Big Announcement!

Happy Halloween peps! Whew, seems like this holiday is long gone already... between seeing Christmas decorations in the stores - to working on Valentines day stuff for the Sweet Shop - seems like I'm rarely celebrating the 'right' holiday. lol - Ever feel that way?! 

Boy do we have a BIG BIG announcement to make... Let's start with a little 'back story' (just a hint - I know I can get chatty!) 

I started Sweet Stamp Shop over two years ago now, and I always hoped to grow to a place where I could bring in other artists as illustrators - As we've organically grown, about 6 months ago I finally felt like we were in a place to start searching for some illustrators.... and so the search began... and, like any other relationship - we 'dated' lots of people and had lots of 'chats' with so many talented artists. We knew - that God had the right plan for us and our Sweet Shop - and little did I know how amazing His plan was!! 

Long story short - Alyssa Bennett joined our design team, she lives here in San Diego - and we met up --- we became fast friends (like, the friends that just 'click' and you're hanging out all the time :) She mentioned that she had a stamp line that she had to abruptly quit --- and she had all these illustrations just sitting waiting for the right 'thing'. Not thinking too much of it, I told her that I would help her sell the illustrations, and give her some of my contacts. 

She came over one night and brought her computer with all her illustrations. I started to go through her stuff - and I thought, wait a minute... you're not selling these to anyone other than the SWEET shop! Her stuff is amazing and this whole time we were building a friendship --- I had no idea I was becoming such great friends with Sweet Stamp Shop's first illustrator! 

I can't tell you the blessing that Alyssa has been for the Sweet shop - and for me. We sit in the Sweet headquarters, she listens to all my big dreams - hopes - stories ... and she DREAMS - HOPES - and SHARES right along with me. 

In a year of transition - in finding myself - in shedding old and coming into NEW - Alyssa, Danni, Kristen - and all my Pinterst Party Pals ... they've brought me back into the 'friendship' living. (quick gushing moment - here's a peek at one of our pinterest parties... if you're ever in San Diego - you'll have to come!) 

SO without any further gushing... 

Please give a warm - sweet welcome to Alyssa! She'll be introducing her new line with us starting in November. (here's a little peek at what you can expect from this talented artist) 

If I've learned anything in the last 2 years - it's that God has an amazing plan for you and the day that you choose to smile, look forward, and live with passion - HE will make your path more clear, and bless you immensely along the way. 

We can't wait to show off more of what Alyssa has coming - I think you're going to SWOON when you see just how cute her stuff is.... 

Take a moment and visit Alyssa on her new blog - HERE 

We're also excited to be introducing some AHH-mazing guest designers to help show off Alyssa's new line --- take a moment to welcome these talented artists to the Sweet family... 

Wida Miller

Thienly Azim

Jennifer Rzasa

Lisa Arana

Also, because it's just plain FUN - here's a chance to win one of Alyssa's debut sets before you can buy it - and before I can even SHOW it! 

Ok - now's time to enter... 

Happy Halloween! Doesn't Mr. Sweet look positively SCARY!?

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Triple Sweet Thursday - 10 Minute Craft Dash

Hey everyone!

Happy Thursday sweet friends! It's Alyssa here from My Thoughts Exactly with another Triple Sweet Thursday - 3 Cards, 3 Ways, 1 Challenge! As always I'll be spotlighting ONE challenge and rocking it THREE ways to get you inspired!

This week's featured challenge:

The 10 Minute Craft Dash

About the Challenge:

The 10 Minute Craft Dash is a color challenge with a TWIST: you must complete your card in under 10 minutes. A new challenge is posted every other Wednesday. Your entry must use the color palette and be completed in under 10 minutes. Though if you do go over 10 minutes you can still link up,  you just won't be eligible for the prize. An important note: you CAN plan and pull out your supplies prior  to starting the timer!

Why I Love This Challenge:

Do you LOVE color challenges but find yourself bored or not so challenged by them from time to time? If so, The 10 Minute Craft Dash is for YOU! I love a good old color challenge, but I REALLY love the 10 minute twist! It's like the card makers work out. Sometimes I find myself spending HOURS on one card. That's ok every now and then, but isn't great when you have several cards on your to do list. The 10 Minute Craft Dash really pushes you to get creative and just DO IT. Do it FAST.

The Current Challenge:

The current challenge called for the use of orange, black, and green. Perfect for Halloween right? But Halloween isn't the only way to rock this color palette!

