Copic Coloring Fun!

Hope you are enjoying your weekend. I had a terrific time sharing Copic coloring tips at my first Copic Class yesterday at the Peddler's Den! Tonya has a lovely store with lots of fun goodies including Copics, Nestabilities, Great Impressions stamps and lots more!

This first class was all about the basics of coloring, blending and shading.
It's been quite a while since I've taught a stamping class, but I really enjoyed sharing about Copics, meeting new people and teaching again. Thought I'd share my cards from the class. I tried to keep things simple as to focus on the coloring, but wanted everyone to take home some finished cards.

I'll be teaching my Copics 102 Class on August 8th at the Peddler's Den, where I'll share about coloring images black and white, coloring skin and hair, stamping with Copic ink and doodling with Copics. I think I've got a lot to do in the next month. ;) Thanks for visiting today! Warmly~ Patti

Friends Who Make Good Times Great

Last week I hosted a small, casual open house for the new Stampin' Up! Idea Book. I've been a Demonstrator since 2002. My first three years, I really worked my business and along the way hosted over a hundred Stamp Camps, classes, Open Houses, events and workshops, while building a Downline. I meet numerous women in all different walks of life and now have the pleasure of calling many of them friends.

As my life changed, my children grew and I began working a full-time job in 2006, I stepped back from my business and started hosting a monthly club with some of those friends, a delightful group of woman that I enjoy stamping with. They've kept me afloat as a Demonstrator, but more importantly have inspired me in my stamping and encouraged me in life. They are definitely friends who make good times great!

In just a few short months our club will end and this time I will be hanging up my SU! apron for good. As I do, I want to thank these women for their friendships and the great times we have shared! To Amy, Char, Cherie, Priscilla, Sherry Lee, Susan, Teresa and Theresa, many thanks and much love!

I look forward to what lies ahead as we stretch our stamping wings! Blessings~ Patti

A little birdy told me...

What a gorgeous day it was today! Finally a break from the heat and humidity. It was nice to open the windows and enjoy the breeze blowing through the house. Probably should have been outside more, but instead I did a little stamping, a little beading and went to see a movie with my son Justin and his friend, B.

If you know me, you probably wouldn't think I'm a big fan of X-men, but after watching the series on DVD with my boys last summer, I got hooked and was anxious to see X-men Origins: Wolverine. Finally got the chance today and thought it was well worth the $8. Lots of action! And Hugh Jackman!

Well, enough of that. ;) What do you think of the card? Saw this set from Darcie's some time ago at a stamp expo but talked myself out of it. When I saw it again on eP, I couldn't resist! The birds are adorable, as are the sentiments. Really enjoyed playing with it, along with a sketch from Debra. This card is to share at her next Stamp Camp. And to send to a friend for her birthday.

Well, while there's still some light to the day, I think I'll see if I can talk my hubby into a walk. Enjoy your evening! And thanks for visiting! ~Patti

Wisteria & Hydrangeas

Was fortunate to spend a day last week shopping with my daughter Sarah. We made the rounds to some of our favorite craft stores and along the way I picked up a pack of Basic Grey Wisteria paper. It's simply lovely! I really like the deep plum and muted blues, greens and golds in it. It turned out the be the perfect compliment to these Lockhart Hydrangeas. I simply love coloring this image with my Copics!

I'm off to do some shopping again today. Yes, it's one of my favorite things to do, even when it's just to browse. This time my mom is coming up and we are going to visit Coldwater Creek and enjoy lunch out for my birthday.

Looking forward to it! It's a beautiful day today!!! Hope you are able to enjoy it too! ~Patti

Friendly Flower

I like to treat myself to a monthly Stamp Camp. Each month I come away with four cards, a sketch and more importantly, time spent with friends. At this past months camp, I received a little gift of ribbon and die cut flowers from Debra for participating in her sketch challenge. A nice treat that helped jump start my mojo as I put them to use on this quick card.

One of my favorite things about Copic markers is how easily you can change the color of an embellishment. In this case, I colored two of the three flowers, which were all a light yellow. The coloring is so smooth and even, you wouldn't even know it wasn't just the color of the cardstock. The same can be done for ribbon, Prima flowers, brads, eyelets and more!

Thanks for the flowers and ribbon Debra! They made for a lovely card, which is on its way to your sister. Hope it brightens her day!

Farmer Riley

It's another hot one here in corn country. While the kids are off doing things...work, friends, waterpark, I'm taking advantage of the quiet time (and the AC) to work on some projects for my upcoming Copic Class.

As I was sorting through some of my cards and supplies, I came across this card that I had made for my husband last fall. It was one of my first Copic colored cards and I meant to share it back then.

