More Catching Up! Spring Flowers Challenge

Ok, so this past Friday we were to create a card with a Spring Flower theme. You know what I suddenly realized? I don't have many current floral stamp sets on my shelves! I'm a flower person and not too long ago, it seemed like that was primarily all I owned. So, as a result, my purchases for the past year or so, have been non-flower type sets. So, now I find myself sadly lacking in current flower sets! BUT, you know what that means, don't you?!! Now I NEED to purchase more sets with flowers! Yipee!!

However, for this challenge, a flower themed project was the order of the day. So, I pulled out my much neglected (and the only current, truly floral set I now own!!) Heartfelt Thanks. Not sure if it will be around when the next catalog comes out this summer, so it needs to see some action. It's such a pretty set, and the results are always wonderful.

This afternoon, I visited SCS briefly and noticed that the tutorial for the past week was "Misting with Markers." Easy and fun, and another great way to use those ever-important markers!! The flower stamp was colored directly using the markers (Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, and Certainly Celery) and then lightly misted. Stamp 3 times (don't re-ink); allow to dry; and stamp over top with the "outline" type stamp. SU never put out markers in the In Colors, but the Not Quite Navy worked well in this case, don't you think?

Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks, Warmest Regards*

Inks: Not Quite Navy

Markers: Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, Certainly Celery

CS: Very Vanilla, Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Certainly Celery, Watercolor Paper, Certainly Celery Designer Series Paper

Misc: Scallop Punch, Oval Coluzzel, Not Quite Navy Mini Brads, Paper Piercer and Template (Tool Kit), White Gel Pen, Giga Scallop Punch**

*Retired

**Non SU

Now I'm all caught up. Need to prepare for Stamp Camp this coming weekend, but I WILL try to post before then. Thanks for stopping by....and for your patience.

Catching Up! Color Challenge

It's been awhile. I am so sorry. My brother in law had been very sick the last couple of weeks and last Monday he passed away......his memorial service was this past Saturday in southern Georgia, which is a very long way from where I live. I am not posting this to ask for your sympathy....just for your understanding and to explain why there have been no postings here for a very long while. It's been a sad time for my family.

But, one of the hard, cold truths of this world, is that life goes on. And stamping is such an amazing therapy. So, here I am, back home and beginning to stamp a bit again......

The first Challenge that I missed 2 weeks ago was a color challenge. Wasn't sure about the color combo, but it came together nicely. You often hear today that "brown is the new black," and that seems to be true with this card. The Chocolate Chip background on this very simple card acts as the neutral. Colors for this combo are: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Real Red, Chocolate Chip. Simple layout that can be easily reproduced. You cannot see the detail, but the central image was embossed: first inked with Blue Bayou and then with Versamark, then used Clear Embossing Powder over top. I'm just loving this set, Essence of Love from the Occasions Mini Catalog.....such an elegant set!

Stamps: Essence of Love

Inks: Blue Bayou, Versamark, White Craft

CS: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Blue Bayou

Misc: Wide Real Red Grosgrain, Clear Embossing Powder, Real Red Mini Brads, Paper Piercer & Template (Tool Kit)

Hippity hop, Easter is on its way!

There are no stamp or scrapbook stores in my area (with the exception of ACMoore and Michaels), and the few we have are at least a half an hour or more away. Sadly, one of my favorite stamp stores is about to close its doors. So, naturally, when I heard the news that they were about to go out of business, I needed to see what bargains they had....and spent way too much money! One of my "finds" was this adorable little bunny stamp by Print Works....just had to have him! And with Easter only a week away, it was time for him to see a bit of ink! Isn't he just so cute?!!

Fun, quick and easy....this first card is very simplistic, but I'm very happy with the finished card.

Stamps: Peak-a-Boo (Print Works), Clear Stamps by Studio G (Happy Easter), Flannel Plaid Bkgrd

Inks: Pretty in Pink, Basic Gray

CS: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink

Misc: Pink Gingham Ribbon, Giga Oval Scallop Punch (Marvy), Oval Coluzzel, Pretty in Pink Chalk Pastel, White Gel Pen, Mini Glue Dot NOTE: Supplies used are by SU unless designated otherwise.

