TE February Blast from the Past–Go Green!

Hi there!  I’m so glad you joined me for this month’s customer hop with Taylored Expressions!  Our theme this month is Go Green!  Either use green on your project or recycle!  For my card, I chose to go green because I just got my new Key Ingredients subscription this weekend and couldn’t wait to use them!  I used Discover Your Wings in the Whimsical Wishes line because I felt it went so well with the beautiful pattern paper by My Mind’s Eye – Lush!  One thing I love about Taylor’s key ingredients and project pantry selections is that she uses the freshest, trendiest and fabulous pattern papers and hand picks all the fun coordinating embellishments and they are never the same!  This month, there is bling by My Mind’s Eye – the Lush collection of course!  That is what the bling is in the center of the ivory paper flower.  Another thing that is so cool, is that there is a gallery with creations made by Taylor & her key ingredients design team as well as downloadable inspiration sheets!  If you’d like more details about what I got in my kit and read all about  it click here: key ingredients subscription program. 

Here is the sketch I used for my card, created by the very beautiful & talented Baker’s Dozen design team member Sankari!  Hope you will play along!  Remember, we have this hop EVERY month, and if you play, you have a chance at winning a FREE stamp set of your choice and/or having your card/project featured in the upcoming TE newsletter!  Do you know
Taylored Expressions  is on Facebook?  Be sure you "LIKE" it - when we get 1,000 people, TE will give a Favorite Peeps stamp set to one lucky person so you can get started on your Easter cards & projects!! 

With Friends Like You…

who needs Martha Stewart?  Ha!  This sentiment cracks me up in the TE set What’s Cookin’? 

This is my February card for Jen’s sketch for you to try which I happened to make a few weeks ago but have forgotten to upload – and the deadline is just days away!  Did you know she is going to give away a ton of free product on Christmas Day and you can only be in the drawing if you play EVERY month this year.  I’m determined, especially since I LOVE her fresh sketches!  I used papers from the October Afternoon  Cherry Hill Collection.  Ribbon from my stash and a cute rose from the Taylored Rose Garden (on Sale right now!)

I’ll be back on Thursday with my Blast from the Past Hop with TE!  Hope you’re playing too!

Good Books Build Character

HA!  Isn’t this little bookworm the cutest you’ve seen wearing big ‘ol square eyeglasses?!?  He is in the I {Heart} Books set.
This is my card for this week’s MFT sketch challenge MFTWSC7 which I always have fun playing with!  Did you know you can win up to $20 voucher for the MFT Store if your card is picked in the random drawing?!  $15 if you don’t use MFT stamps.  Of course, I play along because I want to show love for my MFT stamps! 
I used my new Echo Park Little Girl collection pattern paper I got in the TE store, they are so fresh & fun just like the Little Boy papers!  Lately I have been in the reading mood (since I love to read!) I am reading Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline I got from the library.  The place I work is so cool - in an outdoor mall and there is a library just a few minutes walk away!  I also got an audio book to listen in the car during my commutes (makes the time go by faster!) and also a playaway to listen to a book while at work!  It's been so great!  

So what are other hobbies are YOU enjoying right now other than stamping?  Are there any you've thought about doing but haven't gotten around to it?  If so, I encourage you - it's fun to have more than one hobby for me! 

Thanks for stopping by today - I hope you have an awesome week! 

Gina K. Release Day! Framed Greetings

Today is the day we’ve all been waiting for right?  It is release day with Gina K. so that means tonight is the release party at StampTV!  I hope you will be joining us! 

Today we are sharing creations made with the new One Free with Three sets called Framed Greetings by Gina K!  This stamp set coordinates beautifully with the Spellbinders Nestability Labels 16 die.  This is the stamp set you will get for FREE when you purchase any other 3 sets – it’s such a great deal that Gina K. offers!!
Go check out all the samples these talented ladies have to share with you today and don’t forget to leave a comment on ALL the blogs because you never know where Gina will choose a winner from all of the comments to win a FREE Framed Greeting set!!
Look forward to seeing YOU at the party tonight!

