Techno Lunchtime Challenge #96

Here's another fun sketch by MJ this week. For my version, I turned it on its side and used the Scallop Edge Punch instead of the Ticket Punch for the corners. When I looked on my shelf at the stamp sets I own, it seemed like Season of Joy would work perfectly for this layout. Layered against the Petals a Plenty Embossing Folder, I believe I was right, don't you?

As you can see, my embossed background is two-toned.....first I brayered the embossing folder with White Craft ink and ran it thought the Big Shot. I'm just loving this look....and it's so simple to do!

Thanks so much for stopping by today. You can see MaryJo's sketch and the other participants by clicking here.

Stamps: Season of Joy

Inks: White Craft, Old Olive

CS: Whisper White, Old Olive, Real Red

Misc: Big Shot, Petals a Plenty Embossing Folder, 3/4" round Punch, Gold Mini Brads, Paper Piercer, Scallop Edge Punch, Brayer, Wide Old Olive Grosgrain

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

Blog Challenge #s 125 & 126....Kind of!

Well, I tried to combine the last two Challenges into one sample....not sure if this really qualifies for either one! You see, last week (Challenge #125) we were to choose a technique and create. After looking over some ideas, I decided to use the Faux Cloisonne technique. BUT my hubby had just recycled all my magazines and those that I had kept aside for this very purpose have disappeared as well. So, I turned to my DSP scrap pile....there seems to be PLENTY of that in my stamp room! I chose this blue print DSP, which has been retired for at least 4 or 5 years. It's such a pretty print, but honestly, the DSP from SU has certainly come a long, long way! This is so much thinner than what I've become accustomed to using. However, for this purpose, it really worked well,

For the Faux Cloisonne look, you simply emboss an open type image onto a magazine page and cut out. The glossy page showing through is what gives it that unique enamel look. Well, on my leaves, the print shows through and gives it a really interesting look, but it doesn't have that shiny look that a magazine page would have given. It's the technique, but different. Does it work? Hmmm.....not sure.....I think it does, but it's not really a true representation of that technique. Using a larger piece of matching DSP in the background helped pull it all together. Oh, and since I photographed this sample against a couple of sheets of Basic Black CS, you really cannot see that the card base of this sample is layered onto Night of Navy, which works well with the DSP....it gives an extra richness to the overall look!

That brings us to the second Challenge, Number 126, which is to create a Fall look. Do shades of blue count? There's leaves and the greeting, but blue? Again, not so sure. But this is what I made to share. If nothing else, it is different! I'm happy with the clean and uncluttered look achieved with this card. So even if I didn't quite meet the Challenges, hopefully you still enjoyed stopping by today!

Stamps: Lovely Leaves (Holiday Mini), Holiday Best (Hostess Level 1)

Inks: Night of Navy, Gold Encore

CS: Night of Navy, Whisper White, Brocade Blue

Misc: Gold Emboss Powder, Gold Cord (retired type), Key Punch (retired), DSP (retired)

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

Monday Lunchtime Challenge #95

Yes, I realize it's now late Saturday night.....and this was due days ago! Ahh....life does have a way of taking over my stamp life sometimes! Yes, I disappeared on you again.....if you have been reading this blog for the last year, you may remember that my Dad passed away some months back and that I've been working on having Mom move back here to New Jersey from Florida. Well, today she arrived! It's been a very long 10 months....and loads and loads of work, tons of phone calls and coordinating, but she sold her house and arrived today! My siblings and I have found a wonderful, beautiful senior community with a very active senior life! AND it's only about 1/2 hour away from most of us.....Tuesday, the moving van should arrive from Florida and she'll be moving in. I am so excited for her....perhaps more excited than she is!

Anyway, achieving everything to this point seems to have taken over my life! And that left me with not a lot of time for stamping and/or blogging. I truly have a new respect for those that have walked in those shoes before me.......and if you are one of them, you KNOW the enormity of what has been achieved so far and the countless hours it has taken. Hopefully, the transition into her new home will go smoothly and life will be a bit easier around here....and for her as well! I'm happy to have her nearby to celebrate the upcoming holiday season with us all!

So....onto my card for you! After all, isn't that really why you stopped by?!! This is my take on MaryJo's sketch #95 from this past Monday. I really am very happy with the way this came out, but when I looked back at the sketch (I didn't print it...DUH!!), only then did I realize that it isn't exactly the same as the sketch. BUT, regardless, this is my take on it! You can see MJ's original sketch here.

