So, I finally got to design for fun! I kept thinking about Green Grass stamps, and thinking of things that “grow” lol! Im a weirdo I know! But thats ok.

How do my photos look? This is the first I can show using my new soft box! See this post if you are puzzled about what I am talkin about!

So this was what came to me. Growing blossom- The stamp set is of course by Green Grass stamps called Holy Tomoli-

You must go check their site because she has some IMPERFECT rubbah for a mega sale! LIMITED 3 so run! You get to see the imperfections, so there will be no surprises.

The sheets of rubber are HUGE! And well etched. You will NOT be disappointed. I put mine on a 81/2 x11 sticky sheet thingy-LOL! Cool storage option.

OK back to the card. Little spritz of color-and I’m done. Its funky, and I like it!

Who wants it? I dont send nearly enough cards, so I will send this card to a random selected winner on Sunday! It will be left blank for you to do whatever you wish (unless its submit it somewhere-that is not cool).

And next we have

Bold Butterfly

LOVE this Pristine paper by Paper Salon. SO it totally inspired this card-

Used the little flower to make the stem on my big flower using Ric Rac. The button are by SEI grandma’s attic. I had to put the little bird in the corner. I though it was so cute!

So who wants it? I dont send nearly enough cards out. Post a reply and I will randomly select someone to send this to. I will leave it blank for you to do what you wish (accept submit it for publication as your own-so not cool!). I may even put a goody inside-who knows!

Next up Happy bold butterfly

This is another card from Green Grass stamps- the Holy Tomoli set and Card Greetings. Which I love the greetings. OMG! Amazing!

Patterned paper is Mushrooms by Heidi Grace, and I LOVE it! It inspired my ultra fab-u-licious color combo that SCREAMS summer! And after all that Christmas in April stamping its just what I needed.

Colors- saffron, cameo, pumpkin, and my favorite celery!

Funny story real quick.

I place my zillionth order with eP, and my order arrived Monday. I open the box, and some versamagic ink pops out. Well, I did;t remember ordering any ink. So I go through the box, and realize OMG! This isn;t my stuff. So, I look at the packing slip and it has Chantel’s ( another scs dirty dozen designer) name on it!

So it wasn’t my order it was hers. Well, let me tell you once I had ALL this precious ink in my possession the thought of sending it back hurt too much to bare! So, I bought it! LOL! I emailed them and told them it was full of drool and I needed to keep it at home with me! LOL! And thats the ink you see used on both my cards posted here! LOL!

Thanks Chantel for ordering such gorgeous ink!

Ok, Ok…now back to the card. I must be lonely today cause I keep rambling.

For the butterfly I stamped it on the white base. Piece some patterned paper (white with flower side) in the wings. Then I stamped it again on acetate. I cut the butterfly out of the acetate, and ran it through my Xyron 900.

I adhered the paper (orange flower side) to the butterfly.

I soaked it in a bowl of warm water, then gently rubbed the paper off. The sticky part leaves a sheer layer of the paper on the image, so its like “stained glass”. See through pattern. I love butterflies, especially in “flight”.

So the wings are popped forward. Stamped again in celery for the body! The antennae are jewels by A Muse. I also used the Onare Piercing border I got from Ellen H’s store. It makes the perfect flutter trail.

The happy was stamped, then traced with the journaler point of my marker.

The flower is by Bazzill. I must say these are like my favorite assortment ever! I love Daisies. Check them out. You get a large container.

And I guess that sums up my creative process. I think for the stained glass technique BOLD and OPEN images are best!

This went postal today to a special friend who always makes me SO HAPPY!

Kidding, Im not famous, but I feel like I am.

Between all my PSF’s, and the AMAZING Design Teams I was asked to work for I feel truly blessed!

I feel like it’s MYTIME! LOL! By that I mean my time to SHINE. To work for what I want, and make it happen.

I’ve been getting acceptances for publication, left and right. Im really happy cause I have worked hard to get here, and put alot of myself in each design. To see my work in a magazine is just a dream come true. To create anything people actually want to look at is always rewarding. I made some stamping goals this New Year (as I always do) and have exceeded my OWN expectations. Only thing left is to make a COVER for one of my publications. Still got 6 months left.

