches or Die cuts
Jellypark Challenges - punches or die cuts
Phindy's Place #70 - make your own embellishments
For Your Inspiration #12 - inspiration picture

Get Inky!

Alex

Fall Flora Fairies- NEW RELEASE!!

There is a surprise new release today of the Fall Flora Fairies Collection from SCACD Stamp Co. There are four different fairies and you have to see them ALL!!   I am going to share Stargazer.

 

She is all bundled up for the coming winter to make certain she doesn't freeze her wings off :).  After stamping her with Momento Ink I colored her with copics.  The background panel was embossed with the Couture Creations embossing folder Entangle.  I used Viva Decor White Gloss Gel pen for the accents.

The coordinating flower stamp was used to decorate the inside of the card.  I know you can not wait to see the rest of these Fall Flora Fairies Collection from SCACD Stamp Co. Head over the SCACD store Blog for a list of where you can see the rest, a SNEAK PEAK of the September release and BLOG CANDY!!

For those of you in Europe, you can get this collection from Quixotic Paperie.

Get Inky!

Alex

Chained to the Sea

Terra Bidlespacher has a fabulous and fun style.  This image is called Chained to the Sea and is available alone or on a sheet with three other wonderful images at Sweet Pea Stamps.

Terra has a unique style and I love the way her girls look.  They all have some sass and strength that speaks to me in a fabulous way.  I hope you take some time to check out her images if you haven't before.  Or if you have, give them a second look!

Get Inky!

Alex

Sweet Pea Stamps HOP

Some of the DT for Sweet Pea Stamps are participating in a blog hop today to showcase our current Featured Artist Katerina Koukiotiss. She has some really stunning images at Sweet Pea Stamps and I hope you take the time to check them out.  This one is Wicked Moon.  You can get it alone or as part of a WONDERFUL Halloween themed plate.

Speaking of Halloween, Sweet Pea Stamps has a Halloween sale and a Cyber Sidewalk Sale going on right now!

Now off to the next stop on the hop is Angela's Blog.  Be sure to leave her some love while you are there!  Don't forget, you could win a $20 store gift certificate if you comment on all the blogs!  The drawing won't be until Monday, so send your friends to the hop for a chance to win too!!

If you get lost, the entire list is on the Sweet Pea Stamps Blog for your reference.

Get Inky!

Alex

Femme Fatale

This lovely lady is called Femme Fatale and is from the Sweet Meets Sassy 2 Collection by Victoria Case for SCACD.

I felt she desperately needed to have a paper pieced dress and when I saw this paper by Bo Bunny in their Zoology pack.  Perfection!  It was also a fabulous time to use the Cuttlebug Embossing folder that is like leopard skin.  It is part of a four pack currently on sale at SCACD!

Get Inky!

Alex

Have you seen it?

Have you seen it?!?!?  The first full sneak of one of the stamps by Sylvia Zet for SCACD is being shown at the STORE BLOG Follow Your Heart.  You absolutely must go see it .  It is ADORABLE!!

Go HERE now!!!  Soooooooooooooooooo cute!

Get Inky!

Alex

Home Sweet Home

Susana got in this new stamp set called Street Parts, by Crafty Individuals Stamps in stock at SCACD. 

The moment I saw it, I wanted it.  I wanted it right that VERY second.  Not just an  'it is pretty I want to own it', but an 'I want to ink it up and PLAY' want it.  Unusual for me, I actually waited for a bit to get it, but I worried constantly that it would disappear.  That you would all buy them up before I could get my hands on one!!!

The day it finally arrived at my house I grabbed the scissors, cut it all apart and began stamping on some Tim Holtz Glassine paper.  I had this particular project in mind, but I stamped LOTS of images since I didn't know for certain which would work just like I wanted.  I grabbed my Copics and colored some of the images.

Next up was the background on the tag.  First I used walnut ink and sprinkled on a few extra crystals to paint the road.  Then I used a couple colors of ink to put down grass and some Twinkling H2Os for the sun.  I then placed my fabulous little houses and trees to create the neighborhood. 

This was a complete BLAST to create.  I hope you get this set, it has so many possibilities and I would love to see what YOU do with it!!

Get Inky!

Alex

New Artist at SCACD!!!

Join us at the SCACD Store Blog to Welcome the Newest Artist to SCACD!!!

There is also a chance to win something but you will have to go to the Store Blog to check it all out.

We are all very excited about this addition and look forward to the upcoming release next month!!!

SO head on over and check it out!!!

