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For our vacation this summer, we went on a 10-Day driving adventure to Portland, OR from Phoenix, AZ. It was our son's first road trip. We had a great time and saw sooo many wonderful things. Oregon is one beautiful state!While there, one drizzly afternoon, we headed off to a botanical garden. Once we got there, the weather let up and it was a photographer's paradise. There were so many beautiful flowers...none of which I could grow in AZ. I think that's what made them so special.
These Hydrangeas were the inspiration for my card. This new stamp set is called Because I care. It is a Level 1 Hostess set and can be earned with a workshop or order that reaches $150. For my colors, I used Bashful Blue and the *New* Pear Pizzazz. I did something I've never done before for this card. I used a Blender Pen to color the flower. I pressed ink onto the inside of my stamp pad cover dipped my pen in and used that as my ink. It worked perfectly! What have you drawn inspiration from in the past? I'd love to hear.
Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Because I Care
Paper: Very Vanilla & Bashful Blue Cardstock
Ink: Bashful Blue, Pear Pizzazz & Stazon - Jet Black Ink
Accessories: Nesties, Blender Pens, 1/4" Bashful Blue Grosgrain Ribbon & Dimensionals/Pop Dots
This is my first Sneak Peek from the new catalog. I saw this set and knew I HAD to have it! Who doesn't love Paris and the Eiffel Tower? The other images in this set are just as fabulous. There's an Antique Key, a Crown and the word Amour. You'll be seeing these sooner or later!This card is inspired by Kazan's Sketch Challenge #55 over at 2 Sketches 4 You. I'm finding it much easier to design cards if I track down a sketch that I can work my stamp set in with.
Also on this card is one of the new colors: Cherry Cobbler. I Love it! It is just the prettiest shade of red. The DSP I used is from the new Newsprint pack. The prints are in Basic Black and Very Vanilla. There are sheets reminiscent of a Dictionary Page, Sheets of Music, a World Map, Large Numbers, Large Letters and Newsprint, of course ;)
The only thing this card is missing is one of the new Antique Brads. I wasn't able to preorder those...*Sigh* Once I have them, I will be placing one right below the Paris print. That will make it complete.
These products will be available to order on Thursday, July 1st.
I hope to have another sneak peek tomorrow. Be sure to stop back in. TFL!
Stamps: Artistic Etchings
Paper: Basic Black & Very Vanilla Cardstock; Newsprint DSP
Ink: Cherry Cobbler and Basic Black Classic Inks
Accessories: Nesties, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, 5/8" Black Satin Ribbon & Dimensionals/Pop Dots
With Eclipse's release right around the corner, you'd think this was a tribute to Bella, right? Well, it's not ;) I earned this set during Sale-A-Bration and am just now using it. I was sad to see that it will not be in the new catalog. After using it, I love it and wish it was.
I started out using Mercy's Sketch Challenge for the week, but I could not make it work, so I switched it up a bit and this is what I got. The floral prints are from Bella's Bloom, the frame is from Abundant Hope and the saying is from Of the Earth.
I can't seem to get away from Rose Red lately. I should be getting my new cattie goodies today, so I promise I'll be moving on to some brand new colors. I can't wait to play.
Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Bella's Bloom, Abundant Hope & Of the Earth
Paper: Rose Red, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla Cardstock
Ink: Rose Red Classic Ink
Accessories: 1/4" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack and Dimensionals/Pop Dots
For those of us that have been using Stampin' Up for years, here's an oldie but goodie. Look close...what ink color do you think I used with Rose Red on this card? Did you guess Marigold Morning...well, that's what it is! I was so sad as I used it. I think it's drying out and I didn't get a refill. Lesson learned ;) I also played with So Saffron on this design, so that would work great too.
I had this card idea stashed in one of my To-Do files. It's inspired by this card by Amy Wanford. Sometimes it's nice to sit down and make a card and not really have to think about it. I loved the color combo and knew it would be great with this print from Fifth Avenue Floral.
I am still working on getting Thank You's out to my PTO Board and Chairs from this past school year and I think this saying says it all, "The greatest gift is a portion of thyself." This is from the Of the Earth Hostess Set from the current catalog and one of the last sets I got. I am so very glad I did. I've already used it more than any of the others that I earned...and it will be popping up on my card for tomorrow's post. You'll have to stop by and check it out.
