Jana's Creative Pursuits in Stamping

Happy Birthday Marci & Luka!

2011-08-24T02:01:00.001-07:00

I can't believe Marci and Luka turned 1 this month - it seems like just yesterday that we were planning for their launch to the world. And they've done so many new things in that time. Luka has taken up several sports, Marci, not to be outdone, is sporting too. They've been to far-off places and fairytale worlds. And I can't wait to see what they come up with next!

To celebrate this wonderful milestone, we're hopping (if you didn't get here from Cindy's blog head on back to the La-La Land Crafts blog so you don't miss a stop!) and giving out some GREAT blog candy containing the following items:

~ Set of 12 Copic Markers in NEW 2011 colors
~ Set of Spica Pens
~ Pack of X-Press Blending Cardstock
~ New Scor-pal and a pack of Scor-Tape
~ 3 sets of 12x12 Basic Grey Collections paper packs
~ $20 gift certificate to the La-La Land Crafts Store

To be eligible for this FABULOUS blog prize, you must follow these 3 easy rules:
1. Become a follower and/or subscribe to our Blog.
2. Display a picture of our Blog Candy on your blog with a link back to THIS POST.
**if you don’t have a blog, please spread the word
3. Leave one comment BELOW after completing the blog hop answering this question:
“Which stamp used on the projects in this hop is your favorite?”

You have until August 31st to leave your answer on the La-La Land Crafts blog (one comment only please).
We will draw the winner’s name on September 3rd. Now let’s get on with our AWESOME hop!!

I made a fun little Birthday Card to celebrate Marci's birthday. And the fun part? If you live in the Bay Area, you can make it too! This is one of 3 cards my students at Memories Live On in Cupertino will be making on September 25th (click on the class link at the top of my blog for more info.) Genie Marci is one of my favorite new stamps...she's so much fun to color. Especially with those sheer pants and sleeves!

Speaking of coloring, here are the copics I used to color this cutie:
face/skin: E50, 51, 53; R00; RV000, 21, 25
hair: YR30, 21, 23
clothes: RV000, 21, 25
lamp: C1, N3, BG0000, 01

Thanks for stopping by today. Be sure to keep on hopping to see what amazing creation Jeannette has come up with - I know you won't be disappointed! And remember after finishing the hop to go back and leave your comment about which stamp was your favorite of the hop!!

I'm still alive...

2011-08-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

...and kicking! Sorry for the long, unscheduled hiatus everyone. Life decided I needed a summer vacation from blogging...and I think it was good for me. I can't promise to be very consistent over the next 2 months while trying to get Jackson ready to start preschool, start a new business, and train a new puppy (what were we thinking?!?) but I'll try to get here at least once or twice a week!

Here's Jack with our newest addition, Coconut!

Some quick news, and then a few cards from before my summer stamping break.

Julia (my lovely dd) is now on a Design Team!! I'm so proud of her, and all her work. She is creating projects for the new La-La Land for Kids blog! She just posted the team's first contest yesterday, so be sure to check it out. And if you have crafty kids, we'd love it if they played along!!

Marci is celebrating her first birthday over at La-La Land Crafts this month, which means a ton of specials and a great contest with a great prize!!Be sure to go check them all out! And...we've got a birthday blog hop coming up too! :-)

Here are a few things I made for end of year thank you's at school and my dh's bday card. All stamps used for these are from My Favorite Things. Enjoy!

New Summer Marci & Luka Collection Blog hop

2011-05-25T01:52:00.000-07:00

La-La Land is gearing up for summer with new Design Team Members and some fun new stamps! We're hopping around today so you can see some amazing creations by the new team featuring these fabulous new stamps, and we hope you'll join along. If you didn't just arrive from the illustrious Cindy Haffner's blog, then be sure to head on back to the La-La Land CraftsBlog for the full details. You'll want to leave a comment on every blog you visit along the way to be eligible to win one each of the 6 new stamps in the Summertime collection. That's three new Marci stamps and three new Luka stamps!!

For my card today I got to use the adorable new Beach Marci! I love her little floaty, and the old fashioned striped bathing suit is just too cute!! And that bucket hat?? LOVE it! To color her, I used my copics (of course) and included E50, 51 and 53; R00 and 30, Y11, 13, 15 and YR 15, 23 and 31; BG000, 01, 02 and 05. Phew! The paper is some old SU! designer paper that had a perfect summer sun feel to it!

Now keep on hopping to see what my good friend (and amazing stamper) Jane/Izzy has for you today, and don't forget to comment along the way so you can win!

Simple and sweet...

2011-05-05T16:48:00.000-07:00

Somtimes, simple is the best way to go! I am definitely a fan of clean and simple when it comes to layouts, but also for my images and even embellishments sometimes. This card is certainly an example of that.

I colored Marci's sweet little Panda bear with my W1, 3, 5 and 7 markers (with a little R000, R21 &22 for the collar) I paired him up with some MME Stella Rose papers and fun ric rak, added a sentiment from My Favorite Things, and that was it. A super fast, easy card. Every card doesn't have to be a masterpiece, some can just be! :-)

Speaking of masterpieces, did you see that we have a Design Team Call up for La-La Land Crafts right now?? Why don't you check it out, and you could start creating masterpieces for us here in La-La Land!!

Jessalyn gets Mojo'd

2011-04-28T16:26:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I'm back from our vacation to Key West! We had a fabulous time enjoying the perfect weather and relaxed attitude.

I decided to pair Jesalyn (available in digi right here and in rubber here!) with this week's Mojo188 sketch, and am quite pleased with the results! I also colored her with my W's to create the black and white look - such a fun technique!! I used W00, 1, 3, 5 and 7 - along with R00 to give her a nice soft pink glow.

I hope you all have been linking up your La-La Crafts creations on our blog...just a few more days to get in for this month's Customer Appreciation drawing!! Good luck!

Passing the torch...

2011-04-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

I've had such a fabulous time on the Amber Ink, and I can't WAIT to see what my great pal Jane does with these fabulously fun images!! So, without further ado...here are the NEW torchbearers!!

Our Blue Torch is being passed by the lovely Amy Everson to our Cathy Weber http://emptynestcrafter.blogspot.com/!

Our Orange Torch is being passed by our magical Anita Madden to Michele Greenwood http://whimsicalcreations.blogspot.com/!

Our Pink Torch is being passed by the fantastic Mandi Moore to Anne Cullen http://craftyannyskoolkardz.blogspot.com/ !

Our Brown Torch is being passed by the incredible Tammy Hellstern to Katie Kahl http://katiesscrappyplace.blogspot.com/

Our Purple Torch is being passed by the wonderful Jana Weaver (hey that's me!) to Jane Matsumoto http://whoopsiedaisy-jane.blogspot.com/

And don't worry...I'll still be playing with these wonderful images!!

I was Double Dog Dared...

2011-04-18T03:55:00.000-07:00

Ok Carole, you started it! I was double dog dared by my cyber friend (and fellow CP mom) Carole to make a card using one of the adorable Amber Ink Nudie Cuties. How could I resist?? I thought I'd make a love note that Carole could send to her good friend Cammie! I mean...doesn't this look JUST LIKE Carole??

If you haven't checked out the Nudie Cuties yet, I strongly encourage you to. They are adorable, and SO MUCH fun to color!! Think of all the great shading opportunities! I used a pretty basic layout, and added this LUSCIOUS silk ribbon to finish it off.

I've had such a great month with Amber Ink, I'm sad to see it come to an end. But...stay tuned to find out who the NEXT Purple Torchbearer will be...I know you won't be disappointed!! I'll be back later this week of a recap of my month as a torchbearer, and to pass the baton along.

MFTWSC15 - Playing Soccer

2011-04-15T15:47:00.000-07:00

When I saw the new ball sport Pure Innocence stamp set for this last release I was ecstatic!! With a soccer player myself (who wants to try out Basketball too!) this set is perfect for me!!

Such a wonderful sketch this week too! I love all that open space to play in! Not too many layers - a sketch custom made for me. Kim must have remembered it was my birthday this week! :-) I used a few Die-namics here...grass, clouds and sun to be exact, and some great 3Bugs in a Rug paper I picked up at Memories Live On.

Happy tax day everyone, I'm off to Florida for a week, but I'll have a few posts here while I'm gone, so be sure to come check them out!

Dress up Marci is Retro!

2011-04-14T02:32:00.000-07:00

You know I had to do it! I hadn't colored this little cutie black and white yet, and I just needed to see how she'd look! As usual, I've paired her up with this fabulous Circa 1934 paper and this week's Mojo Monday sketch. And of course you all know already that this little cutie is available in both rubber and Digi format.

I added lots of embellishments, lace, ribbon, bakers twine! The sentiment is an old Stampin Up! set that matches the punch, with a scalloped circle behind it. For markers I used W00, 01, 03. 05 and 07.

Have you been linking up YOUR La-La Land creations on the Customer Gallery page? You know you can win FREE STAMPS that way, right?? So, what are you waiting for!

2011-04-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

Amber Ink is sponsoring this week's challenge over at the Sisterhood Challenge blog! (warning: music plays so turn down your speakers if blurfing at night!) And we've been challenged to create something with an Easter theme! So super easy with Amber's adorable new Love Bunny images!!

I just used a few Warm Grey markers to color in the bunnies. I cut them with circle nestie and mounted them on a new flower 3 nestie die. Add some pink satin ribbon and Easter-y designer paper and this card is good to go! Isn't this the cutest little bunny family?? Head right on over to the Amber Ink store to get yours today!!

MFTWSC14...Let's Chat!

2011-04-11T21:16:00.000-07:00

I really love this new set and die, and was happy to finally get to play with it a little more. I wanted to play with this fun parisian paper that I picked up at my LSS (Memories Live On) a while back. And I thought it would be fun to use this set with this week's sketch!

I finished off the inside with another sentiment from this fabulous set. A fun card to send to a friend you haven't talked with in a long time!

Amber Ink fun bumbles in

2011-04-08T04:27:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this gorgeous daisy paper. And I couldn't bear to cover much of it up. The colors are so nice and bright, and I love the adorable smiling faces on the daisies. I used a sentiment from the Wee Bees set along with the little bumble bee and some ribbon to finish off this card.

Be sure to go check out the new releases from Amber Ink...along with these fun papers and bees, some ADORABLE new bunnies!! Don't worry...I'll have something with them very soon! Oh...and the amazing Carole has double dog dared me to make a card wtih a Nudie Cutie...so keep a watch for that one too. :-)

This just in...

2011-04-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

12 Copic markers are up for grabs on the La-La Land Crafts blog once we reach 1000 followers on Facebook. Pretty cool huh? Wouldn't you like to add to (or start building) your collection?? Well head on over there RIGHT NOW to enter for your chance to win!

Good luck!!

Darling Marci has MOJO!!

2011-04-07T01:39:00.000-07:00

I had to play along with this fabulous mojo sketch this week, and thought Darling Marci would fit it perfectly! I have some brand new lattice edge rectangles that I picked up at my LSS Memories Live On (they may have a FEW left if you want to swing by!)

I colored this little sweetie with my copics, and had lots of fun putting it all together! Be sure to go check out the La-La Land crafts blog to see our latest stamps now available in RUBBER!! Go check it out!!

