Mother's Day Swaps

Yes, I have been busy stamping away this past week. Finished the cards from my last post and sent them off....and then made a bunch of these for another swap. The theme was Mother's Day...and I found myself in the same bind as the Spring Flower themed card: few floral stamp sets. Definitely will order one...I've been eyeing up the beautiful Wonderful You and matching wheel, Stems & Silhouettes......they are part of the Wheely Good Deal promotion through the end of April. (Be sure to contact me today to take advantage of this sale!)

Anyway, I pulled out my trusty, Fun & Fast Notes. It really is adorable and so versatile....and worked perfectly for the Mother's Day theme! This layout was featured recently here, and is fun to make, and not complicated at all! This card also features a fun use for the Scallop Punch....and one that you will learn when you attend my Scallop Punch Class! (If you live in the Morris County, NJ area, be sure to let me know you would like to attend!). The swap also features another double background technique that I love so much. As you'll see in the link for the Flap Card, the circle and flap lift up and then the background flops down to reveal the greeting.

Stamps: Fun & Fast Notes, Canvas, Whimsey Jumbo Wheel

Inks: Ruby Red, Jet Black StazOn

CS: Very Vanilla, Watercolor Paper, Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, Old Olive

Markers: Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, Old Olive

Misc: Scallop Punch, Coluzzel, White Gel Pen, Aqua Brush

All supplies are SU.

Cape Cod Swaps

This is the weekend that some of my stampin' gal pals are gathering at Cape Cod for a fun weekend, filled with stamping, laughing, and friendship. Sadly, I can't be there, but will be in spirit. One of the highlights of the weekend (there are sure to be many), is the swapping. Last year, I went away with these same ladies, had the most amazing time, and received loads of awesome swaps. So, although I couldn't be there, I was invited to send some swaps and to participate. I only made 2 cards for swapping, and these are what I sent.

This first card features Basic Gray and Purely Pomegranate again....it's such a rich combo, with some Whisper White thown in for good measure! First photo is the outside of the card...the way you would receive it when it arrives. The second is with the inside card removed. This is actually a take off on a card received at the very same weekend gathering last year (Hi, Kim!), and I just loved it! And best part, is that it is so easy!!

Stamps: Priceless, Curvy Verses

Inks: Basic Gray, Purely Pomegranate

CS: Basic Gray, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White

Misc: 1 3/8" Round Punch, Scallop Punch, 1/2" Round Punch*, Tab Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, White Taffetta Ribbon, White Gel Pen, Silver Mini Brad, Paper Piercer

NOTE: Since the inside card is a single layer, the brad "legs" show when inserted. So, I punched out a small circle of Whisper White CS, using the 1/2" Round punch and adhered over top. This neatened it up and made it easier to slip the insert in and out of the "envelope" outside.

So, then I needed a 2nd card for the swap, and designed this pink one. Loved the way it turned out, only to discover that it was actually very, very similar to this card that I posted months ago! DUH!! It's really NOT the same, it's more dressed up, but is still the same layout....I really didn't mean to "copy" myself, but that's exactly what I happened!! Oh, well....hopefully, they'll like it anyway!

This time, the background was stamped using the Twill Bkgrd stamp in White Craft ink; then a portion of Happiness was used, but stamped in only one color ink; then cut out. Not sure if you can see that some of the images and stripes were highlighted with Dazzling Diamonds. The round greeting has a hole punched in the center (the Cropadile is perfect for punching through those 3 layers!) and the ribbon was inserted through and tied. Oh, and I also drew those tiny, skinny black lines inbetween the sections of the Happiness image.....with the help of a ruler, of course!

Stamps: Twill, Happiness, Thinking of You

Inks: White Craft, Basic Black, Pink Passion

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pink Passion

Misc: Scallop Punch, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Round Punches, Corner Rounder (for the scallop edge), C ropadile, Black Gingham Ribbon, Quickie Glue Pen*, Dazzling Diamonds, Micro Pen in Black*

*Non SU; all other supplies are from the SU catalog.

Bloggers' Challenge -- Week #41

How was your week? Mine went by so quickly....can't believe that it's Friday already...and that it's time again for a Challenge card! (Didn't get to post earlier this week...sorry! Will try to post more next week.)

