Late Night Stampers #17

This was a fun Challenge! For this one, we could copy ANYTHING we wanted from the list Mom, Sherill....we were to just make it our own, of course. Here's a link to her blog, so you can see all the happy creations for yourself....and see if you can pick out the one I CASEd:

http://latenitestampinwithsherill.blogspot.com/

As soon as I saw Sherill's version of this card, I knew it was the ONE! The cute drink image....oh, can't you just picture yourself on an island, lounging in a beach chair sipping away?!!....well, it was stamped onto watercolor paper in Jet Black StazOn and colored in with markers. Although you can't see in on screen, the entire glass has been glazed over with Crystal Effects.

Although I often say I enjoy making many of the cards that I post here, I really had a ball with this one! Hmmm.....maybe I was envisioning that beach chair a little too vividly!! LOL!

Thanks for stopping in today....and please come back and check out the new Challenge postings coming soon!

Stamps: Cheers to You, Oval All

Inks: Jet Black StazOn

CS: Very Vanilla, Pink Passion, Pumpkin Pie, Watercolor Paper

Markers: YoYo Yellow, Pumpkin Pie, Pink Passion, Real Red, Baja Breeze, Bordering Blue, Creamy Carmel

Misc: Scallop Edge Punch, Blender Pen, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Patterns Pack DSP (Hostess Level 1) in Apricot Appeal, White Gel Pen, Dimensionals

Monday's Techno Lunchtime Challenge -- Waaaay Late!

LOL! Obviously, it's no longer lunchtime on Monday! You see, some sketches just seem to "talk" to me.....in other words, as soon as I see them, I kind of form an idea in my head. Sometimes they work out, sometimes they do not. This sketch left me uninspired....not sure why! After all, it's not a difficult sketch....guess I wanted something spectacular to share. Well, hopefully, this is worth the wait!

One of my favorite blogs is called, Clean and Simple...and all the creations are just that: simple with clean lines. I think each card posted is just fabulous! Easy to reproduce and always stunning.....simplicity at its finest! As you know, I primarily use SU stamps and products (and occasionally a non-SU thing or two will creep in!), but that blog uses a variety of brands. BUT, not to worry!....I'm still an SU kind of gal!!! I just want to stamp like those who contribute to the Clean and Simple blog when "I grow up!!" So, with the clean and simple theory in mind, I worked on MaryJo's weekly sketch.......

The stamped images, from Central Park*, in the center, are actually stamped onto the card base....check out the textured look of this great stamp....isn't that just so cool?!! The two top layers had the circles cut out....I used the Circle Scissor Plus! This gives so much more versatility than the Coluzzel**. I think I'm really gonna LOVE this great new tool!!! The Riding Hood Red layer was made by using the Texturz plate that was first brayered with White Craft Ink and then rolled through the Big Shot....that's how the 2-tone look was achieved!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!.....Hope you enjoyed your stay.

Stamps: Central Park, Fundamental Phrases

Inks: White Craft, So Saffron, Chocolate Chip

CS: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron

Misc: Wide So Saffron Grosgrain Ribbon (SAB'09), Ruby Red Mini Brad, Circle Scissor Plus, Word Window Punch, Texturz Plate/Bkgrds 1, Big Shot, Corner Rounder Punch

*Central Park stamp set can be found on Page #106 of the current Idea Book & Catalog.

** The Coluzzel has been discontinued.

Blog Challenge -- Alter It!

Hi, Stampers! Sorry I'm so late with this challenge. The weather has been so unusually lovely, that I have to admit, I've been working outdoors, gardening, and getting things done. That meant that stamping kind of took a back seat for a bit!

On a recent shopping trip to the Michael's Dollar Bin, I picked up these sweet note cards. The pattern was lovely, but there were no embellishments, no greetings, nothing! So, these are going to be a portion of a small gift I am making for my upline.....her birthday is tomorrow and with that new baby just about here, she's going to need loads of thank you notes.

