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  • If you are new to my blog...WELCOME! To help you navigate, here are some keys. I try and post every single day and I love to give away blog candy, so please stop by often. With every post, I include 1 tip or more about creative ways to scrap and stamp. I also include a *FF* that are my "Fun Facts". I like to post something interesting and fun everyday...hoping to bring a smile to your face. Thank you for stopping by :) HUGE paper hugs, Kim

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  • © 2007-2008 Kim Hughes; ALL content including designs, text, concepts and pictures, all have rights reserved. My original designs are posted for personal inspiration only and cannot be modified or used for contests or publications. Thank you :)

July 2008

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July 22, 2008

HEY!!

I am baaAaack :)

I missed you.  Thanks for checking in with me while I was gone.

What a great show CHA was...so glad that I went.  It was so amazzzing to meet so many sweet people in person.  It was truely a pleasure.  So happy to get the chance to hug some of you.

So, you wanna hear my thoughts?  (please keep in mind that these are only my opinions and views)

First of all...the manufacturer's seemed to really step it up.  They didn't release huge, overwhelming collections, most released smaller, stronger ones.  I hope this helps stores carry more of what you love.  Still lots of flock and glitter but they are aware of flakage...so it's all improved.  A TON of Halloween and Christmas releases.  Core'dinations released Chocolate Box...which is a delicious paper that has tones of brown on one side and gorgeous color on the other...and boy is this stuff yummy!!

LOVES:

Imaginisce: Fairest Of Them All (princess theme)

Bo Bunny: Holiday Cheer and new polka dot paper colors

Doodlebug: flock alphabets

We R Memory Keepers: Flocked lace and Nonsence Collection

SEI: Alpine Forrest Collection

Basic Grey: Chocolate Chip chipboard (good stuff)

Making Memories: Falala Collection...but the whole release was a direct hit...wow...all of it

My Mind's Eye: Snowed In Collection (dreamy people)

KI Memories: Lace card stock and sheer papers

Fancy Pants: Daily Grind Collection

Rusty Pickle: White Christmas Collection (they had a lot of strong collections)

Cosmo Cricket: Mr Campy...cool wood grain paper

Crate Paper: Providence, Lemon Grass and Mia...LOVED them ALL...seriously!!

Piggy Tales: Old King Cole..music..rock star theme...very cool stuff

Tinkering Ink: Rip strips...this is stickers that you rip and it makes a frayed edge...neat!

Maya Road: the ribbon rawks...but everything else does too :)

Kelly Panacci: His & Hers Collection (way fun Valentine's line)

Luxe: they have added orange and brown to their core colors...love them!

Pink Paislee: Glitter tubes (that's not their name, but they are something that I am sure you will see by the register at your LSS eventually...and if they are not...maybe you could ask them about it...very CUTE)

American Crafts: Puffy stickers

That's what I remember for sure.  I may think of more to add later.  That doesn't mean that I didn't love everything else that I saw...just wanted to list what stood out to me.  :)

Here is a Core'dinations layout that was displayed at CHA:

1-DUDE

all Core'dinations Card Stock was used.  I sanded the daylights outa this page...and it was FUN!!  I used the negative part of the Scenic Route Chipboard and placed it under my paper and sanded to reveal the arrow pattern.  I traced a Fancy Pants chipboard bracket to create the frame.  I also sanded the paper over corrugated paper to add even more texture.

*Tip some tips were given above...but here's another...cut the journal paper strips first and then write on them*

*FF Nose prints are used to identify dogs, just like humans use fingerprints*

hope to see you tomorrow for a "regular" post

loves,

Kim

July 21, 2008

boy do I...

miss you guys.  I am a complete laptop-tard, so I obviously don't have one, nor will I check my e-mails until tomorrow...but I am sure by now I miss my daily routine and can't wait to get home and hug my family :)

FRIENDSHIP-ISHere is a  Di Hickman sketch card.  I won't have one done for this Wednesday because of CHA, but I hope to have one completed by the end of July which will be my last sketch card with her.  6 months will have passed and I am needing more time to concentrate on CHF and my pubs, so it will be good-bye.  She is a doll and I will miss her wonderful sketches...yes of course they will be there still, just not me.

