CSS Inspiration Hop

Hello and welcome to our final blog hop as the CSS Alumni Group. For our final hop we have a bright and snowy photo to use as our inspiration.

I took the colors and the abundant snow as my inspiration and used an older set called Winter Friends to make this Christmas card.

I hope you have time to travel the entire blog hop. Hopefully you came from Lori McAree's blog. If not, please start at the beginning over at StampTV and stop by all the CSS Alumni member's blogs to see how they were inspired by our snowy photo.

And...

Make sure to leave a comment as you go along because we will choose a random comment and that stamper will win a grab bag of Gina K. Designs products! Look for the announcement on Tuesday, December 24.

If you came from Lori's blog then your next stop is...

Miesje Flach

CSS Thankful Hop

Good evening and welcome to another CSS Alumni blog hop. For this hop the theme is "Thankful". You should have just come from Miesje's blog where she shared her beautiful thankful project. If not, you will want to start at the beginning of the hop over at StampTV.com. Make sure to leave a comment as you go along because we will choose a random comment and that stamper will win a grab bag of Gina K. Designs products! Look for the announcement on Tuesday, November 26th.

This time of year in the US many people are preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday. This brings being thankful to the forefront for many. I for one am thankful every day for the blessings God constantly provides to me. I am especially thankful for my creative gifts and the pleasure I get from being able to stamp, sew, crochet to name a few. If it weren't for my mom taking time to do crafty stuff with me as a kid, I may not be doing all the fun creative things I do today. So my "Thankful" card is meant for my mom to tell her how much appreciate her teaching me to be crafty.

I used a fun set illustrated by Theresa Momber called Up and Away! I love how simple it is to just stamp the balloon images on pattern paper and cut them out for cute hot air balloons. The sentiment is from a set illustrated by Melanie Muenchinger called Holiday Basket.

Now head over to Lori's blog to see her thankful project.

CSS Spring Has Sprung Hop

It's time again for another CSS Alumni Blog Hop. If you are following the hop from the beginning you should have come from Lori's blog. If not, you will want to start over at StampTV.com and see what all CSS Alumni have created for the challenge.

Our theme for this hop is Spring Has Sprung. Of course when most people think of spring they think of flowers. I think of my favorite flower of all time, a simple white daisy. I cut the petal layers using a Silhouette cut file. The center is a circle stamped with the dotted image from the set Lovely Ladybug. The sentiment is also from that same set. I used the Sketch #432 from SplitCoastStampers for this week. I thought it was perfect to allow the flower take center stage. The photo is a little blurry, the flower looks so stunning in real life. I think I will make a whole bunch of these flowers and put them in a vase to admire.

Now head over to Miesje's blog to see what Springy creation she has to share.

CSS Sketch Challenge

Today I am sharing a sketch card for the CSS Alumni blog hop. You most likely came from Miesje's blog. If not you should head over to StampTV and start from the beginning of the blog hop to see what everyone in the group has made with this sketch.

I used the cute set You Say Goodbye, And I Say Ello. I flipped the sketch to make it work for my card.

Now hop over to Lori's blog to see what she made with the sketch.

Make sure to leave a comment as you go along because we will choose a random comment and that stamper will win a grab bag of Gina K. Designs products! Look for the announcement on Tuesday, April 16.

CSS Alumni Color Challenge Hop

It's time again for a StampTV Center Stage Alumni blog hop. Several of the members of the CSS Alumni DT are sharing their projects for this hop. You most likely came from Lori's blog. If you did not, then please make sure you hop over to StampTV to start at the beginning. You will want to leave comments along the way for a chance to win some FREE stuff. And with our wallets being pretty empty this time of year, who doesn't want a chance to win some free stamp supplies. Get the details below.

This month we were challenged to make a Christmas Card with non-traditional Christmas colors. That means no Red and no Green. I decided to use Purple, Gray and White.