This sample features all SU materials that can currently be purchased in the catalog or the fabulous Holiday Mini. Don't you just love that DSP?.....it's from the Merry Moments collection. Now, I have to admit that it took me a bit of time to warm up to Chocolate Chip being used for the Christmas season....but, I have finally come out of my red & green Christmas comfort zone! If you've been in any of your local stores, you'll see that most are already decked out for the holidays....and the new trend this year is BROWNS!

For the color combo on this sample, I took my cue from the DSP.....so the greeting was stamped onto Very Vanilla CS, with just a smidgen of Rose Red showing and layered onto Certainly Celery CS. Finished off with the wide Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon....well, what can I say?!! I'm in love with these colors!

Thanks so much for your continued patience with me....AND for stopping by and visiting! Hope you'll stop by again soon.

Stamps: Four the Holidays

Inks: Chocolate Chip

CS: Very Vanilla, Certainly Celery, Rose Red

Misc: Merry Moments DSP, Wide Chocolate Chip DSP, Scallop Edge Punch

PLEASE NOTE: ALL materials used to create this card are from SU!

Thinking of Christmas

The leaves are off of the trees....or at least mostly. There's definitely a chill in the air....it's certainly feeling a lot more wintery.....and you know what that means, don't you? Christmas will soon be here! In anticipation of the upcoming season, I recently participated in a Christmas/Holiday swap. This first card was what I almost submitted. I liked it, but something was just a little off....not to mention that it was a LOT of work and I needed to make 28 of these....quickly! By the time, I finally came up with this, time was limited.

So, I reworked the card and tweaked away and this is what I submitted. Truthfully, I am much happier with it! I really wasn't sure about a brown ornament....but you know what? They are everywhere! Who would have thought that brown ornaments would be so popular this year?!!

Here's the info:

Version #1

Stamps: Delightful Decorations, Warm Words

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Glorious Green, Certainly Celery, Real Red

CS: Whisper White, Real Red, Certainly Celery

Misc: 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Silver Cord, Ornament Punch, Modern Label Punch, Big Shot, Perfect Details Texturz Plate, Scallop Square Die

Version #2

Stamps: Delightful Decorations, Warm Words

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery

CS: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Silver Metallic

Punches: Ornament, Modern Label, 3/4" Circle, 1" Circle

Misc: 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Big Shot, Petals a Plenty Embossing Folder, Scallop Square Die, Movers & Shakers Die, Mistletoe Originals Ribbon

PLEASE NOTE: ALL materials used to create both of these samples are from SU!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Please come back and visit soon!

Lunchtime Challenge #94

I love MaryJo's sketch this week! It actually is one of those tried and true, basic layouts that I seem to go back to time and time again. So, I guess you could say that this week was an easy challenge! You can see MJ's sketch here.

For my sample this week, I used Kraft...it is just so perfect for Fall-themed cards, although it looks great all through the year! As you can see, that's the basic in this card. It has been paired with Not Quite Navy and Dusty Durango cardstock. Maybe not quite your traditional Fall colors, but don't you think that the Not Quite Navy gives the leaves and card a special little "punch" of color?

The leaves were simply stamped in Soft Suede and sponged in More Mustard, highlighted with some Dusty Durango and just a bit of Not Quite Navy. They have both been curled and manipulated to more closely resemble real leaves and then popped up on Dimensionals. Oh, and that Not Quite Navy panel has been textured in the Big Shot....not sure you can tell!

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

Stamps: Autumn Splendor, Full of Life

Inks: Soft Suede, More Mustard, Dusty Durango, Not Quite Navy

CS: Kraft, Dusty Durango, Not Quite Navy

Misc: Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals, Paper Piercer & Template, Copper Mini Brads (retired formerly from the Vintage Collection), Cutter Kit (for distressing), Big Shot, Texturz Plate (Kit #4)

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

Fall is Here!

Hope you had a fun and safe Halloween....and received lots of chocolate! Now that holiday is behind us, it's time to look forward to the next one....Thanksgiving! Not sure about you, but this really is my very favorite time of the year. In fact, my hubby and I take an annual trip to see the leaves....they are so gorgeous in this area in the Fall. Today is the day....we'll be leaving soon and although the day is kind of dreary, and the foliage really is past its prime, I'm still hoping that it will be worth the trip. If nothing else, it will be nice to just have a few hours away from all the everyday stresses!