Well this month I am SO close. I made it to an advertisement for a magazine. The photos change, so give it a few seconds, and you will see my dog card! Check this out ! I didn’t even know! My friend Lindsey emailed me with HER excitement! How cool is that?!

Now you can also see me everyweek! Read below-

Here is my biographyfor Green Grass Stamps . So, if you want to learn some “different” things about me, check it out. What is super cool about this blog is they are going to feature a blog exclusive design with their AWESOME stamps EACH DAY! So, check it out! FRESH, new layouts, and scrapbook pages (no scrap pages from me thank god) from so UBER talented ladies. For those of you who blog hop this is one to check since it will have a new idea each day. I of course, will have a feature there each week as well. You will have to go there for that though-

In the meantime Tammy gave me permission to show you my first, of many designs. I did for her.

I was in the mind set of Shoot For The Moon!

Now this is funky, and so cool! I was thinking of reaching for your dreams. There is a sentiment that reads, “You’ve reached for the stars, now go for the moon.” Now that was what I was thinking, and is totally my current view on my life right now-hence boring you with my excitement!!! Sorry- it is MY blog though so I have the power to just ramble uncontrollably! In my head I even tell my self to shut up, but my mouth (or in this case fingers) just keep on going……

YOU as a reader have the power to scan over my rambling and get to the part you want to actually read!

Back to the card-

I used the Holy Tomoli  stamp set for the rocket, and Card Greetings for the congrats sentiment. That set is just AMAZING-. The cloud burst is actually a “rain cloud” turned up side down! The paper is by Bazzill in breathtaking, and the designer paper is Seeing Stars by 3 bugs in a Rug. LOVE their stuff.

Cuttlebug star was used in the corner. You cannot see that I outined the cloud puff, and the stars with my Sakura glitter pen. So its pretty cool IRL. The key tag punch, and horizontal punch were used for the tag. The colors on this are close to SU! Almost Amethyst, Certain Celery, Green Galore, Basic Black-

Remember SU! star brads-here they are. I wish they still sold them in JUST silver though- Gotta love the Crop-a-Dile for eyelets. I had quit using them all together till I got that baby.

Shockingly I learned its not for everyone! For instance if you are like my friend Debbi- a tiny little person (to me that is like under 5’5, as I am 5’11), your hands may be too small for grasping it. SHOCKING I KNOW!

Thanks for reading. I’m just waiting on Jason to edit the photos Debbi sent me from our visit to post them here for everyone.

 WHY dont I have my own photo’s you ask? Well, my freakin camera died! RIGHT AT THE IMPORTANT PART!

So check in soon. I have another day of “work”, and yet more holiday stuff to accomplish, so I hope to update with some samples soon!

Love ya!

Oh Im so sorry I’ve been absent! I have alot of deadlines to get done.

I know alot of you are excited to see some of the photos from my meeting with Debbi and Paulette (StampinCPA, plwwolfe). I have to get some more photos on the disc then Ill edit and post all about it!

For those of you who DON’T know there are a group of friends on SCS called Alexa’s Pretend Stamping Friends (aka PSF’s).

I met these people over the course of the last 1 1/2 years. They are some of my closest friends who ahve taken the journey through Alexa’s chemo and the up’s & downs of life. Its become an amazing, supportive, and loving group of women. We can say whatever we feel. This group of people have really helped me through the toughest times of my life, and done some of the most AMAZING things you could ever imagine. I cherish each one of them.

Recently the ALL got together and made an ENTIRE HUGE scrapbook to document Alexa’s Make-A-Wish! It was quite amazing. Each page is such a cherished, loved work of art. Ok Im rambling here, and this need to ahve its own “TOPIC” so I will save it for then.

So since I am swamped, and haven’t been online much, or updated here much-I figured I’d share a trio of baby cards with you. Seems like alot of my friends are getting pregnant, so I need to keep some of these on hand! LOL! Alot of people ask what is the reason for no heads! Well its kind of Kim’s signature design. It makes her line unique, and stand out from the crowd. I think its kinda cool-

I always spot her sets a mile away. Being on her team I can tell you that she has some jaw dropping sets coming out!

