Saturday, July 23, 2011

Fabulous Flower

Hi All! It's good to be back. I took a little hiatus for my brother's wedding in California and then just took the rest of the week off from crafting altogether. I feel so refreshed and ready to go.

This card was inspired by Vicki Burdick's seen here. She used a bit of embossing on the Flower Fest stamp set. I don't have this stamp set, but felt pretty confident I could create something similar. The first thing that came to mind was my Nestabilities. I cut three different sizes and stacked them. I recreated her embossed edge by sponging the edges with some Whisper White Craft Ink.

I needed a Mom Birthday card and a Petal Cone to match, so it was fun to try out a different style on the cone. I did the same flower and added the Little Leaves Die Cut. So feminine...so pretty. Hope you like it! Thanks for stopping by.

Stamps: Bring on the Cake & Non-SU Alphabet Set
Paper: Regal Rose, Certainly Celery and Whisper White Cardstock; Sweet Always DSP
Ink: Regal Rose & Basic Black Stamp Pads; Whisper White Craft Pad
Accessories: Petal Cone Die, Little Leave Die, Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Half Back Pearls, Certainly Celery Satin Ribbon, Light Green Rik-Rak, Corner Rounder Punch and a sponge

Sunday, July 10, 2011

A Bit of Beach

Yes, this is really me...I'm not incognito, nor have I stolen this picture from someone else. This picture was snapped in my craft room one night, so it doesn't have the normal background image you're used to seeing.

I needed a birthday card for someone who loves the beach. I soon realized that I do not have one stamp set that is beach themed. I think I have everything but.

So, I started brainstorming. What reminds me of the beach? I immediately thought of color --- blues! I chose three different shades to represent the different colors of water: Not Quite Navy, Marina Mist and Bashful Blue. They are gorgeous together.

I then began to peruse all of my mom's die cuts (which happen to be on vacation in my craft room.) I came across a sand dollar. This just happens to be one of my favorite things about the ocean. I thought it would be a perfect addition to the card.

I think there is something very peaceful about this card...and reminiscent of the beach. It makes me want to be there right now ;)

Stamps: Happy Harmony
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Marina Mist, Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla Cardstock
Ink: Chocolate Chip & Crumb Cake Classic Ink
Accessories: Petal Cone Die, Fun Flowers Die, Sand Dollar Die, Scalloped Edge Border Punch, Brown Buttons, Linen Thread, Brown Sheer Ribbon, Sponge and Glue Dots

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Strength & Hope

Happy Weekend Everyone! I, for one, am glad it's here. Next weekend is my brother's wedding, so I am using this weekend to primp and check off those last minute items before we head to CA. Of course, there's always time for card making and a quick little post.

My card today is a CASE of Teneale Williams' beautiful creation seen here. Her card is pure gorgeousness in purples. I switched it up and used pinks.

This stamp set is great. Not only will it help you create some super pretty cards, but for every purchase of this set, Stampin' Up is donating $2 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Those are two great reasons to add this to your collection. It is available till August 31st in the Summer Mini. But don't wait....get it now and put that cute butterfly to use.

Stamps: Strength & Hope
Paper: Melon Mambo, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla Cardstock
Ink: Melon Mambo & Crumb Cake Classic Ink
Accessories: Petal Cone Die, Fun Flowers Die, Half Back Pearls, Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Glue Dots and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Happy Graduation

My card was inspired by this card made by Mary Fish over at Stampin' Pretty. I loved the clean design and the different colored arrows that she created.

I needed a masculine Graduation Card, so I pulled out the Travel Journal DSP. The recipient likes greens and blues and I knew this pack would be perfect.

I made yet another masculine Petal Cone to go with it. I kept the focal image neutral with circles and kept the same design as the card.

I love how these turned out...I hope he does too! Thanks for stopping by.

Stamps: Word Play
Paper: Night of Navy, Old Olive, Crumb Cake and Whisper White Cardstock; Travel Journal DSP
Ink: Night of Navy Classic Pad
Accessories: Petal Cone Die, Circle Nestabilities, Old Olive Marker, Mat Pat & Paper Piercer, Green Brads, Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Hole Punch and Pop Dots/Dimensionals

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Sweet 16

Ohhh...to be 16 again! I so couldn't wait to be 16, and then it was 18, and then everyone's favorite 21. I've had just a couple more since then...*wink* *wink*

I needed a card for a larger-than-life 16-year-old. My first thought was rhinestones...and lots of them! She also likes pink and purples.

My super cute pink polka dot panel came from the Shades of Spring DSP. I paired it up with Concord Crush and Pear Pizzazz. As if this card wasn't girly enough already, I added a bit of stitching to the side of the panel.

