Christmas Cards!!!

I'm so excited that the Christmas season is here.  Time to make my Christmas Cards!!!!  This year I chose the Fireside Christmas stamp set that's in this year's Holiday Mini catalog.  I made two different designs using basically the same products, just different colors.  For the first one, I didn't have any of the champagne glass glitter (but will before I send them out), so it's missing a little bling...but just imagine it:)  I was also excited because Shelli Gardner's challenge for November (yes I'm waiting until the last minute to post) was anything holiday.  Hope you like:)  I've listed the recipe below, so I'm not going to go into much detail here...it's pretty self-explainatory.  Please let me know what you think.  I'll be sure to post my Christmas cards for my church family when I get them done!!

Supplies:
Stamp Set:  Fireside Christmas
Paper:  Always Artichoke CS, Cherry Cobbler CS, Very Vanilla CS, Deck the Halls DSP
Ink: Versamark, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  Silver Embossing Powder, Gold Embossing Powder, Silver Glass Glitter, Tombow Glue, Sticky Strip, Deck the Halls Designer Buttons, Always Artichoke Seam Binding, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Linen Thread, Glimmer Brads, Modern Label Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL

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Shelli's Creative Challenge - Halloween!!!

I know that it's been almost 2 months since my last post!!!!  Fall has sure flown by.  I've been extremely busy with work and my brother's wedding stuff (ahh...it's 3 weeks from tomorrow!!!).  I made this Halloween card at a stampin' retreat hosted by the leader of my Stampin' Up group the first weekend of October.  I had a design in mind for a halloween card and the first night my mind kept me up all night thinking of all the embellishments I could put on it.  What I came up with made me very happy...it was better than I could have imagined.  And then I found out that Shelli's challenge for the month was anything Halloween, I was so excited.  I only made 3 of these cards...one for my six-year-old neighbor, one for my seventeen-month-old neice, and one for my grandma (she loves getting my hand-made cards).  I started out with tangerine tango card stock.  I then embossed a piece of old olive card stock with iridescent ice embossing powder and then ran it through the big shot using the spider web textured impressions embossing folder.  I stamped the halloween image from the Greeting Card Kids stamp onto watercolor paper with versa mark and embossed with black embossing powder.  I've found that if you do it this way, when you watercolor, the colors don't bleed.  I watercolored the image with tangerine tango, rich razzleberry, old olive, and crumb cake and added the black waffle paper to the back with sticky strip...and of course had to add some of the great new silver glass glitter.  I tied a bow around the card using the rich razzleberry striped grosgrain ribbon, stamped "boo" on tangerine tango card stock, punched it out with the jewelry tag medium punch and tied a bow with linen thread...oh, and of course the button!  Please let me know what you think!!! 

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Greeting Card Kids, Tiny Tags
Paper:  Tangerine Tango CS, Old Olive CS, Watercolor Paper
Ink:  Versa Mark, Tangerine Tango, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Crumb Cake
Accessories:  Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Black Embossing Powder, Big Shot, Spider Web Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Waffle Paper (Assortment 2), Glass Glitter, Aqua Painter, Linen Thread, Rich Razzleberry 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Jewelry Tag Medium, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Bitty Bat Punch, Brights Designer Buttons, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, SNAIL, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer

Curtain Call Color Challenge Act 47

Well, again it's been a few weeks since my last post.  I've been busy with work and trying to finish my brother's wedding invitations.  They are just about ready to go out, so I decided to sit down and stamp for myself today (even thought I'll mail this card out to someone in the next few days:).  My inspiration for this card was over at my upline's blog, Stacey's Stamping Stage.  These earthly colors were great for a "thinking of you" card.  I used crumb cake for the base of the card and then layered it with always artichoke...of course with a little sponging and distressing.  I pulled out the FREE Deck the Halls DSP that we got at Convention in July and used the early espresso piece paired with a piece of early espresso card stock.  I stamped the images from the Hostess Level 1 Punch Potpourri stamp set and used their cordinating punches...that's what I love about Stampin' Up...everything cordinates!!!  I stamped the greeting using the Hostess Level 1 Silhouette Sentiments stamp set.  And, of course, I had to finish off the card with some crumb cake taffeta ribbon and a retired always artichoke button threaded with linen threat.  Hope everyone is doing wonderfully and has a fantastic week!  Please let me know what you think:)

