Bloggers' Challenge

This week's challenge was to make some type of gift container. Now, you know that the BEST gifts come in small packages, right? Well, this might be the perfect way to present your very special gift! It's perfect for any small trinket (my favorite would be jewelry!), a small stamp set or a couple of accessories, perhaps a few cards, or even a gift card....the list really is endless!

This cute little "purse," complete with a "designer tag" was made from a plain ole' brown lunch bag, about 1 sheet of cardstock, a few black mini brads, and of course, some stamping! How fun is that?!! Don't forget to check out all the other Bloggers participating in the Challenge.....links are on the left side of the screen.

Stamps: Dotted Background, Linen, Tiny Talk*

Inks: Certainly Celery, Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Basic Black

Misc: Basic Black Marker; Black Mini Brads; Paper Piercer (for Mini Brads); 1/2", 1", 1 1/4"

Round Punches, Silver Cord*

*Retired items. Check out my retirement sale listed in the July 12 post and in the Slide on the left side of the page....Tiny Talk is on the list.

Please note that all stamps used are from Stampin'Up!

Next week I will not be participating in the Bloggers' Challenge....I will be in Denver at the Stampin'Up! Convention! Yipee!!

Another Convention Swap

One of my favorite new sets from the new catalog is a set called "Priceless." Love the little swirls....if you look around swirls seem to be everywhere! So, when I spotted this set in the catalog, I just had to have it!! (Check out Pg. 117; www.stampinup.com Just move the little spacer across the bar at the bottom of the page.) So, here's my first card created with it. As you can see, I've been a very busy girl!!

The Butterfly was cut out and mounted on a Dimensional. There's a little dot of glitter on the flower on the right wing.

Stamps: Priceless, Whimsy Jumbo Wheel

Inks: Real Red Classic & Jumbo Cartridge; Whisper White Craft

CS: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black

Misc: Horizontal Slot Punch, 1 3/8" Round Punch, Dimensional, 2 Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

What Was I Thinking?!!

This is one of my swaps for a very special group of ladies. I'll be swapping this out at Convention next week. (Only 3 more days till I leave for Denver!!!!) This group always challenges me to stretch my abilities as a stamper....and I've learned a ton from them! So, this is one of the cards for that group at Convention next week. BUT, it took me forever!! Lots of steps.....

The flower was embossed and cut out, then mounted on a Dimensional.
The button was threaded with Linen Thread and added to the center.
The greeting was also embossed.
The Mellow Moss strip was first stamped with the Weathered background stamp in Mellow Moss...THEN distressed by using the DTP (direct to paper) method....THEN paper piercing was added down the edge!
The Chocolate Chip background was stamped first with the Linen background and then the ferns down the left side! Whew!! This sure was a "labor of love."
I'm happy with the finished product, but making 30 of these took me a very, very LONG time! Sure hope everyone likes them!!

Stamps: Linen, Weathered, Touch of Nature
Inks: Chocolate Chip Classic & Craft; Mellow Moss
CS: Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand, Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, Groovy Guava
Misc: Always Artichoke Button (Rich Regal Collection), Linen Thread, Glue Dot (for holding button on), Dimensional (behind flower), Clear Embossing Powder (flower and greeting), Paper Piercer, Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon

I've Been "Tagged!"

Many Bloggers like to play the Tag Game….and I was tagged a week ago by Dana. Check out her blog at http://willblogforstamps.blogspot.com/ It's actually a fun way to get to know each of us a bit better! So, finally (this was difficult!) here’s 7 Random Things about Me:

1. I’ve lived in New Jersey all my life. YUP, that’s me….New Jersey born and bred….and, NO, we are not all like the Sopranos make us out to be!!!

2. I have twin daughters who are now 19, but when I was pregnant, I didn’t know I was having twins until they were born. I found out on the delivery table! So, I went from being the mother of 1 to a mother of 3….seemed like a terribly large leap at the time!

3. I met my husband when we were in high school. But at the time, I thought he was terribly immature….a complete jerk! Then when I was just 18, my best friend at the time and his best friend got us together. We’ll be married 30 years this Fall….and he still makes me laugh like no one else can.

