Birthday Princess

Kirby and I went to The Melting Pot with some friends for a Birthday Celebration on Friday night, and I whipped up this cute-as-can-be Birthday Princess to give to the Birthday Girl!! (Yes, she's older than 35, but Everyone needs a princess!)

This adorable girl is from The Greeting Farm and her name is "Princess Anya"

I really LOVE the size of these stamps - they are HUGE (3x3) and really make quite an impact on the card!

I colored her in with my Prismacolor pencils and blended them with the Odorless Mineral Spirits.  Then I went over parts of her hair and dress with this pearlescent paint I have (from crayola) and some generic stickles (again - from Crayola) on her crown and wand.

I tied a scrap of pink and blue ribbon around a scrap of blue paper and stuck it all down and the little birthday tag is from the Office Supply place!!  I just inked the edges!!

The background paper is something that I got in bulk after Christmas at Hobby Lobby - I have a gazillion sheets of it, so expect to see it again!

Anna Banana

Blog "Tart" Giveaway

There is a fantastic Blog candy available at iheart2stamp.com

The big requirement it to send a card to benefit students at the International Student Services Department at Dallas Baptist University...but it's so easy to do and will be so appreciated by the students! The card I'm sending is above.

So many companies have given generous donations!!!  Here are just a few ...  All That Scraps, Stamping Bella, Verve Stamps, Scor-Pal and so many more!!  You need to check the rest out!! 

It's one entry per person and it closes on Jan 31st at 11:59 pm so you better hurry!

Go Bananas 1B

Here is the second Go Bananas challenge for January.

I had a lot of fun with this one! I was able to use the stamp I won in Blog candy from Victoria Case.

I hope you will join in and participate in the sketch challenge.  If you do make a card or other item, please link to my blog in the comments - I love to see what you all come up with!!

Here is the sketch:

You can see that I used some sparkly bling on the prima flowers ... and YES - there is glitter on this card, but you have to look really really close to see it - it's only on the girl's barrette and her earring!  This was colored in with my Prismacolor pencils and blended with mineral spirits (they call it odorless, but it still stinks!)  The patterned paper is from a Basic Grey pack that Karyn sent me for Christmas :)

Here is Karyn's take on my sketch.  She turned it on it's side - very clever :)  I really love the look of this!!

Mr. Linky Note: I have added my first Mr. Linkey! Please link directly to the blog post or gallery page where we all can view your post and not the generic link to your blog. To get the full URL, click the title of your blog post (which will load a page that has just that post on it), then copy and paste the URL into the Mr. Linky form. Thanks!. To post, click the Mr. Linkey logo here:

Blog Candy!!

Be sure to check the Blog Candy Dish on my sidebar daily - As I see Blog Candy I post it there, so there is always something new to check out!

Anna Banana

The View From My Studio

Well - it's no wonder I haven't felt much like crafting lately - despite me being busy it's hard to drag myself upstairs when I have this to look at!  Yes - that is snow on top of the garage which is creeping up my window.

If you like snow, I'm happy for you - enjoy the picture :) ... but I'm currently trying to figure out how to make that view turn into the Ocean and Palm Trees and Warm Sandy Beaches!!

Well -I better get crafting or there won't be any posts tomorrow!!

Anna Banana

A Little Love

This is the last of the cards from the January Make and Take at Dragonflies and Dreams - my Local Stamp Store in Sturtevant, WI.

The stamp is from Stampin' Up and it was colored with Tombow Markers.  The little flower was a punched flower from patterned paper and it was adhered with a tiny silver brad.  The dots on the black were hand done with a white Souffle pen and I'm not real thrilled with them.  I didn't get my spacing or dot size very accurate.

I'm planning on adding some extra bling to this with coordinating glitter on the "o" of Love just to give it that OOooo factor :)

Anna Banana

You're a Hoot!

This pair of love birds are just too cute!

The owls and sentiment stamps are by Stampendous - both are from the Ollie and Olivia collection.  The little heart is a stamp by Judith.  Colored with Tombow markers, and the Inkpads are all Colorbox Chalk Inks in Charcoal, Warm Redand Amber Clay.

