{Stamped from the Heart}

A Belated 4th of July

2008-07-14T00:00:00.002-06:00

Better late than never, right? Well, as soon as I started to feel a little better, my little Emma broke out in a fever on Wednesday and tested positive for strep as well. Did you know that there's a shot for strep? It was quite traumatic for her, but she was already feeling better by the next morning. I only wish my antibiotic had taken effect as quickly. I am feeling better and was happy to get my fingers inky during nap time Friday afternoon.

Since the last time I stamped was way back in May, it took me a while to find a smidgen of mojo. Hopefully it'll come back to me quickly! Although the 4th of July is long gone, here's something to stash away until next year.

This card really sparkles...can you see the Dazzling Diamonds on all those stars!?!?! If not, click to enlarge! I love the extra 'kick' it gave the card. And what about the dimension? The ribbons were an afterthought, but I like the added touch. My husband said, "Looks like fireworks." With all the dimension and sparkle, might as well be!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Classic Stars Jumbo Wheel, Fundamental Phrases
Paper: Very Vanilla, Real Red, Night of Navy
Ink: Real Red, Night of Navy, Silver (Encore!)
Accessories: 3/4" Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds, 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon-Very Vanilla, Real Red, Night of Navy

Where in the world have I been?

2008-07-08T13:21:00.002-06:00

Clearly not in my stamp room! I can't believe it's been almost two months since my last post. I kept meaning to 'sign off' for June, but getting ready for three weeks away from home took more time and energy than I had anticipated.

We left at the beginning of June for what was probably my favorite summer vacation ever. After a few days visiting with some of my family in Virginia, my husband and I left the kids behind with Grandma and Grandpa and took off for Brazil!!! We spent 10 days there visiting my husbands' parents who are there as missionaries. My husband and I both served missions there several years ago, so we already knew the language...we just had to remember it. LOL! It was FABULOUS and we'd go back in an instant if we could. I did miss my kids like crazy, though, and after heading back to the states we had another week to enjoy my family...more of which had shown up while we were gone. My youngest brother returned from his mission in California just two days after we returned...I hadn't seen him for 2 years, so it was a wonderful reunion!

It's been hard to get back into the swing of things upon returning home. My sister-in-law got married two days later, so by the time June was over, I was ready to crash. And boy have I ever. I picked up strep throat somewhere along the way and spend most of the holiday weekend in bed. I never get so sick that I just stay in bed. But Saturday and Sunday that's where I was. Monday morning a quick trip to the Dr. confirmed the strep throat and now I'm just trying to get better.

So, for everyone who's been wondering where I've been, there you have it. I am really anxious to get my fingers inky, but I need to take care of myself first. My card stash is completely depleted and I still owe my sister-in-law a set of cards for her birthday (which was at the end of May). Ack! Here's hoping the drugs do what they're supposed to and that I'll get back down to my poor neglected stamps. Oh yes...and with a new Stampin Up! catalog coming out soon and some things that I still need to preorder, how can I not get back down there!?!? Eye candy coming soon!!!

Quick Mother's Day Cards

2008-05-10T06:00:00.001-06:00

It's nice to have 'go-to' sketches when my stamping time is short, but I need to make something. Such was the case on Thursday evening. My husband was in need of a few more Mother's Day cards to take in to work. I needed a simple sketch, but also one that could be 'dressed up' enough to make it look special. To do that, I used a variety of background stamps, used different colors, and slightly different sentiments. I also made quite a mess! I'll post the recipe for each card separately. I had a hard time getting the lighting 'just right' for these. One of these days I'm going to learn how to really adjust levels in Photoshop.

Card Recipe
Stamps: En Francais, Amazing to Zany, Wordsworth Alphabet
Paper: Barely Banana, So Saffron, Papertrey Stamper's Select
Ink: So Saffron, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: 7/8" and 1" Square Punches, Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, Daubers, Square Nestability, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Dimensionals, Sheer Flower by Maya Road

Card Recipe
Stamps: Paisley, Absolutely Fabulous, Wordsworth Alphabet
Paper: Bashful Blue, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Apricot Appeal, Papertrey Stamper's Select
Ink: So Saffron, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: 1" Square Punch, Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, Square Nestability, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Dimensionals, Sheer Flower by Maya Road

Card Recipe
Stamps: Stitched, Amazing to Zany, All Holidays
Paper: Regal Rose, Rose Red, Papertrey Stamper's Select
Ink: Regal Rose, Rose Red, Palette Canvas
Accessories: 1" Square Punch, Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, Square Nestability, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Dimensionals, Sheer Flower by Maya Road

Well, there you have it! Three similar, yet different cards perfect for any mom. I hope you like them and that you have a perfect Mother's Day. After Church in the morning, I plan on getting a nice afternoon nap followed by a dinner I won't have to cook. What is your idea of a perfect Mother's Day? I'd love to know!

Challenge Day

2008-05-09T18:30:00.002-06:00

I rarely do color challenges because they're too 'out there' for me. However, Kristina Werner's are always fabulous. I just have a hard time actually doing them 'on time.' The challenge this week was to use the following colors:

(Brilliant Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue, Whisper White).

When I saw the colors, as well as the image, I immediately thought of the Summer Days Simply Scrappin' Kit and the coordinating stamps, Stitched Exotics and Stitched. So, here they are again! I also used Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge. I can't believe I actually got around to completing both challenges today. I'm usually horribly late.

Just a few things to note...the sentiment is embossed using Whisper White Craft ink, and there's a touch of Crystal Effects on the flower center (from the Simply Scrappin' kit). Also, the ribbon is tied in a different way than I usually tie it. The ribbon on the left side is actually under the oval. The ribbon on the right side is on top of it. Does that make sense? You can click on the image to look at it close-up. Other than those few little things, it's a pretty straight-forward card.

I'm barely getting this posted in time for consideration for her round-up, due to a busy day. I'm really trying to get my bedroom painted as quickly as possible. With three little ones, that's quite a challenge. Oh to have a full day to just get it done. Not gonna happen though, I'm afraid. I've been working hard at it all week and am 'paying myself' with a bit of stamping time here and there. Tomorrow morning I'll share a few quicky Mother's Day cards I made for my husband to take in to work today, so be sure to come back for them!

Happy Stampin'!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Stitched Exotics, Stitched, Enjoy Every Moment
Paper: Bashful Blue, Brilliant Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Summer Days Simply Scrappin' Card Stock
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue, Whisper White Craft
Accessories: Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, White Embossing Powder, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Crystal Effects, Slot Punch, Dimensionals, Nestabilities

Hello Oranges!

2008-05-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

I started this particular card quite a while ago. I had the image panel completed, the sentiment all ready, but needed the striped grosgrain. It just makes the card, in my opinion. The orange slices that are stamped on the Whisper White have been stamped off once. The orange slices on the Pumpkin Pie have Crystal Effects on them...I used a toothpick to spread it around.

I've been stamping a lot this week, but they've been Mother's Day cards that my husband has been taking in to work to sell to his coworkers. Of course, all the stamping takes place at night and I've forgotten to take pictures the next morning before they head off. It's been flattering to have the cards sell. My husband actually suggested it, and I'm very grateful for his support.

I'm hoping to take a stab at Kristina Werner's color challenge later today. No promises, but look for another post this afternoon! If I'm not back, have a fabulous weekend and happy stampin'!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Fundamental Phrases, Tart & Tangy
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black
Accessories: 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Dimensionals, Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

New Rubbah!!!

2008-05-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, Mr. Brown (the UPS man) brought me a few new things to play with. Can I just say, I love new rubbah!?!?! There's just something about new toys to play with. I absolutely love the Stitched background and really am wondering why I held off on it for so long. I love how cleanly it stamped out on the Whisper White card stock. I am sure that I will use it again and again...so I apologize in advance for those of you who tire easily of seeing the same element in cards over and over again.

I was up late last night painting my bedroom and I don't have time to do the 'how to', so if you have any questions, feel free to ask me in the comments field...I still need to get an email link on the side. Details on what I used can be found at the end of the post!

Have a wonderful Wednesday and happy stampin'!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Stitched Exotics, Stitched, Fundamental Phrases
Paper: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Wild Wasabi
Ink: Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Wild Wasabi
Accessories: Summer Days Simply Scrappin' Kit, Dimensionals, Wild Wasabi Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/2" Circle Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Large White brad (by Bazzil, I believe)

Mother's Day Tulips

2008-05-06T00:00:00.003-06:00

After snow on May 1st, I spent almost 4 hours outside this afternoon enjoying warm sunny skies. After folding a couple loads of laundry I was in dire need of some sunshine...as were my kiddos. I also planted a few annuals in a couple pots on my porch. They're not much to look at right now, but give it a month and I'll have a couple pots blooming with color! Tomorrow is expected to be another beautiful day, but I definitely will squeeze in some stamping time during nap time. While hanging out outside this afternoon, Mr. Brown brought me a few new stamps...I must play. For now, here's a card I made Sunday evening. Sorry, it's another one using "Terrific Tulips." I'll post something current and without tulips tomorrow, I promise! Just imagine the flowers from "Live Your Dream" in the Spring Occasions Mini, instead of Terrific Tulips, K?

I made this card last night when my fingers were in the need of getting inky. The inspiration for this card came from this card by Kirsten DuBosque. I changed the direction of the card, the stamp sets used, and a few minor other things....colors, ribbon...nothing too major. But now that I look back at her card, they don't really look similar at all other than the colors and the use of the embossing. A couple things that aren't obvious in the picture...the sentiment is clear embossed to help it 'pop' and the Rose Red layer is embossed using Nestabilities. A very subtle effect, but every little thing helps, right?

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you're having beautiful spring weather too, wherever you are!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Terrific Tulips, All Year Cheer II
Paper: Mellow Moss, So Saffron, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Naturals White
Ink: Rose Red, Mellow Moss
Accessories: Dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Mellow Moss 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder, Nestabilities, Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

April Showers Bring May Flowers

2008-05-02T17:00:00.001-06:00

I'm sorry for the lack of eye candy this week. Although I've had time to stamp, it's mostly been of the 'indexing' sort. I'm almost done...yippee!! Yesterday I even went as far as to color code my current sets so they get put back on the right shelf. Yes...I'm a bit over the top when it comes to organization, but since my stamping time is limited, it's nice to not waste time searching for something. I'm still in denial about the fact that I've misplaced a set. I know I own it...I already have it 'indexed'...but it is nowhere to be found. Anyway. On to today's card.

