Bombshell Stamps Blog

Howdy!!

2012-02-22T08:55:00.000-08:00

February's Prize Patrol Winner!

2012-02-21T13:48:00.000-08:00

Hola, lovely Bombshells! Cheryl here to award this month's Prize Patrol Winner! Each month I scour the Internet and popular paper crafting galleries and forums in search of eye-catching projects that make you go "wow". To me, all projects sporting a beautiful Bombshell Stamps image is a winner in my book.

This month, I found this particularly fetching creation on Facebook by the lovely Rachael Brackett. Rachael's beautiful card features Bombshell Stamps Rise and Shine set. Love the layout and that fabulous color palette! Congratulations, Rachael! Please contact me at cvaladez@comcast.net to claim your $20.00 gift certificate to spend in the Bombshell Stamps Shop! WOO HOO!!!

Want to get in on some free stamp action? It's easy! Just enter one of the challenges happening during the month and your name might come up in the Random Monthly Drawing OR create some fabulous Bombshell art and post it in your favorite forums or share it with us on Facebook. I select one project each month that really showcases the images and designate it as the winner of our Prize Patrol Award. Each winner receives a $20.00 gift certificate to spend in the shop. Just do it already ;D

Ciao, Bombshells! Muwah!!

Rise and Shine!

2012-02-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Greetings, bloggy friends! Alison here.I have a new Bombshell card to share with you today. And it’s one of those cards that I just made to make it. No challenges, no requirements, nothing but me having fun. I used Rise and Shine, which is one of the newest sets for me.

I colored this pretty little Bombshell a couple of weeks ago, but nothing I paired with it was working for me. The today, inspiration struck and I assembled it pretty quickly.

I used a double whammy of watercolor markers and Copics for her. I used a bunch of scraps I had, and some cardboard that I embossed with green powder. I loved the texture on the cardboard and from the powder.

This was such a relaxing and fun card for me to make. I guess that Bombshell is sending off some good vibes! She was wonderful to color, and I can already envision what else I can do with her. Well, I’m off to create some more! Don't forget, you still have a few days to sign up for the next Hump Day Hop. Click HERE for all of the details. Have an inspiring day!

2012-02-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

Greetings my fabulous Bombshell friends!! I'm here today with a really simple and basic tutorial on how to make shaped cards. I've had a few questions regarding these and I thought I'd show you two different ways to create cards other than squares and rectangles. (although, I must admit...those are my "go-tos")

The first way I will show you is essentially cutting by hand. I have a couple of old templates that were given to me when I worked on one of my first design teams. I don't *think* they ever went to production as they were difficult to make due to the materials but you could do this with any shaped template, stencil, or free drawn shape you have. If you have a Cricut, you could cut any shape and use it as a template in the same way I am going to show here.

I have cut my Kraft cardstock at 5 1/2 x 4 1/4.

I then laid my template (remember this could be ANY shape you have or would like) on top of my folded card leaving the crease at the top.

Trace lightly around the edges with a pencil and then cut on the line.

I'll do it again with a different template.

Cool, huh? And no fancy equipment necessary!!! Love that!

If you do have a Big Shot, Sizzix, etc here is how to do the same thing using any die cuts you have. I've chosen two different styles of Spellbinder Nestabilities to use. I have used the largest in each grouping to give me the most surface area for my card.

First, select the shape die you want to use.

You'll notice that I anchored my die just on the crease of my card, holding it in place with low tack painters tape. That way it won't wiggle when it goes through my machine.

Now you will put it into your machine leaving the CREASE SIDE OUT of your cutting plates. If you cut all the way through you'll have two pieces but they will not be connected.

Run the plates through making sure that that creased edge is hanging out the entire time.

Here is how it looks when it comes out. Now all I need to do is take my snips and cut the excess away from the sides of the card.

And VOILA:

Sweet, huh? Ok...one more time using a different shaped die. Add cutting plate on top and run through leaving the crease side out.

Now all I need to do is cut those little areas to separate it from the outline and my card is ready to decorate.

And here are the four different shaped card bases I've created. Whether by hand or machine this process is really simple. Please don't hesitate to ask questions!! You can either leave a comment in the comments section or come over to my blog Paper Canteen and send me an email with any questions!!

I hope you have enjoyed this crafty, creative shaped card tutorial!!!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

February's Challenge with special guest GlitteryKatie!!!!

2012-02-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

This month we have a little change to the schedule.
Sadly Freddie couldn't join us this month so the you're stuck with me GlitteryKatie !
It's been really fun stepping in to set our February Challenge and as it's February, the month of St. Valentine and as we all love Bombshells I figured lets have a Bombshell LURVE theme!

What goes through your mind when you think of love, maybe cherubs, chocolates music and whispering sweet nothings to your honey bun or perhaps something a little darker....broken hearts, tears and thoughts of sweet, sweet revenge

So here's my Valentine challenge to you this month, I want to see what's in your hearts the good AND the bad.
If you like sweet nothings- great but lets see a little bit of your dark side too!!!
If you like the dark side of love then sweeten it a little !
So go where your imagination takes you and lets see the YING and YANG of lurve!

Here's what we the Design Team came up with:

GlitteryKatie "Tainted Love" using 'til Death, Butterfly Queen, Man's Ruin

Stempelientje using Bombshell Angel,Western Gal, Love & Luck

Meredith using Bombshell Angel

Alaine created a Chocolate Box using Sacred Heart Art

Kelli using Retro Cowgirl, Butterfly Queen, and Bombshell Angel

Kathi using Bombshell Angel

Alison using Bombshell Angel

Please Play along with us for a chance to win Bombshell goodies.
Enter your project link below:
Entries close on March 15th 2012

Design Team Call!

2012-02-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

It's time to select the next six Bombshell Pin-ups (Guest Design Team members)!

Each Pin-up receives a free set of stamps, a generous discount to Bombshell's store, will be featured on Bombshell Stamps' website and blog, and sets a monthly challenge. If the Pin-up rocks her guest design gig, she's asked to join the Bombshell Girls (our Design Team).

To find out how to apply, please visit this link!

Applications must be received by March 14th. The new Pin-ups will be notified before March 20th!

February's Sketch Challenge!

2012-02-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

We'd love to have you play along. Take the sketch and feel free to flip it, flop it, and make it your own. Then share your take on the sketch in the Inlinkz below for a chance to win a fabulous prize!

Here's February's Sketch!

Presenting the Bombshell Girls and Pin-ups takes on the sketch!

Kathi using Man's Ruin.

Stempelientje used: Retro Cowgirls

Kelli using Bombshell Angel

Meredith using Homeward Bound and Hula Girl

Sparkly Mary using Bucking Bronco
********************************************************

January's Random Winner!

2012-02-07T14:20:00.000-08:00

Hola! I'm baaaaackkkkkkk! Time to announce the latest and greatest random winner for the month of January! Each month we give away two $20 gift certificates to spend in the Bombshell Stamps Shop. The first is given out during the beginning of the month and it's a random drawing selected from all of the entries submitted for the sketch challenge, the pin-up challenge, and the folks who create a little something and participate in the monthly blog hop. That's right! You don't have to be part of the DT or the monthly Pin Ups to join the blog hop! Just throw your name in the hat on the Monthly Blog Hop Thread in the forum.

The second award is given out around the middle of the month. I basically go prowling around the Internet poking my nose in all of your favorite project sharing forums (Splitcoast Stampers, Paper Craft Planet, Flickr, etc) and seek out something spectacular featuring BSS images that catches my eye. Two really easy ways to win some free Bombshell Stamps loot!

This month, our Random Winner for January is MOMMAMEA! Woo hoo! Mommamea has won a fabulous $20 gift certificate to spend in the store! Here is a closer look at her wonderful entry!

Congratz, MOMMAMEA! Please contact me at cvaladez@comcast.net to find out how to claim your prize and to pick up your Winner's Badge!

Come back around the 15th and I'll be giving away more BSS bucks!

Be sure to join this month's challenges to be entered for next month's drawing. I'll be watching for your creations ;D Tootles!

Octagon Box Tutorial

2012-02-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I hope you are having a wonderful Friday today! I am sharing with you a tutorial I found on, where else, pintrest! Here is the original post… It’s wonderful and you can find the templates on this post as well.

I used the Bombshell set Pin-Stripes and embossed them on my cardstock. This came about because I needed something that would work for a boy for Valentines day this year…

So onto the tutorial….

Materials needed…

The templates found on above mentioned post

patterned paper or decorated cardstock

scissors

a scoring device

adhesive

acetate

So there you have it, half a box for my son and half a box for me until I can get back in the craft room and print out another top and another bottom!!! LOL I hope you enjoyed my adventures of octagonal box making and please please please go to the original post for the proper directions!!!!

February Hump Day Hop Theme: Leap into Action!

2012-01-31T17:25:00.001-08:00

It's February! And, it's a leap year! What's more, is our Hump Day Hop happens to fall on February 29th, so of course I just had to challenge us to do something with the word "leap" in it! So what's the challenge? "Leap into Action!" What's it mean? I want you to make your Bombshells heroes. Now think about it...think about all of the different types of heroes there are. Firemen, policemen, super heroes, and advocates. Let me break down some fun ideas for you.

-Use the "To the Rescue Bombshell" digis which feature firefighter, police woman and nurse costumes. All of these would work!

-Use Retro Cowgirl for some bull-slingin' action! Have your cowgirl save the day!

-Dress up any of your Bombshells like superheroes! Throw a cape and mask on 'em and help them beat the bad guys!

-Use your Bombshells as advocates for a group. For example, dress your Bombshell up in pink and make a breast cancer awareness card

-You can even go completely opposite of the challenge, and use "Rise & Shine." Make up a funny quote about not leaping or going anywhere.

Lots of ideas, and I'm sure you can come up with some awesome ones too! For the rest of the details, please go to THIS THREAD. It's also where you can sign up! I hope you will join in on this Leap into Action hop.I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Love Tokens BombShell Style

2012-01-30T09:14:00.000-08:00

Love tokens have been around forever, be it a simple flower to the more recognized engagement ring. A lot of the simple joys of the tokens have been lost over the years with all the technology we have at our fingers tips - love letters for example.

Shakespeare's Othello has been labelled (aka blamed) as the one responsible for making Handkerchiefs into love tokens to be given between couples, often resulting in the token being used to prove love or infidelity. Before then, they were used for knights to carry the colors or crest of a lady for Luck or loyalty in a joust or battle.

and in this age of re-usability and Eco-friendliness, handkerchiefs are making a big comeback, especially for my family due to their sensitive skin - i find paper tissues just rub the skin raw in this weather. So I thought I would personalize some with my Bombshell stamps.

Stamp your images as desired - i used a selection of Bombshell Stamps with stazon inks - you could use other fabric ink-pads but I had these to hand, remember to iron them afterwards to set the ink. Use a light coating of ink on the stamp as it may bleed a little on the fabric. As I used white handkerchiefs, I used a bleach pen to get rid of any unwanted marks before I ironed them.

you could embroider the outline and colour them in that way but I honestly suck at that beautiful skill so I coloured mine with some fabric markers (remember to iron them to heat set them). a note about using markers on fabrics - expect a bit of bleed to try and allow for that when coloring.
I think a set of each would be a great gift for that person in your life that doesn't fit into the "Hallmark" stereotypes :)

I also made a Love Token wall hanging using an embroidery hoop and the awesome Koi Bombshell stamps. This would be perfect for a wedding present as Koi symbolize perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose - perfect sentiments for a marriage.

