Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday.  I won't say her age, but everyone who knows her thinks she's younger than she is so we'll just leave it at that.  (Hopefully one day my daughter will be as kind to me.) 

Mom's a stamper too and we always make each other birthday cards because we appreciate the effort each of us puts into it.  As I'm a firm believer in "the best ideas were someone else's first," I found this great card and happily CASED it.  I love how it turned out...and I think mom did too.

Happy Birthday, Mom.  Thanks for all you do each and every day! 

Here's the Fine Print: 

Stamp Sets: Fifth Avenue Floral, On Your Birthday (inside greeting)
Inks: Basic Brown, Almost Amethyst
Card Stock: Almost Amethyst, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip
Extras: Almost Amethyst and Old Olive markers, Dauber, Paper Piercing Tool and Mat Pack, Big Shot Textured Embossing Plate, Wide Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, Bella Rose DSP.

Blogger's Challenge -- Halloween

Happy Halloween Eve!  Amidst getting ready for my kids Halloween parties at school, I took a break to make my very first digital card.  That's right, I said DIGITAL!  I did it with My Digital Studio, Stampin' Up!'s new papercrafting solution.

Now I've always said I'd jump on the digital scrapbooking bandwagon when SU came out with it, and I did, but what's downright ingenious about My Digital Studio is it can do sooooo much more than just digital scrapbooking.  Picture creating all this: personalized calendars for holiday gifts...DVDs with music added on favorite family trips...holiday photo greeting cards...and more!  For me, this makes My Digital Studio worth it's weight in gold since now I have the flexibility to do whatever I want -- all at the convenience of my laptop, which means no wasting card stock and supplies trying to figure out my projects!

I really can't say enough positive things about this software.  It's so awesome to have Stampin' Up!'s core colors in card stock; designer series papers; embellishments like buttons, brads, and ribbons; stamps; along with my own personal photos -- all at my fingertips!  Now back to today's project....

I downloaded Cast-a-Spell Designer Series Paper to go with My Digital Studio and got to work.  If this were a typical card I'd tell you I used the Cast-a-Spell DSP, pumpkin pie ribbon, the Eat, Drink & Be Scary stamp set, black and white card stock, black brads, curvy label punch and pumpkin pie and old olive inks.  Instead, to make this little cutie, all I used was My Digital Studio!  Pretty cool, right?

To check out Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio, click HERE.  Hit "Shop Now" to see more information, including a short video. 

If you want to check out some more fun Halloween themed projects, be sure to click on the Blogger's Challenge icon on my sidebar.  I hope you all have a very fun, and safe Halloween weekend!  Happy Trick-or-Treating everyone!

Blogger's Challenge

Today's Friday which means it's time for another Blogger's Challenge.  This week's challenge was to use only one layer of card stock.  The thing I like about this challenge is it forces me to KISS (Keep It Simple, Stamper).

Be sure to check out the other Blogger's Challenge Player creations by clicking the icon on my sidebar.  If you'd like to play along, simply add a link with your comment.  Thanks for looking!

Here's The Fine Print:


Stamp sets: A Cardinal Christmas
Inks: Black Stazon, Real Red, Chocolate Chip

Card Stock: Whisper White
Extras: So Saffron & Mellow Moss markers, red grosgrain, mellow moss taffeta, stamp-a-ma-jig, mat pack & paper piercer.

Blogger's Challenge -- Alter It

This week's challenge was to take something and alter it with stamps. I purchased clear glass ornaments a while ago and they've been sitting untouched in my pile of things ever since. Not knowing entirely how to begin, I turned to my trusty resource splitcoaststampers and found this terrific tutorial.

I followed the directions to the letter but I must admit, I had some issues with my craft white ink drying...even after I embossed it with white embossing powder. Normally I'm not the most patient person (let alone stamper) but I wanted it to work so I let it sit for a couple hours to dry, and still no luck. Instead of seeing what would happen with even more time, I decided to place clear packing tape on the back side of my acetate to cover anything not fully dry. This allowed me to roll the acetate up and slip it inside the ornament without any ink smudging. Along with the faux snow I also added a touch of Dazzling Diamonds glitter to add some sparkle inside. Here's the end result:

I'm quite pleased with my first ever glass ornament. What do YOU think? (If anyone has a solution for why my craft wasn't drying easily, I'd appreciate any tips!)

Be sure to check out my fellow Blogger's Challenge players by clicking on my sidebar icon. Thanks for looking and have a terrific weekend!

Here's the Fine Print:

Stamp set: The More the Merrier (Hostess)
Ink: Stazon Black
Extras: Clear glass ornaments, Permanent Sharpie Markers, white craft reinker, blender pen, white embossing powder, dazzling diamonds glitter, faux snow, clear transparency sheet/acetate, packing tape, wide white satin ribbon.

I'm on Stamper's Showcase today!

This is a swap card I made a few months back and today it's on Stamper's Showcase -- the area of the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator-Only website where we demos can find lots of new card ideas and samples. It's such a treat to see a card I've made be selected for the site so I wanted to share my excitement with you!

I used the Paper Piecing technique on the dress form. This is where you stamp on Designer Series Paper (DSP), cut it out and apply it to part of your stamped image.

Here's the Fine Print:


Stamp Sets: Chic Boutique
Inks: Rich Razzleberry, Black Stazon
Card Stock: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Pretty in Pink
Extras: Modern label punch, The Big Shot scallop square die and textured plates, sponge, markers, Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper, Razzleberry polka dot grosgrain, brads.

Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge & cool iPhoto tip!

I stumbled upon a blog today called Stamping 411 and noticed a bunch of my stamping friends play along in their challenge so I decided to give it a whirl. This was a fun sketch that can me used for any occasion.

As I'm usually in need of a good birthday card I grabbed the following supplies and got down to it. All supplies are from Stampin' Up!:

Stamp sets: All Holidays, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Tempting Turquoise
Card Stock: Whisper White, Pixie Pink, Tempting Turquoise
Extras: Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper, Scallop Border, oval, and scallop oval punches, white gel pen, dimensionals, Many Marvelous Markers.

After I uploaded my card I realized the photo was crooked. Ugh, I hate when that happens! I went ahead and cropped it as usual in iPhoto then hit the "straighten" button. Lo and behold! Who knew you can fix a crooked card in two seconds flat! I've had my Mac for over 6 months and didn't know I could do that! How cool is that?! For those of you who knew this already, congratulations on having straight pics every time. For those like me who are still learning, go take some lopsided photos and fix them straight away! :-)

Blogger's Challenge -- All You Need is Love

I must admit, usually it takes me a while to sit down and come up with a card I can call my own from start to finish. Perhaps it was this week's theme, Love, which made it easy for me because this card took me only a few minutes to pull together and I [heart] it! If you do too, be sure to leave me a comment to let me know.

Thanks for stopping by! Here's the Fine Print:

Stamp Sets: Sweet Centers, Simply Said
Inks: Real Red
Card Stock: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black
Extras: White gel pen, black marker, aqua painter, black grosgrain ribbon, vintage brads

Technostamper's Sketch Challenge #89

Tomorrow is Monday and that means it's time for Technostamper's Lunchtime Sketch Challenge. This week's sketch from Mary Jo can be seen HERE.  Be sure to click back on Mary Jo's blog after noon tomorrow and check out the other Lunchtime Sketch Challenge creations.

I've been seeing cute little greeting banners on cards lately and wanted to make one. However, my greeting was too big and it just wasn't working the way I'd pictured. After the third attempt, I decided it looked a bit like the base of a snow globe so that became my "new" intent for this card...and you know what? I kinda like it!

Here's the fine print:

Stamp sets: Jolliest Time of the Year
Inks: Basic Brown
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Real Red
Extras: Christmas Cocoa Specialty Designer Paper, 2-way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds, dimensionals, Big Shot & Scallop Circle die, Circle Scissor Plus, Wonderful Watercolor Crayons, Blender Pen.

 

Blogger's Challenge -- Product Focus

This week's Blogger's Challenge is to use Designer Series Paper.

I saw a card on SCS and loved all the layers. I tweaked it a bit -- who can refuse a reindeer with a red nose? You can see the original card HERE along with my fine print (all products are 100% Stampin' Up!):


Stamp sets: Dasher & All Holidays
Inks: Soft Suede
Card Stock: Soft Suede, Old Olive, Real Red, Very Vanilla

Extras: Real Red & Old Olive Markers, Bold Brights brads, stamp-a-ma-jig, Merry Moments DSP, polka dotted Soft Suede grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals.

But the stamping fun doesn't end there. Based on the same layout I made an "Amy Original." Here's what I used:

Stamp sets: Crazy for Cupcakes
Inks: Black Stazon
Card Stock: Tempting Turquoise, Summer Sun, Pixie Pink & Whisper White
Extras: Kaleidoscope DSP, markers, dimensionals, 5/8" satin ribbon.

I hope having two cards makes up for me missing last week's challenge! Thanks for looking. Be sure to check out the other great Blogger's Challenge players by clicking the icon on my sidebar.

Decorating with Vinyl

When Stampin' Up!'s Decor Elements line was introduced over a year ago I bought the medium Create Definition knowing it would be great for my stamp room/office. Well, shockingly, it doesn't just appear on your walls...and so there it sat in it's lovely cardboard tube container for the past year. This weekend I attended my awesome upline's quarterly meeting and she mentioned the vinyl wall art should really be used right when it's purchased or it may not apply as easily. WHOOPS! Then and there I made it my duty to go home and get these things up on my wall once and for all.

Flash forward to the next night, I got my DH to help me find the center of the arch in our foyer. Yes, all you feminists out there, I could have done it myself, but isn't it just easier to have someone help and make sure you don't go tumbling off the ladder? I digress. The Home Is... quote reads: Home is Built of Love and Dreams. Isn't that a wonderful saying for the entrance of a home? It went up so easily that we moved onto my stamp room and quickly applied the Create Definition to the wall. Who knew vinyl wall art could be so much fun?! (Side note: the Home Is... Decor Elements shown above was a past Hostess-Only item and is no longer available. This year's Hostess collection is pretty great too so if you'd like to have a Decor Elements party and earn some free wall art, let me know!)

I originally ordered the medium definition figuring it would look great in a frame...now I wish I bought the large one for a more dramatic splash on my wall! Live and learn. This size is still pretty darn spiffy if I do say so myself.

I didn't have any trouble with my two Decor Elements having sat around for so long...but next time they'll go right up so my walls can look prettier that much sooner! 

I'm so enamored of this Decor Elements line. I'm looking around in my home for more areas where I can "play." Even my DH loves the look of them! The cool thing is, not that I plan to but, you can simply peel the vinyl off whenever you need to (in case you're moving out of an apartment or just want a change).

With prices starting at just $1.95 Decor Elements are an inexpensive way to dress up your home. Best of all, you can decorate MANY things -- not just walls -- including windows, doors, mirrors, picture frames, ceramics, and so much more. The Create Definition shown above and all the other current Decor Elements vinyl products can be found in the latest Definitely Decorative catalog.

Do you like my new blog banner?

I tried out another blog service for the last year and found it very confusing so I'm back to blogspot and I hope you'll continue to follow along with me!

Do you like my new blog banner? It's my very first design using the new My Digital Studio digital scrapbooking (and more!) software from Stampin' Up! I'm no graphic designer and it was really easy to do. I can't wait to use My Digital Studio for making my annual calendars at Christmas time and get my children's scrapbooks going which I've been putting off for years!

Thanks for looking and I'll be seeing you soon!
:-) Amy

Blogger's Challenge

This week's Blogger's Challenge theme was BABY. The timing was perfect because I'd just received word that my DH's cousin and his wife just had their first baby boy.

This card is based on a thank you card I received from Sue, one of my friends and stamp club members, plus she was also a para in my daughter's preschool classroom last year, which made both my daughter and I doubly lucky! When she comes to stamp club Sue always brings the most wonderful cards to share with everyone...I find myself CASEing her all the time! So Sue, if you're reading this, thank YOU!! :-)

The Fine Print:
Stamp Sets: Curvy Verses
Inks: Basic Black
Card Stock: So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue
Extras: Big Shot Movers and Shapers (for the larger heart) and tiny dots textured plate, large heart punch, white gel pen, stamp-a-ma-jig, dimensional, Delicate Dots retired DSP.

Blogger's Challenge - Sketch Challenge

This week's challenge is to use the sketch shown here as a springboard to create an idea of our own.

I pre-ordered Stampin' Up!'s new Pumpkin Patch stamp set from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog and inked it up especially for this week's project. I used the sketch idea but turned it landscape instead and placed a greeting where the circles are.
Here's what I came up with...

The Fine Print:


Stamp sets: Pumpkin Patch
Inks: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, More Mustard, Always Artichoke
Card Stock: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Lovely Lilac, Whisper White
Extras: Pumpkin Pie striped grosgrain ribbon, dimensional, 1" circle, word window & modern label punches

Thanks for looking and have a super weekend!
:-) Amy

12 Years Ago Today...

...I married my best friend!

 So many memories come to mind of that special day: going to get my hair done with my best friends Tracey and Suzanne; waiting for the cue in the wedding march music which I apparently missed and almost sent Mark into a panic; arriving by pontoon to our reception on Candlewood Lake just before the summer storm; our first dance to Firehouse's Love of a Lifetime; the roast (I mean toast) to Mark from his best man; dancing with my dad; and best of all having all our friends and loved ones by our side for the event. Good times!

