PP65: Happy Hoot-y Halloween!

Hi Everybody! This week at the Paper Players, we have a fun sketch to play with: three panels and a focal image. The sky's the limit. You can use any DSP, mix DSP, add in some layers, you pick.


So simple right? Not so much for me this week. I couldn't find inspiration in anything...especially all of my packs of DSP as I sat and went through them. I then thought about all of the owls you guys have been using over the past couple of weeks and I decided to go with a Halloween theme.



For this card, I started with my owl and worked backwards. Once he was built, I knew I wanted to perch him right on top of a medallion. I hadn't made one in some time and I was surprised how easily it went together. I remember times when I had to wrestle with the medallions to get them to stay put. Have any of those moments????

I saved the panels till last. It actually took some time to decide which colors/prints should go where. I think having the grid design on the base really ties everything together.

Are you lovin' this sketch? If so, hop on over to the Paper Players and see what the other girls have cooked up for you...or better yet, to upload your very own project. We'd love to see it! Thanks so much for stopping by!

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Ann Marie Hile

Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Lesley Croghan

Tara Bilbao

Sandie Conner (September GD)

Rita Wright (Sassy Substitute this Week)

Stamps: All Holidays
Paper: Old Olive & Perfect Plum Cardstock; Love Letter & Cast-A-Spell DSP
Ink: Basic Black Classic Ink
Accessories: Owl Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Modern Label Punch, Circle Nestabilities, Lots of Tags Die, Green Brads, Black Rik-Rak, Sponge, Pop Dots/Dimensionals and Large Glue Dots

PP64: thanks {so much}

The challenge this week at The Paper Players is to use a Plant or an Animal in a Clean & Simple Design. Plant...easy, Animal...not so much. Yes, I took the easy way out--no judging! (And, shhhhh, I think I missed the 'Clean & Simple' part when I checked out our next challenge ;)


Living here in Arizona, we still have quite a bit of heat, so I haven't quite made the switch to fall and darker colors yet. As you can tell by this card...I'm still using plenty of color.


The first new In Color I bought was Calypso Coral. Quite a few of my girls were heart broken when SU! retired Cameo Coral, so I wanted to show them that we have a fabulous new alternative. Calypso Coral is just a tad bit darker than Cameo Coral...and can you believe that it pairs so well with Baja Breeze. Would have never guessed it! I found this combo in no other place than my Color Coach.

I also got to pair up two fun accessories new to my collection: Crochet Trim & the Tiny Safety Pins. The Crochet Trim adds just the perfect touch of femininity and the Tiny Pins are great for attaching these Tiny Tags. I love how it all came together.

Need some more inspiration? Be sure to hop on over to The Paper Players blog to see what the other girls have cooked up for you...or better yet, to upload your very own project. We'd love to see it! Thanks for stopping by.

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Ann Marie Hile

Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Lesley Croghan

Nance Leedy

Tara Bilbao

Sandie Conner (September GD)

Stamps: Field Flowers & Tiny Tags
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze & Very Vanilla Cardstock; First Edition & Walk in the Park DSP
Ink: Calypso Coral, Pear Pizzazz & Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
Accessories: Crochet Trim, Vintage Trinkets, Jewelry Tag Medium Punch, Curly Label Punch, 1/16" Circle Punch, Brown Brads and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Queen for a Day

Well, who doesn't want to be a Queen for a Day??? Admit it, there's a bit of princess in each of us. I thought that sentiment was perfect for the card I have for you today. As soon as I saw this on the cover of the 2011-2012 Catalog, I knew I had to make it. My favorite part....that fabulous frame that is the focal image of the card.


It is one of the new Designer Frames embossing folders that SU has introduced. This oval also comes with a rectangular frame. I have seen them used so many different ways and I will definitely be sharing them with you.

I must admit that this DSP also steals a bit of the show. Yep, I pulled out the Mocha Morning again for this card. Between all the fussy tearing, ribbon and feminine details, I do believe this card is fit for a Queen! Hope you like it.

