colourQ Challenge #13

Hi!  I love color challenges, and I recently discovered Arielle's colourQ color challenges.  This week's color challenge uses the colors Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White.  Here's my card..

I brought out an oldie but goodie stamp set, Upsy Daisy.  I really love this color combo, so bright and fresh feeling!

Be sure to click over to the colourQ blog and play along, as well as check out other participants' projects!  Also, don't forget that myself and 22 other talented stampers from Stampin' Addicts are showcasing fabulous new products from the upcoming Occasions Mini catalog this weekend, beginning tomorrow.

Have a safe and happy New Years!

Thankful Daisies card:  Upsy Daisy stamp set; Chocolate Chip and Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pads; Whisper White and Pretty in Pink cardstock; Chocolate Chip and Melon Mambo textured cardstock; Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper; Tempting Turquoise 1/4" grosgrain ribbon; flower from the Pretties Kit; Pretty in Pink button from Sherbet Designer Button pack; Linen Thread, Eyelet Border punch

One more gift to show you!

Good morning!  I have one more thing to show you.  I made this as one of the gifts I gave my mom for Christmas.  I figured she could use a nice tear-off calendar, using a photo us kids had gotten taken last December.

I apparently did not have any number stamps or die-cuts thin enough to fit into the frame, so I used an electronic die-cutting machine to cut the numbers out of textured cardstock.  The holder is a 4x6" acrylic photo frame from a big-box store.  The calendar pad was made by printing calendar pages found online, then cutting them down to fit my space, and stacking.  Brads were inserted through the stack and the backing Chocolate Chip cardstock piece.  The calendar pad was then adhered to the surface of the photo frame with Sticky Strip.  My mom should be able to simply tear off the months as the year goes on.  The frame was so fun and easy to make!

Calendar supplies:  Whisper White cardstock; Baja Breeze (retired), Crushed Curry, Whisper White, and Chocolate Chip textured cardstock; Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper (retired); Vintage Brads; Whisper White organza ribbon; Eyelet Border punch; SU! exclusive Beautiful Wings Embosslits die; 4x6" acrylic frame

PPA22 - Butterfly Prayers

Hello!  Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I have been feeling a little burnt out creatively with all the things I'd made for Christmas gifts/cards.  I made this card for Pals Paper Arts Challenge 22, which was a sketch challenge..

PPA22 - Butterfly Prayers card:  Inspired by Nature, Thoughts & Prayers, Flight of the Butterfly stamp sets; Old Olive, Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry, and Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pads; Soft Suede, Crushed Curry and Very Vanilla cardstock; Rich Razzleberry textured cardstock; Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper; Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon

2010 calendar pages - November & December

Good morning!  Here are the last two pages in my 2010 calendar:

Isn't the turkey darling?  The feathers were made using the Scallop Circle punch, and the beak was made by snipping a petal from a flower punched with the Trio Flower punch.  Circles punched out with the 1/8" end of the Crop-a-dile were used for the eyes.

November page supplies:  Lovely as a Tree stamp set; VersaMark ink; Chocolate Chip textured cardstock; More Mustard, Really Rust, Sage Shadow, and Basic Black cardstock; Autumn Vine Designer Series Paper (retired); Whisper White 3/8" taffeta ribbon; 1" Circle punch; 1-3/8" Circle punch; Scallop Circle punch; Crop-a-dile (for eyes); Trio Flower punch

December page supplies:  Season of Friendship, Season of Joy and Punch Pals stamp sets; Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Riding Hood Red (retired), Summer Sun, and Baja Breeze (retired) Classic Stampin' Pads; Old Olive and Riding Hood Red (retired) textured cardstock; Whisper White cardstock; Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon; Blender Pens; Chocolate Chip and Summer Sun Stampin' Write markers

Hope you enjoyed my calendar!  :)

2010 calendar pages - September & October

Good morning!  Hope you had a wonderful Christmas.  Without further ado, here are the next two pages in my 2010 calendar:

September page supplies:  Lovely as a Tree stamp set; Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad; Old Olive and Chocolate Chip textured cardstock; Really Rust cardstock; Autumn Vine Designer Series Paper (retired); Flower Button from Button Latte pack; Scallop Edge punch; Linen Thread

October page supplies:  Holiday Best stamp set (Level 1 hostess set); Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive Stampin' Write markers; Basic Black textured cardstock; Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry and Whisper White cardstock; Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper; Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon; Signo White Gel Pen

2010 calendar pages - June, July and August

Merry Christmas!!

Please let me know if you have any questions about any of the pages I'm posting/or have posted.  On to the pages.. I have three for you today!

June page supplies:  Pumpkin Pie and Soft Suede textured cardstock; Brilliant Blue cardstock; Jersey Shore Designer Series Paper (retired); Pumpkin Pie 1/4" grosgrain ribbon; Modern Label punch; black brad from Vintage Brads pack

July page supplies:  Note to Self stamp set; Pacific Point Classic Stampin' Pad (retired); Riding Hood Red and Pacific Point textured cardstock (both retired); Whisper White cardstock; Bella Rose Designer Series Paper (retired); Eyelet Border punch; Star Designer Brad

August page supplies:  Circle Circus stamp set; Rich Razzleberry and Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pads; Melon Mambo textured cardstock; Bermuda Bay and Whisper White cardstock; Whisper White 3/8" taffeta ribbon; Rhinestone Brad; Scallop Circle punch; 1-3/4" Circle punch

2010 calendar pages - April & May

Merry Christmas Eve!!  Hope you are enjoying time with those you love.

