TEN YEARS!

Ten years ago today I very tentatively jumped into the world of blogging. TEN YEARS.... a whole decade! Where has the time gone???

That old saying "Time flies when you're having fun" couldn't be more true. I've been having a blast getting inky and sharing the results. It still boggles my mind that people actually visit my humble little blog. I am so grateful for it, and for the lovely comments that some of you leave. And especially when someone wants to CASE something I've created!

To celebrate this 10th Blogiversary, I'm giving away some blog candy. Because I love to color, and this is such a fun set for coloring, I'm giving away a brand new, unopened, Blossoming Basket bundle from Sale-A-Bration (a clear-mount stamp set plus the Basket Weave Dynamic TIEF) AND brand new, unopened, Watercolor Assortment 2 pencils to color it! (I use the Assortment 2 to color this card.)

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post before Friday, August 31st. I'll have a random drawing Friday night and announce the winner Saturday, September 1st.

Thank you all for following my blog; I can't wait to see what the next ten years bring!

Stampin' Addicts 2012 Occasions Mini Blog Hop

Hello, and welcome to the latest Stampin' Addicts blog hop! We are featuring items from the new Occasions Mini catalog that starts January 4th, and boy oh boy are there some fabulous new goodies to showcase! If you started at the beginning, you just hopped here from Rhonda's blog, where she showed the Bordering on Romance stamp set. That hinged card was cute, wasn't it? I am stop # 5 on the hop. You can find a complete hop list here, in case you need it.

I chose the Mixed Bunch stamp set, which has a lovely Blossom Punch to match! The first card has a 3-D blossom made by stamping and punching the flower image three times, then moistening them with water and "scrunching". I think red, black, and white look so sophisticated together, don't you?

Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Thank You Kindly
Cardstock: Whisper White, Poppy Parade
Ink: Basic Black Classic
Accessories: Blossom Punch, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper folder, Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details, Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon

The next card is kind of a cute, funky little thing, using one of the smaller stamps in the set. These flowers were punched using the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch.

Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Bring On The Cake
Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, and Lucky Limeade, Berry Blossoms DSP, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, and Lucky Limeade In Color DSP
Ink: Basic Black, Poppy Parade, Concord Crush, and Old Olive Classic
Accessories: Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, and Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine, In Color Designer Printed Brads, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, lollipop sticks (non-SU)

And the last project is a gift set of 3x3 cards (and envelopes) in a Scallop Envelope box. The butterfly was made by trimming down the punched flower and adding pearls for the body. Cute, huh? Glad you think so, because that gift set is blog candy! Just leave a comment and you're entered to win (US addresses only, please). Winner will be announced Monday.

Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Petite Pairs
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Island Indigo, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Twitterpated DSP
Ink: Island Indigo
Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Envelope Die, 1" Square Punch, Postage Stamp Punch, Pool Party Baker's Twine, Pearls Basic Jewels, Island Indigo 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, Calypso Coral 1/8" Organdy Ribbon, Modern Label Punch, Decorative Label Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Blossom Punch

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you were inspired. :) Your next stop is Heidi's tea-riffic blog. (Teehee!)

When you have a chance, be sure to check out Stampin' Addicts, where the motto is "Positively creative! Positively Stampin' Up!"  Positive attitudes AND creativity abound there, and all Stampin' Up! fans are welcome, whether you're a stampin' newbie or a seasoned demo.

Stampin' Addicts 2011 Holiday Mini Hop

Welcome to the Stampin' Addicts Holiday Mini Blog Hop! This weekend we have 19 stampers who have created fabulous projects using products from the upcoming Stampin' Up! 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog. Can't make it through all 19 blogs in one sitting? No worries! We'll be here all weekend long. If you've been following the links in order, you just arrived from Holly's blog, showcasing the Always Thankful stamp set. Wasn't that wine holder cool?! Click the banner above for a list of all the blogs.