Anna Banana

Here Kitty Kitty!

This adorable kitty is perfect for Valentine's Day, Birthdays, Mother's Day or Just Because!

The stamp is Penny Black - It's Amore.

The coloring was done with Tombow Markers and finished off with Crystal Ice Stickles.

Anna Banana

I LOVE this card!  

The stamp is Stampendous - Dandie Trio - from Hobby Lobby :)

THe ink for the flowers is Versacolor pigment ink in Raspberry

the only coloring I did was filling in the details of the stamp with Stardust Stickles

I *think* the punches for the Happy Birthday are from Stampin' Up

No clue where the paper is from.

The photo isn't as vibrant as the card is in real life - it's a really rich raspberry.

Anna Banana

MMmmm Cocoa

Another card from the make and take 

This cute gal is Willow with Cocoa from Whiff of Joy.

The border punch is from Martha Stweart

Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Embossing folder

Oval scallop punch

White Souffle pen

Star Dust Stickles

Tombow Markers

I forget where the vine with flowers stamp is from - if you really really need to know, ask and I'll find out for you.

New Items at the Side Bar

I have added two new items on my Side Bar (sounds like a restaurant - doesn't it?).  

The first is the "Blog Candy Dish" where you will find a link to blog candy that I have found.  The date that the candy closes is listed before the name of the blog.  Follow the links for details.  I will be removing Blog Candy from the "dish" as it is "eaten"!!

The second new item is the "Challenges on Blogs" menu.  I am adding blog links here that have regular challenges, so if you want to push your creativity, you can participate. I'm not being compensated or anything by any of these blogs - they are just ones I have run across while surfing from blog to blog. If there is a good daily/weekly/monthly challenge on a particular site, drop me a note and let me know and I'll check it out!

Thanks!

Anna Banana

Banana Bonanza of Cards 10

While this card is really, really cute, it was a whole lot of work.  I stamped the image, then stamped it on a scrap piece of paper and cut out each little snowman.  I added the blue shadow accents and some sparkly stickles to the bodies and hats. Then, when they were dry, they were mounted on pop dots.

I think this card took me over 15 minutes to do and I am usually pretty quick when it comes to Make 'n Takes!

Here is a side view of the little snowmen popping off the card:

Anna Banana

Is it spring yet?

At this month's Make and take, we did this really fun flower and butterfly card. 

Here is a brief list of the supplies: The stamps are from The Angel Company,

Tombow Markers and Icicle Stickles.

Anna Banana

OMG - I Can't Believe I WON!!!

I was just going through all of the blog candy entries I have entered on my blog to see if I was a winner of any... and I AM!!!!

I totally started hyperventelating when I saw that I won!!!  I Still Can't Believe it!!!

Direct from Victoria Case Art Designs - this is what I won:

* All THREE of my new release cling cushion rubber stamps: 

Kitty (click for link to order)

 

Steal A Kiss (click for link to pre-order)

Angel on the Moon (click for link to order)

* A package of white card stock with envelopes

* A package of 24 quilted heart stickers

* 23 small puffy heart stickers

* Cat sticky ribbon

* 8 sticky bling-bling heart jewels

* A package of flower accents

* A 5"x7" double matted Original illustration called "The Stamping Queen" drawn by yours truly (as a little thank you).

Victoria,

I can't thank you enough.  I am in awe of your generosity.

I also want to encourage everyone else who entered to keep entering!!  It might take a while before you win anything, but it's so worth it!!

Anna Banana

Banana Bonanza of Cards 9

This cute bear must be glad he got a hat and scarf for Christmas with all those snowflakes!!

The flakes are a cuttlebug embossing folder :)

Anna Banana

Go Bananas 2009

Go Bananas Challenges 2009

This year I am going to run the Go Bananas Challenge a little differently.

In order for me to be able to keep up with my own challenge, designing the sketches and creating a sample, I will be posting these on the 15th and the last day of the month.

