I've Just Joined the Sisterhood of the Blogging Stampers!

So, you might ask....what IS the Sisterhood?!! Well, you know how we all love to create cards, pages, projects? Then when we're done, what to do?

Sometimes I show a completed project to the hubby....well, some interest might be nice, but it's usually missing...he really has no clue! And the kids....well, I have 20-year old twin daughters still at home that want nothing to do with anything remotely related to stamping. So, no...there's no interest there either! All they do is roll their eyes and ignore my show-and-tell sessions! I think the dogs (we have 2) are more interested than they are!!

Well, often, I post completed projects to this blog. And although I can see from the counter at the bottom of the page that people visit, I have no idea if my visitors like, enjoy, or even look at the posts! (Ok, I know some do!! And I thank you all for your visiting!!) Oh, and when I participate in the weekly Bloggers' Challenge, I'll hear from a number of those who also participate....and then there's my sister often calls me on the phone to let me know she loves the latest idea! But, other than that, I often think "I'm talking to myself!" Kind of like most days at home.....nothing really wrong with that, 'cause usually, I'm the only one that listens!! LOL!

Anyway, the Sisterhood is a bloggers' support group. I'm looking forward to learning more about the other bloggers in my group...check them out in my sidebar! This should be fun!!

Blog Challenge #62 -- Patriotic

Can you believe that the "official" end of summer is really here?!! Labor Day weekend....WOW! Where did the summertime go?!! For me, summer just flew by....first getting ready for Convention, then family vacation, my son's engagement then his party to celebrate....and suddenly, here we are....summer is actually over! Of course, there were small things in between, but those were the highlights of the past season.

But, with Labor Day here, you know that Fall is quickly coming. Already the trees are beginning to show signs of their changing colors....I just LOVE Fall! The colorful foliage, the cool, crisp air......it's one of the prettiest seasons!...which is why my hubby and I chose this season to marry so many years ago, and I still love it!

OK, so back to the weekend at hand.......Labor Day evokes feelings of patriotism. How appropriate with the present political climate. Regardless of your political affiliation, with the Democratic Convention just ended and the Republican version about to begin, it's kind of hard not to feel patriotic! So, the theme of our Challenge this week is....can you guess?.....yup! that's right!....patriotic!!!

So, my card for this week is kind of a take on one I made a couple of weeks ago, using the floral branch from Eastern Blooms, but this time in Real Red, Night of Navy, Whisper White, with just a touch of Bashful Blue. (I actually had a completely different layout in mind when I began, but since it didn't work out, this is the end result!!) To achieve the 2-color look on the branch, I colored in the stamp with the Night of Navy and Real Red markers. Add in a few punched flowers from the 3 For You punch (I am so happy that that punch has stayed in the catalog!!) for dimension and added interest, a little ribbon, that cute little silver slide from the newest Hodgepodge collection, and of course some gingham ribbon and we're good to go!!

Stamps: Eastern Blooms, Floral, Stem Sayings

Inks: Night of Navy, Real Red

CS: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Real Red, Bashful Blue

Markers: Real Red, Night of Navy

Misc: Red Gingham Ribbon, Silver Slide (Hodgepodge Hardware--Silver), Scallop Edge Punch, White Gel Pen

Enjoy....thanks for stopping by....and have a fabulous, safe weekend! Oh, and don't forget to take a little time to stop by and visit my Blog sisters who participate in these weekly challenges....just click on the icon in the right column!

Decor Elements

This was SO MUCH FUN....it's addicting......it's fast.....and it's sooooo very easy!! Yesterday I stopped into TJMaxx to see if I could find a plate large enough for this Decor ring. Although this plate should probably be just a bit larger, it was the prettiest, largest plate I could find for just a few dollars. So, home it came, and I got to work.

At Convention, there were a few demonstrations on applying the Decor Elements. As a first-timer, it took me just a bit longer than the demos because I wanted to be extra careful and get it right....meaning I wanted to read and carefully follow the written directions! All in all, it took me about 15 minutes, and that includes removing labels, washing and drying the dish. The application process was a piece of cake!

So, what do you think? This new decoration cost me about $25 total....not bad for a new, fabulous-looking addition to my home!!

Decor Elements: Together Forever Circle Frame, Classic D (both in Chocolate Chip)

To learn more about this great new SU product....or to order your own....be sure to contact me!

