Convention Swap Reject

Well....the SU Convention is about 3 weeks away! You know what that means, don't you? It's time to make swaps! YIKES....not much time left!  I'm so excited to be able to attend this year!!

I will be participating in 2 group swaps and not the general swap....the ladies in each of these groups make the most amazing swap cards. They are ALL so gifted, talented, and creative. I need 3 different swap ideas; 2 swap card ideas are already planned out....I'm in need of a 3rd idea. Last night I was working on ideas and came up with this.

Do you recognize the clouds? How about the basket of the hot air balloon? They are both punched using the Cupcake Builder punch; the basket was also stamped using the Build a Cupcake stamp set....both will be in the new catalog. I do have to credit one of my stamping idols, Julie Buhler with this balloon idea....she is incredibly creative. When I saw this "out of the box" idea, I just knew that somehow I'd need to use it! So, this is adapted from her original idea.

But, I realized something about half way through making this card.....it takes WAY TOO LONG to make one, never mind enough for a swap! I think I'd need much, much more time than I have to make enough!! So, it's back to the drawing board...which is why this sample is a "Convention Swap Reject."  In the meantime, this will be put aside for a graduation card....this will be perfect for that, I think!

Stamps: Trendy Trees (balloon), Word Play
Inks: Certainly Celery (sponged on the "hills"), Bashful Blue (sponged on the clouds), Pacific Point, Read Red, Crumb Cake (basket)
CS: Whisper White, Pacific Point, Real Red, Certainly Celery, Real Red, Bashful Blue
Big Shot: Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Scallop Circle #2, Tasteful Trim
Misc: Bashful Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, White Baker's Twine, Dimensionals, Paper Piercer, Curly Label Punch, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Round Punches, Dimensionals, Circle Scissor Plus, Cutter Kit

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Horray for Dads!

It's been a very long while since I've posted.....lots of things have been going on (still adjusting to my job and the hours, vacation, life....). I've missed sharing with you. So, in honor of Dad's Day, I thought it was definitely time to begin posting again!

This card is a variation of one I did with my Stamp Club ladies last month, and is the one I sent my partner in a one-on-one challenge/swap in an online group I belong to. The Club ladies loved this, hopefully my swap partner liked it as well!

This set is just so fabulous for masculine cards....something that I definitely have a difficult time with; and the ocean theme is perfect for Father's Day. Sadly, this wonderful set will NOT be included in the upcoming SU catalog. So, if you want it, you'll need to order yours before the Summer Mini Catalog expires (August 30, 2011).

To color in the ship and ocean, I used my chalk pastels....they really needed to be dusted off! No special technique for coloring in, but to create the "ocean" look, I simply tore a scrap piece of paper and sponged the pastel color off the edge and then moved the paper and repeated the same step over and over again. The Cherry Cobbler background was simply stamped randomly with the anchor image in Whisper White Craft Ink. The same ink was also used to sponge the edges of the Cherry Cobbler layer as well as the Marina Mist layers. Finally, the layers were wrapped with white Bakers' Twine, which you can find in the Mini; and the button was added.  I really like these colors together, and am very happy with the way this card turned out.....what do you think?

Stamps: The Open Sea, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Basic Black, Whisper White Craft
CS: Sahara Sand, Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
Misc: Whisper White Bakers' Twine, Pastels, Sponge, Designer Label Punch, Button

Thank you for your continued patience and for stopping by and making your visit a part of your day. I have lots more to share...please come back soon!