Bloggers' Challenge -- Alter It

This is something I made a couple of months ago. You see, at work whenever someone celebrates a birthday, we all sign a card and give it to the birthday girl. (We are all women.) Well, it was my time to buy a card....but you just know that wasn't going to happen! Another of my co-workers had recently given me a bunch of little tins and I turned a round Altoid Tin into the card from us all. This first photo shows what it looked like before I got my hands on it......not very pretty, is it?!!

The second photo shows what the outside looked like after working on it some....I used the adorable Hostess Level 1 set, Darling Dots, which, of course, will be disappearing in just a few short days. The cupcake was stamped twice...once in Chocolate Chip on the round here and a second time on a Whisper White scrap in Pixie Pink and then the icing was glittered and cut out and mounted onto the brown base...and the cherry on top was punched and a dab of Crystal Effects was added. I'm just loving these colors paired up with the soon-to-be-gone Kiwi Kiss. I LOVE that color. The edge of the Whisper White circle was also lightly sponged with the Pixie Pink, and the little bow in Pink Gingham was added. Isn't this just the cutest?!!

This next photo shows what the inside looks like with the cover removed. The contents needed to be tied down....you'll see why in the next (and last) photo.....so more of the Pink Gingham was used. The little pink ovals that you see on either side are the hinges....again, you'll understand what they "hinge" shortly. The stamped round was just added for interest....a number of punches were used to create this look...so fun!

And lastly, here we have the inside....see those "hinges?" The inside was left blank so that each of my co-workers could add their own personal message on a round. Everyone was very impressed.....but, shhhh! Don't tell them how simple this really was!!

Stamps: Darling Dots*, BoHo Backgrounds, Crazy for Cupcakes

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss*, Pixie Pink

CS: Kiwi Kiss, Pixie Pink, Whisper White

Misc: Nestabilities (Round & Scallop Round), Round Scallop Punch, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Round Punches, 1/8" Hand Held Punch*, Pink Gingham Ribbon*, Large Oval Punch, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

*Has already retired

*About to retire

Please note: All images and CS are from Stampin'Up!

Thanks for stopping by! Can't wait to see what the other Bloggers' Challenge members have been up to....come on and visit, too!

Lunchtime Challenge #75

This one was fun....and easy!....maybe because this really is such a basic layout. It's always nice to re-visit the basics! When I saw this layout, I knew right away that I wanted to use the ornate stamp from Sweet Sampler, which is on the Last Chance list. Of all the stamps in the set, this one is my favorite, and I have used it often. This set is also my go-to set whenever I am giving home-baked goods as gifts......and I'll definitely be keeping it on my shelf.

So, I ended up using stamps from 4 sets that are on the Last Chance list (it kind of makes up for not using a retiring set on my last submission, the MAN card!). The background pattern was created by stamping in the same color with the Classic Stripes bkgrd stamp. This is definitely going to be missed.....it's such a great background! AND if you use it both ways, you can create a plaid....don't you just love that idea?!!.....or picture it on a diagonal in Real Red ink on Whisper White CS for a candy cane like appearance.....

The pattern on the white background portion of this card was created using the medium-size "snowflake" from Snow Burst. This is another set I will miss....imagine this very stamp used in red and blue against the white CS background....what do you see? Fireworks, of course!! Anyway, this stamp was inked and stamped 3 times each before re-inking, giving some images the faded out appearance.

Obviously, I turned the sketch around again and added some long-retired narrow black organdy ribbon and bow. For just a little extra added interest, the Curly Label Punch was used and the punch out was cut in half and added behind the greeting/focal point. So, there you have it....simple, quick AND easy!

You can see who else participated in MaryJo's Challenge this week, by clicking here.....she's even got a BLOG CANDY give-a-way! So, you can make your own version of this sketch (you'll need to post it somewhere and leave a link), or just leave a comment when you stop by and visit....for a chance to win!

