Using Stickles Without Your Ink Bleeding: Several of you commented that you have trouble with Stickles making ink bleed. I think this happens when you use an ink that is water soluble...like SU's classic ink. If the ink is water soluble, adding liquid glue over it will probably make it bleed. Using a water resistant or waterproof ink prevents this. I have used my Stickles over Memento, VersaColor, VersaMagic, Palette, Ancient Page, and Memories inks without the inks bleeding. Copics, Bics, Sharpies, and Memento Markers are all bleed-proof, so you can use Stickles over them without a problem. Hope that helps!
Today's LITTLE THING is the Sakura Stardust Clear gelly-roll pen. Oh, my golly gracious! What a handy little pen! An employee at Archiver's first introduced me to to them years ago, and I've not been without a couple in my stash ever since because you can do really cool--and FLAT--things with these pens with almost no effort at all.
For example, you can make fish scales shimmer:
This cute fishy is from Oceans of Joy, a clear set from Hero Arts. I colored it with Memento Markers (quick review of the markers: colors are darker than the matching pads and don't cover as well as Bic/Sharpie markers, but I still like them because the light colors are lighter than the Bic/Sharpies and they don't bleed through PTI white cardstock).
To color the fish, I used two shades of pink and London Fog gray; then I accented random bits of the fish with the clear Stardust pen. The shimmer below is exaggerated by the photo, but you get some idea of the shimmer a simple swipe with a pen can give. It takes a few minutes to dry, so be careful not to smear it!
I liked this so much I made a blue one, too!
Just adding this shimmer to an image can help turn an ordinary simple card into an extraordinary simple card. I find myself reaching for these most often on Christmas cards but really should use them more to accent flourishes (I could make curls of steam shimmer as they leave a coffee mug!), flowers, and all sorts of other images.
Today, there will be two winners picked at random. Each will receive a two-pack of the Sakura Stardust Clear pens. Just answer the following questions in the Comments section of this post. Entries will be closed 48 hours after this post. Please leave only one comment!
Stardust Pen Give-Away Question
What one LITTLE THING makes you realize that spring is finally going to arrive? For me, it's walking out my door early in the morning and hearing the robins singing in chorus.
I love the stardust pens!
ReplyDeleteI know that spring is finally going to arrive when I see people starting to ditch their winter coats for lighter jackets. My friend in college always looked forward to what he called "Spring Day"....the day when all the girls wear their skimpy skirts and dresses! Haha. I think he looked forward to it for a different reason than I do!
I know it's spring -- or almost spring -- when I can wear shoes sans socks without feeling like a crazy person :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love these pens as well (and own one of my own) so no need to enter me in the giveaway. Thanks!
The snow piles are almost completely gone in the parking lots. That makes me hopeful that spring is almost here.
ReplyDeleteI know spring is just around the corner when our favorite Ice Cream store opens and also the B&K Root Beer stand opens...both are open now and we've already been to both!!
ReplyDeleteI know spring is coming because the days are lighter both in the morning and at night. I love the longer days. Love your fish!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree! I **love** the Sakura Stardust Clear pens too. They are great. The colored ones are fun too, but not nearly as useful! Thanks for the great info today....
ReplyDeleteI also love the stardust pens for adding that little sparkle to my cards! I know spring is just around the corner when my crocus and daffodils start blooming which they are now. C'mon Spring!!!
ReplyDeleteI live in Hawaii now where it's always summer but moved here from Alaska where spring doesn't arrive until May. Up there you knew it was spring when the graders came to break up the ice that had been on your street for 6+ months!
ReplyDeleteLove the sparkly fishes! I know spring has arrived when my daffodils (planted 500 bulbs) start blooming. There may still be snow and ice, but they don't care!
ReplyDeleteI know spring is coming because of this little thing...I was able to leave the house without my jacket today!!!! Love it....although it's cooling off again this week. It's OK...springs coming!
ReplyDeleteOh, this is easy! Just like Wendy, my "daffyducks" are blooming. Always the first sign of spring, to me anyway.
ReplyDeleteGotta get me one of those pens, even if I don't win! LOVE the look of your shiny fish scales!
Kegbo (Sarah)
The buttercups are a true sign of spring! (Love those fish cards!)
ReplyDeleteCrocus. They come up (purple ones) then it snows on top of them and they're still there when the snow melts. If they can survive the cold and snow, so can I!
ReplyDeleteYour fish cards remind of the Rainbow Fish Stories!
Love your fish cards, they remind me of the "Rainbow Fish" children's book too!
ReplyDeleteThere is still 3 feet of snow piled up along my driveway, so it's really hard to think spring will ever come this year. But, my husband said he saw a rabbit today and it was splotchy brown (in Alberta, they turn white in the winter and back to brown in the summer), so spring must be right around the corner!
I always think it's when it has snowed on the daffodils, so we've done that, so please, melt away the snow and bring on the sunshine!
