Rock 'n Roll Technique Challenge

One of the Yahoo groups I belong to offers Challenges each week. Although I don't always have the time to participate, occasionally I do. When entering a Challenge, each participant is given a partner and we make a single card that meets the Challenge requirements and send it to her. Since we make only one card, and the group is filled with amazingly talented stampers, a WOW card is expected.

So.....for this recent Challenge, my partner assignment was MaryJo Price-Williams. Well, if you read this Blog regularly, you know I just adore MJ, participate in her Challenges (somewhat un-regularly...but I try!), and admire her great stamp art talent. She is just so sweet.....and deep down, I knew she would be gracious about any card she received from me, but I have to tell you......I was a little apprehensive about completing and sending off a special card to her. Could I rise to the occasion? Could I meet her expectations? I have to admit that I was quite late, but again, she was more than accommodating.

Well, this is what I sent her......I happen to love the way it came out (She said she did as well.). It has quite a bit of cutting....something I certainly wouldn't do for a lot of cards, so it took me quite some time to accomplish this. What do YOU think? I'm pretty sure it qualifies as a WOW card!

The technique featured in this card is the Rock 'n Roll technique...stamp first in a lighter ink and then roll the edges of the inked stamp onto a darker ink pad...this gives the image a shaded look. Can you see it on the larger flowers?....and the leaves? Subtle, but I promise that it's there!

The scalloped surround was a first for me....cut a long strip from Whisper White and used the Scallop Edge punch, THEN put the whole thing through the Crimper. I found when doing this, that in order to round the edges....like around the curves of the oval....the strip really needs to be trimmed down so that it's quite narrow.

Well, there you have it! Wish I had another for myself.....maybe one day, I'll make another! Thanks for stopping by today.

Stamps: Vintage Vogue*, Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel*, Whimsical Words**

Inks: Old Olive, Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, Mellow Moss, Old Olive

CS: Whisper White, Ruby Red, Cameo Coral

Misc: Oval Die, Big Shot, Scallop Edge Punch, Trio Flower Punch, Old Olive Wide Grosgrain Ribbon, Old Olive Mini Brads, White 5/16" Brads, Dimensionals, Crimper

Please note: ALL materials used to create this sample are currently available from SU!....but some for a limited time only.

*Occasions Mini

**SAB 2010

Lunchtime Challenge #106

Remarkably (for me!), I am early this time around. I won't have much time for the next few days for Challenges.....I need to work on a invitation card order, so, I need to post now. And Mary Jo has done it again! Her Challenge this week was fun...and, oh, so easy! Guess because it really is a basic layout....it's those "out of the ordinary" sketches that really get me! Ok, Ok....sometimes the basics are a Challenge as well!

Well, since SU! is sponsoring a fundraiser for Haiti using the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set, of course, it was time to mount....or rather just add the stickers since I purchased the unmounted type.....and feature it in this sketch! It really is a darling set....great for Valentine's Day, of course, but throughout the year as well. One of the really great things about this set is that it coordinates with our heart punches! However, I only own the Large Heart Punch, which didn't work with this size, but the images were simple enough to cut out by hand.

To dress up this card, I added in some "paper lace," which was created with the Eyelet Border Punch and kind of scrunching up the long punched piece. My lace technique needs a bit of work....not quite as easy as I thought it would be, but I just love the dimension it adds to this simple card. To set it off, since the lace is white and it is placed against the white card base, it is sponged with some Pretty in Pink ink. Oh, and I added another of those uber simple, but-oh-so-pretty bows. Even those among us, who are "bow impaired" can manage this one! Look for a tutorial coming soon....you'll be amazed at how simple it really is!

Thanks for stopping by today. Be sure to check out MJ's sketch and you can also see who else is playing along by clicking here.

Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Inks: Melon Mambo, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink

CS: Whisper White, Melon Mambo

Misc: Dimensionals (center heart is raised), Melon Mambo Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Clear Brad, Eyelet Border Punch, Mini Glue Dots

Please note: ALL materials used to create this card are currently available from SU!

Big Shot Challenge

This was hardly a Challenge.....after all, I seem to pull out my Big Shot for almost EVERY project!! If you've been following the cards and projects on this Blog, you won't need to look far to see that is true! But for this Challenge, something new was required, don't you think?!! Honestly, this machine is so versatile and can do so, so many things, but as usual I'm pressed for time and I also needed a thank you card, so this simple card is doing double duty. I'll have to get back to the Big Shot in a day or so and create something spectacular!