Thank you so much for stopping by today!!

Stamps: Classic Stripes*, Snow Burst*, Sweet Sampler*, Hugs & Wishes*

Inks: Orchid Opulence

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Orchid Oppulence

Misc: Narrow Black Organdy Ribbon**, Curly Label Punch

Please Note: ALL materials used to create this card are from Stampin'Up!

*On the Last Chance List......they'll be gone before long! (Contact me today to purchase your Last Chance items!!)

**Retired

BC#104 -- New Meets Old

Well, this post has no sets or accessories on the Last Chance lists....I didn't really have any ideas for a man card that included retiring items. (We'll resume with Last Chance ideas soon!) BUT, this card will give you a sneak peak at a couple of cool, new accessories that will be in the new SU catalog. AND beginning July 1, you can order these, too!

This card began with that little tape measure from Totally Tools. This set ended up in my collection because it is just so perfect for my hubby...I purchased it 'cause I have a lot of photos to scrap that are of some of the many many improvements we made around our house. (Hubby did most of the work.) One day, I'll actually scrap them! LOL! In the meantime, it works perfectly for MAN cards!! This card took me awhile, because when I completed one step, I'd sit back and look at it and think, "I should have done this.....or added that" and it was back to beginning all over again!

So, as I mentioned, the little tape measure was stamped first by using Pitch Black ink by Ranger onto Watercolor Paper. I used Prismacolor Pencils to color it in, highlighting with a yellow glaze pen, and just a touch of glitter by using a clear sparkle Spica Pen.

Then I needed to figure out what papers went with this little guy.....the grays were really dull, but Bordering Blue worked. Then I was off to look for some DSP....well, this background paper is from one of the very first Simply Scrappin' Kits I ever purchased from SU....it says 2004 on the copyright.....obviously, it's been in my stash for a long time! The colors of the tape measure and the DSP are what dictated the other colors that were pulled into making this card.....not sure I would have put them together otherwise!

When I went to add the greeting, I had planned to use the Word Window Punch, but realized that it didn't capture all of the words, but my brand-new, hasn't been released yet, will be in the new catalog punch, Modern Label, did! I wasn't going to buy that punch initially, but when I realized how fun it would be....and how it really worked with other things in the SU line....well, you can see I couldn't resist! Here's it's been paired with the new Movers & Shakers for my Big Shot (also a new release). Cool, isn't it?!!

So, as you can see, making this card was a process! But, it came together pretty well....even if it did take me forever to make it!! Thanks for stopping by....don't forget to check in and see what the others have been up to!

Stamps: Totally Tools

Inks: Pitch Black (Ranger)

CS: Bordering Blue, Watercolor Paper, Old Olive, More Mustard, retired DSP (sorry....don't know the name)

Misc: Cropadile, Silver Mini Brads, Ticket Corner Punch, Paper Piercer & Template (Tool Kit*), Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, Pewter Jumbo Eyelets, Modern Label Punch, Movers & Shapers, Big Shot, Gamsol (Inky Antics), Paper Stumps, Prismacolor Pencils, Clear Glitter Pen (Spica), Yellow Glaze Pen (Sakura)

*Last Chance List

PLEASE NOTE: Images, papers, and some accessories are from SU, except as noted above.

Cards for the Kiddies

That's the Challenge this week over at Late Night Stampers. Well, my kids are all grown (or think they are!), but definitely well past the little kid stage. So, I don't really have any of those adorable sets that are designed with small children in mind. BUT, I did manage to come up with TWO cards for this.....and had such fun.....although I really have to admit that both of these ideas were inspired by card ideas I had on my computer. That means that the ideas were CASEd, but the cards are actually mine.......and I'm sorry that I have no idea where the ideas came from or who originated them. So sorry! That's my disclaimer....if you are the author of either of these ideas, please feel free to contact me and I will give you credit!

