what are you inking?

Blue Christmas

2012-02-10T15:59:00.000-05:00

Today I'm sharing my weekly Christmas card based on the Merry Monday Challenge #6. I also used the color challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge #104. There's a lot of shimmer on this card but that's perfect for the holidays.

The card base is Marina Mist card stock. A piece of Twitterpated designer paper was run through the Big Shot with the Snow Burst embossing folder. Before I removed it from the folder, I gently used a sanding block across the raised area of the paper. This

brings out the white core center of the designer paper. I found that by keeping the paper in the folder prevents the paper from tearing since the designer paper isn't as heavy as regular card stock. I matted the designer paper with Not Quite Navy card stock and added it to the front of the card. Marina Mist card stock was punched along one edge with the Scallop Trim Border punch, stamped with a sentiment from the Merry Winter stamp set using Not Quite Navy ink, and attached to a piece of Not

Quite Navy card stock. It was attached to the card with glue dots. Baja Breeze card stock was then run through the Big Shot with the Northern Flurry embossing folder. It's difficult to see in the photo, but this piece was heavily spritzed with both Frost White and Platinum shimmer paints. If you aren't aware, you can mix the shimmer paints with alcohol in a small spritzer bottle for an additional way to add glimmer to your projects. This layer was also matted with Not Quite Navy card stock and attached with dimensionals. The snowflake was cut out of Silver Glimmer Paper with the Big Shot and the Northern Frost Sizzlits Strip die. I added a Marina Mist glimmer brad to the center and added it to the card with glue dots. As a final touch, rhinestones were added between each scallop and in the center of the embossed snowflakes. Well, that is it for week six of the Christmas card challenge. One of these weeks I'm going to have to do a make up card for the first week that I missed. Thanks for coming by. Have a great weekend. Have fun and be creative.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Merry Winter (w-#122700/c-#122702)
Ink: Not Quite Navy Ink Pad (#103008)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Marina Mist Card Stock (#119682); Not Quite Navy Card Stock (#101722); Baja Breeze Card Stock (#111352); Twitterpated Designer Series Paper (#125406); Silver Glimmer Paper (#124005)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Northern Flurry Embossing Folder (#120902); Snow Burst Embossing Folder (#124096); Northern Frost Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die (#120901); Scallop Trim Border Punch (#118402); Designer Sanding Blocks (#124304)
The Finishing Touches: Frost White Shimmer Paint (#116854); Platinum Shimmer Paint (#116807); Subtles Glimmer Brads (#121004); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (#119246); Mini Glue Dots (#103683); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

That's A Lot of Pink Birthday

2012-02-09T18:52:00.000-05:00

What I have today is a birthday card with a lot of pink so I guess this will definitely be for a female. It is based on three challenges: Paper Players Challenge #81, Mojo Monday Challenge #227, and Stampin' Royalty Challenge #110. The Stampin' Royalty challenge is an inspiration photo and the pinks just popped out at me.

I chose Whisper White card stock for the base of the card. Pink Pirouette card stock was added to Melon Mambo card stock. A piece of Cheerful Treat designer paper was matted with Whisper White as was a piece of Pretty in Pink card

stock. Both were added to the Melon Mambo layer. A strip of Whisper White card stock was then attached over the seam. Melon Mambo ribbon was added to the white strip. Using a piece of Linen thread, I gathered the ribbon on the right side. The image from the Mixed Bunch stamp set was

stamped on Melon Mambo card stock with Melon Mambo ink and punched out with the Blossom punch. I also punched out another flower from Whisper White card stock, snipped off the end of each petal and added them behind each petal of the pink flower. I punched out a circle from Pretty in Pink card stock with the 2-1/2" Circle punch, sponged around the edges with Pretty in Pink ink and attached the flower to it with glue dots. The Melon Mambo layer was adhered to the card front. The flower layer

was popped up with dimensionals. I heat embossed the sentiment from the Happiest Birthday Wishes stamp set with VersaMark and Melon Mambo embossing powder on Whisper White card stock. I snipped one end and curled it a little for dimension. It was attached to a piece of Melon Mambo card stock with glue dots. I also snipped one end of the Melon Mambo. It was added to the card with glue dots. A pearl was colored with a permanent marker and added to the sentiment layer. A large pearl was added over the gathered ribbon with glue dots. A bevy of pearls were added to the center of the flower to finish off the card. All done and ready for a recipient who won't mind all that pink. Thank you for visiting and I hope you get a chance to visit again. The weekend is almost upon us so be sure to find some time for fun and creativity. See you tomorrow.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Happiest Birthday Wishes (w-#122675/c-#122617); Mixed Bunch (w-#125535/c-#125537)
Ink: Melon Mambo Ink Pad (#115656); Pretty in Pink Ink Pad (#101301); VersMark (#102283)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Whisper White Card Stock (#100730); Melon Mambo Card Stock (#115320); Pink Pirouette Card Stock (#111351); Pretty in Pink Card Stock (#100459); Cheerful Treat Designer Series Paper (#122381-Hostess)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder (#117335); Blossom Punch (#125603); 2-1/2" Circle Punch (#120906); Heat Tool (#100005); Paper Snips (#103579); Stamping Sponges (#101610)
The Finishing Touches: Melon Mambo 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon (#122985); Basic Pearls (#119247); Melon Mambo Stampin' Emboss Powder (#123223); Mini Glue Dots (#103683); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Large Pearl Basic Jewels (#125577); Linen Thread (#104199)

M, It's Your Birthday!

2012-02-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

Today is my younger son's birthday and I honestly can't tell you where all the years went. I do know we are blessed with two terrific sons and I wouldn't trade a minute of the time they've shared our lives. This card is based on the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #241.

I chose Soft Suede card stock for the base of the card. I matted a strip of Mocha Morning designer paper with Soft Suede card stock and added it to a piece of Very Vanilla textured card stock. Early Espresso

Baker's Twine was wrapped around three times and fastened in the back with glue dots. An Antique Brad was added using glue dots. The image from the You're My Type stamp set was heat embossed on Very Vanilla card stock using VersaMark, Early Espresso ink and clear embossing powder. The sentiment from the same stamp set was heat embossed with VersaMark and gold embossing powder. I cut the sentiment piece so that it would fit where the paper would go on the typewriter. I rolled it a little over my bone folder to soften it up and give it a not so stiff look. After cutting a slit along the "bar" going across (not sure what the technical term is but it's what hold's the paper down - can you believe I used manual typewriters when I first learned to type!!), I inserted the paper, hopefully to give it the look of a typed piece of paper. The image was matted with Soft Suede card stock. I also matted another piece of the Mocha Morning designer paper with Soft Suede card stock. The image layer was attached over the designer paper layer and then they were added to the card front with dimensionals. I really like this stamp probably because it brings back lots of memories. What a hassle it was typing and having to make corrections on multiple carbon copies. My typing was much better back then in order to avoid having to do that. I will say I do prefer the ease of typing with the computer; just backspace to get rid of mistakes. And it even checks your spelling for you. I'm glad you stopped by so I could share my son's card with you. Have a great day full of fun and creativity.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: You're My Type (w-#125564/c-#125650)
Ink: Early Espresso Ink Pad (#119670); VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Soft Suede Card Stock (#115318); Neutrals 12x12 Textured Card Stock (#121078); Very Vanilla Card Stock (#101650); Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Series Paper (#122366)
Tools: Heat Tool (#100005)
The Finishing Touches: Early Espresso Baker's Twine (#123124); Antique Brads (#117273); Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130); Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109129); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Mini Glue Dots (#103683)

Shake My Heart

2012-02-06T12:38:00.001-05:00

Today I have another Valentine card using some non-traditional colors. This was submitted to three challenges: Freshly Made Sketches #20, Stampin' Royalty Challenge #109 - Valentines Day, and Simply Stampin' Challenge #45 - Heartfelt.

For my card base I chose Pool Party card stock. To get this longer and narrower card, I cut it 6-1/2" x 6-1/2" and folded it in half the long way. A piece of Wisteria Wonder card stock was added to the bottom of the card. Pool Party ribbon was added to the top of the Wisteria Wonder. Lucky Limeade card stock was embossed with the hearts from the Adorning Accents embossing folders, matted with a piece of Whisper White card stock, slipped behind the ribbon and adhered to the card front. The shaker heart was made by running a piece of Pool Party card stock through the Big Shot with one of the Hearts Framelits dies. I then punched out the negative punch with the 2-3/8" Scallop Circle punch (saved the die-cut heart for another project). A piece of Sweet Shop designer paper and a piece of Window Sheet were both punched out with the same punch. I trimmed around the edges of the Window Sheet to make it smaller to fit behind the Pool Party heart. The largest Shaker Frame wasn't big enough for the scallop circle so I cut it and attached it to the designer paper scallop. There was still a small opening so I cut another small piece from one of the smaller Shaker Frames and added it in. Tiny white beads that I had on hand were added to the center. The Window Sheet that I had trimmed was attached to the Shaker Frame. Added to this was the scalloped die-cut heart. The whole shaker element was added to the card with glue dots. The sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set was stamped with StazOn ink. Basic Pearls were added to the scallops and under the sentiment. Ta da!! A simple card with a little shaker whimsy. Thanks for stopping by. Hope your day includes a little creative fun.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370)
Ink: Jet Black StazOn Ink Pad (#101406)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Pool Party Card Stock (#122924); Lucky Limeade Card Stock (#122926); Wisteria Wonder Card Stock (#122922); Whisper White Card Stock (#100730); Window Sheets (#114323); Sweet Shop Specialty Designer Series Paper (#125408)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Adorning Accents Embossing Folders (#125601); Hearts Framelits Dies (#125599); 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (#118874)
The Finishing Touches: Pool Party 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon (#122975); Basic Pearls (#119247); Shaker Frames (#124155); Mini Glue Dots (#103683)

This Makes Four

2012-02-03T15:39:00.000-05:00

Here is my card for this week's Merry Monday Challenge #5. So far I've managed to do all but the first challenge. I'm having fun pulling out stamp sets that I usually see only at the end of the year.

The card base is Very Vanilla card stock. Bashful Blue card stock was run through the Big Shot with the Snow Burst embossing folder. A piece of the retired Holly Berry Bouquet designer paper was matted with Real Red card stock. The sentiment from the Petite Pairs stamp set was stamped on Very Vanilla card stock, punched out with the Round Tab punch and matted with a piece of Real Red card stock punched out with the same punch. After adding it to the back of the designer paper layer, the whole thing was attached to the card front. Using StazOn ink, I stamped the image from the Greeting Card Kids stamp set on Watercolor paper that was cut out with the Circle Scissor Plus. I water colored it with a blender pen and Real Red, Bashful Blue, Wild Wasabi, and Basic Black ink pads. A So Saffron marker was used to color the star and a Real Red marker was used for the berries on the little tree. The shadows beneath her feet and wagon were water colored with Sahara Sand ink. I matted the image with a piece of Real Red card stock that was punched out with the 2-1/2" Circle punch. Dimensionals were used to attach it to the card front. Dazzling Diamonds were added to her coat and hat with a glue pen. I'm enjoying making these Christmas cards each week. I you'd like to join in the fun, stop over each Monday for the new sketch. Have a wonderful weekend. Try to find time for some creative fun.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Greeting Card Kids (w-#119887/c-#120633); Petite Pairs (w-#122495/c-#122497)
Ink: Jet Black StazOn Ink Pad (#101406); Real Red Ink Pad (#103133; Bashful Blue Ink Pad (#105209); Wild Wasabi Ink Pad (#109014); Basic Black Ink Pad (#101179); Sahara Sand Ink Pad (#105208); Real Red Marker (#100052); So Saffron Marker (#105114)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Very Vanilla Card Stock (#101650); Bashful Blue Card Stock (#105120); Real Red Card Stock (#102482); Watercolor Paper (#122959); Holly Berry Bouquet Specialty Designer Series Paper (retired)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Circle Scissor Plus (#112530); Glass Mat (#112531); Round Tab Punch (#119864); 2-1/2" Circle Punch (#120906); Blender Pens (#102845); Snow Burst Embossing Folder (#124096)
The Finishing Touches: Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (#102023); 2-Way Glue Pen (#100425); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Hello Baby Bib

2012-02-01T16:30:00.001-05:00

I had a request from my daughter-in-love for a baby card. It has been in the back of my mind for a while and when I saw the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge #226, it looked like a bib to me. Hence, my bib card. I think I deviated a little from the sketch; the neck hole is where an image should be but sketches, to me, are open to interpretation.

Two pieces of Marina Mist card stock for my card base were cut out with the Big Shot and the Scallop Circle Bigz die. I used the Circle Scissor Plus to cut out two pieces of Whisper White (one to be used on the inside), a piece of Pear Pizzazz and a piece of Nursery Nest designer paper. I cut the designer paper and the Pear Pizzazz in half. I temporarily attached the Whisper White card stock to the card front and punched a hole with the 1-3/8" Circle punch. I removed that and attached a piece of the designer paper and punched a hole using the previous punch as a guide. I then lined up the back piece and punched a hole again using the hole on the front as a guide. I attached the half pieces of designer paper and Pear Pizzazz card stock to the Whisper White matching up the holes. A scallop edge, made from the same designer paper, was added around the opening by punching out a circle with the 1-3/8" Circle punch and then punching around the hole with the 1-3/4" Scallop Circle punch. Marina Mist ribbon was added over the seam. This layer was then adhered to the card front. The sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set was stamped with Basic Gray ink on the card. I heat embossed the Packed for Baby stamp on a piece of Whisper White card stock with VersaMark, Basic Gray ink and clear embossing powder. I colored in the baby buggy with Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz and Basic Gray markers, fussy cut it out and popped it up on the card with dimensionals. I added a Marina Mist glimmer brad at the top as the bib snap. In order to have the whole card front be a scalloped circle, I scored between four scallops on the back piece, folded on the score line and attached the front to the back using Sticky Strip. I got this idea from Julee Tilman's blog here. Well, hopefully, you can see where I was coming from on this card. Thanks for stopping by. I'll be back again soon.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Packed for Baby (#125672); Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370)
Ink: Basic Gray Ink Pad (#109120); VersMark (#102283); Marina Mist Marker (#119679); Basic Gray Marker (#120966); 2010-2012 In Color Markers (#119801)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Marina Mist Card Stock (#119682); Pear Pizzazz Card Stock (#119795); Whisper White Card Stock (#100730); Nursery Nest Designer Series Paper (#122347)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Scallop Circle Bigz Die (#112468); Circle Scissor Plus (#112530); Glass Mat (#112531); 1-3/8" Circle Punch (#119860); 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch (#119854); Paper Snips (#103579); Heat Tool (#100005)
The Finishing Touches: Marina Mist 1/2" Scallops Dots Ribbon (#122986); 2010-2012 In Color Glimmer Brads (#121005); Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Another Birthday Guy

2012-01-30T08:36:00.000-05:00

It's Monday, the start of another week. I hope you had a great weekend. My niece's husband celebrated his birthday earlier this month and this is the card I made for him. I turned to the same paper I seem to use whenever I need a masculine birthday card.

