Nicole's Butterfly Ears

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T22:55:00.000-05:00

DAY 4_MARK'S FINEST PAPERS APRIL BLOG HOP_GARDEN FAIRIES

2011-04-15T00:01:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the MFP April Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!

Our New Sets are: In My Mother's Garden, Bearded Iris, Oh Boy, It's a Girl and Garden Fairies.For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

We have a NEW Blog Candy Contest! BE A GUEST DESIGNER!***

What do you need to do to qualify? Just comment on the Design Team blogs during the blog hop. The winner will be announced on the Mark’s Finest Papers blog on Saturday, April 16, 2011. ***See the MFP blog for all the contest rules and PRIZES!

FRIDAY, April 15, 2011: Garden Fairies

Emily-

Karen-

Patty-

Roxie-

Vicki-

Liz:

Claudine-

Dawn-

Nicole -

Marilynn-

Peggysue-

Connie –

Emily N.-

Neva

Silvia

Patricia

Chrissy

Guest Designer, Lillian

Mark’s Finest Papers

I love fairies and collect fairie books and love to read all thing fairie so this is a terrific set for me.
The first card was made using Lime Squeeze and Snow Storm White cs from MFP.
I love these colors together.
I inked this pretty fairie image 2 times in Palette Noir black and colored with Copic markers. I also added some teeny tiny aqua pearls to the tip of her wings. I then die cut one image with a plain Nestie and the second I line cut just the fairie and popped it over the main panel image. I then added a die cut Nestie scalloped mat.
The bg is embossed with a folder I received as a gift.
To embellish my card I used Doohickey die cut leaves with tiny pearls in the leaves and finished with a gorgeous paper flower.

The second card I made for yesterday SCS challenge. I have this beautiful picture of a rain drop in a leaf "I don't know who the photographer is" and though it would be perfect to show this cute fairie silhouette.
The image is inked in Palette Noir with the inside of wings colored with a red Copic marker.
I added a sentiment tag and a gorgeous red ribbon bow.
Clean and simple, I also really like how this one turned out.
Have a wonderful weekend, Nicky

April Blog Hop Day 3 "My Mother's Garden"

2011-04-14T00:01:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the MFP April Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!

Our New Sets are: In My Mother's Garden, Bearded Iris, Oh Boy, It's a Girl and Garden Fairies.For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

We have a NEW Blog Candy Contest! BE A GUEST DESIGNER!***

What do you need to do to qualify? Just comment on the Design Team blogs during the blog hop. The winner will be announced on the Mark’s Finest Papers blog on Saturday, April 16, 2011. ***See the MFP blog for all the contest rules and PRIZES!

Thursday, April 14, 2011-In My Mother's Garden

Lois

Vicky

Dawn L.

Anne

Emily

Karen

Patty

Roxie

Vicki

Liz

Claudine

Dawn M

Nicole

Marilynn

Geri

Lynn

Neva

Silvia

Guest Designer, Lillian

Mark’s Finest Papers

I think this is my favorite of the new April stamps sets from MFP.
I used Lavender and white as my colors.
The image was stamped with Palette Noir black ink and colored with Copic markers.
I embossed the bg with a basket weave folder and the strip was done with two lengths of embossing strips...one buttons and the other zigzag.
The rest is self explanatory.
I think a wheel barrow full of flowers would look lovely in any garden.
I really love this sentiment.
Happy Hopping and good luck, Nicky

Day 2 of Mark's Finest Papers April Blog Hop

2011-04-13T00:01:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the MFP April Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!

Our New Sets are: In My Mother's Garden, Bearded Iris, Oh Boy, It's a Girl and Garden Fairies.For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

We have a NEW Blog Candy Contest! BE A GUEST DESIGNER!***

What do you need to do to qualify? Just comment on the Design Team blogs during the blog hop. The winner will be announced on the Mark’s Finest Papers blog on Saturday, April 16, 2011. ***See the MFP blog for all the contest rules and PRIZES!

WEDNESDAY, April 13: Oh Boy, It's a Girl!

Lois

Vicky

Dawn L.

Anne

Peggysue

Connie

Claudine

Dawn M.

Nicole

Marilynn

Geri

Lynn

Emily N.

Patricia

Chrissy

Guest Designer, Lillian

Mark’s Finest Papers

Today is day 2 of MFP's Blog Hop. I am featuring the set "Oh Boy It's a Girl".
Don't you just love this darling elephant. I inked the elephant and the sentiment with Palette Noir onto a purple plaid and purple dots dp respectively, and line cut the image. All of the dp on this card is from DCWV/Baby Boy. I used bright white cs for the matting.
To add some pizazz I inked the diaper pin with Palette Noir onto the white dotted dp and line cut it also. I tied on a pretty ribbon knot and threaded the diaper pin thru it. I think it's looks cute.
Happy blogging everyone, Nicky

BLOG HOP DAY 1 for Mark's Finest Papers

2011-04-12T08:56:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the MFP April Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!

Our New Sets are: In My Mother's Garden, Bearded Iris, Oh Boy, It's a Girl and Garden Fairies.For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

We have a NEW Blog Candy Contest! BE A GUEST DESIGNER!***

What do you need to do to qualify? Just comment on the Design Team blogs during the blog hop. The winner will be announced on the Mark’s Finest Papers blog on Saturday, April 16, 2011. ***See the MFP blog for all the contest rules and PRIZES!

TUESDAY April 12, 2011- Bearded Iris
Lois
Vicky
Dawn L.
Anne
Peggysue
Connie
Emily

Karen
Patty
Roxie
Vicki
Liz
Geri
Lynn
Emily N.
Neva
Silvia

Patricia

Chrissy

Guest Designer, Lillian

Mark’s Finest Papers

This is going to be my Mother's day card for my DMIL.
This is one of the images from the new set "Bearded Iris". This set can be very feminine and perfect for Mother's Day.
I stamped the image 3 times with Palette Noir black ink, colored with Copic markers then line cut the images. I layered some of the petal parts and used pop-up dots to raised the image onto a white oval Nestie shape die cut cs and then layered that over an scalloped oval Nestie die cut on black cs.
The dp is from 7 gypsies/gypsy market variety pack.
I distresses and sponged on black around the edges and mounted to a black mat.
My embellishment on this card is a threaded black ribbon with a pretty acrylic flower.
Happy hopping and good luck to every one, Nicky

Sneak Peek of "Oh Boy It's a Girl" by Mark's Finest Papers and the SCS, CAS114 challenge.

2011-04-11T07:25:00.000-04:00

This is my card for today's challenge CAS114.
This is a sneak peek of Mark's Finest Papers new set "Oh Boy It's a Girl".

http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

That little cutie in the picture is my new Great Grandson Jackson.
I paper piece the giraffe with a green polka dot dp.
I popped the bow around his neck and added a green gem to match.
I only used dp on this card it's by DCWV/Nursery/Baby Boy.
I used a punched for the edging and a cute ribbon simply knoted. The sentiment is inked in Palette Noir.
Nicky

Sneak Peek of "Garden Fairies" by Mark's Finest Papers and the F4A59 challenge

2011-04-08T00:01:00.000-04:00

Thanks for the fun technique. This is what I came up with. This is a soon to be released sneak peek of the set "Garden Fairies" by Mark's Finest Papers.

http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFrontFor the papers I used BoBunny and cs from MFP.
The image and sentiment are stamped with Versafine/Sepia. The embossing folder is from Sizzix.
I added this beautiful chocolate silk ribbon to finish.

Have a nice weekend, Nicky

Sneak Peek of "In My Mother's Garden" by Mark's Finest Papers and WT317 challenge

2011-04-07T10:54:00.000-04:00

I love love love this image. In our WT317 challenge today we are to use decorative scissors. I used my on the bottom of the main image and main panel.
The image is stamped in Palette Noir black on watercolor paper then water colored with a small artist brush and watercolor paint. I added some Flower Soft to the hanging basket flowers to give them dimension but chose to water color the lillies in the earns. I added some tiny yellow gems to the middle of the flowers.
To finish I added some tiny white dots with a gel pen to the edging and a pretty blue satin ribbon.
The is a Sneak Peek coming soon to Mark's Finest Papers it is called "In My Mother's Garden.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront
Thanks for looking, Nicky

SC327 challenge and a Sneak Peek for Mark's Finest release out soo "Oh! Boy It's a Girl!

2011-04-06T00:46:00.000-04:00

This is a Sneak Peek of the upcoming set “Oh! Boy It’s a Girl!”. I think this is one of the cutest baby sets.
For the SC327 chalenge I used the image of the little Zebra. I stamped it’s image in Palette Noir black onto blue striped dp, I then stamped it on another dp but just line cut the bow and added a tiny gem.
All of the designer papers are Nana’s Nursery Baby Boy by DCWV.
I line cut the animal and popped it onto the panel #3.
On panel #2 I stamped my sentiment added a yellow ribbon and hat pin.
On panel 1 I just layered dp over the white card base.
To finish I added a pretty acrylic flower.
All of the supplies can be found at the MFP STORE. http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

Thanks for dropping by, Nicky

April Sneak Peek of the upcoming Set "In my Mother's Garden by Mark's Finest Papers

2011-04-05T11:53:00.000-04:00

This is a Sneak Peek of an upcoming set for Mark's Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

The set it called "In my Mother's Garden" and I think it's gorgeous and you are only seeing a snippet of what's on this set.
Today's color challenge asked us to use the following colors:Poppy Parade
Baja Breeze
Pear Pizazz
I've substituted these colors with cs from MFP.
I inked the image in Palette Noir black and colored with copic markers and gel pens. I also added tiny half pearls in a green tone. I popped this adorable watering can onto some Nestabilities round die cuts in plain and scallop.
The dp is by K&Company/Julianne.
The border at the bottom is by Magnolia doohickeys/berry lace die and the tiny red flowers were made using a punch and then some half pearls were added.

Nicky

DAY 4_MARK'S FINEST PAPERS MARCH BLOG HOP_FISH YOU WERE HERE

2011-03-11T00:01:00.006-05:00

Welcome to the MFP March Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!

Our New Sets are: Just Dandy, African Veldt, Grandma's Boudoir, and Fish You Were Here.For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

We have a NEW Blog Candy Contest! BE A GUEST DESIGNER!

PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY!

Here my card for today’s Blog Hop.
The set used here is “Fishing you were here” now available at Mark’s Finest Papers.
I did the bg with TH’s alcohol ink and ink blender. I love the way the colors made the bg look like water.
I inked the images and sentiment with Palette Noir black and colored the images with Copic markers. I then used some Crystal effects and line cut all of the fishes.
I inked the water weeds in a med. and dark green marker. The sand was made using TH’s distress EP. I then took some of the sea shells I’ve been saving for a mirror frame and added them to the bottom of the card. I also added some gems in different shades of green to create water bubbles.
I worked hard on this one so I hope you like it.
Nicky

DAY 3_MARK'S FINEST PAPERS MARCH BLOG HOP_GRANDMA'S BOUDOIR

2011-03-10T00:01:00.001-05:00

PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY!

This is a card featuring some of the images and sentiments from the new set “Grandma’s Boudoir”. This set and three others are now available at Mark’s Finest Papers.
For the bg I used Mossy Sage and BG/Capella dp.
I inked the shoes direct to rubber using colored markers.
The rest of the card is pretty straight forward and I think needs no description.
If you have a question about any of the details please pm me.
I think this is a fun set with lots of vintage images and sentiments.
All of the supplies used on my card are available at Mark’s Finest Papers.