And I heard about some of the stamps in an upcoming Christmas set-DROOL BUCKET please!

I have MANY samples with her yet to gbe released sets, and hope to share with you when I get the OK! I wouldn’t want to “enable” you to want something you can’t get yet (wink,wink)

Here are 3 samples all done with the same set She’s Having a Baby.

I love this image. I had to cut out the background, and layer over patterned paper (DCWV spring stack). I was just thinking the colors, and patterns were very soft and sweet. I used my hobby blade to cut around the woman. My bestest used tool-Cuttlebugbaby folder was used for the bkgd. I just colored in with SU! markers. I used Sprite Prima’s because 1)they are my favorite 2) they matched the row of flowers on the patterned paper! 3) They also took the place of the ones drawn on the frame 4) I felt they added a nice balance.

The buckle is a new punch by EK success. I got that at Target.

Sweet Baby Girl

I decided to use the small images in the set, primarily cause people always say they never know HOW to use them, and make them the FOCUS of the card. So, the next two do just that.

The paper is by Prima the Baby Girl collection. I get those goods from Jacksonbelle’s ebay store.

That was the starting point of this card-with paper like that stamping is EASY peasy.

I knew I wanted a hanging tag, but was clueless as to HOW I would hang it. When I got SS magazine I saw a similar thing done using a photo turn-VIOLA! I knew I could use the general idea for my hanging bear tag. The ribbon is by Bo Bunny. The pink paper is Prism Razzleberry light.

I bought these acrylic letters at Jo Ann’s like a year ago! I wanted something on the side-without taking the focus away from the bear tag. Since they are clear-I felt it was a perfect touch. Balance is very important to a card or project!

Baby Blocks

Now this is the third design. I made it because there is a baby block stamp in the set-thats what made the light go on! Again, used the small images of the set as my design focus. Kept it clean and simple. Used my markers to color each letter a different color-I love dong that. The buttons are Brads by Making Memories. I thought this was pretty cute.

Well I hope that tides you over till later. I hope to stamp things I can post sometime today.

Thanks for checking in with me!

Stay tuned cause I will be posting more blog candy in a few days…..you never know when!

Saturday Sketch challenge is here. Are you ready for another one?

Sorry its late –SCS was down, and when that happens my blog goes down too! VERY frustrating!

So, while it was down I went shopping!!!! More on that later- I was very bad! My shopping venture will be a whole new post-trust me!

I’m also working this weekend on getting a new customized banner posted from Beth (aka My Precious). Lots of excitment going on over here.

OK, OK back to the original topic here- the sketch…….hope you like it and give it a try.

All Dressed Up!

This sketch is originally from this card. Now, I know its “different” but the point of a sketch is inspiration, not neccessarily CASE-ing it completely. I sketch most of my designs and ideas first. It really gives me a starting point, and keeps me focused.

For this card I used another one of the Bitzy Bugz. I wanted her very “girly” and some bling for her as well. She is the Dress Up one found here! I am truly enjoying these cute images. I also got this paper there too, its by Flair designs. Gotta love Paisley!

I have been dying to use my paper frills by Doodlebug.  Aren’t they cute?  The jewels are by Prima.  Polka dot ribbon is May Arts. WHEW! Alot of linking in that one. Sorry about that, but if I am to enable you I don’t want you to be frsitrated by searching for the goods you “NEED”-KWIM?

OK well I actually have MORE stamping to do, and must go post to all my PSF, and my gallery on SCS. Time has just not been on my side this last week. I’m so sorry for you all whom I have neglected!

Cyber hugs, and stay tuned for more later, on my shopping must haves! LOL!

I’ve been bit by the bitzy bugs! LOL!

I just got these  ADORABLE Bitzy Bugz in the mail 2 days ago. Christine from C.C. Designs created them. Aren’t they ALL so cute??? I even have the shadow stamps and sentiments , which I am LOVIN!!!!

