A Sad Goodbye and A Request

Hi All! So, today is a bittersweet day for me. I am announcing my departure from the Taylored Expressions Baker's Dozen Design Team. I've had such a wonderful time with Taylor and all the talented girls on the team. The stamps and DT have become a part of my heart and I will miss them dearly. Lots of things have changed in my life these past few months. My sister in law was just diagnosed with breast cancer and my cousin with a brain tumor. All these events have made me realize that I need to focus more on my family. I will continue to stamp since it's a form of therapy just in a slower pace. I want to thank Taylor for giving me the honor to be on her team.

So, now to the request. As I just mentioned my cousin Alejandra was just diagnosed with a cerebral brain tumor. She is only 30 years old and a newlywed. She has accomplished so much in her short years. She is already an MD and was currently practicing her internship in a Miami hospital. I've truly never met anyone so driven and passionate about helping people. Unfortunately her dreams of starting her practice have been postponed until she is better. Now she needs our help. I have decided to make her a card and send it to her every week. She needs all the love and support to get through this. So, my request is to help me send her cards. If you happen to have a card laying around that you feel you can part with please send it to my cousin Alejandra. I've already sent her a few cards and she absolutely loves them. They have really brightened her day. My card today features the beautiful Taylored Expressions "Fresh Flowers" and "Faith and Hope". I hope she likes it. I feel the quote is so powerful. I have included her address along with some pictures so you can get to know her better. Thanks in advance for all your help. Feel free it pass this along. The more love the better!

Alejandra Aristizabal
12333 SW 111 Lane
Miami, Fl 33186

Much love,
Ana

Fright Night

So, are you ready for another spooky Halloween card featuring the adorable TCP "Fright Night" set? I hope so because I have another card to share today. But before I begin I want to thank everyone for such a warm welcome back. I love my girls!! So, I colored the images with my Copics and used my new My Mind's Eye-Boo To You paper and accessory kit. I am in love with these patterned papers and die cuts. I combined them with the spooky ghosts images to make a fun little card. I added some TCP glitter on the ghost bow ties and tree leaves. I think it makes the card pop. Well, that's all for today but don't forget to check out the TCP Haunted Blog Hop for a chance to win this set and more.

TCP Spooky Halloween

Hi All! So it's been over a month since I last posted something on my blog. How time flies! I've been busy with some personal and family issues and decided I needed a break from Blogland. I have missed you all and am so thankful for all the emails asking if I'm alright. I've done some stamping the last few days. Its felt so good to get back to my studio. I made some Halloween cards and I was browsing my blogger reader I noticed that TCP is having a Haunted Blog Hop! How fun is that? The beginning of the blog hop starts with the amazingly talented Susan. I can't wait to start blog hopping! For this card I used the ADORABLE TCP set called "Fright Night". I love these images. They are the cutest. Well, that's all for me today but I have lots of other cards to share with you including another TCP Halloween card.
Until next time,
Ana

Taylored Expressions Release Day!

Today is the day ladies!! All new stamps are now available online over at Taylored Expressions! I can't wait for you guys to see the sets in their entirety. I know you are going to love them! For today I decided to pull out my Berries & Cherries set again. I am seriously in love with these images. They make my mouth water every time I use them :) I also wanted to use my Berries & Cherries Key Ingredients. I know I already made a card using the new key ingredients but I love them so much I had to use them again. These kits really lend themselves to so much variety. It's always so easy for me to just grab the KI and go! I colored everything in with my copics. To add texture I did some paper piercing and embossing. I really like how this card turned out. So, not only are these two new sets available, but Taylor also has some new bundles. I love how she offers these bundles of amazing coordinating products at a great value. Well, that's all for me today but don't forget to check out the rest of the Baker's Dozen.

Jodi Collins
Donna Baker
Jen del Muro
Laura Frederickson
Dawn Easton
Karen Giron
Charmaine Ikach
Denise Marzec
Karen Motz
Sankari Wegman
Taylor Van Bruggen

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek Day 2!

So, are you ready for some more Taylored Expressions Sneak Peeks?! Well, today I have a card featuring the second of the two sets that will be released tomorrow. This set is from Whimsical Wishes and is called "Chillax". Don't you just love that word? I represents everything good about the summer. This set has something refreshing and cool for everyone. I decided to "make" a strawberry margarita...yummo!! I colored it in with my Copics and then added some crystal effects to create the frost glass look. I think it looks good enough to drink :) This set doesn't have coordinating key ingredients but it is part of an awesome bundle called "Kick Back Beverage Bundle" which includes tons of embellishments and extras at an AMAZING value! Taylor will have all the details tomorrow on her blog. Well, that's all for me today but I do have another fun card to share tomorrow for the big release day. Also, make sure to check out the rest of the Baker's Dozen DT blogs for more frosty refreshments!