ReplyDeleteThe daffodils are the sign of spring for me. Cute fish cards. And thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteThe daffodils are blooming in my yard! They look so cheery and bright. Had a bit more snow right up the road the last few days, but just rain here.
ReplyDeleteDeniseB
I love the shimmer on your fish and would love to win those pens! I know spring is coming because (1) my husband's allergies are acting up; and (2) the shrubs in my front yard are full of blossoms.
ReplyDeleteCute, cute cards!
ReplyDeleteThe true sign of spring for me is the emergence of the tulips and daffodils by the side of my house! and most of the snow is gone! yeah!
Love how one little "tool" can make such a difference to a card!
ReplyDeleteThe little thing that announces to me that spring is finally on the way is the return of the birds - robins, killdeer, tundra swans - and even though we may still get another dumping of snow, I know that spring is lurking!
I live in Alaska and a big sign of spring is when the ice goes out on the rivers and lakes. Before long we have 20+ hrs of daylight and everyone is out enjoying the weather.
ReplyDeleteI am WITH you on the stardust pens!!! Thanks for the help on the Stickles....I am going to keep trying! My first sign of spring are my little crocuses that peek out of my dead vines in my flower bed!
ReplyDeleteThe true sign for me is not "having" to wear gloves.
ReplyDeleteWhen the field across the street from my home turns an amazing emerald green I believe that spring is coming. After the wet, brown of winter that green reminds me to feel hopeful about life.
ReplyDeleteHere in Oklahoma it's when the red buds bloom. They come in the prettiest shades of pink to red.
ReplyDeleteI know Spring is closing in, when it's still cold.........but sun seems brighter & warmer.................and then you find Crocus blooming in lil' patches in the yard!!! YES!!! Come on SPRING!!!!! lol lol lol
ReplyDeleteI had never heard about the pens. Thanks so much for sharing ! My first imagine of spring must be tulips!! I plant them in the fall in memory of my Mom.
ReplyDeleteThe piles of snow are starting to melt and I actually can see a patch of grass!!! That's a sure sign spring is coming.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the hints on using a Stardust pen. I don't have any and now can't wait to try one!
ReplyDeleteWhat one LITTLE THING makes me realize that spring is finally going to arrive? When shoots of my crocuses (as long as they haven't been decimated by the chipmunks and squirrels over the winter) and then daffodils finally start stretching out of the ground. :)
the little thing that makes me know that spring is on the way... the daffodils peeking up from the ground.
ReplyDeletelove the sakura stardust pens!
Love your fish cards!
ReplyDeleteI know that spring is sure to arrive when I look out my sunroom window and see the Camellia bush blooming. It starts blooming in early March here.
These cards are so cute! Those Sakura pens really add dimension to the image. I can see making a set of these for gifts.
ReplyDeleteThe one little thing that makes me realize spring is coming are the birds in my backyard that start singing at the crack of dawn and keep me from sleeping in on the weekends. The little thing that lets me know spring is here are the rows of plum trees on our street that start sprouting pretty pink flowers. They are a beautiful sight!
Those fish are darling and I love their shimmer that the stardust pen addes! The one little thing that tells me spring in on the way are the crocuses coming up all around!
ReplyDeleteLove the fish cards - they really do remind me of Rainbow Fish.
ReplyDeleteFor me, spring is here when my kids are asking if they can go to the park because there is still a smidgen of light after I pick them up from daycare after work. We may only get 5 minutes and we may freeze to death but it's a moment worth celebrating!
Cute cards!!!
ReplyDeleteThe little sign of spring for me was the beautiful weather we had last week. It really felt like spring was on it's way. Of course, as I type this, it's pouring rain! :)
Love the darling fish cards! The Stardust pens are amazing!
ReplyDeleteI know spring is here when the birds start to wake me up in the morning! They can be LOUD!
I also love the Stardust pens! I know Spring is coming when I see the buds on the cherry trees, the bulbs blooming - their shoots of leaves are coming through the dirt!
ReplyDeleteI love these stardust pens..such a beautiful name for them..star dust..just imagine a sprinkling of the stardust across your cards...ummm..makes me giddy with happiness!!
ReplyDeleteSpring is here..how do I know..I ditch my jackets, long trousers for shorty shorts, and spaghetti tops!
Its way past spring, its blistering 105F already over here..
I've never tried these pens but they sound beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWell, it's autumn here at present but it still feels like summer.
We don't get a nice gentle spring. Often it jumps straight from winter to summer. But if was to name one thing, it would be noticing the days getting longer.
That Sakura pen makes the fish scales on your card shimmer just like real fish scales do! What a wonderful product (and beautiful cards!). The first sign that spring is coming up here in Vancouver, Canada is the appearance of snowdrops in my garden. Even if it snows on them, they keep on blooming.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many signs telling me that spring is on its way-but I KNOW IT IS SPRINGtime by the polkadotted trees. The pine needle trees grow spring green tips and look like they are wearing polkadots!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to be experiencing spring! After 23 years of living in hot, sweaty Florida--where there is only a long hot summer, followed by a mild summer, followed by a long hot summer--I have been completely enjoying the Pacific Northwest, where we just moved. Today my husband and I took a long walk through our new neighborhood, and I was delighted to see all the bulbs coming up: daffodils, crocuses, others I need to learn the names of. The redbud trees are just starting to bloom as well. All these flowers--especially bulbs and flowering trees--say "Spring" to me. I can't wait to watch them progress over the coming weeks.