3 Cards - 3 Ways -ONE Challenge

Way 1 : CAS

Time: 7 minutes and 2 seconds

For my first card I went the route I'm most comfortable with: CAS. I pulled out my Sweet Stamp Shop Triangle Style and Zombies stamp sets, an orange, a green, and a black ink pad, and some white paper. I started the timer and went to work creating my Halloween inspired triangle pattern. After scrambling to find some sequins to finish off my card, my stylish and simple Halloween card was finished in 7 minutes and 2 seconds!

Way 2 : a GUEST card by Danni!

Time: 7 minutes and 47 seconds

For card number two I brought in the help of my wonderful friend and Sweet Design Team coordinator Danni! It was super fun to do the dash with Danni and Nicole! Danni busted out this beautiful ombre card featuring the Sweet Stamp Shop Fall Gratitude stamp set in just 7 minutes and 47 seconds! I especially love the little gem accents. Thanks so much for your help Danni!!

Way 3 : More Involved

Time: 9 minutes and 38 seconds

Whew. This one was close. For my final card I challenged myself to step outside the halloween/fall box. I will admit a couple things: I stretched "orange" to a bit of a yellow to red spectrum, and see those green sequins? Yeah, those MIGHT have gone on after I stopped my timer and then realized I had no green, shhh. But I LOVE how this card turned out, and that's really what it's about isn't it? For this card I whipped out my Sweet Stamp Shop Super Mom stamp set, plus my watercolors and some clear acetate. Oh, and don't forget the sequin ;)

SSS Used in These Projects:

Triangle Style

Zombies

Fall Gratitude

Super Mom

I'm looking for MORE challenges to feature right here on the SSS blog! What is YOUR favorite challenge to play along with? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Have you checked out the SSS Pinterest and Flickr pages?

There's TONS more fantastic inspiration on those pages so be sure to click and check them out!!

Before I go, DON'T FORGET the Sweet Stamp Shop October release is happening October 16th! You WON'T want to miss this one!!

Big bloggy hugs <3

Alyssa

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Triple Sweet Thursday: Fusion Card Challenge

Hey everyone!

Happy Thursday!! It's Alyssa here again from My Thoughts Exactly with another Triple Sweet Thursday - 3 Cards, 3 Ways, 1 Challenge! Once again I'll be spotlighting ONE challenge and rocking it THREE ways to get you inspired!

This week's featured challenge:

Fusion Card Challenge

About the Challenge:

Fusion Card Challenge offers a new challenge every other week in which you are provided with BOTH an inspiration image AND a card sketch. You use JUST the image, JUST the sketch, or BOTH. Once the entry period has ended all of the entries are opened up to voting. The entry that receives the most votes is declared the Zen Master and 3 Honorable Mentions are also chosen.

Why I Love This Challenge:

OPTIONS. This challenge is basically TWO challenges in one: and inspiring image AND a sketch, PLUS the added option of combining the two. I LOVE options when it comes to challenges, the more inspiration the better, and Fusion Card Challenge really delivers. Another thing I love is that this challenge offers the chance for our peers to VOTE. Most challenges seem to be random or judged by a design team, Fusion is more of a people's choice. And don't we all just LOVE to have a say and get a VOTE these days?

The Current Challenge:

I just LOVED this funky inspiration photo (which just happened to include my two favorite colors: teal and green!), and who doesn't love a classic sketch with banners??

3 Cards - 3 Ways - ONE Challenge

Way 1 : Inspiration Photo ONLY

For this first card I decided to pull inspiration from the photo ONLY. I chose to use the colors mostly, but I also pulled from some of the shapes on the cups which is what pulled me to use the trees from the Sweet Stamp Shop Fall Gratitude stamp set. The "Fall in Love" sentiment is also from this set.

Way 2 : Sketch ONLY

For this next card I decided to focus on the sketch ONLY. I turned the sketch on it's side and used the bullseye from the Sweet Stamp Shop Wheely Like You stamp set as my circle. In place of two of the banners I used arrows (one from Wheely Like You and the other from Made By #2). The sentiment is also from Wheely Like You. Instead of using a patterned paper I decided to create a similar effect with watercolor.

Way 3 : Inspiration Photo AND Sketch

For this final card I decided to combine the inspiration photo AND the sketch. All of the stamps you see here are from the Sweet Stamp Shop Chalkboard Sign set. Once again I turned the sketch on it's side. I stamped the hearts in the colors I pulled from the inspiration photo. In place of the main circle I used my "I Love You" sentiment, and in place of the banners I used arrows.

Don't you just LOVE the OPTIONS??

SSS Used in These Projects:

Wheely Like You

Fall Gratitude

Chalkboard Sign

Made By #2

I'm looking for MORE challenges to feature right here on the SSS blog! What is YOUR favorite challenge to play along with? Leave me a comment and let me know!

