Whatever Goes Wednesday

Today I was looking through some cards and found this Love Birds card. I never uploaded it because I didn't think it came out to good but after looking at it again I thought it had some character. It is another one of those cute images from the Olive You set. I also used the paisley background which I stamped in Regal Rose ink onto the Regal Rose card stock. I also used SU Bravo Burgundy and Apricot Appeal. I distressed the edges and tied some Burgundy organza ribbon around the main image. I also used some cute flower tree pattern paper. To finish it off I sponged the edges and did some paper piercing along the top. Btw did you guys watch American Idol? It was hilarious can't wait till tonight's episode.

Mail Out Monday

Happy Monday!! Hope everyone had a great weekend. So I finally finished this card which I was working on the whole week. I had to work on it whenever I got a chance since I had tons of things going on this weekend. I just had to make another card using my favorite stamp set since it was already out from the last card I made. I got the inspiration for the colors from the SCS site. The Limited Supplies challenge this week is a contest with a prize!! Yippeee...they only ask that you use black and white with one extra color of your choice. For this card I used some of my yummy black and white paisley paper and SU Real Red, Basic Black, and Whisper White. I also used some white satin and black and white polka dot ribbon. I added some red feather fibers and hung a musical note clip from the ribbon. I added some silver brads on the side and filled in the heart with red stickles. It really shines and sparkles. Although it took forever to finish I had a great time making it. You can never go wrong with black and white!!

Fun Friday

Ok, I must admit this set is not a "neglected" set. I just love it!! I think I will take a break from my resolution....*hehehe* and use the fun stamp sets. The set is SU "Olive You". I stamped the cute little bug and then pressed the paper in my watermark pad and covered it with Irridensent Ice EP. I matted it using my squared scalloped punch on Regal Rose and Close to Cocoa card stock. I added some fun patterned paper and used some twill ribbon tied around a buckle. I hung the sentiment "Love Bug" on the hardware using cord. Other papers used are SU Certain Celery and Whisper White. So before I go back and continue my resolution I might have to make a "few" more cards with my "fun" sets. I guess that way of thinking is why my weight loss resolution isn't working..*hehehe* Have a great weekend from Inkastamp!!!

Too Cute Thursday

Here goes another neglected stamp set card. I actually bought this SU Sweet Shapes set because I saw some awesome cards made on the SCS site with it. But once I got it I played with it and I just could not get it to look like the beautiful cards on SCS. Frustrated I put it away to collect dust *frown* Last night I pulled it back out and was determined to make a cute card with it. I am pleased with how it came out. I watercolored the main images and popped them out. I sponged the edges with certain celery and added some stickles on the butterflies. I matted it with SU Marigold cardstock and did some faux stitching around both of them. Then I stamped the SU Vintage Violet cardstock with my Paisley background and sponged the edges. I added some hardware and ribbon to finish it off. I am really liking this resolution !! Just a few more sets and I have fulfilled it...now if only my weight loss resolution was that easy!!

Tuesday Truffles

I am so proud of myself. One of my stamping "resolutions" is to make cards using stamp sets I have never or seldom used before. I have a few of those sets that just sit on my shelf and never see the light of day *Smile* I mean I did buy them for a reason...I think*hehe*..so why not use them!! For this card I used SU Oh So Sweet which has been "Oh So Lonely"hehehe. On the truffles I popped the wrapper on dimensions and added some stickles on the top. I used some fun patterned paper and SU cardstock in the colors Regal Rose, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, and Apricot Appeal. I added tons of ribbon in all different colors and hung a circle clip on them. I added some brads and sponged the edges. After making this card I think I will be using this set more often. It really is "Oh So Sweet."

