love... and a new sketch!

Here's another card we made at the class I taught on Saturday: 

love... love... love...
I used Sahara Sand for the card base. The Strawberry Slush layer needed a little texture, so the Chevron Embossing Folder was put to work. 

After stamping the Positively Chevron background stamp in Bermuda Bay ink onto Coastal Cabana card stock, I used a Framelit from the Hearts Collection to die cut my focal point. Don't you just love that little stamped banner??!! This perfect little sentiment is from the Banner Blast (Sale-A-Bration) stamp set, and I punched it out using the Banner (Sale-A-Bration) punch. Three Basic Rhinestones add just the right amount of bling... love.  :}

P.S. - I love you... so here's my sketch. Enjoy!!

an anniversary card

I had so much fun today!!!! I got to spend the morning with some very fun ladies at my local library, and teach them how to create hand-stamped cards. We got to know each other a little bit, learn a few techniques, and create three cards.
The last card we made featured a background stamp, a technique called "masking," and the finished project gave my Big Shot quite a workout! 

After dry embossing the Raspberry Ripple layer with the new Decorative Dots Embossing Folder (a FREE Sale-a-Bration choice!), I adhered it to the Crumb Cake card base. The Very Vanilla layer is die-cut using the Top Note die. Then I used a large "sticky-note" to cover the bottom portion of this layer, and stamped the En Francais background stamp in Crumb Cake ink onto the top portion. After removing the "sticky-note," I stamped the anniversary sentiment from the Express Yourself (hostess) stamp set. There are so many great sentiments in this stamp set, and during class several other ladies chose a different sentiment to stamp onto the bottom of the die-cut. 

After attaching a strip of Crochet Trim, I attached the Top Note layer and started adding hearts. The DSP heart and the Crumb Cake heart are courtesy of our two heart punches. The stamped heart and the Raspberry Ripple heart were die-cut using the Hearts a Flutter Framelits. And a Basic Pearl adds the perfect "ta-da" to the finished card.  :}

a Valentine treat

Hello stamping friends!! I have a super cute Valentine treat bag to share today:

I was going to help a group of teachers make this treat bag and some corner bookmarks on Tuesday, but it snowed like crazy, so we had to reschedule for next month. (Is anyone else really sick of winter???) I'm sharing the treat bag today, and I'll share the bookmarks with a simple tutorial in another post.

First, I embossed the Gift Bag using the Adorning Accents Embossing Folder with the tiny little hearts. Then I attached the whole focal point with Dimensionals.
To create the focal point: I used the Circles #2 Die to die-cut the Red Glimmer Paper, and tied some Linen Thread around the circle for some extra "pretty." The Hearts A Flutter stamp set and coordinating Framelits, along with Real Red, Blushing Bride, and Soft Sky ink, create the three stamped pieces. I also stamped "love you" (from the Express Yourself hostess stamp set) inside the larger heart. The last heart is courtesy of the adorable Small Heart punch and Blushing Bride card stock.
Wouldn't this be the cutest packaging for a simple gift of candy or a gift card??  :}

On a personal note: I've really missed sharing with all of you, and a big "aww, thanks" to those of you who check in on me from time to time. I know I won't be posting every day again anytime soon, but I will pop in here and there to share a variety of projects.
If there's one thing I've learned in the past few months, it's that moving stinks even more than I already knew! I can't believe it's been a year since we closed on our house in Wisconsin... and I'm so dismayed at how slow the "settling in" has gone. Just when I think we are back on track, BAM - Aaron's asthma goes bonkers. Or BAM - plumbing leak. I know we'll get done, eventually... 
Being cooped up in the house with the unusually cold temperatures and extra snow this past month has been sort-of a good thing for me. It's given me a little time to focus some energy in my craft space - YAY!!! I'm having a hard time trying to fit everything in to a smaller space. I try things one way for a while, and when it doesn't work I move it all around again. Sigh... at least it's exercise, right???

happy 2nd birthday, Olive Jane

Today is my sweet little niece's 2nd birthday! I'm looking forward to celebrating with her tomorrow at her big birthday bash. Of course Aunt Jenn made coordinating tags and a special birthday card!  :} 

I chose Pretty in Pink (a retiring color), Pear Pizzazz (a returning color), and Basic Gray for my colors. The birthday cake (Make a Wish stamp set) looks so pretty after die-cutting with a Labels Collection Framelit, and adhering some Basic Pearls. 