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Punch Potpourri, Silhouette Sentiments
Paper:  Crumb Cake CS, Always Artichoke CS, Early Espresso CS, Very Vanilla CS, Deck the Halls DSP
Ink:  Early Espresso
Accessories:  Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon, Retired Always Artichoke Button, Linen Thread, Distressing Tool, Retired Always Artichoke Brads, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Boho Blooms Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Two-Step Bird Punch

Curtain Call Color Challenge Act 45

I know it's been over a month since my last post, but life has been hectic!!!  I'm back to normal now (or as close to normal as I can get) and hopefully will be able to post more regularly.  The inspiration for this card came from Stacey's Curtain Call Color Challenge.  I did one for last week, but unfortunately didn't have time to get it posted.  This weeks colors are pear pizzazz, concord crush, crumb cake, and whisper white.  I made this anniversary card for my cousins, who's anniversary was August 11 (I told you I was behind!) and will get it in the mail tomorrow.  To let you know how behind I am, I still have birthday cards to send to a few of my cousins from when I was at Convention in July:(  I'll get them done and mailed this week.  I don't have much time to go into details, but the card is pretty straight forward.  Hope you like it and please let me know what you think!  Have a great Monday tomorrow!!

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, Growing Green
Paper:  Crumb Cake CS, Whisper White CS, Concord Crush CS, Pear Pizzazz CS
Ink:  Crumb Cake, Concord Crush, Pear Pizzazz
Accessories:  Pear Pizzazz Poly-Twill, Distressing Tool, Dimensionals, Basic Rhinestones


Also, here's the card I made for last week's challenge.  I love the sock monkey stamp set and this was these were the perfect colors to make a male card.  It was for my uncle's birthday...my aunt told me that he liked the sock monkey, so it was the perfect stamp set to use.  And the glasses just make it!!!  Hope you enjoy!!!


Supplies:

Stamp Sets:  Sock Monkey, Sock Monkey Accessories, More Monkey Accessories, Look Who's Turning

Paper:  Whisper White, Poppy Parade, Tempting Turquoise, Daffidol Delight, Sunny Garden DSP
Ink:  Soft Suede, River Rock, Poppy Parade, Tempting Turquoise, Daffidol Delight, Jet Black StatzOn
Accessories:  Poppy Parade Poly-Twill, Paper Piecer, Mat Pack, Scallo Edge Border Punch

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Curtain Call Color Challenge Act 38

This week's color challenge over at Stacey's Stamping Stage bring out some fabulous colors.  The colors for the week are regal rose, pumpkin pie, rich razzleberry, certain celery, and very vanille...GREAT combination.  The card I came up with was CASed from the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog.  Each year at this time, one of my uplines gives us a challenge to "copy and steal" one of the cards or projects featured in the new catalog (there's thousands of ideas!!!!!).  So, this card came from page 155...and here's my version.  The base of the card is certain celery CS.  The next layer was done with very vanilla CS and a torn piece of regal rose CS...those pieces were then distressed around the edges to give it a vintage look.  I also used my color spritzer (which doesn't get nearly enough use) to add some regal rose and rich razzleberry to the card stock.  The flower was made from different types of paper using the Island Floral Die and held together using one of the cute flower brads...right now I'm wishing I had ordered some of those ADORABLE vintage brads...but I didn't, so next time.  I did use some of the new crochet ribbon though...isn't it fabulous...really finished of the vintage look I was going for.  Then I added a button and stamped the greeting with one of the new Level 3 Hostess Sets and voila!!!  Let me know what you think!!!

Supplies:
Stamp Set:  Occassional Quotes (Hostess Level 3)
Paper:  Certain Celery CS, Very Vanilla CS, Regal Rose CS, Rich Razzleberry Textured CS, Sweet & Sour Specialty DSP
Ink:  Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Marker, Regal Rose Stampin' Marker
Accessories:  Big Shot, Island Floral Die, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Flower Designer Brads, Sherbert Buttons (retired), Linen Thread, Victoria 5/8" Crochet Trim, Distressing Tool, Color Spritzer

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Curtain Call Color Challenge Act 36

Yes...I know it's been awhile since my last post.  I started a new job this week and the last couple weeks have been pretty hectic.  This week's colors over at Stacey's Stampin' Stage are whisper white, crumb cake, night of navy, and real red...very patriotic for this week.  I wanted to watercolor with this stamp set, so I substituted our watercolor paper, which looks more like very vanilla than whisper white.  I don't have much time to post, so if you have any questions, please feel free to email me.  Let me know what you think!!!

