For our wonderful babysitter

This adorable card and envelope will be dropped off at the florist tomorrow to be delivered on Friday Feb 12th just after school to the babysitters so the other kids will get to see this cute valentine's card and the flowers that will be delivered.  How fun!  We'll be off on our cruise, or rather  - I'll be shopping to YOUR blog candy - LOL :)  So, I've got this all setup in advance.

Pretty Little Tropical Thing
BLOG CANDY

- One entry for already being a BBFF,
- One entry for being a BBFF at the end of the contest,
- One entry for each comment made during the contest,
- The possibilities are endless!!

Contest deadline: Feb 23rd, 2010
Click here for the details

For our wonderful babysitter
Stamps: Special Delivery, Just a Note, Top Ten & additions
Paper: Neenah white cardstock,
Ink:my computer printer, Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers
Accessories: circle and scalop nestabilities


· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Hoppity hop hop - BLOG HOP!! It's a love that lasts forever

It's a love that lasts forever

Inspiration Song:
Don't Let Me Down by: The Beatles

Nobody ever loved me like she does,
Ooh she does, yeah she does....
I'm in love for the first time.
Don't you know it's gonna last.
It's a love that lasts forever,
It's a love that has no past.

Beate from SCS has this great tutorial.

Now....

Don't these prize packages from Paper Maniac look tempting and fun!!!  

Prize #1: One random blog hopper will win a deluxe prize package that includes one mini-deck of all three new Cosmo Cricket papers, a package of American Crafts pearl brads, and the new Flourishes clouds background stamp. All you have to do to win this prize is leave a comment on each of the participating blogs.

Prize #2: if you are not a registered customer, Sign up in the store now - click here! One new customer registering on January 30-31 will be randomly selected to win a $20.00 gift certificate - WOOT WOOT!!.

Now, if you're arriving from Amy's blog, you're well on your way... If you're just starting here, head on back to the Paper Maniac Store blog to make sure you maximize your chance of winning!!

The next stop on the blog hop is....

Alicia's Blog

And an awesome remix taken from http://www.beatlestube.net/

Pretty Little Tropical Thing
BLOG CANDY

- One entry for already being a BBFF,
- One entry for being a BBFF at the end of the contest,
- One entry for each comment made during the contest,
- The possibilities are endless!!

Contest deadline: Feb 23rd, 2010

Click here for the details

Card: It's a love that lasts forever

Stamps: Romantic Moment, JustRite Stamps,

Paper: Neenah white cardstock, pre-cut 5X7 textured card and envelope - white, Bazzill Cardstock, random stuff from my paper stash

Ink: my computer printer

Accessories: Copic Airbrush, Copic Markers, Copic Multiliner - Black, Ribbon adhesive, mini pop dots, Tim Holtz Tonic Studio Scisscors, Spellbinders circles, QK Revolution,Flourishes, Olivia Alphabet

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

10 Things I Love About Mom

This evening I found a great tutorial for this cute little meander book and thought it would be a perfect alternate to a Valentines card for my Mother in Law.  Here' the almost final product, I'll put some tags with ribbon pulls in once I write up my little messages.

Pretty Little Tropical Thing
BLOG CANDY

- One entry for already being a BBFF,
- One entry for being a BBFF at the end of the contest,
- One entry for each comment made during the contest,
- The possibilities are endless!!

Contest deadline: Feb 23rd, 2010
Click here for the details

10 Things I Love About Mom
Stamps: Top Ten, Top Ten additions, Friends till the end, Treemendous, Love Circles
Paper: Neenah white cardstock, various cardstock from my stash
Ink: my computer printer, Memento Tuxedo Black,
Accessories: Copic Markers
Challenges: Color Throwdown #77,
Inspiration: SCS Meander Card tutorial, Dawn McVey

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Gosh I love my Copics

Siiiigh... if I could do my Copic experience all over again, I'd start by buying the Copic Lights set, and build my markers from there. I'd search blogs and see what coloured images I like and what colours I'm attracted to and continue writing down colours. I'd download the Copic Colour chart and plot my wish list.

I personally started with a beautiful exciting brights set of 12, most of which I never use. I use skin tones, hair tones, my faaave denimy colour, lilac, green, blue, cool greys for shading and lots of turquoise - but everyone's style and colour preferences are different.