Good luck to all the Blog Hoppers, Nicky

2011-03-09T00:01:00.001-05:00

PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY!

For today’s Blog Hop I made this tissue box for my cousin’s Birthday. She is crazy about elephants and this new set “African Velt” available now with 3 other new sets at Mark’s Finest Papers.
This is a GORGEOUS set so make sure to check it out.
For the cs I used Snow White, China Blue Eyes and black.
I made the box out of solid white the layered on the blue and black panels.
I used a punch for the design on the lid and a round Nestie for the tissue hole.
The bottom border was created by using a punch and offsetting two layers of the black and blue to create a shadowed effect. Sorry, it does not show well on the photo.
For the main panel I inked the images in Palette Noir black and sponged some of the black around the edges.
I think that my cousin with like it with the matching card that I made last week for the Sneak Peek.
Good luck to all of the Blog Hoppers, Nicky

DAY 1_MARK'S FINEST PAPERS MARCH BLOG HOP_JUST DANDY

2011-03-08T00:01:00.001-05:00

PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY!

All Blog Hop participants will have the chance to win a Month Long GUEST DESIGNER position on our Senior Design team! That’s right! ONE lucky winner will receive a Guest Designer package that will include April 2011’s Four New Release sets, a selection of Premium Papers, and beautiful embellishments. The winner will also receive a Guest Designer Watermark, Blog Button and have the choice to participate in the April 2011 Blog Hop!

What do you need to do to qualify? Just comment on the Design Team blogs during the blog hop. EACH DAY that participants comment on all the Design Team blogs, their name will be entered once in the random drawing. Each participant has the opportunity to have his/her name entered up to four times. (There are four days of the blog hop, so there are up to four entries per person.) The winner will be announced on the Mark’s Finest Papers blog on Saturday, March 12, 2011.
TUESDAY March 8, 2011- Just Dandy

Lois
Vicky
Dawn L.
Anne
Peggysue
Connie
Emily

Karen
Patty
Roxie
Vicki
Liz
Geri
Lynn
Emily N.
Neva
Silvia

Patricia

Chrissy

Guest Designer Ted

Monday BLOG HOP for Mark’s Finest Papers

Featuring Mark’s Finest Papers new set “JUST DANDY” available NOW!!
For this blog hop I decided to make a box and 4 note cards.
My colors are Black and Markie’s Strawberry Milk.
I inked the image and sentiment in Palette Noir/black.
For one of the corners I used a shell shaped corner punch.
In the center of the Dandelion I added a soft pink half pearl and 3 tiny half pearls in the corners.
On the box lid I also added a silk flower with half pearl center.

The dimensions of the cards are 3" by 4".
The box is 3 1/4 by 4 1/4
To make the box top I cut black cs 5 3/8 “ by 6 3/8"., score 1" all 4 sides.
To make the box bottom I cut black cs 5 1/4" by 6 1/4". score 1" all 4 sides.

Cut only one of the 1" fold on each side and bend them, this will allow you to fold and glue the tabs to the sides of the box. Then just fit the top over the bottom to form your box.
I hope you can understand these instructions as I don’t know how to make a template. LOL

I hope you like my little note box and cards.

Good luck to all of the Blog Hoppers today, Nicky

SCS challenge WT312_MFP's Sneak Peak of upcoming new set "Grandma's Boudoir" coming Tuesday

2011-03-03T13:57:00.000-05:00

This is my card for the WT312 challenge to use dots.
This is a Sneak Peek of the set “Grandma’s Boudoir” coming soon to Mark’s Finest Papers.
This is a 5.25" by 5.25" card.
The colors of the cs are Snow White, Harry Periwinkle and Julianne dp by K&C co.
The #1 panel is Harry Periwinkle matted with Snow White and Julianne dp.
I added the dots with a Periwinkle marker.
The main panel is Harry Periwinkle with a Snow white stamped layer.
The image is inked with Palette Noir black ink on Snow White cs.
I the penned the filigree on the dressing table and chair with a copper gel pen. I seat of the chair and insert in the dresser were pieced with K&C dp/Julianne.
I colored the Collie with Copic markers, line cut and popped with pop-up dots.
I also used a corner punch on the main panel.
I popped the main panel with pop-up dots , added 2 pretty ribbons and a gorgeous paper flower.

http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

Nicky

SCS challenge SC322 Mark's Finest Papers Sneak Peek for set "Fish You Were Here"

2011-03-02T14:30:00.000-05:00

This is my card for today’s SC322 challenge.
Featuring a Sneak Peek set “Fish You Were Here” from Mark’s Finest Papers.
I used MFP’S Chine Blue Eyes, Markie’s Strawberry Milk and white cs.
I inked the images in Palette Noir and colored with Copic markers. The large fish was then covered with Crystal Effects “thanks Vicky” and the smal one I added some glitter to the fins.
The #1 panel has some sea weed and sentiment inked in a mid blue color. Some brown sea leaves for panels #2 and 3.
For my #4 panel I inked an embossing folder “Tim Holtz” with a Spectrum ink pad. I love how it looks like a large coral and popped up my fish using dimensionals.
For #5 panel I chose a felt star fish.
To finish I added some blue gems to the sentiment and as air bubbles for the fishes.
All supplies can be found at Mark's Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront
I had a lot of fun making this one.

Nicky

SCS challenge CC312 Misty Celery Rose

2011-03-01T11:08:00.000-05:00

This is my card for the SCS, CC312 Misty Celery Rose challenge.
This is also a Sneak Peek of a set “Just Dandy” coming soon to Mark’s Finest Papers.
I inked the stamp with colored markers and used Versafine/Sepia for the dragonfly rom set “Whispering Wings” and sentiment.
This is a 5.25 inch square card, I used a corner punch to round the two top corners of every layer.
The embossed border was done using a CB folder/Pop Culture and added some light blue gems.
I also used some light blue gems on the dragonfly.
Clean, simple, easy and I hope you like it...
All supplies can be found at Mark’s Finest Papers.

http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

Nicky

SCS challenges CAS108 AND TLC314

2011-02-28T09:29:00.000-05:00

This is my card for the CAS108 and TLC314.
CAS108 is to make a card representing the Great Outdoors.
TLC314 is to use a handmade ticket.

This is a Sneak Peek of a soon to be released set “African Veldt” by Mark’s Finest Papers.
I love this adorable elephant head and sentiment.
Colors used black, white and Baby Blue Eyes all from MFP.
The images are inked with Palette Noir Black and the sponging is done with a med. grey.
I colored the elephant with Copic markers.
I made this a offset gatefold card.
The elephant is mounted on plain and scalloped circle Nesties.
I added a pretty black ribbon for the closure.
Don’t you just love these fabulous images.
All supplies can be found at Mark’s Finest Papers.

http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

Nicky

SCS challenge F4A53 to make a Tropical card

2011-02-25T11:24:00.000-05:00

This was fun and easy. The F4A53 challenge to is make a tropical card.
I used this beautiful sunset photo that Chuck and I took on one of our vacations.
The fushsia shades are incredible in this photo.
I used black and a fushsia shade pink for my cs.
A black ribbon, some exotic flowers and two pretty black blossoms.
I also used a TH embossing folder on the pink cs but it doesn’t show much.
I stamped a Happy Birthday sentiment directly onto the photo with Palette Noir Black.
The sentiment is from the Big Cat set by Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/the-2118/*Big-Cats-Stamp-Set/Detail

Nicky

Slitcoast CC321 challenge

2011-02-23T12:45:00.000-05:00

I was on holidays in Florida for the last two weeks. We went to Jacksonville for two days and I got to meet up with Faith and Lois. I also got to meet a few other stamping friends of Faith's. We went out for breakfast, crazy shopping trip and then dinner. It was such a fabulous day and I was so thrilled to meet Lois and Karen. I think that they all wore me out with the shopping, we went to 5 stores and I spent way too much money...LOL Can you believe I had bruises on the tops of my feet. LOL
My husband Chuck got the chance to catch up with Faith's husband Mark. Even though it was a great day for all of us poor Markie got sick. He went to the hospital and got diagnosed and is on medication, I hope he gets better real soon. I couldn't believe how much he's grown since the last time I saw him.

Roxie, what a wonderful sketch.
This is my card for the CC321 challenge.
I decided to go with a black and white theme so that I could feature this beautiful white tiger by Mark’s Finest Papers.

http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/the-2118/*Big-Cats-Stamp-Set/Detail

There is some trickery in the size of the tiger, IRL he is much larger. I stamped the image in Palette Noir Black, then photo copied the image to word where I reduced the size to my liking and then quadrupled the image. I addes blue to the eyes and pink to his nose with Copic markers.
I then printed and cut the images for my card, I added a black matting.
The bg is partially embossed with a TH’s folder.
With the small panel I decided to move it for conveniece of the design and used a black ribbon.
I popped the images to get more depth.
I hope that you love this Big Cat as much as I do.

Nicky

CC311 challenge at Splitcoast Stampers.

2011-02-22T12:48:00.000-05:00

I would like to annouce that yesterday was the arrival of my first GreatGrandson Jackson. He is absolutely gorgeous and we are thrilled.

For the CC311 challenge today we are to use Perfect Plum, Rose Red and Always Artichoke.
I substituted PP with Groovy Grape from MFP and the other colors are in the dp that is from DCWV/Safari Chic.
I stamped the image with a med. Tan and dark brown then colored the eyes a purple color and added some Amythist gems.
On the foliage I decided to line cut some of the outer leaves to give it some depth.
For the image I angled slightly under the foliage to make him look like he’s peering at you thru the branches.
For the desert we are to use hardware. I used a beautiful floral button in pewter.
Nicky

Day 4 of Mark's Finest Papers February Blog Hop

2011-02-11T00:01:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the MFP February Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!

Our New Sets are: Greet the Day with Gerber, Big Cats, Spring Has Sprung and He is the Lamb.For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

We have a BRAND NEW Blog Candy Contest! BE A GUEST DESIGER!

PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY!

This card is made using the new set “He is the Lamb” by Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront
I inked the stamp with Palette Noir black ink twice and added some color and shadows with a pale skin colored marker. I then just line cut the head of the second image and used dimensionals to pop over the firs image.
I added some lillies to the sentiment panel and colored in the same tones as the lamb.
The dp is from Basic Grey and I added a simple punched border as an embellishment.
Nicky

Day 3 of Mark's Finest Papers February Blog Hop

2011-02-10T00:01:00.001-05:00

PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY!

This is a card using the new set “Spring has Sprung” from Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront
This is a quick and easy single layered card.
The duck in inked in Palette Noir black and colored with Copic markers. The grass was done inked direct to stamp with different colors of green.
I then added the sentiment, the flourish, the ribbon and a tiny yellow gem to the flourish.
Nicky

Day 2 of Mark's Finest Papers February Blog Hop

2011-02-09T00:01:00.001-05:00

PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY!

This card was made using the new “Big Cats” set from Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront
I inked this stamp with different shades of brown markers and stamped on white cs.
I did not color as I thought the mixed inking showed plenty of shades and hues.
I used a plain and scalloped circles Nesties for the matting.
The bg dp is from Basic Grey. There is a knoted grossgrain ribbon tied in a simple knot and a birthday sentiment.
Nicky

Day 1 of Mark's Finest Papers February Blog Hop

2011-02-08T00:01:00.003-05:00

PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY!