MFT is lookin' Shabby!

2011-04-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

So when I saw the MFT Guest DT contest for this month was Shabby Chic. Now, I'm not really one for shabby chic, but I though I would try and play along. I definately got the shabby part, just not so sure about the chic!!

I had started coloring this Fred the Bear image on Friday night, and so I thought I'd stick with him. Then, I pulled out an old pair of jeans I had been saving to use for cards and ran them through my Cuttlebug with my rolled rose and mini rolled rose die-namics. I used this week's sketch for my layout, and distressed all the edges with my scissors (I can't find my distressing tool...it's somewhere on my desk but I have no idea where with the giant piles I currently have!)

I added a little of the new MFT Baker's twine, and took a happy birthday sentiment from another Pure Innocence set I had on my desk and voila...a shabby (chic?) card!

Amber Ink is Gettin' Sketchy!

2011-04-01T03:05:00.000-07:00

Amber Ink is sponsoring this week's Get Sketchy challenge #80. And we all know I love a good sketch!! This one was so fabulous, I actually made 2 cards with it, and I know I'll just it again, and again, and again!

For my Amber Ink project, I used the adorable Mini Mermaid set Can I Keep Him? which is available in both digital format and clear stamps, for those more patient souls. I loved this little mermaid, and all the different sea creatures that come with the set are perfect since my daughter is big into animals in or out of the water.

I also used some more of the digi papers from Amber Ink for this project: Dolphin Paisly light blue tiny and Seaweed Paisly Goldfish blue tiny. These digi papers are so fun to use, and I can have as many as I need - just print more!!

I hope you'll play along with this week's sketch challenge too!

It's Party Time!

2011-03-31T02:36:00.000-07:00

I love the new Girlfriends collection from La-La Land Crafts! The ladies are sophisticated, and elegant, and VERY flirty! For some reason Jesalyn (currently available as a digi stamp!) brings Marilyn Monroe to mind for me...perhaps it's that dress! So for today's card, gave her platinum blond hair and a white dress that could be blowing up over an air vent - just like Marilyn!

I used my lovely Circa 1934 paper from Cosmo Cricket (LOVE that stuff still) and some NEW nestabilites that I just picked up at Memories Live On today (they arrived - WOOHOO!!) Of course I had to add some ribbon, and a touch of bling.

I used 2 stamps from MFT's Who's That Birthday Girl for sentiments...one on the front and one on the inside. I thought they fit perfectly!!

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone...Friday is right around the corner!

MFT Catch up...

2011-03-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted several of my recent MFT weekly sketch cards, so I'll try to get them all up here eventually!! For today i thought I'd show the most recent one I made for MFTWSC12 using the a la mode Go Team set.

Last soccer season the team mom we had was fabulous (this season hasn't really gotten going yet, but I'm sure this season's will be wonderful too!) but Kristen was such an amazing cheerleader for the girls...I loved having her at the games! So this card is for her!

Notice my attempt at making a shadow on the grass for her?? Have a great day everyone!!

Amber Ink Bunnylove and Etsy!

2011-03-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

Amber Ink is sponsoring this week's Etsy Inspiration Challenge, and we got to check out some gorgeous pieces for our inspiration! The inspiration comes from Fresh Metal, a shop with some amazingly beautiful necklaces featuring these fabulous rolled roses. I pulled some colors from the shop, along with the roses (I used the SU! satin roses from the current Occasions Mini that I colored with my Copic Airbrush system) and then I used the March Sketch For You to Try (also sponsored by Amber Ink this month!) for my layout.

Aren't these bunnies the cutest ever??? I colored them with some Warm Grays (W1, 3, and 5) since I learned to use the warm grays for living things...and I think they are much better than with the cools! after coloring them, I masked them then created the background with my copic Airbrush system. I used the Dizzy Edge DieNamic from MFT for my 2 horizontal strips for the sketch.

I finished off the inside with a sentiment from MFT's Warm Fuzzies. Be sure to play along with this month's SFYTT, you could win some Amber Ink stamps for your very own...and I'd love to see what you create for this week's Etsy Inspired challenge too!

Here's Jen Del Muro's sketch...on the off chance you haven't seen it yet!!

Luka is hot, hot, HOT!!!

2011-03-24T02:16:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love little Luka?? and as a fireman? ADORABLE!!! And you can have him for his very own in digital format - just head over to the La-La Land crafts digi store!

He works so well with this fabulous Basic Grey paper...and the mojo183 sketch. I had blast coloring him, although I see on this up close photo that I didn't get everything blended perfectly.

And for the inside? I pulled out the original Twisted Sentiments set from My Favorite Things. I think I'll have to send this to a friend of mine who's dh is a firefighter...she can give it to him for a special occasion!

Amber Ink's Wee Bees!

2011-03-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to share with you all my first project as an Amber Ink torchbearer. When I first saw these adorable Wee Bee images and matching daisy paper, I was very excited. I LOVE daisies. They are my absolute favorite flower! And the little bees?? Just darling!!

I printed the main image from this set along with the sentiment right above it on white cardstock, then again on plain paper so I could mask the images after coloring them. I then sprayed on the blue background with my copic airbrush system, and an amazing scene emerged. LOVE it! Since I printed this rather large, I decided to make a tall card with it...something I haven't done in quite a while. I forgot how much I love this format.

Be sure to check out what all the other new Torchbearing Babes have to share with you today...and be sure to hit the store to check out this whole set...ADORABLE!

I've got a torch to bear...

2011-03-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

from Amber Ink, and I'm so excited!! Amber Ink has a fantastic selection of digi stamps, clear stamps, and also digi papers. I've been having so much fun playing with them, so do stop by the shop to check them out. I first noticed them when my fabulous PSF and fellow CP Mom Allison carried a torch for them last month, and she made some outrageously cute cards with their designs. And now...she's passed the torch to me. Thanks Allison!!! Nothin' I like better than getting to play with new stamps and papers, right?

So...I'll be back tomorrow with my first project using these fabulous designs...so be sure to come back and check it out! Oh...and wanna know who else will be carrying a torch alongside me? Please stop by the Amber Inklings Blog and meet the other Torch Bearers that I'm running with..it's some amazing talent!

Dress-Up Marci available NOW!

2011-03-17T01:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! I hope you've all got your green on today, Marci sure does! I just LOVE this new Marci. Who didn't love to dress up when they were little? And wearing mommy's shoes? Always the best!! I actually colored this image at my Copic certification class, and Jennie helped me with it!! Cool, huh??

I knew I wanted to color her purple and green to match this fabulous Pixie-licious paper, and thought it was fabulous when I saw Irina had used very similar colors for the packaging. Notice the pearls I added to her necklace? I thought it would give her a little more dimension.

I colored the rose with my copic airbrush system, and colored the ribbon with a marker so it would all match. The card is a little bigger than I usually like to make, it's a full 6 by 6, but I wanted to take advantage of this fabulous paper, which really reduced the number of layers needed.

Now after you go download the newest digis, be sure to link up your creations on our customer gallery page, and you could WIN more La-La Land stamps! What are you waiting for?

MFTWSC10 - Something's Fishy...

2011-03-15T22:43:00.000-07:00

This week's MFT sketch was another great one, and I was so happy to finally ink up my Something's Fishy a la Mode stamp. since I've been fishing with my dad since I was 5 years old, I LOVE the girls fishing stamps!! (remember this old Bella??)

I paired her up with some DeLovely papers...I just love this yellow, pink and green combo...who'd a thunk it? Of course I had to do a little paper piecing, for her top. The rest is all colored with my copics. and don't you just love this saying?? I think when combined with the "Something's fishy" sentiment it's the perfect card for that woman you suspect is pregnant (or probably best if it's confirmed!) LOL!!

And for the inside? I used the AMAZING new doily die (can't remember the name, and of course it's out of stock so I can't even look it up! Dizzy Doily?? Oh, and we do have it over at MLO if you're wanting it!!) I just love that new die...and am busy working it into a card for my April card class.

Speaking of card classes...did you notice my new Page up there? I know have a page dedicated to my classes where I'll post the photos of the projects, along with the dates of upcoming classes for quick and easy reference! :-)

Lots of good stuff in La-La Land

2011-03-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone! I'm so excited to tell you about our 3 new images from La-La Land! Irina and Eric have been very busy, and they came up with these adorable additions to our little family.

Our sweet little Marci is busy playing Dress-Up this time, with mommy's shoes, a fabulous hat, and even some wonderful pearls. Who can resist this little sweetheart Dress Up Marci??

Luka is also playing dress up, and he's got the garden hose ready to put out some fires as Fireman Luka, with his trusty dog Tuffy at his side.

And Jesalyn looks like she's ready to hit the town and paint it red! She's got the killer shoes, gorgeous dress, and fabulous earrings.

Just click HERE to go shopping!!

And for those who love rubber, don't worry they're coming soon! Stay tuned :-)

Live in Southern California? Want a closer look at these images and more?? Irina is heading your way and has 3 trunk shows lined up down there, so come on out to see us!

Custom Impressions in Bellflower

Friday, March 18th, 5 pm to 8 pm

please call the store at 562-925-5927 for more information

Scrapbooking Made Simple in Santa Clarita

Saturday, March 19th, 9 am to 1 pm

please call the store at 661-298-1112 for more information

Collective Journey in Redlands

Sunday, March 20th, 1 pm to 4 pm

please call the store at 909-793-2200 for more information

Final sample for MLO class NEXT Saturday

2011-03-11T13:59:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share the 3rd and final card for my upcoming paper piecing and die cutting class at Memories Live On next Saturday, March 19th from 1-3pm (call the store at 408-446-9901 to sign up, I think there are still a couple spots left!)

This is the more masculine card for this month, and I just LOVED this new flopsy bunny out for a sail. Perfect for Father's Day, birthdays, or just because you care. Paired up with the great new Die-Namic waves you've got an adorable card for your favorite guy.

I used my copic airbrush system to create the sky background, and then pieced all the different layers up from there. I hand stitched the sentiment flag onto the central piece in keeping with the nautical theme.

Of course, I also finished off the inside as well. This fabulous 3 bugs paper has some fun banners that reminded me a little of sailing. Have a great day everyone...I've got to get bus now designing for NEXT month's class using the adorable new Easter stamps from MFT...LOVE them!!

Marci's got mojo!

2011-03-10T02:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday everyone! I loved the beautiful Mojo Monday sketch this week, and just had to play along. I thought these softer colors from the Fine and Dandy Tickled Pink paper pack from My Mind's Eye would work well with this super sweet Darling Marci.

I colored Marci with my Copics ( I had actually colored her hair at my certification class...and I like those for hair now - more markers to buy!) I added the pearl swirl, and then after it was all together, I added the flower with rhinestone center to Marci's hair. Cute, huh?

Now be sure to head over to the La-La Land Crafts store and check out all the great new stamps we've got in rubber for you! Have fun shopping!

New Rubber from La-La Land!!

2011-03-08T02:04:00.000-08:00

La-La Land Crafts is excited to present our latest Marci and Luka stamps in RUBBER! You can now get your favorite new stamps from the Play Time Collection, along with our newest family member Ally. You can visit the La-La Land Crafts online store to order your new stamps now, and have them to play with in no time!