If you were to enter this Fusion challenge which route would you take? Inspiration photo, sketch, or both??

Have you checked out the SSS Pinterest and Flickr pages?

There's TONS more fantastic inspiration on those pages so be sure to click and check them out!!

And before I go I just want to say that Sweet Stamp Shop has some REALLY exciting things around the corner, so be on the lookout for the next release, I know you're going to LOVE it!

Big bloggy hugs,

<3 Alyssa

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Triple Sweet Thursdays - Seize the Birthday

Hey everyone!

Happy Thursday!! It's Alyssa here again from My Thoughts Exactly with another Triple Sweet Thursday post for you where I will be spotlighting another challenge and rocking it three different ways to get you inspired!

Today's featured challenge:

Seize the Birthday

About the Challenge:

Seize the birthday is a bi-monthly challenge (every two weeks) that is an anything goes birthday challenge with a TWIST. With every challenge you have the option of anything goes as long as it is birthday themed. BUT, they also offer a "topping" that is an optional inspiration word for those of you who, well, want to be challenged. You may enter up to 3 cards per challenge. Entries are judged and after each challenge a "Take the Cake" winner and three "Birthday Honours" are chosen.

Why I Love This Challenge:

First and foremost: ANYTHING GOES. Who doesn't love a good old fashioned anything goes challenge?! The only catch: it must be birthday. So if you made a birthday card this week, ENTER IT! But what's even better than an anything goes challenge? An anything goes challenge with an OPTIONAL INSPIRATION. I love how Seize the Birthday offers an optional "topping" for you to use as inspiration, but you don't HAVE to, so everyone can play along! Maybe one week you just aren't feeling the "topping," no biggie, just make a birthday card! Maybe the next week you are really looking to be challenged, no worries there either, they've got you covered!

The Current Challenge:

HERE is the current challenge at Seize the Birthday.

The "topping" for this challenge: Monochromatic.

3 Cards - 3 Ways - ONE Challenge

Way 1 : CAS

For this first card I wanted to stick to my favorite technique: CAS. Which seems like it would lend itself PERFECTLY to a monochromatic color palette, don't ya think? Check it out:

For this one I used a paint brush and a little water color paint to splatter the background. Next I stamped my "Happy Birthday!" sentiment from the Sweet Stamp Shop Easily Distracted stamp set. Finally I added some enamel dots and sequins and ta-da!

Way 2 : Water Color

For my next card I turned to my favorite trend: water color! Yet another style I felt would lend PERFECTLY to the monochromatic "topping"!

I stamped and embossed the adorable little cupcake from the Sweet Stamp Shop Easily Distracted stamp set (again, I know, I am just in LOVE with this new set!!). Then I did a wash of pink water colors. Once that dried I stamped my "Cupcake?!" and "Happy Birthday!" sentiments also from the Sweet Stamp Shop Easily Distracted stamp set.

Way 3 : Stamped Background

Another fun way to showcase a monochromatic color palette is to create your own stamped background.

For this one I pulled out the fun arrow from the Sweet Stamp Shop Made By 2 stamp set and the same "Happy Birthday!" sentiment from the Sweet Stamp Shop Easily Distracted stamp set. I have to apologize because one of my "orange" inks came out quite a bit yellower than I expected. BUT the awesome thing about Seize the Birthday is that even if my card does not qualify as monochromatic, it still qualifies for anything goes!

TIP: If you aren't comfortable stamping your own backgrounds just yet I recommend stamping out your background on a larger piece of paper first, giving yourself space for trial and error. THEN cut out the card bas from an area of the pattern you created that you like. This way you can choose where the edges of the pattern are, rather than risking your pattern not coming out even on your pre-cut card base.

This "topping" was pretty FUN, no?! If you play along with Seize the Birthday I'd LOVE to see your entry! Be sure to leave me a comment with a link so I can leave you some love!!

SSS Used in These Projects:

Easily Distracted

Made by #2

I'm looking for MORE challenges to feature right here on the SSS blog! What is YOUR favorite challenge to play along with? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Have you checked out the SSS Pinterest and Flickr pages?
There's TONS more fantastic inspiration on those pages so be sure to click and check them out!!

Alright sweet friends, that's all for me today!

I'll see you again next week for another Triple Sweet Thurday!!

Big bloggy hugs <3

Alyssa

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Triple Sweet Thursdays - RIC #43

Hey everyone!