Our Challenge this week was to replicate the card layout on Page 65 of the SU catalog. Simple, but not your ordinary layout. I'm still playing with my Essence of Love....just can't seem to put it away! I thought it would work really well with this layout....this card was just so simple, I'm almost embarassed to post for the Challenge! But, here it is. Enjoy....and thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Essence of Love
Inks: Basic Gray, Versamark

CS: Basic Gray, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White
Misc: Gray Taffeta Ribbon, Silver Ribbon Slide from the Silver Hodpodge Kit (Occasions Mini), Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Coluzzel
ALL materials used for this card are from SU.

Now, I'm off to visit the other Bloggers who participate in the Challenges. (Click on the Bloggers' logo in the left column.) Hope you'll join me!

More Catching Up! Spring Flowers Challenge

Ok, so this past Friday we were to create a card with a Spring Flower theme. You know what I suddenly realized? I don't have many current floral stamp sets on my shelves! I'm a flower person and not too long ago, it seemed like that was primarily all I owned. So, as a result, my purchases for the past year or so, have been non-flower type sets. So, now I find myself sadly lacking in current flower sets! BUT, you know what that means, don't you?!! Now I NEED to purchase more sets with flowers! Yipee!!

However, for this challenge, a flower themed project was the order of the day. So, I pulled out my much neglected (and the only current, truly floral set I now own!!) Heartfelt Thanks. Not sure if it will be around when the next catalog comes out this summer, so it needs to see some action. It's such a pretty set, and the results are always wonderful.

This afternoon, I visited SCS briefly and noticed that the tutorial for the past week was "Misting with Markers." Easy and fun, and another great way to use those ever-important markers!! The flower stamp was colored directly using the markers (Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, and Certainly Celery) and then lightly misted. Stamp 3 times (don't re-ink); allow to dry; and stamp over top with the "outline" type stamp. SU never put out markers in the In Colors, but the Not Quite Navy worked well in this case, don't you think?

Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks, Warmest Regards*

Inks: Not Quite Navy

Markers: Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, Certainly Celery

CS: Very Vanilla, Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Certainly Celery, Watercolor Paper, Certainly Celery Designer Series Paper

Misc: Scallop Punch, Oval Coluzzel, Not Quite Navy Mini Brads, Paper Piercer and Template (Tool Kit), White Gel Pen, Giga Scallop Punch**

*Retired

**Non SU

Now I'm all caught up. Need to prepare for Stamp Camp this coming weekend, but I WILL try to post before then. Thanks for stopping by....and for your patience.

Catching Up! Color Challenge

It's been awhile. I am so sorry. My brother in law had been very sick the last couple of weeks and last Monday he passed away......his memorial service was this past Saturday in southern Georgia, which is a very long way from where I live. I am not posting this to ask for your sympathy....just for your understanding and to explain why there have been no postings here for a very long while. It's been a sad time for my family.

But, one of the hard, cold truths of this world, is that life goes on. And stamping is such an amazing therapy. So, here I am, back home and beginning to stamp a bit again......

The first Challenge that I missed 2 weeks ago was a color challenge. Wasn't sure about the color combo, but it came together nicely. You often hear today that "brown is the new black," and that seems to be true with this card. The Chocolate Chip background on this very simple card acts as the neutral. Colors for this combo are: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Real Red, Chocolate Chip. Simple layout that can be easily reproduced. You cannot see the detail, but the central image was embossed: first inked with Blue Bayou and then with Versamark, then used Clear Embossing Powder over top. I'm just loving this set, Essence of Love from the Occasions Mini Catalog.....such an elegant set!

Stamps: Essence of Love

Inks: Blue Bayou, Versamark, White Craft

CS: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Blue Bayou

Misc: Wide Real Red Grosgrain, Clear Embossing Powder, Real Red Mini Brads, Paper Piercer & Template (Tool Kit)

Hippity hop, Easter is on its way!

There are no stamp or scrapbook stores in my area (with the exception of ACMoore and Michaels), and the few we have are at least a half an hour or more away. Sadly, one of my favorite stamp stores is about to close its doors. So, naturally, when I heard the news that they were about to go out of business, I needed to see what bargains they had....and spent way too much money! One of my "finds" was this adorable little bunny stamp by Print Works....just had to have him! And with Easter only a week away, it was time for him to see a bit of ink! Isn't he just so cute?!!

Fun, quick and easy....this first card is very simplistic, but I'm very happy with the finished card.

Stamps: Peak-a-Boo (Print Works), Clear Stamps by Studio G (Happy Easter), Flannel Plaid Bkgrd

Inks: Pretty in Pink, Basic Gray

CS: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink

Misc: Pink Gingham Ribbon, Giga Oval Scallop Punch (Marvy), Oval Coluzzel, Pretty in Pink Chalk Pastel, White Gel Pen, Mini Glue Dot NOTE: Supplies used are by SU unless designated otherwise.