Jodi Collins
Donna Baker
Jen del Muro
Laura Frederickson
Dawn Easton
Karen Giron
Charmaine Ikach
Denise Marzec
Karen Motz
Sankari Wegman
Taylor Van Bruggen

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek Day 1!

Wow..it's the beginning of another month! This year is flying by so fast. Looking forward to all the new Taylored Expressions stamp releases each month make it go even quicker! Today is the first day of the new sneak peeks. Two new fabulous sets will be available online Wednesday, August 5! The set featured today is called "Berries and Cherries" along with the coordinating key ingredients. I am in LOVE with this set because strawberries are absolutely my favorite fruit. I especially love them dipped in chocolate so this set has my name written all over it :) I decided to use last week's SCS sketch challenge as inspiration. I love how the layout allows me to display various images. All materials are from the new key ingredients except the brads. Well, that's all for me today but make sure to check out all the other fabulous Baker's Dozen for more eye candy. Also, tomorrow will feature more sneak peeks so don't forget to stop by.

Jodi Collins
Donna Baker
Jen del Muro
Laura Frederickson
Dawn Easton
Karen Giron
Charmaine Ikach
Denise Marzec
Karen Motz
Sankari Wegman
Taylor Van Bruggen

Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #76

Happy Friday everyone! Are you ready for another fun filled Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge? I hope so because today Taylor has another great sketch for us to play around with. I decided to pull out my Taylored Expressions "For the Love of Cupcakes" set. I adore these little cupcakes. They are yummy! I paper pierced the cupcake top with some very sparkly DCWV Sweets patterned paper. Then I topped it off with some beautiful flowers. Well, that's all for me today but if you want to play along in this week's Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge here are all the details you need to know.
1.You're not required to use cupcakes for the challenge, but if you got 'em why not use 'em!? :)
2.You're welcome to create something other than a card, just stick as closely to the sketch as possible and you'll be eligible for the prize drawing!
3.If you're uploading to Splitcoast use keyword TECC76 (for Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge 76 or link your creation on this post.
4.Each week, I plan to have a Featured Cupcake Sampler! The cutest and most creative sample from the previous week will receive the featured cupcake sampler honors. The winner will receive the sketch ahead of time in order to create a card that will be featured along with a link to your blog on Cupcake Friday!
5.Featured Cupcake Sampler this week is Teresa Kline from Enjoy the VA Sunshine.


Don't forget to check out the beautiful creations from the other cupcake challenge samplers:

Taylor Van Bruggen
Jackie Pedro
Jami Sibley
Lynn Mercurio
Monika Davis
Sherrie Siemens
Stephanie Hargis
Vicki Chrisman

TCP Tuesday on Wednesday!

Hi All! So are you ready for another fun TCP Tuesday challenge? I hope so because the super talented Jen del Muro has a great color combo for us to play around with. I would have never thought of putting these colors together but I had so much fun with them. They are perfect for the summer season. I used my new The Cat's Pajamas "By the Sea" set. I color Poochie in with my Copics and added some German Glass Glitter that is also available at TCP. The buttons and ribbon are also new embellishments released this month! You are going to love them. The sketch is from this week's SCS sketch challenge. It's been forever since I played along in one of those challenges. Well, that's all for me today but if you want to play along in the TCP Tuesday challenge make sure to check Jen's blog for all the details.

Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #75

Happy Friday! I am so excited about this weekend. I have a birthday party and a family reunion to attend. It's going to be jam packed but loads of fun. Well, before I leave you for the weekend I have a sample using the new Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge. I was so excited when I saw this sketch because I knew it would be perfect for my new The Cat's Pajamas "By the Sea" set. These adorable stamps along with two other sets are now available online!! I'm telling you they are ADORABLE!! You've got to check them out. I also used the new ribbon bundle that is also new over at TCP. The ribbons are delicious. Well, that's all for today but if you want to play along in the challenge here is everything you need to know.1.You're not required to use cupcakes for the challenge, but if you got 'em why not use 'em!? :)
2.You're welcome to create something other than a card, just stick as closely to the sketch as possible and you'll be eligible for the prize drawing!
3.If you're uploading to Splitcoast use keyword TECC75 (for Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge 74 or link your creation on this post.
4.Each week, I plan to have a Featured Cupcake Sampler! The cutest and most creative sample from the previous week will receive the featured cupcake sampler honors. The winner will receive the sketch ahead of time in order to create a card that will be featured along with a link to your blog on Cupcake Friday!


