Simple Thanks

My last post mentioned that I was on a quest to make small, but simple thank you sets. This is another in the series. As you can see, I've paired the outgoing, but lovely Bella's Bloom with Matchbox Messages again.....I really think these stamps were made for each other! This time punches were involved. In my last Bella card, I had out Bermuda Bay (retiring In Color), but didn't use it....as you can see, it DID become the color of choice on this one!

To get the 2 tone effect of the flower, you need to "ink" up the image with markers. Now, typically, I find this technique tedious and not something I want to do repetitively...but this image is so cute and small that it really isn't a big deal and is actually quick and easy! Don't you think the Bermuda Bay and Basic Black are a striking combination?!!

Obviously, I punched out the image with my Large Oval and layered it against a punched Scallop Oval in black. This was framed by that wonderful stamp image from Matchbox Messages and then some texture was needed to make everything really POP....so, of course, I used my very favorite Square Lattice embossing folder. A little snippet of the Black Gingham Ribbon and a greeting was added to complete this simple card. So....what do you think?

As I said previously, I'm loving this cute little image from Bella's Bloom...it's definitely a keeper! So, even though it's retiring (today is the very last day to order!!), it's entirely likely that it will pop up here on this blog again in the future!

Stamps: Bella's Bloom*, Matchbox Messages, Sweet & Sassy

Inks: Bermuda Blue*

CS: Whisper White, Bermuda Bay*, Basic Black

Markers: Bermuda Bay*, Basic Black

Misc: Big Shot, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Black Gingham Ribbon*, Glue Dot, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch

*Retiring

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

Thank you so much for stopping by today!

Super Simple Punch & Big Shot Card

I'm in the process of making mini sets of thank you cards (sets of 4 with envelopes). This card is not my usual style...I was going for a clean and simple look....it came out kinda cute, don't you think?!! Kind of a country look, but uncluttered, which is what the Whisper White background seems to achieve.

The only stamping on this is the stem, which was created with the about to retire, Stem Sayings....it worked perfectly for this look. It's a take on one that our own Shelli Gardner (for those that don't know, she is the co-founder of SU!) featured at one of her Workshop of a Lifetime series.....actually, I didn't realize until I put up the link how similar it really is! But, I also wanted to feature at least one outgoing item.....I managed to get 2 in this card: the Kraft Taffeta Ribbon (I am reallly going to miss this ribbon!!!) and Stem Sayings.

It really is a pretty simple card...the Extra Large Fancy Flower Punch (still available from the Occasions Mini & will be in the new catalog) created the flower, but was then textured using my very favorite embossing folder, the Square Lattice folder and the Big Shot. The button center is from the Buttons #5 Sizzlet. It's threaded with some of that Kraft Taffeta Ribbon that I love so much and mounted on a Dimensional. Then the leaves were simply added...they were created with the Small Oval Punch and each leaf has been scored. Cute, huh?!!

Stamps: Stem Sayings*

Inks: Old Olive

CS: Riding Hood Red, Summer Sun*, Old Olive

Misc: Big Shot, Extra Large Fancy Flower Punch, Square Lattice EF, Dimensional, Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Small Oval Punch

*Retiring

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

Thanks for taking some time out of your busy day to visit!!

Cute Little Bella

You will laugh at me.....you see I wanted to take part in the sketch challenge posted on Stamping 411. It's a GREAT blog that has challenges and lots of instructions. The ladies that collaborate to put this blog together are among the most talented out there. They make all their sketches seem simple, and of course, their creations are always amazing!

But, then I also saw the challenge over at Create with Connie & Mary. These 2 ladies (more stamping idols) are amazing and their creations are always spectacular.

So I was stamping last night...it was late and I was just waiting for the last of my laundry to finish up in the dryer so I could fold it up and then planned to go to bed......while I was waiting I figured I stamp my time away.

