Stampin' Stacy

I'm Back! With a Tag!

2011-11-16T16:15:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's been awhile. Sometimes life gets in the way of blogging (and crafting). But that's okay - because it's a good life. :)

We recently attended the birthday party for one of my daughter's friends who was turning four. I quickly cranked out this little tag for her gift and was quite proud of it.

Here it is with the bag - you can see I designed it to match.

~Supplies~
Stamps: On Your Birthday, I {Heart} Hearts (Stampin' Up!); Tiny Treats: Valentine's, Wonderful Words Additions (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Pretty in Pink (SU)
Paper: Pink Pirouette, and Regal Rose (SU)
Dies: Wonderful Words, Tag Sale #1, and Heart Prints (PTI)
Accessories: random rhinestone from my stash, Pure Poppy felt (PTI), twine (PTI)

Ten Minute Scrap Pile

2011-04-22T12:10:00.000-04:00

I love Jessica Witty's "Ten Minute Scrap Pile" cards. The idea is to just sit down at your desk and make a quick card with whatever's on your table. And since I tend to do my card making in 10 or 15 minute increments (thanks to my young daughters), AND since I *ahem* find it very hard to throw anything away, I very often have a table full of scraps just begging to be used.

These butterflies are scraps leftover from the butterfly prints I made for my daughter's room. The Fine Linen layer is left over from my die cut-fest at Deb's house a couple months ago. Just a couple extra touches and it was done! Woo hoo!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Ribbon Tails, Polka Dot Basics II (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Versamark; Berry Sorbet (PTI)
Paper: Fine Linen, Hibiscus Burst Bitty Dot Basics (PTI); Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Bella Bleu DSP (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Berry Sorbet satin ribbon (PTI); clear embossing powder (SU); Swiss Dot embossing folder (Cuttlebug); Signature Series: Butterfly die (PTI); Edgers #1 die (PTI); dimensionals (SU)

Masculine card series

2011-04-19T15:16:00.000-04:00

I'm still on my masculine card kick. I've had several masculine-themed supplies out on my desk for a few weeks, and every time I sit down to make a card, I just use these same items. Easy way to build up a nice stash! And let me tell ya, this is the first time I've actually had a stash of masculine cards! Usually I have to make them as I need them.

My key to masculine cards - clean, graphic, and little-to-no embellishments. PUT DOWN THE RIBBON, ladies!!! I know it's hard, but I promise they'll look better. :)

My masculine color scheme is brown, blue, green, and white. I threw in some nice textures as well. I kept it clean and graphic by using a large stamped sentiment as the focal point - no stamped images. I LOVE this look.

I also LOVE Mat Stack 1, in case you couldn't tell. :) It is seriously my most-used die by far.

~Supplies~
Stamps: Big Birthday Wishes, Mat Stack 1 Collection (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Soft Suede (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Rustic White (PTI); Not Quite Navy, Soft Suede, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, Kraft, Yoyo Yellow, Rockabilly DSP (SU)
Accessories: Mat Stack 1 and Double Ended Banner dies (PTI); Large Star punch (SU); Woodgrain Impression plate (PTI); Square Lattice embossing folder (SU); brown baker's twine (Martha Stewart); dimensionals (SU)

Look out, Pottery Barn Kids!

2011-04-14T12:02:00.000-04:00

My older daughter just graduated to a "grown up" bed! We took her to Pottery Barn Kids, where she picked out a light pink bedspread with butterflies on it. It also included light green to match the color of her walls, as well as some light blue, yellow, and a darker pink.

There wasn't any wall art that totally matched the bedspread she picked. There were a few butterfly pieces, but they were really expensive, plus they didn't really match anyway. I thought, "Surely I can make something to match, with all the butterfly crafty stuff I own!"

Sure enough, I was able to come up with some butterfly wall art to match her PBK bedspread, and I am totally thrilled with the result. I bought the white frames at Michael's on sale for about $7.50 each, and that was the only expense! Much better than $49 each like at PBK, huh? :)

Here are close ups of two of them. Each one is just a teeny bit different!

~Supplies~
Signature Series: Butterfly die from Papertrey Ink
Cardstock and Bitty Dots patterned paper from Papertrey Ink - Spring Rain, Lemon Tart, Hibiscus Burst
Cardstock from Stampin' Up! - Pink Pirouette, Certainly Celery, Spring Fling DSP

First Copics!

2011-04-12T12:48:00.000-04:00

Another thing I got to try out at Deb's PTI stamping get together was Copic markers. Cheryl so kindly gave me a little lesson. It was fun, but I would have to practice a lot to work the magic that I see from so many talented crafters out there!

Even though the Copic coloring of the flower is just alright, I still wanted to share this card because I LOVE the ruffle ribbon!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Year of Flowers: Mums (Papertrey Ink); Frame It (Waltzingmouse Stamps)
Ink: Black Onyx (Versafine)
Paper: Stamper's Select White (PTI); Black, Real Red (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Copics; Red Ruffle ribbon (My Favorite Things)

Birthday Tag - Girl

2011-04-10T14:41:00.000-04:00

Here's more for my birthday tag series, this time a girl version.

~Supplies~
Stamps: Tiny Treats: Birthday; Fillable Frames #9 (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Onyx Black (Versafine); Melon Mambo (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Whisper White, Pixie Pink; Melon Mambo (SU); Simply Chartreuse (PTI)
Accessories: Melon Mambo and Old Olive Markers (SU); T1 (Copic); Tag Sale #4 die (PTI); Scallop Circle and Circle Punches (SU); Double Ended banner die (PTI)

Bring on Spring!

2011-04-08T11:17:00.000-04:00

One of my goals this year is to get one of my cards published in a magazine. This card was my first submission. But alas, it didn't get picked up. Maybe next time!!! :)

Daffodils are my favorite flower. We always had a bunch in our yard growing up, and I loved that they were one of the first flowers to peek out of the ground after the winter. So sunny and pretty!

But, I really don't like coloring in large images on cards. I'm not that good at it, and I don't have all the tools. So, I went for paper piecing on this one. It turned out fun, no? I also added an oh-so-trendy cake doily. I love how springy it looks!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Year of Flowers: Daffodil, and Birthday Basics (Papertrey Ink)
Paper: Spring Moss, Lemon Tart, Dark Chocolate, and Happy Spots Patterned Paper (PTI)
Ink: Black Onyx (Versamark); Chocolate Chip (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Corner rounder punch (EK Success); Doily (Wilton)

Birthday Tags - Boy

2011-04-07T14:35:00.000-04:00

I've been concentrating lately on two things - gift tags and masculine/boy items. This fits both! These tags are just two of a whole series I made for birthday boy gifts. They are all made with similar stamps and color scheme. It makes it easy to make a whole bunch, since the supplies are already out and you're already in the groove. And you know my theory about using gift tags for kid presents - they don't even look at the card, so why bother? Plus, a tag is easier to attach to a bag and won't get lost in the gift pile like a card could. Sometimes I even have my daughter color in the image on the tag for her friends, which is cute.

As promised, here is the other reason I bought the "Eat Chocolate" stamp set. See that green outline frame that fits so beautifully in the white punched label? Well, I took the chocolate stamp that included this great border and CUT it! Yep, I cut my rubber stamp! I cut out the chocolate sentiment/image that I didn't really like, and was left with this pretty border for my punched labels. Love it!!!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Eat Chocolate (Stampin' Up!); Tiny Treats: Birthday (Papertrey Ink)
Paper: Whisper White, Yoyo Yellow, Kraft (SU); Simply Chartreuse (PTI)
Ink: Onyx Black (Versafine); Old Olive (SU)
Markers: Old Olive, Real Red, Baja Breeze, Yoyo Yellow (SU); T1 (Copic)
Accessories: Tag Sale #1 and #3 dies (PTI); Star Punch (SU); Decorative Label Punch (SU)

To Do List

2011-03-29T09:54:00.005-04:00

I bought this SU stamp set pretty much just for this sentiment* - I thought it was super cute. :) It would make a really cute card to go with a chocolate "pick me up" gift for a girlfriend.

When I was at Deb's for the awesome PTI get together a few weeks ago, I got to use a bunch of supplies that I don't have. Between her and Jen, I got to try all the dies that I wanted! I love this little notebook page die. It made a really cute "To Do List"! I also crumpled it up and distressed it to make it look like it was torn out of a notebook.

I also got to play with the button dies, button stamps, and the elusive PTI coasters. Fun stuff! I took a whole bunch of cute new coasterboard buttons home with me. I added crystal effects to these three buttons to make them look shinier. I have to say, I don't think it was worth the trouble. They don't look that much more realistic, and it was a big messy pain in the butt to cover the buttons.

*PS - There was one other reason I bought that stamp set....I'll show you in my next post! ;)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Eat Chocolate (Stampin' Up!); Button Boutique (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Dark Chocolate and Chai Tea Dye (PTI); Early Espresso (SU)
Paper: Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, and Melon Mambo (SU); Rustic White, Vintage Cream, and Raspberry Fizz Bitty Dots (PTI)
Accessories: Large embossed scallop border punch (EK Success); Spiral notebook page die (PTI); Buttoned Up #1 and #2 dies (PTI); coasters (PTI); cream ribbon (Target)

Circle Sketch

2011-03-22T13:43:00.003-04:00

Here's another card I created for a magazine publication call in my pursuit of getting published. (Alas, I was rejected again!) I pretty much followed the sketch exactly. If I had to do the card again, I'd move the sentiment over a tad to the left so that the rhinestone to the right would be centered in the "bullseye."

