Skip to content

SUOC69 – Epic Butterflies

SUOC69 – Epic Butterflies published on 3 Comments on SUOC69 – Epic Butterflies

Our theme this week over at SUO Challenges is Anything Sizzix from Stampin’ Up.  Wow…where does one start??  Well I needed a design for swaps at the Regionals in Baltimore and I knew I wanted to use the new Epic Day DSP so I went from there.

SUOC69 - Baltimore Swap CardI think the papers in that set are so beautiful and I love this Daffodil Delight design.  For some reason it said “butterfly” to me so I used my Beautiful Butterflies Die to create this fellow.  I used another lined print to add a smaller layer.  The Flower Trim is so pretty as centers on the butterflies so I dyed some with Daffodil Delight to match the Seam Binding.  To add a little dimension to the card, I chose this zigzag pattern for a crossing panel.  I scored on either side of it then used my Piercing Tool with the Essentials Paper Piercing Pack.  The bow is a shabby bow made from the beautiful Daffodil Delight Seam Binding.  Funny, I don’t normally think of this sunny yellow for a vintage card but I think it works well here.  As you can see, I made a few of these for my swaps and I received some fabulous cards in return.

I have a small announcement to make with regards to SUO Challenges.  This will be my last challenge with them as a design team member.  I have had such an amazing time being on a team with such awesome talent.  Truly, these stampers are some of the best!  I am grateful for the opportunity they have provided to be in their company and look forward to continued inspiration from them (and their new team members!).

I am so glad you dropped by today.  I look forward to hearing your thoughts on my Epic Butterflies!  Hope your day is wonderful!

Stamp:  Made for You; Paper:  Epic Day DSP, Crumb Cake; Ink:  Crumb Cake; Accessories:  Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, 7/8″ Flower Trim, Daffodil Delight Seam Binding, Paper Piercing Tool, Essentials Paper Piercing  Pack, Simply Scored Scoring Tool

Blog signature 2013-001

Regionals Projects

Regionals Projects published on 2 Comments on Regionals Projects

I knew you would enjoy seeing a couple of the things we made at Stampin’ Up Regionals so I am bringing them to you today.

Baltimore Rgnl - M&TThe stamp set focus for the day was Clockworks.  It really is a fun set and perfect for collage stamping.  This projects was actually designed to be a cover of a notepad but I decided to change it into a card.  The Basic Gray background piece is scored using the Simply Scored Tool which adds a nice dimension.  The stamps were inked in Pool Party, Calypso Coral, More Mustard and Gumball Green.  The little strips were cut from coordinating colors and the pennant ends are hand cut.  Three flowers were punched out of Pool Party with the Fancy Flower Punch, spritzed with water and crumpled a bit.

Baltimore Rgnl - Box and cardsOur second project is this cute little box made with the Two Tags Die.  Now their original design used Clockworks again but I did not make it at the Regionals.  Instead I used Oh Hello to create it and the matching notecards.  Calypso Coral, Gumball Green and Daffodil Delight are the colors.  I will be using this as a hostess gift for a customer…so excited for her to see it!

I hope you enjoy seeing these as much as I enjoyed making them.  Let me know if you have any questions about them!  I hope your week has been good.  Thanks so much for stopping in!!

Blog signature 2013-001

 

 

Freshly Made Sketches #82

Freshly Made Sketches #82 published on 14 Comments on Freshly Made Sketches #82

FMS Final 82-001What a fabulous sketch we have for you this week over at Freshly Made Sketches!!  I am so excited about this one…so cute and original, don’t you think??!!  It comes from the oh so wonderful Jen Brum and I could not wait to work with it!

FMS82 - Birthday ButtonsI started knowing that I need to restock my birthday card supply.  I always seem to need them at the last minute, particularly the ones for kids.  What better than this Summer Smooches DSP??  This print always reminds me of party balloons and I think it is so festive.  With the print being so busy I didn’t need to add much else.  I pulled out my trust Made for You birthday sentiment and some coordinating Brights Buttons to finish the sketch.  This one just make me happy!!  In fact, I may make a few more since they are perfect for boys and girls!

I apologize for my absence last week.  It just seemed to be one of those weeks and life got in the way of stamping.  I was amazed as always by the creations of the design team and of course I am again this week.  Last week’s gallery was so impressive too.  I have a feeling you are going to like this sketch as much as I do and I foresee lots of fun cards!

I did get the good fortune of going to the Baltimore Regionals for Stampin’ Up on Saturday and it was so much fun!!  I got to hang out with some amazing stampers.  Not to drop names or anything but:  Amanda Mertz, Marla Reed, LeAnne Pugliese and Donna Wicks.  Yep, lucky me!!  I made a swap card (that I get to share with you next week) and got to see all kinds of fun sneak peeks from Stampin’ Up.  I’m working on the finishing touches of my Make & Takes (or Take & Makes in my case).  They are fun…you will love them.  I hope to have them up by Friday.