I've been Tagged

I've been tagged! by Jen70 at http://stamping-therapy.blogspot.com So here goes, a little ABC list to help you get to know me better!
A-Available or Taken: Taken
B-Best Friend: My husband and my 2 year old son
C-Cake or Pie: Wow..I'm a huge sweets fan so both..
D-Drink of Choice: Iced Tea or Diet Coke with Lime
E-Essential Item You Use Everyday: my stamps, computer, and Tivo
F-Favorite Color: I love pink and brown
G-Gummy Bears or Worms: Sour worms...makes my mouth water
H-Hometown: Houston, Texas
I-Indulgence: Chocolate Chip Cookies, shopping at Hobby Lobby
J-January or February: February..for Valentines Day
K-Kids and Names: Josh-
L-Life is Incomplete Without: My family and stamps
M-Marriage Date: August 9, 2003
N-Number of Siblings: one (I'm the oldest.)
O-Oranges or Apples: Oranges..I have the best orange tree in my backyard. I even was on Martha Stewarts viewer mail where she answered one of my question about how to make a yummy orange dessert using my oranges. I was so nervous I said apples instead of oranges when asked what my question was. *hehehe* It was so much fun.
P-Phobias or Fears: Airplanes...although I love to travel..I am getting better though
Q-Favorite Quote: "Beauty is whatever brings you joy" and "We are really souls living human experiances"
R-Reason to Smile: Listening to my 2 year old count 1 through 10.
S-Season: Winter
T-Tag 3 or 4 people: Hmm lets see...
U-Unknown fact about me: I put ice in my milk and I love to watch cartoons.
V-Vegetable you don't like: celery....yuck...:P
W-Worst Habit: I would say I worry way to much
X-Xrays: Teeth
Y-Your fave food: I love Sushi!! I know it might sound yucky but its really goood and very addicting. I also love chocolate.
Z-Zodiac: Taurus

Mail Out Monday

First I want to thank everyone who participated in my first blog candy giveaway. I have written down all the movies I have not yet seen for a "To Rent" list. So after a great weekend I am ready and refreshed to start stamping it UP!! For this card I wanted to use one of my Lockhart stamps. I just love the vegetable couture collection because I think they are so creative and sweet. This one is the green beans and corn dress stamp. For the background I used SU crosshatch. I used SU paper in the colors of Cool Caribbean, Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke, and Whisper White. I also added some patterned paper and organza ribbon. I finished it off with some brads and stickles. Well I guess its time for some lunch I think I am in the mood for a salad *smile*

Drum Roll Please!!

And the winner for my first blog candy giveaway is Carolyn Sharkas!! YAYAYA My son picked out number 19. Please email me at anammontoya@Hotmail.com with your information. Just label it BLOG CANDY WINNER. This was so much fun. I can't wait to do another. I got so many wonderful ideas for romantic movies and books. I see the favorite is The Notebook which I must agree is a TOTAL tearjerker and also one of my favorites. Although I have seen some mentioned there are lots that I have not. Thanks for giving me such great reviews for movies to rent. Thanks again for all the wonderful comments and sweet words of encouragement. Stay tuned for LOTS of other blog candy giveaways. Have a great weekend!! Ana aka annieht

Blog Candy Time!!!

I think an Inkastamp blog candy giveaway is well overdo!! This is my first one but certainly not my last. I think its a small way to thank all my loyal and new blog readers for taking the time to check out my site. I am so honored to get all those sweet comments from such wonderful people. I also wanted to point out that thanks to EVERYONE I am on the Stamping Top 50!! You have no idea how excited I was *Smile* Knowing that people enjoy my work is what motivates me to keep stamping. Since Valentine's is coming for this giveaway all you have to do is leave a comment telling me your favorite romantic movie or book. I am a total sucker for those types of flicks. The drawing for the winner will be picked tomorrow at 6:00pm and announced there after. Good luck

Whatever Goes Wednesday

Yay!! Its Wednesday again. I got to see the new sketch challenge at the SCS site. It was a great one and it was the motivation for this card. I tried the water coloring again. Thanks everyone who gave me input on their favorite water coloring techniques. I think I will buy the Stampin' Up watercolor crayons but for now I wanted to keep trying with my ink pads. This cute little Inky Antics turtle was a lot easier to color than the rabbit yesterday. I also used Stampin' Ups Paisley, and Simply Said sets. I used SU card stock in the colors of Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Certain Celery, and Apricot Appeal. I added some stickles in the middle of the flowers and popped them on dimensions. I also added some ribbon and brads. I like this sketch I might try another today.

By the way did you guys see American Idol last night. It was hilarious!! My favorite was the girl who sang like the Wizard of Oz lion. I mean seriously WHAT was she THINKING!! Can't wait till tonight's show.

