BC#77 -- Holiday Decorations....Sort of!

OK, I'm going to go out on a limb here and take a huge "creative" leap! This week's challenge was to submit an ornament or holiday decoration. Well, truthfully, I don't have anything on hand....nor the time to create something; BUT, I have been working on a gift basket for my Secret Santa gift at work. (I mentioned this a week or so ago....and promised to share!) So, that's my "challenge" this week!

You see, I had the "good luck" of drawing the youngster in our group....she's adorable, and sweet, single, a great worker.....and 27! Sigh!! (Can I even relate to a 27 year old anymore?!!) So, choosing a gift for her was....well, shall we say "difficult?" As I created things for the past month, I just add duplicates to her basket....since I decided to make a series of small things for her. The main gift is a bottle of perfume from Avon, called, Wishing you LOVE. (See the rectangular box in cream with red dots, bow on top?) She has a new beau that she is just crazy about, so it's appropriate, don't you think? It smells lovely AND it was on sale, leaving me lots of extra $$$s in the $20-$25 budget! I wrapped it in a retired piece of Designer Series Paper (from last year), so that it would match the overall color scheme. The round container is a candle in a can....in a gingerbread scent......altered, of course, to match. An adorable store-bought snowman ornament is in the Kraft box; decorated Peppermint Patties are in the home-made box tied with the Wild Wasabi Ribbon; an altered date book (from Target $ Spot); and a hard-covered journal and matching little pad and pen are from Michael's dollar bin.....just added a bit of ribbon and her initial for personalization.

Here's the basket, all assembled. I picked up this oval tin months ago from the Target dollar spot, although it was slightly more than a dollar. Added the snowflakes, which were simply punched out using the Snowflakes Sizzlets from my Big Shot. To add them to the tin, I simply used glue stick....and, yes, it worked!! Amazing, isn't it? I just love the way they kind of "pop" against the green tin. Guess I should have used Very Vanilla CS instead of the Whisper White, since it would be more in keeping with the whole color scheme....but, what is done, is done, and I like the look anyway!

So, all of the above were added in, along with that cute stuffed snowman decoration (from an outlet store), some chocolate pretzel sticks that I dipped and decorated myself. Then added in some shreddie, of course, and for a little added color....and for her infamous "sweet tooth"....sprinkled in a handful of Cherry Cordial Hershey's Kisses. They are so yummy!! Then everything was tied up with that scrumptious Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla Grosgrain (from the Holiday Mini) and that cute oversized tag from this post.

I stretched that money as far as I could! Hope she likes everything.....I know she has a sweet tooth. Of course, she's thin, thin, thin!! Can't wait to give it to her this Wednesday at our office party!

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you'll stop in to see what the others have been up to.

NOTE: I am not going to list the stamps and accessories used since there are quite a few items in this basket. BUT almost everything used is from SU (except the gifts, themselves), much is retired. PLEASE feel free to contact me if you have any questions!!

MaryJo's Lunchtime Challenge #47

Are you running in 10 different directions like I am?!! Guess that's why my mojo seems to have disappeared!! I've been sick the past week and in bed all day Friday and trying to slowly catch up ever since.....have that yukky cold that seems to be going around. BUT, I simply do not have time to be sick!

So, for this challenge, I kind of copied a card I saw in the PaperCrafts Nov/Dec issue, Page 25. It's actually a page I had earmarked because I loved the snowflake card, but when MJ issued this week's challenge, I KNEW that was the card to make!!

So, here's my version.......

Instead of the traditional blue snowflake card, I used Real Red and Old Olive (LOVE that combo for Christmas!) and added those fabulous Felt Flurries with Crystal Brads in the center. 'Course, I didn't add the little accessories down at the bottom because this card was way too busy already, although I really am pleased with the finished effect!

Thanks for stopping by.

Stamps: Snowflake Spot, Punch Pals (small snowflakes)

Inks: Real Red, Old Olive

CS: Whisper White, Real Red, Old Olive

Misc: Photo Corner Punch, Real Red DSP (Hostess, Level 1), Snow Flurries (small; from Mini), Green Crystal Brads (Ice Collection, Wide Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon

Hope you'll take some time to stop by and visit Mary Jo's Blog....it's terrific, AND you can see who else has participated in this week's sketch!

