Monday, November 30, 2009

Three Challenges!


Whew!  I managed to complete the National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo) challenge of posting something every day for the month of November.  And believe me, it was a challenge.  There were a few days where I squeaked in with a post just a few minutes before midnight.

Today's post also meets the Heart's Delight card challenge I posted a few days ago to make a Christmas or Hanukkah card in non-traditional colors.  I think Rich Razzleberry definitely qualifies as a non-traditional Christmas color!

AND, this easel card design also meets a Splitcoast Stampers challenge (TLC242) from last month!  I love the idea of an easel card.  Wouldn't it be perfect for sending your traditional holiday family photo to loved ones as part of your Christmas card?  Then they could just prop up the easel and display the photo!

Stamp: Gifts of Christmas (115372) 
Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry (115316), Whisper White (100730) 
DP: Rich Razzleberry Patterns Designer Series Paper (115685) 
Ink: Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad (115658) 
Accessories/Tools: Rich Razzleberry ½" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115613), gold brad, gold flat back pearls

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Sponges and Thriftiness


Today's post was inspired by a discussion over on Stampin' Addicts about whether or not one can wash their stamping sponges. Yes, you can! They will still be somewhat stained, but they won't transfer the color.

There are several different ways to do it. Amy, one of the SA moderators, throws hers into a lingerie bag in the washing machine, along with some towels.  I'm too chicken - I just wash mine by hand in the kitchen sink with Dawn detergent.  Another idea came from Anne Matasci's upline, who washes hers in her dishwasher's silverware basket with the little lid down to keep 'em from getting out.

In these lean financial times, I'm trying to be as cheap thrifty as possible, while still submitting to my addiction, lol.  A pack of three Stamping Sponges (#101610) is only $3.50.  I cut mine in half and then each half into thirds, so I end up with 18 pieces from one pack of sponges.  It helps to use a medium binder clip as a "handle" to keep the ink off your fingers!  Of course, for me it's a lost cause - I'm gonna end up inky no matter what I do!

I hope you are having a wonderful Sunday!  I'm off to my upline's all-day stampin' Christmas Blitz.  Trying to get my cards finished today!!!

Son's Birthday


Tuesday is my son's birthday.  I can't believe how oooold he's getting!  He was born in America's Bicentennial year, so a quick bit of math will tell you he's going to be 33.  Yikes!  That makes me older than dirt. ;-)

He's kind of into trains, so I pulled out this retired set, borrowed some ideas from Cheryl (lovetostampandscrap) and came up with this card. 

Stamps: Happiness is a Journey, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Brushed Gold, Whisper White, Sage Shadow
DP: Groom Specialty Paper
Ink: Basic Black Craft
Accessories/Tools: Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, ribbon, brad

Friday, November 27, 2009

My Challenge to You

I've been blogging for a little over a year now, and today I'm going to try something new (for me).  There are so many great challenges out there, some of which I try to do, when I have time.  They are a terrific way to get the creative juices flowing, and many of them push us out of our comfort zone, which is a good thing!  It's so easy to get stuck in a rut, and when that happens, the mojo tends to disappear.

So, since this is the day after Thanksgiving, and the Christmas/Hanukkah season is upon us, I want to challenge you to make a Christmas (or Hanukkah) card in non-traditional colors.  NO red or green for Christmas, NO blue or white for Hanukkah.  Want to play along?  Make a card for the challenge, and use Mr. Linky to link to it.  Be sure to leave a comment, too!


The challenge will run from today until next Friday, Dec. 4th.   On Saturday, I'll use Random.org to generate a winning number from the entries.  The winner will receive a Stampin' Up! Patterns Pack III 6x6 designer paper pad (Hostess Level 1).

And now, I must ask you.......... what are you doing here on the computer instead of out getting those Black Friday bargains?!  LOL

Mr. Linky is being temperamental, so if you don't see him below, please leave a comment with a link to your card instead. Sorry for the inconvenience. :-(

Thursday, November 26, 2009

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Today is the traditional day of thanks, but I am thankful every day for all my blessings!  I have a loving husband, two wonderful, successful children who are married to wonderful spouses, three adorable grandchildren, a roof over my head, plenty of (too much!) food on my plate, freedom, good friends (both IRL and online), good health and a happy heart.  I want for nothing, and for that I am truly grateful!

