I made this myself!

The Color Purple -- challenge time!

2011-01-20T00:00:00.001-05:00

It's time for another Impression Obsession challenge. This time it's a color challenge and by golly, it's my all-time favorite, PURPLE. This adorable stork is a brand new IO image by artist Leigh Hannan, the sentiment is part of a new clear set by Kalani Allred and both will be available after CHA at the end of the month.

If you'd like to play along with the IO design team challenges, visit our blog for details for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate!

Be sure to visit the other designers' blogs for more sneak peeks of the new IO stamps...Good luck, have fun and thanks for visiting!

Live Laugh Love... Always

2011-01-06T00:00:00.001-05:00

My newest favorite Impression Obsession stamp is Live Laugh Love. When I first saw it, I immediately thought of my good friend, Carla, who lives by this sentiment and I *had* to make something with it. So, since this is my first creation in a looong time and Carla has always been one of my greatest supporters, sounding board and such a terrific friend, I decided to use this stamp in her honor. Love you, Carla!!

The stamps are actually a CHA Winter sneak peek and aren't available online yet, but they'll be ready for purchase soon! In fact, you might be able to find them in your local stamp store, so be sure to ask for them. The newsprint background is available now, though, so go get one! It's the perfect touch for almost any card.

Hope you're having a great start to 2011! Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit the rest of the IO design team to check out some more sneak peeks and some old favorites.

2010-08-11T06:00:00.005-04:00

Are you ready for some fun?
The Impression Obsession and Flower Soft Design Teams are playing together for this hop!

As you make your way through the hop make sure you comment on each and every post. There will be 4 prize winners chosen randomly among the blogs:
Two $25 gift certificates from Flower Soft and two $25 gift certificates from Impression Obsession!!!
The prize winners will be announced on the Flower Soft Blog and The Impression Obsession blog on Wednesday August 18th. Good luck!

If you didn’t start at the beginning of the hop please go to the beginning at the Flower Soft Blog.

I started my project thinking I wanted to make a gift card holder, but as I was looking around for a place to photograph my card, it suddenly became Christmas decor instead! Funny how things like that happen, right? For this framed card, I used IO's Noel Doll stamp, colored it with Copic markers, then used Flower Soft in Polar White for the furry parts of the Santa suit. It works perfectly!

Want even more inspiration? Do you like video tutorials? How about Challenges? Make sure and check out both Flower Soft TV and the Impression Obsession blog!

****Next on the hop is Gini Cagle

Happy Easter!

2010-03-04T05:59:00.002-05:00

Isn't this the cutest peacock you've ever seen? He's all dressed for Easter! It's time for an Impression Obsession challenge...this time celebrating Easter and I'm all ready for it. Well, I'm ready for spring weather, anyway...LOL.

This is a newly released image by Leigh Hannan and I loved it from the first time I saw it, knew it must be purples and blues! Be sure to stop by the IO blog for info on how to join the challenge and have a chance to win a $25 IO gift certificate. And don't forget to check out the design team blogs for some beautiful and clever creations.

Background Bonanza!

2010-02-20T10:59:00.002-05:00

I'm a little late for this IO challenge, but here it is! The Cover-a-Card background stamp is called Flower Doodles(or Doodle Flowers, can't ever remember which is right--LOL). I've never used lavender and peach together, but it's pretty! Love this background---so fun to color.

If you haven't already, go check out the design team blogs and see what they came up with!

Shaker cards!

2009-11-19T07:21:00.004-05:00

Finally, I'm able to participate once again in an Impression Obsession challenge. It's been crazy busy at work(I work at IO) and I would literally fall asleep sitting up when I got home at night..lol. Anyway, it's getting back to normal and since I made a few shaker cards for a sample board for work, I thought I'd just show them all at once :)

IO has a new product called "Shake It" pouches designed to make shaker cards much simpler as it already has adhesive on it. Let me tell you, I made one and then couldn't stop.. They are addicting and so much fun!! There are 5 shapes (right now...sshhh, surprise coming soon!) and they work so well with the over 4,000 IO stamps available.

I took some individual pictures very quickly one day and just realized that they are all awful. So luckily, I'd taken this group shot and it was passable, so I'm just going to post it. Hope you enjoy all of the cards from the design team today...be sure to visit the other designers' blogs for some great work!

Ready for Fall?

2009-08-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you, but it's mighty hot here in Virginia these days and I'm very ready for some cooler weather. In fact, while I was making this card, I turned down the thermostat and was downright chilly to get me in the mood for fall and winter card making!

