BC#71 -- Happy Halloween!!

Candy is ready...house is decorated...costumes made....are you ready? Those little neighborhood goblins will be here soon!!

Fun holiday....fun idea....but, I have no Halloween stamps!! Boohoo!! Well, I do have the "Happy Halloween" greeting stamp, but that is it!! A little creativity was in order to meet today's challenge. I've been seeing all these cute little spiders all over the net, so it was time to try my hand at making one. Pulled out some remaining DSP from last year's catalog and the fun began!

Not scary.....that's the one thing I really don't like about Halloween! I like cute and sweet....not ghoulish and bloody!! So, this card is sweet....even if it is a spider! Again, very little stamping, but oh, so fun to make!!

So, thanks for stopping by.....enjoy your Halloween....and be safe! Oh!...and don't forget to visit the other bloggers...just click on the Bloggers' Challenge icon in the right column. You won't be sorry!

Stamps: All Holidays

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Only Orange

Punches: Round Scallop, 1/4" Round, 1/2" Round, Photo Corner, Word Window

Misc: DSP (retired), White Gel Pen (for highlighting eyes), Narrow Basic Black Grosgrain

Blog Challenge #70 -- Make a Gift

Way late, but here it is!! Part of the delay was deciding what to make....you see, I couldn't come up with anything in the very near future that required a gift. Of course, there is Christmas, but it just seems a bit too early! (I know, I know....I should start!!) After all Halloween is today....then it will be time to think ahead to the coming holidays!!

Awhile back, I was inspired by a sister blogger, Robin Merriman's "Party in a Box." Such a cute idea and perfect for co-workers. So, that's just what I did....made a couple for co-workers on their birthdays. What was I thinking?!! The gals have loved them...they now look forward to the next birthday just to see what creation appears......I need to make a little gift set for EVERYONE I work with!! This is box #3...so far, each one has been different, although the contents are exactly the same:

1 individually wrapped Hostess cupcake

1 birthday candle

matches

1 balloon

In other words, everything you need for a birthday celebration. These are fun, little gifts....just a little something to let a co-worker or friend know that you are thinking of them on their special day!

This is a simplified box of some beautiful creations I've seen online....made with the Scallop Envelope die and the Big Shot. Sheryl's is the first one I saw, I think....her tutorial is here. Isn't this a fabulous idea?!! You need to roll out four of them and tape them together. It was fun...AND it was easy!! So, a few rolls of the Big Shot, a few punches, and very little stamping and it was done!!

Stamps: Short & Sweet, Think Happy Thoughts

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Rose Red

Punches: 1/2" Round; 1 1/4" Round, Round Scallop

Misc: Rose Red DSP (from last catalog), Dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Glue Pen (by Sakura), Vellum Metal Edge Tag (from a previous catalog), Silver Cord, Narrow White Grosgrain Ribbon, Rose Red Marker

A New Technique

....at least it was for me!! I learned this at the shoebox swap that I participated in at Convention this past summer, and then demoed it at my upline's meeting about 1.5 months ago. This card was such fun to make....and has re-surfaced on my desktop, so I thought it was time to share!!

You know how all of us stampers have chalk pastels? Well....when was the last time you actually used them?!! I know that I hadn't used mine in a long time. But this will have you dusting off those chalks and taking them out once again!!!

For this technique, you need White Craft Ink (Vanilla probably will work as well) and stamp an image onto a dark CS (such as Navy, Chocolate Chip, or, as in this case...Basic Black). Use a sponge dauber and chalk it up in your color of choice, and then, gently dab onto the ink while it is still wet. Dabbing is key, so you don't smear! For this image, I used More Mustard around the outside, or larger part of the flower, and then Really Rust in the center. Let the chalks set for a bit....maybe about a minute and then gently wipe off with a Swiffer. You can't see it on screen, but the image on this card is actually just a bit shimmery....don't know why that happens, but it is SOOOO pretty!! For a great tutorial on this technique, check this out. If you decide to try this technique, I hope you'll let me know...and share!!

