Lunchtime Challenge #147

First, I want to take a quick minute to thank all those who stopped by over the past few days to visit during the Royal Blog Tour....and especially to thank those who left me a comment. One of the settings was off, so leaving a comment during the first part of the tour was not possible, but some took the time to e-mail me and let me know. THANK YOU! Although the links will be down shortly, you can still view all the blogs that participated for a bit more time by clicking here. (Be sure to scroll down.)

So, today, we have MaryJo's Monday Lunchtime Challenge. You can see the sketch here....it's a bit out of my comfort zone, but as you can see, I did it! The toughest part of the sketch that I found was making everything fit, but as you can see, I stayed pretty true to the original.

I seem to have Christmas on the brain lately (maybe it's from all the shopping I did this past week...the stores are already decked out!), so I grabbed this fun set, Season of Joy. That word background just seemed perfect for that squarish focal point. Check out the little additions....lots of paper piercing. Since there are poinsettias at the top of that stamp, the Petals-A-Plenty Embossing Folder seemed the natural choice for the band across the card. Everything on this card is currently available from Stampin'Up, with the exception of the ribbon, which has been on my shelf for some time...it's by Martha Stewart.

Stamps: Season of Joy

Inks: Real Red, Garden Green

CS: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Real Red, Garden Green

Misc: Big Shot, Petals A Plenty Embossing Folder, 3/4" Round Punch, Dimensionals, Itty Bitty Shape Punch, Bitty Buttons, Mini Glue Dots, White Gel Pen, Martha Stewart Ribbon

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Hope you enjoyed your visit!

Royal Blog Tour -- Day of Gratitude

Welcome to my little corner of the kingdom! Hopefully, you have enjoyed your travels so far today and have seen some wonderfully amazing and inspiring ideas!! At this stop, I will showcase Day of Gratitude....this set can be found in the current Holiday Mini (so the set is available for only a limited time!). Such a beautiful set!

My first inspiration piece is very simple, but shows off those lovely leaves...they've been embossed in gold and cut out. I just love this look....don't you?!! The medallion was stamped down the side of the Chocolate Chip background in the same color ink for a bit of interest. A strip (a scrap really!) of Autumn Spice DSP was slightly distressed (top) and layered behind the leaves and saying. The finishing touches are the charming button, tied with Linen Thread of course, and the torn/distressed edge.

Stamps: Day of Gratitude
Inks: Versamark, Chocolate Chip
CS: Natural Ivory, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, More Mustard, Cajun Craze
Misc: Gold Embossing Powder, Neutrals Designer Buttons, Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dots, Decorative Label Punch

Next up is another simple one....but I just adore these colors together.....I'm such a Crumb Cake fan! Look how fabulous it looks with Early Espresso

and Cajun Craze! The Crumb Cake base was simply stamped with the floral image in matching ink....no need to be precise about where to end because the layers over top cover up any imperfections. The same image was also stamped across the Natural Ivory layer and then layered onto Cajun Craze and Early Espresso....see the distressed edges? To add a bit of interest and texture and a bit of the shabby chic look, I added some gathered Chantilly lace. To really adhere it down, Linen Thread is wrapped around....and it's also tied through the button. Can you tell I'm a real fan of the thread through the buttons? LOL...gotta love that look! That cute little tag was created with the Jewelry Tag Punch and the saying is from Tiny Tags. Simple, really...with just a few extra touches!

Stamps: Day of Gratitude, Tiny Tags
Inks: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze
CS: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Natural Ivory
Misc: Jewelry Tag Punch, Cutter Kit, Linen Thread, Neutrals Designer Buttons, Chantilly Lace, Mini Glue Dots

Then I have a 3-D item for you.....saw this idea last Saturday at a Shoebox Swap. It was just the cutest idea, so I adapted it to this set! So sweet and simple, too!