We agreed not to exchange gifts this year since we'll be headed to NYC later this week to enjoy a special dinner at Per Se restaurant and spend a night at The Plaza hotel (courtesy of Mark's parents for his 40th birthday gift last year) -- talk about feeling like a king and queen for a day!

Here's the card I made for Mark to celebrate the occasion of walking down the aisle (boy, was I ever shaking in my white satin shoes!) This card is white too...I never realized how hard it is to photograph white accurately -- kudos to all those wedding photographers out there!

Blogger's Challenge -- It's Your Birthday!

Despite my best intentions I missed last week's challenge, so this week I'm posting TWO cards. Both cards use Stampin' Up!'s new In-Colors and the Circle Circus stamp set. Be sure to check out all the other wonderful Blogger's Challenge stampers here. Thanks for looking!

Here's the Fine Print:

Live, Laugh & Love card


Stamp Sets: Circle Circus, On Your Birthday

Inks: Bermuda Bay, Soft Suede, VersaMark

Card Stock: Whisper White, Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay, Glossy White

Extras: Polka Dot Soft Suede Grosgrain Ribbon, Brayer, In-Color Markers, Ticket Corner Punch, Sponge

Technique: VersaMark Resist

Wishes Come True card:


Stamp Sets: Circle Circus, Heard from the Heart, Sanded background
Inks: Pale Plum, Rich Razzleberry, So Saffron, Old Olive
Card Stock: Whisper White, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Pale Plum
Extras: Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Circle punch, 1-1/4" and 1-3/8" circle punches, Rhinestone Brads, Dimensionals, Eyelet Border Punch

Blogger's Challenge - Sketch Challenge

This week's challenge was to use the sketch on the left for inspiration.

I am so in love with the new Rich Razzleberry from the latest batch of Stampin' Up! In-Colors so I started with a sheet from the Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper and went from there. I decided to play with a couple new Sizzlet dies as well and, in the end, came up with this card as a result. Hope you like it!

Here's the Fine Print: 

Stamp sets: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Card Stock: Rich Razzleberry, Pale Plum Whisper White, Old Olive
Extras: Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, Floral Fusion & Little Leaves sizzlet dies, The Big Shot, flower brads, button latte, natural hemp, white gel pen, & rich razzleberry polka dotted grosgrain ribbon.


Thanks for looking and have a wonderful weekend!
:-) Amy

Blogger's Challenge - CASE a fellow BC member

Lord knows I get my best ideas from CASEing others. CASE has been defined a few different ways, but I like to say "Copy and SHARE Everything" because, after all, imitation is the greatest form of flattery...and, come on, who doesn't like to be flattered?!

To begin I went to one of my favorite blogs. Kimberly Gajewski's blog is aptly named, "It's so pretty! It's so cute!" She's not kidding either because I often find myself enamored of Kimberly's work. It was hard to choose just one, but for this week's CASE challenge I chose this card by Kimberly for my inspiration.

The original tray of treats reminded me so much of this cupcake stand from Stampin' Up!'s Crazy for Cupcakes set. I watercolored the cupcakes using some of the new In-Colors and Designer Series Paper.

Here's the fine print:

Stamp sets: Crazy for Cupcakes, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Black Stazon

Card Stock: Whisper White, Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper, Soft Subtles brads, small & medium oval punches.

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful weekend filled with your own special treats!

Blogger's Challenge - Wave the Flag (Red, White & Blue)

I had a meeting this week with my team, "Partners in Crimp" and one of my awesome downline, Pam Jackson, created the most adorable swap using the basket weave technique from the June issue of Stampin' Success magazine. It reminded me of a flag basket someone once gave me and realized it would be the perfect idea for this week's Blogger's Challenge. Thanks for the great inspiration, Pam!

Check out Pam's swap here on the right:  

For my card shown above I used the following supplies:

Stamp sets: Fundamental Phrases, Upsy Daisy
Inks: Basic Black, VersaMark
Card Stock: Brilliant Blue, Real Red, Whisper White, Creamy Caramel
Accessories: Red Grosgrain, Word Window Punch, silver brads, white embossing powder, white gel pen


Thanks for looking and have a fabulous Fourth of July!

Blogger's Challenge - Alter It

When I read the topic for last week's Blogger's Challenge I looked around wondering what I've altered lately. No stamped items came to mind, but something else popped into view. I don't think this is what our group leader was thinking of when she posted the topic...I'm taking some creative license so please play along.

These are cafe curtain rods from W-Mart, which sell for about $3.50 each. I was actually shocked that I managed to fill all three up without even trying! I'd buy a fourth for future punches, but perhaps I should quit while I'm ahead! In case you're wondering, no, I don't have them all...but almost.

My DH installed the rods for me (otherwise there'd be a few extra holes where there shouldn't be!) He added an extra bracket at the middle of each rod to support the weight of the larger punches better. Extra brackets are also sold in the curtain aisle for under $3. All told this organizational Alter It cost less than $15 and now all my punches are right within reach for my next stamping project!

Blogger's Challenge - Case Youself with a Twist

This week's challenge is to CASE yourself, but change TWO things.

It's always fun when you can make something for someone else. This altered Altoid Tin box is a gift card holder for a 5-year-old who's having her birthday party today. Since gift card holders are usually flat, often just given in an envelope, I thought it would be fun to make it into more of a gift. Now, when she uses the gift card, she can keep the tin to hold barrettes or other little trinkets.

Here's my original altered Altoid Tin along with the fine print for the new one:

Stamp sets: Simply Said, On Your Birthday
Card Stock: Real Red, Pretty in Pink
Inks: Real Red
Accessories: Pink grosgrain ribbon, 2-way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Big Shot with Go-Go Boots alphabet dies, empty Altoid tin.


Thanks for looking and have a wonderful day!
:-) Amy

Blogger's Sketch Challenge

I had recently been given this gorgeous card (above) created by Rhonda Wells in a swap group I belong to and I loved it so much I CASED it exactly for my stamp club and team group this month. They all loved it too and were amazed at Rhonda's "thinking outside the box" in terms of color selection...I mean, Not Quite Navy leaves? Brilliant!

When I saw this week's sketch challenge (left of Rhonda's card) I knew I wanted to try the same Thumping Technique with more traditional fall colors. Thumping is a quick and fun technique which puts multiple colors on a single stamp. Always layer your lightest color first and work your way up to the darker colors. Using markers I colored in the tree trunk with Close to Cocoa (this area is not being thumped so it's okay that it's a dark color), I then colored ALL the leaves with More Mustard. Now here's the fun part, holding the marker as you would a drum stick (if you're asking yourself "musical instrument or part of a chicken?" it's probably the same) tap the brush tip of the marker (I used Pumpkin Pie next) against the stamp very quickly moving all around. Repeat this step for the next color (Ruby Red in this case). When you have all your colors applied to the stamp, hold it up to your mouth and give it a good "HUFF" to remoisten the ink, then stamp. 

Here's a good tutorial on Splitcoaststampers.com: MARKER THUMPING

Here's my card and what I used:

Stamp set: Thoughts & Prayers

Ink: Versamark 

Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Kraft, Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red

Accessories: Pumpkin Pie double striped ribbon, linen thread, slot punch, & Close to Cocoa, Ruby Red, More Mustard, and Pumpkin Pie SU! Markers.  

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful day! 

:-) Amy

Weekly Blogger's Challenge "Technique of My Choice"

I'M ON TIME!! Can I just shout it from the rooftop one more time? I'M ON TIME, PEOPLE!!! Yes, I'm THAT excited because lately it's been THAT unlikely!

This week's challenge was to pick any technique we wanted.  I chose Watercolor Markers since it's such a quick and easy way to make line art images look great. Just brush a few strokes of marker on watercolor paper, add an Aqua Painter and Voila! 

I made this card for my husband who will be spending Easter Sunday, not with his family, but with Tiger Woods at the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, GA. Funny how he couldn't possibly get away from work before Easter...that is until he was offered tickets to attend this "once in a lifetime" blah, blah, blah event. Then, miraculously -- Easter is a time for miracles after all -- work is suddenly able to do without him. All kidding aside, I am happy for him. Plus, I'm thinking this card will earn me extra "good wifey points" when he opens it Easter Sunday morning. For those not familiar with this adorable set, the greeting inside says "Hope your day is PAR-fect!" Too cute, right?

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful holiday! 

Here's the Fine Print: 

Stamp Set: And Many Mower

Inks: Black Stazon

Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Garden Green, Creamy Caramel

Accessories: Watercolor paper, wide Chocolate Chip grosgrain, Markers: Creamy Caramel, Garden Green, Gable Green, Chocolate Chip, Bordering Blue, Glorious Green & Blush Blossom, Garden Green Prints DSP, and The Big Shot and Texturz Plates Backgrounds #1 

Weekly Blogger's Sketch Challenge

Last week we were given a Blogger's Sketch Challenge using this sketch.  I am always in need of birthday cards (usually belated ones as I'm not only late with my weekly challenges but in wishing loved ones happy birthday as well!) so I created this one. 

I have to say, I don't love it. I think it looks better in person than in this photo, but it still needs something. DSP? It's hard to see the textured background, but I used the little dots Texturz Plate. Without dwelling anymore on what it needs, here's what I used to make it: 

Stamp sets: Crazy for Cupcakes, Family Phrases

Inks: Chocolate Chip

Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Gable Green, Whisper White

Accessories: Gable Green, Pretty in Pink, Only Orange & Yoyo Yellow Markers, Zig Painty, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Soft Subtles brads, Circle Scissor Plus, word window punch, Chocolate chip wide grosgrain, pink taffeta, Big Shot & Texturz Plates Backgrounds #1. 

Weekly Blogger's Challenge "Think Spring"

Springtime usually brings visions of flowers, bunnies, green grass, and kids playing at the park. So imagine my surprise when the first day of spring in Connecticut brought snow flurries! WHAT?! Happily, one day later, I discovered hyacinth beginning to bloom in our yard. Now THAT'S more like it! 

My card this week brought out a brand-new Designer Series Paper from the Occasions Mini catalog (available April 1st) called Walk in the Park. One of the many reasons I love SU's DSP is the designs are so pretty and don't need a lot of extras to make a lovely card! 

Here's what I did use:

Stamp sets: On Your Birthday

Inks: Baja Breeze, Basic Black, So Saffron

Card Stock: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Certainly Celery

Accessories: The Big Shot with Circle #2 and Birds & Blooms dies, scallop edge punch, white gel pen, sponge daubers, button Latte, natural hemp twine, dimensionals.

Thanks for looking. Happy spring to you!

Weekly Blogger's Challenge "It's All About Texture"

I've been a little MIA with my stamping posts lately and for that I have just two words: FRIGGIN COMPUTERS! Well, after weighing my options of whether I'm a Mac or a PC, I've replaced my old Dell laptop with a new MacBook and, baby, I'm back!

This past blogger's challenge had me playing with my Sizzix Texturz Plates again. A new tip I recently heard was to spray the card stock first with either alcohol or water (alcohol dries faster but I used water) before running it through your Big Shot. This really does seem to make a difference in creating deeper, crisper impressions. Once I did this I dipped a pencil eraser in Pretty in Pink ink and pressed it onto each of my circles. This is a no-brainer since the circles are perfectly spaced already. Cute no? 

I think the rest is pretty self explanatory so here's the fine print:

Stamp sets: Cute & Curly

Inks: Pretty in Pink

Card Stock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink

Accessories: Big Shot with Texturz Plates Backgrounds #1 & Movers & Shakers Curly Label dies, Curly Label punch, White Taffeta ribbon, white gel pen, dimensionals.

Thanks for looking and Happy St. Patty's Day! 

My card was on Stamper's Showcase yesterday!

I received a wonderful treat yesterday when my good friend and fellow demonstrator, Michelle G., e-mailed me bright and early to tell me one of my cards made it onto Stamper's Showcase!

For those who don't know, Stamper's Showcase is on the demonstrator-only portion of the SU website...and the cards featured are hand-selected from the many cards entered each month.  This was a card I made for one of my FANTASTIC swap groups. Thanks for sharing in my excitement!

Here's the fine print:

Stamps: On Your Birthday, Petal Pizzazz

Card stock: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Baja Breeze

Inks: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Striped Baja Breeze Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin Dimensionals, Rhinestone Circles Ice Brads, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, 2-Way Glue Pen, Stipple Brush, Sizzix Texturz Plates Backgrounds #1

Weekly Blogger's Sketch Challenge

This week's challenge was to use this sketch as our inspiration. I love the colors of the Stampin' Up! Urban Garden Designer Series Paper so I looked them up and got to work. I have a couple group swaps due in the next week, so I decided to use this sketch as my starting off point for one of them.

Here's the card I came up with:

The first thing I did was take some Crystal Effects and squeeze it onto a piece of plastic (or anything disposable). I then added two drops of Baja Breeze reinker and mixed in the color. I used a needle to pick up the colored crystal effects and place it onto the flower brad and set it aside to dry.
I used the rock n' roll technique with the new Petal Pizzazz stamp set inking it first in Baja Breeze then rolling it onto the Not Quite Navy ink pad.

Here's the fine print for everything else:

Stamp sets: Petal Pizzazz, Seeing Spots & Say it With Scallops
Inks: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss & Not Quite Navy
Card Stock: Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze & Not Quite Navy, Textured Kiwi Kiss
Accessories: White gel pen, crystal effects, flower brad, square scallop punch, Coluzzle, The Big Shot Scallop #2, Birds & Blooms dies, SU Backgrounds #1 Texturz Plates, Big Shot. 


