Congratulations Bev - a Special Bridal Shower Blog Hop

Hello everyone! A few of us girls wanted to throw our lovely Beverly Parish a fun little virtual Bridal Shower Blog Hop. Just because we all don't live in the same time zone, country, or continent, doesn't mean we can't use this social platform to do what we'd have done in person! 

You should be hopping over here from the ever so talented Nicki. This girl is just so creative.

My little bridal shower card is inspired by the colors of Uniko Studio. What better way to pay ode to Bev and her exciting next chapter in life by throwing together some aqua, pink and gray goodness and using her Beautiful Blooms I set?


Stamps: (All Occasion Sentiments #3,  Beautiful Blooms I) Uniko Studio
Paper: (Paper Basics Card Stock - Sweet Blush) Papertrey Ink; (Follow Your Heart - Be Amazing) My Mind's Eye
Ink: (Memento - Tuxedo Black) Tsukineko; (Jenni Bowlin - No. 1 Chewing Gum) Ranger
Embellishments: (Heidi Swapp Color Shine - Gold) Pink Paislee; (Boy Crazy - Enamel Dots) My Mind's Eye

From the first picture, it looks like my Blooms are dirty or stained. Ha! I was trying to add a little bit of special sheen and tried to give it some gold. The next picture depicts this slightly better, bur it looks completely different in person.



Happy happy Moments, Bev! I wish you nothing but happiness, the perfect day, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I will be thinking of you and we can't wait to see pictures of you and your lovely dress (and your lovely man). He's very lucky to have you in his life :)

Next up is Stacey. Enjoy ...!

Here the whole list for easy navigation ...

• Uniko Studio Blog (Bev)
• Aimes
• Amber
• Chaitali
• Erika
• Gayatri
• Nicki
• Ren-Yi (you are here)
• Stacey
• Taheerah

Again, all the best to this lovely couple!

[Uniko Studio] Uniko Studio Challenge No. 2 - Sketch Challenge

Hi everyone! We are back with our second Uniko Studio Challenge. Thanks for making the first one a success. Today's challenge is created by Gayatri Murali, our talented girl.

You know me and sketches, I start out looking at it in detail and then never go back to it while I craft. And then things mutate on their own, like so...


Stamps: (All Occasion Sentiments #3, Nature Treasures I) Uniko Studio
Paper: (Paper Basics Card Stock - Spring Moss) Papertrey Ink; (For the Record 2: Documented) Echo Park
Ink: (Memento - London Fog) Tsukineko
Embellishments: (Gelatos) Faber Castell; (For the Record 2: Documented - Decorative Brads, Chipboard Accents) Echo Park; (Boy Crazy - Enamel Dots) My Mind's Eye; (Rustic Cream Twine) Papertrey Ink; (Naturals Canvas Stickers - Birds & Butterflies) Little Yellow Bicycle

What was most exciting about today's card is that I made it in my scrap room. I am still not yet unpacked, but I am at least sitting at the desk and moved my temporary make-shift supplies over. I also (to my dismay) found my 6x6 paper pads and moved them from the moving box into some Close to My Heart Organizers. This is what it looked like. And I just ordered some Jilli Bean and Carta Bella pads from Simon Says....hm.



My other feat today in setting up my craft room was to unpack this cute napking holder that I scored for $1.99 at Ikea. It is called Rymlig... I had no idea initially what I would use it for, but it was too darn cute to pass up.

from Ikea.com

But I thought it would be a great place to hold cards that I recently made. Usually they live in a shoebox. Maybe if I see them out like this I will actually send them off...



But you are here to talk card. So I pulled one of my dusty 6x6 pads out and decided to make the sketch work. I pulled some matching chipboard accents and brads out (that's the benefit of storing the collections together) and played a bit with my Gelato pens on the fabric canvas butterfly. The background is just a bit of gray inking on patter paper using Uniko Studio's Natures Treasures I.



