Birthday Chick

My co-worker Carrie celebrated her birthday today, so I had to make her a card (of course)!!!  This is one of my favorite stamps from Penny Black and it always makes me laugh.  Since she is a bit of a party gal, I thought this would be a great choice for her!

Copic Colors Used:
Chicks: R81, R83; RV91, RV93; Y13, Y15; YG01, YG03
Combs: R22, R24
Beaks/feet: Y35, Y38
Stools: T0, T1, T3
Accessories same colors as chicks...

Spica Marker Holder

About a month ago, I purchased one of the new Copic Marker carriers (LOVE IT!), but my only complaint is that it didn't come with a place to store the Spica markers (since they have to be stored horizontally).  For a while, I just had them laying on top secured with a rubber band...I wanted something better!!! 

On Black Friday, I bought myself a small sewing machine so I could do some repairs (and hopefully sew on cards!) and decided that I would try to create a pouch to hold my Spica markers.  I found this ultra cute material at Jo-Anne fabrics and ventured into an unknown realm.   

Originally, I had hoped to create a piece that had elastic to hold the markers in place, but that proved to be TOO complicated for my skill set... 

This was my second try.  I created a pouch that can lay flat on top of my markers in my case for travel and is secured with velcro strips. I thought about adhering the whole piece to the lid of the case, but since it is a plastic material, I didn't want to run the risk of it tearing after repeated use.  I can just take out the whole set and roll it up while I use my markers.  The lines aren't all straight, nor is the workmanship 100%, but it will do the task and I am pretty proud of my efforts!

Young at Heart

This card was made for my Grandmother's recent birthday.  I thought this image from Mo's Digital Pencil was perfect...she is very much "Young at Heart."  All of the cards I make her always go into a box called her "keepers."  I am guessing this one will join them!  The paper is from My Mind's Eye.

Copic Colors Used:
Shirt: RV0000, RV000, RV00; RV10, RV11
Bloomers/Ribbon/Purse: BG10, BG11, BG13
Leaves in Hat: TG00, YG01, YG03
Grapes: V06
HAt/Shoes: R22, R24, R27
Skin: E0000, E000, E00
Hair: Y23; YR23; E31

Puppy Love

My co-worker asked if I could make a card for her to give her daughter on her birthday and this is what I did for her.  The image from Mo's Digital Pencil is super sweet.  They have a dog and I thought this image was perfect for the occasion. The papers are by My Minds' Eye.

Copic Colors Used:
Shirt: RV63, RV66, RV69
Shorts: BG0000, BF000, BG01
Boots: E31, E33, E35
Dog: YR20, YR21, YR 23, YR24
Skin: E0000, E000, E00
Collar Tag/Tongue: R22, R24
Collar: BG0000, BG000, BG01
Bandaid: RV63, RV66
Hair: Y23; YR23; E31, E33, E35

Birthday Giraffe

One of my co-workers has two adorable girls....one recently celebrated her birthday and I wanted to give her a card.  I chose this precious giraffe by Mo's Digital Pencil.  Aren't those eyelashes amazing??????   The patterned papers are from My Mind's Eye.

Copic Colors Used:
Giraffe: Y21, Y23, Y26; E55, E57
Leaves: YG13, YG17
Flower: YR12, YR14, YR15
Ground: YG0000; E31, E33

Extra! Extra!

My brother recently celebrated his birthday and this was the card I made just for him!  On the inside, the sentiment says "Timothy is REALLY old today!"   I couldn't resist....he promptly reminded me that I was six years older than he is...........hmmmmmm.....maybe I shouldn't have been so smug!  The image is from Mo's Digital Pencil and I thought it was a great choice....

Copic Colors Used:
Jacket/Pants: B91, B93, B95
Hat: YG91, YG93, YG95
Shoes: E70, E71, E74
Newspaper: W00
Skin: E0000, E000, E00

Oldie But Goodie

I needed a birthday card for the brother-in-law of a co-worker.  I decided to use one of the images from a set by Arielle at Wax Fruit Company.  Love this old car! It reminds me of an old family car when I was young...

Copic Colors Used:
Body: BG10, BG11, BG13
Chrome: C0, C1, C2, C3
Tire: C5, C7
Windows: W00
Brake Light: R22, R24, R27

Honeysuckle

Again, another great image from Arielle over at Wax Fruit Company. I sort of copied her layout a bit on this one too...they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...so I will use that as my excuse!

