T.G.I.P.P.F.!

Hi all and happiest of Fridays to you! Did you catch our blog post title today? Yep. Thank Goodness It's Power Poppy Friday! Boy, do we have some fun to share with you! The Bloomies have been at it again and have a feast for your virtual eyes!

But first... there are some fun things that "sprouted" on the Power Poppy Blog this week and we want to make sure you didn't miss them!

If you didn't catch our Inspire Me Monday post that kicked off our week, here's a little teaser for you! The oh-so-talented Nancy Sheads not only showed us how she colored up this springtime beauty below but gave us a video and a color map so that we can give this a try in our own stamping spaces! You'll have to click HERE to check out her masterful work!

And, if you love a good sketch challenge every now and then, you won't want to miss our Creative Confetti for this week! It's a fun little layout and it's one we want to see YOUR take on! Check it out!

And then click HERE for all the deets!

So, with a road map to coloring and a sketch to give a try, it's the perfect mix of creativity to get you on your way for a colorful weekend, don't you think? But wait, there's more!

Some of these creations were done this week, some were done last but all deserve their time in the spotlight here on the Power Poppy Blog! So, be sure to hop, skip and jump on over to these fine ladies' blogs!

Ally Cope 
Broni Holcombe
Leslie Miller
Barbara Campbell
Nancy Sheads

Thanks for stopping by! We hope you have a beautiful weekend and we'll be back on Monday with some fun things to inspire you as you jump start your week. So swing back!

Until then!
~Julie 

It's Friday! Ready for some Good Vibes?

Hello Power Poppy Peeps! It's been a while since we've ushered in a Friday with some Good Vibes but since we are officially 12 days until Christmas, isn't today a grand day to share some heart-warming tidbits?  We think so! So... grab a cuppa joe (or your favorite warm winter beverage), settle in and take a gander at some goodness!


First Up.... The Bloomies and Instant Gardeners have been prolific with their Christmas creations lately! You can almost see the paper fly and those fingers get inky! There were some goodies shared this past week that I thought I'd re-cue, just in case you missed them!

Broni created this delightful snow guy in soft and sweet colors using Power Poppy's Twinkling-Eyed Snowman, a new digital stamp set.

Barb went a little dreamy with these darling chickadees and that super fun backdrop that looks like snow. I just love that! She used Power Poppy's new digital stamp set My Little Chickadee and worked some digital magic to flip the orientation a bit.

And Gloria packed a visual punch with this vibrant coloring using Power Poppy's Forest Finds digital stamp set! 

So, if you still need to make a few cards as Christmas creeps closer, I hope this trio gives you just the right kind of inspiration to get creating!

So, if those are three good vibes, this fourth vibe might just make you squeal! Did you read about the new addition on Marcella's IG or Facebook? Okay, wait for it....

MEET RUDY! The Power Poppy Vice Pup in Chief! 

Can you even stand it? I mean, look at that face? He is so freakin' adorable!Marce inherited this little bundle after one of Doug's uncles couldn't care for the little guy. So, they stepped in and adopted him.

And, we all know you know Mr. Tibbs. Wait until you see the two Power Pups together! Sigh... it's just too much!

With those eyes looking back at me, I honestly have no idea how Marcy gets anything done during the day. I would just want to play with those guys day in and day out! They say looking at pictures of puppies increases your endorphins -- you know, those super hormones that deliver happiness? So.... you're welcome! ;-)

And moving on to our last good vibe for the day! I thought, if you still needed a great recipe for that cookie exchange you still need to bake for, never fear! I just might have one for you! Check out this little bit of delish!

These Spritz Cookies are my go-to! they are kind of like a little shortbread base with cream cheese frosting and a bit of crushed candy canes. They are delish! So, I thought I'd share the recipe!


SPRITZ COOKIES

~makes 42 cookies

1 c. butter
¾ c. sugar
1 egg
2 t. almond extract
2-1/4 c. sifted all-purpose flour
¼ t. salt
½ t. baking powder

DIRECTIONS: Cream butter until soft. Add sugar gradually, continuing to cream until light and fluffy. Add egg and almond extract; beat. Sift flour, salt, and baking powder together, add gradually in three stages, beating well after each addition. Chill dough 10 minutes. Make into rolled balls, then pat into the desired shape. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in an oven preheated at 400 degrees F. Add cream cheese or sour cream frosting and top with crushed candy canes.

