Shamrock Chickie

I hope you enjoyed Monday's haul video. Better late than never, right? I still can't believe that I had forgotten all about it!! This past weekend I made another haul video and a start to finish Easter card video. Going to get them edited and I promise to not forget to post them! ;)

I just love this little shamrock chickie and was so excited about getting to pull him out once again! I paired him with one of the brand new backgrounds....

 

 He's just so cute and I can't get enough of that gingham background stamp either, I've gotten to the point where I quit putting it away, lol! It has prime position on my desk at the moment :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Tips and Tricks - February 2013 (haul video)

Hi everone! Ya'll are not going to believe how far behind in blogging I am! Back in January when I received my order for the new DeNami spring / summer 2013 release I made a haul video. Then valentines happened! I ended up making so many creations that I was posting everyday and I had to make room for my very first start to finish card video, so I pushed back my poor little haul video. Well, have you heard of the saying "out of sight out of mind"? Don't ask me how, but I completely forgot all about the haul video, ohh my!!! The other day I was looking at my You Tube account and there it was, sitting there in the dark all covered with cobwebs and dust being neglected. I thought it was time to pull it out, dust it off and share...

Link to supplements and checklists:  www.denamidesign.com/checklists.html

 Honestly, these videos are not easy to make so I can't believe I forgot all about it! Ugh, I'm a nut case for sure, lol! Well, at least I've had a chance to play with some of the new images at this point and can confidently tell you that I LOVE them and that you will too! Have you gotten any of the new release and which ones are your favorites so far?


This past weekend I made another haul video (took advantage of the Presidents day sale) AND I made a new start to finish card video for you featuring a cute and easy Easter theme. I just purchased some video editing software (was using the free editing tools from YouTube) so as soon as I figure it all out I'll be posting them and I promise to not make you wait too long ;)

That's it for me today, thanks for stopping by!

Craft Dash #12

I know it's Saturday, and I promise to keep this short!! I just wanted to throw out my contribution to the latest 10 Minute Craft Dash on the Pretty Pink Posh blog. I just LOVE the colors chosen for this time around. I had come up with an idea that I was saving just for this challenge because I thought it would be perfect for doing quickly....

As usual, I jotted down my idea on scratch paper (good thing because the stamp I wanted to use was too big so I pulled out the smaller one) and set out all of the things I would need...

Don't ya just love the contrast of your area when you're done....

I can't believe how messy this challenge makes me, lol!! I'm normally a very clean crafter...I can't stand my ink open and clean my stamps immediately.

Here's my finished card, hope you like it :)

 

This took a total of 9 minutes and 40 seconds! Would have been just a tad shorter but that bow was giving me a heart attack ;)

 

I have to run and I did promise to keep it short! Ohh and I just might have a little video scheduled for Monday....

 

Thanks for stopping by!!

 

 

 

a note of thanks

Recently I received a surprise package in the mail from a sweet friend (that we all know & love), Paulina Nakamura. We had been discussing some darling wood veneers that she had recently purchased from one of her blog sponsors over on her Pretty Pink Posh blog, Ellen Hutson. I've never tried them out and was pretty hesitant to give them a try. Like most crafters, I have a drawer full of odds and ends that I've tried out but soon realized they just didn't "fit" me. Paulina knows me and my style of crafting very well and definitely had confidence in these cuties being a great fit.  I can't believe she sent some to me, how sweet is that??!!??

She's a pretty smart girl cause I LOVE these little veneers!! Of course I had to use one to thank her for her amazing gift :)

For my sentiment, I ended up using 2 contraband sentiments from Lawn Fawn (free gifts) and 2 DeNami sentiments from the everyday greetings & assorted greetings petit four sets. I raised my little flags up on foam tape for lots of dimension.

There's a link on the Pretty Pink Posh blog for the Ellen Hutson web site, be sure to check it out. This site has a ton of fun card making and scrapbooking goodness at an affordable price.

At the end of the rainbow...

Can you believe February is almost over? Where is 2013 going, time is flying by me at 100 miles an hour lately and I wish it would slow down so I could take a breath! WOW!