I could use a bit more practice with the Gelatos, but it will do for now. Lastly just a few enamels in a different color to make the card pop a bit, a sentiment and a bit of twine (oh how I have missed thee...).



I see that unpacking my craft room and stumbling across long-lost supplies will feel a little like Christmas. But unpacking also is going to give me a chance to de-stash some new and some well-loved products. I might have to do a few giveaways here ... 

Anyways, that's all I have for you. Check out the rest of the girl's cards and leave them a sweet comment or two.

Lastly, a few helpful things to remember:

• Challenge ends Sept 14th, 2013, 11:59p BST; Check back for the winners after
• Prize is £10 Gift Certificate to the random Winner & a Guest Design spot on our following challenge
• Three people will win a spotlight
• We would like you to use a Uniko Studio product; If you don't have any, check out the freebies here

I hope to see you play along, so that I can pop in on your lovely blogs! See you soon!

[Little Tangles] Challenge #19 - Let's Eat Cake: A Big Birthday Blog Bash

Hi everyone! Are you having a blast so far with our Birthday Bash event? I'm so excited that people are really chatting it up over there, and linking to our many challenges and spreading the word.

Today is extra special day for our Birthday Bash Midway mark...

We are challenging you with a Eat Cake challenge. Fear not if you don't have the right stamps. Don't forget you might have pretty chipboard die cuts or stickers lying around. Or you can grab a free cake digi or sentiment over there.

So I'm your last blog stop. If you made it all the way from my lovely, dear, kind friend June Houck, then you haven't missed anything. If you have tho, check the list below and make sure to start from the beginning. It will be worth your while.

Here is my "Eat Cake" contribution for today


Stamps: (Sketchy Cupcakes, Ink Splash, Everyday Circles) Neat & Tangled
Paper: (Roundabout Card Kit: (Solar White) Athens Paper) Studio Calico; (My Girl) American Craft
Ink: (Brilliance - Galaxy Gold; Memento - Tuxedo Black, London Fog) Tsukineko; (Jenni Bowlin - No. 4 Chewing Gum) Ranger
Embellishments: (Sequins - Raspberry Red Satin, Lemon Satin) Neat & Tangled; (Roundabout Card Kit: (Star Stick Pins) Maya Road; Navie Pier Add-on Kit: (The Pier Slide Frames) Crate Paper) Studio Calico

There you have it. Just threw together some gold Happy circles along with pink ink splashes down. Made a cute little cuppie cake with sprinkles (or sequins in this case), and added a Star Stick pin with a "Enjoy" banner.



The frame and the "birthday" sentiment is just a nice way to offset and ground everything.



Hope it tickles and that you will consider playing along. Also make sure to visit the Little Tangles blog again to make sure you read through the amazing prizes for this blog hop. 

Here is the reader's digest version.

• Enter the challenge for a chance to win a stamp set of your choice (the usual deal)
• You have until Sept 1, 11:55p Eastern Time to link up. More helpful rules at the end of the blog post.
• Comment along the blog hop for a chance to win one of two $5 gift certificates
• Lastly, comment along the blog hop for a chance to win the Entire Neat & Tangled Stamp collection designed to date. If you have one, some, or all stamps in the collection, pay it forward and spread the Neat & Tangled love!

• You have until August 24, 11:59p Eastern Time to comment.

So what are you waiting for? Go through the list and make sure you didn't miss a blog to comment on! :)

Blog Hop List

Danielle Walls

Suzanne Dahlberg

Katie Gehring

Heather Hoffman

Mary Dawn Quirindongo

Linda Trace

Laurie Willison

LT GDT Tracy Ercole

Amy Tsurata

Barb Murphy

Charlene Bopp

June Houck

Ren-Yi Lo
Little Tangles

A few helpful things to remember:

• Challenge ends Sept 1, 2013, 11:59p EST; Check back for the winners
• Prize is ONE Neat & Tangled Stamp set of your choice to a random player
• Neat & Tangled stamps are not required on your entry, but we would love to see you use them. If you would like to use some Neat & Tangled products but haven't had a chance to buy any, we have a couple of freebies on the Little Tangles site. Enjoy!