After waking up to snow on May Day...yes snow...flowers were a definite must. Remember the card from my previous post? I made the focal image in the same 'stamping session' as I tried out different colors for tulips, but wanted to do something different with the card itself. I went to Jen's Sketch from last Saturday. The vertical strip of Naturals White card stock is on top of the Real Red Prints paper...I didn't like the seam between the papers....perhaps I should have sewn it. I also slid the 'ribbon' down a tad lower on the card. Add a few Dew Drops and voila! Yet another sketch to add to the collection!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Terrific Tulips, All Holidays
Paper: Naturals White, Real Red, Real Red DP
Ink: Real Red, Garden Green
Accessories: Dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Linen Thread, Nestabilities, Cuttlebug Tag Die, Dew Drops

Happy Mother's Day

2008-04-30T17:00:00.000-06:00

I'm posting this much later than I had hoped...i.e. I had hoped to have it posted yesterday. It was one of those days that didn't end until much later than anticipated. Then today our internet has been finicky. On to this card...I purchased "Terrific Tulips" after it had already retired, and it's now in my 'retired but not going anywhere' collection.

I initially started out with more in mind for this card, but ended up liking the 'less is more' approach for this one. Because there are minimal layers and embellishment, it's very 'mail friendly.' This card is pretty straight forward. I cut and embossed the Naturals White card stock and then stamped the tulip stems with the assistance of my trusty 'ol Stamp-a-ma-jig. I put a post-it note on the bottom of the rectangle to keep the 'border' ink-free. I then stamped the blooms on a scrap piece of Naturals White using Regal Rose ink...stamping off once for parts of the blooms...and cut them out. The blooms were attached with dimensionals. To complete the card I cut out the Regal Rose scalloped rectangle, attached the main image, and popped it up on dimensionals. The sentiment was embossed with clear embossing powder to make sure the sentiment was bold enough on the card.

I think this would make a beautiful sympathy or 'thinking of you' card.

Card Recipe
Stamps: Terrific Tulips, All Holidays
Paper: Naturals White,Regal Rose
Ink: Regal Rose, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Clear Embossing Powder, Nestabilities

TLC166: Two Way Open Card

2008-04-28T21:00:00.001-06:00

What a fun challenge over at Splitcoast today! I played around quite a bit before coming up with this card, and may still tweak it a bit. I made a few additions to the card...for example I made it 4-1/4" square so it'll fit in a standard envelope. I also added a Basic Grey Magnetic Snap so it stays closed on it's own. The striped grosgrain ribbon can serve as a 'pull-tab'. I had fun decorating the various layers of this card, and realize that so much more embellishment could be done if I only had the time!

Here's what you see after the 'first opening.'

And after the 'second opening.'

I think the next time I make one of these, I'll do something to stiffen up the paper on the first opening...either by using card stock instead of patterned paper, or by adding card stock to it. I'll also use a non-permanent adhesive so I can take things apart if I want to do something different. I would have liked to add more ticket-corner punches on this particular card. But, that's just me being a perfectionist, as I tend to be when it comes to stamping.

Thanks for stopping by today! Happy Stamping!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Tart & Tangy, Absolutely Fabulous, Lots of Thoughts
Paper: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Real Red, Summer Picnic DP
Ink: Real Red, Basic Black, Old Olive
Accessories: Real Red Striped Grosgrain, Real Red Eyelet, Ticket Corner Punch, Key tag Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Dimensionals, Nestibilities, Basic Grey Magnetic Snap

Congrats to Two Grads

2008-04-25T00:00:00.001-06:00

Two of my brothers-in-law are graduating today...one in Aviation and another with a Masters in Accounting. The most impressive thing about their graduations? The one graduating in Aviation has three kids, the oldest is only 4, and the one graduating with his Masters has two kids, the oldest is 2-1/2. Their graduations are definitely a great accomplishment. So, here are the cards I made for them. This card lends itself well to swapping out colors depending on the school colors. I'm posting the Night of Navy/More Mustard one first because I graduated from the same University...gotta give it preferential treatment, right? I'll show the second card at the end of the post. They're exactly the same, other than the colors and the embellishment in the upper right corner.

The sketch was inspired by this card posted a while back by Kirsten DuBosque. I have GOT to get more of these great sketches put into my sketch book. I made the size of my panels a bit larger because they were what I found in my scraps. I do like how well it filled up the card, but still had plenty of white showing through.

I don't have too many graduation-specific stamps, but I did have some miniature graduation caps I purchased last year about this time. Yes! Another item from my stash put to use! I added the graduation cap to a layer of Whisper White that was cut and embossed with a rectangular Nestability. I then adhered that panel to a panel of More Mustard and then Night of Navy. The 'congrats' is from an Inkadinkado set, Round Frames. Had I thought about it, I would have used Fundamental Phrases from Stampin' Up!, but clearly, I wasn't thinking, right? One of the things I've been working on this week is a Stamp Index, so I can be reminded of which stamps I have so I'm not so tempted to keep adding to my collection.

The horizontal layer of More Mustard was run through my Cuttlebug with the Spots and Dots embossing folder. (The Congrats folder would have been a good one, but the words are going the wrong direction for a horizontal card). The bottom-most layer of Night of Navy looked too plain all alone, so I stamped it with a stamp from the My Favorite Things set "Behind the Scenes" (it's currently on sale, by the way). I really like the little bit of 'oomph' it adds to that layer. After tying the ribbons around both layers, I adhered them to the card base, which is Papertrey Stamper's Select White Card Stock. Finally, I added the 'image panel' with dimensionals and the two buttons in the upper right corner.

And here is the second card...the colors used here were Handsome Hunter and Summer Sun. The only other difference is the embellishment in the upper right corner. I didn't have any buttons, brads, or other embellishments in a dark enough green, so I punched out two 1/4" circles and added some Crystal Effects to the top. It worked better than I expected.

Okay, so yet again I've written a lengthy post. I'm too good at rambling on, I've decided. I hope these cards give you an idea of a fairly easy card for the graduates in your life this year! Oh yes...one more thing...inside I stamped the sentiment, "Wishing you every little thing your heart desires...and every big thing too!" from the retired SU set In My Thoughts. So glad I still have that one! Okay, I'm really done now! Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend! I'll be back soon with more eye candy!

Card Recipe
Stamps: In My Thoughts, Round Frames by Inkadinkado, Behind the Scenes by My Favorite Things
Paper: Whisper White, More Mustard, Night of Navy, Summer Sun, Handsome Hunter, Papertrey Stamper's Select
Ink: Night of Navy, Handsome Hunter, Palette Noir
Accessories: Dimensionals, More Mustard Buttons, 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Crystal Effects, 1/4" Circle Punch, Pre-Made Graduation Caps, Cuttlebug Spots and Dots Folder

"Super Sketch Sunday" For You

2008-04-24T00:00:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the lack of posts. I haven't made it down to my room much this week. I'm trying really hard to put housework before stamping and now that the weather is warming up I have inside and outside work to do. I would much rather be stamping, but 'first things first,' right ladies? I was excited to see Amy Westerman start up her Super Sketch Sundays again. I do love a sketch challenge, and I liked Amy's challenge to use three different patterned papers. Since I am currently loving the Nana's Nursery stack from DCWV, I had to pull that out. I set out to create a non-baby card using 'baby' paper...it's not too hard to do!

While at Joann's Monday morning in search of more Nana's Nursery, I saw that all stamps were 40% off. I know, I know. I should have just kept walking. A clear set by Heidi Grace called Tags and Words 'jumped' into my cart. Sadly, I can't find a decent picture online, since it's from last year. The images are cute cute cute, especially the birdies. I do have to admit that these stamps aren't the best quality. You get what you pay for, right? I had to try a few times to get a good stamped image. Palette inks do work well with clear stamps, but I only have a few colors. Anyway...here's the card:

Such great papers! I especially like the bird print...the bird stamps from the set would go so well with this. I'm not sure why I didn't just use them. I'm not 100% satisfied with the main image and may redo it. I stitched around the patterned paper with my sewing machine. The main image uses 4 stamps from the set...the large tag outline, the dashed tag outline, the flower, and the sentiment. I colored in the flower with SU markers. I attached the tags with a Certainly Celery brad and popped them up on dimensionals. Like I said, though...I need to rework the main image. Or just add some glitter...a little sparkle always helps, right?

This is a great sketch and an excellent way to use up some of that paper you're hoarding. If you haven't already, give it a try! Thanks for stopping by!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Tags and Words by Heidi Grace
Paper: Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Cameo Coral, Apricot Appeal, DCWV Nana's Nursery
Ink: Certainly Celery, Cameo Coral, Palette Charcoal and Violete
Accessories: Apricot Appeal 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Sewing Machine, Certainly Celery Brad

Make a Wish

2008-04-21T20:30:00.001-06:00

I hope you all had a good weekend! I've been busy doing laundry and playing catch up from the weekend and now that the kiddos are in bed, it's time for some 'me time' finally. Here is a card I made last week sometime for Lauren's Saturday Sketch from April 12th.

It's a fairly straight-forward card, but there are a few details that are worth mentioning. As usual, the card looks better IRL. The colors look really washed out to me. Although I wouldn't usually put Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue, and Green Galore together on the same card, the patterned paper from Basic Grey brought them together for this one.

My favorite thing about this card is definitely the frosting on the cupcake. To get the sparkly frosting (I do this all the time with this set), I simply stamp the image with Versamark on whatever color paper I want the frosting to be...Pretty in Pink in this case. Then I add some Heat and Stick powder, heat it with my heat gun, and add the Dazzling Diamonds. I can't wait to try this with Chocolate Chip card stock...chocolate frosting...yum! The three circles to the right of the cupcake are punched out from another sheet of Basic Grey Gypsy paper and have Making Memories Page Pebbles on them...time to find some more! I'm all out of this size now...I'm so proud of myself for actually using something all up!

A quick post today, but I'm itchin to get down to my stamp room to get my fingers inky!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Big Bold Birthday
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Green Galore, Bashful Blue, Basic Grey Gypsy
Ink: Versamark, Bashful Blue, Green Galore
Accessories: Corner Rounder Punch, Dimensionals, Heat and Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds, Nestabilities, Yellow Stickles, Organdy and Grosgrain Ribbon, Making Memories Page Pebbles,

Beate's WSC #44

2008-04-19T21:00:00.002-06:00

I'm sure many of you are already familiar with Beate Johns' amazing blog. I don't know how she is able to do it all! I love turning to her blog for inspiration, and she never disappoints! Every weekend she posts a sketch challenge, and if you've read even a bit of my blog you know I do love a sketch challenge. Her sketch challenge this weekend was one that I instantly wanted to try out, so I did. Of course, making the card and getting it photographed, adding the watermark, etc. is a whole other story. I do need to put in a disclaimer here...my photography skills are definitely nothing to brag about. This card looks SO MUCH BETTER in real life.

