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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
Spring has hit in Phoenix and I couldn't be happier! The weather is breaking and it's beautiful outside. The next couple of months are why we live here. Of course, with the coming of Spring it reminds me of growing up back East on the countrysides of Pennsylvania. As a child, it was always fun to brush aside the leaves and see the flowers sprouting up through the ground. The flowers in the Abundant Hope set remind me of those spring days when the flowers began to bloom.
I stamped the floral image with Black StazOn because I initially intended to watercolor the flowers. But, it worked out that I could actually use my Markers. I definitely prefer the color you get from markers, so I was glad the image is such that I could use them.
I sat down and played with many color combinations....I usually don't have the patience for that, but it was actually pretty fun. So Saffron and Crushed Curry were the winners for the flowers and the stems are a combination of Certainly Celery, Old Olive and Always Artichoke.
I love how this turned out and the refreshed feeling of Spring that it gives me. Hope you like it too! TFL.
Stamps: Abundant Hope
Paper: Whisper White, So Saffron and Certainly Celery Cardstock; So Saffron DSP
Ink: Basic Black Classic Pad
Accessories: So Saffron, Crushed Curry, Certainly Celery, Old Olive & Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Markers, Scallop Trim Punch, Certainly Celery 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Paper Piercer & Mat, Dimensionals/Pop Dots and Circle Nestabilities
Boy oh Boy...did I have a hard time with this card! I knew I wanted to use Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry and an old book page, but that's all I had ;) I probably had this designed 10 different ways, but this is what I ended up with. I finally just said, "It is what it is". Sometimes I stress a little too much over my cards...does anyone else have that problem???
I used the Very Vintage Wheel for the background of this card and I L-O-V-E It! It is a MUST for your collection. I'm actually thinking of designing a card that is just that wheel....nothing else...has that ever been done...I think I'll try it ;) The details really are that intricate and pretty...you hate to cover them up.
The flowers and the Friends focal image are all from the Vintage Vogue set. It matches up perfectly with the Very Vintage Wheel. I cut all of these out and popped them up on dimensionals. So worth the effort ;)
Hopefully, these last three designs inspire you to do something shabby, vintage or just different. It's fun to go out of our comfort zones every once in a while. TFL!
Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Very Vintage Wheel
Paper: Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry and and old Book Page
Ink: Soft Suede & Rich Razzleberry Classic Pads
Accessories: Top Note Die, Jumbo Wheel, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Soft Suede Polka Dot Ribbon, Brown Brads, a Flat Back Pearl, Dimensionals/Pop Dots and a Sponge for Distressing.
My next card's design is inspired by the FAB-ulous Jamie Pierson. Her card can be seen here. Her blog is a must-have in your favorites ;)
I love her Shabby, yet simple, style.
I had a bag of purple buttons on hand, so when I sat down to design this card I started there. Lavendar Lace matched up perfectly, but is not a color I use often. So...I pulled out my Color Coach (it really does come in handy) and noticed that So Saffron is it's Complementary Color. I had some sheets of the So Saffron DSP pack left over from an earlier workshop and used these for my flowers.
The flowers are made using the scallop circle punch. Punch 5 scalloped circles, pierce in the center and connect them all together with a brad. Attach a button over the brad and you have a super simple, yet very feminine flower.
Jamie, thanks for your inspiration! Love your cards and hope I did this one justice ;)
TFL!
Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Vintage Labels
Paper: Lavendar Lace & So Saffron Cardstock; So Saffron DSP
Ink: Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, Lavendar Buttons, Linen Thread, Lavendar Polka Dot Ribbon, Brads, Dimensionals/Pop Dots and a Sponge for Distressing.
Hello Everyone! It's finally Spring Break here in AZ and I am looking forward to it. I'm hoping to squeeze in plenty of card making ;)
My first card today is from a Shabby Chic workshop I did the other night. Luckily, I only had a few girls there, because these cards definitely take a little longer to put together than your every day card. This is not my normal style, but I am lucky to be able to gather my inspiration from some very talented ladies.
This design is inspired by Kimberly Van Diepen's Valentine's Box seen here. If you have not been to her website, you must hop over. She is amazing!
The focal point of this card is the paper flower. It is made using (2) 12" strips of DSP (1-1" piece and 1-1 1/2" piece.) They are ruffled around a 1 3/8" circle that is covered with Sticky Strip. I added a french flair to my card by pulling out my retired Carte Postale stamp set. Love it! I hadn't used it in some time.
Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Friends 24-7, Circle Circus, I {Heart} Hearts, Carte Postale, Very Vintage Wheel
Paper: Kraft & Real Red Cardstock; Sending Love DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Pad
Accessories: Eyelet Punch, Sending Love Epoxy Brads - Pretty in Pink, Eggcellent Eggs Kit (Clear Rhinestone), Cutter Kit/Distressing Tool, Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Bone Folder, Piercing Tool & Mat, Jumbo Handle and a Sponge.
Well, it seems like forever since I last posted. I must admit that my schedule has been busy, but I think the reason is more along the lines of me needing an intervention. An intervention from following all my blogs and actually making some cards with the ideas that I've gathered off of reading all of my blogs...does anyone else have that problem? I probably have a couple hundred card designs saved that I'd like to make...but don't actually take the time to create unless it's for a workshop. Maybe over Spring Break I'll take some time ;)
I did have to make some time this weekend as it's my husband's birthday today and we needed a card. I started with the Mojo Monday challenge and moved on from there. I know I've said this a couple times before, but the Sweet Pea Paper Pack is perfect for Masculine cards. This card uses the front/back of one of the sheets. The Old Olive and Chocolate Chip are perfect. I knotted some of our new Old Olive Satin Ribbon and Voila...a Manly Birthday Card we have!
Nothing fancy here...kept it simple and he loved it. TFL!
Stamps: Vintage Labels (Sell-A-Bration Mini)
Paper: Old Olive and Chocolate Chip Cardstock; Sweet Pea DSP Pack
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Stamp Pad
Accessories: Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Olive Brads & 1/16" Circle Punch
Are these butterflies precious or what? Beautiful Wings is a die that's currently available in the Occasions Mini. The die has 4 different size butterflies and each butterfly is embossed differently.
I drew inspiration from this card. I changed it up a bit, but kept a similar layout. The DSP is from Sweet Pea. The other side of this sheet has a beautiful Butterfly Print. I'm sure you'll see it in an upcoming post ;) I sponged the edges of the sentiment and the butterflies with Soft Suede Ink. This is a great color choice for a vintage stain look. The butterflies were adhered with Mini Glue Dots and the wings were lifted for a little dimension.
I love the colors on this card...hope you do too ;) TFL!
Stamps: Vintage Labels
Paper: Soft Suede & Pretty in Pink Cardstock; Sweet Pea DSP
Ink: Soft Suede Classic Ink
Accessories: Beautiful Wings Die, Pink Button, Sponge, Acrylic Block A & C, 5/8" Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon and Pop Dots/Dimensionals.
One of the questions I get asked most is where I get my ideas. Some I come up with on my own getting inspiration from sketch challenges, but most times, I draw inspiration from others. I follow about 100 blogs dutifully....and I add more as I come across them. Google Reader makes this very easy to do ;)
I wish I could say that I have a natural ability to design cards, but I am not that blessed ;) I love color and combining cardstock and DSP, so I feel that's where my strength lies.
This card is one good example of finding inspiration in others. This flower is punched with the XL Fancy Flower Punch from a sheet of the Sending Love Specialty DSP. I got that idea from Nancy Riley over at iStamp. I got inspiration for the layout from Lynn Put over at The Queen's Scene. I pull these ideas together and add a few Julie touches and a card is born. Sometimes I use similar stamps/supplies, other times I tweak the card to use what I have on hand.
With the use of the internet, we are so lucky to be able to see what others are creating by the click of a mouse. That's the joy of sharing ;)
Stamps: With All My Heart
Paper: Real Red, Cameo Coral, and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Sending Love DSP
Ink: Real Red Classic Pad
Accessories: XL Fancy Flower Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Real 5/8" Real Red Satin Ribbon, Mat Pack & Paper Piercer, Acrylic Block C and Dimensionals/Pop Dots.
I had a workshop this week and the theme was "Hey Sweet Pea!" If you can't tell, I LOVE the new Sweet Pea products offered in the occasions Mini.
I couldn't wait to share the new felt pieces with my Stampin' Gals. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough pieces for each of my girls to make both flowers, but they got to decide which card to make: this one or the Rose Red card in the prior post. I love them both...so, I'm glad I didn't need to make that decision ;)
This card was inspired by yet another Julie...do we have good taste or what??? Here is her card. I loved how she created the flower with the Little Leaves Die. I just incorporated it into the same card design as in my last post. The DSP on this card is from the Sending Love pack. Pretty in Pink and Chocolate Chip...need I say more...it's a classic color combo!
The Sending Love DSP is in the Occasions Mini and the sentiment is from Whimsical Words in the Sale-A-Bration Mini. It can be earned for FREE with a $50 order till March 31st.