This card was made using a brand new release from Impression Obsession called Halloween Window and one of the new giant backgrounds called Cover-A-Card Thin. I finally tried the Prismacolor pencils with baby oil technique and I must admit that I *love* it!! Very easy and lots of fun! It's hard to tell in this photo, but I also used yellow Stickles for the face of the jack-o-lantern.

Hope you'll visit the rest of the IO ladies to see what they've come up with for this fall challenge! And be sure to visit the IO blog and participate in this challenge by making your own fall card, sending it to our blog hostess, Shirley and be entered in a drawing for a gift certificate to the IO store!

Merry Christmas in July!

2009-07-16T00:26:00.005-04:00

It's that time again! The Impression Obsession team is celebrating Christmas this time around and we're using *NEW* holiday images. Fun, right? When I first saw these adorable penguins, I knew I *had* to use them right away. And the background is a brand new huge stamp, too! Go check out the IO blog to see more info on all of the backgrounds and the new awesome Mega Mount.

We have a new guest designer, too! Her name is Kathy Menzies and we're so glad she's with us!! Don't forget to visit Kathy and all of the team members for some amazing Christmas inspiration.

Stamps: Impression Obsession CC014 Cover-a-Card Fluff, CL245 Penguin Party, B7278 Skating Penguin

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaMagic Purple Hydrangea

Copic Markers and Prismacolor colored pencils

Gold wire ribbon

We're looking shimmery!

2009-07-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

The Impression Obsession Design Team is teaming up with Shimmerz all this week. It's an official IO/Shimmerz DT swap! Check out the fun and see what kind of sparkle these teams create when Impression Obsession stamps collide with Shimmerz paints!

We've enjoyed a week full of shimmery impressions and here's what I came up with! This is a brand spanking new IO image by Gary Robertson --- is this a cute gingerbread house or what?? I colored it in with my Prismacolor pencils, then used Angel Wings Shimmerz on the snow(or maybe it's icing??) and Gold Glimmer on the tree cookie out in front. I cut out the image and attached it with some double sided foam tape and layered it on some card panels. Very "sweet" and simple, just my style..hehehe...

Be sure to go check out the Shimmerz and IO blogs to see all of the beautiful work from the entire week! What a fun swap this was--hope to do it again!!

A big thank you to Stacey at Shimmerz from all of us at Impression Obsession!!

First Serendipity Stamps Design Team Challenge

2009-06-23T10:37:00.002-04:00

It's all about gardens! The Serendipity Stamps kind! Our design team has been hard at work to show you some garden inspiration, so be sure to visit each of the team members' blogs(on the sidebar ---->) and leave them some compliments-- they've done some beautiful work!

I love cupcakes!

2009-06-17T23:20:00.005-04:00

It's time once again for an Impression Obsession challenge. This time it's stamps only, no patterned paper. I tend to just use IO stamps by themselves anyway, so this was right up my alley!

I {heart} cupcakes...seriously, I do.......I have cupcake dishes, cupcake hand towels, cupcake placemats, napkins, storage containers, stickers, scrapbook paper, cake pan in the shape of a gigantic cupcake, even a cupcake shaped pillow! Obsessive? I prefer enthusiastic {wink} Anyway, it was love at first sight when I saw this new cupcake clear set! Couldn't wait to get my hands on it!! It's called Create-a-Cupcake and it was designed by Tami Potter for IO.

This card is pretty straightforward in design....the background is stamped on Stampin'Up Pixie Pink cardstock with Pixie Dust VersaMagic ink. These chalks inks are awesome for stamping with clear stamps!! LOVE them!! The dimensional cupcake was stamped in SU Close to Cocoa ink and layered with double sided foam tape, then topped with a hot pink heart shaped jewel for the cherry on top :) The brown scalloped circle was punched out using a Marvy Mega punch(that's the pink one) and then I lined up the the saying stamp with the curve of the punched circle. That's the beauty of clear stamps--- they're flexible and can fit almost any shape.

Be sure to visit the ladies on the design team and see what they've created using stamps only! The links are over there ------------------> Enjoy!!

Design Team Announcement!

2009-05-28T10:42:00.003-04:00

Serendipity Stamps is proud to announce the new design team! We had so many talented ladies apply and wish we could've chosen everyone. It was a difficult choice, but here they are!! Be sure to visit their blogs and congratulate them!