I especially want to thank our service men and women who work and sacrifice to keep our country safe and free! 


THANK YOU!


Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with good food, lots of laughter, and loved ones nearby!

Hugs, Cindy 

P.S. NEW ITEMS have been added to the Clearance Rack!  Check it out on my Stampin' Up! Website.   Click the "Shop Now" button on the right!

Quick Ornament

I borrowed the idea for this from some goodies BFF brought me when she came to visit last August.  It only took about 10 minutes to put it together.  These might be good craft fair items!  I'll post details later - gotta go get the pies out of the oven. ;-)

Edited to add:  Cut a 12" strip of pattern paper 1-1/4" wide. Use scoring tool (Simply Scored) and score every 1/2". Turn paper over and score every 1/2" on the 1/4" marks (1/4", 3/4", 1-1/4", 1-3/4", etc.). Use border punch on edge, then pleat at the score lines. Adhere short ends with sticky tape (adding loop for hanging, if desired), and glue punched circles to center on both sides. 

Variations: Sponge ink on edges for vintage look, glue glitter to edges instead of using border punch, use small doilies, large brads, or ribbon roses in center - wherever your imagination takes you! To vary the size of the finished lollie, use different widths of paper (note: for wider strips, it may be necessary to piece two strips together).

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

OWH to Kids


Operation Write Home put out a call over the weekend for lots of love cards for kids (ages 1-7) that our deployed military can send home to their children.  This is the "boy" card that I came up with.  I'll be sending 10 of them and 10 of the "girl" card (still waiting to be made). :-)

Stamps: Choo Choo, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Whisper White, Summer Sun
DP: Old Olive Designer Series Paper
Inks: Brilliant Blue Classic, Real Red Classic, Soft Suede Classic, Basic Black Classic
Accessories/Tools: Ticket Corner Punch, Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Gold Brads, Blender Pens

Monday, November 23, 2009

HUGE SALE!!! Stampin' Up! Online Extravaganza!



This is huge.... ginormous even!  

Stampin' Up! is offering bundles of goodies at savings up to 50%.  If ever there was a time to shop for some deals, this is it!!!  I've posted just three of the 54 (!) deals to be had.  There are stamps sets, ribbons, buttons, designer brads, punches, Decor Elements.....too many for me to list here, so click here or on the SHOP NOW! catalog on the right to go to my website and see ALL the wonderful things available. This sale is for one week only, so now would be a good time to get some Christmas shopping done!!!

 
Note: Due to the holiday, Stampin' Up! will not ship on Thursday or Friday of this week, but you can still place an order through my website (click catalog on right), or by contacting me directly.

Christmas Gold Card Class


There are only three spots remaining in the Christmas Gold card class on Sunday, Dec. 6th!  If you want me to hold a seat for you, please let me know by Nov. 29th.  The fee is $15.00, and includes enough materials to make six cards (choice of white Bride Specialty Paper or cream Bridesmaid Specialty Paper), refreshments, and an illustrated instruction sheet for future reference.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

What We REALLY Made


Here's the gate-fold card we ended up making at the workshop last night. I wanted to use the Big Shot, so I changed the other card around a bit to incorporate the textured background.  Naturally, since the background was embossed, I needed to keep the image kind of simple.  The Ornament Punch and Delightful Decorations stamp made it easy-peasy.  Image and sentiment, all rolled into one!


I think I may have a class on bow-tying sometime soon.  I was surprised that half the ladies couldn't tie a bow with the ¼" grosgrain!  I won't mention any names, lol.  :-)



Stamp: Delightful Decorations
Cardstock: Garden Green, Very Vanilla
DP: Merry Moments Designer Series Paper
Ink: VersaMark
Accessories/Tools: Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, Ornament Punch, Big Shot, Petals-A-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder, Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Brad, Real Red ¼" Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Very Merry Lovely Tree


It occurred to me last night that I haven't played at all with the Galaxy Fine Glitter I got a few weeks ago.  At first, I toyed with the idea of putting down a strip of Sticky Tape and making a glitter ribbon for the card.  Then I got the idea of making a Christmas tree and using Mini Glue Dots for glittery ball ornaments.  This photo really doesn't do the glitter justice.  It it so pretty and sparkly IRL (and yes, it appeals to the Magpie in me!).