ReplyDeleteCute, cute cards. Do you get out your grid every time so the placement of things will be so perfect - or can you just eyeball it, now? I do have your grid but I'm still not good at placement. Oh, and I KNOW spring is here because the BUGS are back! Yuck.
ReplyDeleteStardust pens are indeed cool and I have the "clear" pen stashed in several places!
ReplyDeleteSpring? Lighter evenings, warmer starts to the morning for me!
Glorious fish btw - think I like the pink best but . . .
Kathyk
Love your fish - the sakura pens really add to them. The signs of spring I like are the birds singing in the early morning, but that is 6 months away for us, it is now officially autumn here 'downunder'
ReplyDeleteI also got introduced to Stardust pens in Archivers. I love to see the Magnolia trees in bloom.
ReplyDeleteThe fish cards are lovely. Spring is near when the days start getting longer & nights shorter.
ReplyDeleteThe "little things" that make me know spring is here are lady bugs. We always get a few in the house around this time of year. Maybe I should stamp & color them with the pretty stardust pens so I will like them more! Your fish were beautiful and your cards are like a spring day - so fresh and clean.
ReplyDeleteI know that spring is going to arrive soon because my horses are shedding handfuls of hair. Oh and my pastures have a sheen of green in them. Happiness is a green pasture.
ReplyDeleteKaren Pruett
Krenmp1@hotmail.com
No doubt about it - Nothing says spring like daffodils!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen or heard robins yet here in Ontario but I have heard other birds sing. Yeah! The birds are back singing again. The snow is finally melting. Still have it in places though. Love these pens. Can't have too many of them! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love that blue fish!
ReplyDeleteI always feel happy when the very frst very freshly freen tiny leaves apear. That's the definite clue that all's going to be allright again this year!
Great cards...love the blue one.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that hearing the robins is definitely a sign of spring but for me it is seeing the heads of my crocuses poking up through the dirt in the garden outside my front door...can't wait to see my garden come to life...and we are supposed to get a wicked snow storm by Wed...yuk!!
I live in SE Georgia and Spring was actually here right after the groundhog did not see his shadow. We usually get teased with a little warm weather in February and the trees and flowers start their buds, then a real cold front or two comes back and knocks those buds off and we don't get to see those dogwoods, etc have a full bloom. Well we had no cold front come in so blooms were everywhere here in mid-February... The grass is almost all green now and I've seen a couple of fat blue jays in my back yard ready to lay their eggs.... It snuck (sneaked) up on us this year..we did not have a chance to realize it was already here...and I'm loving it !!
ReplyDeleteSuperb cards...I've never used these Pen but I sure can see the amazing results. Tiny shoots popping through the earth, first bright, crisp rays of rising Sun through my bedroom window ( which also tells me to clean the window glass), no more Birds coming for the bird food are some of the little things make me feel....Oh really!!! Spring is here :))
ReplyDeleteI love stickles but never knew why some bled and some did not! thank you! now I know.
ReplyDeleteFlorida....spring...hmmmmm....I think for me it is the lack of birds. During the winter our pond out back has many varities...during the summer we have only one to two types that hang around.
A sure sign of spring for me is starting to see the daffodil buds popping through the ground and the erratic weather.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me that I have the Sakura pens in my stash. I need to use them more often. Maybe I will use them on some fish images too.
ReplyDeleteOne little thing that makes me realize spring is here is the tiny little blooms of flowers on the trees along our driveway. That tree is definitely our seasonal clock.
spring is around the corner here in Malaysia when it is a dry wind blowing throughout the days.
ReplyDeleteA sure sign of spring is when I walk through our fields and see the first leaves of the bluebonnets coming out. I smile.
ReplyDeleteI almost squealed when I saw that our daylilies are peaking out of the ground. Surely it MUST mean spring is almost here, right?
ReplyDeleteFor me too it's when the robins arrive and there's more light in the day. I live in western Montana so we go through a "mud season" for a little while before things really start to green up. Even though it's messy, I love the smell of the wet earth. Kind of weird I know. That smell always makes me hopeful and anxious for getting my hands in the dirt and getting the flower beds and yard cleaned up. Have a great days. Love the gel pens!
ReplyDeleteLove that pen! I just bought a pen like that at Archivers on Sat., I am twinkling up everything I can get my hands on and so are my daughters, looks like I will need to get a few more of them so I can have my own - lol! :)
ReplyDeleteSpring (finally!)arriving to me is daylight savings!!!!!