Thanks for looking and have a great weekend!
:-) Amy

Weekly Blogger's Challenge "Birthday"

So I had a bit of a delay in posting this past Blogger's Challenge: my card was done and ready to go but my camera completely died on me. I asked my DH bring his home for me but he locked his keys in his office that night and couldn't get it. Long story short here I am five days late in posting, but I now have a brand-new camera which, hopefully, I'll like as much as my last.

The challenge was to create a birthday card of any variety so I grabbed my Big Shot and got to work.

Here's the fine print:


Stamp sets: Crazy for Cupcakes, On Your Birthday
Inks: Basic Black
Card Stock: Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Raspberry Tart DSP, white gel pen, Top Note and Petal Card dies for the Big Shot, stamp-a-ma-jig, white grosgrain ribbon, 3/4" and 1" circle punches.

Thanks for sharing in my creativity this week with me!
:-) Amy
 

Weekly Blogger's Challenge "Non-Traditional Christmas Card colors"

I love Christmas cards with pink and brown since you wouldn't necessarily expect them together for the holiday season. For this week's challenge I got to use my new Candy Lane designer series paper from the Love You Much bundle, which will be available beginning Dec. 23rd. See THIS FLYER for all the details on how you can save BIG on this great collection! 

If you hadn't already realized by all my recent samples, I'm absolutely addicted to Stampin' Up!'s Little Felt Flurries! You get so many in one package and they add a wonderful "pop" of dimension to every project.

For this card I also used The Big Shot with Snowflakes #2 and GoGo Boots alphabet dies. I coated the white snowflake and Pink Pirouette letters with VersaMark and embossed with Irridescent Ice embossing powder because, after all, what's a snowflake without a little glisten?! Lastly, I used some Riding Hood Red striped grosgrain ribbon to finish it off.

Thanks for looking...I hope you have a holiday filled with plenty of JOY!  

Weekly Blogger's Color Challenge

It's been a busy few weeks around our house between Thanksgiving and birthday parties and I've completely dropped the stamping ball...but I'm back!

This week's Blogger's Challenge was to use Bashful Blue, Tangerine Tango, Close to Cocoa and Kiwi Kiss with white or vanilla. I looked at these colors together and -- after saying, "egads, really?" -- I started to picture a child's birthday card.

I used my new Simple Birthday Thanks stamp to make my son's birthday party invites recently so I picked up this stamp and decided to play with it again. The funny thing with this particular card is, you can't see any of the stamping! I stamped once on Close to Cocoa and again on Kiwi Kiss, cut them out and flipped both around so the stamping was hidden underneath.

I then cut a tiny slit in the frosting to have my GoGo Boots Alphabet die cut #5 sticking out like a candle. The GoGo Boots dies are super because it also comes with numbers in the set. I really like the way this card came out...and I hope you do too!

Here's the fine print:

Stamp: Simple Birthday Thanks
Inks: Basic Black (unseen)
Card Stock: Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, Bashful Blue, Close to Cocoa and Whisper White
Accessories: Bashful Blue stitched wide grosgrain ribbon, crimper, soft subtles brads, crafter's tool kit, glue dots, GoGo Boots Alphabet Sizzix die, double circle punch, 2 way glue pen.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge "Giving Thanks"

The theme this week is giving thanks. I received a card at this year's convention which I hadn't seen before in the Splitcoast tutorials...so I took it apart and made my own for a simple thank you pocket card. My favorite part is how little card stock it uses: just a 4" x 11-7/8" for the base!

Here's a few step-by-step photos to help take the guess work out for you.
Pic. 1 shows the finished, folded pocket card, which measures 4" x 4" square.

Pic. 2 shows how you start with the 4" x 11-7/8" piece of card stock, or Designer Series Paper, and score at 4" and 7-7/8" then score diagonally as shown between those two original score lines.

Be sure to make the diagonal score line as a "forward slash" like on a computer keyboard so the right panel will fold down as shown (see pic. 3).

Next, follow fold lines so the third panel wraps behind to create a pocket as shown (see pic. 4).
Add a strip of adhesive on the left inside edge of the pocket (this was originally the top edge of the third panel).

Lastly, create a 3" x 3" square of card stock and adhere a tab punch.

I'd love to see your version of this pocket card! Just include a link to your card photo with your comment below.

Have an excellent weekend everyone!

Lunchtime Sketch Challenge

Another Monday means another Technostamper Lunchtime Sketch Challenge. Check out Mary Jo's sketch here. This week's sketch was a jumbo tag. Be sure to scroll to the end of Mary Jo's post to see the B-U-tiful tag she created for the challenge! 

Okay. So did I tell you I'm falling in love with my new "Big Shot" die cutting machine? It's true. What's more, you know when you think, "oh I love this sooo much, I could never love it any more than I do?" Well, my friends, enter CHIPBOARD! Oh my goodness! Chipboard is the best thing since, well, the Big Shot! Now I can cut chipboard in the shape of all my dies...I tell you, I'm head over heels!

For my tag I cut out the Top Note die once with Chipboard and again with the new Ski Slope Designer series paper. The Top Note die is awesome because it has a faux stitching outline as part of the die. To make the detail stand out, I trimmed the ski slope paper slightly before adhering it to the chipboard with Tombow Multipurpose Glue. I then used the GoGo Boots alphabet dies to make my "To" and "Fr" then made punctuation a white gel pen. I used the Crop-A-Dile and a Jumbo Eyelet for my ribbon holder. Finally I added some wide chocolate taffeta ribbon and a few Little Felt Flurries.

All of these amazing products can be ordered direct from my Stampin' Up! Website and shipped right to your home in time for holiday decorating and packaging. Just click the SHOP NOW button on my SU website to get started!    

Thanks for looking...and have a great week!

Blogger's Color Challenge

This week's challenge uses one of my favorite color combinations: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip and white (or) vanilla. The only thing tricky about this week's challenge was finding the strength to put down the amazing book I'm currently reading, Eclipse, (book 3 of the Twilight series) to stamp!

Well my book is down, for the moment, while I type the details. My favorite part of this card might actually be the hardest to see in the picture. I covered the entire white snowflake with VersaMark then uses Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder to make it sparkle. It's super glittery IRL!

Here's the fine print:

Stamp Sets: Many Merry Messages
Inks: Craft White
Card Stock: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Accessories: Baja Breeze double stitched ribbon, Little Felt Flurries, The Big Shot & Snowflake die, sponge, Iridescent Ice E.P., VersaMark pad, Pretties Kit brad. 
Thanks for looking!
Now back to my book! ;-)

Blogger's Halloween Challenge

I first saw one of these spiral pop up cards demo'd at convention this year and love, love, loved it! I finally made my first one last week and, ever since, have been picturing fun things to have pop out. I mean, how cute would it be for numbers, cupcakes, and even balloons to spring out as you open the card?! With that said, I knew I wanted to make one of these little beauties for my Halloween blogger's challenge.

Here's a step-by-step tutorial from Splitcoaststampers.com if you want to make one too. If you do, I'd love to check it out...please send me a link to your creation in the comments section below.

Here's the fine print:

Stamp sets: All Holidays and Batty for You

Inks: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black

Card Stock: Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Basic Black

Accessories: Creepy Crawly (retired) and Ghostly Greetings (current) Designer Series Papers, Pumpkin Pie striped grosgrain, oval and word window punches, On Board Loads of Letters chipboard, Coluzzle, Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive, mini glue dots. 

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful and safe trick-or-treat night!
:-) Amy

Technostamper's Sketch Challenge #41

Is it just me, or do the days RACE by? It seems like it was just Monday and here it is already time again to post another Technostamper's Sketch Challenge card.

I wanted to play around with the Join in the Cheer Big Shot die so when I saw Mary Jo's sketch, I knew that would be my sentiment. I used the Faux Diamonds technique to make the word stand out. I embossed clear snowflakes for my main background then embossed more snowflakes with Iridescent Ice E.P. on the red piece. To see Mary Jo's sketch, her challenge card, and all the other challenge players, click HERE.

You can play along as well by posting a link to your card in the comments section below. Thanks for looking and have a great week!

Here's the fine print:


Stamp sets: Snow Burst
Inks: VersaMark
Card stock: Real Red, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Accessories: Silver Elastic Cord, corner rounder punch, Little Felt Flurries, Join in the Cheer Big Shot Die, Bold Brights Brads, clear & Iridescent Ice embossing powders. 

Technostamper's Sketch Challenge #40

It's Monday which means the Technostamper lunchtime sketch challenge! It was 32 degrees this morning when I walked my son out to the bus. Ever since I've had a bone chill I can't quite shake, which makes me think of winter. Soooo, I stamped a wintry card for you! 

Thanks for another great sketch, Mary Jo! To see Mary Jo's sketch, her challenge card, and all the other challenge players, click HERE.

You too can play along by posting a link to your card in the comments section below.

Thanks for looking and have a great week!
:-) Amy

Here's the fine print:

Stamp sets: Jolliest Time of the Year & Deer Friends (Level 1 hostess set)
Inks: Black Stazon, Baja Breeze, Real Red, Blush Blossom, Basic Grey
Card stock: Real Red, Basic Black, Metallic Gold, Watercolor Paper, textured Baja Breeze
Accessories: AquaPainter, White gel pen, Gold gel pen, Clear button, 1-1/4" & 3/4" circle punches, crystal effects. 

Blogger's Color Challenge

Well, I hope better late than never applies to blogger's challenges because I'm a day late!  This week my husband opened the family's third supermarket and between the surrounding excitement, usual daily activities, and overall exhaustion, I finally found a few moments to stamp today.

This week's challenge was to use Old Olive, Really Rust and Riding Hood Red together (along with white or vanilla.) I began my card with this scallop edge medallion Splitcoaststampers tutorial.
I used Riding Hood Red for the card base and Really Rust for mounting under the medallion.
Thanks for taking a peek at my card. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

If you'd like to know more, here's the fine print:

Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Family Phrases

Inks: Old Olive, Really Rust, Riding Hood Red

Card stock: Old Olive, Really Rust, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White

Accessories: Old Olive grosgrain ribbon, word window punch, crafter's tool kit, scallop edge punch, daubers, AquaPainter

Technostamper's Sketch Challenge #39

I love working from sketches because it gives me some place to start. With that said, I think I may have strayed a little from Mary Jo's sketch but I wanted to include a pumpkin candy holder for my ghost "trick or treater". The ghost was cut freehand. I had fun making this card and I hope you like it.

Be sure to use Mary Jo's link (above) to see the other Technostamper Sketch Challenge player creations as well! Thanks for looking!

Here's the fine print:

Stamp sets: All Holidays
Inks: Pumpkin Pie
Card Stock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: 1/4" square & circle punches, 1-3/8" circle punch, word window punch, white gel pen, black marker, black hemp, pop-up glue dots & dimensionals.

Technostamper's Sketch Challenge #38

I've been very uneven about joining Mary Jo's weekly sketch challenge but I'm telling you here and now that I will try to be MUCH better in the future.

You can find Mary Jo's sketch and card here.

Thanks for looking! Here's the fine print:

Stamp set: Batty for You
Inks: Basic Black
Card Stock: Pumpkin Pie, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss Textured Card Stock
Accessories: Ghostly Greetings DSP, 1" circle punch, 1-1/4" & 1-3/8" circle punches, crystal effects, googly eyes.

Whoooo loves a challenge?

This week's blogger's challenge was to create a card using a fall and/or love theme.

I'd borrowed the Love Owl-ways set from a friend so I decided to use it once more for my challenge card. This is just THE cutest set...and it's available for order now in the new Holiday mini catalog from Stampin' Up! Just click on the Online Ordering icon on my right sidebar to order it right away.

It's been a long week of stamping so I'm going to skip right to the details. Thanks for taking a peek! Have a wonderful weekend! 

The fine print:

Stamp sets: Love Owl-ways
Inks: Basic Black, Pink Pirouette, Sahara Sand, Pretty in Pink, Riding Hood Red, Tangerine Tango, Blue Bayou
Card Stock: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red
Accessories: Bella Rose DSP, The Big Shot & Circle #2 die, word window punch, mini library clips, scallop square punch, crafter's tool kit, AquaPainter

Blogger's Challenge "Warhol"

This week we were challenged to make an Andy Warhol-inspired Pop Art
card. This was a first for me so I needed to do a little online research to refresh my memory of Warhol's art. I won't pretend to say I came close, but my card was inspired by his work. For my card I used the Upsy Daisy stamp set, stamped in black, on
different colored card stock.

Feel free to play along the weekly challenges by posting a link to your card in the comments section below. Thanks for looking and have a terrific weekend!

Here's the fine print:

Stamp set: Upsy Daisy
Inks: Black Stazon
Card Stock: Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red, Basic Black

Blogger's Challenge "Watercolor"

Ask anyone in my Super Stamper's Club what my favorite technique is and they'll probably say something like, "it MUST be watercoloring...she's always making us use those AquaPainters!" Although I always have Blender Pens as another tool choice, it's true, I do love that watercoloring.

There's something about dipping a watercolor brush, or AquaPainter, in ink and watching your stamped image turn into artwork. Believe me, I consider myself "average" compared with some other stampers I've come to admire, so if my cards can look like art, yours can too!