Ok, off to the FMS site with you to get inspired by the team!  Thanks so much for stopping in.  I look forward to seeing your creations!

Stamp:  Made for You; Paper:  Summer Smooches DSP, Real Red, Pacific Point, Whisper White; Ink:  Pacific Point; Accessories:  Brights Buttons, Thread, Mini Glue Dots

Blog signature 2013-001

 

SUOC68 – An Ode to Baja Breeze

SUOC68 – An Ode to Baja Breeze published on 5 Comments on SUOC68 – An Ode to Baja Breeze

Our theme this week at SUO Challenges is Monochomatic Cards so I thought that it was the perfect excuse to show you a card that is all about Baja Breeze.  Yes, it is retiring…sigh….and I know I will have a new favorite in no time but for now, here it is.

SUOC68 - Ode to BajaI started with the beautiful hydrangea from the Best of Flowers set (Best of March).  I love this flower!  The background paper is from Storytime DSP.  Both the notebook paper design and the Baja Breeze design are from that set.  Yes, I know that it is technically supposed to be Pool Party but it really looks like Baja Breeze to me.  I wrapped the blue layer with some Naturals Ribbon (held over from the Holiday Catalog) and then tied on a shabby bow made from the Baja Breeze Seam Binding.  Some Basic Pearls are the finishing touch.

I can’t wait to see what you create this week.  Also, I would like to bid a fond farewell from the SUO Challenges team to my friend Heidi Baks.  She is so incredibly talented and I have loved being inspired by her!!

Thanks so much for stopping in today.  See you again soon!

Blog signature 2013-001

Mystery Hostess plus Blog Hop Details

Mystery Hostess plus Blog Hop Details published on 1 Comment on Mystery Hostess plus Blog Hop Details

As part of my celebration of the Free Shipping being offered by Stampin’ Up, I am offering a chance to be a Mystery Hostess!!  You qualify if you make a $30 or more (before tax) order from my Online Store by Monday at 6p Eastern using this Hostess Code:  DHH32PGZ.  Where do you enter the code?  Take a look at the screen shot below and in the lower left corner you can see where to enter it.  This is the Checkout page and your order has to have the code entered to qualify.

Screen Shot 2013-04-07 at 1.41.24 PMYou can also contact me with your order and payment information at the email address in my blog header and I’ll be happy to enter it for you!!  I will need to be able to contact the winner after 6p Eastern to find out their hostess requests.

Ok…now onto the blog hop details.  If you missed the hop, you will want to go take a look!  The Stampin’ Addicts celebrated the Color Refresh by highlighting the retiring colors.   My color was Riding Hood Red!

SA Color Refresh Hop - Sailboat

 

I think this is a lovely rich vintage red and it makes fabulous boy cards.  It is particularly nice with Early Espresso!  I used my Stampin’ Write Markers to color this sailboat from Moving Forward.  I just love this little stamp!  This lined print from Storytime DSP is one of my favorites in that pack (and I love that pack).  It added a wonderful tone-on-tone feel to this layout!  I have been using it a lot lately.

SA Color Refresh Hop - Angel

 

To create this angel card I pulled out my Ovals Framelits and the Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder.  First I found the right sized oval for the angel and then grabbed the next one up.  Using Very Vanilla card stock, I cut out the oval first and then embossed the layer with the embossing folder.  I took the cut out oval and then put the smaller framelit on it to cut the right sized piece for stamping (and almost no wasted card stock).  After stamping the angel it seemed to still need a little something so I sponged the edges of the oval and the embossed panel with Crumb Cake ink.  Then, I tied up a shabby bow out of Very Vanilla Seam Binding and tied it up with a Vintage Faceted Button and some Linen Thread.  I used the words this way for some other Christmas cards last year and really liked it so I did it again here.  It keeps the sentiment subtle but highlights the reason for the season!  Both the oval and the embossed layer are popped up on Dimensionals and the bow was attached using Sticky Strip.

I hope you enjoyed these projects and I look forward to seeing who the winner is of the Mystery Hostess benefits!!  Thanks so much for stopping back by today!  See you tomorrow for the latest SUO Challenge!

