Here's a challenge for everyone who needs something to do to relax for a few minutes before all the aunts, uncles, noisy nieces & nephews, and the dreaded in-laws show up for dinner. Maybe you just received a new set of stamps and you want to try them out. Well here's your chance, do my amazing Captain Crafter Holiday Bonanza Challenge. Have fun with it and Merry Christmas to all.

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Here's my creation for this weeks sketch challenge on SCS. I know Christmas isn't even over and I'm already onto Valentine's Day. I'm worst than shopping malls. LoL!

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Here's another challenge for you die hard stampers. Your card can be made with any combination of colours and any theme of your liking. Have fun and get stampin!

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I haven't posted a challenge in some time so here it is. Colours, embellishments, and little extras are all up to you. The only must do on this challenge is to keep the image to the RIGHT on the top layer just like in my sample. I can't wait to see what you all come up with, have fun.

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Here's my card for my latest challenge. I chose to stamp 'Giddy Up' , and I think it still comes off being a 'Way To Go' card. I used Sahara Sand for the card, and Chocolate Chip and Cool Caribbean for the rectangular window. Most will recognize that I used Wanted and Rough Edge Alpha. Of all places to find nice ribbon, Wal-Mart, but they had this cool patterned grosgrain which works very well here. Last but not least a couple of brads to finish it off.

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What do you do if you don't have the
really cool Build A Brad Kit from
Stampin' UP, well you make your own. To make them you need a large brad with at least 1/2" on the face, a 1/2" hole punch, crystal effects and a sanding block.

The first thing you need to do is sand off the paint around the edges of the brad(This is optional, especially if the brad is a nice colour). Next, you need to stamp an image that you are going to use for your project and punch it out. Now since we are using Crystal Effects (CE) you need something to hold the brad until the CE dries. I used a roll of two way tape to support the brad. The last step is to assemble the brad, first put a drop of CE on the face of the brad and add the image you've punched out. After that's done cover the top of the brad with CE and put it aside to dry. Now your done, simple.

This way of making a Build A Brad works, but I'm still going to get a package of Build A Brads soon. They're really cool and not as messy as my version.

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Here's this weekend sketch challenge. I decided to go with a simple layout this time, but, for this challenge you need to make a 'Way To Go' card. This is in honor of my friend Carrie (aka Artistic Avenger) who is going to be published in Take Ten Magazine. I think this is totally awesome!

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Since I haven't posted a challenge for some time I thought I would give you all a doozie. What you need to do is make a Christmas card with the layout given, easy. Maybe not, you need to use stamps that are not related to Christmas and make them like they were intended for Christmas. The only Christmas stamp you can use is for the sentiment. That's it, now have fun. Also, you need to use traditional colours. Now, that's it.

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I just picked up my latest order on the weekend from my friend Carrie. Before that she lent me some of her Christmas sets so I could get a head start on making cards for the holidays, and not having many Christmas sets on hand this was awesome to have her stamps to use. Anyway, getting back to my new stamps, one set is the Stem Silhouettes. I decided to make a set of thank you cards as a small thanks for lending me her stamps(Thank-you Carrie).

I decided to use a really simple design and then I used my word window punch for the sentiment. Next I used my Crop A Dile that my wife got me for my birthday to add a large eyelet and then I used some brown/white striped ribbon to finish the card off. If anyone is a bite afraid to use or get a Crop A Dile, you have to face fear and get it because it really is totally awesome.

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I received a UHU glue stick to review from Maria Filosa's UHU project. I was sent a colored glue stick made by UHU, I've seen this product in stores for some time and I have used it in the past. So far I've only used the glue stick on my cards and for that purpose it works extremely well. The glue goes on purple and dries clear, I really like this and I know most will agree because I can see where the glue is on my card stock. If you have put too much on you can see the purple glue and do something about it. The other advantages most people will like is it's non-toxic, washable and acid free. I only found one con for this glue stick and it's not a big con and it is that UHU should make the stick square, I really think that would be a good improvement and I would probably use it as my primary glue for card making. As is the glue is awesome, all the promises UHU states on the package are true. I've always found their glue does exactly what it says it will do.

I give it two thumbs up, it's worth buying.

