A Paper Romance Colour Challenge

Time for another Paper Romance Challenge! Your hostess is the Amazing Andrea, and she has a fantastic colour challenge for you: Chocolate, Teal and White! Hmmm...wonder if Andrea knows that she picked one my all time FAVOURITE colour combos?!!

This stamp is yet another new release from the High Hopes Melissa Jenkins line. It's called "Puppy Love Frame"...how cute is that little dog?? I just love the style of High Hope's newest artist! That little panel of teal design paper with the brown and green branches is the last scrap of some WRMK paper that I LOVE. I'm kicking myself for not picking up several sheets when I bought it. (I've since learned my lesson, and pick up at least two sheets when I see a paper I fall in love with.) It was just perfect for Andrea's colour challenge though, and I paired it up with some fun polka-dotted paper from October Afternoon.

We'd love to have you join us in Andrea's colour challenge this week! Amy always offers up a great prize from Paper Romance, so head on over to the Challenge Blog to see the projects that the very talented design team made! (they are STUNNING!!) Then, you can link up your project for the chance to win!

Did you know that Amy has all the newest High Hopes Stamps in stock at Paper Romance?? She also has many other stamps in stock including older High Hopes stamps, Popcorn the Bear, Cute Companions, Your Next Stamp and Bildmalarna. Grab yourself a tea or coffee and head on over to Paper Romance to do some crafty shopping!

Have a wonderful day, and thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamp: High Hopes "Puppy Love Frame"

Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, WRMK, October Afternoon

Ink: Memento, Copics

Embellishments: Crochet Trim

Tools: Martha Stewart border punch

Stitching it up at Paper Romance

(This is one of two posts....the Kraftin' Kimmie June Previews start today! Check back for that post at 7:00 am EST!)

Time for another challenge over at Paper Romance, and this week your hostess is the lovely Cindy Haffner. She would like to see some STITCHING on your project. I have to admit that I was thrilled when I saw this challenge as I LOVE to use stitching on my cards. Your stitching can be done by hand or by machine...or it could even be faux stitching!

I pulled out another High Hopes stamp for this week's challenge. This is "Hangin' Around", one of the newest Dustin Pike images. Now, the actual image is not exactly as it appears on my card. I altered it slightly. This little frog makes me smile...I love how he's just hanging out on the bull reed. He strikes me a chap with personality plus, who is perhaps inclined to do things a little differently from the other frogs. We all know somebody like that, right? Who likes to march to the beat of his/her own drum? lol I decided that he should be celebrating his birthday, and enjoying every minute of it! So, I pulled out one of the High Hopes accessory stamps "Party Hat Two" and plunked it on Mr. Froggy's head...voila! He's all ready to PARTY! I did cut the trim off the party hat so that it fit his head a little better, although, it's still a bit too big...but I think it adds charm! I also drew in the bank with grass, extra reeds and a rock. The sentiment is my own, printed on the computer. It reads: "It's your birthday. Go ahead...get a little crazy!"

We'd love to have you join us for this week's Paper Romance Challenge! Amy always offers up a fantastic prize from her online store to one randomly selected participant. Hop on over to the Paper Romance Challenge Blog for some inspiration from Amy's very talented DT. You can link up your project there...we can't wait to see what you stitch up!

Amy has a TON of great stamps in stock including all the new High Hopes release by artists Dustin Pike and Melissa Jenkins. Amy will also do custom High Hopes order, so don't despair if she does not have the exact stamp you are looking for...she can always order it in for you! Paper Romance is your one-stop shop with several popular stamp lines, inks, paper, envelopes, adhesives, embellishments...so many fantastic products!

Hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: High Hopes "Hangin' Around", sentiment by Melanie :)

Ink: Memento, Copics, Distress Ink Bundled Sage, Copic multiliner

Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, Fancy Pants, October Afternoon

Bradley Bear

Can you believe it is almost the end of March already? My goodness, where does the time go? The end of this month also brings about the end of my guest term with High Hopes Stamps. The last three months have been so much fun, and I have been so very blessed to work alongside the amazingly talented Divas! I would like to say a big thank you to Tina, Bethany and Nikki for having me on the team! I also need to say thank you to my friend Amy who helped ignite my passion for the High Hopes company! I have loved this company since I first began stamping, so when Nikki originally contacted me about a guest term, I was just thrilled! While I will miss working with the Divas to bring you the weekly challenges, I still plan to keep my High Hopes stamps inky!! I look forward to seeing who the new guest Divas are...I'm sure they will be amazing! Our challenge this week is brought to you by the talented Nikki and is called "Little Gem". Nikki would like to see you use gems, pearls or beads on your project this week.