4. Five years ago, my hubby and I had the chance to take our twins on the vacation of a lifetime…..we went to England (our older one was away at college and couldn’t afford to take the time off.) Fabulous place. Unfortunately, we visited London the day it was closed….literally! We tried to site see the day of the Queen Mum’s funeral. One day we hope to go back and see all we missed.

5. The first house my hubby and I purchased is still the one we live in today. A real fixer upper…we planned to fix it up and live here only 2 years. Still here 20+ years later....and it is all fixed and redone. Now we are re-doing!

6. I have 2 dogs. Sadie is our 65 pound coward who is afraid of EVERYthing. Max came home one day when my hubby brought him home from work….”just for a visit.” Almost 5 years later, he’s still “visiting!” Hmmm….maybe we’ll keep him!

7. My goal this coming Stampin’Up! year is to send in some card entries to a few of the various magazines that I buy/receive each month. It might be fun to see one of my cards in print…..if one is actually chosen. But “I’ll never be in one if I don’t send one…or two or three…”

So that’s it for my “Tag!” Seems like so many bloggers have already been tagged, so I am not going to be a pain and forward this to anyone. And now you know a bit more about me!

Bloggers' Challenge

This week's challenge was to duplicate the card layout on Page 97 of the new catalog....the one at the bottom of the page featuring Sassy Stems. Cute card and it's a layout that I don't think I've ever really used. But, sometimes a challenge is a GOOD thing, right?

Since I seem to be still in the Christmas spirit from last week's challenge, I grabbed my brand-new Punch Pals, along with a couple of the newer colors: Wild Wasabi and Purely Pomegranate. I have to admit that I wasn't sold on Purely Pomegranate....I haven't purchased the ink pad or anything with this color. All I have is some of the CS that came in the assorted package. BUT, it was the perfect color with the Wild Wasabi for a Christmas combination!!! It reminded me of the Marvelous Magenta of a few years ago....that was one color I never really liked. BUT, I may be a convert, now.....it really is a pretty color!

Unfortunately, the card looks a bit washed out on screen, but in person, it is really wonderful! (Even if I may say so myself!!) Don't forget to check out the other bloggers who take part in this challenge....the links are on the side of the page.

Stamps: Punch Pals, Circle of Friendship, Flannel Plaid, Itty Bitty Bkgrds

Inks: Jet Black StazOn, Wild Wasabi, White Craft

CS: Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate

Punches: 1/2" Round Punch, 1" Round Punch, Key Tag Punch

Misc: Aqua Painter, Quickie Glue Pen*, Dazzling Diamond, Corner Rounder, Paper Piercer, Wild Wasabi Stitched Ribbon, More Mustard & Rose Red Markers

*Quickie Glue Pen is non-SU....something I picked up on my visit to a scrapbook store back in March.

NOTE: I used the Corner Rounder punch from last year's catalog. Unfortunately, the newer version will not make scallops

Oh, So Lovely

Isn't this set "Oh, So Lovely?" You must know by now that I'm a push over for floral stamp sets!! This pretty set is one of our new Hostess Sets, Level 1 (so easy to earn!!). I needed a quick thank you note, and couldn't wait to try this set out....and of course, wanted to share it with you before I mailed it out! It's quite simple and easy to re-produce. The background stamp behind the flower is part of the set and is stamped in the new In Color, River Rock, and the middle layer behind the flower is the same color as the ink. Pretty color, although this is the first time I've used it. Will definitely have to play with it some more!

The "thanks" is a hold over from the retired Autumn Leaf Prints. Needed to use something that would fit inside the oval punch and none of the word sets that are on my shelf that are new or remaining from last year would work. (And I plan on keeping Autumn Leaf Prints for awhile....it's one of my all time favorites!)