[Uniko Studio] August 2013 Release

Hello Uniko friends! We have finally arrived on full reveal & release day. Are you ready? If so, grab a cuppa because it's going to be a long post. Make it to the end to get a piece of fabby news.

If you came from Nicki's blog then you're ? You know the drill by now. If not, then start at Bev's blog to not make sure you don't miss out on all the inspiration.

Let's quickly review what is in our April release, which YOU could be so lucky to win in it's entirety. Ready?

One Designer Dies set: Graphic Flower Die -

Three clear stamp sets: Background Builders: Flower Power, All Occasion Sentiments #3, Power Flower #3

I hope you liked the sneak peeks from the past few days that the Design Team has shown you. We're here to officially kick of Release Day. Here is my card...


Stamps: (All Occasion Sentiments #3, Flower Power #3) Uniko Studio
Paper: (Paper Basics Card Stock - Vintage Cream) Papertrey Ink; (Maggie Holmes) Crate Paper; (Roundabout Card Kit: (Rock Candy) Athens Paper) Studio Calico
Ink: (Memento - Tuxedo Black, London Fog) Tsukineko; (Jenni Bowlin - No. 1 Chewing Gum) Ranger
Embellishments: (Sequins - Silver Metallic) Neat & Tangled; (Gelatos - Bubble Gum, Guava) Faber Castell; (Valley High Scrapbooking Kit: (Abbreviated Pack Pictures Perfect Die Cut) Basic Grey; (White Cardstock) American Crafts) Studio Calico

I'm trying Gelatos out for the first time. The color goes on quite thick, and the blending so far as been easy enough with a Q-Tip or blending stick. But I have still a lot of practicing to do. But this is my first attempt...



I just colored the blossoms with Gelatos, blended them and fussy cut them out. I cut down card stock to a regular A2 size. Then I cut down the some Maggie Holmes pattern paper down to 5.25" x 4". I found a cute picture die cut and backed it with white card stock paper and stamped "Thank You" across. After that I stamped a flower and stem onto the the polaroid picture. The last touch was just to dabble a few little silver metallic sequins.



Hope you like this wee card. In the meantime, you should hop over to Stacey's blog.

Don't forget to comment along the way, because Bev is drawing one lucky reader to win the entire release and Time Stamp Set! You have until August 14, 11:59p UK time.

And Bev is offering free world-wide shipping for orders over £50 (this roughly translates to USD 76, CAD 78, EUR 59); use code FREESHIPPING.

In case you have the Time Stamp Set you will receive a gift certificate in lieu for it. If you have purchased the release prior to the winner announcement, you will be refunded.

Otherwise, I hope you enjoyed the last few days of posts...Here the whole list for easy navigation ...

• Uniko Studio Blog (Bev)
• Aimes
• Amber
• Erika
• Gayatri
• Ren-Yi (you are here)
• Stacey
• Taheera
• GDT Ardyth

Have a fabulous week and have a fun shopping spree! Let me know what Uniko Stamps you get and don't forget to post your creations onto our Flickr Group. Toodles.

[Uniko Studio] August 2013 Release - Introducing Flower Power #3

Hello Uniko friends! It's August and we're on Day 3 of our sneaky peeks. Today we're introducing a Flower Power #3 set, which is a nice addition to the other sets: Flower Power Sets #1 and Flower Power #2.

Here is a little cute preview of what this set looks like.

Isn't that wee little heart cute? This jam-packed set contains six sentiments, two flowers (one an outline, one a solid), stems, and a few hearts. I can see falling in love with this one...