Amy Cokley

Anya Schrier

Jennifer Woodward

Kathie Bailey

Lynda Benden

Shannan Teubner

Sue Eldred

Yvonne Hagane

Congratulations ladies!

Summertime challenge

2009-05-21T07:13:00.003-04:00

I love Summer! No schedules, lots of sunshine and beautiful colors. I also love this classic Impression Obsession butterfly set called Butterfly Counts. I've used it over and over and this time decided to use my all time favorite color -- lilac. The saying reminds me to take time to just relax and enjoy the moment.

The IO design team has lots of great summer creations sure to inspire you to relax! Be sure to visit their blogs and celebrate summer!

Laura Fulcher
Julie Koerber
Dina Kowal
Daniela Dobson
Tina Werner
Jeanne Streiff
Shirley Ross -- our awesome blog hostess

Surprise!

2009-05-15T00:00:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday Mitra!

Mitra Friant, the owner of Impression Obsession, is celebrating her birthday today and the design team got together to surprise her by showering her with birthday wishes! Be sure to stop by each blog and join in the celebration .

Hope you have a fabulous birthday, Mitra!!

Julie
Laura
Daniela
Dina
Tina
Deborah
Jeanne -- our guest designer
Shirley -- our awesome blog hostess

Stamp credits:

single balloon, birthday cake -- Impression Obsession MC206
Happy Birthday to You -- IO A5490
ribbon -- May Arts
Copic markers
Paper -- The Paper Cut

Design Team Call -- Serendipity Stamps

2009-05-12T19:44:00.002-04:00

Design Team Call – Deadline May 22^nd, 2009 Serendipity Stamps is seeking applicants to expand our Design Team. Check our Gallery for an idea of the quality we're seeking.
All email for the Design Team Call MUST be sent to SerendipityDT@yahoo.com.

Skill Set

A successful applicant must possess the following qualities:

Exceptional design, technique, and attention to detail.
Flexibility in design level – be able to create a variety of designs that will inspire new, intermediate, and seasoned stampers. A simple design can be great as long as it’s not amateur.
Good photography, scanner and computer skills. You must be able to photograph and/or scan your art and send me upload-ready files, in a variety of resolutions. Ideally you must be adept at using Adobe Photoshop, or similar graphic editing software.
You must be able to send/receive emails, upload images, adjust photo file sizes, and use Yahoo Groups.
A commitment to being published and to promoting Serendipity Stamps via blogs, forums, magazines etc. SS has a definite “look and feel”. If our images do not appeal to you, please do not apply.
Techniques – Your medium is flexible, but over 50% of our images lend themselves to coloring and that talent is important. It’s great to use all the latest products and I definitely encourage that, but I have a soft spot in my heart for the old stand-bys that will appeal to new stampers who just bought a couple stamps and only have a set of old colored pencils or watercolors to work with.

Team Requirements

Each team member must fulfill the following requirements:

Participate as a Serendipity Stamps Design Team member for an initial period of 6 months . June 09 through November 09.
Each month, complete at least 2 projects using only Serendipity Stamps.
- For each project, provide a materials list and simple step-by-step instructions
- Email these projects to serendipityDT@yahoo.com
- Upload these projects to the Serendipity Stamps blog, the SCS gallery and/or your personal blog
- Mail the original or a duplicate of the projects to Serendipity Stamps each quarter. Exceptions may be granted for large or elaborate projects. (I have enough of these items sitting around the shop!)
Prepare 1 one-page project sheet per quarter. This would include photos, materials list, and well-written instructions. All saved as a one-page .pdf file.
Create projects in response to SS Challenges. These will be part of your 2 project/month commitment, not an additional requirement.
Serendipity Stamps reserves the right to use images of projects, actual projects, and associated instructions on our website, our blog, in advertisements, as submissions to print magazines, online magazines, and on printed idea sheets that we send to customers. You will be given full recognition as the designer and creator of each project.

Team Rewards and Benefits

As a member of Serendipity’s Design Team, you will receive a Welcome Kit. This will include $75 in Serendipity Stamps. This will include a selection of stamps specific to our first SS Challenge as well as stamps of your choice (individual, unmounted cling stamps)
Each quarter you will receive a $50 spending allowance plus a set of stamps for that quarters’ challenges.
When SS releases new images, you will receive a full set of these images.
You will be featured on our website/blog as a Design Team member.
A link to your blog from www.serendipitystamps.com.

Applications

Please note that your ability to comply with these instructions will be judged as part of your application. Follow instructions or you will not be selected.