This card was done using the new set “Greet the Day with Gerber” from Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront
I inked the stamp with Palette Noir and stamped it onto some dark cream colored cs and colored it with Copic Markers and gel pens, I added some glitter to the center or the flowers.
The bg panel is done with a embossing fofder that was inked with a white ink pad and then run thru the CB.
I punched two small holes in the main panel and added a pretty two-tone ribbon.
I finished by adding a sentiment to the lower right hand corner.
Thanks for visiting our Blog Hop and see you tomorrow for day 2.
Nicky

SCS challenge TLC308 to use a silhouette

2011-01-17T11:05:00.000-05:00

Today’s TLC308 challenge is to create a silhouette on your card.
For this I used a brass die cut image of a dragonfly and sponged it
with India ink black adding some silver half pearls on the tail and a clear gem for the head. The sentiment is from the set “Happy Pansies” by Mark’s Finest Papers.

http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/the-2078/*Happy-Pansies-Mark%27s-Finest/Detail
I used the pretty dp from My Minds Eye with a black matting.
I then tied this pretty black bow and adhered the tails to make a partial frame for the image.
Nicky

2011-01-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the final day of the MFP January Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!

And…LOOK for the WINNERS of the Blog Hop TOMORROW!!!

Our New Sets are: In the Forest, Happy Pansies, Sew What, and Floral Tea.For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, January 15, 2011, a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning.

FRIDAY, January 14, 2011-Floral Tea

Emily-

Karen-

Patty-

Roxie-

Vicki-

Liz:

Claudine-

Dawn-

Joanne T-

Nicole -

Marilynn-

Peggysue-

Susan –

Connie –

Emily N.-

Neva

Mark’s Finest Papers

I used the new set “Floral Tea” from Mark’s Finest Papers.
I inked the images with Palette Noir.
Colored with Copic markers and gel pens.
Pressed into Versamark and embossed with clear EP.
I then cut the circles and oval Nesties.
For plain circle and oval I left the die in place and sponged
on some TH’s DI in Old Paper.
For scalloped circle and oval I added some white dots with a gel pen.
On the sentiment I did some squiggles “which I’m not good at LOL” and
sponged the outer area.
On the corners of the white cs and the scrap piece of dp, I used a corner punch.
The only embellishment is a small cream half pearl on the teapot flower.
Hope you like it....
Nicky

2011-01-13T00:01:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the MFP January Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!

And…LOOK for the WINNERS of the Blog Hop Saturday!

Our New Sets are: In the Forest, Happy Pansies, Sew What, and Floral Tea.For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, January 15, 2011, a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning.

Thursday, January 13, 2011-Sew What?

Nancyruth

Lois

Vicky

Dawn L.

Anne

Emily

Karen

Patty

Roxie

Vicki

Liz

Claudine

Dawn M

Joanne T

Nicole

Marilynn

Geri

Lynn

Neva

Mark’s Finest Papers

For this card I used a new set “Sew What!” by Mark’s Finest Papers.
I think this is such a fun set with lots of sentiments to go with the images.
I stamped the spool 2 times with Palette Noir, once on my main panel and once on an extra piece of cs. Same with the thimble.
I then colored the images with Copic markers and line cut the extra images.
I tried for the first time to do some sewing on my card with less than perfect results. LOL
I hid the corners “that were none too great” with stamped button images and on the right side a vintage fashion clip art. To the clip art I added some half pearls to the price tag and her camisole.
The matting is done in a black cs.
Nicky

2011-01-12T00:01:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the MFP January Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!

And…LOOK for the WINNERS of the Blog Hop on Saturday!

Our New Sets are: In the Forest, Happy Pansies, Sew What, and Floral Tea.For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, January 15, 2011, a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning.

WEDNESDAY, January 12, 2011- Happy Pansies

Nancyruth

Lois

Vicky

Dawn L.

Anne

Peggysue

Susan

Connie

Claudine

Dawn

Joanne T

Nicole

Marilynn

Geri

Lynn

Emily N.

Mark’s Finest Papers

This card uses the new set “Happy Pansies” from Mark’s Finest Papers.
The flower was stamped twice using Palette Noir and
coloring with Copic Markers, I then cut the flowers leaving
one whole and only keeping the 3 top petals of the second.
If you look closely you will see a tiny Ladybug on one of the leaves.
To try to make her pop a little I added some Krystal Effects, I think
that worked.
I popped the completed Pansy onto a white circle Nestie and a pink scalloped
Nestie that I added some white dots with a gel pen.
The main panel is pink and white. I used two embossing folders on this, one
is the Swiss Dots and the other a strip from Just My Type.
I then stamped the sentiment is the clear space. I stamped an extra bee “the larger one”
then colored them with a yellow Copic marker. To finish these adorable little bees I added
some Crystal Stickles. It looks terrific IRL, the bees look like the are really flying.
I think this card is so pretty to look at.
Nicky

CC305 challenge and MFP blogspot challenge_embossing

2011-01-11T21:58:00.000-05:00

2011-01-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the MFP January Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!

And…LOOK for the WINNERS of the Blog Hop Saturday!

Our New Sets are: In the Forest, Happy Pansies, Sew What, and Floral Tea.For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, January 15, 2011, a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning.

TUESDAY Jauary 11, 2011- In the Forest

Nancyruth

Lois

Vicky

Dawn L.

Anne

Peggysue

Susan

Connie

Emily

Karen

Patty

Roxie

Vicki

Liz

Geri

Lynn

Emily N.

Neva

Mark’s Finest Papers

This is the fabulous new set “Walk in the Woods” from Mark’s Finest Papers out today.
I stamped this image 4 times “yes 4 times”, I cut 1/4" from the second image, ½” from the third image and 3/4" from the fourth.
I then colored the images using Copic markers.
For the Sunset I sponged on some yellows and pinks, I’d never sponged a Sunset before so I hope is looks somewhat realistic.
I then popped the images from the largest to the smallest leaving the left side and bottom edges flush. I think this look created a beautiful effect. I had a really hard time photographing this and I hope that you can see all of the layers.
The bg panel is one layer of light olive green sponged with a darker olive then embossed with a CB embossing folder called Scrollwork. I really like the look.
For embellishments I added a string tied gold Acorn charm and a two-tone ribbon.
Nicky

SCS challenge SC314_Happy Pansies

2011-01-05T13:20:00.000-05:00

For my card today I used a new Sneak Peek set “Happy Pansies” coming soon to
Mark’s Finest Papers.
The image was inked twice with Palette Noir and colored with Copic markers.
The second image I line cut just two of the top of the primary flowers and popped
them over the original.
I then cut part of the flowers away from the panel for an out of the box look.
For the bg I used a Sissix embossing folder “circles” and on the second panel some scrap dp that I had around my craft room.
My New Years resolution is to use more left over scrap paper..
The vertical band was made using the orange dp with a strip of paper ribbon that was given to me by Hamilton Gal/Laurie.
I love these Pansies, I hope you do too.

Nicky

SCS_CC304 challenge_Red, Grey and Neutral_Sew What?

2011-01-04T14:07:00.000-05:00

My card today is a Sneak Peek of a new set “Sew What?” coming soon to Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

I stamped the image of the dress form twice..once in grey and once in red.

I cut the red dress from the form and popped it over the grey form image.

I added some silver beads for a belt and necklace.

The scissors are stamped in a light grey ink, line cut and popped onto the main panel.

The sentiment was inked in red , a grey zigzag and a row of silver beads were then added for effect.

The whole main panel was angled so that you could get a better view of the dp in the bg.

I really love this set and so will you. Keep an eye out for some more peeks at other stamps in this set.

Nicky

SCS_FS204 challenge casing Marisa/whiterockmama

2011-01-02T13:02:00.001-05:00

This is for today’s FS204 challenge. The featured stamper is WhiteRockMama/Marisa.

Congratulations Marisa, you have a lovely gallery and it was a pleasure to case this card of yours.
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1834074?&cat=500&ppuser=89160

This is a sneak peak of the set “In the Forest” coming soon by Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

The image and sentiment were inked in Palette Burnt Umber.

Things that I changed:

Flipped the sketch

Different image

Lace edging instead of punched

Different colors.

Added some tiny brown half pearls to the main panel.

I kept the same sketch, ribbon and button look on Marisa’s card.
Nicky

SCS_WT303 challenge_to use silver on card

2010-12-30T14:41:00.000-05:00

For the SCS/WT303 challenge today we are to use Silver in our card.

I used the set “Hello Sunshine” by Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/the-2049/*Hello-Sunshine-Stamp-Set/Detail

I inked the image with Palette Noir ink and colored all of the white spaces with a

Silver gel pen.

I then line cut the image and attached it to a dark silver paper lacey scalloped Nestie.

I added the silver half pearls in three different sizes and a pretty ribbon to finish.

All supplies are available at Mark’s Finest Papers except scrap of dp.
Nicky

challenge for SCS_SC313_Nature's Postage_Waterlilly

2010-12-29T12:55:00.000-05:00

This is my card for today’s SC313 challenge.

I used an image from the set “Nature’s Postage” by Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/the-2050/*Nature%27s-Postage-Stamp-Set/Detail

Inked in Palette Noir and colored with Copic markers.

This is a very clean sketch, thanks Roxie.

The only change I made was to thread ribbon for the strip panel instead of cs.

The sentiment comes from the same stamp set.

All supplies used on this card are from Mark’s Finest Papers.

Nicky

STYLISH BLOG AWARD

2010-12-13T13:31:00.001-05:00

I got an award from Vicky Gould, I was nothing but shocked to receive this award from her. Vicky and I have been friends since I first joined SCS.
She is the kindest person, thoughtful and a good listener. Thanks, Vicky.

I’m suppose to tell 8 things about myself:

1. I’m an only child.

2. Both of my parents have passed.

3. I am married to my very best friend. “Not just a saying but true”

4. We are a blended family with 5 children..2 mine..3 his. Seven Grandchildren and one Greatgrandchild on the way.

5. I am an avid reader, movie buff and of course addicted paper crafter.

7. I am a Summer person and really suffer through freezing Ontario Winters..

8. My fur babies LittleBit and Dora are a precious gift and I couldn’t do without them.

And now I’m suppose to pass this on to 8 others.

I will nominate the following:

Anne: http://www.inkinginred.blogspot.com/

Emily: http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/

Patricia Rose: http://stampingwithkokirose.blogspot.com/

Pam: http://mustangcreations.blogspot.com/

Charlene: http://www.wheremmsgather.blogspot.com/

Cathleen: http://crookedcardcreations.com/

Harriet: http://allycatcards.blogspot.com/

Patty: http://www.winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/

Hugs, Nicky

This week piecing challenge for Mark's Finest Papers challenge blog

2010-12-12T13:45:00.000-05:00

I had so much trouble doing this card and I really shouldn't have. Oh! well at least I didn't give up.
This card represent a midnight sleigh ride.
The ribbon is the star filled night.
The stamp set I used is called Bells on Bobtails by Mark's Finest Papers.
It doesn't look like there is a lot of piecing on my card but there really is quite a lot.
First I stamped the image onto a matching piece of dp, then I cut out the piece where the reins are "by the hourses head, the reins behind the horse, the reins in the boys hands and the bottom of the sleigh where all of the scrolls are".
I popped the main image and then popped the sleigh once more.
The image is inked in Palette Noir and colored with Copic markers.
I added some silver pearls to the horse's harness and to the sleigh to look like bells.
Supplies can be found at Mark's Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

Welcome to the MFP December Blog Hop!

2010-12-10T00:01:00.001-05:00

This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!

And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released: Hearts, Hearts, Hearts, Nature's Postage Due; Hello Sunshine and Take a Peek. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (December 11, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning.