I thought I was creating my card for one challenge but then I looked and it really wasn't that close....then I looked at the other one, and I kind of missed the mark there as well. So, I guess this is a combination....or maybe it's my own. Ah, not really, 'cause this is pretty basic. Oh, well! I wanted to use that cute little set, Bella's Bloom, at least one time before it officially retires after Wednesday (but it's so cute, I think I'll keep it around for awhile!)....I earned it during SaleABration, but sadly, the set has never seen ink. So, now it has been christened! And although I began with an entirely different color pallet for this card (I had Bermuda Bay in mind!), I ended up with pinks and greens again!...Whatever!!

Stamps: Bella's Blooms*, Matchbox Messages, Tiny Tags

Inks: Old Olive

CS: Whisper White, Mellon Mambo*, Old Olive, Certainly Celery

Misc: Mellon Mambo Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon*, Medium Jewelry Tag, Dimensionals, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Mellon Mambo* & Old Olive Markers
*Retiring

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

Thanks for stopping by today!

It's a Blue, Kiwi & White Week

It's a color challenge this week. Fortunately, I still have some Kiwi Kiss in my collection. Remember this was one of the In Colors last year? So sorry that one didn't come back...I really enjoy using this color! But, it didn't...and I don't really have much left. I paired this up with the new incoming (and old In Color) Pacific Point...that's my blue. I think this is a much better blue than Brilliant Blue, which I used only occasionally...won't miss that one at all!

And I have to apologize....it wasn't till I went to upload this card that I realized that this is the same exact layout as my last post....yes, it has a very different feel, colors are different, etc. But, really! Guess I wasn't thinking!! (I'm still busy trying to get my swaps together and ready to mail!)

Since Kiwi Kiss is no longer in the SU color line, I also used a non SU embossing folder...it's the Paisley EF from Cuttlebug. What I have found is that the Cuttlebug EFs are just a bit smaller than those that SU sells. They are wonderful, but too small for an entire cardfront, so if you don't want blank ends and sides, the CS needs to be a bit smaller layer than the cardfront. By the time I trimmed this one down, another layer was needed as well! But, I guess it was a happy accident, because I really like the double scallop edge. Oh, and can you see that I didn't emboss the entire Kiwi piece? The bottom portion by the scallops flat and smooth for added interest...the dividing line (which is crooked, by the way!) is covered by the White Taffeta Ribbon and button.

This card also features one more sneak peak item....can you guess what it is? It's that scallop rectangle....we'll have a new clear sizzlet for the Big Shot! How fun!

This card is pretty simple and easy to figure out....I used the Pocket Silhouettes, which I haven't used in a very long time....it needed to be dusted off!

Thanks for stopping by today. Don't forget to check out what the other Bloggers' have been up to.

Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes, Thank You Kindly

Inks: Kiwi Kiss*

CS: Kiwi Kiss*, Pacific Pointe, Whisper White

Misc: Scallop Edge Punch, White Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Sizzlet, Button Bouquet*, Paisley Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Mini Glue Dots

*Retired

Please note: ALL materials used to create this sample are from SU, except where noted.

Sneak Peek Set...and an Almost Swap Card!

This is one of those "sneak peek" stamp sets that demonstrators could purchase. The images are so classic...with just a touch of modern...that I knew I needed this set! LOL

So this card features the brand-new, about to be released next week in the new catalog set called Friends Never Fade. There are some lovely images in it and I think I'm in love! For this sample, I "inked" up the floral image for the central piece using just markers.......Riding Hood Red and Certainly Celery. The background was stamped with the luscious new ink color, Crumb Cake (Kraft is now to be known as Crumb Cake and the ink pad in this color is a brand new addition!!). And great news, that fabulous Scallop Trim Border Punch is back!! Add in a bit of White Taffeta Ribbon and the bottom thank you stamp from Thank You Kindly and it was complete.

As I mentioned, this almost became my swap card for a new catalog swap that I am participating in...I'll post my actual swap card in a week or so....please come back and visit!

Stamps: Thank You Kindly, Friends Never Fade

Inks: Crumb Cake

CS: Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Riding Hood Red, Certainly Celery

Misc: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Riding Hood Red Marker, Certainly Celery Marker, White Taffeta Ribbon

Please note: All materials are from SU!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Remember to place your order* for any of those last minute, outgoing, about-to-retire items because soon they will be GONE!

