Friendship is a wonderful theme to have at this week's AAA #121!  Perfect!
So, our new, limited-time, set called Blended Seasons has the PERFECT sentiment for this week's theme, as you can see!  I kept it pretty simple - I hadn't used this little vine stamp yet, and I loved my Soft Sea Foam - Mossy Meadow combo so much I decided to do it again, lol.  I played a little bit with my Blends Markers for the leaves, and also colored in a few of our brand new Frosted Epoxy Droplets, coming out in the Holiday Catty - love them!  I can't wait to try the clear ones next!
Blended Seasons Stamp Set; Soft Sea Foam, Mossy Meadow & Whisper White CS; Memento Tuxedo Black Ink; Dk Soft Sea Foam, Lt Old Olive & Lt Granny Apple Green Blends; Frosted Epoxy Droplets; #AAA121.

All About the Stamparatus Make-up Class Aug 18!
This class will include SIX (I just got so excited!) mixed occasion cards that all feature how to get the most out of our amazing new tool, the Stamparatus!  You will never go back, lol.  Every card will use a fun new stamp set from our still new 2018-19 Idea Book & Catalog, so you can play with as many fun sets as possible!  All supplies provided and prepped, as usual (bring your own snips and fave basic adhesive) plus snacks, drinks, and a special gift from me!  Class is $25, or can be FREE with your order of $30 or more!  EXTRA:  There is a make-up session already scheduled for this class on Saturday, August 18 at 1pm, make sure to RSVP if you plan to attend!

Here I go again - time for a new-to-me challenge blog, this time CAS-ual Friday #205!  The challenge is to stamp a pattern - what a cool idea!
I spent some time looking for something I could stamp in a repeating pattern before I landed on this - it's the little roof from the treehouse set!!  Too funny!  Can you tell I'm still building my card stash for my college-bound daughter?  I'll try not to send them every day, lol, but it'll be tough.  I had some fun with bright and cheery colors, too - I think I might be going overboard on my Mango-Apple-Grape combo.  I have to move on eventually, right?  Anyway, this was a fun departure for me - good times!
Treehouse Adventure Stamp Set; Mango Melody & Whisper White CS; Granny Apple Green, Mango Melody & Gorgeous Grape Inks; Stitched Shapes Framelits; Maps Etc DEF; Glitter Enamel Dots; #CFC205.

All About the Stamparatus Class Aug 11!
This class will include SIX (I just got so excited!) mixed occasion cards that all feature how to get the most out of our amazing new tool, the Stamparatus!  You will never go back, lol.  Every card will use a fun new stamp set from our still new 2018-19 Idea Book & Catalog, so you can play with as many fun sets as possible!  All supplies provided and prepped, as usual (bring your own snips and fave basic adhesive) plus snacks, drinks, and a special gift from me!  Class is $25, or can be FREE with your order of $30 or more!  Class is still on for  Saturday August 11 at 3 pm.  RSVP today to save your spot!  EXTRA:  There is a make-up session already scheduled for this class on Saturday, August 18 at 1pm, make sure to RSVP if you plan to attend!

Oh, wow, another pretty combo at this week's Fusion "Rustic Flowers" challenge!
I'm continuing my "spread the ink love"quest today, and pulling out my seldom-used Touches of Texture set.  I'm also indulging my color tastes today, too - mango and Green Apple, anyone?? lol.  Anyway, I'm not sure why I don't use Touches of Textures more, really.  I think it might be my deep and abiding affection for our retired Gorgeous Grunge {SOB} and now I'm just afraid to get attached, lol.  I will say that this set has a few line-art elements, too, that are fun to mix and match, so maybe I can move on now...
Touches of Texture & Stitched All Around Stamp Sets; Wood Textures DSP; Crumb Cake, Whisper White & Mango Melody CS; Memento Tuxedo Black, Crumb Cake, Granny Apple Green, Daffodil Delight & Mango Melody Inks; Stitched Labels & Layering Circles Framelits; Heavy Crumb Cake Twine (from a past Paper Pumpkin); Wink of Stella; #FusionRusticFlowers.