Here at DeNami Addict I'm gearing up for St. Patrick's day and Easter. I had so much fun making St. Patty cards and can't wait to share them with you :)

I finally got a chance to pull out my new images from DeNami and play. How could I resist this cute little chickie scene? I added crystal lacquer to the rainbow then sprinkled in just a little bit of extra fine glitter on it for a touch of sparkle. For the back ground I used a couple of stamps from 2 petite four sets; Garden Accents and Lucky Irish stamp sets.

Thanks for stopping by!

Tool Talk - February 2013

Hello, it's Paulina here.

I'm so thrilled to be bringing you a special post here on the DeNami Addict blog today. When Tina contacted me a couple months back about this feature, I was so honored she would ask me to share with you. After all, many of you see me on the DeNami blog, so I figured you might be a tad bit tired of hearing from me. *wink*

Today is the second month of the Tool Talk feature and boy, it was a tough decision trying to narrow down my favorite tool. After pondering for a few weeks, I finally decided I wanted to share my love of the Big Shot machine with all of you. I hope I didn't scare you away.....I know it's a pricey item. I want to share all of the reasons I LOVE my machine and how it's been an investment I wish I made sooner. 

Reasons I love my Big Shot Machine:

1) It's sturdy and reliable. I considered getting a Cuttlebug, but after trying it, decided it was a little too flimsy for what I needed. I've had my Big Shot machine for over two years and haven't had any problems.

2) You can use embossing folders in it to create dry embossed backgrounds. (I have yet to find a brand that doesn't work with my machine) 

3) With die cuts becoming popular at record speeds, there are all sorts of shapes, borders and templates you can cut. 

4) After the initial investment of the machine, the standard dies are very affordable. 

5) It's taken my crafting to a whole new level!

I couldn't rave about my machine without showing you a card showcasing a couple ways to use it. Below is a card that uses a decorative shape I die cut, and dry embossed with a folder.  

I just love the texture and elegance that was created using my machine. Intrigued? I have a great source where you can get this machine at a discounted price and also the items I used today. Visit the Pretty Pink Posh site for all the details and more pictures of today's card! 

Thank you for letting me share with you all today. I hope you'll consider purchasing a die cut machine- it will change your crafting life forever. :) 

I'd like to personaly thank our guest, Paulina for taking the time to speak to us today about her Big Shot and there's even MORE fun to be had on her blog today. She's made a video and gives even more insight on why she loves this very versatile tool!

Elegant color combo...

I would have to say that my very favorite color combo would be black and white with a pop of another color thrown in. It's classic, beautiful and can also be fun on occasions. You can NEVER go wrong with it in my opinion. It also just happens to fit with the latest challenge over at Cas-ual Fridays!

 

Here's what I came up with...

I was going for an older/distressed look so I inked up my stamp and stamped it lightly on scrap paper before stamping it on my panel. Something like this can easily be used for a wedding, anniversary or even Valentines day. You could also easily change out the sentiment and the pop of color and have a card for just about any occasion. Thinking a nice blue or orange would even work for a guy friendly card.

Don't forget to stop back in on Monday for our fun new feature: Tool Talk. I have a very special guest all lined up to tell you about her favorite not to mention very useful tool. After seeing what she has to say about it, she pretty much has me wanting to ditch what I use and get one for myself!!

Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

With Love...

I have been busy busy busy making some Valentines day cards. If you're like me, you're ALWAYS pressed for time and then there's always that last minute card that you forgot you needed. This one couldn't have been easier or faster to throw together.

I cut my panels (edge punched the pink one) and stamped the heart swirl in light pink randomly all over my white panel, then stamped the brushed heart in purple and using a dark pink stamped the solid heart outline in the middle of the brushed heart. I added the sentiment from the love sentiments set randomly all over. I attached my panels and added a bit of pink/purple heart Washi and well-ah, there you have a finished easy peasy card that took less than 10 minutes and it has plenty of color and depth to it.

Thanks for stopping by!

love letter

I had the idea to create a love letter card. I sat at my desk with a pencil and scratch paper thinking on how to achieve something like that. My mind ran over all of my DeNami stamps deciding how best to achieve it.  My first thought was to use this cute little heart stamp image, but I wanted my card to look more shabby chic than fun and cute. I ended up using a stamp I had in my "contraband stash" by 7 Gypsies for my postage.

For the "send to" area I somewhat randomly stamped a border 3 times then stamped pink hearts over that and added a little sentiment. I decided it needed to be distressed to I added a few swipes of ink and roughened up the edges. A little twine and matching button finished it all off.