Chris works at an 1890's working farm museum (Kline Creek Farm). I thought he would find the card amusing because Riley is on a tractor. The background is a Northwoods stamp. Their stamps are so amazingly detailed. This was really a fun card to color, so I couldn't resist pulling it out to share with you.

I hope you're staying cool today! Thanks for stopping by! ~Patti

Copic Coloring Classes!

Hello Friends!

I hardly know where to begin, things have been so busy with my family. It's been an absolute joy to share in the milestones of my children's lives with Fifth Grade Finale and High School Graduation, band, choir and Accappella concerts and all kinds of banquets, events and grad parties!!!

Check this guy out:

With school being done, I'm off of work and that means more time for family, friends and stamping!!! :)

Recently, I was contacted by Tonya Weakly of Peddler's Den in Somonauk, IL to teach some Copic coloring classes and I am incredibly excited about this opportunity! Tonya already has all of the details up on her website http://www.creativedesign1.com/classes.htm

My first class will be July 11th from 1-3 pm and will be an Introduction to Copics. The class will be hands on with lots of time to play with Copics as well as 3 card projects for you to complete. I am really looking forward to sharing my love of Copics with you!

Warmly~ Patti

Blogging Break

Hi Friends,
I thought I should let you know that I'm taking some time off from blogging. I know that doesn't exactly keep with my goals for the year, but sometimes "life happens". After nursing my four kiddos through the flu and dealing with my own sinus infection, I thought I'd get back to blogging after a couple of weeks, but it just hasn't been a priority.

In addition, we are coming up on lots of activities including an A Cappella competion, a missions trip, a musical production, an elementary school graduation, a Senior graduation and lots of other end of the school year banquets, concerts and activities. It's enough these days just to find a little quiet stamping time for myself.

Just want to say thanks to all of you who regularly visit and thanks so much to those of you who visit AND leave me comments. ;) Also to Petra, Priscilla, Christi and Carla the cards you've recently sent/given to me are lovely!!! I'm sorry I didn't get them posted to share on my blog, but everyone whose seen them in person has ooohed and aaahhed!

I'm sure I'll get back to posting at some point...maybe this summer. In the meantime, I'll be posting my Creative Play designs on Splitcoast. And of course, I'll pop in on your blog from time to time. So, keep stamping! :) Blessings~ Patti

TECC52AW

Today felt like two days. Work this morning and then our couples group and stamping time tonight. I think I'll sleep well.

This was one of my favorite sketches for Taylor's Cupcake Challenge. It's from Ana Wohlfahrt. I think I like it so much because it was something new to me and because of the embellishment possibilities. Anyway, it was a fun one! :)

Used a CTMH set and Basic Gray Scarlet Letter paper. It's a Valentine for my hubby. I wasn't real happy with the one I made for him last week. I wanted something a little sexier. What d'ya think?

I managed to complete two more sketches tonight, so I have just one more to go. Provided my day goes as planned tomorrow, I should be ready to upload to SCS late tomorrow night.

I haven't stamped this much in ages! I'm having a blast!!! :) Take care~ Patti

TECC52JP

So, I had to take a break from the "cupcakes" for this sketch. (sorry Taylor) ;)

I mentioned a few posts back that my husband Chris and I started attending a class at church on the Five Love Languages and this card is for the couple that's leading the group. I was so impressed with their honesty and the passion they have for ministering to married couples, that I wanted to send them a note.

This card features a sketch from Jackie Pedro. I took a little liberty with this one. I couldn't bare to cover up the teal paper. It's flocked! And very cool! It's Artylicious by Chatterbox. I picked it up at the Cottage Stamper. I've paired it up here with PTI's Everyday Blessings set. The set is a must have!

I need to make dinner and then I'm off to a CTMH party! My friend Amy is a CTMH Consultant. She does beautiful work and I can't wait to see what she has planned for us tonight! I still have one more completed sketch to share, but I think it will have to wait till tomorrow. It's one of my faves, so be sure to stop back for a peek. Have a wonderful evening! ~Patti

TECC52DB & TECC52VC

Happy Monday! You have know idea how much I wanted to stay home and stamp today. ;) I finished four more of the sketches from Taylor's Cupcake Challenge Celebration. Since I'm on lunch break, I'm just going to share two of them real quick.

The first one is a sketch from Donna Baker. I loved this one! It's perfect for all of those leftover scraps of patterned paper.

And the second is from Vicki Chrisman. Again, another good one for paper scraps!
I'll pop back in later tonight to share my other two completed sketches. I have 3 more to go!!! And then I still have to upload them all to SCS! The pressure! ;)

Hope your day is going well and that you're squeezing in some stamp time! Smiles~ Patti

Hey Cupcake (TECC52SH)

Here's another Cupcake Challenge card. This one features Stephanie Hargis' sketch. I love the simplicity of her sketch. It made me focus on small details, like using my White Signo Gel Pen, my Swiss Dot Cuttlebug folder and adding the pin with the little beads. I also used Hey Cupcake from AMuse and some amazing May Arts Ribbon that I picked up at the Cottage Stamper.