All About the Stamparatus Class Aug 11!
This class will include SIX (I just got so excited!) mixed occasion cards that all feature how to get the most out of our amazing new tool, the Stamparatus!  You will never go back, lol.  Every card will use a fun new stamp set from our still new 2018-19 Idea Book & Catalog, so you can play with as many fun sets as possible!  All supplies provided and prepped, as usual (bring your own snips and fave basic adhesive) plus snacks, drinks, and a special gift from me!  Class is $25, or can be FREE with your order of $30 or more!  Class is still on for  Saturday August 11 at 3 pm.  RSVP today to save your spot!  EXTRA:  There is a make-up session already scheduled for this class on Saturday, August 18 at 1pm, make sure to RSVP if you plan to attend!

Love this cute banded sketch from Hand-Stamped Sentiments #295!  I have just enough time to slip in TGIF #171's bright colors, too!
I decided to browse today for some still-current sets that I have been neglecting a bit - two that rose to the top are the Marbled background stamp, and Eastern Beauty.  I started with a bold marbled Poppy Parade background, then decided to build a bright medallion from the Eastern Medallion thinlits - I hope my little sentiment is visible enough!  I ended up mostly using my Eastern Beauty stamps on the envelope, lol - go figure!
Eastern Beauty & Marbled Stamp Sets; Whisper White, Pacific Point, So Saffron, Poppy Parade & Basic Black CS; Memento Tuxedo Black, Pacific Point, Poppy Parade & So Saffron Inks; Eastern Medallion Thinlits; Layering Circles Framelits; Black Rhinestones; #HSS295; #TGIF171.

All About the Stamparatus Class Aug 9 & 11!
This class will include SIX (I just got so excited!) mixed occasion cards that all feature how to get the most out of our amazing new tool, the Stamparatus!  You will never go back, lol.  Every card will use a fun new stamp set from our still new 2018-19 Idea Book & Catalog, so you can play with as many fun sets as possible!  All supplies provided and prepped, as usual (bring your own snips and fave basic adhesive) plus snacks, drinks, and a special gift from me!  Class is $25, or can be FREE with your order of $30 or more!  Classes are on for Thursday, August 9 at 630 pm, or Saturday August 11 at 3 pm.  RSVP today to save your spot!  EXTRA:  There is a make-up session already scheduled for this class on Saturday, August 18 at 1pm, make sure to RSVP if you plan to attend!

Yay!  It's time for Try Stampin' on Tuesday #375 - a super sketch!
For once, I'm sticking with a shape suggested on the sketch - something I NEVER do, lol.  But, you know, I had a little idea - I had our cool new "mini" backgrounds set, Bokeh Dots, still waiting for some ink, and one of the patterns is this kind of "cosmic stardust" thing - wouldn't that look cool in stars?  Had to give it a go - I do like it, though the detail is a bit hard to see - I tried to help it along with a bit of sponging around the edges.  I need to try this one in some BRIGHT colors, too!  And it turns out, I have a sweet little piece of scripture to go with - we're basking in the Son today!
Can't wait to see what YOU come up with - see you at the challenge!
Bokeh Dots & ODB Scripture Collection 6 Stamp Sets; Twinkle Twinkle DSP; Whisper White & Smoky Slate CS; Night of Navy & Crushed Curry Inks; Stars Collection Framelits (retired); #TSOT375.

All About the Stamparatus Class Aug 9 & 11!
This class will include SIX (I just got so excited!) mixed occasion cards that all feature how to get the most out of our amazing new tool, the Stamparatus!  You will never go back, lol.  Every card will use a fun new stamp set from our still new 2018-19 Idea Book & Catalog, so you can play with as many fun sets as possible!  All supplies provided and prepped, as usual (bring your own snips and fave basic adhesive) plus snacks, drinks, and a special gift from me!  Class is $25, or can be FREE with your order of $30 or more!  Classes are on for Thursday, August 9 at 630 pm, or Saturday August 11 at 3 pm.  RSVP today to save your spot!  EXTRA:  There is a make-up session already scheduled for this class on Saturday, August 18 at 1pm, make sure to RSVP if you plan to attend!

