Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Christmas for my Bestie


My BFF and I are apparently still on the same wavelength, even though we've been best friends for 48 years a looong time, and we live 2,300 miles apart. (It all started when we were in junior high. I'd change my hair color, stop by her house on the way to school to pick her up, and her hair would be the same color!)

She made an adorable shaker card for me for Christmas, with a cat and dog colored to look like May and Pumpkin. And while hers was on the way here, I was making one for her! Great minds!

I had a bit of trouble with static making the glitter stick to the inside of the window sheet, so it really looks snowy and frosty! I think next time I'll use sequins or something a bit chunkier. For my first attempt, I layered the die cuts behind the window sheet and added the glitter. It covered the dies cuts and you couldn't see any details. The second attempt was successful. I sandwiched the die cuts between two layers of window sheet so the glitter could moved freely without getting hung up on the die cuts. Wile E Coyote - super genius!

That white snowflake started as one of the wooden Snowflake Elements. I dipped it in Whisper White Craft ink, then white embossing powder and heated it with the Heat Tool. Then I dipped it on the ink pad again and into Iridescent Ice embossing powder and heated it. It turned out all sparkly, but I don't think you can see it in the photo.


If you want those Wooden Snowflake Elements, you better get them SOON. The Holiday Catalog ends in five days!

Monday, December 14, 2015

Happy Birthday, Chickie!

STAMPS: Honeycomb Happiness (coming Jan.), Elementary Elegance (ret.)  CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Real Red, Brights DSP (ret.), Cherry on Top DSP Stack  INK: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers B18, B34, R27, Y02, Y15, Y26, Y28  ACCESSORIES:   Big Shot, Elegant Dots embossing folder, Banner Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-1/38" Circle Punch, Whisper White Baker's Twine

I just couldn't resist using that little chick image again, this time with the balloon from the same Honeycomb Happiness set (a SAB freebie!). I love the way the bird has its head kind of cocked to one side.

Stamped on Whisper White with Memento ink, colored with Copic markers. I hope it brought a smile to Jeannie's face when she opened it. Happy birthday, Jeannie!

Saturday, December 12, 2015

More Sneak Peeks!

STAMPS: Birthday Blooms (coming Jan.)  CARDSTOCK: Shimmery White, Blushing Bride, Mossy Meadow, Birthday Bouquet DSP (coming Jan.), Blushing Bride Glimmer (coming Jan.)  INK: Basic Black Archival, Watermelon Wonder, Mossy Meadow, Mint Macaron, Clear and Gold Wink of Stella (coming Jan.)  ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Lots of Labels Framelits Dies, Softly Falling embossing folder, Aqua Painters, Itty Bitty Accents Heart Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

I needed some cards to send to my downline, and what better way to say "Hey, I'm thinking of you!" than to use a new stamp set from the Occasions Catalog. Now they'll have a sample to show their stamping friends, as well as a sample of the new Birthday Bouquet Designer Series Paper!

If you know me, you know I love to color, so the Birthday Blooms set caught my eye right away. I stamped the blossom on Shimmery White cardstock using Basic Black Archival Ink. The Shimmery White is sturdy enough for watercoloring, which is the technique I wanted to use. Can you believe that's Watermelon Wonder ink? You can see how if you dilute it you get a lighter shade. Aqua Painters are great for that!

How did I choose the colors for this card? Well, Stampin' Up! made that really easy for me. All I did was pick some of the colors used in the Birthday Bouquet DSP. That was how I chose Watermelon Wonder for the flower, and Mossy Meadow for the leaves. And I never would have thought to use Mint Macaron for the little accent flowers, but after stamping a sample I saw it coordinated beautifully. I should have known....SU wouldn't steer me wrong!

Shimmery White cardstock already has a lovely subtle glimmer to it, but I wanted to add more, so I used the Clear Wink of Stella over the buds and blossom. Yes, that's coming in the new catalog, too! And I used Gold W.O.S. on the stamen. It's difficult to get a good picture of it, but I tried!


Here are some of the cards that were sent out. Each one had more DSP samples inside. (That's one of the perks of joining my team! Click here if you'd like more information.)


Stay tuned....more sneak peeks are in the works!

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Sending Special Thoughts (and Sneak Peek!)