Have a great day!
Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral & Of the Earth
Paper: Very Vanilla & Rose Red Cardstock
Ink: Rose Red & Marigold Morning Classic Pads
Accessories: 1/4" Rose Red Grosgrain Ribbon & Dimensionals/Pop Dots
I'm a wee bit late on one of my girlfriend's birthdays...dare I say, very late! I'm hoping this cute little card will make up for it.
The sketch is inspired by the Mojo Monday 144 Challenge. The colors are inspired by the Cupcake Inspiration Challenge #64. When I saw this cupcake, I immediately thought Taken with Teal and Chocolate Chip. I don't have a lot of Taken with Teal prints, but I found a few in the Sweet Pea Paper Pack from the Occasions Mini. Unfortunately, my colors aren't 100% true to the challenge, but they took on a life of their own. It's about inspiration, right?
The stamp set is Tote-ally Tess. I always thought of it as a 'stamper' set (as it has various accessory stamps in it), but as I was making this card, I found that you could use her and her super cute tote for any type of card. It's also perfect for paper piecing...one of my favorite techniques. Her tote, pants and blouse are all paper pieced from the DSP. Super cute! Last, but not least, the saying with the stamp set reads, "The best things in life are made, not bought". How true is that? I stamped this on the inside along with the little scissors stamp, the heart punch stamp and a little marker stamp. It's a must have set.
Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Tote-ally Tess & Vintage Labels
Paper: Taken with Teal, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron and Whisper White Cardstock; Sweet Pea DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Pad
Accessories: Curly Label Punch, 1/16" Circle Punch, Scallop Trim Border, Brown Brads and a Clear Crystal Gem
In honor of all the men in our lives, I did a masculine themed workshop this week. The next three cards are the cards we made. For two of the cards, we used the Travel Journal DSP. It's just perfect for masculine cards.
The highlight of this card is the Wide Striped Ribbon. I Love it! It has been popping up everywhere. Most cards are tying it with Linen thread...I took it a step further and added a Jumbo Brad. It's perfect for masculine cards because you don't need a bow to use it. I think I will be investing in many more colors ;)
This card was inspired by an Ilina Crouse design. If you haven't seen her website, you must check it out! I had one of those Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda moments as I was making this card and wished I had bought the Cog Punch that coordinates with this DSP. Oh well...there's still time to order, right ;)
I love the colors on this card and had a lot of fun making it. Can you say that about a masculine card??? Hope you find these cards inspiring. Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: All Holidays
Paper: Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie & Whisper White Cardstock; Travel Journal DSP
Ink: Night of Navy Classic Pad
Accessories: 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon-Pumpkin Pie, Linen Thread, Jumbo Brad, Copper Brad, 1/16" Circle Punch and Dimensionals/Pop Dots
Any Office Space fans out there? This is my 'Ode to
Lumbergh and his Hawaiian Shirt Fridays. I stumbled across this cute little bit of Origami about an hour and a half before my workshop. In honor of all those men out there, we just had to make it. There's a wonderful tutorial over at Jill Coleman's website. They are sooo easy to make and the print options are endless.
The most masculine print I could find that was Hawaiian in my stash is from the Pink Flamingo DSP. The polka dot print is from that as well. I made my card a Thank You card, but this could easily become a Father's Day Card or Birthday Card.
Would love to see yours if you make one, so leave me a comment to come check it out. Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Pedaling Past
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black and Whisper White Cardstock; Pink Flamingo DSP
Ink: Basic Black Classic Pad
Accessories: 1/16" Circle Punch & Black Brads
When I saw this sheet from the Travel Journal DSP, I immediately had visions of the striped ties my father used to wear. I loved the Navy and Baby Blue colors that they were. This paper completely embodies that. This pack of paper is perfect for Masculine cards: Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Kraft and Pumpkin Pie.
The Pumpkin Pie was not as prevalent on this sheet, so I swapped it out for More Mustard. I think this works just as well. Keeping with a clean and simple look, I pulled out my hardware kit and added a few pieces.
Masculine, clean & simple...just what that man in your life ordered ;) Thanks for stopping by!