Friday, December 10: Take a Peek:

Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/

Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/

Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/

Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/

Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/

Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com/

Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/

Dawn- http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/

Joanne T- http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/

Nicole - http://nicolesbutterflyears.blogspot.com/

Marilynn- http://mississippi-mcgyver.blogspot.com/

Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com/

Susan – http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/

Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/

Emily N.- http://emmielouwho.blogspot.com/

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

These are my cards for the net set "Take a Peek".

The first card I used the image of the Hedgehog peeking from the hole in a tree.
I inked the image with Palette Noir and colored with Copic markers.
I chose a monchromatice look using only brown shades and a neutral "white".
The dp are from Basic Grey.
The embellishments used are a patterned ribbon and some pretty buttons.
Supplies can be found at Mark's Finest Papers.

For my second card I chose the image of the racoon surrounded by Daisies.
Again I inked with Palette Noir and colored with Copic markers.
My colors for this card were chosen by the colors in my main image.
Black and yellow.
The dp is again from Basic Grey.
You can find all of my supplies at Mark's Finest Papers.

You shoud visit MFP store as there are so many wonderful product to choose from no matter what your tastes are.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

This has been a fun Blog Hop and I hope you all enjoyed yourselves as much as I did.
Nicole

Welcome to the MFP December Blog Hop!

2010-12-09T00:01:00.001-05:00

This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!

And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released: Hearts, Hearts, Hearts, Nature's Postage Due; Hello Sunshine and Take a Peek. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (December 11, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning.

Thursday, December 9, 2010: Hello Sunshine

Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com/

Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/

Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com/

Dawn L.- http://dawnanewday.blogspot.com/

Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/

Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/

Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/

Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/

Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/

Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/

Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com/

Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/

Dawn- http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/

Joanne T- http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/

Nicole - http://nicolesbutterflyears.blogspot.com/

Marilynn- http://mississippi-mcgyver.blogspot.com/

Geri – http://geriscards.blogspot.com/

Lynn- http://confessionsofaleft-brainedstamper.blogspot.com/

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

Today’s card is featuring a stamp from the set “Hello Sunshine” from Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/the-2049/*Hello-Sunshine-Stamp-Set/Detail

First I inked the stamp with Palette Noir and stamped it 2 times once on white card stock and once onto some dp.

I cut the images out, for the dp one I used the whole image for the one done on white cs I only used the circle with the face on it.

I colored the image with Copic markers.

For the bg I used a beautiful scene designer paper.

I then popped the dp sun image and once again popped the circle face over it..

I wanted to keep it simple and showcase this gorgeous sun so I decided to only add the sentiment and leave well enough alone.

I really love the way this turned out, I hope you do too.

Good luck to everyone, Nicole

Welcome to the MFP December Blog Hop!

2010-12-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!

And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released: Hearts, Hearts, Hearts, Nature's Postage Due; Hello Sunshine and Take a Peek. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (December 11, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning.

Wednesday December 8: Nature's Postage

Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com/

Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/

Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com/

Dawn L.- http://dawnanewday.blogspot.com/

Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/

Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com/

Susan – http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/

Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/

Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/

Dawn- http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/

Joanne T- http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/

Nicole - http://nicolesbutterflyears.blogspot.com/

Marilynn- http://mississippi-mcgyver.blogspot.com/

Geri – http://geriscards.blogspot.com/

Lynn- http://confessionsofaleft-brainedstamper.blogspot.com/

Emily N.- http://emmielouwho.blogspot.com/

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

For the Nature’s Postage Blog Hop card I chose my favorite flower image “the Poppy”.

I inked the stamp and image with Palette Noir and colored with Copic markers.

I used some embossing on the cs and this wonderful dp by Basic Grey.

To finish I added a small gingham ribbon and matching flower button.

Supplies can be found at Mark’s Finest Papers.

Happy hopping and good luck, Nicole

December Blog Hop for Mark's Finest Papers. Dec. 7th, 2010

2010-12-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the MFP December Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!

And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released: Hearts, Hearts, Hearts, Nature's Postage Due; Hello Sunshine and Take a Peek. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (December 11, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning.

DECEMBER 7, 2010- Hearts, Hearts, Hearts:

Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com/

Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/

Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com/

Dawn L.- http://dawnanewday.blogspot.com/

Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/

Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com/

Susan – http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/

Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/

Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/

Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/

Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/

Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/

Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/ /

Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com/

Geri – http://geriscards.blogspot.com/

Lynn- http://confessionsofaleft-brainedstamper.blogspot.com/

Emily N.- http://emmielouwho.blogspot.com/

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

I love this new Hearts set. I decided that I would do an anniversary card.
I embossed the heart in gold embossing powder and added a frilly lace around the edges.
The cs is gold foil and a caramel color cs.
I added some intricate lace to the bottom and some Prima roses.
Good luck to everyone, Nicole

Sneek Peek for MFP/Set "TAKE A PEEK" coming Dec. 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th

2010-12-06T14:30:00.000-05:00

Starting tomorrow at Mark's Finest Papers blogspot we will be hosting the December Blog Hop, full of wonderful new sets and lots of chance to win prizes. So be Sure to drop by Mark's Finest Papers Blogspot that can be found here:
http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/
This is my card for the CAS96 challenge to use bows.

This is also a Sneak Peak for the set “Take a Peek” from Mark’s Finest Papers
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

coming your way starting tomorrow.

I used a wonderful bright red cs and a linen white cs.

I stamped my butterflies 4 times in a matching red and the sentiment in Palette Noir.

I then cut 2 of the butterflies, added some black onyx beads and popped over the butterflies stamped onto the card.

The ribbon bow is a threaded one, I really love these though they can be a pain. LOL

Voila!!!

CAS95 challenge for SCS and Sneak Peak for Mark's Finest Papers Blog Hop starting Dec. 7th, 2010

2010-11-29T08:01:00.000-05:00

Be sure to check up out here http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/ for next weeks Blog Hop starting Dec. 7th, 2010 for some great new stamp sets and lots of great draws.

This is my card for today’s CA595 challenge to use flower accents.

For my images and sentiment I used a Sneak Peak of the set “Hearts, Hearts, Hearts” coming to Mark’s Finest Papers on Dec.7th, 2010.

The stamps were inked with Palette Noir and the butterfly was stamped 2 times.

I used Copics to color and then I cut out the pretty butterfly to pop it for effect.

I used a Lavender colored cs for my bg layer.

I love this gorgeous flower wreath.

All supplies available at Mark’s Finest Papers.
Nicky

Welcome to the MFP November Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 6 NEW SETS!

2010-11-12T00:01:00.001-05:00

We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released: Brick Wall, Bells on Bobtail, Christmas Postage Due, Bold & Free, Muscial Holiday and Welcome Home. For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (November 13, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning.

November 12 FRIDAY Musical Holiday

Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/

Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/

Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/

Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/

Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/

Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com/

Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/

Dawn- http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/

Joanne T- http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/

Nicole - http://nicolesbutterflyears.blogspot.com/

Marilynn- http://mississippi-mcgyver.blogspot.com/

Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com/

Susan – http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/

Judi – http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com/

Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

This is my card for the release of the set “Musical Holiday” by Mark’s Finest Papers.

http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/the-2033/*Musical-Holiday-Stamp-Set/Detail
I found the most wonderful orange and rust Christmas paper and I thought it would look fabulous with this set.
I used the music sheet from the set and stamped on the orange cs in a darker orange color, then I stamped on my sentiments in Pallete Noir.
I cut out the music sheet and popped it onto the orange Christmas dp.
I punched some snowflakes out of the rust cs and added some matching half pearls.
These were spread here and there on the card.
The ribbon was white and I died it with a rust colored marker.

To finish I tied a pretty bow with a brass wreath attached and a cute little reindeer button on the music sheet.

Nicole

Welcome to the MFP November Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 6 NEW SETS!

2010-11-11T00:01:00.001-05:00

And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released: Brick Wall, Bells on Bobtail, Christmas Postage Due, Bold & Free, Muscial Holiday and Welcome Home. For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (November 13, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning.

November 11 THURSDAY Welcome Home

Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com/

Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/

Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com/

Dawn L.- http://dawnanewday.blogspot.com/

Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/

Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/

Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/

Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/

Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/

Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/

Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com/

Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/

Dawn- http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/

Joanne T- http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/

Nicole - http://nicolesbutterflyears.blogspot.com/

Marilynn- http://mississippi-mcgyver.blogspot.com/

Geri – http://geriscards.blogspot.com/

Lynn- http://confessionsofaleft-brainedstamper.blogspot.com/

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

This is my card for the release of the set “Welcome Home” by Mark’s Fines Papers.

This is such a wonderful and can be used for many occasions.

For my card I used the image of the lovely and cozy home.

I inked the image with Pallette Noir and colored with Copic markers. I then line cut the image and added some Snow Writer for the snow on the trees from the “A Walk in the Woods” set and the house.

I stamped some trees on a bg piece of card stock and added some snow drifts with a torn piece of paper and a grey colored ink pad.

I mounted my image onto the bg added the matting and some brown half pearls to the punched corners

The dp in the 1st panel is from my lcs. I added the sentiment to the bottom, some half pearls and a threaded bow made with a wonderful ribbon that I received on a gift and have been hoarding. LOL

Happy Hopping, Nicole
Good luch to everyone

Welcome to the MFP November Blog Hop! This month, we are releaseing 6 NEW SETS!

2010-11-10T00:01:00.001-05:00

And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released: Brick Wall, Bells on Bobtail, Christmas Postage Due, Bold & Free, Muscial Holiday and Welcome Home. For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (November 13, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning.

NOV 10 (WEDNESDAY) 2 SETS: Christmas Postage Due; Bold & Free

Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com/

Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/

Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com/

Dawn L.- http://dawnanewday.blogspot.com/

Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/

Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com/

Susan – http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/

Judi – http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com/

Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/

Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/

Dawn- http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/

Joanne T- http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/

Nicole - http://nicolesbutterflyears.blogspot.com/

Marilynn- http://mississippi-mcgyver.blogspot.com/

Geri – http://geriscards.blogspot.com/

Lynn- http://confessionsofaleft-brainedstamper.blogspot.com/

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

This is my card for today’s release of the new set “Christmas Postage Due” from Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/the-2034/*Christmas-Postage-Due-Stamp/Detail

I love the stamp images and sentiments in this fun set. LOVE the Santa stamp....

I inked the image with Palette Noir and colored with Copic markers.

The fun on Santa’s hat is made with Stickles/Frosted Lace.

I also added some Crystal Effects to his glasses for the lenses.

The DP is Echo Park paper.

For the matting on the stamp I used some stamp edging scissors.

I added three thin ribbons of different patterns and tied in knots at different intervals

Hi! Everyone, this is my card for the release of the set “Bold and Free” from Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/the-2035/*Bold-%26-Free-Stamp/Detail

I used the beautiful image of the mighty buffalo surrounded by a wreath of leaves.

I colored the image with Copic markers and line cut the image.

The colors for this card are blue, darkest brown, dark yellow and rust.

I used a plain oval Nestie to mount my image on and the framed it with a beaded oval Nestie.

For one of my three panels I used my CB and embossed bubbles onto the dark yellow paper.

I added some rawhide string, beads and feathers to finish my card.

I really love this set and I know you will too.

All of the supplies except “the feathers, beads and rawhide string” can be found at Mark’s Finest Papers Store. http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

Happy Hopping, Nicole

Welcome to the MFP November Blog Hop! This month, we are releaseing 6 NEW SETS!

2010-11-09T00:01:00.001-05:00

We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released: Brick Wall, Bells on Bobtail, Christmas Postage Due, Bold & Free, Muscial Holiday and Welcome Home. For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (November 13, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning.

