It's that time again! Release week!

Yes, it's a day earlier than normal, but because of Easter I won't have a post on Sunday. So we are getting things started a little earlier than normal.  On April 6 the next set will be available for purchase, but I have a ton of cards to show you before then. 

Are you ready for a little guessing? This is a VERY distorted image of the next stamp set. I've made it much harder on you guys this time. You all are just too good.

Fun right? So what do you think? I will tell you that this set is fun, fun, fun. Especially if you are love stamping! I'll be giving away this set to one person that comments between now and April 6 (there is not a limit on comments).

And while I'm giving things away, I drew a winner for some of that fabulous My Mind's Eye paper:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

31

Timestamp: 2010-03-31 01:19:02 UTC

Kelley Eubanks said...
Love this card Courtney! And that is fabric... wow! Will have to come back later to see all of your new goodies...

March 29, 2010 2:54 PM

Ha ha.... um... I seriously almost drew again because I thought it looked bad for Kelley to win, but that's not really fair either. Kelley I've got some My Minds Eye goodies for you!

Also, I'd love for you to let your friends know about Practicing Creativity! It really makes my day when I get emails from you all let me know you told your local store or send the link on to a friend! It means so much that you all like our stamps enough to spread the work!

I can't wait to hear what you all are thinking! I can't wait to show you the set!

EBTKS Challenge 12 - String

String, sewing, fabric... it's all hot right now. Or maybe just in my craft room, but I'm loving it all right now. And because of that I just loved the challenge Winter came up with!

And it really can be any string around your house! I tried to think of ways to use string outside of sewing, and here's what I came up with:

I know I've seen this done somewhere, but for the life of me I can't remember. But if one of you lovely blog readers know who I can give credit to. I would love to give that person some credit!

****EDIT**** Thanks to my friend Kay... I'm pretty sure I got the inspiration from the fabulous Betsy here.

Basically I made a circle with brads and just roped my string around. I think it turned out to be a super fun card.

This month's sponsor is The Digi Chick! The options are really endless of things you can get there! So break out some string from around the house and come play! And you won't want to miss what the other girls have been working on. Check it all out here.

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There's still time to enter the little My Mind's Eye blog candy. See yesterday's post for details!

Dear Lizzy + A Video Blog Candy

I broke out some of my Dear Lizzy fabric... love this stuff.

So fun! I love how easy it was to make the ruffle.

And I do have a little giveaway for you! I got to visit The Scrapbook Warehouse in Pigeon Forge... here's a quick video about what I got. I also go a lot of the new Lush line to send someone! Just leave a comment!


Or you can watch it on YouTube here.

Embellish Challenge + Sew Lovely

I finally got around to breaking out my good friend Kelly's stamp set. Well that's not completely true. I broke out the dress form to make a card for Paper Craft Magazine's latest Color Cue call. The colors were... hard. CRAZY hard. So yea you won't be seeing that card. But this card... I'm in love with this card. I think the colors Ashley chose were so cute.

And again with the pink. I must be changing... weird. Actually today I purchased some new May Arts ribbon for the store. I kept gravitating towards the pink... seriously. Do you think this is the way my body is telling me "Hey your almost 28... have some kids." Okay maybe not. Here's my card. 

Now if you want to recreate this card, can I give you a tip? When you paper piece your spools... stamp it first with versamark rather thank black. That way when your stitching doesn't cover up all of your line it's not as noticeable. I realized this about half way in!

Stamps: Sew Lovely (Lawn Fawn)
Ink: Onyx Black (VersaFine), VersaMark
Cardstock: Kraft, Pretty in Pink (Stampin' Up!)
Patterned Paper: Blue Diamonds Paper (My Mind's Eye)
Fibers: Pretty in Pink Grosgrain (Stampin' Up!), 3713 Floss (DMC), White Thread (Coats and Clark)
Pearls: White (Prima)

We are having some internet issues, but do you see that beautiful My Mind's Eye paper? Well I have some to give away tomorrow! Check back then! Hope you have a great weekend!