Stamp Sets: Vintage Labels
Paper: Night of Navy, Bashful Blue & More Mustard Cardstock; Travel Journal DSP
Ink: Night of Navy Classic Pad
Accessories: Mat Pack & Paper Piercer, Curly Label Punch, Hodgepodge Hardware (Aged Copper-Retired), 1/16" Circle Punch and Dimensionals/Pop Dots
It's so nice to receive handmade items. I was actually lucky enough to be a recipient of a handmade card from one of my students. He didn't make it, but his mom had. It was a flap card similar to this one & I just had to make one of my own.
The dimensions for the card base are: 4 1/4" x 9". You then score at 5 1/2". To make the flap, you just cut a rectangle large enough that when folded in half can hold your focal image. You glue the back side of the folded rectangle down and the front flap hangs open. My front fold was a bit heavy for my little flap, so I added a mini glue dot to hold it together and it worked perfectly.
The flower is made with the two flowers from the Vintage Vogue set. They are stamped, cut out and held together with a brad. I flipped up the edges to give it a bit more dimension. What a fun...and easy card to make! Give it a try.
Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Vintage Vogue & All Holidays
Paper: Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry & Whisper White Cardstock; Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink: Crushed Curry & Rich Razzleberry Classic Pads
Accessories: Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Purple Brad, 1/16" Circle Punch & a Mini Glue Dot
I had seen this card last year by Pam Varnell and had saved it in a To-Do file. When our new Summer Mini came out and I saw the Pedaling Past stamp set, I knew I had to recreate it.
I LOVE this stamp set. It gives me visions of relaxing bike rides along the beach or down a southern lane of tall willow trees. How nice would that be???
The stamp set was paired with the Thoroughly Modern DSP, which is one of my all time favorite paper packs. The colors and prints are all great. There's not a bad one in the bunch ;)
Hopefully this card takes you to a special place...it does for me. Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Pedaling Past
Paper: Bermuda Bay, Soft Suede, Rose Red & Whisper White Cardstock; Thoroughly Modern DSP
Ink: Soft Suede Classic Pad
Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Word Window Punch, Rose Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Mat Pack & Paper Piercer, Clear Rhinestones and Mini Glue Dots
When I first saw this stamp set, I thought it was cute, but not really anything super special. That was until I saw this card by Nancy Riley at iStamp. It was then that I discovered you could use it for a technique we don't get to use everyday...the Kissing Technique.
Here I used it on the scoop of ice cream. See how it's two colors? First you take the ice cream stamp and ink it up (I used Pretty in Pink.) Then you ink up the wavy lines stamp (I used Melon Mambo.) Lastly, you bring them together for a little 'Kiss' ;) To do this, I set the ice cream stamp down, face up and set the wavy line stamp on top. The end product is this yummy ice cream cone with a scoop of Raspberry Sherbet on top. I love it!
This set has two types of cones: Cake Cone and Sugar Cone; two different ice cream stamps: Soft Serve and Scoops, a Cherry and Sprinkles. Oh the fun I'm going to have with this one...as you'll see in my upcoming posts.
TFL!
Stamps: Sweet Scoops
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo and Whisper White Cardstock; Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink and Melon Mambo Classic Pads; Versamark
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Melon Mambo Polka Dot Ribbon, Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, 3/4" Circle Punch, Pink Brads and Pop Dots/Dimensionals
Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mom's out there! I hope you each have a nice relaxing day.
My day started out with a very special treat. One might think Starbucks...but, this was even better: Cranberry Mint Ice Tea. Ice Tea is my one vice and my son and husband made me a very delicious hot version this morning. Zach got the recipe at school this week and has apparently been very excited to make it. Needless to say, it is just delicious! Thank you Ken & Zach for a great start to my day ;)
My card for today was made for my Mom. I had been wanting to try an Emboss Resist for quite some time, so I finally gave it a shot. It's actually very simple. I rubbed the cardstock with my Embossing Buddy to remove any static. I then stamped my image in Versamark and heat embossed with White Embossing Powder. Once heated, I sponged Regal Rose and Rose Red ink in a circular motion around it. I love how it turned out. The colors blended together just perfectly.
Well, I'm off to get ready. We are heading out to Brunch and I've been saving my appetite up. Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Garden Whimzy & Messages for Mom
Paper: Basic Gray & Pretty in Pink Cardstock; Walk in the Park DSP
Ink: Regal Rose & Rose Red Classic Pads and Versamark
Accesories: White Embossing Powder, Scallop Edge Punch, Paper Piercer, Rose Red Grosgrain Ribbon and Sponges.
