I am back, with news and of course some links

We have been so busy here, and I apologize for not posting for so long, it seems that my day gets away from me and when I can blog the kids are using the computer...sigh. Today I managed to get on the computer early (should I now be called BeforeHoursStamper?) and have some updates and news to share.

Roxy (our kitty) ended up spending seven days in the animal hospital as her wound just would not heal, finally, after three months it looks like she is back on track, wound looks good and she no longer has to wear the cone (my nephew had nicknamed her "radar" because of the cone). Given that she hurt herself exploring the outdoors we have decided to build an outdoor enclosure for both kitties this summer, ordered the plans and we are starting the building process soon.

Ok, now onto some stamping related news : ) I am really excited to now be a member of the "Paper Temptress Design Team!" I love Paper Temptresses papers! Some of the best and most interesting cardstock on the market, if you have a chance, go visit her store by clicking here, or the blog by clicking here. (There is also some blog candy, click here to view the giveaway post.)

And I am also now Paper Craft Planet Tutorial Team Member! Paper Craft Planet is a fantastic community for stampers, if you haven't checked it out yet, make sure to stop by and see all the wonderful tutorials, videos and groups.

Also, if you look on the sidebar of my blog, you will see a new feature which will allow you to type in a question or comment in real time. Just type what you want and it will pop up in the sidebar. Let me know if you like this new feature.

Ok, now, finally onto some fun links! One of the things I love about stamping are all the choices available for coloring in images. One of the things I find most frustrating about stamping is......all the choices available for coloring in images : ) Many of you remember the tutorial on using Bic markers instead of copics. I still use my Bics, however have been able to slowly add to my copic collection (Bics are great but their colors tend to run dark).

Copics are wonderful coloring tools, however there is a learning curve with them, including finding the best paper to use, what stamping ink works best for your image, and of course the actual coloring of your image.

So, for the last few days I have been watching and searching for copic related posts and blogs, and have some amazing links to share with you.

* Copic Creations: A new blog that has challenges, tutorials and a wealth of copic related information!

* Scrap Bitz: WOW! What a fantastic site! Suzanne is absolutely amazing, has some GREAT videos on her blog as well as some amazing tutorials, tips and lists. Today she put up a list of copics she recommends as a starter package, check it out here, and check out this video she did (one of many):



* Paper Fections: This is a great resource post for all things copic related, links to all sorts of tutorials, best papers to use, color combinations and more, you will want to save this link.

*I Like Markers: Perhaps the very best site for all things related to copics. I have posted her link in the sidebar under "Best Stamping Blogs, Communties and Websites," and here is a link to a fabulous post she had in November. The post has charts you can download, as well as hints on how to keep track of the color combinations that you like.

Ok, that is it for today, and I am going to try to update again later this week or early next week (have a ton more links and stuff to share).

Until then, have a great day!