I did though manage to stitch a very basic outline with some gold thread for this Hoop Token for my hubby. It has our wedding date on it so maybe it will help him remember next time ;)
I stamped the two images and then used Gold embroidery thread to highlight some of the lights. I then marked in pencil the words I wanted and stitched over the line. I used half the thread thickness for the line and the full thickness for the word "soulmates" so it stood out more.

I finished it off with some Ribbons at the hoop bolt and now it hangs in our living room. I am considering spraying the outer hoop with gold paint to match but we'll see.

So I hope you have been inspired to use your stamps to create a love token for the special person in your life - just in time for Valentine's day.
Thanks for sharing in the Bombshell love,
Anam

Old Fashioned Valentine

2012-01-28T09:34:00.000-08:00

Here's a fun card for Valentines Day. It has all your traditional Valentine's staples; hearts, doilies, gems, glitter, bows, and sweet messages and the most darling Cupid from the Bombshell Angel stamp set. I couldn't resist giving him little pink cheeks - four of them.

Vellum Butterflies Tutorial

2012-01-27T06:01:00.001-08:00

As promised here is the tutorial on creating Vellum Butterflies. I must admit that I did not create this technique. I learned it on Youtube from Jennings644. Here is how I do it.

You will need vellum, any weight
alcohol inks and felt stamper
embossing pad
gold pigment pad
gold embossing powder
heat gun
gold stickles
gold wire
Glossy accents
sharp scissors

Begin by choosing your alcohol colors and placing a few drops onto your felt pad. I used three colors.Tamp the colors over the vellum. They will dry very quickly.

Now, ink up your butterfly stamp. I used the large butterfly from the butterfly dreams set. First ink the stamp with embossing ink, followed by pigment ink. I know that you don't actually need both, but I find both work better for a gold emboss.

Stamp your butterfly onto the inked vellum add your embossing powder and emboss. Be sure to keep a close eye on your embossing, to much heat will girl your vellum. (Ask me how I know).

As soon as the embossing is cool, cover the entire stamped area with Glossy Accents. Do not worry about the anteannas you will be cutting those off.

Next, add your gold Stickles INTO the Glossy Accents, following patterns in the wings. Use the tip of the Stickles bottle to push the glitter into the Glossy Accents. The Stickles will be mostly covered by the Glossy Accents.

Allow to dry. This will take several hours. I usually do this early in the morning and wait until evening to work on the butterflies or vice-versa getting to this point and finishing in the morning.

Once the butterfly is dry, fussy cut along your embossed edges being sure to cut on the outside of the embossing.

Next cut a short piece of gold wire and fold it in half. I like to wrap the upper edges around the tip of skewer to create a curl in the antenna.

Flip the butterfly over and glue the antenna to the back of the butterfly.

Voila - You have now created a gorgeous jeweled butterfly.

Tea Box Tutorial with Kelli

2012-01-27T00:05:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone welcome to this wonderful Friday! Today I have to share with you a Tea Box tutorial. One of my dearest friends is going through a rough time and she loves tea so I thought I would make this for her to cheer her up!

January Hump Day Hop: Ring in the New!

2012-01-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Bombshell Fans! Alison here with the latest Bombshell Stamps Hump Day Hop! Most of you know how this works...but in case you're a newbie, I give a challenge at the beginning of the month. And on the last Wednesday of the month (ahem....Hump Day), everyone who wanted to play along is a part of a fabulous Blog Hop. YOU can join in too! Just remember to use those gorgeous Bombshell Stamps of yours. :)

So what was this month's challenge? Ring in the New. What's that mean? I wanted all of our participants to create a project with something that was new to them. In other words, a new technique, using a new product, a new style....anything! Dare to experiment! I'm sure you are at the edge of your seat now, just itching to see what we've all come up with. I won't keep you here any longer. Here is the full hop list. Please be sure to visit everyone and leave 'em some love! And perhaps next month, YOUR bloggy will be listed here too!

Bombshell Blog: http://bombshellstamps.blogspot.com/ (you are here!)
Alison: http://alisonsrandomthoughts.blogspot.com
Laura: http://craftylittlewoman.blogspot.com/
Alaine: http://missalaineousmosaics.blogspot.com/
Sparkly Mary: http://sparkly-train.blogspot.com
Meredith: www.papercanteen.com
Cheryl: http://inktrap.blogspot.com
Paula: http://heyheypaula-heyheypaula.blogspot.com/
Kelli: http://www.cajunstampingqueen.blogspot.com
Stempelientje: http://stempelientje.blogspot.com/
Glittery Katie: http://ferrishyn-frontier.blogspot.com
Kathi: http://kathstales.blogspot.com

Kathi's Sketches for your Inspiration!

2012-01-22T14:28:00.000-08:00

Kathi is our Queen of Sketches here in Bombshell Land and she's kindly collected together ALL her sketches that she's designed for us in case you need some inspiration!

Sassy Sayonara

2012-01-21T16:56:00.000-08:00

This is a little something I whipped up last night for a few challenges this week. I had this image leftover from another project and decided I wanted to use it on a card. This sweet Peek-A-Boo Geisha is just such a fun image to color and comes with several different parasols.

December's Random Winner!

2012-01-21T02:01:00.000-08:00

Hey, gorgeous Bombshells of Blogland! I'm back today to give away another prize! Normally we would do the monthly random draw on or around the 5th, but because we did our Anything Goes award at the beginning of the month, I thought I would put some space in between those dates.

This month's winner is a former Guest Designer. Put your hands together for Celina Anthony! Celina's number came up and she is the lucky recipient of a $20 gift certificate to spend in the Bombshell Stamps Shop! Congratulations, Celina! Please email me at cvaladez@comcast.net and I will tell you how to collect your prize ;D

Take a look at Celina's winning entry and then pay her a visit at her blog to check out her other wonderful creations!

It's easy to add new Bombshell Stamps to your crafting arsenal. Just enter one of the monthly challenges (Kathi's Sketch Challenge or the Guest Designer's Theme Challenge) OR sign up to create a project for our monthly blog hop. We'll throw your name into the proverbial hat and see what comes up. Enter as often as you like, just be sure to use a Bombshell image as your focal point on your design. The other way to win is to just create a card, layout, altered item, etc using BSS images and post them in your favorite forum...the Bombshell Forum, Paper Craft Planet, Splitcoast Stampers, Flickr, etc. I'll prowl the Internet and select an eye-popping project to receive the Prize Partrol Award. The prize for each award is a $20 gift certificate to spend in the BSS Shop! Now's the time to enter these challenges!

Okay, my lovelies! That's it for me! See you in the Winner's Circle!

Tutorial – Mini Notebook Cover

2012-01-19T21:27:00.001-08:00

Hi! Ms. January here. Today I just wanted to share a quick and easy tutorial with you.

I recently bought some little scratch pads/notebooks to have handy in my desk drawer. But they were completely plain, so I decided to make covers for them. Here’s what I did…

The notebook measures 3”x5”(7.6cm x 12.7cm), so I cut a piece of cardstock 3”x12”(7.6cm x 30.5cm). Then I scored the cardstock at 5”, 5 1/4”, 10 1/4”, and 10 1/2”(12.7cm, 13.3cm, 26cm, and 26.7cm).

(the stars mark the inner score lines on the cardstock)

You can choose whether you want to decorate the cover before or after you attach your notebook. The notebook should be adhered to the cardstock in between the inner score lines.

Then you can finish any decorating of your cover, and choose what kind of closure you want. I chose to use magnets for my closure. I put a piece of magnet under the paper on the front…

And on the inside of the flap…

And here is the finished notebook…

I used Harley Bikes to decorate my cover.

Thanks for looking!

Ms. January's Challenge - Let's Play Tag!

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hello! Laura, Miss January here I'm so excited to bring you a new challenge this month! The challenge I have chosen is "Let's Play Tag!" All you have to do is either make a tag using your Bombshell Stamps, or make a project that includes a tag. Then don't forget to link up your creation back here before the end of the month. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Here are some creations from the DT...

Ms. January using Harley Bikes

Celina using Butterfly Queen

GlitteryKatie using Mi Amor

Alaine used Alter Skulls to tag it.

Cheryl using Mermaid Treasure

Alison using Mermaid Treasure

Stempelientje using Bombshell Angel

Meredith using Homeward Bound

Kelli using Retro Cowgirl and Bombshell Patterns

Sparkly Mary using Butterfly Dreams

Please play along for a chance to win BOMBSHELL goodies- we wanna see your tags!!
Details HERE!!!

Meet Ms. January -- Laura Boyd!!!

2012-01-17T11:36:00.000-08:00

So sorry this is late! Time seems to have slipped away and was aided and abetted by my natural spaciness!

So without further ado...

Laura Boyd is our talented Ms. January, who shows a definite flair for design and coloring.

Get to know her better by reading her interview!

1. Brief info about yourself, including your name, where you live, your family (if you want), etc.

Hi, I'm Laura. I live in rural Ohio with my wonderful husband of almost ten years and our two children, ages 7 and 3. I'm a stay-at-home-mom and I homeschool my daughter, so I'm kept pretty busy!

2. How long have you been stamping and/or crafting?

Well, I've been playing with stamps since I was a little girl. My mom taught me how to cross stitch when I was really young, so I've been crafting for a long time. I've only really been making cards and scrapbook layouts for the last few years.

3. What are your favorite Bombshell sets and why?

I love all of the Bombshell sets I have! But I love Bombshell Angel for the versatility that it offers and I love Rose's Portrait for her classic beauty.

4. What kind of projects do you like to do?

I primarily make cards, but I also love altered art, canvases, bookmarks, tags, ATCs, the list keeps going...

5. What are your favorite coloring mediums?

I love my Copics. I also love Distress ink. I'm also really starting to like paints (both acrylic and watercolor).

6. Describe your crafting "style".

Eclectic. My style ranges from cutesy to macabre and most places in between.

7. Describe your crafting process. Do you start with a stamp set? A sketch? A technique you want to use?

Unless it is for a sketch challenge I usually start with the stamp or image and then I just go from there.

8. Do you have any other hobbies?

Reading, writing(fiction and poetry), video games, cooking, baking, sewing, genealogy, and I love music!

9. Free for all including little facts, etc. about you.

• I'm short(only 5' 1”).
• I love Greek food.
• I'm a big Doctor Who? fan.
• I have a huge crush on the actor Bill Nighy.
• I'm a night owl.
• I have a decent size comic book collection.
• My secret dream is to open my own bakery. I guess it's not secret anymore. ;)

Now that you've learned more about Ms. January, here are some examples of her wonderful artwork!

Now that you've seen some of Laura's lovely artwork, I know that you'll want to see more! Here are links to her Bombshell Gallery and her blog!

