Friday, March 29, 2013

Your Next Stamp Fun Friday!

 
Hello!  It's time for the last Your Next Stamp Fun Friday of the month!  WOW, March just flew by!  This month's theme was Celebrate, so I decided to play with this darling new kitty named Blossom!  I just love how happy and excited she looks:)  I also used a sentiment tag from the YNS Whatnots Seasons Set One for the sentiment and to make the banner.  The layout is the Sweet Sunday Sketch #166.
 
You still have time to play along with us!  Just link your Celebration creations to the Your Next Stamp Blog HERE!
 
That's it for me today.  My hubby is taking me out tonight for an early anniversary dinner.  I'm so looking forward to it!  Have a fabulous weekend!
 
Kerri
Recipe:
Stamps:  Your Next Stamp Blossom
Paper:  White and Gray cs, Echo Park Paper Co. Sweet Girl
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics, PTI Aqua Mist
Accessories:  YNS Whatnots Seasons Set One Dies, Circle Nestabilities, Sewing Machine, Foam Squares, Twine

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Whippin' Up a Sweet Hello!


Hello!  I have a special card to share with you today, because the Taylored Expressions DT had a chance to play with some new goodies from Doodlebug!  I JUMPED at the chance because I just adore their dp!!!  

They sent me the awesome Take Note Essentials Set, and Taylor carries the Take Note 6x6 paper pad in the store HERE.  As soon as I saw that fun sticker that says "menu" I knew I wanted to pair it with this darling Cuppie from the TE  Cuppie in the Kitchen set!  I layered Cuppie and the menu sticker on top of a frame I cut with the Label Stacklets 3 Dies. I stamped the sentiment onto a banner I cut with the Banner Stacklets 1 Dies and added some red brads.  I also added a border with the Open Scallop Border Die


If you'd like to see more awesome inspiration using more fabulous Doodlebug dp, make sure you check out Taylors Blog!  She showcased some projects yesterday and has more today!

Thank you so much for stopping by.  We have the appraiser coming to do the appraisal on our house today. Our last hurdle and then I will consider the house SOLD!  Have a great day:)

Kerri
Recipe:
Stamps:  Taylored Expressions Cuppie in the Kitchen
Paper:  White and Gray cs, Doodlebug Take Note dp
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories:  Sticker and Red Brads from Take Note Essentials Set, Labell Stacklets 3 Dies, Open Scallop Border Die, Banner Stacklets 1 Dies, CB Seeing Spots EF, Foam Squares

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Your Next Stamp Darling Divas Release Blog Hop!



We here at Your Next Stamp are so very excited about our newest collection, that we decided to give them their very own Release and Blog Hop to introduce you to these new DARLING DIVAS!!



Our talented illustrator, Macy Wong has outdone herself with this new collection and we think you will find Roxy, Summer, Amber and Peyton to be the perfect combination of chic and cute!

Today you are in store for tons of inspiration from our incredibly talented designers as well as some serious eye candy with creations from a few coloring Rock Stars that have agreed to Guest Design for us during this very special release.

Would you like to win one these new Darling Divas? We have FOUR hidden within the hop! Here is what you need to do for your chance to win- visit all of the YNS Designers and Guest Designers blogs that are participating in today’s hop and comment on their creations as you go along.

The Blog Hop starts today and runs though midnight (EST), March 30th. Hidden Prize winners will be announced on the YNS Blog
on Sunday, March 31st.


For my card today I decided to use this GORGEOUS gal named Summer!  I had a BLAST coloring her because she's just so pretty!  I paired her with some My Mind's Eye Collectable Unforgettable dp and kept the card very simple so that she would be the main focus:)

Now, we don’t normally give 2 order discounts opportunities within the same month, but this release calls for an extra special discount….receive 20% off your entire order over $20 using the online code below!



Now it’s time to hop on over to Simonne's amazing blog, but don’t forget to leave a comment before you go!  Happy hopping!

