“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:

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

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!!!

The P.M.S. sale is back!!!!  

P.M.S. sale~ the more you buy the more you save!!!!

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.

*This sale will last until Monday August 2nd at midnight

More Great NEWS!!!!

Remember those 2 All New Stamp set I just gave you a peek at???

You can PRE ORDER them starting TODAY, and they will ship on TUESDAY!!!

Plus, they count toward the sale that starts TODAY~~~

Here’s another look at our AMAZING NEW sets:

4X6 Friendly Fruit:

4X6 Timeless Textures

Here are our AMAZING NEW sets: Join us Tuesday July 27th for a blog hop to celebrate their release!

4X6 Friendly Fruit:

4X6 Timeless Textures

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.

I am So excited that you stopped by today!!!

I Absolutely LOVE the new stamps that we are releasing today. 

They are a mixture of my favorite guilty pleasures (Chocolate & the Twilight Saga) and my favorite pastimes (stamping & laughing)

“Fangs and Fur” and “Chocolate Vol.#2″ were the results!

I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed creating them!!!

Fangs or Fur 4″X6″ Here is your chance to get Edward and Jacob delivered to your door. 

<br>

 Chocolate volume #2 ~This Chocolate is guaranteed 100% calorie free. However you may be inspired to eat real chocolate while using these stamps.  Just remember that   Chocolate and laughter are better together.  The laughter burns off all the Chocolate calories.  

<br>

Now on the the Fantastic Sketch Challenge.

We have enjoyed Teri Anderson’s sketches all month long!!! We are so sad to see her go… but before she leaves she has one last AMAZING sketch:

I LOVED this sketch! Although as you can see I was fealing the need to use the “topnote” shape.

Not sure I like how the card came out overall.  I do like how the stamps look, and I am happy with the combination of the pearls and bloomers(flower trim from Webster’s pages). 

Please hop with us and see what amazing things The Stamp Tramps, and our guest have in store for you!

After the hop make sure you come back and upload your card using Inlinkz for one of two chances to win a stamp set to be released next month!

Skipping Stones Design http://skippingstonesdesign.com/

Teri Anderson http://terisplace.wordpress.com/

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

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

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

Jodi Collins http://stampingalatte.blogspot.com/

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks so much for stoping by!!!! 

Sweet is the unofficial theme of this post:

Just take a look at both of our newest stamps to be released on June 29th.

Chocolate  is “mmmmm sweet!”

 Bella and Edward kissing “awwww how  sweet”

 Jacob with his shirt off ~ SWEET! 

And FREE STAMPS????? SSSWWWEEEEEEEEETTTT!

Yes I did say FREE stamps…

Now that I have your attention: Here is this weeks amazing sketch from the talented Teri Anderson~(we’ll get back to the free stamps a little later in this post)

Here is Teris sweet and funny Card.  She used Bras Vol #1  The inside reads: they help you keep it together, when things are falling apart!”

Here are the lovely and amazingly talented stamp tramps.  There cards this week are sure to leave you breathless either due to laughter or “the view”!

Amanda Sewell  used “You know You’re Gettin’ Old” to create her card and a chuckle.

Jennifer Ingle used “chocolate Vol#2″ for her card that is equal parts funny and fancy!

Hmmm ……….DID I mention that one of the possible free stamps is Chocolate volume #2???

Erin Grotegut used “Fangs Or Fur” in her very romantic and classic creation: 

Michelle Giraud Used “Fangs or Fur” for both of her “stunning card creations! 

DID I MENTION that one of the FREE stamp sets UP FOR GRABS is “FANGS or FUR?”

Peggy Russell outdid herself is this amazing Portrait of Jacob in the wild!  I like to call this card “Team Edward  with a twist” 

See what I meant about the “View”?

Chelsia Van Wykcombined her sense of humor with Fangs or Fur to create her “shirtless werewolf” card!!! Talk about an ABsolutely adorable pup!!!

NOW back to the FREE stamps!!!  WIN them before you can BUY them…..

Buy ANY 3 stamp sets and get your PREORDER FREE ! 

Not only is it free but it will ship NOW with your other stamps!!!

Here is how it works: Purchase ANY three stamp sets. When you are checking out there will be an option to leave a note to the seller. Please leave me a note telling me whether you’d like Fangs and Fur OR Chocolate #2 FREE.

The Preorder stamps are shipping right now~ONLY with this promotion. I am sorry but you can not buy the single sets until June 29th.

