~Wedding Update~

Hi everyone! Thank you to all who played along this month with our TCM release! 

But mostly, thank you all for such beautiful comments and kind words. 

It means the world to me and all of your sweetness brightness my day more than you will ever know!

On another note, I wanted to let you know that I've just added another entry in my wedding journal...The boy and I had an awesome weekend in Edmonton shopping for the big day, so I couldn't help but quickly share some of my awesome finds, like my wedding shoes, Summer Lovin Soiree Dress, and my shower outfit :)

I've got all the details in my post here!

I will be away again this weekend for my bridal shower. 

HUGE apologies in advance for my lack of crafting & sharing lately...I have some yummy things brewing, though, and I'm hoping to share as soon as I have a minute to catch my breath :)

Thanks for visiting and for hanging in there with my crafty tardiness! 

Hugs!!!

*Ivana*

~Blog Hop~

Welcome to TCM's Release Blog Hop!!!!
If you've arrived from Amy Wanford's blog, then you're in the right place!
Otherwise, head back to the TCM blog to see a full list of stops on the hop and be sure to visit each blog & leave a little comment,

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN ALL OF THE STAMPS FROM THIS RELEASE!!!!


Before we get to the blog hop details, I want to share my projects I've created with the beautiful Sew Lovely stamp set!

I am so excited about this stamp set, and I've already seen myself using it over and over again.

I mean, how cute is that pin cushion?! 

 I love the look of all of the images in this set. And I LOVE that they coordinate with these beautiful Spellbinders Dies. 

Just because I couldn't resist, I created another card using the Sew Happy stamp set :)

This time, I wanted to use the spool image, which I think is so adorable! I love that it can be used on cards & projects, but that it can also be used to hold your favorite trims & ribbons, too! 

Just stamp a few of these, cut out, and wind your fave trims around the 'spool'. 

As soon as I have a minute to catch my breath, I can't wait to organize my lace & trim collection using this idea!

I used the Plumeria collection on this card as well, along with some buttons (vintage & handmade) and a hand-stamped clothespin.

Now that I've shown you my projects, I want to share all the details of the blog hop!

If you want to play along on the hop, the next blog you will want to visit is

Iwona Palamountain's Blog!!

But, be sure to first leave a comment here, as well as a comment on each blog you visit!
By doing so, you will be entered into a draw for a grand prize to

WIN ALL OF STAMP SETS FROM THIS RELEASE!!!

You will have until May 23rd  9 p.m. PDT to comment for your chance to win these stamps!!!

Happy Hopping!!!

*Ivana*

p.s. Just a reminder that with every purchase of $50 or more, you will receive the 'Typically Teen' stamp set for free!!!

~Typically Teen & Retro Foundations~

Welcome to Day Four of TCM previews!
Today we are showing sneak peeks of two beautiful sets: 'Retro Foundations' and 'Typically Teen.'

I really enjoyed playing with both of these sets, and I love how versatile they both are!

Retro Foundations is packed with funky shapes, borders and sayings.

I combined some of the cool shapes and the beautiful birthday sentiment with lovely papers from the Basic Grey Plumeria collection.

A couple of buttons on top, and viola! It's a super snappy card, with a funky retro vibe!

Next, I decided to use the ultra edgy and youth-inspired 'Typically Teen' stamp set, and go for a soft & subtle vibe. I love the way the 'paint splatters' and sentiments look against the soft, pastel papers.

I added a few little treasures to add some dimension to the card, which is a great way to dress up this quick & simple look!

I almost forgot to mention...Typically Teen is a free set that TCM will offer with any purchase of $50 or more.
How cool is that?!
So be sure to get yours before they are all gone!

All of these stamp sets will be fully revealed & available for sale on May 21 - Which is tomorrow!!!!
So join me back here, as we unveil all the stamp designs, show off more projects, and offer up tons of great prizes during our

RELEASE BLOG HOP!!!

The fun starts tomorrow! See you back here!

*Ivana*

~Sew Happy~

Welcome to Day Three of TCM previews!

Oh boy! Do I have something awesome to share today!
If you know me, then you know just how much I love sewing stamps!
Although I stay away from the act of sewing as much as humanly possible, I do love vintage sewing images and how lovely & handmade they look on a card.

