The Shabby Stamper

Saturday Sketch Challenge #236

2012-01-04T17:20:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to the Operators at Stamping 411 for featuring my card in this weeks' Stampers Showcase!

This is a quick card that I did for the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge. I hadn't done very much stamping since before the holidays, so I thought that it was about time to have a little fun! It was a great sketch this week, as usual. I don't know how the Operator's come up with all these great ideas!

Stamps: Rue Des Fleurs

Paper: Poppy Parade, Soft Suede, White, Attic Boutique dsp

Ink: Black, Soft Suede, Calypso Coral, Poppy Parade, Riding Hood Red, Pool Party, Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Lucky Limeade, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Big Shot, Labels Framelits, Ticket-Corner punch, Pink Pirouette Smooch Spray, brads, Riding Hood Red pleated satin ribbon, sponges, white gel pen, aquapainter, dimensionals,

PCS Early Bird Special!!

2012-01-04T04:55:00.000-08:00

It's a new year which means it's time for a fresh new year of the Paper Crafters Sampler!

To get kick off the year properly, there's an Early Bird Special. The Early Bird Special is available to all those who sign up for the 2012 Full Year of the Sampler from now until January 9th. A full year of 96 projects using Stampin' Up! product and fresh new templates. More info at the Paper Crafters Sampler.

Our first issue Expression of Affection offers ideas for upcoming Valentines Day. Here's a little sneak peek of my project from the Early Bird Special --

Remember to use the code PCSLH when you reserve your subscription!

Heaven Blessed!

2011-12-04T12:16:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy that the Everyday Enchantment dsp has Riding Hood Red in it's color scheme -- I can renew my love affair with this wonderful color! I have to also say that I'm loving the new label Framelits. I made the outer Chocolate Chip frame layer by cutting out two of the same size as the RHR frame layer (which is overstamped with Canvas in Chocolate Chip). I then cut apart the Chocolate Chip layers and adhered them around the outer edge, making the narrow frame that you see here.

All products are SU! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Heaven Blessed, Canvas

Paper: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Vanilla, Everyday Enchantment dsp

Ink: Black, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Always Artichoke, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso

Accessories: Big Shot, label Framelits, Ticket-Corner punch, Modern Label punch, brads, sponges, Chocolate Chip 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Riding Hood Red pleated satin ribbon, Aquapainter, Dimensionals

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #232

2011-12-03T17:20:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to the Operators at Stamping 411 for featuring my card in this weeks' Stampers Showcase!

This weeks' challenge over at Stamping 411 was to create something clean and simple following Saturday Sketch Challenge #232. Unfortunately for me, I have a real problem with CAS -- it doesn't seem right not to have something right in the middle of the card! CAS is definitely not my friend. Go over and check out the Operators challenge this week and see what you can come up with!

What you can't see: The paper rose was made according to Melanie Schulenberg's fab video tutorial over her beautiful blog, Pockets of Inspiration. The bottom edges of the top layer were cut using the new Edgelit.

What I should've done: Put pearls at the top of each upward scoop of the Edgelit. Maybe next time!

All products are SU! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Take it to Heart, Loving Thoughts

Paper: Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Vanilla, Everyday Enchantment dsp

Ink: Black, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Close to Cocoa, Lucky Limeade, Always Artichoke, Calypso Coral

Accessories: Big Shot, Edgelit, Ticket-Corner punch, Birds &Blossoms Sizzlit, Little Leaves Sizzlit, brads, sponges, Old Olive 5/8" satin ribbon, Aquapainter

Take it to Heart!

2011-12-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

Tried a little something new with this card and all I can say is that I'm going to need more of this Riding Hood Red pleated satin ribbon -- it's fabulous! I love the look of using it to create the back layer of the central image. The depth and texture of the pleated satin ribbon is amazing. Too bad that I'm going to have to wait to get more of the Riding Hood Red ribbon until after the preorder period!

All products are SU! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Take it to Heart, Tiny Tags

Paper: Poppy Parade, Soft Suede, White, Attic Boutique dsp

Ink: Black, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Soft Suede, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Calypso Coral, Poppy Parade, Riding Hood Red, Pool Party, Bermuda Bay, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Big Shot, Heart Framelits, Ticket-Corner punch, Tiny Tag punch, Riding Hood Red pleated satin ribbon, Soft Suede polka-dot ribbon, Trinket Keys, white gel pen, linen thread, brads, Dimensionals, Aquapainter

Apothecary Art and Attic Boutique dsp!

2011-12-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

This is my first card made with items from the new Mini! I have to say that I love Apothecary Art, as well as the Attic Boutique dsp -- the colors are absolutely luscious! Not to be overlooked is the pleated satin ribbon and the label Framelits. SU has really outdone themselves this time!

All product is SU! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Apothecary Art

Paper: Pool Party, Poppy Parade, White, Attic Boutique dsp

Ink: Black, Pool Party, Bermuda Bay, Coral Calypso, Poppy Parade, Riding Hood Red, So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, River Rock, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Big Shot, Labels Framelits, brads, Riding Hood Red pleated satin ribbon, Aquapainter, sponges, Dimensionals, Ticket-Corner punch

Rue Des Fleurs

2011-12-02T08:28:00.000-08:00

The color combination in this is a lot more subdued than I wanted, but it's got a kind of antique look to it, IRL, and the colors are clearer. I really wanted to use the Large Paper Doily Sizzlit, so I pretty much worked this around that element.

Things you may or may not see: I used the new Pink Pirouette Smooch Spray on the umbrella image -- I really love the color! The edge of the umbrella, as well as the Doily, have about 86,000 Pearl Jewels. Again, something that is much prettier IRL!

All products are SU! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Rue Des Fleurs

Paper: Early Espresso, Soft Suede, White, Attic Boutique dsp

Ink: Black, Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Soft Suede, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: Big Shot, Large Paper Doily Sizzlit, Pink Pirouette Smooch Spray, Pearl Jewels, brads, Pink Pirouette pleated satin ribbon, Dimensionals, Aquapainter

Adorned Holiday Blog Hop!

2011-12-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

If you find yourself at The Shabby Stamper, then you must be following the PCS Adorned Holiday Blog Hop from Melanie Schulenberg's beautiful blog, Pockets of Inspiration!

The December Paper Crafters Sampler has three new Holiday templates. These three templates are available for to all those who purchase the "Adorned Holiday" Sampler. You can find the Sampler here.

The first of the templates is a darling little sled box, complete with a pull rope so that you could hang it off the tree! Underneath the sled portion is a cunning little box, just the right size to hold sweets, cookies or even crayons. Mine is made out of Well Worn dsp and Riding Hood Red. The holly leaves were stamped with Pines & Poinsettias out of Always Artichoke, and tucked around a long bow made from Riding Hood Red 3/8" taffeta ribbon.

The Limoges box looks difficult, but is actually very easy to put together. I made mine out of Elegant Soiree dsp and decorated it with Not Quite Navy 5/8" taffeta ribbon, Early Espresso 1/4" taffeta ribbon, Pearl Jewels and Scallop Edge trim cut out of Early Espresso. The paper rose at the top is made out of Not Quite Navy using Melanie Schulenberg's fabulous video tutorial.

Santa's sleigh is the perfect size to hold nuts, mints, little ornaments or any other thing that you'd like to tuck inside! Mine is made out of Frostwood Lodge dsp and Cherry Cobbler cardstock. It's trimmed with Garden Green Scalloped Edge border and decorated with Pearl Jewels and a pretty double bow made from Cherry Cobbler seam binding.

Now onward to the next blog in the Hop, Vicki Burdick's gorgeous blog, It's a Stamp Thing!

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #229

2011-11-14T14:50:00.000-08:00

This is my VERY oversized contribution to this weeks' Saturday Sketch Challenge over at Stamping 411. As usual, I played with the sketch, changing the dimensions of the elements and putting the sketch on its' side. I didn't mean to make the card so big or mess with the elements so much, but the Greeting Card kid seemed to have a mind of her own and, like Topsy, she just growed! Darned kid -- must be a teenager underneath her angelic looks....

Things that you can't see -- and there's a lot to this card! The main image is sponged with Creamy Caramel and Close to Cocoa. I really wish that you could see that, but I couldn't get it to come through the photo. The two scallop layers behind the main image are cut from Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso using the Scallop Circles #2 die and both are sponged with Chocolate Chip and Early Espresso. The scallops of the Cherry Cobbler layer are embellished with Basic Pearl Jewels.

There are two pleated layers behind the scallop circles. One is made from a sheet from the Holiday Treasures dsp and is has a flat edge, which has been dipped into Champagne glass glitter. The shorter, top layer is cut from Cherry Cobbler and the edge is trimmed with the Pinking Hearts border punch.

The sentiment is layered with Early Espresso, Cherry Cobble and Old Olive, again with the Basic Pearl Jewels in the scallops. The central image is dusted with Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

All products are SU!, unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Greeting Card Kids, Hand-Penned Holidays

Paper: White, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Holiday Treasures dsp

Ink: Black, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Bravo Burgundy, Lucky Limeade, Always Artichoke, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink

Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Circles #2 die, 3" Circle die, Pinking Hearts border punch, Scalloped border punch, Ticket-Corner punch, White gel pen, Champagne glass glitter, Basic Pearl Jewels, Score-Pal, sponges, Aquapainter, sticky sheets, Dazzling Diamonds glitter

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #228

2011-11-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to the Operators at Stamping 411 for featuring my card in this weeks' Stampers Showcase!

Due to my daughter's show schedule, I've missed the past couple of Saturday Sketch Challenges over at Stamping 411. I'm glad that I'm back with a little free time for some creativity! If you get the chance, go and check out this week's Sketch Challenge.

I took a few liberties with the sketch by turning it on it's side, adding another base layer and deleting the punchy. I just really wanted to use Holiday Lineup and this is where it took me!

All products are SU!, unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Holiday Lineup, Tiny Tags

Paper: Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler, Vanilla, Holly Berry Bouquet dsp

Ink: Black, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, More Mustard

Accessories: Ticket-Corner punch, Scallop Border punch, Round Tab punch, Basic Pearls, 1/4" Garden Green grosgrain ribbon, Cherry Cobbler seam binding, Jingle Bells, brads, Dimensionals, Aquapainter

2011-11-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

November is a time of year where many find themselves wanting to express a litle hand-made home, be it cooking or crafting.

Our November issue, "Harvest Essence" offers a cornacopia of ideas. Projects include pretty packaging for gifting goodies, Thanksgiving table embellishes, cards and a very special kitchen apron for the cook.

We encourage our subscribers to find time between hunting for your pumpkin pie recipe, to relax and reflect on giving Thanks.

For Banjo...

2011-10-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

Banjo was a wonderful dog -- a 16-year old Doberman/Rottweiler cross that was one of the sweetest dogs to ever walk the earth. He was put to sleep on Monday because of a tumor in his mouth and throat. Banjo belonged to my friend, Melinda, who is also my daughter's trainer. He basically stayed at the barn and had a wonderful life, going for jaunts through the fields and woods. Several times, my daughter and I would come into the barn office at 4 a.m. and find Banjo on his bed with a deer foreleg (or other part) that he'd liberated from the woods where a hunter had dressed out a deer. He always came up to greet us when we parked the truck and will be deeply missed.

