Lil' Inker - The Store

UPDATE: Flags & Tags

2012-02-16T09:26:00.003-05:00

Good morning! Just a quick note to let you know that the Flags & Tags set is now sold out. We will be restocking this set but it will be about 2-3 weeks before we can start to ship these goodies again!

Thanks for making this such a popular set!

UPDATE: Original Pinwheels - New Product Coming SOON!

2012-02-15T18:42:00.002-05:00

Hello Lil' Inker customers! I'm here to let you know that it will only be two more days until your orders for Original Pinwheel Dies start to ship out to their new homes!

It did take a little bit longer for these to restock than anticipated but we think you'll find it was worth the wait!

Thank you for your patience!

Also on the horizon for Lil' Inker is a freshly brewed group of products which will be available March 19th with the kick off of our March New Release Hop!

We are also getting ready for an exciting sponsorship at one of your favorite challenge blogs! More on that to come!

See you soooooooon!

Valentine's Day Goodies Hop Day 4!

2012-02-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hello there! I'm so glad that we've had some extra time to share some awesome projects with you this week using our new Valentine's Day goodie products, Hamster Cupid and Of the Heart dies and stamps.

Here are some of my favorite projects I've made with these goodies...

I am going to send you right on over to Emily Leiphart's blog so you can see what loveliness she's created for you today!

Thank you for hopping along with us this week. We're so glad to see you're loving these new sets as much as we are. Take them home with you today by visiting the LID Store at the end of our hop today.

Re-Stock Notice: Original Pinwheel Die

2012-02-03T10:41:00.002-05:00

Hello! Just a quick note to let you know that the Original Pinwheel Dies (large size) will be back in stock much sooner that expected!! You can begin placing orders today at the LID Store and your die will ship to you in about 10-14 business days or ASAP after they arrive.

We also have coordinating Mini Pinwheel Dies and Pinwheel Sentiments stamp sets available. Pick up the whole lot and get ready to be making fun and whimsical projects for Spring!

For today's hop post, please scroll down.

Happy crafting!

Valentine's Day Goodies Hop Day 3!

2012-02-03T00:01:00.001-05:00

Helloooo!!! Are you enjoying the time we're spending bringing you loads of creative ideas and uses for our new Valentine's Day goodies? I am LOVING seeing all these gorgeous projects from our fabby designers.

Today I have a little ditty made using Hamster Cupid. This set is proving to be my favorite from our 2 Cute Ink collection.

I used a sketch somewhat based on Jen del Muro's Sketch For You To Try from January. I also snuck in our oversized sentiment flag from our Flags & Tags set released last month.

So, I am going to send you on your way to visit the amazing Debby Hughes of lime doodle and from there on to the equally amazing Jen Carter. From Jen's blog you can head on over to the LID store and take home your very own Hamster Cupid today! At only $8.95 he even makes the perfect valentine for a crafty friend!

Have a great day and we'll see you again tomorrow for more crafty fun!

Valentine's Day Goodies Hop!

2012-02-02T00:01:00.001-05:00

Hiya!! Day two of a little hop we've prepared for you showcasing our Valentine's Day goodies. I seriously haven't been able to put these goodies down. They're fun, easy to use and make great Valentine's Day cards!

I made a little something to share with you today using our cute Of the Heart Dies and stamp set...LOVE!

Have a peek at my project.

I thought it would be really fun to make a cute little tag and I had this idea that the faces from our Acorn stamp set would be perfect to dress up our hearts and give them character. I was so happy to see it worked. Unfortunately right now the Acorn stamp set is on backorder but it will be coming back very soon! I heat embossed the sentiment which really makes it pop of my white shimmer paper. Gosh I love the font of this stamp set!

Now, I'm going to send you on over to visit the amazing Amy Kolling. Enjoy our hop today and visit us at our LID Store!

See you tomorrow!

Valentine's Day Goodies

2012-02-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

Hiya!! Today kicks off an extra little hop we've prepared for you showcasing our Valentine's Day goodies which were previously released January 20th. We LOVE these products so much ...well...we wanted to show them some more love! One day with these guys was just not enough, LOL!

Here is our cute little set of hearts dies and arrow...LOVE! SO MANY of you wrote to me requesting a set of hearts dies with our signature perforation detail. I thought they would be so fun in the collection but aren't they even cuter with their matching arrow?

I thought a neatly written, cute, little font would be perfect to coordinate with out sweet heart dies and thus a stamp set was born. It's the perfect match and makes GREAT tiny valentines!

And of course we have this fabulous little Hamster Cupid! This guy is seriously my favorite from our 2 Cute Line. From his smaller stamp size right down to his chubby goodness and cute sentiments he is the PERFECT little gift for your crafty Valentine.

Go grab your coffee and get ready for some oo-ing and ahh-ing as we hop on over to a few of our designer's blogs today featuring inspiring projects using these new products. Our first stop today is the amazing Debby Hughes of lime doodle!

All of these products are in stock and currently available for purchase at our LID Store! You can head right on over after the hop to check them out!

Enjoy the creativity we have for you today and we'll see you tomorrow for a few more!!

Hop Wrap Up - WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

2012-01-21T19:50:00.000-05:00

What an amazing week of new releases! Thank you for all your comments and feedback this week as well. Everything has grown wings and is flying out the doors. We're so excited that you're loving this release!

Here's a little rewind of what we released and some of the inspiring projects made by our designers!

Of the Heart Dies and Sentiments

Hamter Cupid - 2 Cute Ink

Sweet Bee - 2 Cute Ink

Cutie Cat - 2 Cute Ink

Flags & Tags

I hope that's everything!! There were so many amazing projects this week! My jaw is still on the table! I cannot WAIT to get up into my craft room and play some more with these products. But first I have a little packing and shipping to do, ok A LOT!! LOL!

How about some winners? Now, according to what I had planned for the week there were going to be 2 winners; 1 for a $10 store credit and 1 for the 2 Cute sets, BUT I actually thought it would be fun to split the sets and award a third winner!

So here they are.....

The winner of the $10 store credit is "Denisse". Her blog is Cards from the Heart

The winner of the Cutie Cat stamp set from our 2 Cute Ink line is "canadian_liner". Her blog is Caroline's Creations.

The winner of the Sweet Bee set from our 2 Cute Ink line is "Lisa Petrella". Her blog is Bellalistona.

Ladies, email me at lpryor1 at hotmail dot com for further instructions and congratultions!!!!

Thanks again to everyone who hopped along and commented! Head on over to the LID Shop. We still have the entire release in stock, but not for long!!!!

Have a GREAT weekend!

BONUS GOODIES FRIDAY!!!!!!!!

2012-01-20T00:01:00.004-05:00

Wooo hooo!!! It's BONUS GOODIES Friday!!!

It's been a WONDERFUL week of hopping and I'm excited to finally be able to share our bonus goodies with you today!

First up, he has the sweetest face and the cutest, most chubby body and I WUV him.....it's Hamster Cupid from our amazing 2 Cute Ink line......

Our Hamster Cupid set is a **NEW** mini sized stamp set with the main focal image measuring approximately 2 x 2.5 inches. This makes him cuter AND quicker to color! With sentiments like "Big Love" and "GOTCHA" he's sure to put a smile on your Valentine's face!

Here's what I made featuring this chubby lil' guy... I'm not sure I can part with this card! THAT'S how much I love it!

I stamped him right onto the oversized sentiment flag from our Flags and Tags set...love that he fits! Sweet, right? I can hear your "awws", LOL!

NEXT up is a set I love just as much. I'm anticipating this set growing wings and flying off the shelves as I received loads of requests for a die set like this. Introducing Of the Heart dies and coordinating sentiments!

And even though these were highly requested I couldn't just stop at heart dies with our signature perforated detail. I thought it would be super fun to include this cute little arrow die. Of the Heart is a one piece die which will cut all 4 pieces with only one pass through your cutting machine. When I envisioned a coordinating stamp set for these dies I saw cutey, little, clean and simple note cards with almost an "I wrote it myself" sort of feel and this font does just the trick! I'm LOVING this neatly written grouping of sentiments. My Fave is "Love Ya" because it fits on the largest heart and the sentiment "For you, lots of these"...love!

Brace yourselves, I have a whole bunch of pictures to share with you of projects using the Of the Heart set.

First, I have been wanting to make these pop holders for like EVER and I finally had the perfect "petal" to use. I cut out 5 hearts and punched a small hole in the bottom of each, stamped each heart with "Love Ya" added a circle over the center and pushed a Dum Dum lolli right through and tied off the "stem" with green baker's twine.

Wouldn't these make great treats for classmates for Valentine's? I think I'll make a bunch more. This came together super fast!

Here is a note card I made using our heart dies and some of the dies from our new Flags & Tags set and using the stamps U & I from the coordinating Of the Heart stamp set. These letters are individual so that you could say I {heart} U as well!

Last but not least and maybe my favorite of my hearts projects is a card with multi hearts. This also came together super fast after several passes through my cutting machine and simple touches of vellum scallops and a coordinating sentiment on our double ended banner die!

Gosh I just love these hearts!! I hope you do toooooo!!! OH...AND...how could I forget?! As an added fun and versatile option the smallest heart in the die set is the PERFECT match to Sweet Bee's wing!!!!!! Oh, think of the fun options there!

Now, if you're still here, you're awesome! I'll have you head on over to Emily Leiphart's blog as I know she will have something fun for you today! THEN, after you continue on your hop today you can head on over to the LID Store and pick up these goodies and your other favorites from this week!!!!

Thanks for making it a GREAT week! Leaving you with one more shot of my most favorite project from this week using our Flags & Tags set...I couldn't help it! LOL!

Love,

Hop Day 4!

2012-01-19T00:01:00.002-05:00

Hello! Welcome to hop day 4! TOMORROW is our bonus goodies Friday! But TODAY is another fun day featuring a release from our 2 Cute Ink line. Yesterday I brought you Sweet Bee. Today I bring you Cutie Cat!

This Little Guy just warms my heart. I am absolutely in love with his sweet smiling face! Aren't you? Both of our 2 Cute Ink sets from this week are currently available at the LID Store AND we still have some sets available from our December release of Arctic Friends, Snow Mouse and Cocoa Bear!

TOMORROW is a very exciting day! We are releasing a bonus set of goodies with a Valentine's Day theme that you are going to love! Some of our designers will be featuring projects with these new goodies so there's more hop for you!

Don't forget to leave comments along the way this week because we are giving away the 2 Cute images Sweet Bee and Cutie Cat as well as a $10 store credit.

Our Flags and Tags set released on Monday and Tuesday is going FAST! We are just thrilled that you're loving it!

NOW, head on over to see Amy Kolling because I KNOW she's cooked up something specia for you today!

Enjoy the rest of the hop today!

Welcome to Hop Day Three with 2 Cute Ink!

2012-01-18T00:01:00.001-05:00

WOW! Thank you so much for all your positive feedback on our brand new Flags and Tags set! It's grown little wings and is flying off the shelves!

Get ready for more excitement! Today and tomorrow we're introducing 2 fabulous new sets from our collaborative line with 2 Cute Ink. Today, I'm bringing you a project using our new Sweet Bee set. Seriously, I am in love with our sentiments with "bee flair". From Bee Mine to Just Bee-cuzzz, these sentiments are absolutely perfect for this adorable image which is also so fun to color. This set contains 6 stamps: bee image, three sentiments, flower stamp and hearts background/accent. It's these little extras that truly make the 2 Cute sets so much fun! You can't beat an adorable 6 piece stamp set at this price!! Have a look at the whole set:

And here is what I made using our new Sweet Bee set. You'll notice our double ended banner die from our Flags & Tags set fits this sentiment perfectly!

SO SO sweet!! I am LOVING having our new 2 Cute Ink line in the store. I love our stamps and dies but it is so nice (and therapeutic) to bust out the markers every once in a while, don't you think?

Now, as you may have read yesterday this is a super busy week....Here are some things to remember...

Friday 1/20 is our Bonus Goodies release day. We have an AMAZING grouping of Valentine's Day items that you will be sure to SWOON over! I can't imagine one crafter not wanting these goodies in their collection and I imagine they are going to go FAST!

Don't forget to leave comments this week as 1 lucky winner is going to receive this month's 2 Cute Ink sets and someone will receive a $10 store credit.

Now, I will send you on your way to see Amy Kolling who will be sure to have something fabulous for you to see today!

Thank you! We'll see you tomorrow for more fabulous projects featuring Sweet Bee and I'll be back tomorrow with a Cutie Cat project.

Welcome To Hop Day Two: Flags & Tags

2012-01-17T00:01:00.006-05:00

Hello! Welcome to our hop day two featuring Flags & Tags! This is an amazing amazing set with so many possibilities. I haven't been able to put these supplies away!

If you're just joining us today, Flags & Tags is a three piece die set containing an over sized sentiment flag, curly label tag and double ended banner die. The three can be layered together for a beautiful look or used separately....LOTS of options especially when paired with the Flags & Tags stamp set. The coordinating stamp set has background images and borders for the curly label and BEAUTIFUL sentiments all which are perfectly sized to fit on the double ended banner die! one sentiment was even inspired by something my Grammy says to us all the time, "You're my Lovie". The Curly Label Tag is also the perfect tag for gift packaging with it's border stamp and To: From: stamp included in the set!

I have been wanting to build on my Sentiment Flags concept for some time and I'm just so excited to be able to release this set this week. I finally knew which direction I wanted this set to take after making THIS CARD during our holiday release back in November. It's like a bell went off!!!

Here is a home decor project I made using just the dies. Have a look...

I made 4 tags to spell the word love and hung them inside the frame which has an open back (that's the wall color in the background). I hung this at the bottom of my stairs and it's literally in the perfect spot so I can see it all the time. I was inspired to make this hanging tag decor after some Pinning on Pinterest...LOVE! This actually came together quite fast because of these FAB dies. I am so excited about the way this turned out!!!! It looks amazing in person....somehow my pictures just don't do it justice! I hope you see the versatility in this set as you hop along today! One word: AMAZING!

Now, as you may have read yesterday this is a super busy week....Here are some things to remember...

Friday 1/20 is our Bonus Goodies release day. We have an AMAZING grouping of Valentine's Day items that you will be sure to SWOON over! I can't imagine one crafter not wanting these goodies in their collection and I imagine they are going to go FAST!

Don't forget to leave comments this week as 1 lucky winner is going to receive this month's 2 Cute Ink sets and someone will receive a $10 store credit.

Our 2 Cute Ink sets are currently available for purchase in our store but our designers will be showing you projects featuring them tomorrow and Thursday. So if you wanted a sneaky peek of these 2 new sets, head on over to the LID Store!

Now, I will send you on your way to see Amy Kolling who will be sure to have something fabulous for you to see today!

Enjoy the rest of the hop today and see you tomorrow with projects featuring our new sets from 2 Cute Ink: Sweet Bee and Cutie Cat. We still have a limited quantity of last month's release from 2 Cute Ink (Arctic Friends, Snow Mouse and Cocoa Bear). Please visit the LID Store for more information!

Welcome to Hop Day One: Flags & Tags!!!

2012-01-16T00:01:00.010-05:00

Today is a very special day! Not only is it the kick off of our brand new release with a fabulous hop it's the reveal day of a product that you are going to LOVE - maybe our best set yet!!!

The name of this set is called Flags & Tags. Have a look!

This is a three piece die set containing an oversized sentiment flag, curly label tag and double ended banner die. The three can be layered together for a beautiful look of used separately....LOTS of options especially when paired with the Flags & Tags stamp set. The coordinating stamp set has background images and border for the curly label and BEAUTIFUL sentiments all which are perfectly sized to fit on the double ended banner die!

