Bye, Bye Butterfly!

Today is the very last day to order this wonderful little stamp! Sadly, All a Flutter is not in the new catalog, so this, along with anything else from the Summer Mini Catalog that hasn't been included will disappear.

This is a pretty simple card that I made a few months back...it was a challenge card, the theme was "butterflies!" The butterfly was simply stamped onto Vellum and colored with markers from the back. Mini Glue Dots are hiding behind each corner (each is behind a stamped image) to hold the layer onto the Very Vanilla CS layer.

Then, of course, there's that big bow....this time in Basic Black. The beauty of this color ribbon is that you can color the vanilla stripes with a marker, which is exactly what I did! Since there's a layer of Certainly Celery CS and that color marker was used to accent the butterfly wings, I used that same color marker to color the ribbon. Because it's in the palest color family, it isn't too dark.....this method of coloring dries almost immediately! Easy to do, just took a bit of time.

Stamps: All a Flutter, Thank You Kindly
Inks: Basic Black
CS: Vellum, Very Vanilla, Certainly Celery, Basic Black, Crumb Cake, So Saffron
Markers: Certainly Celery, So Saffron, More Mustard
Misc: Buttons Latte*, Basic Black 1 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Linen Thread, Modern Label Punch, Matchbox Die, Big Shot, Mini Glue Dots
*Retired

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Don't forget to order your Summer Mini items...tomorrow it will be too late!

Monday Lunchtime Challenge #137

The Challenge this week took me 3 days to complete! YIKES! BUT, now that I've finally come up with something, I'm really happy with the end result. Not sure what it is this year, but I'm just loving Crumb Cake (formerly known as Kraft). It's a color that I've always enjoyed working with, but for some reason, it's my go-to color right now. AND it goes with just about every color in the SU line!

MaryJo's sketch this week was a good one...using the beautiful Top Note die. I stayed fairly true to the original. Here is my first Christmas card this year....and I didn't even use a holiday set! This is not something that could easily be mailed (the bow is very bulky), but wouldn't it be spectacular added to a very special gift?!!

Check out the backgrounds....the Cherry Cobbler layer is embossed with that wonderful, favorite, Square Lattice embossing folder and the Crumb Cake layer has been stamped with the flourish from Friends 24-7....definitely another favorite of mine! I still have some of that luscious ribbon from a year or so ago.....we now have this in lots of different colors, but this is the one that started it all and is in Riding Hood Red, which matches remarkably well. Notice the bow is tied with one of the great new buttons from the Holiday Mini (Did you receive yours yet?), and I inserted one of those amazing Antique Brads (LOVE THEM!!) and added a bit more bling....can you see the added rhinestone gem? There are also a couple more rhinestones on either side of the greeting, which is from Occasional Quotes.

Just a few of things to note......

The flourish stamp was inked in Real Red ink....Cherry Cobbler stamped onto Crumb Cake looks too dark against the CS background...the Real Red matches so much better!

The oval "ring" around the saying is from the birthday stamp from Perfect Punches. I just added it to the saying.

The greeting is on Dimensionals.

Stamps: Perfect Punches, Occasional Quotes, Friends 24-7

Inks: Real Red, Cherry Cobbler

CS: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla

Misc: Cherry Cobbler Marker, Dimensionals, Basic Rhinestone Gems, Deck the Halls Big Designer Button in Cherry Cobbler (Holiday Mini), Antique Brad, Glue Dots, 1 1/4" Wide Stripped Grosgrain Ribbon in Riding Hood Red*, Square Lattice EF, Big Shot, Top Note Die, Lots of Tags Sizzlet, Wide Oval Punch

*Retired

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

Thank you so much for stopping by today!

Monday's Lunchtime Challenge #136

Finally, it's time for MaryJo's Challenge! Easy layout....really a basic one that seems to lend itself to so many sets. And that was the biggest problem....deciding which to use! Maybe I should have used an outgoing set, but I didn't. Instead, I chose Day of Gratitude, one of the brand new sets in the upcoming Mini. AND since today really feels kind of Fall-like, it was fun to work with!

You can see MaryJo's sketch here, as well as any of the other ladies playing along this week. My card really does follow the sketch very closely, with the exception of where to place the greeting. The Early Espresso ink on the Crumb Cake cardstock is just so rich....gotta love that! Add in a bit of Cajun Craze and just a touch of Old Olive and here you go.

