Herb Expressions....Don't You Love It?!!

The tour is now over, but be on the lookout for our next tour! (Dates TBA.) Hope you had fun visiting all the posts. Although the links are now down, you can still see my post below.

This post features the beautiful, new release, Herb Expressions. It's lovely, earthy, and detailed, with both word stamps AND gorgeous images.....and I had such a fabulous time working with this set! Oh, and before we begin, please note that ALL materials used to create these samples are currently available from the brand-new Stampin'Up! Idea Book and Catalog!

This first sample in Mellow Moss and Lavender Lace has a watercolored look, but in reality it was simply created with markers and stamped onto Natural Ivory CS. Such a simple card with a bit of a WOW added in....see the textured background, which was sponged with Mellow Moss to give it a more dimensional look? I think this is my very favorite of all the Texturz plates....at least for today!

Stamps: Herb Expressions

Inks: Mellow Moss, Lavender Lace

CS: Natural Ivory, Mellow Moss, Lavender Lace

Misc: Textuz Plate (Kit #4), Big Shot, Kraft Corduroy Button, Elegant Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon, Lavender Lace & Mellow Moss Markers

For a totally different look my next sample is more delicate. The Whisper White background is also textured with the mini polka dot Texturz plate....can you see it? The scallop edge was created with the brand-new Scallop Square Die. How fun! This time I used my markers again to "ink" up my image, but "colored" in using a Blender Pen. And I know you can't tell, but the image on the scallop circle is popped up on Dimensionals. And don't you just LOVE that new luscious DSP, Cottage Wall?!! It's just so yummy!

Stamps: Herb Expressions

Inks: Old Olive

CS: Whisper White, Old Olive

Misc: Cottage Wall DSP, Blender Pen, Old Olive & Orchid Opulence Markers, Pennant Die (scallop circle), Texturz Plate (Mini Polka Dots from Backgrounds #1), Scallop Square Die, Big Shot, Satin Ribbon, Dimensionals

Every time I see samples made with this stamp set, it seems to be in shades of purple and green. So, I really wanted to try it in another color combo. One of my favorites of the new In Colors is Soft Suede. It is a brown shade just like it sounds, with an almost velvety look to it....you almost need to touch it to be sure it is really cardstock! It's definitely going to be my most used new color this coming stamp year! Keeping with the soft look, but this time, much more tailored, here it is paired with Certainly Celery and So Saffron. The image was stamped in Jet Black StazOn and simply colored in with markers, dotted in with a touch of Crushed Curry ink (I don't own the new In Color markers) and just a dab of Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. This is definitely my favorite of these samples.....so much so, that I made 30 of these for a swap!

Stamps: Herb Expressions, Short & Sweet

Inks: Jet Black StazOn, Soft Suede, So Saffron, Crushed Curry

CS: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Soft Suede
Misc: Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke & So Saffron Markers; Paper Piercer & Template; 5/16" Neutral Jumbo Brads in Chocolate Chip; Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon in Soft Suede; Blender Pen (to add in a touch of the Crushed Curry Ink); Matchbox Die; Texturez Plate (Squares from Kit #4); Dimensionals; Sponge Dauber

Thanks again for stopping by....hope you enjoyed your visit. Please come back and visit again! If you missed the tour....or any portion of the tour, you can check the list of participants at http://www.royalblogtour.com/.

Quick, Easy, & Elegant....With New Stamps!

This card was just so simple to make.....and looks quite elegant in real life! The most difficult part was getting good coverage on the stamp. Sometimes these solid-type stamp images can be problematic until they are "conditioned." There are a few different methods to do this, but one of my favorites.....and what I find most effective....is to lightly rub my sanding block over the rubber image in a cross hatch fashion. Clean it off in your scrubbie and then ink it up! You may need to try a few times till you get the ink coverage that you are looking for.....it's just not a sign of good stamp art if you get partial coverage on your rubber! Here's a quick tutorial on Pat Stamps showing you how to condition your own stamps. Try it, I promise you'll be much happier with the finished results!

So, here's my very simple card.......created with the brand new Kind & Caring Thoughts, a set I pre-ordered just before the release of the new catalog. It's a Hostess Level 2 set.....but as a demo, we were able to pre-order some items before everyone else. AND I just LOVE this set! The images are pretty, but the word stamps really got me.....the greetings are in my very favorite font! The set has such lovely images, greetings, AND even wording for inside your cards!

So, this image was stamped just one time in Brocade Blue, the Bella Blue DSP was added, a touch of ribbon, and of course, the greeting. See?....simple, quick, easy.....and don't you agree, it's so pretty?

Don't forget, you can easily earn this set!