Hope you like it & Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Whimsical Words
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip & Very Vanilla Cardstock; Sending Love DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Pad
Accessories: Top Note Die, Little Leaves Die, Sweet Pea Stitched Felt, 1/4" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack and Mini Glue Dots.
Ahhh...it's a 3-Day Weekend! I have been looking forward to this all week. I just started teaching 8th Grade Algebra, so in addition to brushing up on my math every night, I had a PTO Meeting & a Workshop this week. I am ready for some much needed rest ;)
My first card up today was inspired by another Julie's card here. I saw her card and new I had to CASE it, as I had just gotten my Top Note Die and was ready to break it in ;) I pulled out my new Sweet Pea Stitched Felt pieces and a sheet of the Sweet Pea DSP and put them all together. I LOVE how it turned out!
The sentiment is from the Whimsical Words stamp set which can be earned for FREE during Sale-A-Bration when you place a $50 order through March 31st. The Sweet Pea products are in the Occasions Mini and are truly a must have.
Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Whimsical Words
Paper: Rose Red, Chocolate Chip & Whisper White Cardstock; Sweet Pea DSP
Ink: Rose Red Classic Pad
Accessories: Top Note Die, Sweet Pea Stitched Felt, 1/4" Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Mat Pack & Paper Piercer and Mini Glue Dots.
This is the second birthday card I made for my son's birthday parties this weekend. Do you sense a circle theme??? Not sure how it happened, but it did. I had seen a few cards on a Mojo Monday Challenge a while back where they used a hollow circle. I've been wanting to try it and this was the perfect opportunity.
The DSP is from the Sweet Pea DSP pack...does that surprise anyone??? It's the only paper I have out in my craft room right now. And, since my next workshop is the Sweet Pea Theme, I don't think it's getting put away anytime soon ;)
This card uses one sheet from the pack. The front is the Retro Circle Pattern and the back is the Teal Pattern. I added some So Saffron and Chocolate Chip and Voila...it's another winner! L-O-V-E this color combo. The sentiment is from the Birthday Bliss stamp set that you can earn for FREE by placing a $50 order through March 31st. TFL!
Stamps: Birthday Bliss
Paper: Taken with Teal, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron & Whisper White Cardstock; Sweet Pea DSP
Ink: Taken with Teal Classic Pad
Accessories: Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, 1/16" Circle Punch, Brown Brads and Circle Nestabilities.
Happy Saturday Everyone! I have been a busy bee. My son had two birthday parties today, so of course, I needed two birthday cards. This is the first of the two.
I am totally hooked on the new SU! Sweet Pea DSP pack. The Taken with Teal and Chocolate Chip prints I used on this card are both from this pack. It just goes to show how very versatile it is. It can be used for masculine and feminine cards. It truly is a must have!
The Teal print is the backside of the Polka Dot Print. The Chocolate Chip print is the back side of a Pretty in Pink print. The sentiment is from a set in the 2009-2010 catalog called Birthday Bliss. It is one of many sets that you can get for FREE when you place a $50 order through March 31st. I had wanted this set for a while...and what better way to get it than Free?
I love the colors on this card and I think Taken with Teal is becoming a new favorite of mine. Hope you like it! TFL!
Stamps: Birthday Bliss & Doodle Numbers (Retired)
Paper: Chocolate Chip & Whisper White Cardstock; Sweet Pea DSP
Ink: Taken with Teal Classic Stamp Pad
Accessories: 1/16" Circle Punch, Teal Brads, Brown Brads and Circle Nestabilities
I had a request to make a special invitation for a girlfriend. This invitation is going to her male friend, so I tried to keep it masculine. Adding the Very Vanilla Slider probably dropped the masculine factor down a few notches, but, nothing's perfect right???
I started with the Sweet Sunday Sketch at Karen Giron's blog. She always has great sketches and I love a good challenge ;) I leafed through my Sweet Pea Paper Pack and decided on this sheet. It uses: Old Olive, Taken with Teal and So Saffron. Not three colors I would put together on my own, but I love them! The inside has a Very Vanilla mat that I stamped with the invitation details: Time, Place, Date & RSVP. Hopefully he accepts her very special invitation. TFL!
