let your faith be bigger | Sparkle N Sprinkle April reveal/blog hop.

Welcome to Sparkle N Sprinkle's 

April 1, 2015 Reveal

We have FOUR new stamp sets to share with you this month and these sets are 20% off their regular price until April 3.  All the new reveal sets are available on cling mounted rubber and as a digital image.  Friendship Flowers #702 is the stamp set featured in  this month's technique video.

The sets are:

Get Well Friends #701   (digi version DIGI701)

Friendship Flowers #702   (digi version DIGI702)

Old Well #703  (digi version DIGI703)

Spring Window #704   (digi version DIGI704)

On April 3, one Grand Prize Winner will be selected from the comments left on the designers' blogs listed below.  The Grand Prize Winner will receive all FOUR of the new rubber stamp sets (or digi sets, if you prefer)

The winner of the blog hop will be announced on April 3 on Facebook, the SNS blog, and on our blogs. This month's blog hop order is:

Shona 

Diane 

Eret

Anne

Ashley

Marie

Belinda

April

(Tip: if you have a problem with a particular link, try clicking on the person's blog title to send you to their Home page.)

Don't forget to leave a comment with each designer to be eligible for the grand prize. We love reading your comments and hope we have inspired you as well. If you absolutely can not leave a comment for some reason, please email icinganne@yahoo.com with your comment and the name of the blog or designer you are commenting about.

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The new SNS Creative Challenges also begins today, with lots of prizes and recognition badges.  The theme is always anything goes using loose glitter, embossing powder, and flock.

Thanks for stopping by today! If you've arrived from Anne, you're in the right place!  I'm sharing a card I made with one of the new stamp sets, Spring Window (704).

This card was totally different from anything I've ever done and it was fun. First I colored the branches and flowers with Faber-Castell Big Brush pens in shades of red. I stamped the image and wiped the stamp clean. Then I colored the window with Faber-Castell Big Brush pens in shades of blue and re-stamped the image. I didn't worry about having the stamp perfectly lined up. 

After I wiped the stamp clean again, I inked the whole stamp with Versamark ink and stamped the image for a third time. Again, I didn't worry about having the stamp perfectly alined because I already knew which embossing powder I wanted to use. I coated the stamped image with Magic Speckle (EP175), which is a gorgeous specialty embossing powder that has a Mother of Pearl-like finish. It's lovely!

Versamark with Magic Speckle before heat embossing / after heat embossing

Since I didn't have my stamped image perfectly lined up, you can see some of the reds from the flower branches and the blues from the window coming through from the pearl finish. Isn't that neat?! I think it gives almost a sketch-like appearance. 

For the "sky," I used Ocean marbled embossing powder (EP438). I actually used two coats, but I let the first coat dry completely before I added the second coat. For the brick wall, I used some Tim Holtz Distress ink to blend some brown ink, darker on the edges and lighter toward the middle. Finally for the vase sitting on the window sill, I used Raspberry Sherbet embossing powder (EP243).

blue Ocean marbled embossing powder

 Here's my finished card. This was really fun to make! I think it looks sort of like a water color or a sketched image.

Now it's time for you to hop along to your next stop: Marie

other supplies
Faber-Castell PITT artist pen big brush (magenta; deep scarlet red; cobalt green; skyblue)
ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink (gathered twig)

Haul Video: Sparkle N Sprinkle.

happily homed...Apu|ScrapMuch?!

Hello! We're revealing our Sketchy Friday this week over at ScrapMuch?! I loved this one photo sketch and I stuck by it pretty closely.

We started fostering for the Humane Society of Hamilton County in December last year. Apu was our first foster. We already foster dogs for Love of Labs, but we foster the ill kitties for the HSHC because they can't go to fosters with other cats since they are contagious. We generally have the sick kitties two weeks at a time and may have to give them medication while we foster them. Usually by the time two weeks is over, they've had quiet time to recover and are ready for adoption! We returned Apu after two weeks and he was adopted that week! He was a great kitty, so laid back. I'm so happy for him!