• AJ Otto
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker (you’re here!)
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Suzanne Dean
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Valerie Stangle
• Vicki Dutcher

Birthday Wishes card Stamps: Framed Greetings
Cardstock: Vibrant Violet, White, Lovely Lavender
Ink: Tuxedo Black memento
Accessories: ribbon, purple & White buttons, copic markers, Labels16 die, Victoria cuttlebug embossing folder 

Gina K. Preview Day 3: Live Life Loud & Christ is Risen

Welcome to Day 3 of previews for Gina K. release on Thursday!  Today I am sharing cards made with 2 more sets – the first is by Tami Mayberry called Live Life Loud, a fabulous retro set with a music theme (I used 6 stamps from the set on this card).  When I sat down to create with this set, I saw a collage type card with bold colors so I used the Retiform Technique which is a lot of fun!

The next set up for preview is by Nina Brackett called Christ is Risen, a beautiful Christian-themed set to celebrate Jesus’s resurrection in the elegant style that Nina is known for!  I naturally saw this ornate cross embossed in gold, paired with metallic gold cardstock and Vibrant Violet to make this a royal card.  Here is a link to information about the Resurrection of Christ if you are interested in reading all about it, it was wonderfully written. 
Reminder!  We are one more day closer to the release party!  Remember it is from 7:00-10:00 pm central time at StampTV, where we will have designer challenges, contest questions, more samples, stamp set reveals and fun chat!!
Here are links to everyone who has previews to share with you today and I’m sure you will be dazzled with it all!  Be sure to leave a comment on ALL the designer’s blogs to have your chance at winning the stamp sets, because Gina K. will choose random winners from all the comments and announce the winner in tomorrow’s post! 

• AJ Otto
• Asela Hopkins
• Carolina Buchting
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker  *you’re here*
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Michelle Woerner
• Nina Brackett 
• Tami Mayberry
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher

Live Life Loud card Stamps: Live Life Loud
Cardstock: White, Black Onyx, Green Apple
Inks: Distress Crushed Olive, Fired Brick, Tumbled Glass, Tuxedo Black Memento
Accessories: black brads

Easter Blessings card Stamps: Christ is Risen
Cardstock: Ivory, Vibrant Violet, Good as Gold
Inks: Versamark, Gold Metallic
Accessories: Gold lined organdy ribbon, textile cuttlebug embossing folder, labels 10 die, purple bling

Gina K. Preview Day 2: Little Critters & Chocolate Bunnies

Thank you for joining us for Day 2 Gina K. previews! My first card is made with stamps from Theresa Momber’s set called Little Critters!  I think it’s so funny to have a sentiment say wishing you a speedy recovery with an image of a turtle, it’s like an oxymoron!  I had fun discovering the cuttlebug traffic jam embossing folder mimics the turtle’s shell so I had to use it!  This card was fun to make, using my prismacolor pencils and odorless mineral spirits which I rarely use anymore!  I also discovered some Basic Grey brads that coordinated perfectly with the cardstock colors I used!

The next stamp set is by Asela Hopkins called Chocolate Bunnies so I had to make a chocolate treat!  I love this cute little bunny who almost seems to be a little on the bashful side.  I just covered the treat with some pattern paper and attached the image with some ribbon with a little Hoppy Easter sentiment.  Super quick treat to make – I think it just took about 15 minutes!
Don’t forget we have a release party going on at StampTV on Thu evening 7:00-10:00 CST.  You are sure to have lots of fun with Gina K, stamp illustrators and design team and be able to see all the full stamp reveals so you can make your shopping list!!

Here are links to everyone’s blogs who have creations to share with us today, be sure to stop by them ALL and leave a comment so you have a chance to win one of the sets being previewed today!  Gina will pick random winners from all the commenters so don’t miss any of them!