Sentiment is from the Friendship Centers stamp set by Mona Lisa Moments.  Tree from Making The Grade stamp set.  Core'dinations card stock, DCWV paper, Maya Road chipboard, Ranger Crackle Paint, Art Glitter, Autumn Leaves buttons and Ranger ink

*Tip I know I have mentioned this recently...but try bending those stamps people...it's fun...and they bounce back into place immediately*

*FF One in every four Americans Has appeared on Television* (really??)

see you tomorrow

July 18, 2008

Elvis is in da house!

isn't he dreamy?

EP-MERRY-CHRISTMAS This stamp is being released this month.  Find them all HERE.  The sentiment is from Christmas Expressions by Mona Lisa Moments.  A Pin Dot Scrapblocks™ stamp customized the delicious Core'dinations vintage card stock.  Prima and Around The Block papers, Ranger black ink and Heidi Swapp ghost snowflake (which I cannot get enough of(

*Tip form a frame with 2 different machie stitches to add texture and interest*

*FF The film Mary Poppins was shot entirely indoors* (now this is interesting)

July 16, 2008

phew...

back to the norm with my blog posts.  It was a lot of fun sharing all that CHF has been up to.

This week I participated on the scrapbook & cards TODAY - blog.  Monday was a color challenge and today is a technique  :)

Deer-card You will find all of the details on the SCT blog linked above.  I'd love for you to stop by.

TC-HONEYThis card used the new TERESA COLLINS Recipe collection debuting at CHA 

*Tip look for words within' papers and use them as the sentiment*

*FF Humans might be the only animal that throw snowballs* (ya think?)

xoxo Kim

July 15, 2008

my final peek...

I think it's a doozie too.  Welcome Thomas The Train to the CHF team!!  Becky has all of the exciting information.

AND Lisa has all of the new Backgrounder information regarding today's releases...delish I say :)

Craft Critique was so thoughtful to include my new papers in their CHA Carnival sneak peeks.  I am hoping that you will head on over and check out the great information that they offer.  This is such an exciting time to see what's new...love that!  I will share all of my favorite finds when I get back...I am making a point to keep a better list this time.

As you read this, I am officially on my way to CHA.  As I mentioned, I will pre-post for W/F/M though

1-FRIENDSHIPIsn't this card stock absolutely delicious???  I printed the title backwards and hand cut it out.  I think the font is P22Monet.  I used a dry emboss folder by Cuttlebug and a punch by EK Success.  The flourish was my design too...just draw onto the back of your paper and cut it out.

*Tip place chipboard circles under the card stock and press around them with a dry emboss tool to create a subtle pattern (like I did in the yellow at the top)*

*FF A mother hen turns over her egg about 50 times each day*

Thanks for popping in :)  Have a fabulous day!

 

July 14, 2008

let's start with a

challenge, like  I normally do on Monday's around here :)  The challenge is to create a MASCULINE project.  We'd love for you to play along, post to our gallery and maybe stay and chat a bit at the forum.

GM-CLASSIC-RIDE 

I am pretty sure that vintage cards are manly...so I went with that.  I mentioned the release of GM stamps by CHF and how fun these were to play with...super easy to color too.  Fine Houndstooth stamp was used to add a pattern, Prima ribbon, Prismacolor colored pencils and CHF ultra smooth paper.  I stamped with Sepia Ranger ink.

*Tip bend the sentiment around the image...yup, this works great with red rubber stamps as long as they are long and thin*

next we have a sale...and sparkly one at that!  ART GLITTER is the product spotlight.  You will find lots of great info in the forum...here's the info.  Runs through July 24.