Stamps: Fabulous Flowers, Sanded Background, Best Yet

Inks: White Craft, More Mustard, Basic Black
CS: More Mustard, Basic Black, Really Rust

Misc: Cutter Kit (for distressing), Pastels (More Mustard & Really Rust), Narrow More Mustard Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/2 Pearl (Pretties Kit), Mini Glue Dots (for adhering pearl)

Sorry, I've been MIA!!

Life has been hectic. Had off from work last week....and now I need a vacation from my vacation!! I had hoped to have some stamping time, but that surely did not happen! Lots of household projects, including cleaning windows, Fall cleaning, cleaning closets and drawers....painting my bathroom....and then my daughter decided she would paint her room....you KNOW what that means, don't you?!! Yup! That became my project as well! Not to mention a couple of doctors' visits....sigh!

So, yes, I'm very, very behind on my Challenges....and my posts. BUT, I wanted to quickly share this little cutie. I had what I thought would be a small dinner party in honor of my sister's birthday this past Sunday....and it turned into dinner for 18! Loads of fun, of course, but lots of work as well. Still, it was fabulous to see everyone....it was just my family!! This is the card I made for her that went with her gift.

This actually started out as an attempt for MaryJo's Techno Lunchtime Challenge #40....which was from LAST week! Well, it didn't work out and I completely rearranged it to this. (I have to admit that that sketch has me stumped....but, I have an idea. If it works out, I'll be sure to share!!)

In real life (IRL), the background paper works much better with the printed paper. For some reason, the red just pops out at me, but IRL the pink does instead! The printed paper is non-SU...I just loved all the cupcakes!! The cupcake itself is from my new set, Crazy for Cupcakes....it was on sale this past month! Colored in with my Copic markers...I just LOVE these....and, sorry!....they are non-SU as well. A bit of glitter for the sprinkles, layered onto the oval and scalloped oval made with my Nestabilities in the Big Shot....then add a bit of ribbon in that new, easy-to-make bow in Celery Grosgrain. Not really difficult at all.

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes

Inks: Pitch Black (Adirondack by Ranger)

CS: Whisper White, Pixie Pink, Gable Green

Misc: Celery Grosgrain, Background Paper (Salsa Junk Padz by Junkitz), Copic Markers (various colors), Oval & Scallop Oval Nestabilities, Big Shot, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

Techno Challenge #39...FINALLY!

Today was such a pretty day.....crisp, sunny, beautiful blue skies....everything a Fall day should be! So....that means, little stamping time today! But despite the lack of time, I was finally able to accomplish last week's challenge. Whew! Only a week late....and tomorrow it's time for a brand new one...which I haven't even begun!!

This sketch to the right was the inspiration....as you can see, it's a square card. Now, if you've been following my blog entries, you know I'm not into square cards.....I changed the layout to a regular size card. Basically, a simple layout, but for some reason I had a tough time with this. There was a lot of trial and error, but I finally came up with something that I'm really very happy with!

You see, I just received my very own Felt Flurries (Pg. 16) from the Holiday Mini Catalog. Oooohhhh! These are luscious! They were still on my desk top and I just knew that I had to play with them for this challenge! Now I know that the colors on this card are not traditional, but I love that! Sometimes, different can be so fun!

For the background, I combined 2 jumbo wheels: Bold Snowflakes (rolled across the White Craft ink pad) and then Snow was added right over top (rolled across the Baja Breeze ink pad). I LOVE layering backgrounds, and am thrilled with the way this looks! However, that meant that I needed another color other than Whisper White. Basic Black was so stark, so some sheer narrow Organdy Ribbon (retired) was used to keep it light....and the black circle behind the greeting was covered with Dazzling Diamonds. Isn't it festive?!!

