29 September 2007

Frilly Ferns...


Ch-ch-CHANGES are happening over at Cornish Heritage Farms! For instance... CHF is offering a NEW Online Referral Program! Keep informed upto the minute on the latest... like CHF's FUN FILLED TUESDAY starting tomorrow over at the CHF Blog! *wink*

Are you familiar with the name KiM HuGhEs? *shock* All of us at Cornish Heritage Farms are honored and privileged to be working with the lovely and VERY talented Designer & Artist KiM HuGhEs. The November issue of Paper Crafts magazine features Kim's "Happy Holidays" creation on page 51 if you'd like to familiarize yourselves with KiM's design work. *wink*

This "sneak peak" is brought to you by way of a set called "Cute Curls" (KH-5003FUM) from The KiM HuGhEs Collection that's soon to be released at Cornish Heritage Farms! *wink* I must say... you'll find it hard paring down the list of must haves once you've seen KiMs collection! I'm in definite "bounce" mode with all the EXCITING changes and new rubbah releases coming up... Asela's scheduled for some new releases that will definitely knock your Christmas socks off! *wink*

List of Supplies:

Stamps - Cornish Heritage Farms Petite Pattern Backgrounder, KiM HuGhEs Collection "Cute Curls" (KH-5003FUM). Cardstock - Dirty Brown, Terra Cotta, Olive Green and Vanilla Creme. Ink - VersaFine Vintage Sepia, VersaMark, Apple Green, Olive Green & Caramel. Embellishments - Gold Bling. Other - Marvy Uchida Giga Scallop Square Punch, Paper Shapers 1 1/4" Punch and Heidi Swapp Distresser.

Be sure to return TUESDAY... that's tomorrow, for a FUN FILLED "Adventure" CHF style! You too will be bouncin'! *wink* If you snooze... you'll definitely lose! *Cheshire cat grin* I'm off to prepare...

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

22 September 2007

Inspiration...


After receiving Cornish Heritage Farms Scalloped Lace backgrounder and the brainstorming process worked through... An idea was hatched for a scalloped lace window treatment accompanied by Asela's Standing Swirly Bird! *wink*

Inspiration didn't stop there... I found myself looking at MANY window treatments driving to and from work that day! After sorting through many visuals and why this or that wouldn't work out on paper... A design decision combining the weave backgrounder lent a weathered finish to my window frame, thus becoming my focal point. Adding Asela's "A Little Birdie Told Me..." sentiment to the top of my creation lent the proper balance. Did I achieve what I set forth to accomplish? *wink* Will this be the last of my window treatment creations? Certainly not...

Last week was a busy one, however this week is certainly no different! *wink* I'm busily working on the completion of three ATC swaps, not to mention a Halloween swap deadline looming before me. The majority due this week! Am I nuts... These were commitments entered into prior to becoming a design team member for Cornish Heritage Farms, which I feel strongly about keeping. I enjoy swapping with other stampers and the friendships they've brought me, however my focus will be on my commitment to Cornish Heritage Farms and my blog until I find a proper balance. *smile* So stay tuned for the reveal of my swaps, not to mention my CHF creations.

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

20 September 2007

Scalloped Lace Bride...


Cornish Heritage Farms NEW Fall Backgrounders are available for purchase! Lisa out did herself on these EIGHT incredible
backgrounder designs. *wink* I encourage you to go over to Cornish Heritage Farms Gallery to sneak a peek at what the rest of the CHF Dream Team has been up to... I'm off to make adjustments to my must have list of these new backgrounders! A major downfall of mine...

When faced with rubbah that doesn't speak to me... I like to "brainstorm" verbally outloud or on paper my rubbah challenge. Brainstorming is a term my English Lit teacher, Mr. Lyman drilled into us when writing our English papers during my high school days. This is precisely what I did when faced with the CHF Scalloped Lace Backgrounder. The lace reminded me of a pair of my grandmother's curtains from my childhood, lingerie, weddings, babies, bloomers... you get the idea. After verbally bouncing these words off my CHF Design Team member, Mary. Mary inquired of my extensive collection of punches?! Then reminded me of an EK Success Paper Shapers Dress Punch (since mentioning my lack of drawing ability) at Stamping Memories. Liz & Bette... as always set the punch aside. *wink* The lesson to be learned is the rubbah you detest today, you'll not part with tomorrow... *Cheshire grin*

Currently, my collection of Cornish Heritage Farms images is limited and wanting to stay in the parameters of using as many CHF stamps within my designs really lends to some out of the box stamping. Okay... I can't seem to put the Scalloped Lace Backgrounder down! *LOL*

Tomorrow promises another one of my designs for your viewing pleasure. However, you can view the Cheesecloth, Cracked Montana Earth, Gingham, Montana Tree Bark, Petite Pattern, Scalloped Lace, Tulle & last, but not least... Wood Grain Backgrounders. If your looking to expand your collection of backgrounders more than one or two per shopping spree? How about Cornish Heritage Farms high quality "unmounted" backgrounders for our space conscious stampers at a FAN-tastic savings found within FOUR PAGES of incredible Backgrounders starting HERE?!