Stamps: Day of Gratitude

Inks: Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake (for sponging)

CS: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Old Olive

Misc: Early Espresso & Old Olive Markers, Wide Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Linen Thread, Sponges, Mini Glue Dots, Word Window Punch (to cover up a stamping mistake!)

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

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Thank You, Elizabeth Style!

I made up a set of 12 of these cards for my physical therapist....she's leaving, or more accurately, she's been promoted and going to another location. I will miss her...Marjorie has been terrific for the 3 weeks that I've been there and has been so supportive and encouraging. (Although I sometimes feel tortured when I leave....but I guess it's for my own good.) So, to thank her, I made a packet of these thank you cards. Marjorie is engaged....what bride can't use thank you cards, right? Hopefully, she'll enjoy using these.

Since I'm giving these as a gift, it gave me an opportunity to use up some retired supplies....my beloved Almost Amethyst cardstock (I have a whole package left!) was used for the background. AND I have 3/4s of a roll of the Narrow Black Organdy Ribbon (remember that ribbon?), which looks just perfect IMHO on this card! That fabulous new, single stamp, Elizabeth, was used as the focal point. These cards are pretty simple, but I love the finished result....and I whipped out a dozen of these in an hour!

Stamps: Elizabeth, Because I Care

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Almost Amethyst*, Basic Black

Misc: Narrow Black Organdy Ribbon*, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder

*Retired

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

Thanks so much for stopping by!

A La Card Challenge

The gals over at Hand-Stamped Sentiments have a great Challenge this week.....and honestly, I'm in just before their deadline. This one was one of the "a la card" sketches in our demo monthly magazines....and really stretched my creativity. When I saw the sketch, I saw that beautiful lattice die, which I hadn't used before. Pair that with some of the elements from Punch Potpourri, which is a Hostess Level 1 set...so easy to earn!....and I think I nailed it! What do you think? Truthfully, this is way out of my comfort zone, but it has all the elements....and it was kinda fun!

Stamps: Elements of Style, Punch Potpourri, Matchbox Messages

Inks: Early Espresso, Baja Breeze

CS: Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla

Misc: 2-Step Bird Punch, Boho Blossom Punch, Big Shot, Matchbox Bigz Die, Lattice Die, Basic Pearls, Cutter Kit, Sponges, Dimensional (under flower)

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

Thanks for stopping by today!

All A Flutter Thanks

There are only a few days left to order from the Summer Mini Catalog....some things made it into the new 2010/2011 Idea Book & Catalog, but not everything did. All A Flutter is one of those cute, single stamps that sadly will be gone after August 31. Well, I need to send a thank you note to a sister demo, so I pulled that wonderful stamp and made this card this afternoon....it's so gloomy and rainy that there isn't much else to do!

As I sometimes do, I was blog hopping earlier, and there was a card somewhere out there in blogland, somewhat like this one that inspired the version you see here. I believe the original was made in a different direction, and the greeting was probably different, but still, it's definitely inspired by that original.

I opened up and used my brand-new embossing folder, Elegant Lines (Item #119277; Pg. 214 in the main catalog). It's just beautiful! The lines impressed are so stunning and crisp....this one is going to see a lot of use, I think! (Hmmm.....I need a wedding card later this week....this might be just pefect!) So, for this card, there's the Whisper White base with another layer of WW that has been impressed. The butterflies have been stamped in Basic Black onto Vellum, cut out, colored with markers from the back, and adhered. Simple, right?!! This one goes postal tomorrow!

Stamps: All a Flutter, Occasional Quotes

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, So Saffron

Markers: So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede

Misc: 2-Way Glue, Big Shot, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch

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

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

WHO's Having a Birthday?!!

One of my sisters (I have 2) just celebrated her birthday. Although they both love getting hand-made card for any occasion, only one stamps. Do I treat them differently? I truly try not to, but with my sister, Kathy (who celebrated her birthday), sometimes, I love to show off new things. And with her card, that's just what I did!

Now, I have to admit that the layout and idea for this card came from one I saw on Stampin' Connection, which is a demonstrator-only site. There are a number of changes that were made, but the inspiration came from there!