I don't have a sewing machine, so I had to improvise. I used my mat pack to pierce alternating holes and then I took a needle with some embroidery floss and stitched away.

I usually don't tie big bows on cards, but this time it seemed fitting. I think it all works together perfectly. Hopefully she likes it!

Stamps: So Very
Paper: Concord Crush, Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz and Whisper White Cardstock; Shades of Spring & Lap of Luxury DSP
Ink: Concord Crush Classic Ink
Accessories: Petal Cone Die, Fun Flowers Die, Circle & Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Mat Pack & Paper Piercer, Rhinestones, Embroidery Floss, Green Ribbon, Designer Buttons-Subtles, Hole Punch and Glue Dots

Friday, July 1, 2011

Best Wishes

I needed a wedding card that would 'Wow'. What do you think...does it work? When I think of wedding cards, I always think elegant. In this case, I used the Bella Blue DSP.

The prints in this pack are pretty and sophisticated. I played around with the prints until I got two that would work together. In this case, I did not use the coordinating prints on the sheet-front/back. I usually do.

My brother is getting married in two weeks and we're all pretty excited for him. Lucky for us, we'll be going to CA and getting out of the 110+ degree weather here in AZ. I'm looking forward to a little beach time.

Do you have a wedding card that you've made that you'd like to share? If so, I'd love to see it. Be sure to leave me a link! Thanks for stopping by.

Stamps: Bella's Bloom & Vintage Labels
Paper: Crumb Cake & Very Vanilla Cardstock; Bella Bleu DSP
Ink: Early Espresso Classic Ink
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Top Note Die, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Half Back Pearls and Dimensionals/Pop Dot

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

The Tree of Life

I had a request for a set of masculine Sympathy cards. I kept them very simple and focused on color.

I was picking through my stacks of paper and pulled out the Walk in the Park DSP. Both of the patterned pieces are from this pack.


The leaves on the Old Olive print were a perfect match for the tree. Old Olive pairs nicely with Chocolate Chip, so I used that as the base.

The gray print that I used on this card is one of my favorites. I know gray is a neutral color, but I love to use it when designing. It's so pretty!

It's often during sad times that we need to send a sympathy card, but sending one that is handmade with your personal thoughts or memories may be something the recipient cherishes. Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers
Paper: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Basic Gray, Going Gray and Whisper White Cardstock; Walk in the Park DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip & Basic Gray Classic Ink
Accessories: Lots of Tags Die, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Puppy Love

When you think of puppies, what do you think of? Puppy breath, toys, lots of licks and...lots of newspaper. Carrie Gaskin over at Artistic Avenger ran with the idea of newspaper and incorporated the Newsprint DSP into her card.

How cute is that? Of course, I needed to do my own version ;) I took her basic design and switched it up a bit. That scalloped square in the middle? I made that using my Scallop Edge Border Punch. So, if you don't have the die, you can still make it work.

I love all the little pieces of this card and how they come together. Hope you like it too! Thanks for stopping by.

Stamps: D is for Dog
Paper: Poppy Parade, Crumb Cake & Very Vanilla Cardstock; Newsprint DSP

Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
Accessories: Petal Cone Die, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Circle Nestabilities, Brown Gingham Ribbon, Brown Brad, Sponge and a Hole Punch

Saturday, June 25, 2011

D is for Dog

If you've ever had a pet and lost one, you know how hard it can be. Having a great vet and vet hospital is helpful during this difficult time.

One of my customers has just gone through this and wanted a thank you for her vet and the hospital that helped her. I came across this card from Carris Gaskin over at Artistic Avenger and thought it would be perfect.

If you noticed, I actually stamped on this petal cone. This stamp set has little paw prints and I thought they would add the perfect touch. Hope you like it!

Stamps: D is for Dog
Paper: Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White Cardstock; Sweet Pea DSP
Ink: Crumb Cake & Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
Accessories: Petal Cone Die, 1/16" Circle Punch, Green Brads, Circle Nestabilities, Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon and a Hole Punch

Friday, June 24, 2011

Pumpkin Spice & Something Nice

Orange is not one of my favorite colors...it's often just a bit too bright for me. It was definitely not so in this case.

I saw a card similar to this one, where the designer trimmed down a sheet from the Sweet Pea DSP Pack. (Unfortunately I didn't save the link.)

This button is a Designer Big Button. They are quite larger than a standard button, but as a focal point on a card, they work. I pulled my ribbon through the holes and tied a knot. Love the look! Hope you like it too ;) Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Afterthoughts
Paper: Chocolate Chip & Sweet Pea DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
Accessories: Petal Cone Die, Fun Flowers Die, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Designer Big Buttons-Sweet Stitches, Brown Button, Sheer Brown Ribbon, Orange Ribbon, Linen Thread, Hole Punch and a Glue Dot

Thursday, June 23, 2011

A Pixie Pinwheel

OK, enough of all that masculine stuff! Here's a fun summer card using the pinwheel technique that I've seen popping up everywhere.

