SUOC36 - Try a New Technique!

The theme at SUO Challenges this week it to try a new, or fairly new, technique (or one you haven't done in a while). Emboss resist has been around for quite some time but, for some reason, I've only tried it a couple times. So I think this falls under the "fairly new" (to me) category.

The tea cups were heat embossed on the DSP with VersaMark and white EP, then lightly sponged over with Rose Red Classic ink. It really makes the cups pop! If the color sticks too much to the embossed image, lightly buff with a dry tissue, or do what I did - barely moisten a cotton swab and carefully remove the excess ink.

It's funny, when I got to preview the new Occasions Mini catalog, the Tea Shoppe set didn't really appeal to me.  I thought "Meh, take it or leave it." But the more I saw it, and saw things made with it, the more I grew to love it. Now I think it's my favorite new set! Same with the Attic Boutique DSP.

Does that ever happen to you? Maybe one or two of the new In Colors don't make you swoon, but after a sort while, all of a sudden, those are the only ones you're grabbing for nearly every project? Or you see a stamp set and think, 'Gah! What were they thinking?!' and it ends up being a "must have"?  Well, let me tell ya.....it happens to me ALL. THE. TIME.

Stamps: Tea Shoppe
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Rose Red, Attic Boutique DSP
Ink: VersaMark, Rose Red Classic
Accessories: White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Big Shot, Labels Collection Framelits, Stampin' Sponges, Rose Red 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Pearls Basic Jewels, Mini Glue Dots

March Swaps and a Sneak Peek!

The theme this month was "Spring is in the Air ~ It is time for new growth and trees". So what better way to show it than the lovely blossoming branch from the Easter Blossoms set? And, you are observant, you may have noticed a new stamp with a little bird.... Yep, that's from a new stamp set coming in the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog (starts July 1st) that will be available for CUSTOMERS to preorder next month with a qualifying purchase! The set is called Four Frames and all four stamps fit the Decorative Label Punch - and they are GORGEOUS!!!!  The greeting, from the Easter Blossoms stamp set, fit perfectly inside the frame even with the little bird.

Stamps: Easter Blossoms, Four Frames(preorder, available April 1-30 w/ $20 purchase)
Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz, Naturals Ivory, Very Vanilla, Springtime Vintage DSP
Inks: Soft Suede Classic, Blushing Bride Stampin' Wriet Marker
Accessories: Very Vanilla 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Elegant Bouquet embossing folder, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Decorative Label Punch

Another for Mother

This card was made with similar materials as in this card, but I mixed it up just a little.  The color combination of Very Vanilla with Baja Breeze and Not Quite Navy just pleases my eye, for some reason.  (Prolly 'cuz blue is my favorite color, huh?)

Note the flowers, cut from Springtime Vintage DSP, cover the Easter Eggs in her basket, so it becomes a Spring or Mother's Day card, not an Easter card!

Stamps: Easter Blossoms, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Springtime Vintage DSP
Ink: Not Quite Navy Accessories: Victoria 5/8" Crochet Trim, Basic Pearls,Framed Tulips embossing Folder, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine

No Mo Jo

My mojo seems to have up and left me as soon as this darn cold started. I guess there isn't room for creativity in your head when it's all stuffed up with a head cold. This is all I could manage today.

Stamps: Easter Blossoms, All Holidays
Cardstock: Old Olive, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Springtime Vintage DSP
Ink: Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Very Vanilla 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Scallop Trim Border Punch

Is This Yours?

Heaven help me, I can't remember where I saw the card for this CASE. It was done in the lovely blue florals from the Springtime Vintage DSP, with Baja Breeze ribbon. If it's yours, please let me know so I can give proper credit! Edited to add:  It was Krystal's gorgeous card HERE that I copied. Thanks, Krystal, for the lovely inspiration!!!

There probably won't be any new posts for a couple of days - I have lots of projects I need to finish before Monday, including the 3x3 swaps for the demo swap over at Stampin' Addicts.

I Love MDS!

I could wax rhapsodic about how wonderful My Digital Studio is, but you will never really know until you get to play with it for yourself.  The possibilities are just about endless!  This is the cover of a journal I threw together last night.  That gorgeous Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper?  Available in the new Occasions Mini AND available as a download.  The Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon and Vintage Flower Adornment? Ditto!!!  Gotta love Stampin' Up!