Thanks for Stopping by!!

 

Polka dot hearts

I decided to pull out one of my favorite layouts. You would not believe how easy this little cutie was to throw together.

I only had to use one little stamp set for this card...Hearts stamp set, it's a darling little petit four set. I  started off by stamping one of the hearts in light pink onto a white card base. I cut and stacked red (punched edge, magenta and pink panels. For the white panel I used the same stamp and light pink ink from the card base and stamped more hearts then chose a different heart from the set and stamped over them in  a darker pink. I added a little ribbon/bow and a fussy cut heart to finish it off.  DeNami had the PERFECT Washi tape to match those darling little hearts, so I added a strip to my card base before adhering my panels.

 Easy peasy and probably only took about 15 minutes to throw together which includes pulling everything out and cutting all of my panels. You can even change this card up by adding a little sentiment on a banner coming out from the bow or stamp one directly on below the Washi tape. If you give this little easy layout a try be sure to let me know, I'd love to see what you came up with! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

The Project Corner - Valentines Day

If you're looking for my Adorable Animal blog hop card, it's one post down. Make sure to leave a comment on all of the hop posts for the best chances to win a DeNami gift certificate! 

Hi everyone and welcome to The Project Corner. I'm a few days early with this post, but Valentines Day  creeped up on me pretty quickly and I really wanted you to see the cute kid friendly projects I came up with. I know that many of you have little ones at home and are always trying to find little projects for them. So today I have two cute and easy little Valentines Day projects for the kiddo's to make (with a little help of course).

This first one is super super easy....

I simply stamped the large butterfly and fussy cut it out. After it was colored (unfortunately I didn't have a kiddo handy to do this) I punched 2 holes and using a pipe cleaner, attached it to the sucker. I brought the pipe cleaner up and twisted it around the "head" of the butterfly and formed her little antenas. To finish it off just add some googly eyes and well-ah...a pretty little Valentine Butterfly perfect for Grandma, Daddy or even a teacher. *note: after your child colors the butterfly, have him/her write a message on the back.

This second project is a little bit more involved, but with a little help or if you have an older child, I think it can be managed perfectly. I actually made this for my hubby for our 22nd anniversary last fall but it can EASILY be made with a Valentine in mind. We are way cheesy and enjoy quirky little things like this....

Stamps Used:
Teeny Swiss Dot
Teeny Heart
Teeny Heart Background
Small Heart outline
Meduim Brushed Heart
Solid Heart Outline

I simply took two pieces of cardboard (one 8 1/2 X 11 and the other slightly larger - 9 X 11 1/2) and covered them with black cardstock (wrapping it around the edge and then placing a piece over it on the back side to cover the edges). I then stamped my panels (made slightly smaller than the 8 1/2 X 11 panel) and adhered them to the front cover (the smaller piece). As you can see, I simply found some fun images via Google and using the Word program on my computer made a fun and cheesy "story", but how fun would it be to fill your book with some drawings or coloring pages by your little one? *tip - go to google, click the images tab and then type in "coloring pages + Valentine" and it will give you loads of fun coloring book pages to print off for a fun afternoon of coloring enjoyment ;)* To finish it all off I simply punched some holes and bound my book using random twine & ribbons. I had such fun making this project and hubby LOVED it. This would even be a fun project for just about any theme...birthdays, Mothers Day, Fathers Day....

Here's a few cute images to get you started (click on them to enlarge then right click and choose "save picture as". Now you can go into your pictures file and simply print it to the size you choose.)

Well that's it for me today.  I hope I've inspired you to start a project with your little ones.  :)

Adorable Animals - February 2013 blog hop

Well hello everyone, I'm betting you've had a real fun time so far! You're about half way at this point so there's plenty more eye candy coming up!! You should have arrived here from the uber fun, talented and awesome, Amy Smidebush. If not, no worries, just head back to the DeNami blog for the full list of participants.

 

Here's all the important info:

When: The blog hop starts on February 10th at 6 AM, PST. However, you have until February 11th, 2013, 11:59 pm PST, to leave comments on all the blogs (to be eligible for a prize).
 

Why: To be inspired by fun DeNami Design creations and also the chance to win mini shopping sprees on the DeNami Design website!
 

