Spring Cleaning has Sprung at SBS!

Spring is almost here, that means it's time to do a little cleaning and make room for our upcoming Halloween, Christmas, Summer, and other fun little releases at Simply B Stamps! I know we're jumping the gun, and it's not even the weekend at the moment when sales usually start, but hey that's what makes us SBS right? We march to the beat of our own kooky drum!

Today through Feb. 29th take 30% off any $25 or more purchase (CANNOT BE APPLIED TO DIGIS)! Won't you help me spread the word and Spring Clean!?? Use Coupon code SpringCleaning!

Here's a little bonus... LIMITED DIGI release! Only 2 days of these Cah-UTE Digis:

The Bettys Series 2

(Please remember the discount of 30% does not apply for digis, to avoid mistakes all digis will be emailed manually and directly from Betty after she receives notification of your digi purchase.)

Left to Right... Scrapbooking Betty, Nurse Betty, UK Betty, Hogwarts Betty, Liberty Betty, Bikini Betty, Morning Betty, and Just Betty

Aren't they the CAH-UTE-EST! You can find them here: The Bettys 2

Grab them while they are digis you digi lovers!!!

Here's a simple little card I did using Bikini Betty.  My image is on Neenah and colored with Copics. My base is Bazzill cut to a 5 1/2" square.  The patterned papers are from an Echo Park Splash 6x6 pad.  My bottom layer is cut to a 5 1/4" square.  I cut a strip of the polka dot paper that's 5 1/4" wide and 3 1/4" high.  I framed my image with a rectangle of the same Bazzill I used for my base.  I pop-dotted the image on and added the three flowers and their bling. 

This is my interpretation of the Scrappy Chick Sunday Sketch Challenge 05 that Cyndi Bundy has posted on her blog.  She has great prizes and would love for you to play along with me!  Thanks for stopping by to take a look and I hope to see you again soon!

Hugs,

Lea

Hydrangea Hope

Hello!  Welcome back!  Today I would like to share a card with you that started out with very different intentions.  By that, I mean I intended to do something along the "Fran-tage" line as in the rose card from the previous post.  However, as I started putting my card together, I decided to make it a little more spring-like and a lot cleaner than the shabby chic feel I was originally intending.  I stamped my Stampendous! Cling Jumbo Hydrangea stamp on Neenah Classic Crest with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored my image with Copics G0000, G00, B41, V0000, V01, YG61, YG63, and YG67.  Here's how it turned out:

I was pleased with my results and then I started my hunt for paper.  Ordinarily I pick out my papers first and then color.  I'm really not sure why I didn't do that this time but I really couldn't find any papers in my stash that were worthy of such a beautiful image.  (Actually, I couldn't find any that matched!)  That meant having to go to Enchanted Cottage on my lunch break to see what I could find.  Well, I found three papers that I thought would make a lovely combination so I bought them and as soon as I got home from work, I hit my stamp room determined to make another "Fran-tage" beauty.  The more I looked at the pink patterned paper from Creative Imaginations, the more I wanted to use the touching "Hope" message printed there.  I'm a cancer survivor so this is something near and dear to my heart.  I cut out my image and started playing around with the paper but I just couldn't get it configured in a manner I felt was right for "Fran-tage."  I had cut my base to be a 6" square from Bazzill.  I cut my bottom layer of patterned paper from Creative Imaginations in a 5 3/4" square.  I cut two strips of the green Karen Foster patterned paper about an inch wide and I then edged each strip with a Martha Stewart punch.  From my Creative Imaginations "Hope" paper I cut my middle panel to fit the word across the bottom section.  I adhered the punched strips to each side of the top layer and centered both top and bottom layers on my base.  In order to add some texture to my image, I added some of the new fresh green and lavender crushed glass glitters from Stampendous!  I used glossy accents to hold my glitter on and as soon as it was dry enough, I pop-dotted my image onto the card.  I added a little sheer pink ribbon with a pearl as an accent.  I chose the pearl because even with something as small as a grain of sand irritating the oyster, something as beautiful as a pearl can grow.  There are many things in life that irritate us but we can still radiate beauty from within if we choose to.  I would like to think that because of my cancer, I'm now able to see more of the beauty in life around me.  I still tend to rush through my days sometimes but I'm far more aware of my surroundings and of how blessed I am with God's grace to still be here.  So, without further ado, here's my card.  I hope (no pun intended) that you like it.

