Thanksgiving is Almost Here!

This week's challenge was to create a Thanksgiving themed card or project. I have to admit to "cheating" a bit. This card was made a few weeks back for a one-on-one challenge with a Fall theme. Rose, an online friend, who received this card, loved it.....and I have to admit that I was pretty happy with it myself. Since I had not yet shared this with all of you, and with the theme this week being so close to the Fall theme of that Challenge, I thought it was time!

This one was fun to make and has a lot of texture......I can't seem to stop using a combination of embossing folders! In this case, I used the lovely Vintage Wallpaper and, of course, my very "favoritist" of all.....Square Lattice. The focal point was stamped with the wonderful leaf images from Autumn Splendor....don't you just love the richness of the detail in those images?!! Can you tell that the Old Olive layer was also stamped? That same image that you can see in Old Olive on the focal point was also stamped in Old Olive on the matching CS and then put through the embossing folder, and then sponged around the edges for extra depth. Those cute little tags were stamped with images from Teeny Tiny Tags and punched out using the Medium Jewelry Punch. An easy card, really, but has a lot going on without being over the top!

Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting today! Please take a bit of time to see what the other Bloggers have been up to....you can see the list here. Oh, and I want to wish each of you and your families a wonderful Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have the opportunity to spend it with those you love.

Stamps: Autumn Splendor, Teeny Tiny Tags
Inks: Old Olive, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze
CS: Natural Ivory, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Cajun Craze
Misc: Wide Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Linen Thread, Designer Button (Neutral), Big Shot, Square Lattice & Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folders, Medium Jewelry Tag, Dimensionals

Bloggers' Challenge -- It's a Sketch!

As you may have guessed, this week's Challenge was based on a sketch. Our list Mom, Lisa, (Hi, Lisa....loved this one!) gave us a sketch and we were to interpret it. Honestly, sometimes, I find the sketches difficult...which is probably a good thing because it stretches my creativity....and sometimes, I find them so easy. Like this one...as soon as I saw it I knew what to do! It was just finding the time to create it, take a photo and then post to share with you! You'll probably notice that I turned it on its side.

Well, in an effort to make something different than all the Christmas/Holiday cards I've been making lately, I wanted something completely different.....and this beautiful hydrangea just has not seen enough ink...AND it's perfect for the oval, don't you think?! AND, did you notice something missing? I almost used it, but chose the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder instead.....I figured you were all going to tell me to "step away from the Square Lattice Embossing Folder!" I use it so often, I'm sure I'll wear it out!! LOL

Anyway, the flower image was colored in using my brand-new pastels (Rich Razzelberry, Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Wild Wasabi) and then shadowed using the Sahara Sand Marker. And look at that cute "scallop" around the edge of the oval....that was created by using the flower punch from the Punch Pack and a scrap of Perfect Plum CS. Everything on this card is current, with the exception of the way I created the oval. I used the Coluzzel (now retired) because it gave me the perfect size....and I just couldn't get what I wanted with the Big Shot dies.

Thanks for stopping by today and making your visit a part of your busy day....hope you enjoyed your stay! Please check out what the others have created with this fabulous sketch....it's always fun to see the different directions we can go with the same basic idea! You can view the list of participants here....just click on each name and it will take you to their posts.

Stamps: Because I Care (Hostess Level 1)
Inks: Basic Black
CS: Whisper White, Perfect Plum, Bashful Blue
Misc: Pastels, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Vintage Wallpaper EF, Whisper White Satin Ribbon, Antique Brad, Mini Glue Dots (to hold bow on), Sahara Sand Marker, Punch Pack (Flower Punch)

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!!