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A Few Of My Favorite Things......

As part of the Sisterhood, my sistas all decided that maybe we could participate in a weekly challenge each Sunday. Obviously, I'm still behind...but I didn't want to not participate! After all, it's the first week.....and it gives me a reason to stamp!

This week's theme: A Few Of My Favorite Things! In other words....use a favorite color, technique, set, etc. Yesterday, I thought and thought, but really couldn't decide what my favorite thing might be! You see, I seem to go through phases....sometimes, I'm stuck on a color combo....sometimes on a layout....at other times, it might be a favorite stamp set that I can't seem to put down. Then, suddenly, just a few minutes ago, it hit me! My new, very favorite thing of the week seems to be the Big Note Die for my Big Shot! I've just completed 3 swaps, all using the Big Note as a major component! So, here it is!! It's actually one I completed for a Ronald McDonald themed swap! (So, I guess I didn't actually STAMP this one today!!)

This is a fairly simple layout, but has a few things going on. The white layer behind the "hi" stamp is totally glittered; there's lots of corner rounded edges; the ribbon slides through a slit created with the Horizontal Slot Punch; the featured stamp is on Dimensionals; and there is glitter in the center of each of the lollipop flowers. Simple...but not so simple!

Stamps: Say it With Scallops, BoHo Backgrounds

Inks: Baja Breeze, Versamark

CS: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Close to Cocoa

Misc: Horizontal Slot Punch, Scallop Square Punch, White Taffeta Ribbon, Iridescent Ice EP, 2-Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Corner Rounder, Dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig (a must have for creating that background!), Top Note Die

So, thanks for stopping by. Why not take a few minutes to visit my blogging sistas and see what they have been up to?

Techno Stampers' Lunchtime Challenge #37

I'm a bit behind because we went away for the weekend to upstate New York to visit family. We had a fun weekend, even if it rained for most of the time! The Blog Challenge for Friday was done beforehand and scheduled to post on Friday...but I didn't have time to get this one done before I left.

Mary Jo posted a great challenge this week and it is FUN! However, her sketch is actually for a square card.....I really don't do squares. They require special envelopes......more postage to send.....and they don't fit in my display box that I take everywhere! So, I adapted the design to a regular 5.5"x 4.25" card.

I didn't originally set out to create a Christmas card....it just kind of evolved into this....but don't you just love the way it came out?!! I was originally planning to use Pocket Silhouettes until I spotted the large snowflake die and just knew that it was time to use it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Paisley, Big on Christmas, Best Yet (Hostess Level 1)

Inks: Kiwi Kiss, Real Red

CS: Whisper White, Real Red, Kiwi Kiss, Bella Rose DSP

Misc: Snowflake Die (Big Shot), Scallop Punch, White Gel Pen, Large Oval Punch, Dimensionals, Glitter Pen (by Sakura), 1 3/8" Round Punch

Markers: Basic Black, Only Orange, Real Red, Old Olive

BC#66 -- Making a Warhol Card!

Ok, so we've all heard of the artist Andy Warhol.....but I was never a fan of his work, were you? So, the theme this week was to make a "Warhol Card!" What to do....what to do?!!

After doing a bit of research, I saw that this technique entails an image stamped repeatedly in the same color ink, each time on a different color background. This is what I came up with....BUT after creating it, only then did I learn that the ink should be black. Well, mine, obviously, is not.....so, I'm using a little "creative license" with this week's card edition.....'cause I like it and I'm going to share anyway!!

Stamps: Eastern Blooms, Best Yet (Hostess Level 1)
Inks: White Craft
CS: Basic Gray, Going Gray, Kiwi Kiss, Old Olive, Always Artichoke
Misc: Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon, Winter White Embossing Powder, Hodgepodge Hardware in Stylized Vanilla, Designer Label Punch

Oh...this is a great time to check out the difference between Old Olive (center) and the fabulous, new In Color, Kiwi Kiss (right)!....See the difference?......Don't you just LOVE it?!!!

Thanks for stopping by....hope you'll take some time to visit some of the other Bloggers' who are participating. They make the most amazing things, don't they?!!

Techno Lunchtime Challenge

When I saw this sketch earlier today, I thought it would be "a piece of cake!" I was soooo wrong!!

This is the finished edition of the challenge this week, but a few earlier cards ended up in the trash. It's a great sketch, but each time I completed it, it just looked unfinished....like something else was needed.

So.....am I crazy about this card? No, not really, but I'm not really unhappy with it either. I pulled out some retired DSP...I think it was called Outlaw; and my Wanted stamp set, which has sat sadly neglected on the shelf for some time!

Oh, and see the little frame with the "thanks?" That's a piece of Hodgepodge Hardware in the recently retired Antique Copper....I used an old pair of scissors and cut off the little tabs, or the part that is designed for the mini brads. Then I used the Multipurpose Adhesive by Tombow (SU Idea Book, Pg. 191)...it's the BEST stuff!....to adhere the paper inside the frame and then the frame onto the card. That made it easy!

