Bloggers' Challenge -- Die Cuts

Because I just unpacked my brand-new texturized impression plate, Manhattan Flowers, I just HAD to use it!...it was calling me!! LOL Paired up with my very favorite of all the die cuts, the Top Note Die....well, it's just to die for!!

This card is basic and easy, but like many of the cards I post here, it's all dressed up! The Vanilla background is also the card base with just the Top Note layered on top, along with the ribbon and tag.

The Big Shot was a huge component of this card....I'll be posting info in a few days for a class using this fabulously fun tool!....so be on the lookout!! The flowers were stamped randomly in the background, the Top Note was cut and then placed in the impression plate. Now this is different than the Texturz Plates....very much like the Cuttlebug Embossing Folders. Very Vanilla was carefully rubbed over top of the raised image to give it more definition. I have to say that this impression plate is really very impressive! Just beautiful....with a nice clear, crisp impression. The tag was created with the Lots of Tags Sizzlet and then layered with the Wide Oval Punch over top.

So, thanks for stopping by and don't forget to visit the other bloggers who participate in the Challenges!

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Flowers

CS: Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Very Vanilla Craft

Misc: Top Note Die, Lots of Tags Sizzlet, Wide Oval Punch, Wide Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Button Bouquet, Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Horizontal Punch

Catching Up....MJ's Lunchtime Challenge

Before I had a chance to make this up.....and before I had time to let y'all know I was headed out of here last week.......I was off to Florida again. Back down to my Mom's house...this time to clean closets, have the whole interior of her home painted, cleaned and organized MORE paperwork, visited her lawyer, ran a million errands, cleaned, and cleaned, and cleaned some more! Obviously, it was a "working vacation!" Now Mom's house is cleaned up, staged and just about ready to sell....we just need to find a place for her to live up here in NJ!

So, anyway, I'm back home again.....but so tired. That means today was just a bit of a "catch up" day. Too tired to do too much, I made time to stamp....really felt good!!! Here is the challenge I missed last week. I have to admit that this is basically inspired by a number of cards I've seen around online, but it gave me one last chance to share this set while still available!

Stamps: Polka Dot Punches*, Sweet Little Sentiments

Inks: White Craft, Brocade Blue

CS: Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Whisper White

Misc: Delicate Dots DSP, Full Heart Punch, Small Oval Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Taffeta Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, White Embossing Powder

*Sale-A-Bration '09 Sets

NOTE: Sale-A-Bration, 2009, has now ended.

Please stop by and visit MaryJo's blog....she always posts the most fabulous cards and projects, AND you'll be able to see the original sketch and check out all those who participated in her Challenge last week!

Blog Challenge #86 -- It's Springtime!

After this long, long, looooonnnnng winter, Spring finally arrives tomorrow....at least officially! Let's hope the Spring-like weather isn't far behind!! And so, that brings us to our Challenge this week......it's time for card/projects with a Spring-like feel!

Well, honestly, I'm not entirely sure that these qualify.....

This first card was inspired by some new replacement markers I just received. I hadn't put them away yet, and the color combo hit me as something I could use, although not one of my typical color combos: Close to Cocoa, Regal Rose, Cameo Coral, and Ruby Red. For the neutral, I used Very Vanilla. It's an interesting mix of colors.....kind of fun.....but is it Spring like enought for this Challenge? I had also just received a new stamp set, Fifth Avenue Florals....I've been drooling over that set since the release of the catalog. It is just gorgeous.....so many things can be done with it. For this card, I simply used one stamp over and over in the above-mentioned colors and sponged in just the Ruby Red flowers.

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral

Inks: Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, Regal Rose, Close to Cocoa

CS: Very Vanilla, Regal Rose, Close to Cocoa, Ruby Red

Misc: Eyelet Border Punch, Sponge, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter & 2-Way Glue Pen, Dimensionals, Taupe Grosgrain (retired), Filigree Designer Brads, Chocolate Mini Brad (non-SU)

Since I wasn't entirely pleased with that card, I came up with another.....and, yes, it uses many of the same things: same floral stamp AND the Eyelet Border Punch. This time, in black, white and a punch of color: Summer Sun. This may be more summery than springy, but I'm going with it anyway! I've always been a sucker for this combination of colors!

