I've been .......... kissing! ♥

Hi friends!

Isn't it fun to have a month like February ~

 everything hearts and flowers and signs of love in the air ♥

Even though Christmas cards are still my very, VERY favorite,

Valentine's cards are close to my heart, too.

My kids are older now  ...

having a pre-teen son and very young adult daughters,

they have outgrown the homemade shoeboxes with tiny slots for card exchanges,

finding the box 0f 36 + 1 for teacher in just their favorite characters.

Now it's "can I have $10 to buy candy grams at school!"

LOL! 

 

I'm still working on my Valentines for family and friends,

so it's a good thing Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps just had a new stamp release.

I am already half way there :)

 

Continuing on with trying different techniques this year,

I made today's card by kissing!

*blushing*

My card's ink, that is!

Kissing is a popular technique in stamping, the simple pairing together 

of inks onto the same ink blog and then pressed into the cardstock.

For today's card, I paired momento drew drops

 in rose bud, lady bug red, and angel pink.

Since this image is beautifully detailed with scrolling vines, I left it uncolored and let the busy-ness of the rest of the card play in.

And that's it for this card!

Thanks for stopping by today :)

Big hugs, bigger blessings!

~Kelly

Mondays with The Project Bin ~ Pawsome!

Hello, friends!

Another weekend zipped on by and here we are, Monday again.

We watched our normal hot and sunny South Florida get very chilly (49°)

and yesterday the rain fell all day long.

I confess .... I loved it :)

 I miss being in Europe,

I miss the real winters,

and I long for snow and a winter wonderland ♥

Monday is the day I also post on The Project Bin blog.

I created a card using the brand new stamp and die set,

Kinda Pawsome!

I am so in love with this set!

I literally squealed when it arrived and I opened the mail ♥

In our home, we have two fabulous doggies

whom I lovingly call my two furry children!

They are as high maintenance as they are entertaining,

and the best love in the world is seeing the tail wagging from happiness :)

My middle daughter works for an animal rescue organization

and has a special fondness for dogs of all kinds and sizes,

including one of our own, rescued 5 years ago from the streets of Miami.

We are blessed he is part of our home

and we love him as unconditionally as he loves us!

So here is the card I made with her in mind:

 And the inside of my card:

I 
 This is a stamp/die set that I will be using over and over again!

The ideas are already swirling 

and I'm giddy at thinking of creating them ♥

You can find this stamp set at The Project Bin store,

as well as see other card samples by the DT as inspiration.

  I'll enter this into SSS Monday Challenge - Pets
 

Thanks for stopping by!

Big hugs, bigger blessings!

~Kelly

Challenge Your Stash - Winter Racoon :)

Hello, friends!

Bit of a chill here in South Florida - and I couldn't be happier!! 

 It was 53° this morning when I was walking the pups - gorgeous! ♥

My friend Barb started a new challenge group this year,

Challenge Your Stash (CYS)

and it's a year long challenge for us to dig into our stash!

We use elements for cardmaking that haven't been used in a long time.

Such a terrific idea.

She also happens to be the first hostess of this monthly group,

which means she choses the challenge for us ~
this month, black, white and silver.

For my card, I used a racoon stamp from The Alley Way Stamps

(no longer open, and boy was I sad when they closed down!!)

as well as several sentiments from other TAWS stamps sets.

And here's what I created -

a silver fox with the snow flakes falling behind him,

nestled into a silver frame.

Challenge - √

For the inside, I continued the theme and left the racoon image uncolored,

a trick I learned from my former design team mate, Francis.  

I still have the boy's sleepover going on here this morning,

and it's so much different from when the girls' sleepovers took place!

We are hoping to enjoy the brisk, cooler temps outside today

and hope it stays for the weekend ♥

Big hugs, bigger blessings!
~Kelly

Entered into:  Perfectly Created Chaos - b/w + one color (silver)
 

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