Stamps: Bold Snowflakes & Snow Jumbo Wheels, Tiny Talk*

Inks: White Craft, Baja Breeze, Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Baja Breeze

Misc: Little Felt Flurries (I used a white one.), Narrow Black Organdy Ribbon, 1" & 3/4" Round Punches, Mini Glue Dots

*Retired

SBS24 -- Blog Challenge #3

A co-worker recently gave me a bagful of paper and scrapbooking supplies. Seems she cleaned out a closet and had no use for any of it....so, I am the happy recipeint of all those goodies! Today, I finally went through the bag and put everything away....but I put aside a few things for this card!

The Challenge for my Sistas this week is a sketch challenge...they are always fun! This first photo is a copy of the sketch we were to use. (....and YES, it is the right sketch this time....I promise!!) I stayed pretty true to the sample.

In that wonderful goodie bag, I discovered some really pretty background paper, so that was the inspiration for my card....I just went from there! A couple of things.....The flower focal image was inked with So Saffron and highlighted with a Summer Sun Marker....and the pretty brad in the center was another goodie from the bag!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Stamps: Fabulous Flowers, Short & Sweet

Inks: So Saffron, Always Artichoke

CS: Whisper White, Mellow Moss, Bordering Blue, Mellow Moss

Misc: 1/4" Round Punch, Silver Mini Brads, Word Window Punch, Summer Sun Marker, Paper Piercer (from Tool Kit), Shangri-La Background Paper from Autumn Leaves/Rhonna Farrer; Printed Brads (source is unknown)

Catching Up.....kind of!

Well, I had a little bit of time this afternoon to stamp, so I thought I'd try to catch up on the Lunchtime Monday Challenge that I missed this past week. So, I pulled out some of my stamps and papers, inks and some accessories and got to "work." I felt like a mad scientist....my stamp area was a mess when I was done! BUT, I had this card to show for all that hard work and mess! Soooo, I scanned it in and was ready to post only to find out I did the wrong sketch!! Not only did I do the wrong sketch....it's one I had done a few weeks ago! (Guess that's why that sketch photo was still on my desktop!) DUH!!! So, I hope you don't mind that I share anyway...I'll try to find time tomorrow to actually do the right sketch AND the one due for this Monday!!

Although I'm not really a purple gal...I know plenty of people who are. But, I really like the way Almost Amethyst and Lovely Lilac look together....paired with a touch of Basic Black and, of course, some Whisper White, it's really a winning combo!! This card features the last little bit of Almost Amethyst DSP from the previous catalog....now, other than a few very small pieces, it's mostly all gone! The butterfly has dots of glitter inside each of those little flowers on the wings....was punched out using that fabulous 1 3/4" Round Punch and then Nestabilities were used in the Big Shot to achieve those background layers surrounding the image.

....you know what?!! This may just be the perfect birthday card for my niece who will be celebrating her special day very soon! So, even if I messed up and used the wrong sketch, it's still a cute card and now I have a very important use for it!!

Stamps: Flitting By, Tres Chic, All Holidays

Inks: Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac, Basic Black, White Craft

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Almost Amethyst

Misc: White Taffeta Ribbon, Glitter Pen (by Sakura), Dimensionals (behind the butterfly), 1 3/4" Round Punch, Almost Amethyst DSP (retired), Round and Scallop Round Nestabilities (by Spellbinders), Big Shot

BC#69 Color Challenge/SBS24 Fall Theme

Well, I seem to have fallen very far behind!....now it's time to play "catch up" with the Challanges! Last Sunday was a Fall/Autumn theme for SBS24.....and the Bloggers' Challenge this week was for a color combo that has a very Fall-like feel (Riding Hood Red, Really Rust, Old Olive), so I've combined them.....AND I needed a card to send a co-worker who has surgery recently. So, this card is actually doing TRIPLE duty! Am I efficient, or what?!! LOL

I pulled out my retired, but favorite, leaf set, Autumn Leaf Prints....if you remember this posting from a few weeks back, you'll recall that I just couldn't part with it! It always makes the prettiest cards...and before Fall is behind us, I wanted to use it at least one more time! Similar to that last posting, the leaf images were used in random fashion, but this time, they were stamped in Close to Cocoa Craft Ink and embossed. Then each leaf was burnished...or sponged...using the various required ink colors. I have always enjoyed that technique....it's so easy and fast!...with a real WOW factor. And you know what?.....I've fallen in love with Riding Hood Red, one of this year's In Colors! You are sure to see more creations in the near future with this lovely, versatile color.