STAMPS: Honeycomb Happiness (coming Jan.)  CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Basic Black, Blushing Bride Glimmer Paper (coming Jan.)  INK: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers B18, B34, E17, Y26, Y28  ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Elegant Dots embossing folder, Banner Punch
I have a friend who is dealing with some major health issues and wanted to send a note to let her know I'm thinking of her. This little chickie is in the upcoming Sale-A-Bration set called Honeycomb Happiness that is just too sweet for words, and I thought it, along with the one of the sentiments included, would be perfect.

I stamped it with Memento ink, then colored a little "blue bird of happiness" with Copic makers. The greeting was slightly askew, so I decided to turn the whole image so it isn't noticeable. Lesson for the day: Stamp the greeting before you color the image, in case you mess up like I did. I could have stamped it on a label and fastened it over the first one, but I was going for the CAS (clean and simple) look with no bulk for easy mailing.

See that luscious Glimmer Paper? That's Blushing Bride and will be available in the Occasions Catalog that starts January 5th!

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Perfect Pairings Sneak Peek Thanks

STAMPS: Perfect Pairings (coming in Jan.)  CARDSTOCK: Pool Party, Bermuda Bay, Winter Wonderland Designer Vellum Stack, Vellum  INK: Basic Black Archival, White Gel Pen  ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Cups & Kettle Framelits Dies (coming Jan.), Softly Falling embossing folder, Bermuda Bay 1/8" Stitched Ribbon (coming Jan.), Stampin' Dimensionals

This was the card I sent with a little thank you gift to the stamping friends who participated in last week's Online Extravaganza. Unfortunately, we didn't have a hostess because the order didn't qualify, but at least everyone who did place an order received a little something!

This stamp set is part of the FREE (with qualifying purchase) Sale-A-Bration offerings coming next month! There are SO MANY awesome new stamp sets and products coming, both in the Occasions catalog and the Sale-A-Bration flyer, it'll knock your socks off! For instance, that die cut mug and wisp of steam are part of the new Cups & Kettle Framelits die set, which just happens to coordinate with a fabulous tea-themed stamp set. 

If you don't already have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and would like a copy of the Occasions catalog and SAB flyer, just contact me through my Stampin' Up! website, and I'll be happy to send you one.

Taken with iPhone camera

We finally got our new windows installed last week, after a nine week wait. Apparently the local Cardinals didn't get the memo and one flew into the livingroom window this morning. He spent a couple minutes in the shrub under the window, collecting his wits before he flew off. He did leave behind this tiny red and black feather, that was only about 1/4" in diameter! Amazing!!! It blew away right after I managed to get the photo, after numerous tries.

Taken with Sony NEX-5R

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Finally Starting Christmas!

STAMPS: Wonderland, Greetings of the Season (ret.)  INK: Mossy Meadow, VersaMark  CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Red Foil Sheets  ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Circles Framelits Dies, Circles Nestabilities Dies, Embossalicious folder, Heat Tool, Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, Embossing Buddy, Real Red Woven Satin Ribbon (ret.), Stampin' Dimensionals
Making Christmas cards is one of my favorite things about this time of year. Well, that and all the yummy baked goods, and the pretty lights, and the peace on earth and goodwill.  It's right up there with "Jingle Bells." You know, Santa Claus and ho-ho-ho, and mistletoe and presents to pretty girls. (Name that Christmas special!)

I am finally getting started on making my cards, after way too many delays. All of them legitimate, of course, but still causing me too much "last minute" stress!

This one is from the first batch. I plan on making 10-12 of each style, unless I hit on a great design that's easy to duplicate. Then I may make more. I'm thrilled that the Red Foil Sheets will be returning in the new Occasions Catalog that starts January 5th - you know how I love the shiny stuff!

And now I have to admit to using a SOB embossing folder (some other brand than Stampin' Up!). The combination of the two textures in one folder made the job much simpler. Trying to emboss one half of the cardstock with one folder, and the other half with a different folder is fine if you're only making one card, but gets tedious when making multiples.

So, I hope you are inspired to make a few Christmas cards, if you haven't already started.But if it gets down to crunch time and you have to send store-bought cards, don't beat yourself up about it. The important thing is staying in touch with loved ones and dear friends, and remembering the reason for the season.