Stamps: Circle Circus and Hugs & Wishes (Retired)
Paper: Old Olive, Taken w/Teal, So Saffron & Very Vanilla Cardstock; Sweet Pea DSP
Ink: So Saffron & Taken w/Teal Classic Pads
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Circle & Scalloped Circle Nestabilities, Very Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware & Ribbon Originals (Retired)
Well, it seems like forever since I last posted! I had my AZ Teacher Certification Test on Saturday and I have been studying like mad. Of course, nothing I studied was on the test, but I think I'm smarter than a 5th Grader now...hee hee! Glad that's over and hope I pass...don't want to go through that again ;) I can finally move on to some more important things...like cards ;)
For this card, I used the new Sending Love DSP from the Occasions Mini. I wasn't going to get this pack b/c it just didn't grab my eye in the catalog. But, I wanted some new paper to play with and bought it. Boy am I glad I did...I love it! The colors are some of my favorites and each sheet has some type of glitter on it. Who doesn't like a little bling? This is one of the sheets from the pack. One side is the Chocolate Chip w/Flowers and the other side is the Pretty in Pink/Real Red Flowers. The Pink/Red sheet is the glittery sheet. Each flower's tips are edged in glitter. It's sooo pretty!
I orginally made this card for the Sweet Sunday Sketch last week, but didn't get it done to submit. This particular sketch called for a circle element, so I added the accordian flower.
I love how it turned out....hope you do too. Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Whimsical Words (Free Sale-A-Bration Set) & Teeny Tiny Whishes
Paper: Very Vanilla & Chocolate Chip Cardstock; Sending Love DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Pad
Accessories: 1" Circle Punch, 1/16" Circle Punch, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Chocolate Chip Button (Button Latte), Brown Brads, Linen Thread and Sponges
Hello Everyone!
It's a wonderfully rainy day here in AZ and I am LOVING it! I hope to get a little studying in for my Teacher's Certification test and of course, a little studio time doing some stamping.
Yesterday, I was asked by one of my girlfriends if I had considered doing a Ribbon Share. She noticed that some other demos online were doing it and wondered if I'd be interested. Of course I would be! I want it all just like everyone else!
In the New Occasions Mini from SU!, they are offering their 5/8" Satin Ribbon in (9) New Colors: Basic Black, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue, Very Vanilla, Old Olive and Basic Gray.
Previously, they had only offered it in White. Each spool of ribbon is $8.95 for 15 Yds. I am offering a more affordable option. For $20, you will receive 3 Yds of Each Ribbon Color. 3 Yds of Ribbon is enough to make about (7) Cards. This will give you an idea of which colors you may use more often than others. If you use one up, you know to purchase a whole spool, as this is something you will use often.
How To Order: Email me at julie.marshall@cox.net. Include your name, email address, shipping address and phone number. I will send you an invoice via PayPal. Once payment is received I will ship out your shares. If PayPal will not work for you, we can discuss other options.
Shipping: I will use USPS Standard First Class Mail. The shares will be shipped in a padded envelope. Orders will be charged as follows:
1 Share: $2
2 Shares: $3
3 Shares: $5
US Shipping Only.
Any questions, email me at julie.marshall@cox.net
Thank You!
This card is not for the weak at hand ;) It involves plenty of cutting....so, grab your stamps and scissors! This is the new Love Bandit stamp set from the Occasions Mini. I struggle with smaller images, so it's always a challenge to use them. I've seen quite a few cards with this layout, so I thought I'd start there.
All of the Patterned Papers here are from the Welcome Neighbor Paper Pad in the Sell-A-Bration Catalog. The Clouds are perfect for the sky, the Crushed Curry patterns are perfect for the sun and the Old Olive prints are perfect for the grass. The hills were blending together, so I took my scissors and cut blades of grass along the edges. Once the card was completed, I ruffled the grass edges to give them some more dimension.
The trees, tree trunk, raccoon and heart were all stamped and cut out. I then paper pieced the trees and the raccoon/heart back together. Each of these, including the sun, are popped up on dimensionals. One of my girlfriends needed a card for her young son and I think this is perfect. I hope he likes it!
TFL!
Stamps: Love Bandit
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Crushed Curry, Chocolate Chip, Basic Gray, Real Red and Whisper White Cardstock; Welcome Neighbor DSP
Ink: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip & Basic Black Classic Pads
Accessories: Scissors, Modern Label Punch, Movers & Shapers, Chocolate Chip Brads, Scallop Circle Nestabilites (or Scallop Circle Punch), Circle Nestabilites (or 1 3/8" Circle Punch) and Dimensionals (Pop Dots).
I had so much fun making this card! I got to use our new Clear Mounted Stamp Sets: I {Heart} Hearts and Well Scripted. These new sets are mounted on clear acrylic blocks. This allows you to see through the block onto your card if you'd like to stamp images over each other. When you're done, you clean the stamp, remove it from the acrylic block and store it in it's DVD style case.
These new sets can be found in the Occasions Mini. We sell the Acrylic Blocks in many sizes. For this card, I used the B & C Blocks. The images in our catalogs are true to size, so you you can measure them and compare to the block dimensions in the catalog.