There is one person who so effortlessly creates some of the most beautiful sewing-inspired images in the scrapbooking industry...
Of course, I am talking about the uber talented, Nina Brackett!

Today we are showing sneaks for the beautiful Sew Happy TCM exclusive stamp set, which is designed to work perfectly with Nina's Spellbinders dies!

I simply LOVE that sewing machine image! Isn't it perfect?!

I love the little stitched 'xo's' as well! 

A handmade heart & vintage button finish the card off, along with pretty prints from the Plumeria collection by Basic Grey!

I have a feeling this is my new fave set! :) It might just become yours too!

Hugs!

*Ivana*

~For My Dad/Grads & Dads~

Thanks for joining me for Day Two of TCM previews!
I am so excited to be sharing my creations for this month!
I've so enjoyed using the beautiful stamps, especially the more masculine sets, which are always a push out of my comfort zone.
But I love the challenge and I am always excited to see the outcome :)

So today, I've got two cards to share featuring two new stamp sets, 'For My Dad' and 'Grads & Dads'!

First up, a card created with the 'For My Dad' stamp set, using the Plumeria collection from Basic Grey.

I adore the little telephone image in this set soooo much! It is such a versatile image that can be used for so many other themes. 

The featured quote is actually one of my faves, too.

As usual, a couple of button toppings and some paper layers finish off this simple & quick card!

Next up, I've used the 'Grads & Dads' stamp set here, and I've stamped & cut the lovely images before layering them onto the Plumeria paper strips.

I love the heart button, which works perfectly with the subtle tones of this lovely paper.

As always, thank you so much for joining me today!

I'll be back tomorrow with more to show!

*Ivana*

 ~Flower Garden~

Welcome to the first day of TCM new-release previews! Here with a quick post today as we are kicking off sneak peeks of the upcoming TCM stamp sets which will be released on May 21st!
I am so excited to share my creations with you over the next few days!

Combined with Basic Grey's Plumeria collection, the lovely abstract floral images from this set are just soooo cute! 

I adore the possibilities with these stamps. Traditional flowers with graphic & bold styles. I know that these stamps are going to get a lot of use!

I love how the pretty floral image can add such a punch to a simple card like this one!
Can't wait to see what else this awesome stamp set can do!

Anywho, lots to do, so today's post is short, but I hope you'll
join me back here tomorrow for Day Two of our previews!!!

Hugs!

*Ivana*

~Incredibly Humbled~

Wow. 

What a week it has been.

So much wonderfulness has filled my life in the past little while, especially last week, that I'm having a hard time containing it all inside...So I'm here to share! 

{And maybe brag a little about how lucky & blessed I am with the best friends in the world :)}

Last Wednesday evening, I was still feeling quite run down from being sick, and after being at work, I was hesitant to make supper...So we decided to go out for supper and as soon as we had finished, Mark asked if I was feeling well enough to head out to 'check out a new camera shop', which by the way, is an ingenious way to get me out of the house (even when I feel terrible), considering my new-found obsession with all things photography.

As we neared the neighbourhood where I work, I started to wonder how I had never heard about this new store. Surely, if such was true, I would have known about it. 

Nonetheless, I was so excited about the prospect of holding a Nikon D800 in my hands, that all logic went out the window...

As we neared Scrapbook Studio, I was beginning to think something was off. How could there possibly be a new photo shop here without me knowing about it?! 

As we got out and approached the store, I realized that something sneaky was going on. 

Still had no clue what awaited me inside, though.

As we entered the Studio, I could barely believe my eyes. 

I could not stop shaking. 

All the while covering my eyes and practically dropping to the ground from the shock! 

This might help paint the picture a little better:

Yes, that is me.

Just about to fall to the ground as everyone is screaming 'Surprise'!

And boy, what a surprise it was!

When I finally got my footing, I was so excited to see all of my closest scrappy friends filling the room with biiiiiiiig and beautiful smiles.

To the side, a beautiful spread of yummy food & drinks, stunning centrepieces on each table, beautiful little paper purse favours, and gorgeous scrapbook layouts floating around the room that each girl had so lovingly handmade.

