“Always here” 4X6 has finally arrived! 

The breathtaking wings of “Always Here” combined with the amazing Word art of “Kryssi Ng”.  Available starting today  Click here to buy.

This set has such a special place in my heart.  From the Emerson sentiment that echoed through my dreams, to the delicate winged creatures.  I have never spent so much time on just one set of stamps.  I must have gone through 5 or 6 versions of each of the winged creatures.  Each time going over the lines and making this curves a bit more graceful, those details a bit more delicate. You see, lately things have been challenging for me.  Going through a divorce, being a single mom, and running a small business.  When things get tough, I turn to my sketch pads and pick up my sharpened black Prismacolor pencils.  I forget about my trouble, and pour my heart and soul out onto the paper. (Don’t get me wrong.  I also rely on a “higher Power”. But I think he gives us gifts that are there to bring us comfort.) I created these fragile wings from the hope that all things are possible.     I know it is silly to be attached to designs, but these designs have helped me heal some heartache, and begin to dream again.  These “wings” have been carrying me for a while now.

  Now it is time to share them with you. As I send them out in to the world, I  hope their beauty lifts your spirit.  May their fragile, and yet capable wings remind you that anything is possible. That beauty is all around us, everywhere you look. Down to the tiny details of a flying creatures opalescent wing.  I hope they give you faith, when life makes you doubt yourself. May they help you share your strength as you comfort a struggling friend.  I want to finish  this little note, with the entire Emerson quote.. (the rest of which will appear in a special set coming out in October…..)

“What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when we bring what is within us out into the world, miracles happen” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wishing you faith, and miracles

Heather

Welcome to Skipping Stones Design’s Blog Hop to celebrate the release of a new stamp set, “Always Here”.

Combined with the blog hop today, it’s also Skipping Stones Sketch Tuesday which means the Design Team is showcasing another fabulous sketch from Maren Benedict! We’d love for you to play along with the sketch and link your card at the Skipping Stones Blog. Just remember to use the keywords SSD040 if you are uploading to any online galleries.

Sketch SSD #40 ~ give it a try!

This week my inner critic was very loud.  You know that (sometimes not  so little) voice that tells you that “you can’t do this” or “your butt looks big in those jeans” Well when my inner critic saw this weeks sketch it had a good hard laugh~.  “HA” it said. “A sketch with 2 stamped images, instead of one?  No Way! Are you going to get a card done using that sketch, this week.”  See I was scheduled for an invasive oral surgery on Wed. I knew I wasn’t going to have time to get the card done before the surgery.  But that is not what my inner critic was getting at.  It was betting that I wouldn’t have the “guts” to attempt the sketch after I recovered from surgery.   So Wed I survived the surgery and was “out of it” for the next few days. By Saturday postoperative infection and a high fever had set in.  My inner critic was feeling quite smug about then.  Early Sunday morning  when I got the call from my (almost ex) husband in the emergency room, where he had been taken by ambulance…. my inner critic was doing the victory dance.  At which point I mentally pictured duct taping my “inner critic’s” mouth shut and shoving it into the back of my mind.  ~Does anyone else get sick of their inner critic or is that my pain meds talking?  Being that I couldn’t let my inner critic win, I forged out the time to deal with my “2 stamped images” phobia along with the rest of what life was throwing at me.  Yes, in the last 36 hours I have dealt with: a badly injured (almost ex), my own raging post surgical infection,getting back to school supplies, the first day of school , and TA DA made 2 cards following the sketch~ That will show my “inner critic” where to stick it!

The musical background below was created using a stamp from “Timeless Textures”

I used stamps from “Wise Men”(coming next month) on these cards  

So I hope if this sketch makes you inner critic start yapping at you, that you go ahead and try it.  When we stretch ourselves outside our comfort zone, we grow our creative muscles.  Not to mention it is SO MUCH fun proving your own “inner critic” Wrong!

Here is the list of the Amazing and talented Designers hopping with us today!!!!!!