Don't forget to check out the beautiful creations from the other cupcake challenge samplers:

Taylor Van Bruggen
Jackie Pedro
Jami Sibley
Lynn Mercurio
Monika Davis
Sherrie Siemens
Stephanie Hargis
Vicki Chrisman

TCP Blog Surf

Hi all!! It's time for the first ever TCP blog surf! How exciting is that? Today is also exciting because the TCP crew is also featuring samples of the new images that will be released tomorrow July 22! There are three sets altogether and I know you're going to love them all. They are so fun and perfect for the summer. This week's hostess is Leigh. She has an awesome inspirational challenge for us. I decided to play along with the beach theme. I used my super cool surfer Poochie. Love him :) So, in order to celebrate the first TCP blog surf and new release you will get a chance to win all three sets!! All you have to do is by leave a comment on each DT member's blog post. Leigh is the first in line so make sure to start there. Next up on the blog hop is the genius behind it all...Alma!

July Key Ingredients Challenge

Hi all!! Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend. So, it's time for another fun Taylored Expressions July Key Ingredients challenge. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Key Ingredients subscription make sure to check out Taylor's blog for all the great details. Trust me it's an awesome deal! So, the challenge this month is to create a house warming gift. I decided to make a cute little picture frame hanger. Our 6 year wedding anniversary is coming up so I wanted to make the hubby a litte frame of our earlier years together. You can customize this idea with pictures of the couples or friends new home. The idea are endless. The frames, ribbon, patterned paper, and liquid pearls are all part of the new Key ingredients. I love it ALL!! The flowers are from the WW "Fresh Flowers" set. Well, that's all for me today but make sure to check out all the other creations the rest of the Baker's Dozen made. I'm sure they are jaw droppping.

Charmaine Ikach
Donna Baker
Karen Giron
Jodi Collins
Laura Fredrickson

Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #74

Happy Friday everyone! So are you ready for another fun Taylored Expression Cupcake Challenge? Well, its been a few weeks since the last sketch but we are back and ready to create. I actually made this card a few weeks ago since I forgot that we were postponing the challenge for a while..silly me =) Anywho, I made this card using The Cat's Pajamas stamp from the "Hearts and Flowers" set. I adore this little Spring image. I colored everything in with my Copics and framed it with some fun colorful card stock. To complete the card I added some ribbon and tied a cute bow on the sentiment. Well, that's all for me today but if you want to play along here are all the details on how to enter the Cupcake Challenge.
1.You're not required to use cupcakes for the challenge, but if you got 'em why not use 'em!? :)
2.You're welcome to create something other than a card, just stick as closely to the sketch as possible and you'll be eligible for the prize drawing!
3.If you're uploading to Splitcoast use keyword TECC74 (for Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge 74 or link your creation on this post.
4.Each week, I plan to have a Featured Cupcake Sampler! The cutest and most creative sample from the previous week will receive the featured cupcake sampler honors. The winner will receive the sketch ahead of time in order to create a card that will be featured along with a link to your blog on Cupcake Friday!


Don't forget to check out the beautiful creations from the other cupcake challenge samplers:

Donna Baker
Jami Sibley
Lynn Mercurio
Stephanie Hargis
Taylor Van Bruggen
Jackie Pedro

Christmas in July Blog Hop

Hi All! So, just as promised today I have a fun surprise to share with you. Some of the girls over from Taylored Expressions have organized a fun Christmas in July blog hop! Sound fun?! The reason for the blog hop is to show off these new awesome Perfect Package that are now sized perfectly for A2 cards. My favorite part of these boxes is that they fold up for easy storage, have a magnetic closure, and are easy to decorate! That means you know have a great way to make quick and easy Christmas gifts for all your family and friends. I decided to make some Christmas cards using the TE Whimsical Wishes "Beary Special" and "Beary Special Accessories" stamps. I embellished the Perfect Package with patterned paper and Zva Creative rhinestones. To complete everything off I added a big bow. I can't wait to start making these for all my family. Well, that's all I have for you today but make sure to check out all the other participants in the blog hop. I can't wait to see what all the girls have created. Also, all Christmas stamps will be 20% off July 15-25 and Taylor is giving away 5 Perfect Packages! Make sure to check out her blog for all the details.