Bombshell Tutorial - Scrappy Journal

2012-01-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Bombshells!! I'm here today to show you a super fast and easy way to make a fun journal. I've seen these recently in my LSS and decided that I could SO easily make one on my own. All you need is scrap paper - which we ALL have - and a sturdy manila folder, thin cardboard, or really heavy cardstock for your cover. My cover is an old manila style folder trimmed down to 12" x 9.75" when fully open.

I didn't do much thinking for my interior papers - I quite literally grabbed what has been left out during my creative processes all week long.

I then trimmed all of my papers to be the same width - 11"- so that none of them hung outside of my cover. The papers, however, do not all have to be the same height, that's actually part of the charm when you see the interior.

Now to start the binding process. I scored each of my papers directly at 5.5" so that they would all line up perfectly together. I then used my tape runner to lightly adhere each layer before sewing.

I then made sure all of my papers were where I liked them before hitting the sewing machine.

I then folded them and holding them tightly, moved them all back and forth to make the paper a bit more malleable. But I also wanted to make sure that everything was held tight before stitching it. I didn't want anything shifting during the sewing process.

I opened the pages of my Scrappy Journal, laid them inside of the manila cover and faced them inside up on my sewing machine. I ran a standard straight stitch right down the middle twice to create the binding.

And it comes out looking like this! So fun!! It's fabulous to put memorabilia in, doodles, photos, ticket stubs, etc.

I strongly recommend using solid cardstock and double sided designer paper. That way there is something fabulous to look at, doodle on or stick to no matter what side you are working on.

I finished it off VERY simply with some purple baker's twine and my "Homeward Bound" sentiment stamp from the Homeward Bound stamp set.

Have a great and crafty weekend all!!

Big Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

January's Sketch Challenge!!!

2012-01-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Here's January's Sketch!

Stempelientje used Butterfly Queen and Bombshell Angel stamps.

Alaine used Ahoy Sailor stamps to make this Nautical Card.

Sparky Mary used Harley Bikes for her Motorcycle card

Meredith using King Of The Road

Laura using Harley Bikes, Bombshell Angel, and Biker Bombshell

Darkness Stirs and Wakes Imagination

2012-01-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

Night-time sharpens, heightens each sensation ...
Darkness stirs and wakes imagination ...
Silently the senses abandon their defences ...

Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendour ...
Grasp it, sense it - tremulous and tender ...
Turn your face away from the garish light of day,
turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light -
and listen to the music of the night ...

What do you think of when you think of stamping and colouring? Well, you probably think black ink, white paper... maybe off white... or you might get absolutely insane and go for a dark blue or brown ink. ooooooooo. You are a vixen!

Well - - what about colouring on black paper? with images stamped in white? GASP - - - WHAT?????????!!!!!!!

It is fairly easy with a few coloured pencils, some white ink, and white embossing powder and black paper. Take the black paper - either smooth or linen... not much texture, but a little is fine. Stamp the image you have chosen in white ink and then emboss over it with white detail embossing powder. I chose Sacred Heart Art to work with today.

Once your image is embossed, use a white coloured pencil and colour it in... you can shade with it just as you would a marker or when you colour with a darker coloured pencil on white paper. If your paper is textured it will have a little texture in the colouring (I have a black linen paper I used below). Once you have coloured with the white you can colour over it with any colour you choose.

Similar to Copics, if you make a mistake you can correct it... Take a black pencil and colour over the white area... and it takes it away - - well it covers it up - kinda like makeup concealer and the big dark smudges under your eyes. Well under my eyes at least. :-)

You can have very vibrant colours on the dark paper, or you can leave it with Black and White.

Whichever way you choose to go, it adds a bit of the unexpected to the project you are working on.

Here is the card I made with the bottom heart from above.

I hope you have had fun with this technique and maybe it will inspire you to Abandon your Defences and Embrace the Dark Side. (I know mixing Phantom of the Opera and Star Wars is a bit preposterous... sue me).

See you soon!!!!!

p.s. Apparently the spell check for Blogger uses the Queen's English (it does not like the spelling color)

Anything Goes Challenge Winner!

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hey, hey, hey Bombshells! Did you ring in the New Year in true Bombshell fashion? We sure hope you did! Here's a little something to add to your Resolution List for 2012...ENTER MORE BOMBSHELL CHALLENGES! We give away two major prizes each month and what it all boils down to is...free stamps! Yep, I said it! FREE STAMPS!!! Get in on these challenges while we are still growing this blog and your odds are pretty good that you will win some stamps at some point. What are you waiting for? Get out those Bombshells and start creating! Don't own any Bombshell Stamps? Not a problem, there are digis for sale at incredible prices and there are also free images available to our Newsletter subscribers. Click here to sign up.

Speaking of challenges...we just concluded our big Anything Goes challenge that ran for the month of December and we have a winner! Let's hear a big round of applause for...

Susanscraps

Congratulations!

Susan, please contact me at cvaladez@comcast.net to claim your prize ;D Thank you to everyone who entered this challenge. We hope to see you back again this month, where we will feature new contests and we will be back to focusing on Bombshell Stamps designs on your cards and creations to be eligible for the Random Drawing and the Prize Patrol.

Hit The Casino in the forum and you will find all of the details regarding our contests.

Cheers!

January 2012 Hump Day Hop Theme: Ring in the New!

2012-01-04T15:57:00.000-08:00

Greetings and Happy 2012! It's time to find out what the January Hump Day Hop will be! And, since it's a new year, I figured, what better challenge than to actually "Try Something New?" Make anything you want, as long as there is something "new" for you in it. Never made jewelry before? Give it a go! Never attempted a tri-fold card? Now is the perfect time! Perhaps you've never used pink with your Bombshells....why not experiment? Wow us with your experimentation!

This hop will be on January 25th (always the last Wednesday of the month). You will need to sign up for the hop in this thread by Monday, January 23rd. All of the other minor details are found in the thread. This is going to be fun! Trying something new is always exciting. I hope you will join in on this "New" themed hop. I am really looking forward to seeing all of your projects!

Recycle / Altering tutorial

2011-12-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

This is ideal if you want to give money as a present and don't want to put it in a boring envelope....

Needed:

-A can with a pull lid

-Special can opener that doesn't leave sharp edges

-Bombshell stamps

-Stamping ink

-Colouring materials ( I used Copics)

-Glue

-Superglue

-Paper

1.Get a can with a pull ring lid.Do NOT open the can by pulling the lid,but open it with a special can opener.

2.Empty content ( I did eat it ...) and clean the can,and get the label off.

3.Measure the height and width of the can and cut out paper in a rectangle to stamp on.Make sure it overlaps when it goes around the can.

4. Stamp your paper and colour you images.

5.Glue the paper all around the can and make sure it overlaps.

6.Put a small present or money in the can.

7.Shut the lid with superglue and ready is your own made can!

Anything Goes...There's still time to enter!

2011-12-29T23:59:00.000-08:00

Hello, my lovelies! I thought I would just pop in for a brief moment to share a card and remind everyone that there is still time to enter the Anything Goes Challenge. The deadline is December 31st. Share your Anything Goes projects with us on the challenge post and you might randomly be selected to receive a gift certificate to spend in the shop. How fab is that!

I'll poke your creativity bone and let you know that I already have Valentine's Day on the brain, so I created this card featuring Rose's Portrait. She is crazy fun to color with all of that glorious skin and hair! I also made a video on how I colored Rose's hair and you can find it on my blog.

So that's my Anything Goes creation, let's see yours!

Steampunk Box

2011-12-29T13:13:00.000-08:00

The Bombshell Design Team was challenged this month to create a "Hot and Steamy" project, Steampunk that is, using Bombshell images by our guest designer, Ms. December, Torrey.

I chose to use the Mi Amor image to work with for my project and added loads of cogs and gears to create a box for all my steampunk embellishments. The rings around the images eyes reminded me of the goggles that seem to be very popular with the steampunkers right now. I think my favorite part is the little watch stopper I used as a handle to open the box.

I didn't get a side view of this box, but I used a spiffy gear embossed paper to cover them and it came out super fantastic. The wooden box came from the dollar store and was first covered with distress inks before I began adding layers and embellishments. A number of the gears came from Michael's, where I used a coupon to get a small bag which contained quite a few gears in different shapes and metals. The clock face actually came from an old alarm clock my son disassembled and I just went through my boxes of metal bits to find other parts and pieces.

Rebel without a cause

2011-12-29T00:30:00.000-08:00

Stamps used for this card:

Bombshell "Live to Ride"

Coloured with copics and Adirondack ink,silver pen and glaze.

December Hump Day Hop: Give it to Me, Baby!

2011-12-28T01:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome, welcome! It is the last Bombshell Stamps Hump Day Hop of 2011! This month, the theme was "Give it to Me, Baby!" What's that mean? You had to make a gift for someone using your Bombshell Stamps. Even if that someone is you! This also means no cards! Unless of course, you are making a super snazzy gift card holder, but I wanted us to give it the old college try and try to make something else. I'm talking jewlery, altered art, mini canvases...anything that you could give to someone as a gift. The possibilites are endless! Also, Torrey had the great idea to turn this into a swap, so a few of us will actually be receiving some of the fabulous items you will be seeing today as an extra pressie! So without any further adieu, here is the full hop list. Please stop by everyone and leave them some love! I wish you all a wonderful New Years and hope you will be hoppiong along with us in January!

Bombshell Blog: http://bombshellstamps.blogspot.com/ (you are here!)
Alison: http://alisonsrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/
Sparkly Engineer Mary: http://sparkly-train.blogspot.com/
Torrey: http://left-field-studio.blogspot.com/
Alex: http://paperandstring.blogspot.com/
Alaine: http://missalaineousmosaics.blogspot.com/
Milo: http://milolilja.net/
Meredith: http://www.papercanteen.com/
Kathi: http://kathstales.blogspot.com/

Swinging Z Fold card

2011-12-23T03:00:00.000-08:00

Swinging Z Fold Card

Ms December's Mission POSSIBLE

2011-12-20T21:40:00.000-08:00

You sit down to open that box of fruitcake your Aunt Zelda sent you AGAIN this year, like she always does. Every year it's the same, boring, fruitcake. But, upon closer inspection you determine one of the cherries doesn't look...quite right.

You notice there is a small, folded note laying in the box, tucked next to the fruitcake.

You unfold it. It reads "Press the cherry, dearie."

So, you do. I mean, after all...it's from Aunt Zelda and although she's known throughout the family as being...eccentric, she's harmless, right? It's not like it's a bomb or anything. *snicker, snicker*

Suddenly, a muffled voice emanates from deep within the cake...only it's not Aunt Zelda's voice. Your eyebrows raise as you listen, intently.

"Greetings and Salutations!! 'Tis I, Torrey--code name 'Ms. December'! I'm here to throw down the creative gauntlet (as it were) and issue the MONTHLY PIN-UP CHALLENGE! It is proving to be quite the HOT TOPIC around the Bombshell water cooler. Here is the 411.

CODE NAME: "Operation Radiator"

AKA

"Hot and Steamy--A Steampunk Challenge"

Operation Radiator (should you choose to accept it) requires you to don your super-duper-spifflicator-idea-helmet and conjure up a Steampunk-themed project using your Bombshell stamps!

If y'all have absolutely no idea what "Steampunk" is...then check out the forum HERE and read my very informative posting. It will enlighten you...and, in all hopes, inspire you.