The first card has so little stamping....features a bunch of punches......and I had a real ball making it! And why not?.....Who can resist those little fellows? After all, many of us grew up with them, or our children did. Say hi to Elmo, Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch! This is a 3"x6" card, so Cookie Monster didn't make it.....no room in the neighborhood today. The background was rolled with one of my favorite, soon-to-be-gone, jumbo rollers, Spot On. Tore the edge of the Basic Black CS and stamped the greeting on the card base.....just added a Real Red Mini Brad for the dot in the "I" and it was complete. Although I tried to add in a touch of ribbon, it just didn't work.

Stamps: Spot On Jumbo Wheel*, Warm Words

Inks: Basic Black, White Craft

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red, Only Orange, YoYo Yellow, Kiwi Kiss*, Close to Cocoa

Punches: Round Scallop Punch, Small Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, 1/2" Round Punch, 1/4" Round Punch**

Misc: Real Red Mini Brad, Paper Piercer (from Tool Kit*)

*Retiring

**Retired

Please Note: ALL materials are from SU.

Since that card was so simple, and with so few embellishments (they just didn't fit!), I decided to use a layout from Stamping 101.....be sure to stop by and check it out. It's a new blog created to help stampers, especially beginner stampers....but is packed with ideas for ALL! Started only a short time ago, the fabulous demonstrators who created and run this blog have a new sketch each week, complete with ideas, and measurements for each portion....you are bound to be inspired AND use the sketches yourself! Of course, I was downstairs in my stamp room, and my computer was upstairs, so my measurements are not exact, but the layout is.

For this fun little card, I used Pun Fun.....hmmm! Guess I DO have a set that's good for the kiddies! This cute little rocket ship was stamped 3 times....one time onto the Bashful Blue base, once onto Pacific Blue, and once onto Riding Hood Red. The Pacific Blue and Riding Hood Red portions were cut out and "paper pieced." BUT, before adding in the colored CS, the moon was created by punching a round hole in a CS scrap, laying it over top of the Bashful Blue CS and sponging in some White Craft ink. See?....So easy! Again, it was a simple card to make. You have just got to try some of these ideas......you'll have a great time!

Stamps: Pun Fun*, Boho Backgrounds

Inks: Basic Black, Pacific Point*, White Craft

CS: Sahara Sand, Riding Hood Red*, Pacific Point*, Bashful Blue

Misc: Paper Piercer (from Tool Kit*), White Gel Pen, Button Bouquet*, 1 1/4" Round Punch, Linen Thread, Pop Up Glue Dot (to hold button on)

*Retiring

Please Note: ALL materials used to create this card are from SU and are current at this time.

Thanks so much for stopping by. If you haven't already done so, why not click on the Late Night Stampers icon and join?! It's free to all....demos AND customers! These are the nicest bunch of ladies....you'll be inspired by their many, many creative ideas....AND you'll learn so much in the process!

So, now I've done the challenge for LNS for this past week, I've completed a stamp project for a friend, now it's time to go create my submission for the weekly Bloggers' Challenge....please come back soon and see!

Lunchtime Challenge #74

Check out the sketch from MaryJo this week......I think this one will work nicely for a gift tag. Oh, it's large....but, I'm liking the way it came out...but you know that some gifts are large enough that a skimpy little hang tag just won't do!! In keeping up with my promise to showcase retiring sets and accessories, this shows off 2 retiring sets: Wonderful You and the adorable, limited-edition Ronald McDonald set, Say It With Scallops as well as 2 of the out-going In Colors -- Kiwi Kiss and Tangerine Tango

Lots of things going on here......the scallop background was created with the Big Shot die, Large Scallop Circle, and the 2 inner circles (black and white) were created using the Circle Scissor Plus. Not sure if you can see it.....I tried so hard to show off the white background that was textured with the paisley Texturz Plate from Kit #4. In place of the little strips that are on the sketch to the right of the square, I used flowers from Wonderful You. Each flower was stamped, colored in using Tangerine Tango ink and then cut out. The petals were curled and manipulated to give it more loft and interest.