Once I learned how the light markers "push" the darker inks and blend them, I really really wish I had started with this base kit, some greys, skins and lightish faves. InkyHeart has a hilarious post about her must have suggestions. But one day, you'll look at the Copic Colour Chart and say AHA!!! I get it, and I gotta get thatone.. and that one.. and oooooh, that one too ;)

I'm compiling my newest list of must haves and will report back soon.

Pretty Little Tropical Thing
BLOG CANDY

- One entry for already being a BBFF,
- One entry for being a BBFF at the end of the contest,
- One entry for each comment made during the contest,
- The possibilities are endless!!

Contest deadline: Feb 23rd, 2010
Click here for the details

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Get Well Wiper Card

A dear friend is having surgery tomorrow, and she's very appreciative of anything hand made so I whipped this one up tonight especially for her. You know, it had to be "different so I went over to SplitCoastStampers and found this neat little wiper card with a "Get well soon" pop up message. I am pretty tired, so unfortunately won't be adding any more doo dahs but I am happy with how pretty she is and how unique the card is so taaa daaa !!!

I really waned to show how important using three tones is... here's her "roots" to give definition to the right but not on the left, pretty neat, huh ;) Then After I was happy with the "fullness" of her hair, or volume of bigness LOL, I went in and added highlights where the light would hit.

I love it :) I know she will too...

Pretty neat, huh!

And don't forget!!

The Pretty Little Tropical Thing
BLOG CANDY

- One entry for already being a BBFF,
- One entry for being a BBFF at the end of the contest,
- One entry for each comment made during the contest,
- The possibilities are endless!!

Contest deadline: Feb 23rd, 2010
Click here for the details

Get Well Wiper Card
Stamps: Greeting Farm

Paper: Neenah white cardstock,

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, my computer printer

Accessories: Ribbon adhesive, ribbon & paper from my stash, Spellbinders circles, Copic Airbrush, Copic Markers,

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Thanks chick ;)

The stickles do not photograph well on this shot, but it was a fun card to make. I tried the easel card again, in a 6X4 size but I don't like how long it ends up, I much prefer dimensions closer to a square, or with a wider base and not so tall. Ever since that Copic Challenge with different skin tones, I've intentionally been working this image every which way because it's quick and fun to colour. This one has dark hair, I need some more grey tones to attempt black or very dark hair but for now, this is it. Stay tuned for my take on a blond, coming very soon :) Ope! That little bit peeking at the bottom is the inside of the card, it wasn't sitting flat when I took the pic.
I have this paper pack, meant for tearing as the inside is a shade lighter than the outside which is really pretty but the colours are soooo close to Copics it's awesome! Take a look at my Copic coloured white ribbon and the paper circle backing on my thank you. Neato!

And here's the stars of the Copic show, didn't have time to write them down, just took the pic this time - see below for more cards.

Pretty Little Tropical Thing
BLOG CANDY

- One entry for already being a BBFF,
- One entry for being a BBFF at the end of the contest,
- One entry for each comment made during the contest,
- The possibilities are endless!!

Contest deadline: Feb 23rd, 2010
Click here for the details

Thanks Chick

Stamps: Rachel
Paper: Neenah white cardstock, from my stash
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, my computer printer, copic markers and airbrush
Accessories: ribbon

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Hey Baby, Time to Party!!

OOOhhhwee - how fun was this card!!! I've had this digi image forever and I sincerely do not know where I got or bought it from so if you know, please pop me a line ;) For now, I call her Hot Stuff! Well, this pretty hot stuff is ready for a night on the town to celebrate with her chicas with some margaritas! OLE!

OOOH bay'bay'bee'bayyy'bay we have bling, we have zing, we have oh la laaa... we even have enough paper cuts to make a second card!! Looks like three of us will be hitting the town as soon as I colour up another image!!

Sorry for the dark pics, this new iMac is wonderful for a lot of things but one thing I miss dearly is my graphics software... soon my BBFFs, soon. Check out all the layering of stuff and stuff and more good stuff I have going on her, oooohhhhh la la! I think I'll kick up my feet and make some calls. Me and mah girlfrenz are going to hit the town and paint it pink for the upcoming February birthdays - wanna join us ;)



Hey Baby, Time to Party!!