Here's Apu:

Want to play along with us? Great! Here's how: Link up your creations HERE to be entered into a random draw for our monthly prize. You have until March 31 at midnight to participate in any of this months sketch challenges. Each linkup tool will remain open until that date! Can't wait to see what you make!

supplies
patterned paper: Pink Paislee (Bella Rouge)
plastic shapes, pink labels: Studio Calico
cat die cuts: SN@P! by Simple Stories
cat paper clip: Maya Road
stamp: Paper Smooches (Charmed Cat); Unity Stamp Co (SMAK Kit December 2014/Moments Like These)
stamp + die cut label set: Studio Calico
letter stickers: American Crafts Dear Lizzy (Soar Thickers)

Haul Video: Sparkle N Sprinkle.

Sparkle N Sprinkle first haul video!

In case you missed the announcement from Sparkle N Sprinkle earlier this week, you can read it HERE. I received my first design team package earlier this week. You can see the haul video HERE.

together.

Hey there! I have a layout to share today for the Scrapping Turtle design team. They have monthly promotions and SN@P by Simple Stories is on sale this month. I've been eyeing these cuts from the Home Spun collection for a while and finally bit the bullet and got them. You know I don't do pocket style scrapbooking (except for mini albums an special projects), but I still use cards meant for pocket style pages. 

Here's what I came up with:

Sketch Source

 This photo is from my cousin's senior night last fall. My mom and I went to his football game and while we were standing at the gate watching the seniors line up, my other cousin (his brother) came strolling by. We took a "groupie" as mom called it - and we all were cracking up.

supplies 
ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Shabby Shutters)
date stamps: Studio Calico; American Crafts (Amy Tangerine; Maggie Holmes)
stamp: Studio Calico
enamel dots: My Mind's Eye (The Sweetest Thing)
die: Die-Namics by My Favorite Things (Accent It - Labels and Tabs)
embossing powder: My Stamp Box (clear)
washi: Teresa Collins

ScrapMuch?! design team call!

ScrapMuch?! is having a design team call! 

I've had a really fun time on this design team, but unfortunately I need to step down due to the requirements. I encourage everyone to apply for this team - you will get the opportunity to work with some amazing sketches that will push you outside of your comfort zone. Plus, everyone on the team is SO nice. Good luck!

 

Design Team Requirements:

• create 2 layouts per month, using the sketches provided
• post our badge on your blog (yes you must be a blogger)
• become a member of our private Facebook group (this is how we communicate as a team)
• submit your layouts to us on or before the designated due dates
• post the ScrapMuch? sketch and your layout, along with a link to the ScrapMuch? blog on your blog  on the day of our reveal (Fridays)
• share your blog posts on your Facebook page
  
• comment on entries, as assigned (this is a must)
• you do not need to be exclusive to ScrapMuch?, you can belong to one other sketch DT or unlimited other challenge DT's, however you may not belong to any other scrapbook store DT's (this includes GDT spots.)
• you must be loyal and committed to promoting ScrapMuch?

This call is open to scrappers in Canada and the U.S., you do not need to have Design Team experience to apply, all applications will be considered.  The term will run for 6 months, from May 1st, 2015 until October 31, 2015.  Compensation provided in the form of a store discount.

To apply, create a layout using one of our March 2015 sketches.  Send a high quality photo of your layout along with the following information to Laura via email at lwhitaker@bell.net, before our March 29th, 2015 deadline.  Please put ScrapMuch? DT Call in the subject line.

Also include:

• 2 of your favourite layouts, we would love to see what you think best represents your style!!  If you love 2 page layouts be sure to share one of those as well, as you know we offer a two page sketch each month
• past or present DT experience (though none is necessary)
• a link to your blog
• your full name and address

Sparkle N Sprinkle... Guest Designer announcement!

A secret I've been keeping... I'm guest designing for Sparkle N Sprinkle!

I am hyperventilating over their embossing powder choices. & also, flocking?! Hello! + they have some really cute stamps (digi available too!) Best of all? Made in the USA.

Stay tuned over the next few months for some amazing product shares!

Haul Video: Scrapbook Turtle.

Merry Christmas|ScrapMuch?!