This is another one of those cards that does not use a single stamp or a single drop of ink! All paper, dies, and stick-on embellishments.

~Supplies~
Paper: Old Olive, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Tempting Turquoise (Stampin' Up!); Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)
Accessories: Circle dies (Spellbinders); Alphabet stickers (Making Memories); rhinestones (Michael's)

Birthday Thank You Notes

2011-02-22T13:10:00.008-05:00

Here are a few Thank You notes I whipped up to send out for my daughter's first birthday. I got the basic idea from a card I saw in the Stampin' Up! magazine, but I changed it up quite a bit (made it bigger, changed the color scheme, added ribbon, added embossing, and added layers). I really can't get enough of these colors together!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Engraved Greetings (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive markers (SU)
Paper: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Garden Wall DSP (SU)
Accessories: Scallop punch, Old Olive striped ribbon, dimensionals (SU); Circle punch (Marvy); Swiss Dot embossing folder (Cuttlebug); adhesive gems (Michael's); Scor-Tape

Think BIG challenge

2011-02-12T15:18:00.004-05:00

Nichole's challenge today was to THINK BIG - "to create a project that incorporates something unexpectedly mega-sized!" My idea was to make a birthday card with some gigantic candles on the front.

I cut the flames out free-hand and added some glitter for sparkle. I distressed the edges of both the flames and the candles, in addition to using dimensionals, to make them really pop.

I think this would make a nice masculine birthday card - nothing too girly about it. :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Up, Up & Away (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: dark gray pigment (Studio G)
Paper: Stamper's Select White, Spring Rain, and Lemon Tart (PTI); Kraft (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds glitter (SU); dimensionals (SU); edge distressing tool (Tim Holtz); double edge banner die (PTI)

Make It Monday #1: Go-To Sentiment Card

2011-02-08T13:15:00.003-05:00

Erin, you rocked the first Make It Monday video! Loved it! Here's my take on the concept.

I decided to go super simple...easy to mass-produce, easy to mail, and easy to enjoy!

AND, I noticed today that this is the 100th post on my blog! How exciting! :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Big & Bold Wishes, Communique Sentiments, Everyday Button Bits, Vintage Picnic Sentiments, Fillable Frames #2, Mixed Messages, Signature Series: Dress Form, and Up, Up & Away (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Chocolate Chip and Crumb Cake (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Kraft (SU)
Accessories: gem adhesives (Colorbox)

Rainbow note

2011-02-06T10:37:00.003-05:00

Just "a little note" using one of the free downloads from Nichole Heady today! I chose to use Melissa Bickford's cute little rainbow tag. I was drawn to those awesome polka dot clouds!

I love everything about the card except for the yellow base. I picked it to match the yellow in the rainbow, but I'm not sure it's right for the card. I'm thinking I should have gone with white or kraft. What do you think? Should I redo it?

I had a little "helper" today when I made this card. My three year old sorted buttons while I created. :)

I haven't decided who I'm rooting for in the Super Bowl tonight - do I root for the family favorite Packers, or do I cheer on the Steelers because their coach is from W&M?

~Supplies~
Stamps: Tiny Treats: Halloween, Anniversary Digital Download (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Baja Breeze (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Melon Mambo, and Whisper White (SU); New Leaf Bitty Dot Basics (PTI)
Accessories: Pure Poppy Vintage Buttons (PTI); Baker's Twine (Martha Stewart); 1.75" circle punch (SU); 2" scallop circle punch (SU); Mat Stack 4 die (PTI); dimensionals (SU); Melon Mambo, Real Red, Peach Parfait, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi, and Baja Breeze markers (SU)

Papertrey Customer Favorites

2011-02-05T21:13:00.002-05:00

Wow, choose my very favorite Papertrey Ink project from 2010??? That is pretty hard! But, I think I'm going to go with this awesome card - Celebrate Bloom. I love how it is clean and simple, but is so "WOW" because of that big 3D bloom.

~Supplies~
Stamps: Framed (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Stamper's Select White, Dark Chocolate, Sweet Blush, and Happy Spots patterned paper (PTI)
Accessories: Bloom Builders die, Dark Chocolate vintage button, twine (PTI)

Zac's Baptism card

2011-01-31T09:21:00.004-05:00

I LOVE how this card came out! It's perfectly BOY without being all cutesy, plus I am in love with the felt banner. :)

The outer layer of the pennants are felt, and I used a needle to actually thread the pennants onto the string. This was my first time doing that, and it was really easy and came out looking really nice.

I love how a name banner is so personal - it lets the recipient know that you truly made that card specifically for him!

And, of course, you can't forget the matching lined envelope - just another extra special touch. :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Banner Day Alphabet (My Favorite Things)
Ink: Not Quite Navy (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Kiwi Kiss (SU); Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink); Boy Just Chillin' patterned paper (Making Memories)
Other: Simply Chartreuse felt (PTI); Pennant die (MFT); linen thread (SU); dimensionals (SU); envelope liner die (PTI); white envelope (PTI)

Julie's birthday invitation

2011-01-26T13:30:00.004-05:00

I've been busy lately with all these invitations, haven't I???? Here is my daughter's first birthday invitation. We're just having a low-key family party, but I wanted to make up some special invites for my special girl. :) Since I wasn't sending out very many, I had fun adding some cool details, like the hand-stitched felt cupcakes. (I got the idea from the fantastic Ms. Dawn, who designed the cupcake die.)

~Supplies~
Paper: Bashful Blue and Whisper White (Stampin' Up!); Happy Birthday patterned paper (Target Dollar Spot)
Felt: Vintage Cream and Raspberry Fizz (Papertrey Ink)
Dies: Mat Stack 3 and Signature Series Cupcake (PTI)
Other: So Saffron grosgrain ribbon (SU); Fonts for Peas; white embroidery floss (DMC); Spring Rain Vintage button (PTI); Dazzling Diamonds glitter (SU); dimensionals (SU)

Baby Girl Shower Invite

2011-01-17T12:34:00.003-05:00

My wonderful sister-in-law is having a baby, and I got to make the baby shower invitations! I kept the design simple, since I was making 23 of them! Also I wanted it to be flat for mailing. Even so, the final version ended up with 5 layers of cardstock, which is more than usual for me!

The banner is a $1 stamp from Michael's and is paper-pieced in pink and yellow. The rest of the text was printed using the ultra-cool Fonts for Peas on Whisper White - I find that paper thin enough to go through my printer easily, yet nice enough for stamping!

And sorry for those ugly brown strips - I had to redact the personal information!!! (Oh my, I used the word "redact" - can you tell I am a paralegal?!?!?)

~Supplies~
Stamps: $1 stamp from Michael's
Ink: Black Onyx (Versafine)
Paper: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Barely Banana, Soft Suede (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Swiss Dot embossing folder (Sizzix); Scallop trim border punch (SU); Fonts for Peas

Top 10 of 2010

2010-12-31T09:55:00.002-05:00

I thought this was a neat idea, to reflect on my blogging/stamping year and pick my ten favorite projects. It was fun to look back and see how my stamping has evolved over the year.

Here they are, in the order they appeared on the blog:

Hedgehog Birthday

Baby Elephant Thank You

And as a bonus, my favorite non-card project:

Jungle Baby Wall Art

Happy New Year! Wishing you a very crafty 2011!!!!

Last Christmas card of the season!

2010-12-21T09:05:00.003-05:00

Well, are you ready for Christmas?!?! My daughter's advent calendar reminded me this morning that Christmas Eve is only 3 days away! I'm planning on one more trip to Target this morning, and then hopefully I'll be done with groceries and presents (cross your fingers!)

This card is an update of one I did last year. I changed the kraft panel to the Top Note die cut, which I think makes it more interesting. I also added glitter to the snowflakes, added a Chocolate Chip layer, and changed the Bashful Blue to Baja Breeze. I actually think I prefer the Bashful Blue though. What do you think of the changes?

~Supplies~ (All by Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Season of Friendship, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Craft White, Baja Breeze
Paper: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Whisper White
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Top Note die, dimensionals

Celebrate Blooms

2010-12-17T14:48:00.004-05:00

Just a clean and simple card, but it packs a big 3D punch!

Let me tell ya, it was tough figuring out how to adhere the flower to the card. Several glue dots and dimensionals later, and I was satisfied. :)

I thought the "celebrate" sentiment would be a good one. That means I could use this card later on for a birthday, baby girl, or even a bridal shower.

~Supplies~
Stamps: Framed (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Stamper's Select White, Dark Chocolate, Sweet Blush, and Happy Spots patterned paper (PTI)
Accessories: Bloom Builders die, Dark Chocolate vintage button, twine (PTI)

Teacher Gifts

2010-12-16T13:44:00.004-05:00

Now that my daughter is in preschool, I love to give her teachers card sets for the holidays and other occasions. I like to take one design, use a couple different coordinating color schemes, and use a variety of sentiments so they are truly "all occasion" card sets.

This is one card set that is going to her teacher tomorrow. Here is a close up of one of the cards.