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Florals, Sweet Little Sentiments (Hostess Level 1)
Inks: Basic Black
CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Summer Sun
Misc: Large & Small Oval Punches, 1 3/4" Round Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Silver Mini Brad, Black & White Gingham Ribbon, Black & White Gingham Button (non-SU)

MJ's Lunchtime Challenge

This is such a sweet....and versatile....sketch; AND I just had to try out my new stamp set, Cheep Talk. It's so cute and I thought it would be just perfect for this layout! There are so many cute, cute cards made with this set, that it made it into my own personal collection. It's so unlike anything else I own....you see, I NEEDED it! LOL!

Anyway, this is my version of MaryJo's weekly LunchTime sketch.....and as usual, I altered it slightly to make it work. The background on this card sample was created by using the Classic Stripes background stamp and stamping it in both directions. This idea was taken directly from one of my long-time stamping idols, Karen Barber. Just click on Karen's name and you can visit her blog......her creations, although sometimes far and few between, are always fabulous!! Karen is kind of an "aunt" in my upline.....up a level or so and over one, so I used to run into her at various stamping events. BUT, now that she lives in Ohio, the only way for me to get a Karen fix is to visit her blog. Now I can still get ideas from her, which is good,...like the background!! (OMG...is it contagious?!! I'm beginning to write like her...she kinda rambles, you know? She's funny to read....sweet, just like in real life......a true creative artist........but sometimes it takes a bit of time to read through her posts.....but always worth it!)

So, here's today's creation, which actually was done on time for yesterday's Challenge....just ran out of time to put in here on my blog!

Stamps: Cheep Talk, Classic Stripes, Sweet Little Sentiments (Hostess Level 1)

Inks: Versamark, Old Olive, Summer Sun, Pacific Point

CS: Whisper White, Old Olive, Summer Sun

Misc: Wide Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Flower Fusion (Old Olive), Cordory Button (Summer Sun), Wavy Edge Punch (EK Success)

Edited to add: The EK Punch used at the bottom portion of the stamped focal image has both the wave AND the "paper piercing," so they are both done at the same time. It's a very cool punch....even if it isn't by SU!

Lunchtime Challenge #60

Well, if you've been reading my blog for the last couple of weeks, you know that I was a bit under the weather and my creativity was probably at an all-time low.....BUT, it's slowly coming back (THANK goodness!!). This Challenge was due last Monday by lunchtime, but after many, many tries; adding lots to the trash bin; AND adding a bunch of stamped pieces to a growing pile of "someday I'll use that," I've finally come up with something!! 'Course, I should be working on the Challenge due THIS Monday!!

Anyway, here's my submission; it's a very simple design with clean lines, but utilizes a few accessories to dress it up. It's been turned around and is actually then a "mirror image" of MJ's original sketch.....but, I'm happy with it. I've come to really appreciate simple layouts and designs. After all, not everyone has hours to duplicate everything, right?!!

Stamps: Fun Flowers, Congrats*

Inks: Tangerine Tango, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss

CS: Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss

Misc: Narrow White Grosgrain Ribbon; 1/4" Round Punch**, Movers & Shapers Curley Label Die, Big Shot, Flower Assortment Brads (Pumpkin Pie), Mini Glue Dots, Paper Piercer & Template (Tool Kit)

*2009 SAB set

**Retired

As always, thanks for stopping by! Oh!....I downloaded the wrong scan.....ALL items used to make this sample are by SU!

BC#90 -- Love the Texture!

Have YOU used the new Texturz plates?.....or any of the many embossing folders out on the market? They add so much interest to a card/project! Of course, the Texturz plates are in the new SU catalog....for use in the Big Shot! (You DO have yours, right?!!) Well, you MUST know by now that I love working with my Big Shot.....it's so versatile.....it cuts, embosses, texturizes.....it's just so much FUN!