For me it is to walk out the front door and smell the fresh spring air! Thanks for the chance to play : )
ReplyDeleteI know spring is coming when my Oklahoma Red Bud tree blooms. It is an early but beautiful bloom in dark pink. <3
ReplyDeletePara mi es el perfume de cierto árbol, típico de mi región. Se llama "paraíso" y cuando se acerca la primavera se cubre de racimos de pequeñas flores que tienen un perfume muy particular y agradable. Me hace muy feliz percibir ese leve aroma en el aire, sobre todo por las mañanas.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I never heard of this Stardust clear jelly-roll pen! I've seen my share of glitter pens, but not this one. It's PERfect on those fish, and I'm sure would be on the other things you mentioned. I can't imagine how this clever little pen didn't get my attention somewhere, but I thank you for introducing it to me. Ta-Da! - another tool I have to have! Love your little fishy cards - great for women, men, and kids. To your question, the thing that makes me realize spring is here (besides the usual budding of trees) is the influx of gnats! They're those tiny little things you hardly see (pet name is actually no-see-ums) unless you're wearing white, but eat the heck out you and soon you welt up and itch like crazy! They drive me nuts, and although I still look forward to them because they signal spring, I don't know WHY Mother Nature brought them into this world!
ReplyDeleteI know Spring is on its way when I see the robins hopping around the yard. I think once summer is here, we almost dismiss a robin when we see it, since there will get to be so many. But in the Spring, that first glimpse of one is tantalizing!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day and God Bless,
Cynthia <><
Susan, Such cute little fish. I also love to use those pens to add a little shimmer to my CAS cards. I know spring is coming when the purple and yellow crocus open and make me smile in the morning.
ReplyDeleteMud all over the mat by the door. :)
ReplyDeleteThe snowdrops peeking up by the front door... quickly followed by the crocus & daffodils
ReplyDeleteI think the thing for me that signals spring is coming is the bird chirping early in the morning. Sometimes it is so loud it wakes me up! But I love it anyway! Also love Stardust pens!
ReplyDeleteI think the air just smells different, like they say "Spring is in the air". I have never used these pens, maybe I better add them to my shopping list!
ReplyDeleteWe know spring is just around the corner when our local Dog N Suds opens - and have to hire police to help direct the traffic! Honest!
ReplyDeleteI know spring is coming because our ugly ugly Zoysia grass starts to turn green in little tufts. oh, the curse of zoysia.
ReplyDeletejackie from mo.
Hmm... don't see my comment so I'll try again...
ReplyDeleteA few days ago I saw the crocuses had poked through the snow and were blossoming. Yay! Spring is coming... Can't wait now for the rest of that snow to melt even though it means mud.
I live in Haiti so for me Spring means the rainy season. The good sign of that is the smell of the air in the mornings, after rain in the night. The not so good sign of that is lying awake at night thinking of all the people out there in tents and leaking shelters. Please say an extra prayer for Haiti today. And thank you for the simple beauty you bring to me through your blog.
ReplyDeleteThe first sign of spring for me is when I look out across the tops of trees that were previously bare and see the slightest tint of green, so faint that it's easy to convince yourself that you imagined it. And then a week later, there's no mistaking it - there truly are baby leaves on the trees.
ReplyDeleteMy hand is waving wildly...pick me...pick me...it would be wonderful to get these pens. Do you know how many places DO NOT carry these. Imagine my disappointment when I thought I had found them and to get them home and find they were Glaze and not shimmery glitter Star Dust.
ReplyDeleteI have to say the Robins too. I sleep with the window open a tiny crack and I can hear them early in the morning and I sleepily smile.
I went for a walk this morning, and I saw all kinds of little spring flowers popping up everywhere. Those little flowers made me realize that spring is almost here! :-)
ReplyDeleteI've recently discovered these pens and I just love them. Of course, all my Gelly Roll pens are great but the Stardust pens are over-the-top.
ReplyDeleteI'm in Ottawa, Ontario and I know Spring has sprung when I see the Canada geese flying north. It is a pretty awesome sight (and sound) when the large, large flocks go overhead.
Spring to me is all the bright colors in nature - the dead brown is gone :)
ReplyDeleteThe Stardust pen makes the fish look like they are swimming in the bright sunlight which is reflecting off their scales. Fun!
ReplyDeleteMy sign of spring is the little purple crocus blooming.
Ruth V
My bulbs are coming up (that dang squirrel better leave them alone!), hearing the robins first thing in the morning and at dusk, and BUGS! The bugs are back! Spring is here!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love those pens! They're magic!
For me it's seeing the crocus & daffodils popping up everywhere. I literally squealed when I saw my first ones up. Of course the robins are another sure sign warmer weather is close.
ReplyDeleteBTW...love your fish card! Too cute!
Every year we end up with a pile of snow the size of a super large SUV on the side of our driveway, so when it's gone, it is Spring. BTW- it is now the size of a large go kart, so we're almost there!
ReplyDeleteLove your glittery scales on your fish! I've never heard of this amazing little pen, so I'll need to pick one up the next time I'm near Archiver's. For me, the sign of spring is not freezing in the morning when I go to workout. It's a very good feeling!