• Asela Hopkins
• Carolina Buchting
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker (you're here!)
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Suzanne Dean
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher

Speedy Recovery card Stamps: Little Critters
Cardstock: White, Wild Dandelion, Cranberry Tart, Green Apple, Chocolate Brown
Inks: Tuxedo Black memento
Accessories: Basic Grey brads, Cuttlebug Embossing folder traffic jam, Prismacolor pencils, odorless mineral spirits
Chocolate Treat Stamps: Chocolate Bunnies
Cardstock: White, My Mind’s Eye
Inks: Rich Cocoa Memento, yellow
Accessories: white cotton thread, big scalloped ovals small die, chocolate stitched ribbon, oval punch

Gina K. Preview Day 1: Spring Basket & Basket Blessings

Welcome to Day 1 previews for Gina K. Designs!  I bet y’all have been chomping at the bit since our release was delayed about a week, huh?  Well I’m sure you will agree that it was worth the wait when you see what is in store!  First up is a stamp set by Melanie called Spring Basket which will appeal to everyone just waiting with bated breath for Spring to arrive since this Winter has been so brutal!  I used the basket image along with some mini size tulips and lilies like the larger counterparts from A Year of Flowers!  I finally grabbed took my Spellbinders Grand Calibur out of the box to use it on this card which I got for Christmas (I know, I am so bad!) I used the largest square scallop, scored in half to make my card that is 3 1/2” x 7” (not including the flower overhang).

Next up is another set by Melanie called Basket Blessings, which I’m sure you will fall head over heels with because it’s full of more things to put IN the Spring Basket!  For my card, I used this week’s sketch challenge by Gina K!   I had a lot of fun coloring this image and making this card.
Here are links to everyone who has previews to share with you today and I’m sure you will be dazzled with it all!  Be sure to leave a comment on ALL the designer’s blogs to have your chance at winning the stamp sets, because Gina K. will choose random winners from all the comments! 

Also – mark your calendars because Thursday, Feb 17th 7:00-10:00 central time at StampTV we will have our release party with designer challenges, contest questions, more samples, stamp set reveals and fun chat!!

• Carolina Buchting
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker (you’re here!)
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Nina Brackett
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Valerie Stangle
• Vicki Dutcher

Tulip card
Stamps: Spring Basket
Cardstock: White, Passionate Pink, Chocolate Brown
Ink: Rich Cocoa Memento
Accessories: Copic markers, Chocolate stitched ribbon, pink button, white cotton thread
Hey Chickie card Stamps: Basket Blessings
Cardstock: White, Lemon Drop, Sweet Mango, Chocolate Brown, My Mind’s Eye Fine & Dandy True Blue
Ink: Rich Cocoa Memento, Tea Dye distress ink
Accessories: Copic markers

I’m late…I’m late…for a very important date!!

As you know, we have been challenged with a LOT of down time with internet at our home the past month for various reasons, well I’m happy to report we are back up (and I hope it LASTS) and the company has credited us 6 weeks of service as compensation.  I was so incredibly sad I was not able to participate in the designer’s surprise virtual party for the beautiful, generous and sweet Gina K. on her birthday Tuesday Feb 8th because we went from internet on Sun to nothing on Monday night and I didn’t have my post up yet.  So here I am several days late to the party but I still wanted to share the card I made and sent to Gina!!

Each one of us was assigned to bring something to the party and I was supposed to bring the table centerpieces – isn’t it beautiful!?  I know everyone has had a rough Winter with the crazy Arctic fronts roll through (even we got snow!), so I know all of us are ready for Spring & Summer! 

Here are direct links to everyone’s blogs so you can check out what everyone brought to her party, in addition to the wonderful cards they made Gina:

Carolyn
Janice
Carolina
Colleen
Deb
Emily
Giovana
Lee
Melanie
AJ
Cat
Val
Suzanne
Tina
Theresa
Michelle
Asela

Card Details
Stamps: Botanicals
Cardstock: White, Black Onyx, Red Hot
Ink: White craft
Accessories: red & white brads, colored pencils

Hope you enjoyed Gina’s virtual party!   Thanks for stopping by!

I'm still here!!

we have no internet at home again/still - I am posting real quick from work before I head out because of our Wintery weather (ice/snow/sleet).  Didn't want y'all to think I am not posting because I don't want to anymore.  I hope to be back by next Mon. 2/14 for GKD previews which I am having fun with!!

MFT Wednesday Stamp Club

I am so glad I made time this weekend to play with this week’s sketch because I have missed the last few ones!  I really look forward to them since I love MFT stamps and their sketches are always fun!  I used Cupcake Flopsey and all supplies are from January’s key ingredients from Taylored Expressions. 

I had fun grabbing my stickles,  liquid pearls and smooch to bring the cupcake and flopsey to life – here is a close up.  Brings such a fun finishing touch to your creations in my opinion, which is why I love to use them! 