So, now I need to find just the right gift to add this to! Thanks for stopping by today and be sure to check out MJ's sketch and see who is participating this week.

Stamps: Wonderful You*, Say It With Scallops*

Inks: Kiwi Kiss*, StazOn Jet Black, Tangerine Tango*

CS: Kiwi Kiss*, Basic Black, Whisper White, Shimmery White (for flowers)

Misc: Really Rust & More Mustard Markers (center of flowers), Scallop Square Punch, Scallop Round Die, Big Shot, Circle Scissor Plus, Piasley Texturz Plate Kit #4, Horizontal Slot Punch, Dimensionals, Blender Pen, 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon in Kiwi Kiss*, White Taffeta Ribbon

*Retiring

NOTE: ALL materials used to make this tag are from SU; except for the mini crystals...they were a dollar store find!

Bloggers' Challenge -- #103

This week we were given a sketch.....and it gave me a bit of trouble until I turned it on it's side. When you look at the sketch, you'll see that I took a bit of creative liberty with it, but mostly, the elements presented are kept intact. Although it is a fun sketch, it is a bit out of my comfort zone since I tend to use and like a more simple idea.

Well, I pulled together 2 outgoing stamp sets, Heartfelt Thanks and Lovely Labels.....these have been well loved and will be so very missed! Lovely Labels is just the perfect accent for so many things, and of course, Heartfelt Thanks has been a favorite for some time, the 2-step overlay type set is what make SU famous!

Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks*, Lovely Labels*

Inks: Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy

CS: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue

Misc: Bashful Blue & Certainly Celery Markers, White Satin Ribbon, Scallop Border Punch, 1 3/8" Round Punch, Paper Piercer & Template (Tool Kit*) , Dimensionals, White Mini Brads**

*Retiring

**Non SU

PLEASE NOTE: ALL materials used to create this card are from SU, except for the White Mini Brads.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! Please take a few minutes to drop by the other participating bloggers (icon is in the right column). They always have the most wonderful things to share!

I've Been Hired!

Do you remember awhile back that I mentioned I joined a fabulous, new Yahoo group? The link to join this group is in the column to the right: Late Night Stampers. The group mom, Sherrill has been with SU for something like 18 years! WOW.....that's amazing! She's just terrific, with lots of business tips and shares so much of herself with us all. Anyway, a week or so ago, she put out a search for anyone in her group who wished to "be hired" to make Convention swaps for her......AND I'm so excited, and very, very honored to have been among the chosen! So, I'll be working for stamps!! LOL....really, I am!

To be honest, I am far from the only one chosen, but those that were are amazing stampers..... many that I've truly admired for their talent, and some I'm just now discovering for myself. There are a few listed that you may recognize as being fellow Blog Challenge participants. Below is a list of those who "were hired." Why not take a bit of time to visit some of the blogs listed below.....I promise you will not be sorry! And don't forget to bookmark them so you can go back and visit often.

Gretchen Barron http://gretchenbarron.typepad.com/
Tammy Fite http://www.stampwithtammy.com/
Judy Jackson
Mary Brown http://stampercamper.com/
Sarah Wills http://sarahsinkspot.blogspot.com/
Selene Kempton http://stampinfunwithselene.blogspot.com/
Virginia Killmore http://virginias-website.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth Sloman http://www.mamastamper.com/
Marisol Gutierrez http://atouchofsol.blogspot.com/
Dawn Bullock http://www.stampincreations.blogspot.com/
Sandi MacIver http://www.sandimaciver.com/sandi_maciver
Stephanie Sullins http://owlwhimsy.blogspot.com/
Susan Shields http://createdwithlovebysusan.blogspot.com/
Rebekah "Becky" Jensen http://www.stampthat.com/
Heidi Michel http://www.heartfeltblessings.blogspot.com/
Barb Slaughter stamper0910@yahoo.com blog in progress
Lisa Milliron http://www.uniquedesignsbylisa.typepad.com/
Connie Babbert http://inkspiredtreasures.com/
Nancy Dawson http://creativewishes.blogspot.com/
Bethany Keeney http://keeneyfarm.blogspot.com/
Kirsten Brown http://imstampinsilly.blogspot.com/
Mary Jo Price-Williams http://technostamper.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth Hurst http://www.animalscraps.blogspot.com/