I absolutely LOVE these papers. Not only are the patterns amazing, but there's GLITTER on some of them...including the one I used here with the words on it. I love the added sparkle...you can see it on the picture if you enlarge it. Anyway. The papers are from the Die Cuts With a View Nana's Nursery pad. I used the papers from the 4.5 x 6.5 pad (baby girl, of course) for this card. I like the scaled down size for cards. But let me tell you...I do see the larger papers finding their way into my stash for scrapbooking. I love the fact that they not only are great designs, but the girls' papers coordinate very well with Stampin' Up! Cardstock. The boys stack coordinate too, but I'm not so sure I'd be using much purple in my little boy's scrapbook. Also, the blues in the boy's pad don't coordinate exactly with Stampin' Up! colors, but they are in the same color spectrum as Blue Bayou and Soft Sky (two of my favorite in-colors from this past year).

Anyway. Enough chit-chat. On to the card.

The card base is Cameo Coral (a color I don't use nearly enough), followed by Certainly Celery (which looks off in these photos). The other main color in this pad is Apricot Appeal. What a great color combination! As soon as I chose the papers (which was not easy, as I love so many of them), I decided I'd be getting out my sewing machine to sew along the lines...like a baby blanket. I may not use my sewing machine much these days, but I'm glad I had it for this card. After the base was 'done' I set it aside to work on the focal image.

I love the Petite Phrases set from Lizzie Anne Designs. I colored the image with copic markers, adding a touch of shading under the baby and stork. I added some Star Dust Stickles to the baby 'blanket' but then thought about what a cute paper piecing this would have made. Oh well. Too late for that. Maybe next time!

I cut and embossed the white layer using Nestabilities, then matted that on some Cameo Coral then a scalloped Certainly Celery layer. I thought it needed something more and stitched around the Cameo Coral layer, which ties it in nicely with the rest of the card. I do wish I'd had a different color of thread to use on the whole card so it wasn't such a subtle effect. Maybe something that matched one of the colors in the Nana's Nursery paper? I don't know. Like I said, it looks better IRL.

When I made this card yesterday, I added the Dew Drops in the upper left hand corner. The base looked too bare, but I didn't want to tie ribbon around it, detracting from the stitching. So, I added the Dew Drops. Then today, it felt like the main image was missing something, so I added the Certainly Celery Brads. Now, there are too many 'circles.' I'd rather have a narrow ribbon on it now, but it's too late for that. The Dew Drops were adhered with Crystal Effects and there's no removing those! Guess I'll have to try this sketch out again and keep playing with it. Into the 'sketch book' it goes!

As always, thanks for pausing here in your blog hopping! I hope you're having a fabulous weekend! We had a gorgeous day today, but are expecting another 'winter storm' to blast the warm temperatures away. I actually don't mind it so much. I grew up in the Northwest and grew up with a lot of rain and cooler temperatures. When it gets above 80 I start getting uncomfortable. Okay enough. I'm done now! Sorry this got so lengthy!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Petite Phrases from Lizzie Anne Designs (link above)
Paper: Papertrey Stamper's Select, Cameo Coral, Certainly Celery, Nana's Nursery by DCWV (link above)
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, Copic Markers
Accessories: Certainly Celery Brads, Dimensionals, Thread, Dew Drops (Silver Bells), Nestabilities, Star Dust Stickles

Ribbon Weaving & Thinking of You

2008-04-18T07:30:00.005-06:00

Happy Anniversary to me! I realize 6 years isn't a very long time, but it has been a wonderful 6 years. I am so grateful for an amazing husband who is so supportive of me and this addiction of mine. Here's one of our engagement photos...when we were 'young' and before I put on baby weight (LOL). I'm working on it...I really am. Chocolate just seems to keep getting in the way!

Anywho. I love just about everything that Kristina Werner posts on her blog. She is SO talented! When she posted her Make a Card Monday video on Monday which showed ribbon weaving, I had to try it out! Of course, the square sat on my table for a few days before I figured out what to do with it.

I wanted the ribbon weaving to shine, so I simply grabbed a couple flowers from my stash and put them together with a brad from the Summer Mini Occasions catalog (I love this set of hardware and sure would like to see something like it in the regular catalog!). I don't own the Paper Pretties Kit (yet), and this card would sure be a good way to use a couple flowers...just color one of the flowers red and you're set to go! The sentiment is a rub-on from the Sale-A-Bration rub-ons and then I added the paper piercing below the sentiment. Since the paper piercing was an afterthought, the sentiment is a bit low on the card. Next time I use this layout I'll place it a bit higher, I think.

Not much more to say today...after having a pretty cool week (remember the snow on Tuesday?), I'm looking foward to a couple days of 70 degree weather. My kids are getting restless and need to get out. Maybe I'll finally plant the roses that have been growing in my laundry room for the past month.

Card Recipe
Stamps: None!
Paper: Papertrey Stamper's Select
Ink: None! (It's a rub-on!)
Accessories: Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain, Prima Flowers (from my stash), Styled Silver Brad, Mat Pack, Rub-Ons (Sale-A-Bration)

Blogger Problems

2008-04-17T21:30:00.001-06:00

Well, I've been trying and trying to upload a picture, but it's just not working. I know some other bloggers have had problems today, but it just wasn't supposed to happen to me! I'm going to get a post all set to go minus the picture so that when I am able to get it working, I'll be able to post immediately. Be back soon (hopefully)!

Everything to Me

2008-04-17T00:00:00.001-06:00

When I first saw the stamp set, "Always" in the Stampin' Up! catalog, I instantly fell in love with the heart and the bird images. The rest of the set was great too, but I really liked the heart and the bird. I was a good girl and didn't buy it right away, however. I needed to make sure that I was getting it for more than just the heart and the bird. Now that I have it, I'm wondering why I waited so long! With my anniversary coming up this Friday, I thought I'd try making a card for my amazing hubby using this set. However, when I pulled it out, I was completely stumped and had no idea where to start. So, I turned to the gallery over at Splitcoast. It proved to be just what I needed (as is often the case). I came across this absolutely stunning card and needed to change up a couple things. Here's what I came up with!

I chose to go with Almost Amethyst as it's as close as I could come to one of our wedding colors. The hearts were stamped four times in White Craft Ink and embossed with White embossing powder. The center of the flower was also stamped in craft ink and embossed with white embossing powder. The sentiment was inked up in Versamark and Almost Amethyst, then embossed with clear embossing powder. I do like how heat embossing helps an image/sentiment really 'pop.'

After cutting out the hearts, I popped the 'inner heart' up on dimensionals. The scalloped edge was made with the old corner rounder...I meant to grab the 'current' punch, but the old one works just as well!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stampin'!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Always
Paper: Almost Amethyst, Whisper White, Almost Amethyst Prints
Ink: Whisper White Craft, Almost Amethyst, Versamark
Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Clear Embossing Powder, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Flower, Decorative Pearl, Dimensionals, Corner Rounder Punch (retired)

Need Chocolate?

2008-04-16T00:00:00.001-06:00

My kids had a great time at the zoo yesterday morning, and we managed to see plenty of animals, ride the train, and feed the ducks before it got too cold. We ended up leaving cousins behind fairly soon after they arrived because we'd already been there for an hour and my kids were hungry for lunch. The day started cool, but sunny, but by the time we left it was getting pretty chilly. My poor little guy's hands were just icy! The temperatures continued dropping throughout the day and I was shocked to see snow blowing around this afternoon. After a HOT day yesterday (think upper 70s, low 80s) snow was a bit of a surprise, to say the least. I realize I shouldn't be too surprised. After all, it snowed on my wedding day...April 18th (6 years this Friday!)

Enough jibber-jabber...here's another card I created using a Lizzie Anne Sketch Challenge...this time it was sketch number 22 (seen here).

I {needed} the Lizzie Anne set "Petite Phrases" for a few of the stamps, primarily this one. My SCS name is Choc0holic...I truly am addicted to chocolate. Having said that, I'm trying really hard these days to limit my chocolate intake. I'm trying to be healthier and no matter which person I ask, chocolate is not considered one of the basic food groups. So, in the meantime, I'll just get my chocolate fix through Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, and the retired Au Chocolat DP compliments of Stampin' Up!

This card is pretty straight-forward. The image was colored with Prismacolors and blended with Gamsol. I added a touch of glitter on the swirl with some Martha Stewart glitter (click on image to see the detail). The image panel is popped up on dimensionals. I love that the photo corner stamp fits perfectly in the Stampin' Up! Photo Corners Punch (the smaller of the two). The scalloped border was made with 1/2" circles...and really is straight IRL. I think the bottom right (not to draw attention to it or anything) just didn't get glued down well enough. I love the wide grosgrain...more colors puh-lease!!

Thanks for stopping by today! I have an anniversary card to share tomorrow! So, till then, happy stampin'!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Petite Phrases by Lizzie Anne Designs
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla, Au Chocolat DP (Retired)
Ink: Palette Burnt Umber
Accessories: Photo Corner Punch, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, 1/2" Circle Punch, Mat Pack, 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Martha Stewart Glitter

Happy News!

2008-04-15T21:30:00.001-06:00

WOW! Remember this card? I just checked my email and found out that it was put in the Honors Gallery for April's Virtual Stamp Night! What a happy way to end the day! Go check out all the other fabulous honorees!

Happy Birthday Princess

2008-04-15T00:00:00.001-06:00

HAPPY TAX DAY! Hopefully you're not stressing out today about getting your taxes done, but instead you have the time to stamp away (once you're done reading a few blogs, of course!). We have a trip to the Zoo with cousins planned...it'll be a tiring morning, but that's what relaxing afternoons are for, right?

Although Stampin' Up! is my first love, there are several other companies that have a place in my stampin' room. Lizzie Anne Designs is one of those companies.Their stamps are rubber, but are unmounted, so I use acrylic blocks with them. I found out last week that they have weekly sketch challenges. Now I have another source to go to when I'm feeling 'stamper's block.' Here is the card I made with Sketch Challenge #21.

From the moment I saw the Once Upon a Time set, I knew I "needed" it. It is perfect for any little girl who likes pretending she's a princess...I happen to have two of them for daughters! I first stamped the 'corners' then the princess, and then the crown. I found that by doing it in that order, I was able to get the spacing right. I drew the line to 'ground' her a bit.

The princess was colored with Copic Markers...I really need to take the time to figure out how to really color with these so my image doesn't look so 'cartoony.' For now, I like the fact that they don't streak. I then went over various parts of the princess as well as all of the flowers with a Clear Spica Glitter pen, to give it plenty of sparkle. Sadly, it doesn't show up in the picture. I topped the crown off with a few rhinestones. The ribbon matches much better IRL. The scalloped edge was created with the corner rounder punch...I've heard rumors that Stampin' Up! will have an 'edge' punch for creating a scalloped edge in the next catalog. Won't that be nice?