Here are the next two pages in the calendar:

April page supplies:  Baja Breeze (retired) and Crushed Curry textured cardstock; Rich Razzleberry and Kraft cardstock; Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper (retired); Whisper White 3/8" taffeta ribbon; SU! exclusive Beautiful Wings Embosslits die (available Jan. 5th, 2010)

May page supplies:  Eastern Blooms stamp set; Kiwi Kiss (retired), Pink Pirouette (retired) and Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pads; Pink Pirouette textured cardstock (retired); Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper (retired); Kiwi Kiss striped grosgrain ribbon (retired); Basic Gray Corduroy Button; Linen Thread

2010 Calendar pages - February & March

Good morning!  Here are the next two pages in the 2010 calendar:

February page supplies:  Love You Much and I {Heart} Hearts stamp sets; Close to Cocoa and Riding Hood Red (retired) Classic Stampin' Pads; Riding Hood Red (retired), Close to Cocoa and Whisper White cardstock; Candy Lane Designer Series Paper (retired); Whisper White 3/8" taffeta ribbon; Scallop Edge punch; Heart to Heart punch

March page supplies:  Fresh Cuts stamp set; Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pad; Kiwi Kiss textured cardstock (retired); Garden Green cardstock; Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper (retired); SU! exclusive Little Leaves Sizzlits die; Whisper White organza ribbon

2010 Calendar cover and first page

Hi!  I can't believe it's December 22nd already!  2010 is just around the corner!

Here is the cover and the page for January of my 2010 calendar.  Please note that throughout the calendar I used almost all retired Designer Series Papers, and some retired In Color cardstock and ribbon colors.  If you wanted to make something similar, you could easily substitute things that you own already, or current products that are still available for purchase. :)

The front and back covers are made with 4" square chipboard coasters, and the inside month pages are textured cardstock.  The corners were all rounded using SU's corner rounder punch.  All supplies, as always, are Stampin' Up! - with the exception of a couple items, as I was using what I had on hand.  Anyway, on to the calendar!

The butterfly was covered with Whisper White Craft ink, then heat embossed with Iridescent Ice embossing powder.  A stamp from the Fresh Cuts stamp set was then stamped with Not Quite Navy Classic ink on top.  The numbers are from another company, sponged with Not Quite Navy Classic ink.

Calendar cover supplies:  Calendar Alphabet & Numbers and Fresh Cuts stamp sets; Baja Breeze (retired) and Not Quite Navy Classic Stampin' Pads; Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad; Whisper White cardstock; Not Quite Navy textured cardstock (inside cover); Urban Garden Designer Series Paper (retired); On Board Batch of Blooms chipboard; Baja Breeze 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon (retired); Half-back Pearl from Pretties Kit; Iridescent Ice embossing powder; Word Window Punch

Here's the page for January:

January page supplies:  Winter Post and Snow Swirled stamp sets; Not Quite Navy Classic Stampin' Pad; Baja Breeze textured cardstock (retired); Brushed Silver cardstock; Urban Oasis Designer Series Paper; Scallop Edge Punch; Silver Elastic Cord

More to come in the next few days!  :)

Butterfly Dreams card

Good afternoon!  I've been busy the past week or so finishing up my Christmas cards and making a few gifts.  Here is a card I made recently and evidently forgot to post:

Aren't the butterflies beautiful?  This Stampin' Up! exclusive Embosslits die was one of the products in the new Occasions Mini catalog that excited me most!  The picture in the catalog shows four butterflies, but the die actually will cut and emboss five different ones.  Sooo pretty!!

Don't forget about the 12 Days of Holiday Sales.  Tomorrow is the last day!

Over the next few days, I'll be showing you a calendar I made as a gift.  Hope you enjoy the holidays and spend lots of time with those you love!

Butterfly Dreams card:  Dreams du Jour stamp set; Chocolate Chip, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Melon Mambo, and Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pads; Rich Razzleberry, Chocolate Chip and Kraft cardstock; Rich Razzleberry and Crushed Curry textured cardstock; Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper; Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon; Chocolate Chip corduroy brad; Blender Pens; Corner Rounder punch; Scallop Edge punch; Beautiful Wings Embosslits die (available for purchase January 5, 2010)

Final 2 days of the 12 Days of Holiday Sales!

Hi everyone! You just have today and tomorrow left to get in on the deals in the 12 Days of Holiday Sales!  The sale includes Big Shot dies and vinyl sheets, which work wonderfully in most die-cutting systems (especially the Cricut and other cutters!) to create custom images and phrases. Each package of vinyl sheets comes with two sheets of vinyl and two sheets of transfer tape.

12 Days of Holiday Sales:

Item	Page	Description	Regular	Sale
114515	195	Flower Burst Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
114516	195	Cherry Blossom Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115957	195	Thanks Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
114513	195	Sweetest Stem Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115952	195	Hi Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115951	197	Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Medium Sizzlits die	$74.95	$59.96
113446	197	Build a Flower #2 Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$19.95	$16.96
114509	197	Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$21.95	$18.66
113448	197	Hearts Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$19.95	$16.96
113457	198	Tulipe Bigz die	$21.95	$16.46
115954	198	Two Tags Bigz die	$21.95	$18.66
114524	199	Fringed Flower Bigz die	$19.95	$15.96
114523	199	Decorative Accents Bigz die	$19.95	$15.96
114534	199	Flower Bigz Clear die	$19.95	$15.96
113473	199	5-Point 3D Star Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113472	199	Circle 3D Ornament Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113470	199	Flower Layers w/Leaf Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113465	199	Bird w/Leaves and Flower Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
115961	200	Perfect Setting Bigz XL die	$42.95	$32.21
113483	200	Pennant Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
113484	200	Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL die	$39.95	$31.96
116760	201	Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
116759	201	Pop-Up 3D Ball Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
114890	201	Matchbox Bigz XL die	$42.95	$36.51
113458	202	Flower Layers Originals die	$15.95	$13.56
114336	158	Kraft Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114334	158	Dark Gray Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114337	158	Chocolate Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114335	158	White Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
118797		So Saffron Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118798		Rose Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118799		Taken With Teal Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118800		Pretty In Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118801		Bashful Blue Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118802		Real Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118803		Old Olive Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118804		Black Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118805		Night of Navy Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118806		Certainly Celery Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118807		Tempting Turquoise Décor Elements Sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118808		Clear Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118809		Pumpkin Pie Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118810		Pixie Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118812		Sahara Sand Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118813		Gable Green Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118814		Basic Gray Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118815		Chalkboard Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71

Sweet Pea Hearts card

Hi everyone! I don't have much time, so here's a quick card I made with my new stamping goodies:

I plan to be back tomorrow with some more projects. Have a great rest of the night!

