Jennifer McGuire, ink.

WCMD Week: Day 3 of Giveaways

Welcome back to my World Card Making Day Week!  This is Day 3 and I have lots randomness for you today before announcing today's giveaway. :)

First, we have a winner from Day 1's prize of Melissa Frances rub-ons.  The lucky person is Avital!  And I thought I should mention, Avital, who lives in Ireland, has a great website with "Creativity Prompts" and a book about unleashing your creativity.  It is worth checking out HERE.

And you still have time to enter Monday's giveaway HERE.  I can't believe the cool places you are all from.  It just amazes me how so many people from so many amazing places and walks of life all connect through our hobby.  God is good.

Next, I have some few non-cardmaking enabling things...

1. Scentsy
I love the smell of candles in my house, but always fear the worst with having them around.  And plug-ins just don't cut it for me.  Jen Harrison told me about Scentsy and I ordered some from a person in Utah that I have never met.  I LOVE these products.  The smell it puts throughout the house is incredible.  It works like a candle but without a flame - it instead uses a light.  Really worth checking out.  I love many of their smells.  If you are interested in ordering, go to THIS link and it will hook you up with the kind Brianna that has helped me so much.  I have the warmer shown below along with a few different bricks. (And, Jana, if you are reading this: don't order one.  Just don't do it.  I guess now you know why I asked about your favorite scents. Hee. :)

 

2. Target Dollar Spot Whoopie Cushions
Yes, you heard me right.  Need a good laugh with the family?  Get a few of the whoppie cushions in the Target Dollar section.  They have cute Halloween ones... even mini ones. The girls got several of them for Uncle Mike this weekend - and we laughed so much.  So hard.  Needed that!  Poor Jana had to put up with our family laughing like mad.  :)

3. Target Owl Pajamas
Kay spotted these adorable pajamas in the kids section at Target.  After she got home, she told me about them.  So, we had to head back the next day to get three sets: one for Kay, one for Audrey and one for me. (Yes, Kay and I wear the same size.  She is actually a bit taller than me!)  They are super adorable.  I love having fun with them - being three pals.

Next... how about some fun links...

1. Want to play in a fun challenge?  Where you could win 29 cards made by some talented cardmakers?  Check out THIS.  Melanie over at 2peas has a contest going on where you have to guess which artists made which cards.  And if you get the most right, you win all the cards!  Fun.

2. Wanna see some ultra-cute pillows you can make at home?  I love THESE Halloween ones made by Rhonna Farrer.  Cute!  And how about a fun doormat?  Check out THIS!

3. You really must go check out Nichol Magouirk's blog.  She has added some amazing projects lately. So inspiring!

Now... a few Q&A's...

Q: You send a lot of giveaways.  Who pays for the shipping - do you?
A: I do a lot of giveaways for a few reasons.  One: This industry has been generous to me, so I like to pay it forward.  Second: I am always trying to cut back on supplies.  Third and most importantly: It simply feels good.  Yes, I do pay for the shipping.  But, really, if I just skip a few Starbucks treats and drive by Target more often instead of going in, it isn't a big deal. :)  And, a few kind people have donated to help pay for shipping of prizes for the card drives.  (Connie Williams and Donna Reese from Stamp Your Art Out, Jana and others.)  I simply like to pay it forward.

Q: Any tips for someone who wants to turn this hobby into a career?
A: This is a tough one.  I really don't have a good answer to this.  I think a lot of it has to be about meeting the right people at the right time.  I was blessed to meet Robin Johnson many years ago, only a few months after starting to scrapbook.  And she introduced me to Jeff Lam, who owned Autumn Leaves.  So, I have Robin to thank for opening doors for me.  I think I would still be a boring ole' engineer if it wouldn't have been for her.  But the best advice I can give is to get your work published as much as possible - magazines, online galleries, contests, etc.  Soon, someone will notice you and your hobby could very well become a career.  (And, yes, it is very possible!)

Next, let's do a quick share...

Found THIS great Christian stamp from Verve Stamps.  They have some great stamps at great prices. 

Supplies:
Verve Stamp
Making Memories patterned papers
Hero Arts notecard
Stampin' Up scallop punch
Martha Stewart butterfly punch
White Liquid Pearls
Random ribbon "borrowed" from Jana

OK... time for the giveaway for today! 

A random winner will get these fun goodies from Heidi Swapp:

By Wednesday at 11:59pmEDT, leave a comment on this post sharing something with me that you love: a new stamp, favorite product, movie, book - anything. :)  I will post a winner on Thursday for those Heidi Swapp goodies.

OK... off to finish up a handout for my classes this weekend.  Bye!

WCMD Week: Day 2 of Giveaways

Hi!

Welcome to Day 2 of my World Card Making Day week of giveaways!

And, I *do* want all you overseas folks to enter.  Of course! Enter no matter where you live.