Having the age number on birthday cards for little ones is just too cute, so I stamped and fussy-cut a number 2 (from the Memorable Moments stamp set), and adhered that to a Pear Pizzazz 7/8" Scallop Circle. Technically, the Baker's Twine is Lucky Limeade and not Pear Pizzazz, but I'm hoping Olive won't notice that subtle difference.   ;) 

Birthday gifts should have tags that coordinate with the card, right??? It was super easy to make the coordinating tags by using the same colors and DSP (Twitterpated), as well as incorporating some of the same design elements. 

I die cut the top edge of the tag with a Labels Collection Framelit.  *** Tip: if you want to use a Framelit to create a decorative edge, turn the handle on your Big Shot just enough so that only the portion you want trimmed gets cut, then turn the handle the other way to back up the platform. 
I used the same embossing folder on the card and tags. *** Tip: use the embossing folder after die-cutting or your texture will get smooshed. The Memorable Moments stamp set has that nice stitched image to fit perfectly in the Famelit, and I like the font of the greetings in this stamp set. I added a stamped number 2 (Number It) to the tags as well, and I used the same embellishments (Basic Pearls) on both projects. 

I can't wait to give Olive a great big hug and watch her open all the presents. Two is a fun age at gift opening time, since they now know exactly what those bags and boxes are all about! 

the return of Soft Sky

It will be a few days before I get my goodies from the "new Cattie pre-order," but I'm too darn excited about some of the colors that are retuning. Sooooo, I got into my vault (aka "paper-crafting stuff I'm hoarding"). I pulled some Soft Sky card stock, retired ribbon, and retired DSP from my vault, and paired them with this week's Mojo Monday sketch to create this pretty card- 

I might be getting a little obsessed with the Papillon Potpourri stamp set, but it's so pretty, and has punches that coordinate! Technically it's Groovy Guava in that retired DSP, but I think it works nicely with Calypso Coral on this card. I'm so happy Calypso Coral is moving into our "core" colors!

To add a subtle look of four "boxes," I added score lines an inch apart on the Whisper White card stock.   **Tip: Before adhering punched butterflies (or flowers) to your project, curl the edges up slightly to add more interest. 

So how do you start playing with these fun new colors like Soft Sky if you don't have a vault of retired goodies??? All you need is a good color combination! Here's what Soft Sky looks like when paired with Pumpkin Pie and Wild Wasabi- 

Love this color combo!! I see a lot of "boy" cards in my crafting future using these colors. 
FYI - those Pumpkin Pie brads are on the "chopping block." The retiring accessories are available only while supplies last, so be sure to shop now before all the good stuff is gone!   ;) 

goodbye, auf wiedersehen, ciao, adieu, adios, shalom...

I love the flurry of excitement this time of year... stamps and accessories retiring to make room for new goodies. So many creative ideas are running through my head right now! Today's cards highlight one of the retiring DSPs. 

While I am sad to see the Twitterpated DSP go, I am even more excited to get my hands on the new DSP in the upcoming Catalog! Plus, two of the colors (Pear Pizzazz and Blushing Bride) in the DSP are taking their place in our "core" color collections as part of the Color Refresh - yay!!  

Be sure to shop for your favorites before they are gone!! 

 

sympathy cards for family

I'll be back in a few days... my husband's grandfather passed away Thursday morning. 

stamp sets: So Sorry, Everything Eleanor 
ribbon: 7/8" Natural Cotton, 5/8" Crochet Trim, Linen Thread

The crumb Cake card stock layer gets it's pretty design from the Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder. I used a stamping sponge to rub a little Whisper White Craft ink over the raised areas.