Thanks for stopping by today!

Taylored Expressions release day!

Well I am a few days late and a dollar short but TE had their release day on Friday!  I had no internet at home for 6 days because we had quite a wind storm blow through last Monday night that broke the pole in half and caused the box to fall on the roof!  If we hadn’t already been awake because of the tree branches hitting the house, we would have been more scared hearing that bang.  We had to wait for them to come on Wednesday and then they decided to replace the pole with another that shouldn’t break (the wind will be able to pass through it) but they didn’t have it with them and would come back on Saturday – can you say frustrated??  Luckily I had my 3 days of TE sneak peeks scheduled by Sunday evening but I was so upset when Thursday came and we still didn’t have internet and I didn’t have my release day project uploaded!  Then the snow came on Thursday evening and we stayed home from work on Friday so I posted my card on Facebook but it wasn’t the same!

So here is my card using the new Wreath of Luck set that I just had to combine with the cute pup from Beary Special because the St. Patty’s hat fits PERFECTLY on his noggin, don’t ya think?  I had so much fun making this card and couldn’t wait to share it!

Here are links to all the ladies who have creations to share with us – be sure to check them all out & have fun shopping in case you haven’t already!   When you go shopping, be sure to check out the Fresh  Out of the Oven category so you can see ALL the new stuff in one place!   One more reminder: you have until Mon. Feb 21st to sign up for our next TE Blast from the Past customer blog hop (click on the link for details) which is on Feb 24th.  You will have a chance to win a free stamp set and also a chance to be featured in the next customer newsletter with your creation! 

Charmaine Ikach
Danielle Lounds
Jackie Pedro
Jodi Collins
Karen Giron
Karen Motz
Melissa Sauls
Regina Mangum
Sankari Wegman
Taylor VanBruggen
Tori Wild
Nancy McKinney - our awesome illustrator
Lea Lawson - Guest Designer
Supplies: Stamps: Wreath of Luck, Beary Special
Cardstock: Choice Snow White
Ink: Memento tuxedo black, lime vivid
Accessories: Frame it up –1 Taylored Die, Lucky Sampler (Ribbon, glittered candy dot & button)

TE Sneak Peek Day 3: It’s a Banner Day

So happy you’re joining us for Day 3 TE sneak peeks!  Today we have a special stamp set concepted by a TE customer Iwona Palamountain called It’s a Banner Day and we have a coordinating Taylored die too!

I have a fun new product to share with you that Taylor will be carrying in the TE Store, acrylic frames by Darcie Heater.  I combined the new It’s a Banner Day (hello friend sentiment) with Let’s Do Coffee in the Apple Doodle, Ink line of stamps.  I used the Large House frame to show Tena having a cup of coffee but missing her friend who is not at her house to enjoy it with.  This would make a great gift for a friend who you miss spending time with.  Unfortunately for me, I have about 6 friends I would love to send this to that I haven’t seen in a long time but since I don’t know who to send it to just yet, I will hold onto it until the right person is revealed to me.  I had a lot of fun decorating this frame and won’t tell you how long it took because of ALL the paper-piecing I did (I lost track of time anyway!).  The packaging comes with complete easy-to-follow directions and Taylor will be carrying lots of varieties in the store for you to choose from. 

Here is a close up of all the paper-piecing I did with my fun October Afternoon Fly a Kite papers (I used 4 different patterns).

Here are links to all the awesome creations you must check out today:

 

Charmaine Ikach
Danielle Lounds
Jackie Pedro
Jodi Collins
Karen Giron
Karen Motz
Melissa Sauls
Regina Mangum
Sankari Wegman
Taylor VanBruggen
Tori Wild
Jami Sibley
Iwona Palamountain is joining us today to share her new stamp concept!!

Supplies:
Stamps: It's a Banner Day , Let's Do Coffee
Cardstock: Choice Buttercream, October Afternoon Fly a Kite
Inks: distress inks, memento rich cocoa
Accessories: Metal flowers, pearls

TE Sneak Peek Day 2: Fashionista & Wreath of Luck

So glad you’ve joined us for Day 2 sneak peeks with Taylored Expressions!  On the menu today, we have 1 full size and 1 petite set and a Lucky Sampler to get you ready for St. Patrick’s Day projects! 

