RIP Google Reader

I am sure you know by now Google Reader's last day of existence will be June 30. If you do not want to lose your current blog reading lists then you need to transfer them to another reader service asap.

After my initial freaking out over the Google announcement, I started researching alternatives. I started out by transferring my Google Reader list to several different ones. I then went cold turkey, completely abandoning Google Reader and started reading blogs through the new ones. I wound up trying out four different ones and if you follow the link provided there are instructions on how to move from Google to each service.

Netvibes - This by far was my favorite as far as the look and ease of use once I played around with it a bit. It isn't strictly a reader service - more of a dashboard. Don't be scared off by the premium price tag since the free basic service is all you need for blog reading. However, and it's a huge however for me, it does not provide timely feeds. Apparently they use some type of periodic polling type system to update the blog feeds. I actually used this one the most of the four but in the end I just could not tolerate the fact that feeds didn't update quickly. If they ever fixed that I would go back to it in a heart beat.

Bloglovin - This is one that a lot of people have endorsed but frankly it was my least favorite. I know why people endorse it - it's because you have to go to the actual blog to read the whole post. The people who like that are the ones who are sponsored and want you to see the advertisements and items for sale on their blog. It's fine if that is what you want to do but I have a lot of blogs in my reader list and I don't have the time or interest in clicking on each one individually. I want to scroll and read and only click over to the blog when I want to leave a comment!

The Old Reader -This one looks a lot like Google Reader although not as polished. My folders and blog lists converted over perfectly and it was easy to use. It's currently my second favorite but I could easily go to it if my first choice fails me.

Feedly -Admittedly, I ruled this one out first even though my folders and blog lists converted with no problems. But I was trying it out early when everyone else started looking around and it was so very slow. Apparently they have made some upgrades to servers as well as making some requested changes as I have no such issues with it now. And I think they will continue to make improvements to it. Currently this is my reader of choice but it really is a toss up between it and The Old Reader. I don't think you could go wrong with either one.

I hope you've found this helpful. I sure don't want to lose any of my readers!


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Catching Up (and a card)

I have been feeling very disconnected from my blog. The only posts you've seen from me are the ones I set up weeks ago to auto post for Design Team assignments. It's been super busy around here. Father's Day weekend was filled with family and I was busy the prior week with menu planning, grocery store runs and getting the house cleaned and ready for overnight and long weekend guests. Then my step-granddaughters who live in North Carolina stayed with us for a week longer. We had a fun week with them with lots of activities during the day and watching movies at night. We met their father half way between Alabama and North Carolina on Tuesday to get them home. Even at half way it's an all day trip.

And the big news is that we have a new puppy. We lost our little Yorkie, Chloe almost 7 years ago.  My husband declared that he never wanted another one, that he was too old to have his heart broken again.We had another dog for a while that we took in when my father-in-law passed away but she was old also and we had to put her down when she became too ill and wouldn't eat anymore. Don's feelings about her were all connected with his dad so that was so difficult for him to deal with as well. So again, I heard no more dogs from him. The past couple of years though we started talking about how much we missed having a pet. And I could tell he was warming up to the idea. Then my stepdaughter emailed me one day and said that she wanted to get her dad a dog for Father's Day! She wanted me to look for one here and when I googled yorkshire terrier puppies+Birmingham and what turned out to be our puppy popped up first! We timed everything so that I went to get her on the day she and our granddaughters were driving up from their beach vacation. It was a total and complete surprise for Don. And of course we absolutely love Zoe and she is part of the family already! We are going through the usual training problems but she is worth every minute of potty issues. She is very attached to us and has major separation anxiety issues which is a struggle as I simply do not know how to help her through it. Here is a phone snapshot taken the first few minutes at her new home which explains why she looking at us as if to say, "who are you people?" I promise I won't inundate you with puppy pics!

Now on to my card for today. I've actually had this one done for a while I love the cottage image from the Market Street Home Sweet Home stamp set. I've stamped it before but this time I wanted it to be more whimsical. Matching the sweet colors from the Echo Park Everyday Eclectic 6x6 pad I created a girly playhouse that you often see in backyards. I placed it in a "grassy hill" cut with a combination of The Cat's Pajamas Grass and the Holiday Toppers CutUps and added the sun and cloud cut with Lil Inkers Designs Large Sunshine and Rainbow and Clouds Die set. The image was placed on pop dots for dimension. Sadly, Market Street is now out of the stamp business.