I am featuring the Pines & Poinsettias stamp set, but I have a couple of other goodies to share, too!  With Christmas sneaking up on us quicker than you think, now is a good time to get started on those holiday cards and gifts.  So up first is a card, of course!

As always, you can click on the pics twice for extra close-up views of my mistakes. :-)

See that beautiful velvet ribbon? That's the Very Vanilla ribbon in the Holiday Mini, colored (on the back, non-fuzzy side) with a Stampin' Write Marker! You can make it any color you want! A Glimmer Brad makes the perfect cinch for the bow.

The second card is a variation of one made for a Stampin' Addicts swap. (I love swapping with other SA members, because they make the BEST cards!) The background patterned paper was made by repeatedly stamping the scroll image in Crumb Cake, then lightly coloring with a blender pen. And the lovely embossed background behind it is the new Snow Burst embossing folder!

Notice the glittery snowflake? In the Holiday Mini there is some beautiful Silver Glimmer Paper, but the silver just didn't look right on the Very Vanilla/Crumb Cake/Cherry Cobbler background. So, I colored it, too! This can be done carefully with the side of a marker, or with an Aqua Painter and Classic ink refills.

Now Christmas wouldn't be complete without a little gift, so I made a trinket box, decorated it, and added a tag that uses the "Christmas" banner in the stamp set.

The 3"x3"x2" box was a piece of cake to make with the new Simply Scored Tool, which is also in the new catalog. Wait until you see how useful it is....it is AWESOME!!!

And last, there's a little something to put in the trinket box. The holly leaves are also in the Pines & Poinsettias set and were the perfect size for the Simply Adorned Charm insert.  I'm new to making charm inserts, and the tiny "canvas" was a fun challenge! You can get an idea of the scale by the little image with the quarter down in the corner.

Well, that's all for my projects this time! Be sure to stop by Stampin' Addicts and see what they're about! Their motto is "Positively Creative! Positively Stampin' Up!"  Membership is free and you'll have access to a gallery FULL of great ideas like the ones you've been seeing on the hop, along with a friendly group of creative people!

Next blog on the hop is Shelley's blog, where she is featuring The Sounding Joy stamp set.

 Hey, you're still here? Why aren't you hopping? Oh, I get it.....maybe you were thinking there might, perhaps, just maybe be some blog candy down here.  Heh-heh, you clever thing, you!  Well, there is a little something.  Just leave a comment about which project you liked the best, and if you are chosen, you'll win that little decorated trinket box, the charm insert (but not the charm itself!), and instructions on how to make the box using the Simply Scored Tool. (U.S. residents only, please!)

Come back Tuesday, when I'll announce the winner and list the materials used in the projects above.

WELCOME TO THE LAST CHANCE HOP!

Greetings, and welcome to Stampin' Addicts Last Chance Blog Hop, featuring stamp sets that Stampin' Up! will be retiring the end of this month when the new catalog comes out.  I'm always sorry to see some things go, but also excited, because I know I will find new favorites to love!  I am offering blog candy, too, so be sure to check the bottom of this post for details.

This is stop number 17 on the tour, and if you've been following in order, you just arrived from Kim's blog, Stitchin' n Stampin' on Paper, which featured Bella's Bloom.  Weren't the card holder and seed packet holder fabulous?

I am showcasing Spring Song, which is just too cute for words.  I love that the birds are kind of a neutral image, which can be used on cards for just about any occasion.  The first card has a Ruby Throated Hummingbird.  I painted over him with Champagne Mist Shimmer paint to try and give him an iridescence, like the flying jewel he is! (Click on the photos to see larger images.)

Stamps: Spring Song, Tiny Tags, Bella Toile - Cardstock: Shimmery White, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Basic Black - Ink: VersaMark, Blush Blossom, Soft Suede, Cameo Coral, Old Olive, Rose Red, Basic Black - Accessories: Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Gold Smooch Spritz, Curly Label Punch, Square Lattice embossing folder, Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Big Shot, Blender pens

The little birdie image on the next card made me think of a finch, so I looked up images of Goldfinches to try
to get the coloring right.  I think he looks kind of cold, like he's huddling on that branch.  You probably can't see it, but I used a dot of Crystal Effects on his eye, and it looks like he's really looking at you with his shiny little eye!