The photo shows the top and the bottom, but the bottom portion actually just slips into the top. The base of the box with the tea lights is simply a piece of folded Early Espresso cardstock. The top of each tea light has a small piece of stamped white tissue paper that was melted onto the candle. The sleeve, or box top, uses Autumn Spice DSP which is layered with Cajun Craze and Natural Ivory that was stamped all around. What a pretty little hostess gift for Thanksgiving!

Stamps: Day of Gratitude, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Old Olive, So Saffron, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze
CS: Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Natural Ivory
Misc: 1 3/8" Round Punch, Crop-a-dile, Heat Gun (for tissues/candles); Decorative Label Punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Paper Piercer, Gold Mini Brads, Linen Thread
You can see a tutorial here to learn how to make these cute little decorated candles and the matching box.

This will take us to my 4th idea (you are almost done!)......this one really showcases that fabulously textured Autumn Spice DSP. Card base is Early Espresso; the medallion was "inked" with markers to give it that multi-colored look. The So Saffron layer was put through the Big Shot (You didn't think I wouldn't use it at all for this post, did you?!!), and then sponged in matching ink, which adds so much depth.....the center circle (with the saying) also was sponged with the same ink. The bow was actually an extra I had on my desktop and it worked perfectly on this card....the "ribbon" across the card is none other than some Cajun Craze that was punched with that wonderful new Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch.

Stamps: Day of Gratitude

Inks: So Saffron

CS: Early Espresso, So Saffron, Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze

Markers: Cajun Craze, So Saffron, Early Espresso

Misc: Wide Very Vanilla Grosgrain, Antique Brad, Circle Cutter, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch, Mini Glue Dots

Whew! Still with me? Inspired yet? For my last share, I wanted a different color pallet this time around. Another simple layout that has been dressed up for your royal visit! The base is Whisper White with a layer of So Saffron and then topped with the Night of Navy layer that was impressed in the Big Shot using the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder....how rich! The ovals were made by first punching the Whisper White layer with the Wide Oval Punch and then they were each layered onto a So Saffron layer created by die, cutting the smallest of the Ovals Die. Then those fantabulous leaves were again embossed and cut out and layered onto the ovals.....aren't they elegant on this backdrop?

Stamps: Day of Gratitude
Inks: Night of Navy, Versamark
CS: Whisper White, So Saffron, Night of Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive
Misc: Wide Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Neutrals Designer Buttons, Linen Thread, Big Shot, Ovals Die, Vintage Wallpaper EF, Gold Embossing Powder, Wide Oval Punch

So....are you in love with this set now? I for one, am madly in love with it...can't you tell?!! Now it's time for you to continue on your journey around the kingdom....but before you go, please take a few seconds and leave me a comment to let me know if you enjoyed your stay (I love comments!). Thanks for stopping by and have a safe trip....you are in for lots more treats as you continue on the Royal Blog Tour!

Bloggers' Challenge #176 -- Patriotic

I'm here! I'm here! Yes, I'm late again, but really wanted to participate.....went away for a few days and just didn't have the time to get this together before I left. This was the first (and only) "vacation" I was able to take this year....and it was just so nice to get away! Just a few days down in Myrtle Beach....a fun couple of days with my hubby, sister and BIL. The guys golfed; we ladies went shopping!

Anyway, here's my submission for this week's Challenge. I have to admit that I did a double take when I saw the theme....Patriotic? It's Fall....it's getting cold.....and the holidays are coming! Oh, well....whatever! (Wonder what Lisa, our group Mom was thinking....timing is a bit unusual, don't you think?)

There's a "new" technique floating around in cyberland and I so wanted to try it. Soooo easy....soooo fun! (And actually, one I've done before!) I think it's called Inlaid Embossing....but not positive about that. The stars were punched with the now-retired Small Star Punch, the Extra Large Star Punch, and the Big Shot and the Movers & Shaker Die. Except for the layered stars, all were adhered to the Natural White background and then put through the Square Lattice Embossing Folder. If you click on the photo, you can bring it up a bit larger and see more of the detail. Oh, and the Natural White background was created with the Top Note Die....put the piece of CS through once and then turn and give it a go once again. The "HB" is also retired, but so perfect for the solid star...and popped up on a Dimensional.