Copic Colors Used:
Flowers: RV21, RV23, RV13
Stamen: YR21
Leves: YG61, YG63, YG67
Sky: BG0000

With Sympathy

I have to give a shout out to Arielle over at Wax Fruit Company...She is the artist who did this amazing Lavender image and I also have to give her kudos for the design...I used her sample as my inspiration.  I love her clean, crisp cards and I even tried to do the "dot thing" she does to fill in the white space.  I didn't quite get it right, but it looks pretty good! 

I thought this would make a great sympathy card, so I went with it... I think it turned out very beautiful.

Copic Colors Used:
Flowers: V01, V09, V12, V15
Stems: YG11, YG13, YG25
Dots: YG00, YG11, YG25

Lovebirds

I adore this cute image from Wee Stamps. I have been meaning to color it for some time, and I finally got around to it.  I think it would make a sweet anniversary card or valentine.  The cute patterned paper is from My Mind's Eye.  I did some of my faux stitching to add a little definition.

Copic Colors Used:
Blue Bird: BG0000, BG000, BG01
Yellow Bird: Y00, Y11, Y13, Y15
Beaks: Y32, Y35, Y38
Bar: E31, E33, E35
Flowers: R81, R83, R85
Leaves: YG11, YG13
Ring: W1

This card was made for a co-worker that recently left for a new job...sigh...It was a sad occasion, so I wanted the card to be light-hearted. This is another set from the Inky Antics line that I got at the show in July.  I love this one....very cheeky (pun intended) and super simple.

Copic Colors Used:
E31, E33, E35, E37

Celebrating Veteran's Day

I made this card a while back for my Uncle's Birthday.  Since I had not yet posted it, I thought putting it up on Veteran's Day was appropriate. I know there aren't any veterans left from the Civil War, but it is about celebrating those who have fought and those who continue to fight for our freedom.  I honor them today.  Thank you for your service to our country.

The image is a digital one from Hambo Stamps and is one that is dear to me. I am a descendant of a soldier who fought bravely for the Confederate Army.  My uncle has done a great deal of research on our Confederate ancestors as well as others, so that is why I chose this great image for his birthday.  I know he loved it!

Copic Colors Used:
Uniform: W00, W0, W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6, W7
Rifle: E31, E33, E35
Knapsack: E35, E37, E39
Shoes: E44, E47, E49
Bayonet: C00, C0, C1
Skin: E0000, E000, E00
Canteen: E13, E15, E17; C0, C1, C3
Beard: C1, C3, C5

Hippo Fun

This is another fun set from Inky Antics!  The inside sentiment says "I'm Still A-Round"  Tee hee.... Thought it would be fun to send to someone I haven't heard from lately...

Copic Colors Used:
W00, W0, W1, W2, W3, W4

Miss you deerly

 

I made this card for a dear friend that I miss tremendously...This is a stamp from a collection by Inky Antics that I purchased at a stamp show back in July. I thought it was sincere without being too serious!  I bought several sets at that show and will be sharing cards from other sets in the coming days.  I know I have been negligent in posting, so I have typed up a bunch of posts to gradually show up for many days to come! 

Copic Colors Used:

Deer:E 51, E53, E55, E57

Leaves: YG11, YG13, YG17

House It Going?

This is the second time in recent days that I have participated in a challenge.  Last week, I played along with the Hambo Hoedown and like a big doofus...forgot to email my card as per instructed so that I would get the free digi stamp for this week...ARGH!  Well...rather than griping...I did the good thing and bought the digi so I could play along this week! 

You can bet I will follow the directions COMPLETELY this time!  LOL

Here is my creation using the house digi and sentiment.  We were also tasked to use a common household item that you wouldn't normally use on a card. I dug through my toolbox to rescue two small nuts that were begging to be used as.........FLOWERS!  I colored them with a copic marker to give them some color and voila!   I drew in my own leaves and stems so they wouldn't be floating in the air.  I will admit that proportionately...they are BIG flowers...but it works!  My house is VERY colorful, but I figured a whimsical house called for whimsical colors.  It was fun!

Copic Colors Used:
House: BG000, BG01, BG02
Trim: Y000, Y00, Y11
Stone: C00, C0, C1, C2
Door: R32, R35
Roof/Shingles: E40, E41, E42
Shrubs/Leaves: YG11, YG13, YG17

Monster Trio

I have had these three monster digis by Dustin Pike for some time and finally got around to coloring them and turning them into cards. I am not sure if they are still available for purchase, but they are adorable!

 

 

The sentiments are all from a Whipper Snapper Set. 

