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Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Time For Tea Designs - Thinking of You Pandas

Good morning friends! Today I'm sharing my weekly inspiration project for Time For Tea Designs. Don't forget that you can (and should) play along in our monthly challenge, for your chance to win free digis! Everyone loves free digis, am I right? The theme for our challenge is Anything Goes. My favorite! It's so easy to enter - just make something using your Time For Tea Designs images and post them! Share with the hashtag #timeforteadesigns so we can find them, and you're entered to win! Challenges run monthly, and we will have a spotlight and a prize winner at the end of each challenge. Oh, and I have a discount code for you to use - T4TJENNIFER10 will save you 10% on your order from the Time For Tea shop! Yayyyy :)


From our March release - Pandimonium Party clear stamps and coordinating dies. I die cut the heart, then used Distress Oxide Inks and Blender Brushes to color the die cut element (Broken China and Tumbled Glass). A few spritzes of water to give it that Oxide look we all love, then I adhered it to the black card base. I used the negative from the die cutting to create the front of the card, running it through my Big Shot with an older Cuttlebug embossing folder that looked like it would be right at home in a bamboo forest.

My main pandas are colored/shaded using Copic Markers - I buy all of mine at Scrapbookpal.com for their low prices and fast shipping. The sentiment from Say Anything is heat embossed using Nuvo Detail White EP. 

I'm IN LOVE with every product from this latest release - so cute!! 

I hope you enjoyed my project today. If you've got a moment, head over to join our FB communityfollow us on Instagram, and don't forget to play along with our monthly challenges by tagging #timeforteadesigns - so easy! Thanks for stopping by!

Supply list:
Pandamonium Party from Time for Tea Designs
Pandamonium Party coordinating die set from Time for Tea Designs
Say Anything from Time for Tea Designs
Darice flat sequins in black and silver
Neenah Solar White cardstock
Copic markers
Foam squares and foam tape
ScorTape - 1/4"
Distress Oxide Ink Pads
Beautiful Blender Brushes
Wink of Stella - clear

Nuvo Detail White Embossing Powder
Doodlebug Designs sequins in White

Polkadoodles' Digi Choosday - Week 13: Anything Goes!

Good morning everyone! It's Choosday already! That means a new Digi Choosday challenge, and a new DISCOUNT CODE for the Polkadoodles shop! Head over to the blog to grab it before your shopping spree!


Today's challenge is, as always, Anything Goes! For my shaker card this week, I wanted to try something a little different. I've printed another of the images from the BRAND NEW Too Cute - Spring Has Sprung release (Hoppy Easter) onto Neenah Solar White cardstock in a larger size to cover my entire card face. Then I filled the letters of Hoppy Easter and the butterflies with dark fill using my photo editing program, and used my Scan N Cut to cut them out while leaving the rest of the image/page intact. This way I was able to have a "peek a boo" shaker card, where the shaker bits are only behind those parts of the image.

Then I colored the rest of the sheet using my Copic Markers - I buy all of mine at Scrapbookpal.com for their low prices and fast shipping. I masked off the very bottom and added some Twisted Citron Distress Oxide ink using Blender Brushes. I added the clouds using Salty Ocean Distress Oxide ink with a Hills stencil from Craftin' Desert Divas. After the scene was ready, I added the acetate sheet behind my openings and then created a border for the shaker elements using foam tape. I cut the frame border out (Gina Marie Designs) out of some digital paper from the Winnie Winterland collection (the color matches up with the dusky pink in the flowers!). Added my shaker bits and finished assembling - viola! Pearl flower/clouds are from Making Memories. Shaker elements are from Darice.

Don't forget to head over to the blog to grab today's discount code! Then shop your heart out. Choosday is the best day!



I'm entering this into the following challenges - 


Coloring in Scrapland - March AG/Spring optional (1/2)
Crafty Friends - #132: Spring Colors (3/3)
LeAnn's World - #24: AG (1/3)
Crafty Cardmakers - #253: Spring (unlimited, C15)
Catch the Bug Challenge - Photo Inspiration (3/3)
Dream Valley - #222 Spring Colors (1/3, C10)
SSS Monday - Spring Mood Board (1/5)
Aud Sentiments - #247: Spring/Easter Sentiment (1/5)
The Paper Shelter - #420: Flowers of Spring (1/3)
If you Give a Crafter a Cookie - #138 Photo Inspiration (1/3)


Be sure to join in to our Anything Goes challenge via the link up at the Digi Choosday blog for your chance to win! 

Thanks for stopping by!