My inspiration for the colors came from paper in a My Minds Eye 6x6 pad called Christmas Wish. There are some fun papers that have purples, grays and blues. So I what is more non-Christmas traditional than purple. I also used a stamp from a set that was not made for Christmas. The square stamp with the beautiful flourish is from the set called Block Greetings illustrated by Tami Mayberry. The sentiment is from one of the past StampTV Kits called Holiday Greetings.

Make sure to leave a comment as you hop along because on Friday morning (December 21), we will randomly choose one of the comments from all the blogs and that person will receive a huge grab bag of fabulous Gina K. Designs Stamps!

Now head over to Miesje's blog to see what she has to share.

StampTV CSS Sketch Challenge Hop

Welcome to another StampTV CSS blog hop. This month we are using a Sketch created by Melissa Cash.

You should have come from her blog here if you are following along the hop from the beginning. If not, I recommend starting at StampTV and hopping though the list of CSS members who are sharing the project they've made with the sketch. You will want to comment on each blog post for a chance to win some free rubber.  Details are listed at the end of this post.

I am soooo ready for winter. I am loving fall of course. The wonderful cool mornings and beautiful colors. And especially Pumpkin Spice Chai and Lattes from Starbucks. Yum! But nothing beats winter and snow for me. So my card is ready for winter with a big warm hug. :)

I used the Warm and Wonderful set illustrated by Rupa Shevde. I love this set with all it's knitted warmness. And I love the sentiment I used on my card. Isn't that a great way to send a big hug to someone far away?
I used one of my favorite color combos Red, Blue and White with a splash of Green. The red card stock is Pure Luxury Red Hot.

Now it is time to hop over to Miesje's blog to see what she has to share.

And remember you need to comment for a chance to win some free rubber. Here are the details:
Leave a comment as you hop along because on Tuesday morning (October 30), we will randomly choose one of the comments from all the blogs and that person will receive a huge grab bag of fabulous Gina K. Designs Stamps!

Ginak CSS Color Challenge Blog Hop

Welcome to a color combination challenge blog hop hosted by members of the Gina K.' CSS Alumni team. Today we are featuring hand drawn sets designed by Melanie Muenchinger and Theresa Momber. As you hop along make sure to leave a comment because on Tuesday morning (September 25), we will randomly choose two comments from all the blogs and two lucky individuals will receive a Gina K. Designs Stamps set each (the winners will receive either a set designed by Melanie Muenchinger or Theresa Momber).

You should have come from Melissa's blog. If not you will want to start from the beginning at StampTV to enjoy the whole hop.

I made several projects using Theresa's set Autumn Beauty and the colors for our color challenge Fresh Asparagus, Pumpkin Spice and Sweet Corn. Doesn't that make you hungry?

Here is a fun little box that can be filled with some fall goodies. The sunflower from Autumn Blessings looks perfect with this.

I also made some cards with the sunflower and the pumpkin images. 

Now head over to Miesje's blog to see what she has to share with you.

You should also check out Melanie's and Theresa's blogs. They have some special to share for this blog hop as well.

StampTV CSS Color Challenge

This month the CSS Alumni group is doing a Color Challenge based on this photo

The colors are Pink, Purple and Green.

If are following along the hop, you just came from Kay's blog. If not, you can start the hop here at StampTV and see what everyone from the CSS group did with these fabulous colors.

My card is actually huge, 5 1/4" x 9 1/2". To see it up close you can click the picture above.

I used pattern papers from a Stella Rose pad by MME that I bought yesterday. There are some great patterns with greens and pinks. The purple paper is from K&Company's Sweet Nectar pad.  I also added a bit of blue-green for the "sky" behind my hanging onesies and pennants.  I used  Wee Tees and Perfect Pennants. The grass, banner and small green pennants were cut with my Silhouette Cameo.  I added some purple/white baker's twine, some silver brads and a purple button.  The "clothespins" are small pieces of Kraft card stock.

Now hop on over to Miesje's blog to see gorgeous project she has to inspire you with.  And don't forget to comment on each blog along the way for a chance to win a grab bag full of stamps. Thursday, June 12th the random winner will be announced over at StampTV.  Good Luck and have a great weekend.