Copic Colors Used:

Card 1...

Monster: Y21, Y23, Y26

Horns: BG10, BG11

Nose/Mouth: YR12, YR14

Card 2...

Monster: BG11, BG13, BG15

Balloon: R22, R24, R27

Horns: YR21, YR23

Card 3...

Moster: YG21, YG23, YG25; E15, E17, E18

Belly: YG0000, YG00, YG01

Spines: R24, R27, R29

Waiting on the Cooler Weather

Can I just say I can't wait for Fall weather to get here!  It has been so hot lately and I HATE hot weather!  Over at the Hambo Hoedown this week they are hosting a challenge to use Fall colors, so I felt inspired to join along this week.  I haven't played along in a while, so I hope folks don't fall over when they see that I created a card this week!!  LOL

This card features Hambo Stamps' "Crows" Stamp.  On the inside it has "Just Be Caws."  Tee hee.  Such fun!

Copic Colors Used:
Birds: 100 (Black)
Corn: Y21, Y23, Y26, Y28; YG91, YG93, YG95
Beaks/Feet: Y32, Y35, Y38
Fence: E21, E23, E25, E27
Grass: YG91m, YG93

Finally...A New Card!

I have not been very productive during my time off work.  I had hopes that I would get dozens and dozens of cards made, but it just didn't happen.  This card features a digi stamp from The Wax Fruit Company.  I was drawn to the umbrellas and had fun coloring this one.  The sentiment is from a sticker sheet I have had for a few years.  The paper is from My Mind's Eye and I used my swirls Cuttlebug folder to emboss the background.

Copic Colors Used:
Umbrella 1: RV63, RV66
Umbrella 2: YG93, YG95
Umbrella 3: BG45, BG49
Sand: E40, E41
Poles: E35
Ocean: BG70
Sky: B0000

A few cards that never got posted...

This one was for my youngest niece's birthday and features one of Mo Manning's digital images.  I thought this girl reminded me of my niece so I decided to use it for her birthday card!

I don't have time to type up my usual Copic Color chart, so if you want to know anything in particular, just let me know!

This was a mother's day card for my mom.  It features a digital image from Mo Manning.  I like this potting bench...my mom is not a huge gardener (well...to be accurate...she has planted a few things from time to time...lol), but I loved the image and decided to use it anyway!

This one was for my grandmother on mother's day.  It is another digital image from Mo Manning. I even used some of my faux bakers twine on this one! 

I am going to be MIA for a while

Most of my friends know that I work for Eastern Music Festival, which is a summer orchestral and piano training program for gifted young musicians ages 14-22.  I am the Director of Admissions and oversee the student program.  The Festival starts in less than 3 weeks and things are off-the-hook crazy as I prepare for the arrival of 175 students!! 

Needless to say, there won't be much craftin' goin on until after the Festival.  I may get a few things done between now and when things finish up (1st week of August), but I just wanted to let those of you who lurk around on my blog that things are gonna be sparse for a while!

See ya around!

Birthday Flower

 

A co-worker recently had a birthday and this was the card I made for her.  I used a digital stamp from a new company I ran across recently.  The Wax Fruit Company has some nice images and I especially loved this gerber daisy one.  It is part of a trio of stamps.  I used the small one and then put them together to form a full flower.  I had a blast coloring this one.    I used two of my new Copic colors and LOVE the result!  The paper is from a new collection by My Mind's Eye and the ribbons were from my stash. 

Copic Colors Used:

Flower Petals: RV000, RV63, RV66

Center: YG21, YG23; Y35

Background: BF0000

Nursery Rhyme Fun

 

Welcome to the last Hambo Hoedown for May!  This week I got to play with the cool new Moonscape Background Digi stamp from Hambo Stamps!  Our challenge is to use this background and also use texture somewhere on the card. 

I decided to do a fun card featuring the moonscape and their adorable farm cow digi.  I kept thinking that MY cow didn't quite make it OVER the moon...So, instead he had a little accident and kinda crashed into one of the craters on the moon!

For the texture aspect, I used a piece of handmade paper that has splotches of silver paint on it.  I thought it looked a lot like space and the splotches looked like stars, so I went with it!

I have seen some of the other cards made for the challenge this week by the Bacon Bits and you will LOVE THEM!  What a cool group of ladies.  GO BITS!

This is the last week of my tenure as a design team member for the AWESOME Hambo Stamps, but the new Bacon Bits are going to WOW you with their skills starting next month!  I can't wait until the official announcement hits the pig pen!