Stamps: Kind & Caring Thoughts

Inks: Brocade Blue Craft, Night of Navy Classic

CS: Very Vanilla, Kraft

Misc: Bella Blue DSP, Wide Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon

Please note: ALL materials used to create this card are from SU!

Blog Challenge -- Case a Blogger & New In Colors

This was loads of fun! The most difficult part of the whole process was choosing just ONE card to CASE (Copy And Steal Everything), because there's so much amazing talent among all those that particpate in the weekly Bloggers' Challenges.....AND there were so many beautiful, wonderful, fabulous cards to choose from! To be honest, I printed out a number of them and now I'll have a lot of inspiration for weeks to come!!

But, for this week's Challenge, I did narrow it down to just one, and staying true to my nature, really just used it as inspiration and changed not only the stamps, but the colors....and, well, as you can see, a bit more, too! Rachel is one of our newer members in the Bloggers' Challenge group, and if you've never visited her blog, you're in for a treat. I love her style...sometimes it's dressed up and funky, and most often it is beautiful but duplicate-able. Here's the card I've chosen to CASE.* Rachel usually uses stamps other than SU, but if you really look at the layouts of her various creations, you'll see how easy it is to copy her ideas using your stamps, accessories, and choice of colors.

So, for this Challenge, I broke out some of my new In Color collection, but used a set that should look familiar to you all, Eastern Blooms along with Birthday Wish, which is not actually in the catalog but on the Dormant List and still available for purchase. This layout is really quite simple, but remember, it's the details that count! You know it always takes me a couple of months to feel comfortable with the new In Colors each year, so I'm really happy to say that I like these colors together and on this card!

Thanks for stopping by today.....and please take some time to visit the other bloggers. You know you won't be sorry!

Stamps: Eastern Blooms, Birthday Wish

Inks: Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Whisper White

CS: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry

Misc: Corner Rounder (retired version), Wide Oval Punch, Lots of Tags Sizzlet, Big Shot, Silver Mini Brads, Paper Piercer, Dimensionals (used under greeting), 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon in Crushed Curry, Mini Glue Dots (for bow)

Please note: ALL materials used to create this card are from SU!

*Did you know that if you click on the header at each blog, you can see then view all their posts?

MaryJo's Sketch #77

You know, I just can't seem to follow a sketch right-side-up.....I always turn it around, use it up-side-down, or just change it! And this week is no exception.....but, I really did try. Using the sketch the way it was presented, ended up with a bunch of "cards" I threw in the trash!! Then when I turned it, it came together for me really easily! Go figure!!

For Mary Jo's 77th sketch (WOW, MJ...way to go!!), I am using my brand-new, just delivered yesterday, Herb Expressions. This set kind of reminds me of an old favorite....Sweet Herbs, I think it was called......that was always on my wish list when it was around, but never seemed to make it into my collection. So, when I spotted this, I knew it needed to be at the top of my list!! This is also the set I'll be featuring in a few weeks on the upcoming Late Night Stamper's Royal Blog Tour (July 26, 27, 28). I can't wait to share more of this set with you!

So, for today's sample, it's really pretty simple.......the image was stamped in Basic Black Ink and colored in using various markers with just a bit of Dazzling Diamonds added; the edges were sponged in Almost Amethyst and then mounted on Dimensionals; a touch of DSP in Almost Amethyst was used (now retired), and a touch of Black Gingham Ribbon and some crystal brads were added in for good measure. See? Simple, right?!!

Thanks for stopping by!.....and don't forget to check out MJ's sketch and ideas. There's always lots to see there!!!

Stamps: Herb Expressions

Inks: Basic Black, Almost Amethyst

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Sage Shadow, Almost Amethyst

Markers: Sage Shadow, Always Artichoke, Almost Amethyst

Misc: Circle Lilac Crystal Brads (Ice Collection), Black Gingham Ribbon, Template, Hand-held 1/16" Punch, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, 2-Way Glue Pen, Almost Amethyst DSP*, Dimensionals, Sponge

Please note: ALL materials used to create this sample are from SU!

*Has retired from the SU collection.

It's a Red, White & Blue Day!

It's been such a busy week and time sure has gotten away from me. Lots of drama in my house....remember I have two 21-year old daughters! The entertainment value of having two such creatures living under my roof is priceless.....and stressful.....causes a LOT of gray hairs!! Fortunately there was not really trouble this week....just a lot going on. So, that along with the normal happenings of everyday life, left little time for stamping.