Prizes: We are giving away THREE $20 gift certificates to our website! We'll be giving away one gift certificate to a random participant (DT members not eligible) and then we'll also be giving away TWO gift certificates to TWO people who comment along the hop!

 

So remember to leave those comments ladies...who wouldn't LOVE a chance at a DeNami gift certificate...I know I would!

 

 

I had a hard time deciding what to make for this hop! DeNami has soooo many wonderful animal images that the decision was agonizing....sigh. From the ever lovable signature Chickie collection to the little farm animals, they have a furry little critter for everyone's tastes :)

 

I decided that since Easter is on it's way and will be here before we know it, I'd pull out the sweet little bunny border. The first time I saw this image I fell head over heals. It's pretty versatile too so what a win win for me! I've decided to go for a sweet soft look today but this image can easily be changed up by coloring the bunnies "bunny color" and by adding grass & flowers around them. Throw a little butterfly frying around and you've created a perfect little scene.

 

I started with a white card base, added a raised panel that I dry embossed and edged, then layered on another raised panel that I had stamped and added twine to. For my image, I stamped it in a soft pink the added just a touch of pink chalk to the bunnies before adding a little fluff to soften them even more and give them some dimension.

This card would also be perfect for welcoming a new baby by simply changing out the sentiment (and color for a boy)

 

I've kept you long enough so it's time to visit with a seriously sweet & talented gal, Emily Keaton. Don't forget to leave comments along the way for a chance to win a DeNami gift certificate!! :)

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!!

 

layers of lace and love

My fave stamp company + a really unique / fun challenge = puffy heart love!! Which is fitting since that's the challenge theme ;)

Today I'm bringing you a little card that brings two things I really love together...DeNami is the sponsor of the latest 10 minute Craft Dash over on the Pretty Pink Posh blog.

Do you know what I love most about Valentines Day cards? it gives me an excuse to use the prettiest color palettes! Red + pink together = happy happy happy...sigh (wait, I'm starting to think that there is WAY too much "math" going on for one post, haha). And for Valentines I can use as much as I want!! (hehehe)

Talk about a quick card to put together...it doesn't get much easier and faster than this little cutie! It took a grand total of 7.56 minutes, and that included doing all the stamping, coloring, glitter and edge punching!! (sorry, no pictures of my desk this time, I started cleaning up then realized I forgot to take the pictures...uggg!) I had my cardstock, punch, stamps, ink, markers and glitter laid out. I started off with a red card base then using magenta, pink & white cardstocks, cut the panels and punched the edges. I stamped my white panel with some yummy new DeNami stamps (cupid chickie & whimsical valentine set) and a beautiful older sentiment as center stage. I colored the chickie then adhered it to the card and finished it up by adding a little glitter. Isn't that cupid chickie the most adorable thing ever?? I'm TOTALLY smitten with him!

 

That's it for me today, I'll see you right back here on Sunday for the DeNami blog hop. You aren't going to want to miss this one...Adorable Animals!! To follow the hop simply go to the DeNami blog Sunday morning for the list of participants. Don't forget to leave your comments along the way to be entered for the DeNami gift certificate give away. Thanks for stopping by!

XOXOXO's

I decided to revive a little layout I did quite a while ago. The little band of fringe makes me smile, what a fun element!

And seriously, how can you not like pink and chocolate...it's one of my favorite color combos and you can never go wrong with it! This is such a quick little card to put together. The fringe is way easy to make using your paper trimmer. I simply used the measurement lines to evenly space them apart and the ribbon hides the varying lengths of the cuts (I can get them close, but not perfect). After adhering the fringe I fiddled with / feathered it so that it doesn't lay all flat. Go ahead, give it a try...it's easier than you think and is a very unexpected element to your card that adds lots of depth and fun texture.

Thanks for stopping by!

Hanging Hearts

Blogger note: Ooops! I scheduled the proper date, but not the proper time...sorry the post is late!!!


It's not often that I fall in love with one of my own cards, but I really love the Christmas card I made with little hanging ornaments. I thought I'd try it again only with some pretty little hearts.

I'm so happy with the way this turned out. I just love the pink and celery color palette and who doesn't love LOTS of glitter!?!?

Thanks for stopping by!