Stamps: You're a Gem, Tiny Tags & Elements of Style
Paper: Soft Suede, Early Espresso & Very Vanilla Cardstock; Mocha Morning DSP
Ink: Early Espresso & Regal Rose Classic Pads
Accessories: Designer Frames Embossing Folders, Antique Brads, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch and Crumb Cake Seam Binding

PP63: My Dear Kind & Wonderful Friend

This week at the Paper Players, Nance has challenged us with a stunning color combination. These are not colors that I would naturally throw together, but they work together so perfectly. We actually made this card at my workshop on Thursday. My girls didn't know it...but, they got a sneak peek ;) I must say...this was one of their favorites of the night:


I think my favorite part of the card is the layering of these colors. The gray on the focal image and the postage stamps brings it all together with the gray card base. Those cute postage stamps were some of my new goodies that I pulled out: the Pretty Postage stamp set and the Postage Stamp punch. Can you see a theme here? This card originally started out as a postcard design....but, you can see that it transformed itself.

Have these colors inspired you to hit the craft room and create a project? Be sure to pop on over to the Paper Players blog to see what the other talented ladies have created...and better yet, upload your creation. We'd love to see it!

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Ann Marie Hile

Rita (for Jaydee)

LeAnne Pugliese

Lesley Croghan

Nance Leedy

Tara Bilbao

Sandra Conner (September GD)

Stamps: Pretty Postage, Because I Care & All Holidays
Paper: Basic Gray, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive and Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: Basic Gray, Rich Razzleberry & Old Olive Classic Pads
Accessories: Postage Stamp Punch, Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Ribbon, Green Rhinestone Brad and Pop Dots/Dimensionals

Paper Players Challenge #62 Just for You

I'm just so excited! This is my first week as Guest Designer at The Paper Players and boy have the girls come up with some fabulous cards. It's a Theme Challenge this week: Birthdays. Who doesn't need Birthday cards?

I had just gotten a new SU! order and in it was the gorgeous Mocha Morning Specialty DSP. I knew I wanted to cut this up and get it on a card. All I needed was a sketch. I came across this one at The Sweet Stop.


I had envisioned lots of layers, so this was perfect. The DSP has Soft Suede, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla. I wanted a pop of color, so I threw in some Melon Mambo. Melon Mambo and Soft Suede were In Colors together, so I thought they would pair together beautifully . Here's the card I came up with:

The colors and layers came together so easily...but, the hardest part for me is finding that perfect finishing touch. After much deliberation, I punched out the banner from the Petal Cone Die, cut it apart and trimmed it down to size. I added a button to each end and I think it adds the perfect balance to the card without being too much.

What do you think? Are you inspired to create a card for that special girlfriend, husband, sister, brother or maybe even a coworker? Well, if you need some inspiration or want to upload your design, be sure to pop on over to The Paper Players and check us out. We'd love to see your creation!

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Ann Marie Hile

Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Lesley Croghan

Nance Leedy

Tara Bilbao

Sandra Connor (September GD)

Stamps: Simply Soft (Hostess) & Hodgepodge Happiness

Paper: Soft Suede, Melon Mambo, Crumb Cake & Very Vanilla Cardstock; Mocha Morning DSP
Ink: Melon Mambo Classic Pad & Timber Brown StazOn
Accessories: Petal Cone Die, Scallop Border Punch, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Embroidery Floss, Blender Pens, Seam Binding-Crumb Cake, Pink Buttons, Stickles

Hot Off the Press!

Have you heard the news??? There's a new Guest Designer in town...and it's me! I applied to be one of the Fall Guest Designers over at The Paper Players and what do you know-I got picked. I am just so excited to be chosen and can't wait to share my designs and hopefully spark some inspiration.

For those of you that may not know, The Paper Players is a Challenge Blog to get you inspired in making your own creations. There is a new challenge every Sunday. It could be a Theme, Color or Sketch Challenge. I hope you'll pop in and see what the Design Team has come up with. I feel very lucky to be working beside so many talented ladies.

My first guest appearance is this Sunday, Sept 4th and I'll be there weekly through December. Be sure to stop on by!

http://thepaperplayers.blogspot.com/

Lavender Lace Butterflies

This is another version of the card in my previous post. I designed that one with pink, this one in purple. Which do you like better? I must say, I usually prefer the more subtle colors, but I love the brighter Lavender Lace and So Saffron combination here. It's just pretty.

I don't have much more to add about this card, but I will share that one of my other cards was featured over at My Crafty Picks this week. Stop over and check out all the work by the other lovely ladies.

I have also been keeping a very exciting secret that I can't wait to share with you guys. Check back in next week to see what it is! Enjoy your weekend.