I did manage to get this card done....and it fits all THREE challenges for this past week. Bloggers' Challenge was Red-White-Blue, and so was the Late Night Stamper's Challenge. And Mary Jo put out a terrific sketch, which is what I used for this week's theme.....I always love MJ's sketches, although sometimes I find them a real "challenge!" This week, the sketch gave me an opportunity to use my brand new Frame & Oval Scallop Die with my Big Shot. Don't you think it's just perfect for this layout?!! Although I pulled out a number of sets trying to come up with a traditional 4th of July type card, I just kept going back to Upsy Daisy....it just seems to belong in that oval! Can you see the background has a paisley impression....created with one of the Texturz plates, of course! And new, of course, is that cute punch, Modern Label and the coordinating Mover & Shaker, again with the Big Shot. The greeting is raised on some Dimensionals.

Thank you for visiting.....and I wish you a wonderful, fun, and safe July 4th! Now, come join me as I visit the other bloggers to see all their fabulous creations!

Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Itty Bitty Backgrounds

Inks: Brocade Blue

CS: Whisper White, Real Red, Brocade Blue

Misc: Night of Navy Marker, Dimensionals, Modern Label Punch, Modern Label Mover & Shaker, Big Shot, White Gel Pen, Frame-Oval-Scallop Die, Paisley Texturz Plate (Kit #4), Wide Grosgrain Ribbon (non-SU)

Please note: ALL materials are from SU; except for the ribbon.

Bloggers' Challenge -- Alter It

This is something I made a couple of months ago. You see, at work whenever someone celebrates a birthday, we all sign a card and give it to the birthday girl. (We are all women.) Well, it was my time to buy a card....but you just know that wasn't going to happen! Another of my co-workers had recently given me a bunch of little tins and I turned a round Altoid Tin into the card from us all. This first photo shows what it looked like before I got my hands on it......not very pretty, is it?!!

The second photo shows what the outside looked like after working on it some....I used the adorable Hostess Level 1 set, Darling Dots, which, of course, will be disappearing in just a few short days. The cupcake was stamped twice...once in Chocolate Chip on the round here and a second time on a Whisper White scrap in Pixie Pink and then the icing was glittered and cut out and mounted onto the brown base...and the cherry on top was punched and a dab of Crystal Effects was added. I'm just loving these colors paired up with the soon-to-be-gone Kiwi Kiss. I LOVE that color. The edge of the Whisper White circle was also lightly sponged with the Pixie Pink, and the little bow in Pink Gingham was added. Isn't this just the cutest?!!

This next photo shows what the inside looks like with the cover removed. The contents needed to be tied down....you'll see why in the next (and last) photo.....so more of the Pink Gingham was used. The little pink ovals that you see on either side are the hinges....again, you'll understand what they "hinge" shortly. The stamped round was just added for interest....a number of punches were used to create this look...so fun!

And lastly, here we have the inside....see those "hinges?" The inside was left blank so that each of my co-workers could add their own personal message on a round. Everyone was very impressed.....but, shhhh! Don't tell them how simple this really was!!

Stamps: Darling Dots*, BoHo Backgrounds, Crazy for Cupcakes

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss*, Pixie Pink

CS: Kiwi Kiss, Pixie Pink, Whisper White

Misc: Nestabilities (Round & Scallop Round), Round Scallop Punch, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Round Punches, 1/8" Hand Held Punch*, Pink Gingham Ribbon*, Large Oval Punch, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

*Has already retired

*About to retire

Please note: All images and CS are from Stampin'Up!

Thanks for stopping by! Can't wait to see what the other Bloggers' Challenge members have been up to....come on and visit, too!

Lunchtime Challenge #75

This one was fun....and easy!....maybe because this really is such a basic layout. It's always nice to re-visit the basics! When I saw this layout, I knew right away that I wanted to use the ornate stamp from Sweet Sampler, which is on the Last Chance list. Of all the stamps in the set, this one is my favorite, and I have used it often. This set is also my go-to set whenever I am giving home-baked goods as gifts......and I'll definitely be keeping it on my shelf.

So, I ended up using stamps from 4 sets that are on the Last Chance list (it kind of makes up for not using a retiring set on my last submission, the MAN card!). The background pattern was created by stamping in the same color with the Classic Stripes bkgrd stamp. This is definitely going to be missed.....it's such a great background! AND if you use it both ways, you can create a plaid....don't you just love that idea?!!.....or picture it on a diagonal in Real Red ink on Whisper White CS for a candy cane like appearance.....

The pattern on the white background portion of this card was created using the medium-size "snowflake" from Snow Burst. This is another set I will miss....imagine this very stamp used in red and blue against the white CS background....what do you see? Fireworks, of course!! Anyway, this stamp was inked and stamped 3 times each before re-inking, giving some images the faded out appearance.