ReplyDeleteThose fish are just so cute! Love 'em! And those pens just rock! Any stamper worth their weight in stamps can't be without them!
ReplyDeleteThe whole time change to DST to give us more daylight in the evening is the signal that spring is just around the corner for me. Love the longer days of sunshine!
Happy Blogoversary, btw!
A must have - the Sakura Stardust Clear pens are on my list now. My first sign of spring is the daffodils and crocus.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the hint about Stickles.
I think when the bullfrogs in the pond make their presence known. And I agree that those Stardust pens are absolutely irreplaceable. So much glam for so little effort.
ReplyDeleteI know spring is coming when the buds on the trees start to pop! It is kinda weird because you can look out at the trees and see almost a haze look around the tree and you know the buds are coming out and that you will be seeing beautiful blooms and leaves soon. Love your cards.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny...growing up in Michigan, the first "sign" of spring was the appearance of robins...which usually meant no more snow for the year. Now that I live in Central Florida, the first "sign" of spring is the appearance of robins eating berries from the trees and sipping water from my fountain...and usually this means the end of freezing temps for the year. Of course, in Florida...the robins arrive in early February...and in Michigan it's a couple months later.
ReplyDeletemy little thing that tells me spring is about to spring is seeing the new growth on our trees
ReplyDeletelinda patti tpatti@windstream.net
Beautiful cards, Susan! I love the shimmer!
ReplyDeleteFor me the little thing that lets me know it's Spring is that when I walk outside I hear a contant "bzzzzzzz" and see the bees everywhere!
To me it is walking out the front door and seeing that 70 plus inches of snow is now down to about 18 inches and getting smaller every day. With 130 continuous days of snow on the ground so far it can't some soon enough.
ReplyDeleteLove the fish cards. Just too cute and I can't wait to try the stickles on them.
I always look for the first red winged black bird. I saw one on Saturday. That always makes my day!
ReplyDeleteI know spring is coming when I see the first springy green appear on the stems of the willow trees. I caught a glimpse of it the other day. YAY!
ReplyDelete...when the first buds arrive on my crepe myrtles...that's when I know spring is right around the corner.
ReplyDeleteSeeing the sun shine through the window as I shower and the warmth I feel both inside and out- lovely.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 2 years blogging!
Love the shimmery scales on the fishes. Although it is still pretty rainy and cold here the sight of all the beautiful flowering fruit trees makes me think that spring is arriving.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of Stardust Pens and appreciate the opportunity to win today's blog candy.
ReplyDeleteThere is a very large grouping of daffodils that line the road near my home each Spring ... they are blooming now! Wish you could see them.
Great cards! I don't have any of the clear stardust pens but I guess they're going on my craft shopping list now!
ReplyDeleteFor me it's when it's still light out when I leave work in the evening! That always makes me super excited, too.
Love the card, never seen these pens before I usually use glitter glue, but I like how you can use for small details. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI know its spring when you hear the sounds of kids laughing and playing outside until late, even after dinner time... great to get them out instead of in front of the TV or computer. But unfortunately it means allergy session for me too.
Ceri Davey - ceridavey@gmail.com
Oh my! What would I do without my Sakura glitter pens!!! I use them constantly! I love the way you did the scales on the fish--wouldn't have thought of that. My first hint of spring is the red bud tree outside our breakfast room window. I can sit there drinking my coffee and knowing that soon the daffodils are coming, too!
ReplyDeleteThe little tiny reddish green leaves buddy out on my rosebushes!
ReplyDeleteI know it's Spring when I step outside and am surrounded by the aroma of the orange trees blossoms. Just awesome!
ReplyDeleteGoing to look for the jelly roll pens and have some fun today!
Cathy Krynski
polonaise.krynski@gmail.com
Love the fishy cards! And love the stardust pen! What a neat effect.
ReplyDeleteFor me, when all the Bradford Pear trees bloom in a riot of white flowers I know spring is almost here. As you know from living in Charlotte.....that doesn't guarantee there won't be another frost; but in the five years I've been here after all those trees bloom spring and even summer temperatures are only about two weeks away!
Oh! It's the robins for me too! There is one big guy who keeps coming back...he perches so regally on the fence for good periods of time (even have time to get the camera).
ReplyDeleteSuch CUTE cards...and forgot to say...Happy Anniversary!
The bit of sparkle adds a lot to the cards.
ReplyDeleteA sure sign of spring here in northern Idaho is the return of big white swans to the lakes and ponds.
adorable fishy cards Susan! I like the idea that you did two! That's a great way to have cards on hand...especially when they turn out just the way you envisioned them! lol
ReplyDeleteSpring...I know spring is right around the corner when I start seeing the geese fly overhead...honking happily on their way home!!
hugs!
I love these pens!
ReplyDeleteHearing the birds when I wake up in the morning and crocuses and daffodils let me know spring is here.