So, thanks for stopping by and making your visit a part of your day. Hope you'll stop by again soon...remember, I have a few things I'll be sharing soon...and don't forget to visit some of the other participants in the Bloggers' Challenge AND those in the Sisterhood.

Stamps: Flannel Plaid*, Twill, Autumn Leaf Prints*, Sincere Salutations

Inks: Close to Cocoa Craft; Old Olive, Really Rust, Riding Hood Red (all in Classic ink)

CS: Natural Ivory, Old Olive, Really Rust, Riding Hood Red

Misc: Wide Oval Punch, Sponges, Antique Brass Mini Brads (Vintage Collection), Dimensionals (under greeting), Paper Piercer (Tool Kit), Clear Embossing Powder

*Retired

Getting Punchy

I received this cutie last month in a swap at my upline's meeting....created by Meg Penny, a sideline. Isn't it just the cutest?....I just had to share this with all of you!...and Meg gave me permission to do so! The only stamping on this card is the "for you," which is from the Fresh Cuts set...the rest is all created with punches. Punches are such fun to use and when used creatively like this, they are even better!

As always, thanks for stopping by today!

Stamps: Fresh Cuts

Inks: Chocolate Chip

CS: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Barely Banana, Close to Cocoa, Basic Black

Punches: Lg & Sm Ovals; Round Scallop Punch; Tab Punch; Boho Blossoms Punch (for feet & beak); 1 3/4", 1 3/8", 1/4", 3/4", 1/2", 1/4" Round Punches, Scallop Edge Punch

Cheers to You!

When I spotted this set in the new catalog I knew I had to have it. But with so many pretty things, it kind of sunk down the priority list....that is until I saw the spiral card demonstrated! What fun! Even still, I waited and finally earned it on my last order. I'm sure it will be used often...just love that martini glass, and the champagne glasses are perfect for anniversaries, engagements, and weddings! Check it out here!...and be sure to contact me to order YOUR set! (Or order directly through me online.....see the top right corner of this blog and click!)

Well, I needed a "man" card....or more specifically, a "man" birthday card. The beer mug is PERFECT for this! Isn't it fun?!! Just WAIT till you see the inside!!!!! For the front, I used my Dots and Spots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder in my Big Shot and "colored" in the foam on the mug with a white Applique Pen that I've had since SU used to sell them!

Then the inside is an idea demonstrated at Convention this past summer. Check this out! Even my twin daughers were impressed.....and that is just so rare!! The saying on the inside is from the retired It's Your Birthday set.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend....and thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Cheers to You, It's Your Birthday*

Inks: Jet Black StazOn, White Craft

CS: Basic Black, Whisper White, Summer Sun

Misc: Summer Sun Marker, Black Gingham Ribbon, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Round Punches, White Applique Pen*, Spots & Dots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

BC#68 -- Inspiration Challenge

Another great idea....another fun card! (Thank you, Lisa!!) This week we were to use this photo as our inspiration for our Challenge card/project.

As soon as I saw this bedroom ensemble, I knew that I had to pull out my Paper Trey set, Guide Lines. This set is just so fabulous....I simply do not use it enough!! Anyway, that is the set that created the background on the Top Note die cut piece....stamped in White Craft ink onto Basic Black CS. Add a few flowers from Eastern Blooms (another favorite!), a greeting, and some ribbon, and there you have it!!

A few things to note:

The greeting was punched out with the Large Oval Punch. Then the background of the greeting was created by punching twice more with the same punch, but this time in Real Red CS.