To embellish these cards, I added that lace strip....it was a lace sticker purchased at a going out of business sale a year or so ago (by Mrs. Grossman), added the narrow grosgrain ribbon, and of course, the stamped and layered Thank You. And check out that cute flower....it's from the Bridal section in Michaels.....you get tons for just a few dollars. They come in a variety of colors, but I purchased the white so I can add any color I need! As you can see, I've posted first just a single card for a close up, and then also included the entire package. Her favorite color is pink, so I think she'll love these....at least I hope so!

Thanks for stopping by.....and don't forget to see what all the others have been up to. I have to admit to doing some peaking this week.....you've just GOT TO SEE the fabulous things they've created!!

Stamps: Warmest Regards (retired)

Inks: Always Artichoke, Rose Red

CS: Royal Rose, Old Olive

Misc: Lace Sticker strip (by Mrs. Grossman), Lots of Tags Sizzlets, Match Box Die (for smaller tag), Big Shot, Narrow Royal Rose Grosgrain (retired), Wide Royal Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, Medium Cello Bag, White Floral Cutout (Bridal Section in Michaels), So Saffron Mini Brad, Paper Piercer, Sponge Dauber

Sweet Little Baby -- LNS Challenge #15

A good friend of mine...who just happens to be my upline....is due to have her little baby girl any time now. My own children are grown now, so I'm looking forward to a new baby to cuddle! But you know what that means, don't you?....a card is in order!!

And this Late Night Stampers challenge layout is just perfect for this occasion...don't you agree?!!! Actually, it's a fairly basic layout, but with the strip down the center of the card, it kind of threw me....in this case, I used the luscious white satin ribbon from the Occasions Mini and because I turned the sketch, it goes across the card!

The background was easy peasy....just used some DSP from the Level 1 Hostess selections, Designer Pack, in Regal Rose and Whisper White. (I used these same colors in my last post and was told they looks like orange....but, honest, the color IS Regal Rose!!) The little stamped square was embossed using the Dazzling Diamonds Dust technique....it's so sweet and sparkly! The baby buggy is also paper pieced, giving it a bit more dimension....and check out those stylish buggy wheels!

Fun AND sweet, don't you think?!! Thanks for stopping by.

Stamps: Fun & Fast Notes, Short & Sweet

Inks: Basic Black, Versamark

CS: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose

Misc: Iridescent Ice EP, Dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds, Flower Brads, Pretty in Pink Mini Brads, Paper Piercer, Eyelet Border Punch, White Satin Ribbon, Regal Rose Marker

Lunchtime Challenge #66

It's that time again! Time for another Techno Monday Lunchtime Challenge.....AND I'm actually early! LOL Actually, I've been inspired....yesterday I spent the day with some of my Demonstrator sisters and stamped the day away. Just wait until you see some of our projects....definitely going to host a few classes. You are going to just LOVE them! And they'll be in time for the end-of-the-year teacher's gifts....but, of course, they'll be fabulous for hostess gifts, neighbor gifts, or even yourself!! The list is endless!! So be sure to check back......I'm working on the class list, so postings should be up during the week.

OK....back to the matter at hand. As mentioned, I spent the day stamping yesterday, surrounded by friends and tons of ideas. So, I've been reved to go....guess that's why this card seemed kind of easy. Or maybe it's the stamp set....the lovely Friends 24-7 is so easy to work with! I'm just loving it!!

This is MaryJo's 66th Challenge and it's a winner! The circles on this card were created with my Nestabilities and the Big Shot....hardly a card can be made without it these days!! (I just need a bit more practice with the new circle cutter and I'll be good to go with that....in the meantime, I'm using the circle Nesties, which are non-SU.) These are layered against a Pink Pirouette panel stamped with the damask stamp....that's definitely my favoritest of all the stamps in the set! Isn't it gorgeous?!! Oh, and the bird is stamped in Chocolate Chip as well, but carefully colored in with a blender pen and a bit of Pretty in Pink ink off the lid....the Pink Pirouette was just a bit too light for this technique; and the branch was simply blended, pulling the Chocolate Chip ink to fill it in.