I'm not sure I'm going to be able to finish all of the Cupake Challenges by Thursday, but I'll give it a try. If you want more details on the TECC visit Taylor's blog. I hope you'll play along too. :)

Enjoy the Lord's Day! Blessings~ Patti

Celebrating with Taylor (TECC52TV)

Taylor is celebrating a year of Cupcake Challenges and I couldn't resist joining her. When I first started browsing papercrafting blogs, Taylor's was one of the first I visited. I asked her questions about her cards and blogging and she thoughtfully answered. I've been following her blog ever since. It's been neat to see Taylor open her own online store and create her own line of stamps. Definitely cause for celebration! You can play along too and enter to win a $75 gift certificate for Taylored Expressions Store! Now that's a party! Please see Taylor's blog for all of the details.

This card feature's Taylor's sketch. The cupcakes (or truffles) are from the Hero Arts Sweet Moments set and the saying is from AMuse. I don't know about you, but this card makes me want chocolate. ;) Thanks for stopping by today! ~Patti

Love Languages

TGIF! I'm so glad the weekend is finally here! I'm going out on date with my hubby tonight. Not sure where yet, but at this point it doesn't matter as long I get to spend time with him. I feel like I haven't seen him since Tuesday.

We started a 5 week class for couples at our church this past Tuesday. It's based on the book The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. We decide to sign up because we thought it would be a fun Valentine gift for each other. After the first session, we had to come home and do a "profile". Then, based on our selections, we found out our Love Language. They are "Words of Affirmation", "Quality Time", "Physical Touch", "Acts of Service" and "Receiving Gifts". I was sure mine was "Receiving Gifts" because well, I'll admit it, I'm a "material girl". I was wrong! (shock)

My love language is "Acts of Service", which is what my hubby said it would be. Chris definitely knows me better than I know myself. Which is exactly what I told the ladies in our group on Monday night. I'm a lucky girl! :)

I'm going to let my card speak for itself today. I'm not sure where it's going, I just felt like making something pretty, pink and sparkly, so here it is. Hope you like it. Have a fantastic weekend...and stay warm! Blessings~ Patti

Simply Lost n Love

Hi! Thanks for stopping by. It's an exciting night for us LOST fans. Tonight is the premiere of Season 5! Anyone else out there going to be glued to the TV tonight? LOST is the only show I watch on TV. I find it so intriguing! My hubby has bought me each season as it's come available on DVD and I can hardly wait to see what happens tonight. Will the Oceanic 6 go back to the island? Is Charlie going to reappear? What's up with Claire? Oh the suspense!!!

I have another Valentine to share. This one is pretty simple, but it's for a no nonsense kind of guy, so I'm sure he'll appreciate it. In trying to keep with using what I have, I pulled out my Boho Blossoms from MFT. It's still one of my favorites! I also finally broke in my Label 1 Nestabilities! :) Love 'em!

I'm going to keep this short and sweet tonight. ;) Have a good one! ~Patti

TECC51 and a Winner

Happy Weekend! It actually feels like a mini vacation here. We've just had two days off because of the fridged temps and are now entering a three day weekend. It's been just what I needed! ;) Gave me a chance to get started on my Valentine cards.

Since this set comes from Taylored Expressions, I thought it would be fun to use Taylor's Cupcake Challenge for my first card. The set is Love is Sweet. It's absolutely adorable! My daughter and I will also be using it to make her Valentine's for school.

The paper and embellishments are from Taylor's store as well. The heart shaped brads were actually white, but I wanted teal, so I colored them with a Copic and added Aqua Stickles. I'll have more Valentine's to share over the next week, but now it's on to our winner... Stampmonkey!!! (aka: Christy)

stampmonkey said...
It's great to see you posting regularly, Patti! ;) I typically don't make Resolutions either, but having goals is always a good thing. Yours actually sound a lot like mine. I'm planning to read through the Bible this year (using the Daily Walk Through the Bible --I'm lovin' it!), and spend more time in prayer. I'm hoping to get more organized and to priorize my time better. If I succeed at this, I'll be spending less time on the computer and then be able to create (and hopefully post) more often. I'm trying to work out a budget and live by it. This is something I should do all the time, but I think it's become necessary now with the uncertainty of our current economy......which leads me to my next one: I want to purchase less new product and use more of what I already have. (It's gonna be really tough though.) And I'm planning to do two different scripture challenges this year...both of which will encourage my spiritual growth as well as my creativity. I think that's enough. lol

Great minds think alike Christy! ;) Drop me an email with your address so I can send you your new set. Thanks to everyone for sharing. I pray the Spirit gives us the power to accomplish all we hope to achieve this year. Enjoy your weekend! Blessings~ Patti

For the Dungeon Master

I've had my eye on this dragon at Michael's for a long time and just needed an excuse to add it to my collection. Well lucky for me, my son Jacob has become a Dungeon Master!