I started with a card base of Not Quite Navy card stock. I cut a piece of Well Worn designer paper on the diagonal but not corner to corner. I wanted a different effect than just splitting is in two. These were added to a piece of River Rock card stock. A piece of retired Early Espresso Quilted ribbon was added over the seam where the two papers meet. I punched the little hat out of Not Quite Navy card stock with the Petite Pennants Builder punch, ran it through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice embossing folder and attached it to this layer. A Cajun Craze brad was added at the top of the hat. This whole layer was adhered to the card front. The sentiment from the Happiest Birthday Wishes stamp set was colored directly on the stamp with Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Not Quite Navy and River Rock markers and then stamped on a piece of Naturals Ivory card stock. I distressed the edges with the distressing tool from the Cutter Kit and matted it with Not Quite Navy card stock. It was popped up on the card front with dimensionals. There you have it - another guy card finished and sent. Thanks for coming by. Here's hoping you have a great week of creative fun.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Happiest Birthday Wishes (w-#122675/c-#122617)
Ink: Cajun Craze Marker (#119678); Early Espresso Marker (#119680); Not Quite Navy Marker (#100059); River Rock Marker (#120972)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Not Quite Navy Card Stock (#101722); River Rock Card Stock (#108640); Naturals Ivory Card Stock (#101849); Well Worn Designer Series Paper (#122359)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Square Lattice Embossing Folder (#119976); Petite Pennants Builder Punch (#122361); Cutter Kit (#106958)
The Finishing Touches: Regals Brads (#119737); Stampin' Dimensionals (#119737); Early Espresso 3/8" Quilted Satin Ribbon (retired)

Daisy, Daisy

2012-01-28T16:28:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday to all. Today I have a bright and, hopefully, cheerful card for you. What a surprise; I've used two challenges for this card. One is Stampin' Royalty Challenge #108 and the second is Freshly Made Sketches #19. Makes me want to get rid of this non-winter and enjoy some warm sunshine.

I started with a Whisper White card stock base. Another piece of Whisper White card stock was run through the Big Shot with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder as was a small strip of the white card stock. Using the 1" Circle punch, I punched out circles from the Flirtatious designer paper. These were attached to the back of a strip of Pacific Point card stock. After

adding the small strip of embossed white card stock, I attached this to the card front. With the Big Shot, the Flower Daisies #2 die and Daffodil Delight card stock, I cut out three sets of the daisies. All the petals were sponged with Daffodil Delight ink. For the big daisy I attached two of the largest daisy and one each of the other two sizes to each other. A circle of Chocolate Chip card stock was added to the center. Crystal Effects was added to the center. I decided to not add brads because of the heavy embossing on the card front so I made a smaller daisy with two of the smallest die cuts. A Chocolate Chip center was added to this one as well as Crystal Effects. Both daisies were added to the card with dimensionals. I hope the daisies help remind you that Spring is on the way. Enjoy the rest of the weekend; find some time for fun and creativity.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Ink: Daffodil Delight (3119667)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Whisper White Card Stock (#100730); Daffodil Delight Card Stock (#119683); Pacific Point Card Stock (#111350); Chocolate Chip Card Stock (#102128); Flirtatious Specialty Designer Series Paper (#122360)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Macine (#113439); Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (#120175); Flower Daisies #2 Bigz Die (#114520); 1/2" Circle Punch (#119869); 1" Circle Punch (#119868)
The Finishing Touches: Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Stamping Sponges (#101610); Crystal Effects (#101055)

Love You 24-7

2012-01-27T12:57:00.000-05:00

I don't send or give too many Valentines but since I've made only one so far this year I used the Mojo Monday Challenge #225 and Shirley's Valentine Blog Hop as inspiration for this card. The colors were picked up from the designer paper.

The base of the card is Baja Breeze card stock. I then added a layer of Island Indigo card stock. Using the Lace Ribbon Border punch, I punched a strip of Island Indigo card stock. Two pieces of Baja Breeze ribbon was weaved through leaving long ends in the center. The lacy border piece was then attached to Blushing Bride card stock by over lapping the other ends of the ribbon to the back. I attached this to a

piece of Twitterpated designer paper and matted this layer with Island Indigo card stock. I cut four small squares each of Baja Breeze and Island Indigo card stocks and attached them together. They were added to the card front. I used the Doily Triple Layer Punch to punch out three doilies from Whisper White card stock. Three half inch circles were punched out of Island Indigo card stock and added to the center of each doily. They were each added to a square with dimensionals. The small Blushing Bride hearts were punched out with the Heart to Heart punch and attached to the center of each doily with glue dots. The sentiment from the Pretty Postage stamp set was heat embossed with VersaMark, Blushing Bride ink and clear embossing powder. I punched it out with the 1" Square punch and attached it to the last square with dimensionals. Pearls were added to the center of the hearts, the lace border and the sentiment. To finish it off, I tied a bow with the ends of the Baja Breeze ribbon. I like the femininity of this card, but I have one husband and two sons that I don't think would appreciate receiving it. Maybe my son would like to give it to his wife. Thanks for visiting today. I hope you have a wonderful weekend; take some time to have some creative fun.
Stampin' Up! Products Used

Stamp Set: Pretty Postage (w-#123095/c-#123097)
Ink: Blushing Bride Ink Pad (#119786); VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Baja Breeze Card Stock (#111352); Island Indigo Card Stock (#122923); Blushing Bride Card Stock (#119796); Whisper White Card Stock (#100730); Twitterpated Designer Series Paper (#125406)
Tools: 1" Square Punch (#124094); Paper Cutter (#104152); Lace Ribbon Border Punch (#122362); Doily Triple Layer Punch (#122465); Heart to Heart Punch (#119881); 1/2" Circle Punch (#119869); Heat Tool (#100005)
The Finishing Touches: Basic Pearls (#119247); Baja Breeze 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon (#122331); Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Not Quite Sure

2012-01-26T12:24:00.002-05:00

I'm back with this week's Merry Monday Challenge #4. As my title says, I'm not quite sure about this one. My thought process was to not always use my go to colors of red and green (and my husband's idea that Christmas cards should always have those two colors in them). So I pulled out my trusty Color Coach for some help.

I decided I wanted to use Riding Hood Red card stock for the base. When I looked at the Riding Hood Red coach card, two of the colors listed were More Mustard and Basic Gray. Yikes!!!! So I sucked it up and did what I could. To the Riding Hood Red card base I added a layer of Basic Gray card stock that I sponged around the edges with Basic Gray ink. The sentiment from the Petite Pairs stamp set was stamped on Naturals White card stock. Using the Round Tab punch, I punched out the sentiment just so it would be in the curved part of the punch. It was attached to the back of a piece of Twitterpated designer paper that was then matted with Riding Hood Red card stock and added to the card front. Part of the image from the Welcome Christmas stamp set (the whole image wouldn't have fit in the punch I was planning to use) was heat embossed on Naturals White card stock with More Mustard craft ink and clear embossing powder and the edges sponged with Basic Gray ink. I punched it out with the 2-1/2" Circle Punch. I attached this to a More Mustard circle cut out with the Circle Scissor Plus, added three Basic Gray brads and popped it up on the card front with dimensionals. So there you have my totally unconventional Christmas card (at least for me). I am really, really, really looking forward to the challenge next week so I can move on from this not so great choice of colors. Thanks for coming by. Remember to have a fun day and be creative.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Welcome Christmas (w-#118736/c-#120597); Petite Pairs (w-#122495/c-#122497)
Ink: Basic Gray Ink Pad (#109120); Regals Craft Stampin' Spots (#119717)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Riding Hood Red Card Stock (#111348); Basic Gray Card Stock (#121044); More Mustard Card Stock (#100946); Naturals White Card Stock (#102316); Twitterpated Designer Series Paper (#125406)
Tools: Color Coach (#121620); Circle Scissor Plus (#112530); Glass Mat (#112531); 2-1/2" Circle Punch (#120906); Round Tab Punch (#119864); Stamping Sponges (#101610); Heat Tool (#100005)
The Finishing Touches: Neutrals Brads (#119736); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130)

Sale-a-Bration Begins

2012-01-24T05:30:00.000-05:00

Sale-a-bration starts today. What the heck is that you ask? Starting today and ending March 31, it's your chance to get a free item from the sale-a-bration catalog for every $50 you spend (before shipping & taxes). Now who doesn't like something for free?? Also, if you were thinking about becoming a demonstrator and joining the Stampin' Up! family, now would be a great time to join my team. The starter kit is only $125 and you can get either a pack of designer paper or a digital download each month for the rest of the year. To see what you can get for free, click the image below. Placing an order is easy; you can contact me (check out my side bar) or you can go to my on-line store here. Just click shop now in the upper right corner and place your order. It will be shipped directly to your home. What a great chance to get free product(s) and to have fun being creative.


Click photo to view catalog

Happy Birthday John

2012-01-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

Today is my brother-in-law's birthday. Coming up with guy cards is always a challenge but this stamp set is an old faithful. I used three challenges for this card: Rubber Redneck STAMPede Challenge #8, Perfect Sentiments Challenge #15 and Color Roundup

Challenge #60. The Perfect Sentiments challenge was to do a birthday card with the emboss resist technique. As you can see, I turned the sketch 90 degrees mainly to use the image I wanted.

I started by stamping the image from the Lovely As a Tree stamp set on a piece of Whisper White card stock with VersaMark and heat embossed it with clear embossing powder. I then heat embossed the clouds from the Up, Up and Away stamp set the same way. I sponged Crumb Cake ink over the trees, Night of Navy ink over the clouds

for the sky and Old Olive ink over the ground area. When the ink was dry, I rubbed a paper towel over the embossed areas to remove any ink residue. I than matted the image with Night of Navy card stock. The sentiment from the Happiest Birthday Wishes stamp set was heat embossed with Night of Navy craft ink and clear embossing powder on a piece of Crumb Cake designer paper. I added circles punched from the 1/2" Circle punch to the bottom of the sentiment layer and attached it beneath the image. I added Old Olive and Night of Navy brads on each side of the sentiment, attached this whole layer to a piece of Crumb Cake card stock and then added everything to the card base of Old Olive card stock. I have attempted the emboss resist technique a couple of times but was never happy with the outcome. This turned out okay but I will keep trying it until I'm super happy with the result. I hope my brother-in-law likes the card (and that he got it in time). Thanks again for your visit. Enjoy what's left of the weekend. Have some creative fun today.

Stampin' Up Products Used
Stamp Sets: Lovely As a Tree (#115026); Up, Up & Away (w-#122755/c-#122757); Happiest Birthday Wishes (w-#122675/c-#122617)
Ink: Old Olive Ink Pad (#102277); Crumb Cake Ink Pad #121030); Night of Navy Ink Pad (#102977); VersaMark (#102283); Regals Craft Stampin' Spots (#119717)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Old Olive Card Stock (#100702); Crumb Cake Card Stock (#120953); Night of Navy Card Stock (#100867); Whisper White Card Stock (#100730); Neutrals Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (#117157)
Tools: Heat Tool (#100005); 1/2" Circle Punch (#119869); Stamping Sponges (#101610)
The Finishing Touches: Brights Brads (#119740); Neutrals Brads (#119736); Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130)

A Simple Christmas

2012-01-21T15:41:00.000-05:00

Time for another Christmas card for this week's Merry Monday Challenge #3. I missed the first week so this will be my second card I'm getting ready for Christmas 2012. Today's card has no stamping on the front at all. It's a quick card to put together but still has a little wow to it.

The focal image is from the last piece of the retired Deck the Halls designer paper that I had. I used one of the dies from the Labels Framelits and the Big Shot to cut out a piece of the designer paper. This type of die makes it so easy to choose what part of the paper you want to cut.

Using the next largest die and the Big Shot, I cut out a piece of Crumb Cake card stock to use as a mat for the designer paper. After attaching the two together, I pierced holes in the Crumb Cake layer using the Paper Piercing tool. Three pieces of Cherry Cobbler ribbon were added to another piece of the same sheet of designer paper and that layer was added to Always Artichoke card stock. This was then added to the card base of Crumb Cake card stock. Basic Rhinestones were colored with a permanent marker and added to the center of the poinsettias. Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details was added to the flower and regular Dazzling Details was added to some of the pine needles. I popped this up on the card front with dimensionals. As I said, this was such an easy card to make and I used some designer paper that was "catching dust". These weekly Christmas cards will probably see other retired items including stamp sets. It is an opportunity to use so many things that might never see the light of day. I look forward to this challenge each week. Until next time, be sure to make some time for fun and creativity.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Crumb Cake Card Stock (#120953); Always Artichoke Card Stock (#105119); Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper (retired)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Labels Collection Framelits Dies (#125598); Paper-Piercing Tool (#116631)
The Finishing Touches: Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding (#120992); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (#119246); Dazzling Details (#124117); Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details (#125585); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Valentine Gifts

2012-01-18T10:32:00.000-05:00

This is the first Valentine card I've made this year. I've taken on three challenges with this card: Create with Connie and Mary #184, The Paper Players Challenge #78 and Sunny Challenges & Creations Challenge #23 - Give Us Some Love.

My card base is Pear Pizzazz card stock. A layer of Blushing Bride card stock was run through the Big Shot with the scallop Edgelit Die. To this I added a layer of Whisper White card stock that was stamped with the sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set. From the Twitterpated designer paper,

I punched out six shapes with the Petal Card Double Punch. The four sides were folded in and sealed. The reason I used the punch instead of just a single piece of designer paper was for a more sturdy "package". I wrapped Calypso Coral ribbon from the Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack around each to make them look like gifts. They were attached to the card with dimensionals. I made six small bows with the same ribbon and attached them to the packages with glue dots. Six small Pear Pizzazz hearts were punched out with the Heart to Heart Punch and attached to the gifts with glue dots. To finish the card, I added pearls to the hearts and the scallops. This was one of those cards that started with one idea and evolved into something else. I hope you like it. The week is going by quickly so don't forget to enjoy and create.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370)
Ink: Pear Pizzazz Ink Pad (#119784)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Pear Pizzazz Card Stock (#119795); Blushing Bride Card Stock (#119796); Whisper White Card Stock (#100730); Twitterpated Designer Series Paper (#125406)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Adorning Accents Edgelits Dies (#125595); Petal Card Double Punch (#119273); Heart to Heart Punch (#119881)
The Finishing Touches: Basic Pearls (#119247); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Mini Blue Dots (#103683); Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack (Sale-a-bration #127279 - available 1/24/12)

Eiffel Thanks

2012-01-16T15:22:00.000-05:00

Good Monday to all. Here's hoping your weekend was all you wanted it to be. My thank you card today is based on three challenges: KA-POW Kreative Challenge #09, Paper Lovin' Gals #14, and Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #238.

The colors in the KKC09 challenge were great but I was stumped with the Regal Rose. You can see I chickened out and only used a small piece. I started with Cajun Craze card stock for the base. The next layer is a piece of Well Worn designer paper that I distressed around the edges with the distressing tool from the Cutter Kit. I then sponged the edges with Soft Suede ink. The sentiment from the Thank You Kindly stamp set was heat embossed with VersaMark, Soft Suede ink and clear embossing powder on the designer paper. A strip of Cajun Craze card stock was added.

Hemp Twine was wrapped twice around the designer paper. The ends were fed through a retired Buttons Latte button and tied in a bow. The layer was then attached to the card front. The Eiffel Tower image from the Artistic Etchings stamp set was heat embossed on Naturals Ivory card stock with VersaMark, Soft Suede ink and clear embossing powder. The edges were distressed with the distressing tool and sponged with Soft Suede ink. I then cut the image into three equal pieces. They were attached to a piece of Regal Rose card stock and that was matted with a piece of River Rock card stock. Both these pieces had their edges distressed with the same tool. The image layer was added to the card with dimensionals. Thanks for stopping by today. Take some time today to have fun and be creative. See you here again soon.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Artistic Etchings (w-#118517/c-#120573); Thank You Kindly (#111700)
Ink: Soft Sued Ink Pad (#115657); VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Cajun Craze Card Stock (#119684); River Rock Card Stock (#108640); Regal Rose Card Stock (#105130); Naturals Ivory Card Stock (#101849); Well Worn Designer Series Paper (#122359)
Tools: Heat Tool (#100005); Cutter Kit (#106958); Sponge Daubers (#102892)
The Finishing Touches: Hemp Twine #100982); Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Buttons Latte (retired)

CHRISTMAS??? Eeek!!