BC#76 -- Color Combination

This is an "interesting" color combination......but, I think it works! Must be because of that new theory, "brown is the new black!!" The brown...or in this case, Close to Cocoa.....seems to ground these colors. One more interesting fact: these are colors in the new SU DSP pack in the Holiday Mini, Frosty Day. However, I do not own any of this new paper....since I really need to use up some of what I already have on hand, I didn't purchase it! Some of the cards and projects I've seen with this paper have been spectacular, but, I'm still not comfortable with these as Christmas colors! So, when using these colors for our Challenge this week, I did not make a holiday card, but made a friendship, or thank you card instead. We still need those, right?...even at this time of the year!

This layout has been floating around lately since it was a challenge on SCS recently, and it works perfectly for this card, doesn't it?!! The base of the card is Close to Cocoa and each strip of color was stamped with a set I haven't really used in awhile, Seeing Spots. Once I decided on the layout and stamp set, this card really was fairly quick....only that faux stitching took a bit of time.

So, what do you think of this color combination: Close to Cocoa, Bashful Blue, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, and Whisper White?

Stamps: Seeing Spots, Best Yet

Inks: White Craft

CS: Close to Cocoa, Kiwi Kiss, Bashful Blue, Tangerine Tango

Misc: White Gel Pen, On Board Chipboard*, Wide White Grosgrain Ribbon**, White Mini Brads**

*Retired--from last catalog

**Non SU: Ribbon is from Offray; Brads are from American Craft

Thanks for stopping by....and hope you will visit the others who participate!! You KNOW it's always fun to stop by and see what they've been up to!!

Monday's Lunchtime Challenge.....Way Late!

This looks like a simple sketch, don't you think? So, naturally, it should be easy-peasy, right? WRONG! I had a bit of trouble with this one....every time I tried to put a card together, it just looked lopsided, or out of balance.....which explains why I'm so very late!!

BUT, I finally came up with a simple card that I'm happy enough with to share. By eliminating the scallop in the lower right corner and simply stamping the greeting directly on the card, it just feels right.

So, thanks for you patience....hope you will enjoy this simple sample! Wish you could see how glittery and sparkly it is in real life! The wind on the dove image was highlighted with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter as are all the tiny snowflakes.

Stamps: To You & Yours, Snowburst

Inks: Baja Breeze, White Craft

CS: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Silver Metallic

Misc: Ticket Punch, Paper Piercer & Template (Tool Kit), Dazzling Diamonds, Glue Pen (non-SU), Silver Mini Brads

NOTE: Sorry....my copyright seems to be missing! All items used to create this card are from SU, with the exception of the Glue Pen,which was used to add in the fine detail for the glitter.

NOTE: Although I did not intentionally copy or CASE this sample, it turns out that the amazing Mary Brown made a card somewhat similar to this. Although I think Mary's rendition is so much more lovely, I think it could be considered an inspiration for this sample. So, I need to give credit, where credit is due! Please visit Mary's fabulous blog and see her many awesome creations!

BC#75 -- Inspiration Challenge

Whew! It was a challenge this week just getting time to create this challenge!! LOL! How was YOUR holiday?

As I mentioned in a previous post, most of this past week was spent preparing for Thanksgiving....we ended up with a mere 23 people!! (They didn't all come!) As you can imagine, preparing dinner for such a large crowd takes time, which means little or no stamping time for me! BUT, last night after my family left....the 2nd load of dishes were loaded in the dishwasher, and everything was put away, I actually needed a bit of time to unwind...in my stamp room! So, this card was done last night, but I needed to wait till I could gain access to my scanner, which is in the room now serving as a guest room.

When I first saw this inspiration photo (isn't this lovely...wouldn't you just LOVE to have a bed ensemble like this?) I just knew that I would use Guide Lines by Paper Trey. Only problem was, I created the background for this card and then seemed to loose steam. Maybe I was tired (it was very late....and I worked so hard this past week), I just couldn't seem to come up with a truly inspired layout. So, this week's edition is kind of simple, but then you know that I tend to favor simple cards and layouts. AND the background created with the stamps is so pretty, I hated to clutter it up.

So, I dressed up this simple layout just a bit....with curved corners, a few copper mini brads, and a scored band that mimics the neck pillow in the photo. This card would be easy to reproduce since it's not very intricate and shows off that stamped background, don't you think?