This is actually, the first card I used the new 2-step Owl Punch with....but, I needed to wait until Kathy received this before posting and sharing. I think she enjoyed her card....I had shown it to my daughters who both loved it. It was such fun to make! As mentioned in my last post, putting this little guy together with all the pieces, is amazing to watch. You can see that he's sitting on a branch, which is from the 2-step Bird Punch, another fun punch that is a must have!

The card base is Whisper White; the main layer is Crumb Cake; then Old Olive, which is layered with more Whisper White and a bit of the stripped DSP from the Island Oasis package. You only have a few more days to order that paper....the Summer Mini, and all it offers, ends on August 31. Some Pumpkin Pie Narrow Grosgrain is wrapped around some of the layers and tied into bow that is accented with Linen Thread and a cute little button. The button happens to be from the retired Buttons Latte, but the new buttons, although a bit different, are still similar. Just thought I'd use up what I have first!

Another confession......I have the current Corner Rounder in my collection, but also have a few others that have retired. The current one makes wonderful, tight, rounded corners....the older ones make wider scoops....for this card, I used a retired rounder. AND I actually stamped the greeting right onto the Whisper White background....it's under the Pumpkin Pie "banner." BUT, I smudged it a bit, so it needed to be covered....you can see the end result above! (See?!!....There are NO mistakes in rubber stamp art!)

Stamps: Occasional Quotes

Inks: Early Espresso

CS: Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Old Olive

Misc: 2-Step Bird Punch, 2-Step Owl Punch, Corner Rounder, Island Oasis DSP, Pumpkin Pie Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, Linen Thread, Button from Button Latte*, Corner Punch (any size....for creating the "flag" end on the banner)

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

As always, thank you so much for stopping by and making your visit a part of your day!

Lunchtime Challenge #135 -- Take Three!

MaryJo's sketch challenge this week was a fun one! Really, it's a pretty basic layout or sketch, which you can see here. I had an idea for this one with the cupcake, but when I was done, I thought, "hmm, it's all right, but I'm just not in love with it!" I used this background paper, which is non-SU....I've had it in my stash for so long, I really can't remember when or where I bought it! BUT (although it's rare) I occasionally purchase scrapbook paper other than SU when a pattern catches my eye and I think that it may match our colors....the green in this is a perfect match for the new In Color, Pear Pizzazz! Anyway, when I finished putting this together, it sat on my shelf for a few days.....and it kind of grew on me, but I still wasn't over the moon about it!

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes, Short & Sweet

Inks: Jet Black StazOn

CS: Watercolor Paper, Early Espresso, Pear Pizzaz, Whisper White

Misc: Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Pixie Pink* Markers; Blender Pen, Chocolate Chip Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Dimensionals, DSP (non SU!), 2-Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (for "sprinkles")

Please note: ALL materials used to create this sample are from SU with the exception of the DSP. Contains some retired elements.

*Retired

Then I began playing with that cute little owl punch. Oh, my! You have just got to play with it yourself! I'm not normally into "cute," but I've just fallen head over heals in love with this punch!! Such fun!! Seeing him come to life as you put the pieces together is just so amazing and it's kind of exciting to see all the different looks you can create!! So, I was thinking that creating an owl for the focal point might just do the trick. This card has almost no stamping on it....just the greeting. It's all background paper and punches. I like it, but it just didn't send me. So, again, it sat....right next to the first one while I decided if it was good enough to post!

Stamps: Short & Sweet

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait

Punches: 2-Step Owl Punch, Word Window, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle, 2-Step Bird

Misc: Greenhouse Gala DSP, Square Lattice EF, Big Shot, 1/8" Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon

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

Well, tonight I went back to the drawing board and began once again to work on creating something that I was truly proud of that used MJ's sketch from last Monday.......yup, I'm late again! Sigh! BUT, I think that this third time is a charm!! This is SOOO much more my style and uses one of my favorite sets, although it's one I haven't used in a long while....Charming. This one has a "vintage" feel to it. Check out the olive layer....I created my own background paper using the medallion-type stamp from the set and just stamped over and over with Old Olive ink onto the same color cardstock. Cool! The focal point was first punched out using that wonderful, new Clearlit Die, the Scallop Rectangle. You cannot tell from the photo, but it is raised on Dimensionals. Lots of new things here....but the ribbon is a favorite, which has unfortunately retired. See below.....