SO thats the “buzzzz” on some of what I’ve been up to. I’ve been working hard to create a sample with each bug (11 total)that Christine is selling. They are so super cute! You will notice that 2 are missing! One is being used for my Saturday sketch tomorrow, and another is too “dirty” to post here (hint hint).  Don’t worry you’ll see it eventually (another hint).

So here we go…..

Home Run!

This was the very first card I did using the Play Ball bug. Since Noah is starting T-Ball I’m stuck on baseball stuff. For some reason I only thing these colors when I think baseball cards.

Anyone have any other color selections to “throw” at me? I’m open!

Don’t want to always use blue/red, KWIM?

I bought the baseball bkgd and sports chatter stamps (which for the life of me I cannot find there anymore, maybe sold out??) at Cornish Heritage Farms. I love all the sentiments it has. So that was a good starting point!

I absolutely love doing boy/masculine cards lately. I NEVER make them, so I am finding that increasing my selection, and challenging myself has been alot of fun! Speaking of fun, how do you like my baseball! I made it by my big girl self! LOL! It was really easy.

Here is what I did. A “quickie” tutorial (he!he!)

I cut a circle from Whisper White cardstock using my coluzzle.

Using the then open image, I put 1/2 on the baseball. Used my journal tip of my marker, to trace the perfect “stitch line”.

Pretty cool huh?

Supplies-

 Stamps by C.C. Designs Play Ball bug, shadow stamp Stamps by Cornish heritage farms-baseball bkgd, sports chatter

Ink by SU! Brown Stazon, chocolate chip, craft white, real red, brocade blue

cardstock by SU!-whisper white, close to cocoa, real red, brocade blue

accessories-coluzzle, tim holtz distress ink, prismacolor pencils, gamsol, sponge

GET DIRTY!

This is a case of a rub-on gone bad! LOL! I really hate those freakin things. My Basic Grey rub-on’s “somehow” rubbed off while in the package! As you can see-“genuine” is missing the “e” and there are a few “other” mishaps that I won’t mention. Think of it as like a Where’s Waldo? Find the missing pieces of rub on! I tried to salvage what I could but was really ticked off.

Anyway, this is the Mud Pie bug. I literally took my ink pad and just went wild! I though it was cute. Looks like my kids on a bad day breaking into our fridge. I’m sure many of you mom’s can relate!

Supplies-Stamps-Mudd Pie bug by C.C. designs, SU! just so sayings (I think)

cardstock by SU-cool Caribbean, whisper white, choc. chip, certain celery

Holy Cow Rub ons by  Basic grey, hardware by JoAnn’s craft essentials, brads by SU!, ribbon by AC, tab punch by SU!, prisma color pencils, gamsol

FOUND TREASURE!

Well I found a quick way to use up some bling that been collecting dust! I thought it was like “found treasure”, hence the name. Piled on some glue, and poured them on.

Another card I have “color” issues with. To me pirates are red, and black or chocolate! I can’t NOT use red!

I had this “map” paper from a DCWV Fall stack, so this was the perfect time to rip it up! LOL!

And thats what I did. Ripped up, crumbled, smoothed, DTP, and stuck it down. Cute boy card. I think this will go to Shane. As will the other boy cards.

Supplies Ahoy Matey bug and shadow by C.C. Designs, Ahoy Matey set by SU! cardstock by SU whisper white, real red, choc. chip

 ink-Tim Holtz distress ink, stazon

accessories-bling from AmyR, map paper by DCWV fall stack, prisma color pencils, gamsol, circle punches, and color spritzer

SEI Hugs & Bugz

What can I say, I LOVE SEI paper. I have had this one for over a year now! Had to use it. I think its the groovy collection-but not positive.

I love the Love Bugz. I had this sentiment from CTMH, and thought it was PERFECT- “A Hug is like a boomerang, you get it back right away” The set is called The gift of love.

The other card uses the Cutie Patootie bug. And she is cute! The shadows, and Thank you is also by C.C. designs. All images colored with prismacolor pencils, and gamsol.

Splash of get well wishes

When you are sick sometimes you just need a nice bubble bath! That was my though here! I love the bubbles. This bug has so many cute possibilites! Its like my favorite one.