*Click on the SU Logo at the top of the right column and then the "Shop Now" button to order.

MaryJo's Lunchtime Challenge -- #127

A bit late, but here it is! I'm just loving this stamp set from the current mini, which, sadly, is not included in the new catalog....so the time to use it is NOW! AND, if you wish to purchase it, don't delay!!!! (Order from your demo today or you can click on the Shop Now/SU Logo button at the top of the right column and order item #117050 for wood mount; or #120084 for clear mount) The mini catalog expires August 31, 2010.

For MJ's sketch this week, I turned it on its side....for me, the 3 stamped sections worked better, gave me more space for stamping and just didn't look as crowded. So, I cut the pieces and then lined them up side by side on my scrap paper/workspace and stamped away. The purple flowers were created with markers and I actually did stamp them at various heights, but when separated and laid out, it didn't work out quite the way I had hoped! Oh, well! Overall, it still works.

I have to admit that when I completed the card, I went back and checked MJ's post....and saw the cards that have been submitted so far. Mind you, I did this AFTER I made this card...and found that the fabulously wonderful, terrifically talented Mary Brown also participated....and her card is very similar! (She also turned her card and used the very same set!) I'm in good company, don't you think?!! (Reaaaallllly! I did NOT CASE her!.....but her card is very beautiful. Check it out!) Oh, and of course, the other cards posted are fabulous as well!

Stamps: Watercolor Trio

Inks: Always Artichoke, Elegant Eggplant

CS: Very Vanilla, Elegant Eggplant, Always Artichoke

Markers: So Saffron, Summer Sun*, Lavender Lace*, Lovely Lilac*, Always Artichoke

Misc: Distressed Stripes Embossing Folder (by Cuttlebug), Large Oval Punch, Dimensionals, Narrow Elegant Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon*
Please note: All materials used to create this sample are from SU, except where noted.

*Retiring

Thanks for stopping by today!

LOOK--No Stamp Cards!

That's right! I didn't use any stamps on this series of cards....only used My Digital Studio, my Big Shot, and some punches and/or embellishments. These are fun to make and quick and easy, too!

One of the recent new uploads from Stampin'Up! for MDS (My Digital Studio) was a background paper, called Summertime Splendor...it's different than anything offered before from SU! So, I played around with this new "paper" and made 4 cardfronts on one sheet and printed out onto a single sheet of Whisper White CS. All the sayings that are added in are also "stamps" in MDS. How cool, right?!!

I need to play around with this a bit more and try to enlarge each section, because each printed "cardfront" really isn't the same size as a full card, but used as a layer, they each worked perfectly! And now that I have these saved as a file in my MDS program, I should be able to whip another set of these up in no time!

Here's the info on materials used....

Orange Gerber Daisy Card:

MDS: Summertime Splendor DSP, Presto Patterns Overlay, Hugs & Wishes

CS: Whisper White, Only Orange, Summer Sun

Misc: Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot

Purple Lillies Card:

MDS: Summertime Splendor DSP, Well Scripted

CS: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Perfect Plum

Misc: White Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch

Dark Green Birthday Card:

MDS: Summertime Splendor DSP, Presto Patterns Overlay, Well Scripted

CS: Whisper White, Garden Green

Misc: Buttons Latte, Whisper White Satin Ribbon, Linen Thread, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot

Flower Garden Card:

MDS: Summertime Splendor DSP, Upsy Daisy

CS: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, So Saffron

Misc: Eyelet Edge Punch, Finial Press Embossing Folder, Big Shot

So, there they are...simple quick and easy cards. Don't you just love that background pattern paper? See?...My Digital Studio is NOT just for scrapbooking! (You KNOW you've got to have it!!)