2012-01-14T12:55:00.000-05:00

Yes, bloggers, this is a Christmas card. Lesley Croghan has a new challenge called Merry Monday and the idea is to create one Christmas card a week so you don't go into overload at the end of the year. Believe it or not, I enjoyed making this card because there was no pressure. I don't need it for another 11 months. This is based on the Merry Monday #2 Challenge and The Rubber Redneck STAMPede Challenge #7.

When I saw this challenge I knew just what I wanted to do. My card base is Riding Hood Red card stock. A piece of Naturals Ivory card stock was run through the Big Shot with the Snow Burst embossing folder. I punched a strip of Basic Black card stock with the Scallop Edge Border punch and attached it to the embossed layer. Retired Riding Hood Red striped ribbon was added above the scallops. The whole layer was added to the card

front. Santa from the Jolliest Time of the Year stamp set was stamped on Watercolor paper with black StazOn ink. I used an Aqua Painter and Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Baja Breeze (the snow and flakes) and Blushing Bride (his cheeks and nose) inks to water color him. His belt buckle was heat embossed using the VersaMarker and silver embossing powder. Dazzling Details were used on the snow and the snowflakes. Dazzling Diamonds were added to his suit, hat and beard using a glue pen. The sentiment from the retired Christmas Classics stamp set was also heat embossed using VersaMark ink and black embossing powder. I matted the image with Basic Black card stock and used dimensionals to attach it to the card. This was such a simple sketch to work with that I made two of the same card. You have to check out this challenge. You may not be able to take it on each week, but any cards done over the next 11 months will make Christmas 2012 less daunting. Have fun being creative this weekend. See you soon.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Jolliest Time of the Year (#116584); Christmas Classics (retired)
Ink: Jet Black StazOn Ink Pad (#101406); Riding Hood Red Ink Pad (#111836); Basic Black Ink Pad (#101179); Baja Breeze Ink Pad (#111833); Blushing Bride Ink Pad (#119786); VersaMark Ink Pad (#102283); VersaMarker (#1009010
Card Stock: Riding Hood Red (#111348); Basic Black (#121045); Naturals Ivory (#101849); Watercolor Paper (#122959)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cuttting Macine (#113439); Snow Burst Embossing Folder (#124096); Aqua Painter (#103954); Scallop Edge Border Punch (#119882); Heat Tool (#100005)
The Finishing Touches: Black Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109133); Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109131); 2-Way Glue Pen (#100425); Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (#102023); Dazzling Details (#124117); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Three Little Words

2012-01-12T17:39:00.000-05:00

I'm still working on getting myself back on track after the holidays. To help myself get moving, I'm using the A La Card Monkey Challenge #90 for my card today. They always have great sketches and inspiration. Besides the sketch this week, they also challenged you to

use something you haven't used yet to create a project. Some new dies and a stamp set that hadn't seen ink were used for this card.

For my card base I chose Crumb Cake card stock. A layer of Soft Suede card stock was run through the Big Shot and embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder. I used the new scallop Edgelit Die on a piece of Mocha Morning designer paper. I wanted more of the embossing on the Soft Suede to show below the designer paper so I cut the scallop edge in reverse. The designer paper layer was added to the Soft Suede. The image from the Apothecary Art stamp set was stamped on Watercolor paper with black StazOn ink. I colored in the flowers and leaves with Regal Rose, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi, and Soft Suede ink using a blender pen. I then ran it through the Big Shot and cut it out with a Labels Framelit die. This was matted with a piece of Regal Rose card stock that was also cut out with a framelit die. The sentiment from the Three Little Words stamp set was added using Soft Suede Ink. I attached this layer to the card with glue dots. "Three little words" from the Three Little Words stamp set was stamped on a piece of Very Vanilla card stock with Soft Suede ink. With the paper cutter, I cut under part of the sentiment to eliminate some of the excess card stock. I then rounded the corners with the Corner Punch. The corner under the "T" was rounded by hand. A piece of Crumb Cake ribbon was ruffled by pulling a thread near one of the edges. It was attached to the back of the sentiment with Sticky Strip and the whole thing attached to the card with dimensionals. Basic Pearls were colored with permanent markers; one was added to the "o" in words and the others were added on the larger image. I hope you like what I came up with today. Stop by again soon.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Apothecary Art (w-#125525/c-#125527); Three Little Words (#113254)
Ink: Soft Suede Ink Pad (#115657); Regal Rose Ink Pad (#105211); So Saffron Ink Pad (#105213); Wild Wasabi Ink Pad (#109014); Jet Black StazOn Ink Pad (#101406)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Crumb Cake Card Stock (#120953); Soft Suede Card Stock (#115318); Regal Rose Card Stock (#105130); Very Vanilla Card Stock (#101650); Watercolor Paper (#122959); Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Series Paper (#122366)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Labels Collection Framelits Dies (#125598); Adorning Accents Edgelits Dies (#125595); Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (#120175); Blender Pens (#102845); 3/16" Corner Punch (#119867); Paper Cutter (#104152)
The Finishing Touches: Crumb Cake 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon (#122332); Basic Pearls (#119247); Sticky Strip (#104294); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Mini Glue Dots (#103683)

Twitterpated Thank You

2012-01-08T16:35:00.000-05:00

Today is a very quick post. We're putting away Christmas decorations and I want to catch the Steelers' playoff game. I based my card on the Mojo Monday Challenge #222.

I used the new Twitterpated designer paper and a stamp set

that will be available in the Sale-a-bration catalog later this month. Besides the designer paper I used Basic Gray, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze and Naturals White card stocks. Embellishment brads are Blushing Bride from the In Color Glimmer Brads and Basic Gray from the Neutrals brads. The Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder was used with the Big Shot to embossed the Blushing Bride layer. The Baja Breeze flower was punched out with the Bojo Blossoms punch. Thanks for stopping by today. I hope your weekend has been fun and creative. See you soon.

2012 Occasions Mini Goes Live

2012-01-04T11:48:00.000-05:00


January 4 - April 30, 2012

Today is the first day you can purchase the great new items in the Occasions Mini Catalog. Click on the links below for easy access to view all the catalog has to offer.

Occasions Mini pdf

Occasions Mini - flash version

Occasions Mini Catalog Supplies pdf

Occasions Mini Catalog - stamp sets in Spanish pdf

If you'd like to order any of the items, just click the image at the top of my side bar and it will take you to my Stampin' Up! store. You can order it right there and it will be shipped directly to you. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Also, later this month, Sale-a-bration will start. You will be able to get a free item for every $50 spent. Watch for that on January 24. See you next time.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2012-01-01T08:05:00.002-05:00

Here we are at the start of another new year - full of hope and good intentions for the coming year. My wish for all my friends out there in blog land is for a very blessed and happy new year that far outshines last year. With my card today I wanted to not only wish you a wonderful start to 2012 but to encourage you to not only dream but to dream with enthusiasm. I used three challenges when creating this card: colourQ challenge #117, Create with Connie and Mary Challenge #182 and The Friday Mashup #39.

Whisper White card stock was used as the base of my card. I added a strip of Twitterpated designer paper (this is available January 4). One long edge was punched with the Scallop Trim Border Punch. Another piece of Whisper White card stock was run through the Big Shot with the Houndstooth embossing folder, spritzed with Frost White Shimmer paint that was mixed with rubbing alcohol and matted with a piece of Basic Black card stock.

The numbers for the new year were cut with the Big Shot and the Timeless Type Alphabet die. I added them to the white embossed layer with dimensionals. Dazzling Diamonds were added with a glue pen. This layer was then added to the card front. The sentiment from the Word Play stamp set was stamped on Whisper White card stock with black StazOn ink. I then covered the whole thing with VersaMark ink, added Heat & Stick powder, and heated it with the Heat Tool.

While that was still wet, I added Iridescent Ice and heat set that also. This adds such a beautiful glimmer as you can see on the close up photo. The sentiment was added to the bottom of the card. I glimmered up the Island Indigo brad the same way I did the image. I turned under both ends of a piece of Black Scallop Dots ribbon, added the brad, and attached it between the image layer and the sentiment with glue dots. I hope you are enjoying the start of the new year and you "imagine the possibilities" this coming year both in life and your creativity.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Word Play (w-#120308/c-#120651)
Ink: Jet Black StazOn (#101406); VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Whisper White Card Stock (#100730); Basic Black Card Stock (#121045); Island Indigo Card Stock (#122923); Twitterpated DSP (#125406)*
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Heat Tool (#100005); Houndstooth Embossing Folder (#123134); Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Medium Sizzlits Dies (#115951); Scallp Trim Border Punch (#118402)
The Finishing Touches: Basic Black 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon (#124145), 2011-2013 In Color Designer Printed Brads (#122940); Heat & Stick Powder (#100625); Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder (#101930); 2-Way Glue Pen (#100425); Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (#102023); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Mini Glue Dots (#103683); Frost White Shimmer Paint (#116854)
*available starting January 4

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-25T08:40:00.000-05:00

Wishing all my friends in blog land a very Merry Christmas. May the coming new year be blessed with good health, much happiness and lots of time to be creative.

Shaker Gift Card Holder

2011-12-22T07:26:00.002-05:00

Since we're only a few days away from Christmas and my cards are all done (not mailed yet though), I thought I'd share a gift card holder I made. Since Inkspirations Challenge #100 and Stampin' Royalty Challenge #103 are both Christmas card/project challenges, I'm submitting this to both of them.

For the base I chose Night of Navy card stock. I cut it 5-1/2" x 7" and scored it at 3" on the long side. I ran just the 3" section through the Big Shot with the Snow Burst embossing folder. The corners were rounded with the

3/16" Corner Punch. The bow was made with Cherry Cobbler seam binding and added across the embossed area with the ends attached to the back. Sticky strip was added to each 3" section side to seal up the edges. Just remember not to add adhesive to the top of this section so you will be able to insert the card holder. The stamp from the Merry Winter stamp set was colored with Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie, and Daffodil Delight markers, huffed on and stamped on Whisper White card stock. It was then punched out with the 1-3/4" Circle punch and attached to the card over the ribbon. I then attached one of the largest Shaker Frames and added some Mica Flakes in the center. I cut a square piece of Window Sheet a little larger than the shaker frame and added that over the frame to seal in the flakes. You may have to trim off a little of the window sheet before adding the final part. A piece of Old Olive card stock was punched with the same circle punch and then punched again around it with the 2-3/8" Scallop Circle punch. This was added over the shaker frame. For the insert that holds the gift card I cut a piece of Old Olive card stock 4" x 4-3/8" and stamped it with images from the retired Snowflakes stamp set with Whisper White Craft Ink. (There are just some stamp sets you can't get rid of). With the Word Window Punch, I punched out a slot large enough to fit the gift card into. The corners were also rounded with the Corner punch. This was attached with Sticky Strip to a piece of Cherry Cobbler card stock that was cut at 4-1/8" x 4-1/2" and the corners also rounded. I stamped the sentiment from the Many Merry Messages stamp set on a piece of Night of Navy card stock with Whisper White Craft Ink. When the ink was dry. I used the Bone Folder to soften up the fibers so I could make it look wavy. Two Whisper White brads were added to one end. I snipped a "V" on the other end. It was attached to the insert with glue dots. Believe it or not, this is not a difficult gift card holder to make; you can embellish it however you want and for any occasion. I hope the next few days are not too hectic and you get the chance for some fun and creativity.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Merry Winter (w-#122700/c-#122702); Many Merry Messages (#116586); Snowflakes (retired)
Ink: Whisper White Craft Ink (#101731); Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Write Marker (#119681); Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker (#100079); Night of Navy Marker (#100069); Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Write Marker (#105115); Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write Marker (#119677)
Card Stock: Night of Navy (#100867); Old Olive (#100702); Cherry Cobbler (#119685); Whisper White (#100730)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); 3/16" Corner Punch (#119867); 1-3/4" Circle Punch (#119850); 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (#118874); Word Window Punch (#119857); Snow Burst Embossing Folder (#124096)
The Finishing Touches: Window Sheets (#114323); Shaker Frames (#124155); Mica Flakes (#124115); Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding (#120992); Mini Glue Dots (#103683); Sticky Strip (#104294); Bone Folder (#102300); Neutrals Brads (#119736)

A Merry Christmas Wreath

2011-12-17T11:45:00.000-05:00

Good Saturday morning to everyone. I have another Christmas card to share with you today. It's a combination of three challenges: Stampin' Queen's Sketch Challenge #17, Paper Players Challenge #76 and Inkspirations Challenge 100 - anything Christmas. This is also the last challenge they will be doing. Why not say a fond farewell and upload your Christmas creations you have been working on.

I started with a base of Very Vanilla card stock. A piece of Brushed Gold card stock was run through the Big Shot with the Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder. That was matted with Cherry Cobbler card stock. The image from the Welcome Home stamp set was heat embossed on Very Vanilla card stock using VersaMark and gold embossing powder. The sentiment from the Bells and Boughs stamp set was heat embossed with VersaMark and Cherry Cobbler embossing powder under the wreath. Two holes

were punched at the top of the wreath with the Crop-a-Dile. I threaded both ends of a piece of Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding through the holes and tied a bow. Basic Rhinestones were colored with permanent markers and added to the wreath. I used a red and brown marker to get the darker color on the rhinestones. This layer was attached to the card using dimensionals. To make the small flowers, I used the retired Spring Flower Bouquet punch. Before punching out the flowers, I spritzed a piece of Cherry Cobbler

Click to see sparkle

card stock with a combination of Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint and alcohol. Six of the five-petal flower were punched out. I used two for each flower adding a gold brad to the center. Two were attached with glue dots and one with dimensionals. Colored rhinestones were added to two corners. I think I need to sit down and get some of these cards in the mail before Christmas comes and goes. The days after Thanksgiving seem to zip by very fast. I hope you've got a great weekend planned. Be sure and take time to have some creative fun.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Welcome Christmas (w-#118736/c-#120597); Bells and Boughs (w-#120831/c-#121142)
Ink: VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla (#101650); Cherry Cobbler (#119685); Brushed Gold (#102938)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Heat Tool (#100005); Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder (#116824); Crop-a-Dile (#108362); Spring Flower Bouquet Punch (retired)
The Finishing Touches: Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding (#120992); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (#119246); Gold Brads (#104337); Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109129); Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Emboss Powder (#122949); Mini Glue Dots (#103683); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (#116806)

Christmas at the Lodge

2011-12-15T16:29:00.000-05:00

Back again with another Christmas card. It's an easy card to put together if you need a lot of one kind. I challenged myself with the Inkspirations Challenge #99, the Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge #97 and Shirley's Christmas Blog Hop.

Crumb Cake card stock

was used as the base of this square card. I punched a piece of Always Artichoke card stock with the Lace Ribbon Border punch and attached it to a square piece of Cherry Cobbler card stock. The Chantilly Crochet Trim was gathered using a needle and Linen Thread. This was attached over the border and to the back with glue dots. A champagne brad from the Basics Glimmer Brads was added and the whole layer attached to the card front. I heat embossed the
image from the Christmas Lodge stamp set on a piece of Very Vanilla card stock with VersaMark, Crumb Cake ink and clear embossing powder. I used the Crumb Cake marker and Color Spritzer Tool over the image and then sponged the edges with Crumb Cake ink. The image was matted with Always Artichoke card stock and attached to the Cherry Cobbler. The 2-Way Glue Pen and Dazzling Diamonds were used to highlight the areas of snow on the image. A pretty simple card to put together with a little bit of old-fashioned look to it. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you had a chance to have some creative fun today.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Christmas Lodge (w-#123767/c-#123769)
Ink: Crumb Cake Ink Pad (#121030); Crumb Cake Marker (#120967); VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock: Crumb Cake (#120953); Cherry Cobbler (#119685); Always Artichoke (#105119); Very Vanilla (#101650)
Tools: Heat Tool (#100005); Lace Ribbon Border Punch (#122362); Color Spritzer Tool (#107066)
The Finishing Touches: Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim (#118480); Basics Glimmer Brads (#121005); Linen Thread (#104199); 2-Way Glue Pen (#100425); Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130); Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (#102023); Mini Glue Dots (#103683); Stamping Sponges (#101610)

Snowed In For Christmas

2011-12-13T13:38:00.000-05:00

When I saw the picture for the Paper Lovin' Gals Challenge #9, I knew immediately what I was going to do.

