Sometimes fate works in mysterious ways. On the day after my beloved Missy the Boxer crossed the Rainbow Bridge, I received an email message from Jenn Balcer at Splitcoaststampers asking me to call her. Since I did not know Jenn personally, I was curious as to why she would want me to call her. As incredible as it may sound, Jenn asked if I would be a member of the Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen Design Team. Of course, the first words out of my mouth were, “THE Dirty Dozen?” as if there were another. The next words were “Of course!” Can you believe it? I can’t!
So for the past month, I have been preparing projects for Splitcoaststampers Fan Club’s March Gallery, “All Creatures Great and Small”. You do have to be a Fan Club member to view this gallery. To read more about the Fan Club, please click HERE. However, at the end of three months, I will be able to begin posting my creations on The Stampin‘ Schach!
In terms of my stamping, all that I have ever wanted is for my work to be an inspiration for others. I know that it is not the most creative nor is it the best, as there are many stampers who are far more talented than me. I know that sometimes the margins are crooked, or that sometimes the images are smeared. But, it comes from my heart and I love sharing it with you. At a time when I so needed a distraction from the pain of losing my best friend, this opportunity arose. I am sure that Angel Missy is wiggling that Boxer butt in happiness for her mom! And so in honor of this occasion, I created a quick and simple thank you card for all of you who take the time out of your busy days to stop by and peruse my work.
The Stampin‘ Schach Tips:
- When short on time, select “Wow” factors that are quick and easy! In this case I decided on a single focal point. Although I pulled out the Blender Pens and inks for this floral image from Asian Artistry, the image was simple enough that it was tinted in a matter of minutes. I used Regal Rose, Always Artichoke, and Soft Suede for the flower itself, while Sahara Sand provided the shadowing.
- Quick and easy cards deserve bling, too! A Pink Circle Fire Brad and Regal Rose 1/4″ Grosgrain Ribbon are all that are needed on this tailored card.
- Layer those labels! My favorite combination is the Modern Label Punch layered on top of the Designer Label for a different twist.
- Coordinate texture and paper! Polka Dotted Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper looks great paired with Whisper White paper that has been zipped through the Big Shot with Stampin‘ Up!’s Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder.
- Blog Candy Information: How could I celebrate being named to the Dirty Dozen without a little candy? I will have photos and information later this week.
- The latest Pals Paper Arts Challenge card on Thursday: But have you played yet this week? It is a fun color challenge! Click here for details.
- An update on Brady’s trip to Brazil
Congrats Ann!!! You do such wonderful work….your being asked to be on the Dirty Dozen isn’t surprising!
Hugs, Cindy
Ann,
Congratulations on being asked to be one of the “dirty dozen”!!! You totally deserve it as your creations are just beautiful!
This card is just beautiful!
Ronda
Beautiful,simple and elegant card! I can feel a case coming on:-). Congratulations on being chosen for the Dirty Dozen. I can totally see why the chose you! Thanks for sharing your beautiful work.
Inky hugs,
Janet
Congratulations on being chosen for the Dirty Dozen!!! How cool is that!!!! You are an awesome talent and you have taught me so much. I’m so thrilled I found your blog!!!
Oh, WOW. This is soooo beautiful!! Great coloring job..adding to my faves for sure! 🙂 tfs
So pretty, I love the Swiss dots! The white looks so clean, and fresh. The stamped image and coloring is wonderful!
congrats to you!
Congratulations Ann! This is so well deserved. You have a style all “Ann” and I know you will add so much to the Dirty Dozen! Congrats!
Congratulations Ann! It’s a an honor well deserved. Your work has always inspired me. It’s no wonder they chose you for the Dirty Dozen. Can’t wait to see more of your gorgeous creations!
Oh Ann, this is just totally fantastic, incredible news! Congratulations!!! What a fun, new adventure! So happy for you, friend! Can’t wait to see your ‘dirty dozen’ creations!!
Congratulation Ann! This is so well deserved. I can’t wait to see what you will do for the dirty dozen . You are such an inspiration to so many. I will have to join so I may follow you there. I am sure Angel Missy will be with you as you begin this new chapter of design and hope the challenge helps ease the ache of her loss. May you have many more happy surprises in the future!
Congratulations, Ann! Your card is fabulous and so is your blog.
Very well deserved. I can’t wait to see all of your creations!
Oh, Ann! How fantastic! You really do not have a clue as to how good you really are, do you? You are such a genuine and caring person. I look to you as an inspiration everyday! I am glad that you “got discovered”. And I can almost bet that Missy IS wiggling that Boxer behind in happiness for her mom. ~Bonnie~
Woo, hoo! Congratulations Ann. Couldn’t happen to a more deserving or talented stamper. Your outlook and work are an inspiration to me everyday. Well done!
Congrats to you!! I’m sure you will make everyone proud. You deserve to be proud of yourself!
Congratulations! You are truly deserving. Not only are you a wonderful artist, you are a gifted teacher, with such great tips and hints on how to make your beautiful creations.
Alicia
Congratulations on being a member of the Dirty Dozen, and I’m so sorry to hear about your boxer. I too am a fan of the boxer wiggle.. I know too well how hard it is saying goodbye to a beloved pet.
CONGRATULATIONS, Ann!
