Caffinated Cropper is Having a CUSTOMER Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Caffinated Cropper Customer Blog Hop featuring The Beeez Kneeez card kit!  I am so excited to see what everyone has created with this fabulous kit.  It's going to be a GREAT hop because this kit is so much fun to play with!  If you just happened by my blog by (a happy) accident, please be sure to start the hop at Amy's Blog so you don't miss anything.

I have had the longest week (and yes, I know it's only Wednesday) and when I finally had a chance to sit down and make something, I was totally exhausted.  Fortunately, you don't have to work (or think) too hard to create something with this kit.  Everything is coordinated and it really doesn't matter what items you put together- they WILL look FABULOUS.  Trust me.  Amy did all the hard work for us.  Isn't she awesome?

 I used the Beeez Kneez Rub Ons from EAD alone with the bee cut outs instead of stamping on my card.  It was quick and easy.  Before I layered my solid and patterned paper onto the Kraft notecard from Jillibean Soup, I added Ribbon and the Small Rhinestone bracket from the kitt.  I used some punches I had on hand and Voila!  My card is finished, I am blogging and going to bed.  Now hopefully you understand why I LOVE this kit so much.  Love it!  Did I mention that I LOVE this kit?  lol  I really do.  :)

It's not too late to get your own Beeez Kneeez kit.  (available on her blog) Amy still has a few left but they are almost sold out.  
I hope you are enjoying the hop so far- your next stop is Vel! 

Be sure to go back to Amy's blog after completing the hop and leave a comment for a chance to win a Beeez Kneeez Mini Kit! 
Have a GREAT day!  

Makeover Weekend

I spent a good part of this weekend working hard around the house.  My dining room/stamping area had become quite the mess and I found it difficult to create.  I am happy to say that with a few minor purchases (a Closet Maid cube, shelf and drawer set from Lowe's), a lot of purging....(why do I need those 3-d swaps from THREE years ago???) and some re-organization of the items I have- my dining room is a place I can enjoy once again.   Here are some AFTER pictures.  I was too overwhelmed to think about taking them BEFORE I started.  (sorry) 
Here's the main area where my desk is....I moved all my SU card stock into the filing drawers of the desk.  

My larger SU punches are on a cafe curtain rod my Dad hung up for me while he was visiting last Summer.  They were hidden by a book shelf I had on a table.  Not any more.  The larger rod is where I am going to hang my loose ribbon using a Ribbon Ring.  

 Here is the other end of the room where I have my cutter and Scor-Pal. The bottom drawer on the table holds my Nestabilities and Cuttlebug Folders. (sorry for the bad lighting in the picture) 

Look!  You can actually EAT in my dining room again.  Previously, the table had been pushed out of the way against the window and the chairs jammed in the corner.  Not a very appetizing way to eat...

Here is another view of the big table.  The large cabinet holds my photo albums and old year books along with some other personal items.  See that book case?  It used to be on the table hiding my punches.  Now it actually holds books AND my Unity stamps.  (in the long basket on top)  I ran out of the green cases so I am now using the white cases from Univenture.  Those are stored in the bins in the cubes by my desk.  Hopefully I won't outgrow that TOO fast....but I thought that also about the green cases.  LOL. 

You might have also noticed that my blog has a new look.  Yep- the blog needed a makeover too so I changed my template in Blogger and then I ordered a few items from Michelle Laycock including a new banner.  She has some cute pre-designed items to choose from- and it was VERY affordable.  What do you think? 

After all that work, I decided I need a break.....and a reward.  Jimmi and I went shopping this afternoon and I bought myself a few little goodies.

It's not too much, BUT I did get one of the new Tim Holtz Sizzix Dies and a CUTE Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch with a matching Border Punch. I think I deserve, don't you?  :) 
Thanks for stopping by today.  Hopefully now that all the chores are out of the way, I can stamp and will have some stampy goodness for you later this week.  Stay tuned!

Testing the new siggy

bla bla

BEE Happy!

(This is the 2nd post for today.  Scroll down for the Friday Fun Challenge) 
 
Welcome to the Caffinated Cropper March Kit Blog Hop!!  If you just happened by today, make sure you go to AMY'S blog to get the full details of the blog Hop and how you can purchase your very own Beeez Kneeez kit before she runs out of them!  (yikes!!)  Also, if you have already purchased your kit, Amy his hosting a Customer Blog Hop on March 31st.....we want to see YOUR projects! 

My card for today uses this week's Sketch Challenge (#273) on Splitcoast.  All supplies used on my card are available in the Beeez Kneeez kit with the exception of the ink, white card stock and tools.  That's right, the paper, stamps, ribbon, Stickles and hat pin are ALL included in this fabulous kit. 