To apply, email images of 5 projects that illustrate your particular talents and skills. Image files must be 300 dpi and no more than 600x800 px each.

Include projects that would inspire stampers of a variety of skill levels.
Projects can be cards, scrapbook layouts, jewelry, altered objects, or home décor items.
While I love to see Serendipity Stamps in action, your submitted projects do not have to be made with SS stamps.
Include step-by-step instructions and materials lists with submitted work.

In addition please submit a bio of yourself including:

a photograph of yourself
a paragraph about yourself that describes why you are applying for the SS DT and a little about yourself.
the techniques or mediums you like best and how do you see using these with our images?
how long you’ve known about SS and any experience you have with our line.
information about participation in other past or current design teams.
affiliations with specific stamp and/or scrapbook stores/businesses.
a link to your blog.
contact phone number and the best time to call, and your time zone
a mailing address for you – it can be a PO Box or a street address.

Email applications to serendipityDT@yahoo.com with “Serendipity Stamps 2009 Design Team Application” as the subject. Your application should be simply an email with attachments – pdf, jpg, or doc files.

Application Deadline: May 22^nd, 2009

Design Team Announcement: May 29th, 2009

Term of Agreement: Initial appointment is for a 6-month period.

The fine print: Serendipity Stamps reserves the right to make any changes to both the selection process, requirements, rewards or management of the Design Team at our own discretion. Be assured that we will operate with all respect and appreciation of your time and efforts.

Challenge time!

2009-03-19T01:00:00.001-04:00

This Impression Obsession challenge is all about friendship, so I thought I'd use a color combo that I normally wouldn't to celebrate my friends. Must admit that I sort of like the way it turned out!

Using rose red, butter yellow and celery green on a chocolate brown background, I stamped everything in the same chocolate brown, paper pieced the center red flower, added some sparkle with a stardust pen and then finished it off with clear jewels. Simple and easy!

Be sure to check out the IO team blogs for more fun friendship cards:

Daniela
Julie
Dina
Tina
Michelle
Laura
Shirley

I'd also like to thank Michelle Giraud for joining us for the past 3 months as our guest designer. She has added tremendous creativity and inspiration with her cards and I'm so glad she was part of our team!

Sending a big welcome to Shirley Ross, who is our new IO blog host. She's already posting lots of fun cards and awesome tutorials and we're glad to have her with us!

2009-03-05T00:00:00.001-05:00

Can you believe it's March already? This year is just flying by! It's time for another Impression Obsession challenge and this time it's celebrating good luck, so I thought it was a good reason to use this new "Clover Tree" now available on the IO website by artist Leigh Hannan. I'm in awe of her art, she has such a creative imagination! Don't you wish you could grow a good luck tree??

I simply stamped in black ink, then colored in with markers(no Copics yet! I used Bic Mark-it markers) and accented the stars with a yellow Spica Glitter Pen. The shamrock jewels have been waiting for something like this image, I thought they were a perfect touch.

Be sure to check out the IO design team blogs to see what good luck they come up with :)

And for some fun IO info -- check out the new IO blog! There's a special announcement waiting for you! But hurry, it's a limited time!

Thanks for stopping by! See you soon!

a friend like you

2009-02-04T10:46:00.002-05:00

Here's a card using another set of the new Sarah Phelps clear stamps from Impression Obsession. The flower pot is stamped with teal ink and the flowers are just quickly colored in with Prismacolor pencils. I used one of the flowers on the teal paper for a random background and added some of this cute teal and green ribbon that I'm now out of and can't find anywhere(do you know where I can buy more??).

And now a challenge for you......go create a card for a friend, mail it and put a smile on his/her face!

Check out these blogs for more IO Spring flowers(if their newest card isn't posted yet, please be sure to check back!):

Ready for Spring?

2009-01-29T01:00:00.002-05:00

I know the weather has been rough around the country this winter and I feel lucky to have escaped it for the most part in Virginia(no snow...yet! but cold cold air and lots of rain), but I'm ready to welcome in Spring and here's a card to prove it!

The heart is a new Leigh Hannan image from Impression Obsession which debuted this past week in Anaheim, CA at CHA. All of the new stuff will be on the IO website soon!

Be sure to check out more spring-y cards from the IO team -- Julie, Laura, Daniela, Dina and Deborah.

happy thoughts to you!

2009-01-22T10:37:00.004-05:00

It's time for another Impression Obsession CHA sneak peek! This week is happy birthday(to me!!) and those are the happiest thoughts to send!