Still not sure whether or not to accept the challenge? Well, let me sweeten the pot by dangling a virtual carrot. There is a prize to be had--a very NICE prize for one lucky participant! IT COULD BE YOU! 

This fruitcake will self-destruct in 10 seconds, 9, 8, 7..."

(Uh OH...it actually WAS a bomb!)

So...join us in our Steampunk frenzy!! Be sure to link your project below using the LINKY tool. If you don't have a blog to link to...don't dismay...just post a photo of your entry in the forum on This Thread for a chance to WIN! 

Now, LET'S GET STEAMY! 

Here are some absolutely FaBuLoUs projects from the design team to get you MOTIVATED. I'll start things off with a couple of projects I did...one holiday-themed....one not.

Ms. December (Torrey's) projects

Punked Angel card using Bombshell Angel

Torrey's Steampunk extravaganza tri-fold card

using Bombshell Angel, Butterfly Queen, Banner Sayings, Biker Bombshell
CLOSED

OPEN

Mary G. used Bombshell Angel and Halloween Costume digi-images to create a wall-hanging:

Alaine made an outfit for Retro Cowgirls and added the hat from Halloween Costume Digi Stamps

GlitteryKatie transformed Rose's Portrait into a Steampunk style Cyborg Queen.

Meredith using Bombshell Angel

Stempelientje used:Homeward bound, King of the road, Live to ride.

Submissions close on December 31st at midnight EST.

Flames to love

2011-12-18T02:38:00.000-08:00

I adore Candles in all shapes and forms and especially at this time of year with Winter nights and the Solstice and the New Year - a time for cosy evenings and reflections on the year past and spending time with friend and families.

They can be personalized to suit the occasion or for the person you are sharing with - you can use ribbons, jewels and stamps!!

The easiest way to use stamps is the Tissue Paper method as this gives you control over the image and is a lot of fun. Tissue paper should be found cheap at any packaging store but I got mine with some crockery I purchased so maybe ask your local department store if you could have a sheet - it goes a long way :) even if its crumpled , just iron it flat.

You will need the following supplies:
Stamps & Ink, Tissue Paper, Candles, scrap paper and a Heat gun.

Cut the tissue paper to size to fit around the candle.
Stamp your image on the tissue paper - make sure you put scrap paper under the tissue paper as it seeps through.
Wrap the decorated tissue paper around the candle.

Heat the Candle with the heat gun so the wax melts a little and absorbs the tissue paper.
Roll the candle to ensure it is smooth. reheat any odd lumps so they go flat.
Decorate with ribbon etc if desired.

This one is decorated with the Koi from the "Lotus Garden" Red Rubber stamp set - just perfect for this relaxing candle - maybe for a lavender candle?

You can also stamp individual images and then cut them out and add them to the candle as desired, overlaying them as you want.
This time of year is also the time to remember those who have passed or who are too far away to be part of your celebrations. I make candles that show the part of them that I adore and light it during the festivities.

This was made with the "Vintage Motorcycle" Red Rubber Stamp set. The ability to add designs to the tank and fenders is important to me.
and the awesome thing about tissue paper is that it can be printed through an inkjet printer!! Just tape the tissue paper down on a sheet of printer paper. Then design your image, Print and colour it as you want and then add it to the candle.

I used the super sweet "Gingerbread Pinups" Digital stamps set to make this yummy candle for a sweet toothed friend. Pity they dont make a gingerbread scented candle though so she will have to do with vanilla :)

I hope you enjoy this creative craft and enjoy this time of year with those you love.
Anam

Faux Metal Steampunk Tag Tutorial

2011-12-16T00:16:00.000-08:00

Hey, lovely Bombshells! Cheryl here with a tutorial for you! We're going to make a faux metal steampunk tag today using a few meager materials.

Start by eating your favorite cereal. When the box is empty, cut that cardboard up and make something cool with it. Whom I kidding. I couldn't wait to empty the box, so I have a naked bag of anonymous cereal in my cupboard now. The square piece is actually thicker because I pulled it off the back of a sketch pad. No cardboard is safe in my house.

We'll need a couple of cool dies (I used TH's Tag and Bookplate, and Gadget Gears) , a handful of basic tools to do some burnishing, and the star of the show, a roll of aluminum foil tape. I found it at my local hardware store.

First, I cut out the gears using the thicker piece of cardboard

Next, I glued them securely to the cardboard from the cereal box.

Then, I cut off strips of the aluminum foil tape and adhered them to the cardboard right over my gear dies.

I made sure to cover all of the gears with the tape.

I burnished the tape to the cardboard using the eraser head on a mechanical pencil and a stylus. The shape of the gears is really starting to show now.

Next, I used a small wire brush type tool and dulled the surface of my tape by making small circles on the raised gears. I could have used my sanding block, but I packed it in with supplies for an upcoming class and was too lazy to dig it out. Sad, isn't it?

I die cut the foiled piece of cardboard and came up with this really cool tag.

I refined the shapes of the gears with a slim paper stump to polish the edges a bit. I'm thinking I'll add some alcohol inks later on to this to give it some color. A few other embellishments and this will be ready to make its debut. Pretty simple. A variation on this is to cover the cardboard with the tape and die cut different faux metal shapes. Wouldn't some cool faux metal hearts with gears be fun? There are all sorts of possibilities!

Have you entered the challenges this month? We have lots of ways to win some Bombshell goodness! Join the sketch going on right now by clicking here. Kathi creates the sketch each month and she has something spectacular waiting for you! Also, we have an Anything Goes challenge that lets you be the boss! Yes, that's right! You chose the theme and create whatever you want. You don't even have to use Bombshell Stamps to enter. This month only, we're allowing entries for the Anything Goes challenge using whatever images you want. Of coarse, if you are our randomly selected winner and you did use a Bombshell image as your focal point on your creation, then your winnings increase dramatically. Visit this link to read the details. Don't you want to win some free stamps? Then get your butt over there and enter! Somebody has to win ;D

Ciao, lovelies!

December's Sketch Challenge!

2011-12-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

Here's my sketch for Bombshell for December: Why not play along? Link is below!

Here's my take on my sketch and for Ms. December's Steampunk Challenge!

Now that you've seen my take on the sketch, check out the fabulous work by the wonderful Bombshell Girls and Pin-ups!

HeyHeyPaula (Ms. October) using Pirate's Life & Holiday Accessories

Stempelientje using Western Gal

Meredith using A Pirate's Life

Alaine using Koi Tattoo

Kelli using Gingerbread Pin-up

Alison using Gingerbread Pin-Up

Sparkly Mary using Till Death

Torrey (Ms. December) using Bombshell Angel

Why not play along with the sketch challenge for a chance to win a free set of stamps? Simply post your take on the sketch on the Inlinkz below and/or on the Sketch Challenge in The Casino area of the forum. Each entry gets you another chance to win! The deadline is December 31st at midnight PST!

Gingerbread Pin-Up YUMMIES

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Some of the Bombshells have decided to get together and celebrate the limited edition digital set called Gingerbread Pin-Up, that is available only through the end of December. The set is full of Yummy goodness, and so are the creations below. My favorite part about the set? It has boy pin-ups!!!! HEE HEE. These are absolutely the cutest, most fun Gingerbread stamps I have ever seen.

Wall hanging by Mary G. (Close-up views are available on her blog):

Cards by Alaine:

Treat bag Tag by Sparkly Mary

"Side-Step" card by Torrey

Tutorial: Diamond card

2011-12-09T00:53:00.000-08:00

Fold your card stock like the picture.

I have cutted out pieces for every tiny space on the card.

A sweet new digital stamp set!

2011-12-08T22:08:00.000-08:00

There's a limited edition digital set called Gingerbread Pin-Up, that is available as a digital set only through the end of December. It has three Gingerbread people, some cookies, candy, and some fun sentiments and is just perfect for your holiday creations!

Here's a card that I created using this set!

Here's a close up!

Announcing the December Hump Day Hop Theme: Give it to Me, Baby!

2011-12-07T01:01:00.000-08:00

Seasons Greetings! It's time to announce the December Hump Day Hop Challenge! The hop will be on Wednesday, December 28th. This month, the theme is "Give it to Me, Baby!" What's that mean? You've got to make a gift for someone using your Bombshell Stamps. Even if that someone is you! This also means no cards! Unless of course, you are making a super snazzy gift card holder, but let's give it the old college try and try to make something else. I'm talking jewelry, altered art, mini canvases...anything that you could give to someone as a gift. The possibilities are endless!
Plus, this month we are adding a special twist. We are turning this into a Secret Santa gift-giving extravaganza!!! If you would like (and this is NOT mandatory!), you can also sign up to become a Secret Santa to another member of the hop. I will pool all of the names together, and probably have my kids pick them out of a hat or something in order to make the pairs. Again, if you'd like to just hop, that's totally fine. But if you want to be a part of the Secret Santa, you will need to let me know.

Signing up is easy! Just go to THIS THREAD and add your blog address and if you'd like to do the Secret Santa. You will need to sign up for the hop in this thread by Monday, December 26th. I will get a hop list together and post it in the thread on the 27th.

So come on over, sign up, and get gifty!!!

November's Random Winner!

2011-12-06T23:36:00.001-08:00

Hello, my lovely Bombshells! I hope this post finds you keeping warm these days, especially since Old Man Winter has made a grand appearance for a good many of us. BRRRRRR! It's a good thing that all of the Bombshell Stamps images are HOT! Staying indoors and coloring up a saucy BSS stamp is the perfect way to counteract the cold weather.

That's just what this month's Random Winner did...please share a big round of applause for Steph!

Steph used Peek-a-Boo Geisha on her card and beautifully incorporated the sketch layout. What a lovely creation! Please stop by Steph's blog, Creative Chaos and take a look around. You'll find lots to inspire you! Steph, you have won a $20.00 gift certificate to spend in the Bombshell Stamps shop! Oh, what fun you are going to have! Please contact me via email at cvaladez@comcast.net and I'll tell you how to redeem your prize.

The fun has just begun for the month of December! This month, in addition to the Sketch Challenge, the Pin-Up Challenge, and the Monthly Blog Hop, we have added another amazing way to win. We're adding an Anything Goes Challenge to the mix! Yes! For this particular contest, you get to set your own theme, and for the month of December ONLY...you also get to use any images you want. Here's the catch, if you win the Anything Goes Challenge using an image that's NOT a Bombshell Stamps design, you'll win a $5.00 gift certificate to use in the shop, but if you win using a Bombshell Stamps design, you'll win a $20.00 gift certificate to use in the shop. $20.00 will buy you a ton of digis or a very snazzy unmounted rubber set.

Okay, what are you waiting for?! Start creating your challenge cards and join the fun!!!

Something tasty for your holidays!

2011-12-06T22:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true! There's a sweet treat coming out in time for the holidays!

Here's a peek!

Special "Anything Goes" Challenge!

2011-12-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Bombshell Stamps is getting into the holiday spirit and wants to give something to our loyal fans!

This challenge is a one-time only contest. Use ANY stamp to create a holiday card and share it with us using the Inlinkz below and/or in this thread in the Gamblers Anonymous section of The Casino in Bombshell's forum!