Notice the border at the bottom of the card? That's the New Scallop Trim Border Punch. Spend $50 or more in Jan/Feb/March and you can get this punch for Free. What a great deal!
This card is perfect for Valentine's Day or just telling a loved one...you love them. Hope you like it! TFL!
Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts & Well Scripted
Papers: Cameo Coral, Real Red and Whisper White Cardstock; Pink Flamingo DSP
Inks: Real Red & Basic Black Classic Pads
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack and 1/4" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon
Using the Heart Punch to make a flower...ingenious ;) I first saw this in our monthly demonstrator publication. They created the flowers and put them on sticks. I saw this flower and knew immediately what I wanted to pair it with...the Stem Sayings Stamp Set.
Using the Full Heart Punch, I punched (4) hearts out of Melon Mambo Textured Cardstock. I folded them in half and scored down the middle. I then stacked the hearts and using the 1/16" hole punch, punched a hole through all four. The pink DSP circle was punched with the 3/4" circle punch. Punch a hole in the center of the circle, layer it with the hole in the hearts and connect them together with one of our new Corduroy Pink Brads. Fan out your hearts and the flower is complete! It is attached to the card with a glue dot or dimensional. I didn't have a leaf punch or die, so I used the leaves from the Sweet Centers stamp set and cut them out.
It is a perfectly sweet card. I hope you like it! TFL!
Stamps: Stem Sayings & Sweet Centers (Holiday Mini)
Paper: Melon Mambo & Very Vanilla Cardstock; Melon Mambo Textured Cardstock; Sweet Always DSP (Retired)
Ink: Old Olive Classic Pad
Accessories: Full Heart Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Scalloped Edge Border Punch, 1/16" Hole Punch, Pretty In Pink Corduroy Brads, Bone Folder, Pink Stickles, Large Glue Dot and Sticky Strip
This card is all about hearts! Although we don't always reach for purple when doing hearts, I love it paired with pink on this card. I had actually bought some purple buttons that I wanted to use...but, they never made it on.
I used Perfect Plum, Pixie Pink, Rich Razzleberry and Craft White to team all these hearts together. The ribbon is our new Pretty in Pink satin ribbon, and is it pretty! It can be found in the new Occasions Mini.
I made this a Thank You card, but you could easily turn it into a Valentine's Day card. Hope you like it. TFL!
Stamps: Simply Said & Short & Sweet
Paper: Kraft & Perfect Plum DSP
Ink: Perfect Plum, Pixie Pink & Rich Razzleberry Classic Pads; Whisper White Craft Pad; Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Accessories: Pretty in Pink 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Eyelet Border Punch and Sponges
Something Old, Something New...my Urban Oasis DSP is what's old and my Circle Circus stamp set is what's new. I needed a masculine birthday card for my brother-in-law and I think this qualifies. There are no bows, no pinks and no scalloped edges.
I did use some brads, but I think they're OK ;)
I had two conversations this week about how hard it is to make masculine cards. I think Circle Circus is the perfect set to have. Pair it with some blues, greys or greens and you have a card good enough for your dad, brother, son or friend.
I hadn't used my Urban Oasis DSP in quite some time, so it was nice to work with an old friend. It's retired now and I am wishing I would have bought more. It's colors and designs are timeless.Hope you like it...TFL!
Stamps: Circle Circus & Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Grey and Baja Blue Cardstock; Urban Oasis DSP
Ink: Baja Blue & Basic Grey Classic Stamp Pads
Accessories: Baja Blue Ribbon, Movers & Shapers Die, Grey Brads, Modern Label Punch, 1/16" Circle Punch, Paper Piercer & Mat Pad and Dimensionals/Pop Dots
Two postings in a row...can you believe it? What can I say, I was inspired and this one was quick.
I saw this card on the cover of the new Paper Crafts magazine and had to CASE it. I don't get the magazine, but if I were to venture a guess, this card was created by Dawn McVey. Her style is very unique and if I could recreate every one of her cards, I would!
This card is all about the Christmas Cocoa DSP from the Holiday Mini. It's flocked with a velvety feel and can be used for more than just Christmas. I used it here for a Valentine's card. So, if you purchased it and already stored it away, pull it back out and get to work on your very own Valentine's Day card.
TFL!
Stamps: Short & Sweet & Polka Dot Basics II (PTI)
Paper: Kraft & Real Red Cardstock; Christmas Cocoa DSP
Ink: Real Red Classic Pad & Whisper White Craft Pad
Accessories: Scalloped Edge Punch and Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
Hey Girly-Girls,
Have you seen them? You know...all those Hearts popping up in Blog Land! Well, it is the season ;) Here is the first of many to hit my blog. I have soooo many ideas, I only hope I can get them on some cardstock.