Oh, too funny! I read your Day 1 post first and mentioned the Stardust pen as my go-to for quickie shine along with the Stickles. I go to a local stamp show every year and they always have the 2-pack of the Stardust pens for sale and I make sure I don't leave without a new pack.
ReplyDeleteIn Florida, Spring comes in early March. We know it's here when the water oaks start dropping their old leaves and the pollen pods begin to fill the tree. In the yard next door, the orange blossoms and the forsythia begin to bloom about the same time. We come home from work and open up the house to let in the breezes and here are these wonderful smells from next door along with a haze of yellow all over everything from the pollen floating in with the breeze.
Bring on the Claritin.
I know spring is here when the herring spawn, turning the ocean that tropical blue and the sea lions are barking their heads off! I'm not sure how to do all this. Hope this gets to you...rhea. Love the sparkles.
ReplyDeleteSpring is coming when I see the daffodil bulbs sprouting through the ground. I love your fish cards...they remind me of the children's book "Rainbow Fish."
ReplyDeleteI heard the birds squabbling at the feeder the other day and knew it was the first sign.
ReplyDeleteFor me it is the sidewalk covered in worm after a good rain :) Love the bold colors of the fish today!
ReplyDeleteCute little "fishy" cards!
ReplyDeleteOne little thing that gives me hope that spring is on it's way.....those precious daffodils popping up out of the earth; hopefully they will be blooming in a week or two!!!
I can't wait for your tutorial on the framed set.
Also, I don't own any clear gel pens; ha! didn't know there was such gadgets!!
Thanks for the opportunity and your blog is great, and well-loved by many!! (As evidenced by all the comments on your blog!!!).
I would say the 90 degree weather I've got to suffer through the last few weeks! It's suppose to be mid-70's and its been freaking HOT! Grrr...
ReplyDeleteJust a reminder that the summer is coming and it's time to be miserable. I already miss winter :)
~Kelly from AZ
(PS - Yay for finally getting some rain today!!)
I love the Gelly Roll pen too - I use it for discrete shimmer, especially when I don't have time to wait for my Stickles to dry. I know spring is just around the corner when I leave work at 6:00 and it's still light out!! JOY!
ReplyDeleteBirds singing in the morning is definitely on my list of spring things too! I'd say our first thunderstorm and the ever-so-slight greening of the grass that follows is a sure indicator for me!! Love that first little glimpse of color returning to the landscape!!!
ReplyDeleteNormally I would say spring comes when the birds start singing; however yesterday, here in Manitoba, we had lots of rain. Real, honest-to-goodness downpour rain. It melted lots of the snow and started to wash away the winter grit. And so, I have hopes that spring will actually arrive. And I hope those great little pens will arrive for me also :-)
ReplyDeleteOoh I love the Sakura Stardust pens... I use them too! Spring has arrived in Alaska when we hear the "telephone" bird (a warbler) sing!
ReplyDeleteKris in Alaska
funamom at yahoo dot com
I also love those pens. They add just the 'final touch'. I can tell that spring is coming because we have a wild rabbit hibernating under our tree and he/she starts to be more adventurous as the weather changes.Plus, I saw our first robin the other day!
ReplyDeleteLove those Sakura pens! They pack a lot of punch with very little effort! I know spring is here when I can get out and pull away the rest of the plant debris and not sink up to my ankles in mud.
ReplyDeleteSpring in the desert is quite different in many ways. We have wildflowers appearing if we had rain at the right time. This year is a poor wildflower year. However, the flowering of the citrus is a sign that it is Spring.
ReplyDeleteI did not know about the pens, and now have another thing on my wish list! I learn something new almost every time I read your blog.
ReplyDeleteHere in Washington state we are usually lucky to have many signs of spring. Last week I had a crocus appear. I watch that spot in the yard, and know spring is coming when I see that deep purple blossom nestled in the brown leaf mulch.
LOVE your cards...don't know if you ever read the book Rainbow Fish...one of my children's favorites...reminds me of him...now set of stamps and pen I just have to have.
ReplyDeleteIs this gross...I know it's spring when I feel I HAVE TO shave my legs:):)!!!
Oh the pens looks fabulous. A great way to add some shimmer with out glitter. The cards look great.
ReplyDeleteOur winter is going out like a lion... that hasn't left yet! We're experiencing extreme weather like lightening storms and tornadoes! Completely bizarre for the West Coast. I am looking forward to that first soft, sunny day that tells me Spring has arrived... if we can get Winter to move out. :P
One LITTLE THING that made me realize that spring is finally going to arrive is the tiny buds on my Peony plant that I gently uncovered yesterday... only to find 3 inches of snow had fallen overnight. :( i hope my removing the protective dead leaves and branches didn't contribute to the buds demise, boo hoo! CAMPBELL
ReplyDeletelcampbel@courts.state.ny.us
I love the pens too. For me the sign of spring is that I can open my windows a bit. Had them open about 2 inches for 3 days now. Im in MN and I know snow (yikes) is predicted for Tues./Wed., but maybe they will be wrong...spring is coming!