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving!

STAMPS: Vintage Leaves, Teeny Tiny Wishes  CARDSTOCK: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Island Indigo, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie  INK: Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Basic Black Archival  ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Woodland embossing folder, Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Gold Cording Trim, Word Window Punch, Stamping Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals

Smiley from Millan.Net

Today when we sit down to stuff ourselves gorge on eat turkey and all the trimmings, we will take time to reflect on our numerous blessings. Besides being grateful for the usual things, like a warm bed, the roof over our heads, food on the table, and indoor plumbing, we are also thankful for things like the nice neighbors who have been so welcoming to us "outsiders." Truly, other than moving next to my BFF Barb, I couldn't have asked for better neighbors, and for that I am so very thankful!

I made this card for them, and hope someday to show Erika how easy and fun it is to stamp and be creative. She says she's not talented, but with the right tools, anyone can do it!

Smiley from Millan.Net
"Is it safe to come out yet?"

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Happy Email Surprises

STAMPS: None!  CARDSTOCK: Pre-printed, included in kit  INK: Real Red  ACCESSORIES: Watercolor Wishes Card Kit (all embellishments included in kit, except for Expressions Natural Elements {Thanks}, and Tip Top Taupe 1" Dotted Lace Trim), Fine Tip Glue Pen

Last week I received a happy email from Stampin' Up! informing me of an online order from a lady I had never heard of. I love those kinds of happy surprises!!!

I was delighted and honored that she chose me as her demonstrator (thank you Kim, if you're reading this!), and wanted to send her a thank you with a little sample of product. The Watercolor Wishes Card Kit makes it so easy to send a note of thanks, or birthday wishes, or even just a thinking of you card! I placed the 'thanks' and heart wooden elements face down on the Real Red ink pad and tapped it lightly to ink them up. Helpful hint: If you ink up the wood bits, use a paper towel to blot up as much excess ink as you can from the wood, then dry it thoroughly on the low setting of the Heat Tool. Otherwise, you will end up with ink all ove the place. Don't ask me how I know that.
Smiley from Millan.Net

Monday, November 23, 2015

The Hardest Part

STAMPS: Awesomely Artistic, Elementary Elegance (ret. SAB) INK: Basic Black Archival, Copic Markers B02, B16, B37, G24, G46  CARDSTOCK: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White, Pacific Point, Silver Glimmer Paper, Smoky Slate DSP (ret.), Silver Cording Trim, Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals
For me, the hardest part about moving across country wasn't the planning, purging, and packing. Yes, it was exhausting, both physically and mentally, but the really hardest part was saying good-bye to my friends. Some of them I'd known for over thirty years, and some of them were newer friends I made through our shared love of stamping. One of those is Becky, who holds a special place in my heart. We became closer than just stamping buddies, and without her help and resources, I'm not sure we could have pulled off the move as well as we did. So, huge shout out to Becky, whom I love and miss so much!

Becky's birthday was Saturday, and since we both love the color blue, I made another card using the Awesomely Artistic stamp set, but in shades of blue this time. This one was a little trickier to fussy-cut, because I wanted it to look like some of it was hanging off the edges of the rectangle on which it was stamped. That involved the Stampin' Trimmer and some very careful straight cuts. If I had been smart, I would have cut it before I colored it, in case the blade slipped. But I lucked out and didn't chop off any important bits, thankfully.

Smiley from Millan.Net

Happy birthday to my friend, Becky. I hope the celebrations are continuing all week!

Meanwhile, in the news: Stampin' Up! started its week-long Online Extravaganza today. Select products are discounted up to 50%, and there are two 24 hour Flash Sales, today and next Monday. Check it out here: ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/CategoryPage.aspx?categoryid=100600&dbwsdemoid=2054459

Anyone who places an order through me during the Online Extravaganza will get a personal thank you from me in the mail, and if you use the Hostess Code NX7HKCQB you will be entered to win the Hostess Benefits from this party! The winner will be announced next Tuesday, Dec. 1st.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Thinking of Mandy

Everyday Occasions Card Kit

This "Thinking of You" card was sent to my cousin, who is fighting for her life battling Stage IV Melanoma. She's only 33 years old, and a mother of two adorable boys, and life is so freaking unfair sometimes that it takes my breath away. The treatment isn't working, so they are trying something new starting this week. The side effects from the first treatment have been horrendous, but she bravely keeps a smile on her face as she endures it.