I started with a Naturals White card stock base. To make the door, I used a piece of Frostwood Lodge designer paper cut at 3-1/2"x5". The edges were heavily sponged with Early Espresso ink. The door panels are made from the same paper; the top two panels were each cut at 1-1/4"x1-5/8", the bottom panels were cut at 1-1/4"x2-1/2". They, too, were sponged with Early Espresso ink and attached to the door piece. I added an Early Espresso brad as the

doorknob. To make the wreath, I stamped the top of the single pine from the Lovely As A Tree stamp set randomly on a piece of Naturals White card stock leaving an area in the middle unstamped. Lining up the 1-3/4" Scallop Circle punch so that the white area was in the center, I punched out the wreath. A piece of Real Red ribbon was attached to the top of the wreath with a glue dot and the other end attached to the back of the

door. I made a bow from the same ribbon and added it to the wreath. The wreath was added to the card with dimensionals. Some unshoveled snow was added by tearing along two pieces of Shimmery White card stock. Before adding them below the door, I lightly sponged the edges with Bashful Blue ink (not very visible in the photo). After layering them on the card I added some Dazzling Diamonds using the 2-Way Glue Pen. Some Basic Pearls were colored with a permanent marker and added to the wreath. I'm very happy with the end result. Hubby says it's probably his favorite this year. I really enjoy taking on the challenges out there in blog land. If you're ever stumped for an idea, check one out. Enjoy your day and have some creative fun.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Lovely As a Tree (#115026)
Ink: Early Espresso (#119670); Garden Green (#102272); Bashful Blue (#105209)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Naturals White Card Stock (#102316); Shimmery White Card Stock (#101910); Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper (#124002)
Tools: 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch (#119854); Paper Cutter (#104152)
The Finishing Touches: Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (#119251); Basic Pearls (#119247); Neutrals Brads (#119736); Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (#102023); 2-Way Glue Pen (#100425); Stamping Sponges (#101610); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Mini Glue Dots (#103683)

Snowman CASE

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

My card today is this cute snowman that I totally CASE'd from LeeAnn Greff here. In fact, I made three of them (see below) only changing up the snowflake embellishment on the others.

The "card part" (face) was made with Shimmery White card stock that I ran through the Big Shot with the Top Note die. I scored and folded it in half. The hat was made with Basic Black card stock that was run through the Big Shot with the Snow Burst embossing folder. The brim of the hat is a piece of Real Red card stock that was cut out with the Top Note die. I used the long side, trimmed off the point near the face and rounded the top corners of this piece. The red brim was attached to the hat with sticky strip; I wanted to be sure it held together especially with the two pieces being embossed. The hat was then attached to the white folded "face". The snowflake is from the Northern Frost Sizzlits die that was cut out with the Big Shot from Silver Glimmer paper. I punched out a Real Red circle with the circle punch from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack and attached it to the snowflake. Two Mini Jingle Bells were strung on a piece of White Baker's Twine. I attached them to the center of the circle by "sewing" them to the circle; I threaded each end of the twine through a large-eye needle and then ran it through to the back of the snowflake and tied it off. The snowflake and bells were then

Click to see larger image

attached to the hat with glue dots. The eyes are Basic Black card stock punched out with the 1/2" Circle Punch. I free-hand cut the nose from Pumpkin Pie card stock. His mouth is circles punched from the Crop-a-dile. I used a sponge dauber and Blushing Bride ink to add his cheeks. I need some gift card holders

and decided to turn him into one. But I realized he isn't wide enough to hold a card side ways and the folded area is too short to add the card vertically, so I used half of a Top Note die cut from Glossy White card stock embossed with the Snow Burst embossing folder and attached it to the back of the card. The gift card fits perfectly. The one drawback to this is the gift card has to be removed to open the card for the greeting. I'm sure whoever receives the gift card won't mind this little inconvenience. Thanks to LeeAnn for this great idea. This is one I will file away to save for future Christmases. If my directions don't make any sense, check out her blog; she has a great explanation of how she did it. Have a great Sunday. I hope you get a chance to have some creative fun today.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Ink: Blushing Bride Ink Pad (#119786)
Card Stock: Shimmery White (#101910); Real Red (#102482); Basic Black (#121045); Pumpkin Pie (#105117); Silver Glimmer Paper (#124005); Glossy White (#102599)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Snow Burst Embossing Folder (#124096); top Note Bigz Die (#113463); Northern Frost Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die (#120901); 1/2" Circle Punch (#119869); Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (#118309); Crop-a-Dile (#108362); White uni-ball Signo Gel Pen (#105021); Sponge Daubers (#102892)
The Finishing Touches: Mini Jingle Bells (#124116); Sticky Strip (#104294); Mini Glue Dots (#103683); White Baker's Twine (#124262)

With Sympathy

2011-12-08T14:19:00.001-05:00

I had to side step from Christmas cards today. I, unfortunately, had to make a sympathy card. The sketch I used is the Craft Project Central #6 challenge.

I chose Soft Suede card stock as my card base. A piece of Spice Cake designer paper was spritzed using the Spritzer Tool and the Soft Suede marker and the edges sponged with Soft Suede ink. It was added to a piece of Pool Party card stock that I had distressed the edges with using the distressing tool in the Cutter

Kit. This was attached to the card front. I punched a piece of Pear Pizzazz card stock with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon punch, snipped off one end for the pennant look and sponged around the edges with Soft Suede ink. It was matted with a piece of Rich Razzleberry card stock that also was cut on one end. I stamped the sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set on a piece of Pear Pizzazz card stock with black StazOn ink and used the 1" Square punch to cut the flag end. It was also sponged with Soft Suede ink and matted with a piece of Rich Razzleberry card stock, again using the square punch to cut into the one end. They were added to the card front. The two images from the Flower Fest stamp set were stamped on Watercolor paper with black StazOn ink. The stem was colored with the Pear Pizzazz ink pad and a blender pen. The edges were sponged with Soft Suede ink and the image spritzed the same as the designer paper. The flower was colored using Pool Party and Rich Razzleberry ink pads and a blender pen. I then cut it out and added a Pear Pizzazz Glimmer brad to the center. The image layer was matted with Pool Party card stock that had also been distressed with the distressing tool. This layer was attached to the card front with dimensionals. The flower was added to the stem with a dimensional. All that's left to do is put it in the mail with my regards. Have a good day.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Flower Fest (w-#122278/c-#122280); Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370)
Ink: Pear Pizzazz Ink Pad (3119784); Pool Party Ink Pad (#122938); Rich Razzleberry Ink Pad (#115658); Soft Suede Ink Pad (#115657); Jet Black StazOn Ink Pad (#101406); Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker (#120973)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Soft Suede Card Stock (#115318); Pool Party Card Stock (#122924); Pear Pizzazz Card Stock (#119795); Rich Razzleberry Card Stock (#115316); Watercolor Paper (#122959); Spice Cake Designer Series Paper (#124003)
Tools: Color Spritzer Tool (#107066); Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (#119275); 1" Square Punch (#124094); Cutter Kit (#106958); Stamping Sponges (#101610); Blender Pens (#102845); Paper Snips (#103579)
The Finishing Touches: 2010-2012 In Color Glimmer Brads (#121005); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Let It Snow Glimmer

2011-12-07T12:27:00.001-05:00

I'm back with another Christmas card. This wouldn't be my normal choice of colors but I wanted to try the Paper Players Challenge #75 - create something Christmas with non-holiday stamps or colors. It is also based on the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #232 and I am adding it to Shirley's Christmas Blog Hop.

I started with Perfect Plum card stock for my card base. Snowflakes from the Northern Frost Die were cut out of Silver Glimmer paper with the Big Shot, adhered to a piece of Concord Crush card stock and run through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice embossing folder. I matted this layer with the same

glitter paper. I found a great tip while surfing blogs one day but I don't remember who suggested this. You cut out a piece of the glimmer paper large enough to mat your image. Using your paper cutter, you cut out the center leaving enough around the edges to attach your image layer to. You use less of the glimmer paper this way - no waste. I made a bow with Concord Crush ribbon, attached it on the corner with glue dots and wrapped the ends around the edge. I attached another piece to the opposite corner. Three Perfect Plum Glimmer brads were added to the center of some snowflakes. This layer was then added to the card. The wishes sentiment from the Fabulous Phrases stamp set

was heat embossed with VersaMark and Pewter embossing powder. This doesn't show up as well on the card as I would have liked but it's pretty in real life. I'm pleased with the way the card turned out. The photograph doesn't do all that glimmer justice. Even my hubby, who is a real traditionalist when it comes to Christmas colors, liked this one. I hope you're enjoying a much nicer day than the rainy one we're having. A good reason to be inside and having some fun creating.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Fabulous Phrases (w-#117002/c-#120501)
Ink: VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock: Concord Crush (#119792); Perfect Plum (#101889); Silver Glimmer Paper (#124005)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Heat Tool (#100005); Northern Frost Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die (#120901); Square Lattice Embossing Folder (#119976); Paper Cutter (#104152)
The Finishing Touches: Concord Crush 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon (#119266); Subtles Glimmer Brads (#121004); Mini Glue Dots (#103683); Pewter Stampin' Emboss Powder (#124114)

A Holly Berry Stocking

2011-12-04T06:30:00.000-05:00

I guess you'd say I'm on a roll with the Christmas cards (and I plan to keep on rolling). The card today is based on the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge #178. No stamping on this one and, again, a pretty simple card to put together.

Wild Wasabi card stock was used as the card base. I matted a piece of Holly Berry Bouquet Specialty designer paper with Chocolate Chip card stock and attached it to the card front. A strip of Chocolate Chip card stock was added on the right. I made a triple bow from Very Vanilla Taffeta ribbon and attached it to a piece of Red Glimmer

paper with glue dots. This was added to the card. Very Vanilla textured card stock was punched out with the Stocking Builder punch. The rest of the stocking parts were punched out of the glimmer polka dot paper from the Holly Berry Bouquet designer paper. I added them to the stocking and drew a line along their edges with a Real Red marker. With the Big Shot, I cut out the holly leaves from Wild Wasabi card stock using the Sweetest Stem Emblosslits die. I added three Real Red brads to the stocking and attached the leaves under the brads. The stocking was added to the card with dimensionals. Another easy Christmas card finished and added to my stash. Hope your weekend is turning out to be a great one - full of fun and creativity.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Ink: Real Red Stampin' Write Marker (#100052)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Wild Wasabi Card Stock (#108641; Chocolate Chip Card Stock (#102128); Neutrals 12x12 Textured Card Stock (#121078); Red Glimmer Paper (#121790); Holly Berry Bouquet Specialty Designer Paper (#124004)
Tools: Stock Builder Punch (#124095); Sweetest Stem Embosslits Die (#114513); Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439)
The Finishing Touches: Brights Brads (#119740); Very Vanilla 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (#119960); Mini Glue Dots (#103683); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

A Simple Christmas

2011-12-03T07:52:00.001-05:00

Happy Saturday all. I realize I have to get moving on my Christmas cards so I went with the Freshly Made Sketches #13 and Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge #122 to help motivate me. As soon as I saw the traditional Christmas colors in the challenge, I knew I had to use them. When I got the idea of what I wanted to do, I flipped the sketch to make it work.

My card base is Cherry Cobbler card stock. I added a layer of Naturals Ivory card stock.

The color challenge was Very Vanilla but I wanted the look of the Naturals Ivory for this card. With the Big Shot, I embossed a piece of the Naturals Ivory card stock with the Snow Burst embossing folder and matted it with Cherry Cobbler. Always Artichoke Seam Binding was ruffled by pulling a couple of threads to get the ruffle. I added it to the embossed layer, added three Cherry Cobbler

brads and attached it to the card front. The single pine tree from the Lovely As a Tree stamp set was heat embossed on Naturals Ivory card stock with VersaMark, Always Artichoke ink and clear embossing powder. I punched out three squares with the 1" Square punch and matted each with Cherry Cobbler card stock. Dazzling Diamonds glitter was added to the branches with a 2-Way Glue Pen. The image pieces were added to the card front with mini glue dots and dimensionals. Dimensionals were only used on the right side because the embossed layer raised up the left side; that's where I used the glue dots. I see a few more of these cards in my future because it really was an easy card to put together. Have a great weekend. Take time to have fun and be creative.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Lovely As a Tree (#115026)
Ink: Always Artichoke Ink Pad (#105219); VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler (#119685); Naturals Ivory (#101849)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Heat Tool (#100005); Snow Burst Embossing Folder (#124096); 1" Square Punch (#124094); Paper Cutter (#104152)
The Finishing Touches: Always Artichoke 1/2" Seam Binding (#121000); Regals Brads (#119737); 2-Way Glue Pen (#100425); Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (#102023); Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130); Mini Glue Dots (#103683); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

A Baby Roar

2011-11-29T17:38:00.001-05:00

I certainly know how to relax when a holiday rolls around; so much so that I haven't blogged in almost a week. Thanksgiving was great; my younger son and daughter-in-love were here for the long weekend and my sister joined us for Thanksgiving dinner. Lots of good food and even better company. My card today is based on the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge4 #231.

I used Basic Gray card stock as the base for the card. A piece of Nursery Nest designer paper was matted with Basic Gray card stock and attached at an angle to a piece of Pear Pizzazz card stock. The parts that overhung the Pear Pizzazz were trimmed flush to that layer and this was all added to the card front. The lion image from the Fox & Friends stamp set was heat embossed on Whisper White card stock with VersaMark, Pear Pizzazz ink, and clear embossing powder. I punched it out with a 1-3/8" circle punch, sponged around the edges with Pear Pizzazz ink and attached it to a 1-3/4" scallop circle. A white gel pen was used to add the dots in each of the scallops. The sentiment is part of the hello baby stamp from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set. It was stamped on Whisper White card stock with Basic Gray ink and punched out with the Small Oval punch. I punched another small oval from Basic Gray card stock, cut it in half and used it to mat the top and bottom of the sentiment. A piece of Pear Pizzazz ribbon was added to the front. I then attached the image and the sentiment over the ribbon with dimensionals. This was an interesting sketch to work with but I liked it because of the large area that was perfect for designer paper. I hope you had a chance to have fun and create today. See you soon.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamps Sets: Fox & Friends (w-#117020/c-#118565); Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370)
Ink: Pear Pizzazz Ink Pad (#119784); Basic Gray Ink Pad (#109120); VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Basic Gray Card Stock (#121044); Pear Pizzazz Card Stock (#119795); Whisper White Card Stock (#100730); Nursery Nest Designer Series Paper (#122347)
Tools: Heat Tool (#100005); 1-3/8" Circle Punch (#119860); 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch (#119854); Small Oval Punch (#120908); Paper Snips (#103579); White uni-ball Signo Gel Pen (#105021)
The Finishing Touches: Pear Pizzazz 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon (#119265); Sponge Daubers (#102892); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130)

CASE'd Gift Card Holder - Bargello Style

2011-11-23T17:15:00.001-05:00

The other day I posted a card using the bargello technique (tutorial here). While I was cutting and pasting I decided to do one in a different designer paper. Today's card is how I used that design. It is based on two challenges: Sketch Frenzy Friday 111111 and Just Us Girls Color Challenge #111. It is also

a pop-up gift card holder that I cased from Kim Score here. She has a great video tutorial explaining how to put this together.