~Supplies~
Stamps: Little Birdie (My Sentiments Exactly)
Ink: Old Olive, Rose Red (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive, Rose Red, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Junior Varsity DSP (SU)
Accessories: Scallop Border punch, Rose Red grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals, corner rounder punch (SU)

The clear boxes are from Papertrey Ink. An awesome way to package up your cards for gift giving!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-10T20:24:00.003-05:00

I CASE'd this beauty from Jen Sannes - love her work! The finished size is a little different - 4 x 7 inches. A bit unexpected. :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Dasher, Christmas Greetings (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU); Chamomile Tea Dye (Papertrey Ink)
Paper: Kraft, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, DSP (SU)
Accessories: Top Note die, white grosgain ribbon, dimensionals (SU)

Papertrey November Blog Hop Challenge

2010-11-25T10:01:00.000-05:00

It's time for another Papertrey Ink blog hop! This month's theme was holiday tags. Perfect, because I need to make them anyway!

I made several different tags from a variety of shapes, but used the same color scheme (Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Baja Breeze, and Cream) and some of the same embellishments (red buttons, striped paper, and cream felt ric rac) to tie them together. Fun!

I've already used this one below - it is currently decorating my MIL's Thanksgiving hostess gift.

Did you all notice my new floral frog card holder?!?! Nice huh?

~Supplies~
Stamps: Tiny Treats: Christmas, Tiny Treats: Halloween, Fillable Frames #9 (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Real Red,
Paper: Kraft, Baja Breeze, Merry Moments DSP (SU); Vintage Cream (PTI)
Accessories: Old Olive and Peach Parfait markers, linen thread, 1.75 circle punch (Stampin' Up!); Pure Poppy Vintage buttons, Mat Stack 1 die, Mat Stack 4 die, Fillable Frames #9 die, Ric Rac die, Vintage Cream felt (PTI); T1 Copic marker

Pumpkin Bread

2010-11-24T15:16:00.003-05:00

We are getting together with my in-laws and a bunch of their family tomorrow for Thanksgiving. In addition to my contributions to dinner (strawberry jello salad and pecan pie), I decided to make a double batch of my special pumpkin bread for everyone to take home. And of course I wanted to make special labels! It was super easy - I just cut the adhesive sheets with my Big Shot and die, then stamped directly on the die cut white adhesive shapes. I used the Chamomile Tea Dye to distress it a little so it wasn't so stark white.

I really don't know how I survived without the Mat Stack 1 and its coordinating stamp set. I've been using it everywhere!!! This Yummy stamp fits so perfectly with the curve, don't you think?

I hope everyone likes their gift!!!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Mat Stack 1 Collection (Papertrey Ink); Yummy (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Real Red (SU); Chamomile Tea Dye (PTI)
Paper: White Adhesive Sheet (PTI)
Accessories: Mat Stack 1 die, Pure Poppy Vintage buttons (PTI); linen thread, glitter (SU)

Christmas Thank You Notes

2010-11-16T09:27:00.007-05:00

I loved my thank you note so much from the other day that I decided to mass produce it as my Christmas thank you notes this year. I didn't add any buttons, so that they were easier to make and easier to mail, but otherwise the layout is the same.

Here is the stack.

~Supplies~
Stamps: Big and Bold Wishes (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Chamomile Tea Dye (PTI); Black Onyx (Versafine); Garden Green, Real Red (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Vintage Cream (PTI); Real Red, Merry Moments DSP (SU)
Accessories: Mat Stack 1 die (PTI); cream satin ribbon (Target); red twill ribbon (Michael's); dimensionals (SU)

Thank you

2010-11-14T15:57:00.003-05:00

I have depleted my stash of Thank You cards, so I had a purpose when I sat down to play with my new goodies the other day. I've been digging the Big and Bold Wishes stamp set recently, plus I just got the Mat Stack 1 and October Afternoon papers. Bingo!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Big and Bold Wishes (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Ocean Tides, Chamomile Tea Dye (PTI); Black Onyx (Versafine)
Paper: Aqua Mist, Vintage Cream (PTI); The Thrift Shop patterned paper (October Afternoon)
Accessories: Mat Stack 1 die, Aqua Mist satin ribbon, Aqua Mist vintage buttons (PTI); linen thread (Stampin' Up!)

CAS Wedding card

2010-10-26T12:33:00.003-04:00

This card came about after I made my baby cards the other day, and I had the Lemon Tart and Kraft scraps still sitting out. Sometimes the best (and easiest!) cards are made when you already have the stuff out for some other reason, and the new card just magically comes together!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Big and Bold Wishes (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Certainly Celery, Crumb Cake (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Kraft (SU); Lemon Tart, Stamper's Select White, Dotty Biscotti (PTI)
Accessories: Scallop Border punch, Certainly Celery ribbon (SU)

October 2010 Papertrey Ink Blog Hop

2010-10-25T09:56:00.005-04:00

Festivus....the holiday for the rest of us!

This month's blog hop theme is winter holidays other than Christmas. I thought I'd keep it fun and lighthearted with a card to celebrate Festivus, which is December 23. It's also kind of a shout out to my husband Matt, who loves Seinfeld. :)

Part of Festivus is the "Airing of Grievances" - thus the couch.

Hope you have a great holiday season, no matter what holiday you celebrate!!!!

~Supplies~
Stamps: On My Couch (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Black Onyx (Versafine); Chamomile (PTI)
Paper: Vintage Cream, Aqua Mist, Berry Sorbet (PTI); The Thrift Shop patterned paper (October Afternoon)
Accessories: circle and scallop circle punches (Marvy); Ledger Alphabet Stickers (October Afternoon); Ocean Tides twill ribbon (PTI); corner rounder (EK Success)

Babies, babies, everywhere!

2010-10-19T11:13:00.002-04:00

I guess it's that time of my life where all my friends are having babies! There have been a TON of 2010 babies in my circle of friends and family (starting with my own, of course!), and my stash of baby cards has been seriously depleted. Time to whip up some new ones!!!

I made several of these in both pink and blue!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Goody-Goody Gumdrops (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Black; So Saffron, Peach Parfait, Crumb Cake, Pretty in Pink, and Bashful Blue markers (SU)
Paper: Whisper White and Kraft (SU); Lemon Tart, Dotty Biscotti (Papertrey Ink)
Accessories: Large Oval and Scallop Oval punches (SU); Pretty in Pink and Bashful Blue satin ribbon (SU); dimensionals (SU)

Tiny Treats card

2010-10-12T11:17:00.004-04:00

I got inspired today! Very quick and easy card. This took me about 10 minutes to make, and that's only because I hadn't used the frame stamp before and there was a tiny learning curve for figuring out the best way to stamp it, and so I messed up two other pieces of white paper before I finally got a good image. :)

I colored the dinos with SU markers, outlined them with the T1 Copic, and added Stickles to the little hearts for a teeny bit of sparkle.

This would make a cute set of notecards, don't you think?

~Supplies~
Stamps: Framed, Tiny Treats: Valentine (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Onyx Black (Versafine)
Paper: Stamper's Select White (PTI)
Accessories: Pear Pizzazz and Melon Mambo Markers (Stampin' Up!); T1 Copic; Stickles

Wall Art for Baby Zachary

2010-10-04T14:02:00.008-04:00

I got to meet beautiful 2 week old baby Zachary yesterday. His nursery is decorated in a green and brown jungle theme using the Papagayo set from Lambs & Ivy. I wanted to make him some wall art to hang in his nursery that matched the bedding set.

Here is the nursery set and a close up of the quilt. I tried to mimic the quilt squares in my wall art.

(Photo credit - Baby Super Mall)

I used a million different stamp sets and patterned papers so I'm not going to list them all. Let me know if you have any questions about something specific. The colors I used were: Lemon Tart (Papertrey Ink), Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue, Kraft, Soft Suede, Old Olive, and Certainly Celery (Stampin' Up!).

Here are a few close ups:

One last shot of the finished product:

Birthday Birdie

2010-09-05T12:59:00.003-04:00

When I saw the new Stampin' Up! catalog, I immediately knew that this birdcage set had to come live at my house! This is a very clean and simple card...I know, I know, big shocker - but hey, it's what I do! :)

The "patterned paper" was stamped by me using the Distressed Stripes set - love this set for doing this! It is perfect when you need a specific color combination DSP.

~Supplies~
Stamps: Aviary (Stampin' Up!); Distressed Stripes, Everyday Button Bits (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Crushed Curry, Marina Mist (SU); Onyx black (Versafine)
Paper: Stamper's Select white (PTI); Crushed Curry, Marina Mist (SU)
Accessories: Crushed Curry polka dot ribbon, linen thread (SU); Chloe's Closet buttons (Making Memories), glue dots

Baby Shower Welcome Sign

2010-09-03T13:32:00.003-04:00

This is the Welcome sign that I had taped to the front door at Meg's Baby Shower. In all the excitement (meaning, rushing around like mad right before guests arrived), I neglected to take a picture of the sign before I sent it home with Meg as a souvenir at the end of the shower.

Meg was kind enough to bring the sign when she came by yesterday, so I got to take a few pictures of it for my blog.

Gluing all the die cut letters straight was tedious, but well worth the effect, don't you think?!

~Supplies~
Paper: So Saffron textured, Spring Fling and Junior Varsity DSPs (Stampin' Up!); Stamper’s Select white (Papertrey Ink)
Accessories: Timeless Type alphabet sizzlets (SU); Star Sizzix die (SU); vintage buttons (PTI); rustic twine (PTI); white galaxy marker (American Crafts); scallop edge punch (SU); glue dots; mono multi adhesive

Going Vintage

2010-08-30T14:43:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, the baby was sleeping, and Matt announced that he and our toddler were going to play outside. It didn't take long for me to figure out that I wanted to steal a little "me" time and do some stamping!

