A little bit of everything...

Hellllooooo (echo...echoooo) sure is quiet around here without my DT girls!! (sniff, pout)

WEEKLY CHALLENGE
Winner of CCS13 - Creative Favorite was # 2 Papercraft Vixxen. Thanks for playing along on our last weekly challenge (at least for awhile). Please contact Laura at creative-vision@hotmail.com to claim your prize.

GOODBYE DT2
Saying goodbye is hard to do...especially when you LOSE your photo files! I wanted to share with everyone my favorite projects created by each member of DT2 - but forgot that I saved them to my laptop - which as we all know is currently taking a dirt nap.
Needless to say, I can't share photos of what I don't have. :(

I do want to thank DT2: Jennie, Linda, Lisa, Shelly and Rebecca for all their hard work over the last 3 months. Each member brought something special to the table, and I am going to miss seeing their wonderful creations each week.

An extra thank you to Jennie and Lisa for stepping up and taking on a little more than just a membership. These girls worked hard to make sure we got to see a little something from everyone each week, a well as new and creative weekly challenges.

I am going to miss you guys!!!!

NEW COMPUTER

The new computer should be here tomorrow!!! Still waiting on software to arrive.

Simply the BEST!

I made my final DT2 card using the Simply the Best stamp from the Friendship set from CCS.  I chose this specific phrase because it sums up my experience working on the CCS Design Team 2.  Laura (owner of CCS) is Simply the Best, the other DT2 gals (Jennie, Linda, Rebecca and Lisa) are Simply the Best, CCS stamps are Simply the Best, and the past three months have been Simply the Best! 

This was my very first experience being on a DT and I have to say, Laura was very generous and made it so easy.  Thank you to all those that participated in DT2 challenges and followed us through the last few months....you too are Simply the Best!  Oh, speaking of challenges, the challenge this week was to use your favorite embellishment.  Mine is probably ribbon, although I have several favorites and it was VERY difficult to choose a single favorite embellishment, but ribbon was the winner!

One last note, as I'm sitting here writing this post, I am listening to internet radio and the song "I'll Be Seeing You" by Peggy Lee is playing.  What a wonderful way to end.....I'll be seeing you!

Thanks for looking and have a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Watch for the new CCS stamps coming out soon....I know I'll be checking this blog often to see what Laura has up her sleeve with a new illustrator and all!

I'll be seeing you!

Shelly

my turn for my last card on the CCS DT

well everyone, it has really been so much fun!  I also wanted to use one of my favorites from Creative Clear Stamps...I love the Friendship Set...each sentiment is so special.
Even though our term is over...the friendships made will go on....and that is the best part of the cyber time we spend together....friendships!
Laura, you were just awesome!  and sooooo generous!!! looking forward to your new releases in January. I wish you the very best in 2010.
Those of you who were faithful followers - thank you so much! your encouragement really challenged me to try and create projects that inspired you....and some of you came and participated even when no one else did....now thats special friendships!
Design Team members - I didnt always get to your blogs to comment, but your creations were over the top! and those challenges Lisa gave....really gave us a push to think "outside the box"....and Jennie - you were just the "bestest" (LOL) blog coordinator EVVVV-ERRRR!!!

so this card is for Laura, the Design Team, and all our special friends!!!!

Thanks for such a wonderul experience...looking forward to what 2010 holds for all of us!!!!

Group HUG!!!   Happy New Year!!!

glitter-graphics.com

Linda

CCS DT Farewell...

I wanted to use a favorite Sentiment Single from Creative Clear Stamps as my final posting as a Design Team member for Creative Clear Stamps and could think of nothing more appropriate than Motherhood... I paired it with a some patterned paper from Fancy Pants Designs called The Daily Grind. I know that we as mothers can/do get bogged down with the day in/day out care of our children and at times we can feel as though this is a "daily grind"... I have certainly been there on days when my oldest has a "tude" (you know attitude), my oldest son has misplaced something again, and my youngest has figured out how to take his diaper off and streaks through the house, AGAIN! Not a good thing for one who drinks a LOT of juice! Enough said??? However, I know I need to treasure even those moments because one day they will fly from my little nest and I will look back on these days fondly and laugh at the funny memories that really weren't such a big deal! The Lord has provided us with true gifts in our children and there is not a better job in the world than "Motherhood."