Happy with that card, I was being very good and putting all my supplies away, when suddenly, inspiration struck again. I had seen the "egg" idea elsewhere and thought it would work perfectly with this cute little guy.....the "eggs" were created with the amazingly versatile Pick-a-Petal set! Each "egg" was simply stamped on a piece of Whisper White scrap and cut out, then tucked in behind the "grass!" How fun!

Stamps: Peak a Boo (Print Works), Clear Stamps by Studio G (Happy Easter), Pick a Petal, Petals Jumbo Wheel

Inks: Bashful Blue Classic & Jumbo Cartridge, Lavendar Lace, Apricot Appeal, Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Lavendar Lace, Wild Wasabi

Misc: Blush Blossom Marker, Bashful Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Ribbon Slide (Occasions Mini), Corner Rounder Punch

NOTE: Supplies used to create this card are from SU, unless designated otherwise.

Bloggers' Challenge -- Week #38

Can you believe that we're already at Week 38?!! Time flies, doesn't it?!! Haven't had a lot of time to stamp this week....I've been working on getting together all the tax info for hubby's business....will be bringing that to the accountant later today. What a YUKY job.....I soooo needed some stamp time!

This week was fun (ok, they all are!!), and features something that we all can use....birthday cards! So, I pulled out Fun & Fast Notes....don't you just love that cute birthday cake?!! Such a great set...for all kinds of occasions.

Ok....back to the card........

You can't really see the detail on the cake, but the frosting was colored in with glue and then sprinkled with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter; the cake and candles simply use markers. EASY! The background is double stamped....a technique I often use because it adds just the right amount of interest. And the Only Orange strip is stamped with Lots of Dots Jumbo Wheel from the Occasions Mini....I've been getting a lot of use out of this one......it is quickly becoming a favorite.

Stamps: Fun & Fast Notes, Canvas, Whimsy and Lots of Dots Jumbo Wheels

Inks: Basic Black, Pixie Pink, Pink Passion Cartridge (Whimsy Wheel), Pumpkin Pie Cartridge (Lots of Dots Wheel)

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pixie Pink, Only Orange

Misc: Black Gingham Ribbon; Dazzling Diamonds Glitter; Pixie Pink, Only Orange, Pink Passion Markers; Coluzzel (also used retired Companion Circle), Giga Scallop Punch (non-SU)

HINT: Notice the words are stamped apart from the image? Just cut the words off of the stamp and mount to side of wood....gives you lots more versatility!

Now I'm off to visit some of the other participating Bloggers' to see what amazing creations they have come up with. Won't you join me?

Weekly Challenge #37

It's done! Whew! Thought I would need to pass on the Challenge this week, because rarely do I make a card that is NOT a rectangle.......and that was the Challenge: to make a card that is any shape but a rectangle. Honestly, by the time my head hit the pillow last night, I was sure that I would just have to post that this one stumped me.

BUT, morning always has a way of refreshing us in so many ways. So this morning I threw in a load of laundry and went into my stamp room to see if I could come up with anything (my studio is in the basement, across from the laundry area. How convenient, right?!!) And right there on my desk top was my brand new, yet-to-be-mounted Essence of Love set from the new Occasions Mini. Had to have it, it is just so lovely! While mounting it, which took less than 3 minutes because all the sets in the mini are die cut...gotta LOVE that!....inspiration suddenly struck! I decided to make a tent-topper card. Easy enough, although I had never made one before, and this is probably much larger than those I've seen around, but still fits into a regular-sized card envelope. This card was so easy and simple and came together amazingly fast.....kind of like there was a creative angel sitting on my shoulder.

Stamps: Essence of Love, Twill Bkgrd.

Inks: Basic Black, White Craft

CS: River Rock, Whisper White, Basic Black

Misc: Basic Black Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, 1" & 1 1/4" Round Punches, Silver Hodgepodge (Ribbon Slide) from the Occasions Mini

Not sure if you can see it, but the background on the River Rock card base was stamped with Twill in White Craft Ink....very subtle. You know, I like this new background almost as much as I like Linen......almost!

