Thursday, January 31, 2008
have you heard the news?
*snow day*
Monday was a good mail day. I love it when the mailman brings me new A Muse and Elzybells goodies! I've been busy all week working on design assignments, so this morning I took a little break and decided to dish up another serving of "Winter Wonders"... my favorite stamp set by The Saltbox Studio. It's cold here today, and there's snow in the forecast... so what could be more perfect than a *snow day* card? What do you suppose this little mouse is gonna do with that great big snowball? He's gonna make a snow mouse, of course! "Winter Wonders" is such a versatile set. Today I've used it to create a kid's card...and what kid wouldn't love getting a card like this?I tried a new technique on this card. It's called "out of the box". I've seen it done lots of times, but this is the first time I tried it for myself. See how the little mouse's snowball extends beyond the "box"? And one more thing... I love how the blue tin plate A Muse cardstock gives the illusion of falling snowflakes. Pretty cool, eh?
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Images and sentiment by The Saltbox Studio. A Muse notecard and papers. Liquid applique. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Copic markers. Stampin' Up sanding block.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
*you stole my heart*
The A Muse girls have whipped up some amazing cards using this masked bandit, so today I thought I'd share my version with you. I think I'll be re-creating this one to give to my honey for our anniversary this year. It's not until October, but it's always good to plan ahead. :) There are lots of layers to this card, and my favorite is the grass. It's a fun and easy way to add a little texture and dimension. And the little red twinkle heart is a super-simple way to add a bit of bling.This card was included in the "inspiring ideas" section of last week's A Muse Weekly. If you haven't already subscribed, take a minute to sign up. Every edition includes a fabulous Card of the Week along with a few comments by the designer who created it. Plus, you get stamping tips, additional card ideas, A Muse class schedules, and exciting news about upcoming releases. It's chucked full of stamping goodness, I tell ya!
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A Muse images, sentiment, notecard, papers, and twinkle sticker. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Copic markers. Stampin' Up sanding block and circle punch (used to create the moon).
*a contest and a tutorial*
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
*try a new stamp Tuesday*
It's *Try A New Stamp* Tuesday here at The Polka Dot Cafe, which means today I'll be featuring a few images that I haven't had a chance to share with you yet. Yesterday, I showed you how easy it is to mix and match the new sets by The Saltbox Studio, and that's what's on the menu again today. I've used 4 different stamp sets in today's recipe: sheep, sheep sayings, candle glow companion, and fences. And while I've used stamps from all of these sets in the sneak peek cards I shared with you last week, today I'll be showcasing *new* images from these sets.Monday, January 28, 2008
*mix and match Monday*
I love making cards with a warm and cozy feel to them. I want the recipient to feel they received something that was truly homespun and from the heart. This look was easy to create with this twig basket full of fruit and the toasty color combination of reds, yellows, and browns. "A Basket Celebration 1" is the perfect starter set. It includes 7 different baskets, all with an amazing amount of detail. Why do I say "starter" set? Well, did you notice the *1*? That means there's another basket set to come! I borrowed the "kindness matters" sentiment from the "February Banner" set. The Saltbox Studio has just introduced 14 brand new stamp sets, and while each set offers plenty of images and sentiments to be used alone, they work incredibly well together. So mix and match away, I say!------------------------------
Image and sentiment by The Saltbox Studio. A Muse red madiera 4 bar notecard, ivory and brown paper. Stampin' Up so saffron cardstock , creamy carmel ink, and sanding block. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Copic markers. Fiskars mini scalloped scissors. Marvy punches. Red ribbon by JoAnn's Craft Essentials.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
*get wool soon*
Today I thought I'd share a quick and easy card I made using the "Sheep" set. I love this sheep, and she brings with her get wool wishes. Isn't that the cutest sentiment? I'm normally not one to leave a lot of white space on my cards as it tends to leave an almost "unfinished" look. But for this card, it seemed to work. It allowed the focal image to "steal the show". I then added the "get wool soon" sentiment under the sheep and the sweet little heart directly under the sentiment. After coloring in the images, I traced around the heart and the swirls on Miss Sheep's wool with a stardust gel pen and sanded the edges for a bit of a *shabby* look.It's been an exciting week here at The Polka Dot Cafe, from the very first mention of The Saltbox Studio all the way down to "launch day" when all the fabulous new stamp sets were finally revealed and available for purchase. I've had fun sharing many of my card creations with you. Be sure to visit the gallery over at The Saltbox Studio for more inspiring ideas...and be sure to come back tomorrow to see what I've made using the "Basket Celebration 1" set.