Make sure to leave comments as there is TONS of BLOG Candy to be had here, *wink *wink, and at other stops along the hop!

Kandi Phillips http://kraftykandikrafts.blogspot.com/
Kryssi Ng http://sugar-buffet.blogspot.com/
Maren Benedict http://zanynotcrazy.blogspot.com/
Amanda Sewell http://inkspirations.blogspot.com/
Alice Wertz http://aliceslittlewonderland.blogspot.com/
Dina Kowal http://mamadinis.blogspot.com/
Jen Ingle http://justjingle.blogspot.com/
Heidi Van Lar http://vanlaardesigns.blogspot.com/
Vanessa Menhorn http://wingsofabutterfly-vanessa.blogspot.com/
Peggy Russell http://beautifulgreetings.blogspot.com/
Wendy Price http://paperinkandsmiles.blogspot.com/
Michelle Giraud http://twisted-chick.blogspot.com/

I’d love to hear from you.  Are you going to brave a  something new creatively speaking this week?  What is your favorite sentiment or image from the new stamps?  What quote most inspires you???Who’s creativity inspired you on the hop???  Lastly don’t forget to show us what you did with today’s sketch! Link below:

Happy Tuesday!

We are back with another Maaahvelooous sketch From Maren Benedict. 

What these talented ladies did with this sketch will blow your socks off and have you mind overflowing with ideas of your own.

 Maren combined Timeless Textures with Healing Wings,  for her classic and elegant card. 

The next 3 cards were all made using a digital version of the stamp from “Always Here”.  The stamp manufacturer got slammed with CHA orders.  The “real” stamps are finally on there way to the designers today.  I am amazed at what they did with only the digital version of this set.

Dina created this cheerful birthday card.  Bringing the dragonfly from “Always Here” to life with a riot of colors and textures.

As elegant as it is beautiful, Heidi Van Lar created her card with Timeless Textures and the dragonfly from Always Here.

Wendy combines a sentiment and butterfly from Always Here to create this gorgeous and tranquil card.

Vanessa combines Dandelion Dreams and a poem from Healing Wings to create a soothing sympathy card.  

Here are the always amazing “Stamp Tramps” with their take on this fantastic sketch:

Amanda Sewell makes the chocolate from Chocolate Vol #2 look D-licious! Talk about Eye candy!!!Yummy! 

Kandi’s elegant card creation combines Timeless Textures with Healing Wings.  

Peggy amazed me with her combination of (digital version) of Always Here, and beautiful palet of colors and textures.

Come back next week for a hop and the much anticipated release of Always Here.  Not to mention, one last sketch from the Mhaaaavelouuuus Maren!

Here is where you can play along…show us what you did with the sketch for a chance at winning a badge for you blog and $5off any stamp set in the store:

Good Morning and thanks for checking back in with us.  You are in for a treat this week! We have another amazing sketch from Maren Benedict along with some inspired Creations to get your creativity cracklin’!

 Here is SSD #038

Maren’s Color choices and interpretation of this sketch just blow me away.  She used Healing Wings and Timeless Textures to create this beauty. 

Heidi Van Lar Used Dandelion Dreams and Timeless Textures to create this stunning card

Dina put “Always Here” to work to create this beauty.

Wendy Price also chose to use “Always Here” on her gorgeous card.

Vanessa uses Healing Wings for her breathtaking Birthday Card.

Here are the Stamp Tramp’s with some amazing artwork this week:

Peggy combined the sketch with Healing Wings to make this little masterpiece:

Kandi Used Cupcake Cutie for her first darling Card this week.

Kandi combines Layered musical stamp from Timeless Textures along with Dandelion dreams to create her next inspirational card.

Amanda combines a resist technique with Healing Wings for her cheerful creation this week.

Here is my contribution this week.  I embossed a Butterfly from Always Here and combines it with some paper From My Minds Eye ( So Shophie). 

Check back later this week for more sneak peeks of “Always Here”.

Have a fantastic week!

Heather

Make sure to participate in this weeks challenge for a chance to win a badge and $5 gift certificate

Yippee !!!  We’re back today with another Mahhvelous sketch From Maren Benedict.