While partaking in my addiction (Yes, I'm a 5-Stepper) of reading blog after blog for hours, I saw a hot air balloon with a heart for the balloon. Immediately, I thought of Stampin' Up's Sweet Centers Stamp Set. Instead of using a Sweet Treat Cup, I used my Full Heart Punch and the Heart Mover and Shaper for hearts. How cute is this? The basket is paper pieced and the options are endless for the balloons. You could use any patterned papers. I added some paper piercing and a sentiment and here you have a Valentine's card or a simple gift card.
Hope you like it! TFL.
Stamps: Sweet Centers & Curvy Verses
Paper: Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip & Whisper White Cardstock; Regal Rose & Sweet Always DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Pad
Accessories: Full Heart Punch, Movers & Shapers, Paper Piercer & Mat Pad, Chocolate Chip 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon and Dimensionals/Pop Dots
Happy New Year Everyone! Hopefully you all had a great time ringing in the new year whether it was safely at home or out with friends and family. We stayed low key at home and made it till midnight...so, it was a success!
My first post of the new year puts polka dots center stage...and, they should be! I had seen this stamp set on many blogs and just had to have it. Let's call it a gift to myself ;) It's an acrylic set and I wanted to try it out.
Although SU! doesn't carry acrylic stamps, they are introducing clear mount stamps in the new Occasions Mini Catalog starting Jan 5th. SU! will still sell the wood mount stamps, but these are a nice alternative. The stamps themselves are still rubber, but you will be able to mount them on clear blocks. This is especially useful for two-step stamping or trying to line up stamps in a particular spot as you can see through the block onto your paper. Not to mention, they are stored in a DVD style case, which saves on space in your craft room.
Some other highlights in the new mini: new style flat punches, yummy new satin ribbons, a larger pack of designer papers and some super cute stamp sets in both clear or wood mounts.
Click here to check it out: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/juliemarshall/catalogs
Purchase $50 worth of product Jan 5th - March 31 and earn FREE product. There are so many reasons to get this year under way! Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Simply Said, Short & Sweet and Polka Dot Basics II (PTI)
Paper: Kraft & Whisper White Cardstock; Perfect Plum DSP & Pink DSP
Ink: Perfect Plum & Pixie Pink Classic Stamp Pads & Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Corner Rounder, Elegant Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon, Pink Satin Ribbon & Sponges
Happy Holidays Everyone! For those of you stealing a few minutes away today, thanks for stopping by. I hope you are enjoying the day with family and friends.
I started my business this year and wanted a card to send out to all of my wonderful customers that supported me as I got it under way. I needed about 15, so I wanted a pretty simple design to mass produce.
This DSP is from the Bella Bleu pack. I had seen them used together in the current mini catalog and just hadn't had a chance to put them together. I tried them with Kraft, but there wasn't enough contrast for me, so I pulled out the Soft Suede. It seems to have become a winter favorite of mine *wink*.
The circle was cut and embossed with my Nesties. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE them??? I discovered one more little trick last night. I left the circle in the die after I embossed it and stamped my images. This allowed me to stamp within my embossed area. You can use this technique if you want to sponge or chalk inside the embossed edge. So many options with these guys.
If you're one of my wonderful customers, your own personal card is on it's way!
I hope they like it....TFL!
Stamps: Serene Snowflakes & Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Very Vanilla & Soft Suede Cardstock; Soft Suede Textured Cardstock; Bella Bleu DSP
Ink: Night of Navy Classic Pad & Whisper White Craft Pad
Accessories: Navy Satin Ribbon, Corner Rounder, Clear Rhinestone Brads & Circle Nestabilities
I have officially put Christmas behind me and moved on to New Year's. I finally have some free time to play, so I settled in with this week's Mojo Challenge.
It was easy to get started on this one. I wanted to use the metallic prints from the Christmas Cocoa DSP. They pair ever so nicely with the Soft Suede.
I used my new circle nesties for the circles. I must say I love these. I embossed the smaller circle, but I don't have the tan mat yet, so I improvised. I'm hoping the embossing is a little more pronounced when I get it. The snowflake was pretty on its own, but I had to bling it up. I used some small clear rhinestones and they are the perfect touch!
I had the hardest time finding a sentiment to add to the card. I have a Happy New Year's stamp, but it was too small. After going through e-a-c-h stamp set I have, I settled on the sentiment from an oldie but goodie: Like it a Latte. I learned that you never know when you'll pull out that older stamp set ;)
Hope you like it....TFL!