I have had a blast and will definitely be lurking and participating in future challenges as time allows! HAMBO STAMPS ROCK!!!!!

Copic Colors Used:
Moon: C00-C7
Cow: E30, E31, E33, E35
Bell: Y21, Y23, Y26, Y28
Collar: R22, R24, R27

It's a Hambo Blog Hop!!! Grab Your Popcorn!

 

Welcome to "Hamming It Up At the Movies" sponsored by Hambo Stamps! Today Hambo customers and the Bacon Bits Design Team are bringing you fun creations that depict movie titles! It might be our favorite movie, or just one that was fun to design. If you arrived here from Yolanda's Blog you are in the right place! If not, you might want to start back at the beginning at the Hambo blog to make sure you are eligible for the hopper prize!

A prize will be awarded to one participant whose movie-themed creation tickles the Bacon Bits’ fancy in a hammin’ jammin’ way!  Another prize will be awarded randomly to a hopper who comments on all the blogs along the way. The winners will be announced on the Hoedown blog, as well as on the Hambo company blog, Talk to the Ham, on Wednesday, May 25.

As you might have guessed by my creation...I was inspired by the movie E.T. the Extraterrestrial.  Now I am a pretty big sci-fi nut, so this was a no-brainer for me.  I love the little boy on the phone (Bad Connection Digi) and it came to me in a flash.  I thought I was pretty darn creative if I must say so myself!

Now dance on over to Dawn's Blog for another great movie scene!  In case you need a road map, below are all the blog links in order...Consider it your bloggin GPS!  Shout out to all of the Bacon Bits and all the Guest Bacon Bits...can I call them Crumbles???

Talk to the Ham -Hambo blog

Sherry

Karin
Yolanda

Melissa-- YOU ARE HERE!!
NEXT UP ===> Dawn !
Silke

Paula
Libby

Heather

Leslie
Hannah

Alice
Christy
Pat
Joy

Mary
Ree
Judy

Copic Colors Used:
Pants: E53, E55, E57
Shirt: B91, B93, B95
Phone: E40, E41, E42, E43
Hair: Y23, YR23
Skin: E0000, E000, E00
Shoes: B91, B93

Mystery Stamper Hoedown this Week!

Okay Hoedown Dancers!...it is time to play a game this week! Your mission is to guess which Bacon Bit designed each of the sample cards for this week's Hoedown! Go on over to the Hambo Hoedown Challenge Blog and tell us who you think created each of the cards.

Everyone with the correct answers will be entered into a drawing for a prize! Winners will be announced on May 25th, so do-si-do on over to the blog and do some sleuthing! I DARE YOU!

Don't forget to come back to my blog on Friday, May 20th for our blog hop "Hamming it at the Movies." I have seen some of the creative cards created by the Bacon Bits and we will also be featuring some guest Bacon Bits as well!!! I know I had a blast coming up with my idea, so you will have to join us!!!

Also, Hambo Stamps will be participating in a Virtual Stamping Convention, so you need to head over to the Hambo Blog on Thursday for more details! Sounds like lots of fun!!!!

In case you couldn't guess....MY CARD WAS.........

 

Up...Up...and AWAY!

It's Hambo Hoedown time! This week we have this cute Balloon Girl digi and sentiment to play with! I have never been up in a hot air balloon and will never get into one (fear of heights), but this girl looks like she is having fun!!!

If you didn't play along last week, you can purchase this goodie for yourself over at Hambo Stamps...

You will love the samples made by the Bacon Bits!

I love this whimsical DP from K & Co. It has sparkles and flocking....so much fun!

Don't forget that there is a Design Team call for Hambo Stamps and you will want to come visit on May 20th as we do a Blog Hop! See you then!!!

Copic Colors Used:
Reds: R22, R24, R27, R29
Oranges: YR12, YR14, YR15
Greens: YG21, YG23, YG25
Pinks: RV21, RV23, RV25
Blues: BG10, BG11
Hair: Y23, YR23, E33

Hambo Goes to the Movies!

It’s a Hambo Blog Hop! And you can join us!

Our jammin’ theme is “Hamming it Up At the Movies.” Using any Hambo image, either rubber or digital, create a project that represents and depicts a movie title! Maybe it’s your favorite movie, or maybe it’s one that you don’t even like! Whatever it is, we want to see your movie creations!

