Hi everyone!

I’m filling in for Heather today and I am so excited to share some super fun news with you today!

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 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!

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!!!!

Jeff Gregory is the illustrator behind the new set “Holy Carp”. I stumbled across his blog “The Jagged Smile” a few months back.  I was immediately taken with his style and sense of humor.  We emailed back and forth a few times, and he is now our First official Illustrator. Up until this point I’ve been the lone illustrator for SSD stamps.  This was a Huge step for the company, and I couldn’t have taken the leap with a better illustrator.

Jeff Gregory in his own words:

” My Name is Jeff Gregory.  I have a beautiful,fantastic,incredible friend for a wife named Kristi, and together we’ve merged our chromosomes into two wonderful kids, Ethan and Ella.”

“I was born with a genetic “seriousness deficiency, so I have to be choosy about where I delegate my limited “serious” resources. I’ve always doodled. Oddly enough, it helps me concentrate better in meetings. A former, VERY understanding boss of mine once made the comment that he could gage how much attention I was paying in a meeting by how many doodles I drew. I’ve been fortunate enough to parlay my love of doodles and drawing into a career as a designer and illustrator.” 

I developed the concept for the stamp set “Holy Carp and Jeff did 100% of the illustrations. 

“Holy Carp” is just in time for Father’s day!!! With sentiments like “I’m reel glad your my dad” and Happy Fathers day to the worlds best ……. You can make father’s day cards for anyone from your father to son or even for your brother!!!!  You can even send one to the worlds best “Hooker”  – get it ?  Hooker as in fisherman??? Bwah Ha ha ha I thought that was pretty funny.

Come back tomorrow for the release hop see some amazing cards from talented designers.  Also you’ll have a chance to buy “Home of the Brave” and “Holy Carp” before they are all gone.  

“Home of the Brave” is just in time for Memorial day, and the fourth of July.  What better set to use to make cards to send overseas or thank veterans that you know and love?  Not to mention the Fireworks stamps are  TON of Fun!!! Use the tinsel embossing powders on a black background for a dramatic look!!!!

Here are some card ideas for Father’s Day: I used a Scoring borad to crease the brown paper every half inch.  Then I bent the folded paper in a circle.  It took 2 strips 1.5 inches wide and 12 inches long to make this acordian type back ground.

Make a badge for dad and put it on a card.  If  Dad wants to wear his badge simply remove the badge from the front of the card .  I recommend using removable adhesive from Tobow to put it on the front of the card.  Then using two glue dots adhere a safety pin to the back(top) of the badge.   Then Dad is all ready to Wear his Father’s day badge!!!

Here is a cute Money/ticket or small gift holder.  Use a round circle punch to put the Half circle tab at the top if the holder making it easier to open.

I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend. 

  Don’t miss the sneak peek of our 2 Newest stamp sets at the end of this post!

Here is this weeks Fresh and fun sketch from Jen Del Muro at I heart 2 stamp:

I am in LUUURVE with the card she made!!! She used stamps from Bras Vol #2~which is not yet available for purchase.

How adorable is that?????

Next we have my contribution.  I broke out the stamps from the NEW set “Holy Carp”.  That fish is So stinkin’ cute that he doesn’t even need to be colored in.  “Holy Carp” is the first stamp set where I hired another artist to design the images. Of course the sentiments, and  concept,  came from me and my goofball sense of humor.   I will be introducing  you to Jeff in a separate blog posting this week.

Please excuse the cat tail…It was the best picture I had managed on a rainy morning.  I didn’t realize Miss “nosey” had swished her tail at the last moment.  Of course, by then it was to dark out to get another decent picture.

Here are our amazingly talented guest designers and their creations for the week.

Jennifer Ingle ( Jinngle as you may know her) Used “Home of the brave” ~also being released next week~ to make this stunningly patriotic creation!

Classy and timeless come to mind when looking at Deb Felt’s elegant creation inspired by this week’s sketch. 