I pretty much CASE'd this card by Michele - just a few changes. I find it hard to do the "vintage" style on my own - it's not really something I tend to come up with by myself. This card is just so gorgeous, though. I'm thinking that these will make great notecard gift sets - lots of different sentiments, several different dark colors mixed with the cream.

~Supplies~ (All by Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Elizabeth, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Soft Suede
Paper: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Kraft, Autumn Traditions DSP
Accessories: Pearls, oval punches, Victoria lace, dimensionals

Meg's Baby Shower Decorations

2010-08-29T14:58:00.004-04:00

Here are some of the decorations I made for Meg's baby shower last weekend. The theme was "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", and the colors were Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, and So Saffron.

I made a diaper cake using this tutorial. So fun and easy! It is topped with a monkey, because Meg and her husband love monkeys, and that is the theme of the nursery.

Here's some close ups:

Here are some sandwich toppers - I made 30 of these suckers:

(homemade chicken salad, yum!)

The favors that everyone went home with - star cookie cutters with a stamped tag. (I made 30 of these suckers, too!)

I know this isn't stamped, but it is my favorite decoration that I did, so I wanted to show it anyway. We strung a rope across the doorway and hung baby clothes with clothespins. I loved it!!! Meg got to keep all the clothes for her baby.

~Supplies~

Diaper Cake
Stamps: Star Prints (PTI)
Ink: So Saffron (SU)
Paper: Flock Together, Junior Varsity, Spring Fling, Summer Picnic, and Certainly Celery patterns DSPs; So Saffron; Whisper White (SU)
Accessories: buttons (PTI and Basic Grey); Star Punch (SU); Star Sizzix die (SU); glue dots; Terrificly Tacky Tape

Sandwich toppers
Stamps: Star Prints, Mixed Messages (PTI)
Ink: So Saffron (SU); gray ink (Studio G)
Paper: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue (SU)
Accessories: Star, Scallop circle, 1 3/8 circle, and 1 1/4 circle punches (SU); Terrifically Tacky Tape

Favor Tags
Stamps: Star Prints (PTI); Framed Greetings (My Favorite Things)
Ink: So Saffron, Bashful Blue (SU)
Paper: Whisper White (SU)
Accessories: Framed Greetings die (MFT); rustic twine (PTI); 1/8 hole punch (SU)

Small Wonder

2010-08-22T13:27:00.004-04:00

This card was for Meg's baby shower yesterday. It keeps with the star theme and blue, green, and yellow color scheme of the shower. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have a post with all the cool decorations I made.

The baby onesie was paper-pieced and coated with crystal effects.

The shower was a lot of fun. I'm just so excited for Meg....she is going to be an awesome mommy!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Star Prints (Papertrey Ink); Polka Dot Basics (PTI); Framed Greetings (My Favorite Things); A Little Love (Stampin' Up!); Whimsical Words (SU)
Ink: So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery (SU); Fresh Snow (PTI)
Paper: Whisper White, So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Summer Picnic DSP (SU)
Accessories: Framed Greetings die (MFT); buttons (PTI and Basic Grey); star punch (SU); linen thread (SU); glue dots; dimensionals (SU); crystal effects (SU); Certainly Celery grosgrain ribgbon (SU)

i love you

2010-08-12T11:45:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was my 9th wedding anniversary! Here's the card I made for my wonderful, handsome hubby. The inside says "i love you".

It's always a challenge making cards for guys. I was able to resist adding a bow to the ribbon, but it was really hard. :)

The border punch is a fun new extra wide one I picked up the other day...cool huh?!?

~Supplies~
Stamps: Three Little Words (Stampin' Up!); Framed Greetings (My Favorite Things)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze (SU)
Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Parisian Breeze DSP (SU)
Accessories: Large Scallop Circle border punch (EK Success); Chocolate Chip satin ribbon (SU); Framed Greetings die (MFT); dimensionals (SU)

Doily

2010-08-09T16:37:00.004-04:00

Hear that sound? Yep, that's the sound of me jumping on the doily bandwagon!

A Martha Stewart doily tag, satin ribbon, beautiful polka dot paper, and a new die cut with matching stamp....lots of fun new things!

Jen got this card for her birthday....so I couldn't post til she got it! :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Framed Greetings (My Favorite Things)
Ink: Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry DSP (SU)
Accessories: Framed Greetings die (MFT); doily tag (Martha Stewart); Old Olive satin ribbon, dimensionals (SU); half-back pearls (Kaiser)

Baby Shower Invitation

2010-07-15T13:16:00.004-04:00

Here it is, Meg's baby shower invitation. I made 30 of these suckers - whew! I really enjoyed it, though. I was excited to do something special for her shower. I am doing a star theme for the whole shower. I'm sure you can guess, she's having a boy!

The design of the card is my own, but I got the baby onesie shape idea from the awesome Lauren Meader. Her tutorial is really helpful if you want to make your own.

My favorite detail are the eyelet "snaps", just like the bottom of real onesies. There is a score line there for added detail.

~Supplies~
Stamps: Star Prints (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: So Saffron (Stampin' Up!); dark gray pigment (Studio G)
Paper: Whisper White, Bashful Blue (SU)
Accessories: eyelets, large star punch, 1 3/8 circle punch, 1 3/4 circle punch, dimensionals (SU)

Congratulations

2010-07-12T11:36:00.004-04:00

This card went out to my friend and neighbor, Robin. Congrats, girl! Well deserved, indeed!!!!

~Supplies~ (All by Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Because I Care, Occasional Quotes
Ink: Concord Crush, Pear Pizzazz
Paper: Whisper White, Kraft, Concord Crush, Pear Pizzazz
Accessories: Polka Dot embossing folder, white organza ribbon, dimensionals, aqua painter

Soaring by to say hi

2010-06-25T16:18:00.003-04:00

More clouds - but this time, they're made of felt! Ooooh! Ahhhh! And don't they pair so well with that grass border punch!?!? Love it!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Up, Up, and Away, Everyday Button Bits (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Onyx black (Versafine); Melon Mambo, Old Olive, and So Saffron markers (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Stamper's Select white (PTI); Baja Breeze, So Saffron, and Old Olive (SU)
Accessories: Cloud dies (PTI); circle punch (SU); Grass border punch (Martha Stewart); dimensionals (SU)

Birthday Banner

2010-06-24T11:08:00.004-04:00

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this card. It took forever to create those banners, but OH MY GOSH was it worth it! I'm just so tickled about this card.

I hand cut the individual pennants out of a bunch of different retired DSPs - small patterns were important, since the pennants are so small. I folded the paper and then cut the two long sides, so when unfolded it was in the shape of a diamond. That way, I could fold the pennants around the thread so they actually hang from the thread - clear as mud, right? The thread is taped down underneath the layer, and the pennants are individually glued/popped up with dimensionals. Lots of little fussy pieces. :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Cloudy Background (Taylored Expressions); alphabet (Studio G)
Ink: Bashful Blue (Stampin' Up!); Onyx black (Versafine)
Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive (SU); DSPs: Cutie Pie, Junior Varsity, Tall Tales, Raspberry Tart, Summer Picnic (SU)
Accessories: Linen Thread, dimensionals (SU)

Birthday Balloons

2010-06-20T13:45:00.004-04:00

Straightforward card. Clean and simple. Fun new HUGE background stamp for the clouds - LOVE IT! No crazy embellishments since it's getting mailed. The balloons are cut out and popped up on dimensionals - there are dies for this stamp set but they were sold out when I ordered, so I had to cut by hand. Hopefully soon I'll be able to get them. The cutting wasn't so bad, except the baskets were kind of fussy.

I won't have very many cards for you in the upcoming days - all my stamping time (which is unfortunately very little now that DD#1 is not napping and not in school til September) is being taken up by baby shower invites. I'm hosting a baby shower for my dear friend, and hand-making the 30 invites. I'll definitely post one when they're done - they're totally cute!!!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Up, Up and Away (Papertrey Ink); Cloudy Background (Taylored Expressions)
Ink: Cool Caribbean, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, and Melon Mambo (Stampin' Up!); Onyx Black (Versafine)
Paper: Stamper's Select White (PTI); Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo (SU)
Accessories: Close to Cocoa Marker, dimensionals (SU); corner rounder (EK Success)

Another argyle birthday card

2010-06-11T09:37:00.003-04:00

I'm loving the argyle for guy cards. This one's going out to my brother-in-law for his birthday.

~Supplies~
Stamps: A Little Argyle, Communique Sentiments, Fillable Frames #2 (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip (SU)
Accessories: Fillable Frames #2 die, rustic twine, vintage buttons (PTI); dimensionals (SU)

Happy Birthday, Matt!

2010-06-07T13:05:00.004-04:00

I wanted to make a nice masculine birthday card for my husband's birthday today. I had to resist the urge to add lots of embellishments to keep it manly. :) I used the argyle set again, and it is very striking on the white background. Love it! This might be my new "go-to" for guy cards!

Happy Birthday, Matt! I love you! (And yes, he does read my blog. He has even learned to say nice things about the cards I make.) :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: A Little Argyle, Birthday Basics, Fillable Frames #2 (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Old Olive (Stampin' Up!); black (Versafine)
Paper: Stamper's Select White (PTI); Black, Kraft (SU)
Accessories: Fillable Frames #2 die (PTI); black grosgrain ribbon (Michael's)

Fixed it!

2010-06-01T20:51:00.004-04:00

I really wanted wide black ribbon for Sunday's card....so I went to the store and bought some! Now, with some wide black twill and the latest trendy ruffle ribbon technique, my card looks oh-so-much better.