If you saw the recent CK issue, you might have seen a little album I did from Tinkering Ink... (Forgive the poor scan.)

(c) Creating Keepsakes

I love their Peek-a-Boo albums!  So fun - mixes of chipboard and acrylic.  I had a few extras, along with their Finery and rub-ons, so I thought I would pass them on to one of you. Just leave a comment on this post by 11:59pmEDT on Tuesday night telling me where you live.  (I love hearing from those faraway and closeby! Just state or country.)  I will then post a winner on Wednesday.  Here are the 5 things you could win, which includes two Peek-A-Boo Albums and three embellishment packs... (Click on them for more information.)  [THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.]

    

      

OK... off to snack on some strawberries.  I am so bad about eating right before going to sleep. :)

WCMD Week: Day 1 of Giveaways

Hi!

We are celebrating the World Card Making Day with a week of prizes here.  Today is Day 1.  I have some enabling, a share and then the giveaway!

1. Scallop Circle Punches
I get a lot of use out of my scallop circle punches.  A lot.  I use the Paper Shaper and Marvy ones... and now they have big sizes.  Paper Shaper has a 3" one (my fave) and the Marvy comes in 3 1/2"!  Perfect for circle cards like THIS one and the one below.  If you are having trouble finding them, call Carol at Stampers Corner.  She will ship at actual shipping cost and she has them all.  Good deal.  I just asked her to send me the 3 1/2" plain circle one - need it!  These get a lot of use in my cardmaking and scrapbooking.

 

2. Studio Calico Number Stamp
WOOHOO!  Awesome news!  Studio Calico now has some of their stamps for sale individually - including the number stamp!  Get them while you can - I think they mentioned the supplies are limited.  I also love the butterfly one.  Can't wait to use it.  Go HERE.

3. Liquid Pearls
This is a new addiction of mine.  Liquid Pearls look fabulous with Hero Arts Pearls.  Such a fun accent.  I love to use it for the bodies of butterflies.  You can get all the colors HERE at Ellen Hutson - a great, fast online store I am starting to frequent. :)

4. Melissa Frances Rub-Ons
I love little expression rub-ons to use for cardmaking.  My favorites?  Melissa Frances.  They have some super cute ones that are the perfect size, the perfect style and the perfect quality.  Here are some of my faves:

Here is a card I made using all these goodies.  I also used the Seeing Spots Kit from Scrapbook Bakery - such great colors.

Supplies: (see the links above)
Marvy scallop and circle punches
Scenic Route butterfly chipboard (colored with Colorbox Chalk Ink)
Studio Calico number stamp
Heidi Swapp papers (from Scrapbook Bakery Seeing Spots kit)
American Crafts ribbon (from Scrapbook Bakery Seeing Spots kit)
Liquid Pearls

So... now it is time to send out some goodies.  Melissa Frances was so generous to send these for a giveaway!  There are a bunch of my favorite rub-ons for one lucky winner.  Just leave a comment on this post by 11:59pmEDT on Monday night telling me your current favorite color combo for card making.  I will then post a winner on Tuesday.  Here they are, held by my assistant, Audrey, during a break from  a serious round of nurfball shooting in the backyard... [EDITED TO ADD: GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.]

But be sure to come back tomorrow, too, for another giveaway...

See you soon!

World Card Making Day - How about a week of giveaways?

Hi!

Saturday, October 4th is World Card Making Day.  I think that is a pretty cool, positive reason to have some fun, don't you?  I sure do, so I thought I would extend it into a week of fun here.

I will start the fun tomorrow with cards, videos, ideas, enabling... and a giveaway a day.  So be sure to stop back every day this week starting tomorrow.

In the meantime, check out Jana's challenge HERE.  She is giving away a 2peas gift certificate.  And I offered to do the same.  So check out her blog to play!

See you tomorrow for some fun!

Winners and another giveaway notice...

Hi!

I have randomly picked the three winners:

Marilyn Nimmo
BeckyR
Kisha

I emailed you all to get your address.

And!  Want to win more?  I was just checking out the Studio Calico blog and they are doing a great giveaway.  Click HERE to enter.

More later!  Off to play with the three kiddos. :)

Giveaways and a share...

Hey, everyone.

I have a share and some giveaways.

First, the share.  I did a ton of these with scraps this weekend at the retreat.  I just like to have little things like this on-hand to throw in packages I send out.  (The post office man knows me well.  :)  I just colored them with pencils and then used a clear glitter pen over them for a bit of shine. 

Supplies:
Hero Arts stamps (birds and greeting)
Hero Arts tiny clear gems, colored black with a permanent pen for eyes
Copic Glitter Pen
Creative Impressions Silk Ribbon
Black Memories Ink
Colored Pencils and Gamsol
Paper Shaper Punches

Now... for the fun part!  April over at Studio Calico generously sent me some extra stamps to giveaway.  They are so kind over there - I highly recommend you check them out.  The sneak peek of their October kit has me drooling.  I will be getting it for sure.  And the guest designer is none other than one of my favorites - Leslie Lightfoot.  Woohoo!