Here are a couple of things I made in literally minutes. I love fun, fancy and FAST, don't you?

The oversized sentiment flag is a uniquely designed die. The die was designed much like a frame and then overlayed with a clear backer. It closely resembles a nesting die yet it has the addition of the clear backer which is really neat as it allows for perfect placement when cutting and it even embosses! Also, because the die was created with the clear backer it allowed us to keep manufacturing costs lower which means reduced costs for our customers. It's really a win win!

Are you loving this set? Truly, I think it's the most fabulous set we've created. The dies are amazing, versatile (which I love to provide customers with) and the font of the sentiments is truly beautiful. This set also contains the sentiment "You're My Lovie"...it's something my Grammy has always said to me and now says to my son too! Awwwww!

I can't WAIT to see what you create with it and what the design team has in store for you today. Before I head you on your way I want to remind you that we have prizes for you this week.....one lucky person will receive a $10 store credit and one lucky person our fabulous 2 Cute Ink collection being released this week so be sure to leave comments along your way!

******ATTENTION********** Wait...there's MORE!!! LOL

This Friday, is Bonus Goodies Friday! We are releasing an AMAZING, MUST HAVE SET OF GOODIES on Friday 1/20 all with a Valentine's Day theme. A hint? A set of dies and 2 stamp sets! You will flip! I haven't been able to put these goodies down!!!

SOOOOO, a very exciting week this week! Stay tuned for more. For now, head on over to visit Emily Leiphart who is SURE to have some inspiring eye candy for you today featuring our new Flags & Tags set!

Tomorrow, we'll be back with day 2 of Flags & Tags and then Wednesday and Thursday with images from our adorable 2 Cute Ink line and then on Friday with our delish bonus goodies. NEW for this hop....you will be able to purchase our January release items today at the LID Store. Our bonus goodies will be available for purchase on Friday.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you LOVE Flags & Tags!!

Time for The Play Date Cafe Challenge

2012-01-01T15:55:00.003-05:00

For those of you who didn't already hear, Lil' Inker is the sponsor of the current Play Date Cafe Challenge which began on 12/22 and is up for TWO weeks! Play along using the FABULOUS inspiration photo and be entered to win a $25 shopping spree from Lil' Inker Designs!!!!

Here is the inspiration photo for the challenge....so pretty!

And here is what I made using one of our BRAND NEW stamps set from Lil' Inker Designs Featuring 2 Cute Ink called Arctic Friends!!

Head on over to the LID Store to check out our new sets from our new collaborative line, 2 Cute Ink AND play along with the PDCC challenge #112 and be entered to win a $25 store credit to grab some of these fabby new images OR hold onto it and put it towards our amazing new release coming January 16th!

Don't forget, Lil' Inker also has a sale going on right now.....spend at least $10.95 in our store and enter code HAPPY2012 at check out and receive 15% of your entire order NOW through January 2nd at midnight!!

Happy New Year!!

Celebrate with a SALE!!!!

2011-12-30T07:51:00.004-05:00

This has been a fantastic year at Lil' Inker Designs! We're saying thank you by celebrating with a SALE!!!

Spend at least $10.95 and get 15% off your entire order by entering code HAPPY2012 at check out now through January 2nd!

What a great time to do a little "To Me From Me" shopping and stocking up on the stamps and dies you've been eyeing!!

Head on over to the LID Store now to get your shop on!

We're looking forward to BIG things in 2012 and we're kicking off the New Year with a FABULOUS release on January 16th!

Here are a couple of recent DT creations made for our sponsorship at the Play Date Cafe...I love a post with a little eye candy!

Teresa Kline

Amy Kolling

Jen Carter

Play Date Cafe Sponsorship!

2011-12-22T00:01:00.001-05:00

SUCH a fun day today! Lil' Inker Designs is the sponsoring company for this week's Play Date Cafe Challenge, PDC112!!

This week there is an amazing color story to inspire you.

Here are the deets on how you can play along at the Play Date Cafe...

The Play Date Cafe Challenge (PDCC) was created to be unique and fun. Just follow the COLOR COMBINATION as closely as possible making those colors the FOCUS of your creation. You can make anything you like: cards, layouts, 3-D, home decor...pretty much anything!

When posting on your blog, you must mention that you are playing the PDCC or better yet, place our challenge photo for the week on that post. Projects MUST BE NEW and not posted prior to the current challenge date.

Simple and FUN!

I am so excited about this week's sponsorship! I cannot wait to see what the Play Date Designers have for us for even more fabulous inspiration using the color story and products from Lil' Inker! I am off and running to the PDC blog now to have a look!

I hope you will join us this week for this fun and fabulous challenge!

December Release Re-Cap & PRIZE WINNERS!

2011-12-19T21:30:00.016-05:00

Good morning! I'm here today with a re-cap of our December Release Hop from last week featuring stamps from 2 Cute Ink! AND I'm here to announce our hop PRIZE WINNERS! But before we get to our winners have a look at each of our designer's creations. I love seeing all of the hop projects all in one place!

Ariana Grant

Teresa Kline

Sarah Jay

Laura Pryor

Emily Leiphart

Jen del Muro

Jen Carter

Amy Kolling

Debby Hughes

Alicia Thelin

AMAZING, Right?! You know it!!!

And now for our winners........

The winners of the $10 Store Credits are..............

1. Trisha of Trisha Creates and More
2. Annette of My Clever Creations

And our Grand Prize winner who will receive all three of our brand new 2 Cute Ink images is..............

"I'm Renee" of It's a Patchwork Life

CONGRATS LADIES!!!!!

Please email me at lpryor1 at hotmail dot com with subject line "December Hop Winner". Trisha and Annette, I will give you a code for our store and Renee I will need your mailing address!

Congrats again ladies and thank you for your wonderful comments all throughout our hop last week!!!!

And thank you to EVERYONE who joined us last week. We're already looking forward to our January release which will feature more images from 2 Cute Ink AND an amazing, stellar, FABULOUS set of dies and a coordinating stamp set that mught just blow your mind!! LOL!

Stay tuned for more info about our upcoming January release!

AND....there is still time for me to get products to you in time for the holidays, but I would say that today would be the last day to order. So hurry on over to our store and pick something up for yourself or crafty friends!!!

Thanks!!!

Hop Day 5: Introducing Cocoa Bear!

2011-12-16T00:01:00.010-05:00

Well, it's the final day of our hop today but it's the one I've been looking forward to the most!

If you've been hopping along with us this week you've seen that we've collaborated with artist Heidi Schwoerer of 2 Cute Ink. Heidi is going to release her designs exclusiely here at Lil' Inker and Ariana and I are designing the sentiments to coordinate with these fabby lil' images!

Today we're releasing Cocoa Bear and I love him, squeeee!!!!!

What I think is so fun about this set is that his mug is actually blank when you stamp the entire image and Ariana and I decided to include this little snowman and little snowflake desiged by Heidi as individual stamps to decorate his mug or even incorporate into the background scene!

Here's what I did with Cocoa Bear...

Love him? I do!

You could be one of our lucky prize winners to receive one of 2 store credits or our grand prize...all three images from the December release! All you have to do is leave comments for all of our designers throughout this week's hop.

Speaking of designers, let's get onto the hop. Today our entire team is posting with their Cocoa Bear designs and Amy Kolling is up next! Head on over to see what crafty goodness she's got for us today!

All three of our images are now available in the LID store. Head on over to check them out. There is still plenty of time to receive these images in time for the holidays. I happen to think that our new images will make fabulous stocking stuffers!

I hope you enjoyed the hop this week and are excited about our new line from 2 Cute Ink!

Thanks for stopping by!

December Hop Day 4

2011-12-15T00:01:00.001-05:00

Good morning! This has been an exciting week and it's flying by!!

In case you're just joining us, this week has been BUSY and FUN! We introduced you to our new collaborative artist line, 2 Cute Ink!

AND we've brought you two new sets so far; Arctic Friends and Snow Mouse and I have to say I am so excited to finally be able to share these with our customers and fans. I think they're adorable and I think they make easy, fast and fun cards! Today we're bringing you more projects featuring our Snow Mouse set!

I can hardly wait to see what the designers have for us today. BUT before we get to their projects just a reminder....we're giving away 2 $10 store credits AND a grand prize.....the entire December release to one lucky winner! Leave comments all along the hop this week to be eligible to win!

Arctic Friends (released Monday and Tuesday) and Snow Mouse are both available now at the LID store! Take them home today or pick them up as stocking stuffers as there's still plenty of time to arrive in time for the holidays!

Stay tuned for tomorrow. We have one more set we're releasing tomorrow and it happens to be my FAVE from the group! I can't wait.

For now, let's get to today's projects using this cutey lil' Snow Mouse! Head on over to Jen del Muro's blog to see what goodness she's whipped up to share with you today!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Release Hop Day 3: Introducing Snow Mouse

2011-12-14T00:01:00.005-05:00

Good morning! Are you enjoying the hop so far? I love our new collaborative line with 2 Cute Ink! In case you are just joining us today, Lil' Inker Designs has collaborated with artist Heidi Schwoerer of 2 Cute Ink to bring you her images exclusively here at LID and now with sentiments which have been designed by myself and Ariana!

I'm super excited to be able to show you a brand new, never before seen image that you are going to LOOOVE!

Introducing Snow Mouse!

I am ecstatic over the way this little guy turned out! I love his little mousie nose in the air catching snowflakes and I love his sentiments which can be used for almost any purpose making this cutey set a must have for your collection!

Here's what I did with our brand new Snow Mouse set....

Now, don't forget...we're giving away our entire release to one lucky winner as well as 2 $10 store credits so leave our designers some love (in the form of comments) along your way. Also, we invite you to stop by the 2 Cute Ink facebook page. We'd love it if you "liked" it!

Hop on over to see what Emily Leiphart has for you today to inspire you to use your Snow Mouse set!

Snow Mouse and Arctic Friends (released Monday) are available now on our shop site HERE. You're crafty friends will be so happy to see these sets in their stockings, don't you think?

Join us tomorrow for more inspiring projects featuring Snow Mouse and again on Friday for another BRAND NEW set release AND this one happens to be my fave so there is more fun in store!

Thanks for stopping by today and enjoy the rest of the hop!!

December New Release Hop Day 2!

2011-12-13T00:01:00.004-05:00

Good morning! Did you enjoy yesterday's projects featuring our brand new set Arctic Friends? I'm so excited to finally be able to reveal the new sets from our first collaborative line, 2 Cute Ink.

Heidi Schwoerer is the artist of the 2 Cute Ink images. Her style is incredibly adorable and her existing images are already very popular among the paper crafting community under her former line 2 Cute Rubber Stamps. Wanting to really focus on her art and creativty, Heidi decided that Lil' Inker would be the perfect outlet to bring more and more new images to her existing fans and make new fans! We AGREE!

In case you missed it, the Arctic Friends set (seen above) is the first set we're releasing here at Lil' Inker and with these adorable sentiments designed by myself and Ariana. I just love this image of these cutey friends sharing a treat and I love the versatility this image has when used with our fun sentiments.

One of my favorite things about new release week is PRIZES! This month we have a Grand Prize up for grabs.... our entire Winter collection of all three 2 Cute Ink sets being released this week. In order to be eligible to win our grand prize, we ask that you leave comments all throughout the week for our designers. We're also giving away 2 $10 store credits to lucky commenters as well!

We'd also love for you to head on over to the 2 Cute Ink Facebook page and we'd love it if you'd *like* it!

To see what fabulosity our designers have created for you today, head on over to Debby Hughes's blog!

Don't forget Arctic Friends is available today and you can pick up your copy by visiting the Lil' Inker Designs Store.

Thanks for stopping by!

December Release Hop: Introducing Our New Line!!!

2011-12-12T00:01:00.007-05:00

Today is seriously SUCH an exciting day for us! It's FINALLY time to introduce our new collaborative line with 2 Cute Ink!!!!

For those of you who missed our announcement last week, Lil' Inker Designs has collaborated with artist Heidi Schwoerer of 2 Cute Ink in order to bring you an adorable line of stamps that you can really get inky and color or paper piece! 2 Cute Ink will now exclusively release all new images here at Lil' Inker Designs! We'll be releasing some existing favorites as well as new, never before seen images. Ariana and I are designing the sentiments to complement and complete these great sets and thus is born Lil' Inker Designs with ag designs featuring 2 Cute Ink!

Today we're releasing Arctic Friends; an adorable illustration of two snowy friends enjoying a special treat...Have a look....

I made this tag to share with you today featuring this new set.

Are you ready to enjoy the rest of the hop today? Head on over to Emily Leiphart's blog to see what crafty goodness she's whipped up for us today!

Don't forget to leave comments throughout the week for our designers. One commenter will be eligible to receive our Grand Prize....our entire Winter release from 2 Cute Ink! We will also be giving away two $10 store credits. Winners will be announced on Monday December 19th!

Enjoy the rest of the hop today and we'll see you tomorrow for more projects from our talented designers featuring Arctic Friends!

More is More & A Little Giftie

2011-12-10T11:10:00.008-05:00

Good morning! I thought I would stop by and share a little card I made recently using our new Holly Jolly set as well as a little giftie scarf pin I made using our Fringe Flower Die.

The first one sort of a more is more version of a card I made during our holiday release hop seen HERE.

And here is the more is more version...I added a 3-D tree as well as some ribbon embellishments. Still super easy...just a bit more pizzaz!

Gosh I just love this little tree! Do you like the ric rac I added in with the ribbon treatment? It's older than I am! I found it with my Grammy's sewing stuff in her basement. I love adding little notions like this to cards that I know she's used for her own creations!

Next up is a little scarf pin I made using our Fringe Flower Die. I was originally inspired by one our DT member Jen del Muro made....here's my take on her idea. I think these will make adorable gifts for friends and teachers. They're so simple and pretty quick to make!

I hope you've enjoyed my lil' creations today!

Have a great weekend!

December Sneak #3 & Fringe Flowers Are Back in Stock!

2011-12-09T08:50:00.004-05:00

Gooooood morning! I'd like to share one more sneak peak from our 2 Cute Ink line with you before our hop begins on Monday!

We'll see you on Monday December 12th for our New Release Hop. Don't forget that one lucky commenter will receive our entire release collection as a grand prize! You won't want to miss the FUN!!!

Edited to add: Fringe Flower Dies are back in stock as of this morning! If you've been waiting please feel free to order away! These make GREAT stocking stuffers for crafty friends at only $13.95 plus shipping! Those of you with orders pending....they will go out between today and tomorrow!

December Sneak #2

2011-12-07T21:39:00.004-05:00

Hiya! I'm here to share another sneak from our December release!

A few days ago I announced that Lil' Inker Designs is getting ready to introduce our first collaborative artist line from 2 Cute Ink! Artist Heidi Schowoerer will be exclusively releasing her adorable designs here at Lil' Inker and we're so excited.

Here's another peek! Enjoy!

All of our new images will be available beginning December 12th! Our designers will provide loads of inspiration and we'll be giving away PRIZES including a grand prize to one lucky winner....the entire release!

See you next week starting December 12th at 12:01 AM!!

Thanks for stopping by today!

December Release Sneak Peak!

2011-12-07T14:10:00.003-05:00

Hello and happy Wednesday! I wanted to stop by and share with you a snippet from one of our upcoming sets from our new 2 Cute Ink line!

You love our dies and you love our sentiments and now we're bringing you something you will love to color and paper piece! Check out this snippet of the first set in the December release.