To celebrate this release, the design team is hopping along so you can be inspired by each of these fabulous new stamps for your own creations. The hop started at our La-La Land blog, so if you didn't arrive here via our new guest designer Leanne's blog, then head on back so you don't miss out on any of the fun!

I get to share a Magician Luka card. I love playing with this little guy, and he worked perfectly with this carnival themed paper from my ancient All Boy stack from DCWV. I added some DieNamic cut stars, and a cute sentiment from an MFT set on the inside, and he was perfect!!

Now keep on hopping to see what the Amazing Lisa has come up with to inspire you! And if you get lost along the way, the order is listed below...enjoy!

Karen http://reallifeinpictures.blogspot.com/
Leanne http://liloshaggymoto.blogspot.com/
Jana http://stampwithjana.blogspot.com/ (YOU ARE HERE!)
Lisa http://lisahjulberg.blogspot.com/
1LuvnMama http://luvnthejourney.blogspot.com/
Kim http://craftymakes.blogspot.com/
Irina http://everythingpapercrafts.blogspot.com/

I'm not just certifiable...

2011-03-07T15:39:00.000-08:00

I'm Certified!! Yup, I took the Copic certification class with Jennie Black out in Sacramento yesterday. I got to carpool with the wonderful Eva, and met lots of uber talented ladies at what my husband termed the "muggle marker" class. (since I said they are NOT magic markers, he decided they must be muggles then!)

I learned some great techniques, and am now totally craving the air compressor for my airbrush system, as well as about 100 more markers (I currently have 112 - I counted!) Guess I better start saving some dough.

Arlene of Butterfly Kisses sat with Eva and I, and she was joined by two more friends, so it was like a big ole party. Fun times for sure. I actually got a little coloring done during some of the time Jennie was talking (seriously, she TOLD us to color then!!) and finally colored up one of my sweet little PI's in black and white. You all know I love this technique for my La-La Land stamps, but hadn't yet tried it with my MFT cuties. I used W00, 1, 3, 5, 7 and a touch of 9. What do you think??

I paired her with this fabulous Circa 1934 paper from Cosmo Cricket and this past week's MFT Weekly Stamp Club sketch. Can you see the little pop of red on her hearts?? That's with a spica pen - LOVE those!!

Hope you all have a great day, and be sure to come back tomorrow as I've got something planned! :-)

Another March class sample

2011-03-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, sorry for the long MIA. My husband has been home all week, and you'd THINK that would give ME more free time, but NOOOO, not with my husband. He just managed to find tons of home projects to keep me busy and away from my stamp room! I haven't done ANYTHING since my SFYTT card. :-(

But, on a happy note, I do have another card for my upcoming card class at Memories Live On to share with you, and I hope you'll love it! The class is on Saturday, March 19th from 1-3 in the afternoon here in Cupertino, you can call the store at (408) 446-9901 to sign up. I used 2 different new Pure Innocence stamp sets, along with some great May Arts ribbon (will be in the store soon!) and some flower soft! And of course, some NEW Die-Namics (also coming to the store SOON!)

I colored my little PI and her birdie with my copic markers and then paper pieced her dress. I colored the tree in as well, then added a little flowersoft for some blooms in the tree. I used the grass die-namic as well as the flower trio and leaf trio to accent the front.

For my inside, I used the layered label die along with some more dp to finish off the card. I hope to see you at my class! I'm heading to Sacramento tomorrow for my Copic Certification class...I can't wait!!!

Squeeking in with a Feb. SFYTT

2011-02-28T19:48:00.000-08:00

Last night while working on my Guest DT card I also squeezed in a card for the February Sketch for you to try. I Loved this sketch, and am so glad I finally got a card done with it. I used my previously uninked inspired by Butterflies set from MFT, and I wanted to stick with the blue of a Blue Morpho for my card.

I stamped the butterfly on vellum, then colored it from the back with a copic marker. I used some old SU! designer papers to go with the Pacific Point cardstock. Thanks for the great sketch Jen!!

Thanks for stopping by...I'll be back with more soon!

MFT Guest DT contest card...

2011-02-28T17:33:00.000-08:00

This month's Guest DT contest for MFT was to create some DIMENSION using DIE-NAMICS. Now, I may not have ALL of them yet, but I certainly have more than a fair share of these dies, and I LOVE them!! So this was no hardship! And I got a chance to play with my Pixie-Licious paper which I love!

I started out with in idea to make a St. Patty's Day card (since I love that Irish holiday for giving me the excuse to make Corned Beef and Cabbage every year!) I used the Hearts a Plenty Die to create this adorable felt shamrock - isn't it sweet??

I colored up this cute little PI from last month's release to be holding the shamrock, and placed her on the layered labels dies. Notice I managed to use this week's sketch also?? I'm sneaky that way! Oh...and I love these little teeny tiny pearls from SU! for all my buttons lately - perfect size for her!

Of course I finished off the inside as well (although without any dimension) with more Layered Labels.

Sitting around, thinking of You!

2011-02-24T07:32:00.000-08:00

I'm back with another Marci card today, this time featuring the adorable Capri Marci! She's just so sweet sitting there...and I love coloring her hair red! She pairs so well with this gorgeous bright and cheery DeLovely papers from Cosmo Cricket. And...aren't her little earrings adorable??? Love the mini pearls from SU!

It's a quick and simple card today as I'm off to the snow with my daughter! In the past 2 years I was still nursing Jackson, so her Daddy got to take her to the snow, so I'm really excited to get to go myself this year. It will be a girls trip! And while she's out having her ski lessons on Friday? I'll be sitting in the nice warm lodge coloring away like a fiend!!! :-) Have a wonderful day!

March class sneak peek!

2011-02-20T20:56:00.000-08:00

I've been busy designing cards for my March class at Memories Live On with the newest MFT stamps, and I hope you'll love them as much as I do!! I'm using a few of the new 3 Bugs in a Rug lines of designer paper for all 3 cards next month, and I just LOVE this new paper - such wonderful colors! Makes me feel like spring, even if it is raining!

This first card uses the MFTWSC7 sketch. This is another fabulous sketch...and so much fun with the new little Butterfly Kisses PI combined with the butterfly die-namic. Adorable, no??

For the Paper Piecing Challenge in the Moxie Fab World (and just because I love to paper piece!) I used some vellum cardstock to piece her wings, and then added some fabulous Martha Stewart purple sapphire glitter to glam them up a bit. Her leotard is pieced with the 3 bugs paper from the background. I'm really liking the purple and green combo here....might have to do that again! And did you check out those gorgeous green rhinestones? They are by Memory Box...and they are gorgeous!!! And with all these dies it's perfect for the Crazy 4 Challenges challenge this week to use dies. :-)

I finished off the inside with the reverse side of the purple paper along with the simply scallops dienamic. have a wonderful President's Day everyone...and I'll be back with more soon! If you want to sign up for the class, call Memories Live On at (408) 446-9901.

Chef Marci is here!

2011-02-17T01:41:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love this little cutie! I think she's just adorable. I can't wait to use her with some sweet photos I have of Julia when she was little in a cute little chef's hat and apron in her play kitchen.

I colored her with my copics and paired her with some Basic Grey Nook and Pantry papers and my pearl brads. I used the Sweet Stop Sketch 95 from this week for my layout.

Have you been showing your La-La Land stamps some love?? Be sure to link them up here on our blog for a chance to win Customer of the Month!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T13:12:00.000-08:00

Here's my card for this week's MFT sketch. I had a lot of fun putting this card together with my new stamps, the fun Champagne sipping a la Mode and the fabulous new Twisted Sentiments four. I have all but one of these sets, and I love them all! Anyone know where I can get the 2nd one??

The sketch this week was certainly a challenge...and I did take a few liberties with the overall sketch, but stayed fairly true to the original I think! The paper is from Pink Paislee - isn't it gorgeous??

I used some SU! rhinestones for my little accents...and of course colored her in with my copics. I was going for the Katherine Hepburn look with the auburn hair. Loving my new E08 and E09 markers!!

As usual, I finished off the inside too with one of the sentiments from the A La Mode set. So much fun! Have a wonderful day everyone!

Class at MLO TOMORROW!! Final card

2011-02-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

Here's the third card for tomorrow's class at Memories Live On here in Cupertino. If you're in the area, I'd love to see you there! call the store at (408) 446-9901 to sign up, I think there are a couple of spots still open!

I used some more October Afternoon papers, this time from the Farm Fresh collection. I just love gingham of any kind, so it was perfect for paper piecing this little cutie's dress!

I also used the fabulous Rolled Roses Die-Namic with some lush red felt, some great lace, and the notebook edge die. Wow...lots of extras on this one!

Hope you're enjoying your weekend, and I hope to see you tomorrow!

Marci is Swingin'!

2011-02-10T02:13:00.000-08:00

Now...get your mind out of the gutter!! Sitting Marci is having fun swinging along in an old tire swing, just enjoying the lovely weather we've been having here in California!

I played around with her hair some, and tried to give her some lovely auburn locks with the sun glistening on those adorable curls. What do you all think?? I used some new markers, E11, E08 and E09.

Don't forget, you can get all the images from the new Playtime collection which was debuted at CHA in digi format right now, and coming SOON in rubber too!!

Another February Class Card

2011-02-07T18:47:00.000-08:00

I'm back with the 2nd of 3 cards for my February class (THIS Sunday, 2/13 from 2-4:30pm at Memories Live On, call them at (408) 446-9901 to register!) and I absolutely love it.

I used some more October Afternoon paper (I actually used October Afternoon for all 3 cards, and I think I'll use 3 Bugs in a Rug for all my March cards - have you SEEN how cute the new stuff is???) and this time I used a Jolinne stamp from MFT. She's so adorable, and in staying with the cupcake theme of this month, I just had to use her! I paper pieced her dress as well as the cupcake paper, and then used the AWESOME new Rosette Die (we're hoping to have some in stock for the class, but if not they'll be here very soon!!)

And isn't that brown lace awesome?? It's from May Arts, and I just LOVE it!! And the pearls for sprinkles on the cupcake? Those are Memory Box...perfect too!!

I used the Faux Crochet Trim Die-Namic on the inside to finish off the card along with some more DP and one of the sentiments in this set. Come back tomorrow for the 3rd and final card for this Sunday's class. I hope to see you there!!

MFT WSC5

2011-02-06T16:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday everyone. We've got another gorgeous California day here today. I could get used to this weather again...but I know soon enough it will start raining and get chilly again. At least it isn't snow!!

I got a chance to play along with the MFT stamp club challenge, and this week's sketch was fabulous!! I finally got my new little Ladybug PI inky too - which was loads of fun! Isn't she adorable? I think the perfect Valentine for my Julia bug!

I actually mixed patterened papers...I have some Cosmo Cricket Garden variety along with the houndstooth from Pink Paislee's Bayberry Cottage. I can't wait to paper piece with that one, it's such a nice small pattern! I colored her in wtih my copic markers, and then used a silver spica pen for her wings. I sponged the edges of her oval layer with some creamy caramel ink. The little I Love You sentiment is from another PI set, I just can't remember which!

