AiFactory New Release Thursday

Hi all! Long time no blog LOL. These past two weeks have been so relaxing and I loved spending the extra time with my family, but it was awesome to get back into my craft room!

Today, I am super excited to share with you these adorable NEW digi-stamps available today at AiFactory. Here are pics of both sets being released today at the store.

Adorable right? Here is my card using one of the awesome images....

I printed her out on Select White CS and colored her with PrismaColor Markers. The dsp is called Berry Sweet and is from K & Company. The sentiment was supposed to be live in harmony but the rub-on didn't want to cooperate so it just says harmony for now.

To see more fabulous creations using the new stamps be sure and visit all the DT Blogs...

Carole
Erin
Kerry
Lola
Fink

BONUS ~ For a chance to win the new releases, be sure and stop by the AiFactory Challenge Blog on Tuesday and play the fab color challenge we are planning for you.

Thanks for stopping by,

AiFactory DT CALL and Challenge #17 ~ Last Minute Gifts

Happy Tuesday everyone! I cannot believe that Christmas is only 3 days away! I am almost ready, I just need to get something for my mom and dad! I cannot think of anything to buy. Hopefully, I come up with something soon LOL.

It is time for another AiFactory Challenge and this week the DT is featuring the clipart set Season Greetings. We've all experienced that last minute need for a gift for friends who stop by during the holidays or that special someone we overlooked. So are challenge for you ~ Show us those gifts or cards that can be created quickly and given to practically anyone. You do not have to use AiFactory images but if you have them we would love to see them! Also, there are FREEBIES available in the store for you to use!

This week I decided to use one of the great templates available from Papertrey Ink. This one is called the Cash or Charge Collection and it includes three different templates for creating gift card holders. I printed the template on to Pure Poppy cs and the dsp is from Martha Stewart. I used circle and scallop nestabilities to cut out the gingerbread man from the Season Greeting set.

To play along and be eligible for this weeks prize please upload your card or project to Mr. Linky on the AiFactory Blog by Monday Jan 4th (yep that's 2 weeks) at Midnight EST. What are you playing for...a free clipart set of your choice. If you upload to an online gallery please use AIF017. For more inspiration, be sure and visit the rest of the fabulous Design Team:

Carole * Erin * Kerry * Lola * Fink

Thanks for stopping by,

Merry Christmas w/Remy Reindeer (TCC)

Thank goodness it's Friday! Today is my DD's Christmas party at school and their last day of school for Christmas break. I am almost ready for the party, just gotta run out to pick up a few things that I forgot.

Today, I have another Christmas card to share with you. I used the adorable Remy Reindeer from The Character Cafe and the dsp is Cosmo Cricket's Jolly by Golly. I made this card for a few challenges:

C.R.A.F.T #30 ~ Free for All
Kraftin' Kimmie #10 ~ Sparkle Baby
Crafty Pad #50 ~ Simply a Christmas Card
The Pink Elephant 45 ~ Winter and/or Christmas
i {heart} 2 stamp ~ SFYTT #30
Dare U 2 Digistamp #28 ~ Last Minute Christmas

The winner of my image (The Serenade) for the 12 Hops of Christmas is De (please send an email to kendra@thecharactercafe.com to get your prize). You can find the Blog Candy winner and the winners for all the images here.

Thanks for stopping by,

Paper Maniac Inspirations ~ Last Minute Teacher Gifts

Happy Wednesday everyone! I hope this post finds you happy and healthy. I plan on spending the day wrapping presents, I am determined to get them all (or at least the kids) before their vacation starts on Friday!

Now that my son has moved up to middle school and has seven teachers, I needed to find a quick and easy gift to make by Friday. So I made these "mini" pizza boxes and filled them with Ghiradelli Peppermint Bark. These pizza boxes are smaller than the regular version and will perfectly hold 3 Ghiradelli candy bars.

Here are the measurements and directions:

Piece of Cardstock or Patterned Paper: 4 1/4" x 7 1/2"

Score Long Side: 1", 3 1/4", 4 1/4", 6 1/2"

Score Short Side: 1" from each side

Use a bone folder and fold at all score lines, then cut scores (four per side) on the long sides just to where the score lines intersect. Fold it all up and use double-sided sticky tape to put it all together!