Lol, I see the Hawaii reminders EVERYWHERE - even at this week's Retro Rubber #92's "Life's a beach" theme!  {SOB} I miss Maui!
For this one, I pulled out 2013's By The Tide, which I've kept all this time JUST for the lobster!  Excuse me if I drool a little here, lol...  Anyway, I did some torn "sand" with Sahara Sand, of course, and had some fun aqua-painting my little beach accessories.  Nice fussy-cutting interlude today, lol.
By the Tide (retired 2013) & Make a Difference Stamp Sets; Whisper White, Balmy Blue & Sahara Sand CS; Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, So Saffron & Calypso Coral Inks; Subtle DEF; Blender Pen; Aqua-Painter; #RR92.

All About the Stamparatus Class Aug 9 & 11!
This class will include SIX (I just got so excited!) mixed occasion cards that all feature how to get the most out of our amazing new tool, the Stamparatus!  You will never go back, lol.  Every card will use a fun new stamp set from our still new 2018-19 Idea Book & Catalog, so you can play with as many fun sets as possible!  All supplies provided and prepped, as usual (bring your own snips and fave basic adhesive) plus snacks, drinks, and a special gift from me!  Class is $25, or can be FREE with your order of $30 or more!  Classes are on for Thursday, August 9 at 630 pm, or Saturday August 11 at 3 pm.  RSVP today to save your spot!  EXTRA:  There is a make-up session already scheduled for this class on Saturday, August 18 at 1pm, make sure to RSVP if you plan to attend!

Love these gumdrop colors over at Global Design Project #149 this week!  Yummy!
With these bold and pretty colors, I couldn't resist pulling out my Love You to Pieces set once again.  Seems like it'll be a while before I get tired of playing with puzzles, lol!  I changed the shape of the background die by adding an extra row of pieces, and floated my sentiment pieces on top.  Two tiny rhinestones finished it off - and I'm still in love, lol.  This set is really reminding me, when you love what you do, it's like playing all the time!
Love You to Pieces Stamp Set; Whisper White, Night of Navy, Bermuda Bay & Lovely Lipstick CS; Night of Navy, Bermuda Bay & Lovely Lipstick Inks; Puzzle Pieces Thinlits; Basic Jewel Rhinestones; #GDP149.

All About the Stamparatus Class Aug 9 & 11!
This class will include SIX (I just got so excited!) mixed occasion cards that all feature how to get the most out of our amazing new tool, the Stamparatus!  You will never go back, lol.  Every card will use a fun new stamp set from our still new 2018-19 Idea Book & Catalog, so you can play with as many fun sets as possible!  All supplies provided and prepped, as usual (bring your own snips and fave basic adhesive) plus snacks, drinks, and a special gift from me!  Class is $25, or can be FREE with your order of $30 or more!  Classes are on for Thursday, August 9 at 630 pm, or Saturday August 11 at 3 pm.  RSVP today to save your spot!  EXTRA:  There is a make-up session already scheduled for this class on Saturday, August 18 at 1pm, make sure to RSVP if you plan to attend!

OK, this is cool - As You See It #181's challenge is to play with what we are "totally obsessed with."  How to pick just one??
In the end, it was actually pretty easy:  right now, I am TOTALLY obsessed with my Stamparatus, especially after getting ready for my "All About the SAR" class - I'm in LOVE!  One of my fave techniques with it is "stampin' in the round," and I had fun with that again today, using the little leaf from our Pop of Petals set.  I made a quick turning template using our Layering Square Framelits, and just went to town.  I pulled in this cute little sentiment from Label Me Pretty to go with.  Sigh.  I love you, SAR!
Pop of Petals & Label Me Pretty Stamp Sets; Soft Sea Foam, Mossy Meadow & Whisper White CS; Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz, Mossy Meadow & Memento Tuxedo Black Inks; Layering Squares (for the template) & Layering Circles Framelits; Leaves Trinket; #AYSI181.

