SSSC86 Bella Bleu Sympathy

I'm trying to branch out and make some cards other than Birthday or Thank You. For this one, I pulled out my Thoughts & Prayers stamp set. This set is great for Sympathy and Get Well cards.

Before I even started thinking about designing, I knew I wanted to use this DSP. Has your paper ever called out to you from the bottom of pile? Mine did ;) The print is from the retired Bella Bleu pack. It's so simple and understated which is perfect for a Sympathy card.

My design is based on Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 86 at The Sweetest Thing. Pop on over and see what everyone else has come up with.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers
Paper: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Bella Bleu DSP
Ink: Early Espresso Classic Ink
Accessories: Circle & Scallop Circle Nesties, Lots of Tags Die, a Clear Button & Linen Thread

The Ghostess with the Mostess

Our October host for Book Club always goes all out for Halloween. So, I decided to make her a little Thank You Card. I got the sketch from Card Pattern's Sketch #82 and the theme from Paper Pal Arts' 'Wickedly' fun challenge.

This paper is from a retired pack called Cast-A-Spell. If you have some, pull it out...it's that time of year! I added some Chunky Black Glitter, as I've been seeing it all over and wanted to play a little bit. I think I'll be finding glitter for quite some time in my workspace ;)

I don't have a lot of Halloween sets, but I feel this one is timeless. It's great for treat bags and toppers but also works great on cards. Hope you like it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Batty for You & All Holidays
Paper: Pumpkin Pie & Basic Black Cardstock; Cast-A-Spell DSP
Ink: Basic Black Classic Ink
Accessories: Chunky Black Glitter, Scallop Edge Punch, Circle & Scallop Circle Nesties, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Black Satin Ribbon, Black Brads, Two Way Glue and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Out on a Limb

How cute is this guy? This owl is one of our new punches in the catalog. This one punch, punches out all the pieces you need to put him together. Want to kick it up a notch...add some googly eyes. Too fun!

The paper I used is from the Nursery Suite DSP Pack. This paper is perfect for any baby cards you may need. But, as you can see, it's versatile for other type cards as well.

The hardest part about this card...not being able to tie a bow with my ribbon. I just couldn't make it work. I do, however, love the simplicity of a non bow and the addition of the Rhinestone Brad.

If you're lucky enough to have gotten the Picture This hostess set from Sale-A-Bration, it has an owl stamp that says, "Thanks for Owl you do". It has a picture of an Owl for the word and perfectly matches with this punch. I used it for the inside of the card. Quite a great ensemble!

If you have this punch, I would LOVE to see how you've used it. Please share a link in the comments ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Whimsical Words (Retired) & Picture This (Retired)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Bashful Blue & Whisper White Cardstock: Nursery Suite DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
Accessories: Two Step Owl XL Punch, Little Leaves Die, Bashful Blue Satin Ribbon, Clear Rhinestones, Scallop Border Punch, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Googly Eyes, Crystal Effects and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

In the Lap of Luxury

Lap of Luxury...doesn't it just sound impressive? Well, it truly is. That's the name of the DSP that I used on this card. It's full of pinks and purples...including the new Concord Crush.

I got the idea for this card right off the front of the catalog. The Top Note Die is perfect for mixing all the sheets of a DSP pack. Here I mixed them with some cardstock and the new Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch. How clever to add the punch in with the design.

Can't wait to play some more with this paper. TFL!

Stamps: Tiny Tags
Paper: Concord Crush, Pretty in Pink and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Lap of Luxury DSP
Ink: Concord Crush Classic Ink
Accessories: Top Note Die, Lots of Tags Die, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Pretty Pink Butterfly

OK, so this is the second post of my new Favorite, Must-Have item - the Beautiful Butterflies Die. Why do I love it so? Well, here goes.

1. The Butterflies are simply beautiful.
2. They allow you to throw together a card in the matter of minutes.
3. You can use any patterned paper that you want (maybe I should try something other than pink...hee hee!)
4. You can use them for any occasion.

Well, maybe not any occasion...your father, uncle, son or grandfather may not appreciate them, but everyone else will ;)

If you have a Big Shot or a Cuttlebug, you need to add this to your collection. I promise, you won't regret it!