Stamps: Serene Snowflakes & Like it a Latte (Retired)
Paper: Soft Suede & Whisper White Cardstock; Christmas Cocoa DSP
Ink: Soft Suede & Chocolate Chip Classic Pads
Accessories: Brown Satin Ribbon, Paper Piercer & Mat Pad, Brown Brad, Clear Rhinestones, Circle Nestabilities
Who doesn't love cookies??? My family truly does!! Each year at this time, we tend to make more cookies than we could ever possibly eat over a 3-day period. I'm hoping to actually share some of these sweet treats with some friends. These tags will dress up the treats perfectly.
I have been seeing tags all over the blogosphere, so I had to give them a try. I don't have any tag dies, so I improvised. The larger one was cut into a rectangular shape and I used a corner rounder on the edges. The smaller tag was cut using my *brand new* Oval Nestabilities....love these! I will finally be retiring my Good Ol' Creative Memories cutting system for good ;)
The DSP is from the Merry Moments pack. I accessorized each tag with my Snowflake Punch. I left the Chocolate Chip snowflake as is, but blinged up the Very Vanilla one. I used my two-way glue pen to add some Dazzling Diamonds to the large flake and used some Stickles on the smaller ones. It adds just enough sparkle!
There's still time to whip up some of your own tags, so give it a shot! TFL!
Stamps: Season of Friendship, Serene Snowflakes & All Holidays
Paper: Real Red, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Merry Moments DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Pad
Accessories: Snowflake Punch, Round Tab Punch, Corner Rounder, 1/16" Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Oval Nestabilities, Sponges, Brads, Button Latte, Chocolate Chip 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Linen Thread, Two-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Diamond Stickles, Mini Glue Dots & Dimensionals (Pop Dots).
I needed a gift card holder for Book Club and, of course, I waited till the last minute ;) In the hour between I got home from school and my son's football practice, I whipped this up.
The template is the same as the gift card holder on an earlier post. The DSP is from the Christmas Cocoa pack. This sheet of paper is flocked and has a velvety feel to it. It's a nice little unexpected surprise as you open the holder up.
This paper pack also features some metallic touches as well. I'm going to use these for some New Year's Cards. But, the nice thing is, the Real Red sheets have a Damask design, so they can be used for cards other than the holidays. This pack is only on sale through January 4th, so if you're interested in purchasing it, just let me know ;)
TFL!
Stamps: Season of Friendship
Paper: Whisper White Cardstock & Christmas Cocoa DSP
Ink: Real Red Classic Pad
Accessories: Real Red Marker, Real Red Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch & Slit Punch
I am lucky enough to have many different friends throwing goodies at me and saying, "What can I do with this?" This is one of those goodies. How many of us have plain old tins in our craft room just waiting to be transformed?
These are great as gifts for friends, teachers and if you are a teacher, for parent volunteers. They are easy and super inexpensive to make.
For my tin, I pulled out my SU! Night and Day DSP that I haven't used yet. This
was the perfect opportunity!There is a great tutorial on Splitcoast for these tins: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/alteredtin/.
First, you need to measure the width of the tin and cut your paper to size. More than likely, a 12x12 strip will not be long enough to cover the circumference of the tin, so you cut a strip to fill the gap. You then adhere these strips with Tacky Tape or any strong two-sided tape. Next, you choose a coordinating ribbon, trim to size and attach it to the lid. You can then decorate the lid in any way you wish. I added a flower that I saw over at Wendy Smedley's website: http://wendysmedley.typepad.com/possibilities/2009/11/week-of-gratitude-bouquet.html.
These are adorable and it's yet another way to make use of our punches. It's a win-win.Hope you like it....TFL!
Stamps: None
Paper: Night & Day DSP
Ink: None
Accessories: Circle Nesties, Scallop Circle Punch, Ribbon, Black Brad, 1/16" Circle Punch and Sticky Strip
I needed a birthday card for my 11-year-old nephew and this is what I whipped up. If you're like me, making masculine cards is a challenge. It seems to go against everything card making is about ;)
I knew what color palette I wanted to start with: Soft Suede and Bermuda Bay. I also knew I wanted to keep it simple, as he is 11 and is the card really important at that age??? It's what's inside that matters ;)
I stamped the presents as the focal image. I also stamped a second set, cut them out and popped them up on top of the original presents creating a 3-D look. I added some piercing and reversed the Polka Dot Soft Suede ribbon and I was done. Hope he likes it...TFL!