I know this is such a very small thing, but I hope this "hug with a fold in the middle" brings a smile to her beautiful face. Love you Mandy Moo!

(I can see from the last two cards I've posted that I need to set up my photo area to take better pictures. Having the harsh sun shining on them doesn't look very good at all.)

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Okay, So It's Been a While....

This is a long post, so if you just want to see the card, scroll down.
Smiley from Millan.Net
Things have been a little, um, hectic these past few months. Here's what's been happening:
  1. We bought a home in East Tennessee, which closed escrow the beginning of June.
  2. We did some major renovations on our house in California in preparation for selling it, and listed it on July 24th. Within four days we had multiple offers, all above list price. We were under contract by the sixth day, with a 30 day escrow.
  3. Things got kicked into overdrive at that point, because we had 40 years' worth of accumulated schtuff we had to sort, donate, throw away, give away, or pack and bring with us. (Let's just say we could have been on a episode of Hoarders, and leave it at that.)
  4. I planned and orchestrated everything, from hiring the movers to getting the Harley transported, to getting the "retirement project" old Chevy (which didn't run) transported. THAT was a nightmare, and I swear I have twice as many grey hairs as I did before!
  5. My dear hubby gave notice at his job that he was going to retire early, and worked his last day August 26th. On August 31st, the day escrow closed (and with the help of some very dear friends without whom we would never have been finished on time), we were on our way to Tennessee.
  6. THEN the fun began (har de har). We arrived Sep. 3rd, and had the fiber optic Internet, TV, & phone installed the next day, the same day our belongings arrived. Since that time, we've had a new roof put on (red metal!), our own well drilled (no more shared well, yay!), the driveway re-graveled, ordered super-duper energy-efficient windows and sliding doors for the whole house (should be installed next week), ordered a standby generator to be installed for the inevitable power outages, and the list goes on and on. And on......
Homestead before, just as the leaves started to turn
Homestead after, leaves almost gone!

The very last thing to be unpacked and put away was my craft room.

Crap, er...CRAFT room before (Note the wood burning stove, our heat source)
Craft room after, but before I got my comfy rolling chair in there
Craft room, again (Love the Stamp n Storage units!)
And it got delayed by about a week, because we found an abandoned kitten that some jerk dumped down by the river, so we rescued him and now have a new family member, too!

Skinny, scared Pumpkin. "More salmon, please!"
Filling out nicely, and getting comfortable!
Totally relaxed and spoiled!

So here I am, in my happy place at last, and not feeling at all guilty because I took care of the "must dos" first. The very first card I made was for my sweet friend, Diane, whose birthday was last week. It was sent a day after the fact, but better late than never, right?

STAMPS: Awesomely Artistic, Elementary Elegance (ret. SAB) INK: Basic Black Archival, Copic Markers V91, V95, RV99, G24, G46  CARDSTOCK: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White, Perfect Plum, Smoky Slate, Smoky Slate DSP (ret.), Silver Cording Trim, Clear Wink of Stella (coming in new catty!), Big Shot, Lawn Fawn Small Stitched Rectangles Dies, Stampin' Dimensionals
And that, my friends, is why I've been AWOL for so long! I promise now that the craft room is up and running that posting will happen more often!

OH, I ALMOST FORGOT!!! Stampin' Up! released its retirement list for the Holiday Catalog already, so if there's anything on the list that you've been wanting, better get it now because it's "while supplies last."

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Watercolor Birthday Wishes


Well, I really lucked out......after my stampin' stuff was sent to Tennessee, my Watercolor Wishes Card Kit was delivered, so I'm not totally bereft of stampy fun. It contains everything I need to whip out a cute card.

Which is a good thing, since I needed to send a card to my friend Dawna for her birthday. I didn't realize until after the fact that it was a huge milestone birthday, or I would have made it a lot more fitting for the occasion.......like stamping fifty candles, or sumpin'.

So, Dawna dear, I hope you had a wonderful celebration that was befitting the occasion! Love you!