For my last guest Diva project, I pulled out one of the Dustin Pike images called "Bubble Bath Bradley". I used my Copic markers to create a furry look for Bradley. I coated the bubbles with Stickles and used some pearls for the larger bubbles. The bar of soap was coated with Glossy Accents, although that never seems to show up in pictures! I randomly adhered clear Dew Drops, hoping they would look like extra bubbles. The rhinestone trim was a dollar store treasure. I also used the sentiment "Filled with Bubbles".



I sponged in some Distress Inks while the image was still in the Spellbinders die.



Time to pull out your High Hopes stamps and your collection of "gems"! There is yet another fantastic prize up for grabs, so don't miss your chance to win! (Remember, it's mandatory to use a High Hopes image to be eligible for the weekly prize) Just link up your project on the High Hopes Challenge blog! You will also find pictures of the amazing projects by the Divas to inspire you for this week!

Once again, I want to express my gratitude to the High Hopes group for having me as a part of your team this past term! You were all so very welcoming, and I enjoyed every moment!

Have a blessed Sunday,

Melanie

Stamps: High Hopes Stamps "Bubble Bath Bradley" and "Filled with Bubbles"
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers, Antique Linen and Tea Dye Distress Inks
Paper: Bazzill, Neenah, DCWV
Embellishments: Clear Dew Drops, Flat-backed adhesive pearls, Star Dust Stickles, Glossy Accents, dollar store rhinestone trim
Tools: Spellbinders Circles and Scalloped Circles

Easter Bunnies come in all shapes and sizes...don't they??

Wow...our weather here changed from 20 degrees and sunny to 3 degrees and cold overnight!! Yesterday was so chilly. Today though, we are supposed to have a bit of sun to cheer things up, so I'm hoping things are a little warmer. Signs of spring are all around though...our tree is even budding!

Today at High Hopes, your hostess is the wonderfully talented Lacey, and she has called her challenge "Hoppy Easter"...this can be a spring theme, Easter theme or have anything that "hops" on it. Remember to use a High Hopes image, link it up on the High Hopes Blog and you just may be the lucky winner this week of a brand new High Hopes stamp!

I decided to use a stamp that wouldn't typically be used for an Easter theme. I pulled out "Watson" and decided to add some cute bunny ears to him. Now, Amy brought it to my attention that High Hopes has a Bunny Ears stamp, which I gladly would have used if it was part of my collection! lol These however, are just hand drawn in (with a Copic multiliner). I figure Watson would have a big advantage over most of us on an Easter Egg hunt with that terrific sniffer!! I'd pick him for my team...as long as he didn't lick the candy first. ewww. lol

The sentiment was just made with some rub-ons I picked up at the dollar store. Actually, the Easter Egg ribbon is also a dollar store find!

I hope you have a wonderful Sunday, and I know the Divas are "eggcited" (lol...sorry, BAD pun!!) to see what you create this week. "Hop" (again with the puns!) on over to the High Hopes blog for some inspiration from the Divas!!

Blessings,

Melanie

(ps...If you are in the area of Petrolia, Ontario next Saturday why not join me at a fundraising event! I'll be there doing a Copic demonstration. If you are interested you can find the details here, at the end of the post.)

Stamps: High Hopes "Watson"
Ink: Memento, Copic markers
Paper: Bristol, SU, DCWV
Tools: Spellbinders Scalloped Squares, MS border punch
Embellishments: Dollar store ribbon and rub-ons, Prima flowers, rhinestones

I Was Double-Dared!!

(This is my second post for today! If you are looking for the Kraftin' Kimmie March Release Blog Hop, just scroll down or click here!!)

Good morning stampers! Sundays, of course, always bring a new challenge on the High Hopes Blog!! My pal Amy L. is our hostess this week, and she has asked us to create something with "Flutterby's". Now, there was some discussion on our group about what falls under the definition of a "flutterby". Amy cleared things right up, and basically said we could use anything with wings. Well, for those of you who know me, you are aware that I can be a little, well, let's just say "silly" at times. I jokingly asked that if I created a flying monkey, would it count as a flutterby?? Well, Lacey and Jeanette hopped right on that and double -dared me to do it. So, you are about to see the result of that dare! I just wanted to prepare you...because this is a little different!! (oh...and I think Lacey jumped on board too, and posted a flying monkey card...we even used the same monkey stamp! lol)

So, that night I spent quite a bit of time lying awake trying to figure out what to do with this challenge. Well, I came up with the idea of a monkey disguising himself as a bird in order to sneak into their exclusive bird bath! Yeah, I know...it's a little crazy!! But hey, normal is boring folks! (just humour me, ok??...please??!!)