Happy Thursday!! It's Alyssa here from My Thoughts Exactly and I am SO excited to be sharing my very FIRST post with you as a member of the Sweet Stamp Shop Design Team!! And let me tell you, my new "job" here at SSS could NOT be more perfect for me! On (most) Thursdays I will be here on the blog with "Triple Sweet - 3 Cards, 3 Ways, 1 Challenge" where I will be sharing with you my favorite challenges from all over blog land and I will be showing you THREE different ways to tackle that ONE challenge! SUPER fun, don't ya think?? So, without further ado, let's get to it!

I wanted to kick things off by featuring my personal FAVORITE challenge:

Runway Inspired Challenge

About the Challenge:

Runway Inspired Challenge (or RIC as you will often see) is a bi-monthly challenge that offers an image of a current runway outfit as inspiration. Participants can enter the challenge as many times as they would like. With every challenge a new prize is offered, the entries are judged, and the winner is chosen by the RIC Design Team.

Why I Love This Challenge:

First and foremost I love RIC because it is DIFFERENT! I feel that most challenges offer a theme, sketch, or color palette to inspire you, which is fantastic. But for me, RIC offers a sketch, color palette, and sometimes even a theme all in one, without directly offering each of those things, and that is DIFFERENT! With RIC you can choose to be inspired by the colors in the outfit, the patterns in the outfit, the layout of the outfit, the era the outfit references... It's really up to YOU to choose how the runway photo inspires you, and I love that. 

Another thing I love about the RIC is that it is judged. Now this may seem daunting at first, but let me tell you why it rocks: It MOTIVATES me. When a challenge is judged I feel WAY more accomplished when I win. And even if you're a novice crafter and you think there's no way your skills are up to par, I promise you CAN win! You just have to keep at it, keep MOTIVATED, keep trying! Is it too cliche if I say "If at first you don't succeed, try try again"?

The Current Challenge:

HERE is the current inspiration at Runway Inspired Challenge

Can't you just see all the possibilities??

Pattern - Color - Layout... What will you choose?

3 Cards - 3 Ways - ONE Challenge

Way 1 : CAS

For this first card I decided to take the CAS route. I was inspired by both the pattern in the photo (from the shirt AND the background) and the color scheme. Check it out:

I created the patterned background simply by using a ruler and my black Copic marker, leaving a space for my sentiment. Then I stamped the two flower stamps from the Dia De Los Muertos Sweet Stamp Shop set, cut them out, and popped them up. Finally I stamped the Miss You from Wheely Like You Sweet Stamp Shop Set.

Way 2 : Outside the Box

For this second card I drew my inspiration from the colors in the photo ONLY. If a challenge doesn't require you to use EVERY piece of the inspiration they provide, get CREATIVE! Check it out:

I created the sort of "ombre" background using my watercolors and watercolor paper (side note: watercolors are my newest OBSESSION! So I hope you don't mind if you see quite a bit of water coloring from me!!). Then I stamped the color sentiment from the Color Wheel Sweet Stamp Shop set on a scrap of white. Finally I stamped the feathers from the Dia De Los Muertos Sweet Stamp Shop set, cut them out, and popped them up.

Way 3 : More Involved

CAS not your style? No problem! For this one I dove into my patterned paper stash, whipped out my Copics and some of my favorite SSS stamps for coloring! Check it out:

For this card I wanted to go a little crazier, I created a Halloween card! I started by choosing the striped patterned paper, as well as a solid yellow. I layered these two pieces and wrapped them with a piece of yellow twine. Next I stamped the skull from the Dia De Los Muertos Sweet Stamp Shop set and colored it with my Copics. Last, I stamped out "happy halloween" using the Alpha Tabs Sweet Stamp Shop set.

So what do you think sweet friends? Are you feeling motivated to give the RIC a shot? I sure hope so!!

And if you DO, I would LOVE to see what you create! Leave me a comment with a link to your RIC entry so I can check it out and leave you some love!!

Also, what is YOUR favorite challenge to play along with? Leave me a comment and let me know!

It might just get featured here on the SSS blog ;)

SSS Used in these projects:

Alpha Tabs

Color Wheel

Dia De Los Muertos

Wheely Like You

Before I go I wanted to give you a quick reminder: The SSS September release is coming!!!

You DON'T want to miss this one! It is SO ADORABLE!!

Be sure to join the September Release Facebook Event so you don't miss a thing!

And I'll see you on September 10th with some inspiration using the new sets :D

PS. Have you checked out the SSS Pinterest and Flickr pages?
There's TONS more fantastic inspiration on those pages so be sure to click and check them out!!

Alright sweet friends, that's all for me today!

I'll see you again next week for the September release!!

Big bloggy hugs <3

Alyssa

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