Happy Thanksgiving!

Yes, a day late, but no less heartfelt! I am thankful for so many things, including all of you who stop by and read my blog.  :) 
I was having coffee with a friend on Tuesday and I took her this card to express how thankful I am for our friendship - 

I created a really subtle background by inking the Parlor Prints background stamp in Crumb Cake ink, stamping off onto scratch paper, and then stamping onto my Crumb Cake card base. 
The Marina Mist layer is distressed along the bottom edge and punched with the Scallop Edge Border punch along the top edge. 

For the focal point I created three fun little paper flowers, and adhered them to a layer of Very Vanilla card stock that I spritzed with a Crumb Cake marker. I just love the Spritzing Tool, don't you??! 
After stamping the sentiment in Cajun Craze ink, I punched it out using the Jewelry Tag punch and tucked it behind a flower.

Aren't those layered paper flowers gorgeous? They are so easy to make!! Using the 1-1/4" Scallop Circle punch, I punched out five layers for each flower. After piercing a hole in the center, I used a brad to hold the layers together. Then I spritzed the top layer with a bit of water, and scrunched it up around the brad (so that it stuck straight up from the other layers). Spritzing and scrunching one layer at a time, I continued until all five layers curved upward around the brad. The layered paper flowers require a little bit of drying time, but they are so worth the wait! 

Because I know you are as thankful for card sketches as I am, here's my sketch for you to Pin or add to your collection - 

It doesn't get much easier than this, does it?  ;}   Have a wonderful weekend, and if you aren't too shopped out, don't forget about the Online Extravaganza, where you can score some amazing deals on the best craft supplies!! 

attitude of gratitude

It's no secret that I love social media (totally addicted). And while I really do enjoy reading all the posts in November of what everyone is thankful for, I never could quite get into it. I certainly agree with expressing thankfulness for the blessings in our lives, but does typing it while waiting at all the red lights on your commute really count? Is it enough?   
One of my stamping friends introduced me to an interesting blog a while back. And one of the posts on the blog is encouraging an "attitude of gratitude." She encourages card-makers to create a card expressing their thankfulness. I thought it was a fabulous idea! You actually tell a live person in your own words exactly why you are so thankful to know him/ her. Old fashioned? Maybe. Needed in today's world? Desperately. 
I thought I would start with a group of people - the teachers at the grade school. I am so blessed that my boys can attend such a great school with high expectations and a dedicated staff.  

To my River Rock card base, I added only one layer (Very Vanilla) and one embellishment. I scored two vertical lines 1/4" apart for the tiniest hint of texture. The leaf from the Wonderfall stamp set is stamped in River Rock, More Mustard, and Cajun Craze ink for a sort of ombré effect. And the sentiment (Blessings From Heaven) is absolutely perfect for this card. 

I've used this card sketch before - I just love how easy it is when you want a clean and simple card that you can create quickly. You might be wondering why I would want to stamp such a simple card to carry my message...  Well, I like the idea of sharing the "attitude of gratitude" so much, that I thought I would stamp a whole basket of these (therefore needing a quick design!) to leave in the teacher's lounge, so that others can continue the message of thankfulness. I hope they like them :) 

For those of you who would love to design a digital card right from your iPhone and send it to your loved ones... now you can!!! 

The new Simply Sent App from Stampin' Up! is now available in the iTunes store... and it's FREE!  Waiting for the school bus just got a lot more fun!!  ;} 

THANKS is for giving

I love making hand-stamped thank you cards. It's such a wonderful, personal way to show someone you are really thankful. I get especially happy making fall-themed thank yous. I think it's because you can create so many pretty details with fall "leaves."

A strip of Comfort Cafe DSP gave me my color palette for the leaf colors. And I love the extra details on the greeting stamp (Seasonal Sayings). 
Using a technique always makes a card extra special, and for my leaves I used two easy stamping techniques. 