November 9 TUESDAY: 2 SETS: Brick Wall; Bells on Bobtail

Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com/

Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/

Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com/

Dawn L.- http://dawnanewday.blogspot.com/

Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/

Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com/

Susan – http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/

Judi – http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com/

Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/

Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/

Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/

Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/

Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/

Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/

Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com/

Geri – http://geriscards.blogspot.com/

Lynn- http://confessionsofaleft-brainedstamper.blogspot.com/

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

This is my card for the release of the set “Bells on Bobtails” by Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/the-2031/*Bells-On-Bobtail-Stamp/Detail

I love making black & white cards and this one is no exception.

I inked the image and the sentiment in Palette Noir. This is a one layer card with a black matting.

I added some silver half pearls to the horses harness and to the edging of the sleigh.

Since this is such a simple card I also added a beautiful black ribbon, glittery snowflake with a silver half pearl in the middle.

All of the supplies for this card can be found at Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

This is my card for the release of the set “Brick Wall” by Mark’s Finest Papers/Speedy the Cat Series.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/the-2030/*Brick-Wall-by-Mark%27s/Detail

I found a mottled piece of card stock stashed away that was perfect for my brick wall. I inked the brick wall stamp with Palette Burnt Umber.

The vine is inked with TH’s Pine Needles ink and added the pretty paper flowers. I then inked the butterflies with Palette Noir, colored with Copic markers and covered them with some Crystal Effects. I decided to have some fun and added Speedy the Cat to the image.

The sentiment with the gorgeous font is also part of this lovely set.

The colors for this card are mid. yellow and white. I added some lace to give this card a wonderful vintage feel.

Supplies for this card can be found at Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

Happy Hopping, Nicole

SCS challenge WT295 use Green

2010-11-04T12:14:00.000-04:00

Our challenge today is to use the color green. For my card I used the set “Greetings of the Season” from Mark’s Finest Papers.

http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/the-1969/*Greetings-of-the-Season/Detail
The colors used are dark brown, cream and green.

I colored the pine needles and cone with gel pens and added glitter to the pine cone only.

For the shape I used my CB and an Nestie die cut “Beaded Oval” and a plain oval.

I then added more glitter to all of the beaded parts of the oval.

I used a pretty gem flourish to finish.

All supplies used to make this card except the gems can be found at Mark’s Finest Papers.
You can have a browse in MFP's store here: http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

Nicky

SCS challenge SC305 sketch

2010-11-03T14:12:00.000-04:00

Here is another Sneak Peak set “Musical Holiday” from Mark’s Finest Papers for you to fall in love with, I know I did.

This set and 5 other new sets will be available on Nov. 9th/10, so be sure to watch for it.

For my card I stamped my images with Palette Noir black ink, I colored the French horn with a gold gel pen and the holly/berries were colored with Copics.

I did an out of the box look with the horn, popped up all of the holly.

I stamped the holly on the bottom left 3 times, each time cutting away a leaf the popping all 3 layers.

The bg paper is scrap from last years stash, it was in black and cream so I colored the holly leaves with Copics to match my images.

With the music note I used my CB and a round Nestie.

Isn’t the music sheet stamp awesome, I stamped it in a Burgundy color and the cut it to shape.

I think this will be a very popular set.

All of the supplies used on this card “except for the scrap dp” can be found at Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

Nicky

Created for SCS_CC295 Colour Challenge

2010-11-02T11:15:00.000-04:00

I really love this set “Bold & Free” from Mark’s Finest Papers as it

speaks to a part of my heritage.

This is a Sneak Peak of this set that will be available Nov. 9th/10

so be sure to watch for it.

I used cs that I thought was as close to the CC295 colours.

I used TH’s DI in Antique Linen to age the bg of the base panel. I then inked my images

in Palette Burnt umber. On the feathers I added a bit of pumpkin colour to compliment the

colours in the base panel.

The photo is one that I’ve had for a while and love it. I thought that it enhanced the look

of the card and the Bold & Free sentiment.

All supplies used in making this card can be found at Mark’s Finest Papers
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

Nicky

SCS challenge FS192_Welcome Home

2010-10-31T15:44:00.002-04:00

This is my card for today’s FS, CherylQuilts.

For my image I used a Sneak Peak set “Welcome Home” from Mark’s Finest Papers.

This is one beautiful set, coming out on November 9th.

This is Cheryl’s Card that I cased http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1760690?&cat=500&ppuser=29047

Things that I’ve changed:

The shape of the panels

The colors

The stamp set

I used a embossing edge at the bottom instead of a punched edge at the side.

All of the stamping was done with Palette Noir black ink.

This is an all black and white card.

The embossed border is a CB folder/Snowflakes.

I added a black threaded ribbon, a large button snowflake and some small half pearls.

All of the supplies used on this card are from Mark’s Finest Papers

http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

I really like this card and may choose it as my Christmas card this year
Nicky

SCS_WT294 Challenge_Frames

2010-10-28T14:23:00.000-04:00

For today’s challenge we are to use frames in our cards.

I used the set “Walking in the Woods” by Mark’s Finest Papers.
You can find this set here: http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/the-1974/*A-Walk-In-The/Detail

I inked the image in greens and browns then huffed and stamped the image on white cs.

I mounted this image on a olive shade cs and punched corners of the image then added pearls to the punched corners.

The frame was made using 2 rectangle scalloped Nesties at the same time. I also embossed them.

The dp is from my scrap pile. I punched some leaves and added them for embellishements.

The sentiment was put on a small tag with punched leaves and a pearl.

To finish I added a pretty tree charm with a tiny gem at the top.

I hope you like the outcome.
Nicky

SCS challenge SC304

2010-10-27T12:02:00.000-04:00

What a fantastic sketch. I used the set “Thankful for You” from Mark’s Finest Papers for my card today.

The set can be found here: http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/the-1972/*Thankful-For-You-Mark%27s/Detail
I inked the image and the sentiment with Palette Noir black, colored the face, hair and arms with Copic markers.

The dress, cap and pumpkin are pieced with BG Indian Summer paper pad and the apron is pieced with White Linen.

For the bg I used a deep burgundy paper with White Linen and BG Indian Summer.

All of the supplies used to make this card are available at Mark’s Finest Papers found here: http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

Thanks for dropping by, have a great day.
Nicole

SCS challenge TLC295 Make it Shimmer

2010-10-18T10:55:00.000-04:00

I really had trouble taking a picture of this card showing the glimmer on the reindeer. I is overcast today and no sun to reflect it.

For this card I used the set “Time to Chill” from Mark’s Finest Papers found here: http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront
I followed the instructions given for this technique in the challenge info.
I had a scrap piece of this wonderful dp with the blue and pink in it so that is what set off the color scheme for this card. I used Nesties in the plain and scalloped rectangle.
I stamped the reindeer in Palette Noir black and the snowflake in light blue.
The main image is popped up with dimensionals.
To finish my card I added double ribbon in a matching blue with a pretty holly charm.

I really like the way this technique turned out, I just wish the photo showed the shimmer off better.
All supplied used can be found here at Mark's Finest Papers: http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

Nicole

OCTOBER BLOG HOP FOR MARK'S FINEST PAPERS 10/15/10

2010-10-15T00:01:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the MFP October Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added TWO MORE STAMP SETS!!!

And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released today: Seasonal Poinsettias, Time to Chill, A Walk in the Woods, Greetings of the Season, Thankful for You, Snowman Country
For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (October 16, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

10/15 FRIDAY Snowman Country

Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/

Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/

Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/

Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/

Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/

Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com/

Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/

Dawn- http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/

Joanne T- http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/

Nicole - http://nicolesbutterflyears.blogspot.com/

Marilynn- http://mississippi-mcgyver.blogspot.com/

Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com/

Susan – http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/

Judi – http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com/

Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

What a great Blog Hop this has been. I hope that you all love the 6 NEW SETS as much as I do.

For our final Blog Hop day for October I am using the new set “Snowman Country”.

I stamped the snowman on a cup image 2 times in Palette Noir black. Cut out the complete image from one and the snowman and the holly only from the other stamping.
I colored the image with Copic markers.

On the first layers I used a Christmas embossing folder onto white paper and matted in red.

The second thin layer is Christmas scrap paper left from last year and matted in red.

The third layer is embossed with a music folder, I then stamped the gingham pattern in red, the sentiment in Palette Noir black, added the glitter to the heart and matted in red.
For my focal point I poppep the cup, the snowman and the holly with pop-ups. I added different colored glitter to the snowman, red on his scarf and mitt and white on the brim of his hat.

Put a smatter more glitter on the tree behind the snowman and added tiny half pearls for the hollyberries.

All supplies used on this card are from Mark’s Finest Papers.
Nicole

OCTOBER BLOG HOP FOR MARK'S FINEST PAPERS 10/14/10

2010-10-14T00:01:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the MFP October Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added TWO MORE STAMP SETS!!!

And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released today: Seasonal Poinsettias, Time to Chill, A Walk in the Woods, Greetings of the Season, Thankful for You, Snowman Country
For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (October 16, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

10/14 THURSDAY Thankful for You

Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com/

Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/

Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com/

Jeanne - http://nannysroom.wordpress.com/

Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/

Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/

Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/

Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/

Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/

Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/

Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com/

Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/

Dawn- http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/

Joanne T- http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/

Nicole - http://nicolesbutterflyears.blogspot.com/

Marilynn- http://mississippi-mcgyver.blogspot.com/

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

This card was made with the new set “Thankful for You”. The card size is 5.25 X 5.25.

I inked the wheat image with coloured markers in various shades of soft browns and yellows and then stamped onto Linen white paper. The bg paper is deep brown linen. The sentiment is stamped with Palette Burnt Umber.
I then added some gold glitter to the wheat image.
The main panel is then popped up onto deep brown paper.
The rest is self explanatory and the finishing touch for this card are the gorgeous gems.

All supplies except the gems are from Mark’s Finest Papers.
Nicole

OCTOBER BLOG HOP FOR MARK'S FINEST PAPERS

2010-10-13T00:01:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the MFP October Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added TWO MORE STAMP SETS!!!

And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released today: Seasonal Poinsettias, Time to Chill, A Walk in the Woods, Greetings of the Season, Thankful for You, Snowman Country

For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (October 16, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

10/13 WEDNESDAY: A Walk in the Woods and Greetings of the Season

Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com/

Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/

Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com/

Jeanne - http://nannysroom.wordpress.com/

Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/

Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com/

Susan – http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/

Judi – http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com/

Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/

Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com/

Dawn- http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/

Joanne T- http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/

Nicole - http://nicolesbutterflyears.blogspot.com/ this is me

Marilynn- http://mississippi-mcgyver.blogspot.com/

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

My first card:

My first card is made with the new set “A Walk in the Woods”. It has the most beautiful trees and sentiments.

This is a CAS style card with just one layer.
I inked the tree image in a deep green colour, huffed and stamped.
I then added some Snow Writer to simulate the snow accumulation on the tree.
I then used a trees border punch at the top of the white, stamped the sentiment and added some square and round dark green gems. Quite simple but I’m pleased with the look.

All supplies used are from Mark’s Finest Papers.

My second card:

My second card is a new set “Greetings of the Season”. Again this is a very beautiful set for the Christmas and Winter seasons.

I used the stamp of a pine branch with pine cones. I inked the set with markers in different shades of green and brown, huffed and stamped the image 2 times. I then line cut the pine cone, added some glitter and popped it up on dimensionals.
I used a square plain and scalloped Nesties and mounted for my main panel.
The base was stamped with a wonderful sentiment in burnt umber Palette ink, a beautiful pine tree image done the same way as the branch and cone and then added a gem flourish to top it all off.