Bloggers' Challenge -- It's a Sketch

It's a shame this set will retire in just about 2 weeks time, but then SU always lets us know that the Hostess sets we can earn will in all likelihood not be carried over into the next catalog. And that's true of this beautiful set, Asian Artistry (Level 2). I didn't earn it until few short months ago, and then didn't really have time to play with it....but I thought it would work perfectly with today's sketch challenge.

It was fun coloring in this image, but I have to admit that I used my Copics (non SU!) and the ovals were created with the now-retired Oval Coluzzel.....but most everything else is SU!

This card should be fairly easy to figure out....lots of texture: the Always Artichoke layer was put through the Finial Press and the Certainly Celery layer went through the Square Lattice Embossing folders. This image should give the card an Asian flair, but instead, I think I came up with something somewhat old-fashioned looking.......I'm loving the look!

Thanks for stopping by today!....don't forget to check out what the others have created. You can see the list here.

Stamps: Asian Artistry*

Inks: Pitch Black (Ranger)

CS: Natural Ivory, Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Regal Rose

Misc: Oval Coluzzel**, Linen Thread, Buttons Latte*, Regal Rose Wide Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals

*Retiring

**Retired

Please note: Items used to create this card are from SU!, except where noted.

Is It Your Birthday?

This card sample was made recently for a Masculine Swap that I participated in with one of my online groups. Masculine cards are typically subdued....so, I spiced things up a bit by using primary colors. Although the blue and yellow used in this card are about to retire, they can easily be substituted.

The main focal point is one of those fun single stamp purchases from the Summer Mini....and it doesn't appear to be in the brand new catalog. So, if you want it, you need to purchase it soon...don't you just love that saying?!!

So, what did I do to create this?....the red base was first stamped with Birthday Block in Real Red ink on the same color cardstock (I didn't do this on my swaps as it was really subtle and didn't really make a big difference), then textured with one of the Texturz plates from Kit #4. The Ballet Blue section was run through the Big Shot, using my Square Lattice Embossing Folder and punched on the side with Spiral Punch. The stamped section itself was obviously stamped in Real Red, the flame of the candle was colored with my YoYo Yellow marker and alternate stripes of the candle are "colored in" with Dazzling Diamonds.....I know, I KNOW! Guys don't like glitter....but this is such a tiny little bit, I figured I could get away with it! And then the finishing touches are that fun striped grosgrain and the stars. Fun and bright, isn't it?!!

Stamps: Birthday Block

Inks: Real Red

CS: Whisper White, Real Red, Ballet Blue*, YoYo Yellow*

Punches: Spiral, Large Star, Star*

Misc: 1/2" Real Red Stripped Grosgrain*, Big Shot, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Texturz Plate (from Kit #4), Dimensionals (under the stamped focal point), 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, YoYo Yellow Marker*

*Retiring

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

Thanks for stopping by today!

MaryJo's Sketch -- Take 2

The second time is a charm, I think.....I'm loving the way this one came out, although I did change it a bit from MJ's sketch. This version was inspired by a card done some time ago by Robin Merriman, who always makes the most elegant cards! As you can see, it really isn't the same, but there are definitely some similarities.

Much of this card is in Whisper White with just a bit of Garden Green showing. I used Watercolor Trio....this set makes the most amazing cards!....and colored in the stamp with Garden Green and Rich Razzelberry markers. The stamped panel is layered onto the green panel and raised on Dimensionals. Don't you just love the Rich Razzelberry Polka Dot Grosgrain on this?!! It's simply wrapped around the panel (which is why it needed to be on Dimensionals), and the Linen Thread tied through the white button from the Button Latte set keeps it together. Add in the saying, layer it all onto the embossed background created with Finial Press Embossing Folder and there you have it! I love the simple lines and the strong colors against the white.....hope you do as well!

Stamps: Watercolor Trio

Inks: Rich Razzelberry

CS: Whisper White, Garden Green

Misc: Garden Green & Rich Razzelberry markers, Rich Razzelberry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Button Latte, Linen Thread, Dimensionals, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Finial Press Embossing Folder, Big Shot

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

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

MaryJo's Sketch #126

MaryJo's sketch this week looked pretty easy....kind of a basic layout. So, I decided that I'd join in and wanted to work with some retiring items and come up with an entry.