GO!!!

Alex

Mermaid in Coral

Coral the color that is.  This is an image from Plate #84 by Elaine Cox.  I love both images on this Plate #84, but today am sharing the mermaid under the sea.

I used coral and peach to color the mermaid and the flowers.  I wanted a nice contrast the the stone in the image.  This one, as are all designs by Elaine Cox, is a joy to color.  I really liked matching the mermaid to the flowers and the hair.  I had this pattern paper that was just perfect.  Don't ask me what it is, because I have no idea, I just had a small piece and it worked!  I am sure many of you can understand how that happens.

The button inside the flower is one I made using a 1st Impressions Mold and Viva Decor Crystal Gel from SCACD.  The button was done with the orange/gold Crystal Gel.  The color wasn't quite what I wanted for this card so I painted it with white acrylic paint and a sponge.  Once it was dry, I highlighted the texture/design of the button with Gold Metallic rub on. 

Challenges:
Craft Your Passion #70- Under the Sea
Paper Playtime #52- Projects with Water

Get Inky!

Alex

All Peeked Out Peeker

This little cutey is part of the new release Peekers 2 drawn by Elisabeth Bell exclusively for SCACD.  The entire set is wonderful, but this one, All Peeked Out Peeker, is just precious.

I paired her with the My Minds Eye- Lost & Found Collection - Portobello Road.  This paper has a wonderful Victorian feel to the colors and styling.  The ADORE sentiment is actually cut from some of the paper as well.  That fabulous button was actually made using one of the First Impressions Molds and the Viva Decor Crystal Gel in Orange/Gold.  Since that color didn't work with this card, I painted it white and then brought out the details with a gold Metallic Rub-On.

I know this sweetie is meant to be tired and done for the day, but my little guy and I decided she reminds up more of how we feel some mornings as we are waking up!  Wouldn't she make the best Easter cards?

Challenges:
I Did It Creations #67 - Children
Raise The Bar #69- Anything Goes
Craft US Crazy #14 - Anything Goes

Get Inky!

Alex

Dirty Rat

Smudgefest Day 7 has an extra special treat! There is a free digi image from Smeared Ink and the challenge is to use it! YAY!!!
Here is my entry for the final day of Smudgefest!

So- what do you think?  Have you entered Smudgefest today?  I would love to see what you create with this wonderful image!!!

Get Inky!

Alex

More Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiins!

Smudgefest Day 6!  Yep- already day 6.  It has gone quickly!!!  Today the challenge is a sketch.  I promise you I started with the sketch, and hopefully you can still see remnants of the sketch in my finished project.

The letters and image are all from the Build a Zombie Alphabet Set by Smeared Ink.  The 'blood' is actually from a Viva Decor Pearl Pen in red.  It really does make the best blood of anything I have used!

Get Inky!

Alex

Going with the flow

flowing mediums that is.  Smudgefest Day 5 the challenge is to use a 'flowing medium'.  I used 3 :). 

Now for all the deets... This lovely lady is from the Smeared Ink set Chicks Dig Guns, which is a favorite 'go to' for me.  She is all bad looking and I love it.  The sentiment is from The Grumpies.  The Grumpies have the best sentiments EVER!   I think this one just works so perfectly with the image, don't you?
As for the flowing part.  The tag is colored with a couple of different glimmer mists that were sprayed directly onto a non stick craft sheet and them mopped up with the tag and left to dry. 

I decorated some of the image with the Smooch and the 'dots' are done with the Viva Decor Glitter Liner in hematite.  I love the way this retains the 3D shape when it dries and that it really stays black!

Hope you are playing along with the Smudgefest or at least enjoying looking at what others are creating.  There is really some amazing stuff being made.  Check it out!

Get Inky!

Alex

Twisted Thursday

It is day 4 of the Smudgefest Challenges.  I have to admit that this is getting me SUPER excited for the 31 Days of Halloween again this year and Edgar told me he can't wait either!!!
Today's challenge was to create an ATC 'with a twist'.  I have to admit, the example on the blog is AMAZING so be sure to check it out.  This is what I was able to come up with during my very limited creative time today.

Obviously, my 'twist' is the ribbon.  The sentiment, skulls and bones are from Smeared Ink in the Grumpies Set and Killer Bo Peep.  Now, I have to tell you that I think dolls are the CREEPIEST things EVER!  I saw this sticker and knew there was no way I could make it cute and nice.  I can totally see this thing coming awake at night, the head spinning around and it flying off the shelf to viciously attack someone. EEK!!!