As I said in the beginning, this isn't exactly what I had in mind when I colored my image but I'm really pleased with the way it all came together.  I'm entering my card in the Stampendous! texture challenge for this month on their blog and if you haven't play along, you should!  Well, folks, that's it for today.  I hope to see you back soon.  Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Lea

A Rose by Any Other Name...

...is a Stampendous! Jumbo Cling Rose!  When I first saw this stamp, I just about swooned!  I know that sounds crazy to some but I was bitten and smitten and could hardly wait to get some ink on my very own!  I've done a few other cards with it but I had not done any of the new "Fran-tage"-style cards with the cool embossing powders and chunkier style glass glitters.  Well, I decided it was about time to "Fran-tage" it!  Here's the image after stamping it with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Neenah Classic Crest paper and coloring it with Copics R81, R83, R85 and R89:

I have to say, I honestly thought the rose was quite pretty just on it's own but that is not what "Fran-tage" is all about.  No, Plain Jane is not Fran's idea of "Fran-tage" at all.  So, I picked out my papers and pulled out some of the new Stampendous! embossing powders, micas and glitters.  These were some of my selections pictured here:

I am so in love the new Basic Grey Kissing Booth paper and had been wanting to use it with this stamp from the first time I saw it.  I knew it would be perfect!  I was going to use all three designs but in the end I only used two, Truly and Sweet Nothings.  Dozen Roses went back on the shelf to wait for another day, another card! 

I picked out my Bazzill paper for the base and cut it down to a 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" square card.  I like doing that particular size as it's bigger than the standard A2 but not too big like a 6" x 6".  I cut my Sweet Nothings paper to a 5 3/8" x 5 3/8" square and slightly distressed the edge with my handy dandy Tim Holtz distressing tool.  I cut my Truly piece to 3" x 5 1/4" and distressed it too.  Using a spritzing bottle, I spritzed a little water on the upper right corner of the pink Sweet Nothings layer, rolled it with a wooden veggie skewer and dried it with my heat gun.  I went ahead and layered the two pieces of Basic Grey onto my Bazzill base.  Using a VersaMark stamp pad, I stamped the scrolled flourish stamp that comes with the set in the lower left corner and heat set some Stampendous! aged copper embossing enamel.  Of course it was beautiful, but it wasn't enough!  Oh, no!  This was calling for more, screaming for more!  I mixed up my own concoction of aged copper embossing enamel, aged silver embossing enamel, silver crushed glass glitter and gilded mica fragments.  It was like being back in preschool art class where you could have fun but the supplies were way cooler!  I felt like a little kid all over again.  To make my mix stick, I rubbed the corner of my VersaMark stamp pad on the paper, added my mixture and heat set it a little at a time.  The exposed upper right corner of the card was yelling for some, too, so I obliged.  I looked at my beautiful rose and knew  to really be "Fran-tage" it needed a little glitz of it's own.  This time I used my VersaMark marker and colored on the rose image in a few strategic spots, added some clear embossing powder, silver crushed glass glitter and voila!  Fran-tage!  For my finishing touch, I took some 6"-wide tulle and cut a piece about 8", twisted it in the middle, taped it to the back of the rose, added some pop-dots and layered my rose and tulle on the card.  Here's the final results:

I must say, I love how this card turned out.  I am totally in love with this technique and I already have my next card planned in my head.  Now it's time to enter this lovely card in the Stampendous! Blog monthly challenge.  This month is all about texture.  Stay tuned and thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,
Lea

Let them eat cake...