All products used are SU! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Gently Falling, D is for Dog

Paper: Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Vanilla, Spice cake dsp

Ink: Craft: Black. Classic: Tangerine Tango, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, More Mustard, Early Espresso, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: Neutrals buttons, linen thread, Pearls Jewels, Black detail ep, Chocolate Chip 1" stitched grosgrain ribbon, Always Artichoke seam binding, Riding Hood Red 3/8" taffeta ribbon, brads, Ticket-Corner punch, Dimensionals, sponges

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #225

2011-10-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to the Operators at Stamping 411 for featuring my card in this weeks' Stampers Showcase ... four weeks in a row! Holy cow!!

For this week's Saturday Sketch Challenge over at Stamping 411, I came up with this card -- after many, many false starts! I knew what I wanted with the card base, embossed Cherry Cobbler layer and the watercolored image, but I can't even count how many times I ripped out the rest of it.

Things you can't see: The Cherry Cobbler layer was color embossed with Cherry Cobbler ink when I ran the Square Lattice textured impressions folder through the Big Shot. The edges of the main image are sponged with Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, with just a touch of Cherry Cobbler ink around the edges. It gives the image a nice, aged look. The tiny tag is backed with two other tags in Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso. There are two jingle bells on either side of the tiny tag, just to add some fun. White gel pen was used on the leaves and berries to provide a nice contrasting highlight.

All products are SU!, unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Beautiful Season, Tiny Tags

Paper: Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Early Espresso

Ink: Black, Lucky Limeade, Always Artichoke, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Bravo Burgundy, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Regal Rose, Cajun Craze

Accessories: Big Shot, Square Lattice textured impressions folder, Ticket-Corner punch, brads, Tiny Tags punch, Chocolate Chip 1" stitched grosgrain ribbon, Always Artichoke seam binding, Cherry Cobbler 5/8" quilted satin ribbon, Pearl Jewels, Dimensionals, Aquapainter

A Gift for You!

2011-10-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

I made this as a birthday card for a friend of my daughters'. This little squirrel does duty just as well as a birthday squirrel as he does as a holiday squirrel! This was my first attempt at a die-cut fabric flower and I think that it turned out pretty well. The background was color embossed with Baja Breeze on Vanilla cardstock.

All products are SU!, unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Forest Festivities

Paper: Baja Breeze, Early Espresso, Vanilla

Ink: Black, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose

Accessories: Big Shot, Blossom Party die, Perfect Polka-Dots textured impressions folder, Ticket-Corner punch, Early Espresso quilted satin ribbon, Neutrals buttons, Pearl Jewels, Spice Cake fabric, Aquapainter, Dimensionals

Hope You Can Cling To Challenge

2011-10-14T05:17:00.000-07:00

I was asked to work a sample up for PattyB over at Splitcoast for her Hope You Can Cling to Challenge. The challenge was specifically to use the Serendipity technique to create a pink collage. Go here to see the master challenge thread.

I have to say that I LOVED Serendipity! Instead of using a neutral piece of cardstock, i.e. not dsp, I used a sheet from the First Edition dsp as my base. For my collage, I took the bee and the bird from Nature Walk and the flourish from Established Elegance. I first did some direct to paper with Pretty in Pink and Regal Rose craft spots onto my base, then randomly stamped my images in Garden Green, Rich Razzleberry and Versamark. In between stamping, I would periodically stop and sprinkle either Gold, Clear or Iridescent Ice ep over the whole thing, gradually building up the layers.

When I thought that I'd achieved enough depth and texture, I cut my sheet into squares using my 1 1/4" square punch . I notched the corners of 12 squares with my Ticket-Corner punch, then sponged the edges with Rich Razzleberry. These I layered with pieces cut out of Rich Razzleberry with my 1 3/8" square punch, also notched on the edges. The collage pieces were adhered to Pink Pirouette, then pearl "rosettes" fitted into the round spaces between the collage pieces.

The bird frame from Four Frames was clear embossed and watercolored. The edges were sponged with Pretty in Pink and Rich Razzleberry and the "points" of the frame highlighted with white gel pen.

All products used were Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Established Elegance, Nature Walk, Four Frames, You're a Gem

Paper: Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Rich Razzleberry, Early Espresso, First Edition dsp

Ink: Craft: Garden Green, Rich Razzleberry, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose. Classic: Rich Razzleberry, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: 1 1/4" square punch, 1 3/8" square punch, Ticket-Corner punch, Decorative Label punch, Pearl Jewels, Rich Razzleberry 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Pretty in Pink 3/8" taffeta ribbon, Rich Razzleberry 3/8" taffeta ribbon, Dimensionals, sponges, white gel pen, Aquapainter

Crafty Secrets challenge CSSC193 - Mother Nature

2011-10-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

I worked this sample up for this weeks' Crafty Secrets challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers. The challenge was to create anything to do with Mother Nature, so I pulled out this darling image from Crafty Secrets' Bird Notes set.

All supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Bird Notes (Crafty Secrets)

Paper: Riding Hood Red, Early Espresso, Vanilla, Vintage Timeless dsp (Kaiser Craft)

Ink: Black, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Cajun Craze, Regal Rose, Lucky Limeade, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Double ribbon punch (Martha Stewart), Ticket-Corner punch, brads, Aquapainter, sponges, Pearl Jewels, Riding Hood Red 5/8" taffeta ribbon, Early Espresso 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Dimensionals

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #224

2011-10-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to the Operators at Stamping 411 for featuring my card in this weeks' Stampers Showcase!

This weeks' Saturday Sketch Challenge over at Stamping 411 is a real winner! When I first looked at the sketch, I thought that it would be hard to come up with something, but this card just flowed out -- and created itself. I did adapt a couple of things -- I put the ribbon across the center of the card and moved the sentiment to inside.

Stamps: Forest Festivities

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, White, Frostwood Lodge dsp, Silver glimmer paper

Ink: Black, Crumb Cake, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Bravo Burgundy, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Daffodil Delight, Cajun Craze

Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note die, Cherry Cobbler quilted satin ribbon, brads, Rhinestone jewels, Curly Label punch, Winter Wishes Stitched Felt, Aquapainter, Dimensionals

A Christmas Carol

2011-10-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

This is my first card using A Christmas Carol from the new SU! catalog. I knew that this image begged to be watercolored, but I hadn't realized how difficult it would be to separate out all the clothing!

Things to know: The "snow" is Silver glass glitter -- I like the chunkiness and vintage color against this image. The dsp isn't holiday paper, but I like the vintage wallpaper looks that it gives the finished product. The spatter stamp from Itty Bitty Backgrounds (what? is that really retired??) in Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip adds some texture. And don't forget your white gel pen to pull out those highlights.

All products are SU! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: A Christmas Carol, Itty Bitty Backgrounds

Paper: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Well Worn dsp, First Edition dsp

Ink: Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Bravo Burgundy, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade, Always Artichoke, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Cajun Craze, Daffodil Delight

Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note die, Silver glass glitter, brads, Trinket Keys, Early Espresso 5/8" satin ribbon, Cherry Cobbler 5/8" waffle weave satin ribbon, Dimensionals, Aquapainter, sponges

The Paper Crafters Sampler!

2011-10-05T07:34:00.000-07:00

It's time to get your ghoul on with the October issue of the Sampler. We've taken the spook out of the Holiday and put a "Sweet & Sinister" spin on it.

This issue includes:
Secret book box treats

Vintage folk-art recreations

Mummy bars

Rhinestone and skull treat container

Frightfully fun Halloween cards

Be sure to join us for the fun!!

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #223

2011-10-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to the Operators at Stamping 411 for featuring my card in this weeks' Stampers Showcase!

I worked this sample up for this weeks' Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge. Once again, what a great sketch!

I love this years' SU! holiday dsp, but this image really seemed to call for the old Holiday Treasures dsp. I guess that I just wasn't in a plaid frame of mind...

All products are SU!, unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Holiday Lodge

Paper: Riding Hood Red, Vanilla, Holiday Treasures dsp

Ink: Black, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Daffodil Delight, Sahara Sand, Old Olive

Accessories: Scallop Circle punch, Ticket-Corner punch, CM cutting system, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Pear Jewels, Certainly Celery seam binding, Cherry Cobbler waffle weave satin ribbon, Dimensionals, Aquapainter

Greeting Card Witch!

2011-09-29T16:34:00.000-07:00

This is still my favorite SU! set of all time -- I can't get enough of these Greeting Card Kids! I really wish that SU! would make another set of them. This is a second card that I made using this weeks' Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge. I didn't get it finished in time to post it over at Stamping 411, but that doesn't mean that I don't like it! I really love the way that the Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions folder works around the circular central image.

Things to know: The Elegant Eggplant background is colored embossed by putting Elegant Eggplant ink on the flat side of my Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions folder, then running it through the Big Shot. The frill around the image is made out of pleated black waffle paper, dusted with Champagne glass glitter around the edges. The scallop circle is embellished with Black Flourish Designer Jewels.

All supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Greeting Card Kids

Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant, Vanilla

Ink: Black, Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, Peach Parfait, Tangerine Tango, Cajun Craze, Lucky Limeade, Always Artichoke, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink

Accessories: Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions folder, 3" Circle die, Scallop Circles #2 die, Black Flourish Designer Jewels, Black waffle paper, Champagne glass glitter, Certainly Celery seam binding, Black 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, brads, sponges, Dimensionals, Aquapainter

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #222

2011-09-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to the Operators at Stamping 411 for featuring my card in this weeks' Stampers Showcase!

This weeks' Saturday Sketch challenge over at Stamping 411 inspired me to work with something that I hadn't yet pulled out of my cache of goodies -- my SU! wood sheets. I found them a tiny bit difficult to work with, merely because they are tricky to put ink on. I stamped the image and sentiment on with black StazOn, then lightly watercolored the image with nearly a dry brush -- the wetter your Aquapainter, the more bleed you get. The good news is that a white gel pen works great for highlighting! All in all, I do like the wood sheets and will use them again.

This looks a lot better IRL -- trust me! The glitter "snow" doesn't look so hard and abrupt, but has a much softer appearance.

This weeks' sketch is for a square card 4 -- 1/4" x 4 1/4". I love working within such small confines, as it concentrates the space and makes the image really pop!

Things to know: The background is a wood sheet that was color embossed, using Not Quite Navy, in the Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions embossing folder. The wood sheets give a great impression!

As always, unless otherwise noted, all supplies are SU!

Stamps: Forest Festivities

Paper: Riding Hood Red, Not Quite Navy

Ink: Black StazOn, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Not Quite Navy, Riding Hood Red, Pretty in Pink

Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Circles #2 die, 3" Circle die, Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions folder, 1/8" circle punch, Pearl Jewels, Cherry Cobbler seam binding, Not Quite Navy 3/8" taffeta ribbon, sponges, Aquapainter, Dazzling Diamonds glitter

Haunted Forest!

