StampinKathy

Just checking in

2011-02-04T18:37:00.000-08:00

Folks, I'm still here in cyberland, but because I'm a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I now have my own SU! website! Stop over and check it out. We have some great promotions going right now, The Occasions mini catalog not to mention the biggest promotion of the year, Sale-A-Bration! You can order supplies directly through my website and get the price break that you only get through a demonstrator. I can be found at http://stampinkathy.stampinup.net

Guess I need to get to my own site and post some new pics! See you there!

Kathy

End of Posting

2010-08-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

Friends,

I'm finding it very difficult to keep two blogs/websites going so am planning to discontinue posting to this one and will instead concentrate my efforts on my new Stampin' Up! demonstrator website. I'm not leaving the Internet all together, just switching gears for now. Please feel free to check out my SU! website at www.stampinkathy.stampinup.net to see all that there is to see. I will be posting new items there and there are also several examples already there for you to check out.

Hope to see you soon!

Kathy

More Drama Here

2010-07-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Loyal readers (if there are any of you out there),

Things have been dramatic here of late. On the 20th of June my husband was taken by ambulance to a local hospital with what turned out to be an acute gall bladder attack. There was infection involved which was affecting not only the gall bladder but also the liver, and there were gall stones blocking his common bile duct. He had a procedure to remove the stones, and then surgery to have the gall bladder removed. During all of this he developed Type 2 diabetes. He was in the hospital for 5 days.

Thankfully they felt he could control his blood sugar with pills instead of insulin shots. YAY!!!!! That and diet and exercise seem to be working for the most part.

All this has meant that I haven't had time for any stamping. Or I should say, I haven't had the time to be creative and do any stamping.

On the plus side, I just became an official Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I got a whole box of goodies from Mr. Brown this week and am working on getting everything organized and put away. Then maybe I can create with the new colors of ink, paper, and accessories.

If you're interested in Stampin' Up! you can check me out at my website, here.

Thanks to all of you for your patience. I hope to be back posting soon.

I'm a Demo Now!

2010-06-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Wanted to let you know that I've just signed up to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I've ordered my starter kit and have been cruising through the demonstrator website getting up to speed. There's a lot to learn and I'm enjoying it all. I hope to have something to post soon. Till then.....

Checking In

2010-05-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

Friends,

I realized when I checked my blog that it's been over a month since I last posted anything. I'm so sorry. Life has simply gotten away from me and I have no real excuse. After getting over being sick I just didn't have the energy to sit and stamp. We've been out of town visiting my mom, just got back from a week of camping, then it got so HOT here that I didn't want to sit in my craft room on the second floor and work. Plus I was busy working on samples for a workshop and didn't have time to work in the computer getting posts together.

I honestly can't say when I'll be posting again because now that it's getting warmer and nicer out, I'd rather be doing stuff outside.

I hope I can get to something this weekend, but the days are filling up as I type.

Hope you all are having a good spring season. I'm so fired up about the upcoming new catty because that means that I'm going to be officially becoming an SU! demonstrator!

Thanks to all of you for your patience.

Elegant Bouquet

2010-04-24T07:14:00.000-07:00

Last week I participated in a 10 4 $10 card making event. I haven't gotten my copies of the cards that were made plus I haven't had time to take a picture and write up directions for the card that I had the ladies make. Therefore, I'm going to post this card instead since it's been sitting around for some time now.

This card was exceptionally easy to put together. I used Rose Red CS for the base and attached a layer of Whisper White to it. I ran a piece of Raspberry Tart DSP through the Big Shot with the Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder. Taking my sanding block, I rubbed over the embossed areas to remove some of the color and to expose the white core. This was attached to the card base.

I stamped the sentiment on to Whisper White with Rose Red ink and punched out with the Modern Label Punch. The Scalloped Oval was used to punch out Rose Red and a circle was punched out of Whisper White. The white circle was attached to the card, and the Thinking of You sentiment was attached to the scalloped oval and that was attached with dimensionals to the card front.

Super Simple!

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Kind and Caring Thoughts for sentiment (Level 3 hostess)
Paper: Raspberry Tart DSP, Rose Red, Whisper White CS
Ink: Rose Red
Other: Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder, sanding block, scalloped oval, 1 3/8" circle, modern label punch

Not quite there yet, but I'm coming along!

2010-04-15T17:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Stamping Friends,

I'm still getting over my terrible cold but at least I'm not doing as much coughing and my sinus pain is gone. Back about a week ago I was wondering why in the WORLD the Good Lord would put sinus passages into human heads. All mine were doing were causing me pain and trouble!

I was able to attend the Stampin' Up! Regional Convention last Friday without too much problem. I have a lot of swaps that I got and hope to have some of what I swapped available for viewing soon. It's just hard to concentrate on this stuff when it's hard to see.

Hope all of YOU are staying healthy!

SICK, SICK, SICK

2010-04-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow stampers! The title has been my life this past week. I've been very sick with a cold. Major head and chest congestion. Hubby has been sick since the 24th. I just haven't been able to get anything posted. We were supposed to travel to see my Mom for the Easter holiday. Had to cancel that trip. I'm SO bummed!

Anyway, hope everyone has a Happy Easter holiday and I'll try to post next week if I'm feeling better.

Last of the Vogues

2010-03-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

This is the last of the Vintage Vogue set, done in Bordering Blue. I didn't used to like this color because it looked so GRAY. But, it's certainly is growing on me and looks stunning paired with the right colors.

Stamp Set: Vintage Vogue
Paper: Bordering Blue, More Mustard, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla
Ink: Bravo Burgundy
Accessories: Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, gold brad, dimensionals

Sage Vogue

2010-03-18T14:49:00.001-07:00

Stamp Set: Vintage Vogue
Paper: Sage Shadow, Bravo Burgundy, Creamy Caramel, Very Vanilla
Ink: Bravo Burgundy
Accessories: Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, gold brad, dimensionals

More Vogues

2010-03-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

OK stampers. I can't seem to figure out how to post more than one picture at a time, so I'm just going to put three in a row and get this over with. I'm sure you're tired of seeing them individually and would prefer that I move on to something else.

Not Quite Vintage Vogue
Recipe:
Stamp Set: Vintage Vogue,
Card Stock: More Mustard, Old Olive, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla
Ink: More Mustard, Old Olive, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, gold brad, dimensionals

Pixie Vintage Vogue

2010-03-11T16:40:00.000-08:00

Hello stampers! I'm leaving town tomorrow for the weekend and wanted to post another Vintage Vogue card before I left. I'm working on some swaps for SU! regionals which are coming to Milwaukee in April so I'll get those posted later. I should just post the last ones of this group all together, but I'm not sure just how to do that, so will do them one at a time.

Again, the directions are the same as for the previous ones. I just had SO MUCH FUN using SU!'s Color Coach for these cards. I never in a million YEARS would have thought to put some of those colors together, but you know something? They work!

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Vintage Vogue,
Card Stock: Close to Cocoa, Sage Shadow, Pixie Pink, Very Vanilla
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Sage Shadow, Pixie Pink
Accessories: Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, gold brad, dimensionals

Tempting Vintage Vogue

2010-02-27T20:20:00.000-08:00

This uses the same directions as the previous card. You can tell from the picture, how the various colors are to be used.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Vintage Vogue,
Card Stock: Creamy Caramel, Really Rust, Tempting Turquoise
Ink: Creamy Caramel, Really Rust, Tempting Turquoise, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, gold brad, dimensionals

Lavender Vintage Vogue

2010-02-24T13:16:00.000-08:00

This uses the same directions as the previous card. You can tell from the picture, how the various colors are to be used.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Vintage Vogue,
Card Stock: Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, Lavender Lace, Whisper White
Ink: Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, Lavender Lace
Accessories: Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, gold brad, dimensionals

Cameo Vintage Vogue

2010-02-19T18:01:00.000-08:00

This is the first of a series of cards I made using the Vintage Vogue stamp set. I got the idea for these cards here and then just took the Color Coach and began spinning the wheel. It has some interesting combinations which I was more than happy to try out. These would be GREAT for birthday cards, thinking of you cards, thank you cards, anytime you want to send something special to that special friend. I really liked how they all turned out. Hope you do too.

It's hard to see in the photo, but there's a design on the Apricot Appeal and Certainly Celery panels, using the Very Vintage jumbo wheel. Wheel the pattern on the Apricot Appeal base card with Apricot Appeal ink. Wheel the Certainly Celery mat with the same wheel and Certainly Celery ink. Stamp the Friends stamp and large flower on Whisper White CS. Cut out flower and friends image. Stamp smaller flower on Whisper White CS in Certainly Celery ink and cut out.
Mat Friends image to Certainly Celery CS.

Punch one side of Cameo Coral CS with Scallop Trim Border Punch. Wrap length of ribbon around and tie in bow. Adhere to Certainly Celery mat and adhere to card front. Attach Friends mat to front. Layer flower pieces with brad and attach to upper corner of card with dimensionals

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Vintage Vogue
Card Stock: Apricot Appeal, Cameo Coral, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Ink: Apricot Appeal, Cameo Coral, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, gold brad, dimensionals

Pink Valentine #2

2010-02-08T21:37:00.000-08:00

OK, gotta get these posted before Valentine's Day is here and gone! I have to try to get mine out in the mail tomorrow. We're supposed to have a big show storm with 10-14" of snow by the time it's all over and I hope my mailman can get through! I think Wednesday is going to be more of a problem than Tuesday.

Anyway, here's the last of the Valentine cards. It's technique is pretty much the same as the previous embossed red card. So, here's the picture, directions and the recipe.

The Regal Rose sheet is sprayed with the Pearl Ex mist and then run through the embossing folder while still wet. This helps to make a more pronounced impression. Set aside to dry.

In the meantime, stamp the Valentine stamp from Holiday Best on a scrap of Shimmer paper and punch out with Wide Oval Punch.

Attach the Regal Rose to the base card of Real Red. Using the Scalloped Oval Punch, punch through both layers of CS in the lower right hand corner. Position the Valentine punchout behind the opening, and attach to the inside back of the card so that it's centered through the opening.

Wrap and tie a length of ribbon around the card. Use the Stickles on the centers of the flowers.

Recipe:
Stamps: Holiday Best
Paper: Shimmer Paper, Real Red CS, Regal Rose CS,
Ink: Real Red
Accessories: Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder, Wide Oval Punch, Scalloped Oval Punch, Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Frosted Lace Stickles, White Shimmer Mist made from 2 parts Pearl Ex pigment,1 part Gum Arabic, and water, mini spray bottle

Red Valentine #2

2010-02-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

I love using our embossing folders! I think I got this idea online, but can't remember if I saw it in Splitcoast or someone's blog. If you see your card here, please let me know and I'll give proper credit.

I read somewhere where you could mix the Stampin' Up! shimmer paint with rubbing alcohol to make a shimmer mist. Since I couldn't find my rubbing alcohol, I did something a little different. I mixed 2 parts Pearl Ex pigment powder with 1 part Gum Arabic and mixed with water. Works just as well. The Real Red sheet is sprayed with the Pearl Ex mist and then run through the embossing folder while still wet. This helps to make a more pronounced impression. Set aside to dry. (by the way, this looks WAY better in real life!)

In the meantime, stamp the Valentine stamp from Holiday Best on a scrap of Shimmer paper and punch out with Wide Oval Punch.

Attach the Real Red to the base card of Regal Rose. Using the Scalloped Oval Punch, punch through both layers of CS in the upper right hand corner. Position the Valentine punchout behind the opening, and attach to the inside back of the card so that it's centered through the opening.

Wrap and tie a length of ribbon around the card.

Recipe:
Stamps: Holiday Best
Paper: Shimmer Paper, Real Red CS, Regal Rose CS,
Ink: Real Red
Accessories: Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder, Wide Oval Punch, Scalloped Oval Punch, Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Gold Shimmer Mist. mini spray bottle

Pink Valentine #1

2010-02-03T16:55:00.000-08:00

This card is the same as the red one except I used Pixie Pink. It's made exactly the same. How easy is that?

Recipe:
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Whisper White, Pixie Pink, Raspberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper
Ink: Pixie Pink
Accessories: Full Heart Punch, Modern Label Punch, pink grosgrain ribbon, Eyelet Border Punch, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.