Before I go...I just need to say that I have so enjoyed designing for Creative Clear Stamps! Laura is just the best and is so easy to work with and most generous with her Design Team! I have been impressed with the great quality of her clear stamps and the service she provides is outstanding. It has truly been a privilege and one in which I know I have grown creatively. Thank you Laura for allowing me to design for you and to the other ladies on the Design Team (Linda, Shelly, Lisa, Rebecca), I have so enjoyed working with you. I have admired your designs and creativity you have shared and you have inspired me with your projects! Thank you also to the faithful followers of CCS. You are so sweet with your encouraging comments and we so appreciate that! I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Creative Clear Stamps... you can be sure I will be poppin' in :o)
Blessings,

Card Deets ~

Stamp: Motherhood

Cardstock: White, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron and Fancy Pants Designs The Daily Grind (dp)

Ink: Wild Wasabi and So Saffron

Accessories: Binder Clip, Nesties, Ribbon, Border Punch

Update On Computer Crash

My "NEW BABY" is on her way!! We had to have her built, because we couldn't find one with enough good reviews to handle the graphics I need it too. But WOOHOO one problem down - two to go.

I am waiting for the new software to arrive - had to buy Adobe CS4. That should be here sometime late next week. Then we will be 2 down- one to go.

Finally, I should have the files fixed for the new release a couple days after that. Then wait for samples (I always use everyone of them to make sure they stamp okay), then send them off to the printer - and hopefully I can release the new sets mid January. CROSS YOUR FINGERS!!

Laura

Challenge~CCS13~Creative Favorite

Winner of CCS12 Creatively Different using random.org was #1 Patti.

Email: creative-vision@hotmail.com to claim your badge and shopping code

Wow did Christmas whizz by! I feel like I have spent 2 month preparing and it flew by way too fast for my taste. I was really worried hubby was going to get held over at work (he had to work Christmas morning) but he was home in enough time for us to celebrate with his family. I was certainly spoiled with gift cards to both Micheal's and Jo-Anne's craft stores. Super exciting for me.....Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and an upcoming new year.

The details: This is my last challenge for you all so I am going to go a tad easy on you. Use your favorite embellishment. (ribbon, brads, eyelets, punches,, bling, etc)

I used friendship. My favorite embellishments are punches.....I love that with very little it adds sooooo much! I also used a paper piercer and pierced the bee's path. This was very hard to photograph cause we have very little natural light and the flash washes out the dark colors.

OK now for the fun stuff! We want you to play along! Get some inspiration and show us your creativity!!! Of course their are rules. You must be a Creative Clear Stamps follower (super easy! In the side bar click follow) And of course you will have a chance to shine. Post your creation using the mr. widget below. You don't have to use Creative Clear Stamps but of course it is always a bonus if you do! You have until Sunday Night 1/03/10 at 8pm cst (9pm eastern, 6pm pacific). The prize each week will be a "CCS Challenge Winner" Badge to display on your blog and a personal discount code of 10% off your next CCS store purchase. Make sure you use CCS13 when you post your creation on splitcoast! Don't forget to display your winning badge so you can be in the running for a guest designer spot!

Another Very Sad Goodbye

Well, she finally died. She was so good to me for 7 years, and she will be missed. But onto bigger and better things....

OH did I mention I was talking about my laptop? Yep it finally died on me, ALONG with the files for the new release. (Banging head on desk) While I do have parts of the release saved elsewhere, I have to start from scratch- as the samples I was so excited for needed some changes. (again banging head on desk)

Ron and I have been shopping this weekend, trying to find something in our price range.

You know what's fun? Watching his face lose all color as he reads the price tag on the software I need too! The moths are attempting to stay in his wallet, and I have a BIG can of bug spray ready!

When it rains, it pours - right????

So, with this new development - the release of the new sets is pushed back until a later date. Sorry guys, not a whole lot I can do.

Rest in peace my little Dell!

Laura

...and these are a few of my favorite things!

This week's challenge is to use a favorite technique.  I would have to say that my favorite technique is dry embossing with my embossing folders.  I find so many uses for them and this technique seems to add a little "oomph" when something might be lacking on a card. 

The card I am showing here was made by using an embossing folder for the background, then I added some elegant ribbong and some felt snowflakes I cut out using some die cuts.  I also used a die cut for the piece the sentiment is embossed on.  The sentiment I used comes from the Holiday Sentiments set from CCS (I think this is my favorite!).  I sponged ink around the outside of the card to finish it off, and voila...an elegant Christmas card!

Thanks for looking!
Shelly

Flap Card Tutorial

Last week during the final Blog Hop for the current CCS Design Team, I shared a Flap Card I made which is SOOO EASY! Honestly, I am a simple person and the simpler something is to make something... the better :o)

All you need to make your own:
Paper Cutter
Scor-Pal (*or scoring blade on your paper cutter)
Coluzzle (*or round tupperware top)
Cardstock 3 1/2" x 11"
Patterned paper 3 1/4" x 4"
Magnetic discs (*or velcro pieces)



With your 3 1/2" x 11" piece of cardstock, using your coluzzle, round one of the short ends.



