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!

Isn't it "Charming?"

About a month ago (I may have mentioned this), I went to a large stamp gathering with my sidelines and uplines. It was a fun-filled day of stamping, learning new things, and seeing how new products can be used. We also had the opportunity to do Make & Takes throughout the day....just like you do in a workshop! We also had 2 guests.....the amazingly talented Michele Zindorff and equally talented Karen Barber.. Both are part of my sideline, a few times removed, maybe, but they are definitely a part of our group!

Anyway, this is the card that each attendee made with Karen. She came up with one of her outstanding creations and taught us that fabulous technique, Black Magic. Karen is definitely the master (and possibly even the creator, but I'm not sure about that!) of this technique! You can view her blog and creations here. Her creations are ALWAYS gorgeous, but sadly, she doesn't post on her blog too frequently.

So, although this is Karen's brain child, I stamped it and really wanted to share. As you can see, the background on this card is created with Charming. The Oval Die was used to create the main focal ovals, oval punches were used for the greeting. For the Black Magic technique, you simply stamp an image in White Craft ink onto a dark color cardstock....in this case, Basic Black. Allow the ink to dry and then color over top with Watercolor Pencils. The finishing touch was all those little dots with the White Gel Pen, which just sets everything off!

Oh, did I mention that I won this set, Charming? (Sorry...I think I already did, but I'm still so excited because I usually don't win!!) It was my table prize and I went home with it that day! It was a GOOD day that day! Tanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Charming, Short & Sweet

Inks: Rose Red, White Craft, Basic Black

CS: Rose Red, Whisper White, Basic Black

Misc: Big Shot, Oval Dies, Small & Large Oval punches, White Satin Ribbon, Flat Pearls from the Pretties Kit, Mini Glue Dots (for adhering the pearls), Dimensionals, Watercolor Pencils, White Gel Pen

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

Monday Lunchtime Challenge

I'm finally able to participate in MaryJo's weekly Challenge....it's been a LONG time since I've played along.

This is a really simple version of MJs sketch.....I think that I was really supposed to use a punched image where my main image is and smaller punched images or embellishments below. But, I just couldn't seem to work them into the sketch without it looking overdone. So, as I said before, I simplified it....but take note that I did add a punch where the saying is! Doesn't that count?!!

This combines my very favorite image from Friends 24-7 and that lovely round medallion-type image is from Charming, one of the fabulous sets in the Holiday Mini......as you can see it was used below the main image, but also created the background on the Elegant Eggplant cardstock layer. I seem to be on a purple kick lately, so here I've used Elegant Eggplant.....you know it's one of those lovely colors that I just don't ever seem to use! Here it's used with Certainly Celery, and I'm loving that combination! To dress up this card, and what your computer screen just cannot capture is the little bits of glitter highlighting portions of the images. This is very subtle since I used a glitter pen (not SU).

Thanks for stopping by today......and don't forget to check out what MaryJo has been up to.

Stamps: Friends 24-7, Charming, Warm Words

Inks: Elegant Eggplant

CS: Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant, Certainly Celery

Misc: Wide Certainly Celery Grosgrain, Modern Label Punch and matching Mover & Shaker Die, Big Shot, Antique Brass Mini Brads (Vintage Collection), Paper Piercer, Glitter Pen

Please note: ALL materials used to create this sample are from SU, unless otherwise noted.

It's a Cupcake Kind of Day

I LOVE this card! OK, well, I don't really toot my own horn very often, but I just couldn't help it! Maybe it's the bright cheerful colors.....one of my favorite color combos has always been bright pink and bright orange.....and usually I pair them up with Whisper White. However, in this case, Very Vanilla was used instead, and as you can see, it toned it down just a wee bit...so it works!

This is actually a sample from my workshop last month. You see the ladies that attended have been customers for almost 10 years and they want to see what they can do with stamps AND they want to see new accessories.

Well, this card features the Big Shot.....obviously, the Top Note die has been used, but what you cannot see unless you look very closely, is that once run through the die, that orange piece (Pumpkin Pie, actually) has been run through the Big Shot once again with a Texturz Plate.....I used one from the Backgrounds 2 set. It's the one with the little flowers and the dotted curly things.

This card also features Watercolor Paper, which is key when coloring with SU Markers and the Aqua Brush.....simply outline the image with the marker and "pull" the color out with the Aqua Brush. The candle, flame, and sprinkles were colored directly with the markers, full strength.

So, there you have it....I'm showing off one of my favorite stamp sets in a favorite color combination. It also has that big wide stripped ribbon, another favorite.....AND a touch of Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. What's not to love?!!

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes

Inks: Jet Black StazOn

CS: Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie, Pixie Pink, Watercolor Paper

Markers: Pixie Pink, Pink Passion, YoYo Yellow, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black

Misc: 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (sprinkles and flame), Big Shot, Top Note Die, Textuz Plate (Backgrounds 2), 1 1/4" Wide Stripped Grosgrain Ribbon in Pumpkin Pie

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