Happy March! Today the ScrapMuch?! team B is sharing our sketch release. It may be spring soon (we hope!) but I'm sharing a Christmas page! Here is our Sketchy Friday reveal:

Here is my page:

I asked for a pair of overall Carharts for Christmas this year for when I'm outside with the dogs or shoveling the driveway. My grandma got me a PINK pair! I love them.

To play along with us: link up your creations HERE to be entered into a random draw for our monthly prize.


supplies 
die cut shapes: Elle's Studio (Good Cheer)
embossing powder: Stampin' UP! (Shimmering Silver)
candy buttons: Basic Grey
puffy stickers: Evalicious (Oh What Fun)
cork: Elle's Studio (Sycamore Lane)

lovely.

Today is my day off work and I found THIS challenge at Creative Embellishments.I know it's more leprechauns and 4 leaf clovers, but the greens and the flowers really made me feel like spring. I have cabin fever. So I dug up a photo from last spring of when everything was just starting to bloom and come together in my yard. I moved into my home in November 2013, so last spring was my first experience with the plants and flowers the previous owner had in the yard.

This crabtree looks gorgeous for a few weeks in April and May when all the flowers are blooming on it... and then they all fall off at once and it just looks like a normal tree again.

The challenge twist was to use a flourish, but I don't have any of those so I used my Creative Embellishments Fall Leaves wood veneer. Sidenote: I just also found THIS while I was linking up my Fall Leaves and how gorgeous is that?! Makes me think of crips leaves and pumpkins. Anyway, here's my page inspired by their challenge:

May 2014

I heat embossed my wood shapes. The aqua one that looks so shiny - I double heat embossed that one. I'm not sure that's the correct terminology, but before the first layer of embossing powder was dry, I added a second layer and heat embossed it again. It turned out super shiny and I love it. My green leaf started out just being colored with some Faber Casteel Big Brushes, but I decided I didn't like it enough so I heat embossed that one too. First I dipped the edges onto my embossing ink, then I poured on some embossing powder. I waited for it to dry completely (this is hard to do...) and then I added a layer of distress embossing powder over the top. I really love the way that one turned out too!

supplies

patterned paper: We R Memory Keepers (Love Notes)

wood veneer: Creative Embellishments

embossing powders: ZING! by American Crafts (lavender; leaf opaque; aqua); Tim Holtz Distress Powder (peeled paint)

wishing you well|Stick It Down.

Happy March! Man, this year is flying by! Today is an exciting day - besides being one month closer to spring - I am featured on the Stick It Down challenge blog with my card for the March sketch! Here was the sketch:

 Here's my card:

I used ink blending + a stencil for the background.  For the two blocks in the sketch, I used one of my new DieNamics dies to die cut the flowering branches. Where the purple ink blending at the top of the card is, I decided to use a distressed star stamp and heat emboss it with a purple embossing powder.

Then I tied on some pink ribbon at the bottom where the pink ink is blended. For the final step, I used my Spellbinder's Grand Calibur die cutting machine to cut the sentiment frame. I heat embossed a a stamped frame around my sentiment and then stamped my sentiment with VersaFine.

I added a small purple bling on the corner of my sentiment frame and my card is complete. Hope you find some inspiration in my card and you'll play along with us this month! You can link up HERE and these are the guidelines:

1. No back linking. Your project may be combined with other challenge blogs, but must be created after our sketch is posted.
2.  Link back to Stick it Down from your blog post.
3.  You can rotate, flip, or alter the sketch, but we hope to see how the sketch inspired your creation.
4.  Please follow the sketch format, single page layouts for single sketches, etc....traditional only, no digital!

supplies 
inks: Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Picked Raspberry; Spun Sugar; Shaded Lilac); VersaFine (onyx black) 
stamp: Paper Trey Ink (Framed Out #5; Framed Out #3); Unity Stamp Co (SMAK Kit Dec 2014 Moments Like These)
embossing powder: American Craft ZING! (Lavender) 
stencil: Simon Says Stamp! (Moroccan stencil)
die cutting machine: Spellbinders Grand Calibur
die: Die-Namites (Flowering Branch) 
ribbon: American Crafts