~Deb used the stain and coffee cup from Coffee Vol #1.  

Now when you see the next group of cards you will understand why I feel so lucky working with such a talented group of ladies that make up our design team. The stamp tramps have some up with cards that will get your creative ideas sparking!

Angela Thomas/Dandelion Dreams 

Michelle Giraud/You know you’re getting old

Kandi Phillips/Birthday Donuts

Erin Grotegut/Rustic Tiles

Peggy Rusell/Healing Wings

Here is your first look at “Holy Carp”.  This is an amazing set to make not only funny cards but masculine as well.   It is just in time for father’s Day but this set will get plenty of use year round!!!! Come back later this week to find out more about the artist who did the designs for this hilarious set.

Holy Carp! 4X6

  This stamp set is dedicated to two friends I grew up with, who are now pilots in the U.S. A.F..  The sacrifices made by those who serve (and by those who love them) are unimaginable.   To all who serve or have served in the U.S. military THANK YOU!  We are gratefull for your bravery, integrity, honor and dedication in serving our country. God Bless you all!!!

Home of the Brave 4X6

Next week join us for our Blog hop! We will be celebrating the release of  our two newest stamp sets!

Happy Stamping!!!

~Heather

~You asked and we listened….

The response to last weeks sale was amazing!  What was even more surprising were the number of emails I received asking when we would have it again.  the emails were from stampers who ~just missed the sale. So we brought it back just for you!  The PMS sale is back for 4 days only! Happy Stamping! 

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%, for a total of .73cents savings.                           Coupon code: PMS1

Buy 2 stamp sets & save 10%, for a total of $2.90off.                                     Coupon code: PMS2

Buy 3 stamp sets  & save 15%, for a total of $6.54 off.                                     Coupon code: PMS3

Buy 4 stamp sets & save 20%, for a total of $11.60 off .                                   Coupon Code: PMS4

Buy 5 stamp sets & save 25%, for a total of $18.10 off.                                     Coupon Code: PMS5

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 Friday May 7st at midnight

Good morning! Thanks for coming to check out our sketch challenge!

First a quick reminder on the P.M.S. sale: “It finally pays to P.M.S.”

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%, for a total of .73cents savings.                           Coupon code: PMS1

Buy 2 stamp sets & save 10%, for a total of $2.90off.                                     Coupon code: PMS2

Buy 3 stamp sets  & save 15%, for a total of $6.54 off.                                     Coupon code: PMS3

Buy 4 stamp sets & save 20%, for a total of $11.60 off .                                   Coupon Code: PMS4

Buy 5 stamp sets & save 25%, for a total of $18.10 off.                                     Coupon Code: PMS5

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 Saturday May 1st at midnight

Here is our ~sniff sniff ~last sketch from ~ sniff~ Kimberly Crawford :0(

If you’ve enjoyed her sketches and cards as much as we have please join us in leaving some love on her blog! 

I was in awe of what the ladies came up with this week, amazing cards!!

Kimberly Crawford:

This is also ~sniffle~ our last week with two amazing guest designers.  Thanks for all the inspiration, and sharing your amazing style with us!

Ashley Cannon Newell:

Bev Rousche:

 It is with a heavy heart, that I announce this will be Mary’s last card with us.  We will miss your talent , and great ideas every Tuesday. I know I speak for all the DT girls when I say it has been wonderful to get to know you!  We can’t wait to have you back as a Guest DT member.  Hugs from all of us!

Mary Giemza

Now here are your funny cards for the week:

Kandi Phillips:

Michelle Giraud:

Amanda Sewell:

Chelsea Van Wyk:

Erin Grotegut has a great tutorial,on her blog, on making the background of this card.

Peggy Russell:

This card reminds me of a funny little poem:

~Oh I wish I were a glow worm, ’cause a glow worm’s never glum.

 How can you be sad, when the sun shines out your bum?

Hope the sun is shining at your end!!!

Hugs,

Heather