Be sure to click on the Blogger's Challenge icon if you want to see some gorgeous cards using the watercolor technique. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

The Fine Print:
Stamp Set: Window Dressing (Hostess Level 3)
Inks: Black Stazon, Riding Hood Red
Card Stock: Bordering Blue, Riding Hood Red, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Watercolor paper, 1/4" chocolate chip grosgrain, Scallop Edge punch, White Gel Pen, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, AquaPainter

One of my cards was on Stamper's Showcase!

Stamper's Showcase is one of the many online perks for SU demonstrators where SU posts new ideas every day...and last week they posted this one of mine! It's always a treat to see something you've created and put out there for 40,000 other demonstrators to view and, hopefully, want to use your idea.

This was one of my convention group swaps. I love the stamp set and the design. The only trouble was, I kept stabbing myself under my thumbnail with all the brads I was using, but even that was a small price to pay for creativity!

The Fine Print:
Stamp set: Serene Spring (Hostess, level 2)
Inks: Basic Brown, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Sahara Sand
Card stock: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, White
Accessories: Sponge, Dimensionals, Key Tag and medium oval punches, AquaPainter, Vintage Brads, Bella Rose Designer Series Paper.

Blogger's Challenge "Designer Series Paper"

This week's challenge was to use Designer Series Paper in our project. I LOVE all the new DSPs so the only hard part was choosing which one to use!

I did a couple Halloween projects with my Super Stamper's Club this week so I continued the Halloween theme for the challenge.

The best part of using Stampin' Up!'s awesome DSPs is you don't always need a lot of stamping! The gel pen was used for some easy faux stitching.

Thanks for checking out my blog today. You can see the other Blogger's Challenge Player projects by clicking on icon in my sidebar.

The Fine Print:

Stamp Set: Batty for You
Inks: Basic Black
Card Stock: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss
Accessories: Ghostly Greetings DSP, White Gel Pen, Scallop Circle Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, 1/8" circle punch, 1" & 1-1/4" circle punches

Blogger's Color Challenge

This week's challenge was to use four of the new In-Colors: Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red and Kiwi Kiss.

I made this card for someone I know who's going through a very difficult time. I hope this card brings her some cheer knowing there are many people thinking about her and wishing her a speedy recovery.

Thanks for looking! Please be sure to CLICK HERE to see other projects created by the stupendous group of Blogger's Challenge Players.

The fine print:
Stamp sets: Bloomin' Beautiful, Sincere Salutations (inside)
Inks: Basic Black, Pacific Point, Tango Tangerine, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss
Card Stock: Textured Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, Riding Hood Red
Accessories: Striped Riding Hood Red grosgrain, Crafter's Tool Kit, Photo Corner Punch, Button Bouquet, linen thread, mini glue dots, AquaPainter

One good turn deserves another!

The other day I received an email from my fellow blogging friend, Beckie, at http://ladystamper-beckie.blogspot.com saying she nominated me for the "I [heart] Your Blog" award. It was a delightful surprise since it's always an honor to be recognized by your peers. Plus, I [heart] her blog too! Now I get to share the honor by selecting seven other wonderful bloggers. Pretty cool! Thanks, Beckie!

These are the rules for accepting the "I (Heart) Your Blog" award:

1. The winner can put the logo on their blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from (see the link above)
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Put links of those blogs on yours
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you have nominated.

So, here is my list of 7 nominees in no particular order:
1. Kimberly Gajewski at http://itssoprettyitssocute.blogspot.com/
2. Robin Merriman at http://www.trinitydesignstudio.blogspot.com/
3. Ida Krause at http://faithartistry.blogspot.com/
4. Kathie Bailey at http://www.justaninkling.blogspot.com/
5. Tangii Crane at http://tangerinesdreamcreations.blogspot.com/
6. Kevin Theesen at http://stampinkev.blogspot.com/
7. Beth Silaika at http://freckledandfun.blogspot.com/

Blogger's Challenge "Labor Day"

This week's challenge could be taken as either the Labor Day holiday or the other kind of labor day. Despite the fact that the kids are going back to school, I can't think of anyone I'd send a "Happy End of Summer!" card to (it might as well say, "boo hoo, cold weather's coming!")...so I chose the latter.

I took the "less is more" approach for this card as these are the cards I'm often drawn to in specialty paper and card shops. I'm thinking the bib might need a little BLING (with Dazzling Diamonds glitter,) but I'll save that for the girl version. It's hard to tell but I dry embossed a square frame around the baby so IRL he's raised off the paper a bit.

Thanks for looking. Feel free to join the Blogger's Challenge by posting a link to your card with your comment below. In the meantime, have a wonderful labor day weekend...whichever way you choose to celebrate!

The fine print:
Stamp Sets: All in the Family, Family Phrases
Inks: Basic Black, Blush Blossom, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Barely Banana & Pretty in Pink
Card Stock: Whisper White
Accessories: Bashful Blue 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Punches Plus Classy Brass Template, Crafter's Tool kit, AquaPainter

Technostamper's Sketch Challenge #32

Anyone who knows me as a stamper knows I love anything and everything with a scalloped edge.... So it's no surprise that when I saw this week's sketch challenge, I simply HAD to use my new Scallop edge punch and Sizzix Big Shot scallop dies.

Although the butterfly in Mary Jo's sketch is just part of her logo and not the sketch, it inspired me to add a butterfly in conjunction with the new Green Tea floral DSP.

This was definitely a work-in-progress card because I kept adding more and more elements to it before I was finally happy with the results. Thanks for looking. Be sure to check out Mary Jo's blog to see her fantastic card along with more samples using this great sketch!

The Fine Print:
Stamp Sets: Dreams du Jour, Inspired by Nature, Fresh Cuts
Inks: Basic Gray, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze
Card Stock: Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Green Tea DSP, Baja Breeze ribbon, gold brads, Scallop Edge punch, Sizzix Big Shot Scallop Circle #2 and Birds & Blooms dies, daubers, dimensionals.

Blogger's Color Challenge

This week's challenge was to use Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Old Olive and Ruby Red. Naturally when I heard green and red were the choices, I knew I had to create a...drinking card! What?!? You thought I was going to say a Christmas card??? ;-)

I love this new Stampin' Up! Cheers to You set and had fun making this card. I remember seeing this quote on a sign once in one of those little country shops a while back, and knew it was perfect for my martini stamp.

Thanks for looking...and remember, stamp responsibly!

The fine print:
Stamp sets: Cheers to You, Sanded
Ink: Basic Black
Card Stock: Old Olive, Ruby Red, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: 1-1/4 & 1-3/8 square punches, word window punch, Write Me a Memory Vol II font CD.

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!

So I just had to share my good news of the day...

First thing this morning, as I usually do, I checked my email. I was delighted when the first email I opened was from Kevin Theesen saying I won his Blog Candy prize: the brand-new Floral Frenzy Classy Brass template! Woo-hoo! Kevin, you ROCK!

Now if you don't yet know Kevin, you'll want to read through his blog here because, aside from being Stampin' Up!'s very first male demonstrator, Kevin has lots of great ideas...and is a hoot! I've subscribed to Kevin's blog and eagerly await more fun ideas. Plus, he's got some great music on his blog!

We used the Floral Frenzy Classy Brass template at this year's convention for one of our Make n Take projects. As soon as my prize arrives I'll post another project for you to see!

I hope you have a great day too!

Blogger's Challenge "Birthday Cards"

This year's convention was so exciting! I learned and saw so many wonderful new stamping tips and ideas. Among the great card swaps I received was this adorable card by fellow blogger, Jeannette Swain at a group shoebox swap. It's so stinkin' cute!

I loved this card so much I CASEd the layout exactly, using another stamp set and changing the colors slightly as well.

Here's my version using the Zoofari and Family Phrases stamp sets along with the new In Colors card stock and ink pads. Thanks for looking!

The fine print:
Stamp sets: Zoofari, Family Phrases
Card Stock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point
Inks: Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss, Tango Tangerine, Pacific Point & Riding Hood Red
Accessories: 1-1/4" & 1-3/8" square punches.

Conditioning Your Stamps -- Who Knew?!

Isn't it fun to learn a new tip to make stamping better or easier? Well, imagine my delight when I checked out my friend, Lisa Bohler's blog and discovered I should be "conditioning" my stamps, especially the bold ones, before I stamp!

I tried two methods (Stazon cleaner and sanding block) shown in fellow blogger, Pat Huntoon's tutorial and the one that worked the best and easiest for me was using the sanding block lightly over my stamps. Sanding blocks are just $3.50 per pair so it's a low-cost way to bring the best out of your stamps. No harm will come to your stamps and you'll have cleaner images every time! See for yourself...

Here are the "before and afters" from my own stamp conditioning experiment. (You can really tell the difference if you double click on the photo itself.) Thanks, Lisa and Pat for this fun fact which I'll be doing from now on!!

Blogger's Challenge "Same but Different"

This week's challenge was to use the same layout for two different cards, using different stamp sets and different card stock. This is currently my favorite layout to make. You may remember it from this earlier post.

This cute tri-fold card measures 3-1/2" x 11" and is scored at 2-1/2" and 6-3/4". I then cut corners off the flap, paper pierced it and added faux stitching with a white gel pen. The circles are made with the Coluzzle circle template. Lastly, I used two pieces of 3-1/4" x 4" card stock -- one for the outside and one for the inside. I love the versatility of this layout because you add your own special message inside and even include a gift card with a glue dot to the inside!

I made this Christmas card for a shoebox swap at Convention last week. WOW! Did I get some great ideas there! I used a brand-new hostess set called Window Dressing. (Book a stamping party with me and you can earn this set for FREE!) I made the apple card from the Tart & Tangy stamp set for a teacher appreciation gift from the classroom parents. It's hard to see from the photo but the apple was stamped on the envelope as well.

Both of these sets are included in the new Fall/Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog which you can find online TOMORROW, Aug. 11th! Click here for a link.

I'd love to see what you can do with this layout. Post a comment below with a link to your card. Remember to check out all the other Blogger's Challenge Players' entries for this week!

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #57 "Christmas in July"

Christmas in July...what a fun theme for this week's blogger's challenge! As I'm in a pre-convention panic trying to complete all my swaps, I picked something quick and easy to make: a gift card holder. After all, who doesn't love a gift card!?

I'm quite certain I didn't come up with this on my own (I rarely do!) but I don't recall the source of my inspiration. Whoever you are, kudos to you!

Gift Card Holder Tutorial:

• 4" x 6-1/2" Real Red card stock scored at 2-1/2" and 5-1/8"

• Use a corner rounder punch on the bottom corners of the gift card holder's flap.
  

• 2-1/4" x 4-3/4" Old Olive (or other decorative) card stock. Stamp accordingly and adhere to the front of the holder.
  

• 1-1/8" x 4-3/4" Whisper White (or other decorative) card stock -- use a corner rounder punch on the bottom left and right corners. Stamp accordingly and adhere to the flap.

• Punch a 1/8" hole on the left and right sides of the flap as shown above. Set an eyelet in each hole.
  

• Take one end of elastic cording and bring up through the eyelet (back to front.) Hold that end in one hand while you wrap the cording around the back of the gift card holder and come up through the second eyelet (back to front again.) Pull cording ends together TIGHYLY and tie in a knot. (Cording must be taut or holder won't stay closed properly.)

• Trim the knot ends of your cording and put a glue dot on top. Take a couple snowflake punches, add a rhinestone brad to the center, and place on top of glue dot to hide the knot.
  

• Once the outside of your gift card holder is complete, open it up and make two pencil marks on the middle panel where your gift card will go. Use a slit punch to create the slits which will hold your gift card. (See photo below.) If you don't have a slit punch, you can use a glue dot on the back of the gift card to secure it to the inside of your holder.

• Erase your pencil lines, slide in your gift card, and present your gift!

Don't forget to take a peek at the other Blogger's Challenge player entries by clicking on the icon on my sidebar.

Have a great weekend! I'm off to Salt Lake City on Tuesday for convention. See you in August!

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #56

When I first saw this week's challenge was to use Regal Rose, Blue Bayou, Really Rust, Mellow Moss, and Sahara Sand together, I knew it would be a stretch for me. I mean, really. Rose and rust?

I have to tip my virtual hat to Lisa Somerville for coming up with these challenges week after week because they truly get me to think and create outside my usual comfort zone.

For this week's card I used my favorite blending tools, AquaPainters, on watercolor card stock. If you like the watercoloring technique, I highly recommend using this watercolor paper. It absorbs the water with the color so there are no crinkled edges and all your work looks like a pro did it!

Although it's hard to tell in the photo, I used Saraha Sand on the bird's belly. Here's what else I used:

Stamp Sets: Serene Spring (Level 2 Hostess Set from the 2008-2009 Idea Book -- avail in Aug.)
Inks: Black Stazon, Really Rust, Sahara Sand, Regal Rose, Mellow Moss, Blue Bayou
Card Stock: Blue Bayou textured, Very Vanilla, Mellow Moss and Really Rust
Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware, Crafter's Tool Kit, White grosgrain ribbon & Sponge dauber (dipped in Really Rust ink to make the ribbon).

I'm off to see what the other Blogger's Challenge players came up with for this challenge. You should too! Thanks for stopping by!

Publish Post

I'm going buggy! (WBC #55)

This week's blogger's challenge was to make a card using bugs and insects -- eeeew, wait, that would be gross! For any bug fans, rest assured, no bugs or insects were harmed in any way during this week's challenge. Be sure to view all the other Blogger's Challenge player projects by clicking the icon on my sidebar.

