Stop #1: Let the DRS Blog Hop Begin!

Stamps: Jimbo and the Gang, Jungle Out There sentiment, Silhouette Branch Background. Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics, Green Galore. Cardstock: Creative Memories yellow and green, Chocolate Chip, GP110 white. Accessories: chocolate satin ribbon, Nestabilities square, square punch.

Now that we have the whole 'gang' here, it's time to start the DRS blog hop!

We're very excited about the latest releases, including a new line of stamps designed by Dustin Pike. Be sure to stop by all the blogs to see examples of cards showcasing his whimsical animal images and all the new releases available for purchase on May 2nd. To make the blog hop even more exciting, there's blog candy involved! You have until 5/2 at 7 am to get in on the fun!!

Next stop on the blog hop is Jess' Obsession. See you there!!

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Turtle Love

Today is my last post as a Guest Designer for DRS Designs. I have had a lot of fun working with these images and getting to know the rest of the team. Thanks to everyone for the fun and the opportunity!

I know that there are some really fun things going on this weekend with the new releases. You are going to LOVE them, so be sure to stop back to see what is NEW! You won't want to miss it!

Today I made a simple fun card based on the colors in my ric rac. I hadn't had a chance to use this sweet turtle yet, and thought it would be a fun image for my last DRS Blog post. You can find this darling turtle (F720) here. The inside says "For Someone Special" (D705). Tomorrow is my mom's 80th birthday and our pet turtle (whom we have had for 14 years!) is giving her this card for her birthday!

Have a great day! Thanks DRS Designs, and all the girls on the team! :)

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Masking.... It's a good thing!

By Debbie Seyer

My youngest daughter, Cassie, made her First Communion this past Sunday. I wanted to make a special card for her and this Christ Has Risen Cross (K103) was perfect.



I didn't really want the words that were on the cross, so I decided to do a little masking. You remember masking, don't you? Here is what I did to the stamp:

Using the sticky part of a post-it note, I covered up the words and inked up the stamp. Then I removed the post-it and stamped my image . Here is my completed project!

I used my Copic Markers & Airbrush system to color the image and printed the sentiment using my computer. I love how you can change the look of a stamp so easily, don't you?

Sadly, this is my last post as Guest Designer for DRS Designs. I have had alot of fun working with all the girls on the design team and with all the great DRS images! Stay tuned for May when the new Guest Designers will be revealed! It will be a great surprise!

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Sneak Peek- I Got Worms!!!

Posted by Vicki/Stamped Smiles:

Yes, you heard right!! You could have worms too if you hurry over to the DRS Designs website to purchase these really awesome newly released stamps coming out THIS Saturday, May 2nd!!

I think this makes for a really fun masculine card or someone who really likes to fish alot!! :)
I had so much fun coloring in this new image!! I used my glitter pen for the coffee can and it really shimmers IRL! I've used the silver card stock to go with it and ran one panel through my CuttleBug machine with an embossing folder. The image was colored, cut out and placed on a silver card stock panel. I embossed the "Sweet" birthday sentiment with silver EP above it.

Here's another really fun "worm" card that I created with the soon to be released images! I used my glitter pen again to color in the hook that the worm is on and colored the worm with my Copic markers. The background was done with chalk. The sentiment is a soon to be released stamp as well! The background circles/bubbles was made with the Interlocking Circle Background stamp. But it just keeps getting better...want to have ONE more peek at another new release coming out?!

As you may have already heard the news, DRS Designs has joined with illustrator Dustin Pike in creating some REALLY adorable 'wild animals' in rubber!!! Here is just one of those really adorable animals! Isn't this monkey too cute?! I think he would put a smile on just about any one's face!! I've colored him in with my Copic markers again and used some green chalk to give him a "ground" to stand on. He was punched out with my circle punch.
The funny sentiment at the bottom is also part of the new releases as well! LOL! (You may need to click the picture to get a better view.) I also used the Vicki's Versatile Background for behind the monkey for a "tree bark" look.

*And if that's not enough excitement for you....we will be having another fun BLOG HOP on Thursday, April 30th!! So be sure to stop back by RIGHT HERE ON THIS BLOG to check it out and have some blog hopping fun!! I look forward to seeing you there!*

Also, don't forget about the awesome color combo challenge going on right HERE!! You have ONE WEEK left to play along if you'd like to qualify for some yummy blog candy!!