If you have a minute, I would be so thankful if you could include my family in your prayers. Thank you.

Sitting on a cornflake... coo coo ca choo

Soooooo, today's card... it would be easier to say "don't ask," but I know someone will... 
This all started because Aaron brought home the most adorable project ever.  He made it at school while working on the letter Ww. As a Mom, I instantly thought, "this is a keeper for the scrapbook!" As a former kindergarten teacher I instantly thought "I have to save this in my letter Ww file." As a paper-crafter, I instantly thought "punch art!" Good grief!! 
But, seriously... who do you send a punch-art-Walrus card to??? I wanted to make this little guy so much I started to think of all sorts of stupid things (have a walrussy birthday???). Which led to thinking "I am crazy. Wait, wait wait... I am the Walrus... I have an 'I am' stamp (from last year's Convention)... yes! I will send this to my friend who is a Beatles fan." Although I'm pretty sure she's not a huge fan of this particular song - talk about "out there."

So there you have it... the reason for why you would make a punch art walrus other than for a ZOO scrapbook page. Yup, I am about as crazy as the song.   :}

It did turn out super cute though! I used an Oval Framelit to create the curved top of his head. I just ran the Chocolate Chip card stock about a third of the way through the Big Shot so it only trimmed the one end. A smaller Oval Framelit made the "snout?" out of River Rock card stock. I Spritzed the oval with a Chocolate Chip Marker and sponged the edges with River Rock ink. 

I used the Owl Builder punch to create the eyes, and the Small Oval punch to make the nose. For the tusks, I used the Petite Pennants punch to punch out two Very Vanilla triangles, and trimmed up each long side to make them thinner. 

Want to see the project that inspired all this silliness?

Adorable, right???  :}

Come to think of it, perhaps today's post was just "destined to be." After all, I did substitute teach today. ***Shout-out to Harristown Elementary as one of the nicest school buildings to sub in!  Aaaaand, the only stamp on today's card is from a Convention stamp set, and I registered for Convention 2013 today. Maybe, just maybe, I'm not so crazy after all... coo coo ca choo!

a pink princess card

I have two boys, so I don't create a whole lot of "girlie-girl" projects. I tend to overdo it with the pink when I'm making something for a little girl... just can't help myself! Today's card is very pink, but I toned it down a little bit by adding a layer of Brushed Silver card stock (dry embossed). 

I made this card for one of my neighbors to send to her niece. My neighbor, Fatima, has a sister who recently gave birth to twins. This has created the usual older-sibling tension for Fatima's niece, Amira. So I suggested that a pretty, girlie card would give Amira (who is affectionately called "princess") a little extra attention and cheer her up. I started with the You Rule stamp set, added lots of Regal Rose and Pretty in Pink, and finished with some bling to create the perfect card for a nice little girl. 

A fancy card needs extra special details. I used the Scallop Trim Border punch to create a delicate edge. Then I used the Scallop Trim Corner punch to create a pretty little ending on my 1/2" wide greeting strip. 

After adding some Rhinestones and Large Rhinestones, I spritzed the whole card liberally with my mixture of Frost White Shimmer Paint in rubbing alcohol. It only shows up a tiny bit in the photo, but trust me, it's super sparkly! I'm sure Amira will love it.   :}  

***** Need some pretty embellishments in your crafting stash? Get them now with FREE SHIPPING! The free shipping offer from Stampin' Up! only lasts through tomorrow, so don't delay. Be sure to check out my stampin' Rewards Spot to see what you can earn with your online order! ***** 

Hey... Happy Birthday!

Today is my little brother's birthday! Sooooo, I'm sharing the card he'll be getting (late - aagh!) in the mail. 

I wanted a masculine card, but with a brighter color combination. I turned to the Color Coach for "advice" and chose the Creative Combination on the Island Indigo card, which suggests adding More Mustard and Lucky Limeade.  (Be sure to read to the end of the post for some information about More Mustard!) 