Hope you aren't exhausting yourselves by shopping too much this weekend! Why not take a bit of time to treat yourself to a few minutes visiting the others who participate in this challenge each week!

Stamps: Guide Lines (Paper Trey), All Holidays

Inks: Really Rust, Riding Hood Red

CS: Very Vanilla (cardbase), Blush Blossom, Really Rust, Riding Hood Red

Misc: Corner Rounder Punch, Paper Piercer & Template (Tool Kit), Score Blade (12" Cutter), Copper Mini Brads*

All items used are by SU, unless otherwise noted.

*Retired

Happy Thanksgiving.....and BC#74

Better late than never....right?!! Finally, I've finished my Challenge for this past week. Since it's a Thanksgiving theme, it's definitely time to post, or it will be too late!! And I so want to wish you all a wonderful Turkey Day. Hope you are surrounded by family and friends.....those who are all special to you.

As for me, I'm hosting my family. So, I've been cooking and cleaning for a few days. This is the one day a year that all my siblings try to get together. You see, I'm one of 5.....I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. We are all married and have children, ranging in ages from 28 to 7.....13 all together! Now, there are boyfriends, girlfriends, one has a child, and my son has a finace. So, all totalled, there will be 22 of us tomorrow.....I think. That number keeps changing! I LOVE having my family together.....yes, it can be chaotic, but it's fun and wonderful to see them all....and sometimes the antics can be very entertaining!

So, my card.....well, not much stamping this time around. I've been seeing this cute little turkey created with one of my very favorite punches, the Round Scallop Punch. Add in a few others, and you've got what it takes to create this little guy! Everything here is SU except the scalloped background, which was created with my Nestie put through the Big Shot.

Stamps: Twill, All Holidays

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red

CS: Natural Ivory, Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, More Mustard

Punches: 1" Square, 1 3/8" Round, 1/2" Round, 1/4" Round, Blossoms, Key Tag

Misc: Old Olive Mini Brads, Template & Paper Piercer (Tool Kit), Wide Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Scallop Square Nestabilitie*

This Square can also be created using the Scallop Edge Punch....this was just faster!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day....and when you have time, don't forget to stop by the other Bloggers to see what they have all been up to!!

Techno Challenge --- Catching Up!

It's been awhile....I'm really still here....and I have not forgotten you! The last 2 weekends I was away, and now it's time to catch up! So, because I'm very far behind on MaryJo's sketch challenges, I've got 4 to share (I told you I was behind!!)....so this is going to be a long post!!

This first one was an easy, simple layout (Challenge #45)...but, I love the way this card came out....although not all the detail shows on screen, which is a shame, because is it so sparkly and pretty IRL!! The background is simply Whisper White CS rolled through the Big Shot using the Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Snowflakes. That cute little snowman was colored in using Copic markers and my regular SU Markers and then the Sakura Glitter Pen outlines the image and all those lines. It looks spectacular (if I may say so), but not as much so on screen! Add the Felt Flurry snowflake with a 1/2 Pearl in white from the Pretties kit and it's a winner, don't you think?

Stamps: Jolliest Time of the Year, Hugs & Wishes

Inks: Adirondack by Ranger in Pitch Black

CS: Whisper White, Bashful Blue

Misc: Felt Flurry Snowflake (Mini Catalog); Bashful Blue Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon; Copic Markers; Close to Cocoa, Going Gray, and Basic Black Markers; Sakura Glitter Pen; 1/2 Pearl from Pretties Kit; Coluzzel (for oval); Scalloped Oval Nestability used in Big Shot (for scalloped oval background); Mini Glue Dots

Last week's Sketch Challenge (#44) was a large tag. This was fun.....AND will be used soon on a gift basket I'm putting together for a co-worker....we're having a Secret Santa gift exchange. (I'll share a photo of the completed basket...and all the contents in a couple of weeks, before I give it away....it's just not complete yet.) This Santa image is from the same stamp set as the snowman card above, Jolliest Time of the Year. Isn't he just the cutest Santa?!! Again, I don't think you can see all the detail....his beard, and all the fur trim have been "colored" in with Dazzling Diamonds. The rest of his suit and face were colored in with Copic Markers....just LOVE them!....a bit of silver on his buckle and the Basic Black Marker ('cause I don't have a Black Copic) for his mits, boots, and belt, complete the picture. The Coluzzel was used again to create the oval and layered on a larger sized scallop created with my Scallop Nestability set. The Nestabilities and the textured background (Argyle Embossing Folder) were rolled through my Big Shot. (Can you tell that I'm loving that machine?!!) The completed tag is just about the size of a card.