While in my stamp studio, I spotted the unfinished baby card I had planned to make for my nephew's new baby boy, and realized that it also worked for the Challenge this week. Actually, I had already made one for him, but at the last minute ended up smudging the white CS...ever have that problem? Anyway, this is definitely a CASE of the amazing Lauren Meader, who BTW, is a member of the Bloggers' Challenge Group. You can see her creation here. Lauren always has the most beautiful cards posted on her blog, and as soon as I saw this idea about a month ago, I just knew that I needed to CASE it! So, here's my version.

Not sure if you can see the detail on this one, it's very pale and subtle, but really so very cute and adorable IRL. The trim on this Onsie was rolled with Lots of Dots Jumbo Wheel (from the Occasions Mini) in White Craft Ink; and the hearts were filled in with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. Hopefully, it isn't too frilly...I figure when a baby boy is a newborn, that's the only time in his life we can almost get away with a few frills, right?

Stamps: Little Pieces, Lots of Dots Jumbo Wheel, Hugs & Wishes

Inks: Soft Sky, White Craft

CS: Whisper White, Soft Sky

Misc: 1 3/8" Round and Scallop Punches, Mini Button Brads*, 2-Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

*Mini Brads by Making Memories; all other materials are by SU

So, there you have it.....2 simple and fun cards for this week's Challenge. Now to visit the other ladies to see all the amazing things they have come up with! There are truly some amazingly talented ladies in our group!!

I'm having so much fun with the new SU rub-ons! Fast (can we say "instant gratification?!!") and fabulous....AND they work on so many different surfaces. I've seen photos of them being used on cards (DUH!) and scrap pages, candles, books, candles, glass.....even on manicured nails! So, I guess, just like stamps, they work on just about any surface. Can't you just see some on your favorite little person? Wouldn't they make fun temporary tatoos?!!

I needed a Hostess gift for a workshop I'm giving a demo for....tonight, and this is what I came up with. The curvy corners were a bit tricky, but I just covered up any imperfection with another rub-on flower. I had this little glass dish in my stash forever, but I think I paid only a dollar or so from WalMart. Of course, the dish needed something inside, so I simply wrapped some of the new Hersey Truffle-Filled Nuggets (ohhhh....these are to DIE for!!) with some stamped Avery wrapers; placed them in a cello bag and it's good to go!

Oh....and check out that "checkered" ribbon! It's the scrumptious White Taffeta Ribbon (I think I'm on my 4th roll of this stuff!!!!)....it's simply rolled with the new Lots of Dots Jumbo Wheel from the brand-new Occasions Mini Catalog in Regal Rose. I thought it would come out looking like the dotted ribbon that is everywhere, but suprisingly, as it dries, it bleeds a bit and comes out looking like gingham. Well, that works for me!! So, tonight I'll see if my hostess likes it. (Hi, Lee!)

Stamps: Lots of Dots (Occasions Mini), Tag Punch Kit*
Rub Ons: Love & Happiness (SAB)
Inks: Regal Rose
*Retired

A few little notes:

--The chocolates inside the cello were wrapped with Avery labels that were first stamped with the Lots of Dots wheel in Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery, and Regal Rose.

--When using Rub Ons on glass, be sure the glass is very clean AND dry.

--Rub ons are NOT dishwasher safe. Clean the glass carefully with a damp paper towel and do not rub.

Weekly Bloggers' Challenge

It's that time again! This week we were to follow the layout featured on Page 36 of the SU Spring-Summer Catalog (sympathy card). This is actually such a basic, easy layout.....one of those "old reliable" layouts. The trick this week was just to make it a little special or different. Hopefully, I succeeded!

It also does double duty since my niece just turned 7 and I need a card for her....now THAT was the difficult part! My own children are way past the little kid stage, so coming up with something that was cute and appropriate for a little girl was a challenge! Unfrogottable is a set that I earned 2 years ago from Sale-a-Bration....and one I chose just so I would have a fun set to play with for kiddie cards. Because I have yet to make that cute little frog any other color than green, it is not easy transforming it into a girly-girl card. Pink is a necessity for my niece! So, that was added, along with a couple of punch outs from the Scallop Punch, and glitter, of course! The flowers rolled on the Pixie Pink strip were first colored in the center with the White Gel Pen and then Dazzling Diamonds glitter was added to each of the petals. A touch of ribbon was added for good measure and couldn't forget to add those little googly eyes! Sure hope she likes it!