Stamp: Kindness Matters, Short & Sweet
Paper: Lavender Lace, So Saffron & Very Vanilla Cardstock; Shades of Spring DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
Accessories: Postage Stamp Punch, Scalloped Edge Punch, Petal Cone Die, Pearls, and Yellow Tulle

Pretty Pink Butterflies

Is this not the sweetest little card ever? I got a request for a personalized Baby Girl card and immediately thought of this stamp set. It's called Kindness Matters and is one of my new favorites. The butterfly images are just precious.

I got the design inspiration right out of the catalog on pg 121. I thought it would be perfect for highlighting the baby's name. The name was printed on vellum and cut out with the Petal Cone Die. After I took the picture, I decided to add baby pearls before and after the name. It gave it the perfect finishing touch.

I love all the layers that this card creates. I hope you like it too! Thanks for stopping by.

Stamps: Kindness Matters
Paper: Pretty in Pink, So Saffron and Very Vanilla; Shades of Spring DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
Accessories: Postage Stamp Punch, Petal Cone Die, Scallop Border Punch and Yellow Tulle

{thanks}

Happy Weekend Everyone! It is finally here. If you would have asked me an hour ago if I'd be updating my blog tonight...the answer would have been a resounding no. I was ready to lay down, pull out my Nook and retire for the evening.

But, I got my second wind on the way home from dinner. We were rockin' out to the new Chili Peppers song: The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie. It's amazing how music can have that affect on you. Just this week, I was driving to work, listening to the 80s, and landed right back in 1984. Apache Junction, AZ....7th Grade...Billy Ocean singing Loverboy. I don't think I've heard that song since then, but I caught myself singing it all day with a smile on my face. You gotta love those moments & memories!

This stamp set brings back lots of memories for me too. I think that's why I love it so much. I grew up in the country with lots of wild flowers. This image reminds me of all the flowers that grew in the fields around our house. I think it inspires a feeling of peace.

My new 'Color I Wish I Had' is Tangerine Tango. I think this set would be beautiful with it. For this card I settled for my vintage Only Orange stamp pad. I had it tucked away and forgot I even had it till I went looking for a brighter orange. I love the look of it stamped on the First Edition DSP. Got the idea from Ilina Crouse's card here. I may redo it and sponge the edges a bit, but for now, it works. Hope you like it!

Stamps: Field Flowers & Pretty Postage
Paper: Early Espresson, Only Orange and Very Vanilla Cardstock; First Edition DSP
Ink: Garden Green, Only Orange and Early Espresso Classic Pads
Accessories: Scallop Edge Border Punch, Large Oval Punch, XL Oval Punch and Linen Thread

Rustic Field Flowers

Well, this is truly a record. I haven't even had my new SU! goodies for 24 hours and I have a card made. I've been excited for orders in the past, but I think this was one of my favorite boxes to receive. It has all my favorites from the new catalog.

The focus of this card is the stamp set: Field Flowers. For this card, I was inspired by a card on the front of the new catalog. The orange and brown pair so nicely together...and that pop of green is just perfect.

I distressed just about every layer on this card using my distressing tool. Just run it around the edges, rough them up a bit and you're done. I then finished it off by sponging on a bit of Chocolate Chip. Hope you like it!

Stamps: Field Flowers, French Script & Short & Sweet
Paper: Peach Parfait, Chocolate Chip Textured and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Woodland Walk DSP
Ink: Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, and Chocolate Chip Classic Pads
Accessories: Modern Label Punch, Distressing Tool, Rik-Rak, Green Brads, 1/16" Hole Punch, Paper Piercer and the Mat Pack

Pretty Pink Bouquet

My card today is a CASE of this beautiful card by Vicki Burdick. There was something so very feminine about her card.

I don't have the Fabulous Florets stamp set yet, so I substituted the Fifth Avenue Floral set. I think it works just as nicely.

The flowers were colored using a Pretty in Pink stamp pad and my Blender Pens. They are colored lighter toward the center and darker at the tips. Before adding pearls to the center, I colored in some brown accents using my Chocolate Chip marker.

One of my favorite parts of her card, is the stitching she did randomly around the border. I pierced the holes with my mat pack, then stitched them with a needle and some pink embroidery floss I had on hand. It adds the perfect touch.

I had such fun recreating this card and love how it turned out. I hope you do too. Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Nature Walk, Short & Sweet
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Shades of Spring DSP
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery and Chocolate Chip Classic Pads
Accessories: Mat Pack & Paper Piercer, Pink Embroidery Floss, Designer Buttons-Subtles, Linen Thread, a Needle, Basic Pearls, Dimensionals/Pop Dots and Glue Dots

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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