Red Valentine #1

2010-02-02T13:16:00.000-08:00

I guess it's time for me to get with the program and post some seasonal cards. After all, Valentine's Day is less than two weeks away and you need time to make cards. This is one of the cards that I made up as a sample for a card group that I hosted last Sunday. There was only one lady there (the other one had to cancel) but we had fun, just the two of us and I got to make everything again too. This card turned out to be easier to make that I'd originally thought.

I started out with a strip of Whisper White card stock that I'd zipped through the Big Shot in a Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. Another strip of Whisper White was punched with the Eyelet border punch and attached to the back of the bottom of the polka dot piece. A length of red grosgrain ribbon tied with a faux bow was attached to cover up the juncture of the two white pieces, and this was attached to a base card of Real Red card stock.

Three hearts were punched out of Real Red Designer Series paper pack which was a level 1 hostess item in a previous catalog. These hearts were attached with dimensionals.

Happy Valentine's Day was stamped in Real Red ink on a scrap of Whisper White, punched out with the Modern Label punch and attached to the card front.

Recipe:
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Real Red Designer Series Paper
Ink: Real Red
Accessories: Full Heart Punch, Modern Label Punch, red grosgrain ribbon, Eyelet Border Punch, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.

To You from Me #2

2010-01-20T08:02:00.000-08:00

The directions for this card are the same as the previous one except that I left off one of the mats on the base card.

Used Rose Red and Whisper White for base card, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss and Rose Red for sentiment, Raspberry Tart DSP for Top Note element. It's hard to see but I used a glitter brad with the Pima flowers. My brad was already glittered but I've heard that you can dip a brad in liquid adhesive and then glitter, or use Versamark ink and embossing powder to get a glazed look.

My Mom is a accomplished quilter so I had her in mind when I made these two cards.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Best Yet
Paper: Raspberry Tart DSP, Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss,, Whisper White CS
Ink: Rose Red
Other: Top Note Die, 1 1/4 and 1 3/8" circle, scalloped circle, corner rounder punches, Pima Flowers, Glitter Brad, Rose Red 5/8" grosgrain ribbon

To You from Me Quilt

2010-01-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

I realize that this has nothing to do with the New Year, or winter, or any season or theme that would be current. But, I like how bright and cheerful it is, plus I just think it looks neat. So, here are the details.

OK, starting from the top and working my way down. I stamped the sentiment from Best Yet on Whisper White in Riding Hood Red ink. It was punched out with the 1 1/4" circle punch, attached to a Bashful Blue 1 3/8" circle which was then attached to a scalloped circle out of Riding Hood Red CS. The individual squares of Washington Apple Designer Series paper were attached to Whisper White and run through the Big Shot with the Top Note Die. I can't remember exactly what the size of the squares was because I've given away the card and I forgot to write it down. I think they were 1".

The card base is Riding Hood Red with a mat of Bashful Blue on top. The die cut piece was attached to a mat of Riding Hood Red CS that has the corners rounded. A strip of So Saffron grosgrain ribbon was wrapped around and taped to the back of the red piece. This was attached to the base card, and the "to You from me" element was attached with dimensionals. Pima flowers were attached together with a brad and attached with a glue dot.

I really like how this card turned out. My Mom is a quilter and I made this with her in mind. Actually, I sent this one to my sister, and sent the one that I'll post next, to my Mom. But, my Mom's quilting was my reason for making this card.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Best Yet
Paper: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Riding Hood Red CS, Washington Apple DSP
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Other: Top Note Die, 1 1/4 and 1 3/8" circle, scalloped circle, corner rounder punches, Pima Flowers, Brad, So Saffron 5/8" grosgrain ribbon

Checkin' In

2010-01-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

I realize that I haven't posted something in a very long time. What with Christmas in there, plus being out of town, responsibilities at church as Financial Secretary (it's year end crunch), plus sinus issues that kept me in bed yesterday and makes most mornings VERY hard to me, it's been hard to keep up. I have some fun stuff to show but have to get it written up first. I made a really neat gift card holder out of a metal CD case but there was a LOT of work that went into it plus it has three surfaces that need a write up. So, stay tuned for that and in the meantime I'll see what else I can hunt up that I've already written up.

Delightful Ornament

2009-12-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

This card was the one that I created for a Christmas 10 4 $10 held back in November. I liked it so much that I used it for most of my own Christmas cards this year.

The card starts out with a base of Confetti Cream card stock. It's hard to see in this photo but the upper half of the card which is Baroque Burgundy, has been run through the Big Shot in the Petals a Plenty embossing folder. It is attached to the card base along with a strip of Always Artichoke. A 5/8" strip of Kraft CS is stamped with the Sanded background stamp inked with Sahara Sand ink.

Stamp the ornament in Baroque Burgundy ink and punch out with Ornament Punch. Wrap a snippet of silver cord around "neck" of ornament and tape to the back. Tape another snippet of cord to the back and attach the other end to the back of the Confetti Cream mat with tape. Attach this to Always Artichoke and then Craft. Attach to card front with dimensionals if desired, otherwise use the double sided adhesive. Stamp "Christmas Greetings" on the card front with Chocolate Chip ink.

Recipe:
Stamp Sets: Delightful Decorations, Grateful Greetings (both from Holiday Mini Catalog), Sanded (for Kraft strip)
Paper: Baroque Burgundy, Always Artichoke, Kraft, Confetti Cream
Ink: Baroque Burgundy, Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Ornament Punch, Petals a Plenty embossing folder, silver cord, silver brad, 1/6" handheld punch, Big Shot

Dusty Friend

2009-11-24T20:51:00.000-08:00

I have a couple of Christmas cards that I want to show you but I haven't scanned them yet or written up the directions. They're from a card making 10 4 $10 event that I hosted last Saturday where they made 5 cards each of two different designs. I also have a couple of other Christmas items from a stamp club meeting that I hosted on Sunday. (Yes, I was busy this past weekend!) Plus I'm leaving town tomorrow for the rest of the week, spending Thanksgiving with my Mom. So, this card will have to do for now, until I get past Thanksgiving and can start thinking Christmas.

It uses several of the new In Color elements. First, three of the Silhouette stamps are inked in Dusty Durango and stamped on to Whisper White and punched out with the 1 1/4" Square Punch. The 4th square is stamped with the phrase and punched out. Using the Scalloped Square punch, punch out 4 squares from Rich Razzleberry. Attach each white square to each Razzleberry square. Attach squares to white mat, then Rich Razzleberry. Cut piece of ribbon to go around Designer Series Paper and attach to Dusty Durango card base. Attach flower element to card.

Recipe:
Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes
Paper: Whisper White, Dusty Durango, Rich Razzleberry, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink: Dusty Durango, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: 1" Square Punch, Scalloped Square Punch, Dusty Durango Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon

Masculine Bleu

2009-11-13T16:55:00.000-08:00

Here is another card, using the same layout and technique as the previous non-traditional Christmas card. I thought this would work pretty well if I needed a masculine card. If I were to make this card again, I'd reverse the colors and have the larger center blossom be the Not Quite Navy and the smaller one be the Kraft.

Stamps: Heard From The Heart
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Kraft, Bella Bleu, Naturals Ivory
Ink: Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Gold Brad, Boho Blossoms Punch, Photo Corner Punch

Non-Traditional Christmas

2009-11-06T07:31:00.000-08:00

It seems like when folks think of Christmas, they think of ornaments, Santa, snow, Christmas trees, lights, sparkle, that sort of thing. While those elements are very pretty and festive, some folks just aren't into all the glitz and shine.

So, I made this card. I got the idea from another card that I got from a friend but wanted to try something a bit different for Christmas. I think I succeeded. Hope you like it.

The patterned paper (Cottage Wall) is punched with the photo corner punch and the large corners are attached to Shimmer White CS, point to point in the center to make a "cross." Solid colors are punched and the corners are attached to make a "square." The center flowers are punched using the Boho Blossoms Punch. The blossoms are attached to the main element with a gold brad. This is then matted onto a piece of Rich Razzleberry. The card base of Old Olive has a mat of Rich Razzleberry attached to it and the finished punched element is attached to the top of the card. The phrase from Heard From The Heart is stamped at the bottom in Rich Razzleberry ink.

Recipe:
Stamps: Heard From The Heart
Paper: Cottage Wall DSP, Shimmer White, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Gold Brad, Boho Blossoms Punch, Photo Corner Punch

Got Bones?

2009-10-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

This was a really cute card to make. I got my idea from Jan Tink's website. Go to her October 1st post. (I don't know how to link to the exact card except to tell you which day she posted it.). I did this card as a swap for a SU! demo group meeting and everyone liked it. I made up a bunch more to send to my friends for Halloween. I love the little pooch trying to get his bone!

The only thing that I did differently was to use clear detail embossing powder on the image. It softened it up just a bit. I tried using white EP and the detail became too "muddy." Not using any EP worked too because I still had the white image, but I liked the little bit of "glow" that I got from the clear EP. Wish Stampin' Up! had glow-in-the-dark embossing powder. Now wouldn't that be fun?!??

Start out with Old Olive card base. Cut piece of Cast a Spell DSP and attach a strip of Perfect Plum to the back at the top. With marker, draw "stitch" lines along edge of purple card stock. Attach strip of black grosgrain to the front as shown, tie bow on right side, near edge. Attach to card base.

Cut piece of black CS 2 1/4" by 2 1/4". Stamp image with Whisper White craft ink, emboss with clear detail powder. Cut Pumpkin Pie piece 2 ½" by 2 ½". Attach black stamped CS piece to Pumpkin Pie piece. With marker, draw "stitch" lines around border. Best to do this step after the two pieces are attached so that placement of stitching is correct. Attach panel to card front.

Punch Perfect Plum with Modern Label punch. Using marker, draw lines around edge of "bone". Fold in half and slip over edge of card. Use 1/16" punch to punch hole through all layers for brad. Attach with brad. Tie snippet of Pumpkin Pie ribbon around "bone."

Recipe:
Stamps: Twick or Tweet
Paper: Cast a Spell DSP, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Perfect Plum, Old Olive
Ink: White Craft, Elegant Eggplant Marker
Accessories: Clear Detail EP, Black grosgrain ribbon, pumpkin pie grosgrain ribbon, 1/16" punch, Modern Label punch, Pumpkin Pie brad.

Frankie

2009-10-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

I love Frankie and his smelly feet! Trick or Treat!

Card base is Dusty Durango. Trim (1") off bottom of card so that inside of card shows. Using Batty wheel and Basic Black ink, roll design on bottom of inside of card. It's hard to see in this picture, but it makes a really neat border.

Cut strip of Patterns Pack design and mat to Basic Black. Attach to card.

Stamp Frankie on Old Olive CS in Basic Black ink. Punch out with 1 1/4" circle punch. Stamp Frankie again on to Whisper White in Old Olive and punch out with 1 3/8" circle punch. Punch Scalloped Circle out of Basic Black. Layer elements together. Using mini glue dots attach googly eyes to Frankie. Using Paper Piecer, pierce two holes in top of scalloped circle and thread black cord through. Attach to card with dimensional.

Recipe:
Stamps: Batty For You, Batty Wheel
Paper: Dusty Durango, Whisper White, Old Olive, Basic Black, Patterns Pack III (Level 1 Hostess)
Ink: Basic Black, Old Olive
Accessories: Scalloped Circle Punch, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" circle punches, black cord, googly eyes.

Pink Elegance

2009-10-14T19:47:00.000-07:00

I really like the new Stampin' Up! embossing folders. While I have a lot of the Cuttlebug ones and use those often, I felt that if I'm going to eventually become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator (next year), that I should acquire the SU! ones too.

This card was very easy to make. I used Pretty in Pink card stock and ran it through the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder. I cut out around the edges to make it look a bit more three dimensional, used some regal rose ink and a sponge to add some texture, and then used my Fruit Punch Stickles glitter glue to go over all the raised areas. I attached this to a Regal Rose card base. I stamped the Oval All stamp on Whisper White and colored it in with markers, punching it out with the large oval punch. I used the scalloped oval punch to punch out a mat from Rose Red CS. The ovals were layered and attached to the card with dimensionals. And that was it! I've also made this one with the Basic Gray CS for the card base, and the So Saffron for the roses. I sent that one to my Mom and forgot to take a picture before I sent it. Oops!