Color Challenge -- Challenge #61

This week and weekend just flew by! My hubby and I hosted an engagement party for our son and his fiance yesterday. We had about 25 people come, but I cooked for more like 50! (I can't seem to cook small!!) We're very excited about adding to our family and look forward to their big day!! So, anyway, that's why I am late....preparing, cooking, and running "Hotel Dondero" took all my time the past few days!....funny how life can get in the way of our stamping time sometimes, right?!!

But, here I am....late, but hopefully, you will enjoy this week's samples....there's 2! This week was a color challenge: More Mustard, Ruby Red, Old Olive, and Chocolate Chip. Don't these colors just scream FALL?!! So, of course, I just needed to make my first Fall card of the year.....but, although I just love stamp sets with leaves, every set I have has retired! Then I suddenly remembered the leaf branch from Wonderful You....they work, don't you think? Nothing extraordinary about this card.....it's the coloring that makes it work so well (in my humble opinion!). I actually made this card late Thursday night after my Stamp Club meeting....it went together really quickly. I just wasn't sure that it was good enough. But, after looking at it off an on for the last few days, I decided to share.....'cause I'm really loving the vibrancy of the colors.

Stamps: Wonderful You, Sincere Salutations, Canvas

Inks: More Mustard, Ruby Red, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip

CS: Natural Ivory, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard

Misc: Large Oval Punch, Wide Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon

But, I decided to challenge myself and use these very same colors in something that was NOT a Fall-type card. The new silhouette style is wonderful....and I'm not-so-patiently waiting for my new stamp order to arrive, which is finally due this coming Wednesday. I just cannot WAIT to get my hands on Upsy Daisy....it's on SALE this month!! But, Wednesday won't get here soon enough for my already late challenge, so I used another great stamp, Corner Silhouette by Hero Arts, and used a technique learned at Convention a few weeks ago. One of the cards made in the shoebox swap that I participated in used this....it is so cool!....although, I really have no idea what the technique is called.

The stamp was simply inked in White Craft and stamped onto the Chocolate Chip CS. Then using daubers and Q-tips, color was added by gently dabbing on chalk pastels in Ruby Red, More Mustard, and Old Olive. The butterfly is from Essence of Love...remember how I loved that one? The background is the recently retired Weathered....the greeting is from the brand new, WOW Flowers. And the edges of the Chocolate Chip CS were inked using the DTP method in Very Vanilla Craft Ink to brighten things up. I guess the colors are still Fall, but it isn't leaves!!

Stamps: Corner Silhouette (Hero Arts), Weathered*, WOW Flowers

Inks: Whisper White Craft, Very Vanilla Craft, Chocolate Chip Classic

CS: Natural Ivory, Ruby Red, More Mustard, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip

Misc: Chalk Pastels (Ruby Red, More Mustard, Old Olive), Daubers & Q-Tips, Horizontal Slot Punch, Wide Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon

*Retired

So, now it's finally time to check out what my bloggin' sisters have been up to! Can't wait to see you there....it is sure to be fun visiting!!

More Birthdays

Whew! Well, I finally finished the cards for my sister and brother...and yes, they are BOTH late!

This first one is for my sister, Kathy. (DUH...it has butterflies! Of COURSE, it's the girl card!!) Kathy likes to stamp and loves receiving hand stamped cards...hope she likes this one! This card looks a bit more simple than it actually is....although it really wasn't at all difficult!

The butterflies were created with another of the Convention sets received, Flight of the Butterfly. It's such a cute set!! Each of these butterflies were actually triple stamped: base, or solid in Pink Pirouette; the flower stamp in Regal Rose over top; and finished with the dotted outline in Rose Red. Highlighted each little flower center with some glitter and then cut them each out. As you can see, they were placed on layered squares.

The gathered ribbon was the most difficult portion of this card......this was a trick that was demoed at Convention. Of course when we were shown, it looked so quick and easy, but in fact, was much more difficult than it looked. To achieve this, cut the ribbon a few inches longer than the width of your card, unravel a little bit of one end and then choose a "string" and gather. Now that's not all the hard....the difficulty was in trying to get it to be even, not pull out on the far end....AND to lay in a straight line on the card! I managed....maybe it's not perfect, but then maybe it's not supposed to be?