My card base is Garden Green card stock. The bargello design was made using Frostwood Lodge designer paper and matted with Cherry Cobbler card stock. I added a piece of Cherry Cobbler ribbon and then wrapped Cherry Cobbler/White baker's twine

around the ribbon and tied a bow. The belly band was also made with Frostwood Lodge designer paper. As in the tutorial I added a piece of Garden Green card stock punched out with a 3/4" circle punch on each end of the band, inserted a silver brad and used a piece of the Cherry Cobbler/White baker's twine to

close the band on the back. The image from the Tags til Christmas stamp set was heat embossed on Whisper White card stock with VersaMark and Cherry Cobbler embossing powder and punched out with the 1-3/4" circle punch. I matted it with a 2" circle of Garden Green card stock that was cut out with the Circle Scissors Plus. It was attached to the bargello layer with dimensionals. This whole layer was attached to the card front.

The pop-up inside the card was made with the Frostwood Lodge designer paper as was the little envelope for the gift card and the layers on the card inside. The sentiment from the retired More Great Greetings stamp set was also heat embossed using Cherry Cobbler embossing powder on Whisper White card
stock and then punched out with the Decorative

Label punch. I used the same punch for the Garden Green and Cherry Cobbler borders on the top and bottom of the sentiment. This looks like it's complicated but if you follow along with the video (I paused frequently so I could keep up with the directions), it's really not that bad. With so many designer papers out there, this could be done for any occasion. I've saved a lot of techniques and ideas so I've decided to try some of them out. I am so grateful for all the great bloggers out there that so willingly share their ideas with all of us.

I'd like to wish all of you a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving with your family and friends. And if you have to be away from home, travel safe.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Tags Til Christmas (w-#120847/c-#121169); More Great Greetings (retired)
Ink: VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Garden Green Card Stock (#102584); Cherry Cobbler Card Stock (#119685); Whisper White Card Stock (#100730); Frostwood Lodge DSP (#124002)
Tools: Circle Scissor Plus (#112530); Glass Mat (#112531); Paper Cutter (#104152); 1-3/4" Circle Punch (#119850); 1-3/8" Circle Punch (#119860); Decorative Label Punch (#120907); Heat Tool (#100005); 3/4" Circle Punch (#119873)
The Finishing Touches: Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Emboss Powder (#122949); Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon (#124138); Silver Brads (#104336); Sticky Strip (#104294); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Bargello Spice Cake

2011-11-20T20:26:00.001-05:00

My card today is made using a technique I've wanted to try for a long time. When I saw the Hand Stamped Sentiments Technique Challenge #93 to make a project using the Bargello technique, I thought this was the perfect chance. The tutorial explaining how this is done can be found here.

The card base is More Mustard card stock. The bargello layer was made using Spice Cake designer paper. After I assembled the pieces, I matted it with Soft Suede card stock. The sentiment from the Pretty Postage stamp set was heat embossed on Very Vanilla card stock using VersaMark, Soft Suede ink and clear embossing powder. It was punched out with the 1" Square punch. I punched out a piece of Pool Party card stock with the Postage Stamp punch, sponged the edges with Soft Suede ink and matted the sentiment with it. More Mustard card stock punched out with the 1-3/8" Square punch was also sponged around the edges with Soft Suede ink and used to mat the sentiment layer. I made a bow with the Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon and added it to the card. Dimensionals were used to attach the sentiment over the ribbon. Three rhinestone brads were added in the upper left corner. This is a fun technique but I think the hardest part is finding the right designer papers to use that will show the technique in the best way. Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your week; have fun and create.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Pretty Postage (w-#123095/c-#123097)
Ink: VersaMark (#102283); Soft Suede Ink Pad (#115657)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Soft Suede Card Stock (#115318); Pool Party Card Stock (#122924); More Mustard Card Stock (#100946); Very Vanilla Card Stock (#101650); Spice Cake Designer Series Paper (#124003)
Tools: Heat Tool (#100005); Paper Cutter (#104152); 1" Square Punch (#124094); Postage Stamp Punch (#122344); 1-3/8" Square Punch (#119877); Stamping Sponges (#101610)
The Finishing Touches: Pool Party 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon (#122975); Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads (#109110); StampingDimensionals (#104430); Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130)

Watercolor Leaves

2011-11-18T16:29:00.001-05:00

I saw this neat technique on Patty Bennett's blog here and thought the Less is More Challenge #41 - One Layer Card with Leaves would be a great place to try it. I also used the colors from the Color Round Up Color Challenge #54.

The card base is Very Vanilla card stock. Using the technique in Patty Bennett's video, I used my Aqua Painter to dampen my stamps from the French Foliage stamp set. I then colored them with Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, Soft Suede and Crumb Cake watercolor crayons and stamped them along the bottom and side of my card front. I then inked up the water spots stamp from the same stamp set and randomly stamped them along the same two edges. The sentiment from the Fabulous Phrases stamp set was stamped with Cajun Craze ink. It's a great technique but one that I need some practice with. But, you know, practice makes perfect. I have some ideas of other stamps that this might work with so I'll definitely be practicing some more. It's the start of another weekend so I hope you will enjoy it with some fun and creativity.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: French Foliage (w-#120845/c-#121166); Fabulous Phrases (w-#117002/c-#120501)
Ink: Cajun Craze Ink Pad (#119671); Crumb Cake Ink Pad (#121030)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla Card Stock (#101650)
Tools: Aqua Painter (#103954); Neutrals Watercolor Wonder Crayons (#199805); Regals Watercolor Wonder Crayons (#119803)

A Merry Christmas

2011-11-15T17:27:00.001-05:00

You can tell it's that time of year; Christmas cards are popping up all around blog land. This card is based on the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #229.

The base is Early Espresso card stock. A piece of Pear Pizzazz card stock was run through the Big Shot with the Snow Burst embossing folder. I spritzed it with Frost White

Shimmer Paint mixed with alcohol. A strip of Early Espresso card stock was added as well as a piece of Poppy Parade ribbon. This layer was attached to the card front. I heat embossed the sentiment from the Bells and Boughs stamp set on a piece of Nursery Nest designer paper using VersaMark, Early Espresso ink and clear embossing powder. This layer was matted with a piece of Early Espresso card stock. A Poppy Parade Glimmer Brad was added in the corner and this layer was attached using dimensionals. The image from the Jolliest Time of the Year stamp set was stamped on Whisper White card stock with black StazOn ink. I used Daffodil Delight, Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzazz and Early Espresso markers to add a little color to the image. Dazzling Details was added to give it a little sparkle. I punched it out with the 1-3/4" Circle Punch. A piece of Early Espresso card stock was punched out with the 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch. I added Dazzling Details and while it was still wet, sprinkled on some Dazzling Diamonds glitter for a little extra wow. The image was added to the center with dimensionals. The star from the Itty Bitty Bits stamp set was heat embossed on Whisper White with VersaMark, Daffodil Delight ink and clear embossing powder. I punched it out with the circle punch from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack and added it above the tree with a dimensional. This layer was also attached to the card with dimensionals. I now have another card to add to my supply of Christmas cards (albeit there aren't that many yet). Hopefully you are all getting a jump on the season with your own cards. Until next time, create and be happy!

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Jolliest Time of the Year (#116584); Bells and Boughs (w-#120831/c-#121142); Itty Bitty Bits (w-#117056/c-#120060)
Ink: Early Espresso Ink Pad (#119670); VersaMark (#102283); Daffodil Delight Ink Pad (#119667); Daffodil Delight Marker (#119677); 2010-2012 In Color Markers (#119801); Early Espresso Marker (#119680); StazOn Ink (#101406)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Early Espresso Card Stock (#119686); Pear Pizzazz Card Stock (#119795); Whisper White Card Stock (#100730); Nursery Nest Designer Series Paper (#122347)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Snow Burst Embossing Folder (#124096); 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (#118874); 1-3/4" Circle Punch (#119850); Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (#118309); Heat Tool (#100005)
The Finishing Touches: Poppy Parade 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon (#119263); 2010-2012 In Color Glimmer Brads (#121005); Dazzling Details (#124117); Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (#102023); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130); Frost White Shimmer Paint (#116854)

Happy Birthday Paul

2011-11-14T17:06:00.001-05:00

Saturday was my older son's birthday. I saw this card on Lorri Heiling's blog here. (Thank you Lorri). I like the simplicity but also the fact it would be a great guy card. This was an almost identical CASE; I just changed up a few things.

For the card base I used Night of Navy card stock. I took a piece of Bashful Blue textured card stock and dragged the Night of Navy ink pad across it first horizontally and then vertically. This layer was added to the card front. I cut another piece of the Bashful Blue card stock for the

pocket and trimmed off two corners with the Paper Cutter to give it the point on the bottom. I did the same thing to the pocket with the Night of Navy ink pad as I did with the first layer. The sentiment from the Word Play stamp set was heat embossed on the pocket with VersaMark and silver embossing powder. Using the paper piercer and the paper piercing template from the Mat Pack, I punched holes around the edge of the pocket. I threaded Linen Thread through the holes with a large-eye needle. Two silver brads were added on the top corners. The birthday sentiment from the Fabulous Phrases stamp set was heat embossed on Real Red card stock, again with VersaMark and silver embossing powder. I punched out the sentiment with just the end of the Decorative Label Punch and attached it to the back of the pocket. The pocket was attached to the card with sticky strip. For photo purposes only, I added a gift card to the pocket. You can also insert cash or a check. I am pleased with the end result and am so glad I saved this idea from Lorri. I'm not sure what my son thought of it because we talked to him in the morning before he got the card. Thanks for stopping by. If you're so inclined, please feel free to leave a comment. I love hearing from you.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Word Play (w-#120308/c-#120651); Fabulous Phrases (w-#117002/c-#120501)
Ink: Night of Navy Ink Pad (#102977); VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock: Subtles 12x12 Textured Card Stock (#121075); Night of Navy Card Stock (#100867); Real Red Card Stock (#102482)
Tools: Mat Pack (#105826); Paper-Piercing Tool (#116631); Heat Tool (#100005); Paper Cutter (#104152); Decorative Label Punch (#120907)
The Finishing Touches: Silver Brads (#104336); Linen Thread (#104199); Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109131); Sticky Strip (#104294)

Pool Spice Birthday

2011-11-12T20:13:00.001-05:00

Today I took on the Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge #12. I rotated the card 90 degrees and changed the position of the bow but other than that it follows the sketch pretty closely.

For my card base I chose Pool Party card stock. The sentiment from the Perfect Punches stamp set was heat embossed on Naturals Ivory card stock using VersaMark, More Mustard

ink and clear embossing powder. I punched it out with the Extra Large Oval Punch, sponged around the edge with Soft Suede ink and attached it with dimensionals to the center of the oval from the Designer Frames embossing folders that I had trimmed around the edge and sponged with More Mustard ink. I cut two strips of the Spice Cake designer paper and one of Soft Suede textured card stock. All the edges were sponged with Soft Suede ink. I punched out three doilies from More Mustard card stock with the Doily Triple Layer punch and sponged around the edges with More Mustard ink. A 1/2" circle of Pool Party card stock was added behind each doily to give a hint of color in the center of each. The three doilies were adhered to one of the strips of designer paper and a Very Vanilla brad added to the center of each. All three strips were attached to the card front. The sentiment layer was added using dimensionals. A bow made from the Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon was attached above the sentiment. I really enjoy this designer paper because the colors work so well together. I hope you are enjoying your weekend. Have fun and make some time to create, create, create!

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Perfect Punches (w-#117022/c-#120516)
Ink: More Mustard Ink Pad (#103162); Soft Suede Ink Pad (#115657); VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Pool Party Card Stock (#122924); Neutrals 12x12 Textured Card Stock (#121078); More Mustard Card Stock (#100946); Naturals Ivory Card Stock (#101849); Spice Cake Designer Series Paper (#124003)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Designer Frames Embossing Folders (#123130); Paper Snips (#103579); Extra-Large Oval Punch (#199859); Heat Tool (#100005); Doily Triple Layer Punch (#122465); 1/2" Circle Punch (#119869); Stamping Sponges (#101610)
The Finishing Touches: Pool Party 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon (#122975); Neutrals Brads (#119736); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130)

Happy 2nd Anniversary

2011-11-09T16:10:00.000-05:00

This is a card I made for my niece and her husband's second anniversary back in October and forgot I hadn't posted it. Since they have a fall anniversary, I decided to keep to that theme.

The card base is made with Soft Suede card stock. I added a layer of Mocha Morning Specialty designer paper. The leaf from the Lovely as a Tree stamp set was stamped with More Mustard ink on More Mustard card stock. Before adding it to the card, I sponged the edges with More Mustard ink. I used the rock and roll technique on the leaves from the French Foliage stamp set, first inking them up with More Mustard ink and then rolling around the edges on the Early Espresso ink pad. I stamped them on Naturals Ivory card stock. I also randomly stamped the water spots from the same stamp set with Early Espresso ink, stamping them off first before stamping on the image layer. The edges of this layer were sponged with Early Espresso ink. I attached a piece of More Mustard Scallop Dots Ribbon (with the solid side facing up) to the bottom of the image, matted it with Early Espresso card stock, added three More Mustard brads and used dimensionals to add it to the card front. A sentiment was added after I took the photo but I mailed it before taking another one. The two years have flown since their wedding and they now have an absolutely adorable daughter Mia (I made a post-it note holder with her photo here). Enjoy the rest of your day.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Lovely As a Tree (#115026); French Foliage (w-#120845/c-#121166)
Ink: More Mustard Ink Pad (#103162); Soft Suede Ink Pad (#115657); Early Espresso Ink Pad (#119670)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Soft Suede Card Stock (#115318); More Mustard Card Stock (#100946); Early Espresso Card Stock (#119686); Naturals Ivory Card Stock (#101849); Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Series Paper (#122366)
The Finishing Touches: More Mustard 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon (#124140); Regals Brads (#119737); Stamping Sponges (#101610); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Yummy Spice Cake

2011-11-07T07:57:00.000-05:00

Today I'm sharing the last card from my class two weeks ago. I CASEd this idea from Diana Gibbs here but changed up the designer paper and the colors. This has to be one of the best designer papers ever!!!

The card base is Pool Party card stock cut at 4-1/4" x 11 and scored at 2-3/4" x 5-1/2". The left edge was run through the big shot with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing

folder. Chantilly Crochet Trim was tied in a knot around this part of the card. A piece of Spice Cake designer paper was added to the inside. The only disadvantage to covering this whole area is you are left with just a small area to write on inside. (I've been known to write on the back of a card if I had to). The sentiment from the Word Play stamp set was stamped on a piece of Naturals Ivory card stock using Soft Suede ink. The corners were punched with the Ticket Corner Punch. I matted the sentiment with Pool Party, More Mustard and Soft Suede card stocks, all of which had the corners punched like the sentiment. This was added to the embossed edge with dimensionals. Three rhinestones colored with a permanent marker were added for a little pizzazz. This was a great card for a class and packs a little bit of wow. Welcome to a new week; hope you get to create, create, create! Thanks for visiting and I'll see you soon.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Word Play (w-#120308/c-#120651)
Ink: Soft Suede Ink Pad (#115657)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Pool Party Card Stock (#122924); Naturals Ivory Card Stock (#101849); More Mustard Card Stock (#100946); Soft Suede (#115318); Spice Cake Designer Series Paper (#124003)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (#120175); Ticket Corner Punch (#119867)
The Finishing Touches: Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim (#188480); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (#119246); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Punch Poinsettia

2011-11-06T08:19:00.000-05:00

Do you ever wonder what to do with the large images on designer paper? If you scrapbook, they're great but for card making they present a challenge. When I saw the Craft Project Central Challenge #5, this sheet of paper popped right into my head. This card is simple to make and the most time-consuming part was the poinsettia.