Get Inky!
Alex

EIGHTEEN?!?!?!?!?!

Susana just put EIGHTEEN BRAND NEW 6x6 paper packs from MME up for sale at SCACD.  Yep, you read that right, 18!!!  This includes some holiday lines so RUN to get some.  Just a quick sampling of the fabulousness!!

I know!  You need them ALL!!!

Get Inky!

Alex

Where is Edgar?

Hear I am!!!  After much prompting from all of you and BEGGING from me, Alex has let me out to visit!  I am also going to show off her creation fro today's Smudgefest challenge since it has a STUNNING bird on it.

The Smudgefest Day 3 challenge is a color challenge.  The colors are orange, mustard yellow, dark grey and deep purple.  Alex used the deep purple ink to stamp the images.  The building top and the bird are both from the Holy City set by Smeared Ink.  She used the orange and yellow distress inks to sponge in a sunset and the dark grey to color the building.  She also used a pewter (dark grey) metallic rub on around the edges of the tag.  So, what do you think?

Personally, I am loving seeing the tags again.  I am also enjoying hearing Alex giggle and sing when she makes them.  Being let out of the cage.... Priceless!

Hoping to see you tomorrow!
Edgar

How creepy can I get?

I think today is IT.  I mean truly creepy, not shocking, just the skin crawling heebie jeebies :).  I have combined the Smudgefest challenge to use the scariest image from Smeared Ink with the Haunted Design House Macabre Monday challenge to be influenced by the legendary Vincent Price.

Ok- so let me share the process my twisted mind went through :).  I knew that the spider image from Killer Bo Peep was what HAD to be used as the creepiest/scariest one of Smeared Ink I have.  I mean, lets face it, Zombies are just plain funny, not scary, but hairy legs spiders are WAY ooky.  I was doing some research and found that one of the many movies Vincent Price was part of was called The Web.  I went looking for some images from it and found this:

Now- I have NO IDEA what this image is from, but I want to say "Geez Vincent, do ya think...."  So, I kept looking and found not the poster for the movie The Web, but to The Fly.

BY JOVE, I think she's got it!  However, during the process I saw many, many of what I would call classic Vincent Price of him with a skull of some sort like this one.

 So, after all of this, I pulled out the supplies and got busy.  This is the result.....

Spiders are from Killer Bo Peep set as is the skull- which my brain hears doing the infamous Vincent Price evil cackle.  The grave is from the Zombies set.  Hope you like it :)

Challenges:
Smudgefest Day 2- Terrifying Tuesday
Haunted Design House #100- Varying Visages of Vincent
Simon Says - A Tag

Get Inky!
Alex

Most times I'm good....

but sometimes I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad....

I know, I know, terrible, but fun :).  Smeared Ink is having what they are calling SMUDGEFEST this week on the Smudgy Antics BLOG.  It is a week long contest with a daily challenge to create.  Each day has prizes by random draw for all who enter and for those that enter every challenge, there is a GRAND PRIZE drawing at the end.  WOOT WOOT!!

Today the challenge is "Manic Monday" - create something showcasing opposites.  I used the Sheep from the Killer Bo Peep stamp set by Smeared Ink.  The most difficult part was lining these images up!!

Hope you enjoy and I can't wait to see all the other creations this week!

Challenges:
Smudgefest Day 1 - Manic Monday
DDH 10 - Black & White

Get Inky!
Alex

What's In The Box Peeker

I really hope you have had the opportunity to see all the inspiration my DT Sisters and our Special Guests provided for the new release Peekers 2 by Elisabeth Bell exclusively for SCACD.  If not, I suggest taking just a minute to look at some of them on their blogs!  I have to admit that I too have caught PEEKER FEVER!  They are just so much fun to work with and so I spent some time playing with them yesterday.  I have to share what I created with What's In The Box Peeker and some of the fun things in stock at SCACD!

First I stamped What's In The Box Peeker on white cardstock and colored her.  I used the new Authentique - Journey paper pack for the background and the paper piecing in her dress.  I then used the Tonertex glue and silver foil to create the polka dots in the ribbon on the present.  I ran some strips of the Inkessentials Metal Foil Tape Sheets (this stuff ROCKS!) through the Garden Swirl embossing folder by Craft Concepts.  After, I rubbed a bit of the Craft-T Metallic Rub-Ons in sky blue over the embossed foil.  Everything got matted in black cardstock and VIOLA!

Get Inky!

Alex