Obviously, I turned the sketch around again and added some long-retired narrow black organdy ribbon and bow. For just a little extra added interest, the Curly Label Punch was used and the punch out was cut in half and added behind the greeting/focal point. So, there you have it....simple, quick AND easy!

You can see who else participated in MaryJo's Challenge this week, by clicking here.....she's even got a BLOG CANDY give-a-way! So, you can make your own version of this sketch (you'll need to post it somewhere and leave a link), or just leave a comment when you stop by and visit....for a chance to win!

Thank you so much for stopping by today!!

Stamps: Classic Stripes*, Snow Burst*, Sweet Sampler*, Hugs & Wishes*

Inks: Orchid Opulence

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Orchid Oppulence

Misc: Narrow Black Organdy Ribbon**, Curly Label Punch

Please Note: ALL materials used to create this card are from Stampin'Up!

*On the Last Chance List......they'll be gone before long! (Contact me today to purchase your Last Chance items!!)

**Retired

BC#104 -- New Meets Old

Well, this post has no sets or accessories on the Last Chance lists....I didn't really have any ideas for a man card that included retiring items. (We'll resume with Last Chance ideas soon!) BUT, this card will give you a sneak peak at a couple of cool, new accessories that will be in the new SU catalog. AND beginning July 1, you can order these, too!

This card began with that little tape measure from Totally Tools. This set ended up in my collection because it is just so perfect for my hubby...I purchased it 'cause I have a lot of photos to scrap that are of some of the many many improvements we made around our house. (Hubby did most of the work.) One day, I'll actually scrap them! LOL! In the meantime, it works perfectly for MAN cards!! This card took me awhile, because when I completed one step, I'd sit back and look at it and think, "I should have done this.....or added that" and it was back to beginning all over again!

So, as I mentioned, the little tape measure was stamped first by using Pitch Black ink by Ranger onto Watercolor Paper. I used Prismacolor Pencils to color it in, highlighting with a yellow glaze pen, and just a touch of glitter by using a clear sparkle Spica Pen.

Then I needed to figure out what papers went with this little guy.....the grays were really dull, but Bordering Blue worked. Then I was off to look for some DSP....well, this background paper is from one of the very first Simply Scrappin' Kits I ever purchased from SU....it says 2004 on the copyright.....obviously, it's been in my stash for a long time! The colors of the tape measure and the DSP are what dictated the other colors that were pulled into making this card.....not sure I would have put them together otherwise!

When I went to add the greeting, I had planned to use the Word Window Punch, but realized that it didn't capture all of the words, but my brand-new, hasn't been released yet, will be in the new catalog punch, Modern Label, did! I wasn't going to buy that punch initially, but when I realized how fun it would be....and how it really worked with other things in the SU line....well, you can see I couldn't resist! Here's it's been paired with the new Movers & Shakers for my Big Shot (also a new release). Cool, isn't it?!!

So, as you can see, making this card was a process! But, it came together pretty well....even if it did take me forever to make it!! Thanks for stopping by....don't forget to check in and see what the others have been up to!

Stamps: Totally Tools

Inks: Pitch Black (Ranger)

CS: Bordering Blue, Watercolor Paper, Old Olive, More Mustard, retired DSP (sorry....don't know the name)

Misc: Cropadile, Silver Mini Brads, Ticket Corner Punch, Paper Piercer & Template (Tool Kit*), Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, Pewter Jumbo Eyelets, Modern Label Punch, Movers & Shapers, Big Shot, Gamsol (Inky Antics), Paper Stumps, Prismacolor Pencils, Clear Glitter Pen (Spica), Yellow Glaze Pen (Sakura)

*Last Chance List

PLEASE NOTE: Images, papers, and some accessories are from SU, except as noted above.

Cards for the Kiddies

That's the Challenge this week over at Late Night Stampers. Well, my kids are all grown (or think they are!), but definitely well past the little kid stage. So, I don't really have any of those adorable sets that are designed with small children in mind. BUT, I did manage to come up with TWO cards for this.....and had such fun.....although I really have to admit that both of these ideas were inspired by card ideas I had on my computer. That means that the ideas were CASEd, but the cards are actually mine.......and I'm sorry that I have no idea where the ideas came from or who originated them. So sorry! That's my disclaimer....if you are the author of either of these ideas, please feel free to contact me and I will give you credit!