So what makes a "masculine card"... masculine? 
- texture (Argyle Embossing Folder, distressed and torn edges)
- masculine colors (I'll let each individual decide what that means, but for me it means neutrals, blues, "fall" colors) 
- a simple and/or clean design (I made this card in less than 10 minutes by keeping the details and layout easy) 
- no ribbon (in my humble opinion, Baker's Twine and Linen Thread are exempt from this rule  :P)

I also like to add "extra ink" by sponging edges and/or spritzing with markers and the Color Spritzer Tool. 
I'll bet you're wondering about those stamped images. Other than the "happy birthday" greeting from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, the rest of the images are from the new Designer Typeset photopolymer stamps. They are completely clear, and are used with acrylic blocks. 

Apparently, even though my birthday isn't for another 2-1/2 weeks, I got an early birthday present this morning! 

I couldn't be more excited. I am especially pleased with the changes to the Subtles Collection! I have really missed Pear Pizzazz, and for those of you who haven't been stamping forever, you will really like Soft Sky.   :}     

 And here's a little "birthday present" for you... for whenever your birthday is! It's the card sketch for today's card - yay!! It would make me super happy if you "pinned" this sketch. After all, it's nice to share.   ;)  All you have to do is click that tiny little red "Pin it" button at the bottom of the post. Thanks!

  

a fun color combination

While I was playing around with different color combos for my Spring Cards class at the bakery, I came up with this fabulous winner: Certainly Celery, Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade, and Calypso Coral. 

I really like how the Calypso Coral pops against the softness of the Certainly Celery. The Calypso Coral card stock layer needed... something. So, the Honeycomb Embossing Folder came to my rescue. And the layer of Tea for Two DSP at the bottom of the card was the perfect print. I tied Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine around the card twice, and then tied it into a bow before adhering my focal point.

Don't you hate it when a great stamp set goes unused for a while? Me too! I hadn't played with the Best of Everything stamp set in way too long, so I'm glad I was able to dust it off and ink it up! My Lucky Limeade and Early Espresso markers inked the "branch" image, which worked out great as a "little Spring tree" for this card. After stamping the flower image in Calypso Coral onto the same color card stock, I snipped it out and used it on my card instead of a button or brad. 
So what do you think? Is this a color combination you would like to try for a Spring card? I challenge you to try it! Maybe even start with a favorite card sketch and grab a stamp set that might just need a little stampin' action.   ;)   Have fun! 

happy Easter everybunny!

Don't you just love stamping cute Easter projects??? I have a fun Easter card to share today that shows a great way to use up some scraps! 

I had some card stock and Tea for Two DSP scraps left over after cutting kits for my card class at the bakery, and I just can't bear to waste. Soooooo, I put them to good use on this Easter card. 
Isn't that bunny in the balloon just the cutest?! I stamped this image from the Everybunny stamp set in StazOn® ink so I could "watercolor" without the ink smearing. After adding spots of color gently with the Watercolor Wonder® Crayons, I smoothed out the color in each section of the image with a Blender Pen.

Here's a close-up so you can see all the details. The Chevron Embossing Folder adds the needed texture to the So Saffron card stock... and I folded the "blue" DSP strip back and under (on the right side) before adhering that card stock layer. Everything is adhered with my favorite liquid glue except the focal point, which uses Dimensionals for some height. 
I liked the simplicity of this card, so I kept the embellishments simple too. A Certainly Celery Button with a bow of Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine is all this card needs.  :} 

After I finished the card, I thought it would be fun to create the same "layered strip" look on a digital scrapbook page! 

Aaron is so sweet... don't you just want to hug him?! I LOVE this Easter Bunny basket he brought home from school, and I had to take a photo right away. 
I used pieces from a few downloads on this layout, but most of the "supplies" come from the Eggceptional Easter kit.