I finished off the inside with a sentiment from the ladybug set along with some more dp...I know my little bug will love it!! I'll be back tomorrow with another sample for my February class...don't forget to sign up if you're in the area!

TCP Tuesday 144 - Sketch Challenge

2011-02-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

I love a good sketch...and this week's TCP Tuesday challenge is a wonderful sketch!! I used my adorable Bear Hugs set again, and this time I made him (her?) a brown bear. I colored the bear in with my E53, 55 and 57 markers with a touch of 51 and 59. My 53 is really juicy, which ended up adding some nice texture!

For the sketch, I decided to use felt for the circle piece, and I wanted to add some stitching, so I carefully zigzagged all around the curve. I only messed up a few places...pretty good for this lousy machine I've been using (the Pixie - I don't recommend it!!!) Then I also stitched down the 3 strips of paper. I stamped the sentiment on the rectangular piece and sponged around it...then added the bear on top.

Overall I think it's pretty cute, so I'll probably use it for Jackson's valentine this year. I also finished Julia's and will show you that soon!

CPS203: Marci with Rose

2011-02-05T07:15:00.000-08:00

I really wanted to make a card with this week's CPS sketch, and I got a chance with Marci with Rose. I used some gorgeous new Memory Box 6 by 6 paper I picked up at Memories Live On, along with Blushing Bride and Pear Pizzaz, 2 "In Colors" from SU! this year.

I paper pieced her dress with some of the Memory Box paper, and then put her arm and the rose over the top of it. Doesn't she look so sweet in a little rose print dress?

I used my corner rounder on the tab to make it kinda like a little filing card, and I included a sentiment from an MFT set (Pure Innocence Making a List but she's out of stock right now.) for the embellies on the side I used some flower shaped buttons topped with half pearls...I like the effect! I finished it off with a prima flower in the corner.

New LaLa Land Digis!!!

2011-02-03T19:10:00.000-08:00

Irina is back from CHA, and had a wonderful time. And to celebrate LaLa Land Crafts' success at CHA, we've got SEVEN of our new images in DIGIs for you!! You can now purchase the digital images of our PLAY TIME Collection plus a newest La-La Land family member, Ally!!! Above I've got one of my cards using the new Pilot Luka - isn't he adorable?? Go get your digis...

RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW

And now without further ado, please make way for:

Chef Marci

Doctor Marci

Magician Luka

Pilot Luka

Sitting Marci

Capri Marci

and as promised, the newest member of La-La Land family member, from our NEW Girlfriends Collection - this is Ally!!!

To purchase any or ALL of these stamps, please go to DIGIs page or simply click HERE!!

Do you like rubber stamps better?? Don't fear.. All of these images will be available in rubber in just three short weeks!!

February class at MLO

2011-02-02T18:47:00.000-08:00

I've got samples to share for my upcoming February class at Memories Live On in Cupertino, CA. If you're in the area, I would LOVE to see you there!! You can call the store at (408) 446-9901 to register, but call quickly as the class is filling up fast! This month we're still paper piecing, but we've got 3 different Cupcake images from My Favorite Things to play with (some of which are currently out of stock at MLO, but don't worry they'll be back in before the class!)

For the first card I kept things fairly simply, and went more neutral. Flopsy is a fun, cute bunny who gets up to all kinds of mischief, and in this set he's got a yummy cupcake for someone's special day. This card is versatile, and even though it has a few flowers on it I think most boys would like it too. The papers are from October Afternoon, and along with the MFT grass Die-Namic, Nestabilities Label 14 die, a circle punch and some silver brads the card comes together pretty quickly.

As always, I've finished off the inside as well. I hope you've enjoyed this. I'll show the other two cards over the coming week...or you can always stop by the store to sign up for the class and see the cards in person!

Peek A Boo times 2!

2011-01-31T11:37:00.000-08:00

Ok...I got a card made for the MFT Guest DT contest as well...and I'm quite happy with it! What do you think?

I made it for this week's sketch, and was pretty happy with it. Then I realized, hey...this has 2 colors of cs, one patterned paper, and 2 embellishments...I could add another embelly and it would work for the Guest DT challenge as well. Then I thought, I'll remake it...and step it up a little. This is where I started!

I added some paper piercing and stitching, for the image itself I added grass for her to stand on, and made the sky a little more splotchy (LOVE my new copic air brush system - thanks honey!!!) to simulate some clouds. I also added some blades of grass with my pencils. Her flower was colored with spica glitter pens to add some sparkle, and I made the shadows on her skin a little more intense so you can really see them.

My three embellishments are ribbon, buttons, and linen thread. I'm quite happy with the "upgrades" this card got, and I hope you enjoy it as well! Oh..and the inside is pretty cute too - I'm thinking I should send it to my niece, but will also have to make something for my nephew then...hmmmm!

Love and Adoration

2011-01-30T22:29:00.000-08:00

Now...before I begin I must say, "mom, I'll make you one too if you want!!"

Ok, now on to the project. I had this heart frame from Mike's just waiting to be finished, and I thought it would be fun to make it for a photo of Julia and Jackson from Christmas time. I decided why not combine it with the MFT Guest DT challenge (a great recipe challenge!!) which was to use 1 patterned paper, 2 solid cs (and a neutral was ok) and 3 different types of embellishment.

It came together quite quickly, and I"m really excited with how well it turned out. I sponged all the various layers, and used this sweet sentiment from Clearly Sentimental About Love. I thought it was perfect with the look of complete adoration on Jackson's face in this photo.

Hope you've all enjoyed! Have a wonderful Monday!

Glimmer spray and MFTWSC3

2011-01-28T09:09:00.000-08:00

This week's sketch for MFT's Wednesday Stamp Club is wonderful in its simplicity! I'm a C&S girl at heart, so when I see a sketch with minimal layers like that my heart sings! (I've already made 2 cards with it...and will try to sneak in at least one more this weekend!)

There was also a challenge on the CARDS Create blog to use spray mist on a card, so it was a good excuse to pull out the Tattered Angels gold mist I bought at the CHA supershow LAST year and finally use it! I used an old cuddlebug folder for the bottom layer, then sprayed away with my gold mist. Next, I cut out the heats with my nesties, and then stamped the sentiment from Clearly Sentimental About Love on my vanilla heart. I sponged some Creamy Caramel ink on, the assembled everything (adding an antique brad to my layered bow)

I think, even with that big bow on there, this card could be used for a man...what do you all think??

Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice!

2011-01-27T02:08:00.000-08:00

Sugar and Spice Marci is just adorable...I think she's my favorite Marci right now! Today I finally put some color on her - and I like it!

I pulled the color from this fun cupcake paper I had in my stash. The layout is this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch from Karen Giron...I just added a buttony bow to complete it!

Now, if you're headed to L.A. to CHA, don't forget to swing by booth # 4607 and give a big hi to my peeps down there.

TCP Tuesday 143, have a Heart!

2011-01-26T11:41:00.000-08:00

I was excited to see this week's TCP Tuesday challenge (still need to go back and do the previous 2 - where does all the time go?!?) because I just got this ADORABLE new heart hugging bear, Bear Hugs from their new release! He is just adorable, and the sentiments that come with him are perfect!

As usual, I didn't color him in much, just added a little highlighting and shadows. I did paper piece his tummy, ears, and heart to add some color though. For once, I didn't have a sketch to use, and just kinda played around with the layout - I like it! Of course, having just bought the Glee Love Songs disk from Target (I'll admit it, I'm a closet Gleek!) I couldn't help but sing the song as I stamped the sentiment - it's always been a favorite of mine from when I was a child and my brother and I would sing the 2 parts together.

I hope you all have a great day, and I'll be back tomorrow with another LaLa Land cutie for you all!

Playing with MFT Sketches

2011-01-25T21:13:00.000-08:00

I finally got a chance to play along with this week's MFT Weekly Sketch Challenge yesterday, but didn't get to take the photo until this afternoon...so here you go! My VIP kit arrived yesterday, and I was so excited to get to play with it (of course, I should have been cleaning the house - oh well!) I knew I wanted to make a card for my Julia Bug...just a little something to slip to her sometime to let her know I love her.

I love this new MME 6 by 6 paper pack - such fun bright colors!! It was fun deciding which patterns to use for the outfits...and then matching to my SU! papers. Of course for my piecing I used all I learned from Joanne and pieced in layers, edging everything with dark grey (that way it doesn't look as bad as black would if I mess up a little!) I added a heart (from the hearts a plenty Die-Namic!) and a button with some MS bakers twine, along with a slightly re-oriented sentiment flag from the sketch.

I finished off the inside with another of the fabulous sentiments from this set and some more dienamics. I remember reading this book to Julia when she was little and always getting choked up (especially at the end when the little boy, now grown, comes back to rock his mother!) I hope she likes her card!

More Lovin from LaLa Land!

2011-01-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

Howdy Lala Landers, happy Thursday! I've got another black and white image for you today, this time using the adorable new Amour Luka! Now what woman would love to get this card from her sweetie?? Isn't he adorable with his heart box of chocolates and red rose?

I used some SU! dsp for this one along with a sentiment from MFT's Clearly Sentimental about Love set. I dressed up the bow with a felt heart (cut with the heart Die-Namics also from MFT) an SU! button and some twine. Adorable, no??

Heading to CHA this winter?? Lucky you!! Be sure to go say hi to Irina and Eric, our lovely leaders here in LaLa Land, and the other LaLa Ladies while you're there. Irina's got some great make and take's planned, and they'll have TONS of amazing samples (some even created by ME!) to get those creative juices flowing!! They'll be in the new exhibitor's pavilion booth # 4607. Have a great time, and tell them all hi from me while you're there!

3rd card for Sunday's class...

2011-01-13T16:25:00.000-08:00

Sunday's class is almost full. I think we have space for one or 2 more people, so if you'd like to come, call Memories Live on at (408) 446-9901 right now to sign up!!

This third card uses the adorable Box of Love Pure Innocence set. What a great card for Valaentine's Day, right? This great designer paper is from a fun serries of Black and White designs (I can't remember by whom!) and isn't this pleated red satin trim just dreamy???

I stamped her 3 times, once on my nestability cut rectangle, once on the polka dot dp, and once on some scraps (just her middle.) I then colored my little girl with copics, and the box of chocolates on the scrap piece. I added a little shading to her dress. Then, i cut out the box of chocolates (with her hands!) and the dress, and assembled it all. Lastly, I used some clear glaze pen on the chocolates and her shoes to give them a little shine. I cut out the rolled flower from some red CS, rolled it up and then put some clue on the top to dip in some chunky cut glass glitzy glitter.

For the inside, I stamped the box top on the bottom of the paper (notice I omitted it for the main image on front) and colored it in. I assembled everything, stamped the sentiment, and I was done! So, if you're local to the Bay Area, I'd love to see you there on Sunday!!

New Lukas and Marcis in RUBBER!!!

2011-01-12T23:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to you! La-La land Crafts is releasing their fabulous 4 new love themed stamps in rubber today along with our adorable Formal Luka and Fancy Dress Marci! You can check them out on the La-La Land Crafts blog and if you leave a comment on today's post, you could win ALL 6 STAMPS!!! You must leave your comment by midnight Sunday, January 16th to be eligible! Keep coming back for more inspiration using these adorable images!