 

I only used just a touch of the Stickles to give it a little shimmer.  The wings are stamped twice and popped up for added dimension.  I tried to take my picture outside but the wind was not cooperating and blew my "studio" down several times.  I finally gave up and came back inside, but not before I spotted this little guy.  He was hanging out on my front porch- probably upset because I don't have any flowers out yet.  LOL.  Oh well.  It's a sure sign of Spring and I am READY for that!!

Be sure to check out the blogs of my fellow Design Team members.....I know they will WOW you with their creations.  They are super-talented!

Amber

Ashley

Christi

Thanks for stopping by!!  Enjoy your HOP!  :)

Friday Fun # 75- Spring is HERE!

TGIF!!  I am looking forward to this weekend- I really can't wait for two days off.  I don't have any special plans except to organize my stamping area and stamp.  Oh yeah- and sleep in past 4 am.....(yay!)  This week's Friday Fun Challenge is brought to us by Kimme.  It's the last week of the month so this is her last challenge for a while.  She could have made us celebrate National Cleaning Week (March 29-April 3) but thankfully, she refrained and we are celebrating Spring instead. (Phew!)  For this week's challenge we are to use pastel shades of green, yellow, and blue.  I took a little bit further and added pink and purple.  Honestly, I just got carried away with my new papers and stamps, so I really didn't pay attention to the exact colors.  BUT it's just a challenge for FUN so I'm rolling with it. 

My card is also a sneak peek of the April Release from Mark's Finest Papers.  I am the guest designer for April, so you will be seeing more of this stamp set and 3 others starting next week.  ;)  All papers and embellishments for this card are available at Mark's Finest Papers.  

M

Stamps: Mark's Finest Papers Spring Breeze (being released in April)

Paper: Mark's Finest Papers Pensacola Sand, Special Mint, Grandma's Lightest Pink and Basic Grey Kioshi (and YES you can buy that at MFP too!)

We would love for you to play along with us- just use keyword FFC72 when uploading to Splitcoast and/or link back to one of the Friday Fun Girls' blogs.  Be sure to check them all out :

Jimmi
Kimme
Sara
Christi

Thanks for stopping by.  Have a GREAT weekend and some Friday FUN! 

Some of my Favorite Things!!

It's Wednesday which means after today, we are over halfway through the work week.  Phew!  For today I have a card using some of my newest and favorite things including the CPS Sketch Challenge for this week.  The stamps are from Unity's March Kit of the Month Rockin' It Unity Style.  All paper (except neutral panel for my image) and embellishments are from the Beeez Kneeez kit from Amy at Caffinated Cropper.  Have I mentioned that I love this card kit?  It has so many great items that coordinate wonderfully to make a variety of projects.  The possibilities are endless. 

I used the following items from the kit to make my card:
Jillibean Soup Kraft Card
Pink Paislee Glitter Limeade Chipboard Alpha
Designer papers

Be sure to get your kit soon- there is only a limited amount of kits left. Thanks for stopping by today- be sure to come back Friday for Friday Fun!

Get Ready!

I am sad that my design team term with Artful Inkables has come to an end, but I am so grateful for the opportunity that Kristin gave me to be part of her team.  Designing for AI was fun and helped me grow creatively. 
Today I have a card using Fanciful Flowers from Artful Inkables.  This is an adorable mini-set that has so much potential. 

Stamps: Artful Inkables Fanciful Flowers

Paper: PTI Hibiscus Burst and Aqua Mist; SU Naturals Ivory and Webster's Pages Petite Papers Collection (Postcards from Paris)

Ink: Memento Rich cocoa

Accessories: Lace Trim, Nestabilities, Ranger Glossy Accents and Prismacolor Pencils

Be sure to check out the Artful Inkables Blog Hop tomorrow featuring the NEW Design team.  Just visit the AI Blog first and follow the hop for a peek at the New Releases and a chance to win some AI stamps. I am sure it will be a super fun hop. 

That's all I have for today- have a FANTASTIC day! 

It's Friday Fun with Chocolate!

Happy Friday!  I am so ready for today- it's been a long (but good) week.  Phew!  Today's Friday Fun Challenge is brought to us by Kimme.  It's National Chocolate Week.  Did you know that?  I didn't- it's not like I NEED an excuse to enjoy it.  lol.  This is our challenge: 
This is American Chocolate Week March 15-21 and today is National Chocolate Caramel Day.  You can use chocolate colors or images or anything else that makes you think of this wonderful confection.
Today's card uses the Diva Chef from Rubber Romance. I just LOVE this image.  She's so sassy.....plus she's holding a cake.  I love cake.