Stamps: Short & Sweet
Paper: Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Shades of Spring DSP
Ink: Melon Mambo Classic Ink
Accessories: Beautiful Butterflies Die, Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack, Linen Thread, Pink Buttons and Mini Glue Dots.

New/Returning Demo Incentive

Is this Tote not Fabulous? The design is based on SU's Greenhouse Gala DSP. Sign up as a Demo (New or Returning) between Sept 1 - Oct 18 and it's yours Free (a $39.95 Value) with your Starter Kit.

The center is roomy enough to hold 12 x 12 Cardstock and a Paper Trimmer. The outside pockets will hold XL Punches and provide storage for other accessories. A back zipper will hold up to (7) Ink Pads.

Have you ever considered becoming an SU! Demo? I signed up 18 months ago and have never looked back. I had been buying supplies regularly and my collection was growing. I figured, why not at least support my own habit? Are you interested in using the 20% Discount and doing the same? If so, email me at julie.marshall@cox.net and we can chat.

I'd love to get a Team started!

New Holiday Mini

The SU! Holiday Mini is here and available from Sept 1 - Jan 3. It is full of Fabulous new products for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Fall/Winter and Christmas. SU! has introduced Fabrics, New Buttons, Glass Glitter and some great new Big Shot/Cuttlebug Dies and Embossing Folders. Click on the image above to check it out.

If you'd like to place an order, just email me at julie.marshall@cox.net. To place your order online through my Demonstrator Website, click on the link in the top right corner.

Thanks for stopping by!

Big Beautiful Butterflies

These butterflies were cut from the Beautiful Butterflies Die on page 206 of the catalog. I've wanted them For-Ever and finally bought them. It cuts the butterflies in 4 different sizes. This Butterfly combines the two larger sizes with the smaller size.

For a sense of scale, this card is a standard size card, turned on it's side. As you can see, the biggest butterfly takes up quite some space. It could easily work alone being your focal image. Just add some gorgeous paper and you're set.

I used the retired Shades of Spring DSP from the Occasions Catalog. Beautiful isn't it? It's tempting not to use it and save it...but, then no one gets to see it but me. Let's not be selfish ;)

We'll be doing another card design with this Die at my next workshop on Thursday. I'm sure it's gonna Wow the girls. If you'd like to order this die or any other supplies, just click on my Online Order button to the right. It's product code: 114507.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Short & Sweet
Paper: Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Shades of Spring DSP
Ink: Melon Mambo Classic Ink
Accessories: Beautiful Butterflies Die, Pink Button, Linen Thread, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Pretty Basic Elements

I saw this Fab-U-Lous card over at Renee's Stamping for Sanity Blog. I kept the basic card the same, just switched up the color combo.

The card base is beautiful Basic Grey and it's Clear Embossed with the swirls from the Elements of Style Set. The flowers are stamped in Black Staz-On and colored with Blender Pens in Pretty in Pink and Blushing Bride. Add in some Basic Grey Satin Ribbon and you have one stunning card!

I love how it turned out. Thank you Renee for the wonderful inspiration!

Stamps: Elements of Style & Vintage Labels
Paper: Basic Grey, Basic Black and Whisper White Cardstock; Welcome Neighbor DSP
Ink: Basic Grey and Blushing Bride Classic Pads, Black Staz-On & Versamark
Accesories: Embossing Buddy, Clear Embossing Powder, Basic Grey Satin Ribbon, Grey Brads, 1/16" Hole Punch, Small Glue Dots and Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery & Old Olive Stampin' Markers

Presto Patterns Pizazz

I had a special request for my last workshop: use the Presto Patterns paper and the Smooch Spritz. I combined them both on this card to create the Rose Red Mat.

The cool thing about the Presto Patterns DSP is that it comes to you in white with 6 different designs. You add your own color, so you can make it any color you'd like. I experimented with adding color using the Aqua Painter and the Sponges, but I much prefer using a Brayer. It goes on much more evenly and the color is more uniform.

Once the ink dried, I sprayed it with the Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spray. You can't tell in the picture, but it gives the paper this perfect little shimmery look.

I got the color combo off of my old Color Coach: Rose Red, Barely Banana and Certainly Celery. Love how the Certainly Celery adds a little pop of color.

TFL!