The hop is scheduled for Friday, May 20, and is set to go live at 7:00 AM CST. All blog hop posts must stay at the top of the page for that whole day. A prize will be awarded to the customer whose movie-themed creation tickles the Bacon Bits’ fancy in a hammin’ jammin’ way! The winner will be announced on the Hoedown blog, as well as on the Hambo blog on Wednesday, May 25.

If you are interested in participating, please email Judy at hambodesignteam[at]gmail.com by 11:00 PM CST on Wednesday, May 11. The blog hop order will be emailed to you on May 16.

Sample blog copy for the hop will be available after you sign up, if you desire to use it.

Come to the movies with us!

Hay...

Can you believe it is May already??? It is Hambo Hoedown time again! This week is all about respecting the chicken! Your challenge is to use this whimsical chicken as well as dots and stripes! My chicken was lonely, so I decided to add two more and have a party! They are here to say "HAY"! I kept this one super simple so the chickens were the focus. the paper is from the Abbey Road Collection by My Mind's Eye. I just love their papers...

I was having problems cutting out his tootsies...I almost amputated him several times! If you didn't play along last week, you can get this cutie from Hambo Stamps to play along this week!

Wait until you see the fun cards the Bacon Bits have to share this week! Such a fun group of ladies! They are having a design team call, so if you would like to join them, check out the Hambo Blog for details! They are a great bunch of folks to work with, so you should gussy up a few cards and send 'em in!

Copic colors Used:
Chickens: C00
Comb: R32, R35, #37
Beak/Feet: Y32, Y35, Y38

Sending all my love...

It is Hambo Hoedown time again! This week we had a lovely basket of hearts and a wonderful sentiment to work with! In addition to the basket and the sentiment, we had to use flowers and lace. This card was DEFINITELY outside my comfort zone...but I think it turned out really pretty. If you played along with the Hoedown last week, you should receive these images to play along. If you didn't, then you can get them over at Hambo! This would be a perfect Mother's Day set! I believe the patterned paper is from a pack by Memory Box. I also used my favorite Cuttlebug embossing folder-textile texture to create some dimension behind the image.

You will LOVE all the other samples made by my fellow Bacon Bits! Go check them out!

Other Challenges with this card:
Little Red Wagon
My Mums Craft Shop
The Sisterhood of Crafters

Copic Colors Used:
Basket: W00, W0, W2, W4
Hearts: R81, R83, R85

A Sale over at Hambo Stamps!

You will have to go visit the folks at Hambo Stamps!...They are having a SALE! Woo Hoooo! Do a little jig over to their site and go hog wild!

Easter Wishes

This is one of Hambo Stamps' newest digis called Flower Chick and I thought it was so fun! Since I wasn't going to be doing any real-life egg decorating, I decided to decorate this one! I decided to keep this one bright and fun! The paper is some I found in my stash and I am not sure who made it...I used my nestabilities circle die/scalloped circle die for the image and added some gel pen action for dots and faux stitching. There is some glitter pen on the stripes and dots of the egg, but it doesn't show up in the picture. It was late when I took the picture, so the lighting wasn't stellar either...

Copic Colors Used:
Flowers: RV23, RV25, RV29
Leaves: YG11, YG13, YG17
Chick: Y32, Y35, Y38
Beak: YR15, YR18
Egg: B000, B00, B01, B02
Dots on Egg: RV23, RV25
Wavy Lines on Egg: Y32, Y35, Y38; YR15

It's Good to Be the King!

Woo hoo! It's Hambo Hoedown time again!

This week features this awesome King making his official decree! If you played along last week, you should have received this regal fella. If you didn't get to play along, you can get him in the digital image shop over at Hambo Stamps!

To play along this week, you should use the King digi and provide your own "announcement" sentiment. I chose to keep it simple and just went for 'Tah-Dah!" You could use it for just about any kind of announcement! I used some Basic Grey paper for hte background and added some fun ribbon. I couldn't pass up using some rhinestones on his crown! He had to have some bling!!

You'll have to visit the Hoedown Challenge Blog to see the other fun cards created by the bacon bits and our guest designer! I am honored to be on the same crew!

Copic Colors Used:
Coat: R22, R24, R27
Hair:E39, E18; YR23
Trumpet/Shoes/Crown: Y21, Y23, Y26, Y28
Skin: E0000, E000, E00
Banner: BG0000, BG000, BG01

Get Ogre It!

It's Hambo Hoedown time again! I am in LOVE with this cute Ogre digi stamp from Hambo Stamps! I immediately thought of some older Basic Grey paper that was from what I call the dinosaur collection (can't remember the actual name!) If you played along this past week, you got this digi and two sentiments. If not, then you can add him to your collection over at Hambo Stamps.