Tuesday Lovin'

Last night I tried to watercolor some more. I had some trouble because some of the colors didn't blend very well. I think I might have used to much water *oops*. I need to keep practicing because I really enjoy it. I think I just need to get some watercolor crayons from Stampin Up instead of using the ink pads. Does anyone have the crayons? Please let me know if its easier to use and if they are worth buying. For this card I used Stampin' Up Real Rust, Certain Celery, Choc Chip, and Whisper White. The adorable stamp image is from Inky Antics and the sentiment is last years Stampin' Ups hostess set. I also used some stickles *smile* I think its my favorite embellishment right now. Finished it off with some ribbon and hardware.

Mail Out Monday

OK, I think I am addicted to water coloring. This past weekend I bought some watercolor paper and last night I decided I would try something new instead of using my prisma pencils to color in my images. I used my brand spanking new mushroom and bug Inky Antics stamps. (This is the first time I order their stamps and I am VERY impressed.) They are big and of wonderful quality. They allow for lots of coloring which is what I love to do. For the water coloring I used the ink from my Stampin' Up ink pads Real Red, Sahara Sand, Apricot Appeal, Certain Celery, and Ballet Blue. I used a paint brush which I would dip in a cup with water and on the tops of the ink pads I would blend the water with the ink. I also used Stazon ink for the main image so it would not bleed with the water coloring. When I finished water coloring I added some Gum Arabic to the mushroom to make it a bit shiny. I am not sure if you can tell but I GOT MY STICKLES in the mail. I love those too!! I used it on the dots of the mushrooms, the grass, and the bugs wings. The paper I used is Stampin' Ups Real Red, Bashful Blue, Marigold, and Whisper White. For the background of the card I used the On The Spot background stamp and for the sentiment I used the hostess Riveting set. I added some ribbon and brads and some pattern paper. Get ready because you might be seeing more watercoloring. I have to practice since its not as easy as I thought.


By the way I went to the movies this past Saturday and watched Pan's Labyrinth and I loved it!! It is in Spanish with English subtitles but it is so interesting. Its a bit dark but also very touching. It is rated as 98% fresh on the rotten tomatoes website. Check out the trailer online its worth watching.

Suprise Saturday

Hope everyone is having a Great Weekend!! Its not a pretty day here today. Its really cloudy and muggy *yucky* but that just means I get to stamp some more *yipeee* I really needed a little girls birthday card so I knew this was the perfect opportunity to pull out another one of my new Whipper Snapper stamps. This one is so sweet. I love the little mouse on top of the cupcake. I also used the SU Paisley background stamp. I ordered some Stickles online but have not received them yet. I was really bummed because I thought adding some glitter to the sprinkles on the cupcake would be perfect. So with no stickles on hand I went searching for a second alternative. I found some jars of beads that I got in the 66% off after Christmas sale in Hobby Lobby. I guess they are meant for ornaments but I think they were perfect for cards especially "shaker cards" I adhered the beads with crystal effects. The paper used is SU Pretty in Pink, Certain Celery, and Whisper White. I colored the image in with my Prisma colors and added some ribbon and fibers. *The more glitz and ribbon for a little girl is perfect* I finished it off with some pastel brads and popped the main image with dimensional. I hope she really likes it. Now I have to find her a cute little gift. Any suggestions for a little 2 year old girl since I only have a 2 year old boy. I am sure she is not into trucks, balls, or bugs *hehe* By the way I had to put a picture up of these so cool jars of beads. I just love a sweet deal. *smile*

Friday's Fresh Flowers

I just love Stampin' Up Sassy Stems stamp set. It is probably one of my favorites but I don't think I use it enough. Lately (like you might have noticed) I have really been into combining my cards with stamps and patterned paper. I found this one sheet of retro looking flowers last night and I really wanted to use it. I knew I wanted to use a flower stamp so I grabbed my Sassy Stems. I used the more funky flower stamp of the set so it would go with the paper. From there I picked the colors I wanted to use which were SU Cool Caribbean, Choc Chip, Cameo Coral, and a bit of Marigold. I also used my "wonderful" dollar sentiment stamp. *smile* I added some hardware and some cream satin ribbon and my signature crystal effects. *I think I am addicted to crystal effects* I thought it would make the vase look like glass and water. I also did some piercing around the flowers to mimic the dots around the flowers in the patterned paper. Lastly I wanted to wish everyone a Wonderful Weekend. Have fun and stamp away. Don't forget to rent the Illusionist..let me know if you liked it.

