SUOC #69 - Sizzix Sizzles!

Sometimes when I see a new craft item, my first impression is "meh". Take Washi Tape, for instance. I didn't get what all the excitement was about. I mean, I could see using a little snippet to hold something down on a scrapbook page, but I do very little scrapbooking.

Well, being the cheap frugal person I am (okay now, quit laughing), I can't pass up a bargain. The Epic Day This & That bundle has Washi Tape in it. All I really wanted were the other items (journal, DSP, stamp, stickers), but purchasing them separately would have been more than the whole bundle. So, Washi Tape made it into my craft room and onto my craft table.

Well, I could not have been more wrong about the stuff! I used it to make background paper for a masculine card a few days ago, and am using it again today for the SUO Challenges sample. (And I know there are more styles coming in the new annual catalog - Wahoooo, can't wait!!!)  This stuff is awesome!

Our theme this week is anything Sizzix, the caveat being it must be sold by Stampin' Up!. Now you know how much I am in love with Mr. Big (my Big Shot), so this was a really fun challenge for me. Embossing folder? Check! Die cut? You betcha! Embosslits? But, of course!

I am so happy that Calypso Coral is going to become a Core Color. I just love the summer-y, tropical feel of it.  And, while I don't have any of the upcoming new In Colors yet (which should be remedied by Friday *wink*), I think it might coordinate well with the new Crisp Cantaloupe. We'll just have to see, won't we?

Oh, and by the way, that epic deal on the Epic Day This & That bundle ends April 30th. Just so you know.

Stamps: Friendly Phrases, French Foliage
Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Basic Gray, Crumb Cake, Whisper White
Ink: Calypso Coral, Basic Gray
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Pennants die, Square Lattice folder, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon, Pearls Basic Jewels, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Epic Day Washi Tape

SUOC44 - MOTHER'S DAY!

What better excuse does one need to get out the stamps and ink, than to create a card that Mother is sure to treasure? That's the challenge this week at SUO Challenges - create a card (or gift) for dear ol' Mom!

My momma's favorite color is red, so I grabbed Cherry Cobbler, since it most closely resembles the rubies she adores. Since the card needs to be mailable, the gorgeous 3D flower originally created as an embellishment had to be left off.  But that's okay - it can be used for another project that doesn't have to be mailed. :-)  I'm sure you'll see it in the not-too-distant future!

This technique of coloring the stamp with markers and then stamping on the First Edition DSP was demonstrated at the SU Retirement Party last Friday. Since the Inspired by Nature set is another one getting the old heave-ho to make room for new stamps, we used this for one of the make & takes, bidding it a fond adieu.

Now, let's see your beautiful tribute to Mom! If you want to share it at SUO Challenges, please be sure that ONLY Stampin' Up! products are used. That includes punches and dies, as well as stamps and cardstock. If SU didn't make it, please don't use it on your submission!

And, if you need inspiration to participate, SUO Challenges is going to start periodically inviting contributors to a special edition Guest Designer Challenge!!! Every so often, a select group from our regular contributors will be invited to be Guest Designers. Even if you've never been chosen as one of the top three in any of the challenges, you can still be invited if you participate fairly regularly!

Note: Retiring items are in red.

Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Broadsheet Alphabet, Just Perfect Alphabet, Fabulous Phrases
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Basic Black, First Edition DSP, White Vellum Cardstock
Ink: Cherry Cobbler Classic, and Cherry Cobbler, Regal Rose, and Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Elegant Lines embossing folder, Pearls Basic Jewels, Chantilly Crochet Trim, Stampin' Dimensionals

Another Swap Card

Here's another card for the Stampin' Addicts Demo Swap. This one uses the Hello Blossoms single stamp from the new Summer Mini. It's so stinkin' cute!

Stamp: Hello Blossoms
Cardstock: Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Greenhouse Gala DSP
Ink: Old Olive, Daffodil Delight and Basic Black Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Square Lattice embossing folder, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Daffodil Delight 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/4" Circle Punch, Old Olive Brads (Brights Collection)

Thanks for Caring

Well, I am finally getting around to one of my New Year's resolutions, which was to participate in more color and sketch challenges.  Better late than never, 'eh?  This week's COLOURQ Challenge #71 was what got me off my arse motivated me to participate.  Aren't the colors absolutely dreamy?  This color combo would work for soooo many different occasions!

I am going to use this card in my stamp club, demonstrating how to do emboss-resist and inlaid embossing on the same card. (I CASEd the card layout from Dawn Olchefsky's blog here.)

Stamp: Thanks for Caring
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake, Whisper White
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Versa Mark
Accessories: White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Decorative Label Punch, 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch, Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Perfect Polka-Dots and Square Lattice embossing folders, Whisper White 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (dyed with Pink Pirouette Stampin' Write Marker - somehow it looks more like Blushing Bride, but it works!)

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope the weatherman is wrong for you folks east of the Rockies. :-( Stay safe!