Stamps: Jolliest Time of the Year

Inks: Adirondack by Ranger in Pitch Black; White Craft (used in the background)

CS: Riding Hood Red, Kraft, Very Vanilla

Misc: 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Copic Markers, Basic Black Marker; Silver Painty Pen (retired), Coluzzel, Scallop Oval Nestability (Spellbinders), Argyle Embossing (Cuttlebug), Big Shot, 1 3/8" Round Punch, Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbons (narrow and wide), Pewter Jumbo Eyelet, Cropadile

Note: Images and cardstocks are by Stampin'Up! as are embellishments, unless otherwise noted.

Challenge #43 is another that I missed. Great layout....a perfect way to use up some scraps, which is exactly what I did to create this card. This time, the focal point is Big on Christmas...such a fun set! The image was stamped in Night of Navy ink and carefully colored in using Baja Breeze for the snowman hat and the letters and markers for the other features. The Baja was all colored over with glitter to add some pizzaz....the matching CS was again run through the Big Shot with another emobssing folder and raised images were carefully inked using the White Craft pad directly on the CS. Oh, and the ribbon on the side was "dyed" using the Baja Breeze ink pad and a Sponge Dauber.

Stamps: Big on Christmas

Inks: Night of Navy, White Craft

CS: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Real Red, Night of Navy

Misc: Blender Pen, Glue Pen (non SU), Snowdots Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), White Taffeta Ribbon, Sponge Dauber, White Felt Flurry, Blue Crystal Brad, Real Red & Certainly Celery Markers, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

And last, but not least, is Sketch #41 (I managed to complete and post #42, you can re-visit here)...another missed Challenge. This one is NOT Christmas-themed, as you can see! This features Cosmo Bella (obviously, NOT SU!).....I've had her for a long time and she was just dying to be inked up!! She was colored in using my Copic Markers again. And check out her blouse....that's just the tiniest piece of background paper, stamped and applied over that very spot! The saying is also another non-SU stamp, but the martini glass behind the saying is. Isn't this a fun card?

Stamps: Cosmo Bella (Bella Stamps), Rubber Soul (saying), Cheers to You (martini glass)

Inks: Adirondack by Ranger in Pitch Black, Orchid Opulence

CS: Whisper White, Orchid Opulence, Basic Black, Retired Bkgrd Paper (sorry, can't remember the name....retired a few years ago)

Misc: Copic Markers, Narrow Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Round Nestability, Pennant Die (Scallop), Big Shot, 1/2" Round Punch, Hodgepodge Hardware in Styled Silver (and colored in with a Copic)

As always, thank you for stopping by and visiting.....and thanks for sticking around and reading this to the end! Why not take a few minutes and visit MaryJo's Blog....she has the most amazing creations there! And you can see who else is participating in her challenges....hope you'll take a couple of minutes to visit them as well!

BC#73 -- Color Combo

This one was easy!....but, I have to admit that I cheated just a little bit!! You see, this is a color combination that I happen to love and used just a week or so ago for another challenge. So, now I'm sharing with all of YOU!!

You KNOW how I love using my Big Shot, right?!! Well, recently I participated in a challenge where I needed to make 1 card using this fabulous new toy....uh, I mean tool!! LOL What did I use? You guessed it! The very same combo that is our Bloggers' Challenge this week: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White (or Very Vanilla). (I sent this to my "partner.")

This idea is NOT my own, but was CASED from the amazing Patty Bennett....you see, it's all HER fault that I found the need to purchase the Pennant die! Pennants and banners are all the rage, but I'm not really sure that I will ever make one....BUT, when Patty demonstrated other uses for this versatile die on her blog....well, I had to have it!!!

This card was fun (I know I always say that!....but it really was!!!) and easy. The medallian is from Wanted, inked in Baja Breeze and then colored over in some areas with the Chocolate Chip marker and then stamped. The brown scallop piece behind is also from the same die. Check out the Top Note die....this was layered onto a larger piece of Chocolate Chip CS and then inserted into the pocket created with the pennants.