...Betty Munster-style!  Yep, that's right!  It's Betty Munster and isn't she just the cutest!?  I love her!  This is the last image in the new Simply B Stamps Teen Scene Birthday Munsters collection for preview.  You know what that means!  Now you can buy them and have them for your very own!!  Here's the details 'cause you know you want some.

Okay so we have 7 brand spankin' new stamps!  Buy all 7 for $45 (a $59.43 value) use code BDAY45

Buy any 3 for $21.00 use code BDAY21

Birthday Munsters shebang pack!  $55.00 best value!

All 7 new stamps

12 Printed Papers

3 Double sided Distress Solids

2 12x12 Sticker sheets

Pretty awesome!!

So here's my card and I have to tell you, I've been saving this paper just for this image.  It's Scenic Route's Surprise paper both front and back over Bazzill as my card base.  My image is on Neenah and colored with Copics.  I used the cool Spider Web die from Memory Box as that little added touch and even though you can't tell in the picture (grrr!) it's shimmery as I spritzed it with Shimmer Spritz.  Simple but cute in my humble opinion.  I hope you like her and I hope you've enjoyed the preview for this super cute collection.  It has certainly been fun creating with them.  Oh, I almost forgot to mention, I styled her hair after our very own Alison's.  I always love the way Alison colors hair and this is kindof my tribute to her!  LOL!

Please go to simplybettystamps.blogspot.com and check out the other awesome creations the design team has created.  We sure do aim to please and love your enthusiasm for all things Betty!

See you soon with a cute Valentine or two.  Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,
Lea

Birthday Princess Rio Surprise Blog Hop

Today is Miss Rio's birthday!  Sho nuff!  As you may or may not know, Rio is Betty's daughter and she's 14 today.  I have to tell you, this young lady is one of the sweetest, most mature young ladies that I know.  I had the distinct pleasure of spending time with her during the recent CHA Convention in Anaheim, CA.  I was very impressed!  Betty, our fearless leader, is an amazing mother and her children are a wonderful reflection of some great parenting! 

In honor of Rio's birthday, we are doing a surprise blog hop.  So, SURPRISE!  Betty, being the loving mother that she is, designed an image specifically for Rio called Birthday Princess Rio and that is the image we are previewing for you today from the new Simply B Stamps Teen Scene Birthday Munsters.

Currently you are here.  You should have landed here from Jennifer D.  Your next stop is with Lelia.  If you get lost along the way, here's the complete order:

Starts at SBS

 Alison

Barbara

Betty

Cyndi

Jennifer D

Lea (Me!)

Lelia

Rebecca

ends at Suzi's blog

Now, on to my card.  Yes, it's another simple card but I think it's cute and I know Rio will like it.  You see, I happen to know Rio likes rainbows, tutus, cool socks and cool shoes!  This one is right up her alley!  My base is Bazzill, my rainbow paper is K and Company, the yellow dot paper is Lasting Impressions.  My image is on Neenah and colored with Copics.  I added some chipboard letters spelling her name.  I used some tulle for my "ribbon" and added some Star Dust Stickles to it for a little sparkle.  And there she is, Birthday Princess Rio!

 

Please hop along with the rest of the design team, we love sharing our creations with you!  Thanks for stopping by and if you leave me some love, you know it will make my day!  By the way, the last time I saw Rio, she was wearing a rainbow tutu! 

 Happy birthday, Rio, love ya!

Hugs,
Lea

It's Miller Time!

Miller Munster, that is!  Yes, he is the newest image in Simply B Stamps Teen Scene Birthday Munsters Collection being previewed today.  He is just the cutest little thing and so takes me back to my days of watching the Munsters on TV as a little girl.  I used to love that show!  Shucks, I would still watch it if I could!