Now, I had to use High Hopes stamps of course!! I also wanted to honour Amy's challenge topic by sort of sticking to her original idea of a "Flutterby". So, I pulled out "Burt's Bath" and "Mike on a Vine". I stamped my images, but only inked up part of each. Obviously, poor Burt was eliminated from the final product...sorry Burt, nothing personal!! The bird bath was stamped directly on the Neenah paper. Mike was stamped separately, and removed from his vine. Mike's one arm was cut apart from his body, and re-attached at a different angle (to hold the hand-drawn brush). I cut around the bubbles and the rim of the birdbath to slip Mike in. I also drew some wings and adhered them to Mike's back. I drew some straps over his shoulders to "attach" the wings to.

I also decided to draw in some birdies who are not very happy about a monkey invading their bird bath! Oh...and I also added in a bottle of "Lot's 'O Bubbles" (again, my own drawing), which have completely overflowed from the bath onto the poor little birdies' heads! The bubbles were all given a coat of Stickles. I just couldn't resist using this Sentiment from High Hopes newest release..."It seemed like a good idea at the time!"...lol!!

So, what do you think?? I giggled the whole way through this card! I hope both Lacey and Jeanette are pleased!! Now, it's my turn to think up a dare...look out ladies!! If nothing else, this card will perhaps show you that stamps are not always limited to just one purpose!! Creative masking and trimming can open up all sorts of possibilities!

Time to hop on over to the High Hopes blog to see what the other Divas have created. I hope you decide to play along this week (just remember to use a High Hopes stamp). Link up your creation on the challenge blog, and you just might be the winner of a High Hopes prize!

Have fun stampers!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: High Hopes Stamps "Burt's Bath", "Mike on a Vine" and "Good Idea" (the birds, brush and bubble bath bottle were all hand-drawn)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Summer Sky, Copic markers, Copic Multiliner

Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, Pink Paisley

Seeing Stars

(This is my second post for today! Make sure to check out the Kraftin' Kimmie Spring Tea Party Stamp Kit BLOG HOP by scrolling down, or just click here!)

Happy Sunday morning! The last couple of days have been just gorgeous in Southwestern Ontario! It's so nice to see the sun...I even had my windows open for a bit!

You know what today is! Time for a new challenge over at High Hopes!! Today, our hostess is the very talented Danielle and she has named her challenge "Seeing Stars". She would like to see you use stars on your project. This could be on the DP, buttons, "star dust"...whatever you choose!

I pulled out "Wingin' it Duck" and paired him up with this fun Bo Bunny paper with stars on it. I am always in the need of masculine cards, so I stayed away from anything "girly" on this one. Just a simple layout with a few buttons and distressed edges. I also used a High Hopes sentiment, "Open Happy Birthday".

I stamped my image on Neenah cardstock and coloured him with Copic markers. What a fun duck! You know, I can't remember the last time I attempted a cartwheel! I'm pretty sure the outcome would not be pretty if I tried right now. lol

Would you like a chance to win a High Hopes stamp?? Well, hop on over to the blog to see what the Divas have created for inspiration. Then, ink up a High Hopes image and make something "starry"! Link up your creation on the blog, and you'll have the chance to be this week's winner!

We can't wait to see what you've made!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: High Hopes Stamps,

Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, Bo Bunny

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Rich Cocoa, Copic markers

Embellishtments: Dollar store buttons

Tools: Spellbinders Circles and Scalloped Circles

Sandy Toes!

We have another fantastic colour/recipe challenge for you this week at High Hopes, brought to us by the fantastic Amy W!! She would like to see you use orange, brown and a circle on your creations this week! There are always terrific prizes up for grabs on the challenge blog, but you must use a High Hopes image to be eligible for the prize!

This week, I pulled out "Little Sand Architect" and this great summery sentiment called "Sandy Toes"! While I LOVE winter, I also understand that many people are just plain fed up with the snow. So, I thought I would make a card to cheer up those with the "winter blues"!! I love this image. Do you remember how much fun it was to make sandcastles? When having that sand between your toes was a good feeling?? lol I don't mind having dry sand between my toes...it's the wet clingy kind of sand that I don't enjoy! I distressed the edges of my papers and added some doodling around the borders. I also pulled out some metal corner pieces that I picked up at the Dollar store.

The image was stamped with Memento Ink on Neenah cardstock and coloured with Copic markers. I cut it out with my circle and scalloped circle Nestabilities.



If you do not yet own any High Hopes images, there are links to retailers on the blog. Several of our Divas also have online stores:

Amy Wegener - Stampin' Stuff based out of Australia
Nikki Fairbairn - Bunny Zoe's Crafts based out of the UK/Europe
Lacey Stephens - Stamp and Create based out of the US
Amy Leggate - Paper Romance based out of Canada

There are so many adorable images, and I know you will find something you love! The Divas are always excited to see what you've been busy making with your High Hopes stamps.

Our Diva Lacey has a special "challenge" posted on her blog here. You can also find a link to this challenge in my side bar. She knows a very special lady who is celebrating her 100th birthday very soon!! Can you image...100 years old! We would love to see her receive 100 cards for her birthday. Lacey is even offering up a prize for those who help her reach this goal! What a wonderful way to bless this special lady on a very special birthday.