Lil' Inker Designs with ag designs will now exclusively feature these fantastic and incredibly adorable images from artist Heidi Schwoerer of 2 Cute Ink and we are SO looking forward to our December Release Hop which begins Monday December 12th right here on the Shop Blog at 12:01 AM!

We'll have loads of inspiring projects to share from our designers and of course prizes to give away. One lucky winner will receive our grand prize.....the entire December collection!

Don't miss the fin beginning here December 12th and stay tuned for more sneak peaks!

Lil' Inker Designs Proudly Presents 2 Cute Ink!

2011-12-05T00:01:00.002-05:00

INTRODUCING our brand new collaborative line....

2 Cute Ink is the first artist created line to be featured at Lil’ Inker Designs and we are so excited! Artist Heidi Schwoerer, of 2 Cute Rubber Stamps, will now exclusively release her designs here at Lil’ Inker!

We’ll be releasing some of Heidi’s existing images as well as brand new, never released, irresistibly adorable images! All stamps sets will be available in our customary, but fabulous, clear stamp format and will feature sentiments designed by Laura and Ariana of Lil’ Inker Designs with ag designs done in a perfectly fun coordinating font!

We are thrilled to bring you this new collaborative line with 2 Cute Ink and we’re excited to introduce our three new Winter themed stamps sets for our December release!

Stay tuned as we bring you some sneaks throughout this week as we approach our New Release Hop beginning on 12/12. One lucky winner will receive our Grand Prize: each of our three new stamp sets!!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Update on Acorns!

2011-11-20T13:42:00.003-05:00

Happy Sunday! Just a quick note to let you know that our Acorn stamp sets are currently sold out. However, if you've been wishing to get the die only, you're in LUCK! We still have Acorn dies in stock and they are now available for purchase individually. Head on over to the LID Store to see the new listing.

Have a great day!

Holiday Product Spotlight With Debby Hughes

2011-11-18T00:01:00.001-05:00

Good morning!!! We had an amazing Holiday Blog Hop last week! BUT, unfortunately DT Member Debby Hughes' package of DT goodies was delayed and she was unable to share her creativity with all of us last week. So we thought we would take a special day to spotlight our holiday sets, Holly Jolly and Jingle Joy, featuring Debby's creations today!!!!!

Debby has three amazing and inspiring projects to share with you today. Here are a couple of sneak peak photos of what you'll find on Debby's blog, lime doodle, today!

And since we're spotlighting Debby today let me just take a quick minute to congratulate Debby...she was announced as one of the newest members of the Dirty Dozen at Splitcoast Stampers!!! YAHOOOOOO!!!!!!! CONGRATS!!! And SO WELL DESERVED!!!!!

Thanks for stopping by today and please make sure you head on over to Debby's blog so you can see her full project photos and read all about how she made them. Some gorgeous stuff, I tell ya!!

And one quick little update....Jingle Joy is going fast and we currently have a very limited quantity on hand. View both holiday sets Jingle Joy and Holly Jolly at our LID Store HERE.

Tag You're It & Holiday Hop Winners!!

2011-11-14T08:31:00.002-05:00

Good morning! I am here to announce the winners of the two Holiday Hop $10 store credits! BUT before I do I thought I would share a couple of tags I made using our Holly Jolly Set which I made for this week's CAS-ual Fridays Challenge, CFC28!

Last week, Lil' Inker was the challenge sponsor at CAS-ual Fridays and I just wanted to say a quick thank you again to Michele Gross and Julie Ranae for that great opportunity! THANKS!!

This week's challenge is "Tag You're It" and the theme is to make a clean and simple tag. I actually had time to sit down yesterday and create! Ariana came over for the day and we crafted and chatted and had lunch AND we brainstormed loads of ideas for upcoming products that are so exciting and you will LOVE them!!! We had a great day!

Here are the tags I made....

I hope you like them. I am really in love with both of our new releases, Holly Jolly and Jingle Joy and we're are just beyond thrilled at the response they've received from you our fans and from our amazing designers too!

Thanks again for all the love you've left us over the last week. Two winners have been picked from all of the comments and they are.................

Karen Day

and

Heather of House Built of Cards

Congratulations, Ladies!! E-mail me at lpryor1 at hotmail dot com and I will send you more information.

YAYYYYYYYY!!!!

Have a great day, Everyone!!

OH...AND.......we have some very exciting news to share with you from Lil' Inker Designs.....we're adding a new line to our store from a VERY special and talented artist. There will be more information coming soon!! You won't want to miss it!!!!

Holiday Hop Wrap Up!

2011-11-12T09:55:00.013-05:00

Thank you for hopping along with Lil' Inker this week! We're so thrilled to read all of the wonderful things you've had to say about our new products!

I was truly so impressed and inspired to create when I saw our designer's creations this week. I thought I would gather all of the project photo and do a little re-cap of creativity using our new Jingle Joy and Holly Jolly sets! ENJOY!
Creations from Emily Leiphart:

Creations from Sarah Jay:

Creations from Jen del Muro:

Creations from Jen Carter:

Creations from Julie Ranae:

Creations from Teresa Kline:

Creations from Amy Kolling:

Creations from Alicia Thelin:

Isn't amazing to see everything together here in one spot?

I hop you enjoyed this lil' hop wrap up! We'll see you on Monday to announce the hop prize winners!!

AND we'll be here on Friday for a little Product Spotlight with designer Debby Hughes!

Love what you see here and want to create these projects too? Head on over to the LID Store to take home your own Holly Jolly and Jingle Joy sets today!

Welcome to Holiday Release Day 5: Group Post Day!!

2011-11-11T00:01:00.006-05:00

Happy 11/11/11!!! Well, this week just flew by! Today is the last day of our Holiday Release Hop and it's group post day! Each designer from our team is posting today featuring a project using Jingle Joy or Holly Jolly or a fabby combo of BOTH...it's sort of an anything goes day to see what else we can do with these wonderful new sets!

Here is a card I made using our new Holly Jolly die and stamp set....

I can't believe I ever went a Christmas without these Holly Leaf dies in my collection! LOL! I cannot put them down! Here is a a close up of these fabby dies....Don't you just love that center detail?

My wreath was VERY easy to make using a circle die and a scallop circle die. The result was then embossed with a woodgrain texture plate and red rhinestones added as berries for a little bling! Of course my Holly Leafs was the perfect accent tied off with some gold twine.

I honestly don't think that cards have ever come together as quickly for me before! I love working with our new sets!

So, I am going to send you on your way to Sarah's blog so you can hop along and see what the designers have in store for you today! But before you go a couple of things....a big thank you to all of our fans and customers for your support! Stay with us because we've got SO MANY GREAT THINGS in store for the next few months!

And a very big thank you to Julie Ranae. Today's post will be Julie's last as our Design Team Coordinator. Julie did for Lil' Inker what she does best.....She got our team up and running and helped me focus on the goals for our team. She gave me the tools I need to keep everything going and working like clock work and for that I am truly truly grateful! Thank you, Julie! You will be missed!

Thanks again everyone! Enjoy the remainder of our posts for today and then head on over to the LID Store to get your copies of Holly Jolly and Jingle Joy today!!

Great News!

2011-11-10T09:52:00.002-05:00

A quick note to announce that the Fringe Flower Dies have been restocked and all pending orders have been filled and are going out in today's mail!

Please scroll down to see my Jingle Joy Day 2 hop post!

Thanks!!!

Wecome to Hop Day 4!

2011-11-10T00:01:00.003-05:00

Hello! Have you been enjoying our hop so far this week. The design team and I are having a total blast playing with our new Holly Jolly and Jingle Joy sets!

Today our designers are bringing you more delicious creations with our brand new Jingle Joy set.

Jingle Joy is a set of 4 dies; the letters "j", "y" and "l" and an adorable 2 piece jingle bell die. The idea is that you can make the words joy and jolly and using the jingle bell as the "o" in each of the words! You will also receive a set of j,y,l stamps in three different patterns; peppermints, stripes and houndstooth, which can be used to stamp onto your die cut letters or directly onto cardstock!!

Here is a look at the set itself...

Now, without further delay let's get to HOPPING! Julie Ranae is the first stop on our hop today. Don't forget to leave comments along your way today so you can be entered to win one of 2 $10 gift certificates to the LID Store! And join us again tomorrow for our group post day. We'll all be posting together as a team with more eye candy using our great new sets Holly Jolly and Jingle Joy.

In case you missed yesterday's inspiring creations HERE is a link to what I created and below is a direct link to the creations of our designers.
Sarah
Ariana
Amy
Teresa

Enjoy the hop today and we'll see you again tomorrow!

LID Holiday Hop: Introducing Jingle Joy!!!!

2011-11-09T00:01:00.009-05:00

Ok, this is something neat that we think you are going to LOVE! The new set we are introducing today is called Jingle Joy! Jingle Joy was designed specifically to make clean and simple projects, cards and tags for the holidays!

Jingle Joy is a set of 4 dies; the letters "j", "y" and "l" and an adorable 2 piece jingle bell die. The idea is that you can make the words joy and jolly and using the jingle bell as the "o" in each of the words! You will also receive a set of j,y,l stamps in three different patterns; peppermints, stripes and houndstooth, which can be used to stamp onto your die cut letters or directly onto cardstock!!

Here is a look at what this set contains...

Have a look at two clean and simple project I made......

I can't think of anything better than a set designed specifically to help make clean and simple cards fast and mass produce them easily but still have an elegant and adorable look!

What's also very cool about this set is how we intentionally designed the "j" and "l" so they can be used as candy canes!!! If you notice, there is a neat sentiment in the Holly Jolly set that will work nicely with a candycane "j"! We also think the mini holly leaf from the Holly Jolly set will be the perfect finishing touch for a candycane OR jingle bell topper!

Let's talk a little more about our the jingle bell die in this set....I LOVE IT!

The bell die is actually 2 pieces. When you die cut the bell it cuts the bell shape but also a "belt", or at least that's what Ariana and I have been calling it. It's for the center of bell as an added 3-D detail and it is FAB. There is also this little notch where you can add bits of twine or DMC floss as an accent. Another cool thing about this little guy is that it also cuts three wee little stars which we thought would be really neat to use with the Christmas Tree die we featured as part of the Holly Jolly set! Neat, huh?

I think it's fabulous that there is a lot of overlap between our two new sets. We are hoping you love each one as much as we do!

Now, head on over to Sarah's blog to begin your hopping! Our team will have gorgeous designs to share with you and inspire you to use your Jingle Joy set. Don't forget to leave comments along the way as we will be giving away 2 $10 store credits to the Lil' Inker store!

And join us again tomorrow when the remaining DT'ers will share their Jingle Joy projects and again on Friday for our group post where anything goes!!

Holiday Hop Day Two!

2011-11-08T00:01:00.001-05:00

Hello and good morning! Welcome to day two of our Holiday Release Blog Hop featuring our brand new Holly Jolly die and stamp set!

Holly Jolly was designed with the idea that holiday cards and tags should come together quickly, easily, still be totally fun and cute BUT also have loads of versatility and we think it's just that.

You will receive three dies: holly leaves (large and small), berries (large and small), and a Christmas Tree die with coordinating tree trunk. Each of the dies features our signature perforated detail design. This set also features a holiday themed stamp set in a sweet and festive font which many of were designed specifically to enhance their coordinating dies. For example, imagine the cuteness of a die or tag featuring our Holly leaves and berries dies that says "Deck the Halls"! Or how great is the tree with its "Rockin' Around the". Really there are so many possibilities!

This set is really so fun and you love it because they are a-flyin' outta here and we couldn't be more thrilled!

Now, keep going so you can see what our team as created for you today. Head on over to
Emily Leiphart's blog as I'm sure she has some fab eye candy for you today. And if you want to get your Holly Jolly set today click right on over to the LID Store now!

Don't forget to leave comments along the way as we're giving away 2 $10 LID store credits on Monday, November 14th!

If you'd like to see what I created using our Holly Jolly set click HERE. Also, so you don't miss out on any of the amazing projects from our designers here is a list of direct links to yesterday's creations.

Amy
Ariana
Jen Carter
Jen del Muro
Sarah

Thanks for stopping by and we'll see you tomorrow for a brand new product reveal that you won't want to miss! I think you'll be delighted to see all the possibilities of both sets working together!

LID'S Holiday Release Blog Hop!!

2011-11-07T00:01:00.012-05:00

Today's the day!!! I am SO excited to be here today to kick off our Holiday Release Blog Hop! Each day this week our designers will be posting projects using the products from our new release which you are going to LOVE!

This release features products to make holiday cards, tags or even decor simple, fast, FUN and let's not forget CUTE!

Today we're showcasing our new set called Holly Jolly! Holly Jolly is a set of dies and stamps that are a total must have! You will receive a fun holiday themed sentiment stamp set in a cute and festive font AND you will receive three dies; holly leaves (2 sizes), berries (2 sizes) and a Christmas tree die (2 pieces tree and trunk) which all feature our signature perforated detail.

Have a look.....

Holiday cards need to be easily mass produced OR you need to be able to sit down with one set and create many different cards with little effort. This set has these capabilities. Cut lots of trees at once...embellish them in different ways with twine or buttons or rhinestones add in the cutey coordinating tree trunk and pick from a whole set of coordinating sentiments done in an adorable and festive font and easily make several holiday cards very quickly.

Have a look at a card I made featuring our new Holly Jolly set...

Detail shot...

This came together in minutes! Can't you see bunches of these for the holidays?

I hope you are already in LOVE with our Holly Jolly set! Ready to see more with this fabulous and versatile set? Hop on over to Amy Kolling's blog to see what she's up to with our brand new Holly Jolly set!

Just a reminder, today and tomorrow our team is featuring projects using our new Holly Jolly set. Wednesday we'll have another new goodie to share with you. If you must have your Holly Jolly set today you can head right on over to the Lil' Inker Designs store and get yours now!

Don't forget to leave comments along the way for our designers as we will be giving away 2 $10 store credits and announced next Monday 11/14.

Happy hopping and shopping today!!

CAS-ual Fridays & Lil' Inker Designs!!

2011-11-04T00:01:00.002-04:00

SO excited to say that Lil' Inker Designs is sponsoring today's CAS-ual Fridays Challenge!!

This week's challenge is to create a card with a panel or embellishment that goes off the edge of the card front.

Here's what I made using some fun goodies from Lil' Inker Designs!

First let me start by saying that this design is totally inspired an amazing designer AND Lil' Inker DT Member, Amy Kolling! When I ever saw her use our Fringe Flower Die as trim on a baby onesie I practically fell off my chair! I actually HAVE a baby shower this Sunday so this was perfect!

I started by die cutting my baby onesie and then one LID Fringe Flower from felt. Instead of rolling a flower, I folded my felt in half and cut off bits to use as trim "over the egde" of my design! Cute effect for a baby girl's onesie, right?! I added some quick polka dots and then my ribbon and sentiment embellishment featuring our Sentiment Flags Die and sentiment from our Pinwheel Sentiments stamp set.

More exciting stuf...One lucky challenge participant will will a $25 Lil' Inker store credit!! So head on over to the CAS-ual Fridays blog to read up on all the details on how to participate and be entered into a chance to win!!!

I am so excited about this week's sponsorship! And I off to head on over to the CAS-ual Fridays blog to see what the FABULOUS designers have created with this week's theme!

Ingredients(All LID unless noted)
Stamps: Pinwheel Sentiments
Paper: Whisper White, Autumn Rose(PTI), Basic Black(SU!)
Ink: Memento
Accessories: Sentiment Flags Die, Fringe Flower Die, ribbon(stash), button(PTI), twine(TCP), rhinestone brads(SU!)

Holiday Release Hop COMING SOON!