Stamps: Birthday Whimzy (Retired) & Darling Dots (Retired Hostess Set)
Paper: Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay and Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay & Crushed Curry Classic Stamp Pads
Accessories: Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Scallop Edge Punch and Dimensionals (Pop Dots)
Who doesn't need a gift card holder for the holidays? This one is simple and easy to make. Of course, I couldn't have an upload without having a Kraft project to show ;)
I love the the Kraft, Real Red and Whisper White Color Combo. They work so well together and were my beginning inspiration for the project.
To make the holder, choose your base cardstock and cut to 4" x 6 3/4". Score the cardstock at 2 1/2" and 5". These will be your folds for the holder.
My ribbon goes through the folds of the card holder to tie it together. I created slits for the ribbon by placing my scored edge in my paper trimmer and cutting a 1/2" slit about 2/3 of the way across the score line. Just be sure you do the slits in the same spot on both score lines. This will allow you to pull the ribbon in on one end and out the other to tie the card holder closed.I used the Slit Punch to create the gift card slots. I laid a gift card down and marked the edges 1/8" longer on each side. Place the edge of the Slit Punch on this line and punch. Erase your pencil marks and you're good to go. If you don't have the Slit Punch, you can adhere the gift card with some adhesive or glue dots. They will work just as well ;)
These are much more fun that the gift card holder you get with the card. Impress someone this season and make theirs unique!
TFL!
Stamps: Season of Friendship & Short & Sweet
Paper: Kraft Cardstock
Ink: Real Red Classic Stamp Pad & Whisper White Craft Stamp Pad
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Signo Gel Pen, Slit Punch and Ribbon
Some may think that following 80 different blogs is a bit much....but, I tend to disagree *hee hee*. How else would I have found this cute little ol' guy??
Angie Juda over at Chic 'n Scratch is amazing! She is constantly reinventing herself. How she can sit down with 8 punches and come out with this is just mind boggling. She has a fantastic video on how to assemble him at: http://chicnscratch.typepad.com/chicnscratchlive/2009/11/punch-art-santa-video.html.
I added my Santa to a snack pouch. These are super easy to make and if you need a lot of them, the perfect choice. Pick your cardstock and cut to 2 3/4 x 8 1/2. Score at 3 3/4 and 4 3/4. Fold at the score lines and staple at the top. We will be covering your staple with some Designer Series Paper. Pick one that coordinates with your cardstock and cut to 2 1/2 x 3 1/2. My mat for Santa was cut to 2 1/4 x 3 1/4.
I've been growing my collection of punches over the years and love to find new ways to use them. I must say...this is the most I've ever used at one time! If you're interested in your own Santa and don't have the punches, I'd be more than happy to put a kit together for you. Just pop me an email.
TFL!
Stamps: None
Paper: Real Red, Garden Green, Pretty in Pink, Blush Blossom Basic Black and Whisper White Cardstock; Merry Moments DSP
Ink: Creamy Caramel & Basic Black Classic Stamp Pads
Accessories: Chocolate Chip Marker, Signo Gel Pen, Chalks, Sponges, Ticket Corner Punch,
Scallop Circle Punch, Small & Large Oval Punches, Full Heart Punch, Word Window Punch, 1/4" Circle Hole Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch and the 1 3/8" Circle Punch
My friend Yolie gave me a box full of transparencies and told to create something fun with them. I took on that challenge and stumbled upon this card at: http://lovetostampandscrap.blogspot.com/2009/08/welcome-to-stampin-addicts-holiday-mini.html.I kept pretty true to the original design, but switched it up a little.
If you've never used acetate (transparencies), it's very easy. You cut it in exactly the same way you would your paper with your paper cutter. I scored it with my scorer and finished it off with my bone folder.
I stamped the snowflake images with a Stazon ink pad. You will need this type of ink or a Stampin Up Craft ink for the acetate surface. The Stazon dries very quickly and is what I prefer to use.
This is the inside of the card. Since you are using a clear card base, when adhering your focal image to the front of the card, you will be able to see the adhesive on the inside. You can fix that by adding a focal image on the inside of the card in the exact same spot as the image on the front cover. Problem solved!
What a fun and unique card to give someone! I still have a ton of transparencies, so I see many more acetate cards in my future.
Hope you'll try it out too. TFL!
Stamps: Serene Snowflakes & Delightful Decorations
Paper: Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Brushed Silver & Whisper White Cardstock; Acetate (Transparencies for the card base)
Ink: Bashful Blue, Brocade Blue & Night of Navy Classic Ink Pads; Stazon White Pad
Accessories: Ornament Punch & Dimensionals (Pop Dots)
Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mom's out there! I hope you each have a nice relaxing day.
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