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Images and sentiment by The Saltbox Studio. Notecard and papers by A Muse. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Copic markers. Sakura stardust gel pen. Stampin' Up sanding block.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
*how about another snowman?*
It's Open House at The Saltbox Studio, and they've announced another contest! So you'd better head on over there to join in the celebration!*i spy with my little eye...*
So have you seen all the new stamp sets from The Saltbox Studio? If you haven't...what are you waiting for? The response to this collection has been *huge*, so scoot on over and see what all the buzz is about! The collection has something for everyone!Do you spot anything on this card that I haven't shared with you yet? It's the fence! There's a great set called "Fences" that contains 5 different fence styles plus a sentiment. It really is a "must have" set, and if you'd like to see what else the design team has created with it, be sure to visit the studio. The possibilities are endless!
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Images and sentiment by The Saltbox Studio. A Muse notecard and papers. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. SU sanding block. Copic markers.
Friday, January 25, 2008
*it's launch day!*
Thursday, January 24, 2008
*you warm my heart*
It's officially Day 4 of The Saltbox Studio sneak peeks, which means only 1 more day until launch! The excitement is building...and rightly so! The Saltbox Studio is introducing a new style to the stamping industry. The images are fresh and fun...a perfect combination of classic and simple, vintage and whimsical, primitive and folk art. If you are interested in the artist behind the scenes and how The Saltbox Studio got its name, please visit The Saltbox Sampler for the fascinating story!Yesterday, I promised to share a *tip* with you about using clear sentiments. If you want to create a "whimsical" feel to your card or you simply would like to add some visual interest, you can *shape* the sentiment around your image. Unlike wood-mounted stamps, clear stamps are somewhat soft, and they can easily be curved to follow the shape of your focal image. On the pocket card above, I curved the "you warm my heart" sentiment around the little mouse's snowball. Since the snow girl was placed on the right side of the pocket card's base, I balanced out the final design by curving the sentiment around the left side of the mouse on the pocket insert. This fun design would bring a smile to any recipient. A little child would *love* the snow mouse, and a dear friend would be touched by the sweet sentiment.
If you'd like to see another card I made using the same tip, stop by The Saltbox Studio to sneak a peek at my "stud muffin" card.
There's another contest going on over at The Saltbox Sampler. Just leave a comment to enter the drawing for a secret prize!
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Sentiment and images by The Saltbox Studio. Notecard and papers by A Muse. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Copic markers. Marvy scalloped punch. Making Memories brads. RibbonTrends pink gingham ribbon. Stampin'Up creamy carmel classic ink and sanding block. Fiskars mini scalloped scissors.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
*you glow girl*
Today, I'm sharing a card that features the "Candle Glow" set. This little mouse is just darling! I colored her in with Copic markers, but if you're more into watercoloring, that would be a great option as well. "You glow girl!" is such a fun sentiment...so clever for a set dedicated to candles!
Be sure to visit The Saltbox Sampler for some inspiring card ideas and to enter a *contest* to win a companion set! And while you're at it, bop on over to The Saltbox Studio for a peek at one of my snowman cards!
I've got another *sneak peek* to share with you tomorrow, so be sure to come back! Plus I'll be sharing a *fun tip* that will help you get creative with clear sentiments!
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Image and sentiment by The Saltbox Studio. Notecard and papers by A Muse. Fiskars mini scalloped scissors. Heidi Swapp edge distressor. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Copic markers. RibbonTrends brown gingham ribbon. Sakura stardust gel pen.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
*vintage baby*
I love baby cards! There is nothing sweeter than a brand new baby...and every new baby needs a homecard card to welcome them to the flock! This card features the new set called "Sheep". To give it a shabby look, I sponged the cardstock and stars with white craft ink, which works wonders in softening the edges. Then I sponged the ivory layers with creamy carmel ink. It's perfect for creating an *aged* antique look. For a little dimension, I filled in the sheep's body with liquid applique, and once it dried, I sponged over it with creamy carmel ink. The stars surrounding the sentiment were traced with a sakura stardust gel pen to give them a little sparkle.
Be sure to visit The Saltbox Sampler for additional *shabby sheep* creations. You will be amazed by how many different looks you can achieve from this one fabulous set!
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Images and sentiment by The Saltbox Studio. Cardstock, white craft ink, creamy carmel classic ink, circle punch, and star punch by Stampin' Up. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Marvy scalloped circle punch. Ribbon Trends brown gingham ribbon. Sakura stardust gel pen. Copic Markers. Liquid Applique.