God bless you all, and have a fantastic Sunday!

Melanie

Stamps: High Hopes Stamps "Little Sand Architect" and "Sandy Toes"

Paper: Neenah, Bazzill, Bo Bunny, My Mind's Eye

Ink: Memento, Copic markers

Embellishments: American Crafts Ribbon, Metal Corners from the Dollar Store

Tools: Spellbinders

Can You Feel It??

Good morning stampers! As part of my role as guest designer over at High Hopes, I was allowed to pick a challenge topic. I thought it would be fun to add some texture to your project this week! Texture can be added in so many ways! You can distress edges, add stitching, use different fibres or fabrics, emboss your papers or even create a faux texture! The possibilities are endless!

For my card this week, I used another image from the Dustin Pike new release. This is "Fast Eddie"! With Valentine's Day over, Easter is now fast approaching!! This image is just adorable, and obviously perfect for Easter! I stamped all images on Neenah paper with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and coloured with Copic markers.

How did I add texture to my card? For starters, I created a faux fur texture on Eddie with my Copic markers. I also added some Star Dust Stickles to the Easter Eggs in Eddie's basket. The bunny's fluffy tail was covered with Polar White Flower Soft. I snipped some green cardstock to create a "grass" effect, and then sponged it with a dark olive ink. The white layer was embossed with my Spots and Dots Cuttlebug folder.

The sentiment was created with rub ons and a wooden tag covered with cardstock. The ribbon was originally white. I coloured it with my BV02 Copic marker to match the purple cardstock.

Head on over to the High Hopes Blog to see what the Divas have made this week for inspiration! Then get busy making a project with a High Hopes image and link it up for your chance to win a fantastic High Hopes prize!

Melanie

Stamps: High Hopes "Fast Eddie"

Paper: Prism, SU, Beckett

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers

Embellishments: Polar White Flower Soft, Star Dust Stickles, wooden tag, rub on letters, ribbon

Tools: Cuttlebug Spots and Dots folder

A High Hopes Recipe!

(This is a two-post day on my blog!! After checking out my High Hopes post, please scroll down of click here for the Kraftin Kimmie February Blog Hop and Release!!)

Good morning...again! We have a long weekend here in Canada. Monday is Family Day, and I am really looking forward to the extra day off with the family!!

Today, though marks another new challenge at the High Hopes Stamps Blog! Our hostess this week is the fabulously talented Sirpa!! She has come up with a recipe for us to follow: 3 Design Papers, 3 Flowers and 3 Buttons! What a fun challenge...thanks Sirpa!

For my card, I pulled out some of the new Dustin Pike images! I stamped them on Neenah cardstock with Memento ink and coloured with my trusty Copic markers. I also added some Stardust Stickles to the shooting star. I chose to layer 3 flowers I made from the DP with Flower Creations Spellbinders. The stamped images are all pop-dotted for extra dimension.

So, time to hop over to the High Hopes Blog and check out the amazing examples by the DT! Then, get out your High Hopes stamps, follow the recipe and then link up your project. You could be the winner of a High Hopes prize this week!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: High Hopes Stamps Dusting Pike release

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers

Paper: Neenah, SU, DCWV

Embellishments: Buttons, Stardust Stickles

Tools: Flower Creations Spellbinders

Tubby Time

Good morning! Our challenge at High Hopes today is brought to us by the fabulously talented Karen!! She has called this challenge "WIRED"!! Karen would like you to use wire and/or metal on your project this week!

I pulled out this cute stamp called "Good Clean Fun". How cute are these little piggies in the tub? Now I have to admit that I found this challenge, well....challenging!! lol I had no idea how I would incorporate wire into a card...it's not a material I had ever thought to use! So I sat and stared at my stamp of choice, and decided it would be fun to give the little piggies a bit of privacy! I cut a piece of pre-gathered lace and added some metal grommets. Voila!! Instant shower curtain! I added two metal brads and strung the "shower curtain" on some white floral wire.

And when we open the shower curtain, we see:

I stamped "Good Clean Fun" on Neenah cardstock and coloured it with my Copic markers. I also added some Star Dust Stickles to the bubbles to help them look more iridescent. The little bar of soap was given a coat of Glossy Accents, and the water droplets were traced with a Spica pen.

So, what's your plan?? How will you use wire and/or metal embellishments on your card this week? The Divas cannot wait to see your creations! Hop on over to the High Hopes Blog for some inspiration from the rest of the Divas. When you are done, link up your project for the chance to win some High Hopes goodies! Just make sure to use a High Hopes image!!

I hope you all have a fantastic day!

Blessings!

Melanie

Stamps: High Hopes Stamps "Good Clean Fun" and sentiment "May your day be filled with more bubbles than troubles!"