The first card has so little stamping....features a bunch of punches......and I had a real ball making it! And why not?.....Who can resist those little fellows? After all, many of us grew up with them, or our children did. Say hi to Elmo, Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch! This is a 3"x6" card, so Cookie Monster didn't make it.....no room in the neighborhood today. The background was rolled with one of my favorite, soon-to-be-gone, jumbo rollers, Spot On. Tore the edge of the Basic Black CS and stamped the greeting on the card base.....just added a Real Red Mini Brad for the dot in the "I" and it was complete. Although I tried to add in a touch of ribbon, it just didn't work.

Stamps: Spot On Jumbo Wheel*, Warm Words

Inks: Basic Black, White Craft

CS: Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red, Only Orange, YoYo Yellow, Kiwi Kiss*, Close to Cocoa

Punches: Round Scallop Punch, Small Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, 1/2" Round Punch, 1/4" Round Punch**

Misc: Real Red Mini Brad, Paper Piercer (from Tool Kit*)

*Retiring

**Retired

Please Note: ALL materials are from SU.

Since that card was so simple, and with so few embellishments (they just didn't fit!), I decided to use a layout from Stamping 101.....be sure to stop by and check it out. It's a new blog created to help stampers, especially beginner stampers....but is packed with ideas for ALL! Started only a short time ago, the fabulous demonstrators who created and run this blog have a new sketch each week, complete with ideas, and measurements for each portion....you are bound to be inspired AND use the sketches yourself! Of course, I was downstairs in my stamp room, and my computer was upstairs, so my measurements are not exact, but the layout is.

For this fun little card, I used Pun Fun.....hmmm! Guess I DO have a set that's good for the kiddies! This cute little rocket ship was stamped 3 times....one time onto the Bashful Blue base, once onto Pacific Blue, and once onto Riding Hood Red. The Pacific Blue and Riding Hood Red portions were cut out and "paper pieced." BUT, before adding in the colored CS, the moon was created by punching a round hole in a CS scrap, laying it over top of the Bashful Blue CS and sponging in some White Craft ink. See?....So easy! Again, it was a simple card to make. You have just got to try some of these ideas......you'll have a great time!

Stamps: Pun Fun*, Boho Backgrounds

Inks: Basic Black, Pacific Point*, White Craft

CS: Sahara Sand, Riding Hood Red*, Pacific Point*, Bashful Blue

Misc: Paper Piercer (from Tool Kit*), White Gel Pen, Button Bouquet*, 1 1/4" Round Punch, Linen Thread, Pop Up Glue Dot (to hold button on)

*Retiring

Please Note: ALL materials used to create this card are from SU and are current at this time.

Thanks so much for stopping by. If you haven't already done so, why not click on the Late Night Stampers icon and join?! It's free to all....demos AND customers! These are the nicest bunch of ladies....you'll be inspired by their many, many creative ideas....AND you'll learn so much in the process!

So, now I've done the challenge for LNS for this past week, I've completed a stamp project for a friend, now it's time to go create my submission for the weekly Bloggers' Challenge....please come back soon and see!

Lunchtime Challenge #74

Check out the sketch from MaryJo this week......I think this one will work nicely for a gift tag. Oh, it's large....but, I'm liking the way it came out...but you know that some gifts are large enough that a skimpy little hang tag just won't do!! In keeping up with my promise to showcase retiring sets and accessories, this shows off 2 retiring sets: Wonderful You and the adorable, limited-edition Ronald McDonald set, Say It With Scallops as well as 2 of the out-going In Colors -- Kiwi Kiss and Tangerine Tango

Lots of things going on here......the scallop background was created with the Big Shot die, Large Scallop Circle, and the 2 inner circles (black and white) were created using the Circle Scissor Plus. Not sure if you can see it.....I tried so hard to show off the white background that was textured with the paisley Texturz Plate from Kit #4. In place of the little strips that are on the sketch to the right of the square, I used flowers from Wonderful You. Each flower was stamped, colored in using Tangerine Tango ink and then cut out. The petals were curled and manipulated to give it more loft and interest.

So, now I need to find just the right gift to add this to! Thanks for stopping by today and be sure to check out MJ's sketch and see who is participating this week.

Stamps: Wonderful You*, Say It With Scallops*

Inks: Kiwi Kiss*, StazOn Jet Black, Tangerine Tango*

CS: Kiwi Kiss*, Basic Black, Whisper White, Shimmery White (for flowers)

Misc: Really Rust & More Mustard Markers (center of flowers), Scallop Square Punch, Scallop Round Die, Big Shot, Circle Scissor Plus, Piasley Texturz Plate Kit #4, Horizontal Slot Punch, Dimensionals, Blender Pen, 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon in Kiwi Kiss*, White Taffeta Ribbon

*Retiring

NOTE: ALL materials used to make this tag are from SU; except for the mini crystals...they were a dollar store find!