Not too long ago, I earned Asian Artistry.....it's just so pretty and I just haven't had the chance to play with it much. So, that was my selected set. Then retiring colors were next....I am so going to miss Brocade Blue, which is probably my very favorite blue of the present SU line. Brocade Blue looks great with Natural White CS (which is not retiring), but I still needed another color. I went with Mellow Moss....because it matches the branches that the bird is perched upon.

Well, this combo just isn't doing it for me...it looks kind of dreary to me. Still, the card came out ok and I don't hate it. I'm thinking that maybe it would make a good masculine card?

Anyway, here's how I made this.....the bird on the branch stamp was colored in with markers, not ink There is slight shading on each leaf; the bird was colored in using "ink off the lid" and a blender brush. Itty Bitty Backgrounds (Can you believe they are retiring this set?!!.....I've had it FOREVER!!) was very lightly stamped over the image in Bashful Blue, but I don't think you can see that on screen. But, trust me, it's there and really adds a nice touch!

Stamps: Asian Artistry*, Tres Chic*, Teeny Tiny Tags, Itty Bitty Backgrounds*

Inks: Always Artichoke (background), Night of Navy (tag), Bashful Blue (Itty Bitty Backgrounds), Mellow Moss* (sponging), Brocade Blue* (for "coloring" in the bird)

CS: Natural White, Brocade Blue*, Mellow Moss*

Markers: Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, Night of Navy

Misc: Jewelry Tag Punch, Brocade Blue Grosgrain Ribbon (long retired), Pattern Packs 3 DSP in Mellow Moss (Hostess Level 1)*, Blender Pen

*Retiring items

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

Thanks for stopping by today......I think I need to make another attempt at this sketch, so please come back soon!

Bloggers' Challenge--Father's Day

Can you believe that Father's Day is next week already?!! (Me either!) So, I guess it's a great thing that Lisa, our Blog Challenge Mom, gave us this theme this week....or I'd be stamping away at midnight the night before I need this!

Although I did not really copy this card from any one particular place, it is definitely a compilation of various ideas. The background idea is definitely from Michele Zindorf, who is one of my stamping idols....she is truly an artist and can do amazing things with some ink and paper! She typically uses a brayer, but when I tried, it came out blotchy and I just couldn't achieve the look I was going for....so I just sponged away! The sun was simply created by punching out a 1" circle on a Post It to create a mask on the Whisper White cardstock. Another Michele trick is to highlight parts of the image with a White Gel Pen.

Not sure if my hubby will be impressed or not, but I'm happy with the way it came out.....and you know what?!! It was actually easy!

Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Inks: Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Soft Suede, Dusty Durango

CS: Kraft, Soft Suede, Dusty Durango, So Saffron, Whisper White

Misc: Modern Label Punch, Large Oval Punch, Window Punch, Sponges, Dimensionals

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

Oh! I just discovered a new blog (I know...there's tons out there!). But this one looks like fun....and they also post challenges. This one also fit their challenge (how convenient!), so I added this to their site as well. Check it out! You can see the posts here.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

TSSC 125 -- Monday Lunchtime Challenge

MaryJo's sketch this week was fun....and looked so easy. That is, it looked easy until I actually tried using it! I really wanted to use this new set, Tropical Party, and came up with this. I even had the chance to use my new Extra Large Fancy Floral Punch, which is still available! Love the color combo, which was dictated by the matching DSP. Although I like this card well enough, I just feel like something is missing!

Anyway, here's my submission for MJ's Challenge. More cutting than I usually do, but it certainly is cheerful and summery!

Stamps: Tropical Party, Heard from the Heart

Inks: Rose Red, Old Olive

CS: Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie

Misc: Mini Silver Brads, Top Note Die, Big Shot, Extra Large Fancy Flower Punch, Island Oasis DSP, Dimensionals (center flower)

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

Thanks for taking the time to visit today!