This Offer is good while supplies last~ Or until Midnight Monday June 28th!! 

Ton’s of inspiration await you in today’s post.  From our fabulous sketch artist to the amazing designs of the Stamp Tramps.
Teri has come through again with another amazing sketch!!! SSD #029

Here is Teri’s “Dahling” card! She used the stamps from “ Birthday Donuts”  The inside of the card reads…sometimes it’s best not to recall how many you’ve had…..”

Peggy Russell Used Chocolate Volume #2 and gave everyone a Fantastic Sneak Peek!!!:

Michelle Giraurd used Chocolate Vol #2 in her delicious looking card!

Amanda Sewell’s funny card completes our Sneak peeks this week for chocolate Vol. #2:

 Jennifer Ingle “Jingle” Used Dandelion Dreams for this Botanical Beauty:

Erin Grotuegut also used Dandelion Dreams for her elegant creation:

Angela Thomas has me dreaming of a tropical paradise, and a big warm sun with her card.  She used Tropical Birthday.



Kandi Philips got sporty for her card and used “Havin’ a Ball”  which is a great and “well rounded” set -bwa ha!

Chelseas Van Wyk Used “Fangs or Fur” for her hillarious card this week.  Next week all the girls should have their set so you can have even more Peeks at this Fangtastic set!

One last official sneak Peek at this months sets that are due to be released on the 29th of June!!!

For you Chocolate Fans:

For you “Fur or Fangs” Fans:  Here is your second sneak “Peck”~ Well It’s more of a full blown kiss than a peck …..

Welcome to Skipping Stones Design’s  Blog Hop!

Prepare to be amazed, and inspired.  The stamp tramps, and our guest,  have truly outdone themselves!!!!

We are celebrating  the release of two new stamp  sets.

Holy Carp 4X6 ~illustrated by Jeff Gregory 

This set is just in time for Father’s day.  But you won’t be able to stop using it after Dad’s special day. You’ll want to make funny birthday cards, for every guy (hooker)you know. But the fun doesn’t stop there… Do you  Have a friend who is going through a bad break up????Send her the dumb bass image with the “reminds me of you ex” sentiment.  A combo that is sure to cheer her up a bit!

We hope this set makes you giggle, snort, or even laugh your bass off!

  
Click here to buy “Holy Carp”

Home of the Brave 4X6 ~illustrated by Heather Timmins

Just in time for the 4th of July, and summer!   Great for anyone who has a loved one in the service or wants to express their thanks to a veteran.  Also wonderful for scrapbooker and 4th of July, Patriotic, servicemen / servicewomen themed layouts! The possibilities are endless, you’ll never want to put this stamp set down!!!

Click Here to buy Home of the Brave

Combined with the blog hop today, it’s also Skipping Stones Sketch Tuesday which means the Design Team is showcasing another great creation from Jen del Muro.

SSD025

Check out Jen’s Fantastic card on the blog hop 

This week I was so excited about the sketch and the new stamps. I just had to do two cards!!!  I’ve also included some tips that might be of interests to new, and seasoned stampers.

Card #1 “Home of the Brave”

Tip #1: Make the fireworks come alive use tinsel embossing powder (Ranger) on a dark background.  The result is breathtaking!!! OR used the Tinsle , or Holographic embossing powder by Ranger(This is what I used on the example above) on Glossy paper.  Once the fireworks are embossed buff on a darker or lighter colored ink. 

CARD #2 “Reel Glad Your My Dad~”

 Tip #2: I LOVE to color in stamped images, but I don’t always have the time to do so.  Try This: Rather than coloring in a stamped image, buff a little coordinating ink around the edges.  This will tie the image into the colors used on the card. without time consuming coloring.

 We’d love for you to play along with the sketch. Just remember to use the keywords SSD025 if you are uploading to any online galleries or link your card at the Skipping Stones Blog. We’ll be looking soon for Guest Designers so you never know….

Your next stop on the hop is the amazing:

Jen del Muro http://iheart2stamp.com/

Here is the Master List in case their is a broken link along the way!

Happy Hopping!!!

Skipping Stones Design http://skippingstonesdesign.com/

Jen del Muro http://iheart2stamp.com/

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

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

Deb Felts http://withastampandasong.blogspot.com/

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

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

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

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

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

Make sure to leave a comment here and along the hop…there is blog candy to be given away!!!!