Paper: Coordinations cardstock, Neenah, Bella Press

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Summer Sky, Copic markers.

Embellishments: Metal brads, Pre-gathered lace, metal gromets, floral wire, Star Dust Stickles, Glossy Accents

High Hopes Valentines

Good morning! Today's challenge at High Hopes is brought to us by the talented Michelle! She would like us to show some love with a Valentine's Day theme. At the High Hopes blog, you will find pictures of what the Divas have come up with this week. Let me tell you, these talented ladies have rocked this challenge!! You are sure to find inspiration there. You will also find details on the prize up for grabs this week. You MUST use a High Hopes image to be eligible for the prize. Now, if you do not yet own any of these fantastic stamps, there are links to retailers on the blog too!

For my card this week, I used one of the new Dustin Pike images. I used this image during our sneak peeks a couple of weeks back, but I thought I would pull out "Dragon Go Round" again, and show how it can be used for multiple occasions! I stamped the image on Neenah cardstock and then masked it before stamping it a second time. I added some "girly" eyelashes to one of the dragons, and coloured them up with Copic markers. Voila! We have a cute little dragon couple out for a romantic ride on a carousel! The sentiment is one I came up with, and printed off on my computer.

I love to stretch the possibilities of stamps! These images are so versatile.

I hope you find time to play along this week! Just link up your Valentine's creation featuring a High Hopes image on the blog for your chance to win!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: High Hopes "Dragon Go Round", my own sentiment

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers

Papers: SU cardstock, My Mind's Eye design papers

Embellishments: American Crafts ribbon, metal slider from the dollar store

Tools: Spellbinders Labels Eight

Really??...You Want Me to "Create a Scene"??!!

Lol...you know "creating a scene" isn't always a good thing to do...at least, that's what I usually tell my kids!! HOWEVER, it is a good thing this week at High Hopes! The fabulous Alex is challenging us to CREATE A SCENE using at least 3 different High Hopes images. I really love this challenge, so thanks Alex!

I decided to use one of the new release images (have you ordered your's yet???) with a few older stamps. This is "Birthday Fish" from the Dustin Pike release. This image makes me giggle...I find it so funny!! I have been wanting to do something special with it, and this challenge gave me that opportunity! I paired him up with "Findley" and "Gilbert".(all images were stamped on Neenah cardstock and coloured with Copic markers)

I chose to go with a recessed window card. this allowed me to create a 3-D scene. I drew the fish tank and covered it in acetate to create the "glass". The outline was cut out of cardstock. The pebbles are glass beads I picked up at the dollar store.

So, our little "Birthday Fish" decided to take the party to whole new level! We all know somebody like that right...somebody who marches to the beat of their own drum?? The sentiment is one I came up with myself...I was feeling a little cheeky! (lol...I wonder if my family thinks I'm that "one"??!!) Inside is a birthday sentiment (also my own), "It's your birthday...go a little crazy!":

Look how happy our little "Birthday Fish" is...so adorable!! I tried Jeanne's water technique on the balloon, and then coated it with Glossy Accents:

Hope you all find time to enter into the High Hopes Challenge. As always, there will be a free stamp offered as a prize! Remember, you must use High Hopes images to be eligible! The Divas have posted cards over at the blog to inspire you...and let me tell you, they are fantastic! So go take a peek!

What are you waiting for? How many times in life will you be given permission to "GO MAKE A SCENE"??!!

Melanie

Stamps: High Hopes "Birthday Fish", "Findley" and "Gilbert"

Paper: Neenah, DCWV, DP from my stash

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers

Embellishments: Dollar store glass beads

IT'S HIGH HOPES RELEASE DAY!!!

The candy is now closed. Check in at the High Hopes blog (link below) later today to see who the big winners are!! (Edited on January 23, 2010)

Today is the day you have been waiting for stampers!! It's release day for the Dustin Pike stamps at High Hopes Stamps!!! If you have been following the High Hopes Blog, you know that the Divas have been bringing you sneak peeks of the new stamps over the last few days. Well, today we are having a BLOG HOP to celebrate...and there are prizes to be won!! Want to know what you could win?? One lucky stamper will win the grand prize of an entire set of the new release!! There will also be three other winners chosen to win a stamp package!! That's FOUR prizes in all, so make sure to leave comments on each Diva's blog along the way!

If you arrived at my blog from the talented Karen's blog, then you are on the right track!! If not, the HOP starts over at the High Hopes Blog! You will find the order of the hop listed there!

Today, I am showing you a card featuring the stamp "Sir Dustin". This is one of my favourites from the new release!! I also used one of the brand new sentiments from this release..." I may look tough and on "attack", but it's good to know you've got my back!" One thing I always struggle with is making cute boy cards. I LOVE that this new release has many stamps that will be fantastic for making masculine cards!! Of course, they can always be "girlied" up too!!