Happy with that card, I was being very good and putting all my supplies away, when suddenly, inspiration struck again. I had seen the "egg" idea elsewhere and thought it would work perfectly with this cute little guy.....the "eggs" were created with the amazingly versatile Pick-a-Petal set! Each "egg" was simply stamped on a piece of Whisper White scrap and cut out, then tucked in behind the "grass!" How fun!

Stamps: Peak a Boo (Print Works), Clear Stamps by Studio G (Happy Easter), Pick a Petal, Petals Jumbo Wheel

Inks: Bashful Blue Classic & Jumbo Cartridge, Lavendar Lace, Apricot Appeal, Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Lavendar Lace, Wild Wasabi

Misc: Blush Blossom Marker, Bashful Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Ribbon Slide (Occasions Mini), Corner Rounder Punch

NOTE: Supplies used to create this card are from SU, unless designated otherwise.

Bloggers' Challenge -- Week #38

Can you believe that we're already at Week 38?!! Time flies, doesn't it?!! Haven't had a lot of time to stamp this week....I've been working on getting together all the tax info for hubby's business....will be bringing that to the accountant later today. What a YUKY job.....I soooo needed some stamp time!

This week was fun (ok, they all are!!), and features something that we all can use....birthday cards! So, I pulled out Fun & Fast Notes....don't you just love that cute birthday cake?!! Such a great set...for all kinds of occasions.

Ok....back to the card........

You can't really see the detail on the cake, but the frosting was colored in with glue and then sprinkled with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter; the cake and candles simply use markers. EASY! The background is double stamped....a technique I often use because it adds just the right amount of interest. And the Only Orange strip is stamped with Lots of Dots Jumbo Wheel from the Occasions Mini....I've been getting a lot of use out of this one......it is quickly becoming a favorite.

Stamps: Fun & Fast Notes, Canvas, Whimsy and Lots of Dots Jumbo Wheels

Inks: Basic Black, Pixie Pink, Pink Passion Cartridge (Whimsy Wheel), Pumpkin Pie Cartridge (Lots of Dots Wheel)

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pixie Pink, Only Orange

Misc: Black Gingham Ribbon; Dazzling Diamonds Glitter; Pixie Pink, Only Orange, Pink Passion Markers; Coluzzel (also used retired Companion Circle), Giga Scallop Punch (non-SU)

HINT: Notice the words are stamped apart from the image? Just cut the words off of the stamp and mount to side of wood....gives you lots more versatility!

Now I'm off to visit some of the other participating Bloggers' to see what amazing creations they have come up with. Won't you join me?

Weekly Challenge #37

It's done! Whew! Thought I would need to pass on the Challenge this week, because rarely do I make a card that is NOT a rectangle.......and that was the Challenge: to make a card that is any shape but a rectangle. Honestly, by the time my head hit the pillow last night, I was sure that I would just have to post that this one stumped me.

BUT, morning always has a way of refreshing us in so many ways. So this morning I threw in a load of laundry and went into my stamp room to see if I could come up with anything (my studio is in the basement, across from the laundry area. How convenient, right?!!) And right there on my desk top was my brand new, yet-to-be-mounted Essence of Love set from the new Occasions Mini. Had to have it, it is just so lovely! While mounting it, which took less than 3 minutes because all the sets in the mini are die cut...gotta LOVE that!....inspiration suddenly struck! I decided to make a tent-topper card. Easy enough, although I had never made one before, and this is probably much larger than those I've seen around, but still fits into a regular-sized card envelope. This card was so easy and simple and came together amazingly fast.....kind of like there was a creative angel sitting on my shoulder.

Stamps: Essence of Love, Twill Bkgrd.

Inks: Basic Black, White Craft

CS: River Rock, Whisper White, Basic Black

Misc: Basic Black Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, 1" & 1 1/4" Round Punches, Silver Hodgepodge (Ribbon Slide) from the Occasions Mini

Not sure if you can see it, but the background on the River Rock card base was stamped with Twill in White Craft Ink....very subtle. You know, I like this new background almost as much as I like Linen......almost!

While in my stamp studio, I spotted the unfinished baby card I had planned to make for my nephew's new baby boy, and realized that it also worked for the Challenge this week. Actually, I had already made one for him, but at the last minute ended up smudging the white CS...ever have that problem? Anyway, this is definitely a CASE of the amazing Lauren Meader, who BTW, is a member of the Bloggers' Challenge Group. You can see her creation here. Lauren always has the most beautiful cards posted on her blog, and as soon as I saw this idea about a month ago, I just knew that I needed to CASE it! So, here's my version.