I have to say, I'm not much of a "bug person." Truth be told, most creep me out. As a result I don't have many bug sets, but I do have Garden Whimsy which I love.

It's been a while since I've dug out my Heat & Stick powder so I decided to put it to use on my project. I stamped my butterfly in VersaMark, sprinkled with Heat & Stick powder, and heated it with a heat gun. Then I sprinkled purple and turquoise fine Cosmo glitter on top and reheated. Want to hear what else I used to make my card? Here's the fine print:

Stamp Sets: Garden Whimsy, Curvy Verses
Inks: Lovely Lilac
Card Stock: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Lovely Lilac
Accessories: 3/16 corner rounder, white gel pen, Coluzzle, VersaMark, Fine Cosmo Glitter, White taffeta ribbon, ice rhinestone circle brads, Flowers for You Designer Series Paper, Crop-a-Dile

Color Blocking (WBC #54)

I'm a teensy bit late for the most recent challenge but you know what they say: better late than never...no time like the present... and so forth! Without further ado, let me get onto the challenge -- COLOR BLOCKING.

Color Blocking is a technique using different blocks (squares or rectangles) of card stock in a geometric order. To view an article on Color Blocking in scrapbooking, click HERE.

Once I decided on the size and shape of my blocks, I adhered them onto black card stock leaving a thin border in between and around each block. Next I inked up my Paisley background stamp with VersaMark and stamped it onto my card. This gave a lovely watermark design to each block without a lot of work -- now that's my kind of stamping!

Here's the recipe for my card:
Stamp Sets: Bloomin' Beautiful, Paisley background, Fun & Fast Notes
Inks: Basic Black, Only Orange, Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, Taken with Teal
Card Stock: Basic Black, Only Orange, Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, Taken with Teal, Very Vanilla, Watercolor paper
Accessories: Round Tab punch, sponge, AquaPainter, VersaMark

For more great Color Blocking card ideas, click on the Blogger's Challenge Players icon on my sidebar. If you'd like to try your hand at this technique, simply post a comment with a link to your creation.

Thanks for stopping by!

Technostamper's Monday Sketch Challenge #24

It's Monday and I had found myself with some rare free time so I was able to play in this week's Techostamper Sketch Challenge. Here is sketch #24 and below is my card creation.

Feel free to play along with your own card creation by posting a comment with a link to your card!



I knew I wanted to use the Pun Fun stamp set for this sketch so I started from there and kept playing around with colors. I found some retired (sniff, sniff) DSP which matched perfectly with what I was using so I added that. Whenever I thought I was done, I kept putting another "finishing touch" to it until at last my card was complete.

I don't (yet) have any of those awesome Nestabilities I keep seeing online so to make my scallop circle I first used a Stampin' Up Coluzzle to cut out the basic circle shapes. Then I used my corner rounder on the larger circle to make the scallop edge. To finish it off I added white dots with my gel pen on each scallop.

Take a peek at the other Sketch Challenge participant cards on Technostamper's Blog. Mary Jo will have them all posted on her blog around noon today. Thanks for stopping by!

Here's the nitty gritty:

Stamp set: Pun Fun
Inks: Pink Passion, Gable Green, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Only
Orange
Card Stock: Gable Green, Pink Passion, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
Accessories: Dots & Dashes Designer Series Paper, 3/16" Corner Rounder punch, white gel pen, pumpkin pie striped ribbon, 1/2 circle punch, bold brights brads, dimensionals

Who can RESIST a challenge! (WBC #53)

This week's challenge is to use any Resist technique so I chose one of my favorites, Emboss Resist.

All you need for this technique is white card stock, VersaMark, and clear embossing powder. For this card I first stamped all my oranges in VersaMark on white card stock. Then I covered them all with clear embossing powder (shaking off any excess) and heated them with my heat gun. Then I took sponge daubers and went over the embossed images with different ink colors (wipe with a tissue after applying the color) to make the images POP!

Emboss resist is such an easy yet eye-catching technique. If you haven't tried it yet, be sure to give it a go and send me a photo or link of your creation! Thanks for stopping by and be sure to see all the other blogger's challenge player creations here.

My card recipe:
Stamp sets: Tart & Tangy, Family Phrases
Inks: YoYo Yellow, Green Galore, Only Orange, Basic Black
Card Stock: YoYo Yellow, Green Galore, Only Orange, Whisper White
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, VersaMark, sponge daubers, word window punch, white taffeta ribbon, 2-way glue pen, dazzling diamonds glitter, 1-1/4 & 1-3/8 circle punches.

Lookie Lookie!

My amazingly talented stamping friend, Robin, nominated ME for the Kreativ Blogger award! Robin is so sweet and always has the BEST ideas herself so I'm beyond words with gratitude in receiving this nomination from her!

As my DH would say, "do yourself a favor" and be sure to check out Robin's blog! And since one good turn deserves another, I'm nominating the following two spectacular stampers for the Kreativ Blogger award. Click on their names and you'll see why!

Lisa Somerville

Mary Jo Price-Williams

Where do stamps go when they retire?

The same sunny places we do!

There's no denying there are many we'll miss terribly and, though they may be "Unfrogettable," they've served us well over the years and now it's time to wish them well and let them go unwind on the beach.

Click HERE for the list of the 2008 Retiring Stamps by page number. These stamps are only available through August 10, 2008, and then they're flying south...so get them while you can!

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #51

While all the other Blogger's Challenge Players were actually creating and posting their cards on Friday, I was too consumed with checking them all out to create my own. To make matters worse, when I was all set to sit down and make my card yesterday, we lost power! Enough with the excuses...here's my card.

This week's challenge was to use Pink, Turquoise, and Green Galore together. I took a card I originally did with my Super Stamper's Club last month (a big THANKS to Michelle G. for another fabulous idea which I CASEd for the meeting!) and change the colors to suit this week's challenge. This is the type of card I always enjoy making and showing at meetings since it's simple, quick, and cute too! Hope you like it as well!

As always, be sure to take a peek at some of the other wonderful creations this week with these colors. Just click on the Blogger's Challenge icon on my sidebar. Until next time, happy stamping!

Here's my recipe:

Stamps: All Holidays
Inks: Tempting Turquoise and Green Galore Marvelous Markers
Card Stock: Green Galore, Basic Black, Whisper White
Accessories: Petals & Paisleys DSP, Flowers for You DSP, Boho Blossoms punch, Rhinestone Ice circle brads, white taffeta ribbon.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #50 ~ Black & White

This week's challenge is using Black & White. This was indeed a challenge since I'm very much a "color" person.

I'm the same way with my wardrobe. Even when I'm wearing black or white (never together, but that goes into a whole other topic about skin tones and seasons...) I HAVE to add a splash of color or I just feel, well, blah. Nonetheless, for this challenge anyway, I put my color feelings aside for the time being.

For my card I used the new sneak-peek stamp set called Fresh Cuts. This elegant stamp set is die-cut so it only takes a minute to assemble! (Perhaps all SU's new stamp sets will be this way?!?) Best of all, if you host a $400 workshop this month, you'll earn this set for FREE! Call or e-mail me to schedule your workshop today!

Don't forget to view all the other black & white designs by clicking icon Blogger's Challenge Players icon on my sidebar. Thanks for stopping by...have a terrific weekend!

Stamp set: Fresh Cuts
Ink: Basic Black
Card Stock: Whisper White, Basic Black
Accessories: Pretties kit, White taffeta ribbon, black twine, white eyelet, paper piercer and mat pack, white gel pen, 3/16" corner rounder punch, & dimensionals.

Technostamper's Sketch Challenge #20

I'm back this week for Mary Jo's Lunchtime Sketch Challenge. These sketch challenges are great for me because it gives me a jumping off point which I often desperately need.


I kept thinking I was done with my card, then I added another layer, then another, and colored in the background. NOW I think I'm done. I was on a mission NOT to use pink in my card...though it seems I'm on a purple and green kick lately instead.

Be sure to visit Mary Jo's blog around noon today for more cards done with this week's sketch. Thanks for looking!

Here's what I used:
Stamp sets: Floral background, Think Happy Thoughts
Inks: Lavender Lace, Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive
Card Stock: Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant, Lavender Lace
Accessories: Scallop punch, 1-1/4 & 1-3/8 circle punches, Corner Ticket Punch, AquaPainter, Rhinestone Ice circle brads, eggplant grosgrain, dimensionals.

Bloomin' Birthday

When Bloomin' Beautiful first came out in the current Occasions Mini catalog, I loved it but was on a mission not to buy every new set I saw. I put it off for months until I finally saw one too many beautiful sample and couldn't help myself!

This is the swap card I made for my Partners in Crimp team meeting. I'm also using it for a Birthday card challenge and sent it off to my challenge partner, Stefanie.

I'd love to take full credit for this card -- as it's one of my all-time favorites -- but it's a CASE from this one I found on SCS. There are so many elements I love about this card: the watercoloring, the En Francais background on top of DSP, pearls from the Pretties kit, but what makes this card for me is the amount of layering involved -- there are EIGHT (you heard me, eight!) layers of card stock on this 4-1/4" cutie!

Thanks for looking! Here's the recipe:

Stamp Sets: Bloomin' Beautiful, En Francais, All Holidays
Inks: Stazon Black, Sahara Sand, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac
Card Stock: Basic Black, Lovely Lilac, Watercolor Paper
Accessories: Flowers for You Designer Series Paper, Pretties Kit, Ivory taffeta ribbon, mini glue dots, white gel pen.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #48 "Animals"

This week's challenge was to use animals in a project. I'd been eyeing a swap from my friend, Michelle Guido, to CASE for several weeks now and realized this was the perfect occasion!

The layout is identical to Michelle's original but I changed the stamp sets and colors (she used Wild About You with Pumpkin Pie and So Saffron) to make it my own. I think it came out very cute!

Thanks for looking and be sure to check out all the other fun animal projects this week by clicking on my Blogger's Challenge Players icon on the right.

Stamp Sets: Older & Wiser (hostess level 3), Itty Bitty Backgrounds
Inks: Stazon Black, Certainly Celery, Old Olive
Card Stock: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Taken with Teal, Basic Black
Accessories: Velcro dots, mat pack and paper piercing tool, white gel pen, coluzzle, white taffeta ribbon, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, AquaPainter.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #48 "Red, White & Blue"

Despite the fact that flags will be flying this weekend, I wanted to do something "out of the box" for this week's Blogger's Challenge using red, white & blue. I combined this challenge with a Sketch Challenge I joined (see sketch above) and here's what I created. Thanks for looking...be sure to check out all the Blogger's Challenge entries for the week by clicking the BC Players icon on my sidebar.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Stamp sets: Time Well Spent, Sanded background, Fundamental Phrases
Inks: Real red, Craft White, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black
Card Stock: Real Red, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise
Accessories: Pretties kit (pearl), dimensionals, hodgepodge hardware, white taffeta, turquoise grosgrain, and red gingham ribbons.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #47

For this week's Blogger's Challenge, we used the "puppy in the boot" layout from p. 21 of the Occasions Mini Collection for our inspiration. I also needed to create a Color Challenge card using Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip and Whisper white...so I combined the two challenges and this card is the result. Hope you like it!

Be sure to see all the wonderful cards by fellow designers by clicking on my Blogger's Challenge Players sidebar. Thanks for looking!

Stamp sets: Bloomin' Beautiful, Sweet Celebrations, All Holidays
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Basic Brown
Card Stock: Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Accessories: Soft Sky double stitched grosgrain ribbon, Pretties Kit, Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon, AquaPainter

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #46 "Mother's Day"

This week's challenge was to create a Mother's Day card which was perfect so I'd have one a couple days ahead of time rather than scrambling the morning of, when I should be relaxing myself.

This card is for my mom. I get nervous making cards for her because my mom is not only a stamper, but a stamper with an OPINION. (Okay, aren't we all?) Well, mom, hope you like it! For everyone else, thanks for looking and have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Card is 4-1/4" square. Inside reads: "Someone like you should be celebrated every day."

Stamp sets: All Holidays, Sanded background, It's Your Birthday
Inks: Craft White
Card Stock: Lavendar Lace, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Accessories: Sticky Cuts Letters, Fine Cosmo Glitter, Key Tag punch, Corner Ticket punch, White embossing powder, celery, apricot, and lavender grosgrain ribbons & dimensionals.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #45 "Graduation"

This week's challenge was tricky since I don't own a single graduation stamp. However, I never let a challenge pass me by (unless of course my hard drive dies like last week!) so I put my creative cap on and sat down to draw myself some graduation accessories to go with the All in the Family stamp set!

I'm the first to admit, I'm NO artist. In fact, I had to actually Google "graduation cap" to see what one even should look like! I used a pencil and sketched out what I thought one should resemble then drew over it with my black marker. It would be so much easier if Stampin' Up! would just develop More Family Accessories for all the great occasions out there! How about a little ice cream cone?? (hint hint, SU!)

Please check the other Blogger's Challenge Players to see what they came up with this week when you get a chance. Thanks for looking and have a great weekend!

Stamps: All in the Family, Holidays & Wishes
Inks: Basic Black
Card Stock: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black, YoYo Yellow
Accessories: Bold Brights Brads, Black gingham, dimensionals, stamp-a-ma-jig, watercolor pencils, Blender Pens, corner ticket punch, Black marker.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #43 "Chipboard"

This week's challenge was to use chipboard. Chipboard is one of those amazing, versatile products that seems adds a little "ta da!" to every project.