One Set --- 3 Different Looks

EDITED TO ADD: This post was to be 1 retired set with 3 different looks. Well, this set is NOT in the new catalog, but it is not on the Last Chance List either. Must be on the new Dormant List....but that means it's still available for purchase!

Sweet Stems is the set of choice today....sadly, it's on the Last Chance list. As you can see, this set is a floral one, easy to work with, and lends itself to many different looks. So, today, I'm sharing 3 different, relatively easy cards with you. This first blue one features DSP from the fabulous Hostess Level 1 Paper Pack again....it's a great little packet of papers that comes in many different colors....all in one package! This layout and idea was inspired by this card found on SCS, although it is very much the same, it is also very different. The DSP in Brocade Blue is layered onto a layer of Bashful Blue, with a snippet of Whisper White peaking out below that has been punched with the Eyelet Border Punch. Add in the birthday greeting, that luscious satin ribbon (which is included in the new, upcoming catalog!!...Yipee!!) with the focal point punched out using the Wide Oval Punch and it's both easy and pretty, don't you think?

Stamps: Sweet Stems, Hugs & Wishes*

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Brocade Blue

Misc: Patterns Pack DSP (Level 1 Hostess)*, Brocade Blue Marker, Sage Shadow Marker, Blender Pen, Wide Oval Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, White Satin Ribbon, Lots of Tags Sizzlet, Big Shot

Next up is my favorite of the bunch. The flowers are stamped on Watercolor Paper and colored in with markers and a blender pen. The background of the card is simply a DSP layer that is also on the Last Chance List, Raspberry Tart. This DSP features a couple of this year's In Colors, Kiwi Kiss (seen here), and Pink Pirouette. I just LOVE that paper.....I'll definitely miss this one!

Stamps: Sweet Stems, Sweet Little Sentiments (Hostess Level 1)*

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Pink Pirouette*, Watercolor Paper, Very Vanilla

Markers: Pretty in Pink, Royal Rose, Old Olive

Misc: Scallop Border Punch, Pretty in Pink Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon

And last, but not least, my last card is again in blues showcasing a great combo of both what's staying, what's coming, and what is leaving.........the Bashful Blue background was put through the Big Shot with the Texturz plate from Kit #4; the Eyelet Border Punch, some Silver Mini Brads....and that viney-frame is from Matchbox Messages....presently in the Mini Catalog, and soon to be in the brand-new Idea Book & Catalog!

Stamps: Sweet Stems, Matchbox Messages

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery

Misc: Bashful Blue & Certainly Celery Markers, Eyelet Border Punch, Bashful Blue Narrow Grosgrain, Silver Mini Brads, Texturz Plate Kit #4, Big Shot

NOTE: ALL materials used to make these card samples are from SU.

*Items are on the Last Chance Lists and will only be available thru June 30, 2009...or while supplies last.

In case you are interested, check out these samples posted awhile back using the very same set....you can see one here, and here, and here! So, are you convinced that you NEED this set?!! Just click on the Shop Anytime SU Logo to purchase any Last Chance items, Mini Catalog items, or anything from the main catalog (links to these publications are also in the right column). You can contact me via e-mail or order directly online!

Thanks for stopping by today. More tomorrow!

Bloggers' Challenge -- A Little Late!