A Book Club Night

Last night was my turn to host the book club that I'm part of. We had a smaller group last night so it was the perfect time to use my crazy dishes. Back to that in a minute. When I got the table completely ready I realized that I wish it was set all the time. It just looks better.

Now back to my crazy dishes. Before Chase and I redid our dining room I had plates hanging all over the wall. So when we made the change I realized that my dream of having dinner with a bunch of random plates could become reality. However, honestly last night was the first time I've done it. Here's one of the place settings:

 Isn't it quirky and fun (two words I don't normally use to describe my style)?

I did want to show you a card. This is a very tall card. It's all about that patterned paper.

What do you think about unusually shaped cards? Obviously an envelope will be hard with this card, but it's fun!

Stamps: On the Desk (Cornish Heritage Farms) 

Ink: Onyx Black (Onyx Black (VersaFine) 

Patterned Paper: Happy Homemaker (Graphic 45) 

Cardstock: Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink) 

Fibers: Black and Cream Stripe (May Arts) 

Misc: Cream Stick (Jenni Bowlin), Black Pearls (Hero Arts)

Thanks for stopping by! Can you believe it's almost the end of March!

Visiting the PCD Flickr Group!

Wow you all are GOOD. I wanted to jump on here really quick and pick a random winner to get a little ribbon candy from me, but I've totally gotten sucked in! There is really some amazing work there. If you haven't looked lately you should check it out here.

I got a random number from Random.org...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

88

Timestamp: 2010-03-25 02:56:29 UTC

#88 is this amazing card by Stephanie. 

Stephanie email me at CourtneyMBaker@gmail.com!

2 Sketches 4 You #48

There is really some fabulous patterned paper out there these days. I'm loving so many different lines right now. I pulled out my fabulous Webster Page's papers and got to work on Laura's sketch:

Because I finally cut into my Reflections Life Portrait's paper. It's been my favorite background for awhile now.

Stamps: Regal Greetings (Ippity by Unity)

Ink: Onyx Black (VersaFine)

Ribbon: Netting, Black Satin (May Arts)

Patterned Paper: Reflections, Established and True, Dreamland (Webster's Pages)

Punch: Apron Lace (Fiskars)

Pearls: White (Prima)

Plaid Flower

I love plaid. Really I have a plaid obsession. I thought it had bleed into my wardrobe until I actually purchase a plaid shirt. Yea, it didn't really work for me. But when it comes to paper... LOVE IT. Maybe I'll just cut up that Urban Outfitters shirt and use for a card... that would quite possibly the most expensive card I've ever made.

Okay, but back to this card. I used one of trees from Dawn's set to make the flower. It was actually totally inspired by a card Dawn sent me. It was so cute I had to do my own interpretation. 

Stamps: Funky Foliage (WPlus9), Where You Should Be, Friendship. Love. Miracles. (Unity Stamp Co.) Ink: Watermark Ink (VersaMark), Vintage Sepia (VersaFine), Snow Chalk Ink (Hero Arts) Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Old Olive (Stampin' Up!) Patterned Paper: Lush Brown Houndstooth (My Minds Eye), South Forty (October Afternoon) Button: Green Vintage Style Sew-On Button (Jenni Bowlin) Fibers: Burlap String (May Arts)

 Love that October Afternoon paper! 

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In the next few days I'll be visiting the Practicing Creativity Designs Flickr group give some goodies away to those of you that have uploaded there! I so appreciate it!

Celebrate Look Up!

In case you missed the announcement on Friday, You're Dandy and Look Up! are both back in stock! And I wanted to show you a card I made using Look Up!, and a quick video with another neat way to use the set.