Stamps: Oh, So Lovely; Aida Cloth Bkgrd; Autumn Leaf Prints (greeting)

Inks: Jet Black StazOn, Ruby Red

CS: Very Vanilla, Ruby Red, Basic Black, Watercolor Paper

Misc: Large and Small Oval Punches; Ruby Red, Real Red, Summer Sun and Old Olive Markers; Cutter Kit (for distressing the edge of the River Rock CS layer), 1/4" Basic Black Grosgrain, Aqua Painter

Bloggers' Challenge -- Non Traditional Holiday

The challenge this week was to create a holiday card using colors that you wouldn't ordinarily think of using for your holiday cards. This one was rather difficult for me since so many of the holiday sets that I own are now retired. Last year I made a few cards with non-traditional colors. (Check out one of them in my SplitCoast gallery http://splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/360833?cat=500&ppuser=3035.) So my real challenge was to come up with yet another combo....and, of course, which set to use!

Last year a good friend of mine, and sister demonstrator made some beautiful custom cards with a very unusual color combo for Christmas...but they worked! The colors she used were Chocolate Chip and Really Rust. Very rich looking, very beautiful, very elegant! Sooo, using that as my inspiration (and of course, changing it some), I decided to use one of my favorite new colors, Groovy Guava and paired with Chocolate Chip. As for the set....I used the very versatile Baroque Motifs and used this simple layout. The scroll stamp is so pretty, I didn't want a lot going on to take away from its beauty.

I'm just loving the Groovy Guava cardstock with copper accents. No, unfortunately, we no longer sell copper brads or cardstock....but, remember how I said that I tend to hord things? Well, you guessed it! I have lots of copper brads and paper still on hand!! Also added just a touch of glitter around the scrolls to make it a bit more festive....although I don't think you can see it in the scan.

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Linen, Hugs & Wishes

Inks: Choclate Chip Classic and Craft

CS: Groovy Guava, Chocolate Chip, Copper Metallic

Misc: Clear Embossing Powder*, Large Oval Punch, Paper Piercer, Copper Mini Brads, Glitter Pen**

*The scroll and greeting are both embossed.

**Glitter Pen is non-SU.....was introduced to this great little pen on my trip in March to a scrapbook store. Dazzling Diamonds OR Irridescent Ice Embossing Powder might also work.

Don't forget to visit some of the other bloggers who participate in the Challenges. The links are in the left column. Just a click on their name, will take you to their site!

Bloggers' Challenge -- July 5

Ok, yes, you read the date right! I'm behind as usual....it's the story of my life lately...."a day late and a dollar short!" Just can't quite seem to catch up!

There is a wonderfully talented group of ladies who also own blogs and many are a part of a fabulous online stamp group that I am fortunate enough to be a member of. Anyway, each week, a challenge goes out to the participating blog owners to come up with their own version of an idea that is presented. Last week, the challenge was to use the card layout on Page 108 of the new catalog with a different set....it's the card that features the new set, Autumn Fest. Everyone did a fabulous job with their submissions, each is prettier than the next. This one is mine and features a newer set for me, Unfrogettable. I've added a section to the left side of the page with links to each of the bloggers, so you can visit their sites as well. I had such fun with this card, that I may make a few more for the general swap at Convention in a few weeks.

Stamps: Dotted Bkgrd, Unfrogettable

Inks: Certainly Celery, Basic Black, White Craft

CS: Certainly Celery, Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red

Misc: 1 3/8" Square Punch, Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Booglie Eyes, Crystal Effects (to adhere eyes), Certainly Celery Marker, Staples

Three for You Punch Kit

This card sample was one I received from my upline's upline in a very small swap I participated in last week. It's a simple card that showcases 2 of our new In Colors, Soft Sky and Groovy Guava. They are my favorite in the new line...don't they look fabulous together? This example showcases 2 step stamping, with the Soft Sky solid flowers and stamped over top with Blue Bayou. Isn't it sweet? (Thanks, Denise!)

Stamps: Three For Your Punch Kit

Inks: Soft Sky, Groovy Guava, Blue Bayou

CS: Soft Sky, Groovy Guava, Whisper White

Misc: Prints Designer Paper in Soft Sky, Twill Tape

Polka Dots & Petals

This card was on one of the display boards for Stamp Camp back in April. And I'm so excited that both the wheel and this set from the Spring Mini made it into the new catalog!! Do you remember seeing it? (I didn't think so! Since it's one of my favorite samples, I thought I would share.) Fun to make and so much easier than it looks....