Kerri

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Taylored Expressions: Make it Memorable


 
Hello!  I wanted to share another card I made using the Taylored Expressions Stamp of the Month set~Make it Memorable along with the coordinating Make it Memorable Dies
 
I have so many friends with April birthdays, so I decided to use this pretty Happy Birthday sentiment once again.  I cut the scalloped circle with one of the Make it Memorable Dies and stamped the leafy flourish from the stamp set.  I then stamped the label image and sentiment and cut them out with the coordinating die.  I added a couple of pearls that I colored with a Copic Marker and used this awesome layout which is the Deconstructed Sketch #94.  I would never come up with this layout on my own~love it!  The flags were cut with the TE Banner Stacklets 1 Dies.  This gorgeous paper is from the March Key Ingredients Kit.  You can get both the Stamp of the Month set and the Key Ingredients Kit HERE!  Here's a close up:

 
That's it for me today:)  Thank you so much for stopping by and have a terrific Tuesday!
 
Kerri
Recipe:
Stamps:  Taylored Expressions Make it Memorabl~Stamp of the Month Club
Paper:  Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kit
Ink:  SU Basic Gray, Rich Razzleberry, Kiwi Kiss, Copic
Accessories:  Ribbon, Pearls, Taylored Expressions Make it Memorable Dies, Banner Stacklets 1 Dies, Foam Squares, Sewing Machine

Friday, March 22, 2013

Your Next Stamp After Party!


Hello!  So how do you like all of the new Your Next Stamp Dies and Stamps?  Aren't they so much FUN!  We are celebrating the new release with an after-party today:)  Make sure you head over to Karen's Blog to see more amazing projects from the DT using the new products!

For my card today I used the adorable new Smiley Happy Critter Crew Set Three along with the fabulous new YNS Whatnots Die Set-Easter Goodies!  I also used the Flower Fun Spring Grass Die:)  I just think these all look so cute together!  The dp I used is Doodlebug Design Fruit Stand and the sentiment comes from the Bunny Ellie Stamp Set.  

Just a reminder that today is the LAST day to hop and have a chance to win PRIZES!!!  Please scroll down for all the hop details:)  It's also your last chance to take advantage of the awesome choose your own discount sale:


Thank you so much for stopping by and have a fabulous Friday!  My kids start spring break today which means all I am going to be doing for the next 10 days is PACKING!  Anybody want to come help me box up my house???  I know you're extremely jealous of my spring break plans aren't you:)  

XOXO,

Kerri
Recipe:
Stamps:  Your Next Stamp Smiley Happy Critter Crew Set Three, Bunny Ellie
Paper:  PTI White, New Leaf, Doodlebug Design Fruit Stand dp
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories:  YNS Whatnots Die Set Easter Goodies, YNS Flower Fun Spring Grass Die, Martha Stewart Daisy Border Punch, Ribbon, Circle Nestabilities, Foam Squares

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Your Next Stamp March New Release Blog Hop!



Hello!  Welcome to the Your Next Stamp March New Release Blog Hop!  We have several fun new stamp sets and dies to share with you, and they are all available NOW in the Your Next Stamp Store!  The hop will last until Friday, March 22nd at midnight (EST).

We have 3 hidden prize packs hidden amongst the DT blogs!  Just leave a comment on all of the blogs for your chance to win!  Winners will be announced on the Your Next Stamp Blog on Saturday.  

For my project today, I decided to use the fun, new teacher set called A+ Teacher!  I just love this set and look at all the cute images and awesome sentiments that are included:



I used some October Afternoon Schoolhouse dp and chose the fun book image for my card.  Do you notice that awesome paper clip and arrow?  Those are from a new die set called Whatnots Set Two~Back to School!  Love it!!!  There are so many fun dies in this set!


I also used the new YNS Letter Board for the letter A on the book.  There are so many fun things that you can do with this new letter set and I am so inspired by the rest of the DT!  Once again I used the Deconstructed Sketch #93 for my layout.  I just thought it was so perfect with this image:)   

As always, Karen is offering some hop specials in the Your Next Stamp Store so make sure you take advantage of these great deals!



Only one more stop to go!  It’s time to hop on over to Karen's awesome blog, but don’t forget to leave a comment before you go!  Happy hopping!

Kerri
Recipe:
Stamps:  Your Next Stamp A+ Teacher
Paper:  PTI Kraft, October Afternoon Schoolhouse
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories:  YNS Whatnots Set Two Back to School, Long Rectangle Nestabilities, MFT Die-namics Medium Scallop Border Die, Foam Squares, Sewing Machine, 

Taylored Expressions March Studio Challenge

Please scroll down for my Your Next Stamp Sneak Peek!
 