All the leaves use the technique called two-step stamping. The Gently Falling stamp set comes with both a solid and an outline stamp for each image.  
Onto Very Vanilla card stock, I stamped the solid maple leaf in Summer Starfruit ink. Then, I stamped the outline maple leaf in Early Espresso ink right over the top. This stamp set is very forgiving - an easy one for beginners who want to "step up" their cards. You don't have to stamp the outline exactly lined up with the solid image - I aim for close enough. 
For the second technique, take a look at the oak and the aspen leaves (far left pointing downward; top on a dimensional pointing to the right). The solid image oak leaf is stamped in Soft Suede ink, and the outline image is stamped over it in Early Espresso ink. I wanted the aspen leaf to be a slightly different shade, so I inked the solid image with Soft Suede ink, stamped first onto scratch paper, and then stamped onto the Very Vanilla card stock. This technique is called "stamping off" or "2nd generation stamping." It's a great technique to use when you don't necessarily want to add another color to your project. I find myself using this technique a lot when working on masculine, vintage, and monochromatic cards. 
I hand snipped all of the leaves... it takes some time, but looks oh so pretty.   ***TIP: when snipping images that use the two-step stamping technique, don't try to cut around the outside edge of everything stamped. Follow the lines of the outline image. You might cut off bits of the solid image - that's ok. Trust me, your snipped image will have a cleaner, more professional look by snipping around just the outline image. 

This card will be perfect for Aaron's teacher to thank her for all of the awesome art projects she does in her classroom. Aaron brought home the cutest project yesterday... I just have to share it! 

This sunflower has earned a permanent spot on my desk  :} 

The bottom yellow paper-plate is cut into the sunburst shape, and the top plate has been trimmed to just the center circle with four slits cut towards the center to create petals. Aaron's school picture is in the center, with sunflower seeds glued all around. Don't tell Aaron, but I had to add a bit more glue to some of the seeds. A pencil is hot-glued to the back for a stem. LOVE it!!

Thanks for dropping by. I get a whole day to stamp today, so I'm uber excited. If only I could get my brain to focus on one or two projects, instead of the hundreds I want to work on!!! 

a little fun for Election Day

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure sure my phone and my mailbox, and therefore my recycling bin, are extremely happy that the campaign season is reaching it's end. In addition to going out and voting for real, I thought it would be interesting to have a little voting fun of my own. 
I made two Fall cards, which both use the same Autumn Accents die-cut leaves and the Wonderfall stamp set. 

For this first card, I used a layer of Orchard Harvest DSP for the background. After stamping the leaves, I crumbled them and sponged the edges with Crumb Cake ink. While it looks like the Vanilla Seam Binding is tied around the stem, the simple knot is adhered with a Mini Glue Dot.

For the second card, I lightly stamped the background with the Netting Background stamp, pressing gently and randomly for a partially stamped image. The leaves are adhered with Dimensionals, and a bow of Linen Thread tied around a stem adds the perfect finishing touch.

So I'm curious..... which card do you like better? If you'd like to play along and have a little fun this Election Day, head on over to my Facebook page and VOTE for your favorite!  Have fun and "vote responsibly."  ;} 

thankful for... card sketches!

I spent yesterday's "extra hour" (and then some) in my stamping space. I made a lot of pretty cards that I'm looking forward to sharing this week. I was thinking that it's been a while since I participated in a blog challenge, so it was time to jump into one. I am very thankful for this week's challenge on The Paper Player's Blog - "Give Thanks."  

It has also been a while since I did some coloring, soooo,  I dusted off my Blender Pen and grabbed the More Mustard, Cajun Craze, and Soft Suede inks to color the simple image from the Lovely As A Tree stamp set. 

The Woodgrain Background stamp and the color spritzing on the More Mustard layer add just the right amount of subtle detail so that the image and the sentiment stand out. 
And since I know how thankful we ALL are for card sketches... here you go! 

It's a great card sketch for when you need to stamp a quick card. Be sure to "Pin It" so you'll always have it... you will be thankful that you did!   :}   Have a happy Monday!!

Placecards for Thanksgiving

Yesterday I shared some decorations I've been working on for Thanksgiving. Here are more details on the placecards... 

To make eight placecards, you will need two sheets of 8-1/2 x 11" card stock. 

Score each sheet at 2-3/4" and 8-1/4". Cut in half lengthwise (at 4-1/4"), and then cut each of those sections in half (at 5-1/2"). 

Fold each quarter-sheet in half on your score line, and then decorate. I used the Wonderfall stamp set and the coordinating Autumn Accents Bigz Die for the perfect Fall images. The leaf is crumpled and sponged with Soft Suede ink. To get the two colors on the acorn, I used Crumb Cake and Soft Suede markers to "ink" my stamp. Then I sponged the edges of the acorn, too.

Did you know you can get a digital version of the Autumn Accents Bigz Die? The Wonderfall Kit includes the leaf "punches," several sentiments, and 12 awesome "papers." Plus, it's on sale this week - 50% off! 

 Check out all of the amazing digital kits in my online store.