2011-11-02T09:26:00.004-04:00

Hello! Just a quick note to say that we are releasing some very exciting products for the holidays beginning on Monday November 7th! The fun will start right here on the Lil' Inker Blog. Be sure to stop by each day next week as our designers bring you some amazing projects and there will sure to be loads of inspiration and some great prizes too!!

This release is loaded with dies sure to make your holiday projects holly jolly!

See you all next week!!

Some Amazing Design Team Creations to Share!

2011-10-24T17:29:00.005-04:00

I am stopping by to share some truly fabulous creations from our Design Team from over the last few days! My socks were knocked off and I thought yours would be too. If you're already a follower of our designer's blogs you may have already seen these lovelies and if you're not....what are you waiting for, LOL!

Head on over to Jen del Muro's blog where you can see how she made this AMAZING accessory using our Fringe Flower Die at this post HERE. I am literally drooling and MUST make one for myself STAT! They make GREAT Christmas gifties too, don't you think?

Jen Carter made this pretty card! Check out how Jen made her flower using our Fringe Flower Die and a paper lunch bag! Brilliant idea, Jen! And check out how she combined a sentiment from our Acorn set into this design. Really cute and fun and you can read all about it HERE.

Sarah has the coolest alternative technique for rolling her Fringe Flowers which adds a neat *twist* to their appearance. You can read all about this beauty and Sarah's flower tips HERE.

Debby Hughes made this amazing Halloween gift bag. I just love that her fun witch is holding our Mini Pinwheel which looks great all decked out for October 31st! You can read all about this fun project HERE.

Alicia Thelin made this rockin' Halloween card. You don't have to look to closely to spot our Fringe Flower Die. Alicia used it to make the orange felt border above and below her focal images. Yet another fantastical use for this nifty lil' die! Read all about this HERE.

Gosh I love tags! This gorgeous lil' ditty is made by Amy Kolling. I just love that she embellished the center of her Fringe Flower and I love that she used our Rainbow Sentiments and Sentiment Flags Die! Read all about this lovely HERE.

Well, thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you've enjoyed having a peek at these amazing projects from several of our designers!

Stay tuned! We're begin to feature our Holiday release products beginning November 7th! We can hardly wait!

Head on over to our brand new web site to check out all the Lil' Inker products our design team featured in their projects.

My First Publication!

2011-10-22T10:49:00.001-04:00

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Hiya!!! I thought I would stop by and share the very first published card!!! It was published in Paper Crafts Magazine's special issue Holiday Cards & More, Vol. 6 and you can see it on page 49!

What's even cooler is that this project features the very first product (Sentiment Flags Die) I released through Lil' Inker Designs. So now LID is published!!! YAHOO!!

Here it is.....

I used my Sentiment Flags Die to create this fun, felt tree and it's actually VERY easy to do. Here are some helpful instructions so you can make your own!

Die cut five flags from felt. For the bottom, largest branch, stack two flags and hot glue the ends together. Open up your branch and tie the center with twine. Repeat steps for middle branch making it shorter than the bottom branch for a tiered look. For top branch, fold last flag in half and cut *v* shape on opposite end. Tie center with twine. Glue each branch to a cork covered Popsicle stick as shown. Cut out star. Add twine and button embellishment and affix to top of tree as shown.

This would even make an adorable ornament for your tree, don't you think?

This is an AMAZING issue jammed packed with inspiring projects for the Holidays. You must add it to your collection! You can purchase your copy HERE!

Thanks for stopping by!

Ingredients
Cardstock: (Kraft) Papertrey Ink, (So Saffron) Stampin’ Up!
Patterned paper: (Hattie Collection) My Mind’s Eye
Other paper: (cork sheet) Karen Foster Designs, vintage sheet music
Stamps…clear: (sentiment from Just Skating by set) i {heart} papers/Chicken Girl Designs
Ink: (Ocean Tides) Papertrey Ink
Accent: (Lemon Tart button) Papertrey Ink, (Creative Candy Twinkle Stickers) A Muse, (Crystal Fine glitter) Martha Stewart
Fibers: (Ocean Tides Felt) Papertrey Ink, (Silver/Grey twine) $5 French Market on Etsy, (Spearmint twine) Paper Treats on Etsy, (yellow twine) i {heart} papers
Dies, embossing folders: (Sentiment Flag die) Lil’ Inker Designs, (large scallop border die-namic) My Favorite Things, (polka dot embossing folder) CuttleBug
Tools: (Cricut Personal Cutting Machine) Provo Craft, (George & Basic Shaped Cricut Cartridge) Provo Craft
Other: (foam squares) Scrapbook Adhesives, (tape runner) Tombo, (glue pen) Sakura, hot glue gun, Popsicle stick, sewing machine

Fringe Flower Die - Fun Bookmark Idea & A Great Tutorial

2011-10-20T08:12:00.007-04:00

Hi there! Our Designer, Jen Carter, has a fabulous post up on her blog that you just MUST check out! She made the coolest bookmark using our Fringe Flower Die.

Here's a little peak.....

And if that isn't enough cuteness already, check out this one......

Jen took two different colors of felt to make this cutie and she's created a FAB picture tutorial to show you exactly how she did it! Thanks, Jen! I can just see loads of pretty color combos for this technique!

Head on over to Jen's Ink Spot and check out this fun and informative post and learn a technique using our AMAZING Fringe Flower Die just released September 19th!!

And don't forget to visit our shop HERE to check out our brand new Fringe Flower Die. It's a MUST have for fast and fun flowers!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Introducing...

2011-10-14T06:00:00.004-04:00

I have a very exciting announcement to make today! Today we are welcoming a brand new team member to the Lil' Inker Family!

About a week or so ago I received word that one of our team members was stepping down to focus on some personal things that were happening in her life and within days of receiving that news I got a fantastic email from Jen del Muro and .....well I'm just about doing back flips at the news that Jen will be joining our design team!!! YAHOOOOOO!!!!!!

Isn't that such exciting news?? I am BEYOND thrilled to have Jen with us!! AND...even more exciting?? Jen has THREE projects that she's sharing on her blog i{heart}2stamp today featuring products from our Fall Release. Here's a lil' sneaky peek for ya....

Head on over to Jen's blog and check out these A-MAZING projects and while you're there leave her some love and let her know how excited YOU are too!!

Welcome, Jen! YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Operation: Julie's Smile

2011-10-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

Hello and welcome!!! If you came here from Lee Murphy's blog you're on the right track!

The creative blogging community is coming together today and through the weekend to help one of our friends, Julie Ranae. You may know her as the Design Team Coordinator for many wonderful companies including The Twinery, Lil' Inker Designs and so many more.

Julie does so much for our companies and now it is time for her friends to help her out in return.

What many people don’t know about Julie Ranae is that she has had some pretty major dental surgeries in her lifetime due to medication she had to take as a child. It was in her plans to think about having all of her teeth replaced at some point in the next 5 years, a decision that was pretty easy to plan out. But then it happened…she chipped her front teeth a month ago. The dentist told her there was no way to save them & that it was his recommendation that she have all her teeth removed soon, but for that day, they needed to get her front teeth done so her gums could begin to heal. He said he would 'work out payments with her to have ALL this work done...but when she called to make her appt for the first step of impressions, they told her the amount of money that was needed and that the 'payments' applied only to the two teeth that were extracted that day. Her husband Paul was with her & that too, was his understanding as well. So this is how she has found herself in this situation…Needing at least $4000 to get started and another $3000 to finish the process…a total of $7000.

Nicole Rixon, owner of Sweet Stamp Shop put together this benefit after finding out about this situation and before Julie Ranae knew it, it took flight!
Because she is an event organizer by trade, she has taken on the job of organizing all of the blogs in this hop as her way of ‘working overtime’ for what she needs, the same as if she were able to work overtime at an outside job to pay for the work to be done.
It is the goal of all of the generous friends & sponsors of the OJS hop to help make this situation more do-able for our friend so that she can share a brand new smile with all of us soon.

If there is anything you can do to help with a financial donation, HERE is a link to a donation page I've set up here on the Lil' Inker blog. Any amount is appreciated and ALL DONATIONS will be eligible for prizes from our sponsor pool of over $2500.

Lil' Inker Designs is making a dontation on behalf of our design team and we have contributed almost $150 in prizes which you can WIN! Winners will be selected from commenters AND generous donators.

For today I have two projects to share with you made using some of Lil' Inker's most popular products. Have a peek...

Sentiment Flags Decorative Banner...which was SO FUN and EASY to make and looks adorable hanging in my office.

Pinwheel Thank You Treat Holder....this is a flat bottom treat holder which actually stands on its own and opens to reveal peppermint treats. It would be the most perfect baby shower or party favor don't you think?

You can find these products Sentiment Flags and Pinwheels and MORE all at our brand new website HERE!

Alrighty, I'm going to send you on your way. The next several stops on the hop will be to the blogs of the Lil' Inker Designers. You're in for a real TREAT! Have fun checking out SARAH JAY'S BLOG!!!! Don't forget to comment or donate to win one of over $2500 in prizes! And for a complete list of companies sposnoring the hop's events, click HERE.

Thank you in advance for your help and support of our friend, Julie Ranae!

Thanks for stopping by!

A MUST READ POST - Exciting News & Hop Winners Announced

2011-09-26T00:01:00.015-04:00

Good morning, Lil' Inker Fans!!

Thank you SO MUCH for making our Fall Release such a HUGE SUCCESS!! Our Design Team is truly fabulous. They knocked it out of the park for this release and I'm so grateful!!

I'm here to announce the 3 $10 Store Credit winners picked at random from comments left on all of our blogs each hop day! We made you work...and YOU DID!!!

BUT before I get to the winners, I have something else very exciting to share with you today. I'm here today to announce the launch of our brand new WEB SITE!!! This is something so exciting for Lil' Inker Designs! I'm so happy to shout it out that we now have a beautiful and organized place for our customers to visit and view all of our products! I'm so happy!!!

I owe a humongous thank you to our very own DT member Sarah Jay. Sarah designed our pretty new site around the product graphics you've seen on our blog which were designed by Ariana Grant. I think it turned out AMAZING!

For now, we will keep all of our existing product pages and PayPal Add to Cart buttons on our Shop Blog but we encourage you to bookmark our new web site and visit it now to read about all of our products and to take them home TODAY! Of course, we will continue to use our shop blog for announcements, hops, sneak peaks...you name it!

To celebrate the launch of our new website we are having a SALE! Starting NOW through midnight October 2nd, take 20% off of our Rainbows & Clouds Dies & Stamps when you order anything else in the store by using the code "20OFFRC" at check out! (Please note: this code will only work at check out from our new web site)

And now.....here are the three winners of our $10 Store Credits.......

Congratulations to:

1. Karen B.
2. Emily Keaton
3. Kasia C.

Winners, please contact me directly at lpryor1 at hotmail dot com with subject line "Fall Release Hop Winner" and I will get back to you with additional instructions!

Congratulations to all and thank you to EVERYONE for your support and feedback! It was such an exciting week!! I enjoyed every minute of it! We hope you did too!

New Release Hop: Acorn Die & Stamps Group Post Day!!!

2011-09-23T00:01:00.007-04:00

href="http://scrappybetties.blogspot.com/">Alicia's blog then you're on the right track. Want to start back at the beginning so you don't miss anything? CLICK HERE

I hope you are LOVING our brand new Acorn Die and Stamp Set that we've just released today!!! I am IN LOVE with this new die and stamp set!

This set includes a once piece die that cuts an acorn cap, bottom with perforated detail and mini leaf with perforated center. Have a peek...

Our coordinating stamp set is so fun. You will receive 2 cap stamps and a leaf to decorate these die cut pieces, 5 little faces which really make this die come to life, an acorn bottom stamp so your entire acorn could be stamped directly onto paper if you'd like and you get a leaf stamp which also coordinates with the die and you also receive 7 sentiments in a fun and funky handwriting font. OMGSH! Have a look.....

Hello and welcome!!! If you arrived here from
ACK!!! I honestly think this is our most exciting release to date and it comes jammed packed with versatility! You can use the die without stamps for a more traditional look, you can dress it up with a cap stamp and add leaves for a more decorated look or you could really give *him* personality by adding a coordinating face! I happen to think the "You are what you eat" stamp with the big, cheesy grin or the tongue sticking out face would be the PERFECT just because card OR EVEN FABULOUS for the kid's school lunches! How adorable would that be?

Our MUST HAVE Acorn Die & Stamp Set retails for $22.50 plus applicable shipping and handling.

For more information about the Acorns Die & Stamp Set CLICK HERE.

I hope you've enjoyed everything we've released this week! And can I just please take a minute to thank our amazing design team! I am totally blown away with their talent. They truly have beautifully showcased our new products. Of course we wouldn't be organized without the fabulous Julie Ranae, our Design Team Coordinator and multi-tasker extraordinaire! A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO ARIANA! Without Ariana NONE of these releases would be possible. She prepares all of our stamps and die graphics from my scribblings on paper and thousands of emails! Thanks AG!!

And thank YOU, our customers! We're growing strong because of the loyalty and support you've shown Lil' Inker Designs over the last year! We're delighted to say we've got a really fun Holiday release planned and we'll be making a couple of important and exciting announcements (fingers crossed) on Monday when we post our 3 $10 store credit winners.

There is still time to win!!! Winners will be chosen at random from the comments we've received all week on all hop posts. The deadline for entry is Sunday 9/25 at midnight and will be announced in a post on Monday.

Don't forget to check out ALL of our brand new releases: Fringe Flower Die, Mini Pinwheel Die and our Acorn Die & Stamp Set!

Thank you again!

New Release Hop: Mini Pinwheels Day 2!

2011-09-22T00:01:00.001-04:00

Helloooo!!! If you've arrived from Ariana's blog you're on the right track. If you'd like to start back at the beginning click HERE!

Did you love everything from today? Our designers have really gone above and beyond for this week's hop! I am truly so impressed!

Today we're finishing up our day 2 reveal of our new Mini Pinwheel Die and let me just say that if you LOVE our Original Pinwheel Die you MUST add a Mini to your collection. It's just so fabulous! It's PERFECT for gift tags and home decor but is still just the right size to use as a focal image on a card!

Our Mini Pinwheel Die is about 25% smaller than the Original but is just as cute and coordinates perfectly with our existing Pinwheel Sentiments Stamp Set!

Here is a comparison between the two...

Another very exciting announcement regarding Pinwheels that you'll SPIN for...we've made ALL of our Pinwheel products; the Original Die, the Mini Die and the coordinating stamp set available individually for purchase!!! Now you can grab those extra Original Dies you've been wanting AND our new Minis! The Mini Pinwheel die retails for only $5.00 plus applicable shipping and handling.

Stay tuned for our final hop day tomorrow and another brand new product reveal!!! This one I think is going to be the star of the show! It's a cute lil' guy we think you're going to GO NUTS for!!

Thanks for stopping by today!

New Release Hop: Mini Pinwheel Die

2011-09-21T03:01:00.001-04:00

Oh this has been such an exciting week for us so far! And it just keeps getting better!

If you're here from Debby's blog you're on the right track. If you'd like to start back at the beginning of today's hop click HERE.

Today we're announcing the release of a special product that we're sure will be in high demand because it is you, our customers, who've been requesting this lil' guy!

Introducing our brand new Mini Pinwheel Die!!!!!!

The Mini Pinwheel Die is approximately 25% smaller than our Original Pinwheel die and when fully assembled is about 2.5 inches in diameter. Here is a nice comparison between the Original Pinwheel and Mini Pinwheel when fully assembled and embellished.