Stamps: Look Up! (Practicing Creativity Designs); Furnishing Fun (Schlosser Designs) 

Ink: Onyx Black (VersaFine) 

Cardstock: Pure Luxury White (Gina K) - Card Base 

Patterned Paper: Friendly Fern, Sincerely (American Crafts), Blue Diamonds Paper (My Mind's Eye), Farmhouse, Peek-a-boo (October Afternoon) 

Fibers: Seafoam Linen, White Satin (May Arts), White Thread (Coats & Clark)

 And here's the video: 

You can also view it over on YouTube. 


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If you are local (or if you just want to come have some fun), I'll be teaching a class using PCD stamps at The Sassy Scrapper in Murfreesboro on Saturday, April 10! Email me at CourtneyMBaker@gmail.com for more details!



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The current EBTKS challenge is still going on! Come play along here.

You're Dandy and Look Up! Back in Stock

For those of you that have been patiently waiting, both stamp sets are back in stock over at the store  - wwww.practicingcreativitydesigns.com


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Chase and I are still in East Tennessee. We made one of the hardest hikes of my life today... more details Monday.

2 Sketches 4 You #48

Two challenges in two days! Now I'll warn you, this is not my normal style. But it really is fun to play outside the norm from time to time. Here's the sketch:

For my card, it really started out with this color scheme. I had been wanting to use these together for a few days, and what better way to use them together than cupcakes!

This card has a ton of bring. The grid paper from October Afternoon, I sprayed with Dazzling Diamonds from Tattered Angels. On the purple cardstock, I made my own little frame with some stickles. It's hard to see in the photo!

For the cupcakes I paper pieced them together and then added accents with glossy accents and my white Uni-Ball pen. I also popped up the icing with foam tape.


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I'll be taking a break from blogging for the next few days. Chase and I are leaving to go to Gatlinburg, TN (the mountains of TN) tonight.  I'll be visiting a VERY LARGE scrapbook store while I'm there, so I'll check back next week with my report on it!

Moxie Fab World: Doilies and Lace

It's been awhile since I've been able to play in a Moxie Fab challenge, and Cath always has some fun inspiration. But when I saw this doily challenge and I had just gotten a doily stamp from Hero Arts, I had to make time to play.

I love that netting. My friend Yvonne sent it to me! The only bad thing is I have no idea who made it, but it's really fun. I like how it adds a lot of texture but you can still see the star of the show!

For this card, I stamped the doily image (Hero Arts), with black ColorBox Ink and embossed with clear embossing powder. For the sentiment, I just curled it to match the curve of the doily, and added my embellishments! Fun and easy!

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Can I just say one of the things I love about card making is getting cards from other card makers! This week I got a card from Amy and Kelley! I just love how my letterpress boxes are being filled with such pretty cards from some great friends!

Fun with Pinwheels

So I had a totally different card that I made tonight, but I realized that it's in that neutral/no color thing again. So I thought I'd mix things up! Here's a fun card with some color!

Do you remember making those pinwheels in elementary? So fun. Basically you start with a square, score evenly across the square and fold. Fold in the middle and adhere two end together, repeat. And for the record Jenni Bowlin paper works perfectly for this. The paper is really easy to fold.

Stamps: On the Desk (Cornish Heritage Farms)
Ink: Onyx Black (VersaFine)
Cardstock: Regal Rose (Stampin' Up)
Pattered Paper: Pretty Plaid (Jenni Bowlin), Friendly Fern (American Crafts)
Fibers: Black Embroidery Thread (DMC), Black Thread (Coats and Clark)
Punch: Cropodile

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Have you gone to check out the EBTKS blog? Come join the new challenge!

EBTKS Challenge 11

It's time for another EBTKS Challenge. I had a lot of fun with this one. Kelley has a really fun sketch for you! But first let me show you what the sketch is based off, because I just love it. Kelley has one amazing craft room, she's just way organized. And that's coming from a type-A organized girl. Plus, she and I also share a love for vintage containers. Okay back to the picture.