This will also let me participate in challenges on other blogs and in my SBS group challenges better.  I'm going to try to diversify this year and challenge myself more frequently.

As I get back in the swing of things (It's taking me an incredibly long time this year), I'm hoping to be offering my first blog candy...so keep watching!

So, without further ado, here is my Go Bananas Challenge 1a followed by my card, and Karyn's card - who is currently the entire Go Bananas Design Team!

Anna Banana's Card - 

Cardstock: Archivers Pink, blue and green

Punches: The Paper Studio 1-7/16" Scalloped Circle, EK Success 1" circle

Butterfly Die Cut: Spellbinders

Cuttlebug Embossing Die: Birthday

Ribon:  Offray Nice &Narrow Pink Mini dot

Stamps: Stampendous Perfectly Clear Stamps - Changito Birthday (Archiver's Exclusive)

Ink: Palette Reflection Blue and Balette Pink

Markers:  Impress - Lemon Yellow, Marvy "Dee Gruenig Sig. Series" - Ice Blue, Galaxy Marker - White, Marvy  "Twinklette" (Pigmented Glitter Markers) Lime green and raspberry pink

Rinestones: from the jewelry department at Michael's

Prima Flowers in pink and green

Prizma Glitter on Butterfly

Go Bananas Design Team:  Karyn Campbell

Banana Bonanza of Cards 8

Looks like these little mice built the snowman, but I think they are just trying to get to his carrot nose for a mid day snack!

Anna Banana

Blog Candy!!

You can find some fantastic Blog Candy for  Victoria Case Stamps Here.  

I'm so excited about this one and I really hope I win it!!!

There are three amazing stamps, some great goodies and a Samping Queen matted Print - Kind of looks like me!!

 

Hope I win!!! Hope I Win!!! Hope I Win!!!

Here is another fantastic Blog Candy opportunity at Tasha's Desgn World. A whole bunch of pretty spring theme stamps and embellishments are there!! Check out her blog to see how to enter and try to win!!

Anna Banana

Banana Bonanza of Cards 7

This adorable House Mouse sleeps on a bed between two candles!  I but a little glitter on the melted part of the wax and the little guy was colored with markers and a blender pen.

Anna Banana

Banana Bonanza of Cards 6

This pretty girl from Elizabeth Bell carries a festive lantern.  The background is the Swiss Dots cuttlebug embossing folder on green card stock.  She was colored with markers and a blender pen and I added crystal stickles to the candle in the lantern, the edge of her dress, her hair and the bow on the dress.

Anna Banana

Banana Bonanza of Cards 5

This cute owl with his big eyes and festive hat was just too sweet to resist!  The ball of the hat is one of those craft cotton balls and it's nice and fluffy!

Anna Banana

Banana Bonanza of Cards 4

I really liked this card - it used both heat embossing on the deer, and dry embossing with the cuttlebug folder on the background red paper.

The gold paper, whild you can't see much of it, has a pearl shimmer to it.

Anna Banana

Banana Bonanza of Cards 3

I really love the way these angels sparkle as well as Baby Jesus' blanket - I chose to add crystal stickels on top of the coloring.  It was colored with markers and a blender pen.  The white background paper has a shimmer to it.

Anna Banana

Banana Bonanza of Cards 2

Today's card is Santa ... I just LOVE how he peeks out of the squares.  Again I can't remember where he comes from, but he was one stamp with three images that we cut apart.

I added glitter to the fur on the hat and it really sparkles in person!

Anna Banana

LOOKIE LOOKIE LOOKIE!

I printed a few of those Hobby Lobby coupons for 40% off  from their web site and I got these:

Sorry to toot my own horn, but YAY ME!!

I couldn't pass them up!! See the price ... that isn't what I paid - I got $10 off EACH of them!!  WOO HOO!!!  And No Shipping!  With tax it came to $15.75. I just convinced one of my friends to come with and buy the one set for me (with my money, of course) 'cause it's one coupon per person per day.

I got the last of the hearts too!

I am now ready to go make some purdy Valentines cards....

