Lunchtime Challenge #85

Fun sketch....MaryJo has done it again!!

I have to admit that other than the cardstock, ribbon, and punches, this is all non-SU. I was looking through my non-SU stamps recently, and spotted this cupcake stamp that I haven't used in a long, long time. It's just so cute.....it needed to see ink again.

If you've checked out my recent posts, you know that I've been using my Cuttlebug Embossing Folders, so I guess you can say that I've been on a roll!......and this Happy Birthday EF (not new...have had it for awhile!) is just so perfect for the cupcake stamp. The stamped image was colored in with my Copics and the Cute & Curly Punch was also used to "extend" the cut out image....it was just cut in half and holes were punched allowing the ribbon to pass through. Oh, and check out the pink "bubbles" in the upper right corner......these are clear Dew Drops, which I also purchased while down in Orlando. I've been loving these, but never could choose a color.....so, I finally bought clear ones and colored the bottoms of these little acrylic "bubbles," which matches exactly to the rest of the card! Now I can have whatever color I need....how cool!

Thanks for stopping......you can see MaryJo's original sketch here. Oh, and please note that the embossed background paper and the pink color used for the cupcake icing really do closely match in real life.....and the brown is lighter.....and the olive is brighter, and matches the olive in the image more closely than on screen. Not sure how these colors morphed into what you see here! It really is a great color scheme in person!!!!

Stamps: Cupcakes (Lockhart Stamp)

Inks: Pitch Black (Ranger)

CS: Close to Cocoa, Whisper White, Old Olive, Pixie Pink

Misc: Cute & Curley Punch, 1/8" Punch (retired), White Taffeta Ribbon, Happy Birthday Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Clear Dew Drops, Copics (various)

Please check out the 2nd edition of this sketch. You can see it here!

Bloggers' Challenge -- Better Late than Never!

Being away for four days last weekend sure has put me behind. Don't get me wrong, I had a GREAT time with my stamp sister (Hey, Astrid!)....we met a few years back when she was still living here in NJ and an SU demo. BUT, she's moved away to mid PA and we just don't get to talk or visit as often as either of us would like. So, I left on Friday last week and stayed till Monday....but that meant that nothing around here was done....and I began the week already behind! THAT's why I'm behind on my stamping! (Oh, but I had SUCH a wonderful time!!)

So, this was due on Friday.....the Challenge this week was a sketch, which is fairly simple and straight forward. The first time I tried, I was relatively happy with the results (although there is a bit on this card that is non-SU!). Somehow I ended up with the wrong scale, because the ribbon divider just didn't go where the sketch said it should....so, I guess you could say I took a bit of "creative license." What else is new....right?!! This time I used another of the JudiKins stamps purchased at CHA in Orlando. Although you can't tell, this was embossed over a piece of Glossy CS that had the Polished Stone technique done on it. The Ruby Red layer shows off another new embossing folder, Herringbone. LOVE IT!!

Stamps: JudiKins, Thank You Kindly

Inks: Basic Black Classic & Craft

Re-Inkers: Ruby Red, Old Olive, More Mustard

CS: Natural Ivory (cardbase), Old Olive, Ruby Red, More Mustard, Glossy

Misc: Herringbone Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Wide Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Paper Piercer & Template, Clear Embossing Powder

Well....since that first card wasn't quite right, I decided to try again. AND, since I've been working on Halloween ideas with my Stamp Club ladies, I thought I'd try a Halloween card idea. I'm really loving this little sketleton....on this card, he's stamped in White Craft Ink and embossed. I'm also really loving the new Halloween DSP available in the new Holiday Mini.....but, I still have quite a bit of older DSP that I need to use up first! So, this paper is retired, but can easily be substituted with the great new designs now available!

Did you notice that the ribbons and greeting still aren't in the right spot?!! Oh, well! Guess it's just not going to happen for me. Thanks for stopping....hope you enjoyed the samples and your visit. You can see what the other Bloggers' have been up to by clicking here.