Stamps: Charming, Occasional Quotes

Inks: Crumb Cake, Old Olive

CS: Very Vanilla, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Crumb Cake

Misc: Old Olive & Rich Razzleberry Markers, Scallop Rectangle Clearlit, Big Shot, Dimensionals, Wide Oval Punch, Viintage Wallpaper EF, Basic Pearls, Kraft Taffeta Ribbon*, Sponge Daubers

Please note: All materials used to create this sample are from SU; the ribbon has retired but all other items are current and available for purchase.

Thanks so much for stopping by today....and for your patience! I'm just not getting down to my stamp room as often as I would like....hopefully, as I get further along in my recovery, I'll be able to create on a more regular basis!

MaryJo's Lunchtime Challenge #134

This week's sketch had me a bit stumped....which is why I'm completing/posting my sample just under the wire! After all, it's almost time for next week's challenge....it's due on Monday! I actually have an idea for the upcoming sketch, so hopefully, I can get to it tomorrow.

BUT, this sample is for last Monday's challenge. I took a few liberties here.....typically, I try to use current (or upcoming) SU! products, but you know that every once in a while I slip something else in....either non-SU, or retired. Today, there is a bit of both! BUT, there's a bit of new as well!

I had so much fun with the little image from A Flower for All Seasons the other day, that I decided to use that set once again...but used a different image. As before, I also used the 1 3/4" Round Punch to punch out the image, and mounted it onto the 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, which was first stamped with Homemade, a fun, new single stamp available in the new catalog! The background paper featured here is retired SU (a previous Hostess Designer Series Pack) and the Whisper White layer was impressed with a non-SU embossing folder.....one of the very first I ever purchased. I kind of thought it went well with the flowers! The other (and last) retired item here is Pink Gingham Ribbon, which is tied to that cute little clip from the Clip Assortment package.

Stamps: A Flower for All Seasons, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Homemade

Inks: Jet Black StazOn, Rose Red

CS: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Sahara Sand

Markers: Rose Red, Sahara Sand, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, So Saffron

Misc: Regal Rose DSP*, Pink Gingham Ribbon*, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (non-SU), Scallop Trim Border Punch, 1 3/4" Round Circle Punch, Word Window Punch, 2 3/8" Round Scallop Punch, Clip Assortment, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Dimensionals

*Retired from the SU line

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

You can see MJ's sketch here as well as those that participated this past week. Thanks for stopping by, and please come back soon to check in and see what I've been up to!

Playing with New Things...and a Challenge!

OK, in an earlier post today, I mentioned that my MOJO had taken a vacation. BUT, suddenly, this afternoon, I had a few breakthroughs. So, I'm hoping to have more to share over the next few days.....that would be a refreshing change wouldn't it?!! In the meantime, I came up with this card a little earlier.

You see, I stopped by Hand-Stamped Sentiments earlier today and saw their inspiration photo for this week's challenge....and I haven't participated in one of their challenges in a long while. It's a great photo with a beautiful quilt in the background. After spotting that, I just couldn't get this medallion-type image from the new set, Day of Gratitude out of my mind! It is just perfect....IMHO! Not sure what it is about this set, but I fell in love when I first saw it and purchased it as a preview purchase from the upcoming Holiday Mini. (That's a special privilege available to demonstrators only.) BUT, you can purchase it for yourself on September 1, when the new mini takes effect!

Although I'm loving the way this card came out, coloring in the medallion image with markers is a bit time consuming....but so worth the effort. However, I'm thinking this would NOT be a good swap card! LOL! I've used a number of newer colors and I can see am in love with this combination. Oh! Check out that Antique Brad in the center....is it not to die for?!!

Stamps: Day of Gratitude, Perfect Punches

Inks: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler

CS: Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso

Markers: Old Olive, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Cherry Cobbler, Canjun Craze, Early Espresso

Misc: Old Olive Wide Grosgrain Ribbon, Ticket Corner Punch, Dimensionals, Wide Oval Punch, Antique Brads

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

Thanks so much for stopping by....hope you enjoyed your visit!

Bloggers' Challenge -- Happy Birthday!

Birthdays are always fun to celebrate.....and just yesterday I needed a card for a good friend and stampin' sister who is about to celebrate her special day, so a few of us went over and helped her celebrate in style. BUT, since my MOJO seems to be taking a seriously loooonnnng holiday...this simple card took me about 2 hours to make! (Maybe it's all the meds I'm still taking?) YIKES! I began with an entirely different layout in mind, but somehow it evolved into this, a rather classic layout.