Bloggers' Challenge -- Graduation Time

It's that time of year again......it's Graduation time!....and that's the theme for this past Friday's Bloggers' Challenge. So, yes, obviously, I'm late again.....but there has been so much to catch up on since the wedding! And my mojo still is missing....so this Challenge really was a Challenge! Truthfully, I only have one grad stamp set, and it's long been retired.....not to mention that I was rather uninspired. So, what to do....what to do?!!

Well, I decided to go with my star punches......both of these are being retired. Did you happen to see the list of all the retiring items? Be sure to click on the icons to the right and check them out....and order your favorites before they are gone! My hope is that since so many punches are retiring, that they are going to come back in the new space saving design.....let's keep our fingers crossed!

As you can see, this card is heavy on punches and light on stamping, but it was a fun one to make! I'm loving the embossed background in Whisper White layered onto the Whisper White cardbase. Oh, and each of the smaller stars are mounted onto a Dimensional.

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Brushed Silver

Punches: Large Star, Star, Word Window, Large Oval, Modern Label

Misc: Dimensionals, Wide Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot

Thanks for stopping by today!

TSSC124 -- MJ's Lunchtime Challenge

WOW! It's been so long since I've participated in MaryJo's Challenges. I simply have not had the time for the last few months!....wedding stamping and plans have just gotten in the way!! But, as I mentioned in a previous post, the wedding is now a wonderful, beautiful memory. (I shared the invitations and other things I created in that post....please take a look.)

Although the wedding is now two weeks ago, it took me some time to recover....and now I'm trying to recover my mojo! I was able to complete a few challenges earlier today which I'll be sharing....but, have to admit that they are simple, and not really very spectacular, but I'm working my way back!

For MJ's Challenge...#124, which was due LAST Monday, this is what I just came up with. I'm also trying to use some of our retiring colors, and recently saw this combination somewhere out there in cyberspace. Not very spring or summer-like, these colors are really very soothing, and I love them together. Add in some texture, and I'm really happy with the finished result. Oh, and the layout of this card is pretty true to the original sketch!

Stamps: Watercolor Trio

Inks: Mellow Moss*, Ruby Red*, So Saffron

CS: Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa*, Mellow Moss*, Ruby Red*, So Saffron

Misc: Big Shot, Texture Plate from Kit #4, Lattice Square Embossing Folder, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch*, Scallop Oval Punch*, Ruby Red Mini Brads*, Paper Piercer, Dimensionals, Sponge, Wide Apricot Appeal Grosgrain Ribbon**

*Retiring

**Retired

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

Thanks for stopping by today!

Going to A Bridal Shower......

I'm going to a bridal shower later today.....so, of course a beautiful bridal card is needed! And I am loving the way this one came out. Elements of Style from the Summer Mini is just so elegant.....and (in my opinion) reminiscent of the long retired Toile Blossoms, an old favorite. But this has an updated and fresher look......and makes the most amazing cards.

So, for this card, I was going for a vintage, shabby chic type of look and think I came up with it! The Top Note center was stamped with Basic Brown (have not used that in so long!) and then the image was colored in with watercolor crayons. A couple of the flowers came out a bit "murky" so, I re-stamped the image onto a scrap of Blush Blossom, then cut them out, lightly "colored" them in, and popped them up over the original image on Dimensionals.

Lots of sponging going on here.....and added the lovely Kraft Taffeta Ribbon along with a button from the Button Latte collection along with a touch of Linen Thread. I also lightly rolled the background of the card in Blush Blossom, but it seems to have faded away!

Stamps: Elements of Style, Oval All

Inks: Basic Brown, Close to Cocoa (for sponging)

CS: Watercolor Paper, Close to Cocoa, Blush Blossom

Misc: Top Note Die, Big Shot, Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Linen Thread, Button Latte, Water Color Crayons*, Sponge, Cutter Tool (for distressing), Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Blush Blossom Marker, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

*Crayons used: Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Mellow Moss, Certainly Celey, Old Olive, Apricot Appeal

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

Thanks for stopping by!