2011-09-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

I played and played with this stamp, trying to figure out what it needed. I wanted to bring out the moon, surrounded by the haunted forest, but couldn't get the backdrop behind it right. Then it occurred to me to stamp the image once on Vanilla, then on a background color -- in this case, More Mustard. I watercolored the image on the Vanilla, the cut it out -- cutting off the smaller, outside branchlets -- then attached the cut out image over the stamped image on the More Mustard. I like the look! Slightly dimensional, without being popped up.

Things to know: I ran my Early Espresso marker around the cut edges of the image so that I wouldn't have that tacky VCL (Visible Cut Lines). The moon is sponged using So Saffron, More Mustard and Tangerine Tango. The eyes of the cat and the owl are picked out with white gel pen to make them pop. The two leaves are from Gently Falling. They are stamped on Always Artichoke in Always Artichoke and Chocolate Chip. The technique with the background is one of my favs, Peeled Wallpaper.

Fun thing to note: The Riding Hood Red 3/8" taffeta ribbon perfectly matches Cajun Craze cs!!

All products are SU!, unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Haunted Forest, Gently Falling

Paper: Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, More Mustard, Vanilla, Spice Cake dsp

Ink: Black, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Peach Parfait, Tangerine Tango, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, Old Olive

Accessories: Ticket-Corner punch, brads, Riding Hood Red 3/8" taffeta ribbon, Early Espresso 3/8" quilted satin ribbon, sponges, Aquapainter, white gel pen

Understand Blue's Maddie cat!

2011-09-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

This, I'm afraid, is my version of CAS! I mostly worked off the great designs of this Glowing DSP from Authentique. Maddie the Cat is embossed using black detail ep over Black craft ink. The sentiments are from Heartwarming Vintage Creative Scraps by Crafty Secrets.

All other supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Maddie (Understand Blue)

Paper: Riding Hood Red, Black, Glowing DSP (Authentique)

Ink: Black craft, Basic Gray

Accessories: Black detail ep, brads, Black 5/8" satin ribbon, Riding Hood Red 3/8" taffeta ribbon, Ticket-Corner punch, Dimensionals, sponges

Miss Witchy!

2011-09-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

In case you can't tell, I'm totally into Crafty Secrets' Costume Cuties! This little witch is just too darling.

Things to know: The tickets are from Crafty Secrets Creative Scraps, Heartwarming Vintage. The rose is made using Melanie Schulenberg's fab Paper Roses video tutorial - if you haven't checked out Melanie's site, you definitely should! For my rose, I used the small flower from the Birds & Blooms Flower Pieces die.

All elements are SU!, unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Costume Cuties (Crafty Secrets)

Paper: Tangerine Tango, Always Artichoke, Black, Vanilla, Glowing dsp (Authentique)

Ink: Black, Always Artichoke, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Peach Parfait, Tangerine Tango, Cajun Craze, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Bravo Burgundy

Accessories: Big Shot, Birds & Blooms Flower Pieces die, Heartwarming Vintage Creative Scraps (Crafty Secrets), Ticket-Corner Punch, Black 5/8" satin ribbon, Black lace trim, Only Orange 1/8" taffeta ribbon, brads, Dimensionals, Aquapainter, sponges

Arlequino!

2011-09-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

Another gorgeous image from Crafty Secrets' Costume Cuties set! Putting the elements together on this one was a bit of a challenge, but I finally got it to work.

Things to know: The tree, bats and dancing figures are all from Costume Cuties -- I just put them together. The tree is stamped in Black craft ink and clear embossed. The pennant and the curly/scalloped banners are from Crafty Secrets Artsy Banners. The bat is done with the SU! small bat punch, then covered with black ultra-fine glitter.

Unless otherwise noted, all products are SU!

Stamps: Costume Cuties, Arsty Banners (both Crafty Secrets)

Paper: Black, Peach Parfait, Vanilla, Glowing dsp (Authentique)

Ink: Black, Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, Peach Parfait, Tangerine Tango, Cajun Craze, So Saffron, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Daffodil Delight

Accessories: Rhinestone jewels, Bat punch, sponges, Aquapainter, black ultrafine glitter (Martha Stewart), clear ep, Elegant Eggplant 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, 5/8" Black satin ribbon

Costume Cuties from Crafty Secrets!

2011-09-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, who doesn't love these little monsters from Crafty Secrets' Costume Cuties set? I love the vintage look of these images!

Stamps: Costume Cuties, Halloween Fun (Crafty Secrets)

Paper: Vanilla, Peach Parfait, Black, Pick Your Poison DSP (SU!), Pick Your Poison Quick Accents

Ink: Black, Peach Parfait, Tangerine Tango, Cajun Craze, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Lucky Limeade, Always Artichoke, Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, Going Gray, Basic Gray

Accessories: 1/8" circle punch, Ticket-Corner punch, Modern Label punch, 5/8" Black satin ribbon, white gel pen, Dimensionals, Aquapainter

Creative Elements

2011-09-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

Ever since I saw this dahlia in Creative Elements, it screamed that it needed to be popped up in layers-- the photo doesn't really do the finished product justice!

Helpful hints: I inked up the frame from Four Frames with Lucky Limeade, then rolled the edges in Always Artichoke to give it a ombre feel. I ran my Early Espresso marker around all the cut edges of the flower layers, giving them better definition and losing that tacky VCL (Visible Cut Lines). White gel pen adds highlights and more definition to the petals. The Cajun Craze card base was embossed with my Square Lattice Textured Impressions folder.

Stamps: Creative Elements, Four Frames

Paper: Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, White, Spice Cake DSP

Ink: Black, Tangerine Tango, Cajun Craze, Lucky Limeade, Always Artichoke, Daffodil Delight, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso

Accessories: Big Shot, Square Lattice Textured Impressions folder, brads, Dusty Durango polka-dot 1/2" grosgrain ribbon, Always Artichoke 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Decorative Label punch, Ticket-Corner punch, Dimensionals, Aquapainter, white gel pen, sponges

Piece of Poison

2011-09-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

This is my first Halloween card of the year! I'm really liking the new Pick Your Poison dsp from the Holiday mini, as well as the Quick Accents. Because the patterns are so soft, I came up with something shabby without even really trying!

Stamps: Piece of Poison

Paper: Vanilla, Peach Parfait, Black, Basic Grey, Pick Your Poison dsp, Pick Your Poison Quick Accents

Ink: Black, Peach Parfait, Basic Gray, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: Ticket-Corner punch, Black Lace trim, 1/8" Pumpkin Pie taffeta ribbon, 5/8" Black satin ribbon, brads, Aquapainter, Dimensionals, sponges, white gel pen

2011-09-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

What comes to mind when you think of the following images? A bundle of yellow pencils with sharp lead tips. The smell of a brand new box of crayons and crisp sheets of loose leaf? If you guessed back to school then you get an A+.

The September Sampler, "Backpacks and Bookmarks" offers ideas for getting students, teachers and parents in the mood for heading back to school. Sweet and simple projects are suitable for teachers, students and their classmates. You'll find:

Kindergarten Memories book
Mini spiral coloring book
Pencil storage packets
File cabinet/locker magnets
Desktop notepad with pen
Sweet spiral locker mirror
...and of course, beautiful back to school and Thank You cards for teachers

The "Backpacks and Bookmarks" Sampler is due for release September 10th.
Use the code PCS-LH when you place your order!

Christmas Lodge

2011-08-05T12:33:00.000-07:00

My first try with Christmas Lodge! I really like this set -- it's very retro and cozy feeing. I'm glad that the flash from my camera really picked out all the glitter "snow." The Christmas banner at the bottom was taken from Pines & Poinsettias, watercolored, cut out and popped up on Dimensionals. And did you see the two mini-jingle bells underneath?

I combined both of the new Christmas dsp's, Holly Berry Bouquet and Frostwood Lodge, then peeled me some wallpaper!

Stamps: Christmas Lodge, Pines & Poinsettias

Paper: Early Espresso, Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler, White, Christmas Lodge, Pines & Poinsettias

Ink: Black, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Bravo Burgundy, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Crumb Cake, Close to Cocoa, More Mustard

Accessories: White gel pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Ticket-Corner punch, Mini-Jingle Bells, Cherry Cobbler satin waffle ribbon, Garden Green 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Dimensionals, Vintage brads, Aquapainter

Leaves of a Tree

2011-08-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

More fun with the Spice Cake dsp! I hand colored the Leaves of a Tree stamp with markers so that I could add some dimension using lighter/darker shades together. I love the shape of this tree! The ribbon is the new Cherry Cobbler satin waffle ribbon, which adds so much texture -- I love that ribbon. I considered adding a bow, but thought that the image and the dsp were already busy enough.

Stamps: Leaves of a Tree

Paper: Early Espresso, Riding Hood Red, More Mustard, Vanilla, Spice Cake dsp

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Early Espresso, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Summer Sun, More Mustard, Tangerine Tango, Cajun Craze

Accessories: Ticket-Corner punch, Cherry Cobbler satin waffle ribbon, Earth Elements brads, sponges, Dimensionals

Always Thankful!

2011-08-04T06:45:00.000-07:00

This is my first sample using goodies from the new SU! Holiday Mini. I just have to say that it's a glorious collection of products! I'm especially loving the the new Spice Cake dsp -- the colors are warm, with just a hint of Pool Party, and patterns are detailed and retro.

Stamps: Always Thankful

Paper: Island Indigo, Early Espresso, Vanilla, Spice Cake dsp

Ink: Black, Pool Party, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Always Artichoke, Daffodil Delight, Crumb Cake, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Ticket-Corner punch, vintage brads, Early Espresso satin waffle ribbon, sponges, Aquapainter, white gel pen

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #211

2011-07-13T10:42:00.000-07:00

Due to horse shows, this is the first opportunity that I've had in the past couple of weeks to work something up for the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge. This is a really great sketch and it was fun working with it! I changed a couple of elements, such as adding a larger, card-sized layer under the three smaller elements, deleting the trim around the stamped image and adding the scallop border trim at the top and bottom of the Cajun Craze layer.

Stamps: Nature's Pace

Paper: Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze, White, Paisley Petals dsp

Ink: Black, Tangerine Tango, Cajun Craze, Pear Pizzazz, Always Artichoke, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Bravo Burgundy

Accessories: Scallop edge border punch, Ticket-Corner punch, brads, white gel pen, Always Artichoke seam binding, Dimensionals, Aquapainter

Well Worn, Netting & Faux Notebook Paper

2011-07-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

Totally loving the new Field Flowers set! This set works beautifully for the darker colors and I really like it with the new Well Worn dsp. If you look carefully, you can see Netting stamped in Crumb Cake over the flower image. I created my own notebook paper by drawing the lines with a ruler and my Baja Breeze marker.