I know you want to play along this week....It is all about "distressing." Distressed edges, distress ink, anything distressed is the game! I did most of the edges on the layers to give it that rough and ready look! I also used some of the fun webbed weave ribbon that Hambo has! I thought it worked perfectly with this patterned paper!

You will have to join us over at the Hambo Hoedown to check out all of the fun Design Team creations! You will love them!!!

Copic Colors Used:
Ogre: YG91, YG93, YG95, YG97
Pants: E23, E25, E27 Top: E40, E41, E42
Suspenders: E23, E25, E27; C0, C2, C4

Sunshine Thoughts

My mom asked me to make a get well card for a lady from her church. I decided to use a stamp I have had for some time (can't remember the company). I wanted to do something different, so I thought this pretty sun image would brighten her day. This was fun to color and I hope she likes it! I know it would make ME feel better!

Copic Colors Used:
Grass: YG00, YG01, YG03
Tree: YG00, YG01, YG03
Flower Leaves: YG07
Flowers: V05, V06
Sun: Y32, Y35, Y38, YR68
Sky: B000, B00
Dirt: E31, E32, E35
Path: W00, W0, W1, W2, W3, W4
Clear Spica Marker for sun and flowers

Remember



My co-worker's brother-in-law recently lost their dog.  She asked me to make them a card and I decided to use this image from Mo's Digital Pencil.  They have a young son and I thought this digi stamp worked perfectly.  The paper is from a pad by My Mind's Eye.  I kept the background simple so the focus would be on the image.  I hope this provided some comfort, or at least will serve as a reminder of the good memories.

Copic Colors Used:

Shirt/Socks/Belt/Collar: BG10, BG11, BG13

Pants: E23, E25, E27

Skin: E0000, E000, E00

Dog: E0000, E000; C00, C0; E31, E33

Nose: E31, E33

Hair: Y11, Y21; E31

Do Penguins Hop?

I can't believe it is April already! March seemed to fly by and it is time for week 10 over at the Hambo Hoedown! For those of you who played along last week and got this adorable Penguin Bunny, you will have so much fun with this cutie! If you didn't get the chance to play along, you can get him over in the digi shop at Hambo Stamps!

This week, in addition to using this adorable image, the challenge is to create an easel card. I have seen these everywhere, but I have not made one myself. It was SUPER EASY! I will have to use this more often! It would be a great card to give someone-cause they can display it easily on a desk or any other surface!

The designer papers are from My Mind's Eye-Fine and Dandy Collection. I also used some of the Celery Sheer Pinstripe ribbon I got from Hambo Stamps. I have had this letter tiles for a LONG time, and finally decided to part with three so that I could add a sentiment to the card! I also got wild and wacky with my white gel pen on this one... I used a LOT of my spica marker for the ears and tail...you can even see it this time!

Wait until you see all of the awesome creations from the other Bacon Bits! You will be amazed!

Other Challenges with this card:
Digital Tuesday Challenge
Everybody Art Challenge
Tuesday Throwdown

Copic Colors Used:
Penguin: C3, C4, C5, C7; 100
Bunny Ears/Tail: R81, R83, R85
Beak/Feet: YR12, YR14, YR18
Egg: B0000, B000, B00, B01, B02
Dots: R81, R83, R85
Stripes: YR12, YR14, YR18

Blog Hop Winner!

I am overwhelmed with the number of comments I received! I couldn't pick one winner, so I did a random drawing. If I had my way, you would all win...but somehow I don't think the folks at Hambo would appreciate it! (They are generous....but we all have our limits!)

Drum roll please...Donna Ellis...you are the winner of the free digi for your post! Congrats! Send an email to hambodesignteam[at]gmail.com and tell them which digi you would like to have for your very own! Tell them Melissa sent you! You have until April 11 to claim your prize!

Thanks to everyone for your kind comments...I hope to see you lurking again real soon!

The ONLY sale in town!

When I first saw this storefront digi from Hambo stamps, I knew IMMEDIATELY what I wanted to do with this one! I ADORE chocolate...and I hate shopping...so the only sale that would bring me out is a sale on chocolate! And it would have to be a BIG sale! This cute Happy Lady digi from Hambo is perfect with this background image! When I was printing the digi storefront, I added the text to the image about the sale. That is one of the reasons I love digi stamps...you can add your own text to images like this!