I'm pleased as punch! (no pun intended)

Anna Banana

Banana Bonanza of Cards 1

I'm going to start posting the cards I made at a few card classes and Make and Takes I attended before I left for Australia.  I was so busy before I left and after I got back that I didn't have a chance to get anything posted.

So here is the first of them:

The patterned paper came from a scrap pack...I only know this because I have it.  This was colored with SU Markers and a blender pen.  

I have no clue where the stamp came from ... sorry :(

Anna Banana

For All Cardmakers

The Cardmaker

A Cardmaker delivers the most welcome kind of unannounced visitor: A handmade card. 

A card touches us - somehow, a small folded piece of paper can comfort, celebrate, reach out or just say hello. 

Creating a handmade card is an honorable and important task. As a Cardmaker, you are entitled (but not limited) to the following rights:

You have the right to take as long as you want to complete one handmade card. This may be five minutes or two weeks.

You have the right to send a card for no other reason than to show off your new stamp, embellishment or technique.

You have the right to create a fabulous card for your husband, partner or roommate - just because you know it will stay in your house.

You have the right to spread your cardmaking things out all over, just to admire them.

You have the right to purchase a certain cardmaking item for no other reason than because a) you like it; b) you think it's cute; c) you'll never find it again, or; d) you know you'll use it someday.

You have the right to reserve using your most precious supplies on cards only for recipients who will truly appreciate them.

You have the right to a workspace of your own. This may be the basement, your college student's old bedroom or the kitchen table.

You have the right to make cards when inspiration strikes - whether the dishes are done or not.

You have the right to request peaceful, kid-free, stress-less cardmaking time - guilt-free.

You have the right to let the handmade card be the gift, too.

You have the right to value your personal style.

You are creating a treasure - and part of that treasure is you.

~Author Unknown

Cupcake Craft Challenge #21 GLITTER!

I made this card for my good friend Karyn (sorry for the spoiler) and sent it to her yesterday with her slightly late Christmas present.

On it I used the following glitter colors - pink, purple, blue, yellow, orange, pale green, crystal, Fire Engine Red and Christmas Green!

I dipped the flowers in glue and ran them thru my green and red glitter so they would match the gingerbread house archway and tie in with the ribbon!

I ran the blue paper through the cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder and the stripe paper matches the gumdrops so well I had to use it even tho it's not traditional Christmas colors and that piece is from my scrap basket!  I think this one is sooo cute - it was hard to part with it!

If you would like to enter the challenge, you can go to Cupcake Craft Challenge and give it a try!

Anna Banana

It's Baaaaaaaack!

You'll never guess what I got for Christmas!

I got the "hideous chicken" back from my aunt - too funny!

I'm glad I got it ... it grows on you and I was missing it!

Anna Banana

Here are a few more pics of the roller skating extravaganza!

This is just me...
  

This one is me, my friend Ginny and Katie - Tess's daughter :)

Happy New Year!!

Hello everyone and I hope you all had safe and fun New Years Eve Celebrations!

Sorry I have been away for so long.  I got back from Australia, got bombarded with work and then I have been pretty much off since just before Christmas, so I have been staying off of the computer and relaxing as much as possible (in between running around for family obligations!)

I would like to let you all know that I am going to be back officially on a more regular basis starting on Monday when I will be back on the computer every day for work!

I'll work on getting back into the swing of the Go Bananas Challenges...I liked doing those :)

It's kind of sad ... with all this "time off work" not only have I not been in my craft room even once to create anything, but I still have not made out my Christmas cards.  Oh well - I guess maybe I'll send Valentine cards this year!

Well - I need to get going and get ready for bed ... I'm pretty tired after my day today.  I went roller skating for the first time in 22 years!  I am pretty impressed with myself - I didn't fall even once!!  Here are a few of the pictures from Tess's camera ... she was smart enough to bring them with!

 

Tess, Amber (her daughter), Me, Ginny

I also need to get to bed because I'm going to see Twilight tomorrow (for the 3rd time) with one of my girlfriends.  Woo Hoo! (I love boys who SPARKLE!)

The Glitter Queen

Anna Banana