I got to take photos with each of the girls so that it could be added to their beautiful pages...Girls which I have gotten to know so well over the past few years, who have become a part of my life in a way that I did not imagine possible.

{Thank you Cayla for taking the awesome pictures and to Amanda for the awesome photo printer! I only wish I was feeling (and looking) better!}

Who would have thought that a hobby could bring us all together like this, create life long friendships and that I could find not just one, but a ROOMFULL of girls who think it's perfectly okay to hoard paper and scrappy embellishments just because they are pretty?

I love all of the girls so much...And I cherish our friendship so dearly.

I am so completely humbled and honoured by everything they've done for me thus far and for being such an incredible bunch of girls.

Gosh, when I think of everyone who put in their time to make this happen...To help with the planning, the food, the games, the gifts, the beautiful wishes and stunning scrapbook layouts that I will cherish forever....I get so teary eyed and overwhelmed with emotion. 

And mostly, I cannot believe my incredible friend Cayla, who organized the whole thing! 

Cayla is the kind of friend who, despite having a family, working, going to school, teaching, volunteering, amongst many other things, still finds time to listen to my wedding woes, brighten my day with cheery visits and on top of all of that, can STILL pull off something like this!

I feel incredibly lucky to know Cayla, and all of my wonderful friends.

Thank you Cayla, Theresa, Lori, Jen, Bev, Penny, Paullete, Phillane, Lynn, Stephanie, Carmen, Lana, Bonnie, Maria, Amy, Chrissie, Corinne, Lorraine, Charlene, (and to the girls that couldn't be there, but were definitely there in spirit) Sandy, Sue, Bobbi, Amanda & Kathy!!!!

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!!!!!!

Here are a couple of pics I lifted from Cayla's blog...You can check out her awesome blog and read all about the surprise here.

Here I am wearing the gorgeous floral headband that Cayla made for me :) spending some time with the youngest scrapbooker in attendance

Amongst all the gorgeous food & drinks that the girls prepared, here is a picture of the lovely (and super delicious!) cookies made by my dear friend Paulette :)

It was a night to remember and I am still a little in disbelief that it really happened!
I cannot thank everyone enough for coming and for all that you've done! Thank you being the best friends a girl could ask for!!!!

So, with all this partying & planning, I've been rather busy! I completely forgot to share a couple of cards I made a while back with some adorable TCM stamps!

So here they are!

I used some of the My Mind's Eye scraps I had left over, and adorable Owl Journalling stamp set from TCM!

The next card features the same set, Owl Journalling, and some more scraps I had kicking around my stash :)

Apologies for the long post...I just had so much to catch up on!
I hope you'll meet me back here tomorrow for our First Day of TCM Previews!

Sending love and hugs to you all,

*Ivana*

~Just Married~

Eeeek! This will be us in a matter of months! I can't believe it's that close!

Breathe. Ivana. Breathe.

For now, I've created this card for a dear friend who's just recently tied the knot with the love of her life and I couldn't be happier for them! 

I've used the new TCM stamp set, Vintage Rides, designed by Nina B. 

The paper is from the Madeline collection by Prima and the lovely punch is by Martha Stewart.

I love making cards for newlyweds - especially ones as sweet as my friends :) 

Marriage is such a lovely thing - It always brings tears to my eyes when I see two people meant for each other, taking the next step! 

Ahhh..All this marriage talk is making me feel so lovey-dovey today. 

Thanks for visiting, everyone! Hope you have a lovey-dovey day too! 

*Ivana*

p.s. Happy Mother's Day to my mommy and all the wonderful moms that I know!!!

~You are Never Alone~

G'mornin everyone & happy Saturday! Wherever you may be tuning in from, thanks for stopping by and for the visit!

Today's card is a quick little creation with some of the beautiful new TCM stamps...

I used the beautiful Inspired by Audrey stamp set to create this card.

It's really such an elegant and timeless set. Beautiful quotes and scroll images...So lovely!

Just like Miss Hepburn.

For today's card, I used Prima's Madeline collection, some favorite punches and a beautiful die from Papertrey Ink.