So, in honor of the season, and because you just may not want to pack up those pumpkins just yet, here's a sample for the season! This is actually very much inspired by one of my stamping "buddies," Margaret. She made these punched pumpkins....which I just love, don't you?!! You can see her original version here. Margaret used a different die for her leaves and vines, but since I don't have that one, I used what I have around....little bits of the Tulipe die and a punch, which is actually not from SU, but a discontinued Martha Stewart punch. Unlike Margaret's sample, I've used cardstock for the Top Note die and stamped with the Sanded background stamp.....and added a layer of ribbon. One thing that is so very important to the pumpkins is that the edges of each circle or oval must be sponged....it gives it definition and adds so much to them!

What do you think? Isn't this fun?!! Be sure to check out Margaret's sample...and take a look around her blog while you are there....she's a very talented, and creative lady! Thanks for stopping by today.

Stamps: Sanded, All Holidays

Inks: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie

CS: Natural Ivory, Old Olive, Kraft, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip

Misc: Sponge Dauber, Stitched Wide Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Tulipe Die, Big Shot, Martha Stewart punch

Blog Challenge #123 -- It's Time for Halloween!

Are YOU ready for your trick or treaters tomorrow? Around here the festivities always begin with a "parade" for all the younger children that starts at about 4:30, and end at the local firehouse with cider and donuts. THEN they are ready to go door to door. So, even though Halloween may be on a Saturday, I'm not really expecting any little visitors much before 6:00. Oh, but when they come, they come! You see, I live in a small suburban town in the older section....we have side walks and street lights and the houses are relatively close together, making this area just ideal for those seeking treats. You know sometimes, I think they bus them in!! But, it's all in fun and I love it even if my own children are now too old to trick or treat!

Well, since I have too many come to my door to count, these little treat holders simply aren't practical for me (I'd probably need to make somewhere around 300). But wouldn't they be fun for school treats or party treats, etc.? Just a little disclaimer here: These are NOT my original ideas, but have been CASEd!

First, there's Frankie....he's made with the Top Note Die for the front and back, a few punches, a little "artistic" drawings.....LOL! Notice the mouth and stitched cheeks! The holder itself has been created using an envelope. He's fun to make and just as fun to fill!

CS: Gable Green, Basic Black, Whisper White, Lovely Lilac

Misc: A-2 Envelope, Top Note Die, 1 1/4 Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Round Tab Punch, White Gel Pen, Big Shot, Basic Black Marker

Hint: Make a pattern for the stitching by first using a pencil and then going over top with the marker.

Next is that adorable little spider! He's hiding a York Peppermint Pattie and has been created solely with punches.

CS: Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red, Gable Green

Punches: Scallop Round Punch, 1/2" Round Punch, 1/4" Round Punch, Photo Corner Punch

Misc: White Gel Pen

Hint: Use Sticky Strip to adhere the front and back to the candy.

Then there's that adorable little "pumpkin." Again, no stamping! The black cardstock is simply folded with a small accordion type fold inside to leave room for the M&Ms and held in place with a ribbon. The DSP is what gives the punch of color (but this pattern has retired), and of course, a few punches.

CS: Basic Black, Whisper White

Punches: 1" Circle, 1/2" Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, Double Rectangle

Misc: Pumpkin Pie Narrow Grosgrain, White Gel Pen, DSP

Hint: A touch of Sticky Strip will keep that candy in place.

And last...but certainly, not least, is that cute little match book style candy cover.....which is probably the easiest of the bunch. The Old Olive cardstock was simply folded like a matchbook cover, complete with staple at the bottom....this holds the front flap in place when tucked beneath. AND, did you notice? This one actually does have some stamping!!

Stamps: Background Basics, Batty for You

Inks: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black

CS: Old Olive, Whisper White, Basic Black

Punches: Round Scallop, 1 3/8" Round

Misc: Basic Black Marker, Staple

Hint: Adhere the candy inside with a bit of Sticky Strip.

Please note: ALL materials used to create these samples are from SU; some items are retired.

Well, that's it for today.....thanks for stopping by and visiting. Be safe and enjoy your day tomorrow with all those kiddies!

