Inspired Challenge

WOW! This one was really difficult for me! I know, I know....it was supposed to be easy!!! But, I must be the most unobservant person on the planet because I kept forgetting to look around to find a source of "inspiration!!!!" You see, there's inspiration everywhere....in catalogs, in your cupboards, the patterns, or prints in your clothing....anywhere you look. The key here is to LOOK! Well, I finally remembered yesterday morning to look around a bit, but nothing hit me. I even went to the supermarket yesterday hoping that some of the packaging might give me an idea. But, of course, I just found what I needed in there and forgot to look for ideas before I came home. DUH! It wasn't until I was making dinner last night and thinking that I might just have to skip this week's edition of the Bloggers' Challenge when I spotted the wrapper on the loaf of bread. (You see, I was making Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato Sandwiches.....which are just the BEST because Jersey fresh tomatoes are at their peak!!) Anyway, it's the wrapper that inspired me. So after dinner, I went and played, but nothing seemed to be working out.

Then while lying in bed, I suddenly knew what the card would look like. (Don't we ALL do our best thinking in bed?!!) So, this morning when I had a chance to play, this is what I came up with. Of course, if you look at the packaging and turn it around, you may see some similarity....but that was the Challenge: to become "inspired" by something, not necessarily duplicate it!

Stamps: Happiness, Canvas, Think Happy Thoughts

Inks: Only Orange, Green Galore, Tempting Turquoise, Pink Passion, Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Gable Green, Pink Passion, Basic Black

Misc: Whisper White 3/8" Grosgrain Ribbon; Black Mini Brad; Paper Piercer; 3/4" , 1 1/4" & 1 3/8" Round Punches; Scallop Punch, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (for flower centers)

Don't forget to check to see what great things the other Bloggers have been "inspired" by....they truly are a talented group of ladies! (Links can be found in my sidebar to the left.)

Scalloped Flower

My sister looked through all my Convention swaps the other night, and she asked me to scan this and send it to her. (Hi, Kathy!) Only then did I realize that I never posted this card. It was one of my swaps at Convention a couple of weeks ago.....only made a few of these. Soooo, I thought I'd share it with all of you as well!!

The scroll in the background is from Priceless, the saying is a brand new set that I just bought (from last year's catalog) called Friendship Flowers. It was one of those sets I had looked at many, many times and thought it was just OK....you know, nothing special. That is, until a friend of mine send me a wonderful card using one of the sayings from the set. After that, I just had to have it!!! Don't you just hate it when that happens?!! LOL!! (Ah, such is the life of a stamp-a-holic!!) The saying on this card is probably one of my favorites in the set.

Not sure if you can see it, but the background paper has little stripes of glitter....created with the 2-way glue pen and Dazzling Diamonds. And the "flower" was actually created by using the fabulous, brand-new (to me AND to the catalog) Scallop Punch! Saw this idea on another blog and just had to re-create it......don't ya just luv this idea?!!

Stamps: Priceless, Friendship Flowers, Three for You Punch Kit

Inks: So Saffron, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip

CS: So Saffron, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard

Misc: Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, 3/4" Round Punch, Paper Piercer, Gold Mini Brad, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Prints Designer Series Paper in So Saffron

NOTE: Sponging was done using More Mustard ink.

Getting Punchy

One of the great, fantabulous things about the stamp sets and punches in the new catalog is how well so many of them work together! Earlier, I posted a coffee mug using Wanted. This card features the same set and is in similar colors...but, oh how different it looks!

Again, the background was created with Sanded in Soft Sky and then overstamped in Blue Bayou.....those new In Colors are just ever so lucious! The medallian was created by using the wonderful new scallop punch, the 1 1/4" round punch and the 1/2" round punch. The greeting is actually a portion of a stamp from In My Thoughts....a new favorite word set (although it is not new in the catalog....I only just purchased it)! The Window Punch just makes it so easy to use!!

Stamps: Sanded Bkgrd, Wanted, In My Thoughts

Inks: Soft Sky, Bayou Blue, Groovy Guava

CS: Bayou Blue, Soft Sky, Whisper White, Groovy Guava

Misc: Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon; Word Window Punch, Scallop Punch, 1 1/4" Round Punch, 1/2" Round Punch, Paper Piercer, Silver Mini Brad

Alter Something Challenge

This week's Challenge was to take something ordinary (or something ugly) and transform it. Not having a lot of time, my project was very simple!

I picked up this insulated coffee mug at the coffee concession in my local supermarket. You see, I had given one similar to this awhile back to a good friend, but even though the lining was stamped with a floral pattern, her hubby kept stealing it from her. It seems, it was the perfect size and kept the coffee hot a long time. So, since her birthday just passed, I thought I'd make her one that she could give her hubby so she wouldn't find hers missing all the time! (It's ok, I have other things that are just for HER!)