Here is her dahhling creation using “Whispering Wings” and “Timeless Textures”  I adore the sentiment that goes with the lighting bug.  It is the perfect sentiment to describe children, and friends in our lives.  Time spent with them seems to be the bright spots in our days.

Now arn’t  you just dying to play along???  I know I was… Yall don’t mind that I spent so much time making cards that I won’t be coming out with new stamps for a while…..Just kidding.  But seriously a good sketch is like Pringles.  You can’t make just one!!

So on this first card I used the new set “Always Here” for the sentiment and Focal point.  Then for the background on the circle I used “Timeless Textures”.  I just can’t seem to get enough of musical notes.  It adds a touch of elegance and class to whatever project you are working on.

This next one is a preview of a new set coming out soon.   I have fun doing Christmas cards in non traditional colors.  The patterned paper is from My Minds Eye “So Sophie” The solid paper is from Bo bunny dot, and the ribbon is Papertrey.

This week our guest were inspired to create some amazing cards as well. 

Here Wendy Price used “Always Here” and “Healing Wings” to create a touching sympathy card.  I love the how she used a splash of Red to brighten up the rich earth tones.

Vanessa used Dandelion Dreams in her very creative interpretation of the sketch.  I LOVE how she thought “out of the box” and used a stamp image and sentiment to create the line of the circle rather than using a paper circle.

Dina is an amazing artist!  Her water-coloring ability shines through in this yummy creation using “Buns and Crunches”  I am working on getting this a little bigger.

  Are you interested in becoming a stamp tramp for the next DT term? If so just check out our DT call on SCS.  Here are the stamp Tramps with to share their inspiring takes on the sketch.

Kandi got Swanky with her card using “Girls Night Out” and paring it with the perect patterened paper!

Michelle used “Friendly Fruit” on her bright and cheerful birthday card.


Jennifer also chose “Friendly Fruit” to create her bright and funfilled birthday card. 

Peggy and Maren were on the same page when creating their cards for this sketch.  Peggy also used Whispering Wings to create this amazing card.

Here Amanda used Timeless Textures to create this fall “beauty”.

Now it is time for an apology as I have been terrible about picking winners for the sketch challenges.  SO I have some catching up to do this week.  I will announce the winners and give more sneak peeks at this month’s new stamp set by Friday.  Until then have a great time with this sketch challenge.  I can’t Wait to see what you do with it.

Hugs,

Heather

I am so excited to announce the sketch artist this month.  I have been oohing and ahhing over her cards for years.  You’ve seen them too, they regularly grace the pages,if not the covers, of your favorite magazines. I spend way too much time on her blog “Zany not crazy”.  She is one of the “Go~ to Girls” for PC magazine…..and she will be here sharing her inspiration all month long! Please help us welcome Maren Benedict!

Here is her first sketch… the girls had a ton of fun with it, and we know you will love it too!

Here is Maren’s take on the sketch….it reminds me of one of those big orange  harvest moons in the fall .  I think it’s absolutely gorgeous!

Now I have the pleasure of introducing you to two new guest and two returning guest.  all of whom are amazingly talented and sure to inspire!

Vanessa used Healing Wings on this card.

Our second guest was one of the amazing designers who generously contributed to our fundraising efforts in “Hop(e) for Haiti” She has graced the covers, and pages of our favorite paper-crafting magazines.  I am So excited to have her joining us all month long. I know you will fall in love with her work~if you not already a fan of her blog  “Paper Ink and Smiles”

Here is the Always Amazing Wendy Price giving a sneak peek at an amazing New and unreleased set…..the set is called always here.

I am so excited to announce that both of our fabulous guest designers from last month came back for another month.  Here they are with their inspired creations based on Maren’s sketch.

Dina Kowal used “Healing Wings” for this beauty….

Heidi Van Lar bucked the butterfly trend and made this darling Chica card!