Sweet Pea Hearts card: I {Heart} Hearts and Little Angel stamp sets (available January 5, 2010); Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry and Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pads; Whisper White cardstock; Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon

Mojo Monday #117

Hi everyone!  Here is my card for Mojo Monday's sketch challenge #117:

The original sketch uses a scalloped circle for the focal point, but I made a scalloped rectangle using the Scallop Edge punch.  I used the new I {Heart} Hearts stamp set, which will be available for purchase on January 5th, 2010 in the new Occasions Mini catalog.  (If you are not a regular customer of mine, but would like one, please email me and I will get one sent out to you!)  I got this set in the new clear-mount option, which I am very pleased with!  The stamps are still made of rubber, so you still get that great crisp, clear image that Stampin' Up! is known for with their stamps.  The stamps are stored in a DVD-size case, so it's perfect for minimal storage space!

I'm excited because I'm almost done with my Christmas cards!!  Are you done?

Scalloped Heart card:  I {Heart} Hearts stamp set; Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad; VersaMark ink; Kraft, Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry, Pale Plum, and Whisper White cardstock; The Write Stuff Specialty Designer Series Paper; Scallop Edge punch; Whisper White organza ribbon; white embossing powder

My new Etsy shop

Hello!  I just wanted to note that I have opened up an Etsy shop, and have listed some of my cards.  Check it out!  :)

Matchbox fun!

Hi!  I spent some of my weekend creating some things using Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Matchbox Bigz XL die.  When this die first came out, I knew I had to have it!  I'm considering using this for my wedding favors.. they're that easy to cut and put together!  The die cuts out the base and the cover, as well as three tags that coordinate with stamp sets.  Because of how SU! designed the die, you don't even need adhesive to put together the base, and you only need a small amount to put together the cover.  On to the projects!  (I put all supplies at the end of the post.)  By the way, there are lots of pictures, just to warn you!  :)

This first one is a Christmas-themed matchbox.  I used the Sweet Swirls wheel with some VersaMark on the cover, then heat embossed it with white embossing powder.  I also embossed the ornaments from the Tree Trimmings stamp set with white embossing powder.  The Embossing Buddy helps you get a nice, clean image when using embossing powder!  To tie a pretty and perfectly horizontal bow, I simply wrapped the ribbon around the box, sticking it down with SNAIL, and tied the bow separately, adhering it with a mini glue dot.

This next one uses the same basic look as the Christmas matchbox, but I turned it sideways and made it into a Valentine's matchbox.  It's sooo pretty, and I love the elegant look of that Sweet Swirls wheel.  I heat embossed the heart again with white embossing powder, adding a rhinestone brad to it before adhering it to the box with Stampin' Dimensionals.  The tag down at the bottom was made using part of the Curly Label Punch (which, by the way, coordinates with the SU! exclusive Curly Label Movers & Shapers Bigz XL die).

This last matchbox is more of a "just because" goodie.  I love the way all of the details came out.. I was going for a more "artsy" look.  The Always in Bloom wheel works perfectly with the Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper and the rest of the look, and coordinates with the Always stamp set.  The tag on this one was made using the Word Window punch, snipping off other rounded end.  Chocolate Chip 3/8" taffeta ribbon was tied around the cover only.

I have one more project to share!  Are you ready to see it?  I was blown away by the creativity in this.. and no, I didn't come up with it!  I'm not sure where the idea originated, but it is so awesome...

How cute is that??  The "dresser" is made by adhering three matchboxes (with the covers) together.  You will see in one of the following pictures that I also cut and scored a piece of Basic Black cardstock to fit over the back of the dresser, giving it a more finished look.  I tied some Rose Red 1" Double-Stitched grosgrain ribbon around and tied it in a bow on top.  The drawer pulls were made using a 1-1/2" piece of Basic Black 1/4" grosgrain ribbon and some Very Vanilla brads.  The piece of Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper that wraps around the dresser is approximately 2-3/4" by 9-1/2", I believe.

Here are some more pictures...

Left side view:

Top view with the drawers open:

And finally, a view of the right side:

I used one of the tags cut out from the die, and layered the coordinating images from the Great Friend stamp set on Very Vanilla.  It is tied to the ribbon using Linen Thread.

Here is the die, shown from the Idea Book & Catalog.  It's regular $42.95, on sale for $36.51:

Remember, this die is part of Stampin' Up!'s 12 Days of Holiday Sales, which runs through December 22nd.  If you would like delivery before Christmas, please remember to order today or tomorrow!  Don't forget also about SU!'s Holiday Gift Giving Guide promotion - for every $50 you spend on products in the guide, you get a free Décor Elements (up to $16.95)!  See my sidebar for the catalog links, as well as the Holiday Gift Giving Guide.  And as another note - the Holiday Mini 2009 catalog will be over after January 4th, 2010, so be sure to get everything you want from it before it's gone!

Supplies for all projects:

Merry Matchbox:  Berry Christmas and Tree Trimmings stamp sets; Sweet Swirls wheel; VersaMark ink; Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad; Chocolate Chip and Old Olive cardstock; Whisper White and Real Red textured cardstock; white embossing powder; Chocolate Chip 3/8" taffeta ribbon; 1" Circle punch; Matchbox Bigz XL die

Valentine's Matchbox:  A Happy Heart stamp set; Sweet Swirls wheel; VersaMark ink; Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad; Real Red and Whisper White textured cardstock; Pretty in Pink cardstock; Curly Label punch; Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write marker; white embossing powder; Pretty in Pink 3/8" taffeta ribbon; Clear Rhinestone Brad; Matchbox Bigz XL die

Just for You Matchbox:  Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set; Always in Bloom wheel; Chocolate Chip wheel ink cartridge; Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad; Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip and Crushed Curry textured cardstock; Whisper White cardstock; Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper; Chocolate Chip 3/8" taffeta ribbon; Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write marker; Signo White Gel Pen; Full Heart punch; Word Window punch; Little Leaves Sizzlits die; Matchbox Bigz XL die

Matchbox Dresser:  Great Friend stamp set; Not Quite Navy and Sahara Sand Classic Stampin' Pads; Basic Black textured cardstock; Kraft, Basic Black and Very Vanilla cardstock; Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper; Basic Black 1/4" grosgrain ribbon; Very Vanilla brads (from Hodgepodge Hardware); Linen Thread; Rose Red 1" Double-Stitched grosgrain ribbon; Matchbox Bigz XL die

The 12 Days of Holiday Sales started today!