Stamps: Field Flowers, Netting, Itty Bitty Backgrounds

Paper: Vanilla, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Not Quite Navy, Well Worn dsp

Ink: Cajun Craze, Tangerine Tango, Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Alway Artichoke, Baja Breeze

Accessories: pieces from my treasured Aged Copper Hodgepodge Hardware, Early Espresso 5/8" satin ribbon, Not Quite Navy 3/8" taffeta ribbon, Spiral punch, sponges, Dimensionals

Field Flowers

2011-07-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

This is another of the new sets from the brand new SU! catalog! I really love this 2-step stampin' design -- very, very pretty. The background layer is stamped with En Francais, Netting and the spatter from Itty Bitty Backgrounds. I'm sorry that the Netting isn't more visible in the photograph, but it's softly evident IRL. I have a feeling that I'm going to be using Netting alot!

Stamps: Field Flowers, En Francais, Netting, Itty Bitty Backgrounds

Paper: Melon Mambo, White, Always Artichoke

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Always Artichoke, Certainly Celery, Crumb Cake

Accessories: Basic Pearl jewels, Double-Sided Ribbon punch, Ticket-Corner Punch, Always Artichoke seam binding, Dimensionals, sponges, Aquapainter

2011-07-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

The July issue of the Sampler will be arriving July 10th. This month's theme "Shore Thing" offers project ideas related to Sea and Shore. You'll find ships with sails, tropcial 3D projects and a Treasure Chest template.

Be sure to use the code PCS-LH when you order!

... and the Dish ran away with the Spoon!

2011-07-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

The is my first card using something from the new catalog! I love this little Nursery Times set -- the images are really cute.

Stamps: Nursery Times

Paper: Calypso Coral, Pool Party, White, Domestic Goddess dsp

Ink: Black, Pool Party, Island Indigo, Poppy Parade, Calypso Coral, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: Ticket-Corner punch, Brights collection brads, White 5/8" satin ribbon, Calypso Coral ruffled ribbon, White 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Dimensionals, Aquapainter

Two birds, one stone....

2011-06-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

This is a double challenge entry. I wanted to do something with the sketch from Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge 206 and the So Shelli Creative Challenge for June -- anything to do with a birthday card.

I had a hard time balancing the embellishment of the sketch with what I wanted the finished product to work out to, but I came close. The flower was made with Melanie Schulenberg's fab video tutorial on paper roses and the leaves were stamped using the single leaf image from Happiness Shared. The duck was watercolored with Sahara Sand, Crumb Cake, Close to Cocoa and Rich Razzleberry, then highlighted with a white gel pen. The flourish behind the duck was taken from Strength & Hope. The sentiment was stamped on White in Early Espresso, the cut so that the cs was flagged. I sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa, the pleated the sentiment a couple of times, then smoothed it into place below the central image.

Stamps: Cherish Friendship, Happiness Shared, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Strength & Hope

Paper: Always Artichoke, Rich Razzleberry, Early Espresso, White, Crumb Cake textured, Pocketfull of Posies dsp

Ink: Black, Sahara Sand, Crumb Cake, Close to Cocoa, Rich Razzleberry, Early Espresso

Accessories: Big Shot, Birds & Blooms Flower Pieces Sizzlit, Ticket-Corner punch, Scallop Edge border punch, Metallic Brads, white gel pen, Vanilla 5/8" satin ribbon, Rich Razzleberry 3/8" taffeta ribbon, Basic Pearl Jewels, Aquapainter, Dimensionals, sponges

Happy Birthday, Ellie!

2011-06-05T07:07:00.000-07:00

This is a quick card that I whipped up for my daughters' birthday today. It's kind of a mish-mash of elements, but I think that the Melon Mambo polka-dot ribbon pulled the whole thing together. The large Melon Mambo doily was cut from the Flirtatious die-cut sheet and the smaller doily was punched with the Lace Ribbon border punch.

Stamps: Tiny Tags

Paper: Melon Mambo, Wisteria Wonder, Pretty in Pink, Flirtatious dsp

Ink: Melon Mambo, Wisteria Wonder

Accessories: Ticket-Corner punch, Lace Ribbon border punch, Tiny Tag punch, Rhinestone Jewels, Melon Mambo Polka-Dot ribbon, brads, linen thread, sponges

Bowl full of Cherries...

2011-06-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

Here is another sample made with the new Cherish Friendship. I really love this set and, most especially, this image! The round scalloped frame was made using the BigZ Perfect Pennants die. Highlights are added with a white gel pen.

Stamps: Cherish Friendship

Paper: Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, White, Flirtatious dsp

Ink: Black, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Night of Navy, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Lucky Limeade, Always Artichoke, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: Big Shot, BigZ Perfect Pennants die, Pearls Jewels, Ticket-Corner punch, Cherry Cobbler seam binding, Chocolate Chip Scalloped Polka-Dot grosgrain, Metallic brads, Dimensionals, Aquapainter, white gel pen

June issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler!

2011-06-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

The June issue of the Sampler is due for release June 10th, with a fresh new theme. Our focus this month is to offer ideas Summer babies, one of the most popular season for births.

Features this month include, bayb mobile, baby shower decor, onesie project and of course, baby cards.

Reserve your issue in advance. Release date June 10th.

Please use the code PCS-LH

New stuff!!

2011-06-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

Yay for the new SU! 2010 - 2012 Catalog preview!! I love the new catalog and can't wait until July 1 to order from it. This sample highlights one of the preview sets, Cherish Friendship, a new dsp -- and how about that fabulous new punch? And the new In-Colors? Glorious!

Stamps: Cherish Friendship

Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Elegant Eggplant, White, Flirtatious dsp

Ink: Black, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade, Always Artichoke, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake

Accessories: Lace Ribbon Border punch, brads, Pearl Jewels, Ticket-Corner punch, Dimensionals, Aquapainter, sponges

Flowers in a Mason Jar

2011-05-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, I officially LOVE this new set from the Summer Mini, On the Grow! This flower image is so classic, just a bunch of flowers stuck in a Mason jar. It totally speaks to me of summer mornings. Because of the Elegant Soiree color scheme, this card fulfills both the Splitcoast Creative Crew challenges for color focus, as well as the challenge for distressing.

Stamps: On the Grow

Paper: Baja Breeze, Early Espresso, White, Elegant Soiree dsp

Ink: Black, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Peach Parfait, Cajun Craze, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: Scallop punch, Ticket-Corner punch, 1/16" round punch, Basic Pearl Jewels, Baja Breeze seam binding, Early Espresso 3/8" tafetta ribbon, Vintage brads, Dimensionals, Aquapainter, sponges

Shabby Scooter

2011-05-19T10:21:00.001-07:00

Another card from my new favorite set! I was experimenting with a very Lilly Pulitzer-esque design from the Beyond the Garden dsp -- I was trying to peel some wallpaper and distress it up a bit. I think that I'm pretty happy with the results! Because of the distressing, this card fits in with one of the Splitcoast Creative Crew challenges for May -- distressing. For the paper rose, I used Melanie Schulenberg's video tutorial!

Stamps: On The Grow

Paper: Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Peach Parfait, White, Beyond the Garden dsp

Ink: Black, Bashful Blue, Going Gray, Basic Gray, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Peach Parfait, Cajun Craze, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green

Accessories: White gel pen, Dimensionals, sponges, Aquapainter, Vintage brads, Scallop punch, 1/16" round punch, Peach Parfait stitched poly ribbon, Certainly Celery 1/4" taffeta ribbon, Big Shot, Birds & Blossoms Flower Pieces sizzlit

Hello Baby!

2011-05-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick baby card that I made for a friend. I meant to stick with a light yellow and green palette, but the Poppy Parade just seemed to sneak in! The frame around the sentiment was stamped once in Poppy Parade, then stamped again in Versamark, then heat embossed with clear ep. The rose was made using Melanie Shulenberg's paper roses tutorial.

Stamps: Four Frames, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Wild Wasabi, Poppy Parade, White, Sunny Garden dsp

Ink: Poppy Parade, Wild Wasabi, Versamark

Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note die, Little Leaves sizzlit, Birds & Blooms Flower Pieces sizzlit, clear ep, Poppy Parade stitched twill, Daffodil Delight 1/8" taffeta ribbon, brads, sponges, Dimensionals

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge 203

2011-05-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to the Operators over at Stamping 411 for selecting this card for their Stampers Showcase this week!

This is my entry for this weeks' Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge. It's not exactly what I was going for -- I really wanted to do the double embossing technique from this months' Stampin' Success, but I couldn't get the colors right. It came out too dark, as well. However, I love the sketch that the Operator's came up with this week!

The joy of this card is that it also fulfills the requirements for the Splitcoast Stamper's Creative Crew color challenge, using the Elegant Soiree dsp.

The background is color embossed with Chocolate Chip on a sheet from the Elegant Soiree dsp. The butterfly from Strength & Hope is stamped in Baja Breeze, then clear embossed to make it stand out more.

Stamps: Strength & Hope

Paper: Early Espresso, Vanilla, Baja Breeze, Elegant Soiree dsp

Ink: Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Big Shot, Finial Press Textured Impressions folder, Scallop border punches, Tiny Tags punch, Ticket-Corner punch, Basic Pearls, clear ep, Trinket Key, Early Espresso 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Baja Breeze seam binding, Early Espresso 3/8 taffeta ribbon, sponges, Dimensionals

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge 201

2011-05-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

I had good intentions, but I missed last weeks' Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch challenge. But that's okay, because I love this sketch, too! Go and over to Stamping 411 and see what the Operators came up with this week. The joy of this card is that it also fits the bill for one of the Creative Crew challenges for May -- Catalog Focus/Distressing. I went to an upline meeting on Saturday and it really got my creative juices flowing!

I took a few liberties with the sketch, but think that it still came out balanced. What you can't really see in this scan is that I cut out the sails and popped them up for some nice depth! A white gel pen adds highlights to the sails and the water.

Stamps: The Open Sea, In a Word

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Vanilla, Nautical Expedition dsp

Ink: Black, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Metallic brads, Early Espresso 5/8" satin ribbon, Real Red 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Decorative Label punch, sponges, Aquapainter, Log Cabin Smooch Spray

Paper Crafters Sampler Birdbath Blog Hop!

2011-04-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Paper Crafters Sampler Birdbath Blog Hop! I hope that you enjoy these amazing little birdbaths. With the exclusive template available in the April issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler, they are simple to put together and your imagination will know no bounds when it comes to decorating these little beauties!

Since you are here at my blog, I'm assuming that you hopped on over from Melanie Schulenberg's lovely blog, Pockets of Inspiration. Click on the button below to go to Heidi Baks' amazing creation on her blog, RunningwScissors.

I based my birdbath on the standard cement models that you see in many gardens. I used Sahara Sand for the birdbath and quilled the "cement" embellishments around the base and the top rim of the birdbath. Then I sponged everything with Sahara Sand, using a little Close to Cocoa and Always Artichoke in the deeper "crevices."

The climbing vine was made using the Little Leaves Sizzlit in both Always Artichoke and Pear Pizzazz. The flowers were punched with the Flower Trio punch out of Pretty in Pink and Melon Mambo. I used Cherie Franklin's tutorial to make these fab little miniature roses -- check it out! You'll find her tutorial in the left column of her blog, Stamp Crave.