Be sure to check out all the Friday Fun Girls' cards.  They are sure to have some stampy sweetness for you.

Jimmi
Kimme
Sara
Christi

Stamps: Rubber Romance Diva Chef and Sentiment

Paper: SU Chocolate Chip; PTI Hibiscus Burst and White; Sassafrass Lass

Ink: memento Tuxedo Black and Rich Cocoa

Accessories: Nestabilities, Prismacolor pencils, Threaded Water Punch, Ribbon and button

We would love for you to play along.  Just use keyword FFC74 when uploading to your favorite online gallery.  Thanks for stopping by- have a great weekend!  

What's Buzzin'?

Today's card is for this week's CPS Sketch challenge (#158). I used the Beeez Kneeez kit from Caffinated Cropper.  Have you heard about this kit yet?  It is full of all kinds of fun goodies from note cards, stamps and embellishments.  The BEST thing about this kit is that everything coordinates.  Amy put a lot of work and research into finding just the right items. The components can be combined in many ways for a variety of projects and endless possibilities without any guess work. 

1

For this card I used the following items from the kit:
Jillibean Soup Notecard in Craft
Jenni Bowlin Green Crosshatch Paper
Bazzill Smoothies Card Stock in Kiwi Crush
EAD Vinyl Rub Ons
Niki Silivis Willobee Stamp Set
Yellow Pom Pom Trim
Green Grosgrain Ribbon
1 Handmade Dictionary Flower

All of these items and MORE are in this kit.  I love it! 


That's all I have for today- be sure to check back later this week.  I have LOTS of stuff to share with you! 

Home is Where the Heart Is.....

Today I have a card to show you using the recently-released Artful Inkables set Anybirdy Home. I just LOVE this set.  It is so CUTE and has so many possibilities.  The price is right - PLUS since Artful Inkables just turned ed 2 years old  Kristin is having a SALE to celebrate!  Check out all the details on the AI Blog HERE.
I was thinking of of my best friend, Jimmi when I made this card.  Her favorite color is purple and her husband even got her purple roses for Valentine's Day.  When I saw the roses on this bird house I just knew I had to make them purple.  It also didn't hurt that I just got this fabulous patterned paper - Kaisercraft Lilac Avenue, which you can pick up from Amy at Caffinated Cropper.  I think these stamps and this paper are just fabulous together, don't you?

The paper pack even has die cuts- I used one here to frame my stamped sentiment.  Perfecto!   

Stamps: Artful Inkables Anybirdy Home
Paper: PTI White, Lemon tart and Plum Pudding; Kaisercraft Lilac Avenue patterned paper and die cuts

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; PTI Plum Pudding

Accessories: Nestabilities, Plum Pudding ribbon and button; Dimensionals; Prismacolor Pencils

Thanks for stopping by today and listening to me ramble on about my project.  I always appreciate it!  Have a great day!  (and check out the sale at Artful Inkables!)  ;) 

U R The Bees Knees!

Good Morning!  Today I have two projects to show you using the  FABULOUS card kit available from Amy (Caffinated Cropper).  The store isn't up yet, but you can order straight from her blog until it is.  Also- you will want to  check out Amy's blog because there is a CHALLENGE and a GIVEAWAY.  (more details below)
All supplies for both cards were from the Beeez Keeez kit with the exception of Ink, Tools and some white card stock that I used out of my own supplies.  Everything else- is included in this jam-packed kit. 

For both cards I used the Stamp Set and the note card set: 

Isn't that stamp set the cutest?  It holds so many possibilities.  Below are my cards- I really wanted to create some cards for some special people that have helped me out recently.  I just wanted them to know that I think they are The Bees Knees.  :)  One of them needs to go to my Dad, so I would love to know which one you think he would like the best. 

There are a couple of things going on over on Amy's blog.

ANOTHER GIVEAWAY!!!

a package of

Jenni Bowlin Vintage Bingo Cards

are going to go to a random poster today

who leaves the DT some love and

then comes back and posts on Amy's blog!!

Winner will be announced tomorrow morning!!

Ok

Now it's time for the hop!

Amber

(she doesn't have her kit yet,

because she's all the way in Japan

but leave her some love anyway)

Ashley

Christi

Sherry

**********

Second is a challenge

with an AWESOME PRIZE!

Want a chance to win your next

Caffinated Cropper

kit for free?

Got your attention now, huh?

1.Purchase the BEEEZ KNEEZ kit

this includes anyone who's already purchased the kit

(thank you!)

2. Use it to participate in ANY BLOG CHALLENGE

(we're a little partial here to ETSY Inspired and All Things Unity)

but I said ANY CHALLENGE this includes sketch blogs!!