Stamps: Artistic Etchings, Tiny Tags & Carte Postale (Retired)
Paper: Barely Banana and Whisper White Cardstock; Presto Patterns DSP
Ink: Rose Red & Basic Black Classic Pads
Accessories: Brayer, Mat Pack & Paper Piercer, Certainly Celery Satin Ribbon, Round Tab Punch, Rhinestone and Stickles

Early Espresso Parfait

Two posts in one day...that hasn't happened in quite some time! I've had a couple of cards made, but wasn't able to photograph them till today. There's not enough light when I get home from work...so, I have to wait for the weekend.

I saw this stunning card by Julie Lacey and had to do a CASE. My card is a much simpler version, but I wanted to focus on the colors: Early Espresso, Peach Parfait and Certainly Celery. Is is not a Fab color combo? And, what about the floral image? So simple, so pretty. I think I could CASE every one of her cards ;)

Hope you like it...TFL!

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral and Short & Sweet
Paper: Early Espresso, Peach Parfait and Very Vanilla Cardstock
Ink: Early Espresso Classic Ink
Accessories: Certainly Celery Satin Ribbon, Circle Nesties and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

'My' New Digital Studio

Hello Everyone! It feels like it has been forever since I last posted. That's what the beginning of the school year for a new teacher will do....take up all your time ;) I did, however, take some time this morning to play with a new toy I got in the mail yesterday...My Digital Studio.

I debated on whether to get it...and even asked advice of others how much they used it. My first thought was to use it to design my Blog Page. My second thought was scrapbooking. I just took to reading digitally on my Nook, so why not try scrapbooking digitally. I love it!! I've had this software downloaded to my computer for about two hours and created this super cute page. How cool is that???

It's so easy to use and you get to choose from the same papers, stamps, punches and embellishments that we've grown to love in our craft room...it's just all virtual. The pictures I chose for this layout are from our Oregon Trip this summer. I plan to be pulling more pics and designing more pages, so tune in to check them out. Just wanted to give you guys a little peek ;)

MDS Stamps: Greatest Moments & Enjoy Every Moment
MDS Paper: Chocolate Chip Cardstock & Summer Home DSP
MDS Ink: Very Vanilla & Chocolate Chip
MDS Accessories: Scalloped Edge Punch

Little Things

I saw this card by Julie Lacey and had to CASE it. I loved the layered scallops and the Top Note. The colors are inspired by the new DSP: Elegant Soiree. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Originally, I put the card together with the just the flower image and the message. But, when I went to photograph it, the top left corner looked completely empty. So, it was back to the drawing board. I went through all my brads and settled on this Dragonfly that I've had laying around forever. To give it a flying trail, I pulled out my Classy Brass Template and punched some holes.

I love how it turned out. Of course, I did use some of my beloved Baja Breeze Ribbon...but it was worth it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Happy Harmony (Retired) & Of the Earth (Retired Hostess)
Paper: Baja Breeze, Soft Suede,Very Vanilla and Crumb Cake Cardstock
Ink: Soft Suede Classic Pad
Accessories: Top Note Die, Scallop Edge Punch, Classy Brass Template, Rhinestones, Baja Breeze Satin Ribbon, Dragonfly Brad, Paper Piercer and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Life is a Matter of Moments

Isn't that so true? Every time I see this stamp set, I think of my friend Stephanie. She has a version of this message in her home and on her blog. What a message to live by.

This is yet another CASE of a card by Tina Dyck. What can I say, she's awesome! I think I fell in love with this card because of the colors she chose. I am not naturally drawn to yellows, but I love them here!

I kept just about everything the same. One change I did make was to use the Swiss Dots Embossing Folder at the top as a mat. I 'attempted' to change out the card base color, but couldn't find anything I liked better than the Soft Suede. She has a great eye for color.

I've seen so many great ideas using this set, so I will be sharing many upcoming cards with it. TFL!

Stamps: Elements of Style
Paper: Soft Suede, Basic Black and Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Old Olive and Black StazOn
Accessories: Blender Pens, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder and Black Brads

Black & White Bliss

I was reading through my blogs recently and stumbled upon this beautiful card by Tina at My Therapy, My Creations. It's classic Black & White Beauty!

I switched up a couple of things on my card: I added a Scallop Circle Mat, created my own DSP using the medallion stamp from Artistic Etchings and my 'For You' is from the Elements of Style set. I love how everything works together.