KH-WINTER-ATC

how about an ATC...remember that these cuties are 2.5 x 3.5.  I used Christmas Critters and Heart Warmers...sentiment is not necessary as these are intended to be little works of art.  I used the glitter in the heart.  Colored pencils by Prismacolor and inks by Clearsnap

*Tip use a glue pen by Sakura and then sprinkle it with the Art Glitter...allow to dry and yummmm*

lastly today is another sneak for you...more paper!

You are aware of our Scrapblocks™ by now, I hope.  CHF has designed a solid paper pack that will work wonderfully with our 6 x 6 stamps.  Becky has the details on her blog.  Here is a taste:

Bubblegumsmall and I leave you with another fun fact...have a great day :)

*FF Coffee has about five times as much caffeine than Coke* (wonder if it can clean a toilet like coke can*

July 13, 2008

more sneaks as promissed

SEP-santa-card

yup, that's right people...it's Saturday Evening Post!!  I can't hardly wait to use more of their timeless images that are now being made into stamps by Cornish Heritage Farms.  Lisa has all the details...Mona Lisa Moments

and here is a close up of my coloring...

SEP-santa-card-close-up I stamped this image with black Archival ink and colored with colored pencils by Prismacolor.  I used about 10 colors.  I used a mauve color for the white base and several shades of red, brown and orange for the boldest color.  I also used Christmas Expressions for the sentiment and Heart Warmers for the holly accent.

*Tip I colored the red places first, then brown to shade, then I worked on the mauve coloring and added shading on top of that.  I used black to shade the stamp even further.  Then I came back over the re with an orange to brighten it up and attacked each piece at a time...this honestly didn't take too long and it was a pleasure to color*

And if this is not your style, how about a scrappy card?  (may need to widen the blog to see the whole thing)

5-LoVE-LIFE 2I wish I had some fresh cards to share, but it is CHA crunch time, so I will be back at it when I get back from the show.  This card can be found in the February 2008 CARDS issue.  Basic Grey paper and rub-ons. Crafter's Workshop scallop template, Prima Flowers and a Making Memories sand block.

*Tip take advantage of gorgeous patterned papers and focus your card around that image*

*FF In Maine it is illegal to catch a lobster with your bare hands*(awww, but that's so tempting)

hope you are enjoying your day...thanks for stopping by :)

July 12, 2008

just wow

thank you soooo much for all of your wonderful comments.  I know that I am one very lucky girl.  None of this would have been possible with out the outstanding support of Cornish Heritage Farms who totally believes in me (and to me, that means the world).  Thank you SO very much Liz, Richard and Lisa for making my dream come true.

My papers will be ready to ship in August...we are hoping the the first week...but I will definitely keep you posted on that when I have an exact date.  CHF has unparalleled customer service and offers free shipping on orders over $35.00

k, that's enough mushie stuff...let's move onto some inspiration :)

KEY-CARD

I designed this key by drawing on the reverse side of the paper, folding it and cutting it out to make a key shaped card.  There are lots of great shaped cards within the Scrapbook & Cards Today summer 2008 issue.  Luxe Designs paper, Jute, Autumn Leaves button and Core'dinations white card stock (smooth side)

*Tip create a shape with your sentiment, print text and cut a heart around it*

*FF Tennis was originally played with bare hands*(I have a hard enough time with a racket much less my hand!  someone hand me a satellite dish and then maybe I'll get on that court)

GM1957belair

how cool is this car!  CHF is now creating GM stamps!!  What a great tool to use for the ultimate masculine card.  Lisa's got the details on this beauty, and others.

just a quick post today...I am off to go snuggle with my kids and a good movie.

Enjoy your weekend :)

July 11, 2008

k...here it is...my friends...

 Please welcome MochaChica

My very own paper collection!  eeeeeeeeeeek!!  someone please poke me with a paper piercer!!