CPC Sketch #5

The card base is Chocolate Chip card stock. I cut off the beautiful corner of a piece of the Berry Bouquet designer paper. I trimmed around the scallops (the edges had brown lines all around but I wanted just the scallops for the edges) and added it to the front of the card. Using the Blossom Petals Builder Punch, I punched out ten of the smallest petals from Real Red card stock and two of the next largest petal from Wild Wasabi card stock. I sponged the edges of all the petals with Real Red and Wild Wasabi inks. The flower petals were then attached to a piece of Real Red card stock punched out with the 3/4" Circle Punch. Using liquid glue, I started with five petals for the first layer and added five more over those. The liquid glue enabled me to adjust the placement while it was still wet. The leaves were added behind the flower. A row of pearls that were colored with a permanent marker were added near the bottom edge. The flower was popped up over the pearls with dimensionals. Three larger pearls were colored with a permanent marker and added to the center of the flower. I added a colored pearl to the center of the small poinsettia on the designer paper as well as some Dazzling Details to the berries and the pine cones. The punched poinsettia added just the right touch to the designer paper. I will definitely look at the larger images on designer paper more creatively in the future. May your weekend be going as well as you'd hoped. And, if you forgot, your clocks should have been set back one hour last night to end daylight savings time for another year. Until the next time, be happy and create, create, create.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Ink: Real Red Ink Pad (#103133); Wild Wasabi Ink Pad (#109014)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Chocolate Chip Card Stock (#102128); Real Red Card Stock (#102482); Wild Wasabi Card Stock (#108641); Holly Berry Bouquet Specialty Designer Series Paper (#124004)
Tools: Blossom Petals Builder Punch (#121808); 3/4" Circle Punch (#119873); Stamping Sponges (#101610); Paper Snips (#103579)
The Finishing Touches: Basic Pearls (#119247); Dazzling Details (#124117); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (#110755); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Love Is In The Stars

2011-11-03T17:26:00.001-04:00

Today I have a very clean and easy card for you. I like the Less Is More Challenge 39 - Stars and I really like The Rubber Redneck STAMPede Color Challenge 3. I have to tell you the end result wasn't what I had envisioned (not even sure my vision was too clear), but I figured I'd share it anyway.

I started with a Very Vanilla card stock base. I then cut out the stars from Wild Wasabi, Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie, and Cherry Cobbler card stocks using the Big Shot and the Stars #2 die. I attached them to a piece of Very Vanilla card stock and then ran it through the Big Shot and the Square Lattice embossing folder to give it the inlaid embossing effect. I spritzed this layer with Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint that was mixed with alcohol. You really can't see it in the photo but it gives just a touch of glimmer to the stars. The edges were sponged with Soft Suede ink and the layer added to the card. I stamped two of the sentiments from the Fabulous Phrases stamp set on a piece of Very Vanilla card stock with Soft Suede ink and punched it out with the Modern Label Punch. I sponged the edges with Soft Suede ink, added two Pumpkin Pie brads and used dimensionals to add it to the card. Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Fabulous Phrases (w-#117002/c-#120501)
Ink: Soft Suede Ink Pad (#115657)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla (#101650); Wild Wasabi (#108641); Soft Suede (#115318); Pumpkin Pie (#105117); Cherry Cobbler (#119685)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Square Lattice Embossing Folder (#119976); Modern Label Punch (#119849); Stars #2 Originals Die (#113461); Stamping Sponges (#101610)
The Finishing Touches: Brights Brads (#119740); Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (#116806); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Framed Cupcake

2011-11-01T08:10:00.000-04:00

This is the third card from my recent class. Again, I kept the card easy to help the class run smoothly and to not discourage the new stamper.

The card base is Wild Wasabi card stock. To a piece of So Saffron card stock I added a layer of the Just Add Cake designer paper. Poppy Parade ribbon was added over the seam and the whole layer attached to the card front. A piece of Wild Wasabi card stock was run through the Big Shot with the rectangle frame from the Designer Frames embossing folders. The frame was trimmed around the edges and the edges sponged with Wild Wasabi ink. The image from the Easy Events stamp set was stamped on Whisper White card stock with StazOn ink. It was colored in with So Saffron, Wild Wasabi, Poppy Parade and Peach Parfait markers. A Poppy Parade glimmer brad was added to the cupcake. The image was added to the frame with dimensionals and the frame popped up with dimensionals to the front of the card. Dazzling Details was added around the frosting outline last because it needs a little time to dry. Quick and easy for a class. Again, the ladies liked what they were able to create. I'll be posting the last card from the class in a few days. Enjoy your day. Thanks for visiting; come back again.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Easy Events (w-#116958/c-#123225)
Ink: Jet Black StazOn Ink Pad (#101406); Wild Wasabi Ink Pad (#109014); So Saffron Stampin' Write Marker (#105114); Wild Wasabi Stampin' Write Marker (#120975); 2010-2012 In Color Markers (#119801)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Wild Wasabi Card Stock (#108641); Whisper White Card Stock (#100730); So Saffron Card Stock (#105118); Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper (#124339)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Designer Frames Embossing Folders (#123130); Paper Snips (#103579); Stamping Sponges (#101610)
The Finishing Touches: Poppy Parade 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon (#119263); 2010-2012 In Color Glimmer Brads (#121005); Dazzling Details (#124117); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Hello Baby

2011-10-30T17:47:00.000-04:00

I needed a card for a friend whose daughter recently had a baby. I used the KA-POW Kreative Challenge 4 and the Pals Paper Arts Challenge #117 - CAS with Ribbon.

The base of the card is Pretty in Pink card stock. I ran another piece of Pretty in Pink through the Big Shot with the Perfect Details Texturz Plate. A bow was made using retired Certainly Celery taffeta ribbon and attached to the embossed layer with a glue dot under the

bow and the other tail attached on the back. A piece of Certainly Celery Satin Ribbon was added on the other side and the end notched. The sentiment on the image from the Easy Events stamp set says for baby, but I didn't want that sentiment. I used some scotch tape and covered up the sentiment, inked the image with StazOn ink, removed the tape and stamped the image on Watercolor paper. I then add the sentiment

from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set under the image. The image was colored with Daffodil Delight, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink and Tangerine Tango inks using a blender pen. I punched out the image with a Scallop Circle Punch and sponged the edges with Certainly Celery ink. I attached the image to the card with dimensionals. Three pearls were added to the ribbon and one pearl colored with a permanent marker was added to the eye. I hope you've had a great weekend. The snow finally stopped last evening and fortunately, we didn't get as much as predicted. It will probably be gone in a day or so as the weather warms up a bit. I have to admit, though, it is pretty to look at. Enjoy the rest of your day; I'm going back to watching the Steelers.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Easy Events (w-#116958/c-#123225); Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370)
Ink: Jet Black StazOn Ink Pad (#101406); Certainly Celery Classic Stamp Pad (#105217); Daffodil Delight Classic Stamp Pad (#119667); Pretty in Pink Classic Stamp Pad (#101301); Tangerine Tango Classic Stamp Pad (#111834)
Card Stock: Pretty in Pink (#100459); Watercolor Paper (#122959)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (#118874); Perfect Details Texturz Plate (#115962); Blender Pens (#102845); Stamping Sponges (#101610)
The Finishing Touches: Basic Pearls (#119247); Certainly Celery 5/8" Satin Ribbon (#117288); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Certainly Celery 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (retired)

A Million Thanks

2011-10-29T18:20:00.000-04:00

I have a very dear friend whose husband made me a bunch of wooden stands to display my cards at classes. (See photo below for the card in the holder). I wanted to send him a thank you so I used The Rubber Redneck STAMPede Sketch Challenge 3 as inspiration.

I flipped the sketch 90 degrees. The card is 3-1/4" x 6-1/2" in size. The base is River Rock card stock. A piece of the Well Worn designer paper is attached to

another piece from the same designer paper package. I added a retired brass eyelet using the Crop-a-Dile and ran a piece of Denim Jean Ribbon through the eyelet and attached it on the back. The sentiment from the Word Play stamp set was stamped with the Not Quite Navy craft spot and heat embossed with clear embossing powder. The edges were distressed with the 7-sided distressing tool from the Cutter Kit. I matted that with distressed pieces of Not Quite Navy, Cajun Craze and Early Espresso card stocks. I popped it up on the front with dimensionals. I didn't have any of the small open-end envelopes so I made my own. Using the same designer paper, I cut a piece 8" x 9". On the 9" side I scored 3/4" on one side and 1-3/4" on the other. On the 8" side, I scored at 2" on each side. I folded on all the score lines, cut off the little excess pieces (wish I had taken a photo but it's easy to figure out which pieces should be removed), folded the sides in and adhered with sticky strip. I folded up the bottom edge and sealed it with sticky strip. I rounded the corners of the flap end. If you have any questions, please let me know. I think I succeeded in making an appropriate thank you for a great guy. We're getting socked with snow here today; not my idea of a beautiful fall day. I hope you're faring better. Enjoy your weekend.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Word Play (w-#120308/c-#120651)
Ink: Regals Craft Stampin' Spots (#119717)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: River Rock Card Stock (#108640); Not Quite Navy Card Stock (#101722); Cajun Craze Card Stock (#119684); Early Espresso Card Stock (#119686); Well Worn Designer Series Paper (#122359)
Tools: Crop-a-Dile (#108362); Cutter Kit (#106958); Heat Tool (#100005); 3/16" Corner Punch (#119867)
The Finishing Touches: Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130); Blue 3/8" Denim Jean Ribbon (#125053); Sticky Strip (#104294); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelets (retired)

Polka Dot Holiday

2011-10-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

I tackled two challenges with this card. One is the Less is More Challenge Week 38 - Polka Dots and the other is a new challenge I just discovered, Fetch A Sketch Challenge 9. The sketch was a great looking clean sketch and I went with that exactly.

The card base is Very Vanilla card stock. All four corners were rounded with the corner punch. I heat embossed the polka dot frame from the Four Frames stamp set with VersaMark, Garden Green ink and clear embossing powder. It was punched out with the Decorative Label Punch. I heat embossed the sentiment from the Tags til Christmas stamp set with VersaMark, Real Red ink and clear embossing powder. I punched out the sentiment with the Large Oval Punch and attached it to the frame with dimensionals. I rounded the corners of a strip of Real Red card stock and Holly Berry Bouquet designer paper and attached them to the card front. I then attached the sentiment layer. Three circles of Real Red card stock were punched out with the circle punch from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack. I added three rhinestones that were colored with a permanent marker and these were added to the card with glue dots. A very easy card to put together and another Christmas card to add to my stash. Thanks for visiting. See you soon.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Tags til Christmas (w-#120847/c-#121169); Four Frames (w-#123440/c-#123442)
Ink: Garden Green Ink Pad (#102272); Real Red Ink Pad (#103133); VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Very Vanilla (#101650); Real Red (#102482); Holly Berry Bouquet Specialty Designer Series Paper (#124004)
Tools: Decorative Label Punch (#120907); Heat Tool (#100005); Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (#118309); Large Oval Punch (#119855); 3/16" Corner Punch (#119867)
The Finishing Touches: Basic Rhinestone Jewels (#119246); Mini Glue Dots (#103683); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130)

Pennant Celebration

2011-10-27T08:04:00.001-04:00

This is the second card from my class last weekend. I CASE'd this card from LeeAnn Greff here. When I first saw it, it caught my eye for its clean and simple look. The colors and sentiment are different but it still has the same feel to it. Thanks for the inspiration LeeAnn.

The card base is Concord Crush card stock. Wisteria Wonder card stock was run through the Big Shot with the Houndstooth embossing folder. With the Petite Pennants Builder punch I punched out three of the larger pennant from Cheerful Treat designer paper and three of the smaller pennant, one each from Concord Crush, Melon Mambo and Lucky Limeade card stocks. I attached the smaller ones to the larger pennant with dimensionals. I made a hole in the top two corners of each of the large pennants. Using White Baker's Twine, I "hung" each of the pennants and wrapped each end of the twine around a silver brad on the embossed layer. This whole layer was added to the card front. The bottom of each pennant was attached to the card with glue dots so they would stay put. The sentiment from the retired Something to Celebrate stamp set was stamped on Whisper White card stock with Concord Crush ink and punched out with the Modern Label punch. It was attached over the center pennant with dimensionals. Using the Boho Blossoms punch and one of the Itty Bitty Shapes punches, I punched out the flowers, attached them together and added them to the card. Pearls were added for the finishing touch. The ladies were happy with their cards but not so happy when they had to hang the pennants on the twine. A quick tip: Use a large eye needle if you have to thread the twine through card stock; works like a charm. Thanks for visiting and have a great day.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Something to Celebrate (retired Hostess)
Ink: Concord Crush (#119785)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Concord Crush (#119792); Wisteria Wonder (#122922); Melon Mambo (#115320); Lucky Limeade (#122926); Whisper White (#100730); Cheerful Treat Designer Series Paper (#122381 - Hostess)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Petite Pennants Builder Punch (#122361); Houndstooth Embossing Folder (#123134); Boho Blossoms Punch (#119858); Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (#118309); Modern Label Punch (#119849)
The Finishing Touches: Basic Pearls (#119247); Silver Brads (#104336); White Baker's Twine (#124262); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Mini Glue Dots (#103683)

Last Halloween This Year

2011-10-25T14:49:00.000-04:00

I needed one more Halloween card so I used the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge 226 and the on-going Monday Monster Mash Halloween Countdown Week 11 for my inspiration.

My card base is Basic Gray card stock. I added a strip of Frightful Sight designer paper at the top. On a piece of Basic Gray designer paper I stamped the spider web image from the Wicked Cool stamp set. I made two bows using Pumpkin Pie and Rich Razzleberry ribbon, attached them to the card with glue dots, and attached the tails to the back of the paper. I then added this layer to the card front. The witches boots from the same stamp set were heat embossed on a piece of Naturals White card stock using VersaMark and Rich Razzleberry ink. It was punched out with the 2-1/2" Circle punch, sponged around the edges with Basic Gray ink and attached to the card with dimensionals. I punched out three small ovals from Pumpkin Pie card stock with the Small Oval punch, sponged the edges with Pumpkin Pie ink, attached them together to make a pumpkin and added it above the boots. The hat from

the Wicked Cool stamp set was heat embossed on Naturals White card stock using VersaMark and black embossing powder. I cut it out and used dimensionals to add it to the card. Dazzling Details was added to the socks and the pumpkin edges. I colored rhinestones with permanent marker and added them to the boots and the hat. Whoop-de-doo, that's the last Halloween card for this year!! Now all I have to do is get them out in the mail so they are received by Monday. I hope you're all set for the trick or treaters in your neighborhood. We don't usually get them at our house - not many young children on our street. My husband gets to eat the candy we bought but didn't get to give away (we are always prepared just in case). Have a great day.

Stampin' Up Products Used
Stamp Set: Wicked Cool (w-#118738/c-#120600)
Ink: Rich Razzleberry (#115658); Pumpkin Pie (#105216); Basic Gray (#109120); VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: Basic Gray (#121044); Naturals White (#102316); Pumpkin Pie (#105117); Neutrals Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (#117157); Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper (#122351)
Tools: Heat Tool (#100005); Small Oval Punch (#120908); Paper Snips (#103579); Stamping Sponges (#101610); 2-1/2" Circle Punch (#120906)
The Finishing Touches: Black Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109133); Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130); Pumpkin Pie 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (#119253); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (#119246); Mini Glue Dots (#103683); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Rich Razzleberry 1/8 Taffeta Ribbon (retired)

Mambo-ing Two Days In A Row

2011-10-24T11:08:00.000-04:00

My card is based on the Pals Paper Arts Challenge #116. When I saw the challenge, I decided I would create a card for my recent class based on the sketch and this is what I came up with. I had to keep it pretty simple since there was a new stamper who wasn't comfortable with this whole card making thing. It also has the frame technique I used in this card.