But for now, this just showcases the Finial Embossing Folder....which is new for me, so, of course, I'm still playing with it! For this cardfront, I put it in sideways and only embossed about 3/4s of the front. As you can see, the embossing was done on Whisper White.

That cute little stamp in the center is from one of the Sale-a-Bration sets, Happy Moments. Fun and sweet! This set cannot be purchased, but earned....in other words, when you order just $50 worth of any SU! product, you can earn this one....it's FREE! But only till March 31!

The image was simply stamped in Basic Black and colored in with markers. The flowers were dressed up by adding Dazzling Diamonds over each flower....can you see it? Then the "lacy" border was created with the new Scallop Trim Border Punch.....also available only throughout Sale-a-Bration. The matching corner punch is currently available for purchase in the current Occasions Mini. And check out the flap on the envelope....also embossed! Really makes a simple envelope seem special.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Stamps: Happy Moments, Thank You Kindly

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Melon Mambo, Whisper White

Markers: Gable Green, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Bermuda Bay, Orchid Oppulence

Misc: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Finial Embossing Folder, Dazzling Diamonds, 2-Way Glue Pen, Melon Mambo Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, White 5/16" Brad, Mini Glue Dots

Please note: ALL materials used to create this sample are currently available from SU!

Oh, did you happen to see the shabby chic tote and purse I posted last week? They were made using the Scallop Square Die and the Big Shot? You can see them here. See, I TOLD you the Big Shot is versatile!!

Lunchtime Challenge #105

This center image is a stamp I purchased only last week from the dollar bin at one of my local craft stores....it's from Inkadoo. As soon as I saw it, I thought it had that Mary Engelbreit look to it....and for just a dollar, I couldn't resist! An added bonus is that it worked perfectly for Mary Jo's Challenge this past Monday!

The image is stamped and colored in with Copic markers, mounted on a slightly larger Basic Black square. The Real Red background was punched with a Martha Stewart punch that was also purchased a few months back in a bargain bin for just a couple of dollars from the Christmas Tree Shoppe....you just never know what you'll find in that store! When I got the punch home, I was kind of surprised at how it worked.....it gives it that scooped look that you see on each side of the Real Red square....but for this card, it was perfect! So, all of that is mounted on Dimensionals and then placed over the Summer Sun/Whisper White strip. What you cannot see on screen, which is a shame, because it adds so much, is that the Basic Black background was run through my Big Shot and the Finial Press Embossing Folder....it finishes the card off beautifully!

What do you think? Kind of cheery for these dreary days we've been having around here! Thanks for stopping by today. You can see MJ's sketch and this week's participants here.

Stamps: Inkadoo

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Summer Sun, Real Red

Inks: Pitch Black by Memento

Misc: Copics, Martha Stewart Punch, Narrow Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Big Shot, Finial Press Embossing Folder

Please note: Only the following materials are from SU!....cardstock, Dimensionals, ribbon, embossing folder

Big Shot Purses

Just recently I discovered that the Big Shot can help with quilting projects! How exciting is that?!! Well, if you ever have sewn (I did), or are a quilter (I'm not), this is HUGE!

Many of our demonstrators who qualified to go to a gathering called Leadership (I don't....qualify, that is!) just came back all excited about this new use for the Big Shot. And one of the projects circulating...other than actually making quilts....are these purses that you can make using the Scallop Square die. Since it's a rainy, yuky day, I pulled out my sewing machine and this is what I made.

The first is a tote. My Mom has been looking for a smallish-size tote to collect her mail in when she goes down to the post box area in her complex. Nothing too large....so this is for her. It measures about 11" square....and about 3" deep. As you can see, it's "shabby chic!"

This next photo shows you the purse I made using this same idea....and it's actually the first project I made. The instructions I had are for the purse....it was fun to make! Easy enough even for beginners, but this first one took me about 3 hours to make....the tote was a bit quicker. Not sure what I'm going to do with this one...maybe keep it?

Thanks for stopping by today!

It's Friday...Time for a Blog Challenge

Look at this....I'm on time....actually a bit early! I was playing the other day and inspiration hit....I didn't even realize it until I saw the notice, but I had actually made this card before I knew it fit the Challenge...almost. That explains why I'm early....unusual for me, right?!!