Hi everyone! Check out Stampin' Up!'s 12 Days of Holiday Sales, which will run today (Dec. 11th) through December 22nd. It includes Big Shot dies and vinyl sheets, which work wonderfully in most die-cutting systems to create custom images and phrases. Each package of vinyl sheets comes with two sheets of vinyl and two sheets of transfer tape.

Please note that Stampin' Up! recommends placing your order by December 15th for delivery before Christmas. If you need a 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog, please let me know and I will send one out to you.

Item	Page	Description	Regular	Sale
114515	195	Flower Burst Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
114516	195	Cherry Blossom Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115957	195	Thanks Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
114513	195	Sweetest Stem Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115952	195	Hi Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115951	197	Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Medium Sizzlits die	$74.95	$59.96
113446	197	Build a Flower #2 Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$19.95	$16.96
114509	197	Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$21.95	$18.66
113448	197	Hearts Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$19.95	$16.96
113457	198	Tulipe Bigz die	$21.95	$16.46
115954	198	Two Tags Bigz die	$21.95	$18.66
114524	199	Fringed Flower Bigz die	$19.95	$15.96
114523	199	Decorative Accents Bigz die	$19.95	$15.96
114534	199	Flower Bigz Clear die	$19.95	$15.96
113473	199	5-Point 3D Star Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113472	199	Circle 3D Ornament Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113470	199	Flower Layers w/Leaf Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113465	199	Bird w/Leaves and Flower Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
115961	200	Perfect Setting Bigz XL die	$42.95	$32.21
113483	200	Pennant Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
113484	200	Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL die	$39.95	$31.96
116760	201	Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
116759	201	Pop-Up 3D Ball Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
114890	201	Matchbox Bigz XL die	$42.95	$36.51
113458	202	Flower Layers Originals die	$15.95	$13.56
114336	158	Kraft Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114334	158	Dark Gray Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114337	158	Chocolate Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114335	158	White Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
118797		So Saffron Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118798		Rose Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118799		Taken With Teal Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118800		Pretty In Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118801		Bashful Blue Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118802		Real Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118803		Old Olive Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118804		Black Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118805		Night of Navy Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118806		Certainly Celery Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118807		Tempting Turquoise Décor Elements Sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118808		Clear Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118809		Pumpkin Pie Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118810		Pixie Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118812		Sahara Sand Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118813		Gable Green Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118814		Basic Gray Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118815		Chalkboard Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71

PPA20 Color Challenge card

Good afternoon!  The challenge this week over at Pals Paper Arts is a color challenge, using Soft Suede, Crushed Curry and Old Olive, with neutrals of our choice.

Don't you just love that die-cut in the background?  It's from one of my favorite Designer Series Paper packs of all time, The Write Stuff Specialty DSP.  I cut it almost in half, so I have the rest of it ready for another project.  The paper pack comes with some patterned paper sheets, and three cover-weight sheets of gorgeous die-cuts in Ruby Red, Crushed Curry, Old Olive, and Soft Suede.  Love it!!

The leaves are Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Little Leaves Sizzlits die, and the sentiment is from the stamp set A Rose is a Rose, which contains lovely two-step stamping images of roses and leaves.

Butterfly Thanks card:  Dreams du Jour and A Rose is a Rose stamp sets; Soft Suede, Old Olive and Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pads; Soft Suede textured cardstock; Old Olive and Very Vanilla cardstock; The Write Stuff Specialty Designer Series Paper; Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon; Old Olive flower button from Playground Designer Buttons; Linen Thread; Little Leaves Sizzlits die

Mojo Monday 116 Sketch

Hello!  Today's card uses Mojo Monday's Sketch Challenge #116:

Once I figured out what colors I wanted to use for each circle, the rest was a breeze.  The Merry Moments Designer Series Paper is fabulous with the Season of Joy stamp set.  To add a little bit of interest and to tone down the white focal circle, the swirls were inked up with Chocolate Chip ink, then stamped off once on scratch paper before stamping on the circle.  The edges were also daubed with Chocolate Chip ink.

MOJO116 - Merry Christmas card:  Season of Joy stamp set; Garden Green and Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pads; Summer Sun and Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write markers; Garden Green, Whisper White, Kraft, Chocolate Chip, and Old Olive cardstock; Merry Moments Designer Series Paper; Real Red 5/8" grosgrain ribbon; Circle Scissors Plus; glass mat

PPA19 - Inspired Make Merry Box

Happy Monday!  Hope you enjoyed the blog hop this weekend, and I want to thank everyone for stopping by!

The Pals Paper Arts Challenge this week as an inspiration challenge.  You can hop on over to to the challenge link to view the source of inspiration, if you'd like!

I actually made this before the blog hop, but you'll recognize that Scallop Envelope die-cut as the same one I used for my 3x3 notecard box. It's put together a little differently though, using simply 4 Scallop Envelopes and a base square of cardstock inside to keep it nice and sturdy.  I'm not sure who the original creator was of the Scallop Envelope boxes, as I've seen this idea floating around for a while.

When you cut out the Scallop Envelope, you will have two side flaps, and one bottom flap.  To make the box with four envelopes, you will want to cut off the side flaps on two envelopes before adhering it all together.  A piece of cardstock approximately 3-1/4" square fits nicely inside. 