"Bee" Mine

Hi everyone. Today I have a little Valentines Day card to share with you that I made for my hubby. He loves honey bees....don't ask, I have no clue what the heck is wrong with that boy. ;)  He officially became a bee keeper last spring and is fully enjoying it. Me...well, not so much. I'm just not into bee's and getting stung...call me crazy! HAHAHA

For Christmas he started me a little charm bracelet and even bought me this little cutie to go on it because he says I'm his "Queen Bee". So for valentines I though I'd make him something with a cute little bee. I wanted to keep it simple so I dry embossed a honey comb pattern on the yellow panel then stamped the frame and sentiment on a white panel and filled it in by randomly stamping the brushed bee and swiss dot. Normally I would have added ribbon and glitter to really dress it up but since it is for my hubby I had to hold back. ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

DeNami Happenings - Feburary 2013

Hi everyone and welcome to another issue of DeNami Happenings! Seems like forever since I just sat and chatted with you. I know I had a news letter for January, but with the hustle and bustle of the Holidays, the new release and coming up with new and fun things here on the blog I feel like I've been neglecting you a little. So happy that things have started to calm down and we are all getting back into our groove...well, that is until next November ;)  when we all get crazy again!

As you know, DeNami Design had a new release last month. It was HUGE! I really like the cling stamps but am so used to the wood that I was happy they mixed it up for us and brought back both types. The wood block stamps take up a lot of real estate, but there's just something about them that I puffy heart. As my Christmas present, I got to "have it all". That's one present I didn't mind waiting until after Christmas for. Well, I kinda minded waiting...hehehe. All those yummy sneak peeks just about gave me a stroke, lol!! How can something be so fun and make you crazy all at the same time? ;)  

 

At the top of the blog you'll notice a tab for DeNami Collections. This is where I, along with other  DeNami Addicts, have linked up pictures of our DeNami collection. I just LOVE seeing what everyone has in their collections. Also, it lets you see the actual stamp VS. just the image. You can better judge the size and how a stamp looks...if you're like me, that's very handy. I've even purchased a few stamps after seeing them in someones collection. I'd seen them on the DeNami site before, and they just didn't manage to catch my eye, but seeing them "in real life", it just gave the image a total new perspective. The link is still open and I think I can speak for everyone, we'd love for you to add your collection too. I've updated my pictures to include my latest purchases and there just may be a little haul video right after the hustle & bustle of Valentines is over ;)

Speaking of the tabs at the top of the blog, I've added a new page recently; Tutorials & Tips. I thought you might like an easy reference guide on some of the things I cover on the blog. I've listed all of the Tips & Tricks posts along with the tutorials I've done (for the DeNami blog) and the two newest features here on the blog, Tool Talk and the Start To Finish Card Videos.

If there's ever a subject you'd like covered, just shoot me an e-mail. If I don't know how to do it, I'll sure work hard on finding someone that does!

Did you know that besides this blog, I run a YouTube channel and am on Facebook? I have posted my haul videos, a tips & Tricks video and the start to finish Valentine card video on YouTube, I can't wait to make more. We just got our 65th "like" on Facebook the other day...My goodness that is exciting!! I can't believe I have 1, much less 65! All of you gals ROCK...thank you so much :) 

In last months DeNami Happenings I mentioned a few new features were in the works here on the Addict blog. They've all 3 had their debut and I hope you liked them. Tool Talk and The Project Corner will definitely be monthly features, however, the start to finish card videos probably won't be monthly. I know that you love videos, so I'll try to make as many as I can, but there's just no way to manage them on a monthly basis. I had a great time making my valentine card video for you and can't wait to make another one! They definitely aren't going to go away ;)

I wanted to tell all of you just how amazing you truly are. I was overwhelmed with your wonderful comments here on the blog and on Facebook concerning my Washi Tape Tips & Tricks post. I'm just speechless with the love I felt. Thank you everyone!! And now what you've really been waiting for!! I want to thank everyone that left a comment on last week's Tips & Tricks post for a chance to win 2 rolls of DeNami Washi Tape. Our Winner is Sue...

Please send me an E-mail letting me know which 2 Washi tapes you'd like and I'll get them ordered right away so that Paulina can get them out to you. Even if you didn't win, hopefully you try some Washi Tape out for yourself. Be sure to stop by and let me know, I'd love to see what you did with it!

Well that's going to wrap up this post. Hope to see you here on the Addict blog again soon and I still have a ton of Valentine eye candy to show you! Thanks for stopping by!