Sending Worm Wishes

Doesn't this just scream "GIRL?!!" Isn't this just the cutest?!! I really don't own any little girlish stamp sets, so I turned this into a girl card....this will work, won't it?

One of my online stampin' sisters has a young daughter that was seriously injured last weekend. So, this is a little card I created for her...to cheer her up and make her smile, and to let her Mom know that I am thinking of her. What an ordeal they have had!

This card contains colors that we are about to say farewell to....colors that I really will miss: Pixie Pink, Only Orange, and Summer Sun. It turns out that Summer Sun ink works really well with the Crushed Curry Polka Dot Ribbon. Can you see that the caterpillar has been glittered? What little girl (or big girl for that matter!) doesn't like a little glitter?!! I hope that she likes this little card....and knows that there are a lot of us out here rooting for her to recover from her accident quickly!

Stamps: Bugs & Kisses

Inks: Pixie Pink, Only Orange, Summer Sun, Versamark

CS: Pixie Pink, Whisper White, Only Orange

Misc: Scallop Edge Punch, Heat & Stick, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Crushed Curry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Buttons Latte, Silver Cord (retired), Silver Mini Brad, Sponge, 1 1/4" & 1 3/8" Round Punches, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Button Latte

Please note: ALL materials used to create this card are from SU. The silver cord is presently retired.

Thanks so much for stopping by today and visiting!

What a Lovely Wedding!

The day has finally happened....it came and now is over way too quickly! My son, Dan, and his lovely bride....and my new daughter in law, Shelina looked so happy to finally become husband and wife! You see, they met and in early Fall of their Freshman year in college, and began dating almost immediately......10 1/2 years ago!! 'Bout time, don't you think?!!

So, this first photo is what started me on my paper-making wedding saga! This is their Save the Date cards from 2 years ago. No stamping, the printing was computer generated; the photo is from a professional in glossy, metallic black and white. All the info is on the reverse....Shelina wanted it to be more post-card like. The cardstock used is Whisper White, Mellow Moss, Basic Gray and this is all tied with some White Taffeta ribbon. The photo corner punch used in the upper corners made it possible to mount the photo so that it could easily be removed, and has been retired from the SU line.

This next photo is obviously the happy bride and groom....and quite possibly my very favorite of the many, many photos taken that day. Don't they look happy......and so beautiful?

This next photo shows the wedding ensemble that I made for them.....as you can see, I was busy! Here's the wedding invitation (center), wedding program (right), menu card (left of invitation), and the thank you card with matching, embossed envelope (far left). Read on for more info and close ups.....

Here's the invitation. Simple and elegant.....and no stamping! The corner of the top layer was embossed using the Big Shot and the beautiful Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder. Again, the printing was all computer generated. The layers of cardstock are Mellow Moss on Very Vanilla and again onto Mellow Moss.

Of course, matching thank you cards were needed! The Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder was again used on both the card front and (not sure you can see it) on the envelope flap. The only stamping here is the "Thank You" from Sincere Salutations. This was stamped in Always Artichoke Craft Ink and heat embossed with clear embossing powder.

And the last piece I have to share is the cover of the wedding program. As you can see, I used the same embossing folder again, Elegant Bouquet. The wording was again computer generated, but this time, I used My Digital Studio to design the front. The inside of the program contains a simple sheet of ivory linen computer paper that was printed on both sides and folded in the center to create a book like look. All were tied together with a Silver Cord bow (now retired).

So, the tally is....

75 Save the Date cards + envelopes

90 Wedding Invitations + response cards + envelopes

75 Thank You cards + embossed envelopes

140 Wedding Programs

140 Menu Cards

Whew! That's a LOT of cranking of the Big Shot! (And, no, I have not worn it out...and the embossing folder is in good shape as well!) And I was really happy to be done tying 140 bows! LOL Really, though, I was so happy to be able to contribute to their special day in such a big way. And although I made these items, there was a lot of input from the happy couple!

Now, I can stamp again for fun! Problem is, my mojo seems to have disappeared....maybe I'm out of practice?!!

Thanks for stopping by today....hope you enjoyed your stay!