Then trim the cardstock (at the opposite end to make the total length about 10 3/8" (you may need to trim more or less, depends on your personal opinion)



Score cardstock at 4 1/4" and 8 1/2" (sorry this picture doesn't show the score lines that well, but you get the general idea I hope) :o)



Fold at score lines and adhere patterned paper to the lower part that folds up.



Adhere the magnetic discs to the back of the main image, and the inside base of the card (I left the positive and negative stickers...I have like a dummy had to positives which obviously would not work!) Ooops!



I stamped on another layering piece for the inside of the Flap Card and adhered it over the magnetic disc.



And here is the inside...



Just really easy peasy and hope this showed just how simple it really is to create a Flap Card. I think they would be cute with a gift card tucked inside. If you make one, please leave a comment so I can go check it out...I would love to see it! :o)
Have a wonderful day!
Blessings,

All About my 3 Brand New Releases

Happy Holidays everyone!

What will you be doing Xmas Eve? I will be playing with my THREE NEW RELEASES!!
The samples are supposed to be here Thursday morning at the very latest!! I cannot wait!!!

While I won't show you the new sets just yet, I will give you a little tease on their the themes.

Here's the story: This year we have lost 7 people in our lives, since June. My grandfather, my aunt, 2 friends, my mother-in-law, 2 cousins, and now my grandmother isn't expected to make through Christmas. Whewwww, it sure has been a sad year for my family.

With all these deaths heavy on my mind, I decided to create 2 Sympathy sets. I am straying away from designing anything silly and sassy for right now.

"Arms of Jesus" is the first sympathy set. I am dedicating it to and in honor of my mother in law. This set took me weeks to develop, because I couldn't get through the whole thing without crying. Can't design, when you can't see the computer screen. This was the hardest set to design out of the three. I wanted to capture exactly how I felt the weeks leading up to and following her passing. My new signature character "Hunny" is featured in this set. My new Illustrator is WONDERFUL!! The images are so sweet! This set has an image to color, and some sayings that will tug on your heart strings - especially for those with family struggling with serious illness.


"A time for Prayer" is the second sympathy set. This set features "Hunny" again, but she has a little friend with her. There is something to color, and heartfelt sentiments for expressing your sympathy.

"Hello Hunny" is the third and final set from this release. It is a friendship set, featuring "Winter Time Hunny" and a friend. There are some swirly sentiments and graphics in this one. I think you will all enjoy this one, is very sweet.

So there you go. I am hoping to release these the first week of January! Stay tuned, I might have a surprise for you this weekend!

Have a Wonderful Christmas everyone!

Laura

Creative Technique~Challenge~Tutorial

Winner of CCS11 Creatively Different using random.org was #2 Olga.

Email: creative-vision@hotmail.com to claim your badge and shopping code

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful week. The holidays are fast approaching. Are you ready? Have you wrapped everything and gotten stocking stuffers? If not I wanted to show you a easy stocking stuffer or gift.

The details: This weeks challenge is for you to use your favorite technique. This could be embossing or coloring medium or like what I did was a 3-D project technique.

I have a tutorial for you all to use to make your very own tea bag holder. I showed some samples I have done at the most recent blog hop.

What you will need:

· One 3 1/2" x 7 3/4" piece of cardstock—Basic Grey used here
· One 6 1/2" x 7" piece of patterned paper or printed vellum—My Minds Eye used here
· Scoring tool—Scor-pal used here
· Strong adhesive—rolled adhesive used here
· Thin cord
· 25" piece of ribbon
· 1/16" hole punch
· 1 1/4" circle punch
· Stamps—Friendship used here
· Additional cardstock and embellishments to decorate the front
*The largest sized was 3 ¼ x 3 ¼ and it goes in by 1/8 down to the stamped whisper white.

Step 1
Place 3 1/2" x 7 3/4" piece of cardstock in your Scoring tool Score at 3 1/2".

Score at 4 1/4".

Step 2
fold both of the score lines.

Step 3
Line the 6 1/2" side of the patterned paper up with the top of the scoring tool Score at 1/2".

Score at 3 1/2".

Step 4
fold your score lines. Apply Adhesive to the 1/2" section of the paper.

Remove tape liner, fold paper over and rub to set adhesive.

Step 5
Align the paper sleeve with the 1/2" score line. Score at 3 5/8".

Turn paper 180 degrees, line other side up with 1/2" score line. Score again at 3 5/8". The 3 5/8" is actually marked on the score pal to make things a bit easier.

Step 6
fold both score lines.