Products: Market Street Stamps, Echo Park dp, PTI button, Kaisercraft pearl, The Cat's Pajamas CutUps, Lil Inkers Designs dies, Spellbinders Nestabilities
Copics: W00, E81, E84, G0000, G000, G00, RV00, R81, R83, R85, BG0000

I have to set my craft table back up as I put everything away for the big family weekend. I plan on doing that on Friday and hopefully get back into the creative groove.


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C.C. Designs Review - Sweet November

It's review day on the C.C. Designs blog and I am joining other members of the design team in showing you more projects using the June release stamps and dies. Today we are concentrating on the Sweet November line.

I stamped up Princess Eleonore from the Sweet November Princesses set again and I colored her up with Copic Markers as per usual. The patterned papers are from an older (and under-used) Authentique pad. The sentiment is from the Simply Enchanting (clear) set which also comes in rubber. I stamped it onto a tag shape, adding a rolled rose and doubled up a row of scallops for a border. Lastly, I added a smattering of Teresa Collins Enamel dots to the image panel and jewels to her crown.

Products: Sweet November stamp, C.C. Designs stamp, Authentique dp, Teresa Collins Enamel dots, My Favorite Things Die-namics, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers
Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-N1, N3, N5, N7; Eyes-B41, B32, B45; Dress/Crown-W00, E81, RV00, R81, R83; Floor-C00, C1, C5; Shadows-RV0000, RV00

This card along with many other Sweet November projects are on the C.C. Designs blog today.


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C.C. Designs Review - Princess and the Frog

It's review day on the C.C. Designs blog and I am joining other members of the design team in showing you more projects using the June release stamps.

I stamped the Princess and the Frog stamp which is part of the Drozy's Darlings line onto Copic X-Press It cardstock and then cut out with Spellbinders Nestabilities. I colored with Copics as per usual. The paper is Jillibean Soup that I found in my old 12x12 stash. The sentiment is from the the new Simply Enchanting Sentiments (clear) set which is also available in rubber.

Products: C.C. Designs stamps, Jillibean Soup dp, May Arts Ribbon, PTI buttons, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers
Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E21, R20; Hair-N1, N3, N5, N7, N9; Dress-W00, E81, Y0000, Y11, Y17; Frog-G40, G43, G46; Stone-C00, C1, C5; Ground-W00, W1, W2, W5

There are more review projects on the C.C. Designs blog.


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Hi (June TCP Tuesday)

The  TCP Tuesday challenge is going strong. Have you made your card yet? The theme this month is to pile it on with embellishments and layers.

I used one of my favorite sets from the May release Reel Experts.  I used just a portion of the main penquins image cut with a Spellbinders Nestabilities and then added a sentiment from the Small Sayings set cut with the matching Talk to Me CutUps which I attached to a piece cut with the Luggage Tags Cutups. I added another  piece cut with the Heart Swirl, a snippet of twill ribbon and buttons for more embellishments. All the patterned paper came from the W R Memory Keepers Happy Campers pad.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamps and CutUps, W R Memory Keepers dp, PTI twill and button, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers
Copics: Penquins-YR31, YR24, W00, E81; Worm-E40, E42, E44; Shadows-BG0000, BG10

Here are the details to the challenge:

1. The first Tuesday of the month Alma will post a challenge on the Dancing in Pajamas blog. The challenge will also be posted on the TCP Splitcoaststampers forum and on the TCP Facebook page.
2. If you want to play along you just upload your design right on Dancing in Pajamas blog using the InLinkz button. (The challenge button will be posted on the right hand column of this blog so you don't have to search around). If you want to display your pretties on Splitcoaststampers using keyword TCPTUESJune13.
3. The Challenge will be a month-long challenge and you can play as many times as you like during that month.
4. Cards and projects must have at least one Cat's Pajamas Stamp or CutUps die in the project.
5. On the First Monday of the Month a winner will be chosen from the previous challenge and crowned Swanky Stamper.
6. The Swanky Stamper will not only be acknowledged as the Swankiest Stamper for that month, but will also receive some of the stamps from our next release and get to play along with us at our Pajamas Party and Blog Hop. AND... They'll even get a special spot in the Gallery highlighting the project that won them the gig AND as snazzy badge to display on their blog.
7. The winner will be announced the First Monday of the month on Splitcoaststampers, Facebook page and this Blog. 