NOW AVAILABLE! Mum's the Word by Staci Hart






Mum's The Word, the third in the Bennet Brothers series from Staci Hart, is LIVE! Grab your copy of this new release today from your favorite online book retailer!

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | AppleBooks | Google



Falling in love with a Bennet is not an option.


My mother has summoned me home to take my place at Bower Bouquets, and as the heiress, I’m expected to do as I’m told. I’m expected to sit by her side as she does her best to decimate the Bennet family and their flower shop, Longbourne. I’m expected to play by her rules, or she’ll ruin me too.


But the day I crash into Marcus Bennet changes everything. And the kiss seals the deal. If my mother finds out, I’ll lose everything—my family, my life, my security. Worse, she’ll make sure the Bennets pay for my mistakes.


Falling in love with a Bennet is not an option.


But I might not have a choice.



Need to catch up on the series? The first two standalone books in the Bennet Brothers series are both LIVE and available from your favorite online book retailer!



Everyone hates parts of their job.

Maybe it’s the paperwork. Maybe it’s the day-to-day grind. Maybe it’s that client who never knows what they want, or the guy who always cooks fish in the microwave.

But not me. I love every corner of the Longbourne Flower Shop, every flower, every petal, every stem. I love the greenhouse, and I love Mrs. Bennet, my boss. I love creating, and I love being a florist. I don’t hate anything at all.

Except for Luke Bennet.

The Bennet brothers have come home to help their mom save the flower shop, and Luke is at the helm. His smile tells a tale of lust, loose and easy. He moves with the grace of a predator, feral and wild. A thing unbridled, without rules or constraint. When he comes home to save Longbourne, I almost can’t be mad at him. Almost.

He doesn’t remember that night I’ll never forget. That kiss, touched with whiskey and fire. It branded me like a red-hot iron. But it meant nothing to him.

Everyone hates part of their job, and I hate Luke Bennet.

Because if I don’t, I’ll fall in love with him.

Amazon | AppleBooks | Kobo | B&N | Google



They say there’s no such thing as perfect.

But I’ve built my life to perfection—the perfect boyfriend, the perfect apartment, the perfect career planning celebrity weddings. My job—my only job—is to make sure every event is absolutely and completely perfect.

What’s not perfect? Kash Bennet.

And I wish I didn’t find that so appealing.

I could have told you every perfectly imperfect thing about the gardener at Longbourne. Like his hair, lush and black and far too long. Or his nose, the flat bridge of a Greek god, bent a little like it’s been broken. Or his size. Beastly. Roped and corded with muscles, gleaming with sweat and peppered with dirt. There’s no escaping him, not if I’m going to use his family’s flower shop for my events.

But nothing is what it seems. And in the span of a heartbeat, my perfect life is turned inside out. They say the best way to get over somebody is to get under somebody new. When Kash offers his services to the cause, it sounds like the perfect plan.

What’s not part of the plan? Falling in love with the gardener.

But they were right—there’s no such thing as perfect.

And I’m the fool who finds out the hard way.

Amazon | AppleBooks | Kobo | B&N | Google




Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life -- a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. When she's not writing, she's reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.

Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website | Newsletter

Monday, March 30, 2020

Mum's the Word by Staci Hart - Book Review

Yes! My favorite Bennet brother is here!

When I started seeing blurbs and info about this book, I kept seeing Staci telling us “your favorite Bennet brother is almost here”. Now I had a hunch she was probably right about that from what I already knew, but BOY was she right!! I’d tell her to get out of my head, but…ha, no I wouldn’t ;) Marcus is absolute perfection. Smart, logical, honest, and loyal to a fault with passion burning hot just beneath the surface (at least for the right woman), he’s everything I’ve been hoping for – plus a little more!

I really, REALLY loved this book (yes, really)! Since I read the series slightly out of order, I can absolutely tell you that all three of these books are stand-alones (I know some people worry about that, and I get it!). Although I feel that you get the most richness from the overall community story threads if you read them in order. I promise you; it’s not necessary – particularly here. If this is your first foray into the world of the Bennet family, you’ll find nothing lacking, and will not be disappointed.

So - why did I love Mum’s the Word? Well, the reasons are many, but the overarching theme is the relatability and richness of both the characters and the story. Staci Hart has SUCH a way with words – and an amazing attention to detail that brings her stories instantly to life. You’ll be hooked from the first word - just be warned.