Step 7
Slide one size of the designer paper into the 1 1/4" circle punch. Center and punch.This will make it easier to take the tea bag out of the holder later.

Line up the other end of the paper with the punched side. Line up circle punch again and punch again.

Step 8
Add Adhesive over the back of the patterned paper spine.

Peel off tape liner, center patterned paper over cardstock and tape down.

Step 9
Tie ribbon around the cardstock base.

You can decorate the front of the holder.I used dimensional's so the ribbon is able to be repositioned.

Step 10
Open the tea bag holder and punch two small holes in the spine through both the patterned paper and cardstock. You can use a 1/16" hole punch or your paper piercing tools for that. I like to use a guide for better/even hole placement.

Step 11
Thread some thin cord through the holes so both ends of the cord are on the outside of the holder.

Tie the cord in a knot or bow on the outside of the spine.

Step 12
Add tea bags into your patterned paper sleeves.

Fold tea bag holder and and tie ribbon again. Your tea bag holder is done.Variation:Instead of filling the sleeves with tea bags, try chocolate squares instead.

I used my new sewing machine to sew the front of the tea bag holder.....The lines are a tad bit wiggly but this is my first sewing machine so I have a bit of a learning curve....So far I LOVE it though.

Here is a photo of the inside. Another variation you could try are the ghiradelli or dove square chocolates.....those will fit in here just fine. it looks harder than it is. I think total for this whole tutorial (without the photos and typing it up) took about 30 minutes. Those are fast and wonderful little gifts.

OK now for the fun stuff! We want you to play along! Get some inspiration and show us your creativity!!! Of course their are rules. You must be a Creative Clear Stamps follower (super easy! In the side bar click follow) And of course you will have a chance to shine. Post your creation using the mr. widget below. You don't have to use Creative Clear Stamps but of course it is always a bonus if you do! You have until Sunday Night 12/27/09 at 8pm cst (9pm eastern, 6pm pacific). The prize each week will be a "CCS Challenge Winner" Badge to display on your blog and a personal discount code of 10% off your next CCS store purchase.Make sure you use CCS12 when you post your creation on splitcoast! Don't forget to display your winning badge so you can be in the running for a guest designer spot!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday week!

Blog Hop Winner Announced

Our blog hop winner comes from Theresa's blog, comment posting #5 Patti J!

Congrads Patti J!! You have won ONE of my brand new releases coming in January. Please email me at creative-vision@hotmail.com to claim your prize. Include your full name and mailing address. Your prize will be mailed in January.

Thanks to everyone that hopped along with us! I hope you all enjoyed our last hop for 2009, I know I did!

Laura

HOP HOP HOP Today

Welcome to Design Team 2’s last Blog Hop. Today we are sharing the hop with a few of our customers, to show off some of our favorite CCS Stamps. This is one of my favorite sets "Hooked On Fishing". I love my worm!! He is just so darn cute!

Hop these blogs, post a comment on each – and you could win ONE of my BRAND NEW releases coming in January!!

Jennie
Linda
Shelly
Lisa
Rebecca
Theresa
Olga
Patti




You just never know whose blog will be picked, so be sure to comment on each one. I will announce the hop winner here on the CCS blog tomorrow. Good luck and happy hopping!!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas!

This week's challenge is to use navy, silver and bling.  I made this snowflake card using the Holiday Sentiments stamp set.  I REALLY like this set for its versatility.  I did some stitching on the navy paper for added dimension and texture.  I used a CB die for the large snowflake and punches for the smaller ones.  The card itself is actually grey, although hard to see in the photo, and the snowflakes are silver.  Don't forget to visit all the CCS Design Team member's blogs for more GREAT ideas using CCS stamps.

Thanks for looking!
Shelly

Faith, Hope, Peace

So are your Christmas cards finished yet? I am happy to say mine are and Creative Clear Stamps have helped me to get to that place where I can say I am D-O-N-E! :o)

I wanted to create a card using the sentiment from Let It Snow as the focal point and thought this long vertical sentiment would be perfect. I stamped the sentiment and die cut it with a Scalloped Oval die, and sponged over it with True Thyme while still in the die to create the plain vanilla border. I tend to create cards in assembly line fashion and this was easy to produce over and over again.

Be sure to stop back by tomorrow as we have a special Blog Hop featuring the CCS Design Team as well as some special CCS friends! Hhhmmm, I wonder who they might be :o)
Hope you have a wonderful day!
Blessings,



Card Deets:
Stamps: Let It Snow
Cardstock: True Thyme, Cranberry Crisp, VV and Basic Grey Wassail
Ink: Cranberry Crisp and True Thyme
Accessories: Nesties Scalloped Ovals and Ribbon