Each entry will earn one chance to win a $5.00 gift certificate to the Bombshell Store, which will be selected via a random draw.

Use a Bombshell Stamp and you'll win two chances!

If you win using a Bombshell stamp (rubber or digital), you can win a $20.00 gift certificate!

The deadline for this challenge is December 31st. The winner will be chosen by January 5th!

Meet Ms. December!

2011-12-03T00:04:00.000-08:00

Torrey Moseley is Ms. December! She's a seriously talented paper-crafter and has a wicked sense of humor. Check it out for yourself in the following interview!

1. Brief info about yourself, including your name, where you live, your family (if you want), etc.
My name is Torrey Moseley, though, many of you may know me under different last names. Don't ask. Change is good, right? I currently reside in Dallas, Texas--land of big hair. I'm married to a wonderful guy named Jonathan. Not only is he supportive of my paper-crafting obsession, he actually wants to learn how to do it. I haven't figured out yet if it's a case of "can't-beat-'em-join-'em" or if he really WANTS to do it. Doesn't matter...either way, I'm a lucky gal. We don't have kids, thank goodness---cuz I'm too old for them now. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE kids...heck, I was a pediatric nurse for over a quarter of a century. I was just never blessed with kids of my own...so, being a nurse, I got to claim that I actually had HUNDREDS of kids; just never given birth to any of 'em.

2. How long have you been stamping and/or crafting?
I started down my papered journey in 1999, and haven't come up for air since. Originally, I was solely a scrapbook artist. Over the years I've evolved into a full-blown paper-craft artist--cards, tags, collages, mixed media projects, home decor. It's been a running joke between my best friend and me that we are not, Not, NOT stampers. Don't mind the fact that I wrote several magazine articles on stamping, was a design team member for a book on stamping, and that I own like a kajillion of them. I guess some day I'll have to suck it up and admit that I am, indeed, an AVID stamper. Nah. I don't have to admit ANYTHING. :P

3. What are your favorite Bombshell sets and why?
I ADORE the Koi Tattoo, Lotus Garden, and Peek-A-Boo Geisha sets. I'm REALLY into the beauty of Asian imagery. But, I also LOVE all the pin-up girls and their touch-o-naughtiness...OH PLEASE don't make me choose!!!

4. What kind of projects do you like to do?
I am into cards at the present. I like 'em because they're like tiny, little, mini (gee, was that redundant enough?) scrapbook pages that I get to give away. But I'm at the whim of my muse, so check back next week and I might be all about altered art. I'm not fickle...I'm just experiMENTAL (emphasis on the "mental").

5. What are your favorite coloring mediums?
My #1, numero uno, premier choice for coloring is colored pencils. I've tried Copics. I own a LOT of Copics...I'm deathly AFRAID of Copics (Copicphobic is a real term, trust me...I'm a nurse). But, colored pencils? LoVe ThEm!!!! And, when used with odorless mineral spirits for blending...I just can't beat the results. I plan on posting a tutorial about coloring with them. They're my friends. I just love them--from their blunt little ends to the tips of their pointy little heads. I've even given them all names...like "Mr. Chestnut PC 1081" and "Miss Lilac PC 956"...oh wait, those are the names that Prismacolor gave them. Guess I'll just call them all "George" and be done with it.

6. Describe your crafting "style".
Well, SOME people would call me lumpy and chaotic. I prefer the term "Dimensionally Eclectic". I'm a self-proclaimed magpie. My pockets are ALWAYS filled with shiny bits and interesting what-nots. There isn't much I won't or haven't incorporated into my art. If it sits still for more than 5 minutes...it's fair game and a potential subject for my art (eyes neighbor's cat that's lounging on the porch and hasn't moved in 8 minutes).

7. Describe your crafting process. Do you start with a stamp set? A sketch? A technique you want to use?
I am TOTALLY a minion to my muse. She points me in the direction to go, then unhooks my leash and turns me loose. I RARELY plan anything out. I'm a spontaneous crafter... I sorta tend to be all over the place, which is a nice way of saying I'm a bit A.D.D. when it comes to my art. LOOK! A squirrel! Do you like cheese? I'm hungry. Ooooh, pretty butterfly! Hi!

I gather shards of inspiration from everything, anywhere. I tend to look at my world around me with an artful eye (er rather, 4 EYES, as I wear glasses--well technically 6, 'cuz they're bifocals). Color combinations, textures, patterns, lines/contours--the beauty is EVERYWHERE, and is often in the least likely of places. Usually my projects just sort of float into my consciousness from who-knows-where. And, when they surface, they're usually complete, not just sketchy, nebulous ideas. It's a very Zen/Stream-Of-Consciousness sort of thing.

8. Do you have any other hobbies?
Um, let's see...I am pretty much a renaissance chick so yeah...there are a few. Cooking, Photoshop (I like to make little animated .gifs for forum signatures/avatars...wanna see some? Go Here), photography, poetry, WRITING, MMORPG (Massive Multi-player Online Role Playing Games--yeah I'm a WoW chick--FOR THE ALLIANCE!!!), miniatures, reading, garage sale-ing, photo restoration, singing...I could go on and on.

9. Free for all including little facts, etc. about you.
Oooh, free-for-all.
• I can name all 50 states in alphabetical order in less than 30 seconds.
• I'm a "retired" nurse practitioner.
• I have chameleon eyes that go from brown to amber to jade green depending on my mood (like those mood rings from the 70s).
• I was one of the Original Memory Makers Masters (back in 2003--at the apex of when Memory Makers was an EXCELLENT magazine).
• I can balance a broomstick (vertically, on its end) on the tip of my finger while reciting the Greek poem "Erotokritos" IN GREEK. (I'm kidding, I don't even know Greek, except for how to say "baklava" and "spanikopita").
• I have ONE tattoo--it's on my ankle. My mom calls it my "identifying mark" if I were ever to be horribly disfigured in a car accident she could identify me from it. I don't think she likes it much. It comes with a HILARIOUS story that I'll be happy to tell you about...later.
• I am sort of Acrophobic. Me + heights = not pretty. Add that to my Copicphobia and you get AcroCopicphobia--a fear of coloring with markers at great heights. Yeah, that's it.

Now that you've gotten to know more about Torrey, here are three of her favorite Bombshell projects!

Since the above probably whetted your appetite for more Torrey-esque eye candy, check out her blog and her Bombshell Gallery!

Bombshell Tutorial - Winter Hat Gift Card Holder

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Greetings fabulous Bombshell fans!! I'm here today to show you how to make this ADORABLE winter hat gift card holder. It's CRAZY easy - and let's face it...it's the time of year where it's either easy or it doesn't get done!

Let's start!

First you need two 5" circles. One cut from designer paper and one cut from cardstock. I used the pink leopard print for my DP and black cardstock to match.

After you cut your 5" circles you then cut them in half. You only need one half of the DP circle but both halves of the cardstock circle. Adhere the DP half-circle to one half of the cardstock circle. This is purely for stability.

You need a strip of cardstock measuring 5 1/8 x 1 5/8 and a strip of DP measuring 5 1/8 x 7/8. I used a border punch for my cardstock strip to make it a bit more decorative. Adhere your DP strip to the cardstock strip. Now you are ready to make the pocket for your gift card. Place adhesive on the back of your cardstock/designer paper strip making sure the adhesive is as close to the punched border as possible. This will give you maximum room for the space inside your pocket.

Adhere this strip to the extra half of the cardstock circle that we had from the beginning.

Now you want to line up the designer paper half-circle in between the cardstock strip and solid background half-circle. Snuggle it down right into that pocket. Once it is lined up you want to use a hole punch - I used my Crop-O-Dile to punch a hole through the cardstock/designer paper strip and designer paper half circle. Don't punch it all the way through the back.

I attached a brad to hold the top of the hat onto the front cardstock piece in order for it to swivel...like this!

I needed a quick gift for a darling friend of mine who isn't feeling well so I pulled out my Bombshell Banner Sayings set (such a "go-to" for me) and ON SALE and used the 'get well soon' sentiment. I stamped using my Momento ink and colored lightly with my Copics. I made a pom-pom for the top adhering it with Glossy Accents and added self-adhesive rhinestones to enhance the brim of the cap a bit more.

Here it is open with the gift card tucked neatly inside!

I hope you've enjoyed my tutorial today!! Thanks for stopping by!!

Get a head start on December's Challenges!

2011-12-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

How? By checking The Casino over at the forum!

The blog hop theme, Ms. December's challenge, and the new sketch are all there!

So go for it! You know you want to.

Besides, if you post your take on any of the challenges there AND here on the blog, you double your chances to win a fabulous prize!!!

November Hump Day Hop

2011-11-30T01:01:00.000-08:00

Greetings once again! Alison here with the latest Bombshell Stamps Hump Day Hop! This month I kept it simple and chose a beautiful color palette from Design Seeds to work with. Here it is...

Isn't it pretty? I asked the prticipants to use at least 3 of the colors in the palette, keeping the colors as close to what's shown here as possible. Pretty simple right? And with these colors, I'm sure there is going to be a huge range of amazing projects to look at! Here is the full hop list. Please be sure to stop by and leave some love for everyone, but especially Sparkly Mary, as it's her Birthday today! Happy Birthday, Bombshell!!!

Bombshell Blog: http://bombshellstamps.blogspot.com/
Alison: http://alisonsrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/
Laura: http://craftylittlewoman.blogspot.com/
Mary G.: blog: http://www.mystampinhide-away.blogspot.com/
Torrey: http://left-field-studio.blogspot.com/
Cheryl: http://inktrap.blogspot.com/
Stempelintje: http://stempelientje.blogspot.com/
Kelli: http://www.cajunstampingqueen.blogspot.com/
Alaine: http://missalaineousmosaics.blogspot.com/
Glittery Katie: http://ferrishyn-frontier.blogspot.com/
Celina Anthony: http://poniesandcrafts.blogspot.com/
Paula: http://heyheypaula-heyheypaula.blogspot.com/
Milo: http://milolilja.net/
Sparkly Mary (The Birthday Girl!): http://sparkly-train.blogspot.com/
Alex: http://paperandstring.blogspot.com/
Kathi: http://kathstales.blogspot.com/

I hope you enjoy today's hop. Maybe you can join us for December's! I'll have the theme posted in the forum tomorrow! Have a great day!

Bombshell T-shirt Tutorial

2011-11-29T16:40:00.001-08:00

This is a project that I have had in mind for quite some time and finally tried out. You can experience first hand how it went. I really like my finished product.

Now, here is the really, really important part of this tutorial, perhaps even the hardest. Pretend that the model is slim and beautiful. Told you it would be hard. Now for the actual tutorial part of this tutorial.

For this project you will need

1 t-shirt that has been pre-washed
a colored stamped image
Avery t-shirt transfer paper
computer printer/scanner
Iron and ironing board
patience

Print off your Geisha Bombshell or stamp your desired image.

Color image as desired with whatever technique you wish to use. You can even paper piece at this point if you like. Then cut out your image, fussy cutting is best.

Scan the image into your computer and increase to the desired size using whatever program works on your computer. I used the built in program in my printer/scanner. Print out image to make sure it is exactly what you want to have on your t-shirt.