For this card, I stamped the Tres Chic background in White Stazon onto a sheet of acetate and sponged the edges. The chipboard heart was covered with multi-purpose glue then Rose Red Prints DSP. The edges were trimmed and sanded before adding the pink taffeta ribbon.

Thanks for looking and have a great weekend!

Stamp: Tres Chic background
Ink: White Stazon
Card Stock: Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Rose Red
Accessories: Acetate, Pink Taffeta ribbon, sanding block, On Board Accents, Rose Red Prints DSP, multi-purpose glue, sponge.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #42 "Triangle Box"

This week's challenge was to make a triangle box. I had no idea just how many different variations of this project were out there! I used this triangle box pattern from the Stampin' Up! demonstrator website and printed it onto my chocolate chip card stock. I cut and scored it the size it (rather than enlarging it as the pattern suggests) for a petite triangle box...perfect for some yummy chocolate treats!

I actually made the Happy Birthday Wishes card first, which was CASEd from Taylor VanBruggen's blog (see March 5th) and then loved it so much I made the For You triangle box as a companion piece. Hope you like it too!

Be sure to double click my Blogger's Challenge Players icon to see all the different patterns everyone used for their triangle boxes!

Stamp sets: Fast & Fun Notes
Ink pads: Basic Brown, Chocolate Chip, Purely Pomegranate
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Accessories: Bali Breeze Designer Series Paper, Pretties Kit, Certainly Celery & Pumpkin Pie markers, AquaPainter, dimensionals, Pink Taffeta ribbon, stamp-a-ma-jig.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #41

Today's Blogger's Challenge uses this long-note layout from p. 65 of the SU catalog as inspiration. I was excited to play with the Family Accessories stamp set since I loved it the minute I laid my eyes on it in last year's catty! My PLAN is to make my daughter's birthday invitations using this same little girl in her precious tutu...easy to say this now since my daughter's birthday is still months away!

Thanks for looking. Many great cards using this layout can be found by clicking on the Blogger's Challenge on my sidebar.

Stamp Sets: All in the Family, Family Accessories, Celebrate Everything
Inks: Basic Black, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Blush Blossom
Card Stock: Rose Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Regal Rose grosgrain, 1/2" circle punch (for scallop edge), Coluzzle, AquaPainter, dimensionals, versamark, black embossing powder, Flowers for You Designer Series Paper

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #40 "Spring Flowers"

If I had to go through all my stamp sets I'd say I own more floral sets than any other category. I love flowers for many reasons, and for card making, well, they just fit for a multitude of occasions.

This is a card I came up with as a make 'n take for my Super Stamper's Club this month. It's based on a layout I found on p. 58 of the SU catalog. I used my favorite coloring tools: an AquaPainter and my stamp pads along with black card stock, which is always great for making an image "pop!" The card dimensions are 4-1/4" x 4-1/4". Thanks for looking!

Stamp sets: Friendship Blooms (SAB), Canvas
Inks: Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, Basic Black
Card Stock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Tempting Turquoise
Accessories: Rhinestone Ice Circle Brads, Turquoise grosgrain & Black Gingham ribbons, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Dimensionals.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #39

This week we were challenge to combine the following colors: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Real Red and Chocolate Chip. For my card I used the new Blooms Die Cuts and A Perfect Day Rub-Ons to make a matchbook-type card. The red circle is fastened with Sticky Strip on the bottom half so the soft sky card tucks neatly inside.

MY CARD RECIPE:
Stamp sets: Full of Life (Occasions Mini Catalog) and Little Pieces
Inks: Real Red, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky
Card Stock: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou Prints DSP, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Soft Sky Textured
Accessories: Ice Rhinestone circle brads, Blooms Die Cuts, A Perfect Day Rub-Ons, Blender Pen, Chocolate Chip and Real Red markers, sponge, 1" and 3/4" circle punches, dimensionals, sticky strip.

Be sure to click on my Blogger's Challenge Players icon for more fun ideas using these colors.
Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #38 "Happy Birthday!"

This week's challenge was perfect timing since I need to send several birthday cards this month and had nothing on hand. I love the softness of this card, which was inspired by the gorgeous new Bali Breeze Designer Series Paper -- I can't get enough of these papers! Here's what I used:

Stamp Sets: So Many Scallops, Circle of Friendship, Full of Life
Inks: Groovy Guava, Bashful Blue
Card Stock: Bali Breeze DSP, River Rock, Soft Sky, Groovy Guava & Whisper White
Accessories: Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon, Scallop punch, Key Tag punch, 1" circle punch, Boho Blossoms punch, Soft Subtles Brads, dimensionals.

Remember to click on my "Blogger's Challenge Players" sidebar to see many other fabulous birthday cards!

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #37

I've returned from a terrific week away with my family in Florida. It was in the 80s and sunny nearly every day so it wasn't necessarily easy to come back to the snowy Northeast. Fortunately, Spring is around the corner so as I wait for warmer temps I will get back to this week's challenge: "any shape card except rectangle."

For this week's challenge I decided to to CASE an adorable idea from my good friend, Michelle Guido, and make an egg-shaped card for the upcoming Easter holiday. Thanks for looking!

If you'd like to play along in these weekly challenges, simply send a link to your photo in the comment section below. Be sure to check my sidebar for all the great ideas for this week's challenge!

Stamp Set: A Good Egg
Ink pads: Basic Black, Bashful Blue
Card Stock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Light Blue Gingham ribbon, Coluzzle, Paper Snips, Dimensionals, YoYo Yellow & Only Orangle markers, Black Brad.

Technostampers Sketch Challenge #5

My kids were home sick last week so I had to skip the weekly sketch challenge but I'm BACK!

This card was inspired by Technostamper's sketch shown above. When I saw the layout I thought of the new Sale-a-Bration free set, Lots of Thoughts. I used a square punch at an angle to make the zigzag edge of the card stock. Feel free to play along with Mary Jo's challenge by posting a link to your card here with your comment.

Mary Jo will post her project (and others!) on her blog at 12 pm EST today so be sure to check there for more great ideas with this same sketch.

Stamp sets: Doodle This, Lots of Thoughts
Inks: Brocade Blue, Basic Black
Card stock: Brocade Blue, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Rose Red
Accessories: Cutie Pie DSP; soft subtles and rich regals brads; square punch; stampamajig; certainly celery and apricot grosgrain; purely pomegranate double stitched ribbon.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #34

This week's challenge was to follow the Happy Birthday layout on p. 42 of the catalog. I played with several different colors and backgrounds trying to get something fun and bright without being "juvenile." I used the Rock & Roll technique on the stamped scallop. There's also glitter on the candle flames which you can see if you click on my photo.

Don't forget to click on the Blogger's Challenge icon in my sidebar to see what other wonderful creations were made from this same layout!

Stamp sets: So Many Scallops, Sanded background, Full of Life
Inks: Real Red, Tempting Turquoise
Card Stock: Yo Yo Yellow, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Gable Green, Whisper White
Accessories: Bold Brights brads, 1/16" punch, Real Red 5/8" grosgrain, Crop-a-Dile, White gel pen, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Gable Green, Yo YO Yellow & Basic Black markers, dimensionals, 2-way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

Happy Heart Day!

On this fun day of love and friendship I wanted to share with you the cute Valentine I made (40) for my children's school parties. Though this set screams "Valentine" it's also perfect for birthdays, friendship, kids cards, and more. Happy Heart Day to you, my stamping friend!

Stamp sets: Happy Heart Day
Inks: Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Sahara Sand, Basic Black
Card Stock: Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Accessories: AquaPainter, 1/8" & 1/4" circle punches, red grosgrain, avery labels, stampin sponge & Tootsie Pop

I'm in LOVE with Rub-ons!

My mom gave me a tart warmer last week. You know, those Reese's-peanut-butter-cup looking wax thingys which are always in the candle section. Well this warmer was simple and lovely but as soon as I got it I said, "I'm going to decorated it with the Love & Happiness Rub-Ons from SALE-A-BRATION." And as soon as my order came, that's exactly what I did. It was so easy. I cut out the section of rub-ons I wanted, taped it to the item, and rubbed away. I adore how it transformed this plain white tart warmer into something much more...well, ME! Hope you like it too!

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #33

This week is a color challenge: use Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Rose Red, and Taken with Teal together. I must admit these are colors I would NEVER use all together on my own, but that's the great thing about a challenge because it makes you think outside your comfort zone. This week I let my punches do the creating instead of my ink pads. Here's what I used:

Stamp set: Happy Everything
Inks: Basic Black
Card Stock: Rose Red, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Taken with Teal
Accessories: 5-Petal Flower Punch, Scallop Punch, Build-a-Flower accent kit, Rose Red Prints DSP, Rhinestone Circle brad, pup-up glue dot, old olive 5/8" grosgrain, paper piercing tool and mat.

Technostampers Sketch Challenge #3

This layout was inspired by Technostamper's sketch shown above. I haven't done a baby card in a while and for some reason this layout seemed to call for happy babies in the circles. I'd love to see what you envision in the circles...so feel free to play along with Mary Jo's challenge by posting a link to your card here with your comment.

Mary Jo will post her project (and others!) on her blog at 12 pm EST today so be sure to check there for more great ideas with this same sketch.

Stamp sets: All in the Family, Canvas, Hugs & Wishes
Inks: Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Basic Black
Card Stock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Celery Prints DSP
Accessories: 3/16" corner rounder, 1-1/4" & 1-3/8" circle punches, white taffeta, soft subtles brads, dimensionals.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #32

This week's challenge was to use the Happy Birthday card layout from the cover of the new Sale-a-Bration brochure.

Here's the recipe for my version:

Stamp set: Abundant Joy
Inks: Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Mellow Moss
Card Stock: Whisper White, Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Mellow Moss, Old Olive
Accessories: Mellow Moss Taffeta, Soft Subtles buttons, 3/16 corner rounder, dimensionals, Mellow Moss & Chocolate Chip markers

Sale-a-Bration is here! This awesome annual event runs through March 17th so be sure to place your order with me today to get your FREE Sale-a-Bration stamp sets and beautiful new Rub-Ons! Click here to see this year's selection of free stamp sets and accessories!

Technostamper's Sketch Challenge #2

This layout was inspired by Technostamper's sketch shown above. I love how everyone on Splitcoaststampers is using scallop punches so I thought I'd take my corner rounder back out for my own scallop versions. It worked perfectly for the semi circle, but it didn't line up right for my square on the corners. I was about to scratch it and start over when I realized it made an arrow like the kind you see on Valentine hearts...sooo I decided my "mistake" was a keeper after all! Feel free to play along with Mary Jo's challenge by posting a link to your card here with your comment.

Mary Jo will post her project (and others!) on her blog at 12 pm EST, Monday so be sure to check back then for more great ideas with this same sketch.

Stamp sets: Time Well Spent, Hugs & Wishes, Sanded
Inks: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Basic Black
Card Stock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Rose Red
Accessories: 3/16" corner rounder punch, Regal Rose 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, paper piercer, VersaMarker, heat & stick powder, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Coluzzle, dimensionals.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #31

This week's challenge: use the card template from p. 141 of the new catalog. I really enjoy this unique card size (3" x 6") and decided to try my hand at Stampin' Up!'s new Rub-Ons. This is such a versatile product...you can use it on any non-porous surface including glass, tin, card stock, chip board, photographs, ribbon, and more! The "Hello" and white dotted line on the ribbon are from the Anchored Rub-Ons Collection. I'm sure once you try them you'll be hooked too!

Stamp sets: Enjoy Every Moment, Fundamental Phrases
Inks: Bashful Blue, Rose Red, Old Olive
Card Stock: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Rose Red, Old Olive
Accessories: Rhinestone brads, Anchored Rub-Ons, Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain, pop-up glue dots, Crop-a-Dile.

Technostampers Sketch Challenge #1

I joined a new weekly challenge group to keep me on my toes! This one's organized by the very talented, Technostamper. Each week, Mary Jo will create a new sketch for the player's to use in creating a card, 3-D item, scrapbook page, etc. If you'd like to play along, please upload to splitcoaststampers then include a link for all to see.

Since I just received a package of stamping goodies, which I pre-ordered at Leadership last week, I NEW I just had to play.... Despite there being hardly any stamping, I couldn't resist using the new Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper and fantastic Die-cut Blooms (look for these awesome items in the Occasions Mini catalog -- available March 1!) Enjoy the sneak preview!

Stamps: Curvy Verses
Ink: Basic Black
Card Stock: Whisper White, Summer Picnic DSP
Accessories: White taffeta ribbon, Bold Brights eyelets, Crop-a-Dile, Dimensionals, Die-Cut Blooms

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #30 "Color Combo"

This week's challenge uses a color combination I probably wouldn't consider on my own: Real Red, River Rock, and Blue Bayou. These challenges are always a lot of fun because I love to see what everyone comes up with.

Be sure to check out the other WBC players on my sidebar!