You know we LOVE to provide you with products that are versatile! Our new Mini Pinwheel Die makes that perfect "leaf" embellishment for our new Fringe Flower Die! You actually saw it in a couple of projects featured over the last few days. Here is my project featuring our Fringe Flower Die AND our Mini Pinwheel Die as a leaf embellishment!

AND, our FABULOUS Pinwheel Sentiments stamp set works as WONDERFULLY with our new Mini as it does with our Original die!

Our Mini Pinwheel Die is available today and retails for $5 plus applicable shipping and handling.
Now, here is something else very exciting that I KNOW you will be thrilled to read. We are making ALL of our pinwheel products available separately for purchase!!! I am so excited to be able to tell you this because our customers have been requesting this for some time! See the bottom of this post for the new Pinwheels Add to Cart Button!

Don't forget that we're giving away 3 $10 store credits after our hop which we will announce on Monday 9/26 so be sure to hop along and leave comments for ALL!

We can't WAIT to hear your thoughts about our new Mini Pinwheel Die!!

Here is your NEW check out button for all Pinwheel Products.

Thanks for stopping by! See you tomorrow for more fabulous projects featuring our new Mini Pinwheel Die!

New Release Hop: Fringe Flower Die Day 2

2011-09-19T03:01:00.001-04:00

HELLO!!!! Welcome to day two of our New Release Hop!!!

Today more members from our fabulous design team are here with their creations using our Fringe Flower Die.

Are you just hearing about our new Fringe Flower Die today for the first time? Our new die cuts a long, slitted strip which when folded in half and rolled creates an adorable, fun flower in almost no time! To read more about use and assembly, click HERE to read our Fringe Flower Die Tutorial.

The Fringe Flower Die is available now for purchase at $13.95 plus applicable shipping and handling. Click HERE to order yours today!

Want to wait to see the rest of our release before placing your order but want to reserve your Fringe Flower Die before they are back ordered? Order today and message me at lpryor1@hotmail.com to postpone shipping. Shop the rest of our New Release Hop until Friday and be reimbursed for any additional shipping you're charged and your new goodies will all ship together. For more details email me at lpryor1@hotmail.com!

Here are the exciting projects our designers have for you today... Click below to be taken to their blogs where they will tell you all about how they made their fun projects for today!

Art from the Heart

and Julie's Open Window

Lime Doodle

Paperie Blooms

ag designs

Don't forget to leave comments on all the designer's blogs and three lucky winners will be chosen at random to receive a $10 store credit!

Did you enjoy day one of our New Release Hop? Our designers created some truly inspiring and jaw-dropping projects for you using our brand new Fringe Flower Die! These are some you really won't want to miss!

To view our Day One Hop projects here are the direct links to everything from yesterday:
Laura
Sarah
Chan
Alicia
Amy
Jen

Thanks for stopping by today! Enjoy our hop today and see you TOMORROW for another exciting new release day. Tomorrow we're featuring a CUSTOMER REQUESTED follow up to one of our original products! Exciting stuff!!

New Release Hop: Fringe Flower Die Day 1

2011-09-19T03:01:00.000-04:00

You have reached the last stop on our hop today. If you came here from Jen's blog you're on the right track. If you would like to start from the beginning visit my post HERE.

Today is day one of two days featuring our new Fringe Flower Die! This die cuts a long, slitted strip which when folded and rolled makes this adorable, fringe-y flower!

I really LOVE to cut my strip in half and make 2 flowers from one strip. I also really enjoying making flowers from patterned paper which are so pretty and fun! (top right in photo below)

I hope you're LOVING the Fringe Flower die and all of the projects we've featured along our hop today. This die is a BLAST to work with and SUPER versatile. I envision lots of Fall projects with this die!

Here is another look at the project I made to share with you today and HERE is a link to the full product tutorial as well. HERE is a tutorial written by Sarah Jay just for our CuttleBug users.

Our Fringe Flower Die retails for $13.95 plus applicable shipping and handling. To purchase the Fringe Flower Die for your collection use the PayPal add to cart button here:

EDITED TO ADD: If you're purchasing the Fringe Flower Die today and think you MAY purchase other items as they are revealed during the week we can easily wait to ship your order so that your items ship together. Email me at lpryor1@hotmail.com to request postponed shipping. We will also reimburse your for any additional shipping you were charged so that you're only paying shipping once. Thanks!

I hope you enjoyed our hop today!! Stay tuned tomorrow when more members of our design team post their beautious projects using our brand new Fringe Flower Die!

Don't forget to leave comments on all our hop stops to be eligible to win one of three $10 store credits. Winners will be announced one week from today!!!!

I can't WAIT to hear what you think of our newest die!

Ingredients - Home Decor
Stamps: Wonderful Words Additions (Papertrey Ink)
Paper: Victoria Garden(Echo Park)
Ink: Basic Grey(SU!)
Accessories: Fringe Flower Die(Lil' Inker Designs), Wonderful Words dies, felt(PTI), adhesive pearls(Queen & Co.)
Other: Wooden Frame(Nicole Crafts), Metallic Pearl acrylic paint

Operation Julie's Smile

2011-09-18T18:26:00.001-04:00

Hello there!! I'm here to share the details of an upcoming hop sponsored by LOTS of your favorite companies to benefit a super lady who needs some support right now, our own Design Team Coordinator...fabulous Julie Ranae.

Many may know that a few weeks ago, Julie Ranae had to have emergency oral surgery resulting in the removal of her two front teeth. The dentist at that time believed the best course of action would be to remove the rest of her teeth and replace them with permanents. Relieved at finding a solution to her major dental problem .. she visited the office for dental surgery. Unfortunately, it wasn't the visit she was expecting. After the consultation and scheduling the surgery, the surgeon's office informed her that she would need to bring $4000 back to the appointment with her and they would proceed. This amount would not include the 'dentures' she would need as well.

Here Julie is today, sitting without front teeth that were pulled with the belief that they would be replaced immediately. This has been an overwhelming experience for our dear friend and one that I hope our creative community can help with.

Join us beginning October 7th for a blog hop to benefit Julie called 'Operation Julie's Smile'. There are a variety of companies and design teams who will be participating in this hop to help raise funds for this benefit including Lil' Inker Designs.

So far, nearly $500 in prizes have been donated by the participating companies and we expect this will only increase as our hop date draws near! Both participants and those who donate will be eligible to win the fabulous prizes.

Operation Julie's Smile is now accepting designers/teams who would like to be a part of the benefit hop. If you are interested in getting involved in this creative fundraising event, please contact Nicole Rixon at nicolehrixon@gmail.com The deadline to be
a part of the hop is Wednesday, Sept 28th.

If you are interested in donating to help Julie get her smile back CLICK HERE to be taken to our donation page.

See you starting October 7th and thank you in advance for your support!

New Release Blog Hop Coming Soon!

2011-09-12T03:01:00.000-04:00

Get READY!!! The Lil' Inker Design Team will be HOPPING next week!

Beginning Monday September 19th, join us each day as our designers showcase our THREE brand new products for Fall!

They'll be PLENTY of fun, THREE FABULOUS NEW PRODUCTS and PRIZES!!

See you SOON!

Pinwheel Stock Update

2011-09-10T17:38:00.000-04:00

Hello there! Just a quick post to let everyone know that the Pinwheel dies and stamps are now fully back in stock! All pending orders were already shipped out and anyone waiting for them to arrive may now proceed with their order.

Thanks so much!

Stay tuned for a New Release Hop announcement COMING SOON!

REVISED! Quick Stock Update

2011-08-29T08:39:00.000-04:00

Good morning!! I'm stopping by with a quick stock update.

We currently have only 3 Pinwheel die and stamp bundles in stock:

2 Double Die Bundles and 1 Single Die Bundle (as of tonight)

When the items become backordered you may continue to order the bundles but it may be 10-14 days before your order will ship.

To stay up to date with all product availability and new release information follow us here at shoplilinker.blogspot.com AND on our Facebook Fan Page here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lil-Inker-Designs-with-A-G-Designs/150957584937686?sk=wall

Thanks!!!!

Beautious Design Team Creations!

2011-08-18T09:56:00.000-04:00

Hello there!!! Can I just tell you how much I'm enjoying what our Designers are creating for Lil' Inker...like... A LOT!

I knew our Rainbows & Clouds set was fun but our team truly brings new meaning to the word versatile. Check this out...

Amy Kolling made a hair accessory using our Rainbow dies and felt. She's shared a great tutorial as well as an adorable picture of her daughter modeling said hair accessory HERE. So cute!

Debby Hughes discovered that our cloud dies ALSO make THE MOST FABULOUS TREES! You can read all about her project HERE.

Alicia Thelin even made a masculine card with our Rainbow & Clouds set and I love it! You can read all about her project HERE.

In addition to displaying versatility in this set, our designers just keep knocking it out of the park with gorgeous projects using all of the LID products.

Sarah Jay uses Rainbows & Clouds to make this beauty

Julie Ranae uses Rainbows & Clouds Sentiments and Sentiment Flags dies and stamps for this lovely.

Debby Hughes made this STUNNER with our Sentiment Flags die & stamp set.

Jen Carter managed to use ALL three of our products for what would be THE BEST back to school teacher's gift set!

I hope you're enjoying our designer's creations as much as I am!

Thanks for stopping by!

Recent DT Beauties!

2011-08-17T20:06:00.001-04:00

Hello there!!! Can I just tell you how much I'm enjoying what our Designers are creating for Lil' Inker...like... A LOT!

I knew this set was fun but our team truly brings new meaning to the word versatile. Check this out...

Amy Kolling made a hair accessory using our Rainbow dies and felt. She's shared a great tutorial as well as an adorable picture of her daughter modeling said hair accessory HERE. So cute!

Debby Hughes discovered that our cloud dies ALSO make THE MOST FABULOUS TREES! You can read all about her project HERE.

Alicia Thelin even made a masculine card with our Rainbow & Clouds set and I love it! You can read all about her project HERE.

In addition to displaying versatility in this set, our designers just keep knocking it out of the park with gorgeous projects using all of the LID products.

Check It Out!

2011-08-16T08:38:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that our FABBY Design Team Coordinator, Julie Ranae, is also the Coordinator at my FAVORITE twine company, The Twinery!!! This week The Twinery is celebrating their one year anniversary with a fun hop and prizes which you MUST check out!

Here is a sneak peek of a project made by Julie which features both twine from The Twinery AND products from Lil' Inker Designs...

To see this gorgeous project from Julie which you won't want to miss, click HERE where you'll also be able to read about The Twinery's fun anniversary celebration!

Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!

Hop Re-Cap, Winners Annouced

2011-08-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning! I had a wonderful weekend! I hope you had an equally wonderful time browsing the projects of our very first blog hop! Our designers truly blew me away!! Let's have a look at all of the projects made using our Rainbows & Clouds dies and stamps set!

Teresa Kline

Sarah Jay

Laura Pryor

Alicia Thelin

Julie Ranae

Ariana Grant

Emily Leiphart

Debby Hughes

Chan Vuong

Amy Kolling

Jen Carter

Wow! Right? Thank you, Ladies for all these amazing creations!

And now for some FUN! We are giving away FOUR $10 store credits to four lucky ladies who hopped along and left comments on all 12 of the blogs featured in our hop. Before I announce, winners will be asked to e-mail me at lpryor1@hotmail.com, subject: Blog Hop Prize Winner to claim their prize. Have a look in the shop and then e-mail me with the item or items you wish to purchase. I will then send you a customized invoice via PayPal for any amounts over $10. Please be sure to include your full name and mailing address.

Our Kick Off Blog Hop winners are......

1. bosenberries
2. Jennifer Roach
3. Gretchen
4. Lindsay

Congratulations, Ladies!! And thank you for hopping along!

Thank you to EVERYONE who hopped with us. Thank you for all the amazing comments and kind words you left for all of us!

We'll see you in a bit with info on new products coming SOON!

Lil' Inker Designs Blog Hop!!!!

2011-08-08T02:59:00.000-04:00

Today is such an exciting day!! Today is the Lil' Inker Designs Kick Off Blog Hop and our newly established design team are all posting projects on their blogs today which all feature the newest release from Lil' Inker, Rainbows & Clouds dies and coordinating sentiments stamps!!! Whooooo hooooo!!!

If you've arrived here from Chan Vuong's blog then you're on the right track! If you've just arrived, I invite you to head back over to my design blog to start from the beginning!

There are some prizes to be won!!!!! Woo hoooo!!!! I am going to give out FOUR $10 store credits to four lucky commenters. You must leave a comment on all 12 blogs participating in the hop today, but don't worry you have until 11:30 p.m. Monday 8/14 to do it! Soooo, take your time and enjoy the hop.

Here are the designer's blogs where you will be sure to find loads of drool-worthy creations featuring the Rainbows & Clouds set!

Laura Pryor
Julie Ranae
Teresa Kline
Debby Hughes
Sarah Jay
Emily Leiphart
Ariana Grant
Alicia Thelin
Amy Kolling
Jen Carter
Chan Vuong
Lil' Inker Shop

Here are the products in the Rainbows & Clouds set...
Each set comes with 2 dies that each cut 2 unique shapes: 2 clouds with the cutest perforated detail around and 2 rainbows each in a different size and shape. The set also comes with a 20 piece stamp set done in a fun and funky handwriting font. The stamps can be mixed and matched to create different sentiments. You can read more about this set by visiting the product page HERE.

And here is what I did with this set for today's hop which you can read more about HERE...

I am totally amazed by the teams projects! I went back and forth about adding peeks of their projects here to entice you...let me just say, you need no enticing! These projects are jaw dropping and you will be SO glad you took the time to head over and see them. Don't forget to leave comments on every participating blog in the hop, 12 to be exact and you will be entered into a drawing to win one of four store credits! SWEET!

I just want to take a minute and thank everyone who is a part of the Lil' Inker team. We have an amazing group of ladies and I am thankful to each of you for your contributions and hard work. An extra special thank you to Julie Ranae our Design Team Coordinator and especially to Ariana Grant for her outstanding work as the resident Lil' Inker Graphics artist. Without her this wouldn't be possible!!

This is the last stop on the hop today! I hop you enjoyed everything we had for you today! We are busy behind the scenes getting ready for a fun Fall release. We plan to release three products for Fall and one of which is being released to to popular demand! Please stay tuned to announcements here about our upcoming products for Fall!

Thanks for stopping and hopping!!

Annoucing......

2011-08-03T12:32:00.000-04:00

Join us August 8th for the Lil' Inker Design Team Kick Off Blog Hop!!!

This will be our first group post as a team and THERE WILL BE PRIZES!!!! See you on Monday August 8th!!!

Design Team Reveal Day 9!

2011-08-02T03:01:00.000-04:00

We're wrapping up the reveals of our design team members with a little more about our fabulous Design Team Coordinator, Julie Ranae. Let me tell you peeps, this woman brings some amazing experience to our group and her ability to multi-task is mind blowing. I joke with Julie and tell her she should wear a super hero cape!

Julie Ranae comes from The Forest City of Rockford, Illinois. She has been married to her British-import husband Paul for 20 years and is the mother of two children and four grandchildren.

Her professional background in retail marketing & consulting eventually led into her opening the largest rubber stamp and paper-crafting store in Illinois. She has gone on to organize paper-crafting events and workshop and retreat weekends which have drawn crafters from all over the world. She is currently a Creative Consultant for A Muse Studio, a wonderful line of rubber stamps that were once sold in her retail store, but are now only available through independent consultants.

In June 2009, she began a new journey with her creative blog Julie’s Open Window. It quickly became an outlet for her passion of creative writing and a place to share her work. Nearing its 2-year ‘blogaversary’, she is honored that nearly 700 people have become followers and participate in a variety of blog hops, challenges and fun when they visit.