Time to relax

2010-05-30T13:49:00.005-04:00

This argyle background was really fun to make. It was my very first time using the set, so it's not perfect, but I was pretty happy with the results. I'm excited to experiment with all the possibilities!

I am also in love with this couch set - it makes such great focal images. Although the "worn" spot on the couch was unintentional, I love how it adds a homey look to it, so I left it. :)

I wish I had a wider ribbon for the bottom - but in all my ribbon stash, this was the only black I had! I must remedy that!!! ;)

So there you go - a little bit of imprecise stamping that came out pretty cute!

~Supplies~
Stamps: A Little Argyle, On My Couch (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Fresh Snow (PTI); Melon Mambo (Stampin' Up!); black (Versafine)
Paper: Stamper's Select White (PTI); Melon Mambo, Basic Black, Kraft (SU)
Accessories: Couch die (PTI); Small oval punch, black grosgrain ribbon (SU)

Gift Card Holder

2010-05-26T13:43:00.004-04:00

I was able to find the time to make a gift card holder for the Starbucks gift card to go with the end of year gift for my daughter's preschool teacher. I wanted to use the same color scheme (see Monday's post), but couldn't find any DSP that used both Cameo Coral and Old Olive. The closest I could find was Kiwi Kiss instead....good enough. :) I used Kristina Werner's awesome gift card holder template from a couple Christmases ago - VERY easy!

Here's what it looks like inside:

~Supplies~
Stamps: Tiny Treats: Valentine (Papertrey Ink); Family Phrases (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: black (Versamark)
Paper: Whisper White, Cameo Coral, Kiwi Kiss, Raspberry Tart DSP (SU)
Accessories: white taffeta ribbon, scallop circle and circle punches, gold eyelets, dimensionals, Old Olive and Regal Rose markers (SU); T1 Copic

Teacher thank you gift

2010-05-24T10:22:00.003-04:00

My older daughter's last day of preschool is this week. This was her first year and she absolutely LOVED going! Her teacher was awesome, and she really adored her. As an "end of year" thank you gift, I put a bag of wildflower seeds into a flower pot and added a pretty homemade tag. On the back of the tag I wrote, "Thank you for helping me grow this year!" Pretty cute, huh? :) Oh, and there's also a Starbucks gift card stuck in there as a special treat. I'm hoping that I find the time to make a gift card holder this week - I'll post it if I do.

~Supplies~
Stamps: Everyday Button Bits (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: black (Versamark); Old Olive, Cameo Coral (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive (SU)
Accessories: circle and scallop circle punches (Marvy); Melon Berry buttons, Rustic twine (PTI)

Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge 152

2010-05-22T17:32:00.004-04:00

Stamping 411 is celebrating their one year anniversary! Congratulations on an awesome, successful website, ladies! Here's this week's sketch:

And here's my card:

It took me several tries to come up with something for this layout...not sure why. But I do love what I ultimately came up with! :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Fox and Friends, Family Phrases (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: black (Versamark); So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie (SU)
Paper: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP (SU)
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border punch, Old Olive marker, Basic Black marker, dimensionals, Old Olive grosgrain ribbon (SU); rustic twine, Raspberry Fizz button (Papertrey Ink)

Birthday Tag

2010-05-18T13:38:00.004-04:00

Now that my first daughter is at the age where she is getting invited to birthday parties, I have been making these birthday tags like crazy. The kids are only 3, so they don't even look at the cards, and I don't bother slaving over one that's just going to get tossed immediately. But these fun tags hang off the gifts for everyone to see and are very fun and SUPER quick to make. I seriously just made this in about 5 minutes - dashed upstairs while one daughter watched tv and the other slept in her swing, and they didn't even miss me. :) Here is the back of the tag:

The funny thing is that this stamp set is actually a Valentine's set. I'm just waiting and waiting for PTI to release a birthday version!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Tiny Treats: Valentine; Birthday Basics (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip (SU)
Accessories: Melon Mambo marker (SU); T1 Copic; circle and scallop circle punches (Marvy); rustic twine (PTI)

Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge 150

2010-05-08T15:01:00.002-04:00

Here's the latest sketch from Stamping 411:

And here's my take:

I loved how this sketch was ever-so-slightly off center. It was a fun one!

~Supplies~ (All by Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Trendy Trees
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry, Old Olive
Paper: Kraft, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Cottage Wall DSP
Accessories: Vintage Brads, Dusty Durango Polka Dot ribbon

Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge 149

2010-05-03T15:44:00.007-04:00

Here's the latest sketch from Stamping 411:

I still needed a few more baby-themed thank you notes, and I wanted to try out this awesome layered ribbon ruffle technique from Ashely Cannon Newell. I LOVE how it came out! I changed the size of the sketch to a 4.25 x 4.25 square.

~Supplies~ (All by Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Little Hellos, Lots of Thoughts
Ink: Black
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Whisper White, Sweet Pea Designer Paper Pack
Accessories: Pretty In Pink Satin Ribbon, Sticky Tape, Small Oval Punch, Markers (So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Pretty In Pink), dimensionals

The "no ink" challenge

2010-04-27T14:34:00.006-04:00

Here's another card with two of the new colors. Since we don't have matching inks yet, it's kind of a fun challenge to come up with cards that don't use any ink. Lots of die cutting and punching going on! :)

I have to say, I'm in love with this card. It's my favorite that I've made with the new colors. I don't know if I'll be able to send this one out!

~Supplies~ (All by Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: N/A
Ink: N/A
Paper: Whisper White, Marina Mist, Early Espresso
Accessories: Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Sizzlets; 1 1/4 circle punch; White organza ribbon

One Layer Card Challenge

2010-04-24T14:29:00.004-04:00

Kristina Werner has a challenge out right now that's right up my alley - one layer cards. Just ink and paper; no layers or embellishments. Fun! I love how simple yet intriguing one-layer cards can be.

~Supplies~
Stamps: house and sentiment (Studio G); Heart Prints (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Fresh Snow (PTI); Rose Red (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Kraft (SU)
Accessories: None!

A Flower for You

2010-04-24T14:20:00.004-04:00

Here's another 4.25 x 4.25 card using the new colors and the ruffle flower technique. The flower is made from all five of the new colors. I'm normally not much of a sponger, but this card was screaming for it. :)

~Supplies~ (All by Stampin' Up! except where noted)
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Paper: Whisper White, Cajun Craze, Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight, Cherry Cobbler, and Early Espresso
Accessories: Floral Fusion sizzlet, Scallop Trim punch, 1 3/4 circle punch, linen thread, button (Basic Grey), paper piercer

Welcome back, Wild Wasabi!

2010-04-24T14:04:00.005-04:00

Wild Wasabi is back, baby! :)

Also used the new colors (yes, AGAIN). I couldn't decide where to put the sentiment, so I went without.

~Supplies~ (All by Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: N/A
Ink: N/A
Paper: Kraft, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze, Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist, Early Espresso, Wild Wasabi, and Wild Wasabi print
Accessories: 1 3/4, 1 3/8, and 1 1/4 circle punches, Button Latte, linen thread

Going Unmounted!

2010-04-22T16:41:00.011-04:00

Yep, that's right, folks! I am unmounting all my wood-mount stamps! I decided that it just took up too much room, and I could never find what I needed (and sometimes didn't even know what I had!) With SU offering unmounted now, I knew that I wanted to convert all my old stamps. You would not believe how much space I'm saving, and how organized they all are now!
Here's the "before" pile of clam shell boxes and wood blocks (I didn't really store them in the corner on the floor like this....it's just where I've dumped the blocks and cases after I took the rubber off):

And here's how they look now! I am not done yet, but this is what I've done so far. I can fit 2 to 3 sets per case! Next I need to make nice labels for them.

Here's how I did it....First of all, I stamped the image (still on the wood block) using Staz-On black ink onto the cling side of EZ Mount foam. Then I cut around the image, not too close. Here's a picture of what I ended up with.

Next, I peeled the red rubber off the wood and foam mount. It's kind of scary to do at first, but it actually comes off really easily! You have to be somewhat careful, but it's pretty hard to actually hurt your stamps doing this. :) Here's a picture of what you have left - just naked red rubber!

Here's a picture from the side...pretty thin!

Next step, I peeled the protective backing off the sticky side of the EZ Mount. This side is SUPER sticky!!! Then, I carefully stuck the red rubber onto the sticky side of the EZ Mount. This is the trickiest part, because you want to line up your rubber with the Staz-On image on the other side. I kind of had to eye ball it. I placed it where I thought it should go, then used some unique points on the image, looking back and forth from image to rubber, making sure all the edges matched. Then I stuck it on.

Next I just cut the extra foam away.

The EZ Mount is super sticky, so it is MUCH EASIER if you use a hot knife instead of scissors.

Here's a picture of the hot knife in action.

And here's the final result!!!!

Don't be fooled...this is actually a long process, especially when multiplied by the large number of stamps that need to be done! I'm still not quite completely finished! But, I already love it and am so excited to be unmounted. I really love that stamping the image in Staz-On on the cling side gives me an image to see through the clear block, so I know what I'm stamping and where. That is key, in my opinion!

More of the new colors

2010-04-22T10:56:00.003-04:00

Here's another little 4.25 x 4.25 card that shows off the new Stampin' Up! colors. That beautiful, rich red is definitely my favorite, with the brown a close second!

~Supplies~ (All by Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Paper: Whisper White, Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight, and Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Small Oval Punch, Scallop Trim Border punch, white organza ribbon, dimensionals

New Stampin' Up! colors!