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Short & Sweet
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Real Red
DP: Merry Moments Designer Series Paper
Inks: Old Olive, Real Red
Accessories/Tools:  Real Red ¼" Grosgrain Ribbon, Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Ribbon Slide, Designer Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Mini Glue Dots, Red Galaxy Fine Glitter, Champagne Galaxy Fine Glitter


Friday, November 20, 2009

CASEd Christmas


My friend Sally, of Sally's Creative Corner blog, made a beautiful card yesterday that I just had to CASE.  I loved how she did the layers of dry embossing, but since I decided to use the Bride Specialty Paper, I wasn't liking covering up all that gorgeousness.  The first change I made was leaving off the embossed layers (though I WILL be using that idea in a future card!).  That specialty paper also led me to using the White Vellum Card Stock for the gold embossed ornaments, so it could show through a little bit.

I was wishing I had some of that lovely ribbon Sally used, because I think the gold wire-edge ribbon I used is too narrow, but that's all I had.  I even tried dabbing some Gold Encore ink on a Whisper White taffeta ribbon - blech!  Don't try this at home!

Thanks for stopping by.  Have a wonderful pre-Thanksgiving weekend!!! 

Stamps: Tree Trimmings, Four the Holidays
Cardstock: Whisper White, Brushed Gold, White Vellum Card Stock
DP: Bride Specialty Paper
Ink: VersaMark
Accessories/Tools: Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Gold Brads, gold ribbon

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Gate Fold Christmas


This gate-fold card is the third card we'll be making at Saturday's workshop.  I don't normally do 3 projects, but this hostess won an extra project of her choice at the workshop where she booked the party.  

Sooo, this is easy and something a little different.  The flap tucks under the brad, holding it closed. I hope everyone likes it!  (I particularly like the way the design in the ornament stamp mimics the design on the DSP!) 

Stamps: Tree Trimmings, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Real Red, Very Vanilla
DP: Merry Moments Designer Series Paper
Ink: Real Red Classic, Old Olive Classic
Accessories/Tools: Gold Elastic Cord, Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Brad, gold pen

Extreme



I think this will be the second of the three cards we'll be making this Saturday.  I always have difficulty with masculine cards....can't use bows and glitter, lol.  But this turned out okay.  I may just use this one for my grandson's birthday next year.



Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Workshop Sweet Treat


My hostess for this coming Saturday's workshop asked if we could do something with the Sweet Treat cups, and I liked Natalie Travis' idea so much that I decided to use it again for this party. It's really easy, and since I don't know the skill level of all the guests, I thought this would be a good way to get the ball rolling.  Or balloon floating, as the case may be.  ;-)

Stamps: Sweet Centers, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink
DP: Certainly Celery Designer Series Paper
Accessories/Tools: 1¾" Circle Punch, Sweet Treat Cups, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Slit Punch, Clear Circle Rhinestone Brad, ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, 2" circle punch

Monday, November 16, 2009

One More Valentine


I just had to make one more Valentine to send to Operation Write Home.  You see, I had this scalloped heart that needed to be used.  :-D

Stamp: Grateful Greetings

Cardstock: Rose Red, Whisper White
Ink: Rose Red
Accessories/Tools: Big Shot, Finial Press Textured Impressions die, Spellbinders dies, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (mist), heart border punch, glitter brad

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Shimmer Paint and Mist Comparison


Just a quick post today about the differences between the three Stampin' Up! Shimmer Paints.  In the picture above, I stamped a sample of each (ink the stamp by dabbing a sponge dauber in the shimmer paint and then dabbing it on the stamp), and also made a sample of cardstock sprayed with home-made shimmer mist, using the three shimmer paints.