Hello!  It's time for the Baker's Dozen Studio Challenge!  This is a monthly opportunity for the Taylored Expressions team to share what makes our stamping studios hum.  Each month we have a fun, crafty question so we can share our favorites, some tips and tricks, stamping advice and more:)  This month's question is:


You oughta be in pictures!!
We all love to share our completed projects with others on our blogs and in on-line galleries. So, when the stamping ends, the photography begins. This is a fun step for some and a frustrating one for others. How is it for you?
Tell us how you get those beautiful project photos.

Well, I have a very simple process I use to take and edit my photos:)  Let's start with the set up:



I almost always add a little stitching to my projects, so I set up my sewing machine on our dining room table. When it's time to take my picture, I simply use two sheets of cardstock for my backdrop which I prop against the sewing machine.  



I use light from the window for my pictures when I can, and if it's dark outside I use the same set up with my Ott Light.  My camera is a Canon PowerShot and I always use the Macro setting when taking pictures of my cards.



Once I upload the pictures, I use Picasa to edit them.  Picasa is a free program that I downloaded about 3 years ago, and it is so easy to use!  I almost always use the Auto Contrast, Auto Color, and the Crop buttons.  Then I go to the second screen and use the Highlight and Shadow sliders. 


Then I save my picture, open it in Photoshop, and add my watermark.  It's probably a little goofy, to use two different editing programs, but that's how I roll:)


For my card today, I just had to use this adorable Basket Full Set once more before Easter!  This darling chick with the eggs is my favorite:)  I stamped the basket and chick image with Memento Tuxedo Black and colored with Copics.  I cut it out and layered it on top of a frame that I cut with Oval Nestabilities.  The green panel was cut with the new Banner Stacklets 2 Dies~LOVE~ and I also used the new Open Scallop Border Die.  Here's a look at the inside:


I just love this sentiment!  I cut a frame with the Label Stacklets 1 Dies and stamped my sentiment in the center.  The dp I used on my card is Echo Park Paper Co. Sweet Girl.  

I hope you've enjoyed a peek into my picture taking and photo editing process! I can't wait to read tips from the rest of the girls!  Make sure you check them out too:)
 
Carole Burrage
Charmaine Ikach
Jen Shults
Kerri Mchaud
Lynnette Kauffman
Sankari Wegman
Shannon White
Shelly Mercado
Stephanie Kraft
Tammie Edgerton
Taylor VanBruggen
Wanda Guess
 
Thank you so much for stopping by and have a great day!
 
Kerri
Recipe:
Stamps:  Taylored Expressions Basket Full
Paper:  SU Pink Pirouette, Echo Park Paper Co. Sweet Girl
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics, SU So Saffron for sponging
Accessories:  Taylored Expressions Banner Stacklets 2 Dies, Open Scallop Border Die, Label Stacklets 1 Dies, Oval Nestabilities, Foam Squares, Sewing Machine, Woodgrain Impression Plate, Ribbon
 

Your Next Stamp March Sneak Peek + Tasty Tuesday!



Hello!  Are you ready for some new cuteness from Your Next Stamp?  Karen will be releasing several new stamps and dies TONIGHT at 10 PM (EST)!!!  The DT has some peeks to share with you today using the new goodies so get your wish list ready:)

Since it's Tuesday, we are also playing along with this month's YNS Tasty Tuesday Challenge.  I just love this inspiration picture!


And here is my take:


This adorable gal is Cake Pop Fhiona!  Isn't she so CA-UTE!!!  I had a blast coloring her to match these fun Echo Park Paper Co. Sweet Girl papers:)  I also used the YNS Fishtail/Banner Dies and the star comes from a new YNS Whatnots Die Set called Whatnots Set Three~Celebrate!  I just love these Whatnots sets!  So many random dies that you wish you had and now you can!

Make sure you check out the rest of the DT projects (list below) and we'll be back tonight for a special New Release Blog Hop!!!  You won't want to miss out because, as always, there are some amazing prizes to be won!

Thank you so much for stopping by and have a wonderful day:)

Kerri
Recipe:
Stamps:  Your Next Stamp Cake Pop Fhiona
Paper:  PTI Kraft, Echo Park Paper Co. Sweet Girl
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories:  Your Next Stamp Fishtail/Banner Die Set, Whatnots Set Three, Oval Nestabilities, Ribbon, Button, Twine, Foam Squares, Sewing Machine


Sunday, March 17, 2013

Oh Snap!