Taylor Van Bruggen
Charmaine Ikach
Donna Baker
Jodi Collins
Karen Giron
Karen Motz
Laura Fredrickson
Sankari Wegman
Jami Sibley
Guest Designer - Rachel Sztonyk

TCP Tuesday

Hi All! I am so happy to finally get some time to stamp. Summer has been crazy but lots of fun so far. Today I have a fun TCP Tuesday card to share. The Hipster Hostess this week is none other than the super talented Carole. She has an awesome sketch for us to play with. I switched it around just a bit to fit my stamp. I used the new TCP Happy Camper stamp images. Isn't this owl the cutest?! I also pulled out my floral soft to create a soft patch of flowers at the base of the trunk. I really like the subtle detail. Well, that's all for me today but tomorrow brings a fun surprise so don't forget to check back.

Fun in the Sun!

Hi All! Hope everyone is having a wonderful week. Today I have a quick post and card to share. Last night I decided to pull out my new Stamp A Sweet Impressions 'Beach Bum" set. I adore these cute little cuppies having some fun in the sun. It's been so hot here in Houston that playing with these little guys was refreshing. I paper pieced the sailboat sails and colored everything else in with Copics. All other card stock, patterned paper, and accessories are from the Beach Bum Key Ingredients set. I love this stuff!! Well, that's all for today but I plan to have another TCP card later on this week.
Stay tuned :)

4th of July Fireworks Bag

Hi All! Today, I have a cute little project to share that is being featured in the Taylored Expressions Newsletter. Woot Woot!! I am so excited about being the newsletter guest this month. If you haven't signed up for the TE newsletter you should because they always have awesome projects on display. It also informs you on all the important info going on over at the Taylored Expression store. To join the mailing list all you have to do is enter your email on the link provided in the TE store. Ok, back to the project. Since, the 4th of July is quickly approaching I decided I wanted to make some fireworks gift bags for the kiddos on our street. Every 4th of July all the neighbors like to come out and have a block party. So, this year I want to have a little something for all the kids. These were super simple to make. All I did was use my nestabilites star die cuts (the largest and following size.) Then, I made a 8 1/4 x 1 1/2 strip. I scored 1/2" on both sides and cut slits along the score lines. This will allow the strip to bend around the star. Adhere strip to star and then add your fireworks and candy. The darling little image used on this project is from Taylored Expressions Year of Sweets 2 along with the Year of Sweets sentiment. Well, that's all for me today but make sure to check out Taylor's blog before you go since she is having a huge moving sale! She has all the details on her blog.
Have a good day,
Ana

Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #72

Hi All! Today is a VERY special Cupcake Challenge! Why you ask?..Well it's Taylor's BIRTHDAY!! Whoot Whoot!! Happy Birthday, Taylor!! So, to celebrate her birthday all the Cupcake Samplers and more are honoring today with virtual birthday cards dedicated to the one and only, Taylor! To make the card I just had to use the newest cupcake set released this month over at Taylored Expressions called "For the Love of Cupcakes". I also used the Cupcake Key Ingredients. Love this stuff!! Also, today the SASI blog is featuring the Our Friday Friend. Make sure to check out the blog and leave our special friend some love. So, if you want to wish Taylor a very happy birthday or just participate in the challenge here is everything you need to know.
1.You're not required to use cupcakes for the challenge, but if you got 'em why not use 'em!? :)
2.You're welcome to create something other than a card, just stick as closely to the sketch as possible and you'll be eligible for the prize drawing!
3.If you're uploading to Splitcoast use keyword TECC72 (for Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge 72 or link your creation on this post.
4.Each week, I plan to have a Featured Cupcake Sampler! The cutest and most creative sample from the previous week will receive the featured cupcake sampler honors. The winner will receive the sketch ahead of time in order to create a card that will be featured along with a link to your blog on Cupcake Friday!


Don't forget to check out the beautiful creations from the other cupcake challenge samplers:

Donna Baker
Jami Sibley
Lynn Mercurio
Stephanie Hargis
Taylor Van Bruggen
Jackie Pedro

Taylored Expressions Release Day and a Challenge!

Today is the day ladies!! How exciting...all stamps are available right now over at Taylored Expressions! I can't wait for you guys to see all the stamps. So, today I am featuring three sets. The first sample is from the new Whimsical Wishes line called "For the Love of Cupcakes". This set will leave you drooling!! I made a card with the cupcake die cut card that is part of the Cupcake Bundle. Seriously, this bundle is so worth it because all the extras are SUPER cute! The glitter stickers on the inside of the card and heart on the cherry are also part of the bundle. All other accessories like card stock, ribbon, and patterned paper are part of the Cupcake Key Ingredients. Love them too! So, next up is a combination of two sets. The cute teddy is part of the WW "Beary Special" set that is also available today and the new line Lasting Impressions called "Faith & Hope". This special set includes tons of beautiful inspirational quotes and Bible verses for encouragement during tough times. I also combined it with this week's Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge. I love this sketch. To create the this card I also used the May 20th Key Ingredients. Only the vellum and rhinestones are not part of the kit. Well, that's all for today but don't forget to check out the new stamps, the rest of the Baker's Dozen creations, and the Cupcake Sampler crew. Whew! Lots of eye candy today :)