3. Link said creation to Amy's post for today by March 31st.

Today is the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

Today I can finally share some good news with you! Amy at the Caffinated Cropper has chosen little old me to be on the Design Team for her new store!  I am so excited and honored I can hardly stand it.  Amy is going to offer up kits for card-making that will knock your socks off.  The online store is not quite up and running yet, but you can purchase from her blog (see link above) until then.  Her first kit, The Beeez Kneeeez goes on sale today and I can assure you it will not disappoint you.  It is jam-packed with all kinds of goodies including the LATEST items from the most popular names in the industry.

Be sure to check out Amy's blog HERE for details on how to purchase the kit and to find out who the rest of the Design Team members are.  There's even a chance to win FREE product to celebrate!  Check it out and leave Amy some love! 

Since I didn't have time to make a card for you yesterday I am going to show you pictures of my babies.  It is amazing how well-behaved they can be when they know a treat is coming....lol

They are pretty darn cute, aren't they?  Thanks for stopping by today, I really appreciate it.  Have a great day!

Just Because We're Friends

It's Tuesday which means we are 1/5 of the way through the work week YAY!  I am still trying to get the hang of my new schedule, but it was nice to come home from work and actually have time to do something besides eat dinner and go to bed.  I even made a card on a MONDAY afternoon.  (I cannot be held responsible if you fall over in shock and hurt yourself....sorry)  If you are still with me, I have another shocker for you- the inside of the card is all decked out too. 
I needed a card to let a friend know I was thinking of her, so I pulled out my Rubber Romance stamps.  I used Ally and Her Dog for the main image on the front.  Since I am ready for Spring I pulled out my Basic Grey Lemonade pad to go with Ally.  The bright and fun colors make me think of warm and sunny skies.....

Here is the inside of the card. 

I hope this cheers her up.  That's all I have for today- BUT TOMORROW I WILL HAVE AN EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT.  Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Rubber Romance Ally and Her Dog and sentiments
Paper: Stampin' Up Regal Rose; PTI White and Spring Moss; Basic Grey Lemonade
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; SU Regal Rose
Accessories: Nestabilities, MS Border Punch; PTI Aqua Mist Ribbon; Prismacolor Pencils, Adhesive Pearls

Friday Fun # 72 and Unity Friends with Flair

TGIF!  This is my first week in years that I am working Monday thru Friday.  I think I like it.  :)  Having said that- I am REALLY glad it's finally Friday.  This weekend should be lots of fun and I also get to share my Friday Fun card with you. 
This month Kimme is the Friday Fun hostess and boy, is she really giving us a whopper of a challenge.  This week's challenge (FFC72) is to make a card with NO COLORING.  Get out your solid stamps and colored ink pads.  Extra points if you stamp your background instead of using patterned paper.  Well I figured I would go for broke and stamp everything (with the exception of a little bit of paper-piecing).  So here is my card using Unity's Tea Time Toile Background stamp and the June 09 Kit of the Month Perfect in Every Way. (this kit is one of my favorites that I go back to again and again) 

Be sure to check out the other Friday Fun Girls cards.  We would love for you to play along- just use keyword FFC72 when uploading to SCS or link back to one of the Friday Fun Girls' blogs- that is if you are up to the challenge.  ;) 
Jimmi
Kimme
Sara
Christi
I do have one more thing I want to share with you- when I was looking for some solid stamps to use I opened a drawer that I haven't checked in a long time and look at all these stamps:

Some of them haven't even been inked up yet- can you believe it?  It is like Christmas in March.  :)
Thanks for visiting my blog today- be sure to check out the Unity Blog for the list of Friends with Flair participants.  It will definitely be worth your time to visit all the blogs. 

Think Ink Sketch Challenge

Today I have a card for the Think Ink Challenge #15.  This week Holly issued a sketch for us to follow.  You can get more details on the challenge on the Artful Inkables blog. 
I used one of the recently released sets called Sexy and Sweet.  I love this set, and one day my boyfriend might get surprised with this card.  ;)  It's all in good, clean fun.  Seriously.   

Stamps: Artful Inkables Sexy and Sweet
Paper: Basic Gray, Basic Black and Cosmo Cricket Ever After

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and my own mix of Tangerine Tango and Riding Hood Red

Accessories: Nestabilities, Ribbon, Circle Punches and Prismacolor Pencils

I hope you play along- you have a chance to win a Grab Bag of Artful Inkables stamps.  You don't have to use AI stamps, but if you do- you will be entered to win TWICE!!  It's fun so play with us! 

Thanks for stopping by today.