For my sentiments I used the JustRite Something Sweet Borders and Centers. Be sure and head over to the Paper Maniac Blog for daily inspiration for the holidays. The DT has been coming up with some amazing creations that you will not want to miss!

Make sure you take advantage of the great sales in the the store this week plus 15% off anything and everything you need, including items already on sale. The only exception is the Copic Coloring Club Kits which are already at the lowest price possible (coupon code MERRY15)

Thanks for stopping by,

AiFactory #16 ~ Is There a Doctor in the House?

Happy Tuesday everyone! It is another crazy week around here. My DD's Christmas Party at school is Friday so I am headed out today to do some shopping! I have a ton of stuff to get together and I just hope I can get all done in time.

It is time for another AiFactory Challenge and this week the DT is featuring the clipart set Boo Boo Fixer. Since hospitals are so clean and sparse, are challenge for you is to create a Clean and Simple Card with lots of white. You don't have to use an AiFactory image, but if you have some we would love to see them. There are also a few FREEBIES available in the store for you to use!

This week I decided to create a simple 2-5-7-10 Box. I used white cs to make the box, cut the oval out with nestabilities and use sticky strip to adhere acetate for the window. I printed and cut out the nurse from Boo Boo Fixer and used glue dots to put her on the box. I filled the box with Cherry Halls and used Pure Poppy saddle stitch ribbon to close it up. A great little gift for someone who is not feeling well and needs a little pick me up.

To play along and be eligible for this weeks prize please upload your card or project to Mr. Linky on the AiFactory Blog by next Monday at Midnight EST. What are you playing for...a free clipart set of your choice. If you upload to an online gallery please use AIF016. For more inspiration, be sure and visit the rest of the fabulous Design Team:

Carole * Erin * Kerry * Lola * Fink

Thanks for stopping by,

SSDS Week 19 ~ Shaped Cards

Happy Saturday everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend so far. Just a really lazy day for us. No plans just hanging out a home. I really need to finish putting up all my Christmas decorations, I got about half of them up and just can't get motivated to put up the rest LOL.

It is time for another awesome challenge from Stamp, Scrap & Doodle Saturday! This week we are challenging to think outside the square by making a shaped card. I got this great cupcake card template from The Cutting Cafe. These are so easy to use, you just print on your cardstock or dsp and cut it out! I love it has all the pieces in individual files so you can print just what you need! The cupcake base was printed onto striped dsp from October Afternoon and I ran the "icing" through the Cuttlebug to add some swirls. The circle sentiment is from Raindrop Echo Designs and was cut out with scallop Nestabilities.

To join in on the fun and be eligible for this weeks fabulous prize and check out all the fabulous creations from the Design Team. Head over to the SSDS blog and link your creation to Mr. Linky by 10:00 pm (EST) Friday evening.

Thanks for stopping by,

TCC ~ Izzy Elf

TGIF!! I have to apologize for posting this so late today. My mojo has gone MIA today and I just could not get anything to look right!

I finally decided to use Izzy Elf on my card and I just love the pink and green color combo for Christmas. I couldn't wait to use this beautiful glitter DSP and rubons I found at target. It is made by KI Memories and is called Good Tidings. The sentiment is from the Unity Store Kit ~ Wonderful You.

I am entering this card in several challenges:

Pile It On ~ Use Glitter
Cooking It Up w/Katie ~ Xmas Theme, Ribbon and any current sketch
Kaboodle Doodles ~ Use Snowflakes
The Pink Elephant 44 ~ Favorite Christmas Color Combo
Mercy's Tuesday Sketch

Also, there is still another week to participate in The Character Cafe 12 Hops of Christmas Blog Hop. You can win all 12 images released this month along with the amazing Blog Candy being offered by Kendra & Kelly! You can find my post here or start at the beginning here.

Be sure and check out Feature Friday at the Character Cafe Blog. The challenge this week is a Freebie Challenge!!