Check out the look on the little knight's face!! Priceless! lol Not sure he's thrilled to have a dragon backing him up! These images are just so much fun to colour...and the quality of rubber is fantastic! You will have no problems achieving a nice sharp image. I stamped, as always, on Neenah cardstock and coloured with my Copic markers.

Have you picked out your favourites yet?? You still have several Divas to visit, and your next stop is the amazing Jeanette. She is sure to have something gorgeous for you to see! In case you get lost along the way, here's the order:

High Hopes Blog
Amy L
Danielle
Jeanne
Sirpa
Nikki
Karen
Melanie
Jeanette
Amy W
Lacey
Alex
Michelle

The candy will close Friday 22, 2010 at 8:00 pm EST, so make sure you leave those comments!! You could be the winner of one of the four fantastic prizes !!


So off you go!! You can check out the online catalogue over at High Hopes Stamps. There are links there and on the High Hopes Blog for retailers who will be carrying the new release(look for the little hippo on the right side of the page)!! Several of our Divas have online stores too...so no excuses!! Find a store nearby or get online and order yours now!! The sooner you order, the sooner you can be stamping!!

Have a blessed day!

Melanie

Stamps: High Hopes "Sir Dustin", "I may look tough and on attack, but it's good to know you've got my bakc!"
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers
Paper: Neenah, Basic Grey, Bazzill, (not sure of the company of the metallic cardstock)
Embellishments: Flat-backed rhinestones (Walmart)
Tools: Spellbinders Circles, Scalloped Circles, Fancy Tags

High Hopes Sneak Peeks Continue!!! (Day 3)

Have you all been enjoying the sneak peeks of the upcoming Dustin Pike release for HIGH HOPES STAMPS??!! If you missed out on Sunday or Monday's peeks, head over to the High Hopes Challenge Blog to find a list of participating Divas!! Your wait is almost over stampers!! The release happens TOMORROW...January 20, 2010!!! We are having a BLOG HOP tomorrow to celebrate the new release...and of course, there will be PRIZES!! But, I am getting ahead of myself! lol You will find another list at High Hopes for the Divas bringing you previews for today!!

Here's my sneak peek:

So, my card today features the stamp "Dragon Go Round", and one of the brand new sentiments from the release, "May Your Day Overflow With Fun". I am just in love with these adorable dragons by Dustin! I also LOVE horses, so this image was irresistible to me! I stamped the image on Neenah, and coloured it with Copic markers.

Make sure to check out all the sneak peeks today, and don't forget to check back with us tomorrow for the BLOG HOP!! Trust me, you DO NOT want to miss out! Check out THIS post at High Hopes for information on a PRIZE!

I hope you are excited about this release...I know I am!! The Divas have had so much fun playing with these images, and I know you will too! You can find links at High Hopes for retailers who will be carrying these new images! Several of the Divas have online stores too, so make sure to get an order in quickly as I'm sure these stamps will be flying off the shelves!!

See you tomorrow!!!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: High Hopes "Dragon Go Round", Sentiment "May your day overflow with fun!"

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers

Paper: Bazzill, Neenah, Daisy Buckets

Tools: Spellbinders Ovals, Scalloped Ovals, Ribbon Tag Trio

Embellishments: Ribbon (sorry, picked this up from a fabric store and I'm not sure of the company)

Aleins, dragons and stars....oh my!!!

Oh, I am SO EXCITED today!!! Not only do we have a brand new challenge over at High Hopes, but the Diva's cards are all featuring sneak peeks of the upcoming DUSTIN PIKE RELEASE!!! This is the kick off to the previews, with the release day being JANUARY 20, 2010!!! You won't want to miss out...we have a FANTASTIC BLOG HOP planned, and check out this post for details on how to WIN some of these brand new stamps!!

All the Divas have had an absolute blast colouring up these new images! Our challenge this week is brought to us by the fabulous Jeanne! She is asking you to create a project featuring SPACEY COLOURS (Blue, Green and Purple)!! Well, these colours are just perfect to showcase some of the new "space" themed images that Dustin has drawn for High Hopes!! I chose to create a bit of a scene, by using three different stamps from this release:

1. The space background.

2. The astronaut dragon.

3. The little 3-eyed alien.

I chose to make an 6" square easel card. All images were stamped on Neenah Cardstock and coloured with Copic markers. For the top panel, I cut out the terrain from the background stamp and adhered it to some DCVW Glitter paper. I also cut out the stars and planets from this image to place in the sky. The dragon was pop-dotted for dimension (actually, so was the terrain, so this is a pretty thick card!). I coated his helmet with Glossy Accents, and hand-wrote the sentiment on his flag.

On the inside/bottom panel, I used the little alien as a prop to hold the easel up. The sentiment used here is also part of the new release...."HAVE A STELLAR DAY!".