Don't you love those buttons! So perfect for a craft room. And check out all those different containers of ribbon. I store mine the same way, but I like Kelley's super tall containers better! And here's the official sketch:

I had a lot of fun with with this one. After reviewing all the amazing entries for the fabric challenge, I was so inspired I had to break some more fabric out. Plus I got to play with a new Ippity stamp set I just got from Ashley.

I love how that chandelier looks when it's stamped on the muslin. So vintage.

Stamps: Regal Greetings (Ippity by Unity)

Ink: Black (Stazon), Onyx Black (VersaFine)

Cardstock: Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink); Basic Black (Stampin' Up!)

Fibers: Black Satin, Twine (May Arts), Black Thread (Coats & Clark)

Buttons: True Black (Papertrey Ink)

Fabric: Cream Muslin

So come tackle this sketch with us! And there's one fabulous prize as well. This challenge sponsor is Lawn Fawn. Kelly Marie is giving Petite Florals to the winner!

You can see all the other girl's work as well as Mister link over on the EBTKS blog.

I'm ready for Spring!

Really, every card I make these days has clouds, trees, grass, etc. I've never been so excited about mulch. Really, I can't wait to work in the yard.

I just wanted to show you this card I made. I really like how it turned out. Hope you all aren't sick of the trees and green! And I got to break out my You're Dandy set to make rays out of VersaMark. I just love VersaMark on Kraft cardstock.

Stamp: You're Dandy (Practicing Creativity), New Beginnings (Unity Stamp Co.)

Ink: Onyx Black (Versa Fine), Watermark Ink (VersaMark)

Cardstock: Kraft, Old Olive (Stampin' Up)

Patterned Paper: Refresh from Origins Collection (Basic Grey); New Apron from Cherry Hill Collection (October Afternoon)

Ribbon: Black Satin (May Arts)

Letters: Tiny Alpha White Black (Making Memories)

Yesterday was a good day...

I would say one of my favorite things is the world is laughing really hard. I mean really hard... that sore ab, can't breath, eye watering laugh. And although I laugh frequently I can honestly say I haven't laughed as hard as I did yesterday in a long time. I'm laughing right now just thinking about it. Chase and I try to walk Maddie as much as we can. So yesterday we started off on our walk. There is a creek that we pass on our walk, and since it was a beautiful day we let Maddie get a drink. And then this conversation starts:

Chase: Jump across the creek.
Me: No. Can you even jump across the creek?
Chase: Yea (walks down to the edge to scope things out)
Me: Are you really going to do it?
Chase: I don't know... do you think I should?
Me: Big boy that's up to you.

At this point I'm pretty sure he's going to jump it. And I honestly had every confidence that he would make it. Chase is actually one of most athletic people I know (and as a college athlete I've hung out with my fair share).

Chase does one more walk through. Reties his shoes. Runs toward the water... JUMPS... and

DOES NOT MAKE IT. He was very close maybe 6 inches short. He landed in that part of the creek where it is all mud and zero rocks. It honestly was one of the funniest moments of my life. I really wish you could have seen the lady that was passing on the trail as all this happened. And did I mention it wasn't like Chase got wet... he got muddy. Oh I'll just show you (and note this is after we walked all the way back and he had a chance to dry some).

A closer look...

Ah... I love it. What I love even more is that Chase wasn't even that upset, he was really just glad he was able to make me laugh. So made my day.

I did want to show you a card made with some of the May Arts ribbon I have over in the store. I'm so in love with this ribbon!

Don't you love that texture?

February CARDS

I almost forgot to post this little card. It honestly feels like I made this so long ago! I do still like the nice clean graphic feel of it. And don't you love the card on the front cover. Maile is so good.

Do you notice anything about my photograph? It was before I spent more time editing my photographs. Funny how much photoshop know how changes things. If you haven't gotten your copy of CARDS you should!

Just Because...

Did you see my subject? See... I can't name it anything outside my sentiment. I need a copywriter just for my blog posts.