She used “chick chat” for her Cheer up card….I am working on getting this image re-sized. …

Before I introduce the Stamp Tramps I’d like to mention we are having a DT call for our new term.  There are a few designers (below) who are hanging out with us for extra time as we look for the Newest Stamp Tramps. If you are interested in joining us check our SCS for all the benefits and expectations.  

I had a blast with Maren’s sketch and tried digital stamping for the first time…..I am still awaiting the arrival of our newest stamp set “Always Here” ~   I just couldn’t wait to use it, so I printed out the images on watercolor paper…..  I have SO much fun playing with the images. 

I Loved the sentiments that I had come up, with but I was having a hard time getting the look I wanted with the fonts etc.. So after struggling with the main quote for a week, I hired some talent to help me with the fonts/word art.  Krissy Ng , is an  amazing stamper and artist.  Check out her blog Sugar Buffet to learn more about her.  Come back during the week for more of a peek of “Always Here”

Here is Kandi with her scenic creation using “Dandelion Dreams” and “Garden stamp Kiss”

Here is Jingle who utilized “Timeless Textures” to create the sheet music on this card.  I didn’t even recognize it, she had stamped it so well, I though it was actual sheet music.

36 hours left to take advantage of the PMS sale….

These savings end Wed night at midnight. 

Get stamp sets for as little as $10.14 ~ no kidding~  This sale rarely comes around so take advantage of it before it’s gone.

P.M.S.~ in this case~suffering from the NEED to Purchase More Stamps!

Here is how it works: 

Buy 1 stamp set  save 5%,                                                                      Coupon code: PMS1

Buy 2 stamp sets & save 10%,                                                               Coupon code: PMS2

Buy 3 stamp sets  & save 20% (total savings $8.70)                       Coupon code: PMS3

Buy 4 stamp sets & save 25%                                                                Coupon Code: PMS4

for a total savings of $14.49    ~that’s like getting one FREE                                                                         

Buy 5 stamp sets & save 30%,                                                                           Coupon Code: PMS5

for a total savings of $22.10      ~that is like getting 1 FREE and another one half off!!!                           

What to do: Put the stamps into your shopping cart as normal. When you are checking out there will be a box where you can type in a coupon/discount code.  This is where you type the letters PMS and the number of stamp sets you purchase.  For example if you are buying three stamp sets type in PMS3 into the box.

Come back later this week where we will catch up on announcing winners from the sketch challenge.  Enter below for a chance to win $5 off any stamp purchase, and a badge as well.

We are So excited that you stopped by today.  We have the perfect sketch, an amazing sale, and 2 new stamp sets that you HAVE to SEE!!!

Today is out last *sniff amazing sketch from Kim Kesti.  This is a sketch that you will use again and again.  Kind of like both of our New Release stamp sets.

Be sure to check out Kim’s amazing work, on her blog, while hopping with us today!  Then, don’t forget to come back and shop.  The P.M.S. sale is going on now, you can get unlimited stamp sets for around $10 each!!! Check out the end of this post for more details.

Here is my take on the sketch.  This sketch was like potato chips~ you can’t stop at just one.  I had to make myself stop at three.  But this sketch is one that I will revisit again and again.

I used “Friendly Fruit” and even one of the “Timeless Texture” stamps to create my watermelon cards.  These 3 cards would be a cute little gift set to give to a friend. 

Here are our Exciting new sets:

4X6 Fun Fruit

Friendly Fruit has the perfect combination of sentiments and images. Whether you want to design a card to encourage a friend, wish someone happy birthday, share exciting news, or make your honey smile on V-day, these are the stamps you are going to want to ink up. 

4X6 “Timeless Textures”

This stamp set will help you save time, money, and most importantly your sanity.  Ever need just one more piece of matching patterned paper for the right amount of layers? Or just a touch more texture, or color on your card?  Ink up this set and your problem will be solved.  Between the sheet music, and the seamless tiles, it will add the perfect touch to any and every project you can think of. 

Next time you are stuck, or you want to dress up your favorite punch, you’ll be SO glad to have this set in your stash. It will help you with the perfect finishing touch every time.