Stamps: Greeting Farm

Paper: Neenah white cardstock,
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, my computer printer
Accessories: Ribbon adhesive, mini pop dots, Spellbinders ovals, Copic Airbrush, Copic Markers, Hair: E57, E35, E31; Skin: E00, E31; Makeup & Accessories: BV00, BV01, R00Rv10, RV11, RV32, RV34, C1, C3, YR02, 0

Challenges: 365 Cards - Girls night out, ABC - Layering, Cupcake Challenge - Girly, Cards Mag - Love Theme, Pink Elephant - Birthday, Stampin Royalty - Birthday, Creative Inspirations - New Year New products, Tuesday Morning Sketches - Buttons & Bows, Stampin for the Weekend Sketch, EBTKS Sketch, Inky Impressions Sketch, DP2 sketch, Spoon Full of Sugar Recipe: 3 pieces designer paper, 1 piece ribbon, 3 flowers and 3 buttons

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-

¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Wait! Can I see???

Isn't that little ballerina cuuute ;)

This image called out to me as soon as I saw it! The little girl reminds me of my inquisitive 21 month old who thinks she's a big girl LOL ;) I also know exactly who this card is for -it's sooo perfect!

An it's my first real easel card, from this tutorial SCS Making an easel card

A bit of paper pleating, finger knife trimming and pop dots did the trick ;)

My focus was colouring different skin tones with my Copic markers; you'll see from left to right:

• Mixed or Native - Skin: E00, E31, Hair: E57, E35, E31, Dress: YG11, TG06
• Asian - Skin:E31, E51, Hair: 100, E29, E57, Dress: YR02, YR07
• Caucasian - Skin:E50, E51, E00, Hair:E31, E51, E00, Y21, Dress: B00, BG01, BG45, BG49
• African - Skin:E11, E31, E35, E57, Hair:E57, E29, Dress: BV00, BV01, V17
• Little girl - Skin: E31, E11, E00, Hair: E29, E57, E35, Dress: RV10, RV32, RV34
• Tights: RV10
• Shoes: RV11, C1
• Shading and floor: C1, C5
• Airbrushed background: RV11, C5

I'll tell you it took a lot of trial and error mixing the few colours I have to come up with two or three tones to shade the skin tones and the African one took the longest to get just right but I love how she turned out. I put a pink tights RV10 overlay on all their legs after they were coloured and shaded. Not too happy with the ground, but the airbrushing and colourless blender helped a bit. I have a bit of work ahead of me in expanding my skin-tone options going forward.

Take a look at the back of my card, you can certainly see thorough this card stock weight how much ink I had to use to blend my African skin tone, and some of the darker colours.

And I made my own envelope with a 12x12 sheet to match and just folded it and basically "winged it" as I folded and cut until I got it the way I wanted. I softened the flap with my corner rounder.

Wait! Can I see?
Stamps: Big Girl's Class, Just Rite stamps
Paper: Neenah white cardstock, misc from my stash
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, my computer printer
Accessories: Copic Markers, Copic airbrush, Nestabilities Classic Circle and scalloped circle, QK Revolution, scor-pal, scor-pal mat, Fiskars finger knife, CM Straight cutter, CM corner rounder, Stickles - Crystal, foam squares, EZ Runner adhesive, Elmers Rubber Cement,
Challenges:Copic coloring of Ethnic Skin Tones, PCP Phindy's Place - something new and different challenge, Just Magnolia - Paper Pleating

Resources: SCS Making an easel card

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Baby Bellies

Sue had this awesome idea for pregnancy cards, I can't wait to try one!!

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Raindrops keep dancing ...on the surface :)

Just awesome!!!

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Little Soldier

2010 is my year of using up my scraps! I am intentionally working around the paper I already have on hand and am very impressed at what I have come up with. This card is dedicated to little Leyton who was certainly gone too soon.

I must say, my new monitor is really great when it comes to colours on the screen but boy - this ribbon has NOT been photographed well :(

Little Soldier

Stamps: Jak Heath's Little Soldier - In Memory of Layton
Paper: Neenah white cardstock, misc from my stash
Accessories: scor-pal, 3D foam squares, misc ribbon from my stash, Copic markers, Copic Airbrush, Copic atyouSpica - garnet glitter pen, bling from my stash

Challenges: BG Photo Inspiration #11, CP Sketch 46, Colour idea from Jeanette Lynton, Rasberry Suite Challenge #21, and the JUG 15 - sewing

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Get Organized - Step 5: Attack

Next is the ATTACK!

1. De-Junk: get rid of the stuff you don’t use, need, or want


2. Give everything a home: you’ll more likely put it away when you’re finished


3. Categorize then containerize: fit the stuff to the container


4. Label: label, label, label!

Take everything out of the space that you’re working on and categorize it in a way that makes sense to you, and then get containers to fit the stuff. I recently bought 4 or 5 clear plastic storage containers thinking I wanted to get organized. I had to fit my stuff to the container rather the container to my stuff, which has been frustrating. I should have categorized the stuff I wanted to organize and then bought containers to fit. Lesson learned.