Smiley from Millan.Net

Monday, July 13, 2015

Watercolor Thoughts


This is numero four-o of the cards from the last class. Now that all my stamping stuff is packed away, it may be a while before I have anything new to show you. And trust me, it's killing me to not be able to create anything besides piles of stuff to pack, donate, or throw away! I will be soooo glad when this move is over.

For this card, we used the watercolor bleed technique using Aqua Painters. Holding the heat-embossed image upside down, we wet a few petals at a time and then picked up a drop of ink and touched it to the "top" of each petal (which was actually the base of the petal). The ink bled down and gave the appearance of depth and shadow. It's a technique I still need to master, but it I have fun doing it!

Recipe:
5-1/2 x 8-1/2" Whisper White Thick Cardstock for card base, scored at 4-1/4"
4" x 5-1/4" Farmer's Market DSP for background
3" x 4-1/8" Perfect Plum cardstock for mat behind image
2-3/4" x 3-7/8" Watercolor Paper
5/8" x 3-3/8" Champagne Glimmer for mat behind greeting (it's retired, but you can sub Gold Glimmer)
1/2" x 3" Very Vanilla for greeting

1. Rub watercolor paper with embossing buddy to remove static, then stamp flower with VersaMark ink. Cover with embossing powder, tap off excess and heat with heat tool until melted and shiny.
2. Place a drop of ink from the refill bottle in the lid of the matching ink pad, or use a plastic lid to hold ink.
3. Turn flower upside down, wet a few petals at a time with aqua painter, and add a tiny drop of ink from lid to base of petal, letting ink run down toward tip of petal. Go lightly - you can always add more! Do the same for the leaves. Color stem (no need for bleed technique here).
4. Make a light wash with So Saffron around flower to give it a glow.
5. While image is drying, cut doily in half and adhere to back of Perfect Plum panel.
6. Stamp greeting in Perfect Plum on Very Vanilla strip, cutting banner ends by hand or with a punch. Adhere to Glimmer strip with Tear & Tape adhesive.
7. Fasten DSP to front of card base. Fasten image to Perfect Plum mat, and adhere both to DSP on card base.
8. Place dimensionals under greeting and adhere over image.


STAMPS: You've Got This, A Dozen Thoughts
INK: Perfect Plum, Perfect Plum Ink Refill, Pear Pizzazz Ink Refill, So Saffron Ink Refill, VersaMark
CARDSTOCK: Whisper White Thick Cardstock, Perfect Plum, Very Vanilla, Watercolor Paper, Farmer's Market DSP, Champagne Glimmer - retired
ACCESSORIES: Tea Lace Doilies, Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Aqua Painter, Tear & Tape adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Hello, Sea Turtle!


Here's a cute card that would work for a male or a female friend! This is number three of the four cards we made in my very last class in San Diego.
Smiley from Millan.Net

We first stamped the turtle (From Land to Sea) in StazOn on watercolor paper and used Blender Pens to color it. After stamping the card base in Pool Party with the coral image from By the Tide, we cleaned it off and stamped it again (in Soft Suede) on coaster board. The spatters from Gorgeous Grunge were added on the top half of the card base. Pool Party and Bermuda Bay were sponged around the coaster board, leaving the center lighter. The turtle was then cut out and popped up on dimensionals, and the greeting was stamped in StazOn. Two mats were used behind the image, Soft Suede and Bermuda Bay. To finish it off, we added a line of tiny pearls to look like bubbles coming from the turtle.

Recipe:
5-1/2 x 8-1/2" Pool Party cardstock, scored at 4-1/4" for card base
2-7/8" x 4-1/4" Bermuda Bay cardstock, for mat behind
2-3/4" x 4-1/8" Soft Suede cardstock, for mat behind
2-5/8" x 4" Coaster Board
Scrap Watercolor Paper to stamp turtle

Using Pool Party ink, stamp By the Tide coral on bottom of card base front and Gorgeous Grunge spatters on top.
Sponge Pool Party lightly over coaster board, adding Bermuda Bay around edges. Stamp coral at bottom of coaster board with Soft Suede ink.
Adhere coaster board to Soft Suede, and then Bermuda Bay mats, then fasten to card base.
Stamp turtle in black StazOn, color with So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz, and Soft Suede using blender pens. Cut out and use Stampin' Dimensionals to pop turtle up on left side of coaster board. Stamp greeting on lower right.
Add tiny pearls for "bubbles."