Making the mist is easy - all you need is a small mist sprayer, some rubbing alcohol, water and the shimmer paint.  For my bottles*, which are 0.25 oz., I filled them about ¾ths full of alcohol, added a tiny bit of water, and then 3-4 drops of the shimmer paint.  I didn't measure anything, but I'd estimate it's about a 7:1 or 8:1 ratio of alcohol to water.  Shake well to blend before you spray.  I love that I can turn any color of cardstock into shimmer paper!  Woohoo!!!!

As you can see, the Frost White and Champagne Mist made the best shimmer mist (in my opinion), but the Platinum inked the stamp the best.  It seems to be thicker and more opaque.  They are ALL gorgeous in real life - the picture doesn't do them justice!

Also, these Shimmer Paints are only available in the Holiday Mini Catalog, which ends January 4th, so if you want them, you better get them while you can!  Click on the catalog on the upper right to order!


* I'm using empty hand sanitizer spritzers I got at the 99¢ Store in a 2 pack.  (It's not the gel-type sanitizer; it's liquid spray.)

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Operation Write Home Blog Hop Has Begun!


First of all, I want to say what an honor it is to be a part of this! Operation Write Home, formerly known as Cards for Heroes, is a non-profit group that processes hand-crafted greeting cards donated by crafters for our military members who are deployed.  These brave men and women don't have access to cards to send back home to their loved ones, so you can imagine how it puts a smile on their faces when they get a box of beautiful hand made cards to choose from.  If you want to learn more about this worthy organization, just click on their name above!

If you just stopped by to visit my blog, you can start the blog hop HERE at the beginning, or click the "Start Hopping" button on the upper right of this page.  If you landed here after visiting the lovely and talented Yapha's blog, WELCOME!

These are the cards I made for our deployed heroes.  The two at the top are for Any Hero.  There is a note inside each one expressing my gratitude for their service to our country and for my family's freedom.  

The Valentine's cards are blank inside for them to send back home to a loved one.  





Thank you stopping by to visit!
Your next stop is Rhonda's blog, Bumble Bee Creations

She's having a give away!!!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Still Grateful


I wasn't really sure where I was going with this card when I started.  Today is the Marker Club meeting, and I wanted to show the gals how to get a watercolor look, so I did the usual marker 'direct to stamp', then misted the stamp with water and stamped on watercolor paper. Meh, it looked okay, but not fabulous.  Next I tried misting the paper before stamping on it. *yawn* Still not fabulous.  Then I tried misting after stamping.  Yet again, not really the look I was going after, and I was getting tired of wasting the watercolor paper on experimentation.


I then stamped on Very Vanilla cardstock, grabbed my little spritzer bottle with the alcohol/Shimmer Paint mixture and tried spritzing the stamped image with it, and holy hannah! The colors intensified and absolutely popped!  That was what I was looking for!  The fine shimmer adds a bit of magic, as well.  You can really see it in the close-up photo below.  (As usual, you can click on any photo to enlarge for more detail.)


Stamps: Lovely As A Tree (115026), Grateful Greetings (116511) 
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip (102128), Very Vanilla (101650) 
DP: So Saffron Patterns Designer Series Paper (112152) 
Inks: So Saffron Stampin' Write Marker (105114), Real Red Stampin' Write Marker (100052), Really Rust Stampin' Write Marker (100073), Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker (100071) 
Accessories/Tools: Frost White Shimmer Paint (116854), Chocolate Chip Double-Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (111849), Very Vanilla Neutrals 5/16 Inch Brads (112534)

Thankful for YOU!


This card is for YOU.  Yes, I'm talking to you (quit looking over your shoulder, lol).  I am truly grateful for the many blessings in my life; a wonderful husband, good health, a roof over my head, family and friends I can count on, and so on.  I am also very thankful for my online friends, the people who take time out of their busy lives to stop by here and take a look at whatever I've created, or whatever ramblings I have posted.  And especially if they leave a comment!  It really makes my day. And not in a Clint Eastwood kind of way. :-)

So, yes, this card is for you, dear blog reader.  Thank you for brightening my world!