All supplies used are from Mark’s Finest Papers.

Hugs always, Nicole

2010-10-12T00:03:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the MFP October Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added TWO MORE STAMP SETS!!!

And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released today: Seasonal Poinsettias, Time to Chill, A Walk in the Woods, Greetings of the Season, Thankful for You, Snowman Country

For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (October 16, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

10/12 TUESDAY: Seasonal Poinsettias and Time to Chill

Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com/

Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/

Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblinsg.blogspot.com/

Jeanne - http://nannysroom.wordpress.com/

Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/

Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com/

Susan – http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/

Judi – http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com/

Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com/

Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com/

Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com/

Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com/

Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com/

Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/

Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com/

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

These are my cards for the sets "Seasonal Poinsettias" and "Time To Chill".

This is the card that I made for our brand new set “Seasonal Poinsettias”. I heat embossed the Poinsettia wreath in Azurite embossing powder and line cut it. I added the JOY sentiment in Palette Noir Black. I used my CB and a new die cut for me “lacy circles” in Christmas red paper.

The second panel is done in deep green with a white overlay punched with a tree line punch and a large snowflake. I added some red half pearls to the wreath and the centre of the snowflake.

The first panel was embossed with a swirls folder.

To finish I added a glittery bow ornament.

For this card I love this adorable “Time to Chill” set that is new to Mark’s Finest Papers line.

It is a one layer card except for the popped polar bear cub.

I tore a piece of paper and masked off the sky which I sponged in a very deep blue, I added some dots for far away stars and a larger North star with a tiny silver bead in the middle.

I then moved the torn paper down a few times and sponged in the edges to make snowdrifts. I saw this done on a card by Michelle Zindorf and got brave enough to try it. Thanks Michelle, I hope to get much better. LOL I used the bare tree image from the “Walk in the Woods” set that is coming out later this week.

The bear and sentiment are stamped with Palette Noir Black and highlighted in light grey Copic for shadows. I then line cut this adorable little bear and popped it. Used a few half pearls at the bottom for accents.
Hugs Alway, Nicole

SCS_SC301 challenge_Scarlet Beauty

2010-10-06T13:59:00.000-04:00

This is for the SC300 challenge. Thanks Roxie for this terrific sketch.

For my card today I decided to give you a SNEAK PEAK at “Greetings of the Season” that will be released by Mark’s Finest Papers on Oct. 12th.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront
I stamped the gorgeous Cardinal with Palette Noir Black and then colored with Copics.
I then line cut the image and added some colored glitter to different parts of the bird “red”, pine cones “gold” and pine needles “green”.
The dp is from my scrap pile. I used a Chritmas embossing border and a full embossing panel of some Holly. I did sone piercing on the edge of the embossed border.

All supplies used on this card are from Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

p.s. Yahoo! I just checked and I won something from last weeks SC300 challenge draw. Can’t wait to hear what it is. Thanks for all of your hard work, Roxie.
Hugs, always, Nicole

SCS_CC291 CHALLENGE

2010-10-05T13:04:00.002-04:00

This is my card for the SCS_CC291 challenge. We are to use the colors

Rich Razzleberry, So Saffron and Tangerine Tango.
I used colors as close as I could match them to.

This is a SNEAK PEAK of “Thankful for You” being released by Mark’s Finest Papers
on Oct. 12th.

I inked the stamp with various colors for the corn stalks, huffed and stamped. I really like the result.
The sentiment is also inked and stamped then I embossed the panel with a leaf motif.
The little girl was colored with markers and cut out. I also stamped the black cat to sit by her feet.
The 1st layer is also embossed with the same leaf motif and on the edge I used my white gel pen and made dots.

All of the supplies used on the card are from Mark’s Finest Papers. Take time to visit, there is so much to see, you can find it all here: http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

FS191 challenge at SCS

2010-10-03T12:27:00.000-04:00

This is my card for today’s FS191 challenge to case Allison’s gallery.

This is the card that I chose to case: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1758528?&cat=500&ppuser=90084

Things that I changed:

the colors

the image

the sentiment

added punched snowflake and half pearls.

"Time to Chill" will be available at Mark’s Finest Papers Oct. 12th.

All supplies used can be found at Mark’s Finest Papers.
http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

Hugs always, Nicole

Congratulations to SCS for their SC300 challenge celebration

2010-09-29T14:23:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it, our 300th SC challenge. This is my favorite challenge of the week.

Congratulations to SCS, Roxie and all of her helpers.

Thanks to all of the sponsors for their generous donations for this weeks challenge.

There are some pretty amazing gifts to be won today, good luck to all.

For my card I used a set from Mark’s Finest Papers by Speedy the Cat/ Broom Rides.

I stamped the image in Palette Noir Black.

The sponging was done using TH’s DI in Walnut Stain.

The dp is Eerie paper pad by BG.

Added some half pearls in a brown shade.

The color palette is black and browns.

All products used on this card are available at Mark’s Finest Papers. You can find these products and much more here: http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

Hugs Always, Nicole

SCS F4A31 challenge to use scallops

2010-09-24T11:23:00.000-04:00

This is my card for today’s F4A31 challenge to use scallops.

For this card I used a stamp set from Mark’s Finest Papers by Speedy the Cat/Stinky Situations. You can find this great set and other here: http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/the-1912/*Stinky-Situation-Stamp-Set/Detail

The colors are black, grey and white.

I used Palette Noir to ink the image and the sentiment the sponged some light grey around the circle image.

I just got this scalloped Nestie and I think it’s fabulous.

The stripe paper is a piece of scrap I had.

I finished with a pretty polkadot ribbon, two button brads and a Prima flower.
Hugs always, Nicole

SCS_FS189_Case of Kristen/eberlinek's card

2010-09-19T13:45:00.000-04:00

This is my card for the FS189 challenge to case one of Krysten/eberlinek’s cards.

I chose to case this card of Kristen’s: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1474617?&cat=500&ppuser=46167

Things that I kept:

The circle showing above the card.

The pumpkin theme.

Things that I changed:

The stamp set.

The shape of the card, I wanted the card to fit in an 4 1/4 by 5 ½ envelope so I changed it to an easel card.

The color of the papers and the embellishments. I used a set from Mark’s Finest Papers shown here:

http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/the-1909/*Broom-Rides/Detail

I colored the image with Copics, color pencils and gamsol.

I popped the cat on top of the pumpkin, stamped a border on the inside of the card and colored the tiny pumpkins. I used three sentiments from the set and the tree, cat and gravestone embellishments are buttons.

I also added some gems around the bg scalloped circle.

I don’t know if you can see it but the gravestone says I. M. Notwell. LOL

Hugs always, Nicole

Winner of Blog Candy

2010-09-18T19:14:00.000-04:00

The winner of Friday's Blog Candy is Crystal. Congratulations.
Can you please contact me with your mailing information so that I can ship this beautiful stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers.
Hugs always, Nicole

Problem.....Please read

2010-09-18T07:45:00.000-04:00

Hi, yesterday at 11am I edited my card and lost any comments that were there. I did not know that I would lose them by editing my card....sorry.
For those of you who commented early in hopes of winning the Blog Candy can you please comment on this blog post and I will draw the winner at 5pm today and post the winner then.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Hugs always, Nicole

Here is my card for today.

2010-09-17T09:09:00.001-04:00

Welcome to today’s Blog Candy. All you have to do is comment and there will be a winner chosen and announced here tomorrow “09/18/10".

I misunderstood the theme of today's SCS F4A30. I'm French so sometimes think out of the box. I thought it meant to use punny stamps and to me mean tiny, I didn't get the pun part. LOL
Oh well, here is my card anyway.
This is a card I made using bitty stamps from our sets.

The set that I chose to use today is from Mark’s Finest Papers/Speedy the Cat/Autumn Fun.

You can see this set and many other great things here: http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

I used the bitty LEAVES stamp, the single leaf and the itty-bitty sentiment “Happy Autumn”.

The colors I chose are a pale green and brown.

The card is simple and pretty self explanatory but if you need to know anything more please feel free to pm me.

I stamped the images in Palette Hybrid ink/Burnt Umber. I did some soft sponging along the bg panel but kept the rest of the image clean. I staggered the image for full effect and finished with a two-tone ribbon.

Hugs always, Nicole

BLOG CANDY TOMORROW!!

2010-09-16T18:48:00.000-04:00

Be sure to drop by tomorrow for your chance to win some Blog Candy.
I will be giving away a new release set by Mark's Finest Papers/Speedy the Cat/Broom Rides.
You can see the set here: http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/the-Stamp-Sets/Categories
I will draw for the winner on Saturday and post it on this blog.
Hugs always, Nicole

SCS_SC298 Challenge

2010-09-15T11:45:00.000-04:00

This is my card for today’s SCS_SC298 challenge.

For my images today I used a Speedy the Cat/Broom Rides set from Mark’s Finest Papers found here: http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

The dp’s are by Basic Grey/Eerie paper pad.

For the main panel I first stamped this adorable little ghost in Sepia then masked him and over stamped the tree.

I scraped the ink pad along the edges of the oval and added some spooky bats and googly eyes.

For the die cut ovals I used Nestabilitie’s in plain and scalloped ovals.

My color scheme was brown and green.
All of the papers, inks and images are from Mark's Finest Papers.

I think that this is one terrific sketch and I know that I will be using it again.

Hugs always, Nicole

P.S. BE SURE TO DROP BY ON "FRIDAY" AS THERE WILL BE SOME BLOG CANDY TO BE WON!!!!

MFP September Blog Hop/Friday

2010-09-10T00:01:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the MFP September Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added two new DT members and have shortened link lists! And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

1. We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Autumn Fun, Broom Rides, Stinky Situation, and Thankful Mums and Pumpkins. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (September 11, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

9/10 FRIDAY Thankful Mums & Pumpkins

Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com

Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com

Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com

Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com

Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/

Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com

Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com

Dawn- http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com

Joanne T- http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com

Nicole - http://nicolesbutterflyears.blogspot.com

Marilynn- http://mississippi-mcgyver.blogspot.com

Debbie- http://www.debbieseyer.com

Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com

Susan – http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com

Judi – http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com

Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com

Today is the last day for MFP’S Blog Hop. I hope that you’ve all put your comments in to win some terrific prizes.

For today’s blog I used Speedy the Cat’s “Thankful Mums and Pumpkins”.

I used the image of those gorgeous little pumpkins. The coloring is done with

Copic markers. I used my CB with plain circle and scalloped circle. The makings for the pretty flower was a gift from Hamilton Gal. Stamp set and papers are from MFP, they can here

http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/ be sure to check it out.

Hugs always, Nicole

MFP September Blog Hop/Thursday

2010-09-09T00:01:00.001-04:00

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (September 11, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

9/9 THURSDAY Stinky Situation

Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com

Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com

Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com

Jeanne - http://nannysroom.wordpress.com

Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/

Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com

Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com

Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com

Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com

Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/

Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com

Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com

Dawn- http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com

Joanne T- http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com

Nicole - http://nicolesbutterflyears.blogspot.com

Marilynn- http://mississippi-mcgyver.blogspot.com

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com

I was so thrilled to see how my card turned out using Speedy the Cat’s Stinky Situation.

I really love the tree limbs and thought they added so much to this card. I also used the porcupine and a sentiment. I used Copic markers to color and a beautiful black ribbon for my bow.

You can find this set and many others at MFP found here http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/, check it out, you’ll be glad that you did.

