Lake Eva Camp

I wanted to share another oldie with you today--Lake Eva Camp! My husband's family owned a small, rustic (very rustic...lol) camp on a small lake about 8 miles from his home very similar to this image. He grew up spending summers there, swimming and fishing--having all sorts of fun.

When we married (30 years ago on Tuesday) we spent that summer and following summers living there. The lake was so very private, only one other couple lived there during the summer months, and not even in sight. No electricity or running water--camping type lanterns and bottle gas provided a stove and refrigerator. There was a sauna for bathing and to warm the cottage in colder weather.

We were living the school year downstate, as hubby was teaching there. As soon as the school doors were closing for the year, we were hopping in the packed car to head North.

Years passed, we moved back to the area, and eventually purchased a cottage (more like a house...lol) on Lake Superior. The days of rustic living were over.

I realize now just how precious that time was...boating on the lake at midnight, looking at the stars; running and jumping into the lake as soon as we woke up; killing mosquitoes before we could go to sleep (well, maybe that part wasn't so precious!), and spending time alone--really getting to know each other.

I miss those simple days, yet am so happy and blessed with our life now. I thank the Lord for my husband Paul, and the years that He has given us together.

Thanks for letting me reminisce! If you would like all of the details for this design, you can find them here.

Have a great week!

~~Amazing Grace~~

Well, it's that time of week again--Friday, and the Stamp Simply Challenge! This week's challenge, (ssnotime95) is "Let the Sparks Fly," to use glitter in our design. I wanted to use both beautiful new sets from Our Daily Bread Designs: "Amazing Grace Hymn" and "Grow in Grace," both designed by the ever so talented Dina Kowal.

I began with a Stampin' Up Basic Black 5.5" base. My K & Co. Black and Ivory dp was still out from yesterday, so I chose two of the prints to layer onto the black base. I glittered the edge of the creamier print with Stampin' Up Chunky Glitter, ala Kelly Lunceford (atomicbutterfly). Kelly's vintage designs always bring a smile to my face, and are so very inspiring! Kelly often edges her gorgeous vintage pieces with glitter.

I stamped my Amazing Grace Hymn onto Neenah Classic Cream cardstock, distressing the edges with a Stampin' Up Distressing Tool. My dogwood image is stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto the same Neenah paper, colored with Copic markers, die cut with a Spellbinders Oval die, and rimmed with glitter.

My bow/ribbon treatment is May Art ribbon, purchased from the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store, along with a Bow Easy from the same store. An unknown charm tops the bow for extra appeal.

If you would like to see more "sparks," visit the other Stamp Simply DT blogs:

Sharon, Jennifer, Janine, Julie, AJ, Tammy, Barb, Jenny and Rose Ann.

Remember: Our Daily Bread Designs Ink Pads are on sale until midnight, Friday, July 10th. Check them out!

Have a great weekend!

Snow Falls Softly...

"The snow falls softly, quietly...And winter beauty fills the air..." (Northwoods Rubber Stamps). Yes, it is Christmas in July at Splitcoaststamper's Way to Use It Challenge! Perfect for using my new Polar White Flower Soft!

I began with a base of PaperTrey Ink's Pure Poppy cardstock, layering it with Stampin' Up's Patterns Pack II papers. The white paper in the design is from PaperTrey Ink as well: Stamper's Select White.

I stamped the panel beneath the image oval with SU's Weathered background (retired), then corner rounded all of the top corners (SU Corner Rounder Punch).

The Northwoods image is stamped on the PTI cardstock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, then colored with numerous Copic markers. After die cutting the panel with a Spellbinder Oval die, I sprinkly Polar White Flower Soft over the snowy areas of the scene. FS Polar White will be available July 24th, along with some adorable card toppers and a fabulous Fall Flower Soft color!

Quick and easy...Christmas in July!

Let Us Begin...

This is one of the new Our Daily Bread Designs that became available July 1st. It's called "Let Us Begin" and includes three quotes from Mother Teresa, as well as these beautiful Lotus Flower corners. I wanted to keep my design on the simple side, as the background paper is somewhat busy.