Flower Power Thursday

For this card I wanted to use my new Fluffles stamp that a got as a gift. For the rest of the card's inspiration I used the color and sketch challenge for SCS. I have never used such bright colors all together but I think it worked well with the flower filled Fluffles. I also used some of my new patterned paper and squared scalloped punch. (I am really getting brave these past few days by cutting away on all the new pretty papers.) For the word sentiment I used the Dots and Paisley set from SU. The card stock is also SU Pink Passion, Gable Green, and Lavender Lace. I also added some non SU lavender and pink ribbon and a cute flower brad. I am really liking this new card sketch. I might even try to squeeze another in today. I will keep you guys posted. PS. by the way the hubby and I watched the Illusionist last night and it was GREAT. If you haven't seen it I recommend you go to Blockbuster and watch it this weekend.

Whatever Goes Wednesday

I love Wednseday!! Its the middle of the week so its getting closer to the weekend and the new sketch challenge is revealed at SCS. This is my favorite weekly challenge since it gives me so many new ideas on how to layout my cards. For this card I found my inspiration from some new LilyKate paper I had. It reminded me of the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha" where she is standing under the beautiful cherry blossom tree. I knew this was my chance to pull out my new SU Artfully Asian set. I always saw these wonderful cards on the SCS gallery and that made me buy this set but I was never really motivated until I saw that paper. I pulled the color combo of SU Real Rust, Certain Celery, Pretty in Pink, and Chocolate Chip from the branch and flowers on the patterned paper. I added some of the leaves from the stamp set to the branch with dimensions and added some crystal effects. The ribbon is non SU pink satin . I also added a hint of copper by using some cord and brads. I was pretty much done when I was looking through my embellishment box and I saw a circle clip the same color of the Real Rust. I added the clip and did some paper piercing too. I think I will call this card "Cherry Blossom."

Try It Tuesday

For this card I decided to take the challenge on the SCS site that asked us to take out those sets that you regret you bought or what I like to call them "What was I thinking??" This set "Such a Tweet" from SU is surely one of those sets. I don't even remember buying it. It had to have been on one of the Mini catalog. It was probably a mistake in ordering because I can't think of a reason why I thought to buy it. Well its been sitting on my shelf for more than a year and I have never used it. So when I saw what the challenge was I knew what set I would use. I am glad I did because it is beginning to grow on me after using it. I mean aside from the peacock there are some cute little chicks or birds, that I think would make a good Easter card. The paper used is SU Regal Rose, Apricot Appeal, and Not Quite Navy. The patterned paper is from Basic Grey. I also added some of my left over wedding ribbon *smile* and some brads and a circle clip. I also popped up some of the peacock's feathers and added some bling aka DD. I bet there was a moral in this weeks challenge "never underestimate a stamp because you might actually like it!!"

Monday Moose Mail

Here I go again with my new Whipper Snapper stamps. You guys have no idea how crazy I went on their site. I shopped till I dropped!! So in this one I used the WS Moose stamp and Stampin Up Weathered background. I am kinda in the Valentine's day mood for some reason. I guess it has to do with the many Valentine stamps I bought. When I started to color this image with my prisma colors I thought it had a very masculine look. Hence, the moose, woodsy, outdoors feel. I decided I would make a card to motivate all my lady friends to make one for the special "MAN" in your life *wink* I think it is romantic and manly at the same time. I used some of my new patterned paper from Basic Grey. I also used Stampin' Up True Thyme, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, and Very Vanilla. I added some red ribbon and copper cord and brads. I also popped up his antlers and the two front hooves with dimensions. I add some crystal effects and I think I accomplished my "Manly Moose Valentines Day Card!"

Snuggle Sunday

So mom kept our son tonight so me and the hubby could eat and catch a movie. After much resistance I gave in and went to see Rocky. Much to my surprise I actually liked it and enjoyed every moment. It was great fun to go out just the two of us and I even got a chance to drink two glasses of wine!! Now that I am home I really wanted to finish this card I had started making earlier this week. This is my hubby's favorite stamp because he loves turtles. I think this will be his Valentine's day card since I think it came out so sweet. Once again I used my new favorite stamps from Whipper Snapper. The other stamps used are the Stampin' Up Crosshatch background and Sweet Spot set. I also used this cute little heart clip from Paper Studio (50% off at Hobby Lobby) The paper is from SU and the colors are Rose Red, Marigold, Certain Celery, and Very Vanilla. The patterned paper is from Basic Grey LilyKate collection. I am not sure if you can tell by the picture but I popped some of the spot on the turtles shells with dimensions. I also added some crystal effects to the hearts.