Hugs always, Nicole

MFP September Blog Hop/Wednesday

2010-09-08T00:01:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the MFP September Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added two new DT members and have shortened link lists! And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

1. We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Autumn Fun, Broom Rides, Stinky Situation, and Thankful Mums and Pumpkins. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (September 11, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

9/ 8 WEDNESDAY BROOM RIDES

Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com

Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com

Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com

Jeanne - http://nannysroom.wordpress.com

Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/

Debbie- http://www.debbieseyer.com

Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com

Susan – http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com

Judi – http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com

Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com

Claudine- http://cardsbyclaudine.blogspot.com

Dawn- http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com

Joanne T- http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com

Nicole - http://nicolesbutterflyears.blogspot.com

Marilynn- http://mississippi-mcgyver.blogspot.com

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com

Well here we are for the second day of the MFP Blog Hop.

This set is just the cutest thing. I love Halloween and when you see this set you will just have to have it.

I did a pop-up fold card using the little ghost, the cat on the broom, the Broom Rides sign and a sentiment. I added a pretty yellow ribbon and ladybug charm.

I used Copic markers to color. All of the papers and stamps are From MFP’s, this set is called Broom Rides and can be found here http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront.

Hugs always, Nicole

MFP September Blog Hop

2010-09-07T00:01:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the MFP September Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added two new DT members and have shortened link lists! And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

1. We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Autumn Fun, Broom Rides, Stinky Situation, and Thankful Mums and Pumpkins. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (September 11, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!

9/7 TUESDAY: AUTUMN FUN

Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com

Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com

Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com

Jeanne - http://nannysroom.wordpress.com

Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/

Debbie- http://www.debbieseyer.com

Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com

Susan – http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com

Judi – http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com

Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com

Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com

Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com

Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com

Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com

Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/

Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com

Don’t you just love this fun Speedy the Cat’s Autumn Fun set from MFP.

For my card I chose to use the squirrel, the basket full of gorgeous Fall leaves and

the “Oh, NUTS! I Forgot sentiment”.

I used Copics to color the images, all papers and embellishments are from MFP and you can find this set and 3 other new sets here http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront.

Hugs always, Nicole

SCS_F4A28 Challenge_Created with birds

2010-09-03T10:53:00.000-04:00

I had a blast doing the F4A28 challenge. We were to have an aviary theme and use a color that we are not too comfortable using.

I find that blue is one of the hardest colors for me to work in.

For my bird image I used 3 stamps from Inkadinkado.

The images are stamped in TH’s distress ink/Faded Jeans.

The bg was stamped with French Script, the crumpled and finally inked with TH’s di./Weathered Wood.

I distress all of the edges with a distressing tool. I finally retired my forks. LOL

The sentiment was stamped in Faded Jeans, I hope you can see it in the picture.

I used a pretty white ribbon that I streaked with Weathered Wood.

All papers, inks, ribbon and sentiment are from Marks’ Finest Papers that you can find here http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

If I say so myself, I love how this card turned out.

SCS WT286 Challenge. Single Sheet Card

2010-09-02T10:27:00.000-04:00

This is for Challenge WT286 challenge.

One I knew what I was going to do it was quite simple.

This is a fold-over card. Plain white cs.

For the border, bird and sentiment I used a set from Hampton Arts.

For the bottom flower I used an image from Rubbernecker.

I cut the sheet of card stock 5.5" by 11".

I scored at 4.5" and 8", before folding I took 1/8" off the part that folds up so that there would be no bulking.

I stamped two different scroll-work for the flap edge and trimmed.

The rest is pretty self explanatory.

I used India Ink Black for the stampings.

SCS_SC296 Challenge_Picking Grapes

2010-09-01T10:21:00.000-04:00

This is my card for the SC296 challenge.

I love monochromatic cards and that’s exactly what I did today and in my favorite colors “browns”.

The image is by Hero Arts as are the Art flowers. I inked these cute kids in dark brown.

The image on the diamond shape is by Rubbernecker and the sentiment tag Whimsy Stamps.

Boy, I sure have feast of suppliers on this card. LOL

The papers and gems are from Mark’s Finest Papers. You can find them here http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

Rox, thanks again for one great sketch.

Hugs always, Nicole

2010-08-30T12:52:00.000-04:00

Great inspiration for today’s challenge CAS82, the word “Delicious”.

For this card I used CS from Mark’s Finest Papers.
The DP is by K&Company.

The sentiment is by Whimsy Stamps.

I picked the colors to compliment the yummy cherries. I used a punch for the border, rectangle Nesties for the sentiment tab. I cut one scalloped and 2 plain. I stamped the sentiment on the smaller of the plain rectangles in green matching the paper and added some green definition to the edge.

I then glued the larger plain rectangle over the scalloped one, then I popped the smaller one over them.

I finished with a pink ribbon.

Hope you like it...

Hugs always, Nicole

SCS_WT285 chalenge_Metal Sculpted Rooster

2010-08-26T10:15:00.000-04:00

For today’s WT285 challenge we were to use a photo that we have taken and incorporate it in a scrapbook page, card, etc......

For my card I used this picture of a 3 foot metal sculpture that my husband gave me for one of my Birthdays. As many of you know I am coocoo for hens and roosters....LOL

Every color, size and shape I have them all and in every room of the house.

This is one of my favorites and it sits in my garden on an old tree trunk.

I chose to use pink and yellow papers to complement the flowers.

Ribbons and papers are from [url=http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront][color=pink]Mark’s Finest Papers.[/url][/color]

I hope you enjoy my gorgeous Rooster
Hugs always, Nicole/Nicky

BE_SC293_Gathering Blueberries

2010-08-11T12:00:00.000-04:00

For this challenge I used a digi image from Mo’s Digital Pencil called Blueberry Girl.

I colored her with Copic markers

The cs is Elegant Eggplant and the dp is Basic Grey’s Wisteria paper pad.

I used a punch to make my fancy edging on panel 5 and added some pale green half pearls.

The ribbon and pearls are from Mark’s Finest Papers.

I think that this is a cutie.

Challenge at SCS for Wednesday August 4th/10 SC292_Going to a party!

2010-08-04T13:49:00.000-04:00

This is my card for today’s SC292 challenge.

I think the is a terrific sketch. Thanks, Roxy and Dawn L.

Happy Birthday wished to you Dawn, hope you are having a fun day.

The image is a digi but I’m sorry I don’t remember who I bought it from, so sorry!

I colored it with Copics.

The papers are Bermuda Bay and Basic Grey/Two Scoops.

The sentiment at from the Greeting Farm.

The embellishment is a sticker.

I love how this turned out.

Hot or Cool choices for SCS F4A22 challenge

2010-07-23T12:36:00.000-04:00

This is my card for the F4A22 Cool Summer card.

This is actually the invitation that I will use for my annual BBQ, I hope my friends with like it.

My cool colors are green and yellow.

The image is a digital stamp from http://digitalpenciltoo.com/index.php/The-Big-Guy-Grilling-aa.html

I used SU markers and a small artist brush to color in a watercolor style.

The sentiment for the tag is computer generated and the Cheers sentiment is from Greeting Farm.

I used Nestie’s circles for the main panel and a tag die for the sentiment.

The embossed panel is a QuickKutsz/circles.

On the sentiment tag I used a green ribbon and some green gems as embelishments.

TLC282 Tilt Card Challenge at SCS

2010-07-19T13:18:00.000-04:00

I'm hoping that I can finally get back to some serious card making. I've missed everyone.

The images are a digital stamp set called Emma the Mermaid and Friends, I sorry I cannot for the life of me remember who I purchased it from.

I colored the images with Copics and SU markers. I added some glitter to come of the fishes and the mermaid.

The mermaid is the tilting part of my card.

I added a gorgeous pink ribbon and some theme related button as embelishments.

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE I'VE POSTED, HELLO FRIENDS.

2010-05-19T18:23:00.000-04:00

This is my card for today's SCS281 challenge.

I thought this was a fun sketch.

The image is from Mo's Digital Pencil too. I printed the image twice and popped up the pretty dress.

I used Copics to color.

Krystal effects on the balloon with added glitter.

The sentiment is from Daisy Buckett.

I embossed the small side panel with the In Love embossing folder.

For the sentiment tag I use die cut ovals.

The is some gem embelishments also added here and there. Some are not very visible, but there are 2 gem flower petals under the sentiment tag.

The cs is some scraps I had in a folder and the dp is from Basic Grey _Wisteria.

Hope you like it...hugs always, Nicole

FRIENDSHIP...Challenge SC272 at SCS

2010-03-17T10:00:00.000-04:00

Another terrific sketch from Roxie, thanks a bunch.

For this sketch I used some beautiful BG/Ambrosia paper with Summer Sun matting. I'm truly sad as this is my last piece of SS.

The oval sentiment is from Fiskars and was inked in More Mustard and Blk. I used a plain and scalloped Nestabilities for matting this sentiment.

I also chose to flip the sketch so that I could use the CB folder Friends Forever on my Very Vanilla panel. For the vertical panel I also added some pretty black lace.

The sentiment tag is popped up and I punched some butterflies "added pearls" for some extra pop.

I hope you like this one...

Hugs always, Nicole

Splitcoast Stampers FS159_Jovialjudi/Judi Rose

2010-02-21T14:32:00.000-05:00

This is the card I chose to case.

Judi's card: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1615225?&cat=500&ppuser=105943

Things I changed:

color of cs

image

sentiment

inside design

I used a stamp from B Line Design stamped in India Ink black.

Kept the same embossing folder/Manhattan Flower by SU.

The cs is Very Vanilla and Basic Black.

the sentiment is SU/Whimsical Words.

The inside is done in Basic Black with a layer of Very Vanilla with a punched edging.

I added little black pearls for the jewellery and popped the top of the scarf and flowers.

Judi, I hope you like it.

Hugs always, Nicole

CAS54 Challenge Spring is in the Air

2010-02-15T14:41:00.000-05:00

For this card I used a new stamp set from SU/Garden from the Heart. I love it....

I stamped the hat on WW with Palette Noir black and colored with Copics and then cut the image out.

The dp is by SU/Tea Party. I also used Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla and WW.

For the matting on the main panel I used rectangular Nesties in plain and scalloped.

I popped the hat onto the Very Vanilla panel.

The sketch is from SC266.

I hope it makes you think of Spring which I hope comes real soon.

Hugs always, Nicole

HAPPYNESS 101 AWARD

2010-02-15T14:33:00.000-05:00

My friend Vicky Gould honored me with this amazing blog award. I was speechless when I saw that she had chosen me for this as I've not been blogging much these days. Vicky, I thank you with all my heart.

Now I have to tell everyone ten things about myself, not going to be easy....LOL

1.In my opinion I have the very best of husbands and best friend all rolled into one.
2. We have a blended family of 5 children....2 mine and 3 his, 8 Grandchildren ranging in ages from 7 to 26 and one Great-granddaughter that I've not had the priveledge of meeting yet.
3. I love to travel and do so as often as money allows.
4. My favorite place to go is Florida, I love everything about it.
5. I've visited every Province in Canada which I think is quite an accomplishment.
6. I have 2 fur-babies "Papillons" named LilBit and Dora and they are my constant shadow and keep me from ever feeling sorry for myself.
7. I love, love, love to read. My favorite books to read are fantasy, anything to do with wizards, fairies, dragons, vampires, lycanthropes.....well you get the gist of it I'm sure.
8. I'm retired and love it, I can't wait till Chuck retires and we can be together all the time. I think that I'm the only person who wants their husbands around 24/7. LOL
9. I'm an only child and always wished for a sister to grow up with.
10. I have a few hobbies...stamping "number 1 right now", painting, quilting, photography and decorating.

I can't believe I actually thought of 10 things, not too exciting but I LOVE my life.....