Stamps: Spring Song, Teeny Tiny Wishes - Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Kraft (Crumb Cake), Summer Sun, Shimmery White, Vellum - Ink: Basic Black, Summer Sun, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Garden Green - Accessories: Hemp Twine, Blender pens, Crystal Effects, Distressed Texture Plate, Big Shot, Paper Cutter w/ scoring blade, Paper Piercer, Color Spritzer Tool

For my last card, I used the hummingbird image again, but wanted to go a little bolder in the color scheme.  I looked for hummingbird photos, and thought the Rufous Hummingbird would go nicely with the (retiring) Cameo Coral base that I wanted to use.  The image was stamped on Watercolor Paper, using black Staz-On ink, then I used a blender pen and ink pads to color the bird and blossoms.  That background paper is called Pink Flamingo, and it's also retiring the end of the month. This card is going to my grandmother for her 95th (!) birthday next week!!!

Stamps: Spring Song, Elements of Style, Teeny Tiny Wishes - Cardstock: Cameo Coral Textured, Basic Black, Whisper White, Watercolor Paper, Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper - Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, VersaMark, Basic Black, Really Rust, Soft Suede, Real Red, Cameo Coral, Garden Green, Summer Sun - Accessories: Blender Pens, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch

The next stop on the tour is Cheryl's blog Love to Stamp & Scrap, where she is featuring Embrace Life.  Check out her cards and card organizer!

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Thanks so much for coming by!

This blog tour was organized by the good people at Stampin' Addicts, where the motto is "Positively Creative! Positively Stampin' Up!"  This is the best online community to visit if you love Stampin' Up!!!  It's free and open demonstrators and customers alike....anyone who loves Stampin' up! If you've never been there, be sure to check it out.  We'll be lookin' for ya!

MY BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY:

I'm giving away this Happy Moments (new, unmounted clear mount) stamp set.  All you have to do to enter is leave a comment telling me which card you like the best, and why!  I'll use Random.org to choose a winner Monday morning and announce it then.  Please, no "anonymous" comments - you must at least give your name, otherwise I won't know who you are!

WELCOME TO THE STAMPIN' ADDICTS SUMMER MINI BLOG TOUR!

Thank you so much for stopping by, and I hope you have been enjoying the Stampin' Addicts Summer Mini Blog hop so far.  Stampin' Addicts is a wonderful, positive community dedicated to Stampin' Up! demonstrators and customers alike, who share a love of all things Stampin' Up!  It's free to join, and you couldn't meet a nicer group of stampers, so please come and check us out - after you finish the tour, of course!


If you have been following the links, you just left the Creative Stampin' Spot.  Didn't Barbara do a fab job with the new Square Lattice embossing folder?!  Love, love, love the tote and flower card above it, especially!  I like that embossing folder so much, that I just had to use it on the Mother's Day card I made for my mom, even though I'm showcasing the Itty Bitty Bits stamp set, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack trio, and the Bitty Buttons.  (Sorry, Barbara, I couldn't help myself!)

Mom's Lilac card was made with the four petal punch using Lovely Lilac and Lavender Lace (colors that will be retiring the end of June). I stamped a few of the blossoms in Whisper White Craft ink with the four petal stamp to make them stand out a bit more, and "popped" some of them up. The leaves were a lot of fun to make - I'll show you how to make them later in the week.

The next card uses two NEW colors, or should I say, one new and one returning old favorite. The lighter blue background is new, called Marina Mist, and will be available in the new big catalog in July.  The darker blue is a returning favorite, called Pacific Point.  The flowers are from the Two-Step stamp set called Greenhouse Garden.  And see those buttons?  Those are the Bitty Buttons, which started out clear.  Check back next week and I'll tell you how I turned them into gold!