The two little butterflies were cut out of Baja Breeze, using the Beautiful Wings Embosslit. The smaller butterfly layer is vellum, to give the butterfly and "airy" look. The body is suggested with Pearl Jewels. The water in the birdbath is blue and green ultra-fine glitters.

Paper: Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke, Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Vellum

Ink: Sahara Sand, Melon Mambo, Close to Cocoa, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Little Leaves Sizzlit, SU ultra-fine glitters, Flower Trio punch, Basic Pearl Jewels, sponges, Aquapainter

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge 199

2011-04-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

I worked this up for this weeks' Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge -- and a great challenge it is! I had a lot of fun creating this card. I love this set, too. I hope that SU! has another set with these cute kids in the new catalog this summer!

Stamps: Greeting Card Kids, You're a Gem

Paper: Daffodil Delight, Poppy Parade, White, Sunny Garden dsp

Ink: Black, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Blush Blossom, Cameo Coral, Tangerine Tango, Poppy Parade, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy

Accessories: Scallop Border punch, Ticket-Corner punch, Modern Label punch, Basic Pearl Jewels, Daffodil Delight 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Poppy Parade twill ribbon, Daffodil Delight 1/8" taffeta ribbon, White 3/8" taffeta ribbon (dyed with Poppy Parade classic ink), Brights brads, Dimensionals, Aquapainter

Alice in Pearls

2011-04-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

Ever since I bought this Crafty Secrets set, I knew that this card needed to be done. I think that Alice looks fabulous in pearls! Everything but the stamp is a Stampin' Up! product.

Stamps: Greetings from Wonderland

Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Not Quite Navy, Vanilla, Paisley Petals dsp

Ink: Black, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Bravo Burgundy, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Creamy Caramel, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Daffodil Delight

Accessories: Pinking Hearts border/corner punches, Ticket-Corner punch, Double-Sided Ribbon punch, Basic Pearls, Bravo Burgundy 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Vanilla 1/8" taffeta ribbon, glitter, white gel pen, Dimensionals, Aquapainter

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge 198 redux

2011-04-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

Here's another card using the great sketch from the Operators for this week's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge! I was looking at this Melon Mambo/Wild Wasabi sheet from the new Beyond the Garden dsp and thinking that it was so like Lilly Pulitzer. And what would be more Lilly than a green whale, a funky button and some hot pink pompom trim? This card was pretty much of a no-brainer!

Stamps: Pun Fun, Tiny Tags

Paper: Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi, White, Beyond the Garden dsp

Ink: Black, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Pacific Point

Accessories: Melon Mambo pompom trim, Melon Mambo Polka-Dot grosgrain ribbon, Scallop punch, Tiny Tag punch, linen thread, Regals brads, Sweet Stitches fabric brads, Dimensionals, Aquapainter

A little sunshine on a rainy day...

2011-04-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

I love this new set, Fabulous Florets, from the summer Mini, but struggled with using it. I knew that I would, because it's not the style I usually work with, but I had to try! Bright colors and line images don't usually lend themselves -- or me! -- to a vintage look. I like the end result, though!

The Daffodil Delight was made with Melanie Schulenberg's gorgeous paper roses tutorial and the edges are sponged with Tangerine Tango. The small "brads" in the corners of the main floral layer and accenting the sentiment are punched out using the 1/16" handheld round punch and glued one. The leaves were stamped in Garden Green, then cut out -- this was the time that I really wished that I'd bought the Wild Wasabi ep!

Stamps: Fabulous Florets

Paper: Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Tangerine Tango, Beyond the Garden dsp

Ink: Tangerine Tango, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Versamark

Accessories: Big Shot, Framed Tulips folder, Birds & Blooms Flower Pieces Sizzlit, 1/16" handheld circle punch, Ticket-Corner punch, Tangerine Tango ep, Wild Wasabi stitched poly ribbon, Daffodil Delight 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Tangerine Tango pompom trim, Dimensionals, sponges, Aleen's Tacky Glue

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge 198

2011-04-12T05:32:00.000-07:00

I've been busy with family and other design obligations, so I've been absent from the Saturday Sketch Challenges over at Stamping 411 -- and I've missed the latest creations by the Operators! I'm back this week for the Saturday Sketch Challenge 198. It's a fabulous sketch and I hope that my card does justice to it! Because of the watercoloring, this card fills the bill for the Splitcoast Stampers April Creative Crew gallery -- go play along if you haven't already!

Check the sketch out for yourselves and see what you can come up with, too. By the way, did you all know that Stamping 411 is Stampin' Up! only now? This is great -- let's promote our favorite products!

This card is done using both sides one sheet from the Nautical Expedition dsp. I used the peeling wallpaper technique to "show through" the pattern on the left side of the large layer. The scallop edge on the right and the sentiment are both using the same "ledger" pattern.

Stamps: The Open Sea, You're a Gem

Paper: Not Quite Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, White, Nautical Expedition dsp

Ink: Black, Baja Breeze, Night of Navy, Crumb Cake, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, More Mustard, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: White gel pen, Metallic brads, Ticket-Corner punch, Modern Label punch,Scallop punch, 1/8" circle punch, White 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Antique brads, sponges, Aquapainter, Dimensionals

The Open Sea!

2011-04-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt with one of the new sets from the Summer Mini -- The Open Sea -- as well as one of the new packs of dsp, Nautical Expedition. I think that this set has lots of vintage possibilities! I really wanted to used the Cherry Cobbler/White bakers' twine, but couldn't find a place for it. The twine is fabulous and I can't wait to play with it!

Because of the watercoloring, this also fits with the Creative Crew Holiday/Seasonal focus.

Stamps: The Open Sea

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy, Sahara Sand, White, Nautical Expedition dsp

Ink: Black, Baja Breeze, Night of Navy, Crumb Cake, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Big Shot, Framed Tulips Textured Impressions folder, Ticket-Corner punch, Metallic Brads, Dimensionals, Aquapainter, Night of Navy 5/8" satin ribbon, Real Red 1/8" taffeta ribbon, sponges, white gel pen

Paisley Petals dsp

2011-04-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

I can't let go of Gnobbly Gnomes -- it's one of my all-time favorite SU sets. You can watercolor the gnomes anyway you want and the color selections totally change the look of the gnome.

Btw, I added a tiny bit of gold glitter to the water droplet on the leaf for a bit of sparkle. It adds a little bit of life to all the earth tones!

Stamps: Gnobbly Gnomes

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, Vanilla, Paisley Petals dsp

Ink: Black, Tangerine Tango, Cajun Craze, Bravo Burgundy, Cameo Coral, Blush Blossom, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Pear Pizzazz, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Ticket Corner punch, Metallic brads, Always Artichoke seam binding, Chocolate Chip 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Pearl Jewels, gold glitter, Dimensionals, sponges

Sneak Peek for the April issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler!

2011-04-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to give you all a preview of the April issue of the Paper Crafter Sampler! This months' theme is Avian Art, celebrating the joy and beauty of Spring. The Team has really outdone itself this month and come up with a gorgeous combination of cards and 3-D projects using only Stampin' Up! products. To subscribe, please go HERE and use the code PCS-LH!

Another card for the Splitcoast Stampers April Creative Crew challenges!

2011-04-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

Here is another submission for the April Creative Crew challenges over at Splitcoast Stampers. Again, I combined both the watercolor (CCREW0411HF) and punches (CCREW0411CF) challenges into this card. As watercoloring is my primary M.O., you can expect all this months' entries to be watercolored!

Please come over to Splitcoast Stampers and play along with us! Just go to the gallery and enter creativecrew in the Search box!

Stamps: Four Frames, You're a Gem

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke, Vanilla, Paisley Petals dsp

Inks: Black, Crumb Cake, Close to Cocoa, Baja Breeze, Rose Red, Night of Navy, Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy, Early Espresso

Accessories: Big Shot, Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Folder, Scallop Edge punch, Large Fancy Label punch, Metallic brads, Trinket Keys, Pearl Jewels, Mini Library Clips, Always Artichoke seam binding, Burgundy 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, sponges, Aquapainter, mini-glue dots, Dimensionals

Creative Crew challenge CCREW0411CF and CCREW0411HF

2011-04-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

This is my first submission for the April Splitcoast Stampers Creative Crew! I combined two challenges with this, watercoloring and using punches -- I interpreted "using punches" to also using my Big Shot.

As always, the Creative Crew gallery is made up of Stampin' Up products. Each project must be at least 95% SU! materials, so be prepared to be inspired!

Please go to Splitcoast Stampers and join in with the Challenges -- they are terrific! Please come over to Splitcoast Stampers and play along with us. Just go to the gallery and enter creativecrew in the Search box.

Here are the April challenges:

CCREW0411CF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM - Catalog Focus: * Punches *

We all know that SU! punches rock, so this month punch us up some flowers, butterflies, birds, and bugs! You don't have to make actual punch art (unless of course you want to Jackie!), but show us what your punches can do!

CCREW0411DF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM - DSP/Color Focus:

When you see Bluebirds you know spring is here! So use this very blue color combo: Pacific Point, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand. Which also happens to be the colors of the Blueberry Crisp DSP!

CCREW0411HF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM - Holiday/Seasonal Focus: * Mother Ocean *

The rain fills our Oceans with the lovely water that balances life here on earth. So in honor of Mother Ocean let's do some watercoloring! Break out your aquapainter and your inks, crayons, pencils, and blender pens! Show us watercoloring at it's best.

CCREW0411SF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM - SB Inspiration Focus: * NO DSP! *

Yep you have to use stamps and make your own background for your pages this month. Other than that, it's a free for all!

Stamps: Four Frames, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Vanilla, Paisley Petals dsp

Ink: Black, Tangerine Tango, Cajun Craze, Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Big Shot, Birds & Blooms Flower Pieces Sizzlit, Little Leaves Sizzlit, Ticket-Corner Punch, Large Fancy Label punch, Pearls Jewels, Victoria Crochet Trim, 5/8" Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon, Always Artichoke seam binding, Early Espresso 1/8" grosgrain trim, Vintage brads, sponges, Aquapainter, Dimensionals

Tease!!!!!

2011-03-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a preview of a submission that I worked up for the April Creative Crew gallery over at Splitcoast Stampers! On April 1st, please wander over to the Splitcoast Gallery and type creativecrew in the search box and --voila! -- you can browse through our April submissions and play along with the challenges for the month yourself!

As always, the Creative Crew gallery is made up of Stampin' Up products. Each project must be at least 95% SU! materials, so be prepared to be inspired!

Stamps: Elizabeth, You're a Gem

Paper: Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy, Vanilla, Paisley Petals dsp

Ink: Black, Tangerine Tango, Cajun Craze, Bravo Burgundy, Crumb Cake, Close to Cocoa, Pear Pizzazz, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Ticket Corner punch, Pearl Jewels, white gel pen, Always Artichoke seam binding, Scallop Border punch, Dimensionals, Aquapainter

A Royal Summons!