This week's Challenge is to use Pink, Brown, and White....well, this is sooo close. Instead of white, this sample has Very Vanilla......hope this one will do! Doesn't this color combo remind you of ice cream? As a young child, I thought ice cream only came in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla together. Guess that's all my Mom ever bought us...there was something for everybody!

Friends 24-7 was still on my desktop, so of course, I had to use it! This card features my favorite stamp in the set...this "fleur de lis" type stamp, which is stamped in Chocolate Chip ink onto Close to Cocoa cardstock. And check out that great medallion....from this year's SAB set, Vintage Labels. Fabulous, isn't it?!! This set is available for you to earn for a limited time only....don't miss out. Be sure to contact your SU! demo......or me...... soon for more information.

Thanks so much for stopping by today....and be sure to check out the other bloggers.

Stamps: Friends 24-7, Vintage Medallion, Fundamental Phrases

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Vanilla Craft, Pretty in Pink

CS: Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa

Misc: Round Scallop Punch, Modern Label Punch, 1" Round Punch, Pretty in Pink Mini Brad, Eyelet Border Punch, Wide Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon

Please note: All materials used to create this sample are from SU!

Blogger's Challenge #133....a little late!

OK, this one was SUPPOSED to be easy! We were to follow a sketch this week....nice and basic, nothing fancy. Why is it that sometimes the simplest are the most difficult? Maybe because I knew the others that participating in this week's Challenge would come up with the most awesome samples? Of course they will!! (Don't forget to check them out!!)

So this first sample is my first try.....uses Trendy Trees and some of that background paper that I have around. (Remember this card?...still have some leftover paper.) Add in that great border punch (as seen last summer at CHA)...it's a Martha Stewart punch. Well, when I was done with this, I wasn't really happy with it. The rectangle at the top with the tree just seems too small for the layout, but when I tried 3 trees, it was too large...and 2 simply doesn't work at all!

Stamps: Trendy Trees, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Brocade Blue

CS: Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Brocade Blue

Misc: DSP (source unknown), Wide Chocolate Chip Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Linen Thread, Brocade Blue Button (retired), Window Punch, Dimensionals, Linen Thread

Please note: All materials used to create this sample are from SU!, except for the border punch (Martha Stewart), and the DSP (source unknown)

Well, since the last sample didn't meet my expectations, it was back to the drawing board! I hadn't played with my favorite set, Friends 24-7, in awhile, so it was a good time to bring it back out. Uh Oh...when I made the focal square, it was WAY too big! So, I just changed the layout a bit and used it anyway. Lots of sponging, some distressing....I am really happy with this one......it just doesn't meet the Challenge!

Stamps: Friends 24-7, Friendly Words Jumbo Wheel

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Carmel

CS: Very Vanilla, Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip

Misc: Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Eyelet Border Punch, Chocolate Corduroy Button, Cutter Kit, Bashful Blue Chalk Pastel, Sponges

Please note: ALL materials used to create this sample are currently available from SU!

So, that brings me to this last card.....it's the one that actually meets the Challenge.....AND I like it....and am happy to share it with all of you. To be honest, it was inspired by this card,....it's really so lovely. Obviously,this one is not the same....the layout is a bit different and the colors have been changed, it has been adapted to meet our weekly challenge given to us by our Blog Mom, Lisa. And I made one little change to our sketch challenge as well....the greeting has been added to the bottom rather than placed to the right of the square/focal point. Although I tried adding in a greeting there, it just didn't seem to work, so this is what the end result is.

Stamps: Framed with Love, Yummy ('09 SAB)

Inks: Rose Red

CS: Whisper White, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink

Misc: Scallop Border Punch ('10 SAB-retired), White Taffeta Ribbon, Linen Thread, Riding Hood Red Button (retired), Full Heart Punch, Dimensionals

Please note: ALL materials used to create this sample are from SU!, although some items have retired.

That's it for now.....thanks so much for stopping by and sticking with me. So glad to have those computer problems behind me!

Techno Stampers Challenge #104

After having WiFi issues for the last few days, I'm finally able to post! Actually, I was able to get onto the family computer and move a few things around, but wasn't able to post my new sample. So, I'm behind, but have lots to share!! However, just for now, I have just this one sample....MJ's Challenge #104.

Mostly, I stayed true to the original sketch, which you can see here. But the tree took up too much space to add in any brads or other embellishments in the bottom right corner, so I added in a punched layer to make up for it! Pretty basic.....the tree was stamped first in Sage Shadow ink and then the Chocolate Chip marker was used to color in the trunk and branches. The edges of the Very Vanilla Layers were sponged first with Close to Cocoa (Chocolate Chip was too dark), and then I added some more sponging in lightly with Creamy Carmel to give it an aged look.