Thanks for checking out the DRS blog today!! Hope you had fun looking at the sneak peeks!!

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Finding a hairstylist...

posted by: Cathy/Crafty Thoughts...

is never easy! I know I have never found one that I would go back to again and again!!! So, what do you think about Leonard's sister (work with me here...I know there is only one Leonard but for some reason I keep wanting to make him a girl!!)...anyway...do you think she HAS found a good hairstylist or maybe not because of her hat?!

Images by DRS Designs...



All images are embossed with clear poowder. I used two of the piggies from Leonard's bathtime buddies and of course Leonard or maybe Leona? lol The hat is actually a smidge bit bigger but I had to trim it to look more in proportion. The flowers on the sentiment are from the hat...I stamped it twice and then cut just the flowers out. I pierced along the perimeter randomly and roughed it up with my scissors. If you click for a close up, you might be able to see that I stamped the pink layer with the flower/dragonfly easy background.

Aren't these piggies fun? I would love to see what you have done with them. If you'd like to share, post a link to your creation so I can stop by and be inspired!

********There are fun things happening on the DRS blog and the DT blogs this week. First off Monday starts with sneak peeks of the new images being released this coming SATURDAY, May 2!!!!!! You do not want to miss these images. Along with the usual great DRS images, we have images drawn by the one and only Dustin Pike!!! Have you checked seen his drawings? So cute!!!

On Thursday, we'll start another blog hop!!! We had so much fun with the last release that we decided to do it again!! Be sure to stop back here on Thursday to begin your hop and enter for a chance to win some blog candy!!!

Of course, our color challenge is still going on...post a direct link on the color challenge post - HERE - and be entered to win even more blog candy! Drawing will be next Sunday night!!!

Wow...so much fun, so much eye candy and so many chances to win free stamps!!! Hope you can play along!!!

See you soon...

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A Salute to Black & White!

by Sue

Happy Saturday! If you missed it last week, I'm currently at the Stamp Show in Arkon, OH! Come join us if you can! Because of being in Akron and all the running around that goes on before a show I didn't get much stamping done this week. I did however find this gem that I never posted here!

This whole card came about because I started seeing a lot of cards with this cool ribbon frame and I wanted to try one. I spaced mine a little father away from the center image but otherwise... Here's a link to get you to the creator of this cool border, see what you can come up with!

These are the stamps I used to create my two cards~

Here's my first card, the ribbon was a fun and unique variation for me. After lacing the ribbon I didn't want too much in the center and when I saw the delicate flower background I knew it was just what I was looking for.

This 2nd card came about because I really liked the flower background but didn't get to see as much of it as I wanted to in the first card, so I made sure plenty of it was showing!

Two quick and easy cards! Just like I like 'em! Thanks for stopping by!

Keep reading on for the latest installment of

Your Trick by Linda D. - When using a large stamp, sometimes the ink doesn't cover the stamp correctly, so to assure that your stamp is inked well and that you get good coverage on your card front - 1) ink your large stamp, 2) lay your stamp ink side up, 3) carefully lay your cardstock onto the stamp, 4) with a smooth edged (5 inch) piece of wood, rub over your cardstock and you will get a nice coverage. I've never tried this personally but I've had other ladies say they do the same thing and they love it!

My Tip: Ink your stamp pads!!! I can't stress this one enough. This tip is actually two-fold. Part A. is that when you buy a new stamp pad, if they have the re-inker for it and it's in your budget, I recommend getting the 2 together (all red ink is not the same, green either!). You should almost have a lifetime supply if you buy the re-inker!
Part B. is re-inking, I re-ink my pads almost every other time I sit down to stamp. Especially my black pads. I'm not talking one or two drops either :) I definitely like a well inked pad. That way when I stamp I get a nice solid coverage with little fuss!

Go get busy inking those stamp pads and have a great week!!

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Featured Friday Designer #4

Hi There - Welcome back to our forth Featured Friday Designer!! As you know, back when we had our Guest Design Team call we were so impressed by all the entries we received that we just couldn't limit our decision to only Guest Designers so we came up with our Friday Featured Designer to give even more people a chance to inspire us!

So today we would like to introduce you to Tobi Crawford aka jazzytobi on Splitcoaststampers. You can find more of Tobi's work on her blog, Tobi's Place.

The stamps we asked Tobi to work with were:













and here is what Tobi created...