Supplies: Stamps - CHF Scalloped Lace Bckgrndr & CHF Weave Bckgrndr. Cardstock - Black, Black Velvet & Vellum. Ink - Tsukineko Opaque Cotton White StazOn Accessories - Marvy Uchida Giga Scalloped Oval, Paper Shapers Dress, White Silk Ribbon & K & Co. White Pearl.

Today bestowed us the most incredible day of "Indian Summer!" Way too nice to be inside... Tomorrow I'm off to Capital City for a wee bit of birthday shopping for my DH. My parents are celebrating their "40th" wedding anniversary the day after my DH's Cake N' Candle day. Sophie put in her two cents worth on the perfect gift for her Mimi and Bumpie during dinner one evening... thank goodness I didn't choke on dinner! Our plans for taking DH and my parents out to dinner to celebrate didn't materialize. My poor Mum is feeling under the weather with a combination of allergies and a cold. *sad face* Feel better soon...

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

17 September 2007

CHF Has A Tweet For You...


If you don't already know...

Asela's images definitely have a way of casting their spell! *wink* Don't be a bird brain... fly over to Cornish Heritage Farms to pluck a few of Asela's "swirly birdies" for your collection!

Backgrounders are definitely a key element to the majority of the cards I design... this one is no different! The CHF Weave Backgrounder was stamped using VersaMark ink on pumpkin orange cardstock. Then layered onto a sunny yellow card. The paper pieced border of purple, sunny yellow and pumpkin orange pieces uses CHF Paw Prints Backgrounder for a touch of whimsy! *wink*

Sentiments are essential to relay the message of our overall card design to the recipient. Always the ever practical... I tend to purchase "versatile" sentiments with clean lines that have eye appeal like Asela's "A Tweet For You." Eazy Peezie...

List of Supplies -

Stamps - Cornish Heritage Farms Asela "Nesting Swirly Bird," Weave Backgrounder, Paw Prints Backgrounder and Asela's "A Tweet For You" sentiment. Cardstock - Sunny Yellow, Pumpkin Orange, Purple, Black and White. Ink - Tsukineko VersaFine Onyx Black and VersaMark. Embellishments - black brad, orange brads and dimensional tape.

This coming Thursday Cornish Heritage Farms will be unveiling NINE new images of great proportion... stay tuned for a teenie weenie sneak peak tomorrow! *wink*
I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

16 September 2007

Final Share...


Of my CHF Design Team Submissions, that is... *wink*

It's been rather busy over at Cornish Heritage Farms these days, not allowing Lisa a spare moment to continue with her Dreams of Designing Series. *sad face* This would be like having your favorite television show end in suspense the week prior only to have it postponed the next week for a Special Report with the President?! *bulging eyeballs* Say What!

Never having served on a design team before... I had no understanding of the process in which the panel may be critiquing the designs of a designer for their company? Being practical and a bit analytical... I took the time of year and different occasions into consideration when submitting my designs.

The photography used for my submissions wasn't rocket science. It doesn't require having the finest equipment, however you should always invest in a mid-range camera at the time of purchase if your pocketbook allows. Using two sheets of 12 X 12 Bazzill scrapbook paper and a bit of natural lightening (non-direct sun, whenever possible) is the best and inexpensive resource I've found. However, winter's coming! *wink*

When in doubt use "common sense" whenever possible. It's not failed me yet... Be sure to stop by this week for "sneak peeks" of some Cornish Heritage Farms NEW RELEASES I've been working on! *Cheshire smile* Sshhh... it's a secret you'll want to spread around to your friends! Their blog watching and lip reading... Sshhh... *wink*

Enabling... aw... maybe a smidge, but only if you go here, here and here or even here to see what few of my fellow design team members are creating for your viewing pleasure! No favorites, no sequential order and you can be sure I'll be sharing more of my other CHF Sistahs designs with all of you! *wink*
I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

09 September 2007

Sitting On The Fence...