So, if you haven't already figured it out, that's the theme for this week's Challenge: Texturze! Use embossing plates and add interest. Usually (but not always), I do at least 2 layer cards, but this time, I wanted to add texture directly to the card base, so I admit to cheating a bit on that rule. (Shhh!....don't tell!) Easy to do.....the card base is the fabulous, lush Pacific Point "embossed" with the "plaid" plate from Texturz Plates Kit #4 (SU catalog Page #203). Upsy Daisy was stamped onto Whisper White and cut with my circle cutter, and the edges were distressed. Add a bit of ribbon, a greeting...which was embossed by inking first in Kiwi Kiss and then Versamark and THEN stamping, then throw on a bit of Clear Embossing Powder to create a little more interest. The pointed edge was made by using a corner of a Square Punch, layered and placed upon a couple of Dimensionals.

Well, this card is not my usual style, but since I'm finally feeling better, I challenged myself to step outside of my comfort zone and get back into the game! I'm so rusty it's not funny, but hopefully, I'll be back to my old stamping self soon! Thanks for stopping by today.....and be sure to visit the other Blogging gals......see you there!

Stamps: Upsy Daisy

Inks: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Versamark

CS: Pacific Point, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White

Misc: Mini Library Clip, Dimensionals, Clear Embossing Powder, Circle Cutter, Texturz Plate (Kit #4), Big Shot, 1 3/8" Square Punch, 5/8" Stripped Grosgrain Ribbon/Kiwi Kiss, Circle Cutter

Love is in the Air!

It's been awhile since I've shared a creation using my favorite Big Shot die, the Top Note. Here's a card I made not too long ago for a swap I was in, featuring my very favorite toy....uh, tool, the Big Shot!

This is a tent card.....the black background is just that: the background, NOT part of the card! The white base is 8.5 x 4.25 and folded in half. The greeting was embossed along the lower edge and the Top Note was added, so that it still fits in a card-size envelope. The scallop circle is also cut with the Big Shot and those champagne glasses are embossed, "colored" in using 2-way Glue and Dazzling Diamonds and punched out with the 1 3/4" Round Punch.

I'm really happy with the way this card came out.....looks simple, but still has pizazz. It's perfect for anniversaries....or even a wedding card, don't you think?

Stamps: Tres Chic, Cheers to You, Heard from the Heart

Inks: Baja Breeze, Silver Encore

CS: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Silver Metallic

Misc: Silver Embossing Powder, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, White Taffeta Ribbon, 1 3/4" Round Punch, Big Shot, Top Note Die, Scallop Circle #2 Die (smaller scallop)

Please note: Only SU products were used in creating this card.

BC#89 -- Color Challenge

This is such a pretty color combination! Sage Shadow and any brown really look spectacular together......and Sage is a color that just doesn't get used often enough! (Guess I'm more of a moss gal!) In this case, Sage Shadow was paired with Chocolate Chip and some Natural Ivory to brighten it up just a bit. On screen, the green looks more blue than green.....my scanner/monitor just do not like greens! But, please take my word for it.....it's a lovely combo!! You need to try this one out for yourself....you are sure to be thrilled with the results.

Unfortunately, I'm still recovering from the flu.....Oh, I'm going back to work tomorrow, but I'm tired, my MOJO seems to have flown the coup, and I seem to be working in slow motion. That's why this Challenge entry is so very late.....but hopefully, you will enjoy anyway. Simple card featuring a favorite from the dormant list...but still available for purchase, Wonderful You. The matching Jumbo Wheel, Stems & Silhouettes look perfect when paired with this stamp set, and is equally lovely.

Thanks for stopping by......be sure to take some time to visit my fellow bloggers....the gals have really outdone themselves this week! (Yes, I took a few peaks!!) Oh, and while we are on the subject of this color combo.....why not link back to this favorite, and this one as well. Very similar in colors, and more for your inspiration!

Stamps: Wonderful You, Stems & Silhouettes Jumbo Wheel, Trendy Trees (greeting)

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow

CS: Natural Ivory, Sage Shadow, Chocolate Chip

Misc: Wide Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Narrow Sage Shadow Grosgrain Ribbon, Chocolate Chip Corduroy Button, Antique Brass Mini Brads (Vintage Collection), Paper Piercer & Template (Tool Kit)

Thank You -- Sale A Bration Style!