For my first project, I have a card to share with you using Fashionista, a new set in the Apple Doodle, Ink line of stamps featuring TEna!  She is one hot chick in her cute dress and knee high boots, eh?  This card was a lot of fun since I love combining sets, I paired her with Window Shopping for the BIG SHOE SALE she is eyeing!  On the inside of the card there is a sentiment that says, “when I get tired of shopping, I sit down and try on shoes” isn’t that too funny?  I can’t say it’s me because I am not much of a shoe person, or shopping person for that matter but this is still a FUN set for me to play with because I do have some gal friends this card would be perfect to send/give to, especially if I want to slip in a gift card.

For my second project, I have a St. Patrick’s Day treat to share with you using the new Wreath of Luck petite set illustrated by Nancy McKinney for the Whimsical Wishes line.  I am also using products that will be available in the Lucky Sampler that will be available in a limited quantity on Friday for release day!  I had fun coloring this wreath, which was die cut using the wreath die.  I added some ribbon and a little stamped horseshoe from the set to the bottom of the wreath.  Inside the favor treat are some green key lime life savers (sorry I forgot to photograph that).  I used some sticky tape on the bottom of the favor and adhered some of the green sparkly fluff that comes in the sampler for a fun border. 

Be sure to check out all the stamping goodness the Baker’s Dozen have to share with you today:

Taylor VanBruggen

Charmaine Ikach
Danielle Lounds
Donna Baker
Jackie Pedro
Jodi Collins
Karen Giron
Karen Motz
Melissa Sauls
Regina Mangum
Sankari Wegman
Tori Wild

Nancy McKinney (our fabulous illustrator of Wreath of Luck)

Supplies: Stamps: Fashionista, Window Shopping
Cardstock: Choice Snow White; October Afternoon Cherry Hill pattern paper
Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Antique linen distress ink
Accessories: Crystal Twinkles, Copic Markers, silver brads, twine, oval punch, copic atyou spica glitter pens

TE Sneak Peek Day 1: Cozy Cottages

Welcome to Day 1 of Sneak peeks for Taylored Expressions!  Today we are sharing projects made with our new set in the TE Giving Tree program!  I love that Taylor releases a new stamp set every quarter to donate a portion of the sale to various charities! 

When you purchase Cozy Cottages (which was illustrated by Nancy McKinney, from Feb-April) you'll be helping to support the Habitat for Humanity!
Through the work of Habitat, thousands of low-income families have found new hope in the form of affordable housing. Churches, community groups and others have joined together to successfully tackle a significant social problem – decent housing for all.  Habitat for Humanity is a true world leader in addressing the issues of poverty housing, having  built more than 350,000 houses, sheltering more than 1.75 million people in more than 3,000 communities worldwide.  Please visit http://www.habitat.org/ for more information on this incredible charity.  Remember the TE Giving Tree stamp sets are the only TE sets that come in sheet form and need to be trimmed.  This allows us to donate more to charity.

Here is the card I made using Cozy Cottages and 3 Taylored Dies: Whimsy Tree, Picket Fence and Cloud Duo.  This card was a lot of fun to make, especially when I started adding glitter with stickles to the dies!  I used my new Grand Nestabilities Scallop Square die (the smallest) which measures 4.5” so now I have more options for square cards!

Above are pictures of all the dies which will be available for purchase on Fri at 10 am in the TE store! 

Here are links to all the Baker’s Dozen designers, including our talented illustrator who have projects to share with us today:

Taylor VanBruggen
Charmaine Ikach
Danielle Lounds
Donna Baker
Jackie Pedro
Jodi Collins
Karen Giron
Karen Motz
Melissa Sauls
Nancy McKinney (our wonderful illustrator)
Regina Mangum
Sankari Wegman
Tori Wild

Supplies:
Stamps: Cozy Cottages
Cardstock: TE Choice Snow White, SU! (light & dark grey) and Gina K. (blue)
Accessories: Grand Nestabilities Scallop Squares, copic markers; cloud duo, whimsy tree, picket fence Taylored Dies; cinnamon & star dust stickles; pearls