Now copy the image onto a t-shirt transfer product made for computer copiers. I used Avery T-shirt Transfers. Again, cut out the image this time leaving a slight border around the image.

Iron image onto t-shirt following manufactures' directions.

Careful peel off paper backing.

Finished product

I'm thinking a matching card or tag and gift bag and you have a neato gift. I see several showing up in my Christmas giving pile.

November's Prize Patrol!

2011-11-29T12:16:00.001-08:00

Hey, lovelies! I almost let the month slip by without announcing this month's Prize Patrol Winner. Prize Patrol? What is that? Let me explain...in addition to the monthly random winner selected from all of the challenge entries, I also scour the Internet seeking out fab designs using Bombshell Stamps. I hit all the card forums and hot spots including Splitcoast Stampers, Paper Craft Planet, Flickr, Facebook, the BSS Gallery, etc. and I don't stop until I find "the one". Basically, "the one" creation that makes me sit back and say "WOW"!

This month I ran into so many beautiful creations, I didn't know what I was going to do, but then I came across one in particular that kept me coming back for more. Please give a big round of applause to this month's Prize Patrol Winner...Karen Hyland! Karen shared this exquisite creation on the Bombshell Stamps Facebook page and I think you'll agree that it is something special!

Karen used the Vintage Raceway stamp set on her zippy creation. I just love the gears used as the background for the race car and the distressed text/patterned paper combined with those chic antique hues. Terrific work, Karen! I'll be contacting you soon regarding your prize which is a $20.00 gift certificate to use in the Bombshell Stamps Shop. Or feel free to contact me directly via email at cvaladez@comcast.net. Congratulations!

Remember, winning some amazing free images from Bombshell Stamps each month is easy. All you have to do is enter one (or more) of our monthly challenges for a chance at the random drawing or continue to create awesome projects and share them on your blog and in your favorite forums for an opportunity to be discovered via the Prize Patrol. The key to winning is that you have to play, because someone has to win and why shouldn't it be you!

Catch you next time!

CYBER MONDAY!

2011-11-28T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's Cyber Monday and the last day to take advantage of the terrific sale going on over at Bombshell Stamps!

Get 25% off your entire purchase!!! Use coupon code "CYBR30" at check out!

Click here to be whisked away to your shopping trip!

A Stocking Experiment!

2011-11-28T00:11:00.000-08:00

Silly pun aside, this is about trying different ways of coloring stockings on the Butterfly Queen. For three of these ladies I stamped them in black pigment ink instead of the usual archival ink. I found that it works a lot better because Copics and other water based colors do not bleed with it. Of course you want to let it dry for quite awhile before you're ready to color.

The first lady has Pearlescent Arylic Ink stockings by Daler and Rowney.

Lady number two has Magical Mica stockings

Lady number three has water color pencil stocks

And the last lady has glitter stockings!

I think my two favorite styles is the acrylic ink stockings and my usual water color pencil stockings. The glitter stockings look better from far away, but I found it hard to get an even coverage of glitter on her legs.

Please do let me know which style of stockings you prefer!

It's a Bombshell Christmas!

2011-11-27T00:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it's not quite Christmas yet. But I wanted to show off the card I made using the Butterfly Queen set from Bombshell Stamps:

I started with a basic brown card and stamped the flowers in the background in Walnut Stain Distress ink. I stamped my lady here in archival ink and colored her with Copics, Magical Micas, and water color pencils. I did a bit of distressing around the edges of the other page and I added a Christmas sentiment from a Paper Studio rub-on set. All in all, it just goes to show you that this set can be used any time of the year!

Black Friday Weekend Sale!

2011-11-24T22:43:00.001-08:00

You've made your list. You've checked it twice.

Now it's time to be naughty and nice (to yourself), especially if you're the one who did all the shopping, cleaning, cooking, and cleaning for Thanksgiving!

It's Bombshell's Black Friday SALE! Receive 25% off your entire purchase from NOW through Monday, Nov. 28! Just use coupon code "CYBR30" at check out!

Click here to be whisked away to your shopping trip!

Be prepared! "Windowshop!"

2011-11-23T17:50:00.000-08:00

You might want to do some windowshopping at Bombshell Stamps' store tonight and tomorrow so that you're ready for the Black Friday sale!

Make a list, check it twice, sometimes being naughty IS nice!

The code will be posted here on Bombshell's front page, on the blog, and on Facebook!

Bombshell ATC

2011-11-21T00:23:00.000-08:00

I love the idea of Artist Trading Cards. This is my first chance actually doing one. I hope to eventually start a collection. The idea of having a little piece of art made by someone else is fantastic.

Here I took a plain watercolor ATC and added some distress ink for extra depth of color. I then added some Starburst stains to get the sparkly pink and brown. I used part of a new stencil that I bought by The Paper Company and added that with some gold pigment ink. The swirl in the top corner is from Bo-Bunny. I embossed the stamped phrase with some black embossing powder. Finally I stamped a butterfly from the Butterfly Queen set and colored it in with some Magical Micas. I fixed it on using some dimensionals.

Rocking out Backgrounds

2011-11-19T04:35:00.000-08:00

I love using stamps to make background patterns for my cards and layouts and the Bombshell stamps always have perfect images to match my themes.

(using the "Island girl" set)

(using the "Homeward Bound" set)

The easiest way of doing it is to pick a tonal colour and stamp away - I often use left over printer paper under mine so I can stamp over the edges. I also try to make them as random as possible but that doesn't always work.

(using the "Speed Shop" set)

You can use the stamps to keep your theme going or to emphasis a theme. I enjoy making them for card especially as you can make a whole bunch up before hand and then cut to size.

(using the "Fathers Day" Digital set)

and don't forget about the digital stamps that Bombshell make as they are super easy to set up as a repeating pattern as they can be re-sized to suit your needs.

(using the "Island girl" set and the background is using the "Pin Stripes" set)

Using stamps as a background helps when you have limited supplies and want to make different textures and patterns. I used just two ink pads for the above card which helps when you do not want to colour in a whole image.
I hope I've given you a little inspiration to try using your stamps for more than just the focal images on your artwork.

Have fun!
Anam

Bombshell Tutorial with Kelli

2011-11-18T00:05:00.000-08:00

Hello Lovely Bombshell lovers! It’s Friday and that means it’s time for another tutorial! Today I am sharing with you a Center Step card I thought would be fairly simple to make during the Holiday season! I had made one of these a long time ago and when looking through old photos to get some inspiration I found it and decided to give it another go! We all know we always have tons of cards to make so why not make some that look like they take forever but really don’t take a lot of time at all! This card I made for the Tutorial took 20 minutes. Coloring, putting together, and taking pictures of each step. So I am sure if you don’t take pictures of each step it won’t take you nearly as long!!!

Supplies needed:

One 5 1/2” x 11” piece of cardstock

Scoring tool

paper trimmer

adhesive

stamps of choice, I used A Pirates Life

ink

additional cardstock, decorative paper and embellishments to decorate!

I Just Love Retro!

2011-11-17T00:35:00.000-08:00

Whew! I think I've finally run out of that retro paper! Here is another scrap card from me using the Butterfly Queen set. I love the bombshell in this stamp set because it is so easy to create relatively simple cards with her. Here I used just some scraps of that same paper I've been using for awhile. On the edge I used stickers from that same set as a border. It still felt a little too plain so I added the stars. As usual I colored most of my lady here with Magical Micas by Lindy's Stamp Gang. I colored her skin with Copics and added the stockings to her legs with a water color pencil.

Ms. November's "Waste Not" Challenge

2011-11-16T00:38:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, Celina, Ms. November here with my challenge for this month. On my blog I like to have Waste Not Want Not Wednesdays where I post a card I made out of scraps from my scrap drawer. We all have those pesky little scraps we can't bear to throw away, but they always seem to linger. So my challenge is to create a card using just the scraps you have on hand. It doesn't have to be perfect, in fact I love creating crazy looking cards with little bitty scraps. Bonus kudos if you even stamp on a scrap colored piece of paper instead of a white one!

Check out what the DT did with this challenge!

Ms. November using Butterfly Queen

Alison using Homeward Bound

Glittery Katie
Using Homeward Bound & Ahoy Sailor

Alaine (MissAlaineous)

using Love and Luck

Meredith using Mermaid Treasure

HeyHeyPaula (Miss October) using Bombshell Angel & Holiday Assessories

Mary Anne the Sparkly Engineer with the sentiment from the Lotus Garden Set

Torrey (Miss December) using "Western Gal"

Stempelientje using Pirate's Life

Kelli using Roses Portrait

Milo using Roses Portrait

If you play along with this challenge, add your take using the Inlinkz below. Double your chances for a prize by sharing it over on this thread on Bombshell's forum.

How to mask stamps & take away some detail

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

I´ve used this things to mask my stamps and
to take away the cherry.

Put the tape at the cherry, before you use
the black ink.

After ink, take away the tape and there
is no color at the cherry.

This technique have you seen many times before
I think, but I will remind you of it! =)
And, told you how to think...

ALWAYS stamp the motive FIRST
that you want to have in the FRONT.

Stamps the lady at a paper and cut her out.
(The pink paper here)
Stamp her again where you want it.
(I use white watercolor paper.)
Put the pink one, over the white one.

Stamp with the motive you want to
be masked with your lady.
I want her to sit on the bike.

It´s kind of cool, is´nt it!
But, the lady is a liiiitle bit to big,
but it does´nt matter, I love the combination.

I´ve made the same with the lady and the wings...

She looks good as a fairy girl too.

And... same thing with the flames...


A really hot chick!

Big hugs, Milo Lilja.

Friday Mini - Tutorial on Saturday

2011-11-12T08:31:00.001-08:00

Hey ladies and gents! I hope you are having a great weekend so far. This is Alaine here, and your regularly scheduled Friday Tutorial has been hijacked... by me. HAHAHA... Seriously.... Cheryl had planned on doing the tutorial this week, however, there was a tragedy at the store she calls her Stamping home where she teaches her classes and she has been helping out the owner. You can check it out over at the China Phoenix 2 blog. All of our support and sympathy goes out to the shop owner, and we hope they are back up and running soon.

So, I am going to fill in and post a mini-tutorial on how to use some of the littler stamps. I made this card over a year ago, and really love how it turned out. I think one of the things I love so much about the Bombshell Stamps is their versatility. Kathi challenged us to use smaller stamps and / or icons as the focus of the images. This was an amazing challenge and actually a LOT of fun.

I used several of the flowers from different sets, and I stamped them REPEATEDLY - LOL... Maybe 30-40 of them, although I did not use all of them here. Two of the flowers were from Bombshell Angel, one from Sugar Skulls and one from Butterfly Queen. I colored them with all sorts of Copic colors - I do not remember which ones, but I would guess from the looks they were either the 0X series or 1X series colors, and then cut them out. Really - the cutting them out was the hardest part, but I figure it was so worth it.

I then used Lacey Circles Nesties, and cut out some circles, and then layered the flowers in a wreath around it. I then added some more of the lacey circle nesties in the middle and added the final two layered flowers on top. I used Foam tape to adhere the flowers and the circles to give it some dimension.