All About the Stamparatus Class Aug 9 & 11!
This class will include SIX (I just got so excited!) mixed occasion cards that all feature how to get the most out of our amazing new tool, the Stamparatus!  You will never go back, lol.  Every card will use a fun new stamp set from our still new 2018-19 Idea Book & Catalog, so you can play with as many fun sets as possible!  All supplies provided and prepped, as usual (bring your own snips and fave basic adhesive) plus snacks, drinks, and a special gift from me!  Class is $25, or can be FREE with your order of $30 or more!  Classes are on for Thursday, August 9 at 630 pm, or Saturday August 11 at 3 pm.  RSVP today to save your spot!

We have a super cute sketch at Fab Friday #143 this week - and I couldn't wait to get started!
Treehouse Adventure looked so darn cute in the catty I finally just caved and got it - doesn't everyone wish they had a cool treehouse??  Especially one in very cool University of Arizona colors??  Lol.  That's right, my bug leaves for dorm move-in at UA in two weeks, and we 're all pretty psyched for her!  I'm trying to tell myself we won't have an empty nest - she'll just be camped out in a different treehouse!!  OK, I know that's pretty goofball, but I plan on stashing this baby in her room before we take off.  I'm only a little freaked out!  I swear!
Can't wait to see YOUR creations - see you at the challenge!
Treehouse Adventure & Labeler Alphabet Stamp Sets; Whisper White, Pool Party, Real Red & Night of Navy CS; Crumb Cake, Granny Apple Green, Early Espresso, Night of Navy & Real Red Inks; Stitched Shapes Framelits; Up & Away Thinlits; #FabFri143.

All About the Stamparatus Class Aug 9 & 11!
This class will include SIX (I just got so excited!) mixed occasion cards that all feature how to get the most out of our amazing new tool, the Stamparatus!  You will never go back, lol.  Every card will use a fun new stamp set from our still new 2018-19 Idea Book & Catalog, so you can play with as many fun sets as possible!  All supplies provided and prepped, as usual (bring your own snips and fave basic adhesive) plus snacks, drinks, and a special gift from me!  Class is $25, or can be FREE with your order of $30 or more!  Classes are on for Thursday, August 9 at 630 pm, or Saturday August 11 at 3 pm.  RSVP today to save your spot!

Woo woo!  I can't believe it's August already!  That means it's also time for a new technique challenge at Try Stampin' on Tuesday - and we're entering a new dimension!
A stampin' dimension, that is, lol.  The challenge is to add dimension WITHOUT foam dots or strips - go check out three ideas we have over at the challenge!  For myself, I decided to stack some dies, and our new Love You to Pieces bundle is pretty much made for this!  The puzzle square pieces all stack up perfectly in layers of four.  I didn't even pop dot ANYTHING else - just my stacked puzzle pieces!  Love the finished card!
Can't wait to see YOUR creations - see you at the challenge!
Love You to Pieces Stamp Set; Mango Melody, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Granny Apple Green & Whisper White CS; Memento Tuxedo Black Ink; Puzzle Pieces Thinlits; Brights Sequins in Orange; #TSOTTechAug.

All About the Stamparatus Class Aug 9 & 11!
This class will include SIX (I just got so excited!) mixed occasion cards that all feature how to get the most out of our amazing new tool, the Stamparatus!  You will never go back, lol.  Every card will use a fun new stamp set from our still new 2018-19 Idea Book & Catalog, so you can play with as many fun sets as possible!  All supplies provided and prepped, as usual (bring your own snips and fave basic adhesive) plus snacks, drinks, and a special gift from me!  Class is $25, or can be FREE with your order of $30 or more!  Classes are on for Thursday, August 9 at 630 pm, or Saturday August 11 at 3 pm.  RSVP today to save your spot!