It can be easy to forget the decorations if you are the one hosting the meal. Start now and save yourself the stress of finishing at the last minute. If you are enjoying your Thanksgiving feast as a guest, be sure to make something pretty for your hostess!   :}

It's a wonderFALL day

It's time to start thinking about (and ordering supplies for) your Thanksgiving table decorations. To get you started, I made a frameable art piece (5x7), placecards, and a candle for the centerpiece.

All of these projects are super easy, especially with the Wonderfall stamp set and the coordinating Autumn Accents Bigz Die.  

Before adding the stamped leaves to your candle, wrap a strip of burlap "fabric" around the base - overlap and adhere (I used the Multipurpose Liquid Glue). 

Then wrap Cotton Ribbon around the candle - overlap and adhere. While it looks like the Bronze Button is sewn to the ribbon, I simply tied a bow of Linen Tread through the holes, and then glued the button on. 

Die cut several leaves from Very Vanilla card stock. Then "stamp upside down" by inking your leaf stamps, and with rubber facing up (block side lying on your table), press the die-cut onto the stamp. I crumbled my leaves and sponged the edges with Crumb Cake ink for a more distressed look. The leaves are adhered to the ribbon with the liquid glue. 
Now that you've fallen in love with this stamp set, how about getting it for 15% off???!!! But you have to hurry... the stamps are only on sale today! 

While you are shopping, don't forget to check out the FREE digital downloads, online only Clearance Rack, a new project kit,  and the Single Stamps: 

Never leave a burning candle unattended, remove decoration before using, indoor use only, call the fire department if there's a fire, do not use in the shower......... and SHOP FOR STAMPS!!   :}

simple Fall card; unexpected color combo

I love making Fall cards, especially when I get to add all the yummy details like sponging, shimmer mist, Crochet Trim, layers, etc... But let's face it, if I waited until I had time to make all those, I wouldn't get much done! I like to try to mail out a few Fall cards, so that if I don't get my Christmas cards done in time, I've given myself a "free pass" until Valentine's Day.   ;)   Is that planning to fail, or being realistic???
Anywho, I came up with a simple Fall card that's super easy to make and doesn't take much time - yay! 

My favorite thing about this card is the unexpected color combination. I had something else in mind when I started working on it, but when I went to my card stock shelf, the Perfect Plum jumped up and said "PICK ME!!" So I did.
The Woodgrain background stamp is perfect for this card - love it! At first I used the Woodgrain Embossing Folder on the More Mustard layer, but I felt like it made the card too busy. It needed something that would add subtle detail, without taking too much time, since I want to make several of these... Stripes Embossing Folder to the rescue! 

After die-cutting Very Vanilla card stock on the Autumn Accents Bigz Die, I inked a leaf from the Wonderfall stamp set with Cajun Craze ink. While the stamp was lying on it's back, I pressed the card stock onto the stamp... it's like stamping upside down :}
The "thanks" sentiment (Fabulous Phrases) is stamped in Early Espresso ink onto Cajun Craze card stock, and adhered to the back of the leaf. I used Dimensionals to adhere the leaf to my card front, and Mini Glue Dots hold the Perfect Plum button in place. Easy Peasy!
If you are looking to mix things up a bit in your craft room today, try this color combo (Perfect Plum, Cajun Craze, More Mustard) on some Fall cards. I think you'll like it!  :}

leaves, layers, and shimmer... yeah, baby!

Sometimes you just need an "over the top," layered, shimmery card.

This was my favorite card we made in last night's class. I think that the ladies liked that it looked complicated, but actually went together rather quickly. 
For the background, I chose the Woodgrain stamp. With this large stamp lying on its back, pat the stamp using Soft Suede ink. Gently cover the stamp with the folded Soft Suede card stock. Press very gently in random spots to get the soft, partially-stamped look on the background.
After adhering the DSP strips to the front of the card, attach the Summer Starfuit leaf (Gently Falling). Then it's time to work on the focal point.  

Stamp the "THANKS a bunch" sentiment (Friendship Preserves) in Midnight Muse ink onto the same color card stock. Then die cut this image using the Window Frames Framelit.

Attach the Cajun Craze and Soft Suede leaves at the bottom, then punch a hole in the corner. Adhere the Crochet Trim to the back, and attach an Antique Brad through the hole.

Use several Dimensionals to adhere your focal point to the front of the card.