You can see Mary Jo's sketch here....and don't forget to stop in to see who else is participating this week. Thanks for stopping by....and please check back soon for more creations, AND to check out the list of class offerings.

Stamps: Friends 24-7, Great Friend (greeting)

Inks: Chocolate Chip

CS: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip, Royal Rose

Misc: Matchbox Die (Occasions Mini -- used for the greeting), Big Shot, Dimensionals (under the greeting), Pretty in Pink Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, Circle Nestabilities (non SU)

Please note that all materials to make this card are from SU, except for the Nestabilities.

Bloggers' Challenge -- Color Combo

Hmmmm.....Sage Shadow, Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, and a neutral......sounds good! Wait a minute.....Always Artichoke AND Sage Shadow---together, in one card? Yikes! Now those are 2 colors I would NEVER put together.....that made it kind of difficult. I pulled out those colors onto my desktop and studied them awhile. OK, the Chocolate Chip and a neutral...that's easy and will tame the colors. But then Sahara Sand was thrown in......well, you get the picture, I'm sure! Not an easy task using these colors together.

The first step was to stamp this tree in Sage Shadow, color in the trunk and branches right over top with a Chocolate Chip Marker, and then kind of "thump" in some extra shading on the leaves with the Always Artichoke Marker....then onto a Chocolate Chip layer. So far, so good!.....I was a woman on a mission, and my discard pile grew! LOL

Somehow I came up with this card and although a very simple layout, I think it works! ALL the materials used in the making of this card are SU....except for the "embossed" background, which is the Texturized Embossing Folder by ProvoCraft. When ink is swiped directly over the raised edges, it reminds me of pressed tin. Notice the Sage Shadow background uses my very favorite of all the Texturz plates.....that's because it creates a subtle textured paper. So, what do you think? Do these colors work, or what?!!

Thanks for stopping by....now it's time to go visit the other Bloggers' to see their beautiful creations. See you there!

Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers

Inks: Always Artichoke, Sage Shadow

CS: Natural Ivory, Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow, Sahara Sand

Misc: Hoizontal Slot Punch, Chocolate Taffeta Ribbon, Texturz Plate (Kit #4), Cutter Kit (for distressing), Texturized Embossing Folder (ProvoCraft), Chocolate Chip Marker, Always Artichoke Marker

3-D Flower Challenge

Did I mention that I recently joined a new (for me) online group? Their logo, which you are welcome to click on, is in my right column....Late Night Stampers. Loads of FABULOUS talent there! (Why not click and join?....it's free!) Well, they also have Challenges....this week we are to create something with a 3-D flower theme. That gave me a reason to unwrap my new Big Shot die, Daisies (IB&C, Pg. 196). This was inspired by my friend, Jeannette....check out her creations here. She even has a tutorial.....aren't her flowers just gorgeous?!!! (After seeing Jeannette's post, I knew I NEEDED to own this die!!)

Well, my flower doesn't seem to be quite as dimensional as Jeannette's, but I am really loving the overall effect of this card. The colors were taken from the ribbon......A couple of months ago I purchased some kitchen cloths and this was tied around the package. From Target.....or maybe Kohls....don't remember which!

A couple of details about this card.....

ALL materials used in the making of this card are from Stampin'Up!, with just a few exceptions: the ribbon; and the border punch, which is from EK Success.

Stamps: N/A

Inks: So Saffron (DTP over the embossed background; sponged onto the tips of the flower petals)

CS: Whisper White, Kraft, Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red, Barely Banana, Mellow Moss

Misc: Flowers, Daisies Die, Little Leaves Sizzlet, Big Shot, Kraft Corduroy Button, Cutter Kit, Pop Up Glue Dot, Texturz Plate Kit #4, non-SU ribbon, Border Punch by EK Success

Techno Challenge #65

Hopefully you all had a fabulous holiday? Mine was like a whirlwind....always is when my entire family gets together! Of course, not having young children any longer, we don't have visits from the Easter bunny...just hosted the clan for a dinner get together. But, here it is Monday already and it's time for another of MaryJo's sketch challenges.....and this one was loads of fun!!