So, this is what the mug looked like before. Not very attractive....but, then it really was designed to be personalized.

Since this is for a man, that made the Challenge even more challenging! Masculine things are always so much more difficult, don't you think? Fortunately, I received Wanted at Convention and it seemed to work perfectly! The second photo shows the entire piece of cardstock stamped in a collage. Collaging is loads of fun, because it's practically mistake proof! I first stamped the entire background with the brand new Sanded background stamp. When I first saw this background stamp in the catalog, I was sure that I didn't need it.....but, guess what?!! I won it at Convention and I can already see that it will be a favorite! I just stamped randomly all over the entire piece of CS overlapping as I went....and you know what? It didn't matter! In fact, it looked even better!!

The rust colored band around the bottom was a bit tricky since the liner is curved and tapered and there wasn't room for any embellishments, but I'm kind of happy with the finished result. Now, I hope my girlfriend's hubby likes it as well! Although it was a really simple project, it was fun collaging with my brand new stamps!

Don't forget to check out some of the other bloggers' challenges. There are some terrific ideas!

Stamps: Sanded Bkgrd; Wanted

Inks: Soft Sky, Basic Gray, Not Quite Navy, Blue Bayou, Really Rust, Going Gray

CS: Soft Sky, Really Rust

Misc: Not Quite Navy Marker (for faux stitching)

NOTE: All images are by Stampin' Up!; Mug is from Starbucks

Hint: Click on any photo and the image will enlarge so that you can see the detail.

A Quick Thank You

Did I tell you that my favorite new In Color is Groovy Guava? It is this beautiful deep peach color that actually matches many colors so well! So, when I needed a quick thank you for my upline, naturally, the main color I went for was Groovy Guava.....and knowing that she had this set, Fun & Fast Notes, this stamp set was a natural choice. The design is really simple and quick.

The stamped image is actually reproduced from one of the ideas we learned last week at Convention on watercoloring and the Water Color Crayons. I love the technique we learned to color in the background...so easy. A definite "eureka" moment for me!! As you can see, I didn't use the saying that is attached to the image....I cut off each saying and mounted on the side of the block of wood. This will give me lots more versatility! The saying I used was stamped in the brand new Basic Gray.....darker than Going Gray, but softer and less stark than Basic Black....more of a "charcoal" color. I can see I'll be using this new pad often!!

Stamps: Aida Cloth, Curvy Verses, Fast & Fun Notes

Inks: Groovy Guava, Basic Gray, Jet Black StazOn

CS: Groovy Guava, Soft Sky, Watercolor Paper

Misc: Cutter Kit, Aqua Brush, Flat Watercolor Brush, Watercolor Crayons, Dbl Stitched Ribbon-Groovy Guava

Bloggers' Challenge -- 8/3/07

I'm back! Denver was just fabulous!!! Of the many SU convention cities that I have been to, I think that this city was by far the best! Very cosmopolitian, very clean, very friendly....and fun! And Convention?....well, it goes without saying that it was beyond fantabulous!!! Amazing samples and ideas, and as always, so, so much fun! I'll be sharing lots of the ideas in the near future.

Last week I mentioned that I would NOT be participating in the Bloggers' Challenge for this past week, but I couldn't resist. These are just so much fun! And our list of participants has grown, so be sure to check out everyone's ideas. The group of stampers who participate in the weekly challenge are among the best!

The Challenge last week was to copy (and interpret) the card sample from the Catalog Pg. 165. As soon as I saw the sample, I thought of the leaf set, Autumn Leaf Prints. With the hot, hot weather we are now having, it's difficult to believe that Fall is not far away. This set is now retired, but was a favorite of mine for the past 2 catalog years, and one I won't part with anytime soon. At Convention last week, we learned over 20 ways to use the markers and this card features just one of them! I colored directly onto the stamps with the lightest color marker and then highlighted areas of each leaf in random fashion with the other colored markers, then stamped. The images were then cut out and crumpled slightly. The oak leaf was mounted onto a Dimensional. As you can see, I took some creative liberty with the sample and made it my own.

Stamps: Autumn Leaf Prints*, Weathered, Warmest Regards*

Inks: Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive

CS: Natural Ivory, Old Olive, Ruby Red

Markers: More Mustard, Ruby Red, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive

Misc: Old Olive Mini Brads, Paper Piercer (for brads and paper piercing), Cutter Kit (for distressing), Dimensionals, Chocolate Chip 5/8" Wide Grosgrain

*Retired from the SU line of products.

Bloggers' Challenge

This week's challenge was to make some type of gift container. Now, you know that the BEST gifts come in small packages, right? Well, this might be the perfect way to present your very special gift! It's perfect for any small trinket (my favorite would be jewelry!), a small stamp set or a couple of accessories, perhaps a few cards, or even a gift card....the list really is endless!

