First day of school

(Scroll down for the Paper Makeup Blog Hop...keep scrolling for the Mark's Finest Paper Blog Hop.)

Today was the first day of school. And yes, my kids were excited.  Even #1 loudly proclaimed, "I love school!" earlier this morning.  The kids just had to get outside as soon as possible.  In fact, my neigbhor asked me what time oru bus came b/c we were out in the front yard to early!

#1

#2

#3

See what you miss when you are looking through a lens!  I didn't notice until I was cropping pix that my #1 is giving me our secret hug signal.  Goodness. I'm soooo glad that I enjoy the moment more times than snap pictures.

And you can just imagine the pride that he had when he returned home:

WEARING...the saftey patrol belt! haha.  He is sooooo happy and excited to be a member of the safety patrol this year!

We had grand reviews of the first day of school.  I'm grateful we have started the year off on the right foot. 

Remember...

(Second Post of the day..sroll down for Mark's Finest Papers.)

Welcome to the September Paper Makeup Blog hop celebrating this month's new release!  You should have come here by way of Tangii's' blog. If not, start at the beginning!

Today is the first day of school for my kids!  So, to all those school kids, school moms and school teachers, the advice from "Nothing Left to Say," a new set by PMS, is applicable.

I have been telling my kids for a month that this year is going to be a super school year.  Smile, smile!! 

This is my favorite Moody probably b/c I used to be an art student.  So when you are fillin up your cart, be sure to slip in Moody for Art as well!  Remember, tonight is the Release Party too.  (9 PM EST)  If you are looking for a 15% off discount on your new stamps, be sure to jot down this letter.

Now off you go to Christi S' blog! 

Jump In

I think out of all the new images from MFP this month, Mr. Squirrel is my favorite. (There are 4 sets released and ready to be bought...starting today!)  Wait, he can be my favorite animal.  The whirligigs are my favorite plant. haha  (Hey, You can never have too many favorites!)

Today is the Paper Makeup Blog hop...but it is also the Mark's Finest Paper September blog hop.  Be sure to hop around the list for a chance at a free set.  Faith has simplified things this month.  One fourth of the designers are now displayed on the company blog for your viewing pleasure.  (It is also the start of the blog hop too.)  Today is my day to be featured.  Be sure to come back during the next three days for more changes for free stamps!

So...here is the official word from Mark's Finest Papers, along with the blog hop list!

Welcome to the MFP September Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added two new DT members and have shortened link lists! And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!

We have 4 New Stamp Sets Released today: Autumn Fun, Broom Rides, Stinky Situation, and Thankful Mums and Pumpkins. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!



For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (September 11, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!) If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!





9/7 TUESDAY: AUTUMN FUN

Nancyruth - http://nancyruthat.blogspot.com

Lois - http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com

Vicky- http://www.villagestamperramblings.blogspot.com

Jeanne - http://nannysroom.wordpress.com

Anne- http://inkinginred.blogspot.com/

Debbie- http://www.debbieseyer.com

Peggysue- http://rosesbymywindow.blogspot.com

Susan – http://simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com

Judi – http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com

Connie – http://sodakstamping.blogspot.com

Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com

Karen- http://karenskreativekreations.blogspot.com

Patty- http://winnieswhimsandmycrafts.blogspot.com

Roxie- http://paperscaper.blogspot.com

Vicki- http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/

Liz: http://rightbrainmadness.blogspot.com

Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com

New stamps! New stamps!

I know, I know...new stamps/new images...just what you need for a little pick-me-up!

Starving Artistamps recently released SIX sets of stamps in their new DF Backlit Blooms series!  These large skilhouettes are perfect for CAS cards, elaborate cards, and everything in between.

I think the Holly set is my favorite...but only b/c we are getting to that time of the celebration calendar.  Just check out this One Layer Wonder!  I inked up the stamp with the moss color, used a darker artichoke for the plaid.  After I stamped it, I used a shimmer red sakura pen for the berries.  Pearl halves finish it off! Don't you just love that large, bold sentiment too?  The sets come with 1-3 sentiments.  I can tell I'm going to get a lot of use out of them. 

Here is the "elaborate" card. Don't you have a drawer of flowers and primas?? If you are like me, you do. The Daisy Set is a great way to start using them on your cards!  The finished size is 3.5 x 6 inches.  (Inside stamped with "Hello.")

Next...the inbetween card....haha.  Maybe.  I turned the Dogwood set into Sunflowers by added the large flowers (which I swear...are paper crafters' currency).  The inside is stamped with "Thinking of You!"

Backlit Blooms are just one of several new options that Starving Artistamps has just released.  You do not want to miss the new Ghoulies, just in time for Halloween or the Pumpkins and Gourds set, which can double up for many different fall time festivities.  To see the list of What's New, click HERE.

Mr. Squirrel

Here is Mr. Squirrel again!  This time he is used for the Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge:  use FIVE of something. I used five papers!

Don't you love the collaged leaves??

Comforting Words

Do you ever need to send a card, but you can't find the right words? This month's Paper Makeup Stamps release has a set that will help you fill in the blanks.

In this set, you are bound to find many phrases that can help you express your feelings in delicate circumstances. 

Remember, the release party is on September 7th!  For more sneaky peekies, check out the PMS blog.

Sunny Days...

This afternoon, I spent a few hours chatting with my neighbor in her kitchen while she made chocolate chip cookies. Of course, I got to sample them...and take a plate home. So when I did get home, I make this quick and cute card using Starving Artistamps' Backlit Blooms sentiment along with a Birds & Bees stamp.  The large sentiments will make an impact on your cards and scrapbooking pages!

Sad News....Happy News

It's been a crazy week. But I finally found the time to sit down to stamp a card for Saturday's Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge.  What I found was zippo mojo!!  After a few (too many) frustrating attempts, it dawned on me...I'm not on the blog team any more.   I don't have to have a card ready by this afternoon.  So sad, right?

Not very. Now I'm on the Design Team! Yippee!

So, instead of working on the card for the challenge, I looked up today's WT Challenge.  Easy, Peasy, Lemony Squeasy...use just ONE piece of paper for your card. 

Done!  This is also a sneaky peeky for the upcoming MFP September release!  (Now this is an easy peasy yin and yang post too!)

Upcoming Stamping Event...

Hope you'll join in on the fun!  Sneak peaks start tomorrow!

Even more Sketchy!

Starving Artistamps is sponsering the September Sketch Challenge over at Rubber Stamp Chat.  The prize to one lucky drawing winner will be THREE sets from the new Backlit Blooms line of stamps from Starving Artistamps.  Check out THIS awesome example from Tracey. I'll be posting my own as soon as school starts and I can get inky again!  In the meantime, do you want to buy some of SA's delightful stamps or accessories?  Be sure to check out the sketch layout and challenge details.  Tracey has a 15% coupon code listed over there!!  Here is what I came up with using the SA Birds and the Bees set:

You have the entire month to get this done. But I think you'll find this a very easy sketch to follow!