Although it looks very tricky to make, it's actually so easy. The hardest part for me, was finding a patterned paper that I liked the front and back of for the pinwheel design.

1. You're going to cut a square the size you want your pinwheel to be. This one is 3"x3".

2. Next, you take a pair of scissors and cut toward the center from each of the corners-Do Not cut all the way to the center. You want to leave some uncut paper.

3. Fold one corner toward the center and press on the back edge. Continue this clockwise until all of the ends overlap in the center.

4. Lastly, grab your paper piercer, pierce through the edges in the center of the pinwheel and add a brad. This holds everything in place.

These are so fun to make and you can make them different every time! My design kind of resembles a present. Too cute! I would love to see your pinwheel if you decide to make one, so be sure to leave me a link. Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Bring on the Cake
Paper: Crumb Cake & Sweet Always DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
Accessories: Scissors, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Brown Brad and a Glue Dot

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

I have a great dad!

This is the card my son gave to my husband for Father's Day. These images were the reason I bought these stamp sets. My husband isn't really into golfing, hunting, boating or most other themes that masculine stamp sets come in.

What my husband does have an appreciation for is art. We both enjoy abstract art, so these images are perfect for creating mini works of art. You could make the same card in different colors and it would have a totally different look.

I promise this will be my last masculine card for a while. I have some super pretty girls stuff coming up! Thanks for stopping by.

Stamps: My Hero, My Father (Non-SU!) & Grunge Me (Non-SU!)
Paper: Wild Wasabi & Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Garden Green & Basic Gray Classic Ink
Accessories: Corner Rounder & Dimensionals/Pop Dots

The Best Dad

This is the card I gave my husband for Father's Day. It is a CASE of another Nichole Heady card. The simplicity of the card is perfect for a masculine theme.

My colors on this card: Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive, Baja Breeze and Not Quite Navy. These all pair up so nicely together.

I'm not sure if you noticed or not, but I pulled out my Scorepal and scored a couple of lines on the bottom of the card. It's perfect for a masculine card in the sense that it adds some dimension without adding ribbon ;)

Hope you like it!

Stamps: My Hero, My Father (Non-SU)
Paper: Not Quite Navy & Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy & Basic Gray Classic Ink
Accessories: Scorepal & Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Pop Art Dad

Doesn't this look like a piece of Pop Art? I think so...all the fun colors and a bit of grunge! This is another CASE of a card made by Nichole Heady. She has such a great sense of style.

Although the stamp sets used on this card are not SU!, all the paper and ink are. I originally went with more muted earth tones for the different colors, but ended up with these brighter ones: Real Red, Only Orange, Daffodil Delight, Green Galore, Basic Gray and Tempting Turquoise. I love the pop they give against the Basic Gray.

Hope you all had a great Father's Day!

Stamps: Grunge Me (Non SU!) & My Hero My Dad (Non SU!)
Paper: Real Red, Only Orange, Daffodil Delight, Green Galore, Basic Gray, Tempting Turquoise and Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: Basic Gray Classic Ink
Accessories: Alpha Blocks Die (Non SU!) and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

You Rock!

Who says Petal Cones are only for girls? I think this one proves that theory wrong. I got a request for a male teacher thank you card and petal cone. There are no buttons or bows...so it's perfect.

This is one of the few non-SU! stamp sets that I have. I saw all the fun geometric images and had to have it.

This is a CASE of a Nichole Heady card. I kept the design exactly the same, I just changed the colors. I settled on Marina Mist and pulled out my trusty Color Coach to see what would coordinate. Old Olive was one of the 'Getting Started' combination colors. Pair it up with Basic Black and you have a masterpiece.

I had fun playing with all the designs in this set. Hope the teacher loves it!

Stamps: Grunge Me
Paper: Marina Mist, Basic Black and Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: Marina Mist, Basic Black and Whisper White Classic Ink
Accessories: Petal Cone Die, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Circle Nestabilities, Hole Punch and Black Satin Ribbon

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Simple Beauty

Well, I think I saved the best for last. This set was my favorite of them all.

It was inspired by this card that Jen Sannes made over at SCS. I kept the same simple design, but gave it a couple Julie touches.

What drew me to this card was her subtle use of color. She had used Dusty Durango for her pop of color, but I chose to use Rose Red. I adore this color and as you can see, it works perfectly with the Soft Suede and Very Vanilla. They are a match made in heaven *swoon*.

A button finishes off the card. I have never had much luck securing buttons over the ribbon, so luckily, this button lended itself to being tied with my ribbon. I ran the ribbon up through the holes and tied a knot. Love it!

This card would be great for any occasion, but for me, it's definitely the perfect wedding card. I just happen to have one coming up, so I see myself making another.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Warmest Regards
Paper: Soft Suede, Rose Red & Very Vanilla Cardstock; Thoroughly Modern DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
Accessories: Petal Cone Die, Fun Flowers Die, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Brown Buttons, Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Linen Thread, Hole Punch and Glue Dots

Friday, June 17, 2011

Packed with Polka Dots

What girl doesn't love some polka dots? I sure do and when I saw this cute little ensemble, I knew I had to recreate it.

I was talking to a girlfriend last night and she's considering buying some basic supplies to get started with card making. It got me thinking, what are the necessities?

I made a few teacher thank you cards last year with a friend who had grabbed what she had and headed over: cardstock, ribbon and flowers. She had gotten all of these for free at a Bazzill warehouse clearance and didn't know what to do with them. We put together a simple design similar to this one and they were a hit. All she really needed from me was a little guidance and a stamp.

If you are considering card making, look around your crafty space and you may already have some of these basic supplies. You may just need that go-to stamp set. SU! has plenty of those and I'd love to help you pick one out. Feel free to email me if you need a creative director. I'm your girl! Thanks for stopping by.

Stamps: Afterthoughts
Paper: Basic Black & Very Vanilla Cardstock; Love Letter DSP
Ink: Basic Black Classic Ink & Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Accessories: Petal Cone Die, Fun Flowers Die, Scallop Border Punch, Black Satin Ribbon, Linen Thread, Fabric Flowers, Clear Rhinestone Brad, Red Button, Sponge and Glue Dots

Thursday, June 16, 2011

So Saffron Savvy

My card was inspired by this beautiful creation by Mercedes Weber. The simple design and color scheme define sophistication.

This print is from a sheet in the Sweet Pea DSP pack from a while back. Many of us have it, but how many of us use it? It is full of fabulous prints, both masculine and feminine. Many of the sheets, like this one, can be trimmed up and used as the base for your card.

I would have never thought to pair up So Saffron, Basic Black and Crumb Cake. Thank you Mercedes for inspiring me to try something new. I hope you all like my take on it. Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Clearly for You
Paper: Crumb Cake & Basic Black Cardstock; Sweet Pea DSP
Ink: Basic Black Classic Pad
Accessories: Petal Cone Die, Fun Flowers Die, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Corner Punch, Hole Punch, Paper Daisy, Designer Buttons-Subtles, Black Satin Ribbon, Linen Thread and Glue Dots

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

No 147: Bashful Bird

I got the inspiration for this card from the fabulous Jackie Wright. You can see her card here. She made her card in about 64 seconds, mine took a little longer.

First, I switched up the base color and went with Bashful Blue. It needed a vintage-y look, so I inked it up. For this technique, I opened up my stamp pad and just started dropping it on the cardstock in different directions. I did the same for the petal cone before I assembled it. This gives it a different look that what a sponge does. I think that worked better for coordinating with this piece of DSP.

Next, I stamped the bird from the Nature Walk set and cut it out. It was then popped up with pop dots to give it some dimension. Finally, I added a layer of Early Espresso, some Rik Rak and it was done.

Once again, this print is from a whole sheet of the Botanical Gazette DSP that was just trimmed down to a portion that would fit a card. It doesn't get much easier than that ;)

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Nature Walk & Because I Care
Paper: Bashful Blue, Early Espresso & Very Vanilla DSP; Botanical Gazette DSP
Ink: Early Espresso Classic Ink
Accessories: Petal Cone Die, Fun Flowers Die, Large Oval Punch, Hole Punch, Brown Button, Linen Thread, Shear Brown Ribbon, Brown Rik Rak, Dimensionals/Pop Dots and Glue Dots

Monday, June 13, 2011

The Cherry Cobbler Gazette

This card is a CASE of Ilina Crouse's card seen here. The design was simple and the colors were gorgeous! See those yummy red raspberries, that print is trimmed down from a full sheet in the Botanical Gazette DSP.

To go along with the card, I created a coordinating petal cone. The vanilla was a little plain, so I spruced it up by stamping a butterfly on the cardstock before putting it together. It's adds a nice little touch.

On a final note, did you notice anything different about the flower on the petal cone? There's a brad in the center and it's one I've never used before. It's taken a year, but I finally ordered the Antique Brads. This brad added the prefect vintage-y feel to the design.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Nature Walk & Because I Care
Paper: Cherry Cobbler & Very Vanilla Cardstock; Botanical Gazette DSP
Ink: Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink
Accessories: Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Petal Cone Die, Fun Flowers Die, Antique Brads, Cherry Cobble Seam Binding, Mat Pack & Paper Piercer and Glue Dots