That's it for now....I'm off again tomorrow for the weekend. Last weekend that I'll be out of town for awhile.....then maybe I'll be able to catch up!! Don't forget to visit the other Bloggers. Enjoy!

Stamps: Wanted, Sweet & Sassy

Inks: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip

CS: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze

Misc: Pennant & Top Note Dies (Big Shot), Wide Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, Designer Button, Ice Crystal Brad, Mini Glue Dots

BC#71 -- Same But Different

Edited to add:

Ok.....I realize that I've done this wrong....should be the same stamp used differently. (Guess that makes more sense!! DUH!!) I'm on my way to Pennsylvania shortly, but will re-do the challenge when I return. In the meantime, enjoy these entries anyway!

This week's Challenge....to use the same layout with 2 different stamps OR use the same stamp set in 2 different ways. We had a similar challenge months ago and this was fun...at that time, I used the same layout. This time, I've chosen the same stamp set....using a long-time favorite, Lovely as a Tree. You've seen me use this set a lot in the past.......can you stand it again?!!

This first card is one made with my stamp club when I taught them embossing. Easy!....and pretty basic. Don't you just love the crisp look of the trees embossed in black against the white cardstock? Pair that up with the Mellow Moss background....with a little faux stitching, and a double stamped background, of course! The ladies loved this card.

Next is one designed for a Holiday Stamp-a-Stack. This is a favorite of mine....and will be my Christmas card this year....so you are getting a sneak peak!! This design is called a Tent card. The base is 8 1/2" x 4 1/4" folded in half. Add the circle up at the top and the completed card fits into a regular card-size envelope. The scallop circle was created with my new love, the Big Shot and the Scallop Punch #2, the inside was done with the Coluzzel. This card is so sparkly and pretty IRL, the scan just does not do it justice! Please keep in mind that the white area at the top of the card is actually "free space," of my scanner bed.

As you can see, another stamp was used, but it's still the same set. The tree was inked in Always Artichoke, and then carefully, a bit of Close to Cocoa Marker was added for the tree trunk and stamped 3 times without re-inking. Add a bit of glue from the 2-Way Glue pen, sprinkle on the Dazzling Diamonds Glitter and it turns elegant! The "bow" was the easiest thing....just punch with the Double Rectangle Punch and slip the ribbon through. The Christmas greeting covers the gap. Oh, and check out the third photo on the left to see the inside. And one of the best things about this card is that it requires NO extra postage!! Gotta LOVE that!!

Thanks for stopping by today.....hope you can take a little time to stop and visit the other Bloggers!

Card #1

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Sanded, Sincere Salutations

Inks: Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss, Basic Black Classic & Craft

CS: Whisper White, Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss

Misc: Wide Oval Punch, Dimensionals (for greeting), White Gel Pen, Clear Embossing Powder

Card #2

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Punches Three, Many Merry Greetings

Inks: Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke

CS: Always Artichoke, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla

Misc: Square Scallop Punch, Double Rectangle Punch, Close to Cocoa Marker, Wide Riding Hood Red & Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon (from Mini), Dimensionals (for greeting)

Monday Lunchtime Challenge #42

WOW! I've missed the last few, but gradually, I AM catching up!!

This is a slight twist on the original sketch and turned around.....but it's such a simple and easy layout. So, it is dressed up!....the Snowflakes Embossing Folder was used for the Baja Breeze layer and passed through the Big Shot. Then my Very Vanilla ink pad was used directly on the embossed paper to highlight the raised snowflakes and age the edges. Add an embossed greeting, Hodgepode Hardware in Styled Vanilla, and a snowflake from the Felt Flurries collection and simple has become a WOW! I'm just loving the vintage look of these colors together!....definitely need to play with this combination more.

This was a fun challenge, thanks, MaryJo! And thanks to you for stopping by!

Stamps: Best Yet

Inks: Very Vanilla Craft

CS: Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red

Misc: Hodgepodge Hardware in Styled Vanilla, Felt Flurries (smaller collection from the Holiday Mini), Winter White Embossing Powder*, Snowflakes Embossing Folder (by ProvoCraft), Big Shot, Wide Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon, Designer Series Punch

*Retired