We pick up with the Bennet family reaching the peak of their messy, unpleasant lawsuit with the wicked witch Evelyn Bower of Bower Bouquets. Bower will sacrifice anything and everything to take down the Bennets and their family flower business, Longbourne. Marcus Bennet has invested everything he owns and everything he is into saving his family’s legacy. He’s en route to a meeting on this very subject when he’s bowled over (literally) by Maisie, an adorable woman with whom he feels a deep and instant connection. After making dinner plans for that night, they go their separate ways. A more perfect meet-cute there never was! Alas, we are soon to find out that Maisie is Margaret Bower, Evelyn’s daughter. Though Marcus knows from that initial encounter that she is nothing like her mother, they both know that a relationship between them is asking for all sorts of familial trouble.

Although technically Marcus and Maisie were not themselves enemies, I think this is a most excellent spin on the enemies-to-lovers trope. The family histories and intertwined relationships going back generations are given to us at such well-timed moments to truly enhance their place in the story. The emotion of all the characters in this tale came through with every page – including the secondary characters – making this book simply unputdownable. The boisterous cast of Bennet siblings are such a fun range of personalities, and I just loved Maisie’s amazing dad.

Mum’s the Word is a true winner, classically combining “forbidden” romance, exceptional character depth, witty dialogue, and sexy fun. What a perfect read! I’m sad that the Longbourne setting has come to a close, but I’m SUPER excited that there are still two Bennet siblings waiting in the wings to share their stories!

My general rating rationale:

3 – Perfectly fine story, perhaps some minor editorial errors. Entertaining. Typically with this rating I feel like there could have been MORE – be it believably/relatability, character development, internal dialogue, explanations or depth, richness to the overall storyline, etc. May lose a bit of engagement here and there but always finish reading.
4 – A very good book. Engaging, with well-developed characters, a great plot, relatable scenarios; keeps you invested to the last page. Would recommend to reader friends.
5 – Can’t say enough amazing things, loved the characters, fabulously detailed plot, a quick hook, intense investment in both story and characters (including supporting characters) throughout the book. Will tell anyone who will listen that they should read it.

Polkadoodles - Quick Cards and a HUGE Sale!

Good morning everyone! I wanted to put up a quick post with some BIG SALE news over at the Polkadoodles shop! Nikky has given a sale code good for 50% OFF all the Work & Play big bundles. You get SO MUCH in each of these kits - this is a truly awesome way to grow your Polkadoodles digital collection! The code is THANKSEVERYONE and you can find all of the bundle options for Work & Play kits right here



Not all cards have to be complicated and time consuming! I whipped up these cards using pre-colored elements and papers from Work & Play 1, Work & Play 3, and Work & Play 12 in a matter of MINUTES! I kid you not. Sentiments are from W&P3, Helga Hippo and Winnie Sugar Sprinkles. I made 4 of each of these designs, and sent them in to work with my hubby, who is in healthcare construction and currently managing projects at a hospital in our area. He's been instructed to give them to some of the doctors and nurses he interacts with to help brighten their day!

https://shrsl.com/26ur5


Don't forget your discount code - THANKSEVERYONE. I so appreciate all the first responders, doctors, nurses, grocery store clerks, pharmacists, and other essential personnel working hard to keep us safe and healthy during this crisis. Virtual hugs!

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Polkadoodles' Too Cute: Spring Has Sprung Release - Just a Note

This weekend we are getting some much needed sweet sunshine with the debut of the Polkadoodles TOO CUTE sweeties. They are BACK for a springtime party with six BRAND NEW adorable cutie pies. Each of the new digital stamps is available in black and white and/or color - you WILL need them all (and if you get the bundle you get a MASSIVE 55% off - no code needed)! Also for a limited time, you can save a HUGE 30% on individual images in this collection - enter "CRAFTYSAVER" at checkout!


For my inspiration post today, I've used the image Too Cute - Just A Note. This bunny is the CUTEST!<3 font="">




I've colored him using with a whole pile of Copic markers, and cut him and his lovely greeting out using my Scan N Cut. I've created a bold background using embossing folders, mica sprays and foam tape for dimension across the layers.

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

Crafty Friends - #132: Spring Colors (3/3)
Creative Fingers - #182: AG (3/3)
QKR Stampede - #391: AG (3/3)
Lemon Shortbread - #116: AG (3/3)
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - #128: AG (3/3)
Pattie's Creations - #168: AG w/ a digi or stamped image (3/3)
2 Crafty Critter Crazies - #36: AG with critter (3/5)
Worldwide Open Design Team Challenge - #3: AG (3/3)
Classic Design Team Challenge - #3: AG (unlimited)
A Perfect Time to Craft - #3: AG (unlimited)

Thanks for stopping by! I'll be back again tomorrow with more adorably sweet springtime inspiration. See you then!
http://shrsl.com/1u74b

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Polkadoodles' Too Cute: Spring Has Sprung Release - Get Well Soon

This weekend we are getting some much needed sweet sunshine with the debut of the Polkadoodles TOO CUTE sweeties. They are BACK for a springtime party with six BRAND NEW adorable cutie pies. Each of the new digital stamps is available in black and white and/or color - you WILL need them all (and if you get the bundle you get a MASSIVE 55% off - no code needed)! Also for a limited time, you can save a HUGE 30% on individual images in this collection - enter "CRAFTYSAVER" at checkout!