Be sure to stop by Tobi's blog to check out more of her work and for more info on these cards!!

Thanks so much Tobi, we wish you continued success!!!

See you soon...

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Celebrate ALL the Seasons...

Posted by: Vicki/Stamped Smiles

I feel somewhat lucky that I live in a climate where I get to fully enjoy each Season that comes along. There's beauty in every season, but sometimes we forget to stop and enjoy what we love about each season. Snowflakes are always beautiful the first time you see them fall for the year, the sunshine brings us warmth and fun memories with family outdoors. The Springtime of course is upon us and we look forward to the beautiful blooms. Now for Fall, (my fav Season) we have gorgeous colors outside with the leaves changing and cooler weather. I always try to make the most of each Season.

For my creation here, I used the Four Season's Greeting image and colored in each panel. I took the beautiful Season's Saying sentiment on the inside of this card. What I really like about these stamps is that you could use them ALL year around, not just for Christmas! And when you have the extra time to make cards, why not make up just a couple more at a time and you're ahead of your card making instead of feeling rushed...so that you can enjoy the Seasons even more!

As I mentioned above, I just love Fall and what could be better than a pumpkin FULL of beautiful blooms!? And there really doesn't have to be a special time to use this image! I think this card would cheer anyone up that's not feeling well or a birthday wish for any time of the year! I used the Pumpkin Bouquet image with the Have a Terrific Day! sentiment on top. I decided to make this a birthday card and chose to put the God Bless Birthday greeting on the inside.
It's hard to see in this picture, but I've covered the pumpkin with pretty Shimmerz pumpkin paint and used some Stickles glitter on a couple of flowers.

So just because it's Spring doesn't mean you *have* to "stamp Spring"....get ahead on your card making now so that you can enjoy the whole year ahead!!

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope that you're inspired by the beauty of each Season too!
*Don't forget to play along in the yummy color combo challenge we have going on!!*

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Sentiments!

Posted by: Heather

Hope you are all having a great week! Today I wanted to share a few cards that I've made that feature sentiments as the main image. DRS Designs has a ton of wonderful sentiments that work great on the inside or outside of a card!


Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Heather

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Lovin' the Piggies!

by: Dawn Knight

Hello everyone! I thought that I would share a gate fold card that I made with the super cute DRS Piggies! I love these guys and guess what? Pigs in mud are my favorite color combo... PINK & BROWN! I started with a piece of paper that was 4.25 X 5.5. I scored it at 2 1/8 and also at 6 3/8. I folded the card with a bone folder where it was scored to make the gate fold really stay tightly closed.I think the key is to score it ALOT with a bone folder.I cut pink and brown paper in layers to fit the sides and I added texture to the pink paper for fun and interest! I stamped the little piggies on white CS and punched them out. Then I punched 3 larger brown tags and mounted them. I adhered 2 on the right hand side of the card and one on the left had side of the card. when it closes, the tags help keep the card closed! I stamped the DRS Hogwash sentiment on the inside of the card! I hope that you will try this fun card fold! I like to mix things up with my folds and this one is quick and easy! Thanks for looking!!!

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Challenge #19 - A Color Challenge...

Welcome back to another DRS Designs challenge...This time the DT was challenged to make a card with the following colors...

Chocolate Chip
Pink Passion
Summer Sun

(or the closest matches)

We would love for you to participate in our color challenge...DRS images or not! Post a direct link to your creation in the comment section of this post and if you upload to a public gallery use the keyword DRSC19. Once again, we're offering some fun blog candy to a lucky participant...so dig out your brights for chance to find some happy mail in your mailbox!!! Drawing will take place Sunday evening, May 3.

Check out some inspiring projects from our Design Team below...


Jessica G./Jess' Obsession:

DAwn Knight / Dawn's Rubber Room

Jennifer/Ink N Scrap Habits

Vicki/Stamped Smiles:



Cathy Indelicato/Crafty Thoughts...



Sue W. - DRS Designs

Debbie Seyer - A Peek Into My Stamping Room

Judy Rozema/Joy in a JAR

Heather Lee-Reppen / The Best in Life

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Blog Candy Time!!

posted by: Cathy

It's that time again...wow, can you believe two weeks has passed since the last DT blog challenge giveaway?! Spring break came and went here in CT and now it's time to get back to business as usual!!!

The winner of the birthday blog candy is.........

Maria Matter!! You can visit her blog and card HERE.