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly, All Holidays

Inks: Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Rose Red

CS: Whisper White, Rose Red, Kraft

Misc: 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Square Punches, Wide Regal Rose Grosgrain, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Glitter Pen by Sakura

This one was the tough one....masculine cards are not always easy!!...which is why it took me so long to make it!! I chose Lovely as a Tree...a set that has not seen ink in quite some time. Do you know that this is the top selling stamp set at SU?!! It's been around for a long time and is amazingly versatile! (Christmas....Fall...General...AND Masculine!)

I wanted to do something different (for me) and was inspired by the amazing Michele Zindorf....who is truly a papercraft artist! Truthfully, I took a lot of liberties with this technique, but for my first attempt it isn't too bad, is it? I think my brother will like it.

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Sanded, Twill, Warmest Regards*

Inks: Chocolate Chip Craft, Old Olive, Summer Sun, More Mustard, Brocade Blue, Not Quite Navy

CS: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive

Misc: More Mustard Narrow Grosgrain, Hodgepodge Hardware-Antique Copper*, Brayer, 1" Round Punch, Sponges and Daubers, Clear Embossing Powder

*Retired

Blog Challenge #60 -- Happy Birthday!

The Challenge Group is not really celebrating.....it's a week for birthday cards!! And who doesn't love...and need them?!!

All day I've been hoping to get to my cards....I actually need to make 2: my youngest sister and my youngest brother both celebrate their birthdays this week. I just haven't gotten to making them.....guess I'm going to be late again! BUT, I did make this one earlier in the week and I think it will work in the meantime. Then, when I've made the others, I'll be sure to share!! (So, don't forget to come back and visit.)

This is a card I made for a very sweet lady who gave me her very last Convention swap, with just the promise of something in return. So, I sent her 2! I had one kit left over from the Shoebox Swap, which I quickly put together and came up with this one for her as well.

It doesn't really say "Happy Birthday" anywhere, but this stamp has a gift and is just so cute, don't you think?!! AND, it's in the new In Colors: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango. This isn't really a 2-layer card...the card base was stamped randomly with the image in the colors mentioned as shown. For the central image, I stamped in Baja Breeze and then again in the Tangerine. The gift was cut out and layered over the image....giving it a 2-toned look. Easy!! This was fun...and I love the cheerful look that was created.

Stamps: Deer Friends, Canvas

Inks: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango

CS: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango

Misc: Scallop Punch, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Round Punches, Dimensionals, Wide Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, White Gel Pen, Scallop Edge Punch

NOTE: The Old Olive Ribbon matches in this case since it is not directly on the Kiwi Kiss CS or ink.

Ok! Now it's time to visit the other Bloggers to see what they have been up to. Come on and join me, won't you?!!

Still Having Fun with the New Big Shot!!

This is really very simple, but shows our new In Color: Pink Pirouette. See how lovely it looks with Pretty in Pink? Very little stamping here....just the saying, "for you." This card has been sent to a few friends to show off....what else?!! The new Big Shot AND a new In Color!

Note: The brown background paper is the just recently retired Designer Series Paper (DSP)....I just do not have the new patterns, yet!

Stamps: All Holidays

Inks: Chocolate Chip

CS: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive

Big Shot: Top Note, Birds & Blooms Sizzlets

Misc: White Gel Pen, Wide Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Cropadile (for making hole for crystal brads), Round Crystal Brads (Ice Collection--Green)

Look What Just Arrived!

Have you read the news?!! SU is now carrying the Big Shot....this was a HUGE announcement at Convention......AND mine just arrived! This is just so cool! Wait 'till you see it in action!! Of course, I needed to make a card as soon as I removed this "machine" out of the packaging. (I put "machine" in quotes because it is actually manual....see the crank on the right side?) It easily cuts thru a multitude of different materials....everything from cardstock, of course, to felt and other fabrics to chipboard, cork, and so much more!!!

As soon as I saw this die, Top Note, I just knew it would make the most fabulous cards!! AND I actually pictured this branch in it, since it is part of the new set, Eastern Blooms, which all Convention attendees received. BUT, I see that some must have envisioned the same thing, since a few other demonstrators have beat me to it! So, although it is an idea I've had, and this is really my own version, you can see others here and here. (See? It really IS different!!...but I have to admit to "borrowing the little flower idea made with the 3 For You Punch.)

Anyway....getting back to the Big Shot. It cut through the Whisper White CS like butter....smooth and easy. And check out the paper piercing! Cut and pierced in one smooth motion! (Click on the photo to enlarge and see all the glorious detail!) The Big Shot is made by Sizzix....so, if you happen to already own it, you KNOW how fabulous it is!! If not....you'll want to check it out! Some of the dies are exclusive to SU, some are not....not sure about this one, but it is fabulous, don't you think?!!

Now, before you go running off to your local craft store with that 40% off coupon in hand, consider this:

Yes, you may be able to purchase the Sizzix machine at a discount, BUT.....

Will you receive the customer support that you want and need?

Will you qualify and receive FREE stamps and Hostess Benefits?

You know, if you purchase it from SU, you will receive all of those things, making the price comparable to the one from you-know-where!

So....coming soon: The Big Shot Club! Watch for details coming soon!! Available to all this coming Fall.

Now the info on the card...

Stamps: Eastern Blooms, Sincere Salutations, Canvas

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze

CS: Whisper White, Baja Breeze*

Markers: Not Quite Navy, Chocolate Chip

Misc: Horizontal Slot Punch, Wide Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Top Note Die for the Big Shot, 3 For You Punch, Paper Piercer, Mini Glue Dots, Antique Brass Mini Brads (Vintage Collection)

*Baja Breeze is a new In Color, which is not as gray looking as it appears on screen....it is a beautiful sea blue that is hot on the market today. You are gonna LOVE it!!

NOTE: We were told at Convention by the Sizzix representative that the bed of our Big Shot is about 1/2" wider than those being sold by local craft stores. What does that mean? That means that some of our exclusive dies will NOT fit in the other models. Sorry, ladies!

SALE -- Never Seen Before Savings!

Some fantabulous, beautiful, brand-new stamp sets are on sale......but for only a short time! This sale has begun and will last only until September 30. Don't wait....order your favorite sets today! And don't forget....they are all die cut!!

So!....how many are YOU going to purchase?!! Contact me to place your order or for further information.

Oh, and you can click on the page to the right to enlarge it for your viewing pleasure.

#116900 Pg 31 Snow Swirled @15% off = $21.21

#111586 Pg. 55 It's A Stretch @15% off = $20.36

#111544 Pg. 81 Putt Putt @15% off = $21.21

#111626 Pg. 91 Eastern Blooms @ 15% off = $18.66

#111672 Pg. 98 Pocket Silhouettes @ 15% off = $16.11

#111710 Pg. 101 Upsy Daisy @ 15% off = $16.11

#111556 Pg. 109 Under the Stars @ 15% off = $25.46

#111644 Pg. 145 Heard from the Heart @ 15% off = $19.51

#111570 Pg. 157 Comtempo Alphabet @ 15% off = $34.81

#109381 Pg. 23** Felicidades Siempre @ 15% off = $15.26

** From Celebrando Creativdad....the BRAND NEW Spanish Edition SU Idea Book & Catalog!!

I'm BAAACCCKKK!

You didn't miss me, did you? LOL!! As you can see, I'm back......Colorado was spectacular! Fun, relaxing, gorgeous! I'm just recovering from being away for 2 weeks, and trying to catch up on all I've missed.....but there is so much to share!

And the week before that, I was at the SU convention...which, of course, was fabulous! Lots of great things happening, so be on the lookout for some amazing announcements. In the meantime, check out the beautiful, new catalog! Lots to see....you are going to love it! (Don't forget that all NEW sets now come die cut!...and to help you identify which sets are new and are die cut, there is a little icon showing which ones come this way.)

Contact me today for YOUR copy!!

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Viewing the catalog is different than in the past. Now you will download a very large file....this is in preparation for our new on-line ordering that will begin this coming Fall! YES!....You've read that right! Coming to YOUR computer, you will soon be able to order your favorite SU items directly online! Be sure to check back for further details as they become available!!

Bloggers' Challenge *59: Same But Different

This is another scheduled post....I'm away on vacation, visiting the mountains in Colorado. Hope to share some photos when I return.

This was another fun challenge: Use the same layout; stamp 2 cards, but change the colors and the stamps.

Well, I was cleaning up my stamp desk after finishing all those Convention swaps and happened upon the birthday cake/scallop centerpiece. So, that was the start of this card! This cake is just so cute, and it is one that I use often for birthdays......Love it with the glittered icing! Then a layout was needed, but I found that the finished scallop was kind of large for a regular-shape/size card, but I wanted something just a bit different. The ribbon was added, but it still needed more.....the Pretty in Pink strip was added, but the card was just too pink!....so the Whisper White section was stamped in Regal Rose with Pretty Petals Bkgrd and layered onto Basic Black. Finally!.....I was happy with the end result!

Stamps: Fun & Fast Notes, Pretty Petals, Canvas, Warmest Regards*

Inks: Basic Black, Regal Rose

CS: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Basic Black

Markers: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose

Misc: 2-Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, White Gel Pen, Coluzzel, Giga Round Scallop Punch**, Basic Black Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon

*Retired

**By Marvy

This second version is really the same layout, just turned in another direction. It's my last hurrah with the outgoing In Colors: Soft Sky and Blue Bayou. Have enjoyed this combination all year long and it is so sad to see them go!

No scallops on this version....I wanted cleaner, more simple lines. There's less layering as well. The circles were created with the Coluzzel. The flowers are vellum.....Black Craft embossed with Clear EP over top and cut out. Then the color was sponged from the back: Soft Sky with some Blue Bayou in the center of each. The little stamen were quickly colored with the So Saffron Marker. ....and the final touch?: Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon!

Stamps: Embrace Life, All Holidays

Inks: Black Craft, Blue Bayou Classic

CS: Whisper White, Blue Bayou, Vellum CS, Soft Sky DSP

Misc: So Saffron Marker, Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon

I'll be back in a couple of days and will be sure to catch up with you all! In the meantime, please check in with those that participate in the Bloggers' Challenges!

Yes, it's ANOTHER Swap!

This is the last of my swaps! Seems I was into the browns for Convention this year.....and I didn't even realize it until they were almost done!! Black used to be my basic....you know, the "when in doubt, use it color." Well, it seems that brown has replaced black...at least for now!!

This swap is fairly simple....and I made a ton. Well, ok, not a ton, but LOTS: 33 for a group swap; 25 for another group swap; and a few extras for my roomies and traveling buddies.....about 65 in all.

BoHo Backgrounds is the set featured in this card. Don't you just love the "background" the medallion creates when stamped repeatedly? That's Chocolate Chip ink onto Close to Cocoa CS....mmmm, lucious! Add in the 2-tone medallion for the focal point and the scalloped edge....again created with the fabulous Scallop Edge Punch.....and I am pretty happy with the end result. The Blush Blossom and Chocolate Chip CSs are a pretty color combination.....I just may use Blush Blossom more often now that I've discovered this combo! (I rarely use Blush Blossom!)

Have a great day!!

Stamps: BoHo Backgrounds, All Holidays

Inks: Chocolate Chip

CS: Whisper White, Blush Blossom, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa

Misc: White Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, 1/8" Hand Held Punch*, 1 1/4" Round Punch, Large Oval Punch

*Punch was used to make hole in center so ribbon could be pulled through.

Blog Challenge #58 -- Color Combo

Well, the last color combination a couple of weeks ago was difficult, to say the least....and this one (Old Olive, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie and Rose Regal) sounded like it was going to be just as tough to work with. But, guess what?!! This was a fun combo and the card for this week came together quickly.....I'm really thrilled with it. AND best of all, I used all scraps! Love when that happens!!

The flower stamp used in the center of this card was a recent purchase on a visit to ACMoore a couple of weeks ago....just couldn't resist 'cause it's just so cute! Truly, I don't often purchase non-SU stamps, but I do have a small collection....although they are mostly words!

A couple of things about this card......The flowers were "inked" with markers and stamped. Then the centers were colored in with the So Saffron marker and glittered over....so, that's really the only touch of So Saffron, but it's really there! The mini brads are actually More Mustard, but when paired with Pumpkin Pie, they blend, or take on a darker hue.....they worked well here!

So, here's the info.....

Stamps: Floral, and the little flowers in the center are by Savy Stamps

Inks: Old Olive

CS: Whisper White, Regal Rose, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie

Markers: Regal Rose, Old Olive, So Saffron

Misc: Pumpkin Pie Narrow Grosgrain, More Mustard Mini Brads , 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds

This post has been scheduled to post today.....I'm in Salt Lake City at the SU Convention. I'll be visiting my sister bloggers when I return, but in the meantime, I hope you'll take a few minutes and stop in to their sites!