I began with Stampin' Up Basic Black cardstock, making a base card 5.5" X 6.75." I know that this is an unusual size, but have an envelope that will fit it. I created layers of Neenah Natural White and K & Company Black and Ivory papers.

My Lotus Corners were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto the natural white cardstock; then die cut with a Spellbinder's Label One die. I cut the Label One panel in half, to frame my oval sentiment. I added a touch of color with a combo of Copic Cream marker and Blender fluid. A bit of a deeper gold tone added highlights to the centers of the flowers.

My sentiment was stamped with Versafine Black Onyx, embossed with SU Black Fine EP, and die cut with Spellbinders Oval dies. I mounted the sentiment over the top of the Label One halves.

A sheer black ribbon bow, tied with a Bow Easy from Sharon Johnson's Stamp Simply Ribbon Store, finishes the design.

You still have a bit of time to apply to be a ODBD Guest Designer! Check it out:

July 1st marks the first day of our Guest Designer Contest! That’s right! YOU could be the next Guest Designer for ODBD! We are looking for two designers to join the Bread Basket for a month in August and in September! If this is something you would be interested in, email three samples (.jpeg files) of your best work to Judy at lidaroseroz@GMAIL.com by July 9th! That’s right – you only have NINE days! ODBD images are preferred, but not required. But what is required? If you are chosen, you will be working with two beautiful stamp sets during your “Guest Month” and will make a total of six projects for that month. Can you stick to a deadline? Do you have photography skills that can show off your creations? We want to hear from you!Include your name, address, and a link to your blog and SCS Gallery in your email. Tell us a little about yourself and why you would like to be in the “Bread Basket” (our Design Team). We will announce the Guest Designers right here on July 11th!

Also, all ink pads are on sale for 25% off until midnight on July 10th at the ODGD store. It's a great time to try a new color!

A Summer Classic

Hi there! I've been busy getting ready for the July Splitcoaststampers' Dirty Girl gallery--my last! Wow-- I cannot believe how fast the time has passed! So, here is an oldie, but goodie!

I love Lockhart Stamps! They have charming detail, and are so much fun to color! I purchase my Lockhart Stamps from Ellen Hutson.

I colored this image early on when I first got my Copic markers. The cardstock colors used here are all Stampin' Up: Tempting Turquoise, Glorious Green, and YoYo Yellow. Very bright--but perfect for a Summer design! My layers are quite simple, with the Tempting Turquoise layer being run through a CuttleBug folder for texture. A Stampin' Up Ticket Corner Punch added a bit of interest on the top corners, set with bright orange SU eyelets.

I stamped the Lockhart image with Adirondack Pitch Black ink, and colored it with multiple markers. A square Nestabilities die was used to cut the image panel. Michael's striped twill ribbon finishes off this summery seat.

Hope your week is fun and fabulous!

Blog Candy Reminder!

Don't forget to check out Our Daily Bread Designs' Blog to see if YOU have won blog candy:
you can get there HERE...

Stars and Stripes: Old Glory

Happy Birthday U.S.A!!! We will be celebrating our Nation's birthday in a day, and our Stamp Simply Challenge (ssnotime 94) for this week is entitled: Stars and Stripes...using stars and stripes in our design--not necessarily having to be a patriotic design. I did chose to celebrate July 4th early!

This is a quick and easy design, as I decided to use some handsome dimensional stickers by K & Co. that I purchased years ago.

I began with PaperTrey Ink Pure Poppy cardstock for my base and red layers. The navy dotted dp is by Robin's Nest. I am in LOVE with my Scor-Bug...I used it for a stitched look on the top layer of red, peeking out from behind the hymn.

My hymn is "America" (Rubber Monger), stamped with Versafine Black Onyx ink onto Neenah Natural white cardstock. I then used Antique Linen Distress Ink to smudge and distress the panel, as well as my SU distressing tool for the edges.

The K & Co. flag and star stickers finish off this patriotic design. Hope you like it!

A BIG welcome to Rose Ann Reynolds, who will be guest designer on the team for the month of July!

Sharon, Janine, Jennifer, Julie, AJ, Tammy, Barbara, Jenny, and Rose Ann

Remember, if you decide to play along, link your design to Sharon's blog here.

Have a blessed Fourth of July!