Stamps: (Flower Power #3) Uniko Studio
Paper: (Roundabout Card Kit: (Rock Candy) Bazzill, pattern paper) Studio Calico; (Amy Tangerine - Yes, Please) American Crafts
Ink: (Jenni Bowlin - No. 11 Chewing Gum) Ranger; (Memento - London Fog, Tuxedo Black, Brilliance - Galaxy Gold) Tsukineko
Embellishments: (Winona Add-on Kit: (Candy Stripes Candy Shoppe) Queen & Co.) Studio Calico

I still have my current love for gold. And the ink with the hearts were just a match in heaven. The rest is inspired by a graphic-style design by stamping the blossoms onto pattern paper.



Hope you liked this preview. Tomorrow is our last sneak peek and then we're off to our release.

In the meantime, please check out the designer list and their creations.

Here the whole list for easy navigation ...

• Uniko Studio Blog (Bev)
• Aimes
• Amber
• Erika
• Gayatri
• Ren-Yi (you are here)
• Stacey
• Taheera
• GDT Ardyth

[Uniko Studio] August 2013 Release - Introducing All Occasion Sentiments #3

Hello Uniko friends! Did you like the introduction on yesterday's stamp set? Today we're showing you another fun addition to a well-established stamp line. You have probably seen All Occasion Sentiments #1 and All Occasion Sentiments #2. It wouldn't be complete if we didn't introduce to a third set. 

Here is a little cute preview of what this set looks like.

It has 5 elements to it, and it's a must-have because the sentiments and words are generic and essential to any card maker or scrapbooker. I'm actually showcasing other parts of the set, so if you do the math right, you can figure out the whole set ;) And I know you are all smart cookies...


Stamps: (All Occasion Sentiments #3) Uniko Studio
Paper: (Paper Basics Card Stock - Rustic Cream) Papertrey Ink; (Corey Add-On Kit: pattern paper) Studio Calico
Ink: (Jenni Bowlin - No. 11 Brown Sugar) Ranger
Embellishments: (Corey Add-On Kit: (Wood Veneer Asterisk Accent) Studio Calico; Savannah Shore Add-On Kit: (Mr. Huey Mini Mister - Metallic Copper) Studio Calico, (Mask - Posh!) Kesi Art) Studio Calico

I pulled out some supplies from a Studio Calico kit yesterday and ran across the Mr. Huey Mini MIster. I was determined to use it today. After digging through some fitting paper, I decided to give the paper some metallic treatment, add some small embellishments and gave the sentiment a little whimsical play by popping "Have a" and "Day" on some dimensionals. Here a close up...



Tomorrow we have another sneak peek, so come check it out...In the meantime, make sure to check out all the inspiration by the rest of these awesome girls.

Here the whole list for easy navigation ...

• Uniko Studio Blog (Bev)
• Aimes
• Amber
• Erika
• Gayatri
  
• Nicki
• Ren-Yi (you are here)
• Stacey
• Taheera
• GDT Ardyth

[Uniko Studio] August 2013 Release - Introducing Background Builders: Flower Power

Hello Uniko friends! It's August and we're having a release month here. Today we're introducing a new Background Builders set that you will have to have in your collection.

Here is a little cute preview of what this set looks like.

I love how the Background Builders from Uniko Studio are long and skinny and so versatile. This set comes with 5 different designs that are a fun mix of little flowers. They make for great background building and I love how sweet and dainty they are with lighter colors, but really graphic and print-like with darker colors.


Stamps: (Background Builders: Flower Power) Uniko Studio
Paper: (Roundabout Card Kit: (Solar White) Athens Paper) Studio Calico; (Amy Tangerine - Yes, Please) American Crafts
Ink: (Jenni Bowlin - No. 4 Lemon Drop, No. 7 Seed Packet) Ranger
Embellishments: (Coconut Grove Add-On Card Kit: (Chalkboard Stickers) Pebbles, (Candi Craft - Berry Crush) Craftwork Cards) Studio Calico

I'm still crafting out of my limited supply kits, but I love how it's making me use my Studio Calico kits for paper, fun embellishments and other inspiration. I was running pretty late in putting this card together. Work has been quite overwhelming recently, but crafting was a must. It's the only me-time I get. 