Stamps: Autumn Splendor (116503), Baroque Motifs (113490), Grateful Greetings (116511) 
Cardstock: So Saffron (105118), Taken With Teal (101584), Very Vanilla (101650), White Vellum Cardstock (101856) 
DP: Autumn Meadows Designer Series Paper (116769) 
Inks: VersaMark (102283), Gold Encore Pad (101017), Summer Sun Stampin' Write Marker (100077), Real Red Stampin' Write Marker (100052) 
Accessories/Tools: Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder (109129), Heat Tool (100005), Designer Label Punch(107590), Modern Label Punch (116630), Designer Label Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware (112454)

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Punchy Cup Instructions

Holy smokes, I got a such nice response to the punchy cup I posted yesterday, and requests on how to do it!  I'm usually the one copying other people's good ideas, and rarely have one of my own, so I'm thrilled that other people liked my idea. :-D

Okay, here goes my very first tutorial of my own original idea. *gulp*
Click on any image to enlarge it, if needed.



First, you'll need the Stampin' Up! Small Oval Punch (107304), Large Oval Punch (107305), and Wide Oval Punch (112082).  Note: If you don't have 'em, you can order them by clicking on the catalog under where it says My Stampin' Up! Website on the right.

Now punch some Real Red cardstock with all three punches, and sponge some darker ink (I used Soft Suede) on the edges of the smaller two ovals. Glue the smallest oval onto the medium oval so it's slightly closer to one side.  It's all about perspective!


With the largest oval, punch some Chocolate Chip, or whatever color you want your beverage to be.  Soft Suede looks like tea to me.  Close to Cocoa looks like, well, cocoa. Go figure. ;-)

Now comes the tricky part.  Slide the largest oval into the Wide Oval Punch and center the narrow end of the oval up against the front of the punch where the pointy tab is located.  Punch off the end.  Do this with the Chocolate Chip piece, as well.  You should have pieces that look like this:

Now glue your "beverage" to the inside of the cup rim, as shown below:

That piece gets glued to the inside of the cup:

Please ignore the inky fingers in the photo!  That poor woman really could use a manicure.  Poor, neglected creature....


Next comes the cup handle.  Using the smallest oval punch, cut into the cardstock at an angle.  Then use the medium oval punch, lining it up just inside the previous cut.  You may want to experiment to get the shape/size you want.

Next you'll want to flatten the bottom of the cup a wee bit.  I used the Wide Oval Punch for this, but you could use scissors or a craft knife if you want. Sponge darker ink around the sides and bottom of the cup.


Now you just glue the handle to the cup, sponge darker ink on the handle, glue the cup to the saucer, add some white gel pen highlights, and voila!  A punchy cup!

I think you could make a gorgeous "china" tea cup if you used some designer series paper instead of cardstock.  Or use the cardstock with some of the fabulous Stampin' Up! rub-ons!  The possibilities are nearly endless!!!

Thank you so much for stopping by today.  Happy stamping (or punching, as the case may be)!

Almost Forgot to Post Today!


Yikes!  I nearly missed my NaBloPoMo challenge. November is National Blog Posting Month, and the challenge over at Stampin' Addicts is to post something new every day.  I got so busy with other stuff (spelled L-I-F-E, or more commonly known as - the conspiracy to keep me from my stamp cave), I almost forgot to upload this card!

I've been a Starbucks fan for a while (gotta love that "motivation in a cup"), and now they have these adorable little portable packets of instant coffee, called Via.  Now, before you gag and wretch and run for the door, let me tell you, I feel the same way about regular instant coffee, but this is so different, you'd NEVER know it was instant if nobody told you!  Yes, it's that good!  I love being able to make just one quick cup without dragging out the coffee beans, grinder, filter, etc.  Yep, call me lazy.....  Anyhoo, it comes in Italian Roast (very strong), and Columbian (not quite as strong).  The directions say to mix it in 8 oz. hot water, but believe me, 16 oz. is a lot more like it (and I like my coffee strong!).

So, I designed this little gift/coffee/tea bag/cocoa packet holder.  It's a regular A2 card size.  I cut the card base from a half sheet of 12x12 textured CS, added the DSP, and since I didn't have any coffee-themed stamps (gasp!), I made my own mug using SU's three oval punches.  Clever, 'eh?