Check out MaryJo's sketch and the links to others who participated in her weekly sketch challenge. Despite the fact that I found it difficult, it was really a lot of fun!

Stamps: Wanted, Fundamental Phrases

Inks: Chocolate Chip

CS: Natural Ivory, Creamy Carmel, Sage Shadow, Outlaw DSP*

Misc: Wide Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, HodgePodge Hardware (frame & brads) in Antique Copper*, Wide Oval Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Paper Piercer (for mini brads in the center of the circles)

*Retired

Thanks for stopping by!

Just a little note.....the Sage Shadow CS really does match the same green color in the stripe of the DSP....for some reason, it does not on screen. But trust me, it works well together!

BC#65 -- Watercoloring

For this week's challenge....and in honor of the Fall season, which seams to finally be upon us, I pulled out an old favorite, Autumn Leaf Prints. This is probably my all-time favorite leaf set by SU, but sadly, it retired a few years ago. (The newer leaf set -- With Gratitude, presently available is lovely, and somewhat similar in style....I just like this one better!)

So....watercoloring. This set is just so fabulous with watercolors...another reason to use it! Watercolor paper is key....simply stamping the leaves randomly onto watercolor paper in Timber Brown StazOn, then scribbled in with various earth-toned markers inside the leaves, and used Creamy Carmel around them. The Aqua Brush does the rest! The most difficult part of this card is waiting for the paper to dry!!

Stamps: Autum Leaf Prints, Canvas, Sanded, Best Yet (Hostess Level 1)

Inks: Timber Brown StazOn, Chocolate Chip

CS: Watercolor Paper, Old Olive, More Mustard, Creamy Carmel

Markers: Ruby Red, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Creamy Carmel

Misc: Wide Oval Punch (don't you just LOVE that new punch?!!), Old Olive Mini Brads, Dimensionals, Photo Corner Punch, Sponge Dauber

Thanks for stopping by...hope to see you as I visit the other bloggers. They are all amazingly talented...it's always worth the visit!!

Techno Challenge

I made this earlier in the day, but didn't have the chance to upload it till now. When I saw MaryJo's sketch this week, I just KNEW that I had to play with my new Big Shot die. This is the scallop die #2 that is listed in the back of the new Holiday Mini Catalog. You should be receiving the Minis by mail soon.....wait until you see all the terrific offerings! You can begin ordering October 1st.

Anyway, I used the larger of the 2 circles in my Big Shot and really liked the way it turned out earlier in the day....right now, I'm no longer sure. The circle is kinda large...maybe too large for the card? Maybe I'll have to make up another for the sketch at some point this week.....but, it's a busy one for sure! In the meantime, hopefully, you will enjoy this one. Check out the 2-toned flowers on the focal point....the image was first stamped in Almost Amethyst and then lightly brushed along the tips of the flower petals with a Lovely Lilac marker.

Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Stem Sayings

Inks: Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac

CS: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst, Almost Amethyst DSP (now retired)

Misc: Scallop Edge Punch, Scallop Die (Big Shot), White Gel Pen, Coluzzel, Lovely Lilac Marker, Certainly Celery Wide Grosgrain Ribbon

Designer Series Paper -- Blog Challenge #64

I LOVE Designer Series Paper....or DSP for short.....AND I often use it. It's a great way to add patterns and interest without adding a lot of bulk or weight.

As you may have already guessed, the challenge this week was to come up with a project using DSP. Of course, I wanted to come up with something new. Well, I though and though, and searched and searched for some type of inspiration for a project that would be new and different. New was easier....but different? Hmmm! Nope...came up with just a plain old card!! BUT, I used the fabulous new DSP that comes in the Hostess Level 1, Patterns Pack. Just adore the colors included in the pad....there's even Kraft!, which is what I used today.

So, a card it is! The DSP featured on this creation is really a reversible pattern, as shown. And I've always been fond of Kraft and Real Red together....the DSP has a white background, which dictated that the card needed some Whisper White. This also showcases the Scallop Edge Punch again....can you stand it?!!....AND some of the Red Gingham Ribbon. Although I typically use SU products almost exclusively, there is a small amount of "contraband" on this card: the mini brad in the center of the flower is a camel color that closely matches the Kraft, and is made by a Heidi Grace; and the organza leaves are by Creative Impressions....both purchases on a recent trip to a scrapbook store I discovered not too long ago.

Stamps: Eastern Blooms

Inks: Real Red

CS: Kraft, Whisper White, Kraft DSP (Level 1 Hostess)

Misc: Scallop Edge Punch, Paper Piercer (Tool Kit), Red Gingham Ribbon, Bunches of Leaves by Creative Impressions, Carmel Mini Brad by Heidi Grace

Hope you will take the time to visit some of the other bloggers who participate in our Weekly Challenge! And if you would like to be inspired by other DSP creations, there are many, many ideas right here on this blog! Just check back to some recent....and not so recent.....posts! Thanks for stopping by today.

Lunchtime Monday Challenge

Well, at least it's Monday, although it's waaaay past lunchtime....it's even past my bedtime! But, I'm playing again....so, I didn't think you'd really mind if I am a "tad" bit late! MaryJo had a great sketch again today....I really couldn't resist!

This card features the beautiful Inspired by Nature....another set received at Convention, that I really have not used, although I'm not really sure why because it is so pretty! Easy card and fun to make....and just perfect for these last days of summer!

Stamps: Inspired by Nature
Inks: Chocolate Chip
Markers: Old Olive, Summer Sun, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip
CS: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Summer Sun
Misc: Wide Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Wide Oval Punch

Silhouette Beauty

For the last few years, I have been a member of an online stamping group. The ladies that are in this group are amazing and talented stampers.....I am constantly inspired by them. Not only that, they are among the nicest people I know! Admittedly, I haven't met everyone, but have met a number of them at the last 3 Conventions, and about 1.5 years ago, I met part of the group in Cape Cod at one of the member's vacation homes. We had a blast together!

So, one of the things that happens within the group is that each week a Challenge is offered up....not so very different from the weekly Bloggers' Challenge, except that it is not mandatory (thankfully!), and we actually SEND our card to our "partner." I can't always participate, but did last week. Theme: Silhouettes.....I chose to use my very favorite new set from the new Idea Book & Catalog, Upsy Daisy*! Don't you just LOVE it?!!

Stamps: Upsy Daisy

Inks: More Mustard, Chocolate Chip

CS: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard DSP (Level 1 Hostess)

Misc: Wide Chocolate Chip Grosgrain, Narrow More Mustard Grosgrain, Wide Oval Punch, Dimensionals

*ON SALE....check it out here. You don't want to miss out on the opportunity to purchase this set....or any of the others...at a discount! Contact me today to order yours! Oh, and while you are there, be sure to check out the Fall-Winter Sampler Promotion...it begins on October 1!

BC #63 -- Color Combo

I'm not completely comfortable with the new In Colors....yet!....so, this was just a bit difficult for me this week. We were to use Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, and Pacific Point...WOW! These sure are bright together....and bright cards always seem cheerful...and cheerful somehow always screams BIRTHDAY!! So, of course, that's just what I made....a birthday card.

Now, don't get me wrong, I really do like each of the colors that are new for this SU year, but sometimes it takes awhile to warm up to, and get used to the new colors....I was just getting used to some of those that just retired!!

Anyway, here's what I came up with. Thanks for stopping by....see you as we visit the other Bloggers!

Stamps: WOW Flowers

Inks: Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango

CS: Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White

Misc: Round Metal-Edge Tag, Cropadile (to make hole for crystal brad), Red/Orange Crystal Brad (from Fire Collection), Scallop Punch, Wide Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Coluzzel, Dimensionals

NOTE: I used the Old Olive ribbon again...sometimes it works, but sometimes it doesn't. The Kiwi Kiss ribbon is on my Wish List....just haven't bought it yet....BUT, do not worry, I will!!

Lunchtime Monday Challenge

Ok, well, obviously, it's no longer Monday....but when I saw MaryJo's sketch this week, I just had to play along. I usually don't have time, and can't guarrantee that I'll be able to participate in the next one, but when I spotted this sketch, I just knew that it was time to ink up my new Ronald McDonald set, So Many Scallops!! Each attendee received this cute little set at Convention.....AND for every set sold, or donated by UPS (who paid for all these sets given away in Salt Lake City), $2 is donated to Ronald McDonald House. It was announced at Convention that SU has donated over $700,000 to RMH due in large part to you! Such a worthwhile cause....there are RMH houses throughout the country. They are lovely inside, making each resident and their family feel welcome during their illnesses. (I had the opportunity to visit one in Cleveland a few years ago...the staff was amazing, and all those who where in residence were so very grateful for the opportunity to stay in comfortable surroundings.) Although I certainly do not wish that any of you ever need to use a Ronald McDonald House....it's so nice to know that there is someplace we can go, isn't it?

Anyway, this is the sketch:












....and this is what I came up with:








Don't you just love that Bella Rosa Designer Paper?!! (I may need to buy a new pack....I've used up most of this package already!!) Easy card, fun layout, just a few little things added to "spice it up!"


Stamps: Say It With Scallops
Inks: Basic Black, Whisper White Craft
CS: Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Bella Rose DSP
Misc: White Gel Pen, Black Mini Brads, Paper Piercer (Tool Kit), Scallop Square Punch, Ticket Punch, Black Gingham Ribbon, White Grosgrain Ribbon (Non-SU....from my ribbon stash!!), Dimensionals