So, with all that sweetness....

It's time to hop on over to these fine ladies to see what they've whipped up for you this week!

Allison Cope

Julie Koerber

Stacy Morgan

Nancy Sheads

On that creative high note, we hope you have an amazing, creative and festive weekend! Be sure to tune back in to the Power Poppy blog on Monday when Gloria Stengel will be in the house sharing some tidbits on how to combine digital images. I saw some snippets of her work in progress and my jaw dropped. I actually said, "Now, why didn't I think of that??" This is one Inspire Me Monday you won't want to miss!

Until then, happy stamping!
~Julie 

Time for some Good Vibes!

Hello all and happy Friday! Being that all of us could use a little jolt of happiness, never fear, I'm here to share some! We've scoured the world wide web in search of good vibes and so... here's our top picks for this week! 

GOOD VIBE HIT LIST! 

Let's take our little list clockwise starting with that adorable Corgi at the top!

1. Corgi Christmas: This image has been on the net for a while but because some of you are gearing up for holiday card making already, I really thought this one was worth putting in the spotlight. Marcy shared this creation, I believe, in one of her newsletters, so ICYMI, I share! If you want to see Marcy's illustration, click HERE. And then, set your sights on how Catherine Anderson adapted and drew in pieces of this amazing and heartwarming scene. I am in awe every time I look at it!

2. Fall Feels: I had to spotlight this beauty in all autumnal colors. I love the gerbera daisies colored up by Dedra Wolff, the die used to add a little interest and that fun pop of color added by the die cut sentiment. This card packs some visual punch! (Dedra used Power Poppy's stamp Big Sexy Blooms)

3. Mushroom Huntin'! As we speak, Ms. Marcella is out exploring to the hilt in the hills of Colorado! Because this summer has all about just living with zest to the max for Marce, I just had to share this one of her on the trails looking for native mushrooms. That woman. I just love, love, love how she sees the beauty, every day, in all things big and small.

4. Seaside Sweetness! The easy-breezy vibe of this card using Power Poppy's Seaside Sweetness stamp just made me sigh. It might be because my family took a vacation to the beach a few weeks ago and man, I miss it already. So, I look at this beauty by sunnysummercards and just breathe it in, pretending I can still hear the ocean waves crashing to the shore.... just lovely!

5. Autumnal Treasure: Saskia Van Den Berk stole my heart with this colored up beauty showcasing Power Poppy's Autumn Opulence. Her no-line coloring is downright dreamy. If you've never seen her work, her IG is one to scroll and enjoy! Just click HERE to see some of her other Power Poppy work -- It. Is. Incredible!

The Bloomies have been at it again and are here to share a little of their Power Poppy goodness! So, be sure to jump on over to their blogs to see for yourself!

Allison Cope

Christine Okken

Julie Koerber

Stacy Morgan

Thanks everyone for stopping by! Jessie Banks will be in the house on Monday to share some tips and tricks with all of us for Inspire Me Monday! So swing on back to see what she's got cookin'! And... enjoy your weekend!

Until next time!

~Julie 

Start your holiday weekend with some GOOD VIBES!

Hello sweet peeps! For those in the States, did you have a star-spangled day yesterday full of fun and a few fireworks too? Well, we are continuing the party today with a few more reasons to celebrate! We have a giveaway to get in on, a sale you'll not want to miss and a few fun little goodies to spare!

SO LET'S GET TO IT, SHALL WE? 

GOOD VIBE #1: A chance at a fabulous giveaway! Just click HERE for the Power Poppy and Ellen Hutson blog hop link list. To enter for a chance to win, make sure to leave comments at each stop along the hop. Two random & lucky commenters will win! Comment before Sunday, July 7th at 11:59pm PST and the winners will be notified by email!