The last card is a pretty little baby girl card.  I made the patterned paper using the Itty Bitty Bits stamp set, stamped in Pretty in Pink ink, then selectively punched out some of the shapes and adhered them with Stampin' Dimensionals.  The circle punch from that punch set is just 3/8" in diameter!


I really hope you enjoyed your stop here.  As a thank you, I have some blog candy to give away. It's the Sale-A-Bration "Whimsical Words" stamp set in the clear mount option.  Just post a comment here, and I will select a winner on Tuesday.


Your next stop on the tour will be Holly's blog, Rubber Redneck.  She's going to dazzle you with the gorgeous, vintage-looking Elements of Style stamp set!

Thanks again for stopping by!

Looks Like We Have a New Winner

Well, it's been over a week, and I haven't heard from the person drawn last week to win the candy, so I'm picking a new winner from my followers. Here is the result:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

26

Timestamp: 2009-09-02 16:48:47 UTC

KIRSTEN, of Kirsten's Krafty Place, you are the new winner! Please email your mailing address to me as soon as possible. If I haven't heard from you by next Tuesday (Sept. 8), I'll pick a new winner.

And the Winner is......

Lazy Daisy (Sarah), please contact me before Tuesday, September 1st. If I don't hear from you, I will draw an alternate winner.

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

75 

Timestamp: 2009-08-26 06:17:11 UTC

Congratulations Lazy Daisy (aka Sarah in North Yorkshire)! Please send your mailing address to me so that I can get your goodies posted! Send the info to CindyIsStampin @ gmail . com (remove the spaces).

Thank you all for your comments and for my new followers.

BLOG CANDY

This candy will stay at the top of my blog until August 25th. Please scroll down to see more recent posts. Thanks!

Okay, here it is! Since we are rapidly approaching the fall season, I've put together some (mostly) autumn-related goodies. Here's the list:

• 1 Debbie Mumm Harvest & Holiday glitter mat pack
• 12 Studio G Clear Stamps sets
• 5 QuicKutz Goose Bumpz embossing dies, Polka Spot, Flourish, Daisy, Daisy (outline), Hearts
  
• 1 pk. (3 pc.) Hero Arts wood-mounted stamps, Designer Flourishes
• 1 pk. (24 pc.) Prima autumn leaves
• 3 rolls ribbon

All you have to do to enter is post a link to my candy on your blog, and leave a comment here with a link to your blog

OR

If you don't have a blog, become a follower by clicking the "Follow" button (which is on the right, under the Copyright information) and leave a comment that you have become a follower. (NOTE: If you are already a follower, thank you! Just leave a comment saying so.) For my international visitors, yes, I will ship internationally!

Either way, please be sure to post your name when you leave a comment! The blog candy will stay open until 9:00 p.m. Pacific time on the actual day of my blogoversary, which is August 25th. I will be verifying that you either linked to my candy or became a follower before picking the winner, using Random.org.

Thank you all for your visits to my humble blog over this past year. I've "met" some truly wonderful, talented people who have enriched my life and helped me stretch my creativity!

*** Good luck to you all ***

BLOGOVERSARY THIS MONTH!

August 25th will mark one year that I've been blogging, and I'm so glad that I started it! I've "met" many wonderful, talented ladies this past year, and it wouldn't have happened if you hadn't stopped by my blog for a visit.

So, a big THANK YOU to all you nice people out there!

And, as a thank you, I will be giving away some nice candy, of which pictures will be posted later today or tomorrow.

So, be sure to check back here soon, and I hope you all have a great weekend!

AND THE WINNER IS......

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

8

Timestamp: 2009-06-29 04:07:36 UTC

Gigi said...

Hi Cindy! I just found your blog while surfing around. Your stuff is pretty amazing so i've added myself as a follower =) Keep up the amazing work and I can't wait to see more!