This is a 4-1/4" x 4-1/4" square card. I made it this size so it would fit in a regular envelope. The base of the card is Melon Mambo card stock. The frame piece was made from Cheerful Treat designer paper using the technique I found here. All four corners were rounded. Melon Mambo ribbon was attached to the back on two of the punched out sides. I matted the designer paper with a piece of Pink Pirouette card stock that I had rounded the corners on and then wrapped the other ends of the ribbon to the back and adhered it. This whole layer was attached to the card front. I stamped one of the flowers from the Posy Punch stamp set on a piece of Whisper White card stock with VersaMark and heat embossed it with Melon Mambo embossing powder. It was then punched out with the Fancy Flower Punch. A Lucky Limeade brad was added to the center and the flower was attached to the card with dimensionals. I call these type of cards generic because I didn't use a sentiment so it can be used for any occasion or just as a note card. A pretty simple card and the center can be changed out to add many different images or sentiments. The ladies liked the cheerful colors. I'll have three more to share in the coming days. Would love to have you come back for a visit. Don't hesitate to leave a comment; I read them all and appreciate you taking the time to add them. Have a terrific day.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Posy Punch (w-#122480/c-#122482 - Hostess)
Ink: VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock/Paper: Melon Mambo (#115320); Pink Pirouette (#111351); Whisper White (#100730); Cheerful Treat Designer Series Paper (#122381-Hostess)
Tools: Heat Tool (#100005); Decorative Label Punch (#120907); Fancy Flower Punch (#118073); 3/16" Corner Punch (#119867)
The Finishing Touches: Melon Mambo Stampin' Emboss Powder (#123223); 2011-2013 In Color Designer Printed Brads (#122940); Melon Mambo 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon (#122985); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Mambo Eggplant Thanks

2011-10-23T12:38:00.000-04:00

Hello all. I've been neglecting my blog for a number of days because I was working on designs for a class I had Saturday. Now that the class is over, I'm ready to get back to blogging. Although I considered using this card for the class, I decided against it. I made it based on the Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #7.

My card base is Melon Mambo card stock. I added a layer of Whisper White card stock. Two strips of Elegant Eggplant were punched with the Scallop Trim Border punch, attached to the back of a piece of Flirtatious designer paper and centered on the card front. The sentiment from the Tagtastic stamp set was stamped on Whisper White card stock with VersaMark ink, heat embossed with Melon Mambo embossing powder, and punched out with a scallop circle punch. I matted it with a larger Elegant Eggplant scallop circle and added two Elegant Eggplant brads. It was popped up on the card with dimensionals. Using the Big Shot and the Beautiful Wings embosslits die, I cut out various colored butterflies, gently folded them in the center and added them using mini glue dots. Enjoy the day; it's a beautiful fall day here in the Hudson Valley. I'll be back to share the cards from the class over the course of the week. See you soon.

STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS USED
Stamp Set: Tagtastic (w-#122745/c-#122747 - Hostess)
Ink: VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock/Paper: Melon Mambo (#115320); Whisper White (#100730); Elegant Eggplant (#105126); Flirtatious Designer Series Paper (#122360)
Tools: 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (#118874); 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch (#119854); Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die (#118138); Scallop Trim Border Punch (#118402); Heat Tool (#100005); Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439)
The Finishing Touch: Regals Brads (#119737); Melon Mambo Stampin' Emboss Powder (#123223); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Mini Glue Dots (#103683)

Early Birthday

2011-10-17T12:47:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, my son and daughter-in-love were visiting for the weekend. She has a birthday in another week, but since we won't see her before then, I made a cake and gave her this card and her gift early.

The inspiration for this card came from the Paper Lovin' Gals Challenge #1 (this is a new challenge blog that started this week).

I used the colors but also the pitcher and the bright pink daisies in the photo as my inspiration. The card base is Crumb Cake card stock. I added a strip of Melon Mambo card stock that I ran

through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder and a strip of Marina Mist card stock. The only image of a pitcher I had was from the Studio Sketches stamp set but that has two pears and I didn't want the pears to be included. I stamped the image on a piece of watercolor paper with black StazOn ink. I colored in the image with Marina Mist ink and a blender pen, pears included. Using the spritzer tool and the Crumb Cake marker, I spritzed the image. I've been wanting to try this technique I saw on Leanne Greff's blog for making the frame using the Decorative Label punch. I punched mine out of Mocha Morning Specialty designer paper. The image was attached to the frame and matted with a piece of Basic Black card stock. Before adding this layer to the card with dimensionals, I heat embossed the sentiment from the Happiest Birthday Wishes stamp set using VersaMark and black embossing powder on the bottom of the card front. After attaching the image layer, I used the Big Shot and the Flower Daisies Bigz Die to cut out two of the smallest daisies from Melon Mambo card stock. I added a 1/2" circle of Daffodil Delight and a black glimmer brad to the center and attached it over the pears with a glue dot. A little camouflage with Melon Mambo. All set to link it to the new challenge blog. Check it out if you're looking for challenges that use inspiration photos. Have a great day.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Studio Sketches (w-#115974/c-#122222); Happiest Birthday Wishes (w-#122675/c-#122617 - Hostess)
Ink: Marina Mist (#119668); VersaMark (#102283); Crumb Cake Marker (#120967); Jet Black StazOn Ink Pad (#101406)
Card Stock/Paper: Crumb Cake (#120953); Basic Black (#121045); Melon Mambo (#115320); Marina Mist (#119682); Daffodil Delight (#119683); Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Series Paper (#122366); Watercolor Paper (#122959)
Tools: Decorative Label Punch (#120907); Flower Daisies #2 Bigz Die (#114520); Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (#117335); Color Spritzer Tool (#107066); Blender Pens (#102845); 1/2" Circle Punch (#119869)
The Finishing Touches: Black Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109133); Glimmer Basics Brads (#121003); Mini Glue Dots (#103683); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

A Spice Cake Thank You

2011-10-16T14:53:00.000-04:00

Good Sunday afternoon blog friends. It was a fun weekend. My son, new daughter-in-love and grand-puppy Lily were visiting from Connecticut. I love seeing them and Lilly's puppy antics had me smiling the whole time.

My card today was created based on two challenges: The Rubber Redneck STAMPede Sketch Challenge #2 and the Pals Paper Arts Challenge #115. I so enjoy the colors of Fall so the inspiration photo was a pleasure to work with.

The card base is More Mustard card stock. I added a layer of Soft Suede card whose corners were rounded with a corner punch. To a layer of Very Vanilla card stock I added two strips of Spice Cake designer paper and rounded all the corners. A piece of crochet trim was added over the seam. Another piece was added from the top, folded under near the bottom, tied with a piece of linen thread and tacked to the card front with a glue dot. The sentiment from the Tagtastic stamp set was heat embossed on a piece of Very Vanilla with VersaMark, More Mustard ink and clear embossing powder. I rounded the corners and matted it with a piece of Soft Suede card stock with rounded corners. The sentiment layer was attached to the card front with dimensionals. Two pearls that I colored with permanent markers were added. Another clean and simple card but perfect for a thank you to a hostess for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. I know the weekend is drawing to a close, but I hope you had a chance to spend some fun time with family and/or creating something special for someone. I'd love it if you'd leave a comment (I do read every one) and would hope that you come back for another visit.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Tagtastic (w-#122745/c-#122747 Hostess)
Ink: More Mustard (#103162); VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock/Designer Paper: More Mustard (#100946); Soft Suede (#115318); Very Vanilla (#101650); Spice Cake Designer Series Paper (#124003)
Tools: 3/16" Corner Punch (#119867); Heat Tool (#100005)
The Finishing Touches: Victoria 5/8" Crochet Trim (#118481); Basic Pearls (#119247); Linen Thread (#104199); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Mini Glue Dots (#103683)

Autumn Doilies

2011-10-15T08:27:00.000-04:00

Fall weather has finally landed in the Northeast. My card picks up colors that bring the season to mind but without the traditional leaves.

The base is Bravo Burgundy card stock. (For some reason it looks purple in the photo). I added a layer of Soft Suede. On top of that I added a piece of Cajun Craze run through the Big Shot with the Houndstooth embossing folder and one piece of Always Artichoke run through the Big Shot with the Stripes embossing folder. With the Doily Triple Layer punch I punched out doilies from Soft Suede, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy and two from the Paisley Petals designer paper and sponged all their edges with Soft Suede ink. They were all attached to a piece of Naturals Ivory card stock that was then run through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice embossing folder. The edges were sponged with Soft Suede ink. This was added to the card front. With the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, I punched a piece of Always Artichoke card stock, cross stitched in the holes with linen thread, added Cajun Craze brades and attached it to the card. The sentiment from the Fabulous Phrases stamp set was stamped on Naturals Ivory card stock with Cajun Craze ink and punched out with the Small Oval punch. With the same punch, I punched out a piece of Cajun Craze card stock, cut it in half and added it to the back of the sentiment. That was popped up on the card with dimensionals. Fall without the leaves but they could easily have been used in place of the doilies. Hope your weekend is off to a good start and your are enjoying great weather where you are. See you soon.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Fabulous Phrases (w-#117002/c-#120501)
Ink: Soft Suede (#115657); Cajun Craze (#119671)
Card Stock/Paper: Bravo Burgundy (#105123); Soft Suede (#115318): Cajun Craze (#119684); Always Artichoke (#105119): Regals 12x12 Textured Card Stock (#121076); Naturals Ivory (#101849); Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper (#122367)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Houndstooth Embossing Folder (#123134); Stripes Embossing Folder (#123128); Square Lattice Embossing Folder (#119976); Doily Triple Layer Punch (#122465); Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (#119275); Small Oval Punch (#120908); Sponge Daubers (#102892)
Finish It Up: Regals Brads (#119737); Linen Thread (#104199); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Three Challenge Halloween

2011-10-10T21:14:00.000-04:00

I challenged myself with three challenges on this card: Pals Paper Arts #114, Creating Pretty Cards Challenge #4 and Monday Monster Mash Halloween Countdown Week #9.

The card base is Pumpkin Pie card stock. I ran the front of the card through the Big Shot with the Spider Web embossing folder. I stamped the hat from the Jack of All Trades stamp set on Rich Razzleberry card stock with Rich Razzleberry ink.

I matted the top and bottom with Lucky Limeade card stock. This layer was added to a strip of Lucky Limeade card stock. Pumpkin Pie ribbon was tied around this layer with a knot and a Rich Razzleberry brad was added over the knot. This was all attached to the card front. The pumpkin was made by
punching out three ovals from Pumpkin Pie card stock, sponging the edges with Pumpkin Pie ink and attaching them together. I stamped the stem from the same stamp set with Lucky Limeade ink on the same color card stock, cut it out and attached is to the top of the pumpkin. The face was stamped on a piece of Pumpkin Pie card stock with VersaMark and heat embossed with black embossing powder. I punched it out with a circle

punch, sponged the edges with Pumpkin Pie ink and attached it with dimensionals. Dimensionals were then used to attach the pumpkin to the card. I'm glad you stopped by today.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Jack of All Trades (w-#122620/c-#122622)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie (#105216); VersaMark (#102283); Rich Razzleberry (#115658)
Card Stock: Pumpkin Pie (#105117); Rich Razzleberry (#115316); Lucky Limeade (#122926)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine 9#113439); Spider Web Embossing Folder (#120889); Extra-Large Oval Punch (#119859); 1-1/4" Circle Punch (#119861); Heat Tool (#100005); Paper Snips (#103579); Stamping Sponges (#101610)
Finish It Up: Pumpkin Pie 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (#119253); Black Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109133); Glimmer Brights Brads (#121006); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Joy in Green

2011-10-07T15:32:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday everyone. My card today is based on the Paper Players Challenge #66 (add music), the Picture Perfect Creations Color Challenge #74 and the Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #5. I chose The Sounding Joy stamp set that has the words to Joy to the World as my music muse. Green is my favorite color so the Picture Perfect challenge was good but that combination of greens had me really stumped.

I chose Garden Green textured card stock for the base. A piece of Pear Pizzazz designer paper was run through the Big Shot with the Snow Burst embossing folder.

When I did that, the white core of the designer paper showed through giving it a neat look. I spritzed this layer with Frost White shimmer paint mixed with alcohol and attached it to the card front. I took a piece

of Lucky Limeade card stock, sponged the edges with Lucky Limeade ink, spritzed it with the shimmer paint, matted it with a piece of Garden Green card stock and added it to the card. The lyrics were stamped using Garden Green ink on a piece of Whisper White card stock that was cut out with the Circle Scissors Plus. The word Joy from the same stamp set was heat embossed on a piece of white vellum card stock cut out with the Circle Scissors using VersaMark, Lucky Limeade ink and clear embossing powder. I attached the vellum to the lyrics with Garden Green brads and popped this layer up with dimensionals and glue dots. I made a bow with white satin ribbon and attached it to the card with a glue dot. A lot of green even for me!! I hope your weekend is off to a good start. I'll see you soon.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: The Sounding Joy (w-#121967/c-#121979)
Ink: Garden Green (#102272); Lucky Limeade (#122935); VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock/Paper: Regals 12x12 Textured (#121076); Garden Green (#102584); Lucky Limeade (#122926); Whisper White (#100730); 2010-2012 In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper (#117158); White Vellum Card Stock (#101856)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Heat Tool (#100005); Circle Scissor Plus (#112530); Glass Mat (#112531); Snow Burst Embossing Folder (#124096); Sponge Daubers (#102892)
Finish It Up: Whisper White 5/8" Satin Ribbon (#114616); Regals Brads (#119737); Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130); Frost White Shimmer Paint (#116854); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430); Mini Glue Dots (#103683)

You're A Gem

2011-10-02T15:22:00.000-04:00

I've been missing in action for a few days but finally had a chance to work on a couple of challenges. This easel card is based on the Mojo Monday #208 and the Pals Paper Arts Challenge #113 - Heat Embossing. And heat embossing I did.

The base is Early Espresso card stock. For the stand up part of the card, I started with a piece of Soft Suede card stock that I attached a piece of the Mocha Morning designer paper. The sentiment from the You're a Gem stamp set was

heat embossed on Very Vanilla card stock using VersaMark and Early Espresso ink. Before matting it with a piece of Soft Suede card stock, I punched one corner on each piece. I heat embossed the crown image from the Artistic Etchings stamp set on a piece of Very Vanilla card stock using Versamark and gold embossing powder, punched one corner of the image and matted it with a piece of

Early Espresso card stock that also had one corner punched. The bottom left piece was embossed with the Square Lattice embossing folder that I had added VersaMark to. I then heat embossed it with gold embossing powder, rounded one corner and matted it with Early Espresso card stock. I wanted to add a little color to the all neutral card so I heat embossed the image from the Artistic Etchings stamp set on Very Vanilla card stock with VersaMark and Regal Rose. I chose the color using my trusty Color Coach. Since two of the colors showed Regal Rose as a coordinating color (and also because of it's "regal" name), I went with that. I punched it out with a large circle punch and attached it to a piece of Soft Suede card stock that also had one rounded corner. I added an Antique Brad in the center. All four pieces were then added to the designer paper layer. For the easel support I punched out a piece of Soft Suede card stock with the Dotted Scallop Border punch and added it to the card. Another image from the Artistic Etchings stamp set was heat embossed on Very Vanilla card stock with VersaMark and gold embossing powder. I punched it out with an oval punch, matted it with a piece of Early Espresso card stock punched out with the retired designer label punch and attached that to a piece of the same square lattice embossed card stock that had been punched out with the extra-large oval punch. This was added using dimensionals. To finish off the card, I added rhinestones to the "g", the crown, the brad and the center of the easel support image. Whew, that was a mouthful. Lots of cutting and embossing took place on this card but I'm happy with the results. I sure hope you all have had a wonderful weekend. Weather got a bit chilly here this weekend. I guess it's to be expected now that we're in October. Have a great evening.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Artistic Etchings (w-#118517/c-#120573); You're a Gem (w-#122268/c-#122270)
Ink: VersaMark (#102283); Regal rose (#105211); Early Espresso (#119670)
Card Stock/DSP: Early Espresso (#119686); Soft Suede (#115318); Very Vanilla (#101650); Mocha Morning Specialty DSP (#122366)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Square Lattice Embossing Folder (#119976); Heat Tool (#100005); 1-3/4" Circle Punch (#119850); 3/16" Corner Punch (#119867); Large Oval Punch (#119855); Extra-Large Oval Punch (#119859); Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (#119275)
Finish It Up: Basic Rhinestone Jewels (#119246); Antique Brads (#117273); Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130); Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109129); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Two Challenge Birthday

2011-09-27T12:13:00.001-04:00

Today's birthday card is based on the Pals Paper Arts Challenge #112 to use some form of lace and the Create With Connie and Mary Challenge #168.