Here I've got a quick and simple card I made using Sweetheart Marci - isn't she just the cutest? I altered a sentiment from an MFT PI set by hand writing the "s" at the end of Hearts...cute, no??

Have a wonderful day everyone!

MFT WSC is All Sketches, baby!

2011-01-10T21:13:00.000-08:00

Did you hear that MFT has changed their Wednesday stamp club to ALL SKETCHES??? I was so excited about this. Not that I don't like other challenges, but I LOVE sketches!! And with all the fabulous MFT stamps, there's an unlimited amount of stamping fun to be had.

I really wanted to try out this new set (ok, I've had it for a while, just hadn't used it yet!!) Flower Silhouette. I die cut the flower from Baja Breeze cs, then stamped the outline image on top with the same color. I added a little shading to the flower then added some glitzy glitter to the center.

I wanted to use my brand spankin' new Layered Label Die for the oval centerpiece on the card...it's so awesome! (and sorry...looks like Kim's sold out right now!) I used some fun SU! dsp, and the faux crochet trim die-namics along with some pearls for the ruffles at the top.

I finished off the inside very simply with another strip of dsp and another sentiment from this beautiful set!

Another sample from my upcoming class...

2011-01-09T21:03:00.000-08:00

You all know how much I love the Pure Innocence line of stamps from MFT, and in the last 2 years I've come to appreciate the little boy stamps even more, so I truly love this little guy jumping in puddles!! It reminds me of my nephew when we were back in Maine 2 summers ago!

For this, the second card we'll be making at my upcoming class, I used some super fun American Crafts City Park paper. I even pieced his jacket and boots with some solid paper (it doesn't have to be patterned paper when you're piecing an image!!) and then covered them with diamond glaze so they look like old fashioned rain gear.

The layout for this came from my sketchbook, and was actually an MFT Wednesday stamp Club sketch many moons ago (Thanks Frances or Cindy - can't remember who did this one!) I keep all my sketches in a little sketch book (or 3!) so that I can just flip through when I need some inspiration.

As usual, I finished off the inside too. Isn't this sentiment the best?? To sign up for the class (Next Sunday, January 16th at 2pm) call the folks over at Memories Live On in Cupertino (408)446-9901. But you better hurry...space is filling up fast! Oh...and if you're in the neighborhood, I'll be there at MLO on Tuesday over the lunch rush doing a FREE sweet little Valentine make and take with another adorable Pure Innocence stamp! So come on over and say hi.

SFYTT, TCP Tuesday!

2011-01-07T03:05:00.000-08:00

I really do have another TCP stamp...but I love this bear so much he keeps coming back out!! I'm anxious for this new release we're getting peeks of since I've seen a few I'd love in there!! I used TCP Tuesday #140's inspiration piece loosely, drawing the dark and bright colors from it! This month's SFYTT? Fabulous!

I pulled out some old DCWV Pet papers because I thought the paws in the hearts would look adorable with this bear, especially with this sentiment! And the colors reminded me of the inspirational hat. I stamped Big Bear on craft cs, then used some white craft ink and my aquapainter to add some white to the right side (light source) and then the kraft ink pad and aquapainter to add the shadows on his left. His ears and paws are done with brocade blue.

I tied some linen thread through one of my jumbo buttons and adhered it along with the sentiment flag for the circle element on Jen's sketch. I'm sure you all know that Jen has gone to monthly sketches, right? And this month TCP is sponsoring, so of course I had to pull out my TCP Stamps!

Have a wonderful Friday everyone!!

Marci's all Sugar and Spice!

2011-01-06T01:55:00.000-08:00

Introducing Sugar and Spice Marci! Isn't she adorable?? You can get her digi image right now, and she'll be available very soon in rubber as well! We all know cupcakes are totally hot, and so is retro. So here I've combined the two by coloring this sweet little thing B&W. Actually...I'll be honest. I had to go to the doctor's earlier this week and it's so easy to just toss 4 markers into my bag with some images, instead of thinking of ALL the colors I might want. So watch for more B&W to come!! ;-)

I used this fabulous new Cosmo Cricket Circa 1950's paper that Irina gave me recently - isn't it fabulous?? and for the floor, I used some wood sheets from Su! To create a floor. I used a sentiment from an MFT set and made it into a little banner coming out from a felt heart.

If you haven't seen all the adorable new Valentine images be sure to go check them out...and if you're a rubber addict (like me!) then very soon you'll have that too!!! :-D Have a wonderful Thursday everyone!

I'm teaching again!! and with MFT Stamps!!!

2011-01-03T13:27:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I'm so excited to tell you that I'm going to be teaching some fun card classes at my LSS, Memories Live On starting this month. My very first class will be Sunday, January 16th from 2-4pm and it will focus on Paper Piecing using the Pure Innocence stamps from My Favorite Things - which MLO is now carrying!!! Below is one of the 3 cards we'll be making.

This first card is a more simple paper piecing project, which just one layer of piecing needed. I made a simple faux-quilt background, and edded a fun banner for the sentiment. This Bo Bunny paper is fabulous for paper piecing because it is not too heavy!

I colored her in with my copics (I'll have some with my at the class, but if you have your own please bring them, or any other favorite coloring medium!) You'll also want to be sure to have a good, sharp pair of pointy scissors (Cutter Bee or Honey Bee scissors work great, and they have them at MLO if you don't have a pair already!)

Of course we'll also finish of the inside of the cards - to give them a more professional look!

To sign up for the class, call Memories Live on at (408) 446-9901, and tell them you want to attend the Paper Piecing 101 class with Jana. Space is limited, so call soon!

New Marci and Luka stamps coming to you!

2011-01-03T01:37:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, I'm back from my "mini-vacation"! I took a couple weeks off from crafting and blogging while I had my family here, and now I'm trying to get back into the swing of things!! The exciting news for today is that LaLa Land has 3 new Marcis and 1 new Luka for you! I LOVE these new images, and know you will too. They're available right now as digi images, but will be coming soon in rubber, don't you worry!!

Today I have a sweet card with the adorable new Darling Marci. Isn't she just the cutest? I love her sassy new short hair! I colored her with my Copics, using a Spica glitter pen for her ribbon/bow.

I used some adorable new Memory Box papers for the background and the heart, and some SU! cardstock for the solids. I love her sitting on this ribbon on top of a heart, and the faux crochet edge Die-Namic from MFT at the top does a great job of keeping her contained.

Head on over to the LaLa Land blog to see and get ALL the new images! I'll be back soon with more!!

SALE in LaLa Land!!!

2010-12-30T19:20:00.001-08:00

Did Santa miss a few items from your Wish List? Did you get some crafting money for Christmas?? Here is your chance to stock up on some of Marci and Luka stamps from La-La Land Crafts at a SALE price!!!!

For a LIMITED TIME, ONE WEEK ONLY all our SEASONAL Marci and Luka stamps - Christmas AND Halloween - are 20% OFF!!!

what's exactly on SALE? These Christmas/Winter Stamps:

- Winter Marci

- Santa Marci

- Ice Skating Marci

- Caroling Luka

and these Halloween Stamps:

- Witch Marci

- Pumpkin Marci

- and Pirate Luka

The sale is LIMITED to items in stock!!!! Don't miss out!!

Click HERE to go SHOPPING!!!!

*digis excluded

**sale price will be reflected in your Shopping Cart

***sale prices valid through January 6th

La-La Land's After Christmas gift to YOU!

2010-12-26T14:35:00.000-08:00

Introducing Darling Marci!! She's not available to buy, but she is a FREE Gift with any $50 order of ANY stamps from our store (both rubber and digis). This offer will last until midnight of December 31st, so get busy shopping!!

Marci is Feeling Festive!

2010-12-23T01:58:00.000-08:00

Howdy folks...I'm back with another Formal Marci card today. I just love playing with this little sweetie, and today she is on her own! You can still pick up her Digi image here, and she'll be available in rubber REAL soon, I promise!!I used this week's Mercy Sketch MTSC105 for my layout, along with some more Jovial paper from Basic Grey.

For her dress, I used this fabulous deep red velvet paper that is left over form WAY back when SU! carried it. That was many years (and several moves) ago, so I'm quite impressed that I actually still had some. I love her little velvet dress, although it is a little hard to see the details it's so dark. perhaps next time I need a lighter color.

It's almost Christmas...so I'd better skedaddle and get those cards in the mail! Have a wonderful holiday weekend everyone!!

MFT WSC - Christmas PI's

2010-12-21T09:07:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone! I have my MFT WSC challenge card for you today, a Christmas card featuring the wonderful Pure Innocence line. I chose Wyatt Just Chillin'. I had another tag ready to add an image to, and thought I could use that to make a card. It was pretty fast and easy once I colored Wyatt in and cut him out.

I went very simple, added a button and sentiment flag to the tag, and a big fat bow to the card. This one has already been mailed to my younger cousin from my folks. WOOHOO!! Have a great day!

TCP Tuesday sketch challenge

2010-12-20T21:07:00.000-08:00

Last week's TCP Tuesday challenge was a fabulous sketch by Alma. I LOVE sketches!! And of course with that big circle I had to pull out this adorable Big Bear again!!

This time I used a little pink to make him a little more girly. Of course I had to use this wide striped ribbon and make another big bow..this stuff is becoming a habit for me!!

Ok...I'm being pretty terse this week since I STILL haven't mailed my Christmas cards, and need to get busy! I hope you're all done with your shopping, and are enjoying a restful pre-Christmas week!

More Christmas Tags...

2010-12-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

A quick post with some Christmas tags I made earlier this week for the MFT create a winter scene challenge. I made the first for Julia then realized I had Wyatt making a snow man as well, so made one for Jackson too! These use some adorable Echo Park paper, along with the MFT Pure Innocence stamps. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas from Tuffy!

2010-12-16T01:59:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, I've got another Tuffy card for you today because I needed to create a card in less than 45 minutes after getting Jackson to sleep and picking Julia up from school...and the smaller the image the faster the coloring! But...now that he's done...I LOVE it! This sketch (from Our Creative Corner's challenge this week!) was perfect for our little guy, and even though I didn't alter his image by adding a hat or holly or anything, the little red color adds enough holiday to make it all work!

I used some new BG Jovial paper (LOVE this, and can't believe I waited this long to get it!!!) and kept the whole thing pretty simple. And don't you just love that giant bow?? I know I do!

Ok...I know we're all WAY busy this time of year...so I'm going to leave it at that tonight. Have a wonderful Thursday everyone!

PWC132: For the Boys!

2010-12-15T02:28:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry to say, this is my last official post as a Prettie Girl! I've had so much fun with this group of ladies over the last 3 years, I've made some wonderful friendships that I know will continue for years to come! And boy, do I have an amazing collection of almost EVERY Sophia and Cooper stamp ever made!! :-D

This week's Prettie Weekly Challenge is to create a more masculine card. Of course that meant I had to use Cooper, and I love this new Sledding Cooper heading down the hill. Makes me think of when I was little growing up in Maine and going Tobogganing with my dad and siblings! I also used this week's Mojo Monday sketch #169 for my layout.