All the stuff here (tubby time bug, shadow stamp, scalloped circle, cuttlebug spots & dots, icicle stickles) was from All That Scraps.

Ribbon is American Crafts, the tag is from JoAnn craft essentials, and the bling brad is by MM. Spritzed some color, and added a sentiment by curvy verses. Colored the bug with prisma color pencils, and gamsol.

Here comes the Bride-

Isn’t she just so sweet? Bling Bride is her name!

I cut out her veil with a hobby blade, and placed some white organdy ribbon behind it, so it was like a real one! The jewels on her headpiece are by Heidi swapp. As is the bling on the ring. I had the wedding bkgd sentiment and thought it was perfect! NO CLUE who makes it. This is for my SIL-she just sent her save-the date announcements.

The flower is by Bazzill, and the 2 toned ribbon is by May Arts.

Also used heart blocks cuttlebug folder. Colored in with my prisma color pencils & gamsol.

Oh! mama-

What a cute baby buggy bump. Remember that tongue twister game-rubber baby buggy bumpers! That all I kept saying as I made this one. I love the colors. Chatterbox paper is a big time favorite of mine. I love these colors for these bugs. I generally don’t use much orange, but this was perfect! I have alot of pregger friends. Thank God Jason is fixed! I’m trying to lose my baby bump from having  kids, don’t need anymore! LOL!

Follow you dreams…..

How many girls dream of becoming a ballerina when they are little! I love these colors, and had to use them for my Ballerina Bug. Purple is SOOOOO me! Love it, but dont use it much for card making. So here is my purple challenge to myself. Stickles adorn her TuTu.

Thanks for viewing all my buggy creations.

Check in tomorrow for my Saturday Sketch, and another bugz sample!

I have SO much fun reading about each of you! My response to you all is not only thanks for checking in, and playing but GET THE CUTTLEBUG and GET THE BIND IT ALL!  These are must haves people! MUST HAVES!

This weeks random winner for MYTIME MAIL  is #28! Cheryl K! Please email me your address So I can get this   off to you tomorrow!

Here is what Cheryl wrote.

Hi Lauren –

1) I’ve been stamping for seven years, but not sure I remember a time before stamping! Ha!

2) I remember my first set was from Stampin’ Up!, and it had lots of pieces, not sure of the name.

3) Favorite technique? That is hard. I love embossing, but there are so many to pick from.

4) All the punches, I want them all, and I really try to add one to each order, but it so tempting to order them all, if only DH would let me!

5) My embossing gun and my Crafter’s Tool Kit.

Check in frequently cause there will be more MYTIME MAIL before you know it! LOL!

Ill be posting some eye candy as soon as I take a shower!

I feel so lucky to have all my Pretend Stamping Friends! You are all so wonderful and dear to my heart. Each one of you brightens my days. I so enjoy our “chatting” and all the PM’s and emails I receive. Especially when you take the time to send me a card you made. I just melt!

I am also excited to gather with some of you over the next few weeks. Who would think stamping could bind so many people together? AMAZING I tell you. Im always shocked by the people I have met.

I have alot of catching up to do, and time isn’t really on my side these days! I know I keep saying I have deadlines, but its true! I really do!

I promise to post some eye candy tomorrow. Lot of stamping going on over here! Just unable to post most of it! Trust me it kills me not to share it.

In the meantime…..

Here is Alexa with her happy mail

“Basketmom” sent this to Alexa! She loved it. Thanks so much!! She got right to work when she opened it. It was hard to get her to stop and strike a pose!

I got a very sweet card from Dawn Mercedes-thank you!

Then I got a SUPER SURPRISE in my mail- ready to freak out?

Nicole sent me this ribbon storage unitafter seeing my craft room! LOL! Isn’t it amazing! I got rid of 3 tupperware bins of “hidden” ribbon! I didn’t realize what I had cause I couldn’t see it! LOL! This also saved space.

THANK YOU so much Nicole!! You rock!

OK back to stamping for a while (if the kids aren’t getting antsy!)-

Everyone knows how much Make-A-Wish has done for my family.