Hello!  I wanted to share a card I made using the Oh Snap stamp set from Taylored Expressions!  I didn't have a chance to play with this set during release week, and I've been so anxious to ink it up!  I also used the coordinating Oh Snap Cameras Dies, and the fabulous new Film Strip Border Die!  

I stamped my camera and the fun flash image with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink, and colored them with Copics.  The dp is My Mind's Eye Collectable Unforgettable.  Here is a close up:


I also used the very pretty Lace Chain Border Die as well as the Banner Stacklets 1 Dies for my sentiment.  The layout I used is the Deconstructed Sketch #93!  

Well, I have some exciting news!  We sold our house after being on the market for 1 day and having 1 showing!  It's so crazy, and we now have 3 weeks to move out and to find a short term rental until our new house is completed which is projected to be around mid-August (I hope!!!)  We are going to be quite busy, and I am going to try to keep up with everything the best I can.  I will be taking a break from The Color Throwdown, but hope to rejoin the team once we get settled.  

That's it for me!  Thank you so much for stopping by, and have a wonderful rest of your weekend!

Kerri
Recipe:
Stamps:  Taylored Expressions Oh Snap
Paper:  SU Cherry Cobbler, My Mind's Eye Collectable Unforgettable
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics, SU Regal Rose
Accessories:  Taylored Expressions Oh Snap Camera Dies, Film Strip Border Die, Lace Chain Border Die, Banner Stacklets 1 Dies, Circle Nestabilities, Sewing Machine, Foam Squares

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Taylored Expressions Stamp of the Month Club Blog Hop!




Hello!  Welcome to a special blog hop we are having this month to introduce you to the new Taylored Expressions Stamp of the Month Club

I'm sure most of you have heard about the TE Key Ingredients Kit Club which includes a 6x6 paper pad, 12 sheets of cardstock, and 5 yards of ribbon all packaged together and delivered to your door each month for $24 (U.S.), $28 (Canada), or $35 (other countries) including shipping!  Well, now Taylor is offering 2 new subscription options!  The first is the Stamp of the Month!

The Stamp of the Month Club includes a new stamp set shipped directly to you each month!  These stamp sets are exclusive to subscribers so they will not be available to the general public.  The stamp sets will coordinate with the patterned paper in the Key Ingredients Kit Club for those who subscribe to both, but they can also stand alone.  The Stamp of the Month can be purchased for a monthly charge of $20 (U.S.), $22 (Canada), $24 (other countries) which includes shipping!

The third option is of course of combination of the two clubs called Deluxe Key Ingredients Kit Club!  You will get both the Key Ingredients Kit PLUS the Stamp of the Month for a reduced price!  This subcription can be purchased for a monthly charge of $39 (U.S.), $45 (Canada), $53 (other countries). Deluxe subscribers also get additional perks like a 10% discount in the TE Store all month long!

Are you ready to see this month's Stamp of the Month Stamp Set?  This set is just GORGEOUS and it's called Make it Memorable:


Here is a card I made using this beautiful set:


I pulled colors from this pretty dp included in the March Key Ingredients Kit Club.  I cut my background with the TE Circles Cutting Plate, and added a border with the new Open Scallop Border Die.  The banner strip was cut with a Banner Stacklets 1 Die.  I cut the pretty doily stamp out with Circle Nestabilities, and fussy cut the butterfly.  I also cut out the sentiment panel and popped it up with foam squares.  I used Mojo261 for my layout. Here is a close up:




There is also a set of dies that coordinate with this set that you can purchase separately HERE:


Well you can't have a blog hop without prizes, right?!  We're giving away a March Deluxe Key Ingredients to one lucky winner!!! The winner will be chosen at random from all of the comments left on our blogs between now and Thursday evening at 9pm PST. The more comments you leave the better chance you have of winning! The winner will be announced on Taylor's Blog on Friday, March 15th. What are you waiting for? Hop along to check out the rest of the fabulous inspiration and leave your comments!
Thanks for stopping by!