Stamps: Unfrogettable, Daisy Field Wheel

Inks: Basic Black

CS: Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Pixie Pink, Basic Black, Certainly Celery

Misc: Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, White Gel Pen, Certainly Celery Marker, White Taffeta Ribbon, Googly Eyes*, 2-Way Glue

ALL items used for this card are SU, EXCEPT for the googly eyes.

Now I'm going to check out all the other Bloggers' submissions.....hope you'll visit, too!

Ready to Give

The gift set in my previous post is now all set and ready to give. Believe it or not, it is all for my BFF....it's her Christmas Gift! I know, I know....isn't it awful? She's working full time, I'm working PT (2 different jobs) and with our kids and various life responsibilities, we just haven't been able to get together. Every time we've tried something would happen and we needed to reschedule! So, here it is almost March and FINALLY, we are supposed to have dinner together....just us...tomorrow night. Well, since my original gift for her was truly Christmas related, I needed something she could use now and not put away till next year. So, the journal and card set were made. I also added in a candle. Of course, then they all needed to be packaged up. After all, the packaging needs to be as pretty as what is inside!

So, I simply rolled a plain white gift bag with the beautiful jumbo wheel, So Swirly. The topper covers up the couple of spots that "missed" because of the handle (I'd love to hear if you have a solution to avoid that problem!).....used my new, current favorite set, Priceless. Check out the "tassels" on the bag....don't you just LOVE how SU punches work so perfectly with so many of their stamp sets?!! (Yes, they planned it that way!) These gift bags are fun to make, and it's always nice to be able to coordinate with the gift(s) themselves! (We don't have that option when we buy the packaging from the store!)

Stamps: So Swirly, Priceless

Inks: Real Red (Classic & Jumbo Cartridge), White Craft

CS: Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red

Misc: Corner Rounder; 1 1/4, 1 3/8, & Scallop Punches; Narrow Real Red Grosgrain; Silver Cord*, White Gift Bag

*Retired

Note: All items used are from SU

Birthday Gifts

A few of my close friends are having birthdays. What is the perfect gift for each of them?!! Well, I ended up at Michael's the other day and passed by the Dollar Bin....well, almost passed by, because that's where these little goodies came from. I just altered them. Loved the colors. Quick and easy projects. Maybe I should go back and purchase some more!

First there is the magnetic note pad. Tore off the original magnet and added a slightly larger piece of Real Red CS and TWO magnets on back.

Then there is that cute little tin. Simply added the stamped image on top (So Many Scallops, Lots of Thoughts) and a little black brad. Just a touch of Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon around the side of the lid and it was good to go! Oh...and inside? It's filled with my home-made Toffee....just placed some in a cello bag and tied with more red ribbon.

Who can't use Thank You note cards?!! Also found in the Dollar Bin, matching packs of 10 cards and envelopes. Just added a sliver of Real Red CS and the punched Thank You using the retired Warm Regards and the Large Oval & Designer Punches....another quick and easy gift!!

And the "topping on the cake".....the spiral bound journal from the same bin. Monogrammed it (Papertrey Ink stamps), punched with the 1 1/4", 1 3/8", and Ticket punches. Added a strip of Basic Black CS near the spiral and the Wide Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon....and of course, the White Taffeta Ribbon (LOVE that stuff!!!), and some Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon tied to the spirals. The red printed ribbon is from the Dollar Bin as well.

So....for about $5.00 and a little over an hour of my time, I have a fabulous gift set for giving! You know, looking at it again, I KNOW I need to go back and get some more! I NEED a set for ME!!

Color Challenge Follow Up

Ok....after sleeping on it and after walking past this card a bunch of times today....it's growing on me! In fact, I think it actually may be better than the one I submitted yesterday.....so, I thought I'd share and post it for your viewing pleasure! Still not too crazy about this color combo (Old Olive, Purely Pomegranate, Brilliant Blue)...and one I probably will never use again....but, it's growing on me! What do YOU think?

Stamps: Wanted, Canvas, Sanded, Be Happy

Inks: Brilliant Blue, Old Olive

CS: Whisper White, Brilliant Blue, Purely Pomegranate, Old Olive

Misc: Wide Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Punch, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Round Punches