I think that if I had not found SCS when I did that my life might have been different. You have made that much difference. I so enjoy all of my SCS friends and cherish each and everyone of you.
You Vicky are a very special friend and I thank you again for this award.

Now I have to present this terrific award to 4 people - Here are my choices:
HamiltonGal/Laurie Tirone
JoJot/Joanne Grezlak
Anne Ryan
Cheryl L Rowley

Hugs always, Nicole

SC265 challenge at SCS_Get Well Soon!

2010-01-27T12:03:00.000-05:00

This is my card for the SC265 challenge at SCS.
For this card I chose to use a digital image from http://digitalpenciltoo.com/index.php/Stamp-Categories.html
and the papers are from http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront
I colored the image with Copic markers. I cut and popped the tissue box and some loose tissues.
The paper is by Basic Grey/Wisteria. I love their dp's.
I added a ribbon "in real life it is the same color as the robe", I'm a little upset that it looks blue and a pearl on the sentiment tab "computer generated".
I hope you like this little guy because I think he looks like he needs lots of Get Well wishes. LOL

Hugs always, Nicole

Stampin'B's Challenge #41_Winter Theme_Fun in the Snow

2010-01-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

Hi! all.

I am your hostess (Nicole/ButterflyEars) for this week's Stampin'B's Challenge #41. Your challenge is to make a card with a Winter theme.

My card is all about having fun in the snow.

This image is by Mo's Digital Pencil: http://digitalpenciltoo.com/index.php/Stamp-Categories.html

I used color pencils and gamsol to color.
To matte my image I used Nestie squares to mount my image, some punched snowflakes with gems, a cute charm and grosgrain ribbon as embellishments.

You can find the papers, ribbon and charms for this card at Mark's Finest Papers : http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/servlet/StoreFront

I hope you will come and play along and don't forget to use the key word StampinB so we can all see your wonderful cards.

Hugs always, Nicole

Stampin'B's Challenge #35

2009-12-03T00:02:00.001-05:00

I am today's hostess for this Stampin'B's challenge, I would like everyone to make an acetate card.

I do hope that you will play along with us and don't forget to use the keyword StampinB so that your beautiful work can be seen by everyone. Please do visit and comment on my team mates beautiful cards. You can find their blogs here:

Nancyruth- http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com

Lois- http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com

Nicky- www.nicolesbutterflyears.blogspot.com

Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com

Faith- http://stampinwithmarkiesmom.blogspot.com

You can also visit our blog at: www.stampinbsdesignteam.blogspot.com

All of the papers and ribbon used on this card can be found at:

Mark’s Finest Papers- http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com

The stamp of the Santa face used on my card was borrowed from my friend Sharon. I love this image I think the face is beautiful. I colored just the face with Copic markers, the frame of the glasses was done with a gel pen and I used some crystal effect on the glass parts.

The acetate is cut to make a 51/4" X 51/4" card.

I used my CB and diecuts in 2 different sizes for the frame.I mounted the Santa image on the front of the card and the red matt is mounted right behind it on the inside. I did the same thing for the sentiment panel on the inside so that you cannot see any of the double sided tape that I used.

I used a sticker sentiment on the bottom, the snowflakes are from a MS punch and the glittery red centres are also stickers. To finish I added the beautiful red ribbon. Be sure to check out Mark’s Finest Papers- http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com you can find some great stamping supplies and stamps on this terrific new site.

Hugs always, Nicole

Stampin'B's Challenge #34

2009-11-27T00:01:00.001-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Today's hostess is the very sweet Vicky Gould. Her challenge to us is to make a Thanksgiving card. Perfect for the holiday weekend.

For my card today I used a digital image, I'm sorry but I don't know who site it's from. My computer crashed and I lost all of my information.

I used Prisma color pencils and Gamsol to color. I love this medium but haven't used it in a while.

The sentiment is computer generated.

All the papers, ribbon and pearls are from Mark's Finest Papers. You can find these at www.marksfinestpapers.com

Please visit the Stampin'B's blog for my fellow DT members beautiful work at www.stampinbsdesignteam.blogspot.com

I hope that you will play along with us as we love to see your creations for this challenge.

Remember to use the keyword StampinB so that your cards will be displayed in the Stampin'B's gallery.

Hugs always, Nicole

Stampin'B's Challenge #32

2009-11-13T00:01:00.001-05:00

Hi all, the hostess for today's challenge is NR/NancyRuth. Thanks NR for the terrific challenge.

We are to make anything but a card.

Last week I noticed that one of the Christmas tutorials was for a Luminaria. I decided to do one but not with a kit.

The dimensions are:

2 pieces of 5 1/2" X 8 1/2" in white, I used 120lb. CS for weight. Score at 4" and 8" this will leave a small 1/2" flap to attach the pieces together.

2 pieces of 1" X 8 1/2" in light green, you do not need to score these yet

4 large outer Nestie Ovals - 1 medium plain and 1 large scallop

2 different edge punches

4 pieces of Vellum cut to 3 7/8" by 5" or just big enough to cover your die cut oval

glue or double sided tape

1 suitable image

inks or markers to colors

glitter embossing/Winter Wonderland

Using your CB you will cut 2 ovals in each of the white pieces, center the ovals in each of the folded sections.

Now you need to cut the scallop trim using 2 dies, the same one you used for the oval cut and a size larger scallop oval. You can put these on a piece of light green CS. You can then leave the dies in and embelish them.

These decorator scallops can now be glued to the outside of your oval cuts in the white panels. Make sure that you lay your pieces one 1/2" edge of your white CS on the right side and the other on the left side. This detail will be important when you assemble the Luminaria

Take your 2 pieces of CS in the white and the light green strips, you use a different punch for each. I used a MS punch on the 2 white pieces and a SU punch on the 2 light green pieces.

Attach the light green to the inside of the top section of the white punched section so that the white overlaps the light green.

Again make sure that you have your white pieces are facing the right way.

Fold all of your score lines, attach some double sided tape to the 1/2" fold and attach it to the straight edge of the other piece forming a box like shape.

Stamp your image 4 times, color and emboss with glitter EP "optional".

Cut out and attach with pop-ups for dimension.

I hope you enjoy my Luminaria, I chose to make it bigger and decorate it on all sides to use as a center piece. I used 2 battery tea lights inside and covered the flash when taking the photo so that you can see the lights reflection.

All of the papers used are from Marks Finest Papers found here: www.marksfinestpapers.com

Check out the rest of the teams cards at the Stampin'B's Blog found here: www.stampinbsdesignteam.blogspot.com

Do come and play along and remember to use the keyword StampinB to upload your card to the SCS Stampin'B's gallery.

Hugs always, Nicole

SCS Challenge CC244 for Nov. 10,2009

2009-11-10T09:48:00.000-05:00

The colors for CC244 are Bravo Burgandy, Very Vanilla and Kraft.
The images are Flourishes/Baby Love.
I used markers to color, I masked the teddy bear in order to get the rocker behind the bear image. I also popped the duck and the rattle.
I used Nestabilities circles in plain and scallops.

I'm not impressed with my coloring on this one.
For the best papers, ribbons, embelishments and Flourishes stamps visit: http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/

Hugs always, Nicole

ATTENTION!!!

2009-11-10T06:27:00.001-05:00

FRIDAY'S STAMPIN'B'S CHALLENGES WILL BEEN CHANGING TO THURSDAYS, THIS WILL BE IN EFFECT AS OF DECEMBER 03/09. I SURE HOPE THAT I WILL SEE YOU THERE AND READY TO PLAY.
YOU CAN FIND THE STAMPIN'B'S CHALLENGE HERE: http://www.stampinbsdesignteam.blogspot.com/

CAS40 challenge

2009-11-10T06:13:00.000-05:00

This is my card for yesterday's CAS40 challenge. I'm a little late, I was having trouble with my blogger site.
The inks, ribbon, papers and Flourishes sets are all available at: http://www.marksfinestpapers.com/
We are to use white and one other color only.
I chose to use white and Olive Green
I used the Swissdots embossing folder on the bg panel.
The main panel was punched in the Olive Green as was the sentiment.
I used a MS punch on the bottom border.
The image and sentiment is a Flourish set called/Cottage Home.
As embelishments I used a grossgrain ribbon and some brads.

I really like how this one turned out, what do you think.
Hugs always, Nicole

Stampin'B's Challenge #31

2009-11-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

Our hostess this week is Faith/Markie's mom. We are to make a Christmas/Holiday card.

For my card I chose to use a digi image by Moe's Digital Pencil which you can find here:
http://digitalpenciltoo.com/
The image is colored with Prisma watercolor pencils and a small artist brush.
I used a River Rock marker to do the shadowing/footprints on the image.
I used a star punch by MS for the top of the main panel, I did it very irregularly to simulate snow falling. I then used some of the snowflake cut outs from the punching and added them to the top of the card. I then added some light blue gems to the snowflakes and on the main panel again to simulate snow falling. The bg is a dark blue cs.
The sentiment is a rub-on by Reminisce.
I really loved it when I noticed that the flash had reflected on one of the gems making it look like the North Star.

I hope you like this one, I'm very pleased with how it turned out.

Hugs always, Nicole

Stampin'B's Challenge #30

2009-10-30T00:01:00.000-04:00

This week's hostess is Joanne/Jojot, we are to make a Thanksgiving/Autumn card.
For my card I chose to do Autumn.
The CS is Whisper White and is a typical A2 card except for the one inch that is cut from the front flap. I used a piece of DP by Basic Grey/Indian Summer for the 11/2 inch strip on the inside, then I punched some leaves onto a piece of cs and used them as a template to sponge leaves onto the front and edge of the inside. I used some TH DI in Aged Mahogany.
The images are SU/Branch Out set. I used some markers in Fall colors to ink up the stamps. The sentiment is from a set by SU/Paint Prints.
That's all there is to it. I kept is very simple this week.

Make sure to visit the Stampin'B's blog to see all of the other members cards and to play along make sure you use StampinB as your keyword.
Hugs always, Nicole

Stampin'B's Challenge #29

2009-10-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

This weeks challenge is hosted by yours truly "Nicole Taylor", you are to make a Diagonal Double Pocket Card.
Tutorial found here:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/diagonal_double_pocket_card/

For my card I used some Basic Grey/Wassail/Greetings Dp.
The sentiment is by Hero Arts and the tags are die cut designs by Graphic45/Christmas Past designs.
I added a Nestabilities round scallop to my main image and used some of the dp to back my tag images.
I added some pretty Martha Stewart ribbon to finish.
I hope you come and join us in this fun challenge.

Hugs always, Nicole

Here are the links! Good Luck!

Vicky Gould: http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com/Nancyruth: http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com/Joanne (jojot): http://inkyoceangazer.blogspot.com/Lois (Clownmom): http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/Faith (markie's mom): http://stampinwithmarkiesmom.blogspot.com/

STAMPIN'B'S CHALLENGE #28

2009-10-16T00:01:00.000-04:00

Halloween is nearing and our hostess for this week is the lovely Vicky Gould. Her challenge is for us to make a Halloween card.
I hunted high and low for my Halloween stamps, but they seem to be hiding really well because I can't find them. LOL
I put my thinking cap on and thought that I could use my Cricut machine and the Stretch Your Imagination cartridge.
I first cut the tree in the card style mode in black, the top part of the pumpkin in white and finally the shadow for the pumpkin in black.
The sentiment is computer generated, the pumpkin is colored with Copics and the dp if by Basic Grey.
I added a pretty satin ribbon to finish the look.
I hope you like my simple Halloween card.

Hugs always, Nicole