Do I, don't I... share this with all of you?! Why not! So here's another of my CHF submissions.

The reason for mentioning this is Lisa Strahl of Mona Lisa Moments is writing a series of posts called Dreams of Designing. If you're looking to work as a designer for a rubber stamp company... then you WON'T want to miss her incredible insight she's offering everyone! Even at my age of thirty-nine years (young), I'm eager to learn more! *wink* Looking forward to Lisa critiquing my submissions for better insight as well! So be gentle with me... *wink*

Lisa's second post in this series is Thinking Outside the Box ! After seeing Lisa's and Dawn's jaw dropping creations... it's a wonder how I was ever chosen for this team?! If there's one thing I've learned, it's listen, absorb and draw from those around you. The day we stop learning, is the day we stop living!

After you've finished visiting Lisa's blog, why not take a look at Cornish Heritage Farms rubber images and let me know a few of your favorites?! I'm making my list and checking it twice... *wink* If your interested in all the dirt going on behind the scenes, then you won't want to miss the Cornish Heritage Farms Public Forum for announcements, techniques, swaps, etc... Enjoy! *wink*

Well, it's been real and it's been fun... Now I must work on four swap deadlines looming before me all prior to becoming a design team member! *deer caught in headlamps moment* So when you find I'm NOT posting... I'll be stamping creations to post! *wink*

Supplies List: Old Olive, Close to Cocoa and ivory cardstock, VersaMark, Ruby Red, More Mustard, Really Rust and Chocolate Chip ink, SU! Fine Lace, Houndstooth and Linen background stamps, PSX "Bountiful Thanksgiving" image (retired) and single falling leaf, Accessories: Brown brads and May Arts stitched olive ribbon.
I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

06 September 2007

CHF Handbag...


This morning's post comes by way of NOT enough coffee and too little sleep!

THANK-YOU everyone for your sincere and touching well wishes you've posted or e-mailed me! I assure ALL of you... I'm still just lil' ole me... your friend, Anne!

There's been some inquiry as to my Cornish Heritage Farm submissions that bestowed me the blessing of being able to not only work with my friend Mare, but eight other woman of great talent. *wink* A list of the design team is provided to the right... keep scrolling... now "click" and go! *wink* They're all AWES-bomb!

As some of you may know... All participants were to submit three cards and one 3-D project! Well... this is my CHF Hand"bag" or rather a purse I submitted as my 3-D project. *wink* Not knowing what the panel would be looking for... I based my submissions on what I enjoy working with or love... BIRDS are a favorite of mine!

Look for another one of my submissions I'll share with you tomorrow. Now it's time to change my hat's for the day... *wink*

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

05 September 2007


There's a ScrapFest at the Mall Of America sponsored by Archiver's starting Friday; September 7th, 8th and 9th!

If your attending be sure go by the Hero Arts booth to see my talented friends Tami Wood and Kristina Lewis of BALANCE and say hello! Knowing Tami your in for some incredible make n' takes! *wink* Taylor of Taylored Expressions will be working the Stampendous booth. You'll be in for a treat!

If your a serious stamper?! You WON'T want to miss all of the excitement! To learn more about the scheduled events go -----> HERE! Certainly wish I lived closer... *wink* If you can't attend then be sure to visit my friend Kristina of BALANCE where you'll be able to attend virtually! *wink*

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

04 September 2007

Someone Pinch Me...

Definitely ME!
<-----

Around 9:26 EST last night the phone rings?! Dave say's "Who in the world could be calling at this hour?" I don't know, fumbling for the phone to check the caller id... UNKNOWN? Don't those telemarketers know the blessed time zone their calling?! I NEVER answer UNKNOWN, however I did last night...

GOOD THING! It was Liz Pomeroy of Cornish Heritage Farms congratulating me on becoming one of ten, new Fresh Face Design Team Members! OMGosh, really?! I can't believe it. Your kidding... goodness only knows what else I had to say! I do remember telling Liz that I was the "crazy NH girl!" Honest to goodness, I couldn't help myself... it just slipped out! *rolling eyes at self* If first impressions count for anything I beg of you Liz to give me another chance. *wink* Lisa Strahl had a similar experience this afternoon.

Thank-you Richard, Liz and Lisa for this wonderful opportunity you've bestowed me. What an honor to be able to work with so many talented designers.

Congratulations to the other nine members chosen in this design team call. I'm looking forward to getting to know and work with all of you.