The theme of last week's Challenge is summertime. Well, I don't happen to own any summer-themed stamps! (Guess I'll need to make up for that....huh?!!) So, I went with butterflies. Butterflies are around in the summer, right?!

For this card, I took out that sweet Butterfly Die and created this card using Bella Rose DSP.....it's on the Last Chance List. The background of the card is also disappearing, In Color, Pink Pirouette. I CASEd this layout, but made it my own by adding in the gingham ribbon and the Thank You on a tag created with the Lots of Tags Sizzlet. I'm loving these colors together!!

Stamps: Thank You Kindly

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Basic Black

Misc: Bella Rose DSP*, Black Gingham Ribbon, Butterfly Die, Lots of Tags Sizzlet, Big Shot, Mini Glue Dots

*Items on the Last Chance List....available only until June 30, 2009....as supplies last!

Please note: ALL materials used to make these samples are from SU, except where noted (frame).

As always....thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you back here soon. Hope you'll take some time to visit the other Bloggers....just click on the Bloggers' Challenge icon in the right column to see who participates....you can click onto their blogs from there.

Lunchtime Challenge #73

It's time to catch up on my Challenges, don't you think?!! Here's the one that was due for MaryJo's Challenge yesterday. I'll be using about-to-retire items in my posts from now until the release of the new catalog. There's so much we'll all miss, don't you think?!! (Be sure to check out the Last Chance link at the top right column of this Blog.)

This week's sketch from MJ was fun, and fit so perfectly into this idea, which I have definitely CASEd from somewhere online. It's ALL SU, except for those cute little "brads." I forgot to add them before I mounted the card, so these are little sticky-back "dots." (Don't remember the source.) Remember eating candy "Dots" when we were kids? That's exactly what these look like....but non-edible, of course!

OK, this card features the following retiring items.......Paper Pack DSP (Hostess Level 1) in Royal Rose, Sweet Little Sentiments (Hostess Level 1), and Key Tag Punch. Hostess sets always retire, so, this is your last chance to earn them . BUT, the Key Tag Punch....it's so versatile and fun to use....definitely will miss that one!! (May just hold on to it!!)

To create this little goodie, the Key Tag Punch was used to make the tulips, and the Small Oval Punch to create the leaves. So little stamping, but oh!...this is fun!! Using DSP makes cards a snap to create!

Stamps: Sweet Little Sentiments (Hostess Level 1)*

Inks: Basic Gray

CS: Whisper White, Royal Rose

Misc: Paper Pack DSP* (Hostess Level 1), Circle Plus Cutter, Matchbox Die (for tag), Small Oval Punch, Scallop Border Punch, Wide Regal Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, White Gel Pen, Scallop Circle #2 Die, Big Shot, Green Dots (source unknown)

*Retiring

NOTE: ALL materials used to create this card are from SU, except where mentioned above.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting today! Hope you'll come back soon.

Wedding Roses & a New Neighbor

OK, so I'm behind on my Challenges....but I have been stamping! Until I am ready to post my completed Bloggers' Challenge and Lunchtime Challenge, I have a couple things to share in the meantime!

Awhile back, I made wedding invitations for a wonderful couple. Well, this past Saturday was the big day and this card was made for them....although, to be honest, I still have it sitting on my dining room table. You see, as much as I adore the way it came out, it requires a special envelope and postage. Guess it really was designed to be added to a gift or hand delivered. Isn't this just gorgeous?!! Now, I can say that because I didn't design it....although I did make this card. This basic design has been posted numerous times all over the net; and this particular card was designed by a good friend, and sister demo, June. It went together lickety split.....it's so lovely, yet so very easy that you would be astounded at HOW simple it was to create! And see the envelope that the card is sitting on? Such a special occasion needed a dressed up envy as well!