I think my body is still recovering from the 'mad cleaning' that took place right before my mom, grandparents, and uncle came this weekend! With three little ones, the lesser-used areas of the home tend to get neglected, and of course, those areas are the ones that get used when company comes. I'm not complaining though...my home feels so much cleaner today that it did a week ago. Here's hoping I can keep them that way!

Although I'm tired, (and will probably be more so after the Zoo), I hope to make plenty of time for stamping this week. I did just give my mom and grandma 20+ of my cards! My box isn't quite empty, but it's close!

Have a fantastic day and happy stampin'!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Once Upon a Time (Lizzie Anne Designs)
Paper: Papertrey Stamper's Select, Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Whisper White
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, Perfect Plum, Copic Sketch Markers, Copic Spica Glitter Pen (Clear)
Accessories: Rhinestones, Corner Rounder Punch, Wide Organdy Ribbon (Retired SU)

Be Back Soon!

2008-04-13T22:00:00.000-06:00

I've had a wonderful weekend with my Mom, Grandparents, and Uncle and am totally wiped out! It's been such a change in routine for my kids which is always 'fun,' but it was totally worth it. Tonight my 4 year old went to bed sobbing, "I'm going to miss Grandma!" She's been a bit sleep deprived and was ready for bed at about 3 o'clock this afternoon. No doubt all the kiddos (and myself) will sleep well tonight! I'm so glad that it's Spring Break this week...no Preschool! I'm looking forward to taking some time off tomorrow and will be back on Tuesday with some eye candy!

Stampin' Up! Meets Basic Grey

2008-04-11T00:00:00.006-06:00

In my attempt to use what I already have, I decided to pull out my 6x6 pack of Basic Grey Infuse paper the other day. I like the 6x6 size because the patterns are sized down for cards versus being big for scrapbooking. I have had this pad for probably close to a year but have hesitated using it because like many of you I hoard patterned paper.

Using paper from Basic Grey usually means something distressed, grunged, old...you get the picture. Definitely not something I do very often. It was a hard thing for me to make these two cards...yes...you get two today! I used my Stampin' Up! set, "True Friend," to make these cards because one of the flowers kinda sorta went with one of the patterns in the pack. Of course, I didn't use that sheet, but oh well. I did manage to cut into 6 different sheets out of the entire pack. Yay me! I do need to apologize for the poor lighting...I forgot to take pictures of these during daylight hours...bad choice!

The above card only uses the sentiment from "True Friend." I did emboss it with clear embossing powder to make sure it stood out enough. It looks better in real life, trust me. I created the 'circle image' with punches from lots of different papers from the pack. I decided I now {need} the 5/8" circle punch by EK Success...not a size that Stampin' Up! carries. (Insert frowny face here). I love to layer my circles and the 5/8" size would be perfect for the 1/2" size. Moving on....

The circle (including the scallop) has 6 layers from different papers in the Infuse pack. I put an Antique Brass brad in the middle and used dimensionals under the 1" layer and under the scallop. The rest of the card is fairly self-explanatory. There are also some dimensionals under the largest layer of pink (on top of the "Chocolate" color)...so there's quite a few layers of dimension here.

Anyway. I've got to get on to the next card. It's getting late as I try to get this post ready for tomorrow. I spent all afternoon cleaning up my stamp room as I have company coming and sleeping on the other half of the room. Hmmm...maybe I should get some pictures taken of my 'studio' while it's clean!

Sorry...my mind doesn't like staying on track when it's tired. Here's the second card I made yesterday:

I did use Jen's SFYTT from last weekend for this one. This one has LOTS of layers...10 including the card base. Yikes! And there are dimensionals under three of those layers (the cut-out flowers, under the first Chocolate Chip layer, and under the Naturals Ivory layer that mats the 'pink' layer. This one will definitely need extra postage! I tried to make the flowers look equally distressed by inking them up first in Close to Cocoa, then tapping over that with a Regal Rose and Old Olive marker. It actually turned out fairly well. I rubbed the edges of each layer on my Chocolate Chip ink pad...except the bottom layer...oops! Too late now. I did run the edges of the flowers on the Chocolate Chip marker too...the first flowers didn't work so well, so I decided to just try again and trim out some that did work.

Um, what else? The buttons are from Basic Grey and yes, are intended to match this paper perfectly. LOVE matching products! I was please with how well the Stampin' Up! colors coordinated on these as well.

Well, it's time for me to crash so I can get some sleep before waking up to clean some toilets tomorrow...my LEAST favorite household chore in the entire world. Think my 4 year old is old enough to start doing that for me?

As always, thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings today. I hope you liked these two cards today!

Card Recipe
Stamps: True Friend, All Holidays
Paper: Naturals Ivory, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Basic Grey Infuse
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Regal Rose, Versamark
Accessories: Antique Brass Brad, Scallop Circle Punch and just about every circle punch I own, Chocolate Chip Wide Grosgrain, Clear Embossing Powder, Mat Pack, Linen thread, Dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Nestabilities, Buttons from Basic Grey

Look Ma! No Stamps!

2008-04-10T00:00:00.002-06:00

Sometimes it's fun to try creating a card with no ink at all. I think some people hesitate getting into this craft because they think it means they'll have to have a jillion supplies before being able to make much of anything. Although I know I fall into the 'jillion supplies' category, a room full of stuff is not at all necessary. Today's card shows it can be done with very few supplies...but don't ask me to empty out my stampin' room any time soon!

Simple, but it works. I do feel like something is missing still. Ribbon maybe? I needed narrow Old Olive Ribbon though...the wide was too much.

Anyway. I've had the strip of the Bashful Blue (from the Summer Picnic paper) with the scalloped edge sitting on my desk for a couple days and wanted to make something of it. So, out came my favorite Summer Picnic DP.

I wanted to use some different prints than I had already used, to showcase something else. I decided on the flower pattern and the striped Old Olive pattern. After figuring out a basic layout, I chose a rub-on from the Sale-A-Bration pack and then started cutting flowers to create a 'bunch.' Rather than leave the flowers 'as-is', I punched out the centers of some flowers and added them to the other flowers. I also added some Making Memories Page Pebbles to the centers as well as plenty of dimensionals for layering. After figuring out a layout, I added the paper piercing, punched a few corners with the ticket corner punch and added the brads. There's not a whole lot to this card, but it works.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Be sure to come back tomorrow...I've got something quite different from my normal style to share (no Summer Picnic DP, I promise!) and want to hear what y'all think! Happy stampin'!

Card Recipe
Stamps: None!
Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive, Summer Picnic DP
Ink: None!
Accessories: Dimensionals, Rub-Ons (Sale-A-Bration), Bashful Blue Brads, Ticket Corner Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Mat Pack, Making Memories Page Pebbles

Baby Boy Boat

2008-04-09T00:00:00.003-06:00

Try saying that one five times fast!

My stamping time is hard to come by. I'll usually try to sneak it in while my youngest is napping and my other two are happily playing together for 'quiet time.' But dishes and laundry sometimes come first, like yesterday afternoon. When I finally made it down to my stamp room I was running out of time, wanted something to come together quickly, and be done by the time my youngest woke up. Sadly, it took me a long time to decide on which set to use, what colors to use, a layout, etc. etc. etc. Happily, I like what I ended up with (had to finish it last night after all of the kids were in bed).

I started with an attempt at Jen's Sketch For You To Try (SFYTT) from last weekend, but clearly ended up with something different. The idea is there, but the dimensions and placement of paper are all off. The sketch has gone in to my sketch book...to be tried at a later date (hopefully sooner rather than later). Anyway. enough of my blathering. Sorry the colors are a bit off in this one...too many clouds, not enough sun.

After inking up the various parts of the sailboat in Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, and Close to Cocoa, I trimmed them out and popped them up on dimensionals on a square of Naturals White card stock (cut and embossed with Nestabilities). I then matted that on a bashful blue scalloped square. Next I stamped the large star from the set out in Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery and So Saffron ink. I used the small star punch to punch those out, as well as matching stars in solid card stock. Then it was time to assemble the image panel by figuring out where to place everything. After lots of tweaking and quite a few dimensionals, I didn't end up with any space for a sentiment on the card front. That will have to go inside, I guess.

If you're still with me, thanks for stopping by today. I've had a few new subscribers and just want to say thank you! I am truly flattered and hope that I don't disappoint you!

4/15/08 ETA: When I saw Kristina Werner's Color Challenge last night, I thought the colors were familiar. Gee...maybe I do have promise as a stamper if I'm able to anticipate THE Kristina Werner herself. I know, I know. I'll keep on dreaming.

Card Recipe
Stamps: Nursery Necessities
Paper: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Naturals White, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Close to Cocoa
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Dimensionals, Nestabilities, Gingham Ribbon, Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, Mat Pack

A Sketchy Thank You

2008-04-08T00:00:00.005-06:00

Sorry! But I used the Summer Picnic paper again! What can I say...I'm addicted to it right now. With snow outside, I need a bit of summer. Yes, snow. Actually, I had a scrap of paper that was just the right size just laying on my table screaming to be used for Lauren's sketch from the weekend. All I had to do was cut the paper in half lengthwise and I was set.

After inking the cherry up with markers, I stamped it out on some Whisper White card stock. I don't usually cut out images that are so small, but the craft knife worked beautifully. Next I stamped the polka dotted pattern from Polka Dots and Paisley in Real Red onto Vellum Card Stock. The silver rim was added with a Making Memories Tag Maker. There's a few snippets of dimensionals discretely hidden under the cherry to pop the image panel up. After simply adhering the printed paper (different sides of the same paper), and tying the ribbon, the main panel was complete. I popped it up on dimensionals and added the row of paper piercing and the sentiment from Fundamental Phrases.

Have a great day!!!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Tart & Tangy, Polka Dots & Paisley, Fundamental Phrases
Paper: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Vellum Card Stock, Summer Picnic DP
Ink: Real Red, Old Olive
Accessories: Dimensionals, Craft Knife, Making Memories Tag & Tag Maker, Mat Pack, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

Virtual Stamp Night

2008-04-07T00:00:00.000-06:00

This weekend over at Splitcoast was Virtual Stamp Night. Essentially there's a challenge posted every hour and you're supposed to finish it in 45 minutes then clean up, snack, upload your photo, or just stalk the challenge threads. Sadly with my weekend already full I didn't get a chance to participate other than the very first challenge...and I didn't get it photographed until late Saturday afternoon. The challenge was to use the following dress as an inspiration:

Wowsa! Here's the card I came up with:

Without going into too much detail...circle punches rock, shimmery card stock rocks, Silver Encore Ink rocks (especially cool on dark card stock), and I {heart} bling! Those four things combined make this a stunning card in real life (in my opinion!) I didn't plan well enough to include the entire rainbow of colors, but I still like how it turned out. The bold colored flowers are popped up on dimensionals and there's a tiny little rhinestone in the center of each flower. The entire silvery panel is popped up on dimensionals as well. The silver card stock came in a sample pack of Curious Metallics I purchased a long time ago from paper-papers.com Oh yes, there's also some paper piercing along the bottom of the card (click on image for more detail).