I hope you will join us this month! There is a chance for a fabulous prize and recognition of your superior card making skills!

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C.C. Designs Review - Snorkles and Paradise

It's review day on the C.C. Designs blog and I am joining other members of the design team in showing you more projects using the June release stamps.

My first card features Swiss Pixies Snorkles. After coloring the image with Copic markers, I fussy cut her out and then attached to a Martha Stewart paper doily. I placed her in a watery scene and added the air bubbles cut with the Bubbles Cutters introduced last summer. The sentiment came from the Oh So Beachy sentiment set and I stamped it onto a shell cut with the Starfish and Shell Cutters. The patterned paper came from the new Carta Bella Beach Boardwalk 6x6 pad.

Products: C.C. Designs stamps and Cutters, Carta Bella dp, MFT ink and ribbon, Martha Stewart paper doily, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Copic Markers
Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E21, R20; Hair-E30, E31, E35; Clothing/Snorkeling gear-B0000, B000, B01, B32, B34, B39, Y0000, Y11, Y21, YR21, YR24; Shell-W00, E81

I also have a second card featuring the Paradise clear set (it also comes in rubber). You can see my other two cards using this set here. I went with a more tropical/beach look this time around, using one of the travel trailers and the flamingo sitting in the sugar white sand of Gulf Coast beaches. These guys have made themselves right at home hanging out some of their beach wear to dry in the sun. I placed the travel trailer on pop dots for extra dimension and added the clouds from the Four Season Tree Cutters set. All the patterned paper came from the Bazzill Basic Lucy's Crab Shack 6x6 set.The clothes line was fussy cut from one of the sheets in the pad. I also used several pieces of Bazzill Card Shoppe cardstock including Circus Peanut, Candy Hearts and Robins Egg.

Products: C.C. Designs stamps and Cutters, Bazzill Basics dp, Bazzill Card Shoppe cardstock, Doodlebug jewels, Kaisercraft pearl, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Spectrum Noir Markers
Copics: Camper-BG70, BG0000, BG53, BG72, W00, E81, YR12, YR14, YR18; YR30, YR31; Sky-BG70, BG0000; Sand-W00, W1, E81
Spectrum Noirs: Flamingo-PP3, PP5, DR3


Thank you so much for stopping by. Check out the C.C. Designs blog for more review projects.


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Summer ATC Album with Decorative Box (June TCP Tuesday)

Good morning. I have a project for you today that I shared at the TCP Pajama Party over at Splitcoaststampers in May just prior to the new release. Seriously, this was my favorite TCP release!!  I thought the set fit this month's TCP challenge perfectly which is to use your embellishments and layer, layer, layer!

When I saw the new Luggage Tie CutUps I knew I wanted to use them with a Maya Road chipboard box and ATC album set that has been in my stash for a while now. Warning, this is a picture heavy post.

I started out by die-cutting  the four tags shapes and then added/cut patterned paper, some bits and baubles and stamping primarily from the new Summer Sentiments and Small Sayings sets for a summer travel theme.

I then cut the mats and bases for the ATC's, embossing the plain white panels for more interest and then attached the tags.

I added a plain white backing to each of the cards, stamping a small image from the Summer Sentiments set in the lower corner. The remainder was left plain white for journaling or small photos.

I decorated the box with various patterned papers from several summer themed 6x6 pads, using the new Glasses CutUps to attach to the front. Afterall, one needs those sunglasses in the summer.

 

Here are the invididual ATC's so you can get a better look at the details. I stamped the icons from the Summer Sentiments set and then repeated them with Studio Calico Wood Veneer die-cuts.

 

I added the row of cars which is also from the Summer Sentiments and then added a sentiment from the Small Sayings set which I cut with the matching Talk to Me Cutups.

I put together the sentiment on this starting with a sentiment from the Life's a Beach stamp set wiping away the "A" before stamping. I then replaced it with the @ sign from the Coolvetica alphabet set and "the" from Aim High set.