Most importantly, I finally got to use the New Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder. It's the bottom white mat and just exudes elegance. Love it!

Stamps: Because I Care, Elements of Style & Artistic Etchings
Paper: Basic Black and Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: Basic Black Classic Pad
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, 1" & 1 1/4" Circle Punches, Black Satin Ribbon, Scallop Circle & Circle Nesties & Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Coral Chip Circus

Sadly yes, Cameo Coral is a thing of our past, but plenty of us have a secret stash, so here is inspiration to pull some out and use it. I saw this card by Maile Belles and immediately thought of Circle Circus.

This is another great set that made it into the new catalog. I love the images and they can be used in so many ways. Behind my focal image, I used the border stamp from the Pedaling Past stamp set and stamped it directly on the Crumb Cake cardstock. How fun! I'm glad to see SU! is including them more in their sets.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Circle Circus, Pedaling Past and Short & Sweet
Paper: Crumb Cake, Cameo Coral and Very Vanilla Cardstock
Ink: Cameo Coral & Chocolate Chip Classic Pad
Accessories: Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Coral Ribbon, Linen Thread, Buttons, Mini Glue Dots & Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Certainly Regal Rose Silhouettes

I went to a workshop about two years ago and we used this set, Pocket Silhouettes. I had wanted it forever and finally earned it during Sale-A-Bration in March. All this time later...I am finally inking it up and creating with it.

I CASED this card by Carly Robertson. I loved the colors and the rhinestones she used to enhance the images. So simply stated...and sooo pretty!

Stamping Up has finally broadened their horizons and are now carrying some bling. They have self-adhesive half-back Rhinestones and Pearls. They each come in three different sizes, so they are perfect for any image. Each pack also includes (3) strips of connected rhinestones or pearls that can be used for borders. If you like bling...these are for you!

Pocket Silhouettes has been around forever and I was glad to see it made it into the new catalog. It's a classic. Hope you like it! Thanks for stopping by.

Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes
Paper: Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Barely Banana & Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Pad
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Certainly Celery Satin Ribbon, Rhinestones & Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Bonjour Baja!

Welcome back Baja Breeze! As it was one of my favorite In Colors, I'm glad to see it's here to stay. My card today was inspired by a card Jo-Ann Pullen designed here. If you haven't been to her blog, you must hop on over. Her sense of style is amazing!

What drew me to this card was the Baja Breeze and Basic Black color combination. Add in some Very Vanilla and it is just classy! If you look closely, you can see I pulled out my Versamark pad for the design on the Baja mat. Any of the images in this set would be fun to play with and make your own background design. You'll have to give it a try.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Artistic Etchings & Because I Care
Paper: Baja Breeze and Very Vanilla Cardstock
Ink: Baja Breeze & Basic Black Classic Pads; Versamark
Accessories: Modern Label Punch & Sheer Black Ribbon

Happy Thoughts...Happy Days

This is yet another CASE of a great card. It was designed by Ilina Crouse and can be found here. I kept the design the same but fell back on my favorite new color combo: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso and Daffodil Delight. I promise to move on to some new colors, but for right now, I am loving these!

Do you see the image from the inside of the card peeking out? Stamping the inside of the card can be as fun as stamping the outside of the card. I usually don't take the extra time to do it...but I'm trying to do it more.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Apple Blossoms
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight & Garden Green Classic Pads
Accessories: Scallop Square Punch, 1" Square Punch & Sheer Brown Ribbon

'Share'ing in Your Sorrow

This is a shameless CASE of Jen Sannes card seen here. I fell in love with how simply stated the design and color palette were. I kept these elements the same and changed up the sentiment and brad accessory.

The 'Sharing in Your Sorrow' sentiment is from the Thoughts and Prayers Stamp Set. This set is great as it has sentiments perfect for Get Well, Thinking of You and Bereavement cards. It also has two botanical images of a tree and flowers that can be used for any type of card.

Thoughts & Prayers is just one of the many stamp sets carried over from the old catalog to the new. Let me know if you need a new catalog to browse through. Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Because I Care and Thoughts & Prayers
Paper: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede & Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: Crumb Cake & Soft Suede Classic Pads
Accessories: Linen Thread, Epoxy Brad, 1/16" Circle Punch, Mat Pack & Paper Piercer