Stamps: Scary Sketelton, Holiday Best (Hostess Level 1), Sanded

Inks: White Craft, Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie

Misc: White Embossing Powder; Corner Rounder; Wide Oval Punch; Old Olive; Pumpkin Pie, & Basic Black Markers; Wide Oval Punch; Pumpkin Pie & Basic Black Narrow Grosgrain Ribbons; Cutter Kit; DSP (retired)

Lunchtime Challenge #84

I've been quiet this week....I'm so sorry. It's been a busy one, but I've downloaded a lot of things to share in the coming days, so please bare with me and come back and visit! Today's post was due last Monday! YIKES!

MaryJo always has the bestest sketches and I really hate to miss. Last week's sketch was a fabulous one, too! So, even though there is another due tomorrow (mine is ready!), I really didn't want to miss out on sharing this one with you. You can see MJ's original here....and as you'll see, I've turned it up side down. AND there is absolutely NO stamping on this one at all!

When coming up with a plan for this sample, I decided to honor Labor Day, which I cannot believe is next week already! To me, that's the official end of summer.....the kids go back to school then, and life returns to our "normal" routine. HA....I think it will be busier than ever!!

Labor Day is patriotic, and all American holiday, so, naturally, I wanted to use a red-white-blue theme. But this is just a bit slightly a different take on that color scheme: Kraft, Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, and Ruby Red. I used my brand-new, just-released star Cuttlebug embossing folder, and the fun, new Thanks Embosslet that is in the SU Catalog, and added in that Not Quite Navy button, which has retired, but was so right for this card.....it was the perfect finishing touch!

Thanks for stopping by today. Be sure to come back and visit soon....I PROMISE, I have more to share! (I'll be posting my my Blogger's Challenge later.)

Stamps: N/A

Inks: Very Vanilla Craft

CS: Kraft, Very Vanilla, Ruby Red, Not Quite Navy

Misc: Star Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Thanks Embosslit, Big Shot, Ruby Red Mini Brads, Paper Piercer, Not Quite Navy Button*, Linen Thread, Pop Up Glue Dot (to hold button)

*Retired

Note: All materials are from SU, except as noted above.

Blogger's Challenge--Die Cuts

Last year when I purchased my Big Shot Kit, it came with the fun Basket & Blooms Bigz Die. I thought that little basket would just be the cutest thing....but to be honest, putting it together is not the easiest thing to do. So when I saw Gretchen's tutorial a few months back, I made my own. Not only was it the cutest little thing, but it was so very easy as well! AND, do you remember when I told you that I Was Hired?!! Well, that was the basket that got me noticed.....even tho it really isn't my original idea!! (I was thrilled to be chosen....I was part of a very illustrious group of stampers!)

Anyway, my assignment was to make some of these cuties for Sherrill, who in turn gave them away to her "teachers" at her Convention events just a few short weeks ago. They seem to be popping up on various blogs, so I guess they were a hit! (In return, I earned FREE stamps from Sherrill!! Yippee!!) Sherrill is the list Mom for the Late Night Stampers group....check it out (icon is in the right column) and why not join in the fun......you don't need to be a demo.

So, this is my entry for this week's Blog Challenge....this adorable little basket. Oh, and if you'd like to see more.....this second photo shows one of each of the different ones I made....they are all from the same package of DSP, Cottage Wall. This paper is just so pretty! And the third photo shows ALL the baskets that I made and sent out.....I ended up making 24, which uses an entire package of the DSP.

Thanks for stopping by....and check out this link to see what fabulous ideas the other Bloggers have for our viewing pleasure!

The following recipe is for the 1st photo basket.

Stamps: Oval All, Always (flower centers)

Inks: Rich Razzelberry, Orchid Opulence (for sponging on the petals of the flowers)

CS: Orchid Opulence, Whisper White

Misc: Daisy Die, Baskets & Blooms Die, Big Shot, Build-a-Brad, 1/2" Round Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Pop Up Glue Dots (for adhering Daisy), White Taffeta Ribbon, Cottage Wall DSP

Please note: ALL materials used to create this and all the baskets are from Stampin'Up!