Lesley Langdon - ON, Canada
Alli Miles - BC, Canada
Linda Abadie - South Korea
Amanda McIlhatton - N. Ireland
Lisa Silver - MO, USA
Kristine Reynolds - CA, USA
Mary Anderson - NH, USA
Dawn Lusk - OH, USA
Lori Craig - MO, USA

For everyone who submitted their work for consideration and weren't chosen, please read Lisa's special post. Very touching and so true. So don't be discouraged or take it personally, most of all... don't give up on your dream! Dreams can come true... ten just did!
I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

03 September 2007

A WiNgDoOdLe Day...

Yes... you read correctly... WiNgDoOdLe! *wink*

Many moons ago, I remembered reading in a back issue of the magazine The Rubber Stamper an advertisement for a rubber stamp store located in Warner, NH called WingDoodle. During our family vacation we decided to visit the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum located in Warner, NH. Well, honey, if we're going to be in that area... couldn't we take a teenie weenie side trip?! *wink*

After visiting this quaint lil' stamp store... I gave my friend, Mare a ringy-dingy about BEEZ ink being a local stamp company here New Hampshire. Well, after checking our calendars... We both decided on Saturday; September 15th for a road trip to WingDoodle. Let's just say my partner in crime couldn't seem to wait that long! *wink*

After picking Mare up at our usual rendezvous point... Our trip up I89 was uneventful given that it's Hopkinton Fair and all the area colleges starting classes after Labor Day. We had a g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s afternoon for traveling.

Upon our arrival to WingDoodle, we were warmly greeted by Chris, the store manager and Kay, the store proprietor. Chris and Kay were so kind with helping to familiarize us with products they carried, not to mention chit-chatting as if Mare and I were old friends. *sending Chris and Kay a big hello* Sandy, Kay's daughter is the creative director for BEEZ ink rubber stamps. However, Sandy was away on a family vacation. I so hope to meet Sandy on my next adventure to Warner. *wink*


Wingdoodle carries a wonderful variety of stamps like Anachronistic Castle, Claudia Rose, Eat Cake, Penny Black, Rubber Soul, Stampotique not to mention home to BEEZ ink! Never mind a slue of supplies for polymer clay enthusiats, altered art, punch art... you name it and they carry it! *wink*


I think you get the "picture!" *wink* The front of the store is dedicated to wonderful, fun and whimsical gifts you'd be hardpressed to find anywhere else; for your children or youngsters at heart! When in the area of Warner, NH... it's a definite MUST on your list of to-do's! The quaint little town of Warner definitely boasts a day of fun between the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, New Hampshire Telephone Museum , wonderful old architecture and sites I may have missed along the way! *wink* Our families already planning our next trip to Warner for the telephone museum tour and a wee bit of lunch!

Between my first visit a week ago and our visit this weekend. I learned Mare had been in contact with Sandy of BEEZ ink regarding becoming a design team member. Sandy offered to ship Mare some rubber for designing card samples along with a dt position... Mare's going to be rolling in the rubbah!!! *wink* Wishing you all the best in your new venture my friend. *hugs*

Upon your arrival... til' your departure from the little town of Warner, New Hampshire... this is how you'll appear to others after your visit to WiNgDoOdLe'S! *LOL (Photo below)*

I look forward to sharing something stamped with you tomorrow.

Today our family is off to the Hopkinton Fair for the last bit of fun summer has to offer! Enjoy a safe Labor Day with your families.

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

02 September 2007

September
Cardmaker's Calendar

3rd Labor Day
A great day for a barbecue! Invite friends with
a hand-stamped invitation. A game of friendly football to
celebrate the first football game played on this day in 1895.
Origin of Labor Day History.

8th Literacy Day
Create a stamped bookmark for your children as a reward
for each book they finish reading. Give the first bookmark on
Literacy Day, and see how many they can collect by the
end of December!

9th Grandparents Day
Great occasion for children to send their "first day of school"
photo in a hand-stamped frame to doting
grandparents!

13th Chocolate Day
Stamp a new candy bar wrapper and give a
friend a sweet treat who needs it!

23rd First Day Of Autumn
Share the joy of the changing seasons with
those you love. A stamped creation with autumn
earth tones and a special message!

28th Good Neighbor Day
There are many ways to be a good neighbor-offering help
when it's needed, extending an invite or performing
a random act of kindness. Try baking a dessert
and stamping a card with the recipe!
Fond Memories of yesteryears.

Ideas from INKAnews