I decided to keep him somewhat monochromatic with just a touch of red.  This wasn't the direction I intended to go in initially, but this is where I ended up!  The red and black papers are Bazzill and the patterned papers are from Me and My Big Ideas Black and White Color Basics pack.  My image and sentiment are on Neenah.  My image is colored with Copics and layered on red.  My sentiment is one I created on Microsoft Publisher and printed out.  I used a Spellbinder's Nestie to cut it and the black layer out.  I added the dark red rhinestones for just a little color and bling.  Here's an angled shot to better show the color.

I put all my layers together and, voila!, a cute little card that is just right for one of the guys and not too girlie.  I do hope you will check out the blog, simplybettystamps.blogspot.com and see the other cards created by the design team.  They are awesome!  Thanks for stopping by and please come back tomorrow for another sneaky peek!  'Til then, cheers!

Hugs,
Lea

Confetti Funfetti!

Welcome back!  Have I got an adorable image to share with you today!?  Meet Confetti London, newest in the Simply B Stamps Teen Scene Birthday Munsters collection.  Isn't she the cutest?  Of course she has her sidekick, Lynx, with her to help celebrate.  This is one of those cute images that can be used for any happy celebration or party. 

This has to be one of the easiest cards I've ever made.  The yellow paper is Bazzill and the patterned paper is from a Girl Scouts paper stack by K & Company.  My image is on Neenah and colored with Copics.  I layered and centered the image, cut out some flowers from my paper and pop-dotted them in the corners, then I added some Star Dust Stickles to the confetti and the centers of each flower.  Voila!  Cuteness!!  Honestly, it doesn't get much easier than that.  The paper was rather busy in itself so I really wanted to keep the design rather simple.  I do hope you like it!

The Simply B Stamps design team have more cards posted on our blog that I know you don't want to miss.  Pop on over and take a look and leave a little love if you're so inclined!

Don't forget to stop back by tomorrow for yet another sneaky peek at the next adorable image in this new collection from Simply B Stamps.  Thanks for stopping by and if you left me some love, it's greatly appreciated. 

Hugs,
Lea

Double your pleasure...

...double your fun!  Today you get a two for one!

On the Simply B Stamps blog we are previewing the new Teen Scene Birthday Munsters Collection.  Needless to say, I'm just a wee bit behind having gone to CHA Convention in California.  Have I told you yet that I hung out with our very own Betty Roberts, creator of so much goodness!?  Well, I did!  I had such a good time and almost hated to come back home.  However, all good things must come to an end and now I'm back to reality and back to creating cuteness for your viewing pleasure. 

First up is Birthday Pugsly Christian.  He was actually previewed yesterday but since I'm a day behind, you get to see my version today.  He's such a cutie, too!  My image is on Neenah Classic Crest and colored with Copics.  I added my own grass to polish off the image which is matted on Bazzill.  My card base is Bazzill and my patterned paper is Doodlebug Design's Surprise Party.  My sentiment is from A Muse and stamped in Tim Holtz gathered twigs distress ink.  I added red grosgrain ribbon from my stash for that little extra pop of color.  Now there you have it, a simple card without a lot of fuss!

Next us is Party Lola!  This girl is ready to throw on her party hat for a good time and a little rock and roll!  As with Christian, Lola is on Neenah Class Crest and colored with Copics.  There's just something about Lola that makes me want to color funky hair.  I don't know what it is, maybe it's a secret desire to have my own hair in some fun shade like purple or pink.  It must be my inner punk rocker!  Anyway, this little Sweetie is colored with Copics and matted on Bazzill.  My base is Bazzill and my patterned papers are from Three Bugs in a Rug's Butterfly Kisses.  This time I used a piece of the patterned paper to create a party hat complete with pom-poms!  I typed my sentiment on the computer and printed it out to layer and mount with pop dots.  Lola is also pop-dotted with a double stack of pop dots to make sure the pom-pom trim on the hat fit underneath. 

  

Both cards were relatively simple to create and so much fun to color!  I hope you have enjoyed them and please come back tomorrow for another sneak peak.  You know you want to see!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Lea