This is not a layout I would have typically used, but it came together amazingly fast! MaryJo's sketch is actually a square card, but I rarely do squares. Instead, I changed it into the standard card size. I had this brand new stamp set sitting on my desktop....you see, my hubby went golfing all last week in Myrtle Beach, so it only seemed fair that I purchase a few goodies for myself, don't you think?!! LOL So, that's how I came by this set! And it's a beauty.....there's tons of lovely creations floating around in cyberland with this set, so it became a "necessity!!"

I also remember seeing a gray and yellow combo challenge a month or so ago, so decided to try it for myself.....this card features Going Gray, Basic Gray, Summer Sun and Whisper White.....again, this was stepping out of my comfort zone, but I really like the finished card....what do you think?

Can't wait to see what the others have come up with....it's always so much fun to check out MJ's site to see. You can click here to see the original sketch and begin your tour!

Stamps: Friends 24-7, Oval All (Occasions Mini)

Inks: Basic Gray

CS: Going Gray, Basic Gray, Summer Sun, Whisper White

Misc: Cutter Kit (for distressing), Circle Cutter, White Satin Ribbon (Occasions Mini), Oval Scallop Punch (Occasions Mini), Large Ovall Punch, Summer Sun Marker, Dimensionals, Large Scallop Circle Die, Big Shot, "weathered" Textuz Plate (for background)

With Sympathy

These are definitely always the most difficult cards to make.....and send! Unfortunately, I needed to send a couple of them recently and this simple card is what I came up with....since I'm pleased with the simple, but pretty result, I thought I'd share. It's really a no-layer card, colored with markers....no special technique!...., has a touch of ribbon and a torn, sponged edge.....the strip of Certainly Celery is actually adhered to the part of the card with the saying.

So, that's my quick post for today, and here's the info:

Stamps: Embrace Life, Thoughts & Prayers

Inks: Basic Gray, Certainly Celery (for sponging)

CS: Whisper White, Certainly Celery

Markers: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery

Misc: Certainly Celery Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, Rectangle Hand-Held Punch*, Sponge

Hippity Hop, Easter's On Its Way!

I was looking through my bin of non-Stampin'Up! stamps (yes, I have a few, but really not too many!), and came across this little bunny stamp.....it was purchased a couple of months ago from the $1 bin at Michaels. With Easter rapidly approaching this weekend, I needed to use it NOW......

This photo was taken again with my ailing camera, so please forgive the poor quality of the picture. But, can you see all the texture? I used both the large and small dotted Texturz plates.....don't they look so sweet with those cute little bunnies? Along with that luscious White Satin Ribbon from the Occasions Mini and the fabulous new Scallop Oval Punch (also from the mini), this was a fun card to make. Oh!...and can you see the glittered tails?

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.....and a lovely holiday.

Stamps: Michael's $ Bin*, All Holidays

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Gable Green

Misc: White Satin Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Dimensionals, Glue Pen*, Sponge, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

*Non SU

Please note: All materials except for those mentioned above are from Stampin'Up!

It's Friday, So It's Time For Bloggers' Challenge Again!

The theme this week was "use your favorite technique." Well, to be honest, I'm really not sure what my favorite is, so, I decided to try something new.... I've been wanting to try this "faux silk" idea for ages and this Challenge gave me the perfect opportunity. It's so easy that I just KNOW I'll be doing this again in the near future....oh, why did I wait so long to try?!! Guess it seemed much more complicated than it actually is!!!!

I pulled out a color combo that I haven't used in a very long time.....my son's fiance wants this as her wedding colors when they get married next Spring, so I thought it would be fun to play: Lavender Lace, Sage Shadow, and Very Vanilla. Soft, lovely, and very Spring-like, don't you agree?