For my inspiration post today, I've used the image Too Cute - Get Well Soon. I really love how these little guys are working together to wish you speedy healing! 




I've colored these friends up with a whole pile of Copic markers, and cut them out using my Scan N Cut. I've created a vibrant spring background using Distress Oxide Inks (Tumbled Glass, Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, and Salty Ocean) and blender brushes with my trusty Sunny Side Up stencil. Then I cut the hexagon piece from the sky, added foam strips, acetate, and shaker mix, and added my colored friends with foam tape. Viola - an easy and fun card to brighten someone's day!

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

Crafty Friends - #132: Spring Colors (2/3)
Creative Fingers - #182: AG (2/3)
Colour Crazy - #12: AG with coloring (2/2)
QKR Stampede - #391: AG (2/3)
Lemon Shortbread - #116: AG (2/3)
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - #128: AG (2/3)
Pattie's Creations - #168: AG w/ a digi or stamped image (2/3)
2 Crafty Critter Crazies - #36: AG with critter (2/5)
Worldwide Open Design Team Challenge - #3: AG (2/3)
Classic Design Team Challenge - #3: AG (unlimited)
A Perfect Time to Craft - #3: AG (unlimited)

Thanks for stopping by! I'll be back again tomorrow with more adorably sweet springtime inspiration. See you then!
http://shrsl.com/1u74b

Polkadoodles' Gems Challenge - Week 7: Anything Goes!

Good morning everyone. It's Saturday - time for a new Gem of a Challenge from Polkadoodles! You can find our challenge blog here: A Gem of a Challenge

These Polkadoodles TOO CUTE sweeties are BACK with six BRAND NEW adorable cutie pies - perfect for SPRING. I don't know about you, but I NEED some spring and sunshine in my life. It's been cold, dreary and rainy here for the last week! These images are sure to make you smile. I love them all - there's just no way to pick a favorite! 



I've used Too Cute Hello Spring to create my card today. I printed them onto Neenah Solar White cardstock and colored with Copic Markers - I buy all of mine at Scrapbookpal.com for their low prices and fast shipping. I cut them all out with my scan n cut - so easy! 

My papers come from Winnie Sugar Sprinkles - Papers 1, and Lily Bug Love Paper 3

Here's a look at ALL the new sweetness - plus a huge, HUGE sale going on now for the launch! 
http://shrsl.com/1u74b


Our Gem of a Challenge challenges run for 2 weeks, so you've got lots of time to link up, and they are ALWAYS Anything Goes! Visit the challenge blog HERE

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

Crafty Friends - #132: Spring Colors (1/3)
Catch the Bug - Photo Inspiration (1/3)
Creative Fingers - #182: AG (1/3)
Colour Crazy - #12: AG with coloring (1/2)
QKR Stampede - #391: AG (1/3)
Lemon Shortbread - #116: AG (1/3)
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - #128: AG (1/3)
Pattie's Creations - #168: AG w/ a digi or stamped image (1/3)
2 Crafty Critter Crazies - #36: AG with critter (1/5)
Worldwide Open Design Team Challenge - #3: AG (1/3)
Classic Design Team Challenge - #3: AG (unlimited)
A Perfect Time to Craft - #3: AG (unlimited)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Time For Tea Designs - Pandimonium Birthday

Good morning friends! Today I'm sharing my weekly inspiration project for Time For Tea Designs. Don't forget that you can (and should) play along in our monthly challenge, for your chance to win free digis! Everyone loves free digis, am I right? The theme for our challenge is Anything Goes. My favorite! It's so easy to enter - just make something using your Time For Tea Designs images and post them! Share with the hashtag #timeforteadesigns so we can find them, and you're entered to win! Challenges run monthly, and we will have a spotlight and a prize winner at the end of each challenge. Oh, and I have a discount code for you to use - T4TJENNIFER10 will save you 10% on your order from the Time For Tea shop! Yayyyy :)



From our March release - Pandimonium Party clear stamps and coordinating dies. I used Distress Oxide Inks and Blender Brushes to lay down a light base (Twisted Citron and Spiced Marmalade) on my A6 white card base, then I went over with the darker colors (Peeled Paint and Ripe Persimmon) using the Check Me Out 6x6 stencil. I ran it thorough my Gemini using the Dotty Hearts cover plate die for a little extra interest. I oversprayed the background with water and also gold mica spray from FSJ.