OK, I've been so lame lately and neglecting you and this blog by not posting very much.....so, now I have another card to share! GASP!! TWO in one day!! LOL

I have a bunch of thank you cards that I need to get out to various people and came up with this for some of them. It is really not an original, but adapted from this one I saw online. The colors she used are fabulous, but I chose to use another SAB favorite....Delicate Dots DSP. You KNOW, you'll be seeing this again! So Springy....and after that snowstorm yesterday, I can't wait for Springtime weather!!

When I first saw Polka Dot Punches, I wasn't at all sure that I liked it....although it was the first SAB set I chose since I thought it might be fun to paper pierce. Well, honestly, I haven't used that technique at all on this set, but I just am having so much fun with it anyway! It's fabulous the way it has been designed to coordinate with so many of our punches.....makes cardmaking fun and easy!! As you can see, quite a few punches have been used here.

So, here's the info....

Stamps: Polka Dot Punches, Yummy, Short & Sweet

Inks: More Mustard, Garden Green, Bashful Blue, Basic Gray

CS: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Sahara Sand

Punches: 5 Petal Flower, Large Oval, Small Oval, Quarter Inch Round Punch, Eyelet Border

Misc: Paper Piercer (Tool Kit), Bashful Blue Mini Brads, Delicate Dots DSP, Narrow So Saffron Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals

Thanks again for stopping by! Have a fabulous day!!

Techno Challenge #55

MaryJo has done it again! I just LOVE this layout!!....it really is a basic, with a twist. Sometimes her sketches give me a bit of trouble and as a result I miss a submission (like last week's edition....but I'm still working on it!), but more often than not, I am crazy about her ideas! Sometimes, like this week, they "just speak to me!!" When I saw this layout (you can see the original here on MJ's blog), I knew exactly what to do with it.

Since I had Sweet Stems still on my desktop along with the Lots of Tags die, that's what I went with again....you just have to fall in love with this set like I have after all the ideas! AND this time, I even remembered to add in the mini brads....they just make such a difference! This, of course, is in a different color combo....I just adore the new DSP, Raspberry Tart, which was the inspiration for the coloring.

So, thanks for stopping by.....I'm feeling a bit better. I must be, since I'm getting board with just sleeping and watching TV, so I think a little stamp time will be in order!!

Stamps: Sweet Stems, Short & Sweet

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Rose Red

Markers: Old Olive, Rose Red, Regal Rose

Misc: Old Olive Mini Brads, Lots of Tags Sizzlet, Big Shot, Eyelet Border Punch, Paper Piercer (Tool Kit)

Blog Challenge -- Alter It!

Believe it or not, it took me all weekend to make this.....you see, I'm down with flu. YUK!....and yes, I even had a flu shot. First year it didn't work for me. So, I'm exhausted, and working with "fuzzy brain," and barely functioning.

Each time I began to work on this I needed to sit down before I accomplished much. So, it's not my best work....and I made a few mistakes.....AND I was going to add Barely Banana Mini Brads at the bottom of each of the flowers (they would work perfectly!).....but didn't remember them until I went to photograph this! So, please use your imagination and forgive my feeble attempt this week.

Our Group Mom, Lisa, has made a few of these, and this was the perfect chance to make one for myself. This is a Post-It Note pad holder.....wouldn't this just be adorable to carry in your purse?!! The covers are chipboard coasters that are covered with the fabulous SAB DSP, Delicate Dots. The wider ribbon is also a SAB favorite: the Ribbon Bundle...obviously, the So Saffron Wide Grosgrain.

I do have a few things around to share and will try to add things to the Blog as the week goes along....and as my energy level will allow. Hopefully, the flu will be short lived....maybe that shot will help after all?

Stamps: Sweet Stems, Mini Note Kit

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Whisper White

Markers: Certainly Celery, So Saffron, More Mustard, Basic Black

Misc: Delicate Dots DSP, Lots of Tags Sizzlet, Oval Nestability*, Glue Stick, Sanding Block, Grosgrain Ribbons......Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Wide So Saffron; Bind it All*

Please note: All materials are from SU, except those with the *.

Thanks for stopping by....and as always, I invite you to stop by and visit the other bloggers to see the beautiful creations they have submitted this week.