This technique is so simple.....you can see a complete tutorial here. Unfortunately, there's some dimension to this card, so I didn't scan it (my scanner doesn't do well with "bulk" items!), and my camera is dying (I have a 2 year old Canon Elf, but the screen is blank and I'm shopping for a new one.....too expensive to fix!), so the quality of this photo is not the best....my apologies. But hopefully, you can still see the details.....check out the "wrinkled" effect. Isn't that such a cool idea? It's actually crinkled tissue paper that has been stamped and then glued down. It's so textural IRL!

Thanks for stopping by today.....have a wonderful, lovely day! AND don't forget to stop by and visit the other participating Bloggers'....you know it's always worth the visit!!

Stamps: Great Friend

Inks: Lavender Lace, Sage Shadow

CS: Very Vanilla, Lavender Lace, Sage Shadow

Misc: Cream Taffeta Ribbon, Eyelet Border Punch, Dimensionals, 1/2 Pearls (Pretties Kit)

Please note: ALL materials used to make this card are from Stampin'Up!

Totally Tools Swap Card

Next Saturday (4/18) I'll be attending an event hosted by my up-up-upline. It's her annual Spring Fling.....a really great, fun-filled event. The day will be packed with stamping, ideas, loads of information and business tips, stamping friends, and of course, swaps! Since I really needed to get started on the swaps for this event, and I had a brand new set, Totally Tools sitting on my desk top, that's what I reached for. Naturally, that meant I needed to design a masculine card....not the easiest to be sure!

Just this week I joined in an awesome on-line group that has tons of amazing talent, AND quite a few challenges. The first one I saw for the week was a color challenge: Baja Breeze, Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, and Vanilla. These colors work so well together! So, that color combo, along with the set, were the inspiration for my swap card....and my entry for the Challenge!

Now, mind you, man cards need to be fairly simple.....the plainer, the better! No bows. No frills. So, what to do?!! After trying various layouts, this first card is what I came up with.....it features a pretty basic, old-tried-and-true layout, dressed up. Not sure if you can see it on screen, but the bottom portion, the Baja Breeze section was run through my Textuz plates, and kind of resembles the old Weathered Bkgrd stamp. After fiddling and playing I was kind of happy with it....but, boy! I was having a very tough time coming up with this "man card!" You see, it was kind of like a "limited supply" swap....I don't have enough DSP, OR enough embellishments to add in for the number of swaps I'm planning to make....Not many this time around, just about 40ish.

So, Sample #1 features 3 punches, the blender pen, some ribbon, some stamping, and that luscious wide ribbon....and lots of layers! Hmmm.....a bit too labor intensive for a general swap! So, this 2nd photo is the finished swap idea. Plain and simple, with some sponging.....and something I think my husband might actually really enjoy!

In view of the amazing talent in the new group I've joined, I'm almost embarassed to link them to this post! BUT, this is truly a very easily duplicate-able card; and in view of the limited amount of time I have left, this has to do double duty. Now I just hope they won't decide to ask me to leave!! Thanks for stopping by.

Stamps: Totally Tools, Sanded

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Close to Cocoa (for sponging)

CS: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Sahara Sand, Natural Ivory

Misc: Blender Pen, Wide Stitched Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Staples (local office supply), Sponge

Version #1 uses all the above. Additional items used:

Hoizontal Slot Punch, Ticket Punch

Time for Another of MaryJo's Challenges

Sometimes these Challenges really are just that.....CHALLENGES! I wasn't at all sure what to do with this sketch. After thinking on it some, I came up with an entirely different idea, but somehow it evolved into this....isn't this little skunk cute? Honestly, I like him MUCH better than the real thing!!

This card was a lot of fun to make, but took me awhile to put together. And, of course, the Big Shot was used to create the tag and the circles.....lately, I seem to use the Big Shot in almost every card I create, or copy!