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Well it looks like I've been tagged by my good friend The Artistic Avenger. She has put forward ten questions for me to answer, so here goes nothing:

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) - Muffy Malibu

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fav ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) -Nut Cream

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)-G-Pri

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) -Orange Mako

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Ian Westminster

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)- Prige

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink put “The”) -The Green TEAse

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)- Earl Medley Maurice

9. STRIPPER NAME : ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne, favorite candy) -

Mr. Eternity Big (Mr.Big candy bar)

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) Lorraine Wayne

Now that I've been tagged, it's your turn to answer. The lucky winners that have been tagged by me are: The Crooked Stamper, Crazy Stamper, InkGenious, and Jason Sampson (I Made This)

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Here's my card for this weeks challenge.

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Right then here's Challenge #25. For this challenge you must use Basic Black or Basic Gray to accent the colours you choose. Also, you can't use any ribbon or embellishments.

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Here's my card for this weeks challenge. Remember when you are making a card for the challenge feel free to change the layout a bit. In my creation I put the top flower over the rectangular portion. No big deal, and don't worry I won't send a hunting party after you if your project is different from the sketch. Have fun!

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I just finished reading a post by Artistic Avenger and was inspired to share what I've done. The project that I made is a framed piece of art that hangs above my bed. The inspiration came from the wall colour as well as the new bedding my wife picked out. She was the one who suggested that I make something for our room and use the bedding for it.

Lately I've been having trouble with coming up with projects to do, and when my friend made her latest post on inspiration it reminded me to look around and find something that will give me a spark to create. I hope this will help you to find inspiration in things you have around the home.

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Here's this weeks challenge, plus I have the colours you need to use. Soft Sky, Old Olive, So Saffron and Groovy Guava. If you don't have the colours use one that is close to the colours listed. Have fun with it.

All the cards that have been made for the challenges are fantastic, keep up the good work.

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Here's the latest challenge. I forgot to number the layers, "oops", but I trust you can figure it out. Also, for the first time I've added a sample. OOOOOh, AAAAAH! I know what you're thinking, "This is a superb blog, like no other." Yeah, Right!! OK, now that all fooling around is aside I would love to see a ton of cards being made.

Enjoy! Don't forget to post a link to you're card.

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Being ill really sucks, and I should know. I haven't been able to keep my blog up to date because of my illness. Thanks to everyone for continuing to look at my blog, I'm hoping to add more posts very soon. Thanks again.

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Wow am I late or what? My wife kept asking me if I had done my challenge and as usual I kept on forgetting, this is why I'm so late. This isn't technically a sketch challenge, but a challenge it is. For this weeks challenge (Challenge #22) you need to come up with your own design and colours. The challenge part is to do watercolouring.

Here's my creation. I used Basic Gray, Really Rust and Certainly Celery. My good friend Carrie gave me some Basic Gray card stock to try until mine is delivered, she's so nice! Thanks Carrie! Next, I used a flower stamp from Oh, So Lovely, then I used my aqua-painter to do the watercolouring. The other stamp sets I used were my Canvas BG and Artfully Asian.

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Here you go challenge #21. You just have to stick to the layout and the rest is up to you. Have fun!

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Here's my creation, I'm glad I chose to do a tri-fold card because it's something I don't do too often. I really like my new scallop punch and I thought I would layer a few circles together, the effect is pretty cool. I hope everyone has enjoyed this challenge. Keep looking back for more.

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This weeks challenge is to follow the layout, make sure the card opens in the middle. The colours and theme is up to you. Have fun!!!

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Here's a couple of cards that I made with my most recent purchases. I really like the sweet pea stamp.

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I just came across this web site that you have to check out, it's called Tinkering Ink.

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I'm back from a mini vacation on Whidbey Island WA, USA. My family and I had a great time, it's such a wonderful place. Since I was there of course I had to find a scrapbook shop, the one I did find is the Creative Heart. The shop is very nicely set up and everything that I wanted was there and more, and the owner(Mary Anderson) and her staff are amazing. If your on Whitbey Island one day this place is a must do so you can fill up on some goodies. Now you are probably wondering what I got, well I not going to tell you. Just kidding!!!!! I bought a Marvy Giga Scallop Circle Punch, I stocked up on Basic Grey paper, I got some of the nicest brads I've ever seen, and some really pretty ribbon(Creative Heart has an excellent selection of ribbon). Also, Mary told me that Julie Ebersole pops in now and then.