STAMPS: From Land to Sea, By the Tide, Gorgeous Grunge, A Dozen Thoughts
INK: Jet Black StazOn, Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron, Soft Suede, Pool Party, Bermuda Bay
CARDSTOCK: Pool Party, Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay, Coaster Board
ACCESSORIES: Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Butterfly Hello


That post title makes me think of butterfly kisses, where you flutter your eyelashes on someone's cheek or nose. Did you ever do that when you were little? We did that and Eskimo kisses, where we rubbed noses, too. Okay, enough of the trip down memory lane, lol.

We made this card in the Thinking of You class a couple weeks ago. (There are two more to share, so be sure to check back in a few days.)

This used the Watercolor Wings stamp set and the Bold Butterfly Framelits dies, which you can purchase as a bundle and save 15%.

We stamped the butterfly first with Daffodil Delight, then with Blushing Bride, and finally with Calypso Coral. I know it says Two-Step stamping in the catalog, but it's really three steps, if you want to use all the layers of color.

The great thing about this bundle is it coordinates with the Butterfly Thinlits Dies, so you can add a layer of lacy butterfly overlay if you want, which is exactly what we did with vellum. Mr. Big (the Big Shot) really got a workout that day, because we also used the Greeting Thinlits!

STAMPS: Watercolor Wings
INK: Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Blushing Bride, Calypso Coral
CARDSTOCK: Whisper White Thick Cardstock, Whisper White, Calypso Coral, White Vellum Cardstock
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Bold Butterfly Framelits, Butterfly Thinlits, Greeting Thinlits, Brick Wall embossing folder, Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Perfect Pennants meets Bohemian


I loooove the color combination in the Bohemian DSP, and created this card features the colors and the yummy new Corrugated Paper. The corrugated texture is amazing - just the right amount, and the pack contains both Kraft and White, so the possibilities are endless!

This was one of the cards we made in my last class, the theme being "Thinking of You." In addition to the corrugated paper, we use the Metallic Foil Doilies. Just needed 1/4 of a doily per card, so one pack would go a long way. (There are six each of large gold and silver, and small gold and silver.)

The Banner Triple punch made short work of the banners. We punched both at the same time! The Perfect Pennants greeting was colored with Rich Razzleberry and Island Indigo markers to match the DSP.

Recipe:
5-1/2" x 8-1/2" Rich Razzleberry, scored at 4-1/4" for card base
4" x 5-1/4" Kraft Corrugated Paper
1" x 5-1/2" strip Bohemian DSP for banner
1-1/2" x 5-1/4" strip Bohemian DSP for banner
1-1/2" x 4" Very Vanilla for greeting
1-3/4" x 4" Rich Razzleberry for mat behind greeting

STAMP: Perfect Pennants
INK: Rich Razzleberry and Island Indigo Stampin' Write Markers
CARDSTOCK: Rich Razzleberry, Very Vanilla, Bohemian DSP, Kraft & White Corrugated Paper
ACCESSORIES: Metallic Foil Doilies

Saturday, June 27, 2015

The OTHER One


This was the other card we made at the open house. I know you were just dying to see it, right? LOL

It is a very quick and easy card to make, and yet it packs a WOW! The flowers are from the Wild About Flowers stamp set. It's a two-step set, but because it's photopolymer (completely clear) you can see right where to place the flowers after you've stamped the stems. Easy-peasy!

The stems were stamped with Mossy Meadow stamped off once on a scrap to lighten the ink. The blossoms are Watermelon Wonder, stamped full strength. And the greeting, from All Boxed Up, was stamped with full strength Mossy Meadow so it would stand out.

Recipe:
5-1/2 x 8-1/2" Whisper White Thick Cardstock, scored at 4-1/4" for card base
4" x 5-1/4" Basic Black, embossed with Boho Chic folder
2-3/4" x 4-1/8" Watermelon Wonder cardstock
2-5/8" x 4" Whisper White cardstock, stamped with stems, poppies, and then greeting
Approximately 7" Watermelon Wonder Dotted Lace Trim, wrapped around Basic Black embossed panel and adhered to back (about 1/2" from bottom). Fasten to card base. Adhere matted image overlapping the lace trim on card base.