2010-04-21T18:00:00.006-04:00

I got my new color samples from Stampin' Up! today and wanted to do some quick cards to play with them. After all, quick cards are all I can manage these days! :)

I've been seeing some great cards with white layered on white recently, which inspired me on these butterfly cards.

~Supplies~
Stamps: Vintage Picnic Sentiments (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Dark Chocolate (PTI)
Paper: Stamper's Select White (PTI); Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze, Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist, and Early Espresso (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Floral Fusion Sizzlet, and Swiss Dot embossing folder; dimensionals, rhinestones (Michael's $1 section)

I'm Baaa-aaack!

2010-04-13T09:23:00.003-04:00

Lookie what I made:

Now you know where I've been the last 2.5 months! :) Our family of 3 is now a family of 4!

I have barely touched my stamps since she was born, so I've really started to get the crafting itch recently! I HAVE been working on finishing a "little" unmounting project that I started in the days before giving birth (nesting, perhaps?) I'll share more details about that soon. Needless to say, I'm about halfway done and LOVING the space I'm saving, plus the organization!

Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge 136

2010-01-31T09:20:00.003-05:00

It was our last Saturday as a family of three! My daughter got to watch Pooh on the computer while I stamped in my stamping corner. Here's the latest sketch from Stamping 411:

And here's my take:

I figured I'll need a lot of baby-themed thank you notes real soon, but my hands will be too full to make them! This one will come in handy. :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Polka Dot Basics (Papertrey Ink); Wild About You, Teeny Tiny Wishes (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Aqua Mist (PTI); Versamark, Soft Suede (SU)
Paper: Aqua Mist (PTI); Soft Suede, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White (SU)
Accessories: Pretty in Pink and Certainly Celery markers (SU); Word Window punch (SU); White organza ribbon (SU); Aqua Mist vintage buttons (PTI); Labels 1 Nestabilities (Spellbinder); white thread (DMC); clear embossing powder; dimensionals

Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge 135

2010-01-26T14:52:00.004-05:00

I turned to the latest Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge today for my stamping inspiration. Trying to get in some last stamping time before the baby comes!!! Here's the sketch, which I pretty much followed to a T except for the placement of the sentiment.

I am not sure who originally created the ruffle flower technique, but I have seen them all over recently! Dawn McVey and Ilina Crouse both have excellent tutorials for them! Here's how I made mine: I punched out 5 layers of Sweet Pea DSP using the large flower punch. I layered them together and stuck a brad in the middle to hold them together. Then I crinkled up the flowers, layer by layer, until it was one big ball. Then I peeled back the layers and had a gorgeous puffy flower! I tied some linen thread through a button and stuck it in the center. Very easy and a beautiful 3D element for a card! I also love how you can just barely see the backside of the DSP....the visible side are all pumpkin pie patterns, but you can see little hints of teal and brown from the other side of the DSP. (Good thing the other side of the DSP wasn't lime green huh? :))

~Supplies~ (All by Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Trendy Trees
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Taken With Teal, Sweet Pea DSP
Accessories: Large flower punch, Designer Button (Button Latte), Linen thread, brad, dimensionals, polka dot embossing folder

Fox and Friends Valentines

2010-01-19T14:22:00.004-05:00

These cute little 3x3" numbers are going to my daughter's preschool classmates for Valentine's Day. Very easy to mass produce, except for the cutting of the animals. I have an issue with the name of the stamp set, though....think Stampin' Up! was trying to tell us something?!?!? :)

Anyway....I was inspired by this adorably simple card and took it from there!

~Supplies~ (All by Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Fox & Friends, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Word Window punch, Scallop Square punch, polka dot embossing folder, white grosgrain ribbon, Crop a dile

Stamps for Sale

2010-01-04T20:36:00.008-05:00

I am selling some of my old Stampin' Up! stamps. All are gently used and in good shape. There is some writing on some of the clamshell cases and some ink staining on the rubber and wood. Please contact me if you are interested!

That's Nice (set of 4) from 2007 - $5

Birthday Best (set of 4) from 2004 - $4

Delight in Life (set of 6) from 2007 - $6

Blooming with Happiness (set of 6) from 2006 - $7 *this set is mounted but has never been used*

The Fine Print (set of 6) from 2002 - $6

Friendship Blooms (set of 4) from 2008 - $4 *this set is MISSING one stamp (originally a set of 5)*

Time Well Spent (set of 12) from 2008 - $12

Fancy Flexible Phrases (set of 52, DOUBLE MOUNTED) from 2006 - $15 *this set is MISSING four phrases/two blocks (originally a set of 56)*

Happy 2010!

2010-01-03T09:52:00.004-05:00

Here's a fun little card to kick off 2010 with some of my new Christmas toys. :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes (Stampin' Up!); untitled hedgehog stamp (Recollections)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU); Aqua Mist (Papertrey Ink)
Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip (SU); Aqua Mist (PTI); Lemonade patterned paper (Basic Grey)
Accessories: Rose Red stitched ribbon (SU); Flower Fusion felt (SU); clear rhinestone brad; Word Window punch (SU); Circle and Scalloped Circle punches (Marvy); dimensionals (SU); Rose Red marker (SU)

Who doesn't love hearts?

2009-12-11T15:27:00.003-05:00

Another Valentine using the In Colors!

~Supplies~ (All by Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, Craft White
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Accessories: Crushed Curry polka dot ribbon; circle punch

Playing with new stamps

2009-12-11T15:10:00.003-05:00

I got my Stampin' Up! preorder the other day, and I am loving these new clear mount stamps! So fun!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Fox & Friends, I {Heart} Hearts (Stampin' Up!); sentiment from Studio G Series 26
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry (SU); Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Whisper White (SU)
Accessories: Melon Mambo polka dot ribbon (SU); circle punch

A Valentine's fix-it

2009-12-09T13:25:00.004-05:00

Forget Christmas - it's on to Valentine's Day! I need to make my Valentines ahead of time this year, since Baby #2 is due the first week of February!

I had an idea in my head and knew what supplies I wanted to use, and this is what I came up with:

Something's missing, isn't it? It just doesn't look....finished. I thought about it, and thought about it, and then BOOM! I knew what it needed. :) It looks so much better now, with only that little ribbon addition, doesn't it?!

Hint - the buttons are sewn onto the card. It makes them stay in place much flatter than when using glue dots!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Heart Prints (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White (SU); Spring Moss, Raspberry Fizz Bitty Dot Basics (PTI)
Accessories: Vintage Buttons (PTI); linen thread (SU); Pinking Hearts border punch (SU); Large Heart Punch (EK Success); Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon (SU); chipboard letters (Target); dimensionals (SU)

Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge 128

2009-12-09T13:17:00.004-05:00

Here's another sketch challenge from my friends at Stamping 411. I turned the sketch on its side. It's a pretty simple card, showing off my new fascination - buttons!!!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Everyday Button Bits, Polka Dot Basics II (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Black (Versamark); Rich Razzleberry (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Aqua Mist (PTI); Rich Razzleberry, Kraft, Whisper White (SU)
Accessories: Rich Razzleberry and Sage Shadow markers (SU); Scallop border, large oval, and scallop oval punches (SU); white organza ribbon (SU); Aqua Mist Vintage buttons (PTI); hemp twine; dimensionals (SU)

It's Your Day

2009-12-03T13:09:00.006-05:00

Yep, still using those purple and green scraps that are sitting on my desk!!! :) I can't leave them alone. I think this Rich Razzleberry is my new favorite color - I will be very sad when it's gone.

This card was really easy to put together, since I already had the polka dot strips inked up from last week. That green strip is actually that strip of paper that is left after you use a border punch! The polka dots were already heat embossed from a different card. Yep, I save EVERYTHING.

You also can't tell in the photo, but the whole panel is on dimensionals. I don't have the photography skills to show off that subtle dimension it gives, but it's there. :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Star Prints, Polka Dot Basics II (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Craft White (Stampin' Up!); Versamark
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Pale Plum, Old Olive, Kraft (SU)
Accessories: Clear Embossing powder; Rich Razzleberry ribbon (SU); dimensionals (SU); corner rounder punch

More fun with Cottage Wall

2009-11-21T13:40:00.004-05:00

I really love the Cottage Wall paper. And when I finally broke it out last week, I couldn't stop using it! Here are some more cards using that paper and color scheme. You'll see lots of crumpled layered flowers, since I enjoyed playing with those a la Dawn McVey. I also tried a new technique I see people do a lot - make a whole quarter sheet of a particular background, then cut/punch it up and use it on several cards. So you'll see a couple background strips that I used several places!

This first card uses tons of those layers, as well as a little flower.

This second card places a big flower as the focal point. It is all held together by the button and linen thread and sewn onto the card - no glue necessary! The dots in the background were heat embossed. You can't really tell in the picture, but they shine so beautifully!

The last card is seriously a five minute card. Very easy if you need a quick card to dash off at the last minute! It is also a flat, one layer card, which makes it a great card to mail.