Recipe:

Stamp Set: Oval All
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Whisper White
Ink: Regal Rose, Basic Black, Markers
Accessories: Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder, large oval punch, scalloped oval punch, dimensionals, Fruit Punch Stickles glitter glue

Back To Regular Scheduled Posting

2009-09-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

Here'sanother version of the Medallion card.
Stamp Sets: Medallion Background, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Basic Black
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Basic Black
Other: Whimsy Wheel, Sheer Black Ribbon

Same directions as the post for the So Saffron/Basic Gray card.

We Interrupt Our Regular Scheduled Posting to Bring You FALL

2009-09-07T20:16:00.001-07:00

We're now into September and we're having the weather that we would normally have in October. It's been quite cool in Wisconsin, but thankfully it's been sunny and dry, at least for this year's Labor Day holiday weekend.

I was supremely lucky enough to be able to get a level 3 hostess set recently (thanks to Barb and Kate and Kate's friends who ordered stuff when I was hostess!), and have been wanting to make this card for a couple of weeks and finally got around to it.

This card is pretty straightforward. The card base is textured Melon Mambo. LOVE this color! In order to make sure that my design would fit on the card with all the matting, I cut the mats from the bottom up and then stamped the Whisper White after I had the panel cut. Rich Razzleberry is the bottom mat, next comes Dusty Durango topped by the Whisper White which is stamped in the mum flower stamp with Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, Melon Mambo and Rich Razzleberry. The sentiment was stamped in Rich Razzleberry ink. Finished off with Crushed Curry polka dot ribbon. Wish they would do this with more of the SU! colors besides the In Colors.

Can't get much simpler than this . . . . . .

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Kind and Caring Thoughts (level 3 hostess)
Paper: Melon Mambo textured, Rich Razzleberry, Dusty Durango, Whisper White card stock
Accessories: Crushed Curry polka dot ribbon

Was Going to Post a New Card but Can't Add a Picture

2009-09-05T07:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I was going to post a new card today, but for some reason the edit screen doesn't allow me to post a picture, so I guess it will have to wait. Not sure what's going on. So, I guess I'll go get ready to leave for the park where my hubby and I are planning to spend the day. It's a beautiful day here today, not too hot, lots of sun, should be a good day all around. I'll check back later today and see if I can post this card.

Saffron Medallion

2009-08-30T18:26:00.000-07:00

According to Stampin’ Up! this medallion background stamp is the most popular stamp in the new catalog based on the number of stamps ordered. I shouldn’t wonder, this is a BEAUTIFUL and totally elegant stamp!

I inked up the stamp with Basic Gray and stamped partially off the So Saffron card front. A strip of So Saffron was cut and the Whimsy wheel was run over it using More Mustard Ink. I tried the So Saffron ink and the design was barely visible. This strip was matted on to a strip of Basic Gray card stock. A length of Basic Gray taffeta ribbon was knotted and attached to the matted strip, which was attached to the left side of the card with adhesive. The sentiment was stamped with Basic Gray ink.

Stamp Set: Medallion Background, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: So Saffron, Basic Gray
Ink: More Mustard, Basic Gray
Other: Whimsy Wheel, Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon

Bella Butterflies and Birds

2009-08-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

This is another card that I made with the SC241 sketch challenge, as an idea for my upcoming card club meeting. When I'm trying out something new I always use discontinued designer series paper, just in case it doesn't work out. If it works, I have a card that I can use, if it doesn't, I haven't wasted my new current paper.

The directions for creating this card are the same as the previous one, it's just the supplies that are a bit different.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Great Friend
Paper: So Saffron, Bordering Blue CS, Bella Birds DSP
Ink: Brocade Blue
Other: Paper Snips, Dimensionals

Bella Butterflies

2009-08-19T19:12:00.001-07:00

This is one of several cards that I made as ideas for the rubber stamping club that I'm working on setting up where I live. I figured that it wouldn't be too hard to show ladies how to ink up a stamp and with this layout, they can practice three times!

Stamp Set: Great Friend
Paper: Naturals Ivory, Not Quiet Navy CS, Bella Bleu DSP
Ink: Not Quite Navy
Other: Paper snips, dimensionals

Working the elements top to bottom, I started out with a piece of Bella Bleu Designer Series paper matted on to Not Quite Navy. The next layered element was using challenge SC241, cutting the pattered paper into two non-equal pieces and matting again on to Not Quite Navy. This was attached to a Naturals Ivory card base. The butterflies were stamped in Not Quite Navy ink, cut out and attached with dimensionals. And that was it!

WOW, have I been gone that long???

2009-08-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

Hello friends and fellow stampers! I can't BELIEVE that I've been away from this blog for so long. We're past the middle of AUGUST already for crying out loud!!

I've been working hard over the past few days making card samples for a stamping club that I'm starting up in September. Gee, less than a month away. ACK!!!

Anyway, I need to write up the directions and supply list, upload the photos and then post them here. I should have at least one ready to post later today.

Stay tuned.

Kathy

New Stuff Is Here!

2009-07-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

I just got my order of the new catty stuff and I’m going to have SO MUCH FUN! This bottle topper was made with a couple of the new In Colors along with a new Designer Series Paper. I worked up this idea as a possibility (with some revisions for the season) for our church bazaar/bake sale in November. This was so easy to make after I got the dimensions figured out. Lookie:

First the recipe:
Stamp sets: Tart and Tangy, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Whisper White, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink: Basic Black, Pixie Pink
Punches: Scalloped Circle, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" Circle, Tab, Scalloped Border
Other: Sticky Strip, double sided adhesive

Using the Melon Mambo card stock, make your drink holder a length of 11" and a width of 2.75". Score 1.25" from one end, and 3.25" from other end. Long end will fold up to make pocket, short end will fold back to go over bottle.

On short end, punch hole with 1 3/8" circle punch. In Crushed Curry CS, punch hole with 1 3/8" Circle Punch. Centering hole in punch, punch again with Scalloped Circle Punch to get scalloped ring. (It’s easier to do it this way than to punch the scalloped circle first and then try to punch the hole out of the middle) Glue to hole in drink holder.

For design element on bottom, stamp lemon slice in Pixie Pink ink. Punch out with 1 1/4" Circle Punch. Punch Melon Mambo CS with 1 3/8" Circle and Crushed Curry CS with Scalloped Circle punches. Layer together as shown.

Cut piece of Razzleberry Lemonade DSP 2.75" wide and 3.5" long and adhere to holder starting at top score line. Fold bottom edge up along score line (DSP should be below edge of pocket) and adhere with Sticky Strip. This will keep the pocket from popping open when you insert the drink mix tube. Punch a strip of Crushed Curry CS with the Scalloped Border Punch and attach to top edge of pocket. Center lemon slice on pocket with dimensionals.

Punch Melon Mambo CS with Tab Punch and fold. Stamp words from Teeny Tiny Wishes and adhere as shown with double sided adhesive.

Insert drink mix tube.

Drink Up!

Runnin' Out Of Cards

2009-07-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

Friends, I'm quickly running out of cards to post. I'm waiting for my new order that has some really fun sets in it and I can't seem to get the inspiration to use any of my "old" sets. Does that happen to you? I want to use stuff that's current instead of retired, and I don't have much of that. I need to recreate a couple of cards that I made and sent out before I thought to photograph them (DUH!) but then I'm stuck. I hope to get my order from my demo this weekend. Three of the new sets that I'm getting are "On A Pedestal", "Medallion", and "Circle Circus." They look like GREAT fun, plus I'm getting a TON of embellishments! It seemed like the In Colors and new embellishments jumped out at me before the stamp sets did.

Stay Tuned.

Embrace Life

2009-07-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

I saw this card on Laura’s website
and if you go to her post for October 26th 2008 or there abouts, (yeah I know, that’s last year but I saved her samples and didn’t do anything with them until now), you’ll find something similar to this card. I didn’t have space to do all of her embellishing so left off the ribbon, and changed up the placement of the crimped strips and circles to give some interest. I also used some diamond glaze on the top flower to balance out the double elements on the bottom. I’m rather pleased with how it turned out. My friend Kate, an SU! demonstrator, said this was one of my better efforts. Thanks Laura for the inspiration!

Recipe:
Stamps: Embrace Life, Small Script
Paper: Green Tea DS Paper, River Rock, Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Baja Breeze, Old Olive marker
Accessories: Paper Crimper, 1 1/4" and 1/3/8" circle punch, small oval punch, diamond glaze, blender pen (for Baja Breeze on flowers)

Blue Upsy Daisy

2009-07-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

I'm waiting for my order from the new catalog to arrive (can't WAIT to play with the new In Colors!) so in the meantime, I'll post an "old" card.

I copied this card directly from the flier that Stampin Up! had promoting a 15% sale on new stamps from the Fall-Winter 2008 catalog. The only thing that I changed were the buttons because I didn’t have the Button Bouquet set yet.

I stamped the Upsy Daisy stamp on to Baja Breeze card stock with Night of Navy ink. It was matted to a piece of Night of Navy card stock and the edge was curled back. This was then attached to a Kiwi Kiss card base. The sentiment was stamped on to Very Vanilla card stock in Kiwi Kiss ink. The end was trimmed, and it was attached to the card. Night of Navy buttons were used for interest.

This card layout would lend itself well to many different color combinations and sentiments. I thought the Upsy Daisy was a nice all-purpose stamp set and well worth the money. AND, it's in the new catalog!

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Upsy Daisy
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Night of Navy, Very Vanilla
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Night of Navy
Accessories: Night of Navy buttons

Tart Thank You

2009-07-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

Wow, I realized that it's been almost TWO WEEKS since I last posted here! Where has the month gone??!! Well, there's family stuff, church stuff, condo stuff, and then I discovered Face Book last night . . . . OMGOMGOMG. So, that's where my time has gone. But today I felt the need to post another card.

I got my inspiration for this card from Mary Fish here. See her post for March 18th. I really liked this card! I changed a couple of things because I didn’t have all the accessories that she had. Instead of the buttons in the middle of the 5 petal flowers I used flower brads and I used a square frame because I didn’t have the round sentiment that she used. I stamped the sentiment in Whisper White craft ink and then embossed with clear detail embossing powder. Maybe I should have used white embossing powder but I sort of like the subtle look of the sentiment. I also used satin ribbon instead of organdy. Check out her blog to get the exact directions for creating the main part of this card. Thanks Mary! Again, she’s *Stampin’ Pretty.*

Here’s the recipe:
Stamp Set: Polka Dot Punches, Small Greetings from Hero Arts
Paper: Raspberry Tart Designer Series, Cameo Coral, Whisper White, Rose Red
Ink: Rose Red, Whisper White Craft
Accessories: 5-Petal Punch, Large Oval Punch by Marvy, square Hodgepodge Label holder and brads (styled silver), flower brads by Making Memories, satin ribbon, clear detail embossing powder (thank you), heat tool, dimensionals

Botanical Blooms in Blue

2009-06-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather has cooled off (temps in the 90's is just TOO warm!), I can sit comfortably upstairs at my computer and think cards.

I just love this set! I didn’t get it when I wrote up my initial order for the SAB sets this past winter, but after I found so many pretty cards using this set, I added an extra $50 worth of stuff to my order so I could get this one too!

I came across this card here and just had to make it! I used a different sentiment and lace border punch, but otherwise, I couldn’t find anything else to change. I suppose I could have changed the blue, but the color is so soft and pretty!

Recipe:
Stamps: Botanical Blooms, Sincere Salutations

Paper: Sahara Sand, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Washington Apple DSP

Ink: Basic Black, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery

Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, 1-3/8" Square Punch, Word Window Punch, Corner Rounder, White Taffeta Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Cheep Talk

2009-06-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

The Retro Fresh style is somewhat outside of my comfort zone but I fell in love with this little Cheep Talk birdie so just had to have the set! The Trendy Trees came later.

The card base is Pumpkin Pie. Washington Apple designer paper is matted on to the card base. The branch is stamped on to Whisper White in Glorious Green ink. The bird is stamped with Real Red and then the ink is rubbed off the beak and legs and the proper colors of markers are used. The bird’s body is stamped again on a scrap and cut out. It is attached to the body with a dimensional. A sponge dauber is used to dab Bashful Blue ink around the edge of the bird panel. This is attached to the card with dimensionals. Paper flowers and a brad balance out the design. I couldn't get over how well this turned out!