Finally, labeling. This is my favorite part! You could buy a labeling machine which is anywhere from $10-$30 but that's no fun, I use post-it notes and then "I got scrappy with it" and made some cute labels. A fun idea for moms with young children is to label every drawer and cupboard to help teach your children where things go and also how to read. For non-readers, label with pictures. Having labels on drawers and cupboards makes putting things away into a game for young children. They’ll want to help if they think they’re playing a game!

YAYY! Mission accomplished! Post some pics of your before and after, we'd love to cheer you on!!!

... now, where's next??

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Get Organized - Step 4: Analyze

As you go through your house (or craft area), notice where clutter collects and focus on finding a solution for those areas.

For example, paper causes organization problems for most people. When bills come in they go into a mail folder sorted by recipient upstairs, then I pay my bills online in the upstairs in the office and shred up there as well. Hubby pays his bills the old fashioned way so the mail gets bundled once a month for the trip to the bank, then ends up in the car for another few weeks and eventually comes back in the house onto the kitchen table. What do I do, I refile it back into the mail folder upstairs and he sees it again and again... we obviously need to rethink that system.
Now, another thing i do is sort the recycling before the mail even reached the mail folders so it never makes it past the front door.

Analyzing the problem areas in your house is vital. Walk through your house and notice what is and isn’t working. The areas that need help are the areas with clutter. Let your house and your habits point out solutions for you.

... Stay tuned, more to come...

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

It's my party....

... and I'll cry if I want to ...

Do you remember... she's all dressed up for her birthday in a pretty little outfit and then... it happens "waaaaaahhh!" boo hoo, the little princess didn't get her way, or her pretty little outfit got dirty, or whaaadeverrr! You have to love those terrible twos and Mo has captured this moment perfectly in her digital image Two Tasha.

Card: It's my party...
Stamps: Mo's DP: Two Tasha
Paper: Neenah white cardstock, misc from my stash
Accessories: gold craft paint (crown), white mini brads with Colorbox pigment ink - gold, gold wire edged ribbon, mini glue dots, EZ Runner scrapbook adhesive, scor-pal

Challenges: Mo's DP: Birthdays, 365 Cards Day 314 Braiding, Mojo Monday 120 sketch, SPCC #29, and Stampin' Royalty

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Get Organized - Step 3: Strategize

Next think about prime space - the space from your knees to as high as you can reach. When you organize things on shelves or in stacks, use that space first because it’s most visible and easiest to get at. Higher than you can reach or lower than your knees is secondary space. Only use that after you’re filled up the prime space or with things that you get at infrequently

Scrapbooksetc has some great storage ideas:

• Utilizing an existing cupboard
• Using an armoire
• Low cost storage ideas
• See this post for more ideas
• See SweetSentiments.ca's newsletter for ideas, like clip it up

If you have some more ideas - please comment :)

All comments put another ballot into my

Pretty Little Tropical Thing BLOG CANDY

- One entry for already being a BBFF,
- One entry for being a BBFF at the end of the contest,
- One entry for each comment made during the contest,
- The possibilities are endless!!

Contest deadline: Feb 23rd, 2010
Click here for the details

... Stay tuned, more to come...

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

When life brings you lemons, eat em!

OOOhhh how beautiful new love can be!

When your teeth are all gone, your bosom down past your navel, your hair as wacky and wirey as the steel wool you use to scrub your pots, and your hearing comes and goes randomly, you may think life has left you with lemons but my Grandmaa Ruth used to always say - "When life brings you lemons - Eat 'em!" LOL, I can hear her laughing as I say this.

So, here's single gal "Ruth", dressed in her best purple outfit, and her handsome beau in his new smart new spring-green sweater and look, he's got a bunch of flowers in all her fave colours! I can only hope to continue to have a love this beautiful when I am old and grey ;)

Card: New Love
Stamps: Jack and Ginger, Mo's Digital Pencil
Paper: Neenah white cardstock, misc. from my stash
Ink: Copic Markers, Copic airbrush, my regular printerAccessories: ScorPal, etc.

Challenges: Stamps & Smiles SASSC47, Cute Card Thursday #94: something new, Colour Create #35: Lemon & lime and spring flowers, The Sugar Bowl #26

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix