Thanks!

Hi Friends,

Wow, it has been quite some time since I last posted. I had no idea how long it had been.  2 Months!  I can't even believe it.  Where does the time go?  I guess I did have a bit of an excuse.  I change jobs about 6 weeks ago, so  I guess I've been a bit distracted with all of that.  I haven't done any crafting and that's probably the longest stretch that I have gone.

But, luckily, I did have a workshop a while back that I made a few cards for.  My friend Mary Beth has been reminding me that I need to get these up.  So, Mary Beth, I am sitting down at my computer this weekend just for you ;)

The card I have for you today, has a bit of a different color scheme than I would have normally gone with.  I wanted something different, so I went for it.

The focus of this card is the center panel using the Honeycomb Embossing Folder.  I love the hexagons!  I paired it up with Primrose Petals Core'dinations Card Stock.  This paper is sandable, so of course I had to pull out the Sanding Block.  Once embossed, I just rubbed the sanding block lightly over the top of the paper.  It removes the top layer of color and creates a bit of texture.

I knew I wanted the heart to have a pop of color.  The Print Poetry DSP stack has lots of pretty prints, so I started flipping through the stack.  The polka dots immediately popped out.  The Primrose Petals and Summer Starfruit are just perfect together.  I needed a third complementary color, so I pulled out my Color Coach.  What I found was surprising.  Basic Gray/Primrose Petals/Summer Starfruit are one of the Creative Combos. I don't think I would have ever paired Gray with these two colors, but it works.  Love the look!

I embellished the card up with some Summer Starfruit Stitched Satin Ribbon and a Raspberry Ripple Dahlia.  The stamp is called Vintage Verses and was from Sale-A-Bration.  I love the font--it's so fun!

All of these supplies, except the stamp set, are available for purchase.  If you'd like to add any to your collection, just pop me an email or click on the Order Online button in the top right hand corner. My must have item: the Honeycomb Embossing Folder.  So fun to use and you can dress it up or down.

Sorry I've been away for so long.  I'll try to not let that happen again.  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Stamps: Vintage Verses
Paper: Summer Starfruit, Basic Grey, Whisper White Cardstock; Primrose Petals Core'dinations Cardstock; Print Poetry DSP
Ink: Basic Grey Classic Pad
Accessories: Honeycomb Embossing Folder, Hearts Framelits, Sanding Block, Dahlia, Summer Starfruit 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon and Crystal Effects (for the Dahlia)

Key to my Heart

Hi All,

Happy Saturday!  I, for one, am glad the weekend is here.  I'm enjoying my Saturday morning tradition: coffee, Project Runway and Blogging.  Usually I'm surfing, but I'm lucky enough to have another card for you guys this week.  I had made it for Valentine's Day, but I just haven't gotten it posted yet.   

My design was inspired by this card from Jenn Sannes.  I love the simplicity of it and the fact that you could sit down and make this with any paper patterns or colors.

The focal point squares are all punched from the Postage Stamp Punch--Easy Peesy!  For the prints I used some Love Letter & First Edition DSP.  Peeking out behind these are some embossed horizontal lines that were created with the Simply Scored Scoring Tool.  It was finished off with some seam binding.

I had leftover pieces from my workshop, so I also made some extras of this card and added a Birthday sentiment.  Just as cute!

My must have item on this card would be the Postage Stamp Punch.  It's so quick and easy to use and I love the look that it gives.  If you'd like to add this or any other goodies to your collection, pop me an email or click on the Order Online button in the top right-hand corner.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Stamps: You're A Gem
Paper: Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Love Letter & First Edition DSP
Ink: Basic Black Classic Pad
Accessories: Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Postage Stamp Punch, Small Heart Punch, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Sending a Kiss

Hi All,

Happy Belated Valentine's Day! Did everyone have a special day?  We usually keep it low key and avoid all chain restaurants at ALL costs on February 14th.  We ended up at a trendy little restaurant here in Phoenix called the Cornish Pasty.  They serve traditional Cornwall (Southwest England) pasties and they are delicious.  My favorite part of dinner....Banoffee Pie.  Have you ever had it?  If not, you must!  It sounds soooo simple, but it is soooo delicious!  It's a delightful combination of a graham cracker crust, homemade caramel, fresh whipped cream and bananas.  Honestly, heaven on a plate!  Gonna have to try it at home.

Now that I've gotten you all excited about this sweet goodness, I hope you get equally as excited about this card.  It was inspired by a card I saw on Pinterest.  I loved the rounded edges.

 

I needed a fabulous paper to kick this card off.  I chose this print from the Candlelight Christmas DSP.  The original card used actual lace for the horizontal border, but I chose to use my Eyelet Border Punch. For a pop of color, I added in the Bashful Blue Satin Ribbon.  Love how it all came together!

My must-have item on this card is the stamp set.  It's called Petite Pairs (122495/122497).  I had never noticed this set until Kristen Driessen used it on her blog at ZoKris.  I fell in love.  The sentiments come in pairs (Sending a Kiss / To Make it Better, Sending Sympathy and Prayers / To Heal your Heart).  There's one for Christmas, Birthday, Baby, Thanks and a couple more.  It's a versatile set that will get a lot of use.

If you'd like to add this or any other products to your personal collection, send me an email or order online by clicking the Order Online button in the top right-hand corner.  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Stamp: Petite Pairs

Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso and Whisper White Cardstock; Candlelight Christmas DSP

Ink: Early Espresso Classic Pad

Accessories: Small Heart Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Bashful Blue Satin Ribbon and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

A Patchwork Heart

Hi All,

Happy Sunday!  For some of us, it's the middle of a 3-Day weekend, for the rest of us (like me) it's a normal plain 'ol weekend.  My family will be home tomorrow, but I'll be heading into the j-o-b.  I am definitely still trying to make the most of the weekend.  Went to the movies yesterday and am crafting today.  I have a workshop on Thursday, so I have to get to work.

The card I have for you today is based on this video from Melissa Phillips.  It's a great tutorial on making patchwork hearts.  Perfect for Valentine's Day, don't you think???  I saw it and knew I had to make it.

I've seen a few really cute cards with these hearts, but couldn't get any of them to work with my style.  So, I went in search of a sketch and found this one over at Mojo Monday.  I thought it would work perfectly with what I wanted to do:

Here is the card that I created:

The stars of this card are the patterned papers.  I've paired up the new More Amore DSP with the Twitterpated DSP.  The colors worked perfectly together (Real Red & Baja Breeze.)  I'm pretty sure I've used this combo before for Holiday cards.  Love it!

I didn't realize it until the card was done, but do you notice anything else?  There are no neutrals (Whisper White, Very Vanilla, etc.) on this card.  Not sure if I've ever done that before.  I think it works because of the lighter colors on the heart.

I love playing with patterns and colors, so this technique is a lot of fun!  I hope you'll try it out! You could even use other shapes.

Just about everything on this card is available for purchase if you'd like to add some fun new items to your collection.  The new More Amore DSP is a must have!  To order, just send me an email or click on the Order Online icon in the top right corner.

So glad you stopped by!

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Real Red, Baja Breeze, More Amore DSP & Twitterpated DSP
Ink: Real Red Classic Ink
Accessories: Hearts Collection Framelits, Large Scallop Edgelits, Designer Buttons-Brights, Linen Thread, Grosgrain Ribbon-Real Red, Pop Dots/Dimensionals and Glue Dots

A Candlelight Christmas

Hi All,

Happy Saturday!  We are enjoying a wonderfully rainy day here in AZ.  Perfect for hanging our house lights, huh?  Luckily, the hubs got the lights up before it really started to come down this afternoon.  We were lucky to actually be hanging them, as we couldn't find any A4 lights anywhere.  He cleaned out Target as soon as they got back in stock :)

I have a super simple card for you today, but it packs a big punch! I got the idea, once again, from Kimberly Van Diepen over at Stampin' by the Sea.  She created this fabulous DSP circle that I couldn't resist trying.  Here is my version:

For my circle, I chose to use the Candlelight Christmas DSP.  I cut out multiple circles in the size that I wanted.  I then stacked the circles and cut them in half, in half again, and then cut each section in half. This will give you eight sections to piece together.  I decided on a pattern and pieced them together on a scrap piece of paper.  Once glued down, I cut the patterned circle out.  This is much easier than trying to design with eight separate sections.

I found through trial and error that it's better to stack the circles together, as this way, they are pretty unison in size.  I cut them individually the first time and they were all a bit different in size.  In the end, it really doesn't matter.  When you piece them together, focus on getting the outside of the circle uniform.  If the centers don't perfectly match up, you can cover them with the sentiment and it won't be seen anyways.

This is the perfect way to use up those scraps.  Pair it up with some embossing, a cute punch and a button and twine, and you have a perfectly beautiful card that you could easily make over and over with many different print combinations.  I love it!

My must have product from this card: Candlelight Christmas DSP (Item #126901) .  The prints in this pack are gorgeous. If you'd like to add this to your collection, just pop me an email or click on the Shop Online button in the top right hand corner.  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Stamps: Four the Holidays
Paper: Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade, Real Red & Whisper White Cardstock; Candlelight Christmas DSP
Ink: Early Espresso Classic Ink
Accessories: Stripes Embossing Folder, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Circle Nesties, Designer Buttons-Naturals, Linen Thread, Glue Dots and Pop Dots/Dimensionals

A Merry Little Penguin

Hi All,

Happy Saturday!  We are lucky enough to have another beautiful day in Arizona.  I'll take the 70s in December any year.  We are dropping down into the 60s next week, so maybe winter is finally gonna settle in.

The card I have for you today is a shameless CASE from Kimberly Van Diepen over at Stampin' by the Sea.  I saw this card and Had.To.Have this stamp set!  I fell in love with this adorable little penguin. Is he not the cutest thing you've ever seen???  Well, this set also has an adorable deer (that was on my last card) and a sweet little snowman, both of which are just as cute.  These critters were the star of the show the other night.

My cards are definitely not usually this colorful, frilly or spritzed, but I LOVE what she did with all of these elements.  Your eye is immediately drawn to these fabulous colors: Rich Razzleberry,  Lucky Limeade and a pop of Melon Mambo.  That fun Lucky Limeade print is from the Summer Smooches DSP (Item 125409). Check it out, it is full of other fun colorful prints!

This card also has plenty of heat embossing.  The sentiment, our cute little penguin and the tiny tag are all embossed in black.  I think it really helped them pop against everything else that's going on.  Any time you're embossing, be sure to have the Embossing Buddy (Item 103083) on hand.  If you're wondering whether it's really worth it to have, it is!  Just rub it on your paper prior to stamping and it removes any static that's there.  This keeps the powder from sticking to the places you don't want it to.

I had looked through the catalog dozens of times and had never looked twice at this stamp set.  It's amazing how seeing it used one way, can totally open your eyes.  So glad I got it...as it has easily become one of my favorites!  It would also be great for tags.  So versatile!  If you're like me and can't wait to add this to your collection, it is (Item 126290 in Wood & Item 126292 in Clear).  You can order it by popping me an email or clicking the Order Online button in the top right corner.  Hope you enjoyed this card as much as I did.  TFL!

Stamps: No Peeking, All Holidays & Tiny Tags
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Lucky Limeade, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla cardstock; Summer Smooches and First Edition DSP
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: Color Spritzer Tool, Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Marker, Distressing Tool,  Decorative Label Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch, Circle and Scallop Circle Nesties, Vintage Trinkets, Melon Mambo Polka Dot ribbon, Rich Razzleberry 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain ribbon, Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin ribbon, Brights Designer Buttons, Linen Thread, Pop Dots/Dimensionals and Glue Dots

MOJO 268: Corduroy Christmas

Hi All,

Happy Sunday!  It has been a great end to a wonderfully long holiday weekend.  I had planned on getting in my craft room yesterday, but we decided to head out and see some fall colors instead.  Unfortunately, with our warmer temps here in AZ, we didn't have a whole lot to see.  But, it was nice to get out of the house and enjoy some 80 degree weather before it's gone for good.

The reason I was so excited to get in to my craft room?  This adorable new stamp set called No Peeking.  I hadn't even given it a second glance in the catalog, but I've seen a couple of super cute cards with it, that I had to get it.  It has three images: a deer, a snowman and a penguin.  They are all equally adorable!  I chose the deer, as it is a little bigger than the others and it fit my focal image.

I joined in with the Mojo Monday girls and borrowed their sketch #268.  I love to play with printed papers and different colors so their sketches actually come together pretty easily for me. 

I wanted a more whimsical color combo and decided on these prints from the Letters to Santa DSP.  They are coordinating prints and are, therefore, on the same double-sided sheet.  So easy!  The prints are used as accents for my focal image, but I decided to do a little paper piecing and added in the pink plaid print for the scarf.  Adorable!  I finished it off with a pink corduroy button, as I thought it was a nice wintery touch.

I love this set and will be making a few more cards to share with you soon!  The stamps , ink and the card stock are all available for purchase.  Just email me or click on the icon in the top right hand corner to get these added to your collection.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Stamps: No Peeking & Teeny TinyWishes
Paper: Early Espresso, Old Olive, Blushing Bride and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Letters to Santa DSP
Ink: Early Espresso Classic Ink
Accessories: Snowflake Embossing Folder, Circle Nestabilities, Petal Cone Die Cut, Pretty in Pink Corduroy Buttons, Linen Thread and Glue Dots

Mojo Monday 263: A Nontraditional Thanksgiving

Hi All!

Happy, Happy Thanksgiving! Finally, our visions of sharing turkey and stuffing with family and friends have come to fruition.  It's my favorite meal of the year, by far.  We usually have family over to our house for the big dinner, but this year we are going non-traditional and heading out. We decided to give it a try.  We'll see how much we miss all of those home-made fixins, but,  I definitely don't miss the 24 hours of preparation :)

Since we're going non-traditional at home, I have a non-traditional Thanksgiving card to share with you today.  The colors were inspired by this card over at Pickled Paper Designs.  She paired up orange and blue and green perfectly. The sketch, I borrowed from a Mojo Monday Challenge. This was the perfect sketch, as it let me play with all of these colors.  Here's what I came up with:

The colors and the DSP are really the stars of the show.  The pop of blue comes from the World Spectacular DSP and the green panel is from the retired Spice Cake DSP.  They really are so unexpected and fabulous together.

Making it a quick post today, so I am off to clean up the house.  Hope you all enjoy a very special Thanksgiving Day! Thanks so much for stopping by.

**The World Spectacular , card stock and most accessories are available to purchase.  Just email me or click on the icon in the top right hand corner to get these added to your collection.

Stamps: Falling Leaves, Always  Thankful
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Island Indigo and Whisper White Cardstock: World Spectacular, Spice Cake & Love Letter DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
Accessories: Curly Label Punch, Petal Cone Bigz L Die, Circle Nestabilities, Brights Designer Buttons, Linen Thread, Glue Dots and Pop Dots/Dimensionals

So Grateful

Hi All,

Yep, I'm back again.  Can you believe it?  I've got another sweet little Thanksgiving card for you today.  Did you get around to making Thanksgiving cards this year?  I had a couple from a workshop that I did last month, but I still had plenty left from last year.  I am good at making the cards...just not so good at sending them out.  Time just creeps up on me and before I know it, it's too late.  I did get three cards out in the mail this year, so that's an improvement over last year. 

The card I have for you today was inspired by this card by Chiaki Haverstick. I love the design and colors that she chose.  I kept the same design, just switched up the colors.

I looked through my prints and found a simple one that wouldn't overshadow my focal image.  This print is from the Twitterpated DSP.  The color is Pear Pizzazz and I've mixed it with Peach Parfait.  I used markers to color the image.  You could also use them to color the frame around the sentiment, but I actually stamped the image three times and cut the sentiment out twice and layered it.  I love the effect.

I think this card design is great because you could change up the colors and use it throughout the year.  Hope you like it! Thanks so much for stopping by.

**All of these products are available to purchase.  Just email me or click on the icon in the top right hand corner to get these added to your collection.

Stamps: Apothecary Art
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait and Whisper White Cardstock; Twitterpated DSP
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On
Accessories: Large Scallops Edgelits, Labels Collection Framelits, Peach Parfait & Pumpkin Pie Stampin Write Markers and Pop Dots/Dimensionals  

{GRATEFUL}

Hi All,

Thanksgiving week is finally here and I have a couple of Fall themed cards to share with you.  I've seen the technique I have for you today used quite a bit lately. It uses the Negative image of a die cut.

Using my Little Leaves Die, I cut the leaves and popped out the image.  I opted to put some DSP behind my image, but this would work perfectly with some fabric as well.  It's a nice simple card that goes to show, you shouldn't throw away any of those scraps!

If you'd like to see my inspiration for this card, hop on over to Andrea's Blog: Work in Progress. She has a super sweet version in Kraft/Pink.  Just love it!  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Stamps: Falling Leaves
Paper: Pool Party, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Spice Cake DSP
Ink: Early Espresso Classic Ink
Accessories: Sizzlets Little Leaves Die &  Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch

My BMX Birthday Boy

Hi All,

It's November, which means Thanksgiving is right around the corner and my son turns the big 1-2.  He is officially almost a teenager!  His actual birthday is November 7th, but it seems that in our home, birthdays tend to stretch out for a week to a week and a half by time we get to all the celebrations with friends and family and special dinners.  Since I LOVE birthdays, I have no problem with it *smile*.

As he gets older, it's hard to come up with card/cake ideas.  Luckily, a couple of years ago, I bought the Just Riding stamp set as it was retiring, in hopes that one day, Zach would be into bikes.  Well, that day came earlier this year, when all he wanted was a new BMX bike.  I figured it was the perfect time to pull this set out.

I kept the card simple and used the colors that he actually has on his bike: black/white.

 

I have a feeling that this set will get a lot of use, as all of his friends live on their bikes and I'm sure there will be more birthdays coming our way.  As for the 12-year-old, here are a couple of pictures from the party today.  Lots of fun was had by all.

 

We couldn't resist taking a shot of all the bikes.  They are one BMX riding crew!

I actually have some Thanksgiving cards to share with you, so those will be coming this week.  Enjoy your Monday & thanks so much for stopping by.

Stamps: Just Riding
Paper: Crumb Cake, Basic Black and Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: Basic Black Classic Ink
Accessories: Pop Dots

FMS 54: I'm Batty for You

Hi All,

Happy Sunday!  I had a full day of arts and crafts yesterday and I'm glad to say that I have my own project to share with you.  My hubs and I made it out to an arts and crafts show on Saturday..no purchases made (except some fudge), but it did inspire me to create.  It was pretty disappointing. Not a lot of seasonal handmade items to peruse :(  Are you guys finding that with shows that you go to? I guess that means we just need to get crafty and make our own.

I knew when I sat down in the craft room what I wanted to start with.  I had saved these super cute scalloped embellishments on Pinterest.  I love how they incorporated the polka dot paper and the black gingham ribbon.  I pulled out all of my punches and put my embellie together.  I then went in search of a sketch to pair it up with.  I found the perfect one over at Freshly Made Sketches:

Since I already had the 'hard' part done...hee, hee, all I had to do was figure out what pretty paper I wanted to add to the horizontal strip.  This is what I came up with:

I mixed a little bit of old with a little bit of new.  That super cute orange Rik Rak print is from the new DSP: Howlstooth & Scaringbone.  I adore it!  Both the black/white polka dot and the clear polka dot sheet are from the "vintage" DSP: Night & Day.  Oh what a fun combo they make!

I was amazed at how easy this card came together.  I guess when you have such great inspiration to start with, it makes it easy.  If you would like to add the Howlstooth & Scaringbone paper to your collection, send me an email or click on the Order SU Online icon in the top right corner.  This is Item Number: 126906.  It's a great pack and can be used for more than just the holiday season.  I'll be sharing some more ideas soon!  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Stamps: Batty for You
Paper: Crumb Cake & Basic Black Cardstock; Howlstooth &Scaringbone DSP and Night & Day DSP
Ink: Basic Black Classic Ink Pad
Accessories: Circle & Scallop Circle Nesties, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1/16" Circle Punch, Glimmer Basics Brads and Pop Dots/Dimensionals

Kindness Matters

Hi All,

I hope you're enjoying your 3-Day weekend!  Although we still have triple digits in AZ, this weekend always feels like the start of fall.  Maybe its the little bit of East Coast that I have in me...or maybe it's because football is right around the corner. Ahhhhhhhh....

For my card today, I wanted to use what has become my favorite new In Color: Raspberry Ripple.  What a rich, beautiful color.  It's the perfect meld of pink and red.

Like most of my creations, this card was inspired by another.  Unfortunately, I can't remember where I saw it :(  When I find it, I will be sure to post it.  One thing I do know, I loved how they paired the Newsprint DSP with the card stock.  It's peeking out in just the right spots.

Crumb Cake and Newsprint are a couple of my favorite things.  I use them quite a bit.  They work with EVERY thing.  I hope you like how I've paired them up here.  To order any of these projects, send me an email or click on the icon in the top right corner.  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Stamps: Kindness Matters
Paper: Raspberry Ripple, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla card stock; Newsprint DSP
Ink: Old Olive Classic Ink
Accessories: Large Scallops Edgelits, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Corner Punch, Blushing Bride Pleated Satin Ribbon, Brights Designer Buttons, Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine, Glue Dots and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Happiness

Hi All,

I'm back again for a second time this week....can you believe it????  This is another one of the cards we made at my last workshop.  I wanted to play with color a bit and go for something non-traditional.  Remember that fabulous pack of DSP called Sweet Pea?  Well, I pulled it out and was immediately grabbed by the oranges and blues.  That's what I went with.

I also got to play with the new Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack.  One of the templates is for piercing circles of all sizes. Because of this, it works with die cuts or punches.  I used it to pierce around the edge of my butterfly.  It's pretty fabulous!

If you're a piercing fan like me, these templates are a must.  You can order them using the icon in the top right corner or by emailing me directly.  The Product Code is: 126187. They're a great addition to your collection.

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

Stamps: Bliss & Loving Thoughts
Paper: Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade & Whisper White Cardstock; Sweet Pea DSP
Ink: Island Indigo & Chocolate Chip Classic Pads
Accessories: Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, Circle Nesties, Petal Cone Die, Orange Buttons, Linen Thread and Glue Dots.

Pretty Poppies

Hi All!

 I've been a very busy artist-at-work this week.  I finally got back into the workshop scene and hosted my first workshop in months.  My how I've missed my time with the girls. Although I procrastinate and stress myself out EVERY time, it is ALWAYS worth it!

My card today is my favorite design from the workshop.  When I got the new 2012-2013 catalog, this was my first MUST have stamp.  I adore poppies and I couldn't wait to play.  There is just something so simple, yet so pretty about them.  Here in Arizona, we get orange poppies.  If we get a rainy spring, they can be seen covering the bases of many mountains in the area.  They are a gorgeous sight to see.

My first thought was to color the poppies with my Blender Pens.  I couldn't get the colors to blend as well as I liked, so I scrapped that idea.  I skimmed through the catalog and found a teeny tiny sample that used the stamp with Crumb Cake.  I loved the look and had to recreate. The design for the card came from this beauty by Julie Lacey over at Stamps & Taxes. I love her layers and colors.

Interested in any of these products?  Just pop me an email or stop by my SU! website by clicking on the icon above to order online. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Stamps: Pleasant Poppies & Word Play
Paper: Basic Black, Melon Mambo, Crumb Cake and Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: Jet Black StazOn
Accessories: Pink Button, Linen Thread, Glue Dots & Pop Dots/Dimensionals

Enjoy the Journey

Hi All!

I finally decided to spend some time in the craft room last weekend, only to not be able to finish the card I started.  It's hard trying to get back in the saddle...but, I am making a valiant effort.  I left all of the supplies where they were and picked it back up again this weekend.  I finished my card in five minutes.  Isn't it crazy how that happens?

I knew when I sat down, that I wanted to use my favorite new tool: the piercing templates, one of the new In Colors: Primrose Petals and my new Scallop Edgelits Die Cut.  I didn't have any prints that had the Primrose Petals, but, I knew that Twitterpated had some colors that might work. I was correct.  This print works perfectly.  I love the pinks and the blues together.

One of my favorite techniques is paper piercing.  But, I prefer to not freehand my piercing as it's usually not consistent.  One of the new templates coordinates with the Scallop Edgelits die. Love it! This template is awesome because you can pierce the inside or outside (around the edge) of the scallops.  I chose to pierce the inside.  You can see it if you look super close :)  The template I used is below.

The die cut for my focal image is from the Labels Collection Framelits.  I love how it layers with the oval dies.  The ribbon is 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon in Island Indigo.  I think it all works so well together.

All of these products, except for the stamp set, are available in the 2012-2013 catalog. If you'd like to place an order, just pop me an email or click on the badge in the top right hand corner.  I'd love to get you some great new products to make some fabulously fun cards!  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Stamps: Pedaling Past
Paper: Island Indigo, Primrose Petals, Baja Breeze & Whisper White Cardstock; Twitterpated DSP
Ink: Island Indigo, Tea Die Distress Ink
Accessories: Essentials Paper Piercing Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, Large Scallop Edgelits, Labels Collection Framelits, Oval Nesties, 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, Sponge and Pop Dots

Father's Day 2012

Hi All,

I finally got the craft room cleaned up and had to get to work this weekend.  Buying the hubs a store bought card was just not an option.  I pulled out my tried and true set: My Hero, My Dad.  I paired up these images with some of my favorite blues: Island Indigo & Pool Party.

My card was inspired by this gem from Maile Belles.  I love the geometric shapes and the cool design she created.  Perfect for a masculine card!  I paired up the Island Indigo and Pool Party with More Mustard.  It's a combo right off of my Color Coach.  It works every time.  Be sure to get the new In Color cards to add to your old ones.

I hope that all of the Father's in your life had a fabulous day! 

Stamps: My Hero, My Dad
Paper: Island Indigo, Pool Party, More Mustard, Crumb Cake & Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: Island Indigo, Pool Party, More Mustard & Crumb Cake Classic Pads
Accessories: Scissors & Pop Dots/Dimensionals

Birthday Love

Hi All,

If you follow my blog, you know that I had a birthday back in March.  One of the many things I was excited about was getting some handmade cards.  I was pretty impressed that (5) of my girlfriends came through.  I was so very impressed with their work, that I just had to show off a little bit :)

This card was made by Nicole Oldham.  She used the Kindness Matters stamp set, which I love.  The butterflies are just perfect and she couldn't have chosen better colors!  Nicole is not a fan of ribbon or twine, so I was impressed that she got some on this card. 

This card was made by Linda Appel.  She used the Abundant Hope stamp set and paired it with the Sweet Shop DSP.  This is such a sweet summery print.  The organza ribbon was the perfect addition. Linda has her own blog if you'd like to check it out: Linda's Cozy Craft Corner.

This card was made by Anne Martin.  She is relatively new to stamping, so I was very excited to see that she pulled some of her great products together.  I love the colors that she chose. Baja Breeze and Soft Suede are perfect together.  She let the embossing be the star of the show and added a few accessories.  Love the wide grosgrain ribbon!

This card was made by Jenni Brasington.  Lots of fun goodies on this card!. She used the Word Window Punch for the sentiment, Stickles for the candle flames, Diamond Dust for the icing and the Signo Gel Pen for the Scalloped Circle.  Who wouldn't love all this fun bling?

This oversized gem was made by Mary Beth Walker.  She cut a print from the Botanical Gazette DSP and used that as the base of her card.  That fabulous flower and butterfly are both from the
Mixed Bunch Stamp set and the Blossom Punch.  Mary Beth was the one to point out in the Occasions Mini that you could create this butterfly from this set.  What a great idea!

I am so impressed with the work that my friends do.  They are truly an inspiration to me!  Girls thanks so much for making me feel so special on my birthday!  There truly is nothing better than getting a handmade card!

Hope you all enjoy them as much as I do.  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Abundant Hope & Kindness Matters
Paper: Botanical Gazette DSP/Not Quite Navy &Marina Mist Cardstock, Sweet Shop DSP/Pool Party Cardstock
Accessories: Blossom Punch, Scalloped Border Punch, Word Window Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Organza Ribbon, Hemp Twine

So Grateful

Hi All,

I sure hope you've had a great weekend!  Ours was pretty good.  We ventured out to a Salsa Challenge and I got to finish up a book I was eagerly anticipating reading.  It was a pretty successful weekend if I say so myself.

I got my inspiration for today's card from the Occassion's Mini.  It focuses on the Labels Collection Framelits and the coordinating Apothecary Art stamp set.

The central panel is a print from the Twitterpated DSP.  I love Basic Gray and knew immediately that I wanted to work this in.  I layered it with Blushing Bride cardstock and pleated satin ribbon. This ribbon is great, as it is pre-ruffled for you. It doesn't get much better than that! The stamp is colored in with markers: Blushing Bride & Regal Rose.

The Framelits Dies and the stamp set are currently available in the Occasions Mini through April 30th.  Be sure to get these ordered up if you'd like to add them to your collection.  Send me an email or click on the Order Stampin' Up icon in the top right corner.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Stamps: Apothecary Art
Paper: Basic Gray, Blushing Bride & Very Vanilla Cardstock; Twitterpated DSP
Ink: Basic Gray Classic Pad
Accessories: Labels Collection Framelits, 3/8" Blushing Bride Pleated Satin Ribbon, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Blushing Bride Marker, Regal Rose Marker and Pop Dots/Dimensionals

Hope Everything Looks Up Soon

Hi All,

Happy weekend!  I have a cute summery card to share with you today.  I had seen this card by Debbie Olson on Pinterest and fell in love with the kites.  I knew then and there I had to have the Send Me Soaring stamp set.

This set has all the fixin's of a good kite: 6 different kite designs, a kite tail, kite string and some clouds.  My favorite part...the addition of the Baker's Twine.  It makes the perfect kite tails. I attached it to the back of the kites with adhesive and used Crystal Effects to hold the tails in place.  It dries clear, so you can't even see it.

I chose the 'Hope Everything Looks Up Soon' sentiment for my card.  I made a couple of these for those times when my friends need a little pick me up.  I've already given one away to a co-worker that needed a little cheer brought to her cubicle.  It got me a great big hug in return.

Since summer is on its way, kites are the perfect addition to your stamp collection.  They are so versatile and can be used for so many occasions.  This set is only available through April 30th.  If you are interested in purchasing it, just send me an email or click on the Order Stampin Up icon in the top right hand corner.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Send Me Soaring
Paper: Riding Hood Red & Whisper White Cardstock; Twitterpated DSP
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo and Basic Black Classic Pads
Accessories: Baker's Twine, 1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Crystal Effects and Pop Dots/Dimensionals