Card 1 – Stamps:  Moving Forward, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Paper:  Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Storytime DSP; Ink:  Riding Hood Red, Early Espresso; Accessories:  Neutrals Buttons, 1-3/4″ Square Punch, Cherry Cobbler Baker’s Twine

Card 2 – Stamp:  Rejoicing With You; Paper:  Very Vanilla; Ink:  Riding Hood Red; Accessories:  Big Shot, Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder, Ovals Framelits, Very Vanilla Seam Binding, Jewelry Tag Punch, Vintage Faceted Buttons, Linen Thread

Blog signature 2013-001

Stampin’ Addicts Retiring Colors Blog Hop

Stampin’ Addicts Retiring Colors Blog Hop published on 21 Comments on Stampin’ Addicts Retiring Colors Blog Hop

Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 8.15.17 AM

 

Welcome to the Stampin’ Addicts Retiring Color Blog Hop!!  I am joining in with my friends from Stampin’ Addicts to bid a fond farewell to colors that are retiring in the Color Refresh at Stampin’ Up.  We have all chosen a focus color and you will have a great time hopping around for inspiration!  If you are coming in from Cindy’s blog Heart’s Delight Cards, I know you are amazed by her gorgeous projects with Baja Breeze.  Her flowers are amazing!  Let’s take a moment of silence for one of my all time favorite colors, shall we???  *smile*  Yes, I do really love Baja Breeze!

My color for the hop is Riding Hood Red.  This is a lovely vintage red and pairs so beautifully with browns and grays.  I particularly love it with Early Espresso!

SA Color Refresh Hop - SailboatI think is is wonderful for boy cards so I created a birthday card using the sailboat from Moving Forward (the RMHC set).  I added in a little bit of Storytime DSP and a sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes.  The sketch is courtesy of Fab Friday Challenges.

Another fabulous use for this rich red is for Christmas cards so I pulled out one of my favorite new sets from this year’s catalog, Rejoicing with You.

SA Color Refresh Hop - AngelI wanted to really show off the angel so I kept all the accessories as subtle as possible.  This red takes on a real elegance when paired with the Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder.  I topped it off with a shabby bow tied up with a Vintage Faceted Button and some Linen Thread.  Little sentiments from the same set were punched with the Jewelry Tag Punch and tucked under the button.

I hope that you have enjoyed my Riding Hood Red projects.  Next up on the hop is Debbi at Come Stamp With Me.  She is focusing on Bravo Burgandy and I know you will love her work!  Thanks so much for stopping in.  If you have any questions on my cards, I will post a little more detail tomorrow (Monday).  See you again soon!

Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 1.41.23 PM

Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 1.38.59 PM

 

 

 

Blog signature 2013-001

Free Shipping and other fun news!!

Free Shipping and other fun news!! published on 1 Comment on Free Shipping and other fun news!!

This just in from Stampin’ Up!!

We’re excited to let you know that we are offering FREE shipping on EVERYTHING April 6-8 (excluding expedited orders)! That’s right. There are no minimums or limits and all order types qualify (customer, demonstrator, workshop, online). Did we mention that the free shipping is on everything?

Yes, you read it right!!  FREE shipping!  I am so excited about this!! But not enough cool news??  Well, there is more:

Color RefreshStampin’ Up has announced a color refresh.  When we first did the Color Renovation in 2010, there was discussion of refreshing the colors every 3-5 years based on industry trends.  Well…here it is!!  While it is sad to see some favorites leave (Baja Breeze comes to mind, lol!), I am so happy to see some returning and just staying colors.  And….a new color Smoky Slate.  You know you want to see them together in their new families so here you go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOoCRT0Ux2w&feature=player_embedded

Finally a reminder about the fabulous new pricing on My Digital Studio.  You can get the downloaded program or the program disc for the amazing price of $19.95.  Hmmm, did I mention the free shipping with that if you wanted the disc??!!

So make your list and make sure you shop on April 6-8 to get the free shipping!  Get the retiring colors and their accessories while they last.  If you have a favorite, the free shipping is an added bonus!

Blog signature 2013-001

 

Freshly Made Sketches #80

Freshly Made Sketches #80 published on 8 Comments on Freshly Made Sketches #80

FMS Final 80-001Happy Wednesday everyone!  It is Freshly Made Sketches day…yippee!!  Our sketch today is courtesy of the fabulous Linda Callahan of Stampin’ Seasons.  I love her cards so it is no surprise that I love her sketch this week.  She kept it simple and it leaves lots of room for you to use your imagination!!

FMS80 - Tea flowerI had this flower sitting on my table from another project and thought it would be perfect for Linda’s sketch.  It was tea stained (yep, with actual tea) before I decided to use it for this so it isn’t quite as “clean” as I would like for an FMS card.  The center of the flower is an Antique Brad. I love those!  The bow is made with Very Vanilla Seam Binding and it is wrapped around a DSP layer from Storytime DSP.  I couldn’t figure out a place for a sentiment so I decided to go without for now.