Rocking Friday

Well I just had to pull out one of my new Whipper Snapper stamps again. I just love every single one I got that it makes it so hard to choose which one to use. I needed a little baby boy card so I thought this adorable Rocking Horse stamp from Whipper Snapper would be perfect. It was so much fun to color the horse in. I used my Prisma colored pencils and then some SU markers to shade some parts. I also used some LilyKate paper. *It was so HARD to cut a piece of that cardstock* since I love it soo much. Then I added some hodgepodge hardware and ribbon. I placed the rocking horse stamp on dimensions and matted it on chocolate chip cardstock. I also used SU Close to Cocoa, Certain Celery, and Barely Banana. I sponged for some added depth and tied some hemp cord on the sides of the rocking horse image. The sentiment is another dollar bin buy from Micheal's. Aside from the card I also wanted to wish everyone a great weekend!!

Whatever Goes Wednesday

I finally decided to use my SU Mixed Bouquet set I got for Christmas. I always saw the beautiful creations on the SCS gallery and it was what made me want this set so bad. But once I got it I never really could find what to do with it. Every card I made was just not right. I thought I would give it another chance with this weeks SCS sketch challenge. I worked on it for hours last night and again this morning. I finally like how it turned out its a bit busy but here it is. I used a few other sets like the Stampin' Up Simply Said background stamp and the sentiment is from the dollar bin in Micheals. I used SU Bravo Burgundy, Certain Celery, Pretty in Pink, and Barely Banana card stock. "Wow..I just realized how many colors I used" For some added details I also used crystal effects and glitter on the rose and the leaves. I added some bronze brads and organza burgundy ribbon. I also used some scraps of Chatterbox patterned paper for the circle. The cute little flower clip is from Paper Studio which is currently on sale for 50% off at Hobby Lobby.

Too Cute Tuesday

I think I have found a new love besides Stampin' Up!! I am in heaven with my new Whipper Snapper stamps. They are so awesome. They are totally worth every penny because you can tell they are of high quality. Not to mention they have the cutest images EVER. I am going to have so much fun and I can't wait to show you guys the other amazing stamps I got from them. For this card I used this weeks sketch challenge at my favorite site SCS. I also used some of the 6 x 6 patterned paper I bought yesterday at Hobby Lobby. I thought it went great with the balloons and the circle theme of the sketch. Also someone please stop me from using this color combo!! I just love it. The paper is from SU and is Marigold, Cool Caribbean, Chocolate Chip, and Very Vanilla. Aside from the color combo please stop me from using my Riveting hostess set too!! It really goes with everything. I think its my favorite set when I feel something is missing from a card. I also used the Small Script hostess set from last year. The Koala is from the amazing Whipper Snapper. I added some ribbon and circle clip for some more details. For the circle I used my circle Coluzzle.

Mail Out Monday

Today I had my mother take care of my son for a few hours so that I could go to Hobby Lobby for some SHOPPING :) Since nobody likes to go with me because they all say I take to long and go through the isles more than once they all decided I should go and have some alone time *smile* That was just perfect and let me just tell you they had some AWESOME deals. All their stamps were 50 percent off along with their stickers and rub-ons. I had so much fun throwing things in my cart. As I was browsing the stamp section "about one hour in just that section alone" I was looking at Stampabilities mouse collection. I usually don't care to much for the mice but one such stamp caught my eye. It was this cute little mouse with strawberries *my favorite fruit* and I knew I just had to have him. I also bought some cool paper from Basic Grey "also on sale" and a stack of retro 6 x 6 pattern paper. As I was looking at the papers at home I noticed one patterned paper looked a lot like the seeds of the strawberries so I ripped it out and inked up my new strawberry mouse and this is what I came up with. I think I am really starting to like the mice. They stamp great and they allow for a lot of coloring. I also used some fibers that I had from like 4 years ago and some green SU ribbon. The card stock is Stampin' Up Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Certain Celery and Whisper White. I also popped the donut hostess stamp from Stampin' Up on dimensional. I really like how the mouse stamp and the card came out. I think I might have to go back to Hobby Lobby to take a better look at those mouse stamps *smile*