Anyway...I really do like how this card turned out and am looking forward to sending it to someone special.

Card Recipe
Stamps: Little Flowers, Polka Dots and Paisley
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Shimmery stuff from paper-papers.com
Ink: Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Summer Sun, Garden Green, Encore Silver
Accessories: Dimensionals, 1/2" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Mat Pack, Black Organdy Ribbon, Rhinestone Bling

Enjoy the Little Things

2008-04-05T00:00:00.002-06:00

I know, I know...more Summer Picnic DP and colors. Sorry...I am just loving the colors in these papers! In my defense, there's actually very little of the paper on this card...just a bit of the Bashful Blue dotted pattern. This is the card that was giving me nightmares on Thursday. Okay, not literally, but it did take 3 different attempts to get it 'just right.' To be quite honest, I'm still trying to figure out if the upper right corner needs something. It seems awfully white...but I stuck my watermark there so it's not so obvious.

The three large flowers were embossed with clear embossing powder, and a Making Memories Page Pebble was placed over the centers. After creating the Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie, and Real Red base for them, the flowers were cut out and popped up on dimensionals.

The "enjoy" was stamped in Old Olive ink, and a 2nd generation (stamped off once on grid paper) Bashful Blue flower was stamped where the 'o' is. The Real Red/Pumpkin Pie flower is from Office Accoutrements. After stamping both and cutting them out, I glued them together then added the brad from the Hardware Kit in the Occasions Mini Catalog. That 'flower' is also popped up on dimensionals.

Finally, I trimmed 3/4" off of the bottom of the card and added more of the Bashful Blue printed paper on the 'inside' of the card. The dotted line was creating with a Chocolate Chip marker and the Mat Pack and "the little things" was added with the help of my handy-dandy Stamp-a-ma-jig.

Well, that concludes a good week of blogging for me! We'll see how well I'm able to keep it up. I am certainly enjoying the creating on a regular basis...even when a card takes a few tries to get 'just right.' My desk was a mess after this last one! Have a nice weekend and take some time to stamp! (It's "Virtual Stamp Night" over at Splitcoast if you need any inspiration of where to begin!)

Card Recipe
Stamps: Enjoy Every Moment, Office Accoutrement
Paper: White Stamper's Select (by Papertrey, Ink), Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Summer Picnic DP
Ink: Ruby Red, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Real Red, Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Brad from Hodgepodge Hardware Styled Silver, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Mat Pack, Dimensionals, Making Memories Page Pebbles

You're Absolutely Fabulous

2008-04-04T00:00:00.005-06:00

Yesterday's challenge on Splitcoast was the "Way to Use It" Challenge. I don't know that I've ever participated in this particular challenge, but when I saw what it was, I knew I could definitely do this one. The challenge was to use rub-ons. I have recently fallen in love with rub-ons and admit that I have acquired more than I need right now.

This card is fairly straight-forward. After applying the Chocolate Chip friend rub-on, I matted the focal image with Chocolate Chip and Naturals White card stock. Then I pulled out some old Au Chocolate DP and colored the circles in with a Bashful Blue marker. I punched the corners with the Ticket Corner Punch, added the brown brads (from Bazzill) and added the Bashful Blue Grosgrain Ribbon. After adhering both panels (the 'friend' panel is popped up on dimensionals), I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the "You're absolutely fabulous" sentiment just right. And that was it!

I made a second card yesterday that didn't come together quite so quickly and easily. I'll post that one tomorrow! Wow...6 days in a row. Thank goodness for scheduling posts! My kids have been making messes left and right. It's nice to be able to do something for me every once in a while. I do have to admit that I am cheating by writing at least two each time I sit down to blog. I don't really consider it cheating. Just something I've found to be very convenient.

Card Recipe
Stamps: Absolutely Fabulous
Paper: Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Naturals White, Au Chocolat (retired)
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Happiness Rub-Ons, Bashful Blue Marker, Bashful Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Brown Brads (by Bazzill), Dimensionals, Ticket Corner Punch

Gone Flap Card Happy!

2008-04-03T00:00:00.005-06:00

Yesterday's tutorial over on Splitcoast was to make a "Flap Card." (Here's a link to the tutorial) I usually have a hard time doing challenges and whatnot in a timely manner, but really wanted to give this one a go. I've had some Basic Grey Magnetic Snaps in my stash for quite some time and have been hoarding them...a perfect opportunity to break into them! I wanted something closer to an A2 (4-1/4" by 5-1/2") size, so I used a 4-1/2" x 12" strip of card stock which gave me a final size of 4-1/4" by 5". Here's the outside of the card:

Sorry for the funky lighting...too many clouds today. Yes, so I used the Summer Picnic Designer Paper...I just can't get enough of it! If you look at the tutorial on Splitcoast, the 'how to' is fairly straight-forward. I used some Bashful Blue Textured card stock for the base. I chose to add some patterned paper to the flap as well. It looked too plain without something there. I did do a bit of piercing around the flap as well (click on image to enlarge). The wide grosgrain looks a bit bold at the top of the card, but it looks just fine in real life. I hope we'll be getting the wide grosgrain in more colors with the new catalog (one can only hope, right?)

For the main image, I embossed the flower from Be Happy with Iridescent Ice embossing powder. Oh yes...I used Ruby Red ink instead of Real Red. For some reason the Real Red turned out real funky. Fortunately the Ruby Red was perfect. The circles were cut with Nestabilities (I love being able to emboss with these! I adhered some of the DP behind a clear button and tied some matching DMC floss through it. I rolled up the edges of the flower a bit for a bit of dimension.

And here is the inside:

I chose to some of the same paper from the outside to mat the Whisper White card stock where I will be writing a message to someone special some day soon. I used more rub-ons in the lower right corner...they're from the Sale-A-Bration pack. These are from the Chocolate Chip sheet. I thought they were a nice complement to the flower and the inside needed something more.

I was really impressed with how well the magnet goes through the 4 layers of card stock (Stampin' Up! card stock, at that!). I will definitely be making more of these in the future. They do require a bit more effort, but not so much that they aren't worth the time. Okay, enough blabbing. Go try one out...you'll love 'em too, I'm sure!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Be Happy
Paper: Bashful Blue (Textured), Real Red, Whisper White, Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper
Ink: Ruby Red
Accessories: Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Clear Button, 3/4" Circle Punch, DMV Floss, Basic Grey Magnetic Snap, Nestabilities, Real Red Wide Grosgrain, Happiness Rub-Ons

Summer Thank You

2008-04-02T00:00:00.005-06:00

I am LOVING the fact that I finally figured out how to schedule posts in advance. I'm hoping that I'll actually be able to keep up with regular posting now! Woo-hoo!

As is evidenced on my recent cards, I really like the Summer Picnic Designer Paper. My favorite prints in the pack are the small prints. A subtle hint of pattern to add just the right bit of 'oomph' to a card. I'm sorry if you're getting sick of the same color scheme. I'll try to move on to something different soon. That will require cleaning up my stamping area, as it's still VERY messy after the past few days' cards.

Enough rambling...time to move on to the card...easy peasy lemon squeezie. (I picked that up from my niece and nephews via my sister-in-law.) The layout, although slightly different, was inspired by this card by Lauren Meader.

Here's the step-by-step how to...skip to the end for the recipe.

I punched the colored squares out with a 1-1/8" square punch and the white (SU textured card stock) with a 1-1/4" square punch and glued them together.
The plastic flower is one I've had in my stash for far too long...it's from Maya Road. The center of the flower is one of the circles from one of the Summer Picnic papers punched out with a 1/2" circle punch and covered with a Making Memories Page Pebble. I love those things!
Use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position your sentiment of choice. (Another alternative is to stamp your sentiment on the card base in the lower right corner.)
Using grid paper to help with positioning, pop up each square on a dimensional. Then add the flower, also on a dimensional.
And voila! You're done!

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Amazing to Zany
Paper: Certainly Celery, Whisper White Textured CS, Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories: 1/2" Circle Punch, Flower by Maya Road, Page Pebble by Making Memories, Dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig

For You, Friend

2008-04-01T00:00:00.002-06:00

Do you ever sit down to stamp with something in mind and end up with something completely different? That's what happened to me when I sat down to make this card. I {love} the Summer Picnic Designer Paper. When I ordered it, I also ordered the Tart & Tangy set because of the coordination. However, I knew it would be difficult for me to put to use. So, when my littlest one went down for his nap and after the dishes were done, my challenge to myself was to use Tart & Tangy in conjunction with the Summer Picnic Designer paper. I also wanted to use only Stampin' Up! products. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be.,

Mission accomplished!

I started with the horizontal strip. Instead of using a slit punch or corner rounder, I punched out a bunch of real red 1/2" circles. I put a strip of Tombow Mono Adhesive then adhered the circles evenly with the help of grid paper. After piercing a strip of Old Olive card stock, I glued it all together and set it aside.

Next I inked up the cherry stamp with Real Red and Old Olive markers. Although I don't pull out the markers very often, they come in VERY handy for stamps such as this one that 'require' more than one color. I 'huffed' it then stamped it out on Whisper White card stock. Although it didn't stamp out 'perfectly,' I like the additional highlights created.

I punched out the cherries with the 1-3/8" circle punch and the flowers with the 1/2" circle punch. I used the Coluzzle to cut the remaining circles. After figuring out which words to use from the rub-ons sheet and putting them where I wanted to, I glued the rest of the circles together. The circle panel is popped up on dimensionals...but without any ribbon or hardware, this card will be great for mailing. Into the stash it goes!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day and happy stampin'!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Tart & Tangy
Paper: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Real Red, Old Olive, Summer Picnic Designer Paper
Ink: Real Red, Old Olive
Accessories: Rub-ons, 1/2" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Mat Pack, Coluzzle, Dimensionals

Happy Spring

2008-03-31T00:00:00.001-06:00

So, despite the snow that fell last night and all morning, I'm posting a spring card. Go figure. IT'S SPRING! I guess nobody passed that little bit of info on to Mother Nature. My daffodils have yet to bloom and it's almost April! Okay, enough of my little rant.

I made this card waaaaay back at the beginning of the month for the 166th Sketch Challenge over at Splitcoast. You'll notice I do a lot of sketch challenges. They're my favorite challenge to participate in because I'm free to choose color, stamps, and whatever embellishments I want.