GOOD VIBE #2: A lesson in light! Okay, take a peek at that above. Seriously. It knocked my star-spangled socks off. Look at how amazingly light reflective Amy Shulke's creation is using Power Poppy's Cuppa Cupcake! The good news for all of us is that she is hosting a live class where she ditches the Copic markers and picks up her Prismacolor pencils. She's showing us all how to add that drama and intensity on dark papers! Sigh... I think it's pretty amazing. AND... fun tip! Amy will be in the house for Inspire Me Monday next week to share some more tips!

GOOD VIBE #3 It's Christmas in July! That's right, stock up now for this year's Christmas cards and take THIRTY PERCENT OFF using the code JOLLYJULY. Yes, my friends, that's a good vibe indeed! Just click HERE for all things holiday!

GOOD VIBE #4  It's a new month, which means a whole new crop of Creative Confetti Challenges! And the one we just kicked off last Tuesday is about as fun and easy as it gets! Seen as we had 6 days of sneaky peeks for Power Poppy's new Enchanted Garden release, the challenge was to take a hop through release week,visit the designers and use one of their cards or techniques to inspire you! The card above is the snippet of how I was inspired this week! You'll have to take a trip HERE to see the rest of the card! ;-) So, play along and then link up your creation HERE!

GOOD VIBE #5 Take a look at that 1972 Beauville Beauty in Blue in all its quilted velour glory!  Marce and her hubby Doug picked it up this past week and promise that it's going to be a hot spot for some rad road trips! Not only is this family fun-mobile a sight to be seen, those smiles are pretty classic too! Can't wait to see this baby blue beast on Marcy's Instagram feed, showing off some of the adventures she and the fam takes! I just love this so much.... 

And that, my friends, is it! Thanks so much for stopping by! Normally, we have a link list showing off some of the Bloomies creations for the week but we are already chocked full of inspiration from them with our Enchanted Garden release! If you missed a day, be sure to scroll through the blog here and catch up! You won't be sorry you did!

Until next time!

~Julie 

A Handful of Good VIbes!

Hello sweet peeps! Are you ready for some good positive vibes to get your weekend off to a rockin' great start? Well, good! Because I am here as your happy hostess to share just some of what Ms. Marce and I think are some pretty good vibes!

Let's get it started... shall we?

THE GOOD VIBE 5 HIT LIST! 

1. Believe the Hype! A little less than 2 weeks ago Power Poppy released a lush bunch of blossoms with such a happy vibe! Did you see Hydrangea Hype? Amy Shulke had THIS amazing class using the blooms. And, our own Rhea did a fun little step out on her Facebook feed HERE! You'll have to scroll down and check the comments on the post so that you can see each one of her step out photos showing how she colored up this image above! 

2. The Countdown is ON! Be sure to tune in tomorrow here on the ole Power Poppy Blog because some of the Instant Gardeners will be in the house showing off a couple of Power Poppy's latest digital sensations! That's all I am going to say about that for now! ;-) 

3. Three Minute Tutorial. You have three minutes, right? Well, if you said "Yes," you are going to have to cue up Ally Cope's tutorial HERE on how to layer die cuts. She uses a tool that was all the rage a few years ago and one many of us forgot we had to create some quick, easy and BEAUTIFUL cards. That girl, I swear. She has some SKILLS! 

4. Birds In Bloom! The clock is ticking to sign up for this jaw dropping Kit & Clowder online class featuring some stunning Marcella Hawley illustrations. Today is the last day to sign up so, click on over HERE and see what this beauty is all about! Definitely a dreamy vibe for sure!  

5.  Grab Those Coloring Supplies! Tomorrow's the big day folks. It's time for another one of Kathy Racoosin's 30 Day Coloring Challenges! It's a time when we dust off the markers, pencils and paints and take a little time each day just to breathe in a little creativity. Click HERE to read all about it... and get inspired! 

If you need a few more good vibes, and really, who doesn't? All you need to do is hit up these ladies (myself included) to see what fun things we've been working on... for you!

Christine Okken

Julie Koerber

Thanks for stopping by! We'll be back tomorrow with more creative bits of fun to share!

~Julie 

Pop Open some Good Vibes... just in time for the weekend!

