Happy Birthday, Stampin’ Addicts!!  I’m thrilled you stopped by for the Birthday Blog Hop!!  Stampin’ Addicts is one of my favorite sites and a go-to place for tons of creative ideas!  I’m stop #20 so if you have missed any, please go here to see all the links.  For those coming over from Kandi’s blog, My Sweet Stampin’ Spot, weren’t you completely wowed by her fabulous “green” ideas??!!  My theme for this hop is “limited supplies”.  All stampers have to start somewhere and many don’t have tons of accessories (yet!).  My goal was to use basic card stock, stamps, ink and only one extra item.  I find that I lean on designer paper a lot for my stamping and it really sparked my creativity when I went back to basics!  Don’t forget, if you click on any picture, you can see a closer view. 

My first card showcases the lovely Hostess set, Of the Earth, and some of my favorite colors.  The simple addition of Stampin’ Up’s new satin ribbon (Occasions Mini) really makes this card special!  I’m in love with the Well Scripted word set, too.  The framing effect of the Chocolate Chip card stock steps up a simple layout.

Color blocking is another wonderful way to add some “wow” to a card.  I love how the Basic Black layer really makes these colors pop!  I cut a second cupcake top and put it on dimensionals to add additional depth and added a Real Red corduroy button.  Such an easy card to put together and I love the strong colors with this set (Party Hearty)!!

 

 

Well, I said it at the beginning, I LOVE designer series papers!  Since I couldn’t use them…I created my own!  And because I created my own, I was able to make a card in two colors that have sat dormant in my stash for far too long.  I really love the combination of Blush Blossom and Close to Cocoa.  The softness of the colors led me to the wonderful new set Vintage Vogue and the card almost made itself!  I used the vine to stamp on the Blush Blossom paper and create the texture of a designer paper.  I cut out the two flowers and used the Very Vanilla satin ribbon to make the center (the how-to on that center is in my post dated Jan. 20, 2010).  It was still missing something and I realized this card had a shabby chic feel to it…so I did a little distressing and here it is!  The layout started with a challenge from Stampin’ 411 (SSC138) which I modified slightly. 

 

 Thanks so much for stopping by!  All of these cards qualify for the Pals Paper Arts challenge this week to Keep It Simple, Sweetie (KISS)!  Your comments are most welcome and definitely appreciated!  Now, your next stop on the hop is a visit to Linda at Olive Stamps.  You’ll love her quick and simple birthday cards!

Card details:

1.  Stamps:  Of the Earth (Hostess), Well Scripted (Occasions Mini); Paper:  Mellow Moss, Bordering Blue, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White; Ink:  Mellow Moss, Bordering Blue, Chocolate Chip; Accessory:  Chocolate Chip satin ribbon

2.  Stamp:  Party Hearty; Paper:  Taken with Teal, Real Red, Crushed Curry, Basic Black, Whisper White; Ink:  Taken with Teal, Real Red, Crushed Curry; Accessory:  Real Red Corduroy Buttons (Occasions Mini)

3.  Stamps:  Vintage Vogue, Well Scripted (both Occasions Mini); Paper:  Close to Cocoa, Blush Blossom, Very Vanilla; Ink:  Close to Cocoa, Blush Blossom; Accessory:  Very Vanilla satin ribbon