I realize that I didn't use very much Stampin' Up! product...that happens sometimes. Hopefully it'll be 'inspiring' anyway. The printed paper is by American Crafts and is leftovers from some invitations I made for a family Easter party (you can see them in my Splitcoast gallery, I'll add the link at the right). The purple solid-color behind the main image as well as the paper that is used for the scalloped edge came from the reverse sides of some of the printed paper (SU didn't have a good match). The other solid colors are SU. The scalloped edge was created with the Corner Rounder Punch and the image panel is popped up on dimensionals. I also used the Mat Pack for a little bit of paper piercing on the Bashful Blue card stock and the scalloped edge as well. So, I guess there are some non-obvious SU products used.

I colored the image with Prismacolors and Gamsol, then went over the entire image with a Copic Spica Clear Glitter Pen for a little sparkle. To top it all off, I broke down a used a few Dew Drops to fill in the empty space in the lower right corner.

I don't think I left anything out...thanks for stopping by!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Spring Flower Word by Stampendous
Paper: Barely Banana, Bashful Blue, Pretty in Pink, American Crafts DP
Ink: Palette Noir
Accessories: Dimensionals, Flower, Dew Drops, Corner Rounder Punch, Prismacolors & Gamsol, Mat Pack

Stamping 101

2008-03-28T00:00:00.002-06:00

Tonight I am going to have dinner with a few of my sisters-in-law. They've been asking me for a while to teach them how to stamp, but with 15 kids between us and all but one under the age of 6, finding kid-free time is a bit of a challenge. Tonight is the night though. The card below is what I came up with as a starting point.

From the moment I saw the Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper in the Spring Occasions Mini Catalog, I knew it would be coming my way. I love how well it coordinates with Tart & Tangy as well as with the Striped Grosgrain Ribbon. This card features the adorable cherry print. I'm going to give the 'how to' now, so if you don't care about the deets, just skip to the end for the card 'recipe.' (Oh yes...this layout came from the card in this post. I knew it was a keeper!)

On Whisper White, stamp the thank you circle from Think Happy Thoughts in Old Olive Classic Ink.
Using the handy-dandy Stamp-a-ma-jig, stamp the flower (also from Think Happy Thoughts) in Real Red.
Punch out this stamped sentiment/image using the 1-1/4" Circle Punch.
Punch out an Old Olive circle using the 1-3/8" Circle Punch and a Real Red scallop.
Glue the circles and scallop together, then punch a small circle in the center (through all 3 layers) with the 1/16" Handheld Circle Punch.
Add the silver brad and set aside.
Adhere Summer Picnic DSP (2-1/2" x 4") to a Real Red mat (2-3/4" x 4-3/8"), leaving the largest margin on one of the short ends.
Paper pierce a row along the largest margin (will be at the 'bottom' of the card).
Tie ribbon around bottom third of the DSP/Real Red panel. Secure knot with a glue dot, if desired.
Grab your image/sentiment scallop and adhere it to the previous panel using Dimensionals.
Adhere completed panel to Bashful Blue card base with dimensionals (or other adhesive).
Write a thank you note inside and send it off!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Think Happy Thoughts
Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive, Real Red, Summer Picnic DSP
Ink: Old Olive, Real Red
Accessories: Dimensionals, Real Red Striped Grosgrain, Silver Brad, 1/16" Handheld Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Mat Pack

New Home

2008-03-27T14:30:00.000-06:00

There are some things I just can't 'stick with.' For example, my diet. I just can't cut out chocolate. Trust me, I've tried. In fact, one of the possible new blog titles I considered was "Will Stamp 4 Chocolate." On that note...another thing I can't stick with is a blog address/title. Over the past couple days I've tried out a few different possibilities. I think I've finally come up with one I can stick with for a while. I had fun with a digital kit from Atomic Cupcake this morning and love my new header. I'm glad there are such talented people who've made digital elements available at such a low cost!

I don't have any eye candy for this post, but will be back with more either tonight or tomorrow. My 'baby' has been cutting his naps short this week and is already awake after just an hour and a half of sleep. Thanks for stopping by!

Taking a Break

2008-03-04T21:54:00.005-07:00

Just wanted to put a quick note out that I won't be posting here for a bit. I'll still be uploading to my Splitcoast gallery, but blogging is just taking too much of my time. I hope to be back some day, but I just don't have what it takes right now. Thanks for stopping by and keep on stampin'!

Mass Production

2008-03-03T20:00:00.003-07:00

I finally managed to get pictures of several cards last week, only to discover I had NO CLUE where the memory card reader was. All I had to do was call my husband apparently...he knew right were I had left it...between my nightstand and bed. You know. Just where it should be, right? I use our wireless laptop in bed constantly to catch up on Splitcoast or my innumerable blogs. And it's also where I download pictures from the memory card, apparently. Anyway. I've got lots of cards to post, it's just a matter of making the time to post 'em now!

I love it when a card (or 25 of them) come together so well. Yep...25. My stamping time on Thursday and Friday was kept full with this Easter Party invitation. Because they will be mailed, I tried to limit the layers and embellishments.

The card is pretty simple and self explanatory, but I'm going to go ahead and describe the process for those who want to know more 'how to.' I started with the paper piecing of the chick's shell. After cutting them out, I ran them through my "Little X" (aka Xyron). I love using "Little X" for this technique...less mess with gooey adhesive and it ensures that all of the edges are firmly adhered. I set them aside until later.

I then die cut the ovals and scalloped ovals (note in the picture below that I had some 'pink' cards, as well as some blue, purple, and celery) using my Cuttlebug and Nestabilities. The white oval went through the 'bug twice so the edge could be embossed. (The embossed edge can be seen a bit better if you click on the image). I then enlisted the help of the Stamp-a-ma-jig (looove it) to stamp the chicks on the white ovals. After a quick coloring of the chick with a couple Copics, I adhered the patterned paper to the shell. Because I was mass-producing this, I didn't bother to work with shading the chick, as I'm still trying to figure out shading with Copics.

I then tied a bunch of bows to match the scalloped ovals and cut the printed paper (from American Crafts). The striped layer is a 4" square and the other paper on top (I used two different patterns for that piece) is 4" by 3". It's not too noticeable, but there is a layer of white under the top layer...can you see it? It's 4" by 3-1/8". Perhaps I should have used a solid colored paper for that layer, but I used some cheap-o white card stock that I had from my 'pre-SU' days.

I cut the little "You're Invited" tag using more Spellbinder's dies. I trimmed the top of it off (so it would fit under the bow the 'right way') and used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the sentiment in the right place.

Are you still with me? After that it was simply a matter of putting it all together. I adhered the bow with Glue Dots and the image 'panel' is popped up on dimensionals (again used up some of my 'pre-SU' dimensionals...I really prefer SU dimensionals over anything else I've ever tried.) The information for the party will be printed out then glued inside...my sister-in-law will be doing that part.

Here's a sampling of the cards with the various colors I chose from the printed paper. Some of the ribbon is retired, but I'm glad I had it on hand and only had to purchase the printed paper for this project. I used the coordinating color on the back of one of the printed papers for the purple scalloped oval as there wasn't a SU card stock that coordinated well enough. I love the card stock weight of American Crafts paper for this purposed. Again, I really liked how these turned out!

Thanks for stopping by!

Card Recipe
Stamps: A Good Egg, All Year Cheer (Retired)
Paper: Barely Banana, Pretty-in-pink, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, DP by American Crafts, White
Ink: Palette Noir
Accessories: Oval and Scalloped Oval Nestabilities, Wizard Tag Die, Grosgrain Ribbon (current and retired colors), Dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Glue Dots

I'm On Top of Things (Kind of)

2008-02-27T20:22:00.009-07:00

Okay, so I didn't make it back as soon as I had hoped. Oh well. Time to share some more! I still need to photograph about 10 cards I've made. I just need to remember to get them out to photograph when the lighting is right tomorrow. I've taken too many pictures in my basement 'studio' (oh, such a fancy word) late at night, and know it doesn't work, no matter how much artificial lighting I try to add.

I made this card a month or so ago for Sketch Challenge 161. I hadn't planned on getting Mother's Day cards completed so early, but it's just what happened. As I searched through my sentiments for something that would work, this one from All Holidays was perfect. I embossed the sentiment using Versamark and Clear Embossing Powder, to help it stand out more since it's stamped in So Saffron Ink on So Saffron Card Stock. I combined a couple flowers from my stash as well as a rhinestone sticker from Doodlebug. The floral background is from Cornish Heritage Farms.

Although my first love is all things Stampin' Up! (why I became a demo!), I am a sucker for all things paper-crafting. Since 'rediscovering' stamping a year or so ago, I've purchased what I'm sure my husband considers to be an insane amount of paper, embellishments, etc. I'm trying to put those items to good use as I have enough supplies to keep me going for a LONG time. Hence, the multi-company card here.

I love the simple, yet elegant nature of this card. So much so, that I made 5 more in other colors (also monochromatic). Yippee! 12 flowers gone from my stash! 6 rhinestones gone from the stash! I'm on a roll! (Or at least, I was a month ago! LOL!)

Have a great day and happy stampin'!

Card Recipe
Stamps: All Holidays
Paper: Papertrey Stamper's Select and So Saffron
Ink: Versamark, So Saffron
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Flowers (White one is Heidi Swapp), Doodlebug Rhinestone, Dimensionals

Finally, Some Eye Candy

2008-02-25T21:15:00.006-07:00

I have actually made several cards (like 20) this month, believe it or not. It is incredible how much time it takes to photograph, edit, watermark, upload, and write about a card for a blog post, however. And with my three little munchkins and life moving on, I've been neglectful. So, without too much blah-blah, here's a couple cards I made in a jiffy a week or so ago.

I am always inspired by Kristina Werner. Her creations are absolutely fabulous! Unfortunately, I can't figure out how to link to just one post on her blog. These cards were made after I saw her post on February 14th. I just swapped out the main image for one from Sweet Celebrations that was already out on my table. I stamped the main image on some Papertrey Stamper's Select card stock, my preference when making a card with a white card base. I then stamped the 'circles' on some scraps, punched them out, and popped them up on dimensionals. The ribbons (from my stash) were then tied around the cards. And for another added touch, I rounded the right edges of each card. Easy peasy! I did highlight the star on the baby boy card with a stardust gel pen, and the flower center on the baby girl card with a rhinestone, for a little sparkle and oomph!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope I'll be back again soon...I've got lots to share!