I added some snowflakes cut with the Let it Snowflake Die-Namic from My Favorite Things (LOVE their dies!!) with an SU! button on top (tied with some fun tinsel string!) Now to play along with us, just create your OWN masculine or boy card and link it up on the Paper Pretties blog. YOU could win a fabulous stamp set. And while you don't have to use Paper Pretties' stamps to play, you'll get an extra entry into the random drawing if you do...so pull out those Coopers and get to work!

And now, I'll leave you today with the VERY FIRST card I made using the Paper Pretties stamps with one of the first 2 Sophias ever released. I STILL love this Snowflake Kisses set. I hope you enjoy!

TCP Tuesday, on a Monday!

2010-12-13T08:20:00.000-08:00

I got a chance to play a bit at the end of last week, and finally created projects for the past 2 TCP Tuesday challenges. The first challenge (TCPTuesday 137) was to create a card using light aqua, ice blue and lavender. A beautiful combination! I hadn't inked up my Margarita Penguin yet, so I thought he'd be fun to play with in that color combo! I made a little 4.25" square card that can be used for almost anything.

I didn't need to color much on the image, but he is drinking a blue Hawaii to match the overall color scheme, then I added some crystal lacquer to the glass. After getting it all together, I added the spiral clip with some ribbon to dress him up a bit.

For the most recent TCP Tuesday 138 challenge, it was to use a TCP Christmas set to make a Christmas card. I decided to use the adorable bear I love so much to make a tag for my husbands Christmas gift instead. I used this FABULOUS Echo Park paper which I love so much (I've used almost the entire sheet - might have to go get more of this one!!) and again I paper pieced his ears and foot pads, because it looks so cute!!

Now I'm looking forward to seeing what TOMORROW's challenge will be! :-)

New Pretties are HERE!!!

2010-12-10T02:37:00.000-08:00

Hooray, it's release day at last, and we're hip hopping around the blogosphere with lots of eye candy for you today! The party started back on the Paper Pretties blog, so if you didn't get here from Jackie's fabulous creation, head on back to the beginning!!

I got to use Love Birds again for this release...and I was so excited!! These little birds are just adorable. I decided to make an anniversary card for my parents (it isn't until February, so I'm really on top of things!) I really wanted to use my Heart nestabilities since I got them so late in the season last year I didn't get to use them much, so I made a heart shaped window to see the cute couple that was stamped on the inside. Isn't this card also just perfect for the Moxie Fab love cards challenge? I certainly think so!! You should go check it out!!

I used some Basic Grey Bittersweet paper for my card, and let that guide my color choices. I added some little heart swirly shapes from another Spellbinder's Die set to go along with my sentiment on the front. And I added some fun pink and brown polka dot organdy ribbon to finish off the front.

I kept the inside fairly simply, just the lovebirds themselves along with the Happy Anniversary greeting. Now keep on hopping to Jennifer's blog to see what amazing thing she has come up with, and then after you finish the hop, be sure to go shop Prettie!

Who's YOUR Doggy??

2010-12-09T02:00:00.000-08:00

We're featuring Tuffy a little more this week at LaLa Land crafts...and he's quite the cute little pooch! So for today's card I decided to use ALL 4 Tuffy's that come in the set! That's right, in this fabulous set you actually get 4 different Tuffy's (to cover all his moods you see!) so I wanted to showcase them all together on one card!

I used some fun DCWV paper for the dog prints (from an old pet stack I had) and colored all 4 Tuffy's to look the same with my copics. I finished off the front with the sentiment smack dab in the middle! There really aren't any embellishments on here as I didn't have much extra real estate for them, and I was trying to keep it gender neutral, so it could be a masculine card (perhaps someone is picking out a new puppy??)

I finished off the inside with a little more of the dp, and Tuffy stamped in crumb cake again. Oh...and one more of these super fun sentiments of course...LOVE these sentiments!!

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone!

PWC131: Punch it up!

2010-12-08T03:12:00.000-08:00

This week's Paper Pretties Weekly Challenge is to use punches when creating your project. Since I use punches pretty frequently this was an easy one for me!

And, to make it ever more fun, we're all peeking another new set - Love Birds! Aren't they adorable?? Now you may be wondering about my coloring here...but I love Ecclectus Parrots. They are beautiful large parrots from Down Under, where the mail is a beautiful emerald green, and the female is red and dark blue/purple. Unfortunately, I got mixed up and made her head purple when it should have been her chest that was purple. Below I've included a photo of some actual birds. Guess I should have looked up the photos BEFORE I colored!

Back to my card...I used some Basic Grey papers, and an SU! border punch. I distressed all my edges, then added some glimmer drops from MFT, and this cute wire heart (no idea where it's from!) with a little ribbon.

Be sure to check out all of the creations using this adorable stamp set on the Paper Pretties blog today (and on all the Prettie Girls' blogs!) and don't forget our new release hop will be happening on Friday! You won't want to miss that!!

MFT WSC sketch time

2010-12-06T20:52:00.000-08:00

Howdy everyone...I finally got a chance to sit down and do some stamping this afternoon! Well, I didn't stamp much as I used an already stamped and colored Pure Innocence Presents for You image I had - but at least I made a card!!

I followed along Cindy's sketch for this week's MFT Weekly stamp Club and came up with this. Since she was already colored, I decided to just try and match up to the red, and I LOVE this paper that was still sitting out on my desk! I added some swirls to the circle element to look like winter winds blowing around behind this little cutie as she carries her gifts to her friends.

I hope you all have a wonderful day! Thanks for stopping by.

First day of Prettie Peeks!!

2010-12-03T02:24:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day of Prettie Peeks for our December release. We have 7 fabulous new sets for you this month, available for purchase NEXT Friday the 10th, and today we are peeking Elegant Sentiments. This versatile set comes with 5 sentiments and 3 fabulous frames to put them in. And with our clear stamps, it's super easy to line it up perfectly!! Be sure to head to the Paper Pretties blog to see all of today's peeks (I believe my good friend Jane has something delightful for you today as well!) and to see all the peeks for the next week!

For my card I decided to use that great new stacked scallops design that has become so popular along with my favorite color Cherry Cobbler. It's a very simple card, but perfect for so many different occasions. I have a hard time making sympathy cards, but this could work perfect for that. And isn't this perfect for the Moxie Fab World Card Creations: Favorite Occasions Week All Occasion Challenge? I certainly think so. You could play along too!!

Happy Birthday Lisa!!

2010-12-03T02:06:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our LaLa Birthday Party Blog Hop! It's our DT sister, Lisa's birthday this week and we're celebrating her with a virtual birthday party in the form of a blog hop! Let's play a game called "Lisa's Favorite Things" Some of the DT brought "gifts" to the party (some of Lisa's favorite things!) ... all you have to do is hop to our blogs, leave a comment and collect the "gifts" along the way (write em down). At the end of the hop (you'll have til Sunday night), you'll want to email Irina 5 "gifts" you found on the hop. At the end of the hop, we will have a GIFT for one of you! The fabulous "candy" shown below, along with 2 digital stamps of the winner's choice!!

I brought Lisa's dream vacation to Italy to the party. While we lived in Europe we actually visited Italy 3 separate times, and loved each and every trip, so here's a tour through Italy starting in Tuscany, then down to Rome, and over to Verona and Venice. I hope you enjoy it Lisa!

Now please hop along to Irina's blog next. And don't forget to stop by Lisa's blog too and leave her some birthday greetings =)

Marci and Luka are heading to the formal!

2010-12-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

When I saw this week's Mojo Monday sketch this idea popped into my head, and I couldn't shake it. I thought it would be so fun to put Marci and Luka's smiling faces into these circles, so I just went with it!!

I used some fabulous Echo Park Paper Co. paper I picked up at one of my LSS last month when I met up with Irina and Eva to get stamps and say hi. Isn't it gorgeous?? I love the different colors for the musical notes! I did flip the sketch around a little bit, and I made the sentiment on my computer and printed it out since I didn't have a stamp with this phrase exactly. And since Marci and Luka here are both digis (and you did hear that ALL the Marci and Luka stamps are now available in digital format, right??) this card has no traditional stamping at all! WOW! And, this sweet little card is perfect for today's Moxie Fab Love challenge?! I thought so! Why don't you play along too??

Have a great Thursday everyone! And don't forget to link up your LaLa Land creations on the blog for your chance to win FREE stamps!!!

PWC130: Its sketch time!

2010-12-01T02:42:00.000-08:00

I love the first Wednesday of the month - it always means another awesome Frances sketch!!! And this month's sketch is FABULOUS!!!

I didn't want to color an image for this one (no sleep = unsteady hands!) so I used the fabulous new O Christmas Tree set and some fabulous dp I picked up at a LSS. I added some bling to the wonderful snowflakes that come with the set, and some silver brads to the side (is it just me or do they look crooked? I used my totally cool new Tim Holtz ruler sot hey should be perfectly straight. Think I need more than 4 hours of sleep a night!!)

We'd love to have you play along too. Visit the Paper Pretties blog to get more details on how to enter, and get busy stampin'!!

One more stitching...

2010-11-30T15:19:00.000-08:00

Ok...so even though I've been (mostly) awake since 3:30 this morning (thanks Jack!) I did manage to get another project done (Jack has slept less than 2 hours of that time!!) Remember back in October when I was Kim's Fab Friend and I made the coffee cup sleeve? Well, some friends saw it and wanted one...so I had to make more.

For this one, I used this fabulous turquoise felt from MFT, and I cut one end using the Perfect Bracket Edge Die-Namic die, then backstitched the 2 ends together with grey embroidery floss. I cut several snowflakes from some white felt using the Let it Snowflake dienamic and adhered them to the felt. Then, I stitched some buttons into the snowflakes.

Next, I made a matching tag. I used some label nesties to cut out my taken with Teal base, then a smaller one to cut out the fun dp that's layered on top. I colored and cut out Flurry of Love PI girl and adhered her to the tag. I wanted to add some stitching to the tag also, but didn't have the patience for more hand stitching, so I faux stitched all around the outside by piercing then adding the lines with a silver Spica pen. Lastly, I added one more felt snowflake to teh top of the tag using a snowflake brad which I also used to hold the ribbon on with, and added the sentiment. I know my friend will really like this!!

MFT stitching it up!

2010-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

This month's Guest Designer Contest for MFT is to Stitch it Up. I'm not so handy with my sewing machine latelly, but I can still stitch by hand pretty well. I actually had another idea for this challenge, but NO TIME to complete it unfortunately, however I still like this one!!

I used my Lil' Pumpkin PI girl and decided to quilt her pumpkin.So, I first stamped it on some dp, then turned it over on top of a few layers of felt and using my dry embossing stylus, stretched the paper a bit. Then, I added some dimensionals under the pumpkin to adhere it down (after coloring her and paper piecing her dress). Lastly, I paper pierced along the lines of the pumpkin and back-stitched with some brown floss. I layered her on a nestied really rust scalloped rectangle, then worked on finishing up the card base.

I hand stitched the retired SU! dsp to some soft sage cardstock using more brown floss, then added the more mustard strip with some chocolate chip ruffled ribbon on top. I cut out the half circle pieces with my rounded banner trio die-namics die, then stamped the sentiment one word at a time to fit. And hey..this qualifies for the wednesday stamp club too...how bout that?? ;-)

Monday Whatnots from Paper Pretties...What's not to love?!