KimPackCovercopysmall-copy 

french press

Paisley2-copy2

vanilla latte (oh' it's there, look closely)

Whitewash-copy2

iced cappy

Laceydays_solid-copy2

mintberry crush

Birdpattern-copy-2 

cocomocha

Cocomocha_solid-copy-2

extra whip
Diamonds3-copy-2

quarter shot

FourBy4-copy-2

mango frappy

Orangeapeel_solid-copy2

green tea

Greenbean_solid-copy2

flavor blasts

Squares-copy2

raspberry creme

Pinkypaper_solid-copy2

morning blend

Halfpint-copy2

That would be them...still hasn't sunken in yet.  This is an 8 x 8 paper pack, single sided with 2 of each paper.  You will notice various KH stamp images along with patterns from backgrounder stamps and Scrapblocks™.  I figured this would be a great way for all of us to use those delicious patterned stamps that instantly work perfectly with these papers.  Why introduce new patterns when CHF already has the best patterns on the market.  I chose a fresh color palette that just makes me happy.  It would be great to see plenty of stamping on these papers, so I wanted to keep the colors on the lighter side.  I am planning a give-a-way with these papers eventually...just sayin'  :)

Never in a bajillion years did I think that I would have my very own papers.  Thank you for being by my side during this venture.  I really hope you like them as much as I do.  I promise to post a card tomorrow.  :)

xoxo

Kim

July 10, 2008

can you handle it...

..another sneak for you.  Just want to keep you on your toes...with more CHF CHA sneaks.  I will be posting everyday until Wednesday and then I will go back to the M/W/F schedule.  I leave on Tuesday for Chicago, but I will pre-post before I leave...and of course I will be chatting about the show after my return.

Here are samples of the second Thomas Kinkade paper pack.  Yesterday's was the masculine pack and this one is a Christmas pack.  There are more sneaks along the way when you hop through other CHF designers blogs.  There are 12 patterns and 12 solid papers.  Every one of these papers are unique and none are made into stamps.  These papers will look amazing framed and displayed on a wall or used with paper crafting in so many ways. 

Tk-blue

ChristmasEveningwatermark

Go see Becky for full details!  The other CHF designers have left a paper trail along the way too :)

and here is a card that I made using the quad paper (above is the full 8 x 8 sheet)

TK- CELEBRATE THE SEASON

**Please note that the paper I used is a prototype, so the colors are slightly off**

I used the TK paper along with a sentiment from Christmas Expressions stamp set by Mona Lisa Moments.  I used a distress tool to grunge up the edges a bit along with a Heidi Swapp snowflake.  Seriously all I did was add texture to a 4 x 4 piece of TK paper, added a sentiment and accent...voila!

*Tip change the color of clear acrylic with ink (I used Clearsnap)*

And today is a Mona Lisa Moments release day!!  Please welcome Sassy Petites and Christmas Expressions which was used above.  Yup, they are essentials for sure :)

OUT-FOR-PUB-SIGN-OCT-07

This card uses the Sassy Petites set along with some delicious Making Memories papers, a Prima Flower and some jute.  The added spark is the Asian Backgrounder which I have been diggin'.  McGill scalloped punch, Clearsnap ink and an Autumn Leaves button

*Tip stamp a patterned image upright and upside down for added interest*

O-HOLY-NIGHT-sm

and I used the Christmas Expressions on this card...doncha just love that gorgeous sentiment???  I know I do :)  Making Memories paper, Core'dinations card stock and a gorgeous snowflake stamp by Aimee Nugent called Joyeux Noel.  Me & My Big Ideas rhinestones, Heidi Swapp photo corners and Ranger and Brilliance ink

*Tip use a colored pencil to change the color to paper and a stamped image...I just wanted to tone down the blue a bit*

*Tip 2 I punched a hot pink dot for the center of the snowflake..just to add a little somthin' somethin'*

*FF In Japan, the green traffic light is called "blue"* (wonder if blue means go?)

AND...I HAVE SUPER HUGE NEWS...I WILL BE ABLE TO SHARE TOMORROW...PLEASE STOP BY TO SEE WHAT I HAVE BEEN UP TO...I CAN HARDLY STAND IT!!