Prickley Pear - It's a love thing ♥

Hi friends!

I dropped the kids off at school - check!

put my library books in the overnight bin - check!

grabbed my Starbucks on the way home - MAJOR CHECK! 

Walked the doggies - check!

and now I'm home for a whole 2 hours to craft :)

BLISS!

This morning, I have a lot of love to share ♥

 I've made a few more cards using stamps from the Prickley Pear 

new stamp release ~ so many wonderful stamps in this release.

First up, I've watercolored this Valentine card.

I.  am.  so.  obssessed!

I could just paint the day away if given the chance :)

I used the love birds rubber stamp and the Be Mine sentiment

from the love banner set.

 I've also created 3 mini cards using the Valentine's Cupcake stamps,

one for the yummy flavors that are popular in our home.

I am a HUGE fan of Key Lime and we're super lucky to live in 

the tropics were it's pretty common here.

Plus, we have a tree in our yard where they grow to our hearts content!

It's always fun to make Key Lime flavored deserts.

And, of course, strawberry and blue raspberry!

 Here's a look at them with the inside area for writing little notes.  These are perfect to add to packages and gifts as well. 

I used a large nestabilities die but didn't quite cut it all the way through

to create a card base.  My circle die created the backdrop, 

and these are colored with my prismacolor markers :)  

Some twinery baker's twine and gems and done!

 Thanks for checking out the blog today!

Be sure to head over to the Prickley Pear blog for more inspiraiton

and the shop to see these stamps and more!

Big hugs, bigger blessings!

~Kelly

 

Prickley Pear AND Riley and Company ~ new release!

Hi friends!

I have a few more cards to show you today ~

one for my DT spot at Riley and Company 

using the adorable Tucker and paired with one of the new

release stamps from Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps 

called There is only one happiness.

I love these two stamps together because in our home,

dogs are very special to our hearts ♥

 

Next up, I have another card to share with you featuring 

new stamps released at Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps. This one is using the stamp Pot of Gold and flowers. As you can see, I turned mine into lucky clovers and added gems to the centers of each, going for a monochorome look.

I'm 1/4 Irish, so anything St. Patricks Day or green makes me giddy!!

Just in case you missed my post yesterday with the specials,

 here's another peek! 

 Dont' forget to stop by the PPRS blog and see more inspirations!

And you can find these stamps in both the Prickley Pear Store

and the Riley and Company shop!
Thanks for stopping by today!

Big hug, bigger blessings!
~Kelly

Tucker the Dog card entered into: Creates and Makes:  AG
Sunny Day crafting - AG
 Tuesday Throwdown - AG
 

Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps - new release!

Good Morning! 

* I have two posts for you today - 

for my The Project Bin stamps post, click here*

Spring is in the air!

There are so many new incredible stamps this week 
from Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps,

a wonderful red rubber and acrylic stamp company with such unique designs.

These stamps are amazing and

they are so crisp and clear, right out of the package.

The Design Team has been working hard to bring you card samples

and projects which will be showcased on the blog all week.

 For my card today,

I'm using two stamps to create this soft, watercolor card.

It has such a striking look to it with the contrast black and white

and pop of color.

Both the tall cross stamp and the 1 Corinthians 5:17 are stamped in 

Momento Tuxedo black ink on Recollections #110 paper, 
and watercolored the paper with Koi pan paints.

I really love the book of Corinthians and how Paul spoke of old things passing away and all things being new.

There are so many ways to bring this stamp to life,

and it's very versatile in it's message.

Now that you've seen what I've created,

there are some super sales to check out ↓

 

Be sure to check out the blog for more inspiration,
and the stamps which are already in the store!
I'll be back tomorrow - and all week - with more card samples to see.
Thanks so much for stopping by!

Big hugs, bigger blessings,
~Kelly

Mondays with The Project Bin - Color Burst!

Good Morning, friends!

*I have two blog posts again this Monday ~
for my Prickley Pear Day #1 post, click here!* 

It's Mondays with Kelly² at The Project Bin stamps blog ♥

Sadly, I wasn't able to get a card made this week,

planned to play with new stamps and get inky this weekend,

but we ended up helping someone move.

I came home with a pounding migraine and felt so beat up,

I took a long bubble bath and went to bed early :/

So, I thunk and thunk some more!
I remembered a card I made back in September (yes! September!)

It never made it to the blog so I am sharing it as inspiration today.

At times, I am in absolute awe and stop and stare
 at the beauty God has given to us ...

from the beautiful marigolds in our front garden,

to the hues of sunsets and sunrises ...

Just glorious!

This card was inspired by Kevin, someone I was blessed to cross paths with on social media.  Here is his blog post, and his original card - isn't it gorgeous!  I watercolored this one on regular white cardstock -
while I usually use a heavy weight watercolor paper.  While it doesn't hold the water quite as well (the paper had some warping), it sure gives it a pop with the color burst and natural blending.  I tilted it to the right and left a bit so the colors could blend naturally.  Swoon ♥
    Thank you, Kevin for inspiring me last Autumn :)

Be sure to stop in the shop and peek at the new stamps and dies,
they are ever so darling!