She is the creator of the very popular weekly color challenge, The Play Date Café. Her newest challenge, which features the Clean & Simple-Style, is CAS-ual Fridays . She is also the Design Team Coordinator for The Twinery. Her work in the rubber stamping industry has been featured in a variety of trade publications and her designs have been featured in Scrapbook News & Review, Paper Craft Planet, CARDS and Moxie Fab World.

I am beyond thrilled to be working with Julie! Please stop by and visit her at her blog Julie's Open Window.

Design Team Reveal Day 8!

2011-08-01T03:01:00.000-04:00

So what are you thinking of the team so far? I have another team member to reveal to you today. This designer has major wow factor. Her style is adorable, clean and simple and her name is synonymous with Paper Crafts Magazine for being uber published for her amazing, inspiring works. In fact, we've just learned that one of her sketches will be on the cover of Card Ideas for Paper Crafters, a special issue from Paper Crafts Magazine!

Please help me welcome Chan Vuong of Humble Chan
Here is a little bit more about Chan in her own words...Hello there! My name’s Chan. I live with my best pal Humble in a little apartment taken over by cat toys and craft supplies -– and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve loved to craft for most of my life and have tried lots of different crafts before I started card making in May 2009. I’m now terribly addicted to all things paper crafty.

Welcome, Chan!! You are an incredibly exciting addition to our team! I am really looking forward to working with you!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Design Team Reveal Day 7!

2011-07-31T06:21:00.000-04:00

Good morning!!! I'm back with another exciting Design Team reveal!

This designer really caught my attention with her application and loads of amazing projects she posted recently using Lil' Inker products. I was also very impressed with her work for The Twinery. When I saw how creative she was I just knew there was a spot for her on the team.

Please welcome Jen Carter of Jen's Ink Spot.

Here is a little more about Jen in her own words...
I am a stay-at-home mom to two children. My son is 9 and going to be in the 3rd grade and my daughter is 3. My husband and I recently celebrated 14 years of marriage! We live in a small rural town in Kansas where my husband is the Lead Pastor at our church. I am very involved at the church and am the Director of the Women’s Ministry. I started scrapbooking way back in Junior High school and continued through my son’s 2nd birthday. At that point I was a little burnt out on making everything boy themed so I turned to card making as a way to broaden my paper crafting options. I enjoyed the freedom of being able to use pinks & purples and flowers in my art, as opposed to the blues and greens and trucks and tractors from my son’s scrapbooks. I still scrapbook from time to time but most of my projects revolve around card making. I love to paper craft and consider it a passion. I am so excited to be a part of the Lil’ Inker Designs team!

Welcome Jen!! I am beyond thrilled to have you as a member of our team! Please stop by and visit Jen at Jen's Ink Spot and welcome her aboard!

See you tomorrow with our final Design Team reveal!!!

Design Team Reveal Day 6!

2011-07-30T03:01:00.000-04:00

Good morning! Time for another fun reveal!!!

I happen to think that this designer's work is so great!! She's a total up and comer and I think I've been able to snag her as a design team member just as she's becoming a wildly popular stamping star!

Say hello to Amy Kolling of Stamp-n-Paradise!!!

Here is a little bit more about Amy in her own words....
Hi everyone! My name is Amy Kolling and live in Topeka, Kansas. I have been married to my husband for 15 years and have 2 kids.
My son is starting 4th grade and my daughter will be starting a new venture this fall herself: Kindergarten! So my "nest" of sorts will be empty here in just a few weeks!
I work full time for a large dialysis clinic as a dialysis charge nurse but have been a nurse for 15+ years. My stamping career started when I decided I wanted to do more than
scrapbooking. So I hosted a Stampin' Up "party" and it was then that I never looked back! I later found a local stamping company and became a demonstrator where I was
given the opportunity to design for their catalogue! Through that company, I met some of my best friends who truly understand me and this crazy thing called stamping!!
I love papercrafting and am super excited to join this wonderful new venture with Lil' Inker Designs on the first DT!!

Amy is a rockstar stamper! Please stop by and visit her at Stamp-n-Paradise and help me welcome her to the team!!

Design Team Reveal Day 5!

2011-07-29T03:01:00.000-04:00

Good morning! Isn't this fun? It's been so fun seeing the team build each day!

Today? Yep! You guessed it! More fabulosity!! This next designer is something special. Her style is just so cool. She's been published loads. She was recently featured as a Moxie Fabber of the Week in July. She's even worked at Stampin' Up! as a concept artist! But I'll let her tell you a little bit more about that herself.

Wait for it...... It's Alicia Thelin of Scrappy Betties!

And here is a little more about Alicia in her own words...
Hi, I’m Alicia Thelin and I am obsessed with creating cards. Ok, well I didn’t mean to invite you to my personal twelve-step meeting… but I just can’t stop!
I’m a born and raised California girl whose been transplanted to little ol’ Herriman, Utah. I’ve been married to my devastatingly handsome husband, Brett, for twenty years. We have three sassy children: Meagan-16, Madeline (Maddie)-13, and my baby Alexander (Alex) 11.
In 1999 I became a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator in order to get out of the house, you know, a little grown-up conversation? I adored learning and teaching all about stamping. A few years later I found myself in the position to leave the home and go back to work full time while my husband went back to college. Blessings come in crazy ways you know! Before I knew it I was working full-time as an Event Coordinator at the Stampin’ Up! home office here in Riverton, Utah. My job blossomed into a Concept Artist for that team. Soon the actual Art Department approached me and felt like I’d be a good fit for their team. Greatest job ever. Stamping with new products all day long, everything in their catalog at my fingertips. Fun days! Oh, but the criticism was hard to swallow…
Eventually my husband finished school with another two degrees and obtained employment. I LOVED my job, but MISSED my kids. Time to come back home. It was excruciating to leave to say the least, but I still have some great friends that I’ve been able to keep in touch with. Not to mention all the mad stamping skills I was able to develop and take with me.
Over the last three years I’ve been re-learning how I like to create and sharing those projects and experiences on my blog, ScrappyBetties. This is my little corner of the paper-crafting world that I hold dear, where I share my h{art}. It’s a place for kind words, encouragement and a dose of reproducible inspiration. I try to make things, and then let you know where I succeeded and any little tips and tricks I may have learned along the way.

Please head on over to congratulate Alicia and continue to join us over the next few days as we continue to reveal more fabulous ladies!!

See you tomorrow!

Design Team Reveals Day 4!

2011-07-28T03:01:00.000-04:00

Good morning!! I hope you're enjoying the excitement of the reveals this week!

Today I'm here to introduce another amazing designer! You know her from her work at Jane's Doodles, The Twinery and Pink Cat Studio. Her style is clean, adorable and uber-creative. I love her work and I know you already do! She is recently published in Stamp It! Cards Vol. 8 and just learned that her work will be gracing the cover of another special issue from Paper Crafts Magazine, Card A Day 2012! Woo hoo!!

Please help me welcome, Emily Leiphart of Art♥from♥the♥Heart!

Here is a little about Emily in her own words...

I’ve been married for seven years and have a very energetic two year old son. I worked in the corporate world for 15 years before my son was born. After a two-year maternity leave, I decided to stay at home and I love it. In my office jobs, everyone would always ask me why I wasn’t doing something more creative. Well, I am now! I love that my decision to stay at home has taken me to so many places in blogland. I’ve learned so much from the talented friends I’ve made and I’m looking forward to what the future brings. I’m so honored to have been chosen to join the team at Lil’ Inker and I hope you enjoy the projects I make with these amazing products.

What can I say? I'm thrilled! I've been doing back flips here in Boston for weeks now! See you tomorrow for another amazing reveal and don't forget to mark your calendars for August 8th for our first group post, our Kick Off Hop! More details coming soon!

Design Team Reveals Day 3!

2011-07-27T03:01:00.000-04:00

Ok! Here we go! Brace yourselves for another exciting Design Team Member announcement!!!

What can I say? She's amazing! She's a rising star! She's this week's Moxie Fabber and she recently made the Gallery Idol Top 15 at Paper Crafts Magazine!

It's none other than Sarah Jay of Criminal Grace!

Here's a little about Sarah in her own words...

I'm Sarah Jay: web developer, mother, and wife by day, paper crafter by night. I live in Southern New Hampshire with my husband and an insanely active toddler. I work full time maintaining web sites for an IT solutions provider, so late night crafting sessions are the way I unwind and let out some of my creative energy. I've been paper crafting and stamping since the turn of the century, and have recently had the thrill of seeing my work published.

I just love Sarah's work! It's going to be fabulous to have her as a part of the team!!

Thanks for stopping by today! Don't forget to visit Sarah and let her know how exciting you are to see her upcoming projects!

Lil' Inker & The Catered Crop

2011-07-26T20:57:00.000-04:00

Hi there!! Have you heard? Lil' Inker is sponsoring the Catered Crop's Follow The Recipe Challenge #17 this week! Have you played along? This is a really fun challenge! Have a look...

Playing along with the current Catered Crop Follow-the-Recipe Linking Party (FTR17) is a piece of cake! Just use any of the ingredients in the sample projects seen HERE, add some of your own spice and cook it up your way. All the details are at the Catered Crop Recipe Party home page.

The current party began on July 24. Our Top Chef designers will share their culinary delights in the Quickfire on July 31. The current party ends August 4. A winner will be announced and a new party will begin on August 4.

Here's your FTR17 recipe made from this week's samples. With the combined ingredients, it's almost an anything goes challenge, so have fun!

I have bold-faced the ingredients I've used in my card this week.

Colors – red, white, green, blue, gray, kraft
Stamps and Stickers – strawberries, sentiment, aliens/monsters, scientists or science subjects
Patterns – circles, checked/gingham, scallops
Color Mediums – markers (ProMarker, Copics, White Signo Pen)
Embellishments – clear gloss, glitter, charms, brads, ribbon
Tools – corner rounder punch, border punch, die cut shapes
Techniques – faux stitching, doodling/drawing, make an easel card
Theme – birthday, just hello/because

Here's what I made....

It was really fun to make my own creation based on the items in the sample cards! And there was so much to choose from it was easy! I hope you'll play along!

One lucky winner chosen at random will receive a stamp and die set of choice from Lil' Inker Designs!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Design Team Reveals Day 2!

2011-07-26T03:01:00.000-04:00

Good morning! I'm so excited to share another member of our design team with you today.

This amazing designer first caught my eye a while back. Her style is beautifully clean and simple and her blog is so inviting right down to the name. You know her from her design team work at CASE Study and For Your Inspiration.......

It's Debby Hughes of Lime Doodle!
Here is a little bit more about Debby in her own words...

Hi, I’m Debby Hughes. Originally from England, I now live in Scotland with my Welsh husband of 15 years and I’m a stay at home Mum to our three children. When my youngest was little I discovered card making was a great way to unwind after a hectic day. That was six years ago, and as my children grew and I had a little more time for my hobby I started my blog (www.limedoodle.blogspot.com) as a means of recording and sharing my projects. I am so excited to be joining the Lil’ Inker Design Team, in fact I can’t quite believe it!

Debby, your work is beautiful and I can't wait to see what inspiring designs you create for our team!

Please stop by and visit Debby's blog Lime Doodle and let her know you're as happy as I am to see her Lil' Inker Designs work!

Join me tomorrow. I have another VERY exciting designer to announce who will equally knock your socks off!

Design Team Reveal Day 1

2011-07-25T03:01:00.000-04:00

Today's the day! Today we begin to reveal our brand new, first ever Lil' Inker Design Team Members!

I have to start off by saying that I was truly floored by the astonishing amount of applicants we had for our very first design team call. But it wasn't just the quantity that blew me away. It was QUALITY!! You ladies are so darn talented! You made this decision incredibly difficult. WOW! It was so hard to narrow everyone down to just a few spots.

Without further delay, I'm so excited and honored to announce that this amazing and talented lady will be joining our team!

It's none other than Teresa Kline!

How does one go about introducing Teresa? Her blog, Paperie Blooms, is amazing! She's no stranger to design teams with her work as a Dirty Girl at SCS, Verve Stamps, Mojo Monday and Stamper's Dream to name a few. I can't even believe that we can add Lil' Inker Design Team to this incredible resume.

Here is a little bit more about Teresa in her own words...

My name is Teresa Kline and my husband's name is Gary.....he is truly my number one fan! I have always been crafty and started scrap booking around 2004, but really became hooked when I started making cards. I really enjoy sending cards to others, what better way to show an expression of love to others than with a handmade card? I send cards to family, friends, people in our church, and I donate them to different organizations. I have had the honor of being on numerous design teams and have met the most amazing people! I cannot wait to get started designing for Lil' Inker Designs. It is going to be an amazing journey. I hope that I can inspire you as much as I have been inspired! Let the fun begin...enjoy!

I'm going to send you over to visit Teresa to leave her some love. Please let her know how excited you are that she'll be here to inspire you with Lil' Inker Designs!

Thanks for stopping by today!

See you tomorrow when we introduce you to another amazing designer who has her own stunning, clean and simple style.

Introducing..........

2011-07-24T03:01:00.000-04:00

These next several days are going to be fun, fun, fun! Starting tomorrow, we will begin revealing our brand new Design Team Members each day one by one! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it and I think the ladies are just as excited to share their news with you as I am!

Then join us here on August 8th. We will be bringing you our very first group post as a team, our Kick Off Hop! It's sure to be loaded with inspiring designs from some incredibly talented ladies!

We'll start our today with a little *get to know* about myself and Ariana Grant.

Thanks for stopping by today and don't forget to visit the blogs of the designers as they are revealed and let them know how excited you are for them!

Hiee! I’m Laura, owner of Lil’ Inker Designs. I live just outside of Boston, Massachusetts with my incredibly awesome and supportive husband Keith and our smart, so funny and VERY BUSY three year old son, Keithie.

I’ve been stamping since 2003, but it wasn’t until I started working from home in 2008 when I REALLY started becoming passionate about stamping. In 2010 I decided to take this passion and to a whole new level.

I was using a flag for my sentiments on a regular basis, but I was cutting these flags by hand. Each time the notched end would be crooked and imperfect. When I researched the internet for a die that would cut this shape and didn't find one I was surprised and motivated to create one myself! I figured if I wanted this die for my collection then maybe lots of other crafters would too!

After much research and communication with manufacturers I knew I needed a graphics artist and then like a lightbulb a friend’s name popped into my head. Ariana Grant, now a professional graphics artist, and I went to High School together and it was our reconnection via Face Book that brought us here today. Ariana is the “ag” of “Lil’ Inker Designs with ag designs” and this venture would not be possible without her! While I have a creative vision for new products it’s Ariana that makes them come to life! We brought our first product Sentiment Flags to market in the Fall of 2010 and we’re currently working on our upcoming fourth release together!

I have a desire and commitment now more than ever to grow this business one little step at a time. It's my commitment to bring you new products that are innovative and FUN to work with. It's my dream to build this line and become a favorite company you love to visit.

I am the ag in the team up of “Lil’ Inker Designs with ag designs”, Ariana Grant. Laura and I went to high school together. She contacted me one day with her ideas about producing stamps and dies for her card making passion. I said YES and here we are today!

Art has always been something that I do. I met my now husband of ALMOST 10 years in a college Art class! I have BFA in Graphic Design and work full time in prepress for a specialty printer in MA. Through high school and college I was always involved in some art class or project. Later on I discovered decorated books and scrapbooking and then even made a few cards here and there for family. Now my ventures are wedding invitations and of course any ideas Laura has here.