The flowers were stamped in Real Red Classic ink (and, yes, they DO match exactly IRL!) and cut out. To create the centers, the flower was again stamped, but this time in Basic Black, punched, and layered.

Can't wait to see what the others have created!

Stamps: Guide Lines (by Paper Trey, Inc.), Eastern Blooms, Short & Sweet

Inks: White Craft, Real Red Classic

CS: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black

Misc: Large Oval Punch, 1/2" Round Punch, Dimensionals, Narrow White Grosgrain Ribbon, Top Note Die (Big Shot)

Lunchtime Challenge #38

I LOVE this sketch! So versatile...so easy to work with! It's great right side up, to the left, to the right....or use it upside down...like I did! It's one I've used many times before and will continue to use often. So, what's the sketch look like, you say? It's here!

And this is my version to the left. I still had my Lovely as a Tree set out on my desk top....so, it was the one I used! See? Isn't this set just the BEST?!! Easy to understand why it has been SU's number 1 selling set for years, isn't it?!!

Thanks for stopping by and making your visit a part of your day.

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Canvas, Baroque Motifs, Best Yet

Inks: Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron

CS: Whisper White, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip

Misc: Dimensionals, Daubers, Narrow Chocolate Chip Grosgrain, Large Oval Punch, Designer Punch, Certainly Celery & So Saffron Markers, Blender Pen

SBS24 -- Challenge #2; Anything But a Card

The challenge this week was an easy one!! A couple of my very favorite customers (but I love them all!!) invited me to host a stamp night for the ladies in their church Woman's Club this past Friday night. What fun we had! They requested a Christmas theme...but since it was the first Friday of October, it just seemed too early to make just a couple of holiday cards! So (from left to right), we made a gift card holder...it's the most popular gift of the season!; a decorated gift bag made from a lunch bag; a star ornament, using the fabulous Big Shot!; and a votive candle cover. All easy...all fun! The ladies had a grand time socializing AND creating!

There were a lot of supplies used in these projects....too many to list. But, if you would like more info, please feel free to contact me! Oh, and that gift card holder was inspired by the amazing Kristina Werner! Check out her blog...there's so much to see!!

BC #67 -- Falling For You

Falling for You is the theme this week......and that could mean a number of different things. After all, just think about that phrase: love, leaves AND snow all fall! So, what was my take on this theme? Well, I kind of combined 2 of them! Love....my anniversary is coming up in about a week and a half......and if you've read any of my recent posts, you know that I love Fall! So, I made a Fall-themed anniversary card for my hubby!! Perfect for this week, don't you think?!!

This card is definitely a CASE of one posted by our very own Bloggers' Challenge member, Marcia Pringle! I've had this idea downloaded on my computer for a very long time and thought it would work perfectly for the combined theme. (THANK YOU, Marcia!!) Of course, I made some changes, but the overall idea and layout is all Marcia's!!

You see, I needed a masculine type card...no hearts or frills for hubby. (He'd hate it!) So, I pulled out my very time-worn set, Lovely as a Tree. The leaf branches were first stamped in More Mustard ink and then to achieve the multi-colored look, I used markers and the Thumping technique. 'Course, Marcia's background used French Script, which I sold long ago (and have regretted it many times since), but I used an old favorite, Linen and then Tres Chic. The greeting was changed and employs 3 punches....which is very different from the original. So, you see, it is similar....definitely inspired....but still different!

Thanks for stopping by! Can't wait to see what the others have been up to....hope to see you there.

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Linen*, Tres Chic, Always, Short & Sweet

Inks: More Mustard, Really Rust, Creamy Carmel, Chocolate Chip

CS: Natural Ivory, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive

Markers: Old Olive, Really Rust, Close to Cocoa

Punches: 1 3/8" Round, Designer Label Punch, Wide Oval Punch

Misc: Cutter Kit (Distressing Tool), Wide Old Olive Grosgrain, Taupe Grosgrain*, Old Olive Mini Brads, Paper Piercer (Tool Kit)