STAMPS: Wild About Flowers, All Boxed Up
INK: Watermelon Wonder, Mossy Meadow
CARDSTOCK: Whisper White Thick Cardstock, Whisper White, Basic Black, Watermelon Wonder
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Boho Chic embossing folder, Watermelon Wonder Dotted Lace Trim

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Sweet Stack of Cold Yumminess


At the catalog launch open house and BOGO last week, we did a couple of make and takes, and one of them used the RMHC Sprinkles of Life stamp set. It's the same set that I used a couple months ago (has it really been that long?!) for this cute cupcake love note-sized card. The versatility of this set, and the greetings, is just a sure winner for anyone! Add in the fact that $3 from the sale of each set goes to Ronald MacDonald House Charities, and it's a win-win for everyone!

It's funny how I start out in one direction and sometimes end up going in a completely different direction before a card is finished. Does that ever happen to you? I had planned to use some sort of floral image, so I chose the background DSP from English Garden and cut eight of them for the open house. But before I could decide on which floral image to use, the ice cream started singing its siren song, so I ended up with a summery card with a stacked cone. Mmmm, raspberry, pistachio, and vanilla with pink sprinkles sounds yummy right about now, doesn't it?

Recipe:
5-1/2 x 8-1/2" Whisper White Thick Cardstock for card base, scored at 4-1/4"
4" x 5-1/4" English Garden DSP for background
2-3/4" x 4-1/8" Rose Red cardstock
2-1/2" x 3-7/8" Whisper White, embossed with the Decorative Dots folder
Scrap Whisper White to stamp ice cream in Sahara Sand, punch with Tree Builder Punch, stamp sprinkles in Rose Red
Scrap Mint Macaron to stamp ice cream in Mint Macaron, punch with Tree Builder Punch
Scrap Rose Red to stamp ice cream in Rose Red, punch with Tree Builder Punch
Scrap Crumb Cake to stamp cone in Crumb Cake, fussy cut with Paper Snips
3/8" x 2" Whisper White to stamp greeting in Memento Tuxedo Black (snip banner end)
Cone is adhered to embossed panel with SNAIL. To fasten ice cream, use three Stampin' Dimensionals under Rose Red, and only ONE dimensional at top of the next two layers. Use a dab of glue to fasten greeting between ice cream layers.

STAMPS: Sprinkles of Life
INK: Rose Red, Mint Macaron, Sahara Sand, Crumb Cake, Memento Tuxedo Black
CARDSTOCK: Whisper White Thick Cardstock, Whisper White, Rose Red, Mint Macaron, Crumb Cake, English Garden DSP
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Decorative Dots embossing folder, Tree Builder Punch, Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals


Friday, June 19, 2015

Downline Project


This was the project we made in last week's stamping team meeting. I really like the Timeless Love stamp set, and used this sketch from Swirlydoos as my inspiration. The flower fit nearly perfectly in the 1-3/4" punch - just a bit of one leaf was nipped off to leave room for the "Hello". The image was colored with a Mint Macaron marker, and then the larger flower and leaves were re-colored to darken them.


I had originally used a Mint Macaron In Color Blossom Accent, but Lily (one of my team members) used a Watermelon Wonder one and I really loved how it just made the card pop!

Recipe:
5-1/2 x 8-1/2" Whisper White Thick Cardstock, scored at 4-1/4" for card base (LOVE this stuff!)
4" x 5-1/4" Basic Black (use the 1-7/8" Circle Framelit to cut circle in center before matting Color Me Irresistible layer on top)
2-1/4" x 4-1/4 Whisper White
5/8" x 3" and 5/8" x 4" Mint Macaron strip for swirls
Scrap of Mint Macaron to stamp image and punch with 1-3/4" Circle Punch
Scrap of Silver Foil Sheet to punch leaf from Bird Builder Punch

STAMPS: Timeless Love (flower), Crazy About You (greeting), Everything Eleanor (swirl)
INK: Jet black StazOn (flower), Memento Tuxedo Black (greeting), VersaMark (swirl), Mint Macaron Marker
CARDSTOCK: Whisper White Thick Cardstock, Whisper White, Basic Black, Mint Macaron, Color Me Irrisistible DSP
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Circles Framelits, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Bird Builder Punch, Mint Macaron Dotted Lace Trim, In Color Blossom Accents

Monday, June 15, 2015

Forty Years!