Since I'm one of the few stampers who *still* don't have any Copic markers, I used my Bic markers instead and I'm pretty pleased with the outcome. For the water in the vases, I chalked the area with a light turquoise shimmery chalk and then added Diamond Glaze on top to add a clear dimensional look. I love this ribbon, but since I received it in a ribbon swap, I'm almost out and have no idea where to get anymore! If anyone knows, please tell me (and thanks!)

Be sure to visit the other team members blogs for tons of inspiration:

for my sweet potato

2009-01-18T01:00:00.001-05:00

More new IO Valentine stamps! This is a set that has separate sayings such as, "true love", "sweet potato" and "sweetie". I used all three of them to make the bottom panel of this card......yes, I stamped 10 lines of words! It wasn't too bad, I just lined up the 3 sets of phrases on my long acrylic block and stamped away! The little flower embellishment at the top is actually dimensional. Sorry I don't have any upclose pictures of that this time.

Be sure to check out the IO team blogs. We'll be posting new CHA images over the next couple of weeks and I know you'll enjoy them!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-01-15T01:00:00.002-05:00

No, it's not really February, but it is time for some CHA sneak peeks and I thought I'd start with some new Valentine images from Impression Obsession. This card is stamped with new images from a new IO artist named Sarah Phelps--there are so many new fun sets from her!! Wait until you see them all!

The details are very simple....background stamped on cranberry cardstock, trimmed with the Fiskars Threading Water border punch, the hearts are paper pieced and add an organdy ribbon bow. And there you have a sweet greeting for your favorite Valentine!

Be sure to check out the blogs of the IO design team ladies including our newest Guest Designer, Michelle Giraud aka flaxychick. We're so glad to have her aboard!

Michelle

Dina
Laura
Deborah

Daniela

Quick post

2008-11-13T11:05:00.001-05:00

I love this cupcake set! And isn't everyday a cupcake kind of day??

It looks like a cupcake day to me!

2008-10-21T08:23:00.008-04:00

The Impression Obsession challenge this time was tags! And I've found that they are so much fun to make!! I was in need of some birthday tags, so what's more perfect for birthdays than cupcakes??

These cupcakes were stamped on lt. pink cardstock and then again on white cardstock. Once the cupcake tops were colored, I cut them out and paper pieced them to the pink paper and added some clear Stickles for the cherry on top. Very simple, but still cute, I think.

So, are you craving cupcakes now??

Don't forget to check out the Design Team ladies--they have tags, too!!

Stamps: Impression Obsession Cupcakes

Ink: Black

Other: clear Stickles, markers

Warm Thoughts

2008-10-12T18:59:00.006-04:00

I have no idea what this technique is called, but I stamped the flower stamp in white pigment ink first, then colored them in with Prismacolor colored pencils. I have to say that I *love* the result! Used a bit of clear Stickles for the centers and stamped the saying for a nice thinking of you card.

Stamps: Impression Obsession clear stamps

Ink: StazOn white

Colored pencils, clear Stickles

Stamps for sale!

2008-10-07T19:40:00.003-04:00

I'm having a stamp sale so I can attempt to clear some space in my craft room! There are pictures at this site of each set I'm selling. Let me know if you see something you like and have to have! krcrafts at yahoo dot com.

Thanks for looking and I hope to hear from you soon!!

2008-10-02T04:30:00.006-04:00

Need a gift idea? The holidays are right around the corner (can you believe it's already OCTOBER??) and I'm always looking for new ideas for handmade gifts to give my family and friends, so the Impression Obsession challenge this time is to offer some ideas for this holiday season.

My mom loves butterflies, so I immediately thought of the butterfly sets IO offers and had to use them with my mom in mind. This framed artwork actually uses 3 different clear sets, but you can substitute just about anything for the butterflies such as flowers, snowflakes or shells. Add your favorite IO sentiment and you've got the perfect gift for that special someone!

Make sure to visit the design team blogs for awesome gift ideas!

Dina-- our guest designer

Stamps: Butterfly Counts, Butterfly Bliss, Happiness

Recognizing caregivers

2008-09-24T11:13:00.002-04:00

Carolyn King recently lost her grandmother to the effects of Alzheimer's Disease and posted a challenge on her blog to recognize the amazing caregivers to our loved ones who are affected by this illness. Several years ago, my great aunt succombed to this awful disease and I want to thank the nurses and aids who cared for her in the nursing home. They took such great care of her(and my grandmother, who also recently passed away) and I want them to know that their hard work didn't go unnoticed.