Side view:

The Pewter Jumbo Eyelets give a nice, finished look to where your ribbon "handle" is attached.  A Medium Cellophane Bag filled with chocolates is a great gift, but you could fit other goodies inside.  :)

Make Merry Treat Box:  Winter Post and Berry Christmas (Make Merry sentiment) stamp sets; Old Olive and Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pads; Chocolate Chip textured cardstock; Old Olive and Very Vanilla cardstock; Merry Moments Designer Series Paper; Sleigh Bells ribbon; Real Red 1/4" grosgrain ribbon; Medium Cellophane Bag; 1-3/4" Circle Punch; Circle Scissors Plus; glass mat; Old Olive brad from Earth Elements Brad pack; Pewter Jumbo Eyelets, Crop-a-dile

SA Dormant Retiring Hop

Welcome to the Stampin' Addicts Retiring Dormant List Blog Hop!  The blog hop will feature some of the different stamp sets that are retiring January 4th, 2010.  These are just a few of the 32 sets that are being retired.  Don't miss out on them.. soon they will be gone for good!

If you have been following the blog hop in order, you've just come from Michelle's awesome blog, where she showcased Classy & Fabulous.  My projects feature Flowers in Silhouette (#114498), one of Stampin' Up!'s gorgeous "Under $10" stamps.  Whenever I see this image, I can't help but think of elegance and simplicity!

This first project is a set of 3" x 3" Whisper White notecards and an adorable little box to hold them.  The box was made with inspiration from Holly (catrules on SA), using Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Scallop Envelope Bigz die.  The box will easily fit at least 8 notecards and envelopes, and is stamped with Flowers in Silhouette in VersaMark.  What a fabulous gift!

3" x 3" Notecards and Box supplies:  Flowers in Silhouette stamp and Short & Sweet stamp set; Bermuda Bay and Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pads; VersaMark ink; Chocolate Chip, Bermuda Bay and Whisper White cardstock; SU! exclusive Scallop Envelope Bigz die; Scallop Circle punch; 1-3/8" Circle punch; Whisper White organza ribbon

My next project is a card.  I love the colors brown and blue together...

And how gorgeous is the Eyelet Border Punch punched around a square like that?  It instantly adds more "frills" to your project!  Not to mention those pearls...

Newlyweds card supplies:  Flowers in Silhouette stamp and Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set; Bashful Blue and Chocolate Chip Stampin' Pads; Very Vanilla, Kraft, Bashful Blue, and Chocolate Chip cardstock; Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper; Eyelet Border punch; Bashful Blue 3/8" taffeta ribbon; Half-back Pearls (Pretties Kit)

This brings us to my final project!  I've always admired pop-up cards, so I tried my hand at one with that beautiful stamp:

If you ever want to use a stunning color combo, try pairing a saturated color with black!  One of my favorite colors is Rich Razzleberry, and I think it looks amazing with Basic Black.  I'm not sure who was the original creator of the pop-up card, but whoever it was, they also designed it to fit into a standard sized envelope.  Here is my card "closed":

You can't see it very well, but the Flowers in Silhouette is stamped all over the Basic Black cardstock with VersaMark.

Pop-up Birthday card supplies:  Flowers in Silhouette stamp and On Your Birthday stamp set; Jet Black StazOn; Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad; VersaMark ink; Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White and Basic Black cardstock; Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper; Word Window punch; Large Oval punch; Scallop Oval punch; Rounded Tab punch; Whisper White organza ribbon; Pewter Jumbo Eyelets; Button Latte Designer Buttons; Linen Thread; Sticky Strip (important to hold the card together!); Crop-a-dile
 
I hope you enjoyed your stop at my blog!  Be sure to check out Krystal's beautiful creations using Grand Soirée, another beautiful and elegant stamp set!

The blog hop is over, but you can see all of the blog hop posts here:
1) Mary R - Branch Out - {scrap and stamp with mary}
2) Michelle - Classy & Fabulous - Come Stamp with Me
3) Melissa - Flowers in Silhouette (you are here already!  :) )
4) Krystal - Grand Soirée - Krystal's Cards and More
5) Yapha - Man's Best Friend - Rubber Stamping & Card Making with Yapha
6) Cindy E - Ocean Commotion - Heart's Delight Cards
7) Kim - Quilt Quips - Stitchin n Stampin' on Paper
8) Heidi - Sip by Sip - RunningwScissorsStamper
9) Holly K - Sweet Stems - Rubber Redneck
10) Rhonda - Wonderful Watercolors - The Stampin' Bunny

Mojo Monday on a Friday :)

Good morning!  This card was made for MOJO115.  As you can see, I'm a little late on the Monday part, but better late than never right?

One of my favorite stamp sets is the Crazy for Cupcakes set, and I don't use it often enough!  There is a matching wheel, which I like to use on the envelopes for perfect coordination.  The sentiment is from the Best Wishes & More stamp set, and I think it goes very well with the image!  I watercolored the image using the Classic Stampin' Pads and a Blender Pen, very quick and easy to do.  Saraha Sand is perfect for creating a shadow beneath your image.  (Tip:  when watercoloring on cardstock, I like using a Blender Pen, and it's important to use a light touch.  If you'd like more flexibility, watercolor paper is best!)  The paper behind the sentiment is from the Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper pack, another one of my favorites.  And those perfect circles?  Very easily and quickly cut using the Circle Scissors Plus!  The 3-3/4" circle layers nicely with the Scallop Circle Bigz die.  I love using the CSP instead of the Coluzzle.. to me, it just creates a more clean and finished look.

Mojo115 - Cupcake wishes card (5" square):  Crazy for Cupcakes and Best Wishes & More stamp sets; Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Tempting Turquoise, and Sahara Sand Classic Stampin' Pads; Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Tempting Turquoise, and Whisper White cardstock; Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper; Blender Pens; Circle Scissors Plus; Scallop Circle Bigz die; Real Red Polka Dot grosgrain ribbon; Vintage Brads

SCS Color and Sketch Challenges - CC247 & SC257

Good morning!  I have two cards for you today... the first one is for Tuesday's color challenge (Very Black Suede), using Very Vanilla, Basic Black, and Soft Suede.  There was also a "dessert" to the challenge - to use bling/glitz in any color.  Take a look!