My main image background squares are cut using the Quilted Square Nesting Die set. Sky, bamboo and panda are colored/shaded using Copic Markers - I buy all of mine at Scrapbookpal.com for their low prices and fast shipping.  

I'm IN LOVE with every product from this latest release - so cute!! 

I hope you enjoyed my project today. If you've got a moment, head over to join our FB communityfollow us on Instagram, and don't forget to play along with our monthly challenges by tagging #timeforteadesigns - so easy! Thanks for stopping by!

Supply list:
Pandamonium Party from Time for Tea Designs
Pandamonium Party coordinating die set from Time for Tea Designs
Dotty Hearts cover plate die from Time for Tea Designs
Check Me Out 6x6 Stencil from Time For Tea Designs
Quilted Square Nesting Dies from Time For Tea Designs
Neenah Solar White cardstock
FSJ gold mica spray
Copic markers
Foam squares and foam tape
ScorTape - 1/4"
Distress Oxide Ink Pads
Beautiful Blender Brushes
Wink of Stella - clear

Nuvo Detail White Embossing Powder
Doodlebug Designs sequins in Orange and Green
DCWV black glitter cardstock

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Mum's the Word by Staci Hart - Coming Soon!

Mum's The Word, the third in the Bennet Brothers series from Staci Hart, is coming March 31st. I've got a little teaser to hold you over. Mark your calendars and get ready to fall in love with Marcus Bennet!



She shifted in her seat, face upturned as she took my hands.
Is there anything I could say would convince you that you arent responsible for my feelings, for my happiness?"

Nothing.

With the shake of her head, she said,
But you aren’t.”

Maybe I want to be.









Falling in love with a Bennet is not an option.

My mother has summoned me home to take my place at Bower Bouquets, and as the heiress, Im expected to do as Im told. Im expected to sit by her side as she does her best to decimate the Bennet family and their flower shop, Longbourne. Im expected to play by her rules, or shell ruin me too.

But the day I crash into Marcus Bennet changes everything. And the kiss seals the deal. If my mother finds out, Ill lose everything—my family, my life, my security. Worse, shell make sure the Bennets pay for my mistakes.

Falling in love with a Bennet is not an option.

But I might not have a choice.

Pre-order your copy of Mum's the Word from your preferred retailer today!
Amazon | B&N | Kobo | AppleBooks (coming soon) | Goodreads




Want something to read while you wait? The first two standalone books in the Bennet Brothers series are both LIVE!





Everyone hates parts of their job.

Maybe its the paperwork. Maybe its the day-to-day grind. Maybe its that client who never knows what they want, or the guy who always cooks fish in the microwave.

But not me. I love every corner of the Longbourne Flower Shop, every flower, every petal, every stem. I love the greenhouse, and I love Mrs. Bennet, my boss. I love creating, and I love being a florist. I dont hate anything at all.

Except for Luke Bennet.

The Bennet brothers have come home to help their mom save the flower shop, and Luke is at the helm. His smile tells a tale of lust, loose and easy. He moves with the grace of a predator, feral and wild. A thing unbridled, without rules or constraint. When he comes home to save Longbourne, I almost cant be mad at him. Almost.

He doesnt remember that night Ill never forget. That kiss, touched with whiskey and fire. It branded me like a red-hot iron. But it meant nothing to him.

Everyone hates part of their job, and I hate Luke Bennet.

Because if I dont, Ill fall in love with him.







They say theres no such thing as perfect.

But Ive built my life to perfection—the perfect boyfriend, the perfect apartment, the perfect career planning celebrity weddings. My job—my only job—is to make sure every event is absolutely and completely perfect.

What’s not perfect? Kash Bennet.

And I wish I didnt find that so appealing.

I could have told you every perfectly imperfect thing about the gardener at Longbourne. Like his hair, lush and black and far too long. Or his nose, the flat bridge of a Greek god, bent a little like its been broken. Or his size. Beastly. Roped and corded with muscles, gleaming with sweat and peppered with dirt. Theres no escaping him, not if Im going to use his familys flower shop for my events.

But nothing is what it seems. And in the span of a heartbeat, my perfect life is turned inside out. They say the best way to get over somebody is to get under somebody new. When Kash offers his services to the cause, it sounds like the perfect plan.

What’s not part of the plan? Falling in love with the gardener.

But they were right—theres no such thing as perfect.

And Im the fool who finds out the hard way.



Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life -- a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. When she's not writing, she's reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.

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