Disappearing Data

I haven't forgotten about you, Inky blog friends! Since I got back from CHA on Thursday morning, I've been working on updating the Stampers Anonymous website with the new Tim Holtz and Studio 490 by Wendy Vecchi releases. (Our web guru, Cheryl, is adding the Inky stamps to our site since I can't do that myself, and they should be ready for viewing and ordering early next week.)

In the meantime, however, my external hard drive where I store most of my files has suddenly failed. Unfortunately, that's where I put all my photos from CHA (along with a bunch of other stuff I really don't want to lose). Argh! Steve is trying to recover that data...so please send positive computer thoughts our way, LOL. I'm hoping to be back to our "regularly scheduled programming" soon. ;-)

Sneak Preview #5: Travel Time

I'm heading to Anaheim today so we can get set up for the CHA trade show, which will be held Sunday through Wednesday. I won't be posting while I'm gone, so I thought this new set from Ronnie Walter would be especially appropriate to leave you with until my return:


Selected designs from the 10969MC Travel Time clear set will also be available as wood mounted stamps.

Take a peek at the fun cards that Michelle Pearson created:


(By the way, did you notice the brads in the center of each compass on the left card? It's all about the details!)

The images and sayings are sized on the smaller side so they not only work for cards but are also well-suited for 8" x 8" or 9" x 9" scrapbook layouts:


Maybe I need to schedule a vacation just so I can use these fun designs afterward. Sounds like a good plan to me, LOL!

Have a great week, Inky friends, and I'll look forward to seeing you back on the blog shortly!

Sneak Preview #4: Terrific Turtles

Our turtle stamps have been incredibly popular since they were first released, and I'm so pleased to let you know that Tammy DeYoung has added new stamps to this collection!

Since we're smack in the middle of cold and flu season, 10975SC Sick Turtle may be just the ticket to send get well wishes to someone you know. It also works for someone who may be recovering from another type of illness:


For our wood mounted stamp fans, two of the designs from each clear set shown above and below will also be available in that format.

And while you're thinking of others, don't forget to take time out for yourself. This set reminds us to do some self-pampering:


Besides using them for cards, wouldn't it be fun to decorate containers of bubble bath or salts with these cute turtles?

Here are some wonderful samples Debbie Fisher made. They're so bright and cheery! You can click on the photo for a closer view:


Glad you stopped by to visit, and I hope YOU have a "bubbly day"! :-)

Sneak Preview #3: Worldly Women

For all you Worldly Women fans, I'm happy to announce that we've got new stamp designs from Nancye Williams coming soon! These ladies just crack me up:


Aren't they a hoot? Teresa, the Coupon Queen in this set, would be fun for decorating an organizer (yup, I've got something up my sleeve for you later...stay tuned over the next few weeks):


Say hello to Buffy and Darlene:


In addition to the clear stamp sets shown above, these will all be available as individual wood mounted stamps.

Check out the great cards that Kerry Donovan-Casey made with them:


Kerry's creations are always unique and surprising. I never would have thought to use partial circle cut-outs like in the card on the right, for instance, but it turned out fantastic:


Some days I feel like Trixie (above left) and am convinced I've indeed "entered the snapdragon part of my life," LOL! Which ones are YOUR faves?

Sneak Preview #2: Circle Sentiments

A while back, I'd asked Ronnie Walter to draw some simple icons and coordinating sayings that would lend themselves to making quick, easy cards throughout the year. And of course, in true Ronnie style, she came up with a delightful little collection that we've dubbed Circle Sentiments.

Selected designs will be available in wood mounted stamps, but I think the clear set versions are especially versatile. The first set contains special occasion designs:

I love how you can mix and match the word frames with various mini images to come up with a bunch of possibilities! The ending phrases are perfect for stamping inside the card. Or skip the image altogether and make a two-part saying with just the word frame and an ending phrase.

The second set is perfect for everyday use:


And look how fun these are "all done up"! These are some cards from our talented stamping friend Michelle Pearson:


If you'd like, you can click on both photos for a close-up view. Michelle always includes fun details on her cards, and you can see how she varied the layouts and used these stamps in really creative ways:


Thanks for reading today, and hope to see you "around" again soon. (Ha ha...sorry, couldn't help myself!)

Shipping Tag Box

Last month, Debbie Fisher's shipping tag box was featured for the "Try a New Technique" challenge on Splitcoaststampers. (You can find her tutorial by clicking on that second link.)

I thought this was such a fun, unique way to use tags and wanted to try it myself. I didn't have any shipping tags, so I just made my own using cardstock cut to 2 1/2" x 5". Here's how it turned out:


I used our new 0204F Circle Pup for the main image (which can be found here), and stamped the tag with 0670D Solid Heart Background. (The saying, 0195D Sweet Wishes, hasn't yet been released.)

Here's an angled view; you can see the little cello treat bag tucked inside:


Debbie made one using 10628H Sweety's Cocoa, which turned out so...well, um, sweet! Take a look, and please let us know if you try this project. I'd love to see your results!

Sneak Preview #1: Merry Mousies

Do you remember the "Name That Mousie" post I wrote back in mid-November? Well, the artwork has been finalized, the stamps are in pre-production, and we've got some adorable samples to show you:


These beautiful cards were all made by the very talented Debbie Fisher. Actually, I had such a hard time choosing among the name ideas, so the ones above are just called Teacup Mousies. (Not very original I guess, LOL!) But I did finally decide for the set below, and I'm delighted to introduce Millie Mouse to you:


These stamps will be part of our Spring 2010 release, which will launch at the CHA trade show in just a few short weeks. They'll be available on our website for ordering shortly afterward.

I've got lots more to show you in the meantime, and I can't wait to hear what you think!

Chef's Congrats

Here are your random numbers:

16

Timestamp: 2010-01-05 15:42:23 UTC

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Congratulations to Karen, who won the Chef's Choice set in our drawing. Karen, please contact me via email with your mailing info to claim your prize.

Reading everyone's resolutions was interesting and inspiring. There were some common themes, including getting organized and making quality time for yourselves and your loved ones. Thanks so much for playing. I hope you all have a healthy, productive, and happy 2010!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year, everyone! I'm back from a little "holiday hiatus" and ready to kick off 2010 with some BLOG CANDY.

Do you make resolutions each January? If so, I'm curious to hear about your goals for this year. Leave a note in the comments section of this post with your reply. I'll accept entries until Monday, January 4th, at midnight Central time. The winner will be randomly chosen on Tuesday morning, and that person will receive this set of cute stamps from our Chef's Choice collection:


Remember, if you post anonymously (in other words, without signing in), be sure to add your name or we won't be able to include you in our drawing. It will be the winner's responsibility to contact me via email no later than January 10th. If we don't hear from the winner, we won't be re-drawing...so please remember to come back and check. So "cook up" an answer, and good luck!