Here's a close-up of the basket-

The top and the two flat sides opposite the handle are cut away to create the opening. The handle is left intact in the back. Aaron got to draw a bunny face on the front... "with a PERMANENT MARKER, Mom!" The two bunny ears are stapled to the top, and the students got to play Easter Bunny by bringing some goodies for each basket. How fun!!

one sketch... two cards

Yesterday was such a beautiful day! It was sunny and kinda warm (51 degrees in the afternoon!), so the boys spent the day running around outside keeping you all safe from pirates, dragons, storm troopers, and aliens. AND, I had soooo much fun at my afternoon stamping class. Do you know what we will be doing today? Shoveling!

How do you like the contrast of our palm branches in the snow??? Crazy Spring weather! 

For both of the cards I'm sharing today, I used the same card sketch:

Here's the simple birthday card from yesterday's class-

stamp sets: Spring Sampler, Made for You

Embossing Folder: Chevron

DSP: Tea for Two 

And here's the card from the craft night I held at the grade school last week- 

stamp set: Madison Avenue 

Embossing Folder: Vine Street 

DSP: Sycamore Street 

Well, whatever kind of weather Spring has brought to your door today, I hope your day is fabulous! Thanks for stopping by my blog... now go stamp something!!  :} 

last day to sale-a-brate

(sigh)... I can not believe today is the last day to "sale-a-brate." It doesn't feel like two months have gone by since Sale-A-Bration started! There were so many fun goodies this year... I am sad to see them go. To "sale-a-brate" the last day of Sale-A-Bration, I have TWO cards to share with you today!!  Yay  :}

I really, really like how this card turned out! I like the colors, texture, layout, flower... everything! I like it so much, I had to make a second card using the same layout!  

On this card, the Honeycomb Embossing Folder adds texture to the Tangerine Tango layer (3-3/4 x5").  For a bit of whimsy, I cut the bottom end of the Sycamore Street* DSP into a flag, and adhered the strip slightly above the edge of the Tangerine Tango layer.

I used the Madison Avenue* stamp set for my flower image. I just trimmed the top corners of the Whisper White card stock to create the look of a tag. And the Sycamore Street* ribbon and button are perfect on this card, right?! 
*Sale-A-Bration items 

So, where is the second card??!! Bwahahahaha  :}  It's on my Facebook Page! Click on over and "vote" for your favorite! Thanks for dropping by and have a fabulous day!

Just Because

I can not believe Sale-A-Bration is almost over! Where has the time gone???
I have a super cute card to share with you today! This card was designed by Laura for the shoebox swap I recently participated in. Can you spot the two items you can get through Sale-A-Bration?

The Basic Black card stock layer features the "chalkboard art" technique.  Click here for technique directions and another card.  I love, love, love the Hearts a Flutter Framelits for making this fun little banner!

Ok, did you find the Sale-A-Bration goodies? I chose the "just because" greeting from the Vintage Verses stamp set. And the silver Glimmer Paper is from the FREE package you can get with a $150 merchandise order. Can't order $150 by yourself right now? Grab a few friends a put your orders together! You will not only earn the free Glimmer Paper, but also enjoy our fabulous Hostess Benefits (aka - more FREE stuff)! Hurry... Sale-A-Bration ends March 22nd.  Happy shopping... and stamping!  :} 

one card, two ways

In my last post, I shared the card I made for the shoebox swap I participated in. It was tons of fun, and everyone had such pretty cards. This is the card that Lynn designed for us - 

Don't you just love these colors together? So pretty. She chose the Secret Garden stamp set and Framelits (as well as the Window Frames Framelits) for the focal point. 

I thought it would be fun to try using the same pieces and create a birthday card for my hubby - 

Ta da! After stamping the sentiment (Make a Wish), I used the Argyle Embossing Folder to create a masculine look on my card. I also switched the card stock layer die-cut with the smaller Window Frame Framelit, for a layer of Print Poetry DSP.

The 1-3/8" Circle punch works great with the images from the Blue Ribbon stamp set to create the focal point. 

Don't you just love it when you can use a great card design more than once??  Yay!!  :}