Kerri
Recipe:
Stamps:  Taylored Expressions Stamp of the Month~Make it Memorable
Paper:  White cs and dp from the TE March Key Ingredients Kit Club
Ink:  SU Sahara Sand, Basic Gray, Kiwi Kiss, PTI Raspberry Fizz
Accessories:  TE Make it Memorable Dies, Circles Cutting Plate, Open Scallop Border Die, Banner Stacklets 1 Dies, Foam Squares, Sewing Machine, Circle Nestabilities

Your Next Stamp Tasty Tuesday!

Hello!  We have an awesome inspiration picture for you this month for the Your Next Stamp Tasty Tuesday Challenge!  Check out this Fruit Infused Coconut Water~YUM!


This is what I came up with:


I used this adorable stamp named Sippy, along with a sentiment from the YNS Handwritten Sentiments Set. I stamped the sentiment on a flag I cut with the YNS Fishtail/Banner Die Set.  The dp is My Mind's Eye Collectable Notable.  

We hope you'll play along with us this month for your chance to win a $10 Gift Certificate to the YNS Store!  You can check out all of the details HERE!

Thank you so much for stopping by today, and have a Terrific Tuesday!

Kerri
Recipe:
Stamps:  Your Next Stamp Sippy, Handwritten Sentiments
Paper:  PTI Hawaiian Shores, Yellow cs, My Mind's Eye Collectable Notable
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories:  YNS Fishtail/Banner Dies, Oval Nestabilities, Button, Twine, Sewing Machine, Foam Squares

Friday, March 8, 2013

Taylored Expressions March Spotlights: From My Window


Hello!  So what do you think of all the new products released this month at Taylored Expressions?  So fun, right?  Today I have some tags (or bookmarks) to share with you that I made using the new From My Window Stamp Set, the Arched Window Die, and the Banner Stacklets 2 Dies!  

I just LOVE the whole From My Window concept!  There are so many ways that you can get super creative with this set and die and all of the scenes that are included are just adorable!  I couldn't decide which scene to use, so I chose 3 of them and make some fun tags.  Now these tags are pretty large, so they would have to go on pretty large gifts, but they would also work great as bookmarks:)  Here they are individually:

I used Kraft cs for the base of all the tags and the dp is My Mind's Eye Collectable Notable which you can find HERE!  


All of the images were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copics.  The sentiment panels were cut out with the Banner Stacklets 1 Dies.  


Well, I hope you've enjoyed this release!  Make sure you check out the rest of the Baker's Dozen Blogs for more spotlights and have a fabulous Friday!

Broni Holcombe
Carole Burrage
Charmaine Ikach
Jami Sibley
Jen Shults
Kerri Michaud--->You are here:)
Regina Mangum
Sankari Wegman
Shannon White
Shelly Mercado
Stephanie Kraft
Tammie Edgerton
Taylor VanBruggen
Wanda Guess

Kerri
Recipe:
Stamps:  Taylored Expressions From My Window
Paper:  Kraft, Red, Green, Aqua cs, My Mind's Eye Collectable Notable dp
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories:  Taylored Expressions Banner Stacklets 2 Dies, Arched Window Die, Button, Ribbon, Twine, Foam Squares, Slot Punch


Thursday, March 7, 2013

Taylored Expressions March Release Day~Banner Stacklets 2 and Flutter-bys!


Hello!  It's Release Day at Taylored Expressions, which means that all of the new stamps and dies are available at the Taylored Expressions Store!  

Today, the Baker's Dozen is showing off some of the new dies-which are fabulous by the way:)  I used the new Banner Stacklets 2 Dies on my card along with the new Flutter-bys Dies.  I also used the TE Label Stacklets 1 Dies to frame my sentiment which comes from the From My Window Stamp Set.    The dp is My Mind's Eye Collectable Remarkable dp.  This was a very simple card to make!  Here's a close up:


I just LOVE the shape of the new Banner Stacklets 2 Dies and isn't that butterfly gorgeous?  These dies make it so easy to create a quick and easy card!

Make sure you check out the rest of the Baker's Dozen Blogs to see more projects featuring the fabulous new dies.  Thank you so much for stopping by and happy shopping!




Kerri
Recipe:
Stamps:  Taylored Expressions From My Window
Paper:  SU Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Chocolate Chip, My Mind's Eye Collectable Unforgettable
Ink:  SU Real Red, Baja Breeze
Accessories:  Taylored Expressions Banner Stacklets 2 Dies, Flutter Bys Dies, Label Stacklets 1 Dies, Oval Punches, Pearls, Sewing Machine, Foam Squares