I’m absolutely in love with the cards the team has made this week.  So many great interpretations of the sketch!  I know this will be a busy week in the gallery and I can’t wait to see all that you create!

It is spring break for my boys so we are out and about.  I hope to have another card to show you on Friday from a class I am holding tomorrow.  Other than that, I am simply ignoring the too cold weather and starting to put in some of my lettuce, broccoli and spinach.  I think they are hardy enough to handle the chill and I’m tired of waiting, lol!!

I hope that your week is great.  Thanks so much for stopping in today.  See you soon!

Paper:  Creped Filter Paper, Storytime DSP, Crumb Cake; Accessories:  Big Shot, Fun Flowers Die, Antique Brads, Very Vanilla Seam Binding

Blog signature 2013-001

 

Freshly Made Sketches #79

Freshly Made Sketches #79 published on 10 Comments on Freshly Made Sketches #79

FMS Final 79-001

 

I hope that your week is going well so far!  I mentioned yesterday that I have a bit of spring fever with no spring weather to match.  At least Monday’s snow has mostly melted and the forecast here in VA seems to be getting better.  I keep encouraging it along in my craft room!  Today’s sketch at Freshly Made Sketches is from the amazing Rita Wright.  Rita is one of the most wonderful stampers and I love seeing her pictures of little Laila on every post.  Make sure you drop by to see her blog!

FMS79 - Bright HelloI thought I’d use some bright sunny yellow (Daffodil Delight) to counteract the snow!  I loved the little flowers in Bright Blossoms as soon as I saw them and they are perfectly matched with the Summer Smooches DSP.  I stamped the flower and the stamped the blossoms again so that I could pop them up.  I love how a simple little stamp can give such a wow to a card, especially when framed with the Oval Framelits!  The little bow on Rita’s sketch was just the excuse I needed to add in a bow made with the Daffodil Delight Seam Binding.  I love how  it ties!!  A little “hello” from Teeny Tiny Wishes  is punched out with the Jewelry Tag Punch.

Ok, spring….I’m doing my part….now let me plant my garden and get my real flowers going!!

I love the variety of cards from the design team this week.  Make sure you go take a look to see the inspiration!  I probably won’t be back until after Easter.  My boys start their Easter break on Thursday so my stamping will be limited.  With any luck though, I’ll get my garden started with their help!  I hope you have a great rest of your week and a blessed Easter or Passover.

Stamps:  Bright Blossoms, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Paper:  Summer Smooches DSP, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White; Ink:  Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade, Rich Razzleberry; Accessories:  Big Shot, Adorning Accents Edgelit, Daffodil Delight Seam Binding, Neutrals Button, Ovals Framelits

Blog signature 2013-001

SUOC67- Spring (?)

SUOC67- Spring (?) published on 7 Comments on SUOC67- Spring (?)

Well, I’d love to tell you that spring is in the air but frankly, all I see right now is snow…again.  I am ready to plant my garden and enjoy spring things but not yet.  At least not outside.  The good news is that SUO Challenges is celebrating spring so I’m sure that will make me much happier!!

SUOC67 - Spring FlowersI thought it would be fun to use some spring flowers for my card and what better than this awesome stamp from the Best of Flowers set?  I may be one of the only people who didn’t own this stamp when it originally came out so I was really excited to see it in the “Best of ” series.  I particularly love the size of it!  I inked it up with Pink Pirouette, Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade, then I spritzed it with water to help the colors run together a bit.  I spritzed the sentiment too to make it match.  I love this technique and haven’t used it in a while. I think it works well for stamps like this one and I’m happy with the watercolor look!  I pulled out some old more recent Sale-a-bration offerings with the ribbon and the button.  These products are the gift that keep on giving and I love that they go so well with the print from Tea for Two DSP.

Fab Fri Logos-012The colors for today’s card come from the Fab Friday Challenge.  Aren’t they pretty??!!  The card is a CASE (copy and share everything) of myself and it is based on this card.  Why did I CASE myself??  Because I was chosen as the Featured Stamper over at Splitcoaststampers this week and I thought it would be fun to play along with the challenge.

I certainly hope that you have a little bit of spring where you are but if not, just create a little in your craft area!!  The design team has some amazing examples and I know you will be inspired to join in!

Back tomorrow with the latest sketch from Freshly Made Sketches!  Thanks for stopping in today.  See you soon!

Stamp:  Best of Flowers (March), Petite Pairs; Paper:  Tea for Two DSP, Sahara Sand, Lucky Limeade, Very Vanilla; Ink:  Pink Pirouette, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade; Accessories:  SAB 2012 Ribbon, SAB 2013 Button, Dimensionals

Blog signature 2013-001

Primary Sidebar