 Well, this little boy Shane has a wish that is out of their hands! But YOU can help make it happen! All he wants is to beat the Guinness book of world records for most birthday card received!

 His birthday is May 30th so time is ticking!!! PLEASE get stamping and make his wish come true. I cannot imagine how disappointed he will be if he doesn’t make this happen. I am going to make some more cards this weekend! I hope you will join me. Even send some you already have done!!!!

He is very far from close-WE can all make it happen!

Look here for more info.

I’ve been tagged by AmyR. I have to link my 5 favorite blogs. Everyone knows Amy rocks! After much thought here is my list. I also have to say Ive been busy so my blog browsing has been cut back alot.

ALSO Let me say this was really hard cause I love everyone’s blog. Im trying to go with some that may not get as much well deserved traffic as others. Its hard if you aren’t the most “popular” person in the world to get noticed, and if you do people don’t generally “comment”. We all love feedback so lets give it up to these talented people!

So here goes……

I had to pick Colleen! She is a talented woman, who is so awesome. She had me as one of the featured stampers on her blog a while back. Thats how I found her. Im happy to have gotten to know her better.

I love Lindsey’sblog cause of all her goodies! If you haven’t seen her EBAY store then don’t go! (Kidding seriously delicious stuff that will empty your wallet)

I’m also linking some blogs that I love, and that will “enable” you. Some you may not have seen as they aren’t the most “popular”-YET!

I have to list Chrisitne Wooden at All That Scraps, (yes I know I am linking people I work for but) she has a great blog that goes “un-noticed” in my opinion. Plus she has these cute new stamps coming out soon-like TOMORROW! So guess what Im playing with today! Plus can you say Bind it all, and cuttlebug! You also have to check out the new Bazzill Bling papers people-to DIE for! Check back here later and I hope to enable you!

Kim also @ MFT stamps. You need to see the adorable bikini set that Im dying to get me greedy hands on-WAY cute. Anoter new blog that needs recognition. So add it to your lists.

And I had to includeGreen Grass Stamps blog. Now there isn’t too much there YET! But starting the 22nd they are going to post a new sample EVERYDAY! So it will be hopping with ideas. I will of course have stuff on there that is exclusive to them, meaning it wont be anywhere but there! So check in regularly, and tell me what you think!

There are tons more but that was my limit!

Enjoy-

Who is ready for some MYTIME MAIL??? Well I said if I came home and I was up to 10,000 views I would post some goodies! Reply to this and I will announce a random winner of Friday morning! Say 10am eastern time.

So here is what the winner will receive-A pkg of Making Memories  round chipboard alphabet. I LOVE this stuff. If you have no clue what I’m talking about see the bottom post. I have a card with a round piece of chipboard, altered, that is published in Paper Made Easy.

Sorry I have no time for a photo cause ,Alexa has chemo today, icky weather = horrible photos, and I have had no chat time cause I have some tight deadlines. Can you believe Ive got to start Christmas card! Crazy huh? I did do 5 and they are cute. Sorry can’t share- YET! Promise to chat tonight on SCS, and post photos tomorrow of other fun stuff!

Since I will be busy the next few days, I thought it would be fun to get to know my readers, and “Pretend Stamping Friends” better!

So reply to this post by answering the following questions

1) How long have you been stamping?

2) Do you remember your first stamp, and if so what was it, and do you still have it.

3) What is your favorite technique?

4) What item are you DYING to buy but keep putting off?

5) What is your MOST used tool? (besides your paper cutter people!)

Here is my answer

1) Stamping for 3 years

2) My first stamp is by Hero Arts, and was a flower, yes I still have it.

3) HMMMM my favorite technique, definitely faux stitching. and anything that adds sparkle, lately its my pearlescent chalks, and popping acetate, but keeps changing!

4) Im really wanting the Prism markers! No reason I just do!

5) My most used tool- Cuttlebug! Love the embossing folders-mini and large ones!

Now its your turn! Have a great day. And those of you getting the flooding like we are-stay warm & dry!

PS Sorry its not Disney stamp/scrap related I seriously was so summed to find NOTHING!