Well I haven't been able to spend a lot of time crafting for the last few days, but tonight I was determined to make something. I have several new sets all calling my name. The one I decided to use is from my friend Dawn's new stamp line. I combined it with You're Dandy (currently out of stock, but I have more coming) and they really make a nice pair (don't you think Dawn?)

Originally I made the card without the little flowers, but I just wanted something on the grass. I just pulled out my o' Cropodile and started punching tiny little flowers. I think the way the dot curls up looks really cute in person.

Stamps: Funky Foliage (WPlus9); You're Dandy (Practicing Creativity)
Ink: Latte, Snow (Hero Arts Chalk); VersaMark (Tsukineko)
Cardstock: Sky Blue, Summer Sunrise, New Leaf (Papertrey Ink)
Ribbon: White Satin (May Arts)
Embossing Powder: White (American Crafts)

I distressed the edges of my tree. I thought they gave a nice fluffed look. Below they kind of just look like I didn't cut very well. Please excuse that. 

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Hey Losties... are you still glad Ben's still around?  

Look Up! - Sold Out

Just a quick update, we have just sold out of Look Up! I am so very thrilled with the response to the set, and I'm sorry to those of you that are still wanting the set. I have ordered more of the set, and I will have it back in stock soon!

For those of you that are starting to receive the set, don't forget to upload your cards, scrapbook pages, etc. to our Flickr group that feeds to our website! You can find the group here.

Oh and you'll have to go check out Laurel's card she just added to the Flickr group using Look Up! and You're Dandy. So cute.

I'll be back tomorrow with something crafty!

That's one big bow.

Okay, I didn't have anything else to call this post. Apparently I depend on my card's sentiment too much to name my post, and this card doesn't have one. I have been super busy this weekend and I didn't get to make anything until about 9:30 on Sunday. I had actually kind of started this card awhile back. I had borrowed (and still have) this set set from Kelley. I really liked the idea of using the buttons in the middle of this stamp. And I actually like that it doesn't have a sentiment. I have a couple's wedding shower to go to in a few weeks that I think it will be perfect for. This was also my first chance to use this ribbon.

I wanted to use a hat pin so bad... however I resisted. I'm sure if Tim Gunn had been in my craft room he would have said "Remember to edit." And edit I did.

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On the store front we are out of stock of You're Dandy again (THANK YOU). We will be ordering more, and I hope to have it back in stock soon. Also, if you are in middle Tennessee there are three stores that you can also find our stamps:

The Scrap Room - Lebanon, TN
The Sassy Scrapper - Murfreesboro, TN
Scrapbook'It - Algood, TN

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On another note I wanted to congratulate on of my best blog friends Kelly Marie on here new sets. The day we realized that we were doing the SAME thing was a special day. I know Kelly will do amazing things!

Look Up + Teal Twill

1.... 2... 3... breathe. Wow today was a whirlwind of a day! My to-do list is still a mile long, but it's fun! Oh and I wanted to say thank you all for your kind words regarding the site! It has been a lot of work over the past several weeks, but well worth the end result!

So if you missed the fun Look Up! is now available over on our website www.practicingcreativitydesigns.com as well as all of the May Arts ribbon. And from the look of things you all love May Arts ribbon as much as I do! And in honor of their ribbon here's a card I made using the banner from Look Up! and the Teal Twill, which I love.

Please excuse my American Crafts Remarks sticker. In person you can't see the sticker part, but I just couldn't get this picture without the flash. Bummer. Just a couple of fun things about this banner...

1. I cut off one banner to make the banner the perfect size for my hand-lettered sentiment.
2. If you want to make your banner longer, simple keep stamping the banner end to end.
3. Add ribbon to the end of the banner to give it a fun twist!

And did you guys go check out these girls blogs today? Even more Look Up! fun!

Kelley
Kay
Cindy
Paulina

I'm about to crash! I hope you all have a great Sunday tomorrow and thank you for your support. You all are the best... seriously.