Here's my recipe:


Stamp sets: Happy Heart Day
Inks: Basic Black, Real Red, River Rock
Card Stock: Real Red, Whisper White, Blue Bayou, River Rock & Blue Bayou Prints Designer Series Paper
Accessories: White gel pen, 2-way glue pen, dazzling diamonds glitter, river rock double stitched ribbon, AquaPainter

Leadership Swap

I'm back Palm Springs, CA where I attended my first Stampin' Up! Leadership Conference. What a blast! Leadership is like convention on a smaller scale, but with no less enthusiasm whatsoever! I returned home with many fantastic swaps and wanted to share one of mine which I made for an online group swap. The layout came straight from p. 48 of the new catalog and I made it my own with different colors, stamps, and accessories. Looks like real stitching just like in the catalog sample, right? Oh, no...no sewing machine here! Once again I got out my All in a Row stamp set for the faux stitching....at this rate, I may never picked up a spool of thread again! ;-)

Stamp Sets: Enjoy Every Moment, All in a Row
Inks: Bashful Blue, Always Artichoke
Card Stock: Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla, Le Jardin DSP
Accessories: Rich Regals brads, Soft Sky Double-Stitched ribbon

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #29

I'm off to California for SU's Leadership conference tomorrow so I'm posting my Weekly Blogger's Challenge early. This week we were challenged to follow the layout from p. 37 of the Spring-Summer Collection 2008.

We all know the catalog is great for getting great stamping ideas, but here's a great tip I picked up at convention a few years back to help you use your catalog to its full potential:
Mark your favorite stamp sets with one color of Post-It tabs, then mark your favorite color combinations with a second color tab, and finally mark your favorite designs & layouts with a third tab. The next time you're looking for an idea, simply flip to the corresponding color you need -- what a time saver!

Now back to my card...here's the fine print:

Stamp set: A Little Birdie Told Me
Inks: Black Stazon, Certainly Celery, Blue Bayou, Wild Wasabi & Pumpkin Pie
Card stock: Confetti White, Textured Wild Wasabi, Designer Prints in Certainly Celery & Blue Bayou
Accessories: Aqua Painter, 1/16 corner rounder (for scalloped edge), Blue Bayou double stitched ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #28 "Pink & Brown"

I love seeing any shades of pink and brown together so I had even more fun doing this week's Blogger's Challenge using those colors! I used my favorite punch (scallop) with my favorite technique (faux sewing) to make this friendship card with my favorite colors! To make the main flower I punched two scallops, cut at each indentation to make the petals, then attached them with dimensionals. I also paper pierced the stem and leaves. Thanks for looking!

Stamp sets: Pick a Petal, All in a Row, Curvy Verses
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Craft White
Card stock: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate chip, Whisper White
Accessories: Scallop punch, 3/4" circle punch, paper piercing tool & mat pack, wide chocolate chip grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals, paper snips.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #27 "Inspired By"

For this week's challenge I was inspired by a gift card. It's my niece's birthday soon so I made this card to go with a Justice gift card. I've never been to a Justice store but, according to my 12-year-old niece, it's the greatest store EVAH! ;-)

Stamp sets: Celebrate Everything (2008 catalog), Eat Cake, Think Happy Thoughts
Inks: So Saffron
Card Stock: Gable Green, Pink Passion, Whisper White, So Saffron
Accessories: Pumpkin Pie grosgrain, Dazzling Diamonds, Dimensionals, Gable Green, Pink Passion, Pumpkin Pie & So Saffron Markers, Slot Punch

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #26 "Movable Cards"

For this week's challenge I did a Standing Box/Pop-Up Card. (This might have a more "official" name but I don't know it.) This is a fun card because it mails flat and when you pull on the ribbon a tag pops up and the base becomes a little box! I used Lovely as a Tree and Loads of Love stamp sets.

Here are the step-by-step directions for making this card:

Card Base

1. Cut 8 ½” X 11” mellow moss card stock in half lengthwise.
2. Score at 1”, 2 ¾”, 3 ¾”, 5 ½”, 7 ¼”, 8 ¼”, and 10”.
3. Make slit at 5 ½” score mark from ¾” to 3 ½” using paper cutter.
4. Stamp “Wishing you loads of holiday cheer” in bravo burgundy ink on appropriate section.
5. Repeatedly stamp snowflakes in always handsome hunter.
6. Stamp pickup truck on both bravo burgundy and going gray card stock in black ink.
7. Stamp man or woman driver in going gray truck.
8. Cut out pickup truck stamped on going gray c/s.
9. Cut out pickup truck (no tires) stamped on bravo burgundy c/s.
10. Sandwich the trucks together placing dimensionals in between.
11. Punch holes in tires.
12. Secure brads and adhere truck to card stock.

Pull-up Tag

1. Cut whisper white c/s 2 ½” X 5 ¼”.
2. Cut handsome hunter c/s 2 ¾” X 5 ½”.
3. Stamp “Merry Christmas!” in bravo burgundy ink on white tag about a third the way down.
4. Stamp tree repeatedly using handsome hunter ink without reinking to achieve dimensional look on white c/s.
5. Back it onto the hunter c/s.
6. Punch using rectangle hole punch.
7. Attach bravo burgundy grosgrain ribbon.
8. Place inside bottom tabs and adhere using SNAIL.

Thanks for looking and Happy Holidays!!!

New stamps are coming!

I got to play around with one of the new hostess sets from Stampin' Up!'s new Spring/Summer Collection recently and I made this birthday card for a friend. I tried a few different ideas before taking the "less is more" approach.

Check out all the new stamps and accessories in the brand new catalog starting January 2, 2008. Or, better yet, preorder your own copy of the 2008 Spring/Summer Collection and you'll also receive valuable offers with my Coupon Club! Contact me today for more details!

Stamp set: Time Well Spent (level 3 hostess set in the upcoming 2008 Spring/Summer Collection)
Inks: Black Stazon, Orchid Opulence, Certainly Celery, Pixie Pink, So Saffron
Card stock: Whisper White, Pixie Pink
Accessories: Certainly Celery and White Grosgrain (sponged to match), slot punch, AquaPainter

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #25 "Sympathy Card"

For this week's challenge I pulled out one of Stampin' Up!'s most versatile sets, Lovely as a Tree. This set is perfect for holiday cards, winter birthdays, fall cards, masculine cards, and (though I've been very lucky not to need too many) sympathy cards.

For this card I did the "mirror mirror" or "reflection" technique using waxed paper. Click here for a SCS tutorial of this technique. I used Mellow Most and Chocolate chip for the inks and card stock, very vanilla card stock and moss taffeta ribbon. The With Sympathy stamp is from a retired set. I used a mellow moss marker and the color spritzing tool for a subtle background, along with the ticket punch on the corners. Thanks for looking...have a wonderful weekend!

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #24 -- Watercoloring

It's been a tad crazy at my house lately with a few renovations going on...my stamp room was filled with living room furniture and I couldn't see (let alone get to) my stamps! The work is winding down and though I'm still cleaning up, I wanted to share this watercolored 3" x 3" gift card with you for this week's challenge. Be sure to check out the other Blogger's Challenge projects using my sidebar.

Stamps: Fast and fun notes, canvas background, all in a row
Ink: black stazon, watercolor wonder crayons, rose red
Card stock: watercolor paper, pretty in pink, rose red, basic black
Accessories: Pink taffeta, black brad, AquaPainter

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #22 "Inspired By"

As I'm usually inspired by other stampers more than magazines or similar resources, this week's Blogger's Challenge is yet another nod to fellow demonstrator, Beate Johns, whose card shown here caught my attention immediately for the fun and innovative use of the All in a Row stamp set for faux stitching. I kept the basic layout and updated it for the coming Christmas holiday.

Stamp sets: Fun & Fast Notes, So Many Sayings, All in a Row, Snow Burst
Inks: Basic Black, Rose Red, Certainly Celery, Close to Cocoa, So Saffron, VersaMark
Card Stock: Shimmery White, Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Rose Red and Certainly Celery Designer Prints DSP
Accessories: Build-a-Brad, AquaPainter, Snowflake punch, white EP, glue dots

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today we're heading over to my husband's parent's house for the big turkey extravaganza. My parents, along with my sister-in-law and her family will be joining us. I look forward to the holiday season when we can all take time out of our busy lives and get together. So from my family to yours, I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the time you spend with your friends and loved ones...and forget about the diet until tomorrow! :-)

Dryer Sheet Santa

This is a swap I made using the Dryer Sheet Technique I'd been wanting to try.

For this technique you first stamp (and color if necessary) your image on white card stock. Next run the stamped card stock through a Xyron machine to put adhesive all over the front (you can also use a spray adhesive in place of a Xyron). Place a used dryer sheet on top and press firmly into the adhesive. Trim dryer sheet to fit card stock. Sprinkle glitter on top of the dryer sheet, shake off excess, and attach to card. Finish card as you like.

I love how the dryer sheet gives a soft and snowy feel to the card...perfect for the upcoming winter season of card giving!

Stamp sets: Many Merry Messages, Jolliest Time of the Year

Ink: Basic black
Card stock: Real red, certainly celery, whisper white
Accessories: 3/8" red grosgrain, soft subtles brads, 1/16 punch, dryer sheet, Xyron, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, AquaPainter

Feels Like Winter

As much as I'd like to wish otherwise, there's a chill in the air and snow in the forecast so I thought it was time for a snowman!

This fun card uses my favorite D.S.P. (Designer Series Paper), Dashing along with the Big on Christmas stamp set. I stamped the image in Jet Black Stazon on Shimmery White card stock then colored in with markers. I then faux stitched all the sides with the All in a Row stamp set (LOVE THIS TRICK!!!) before adhering the black card stock. I gave the snowman a red grosgrain ribbon scarf to keep him toasty! ;-)

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #21

This week's challenged was to use Brocade Blue, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie and Chocolate Chip together in a project.

A Fall card theme immediately came to mind when I saw these colors...so I decided to challenge myself further by making the Winter card you see here.

Stamp sets: Snow Flurries, Hugs & Wishes
Inks: Brocade Blue, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Choc. Chip
Card stock: Brocade Blue, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Chocolate Taffeta, gold square.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #20 -- using photos or magazines

For this week's challenge I tried something I've always wanted to make, an Altoid Tin Photo Album. Having no idea where to start I turned to my friend and upline, CHRISTINA CRAWFORD, who has this amazing, can't-say-enough-good-things-about-it, step-by-step video tutorial. You MUST see it!

The Altoid tin album takes a bit of time, but it's completely worth it in the end! Now that I know what to do, I'll be making more of these for holiday gifts! (The photos were from our recent family vacation in RI.)

Stamp sets: Letterpress Alphabet, Fundamental Phrases
Inks: Real Red, Basic Black
Card stock: Holiday Harmony DSP, Real Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Gold brads, river rock double stitched ribbon, sticky tape, glue dots, sponge, 3/16" corner rounder punch, mat pack

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #19

This week's challenge is embellishments (i.e. brads, hardware, ribbon, etc.) Embellishments are absolutely essential for dressing up a project and it's up to you, the designer, how little or how much to use!

This Ornament Card was shown at the Providence, RI regional last year. I've updated it with one of Stampin' Up!'s new Designer Series Papers. It would be really cute to put a photo of my kids on the inside and hang it on the tree to remind us what they looked like this year!

To start, take a 4-1/4" x 4-1/4" folded piece of card stock. Using your Coluzzle, line up the second largest circle so it's hanging slightly over the fold (see photo below) and cut out. I used the third largest circle to cut out my Wintergreen D.S.P. then decorated my card with build-a-brads, hodgepodge hardware, and blue bayou double stitched ribbon. If you want to try your own Ornament Card, please include a link with your comment so I can see your creation -- and don't forget the embellishments!

If you like Designer Series Paper as much as I do you'll want to join the fun this month as Stampin' Up! throws a Paper Party! Purchase any three Designer Series Papers and get the fourth one ($9.95 value!) FREE! No limits, no restrictions. Contact me for more details or to place your D.S.P. order today!

Double Pocket Card

Here's a card I made for one of my fellow blogging friends using another awesome tutorial from Beate. This is a great project if you want to send a gift card, book mark, or any other clever idea which fits into the pockets.

Try one of these cards yourself -- I'd love to see your version! Be sure to post a comment here including a link to your project. Have fun!


Stamp sets: Friendship flowers, Blossoms Abound, Sidekick Sayings, Canvas, Aida Cloth, Curvy Verses, It's Your Birthday
Card Stock: Rose Red, Always Artichoke, River Rock, Holiday Harmony DSP
Ink: Basic Grey, River Rock, Rose Red, Always Artichoke
Accessories: River Rock double stitched ribbon, round tab punch, stamping sponges

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #18

Designer Series Paper was the criteria for this week's Blogger's Challenge. As you may have noticed from my previous blog samples, I'm quite the fan of SU's Designer Series Paper. The double-sided nature of this paper offers a multitude of options!

For this card I created a variation of one of my favorite Make & Takes from this year's Convention. The card is made from a 6" x 6" piece of Wild Wasabi Textured Card Stock, scored at 3." A 1/4" strip is then cut off the bottom and a scalloped edge is created using the 3/16" corner rounder punch. A 1" strip of Wintergreen DSP is adhered to the inside of the card. Soft sky ribbon goes across the front along with a Word Window punch of the greeting which comes from the hostess set, So Many Sayings. Lastly a snowflake is punched from soft sky card stock and adorned with one of SU's awesome, new products: Build-a-Brad. To use Build-a-Brads simply punch out any designer paper or stamped card stock with a 1/2" circle punch, adhere to the brad, and pop one of the clear acrylic bubbles on top -- VOILA! SO EASY and SO FABULOUS! Call me to order this fantastic new accessory today!