Big hugs, bigger blessings!
~Kelly 

Riley and Co - new release .. FLAWSOME! ♥

Hi friends!

Remember getting the Sunday paper for

the wonderful colorful layout with all the cartoons?!

We used to race for the paper just to read all the Sunday funnies :)

Today, I'll bring you the last of my Riley new stamp release cards

and we can have some laughs on Saturday *grin*

And it's always fun to laugh!

My mom said that she always knew my brother and I

 were 'up to no good'.

We were thick as thieves and very close,

 always laughing and getting into mischief, 

never stopping long enough to do anything that required sitting still.

So, if there was silence .........

it usually meant we were up to no good - LOL!

We liked adventure ..and laughing!

We live countries apart now, but thankfully,

and one thing we are still doing - laughing!

First up, I've used Chocoholic Riley - oh, how I love him! 

If I were a moose, yes, this is who'd I be!

Probably with a Starbucks in the other hand :)

For the sentiment, I used the 6 million dollars stamp.

Next up, 

 You.  Are.  Flawsome!

Yes, you are!

That's Awesome AND Flawless!

I've paired music Riley with the Flawsome stamp just released.

I hope today brings you smiles -

and that you can pass those on!

For more card inspiration, shopping for these stamps and more,

please check out the new releases and the shop!

And head over to the Design Team blog for some amazing

and eye catching card samples!

Big hugs, bigger blessings!
~Kelly

Pirckley Pear Stamps ~ Up, up and away!

Hi friends!

Today the Design Team from

Prickley Pear showcases cards 

using stamps and sentiments and dies.

Before I show you my card, some exciting news ahead ...
  on January 23rd

 Prickley Pear Stamps celebrates the first New Release of 2017!  

For today's card, I've used the stamp set:  Hot Air Balloons.

This is one of my favorite stamp sets 

as it brings me back to a wonderful memory.

One of my dad's bucket list items was to once again fly a small Cessna.

My husband found an airport outside of Orlando, Florida

and the two of them went off flying

 while our 3 daughters and I watched from the ground and took pictures!

The two of them zipped off flying in a bright yellow plane,

and dad was able to check off that bucket list item ♥

 I have been watercoloring so much lately!
It's an absolutely fabulous creative outlet and a fun technique to apply to cards.
I usually hammer out a few pieces at a time 
and while you can apply a heat gun to use them almost immediately,
I prefer to let them dry naturally, almost always overnight!
The base of this card was made using the Recollections glimmer watercolors,
so there is a lot of sheen if you turn the card just right :)

         Here is the stamp set I used:

 

Have a fabulous day, friends!

Big hugs, bigger blessings ♥

~Kelly

 

Day 2: Riley and Company new release!

Hi friends! 

Just in case you missed the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT yesterday, 

there is a new stamp/die/collection at Riley and Company stamps

 ~  the Paper doll Riley collection!

In addition, there are 5 new Mushroom Lane cottages,

For my card today, I've used another new stamp from the
Riley and Company new stamps release.
I've created a a hybrid card using the Retro Folks "Jack"
 and the new funnybones sentiment 'getting lucky',
both already available in the shop!

 I've stamped them both with Momento Tuxedo black ink 
and left them both on the front of the card to see them side by side.

This sentiment is seriously SO ME!
In fact, I have a girl version of this card coming up, too :)

Remember there are some pretty cool specials, too!

Package deal on the Dress Up Riley line: get all three clear sets, all three dies sets, the two basic Riley’s and matching dies for only $100! (Reg. price $127.77. Includes 41 dies, 3 clear sets, 2 rubber stamps)

Package deal on entire Funny Bone release of 14 red rubber stamps: cling set is only $75.00 (reg. 91.00) and unmounted sheet is only $50.00 (reg. $70.00)!

Package deal on the Mushroom Lane release: get all 5 new Mushroom Lane Houses for only $45.00 (Reg. $52.50)

Word Bubble Die Special – get all three new Word Bubble Dies for only $40.00! (Save $9.85!)

 See you tomorrow with even more inspirations!
Big hugs, bigger blessings!
~Kelly

Riley and Company ~ Cardmaker Magazine blog hop and new stamp release!

*I have two posts for today!

For The Project Bin's post, please click here!

What an exciting day - Riley and Company has a new stamp release

and the blog hop for Cardmaker Magazine!

You should have arrived from Heather's blog,

and from here, you'll head to Melissa's blog!

This week, new stamps, dies and funnybones sentiments 

will be showcased, including the new dress up Riley stamps, dies

and Mushroom Lane stamps!

There are so many new stamps, dies and sentiments that we

will be showcasing them all through the week.

There are also some incredible deals - so take a peek

at the blog and DT blogs :)

This week, we'll be showcasing cards and projects as inspiration!

For today's card, I've made a card using the new Riley the moose stamp, who is part of the new dress up Riley series!  So cute!  There are tons of little clothes and outfits and accessories to put on Riley and Sophie! I've also used the new

blown into the wine store sentiment stamp, as well as the Valentine's/St. Pattys accessories and starter set and the matching dies!