Stamps: Oval All

Inks: White Craft

CS: Vellum CS, Almost Amethyst, Whisper White

Misc: Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, White Embossing Powder, White Satin Ribbon, Pretties Kit

My next card is for a new neighbor that just moved in next door to my family. So, to welcome them, I purchased a small, but very pretty yellow plant (a begonia) and gave them a simple set of "We've Moved" cards, along with a personal message inside of this one.

This is fun, don't you think? It was definitely inspired by something I saw somewhere online and uses the fun Jumbo Wheel, Neighborhood. The wheel was simply rolled one time across Natural White CS and the one house was colored in using some Copic Markers. Again, a very simple to create card!

Stamps: Neighborhood Jumbo Wheel, Warm Words

Inks: Pitch Black Adirondack Ink (by Ranger)

CS: Kraft, So Saffron, Soft Sky (retired), Natural White

Misc: Carmel Gingham Ribbon (retired), Wavy Border Punch (by EK Success), Copic Markers

Please note: ALL materials used to create these 2 cards are from SU, except where noted.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting today! Please come back and check in again soon.

A Swap & A Challenge!

Last week I sent this out as my submission to a swap that I joined. Theme was "All Occasion," so I chose to put Best Wishes as the greeting. Kind of covers a number of occasions, don't you think?!!

Well this week, on the Late Night Stampers group, their challenge is embossing. Embossing can come in many different forms, but this card has the Cracked Glass technique (layers of Glassy Glaze, freeze, and crack...so fun!), as well as the greeting itself being embossed in the basic, traditional way....Chocolate Chip Craft with Clear Embossing Powder over top.

So, I guess in a way, I feel like I've cheated since I didn't really create this card for the Challenge....but it works! As you can see, it features one of my favorite sets, Friends 24-7....don't you just love the different looks you can achieve with just this one set?!! Truthfully, I tried to achieve a layout that was different than the tried and true basic that you see here....but after many unsuccessful attempts, I ended up with this!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Please note that all materials used to make this card are in the current SU IB&C.

Stamps: Friends 24-7, Sincere Salutations

Inks: Chocolate Chip Classic & Craft, Ruby Red Classic

CS: Chocolate Chip, Blush Blossom, Ruby Red

Misc: Glassy Glaze, Clear Embossing Powder, Wide Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Eyelet Border Punch, Lots of Tags Sizzlet, Big Shot, Wide Oval Punch

Monday's Lunchtime Challenge

MaryJo has done it again!! She's come up with another fabulous sketch.....we're up to #72. It's difficult to believe that she's been at it for that long....adding to our weekly fun! For this week's Challenge (which you can see here), I decided to use Thoughts & Prayers. Although this set has been designed as a sympathy set, the images are just so lovely....and can be used for almost any occasion! And of course, then there's lots of WORDS for many occasions as well! (You KNOW I love word stamps!)

So, here we have the beautiful floral spray from that set, inked first in Always Artichoke....then I gently wiped the ink off of the flowers and added in the Lavender Lace with a marker. You cannot see it on the screen, but just a little dab of Dazzling Diamonds glitter was added to the center of each flower.

Can you see the textured background? I finally christened that Texturz plate from the Background 1 set (but have used the reverse many times!)....thought it worked perfectly with the floral image! Oh, and check out the Organza Ribbon....it comes only in white, but that makes it so much fun! Here, I carefully sponged on some Lavender Lace ink with a Sponge Dauber to just the center stripe.

Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers, Warmest Regards*, Just For You*

Inks: Always Artichoke, Lavender Lace

CS: Whisper White, Mellow Moss, Lavender Lace

Misc: Trio Flower Punch, Clear Crystal Brads (smallest size), White Organza Ribbon, Sponge Dauber, Texturz Plate (Bkgrds 1), Large Oval Punch, Lots of Tags Sizzlet, Big Shot, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

*Retired

**Please note: ALL materials used to make this card are from SU.

Thanks for stopping by today! Hope you'll take some time to check out MJ's Blog and see who is participating this week. Come back soon!