OK, pull your minds out of the gutter! LOL! I'm not talking about something that would make my dog avert her eyes - but a stamping method. I coined the name a few years ago when I offered a challenge during a stamping event on a stamping forum (I don't even remember which one).

In order to "stamp naked" you need three items: Cardstock, ink and stamps! The idea is to go back to stamping's roots and leave off all patterned paper and embellishments.

* Images from The Angel Company

P.S. Notice the theme. It's only June. I may actually get a head start this year! (One can hope.)

Happy Dad's Day to all the Father's out there!

I made this card for my Dad. It's pretty simple, but that's his style. I don't usually make 6"x6" cards so I didn't have an envelope to put it in. Instead, I created this little pocket out of patterned paper since I hand delivered the card.

We celebrated the occasion yesterday by taking Dad and his wife out to dinner at The Olive Garden (yum!). It wasn't too hot after the storms came through in the morning so it was almost pleasant. Although I think everyone else had the same idea to beat the Sunday crowds!

Tag Tuesday is all about a few of our favorite things and I bet some of you could guess what my tag would highlight this week. (I know Sarah and Louise probably did!)

For me, it's all about the backgrounds. So that's what I did for this week's tag - one big background. Stamps by Tim Holtz and the Alterations flower die cuts are his too (thanks, Lori!).

Our mission for SummerHaven is simple: Ink up those stamps, make some cool projects, challenge each other and ourselves to step outside the box and most of all, have fun!

So how does it work? Members of the StampHaven community decide on a challenge to host, come up with samples to post, and provide any instructions for participants. You can participate in as many challenges as you want! StampHaven stamping events are a great way to groove your stamping mojo!

For more information, see the SummerHaven 2010 forum on StampHaven!

The only requirement to play is to become a member of StampHaven.com - it's easy and FREE!

I participated in a fun tag swap over at StampHaven. Eight of us participated. It was a different sort of swap: Instead of trading tags with everyone, we sent one tag on to the person ahead of us on the list. The last person sent their tag to the first person. Thanks to Daniel for heading it up!

This is the tag I made and sent to April. Since she's received it, I can share it with you here.

I used stamps from Tim Holtz and several colors of Distress Inks. Also a big thanks to Teresa for the lace that I used as part of the background.