Lunchtime Challenge

Well, it's no longer Monday (when this was due), but this one actually had me stumped for a bit! You know sometimes sketches just kind of "speak to me" and I know exactly what to do when I see them.....and sometimes, like for this one, they really are a challenge! So, you see, I've been working on this butterfly version for a few days, but it just wasn't coming together for me! Maybe it was too light and Spring-like? I love the butterfly idea, but....hmmm, the rest of it?!! This card has been ripped apart and repositioned so many times, I'm actually kind of surprised that it is holding together! Just this morning, I put the corner punches on and it seemed to help tremendously, by giving the card some life. It was just way too light and airy looking without those darker corners. Still, I'm not really happy with it, but it's OK.

Stamps: All the Best, For All You Do
Inks: Not Quite Navy, Certainly Celery, Baja Breeze
CS: Very Vanilla, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Baja Breeze
Misc: Large Oval Punch, Photo Corner Punch, Paper Piercer, So Saffron Mini Brads, Apricot Appeal Narrow Grosgrain, Dimensionals, Butterfly Die, Big Shot, Walk in the Park DSP
Please note: ALL materials used to create this sample are from SU!, some items have retired.

Then, last night while lying in bed, I envisioned this second version.....which I like so much better! It's actually a much simpler version of the sketch, so much less busy, and uses some of our new In colors for this year. Of course, the Big Shot was also used....maybe that made the difference? By adding a bit of texture on the Dusty Durango (orange-ish) panel, and creating the "window" for the tree with the Mover & Shaker die, it really all came together, don't you think?

Oh, by the way, the leaves on the tree were created by first inking with Crushed Curry ink and then before stamping, I added in a touch of Dusty Durango and Old Olive markers. The final touch? Lightly sponging over top of the finished tree with a Sponge Dauber in Crushed Curry!

Stamps: Trendy Trees

Inks: Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango

CS: Natural White, Soft Suede, Dusty Durango, Old Olive

Markers: Dusty Durango, Old Olive

Punches: Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Curley Label

Misc: White Gel Pen, Dimensionals, Soft Suede Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (used up-side-down), Sponge Dauber, Big Shot, Textuz Plate--Kit #4, Mover & Shaker Die, Paper Piercer & Template

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

So, there you have it....which one do YOU like best? (My vote is for the second one....the one with the tree!) Thanks for stopping by today! You can check out MaryJo's original sketch and see who has participated this week, by clicking here.

It's That Scary Time of Year!

One day about a month ago, I was playing with this adorable Halloween set trying to come up with something spectacular. Well, truthfully, I don't think this is a sample that would stand out in the crowd, but it IS cute! I actually had hesitated to share because it is SO simple, but after looking at it for awhile, I figured, "why not?!!" After all, sometimes posts should be an idea that is easy to duplicate, right?

So, here you go! The base of the card is Whisper White, with Rich Razzelberry layered on top with just a bit of Old Olive peaking through. The RR layer was first stamped with Sanded in Versamark, so it is very subtle and then the Frankenstein image is stamped over top in RR.....it's been awhile since I've used this double stamped background technique....but I still love the effect!

To achieve the scallop circle layers, the Frankenstein stamp was stamped 2 times...first in Old Olive on Whisper White and then a second time in White Craft onto Rich Razzelberry.....then each was punched out with circle punches and layered onto the scallop background. The finishing touch is that luscious Old Olive Grosgrain ribbon! See....not too scary!!

Stamps: Batty for You, Sanded

Inks: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, White Craft

CS: Whisper White, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry

Misc: 1 1/4"+ 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Wide Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals

One Layer Challenge

A card with one layer....sounds easy enough.....NOT! After quite a bit of trial and error, I finally succeeded to make something that is good enough to post. Not a favorite, to be sure, BUT, not too bad.....hopefully, you'll agree!

This is simply a half sheet of Almost Amethyst cardstock folded in half and has NO layers, as challenged. The images used here are from that fun new set I've been playing with, Charming....which was used to create the background and the floral border. There is so much you can do with this set, and so many looks to create!

Since I couldn't add layers, details were important......as you may have noticed, the bottom corners are rounded, the flowers and frame are highlighted with my White Gel Pen, which really helped the images to kind of "jump off the page!" To align everything perfectly, I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig....this look really couldn't have been achieved without it! BUT, I wouldn't want to make too many of these cards!

Thanks for stopping by! Can't wait to see what the others have come up with. Here's the info:

Stamps: Charming, Wee Wishes, Framed with Love

Inks: Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac

CS: Almost Amethyst

Misc: White Gel Pen, White Taffeta Ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig

PLEASE NOTE: ALL materials used to create this sample are from SU!