The last step is to spritz the whole card front with a "Shimmer Mist." This looks sooooo much better in real life - a photo just doesn't do it justice :(   To make the Shimmer Mist, mix rubbing alcohol and a few drops of Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint in a travel sized spray bottle or Stampin' Spritzer. Be sure to cover your spritzing area completely so you don't end up with a shimmery table  ;)

I'll bet you know someone who would love to get something pretty in the mail... a one-of-a-kind "over the top" card might be just what they need  :} 

English Ivy "meets" Wonderfall

While getting ready for another stamp class at the Bakery, I started playing around with the English Ivy Stationery. This is pretty stuff! So, at first I felt a little guilty chopping it, but once I finished my card... guilt gone! 

I trimmed the stationery sheet so that I had two layers each measuring 3-1/2" x 5". The piece with the pre-printed background was used on the front, and the other piece was used inside the card. 

Making the pretty leaves was fun, and easy to do. First die cut Very Vanilla card stock on the Big Shot using the Autumn Accents Bigz Die. Then, ink the stamps from the Wonderfall stamp set. Instead of turning the stamp face down to stamp on the card stock, leave the inked stamp lying face up. Turn the card stock leaf over and press it onto the inked stamp. I like to use an acrylic block instead of my fingers to press down on the leaf so that I get an evenly stamped image. The next step is to crumple each leaf. Then, sponge a little ink around the edges and over the creases for added detail. 

I can't wait to share this card tomorrow night! I hope everyone likes it as much as I do!   :}

a gift for my new friend

I have to say that with our move, we have met some of the nicest people! So far, everyone has been very friendly and helpful, which makes uprooting our family a much easier ordeal. One of the Moms I met has been so nice, that I think I'll surprise her with a little treat tomorrow  :} 

I made this at my upline's team meeting in August, and I've been saving it for someone special. 

This paper started as an 8 x 8" square, and ended as a little treat pouch with two "pockets." One pocket holds a little card (3-1/2" x 3" closed), and I tucked a yummy piece of chocolate into the other.

The cute leaves (from the Wonderfall stamp set) are stamped in Soft Suede ink onto Cajun Craze and Soft Suede card stock. The button and linen thread add the perfect finishing touch to the front. 

Since the back has to be pretty too, a flower made out of 6 layers of card stock (1-1/4" Scallop Circle punch) is a nice little detail.

Soooooo, I'll bet you want to know how to make this little cutie, right?? Ta Da!!

Start with an 8" x 8" square of Designer Series Paper.
1 - Using the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate, score at the corner (0") and at 3/4".
2 - Rotate a half-turn (180º) to the left. Score at 3/4".
3 - Rotate a quarter-turn (90º) to the left, and score at 2-3/4".
4 - Rotate a half-turn (180º) to the left, and score at 2-3/4". 

Place the pattern that you want to be on the outside of your pouch facedown. The corners that have the center score-line should be on your left and right.
1 - Fold the left and right sides inward. If you use a bone folder to make the folds more crisp, be sure to press gently. 
2 - Fold the top point down towards you (center score-line). 
3 - Fold up on the score-line close to the straight-edge. 
4 - Flip your project over, and fold up on the last score-line.

That's it - you're done! Well, add a little adhesive at the top corner or punch a hole and tie some ribbon through it to keep it together... then you're done.
Hmmmm, I'll bet this would be super cute as a Halloween treat!   Stay tuned...  ;}

a "Wonderfall" card!

Don't you love how just as the colors are changing outside in nature, so are your "go to" colors in your stamp space? I'm having a hard time deciding which is my favorite color combination to use on "fall" projects. There are so many great choices! 

stamp sets: Wonderfall, Perfectly Penned 

ink: Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke 

DSP: First Edition 

card stock: Always Artichoke 

acessories: Vintage Trinkets, 7/8" Cotton Ribbon 

techniques: Triple-Time stamping, stamping on ribbon 

When selecting a stamp set to use for the Triple-Time stamping technique, try choosing a set that has multiple coordinating images, in slightly varied sizes, that aren't too small. Click here to see a few other cards using this technique.

So, do you have a favorite color combo for your "fall" projects? I'd love to know - feel free to share your combo(s) by leaving a comment  :}   Happy stamping!

a "Core'dinated" card

I'm still playing catch-up... I have so many projects to share with you! Here's another card I made at my upline's August meeting using the new Core'dinations™ card stock: 

How cool is that embossed layer??!! That's the Early Espresso Core'dinations™ card stock, which I dry embossed using the new Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder. After embossing it, I sanded (using very light pressure) the raised edges to expose the lighter color of the card stock's core. 