Here's the recipe:
Stamp Set: Cheep Talk, Really Retro
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Washington Apple Designer Series paper
Ink: Real Red, Glorious Green, Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Pie markers
Accessories: Paper flowers, yellow brad, dimensionals

Trendy Trees

2009-06-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

I know that the new catalog will be coming out next month but this set has not been retired so I'm proceeding with the posts of the cards that I made for a group of SU! demonstrators.

I found the card here

The card base is Whisper White. I used strips from the Good Morning Sunshine paper to make a "quilt" effect on the lower portion of the card. I stamped the trees in Summer Sun and Kiwi Kiss ink on Whisper White and punched out using my large oval punch. I attached them to Kiwi Kiss ovals punched out using my Wide Oval punch from Marvy. These were attached to the card with dimensionals, overlapping the edge of the Kiwi Kiss striped grosgrain ribbon (which looks WAY wrong in this picture but that’s the way it photographs and I took the picture more than once) which covers up the top edge of the printed paper strips. The sentiment was stamped on Kiwi Kiss card stock and punched out using the large oval punch. It was attached with dimensionals.

Here’s the recipe:
Stamps: Trendy Trees
Paper: Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss , Good Morning Sunshine Designer Series paper
Ink: Summer Sun, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Kiwi Kiss Striped Ribbon, large oval punch, wide oval punch by Marvy.

Back For A While

2009-06-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you folks know that I'm back for a while and will be posting cards again soon. It's been so long since I actually posted anything that I've forgotten where I left off.

We've been trying to get things taken care of here after being gone for so much time. We're all doing OK, it gets a bit easier every day. We'll be with Mom again next week, mid week and my brother and family and sister and her husband will be there too. It would have been Mom and Dad's 60th wedding anniversary on the 19th.

Thanks for checking in!
Kathy

Gone For A While

2009-05-06T16:55:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Just a note to let you know that I'm not going to be online for a while. I've been dealing with the death of my father who passed away on April 18th. I've been spending a lot of time out of town, staying with my mother. We're doing fine, but it's just a lot of extra things going on.

Plus this week, home for 3 days, we've been dealing with BOTH of our vehicles in the shop. Yup, at the SAME TIME. So, we've had a rental car and the dealer is having problems getting parts for the car. We have the truck back but the car will take another couple of days. We think.

Anyway, I have things to share but no time to post. Maybe next week, we'll be home for a day longer than this week.

Kathy

Blue Cheep Talk

2009-04-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

I just love the Cheep Talk stamp set! Those little birds are SO CUTE! I used the following card for my inspiration.

I started out with a Pacific Point card base. A piece of Good Morning Sunshine designer paper was cut and matted to Kiwi Kiss and then attached to the card base. A strip of Pacific Point striped grosgrain ribbon was attached over the top of the designer paper panel. The branch was inked up in Glorious Green and stamped on Whisper White. The flower was stamped in Summer Sun and cut out. The branch leaves was stamped again and cut out to fill in the area at the end of the branch. The flower was attached using a 3D glue dot. A yellow button from Fresh Favorites II was attached to the flower with a flat glue dot. The little bird was inked up in Pacific Point, and then the color removed from the feet and beak, colored back in with the appropriate colored markers and then stamped on the branch. The imagine was inked up and stamped again on another scrap of paper, and cut out. The body piece was attached with a dimensional. The panel was attached to the card with dimensionals.

Here’s the recipe for this card.

Stamp Set: Cheep Talk
Paper: Good Morning Sunshine Designer Series paper, Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Summer Sun, Whisper White
Ink: Glorious Green, Pacific Point, Close to Cocoa, Summer Sun, Close to Cocoa and Summer Sun markers (for bird feet and beak)

Sweet Stems

2009-03-31T17:09:00.000-07:00

I’m afraid that I don’t have the "author" for this card, so if someone knows who designed this one, please let me know and I’ll give proper credit.

I love this little set! I started out with a card base of Cameo Coral. A piece of Raspberry Tart designer paper was matted to Rose Red and attached to the card base. The green panel is pierced on top and bottom. The flowers from the Sweet Stems set were stamped in Basic Black, colored with Rose Red, Regal Rose and Green Galore markers and punched out using the 1 1/4" circle punch. These were matted on to Green Galore mats punched with the 1 3/8" circle punch. The scalloped circle mats were created by punching out Regal Rose and Rose red and staggering them so part of the other color showed. The two outside mats are Rose Red on top of Regal Rose, the center one is Regal Rose on top of Rose Red. I used my white gel pen to draw the dots on the top layer of the scalloped circle. The flowers elements are attached using dimensionals. I didn’t feel that a sentiment would work on the front of this card, just didn’t seem like there was enough room, but a small one could be done using an oval punch if the main panel was moved up a little bit. I couldn’t change my layout because the dimensionals tore the paper when I tried to move the panel. I don’t think the recipient will mind.

Here’s the recipe:
Stamp Set: Sweet Stems
Paper: Rose Red, Regal Rose, Kiwi Kiss, Raspberry Tart Designer Series paper
Ink: Basic Black, Rose Red, Regal Rose and Green Galore markers, white gel pen
Accessories: Paper piercer and mat, scalloped circle punch, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" circle punch

Polka Dot Flowers

2009-03-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

I recently participated in a 10 4 $10 event. Folks made 10 different cards for $10. It’s a GREAT way to try out some of the new Stampin’ Up! sets and products to see if you want to buy them. I’m friends with one of the Stampin Up! demonstrators and we had the event at my church. Because the ladies were all great, the folks all had a good time (the ladies from my church who attended said they really enjoyed themselves), and because of the little gifts each demonstrator gave me, I decided to make them all thank you cards. Because they’re all part of the same group of course I couldn’t make duplicate cards and because they’re all demonstrators I couldn't make just ANY card but had to pull out all the stops and make GREAT cards! So, I have new cards to show you, in addition to the 10 cards that I myself made at the event. But first, the thank you’s. I think this is some of my best work to date.

I got the idea for this card here. I shamelessly copied it because I couldn’t come up with any good ways to change it. Thanks Nancy for a GREAT card idea!

The card base is Bashful Blue. Delicate Dots designer paper was matted on to So Saffron and attached to the card base. Strips of Bashful Blue and So Saffron were cut and design done using the paper piercer and piercing template, and then attached to the bottom of the card. I stamped the "flower" from the set in Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Certainly Celery and Sahara Sand on Very Vanilla card stock. These were punched out with the 1 1/4" circle punch and then matted to the coordinating solid punched with the 1 3/8" circle punch. These were attached with dimensionals, to scalloped circles punched in the coordinating colors. The holes in the scallops were done with the 1/16" hand held punch. A length of 5/8" Certainly Celery twill ribbon was tied at the top.

Here’s the recipe:
Stamps: Polka Dot PunchesPaper: Delicate Dots DP, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Sahara Sand, and Very Vanilla CSInk: Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, and Sahara SandEmbellishments: 5/8" Certainly Celery Poly-Twill Ribbon, Bashful Blue Brad, So Saffron Brad, Certainly Celery Brad, Pewter BradTools: Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" & 1 3/8" Circle PunchesSupplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, 1/16" handheld punch

Looks like a Buckle?

2009-03-19T13:02:00.001-07:00

This card is going to a man who’s an outdoorsy type person, so I thought the designer paper looked a little bit Western, and the striped embossing folder looked a little bit like barn board. I hadn’t intended that the stripes go sideways, but that’s the way it came out of the embossing folder, and I think it looks better than the other way.

My medallion is different than the other two that I made. I cut the square wrong, so it was too short in one direction. So, instead of chucking the piece or using it for something else, I trimmed it so it was the short distance all the way around, decided to just punch two sides instead of four, and it almost looks like a belt buckle, don’t you think?

So, the directions again, are the same as the other cards only, as I said, the square was cut wrong so was trimmed so that it was one and three quarter inches on all sides, and punched on just two. If I had tried to punch all four sides the way I first had it cut, the inside would have fallen out.

Here’s the Recipe:
Stamp: Hero Arts
Paper: River Rock (card base and circle), Chocolate Chip (medallion, Old Olive (leaves), Really Rust ("Belt"), Apple Cider Designer Series paper
Accessories: Distressed Stripes Cuttlebug Embossing folder, Scalloped Border Punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, Sweetest Stem Embosslit folder, Cuttlebug machine

Washington Apple with a Sweetest Stem

2009-03-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

I needed a birthday card for my nephew who will be 11. I don’t have many if any masculine stamps so tried to come up with an idea that would be both fun and not too "girlie." I hope I accomplished that with this card. Check the previous post for dimensions and directions.

I’m going to see what other designer papers I have that would work with this. This is SUCH a versatile card design!

Here’s the recipe:
Stamp Sets: Upsy Daisy (sentiment)
Paper: Bashful Blue (card base), So Saffron (leaves), Pumpkin Pie (band), Riding Hood Red (medallion), Washington Apple Designer Series paper
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Scalloped Border Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Cuttlebug machine and Bloom Dots embossing folder, Sweetest Stem Embosslit folder

Sweetest Stem Embosslit Card

2009-03-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

Folks! I think I’ve hit on a card layout/idea that works no matter WHAT kind of paper I have or what the occasion is!

I was cruising through Splitcoast Stampers the other day and came upon a blog and a card that I thought was outstanding. It's SO versatile and would work with just about any patterned paper as long as it had three or more colors in it. First, I found this card (go to the January 18th post) that I decided to CASE. It's by Nancy Hendel. I just LOVED her card.

Here’s how mine went together with a few modifications:

I used the Swiss Dots folder to emboss the base card which was Certainly Celery. Because the embossing didn’t go all the way to the edge, I trimmed a couple sides to eliminate that part. A piece of the Green Tea Designer Series paper was cut and attached to the bottom half of the card front. Next, a square of Baja Breeze was cut to just a bit over 2 ½". This made the square big enough so the center didn’t fall out when the scalloped border punch was used to do the cut out design. I lined this piece up in the scalloped border punch and did all four sides. (Check out Nancy’s medallion tutorial for January 18th.) Next, a circle was cut out of Certainly Celery CS with the 1/1/4" circle punch. Next, a piece of Old Olive cardstock the size of the embosslit die was cut and run through the Cuttlebug. The Certainly Celery circle was attached to the center of the blue square and the embossed leaf element was layered on to that with small dimensionals. A strip of Old Olive card stock was cut at 1 1/4" and threaded through the medallion. This whole thing was then attached to the card, covering up the edge of the patterned paper. Three Rain Dots were attached to the blank Old Olive area and adhesive pearls were attached to the leaves.

This is a fun card to make and the medallion is very unique. This card could be made with just about any paper (I’m going to try it with some brighter papers with more colors) and embellished with rhinestones, glitter, eyelets, brads, anything you want!

I LOVE the way this card turned out! I will be posting more.

Recipe:
Stamp set: None
Paper: Green Tea DS paper, Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, Old Olive
Accessories: Scalloped Border Punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, Cuttlebug machine and Swiss Dots embossing folder, White Rain Dots by Cloud9 Design, Sweetest Stem Embosslit folder, adhesive pearls by K&Company

Thoughts and Prayers

2009-03-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

I just got the Thoughts and Prayers stamp set and unfortunately, had to use it right away. I got my idea for my card from Splitcoast Stampers here

I used Kiwi Kiss for the card base and used my Martha Stewart lace scalloped border punch on the bottom edge of the Whisper White layer. I inked up my branch stamp with Kiwi Kiss ink and removed the ink from the flowers using a blender pen. I then used a Bashful Blue marker to color in the flowers. This was stamped on Whisper White and matted to Baja Breeze. I used the two way glue pen to put adhesive on to the flowers and applied Dazzling Diamonds glitter. Once that was dry, I glued a piece of Baja Breeze striped grosgrain ribbon across the upper left corner of the matted piece. This was attached to the card. The sentiment was stamped on to Whisper White in Kiwi Kiss ink and punched out with the large oval punch. This was matted on to Baja Breeze which had been punched out with the Marvy oval punch. This was attached to the card front and the card was done.

I really like this set, I look forward to using it for something other than a sympathy card.

