Hand Stamped By Lacey

Special request

This is my 2nd post, please scroll down to see my Simply Vintage card...

I received an email from fellow blogger Maxine Rebeles. She forwarded a request for some cards. Here's what it says...

"A 5yr old boy named Noah Biorkman , is in the last stages of a 2 1/2yr battle with Neuroblastoma Cancer. The family is celebrating Christmas next week and Noahs request is to get lots of Christmas cards... Lets help get him some. Please send cards to:
Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountian Viewcircle
South Lyon, Mi 48178
Lets see How many cards we can Get to this Little guy, Thank You!"

If you can, please send Noah a Christmas card to help brighten his day! My own son is 5 years old, so I can't imagine what it would be like for him to deal with fighting cancer.

Thank you so much for your help!

~Lacey

Simply vintage

I don't know where to start today. Let's see...Sunday I woke up feeling ucky! I think all of the germs going around my family finally caught me! I swear Ansley's had a runny nose since school started! Ryan is a little sniffly and sneezy as well. But I have to admit, for a child who still sticks EVERYTHING in his mouth (includes an occassional shoe), he barely gets sick. And when he's sick, it doesn't seem to affect him...maybe a little nap...but most of the time he is still in fast-forward mode all the time.

But I felt horrible on Sunday. I didn't have any energy so I stayed in my PJs. Scott took the kids to the mall to get them out of the house. So I got a little quiet time in my studio! I ended up making 4 cards yesterday and 2 cards this morning!! However, one of them I can not share. It uses one of the Wags 'n Whiskers images that will be in the next release (yay) AND I used it for a submission to Paper Crafts Magazine. I don't expect it to get published, but I will never get published if I don't ever submit, right?

Then this afternoon, I had to take both kids to the cardiologist. Ansley has a small hole in her heart called VSD (Ventricual Septal Defect) which she's had since birth. But at our last well visit for Ryan, we were told that he had a heart murmur (or a heart "mermaid" as he calls it LOL!! After being there for almost 3 hours, Ryan's murmur is "innocent", so no cause for alarm or even no follow up needed. Unfortunately Ansley's VSD is still there, but still very tiny. She will have to go back in 2 years for a followup again. At this point, he said if it hasn't closed yet, it probably won't close. Again, no major worries. He says it will probably never cause her any issues and she can play sports. But a LONG appointment when you are not feeling well is not very fun! I am so glad that Ryan was very well behaved...that makes for a little easier time.

Anyway, I was inspired this weekend by 2 tutorials. Wags 'n Whiskers Design Diva Kristine created this tutorial on quick and easy cards. And Camilla did this awesome tutorial on Vintage cards on the Whiff of Joy Inspiration Blog.

So I combined the ideas together to create this card to send to a blogging friend...

I really love how it turned out. However, it was hard to photograph! I embossed Angel Whispers by Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps in silver onto Pearlized Metallic paper from DCWV The Luxury Stack. It's awesome and shimmery!! It's hard to tell in the photo, but the layer that the image is stamped on has a faint pink design and is diecut with the SU Top Note die. The background layer is actually a tan damask design. I added a small lace doily, a bunch of primas, some rhinestones and rhinestone brads, a hat pin (SU Pretties Kit), and some lace. The card base is 5.25" square Chocolate Chip.

Here's a close up of the image...

And another angle....

Here's another slightly different angle of the card...

Again, it really is prettier in real life.

I think this image is great just as it is..no coloring needed! And even with all of those embellishments, it took me longer to write this post than it did to create the card!! I would love to hear what you think!

I have another quick card to share with you later. Since I was at the doctor's all day, I didn't get to take pictures of all of the cards I made yesterday.

Thanks for stopping by!! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge #52 - a sketch by ME!!!

Yeah!! It's my very first sketch!! I had so much fun this summer learning how to use photoshop, that I thought I would attempt to create a sketch! I love using sketches for challenges, so why not attempt to create one?!

So for today's High Hopes Challenge, come play along with my sketch...

 

Here is my card...

 
 
I have seen so many beautiful antique-looking cards lately. So I went with that for my inspiration...although it's not as detailed as some of them out there. I guess it's also a mono-chromatic card...but it just ended up that way with the papers and image I used.