This one was a ton of fun, but I ended up printing the background a bit larger than I anticipated so it was quite the coloring project! However, I LOVE the way it turned out! The Designer paper is some from My Mind's Eye-Fine and Dandy Collection.

Copic Colors Used:
Awning: E23, E25, E27, E29; R81, R83, R85
Woodwork: E23, E25, E27, E29
Doors: BG10, BG11, BG13
Wall: E40, E41, E42
Stone/Sidewalk: C00, C0, C1, C2, C3-I used the rag technique on the street
Dress: BG10, BG11, BG13
Top: R81, R83, R85
Hair: Y23, YR23, E23
Skin: E0000, E000, E00

One of my favorite TV shows...

I have to admit...I am a bit of a TV junkie...Most of the shows I watch are on USA network, but I LOVE the show NCIS! One of my favorite characters is Abby Sciuto, the forensic gal that is always dressed up in goth clothing. Now I have never dressed like this myself, but I like that her character has an alternative style of dress...but still kicks butt in the lab! Maybe I should send this to her!

When I saw this fun new Goth Girl digi from Hambo Stamps, I immediately thought of Abby...it reminded me of a younger version...thus the sentiment!

I apologize for the picture quality....the flame paper is some old paper from a Harley Davidson collection and the silver in it was throwing off the picture...

Other challeges with this card:
Catch the Bug
Digi's With Attitude
Stamp Something

Copic Colors Used:
Shirt/Shoes/Hair: W4, W5, W7; 100
Bow/Skirt: R37, R39, R59

“Go Ahead! Laugh At Us!” Blog Hop

Welcome to the “Go Ahead, Laugh at Us!” Hambo Stamps Blog Hop! The Bacon Bits are here to help you start your month off right with a little April Fools laughter and fun.

If you arrived here from Talk to the Ham (Hambo's Blog), you are in the right place. If not, you will want to start back at the beginning at the Hambo blog – TALK TO THE HAM. We don’t want you to miss anything!

There will be all kinds of surprises hiding on the blogs today, so be sure to leave some comment love as you “hoof it” around the hop. One lucky commenter on the mystery hop will be in hog heaven and win a $15 gift certificate to Hambo Stamps! In addition, one lucky winner who posts to my blog will win a free digi stamp of your choosing! We love comments anytime, but the deadline for prize entries is Sunday, April 3 by 12 Midnight CST.

My card today is made with "Magnifying Glass" and "Caught a Bug" stamps from Hambo. I also used some of their delicious May Arts Ribbons: Light Blue Grosgrain, Celery Sheer Pinstripe, and Lavender Satin.

I wish you could see the cute magnifying glass...I took a piece of clear acetate and cut out the center and replaced it with the acetate. I popped it up and it looks really 3-D! I used my favorite white gel pen to create some faux stitching and a fun scalloped border punch from Martha Stewart.

Copic Colors Used:
Magnifying Glass: C4, C5, C7; 100
Handle: B000, B00, B02
Hand: E0000, E000, E00
Worm: YG11, YG13, YG17
Tongue: R32, R35

Before you head on over to the next blog, I have a fact for you about pigs...Since I am now a bacon bit, I have been trying to elevate my knowledge about my fellow swine....Did you know that pigs are #4 in animal intelligence behind chimpanzees, dolphins and elephants? That confirms that my fellow bacon bits are a group of smart folks!

Next up on the hop is Christy over at Inklings and Yarns. You will love what she has to show you today!

To make sure you don't miss any of the Blog Hop links, below are the participants:

Talk to the Ham (Monica)
Melissa (You are HERE!)
Christy
Silke
Karin
Hannah
Joy
Libby
Judy

It's Hoedown Time Again!

I can't believe March is almost over! Where has it gone? This is last Hambo Hoedown for this month and we have a super fun image to play with! This caterpillar is so cute!

The challenge this week..use this digi caterpillar from Hambo Stamps and use bright green and hot pink as your focal colors! What better way to welcome spring! If you weren't able to play along last week, then you can get the caterpillar in their digi store.

You know you want to play along this week!!!!!!

Wait until you see all of the super fun cards the Bacon Bits have created for you!

I had to get a bit wacky with my sentiment...so I hope you enjoy my warped sense of humor!!!

The designer paper is from a pad by K & Company and I thought the bright colors would be great with this image...not to mention that it had a yummy green and pink already included! It sure made my job easy.



Copic Colors Used:
Caterpillar: YG11, YG13, YG23
Shoes: RV21, RV23, RV25; YR04; YG11, YG13, YG23

When I first saw this digi stamp, it reminded me of a poster I did when I was in grade school. I must have a special connection with caterpillars! It won second prize...I guess this is where my crafty skills were first recognized! I love the way the caterpillar just keeps going...and going...and going!