Edited to add: Click HERE for the punchy cup tutorial.

Stamps: Sanded (109294), To You & Yours (111706 - retired)

Cardstock: Whisper White textured (108693), Kraft (102125), Real Red (102482), Chocolate Chip (102128), Vellum Paper (101839)

Designer Paper: Christmas Cocoa Specialty Designer Series Paper (116770)

Inks: Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad (115657), VersaMark pad (102283)

Accessories/Tools: Small Oval Punch (107304), Large Oval Punch (107305), Wide Oval Punch (112082), Designer Label Punch 107590), Modern Label Punch (116630), Word Window Punch (105090), White Stampin' Emboss Powder (109132), Heat Tool (100005), Real Red Playground Designer Button (116313), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), swirl die, Paper Cutter (104152)

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Merry & Bright


This is one of my favorite Stampin' Up! stamp sets.  I'm so sad that it's retired now, because I know my stampin' ladies would love it!

Stamps: Delightful Decorations, To You & Yours (retired)
Cardstock: Mellow Moss, Garden Green, Whisper White, Soft Suede
Inks: Real Red, Soft Suede
Accessories/Tools: Big Shot, Finial Press Textured Impressions die, Little Leaves Sizzlits die, ¼ circle handheld punch, Ornament Punch, Real Red 3/4" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, oval Nestabilities dies, gold wire-edge ribbon

Wow, a Blog Award!


Sweet Sally, from Sally's Creative Corner, just gave me this blog award.  Thank you, Sally!

The rules are this:
I need to pass this award on to five people, post on their blog to let them know I left this award, and then I need to answer a list of questions in ONE word. This was much tougher than I expected.  Number 8 was going to be Founder's Circle, or Stampin' Up! Cruise....but too many words, dang it!!!  And number 35 - all of my fave restaurants are more than one word, as well.  Grrrr.


1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your hair? Colored
3. Your mother? Loving
4. Your father? Loving
5. Your favorite food? Pizza
6. Your dream last night? Stamping
7. Your favorite drink? Water
8. Your dream/goal? Cruise!
9. What room are you in? Bedroom
10. Your hobby? Cardmaking
11. Your fear? Flying
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Retired
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something that you aren't? Cruel
15. Muffins? Blueberry
16. Wish list item? Organization
17. Where did you grow up? California
18. Last thing you did? Card
19. What are you wearing? Jeans
20. Your TV? Plasma
21. Your Pets? None
22. Friends? Yes
23. Your life? Great
24. Your mood? Content
25. Missing someone? Barb
26. Vehicle? SUV
27. Something you're not wearing? Earrings
28. Your favorite store? None
29. Your favorite color? Blue
30. When was the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? September
32. Your best friend? Barb
33. One place that I go to over and over? Rosalie's
34. Facebook? Yes
35. Favorite place to eat? Outback


Here are 5 bloggers, in no particular order, to whom I am passing this along (why must I pick just five, when there are about 50 that deserve it?!):

1. Jan
2. Sandi
3. Krystal
4. Marie 
5. Andrea


Saturday, November 7, 2009

JOY (ful) (ous)


It occurred to me when I was playing around with the Big Shot and the Joyful Sizzlits die that I should have gotten the Many Thanks Sizzlits die, too.  It has 'thank' and 's' and 'you'.  Between the two, I could have spelled 'joyous'.  Or 'shout thanks'. Or my son's name 'josh'. Or 'flush'. Or 'santa'. Or....(hehehehe, it helps to be a Boggle Master).  I see all kinds of possibilities with these dies! :-D 

I thought the flower stamp in the Baroque Motifs set was a close match to the flowers on the embossed piece, so I made my own DP by stamping them on the white cardstock using the Platinum Shimmer Paint with a sponge dauber to ink the stamp.  Me likey!

See my post here for some tips on embossing with the Petals-A-Plenty Impressions folder.