I used some SU designer paper (I think from the mini catalog). I matted it with SU Soft Suede in color with a Kraft card base. I created a bow out of Soft Suede ribbon and added a PTI button. The sentiment is from PTI Signature Christmas. I added some eyelets with Linen Thread and some matching brads. Last, I stamped some Autumn Leaves swirls (got it on clearance at Walmart this summer).

I embossed the image on watercolor paper and watercolored using Twinkling H2Os...

I think I now have about 8 Christmas cards done...only about 100 to go!! LOL No seriously...I have a ton to go! Good thing I still have a few weeks!

Now it's your turn to play along with my sketch. If you don't have a High Hopes image...come visit my store here.

Make sure to link your card to the challenge post to be entered into the drawing for some free stamps! And if you upload your card to SCS, make sure to use keyword HHC52.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Wags 'n Whiskers 1st Challenge!!!

I am so excited to share today that we will be hosting weekly challenges on the Wags 'n Whiskers blog starting TODAY!!! We are hoping that many of you that pre-ordered your Wags 'n Whiskers stamps have received them by now...if not, they are on their way and should be there soon.

If you don't have any Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps and would like to play along...go order your stamps now!!! If you order over the weekend for US delivery, I can probably get them to you in time to play along this week!

Our very first challenge is being hosted by Karen and she is challenging called "Sparkle and Shine"!! What a fun challenge!! I can do that! ;-)

Here is my card...

I actually combined a few challenges for my card. My image Zoe and Gemma's Snow Fun was perfect for a "Snow Globe" card as shown on SCS last week (using my largest Nestability Circle). And I also used the SCS Color Challenge this week which is CC243 "monochormatic with a pop of 1 color"!! So I used the Cosmo Cricket patterned paper for the colors and added a pop of color with the red bow and the red colored scarf.

I had a little hard time photographing the card due to the acetate (which is stamped in stazon with the flower/snowflake looking thing from SU Baroque Motif). And I accidentally grabbed the silver embossing powder instead of the black. I like the look, but my camera didn't want to focus on the shinny silver embossing.

I added a punched snowflake, a star flower spacer, some rhinestones, and white ric rac to finish it off...oh and a ton of glitter!

Here's a view of the inside (with a little better picture of the image).

I hope you like my card today!! I want to say I had fun making it, but it seemed to take a little time. Mainly because I didn't print the instructions for the snow globe and my husband took over my computer for a little while so I had to go by memory. I realized I made a few mistakes by going by memory, but I won't point those out to you ;-)

Anyway, why don't you play along?! Grab a Wags 'n Whiskers stamp...or order yours now...and make it sparkle and shine!!

Link it in Mr. Linky on the blog post and we will choose a winner next week. The winner will get to choose a Wags 'n Whiskers stamp of their choice and their card will be featured on the blog.

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

RAK, stock update, and "stuff"

Today I have a little "stuff" to share.

First a RAK (Random Act of Kindness)...

Joy tried out for the Wags 'n Whiskers Guest spot recently and was the runner up. So we sent her a stamp of her choice. She also won one of my blog candies recently. So she created a card using both of her stamps and sent them to me....along with a Gorjous Girl stamp!! I was so excited to receive my package!! Thank you so much, Joy...that was so kind of you.

Stamp and Create update...

Wags 'n Whiskers Blog will start weekly challenge TOMORROW!! In honor of our first challenge,I have a special on Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps. For each stamp you purchase, you will receive a set of charms of your choice for free!! Make sure to state which charms you want in the comment section at check out (US and Canada only).

A funny story...

A few weeks ago, we went to the pediatrician for Ryan's check up. The doctor pointed out that he had a heart murmur...which is the first time we have been told this (Ansley actually has a small whole in her heart called VSD). Anyway, that's not the funny part (obviously)...we have an appointment on Nov 9th to get it checked out.

Anyway, last night Ansley saw a commercial for something that mentioned "being born with a heart defect". She start talking about her heart condition. When Ryan bursts out with "I have a Heart Mermaid"!! LOL Instead of a murmur, he has a mermaid in his heart!! ;-) I just thought that was funny!

Amazed...

Today I went to the mall to get a pedicure and grab a few things I needed. The stores are in the process of putting out the Christmas decorations and the "Photo with Santa" spot. They had Christmas music pipped through the mall and Bath and Body Works had some sort of evergreen scent burning which spread throughout that section of the mall! Thanksgiving is still weeks away...but the malls are already looking forward to Christmas!!