2011-03-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

I worked this card up for this week's Crafty Secrets challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers. I really love the intricacy of these Alice in Wonderland images! The challenge was to use only one stamp set; however, the image was so detailed that it was too much have do a patterned background. I liked the cleanliness of only using the Perfect Polka-Dots Textured Impressions folder. The Queen's heart is filled in with red Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter.

Stamps: Greetings from Wonderland

Paper: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Vanilla

Ink: Black, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Melon Mambo, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Summer Sun, More Mustard, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel

Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka-Dot Textured Impressions folder, glimmer brads, Cherry Cobbler seam binding, Early Espresso 1/8" tafetta ribbon, Dimensionals, Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter, Dimensionals, Aquapainter, white gel pen

Get your March issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler!

2011-03-10T07:04:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for creative springtime inspiration, you should definitely look at the March issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler! Are you dreaming for Spring and all that it brings? The March 2011 issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler arrives March 10th. This "Spring Reverie" issue offers ideas for your Spring crafting. Go here to get your digital copy for March! Please remember to use the code: PCS-LH.

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #193

2011-03-09T15:11:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm squeaking Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee in under the wire for this week's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge. I always like the sketches that the Operator's come up with, but this one is special -- I love a square card! Go over and check it out for yourself -- there are some gorgeous samples this week.

I used two designs from last years' Urban Oasis dsp for the ribbon layer, as well as using the Perfect Polka-Dots Textured Impressions folder on textured Crumb Cake for the larger layer. I really love the look of the textured card stock in conjunction with the embossing folder.

Stamps: Greetings From Wonderland

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Marina Mist, Vanilla, textured Crumb Cake, Urban Oasis dsp

Ink: Black, Crumb Cake, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Night of Navy, Blush Blossom, Cameo Coral

Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka-Dots Textured Impressions folder, Scalloped corner and border punches, Adornments, Early Espresso 5/8" satin ribbon, Marina Mist 3/8" taffeta ribbon, metallic brads, Dimensionals, sponges, Aquapainter

Stylish Blogger Award!

2011-03-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

How fun and encouraging to recieve this Stylish Blogger Award!!!

Thank you to Cherie at www.StampCrave.blogspot.com for choosing me -- be sure to check out her wonderful blog. If you love vintage and shabby, Cherie's is the place to go to for inspiration

When you receive this award you are to:

1) thank the person who gave this award and link it back to their blog

2) share 8 things about yourself

3) pass this award to 8 other individuals that you have recently discovered

4) leave a comment so that they can pass along the recognition!

8 Things about me:

1) I love horses and have been showing/training competitivelyfor the past 46 years.

2) I have three Jack Russell terriers -- Patsy, Sally and Bingo

3) I love gardening and especially love cottage and rose gardens

4) I want to live at my mom's farm down in Virginia more than just about anywhere else

5) I drive a big pick-up truck

6) I braid horses for extra $$ at shows

7) I used to play the flute

8) I love my husband and my two children so much!

Out of all the wonderful blogs in the blogosphere, I'm supposed to choose just eight? Talk about challenges! I will have a hard time choosing just 8 people to pass this award on too! Be sure to visit them and check out their inspired work.
Here are my 8 choices:
1) Lydia Fiedler, http://www.understandblue.blogspot.com/

2) Renee Van Stralen, http://www.reneevs.blogspot.com/

3) Emma Fewkes, http://ladynthestamp.blogspot.com/

4) Melissa Barkwith, http://melbarkwith.wordpress.com/

5) Jackie Topa, http://jackietopa.typepad.com/

6) Jana O'Brien, http://indyemmert.blogspot.com/

7) Patty Bombyk, http://paperpatty.blogspot.com/

8) Melanie Schulenberg, http://pocketsofinspiration.ning.com/

Yet another Creative Crew card using the Woodland Walk dsp!

2011-03-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

One of this month's Creative Crew challenges was a color focus using SU!'s Woodland Walk dsp as a guide (Garden Green, Wild Wasabi, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake and Chocolate Chip). I've never been a fan of either Garden Green OR Wild Wasabi, but I have to admit that I really like this color combination! The earth tones really ground them the brighter greens.

I think that the stars of this card are the shabby, distressed scallop trim down the center and the sentiment. I love doing the peeling wallpaper with the First Edition dsp.

Stamps: Peace Within, Itty Bitty Backgrounds

Paper: Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, Vanilla, Woodland Walk dsp, First Edition dsp

Ink: Black, Creamy Caramel, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Perfect Plum, Concord Crush, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red

Accessories: Small Scallop Oval punch, Small Oval punch, Scallop border punch, Early Espresso satin ribbon, Wild Wasabi stitched poly ribbon, sponges, Aquapainter, Dimensionals

2011-03-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

To see the full card, go to the Creative Crew March gallery!

Stamps: No Place Like Gnome, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, Vanilla, Woodland Walk dsp

Ink: Black, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, More Mustard, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Soft Suede, So Saffron

Accessories: Candy Cane Big Designer Buttons, Early Espresso 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, White 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Early Espresso 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Metallic Brads, Modern Label punch, Photo-Corner punch, Pinking Hearts corner and border punches, Dimensionals, Aquapainter

Creative Crew CCREW0311DF

2011-03-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Since this month's challenges were all about 'going green', I thought that my favorite little Knobbly Gnomes would be the perfect images to use with this earthy combination. I used Riding Hood Red in the Gnome's boots and the paper rose to add some punch to this card. As always, my favorite paper rose video tutorial can be found at Melanie Schulenberg's fabulous blog, Pockets of Inspiration -- check it out!

Stamps: Knobbly Gnomes, Tiny Tags

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, Woodland Walk dsp

Ink: Black, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Soft Suede, Always Artichoke, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Double-Sided Ribbon punch, Ticket-Corner punch, Tiny Tags punch, Big Shot, Little Leaves Sizzlit, Birds & Blooms Flower Pieces Sizzlit, Metallic brads, Victoria Crochet trim, Early Espresso 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Dimensionals, Sponges, Aquapainter

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?si=creativecrew&x=24&y=19

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #192

2011-02-28T11:31:00.000-08:00

I worked this up for this weeks' Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge and, let me tell you, it did NOT want to get born! I don't think that I've ever ripped a card apart so much -- ever. The sentiment has been pulled off so many times that it's tissue thin!

The central layer is the So Saffron/honeycomb design from Botanical Gazette. I inked up the flat side of my Finial Press folder, placed the dsp in the folder and ran it through my Big Shot. I'm very happy with the results!

Stamps: Garden Girls, Rosy Wishes

Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Early Espresso, Always Artichoke, Vanilla, Botanical Gazette dsp

Inks: Black, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Creamy Caramel, Sahara Sand, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Lovely Lilac, Ballet Blue, Concord Crush

Accessories: Big Shot, Finial Press Textured Impressions folder, Ticket-Corner punch, Photo-Corner punch, White gel pen, Metallic brads, Always Artichoke seam binding, Dimensionals, Aquapainter

Hello, Sweetie!!

2011-02-26T12:04:00.000-08:00

Okay, I really love this retro stamp set -- especially those little sugar cubes! I don't know if I can really explain what all is going on here, but I'll try...

The sugar cubes are watercolored with Tempting Turquoise, Taken With Teal and Pacific Point. Little rosy cheeks are done with Pretty in Pink and Melon Mambo. To really give these guys the sugarcube effect, I carefully painted Crystal Effects on the side and top of each cube, leaving the front/face undone. I used clear Microbeads on the Crystal Effects, the cut out an extra side arm for each cube and glued them in place with more Crystal Effects. They look really sugary IRL!

The diamond shaped brads in each corner are the silver ones from the old Vintage Brads. I covered them with glue, then dusted with ultra-fine glitter. The flourishes were stamped from Tall Tales Numbers and covered with the same dark pink ultra-fine glitter.

I just love the retro feel!

Stamps: Coffee & Tea, Tall Tales Numbers

Paper: Taken With Teal, Melon Mambo, White, Holiday Lounge dsp

Ink: Black, Tempting Turquoise, Taken With Teal, Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink

Accessories: Vintage Brads, Ultra-fine glitter, Dimensionals, Aquapainter, clear Microbeads, Crystal Effects

CSSC160 - Beyond the Fold

2011-02-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

I worked this up for this week's Crafty Secrets challenge over at Splitcoast, themed "beyond the fold." By beyond the fold, they mean that you can stamp, embellish or otherwise decorate your card beyond the card front.

I chose to create a punched border around the outside of the standard sized card front. Because I don't have any Not Quite Navy ribbon, I substituted a piece of Not Quite Navy card stock under the Always Artichoke seam binding.

Stamps: Garden Girl

Paper: Not Quite Navy, Always Artichoke, Vanilla, Springtime Vintage ds

Ink: Black, Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Sahara Sand, Crumb Cake, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, More Mustard, Really Rust, Cajun Craze

Accessories: Ticket-Corner punch, String Lace punches (MS), Always Artichoke seam binding, Vanilla 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Metallic Brads, Dimensionals, Aquapainter

Wishing you bouquets of joy!

2011-02-21T17:10:00.000-08:00

I love this little retro girl and her huge bouquet! I think that the next time that I work with this image, I'm going to have to cut out that big, yellow pansy and pop it up. I've never done much with the new Basic Gray cs, but I think that I like it in this instance. It seems to ground the bright, colorful bouquet.

Stamps: Bouquet of Joy

Paper: Basic Gray, Concord Crush, Vanilla, Lap of Luxury dsp

Ink: Prepare yourself -- I used nearly every color! Black, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Melon Mambo, Riding Hood Red, Real Red, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Sahara Sand, Certainly Celery, Pear Pizzazz, Always Artichoke, Perfect Plum, Concord Crush, Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Cajun Craze

Accessories: White gel pen, Pretty in Pink 5/8" satin ribbon, Black 3/8" taffeta ribbon, Pretty in Pink 1/8" taffeta ribbon, metallic brads, Aquapainter, Dimensionals

and now for something completely different....

2011-02-21T07:19:00.000-08:00

Okay, so shoot me -- I liked this weeks' Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge. I also love this great retro percolator gal, too! I mean, seriously, how cute is she?

Stamps: Coffee & Tea

Paper: Poppy Parade, Black, White, Designer Series' In-Color Paper Patterns Pack

Ink: Black, Tangerine Tango, Poppy Parade, Cajun Craze, Baja Blue, Not Quite Navy, Riding Hood Red

Accessories: Black 5/8" satin ribbon, Poppy Parade stitched twill, Black 1/8" taffeta ribbon, White 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Metallic brads, Dimensionals, Aquapainter, sponges, Neutrals button collection

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #191

2011-02-20T11:45:00.000-08:00

I worked this card up for this weeks' Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge. Yet again, they hit another sketch out of the park!

I used one of my very precious last pieces of SU's aged copper Hodgepodge Hardware. I'm still in deep mourning that they retired all the aged metal. Let's please all take a moment of silence.....