This is one of those cards I look back at when I am feeling un-inspired. Mainly because I really thought outside the Box on this (get it - its a circular wreath) (And the peanut gallery groans uncontrollably). I think this is one of the benefits of participating in the challenges here on Bombshell stamps and in other places. If Kathi had not challenged us to this one - using only the icons / smaller stamps - there is no way I would have never gone here and I would never have ended up making one of my favorite cards that continues to inspire me.

So maybe this is not so much a tutorial as it is a "food for thought" piece.

I hope you have a great day and a crafty weekend, and please remember to send out good thoughts and vibes to Bombshell Cheryl and her friends at China Phoenix 2.

After adhering them together I wrote Be Happy on the banner and mounted it to the white cardstock with the lacey border cut with MS punch around the page.

Here's November's Sketch!

2011-11-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Here's my take on the sketch using "Girl's Ruin"!

Check out what the Bombshell Girls and Pin-ups have done with the sketch!

Laura B using "Western Gal"

Celina using Butterfly Queen

Alaine used Mermaid Treasure to decorate her card.

Alison used Harley Bikes

Kelli using Peek-A-Boo Geisha

Paula used Hawaiian Girl

Stempelientje used Retro Cowgirls

Meredith using Mermaid Treasure

MiloLilja using Lucky Bride

Would you like to win your choice of a free Bombshell Stamp set? Play along with the challenge and post a static link to your blog in the Inlinkz below. Don't have a blog? You can upload your artwork directly to the Sketch Challenge area of The Casino! Want to earn another chance to win? Post your take on the sketch below AND on the forum!

Bombshell Stamps has a Flickr Group!

2011-11-08T01:04:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Bombshell Stamps has a Flickr Group?

Yep. We do and there's some fabulous inspiration there.

Feel free to share your projects there if you don't want to participate on the Bombshell Forum or Gallery!

Here's a LINK!

We'd love to see how YOU use your Bombshell Stamps!

Cling Stamp Panel Tutorial

2011-11-07T12:01:00.000-08:00

Custom Cling Stamp Panel Tutorial

Tools:
heavy weight cardstock

transparency paper

solvent ink pad

cling mounted stamps

laminating machine

adjustable hole punch

Super 77 Multipurpose adhesive (or another super strong adhesive)

Decorative elements (optional)

Note: This tutorial is meant to make a stamp panel for Univenture A5 Mini Binder seen here

These binders are awesome for holding all your clear and cling mounted stamps. They are the most cost and space effective that I've seen so far.

Step 1

Cut your cardstock to 5.5 x 8.5 inches. An easy way to do this is to take an 8.5x11 sheet of cardstock and cut it in half.

Step 2

Decorate your paper as you would like. I added some distress ink to make it look more like an old newspaper. I also added a colored square of paper in the center so my stamped images show up better.

Step 3

Cut a transparency sheet to the size you want. I like to leave space all around my transparency for the laminate to adhere to the paper later on. Then stamp your pages on the back side of the transparency. I'm using ink jet transparencies here and it's easy to tell the back side because it is rough. If you're using a sheet of plastic it doesn't really matter much.

I had to rearrange the stamps a little to get them to fit how I wanted.

Now you need to let the ink dry thoroughly.

Step 4

Spray some glue onto the underside of your transparency. If you can read any words then you are gluing the proper side. If you have no words just make sure you are putting glue down on the side you initially stamped on. You want to use really strong glue so the transparency stays on the paper after lamination. I suggest this kind of uber spray glue.

immediately after applying the glue place your transparency on your paper where you want it. I usually take a brayer at this point to make sure that the transparency is completely on the paper.

Step 5

Be sure to label your stamp set so you know which one you have. I used some stickers here but you can stamp or just write the set title out.

Step 6

Run through your laminating machine. Be sure to use the proper laminating sheets. I learned this the hard way. I bought a huge set of cheap sheets from Sam's Club but they don't work very well with my Scotch Thermal Laminator. Trim the sheet up after you are done.

Step 7

Punch some holes! I have an adjustable hole punch where I just moved the holes to fit a 8.5 tall sheet of paper. You may have to play around a bit to make sure that the holes are in the right spot. You can also use a manual one-hole punch as long as you can eyeball it well enough.

Here is my custom stamp panel all nice and cozy in its stamp binder:

A few other stamp panels:

My Bombshell Stamp Binder:

October's Random Winner!

2011-11-06T21:14:00.000-08:00

Cheryl here, back to give away yet another prize! This one is for October's random winner and it's a name you'll recognize from the Relaunch Party. Drum roll, please...and the winner is...

Susie Little

Congratulations, Susie! You won a $20.00 gift certificate to spend in the shop! Woo Hoo! Here is Susie's stunning Bombshell creation. Be sure to visit her blog to check out her other wonderful works ;D Susie, send me an email at cvaladez@comcast.net and I will tell you how to claim your prize.

Which reminds me, and Susie can attest to this, there are so many ways to win each month! First, there's the Monthly Random Drawing...enter the sketch or pin-up challenges by adding your creation to the bottom of the challenge posts. Enter as many times as you want and I'll throw your name into the hat for each additional creation, increasing your odds of being randomly selected. Second, there's a new Prize Patrol category, where I roam the web and sneak into all of your favorite card posting haunts looking for fabulous Bombshell Stamps themed cards, layouts, and projects. If I see something with a certain flair that catches my eye, I will issue a prize and showcase it in a post.

Are you looking for some inspiration? Visit any of the DT's blogs listed in the sidebar and be sure to check out the Bombshell Forum, the PCP group, the Flickr group, and of course the Bombshell Stamps Shop.

Okay, lets get inky!!!

And the winners are...

2011-11-05T00:03:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Welcome Back! We had 3 big days filled with games, challenges, and general mayhem while we celebrated the relaunch of the Bombshell Forum :D Did YOU get a chance to play? The party may be over, but the fun has just begun! While the dust was settling, a few of us put our heads together and hand selected (via random drawing) winners for each of the challenges. I won't keep you in suspense any longer...and with that, the winners are...

Guess the Designer/Bombshell - Eternal Princess Sara1

Match Game - Eternal Princess Sara1

Scavenger Hunt - Susie Little

Word Game - Perky Nihilist

Wearable/Usable Art - Kihaku

Howl at the Moon - Hey Hey Paula

Sketch Challenge - Eternal Princess Sara1

Recipe Challenge - Mary G.

Each of these fabulous folks has won a $5.00 gift certificate to spend in the Bombshell Shop. Spend it on a digi set or apply it to rubber and pay the difference, the choice is yours. If you see your name in the list more than once, then that means you've won a $5.00 gift certificate for each challenge. BUT...that's not all! Each of you will also receive a one-of-a-kind, handmade item lovingly crafted by one of our talented Bombshells! How awesome is that!!! A big "thank you" to everyone who joined us and congratulations to our winners! Please contact me via the forum as Cheryl67 or email me at cvaladez@comcast.net and I'll tell you how to collect your prize.

Don't forget, I'll be back tomorrow to announce October's random winner, did you play along? Also, keep on creating those Bombshell Stamp themed projects and post them in your favorite venue...Splitcoast Stampers, Flickr (we have our own group), PCP, etc...you never know when or where I'll be lurking around the web and will award a prize recognizing a card, layout, or project for it's creativity and general fabulousness. Hmmm...I spy, with my little eye...will it be your crafty creation? You never know ;D

Ciao for now!

Bombshell Tutorial - Mini Notecard Tote

2011-11-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Greeting Fabulous Bombshells! I'm here with you today to show you how to make a tiny notecard tote to hold four (or more if you choose) 3"x3" notecards. It would make a GREAT gift (SO EASY TO MAKE!!) for a teacher, neighbor, hostess gift, etc!!!

You will need one piece of solid cardstock (or 2 if you prefer a solid tote) and one piece of designer paper. I chose to have Designer Paper as my tote base but you could easily use the same color cardstock or choose another solid color. That is entirely up to you!!

You'll also need a the following:

ruler
pencil
trimmer
scoring blade
1/16" punch or piercing tool
2 brads of any kind
whatever Bombshell stamp of your choice!

Here I've cut my tote base at 7 1/2" x 3 1/4", I then cut what will become my tote sides (where the handle will attach) at 8 1/2" x 2 1/4", and lastly my handle at 8"x 1/4".

Here are the measurements for where you need to score the tote base and sides.

To embellish the tote handle I simply used a decorative border punch for the sides of the handle.

Now all you have to do is decorate!! I've used Bombshell's Hula Girl. Even though it's been snowy and cold here in the Northeast my thoughts are still in warm places! =)

I colored her with my Copics. I added my "Island Girl" sentiment and a K&Co rub on embellishment from which I pulled my colors. I kept everything simple and sweet. I sponged the edges with an ink blending tool and my Tattered Rose Distress Ink.

I made four 3"x3" notecards using Bombshell's Banner Sayings sentiment pack. I LOVE this set!

I hope you've enjoyed this fun and SUPER EASY tutorial!! Just the thing when you need to whip up a little gift for someone!

Hope you all have a great and creative weekend!

Meet Ms. November!

2011-11-03T06:13:00.000-07:00

Celina Anthony is Ms. November! She's a talented young stamper, who has lots of energy and style.

Here's an interview with her so that you can learn more about her!
1. Brief info about yourself, including your name, where you live, your family (if you want), etc.
My name is Celina Anthony. I live in Shepherd, Montana which is about 15 miles north of Billings. I am 25 years old and I currently live with my dad; but I really enjoy living with him. I just desperately need a house to store all of my crafting supplies!

2. How long have you been stamping and/or crafting?
I was introduced to stamping back when I was in the Girl Scouts in sixth grade. I delved more into it when I was in high school because I actually had money to buy crafting supplies. Since I've moved in with my father 7 years ago, the supplies have pretty much taken over my room.

3. What are your favorite Bombshell sets and why?
My current favorite set is Lotus Garden because I just love to color the fish!

4. What kind of projects do you like to do?
I like to do a lot of cards and periodic scrapbooking. Right now I've also started a project of making plain journal backgrounds to use for writing.

5. What are your favorite coloring mediums?
I have to admit that I love my Lindy's Stamp Gang products so you will see a lot of that from me. I adore sparkle!

6. Describe your crafting "style".
I consider my crafting style very A.D.D. I love to learn new techniques and styles so my cards almost never look the same.

7. Describe your crafting process. Do you start with a stamp set? A sketch? A technique you want to use?
I end up with so many paper scraps, so I tend to start with those. I find colors that I want to work with and arrange pieces on a card. I usually find a stamp to compliment the paper, or just pick a stamp that I haven't used in awhile.

8. Do you have any other hobbies?
I like to customize My Little Ponies, but I'm taking a break from that right now. I also play video games, role-playing games, and I read books.

9. Free for all including little facts, etc. about you.
I currently own four ferrets. I love the little buggers even though they tend to get into trouble. I just got a new baby recently and she is a total sock thief!

Now that you've learned a bit more about our Ms. November, check out some of her favorite Bombshell projects!

Be sure to check Celina's blog and her Bombshell Gallery!

The Party's Over...