The sentiment (from the A Word For You stamp set) is stamped in Early Espresso ink onto the new 7/8" Cotton Ribbon. After I snipped the end, I used my fingernails to fray the threads for a more distressed look. 

Well, I better get my day moving. I am spending the afternoon with 3rd graders and helping them work on a special art project - fun!! I can't wait to see their creative minds at work :}

Happy Mother's Day...

...to my mother...  

...to my mother-in-law... 

... and to all of the mothers in our homes, our hearts, and those watching us from above.

Framelit meets Embossing Folder :)

At one of my recent Technique Tuesday classes, we played with the awesome Embossing Folders. I thought it would be fun to make one of our cards a little more masculine.

A simple design and "manly" colors are important elements in creating masculine cards. For this card I chose to use the Well Worn DSP, and I pulled my colors from there (Not Quite Navy, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla).

After die cutting Cajun Craze card stock on the Big Shot using a Framelit from the Labels Collection, I dry embossed the center using one of the little Designer Frames Embossing Folders. For some simple detail, I sponged Cajun Craze ink around the edges, and very lightly on the dry embossed oval. Using an image from the Pocket Silhouettes stamp set, I inked it up in Cajun Craze and then "stamped off" onto my Grid Paper before stamping the image onto Very Vanilla card stock. I like how the image is more muted - it works well for this card. The sentiment - from this same stamp set - is stamped in Not Quite Navy. The Extra Large Oval punch is the perfect size to fit in the center of the dry embossed oval. I sponged the edges with Cajun Craze ink before attaching my focal point with Dimensionals.

Oh, how I will miss the Well Worn DSP... it has great colors and patterns for masculine/boy themed cards and scrapbook pages. But everything must retire eventually... even the Pocket Silhouettes stamp set (sigh). On the flipside, that just means more goodies to buy when the new catalog is released June 1st!! Yay  :}

hubby's birthday

Today is my husband's birthday! It's so easy to remember, since it's the same day as George Washington's birthday. Interestingly enough, Washington is one of Chris's history heroes. And while they both have a thing with cherry trees, I'm happy my husband uses his to make pies and wine :}
My hubby enjoys getting some of the "fancy stuff" (as he calls it) that I make, and his birthday card is no exception:

Masculine cards can be a little tricky to create... why is that? Well, it's a lot more fun to make a card that screams "Yoohoo!! Hey! Look at me! Love me - I'm gorgeous!!" At least I think that's what my cards are shouting  ;)  But with a masculine card, it needs to be more subtle, as in, "hey. What's up? Yeah, I'm a handmade card. Cool, dude." Soooo, I tend to use more "fall" colors and neutrals, plus LOTS and LOTS of texture.

Now, that doesn't mean the card has to be boring! I added lots of detail, subtle detail, to the background. First, I used Cajun Craze ink and a Sponge Dauber to stencil the fleur-de-lis image (from the Elegant Trio set). Then I spritzed the background using a Not Quite Navy marker in the Color Spritzer Tool. I used a stylus to dry emboss a few bits of the image from the Houndstooth Embossing Folder, and then tore a bit from one corner of the card base.
The layer of River Rock has been treated to what I call a "faux leather" technique. First I crumple the heck out of the card stock. Then I sponge the same color ink over the whole piece, including the edges. It starts to look and feel like really worn out leather. For more subtle detail, I lightly sponged some Not Quite Navy ink onto one corner, and then lightly spritzed the Not Quite Navy marker onto two opposing corners.
The strip of Well Worn Designer Series Paper is dry embossed using the Houndstooth Embossing Folder through the Big Shot. *Tip: cut your DSP strip a teeny, tiny bit longer than the width of the card, as the width will "shrink" a smidge after it's embossed. I sanded the raised places a little, but the exposed white core was a little too white. So, I used a sponge to lightly rub some River Rock ink over the DSP.
The birthday sentiment is stamped in Not Quite Navy ink onto Very Vanilla card stock. I distressed the edges, and added a layer of Cajun Craze card stock behind it. A snip of Blue 3/8" Denim Jean Ribbon (with frayed edges for more texture) and a Chocolate Chip 5/8" Jumbo Brad are all the embellishment this card needs.
It was pretty darn convenient that the challenge over on the Paper Player's blog is for a masculine-themed creation. How'd they know I was making a "boy card" this week??? Cool, dude  ;)  

Thanks for dropping by - enjoy your day!