Stamps: Garden Girls, Mini Memories

Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Always Artichoke, Vanilla, Springtime Vintage dsp

Ink: Black, Blushing Bride, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Blush Blossom, Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Baja Breeze, Creamy Caramel, Crumb Cake, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, More Mustard, Daffodil Delight

Accessories: Ticket-Corner punch, Hodgepodge Hardware, Metallic brads, Pearls Jewels, Always Artichoke seam binding, Rich Razzelberry 3/8" tafetta ribbon, Pretty in Pink 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Aquapainter, Dimensionals, Sponges

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #190

2011-02-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

Woo-hoo! This card was featured on this week's
Stampers Showcase over at Stamping 411!!

Thanks to all the operators who enjoyed my entry!

Okay, if you haven't ever gone over to Stamping 411 for their Saturday Sketch Challenges, you really need to -- they're so much fun!

This card is pretty simple and uncomplicated -- less embellished, perhaps? -- for me. I kept thinking that I needed to add something more, but I think that the play of the patterns off each other gives it an elegant look. I had never used the Elizabeth stamp before, but I think that I'm now in love with it!

(By the way, Lee Conrey's Magic Bow Maker is the greatest invention EVER! Just saying.....)

Stamps: Elizabeth, You're a Gem

Paper: Not Quite Navy, Always Artichoke, Vanilla, Springtime Vintage dsp

Ink: Black, Pear Pizzazz, Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Not Quite Navy, Marina Mist, Bashful Blue

Accessories: Ticket-Corner punch, Always Artichoke seam binding, Pearl Jewels, Dimensionals, Aquapainter, Sponges

Woodland Walk

2011-02-11T11:21:00.000-08:00

I've never been a fan of Garden Green or Wild Wasabi -- until now! I think that I'm still in the first (and only!) pack of Garden Green that I bought about ten years ago. I just got the Woodland Walk dsp to use for a Creative Crew challenge and have totally fallen in love with the Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi and Garden Green color combination.

There is a fair amount of detail in this card, if you look closely. The truck image is stamped on some faux-notebook paper and tied with linen thread. The raggedy borders are done by punching Chocolate Chip with the Scallop border punch. The border was further distressed by punching each scallop with a 1/16" handheld circle punch, pierced along the edges, sponged with Early Espresso and rolled/torn between the fingers. There are also antique copper brads in all four corners, "anchoring" the rough border.

Stamps: Countryside

Paper: Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, Vanilla, Woodland Walk dsp, Newsprint dsp

Ink: Black, Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Close to Cocoa, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze

Accessories: Scallop border punch, Spiral punch, 1/16" circle punch, awl, mat pack, linen thread, metallic brads, Early Espresso satin ribbon, Wild Wasabi stitched ribbon, Dimensionals, Aquapainter

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #189

2011-02-07T11:44:00.000-08:00

I worked this up for this weeks' Saturday Sketch Challenge over at Stamping 411. I really love the sketch this week!

I used the string lace punch to create a "frame" for the little Valentine's Greeting Card Kid, by punching one frame out of Cherry Cobbler, then backing it with a frame punched from Early Espresso. I used SU ultrafine glitter in her heart and stamped the sentiment from Tiny Tags in Early Espresso. The paper rose was made from Melanie Schulenberg's fabulous
paper roses video tutorial!

Stamps: Greeting Card Kids, Tiny Tags

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Sending Love dsp

Ink: Black, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Pretty in Pink, Blushing Bride, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Early Espresso

Accessories: Big Shot, Birds & Blooms larger flower, Little Leaves Sizzlit, string lace punch, sponges, Aquapainter, Dimensionals, Glimmer Brads, Ticket Corner punch, Tiny Tags punch, Early Espresso satin ribbon, Real Red 1/8" taffeta ribbon

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #188

2011-02-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

Woo-hoo! This card was featured on this week's Stampers Showcase over at Stamping 411!! Thanks to all the operators who enjoyed my entry!

Hooray for Saturday and for this weeks' Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge!! Take a peek at the great sketch on offer for this week and pull out your cardstock -- it's fabulous and it's fun.

I added the bit of distressed scallop trim at the top of the center layer and the Cherry Cobbler card base for balance, but those were the only changes I made. I had never tried to distress a scallop border before and I really like the results!

I created my own faux notebook paper for the botanical "sketch". If you look closely, there is a touch of Rose Red seam binding under the bottom edge of the Cherry Cobbler seam binding. It adds a little dimension, I think.

Lots of little details here -- trinket key, the tiny tag with the "friends" sentiment, the library binder clip, a bit of linen thread and the aged copper brads.

Stamps: Nature Walk, Tiny Tags

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Vanilla, Botanical Gazette dsp

Ink: Black, Always Artichoke, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight

Accessories: Scallop border punch, Spiral punch, Tiny Tags punch, Trinket key, Metallic brads, linen thread, Rose Red seam binding, Cherry Cobbler seam binding, 1/8" Early Espresso taffeta ribbon, 1/16" circle punch, mini-glue dots, Dimensionals, Aquapainter, sponges

Another card using Stamping 411's sketch 188

2011-02-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

Well, forgive me if I love this sketch! There's lots of detail to be found here -- I could've added more, but I didn't want it to get too cluttered.

The central layer was stamped with the floral spray from Together Forever then watercolored with Pretty in Pink, Concord Crush, Night of Navy, Old Olive and Always Artichoke. I wanted a floral to go with the stripe pattern from the Lap of Luxury ds, but I couldn't find it -- so I made my own.

The sentiment 'amour' is surrounded by the garland from Together Forever, which I inked with markers in order to make the distinction between the leaves and the flowers. I pieced the scallop circle around it and put the medium pearl Jewels in each scallop.

The pansy trim beneath the ribbon was cut from Concord Crush with a cute pansy border punch. I cut bits of Old Olive to go behind each pansy cut-out and put a medium pearl in each center.

Stamps: Together Forever, Artistic Etchings

Paper: Concord Crush, Old Olive, Lap of Luxury ds, White

Ink: Black, Concord Crush, Pretty in Pink, Night of Navy, Old Olive, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Scallop Circle punch, pearl Jewels, Pansy border punch (Martha Stewart), Old Olive Twill ribbon, Old Olive 5/8" satin ribbon, Dimensionals, mini glue-dots, Aquapainter

Come to the Splitcoast Creative Crew February dinner party!

2011-02-02T03:00:00.000-08:00

One of our Creative Crew challenges for February was to work around the theme of a dinner party. As I am a totally pink & green girl, naturally I gravitated to Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Pretty in Pink and Regal Rose!

I layered double-sided loop punch out of Always Artichoke, over the green striped pattern out of the Springtime Vintage dsp, then matted with more Always Artichoke.

I made the fabulous paper roses using Melanie Schulenberg's video tutorial on her blog, Pockets of Inspiration.

To see all of the Creative Crew's fabulous samples, check out the Creative Crew's gallery for February!

The February Creative Crew color focus challenge!

2011-02-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

Here is my submission for the Creative Crew Color Focus challenge this month -- Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso and Daffodil Delight. There isn't any card that can't be fabulous with Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso in it, as well as some Close to Cocoa and Early Espresso sponged around the edges!

The Cherry Cobbler layer was color embossed with Close to Cocoa. To achieve this distressed, vintage effect, I rubbed my Close to Cocoa classic pad across the 'flat' side of the Finial Press Textured Impressions folder. Insert your piece of Cherry Cobbler cardstock through your Big Shot. If you make your sandwich on Tab 1 of your multi-purpose platform, you'll get more ink transferred to your cardstock. I con't use any tabs to get just the merest amount of transfer, which I think gives it a more vintage look.

To make the faux notebook paper, I stamped and watercolored my radish. Then cut the cardstock to the required dimension and sponged the edges front and back. I punched the top edge with the Spiral punch, then drew lines with a ruler. It's a very simple technique that packs a lot of punch!

The 'Homegrown' label was stamped in Chocolate Chip craft ink, then clear embossed and watercolored. The highlights in the main image were made with a white gel pen.

Stamps: Homegrown

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight, Vanilla

Ink: Craft ink: Chocolate Chip. Classic inks: Black, Rose Red, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Certainly Celery, Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, More Mustard

Accessories: Big Shot, Finial Press Textured Impressions folder, Spiral punch, Ticket-Corner punch, small Oval punch, Scallop border punch, 1/16" circle punch, 1" Early Espresso striped grosgrain ribbon, Daffodil Delight taffeta ribbon, Tearing Edge, metallic brads, sponges, Dimensionals, Aquapainter, white gel pen

PCS Cross Box blog hop!!

2011-01-29T11:55:00.000-08:00

If you find yourself here at my blog, you must have just visited Melanie Schulenberg's gorgeous blog, Pockets of Inspiration!

Check out this gorgeous little cross box -- you too can make it using the exclusive template available in this months' Paper Crafters Sampler! This adorable project is so easy to put together and would be just perfect for Easter or Confirmation gifts. All you need to do is subscribe to the February issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler!

For this box, I printed the template directly on an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of cardstock cut from the Springtime Vintage dsp. I cut, scored and folded it, then adhered all the corners with mini glue-dots. I sponged all the edges with Always Artichoke, the adhered two pieces of Old Olive 1/8" taffeta ribbon down the centers of the arms. The ribbon is embellished with the seed pearls from the Pearl Jewels. The leaves are cut out of Certainly Celery and Always Artichoke with the Little Leaves Sizzlit, then sponged with Always Artichoke. The rose is made from Pretty in Pink cardstock using Melanie Schulenberg's fabulous paper roses tutorial.

To go to the next stop on the PCS Cross Box hop, scoot on over to Julie Pitta's beautiful blog, Thoughts that Stick!

Stamping 411 Color Inspiration 149

2011-01-29T07:22:00.000-08:00

I'm loving this weeks' Stamping 411 Color Inspiration! What's cooler than Baja Breeze, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake and Peach Parfait? The colors are so good together that I didn't even use any stamps!

This color challenge totally fit the Parisian Breeze dsp -- so soft, so lovely. Deets? The edge of the pinwheel is cut with the Pinking Hearts border punch to give it some depth, then dipped in glue, then Baja Breeze chunky glass glitter. There are pearl Jewels in each Early Espresso scallop, as well as the punched out holes of the Double-Sided Ribbon punched Baja Breeze. Seriously, I'm going to have to start ordering pearl Jewels five packs at a time!

Stamps: Tiny Tags

Paper: Baja Breeze, Early Espresso, Vanilla, Peach Parfait, Parisian Breeze dsp

Ink: Baja Breeze, Early Espresso

Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note BigZ die, Scallop Circle punch, Ticket-Corner punch, 1 3/8" Circle punch, Pinking Hearts border punch, Tiny Tags punch, Tiny Heart punch, Double-Sided Ribbon punch, Early Espresso 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Pearl Jewels, Trinket Keys, Adornments, Baja Breeze chunky glass glitter, Metallic brads, linen thread, sponges, Sticky Sheets

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #187

2011-01-22T12:27:00.000-08:00

Woo-hoo! This card was featured on this week's Stampers Showcase over at Stamping 411!! Thanks to all the operators who enjoyed my entry!