ReplyDeleteI don't think my comment went through, so i will try again!
ReplyDeleteSince moving to New Mexico from Minnesota, the first sign of spring is when you wake in the morning to the sound of morning doves. I am still not used to it, but love it (minus their messes!). ltborden
ltborden@admin.nmt.edu
I know spring is coming when the sun is shining longer and longer... I love getting up after the sun gets up in the morning!
ReplyDeleteI know Spring is around the corner when the daffodils start to come up. Since we live in GA, that is usually in late February, so we enjoy Spring early!!
ReplyDeleteI love your little fishies!
ReplyDeleteI know spring is around the corner, because it is warmer, and there are shoots starting to poke up in our yard!
I know spring is just around the corner when I come out of work at 5:00 pm and the sun is still shining brightly in the sky. You could almost say sparkling as if it were touched up with a Sakura gel pen.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to try one!
I know spring has sprung when our fig tree (which looks like a bunch of sticks reaching for the sky) all of a sudden has a little bunch of 6" leaves at the end of every branch. -Janet S
ReplyDeleteMy first sign is that certain way the sun looks and feels warm very first thing in the morning. It is really hard to explain. And I can see the halo of green on my arctic willows. Thanks for offering blog candy and for your wonderfully simple cards. Julie M.
ReplyDeleteThe Canadian geese are coming back to the area! I heard one honking last Wed. even though we still have snow and they're predicting a snowstorm for Tues. & Wed. The geese are a sign of spring!!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you - it's definitely the birds - they are out in force this week and so far not a bloom in sight :-( But the weeds know - they are getting underway in a hurry...
ReplyDeleteLove your fishies!
Lura
Seeing the little buds starting to start popping out everywhere says Spring is coming to me.
ReplyDeleteThe little fish and their shimmery scales are just too cute.
I, too, have a Sakura Stardust pen. BUT, just in case you haven't tried it, the clear Spica pens rocks my world! You know how the stardust pen is *so* glittery that it can change the color underneath? The Spica is more restrained, much smaller glitter and won't make a (very) noticeable change at all. I've been seeing them in my "local" (hah!) Archivers since January - maybe give it a little looksee! :)
ReplyDeleteSweet little fish cards. Love the sparkle added with this pen. I konw it is really spring when the blue flowers come up in my back yard. I don't even know what they are called. They are a bulb and a purple blue color.
ReplyDeleteCute fish!
ReplyDeleteI know spring is near when there's no more ice on the pavements and streets and the machines work to take all the sand from the ice away! It has not happened just yet but I can feel it close now!!
Charlotta
I do like the effect of these pens - didn't know about them before.
ReplyDeleteI know spring is nearly here when I hear the woodpecker hammering away at a nearby tree.
My dead rosebushes are starting to have a hint of green. My forsythia (sp?) bush has one half opened blossom. Spring is almost here but it is snowing in the mountains--I live on the foothills!
ReplyDeleteSpring is coming! I spotted some green shoots on one of our daylily plants poking up through the ground. Hearing and seeing th spring birds, robins, killdears, the snow melting and disappearing. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI think someone used those pens on your shimmer OLW challenge. That was my first introduction to them and I've been meaning to pick one up ever since. That fish is so cute and sparkly. It reminds me of The Rainbow Fish story.
ReplyDeleteSo many signs of spring, but if I have to choose one, I'd say it's when I see my bulbs start poking through the ground.
The first crocus means spring is finally here. It is supposed to be spring, but it is snowing right now.
ReplyDeleteI know it's Spring, when all I need is a light coat: no scarf, no hat, and no gloves! :)
ReplyDeleteI love these fish cards! When I saw the pink one, I thought, ooh, this would be good in blue, too... and there it was!
ReplyDeleteI know that spring is at last on its way now that we can at least start dinner without turning the dining room lights on!
I enjoy everything you share! You are such an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI know spring may at last arrive when they say the ice will go out on the lake in a month. :)
I know that spring has arrived when I hear birds singing as I leave for work in the morning. Thanks for the chance to win a Sakura Stardust Clear gelly-roll pen! This pen gives a nice touch of 'warm' glitter to my cards. I only wish they made a 'cool' stardust pen as well. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWe know Spring is in the air when the fish in our koi pond come to surface expecting to be fed every single time the back door opens and closes.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I feel guilty about commenting when you already have 153 comments. Living in Florida we only have two seasons: hot and hotter. We don't get to appreciate Spring the way northerners do. When I was a northerner (south west Virginia) I loved seeing the crocus and daffodils peek out.
ReplyDeleteI found out about the clear stardust pens from watching Stamp TV videos. They are great, addicting, but great fun.
Don't know quite what word to put on it - but there is a different quality to the air early morning. Maybe its the scent of flowers - but somehow I think thats not quite it; its not smell - its texture. Sure this was a real help LOL!!