Monday, January 21, 2008
*big news*
This darling snowman is from the Winter Wonders set...which happens to be one of my favorites. The images in this set are some of the cutest *snow people* I've seen, and the sentiments are fabulous! The Saltbox Studio's designs are truly unique...and you're gonna love 'em!
I will be adding links to the design team over on the right. They are an incredibly talented group of stampers, and I am privileged to be working with them. Be sure to check out their blogs throughout the week, as they will be sharing sneak peeks as well.
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Images and sentiment by The Saltbox Studio. Notecard and papers by A Muse. Stampin' Up circle punches, word window punch linen thread, paper piercing kit, and sanding block. Target dollar spot star punch. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Copic markers.
Friday, January 18, 2008
*today's the day!*

In this next card, Lizzie has already kissed the frog and found her man! This would make a sweet wedding card, don't you think?
Thursday, January 17, 2008
*daisy bunch*
Today's *sneak peek* features an image called "daisy bunch". I *heart* daisies. They are probably my favorite flower. They make my heart happy. (That's what my little girl said when she saw a yard full of dandelions this summer.) I colored them in with copic markers, gave them sparkly centers with orange stickles, and then highlighted the background in blue. I did the same with the little flower in the "love blooms" sentiment.Wednesday, January 16, 2008
*have a swinging day!*
I'm glad you stopped by for another Elzybells sneak peek! There are too many adorable images in this release for me to pick a favorite... but this one definitely tops my list! This fun new Lizzie is called "girl on swing", and she coordinates amazingly well with A Muse's "have a swinging day!" sentiment. I created the background using "star swirl", and I gave it a little sparkle with my Sakura stardust gel pen. I hope you have a *swinging day*!-----------------------------
Images by ElzybellsNA. Notecard, papers, and sentiment by A Muse. SU circle punch and sanding block. Paper source small scalloped circle punch. Copic Markers. Ribbon Trends ribbon. Sakura stardust gel pen. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Creamy Brown Colorbox Fluid Chalk inkpad.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
*friends forever*
Today's Elzybells sneak peek is all about celebrating friendship. This image just makes my heart happy! It's called "holding hands", and it's a perfect match to the "friends forever" sentiment. For a little sparkle, I added the "daisy trio" in green around the edge and highlighted some of the daisies with my Sakura Stardust gel pen. Be sure to check back tomorrow for another sneak peek!------------------------------
Images and sentiment by ElzybellsNA. Notecard and papers by A Muse. Marvy square punches. SU slit punch. Copic markers. Ribbon Trends gingham ribbon. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Fresh Ink Celery pigment ink.
ETA: I've been asked how I cut this card, so I thought it would be easiest to explain it here. You simply cut 1" off the right edge of your card front. Then measure down about 3/4", and make a diagonal cut from the crease of your card down to the 3/4" mark. This is also a fun design for a pocket card.
Monday, January 14, 2008
*an Elzybells sneak peek*
It's sneak peek Monday, and today begins the count down to the new Elzybells release on Friday! This card features *moon girl*, and I've paired her up with one of my favorite A Muse sentiments. Isn't she just the cutest thing sittin' there on the moon with her little legs danglin'? I will be sharing more sneak peeks throughout the week, so be sure to check back often!------------------------------
Notecard, papers, and sentiment by A Muse. Image by ElzybellsNA. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Copic Markers. Sakura stardust clear gel pen.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
*you're a hoot*
Yesterday afternoon I found time to play with my new Pretty Birds stamp set by the amazingly talented, Kim Hughes. Does this owl crack you up, or what? I also watched my Copic Marker DVD, bowled a few games on the wii, enjoyed a fabulous t-bone steak that my honey cooked out on the grill, and caught up on some reading. Yesterday was a good day.Stayed tuned tomorrow for a *sneak peek* of the new Elzybells release. They are so stinkin' cute...you're gonna want them all!
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Image and sentiment by CHF (Kim Hughes Collection). SU very vanilla cardstock and sanding block. October Afternoon patterned papers. Paper Trends orange gingam ribbon. Copic markers. Heidi Swapp edge distressor.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
*to an unforgettable friend*
This week was a good mail week. First, my order came from Cornish Heritage Farms. I just love the Kim Hughes Collection. I have been eyeing the Pretty Birds set for months now and am so excited to finally have it in my hands! I also bought Sweet Thang and Hugs & Kisses. I'm hoping to find some time this weekend to ink them up.Thursday, my Stampin' Up sets came. I bought the Happy Hearts Day set because I *love* this elephant!