This is really my favorite time of the year. Although we don't get the normal "Seasons" here in South Florida, I enjoy this time of year. Slightly cooler weather (is was 82 degrees today with overcast skies and a VERY strong breeze)!! Christmas music playing all around and the kids starting to write their letters to Santa!!

Oh, it's also my birthday in less than 2 weeks...so that's another reason to celebrate. My sister will be here for Thanksgiving. Then we are all going to Disney World together (which happens to be a HORRIBLE time to go to Disney...very long lines) but it's the only time we can go with her family.

For Christmas, we have a 2 week trip planned to visit family...South Carolina to visit Scott's brother and family...Tennessee for Christmas to visit Scott's parents (need to write a note to Santa telling him we will be at Nana's this year)...Georgia to visit my sister and mom...then Jacksonville, FL to visit our old friends and for a New Year's Eve party!! Whew...I am tired thinking about it!

Anyway, if you are looking for some Christmas gifts for your crafty friends, get a head start by shopping on-line at Stamp and Create. Gift Certificates are also available. Email me for details at LaceySoLiving@bellsouth.net

See you tomorrow for the Wags 'n Whiskers Challenge!!

~Lacey

Kraftin' Kimmie Release and Challenge

I mentioned this weekend that I am now carrying the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps: Crissy's Cuties at Stamp and Create. I have both the 1st and 2nd release in stock along with the Kimmie's Everyday Sentiments and Kimmie's Holiday Sentiments.

I wanted to play along with their weekly challenge this week using one of the new stamps. The challenge - "Tag you're it" - use tags on your card.

Here is my card...

(Grr...there is that black spot on the right of his wing...it's driving me crazy!!) I used the Friday Sketcher sketch this week (I left of the top layer since it was too busy). Since I made the image a tag, I added the snowflake in the tag section of the sketch.

This is Oliver. It's he adorable?! He looks so cozy with his hot chocolate! The DP are Cosmo Cricket.I used some old retired SU Blue Bayou cardstock (only a few sheets left...but it goes so well with this DP) and a Kraft card base. The snowflake is a diecut coasterboard that I inked up the edges. Martha Sterwart border punch, SU oval and scalloped oval punches, Natural Twill ribbon from Stamp and Create, and some liquid applique to finish it off.

Here's a close up of Oliver...

I didn't take a picture of the inside, but I did finish that as well.

I will leave you today with a picture of Ansley and her bigger toothless grin!! She lost her top right tooth the other night...

Please excuse her mis-matching PJs!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Spread the Love Blog Hop for Jamie

 
My heart was broken this weekend when I received an email regarding a Blog Hop that was set up to benefit a young girl named Jamie.

Here is some information that was taken from the Stamp Something for Jamie blog...

New Hampshire is a small state filled with even smaller towns. It's the kind of place where you know everyone, leave your keys in the ignition when you run in the post office and don't worry about walking home from a neighbor's house at night. I live in the same town I grew up in by choice, not by necessity and love that my 6th grade music teacher is my daughter's principal, that my cheer leading coach is her guidance counselor and that soon she'll get the chance to beat my classmate's long standing high jump record on field day.

Mont Vernon is an even smaller town than mine about 40 minutes away. It is home to a long time friend and her family as well as their neighbor, 11 year old Jaimie Cates. On the night of October 4th Jaimie and her mom and my friend and her family went to bed with no way of knowing what events were about to transpire to change their lives.

Four local teenagers armed with knives, broke into their home and brutally murdered Kim Cates and seriously injured 11 year old Jaimie. They chose the home for no other reason than its location and for no other purpose than to bring harm to the occupants. It was a senseless, random crime that shook the small town and much of the state.

After receiving a grief filled email from my friend asking for help for the family, I knew I needed to help however I could. I asked my fellow stamper, New Hampshire gal, and long time friend Denise Lynn for ideas. Together, and with the artistic talents of Ann Vento, we came up with the idea of an international blog hop and this blog to raise awareness of the crime. We are hoping to shower Jaimie with wishes of love and hope from around the world to help her recover some of what was lost.

The hop starts at 10am ET on Monday, November 2nd and will include over 60 talented stampers, donations from fabulous stamp companies and lots of love. We are asing everyone to make and send a card to Jaimie as quickly as possible. If you are unable to make a card or wish to do more, please visit our sidebar and click on the donations link.