Created a small beach landscape by adding a strip of white sand with cardstock and then stamped a couple of beach umbrellas from the Summer Sentiments set. I then attached a sentiment from the Small Sayings set which I cut with the matching Talk to Me Cutups.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamps and CutUps, Bazzill Basics, Fancy Pants and Carta Bella dp, Studio Calico Wood Veneer die-cuts, Doodlebug jewel, PTI buttons, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Memento and Archival inks

Here are the details to the challenge:

1. The first Tuesday of the month Alma will post a challenge on the Dancing in Pajamas blog. The challenge will also be posted on the TCP Splitcoaststampers forum and on the TCP Facebook page.
2. If you want to play along you just upload your design right on Dancing in Pajamas blog using the InLinkz button. (The challenge button will be posted on the right hand column of this blog so you don't have to search around). If you want to display your pretties on Splitcoaststampers using keyword TCPTUESJune13.
3. The Challenge will be a month-long challenge and you can play as many times as you like during that month.
4. Cards and projects must have at least one Cat's Pajamas Stamp or CutUps die in the project.
5. On the First Monday of the Month a winner will be chosen from the previous challenge and crowned Swanky Stamper.
6. The Swanky Stamper will not only be acknowledged as the Swankiest Stamper for that month, but will also receive some of the stamps from our next release and get to play along with us at our Pajamas Party and Blog Hop. AND... They'll even get a special spot in the Gallery highlighting the project that won them the gig AND as snazzy badge to display on their blog.
7. The winner will be announced the First Monday of the month on Splitcoaststampers, Facebook page and this Blog. 

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All That Scraps Preview - Paradise

The June All That Scraps release is now available for purchase. But I have one more stamp set to preview Paradise which is available in both clear and rubber. This is really a fun set and I really enjoyed putting my cards together. Odd that I really love the camping related type stamps because,  frankly, that does not translate over to real life. The whole concept of camping or rv-ing is a mystery to me. I much prefer roughing it at a Grand Hyatt in the spa or at the pool!

I first stamped the camper, the trailer hitch and gas tank. I then masked the camper and stamped the two trees. I cut the image out with Spellbinders Nestabilities and then colored with Copic markers. The sentiment is from the set also and I stamped it onto a piece cut with the Banner Day Cutters. I kept the embellishments simple for a masculine look. All the paper is from the W R Memory Keepers Happy Campers 6x6 pad.

Products: C.C. Designs stamps and Cutters, We R Memory Keepers dp, Basic Grey button, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers
Copics: Camper-W00, E81, BG10, BG11, BG34, YR30, YR31, YR23, YR24; Trees/Grass-YG0000, G20, YG91, YG93, YG95, E53, E57, E29; Shadows-BG70, B0000, B000

I couldn't resist making another card. This time I used the masking technique to create a scene including the RV, picket fence, mailbox, shrub and puppy and colored all with Copic markers. I stamped the tree separately and used dimensional dots to attach. The sentiment came from the same set and was stamped onto a label shape. All the paper came from the new Echo Park Happy Camper 6x6 pad.

Products: C.C. Designs stamps and Cutters, Echo Park dp, Doodlebug pearls, My Favorite Things Die-namics, Copic Markers
Copics: RV-W00, E81, BG70, BG0000, BG10, YR30, YR31, Y21, YR23, YR24, W1, W2, W5, W7; Mailbox-W00, E81, W00, W1, W2, E07, E19; Tree/Shrub-E35, E25, E29, G40, G82, G85; Puppy-W00, E81, E30, E31, E34; Grass-G40, G21, G24; Shadows/Sky-B0000, B000

This stamp along with all the other June stamps are available for purchase at All That Scraps now.


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Proverbs 16:9

I have a card today using the week one sketch for the Viva la Verve June challenges. I haven't been able to do the monthly challenges since February and I am hoping to keep up even though June is a very busy month for me. We'll see!

I stamped the Proverbs 16:9 verse with Memento Olive Grove ink and then the Curvy Cross Plain Jane onto a diecut cut with the matching Cross Die set. I added an oversized pearl to the center of the cross, keeping things simple for a more masculine look. All the paper is from the Authentique Loyal 6x6 pad.

Products: Verve stamps and die, Authentique dp, Bo Bunny pearl

A short and to the point post today! Thanks so much for stopping by!