Not sure if you can see the detail on this one, it's very pale and subtle, but really so very cute and adorable IRL. The trim on this Onsie was rolled with Lots of Dots Jumbo Wheel (from the Occasions Mini) in White Craft Ink; and the hearts were filled in with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. Hopefully, it isn't too frilly...I figure when a baby boy is a newborn, that's the only time in his life we can almost get away with a few frills, right?

Stamps: Little Pieces, Lots of Dots Jumbo Wheel, Hugs & Wishes

Inks: Soft Sky, White Craft

CS: Whisper White, Soft Sky

Misc: 1 3/8" Round and Scallop Punches, Mini Button Brads*, 2-Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

*Mini Brads by Making Memories; all other materials are by SU

So, there you have it.....2 simple and fun cards for this week's Challenge. Now to visit the other ladies to see all the amazing things they have come up with! There are truly some amazingly talented ladies in our group!!

I'm having so much fun with the new SU rub-ons! Fast (can we say "instant gratification?!!") and fabulous....AND they work on so many different surfaces. I've seen photos of them being used on cards (DUH!) and scrap pages, candles, books, candles, glass.....even on manicured nails! So, I guess, just like stamps, they work on just about any surface. Can't you just see some on your favorite little person? Wouldn't they make fun temporary tatoos?!!

I needed a Hostess gift for a workshop I'm giving a demo for....tonight, and this is what I came up with. The curvy corners were a bit tricky, but I just covered up any imperfection with another rub-on flower. I had this little glass dish in my stash forever, but I think I paid only a dollar or so from WalMart. Of course, the dish needed something inside, so I simply wrapped some of the new Hersey Truffle-Filled Nuggets (ohhhh....these are to DIE for!!) with some stamped Avery wrapers; placed them in a cello bag and it's good to go!

Oh....and check out that "checkered" ribbon! It's the scrumptious White Taffeta Ribbon (I think I'm on my 4th roll of this stuff!!!!)....it's simply rolled with the new Lots of Dots Jumbo Wheel from the brand-new Occasions Mini Catalog in Regal Rose. I thought it would come out looking like the dotted ribbon that is everywhere, but suprisingly, as it dries, it bleeds a bit and comes out looking like gingham. Well, that works for me!! So, tonight I'll see if my hostess likes it. (Hi, Lee!)

Stamps: Lots of Dots (Occasions Mini), Tag Punch Kit*
Rub Ons: Love & Happiness (SAB)
Inks: Regal Rose
*Retired

A few little notes:

--The chocolates inside the cello were wrapped with Avery labels that were first stamped with the Lots of Dots wheel in Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery, and Regal Rose.

--When using Rub Ons on glass, be sure the glass is very clean AND dry.

--Rub ons are NOT dishwasher safe. Clean the glass carefully with a damp paper towel and do not rub.

Weekly Bloggers' Challenge

It's that time again! This week we were to follow the layout featured on Page 36 of the SU Spring-Summer Catalog (sympathy card). This is actually such a basic, easy layout.....one of those "old reliable" layouts. The trick this week was just to make it a little special or different. Hopefully, I succeeded!

It also does double duty since my niece just turned 7 and I need a card for her....now THAT was the difficult part! My own children are way past the little kid stage, so coming up with something that was cute and appropriate for a little girl was a challenge! Unfrogottable is a set that I earned 2 years ago from Sale-a-Bration....and one I chose just so I would have a fun set to play with for kiddie cards. Because I have yet to make that cute little frog any other color than green, it is not easy transforming it into a girly-girl card. Pink is a necessity for my niece! So, that was added, along with a couple of punch outs from the Scallop Punch, and glitter, of course! The flowers rolled on the Pixie Pink strip were first colored in the center with the White Gel Pen and then Dazzling Diamonds glitter was added to each of the petals. A touch of ribbon was added for good measure and couldn't forget to add those little googly eyes! Sure hope she likes it!

Stamps: Unfrogettable, Daisy Field Wheel

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Pixie Pink, Basic Black, Certainly Celery

Misc: Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, White Gel Pen, Certainly Celery Marker, White Taffeta Ribbon, Googly Eyes*, 2-Way Glue

ALL items used for this card are SU, EXCEPT for the googly eyes.

Now I'm going to check out all the other Bloggers' submissions.....hope you'll visit, too!