Are you a girlie-girl that likes Pink and Purple? Or do you prefer a classic Black and White? Or, what about a bold Floral Hawaiian print? Whatever your style, there's a Designer Paper for you.I saw the idea for these adorable totes over at Angie Juda's site Chic 'n Scratch. She comes up with the custest, most clever ideas. 
Last week at my son's school it was Admin Appreciation Week for the front office girls. They each help me a great deal with PTO issues, so I think this will be a perfect Thank You. I put some chocolates inside...so, I'm sure they will over look the fact that they're a little late...hee hee!
These totes are so easy to make. You just need some of your favorite pieces of DSP, the Top Note Die and some small craft bags from a craft store. You cut the bags to 2 1/2" and adhere the dies to both sides. Love it!!
I made each tote with each girl's style in mind. The letters are their first initials. I can't wait to deliver them tomorrow. They will be tickled pink ;)
Which one would you pick? Leave me a comment...I'd love to hear! TFL.
Stamps: Curly Alphabet
Paper: Orchid Opulence, Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Rose Red and Basic Black Cardstock; Shades of Spring DSP, Sweet Pea DSP, Pink Flamingo DSP and Night & Day DSPInk: Basic Black and Chocolate Chip Classic Pads
Accessories: Top Note Die, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Square Punch, Small Craft Bags, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery and Real Red Satin Ribbon, Rose Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain Ribbon and Dimensionals/Pop Dots
The Top Note Die...what can I say, I love it! It can be used in so many ways and this is one of my favorites...a Top Note Quilt. It's perfect for all those DSP leftovers or just showing off some really pretty papers. That's what I did in this case.
The Thoroughly Modern DSP has so many fantastic prints in it, that it's hard to decide which ones to use. For this card, you don't have to decide...you can use them all!
The first card is what I designed for my last workshop. It's more monochromatic with Soft Suede, Sahara Sand and Rose Red. The second card is what the wonderfully creative girls in my workshop came up with. They added a splash of color by choosing a print with some Bermuda Bay in it. You will also notice the corner piercing on the second card...another great idea from one of the girls (Mary Beth, you're a genious ;) I love them both!
Which is your favorite? Would you go with a more monochromatic look or would you use that splash of color? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Vintage Labels
Paper: Rose Red, Soft Suede and Sahara Sand Cardstock; Thoroughly Modern DSP
Ink: Soft Suede Classic Stamp Pad
Accessories: Top Note Die, Mat Pack & Paper Piercer, XL Fancy Flower Punch, Curly Label Punch, Clear Buttons, Linen Thread, Crystal Effects and Dimensionals/Pop Dots
SU! just announced a Color Renovation with the new July Idea Book & Catalog. They are adding some new colors, retiring some current colors and bringing back some of our favorite In Colors. This means all new Color Collections!
I'm really excited about the changes. I think they've done a great job of choosing which colors to keep. Most are my favorites that I go-to time and again. Are they retiring or bringing back one of your favorites? I'd love to hear what you're excited about...or sad to see go, so be sure to leave a comment.
**You can click on the images to make them larger.
Have a great week!
A realtor friend of mine asked me to make her some Congratulations/Thank You Cards for her customers. Apparently this is a market that Hallmark is missing out on ;) Not a problem for me!
I bought this set some time ago, but just haven't had time to sit down and focus. Well, another friend just moved, so I figured I could kill two birds with one stone.
After about 15 different layouts and sketches, I ended up with this one. The paper and colors always come easy...it's the other part that's challenging. This paper is the Urban Oasis DSP. I thought it was perfect for the sofa.
Love how it turned out. Can't wait to play with some other DSP's to see what I come up with. TFL!
Stamps: Well Scripted, On My Couch (PTI)
Paper: Sahara Sand, Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss and Whisper White Cardstock; Urban Oasis DSP
Ink: Basic Black & Kiwi Kiss Classic Pads
Accessories: Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Black Satin Ribbon, Black Brads and Dimensionals/Pop Dots
Happy Saturday Everyone! I've been working on this card since Tuesday and I finally finished it up. I had the color scheme and DSP, but couldn't decide on a sketch. When in doubt, go to Splitcoast ;) This is the sketch I decided to go with.Remember my ramblings about the Very Vintage Wheel and how I'd like to make a card with just that? Well, this is pretty close. I wheeled up the Kraft and decided on a color scheme from there. I pulled out my Sweet Pea DSP pack and saw this blue print. Love it! I haven't really decided what Blue it is yet, but the closest is Bashful Blue (but still not quite right.) Didn't matter on this card though, because I pulled out my Rose Red ribbon and what a pretty combo it is. See the tiny tag on the ribbon? I had seen these little tags popping up everywhere and once I checked them out, I had to have them. The set is called Tiny Tags and it's in the Occasions Mini. A lot of different options....too cute!