Simply stamp the images from Polka Dots & Petals randomly over a piece of Whisper White and then cut into 3 equal pieces. Mount each of these onto a layer of Elegant Eggplant and mount onto the background, which was first rolled with the Petals Jumbo Wheel! You all know how I am with numbers (so not my thing!), so the white CS starts at 4 1/2" and is cut down into 1 1/2" equal parts....has to be easy to divide!

Stamps: Polka Dots & Petals, Petals Jumbo Wheel, Warm Words

Inks: Elegant Eggplant, Certainly Celery, Almost Amethyst

CS: Whisper White, Almost Amethyst, Elegant Eggplant, Certainly Celery

Misc: Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, Word Window Punch

Enjoy! I'm expecting an SU delivery today.....may have new things to share tomorrow!!

Eat Cake!

Don't you just love these bright colors? One of my very favorite color combos is Pixie Pink and Only Orange....but it really is BRIGHT! So, a bit of Whisper White and a touch a Basic Black is needed....or you would need to wear sunglasses!

This card was actually my entry in a swap called "Cards that Move." It's basically a flat card that does not open in the traditional way. Instead, you pull the ribbon tab and the front slides back to reveal the message. (See 2nd photo) WAY too difficult to explain on this post...but will be included in an upcoming class by the very same name as the swap! Promises to be a really FUN class....please let me know if you are interested in joining me.

Stamps: Eat Cake, Curvy Verses

Inks: Pink Pink, Pink Passion, Only Orange, Basic Black; White Craft

CS: Pixie Pink, Only Orange, Pink Passion, Whisper White

Markers: Only Orange, Pixie Pink, Pink Passion

Misc: 12" Cutter, Black Gingham, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, 1 1/4" & 1 3/8" Round Punches

2007 Winter Catalog

Did you see it? It's now online!! So pretty...so many wonderful things inside. The paper that I used in the previous post is no longer available, but has been re-worked in a different color scheme and now available for purchase. Many of our other favorite background papers have been re-colored as well, while many are completely new! (Check out Pages 170-173) Oh, and the 1" punch that I used on that card is from another company....but I have to admit that I really dispise that punch. It doesn't have the great lever handle that our SU punches have....but now I can purchase one from the new catalog! There's all different size circle punches for all our project needs. (Pages 182-183) I'll continue to point out some of the fabulous new things in this catalog in future postings, but for now, just click on http://www.stampinup.com/ and enjoy!

Using Leftovers

Ok.....so I have a ton of background paper that is no longer in the current SU catalog. What's a girl to do? Can't get rid of it....after all, why did I hord it all these past months?!! It's all so pretty, but now that it is no longer current, can I use it?

Well, I'm sure that many of you may have a stash of background paper in your collection as well.....and this card/layout idea can easily be adapted to any background paper you may own. And since I needed a bunch of thank you notes for my twins, who just graduated from high school, this seemed the perfect ocassion to use up some of that lovely paper! (They wanted me to go and buy thank you cards! GASP!!!) Using background paper makes cardmaking a snap....quick and easy. In this case, just a touch of stamping, a few punches and a bit of ribbon, and I had 6 of these babies completed in minutes....literally! (Now I need 6 more of a different style for my other daughter!!!)

Stamps: Circle of Friendship

Paper: Green Galore, Whisper White, Gable Green

Inks: Green Galore

Misc: Apple Green Grosgrain*; Dots & Dashes Designer Paper; 1" Round Punch**; 1/2", 1 3/8", and 1 1/4" Round Punches; Hand-Held Rectangular Punch, Dimensionals

*Retired product

(But, remember, you can easily dye your white grosgrain any color with just a few drops of reinker and water.)

**NEW item in the 2007 Winter Catalog!!

This card style is called a "Donut Card".....the hole is punched through the entire front of the card and the stamped image is placed on a Dimensional inside the card.