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #17

This week's challenge was Inspired By. I was actually inspired by not one but TWO talented (not to mention sweet, generous and kind!) stampers, Lisa and Stefanie. Lisa inspired me for the design and Stef inspired me for the layout so I simply merged their two cards into the one you see here. The card measures 4-1/4 square.

Be sure to click on my Blogger's Challenge sidebar to see the rest of this week's inspired projects!

Stamps: Jolliest Time of the Year, Snow Burst, Simple Serif Alphabet & Numbers, Letterpress Alphabet, Holidays & Wishes
Inks: Real Red, Garden Green, Basic Black
Card Stock: Real Red, Garden Green, Whisper White
Accessories: Coluzzle, red gingham ribbon, crafter's tool kit, scallop and circle punches, stampin' sponge.

File Folder Card

This is swap card I made for one of my online stamping groups. The challenge was to make a File Folder card. As I've never made one of these before, I turned to a fellow SU demo and stamping guru, Beate Johns who created this terrific tutorial for her blog. Follow the directions and give it a try yourself! I'd love to see what you create!

Stamps: It's Snow Time
Classic Inks: Rose Red, Basic Black
Card Stock: Rose Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Dashing Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, paint brush, bold brights brads, olive wide grosgrain ribbon, 3/16" corner rounder, paper cutter.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #16

This week's challenge, to make an ornament, was indeed a challenge. I went through several "test" versions (all sent to my creativity recycling bin) before ending up with my final result which you see here.

I always like an ornament with motion so I took our On Board Blossoms & Basics chipboard colored it with Old Olive, Certainly Celery, and Real Red classic inks then used the Faux Diamonds technique (coat with VersaMark, sprinkle with Irridescent Ice Embossing Powder, then heat emboss) to make all the pieces glisten. I poked holes in them and strung with gold cord.

It's hard to see in the photo but in person this ornament sparkles beautifully...I look forward to seeing it reflect off the tree lights in December!

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #15 (early)

This week's Blogger's Challenge is extremely early due to the fact that I'm heading off to PARIS, FRANCE later today! This was a surprise 10th anniversary gift from my hubby and I've always dreamed of going so to say I'm excited is quite an understatement! You won't hear from me for several days as I'll be strolling along the Champs Elysees...climbing the Eiffel Tower...devouring croissants...along with every other must-see-and-do thing we can cram into our time in the City of Lights!

However, before I got packing and making last-minute calls, I wanted to get my card posted. This week's challenge was to use orange and black together. My first thought was Halloween but since I made a Halloween card for the previous challenge, I opted for a general Fall theme instead. Making a pumpkin with Stampin' Up!'s oval punches was one of the fun tricks I learned from Jen T. at my awesome upline's meeting this weekend.

You'll be able to view the other players' projects this Friday. Please check my sidebar and check back for their fabulous entries then. Merci...et au revoir!

Stamps: Doodle This, Wonderful Words,
Inks: Basic Black, Only Orange
Card Stock: Basic Black, Only Orange, Vellum paper, Confetti White
Accessories: Orange eyelets, Aqua Painter, small and large oval punches, Stampin' Dimensional, Stampin' Sponge

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #14

This week's challenge was to use a Spectrum Pad in our design so I chose my Pumpkin Pie Spectrum pad to go with the season. This was a very fun card to make, as I think any are which use the Booglie Eyes set! I stamped the trick-or-treater in basic ink on white card stock, colored it in and placed dimensionals behind to bring it into the foreground.

Stamps: Spooky Skyline jumbo wheel, Booglie Eyes
Card stock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie
Inks: Pumpkin Pie spectrum, Basic Black, Pumkin Pie, Ruby Red, Old Olive, Night of Navy & Going Gray
Accessories: Aqua Painter, dimensionals, 1-1/4 circle punch, sponge and dauber

Pretty Perennial

Maybe it's because my parents owned a flower shop for the first 20+ years of my life, but I love flowers. So naturally when I discovered this great hobby of stamping, I opened the Stampin' Up! catalog and dug into the flower section...and my collection has been growing ever since!

Stamps: Abundant Joy, Curvy Verses, Floral background, Canvas background
Ink: Mellow Moss, Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst, Basic Black, VersaMark
Card stock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst, Mellow Moss
Accessories: Paper piercing tool, black brads, Color Spritzer

Halloween Nugget Box

This idea came first from the Stampin' Up regionals a couple years ago with the Looks Like Spring stamp set. One of my fabulous downline members, Michelle G., recently perfected it by using this awesome Creepy Crawly DSP for the box AND wrapping the nuggets in it as well! I CASEd it nearly identically for my September Super Stamper's Club meeting. (FYI: Hershey's Nuggets and Nestle's Treasures work equally well.) Thanks for the inspiration, Michelle!

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #13

This week's Blogger's Challenge was to use embossing. I'm working on some holiday photo cards that would fit a 4 x 6 photo. This project is for a friend...I say this only because I would NEVER plan so far ahead for my own cards! (LOL) Anyway, embossing worked well for this particular card.

First the snowflakes from the holiday mini set, Snow Burst, were embossed with gold E.P. The Happy Holidays stamp from Many Merry Messages was inked up with Real Red Craft ink before adding clear E.P. A red bow from the new wide grosgrain ribbon was added. It's a very simple, yet classic (I hope!) card. The photo is one I used last year of my two cuties, Christopher and Sophia.

Four-Square Friendship Card

This clever square card has four panels which fold into each other, like when you're packing up a box without tape. When you lift the flaps, you find a special greeting! I love using Stampin' Up!'s DSP with this type of card format since you get to see both sides and designs of the papers. For this card I chose Le Jardin DSP and decorated it with the Pretties and Hodgepodge Hardware kits, along with various sized circle punches and the scallop punch. I also used the Crop-A-Dile tool to dry emboss along the scallop punch for extra dimension. This is a neat trip I picked up at this year's convention.

Stamp sets: Wild Rose, Sincere Salutations, Define your Life, Fundamental Phrases, Circle of Friendship
Inks: Bordering Blue, So Saffron, Basic Brown
Paper: Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Bordering Blue, Le Jardin DSP
Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware, Pretties, Scallop Punch, 1/16", 1/2", 1", 1-1/4",1-3/8" circle punches, rich regals brads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Crop-A-Dile.

Halloween Album in a Box

This is something I first saw last year on Martha's TV show during a scrap booking segment. I looked up the directions and, one year later, I finally made one of my own. The Creepy Crawly Designer Series Paper makes it so easy...and cute! I added some Batty for You accents with Stampin' Up!'s Jumbo circle and Scallop punches for finishing touches.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #12

This week's challenge was to choose something that inspired us to design a project. My inspiration was the French memo board that hangs above my desk in my office. The other inspiration was a group of pictures my dear friend, Anne, took of me and my daughter while we were visiting her and her family recently. The result is this 12 x 12 scrapbook page.

My faux French memo board was designed using the new Pink Taffeta ribbon and Pretties Kit, along with Pretty in Pink 12 x 12 card stock and Petals & Paisleys D.S.P. The word window captions read, "Mommy kisses..." "Butterfly kisses..." and "Eskimo kisses..." Maybe it's because in our house I'm usually the one behind the camera rather than in front of it...or maybe it's because I took a little extra time creating this project, but either way I'm tickled pink (and turquoise) with this one!

Playing around with D.S.P.

Why is it some things just look better in person? Chocolate, for instance (LOL). It's also true for Stampin' Up!'s collection of DSP (Designer Series Paper). Sure, it looks pretty in the catalog but get a package in your hands and you'll see how the designs are even more beautiful. The best part is how each double-sided 12x12 sheet perfectly coordinates with the next so designing projects is even easier. With 12 patterns in every package, you can use one pack of DSP to get a variety of looks. Here are two cards I created, each using the same layout and stamp set but with different paper from the same pack of Cutie Pie DSP.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #11

I haven't been able to get this amazingly clever punch card out of my mind so when I saw this week's challenge was to use the layout from pg. 12 of the Holiday Mini, I knew what I was going to do. Thanks, Stef, for the inspiration!

Stamps: Booglie Eyes, Background Basics, Simple Serif Alphabet & Numbers
Inks: Craft white, basic black, pumpkin pie, old olive, basic gray, close to cocoa
Paper: Pumpkin pie, whisper white, lovely lilac, basic gray
Accessories: Aqua painter, black brads, pumpkin grosgrain and black gingham ribbons, chipboard, dimensionals, stampin' sponges.

Weekly Blogger's Challenge #10

I've been invited to join Lisa Somerville's awesome weekly Blogger's Challenge group. (Please see my sidebar containing the complete list of Blogger's Challenge players.) Challenges are posted each Friday but I was eager to get my feet wet. Last week's challenge was to use the layout from pg. 92 of the Stampin' Up! catalog as our card inspiration. We did not have to make it a pocket card necessarily, just to use the general 5-squares layout.

For my version I used the Tag punches rather than squares, along with the Perfect Presentation hostess set. I stamped tone-on-tone stars in the background and included my favorite "faux stitching" technique using a paper piercer and a white gel pen. Card colors are Real Red and Garden Green.

Finding Time to Stamp

As much as I love to stamp, finding the time to stamp can often be a challenge. Maybe it's the fact that I want to LOVE everything I create which keeps me from sitting down with my stamps and ink more often.

What I've discovered recently is when I do make the time I'm quickly energized and working on something I enjoy. This gives me a great sense of pride and accomplishment. Whether I've made a single card, a special gift for a friend, or a scrapbook page with photos of my children, it reminds me why I love to stamp: stamping brings out a creativity I never knew I had. So go ahead, sit down with your favorite stamp set and see what happens. You may amaze yourself by your inner creativity as well!

Some call me neat...tidy...even organized, but (see photo above) this is how I work...and it works for me! :-)

Holiday Mini Inspiration

This card was created for an upcoming swap using my new favorite color combo: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou and Old Olive along with some fantastic "must-have" tools: Scallop Circle punch, circle punches and Crop-A-Dile.

The inspiration came from pg. 7 of the Holiday mini catalog. I rolled the new jumbo Snow wheel with VersaMark and heat embossed with clear embossing powder. VersaMark was also used to make a subtle background of snowflakes with the Snow Burst stamp set. The accent was created by layering various sized, stamped circle punches and a Scallop Circle punch. I used Stampin' Dimensionals between each layer which I'm told will require extra postage, but what's 17 cents compared to a card that stands out...LOL!

Jolly Snowy Santa

With several swap deadlines looming I finally sat down to play with two of my newest sets, Jolliest Time of the Year and Snow Burst. Speaking of Snow Burst, did I mention all stamp sets in ALL MINI catalogs from now on will be DIE CUT!?! This set took only a couple minutes to assemble. It's so GREAT! I digress, back to the sample...

Santa is colored with Watercolor Wonder Crayons and an Aqua Painter then backed onto Real Red and Old Olive card stock. I also used some of the Certainly Celery DS paper. The olive section opens to reveal a saying from the Jolliest set inside -- this whole set just makes me smile! I stamped various snowflakes in Real Red on Real Red card stock before adding Craft White snowflakes; this is hard to spot in the photo. For the finishing touch I sponged Craft White onto the edges of the card for that "new fallen snow" feel.

Have you tried SU's new textured paper?

I can't get enough of the new textured card stock from Stampin' Up! The coolest part for me is you don't "need" a background stamp because the card stock itself instantly adds texture and dimension to any project!

Here are a few quick and easy cards I made for a friend as part of a Thank You gift. I used the new In Colors textured card stock (see pg. 165 of the new catalog) as the card base. I stamped the image in Basic Black ink, then used the brush tip of my Many Marvelous Markers to highlight the words. The stamp is from a Hostess-Only set called Sidekick Sayings. The flowers on the stems are from another set, Abundant Joy. I added Crystal Effects to each flower after cutting them out to make them "pop." The In Colors double stitched ribbon completes each card.

Here's a closer view...can't you just feel the texture! :-)

Posey Pendant

I was lucky enough to receive one of Stefanie's awesome 3-D swaps at convention and ever since have been excited to not only CASE them but to try something of my own. I bought these 1"x3" frames, used microscope slides I already had and came up with this pendant idea.

To create the pendant I used watercolor paper, black Stazon, and painted the flowers in with an Aquapainter and Wild Wasabi and Blue Bayou classic inks. The image is stamped and colored on both sides of the watercolor paper, sandwiched between two 1"x3" microscope slides, then carefully placed inside the frame.

The pendant is strung with the new SU gold elastic cord. I love that anything can be stamped and put inside the frame to personalize your pendant however you wish!

Hello...and welcome to my blog!

My name is Amy Caraluzzi and I've been a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for nearly 5 years. On a personal note, I have a wonderful husband of 10 years and two darling children who fill my days with joy...MOST of the time, ha ha! It is my goal to use this blog to keep my customers and team, Partners in Crimp, informed and inspired on a regular basis. Thanks for visiting!

Color Card Challenge

This is a card I created for a Color Challenge card swap. The challenge was to use Taken with Teal, Pumpkin Pie, and Gable Green/Green Galore. I love these colors together as they remind me of the (now retired) Dots and Dashes Designer Series paper. Although Sassy Stems isn't brand new, it's new to my collection so I wanted to use it. The card base is stamped with Green Galore ink and the Canvas background. The flower image is stamped in Black Stazon on watercolor paper, then colored in with an Aqua Painter and Green Galore, Pumpkin Pie, Taken with Teal, and Sahara Sand inks. An extra set of flowers were stamped on Whisper White, colored, and cut before adding Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds glitter. The saying is from Simply Said.