So, there you have it...my out of season Patriotic rendition of a birthday card....but, I guess birthdays are NEVER out of season, are they?! Thanks so much for stopping by.....and don't forget to see what the others have been up to. You can see who is participating, and then visiting their blogs, by clicking here.

Stamps: All Holidays, It's Your Birthday*, Classic Stars Jumbo Wheel

Inks: Pacific Point, Crumb Cake

CS: Crumb Cake, Natural White, Cherry Cobbler, Pacific Point

Misc: Small Star Punch*, Extra Large Star Punch, Movers & Shakers, Big Shot, Top Note Die, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Riding Hood Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon*, Dimensionals, Linen Thread, Designer Buttons (Neutrals)

*Retired

Edited to add: DUH! Forgot about Veteran's Day! How unAmerican of me. We owe our vets so much....guess I just lost track of time. Guess I still have flakey brain syndrome!

My Go Diva Holiday Swap

About a month or so ago, I participated in a swap. This group of swappers (we're calling ourselves the Go Divas.) is amazing and I actually find myself just a wee little bit intimidated by the thought of participating because the cards I receive back are always so awesome! BUT, that doesn't mean I don't participate!.....I LOVE what I get back and I'm always so inspired!

OK, so now I'm thinking it was longer than a month ago, because I remember thinking that maybe I wouldn't be up to it....remember, in August I was still just barely getting around! And making 28 cards can take a bit of time!

But, naturally, I managed....although I have to admit that I didn't stamp a single thing on this card....it was totally created with the Big Shot! Well, I did sponge White Craft ink onto the embossed snowflakes and add the little rhinestones....and tie the bow. Does that count?

Stamps: None

Inks: White Craft

CS: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Bashful Blue

Misc: Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Join in the Cheer Sizzlit Strip, Big Shot, Rhinestones, White Satin Ribbon, Decorative Label Punch, Dimensionals, Sponge

Thanks for stopping by! Don't miss the Royal Blog Tour (November 3 thru 8)....you'll be so glad you visited!!

MaryJo's Lunchtime Challenge -- #146

It feels so good to join in a Challenge again! It's been so long since I've had the time to participate in MaryJo's Lunchtime Challenges, but here I am....finally! Although, I'm a bit behind and this should have been posted yesterday...hopefully you won't mind! Fun sketch and it gave me a chance to use some brand-new rubber!....I just received Aviary. So cute!! Actually, there's a few new things on this card......

One of the really wonderful things about having our stamp sets unmounted, is that not only do we save a ton of storage space, but we can save time as well. Let me explain....you see, I added both bird cages to the clear block and stamped at the same time! Cool, right?!! The birds were added in individually.

So, new things.....I used Poppy Parade CS, one of this year's luscious, new In Colors. It's paired with Old Olive, Whisper White, and Basic Black.....I love the POP of color it gives! The "Thanks" is from that lovely, new Hostess Level 1 set, Afterthoughts. I just "inked" the one word with my Basic Black Marker. And, of course, there's that fabulous, new punch from the Holiday Mini, the Designer Label Punch. (It's so popular that it's currently on backorder...sorry!)

What do you think?...isn't this just so much fun?!! Thanks for stopping by today....hope you enjoyed your visit. Please don't forget to come back soon.....and don't miss the Royal Blog Tour beginning this Thursday, November 4 thru Monday, November 8 . You can begin here and hop around to different blogs....we'll all be linked together. You are going to really enjoy the trip!