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Yahoo Yip Yip Yippee, Challenge #19. This layout is inspired from a make and take I did today at my Buds open house. I had a great time and I place an order for some new stuff from the new catty. Any Who, get goin' and have some rip roaring fun with this one and let those creative juices flow, but not onto the floor it's sticky stuff.

Have fun!!!!

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CharmWarm is this weeks Featured Stamper on SCS. The card I picked from her gallery has a nice simple layout and the colour combo she choose is fantastic. In keeping with this challenge I stayed very close to the layout, but I totally changed the colours for my project. I used Bordering Blue, Real Red and Not Quite Navy. The colours in the designer paper on my card matches so well with SU's. Also, the Bodacious Bouquet stamp set has a similar appearance to the Designer Paper.

I really find the FS Challenge to be so much fun to do, you should check it out.

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Here's this weeks sketch challenge. I'm adding some more elements for you to work out, don't worry I'm confident everyone will be able to make a wonderful card. Aside from the sketch you will have to use Cool Caribbean or Soft Sky, Certainly Celery, More Mustard, Basic Black, and any neutral card stock you like. If you don't have a particular colour just use one that is similar. Also, for bonus points try to use brads, ribbon and a paper piercer.

I hope you like it, now get creating. If you have a question you can post it or email me.

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I've just completed my first two uploads for Ink-Stains. The first is my entry for July's Card Contest. The requirements are to create a brightly coloured kids card. The second card is posted under the Thinking Of You category. My favorite feature of Ink-Stains is definitely having cards separated by occasion. Totally awesome!

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Today I received an e-mail from a member of Ink-Stains.com. It's a smaller Canadian based version of SplitCoastStampers - with that in mind I took a quick look at the site. It was so fantastic I registered as a member. It's not formatted like SCS, where cards are listed under the stamp sets , but instead under themes. i.e. Get Well, Birthday, Summer, Fall, Anniversary. I really like this, since now I'm able to get inspiration by looking up specific themes. The other great feature is the monthly card contest with prizes!

Take a look, you won't be disappointed.

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I was smiling from ear to ear when I got my new SU Catalogue from my good friend Carrie. Let me know what you like and just have to have. If you're like me its hard to know where to start because there's so many awesome things. I'm really happy I joined Carrie's Stamp Club which starts this month. Can't wait to place my first order! I'm considering the Garden Whimsy set and the new scallop punch, but that's it, gotta budget!! It's sooooooo hard though, I WANT IT ALL!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Man do I need a drink.

OK, I told you what I want, now it's your turn to tell all.

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I used this card for two challenges, SC131 (Sketch Challenge) and WT120 (Ways to Use It Challenge). My friend gave me a set of designer paper (Dp) and I decided to use it for the challenges. Though the Dp isn't from Stampin' Up the colours in the paper match SU colours very well so I used Real Red, Not Quite Navy and Soft Sky card stock to match the Dp. As you can tell the layout is from the Sketch Challenge and for the Ways to Use It challenge I just had to use some ribbon.

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I am very pleased, and thankful to see that many stampers are doing my challenges.

I did two cards for this weeks challenge #17, one is meant for a girls birthday and the second is a thinking of you card. In the first card I used Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery and Regal Rose card stock. The best thing I like about this card is the background stamp which I found at my local dollar store. Some of the daisies are darker from me using a Gelly Roll Glaze pen. You can't really tell from the picture, but the glaze does gives a shiny effect. Some of the other fun things I did to this card were using my white gel pen to add dots around the pink panther, and I used my round tab punch to make the brackets.

On my second card I decided to use the Trees Three set because its a set I really like, but never use as much as I would like to. I used Wild Wasabi, Kraft and Ivory card stock. Since I used the Trees Three set the card looked like it was meant to be a thinking of you card. I really like this card more and I think it turned out better than the first one.

I hope you enjoyed this challenge and look back soon for the next one.

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For this weeks challenge theme you must use stamps that portray a living thing, like animals, trees, people. The only living thing you can't portray on your card is flowers. Also, you can use whatever embellishments you want to use and the colours are up to you. Have fun and remember to post a link so we all can see your creations.

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I was trying to come up with something new with the Zoofari set and this is the result. I took the rhino and snipped the poor animal's horn off and drew in a nostril, and the result a HIPPO. Now everyone can have their own house hippo. Isn't he so cute!!!