I love the gorgeous oval stamp with the scroll design at the top. I stamped the image on the background paper first and then stamped it again so that I could cut and layer another paper in the oval area. 

A touch of doilies here and there and a beautiful card base shape for a super quick and easy card!

Btw- Aren't you glad to see something other than travel projects? :)

More to come tomorrow!

*Ivana*

~Vacation~

Can you tell travel has been on my mind lately?

Third project this week with a travel theme...And probably more to come!

It has been just over two years since we've been on a vacation...

Needless to say, my cards this month are quite inspired by my persistent travel itch. 

Thankfully, we won't have to wait that much longer, as August is quickly approaching, and so is our trip!

Here is a little card I created with TCM's new stamps. 

I loooove this set  (Travel Time) so much! It is full of travel images and sentiments and will definitely come in handy upon our return and when I start scrapping all those travel photos. 

Once again, I used the Prima Madeline collection and did quite a bit of fussy cutting around the lacy details and pretty florals. 

Don't the pretty colours make you think of warm, lazy days on a beach somewhere with pina coladas in tow?

Well friends, that's it from me for today, but come back tomorrow! I'll be back with more!

*Ivana*

~Happy Travels~

Back for some more sharing today!

While on the topic of travel, I thought I'd create another little card for the traveler's soul :)

I am definitely a travel enthusiast myself, and if my lifestyle and budget permitted, I would rarely stay put in one place. However, this is not always possible, and I am thankful for every opportunity I get to hit the skies. 

I am also thankful that my better half is just as passionate about travel as I am :)

Our upcoming wedding seemed like the perfect opportunity for us to incorporate our love of travel. 

And even though the planning has been somewhat of a challenge at times, we are so excited that in less than four months, we will be in Croatia with our loved ones, tying the knot! 

Anywho, here is a card that was inspired by my love of travel, using TCM's beautiful new stamps!

I used the beautiful Nature's Beauty stamp set, and the Vintage Rides stamp set.  The lovely bike image (from the Vintage Rides stamp set) was designed by Nina B. who just happens to live in Croatia - Crazy small world, huh!? 

Anywho, Nina's designs always blow me away...They are so incredibly detailed, intriguing, unique and above all, completely inspiring!

I have to find more time to stamp with these gorgeous stamps - I can honestly say that each set is so full of possibilities that I feel like sometimes with the quick turnover in getting new stamps every month, I really don't explore all the opportunities of these gorgeous images.

And I know that every set in the TCM collection is timeless and classic and will be in my stash for a loooong time to come!

I could talk for days about my love affair with TCM stamps, but I have a coffee date with a friend and if I don't wrap things up, I'll be uber late!

I'll be back tomorrow with more, so be sure to check back!

Hugs!

*Ivana*

~Jet Set~

Hi everyone! Hope you are all doing well!

I promised I'd be back quickly, but I wasn't planing on getting a nasty flu paired with a really bad case of bronchitis....So natually, crafting & blogging took somewhat of a back seat.

Luckily my awesome boss was super kind and offered to work for me, and for the first time, I finally got the much-needed sleep I had been so desperately needing.

So today is a new day, I'm feeling awesome, and I am here to share some craftiness with you all!

I've got a really quick post with a little tag I created recently. 

The image of airplanes always invigorates my love of travel...Especially if a planned trip is on the horizon :)

Seeing as our whole family will be headed overseas in just a few months (for our wedding), the excitement is even more pronounced

You can imagine my excitement when I saw the gorgeous stamps in this month's TCM release line-up...I was tickled pink about the travel theme! Travel stamps are not always easy to find, especially with lovely images as these :) 

So here is one of the first (but definitely not the last) creations I've pulled together with these lovely stamps

A tiny little travel tag :)
 I've always cringed at the thought of run-of-the-mill luggage tags that come attached to your suitcase, so I've thought about laminating this little guy - minus the bow and sharp pin, of course - for a unique and unmistakable tag!

I've used the TCM Travel Time stamp set on this creation, along with some papers from Prima's Madeline collection, and a few goodies from my stash like the pretty lace ribbon.

Apologies for the quick post today friends, but I promise I'll be back tomorrow with more!


*Ivana*