Jacob and his friends have been getting together regularly to play Dungeons and Dragons for the last six months. I don't get it, but they love it and I love hosting their game nights. It's so fun to sit in the other room and hear them chatting about school, movies, games, friends and other guy stuff.

Jacob just turned 12 and we are celebrating his birthday this weekend with a big D&D all nighter. 8 sixth grade boys...playing D&D, watching dragon movies and eating pizza and munchies until the wee hours of the morning. ;)

The saying on the card is from Verve's Great Expectations Julee creates the best sentiment sets! And the fonts she uses are so versatile.

Thanks for stopping by today. Don't forget to check out the post below for chance at a new Verve set. Take care~ Patti

January Divine Design

Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and your minds as you live in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:6-7

My dear friend Carol shared this verse with me last week and I thought it would be a lovely addition to my desk flip book. As I've read it over and over again, I can almost hear God saying "Don't worry, pray and experience my peace as you live in Christ Jesus." During these emotionally difficult winter months, that is such a comfort to me.

Since I had not finished my Divine Design project from last year, I wanted to complete it before moving on to this year's project. This is my last page and I now have 8 verses on double sided 4x4 coasters which I will take to work. I can rotate each verse on a weekly basis or as I need them for encouragement. It's my prayer that they will be an encouragement to others in our office as well.

The Divine Design Challenges were started last year by Lori Craig and will carry on this year with her fellow Scripture Chicks, Angel, Nancy, Taylor and Jami. If you'd like to participate, you can find out all of the details here.

For my project this year, I purchased one of Taylor's vertical frames to display my Divine Designs. I've asked my family to share some of their favorite scripture verses and will use them, along with a few more that have touched my heart. I'm really excited about including my family in this project as it will prompt more spiritual conversation among us. Yet another blessing of participating in this wonderful challenge.

Enjoy your day~ Patti

CP Black Eyed Susans

Working with all that orange made me want to get out some more fall colors! ;) This is one of the thank you cards I've been working on. It features Creative Play's Black Eyed Susans.

I'm so blessed with thoughtful, caring friends and a couple of them made meals for me and my family while I was recovering from my sinus surgery. Prayers, fluffy pillows, Lost and food...what more could a girl ask for!?

Tylenol with Codeine? Not so much! That's scary stuff! After the third day of it, I was still feeling a little loopy and then I started having the most bizarre dreams...including one about driving from store to store looking for Copic markers, only to find out all of the stores were sold out! I actually woke up feeling panicked. My daughter Sarah said, "That was a nightmare mom!" lol

Needless to say, I gave up the amped Tylenol and started feeling more like myself. And yesterday, I was able to return to work. It was good to be back, great to see all of the students...and I still found some time to stamp. :)

Take care~ Patti

Delightful?

I have to admit, I'm not a big fan of orange, but once again, I couldn't resist this Ambrosia paper from Basic Grey. It's Delightful!!!

What's not delightful is my Copic coloring. I finally gave up and just called miss Cinnamon done, but she's got orange smudges around her wrist and waist. Oi!!! Apparently I need the Copic Certification Refresher Course. lol

I think I'll spend the $$$ on a little Copic Therapy instead and head on over to Creative Play to order a few more Sketch Markers! Afterall, "practice makes perfect" and I need more colors to practice with, right? (Right!) Did I mention, they are on sale right now? ;)

Have a DeLightful Day!!! ~Patti

God Bless You!

Happy Monday! It's back to the usual routine of school and work...well, almost. I'm off until my doctor releases me to return to work, which should be tomorrow. I go see him this afternoon and expect to get the all clear. I have to admit, now that I'm feeling better, a couple of more days to play with my stamps and visit with friends would be nice. ;)

Not a lot of stamping here. It's all about the Basic Grey paper! How do they do it?! I've found that I just can't wrong with their paper...the colors and designs are incredible!

I made this card with my friend Maria in mind. She will be taking her son, Jesus to the hospital next week for a bone marrow transplant. He's only six and has recently been diagnosed with leukodystrophy. Maria is an amazing woman and Jesus a delightful little boy. It's such a privilege and joy to know them.

Maria and Jesus are expecting a lengthy stay in the hospital, so I'm sending Beth Moore's, Jesus Day By Day along with the card. I pray God's word will provide her with strength and comfort. I hope you'll join me in praying for them. God Bless You! ~Patti