I really like this card...especially the colors. Hope you like it too ;) TFL.
Stamps: Tiny Tags, Vintage Labels & Very Vintage Wheel
Paper: Kraft and Chocolate Chip Cardstock; Sweet Pea DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Pad
Accessories: Medium Jewelry Tag Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Rose Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Chocolate Chip Button, Linen Thread, Jumbo Wheel Handle, Acrylic Blocks and Dimensionals/Pop Dots
Just a quick post today. I needed a card for a birthday party my son had this afternoon. It's for a 10-Year Old boy, so I kept it simple...and threw in some football. A perfect match.
Having a boy myself who loves football, I've wanted a themed set for some time. I finally got one and it was Free through Sell-A-Bration, so you can't beat that. I'm sure I will get lots of use out of it in the coming years. Glad I finally got it ;)
Stamps: Just Football & All Occasions
Paper: Kraft, Night of Navy and Bashful Blue Cardstock
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Pad
Accessories: Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack and Dimensionals/Pop Dots
Admit it...you've had it! You know...when there's that one stamp you want so dearly, but haven't bought yet...and your friend gets it on her next order. Well, this stamp for me is the Medallion. Why don't I own this YET??? My sweet friend Nicole was kind enough to bring her stamp to share with little 'ol me today as we got together for some much needed stamp time ;) And, I took full advantage.
I made these two beautiful cards. This stamp is so versatile. You can dress it up or dress it down. You decide. The White Medallion was embossed with White Embossing Powder. It just pops. My inspiration for this card is this one by kraftykate. The other Medallion was stamped with the Chocolate Chip Classic Pad. I didn't have the CC Craft Pad or I would have tried it. I think it may have given it a sharper image. But, I'm happy with how it turned out. This card was inspired by this card over at ArtisticAvenger. She made four cards with this one stamp set. What a great idea!
Nicole let me borrow her cherished stamp, so I plan to do a bit more with it (like stash it away...shhhh, don't tell her ;) So, I'm sure you'll see more of this guy. Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Medallion, Vintage Labels & All Holidays
Paper: Very Vanilla, Kraft and Chocolate Chip Cardstock
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Pad, Versamark
Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Scallop Trip Border Punch, Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, a Brown Brad and the 1/16" Circle Punch
Two sketches in one week...I'm on a roll! When I saw the SFYTT Sketch that Jen Del Muro is hosting, I had visions of a card that Julie M Lacey had done here. I loved the colors and the DSP that she had used. For my card, I used Melon Mambo cardstock and the Night & Day DSP. These colors work so well together. The Melon Mambo adds a perfect splash of color to this Black & White color scheme.
A friend of mine asked me to create a dozen birthday cards for her Book Club...this will definitely be added to the mix. Hope the recipient loves it! Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Whimsical Words
Paper: Melon Mambo, Basic Black and Whisper White Cardstock; Night & Day DSP
Ink: Basic Black Classic Pad
Accessories: Swiss Dots Embossing Envelope, Circle & Scalloped Circle Nestibilities, Buttons, Embroidery Floss, Black Satin Ribbon, Crystal Effects and Dimensionals/Pop Dots
For our vacation this summer, we went on a 10-Day driving adventure to Portland, OR from Phoenix, AZ. It was our son's first road trip. We had a great time and saw sooo many wonderful things. Oregon is one beautiful state!
These Hydrangeas were the inspiration for my card. This new stamp set is called Because I care. It is a Level 1 Hostess set and can be earned with a workshop or order that reaches $150. For my colors, I used Bashful Blue and the *New* Pear Pizzazz. I did something I've never done before for this card. I used a Blender Pen to color the flower. I pressed ink onto the inside of my stamp pad cover dipped my pen in and used that as my ink. It worked perfectly! 
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