The colors are not as bright as I normally use for birthday cards but I wanted to use the Well Worn designer paper so I based my colors around that. The card base is Cajun Craze card stock. I added two strips of the designer paper to a piece of River Rock card stock. The "lace" on my card is a piece of the Chantilly Crochet Trim that I dyed

using Not Quite Navy ink refill mixed with water. After letting it dry I tied a bow and attached it to the River Rock card stock. One tail of the bow was snipped close to the knot so it wouldn't dangle. I added Early Espresso, So Saffron and Cajun Craze brads on two corners and attached this layer to the card

front. The image from the Just Believe stamp set was stamped on Naturals Ivory card stock with So Saffron, Cajun Craze and Early Espresso inks. The So Saffron and Cajun Craze were stamped off on scrap paper before stamping on the ivory card stock. Three flowers were punched out of So Saffron and Cajun Craze card stock using the flower punch in the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack. Brads were added to the center and the flowers attached to the image with glue dots. I punched the top of the image with the Decorative Label Punch and matted this layer with Early Espresso card stock that was also punched at the top with the same punch. I popped this layer up on the card with dimensionals. The sentiment from the Petite Pairs stamp set was stamped on Naturals Ivory card stock with Not Quite Navy ink. The bottom edge was punched the same as the image using the Decorative Label punch. This was added below the image with dimensionals. After photographing the card, I wish I had matted the sentiment layer also but opted to leave as is because I don't have much luck trying to remove something without tearing or crinkling the card stock. Something to remember for next time. Hope your day is going as you would like. Enjoy and try to find some time to be creative.

Stampin' Up Products Used
Stamp Sets: Just Believe (w-#116948/c-#120453); Petite Pairs (w-#122495/c-#122497)
Ink: Not Quite Navy (#103008); So Saffron (#105213); Early Espresso (#119670); Cajun Craze (#119671); Not Quite Navy Ink Refill (#102949)
Card Stock/Paper: Cajun Craze (#119684); River Rock (#108640); Early Espresso (#119686); Naturals Ivory (#101849); Well Worn Designer Series Paper (#122359)
Tools: Decorative Label Punch (#120907); Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (#118309)
Finish It Up: Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim (#118480); Regals Brads (#119737); Subtles Brads (#119738); Neutrals Brads (#119736); Mini Glue Dots (#103683); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Rosette For A Friend

2011-09-24T13:43:00.001-04:00

A friend I've known since we were in elementary school together celebrated her birthday on Friday and this is the card I created for her. The challenge I based it on was the Sketch Frenzy Friday SFF091611 challenge. The center image is a bit larger than in the sketch but I think it worked well for it.

The base is Daffodil Delight card stock. A layer of Whisper White card stock was added. I punched six of the large petals from the Blossom Petals Punch out of Concord Crush card stock. I added Dazzling Diamonds to the scallop edges using a 2-way glue pen. They were evenly spaced on the front of the card. The accordian fold rosette was made with Flirtatious designer paper. I first scored it every 1/2" and flipped it over and scored every 1/2" starting at the 1/4" mark. I then folded it back and forth on the score lines. I attached the two ends together and added it to a 1-1/4" piece of card stock. This was the tricky part because it didn't want to stay attached. I persisted but when I make this again, I will definitely try some of the other solutions I've seen out there in blog land. With Concord Crush card stock, I punched out a circle using the 1-1/4" circle punch and added Dazzling Diamonds around the edge using the 2-way glue pen. A Daffodil Delight circle was added and a Concord Crush brad was put through both of them. This was added to the front of the rosette with Sticky Strip adhesive. The sentiment from the Curly Cute stamp set was stamped at the bottom with Concord Crush ink. A simple card to make but I sure do need more practice making the rosettes. Have a wonderful weekend. Take the time to relax, which I hope is taking some time being creative.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Curly Cute (w-#117014/c-#120510)
Ink: Concord Crush Ink Pad (#119785)
Card Stock/Paper: Daffodil Delight (#119683); Concord Crush (#119792); Whisper White (#100730); Flirtatious Designer Series Paper (#122360)
Tools: Blossom Petals Punch (#121808); Paper Cutter (#104152); 1-1/4" Circle Punch (#119861); 1" Circle Punch (#119868)
Finish It Up: 2-Way Glue Pen (#100425); Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (#102023); 2010-2012 In Color Glimmer Brads (#121005); Sticky Strip (#104294)

Visit to the Pumpkin Patch

2011-09-22T14:46:00.000-04:00

Today Mom Pumpkin and Junior Pumpkin visited the pumpkin patch and selected a pumpkin Junior could carve for Halloween. The challenges that got the creative juices flowing were the Less is More Week 33 - 1000 Challenge, the Monday Monster Mash Halloween Countdown Week #6 and the Stampin' Up! Only Challenge 28 Fall Colors. At the Less is More Challenge site, they are trying to reach 1000 submissions. If you're in the mood to create something clean and simple, download it to their site by Friday, 9/23, and help them reach their goal.

The card base is Naturals White card stock. I stamped the small pumpkin from the Jack of All Trades stamp set on the card front with Pumpkin Pie ink. I masked this pumpkin and stamped the taller pumpkin with Pumpkin Pie ink. Using the stamp-a-ma-jig, I stamped the faces with Early Espresso ink and the stem and the curly-q with Old Olive ink, masking the smaller pumpkin again to stamp on the face of the larger pumpkin. Momma's hat from the same stamp set was stamped on Naturals White card stock and heat embossed using VersaMark and Daffodil Delight inks. I added rhinestones that I colored with a sharpie marker and attached it to the card with dimensionals. The smallest pumpkin was made by punching out three ovals with the Small Oval punch, sponging their edges with Pumpkin Pie ink, and layering them. I hand cut the stem and the curly-q from Old Olive card stock. I wrapped the curly-q around a paper piercer so it would curl up and then attached both to the little pumpkin. The sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set was stamped on the front using Early Espresso ink. Voila! Clean and simple. Don't forget, if you'd like to be one of the 1000, go here for all the details.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamps: Jack of All Trades (w-#122620/c-#122622); Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie (#105216); Early Espresso (#119670); Daffodil Delight (#119667); Old Olive (#102277); VersaMark (#102283)
Card Stock: Pumpkin Pie (#105117); Old Olive (#100702); Naturals White (#102316)
Tools: Paper Snips (#103579); Stamp-a-ma-jig (#101049); Heat Tool (#100005); Small Oval Punch (#120908); Stamping Sponges (#101610
Finish It Up: Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (#119246); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Racing to a Happy Birthday

2011-09-21T13:15:00.000-04:00

My little pokey friend on today's card qualifies him for the Paper Players Challenge #64 which was a clean and simple card featuring a plant or an animal and the Hand Stamped Sentiments Technique Challenge #85 using embossing. I just hope he makes it to the party before the next birthday.

The base is So Saffron textured card stock. A piece of Just Add Cake designer paper was matted with Poppy Parade card stock. I added Blushing Bride ribbon and attached this layer to the card front. The turtle from the Turtle & Co. stamp set was heat

embossed on vellum card stock using VersaMark and black embossing powder. I then colored him on the reverse side with Garden Green, Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze markers. I cut him out with Paper Snips and attached him to a piece of Whisper White card stock. The presents and hat from the same stamp set were stamped with Basic Black ink on a piece of Whisper White card stock and colored in with Baja Breeze,

Blushing Bride, So Saffron, Poppy Parade and Wild Wasabi markers. I cut them both out and attached them to the image layer, using dimensionals for the presents. Poppy Parade card stock was used to mat the image layer. A So Saffron brad was added to the top of the party hat and the whole layer added to the card front with dimensionals. I inked up the sentiment from the Happiest Birthday Wishes stamp set with Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron and Poppy Parade markers and stamped it on a piece of Whisper White card stock. This was punched out with the Decorative Label Punch. I reinserted the sentiment in the punch and punched again so it would be smaller. I trimmed off each side and matted it with a piece of Poppy Parade punched with the same punch. Two So Saffron brads were added and this was attached over the ribbon with dimensionals. Now he's ready to party. I hope your day is sunny like it is here (at least for this minute it is).

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Sets: Turtle & Co. (w-#122870/c-#122872)
Ink: VersaMark (#102283); Basic Black (#101179); Garden Green Marker (#100080); Wild Wasabi Marker (#120975); Chocolate Chip Marker (#100071); Baja Breeze Marker (#120965); So Saffron Marker (#105114); 2010-2012 In Color Markers (#119801)
Card Stock/Paper: Subtles 12x12 Textured Card Stock (#121075); Poppy Parade (#119793); Whisper White (#100730); Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper (#124339); White Vellum Card Stock (#101856)
Tools: Heat Tool (#100005); Decorative Label Punch (#120907); Paper Snips (#103579)
Finish It Up: Black Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109133); Subtles Brads (#119738); Blushing Bride 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon (#119267); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

There's A Chill In The Air

2011-09-18T12:04:00.000-04:00

Hello to all on this beautiful Sunday. Fall is definitely in the air here in New York and provided some inspiration for this card. I also used three challenges: The Rubber Redneck STAMPede Color Challenge #1, Hand Stamped Sentiments Fall Theme Challenge #84 and Freshly Made Sketches #2.

I made a 4-1/4" square card; this will still fit in a regular A2 envelope. The base is Lucky Limeade card stock. A piece of Cajun Craze card stock was run through the Big Shot using the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. I spritzed it with an Early Espresso marker and sponged the edges with Early Espresso ink. The edges of a piece of Naturals Ivory card stock were

sponged with Early Espresso ink and then attached to the Cajun Craze layer. Three More Mustard brads were added to the upper left corner. I put a strip of sticky strip on the lower edge of the ivory card stock and scrunched the More Mustard ribbon along it. The sentiment from the Fabulous Phrases stamp set was stamped on ivory card stock with Early Espresso ink, punched out with the small oval punch and the edges sponged with Early

Espresso ink. Using the same punch, I punched out two pieces of Early Espresso card stock and used them to mat the sentiment. It was added to the card front using dimensionals. For the leaves, I added a few drops each of Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, and Lucky Limeade ink refills to a baby wipe. Instead of using a stamp, I rolled my brayer over the wipe and brayered it on to a piece of Naturals Ivory card stock. I did it a number of times until I got the amount of coverage I wanted. I then ran it through the Big Shot with the Leaves #2 Originals Die. I chose the maple and oak leaves and used dimensionals to add them to my card. Even though autumn isn't officially here yet, I am welcoming it with open arms. It's my favorite time of year; love the cool air and beautiful colors of the changing leaves. My husband, on the other hand, looked at the card and was instantly reminded of having to rake all the leaves. I suppose that's a guy thing. I hope you're enjoying your early fall Sunday. See you soon.

Stampin' Up Products Used
Stamp Set: Fabulous Phrases (w-#117002/c-#120501)
Ink: Early Espresso (#119670); Early Espresso Ink Refill (#119789); Cajun Craze Ink Refill (#119790); More Mustard Ink Refill (#101962); Lucky Limeade Ink Refill (#122930); Early Espresso Marker (#119680)
Card Stock: Lucky Limeade (#122926); Cajun Craze (#119684); Naturals Ivory (#101849); Early Espresso (#119686)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (#117335); Brayer (#102395); Leaves #2 Originals Die (#113459); Color Spritzer Tool (#107066); Stamping Sponges (#101610); Small Oval Punch (#120908)
Finish It Up: More Mustard 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon (#124140); Regals Brads (#119737); Sticky Strip (#104294); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Hello in Wisteria & Pool

2011-09-16T13:45:00.000-04:00

My card today is a result of two challenges: Picture Perfect Creations Color Challenge #72 and Craft Project Central September 2011 Card Sketch Challenge.

The card base is Wisteria Wonder card stock, my favorite of the new In Colors. I used the Fancy Flower punch to punch out two flowers, one from Wisteria Wonder and one from Pool Party card stocks. Using my bone folder, I weakened the fibers by pulling the flowers over it until the edges started separating.

I separated the two ending up with four pieces. I scrunched them all up, opened them, layered them with the "fuzzy" side up, added the cut out center from one of the flowers in the Posy Punch stamp set and attached them all with a Pool Party brad. The edges were randomly sponged with Wild Wisteria ink. I ran a small piece of Pool Party card stock through the Big Shot with the Finial Press embossing folder and added this to a piece of Whisper White card stock. A thin strip of Wisteria Wonder was added above the embossed piece. I attached this to a piece of Flirtatious designer paper. I paper pierced in a line across this layer. A Pool Party brad was added and this was attached to the card front. The flower was then added to the white layer. The sentiment from the same stamp set was colored with Wild Wisteria and Pool Party markers, stamped on Whisper White and punched out with a 1" circle punch. The smaller image from the same stamp set was stamped on Whisper White card stock using Pool Party ink and punched out with a 3/4" punch. Both of these circles were popped up using dimensionals. Rhinestones were added to the center of the flower around the brad and one was added to the center of the smaller circle. What great colors these are together. Hope you all enjoy a wonderful weekend. Looks like we are going to have a real fall weekend. There is definitely a chill in the air here.

Stampin' Up! Products Used
Stamp Set: Posy Punch - hostess (w-#122480/c-#122482)
Ink: Wisteria Wonder Ink Pad (#122936); Pool Party Ink Pad (#122938); 2011-2013 In Color Markers (#123003)
Card Stock/Paper: Wisteria Wonder (#122922); Pool Party (#122924); Whisper White (#100730); Flirtatious Designer Series Paper (#122360)
Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Finial Press Embossing Folder (#115963); Fancy Flower Punch (#118073); 3/4" Circle Punch (#119873); 1" Circle Punch (#119868); Paper-Piercing Tool (#116631); Sponge Daubers (#102892); Paper Snips (#103579); Bone Folder (#102300)
Finish It Up: Basic Rhinestone Jewels (#119246); 2011-2013 In Color Designer Printed Brads (#122940); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Wheeee - Snow Much Fun

2011-09-15T13:09:00.000-04:00

I can't remember if I ever made a card as clean and simple as this one. The Less is More Week 32 challenge of "one layer - seeing double" had me putting on my thinking cap. I now believe that less is harder than more. I also used the color combination from the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge #167.

The card base is Shimmery White card stock. All images are from the Merry Winter stamp set. The sled was stamped with Basic Gray ink; and yes, I meant for it to be on an angle so it would look like they were sleigh riding. Many times I've stamped things not quite straight but this was on purpose. Using my stamp-a-ma-jig, I stamped the taller of the two snowmen on the sled, one in Cajun Craze and one in Old Olive. There is a border stamp of snowflakes that I colored just four flakes with the Old Olive and Cajun Craze and stamped it in the corner. The sentiment was stamped above the flakes with Basic Gray ink. This would make be a great card for a class of beginners, a workshop make and take or quick and easy Christmas cards. It was so hard not to add some bling, ribbon or more layers, but I am happy with the results.

Stampin' Up Products Used
Stamp Set: Merry Winter (w-#122700/c-#122702)
Ink: Basic Gray Ink Pad (#109120); Cajun Craze Ink Pad (#119671); Old Olive Ink Pad (#102277); Cajun Craze Marker (#119678); Old Olive Marker (#100079)
Card Stock: Shimmery White (#101910)
Tool: Stamp-a-ma-jig (#101049)