DON'T FORGET to come back on April 1st for our blog hop!!

What's My Name?

Look what showed up on my doorstep today!



Isn't she adorable???? I saw a cute sock piggy on Karen's blog (one of the bacon bits) a while ago and fell in love. I immediately asked if they came in purple.... I hadn't thought anymore about it until today. I received a box in the mail from Karin and was perplexed....I wasn't expecting anything... when I opened it up I squealed! My own sock piggie...and SHE IS PURPLE! I have to give a shout out to Jenn Cline (Karen's cousin) for her serious sock skills!

Now...the fun part...This purple cutie needs a name. I am accepting suggestions! Share your ideas with me and the winner will win a surprise!

I NEED CAFFEINE!

It is Hambo Hoedown Challenge Week #8!!! Okay...I love this digi set! Now I will admit that I don't drink coffee...(I can't actually even stand the smell of it)...I know...I am strange! Now you give me an ice cold (and I MEAN ICE COLD) Coke Zero for breakfast and I am a happy camper! I guess we all have our vices!

This week I had fun with this cute Coffee Girl Digi from Hambo Stamps! If you didn't get to play along with our challenge last week, you can get her for yourself over at Hambo Stamps! While you are there...you will have to check out their new digi store! Give a shout out to Tim and Monica for this cool new store!

This challenge was to work with this digi stamp set AND to use the great sketch created by one of our very own Bacon Bits-Silke! The sketch was perfect for this stamp!

I found this cool DP in a pad from Basic Grey called Pyrus... I thought the colors reminded me of coffee, so I went with it! I used one of my favorite Cuttlebug embossing folders-Swiss Dots and my Pinking Circles Nestabilities Die.

You will have to check out all the other cool cards made this week by the Bacon Bits! They are all so talented!

Challenges for this card:
Crafts and Me Challenges
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge
Gingersnap Creations


Copic Colors Used:
Dress: YR 20, YR21, YR23, YR24
Cup: E30, E31, E33, E35
Sleeve: E40, E41, E42
Skin: E0000, E000, E00

I was in the VIP Top 3 at Party Time Tuesday's!

I just found out that I was chosen as a VIP Top Three winner last week for my St. Patty's Day Hamster Pail! Woo Hoo! I am so excited! This is the first time I have won a badge!

Thanks to Party Time Tuesday's for picking me! And...thanks to Hambo Stamps for providing the fun image for inspiration!

Dare to be different

This card is for all those people who march to the beat of their own drum! I consider myself Abby....Abby-Normal. One of the great lines from a classic movie Young Frankenstein!

It is week 7 of the Hambo Hoedown Challenge! This cute little Party Elephant is the image for those who played along last week! I liked it so much..I decided to do three of them! This week we were supposed to use sparkly things! I added some Stickles to the hat of the wacky elephant and found these delicious glitter brads to use for some extra BLING! LOVIN IT! To add even more fun...I put sparkles on the toe nails...Do elephants have toe nails??? Or is there some other term for them???

If you didn't play along this past week to receive this Party Elephant digi for free, you can get him over at Hambo Stamps...SO YOU CAN PLAY ALONG THIS WEEK! And you know you want to add this one to your collection!

The Designer Paper is some I found in a pack by K & Company. It is kinda wacky, but I thought it would work perfectly for this card!

Copic Colors Used:
Pink Elephant: R81, R83, R85
Gray Elephants: C00, C0, C1, C2
Blue Green Hat: YG93, YG95; B02, B04, B05 (can't really see it under the glitter!)
Pink Hats: RV000, R81, R83

A Card-Free Weekend

Hello all...

This weekend was the 230th anniversary of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse here in Greensboro. The weather was beautuful and I needed to get out of the house and de-stress from work. I got out my camera and went with a friend to go watch the re-enactment. It was a lot of walking and standing, so my calves are barking at me today, but it was fun to do something totally different for a change!

I took a ton of photos (the joys of a digital camera!) with my new zoom lens and there were lots of cool pictures. Below are a few of the ones I took. There are about another dozen or so that were really good, but they will have to wait for another time.

There was a great turn-out, but it was hard to find a good place to take the pictures...lots of BIG trees in the way! We got there about 40 minutes before the event started and we had a tough time getting a place where people wouldn't be getting in front of the camera...

I hope you enjoy the pictures!