MaryJo's Lunchtime Challenge #83

The sketch this week was such fun! I was definitely inspired to use this layout in a variety of ways.....I even have a few more that I may try.....if time allows! But, for today, I'll share just 3....yes, you read that right! I have 3 for you today!! (I told you the sketch was fun!)

This first sample is pure Stampin'Up all the way! The background paper was from the last catalog and cut into 1" squares, layered onto Night of Navy CS and then onto a Kraft card. The stitching really sets it off, don't you think? Although it looks time consuming, it really wasn't....use a ruler for straight and easy faux stitching!

Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes, Fundamental Phrases

Inks: Night of Navy

CS: Kraft, Night of Navy, Whisper White

Misc: Wide Oval Punch, Night of Navy Marker, Kraft DSP*, Modern Label Punch, Brilliant Blue Mini Brad, Paper Piercer

*Retired

This second sample was so easy, I felt like I was cheating! You see, the background stamp is already laid out in the little squares....it's one purchased at CHA a few weeks ago from the JudiKins booth. During their demo, they showed how just 3 little ink drops can go a long way and create amazing samples. That's how the various colors were achieved on this background stamp. I used reinkers in Green Galore, Tempting Turquoise and Pixie Pink.....can't you tell? LOL I KNOW....it looks nothing like those colors, but I promise that's what I used. I just put a drop of each on the smooth side of my Stamp-a-ma-jig plastic and used that as my ink pad. Kinda cool! The center of each flower has a sticky back pink crystal.

Stamps: Background stamp by JudiKins, All Holidays*

Inks: Pixie Pink, Tempting Turquoise, Green Galore Reinkers; Perfect Plum

CS: Whisper White, Pale Plum, Perfect Plum

Misc: White Taffeta Ribbon, Pink Crystals by Stampendous, Nestabilitie

*Retired

And this 3rd and last sample showcases a few PaperTrey stamp sets: Grid Lines, Grid Lines 2, Simple Stationery, Trajan Monogram. (Most were purchased at CHA....told you I was so bad in that booth!!) Pretty straight forward, the base of the white section is paper also from Paper Trey with the grid lines already there....makes using these fancy little squares and circles a snap!

Stamps: Grid Lines, Grid Lines 2, Simple Stationery, Trajan Monogram

Inks: Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst

CS: Whisper White, Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac, Grid Lines CS (Paper Trey)

Misc: Round Nestabilities, Dimensionals, White Satin Ribbon

Please note: All supplies used for these samples are from Stampin'Up! unless otherwise noted.

So, that's it for today....hope you enjoyed your visit. Please stop by MaryJo's blog....you'll be able to see the original sketch and link onto the blogs of all participants.

Birthday Time!

The theme for this week's Challenge is "It's a birthday!" And this fits the theme perfectly. A week or so ago, I made this little cutie for a co-worker. You see last September, I decided to copy Robin Merriman's idea of a Birthday in a Box, which you can see here. I thought it was just the sweetest little idea that I decided to make my own version for a co-worker who would be celebrating her birthday around that same time. Little did I know what I was getting into! Fast forward 12 months and 12 birthdays! Each recipient received a different container. Although I loved making them, I was running out of ideas. This is the very last one I made. It uses DSP that retired many years ago....and, yes, I still had a bit left!....and that cute little gable box is no longer available in the SU catalog. But, combined with a few current products, like Fun & Fast Notes, which really is my "go to" stamp set for so many occasions!....and done up in a favorite color combo: shades of brown and shades of pink; and I was thrilled with the way it came out! Oh, and Jen, my co-worker, loved it, too! Check out the Chocolate Cake....what's not to celebrate?!!

Stamps: Fun & Fast Notes, Matchbox Messages

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Espresso (Ranger/Adirondack)

CS: Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White

Misc: Copics, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (for icing on the cake), Big Shot, Scallop Circle Die #1, 1 3/4" Round Punch, Matchbox Bigz Die, Small Gable Box*, DSP*, Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon in Chocolate Chip

*Retired

Please note: Images are from Stampin'Up!