You must check out all the other Diva's cards this week...they are INCREDIBLE!! Keep your eyes on the High Hopes Blog for information on the sneak peeks this week too. I'll have a card to show you on both Monday and Wednesday. Remember, Wednesday is the RELEASE DAY, so make sure to join us for the HOP. You will find a link on the High Hopes blog for retailers who carry their stamps!

See you back tomorrow!!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: High Hopes (Dustin Pike Release): Astronaut Dragon, Space Background, 3-Eyed Peeking Alien, "Have a Stellar Day!"

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic

Papers: Bazzill, SU, DCWV

Exciting News From High Hopes!!

Hold on to your seats stampers!! High Hopes has officially announced their next release and their new artist...none other than Dustin Pike!! If you are not familiar with his work, please stop by his blog to check it out!





I can't wait to show you what I've been working on with these fantastic new images. I know the other Divas are bursting to show you their creations too! Well, the wait won't be long now!

This Sunday, the Divas will be bringing you cards with this brand new release on the Challenge Blog!! The sneak peeks will continue on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday January 20, 2010 is the BIG RELEASE DAY!! We are having a blog hop to celebrate this new release!! Oh, I can hardly wait!

What would a new release be without the chance to win??? Well, here are the details on some amazing candy being offered by High Hopes...you will also find this (along with the blinkie) over on the challenge blog!!

Do you want to win a package bursting with new release stamps? Of course you do :-) Then we would love you to help us spread the news about our blog hop and release on Wednesday January 20, 2010.

To be entered into the draw:

1. Grab our blinkie from the sidebar and place on your blog.

2. Tell your friends about the news, blog hop and release on January 20th.

3. Become a follower of this blog if you aren't already ;-) You don't want to miss out on the fun and there will be tons of prizes along the blog hop!!!

4. Leave a comment on this post with a link to your blog post sharing our news.


The contest ends 8pm EST (Midnight GMT) on January 22nd!!

Good Luck!!!

I can hardly wait!! I hope you all are excited too...see you Sunday!

Melanie

High Hopes Challenge #58: Use a Bow!

(This is my second post today...scroll down or click here for the Kraftin' Kimmie Blog Hop!!)

Did you all know that every Sunday, a new challenge is posted on High Hopes?? Did you also know that with every challenge, there is a fantastic prize up for grabs?? That's right...all you need to do is make a project following the challenge topic, but it MUST include a High Hopes image. This week, the challenge is brought to us by the talented Karen, who is asking you to include a bow on your project!

For this challenge, I chose to use "Girl Talk"...what a cute stamp!! (my daughter LOVES this image!) The image was coloured with Copic markers...all except the nightgown of the little girl on the left. I paper-pieced that, and added some shading with my Copics for depth. The little "Giggle" embellishment was a find at the dollar store! I don't know a single stamper who doesn't scour the dollar store for a good card treasure! Actually, I was there today, but sadly left empty-handed this time :(. I also had some little wooden heart tags, so I covered one with design paper and mounted the "sentiment" on it. The bow was made with that fabulous little tool, the Bow Easy! I love this tool now...but I have to admit, it did not seem so "easy" at first. It took me a bit to figure it out!

I also pop-dotted this group of friends for dimension. Do you remember having slumber parties?? Oh, how much fun they were. Popcorn, movies, talking about boys, make-overs, games...and lots of "giggles"!!

I hope you find time this week to join in the Challenge over at High Hopes. The High Hopes Divas have some great examples posted on the blog, so come on over and take a look...then link up your entry for a chance to win!!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: High Hopes "Girl Talk"

Ink: Copic markers, Memento Tuxedo Black

Papers: Bazzill and Bazzill Bling cardstock, All My Memories, Kaisercraft

Embellishments: Wooden Heart Tag, Metal Dollar Store Embellishment, Walmart Ribbon

Tools: Spellbinders

My Third and Final Secret!!

Wow, this week has just been a whirlwind! I hope your new year is off to a fantastic start! Today, I finally get to share with you a secret I have been keeping since September...can you believe that??!! I was asked to be one one of the guest designers for this term at High Hopes Stamps!! If you have been a visitor to my blog before, you will know that I have posted several cards with their images...I just love them!

The team at High Hopes is back up and running this week with a brand new challenge, and it's a sketch brought to us by the talented Nikki! I do love sketches, as I tend to labour over layouts. I chose to "Elmer Elephant"...I love this guy, and just acquired him about a month or two ago. With all the Christmas card-making going on at my house, poor Elmer had sat uninked...so sad. So, I decided to make a Valentine's Day card with him! Have you ever noticed that Valentine's cards often feature puns...often pretty corny puns?? lol Well, this one is no exception! I couldn't help myself. I also had this cute "Bag of Peanuts" stamp from High Hopes, so I did up a sentiment on my computer to go with the card. Corny?...yes. Cute?....I think so?!!