I love the way that Bermuda Bay pops with the other "toned down" colors, and the addition of glitz was very easy to do.  I turned the Medallion stamp over so that the rubber was facing up, then applied VersaMark ink to the stamp.  Next I applied Bermuda Bay Classic ink, then placed my cardstock over to stamp.  After a sprinkle of Iridescent Ice embossing powder and some heating.. tada!  A beautiful sparkly medallion!

This next card is for the SCS sketch challenge SC257.  What a great layout!  I tend to follow sketches pretty closely..

I love this set!  And it coordinates beautifully with Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions embossing folder.  The embossing folder isn't just for the holidays though, as the gorgeous design could simply be flowers.  And that ribbon?  Love it!  Cotton ribbon is so fun to play with, and so easy to tie!

CC247 - Very Black Suede Medallion card:  Medallion stamp and Great Friend stamp set; VersaMark ink; Bermuda Bay and Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pads; Very Vanilla, Basic Black and Soft Suede cardstock; Very Vanilla brads (from Hodgepodge Hardware set); Very Vanilla 3/8" taffeta ribbon; Iridescent Ice embossing powder

SC257 - Make Merry card:  Berry Christmas stamp set; Real Red, Old Olive and Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pads; Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Soft Suede, and Kraft cardstock; Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions folder; Sleigh Bells ribbon; Very Vanilla brads (from Hodgepodge Hardware set)

PPA18 - Love, Peace & Joy

Hello!  Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and weekend!

Today's card combines Pals Paper Arts Challenge #18 and an old Stampin' Addicts Sketch Challenge (#32).  The PPA challenge was to create a clean/simple project.

All of the images are from the Punch Pals stamp set, and the sentiment is a rub-on from the Chit Chat pack, which is jam-packed full of different sentiments!  Plus, there are two sheets - one in Whisper White, and one in Chocolate Chip.  A fabulous deal for sure!  The images were stamped with Jet Black StazOn on 1-1/4" squares of Very Vanilla cardstock, then colored with Stampin' Write markers to keep it simple.  (Stampin' Up! has a 1-1/4" square punch, but I don't have it..yet!)  I used our lovely Sleigh Bells cotton ribbon from the Holiday Mini catalog.. so nice and thick, and so easy to tie!

Don't forget!  There is only one day left in the Online Holiday Extravaganza sale, where you can get great products for up to 50% off!  Contact me today or shop anytime at my website.

Love, Peace & Joy card:  Punch Pals stamp set; Jet Black StazOn; Soft Suede textured cardstock; Old Olive and Very Vanilla cardstock; Soft Suede, Real Red, Old Olive, and Yo Yo Yellow Stampin' Write markers; Chit Chat rub-ons; Scallop Square punch; Sleigh Bells ribbon

Clean and Simple Medallion card

Hi!  Here is a clean and simple card using one of my favorite stamps - Medallion.  It also uses one of my favorite Big Shot dies, Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Matchbox Bigz XL die.  Not only does the die cut out a cute little matchbox, but also three tags that coordinate with a variety of Stampin' Up!'s stamp sets.

I stamped all images with VersaMark, then embossed with white powder.  The sentiment actually comes with the words as one stamp, and the outline as another - both from the Great Friend stamp set.

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving, if you are in the US!  :)

Don't forget about the Online Holiday Extravaganza sale!  See this post for a look at all the fantastic deals.  The sale runs through November 30th, 2009.  Now's your chance to get your holiday shopping done early!

Medallion card:  Medallion and Great Friend stamp sets; VersaMark ink; Bermuda Bay textured cardstock; Kraft cardstock; Whisper White organza ribbon

Another Dasher card!

Hello!  Here is a card that I made with the same layout as yesterday's, but I feel it looks very different:

After stamping, I went back in with the Soft Suede Stampin' Write marker and gave Dasher some more dimension.  I'm not sure what's up with his head though.. it looks like the image got wet, but it doesn't look like that in real life!  The snowflakes in the background were embossed with VersaMark and clear powder as before.  I just love that sentiment image!  It's from the Holiday Best Level 1 Hostess Set, and all of those stamps look beautiful multi-colored with markers.  Instead of coloring a large part of the image with the Soft Suede marker, I simply inked up the stamp with the ink pad, then used a Blender Pen to remove the Soft Suede ink from the bird.  Then I colored in the bird with the Bordering Blue marker.

Snowy Dasher card:  Dasher, Season of Friendship, and Holiday Best stamp sets; Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad; VersaMark ink pad; Bordering Blue and Soft Suede Stampin' Write markers; The Write Stuff Specialty Designer Series Paper; Kraft, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, and Bordering Blue cardstock; Kraft 3/8" taffeta ribbon; clear embossing powder

Bright Tree Trimmings

Hello!  I've been in a Christmas card-making mood lately, and here is one I made using an old sketch challenge on Stampin' Addicts (#29):

This card uses some non-traditional colors, but I think they look great together!  The turquoise paper from the Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper pack also works nicely on a Christmas card.  I embossed the snowflakes from the Season of Friendship stamp set on Kraft cardstock, using VersaMark and clear embossing powder.  The string stamp in the Tree Trimmings stamp set was not long enough for the first ornament, so I sketched one out with a pencil, then went over it with the Soft Suede marker.  You could stamp the string twice - stamping it once normally against the ornament, then again upside down to lengthen the string - but I like the look of drawing it in personally.

By the way - one of Stampin' Up!'s biggest sales has started.. the Online Holiday Extravaganza sale!  Check out the deals in my online store by going to my website and clicking "order now".  I've listed the deals also in this post.  Happy shopping!  :)

Bright Tree Trimmings card:  Tree Trimmings, Season of Friendship and Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp sets; Rich Razzleberry, Tempting Turquoise and Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pads; VersaMark ink pad; Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker; Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, and Kraft cardstock; Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper; Modern Label punch; Word Window Punch; Very Vanilla 3/8" taffeta ribbon

Online Holiday Extravaganza sale!