Thanks for stopping by,

Paper Maniac Inspirations: Altered Paint Can

Hello everyone! It is a cold, windy day in Ohio! I am so glad I went shopping yesterday, I would not want to be out and about today. Got pretty much all my shopping done (yeah!) just need to pick up a few gift cards and I will be finished!

The Paper Maniac DT is continuing to provide daily posts on the Paper Maniac Blog filled with tons of holiday decor and gift ideas. Today, I am sharing an altered paint can filled with yummy Lindor Truffles that I made for my DD's teacher. I have been hoarding these paint cans for quite awhile but I believe I bought them at local wholesaler. The DP around the bottom is from the Christmas Past paper pack by Graphic 45 and the ribbon is from the Autumn Make It Yours Kit
I used the JustRite Something Sweet Borders and Centers for my sentiment and cut it out with circle and scallop nestabilities.

Here are some updates on all the happenings going on at the store:

~ Unity singles: We have broken up the remaining retail store kits and will be selling the stamps as singles or pairs. Now is the time to grab the Ferris wheel from August or the lamp from September if you didn't get the whole kit. There are very short quantities on some of these.
~ Many of last weeks sale items can still be had...these will gradually go back to regular price so grab them while you can.
~ 15% off anything and everything you need, including items already on sale. The only exception is the Copic Coloring Club Kits which are already at the lowest price possible (coupon code in Newsletter
~ December Unity Store Kit ~ Sweet Affections is now available.

Also, don't forget to check out this weeks Paper Maniac Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by,

AiFactory #15 ~ Tag Your It!

Good morning everyone! It is very cold in Ohio today and I would really like to stay indoors by the fire today, but I really have to go out and do some Christmas shopping. I am almost done with everyone so hopefully I can finish up today!

It is Tuesday and that means it is time for another AiFactory Challenge. This week we are challenging you to Make a Tag. You don't have to use AiFactory images, but if you have some we would love to see them. There are also a few FREEBIES available in the store for you to use! This week I used one of the Chic Frames to make my Christmas Tag. I added the text in Photoshop before I printed it out and colored the tag with PrismaColor Markers. I added some ribbon, gold paint, poinsettias and a little bling to finish it off.

To play along and be eligible for this weeks prize please upload your card or project to Mr. Linky on the AiFactory Blog by next Monday at Midnight EST. What are you playing for...a set of Digi Papers. If you upload to an online gallery please use AIF015. For more inspiration, be sure and visit the rest of the fabulous Design Team:

Carole * De * Erin * Kerry * Lola * Fink

Thanks for stopping by,

SSDS Week 18 ~ Color Challenge

Happy Saturday everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend so far. No big plans here...hoping to finish putting up the Christmas decorations and maybe get in a little shopping!

It is time for another awesome challenge from Stamp, Scrap & Doodle Saturday! This week we have a FUN color challenge for you ~ Pink, Purple and Green!

I have been wanting to ink up this sentiment stamp from DRS Designs for weeks. I used Memento Tuxedo ink to stamp the "Hello" sentiment onto notebook paper and used the notebook paper edge punch. I promise the background paper is really purple. I have no idea why my camera always makes purple look blue (any suggestions?).

To join in on the fun and be eligible for this weeks fabulous prize and check out all the fabulous creations from the Design Team. Head over to the SSDS blog and link your creation to Mr. Linky by 10:00 pm (EST) Friday evening.

Thanks for stopping by,

TCC ~ 12 Hops of Christmas (December Release Blog Hop)

"On the 3rd hop of Christmas TCC gave to me... 3 Jingle Bells"

Hi all! Welcome to The Character Cafe 12 Hops of Christmas. If you came to me from the super talented Diane then you are on the right track. If not, you'll want to head over to the store and start at the beginning.

The Character Cafe is releasing 12 images this month and in the spirit of Christmas they are also offering an amazing Blog Candy based on 12 Days of Christmas song. Each DT member is featuring a new release and a piece of the Blog Candy. You will have to hop along to everyone to see all the images and all the awesome prizes included in the Blog Candy!