2010-11-29T02:53:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone, have we all recovered from our eating (and spending) splurges?? Not sure I have yet, but I'm getting there!

Here's a quick card I made with one of this week's Monday Whatnot digi images from Paper Pretties and ARTish. I really loved this cute little Poodle with her cupcake, and thought I could make a quick birthday card for one of Jackson's "girlfriends" (yes, he has 2 already - one younger and one older!) She's turning 3 soon, and so will no longer be in Jackson's early intervention program. Just means we have to schedule playdates now so they don't loose touch!

I colored Poodilicious Party in with my copics, and then added some sparkle to the sprinkles with some stickles. I used some paper that was sitting out on my desk from an old SU! Simply Scrappin' Kit, along with some Bazzill ribbon and glimmer pebbles from MFT.

Be sure to go check out both of this week's digital releases, and if you haven't seen all the others, check them out too! I'll be back later today with another post...today is my BLOGAVERSARY, and I've got some great treats for YOU!

Happy Thanksgiving, now on to Christmas!

2010-11-25T02:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you're all sitting down and taking a rest after wrangling that bird into the oven. Goodness...I hope I'm doing that!! Since I'm sure we're all super busy today, here's a quick card featuring the adorable Santa Marci!

I used this week's sketch challenge from Mercy along with some Candy Cane Lane DSP from SU! to create this large 5" by 7" card. I colored Marci with my copics, then added some texture to her outfit with my polar white flower soft. (I need me some white sparkly fluff!)

Now go baste your bird, and have a FABULOUS Thanksgiving day. And if you're not here in the U.S.? Eat some turkey anyway! :-)

PWC129 Keep it clean, and simple!

2010-11-24T02:13:00.000-08:00

This week's Paper Pretties Weekly Challenge was to make a Clean and Simple card - right up my ally!! I used this adorable Sledding Cooper to create my card.

I used some fun SU! snow dsp for my card, then just added ribbon and the little snowflake to perk it up. I cut Cooper out with a long rectangle nestie. I added the sentiment on as a little flag.

We'd love for you to play along with us. Please head on over to the Paper Pretties blog to see all this week's creations, and to link up your entry for our clean and simple challenge this week! You don't have to use Paper Pretties stamps to win, but you will get an extra entry into the random drawing if you do!! You could win a great stamp set...so play along!!

Plus this week we are having a Thanksgiving Day Sale! Just use the coupon code GIVETHANKS and receive 15% OFF your entire purchase!

MFT WSC

2010-11-22T20:10:00.000-08:00

I got to play along again this week with the My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club. This week, we were to derive inspiration from the song My Favorite Things from the Sound of Music. In our household, that is a favorite family movie. In fact, it's one of the few movies Julia is comfortable watching because there are almost no scary parts (especially if the movie stops at the wedding scene!!) So needless to say, I know the song well!

I decided to go for Silver White Winters and use my brand new Inspired By - Winter stamp set. I stamped the cabin, then masked it to stamp the trees. I then cut some rolling hills to mask, then stamped and embossed the moon and stars. I brayered on the night sky, then removed my mask and colored the cabin with my copics. I stamped the sentiment, then added some sparkle to the edges of "hills" and along the roof lines with my quickie glue pen and some Glitzy Glitter.

I finished off the inside with some more trees , but left plenty of room to write a nice note. This is such a great generic card, you cold use it for almost anything! Have a great day everyone...we're off to visit Santa! :-)

Happy Birthday ARTish!

2010-11-21T02:59:00.000-08:00

Today the Prettie Girls are hopping with joy to celebrate our newest artist, ARTish's birthday! She's our new digi-stamp designer that makes these adorable images I've been showing you lately on Mondays! So this week, we've got a special release for digi stamps on SUNDAY to celebrate her birthday!! If you didn't arrive here from Jackie's blog, head on back to Cindy's blog to start at the beginning!

I've made a card with this adorable new birthday image, Birthday Balloons for You. Isn't this kitty with his big balloon bouquet adorable?? I decided to paper piece the balloons with paper from my basic grey bittersweet pack. (the same paper I used on the rest of the card!)

I colored in the kitty's nose and added some sharing with my copics, then added some wide grosgrain ribbon and a sentiment from the Celebrate Sophia set to finish off the card.

Now keep on hoppin' to the super talented Jessica's blog to see what she's got for us today, and don't forget to stop by ARTish's blog at the end to leave her some birthday love!!

Super Sale EXTENDED!!!

2010-11-20T09:19:00.000-08:00

SALE EXTENDED!!! We had such a great response to our "Friday BEFORE Black Friday SALE" that we decided to extend it throughout the weekend, until 11 PM PST on SUNDAY!!! If you didn't get the opportunity to shop our sale on Friday, here is your second chance!!!!

Now's a fabulous oppportunity to stock up on some of the super cute Marci and Luka stamps at La-La Land Crafts!! It's the "Friday before Black Friday ONE-DAY SALE" at La-La Land Crafts TODAY! 20 % OFF ALL Marci and Luka Collection stamps, including panda and all the newest sets (*digis excluded). Sale price will not be visible on the website, but will be reflected in your Shopping Cart.

Bellarific Friday - a holiday sketch card!

2010-11-19T08:33:00.000-08:00

It's Bellarific Friday again, and I got a chance to stamp today during naptime. WOOHOO! This week's challenge was a sketch again, which I love!!

I used the fabulous Cutesy Ornament stamp from several years ago and colored it with my copics (I used W00, 1, 3, 5 and 7 and R00, 22, 27, 29 and 39 and N3 and 6 for the silver holders). After cutting it out with my long rectangle nesties, I also embossed it, then sponged on some sahara sand ink to match my papers. I used some Christmas dsp from SU! last year, and liked the muted tones of these snowflake papers. After adding the ribbon and getting the card all put together, I covered the red parts of the ornaments with my sakura glaze pen to give it a little shine!

I finished off the inside too, using some more dsp, the faux crocheted edge dienamic die from MFT, and a sentiment from a new SU! set.

Have a wonderful Friday everyone!!

SUPER SALE!!!

2010-11-18T23:59:00.000-08:00

Now's a fabulous oppportunity to stock up on some of the super cute Marci and Luka stamps at La-La Land Crafts!! It's the "Friday before Black Friday ONE-DAY SALE" at La-La Land Crafts TODAY! 20 % OFF ALL Marci and Luka Collection stamps, including panda and all the newest sets (*digis excluded). Sale price will not be visible on the website, but will be reflected in your Shopping Cart.

TCP Challenge with a NEW TCP Stamp!

2010-11-18T21:03:00.000-08:00

On Sunday last week, I had the pleasure of stamping with Alma herself at the trunk show she was hosting at my LSS (Memories Live On in Cupertino, CA!) She had created this adorable make and take with the Ski Bunny set...and she had some of the BRAND NEW UNRELEASED sets there for sale! Well...I snatched up this adorable little bear...because I love one of the sentiments with it. Of course...I'm waiting until later this weekend to see if I can do the card I originally came up with when I saw this set (GO BEARS!!)

For this card, I used the inspiration piece for this week's TCP Tuesday 135 Challenge, this cool chair with a neat pattern to it. When I saw the chair, I immediately thought of this paper from Nana's Nursery Boy collection by DCWV. I built my card from there using this week's Mercy sketch MTSC100.

I paper pieced this adorable bear's ears and foot pads, but otherwise just added a tiny bit of shading with my C1 copic marker. I added some pleated white satin ribbon from MFT with a bit of white narrow grosgrain from SU! over the stitching. I then finished him off with a sparkly snowflake and felt snowflake along with the sentiment stamped on a little banner. Super fun card!! And now another company to add to my obsessions list...YIKES!

A Scrapbook Page by ME?? WOW!

2010-11-18T01:56:00.000-08:00

Before I get to my project, I have some exciting news for you all - LaLa Land is having a HUGE sale TOMORROW, the Friday BEFORE Black Friday! So be sure to come back to the blog, or straight to the LaLa Land Boutique midnight tonight (Pacific Standard Time!) to check it out!

I have to admit, I don't often scrapbook with paper anymore having switched over to digital scrapbooking recently, but when I sat down to work with the newest Marci and Luka images (only available digi right now, but rubber is coming SOON) all I could picture is this photo of my parents taken over 50 years ago when they were in high school and going to a formal dance. Of course, no one can FIND the photo now...but as soon as I do I'll be scanning it in to fit onto this page!

Since I know the photos is black and white, I wanted those to be the primary colors on the page. However, I also know that my mom's dress was blue, so I wanted to add a touch of blue. I thought marina mist would work well.

I used some new SU! dsp for the base of the page, then I created my photo layer (the vanilla) with the 2 mats (black and marina mist) and I put those on top of the Marina Mist satin ribbon layered under the lace. I added the satin bow on top (along wtih a little extra narrow vanilla grosgrain) and then added the rhinestone accent as well.

I made the roses for the corner of the photo using the MFT rolled rose dienamics die and some vanilla and marinna mist cs that was sponged. I added some cream pearls to the centers, then adhered them around the upper left corner.

For my stamped images, I printed them on vanilla cs and colored them with my W00, 01, 03, 05 and 07 markers. Then I added just a touch of blue (b93) to both Marci and Luka (see if you can spot his, it's pretty small!) I cut them both out and then created ovals for them using more dsp layered on some Marina Mist cs. Don't Marci and Luka look adorable all dressed up for their prom?

I hope you've enjoyed this...I promise I"ll post an updated version once I get the photo onto this page, and mount it in a frame for my folks. Perhaps it can be their 49th wedding anniversary present in February! (sh...don't tell them, and stop reading mom!)

PWC128: Thanks!

2010-11-17T02:38:00.000-08:00

I'm back again with a Pretties Weekly Challenge for you all...make a Thank You card! Super simple, right? We ALL need thank you cards, and unfortunately I don't give them out nearly enough! So, here's a card I made for Julia's teacher using Thank You Teacher Sophia.

For my layout, I used this week's Sketch for you to Try from Jen Del Muro. I loved having all these panels to use different patterend papers! I used my Cosmo Cricket Early Bird paper, and pieced Sophia's top, pants and lunch bag. I of course had already stamped her twice onto my Perfect Panel cs so that I could add the backpack straps, apple and her hair on top of the pieced shirt! Everything was colored with copcis, I even added some shading to the pieced pieces with my W1 and 3 markers.

As has become my general habit, I finished off the inside too. I used some of this great May Arts Olive Green rikrak from the Prettie Boutique on both the inside and the front - doesn't it match perfectly? I also used some more of the patterned paper, and a sentiment from a new MFT set, Simply Sentimental about Teachers.

We'd love to have you play along with us Prettie Girls, so upload your thank you card to the Paper Pretties blog for your chance to win some great stamps! You don't have to use Prettie stamps, but if you do you'll get an extra entry into the drawing...good luck!

MFT WSC using a TCP sketch!

2010-11-15T16:48:00.000-08:00

Enough acronyms for ya?? What that all means is I have a My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club project for you, and I used this week's The Cat's Pajamas sketch for it! Phew!