Wow! You won't want to miss out on these fabulous deals:

Item	Description	Regular	Sale
120280	Framed with Love Bundle Framed with Love stamp set Full Heart punch	$43.90	$21.95
120281	Thank You Kindly Bundle Thank You Kindly stamp set Scallop Edge punch	$29.90	$14.95
120976	Thank You Kindly Bundle (French) Tous mes remerciements stamp set Scallop Edge punch	$29.90	$14.95
120282	Animal Crackers Bundle Animal Crackers stamp set Star Designer brads	$25.90	$12.95
120283	Corduroy Button Bundle Kraft Corduroy buttons Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons Summer Sun Corduroy buttons Basic Gray Corduroy buttons Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons	$49.75	$24.88
120284	Game Night Bundle Card Games stamp set Game Night stamp set	$40.90	$20.45
120285	Four Square Bundle Four Square stamp set Scallop Square punch	$30.90	$15.45
120286	Heart to Heart Bundle Love You Much stamp set Heart to Heart punch Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$49.85	$24.93
120310	Heart to Heart Bundle (Spanish) Te Quiero Mucho stamp set Heart to Heart punch Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$49.85	$24.93
120311	Heart to Heart Bundle (French) J't'aime beaucoup stamp set Heart to Heart punch Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$49.85	$24.93
120287	Chipboard Letter Bundle On Board Timeless Type On Board Loads of Letters	$25.90	$12.95
120288	Double-Stitched Ribbon Bundle Bashful Blue 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon Rose Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon	$17.90	$10.74
120289	Ultimate Stampers' Starter Bundle* Best Wishes & More stamp set Eight Great Greetings stamp set On a Pedestal stamp set Earth Elements Stampin' Spots Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11") Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11") Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Flower Designer brads	$127.70	$76.62
120290	Build-A-Brad Bundle Calendar Alphabet stamp set Pewter Build-A-Brad Antique Brass Build-A-Brad	$40.85	$24.51
120291	Enjoy Every Moment Bundle Enjoy Every Moment stamp set Circle Designer brads Flower Designer brads	$43.85	$26.31
120312	Enjoy Every Moment Bundle (French) Profiter de chaque instant stamp set Circle Designer brads Flower Designer brads	$43.85	$26.31
120292	Cheep Talk Bundle Cheep Talk stamp set Note cards Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons	$42.85	$25.71
120293	Sock Monkey Bundle Sock Monkey stamp set Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons	$58.85	$35.31
120313	Sock Monkey Bundle (French) Sing-chaussette stamp set Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons	$58.85	$35.31
120294	Alphabet Bundle Jayne's Type Alphabet stamp set Lovely Letters stamp set	$87.90	$52.74
120295	Simply Said Bundle Simply Said stamp set Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Full Heart punch	$52.85	$31.71
120314	Simply Said Bundle (French) Amitié stamp set Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Full Heart punch	$52.85	$31.71
120296	On Board Bundle On Board So Tweet On Board Batch of Blooms On Board Essentials	$42.85	$25.71
120927	Christmas Décor Bundle #1 Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Kraft, Real Red) Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements	$74.85	$44.91
120298	Christmas Décor Bundle #2 Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Chocolate, Real Red) Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements	$74.85	$44.91
120299	Christmas Décor Bundle #3 Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Old Olive, Real Red) Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements	$74.85	$44.91
120300	For All You Do Bundle For All You Do stamp set 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$36.90	$25.83
120315	For All You Do Bundle (French) Merci pour tout stamp set 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$36.90	$25.83
120316	For All You Do Bundle (Spanish) Por todo lo que haces stamp set 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$36.90	$25.83
120301	Striped Ribbon Bundle Bashful Blue 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Pumpkin Pie 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon So Saffron 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Real Red 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$47.73	$33.41
120302	Bling Bundle Sticky Pages Sticky Cuts Sweet Fine Supernova Stampin' Glitter Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter	$43.80	$30.66
120303	Fresh-Cut Bundle Fresh Cuts stamp set Fresh-Cut Notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$37.85	$26.50
120317	Fresh-Cut Bundle (French) Fraicheur exuise stamp set Fresh-Cut Notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$37.85	$26.50
120304	Pendant Note Bundle Pendant Park stamp set Pendant notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$39.85	$27.90
120318	Pendant Note Bundle (French) Adorable parc stamp set Pendant notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$39.85	$27.90
120319	Pendant Note Bundle (Spanish) Un dia en el parque stamp set Pendant notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$39.85	$27.90
120305	Sporting Bundle #1 Large Night of Navy Sporting Décor Elements Night of Navy Just Sports Décor Elements	$67.90	$47.54
120306	Sporting Bundle #2 Large Chocolate Sporting Décor Elements Chocolate Just Sports Décor Elements	$67.90	$47.54
120307	Sporting Bundle #3 Large Black Sporting Décor Elements Black Just Sports Décor Elements	$67.90	$47.54
114864	Ginormous Flowers I Décor Elements	$39.95	$27.97
114863	Ginormous Flowers II Décor Elements	$39.95	$27.97
112534	5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$7.95	$5.57
112533	5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$6.95	$4.87
112081	Scallop Square punch	$15.95	$11.17
113693	Full Heart punch	$15.95	$11.17
113694	Heart to Heart punch	$15.95	$11.17
112091	Scallop Edge punch	$15.95	$11.17
112571	Circle Designer brads	$5.95	$4.17
112579	Flower Designer brads	$5.95	$4.17
112572	Star Designer brads	$5.95	$4.17
114785	Small Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements	$39.95	$27.97
114786	Medium Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements	$69.95	$48.97
114791	Small Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements	$39.95	$27.97
114792	Medium Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements	$64.95	$45.47

*This bundle is only available while supplies last.

I know I'll be taking advantage of a lot of them! With a wide variety of items, the sale offers excellent gifts for everyone on your list! Contact me or order through my website today, as quantities are limited! Please note that when shopping online, discounts will show up in your shopping bag at checkout.

Always Everything to Me Card

Happy Sunday!

Here's a card I made for a monthly swap I'm in.. hope the recipient will like it!