June 24, 2009 11:12 PM

Congratulations, Gigi! Please email your mailing address to me at cdelam @ gmail . com so I can send your candy right away. Be sure to remove the spaces.

It's 5,000 Hit Candy Time!!!

THE BLOG CANDY IS NOW CLOSED!!!

If I did this correctly, the blog candy will stay at the top of my blog until Sunday at 9:00 p.m. To see newer posts, please scroll down!

Edited to add: I'm extending the deadline until Sunday at 9:00 p.m. Pacific.

I just now noticed my little blog has passed 5,000 hits, so to celebrate that fact, and as a thank you to all of you who come to visit, here is a chance for one of you to win some candy. All you have to do is:

Put a link to my candy on your blog, and leave a comment with a link to your blog here.

-OR-

If you don't have a blog, then become a follower of Heart's Delight (see link on the right).

-OR-

If you can't become a follower (why not, for pity's sake?), just comment on something you like about this blog, and be sure to leave your name and a way for me to contact you.

The rules are simple - one entry per person, please, and no "anonymous" entries, otherwise how will I know who won? :-)

The entry deadline is Friday, June 26th Sunday, June 28th at 9:00 p.m. Pacific time. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced here Saturday Monday morning.

Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

The candy list (I may add more candy later this week, so be sure to check back!):

• 1 K & Company Designer Mat Pad
• 1 Pearlescent water colors set (16 colors)
• 1 pk. Creative Impressions sheer blossoms and leaves
  
• 1 pk. Darice self-adhesive rhinestones - flowers and butterflies
• 1 pk. Darice self-adhesive rhinestones - round
• 3 rolls ribbon
• 2 Hero Arts pigment ink cubes - turquoise and lilac
• 1 VersaMark ink cube
• Pk. of 8 antique gold heart charms
• 1 EK Success 2 Way Glue Pen
• 1 pk. EK Success 3D Dots (adhesive foam dots)
• Provo Craft tiny scallop scissors
  

Whiff of Joy Blog Candy!!!

Katharina is giving away, not one, but TWO sets of the as-yet-unreleased WoJ Summer Stamp Kits! What an amazing, generous chance she is giving us. The stamp sets include six brand new character stamps and five accessory stamps, designed by Elisabeth Bell, as well as four text stamps designed by Katharina herself.

Be sure to click the picture above and pop over to Katharina's blog to follow the instructions for a chance to win.

I hope, I hope, I hope I win! Well, I hope you win, too. ;-)

And the Winner is.......

I guess I won't make you all wait until tomorrow morning. Here is what Random.Org generated:

Here are your random numbers:

16 

Timestamp: 2009-02-14 05:33:43 UTC

Congratulations, Donalda Martin, you are the lucky winner! Please send your mailing address to me at cdelam (at) gmail.com, and I will send it Tuesday, since Monday is a holiday.

Happy Blog Candy

BLOG CANDY NOW CLOSED!!!!
Thank you to all who left a comment!

Okay, folks, here it is! Today is my birthday and I am officially opening the contest for the blog candy, which will remain open until one week from today, Friday the 13th (which happens to be my daughter's birthday).

1. To enter you must post a link on your blog to my candy, and then leave a comment here with the link to your blog in it.
2. Or, if you don't have a blog, answer this question...."Who is the current flutist for the Moody Blues?" (which happens to be my favorite band of all time). Hint - it's a female, and she ROCKS!!!. You're on a computer - look it up!
3. The entry deadline is 9:00 p.m. PST (GMT -8), Friday, February 13th. I will draw the winner using Random.Org and announce it the next morning.