~Supplies~

~Fill this day with joy~
Stamps: Everyday Button Bits, Background Basics: Text Style, Polka Dot Basics II (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Rich Razzleberry (Stampin' Up!); Versamark
Paper: Pale Plum, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Cottage Wall DSP (SU)
Accessories: Scallop Edge punch (SU); Flower Layers die (Sizzix/SU); clear rhinestone brad

~Just a little something~
Stamps: Everyday Button Bits, Background Basics: Text Style, Polka Dot Basics II (PTI)
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, White Craft (Stampin' Up!); Versamark
Paper: Pale Plum, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Kraft (SU)
Accessories: white button (Basic Grey); linen thread (SU); Scallop Edge punch (SU); Flower Layers die (Sizzix/SU)

~Sending birthday wishes~
Stamps: Everyday Button Bits, Background Basics: Text Style, Polka Dot Basics II (PTI)
Ink: Rich Razzleberry (Stampin' Up!); Versamark
Paper: Pale Plum, Rich Razzleberry, Kraft, Cottage Wall DSP (SU)
Accessories: Square punch (SU)

Saturday Sketch Challenge 126

2009-11-21T13:20:00.005-05:00

This morning, my daughter was watching Winnie the Pooh on You Tube while I was at my stamping desk in our office (it is important to keep her busy, or else she'll grab my stuff and shout, "I stamp, Mommy! I stamp!"). I needed inspiration, and I found a great sketch at the Stamping 411 blog!

I had fun making my card. In order to make my flowers pop, I crumpled them up like balls of trash, and then unfolded them - voila, perfect dimension! (A great technique I learned from Dawn McVey.)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Everyday Button Bits (Papertrey Ink); Teeny Tiny Wishes (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry (SU)
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Pale Plum, Whisper White, Cottage Wall DSP (SU)
Accessories: White Organza ribbon (SU); circle and scallop circle punces (Marvy); Word Window punch (SU); Flower Layers die (Sizzix/SU); self stick rhinestones

More Buttons!

2009-11-14T14:41:00.005-05:00

Here's another cool button card! I think I'll have to hand deliver this one though - no way are that big button and googly eye going through the USPS unharmed. :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Everyday Button Bits (PaperTrey Ink)
Ink: Black (Versafine); Ripe Avocado and Raspberry Fizz (PTI)
Paper: Ripe Avocado and Raspberry Fizz (PTI); Kraft and Whisper White (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Scallop Edge border punch (SU); Googly eye; So Saffron marker (SU)

Stamping vs. Grey's Anatomy

2009-11-14T14:30:00.003-05:00

.....and Grey's Anatomy won! :)

Yep, I wish I could say that I was neglecting my blog for more important things, but honestly, it is due to the phenomenon known as Grey's Anatomy Reruns on Lifetime! For the past month or so, they've been rerunning the entire past 5 seasons of the show, which I had never seen before. So I've been tivo-ing them, and watching them during my daughter's naptime. Which means other naptime activities, such as stamping, have not been happening recently!!!!

However, I am happy to report that I am now officially caught up and able to focus on other things in my life (other than McDreamy and Co.) once again. And that means....NEW STAMPS!!!!

LOVE this new stamp set that I got for my birthday!!!! What a great idea to use buttons! The only thing "non-CAS" about this card is my distressing of the polka-dot paper. I used a sponge and Close to Cocoa ink, and then I roughed the edges up a bit, to give it a distressed look and a little more dimension. Very NOT ME. :)

I should be back tomorrow with another cool button card!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Everyday Button Bits (PaperTrey Ink)
Ink: Black (Versafine); Ripe Avocado (PTI); Close to Cocoa (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Kraft and Whisper White (SU); Ripe Avocado and Pure Poppy Bitty Dot Basics (PTI)
Accessories: Scallop Border punch (SU); Linen thread (SU); Pure Poppy Vintage Buttons (PTI)

Pumpkins!

2009-10-19T15:28:00.003-04:00

Here is a neat little card I put together the other day. I didn't come up with the idea of the punch pumpkins - I've seen them all over the place so I'm not sure who had the original idea. They are made with the large and small oval punches and sponged with soft suede ink. The leaves were stamped from the Season of Friendship set (although leaves from any stamp set will do) in Versamark ink then cut out. The linen thread and kraft cardstock contribute to a rustic feel. Everything is Stampin' Up! but the button.

~Supplies~
Stamps: Season of Friendship, Teeny Tiny Wishes (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Always Artichoke, Soft Suede (SU); Versamark
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Always Artichoke, Kraft (SU)
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch (SU), Corner Rounder punch, Soft Suede ribbon (SU), linen thread (SU), orange button (Making Memories - Chloe's Closet)

Season of Friendship - Winter

2009-10-12T08:24:00.002-04:00

I am still loving this stamp set!

Heather Nichols is always stamping on kraft cardstock, and I was inspired to try it myself. It gives it such a rustic feel. For this card, I hand-cut the snow drifts and sponged them. After I took this picture, I also added glitter to the sponged areas and it looks even better, but I am too lazy to take the picture again! :) This card is nice and flat for easy holiday bulk mailing - another bonus.

~Supplies~ (All by Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Season of Friendship, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Craft White
Paper: Kraft, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Dimensionals, White Gel Pen

Season of Friendship - Fall

2009-10-07T08:42:00.004-04:00

What a great set....it fills up a card front so nicely!

~Supplies~ (All Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Season of Friendship; Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry, Old Olive
Paper: Whisper White, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry
Other: Oval Punches, Crushed Curry ribbon

World Card Making Day - PTI Challenge Four

2009-10-04T14:13:00.003-04:00

Happy World Card Making Day! To celebrate, Nichole Heady issued several challenges yesterday. I was most inspired by the Australia challenge. I loved the pictures full of bright colors paired with black, and the dark images outlined with white dots. I sponged ink onto a piece of kraft cardstock (I thought it was a "less stark" starting point than white). And WOW, did those white dots take FOREVER!!! :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Spunky Nature (My Cute Stamps)
Ink: Studio G pigment inks; Versafine black
Paper: Kraft and black (Stampin' Up!)
Other: white gel pen (SU)

Halloween Frights

2009-10-03T13:00:00.002-04:00

Here's a fun Halloween card the girls got to make at my stamp camp a few weeks ago. That DSP is from this year's Christmas pack - funny huh?

~Supplies~ (All by Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Halloween Frights
Ink: Basic Black, So Saffron
Paper: Basic Black, So Saffron, Old Olive, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White, Merry Moments DSP
Other: Vintage Brads, Scallop Edge punch, Orchard Ribbon Originals, Dimensionals

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #17

2009-09-29T13:24:00.003-04:00

I haven't been able to participate in one of Dawn's fabulous challenges since I found out I was pregnant! I saw this challenge this morning and immediately knew that I wanted to use my new Stampin' Up! Dasher stamp. I think this stamp is sooo beautiful!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Dasher (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU)
Paper: Kraft, Real Red, Baja Breeze, Merry Moments DSP (SU); Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink)
Accessories: Circle and Scallop circle punches (Marvy); Scallop edge punch (SU); cream ribbon (Target); Icicle Stickles; dimensionals (SU)

Happy Birthday to my baby girl!

2009-09-25T12:47:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow is my daughter's second birthday. Last week she had a party with all of her friends. I had fun making the tags on the goodie bags that each child got to take home. Also, I made thank you notes, and my daughter got to add her own "special touch" with crayons.

~Supplies~

Gift tags
Stamps: Studio G
Ink: Versafine Black
Markers: Real Red, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Close to Cocoa, Melon Mambo, Regal Rose (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, Real Red, Pretty in Pink (SU)
Other: Crop-o-dile, Linen Thread (SU), Real Red and Pretty in Pink ribbon (SU); circle and scallop circle punches (Marvy)

Thank You Notes
Stamps: Simple Birthday Thanks (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Black (SU)
Markers: Real Red, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Close to Cocoa (SU)
Paper: Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)

Let's Celebrate!

2009-09-10T08:01:00.004-04:00

I loved the scallop square punch when it came out, but I find it hard to use on my projects. So, I'm making an effort to use it more. These cute little birdies fit the shape perfectly! Plus, birds seem to be EVERYWHERE these days....I even just bought baby bedding with birds on it! :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: On Your Birthday (Stampin' Up!); bird set (Hero Arts)
Ink: Versafine black; Rich Razzleberry and Bermuda Bay (SU)
Paper: Kraft, Rich Razzleberry, and Bermuda Bay (SU); Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)
Other: Scallop Square punch, Dimensionals (SU); watercolor tool

A crazy cool birthday card

2009-08-27T15:01:00.004-04:00

I know, I know - it has been a month since I last posted! I'm not gonna apologize though - I have a very good reason! :)

I got some fun new SU stamp sets this summer and love how young and playful they are. I have made a couple versions of this card - my good friend Jen got one of 'em for her birthday earlier this month. I think her version said "You Rock". I also will do a version of this (with an extra Soft Suede layer added in) at my VERY FIRST STAMP CAMP in a couple weeks! Yep, you heard me - I will be teaching a class on stamping in September! Who would have ever thought?!?!

~Supplies~ (All by Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Crazy Cool, Cheep Talk
Ink: Soft Suede, Old Olive, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry
Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive, Crushed Curry
Other: Bermuda Bay polka dot ribbon, dimensionals, Old Olive, Soft Suede, and Crushed Curry markers

Quick Congrats card

2009-07-21T12:38:00.003-04:00

My friend Laurie got engaged a couple weeks ago, and I wanted to send her a quick card. Natasha's Fall-to Layout 51 (on the Clean & Simple blog) caught my eye, especially since I now have a Big Kick and the fabulous Top Note Die!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Happy Everything (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Old Olive and Melon Mambo (SU)
Paper: Stamper's Select White (Paper Trey Ink); Old Olive and Razzleberry Lemonade DSP (SU)
Other: Top Note Die (SU); Flower Fusion (SU); Clear Rhinestone Brad (Michael's)

Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge

2009-07-18T06:57:00.004-04:00

The latest sketch on Stamping 411, the blog that my friend Robin contributes to, is totally CAS and right up my alley!