Stamps: Aviary, Afterthoughts

Inks: Basic Black, Old Olive, Poppy Parade

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Poppy Parade, Old Olive

Misc: Basic Black Mini Brads (Neutrals Collection), Wide Oval Punch, Designer Label Punch, Paper Piercer, Dimensionals, Wide Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Basic Black Marker

Bloggers' Challenge -- Halloween

It has been a long, long while....and I actually created this simple card for a previous challenge that took place a few weeks ago....it was a color challenge using Black, Orange, and White. I just never had the chance to download it and post. (As life returns to "normal" it is getting more and more hectic...and I've got to squeeze in about 2 hours of stretching exercises each day so my knee doesn't stiffen up too much....UGH! I just want this all to be behind me!!It's just over 3 months since I had my knee replaced.)

Anyway, I'm liking the simplicity of this card....and just in time for Halloween, but barely! And I had the opportunity to use this fun set, Batty for You once more before this holiday is over.....it's just so cute! I KNOW....Halloween isn't about cute, but I really don't like scary!

The images used for this card are stamped in Basic Black (left and right), and the center image was stamped in White Craft and embossed. See the little boogly eyes on the bat and spider? What you probably cannot tell is that the ghost image is raised on Dimensionals. They are all set against a scrap of older, long-retired Halloween-themed DSP. The black background was impressed with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder and my Big Shot.

Thanks for stopping by and spending a bit of time with me today.....don't forget to check out what the other bloggers have been up to. You can see the list of participants here. And please be sure to come back to join in the Royal Blog Tour (November 5 thru 8)....and you really don't want to miss that....you'll be able to easily blog hop from blog to blog and see amazing ideas, and maybe even win a prize or two! You can begin your tour from my blog.

Have a fun and safe Halloween!

Stamps: Batty for You, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Inks: Basic Black, White Craft

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie

Misc: Word Window Punch, 1 1/4" & 1 3/8" Round Punches, Dimensionals, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Pumpkin Pie Stripped Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), DSP (retired)

A Proud Grandma's Photo Album

While attending physical therapy (it's almost over), I met some wonderful people. One lady is someone that I knew slightly back in my sewing days.....when I used to make my twin daughter's clothing. Anyway, Margaret and I reconnected and she asked if I was still sewing (only sometimes). So, of course I explained that I am now passionate about rubber stamp art.....but she didn't quite get what that was. Well, long story short, she ended up ordering a number of card sets from me. THIS was my thank you gift from me to her.

I've been wanting to try making one of these fun little scrapbooks for a long time, and making one for Margaret was the perfect time to try. Now, the ones I've seen online were in tins, but since SU now sells these plastic cases (they are what our new clear-mount sets come in), I needed to see if they would work....they work perfectly!

The first photo shows the case.....but you probably don't recognize the DSP. To be honest, I no longer know the name.....it has long been retired from the SU line. I don't have much of this paper left (guess it's long overdue that I use it up, huh?!!), and it was just perfect for this project. The cover was really simple and also features retired mini brads in Barely Banana; the saying was computer generated. Those cute little elephants were created with a Martha Stewart punch.

Contained inside was the booklet itself (2nd photo). Coordinating DSP (from the same collection) was used. The inside of the scrapbook contains clear envelopes....they are the perfect size for photos! You can see the tutorial on making it here. It really is easy....and quick, too!

Margaret loved it and now she has a great way to show off photos of her grandson...and protect them in her purse. She is, after all, a very proud Grandma!

Stamps: N/A

Inks: N/A

CS: Gable Green*, Whisper White, Barely Banana*, Bashful Blue

Misc: Martha Stewart Punch (elephant), Scallop Square Punch, 1 1/4" Square Punch, Large White Brads (Neutrals Collection), DSP*

Thanks for stopping by today. And if you decide to make one of these great little albums, please be sure to share! They can be used for so many themes, and you're bound to have a great time making one (or more)!!

I've Been Such a Bad, Bad Blogger!