ReplyDeleteflowers everywhere :)
ReplyDeleteThe little thing that tells me spring is coming? I'd say when I can be in my vehicle with the window wide open and take my jacket off because it's too warm to keep it on. That was last week. Yesterday we got about a foot of snow! Go figure.
ReplyDeleteWhen I see forsynthia blooming. Just love to see that yellow!!
ReplyDeleteLove what you have done with that pen!
eaeforcar3@hotmail.com
I'm beginning to see a little green here and there and the snow is finally gone - but all you have to in Nebraska is wait a day and that will all change - but it's getting a bit warmer - 58 tomorrow - woo hoo!!!
ReplyDeleteThe first sign of spring around my house is the mini daffodils that my husband planted here and there in the garden. They have now spread and pop up all over -- my favorite flower. Sp glad my husband LOVES to garden.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
the first sign of spring is the new buds on our silerbearch tree. I love the fresh new green of it.
ReplyDeleteI love the shimmer on the fish...reminds me of the book Rainbow Fish.
ReplyDeleteForsythia blooming mean spring has sprung!!
I know spring is on the way when I have to lose an hour of sleep as my clock "SPRINGS FORWARD" to DST!
ReplyDeleteBee Jay
It is small thing but at the same time a big thing for those that have allergies - pollen. This lets me know spring is almost here. Lovely cards. TFS.
ReplyDeleteJanet
I commented earlier (I absolutely agree! I **love** the Sakura Stardust Clear pens too. They are great. The colored ones are fun too, but not nearly as useful! Thanks for the great info today....
ReplyDeleteMarch 20, 2011 10:23 PM) but forgot to answer the question...OOPS!
I love when my gardens start to bloom. The forsythia is so colorful along with the tulips and hyacinths...YIPPEE for color everywhere!
Your lil fishes really come to life with that Stardust Pen! They are da bomb! ;)
ReplyDeleteI have about 10-12 GORGEOUS yellow finches that stop by my feeders every year about this time. They only visit with me for about a week before heading north, but their beauty lingers long afterwards. They are such a bright yellow, they look like canaries from a distance. When they make their appearance, I know Spring has arrived! :)
Ooooh, a stardust pen. I need to find one of those.
ReplyDeleteI love stardust pens too! My first sign of spring are the violets that pop up in my yard. They've been my favorite flower since I was a girl for that reason and I watch for them every year.
ReplyDeleteThe little thing that makes me realize spring is coming is the first blades of green grass poking through the brown.
ReplyDeleteThe beautiful blossoms on the trees--ornamental plums and almonds around here. Though this weekend's storm rudely knocked them all off!
ReplyDeleteFabulous fish cards.
ReplyDeleteI know spring has sprung when I start wearing shoes other than boots.
Happy Anniversary.
cheers,
Malyn
I really enjoy your cards and your helpful comments.
ReplyDeleteI have the pens in clear and in colors, but the clear is most useful.
Here in Texas, we have a saying "Winter isn't over until the Mesquite trees start budding." They are usually right.
At my house, I start looking for my box turtles to come out of "hibernation".
I thought spring had sprung last week when I went outside and heard the steady drip of snow melting. Now, everything is covered in white again!
ReplyDeleteseeing the leaves of the daffodills I knew poking up thru the snow!!I would finally see colorful flowers soon.
ReplyDeleteLove these fish cards - they remind me of a story I used to read to my son when he was little - the Rainbow Fish!
ReplyDeleteI know spring is here when I look next door and see the neighbor's purple flowers peeking out of the ground :)
ReplyDeleteSandra Musitano
I have never heard of these pens but would love to give them a try!
ReplyDeleteI know spring is truly on the way when we have a thunderstorm with full blown lightning!
www.stampingwithamission.blogspot.com
Definitely, it's seeing daffodils in bloom.
ReplyDelete:) In India there is a specific season called Spring .. so I wouldnt really know :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for another giveaway.
ReplyDeleteSpring is here when the hummingbirds start flitting around my feeder. Usually this occures mid to late March. With the 3 feet of snow we still have on the ground, I am sure it will be mid May this year :-).
Love the cards and love the pens aswell, I have a pink one that I adore. Spring, it's the smell, that fresh smell that tells me nature is about to change :)
ReplyDeleteThose little pens pack a powerful punch! When I see those first daffodil spikes coming through the ground, I know that Spring can't be far behind. And, like you, when I hear the birds "singing the sun up", I know they think it's Spring!
ReplyDeleteWhen the trees and flowers start blooming! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe brilliant greens that break out on some of the trees around here - almost electric! Oh, and when my car turns yellow from the pine pollen ... achoo!
ReplyDeleteI love those sparkly scales! A perfect touch for the fish.
ReplyDeleteI know spring is coming because I'm not going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark as well. I love the lighter evenings - makes it easier to play ball with the hounds. :)
To stop your ink bleeding...rub a bit of Judikins Microglaze over it. Once it is dry you can then put Stickles and the ink will be sealed from the Stickles.
ReplyDeleteCathy