Happy stamping!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Sweet Celebrations
Paper: Papertrey Stamper's Select
Ink: Bashful Blue & So Saffron, Lavender Lace & Pretty in Pink
Accessories: May Arts Ribbon, Dimensionals, Hero Arts Rhinestone, Stardust Gel Pen, 3/4" Circle Punch, Corner Rounder

Clean and Simple

2008-02-15T20:39:00.006-07:00

In my latest order from Stampin' Up!, I ordered the Sweet Celebrations set. I hadn't really noticed it before, but was looking for something that would work for numerous occasions. It just jumped out at me as I was putting together my order, and I am very glad I decided to get it. I'm working on beefing up my card stash so I have plenty of cards to package up when birthdays come up (as that's what I do with my cards...give them away for others to use). I like making the more 'complicated' multi-layered cards, but every once in a while I get in the mood for quick and simple cards.

This particular card was inspired by Kristina Werner's on Monday this week. Mine isn't a baby card, however. The polka-dotted panel is popped up on dimesionals and I added the scalloped circle around the opening. So, the circular image (Celebrate Today) is on the base for a change. I had a lot of fun with this layout and used up some scraps (I ended up making 4 cards like this one)! The only thing that would have made this card easier would have been a punch for the perfect little flower.

Card Recipe
Stamps: Sweet Celebrations
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla, DP by All My Memories
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Pretty in Pink Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Halfback Pearl, Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" and 1-1/4" Circle Punches

A Few Treats for Valentine's Day

2008-02-13T20:12:00.006-07:00

The Wednesday tutorial a couple weeks ago on Splitcoast was for 'sour cream containers.' I instantly had a fun valentine for my kids to give to their cousins and for my daughter to take to preschool. These little containers were so much fun and EASY! I couldn't bear to use my precious Stampin' Up! designer paper for a bunch of 4 year olds (and younger), so I used up some of my scraps and purchased some inexpensive paper. I did find that lightweight paper is better for this project. It 'rolls' better and doesn't get weird dents like heavy card stock (ask me how I know). This is just one of the many sour cream containers I made.

The tags were a piece of cake to color with my SU markers. I used the Tag Punches to make quick work of the tag and then tied some ribbon from my ribbon scrap jars around one end of the container.

Sour Cream Container Recipe
Stamps: Happy Heart Day
Paper: Whisper White, Regal Rose, Printed Paper (source unknown)
Ink: Palette Noir, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Fiskars Paper Crimper, Ribbon, Tag Punches

I made this Nugget Tin in a jiffy last night for my daughter's teacher. The stamps on the labels are from Papertrey (Limitless Labels and Holiday Treats). The tag is a Stampendous stamp and I cut it with a Spellbinders die (gee...how many companies can I use on one project?) I tied it up with some pretty ribbon and voila! It literally only took me about 20 minutes from start to finish. It's so nice to be able to

Nugget Tin Recipe
Stamps: Limitless Labels and Holiday Treats by Papertrey, Valentine Brackets by Stampendous
Paper: Papertrey Stamper's Select
Ink: Rose Red, Regal Rose, Palette Noir
Accessories: Avery Labels, Spellbinders Tag Die, Ribbon

Because You're Priceless

2008-02-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

It has been too long since I've last posted. I have been creating, but it's been 'I waited till the last minute and now it's too late to take a picture' kind of stuff. I've also been organizing my stamping 'studio.' I love having an organized space. I'll get pictures of that posted sometime this week if I can finish up the last few things.

Last night, after having quite a memorable day, I needed to take some time to stamp. Between the battery on my van dying (it sparked it's last spark), having to dig out our 'spare' car which was buried by up to 3 feet of snow and 1/2" of ice in some areas so I could pick my daughter up from preschool, needing to catch up on household chores I'd neglected over the weekend, and all the while trying to deal with a little girl who hadn't had enough sleep the night before, yesterday was a day for the history books. Today I'm just plain worn out. My body is definitely feeling the effects of shoveling snow. Sunday we had about a foot, which for us was a lot. While we were in Church the plows came by, leaving a pile about 3 feet high across the bottom of our driveway. I've shoveled a lot of snow this winter and can't wait for the hills yes, hills) to melt away and for spring to arrive.

So, this card is what I came up with last night. It took me a while to figure out what to do, so I turned to the catalog for some inspiration. I love the color combination on pages 108-109, using the Berry Bliss DP. Sadly, I don't have any of that paper. So, I made do with what I had on hand. I used the Priceless Classy Brass Template to make a row of little flowers on the Pretty in Pink strip, and have resolved to use my Classy Brass Templates more often. (Click on the picture to see the detail.) I also need to get Define Your Life set out more often. It was one of my {must have} items on my first Demo order last summer, but I've only used it a handful of times. The entire image panel is up on dimensionals.

I just wish I'd had some of the Purely Pomegranate Double-Stitched Ribbon to put on this card...yet another item I don't have. Fortunately, I just got shipping notification for my order! Hooray for new stamps and 'schtuff'!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Priceless, Define Your Life
Paper: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Purely Pomegranate
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Purely Pomegranate
Accessories: Priceless Classy Brass Template, 1-1/4" and 1-3/8" Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Mat Pack, Dimensionals, Pearl from unknown source (gotta get me a Pretties Kit!)

Warm Winter Thoughts

2008-01-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

Who else is ready for spring to begin and winter to end? I know, we have a long ways to go. I can always dream though, right? I found a new line of Making Memories spring paper & embellishments at Target on Monday and immediately fell in love. I think the instant infatuation had a lot to do with my desire for spring to start. I can't find a good link for the line, but it's called "Garden Party." I may be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, but I can't pass up beautiful paper when I see it. I already have a project in mind. I can't wait to get started!

But tonight's card is a winter card. I saw this card on Melissa's Blog on Sunday and immediately pulled out "Like it a Latte" again. So sad it never made it into a regular catalog.

Anyway. The color scheme here is Chocolate Chip, Purely Pomegranate, and Very Vanilla. Isn't that foam just 'yummy'? Okay, so you probably wouldn't want to eat Liquid Applique, but it looks yummy, right? I need a cup of hot chocolate...Stevens Mint Truffle sounds just right about now. (Wow...you can buy it on Amazon...and it's actually a good deal!)

Anyway...had to put that in there. Back to the card! The sentiment and the heart are embossed with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder. and are popped up on dimensionals. The entire image panel is also popped up on dimensionals...guess that means extra postage to get to my sister. After hearing that she went with her kids to feed the ducks last Saturday when the 'real feel' in Michigan was -4 degrees, I made this card with her in mind.

It's been a very unproductive stamping week at my house. My 3 year old has been a bit stubborn with potty training and my 4 year old brought a cold home from preschool at the beginning of the week. It doesn't sound like much, but it has really worn me out. Come 8 o'clock I'm in veg mode. I've tried stamping, but haven't been able to complete anything. I do have several projects I'd like to get started on, but there's always something that gets in the way, isn't there? Here's hoping that I'll be able to find more time (and energy) to get my fingers inky!

Have a great weekend and stay warm!

-Katie

Card Recipe
Stamps: Like it a Latte
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Purely Pomegranate, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Purely Pomegranate, Sahara Sand, Versamark
Accessories: Chocolate Chip Wide Grosgrain, Dimensionals, Label Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Large Oval Punch, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Dazzling Diamonds, Bazzill Brads, Liquid Applique, Cuttlebug D'Vine Swirls Embossing Folder

A baby boy card for the stash...

2008-01-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

I lurked on SCS all weekend, following the various challenges that were posted for Virtual Stamp Night (VSN). I didn't get a chance to participate as we had a lot going on. When I did finally find some time it was late and I had a very hard time getting going. I pulled out several sets, tried different color combinations...the mojo was just not there! This happens from time to time, and it is so frustrating! The time I have to stamp is so limited and so when I am stuck and nothing is happening...not fun!

Anyway. This is the card I came up with...finally. I used Nursery Necessities and the Nursery Letters jumbo wheel. Coordination (as well as great design) is what I love most about Stampin' Up! products. It makes it somewhat easier when the 'mojo' isn't happening.

This card is pretty straight-forward and I have 8 inches of snow (plus some in the drifted areas) to go shovel. I know I should expect snow living here in Utah, but we've had snowfall after snowfall this winter. Last year we barely had a thing. I'm glad we've had the snow as it covers up the brown matted grass and helps clear the air, but that doesn't mean I enjoy shoveling it or driving in it! Thank goodness there wasn't any preschool today!

Have a great week and happy stampin'!

-Katie

Card Recipe
Stamps: Nursery Necessities, Nursery Letters Jumbo Wheel
Paper: Whisper White, Barely Banana, Bashful Blue
Ink: Barely Banana, Bashful Blue, Versamark
Accessories: Dimensionals, Mat Pack, White Taffeta Ribbon, Bashful Blue button and brads, Word Window Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Paper Piercer, Nestabilities, White Embroidery Floss

Unforgettable Elephant

2008-01-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

I colored this cute elephant a few days ago when wanting to use it for a sketch. It ended up being way too big, however, and so it sat, lonely, but not forgotten, on my desk for a couple days. Last night I decided he needed to find a home on a card.

I used my square nestabilities to mount the elephant (I think I'll call him Horton...how unoriginal is that?) and that layer is popped up on dimensionals. For the horizontal background I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to create the “Love You” butterfly layer. I probably could have just eye-balled it with how little of it ended up being visible on the card. Oh well. It’s a lot easier to figure those things out after the fact. I then colored the butterflies in with the WWC. The polka dots on the Always Artichoke layer are from the Polka Dots and Paisley set. I had that piece in with my scraps. The flowers on the Regal Rose paper are from the Happiness stamp. (I still haven’t mounted it, even though I got it way back in July last year. I think I’m going to purchase individual blocks from The Block Guy and cut it apart.) I really like the Kraft base. I didn’t want color, but I also didn’t want white. The Kraft fit the bill perfectly. Oh yes...and each heart has a touch of Dazzling Diamonds glitter on it. I added that this morning...it just needed a touch of glittah!

Thanks for stopping by today! Happy Stampin'!

-Katie

Card Recipe
Stamps: Happy Heart Day, Happiness, Polka Dots and Paisley
Paper: Whisper White, Always Artichoke, Regal Rose, Kraft
Ink: Always Artichoke, Regal Rose, Rose Red (Watercolor Wonder Crayons), Palette Noir
Accessories: Regal Rose Wide Grosgrain, Dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig (looove it), Dazzling Diamonds, Nestabilities

Happy Smiles!

2008-01-16T16:00:00.001-07:00

For some reason, I {had} to have Be Happy when it first came out. However, whenever I've tried to make a card with it...let's just say that I have contributed many scraps of paper to my circular file while attempting to make something with it. That said, I do like this card. I'm still trying to discover exactly what 'kind' of stamper I am. There are some stampers whose work I can spot immediately. I think for myself I'm still a novice and it really depends on the day and what I'm in the mood for. I do know that I like to mat everything!

