Weekly Challenge #44; Color Challenge

Ok, I'm doing something I've never done here before....I've CASEd someone else's work! Now, you know there are so many talented stamp artists out there, it's really difficult NOT to copy! And this color combo (So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Brocade Blue) was a bit uninspiring....that is, until I stumbled across this gorgeous card. Not my typical style, I've always admired the color block technique. And doesn't that card look like my new favorite set, Essence of Love, could be easily substituted?

So, here it is, my version. A bit simpler, not as many layers, no hodgepodge or rub ons, and different colors....but I'm pretty happy with it! Check out those butterflies....I stamped on the base and then again on a scrap and cut out...then layered over top for a 3-D look.

Stamps: Essense of Love, Sincere Salutations

Inks: Chocolate Chip

CS: Chocolate Chip, Natural Ivory (base), Certainly Celery, Brocade Blue, So Saffron (YES, it IS So Saffron even though it looks like Summer Sun!!)

Misc: Large Oval Punch, Template & Paper Piercer (Tool Kit), Antique Brass Mini Brads, Designer Punch

Tag, I'm It!

My friend, Annette, tagged me a few weeks ago….I just didn’t have the time to come up with 7 random things to share. Now that things have settled down a bit, it’s time to take on the challenge…….

The rules of the game:
• Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
• Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, we all want to know them.
• Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
• Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Now for the 7 random facts about me:

1. My husband and I have a son and twin daughters. Didn’t know we were having twins until delivery…that’s right, I found out when I was on the table!
2. During the day, I work as a professional taster at Cadbury. Now, before you laugh, you need to know that along with the panel I work with we were all trained for 6 months! Yes, it IS a real job! (We test mostly gum.)
3. I have 2 sisters and 2 brothers and we all live close by one another, except for one sister who is 2 hours away.
4. When my husband and I purchased the house we now live in, it was a real “fixer upper!” Definitely was the ugliest house on the block! After loads and loads of hard work, we’ve managed to turn it into a “swan!”
5. I used to sew….a lot! Made much of what my daughters used to wear (it was fun when they were young). Now they won’t wear what I make and I don’t seem to have the time.
6. This year I’ll be attending my 8th SU Convention! Yahoo!!!
7. I like to cook…especially bake.
   
   Ok, now I’m supposed to “tag” some others. To be honest, I’ve seen this game on many other blogs, so I’ll spare everyone.....however, if you haven't yet participated in this Tag Game, please consider this your "tag!" But be sure to check out Annette’s blog…it’s awesome! Oh, and she has a sneak peak of the new “In Colors” for the new SU year....take a look!!

More Chipboard!

These little tins are so easy and fun to decorate for all kinds of uses. They would make fabulous party favors, a cute little hostess gift, teacher's gifts (isn't teacher's appreciation day/week coming?)...just fill with a favorite treat or goodie!

Anyway, I decorated this to have on hand for a quick gift when needed and it was out on display during Stamp Camp. A very quick project...took only about 10 minutes to make it!

The first photo shows the lid. The flower ring is actually Chipboard covered with a piece of Ginger Blossom Designer Paper....this paper is just so lovely! The flower inside was actually stamped with White StazOn directly onto the acrylic portion of the lid. To color the blossoms, I used a Burgundy Sharpie and colored from the back. The Chipboard was adhered with Sticky Tape.

The 2nd photo shows the whole container. The paper used on the side is actually the flip side of the paper on the chipboard....Ginger Blossom paper is 2-sided! A bit of Double Stitched Groovy Guava Ribbon was added to the side of the lid and the project was complete!

Stamps: Embrace Life

Inks: White StazOn

Papers: Ginger Blossom Designer Paper

Misc: Glue Dots, Double Stitched Groovy Guava Ribbon

Ok! That's it for now.....now it's time to visit and see what the other Bloggers' have been up to! Let's go visit!

Chipboard--Challenge #43

This time I have TWO projects to share with you....chipboard is such fun to use! It can be used in so many ways, on a variety of projects, and adds so much to whatever it is that you are making!

First project features Chipboard coasters....from my Stamp Camp last week. In this case, you really can't see the chipboard, but is was used to make the covers for this little card/booklet. It was a ton of fun to make and my ladies loved it. I made my sample a day or so after Stamp Camp (another demonstrator friend of mine designed this booklet; it was modeled after one designed by the ultra-talented, Nicole Heady), it's ever so slightly different that the one everyone made. Notice the Rose Red Designer Paper, the Flower Fusion, and Crystal Brad.