What a tragic story! The home is supposed to be a place of refuge...it's supposed to be safe!!

I signed up the Wags 'n Whiskers Blog to participate in the blog hop. I am not on the actual hop, but if you would like to visit the hop, start here. The hop will run all week and there are a ton of prizes that will be given away at the end.

I wanted to make Jamie a card with an encouraging bible verse. I can't image the fear she is feeling and the pain of loosing her mother. Not to mention the physical pain she went through because of the attack.

I thought Angel Whispers was a good image to use. I am going to write her a personal note to go in the card as well. I want to tell her that Butterflies are a sign of new life...and every time she see's a butterfly, she should know in her heart that her mother is whispering "I love you" to her!

I took the colors from the Color Throwdown challenge this week: Elegant Eggplant, Bordering Blue, and Rich Razzlebery. These are not colors I would have put together...but I love how it turned out.

I embossed Ansley in black onto watercolor paper and colored her Twinkling H2Os...

The sentiment on the front is from a Verve set. The sentiment on the inside is from Stampin' Up! "Thoughts and Prayers" set...

I also included a bible verse...

"For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand, and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help yo.'" Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

The butterfly is from SU/Sizzix.

If you would like to send a card to Jamie or her father, the address to send them to should be in the blinkie logo above.

Please pray for Jamie and her father.

Thanks for stopping by today!

~Lacey

New Release updates

This is my 2nd post today. Scroll down to see my High Hopes Challenge card...

Now available at Stamp and Create...

The newest Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps: Crissy's Cuties are in stock and available for immediate shipping!

The new Twinkle Tots from The Greeting Farm Pre-Order. These little kiddies are so darling!!

Miss Anyas and My Guy Ian sets also available for pre-order.

Whiff of Joy pre order of the new Gnomes are available.

Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps are in stock an available for immediate delivery.

Don't forget that I offer Free Shipping for orders over $55.00!!!

Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge #51 - Snowflakes

It's time for another High Hopes Challenge! This week the wonderful Amy L has challenged us to use SNOWFLAKES!! Fun...especially for this Floridian who was 19 before I really saw snow for the first time!! It actually snowed in South Florida when I was in Kindergarten...but that doesn't count since it melted before it hit the ground.

Anyway, grab one of your High Hopes stamps, find something that will work for snowflakes (glitter, flower soft, liquid applique, fun flock, punches, patterned paper, etc...anything will work) and come play along!!

If you need some High Hopes Stamps, come check out my store. If you order early enough in the week, I will most likely be able to get you the stamps in time to still enter the challenge!

Also, if you would like me to carry a specific High Hopes image in my store, please email me at LaceySoLiving@bellsouth.net and tell me what you want. Keep in mind, orders do take around 3-4 weeks to arrive. But I would love to add more images...I just need to know what you want!

Here is my card...

 

I will be honest, I am not 100% happy with the colors. But I took the lead from the Basic Grey pattered paper I used. It was kind of artichoke and gold...so that was the basis of my color combo.

The layout is for my first Midnight Maddness Challenge! I used the snowflake punches in place of the circles.

The image is Herald Angel and is available at Stamp and Create right now.

I embossed the angel in black onto watercolor paper and colored her with Twinkling H2Os.

I added a TON of glitter to this card...it really sparkles in real life.

Now it's your turn....create a card using a High Hopes stamp and something "snowflake"...add it to Mr. Linky on the challenge post, and you will be entered into the drawing for the free stamps!!

And if you upload your card to SCS, use keyword HHC51.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Make sure to check out my post below using Stampavie illustrator Gillian F. Roberts' Bear and Robin...

The New Release Whiff of Joy with new Illustrator Norma Fickel are now available for Pre-Order (expect 3-4 weeks for delivery).

Sunday, Nov 1st Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Crissy's Cuties and Holiday Sentiments will be available and the Twinkle Tots from The Greeting Farm will be available for pre-order.

Plus...

Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps are NOW in Stock and available for immediate delivery.

FREE SHIPPING on orders over $55.00!!!! 

If there is anything that I do not carry that you would like to order, please email me at LaceySoLiving@bellsouth.net and I will see what I can do about ordering them for you.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey Stephens