In my last post...which was over a month ago (GASP!), I promised to post the remainder of the hand-stamped get well cards I received.

Well, right after making that promise, my computer crashed and then I was told to get off my feet for most of the day. Now I elevate my feet a few hours each day(need to lay down for this!) and wear a compression stocking on my right leg...trying to reduce the swelling in my operated knee. (Life just keeps getting better, doesn't it?!!) I'm still not sleeping well, and still going to therapy, which wears me out. But, I have been stamping...I just don't seem to be able to multi-task these days! UGH!

Anyway, I have a number of things to share with you, so first....thank you for your patience; and please come back soon! (I'll also be participating in a Blog Tour soon...so, I've begun to work on that!)

For today, I have the remaining 2 hand-stamped cards I received some time ago from a couple of on-line friends. The first one in browns and greens is so much prettier in real life! I have to admit when I first saw it online (Rose posted it for a Challenge), I thought it was pretty, but it just didn't stand out. Well....a week or so later it landed in my mailbox and I have to tell you that it is just drop dead gorgeous!! Rose has lots of great little details on this beauty, which make all the difference...I'm so lucky to have received it!

Stamps: Growing Green, EnFrancais, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Inks: Crumb Cake, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip

CS: Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Very Vanilla

Misc: 1 1/4" Round Punch, Buttons Sizzlet, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch, Crystal Effects (each leaf has been "painted" with CE), Natural Hemp Twine, Garden Green Mini Brads (from the Regals Collection), Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Dimensional (under "button" accent), Woodland Walk DSP, Sponge

Please note: All materials used to create this sample are currently available from SU! This card was created by Rose Kerry from California.

My next surprise, was from Marjie Schulsinger, who lives out in Colorado. This is another beauty that is so much prettier in person! Marjie used that wonderful, new (I really want it!) set, Just Believe, and a great, old favorite, Inspired by Nature. Aren't they great together?!! For the focal piece on this card, Marjie embossed the floral image and sponged the background. Easy, but so stunning!

Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Just Believe

Inks: Black Craft, Not Quite Navy (saying), More Mustard

CS: Basic Black, Not Quite Navy, Marina Mist, Whisper White, Glossy White, More Mustard

Misc: Black Embossing Powder, Narrow Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Word Window Punch, Sponge, Beautiful Wings Embosslit

Please note: ALL materials used to create this card are currently available from SU! This card was created by Marjie Schulsinger of Colorado.

Aren't I lucky to have received these beauties?!! All these wonderful cards made my recovery so much brighter!! Thanks so much for stopping by today...I am so sorry there was such a lapse of time since my last post! I'm now coming up on the 3 month mark since my surgery and although I am far from totally recovered, I am feeling better and getting around more, and am beginning to feel like my old self, although I still have a way to go yet. I promise to post much more often, so please come back and visit!!

Get Well Cards...To Me!

Well, if you've been reading this blog at all these past few months, you know that I had knee replacement surgery in the beginning of July. Surgery wasn't really difficult at all, but I have to admit that I am more than a little frustrated by the length of time it is taking me to recover! (I really thought I'd be much more mobile by now!) BUT, as I'm recuperating, I've received some of the prettiest hand-made Get Well cards.....almost makes the surgery (and recovery) worth it!

Recovery has brought all sorts of "adventures" along the way....it's been almost 8 weeks since the surgery. Today, my good knee is not allowing me to easily get up and down stairs....ugh! I'm sure that will pass...and then there will likely be another issue! AND I had really wanted to post something for all of you today. Well, today is one of those picture perfect days and the windows are finally open with the breeze blowing in....and tossing all my Get Well cards around to the floor. As I was picking them up for about the 4th time, I thought that I should share them with you!!