Here’s the recipe:
Stamp Set: Thoughts and Prayers
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Bashful Blue Marker
Accessories: Baja Breeze striped grosgrain ribbon, Martha Stewart scalloped lace border punch, large oval punch by SU! and wide oval punch from Marvy, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, two way glue

Hearts and Swirls

2009-03-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

Here’s another card using Laura’s idea. Again, I changed the embossing folder and trimmed off the unembossed edges, and used the scalloped square punch for the second background square. This was very easy to put together once I got the colors coordinated. The heart pieces were created the same as the other one, with the scalloped square layer being the shimmer paper. It doesn’t show up in the picture, but it adds just the right amount of shine. I stamped the sentiment on Shimmer White and trimmed the ends into a curve. The squares and the sentiment were attached to the card with dimensionals. This one will probably go to my Mom and Dad.

Here’s the Recipe:
Stamp Set: Hero Arts (sentiment)
Paper: Whisper White, Shimmer White, Always Artichoke, Rose Red, Night of Navy, metallic shimmer paper from Marco Paper, The Luxury Stack by DCWV (for hearts)
Ink: Night of Navy
Accessories: Cuttlebug Folder "D’vine Swirl", heart punch by Marvy, 1 1/4" and Scalloped Square punches, dimensionals

Stampless Heart Card

2009-03-03T07:07:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while I come across an idea that doesn’t use any stamps. This card is CASE’d from one that I found on Laura Fredrickson’s Blog (go to posting date Feb. 4). Please check her out, she has MARVELOUS card ideas!! I changed it up a bit by using the "Birds and Swirls" Cuttlebug folder and using the scalloped square punch as my second square layer.

Because I didn’t want to make the whole card base out of my Shimmer White card stock, I used Whisper White instead. I then ran a quarter sheet of Shimmer White through my Cuttlebug with "Birds and Swirls" and the unembossed edges were trimmed off. This was attached to the card base. The hearts are punched out of the Luxury Stack and attached to the appropriate colors of square cardstock. The Scalloped Square metallic papers are gold for the Really Rust and Chocolate Chip, and green for the Always Artichoke. It’s hard to see in this picture but the shimmer really adds a nice touch. The heart squares are attached to the scalloped squares and then attached to the card with dimensionals.

I had debated about doing a sentiment on the front, but didn’t want to cover up any more of the embossed design so let it be. Sometimes, less is more. I wound up sending this to my sister and brother-in-law for their anniversary.

I wish the detail showed up more but I was having a problem with lighting this time. So many of my pic attempts didn't want to focus! I was thrilled to get THIS one!

Here’s the recipe:
Stamp set: None
Paper: Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Shimmer White, Whisper White, metallic shimmer paper from Marco Paper, The Luxury Stack from DCWV (for hearts)
Accessories: Cuttlebug Folder "Birds and Swirls", heart punch by Marvy, 1 1/4" and Scalloped Square punches, dimensionals

Merci

2009-02-22T19:27:00.001-08:00

I made this card for an elderly friend of mine who made me some scones the other day. They were DE-LISH and I thought she’d enjoy one of my cards.

This card uses the Merci set, a Sale-a-bration set from 2008 which had never seen ink. It just didn’t seem to lend itself to my style of cardmaking but that’s just because I needed to get inspired. The paper was what did it for me. I just LOVE this pattern!! Normally I’m working with the main element and then have to find paper to match. This time I found this great patterned paper and then had to try to find the colors to match. I probably should have made the flower blue and the little hearts pink, but I did it backwards, before I realized my "mistake," and wanted to get SOME blue in there. Oh well.

The main card base is Brocade Blue and a piece of patterned and glitterered paper (you can't see the glitter in the picture but it’s there in a few places) was attached to that. A 1" strip of Brocade Blue was run through the Cuttlebug with a Swiss Dots embossing folder and attached to the card.. I stamped the main image on watercolor paper with Black StazOn ink. It was colored in with a watercolor brush and ink pads. I also used markers for the stem and heart outline. This was matted on to Brocade Blue and Regal Rose. "Merci" was stamped with Brocade Blue on a scrap of watercolor paper and punched out with one side of the Tab Punch. This was glued to the lower right side of the main image mat. This was attached to the card with dimensionals.

Here’s the recipe:
Stamps: Merci
Paper: Watercolor Paper, Brocade Blue, Regal Rose, Rose Red, "Once Upon A Time" Mat Stack by DCWV
Ink: Brocade Blue, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Summer Sun, Always Artichoke and Rose Red markers, Black StazOn
Accessories: Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder, Tab Punch, dimensionals, watercolor brush

Swiss Hearts

2009-02-21T13:16:00.000-08:00

We've been having a snow storm today here in Milwaukee, WI. I turned on the Weather Channel early this afternoon and what city should be featured but . . . . . Milwaukee! I thought we were through with it which is why my husband and I went out and shoveled and dug out our car, and now it's snowing again! ACK!!

So, that meant that I have been stuck indoors and could . . . . . STAMP! Yay!

Before I post what I did today, I want to post something that I did last week, that lead to what I did today. I watch Laura Fredrickson's blog religiously, she's a fantastic source of inspiration for me and a lot of other folks out there, so check her out here. She had a link to another blog here where I got my inspiration for this card. I'll post some of my CASE's of Laura's stuff soon, but wanted to get this one out there first.

The paper that I used for the hearts lent itself better to a colored background so I chose Barely Banana for that. I used my new Swiss Dots embossing folder. I got several new ones the other day, but the Swiss Dots is my favorite. I can truthfully say that it took me longer to pick out the heart colors than it did to make the entire card. I used a black marker to ink up just the "hello" word on one of the Hero Arts stamps and stamped that on the bottom heart. Very simple! Thanks Jennifer for the inspiration!

Recipe:
Stamps: Hero Arts Friendly Greetings
Paper: Barely Banana, Textured Designer Mat Pad by Brenda Walton-K&Company
Ink: Basic Black marker
Accessories: 3/4" Small Heart Punch, Swiss Dots Cuttlebug embossing folder

Think Happy Kiwi Thoughts

2009-02-18T17:19:00.000-08:00

I’ve been trying to be inspired and make something on my own that I’m not copying from someone else. The cards that I’ve made the last three days have been completely CASE’d from others which is why I'm not posting them until I can attach the proper credits to them.

This was a card that I tried to make from a card I found on the Internet, and it didn’t turn out anything like I thought it would which is why I’m posting it. It doesn’t resemble at all the idea I started out with originally. The only element that's even REMOTELY similar is the medallion. I’m sure all of you have had that happen to you. I’m not sure if I like this card or not. I think it will have to grow on me.

I started out using the colors from the Murifield designer paper as my inspiration. The final result isn’t what I thought it would be, mainly because I used so little of the actual designer paper. The card I started out with used Certainly Celery as the background, but that didn’t seem to look right with the brightness of the blue accent so I changed to the Kiwi Kiss which is what I should have started with in the first place.

I used my Leafy Branch Cuttlebug folder to emboss the background on Kiwi Kiss card stock. This was attached to a Pacific Point card base. Pacific Point was used with my Vintage die for the corner pieces. The flower was stamped with Versamark and embossed with embossing powder and punched out. I did it this way because I didn't trust myself to get the flower in the middle of the dotted circle image. And no, I didn't think at the time to use my stampamajig. The dotted circle was stamped with Kiwi Kiss on Very Vanilla card stock and punched with the 1 1/4" circle punch. This was attached to a circle of Pacific Point punched with the 1 3/8" circle punch. I used the Murifield retired paper in the plaid pattern and used the scalloped circle punch. All elements were attached with a brad.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Think Happy Thoughts
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Piont, Very Vanilla, Murifield
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Versamark
Accessories: Cuttlebug embossing folder "Leafy Branch", Vintage die, Pearl luster Sapphire embossing powder by Stampendous, 3/4", 1 1/4", 1 3/8" and scalloped circle punches, vanilla brad from Hodge Podge Hardware, ribbon from Michael’s, dimensionals

Black Birthday Soup

2009-02-05T18:21:00.000-08:00

Boy, that's some name, huh? "Black Soup?" Well, that's what happens when I'm trying for something catchy and miss. Oh well.

This card was made for a 14 year old boy who’s favorite color is black. Now I know that black is a pretty basic color that goes with anything, but I wanted the other color to be something that wouldn’t stand out too much but would still look like a nice contrast. Grey was simply too "blah." I’ve never been too fond of the Bordering Blue color because it looked too grey to me, except then it’s against black and then it has a definite blue tone to it. I had used this layout for another card but felt that it lent itself well for this design. I really like how it turned out! The black really sets off the blue.

The base is Basic Black. A mat of Bordering Blue and another one of Basic Black were cut out. The black mat was run part way through my paper crimper (you can't see the crimps in this picture but they’re there), about half way up from the bottom and the top was trimmed to fit.

The "Happy Birthday" sentiment was stamped on Bordering Blue in black ink and the bottom edge was torn. It was layered on to the black mat leaving enough room at the top for the brads and then attached to the Boarding Blue mat. The brads were then attached using the paper-piercing tool and template and the whole things was then attached to the card base.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Alphabet Soup
Paper: Basic Black, Bordering Blue
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Paper Crimper, gold square brads, Paper Piercing tool from Crafter’s Tool Kit, Paper Piercing Template

Birthday Blooms

2009-01-29T09:22:00.000-08:00

This card was made for a 4 year old girl and I’d been told that her favorite colors were purple and pink. I had to work a bit to come up with the right combination. The contrast was almost too much for me but I figured this was for a 4 year old and I know how they like flash and dash. After I’d finished the card, it still didn’t look right so that’s when I added a little bit more "flash," meaning the stickles.

The card was made with Pixie Pink as the base. The Lovely Lilac front was cut a half inch shorter than the width of the card and then punched using the Fiskars scallop punch. I have both the Fiskars and Stampin’ Up! scalloped punches but wanted the holes so saved myself the extra steps by using the Fiskars one.

The flower and the leaves were stamped on Whisper White CS. The flower was stamped again on Pixie Pink and cut out. It was attached to the white with a rhinestone brad, and this was layered on to a mat of Pixie Pink and Mello Moss which was then attached to the card base.

This card was pretty simple and could be used for a number of different occasions simply by changing up the colors and sentiments.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Friendship Blooms, Sincere Salutations
Paper: Pixie Pink, Mello Moss, Lovely Lilac, Whisper White
Ink: Pixie Pink, Mello Moss, Lovely Lilac
Accessories: Scalloped Punch (Fiskars), Purple Rhinestone Brad, Fruit Pumch Stickles (could also use Crystal)

Winter Wonderland in Blue

2009-01-16T09:17:00.000-08:00

Here's some food for thought.....if you have a stamp set that you haven’t used at all or maybe just one time and it's been retired but you still REALLY LIKE it, don’t sell it or give it away, keep it somewhere out of sight so you can’t see that you still have it. Then when a catalog comes out that has a set similar (I’m convinced that they discontinue stuff so they can bring it back in a couple years "changed" just a little bit), get your hidden set out and you’ll be set! Then you can use the money that you saved by not buying another similar set, to buy something else that you really need/want.

I was inspired to make this card because of the Sleigh Bells Ring set that was in the Fall/Winter catalog. I KNEW I had a set similar to that one but couldn't remember if I still had it. Fortunately, I DID.

This color/paper combination seemed to lend itself well for a masculine card. It’s hard to see but I used the crystal Stickles on part of the skating rink and also on the road. I SO like how it turned out!

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Winter Wonderland
Paper: Four Seasons DSP (ret.), Night of Navy, Whisper White
Ink: Night of Navy
Accessories: Navy grosgrain ribbon from Michael’s, crystal Stickles

Winter Wonderland in Red

2009-01-10T08:33:00.001-08:00

Have you ever had a stamp set that you bought because you really liked a sample that you saw made with it, but when you got the set you couldn't find the sample and you couldn't figure out what else to do with it? Or else the sample didn't look as good as it did the first time you saw it? You let the stamp set sit around forever, and then decided you were going to try to sell it?

Well, that's what went on with this set, except that I wasn't able to sell it. Boy am I glad I didn't!

In the Fall/Winter catalog I saw the Sleigh Bells Ring set but didn't buy it. Had too many other things on my list that I wanted first. But I still liked that set. Then I got to thinking "Oh, Oh, Oh! I HAVE a similar set somewhere, now where the heck did I hide it??" So, I went looking and DID find it!

I really like how this card turned out. The Ski Slope Designer Series paper really added a nice touch, and we do need bright cheery cards in this drab, dreary winter, don't we? I started out with a Riding Hood Red card base (because I was out of Real Red which is actually the color in the designer paper) and the Whisper White as a mat, then the designer paper. The image is stamped on WW in Riding Hood Red, and matted on Riding Hood Red. It’s hard to see in the picture but I used the crystal Stickles on some of the snow around the skating rink and along the road. The seam of the two papers is covered by the ribbon.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Winter Wonderland
Paper: Ski Slope DP, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White
Ink: Real Red
Accessories: Blue Bayou double stitched ribbon, crystal Stickles

I'm Back.....sort of

2009-01-09T12:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

I could not BELIEVE it when I checked this blog and it's been almost THREE MONTHS since I posted something! I knew that I wasn't going to be able to get to this for a while, but wow. I don't know what happened to November, and then we were out of town twice in December for extended periods, and I've been dealing with year end financial stuff at my church because I'm Financial Secretary.

I have several cards to share, but it takes time to write up the directions and the recipe, plus posting them on SCS so that folks have a link back here.

I apologize to those of you who have been checking back in hopes of seeing something new. I'll try to get something posted here very soon. We had snow here this morning so I've been inside. As good an excuse as any for getting something posted here, huh?

Thanks for checking in!
Kathy

Takin' a Break

2008-10-16T17:54:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

This is just a note to let you know that I'm taking a break from blogging for a little while. I'm going to be leaving my job at the end of October and before that I'm going to be out of town for a few days. I find that I just don't have the time to sit and be inspired to create. Things are going to be a bit hectic until the middle of November or so (our church has their holiday bazaar on the 9th and I need to get stuff going to sell there) plus I'm going be helping a friend of mine at a card stamping extravaganza around the same time and I have a Red Hat event on the 15th of Nov.

So, check back around that time if you're still interested, to see what's new. This has been great fun but I've run out of archived ideas for the time being.

Enjoy fall!
Kathy

I'm Back

2008-10-15T17:52:00.000-07:00

I realize that it's been a while since I last posted but that's because I was out of town last weekend and am still recovering. We did a lot of driving in the 4 days we were gone and I'm tired and sore now.

I haven't had the energy to sit down and be creative lately. So sorry to those of you who have been following my blog. I don't know how people do it when they create a new card and post it every day.

Stay tuned.

Christmas Scallop Tins

2008-10-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

I’ve seen these all over the place. I made some of these up for family around Easter and figured that they would be a hit at my church’s holiday bazaar and bake sale in November. Just the right size for stocking stuffers or table favors.
I filled them up with Christmas M&M's.

On the blue one I used white embossing powder for the scallop.

Stamp Set: So Many Scallops
Paper: Night of Navy, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Four Seasons designer paper (blue), Dashing designer paper (green/red)
Ink: Night of Navy, Purely Pomegranate, Versamark (for navy one)
Accessories: Candy tins from Michael’s craft store (in the bridal section), Scalloped Circle Punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, white embossing powder (for navy one), gold brad, glue dots

HOLY CATS!!

2008-10-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

I just checked and my last post was on September 25th!! Over a week ago!!!! SO SORRY everyone, but days have gotten away from me. I was reading another blog tonight and that woman said she'd had her car in the shop for some repair which turned out to be major. The same thing happened to me, although my repairs were a bit more expensive than her $400 repair, by about 1200 dollars! The list was long but now the car runs well and looks almost like new which is remarkable since it's a 10 year old car. A good detailing job can subtract YEARS from the look of your car. It was a hundred dollars well spent. Since we don't have a garage, a triple coat of hand applied wax will help protect it this winter.

I got my new stamps from the 15% off promotion, last weekend. They'd come in while I was on vacation and then I just couldn't seem to connect up with my demo. to get them. I still haven't used any of them although they're all mounted. Die cuts make that SO easy, I almost felt guilty getting them put together so soon. Maybe I'll have a chance to put rubber to paper this weekend. It was funny, when the new catalog came out I came up with a list of 6 immediate "must haves" and three of the sets were on the 15% off sale list. Hoopla!!

One of the other items that I got was the Simply Sent card making kit called Flower Power. That's the one that comes with the paper and embellishments, but you have to buy the stamp set separately if you want some stamped images too and use your own ink and dimensionals. (Now where did I put my craft knife?) I also got the Wow Flowers stamp set that coordinates with the kit. The colors were bold and bright, not my usual color combinations but I like how they turned out. Just like the picture which is not always the case with me. It was a quick and easy way to get 9 cards. I did 6 up as birthday cards and left the other three blank so that I can use an appropriate saying later. I had them all done in an afternoon and another part of an evening. Again, not usual for me since it sometimes takes me all evening to come up with ONE card!

Anyway, that's my excuse this week for not posting anything new. I'm going to have to really get on the stick and make something. I don't know how some folks find the time to create a new card and post it every night. I know they're out there because I read their blogs almost daily and there's always something new there! Guess I have to be more diligent about putting aside time to stamp.

See ya!

Pomegranate Solitude

2008-09-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

I got this card from one of the blogs that I visit regularly but I didn't write down the name of the poster. If someone recognizes this card from another blog (especially if YOU are the one who made it!), please let me know and I'll edit this to give proper credit.

This card used the Spring Solitude set which was a level 2 hostess in the Spring/Summer SU! catalog. I masked off the center with paper and wheeled the flower design on diagonally using my Stampin’ Around Wheel Guide. Even wheeling diagonally, I never would have been able to get the lines straight without that guide! I then used the multi flower stamp to stamp the outline in the open area, stamped the solid flower in Pomegranate ink on Whisper White, cut it out and attached with a dimensional. A strip of satin Pomegranate ribbon was wrapped around opposite corners and embellished with a large rhinestone. A bit of Stickles crystal glitter in the center of the flowers and the card is done!

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Spring Solitude
Paper: Whisper White, Purely Pomegranate
Ink: Purely Pomegranate
Accessories: Solitude wheel, Stampin’ Around Wheel Guide, clear rhinestones, Purely Pomegranate satin ribbon

I'm Back But..........

2008-09-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

We're back from our WONDERFUL vacation but I hit the ground running on Monday and it hasn't let up yet. Getting caught up on household shopping, getting the monthly condo newsletter out (I'm editor) plus getting back to work, has left no time for stamping. This warm fall weather is wrecking havoc with my allergies and sinuses too, so please hang in there for a little while longer. Once I'm feeling a bit better, I'll get inspired and have something new to post. As I'm sure all of you know, when you're not feeling well, the creative juices just simply dry up! Stay tuned.........

Gone For A While

2008-09-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

Friends, just wanted to let all of you faithful readers know that I'm going to be out of town for the upcoming week and won't be able to post any cards. I'm going to be staying at a resort were there is no Internet access. Yes, I know, it's hard to believe that places exist that don't have email, but this is a resort on a lake in Northern Wisconsin where peace and quiet reign supreme. I am SO looking forward to some fresh air and hopefully a lot of nice weather! We're supposed to be getting remnants of Hurricane Ike sometime Sunday into Monday so we'll see. My parents live 9 miles from the resort so we'll be able to spend some quality time with them.

Have a great week and I'll see you when I get back!

Blue Garden Thank You

2008-09-10T18:37:00.000-07:00

I had previously posted a pic with this design for a card that I had made for a neighbor to use as a "Thank You" card. She’s undergoing cancer treatment and wanted something nice to send those folks who have been helping her out with meals and such. She asked for more and said that she’d like something in blue. This was somewhat of a challenge for me because I don’t have that much in the way of designer paper with any kind of blue in it. I’m pleased with how this card turned out however. I hope she likes it.

I stamped the flower and sentiment with Blue Bayou. Put a strip of Spring Silhouettes on the bottom with the raw edge covered with the ribbon. I glued the micro beads on the center of the flower with the Diamond Glaze. I thought that added just the right amount of bling.

Recipe:
Stamp Sets: From the Garden, Warm Words
Paper: Soft Sky, Spring Silhouettes designer paper
Ink: Blue Bayou
Accessories: Soft Sky double stitched ribbon, Diamond Glaze, clear micro beads

Christmas Jars

2008-09-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

I’m getting a head start on our church Holiday Bazaar and made up a bunch of these little candy jars. I’ve seen this on Splitcoast and I think several people have posted these online. I made them with flowers and spring colors for a luncheon that a church group had back in June. At that time I said that I’d be making ones similar for the church holiday sale. I got inspired over the weekend and did up 15, 5 in each color. I’m going to fill them with M&M’s or some other small holiday candy.

First I stamped the whole scalloped design on whisper white with the various ink colors. Then I used my 1 1/4" circle punch to punch out the background circle. I then used Versamark ink and my white embossing powder to emboss the snowflake on the individual colors of card stock and punched out with my 3/4" circle punch. The gold brad was put throught the center of the snowflake which was then attached to the background circle with a small dimensional cut in half. The whole thing was attached to the cap with a glue dot. The trim was attached to the edge of the cap with the tacky strip.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: So Many Scallops
Paper: Real Red, Glorious Green, Night of Navy, Whisper White
Ink: Real Red, Night of Navy, Glorious Green, Versamark
Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Scalloped Circle Punch, 3/4" circle punch, gold brad, dimensional, Terrifically Tacky Tape, glue dots, trim from Michael’s

Out of Touch

2008-09-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Sorry for being out of touch for so long. Was out of town for the Labor Day weekend holiday, then we're having residing work done on our condo. They started putting the new stuff up on Tuesday and it sounded like they were coming right through the wall! Made it hard to do any kind of concentrating anywhere in the house. Today we had the remnants of Hurricane Gustav come though and it rained all day. We sure needed it. Saturday we're participating in a neighborhood rummage sale so I have to get that stuff going tomorrow. Please bear with me, I'll try to post something new soon.

Thanks for checking in!

Garden Thank You

2008-08-25T20:57:00.001-07:00

I found out just recently that one of my neighbors is battling breast cancer. She’d mentioned something about wanting to make some thank you cards to send to those folks who have been helping her out with meals and other things. Since I’m not a "meal person," I just don’t feel right making someone else food when I don’t know what they like, I offered to make the cards for her. She told me to start with 6 so I wanted them to be nice but not be too much work or use a lot of embellishments because I may be making more and I didn’t want to run out of supplies. I took this idea from the Spring/Summer Idea Book from Stampin’ Up! The flower stamp was actually a background stamp that was a Level 1 hostess set. I think they turned out pretty good.

I started out by stamping the flower in Ruby Red ink on Whisper White. I took a strip of the Ginger Blossom designer paper and adhered it to the bottom of the card and covered the edge with the Groovy Guava ribbon. I was going to leave it at that, but the empty space in the upper left corner looked too, well, EMPTY. So, I got the bright idea that since this was supposed to be a Thank You card, that the word "Grateful" from the Small Script set was perfect. I had debated about adding some clear microbeads to the center of the flower and I’m still debating. Or, I’ll leave it like it is here, pure and simple.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: From The Garden, Small Script
Paper: Ginger Blossom Designer Series Paper, Whisper White
Ink: Ruby Red
Accessories: Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon

Dream In Red

2008-08-20T19:19:00.001-07:00

While laying in bed last Saturday morning, I came up with the idea of this card. It too is similar to a card that I posted earlier, and I had a idea for using some single color double sided designer paper. I just didn’t know if I had any in red. I remembered that I’d gotten the Prints Pack Designer Series Paper as a hostess "set" and when I check it out I found that I did inDEED have red paper. This is the result of my early morning brainstorm. This layout and stamp set would work with just about ANY color designer paper and could be used for any occasion.

The flower was stamped with the Real Red and Green Galore markers on Whisper White cardstock. It was then matted on to Real Red and then Basic Black for a bit of contrast. Two glitter brads were added as the flower centers. My brads came already glittered but I’ve heard that you can make your own using regular brads, Diamond Glaze dimensional adhesive and glitter.

Two sides of the designer paper were used and a satin ribbon attached over the seam. It’s a bit hard to see in this picture but the bottom is the light background with the medium sized dark polka dot and the top paper is the reverse. There’s another design that’s a dark background with small white polka dot but the reverse design was, I thought, too busy. Another narrower length of ribbon was tied around the main element which was then attached with dimensionals.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Live Your Dream
Paper: Real Red designer series paper (hostess set from the Spring/Summer catalog), Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black
Ink: Real Red, Green Galore markers
Accessories: Red Satin Ribbon (two widths), glitter brads, dimensionals

Fresh Cuts in Red and Black

2008-08-17T07:20:00.000-07:00

My boss had asked me to make her a wedding card for a friend whose wedding is in October. Never one to sit around and wait if an idea is there in my head, I got to work. This card is the same as one I posted earlier, only with different colors.

I stamped the background image over the die cut flower on the Fresh Cuts notes. Using the 5 petal flower punch, I punched out a flower in black card stock and adhered it to the back of the flower cutout. I then punched a small flower out of red cardstock using the Spring Flower Bouquet punch and adhered that to the front of the flower cutout center. A half back pearl was added to the center, the panel was matted on to red cardstock and set aside.

Cherish was stamped onto Whisper White cardstock and punched out with the small oval punch. It was matted to red cardstock punched with the large oval punch and attached to the bottom of the card. You can’t see it on this picture, but to the right of the oval element, I stamped the sprig with Versamark and then embossed with clear EP. It adds just the right about of interest to balance out the three brads that I added to the top. The main element was then added to the card with dimensionals and the card was finished.

This wasn’t exactly the card I’d had in mind for the personality of the person receiving it and I struggled with the idea of not having the right color/pattern of designer paper. At the time, I didn’t feel that I had anything else to work with. But the next morning, I checked a forgotten "stash" of paper and found exactly what I was looking for! Personally, I like this card better, but the other one that I wound up making reflects the young lady’s personality much better I think. I’ll post that one next.

Stamp Set: Fresh Cuts, Warm Words
Paper: Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White, Fresh Cuts notes
Ink: Basic Black, Versamark
Accessories: 5 Petal Flower Punch, Large and Small Oval Punch, Spring Flower Bouquet Punch, Half Back Pearl, Red Metallic Brads, clear embossing powder, dimensionals

Live Your Dream Wedding

2008-08-12T06:45:00.001-07:00

I found this card on Splitcoast but for the life of me I can’t find it again to get the name of the poster. It was fairly early in the Sale-a-bration promotion so it’s not readily accessible. If someone finds it, let me know where it is so that I can give proper credit. This is a beautiful card but was a lot of work. I’m pleased with how it turned out but am not sure if I’ll do another one.

The Live Your Dream set didn’t make it in to the new SU! Fall/Winter catalog, but I have hopes that it will come back in the Spring/Summer ‘09 one along with the Afternoon Tea designer paper. Since I’m not an SU! demonstrator, I can use this set even if it’s not a current one. YAY!!

I punched out circles using the ½" circle punch and the Chocolate Chip paper. I then glued those under the edge of the top designed paper and painted the "holes" with my white gel pen. For the Note of Love tag, I stamped just the top part and then using my Stampamajig, used marker on the bottom line of the stamp and stamped the bottom of the tag.

Stamp Set: Live Your Dream, Lots of Thoughts
Paper: Afternoon Tea Designer Paper, Whisper White, Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Soft Sky, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Key Tag Punch, 1/2" circle punch, 1/4" Chocolate Chip poly twill ribbon, white gel pen, rhinestones, brown eyelet for tag

The New Catalog Is Almost Live!

2008-08-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

I read the term "live" on another blog and thought, yup, that's what it is.....a live catalog! It's alive with so many new stamps and accessories!! I think SU! outdid themselves this time, such an awesome catalog!! I just got mine last night after a visit with my SU! demonstrator friend. I can't wait to order stuff out of it. What to get........the In Color supplies (but of COURSE!).......the designer papers (yes, but WHICH ONES, I WANT THEM ALL!!)......which stamps, there are SO MANY neat new ones!! It will take me a few days to look through the book many times, mark my pages and work up my first order. It's always so hard to pace myself but I can't spend all my money at once (why NOT?). I'm going to set up another card sample to post soon, so stay tuned.

One Last Ginger Blossom Bloom

2008-07-26T07:33:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't get enough of this layout, but this will have to do for now.

The color combinations of paper and ink are endless, the previous cards are just an example. I need to check out my other designer papers to see what else I can put together with this layout. SUPER EASY!!

The flourish is stamped on to Whisper White in River Rock. The sentiment is stamped with Cameo Coral. The design and the Ginger Blossom DP is matted to Cameo Coral. The sentiment is attached to the card with dimensionals. The little flower centers on the flourish are gold glitter glue.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Friendship Blooms
Paper: Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, Whisper White, Ginger Blossom DP
Ink: River Rock, Cameo Coral, Cameo Coral Stampin’ Write marker
Accessories: Gold glitter Glue, dimensionals

Ginger Blossom Blooms

2008-07-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

This is another card with the same layout as the previous one. If you've been trying to figure out how to use your different designer papers, I think this is a pretty good layout for that. It's a nice design and you don't use a ton of paper for each one. It's also good if you need to make a lot of them, I think this would be a great swap card.

The flourish is stamped on to Whisper White in River Rock. The sentiment is stamped with Cameo Coral. The design and the Ginger Blossom DP are matted to Cameo Coral. The top element is attached to a River Rock card base with dimensionals. The flower centers are done in gold glitter glue.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Friendship Blooms
Paper: River Rock, Cameo Coral, Ginger Blossom DP, Whisper White
Ink: River Rock, Cameo Coral, Cameo Coral Stampin’ Write marker
Accessories: Gold Glitter Glue, dimensionals

Happy Friendship

2008-07-26T07:25:00.000-07:00

This card was very simple to make which is good because I’m planning to make several using different colors and patterns. I ‘m going to use it as a birthday card design for a very special group of people over the next year.

I stamped the flourish in Old Olive on a piece of Whisper White card stock. I then stamped the sentiment in Rose Red. Using my Rose Red marker, I colored in the little flower on the flourish and matted the image on Tempting Turquoise. A piece of Petals and Paisleys paper was matted on to Turquoise paper and attached to the So Saffron card. The sentiment was attached over the top using dimensionals. The final step was using Yellow Stickles glitter glue on the flower centers.

Stamp Set: Friendship Blooms
Paper: So Saffron, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Petals and Paisleys DS Paper
Ink: Old Olive, Rose Red, Rose Red Stampin’ Write Marker
Accessories: Yellow Stickles glitter glue, dimensionals

Rose Wasabi Friendship Card

2008-07-26T07:22:00.001-07:00

I got the stamp set Friendship Blooms as one of the Sale-a-bration sets last winter, and hadn’t used it yet. Gasp! I just couldn’t seem to visualize ways to use these stamps and although I’d seen different cards made with this set, nothing seemed to inspire me until now.

This card was done as a thank you card for my boss. I stamped the flourish and leaves on Whisper White with Wild Wasabi and cut into a square. The outline flower was stamped on Whisper White with Rose Red and cut out. I usually like to have more color in my images, it seems to take me too long to do water coloring with the line art, but I like how there was just enough color in the center and the lines, to make the flower pop on the white background. The flourish and leaf image was matted on to Wild Wasabi and the flower was attached through both layers with a glitter brad. I had read somewhere that you could make any brad a glitter brad by using Diamond Glaze and glitter, but this brad came already glittered. The bottom of the base card of Pretty in Pink was covered with Rose Red DS paper leaving a narrow border of Pretty in Pink showing. The top edge of print was covered with a length of double stitched ribbon which I got at Michael’s and the flower panel was attached with dimensionals. The sentiment was stamped on Pretty in Pink paper with Rose Red ink and punched out with Key Tag punch.

A very simple card!

Stamp Set: Friendship Blooms
Paper: Rose Red DS Paper, Pretty in Pink, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White
Ink: Rose Red, Wild Wasabi
Accessories: Glitter Brad, pink double stitched ribbon from Michael’s, Key Tag Punch

Ooops! SORRY! SORRY!

2008-07-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

Friends, I realized today that I didn't get the post up that I'd talked about in the last post! Time got away from me this week with extra work and just plain not feeling well. I'll get to that soon, I promise! It's going to be a beautiful weekend and I'm going to spend part of the afternoon and all evening with my friend Kate helping her with her convention swaps. Can't wait to see what design she's come up with! When I help, I usually get one too. Always love new cards for my files! Have a great Saturday!

Eager Anticipation

2008-07-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

I've been reading the blogs that I have bookmarked, and looking at all the neat cards that demonstrators are making with the new stamp sets, papers and In Colors from the new fall/winter catalog. I SO want the new catalog, but since I'm but a lowly client (my friend Kate who's my demonstrator does all right by me so I'll be seeing some of HER stuff next weekend), I'll have to wait till the catalog actually comes OUT. I am SO getting inspired to create with the new stuff but that will have to wait. I have a couple of cards that I've made using the Sale-a-bration and Occasions mini sets that I got last winter/spring that I'll post later today (have to write up the deets first), and that will have to do for now.

Hope the rest of you are getting inspired too! Maybe I'll find your creations out there on Splitcoaststampers.

Happy Birthday Ruby Guava

2008-07-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

I made this birthday card to go along with the previous one that I made for my husband’s boss. The boss’s wife is also having a birthday and they’re having a combined birthday party so thought she’d enjoy a flower card. I REALLY like how this one turned out!

I colored with markers (chocolate chip, ruby red, and yo-yo yellow) and then stamped the "Happy Birthday" sentiment from "So Many Scallops" (which was a Sale-a-bration set from this past winter) on Very Vanilla card stock. I punched it out then matted that on to Ruby Red and then a scalloped circle in Groovy Guava. I used yellow Stickles glitter glue to enhance the candle flames.

The patterned paper is the "Ginger Blossom" designer paper which I matted on to Groovy Guava and then Ruby Red which I’d punched with my Fiskars scalloped border punch. The card was finished off with the Groovy Guava Double Stitched ribbon. The medallion was attached with a large dimensional.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: So Many Scallops
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, YoYo Yellow markers
Paper: Groovy Guava, Ruby Red, Very Vanilla, Ginger Blossom Designer Series Paper
Accessories: 1 1/4", 1 3/8", scalloped circle and Fiskars scalloped border punches, Groovy Guava double stitched ribbon, yellow Stickles glitter glue, dimensionals

Manly Happy Birthday Soup

2008-07-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

My husband's boss is celebrating his 60th birthday this weekend and I thought I'd give him this card. He'll be turning 60 and the theme is a 60's theme. You know, bell bottoms, tie dye, beads, etc. Since I don't have ANYTHING that fits THAT theme, I thought I'd go more with an "over the hill" card saying that "hey, you're turning 60, how are your eyes working?" I had a HECK of a time trying to get the paper colors to come together but I'm rather pleased with how this turned out.

I matted the image on to Chocolate Chip and then Pumpkin Pie. The striped paper was matted on Night of Navy and then the thread was wrapped around before it was attached to the main card. The photo corners are in Chocolate Chip.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Alphabet Soup
Paper: Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla, Bitty Scrap Pad "The Den" by Provo Craft
Accessories: Photo Corner Punch, Linen Thread

Thanks for looking!

Fresh Apricot anad Chocolate

2008-07-10T21:15:00.001-07:00

I wanted to try a a little something different with the new Fresh Cuts stamps. I had already done two with the die cut flower note cards and wanted to use the main image alone on a card. But what color combination to use? I had seen another card similar to this which had used black and yellow but didn’t want something with that much contrast. So instead, I settled on Chocolate Chip and Apricot Appeal.

I stamped the main image on Natural White card stock with Chocolate Chip ink and used makers to color in some of the flowers and leaves and used crystal glitter glue to add highlights. The image was then matted to Chocolate Chip. I ran the Apricot Appeal through my cuttlebug machine and then I used a Fiskars border punch to do the scallops AND the holes all in one step! Woohoo! The main element was attached to the Apricot which was then matted to Chocolate Chip and the ribbon was wrapped around and tied before the whole thing was added to a Naturals White card.

This card went to my store manager who’s been dealing with a lot in her life right now and she knows that I make cards. In fact, I’ve sold a few to her and I thought she deserved one of her own. She rewarded me with a hug today.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Fresh Cuts
Paper: Apricot Appeal, Chocolate Chip, Naturals White
Ink: Chocolate Chip ink pad, Apricot Appeal, Pumpkin Pie, Certainly Celery, Old Olive Stampin’ Write markers
Accessories: Fiskars scalloped border punch, crystal glitter glue, orange organdy ribbon, Cuttlebug embossing folder "Birds and Swirls"

B G and Pomegranate

2008-07-07T17:31:00.000-07:00

Here's a card which uses another one of my favorite color combinations - Basic Gray and Purely Pomegranate. I wouldn't have thought to put these two colors together but found my inspiration in another card that I found on Laura's blog. You can check her out here. She has such GREAT inspiration!

This card used the Fresh Cuts stamp set and note cards. I stamped the main image on the front part of the note card, and then removed the die cut petal portions, as well as the back part of the card. Those pieces will be used on a future card (or two). Since I don’t have the 5 petal flower punch yet (that’s going on my next order!), I made a template out of heavy card stock using my SU! demo's punch, traced and cut out the vellum flower (which might be a little bit hard to see) which I then put behind the cutout. (sorry if it looks a bit uneven). I used my Boho Blossoms punch to do the small flower in Pomegranate and then used a pink rhinestone brad to attach it in the center. This image was adhered to a mat of Pomegranate and then attached to a top folded Basic Gray card with dimensionals. A piece of Pomegranate satin ribbon and the gray twill bow finish off the card.

Recipe:
Stamp set: Fresh Cuts
Paper: Basic Gray, Purely Pomegranate, Fresh Cuts note cards, pale pink vellum
Ink: Basic Gray
Accessories: Handmade template for 5 petal flower (until I get the punch), Boho Blossoms punch, 5/8" Pomegranate Satin Ribbon, 3/8" gray twill ribbon, pink rhinestone brad

My sister will most likely get this card. Either her, or my mom.

Fresh Cuts - Bayou and Guava

2008-07-07T11:32:00.001-07:00

This is my first card made with the new Fresh Cuts stamp set and Fresh Cuts note cards. This was being sold during the month of June as a preview to the new Fall/Winter Stampin' Up! catalog, and my best friend who is also my Stampin' Up! demonstrator, gave them to me! This is going to be the thank you card that I send to her because she's so busy I'm not sure when she'll get to using her OWN stamps and note cards.

This has got to be one of my favorite color combinations! It's part of the In Color series that will retire when the new catalog comes out. I'll be sorry to see these colors go, but I'm told the new colors coming out in the new catalog are all must haves too.

This card is pretty self explanatory. I don't have the 5 petal flower punch (yet, that will on my next order!), so made a template using my demo's punch, and traced the Groovy Guava flower that goes behind the punched out portion of the note card. The small flower is stamped with Groovy Guava, cut out and attached to the front with a blue brad. The punched out flower piece is backed with a square of Blue Bayou to add some color and then the whole thing is matted on to Groovy Guava. That piece is then attached to a side folded Blue Bayou card. Three brads on the top and the sentiment made using the two oval punches, with a sprig stamped in Blue Bayou ink, and the card is done! Pretty easy.

I only used the front of the note card for this particular version. The other part will be used on some other card when a piece of white is called for.

Thanks for looking!

God Bless America

2008-07-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

Just in time for the 4th of July!

This is another easy patriotic card which uses only one stamp. It was a special edition stamp that came out in 2001. I know a lot of people bought it because I’ve found several cards online using this stamp. It’s too bad that it was a one time deal.

This card was very easy to make. I made up several of them to send to soldiers deployed overseas. I colored the flag with Night of Navy and Real Red markers and stamped it on to Whisper White card stock. The bottom was torn and it was layered on to a Brilliant Blue piece of card stock and that bottom was also torn. The card base is Brilliant Blue onto which was layered Whisper White and then Real Red. Before the red was applied, two rectangle holes are punched to accommodate the red, white and blue grosgrain ribbon.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: God Bless America
Paper: Brilliant Blue, Whisper White and Real Red card stock.
Ink: Real Red and Night of Navy markers.
Accessories: Two hole Rectangle Punch, striped grosgrain ribbon from Jo-Ann Fabrics

HOLY COW!!

2008-06-29T08:00:00.001-07:00

Friends, I'm so sorry for not posting anything in over a week! Things have been CRAZY around here. We've been dealing with car AND truck problems and have spent a LOT of money getting everything fixed. Our car had been in the shop for three days and when we went to pick it up, our truck developed problems. So, we picked up the car and left the truck. UGH. I hope this is IT for a while.

I'll go find a card and be back later to post. I'm running out of cards but it's so nice outside for once, that it's hard to find the time to sit and concentrate on being creative. Thanks for being patient.

Embrace Life - Sympathy

2008-06-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

THIS beautiful card came straight from Laura here. It was so beautiful that I copied it almost exactly as she stamped it. I had the card dimensions a bit off so I couldn't use all the elements that she did, but I was SO pleased with the result!

It’s made with the Embrace Life set which has SO many different uses and that I had used for other things but not for something somber like this. I had to wait on an order of the Basic Grey satin ribbon before I could do this card. There were a lot of elements to this card which were a bit hard to keep track of but I was pleased with how this turned out. As Laura did in her post, I used Crystal Effects to make the flowers stand out a bit. Thanks for the inspiration, Laura!

Recipe:
Embrace Life, Warmest Regards (ret.)
Paper: Whisper White, YoYo Yellow, Basic Grey, Going Grey
Accessories: Basic Grey taffeta ribbon, Crystal Effects, yellow non-SU! ribbon, paper piercing template and piercer

We're Back

2008-06-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I'm back from vacation but haven't had a chance to post anything new yet. We had car trouble on the way home and are now lighter in the wallet, but we're home safe and sound. Thank goodness for AAA! Anyway, I'll try to get something posted in the next day or so. Coming home from an 8 day vacation and then my husband getting sick, makes for little time to stamp. He should be feeling better by tomorrow, I hope. Not sure what hit him, but he's been an unhappy camper. Usually I'm the one needing the extra help, not him. Poor guy......

DANG!!

2008-06-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

Hello All, sorry it's been a few days since I've posted something but it's been busy here plus it's been so HOT. My stamping room and computer room are one and the same and we've had warm weather the past couple days and it's been uncomfortable being upstairs for any length of time. When I get hot my creativity goes right out the window and I sort of forget that I have this blog going that people actually do check out once in a while.

I'll try to get something posted in the next day or so. Today we were dealing with terrific thunderstorms that rolled through here and dropped about 3" of water in about 3 hours. My husband and I were at Walmart and we were in the back of the store when a big clap of thunder sounded like it was right on top of us, the lights sizzled and then went out for a couple of seconds. We should have taken that as our cue to go HOME but noooooooo, we had to hit the grocery store first and got stuck there when more lightening hit close enough to set off someone's car alarm. And I WAS THE ONE DRIVING!! We drove home in the rain and sat out in our parking lot waiting for it to let up enough so we could get in without getting soaked. It was so warm today that it actually felt good however, to be somewhat wet. We've got flood warnings out and water everywhere. Manhole covers were popping out of the streets there was so much water pressure! Since our storm sewers and sewer sewers are one in the same, I'm sure there was some dumping into Lake Michigan today. Yuck. The weather maps have been brightly colored all afternoon and evening. It's raining again as I'm writing this.

Anyway, after going to church tomorrow morning we're staying HOME the rest of the day (the storms are to continue into MONDAY) so hopefully I'll be able to post something then. Hope all is well wherever you are. Thanks for stopping by!

Birthday Whimsy in Pink

2008-06-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I've been out of touch recently. I was out of town over this past weekend visiting my family. All of us were together for the first time in over 10 years and a great time was had by all.

Anyway, I found this card on Diane’s website but it was designed by Glenda Travelstead. Check Diane’s card out "here" I thought this was a GREAT card, looked good enough to eat with the chocolate "frosting" and "sprinkles." The manager at my new job ordered one of these for her grandmother’s 80th birthday. I just redid the "happy birthday" on the tag to put it closer to the outside edge and inserted by hand the number 80. Put some Crystal Effects on the frosting and sprinkled on some beads and YUM! I'm told that the grandmother really liked the card and my manager has bragging rights for the rest of the year.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Birthday Whimsy
Paper: Pixie Pink, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Pixie Pink, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Key Tag Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Crystal Effects, Beadifuls "Sonic Blooms" beads by Queen&Co., yellow Stickles glitter glue, 5/8" Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals

Liberty For All

2008-05-25T17:35:00.001-07:00

Happy Memorial Day! In honor of this holiday and in honor and memory of those Veterans who have served, I’m posting a patriotic card. This one was made using the "Liberty For All" stamp set from Stampin’ Up! It’s been discontinued but I know there’s one similar in the current catalog.

The eagle stamp was colored with Real Red and Night of Navy Stampin' Spots and stamped on Whisper White card stock. It was then layered first on Night of Navy and then Real Red card stock. The base card is Whisper White and the star stripe is stamped first with Versamark and then heat embossed with silver EP. I like the simplicity of this card and yet the eagle looks SO majestic!

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Liberty For All
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Night of Navy card stock
Ink: Real Red and Night of Navy Stampin' Spots, Versamark
Accessories: Silver Embossing Powder, heat tool

Elegant Whimsy

2008-05-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

I have to keep reminding myself that I have this blog and that people are actually checking it out. I have a tendancy to get behind with my posting. Today was supposed to be my day off from work but I got called in to help with a major copy project. (I retired two years ago but am back to work very part time at a local copy store.) Then I had to run off our condo newsletter which I will hand deliver tomorrow before going in to work in the afternoon for my regularly scheduled hours. After I post this, I'm going to bed. I'm beat.

I got the idea for this card from Splitcoast. It's using one of the free stamp sets that was available during the last Sale-a-bration promotion by Stampin' Up!. I copied it shamelessly because I thought it was just that elegant. Check out the card Here

I thought this could even be used as a masculine card because with the "bow tie" and the dark colors, it looks sort of like a tuxedo.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Birthday Whimsy, Canvas Background
Paper: Purely Pomegranate, Basic Grey, Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: 3/8" wide ivory satin ribbon, Crystal Effects, yellow Stickles glitter glue, ticket corner punch

I stamped the cake in black, and then stamped the frosting part in Purely Pomegranate and cut just that part out. I attached to cake and then put Crystal Effects on to add a glazed "frosting" look.. Add some yellow Stickles for flames and a bow tie and it’s done!

Saving The Best For Last

2008-05-19T20:02:00.000-07:00

This one is my favorite. It's probably because I love red even though I can't wear much of it. I'm going to send it to my mother for her birthday which is in just a few days. I sold the rest of them to my store manager. Gee, I sort of wish I hadn’t done that! Now I have to make more!

Recipe:
Stamp: Dress Stamp from Inkadinkado, Warm Words
Paper: Designer Mat Pad by Brenda Walton, shimmer papers
Ink: StazOn Black
Accessories: Clear acetate sheet, Glitter adhesive, fine glitter in red, large and small oval punch, ribbon from Michael’s, dimensionals

Acetate Card #3

2008-05-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

Here's another color version of the last two dresses. The directions for making it are the same as the first dress card post but here they are again so that you don't have to go back and find them.

Recipe:

Stamps: Dress Stamp from Inkadinkado, Warm Words
Paper: Once Upon A Time Mat Stack by DCWV, shimmer papers
Ink: StazOn Black
Accessories: Clear acetate sheet, Glitter adhesive, fine glitter in pink, large and small oval punch, ribbon from Michael’s, dimensionals

The image is stamped on to an acetate sheet with black StazOn and glitter adhesive is applied to the BACK of the acetate and the glitter sprinkled on and the excess tapped off. The glue is allowed to dry completely and then the dress is cut out. The glitter shines through from the back and doesn’t rub off. The sentiment is stamped on either the same paper as the card or a coordinating paper and matted on shimmer paper matching the dress.

Acetate Dress #2

2008-05-14T18:44:00.000-07:00

SO SORRY to have gone so long without posting! I hadn't realized that it had been a WEEK! We were out of town for a long weekend visiting my parents for Mother's Day and it was a great time. Sort of hard to get back into the swing of things here.

It’s a little bit easier to see in this picture, how much this dress sparkles. I really didn’t want to take anything away from the dress itself which is why I didn’t use any additional embellishments elsewhere on the card. I let the paper do all the work.

Here's the recipe for this card. Most of the materials are the same as the previous blue one. Again, the hardest part of making this card was figuring out what paper worked the best for the background!

Stamp: Dress Stamp from Inkadinkado, Warm Words
Paper: Once Upon A Time Mat Stack by DCWV, shimmer papers
Ink: StazOn Black
Accessories: Clear acetate sheet, Glitter adhesive, fine glitter in green, large and small oval punch, ribbon from Michael’s, dimensionals