This cute little "purse," complete with a "designer tag" was made from a plain ole' brown lunch bag, about 1 sheet of cardstock, a few black mini brads, and of course, some stamping! How fun is that?!! Don't forget to check out all the other Bloggers participating in the Challenge.....links are on the left side of the screen.

Stamps: Dotted Background, Linen, Tiny Talk*

Inks: Certainly Celery, Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Basic Black

Misc: Basic Black Marker; Black Mini Brads; Paper Piercer (for Mini Brads); 1/2", 1", 1 1/4"

Round Punches, Silver Cord*

*Retired items. Check out my retirement sale listed in the July 12 post and in the Slide on the left side of the page....Tiny Talk is on the list.

Please note that all stamps used are from Stampin'Up!

Next week I will not be participating in the Bloggers' Challenge....I will be in Denver at the Stampin'Up! Convention! Yipee!!

Another Convention Swap

One of my favorite new sets from the new catalog is a set called "Priceless." Love the little swirls....if you look around swirls seem to be everywhere! So, when I spotted this set in the catalog, I just had to have it!! (Check out Pg. 117; www.stampinup.com Just move the little spacer across the bar at the bottom of the page.) So, here's my first card created with it. As you can see, I've been a very busy girl!!

The Butterfly was cut out and mounted on a Dimensional. There's a little dot of glitter on the flower on the right wing.

Stamps: Priceless, Whimsy Jumbo Wheel

Inks: Real Red Classic & Jumbo Cartridge; Whisper White Craft

CS: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black

Misc: Horizontal Slot Punch, 1 3/8" Round Punch, Dimensional, 2 Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

What Was I Thinking?!!

This is one of my swaps for a very special group of ladies. I'll be swapping this out at Convention next week. (Only 3 more days till I leave for Denver!!!!) This group always challenges me to stretch my abilities as a stamper....and I've learned a ton from them! So, this is one of the cards for that group at Convention next week. BUT, it took me forever!! Lots of steps.....

The flower was embossed and cut out, then mounted on a Dimensional.
The button was threaded with Linen Thread and added to the center.
The greeting was also embossed.
The Mellow Moss strip was first stamped with the Weathered background stamp in Mellow Moss...THEN distressed by using the DTP (direct to paper) method....THEN paper piercing was added down the edge!
The Chocolate Chip background was stamped first with the Linen background and then the ferns down the left side! Whew!! This sure was a "labor of love."
I'm happy with the finished product, but making 30 of these took me a very, very LONG time! Sure hope everyone likes them!!

Stamps: Linen, Weathered, Touch of Nature
Inks: Chocolate Chip Classic & Craft; Mellow Moss
CS: Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand, Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, Groovy Guava
Misc: Always Artichoke Button (Rich Regal Collection), Linen Thread, Glue Dot (for holding button on), Dimensional (behind flower), Clear Embossing Powder (flower and greeting), Paper Piercer, Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon

I've Been "Tagged!"

Many Bloggers like to play the Tag Game….and I was tagged a week ago by Dana. Check out her blog at http://willblogforstamps.blogspot.com/ It's actually a fun way to get to know each of us a bit better! So, finally (this was difficult!) here’s 7 Random Things about Me:

1. I’ve lived in New Jersey all my life. YUP, that’s me….New Jersey born and bred….and, NO, we are not all like the Sopranos make us out to be!!!

2. I have twin daughters who are now 19, but when I was pregnant, I didn’t know I was having twins until they were born. I found out on the delivery table! So, I went from being the mother of 1 to a mother of 3….seemed like a terribly large leap at the time!

3. I met my husband when we were in high school. But at the time, I thought he was terribly immature….a complete jerk! Then when I was just 18, my best friend at the time and his best friend got us together. We’ll be married 30 years this Fall….and he still makes me laugh like no one else can.

4. Five years ago, my hubby and I had the chance to take our twins on the vacation of a lifetime…..we went to England (our older one was away at college and couldn’t afford to take the time off.) Fabulous place. Unfortunately, we visited London the day it was closed….literally! We tried to site see the day of the Queen Mum’s funeral. One day we hope to go back and see all we missed.

5. The first house my hubby and I purchased is still the one we live in today. A real fixer upper…we planned to fix it up and live here only 2 years. Still here 20+ years later....and it is all fixed and redone. Now we are re-doing!

6. I have 2 dogs. Sadie is our 65 pound coward who is afraid of EVERYthing. Max came home one day when my hubby brought him home from work….”just for a visit.” Almost 5 years later, he’s still “visiting!” Hmmm….maybe we’ll keep him!

7. My goal this coming Stampin’Up! year is to send in some card entries to a few of the various magazines that I buy/receive each month. It might be fun to see one of my cards in print…..if one is actually chosen. But “I’ll never be in one if I don’t send one…or two or three…”

So that’s it for my “Tag!” Seems like so many bloggers have already been tagged, so I am not going to be a pain and forward this to anyone. And now you know a bit more about me!