Next up, here's another look at both Rileys as well as a new funnybones

sentiment :)

 

Be sure to check out the rest of the DT blogs

as well as stop back in each day this week to see more Riley and Co cards!

But before you go,

There are a lot of specials going on for this release:

NEW RELEASE SPECIALS. 

SUPER DEAL! Package deal on the Dress Up Riley line: get all three clear sets, all three dies sets, the two basic Riley's and matching dies for only $100! (Reg. price $127.77. Includes 41 dies, 3 clear sets, 2 rubber stamps)

Package deal on entire Funny Bone release of 14 red rubber stamps: cling set is only $75.00 (reg. 91.00) and unmounted sheet is only $50.00 (reg. $70.00)!

Package deal on the Mushroom Lane release: get all 5 new Mushroom Lane Houses for only $45.00 (Reg. $52.50)

Word Bubble Die Special - get all three new Word Bubble Dies for only $40.00! (Save $9.85!)

But wait - there's more! We are giving away Swag on our blog! Make sure you leave a comment on the Riley and Company Blog because one lucky winner is going to receive a $30 Gift Certificate!

One random winner will be chosen from all comments left on our Blog during release week (January 16 - 20, 2017)

Check out all the  NEW products at Riley and Co.
Also make sure to check out the Riley Blog for great inspiration! This is a great comprehensive blog for Riley & Company, Funny Bones, Inspirations, Cornish Heritage Farms, Thomas Kinkade and the new Prickly Pear Rubber Stamps!

 Thanks for stopping by!

Big hugs, bigger blessings!

~Kelly

Monday with The Project Bin ~ Twine Inlay!

*I have two posts today!

For the Riley and Company post, please click here!

Monday's are always fun!

It's the day Denise from The Project Bin stamps

highlights designers on her inspirational blog ....
and today is Kelly² Monday! :)

In 2013, my crafty goals included trying new techniques in card making.

It was such a great success, that I try to incorporate it every year,
and 2017 is no exception!

 It's a great way to exercise creative freedom

and maybe even get out of a rut in card making.
I spied a new technique this week on Splitcoaststampers

that looks both intriquing and fun, so I gave it a try ~

Twine Inlay!

 

 Once again, I'm highlighting the  In My Heart Valentine stamp + die set.

I am just over the moon crazy about this stamp and die set - 

it's so versatile and I've made a ton of cards with it :)

 For today's card, I used a watercolor background piece.

I painted it using a heavy weight watercolor paper

 and bright pigment watercolor paints.

When painting, my MO is to let it dry overnight -

 that's just my personal preference :)

But if you need it faster, you can always paint and zap it with a heat gun.

Next, using the heart die from the set, I cut out a heart shape,

then traced another heart onto plain #110 cardstock

and used that as my inlay for the twine.

One your entire penciled Barea is covered, simply adhere it with heavy duty glue

or tape to the underside of the die cut.

The end result is amazing to see and fun to 'pet'! :)

I thought the watercolor cut out heart was so gorgeous, 

I added it to the top of the card with some 3d foam,

adhered some sequins and this was done!

So glad you could stop by today!

Big hugs, bigger blessings!
~Kelly

Products used:  In my Heart stamps/die (The Project Bin Stamps),
Strathmore heavyweight watercolor cardstock,
recollections watercolor paints,
PTI cardstock,The Twinery Baker's Twine "Lilac",
sequins from artminds, tombo glue, aleene's tacky glue, trimmer, scoare pal.

I'll enter this into these challenges:  Crafts and Me - New Beginnings (new stamps!)

DDD: Valentines ♥

Hi friends!

I can't believe it's that time of year where we're seeing hearts

and flowers and chocolates e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e.

Like for real ....

I'm still making Christmas cards! :/

What can I say - December was a blur for me.

I musta blinked ....... and missed it,

 'cause here we are!

Valentines ♥

Today is the premiere card kit post for the DDD for 2017!

So exciting! 

 In case you're one of my newer readers,

the DDD = Dueling Darling Divas/Dazzlers, depending on the team :)

It's a group that I - literally - dreamt about one night,

jumped out of bed and wrote down the idea,

propositioned some besties and voila - here we are, YEARS later!

 The hostesses of both opposing teams chose a similiar theme,

different kits - and on the 15th of every month, we "duel!"

These. ladies.  are.  love :)

Big thanks to Tami and TerryL for being the hostesses this month!

Tami - team Divas - send us this LOVE-ly Valentine's themed kit,

complete with Riley the Moose!

You all know that I'm no stranger to this cutie,

and it's always fun to use Riley in a card,

especially with the beautiful papers and embellishments Tami sent ♥

And the inside:

 This year, the DDD has grown with new members and returning regulars,

so a lot of inspiration using two different card kits, one theme!

You can check out both the Divas and the Dazzlers Valentine's cards, too -

the links to their blogs and/or gallery on SCS is on my sidebar :)

Thanks for stopping by today!

Big hugs, bigger blessings ♥

~Kelly