My image is called "The Seranade" and this little critter is called a Chibitude. Isn't he just adorable? The DSP on my card is from My Mind's Eye and is only available through {ippity}. I thought this sentiment from the Unity November store kit was just perfect for the image. I will be picking someone from my comments to win this cute Chibi!!

Here are a few deets for the Fabulous Blog Candy (includes a Copic Airbrush System)....

•Leave a comment on all the blogs along the way
•Let us know your favorite image at the end of the hop (1 entry)
•Become a follower (if you're already a follower, state that in your comment for your entry ~ 1 entry)
•Post about our blog hop and candy on your blog, or your favorite forum (5 entries)
•Refer someone (have them tell us you referred them in comment section ~ 1 entry per referral)
•Post your creation using the FREEBIE digi (located at Character Cafe) on your blog or gallery (5 entries)

Now hop on over to see what the amazing Kelly & Kendra have for you....

Paper Maniac ~ Gift Card Holder using Altered Tin

Hello everyone! This week is just flying by...Christmas will be here before we know it! The Paper Maniac DT is continuing to provide daily posts on the Paper Maniac Blog filled with tons of holiday decor and gift ideas.

Today, I am sharing a gift card holder made with an altered tin. The tin I used orginally held felt flowers from Stampin' Up! I covered the tin inside and out with Cosmo Cricket ~ Jolly by Golly DSP. I used pink cardstock to create a band to go around the tin and used a white satin ribbon on top of the band. The adaorable elf is a digi stamp from KLM Designs. I colored her with PrismaColor Markers and used the circle and scallop nestabilities to cut around the image.

I will eventually add a sentiment or maybe a poem of some kind to the inside lid, but I will add that later when I know who the receipient will be.

Here are some updates on all the happenings going on at the store:

~ Unity singles: We have broken up the remaining retail store kits and will be selling the stamps as singles or pairs. Now is the time to grab the Ferris wheel from August or the lamp from September if you didn't get the whole kit. There are very short quantities on some of these.
~ Many of last weeks sale items can still be had...these will gradually go back to regular price so grab them while you can.
~ 25% off all items in the Crafty Kids section
~ December Unity Store Kit ~ Sweet Affections is now available.

Also, don't forget to check out this weeks Paper Maniac Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by,

AiFactory #14 ~ Use Digital Paper

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am still trying to recover, my hubby's family was here from New Jersey and we were quite busy trying to cram everything we wanted to do into just a few days.

It is already Tuesday and that means it is time for another AiFactory Challenge. This week we are challenging you to Use Digital Paper. Don't own any Digital Paper? Then be sure and check out all the awesome Digital Papers in the AiFactory store. Even better, find the coupon code and receive 50% off your entire order til December 5th.This week I used the Simply Damask Digital Paper Collection to create my card. The sketch is from this weeks Mojo Monday Challenge and the sentiment is computer generated. I used nestabilities to cut the circles and the label.

To play along and be eligible for this weeks prize please upload your card or project to Mr. Linky on the AiFactory Blog by next Monday at Midnight EST. What are you playing for...a set of Digi Papers. If you upload to an online gallery please use AIF014. For more inspiration, be sure and visit the rest of the fabulous Design Team:

Carole * De * Erin * Kerry * Lola * Fink

Thanks for stopping by,

{ippity} Holiday Special!!

Hi all! Just wanted to drop a quick post to let you know about my current {ippity} Holiday Special ~ from now until December 15th @ Midnight EST, if you place an order for {ippity} through me I will put your name in a drawing for a $20 Unity Gift Certificate! Also, if you refer someone to me and they also place an order I will give you another entry into the drawing for the Unity Gift Certificate!! You can place your order and get all the details here!!

Please scroll down to see my other daily posts. Thanks :)

TCC Feature Friday ~ A Color Challenge

Happy Black Friday everyone! As you read this I am probably already out shopping! I just LOVE shopping on Black Friday. Me and my mon go every year and this year we are starting even earlier.

It is time for another challenge at The Character Cafe. It is my turn to host and I have a color challenge for you.
The colors on my card are PTI's Spring Moss, Spring Rain and Melon Berry. I used the Brady & Stacey Swingin' image and the DSP is Earth Love from Cosmo Cricket.