Stamps: One of a Kind*, So Many Scallops

Inks: Rose Red, Basic Black

CS: Whisper White

Misc: 1/8" Punch, Pop Up Glue Dot, Paper Piercer, White Grosgrain Ribbon, Lg. Red Crystal Brad (Fire Collection), Flower Fusion, Scallop Punch, Mini Silver Brads

*My version shows the "one of a kind" that has been stamped. The ladies used the very same words, but in rub on version from the Urban West Rub Ons.

Then for the left inside, here's what we did. We left room for a couple of photos (1st & last pages). Isn't this fun?!!

Stamps: All Holidays, So Many Scallops

Inks: White Craft, Basic Black

CS: Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White (base is 3.5x12), Old Olive, Rose Red

Misc: Rose Red Designer Paper, 1" Round Punch, Scallop Punch, 5 Petal Flower Punch, Mini Silver Brads, Flower Fusion, Wide Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon

Now the other side...it's actually a fairly simple card....or a card within a card! The left is when the booklet is open and the accordian portion is closed up, with the card on the right. Sorry, the photo of the card inside is a bit blurry.

Stamps: Boho Backgrounds, Fundamental Phrases, Curvey Verses, All Holidays

Inks: Rose Red, Basic Black

CS: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Whisper White

Misc: Rose Red Designer Series Paper, Build-a-Flower, Silver Mini Brad

Check out the next post for the next Chipboard idea!

Stamp Camp Creations

I'm going to get to last week's Challenge....really......I am! Just has been a crazy week and weekend. This past Saturday, I hosted a Stamp Camp for some of my customers. Unfortunately, it was postponed from April 5th, due to a family issue, and the 12th wasn't a really good date for many. But we had a blast anyway....just missed those that weren't there.

So, here's 3 of the 4 things we created. (The 4th fits the Challenge for this coming Friday, so I'll save it till then!) The first features Urban West Rub-Ons and our Designer Series Paper in Rose Red. The can was purchased from Specialty Bottle. I used these very same tins at Christmastime....they are the perfect size to add in some very special treats. The 2nd photo shows the top. Oh, and NO stamping!

Stamps: N/A

Inks: N/A

CS: Whisper White

Misc: Rose Red DSP, Pretties Kit (Silk Flower, Crystal Brad), 5 Petal Flower Punch, Build-a-Flower, Coluzzel, Sanding Block, Scallop Punch, Urban West Rub Ons, 1/8" Hand-Held Punch

Then we made a second project....definitely CASED from one that I made at the SU Convention last summer....just changed out the colors! This one was fun AND easy....and quick!!

Stamps: Monogram Lower "C," Rough Edges Mini Alphabet

Inks: Old Olive

CS: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie

Misc: Rose Red DSP, Flower Fusion, Build-a-Brad (Pewter), Hodgepodge Hardware (oval paperclip, Pewter), Narrow White Grosgrain Ribbon, Build-a-Flower, Wide Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Cropadile*, Corner Rounder

*We used the Cropadile to make the holes in the tins so we could tie the ribbon handles.....everyone was so amazed how easily this tool cut through the tin!! Like butter!

And the 3rd and final project I'm sharing with you today was a Build-a-Brad bracelet. So "out of the box!" This is NOT my original idea...just one I adapted....CASED from another Blog (just can't remember where!). The bracelet is actually somewhat similar to the one I made at Christmastime.

Stamps: One of a Kind, 1/2" Round Punch, Build-a-Brads, Needle Nose Pliers (SU Tool Kit)

Inks: White Craft

CS: Certainly Celery, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black

Well, that's it for today...thanks for stopping by!

NOTE: You can find a tutorial on making this bracelet on Amanda Coughlin's blog. Check it out here: http://stampvamps.com/?p=52. Thanks, Amanda!!

Mother's Day Swaps

Yes, I have been busy stamping away this past week. Finished the cards from my last post and sent them off....and then made a bunch of these for another swap. The theme was Mother's Day...and I found myself in the same bind as the Spring Flower themed card: few floral stamp sets. Definitely will order one...I've been eyeing up the beautiful Wonderful You and matching wheel, Stems & Silhouettes......they are part of the Wheely Good Deal promotion through the end of April. (Be sure to contact me today to take advantage of this sale!)