Give it a try, I dare you, go on now!!!!

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This weeks featured stamper is Cambria, so check out her gallery and you'll be glad you did. Here's the card I chose to case from her gallery. Her card is quite feminine, so I thought it would be cool to make a masculine version of hers. To make mine boy friendly I pulled out Treehouse designer paper. The colours on the Dp are ones I often use, More Mustard, Bordering Blue, Cranberry Crisp, Sahara Sand, and they work really well to make any masculine card. Cambria's card is very pretty and has a lot going on, like all that great stitching. I do wish I could do that too - it really adds a nice touch to her work. Anyway, my goal was to make it a lot simpler and just have a few touches, you can see I used my paper piercer and added some hemp.

There you have it, Cambria, this weeks FS. I hope you enjoyed this post.

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Anyone can play along in my sketch challenges, regardless of what supplies you use. All are welcome, more the merrier. I really want to see what everyone comes up with, especially when there are products I've never seen before.

So get stamping and put a post up so we can see where your creation is. Have fun!!!!

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Here's my submission for challenge #16. I kinda cheated on mine, I only used two solid colours, Tempting Turquoise and Certainly Celery but, I did manage to fit in some designer paper. As you can see that I chose Close to Cocoa for my neutral card base. No big surprise to see that once again I used Zoofari for my main image and I also used my Canvas background stamp. I'm not to sure about the doodling around the Zebra - let me know what you think. Oh and look another happy birthday card, how original for me to do a birthday theme. I really like the Zoofari set cause it really lends itself to do watercolouring with it. Lots of fun!

Well thats about all the explaining I'm going to do. Enjoy, keep the posts coming so everyone can see what has been made.

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Here's this weeks sketch. Remember I vary the rules from week to week, I don't even know what they are. For this week, you need to come up with a colour combo that has three colours in it. Second rule is that none of the colours you picked can be the card base. You'll need to pick a neutral colour for the base piece, which could be Vanilla, White, Ivory, Sahara Sand.

Have fun with it, remember to post a link so we can all see your creation.

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I have come across many comments on SCS that have to do with people having trouble making Masculine cards. To be honest being a masculine dude man, I have had trouble as well. I have found that the new 'Zoofari' as well as some older sets like 'Wild About You' and 'Monkey Business' work very well to solve the problem. After all, all men are animals and in both these sets you will be able to make a card for all the wild animals in your life. Though you can make some very cute feminine cards as well.

I think everyone should get the new Zoofari set, it really is an awesome set. I'm glad I have it, i know this will be a set that I'll be using for many masculine cards in the future. Check out my gallery to see some examples.

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Well when you look at these scissors a certain brand comes to mind. If you guessed Stampin' Up Craft and Rubber Scissors. I've tried my friends out when I purchased a mega load of Stampin' Up stamp sets from her. Stampin' Up's Scissors work amazingly well and I'm sure many of you have this brand and would agree with me. The scissors that you see here were given to me for Father's Day from my Mom and Dad. The reason why I received these is because my Mom has a pair and it caught my eye one day when I was over at their house for a visit. I asked my Mom if she could pick me up a pair when she was at the florist wholesaler on her next trip to pick up stuff for herself. The moment I saw these I thought of The Stampin' Up scissors immediately. I knew they would do the job, maybe not better but just as well. I have to say I was right, they cut through rubber like it wasn't there. These scissors are ultra sharp and no child should ever use them.
The scissors are made by Clauss and the two are actually corsage snips. One is a 7" blade and the ID# is FSS7. The second is a 6" blade , but it seems much smaller and the ID# is FSS6 . Also, they do have a bit of serration at the base of the blades and I haven't had any trouble with it. Clauss also makes another pair of corsage snips and it looks as though they don't have any serration. That pairs ID# is NK75848 and thats all I know. I don't have a price cause I didn't think asking my parents for the price of a gift. Somehow I think that would be a bit tacky. So, there you have it a pair from Stampin' Up and Clauss, Both awesome and it seems its a choice you'll have to make on which pair to get. I think I should offer an explanation as to why I haven't purchased scissors from Stampin' Up, it's quite simple really I wouldn't be able to purchase as many stamp sets.

If you are going to get a pair of these scissors, try looking at your local nursery or maybe Home Depot.

Thanks for looking, I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have any question please post a comment.

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