Today is the 40th anniversary of the best day of my life......the day I married my best friend! He has been my consistent, steady rock, made me laugh every day, been an outstanding provider for our family, and I am truly blessed to have him as my life partner. You know you have something special when you emerge from even the tough times stronger and more committed than before. What can I say, I luff him! And it just gets better every year!

Smiley from Millan.Net

This was one of the cards we made in the very last (*sniff*) Second Saturday Stamp Club. Actually, we made them with no greeting so they could be customized as needed. I thought the colors looked masculine enough that I could turn this into my anniversary card. The inside was appropriately mushy; I'll spare you the details.

STAMPS: Wild About Flowers, Timeless Love (how appropriate was that for the greeting?!)
INK: Night of Navy, Mossy Meadow
CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Night of Navy, English Garden DSP
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Honeycomb embossing folder

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Amazingly Blessed


I am blessed beyond measure with the most awesome friends! My hubby has to work so much overtime, he hasn't had much time for working on the "honey-do" list. And I hate to ask him to do things on his precious one or two days off per month. So my sweet friend Selena's husband is here this weekend, installing the flooring in the dining room and kitchen. I am paying, of course, but for Brent to give up his weekend just for us is beyond words for me. I just can't thank them enough!

So, I fed him a big breakfast, stocked the fridge with his favorite beer, and plan on feeding him lunch and supper, too.

This is the card I'll be giving him with the payment inside. I used the Adventure Bound DSP stack for the rocks and the background. If you want it, there's only three days left to order it!

Things are moving along on our Tennessee house. I think the last major hurdle (getting insurance) has been cleared; at least I hope that's the last one! It's been an adventure, with some unpleasant surprises, but we are in the home stretch. Wednesday is the final walk-through, and with any luck, there won't be any more problems revealed then. Say a prayer and wish us luck!

STAMP: Crazy About You
INK: Memento Tuxedo Black
CARDSTOCK: Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red, Silver Glimmer, Adventure Bound DSP Stack
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Hello You Thinlits Dies, Banner Punch, Handheld Stapler, Stampin' Dimensionals

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Retiring Poppies and an SCS Tutorial


We are less than two weeks away from the items on the retiring list being gone forever, so I decided to show some love to some stamps that will be going bye-bye. *Sniff*

Of the four stamps sets used on this card, two are retiring.....Pleasant Poppies on the front, and the sentiment from Yippee-Skippee inside. I was inspired to watercolor the poppies by the Wednesday Tutorial over at Splitcoast Stampers, called Distress Stain Watercolor. Since I don't have any distress stains, I substituted Stampin' Write Markers and it worked out just fine!


This card is going to someone very, very near and dear to my heart. I hope this special person likes it!

Recipe:
5-1/2" x 8-1/2" Naturals White, scored at 4-1/4" for card base
4" x 5-1/4" Basic Black for mat behind image
3-7/8" x 5-1/8" Watercolor Paper
Use Real Red and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers, coloring direct to stamp, then spritz with water and stamp on Watercolor Paper. Don't clean stamp yet.
Follow tutorial linked above for coloring the image. I added highlights with Melon Mambo and Crushed Curry, then added black dots with Project Life Journaling Pen.
Stamp greeting in Jet Black StazOn, then add dots with white gel pen. Use scrap of Cherry on Top DSP to stamp butterfly, then punch with butterfly punch and adhere with half of a Stampin' Dimensional.
Adhere image to Basic Black mat and then to card front.
Stamp sentiment inside and huff on poppy stamp to add shadow image to side of sentiment.

STAMPS: Pleasant Poppies, Hello Life, Yippee-Skippee, Papillon Potpourri
INK: Jet Black StazOn, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, plus Real Red and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers
CARDSTOCK: Naturals White, Basic Black, Watercolor Paper, Cherry on Top DSP Stack
ACCESSORIES: Aqua Painter, Project Life Journaling Pen, White Gel Pen, Bitty Butterfly Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals