Pear Pizzazz

I fell in love with Pear Pizzazz the second I saw it - It's my favorite In Color :) If you are not the biggest fan of green, try using Pear Pizzazz... it's works with so many other colors!


The Color Coach lists the "Dynamic Duo" as Pear Pizzazz and Garden Green. I'm so happy that the Seam Binding comes in Pear Pizzazz!

The "Creative Combination" colors are Pear Pizzazz, Rich Razzleberry, and Tempting Turquoise. I have to admit I haven't used the Petal Pizzazz stamp set as much as I thought I would. So, it felt really good to get it out today! I think I'm going to leave that set on my desk for a while...

The "Sweet Set" colors are Pear Pizzazz, More Mustard, and Cajun Craze. This is definitely not a color combo I would have picked on my own, but I really like how it turned out! I used the For All You Do stamp set to make this thank-you card. The rock-and-roll technique worked perfectly on the flower image :)

Old Olive

If a color could be one of your friends, then Old Olive would be in my closest circle ;)
I have always loved this color - it just goes with everything!

The "Dynamic Duo" colors on this quick, simple 3x3 card are Old Olive and Certainly Celery. To distress the 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, I simply cut the ribbon in half lengthwise and pulled a few threads off the cut edge.


The "Creative Combination" colors are Old Olive, Not Quite Navy, and Cajun Craze. I punched a 2-3/8" scalloped circled and a 1-3/4" scalloped circle from Cajun Craze card stock. Then I wadded them up several times to break down the fibers. I then peeled them apart into two layers, creating a soft, "faux suede" look.


Several cards in the Color Coach list a "Getting Started Combination." This combo uses only colors found in the Getting Started Collection, which contains a sampling of card stock and Stampin' Spots (ink) in 12 colors. It's a great place for new stampers to begin. The "Getting Started Combination" colors on this 3x6 card are Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, and Night of Navy.

Wild Wasabi

When I found out that Wild Wasabi was coming back when SU did the big color renovation, I was soooooo happy! I love Wild Wasabi - I think I like saying it as much as I like stamping with it ;)

The "Dynamic Duo" colors are Wild Wasabi and Garden Green. This 3x3 card was super easy to make using 1 of the stamps from Engraved Greetings. The Basic Rhinestones add the perfect touch of bling :)

I really like this Hostess stamp set. Right before the current catalog went "live," Demonstrators were allowed to purchase a level2 and a level 3 Hostess stamp set... Apple Blossoms was definitely on my order. It looks great with the "Creative Combination" colors: Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, and Perfect Plum.

The "Sweet Set" colors are Wild Wasabi, Marina Mist, and Early Espresso. The images are from the Aviary stamp set.

Garden Green

Garden Green has always been a little tricky for me... not sure why. I guess I just don't connect as well with this color. I'm glad I have my Color Coach to guide me :)
My goal for today's cards was to use a stamp set I just love, and HAD to buy as soon as I saw it over a year ago. I still love Fox & Friends, but don't use it enough. So, I challenged myself to use it on all of today's cards... while at the same time using up scraps from my scrap drawers. (Hence, the retired ribbons.) Other than the 2 standard-sized card bases, all the other pieces came from my scraps. To keep things simple, I stuck with basically the same layout for each card.

The "Dynamic Duo" colors are Garden Green and Wild Wasabi. I used markers to ink my stamp so I could have both colors on my turtle :)


The "Creative Combination" colors are Garden Green, More Mustard, and Chocolate Chip. After stamping the lion onto the Whisper White card stock, I inked and stamped his face two more times and then cut out the mane and face using my snips.


The "Sweet Set" colors are Garden Green, Bashful Blue, and Tangerine Tango. I used the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder to add texture to the Garden Green background.

Always Artichoke

Always Artichoke is another color that sat "unloved" for many years until Stampin' Up! did the big color renovation. It is now a regularly used color in my projects :)
The Color Coach lists the "Dynamic Duo" as Always Artichoke and River Rock. The "Creative Combination" colors are Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, and Bashful Blue. The "Sweet Set" colors are Always Artichoke, So Saffron, and Cajun Craze.

This cute little 3x3 card uses the Apple Blossoms Hostess stamp set.


The bird is from the Punch Potpourri Hostess stamp set, and then punched out using the Two-Step Bird punch. I used the same punch to create 2 branches from Always Artichoke card stock. After dry embossing with the Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, I spritzed the de-bossed side of the crumb cake card stock with a Crumb Cake marker and the Color Spritzer Tool.

I really like how this card turned out, and I'm not sure I would have put these colors together on my own. Yay Color Coach!! ;)
The Always Artichoke card stock is dry embossed with the Elegant Lines Embossing Folder. I used the Build a Blossom stamp set and the coordinating Blossom Petals punch to create the flower. The sentiment is from the Thank You Kindly stamp set.

Baja Breeze

Baja Breeze is one of my favorite colors... which gives me a little giggle. Why? Well, Baja Breeze used to be an In Color. When it was, I used it occasionally. When Stampin' Up! did the big color renovation this July, Baja Breeze earned a spot in the Subtles Collection. This time Baja Breeze just clicked for me. Perhaps it has a little something to do with the other new colors I can put with it??? Anyway, I have been using Baja Breeze like crazy for the past few months.
While I have been using a lot of Baja Breeze, it was interesting to see what the Color Coach suggested for color combos. The "Dynamic Duo" colors are Baja Breeze and Not Quite Navy. The "Creative Combination" colors are Baja Breeze, Cajun Craze, and Basic Gray. The "Sweet Set" colors are Baja Breeze, More Mustard, and Cherry Cobbler.

This card went together quickly. I used the Scallop Trim Border Punch along both sides of a strip of Baja Breeze card stock. The sentiment is from the Thank You Kindly stamp set.

I used my Big Shot to die cut Whisper White card stock on the Fun Flowers Bigz L Die. If you don't have this die, you absolutely NEED it ;)
I sponged the edges with Baja Breeze ink. Then I added some shimmer with my mixture of Frost White Shimmer Paint and rubbing alcohol. Lovin' the shimmer!

This card also went together quickly :) Don't you just love the Seam Binding??? I have it in every color.

Now, I never would have put these colors together on my own... which is silly, because it's basically a red/yellow/blue combination. We made this at my Spring card class. Everyone's favorite part (other than my brilliant use of the Jolly Holiday DSP)??? The Vintage Flower Adornment in the center of the flower!! They are so pretty! You get 24 in a container: 8 each of Baja Breeze, Rose Red, and Very Vanilla.

Tempting Turquoise

I have always loved using Tempting Turquoise... it's a fun, bright color. With that in mind, I look forward to using it again... with my own color combos. The suggested colors on my Color Coach were a real stretch for me, but I think the cards turned out OK. The "Creative Combination" colors are Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, and Tangerine Tango. The "Sweet Set" colors are Tempting Turquoise, Rich Razzleberry, and Pumpkin Pie.

The Real Red threw me off on this card, so I used it sparingly. Stamp set: Bugs & Kisses.

I stamped the background flower using one of my Sale-a-Bration freebies: Sweet Summer. The sentiment is from the Thank You Kindly stamp set, one of the alternate Sale-a-Bration choices.

Not Quite Navy

I have to admit that I often overlook this color... but thanks to my Color Coach, I have found some nice color combos, and have started using it more.
The Color Coach lists the "Dynamic Duo" as Not Quite Navy and Baja Breeze. The "Creative Combination" colors are Not Quite Navy, Cajun Craze, and More Mustard. The "Sweet Set" colors are Not Quite Navy, Pumpkin Pie, and Garden Green.

This card measures 4 1/4" x 4 1/4". I used the Scallop Circle #2 Bigz Die to cut the Greenhouse Gala DSP. The image (from the Friends Never Fade stamp set) and sentiment (from the Apple Blossoms Hostess stamp set) are stamped on Whisper White card stock that I cut using the Circles #2 Originals Die and my Big Shot.

I love when I manage to make a card suitable for giving to a guy! This color combo works well for a masculine feel, and the Linen Thread is a great substitute for ribbon. Stamp sets: Autumn Days, Something to Celebrate.

A bonus card with this color combo... although I ended up with very little Not Quite Navy showing ;)
Stamp set: Apple Blossoms
The perfect little boy birthday card! This card uses a scrap of the Pawsitively Prints DSP, which is still available from my online store in the Clearance Rack. Stamp sets: Beary Best Friends, Beary Nice Wishes.

Bashful Blue

Today's card from the Color Coach is Bashful Blue, which is in the Subtles Collection. The "Dynamic Duo" colors are Bashful Blue and Marina Mist. The "Creative Combination" colors are Bashful Blue, Rose Red, and Wild Wasabi. The "Sweet Set" colors are Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, and Certainly Celery.

This card was super easy to make! I used the Movers & Shapers Curly Label Bigz XL Die to cut the card stock to standard card size with the cute little "window" exactly where I wanted it. The sentiment didn't want to photograph well; it reads "my friend". I stamped the image (from the Perfect Punches stamp set) with Marina Mist ink onto Marina Mist card stock. Then I punched it out using the Curly Label Punch. I stamped a little flower from the Punch Potpourri Hostess stamp set and punched it out with the Boho Blossoms Punch. It's attached to the punched sentiment with a Marina Mist brad. Then I used Dimensionals to attach it to the card through the window. Marina Mist grosgrain ribbon adds the finishing touch.

I will be using this card for my Spring card class tomorrow. It features the adorable Bold Blossom stamp set (Occasions Mini p31). I used the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder to add some texture to the Bashful Blue card stock. 4 punches really "punch" up this card: Decorative Label, Oval, Modern Label, and 3/4" Circle.

This card uses the fabulous Framed Tulips Embossing Folder and the Dreams du Jour stamp set. I cut the 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon to give it a raw edge for a more "vintage" look.

Marina Mist

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Marina Mist! It is such a pretty blue. Years ago, my favorite color was probably "blue." Now, if someone were to ask me, I might just answer "Marina Mist." (Well, it's pretty much a tie with Crumb Cake... and Old Olive... and Wild Wasabi... and Cherry Cobbler, and, well... I just love our fabulous colors!)
The Color Coach lists the "Dynamic Duo" as Marina Mist and Bashful Blue. The "Creative Combination" colors are Marina Mist, Crumb Cake, and Cajun Craze. The "Getting Started" colors are Marina Mist, Real Red and Old Olive.

This cute, simple baby card took only a few minutes to make. The image is from the Occasions Mini Level 1 Hostess Set A Slice of Life. This is such a versatile set :) The sentiment is from the Fabulous Phrases stamp set. Seriously, you just have to own this set ;)
I ran Whisper White card stock through my Big Shot using the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder to create a simple background.

This card is one of my favorites. The last Tuesday of each month I teach a class called Technique Tuesday. Each month we focus on 1 technique. In February we worked with 5 elements that make up the "vintage" style. The cards were full of layers and embellishments... and gorgeous! We used the Bliss stamp set, which is one of the Sale-a-Bration items. The Grosgrain Ribbon and Antique Brad add the perfect touch.



Now, I never would have put these 3 colors together on my own... the Marina Mist and Old Olive, sure. But the Real Red really jazzes it up! Everything is stamped from the Hello Again stamp set. The ric-rac strip of card stock is cut from the Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die on my Big Shot. The texture on the bottom of the Red Red card stock is from the Crimper - an often overlooked tool in my drawer. (I think I heard a squeal of delight from it as it bit into the card stock *smile*) There are TWO bits of "bling" on this card... the center of the flower has a dusting of Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, and I punched out a Small Heart from Glimmer Paper. Happiness :)

Pacific Point

Happy Tuesday! Today's card from the Color Coach is Pacific Point. This color was an "In Color" a while back, but it made a return in July with the color renovation. The "Creative Combination" colors are Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, and Pumpkin Pie. The "Sweet Set" colors are Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, and Rich Razzleberry.

I have to admit, I am not crazy about this combination... I feel like the Pumpkin Pie throws it off. But, I made it work for these 3x3 thank you cards. The flower stem accent and buttons are from the Ice Cream Parlor Sale-a-Bration goodies. The sentiment is from the Fabulous Phrases stamp set. LOVE this set; if you don't already have it, put it on your wishlist! There are 30 words you can combine to create your own sentiments. Plus, adding this set to your order gets you over the half-way point towards earning your own Sale-a-Bration FREEBIES! :)


I really like how these colors look together. And the Top Note Bigz Die makes it super easy to create quick, cute cards. For this card I used the Upsy Daisy stamp set... another great set for your collection!

Night of Navy

Hello stampers! Today's color is Night of Navy. The Color Coach Lists the "Creative Combination" as Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie, and Cherry Cobbler. The "Getting Started Combination" colors are Night of Navy, Old Olive, and Daffodil Delight.


I used the So Many Thanks stamp, which is a single, wood-mount stamp. To get the multi-colored image, I inked my stamp with Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie, and Cherry Cobbler markers. The image is stamped twice... of course I had to use my handy dandy Stamp-a-ma-Jig to line up the second image. The great texture on the Night of Navy card stock is from the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.


This sentiment comes from the All Holidays stamp set. Again, I grabbed my markers to ink my stamp. I really like the look of more than 1 color on a single image :)
My Big Shot got a nice workout for this card. I used the Top Note Bigz Die to cut the Night of Navy card stock and the DSP. Recognize the DSP? It is from Jolly Holiday! I have a "good amount" of this paper left from my Christmas cards, so I'm trying to put it to good use. I know I am the ONLY person who buys too much paper ;) I used the Little Leaves and Birds & Blooms Sizzlits to die cut the cute little branch and flowers.

I hope you enjoy these projects and feel inspired to try out a few new color combinations on your own. Dig through your paper collection, and see if there are some pages that can be used throughout the year... not just for the season the package suggests. Happy stamping!

Concord Crush

I hope everyone had a nice weekend... I got to stamp quite a bit this weekend, so I am a happy girl! Today's card is Concord Crush. The Color Coach lists the "Dynamic Duo" as Concord Crush and Perfect Plum. (Boy, that Perfect Plum is getting quite a workout!) The "Creative Combination" colors are Concord Crush, Pear Pizzaz, and Peach Parfait. The "Sweet Set" colors are Concord Crush, Daffodil Delight, and Tangerine Tango (click here to see more with this color combination). Enjoy!

Elegant Eggplant

Good morning! Today's card from the Color Coach is Elegant Eggplant. As noted in my last post, the Color Coach lists the "Dynamic Duo" as Elegant Eggplant and Perfect Plum. The "Creative Combination" colors are Elegant Eggplant, More Mustard, and Garden Green. The "Sweet Set" colors are Elegant Eggplant, Melon Mambo, and River Rock.

Perfect Plum

Wow, this little personal challenge is fun! Today's color is Perfect Plum. The Color Coach lists Perfect Plum and Elegant Eggplant as the Dynamic Duo. The "Creative Combination" colors are Perfect Plum, Marina Mist, and Rose Red. The "Sweet Set" colors are Perfect Plum, Riding Hood Red, and More Mustard. I LOVE how the "Sweet Set" combo turned out... I never would have chosen those colors together. Thank you Color Coach!!

Rich Razzleberry

Today's color is Rich Razzleberry, which is in the Brights collection. The "Getting Started Combination" on the card uses Rich Razzleberry, Pretty in Pink, & Early Espresso. (Note: the retired DSP called Razzleberry Lemonade can be ordered online through my website. Look for it in the clearance section!) I used the "Creative Combination" for the bookmark; the colors are Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, & Pumpkin Pie. That owl is so stinkin' cute! Both projects use stamps from the Punch Bunch stamp set, one of the great Sale-a-Bration items!!