CSS Color Challenge

This month we have a color challenge to share with you. If you are following along you just came from Linda's blog. If not you should start at the beginning and hop through all of the blogs. And leave comments on each blog for a chance to win some free rubber. Tuesday morning (March 20), we will randomly choose one of the comments from all the blogs and that person will receive a huge grab bag of fabulous Gina K. Designs Stamps!


I chose the colors for this month. I was in a Pier One store a few weeks ago and fell in love with some dishes that contain my favorite colors. So here they are for our color challenge this month.

For my card I used iSpy Sketch 6.

Stamp Set: Faithful Florals
Card Stock: Green Apple, Turquoise Sea, & Sweet Corn

Now head over to Miesje's blog to continue on the hop.

CSS February Blog Hop

This month we have an Inspirational Photo.

If you are following the hop from the beginning, you should have come from Meisje's blog. If not you should start from the beginning so you don't miss any of the inspiration this week. And make sure to leave a comment as you hop along because on Tuesday morning (February 14), we will randomly choose one of the comments from all the blogs and that person will receive a huge grab bag of fabulous Gina K. Designs Stamps!

I was inspired by the shape and layout of the buildings in the photo. I used strips of paper to simulate that look. I used a sentiment stamp from the Smile set.

Now head over to Linda's blog and see what she has to share.

CSS Alumni Sketch Challenge

We have a fun sketch to share with you for this StampTV CSS Blog Hop. You can make some fun simple cards with this one. You should have come from Miesje's blog. Wasn't that a fabulous card? If you did not find your way here from her blog, then you will want to start at the beginning over at StampTV. And make sure you leave comments on all the blog posts for a chance to win some FREE stamps.

I made two Christmas cards using some older sets. Here is the sketch.

And here are the cards I made with the sketch.

Now head over to Melissa's blog to see what she did with the sketch she designed for us to use.

Make sure to leave a comment as you hop along because on Tuesday morning (November 1), we will randomly choose one of the comments from all the blogs who will get a stamp set of their choice valued up to $24.95!

Stamps: Very Merry Christmas & Versatile Verses

CSS Card Drive For Kids

For this CSS Blog Hop we are sending cards to some amazing children and have a chance to win some stamp goodies. So you will want to pull out your supplies and play along.

We are sending uplifting cards to one or more of the following children:

Madison - Age 2
Logan - Age 2 (turning 3 on October 17th)
Tanner - Age 2 (turning 3 on December 25th)
Rebekah - Age 9 

To get you inspired, some of the CSS Alumni are sharing the cards they have made to send to the children. Here is the card I made for Rebekah.

You should have come from Melissa's blog. If not, please make sure you start from the beginning to the entire blog hop.

If you would like to play along and send cards to one or more of these children, please do the following:

Create age specific uplifting cards (NO Get Well or Sorry cards).
Write a message to the child and/or family and sign the card, including where you are from.
On the envelope write the name of the child and don't seal the envelope since the parents may want to read the cards first.
Mail the cards by October 31st to

Giovana Smith
Card Drive for Kids
181 Perry Way
Yakima, WA 98901

Include with the cards a piece of paper with your name, address, email address and blog (if you have one).

Here is a picture of the prize package

Including goodies from the following companies

Heartfelt Creations: 8 stamping sets + 1 Coordinated Die Set. Value: $150.00!
Gina K. Designs: 2 StampTV Kits: Value: $70.00 (Gina will send the prize direct to the winner!)
Unity Stamps: 10 Itty Bitty Stamps. Value: $70.00
SP & Company: 3 Stamp Set. Value: $40.00
Lawn Fawn Stamps: 2 Stamp Set: Value: $30.00
Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps: 1 Stamp Set. Value: $11.00
Spellbinders: 2 die sets!! (Not included in the picture)
Tombow: 6 packs of markers and several packs of adhesives (Not included in the picture)

Now head over to Miesje's blog to see what she has to share. And then start stamping some fun cards to send to these amazing children and make their day brighter.

CSS September Inspiration Blog Hop

Welcome to the CSS Inspiration Blog Hop. Carolina gave us this photo of a very inviting room from Ikea as our inspiration.

I love the texture on the headboard and bedspread. So that was my inspiration for my card. Sorry for the dark photo. We have not seen sun for days here in SE Pennsylvania.

I created the backdrop for the furniture with my Martha Stewart Score Board. I ran the chair through my Big Kick with a diamond embossing folder.

If you've been following the hop from the beginning, you should have come from Lori's blog. If not, you will want to start over at StampTV and follow the entire hop to be inspired. Then we invite you to play along and post your inspired creation over at StampTV.

Now head over to Peggy's blog next for more inspiration.

Supplies
Stamps: Fine Furnishings & Fine Furnishings Additions
Paper: Olive, Khaki, Chocolate, Vanilla & Cosmo Cricket Social Club - Martini Digital Paper
Ink: Brown Vivid Ink
Other: Chocolate & Vanilla Lace, Twine, Small Half Pearls

Paper Piecing with the CSS Alumni

Welcome to another CSS Alumni Blog Hop. This time we are having fun with one of my favorite techniques, paper piecing. If you are following along from the beginning, you just came from Karen's blog and I know she wowed your socks off. If not, then you really need to start from the beginning at StampTV.com.

So on with my project. I paper pieced the oval label from Versatile Verses. Fun huh?

All pattern papers are from Basic Grey's Green at Heart collection. I used some Kraft and White card stock and some fun home made flowers. I made the green flower from felt using a tutorial I found in a magazine. If you would like me to show you how, let me know in the comments and I will post something in the next few days. My mom crocheted the beautiful pink flower for me. Topped it off with a button and added some ribbon to the card. And there it is.

Now hop on over to Miesje's blog to see what she has to share.  And feel free to play along and post your creation over at StampTV. We love to see what you paper piece.

CSS Sketch Blog Hop

Welcome to another Center Stage Spotlight Blog Hop. This time we are inspired by a sketch provided by Melissa Cash. If you just came from Miesje's blog you are on the right track. I know she had something amazing to share. If you were not following along, you can start at the beggining over at StampTV.com

Here is the sketch






I made two cards with this sketch. Here is my first card






Isn't that yellow rose trim gorgeous? I found it at a general goods store in Lancaster, PA. They had a wonderful selection of different laces and trims.
I stamped the sentiment and flowers on the tag using the set, Faithful Flowers.

And here is my next card






I used my Cricut to cut out the fun scalloped circles for the base. The stamped flowers are from Faithful Florals and the sentiment is from Fanciful Tags.

Now head over to Melissa's blog to see what she did with her sketch.

Melissa Shultz
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

CSS Sketch Challenge Hop

Welcome to another CSS Alumni Blog Hop. This time our challenge was to use a sketch provided by Melissa Cash. Although she is not participating with a project in the hop tonight, we still have her presence with the great sketch she has provided for us. If you started from StampTV and have been hopping along, you were just wowed by Lori's blog post. If not, please start at the beginning so you don't miss all of the inspiration. There is also a chance for you to win some free rubber. You can get more details about that here.

Okay, so here is the sketch:




And here is my card:




I rotated the sketch 90 degrees clock-wise to make my card. I used some DCWV paper from a mat stack I purchased recently. I love the fun blues, greens and tans in the stack. That was my starting point for the card. I pulled out an older StampTV Kit, called Spring Mix, to stamp the flower, butterfly and sentiment. The lace is from my stash and the beautiful ribbon is from Tera, my secret sister from last winter. It goes perfectly with the papers from this stack. I added a few adhesive backed pearls and stitched around the main panel to add some texture and dimension. And it only took me an hour to make this card from design to finish. I don't think I have ever made a card that fast before. :o)

Well now it is time for you to stop my Miesje's blog to see what she has to inspire you today. And make sure you leave a comment for every blog post along the hop. If you do you will have a chance to win a free stamp set valued up to $24.95.

Melissa Shultz
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

CSS Color Challenge

Welcome to another CSS blog hop. This time we were challenged to create a project with the color challenge going on right now over at StampTV. So you can play along and have a chance to win a free stamp set. You can find all the details right here.