Now off you go to hop!  The Stamp Tramps and our Guest have some amazing projects in store.  A creative  buffet awaits you as you travel along the hop stops.  This visual feast will have you “ooohing” and “aaahing”, and running off to grab your stampin’ stuff:

Skipping Stones Design http://skippingstonesdesign.com/

Kim Kesti http://kimberlykesti.typepad.com/

Erin Grotegut http://inkysmiles.blogspot.com/

Peggy Russell http://beautifulgreetings.blogspot.com/

Kandi Phillips http://kraftykandikrafts.blogspot.com/

Dina Kowal http://mamadinis.blogspot.com/

Michelle Giraud http://twisted-chick.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Ingle http://justjingle.blogspot.com/

Heidi Van Laar  http://vanlaardesigns.blogspot.com/

Amanda Sewell http://www.inkspirations.blogspot.com/

Chelsea Van Wyk http://www.scraptasticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Angela Thomas http://sparkleandbling.blogspot.com/

Last but not Least, here are the details of the amazing sale we have going on for the next few days…. 

P.M.S.~ in this case~suffering from the NEED to Purchase More Stamps!

Here is how it works: 

Buy 1 stamp set  save 5%,                                                                      Coupon code: PMS1

Buy 2 stamp sets & save 10%,                                                               Coupon code: PMS2

Buy 3 stamp sets  & save 20% (total savings $8.70)                       Coupon code: PMS3

Buy 4 stamp sets & save 25%                                                                Coupon Code: PMS4

for a total savings of $14.49    ~that’s like getting one FREE                                                                         

Buy 5 stamp sets & save 30%,                                                                           Coupon Code: PMS5

for a total savings of $22.10      ~that is like getting 1 FREE and another one half off!!!                           

What to do: Put the stamps into your shopping cart as normal. When you are checking out there will be a box where you can type in a coupon/discount code.  This is where you type the letters PMS and the number of stamp sets you purchase.  For example if you are buying three stamp sets type in PMS3 into the box.

Show  us what you did with the sketch!!!

You are in for a TREAT! Kim Kesti has come up with a sketch that your sure to love this week.  It is equal parts cute and classy:

Kim used a combination of several images,rather than just one, to make an amazing focal point! It’s such a GREAT IDEA I think I may use it as a future challenge.  It is a great way to re-visit an old sketch and make it new again!!! 

Kim Kesti~ Stitched Stamps: 

I bet you’re already inspired!!! But wait…there’s more:

Here are our amazing guest this month with their inspirational creations:

Heidi’s Van Lar’s card is so cute I just want to hug it!!! The colors are so summery and fresh, and the background texture she chose reminds me of the old fashioned green plastic baskets that Strawberries used to come in…does anyone else remember those?

Heidi Van Lar ~ Friendly Fruit~ Set to be released next week~

Dina’s  Card looks So delicious I want to eat it.  It probably doesn’t help that I am on a diet *err …ummmm I mean changing my eating habits to ones that are more healthy*grin  Not one but 3 darling delicious donuts for this weeks card.  What a cute “short stack”!

Dina Kowal’s~ Birthday Donuts

I can’t get enough of Peggy’s daaahhling mini card sets.  They are so stinkin’ cute and they also give very good sneak peek at upcoming sets.  Here she gives a great samplin’ of  “Friendly Fruit”.  I will show the full sets in a few days on this blog.  In the meantime enjoy some more sneak peeks through the “Stamp Tramp’s” creations: 

Peggy Rusel~Friendly Fruit

Amanda combined refreshing colors with my favorite sentiment from the new set.  I simply adore this card!
Amanda Sewell~Friendly Fruit

This week Jingel’s new stamps are still missing in action.  But she did an amazing gift box using “Healing Wings”, gold embossing powder, and a melted crayon technique.  The result is simply amazing!

Jennifer Ingle~Healing Wings

Angela Thomas new stamps are still en route to Canada.  However she used Cupcake Cutie along with some adorable pattered paper and this “cutie” card was the result.