So, there you have it! Thanks for stopping by....and please come back later. As I mentioned, I have more to post (my Bloggers' Challenge from last Friday), but there's no time to add that in right not......not till tonight.

Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers

Inks: Sage Shadow, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Carmel

CS: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow

Misc: DSP (retired), Chocolate Chip Marker, Sponge, Narrow Sage Shadow Grosgrain Ribbon, Pewter Jumbo Eyelet, Vanilla Jumbo Brad (5/16" size), Large Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Non-SU Border Punch

Please note: All materials except the border punch are from SU....please note that the background paper has retired.

Make New Friends, But Keep the Old.....

Do you remember learning that song as a child? I learned it way back when in Girl Scouts....not sure if it's really a scout song of not, but I couldn't help but remember it when making this card....made with Vintage Vogue. I love making Friendship cards....what a nice way to remember a special friend and sending them a little pick me up on occasion!

This sample was made for a recent swap I participated in.....I needed 30 of them! When I designed it, it seemed simple enough to make quickly....little did I realize that 30 of these babies would take me HOURS! But, I love this color combo together and really was happy with the finished result, although it's kind of a basic layout! As you can see, the floral layer was stamped....it's Sahara Sand stamped with Mellow Moss ink. Sahara Sand CS seems to take on a lovely, pale greenish cast when paired with Mellow Moss....it's a combo I've used many times because I love the way it looks together.

The cards that I received back in this swap were just phenomenal....I'll share a few in days to come. Thanks for stopping by today!

Stamps: Vintage Vogue

Inks: Rich Razzelberry, Mellow Moss

CS: Whisper White, Sahara Sand, Rich Razzelberry, Mellow Moss

Misc: Dimensionals, Mini Silver Brad, Rich Razzelberry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch (2010 SAB item)

Please note: ALL items used to create this sample are currently available through SU!

Lunchtime Challenge #103

Ok, I have to admit it.....MaryJo's sketch this week was definitely a difficult one.....waaaayyyy out of my comfort zone! But, I managed to come up with this sample, although I'm not really crazy about it.....and I definitely needed some inspiration, here it is. I found this card on Split Coast and adapted it to this layout. But as you'll see, I took many of the same elements and even the color scheme from this inspiration piece!

So, for this sample....I dusted off Eastern Blooms. Although a lovely set, I haven't touched it in a very long time! The designer papers used here retired months ago and so has one of the colors, Baja Breeze....remember how we all loved that color? (Or was it just me?!!)

You can see MJ's original sketch and those that have participated here. Thanks for stopping by today!

Stamps: Eastern Blooms, Short & Sweet

Inks: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy

CS: Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive

Misc: DSP*, Circle Cutter, Scallop Circle #2 Die Cut, Big Shot, Silver Mini Brad, White Taffeta Ribbon, Clips Assortment, Corner Rounder, Old Olive Marker, Small Square Punch (for the notch in the greeting)

*Retired

Please note: All materials used to create this sample are from SU!

Bloggers' Challenge #131 -- Celebration!

HAPPY NEW YEAR......Happy 2010!

A new year AND a new decade....remember all the hoopla over 2000? Doesn't seem so long ago, does it?...and now we're 10 years past. Time flies. Here's hoping that we ALL have a terrific 2010!

So, as you probably have already guessed, this week's theme is Celebration....what better way to welcome in the new year.......I have a New Year-themed card to share.

This card is pretty simple, really.....color blocking is so easy and this was created using the various papers and only the greeting is stamped. The DSP....well, I have to admit that I finally opened up my package of Night & Day Specialty Designer Paper......technically, it is still available, but only until this coming Monday! The patterns in this package are wonderful.....I just hadn't gotten around to opening/using any of this fabulous paper till now! (You know....so many supplies, so little time!)

Thanks for stopping by......hope you'll take a bit of time to visit and see what the other Bloggers have been up to!

Stamps: All Holidays*

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Silver Metallic, Real Red

Misc: Night & Day Spectialty Designer Paper, Large Silver Grommet, Wide Basic Black & Narrow Real Red Grosgrain Ribbons, Silver Mini Library Clip, 1/2" Round Punch

*Retired

Please note: ALL materials used to create this card are from SU!