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you'll take a bit of time to stop by and see what the others have created for this fun, fun theme.

Wedding Wishes in Pink

My hubby's niece recently married her sweetie. Although we wanted to attend, it just wasn't possible.....they had a destination wedding in Key West. I'm in the process of putting together a wedding scrapbook album for her.....she looked lovely and they both look so happy. But in the meantime, I needed to send her something, so I enclosed a Target Gift Card in this little beauty.

It actually began as a challenge card (the theme was pink and black), but somewhere along the way, I added in some non-SU items, which made it ineligible for the Challenge, although I still like the way it turned out. The layout is pretty simple, there is a lot going on.......the background was stamped with Pretty in Pink Ink with that pretty little swirl from Wedding Day (Paper Trey Ink) and then a the swirl Cuttlebug embossing folder was used. The oval and the scallop oval were created with my Nestabilities. BUT, the cake image was created with an SU image from Fast & Fun set.....can you see the cake portions and flowers were cut out and raised on Dimensionals? And that cute little tag.....the stamped word is from a long gone, old SAB set called Noteworthy.

I hear Nicole loved the card....or maybe it was the gift inside?

Stamps: Fast & Fun, Noteworthy*, Wedding Day (Paper Trey Ink)

Inks: Pretty in Pink, Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Pirouette Pink*, Basic Black

Misc: Dimensionals, Markers (Regal Rose, Gable Green, Sahara Sand), 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Oval & Oval Scallop Nestabilities (non SU), Organza Ribbon

*Retired from the SU line.

MaryJo's Lunchtime Challenge

Finally! I've had this idea rolling around in my head for days now, but only just had the chance to actually try it out last night.....and it was very, very late when I finished. As you may remember, I went to Florida recently, but what I had not shared is that I brought my Mom back home with me to spend some time up here in New Jersey. We looked for a place for her to live, and thankfully, we found something that she loves and is centrally located between me and most of my siblings. The community has a very active senior life, which was really high on my priority list for her. Yesterday, she flew home....but, honestly, while she was here, I accomplished very little. And there was almost NO time for stamping!! Just little snatches here and there......but now I hope to spend some real quality time in my stamp room! Oh, after doing the laundry, food shopping, and cleaning my house, of course!!

Anyway, this card finally came to life last night. I have to admit that I have looked around at samples of this beautiful set and am not entirely sure if it's all my idea or something I saw somewhere, but I really love the way it came out.....original or not!

While at the public portion of CHA recently, I spent some time....and more $s than I should have.....in the Paper Trey Ink booth. While there, I met Nicole Heady, the brain behind all those wonderful stamps....she is amazingly creative. Her design team is filled with ladies that I would call "stamping royalty," Debbie Olson, Michelle Wooderson, Heather Nichols, Dawn McVey......they were the ones working at the booth. I had a chance to see and chat with most, and they were all wonderful, lovely ladies!

Here's this week's creation. I used the newly released In Bloom by Paper Trey. When I saw it, I just knew it would be perfect for coloring with my Copics, although I don't think you can truly see all the shading on the rose, or whatever the flower is, on screen. It has been highlighted with my Spica pens, which I also learned to use more creatively at CHA.

As always, thanks for taking a few minutes out of your busy day to stop by and visit. And please check out MaryJo's original sketch and to see who else played along this week as well.

Stamps: In Bloom (by PaperTrey)

Inks: White Brilliance, Pitch Black by Ranger

CS: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red*, Basic Black

Misc: Copics, Spica Glitter Pens, Dimensionals (to pop up flower), Mini Sticker Crystals (by Stampendous)

*Retired from SU

Gift Card Thanks

In my last post, I mentioned that I was able to attend CHA. For those who aren't aware, CHA stands for Craft & Hobby Association, and they have a trade show 2 times each year. Before Orlando, and the next one this coming winter was/is scheduled to be in Anaheim. Well, for me, that's not really doable, but Orlando was. Fortunately for me, my new bestest friend, Lynn gave me tickets, making the show possible to visit. So a very special thank you was in order, don't you think?!! So, I thought I'd share what I made for her.