I've had the Always stamp set for a long time, but it doesn't get as much love as it used to!  I love the set though, such gorgeous images.  For the card, I took inspiration from the Holiday Mini catalog, although obviously my card is not a holiday card. :)  It was a breeze to highlight the word "everything" in the sentiment using the Stampin' Write markers, coloring directly on the stamp.  I also had the help of the Stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp my sentiment on two lines, exactly where I wanted it.

Here's how I did the inside:

These stamps are in the same set, and I love the look that stamping the branch in three colors gives!

Stampin' Up!'s Online Holiday Extravaganza starts tomorrow!  If you are not already on my mailing list and would like to be reminded of the sale, click on over to my website and click on "request my newsletter".  You won't want to miss out on the fabulous deals in this sale, with items up to 50% off!

Always card:  Always stamp set; Soft Suede, Certainly Celery, and More Mustard Classic Stampin' Pads; VersaMark ink pad; Soft Suede and More Mustard Stampin' Write markers; The Write Stuff Specialty Designer Series Paper; Soft Suede textured cardstock; Whisper White and Certainly Celery cardstock; Paper Piercing Tool; Mat Pack; Whisper White organza ribbon

PPA17 - Bitty Birthday Wishes

Hi!  I wanted to do some more watercoloring for Pals Paper Arts Challenge #17, which was a sketch challenge (click on over to see the sketch and the other submissions for the challenge).

I turned the sketch sideways.  The Bitty Birthday stamp set is perfect for watercoloring with its line-art images.  The set of four stamps was also perfect for this sketch!  I love the gorgeous colors in the Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper pack - great for a bright and colorful birthday card.  This time I used the stamp pads to watercolor, another quick and easy way to watercolor with Stampin' Up!'s fabulous products.. you simply squeeze the closed stamp pad, then open it up, and you've got a pool of ink inside the lid that can be easily picked up with an Aqua Painter.  With the amount of watercoloring I did, the Watercolor Paper was the best choice as my surface.  And with the Stamp-a-ma-jig, I effortlessly stamped "happy birthday" on two lines (the stamp is a single-line sentiment).

Bitty Birthday card:  Bitty Birthday stamp set; Soft Suede, Cameo Coral, Tempting Turquoise, and Summer Sun Classic Stampin' Pads; Jet Black StazOn; Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper; Soft Suede cardstock; Whisper White textured cardstock; Tempting Turquoise 1/4" grosgrain ribbon; Playground Designer Buttons; Linen Thread; Scallop Edge punch

Birthday Cupcake

Happy Thursday!  The week is just flying by for me!  Can you believe that there's just a week left until Thanksgiving?  Where has the year gone!

This card is for my dad.  I always struggle with making masculine cards, as I tend to buy the "pretty" sets. :)  I couldn't refrain myself from using ribbon though!

I did some light watercoloring on the image, using my Watercolor Wonder Crayons and Aqua Painter.  I LOVE having all 48 colors and neutrals in the crayons.. you can easily pick up some color from the end of the crayon (bottom end so you don't mess with the point of the crayon).  You can also scribble a little bit on a stamp set case and use that as a palette, or even color directly on the image and blend it with your Aqua Painter or Blender Pen - as I did with the balloon.  The colors I used for the cupcake and balloon were Old Olive (candle), Pumpkin Pie & Summer Sun (candle flame), and Not Quite Navy (balloon).  The sprinkles were watercolored with Chocolate Chip, Old Olive and Not Quite Navy.  Sahara Sand and Going Gray make for a perfect shadow below the cupcake, whose liner was paper pieced with The Write Stuff Specialty Designer Series Paper.  This DSP was also used for the horizontal strip, and the pack additionally includes fun cardstock-weight die-cuts.  Our watercolor paper is wonderfully thick, and works fabulously for watercoloring!  I don't show it in the photo (forgot to add it in), but I used the coordinating Cupcakes wheel and VersaMark on a Kraft envelope to match the card.

Birthday Cupcake card:  Crazy for Cupcakes stamp set; Jet Black StazOn; Kraft cardstock; Soft Suede and Crushed Curry textured cardstock; Watercolor Paper; The Write Stuff Specialty Designer Series Paper; Neutrals and Earth Elements Watercolor Wonder Crayons; Signo White Gel Pen; Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon

Sweet Glitter!

Good afternoon!  I am really excited today that I was chosen as an Pals Paper Arts Artist Pick for this week.. woohoo!

I decided to break out a product I'd had for a while, but hadn't used - the Sticky Cuts Sweet package.  These are awesome!  The package comes with two 12x12" sheets of die-cut words and images that are "sticky" on both sides.  You simply punch them out of the sheet, peel the white backing sheet off, and stick it on to your project.  Once you have it down, you peel off the orange top sheet, revealing the sticky surface.  Shake some glitter or some beads on, and you're good to go!  I only have Dazzling Diamonds glitter (for now), so I thought they'd look pretty against some contrasting paper, and paired up with the Blooms Die Cuts.

Love it!!  The package also comes with some trees, hearts, butterflies, and leaves, as well as the words "sweet", "love" and "friend".  There's even a little space on the sheet if you'd like to punch out your own images!  (Stampin' Up! also sells just the sheets that you can punch and die-cut to your heart's content.)  On the card, I didn't want the ribbon going all the way across, so I just used my craft knife to slice out a slit for my ribbon.  And the 1/2" circle punch is the perfect size for flower centers!

By the way.. there is less than a week until Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Online Extravaganza sale!  You won't want to miss this sale, where you can save up to 50% on fabulous products!  Things sell out very quickly during this sale, so I will be sending a reminder to all of my customers when the sale starts.  If you are not on my email list, and would like to be, please click on over to my Stampin' Up! website and click on "Request My Newsletter".

Wonderful Special Day card:  (no stamping this time!)  Whisper White and Soft Suede textured cardstock; Kraft cardstock; Blooms Die Cuts (Old Olive); Whisper White organza ribbon; Chit-Chat Rub Ons; Eyelet Border Punch