Stamps: Delightful Decorations (116517), Baroque Motifs (113490)
Cardstock: Bravo Burgundy (105123), Handsome Hunter (105122), Whisper White (100730)
Ink: Handsome Hunter Classic (105215)
Accessories/Tools: Platinum Shimmer Paint (116807), Sponge Dauber (102892), Clear Circle Rhinestone Brad (113144), Ornament Punch (116794), Silver Elastic Cord (109866), Whisper White Organza Ribbon (114319), Joyful Sizzlits Die (115973), Holiday Windows Movers & Shapers dies (116821), Movers & Shapers platform (114506), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Petals-A-Plenty Textured Impressions embossing folder (116824), Paper Cutter (104152)

Friday, November 6, 2009

Thankful For My Family


This was the card we made in the Marker Club a couple days ago.  Two of the marker techniques we covered were coloring direct-to-stamp, and using the Color Spritzer Tool.  I thought the theme was appropriate because the two ladies who attended were my daughter-in-law and her mother... two women I am very thankful to have in my family!

I CASED this card from the SCS gallery, and made a few changes.


Stamps: Autumn Days (115452), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)
Cardstock: More Mustard (100946), Always Artichoke (105119), Bravo Burgundy (105123), Soft Suede (115318), Whisper White (100730)
DP: Autumn Traditions DSP (115668)
Ink: Summer Sun Classic (100537), Stampin' Write Markers: More Mustard (100076), Ruby Red (100075), Always Artichoke (105113), Chocolate Chip (100071), Close to Cocoa (100072)
Accessories/Tools: Color Spritzer Tool (107066), Word Window Punch (105090), Modern Label Punch (116630), Scallop Edge Punch (112091), Mat Pack (105826), Paper-Piercing Tool (116631), Paper Cutter (104152), ribbon


Thursday, November 5, 2009

Goblin Greetings


This was the second card the girls made at the workshop last Saturday (besides the Skull card).  Since I was short on time, instead of coming up with one on my own, I pretty much directly CASED this one from Marie Shaughnessy's card here.  The only real difference was the ribbon, and the way we made the moon a little lighter (Stampin' Pastels).  Oh, and I used Pumpkin Pie textured cardstock for the mats.  The girls loved it, and that's all that matters. :)

Stamps: House of Haunts (111574), Grateful Greetings (116511)
Cardstock: Basic Black (102851), Barely Banana (102701), Pumpkin Pie textured (108697)
Inks: VersaMark (102283), Basic Black Classic (101179), Pumpkin Pie Classic (105216), Summer Sun Classic (100537), Chocolate Chip Classic (100908)
Accessories/Tools: Black Stampin' Emboss Powder (109133), Heat Tool (100005), Stampin' Sponges (101610), Sponge Dauber (102892), Stampin' Pastels (105542), Pumpkin Pie ¼ inch Grosgrain Ribbon (109030)

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

A Little Experiment

I was so thrilled that Stampin' Up! started making embossing folders, because the depth of the impression is so much better than the Texturz Plates. (Note: if you lightly mist your cardstock with rubbing alcohol before using the Texturz Plates, the impression will be deeper, and the paper won't curl as much as with water!)

However, I found that our wonderfully thick cardstock tended to crack a bit, so I wanted to see if there was a remedy for that little problem.

Using the Petals-A-Plenty embossing folder (in the Holiday Mini catalog), I first ran the cardstock through the Big Shot using Tab 1 of the Multi-purpose Platform, as per the instructions on the MPP.  As you can see in the photo above, it makes a nice, deep impression.  But if you look closely at the photo below, you can see there are little cracks in the petals of the flowers.  

It will still look gorgeous on a card, and most people won't even notice, because they'll be so totally blown away by the overall beauty of your creation.

I found you can still get a lovely deep impression, without the cracking, by eliminating the Tab 1 of the Multi-Purpose Platform!  Just use the platform itself, with Tab 1 and Tab 2 opened out of the way.

Interestingly, I also tried spritzing the cardstock with alcohol to see if softening the fibers would help, and in both cases (with and without Tab 1), the paper cracked.  Go figure.

Well, I'm off to make some cards, and a new project I think you will like!  Have a great Wednesday!!!