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Sweet November Preview - Princess Margriet

Today is the last day of June previews featuring Sweet November for All That Scraps. This month we are celebrating the princesses in your life. The four Princesses are actually sold as a set but we are showcasing them individually

Even though we are previewing the Princesses individually, I decided to treat my cards as a set. The colors, patterns and the layouts are different but you will notice that all the cards have common elements, white backgrounds, a paper doily, soft seam binding ribbon, button, bling and a sentiment from the new Simply Enchanting Sentiments (clear) set.

Today's card features Princess Margriet. I am normally not a fan of purple but I thought this beauty needed some royal colors. And what little girl does not like purple? For some reason there is always a purple phase. I colored up Margriet with Copic Markers and then cut out the image with Spellbinders Nestabilities. I added the sentiment onto the paper doily. The beauty of clear stamps is that they are bendy so I curved it to fit the circular shape. All the patterned paper came from the Crate Paper On Trend 6x6 pad.

Products: Sweet November stamp, C.C. Designs stamp, Crate Paper dp, Doodlebug button and jewels, Kaisercraft jewels, Martha Stewart paper doily, The Cat's Pajamas seam binding, Copic Markers
Copics: Skin-E0000, E00, E21, R20; Hair-N1, N3, N5, N7; Eyes-YG91, YG93; Clothing-W00, E81, BV000, BV00, BV01, BV02, C1, C5, C7; Crown-BV000, BV00, BV01, BV02; Floor-W1, W2, W5; Shadows-BV0000, BV000

Be sure to check out the project that my fellow design team member Tress has created using this stamp.  Amy, the illustrator of the Sweet November line has a creative card to share with you and also outlines the details on a chance to win some blog candy. All you have to do is leave comments on our various blogs.

This stamp along with the other June stamps and dies will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store Thursday, June 6 at 9pm EDT. My card along with many other Sweet November projects are also on the All That Scraps blog today. 

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Sweet November Preview - Princess Williamina

***This is my second post for today. Please scroll down for my C.C. Designs for All That Scraps preview card.*** 

I'm back for a third day of June previews featuring Sweet November for All That Scraps. This month we are celebrating the princesses in your life. The four Princesses are actually sold as a set but we are showcasing them individually

Even though we are previewing the Princesses individually, I decided to treat my cards as a set. The colors, patterns and the layouts are different but you will notice that all the cards have common elements, white backgrounds, a paper doily, soft seam binding ribbon, button, bling and a sentiment from the new Simply Enchanting Sentiments (clear) set.

Today's card features Princess Williamina. After coloring the image I fussy cut her out, added jewels to her crown and then adhered her to a patterned paper piece cut with Spellbinders Nestabilities.All the patterned paper came from the My Mind's Eye Up and Away 6x6 pad. 

Products: Sweet November stamp, C.C. Designs stamp,  My Mind's Eye dp, Doodlebug button and jewels, Martha Stewart paper doily and seam binding, Copic Markers
Copics: Skin-E000, E01, E21, R20; Hair-E50, Y21, Y26; Eyes-B41, B32; Dress-YG0000, YG21, YG01, R30, R32, R22; Crown-W00, E81

Be sure to check out the project that my fellow design team member Tress has created using this stamp.  Amy, the illustrator of the Sweet November line has a creative card to share with you and also outlines the details on a chance to win some blog candy. All you have to do is leave comments on our various blogs.

This stamp along with the other June stamps and dies will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store Thursday, June 6 at 9pm EDT.

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All That Scraps Preview - Princess White

Welcome to another day of  C.C. Designs previews for All That Scraps for June. Today I'm featuring the lovely Princess White from the Drozy's Darlings line.

After coloring the image with Copic Markers, I fussy cut her out and then positioned her in a field of flowers. I added the tree cut with the Four Season Tree Cutters set. The bird perched in the tree was cut with the Little Birds Cutters. The butterflies were cut with a Martha Stewart punch. The sentiment came from the new Simply Enchanting Sentiments (clear) set. The cloud paper is Doodlebug and the rest is from the new My Mind's Eye Kate & Co. Cambridge Court 6x6 pad

Products: C.C. Designs stamps and Cutters, My Mind's Eye dp, Martha Stewart punch, Kaisercraft pearls, Copic Markers
Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E21, R20; Hair-E30, E31, E35, E25; Clothing-W00, E81, BG10, BG11, BG72, RV10, RV11, RV23; Crown-YR30, YR31, Y21

This stamp along with the other June stamps and dies will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store Thursday, June 6 at 9pm EDT.

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