What do you like most about Fall?

2008-09-18T05:00:00.006-04:00

We love Halloween at our house! I prefer cute Halloween, my younger daughter and husband prefer the scary kind-- the more disgusting, the better. Anyway, since I typically do the decorating and goodie making(aka CANDY!), it's always cute around here. And the holiday is never complete without candy corn---if we could have a tree that actually *grew* candy corn, what a treat that would be! For now, we'll have to settle for this CUTE candy corn tree stamp from Impression Obsession and trips to Target for the real stuff.

The IO design team challenge this time was to welcome Fall and for this particular card, I decided to try a little bit of watercoloring. Not the usual type of watercoloring, but using water to quickly spread the color just a bit. I stamped the candy corn part in yellows and oranges, the trunk in brown and applied it to the paper, then using a watercolor brush, just kind of moved the ink from the outside in. Did you notice the colors of the background papers? And then I stamped my favorite new IO saying -- "it's all about the candy corn" -- cute, right? Who thinks up these things?? (in this case-- me!! hee hee Yes, I got to help with Halloween and Christmas phrases for this release!!)

Make sure to check out how the rest of the IO team welcomes this time of year:

* Daniela

* Laura

* Julie

* Penny

* Deborah

* and our Guest Designer, Dina

I hope you're feeling a bit of fall in the air where you are. It's been nice and cool here in the mornings...such a relief from the hot, hot summer. And as we say in the south, Happy Fall Y'all!!

2008-09-17T20:14:00.002-04:00

Special Impression Obsession news!

We had no idea when we posted the call for the Impression Obsession Guest Designer position that we would be flooded with talent from literally all over the world! We received 85 applications from amazing stampers making the choice very difficult! We wish we could have chosen all 85. After getting the entire Design Team involved and into the mix of judging, one name floated to the top time and time again. That's why we are happy to announce Dina Kowal is our very first Impression Obsession Guest Designer! Be sure to visit her blog to see just how very talented she is!!

Congratulations to Dina! We know she has amazing things in store for Impression Obsession!

a little batty for you!

2008-07-21T17:06:00.003-04:00

Yes, I realize it's July. But July means new stamps for the upcoming holiday season(yippee!!) and here's a peek at a couple of new Halloween ones from Impression Obsession. I *love* this bat paisley---there's also pumpkin paisley, candy apple paisley and a few others.

I stamped the paisley image in black Versafine ink and used a Stardust glitter pen on the stars and Ranger's white gel pen on some of the dots. There are 4 bats colored with a black Glaze pen(have you ever used one of these? LOVE those, too!!) which left the image raised and shiny. I attached those randomly with foam tape to give them a 3D effect.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to come back to visit soon.....I have several other cards with new stamps to share with you!

ps. I don't know what the problem is with the lack of paragraphs---I *did* type this using paragraphs, but it's not posting that way. And frankly, I'm tired of messing with it! LOL

looks a little fishy to me!

2008-07-11T09:47:00.002-04:00

I started this card about a month ago, drew out a sketch for it on the paper I use to cover and protect my stamp table and finally finished it! I'm happy to say it turned out just as it looked in my mind (and that doesn't *always* happen, let me assure you!). The fish and seascape are colored with shimmery chalks and are 3d using double side foam tape (probably my favorite stamping "tool"). The circles are punched out to show the darker blue color underneath and then the tiny fish and bubbles are from a clear set called Angelfish .

Hope you're having a happy summer!

2008-07-05T00:56:00.002-04:00

Masculine projects always stump me.....I'm not sure why, I guess I'm just more of a girly stamper. That's why I love this set! It's called Circle Elements 2 by Impression Obsession and I think it's perfect for masculine or girly, don't you? This was a end of the year thank you card for my younger daughter's favorite teacher. I didn't want to use ribbon on it, so instead I cut a strip of matching cardstock and made "faux ribbon" Ha! I'll definitely be using this set quite often!

Summer Stampin' Challenge

2008-06-20T06:00:00.002-04:00

It's time for an Impression Obsession summer stamping challenge and pink and orange say summer to me! I used the hibiscus from the Floral Duos III set from Impression Obsession, using bright fuchsia and orange inks to create an all over background. The center orange flower uses both the solid and open hibiscus stamps in the set and is actually 3-dimensional inside the scalloped circle. Kind of makes me want to host a luau!! Happy Summer everyone!!