So, I have these three clear stamps.  I will pick three winners - each will get one stamp.  (Gotta spread the love around a bit.)  Just leave a comment here by tomorrow (Friday the 26th) at 11:59pmEDT.  In your comment, tell me something good that happened to you today.

Thanks again to Studio Calico.

Oh, and the good thing that happened to me today: I taught a class at my local store.  I just love doing that.

Night!

(BTW: Thanks for the House link.  You all rock.  Lipstick Jungle caught me off guard, too!  Just as long as they keep good ol' Kirby around, I will be happy.  :)

ETA: Did you all see this good news?  Jason is the next Bachelor!  Simple pleasures. Hee.

I have three good reasons...

... for not having time to post tonight:

1. I have a holiday card class tomorrow night.  But I did a video for a few of the cards, so I will be sharing them soon.

2. I have a giveaway planned for tomorrow.

3. Lipstick Jungle is on tonight.  Can you say Kirby Atwood?  Yum... :)

So... I will be back tomorrow.  Night!

Things I learned...

... from being without power for the week.  It wasn't bad, but I learned a few things...

1. If you have an iPhone, get a car charger.  It comes in handy when there is no power in the house. :)

2. The MacBookPro has a great battery life.  You charge it at mom's in the morning and have enough power to watch a movie at night.

3. I am not looking forward to remodeling my house.  Having no power meant going to my parents in the mornings.  They are gutting their whole first floor.  I don't think I could live with the dust.

4. I need to create every single day.  Or I just don't smile as much. :)

5. I am glad I have an old house with a gas water heater.  (Warm showers!)

6. Missing the first episode of House stinks.  Boogers. :(

I can't imagine what those in Texas are going through.  Big prayers.

On to some random things...

I have one opening in my class Thursday night at Stamp Your Art Out in Cincinnati.  Someone canceled today.  So call 513.793.4558 if you are interested!

A moment of enabling. :)  Check out this new tree stamp from Hero Arts.  Hard to find - not everyone has it.  It is a big one.  Look HERE to get it...

 

Also, a few mentioned that the link to Cherie's holiday card templates didn't work.  THIS is the link.  Sorry!

And, I forgot to mention that you must see these little halloween dudes by Cherie.  SO cute.  Can't wait to use these to make treats for Colin's friends at school.  Looky HERE.  Here is a peek...

OK... how about a quick share?  This is an old one that I did to show stamping on buttons.  What I do to stamp on buttons is I lay the button down (flat side up) onto the sticky part of a post-it note.  Then I stamp on it with Black Staz-On - down and up quick and straight.  If I booger it up, I clean it with Ultra Clean and then try again.  By putting it on a sticky note, the button doesn't want to stick to the wet stamp.  Works great.

Supplies:
Hero Arts stamps (circles, greeting, stems), notecards, buttons and flowers
Colorbox Chalk Ink
Ultra Clean
Black Memories Ink

OK... off to watch tv. :)  Night!

[BTW... I am still behind on email after last week.  I will be working on it this week.  Sorry!]

How-To Video: Stamping and Dry Embossing Vellum

First: Good news!  Finally got power back.  Now I just need to go to the grocery store to fill my 100% empty frig. :)

I am catching up on email and computer work while watching my new (and slightly twisted) addition to the show Dexter.  Wow.  It is so good.

But I thought I would link you up to a few things in the meantime. 

First, HERE is a video I did for twopeasinabucket.com on stamping and dry embossing on vellum.  Click HERE if you want high quality - just click on "watch in high quality" directly below the video.

(c) twopeasinabucket.com

Speaking of holiday cards, here are some more great projects:

• You have GOT to go see Tia Bennett's cards HERE.  Take a close look - she uses stamps in creative ways.  She made the Hero Arts Big Owl into a tree trunk!
• Looking for simple photo card templates?  I love love love THESE from Cherie Mask.  
• Robyn Werlich is just too good.  Look at these cutie cards HERE.
• Oh, my... these are stinkin' cute: Kristina Werner's cards HERE.  She has too much talent! (Oh, and I met her a couple weeks ago.  She is tall and sweet, too.  Those three things should not be allowed to exist in one person: tall, sweet and talented. :)  She has it all.)
• And Stacy Sattler's cutie felt cards HERE.  I love how she used the Hero Arts birds.

Well, I need to go snuggle with my husband (haven't seen him enough lately) and watch a serial killer on TV.  (Yes... if you haven't heard of Dexter, you need to read about it!)

Night!

Sorry...

...can't post tonight. I am home but still no power.

Oh... I can add another point to my list on reasons to buy an iPhone: if you don't have power, you can still get Internet access. :)

Night!