After thinking it over for weeks, I finally decided on giving her a gift card since I knew it could be used almost anywhere.....even on stamp supplies! To be honest, I basically CASEd this idea, but it was just so beautiful that I fell in love with it, so how could I not?!! And CASEd ideas work so well when you are pressed for time.....after all, why re-invent the wheel?!!

There were some changes made from the original, but the idea is so fabulous.....and it used my favorite set, Friends 24-7. The base card that you see in the first photo is in So Saffron with a belly-band fitting around it from top to bottom. As you can see, some retired DSP was used, along with that luscious, also-retired Chocolate Satin Ribbon and a few other items as well. But, it's long past time that some of these items should be used up.....and it all worked so well together.

The second photo shows the belly band removed from the card base, and the third and final photo shows the inside where the gift card was placed.

Even though this was basically a CASEd idea, I was still proud to give it, and Lynn was so surprised. I KNOW she was thrilled with the gift card....hopefully, she liked the holder as well! You can see the original idea here. Angie was one of this year's Artisan Award recipients at Convention....and if I'm not mistaken, this is NOT the first time she has won. So be sure to look around and see some of the fabulous ideas on her blog.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Stamps: Friends 24-7, Warmest Regards

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, So Saffron

CS: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, So Saffron

Misc: Chocolate Satin Ribbon*, Corner Rounder, Eyelet Border Punch, DSP* (sorry, don't remember the name....but it's long gone from the SU catalogs!), Bashful Blue Chalk Pastel, Linen Thread, Baja Breeze Button*, Key Punch Tag*

*Retired

Please note: ALL materials used to create this gift-card holder are from Stampin'Up!

Bloggers' Challenge #111

Oh boy....it feels SO GOOD to be stamping again!!! I know that I've been MIA for the last few weeks....I went to Florida to visit with my Mom and then onto CHA, which was such fun! I had never been before, and I hear that this last show in Orlando was quieter and smaller than the typical show, but I just LOVED it!! There were many things outside of the SU world that were shown and I learned so many new things!!! I saw Carol Duval, Tim Holtz, and even Suze Wienburg. They were there for the vendor event....this is where I learned tons, but wasn't able to buy anything. (That was almost painful!) Then the last 2 days there was another CHA sponsored event that was open to the public. Different vendors, of course, too many people, kind of manic......but then I could buy some of my favorite things....which I did! Anyway, I'll be sure to share more in the days to come......but for now, it's just good to be home and stamping again.

So that brings me to this week's Challenge, which was a color challenge. You know, I think these are my favorite of all the different types of challenges. This week it was Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Old Olive, and a neutral....I chose Whisper White. AND I used Branch Out....this set is currently on the Dormant List, but still available for purchase. It's also one I earned from my Sale-a-Bration sales this past Spring. It's the first chance I had to work with it and I'm loving this set!

As you can see, it's a fairly straight-forward layout, with faux stitching on the Crushed Curry background, the Soft Suede background was textured with a Texturz plate, and the greeting was popped up on Dimensionals. As for the grass....that was sponged over a torn piece of scrap paper. Fun, isn't it?

Thanks for stopping by today! You can see the other participating bloggers' here......be sure to stop by and see what they've been up to.

Stamps: Branch Out, Trendy Trees (greeting)

Inks: Soft Suede, Old Olive, Crushed Curry

CS: Whisper White, Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Old Olive

Misc: Modern Label Punch, Dimensionals, Old Olive Mini Brads, Jumbo Pewter Brad, Sponge, Big Shot, Texturz Plate Kit #4, Old Olive Marker (for faux stitching), Eyelet Setter (Jumbo Brad)

Please note: ALL materials used to create this sample are from Stampin'Up!