I'm really into the Saturday Sketch Challenges over at Stamping 411 these days -- many thanks to the Operators for their great sketches! Check out this weeks' great sketch:

I made this card for my mother-in-law, who just lost her older sister to a stroke. I punched one strip of the double-loop in white, one in Always Artichoke, then layered the Always Artichoke under the white. I cut a narrow strip of Always Artichoke, then ran it down the center and embellished with the tiniest pearls in the pearl Jewels.

The border embellishment under the central image is the same, but with only the tips of the loops showing. The central image was color directly on the rubbah with markers to give the stamped image some depth.

Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers

Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Always Artichoke, White, Springtime Vintage dsp

Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Always Artichoke, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Melon Mambo

Accessories: Double-sided Loop punch, Ticket-Corner punch, Always Artichoke seam binding, Adornments, Dimensionals, Basic Pearl Jewels

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #186

2011-01-18T10:50:00.000-08:00

I worked this up for the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #186, involving a torn edge. I changed it up a little as I went along. I was trying to make something a little bit shabby with the Sweet Stitches dsp. I love torn edges, but it's hard for me to be shabby with lovely, bright colors for some reason! To play along with this challenge, go visit the Stamping 411 Operators!

I think that this card is pretty self-explanatory. The dress form, measuring tape and sentiment were heat embossed with black detail ep. The embellishment across the center is made up of Wild Wasabi stitched poly ribbon, Melon Mambo pom-pom trim and an edge cut from the Pinking Hearts border punch.

Stamps: Sew Suite, You're a Gem

Paper: Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, White, Sweet Stitches dsp

Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo, Versamark

Accessories: Large Oval punch, Pinking Hearts border punch, Scallop Oval punch, Photo-Corners punch, 1/16" circle punch, Brights brads, black detail ep, Melon Mambo pom-pom trim, Wild Wasabi stitched poly ribbon, Dimensionals

More Rich Razzelberry and Springtime Vintage!

2011-01-14T16:35:00.000-08:00

Yet more fun with the fabulous Rich Razzleberry! I swear, this is the most underrated Stampin' Up! color, but so rich and gorgeous -- I love the saturation.

This card started out in my mind being pale and ethereal with Blushing Bride. However, as color schemes frequently go with me, it ended up going down a whole different, darker road!

The elements are pretty self-explanatory, but I'll describe the central floating image. I stamped the round garland from Vintage Labels on Blushing Bride cardstock with Rich Razzleberry ink. Then I restamped the image with Versamark and clear embossed it. I think that the clear embossing really brings out the color.

I punched the garland out with the Scallop circle punch, then punched twice more out of Rich Razzleberry to layer it. For the center of the round garland, I punched out a circle from the same dsp design as the rectangular layer beneath. I sponged the edges, then adhered the circle to the center of the garland. The leaves were made by punching the Bitty heart punch in Always Artichoke twice. I adhered them to the bottom of the rose colored Adornment, then to the center of the garland with mini-glue dots.

Stamps: Vintage Labels

Paper: Always Artichoke, Rich Razzleberry, Blushing Bride, Springtime Vintage dsp

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Versamark

Accessories: Big Shot, Framed Tulips Textured Impressions folder, Metallic brads, Adornments, Scallop Circle punch, Ticket-Corner punch, Bitty Heart punch, clear ep, Always Artichoke seam binding, Rich Razzleberry 1/8" taffeta ribbon, sponges, mini-glue dots, Dimensionals

Springtime Vintage!

2011-01-13T14:37:00.000-08:00

I didn't do this card for any reason other than my own pleasure -- I love these colors together with the Springtime Vintage dsp!

The Marina Mist central frame was stamped with White craft ink on Marina Mist cardstock, then heat embossed with white detail embossing powder and cut out. The sentiment was stamped on Vanilla in Night of Navy, then framed up with the flourish from Vintage Labels in Marina Mist. I adhered the Vanilla to the back of the Marina Mist frame, then matted with Always Artichoke.

To achieve a neat mat under an odd shape like this, cut out two of the shape. One you cut through the middle lengthwise, the other through the middle vertically. With these four pieces, you can neatly mat any oddly shaped image.

The miniature Marina Mist roses were made with Cherie Franklin's tutorial, available in the April 2010 issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler.

Stamps: Baby Blossoms, Vintage Labels, You're a Gem

Paper: Marina Mist, Always Artichoke, Vanilla, Springtime Vintage dsp

Ink: Craft ink: White. Classic inks: Marina Mist, Night of Navy, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note die, Ticket-Corner punch, Flower Trio punch, Always Artichoke seam binding, Marina Mist 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Metallic brads, white detail ep, sponges

Dirty Dozen challenge CT1210

2011-01-13T07:34:00.000-08:00

I worked this up for the December Splitcoast Dirty Dozen challenge CT1210 -- any project with a musical theme. I really wanted to use my Rich Razzleberry taffeta ribbon, so I designed this card around that glorious pale color.

The torn wallpaper was done with the back-to-back design from the Springtime Vintage dsp. Remember to sponge BOTH sides of your dsp before you peel it to get the really distressed, vintage look!

The gramophone was watercolored, then double-matted in Early Espresso and Rich Razzleberry and covered with a beveled windowpane. I really tried to get a good photo of this detail, but the windowpane distorts the image somewhat.

The beautiful paper rose was made using the Birds & Blooms large flower Sizzlit and Melanie Schulenberg's fabulous video tutorial. Go to her blog, Pockets of Inspiration, to get started on your own beauties! The miniature rose in the lower right hand corner was made with Cherie Franklin's tutorial, available in the April 2010 issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler.

Stamps: Timeless Treasures

Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Early Espresso, Vanilla, Springtime Vintage dsp

Ink: Black, Soft Suede, Close to Cocoa, Early Espresso, Rich Razzleberry, More Mustard

Accessories: Big Shot, Birds & Blossoms large flower Sizzlit, Flower Trio punch, Modern Label punch, Beveled Windowpanes, Metallic brads, sponges, Aquapainter, Rich Razzleberry 5/8" taffeta ribbon, Rich Razzleberry 1/8" taffeta ribbon, white gel pen, Trinket key

While taking photos, I couldn't resist this one

of my little Jack Russell, Sally, checking out the action!

Let's bring the SU! love back to Splitcoast!!

2010-12-31T15:43:00.000-08:00

"Everything that's old is new again" -- PattyB

Originally designed for SU! demos to keep in contact and inspire each other, Splitcoast became the #1 site for stamping. As time went on and Splitcoast evolved, the papercrafting industry became more and more prominent. Splitcoast Stampers, the community that was built upon Stampin' Up!, spread its wings to include companies offering different papercrafting products.

Soon it began to seem like there was less and less SU! product visible within the community so the idea of developing challenges and "Wicked Wow" just for SU! demo's was born. Unfortunately, while this continued to populate the demo areas it was doing nothing to help the overall image of SU! throughout the entire Splitcoast community. SCS community members that were not SU! demo's continued to be tantalized by the smorgasbord of delights offered by other companies.

Thus the evolution of this revolution! There is a phrase "Everything that's old becomes new again" so this revolution went back to the beginning! A crew of SU demo's -- the Creative Crew! -- were picked to develop projects each month that are primarily Stampin' Up! Projects that we want to WOW people, to INSPIRE people, to show the whole SCS community that Stampin' Up! also has a smorgasbord of ideas and products available to them.

Every month, there will be four challenges that can be done either Stampin' Up! only (SUO) or with 95% SU! products (SUM) in four focus categories:

Catalog Focus

DSP/Color Focus

Holiday/Seasonal Focus

Scrapbook Inspiration Focus

All of the Crew design team members are Stampin' Up! demo's, but the creations inspired by the challenges each month are for the entire SCS community. We encourage demo's and non-demo's alike to play along, be inspired, and "TO SHARE WHAT YOU LOVE!"

After noon CST on January 1st, follow the blinkie badge at the right, straight into the brand, spankin' new Creative Crew gallery at Splitcoast Stampers! Feel free to put the blinkie on your own blogs and spread the word!

Get the latest issue of the Paper Crafter's Sampler, "With Love..."

2010-12-30T10:59:00.000-08:00

Get set to kick off the new 2011 year with Paper Crafters Sampler starting with our January issue, "With Love...". This issue is dedicated to the upcoming season of love. Available January 11th! The projects are fabulous and should give you so many great ideas to use for Valentines Day!

Remember to use the code PCS-LH when you subscribe!

Festive Holiday Banner!

2010-12-19T13:51:00.000-08:00

I got a wild urge the other day to dig out my BigZ XL Pennant die and try to work up a festive holiday banner for my mantle and this is what I ended up with! I had no idea what I wanted to say, the colors I wanted to use, or anything else other than that I wanted to use those cute little clothespins that I'd picked up at Michaels.

I cut the Pennants out of Always Artichoke card stock, then cut the border scallops out of Cherry Cobbler and layered them behind the Always Artichoke pennant. I ran some Tombo adhesive around the scallops and coated them with red glitter. I also added a piece of Sticky Strip across the top of each pennant and coated with more red glitter.

The central medallions were cut using the larger of the Circles, Scallops #2 out of a sheet from the Holiday Treasures dsp. I cut additional scallop circles out of Cherry Cobbler to layer behind the houndstooth scallop circles. Again, I ran liquid Tombo around the outside of the scallop borders and dusted with red glitter. The HoHoHo letters were cut out of red Glimmer Paper with the BigZ Alphabet Simple Letters and shadowed with another cut out of Chocolate Chip card stock. Snowflakes were cut out of Vanilla card stock using the Northern Frost decorative strip. I adhered them and used some Dazzling Diamonds glitter in the "holes" of the snowflakes.

Paper: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Holiday Treasures dsp

Ink: Always Artichoke

Accessories: Big Shot, BigZ XL Pennant die, BigZ Circles Scallop #2 die, Northern Frost decorative strip, BigZ Alphabet Simple Letters dies, Martha Stewart red tinsel glitter, mini-clothespins, natural cord. Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Sticky Strip, Dimensionals

CC300 - Splitcoast Stampers Celebration of Colors Challenge

2010-12-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

I did this for the Celebration of Colors challenge this week. My color combination was CC294 -- Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride and Crumb Cake. Personally, I would've never come up with this color combination on my own -- I would've gone to Chocolate Chip instead of Crumb Cake, but it gives the combination a light touch.

I had fun with the new Build a Blossom set and the coordinating punch -- I see a lot of possibilities with this! I stamped the petal in Blushing Bride on BB cardstock. After I punched them out, I glittered the edges with Dazzling Diamonds.

Stamps: Build a Blossom, Clearly for You

Paper: Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake, White, DS Paper Patterns Pack - In Color

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Blushing Bride

Accessories: Big Shot, Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Folder, Build a Blossom punch, extra large Scallop Oval punch, large Oval punch, 1/16" round punch, neutrals brads, Baja Breeze corduroy buttons