And last but not least...my Copic Marker DVD came in the mail yesterday. A Muse is now a distributor for Copic markers, so all of us designers and instructors are thrilled to be getting some tips on how to use them. I'm hoping for a few moments of peace and quiet this afternoon so I can watch it. (That is probably "wishful thinking" since a house with 3 kids rarely has any moments of peace and quiet!)
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend...with lots of time for stamping!
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Stampin'Up cardstock, images, and white craft ink (for inking the edges). Fiskars mini scalloped scissors. Ribbon Trends gingham ribbon. Copic Markers. Brilliance Graphite Black pigment ink. Clear embossing powder. Heidi Swapp edge distressor.
Friday, January 11, 2008
*keepin' it simple*
Today, I decided to keep things simple. My goal was to create a quick and easy card with some of my favorite elements... a madeira notecard, kraft cardstock, a scalloped punch, and of course, some cute A Muse images. I don't tend to be good at *simple*, and I'm definitely not good at *quick*. I'm more of an *over-thinker, do and re-do, take all day* kind of stamper!------------------------------
SU kraft cardstock, scalloped punch, sanding block, and white craft ink. Image, sentiment, clear sticker, and all other papers by A Muse. Chestnut Roan cat's eye ink pad. Copic Markers.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
another Elzybells
The Elzybells penguins are so cute. You can see the other penguin images here. Speaking of Elzybells... there is a new release coming soon, so be sure to visit the Elzybells blog starting January 14th for some fun sneak peeks.------------------------------
Notecards and papers by A Muse. Elzybells image and sentiment. SU star punch and sanding block. Fiskars mini scalloped scissors. Ribbon Trends gingham ribbon. Heidi Swapp edge distressor.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
an Elzybells card
I was thrilled when A Muse introduced their new 4-bar notecards. If you haven't seen them in person, the colors are absolutely yummy! Here's an Elzybells card I made using a red madeira notecard. I *shabbied* it up a bit by distressing the edges and inking them with creamy carmel classic ink by Stampin' Up. You can't tell from the photo, but I traced the snowflakes behind the sentiment with a sakura stardust gel pen, and it gave them the perfect amount of sparkle.------------------------------
A Muse notecards and papers. Images and sentiment by Elzybells NA. Copic markers. Brilliance graphite black pigment ink. Sicilian Blue Fresh Ink from Impress. Sanding block. Heidi Swapp edge distressor. Creamy carmel classic ink by SU.
*i love you to the moon and back*
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Notecard, papers, images, and sentiment by A Muse. Marvy scalloped oval punch. Copic markers. Sakura clear stardust glitter pen. SU circle punch (used to create the moon).
Sunday, January 6, 2008
*love blooms*
I often find myself digging through my stash of stamps in search of the perfect sentiment. To me, the *perfect* sentiment is one that can be used for more than one occasion.. you know, the ones you pull out time and time again and never get tired of using. That's what I love about A Muse sentiments. They are extremely versatile, and their combination of handwriting and font styles make them hands down some of the best on the market. This card would be perfect for a wedding or anniversary. Don't those bears make a cute couple?------------------------------
A Muse notecard, papers, images, and sentiment. CTMH markers. Fruit punch stickles. SU circle punch and linen thread. Fiskars mini scalloped scissors.
Here's a letter that I altered for my daughter. Here name is Livi, so the *L* works not only for her initial, but also for the "love blooms" sentiment. She keeps it on her desk where she colors and stamps while I work. I think she'll be a very talented stamper one day! ;)
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Altered letter from Wal Mart. Image, sentiment, and papers by A Muse. CTMH markers. Fruit punch stickles.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
*gone ice fishing*
I have to admit that I have never personally tried ice fishing. I'm pretty sure it would be one of those things I would enjoy for maybe 5 minutes ...or less. It would be fun to try just for the sake of being able to say "I went ice fishing", but I definitely do not see myself having the fortitude to huddle around a hole in the ice for hours at a time, shivering from the cold, in the hopes of pulling out a fish. But the concept of ice fishing made a very fun card, don't you think?-------------------------------
Notecard, papers, images and sentiment by A Muse. Versafine onyx black ink. CTMH markers. Marvy circle and scalloped punches. Sakura stardust glitter pen.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
*let it snow*
Here's a fun pocket card that I hope will make a cold, wintery day like today a little bit more cozy. I hope wherever you are you are warm, safe and sipping and hot cup of cocoa!------------------------------
Notecard, twinkle stickers, images and sentiment by A Muse. Marvy oval punches. May Arts ribbon. Fiskars scalloped scissors. Sakura stardust glitter pen. CTMH markers.