I modified their sketch a little bit by using 4 images instead of 3, and moving the sentiment a little. I also eliminated the outer layer, making my card just one layer.

This card is a combination of my two favorite stamp companies - Stampin' Up! and Paper Trey Ink. Happy days. :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Heart Prints (Paper Trey Ink); Friendship Blooms (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Raspberry Fizz and Ripe Avocado (PTI); Summer Sun and Tempting Turquoise (SU)
Paper: Stamper's Select White (PTI)
Other: Dimensionals (SU); Small Heart Punch (EK Success)

CASEing myself

2009-06-29T14:49:00.003-04:00

I wanted to improve this card, from a KWerner challenge a few weeks ago. I used the same layout, but switched up the image and colors. I also made the focal point a little larger, which helped it become more visually appealing. I think I definitely improved it, what do you think?

~Supplies~
Stamps: Hero Arts bird; Studio G sentiment; Polka Dot basics (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: black (Versafine); Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Old Olive, and So Saffron (Stampin' Up!); Vintage Cream (PTI)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Old Olive (SU); Stamper's Select White (PTI); kraft (unknown)
Other: Old Olive ribbon (SU); hemp twine; brown button (Basic Grey); scallop edge punch (SU); dimensionals (SU); watercolor tool

I'm Back!!! Happy Wedding Day

2009-06-26T08:03:00.004-04:00

Did you miss me? We were on vacation at the beach, and then in our hometown to attend (and be in) my sister-in-law's wedding. Congratulations, Lesley and JR! This is the card I gave them. In the picture I tried to capture how sparkly it was - I applied glitter to all of the navy parts of the patterned paper. Time consuming, but worth it!

~Supplies~
Stamps: All Year Cheer III (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Not Quite Navy (SU)
Paper: Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink); Not Quite Navy (SU); Bella Bleu DSP (SU)
Other: Dazzling Diamonds glitter (SU); cream ribbon (Martha Stewart)

Playing with the new SU In Colors

2009-06-04T15:40:00.004-04:00

I got a HUGE box of new Stampin' Up! stuff yesterday, and I have had so much fun playing with the new In Colors and stamp sets I got. Today I spent my daughter's naptime stamping, stamping, stamping! Here's a couple CAS cards with the new colors and new (to me) sets:

This first card shows off all the new In Colors except for the brown. I want to credit my inspiration for this card, Amy Yingling (check out the rainbow heart card on the left of her collage). Isn't her work amazing?!?!
The next card shows the great fall potential for the new colors. And I have been dying to get that Trendy Trees set. Finally!

And last is a summery kind of card. This one is very simple - but sometimes those are the best ones!

~Supplies~

Card #1:
Stamps: Great Friend (Stampin' Up!); Polka Dot Basics (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry (SU)
Paper: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry (SU); Stamper's Select White (PTI)
Other: Butterfly punch (Martha Stewart); glue dots

Card #2:
Stamps: Trendy Trees (SU)
Ink: Soft Suede, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry, Old Olive (SU)
Paper: Dusty Durango, Old Olive (SU); Stamper's Select White (PTI)
Other: Crushed Curry ribbon (SU); sponge (SU)

Card #3:
Stamps: Great Friend (SU)
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Pale Plum (SU)
Paper: Rich Razzleberry (SU); Stamper's Select White (PTI)
Other: Square Scallop punch (SU); Bermuda Bay ribbon (SU)

New Stuff!!!!

2009-06-03T16:42:00.003-04:00

I just got my new Stampin' Up! goodies today and HAD to throw together a card to show off my new stamp set and the new In Colors!

Sorry about the lighting - it is getting cloudy here so there's no good natural light. But I just couldn't wait!

~Supplies~
(All Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Kind & Caring Thoughts
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Old Olive
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Old Olive
Other: Old Olive ribbon

MORE Raspberry Suite Color Challenge Leftovers!

2009-06-03T07:25:00.003-04:00

I couldn't help myself - I had a few leftover scraps laying around with the pink/green motif stamped on them....and I HAD to use them! Very simple card - and VERY quick and easy, since I already had the pattern stamped on the white!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Funky Nature (My Cute Stamps)
Ink: Raspberry Fizz and Ripe Avocado (Papertrey Ink)
Paper: Stamper's Select White, Raspberry Fizz, Ripe Avocado (PTI); Certainly Celery (Stampin' Up!)
Other: Ripe Avocado ribbon (PTI)

Happy Birthday, Matt

2009-05-29T14:43:00.002-04:00

My dear husband is turning the Big 3-0! His birthday isn't til next week, but we're celebrating tomorrow night with a family cookout and cupcakes (which I just baked this afternoon - yum!) Here's his birthday card....I tried very hard to make it "manly", which I know so many stampers struggle with! My tricks for masculine cards - use lots of brown, and don't use ribbon (I know, I know, it's so hard not to use ribbon! But trust me - the fastest way to girlie up your card is to use ribbon!) I opted for vintage brads to add some dimension instead.

By the way, isn't this the neatest stamp set?!?! You can customize your cake so the candles say whatever number you want! I thought it was just perfect, and HAD to order it as soon as I saw it! Perfect for kids and milestone birthdays. And I love the scallops - on a girlie card, I would use the border scallop punch to match! But like I said - the less frills, the better, on masculine cards. :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Birthday Numbers (My Cute Stamps); Humorous Birthday (Inkadinkadoo)
Ink: black (Versamark); Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink); Always Artichoke, Creamy Caramel, So Saffron (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Kraft; Chocolate Chip, To the Nines Specialty DSP (SU); Vintage Cream (PTI)
Other: Vintage brads (SU)

Some Raspberry Suite Color Leftovers

2009-05-28T07:56:00.003-04:00

I enjoyed the colors in Dawn's latest color challenge so much, I actually made two cards! This one is made with all the "leftovers" from my first card.

I cut the word bubble out freehand....it turned out so cute, I've decided I *need* to find a punch in that shape!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Funky Nature and Birthday Numbers (My Cute Stamps); Polka Dot Basics (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Ripe Avocado and Raspberry Fizz (PTI)
Paper: Stamper's Select White, Ripe Avocado, Raspberry Fizz (PTI); Certainly Celery (Stampin' Up!)
Other: Scallop border punch, dimensionals (SU)

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #7

2009-05-27T10:18:00.003-04:00

I LOVED the colors in Dawn's latest color challenge! Here's my card:

~Supplies~
Stamps: Funky Nature (My Cute Stamps); Flight of the Butterfly (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Raspberry Fizz, Ripe Avocado (Papertrey Ink)
Paper: Stampers Select White, Ripe Avocado, Raspberry Fizz (PTI); Certainly Celery (SU)
Other: Ripe Avocado and Raspberry Fizz ribbon (PTI); Certainly Celery ribbon (SU); buttons (Basic Grey); twine; dimensionals (SU)

Kristina's Color Inspiration #53

2009-05-26T13:17:00.004-04:00

Here's Kristina Werner's latest color challenge. The colors are definitely outside of my comfort zone - but that's why I do the challenges, right? :) Here's my submission:

I even tried a little something new (for me) with the layout. I like it! Here's a couple close-ups:

~Supplies~
Stamps: Very Punny (Stampin' Up!); Polka Dot Basics (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Black (Versamark); Summer Sun (SU)
Paper: Black, Whisper White, Pacific Point, Summer Sun, Real Red (SU)
Other: Real Red marker (SU); Scallop edge punch (SU); dimensionals (SU); red ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbon); white button (Making Memories - Chloe's Closet); twine

Happy Anniversary

2009-05-20T07:45:00.004-04:00

This card is 4 1/4 x 4 1/4. I usually try to make my square cards so they fit in normal size envelopes, so I don't have to worry about mailing them.

~Supplies~
Stamps: Heart Prints; Polka Dot Basics (Paper Trey Ink)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink (SU)
Other: Heart Punch (EK Success); pink ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbon); gemstones

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #6

2009-05-19T07:58:00.003-04:00

Here's another color challenge from Dawn McVey. I turned it into the Father's Day card that my daughter will be giving my husband next month. Awwww....

~Supplies~
Stamps: Studio G Series 30
Ink: Dark Chocolate (Paper Trey Ink)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Cool Caribbean, Raspberry Tart DSP (Stampin' Up!)
Other: Button (Basic Grey); Ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbon); twine

Kristina's Color Inspiration #52

2009-05-18T13:07:00.005-04:00

Time for another color challenge from Kristina Werner! This card is clean and simple, like most of my works.

I didn't have any Sahara Sand cardstock or ink, but luckily I had some To The Nines DSP, which featured Sahara Sand as a color.

~Supplies~
Stamps: Heart Prints (Paper Trey Ink)
Ink: More Mustard (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Baja Blue, So Saffron, To The Nines DSP (SU); Stamper's Select White (PTI)
Other: Scallop Border punch (SU); Heart punch (EK Success); white ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbon); dimensionals (SU)

Card Club

2009-05-15T08:05:00.005-04:00

This was my card for my monthly card club, which we held at my house this past Wednesday. It is simple, yet fun and whimsical. I think the girls enjoyed making it. :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Spunky Nature (My Cute Stamps); Everything Happy (Stampendous)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Pixie Pink, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip (SU)
Other: dimensionals