Elmer was stamped on Neenah and coloured with Copics (do I EVER colour with anything else?? lol). I was able to use some of my new colours I got for Christmas (woo hoo!). I experimented with some warm grays, and was really happy with how he turned out. I also added in some blue-violets for shading. I've noticed a lot of card artists list the colours they use...perhaps I should do that sometime. I never seem to remember to record them though!

I hope you take some time to hop on over to High Hopes to play along in the challenge! There is always a fantastic prize up for grabs...but, you do have to use a High Hopes image!! If you do not own any High Hopes stamps yet, there is a link for a list of retailers on the blog.

I just want to say a big thank-you to Nikki and the High Hopes team for having me as a guest designer! I feel so very blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of such a talented team!

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Melanie

Stamps: High Hopes "Elmer Elephant" and "Bag of Peanuts"

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics

Paper: Neenah, Bo Bunny, SU cardstock

Tools: Spellbinders, sewing machine

Embellishments: Buttons and ribbon from my stash!

A Card for Cory

Wednesday....half-way through the workweek!! I'm already planning my weekend, as there is always so much to do at this time of year! Our Santa Claus parade is this Saturday, and I FINALLY do not have to sit on a float!! Oh the hours of being freezing while waiting for the parade to start (guess I should have used some of the hand-warmers from yesterday's post! I do love to watch the parade though...don't take me for a Scrooge! We will be going down to see all the beautiful floats...including our church's. My husband has been heading up the church float for several years now. He'll be playing in a band up there on that float, providing the onlookers with a bit of a "rock" twist on some traditional carols...I think he mentioned Trans Siberian Orchestra! Have you heard that version of Carol of the Bells. It's awesome!!

Ok, on to my card. My nephew Cory requested an "Aunty Mel" card this year, so I made this one for him. I used this adorable Santa from High Hopes. You know, it's tough not making a "girly" card...all those ribbons and glittery things just call to me! I fought the temptation, and stuck to traditional red and green colours. I kept the glitter to a minimum, and just used some Stickles on his white trim...oh, and maybe a few rhinestones! All cardstock is Bazzil, and the DP is DCWV. I used Black Soot Distress Ink around all the edges. I used my Scorpal to create that embossed pattern on the green layer. The sentiment is also from High Hopes, and the brad is Karen Foster. Hmm, ok some Christmas Red Stickles MAY have found their way around the sentiment!

I also gave Santa's boots a coat of Glossy Accents...oh, and his belt buckle too. He was, of course, coloured with Copic markers on Neenah Cardstock.

I will be entering this card in Cute Card Thursday this week, as they are asking for cards made for boys.

Gee, hopefully Cory does not find his way onto my blog and get a sneak peak at his card that will be arriving in the mail shortly!!

Hope you all have a great day.

Blessings!

Melanie

p.s. I apologize for all the spacing issues...sometimes Blogger does not publish posts the same as they appear when I type them! Honestly, I do use paragraphs! lol If any of you know how to fix this silly problem, I would LOVE to hear how!

A Cow Says....Thank-you???

Good morning, and welcome to Wednesday! Boy, do I wish the days would slow down...I have so much to do! I'm looking forward to this weekend, as we will be setting up our Christmas tree. I just love this time of year. My husband is convinced that he motivated others on our street to turn on their lights, as he put ours on last week. lol I came home from volleyball last week to see our house shining like a beacon...the only beacon!

So, this morning I've got a card that I made for the High Hopes Challenge this week. It's a recipe challenge 3-2-1...3 flowers, 2 brads and 1 sentiment! I inked up my brand new Party Cow...love this stamp! I have a few other items she can be holding too, but thought it would be fun to have her presenting some flowers as a thank you gift. The flower stamp is also from High Hopes. I wanted to keep this card fairly simple. I also stretched myself on this one...I don't usually do such bright colour combos! But this cow is just so happy, that she needed a bright and cheery background. These papers are from a small pack I picked up at Winners...seriously, you need to keep an eye on their scrapbooking section because sometimes they get great items in there! Unfortunately, I cannot remember the company name!

I wasn't sure that my stamped flowers would count for the recipe, so I layered three flowers and added a little rhinestone centre. The two brads are holding my sentiment, which is from a Popcorn the Bear stamp set. Check it out...that sentiment is cut out with my brand new Labels 8!!! I have been wanting this set for so long, and finally picked it up from Skribbles n Scraps in Sarnia. This is such a simple recipe to follow that you have no excuse! If you have a High Hopes image, then hop on over there and play along! As always, I stamped my images on Neenah Cardstock with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and coloured with Copics.

Thanks for stopping by! Let me know you were here so I can pop by your blog and see what you've been up to!

Blessings!

Melanie