I have two boys, Kiernan is turning 6 next week, and Logan is almost 7 months old. They are so much fun to watch! Working full time and being a mom of two keeps me busy. I say all the time that I wish I had more time to do more creative things, but doing the graphic design for Lil' Inker keeps my hand in it all. This is the “balance” I have arrived at. I’d love it if you’d visit my blog at http://arianagdesigns.blogspot.com/

See you tomorrow with the annoucement of our first designer!

It's a Rainbow Day!

2011-07-20T05:01:00.000-04:00

Hi there!!! It's Color Throwdown Day! This week, Kristin is our hostess and take a look at the F.U.N. colors we get to work with this week....

That's right! ALL of them!! It's a rainbow challenge! Can you handle it?

I'm so lucky to have such wonderful and supportive friends at the CTD. Many of the girls are featuring the newest Rainbows & Clouds dies and stamps release from Lil' Inker Designs which coordinate with this week's challenge! And they have some beautiful projects to share with you today. You MUST head on over to the Color Throwdown Blog to check them all out.

Here is my card for this week's challenge...

I wanted to make sure I represented each of the colors of the rainbow at least once somewhere on my card, but of course, I wouldn't be me if I didn't add kraft paper to the mix!

I started cutting my rainbow using various papers from different collections which I thought went well together using the larger, arc rainbow from the die set. Not knowing "where" on my card I want to place my rainbow, after it's all cut out, I adhere all the "bows" together using double stick tape, but I leave on the outer tape layer so that my rainbow is intact and I can float it all over the card until I have it in the right spot!

After figuring out my layout, I texturized my kraft base with the Sunshine impression plate from PTI (love this). Then I simply added a scalloped, purple border to the top of my card and tied it off as shown.

Don't forget the clouds! Aren't they so cute? I didn't add in that stitching detail. The die cuts that stitched border for me! I. LOVE. THESE. CLOUDS. Everyone should have them! Cut from the lined note paper they're just the cutest! I added both sizes of clouds from the die set to my card, but popped up the smaller on for some extra dimension.

For my sentiment I stamped the "Have an _______ day" in black ink and added in my "awesome" stamp in bright green. I'm (almost) 35 and I still say awesome....A LOT! I think it's a Boston thing...anyone?

If you are new to this blog then I should tell you a bit more about the Rainbows & Clouds dies and stamps. You will receive 2 dies which each cut 2 shapes: 2 rainbows and 2 clouds. The rainbow dies cut a smaller full rainbow and a larger arc-shape rainbow while the cloud die cuts 2 different sized clouds. In addition to the dies you receive a 20 piece sentiment stamp set. This set retails for $24.50 plus s&h.

To get a better idea of what this bundle includes here are some pictures of what you receive:

I hope you've enjoyed reading about the Rainbows & Clouds set! I love having it in my collection and I think you will too. Please feel free to email me at lpryor1@hotmail.com or click HERE for more information.

And come play along with us at the CTD!!!! Head on over to the Color Throwdown Blog to read all about how to play along and please don't forget to leave my friends some love! Here is a list of the designers playing along this week:

Kristin Eberline
Broni Holcombe
Barbara Anders
Tammy Hershberger
Keva Brown, Guest Designer

Thanks for stopping by today and see you SOON!

Busy Morning!

2011-07-18T08:32:00.000-04:00

Good morning! I have a couple of things to share with you this morning!

First, Jo Freant is our first Face Book give away winner! She was chosen at random to receive one item in her order for FREE! Congratualtions, Jo! We will definitely be doing this again SOON! So stay tuned!

Also, encourage your crafty friends to "Like" Lil' Inker Designs on Face Book. We're working towards our goal of 500 "Likes". Have your friends post on the wall that you sent them! I am going to give away a whole bunch of prizes once this goal is reached! Woo hoo!! You can find a link to our FB page HERE.

As of this morning, there are only 17 Rainbows & Clouds dies and stamp sets bundles left in stock! I will be re-ordering them, but come and get them before they run out!

And last but certainly not least.....The Lil' Inker Design Team is busy behind the scenes preparing for our first group post!! You'll be hearing more about our Kick Off Hop and our new and FAB.U.LOUS Designers VERY SOON!

And just so you have a little something to look at while your here....

Here is a card I made for last Wednesday's Color Throwdown Challenge. The flower is made using a technique my dear friend Kristin Eberline discovered using our Rainbow die and I've been really wanting to try it myself! It was super easy to do. I ran my Rainbow die through my machine twice using the same piece of patterned paper because I wanted 5 *bows* from the smaller Rainbow die. I then used glue dots to bring the ends of individual bows together. I did that 5 times and then assembled my flower adding a button to the center. This is SO EASY and FUN! You can make all different size flowers too if you use the bows from the larger rainbow die. Isn't Kristin SMART to have thought of this?

Have a great day!!!

Pinwheel Update & More

2011-07-12T09:29:00.000-04:00

Good morning!! I got word today that the Pinwheel restock items will be shipping out today. Therefore, I will be able to start shipping them out to you MUCH sooner than I expected! YAY!

Also, I'd like to share the new Rainbow & Clouds stamp set graphic made by our very own Ariana Grant :) You can click on it to make it a bit larger if you'd like.

I L.O.V.E. these graphics! Thanks, Ariana!

See you soon!

More Recent Faves & Some News!

2011-07-10T09:46:00.000-04:00

Good morning! I thought I would come back and share a few more cards I've seen in Blog Land recently that totally knocked my socks off! We'll get to them in just a second....

First, I just wanted to say that when the Pinwheel dies and stamps are restocked you will be happy to know that I will be adding back the option to purchase the double die set once again. I will have two different Add to Cart buttons; one for the single die and one for the double die option. This is possibly the best solution I could arrive at to offer both set options AND still maintain a manageable inventory. What do you think?

Also, the Design Team Acceptances will be going out VERY VERY SOON! Hang in there and thank you so much for your patience!

And now that we've got the housekeeping items out of the way, here are a few beauties to share with you....

This first card is made by the amazing Tammy Hershberger of Stamp Happy! You can read all about this card HERE.

Another beauty from Jen Carter of Jen's Ink Spot who had this great idea to create a 3-D rainbow. You can read all about this card HERE.

This one is from Judy Rozema of Joy in a JAR and I'm STILL squealing over it! I LOVE when someone does something out of the box with one of our dies!!! You can read about Judy's card HERE.

This one is a stunner from Sheri Gilson of Paper Crafty's Creations. You can read all about Sheri's card HERE.

Drooling? Me too!

Thanks for popping in!

Update & News!!!

2011-07-09T07:25:00.000-04:00

Good morning! As of this morning the Pinwheel dies and stamps are sold out! More have been ordered so you may continue to place orders, however, it may be up to 10 days before they will ship out to you.

Thank you!! I'm so glad you love them!

News!

2011-07-07T11:08:00.001-04:00

Behind the scenes I'm as busy as a bee...packing and shipping lots of orders, making Design Team decisions with Julie Ranae, working with Ariana on new products, product graphics, and other design team preparations. Busy, BUSY! AND FUN!

The Design Team announcements will be going out in the next few days so please stay tuned and thank you for your patience!

With all the recent craziness I realized this morning that we are down to only 8 Pinwheel die and stamp set bundles!!! I'm ordering more this morning which will arrive and be available to ship in about 2 weeks time.

Pinwheels and Rainbows are HOT HOT HOT!!

Thanks!

Recent Faves

2011-07-06T08:39:00.000-04:00

Hi there! I thought I would swing by quickly to show you a few recent creations I've discovered in blog land using products from Lil' Inker Designs. They are amazing. Brace yourselves.......

The first one is made by Jen Carter of Jen's Inkspot. I love that the rainbow is non-traditional in color and how it's paired perfectly with the little sailboat in this scene. You can read all about how Jen made this card HERE.

This next one is a fabulous and fresh home decor project made by Gretchen Belknap of Happiness Is. I just love every little detail and I think the pinwheel is the perfect touch here. You can read all about Gretchen's project in this post HERE.

I have one more for you today. This one is made by Amy Sheffer of Pickled Paper Designs and practically brought a tear to my eye because it's so fabulous, HA! You can read all about Amy's card HERE.

Inspired? Impressed? Me too!

You can check out our current products by visiting us at Shop Lil' Inker.

Have a great day!

Rainbow & Cloud Dies

2011-07-01T13:16:00.000-04:00

Hi there! Ariana and I are busy behind the scenes working on lots of things. At the top of our list is a set of product graphics. Here for you today so you can see the Rainbow & Cloud dies before you buy them is a picture of exactly what you'll receive including product dimensions.
Thanks!!

Out of the Box Idea Using Rainbows & An Update

2011-06-29T08:31:00.001-04:00

Hiya! I was so blown away this morning with a creation I saw I had to share it here immediately!

My dear friend and Color Throwdown Teammate Kristin Eberline used her Rainbow dies today on her Color Throwdown card to showcase an out of the box idea she discovered. Check it out.....

Kristin had this great idea to use the bows cut by the Rainbow dies to form flower petals usng both sizes of dies in the set. This is so brilliant it blew my mind. I seriously cannot wait to try this technique. I am so impressed with this I don't even know what to say! HA!!! Thanks, Kristin!

The Rainbows & Clouds dies and stamp set retails here in our shop for $24.50 plus shipping and handling. The set contains 2 dies each cutting 2 shapes (2 rainbows and 2 clouds) plus a 20 piece stamp set done in a fun and funky handwriting font.

Already have cloud dies? I guarantee these will be your favorite cloud dies for sure! They are unique because of the perforated detail that is cut around the eges! I'm so proud to say I drew them by hand and Ariana made them digitally perfect!

Quickly, I am happy to announce that the Pinwheel dies are once again fully stocked!!! They arrived last night much sooner than I expected. I will be shipping out any pending orders over the next 2 days. YAY!

Thanks for popping in!

Embellish Mag Challenge!

2011-06-25T08:36:00.001-04:00

Get your Rainbow on! The Embellish Magazine Challenge is to either use a rainbow on your card or use the colors of the rainbow in your project. So guess which one I chose?! How could I resist? I thought it would work well as an entry into the Paper Crafts Mag Gallery Idol Open Auditions as well!

I immediately knew I wanted to use my new Rainbows & Clouds dies set from Lil' Inker Designs! I thought it would be fun to try my rainbow using felt! Which I know love! It adds warmth and texture! I love that the products from Lil' Inker coordinate so well with products from other companies!!!! So I thought I would show you the versatility of the Rainbows and Clouds dies and coordinating stamp set by combining it with the Wonderful Words dies from Papertrey. Here I used "happy" and then the "for you" sentiment from the Rainbows stamp set! A perfect match don't you think?? The best thing about the Rainbow dies is that you get to choose between using the smaller, full rainbow or the larger arc rainbow for a different look on each project! And because they're dies you get perfectly cut "bows" every time even with felt! Yessss!!!

Head on over to the Embellish blog and check out their Rainbow challenge!

Right now the Rainbows and Clouds dies and stamps are available here on Shop Lil' Inker. You will receive a 20 piece stamp set and 4 dies for $24.50 plus shipping and handling. I can't image my collection of supplies without my rainbow dies! And you know how much I LURVE the clouds dies with their adorable perforated detail!!!

Thanks for popping in today!!!

Ingredients
Stamps: Rainbows and CLouds stamp set(Lil' Inker Designs)
Paper: Aqua Mist(PTI), patterned paper(Cosmo Cricket), Basic Black(SU!)
Ink: Tuxedo Black(Memento)
Accessories: Rainbows & Clouds dies(Lil' Inker Designs), Wonderful Words dies(PTI), all felt(PTI), sewing machine

Flying in with Some Updates!

2011-06-22T12:30:00.000-04:00

Hi there!!!! So I just returned from a few days vacation to see that we are indeed out of Pinwheel dies and stamps. They've been reordered and I should be able to begin shipping out within 14 days. I'm planning on sooner as I've double checked with both suppliers to ship 2nd Day Air, but a buffer never hurt anyone! HA!

Thank you to Everyone for making Pinwheels such a hot commodity!!

I've also decided for better inventory control to remove the option to purchase just the pinwheel die and the option to purchase the double die bundle. Unless, of course, I hear from many saying they rather the double die bundle, then I will add that back in and remove the single die option. This will be so much easier for us pickers, packers and shippers (me, me and me) to manage!

Rainbow dies and stamps as well as Sentiment Flags dies and stamps are still available in a large quantity and can ship out as early as tomorrow.

Attention Canada customers, as of Monday morning (before my vacation), my Post Office was still not accepting mail for deliveries. I will continue to try each day until they do. Please feel free to keep me posted as well!

Here's a little eye candy for you. It' uses our Sentiment Flags die and stamp set.

You can read more about this card HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

Vacation & Pinwheel Update!!!

2011-06-19T17:22:00.000-04:00

Hello!!!!!

Monday and Tuesday I will be on vacation with my husband and son. If you place an order Monday or Tuesday it will not ship out until Thursday.

Also, I only have 11 Pinwheel dies and stamp set bundles left in stock. If you've been planning an order you may want to consider it now :) I've actually removed the option to buy the die only or buy the bundle with two dies just to keep the quantities the same until they run out. I am planning a re-order but this can take up to two to three weeks before it arrives and starts to ship out again.

Alrighty my friends!!! Have a fantastic few days and I'll check back in once I return home!

Today's eye candy courtesy of Tammy Hershberger of Stamp Happy

Lil' Inker Designs & Crazy 4 Challenges!

2011-06-18T07:33:00.001-04:00

Yay!!!!! It's been a long, but exciting wait and the day is finally here to shout that Lil' Inker Designs is sponsoring the C4C Challenge today!

I cannot wait to see what the amazing C4C Designers have made this week. They each received a stamp set and die from Lil' Inker to use today along with this week's challenge theme which is to incorporate the use of twine.

Here's the first card I created. It uses twine in a fun way and the Rainbows & Clouds dies and coordinating stamp set from LID.

I am completely obsessed with the Snowy Day collection from Crate Paper. There are so many fabulous sheets with bold colors that are just a bit distressed. LOVE! So I started with these papers and made three rainbows using the small, full rainbow from the die set. They are super quick and easy to make. The hardest part is deciding which of your favorite papers to use! I then stamped the sentiment from the stamp set and heat embossed with with black ep to make it pop. I added in twine instead of ribbon and I also made a sun using yellow twine as the sun's rays. I've done this once before but this time was much quicker and easier. Just put a small glue dot on the back of your button and adhere twine scraps for the rays one at a time until you've achieved that sunshine look. This is great for all those little snippets of twine you have hanging around. Then I adhered it directly to my project with another glue dot. I thought it would be fun to upload this at SCS for this month's Fan Club theme CT0611 "Text Me" since I incorporated the text print background into the design.

The Rainbows & Clouds dies and stamp set is the newest release from Lil' Inker Designs. It includes 4 dies; 2 rainbow dies and two uniquely and cutely shaped clouds with adorable perforated detail. The 20 piece stamp set is really fun and done in a handwriting font of all different sentiments that can be mixed and matched. The entire collection retails for $24.50 plus $5.25 Priority s&h. You can read more about this exciting new release HERE.

Here is another card for today's challenge using the pinwheel die from Lil' Inker Designs with a fun sentiment made using Graffix Rub Ons transfers...

I have rainbows on the brain and opted to make each pinwheel petal a different color!I made the sentiment "Imagine....Whirled Peace" on my computer using the Pea Noodle Parlor font from www.fontsforpeas.com and Graffix Rub On Transfers. I did this instead of printing my sentiment right onto my card stock so I could have better control over the placement of the words.