To join in on the fun and be eligible for this weeks fabulous prize and check out all the fabulous creations from the Design Team. Head over to the Cafe Blog and link your creation to Mr. Linky by 10:00pm (EST) Thursday evening.

Thanks for stopping by,


{Brady & Stacey Supplies}

Image: Brady & Stacey Swinging (TCC)

Paper: Spring Moss and Melon Berry CS (PTI), Earth Love DSP (Cosmo Cricket)

Accessories: Melon Berry Satin Ribbon and Buttons and Spring Moss and Spring Rain Buttons (PTI)

Paper Maniac ~ Flower Punch Ornament

Happy Wednesday everyone! Hope you are all ready for Thanksgiving and have a great time tomorrow. This week at Paper Maniac we are continuing with our daily Holiday inspiration. Today I am sharing another handmade ornament with you. This ornament was created with flower punches, a styrofoam ball and white pins.

First, I punched a large, medium and small flower out of Eskimo Kisses DSP. Then I layered the flowers and use a small pin to insert them into the styrofoam ball.Just Keep adding your layered flowers until you completely cover the styrofoam.

Be sure and stop by the store for a HUGE Black Friday Sale! Some of the awesome discounts include:

~ Unity singles: We have broken up the remaining retail store kits and will be selling the stamps as singles or pairs. Now is the time to grab the Ferris wheel from August or the lamp from September if you didn't get the whole kit. There are very short quantities on some of these.
~ All Robin's Nest Tear Drops are on sale for 40% off
~ Ribbon Grab Bags - $1.99 for your choice.
~ All 12" x 12" Bazzill cardstock is 25% off
~ And TONS more.....

Also, don't forget to check out this weeks Paper Maniac Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by,

AiFactory #13 ~ Go Challenge Crazy

Hi all! I hope you all are doing well. I'm crazy busy around here. Fortunately, we are going to my grandma's for Thanksgiving so I don't have to worry about cooking! My husband's family is coming in from out of state and will be staying with us for a few days so I am trying to get ready for that and most importantly I am trying to map out my Black Friday plan of attack...LOL!

It is Tuesday and that means it is time for another AiFactory Challenge. This week we are challenging you to GO Challenge Crazy ~ Use an AiFactory image and any other challenge(s) to complete your project. Don't own any AiFactory Images? Then be sure and check out the Freebies section. This week the Design Team is using "Singing Choir" image by Werner Designs. I cropped my image with the oval nestabilities and used PrismaColor Markers and Stickles to color it. Here is the list of Challenges I used for this card....

~ Allsorts 28 (Be Inspired by a Christmas Carol)
~ Kaboodle Doodles 18 (Buttons, Bows & Bling)
~ Sweet Sunday Sketch 45

To play along and be eligible for this weeks prize please upload your card or project to Mr. Linky on the AiFactory Blog by next Monday at Midnight EST. What are you playing for...One FREE month of Kit Club. If you upload to an online gallery please use AIF013. For more inspiration, be sure and visit the rest of the fabulous Design Team:

Carole * De * Erin * Kerry * Lola * Fink

Thanks for stopping by,


{Singing Christmas Carols Supplies}

Image: Singing Choir (AiFactory)

Paper: Pure Poppy CS (PTI), Jolly by Golly DSP (Cosmo Cricket)

Accessories: Pure Poppy Satin Ribbon and White Vintage Buttons (PTI), Nestabilities, Snowflake Punch

SSDS Week 16 ~ Flower Pot Pocket Cards

Hello everyone! Hope you are having a great weekend. We went to see New Moon last night and besides me picking the wrong theater when I ordered our tickets so we had to rush to the get there (LOL), it was awesome! A definite must see!

It is time for another awesome challenge from Stamp, Scrap & Doodle Saturday! This week we are making Flower Pot Pocket Cards. This are really easy and fun to make. You can find the tutorial to make one here.

For my flowers I used pink and brown felt flowers and added decorative brads to the centers. My flower pot is Sweet Blush CS (PTI) and I used the Martha Stewart lace border punch. The polka dot DSP is from Adorn It.