Introducing Look Up!

Look Up!

Look Up! is a 4x6 set with 16  high quality photopolymer stamps. This set is so fun to play with. Many of the pieces work together so you can combine the pieces to give your cards a custom look. Even the sentiments fit perfectly in the cloud shape. This set also works great with You're Dandy!

See this set, our new store, and our new ribbon here!

And here's just a sampling of some of the ribbon!

Shipping for U.S. Customers is a flat $4

AND for a limited time we have a flat rate of $6 for our international customers. 

International mail will be sent via USPS First Class International.

Look Up! - Winner

It's time to announce the winner of Look Up!, but first I wanted to thank you all for your comments this week. I'll be honest it's not easy to put yourself out there. You never really know if people will love or hate what you've created. So THANK YOU! Really. THANK YOU.

So let's get on with the winner...

Here are your random numbers:

220

Timestamp: 2010-03-06 02:31:02 UTC

Number 220... that's...

naomi chokr said...

love it love it love!!!! i love what you and your team has done with your new creation!!! amazing work!!

Naomi, email me your address at CourtneyMBaker@gmail.com!

Now our website will be up in no time, and since we have a whole new look for the site I wanted to give you all an updated banner!




<center><a href="http://www.practicingcreativitydesigns.com"><img border="0" src="http://i966.photobucket.com/albums/ae143/CourtneyMBaker/RotatingPCD.gif" /></a></center>

What do you think about the look for our store? I love the fresh look. Here are just a few features of the site:

-Product Reviews
-Gallery
-Wish List
-Account Login

I hope you'll come check it out! Oh and don't forget about the May Arts ribbon we will be carrying!

Look Up! - Day 4

Look Up! will be available tonight at midnight at our new site with a whole new look! I think you'll love it! Plus, you'll get to see all of that gorgeous May Arts ribbon! Speaking of May Arts ribbon I've got some of that beautiful twill ribbon to show you on my card today and some super talented girls to show you what they made with Look Up!

For this card I broke out some old Cosmo Cricket paper because it just looked so fun with the balloon. Did you notice the birds? That's actually a stamp that you haven't seen so far. I think they are so fun and nostalgic for me.

And now you'll have to go check out these girl's cards. They really created some amazing cards with Look Up!

Paulina has flawless execution with her cards! And don't miss those clouds in the back that's actually from You're Dandy! Don't you love the way she paper pieced that large balloon and the way she used the sentiment?

Kay has that style that you can totally spot a mile away. When I saw this card it just screamed Kay to me! Also, you'll have to check her blog for another super creative card she made with the set! You may not even recognize that it's Look Up! Really my jaw dropped.

Cindy made such a fun card. Her cards are always loaded with details and right on the cutting edge. I love how she angled the balloon half off and half on the card.

Kelley has helped me with every set so far. It's so nice to have someone in real life that 100% gets what you are doing, and Kelley is so that for me. I can't tell you the number of pep talks/advice she's given me. She's such a great friend and a totally fabulous card maker too.

I love how she designed this card. The super tall card works so well with the balloons! And notice she used the clouds from You're Dandy too!

So go check out those cards for a better look... and there will be more from all of these girls!

Paulina

Kay
Cindy 

Kelley

Many of you have asked me this week if I've ever been in a hot air balloon and the answer is AHHH NOOOO! I'm actually pretty afraid of heights. We have a two story entry so when we painted it (as in we I mean Chase) I literally had to sit on the ground. I was afraid to even stand up while he was up there. I think it would be really cool though. Maybe one day... with medication. If any of you have been in one I'd love to hear about it!

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Today's the last day to comment and get another entry in for winning the set! I'll draw the winner tonight at 10 pm Eastern Time.

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As we are moving to our site, it's time that we have an official design team. In the next few weeks we will be having a design team call! I wanted to give you all a heads up in the hope that you will have time to consider it. More details coming soon!