So well deserved. Heading to the gallery now to view your beauties. 🙂
I read your Blog and see your work everyday that you post, but very rarely do I comment. How on earth could I let this day go by without commenting on your Great Achievement! What an honor and a privilege. I am so very tickled pink that you were chosen and asked, that truly say’s something about your talent. You are very humble in your posts, yet your work is amazing. I keep making cards to practice in hopes of one day being half as good as you. Today’s card shows just what I mean…you can take something so simple and make it look spectacular. I really like that flower and don’t know why I haven’t gotten that Set yet? I think you have just pushed me over the edge to get it with my next order. Lol. Have a wonderful day, keep on smiling, and Congratulations once again.
Trish in Wisconsin
Fantastic, Ann! I am so excited for you. You ARE an inspiration to us all. Congratulations!
Ann, I’m so excited for you! Not surprised at all though! Your work is so beautiful. Girl, you are a natural. Congratulations…this is a wonderful accomplishment!
BEAUTIFUL card and it is no surprise that they would chose you to be a part of their team!! Congratulations Ann – well deserved!!!!
Congratulations, Pam! It is so well deserved. You are a fabulously talented lady. As for the smears of uneven margins! I’ve NEVER noticed! So, that tells you what I think about perfect!
Smiles!
Shelley
Congrats on being chosen for “The Dirty Dozen”. Your card is beautiful. Thanks for all the inspiration you share with us.
Congrats Ann! You definitely deserve this . You provide so much inspiration through the projects on you blog. I need to join the Fan Club so I can follow you in The Dirty Dozen. Congratulations again!
Congratulations, Ann! That is so fabulous! I squealed when I read your news. It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person and talented card-maker. Toot toot! XOXO
Congratulations Ann! What a well deserved honor! But I have to say, you make me cry while reading your posts more often than not, and today was no exception! I thank YOU for sharing your talent and your love with each creation you show us and inspiring those of us out here that are a little, shall we say, creatively challenged! As it happens, the stamp you chose for today’s card is my new favorite ~ I’ve been using it almost exclusively this week! I love what you did with it and that’s why I come back to your blog every day. Your cards are always fresh and classy ~ yeah, that’s the word for you, classy!
I hope that all the love you feel from everyone that comments on your blog helps you through the hard time of losing Missy, and that this new SCS group will help to fill the void she left behind. You know she’s up there cheering you on!
With hugs from Barbara in SC
Awesome, fabulous, wonderful, terrific, jaw dropping… these words describe you and your creations!!! I am so glad you were picked and that I renewed my DDoz membership, just last week. Congratulations to you!!!! I love this card today. It is beautiful. Day 42? I have no idea, a good guess? Hugs,
Ann I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! I can just imagine what this means to you…and to display your work…AND YES YOU ARE THE BEST!!!! Take that to heart my friend…you are SO original using the SU product…one of a kind…never would I recognize the product and yet I have most of it. And as for those lines being crooked. *ahem* NEVA!!!!! or at least I’ve never seen it and I am OCD about cards!!!! I am so sorry that Missy is still pulling at your heartstrings. I am so scared to lose my 2 labs…is this what it will be like? They are my only full time housemates (3 kids away) 1 here every other week – no partner…I fear what you are going through but take refuge how you are so open with it that Missy is your angel and that Missy is WAGGING her tail with excitement for you. And who knows…Maybe Missy is part of the team too!!!! I LOVE THAT YOU CAN NOW SHOW YOUR CARDS….dream come true. Oh, I couldn’t be smiling more today. With Love, Samara. ps. I LOVE your new picture…so real and true and relaxed.
You go girl! Absolutely fabulous news – you do beautiful work and have a definitite style all of your own. This is very exciting and I can’t wait to see your creations! I can’t even imagine what you will be creating next year when you have more “free” time! Congratulations Pal!
Wow !!!! The Dirty Dozen… So proud of you Ann. I am not surprized at all. You have such talent and I am so glad that someone recognized it… Looking forward to all your new posts… Glad you have something positive to get you through your “ruff” time. I am sure Missy is very proud of you.
smiles & hugs
Darlene-Joy
Hearty,hearty congratulations! You sooooooo deserve this! I’m thrilled for you and know that you will bring such great things to the Dirty Dozen! You always inspire me and never cease to amaze me! Go get ’em, girl!
MISS ANN I’M SOOOO HAPPY FOR YOU.CONGRAT’S TO YOU.I’M EXCITED TO SEE MORE OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL WORK…….. AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMEMTS ON PPA. I ALWAY’S LOOK FORWARD TO THEM.
HUG’S FRENCHIE
Ann,
This comes as no surprise to me! And you are so humble about your talent! I can’t wait to check your blog each day because you give me so much inspiration! I absolutely love your work! Congrats! You deserve it!
WOW Ann…that is awesome news! Congrats to you…your work is fabulous..no wonder they wanted you on their team! I can’t wait to see whatyou come up with. {SMILES}
Congratulations Ann! I’m not surprized at all that you would be chosen for the Dirt Pile. Your work and your blog are always exceptional.
cindyb
Ann I am so happy for you! God has found a way to help you heal. Something you enjoy so much. You have been blessed with a great gift and I am so glad that you are being recognized for it. YaHoo! Celebrate!
Yvonne
Well my darling.. absolutely well done to you! You deserve it.
As far as the inspiration goes, you totally inspire me. Your work is second to none, always fresh looking, a beautiful site with lots of wonderful projects.
Cheers to you my lovely.
Jo xxx
This card is beautiful! Thanks for all the inspiration you’ve given to so many… and congrats!
I’m the first to comment? I am so pleased that you have been recognized in this fashion, being chosen as a member of the SCS Dirty Dozen!! Ann, you are very humble in all your posts, but you possess great talent that obviously we all see with every single post you share with us. This lovely card is no exception. I am so pleased for you and look forward to seeing you on SCS!!!