Be sure to visit the design team blogs for their summer creations! They are a very creative team and you'll feel like summer is really here:

Laura
Julie
Daniela
Deborah

Time to retire

2008-06-10T19:43:00.003-04:00

A co-worker of mine needed a retirement card, so when she asked me to make one for her, I immediately thought of the new Impression Obsession retirement stamps! And since we both work at IO, I just had to use them, right? LOL I also chose one of the Floral Duos sets for the background. I actually stamped the inside with another retirement stamp, however, in my haste to get it to my friend, I totally forgot to photograph it! Hope she likes it!

Happy Birthday Mitra!!

2008-05-15T13:15:00.008-04:00

Happy Birthday Mitra!! This simply gorgeous greeting was created by Impression Obsession design team member, Melinda Doster, especially for Mitra. Isn't it beautiful? I wish you could see it in person....these pictures don't do it justice.

I love the way she designed this card! And it even has magnetic closure on it. And sparkles, too. Melinda lined the flourishes with a clear glitter pen and while I'm not sure of the names of the images used, she certainly outdid herself with this card.

(a side note to Melinda.... when I presented Mitra with your card, she LOVED it! She's very interested in the magnetic closure, too. Thank you so much for your card)

Birthday surprise for Mitra!!

2008-05-15T13:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to Mitra, the owner of Impression Obsession. The design team decided to secretly create birthday greetings for her and post them today. Let me tell you, when I let her in on the surprise, she was tickled to death!! I think we really put a big smile on her face---a big thanks to the design team for participating and for keeping the surprise a secret! I know I was afraid to say much on our email group for fear of giving it away--LOL.

I made a peanut butter cup floral bouquet for her. The flowers were made using a scalloped circle punch and then cutting into them to make the petals, then added a Reese's pb cup for the center of the flower. They're attached to bamboo skewers and then stuck into floral foam inside the can.

I actually made her a birthday card, too, but forgot to take a picture of it before giving it to her! Duh, me--LOL....she said she'll take a picture of it and when she does, I'll post it.

Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, Mitra!!

Blog candy

2008-04-29T20:59:00.002-04:00

Want to win some Impression Obsession stamps? You better run over to Penny's blog ASAP!! And oh my goodness, wait until you see the samples she made with the stamps she giving away---you're in for a real treat!

Color Challenge!!

2008-03-27T06:49:00.005-04:00

My sister-in-law and I have one thing in common...our *love* of the color purple! So when the Impression Obsession design team was given a color challenge, I knew I had to make her a birthday card! The challenge was to use purple, blue and green on a card. I love the creations from this oh-so-creative team!

I used a brand spankin' new clear set called Circle Elements which is all sorts of circle designs---scalloped, dotted, flowers, words within the circles, etc. When this set is posted on the IO website, I will link you to it! Once I stamped those 4 separate circles, I used my mega scalloped circle punch and then punched each small hole within each scallop. An additional scalloped circle was punched from green cardstock and adhered behind the white one. I figured that since it was a fun birthday card, it needed some curling ribbon!

Here are links to the other design team members who have their own challenge cards posted. Hope you'll enjoy seeing everyone's creations!! And be sure to check back soon for another fun challenge from our team!

thank you!!

2008-02-18T20:10:00.004-05:00

Here's a look at one of the many new clear sets from Impression Obsession. I wish I could tell you the name, but I was fortunate to get my hands on this set before it was even labeled! When I do find out the proper name, I will update this post. There are several variations of these flourish-y type of images plus *lots* of butterflies! I really liked using this set and it's already a favorite of mine! Edited to add: The name of this clear set is Butterfly Bliss! Ask for it at your local stamp store :)

This design was inspired by a gorgeous card I saw last summer on Splitcoast Stampers and unfortunately, I don't know her name. Maybe she'll see mine and let me know? I'd love to thank her!!

2008-02-10T21:47:00.000-05:00

One more for tonight........a Valentine message for you.........these stamps are from Serendipity Stamps. Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-10T21:41:00.000-05:00

The pink and black card is another sneak peek from the newest IO catalog.... not your typical Easter colors, but I couldn't resist! LOVE that sparkly fuschia paper!! It's from The Paper Cut and they have tons of colors.

The sparkly green card has images that are not exactly new, but from the recent Valentine's supplement and I just love this main image---called Lemon Slice, but makes quite the lovely flower, I think :)

Thanks for looking!