Hello folks! Sorry to keep these good vibes bottled up a little longer than normal but you know what? I think they are kind of like a fine wine and you'll see, they were definitely worth the wait! They are now ready to sip and savor! ;-) We have so many fun little tidbits, I am sure at least ONE of them will make you smile! Get ready for rapid fire good vibes!

ARE YOU READY TO SEE WHAT WE'VE ROUNDED UP, JUST FOR YOU? 

GOOD VIBE 1: Check out these bodacious blossoms handpicked from Marcella's own garden or as she lovingly calls it "the terrarium!" They don't even look real, do they? I see maybe a future "from the garden," stamp set with these blossoms serving as a bit of inspiration! Maybe we can all bug her to draw these beauties!

Good Vibe 2: Squuuuuuueeeeee! Yes, you most likely heard me squeal all the way from Montana! This little snapshot is just one itty bitty sneaky peek at what is coming to life in Marcella's sketchbook! Stay tuned. She has such a fun clear stamp set release planned for the latter part of June. That's when you'll see this little guy above in his full glory!

Good Vibe 3: Speaking of Ms. Marcella.... did you know she went across the pond in the last few days? Yes! She is overseas visiting with friends on her way to a Norwegian cruise and will be likely updating all of us on social media of her incredible adventures! (Here she is above tiptoeing through the foliage at Kensington Gardens with her friend Holly!) Don't you just love that smile? Ahhh.... I do!

Good Vibe 4: Gahhhhh!!!! Did your jaw drop when you saw this beauty above? Well, I know I must sound like a broken record but that Amy Shulke of Vanilla Arts has mad skills when it comes to bringing Power Poppy goodness to colorful life! Check out what she did with the soon-to-be-released illustration called "Hydrangea Hype!" Check back here June 5th to see more from this set! Oh. My. Goodness! Aren't you just in love? You can click on over HERE for all the deets on how to get in on this coloring sesh with Amy! 

Good Vibe 5: Are you looking at the image above and wishing that you could do the 7th Inning Stretch and sing a little "Take Me Out to the Ballgame?" I do! I think, in fact, this little image above is PERFECT for the men in our lives! The Power Poppy set Play Ball used to be only available in a clear stamp set but thanks to Marcella's creative pen, she's made it a digital download set with brand new sentiments fit for dads of all kind! Woot-Woot! Click HERE to see the set Baseball Vignette for yourself!

But wait! We have at least a few more good vibes for you all! 

Stop by to see these fine ladies! You won't be sorry you did! ;-)

Christine Okken

Stacy Morgan

And just to let you in on a little secret! We have a brand new guest designer joining us for a little Inspire Me Monday fun! I got a sneaky peek of her project and I mean to tell you -- it is drop, dead, gorgeous! She will share some tips on using multiple digital stamp sets to create one, mind-blowing project! So, swing on back to see what we have up our creative sleeves!

Thanks for sharing a bit of your day with us!
~Julie 

Good Vibes and Sneak Peeks...

Hi there, friends! Hope you’re ready for a weekend of spring flowers unfurling at every turn — that’s how it feels in my garden right now at least. I wish you all could come by for a tour. I had a wonderful visit with a special customer and friend, Jo Ann Danchik, when she was in town last week. I think it’s safe to say that we left our gathering filled to the brim with good vibes. 

Good Vibe 1. Go Outside for Instant Inspiration 
There is way too much beauty bursting out every day of spring — soak up the gifts of nature to inspire your next creation. For photos of my garden, visit me on Instagram @marcellahawley

Good Vibe 2. Join Our Sketch Challenge 
Julie Koerber is enticing us to create a card using the cutest sketch — it’s simple to put together and look at the results! Join us today and you might win $25 to spend at Power Poppy. 
Stamp used: Sunset Sway digital.

Good Vibe 3. Sneak Peek

I’ve been drawing, drawing, drawing my friends, and the fruits of this terrific toiling will soon be available in digital format... and in our upcoming clear stamp release as well. Keep your eyes peeled for a humming good time with flowers galore!

Good Vibe 4. Under Glass Arriving in Digital 
On May 5th we’ll have FIVE new images to share in our digital download department. The illustrations from my Under Glass clear stamps will be available both with and without the glass cloche, with a new sentiment pairing for each. Collect ’em all.