Although mostly current SU products were used in the making of this sample, there are a few items that are either retired or non-SU....so please read the recipe listed below carefully.

Can't wait to see what the others have done with this fun sketch. You can see the original sketch and the list of who participated, along with links to their blogs here.

Stamps: Pun Fun, Thank You Kindly, Three for You (little flower)*

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Orchid Opulence, Basic Black

Misc: Black Gingham Ribbon, Prismacolor Pencils & Gamsol (non SU), Circle Nestabilities (non SU), Scallop Border Punch, Clear Crystal Brad from Pretties Kit, Glue Pen (non SU) and Dazzling Diamonds (to "color" in the white fur), Certainly Celery Marker (for stem), Lots of Tags Sizzlet, Big Shot, Trio Flower Punch, Textuz Plate/Backgrounds 1, Sanding Block (to highlight the textured background)

*Retired

Bloggers' Challenge -- It's a Sketch!

I'm thinking that from the title of this post that you can guess that we followed a sketch....and you are so right! One of those oblong cards....so easy, but yet, so fun! This gray and yellow, somewhat unattractive first photo is our sketch. Once you get past the colors (YUK!), you can see that it's kind of a basic layout...maybe that's what made it such fun?!! You know...take the basic and dress it up. If you've read any of my past posts, you'll know that's something I love to do!!

Well, I arrived home last night from teaching to my stamp club members and many of my ink pads were still packed up, leaving me with limited choices. (I'll unpack later!) So, I grabbed my Pale Plum, an old favorite, but now rarely used color, and went with it! There is even some of the plum-colored organdy that retired a few years back. Don't you think it's the perfect touch?!! This card features the brand new Great Friend from the just-released mini catalog.....the butterfly was stamped in Pale Plum Craft ink, sprinkled with Heat & Stick and then Dazzling Diamonds. So pretty and just the right amount of sparkle! And of course, there's that lovely Eyelet Border punch.

Thanks for stopping by today....why not take a few minutes to visit the other bloggers who are participating? Just click on the Bloggers' Challenge logo in the right column and there are loads of places to visit!

Stamps: Great Friend

Inks: Pale Plum Classic & Craft, Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Pale Plum, Basic Gray

Misc: Heat & Stick, Dazzling Diamonds, 1 3/4" Round Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Pale Plum Organdy Ribbon (retired), Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive (for adhering the butterfly)

Please note: ALL materials used in the making of this card are from Stampin'Up!

It's Time for Another Lunchtime Challenge!

The tree portion of this card has been sitting in my discard bin.....I knew if I held on to it that it would one day end up on a card! And MaryJo's card sketch for this week worked perfectly for this!....or is it the other way around?

OK, so, yes, I KNOW I'm late....AGAIN!! Sigh! I can't seem to catch up......there are some days when I wish I could just sit in my stamp room and stamp my time away. BUT, somehow, all the demands of life take over...like my job, and the household chores, and the kids, and, and, and...... Well, you know the drill, I'm sure! It can be so exasperating, can't it? Why can't everyone around me just let me stamp in peace?!! Yeah...right!....I can dream, can't I??????

So, I reached for this tree-lined piece from my unfinished bin, as I mentioned above, and the card just kind of came together. These trees are kind of funky....don't you just think they are so much fun?!! I had actually had an entirely different sketch in mind when I originally stamped them....which didn't work out, but I am glad I kept them! Throw in a bit of DSP (retired, sorry!...but, it can so easily be substituted. ), a touch of ribbon, and one of those great new brads and the card was good to go!

Thanks for stopping by......and why not take a little time to visit MaryJo's blog to see the original sketch, and see what the other participants have made!

Stamps: Trendy Trees

Inks: Kiwi Kiss, Close to Cocoa

CS: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Kiwi Kiss

Misc: Chocolate Chip DSP*, Key Tag Punch, Close to Cocoa Marker, Kiwi Kiss Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Chocolate Chip Jumbo Brad

*Retired