Jodi Collins
Donna Baker
Jen del Muro
Laura Frederickson
Dawn Easton
Karen Giron
Charmaine Ikach
Denise Marzec
Karen Motz
Sankari Wegman
Taylor Van Bruggen

If you want to play along in the Cupcake Challenge here are all the details you need to know.
1.You're not required to use cupcakes for the challenge, but if you got 'em why not use 'em!? :)
2.You're welcome to create something other than a card, just stick as closely to the sketch as possible and you'll be eligible for the prize drawing!
3.If you're uploading to Splitcoast use keyword TECC71 (for Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge 71 or link your creation on this post.
4.Each week, I plan to have a Featured Cupcake Sampler! The cutest and most creative sample from the previous week will receive the featured cupcake sampler honors. The winner will receive the sketch ahead of time in order to create a card that will be featured along with a link to your blog on Cupcake Friday!


Don't forget to check out the beautiful creations from the other cupcake challenge samplers:

Donna Baker
Jami Sibley
Lynn Mercurio
Stephanie Hargis
Taylor Van Bruggen
Jackie Pedro

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek Day 2!

I am so excited about today's sneak peek! I am in love with these cute little beach cuppies...aren't they the cutest?! So, to showcase all the adorable images in the new Taylored Expressions SASI stamp set called "Beach Bum" I decided to make a little beach supply basket. I went to Target the other day and found the cute little basket, sand castle shovels, and eye glass case in the dollar spot area. I took them home and came up with this little gift ensemble. The best part is that it was super easy to make. All I did was make tags for each item using the new set and Beach Bum Key Ingredients. I stamped the sunglasses image on the case with white Stazon ink. All the card stock, ribbon, patterned paper, and rhinestones are from the new Beach Bum Key Ingredients. Don't forget that this month will have two new Key Ingredients but you'll have to wait until tomorrow to see my other sneak peek...*grin* Another cool part of these sets and ingredients is that Taylor is offering a great deal called "Beach Bum Bundle" you can get all these stamps, key ingredients and more at a great value!! Well, that's all for me today but I have tons more to share tomorrow. But before you go I also wanted to let you know that I have a SASI blog post today! Whoot Whoot...make sure to check out the blog and leave me some love :) Also, here are all the other Baker's Dozen links so you can enjoy more eye candy!

Jodi Collins
Donna Baker
Jen del Muro
Laura Frederickson
Dawn Easton
Karen Giron
Charmaine Ikach
Denise Marzec
Karen Motz
Sankari Wegman
Taylor Van Bruggen

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek Day 1!

Are you ready for the biggest Taylored Expressions release EVER?!! I hope so because Taylor has a gigantic and amazing amount of stamps being released on June 5th AT 8:00am PST. You are going to be blown away. Seriously, I am not kidding you! Today we are featuring the newest Whimsical Wishes sets called Beary Special & Beary Special Accessories. These two sets are the next releases in Taylored Expressions quarterly charitable program called the TE Giving Tree. A portion of the proceeds from each stamp set sold will be donated to Sick Kids. The Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) is a health-care community dedicated to improving the health of children. Their mission is to provide the best in family-centered, compassionate care, to lead in scientific and clinical advancement, and to prepare the next generation of leaders in child health. The hospital is located in Canada, but is known around the world for its innovation and leadership in research. So, not only is this set adorable but it goes towards a good cause. Also, this set is especially important to designer Nancy McKinney who's family was helped by them. Please visit Nancy's blog for the story of her son Henri. These sets will come untrimmed in order to reduce cost and allow more profit to be donated to the foundation. The rubber is supper soft and easy to trim so you won't have any problem. Make sure to check out Taylor's blog for all the details. Well, that's all for me today but tomorrow brings more sneak peeks...you won't want to miss it! But before you go here are all the links to the rest of the Baker's Dozen. They have some awesome creations to share with this adorable sets. Have fun blog hopping!

Jodi Collins
Donna Baker
Jen del Muro
Laura Frederickson
Dawn Easton
Karen Giron
Charmaine Ikach
Denise Marzec
Karen Motz
Sankari Wegman
Taylor Van Bruggen