I had tons of fun making this card. The challenge this week from MFT was to Cook up some Love! And what is more loving that cupcakes?? Joline just baked this giant cupcake for her friend's birthday, and she's very proud!

I colored Joline in using my copics, and paired her with some great My Mind's Eye papers. I added some pink stickles to the sprinkles on the cupcake, and sponged around the edges some to soften it. I also cut out a rolled rose with my new dienamic die (LOVE them!!) to add to the card.

For the inside, I used some white cardstock cut with the top note die, some more patterned paper, and one of the adorable sentiments that comes with this great set! Have a wonderful day!!

Monday Whatnots...

2010-11-15T02:40:00.000-08:00

I'm back this week with another Monday Whatnot...What's Not to Love? from Paper Pretties. These new digital images from Artish are just amazing, and so fun to play with!

This week I'm using Claus the Dog, and he's all decked out for Christmas! When I first saw this, I knew I had to color this little doggie black, since that's the color of our shaggy pooch.

I colored Claus with my copics markers, added some polar white flower soft to his hat, and used some Basic Grey Eskimo kisses and this past week's Mercy sketch (MTSC99) for the layout. The card actually came together quite quickly, which is good since it was 12:30 in the morning when I started! Of course, it seems lately if I want to get some time it's got to be the middle of the night!! Oh well!

Be sure to go check out all of this week's new Digital Releases from Paper Pretties, there are some ADORABLE new baby images to be had!!

Totally Awesome Paper Pretties release hop!

2010-11-12T01:49:00.000-08:00

It's time for a super fun, totally radical Paper Pretties new release blog hop. We've got a few guest designers this month - you should have arrived here from the amazing Shemaine Smith - and therefore tons of great samples for you today! Head on back to the Paper Pretties blog if you didn't start there so you don't miss any of these amazing projects today (plus you can check to see if you won any of the sets before going to place your order!!)!!

I get to share with you a card I made using the new Skater Zak! Isn't he fabulous?? I love this new teen scene line Heather started, perfect for those older kids who don't like to think of themselves as kids so much anymore! Zak here looks totally absorbed with his board, and I just know my little friend Nico is going to LOVE this one! I'll save it all the way until June for his birthday! I used Taylor's Friday sketch #133 from LAST week, because it was such a great layout, and the colors came from the Color Throwdown #117.

I used some notebook paper from my SU! Newsprint DSP, and punched it with the spiral notebook punch. On my crumb cake layer, I stamped the word COOL from among the great sentiments in this set in the same color ink all over the paper to make my own dp. Zak was of course colored with copics, and then I sponged all around with some creamy caramel ink. Lastly, I made the little brads up the side with black brads, and some circle punches of coordinating cardstock.

I finished off the inside with the Happy Birthday sentiment stamped on some more notebook paper and punched with the spiral notebook punch. A quick and simple inside, but it adds so much to finish it off!!

Now keep on hoppin' to Carolyn King (The Camster's) blog next to see what magic she's performed with the adorable new Get Well Fairy Violet.

Merry Christmas Marci!

2010-11-11T01:48:00.000-08:00

I love versatile stamps!!! This adorable Birthday Marci works great for Christmas too...just using Christmas colors!!!

For my card today I used the Sweet Sunday sketch from Karen Giron. I really loved her sample and wanted to come up with some interested way to make the scalloped square. My order from MFT had just arrived with this fabulous new Faux Crocheted border die namics die, so I thought that might work. I cut out 4 of them, then linged them up on a cutting mat to make the size square I wanted, then I just cut the corners (mitered them you could say) to line them up. Worked pretty well!!

I colored Marci with my copics, and then paper pieced her present with the opposite side of the dp I used for the center square (adding the ribbon on top which had been stamped and cut from more white cs. I added some seam binding ribbon and an antique brad to finish off the sketch!!

Don't forget to share your LaLa Land Crafts projects with us! Link up your projects using any LLLC stamps here on the blog and YOU could be our customer of the month, and win ANY stamp from our store!!!

PWC127 and Happy Birthday Jennifer!

2010-11-10T01:38:00.000-08:00

Today is not only a Prettie Peek day, not only a Prettie Wednesday Challenge Day, but most importantly, it is Prettie Girl Jennifer's birthday!!! We're all hopping along this week with some Birthday Wishes for Jennifer, and hope you'll join us! The hop started at the Paper Pretties Blog, so if you didn't arrive here from Jackie, be sure to head on back!

This week's challenge was to emboss on a card. It wasn't specific as to dry or wet embossing, so I went for both! The stamp set is this fabulous new Everyday Greetings, which will be released along with 7 other sets this Friday. I used 2 stamps from the set...first the circle with flowers in it (stamped in Cherry Cobbler ink on a very vanilla circle) and the sentiment is also from the set. There are 9 fabulous and versatile sentiments included with this set - so plenty to meet your every day greeting needs!

I did the faux diamonds technique on my stamped vanilla circle and embossed it with Irridescent Ice embossing powder. I love this look on vanilla, it gets such a sparkly golden look! I dry embossed the black square underneath, and for my papers I used the SU! Love Letter dsp. And, the layout is this week's Mojo Monday sketch #164.

Now be sure to keep on hopping to see what Jane has come up with for Jennifer's birthday, and please leave Jennifer some birthday love at the end of the hop! have a great day...and don't forget to leave a comment on the Paper Pretties blog for your chance to win this set!

Paper Pretties is sponsoring CPS

2010-11-07T03:02:00.000-08:00

So, not only do I have a sneak peek for you today of an ADORABLE new Sophia, but it's also using the latest CPS192 sketch. And because Paper Pretties is sponsoring the sketch this week, you'll have the opportunity to win some Paper Pretties stamps if you play along too!! To see ALL of today's adorable cards, be sure to visit the Paper Pretties blog...there are some great ones!

Thanks Snow Much Sophia is another of my favorites (and I have to admit I have several!!) She just looks so joyful playing in the snow! For this card, I stamped her on kraft cardstock and colored her with my copics. I thought it would give the card a more vintage feel to use the kraft. I also sponged some white ink around the edges of the kraft to add to the snowy feel of the card, as well as adding some liquid applique.

I took a few liberties with the sketch, and instead of adding rings to the side, I added snowflakes! I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend...and be sure to keep checking the Paper Pretties blog all week for more sneak peeks, with the release coming on Friday! WOOHOO!

RAWR - Happy Birthday!

2010-11-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

This week I got a chance to play along with the MFT Wednesday stamp club...and since it's the first Wednesday of the month it's a sketch, this month from Frances! Imagine that, 2 great sketches from Frances in one week!! :-)

I wanted to make a cute birthday card for the young son of a very good friend of mine, so I pulled out my as yet uninked Little Loveasaurus and got busy. I colored him with my copics, then used the colorless blender to create a little extra texture. For my designer paper I used my All About Boys mat stack from DCWV

I cut out the small cloud with my die-namics cloud die and stamped the RAWR on it...then stamped Happy Birthday on a strip of paper and trimmed the ends to make a banner. A nice simple card, but oh so fun to make!

Prettie Peek Surprise!

2010-11-05T01:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone! Today we've got a great sneak peek of a new set coming out in one week! There are 8 fabulous new sets coming out this month, and this is the first peek. Surprise Sophia is our latest Sophia sweetheart all ready to head to a birthday party.

For my layout I used this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch challenge from Karen Giron. I loved this layout, perfect for this little sweetie!

I pulled out my Nana's Kids paper to use with her, and stamped her twice on white and once on the polka dot paper. I colored in Sophia with my copics. After piecing her dress, I also colored and cut out her arms and present to put on top of the dress.

I finished off the inside with another of the sentiments included in this fabulous set, and another strip of the dp from the front. Be sure to head over to the Paper Pretties blog to see all the samples using Surprise Sophia. And keep checking the blog all week long for more peeks!

Marci goes Skating

2010-11-04T01:58:00.000-07:00

Howdy folks...I'm back with another Marci card this week, and this time she's hit the ice! Meet Ice Skating Marci, isn't that little plaid skirt adorable?? I love paper piecing!!

I used some Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather dp for my background, and another piece from the same pack to make Marci's skirt. I colored her with Copics, and cut her out. To build my scene, I started with the background, and the oval cut from shimmery white paper (which is what Marci was also stamped on...it works fabulous for copics!!) to make my ice rink. Then, I sponged the edges of 2 darker trees (ETA: The Tree is a die from PTI that my mom had brought when she visited and I cut a bunch o trees before she left!), added some polar white flowersoft to one side (because the sun melted it on the sunny side!) and put them BEHIND my ice. next, I used to lighter green trees (also sponged and snowed) to enclose my rink a little more. Finally, I added the felt snowdrift at the bottom to hem in the last bit of the rink.

I finished off the inside as well, stamping some snowflakes from a new Paper Pretties set (O Christmas Tree) and the sentiment from an older Paper Pretties Cooper set.

And if you're in the area, join us at a Trunk Show at Scrapbook Island in San Jose, CA on Friday, November 5th!! Both Eric and Irina will be there to introduce the Marci and Luka stamps!!

Your $10 ticket entitles you to:

- an EXCLUSIVE preview of our newest stamps!!

- Meet both artists (Eric Berry and Irina) and have your stamps autographed!! ;-)
- Make-and-Take

- a Goodie Bag with a FREE stamp

- Refreshments

- a chance to win a GRAND PRIZE valued $100!!

Don't miss out on this FUN party!! Stop by Scrapbook Island or call the store at 408-978-8900 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 408-978-8900 end_of_the_skype_highlighting to purchase your tickets!!

PWC126: another AWESOME sketch!

2010-11-03T03:45:00.000-07:00

Frances has done it again - come up with an amazing sketch challenge for us this week, and I LOVE it!! I have to be honest...I made this card in less than 30 minutes, and I LOVE when I can do that! Because I didn't have an image to color, it was all picking papers, cutting, and lots of sponging!!

I used more of my Basic Grey Fruitcake paper (can you believe I bought that in the Netherlands and never opened it until I was back here in California and could have gotten it for half the price?? Figures!) along with some Cherry Cobbler, Sage Shadow, and Very Vanilla. I stamped the greeting from O Christmas Tree and after sponging on some Cherry Cobbler ink, I added teh snowflakes. Each is centered with a rhinestone for some extra sparkle. I added the Cherry Cobbler seam binding to finish off the card, and am quite happy with the end result!

Be sure to head on over to the Paper Pretties blog to see all the great creations today, and to link up your OWN entry for this week's challenge - you could win a Paper Pretties stamp set. You don't have to use a Prettie stamp to play (although we love it when you do!) just have fun with the great sketch!

MFT Plantin some Love

2010-11-02T21:42:00.000-07:00

This month's MFT Guest DT contest is to use office supplies in our project somehow...so I thought I'd go simple. My layout is based on this week's Mojo Monday sketch 163.

I started with a blue card base and added some white felt clouds cut with my cloud die-namics. I added one layer of grass cut with my MS punch to the bottom, then my paper pieced (with dp and felt) then another layer of grass is popped on top of that. Lastly, I added the sentiment (sponged and distressed) with my paperclip.

I finished off the inside with some more grass and another tree stamped on vanilla and cut out with a nestie. Ok...back soon with my Wednesday Paper Pretties challenge post - happy election day everyone!