What is in the candy jar:
Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels One
Whiff of Joy Stamps "Mouse Under Party Hat"
4 pkgs. Studio G clear stamps
2 pkgs. Autumn Leaves clear stamps (Pretty Poppies & Heart/Flower)
Prima Mulberry Paper flowers
3 Templates (2 Diamond Folds, 1 Lattice Folds)
Taylored Expressions "Taylor's Tiny Twinkles" (over 400 tiny rhinestones in 12 colors)
2 pkgs. self-adhesive pearls (white & gold)
2 pkgs. gemstone/pearl brads (pink & green)
2 pkgs. self-adhesive rhinestones (spring colors)
1 roll ribbon
1 pkg. embossed teal foil (6 sheets)

Good luck!

Almost Candy Time!

Okay, I promised I'd post the candy for when Heart's Delight blog reaches 2,500 hits. We're less than 200 away, so I guess I'll post a "teaser". You can see the candy, but you can't have the candy until it really reaches 2,500 hits, at which time I'll make a separate post with the rules for entry. I'm an evil wicked tease, aren't I? Heehee!

Since the Spellbinders Nestabilities was so desired last time, I figured I'd include the Labels One again. It is such a versatile set. And, of course, I had to include at least one Whiff of Joy stamp. This is the too-cute "Mouse Under Party Hat". I haven't actually inked mine up (I ordered 2), but I'll probably use it next week. The full list of what's in the candy jar will be posted when I open the contest. ;-)

I'll have a new card to show tomorrow. This has been a rather rough week (visiting a cousin who is in the end-stages of cancer), and I'm too tired to finish it and get the pics up tonight. I hope you all understand.

Going, Going, Gone...

I'm going to visit my dad for a couple days, but I'll be back Saturday the 31st. Check back late Saturday or Sunday for the announcement of my next blog candy!

AND THE WINNER IS......

First, I want to thank all of you for participating and for the really great ideas for improving my blog! As you may have noticed, I've already implemented a couple of them, and I'll be doing more in the near future. And now, for the winner (drum roll, please!)....

InkHearts said...

Wow, love your blog! Am linking you on my page and will follow you as well! Thanks for the chance to win the candy!
Blessings,
Shannon

January 14, 2009 10:15 AM

Congratulations, Shannon! Please email your snail mail address to me, and I'll send the candy to you immediately.

And we are already well on the way to the next blog candy milestone which will be 2,500 hits! So keep checking back and, especially, please leave comments! I really do appreciate the feedback, and have enjoyed exploring your blogs!

{{{Hugs}}} ~Cindy

Here It Is!

Entry deadline has now passed!

As promised, here is the blog candy I will be giving away next Friday, January 16th! Katharina Frei, owner of Whiff of Joy Stamps, generously included the "Willow With Hot Chocolate" stamp with my last order, and since I already have that stamp, I just had to include it in the candy. :-D

So, this is what is in the package:

• Whiff of Joy "Willow With Hot Chocolate" new, unmounted stamp
• Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels One set
• Spellbinders Nestabilities Curved Rectangles set
• Pearlescent Watercolors 16 color set
• Prima Hydrangea Blossoms, large tin (shades of pink/magenta)
• 4 spools of ribbon
• Tombow Mono permanent adhesive refill for runner
• Mini Heart Punch (just in time for Valentine's Day!)
• Flower Soft, Ivory (great for adding texture to your creations)
• Mini fine mist sprayer

There are two ways you can win. The first is to mention my blog candy (with a link to it) on your blog and leave a comment here with the link to your blog.

Don't have a blog? No problem! Just leave a comment here with a suggestion about how I can improve my blog, like things you'd like to see or learn (maybe tutorials, more close-up photos, different layout/background/text colors, etc.). If my blog is already perfect *snicker*, you can say that, too. (LMBO!)

That's all you have to do! Just be sure to enter before midnight Pacific Time (GMT -8) Thursday, January 15th. I will use Random.org to determine the winner the following morning and announce it here.

PLEASE, ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON! Edited to add: Please make sure you leave your name in the post - otherwise, how will I know who to contact? ;-) There are already 3 "Anonymous", only 2 with names!

Good luck, and THANK YOU ALL so much for visiting my humble blog! (And especially to those of you who take the time to leave comments.)