To join in on the fun and be eligible for this weeks fabulous prize and check out all the fabulous creations from the Design Team. Head over to the SSDS blog and link your creation to Mr. Linky by 10:00 pm (EST) Friday evening.


Thanks for stopping by,

Multi-Challenge Card with Pax Penguin

TGIF! It has been a long week and I am so ready for the weekend. We are going to see New Moon tonight and I can't wait. Thought about going to the midnight showing but decided to wait...not real big on crowded movie theaters. It will probably be just as crowded tonight but I am keeping my fingers crossed in hopes that it won't be as bad.

Today, I decided to use one of the new November digi releases from The Character Cafe. This is Pax Penguin ~ Isn't he just too cute? I printed him out on Select White CS and colored him with PrismaColor Markers and added a little bit of stickles to the snow and ice. I wanted to add a sentiment to the bottom right but couldn't find any I liked so I left it off til later.

I am entering this card in a few different challenges.....
- Friday Sketchers 79
- DU2DS Challenge 26 (Glitter)
- Cupcake Craft Challenge 66 (Digital Image)

Be sure and check out Feature Friday at the Character Cafe Blog. The challenge this week is a sketch challenge and the DT has some awesome inspiration to share with you.

Thanks for stopping by,


{Pax Penguin Supplies}

Digital Image: Pax Penguin (TCC)

Paper: New Leaf, Enchanted Evening and Select White CS (PTI), Jolly by Golly DSP (Cosmo Cricket)

Accesories: New Leaf Satin Ribbon, Bling, Felt Snowflake, Stickles

So Excited ~ New Moon Tomorrow!!

Hey all! Thank goodness the weekend is almost here. I can not wait to see New Moon tomorrow! Anyway, I just wanted to drop in real quick and share a pic of the tee I made for my daughter and her friend to wear to tomorrow.....

Thanks for stopping by,

Paper Maniac ~ Vintage Drop Ornament

Happy Wednesday everyone! Hope you are having a great week so far. This week at Paper Maniac we are continuing with our daily Holiday inspiration.

When I saw this Drop Ornament template by Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs, I knew it would be perfect for the Graphic 45 vintage papers available in the store. This is super easy to make ~ just print the template directly on the back of your designer paper then cut, score and fold! I decided to keep mine simple with just paper and satin ribbon, but this could be easily be embellished for any style.

In case you missed the newsletter here is quick update on this weeks happenings:

~ 15% off Wood Mounted Stamps
~ 15% off Basic Gray Card Kit (CARDS15)
~ Mark your calendars for a HUGE Black Friday Sale (11/24)


Also, don't forget to check out this weeks Paper Maniac Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by,

AiFactory #12 ~ Chipboard

Hi everyone! Hope everyone is doing well. It is time for another awesome challenge from AiFactory. This week the challenge is Chipboard ~ make anything you want as long as you use chipboard on it somewhere.

For my card, I am using one of the new Christmas images from Softpencil ~ Michu into Santa´s Bag. I printed the image on Select White CS and colored it with PrismaColor Markers. I used Metallic Gold on the bag and stars. I added stickles to the poinsettia and white puffed paint to the hat. The letters and star are chipboard thickers colored with a Metallic Gold PrismaColor Marker.

To play along and be eligible for this weeks prize please upload your card or project to Mr. Linky on the AiFactory Blog by next Monday at Midnight EST. You are not required to use AiFactory images but we do have quite a few freebies if you'd like to give them a try! What are you playing for...One FREE month of Kit Club. If you upload to an online gallery please use AIF012.

If you haven't already, be sure and check out the new AIF Kit Club! You can get all the details here! For more inspiration, be sure and visit the rest of the fabulous Design Team:

Mia (Owner) * Carole * De * Erin * Kerry * Lola * Fink

Thanks for stopping by,


{Joy Supplies}

Image: Michu Into Santa's Bag (AiFactory)

Paper: Select White and Pure Poppy CS (PTI)

Accessories: Pure Poppy Satin Ribbon, Chipboard Letters, Stickles, Puffed Paint, Embossing Folder