Good Vibe 5. Bring Out the Color and Pattern 

This past Monday, we honored what would have been my mom, Susan’s 75th birthday. I had to share this photo of her taken in graduate school (she got her Master’s degree in painting) — and while her abstract artwork is super cool and was cutting edge at the time — it is her pants that steal the show. Let’s all channel a little Susan Heard Smith by wearing something colorful this weekend, eh?

Good Vibe 6. A Sunshine-y Card to Life Your Spirits

Allison Cope has been very busy creating all week long — and that woman came up with the neatest composition using our Chrysanthemum XL clear stamp. Come take a look and leave Ally some love. 

Thanks for stopping by today, friends. Wishing you a totally awesome weekend!

A Joyous Easter to You

Fresh-picked Daffodils, Muscari, and Bluebells from my garden, atop one of my most favorite Easter books by Jan Brett.

Hello friends,

I want to extend a blessed Good Friday and the most Joyful Easter wishes to one and all. 

----------

Before your celebrations, be sure to run around and see the latest creations from the designers of the Bloom Brigade, who have been busy making cards for birthdays and anniversaries this week!

Katie Sims

Christine Okken

Sending my best to you on this meaning-filled weekend. For now, I’d better get back to the drawing board... I am working on a few things that are soooooo cool that just MIGHT be a part of an upcoming class for Kit and Clowder. 

A Few (or Five) Good Vibes for your Weekend!

Hello Power Poppy Fans and..... HAPPY FRIDAY! We hope that your week is ending on a creative high note and we hope those creative juices of yours are already starting to bubble ahead of any cardmaking marathon you might have planned! But, if you are suffering from a bit of an inspirational draught, don't worry! We've scoured the world wide web for just the right bits of ingenuity to pique your interest and spark a little inspiration!

LET'S GET TO THE GOOD VIBE HIT LIST! 

1. A Cut Above! A couple of weeks ago for our Creative Confetti Challenge, we dug out an old tutorial from Dina Kowal with a quilted flair -- challenging you to simply stamp, color, cut and reassemble! Click HERE to see the challenge and then head HERE to see Barbara Campbell's amazing take on this challenge! With those lush cherry blossoms and BEAUTIFUL layout, definitely a good vibe!

2. Bit of Sunshine Today's the day my friends! Amy Shulke is at it again, coloring up some Power Poppy goodness and this time, she chose the Saucer Magnolia image to work her magic. She's giving her tips and tricks on really bringing out the best in the color pink! Oh my! Want in on the class? It starts at 11 EST today. But, don't worry! The class will be available for the next few months on her sight to cue up and learn as you go! Click HERE to check it all out!

3. Perky Poppies I'll admit it. Every now and then I get sucked into the social media wormhole, looking for inspiration. I stumbled upon this birthday beauty by Hannelie Bester. If you take a trip over to her Instagram, she has quite a Power Poppy creations that had me smitten!

4. Spring to Life! Well folks, you watched it HERE when the ground over at Ms. Marcella's place was being prepped for the world of a thousand bulbs. Winter came and they just sat there waiting to make their grand appearance and now HERE they are! You'll have to click on over to see this fine woman in her glory, watching these beautiful little petals make their way around her charming abode!

5. Coloring Up Easter With this beautiful holiday just nine days away, now is the time to get crack-a-lacking (with or without the egg) on some creative wishes! Check out this lovely by Sarah a.k.a. craftyratuk using Power Poppy's Vintage Easter Egg Digi. Love the bold color and the splash of sequins Sarah!

And.... if I could include a sixth good vibe, it would be to stay tuned because Ms. Marcella will be sharing the Power Poppy Spring Stamp Steal Who doesn't love a bargain on some beautiful polymer and digital blossoms? 

With that little taste of wonderful thrown before you, I have a little bit more! A few of the Bloomies are on standby, ready to share the beautiful things they've worked on this week to brighten your day!

Christine Okken
Kathy Jones

Thanks for stopping by to get a little jolt of creative inspiration. If you do create and want to share, just leave a link in the comments below or be sure to tag us on social media #powerpoppy!

Until next time...
~Julie