If you are just seeing the pinwheel die today for the first time they have been HOT HOT HOT! One die cuts one petal and six petals makes a full pinwheel which you can embellish to your heart's content! I opted for a simple rhinestone brad and added in my twine to suit the challenge by using it instead of ribbon. My papers here are also from the Snowy Day from Crate Paper...not so snowy, right? Love it!

The Pinwheel die also has a coordinating stamp set with fun sentiments using a pinwheel theme like "You Mean the Whirl to me". The stamp set and die together retail for $17.00 plus $5.25 s&h.

All of our products can be viewed here at the shop blog. I invite you to follow along to stay on top of all new release info and design team announcements. Did you see our big announcement this week? Julie Ranae of Julie's Open Window, design team coordinator for the CAS-ual Friday Challenge, The Play Date Cafe and The Twinery is now he design team coordinator for Lil' Inker Designs too! WOO HOO!!!

Now, don't forget...head on over to the Crazy 4 Challenges blog to see what these amazing and crafty designers have made and JOIN THEM! The blog will give you all the participation details and drum roll please...........

One lucky participant will be chosen at random to receive a free die and stamp set of choice from Lil' Inker Designs!

One more thing before I go, right now for the first time ever Lil' Inker Designs has an open call for it's first design team. Please head over to THIS POST to read about the call details and how to apply now through June 30th!

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you love everything you see!
And a Great BIG THANK YOU TO FRANCES BYRNE for coordinating today's sponsorship with me!!

Ingredients Rainbow Card:
Stamps: Rainbows & Clouds sentiments(Lil' Inker Designs)
Paper: kraft(PTI), Snowy Day(Crate Paper), text(Ledger series Making Memories)
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: small rainbow die(Lil' Inker Designs), button(PTI), twine(The Twinery), black embossing powder(SU!)
Ingredients Pinwheel Card:
Stamps: None
Paper: kraft(PTI), Snowy Day(Crate Paper), cork sheet(Karen Foster Designs)
Accessories: Pinwheel Die(Lil' Inker Designs), rhinestone brad, brad(SU!), lollipop stick(Wilton's), twine(The Twinery), button(my stash), Graffix Rub Ons transfers, sewing machine

Exciting News To Share!

2011-06-13T16:00:00.000-04:00

I have some exciting news to share with you today......but first, a question...

What does this...

plus this...

plus this....

and this

all have in common??????????????

Well.......?

THIS!!!!!

I seriously could not be more excited to announce that Julie Ranae will be joining Lil' Inker Designs as our Design Team Coordinator!!!! With the experience Julie brings I know she will keep our design team organized, inspired and always HAVING FUN!

Just look at the experience she brings:

Julie is the creator of two amazing challenges; The Play Date Cafe and CAS-ual Fridays where she is also the design team coordinator and she currently coordinates the design team for The Twinery as well!

Please head on over to Julie's blog, Julie's Open Window, to read more about all the awesome things she's done in the crafty world and leave her some love to welcome her while you're there.

I feel like the luckiest girl in the world! I'm really looking forward to working with Julie and I couldn't be more excited to start building the Lil' Inker Design Team!!

Thanks for stopping by to share this exciting news with me!

And don't forget the there is an open call for the very first Lil' Inker Design Team going on now through June 30th. Click on over HERE to check out the details!

Rainbow & Clouds Update & More

2011-06-10T22:21:00.000-04:00

Hello! Just a quick post to let everyone know that the Rainbows & Clouds dies and stamps have arrived and are fully stocked. The set includes 2 rainbow dies (a large arc and a smaller, full rainbow) and 2 cloud dies with this adorable perforated detail that I'm totally in love with as well as a 20 piece stamp set with sentiments that can be mixed and matched together for $24.50 plus shipping & handling.

I can't wait to post more projects using these fabulous new dies and their funky fonted coordinating stamps. I think you are going to love them all!

Don't forget that right now Lil' Inker Designs has a call out for its very first design team. You can read all about the call going on now through June 30th HERE.

Hope your weekend is all rainbows & sunshine!

NEW Lil' Inker Design Team Call!!!!

2011-06-09T08:23:00.000-04:00

Lil’ Inker Designs is putting out a call for their very first design team! We’d LOVE to have you as part of our new team!

We’d love it if
• you love to stamp and paper craft
• you love working with dies and clear stamps
• you have a blog you post to regularly
• you take great pictures of your work
• you like to participate in challenges
• you are able to use FaceBook and are comfortable with e-mail communication
• you love Splitcoast Stampers
• you can commit to at least a 4 month term

You will receive
• at least two of the current releases from Lil’ Inker Designs and all newly released products during your term
• a badge for your blog
• a custom watermark for your design team projects
• a link to your blog from Lil’ Inker Designs and Shop Lil’ Inker blogs

What we’re asking
• 3-4 projects using newly released products during sneak peaks and new release time
• At least 2 projects per month during non-release times
• Are able to provide a picture of yourself for our blog
• Are able to enthusiastically represent Lil’ Inker Designs through blog posts and project photos

How To Apply:

This call is open to all! If this is something that interests you, please e-mail me at lilinkerdesigns@hotmail.com using subject line: Design Team Call

• Include 3-5 photos of your best work or of your favorite projects.
• Include some info about yourself and why you think you’d like to be a part of this team.
• I’d love your honest feedback about the products we currently have.
• Include your name, address, e-mail address, link to your blog, blog name and SCS user name in your application.
• List any other teams you are currently working with or have in the past although no experience is required.
• List any creative credits including publications or features you may have received although none are required.
• Applicants do not need to use products from Lil’ Inker Designs in their application projects and can be affiliated currently with other design teams.
• This call will be open until midnight June 30th and we will contact you during the first week (possibly second) week of July. Your commitment would begin in the middle of July if chosen.
We are looking forward to hearing from you! Have fun!

Shipping Update!

2011-06-08T22:20:00.001-04:00

Hello there!!! I just thought I would pop in with some updates. I mentioned the other day that the Rainbow and Cloud dies are here. And they are FABULOUS! The stamps will be here at then end of the day on Friday and I will be a busy little bee Friday night packing and shipping and sending out loads of orders on Saturday morning!

The Pinwheel dies will be here tomorrow night and I will be packing and shipping those orders waiting for pinwheel dies out on Friday!!!

Good stuff!!

And since you're here....here's a little something I made for today's Color Throwdown Challenge using the Rainbow & Clouds sentiment stamp set. I just love this fun and funky font! You can read more about this card HERE.

Have a fantastic evening!

A Peek & An Update!

2011-06-04T07:25:00.000-04:00

Gooood morning! I just wanted to pop by and give you an update. Last night the NEW Rainbow & Clouds dies arrived and they are in my hot little hands! Whooo hoooo!

Now, we are just waiting for the stamps to arrive. Unfortunately, I think it's going to be a little bit longer than I anticipated. But hang in there! I promise it will be worth the wait.

The Pinwheel dies are also on their way to me. I should have them by the end of next week.

Since you're here, I thought I would share this lil' ditty featuring the new Rainbows & Clouds dies and stamps.

This card features both the large and small cloud dies as well as the small rainbow and the "I Love You" sentiment from the coordinating stamp set. I love that it fits inside the large cloud. I made the *sun* using a button and some yellow twine.

Swoooon...I sound silly but I just love these products! I hope you do too! The entire collection of 2 dies (that each cut two images) and coordinating stamp set retail for $24.50 plus shipping and handling. You can check out more details HERE.

Have a fabulous weekend! And thanks for stopping by!

Ingredients:
Stamps & Dies: Rainbows & Clouds (Lil' Inker Designs)
Paper: Kraft(PTI), Snowy Day(Crate Paper)
Ink: Tuxedo Black(Memento)
Accessories: rhinestones(Queen & Co), button(PTI), twine(The Twiney)

Pinwheel Stock Update

2011-05-30T22:27:00.000-04:00

Helloooo!!! As of this very minute the pinwheel dies are out of stock. If you placed an order before 10:20pm EST today, your order will be filled immediately and shipped as soon as possible (provided you didn't pre-order Rainbows & Clouds). I re-ordered more pinwheel dies on Friday and I should hear tomorrow with an ETA.

Please feel free to continue to order just please keep in mind that it can sometimes take up to 7-10 business days before your order will ship.

Thank you to everyone for making Pinwheels such a huge success!!

Sneak Peak!

2011-05-30T16:02:00.001-04:00

Hieeee! So I made this a few days ago and posted it on FaceBook and with a couple of free minutes I thought I would blog it :) Are you a fan on FaceBook? You can visit our page and *like* us HERE.

I finally had a chance to make another project featuring the upcoming release from Lil' Inker Designs; Rainbows & Clouds dies and sentiments stamp set! I really wanted to try my hand at the May Sketch For You To Try also.....here it is....

I started by die cutting my cloud on paper from the Springtime Collection and stamped my "You're So Awesome" sentiment...(I love that it fits on the large cloud and I love love love the perforated detail). This is the large rainbow die from the collection of 4. It's more of an arc shape and cuts 4 bows which I also like because you can mix and match different papers. I used other papers from the Springtime Collection from Echo Park and a new-to-me impression plate from PTI called Sunshine...LOVE THIS! I thought this layout worked really neat for the rainbow design. What do you think?

Right now, the Rainbow and Cloud die set and stamps are available for pre-order on the shop blog. The 4 dies and stamp set retail for $24.50 plus s&h and will be shipping out within the next 7-10 days. You will receive 2 clouds in 2 sizes and 2 rainbows; a larger arc and a smaller, full rainbow. The sentiments are SO FUN! There is a huge collection of them and they can be mixed and matched for different occasions. To see the entire sentiment collection, click HERE. I am loving having these dies in my collection. I hope you LOOOOVE them!

I hope everyone is having a nice holiday weekend!!! Enjoy the rest of your day!

Ingredients
Stamps: Rainbow Sentiments(Lil' Inker Designs)
Paper: Kraft, Aqua Mist(PTI), Rose Res, So Saffron, Certainly Celery(SU!), Springtime Collection(Echo Park)
Ink: Tuxedo Black(Memento)
Accessories: Rainbow & Clouds die set, Sentiment Flags die(Lil' Inker Designs), circle nesting dies(Spellbinders), Sunshine impression plate, Plum Pudding ribbon(PTI), rhinestones(Queen & Co)

Color Throwdwon & New Product Sneak Peaks!

2011-05-25T06:28:00.000-04:00

Today is such an exciting day for me! Not only am I your hostess for this week's Color Throwdown Challenge BUT my new die and stamp prototypes for Lil' Inker Designs just arrived just in time for me to make some sneak peeks to share with you today!!! More on that in a minute....

So for this week's Color Throwdown Challenge, I chose a pretty palette of colors inspired by Echo Park's Springtime Collection! But, this week's challenge will be slightly different than week's past. You can pick ANY combo of colors to work with from the Springtime Collection. Pick a combo any combo! Isn't that fun?!

Here's a look at the colors for this week...

Now, before I begin with my projects. Let me tell you a little bit about the new release products (coming soon) from Lil' Inker Designs. The theme is RAINBOWS and coordinating clouds! There are four dies in this set: 2 different rainbow dies and 2 clouds. The clouds feature an adorable shape (which I drew by hand and Ariana digitized) as well as this uber-cute perforated line detail which I think sets them apart from anything I've seen on the market. The small, full rainbow cuts three different *bows* so you can mix and match with different papers, or mediums like felt and the larger rainbow is more like an arc which cuts four *bows* for a bigger, but unique look. Of course, there is a coordinating stamp set in a fun and funky combo of fonts which I think you will love.

The new dies and stamps are available as a pre-order beginning 5/25. Please note it may be 7 - 14 days before your order ships. You can find the Add to Cart button for these new products in the sidebar on the right.

Have a look at some of the projects I made using all of these products and an old favorite, Pinwheels......

My first card uses the Pinwheel die and a sentiment combo from the Rainbow Sentiments stamp set. The "You make me" and the "Smile" are two different stamps so they can be combined with other words in the set or even stamped in different colors. I started by cutting my Pinwheel petals, assembling and embellishing. Then I made a card base, embossed it and added papers from the Springtime Collection from Echo Park. I added in some crinkle ribbon from a shop on Etsy and stamped my sentiment in bold, black ink to make it jump right off the page.

My second card for today features the small rainbow and cloud dies and a sentiment from the stamp set. I started by running my Rainbow die through my cutting machine with different sheets of the Springtime papers. Once I had the color combo I liked, I adhered everything to a kraft panel and stamped that fun sentiment, which I think can be used for tons of different occasions. I rounded the top corners of the focal point, sponged the edges with white ink and then embellished with this white and silver twine that I love and can't stop using. I then added my focal panel to a saffron base which I embossed with polka dots, added in some additional details and called it done! Easy!

Still with me??!! I hope so!!! My final project uses the larger Rainbow die and large cloud die with this fun "On Cloud Nine" sentiment. I cut the rainbow the same way as above with different papers but incorporated one from the A Walk in the Park collection as well. I layered everything right on kraft paper and just did a crazy stitch around the edges and kept it clean and simple.

Seriously, these clouds make me squeal!!!! I am totally in love with the perforated cut line! It just makes them so cute and happy! The On Cloud Nine sentiment is a fun one. I'm sending this to a friend I just found out is having her first baby and I am literally on cloud nine for her as I'm sure she is too.

Wellllll.....whatta ya think? I have to say I am delighted with how these dies and stamps turned out. They are perfectly paired with the Springtime collection papers and they were fast cards to come together as it was easy to just let the dies do the work for me.

I hope you love the projects today! And I hope I've inspired you to play along with this week's Color Throwdown Challenge. Don't forget to visit the blogs of my fellow design team for more inspiring work with our Pick A Combo challenge. And don't forget to read up on all the challenge participation details at the CTD blog!

Tammy Hershberger
Kristin Eberline
Broni Holcombe
Barbara Anders
Danielle Kennedy
Cathy Indelicato
Kisa Peters
Carole Burrage
Jen Mitchell, May Guestie

And a quick but GREAT BIG thank you to Jen Mitchell for being with us as our Guest Designer for the month of May which I can't even believe has come and gone so quickly!

Have a great long, Memorial Day weekend ALL and stay tuned for more sneak peek projects using the upcoming, new release from Lil' Inker Designs!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Ingredients:
Pinwheel Card(1)
Stamps: Rainbow Sentiments(Lil' Inker Designs)
Paper: So Saffron(SU!), Springtime Collection(Echo Park)
Ink: Tuxedo Black(Memento)
Accessories: Pinwheel die(Lil' Inker Designs), Swiss Dot embossing folder(Provo Craft), pink crinkle ribbon(TrinketStop on Etsy), pearl brad(Making Memories), large scallop border die(MFT), Beautiful Blooms II #2 die collection, buttons(PTI), twine(The Twinery), lollipop stick(Wiltons)

Small Rainbow Card(2)
Stamps: Rainbow sentiments(Lil'Inker Designs)
Paper: So Saffron(SU!), Springtime Collection(Echo Park), kraft(PTI)
Ink: Tuxedo Black(Memento), Craft White(SU!)
Accessories: Rainbow & Clouds dies(Lil' Inker Designs), polka dot embossing folder(Provo Craft), corner rounder(Marvy), rhinestones(Queen & Co), silver/white twine(Paper Treats on Etsy)

Large Rainbow Card(3)
Stamps: Rainbow sentiments(Lil'Inker Designs)
Paper: kraft(PTI), Springtime Collection(Echo Park)
Ink: Tuxedo Black(Memento)
Accessories: Rainbow & Clouds dies(Lil' Inker Designs), rhinestones(Queen & Co), sewing machine