Anyway, I pulled out my trusty, Fun & Fast Notes. It really is adorable and so versatile....and worked perfectly for the Mother's Day theme! This layout was featured recently here, and is fun to make, and not complicated at all! This card also features a fun use for the Scallop Punch....and one that you will learn when you attend my Scallop Punch Class! (If you live in the Morris County, NJ area, be sure to let me know you would like to attend!). The swap also features another double background technique that I love so much. As you'll see in the link for the Flap Card, the circle and flap lift up and then the background flops down to reveal the greeting.

Stamps: Fun & Fast Notes, Canvas, Whimsey Jumbo Wheel

Inks: Ruby Red, Jet Black StazOn

CS: Very Vanilla, Watercolor Paper, Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, Old Olive

Markers: Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, Old Olive

Misc: Scallop Punch, Coluzzel, White Gel Pen, Aqua Brush

All supplies are SU.

Cape Cod Swaps

This is the weekend that some of my stampin' gal pals are gathering at Cape Cod for a fun weekend, filled with stamping, laughing, and friendship. Sadly, I can't be there, but will be in spirit. One of the highlights of the weekend (there are sure to be many), is the swapping. Last year, I went away with these same ladies, had the most amazing time, and received loads of awesome swaps. So, although I couldn't be there, I was invited to send some swaps and to participate. I only made 2 cards for swapping, and these are what I sent.

This first card features Basic Gray and Purely Pomegranate again....it's such a rich combo, with some Whisper White thown in for good measure! First photo is the outside of the card...the way you would receive it when it arrives. The second is with the inside card removed. This is actually a take off on a card received at the very same weekend gathering last year (Hi, Kim!), and I just loved it! And best part, is that it is so easy!!

Stamps: Priceless, Curvy Verses

Inks: Basic Gray, Purely Pomegranate

CS: Basic Gray, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White

Misc: 1 3/8" Round Punch, Scallop Punch, 1/2" Round Punch*, Tab Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, White Taffetta Ribbon, White Gel Pen, Silver Mini Brad, Paper Piercer

NOTE: Since the inside card is a single layer, the brad "legs" show when inserted. So, I punched out a small circle of Whisper White CS, using the 1/2" Round punch and adhered over top. This neatened it up and made it easier to slip the insert in and out of the "envelope" outside.

So, then I needed a 2nd card for the swap, and designed this pink one. Loved the way it turned out, only to discover that it was actually very, very similar to this card that I posted months ago! DUH!! It's really NOT the same, it's more dressed up, but is still the same layout....I really didn't mean to "copy" myself, but that's exactly what I happened!! Oh, well....hopefully, they'll like it anyway!

This time, the background was stamped using the Twill Bkgrd stamp in White Craft ink; then a portion of Happiness was used, but stamped in only one color ink; then cut out. Not sure if you can see that some of the images and stripes were highlighted with Dazzling Diamonds. The round greeting has a hole punched in the center (the Cropadile is perfect for punching through those 3 layers!) and the ribbon was inserted through and tied. Oh, and I also drew those tiny, skinny black lines inbetween the sections of the Happiness image.....with the help of a ruler, of course!

Stamps: Twill, Happiness, Thinking of You

Inks: White Craft, Basic Black, Pink Passion

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pink Passion

Misc: Scallop Punch, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Round Punches, Corner Rounder (for the scallop edge), C ropadile, Black Gingham Ribbon, Quickie Glue Pen*, Dazzling Diamonds, Micro Pen in Black*

*Non SU; all other supplies are from the SU catalog.

Bloggers' Challenge -- Week #41

How was your week? Mine went by so quickly....can't believe that it's Friday already...and that it's time again for a Challenge card! (Didn't get to post earlier this week...sorry! Will try to post more next week.)

Our Challenge this week was to replicate the card layout on Page 65 of the SU catalog. Simple, but not your ordinary layout. I'm still playing with my Essence of Love....just can't seem to put it away! I thought it would work really well with this layout....this card was just so simple, I'm almost embarassed to post for the Challenge! But, here it is. Enjoy....and thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Essence of Love
Inks: Basic Gray, Versamark

CS: Basic Gray, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White
Misc: Gray Taffeta Ribbon, Silver Ribbon Slide from the Silver Hodpodge Kit (Occasions Mini), Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Coluzzel
ALL materials used for this card are from SU.

Now, I'm off to visit the other Bloggers who participate in the Challenges. (Click on the Bloggers' logo in the left column.) Hope you'll join me!