2011-11-03T03:35:00.001-07:00

...and I almost forgot to post my card for Kelli's Countdown Recipe Challenge. Well, here it is:

This was made using Bombshell's brand new Peek-a-Boo Geisha digi-image. The countdown recipe that I chose to use was Recipe One: 4 patterned papers, 3 rectangles, 2 circles and 1 ribbon. What a fun challenge!

I hope that you've all had a fun time during our 3-day Forum Re-launching Party! I know the Bombshell's sure did! Even though the party is over, I hope that you'll continue to visit the Bombshell Forum and show us your fabulous creations using Bombshell stamps and digi-images!

Stamps: Peek-a-Boo Geisha digi-image
Papers: Bordering Blue, Chocolate Chip (Stampin' Up), Neenah 80# white, patterned papers unknown from scrap stash
Accessories: Copic Markers, Certainly Celery stitched ribbon (Stampin' Up), orange stick-on rhinestone, Chinese coin (The Shoppes at Somerset by Stampington & Co.), pop dots, glue dots

2011-11-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

The party is almost over, but I did have a chance to do two of the challenges. I combined Mary's Howl at the Moon challenge and Kelli's recipe challenge and made this nighttime beach scene for Hawaiian Girl

.
I hope you got time to play a few of the games and challenges at the party.

Howl at the Moon...

2011-11-02T18:52:00.001-07:00

There is a PARTY going on at the Bombshell Forum with challenges and PRIZES! This is my entry into the 'Howl at the Moon' challenge.

I used the Bombshell Angel stamp and created a nighttime beach scene for her. Hope you come play in the challenges. I'd love to see what you create! Hurry, before time runs out!

Get Inky!

Alex

Did Someone Mention Prizes?

2011-11-02T05:25:00.000-07:00

Did someone mention prizes?

Hello everyone, Ms November here. I just thought I'd post one of the prizes up for grabs in our contests. Here are some cards made by me! Most of these cards were created using the Butterfly Queen set, my set to play with for the month.

Butterflies and Candy using the Butterfly Queen set

Silver Butterflies using the Butterfly Queen set

Moonlit Mermaid using the Mermaid Treasure Set

This is my entry to the Howl at the Moon contest!

Retro Bombshell using the Butterfly Queen set

Another Retro Girl using the Butterfly Queen set

I hope you all like these cards and please have fun with all of our contests!

Wearable/Usable Art Challenge!

2011-10-31T18:31:00.001-07:00

Hi there! The party is up and going over on the Bombshell Forum! We’re celebrating it’s re-launch, and there are awesome challenges, games, and prizes to be had. I hope you’ll come by and check it out!

Bombshell Stamps are extremely versatile, but I want to see just how versatile they can be! I’m asking you to use your Bombshell Stamps(rubber or digi) to create a project that is either Wearable or Usable. The possibilities are really endless for this. Here are some suggestions: “Jewelry, headbands, barrettes, shirts, candles, wall hangings, clipboards, etc.”

Just be sure to show us your project over on the forum before Wednesday night at Midnight(PDT). (HERE is the thread where this challenge is.)

I can’t wait to see your creations!

I made a sample for you. These are charms I made using the Bombshell Angel stamp set. And I hope you like them…because they are also the prize for this challenge.:)

Thanks for looking! I hope to see you over on the forum!

Howl At The Moon Challenge

2011-10-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!! Bombshell Stamps is having a party...a party to celebrate the re-launching of their updated forum. We will be partying for 3 days- starting today- and running through Wednesday. The Bombshells have challenges, games, and lots of prizes...so make sure to check it out HERE.

I am thrilled to be hosting one of the party challenges. My challenge is called "Howl at the Moon". Your challenge is to create a project using your Bombshell Stamps or digi-images but make sure that you have a MOON somewhere on it! It's easy to play along- all you'll need to do is create your project and post a picture of it on THIS thread on the forum and you could win one of MANY prizes! All prize-winners will be randomly selected. Hurry! You only have until Thursday morning at 12 midnight (PDT) - that's 3:00am eastern- to post your creations!!

To get you started, I've provided a little inspiration for you:

So, now you know your challenge and you've been (hopefully!) inspired, so go get to work! I can't wait to see what you create!!! Oh, and you will need to join the forum to participate but it's FREE! Once you've joined you'll be privvy to updates on sales and new releases, monthly challenges, and lots and lots of fabulous inspiration from the Bombshell beauties and Pin-Ups.

Stamps: skeleton from Retro Cowgirl (Bombshell Stamps), trees from Plant Hope (Stampin' Up)
Papers: Basic Black, Night of Navy, Crushed Curry, Neenah 80# white
Inks: Stazon Black, Night of Navy, Not Quite Navy, Bashful Blue, More Mustard
Accessories: sponge, brayer, 1/16" hole punch, Daffodil brads (American Elements), Cuttlebug, circle Nestabilities, glue pen, white gel pen, scissors

Forum Party and a Tutorial

2011-10-31T11:53:00.000-07:00

We are so partying on the Forum - there are a horde of amazing contest and challenges and some pretty spiffy prizes. Pop over here to the Forum or just scroll down to join the party. This project uses Senora Muerta (check the next entry for a super contest with this image).

Dining with the Bombshells

Halloween dinner party here we come. This was a simple (not necessarily easy project) that I have wanted to try all month. I saw some dinner ware with a black Halloween motif and a large orange border in a magazine and it was quite out of my reach money wise. Well, I soon as I saw it, I knew that I wanted to try it with Senora Muerta. After searching for the right products to make this work, here is what I came up with.

Here is the supplies I used:

Plain glass plate from the Dollar Store

Alcohol and cotton ball

Lots of paper towels (for mistakes and Let me tell you I made lots)

Unmounted rubber stamp – Bombshell Stamps Senora Muerta

Black and Orange Martha Stewart Multi-Surface High Gloss Acrylic Craft Paint

Sponge dapper and small paint brush and a paper plate for a palette

The first thing I did was to wash my plates and then wipe down the surface I was going to work on with alcohol so that I had a perfect working surface. Next I added black paint to my stamp using a wide sponge dapper. Make sure that the paint isn’t too thick or your impression will not show detail.

Next place the image in the center of the plate and then add pressure to capture the details. My plates have a slightly concave center which is why I use an unmounted stamp.

Carefully remove the stamp and check your image. If the image isn’t clear or not complete wipe off with paper towel and clean the plate with alcohol and start again. Like I said simple but not easy, unless you are using a simple line stamp.

After stamping my image, I added a border around my plate using a small paint brush and more craft paint.

With this technique the plates dry rather quickly but they do need to “cure” for 21 days before using them. The paint is non-toxic so you can use them to eat from. They are also supposed to be dishwasher safe for the top rack, but I will be washing my by hand.

There's a Scavenger Hunt with PRIZES!!!

2011-10-31T04:18:00.000-07:00

....over on the Bombshell Forum we have kicked off a cool Scavenger Hunt with prizes!!
Head on over to the relaunched Bombshell Forum for details of how to play!!!

~You have until midnight PDT on Wednesday, November 2nd to enter
~Bombshell DT members (past and present) can not win prizes for this challenge.

Love
GlitteryKatie xxx

You're invited to a Bombshell Party!

2011-10-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Bombshell's forum has been upgraded and we're celebrating with a party -- Bombshell Style!

Where: Gambler's Anonymous in The Casino @ Bombshell Stamps Forum

When: Monday, October 31st through Wednesday, November 2nd

What: Games, challenges, and PRIZES!!!

We hope to see you there!!!

Geishas!

2011-10-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Check out what's new at Bombshell Stamps!!! Geisha digi images!!! Look how beautiful this image is!!

The image- called Peek-a-Boo Geisha- comes with the Geisha behind the plain umbrella, a Koi design umbrella, a Cherry Blossom umbrella (seen on my card) and a Peek-a-Boo sentiment. I just LOVE her!!! For my card above, I printed the Geisha and Cherry Blossom umbrella and colored them using my Copic Markers. In my "stash", I found a pack of bamboo mat coasters, so I used that behind my Geisha to look like a bamboo screen. In my stash, I also found some Asian coins (however, I *think* they're Chinese, not Japanese- oh, well!)

So, what do you think??? Don't you LOVE these new digi images?! Check 'em out at the Bombshell store HERE

Stamps: Peek-a-Boo Geisha digi images (Bombshell Stamps)
Papers: Chocolate Chip, Blushing Bride (Stampin' Up), Neenah 80# white, patterned paper unknown from my scrap bin
Accessories: Copic Markers, bamboo mat coaster (Dollar Tree), Chinese coins (The Shoppes at Somerset by Stampington & Co.), red line tape, glue dots, burgundy-colored stick on gem (Studio 18)

Paper Flower Tutorial

2011-10-28T00:05:00.000-07:00

There are other tutorials out there for these but I found, once I started, that they were wasting to much paper to get the perfect flower. If you want that perfect flower then by all means, square off your paper and go from there. I personally think that if they look a little wonky then it looks a little more home/handmade instead of store bought! Just my personal opinion though!

OK:
Material needed:
Stamps of choice, I used the skeleton from the digital set skully doll!
ink/or image printed from the computer
copy paper
old books, or if you have trouble tearing up books, some sort of thin paper.
hot glue( lots and lots of hot glue!!! I went through a whole bag when making the wreath!)
scissors
lots of patience!!!

Now you didn’t think I was going to leave you with that did you??? No way not me! How about a box filled with candy to put them on? Now this box I made using my Martha Stewart score board, but that is a tutorial for another day!!! Wanna see the finished project?

October Hump Day Hop: A Very Skelly Halloween! ...or Day of the Dead

2011-10-26T01:01:00.000-07:00

Hello guys and ghouls! Alison here. It's the last Wednesday of the month of October (sniff sniff...) which means it's time for the Bomsbshell Stamps Humpday Hop! This month's theme was...Halloween of course! Well, it IS my favorite month of the year! But...it's with a twist. You needed to include skelletons or skulls or bones in/on it somewhere. You can use any of the numerous Bombshell Stamps skelletons, or you can create your own.You just had to get your Bombshell Stamps in there somehwere! You could have also created a Day of the Dead project for this hop. But I couldn't fit it all in the forum title! Like last month, I encouraged you to make a decoration as opposed to a card, but this was not mandatory.

Here is the full hop list!

Bombshell Blog: http://bombshellstamps.blogspot.com/

Alison: http://alisonsrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/

Mary G.: http://www.mystampinhide-away.blogspot.com/

Glittery Katie: http://ferrishyn-frontier.blogspot.com/

Cheryl: http://inktrap.blogspot.com/

Alex: http://www.paperandstring.blogspot.com/

Kelli: http://cajunstampingqueen.blogspot.com/

Torrey: http://left-field-studio.blogspot.com/

Meredith: http://www.papercanteen.com/

Paula: http://heyheypaula-heyheypaula.blogspot.com/

Milo: http://milolilja.net/

Alaine: http://missalaineousmosaics.blogspot.com/

Sparkly Mary: http://sparkly-train.blogspot.com/

Stempelientje: http://stempelientje.blogspot.com/

Kathi: http://kathstales.blogspot.com/

Please be sure to stop by all of the blogs and leave some love. And if you like what you see (how could you not?), then perhaps you can join us for our next Hump Day Hop! Happy Halloweenie!!!