If you started from the beginning of this hop you just came from Lori's blog. If not you will want to make sure you hop through every blog by starting at StampTV. You will be completely inspired to get out your stamps and get creative.

Initially when I looked at this color combo I thought it would be great for a masculine card. But when I went into my studio to create, I decided to use one of the stamp sets that were already laying on my desk. Nana's Needlework and Nana's Needlework Sentiments won out. I kept it simple with no coloring. I hardly ever do that.





Now it is time to head over to see what Miesje has to share with you.

And you won't want to miss all the fun stuff going on at StampTV. Gina her team are celebrating two years with StampTV. She has been sharing peeks. Oh boy, I am loving the peeks of the two sets that will be free with purchases during the next release. You better make sure you check it out.

Finally, don't forget to turn your clocks up an hour. That means spring is on the way.

Melissa Shultz
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

CSS Animal Treasure Chest

Welcome to our Treasure Chest Challenge. The CSS group was asked to use a stamp set with animals. I have plenty of those. :0) If you are following along the hop like a diligent little bunny in a garden of inspiration, you should have just come from Melissa Cash's blog. If not, you will want to start over at the beginning at StampTV so you don't miss any of the team's posts. You will also want to make sure you visit every blog and leave a comment. There is a chance to win some free rubber.

Here is my project for the hop. I pulled out one of my favorites called Dream Birds.





I also pulled out this fun label and sentiment set called Versatile Verses. It's a fun one to paper piece. I use some Kioshi paper from Basic Grey. I don' often use purple. So this was a fun new color combo for me.

Now head over to Miesje Flach's blog to enjoy some more animal fun.

And make sure you leave a comment on each blog. Some lucky person will be chosen from all the commenters to win a free stamp set. FREE rubber is always fun!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

CSS Alumni Inspiration Challenge Hop

Welcome to the February StampTV CSS Alumni Inspiration Hop. We were given a photo to get inspired and create something to share with you. If you are following the hop from the beginning you should have just come from the blog of Melissa Cash. If you have not started from the beginning, I highly recommend starting at StampTV and hopping the whole way through. You will become completely inspired and ready to create something.

Here is the inspiration photo we were given

Here is the card I made

I cut the red layer into three panels and sponged the edges with red and then navy ink. I layered them side by side on the navy card stock to mimic the dresser drawers and added large brads as the handles. I stamped the swirls from Grand Damask and the Thank You sentiment from Block Greetings with VersaMark ink and heat embossed with copper embossing powder. I stamped the dotted heart from Happy Hearts with Versamark and heat embossed that as well with copper onto a piece of pattern paper. I cut the heart out and layered it on a punched scallop heart. I added a few more layers of pattern paper and some ribbon and a bow to finish it off.

Next you can stop by the blog of Miesje Flach and find out what she has to inspire you.

Have an awesome weekend. I am looking forward to 4 days away from work. Making dinner for my sweetie for Valentine's Day. And hopefully lots of stamp time in the next few days. :o)

CSS Alumni January 2011 Sketch Challenge

This time we have a sketch provided by one of the CSS Alumni, Melissa Cash. You just came from her blog. If you did not arrive from her blog, I highly recommend starting from the beginning of this hop over at StampTV, so you can be inspired by all of the CSS Alumni Participants.

The sketch:

My Elegant Coffee Card:

I pulled out Mugs and Kisses for this one. I found some gorgeous K&Company paper the other weekend and had to use it on this card. I stamped the mug and saucer on the chocolate flourish paper and cut it out. I also cut out the beverage part of the mug and put some Tan Leather card stock underneath to simulate a nice cup of coffee with a little sugar and cream mixed in. Yum!

Next hop is to see what Miesje Flach has to inspire you.

And make sure you are leaving comments for all of the hop participants because one lucky person will be chosen at random to win a free Gina K Designs set. Woohoo, FREE stamps!  Tuesday morning (February 1st), we will randomly choose one of the comments from all the blogs who will get a stamp set of their choice valued up to $24.95!