So this card came quickly together after finding inspiration in the "Yes, Please" Collection by Amy Tangerine. Love the pinks, yellows and greens. Perfect summer color. I  decided to "extend" the pattern paper design by grundginly stamping the whimsy flower pattern on there in all three tones.



The rest of the card came together after I found my Candi's in the perfect shade of accent pink (It was either that, or sequins ;). Sentiments are also easy when they are already in sticker format, and these chalkboard from Pebbles were just the right element. Check back tomorrow for another fabulous sneak peek. 

In the meantime, check the list of other inspirations! Ta for now.

• Uniko Studio Blog (Bev)
• Aimes
• Amber
• Erika
• Gayatri
  
• Nicki
• Ren-Yi (you are here)
• Stacey
• Taheera
• GDT Ardyth

[Little Tangles] Birthday Bash: The 4-1-1 on Danielle Walls

Hi everyone! Are you having a blast so far with our Birthday Bash event? I am over at Little Tangles today with a unique little post. It's the 4-1-1 on Danielle Walls, owner, brain-child, designer, and operations of Neat & Tangled Stamps.

I even got to meet her in person in July. Here is proof...

Still trying to figure out how to shoot a selfie with a DSLR and short arms ;)

What a pretty awesome day in the city. Great weather, great food, and most important great company! Must repeat...

Please hop on over to the Little Tangles blog to see the whole interview. And leave a comment, since there is a prize up for grabs.

[Little Tangles] Birthday Bash - Get the Party Started

Hi everyone! Check out the Little Tangles blog. I'm kicking off the party with our favorite music picks to throw a good party. To see what my vices are, hop on over ;) No judging...just sayin'

And there are prizes up for grabs!

[Little Tangles] Challenge #18 - Let's Celebrate

Hi everyone! We are in for a treat, because this month we're doing things a little different on Little Tangles. Why? Because Neat & Tangled is turning one. Yep - Happy Birthday, Neat & Tangled. So watch for this banner during the next month on the Little Tangles blog, the Neat & Tangled blog, or any of your friend's blog. Most likely there will be a some special post popping up.

This time around we have a special guest to kick off the challenge. So please make sure to hop over to Samantha Mann. She's been a loyal follower and enthusiast of the Little Tangles.

So here is my inspiration to get us Celebrating. Even months into this home renovation, I am still McGyvering things together (thanks, Amy, for this great analogy. I have been using it ever since to describe my craft hacks!)


Stamps: (Across the Card, On the Strip 2) Neat & Tangled
Paper: (Paper Basics Card Stock - Vintage Cream, Rustic Cream) Papertrey Ink; (Pretty Party) Crate Paper
Ink: (Brilliance - Galaxy Gold; Memento - Tuxedo Black) Tsukineko
Embellishments: (Sequins - Raspberry Red Satin) Neat & Tangled; (Wood Veneer - Tiny Hearts) Studio Calico; (Rhinestone Snowflake) Queen & Co.

This is just a quick card. I used On the Strip 2 to build a decadent gold background. I couldn't help but think that gold & black would be a nice little decadent choice.



I love the sequins and the Raspberry Red ones were lying around, so on the went on the card. And the Wood Veneers also were dying to play along. And it's also always save to bling up the wood with a lil sparkle, right?

Anyways, hope this card inspires you to play along. Check out the rest of the Design Team if you haven't. Absolutely fab creations this week.

And remember to check back often on the Little Tangles for little perks & little giveaways.

A few helpful things to remember:

• Challenge ends Aug 11, 2013, 11:59p EST; Check back for the winners
• Prize is ONE Neat & Tangled Stamp set of your choice to a random player
• Neat & Tangled stamps are not required on your entry, but we would love to see you use them. If you would like to use some Neat & Tangled products but haven't had a chance to buy any, we have a couple of freebies on the Little Tangles site. Enjoy!