Maria, please contact me at stamper_c at yahoo dot com with your snail mail address and I will get your package out to you asap.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the start of yet another DT challenge!! We hope you can join us...we made this one easy, so you can join in too. Remember, even though we would love it if you used DRS images in your creation, you DON'T have to...we just want to give you a jump start inspiration wise and have you inspire us with your projects!! Please join us!!!

See you soon...

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A little contrast is good sometimes...

posted by: Cathy/Crafty Thoughts...

right?! We can't always do things the same way all the time...sometimes if you change things up you can get a different look or a different feel in your final project. You're probably wondering just what I'm getting at...I thought I would do a contrasting project post today! I took two very similar images and made two totally different cards with them to show that although things are similar, they can still be different in their own way...

Images by DRS Designs...from the newest release...

First up is Shelldon the turtle...I decided to give Shelldon a krafty/natural look for this card...



I colored Shelldon with my Bic markers and used another EK Success border punch...I punched it from two different color papers and then layered them slightly off from each other. I just love this twill ribbon...I couldn't resist adding a button and some gingham ribbon as well. My scallops are the same size (giga) so I layered them slightly off from each other as well. I just love this sentiment...so versatile.

And now, we have Shelldon's friend Sally the snail! Similar design in the focal images but a totally different look to the card because I used brights rather than earthy tones.



I love this snail trail image and stamped it several times to make a background. So much fun to color! I used the same sentiment and added some felt flowers from the Target $ spot (yes, from at least last year!) and some large brads to finish it off. I used my all time favorite grass background on the inside of the card. Can you see Sally's antennae? Since it was hard to cut around them when I cut her out, I cut them off (oops!) and replaced them with wire antennae!! Sally was stamped twice. I cut just her shell from the second stamping, colored it and adhered it to the first image with pop dots. (I love those almost as much as jewels!!)

Don't forget, we'll be drawing a winner for some birthday blog candy as part of our birthday creations challenge...you still have time to post a link to a birthday creation - DRS or non-DRS, we would love for you to inspire us!! Check back later for the winner and check back again tomorrow for another new challenge!!

See you soon...

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A Treat or Two or Three!

by Sue

Welcome!

Guess where I'm going to be next Saturday and Sunday (April 25 & 26)? Give up?

Akron, Ohio! If you're going to be in the area, I hope you'll visit us at the Rubber Stamp Convention going on at the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron! For more info please visit Adventures in Stamping

One of the things we'll be doing at our booth is a Make n Take, and I thought you might like a little sneak peak at our project.

Here are some of the stamps we'll be using ~

and here's a few samples of my "cards" ~

One of the fun aspects of these "cards" is that they have 2 hidden surprises. 1 is that the top circle pivots to show a message underneath ~

and the 2nd is the sweet candy surprise wrapped in foil under the ribbon slide.

These are so simple to make too! Step one is to invest in a bag of peppermint patties, and without removing the original wrapping, wrap them again with aluminum foil.

2nd - Stamp, color and cut out your chosen ribbon slide, insert the ribbon, wrap it around the candy and tape it to the back. Set that aside as you...

3rd - stamp your background paper with our giga stamp and punch it out with a giga punch. stamp the inside message slightly lower than center.

4th - Stamp the mega circle and punch that out as well.

5th - Lining them up together, punch a small (1/8") hole, top center and insert a paper fastner. 6th - Attach the candy to the top and you're all set, except maybe spinning it around several times, just 'cause it's fun!

Now it's time for ~

Your Tip ~ by Pat S. in WA - If you make a new style card and you really like it, taking a photo of it, so you have something to jog your memory later takes less storage space and time than making a second card. (So simple, yet I never thought of that!!!)

My Trick - Several years ago, when paper fastners were harder to come by, I found a good sized box at my local office supply and I still have some. Only problem is that while gold can sometimes be the color I'm looking for, most times it's not. My solution? Emboss them! Yep, it's easy too! I tap the top on my versamark pad and dip it into my jar of embossing powder, then heat it like normal. (Please note: you may need to wrap the bottom with a paper towel so you don't burn your fingers as you heat it!) On the Flower slide card above, I used Cotton Candy Embossing Powder and on the Oval card I used Black Sparkle.

Please keep your tips and tricks rolling in by emailing us at submitdrs@yahoo.com - I'm sending out some serious (new releases) blog candy for all tips that I use! Don't miss out!!!!!

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