As you can see, I used that fun little set, Flower for All Seasons. Not new to this year's catalog, but it's a set that I earned during Sale-a-Bration. The images are just so darn cute.....and it's a set that had been on and off my wish list for a long time....I'm so happy to now have it in my collection!

The image was stamped onto Very Vanilla CS in Jet Black StazOn and then colored in with markers....using the marker and blender pen method. And that background paper?.....it's from the new, about-to-be-released Holiday Mini catalog. (You'll be able to order from this incredible mini in just a few weeks...it goes live on September 1.) Just WAIT till you see all the great stuff in this mini! You're going to LOVE everything! And this DSP is just about the nicest I've ever used. Seriously!! It's double sided, with a different pattern on each side. It's textured....very much like our textured cardstock. AND it's heavier, kind of like a cardstock itself! Guess that's why they are calling it Specialty DSP! Not to mention the fabulous colors.....oh, you are just going to drool when you see these papers in person!!

When the girls saw this last night, they told me it looked "polished." Hmmm.....I choose to take that as a compliment! But, I think it's the colors....that new Early Espresso seems to give things a really classic look.

Thanks for stopping by today. Don't forget to check on the others to see what they've been up to. And hopefully, it won't be too long before I post again! (I actually made a card for last week's Challenge....twice!.....but since I hated what I made, I didn't post!......sorry.)

Stamps: Flower for All Seasons, Occasional Quotes (Hostess Level 3 offering)

Inks: Jet Black StazOn, Early Espresso

CS: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso

Markers: Chocolate Chip, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie

Misc: 1 3/4" Round Circle, Modern Label Extra Large, Word Window, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Extra Large, Very Vanilla 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Neutrals Designer Button, Linen Thread, Glue Dots,Autumn Spice Specialty DSP, Dimensionals, Blender Pen

Please note: ALL materials used to create this sample are from SU and are currently available (except the DSP, which will be available on 9/1).

Monday Lunchtime Challenge #133

OK, so I've already fallen behind on my promise to keep up! YIKES...I just don't know where the time goes!! You would think that since I'm home recuperating, that I'd have all the time in the world, but it's just not working out that way! Besides, all that medication has my brain befuddled!

But, finally, here I am with my submission....actually, I have 2. BUT, the first one is one my upline was working on when I was over her house this past week....and it turns out she was following MaryJo's sketch! So, of course, I need to give her full credit.....here's what my good friend and upline, Nicole Jordan, has created. I love the combination of colors...and check out the Baja Breeze section...it's been spritzed with Smooch Spritz in Vanilla Shimmer. Cool, right?!!

Stamps: Fast & Fabulous (Hostess Level 2), Sincere Greetings

Inks: Basic Black, Poppy Parade

CS: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Poppy Parade, Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight

Markers: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Old Olive

Misc: Corner Rounder, Scallop Trim Punch, Corner Rounder*, Old Olive Wide Grosgrain, Button from Button Latte Collection*, Blender Pen

*Retired, but can easily be substituted with current product.

NOTE: All materials used to create this sample are from SU.

Hint: To color in the flower, Nicole used the Blender Pen and color off the lid.

So, after some blog hopping and looking around, I found my inspiration piece (I'm still a little brain dead)...but, foolishly, I didn't keep the source (I thought I'd remember...silly me!). Although this is not exactly like the original, it is close..but adapted to fit this sketch. Oh, for the colors, I checked out some suggestions at the Color Lab (link in right column)...with all the new colors, I'm still getting used to the new combinations. Here I've paired the new Cajun Craze with Pumpkin Pie and a bit of Wild Wasabi. This card is totally SU, with the small exception of those little crystal dots (my new stick on crystals are on their way!)...for today, I used the ones from Stampendous. I'm loving the color combination...what do YOU think?

Stamps: For all You Do

Inks: Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, White Craft

CS: Whisper White, Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie

Misc: Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper EF, Pumpkin Pie Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Clear Self-Stick Crystals from Stampendous, Corner Rounder, Scallop Trim Punch

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

Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you'll take a bit of time to check out MJ's sketch and to see who has decided to play along!