I used today's Sketch Challenge on SCS as well as an inspiration challenge Beate posted. I never know how much detail to go into while describing the card. I think I'll just mention the 'not so obvious by looking at the picture' and leave the rest for the "Card Recipe" at the end of the post. The tag, circle image, and flower are all heat embossed with clear embossing powder...I really need to get some Chocolate Chip reinker. The flower is popped up on dimensionals, as is the panel it is on. The smile panel (scalloped circle and all) is also on dimensionals.

Thanks for stopping by today. Gotta run! Happy Stampin'!

-Katie

Card Recipe
Stamps: Be Happy, Polka Dots and Paisley (polka dots on Pumpkin Pie card stock), Paisley Background
Paper: Naturals Ivory, Purely Pomegranate, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Versamark
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Corner Rounder Punch, Circle Punches, Scalloped Circle Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig (looove it), Dimensionals, Very Vanilla Button, Linen Thread, Chocolate 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (retired)

Loving Another Sketch

2008-01-15T22:04:00.001-07:00

This card took me a long time to make, only because I was unable to finish it all in one sitting. Being a Mommy will do that. Although my oldest two have their own table in my 'studio' (what a fancy word for a basement space), and happily create while I stamp, my youngest doesn't fare so well. He's only 1 and would rather sit on my lap or open and empty anything and everything. I just don't stamp while he's awake and he woke up from his nap sooner than expected today, cutting my time short this afternoon. In addition to that, my husband had to work late today, giving me the oh so wonderful opportunity to get all three kids in bed. It is so nice when we do it together...I usually take our 1 year old and my husband will take our girls

I used Jen's Sketch from last Saturday as a starting point for this card, but changed it up to fit a rectangle card. I am definitely a 'sketch junkie.' I find it the best place for me to start. I also used the colors from today's Color Challenge on SCS. However, instead of Apricot Appeal, I used So Saffron. I just couldn't bring myself to use the AA (Apricot Appeal) on this card...it was too bold for me today.

The layer the butterfly is on is popped up on dimensionals, as is the flower and the entire Rose Red Prints Paper panel. I paper pierced the heart on the flower as well as the butterfly's wings. When I finished the card I decided it needed something sparkly. Had I decided beforehand to add the Dazzling Diamonds, I would have just colored them in with a marker. It sure would have saved me a lot of time! The swirl from Priceless on the Sage Shadow paper was all I could figure out to add in the upper right corner. The corner needed something, but I wasn't sure exactly what to do. I'd spent enough time on this card and just needed to get it done. What would you have done?

Thanks for stopping by...happy stamping!

-Katie

Card Recipe
Stamps: Happy Heart Day, Priceless
Paper: Whisper White, Rose Red Prints, So Saffron, So Saffron Prints, Sage Shadow, Papertrey Stamper's Select (for the card base)
Ink: Palette Noir, Sage Shadow
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, Slit Punch (for the scallop), 1/4" circle punch, Corner Punch, Dimensionals, Mat Pack, Stamp-a-ma-jig (looove it), Nestabilities, brad (by American Crafts)

Mark a Birthday

2008-01-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

This card is highly inspired by beccabatgirl's card on Splitcoast. I was in need of a birthday card and a masculine one at that. This set, Mark the Date, is the only set I own that is remotely masculine...I must {need} more stamps, right? I was glad to ink this set up, however. Typically, I hold off on using ribbon on cards for guys, but my husband gave me the go-ahead on this one. The entire 'image panel', which includes everything mounted on the largest piece of Real red card stock, is popped up on dimensionals. I don't usually pop up such a large part of the card, but I like the effect it had on this particular card.

I do hope that Stampin' Up! is able to get the Full Calendar set fixed soon (there is an error in the font for May). I love the Stamp-a-ma-jig tool, but it still isn't easy to stamp a full month one letter at a time! It took me a couple tries to get it right.

Thanks for stopping by...now go stamp something!

-Katie

Card Recipe
Stamps: Mark the Date, Typeset Alphabet Lower (retired)
Paper: Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Very Vanilla, Au Chocolat DP (retired)
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Real Red
Accessories: Chocolate Chip Wide Grosgrain, Circle Punches (1-1/4 & 1-3/8), Stamp-a-ma-jig (looove it!), Dimensionals

Chocolate is a Beautiful Thing

2008-01-11T15:19:00.000-07:00

This card was impossible to photograph today. I apologize for it's 'crookedness' but this was the best of the bunch...and I do mean bunch. I am so ready for the snow and clouds to skedaddle and for beautiful blue skies to come take their place! How I ever survived the perpetually gray skies and constant rain in the northwest is a mystery to me. (Although I REALLY miss the green.)

I decided I'd had enough pink and needed some Valentine's Day chocolate! Get it? I decided to try out Beate's weekend sketch. I had a lot of fun playing with the left side of the card, but I still feel like the right side is lacking something. I guess what I'm trying to say is that although I like this card, I'm not sure that I love it. This is a fun sketch however, and I do want to use it again.

Other than the polka dots on the left of the card (which are from Polka Dots and Paisley), all images are from the set A Beautiful Thing. It was one of those 'must have' items when I saw the catalog preview, primarily because of the sentiment. Isn't it just perfect? I can see myself getting a lot of mileage out of this set.

I went a bit overboard with the embossing on this card...but my Chocolate Chip ink pad is drying up and I don't have any reinker...yet. I find that embossing with clear powder helps save me in times like this. I simply inked the stamps up in Versamark first, then in Chocolate Chip (classic ink). I then went to town with the embossing powder. I can't wait to have more craft inks to skip the Versamark step when I want to emboss!

Anywho. There are a lot of things about this card I could get picky about, but I'm trying to curb my perfectionist tendencies. I've only been blogging here for a few days and really appreciate the kind words and positive feedback I've already received from so many of you! It truly means so much to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Happy Stamping!

-Katie

Card Recipe
Stamps: A Beautiful Thing, Polka Dots and Paisley
Paper: Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Au Chocolat DP (retired)
Ink: Versamark, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Antique Brass 'Snap' by Making Memories (I think), Corner Rounder, Square Punches (for the 'photo corner'), Chocolate Chip Wide Grosgrain, Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Crystal Effects, Clear Embossing Powder, Stamp-a-ma-jig (looove it!), Paper Piercing Tool

Watercolor Wonder Crayons meet Happy Heart Day

2008-01-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

I finally broke down and purchased some Watercolor Wonder Crayons (WWC) on my last order. I {love} them! I won't give up on my Prismacolor pencils altogether, but besides the perfect color coordination, they're a lot faster. I used an aquapainter with the WWC to color in this adorable image. I will definitely be getting the rest of the colors in the future! This card started with this week's Sketch Challenge over on Splitcoast. I remember when Kirsten first started making her 'kick stand' cards. I had the best of intentions actually trying it out, but life happens. So, when I saw this weeks challenge, I was so ready to participate! It just took me a couple days.

This card is fairly straightforward. I did emboss the image in black embossing powder to help contain the coloring...to prevent the colors from blending and bleeding. The sentiment is also embossed. A note on embossing. I love how much just a little embossing can add to a card. A lot of stampers detest embossing because of how messy it can be. I used to think so too...until I saw an amazing tip from Kristina Werner. I can't find the specific post she mentioned it in. Perhaps it was in one of her little videos. Anyway. I now store my embossing powders (as well all other 'powdery stuff'...i.e. Dazzling Diamonds and Heat & Stick) in Ziploc containers...the 'sandwich size.' Yes, it takes up a lot more storage space than the little tiny container they come in, but it is seriously WAY easier to use them and then clean up afterwards.

Anywho. The image is popped up on dimensionals, so the card isn't nearly as 'flat' as the picture makes it look. It is hard to photograph kick stand cards, that's for sure! The scalloped rectangle was made with a Nestability die and the scalloped border (under the image panel) is made with a corner rounder. Ah yes...I also put a touch of Crystal Effects on the flower to give it some shine. Okay. Enough blah blah. Thanks for looking!

Happy Stamping!

-Katie

Card Recipe
Stamps: Happy Heart Day
Paper: Regal Rose (textured and regular), Rose Red, Rose Red DP, Naturals White
Ink: Rose Red, Regal Rose, Going Gray, Always Artichoke, Palette Noir
Accessories: Regal Rose Wide Grosgrain, Brads (by American Crafts), Rectangle Nestabilities, Corner Rounder, Crystal Effects, Black Embossing Powder, Clear Embossing Powder, Dimensionals

New Year, New Blog

2008-01-09T20:00:00.001-07:00

This blog is a goal I have for the new year...to more openly share my stamped creations. I love to stamp...any one who knows me can vouch for that. However, I'm a bit self-conscious about my creations. Are they 'blog-worthy?' I don't know. We'll see where this blog goes, if anywhere.

I was first really introduced to rubber stamping about 4 years ago by a neighbor. It was "Sell-A-Bration" time (now "Sale-A-Bration"-see link at right) at Stampin' Up! and who can resist free stamps, right? Fast forward 4 years and I am truly addicted to stamping. The space in my basement room dedicated to my addiction keeps expanding/filling up. Most of my supplies are Stampin' Up!, but I have plenty of other goodies to play with and enjoy.

I chose to name this blog "Stamping Vitality" for a couple reasons. One of the definitions for vitality at dictionary.com is "the capacity to live, grow, or develop." I feel like I have come a long way in the past 4 years. However, I know that I have a lot to learn...and I want to learn, grow and develop when it comes to stamping. (Just setting up this blog has been a learning experience! It's still a work in progress, but it's a start.) The other reason I chose "Stamping Vitality" is because stamping energizes me...gives me the energy to keep on 'living.' Washing dishes, changing diapers, and folding laundry don't exactly do that for me. So, maybe the 'meaning' escapes you...another reason for the name: it just sounds cool.

Almost all of the cards I make are given in gift sets to non-stampers for their own personal use. Although I know they are appreciated, I want to share my work with other stampers who can provide me with some constructive criticism/feedback. So, here we go!

I made this card for my sister-in-law who had a baby girl last week. I loved this layout by Jen del Muro at i{heart}tostamp and it worked perfectly for this card. Thanks for the inspiration Jen! (Isn't it funny how we feel like we know someone and can thank them just because we read their blog?) Although this card didn't turn out 'perfect,' I had a great time making it, and that is all that matters, right?

Happy Stamping!

-Katie

Card Recipe
Stamps: Wild About You, Nursery Necessities, Nursery Letters Jumbo Wheel
Paper: Papertrey Stamper's Select, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose (textured), Going Gray
Ink: Going Gray, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Regal Rose Wide Grosgrain, Circle Punches, Scallop Punch, Rectangle Nestabilities, Mat Pack, Corner Rounder, Dazzling Diamonds, Dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig (looove it!)