This first one in pink, features some retired DSP and ribbon, but isn't it just so pretty?!! Can you see that the DSP was embossed with one of the Texturz Plates? What a great idea! That little tea cup filled with flowers is just so cute and sure bought a smile to my face when I really needed it.....it's one of my very favorite images from the Fun & Fast stamp set. Such a simple layout in Regal Rose and Basic Black, but all dressed up. This is from my good friend, and sister demo, June. Gotta love that Black Gingham ribbon, "tied" with a flower brad!

Stamps: Fast & Fun
Inks: Basic Black
CS: Whisper White, Basic Black
Misc: Regal Rose DSP*, various markers, Black Gingham Ribbon*, Flower Brad, Texturz Plate, Big Shot

Then this lovely hydrangea card from another sister demo, good friend, and my upline, Nicole Jordan. As soon as I saw that hydrangea coming out from SU, I knew that it would be one of Nicole's favorites....she just adores hydrangeas! She stamped that image onto Watercolor Paper so that the image could be water colored in...not sure which method she used, but isn't it spectacular? Nicole used Very Vanilla, Rose Red, and Kiwi Kiss cardstocks....and it's all tied up with that beautiful, but now-retired Kiwi Satin Ribbon.

Stamps: Because I Care (Hostess Level 1)
Inks: Jet Black StazOn
CS: Very Vanilla, Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss*, Watercolor Paper
Misc: Kiwi Satin Ribbon*
*Retired
Please note: Since I'm not sure which watercolor method Nicole, used, I cannot accurately share that information.



Next up is this fun little piggy card. Although I added in the watermark that it is by my sister demo, June (again), it is actually from her Mom, Joanne....and I know that Joanne played a large role in the making of this card. Joanne LOVES piggies! I suspect that June may have colored it in, though, 'cause coloring in things like this and seeing all the little details, is getting more difficult for Mom. Cute, huh?!!

Stamps: Flannel Plaid Background*, and the pig in bed stamp is part of a set that is long retired....I'm going to guess that it's called, You Cured Yet? Inks: Basic Black, Regal Rose
CS: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Misc: Old Olive Mini Brad (check out the thermometer!), various markers

I still have a few more to share with you....so please come back and visit soon. Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting today!

The Big Shot is NOT Just for Paper!

Do you remember when SU first began marketing the Big Shot? We were told that this amazing machine could cut all sorts of products. To be honest, I've used mine only for cardstock...that is until recently. If you are a reader of this blog, you may remember the Rag Bag Purse and totes that I made some time ago. (You can see those posts here and here.) As you can see, I've made the transition of using the Big Shot for fabric! If you were to Google "Quilting with the Big Shot," you would likely find some amazing projects.

Well, I'm not really a quilter, but I can get by with a sewing machine. So, I've been using my Scallop Square Die in the Big Shot with fabric to create various projects. This past Saturday, I attended a gathering for demonstrators sponsored by my upline's upline.....and I was asked to demonstrate quilting. Boy was I ever nervous....but my presentation actually went OK! To prepare, of course, I needed ideas and samples. I brought my purse and totes, made a simple set of coasters, an ornament, and THIS....a Fall-themed table runner. When I pulled this out of my bag the ladies were so excited.

So, here is a photo of that runner....I wanted to share with you as well! As you can see, this was made with those scallop squares as well, but this time, the rows run on the diagonal. If you tilt your head a bit to the right, you'll see what I mean! I used 3/4 of a yard of calico for the leaf fabric squares; 3/4 of a yard for the green fabric squares; and 1 1/2 yards of a brown fabric for the bottom, which you cannot see (the underneath, which is solid). This was so easy to create and lots of fun to make....but in order to get that raggy-type edge, you need to clip the fabric in between each scallop...and this took quite some time. It wasn't really too bad, though....I did it in an evening in front of the TV and was done before I even realized it!

The only SU products used to create this were the Big Shot and the Scallop Square die. The fabric and the cotton batting were purchased at my local quilt shop. If you have any questions on how to create your own, please e-mail me and I'll try to answer your questions!

Thanks for stopping by today!