Impression Obsession Sneak Peek! CHA 2008

2008-02-09T18:43:00.000-05:00

I've been playing with new Impression Obsession stamps that will be unveiled at CHA tomorrow! I have several cards and will be showing a few at a time....I hope you enjoy them.

2007-11-10T15:34:00.000-05:00

I really do love this snowman!

Let It Snow, man!

2007-10-26T08:54:00.000-04:00

I just love lavendar and blue for snow cards :) And this snowman is just too cute!

2007-10-25T21:09:00.000-04:00

I meant to come back and post details for this card and plumb forgot! Soooo, better late than never... Stamps are from Impression Obsession and it's a clear set called, appropriately enough, Baby LOL

more winter greetings

2007-10-25T12:43:00.000-04:00

Do you know someone who *loves* snow? I do! (she's crazy about snow!!) I made this card with her in mind--LOL... with stamps from Impression Obsession.

New listing in my Etsy shop!

2007-10-24T14:56:00.000-04:00

I'm finally getting on the ball and beginning to list my holiday items for sale. Here's one that I enjoyed making --- I love those penguins! It's a new image from Serendipity Stamps. Had to use my favorite color combo with it, too!

Anyway, it's posted in my shop and many others will be listed soon, so stop by often! http://krcrafts.etsy.com/

STAMPS FOR SALE

2007-10-10T20:04:00.001-04:00

I'm having a stamp sale! Click on Flikr gallery on the right side of my blog to view stamp sets.......email if you see something you like! krcrafts@yahoo.com I accept Paypal or money orders.

Happy Shopping!!

inspire

2007-10-07T17:53:00.000-04:00

~~In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month~~

It really is, isn't it?

2007-08-13T19:54:00.000-04:00

Make a wish!

2007-08-10T23:26:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday! We have a birthday coming up soon at our house---my baby will be turning 12 soon. It's so hard to believe! I bet by this time next year she will be taller than I am--LOL. She's such a sweetie and I'm looking forward to celebrating her big day!

Is it Fall yet??

2007-08-10T22:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Fall y'all!! Nothing like fast forwarding the seasons, huh? I made this card using new stamps from Impression Obsession--I love that pumpkin background!

How do you say thank you?

2007-08-10T19:43:00.000-04:00

Gracias, merci, danke or thanks! That's how!! One of my new favorites for making thank you cards is the Cuttlebug embossing folder I used to make this card. Such a quick and easy way to let them know you appreciate it!

Summertime butterflies

2007-08-10T19:37:00.000-04:00

Just a fun summery card--I was finally trying out the crayon resist technique. It's pretty simple after all!

Stamps: Impression Obsession

Coaster creation!

2007-08-01T19:44:00.000-04:00

I made this myself!

The Color Purple -- challenge time!

Live Laugh Love... Always

Happy Easter!

Background Bonanza!

Shaker cards!

Ready for Fall?

Merry Christmas in July!

We're looking shimmery!

First Serendipity Stamps Design Team Challenge

I love cupcakes!

Design Team Announcement!

Summertime challenge

Surprise!

Design Team Call -- Serendipity Stamps

Design Team Call – Deadline May 22nd, 2009 Serendipity Stamps is seeking applicants to expand our Design Team. Check our Gallery for an idea of the quality we're seeking. All email for the Design Team Call MUST be sent to SerendipityDT@yahoo.com.

Skill Set

Team Requirements

Team Rewards and Benefits

Applications

Challenge time!

a friend like you

Ready for Spring?

happy thoughts to you!

for my sweet potato

Happy Valentine's Day!

Quick post

It looks like a cupcake day to me!

Warm Thoughts

Stamps for sale!

Recognizing caregivers

What do you like most about Fall?

a little batty for you!

looks a little fishy to me!

Summer Stampin' Challenge

Time to retire

Happy Birthday Mitra!!

Birthday surprise for Mitra!!

Blog candy

Color Challenge!!

thank you!!

Impression Obsession Sneak Peek! CHA 2008

Let It Snow, man!

more winter greetings

New listing in my Etsy shop!

STAMPS FOR SALE

inspire

It really is, isn't it?

Make a wish!

Is it Fall yet??

How do you say thank you?

Summertime butterflies

Coaster creation!

Design Team Call – Deadline May 22^nd, 2009 Serendipity Stamps is seeking applicants to expand our Design Team. Check our Gallery for an idea of the quality we're seeking.
All email for the Design Team Call MUST be sent to SerendipityDT@yahoo.com.