Thanks so much for stopping by this week. Come back later this week for a look at the newest stamp sets from SSD.  Friday You’ll  get to see the entire stamp sets before they are released next Tuesday.

Looks like I got a bit behind in announcing winners from the sketch challenges, so two are going to be announced in this post today.

I used The Random generator to choose  winners from the following sketches:

Sketch number 32 winners are

Teresa Kline from “Enjoy the Va. Sunshine”

True Random Number Generator Min:

Barb Gmitro Best From “Barb’s Best Creations

The winner from Sketch #33 is

Silvia Mabie from Mabie Stampin

* Just a note The Inlinkz is still open for another 15 hours on this challenge. If I get a total of 3 more links  before the cut off timethis after noon I will pick another winner.

Now about the Prizes: Normaly the prize is a badge and $5 off of any stamp set in the store.  However last week I made a boo-boo in the post.  I mistakenly said $10 off and a badge.  See what I get for working too much, and sleepin’ too little *blush   So the winners from this post will get the $10 off of a stamp set along with the badge.  If you are a winner please contact me with your email address so I can send you your goodies:0)

CONGRATULATIONS to the winners and THANK YOU to all who have been entering the challenges!!!

I am so excited to bring you sketch #33…

The Amazing Kim Kesti has done it again..

I am identifying with “coffee lady” at the moment.  I know my kids will be up in a few hours telling me I look like “that tired coffee lady stamp” and laughing their happy well rested heads off ;0)

I am loving Kim’s Bright cheerful colors!  This sketch and card have my fingers just itching to grab this stamp set and go to town with this sketch!!!

I was So bummed that I didn’t have a moments time to play with this sketch during the last 7 days.  It was just one of those week.  I  drove over 800 miles, visited with out of town family.  Then today I woke up with a migraine that kept me in bed.  I am still struggling to see and think straight. So please forgive me if this post is shorter than usually ;0)

 Apparently I was not the only one who’s crafting was sidetracked by life’s little curve balls. My design team this week is struggling with lack of interested service, sick children(4 and 2 legged), and other unexpected occurrences. However those who had smooth sailing this week came up with some pretty inspirational cards. 

We are going to start of the inspiration with Heidi Van Lar’s Card.  She is an  AMAZING guest designer who is sharing her inspiration with us this month. You can always find TONS-O-INSPIRATION on her blog Van Laar designs.  Just take a look at this card she made combining sketch 34 and “Dandelion Dreams”:

Now who wouldn’t Love that card?? You can’t help but smile, can you?

 Dina Kowal is back with more inspiration this week.  The card she made is even sweeter on the inside than the outside believe it or not.  She used “Buns and Crunches” for her  Daaaahhling creation:
 

The inside of the card reads: “Is the person holding it” Who wouldn’t love to get a card that said that?

Here are the amazing and resilient Stamp tramps with this week’s contributions:

Amanda Sewell: Used Fangs or Fur for her sparkly “Edward Card”

Peggy Russell Used “Buns and Crunches” for her yummy and funny card:

Jingle used Tropical Birthday for her Festive and Funy card:

Michelle Guraud made two fantastic cards this week.

Fist she used “well Behaved” for her fashoniable creation:

Next she used “Friendly Fruit” ~for sale later this month~

Thank You to all of you who are participating in the sketch challenges!!!

 Later this week I will announce our next winner! 

Hope you have a great week with lots of time to spend with the people you love, and doing the things you love!

Last week we had  4 wonderful stampers (+ 1 awesome DT member) who entered our 1st Inlinkz challenge.
I’ve decided to celelbrate by giving all 4 entrants $5 off any purchase in the storeand a challenge badge.

It’s not too late to enter this week’s challenge *Wink *Wink

Here is sketch SSD 032:

Here are the bigger versions of  their cards show in the order they were entered:

 Laura Cox:

Tenia Nelson

Barb Turpin

Denise M.

Congratulations! 

Please contact me with your email addresses so I can send you your badge and the coupon code for $5 off!