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Occassional Quotes, Fast & Fabulous
Paper:  Real Red CS, Crumb Cake CS, Night of Navy CS, Watercolor Paper, Patterns Paper Pack III
Ink:  Jet Black StatzOn, Real Red, Crumb Cake, Night of Navy, Versamark
Accessories:  Distressing Tool, AquaPainter, Crumb Cake Taffetta Ribbon, Eyelet Border Punch, Real Red Cordery Buttons

I also want to show you the card I made for last week's challenge, but didn't have time to post.  These colors go great together and are very summery...whisper white, green galore, garden green, tempting turquoise, and coral cameo.  Hope you enjoy!!!

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, Elements of Style
Paper:  Shimmery White, Coral Cameo, Tempting Turquoise, Green Galore, Bride Specialty DSP
Ink:  Garden Green, Coral Cameo, Tempting Turquoise, Versamark
Acessories:  Bright Brads, Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain Ribbon, Linen Thread, Button Latte, Eyelet Border Punch, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Brayer

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Elements of Style Anniversary

This anniversary card was inspired by Karen's Sketch SSSC73 and the colors over at SCIC6.  I love Karen's sketch and the color scheme over at Stampin' Celebration was great...I choose to use Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink, Certain Celery, and Whisper White.  I used the stamp set Elements of Style, which is available in the Summer Mini but will also carry over to the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog...I'm SO excited.  I'm kind of tired this morning and don't really have the energy to go into the details of the card, so if you want more information, please email me.  Let me know what you think!!!

Supplies:

Stamp Set:  Elements of Style, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper:  Certain Celery DSP, Pretty Ink Pink DSP, Whisper White DSP, Patterns Pack II (retired)

Ink:  Regal Rose, Certain Celery, Pretty In Pink, Black StatzOn, Versamark

Accessories:  Soft Subtle Brads, Sponges, Linen Thread, Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Sherbert Designer Buttons, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Extra-Large Scallop Punch, Mat Pack, Piercing Tool, White Embossing Powder

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Curtain Call Color Challenge Act 34

When I saw this week's colors for Stacey's Curtain Call Color Challenge, my mouth started watering.  I absolutely love the colors she picked...rich razzleberry, dusty durango, whisper white, sahara sand, and basic gray...and they go together so well.  As I said earlier, this month is a busy card month for me, so I made this card as an anniversary card for my cousin and his wife.  The base of the card is rich razzleberry textured card stock.  I then took a piece of basic gray card stock and used the eyelet border punch along the bottom.  I used the new stamp set Awash With Flowers (which features two-step stamping) and stamped 3 of the different flower images on whisper white card stock.  The outline image was stamped in rich razzleberry (except for the flower in the upper left corner...I accidentally stamped it in dusty durango...and got really upset, but then decided I liked it) and the stemps were stamped in basic gray.  The inside images were stamped in dusty durango.  I then used my Versamarker to color in the inside images and used iridescent ice embossing powder to make it sort of blingy.  I also sponged the edges in rich razzleberry.  I used the new Level 3 Hostess set Occassional Quotes for the saying...I used my markers to make the words different colors...and then punched it out using the new 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Extra-Large and sponged the edges in rich razzleberry.  The stamped images were then layered onto a piece of sahara sand card stock...I distressed the edges to give it a little worn look.  Finally I added rich razzleberry polka-dot ribbon (which is retiring:( but wait until you see the new ribbon available in this great color), tied a whisper white button on to the bow using linen thread, and embossed the Happy Anniversary greeting in white embossing powder.  I really love how it turned it...I think it might be one of my favorite cards that I've made recently.  Let me know what you think!!!

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Awash With Flowers, Occassional Quotes, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper:  Rich Razzleberry Textured CS, Basic Gray CS, Sahara Sand CS, Whisper White CS
Ink:  Rich Razzleberry, Dusty Durango, Basic Gray, Versamarker
Accessories:  2 3/8" Scallop Circle Extra-Large Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Buttons Latte, Linen Thread, Rich Razzleberry 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, White Embossing Powder, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Distressing Tool, Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals

Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge #1

My upline, Stacey, found this challenge...using ribbon!!!  I love ribbon, so to have a challenge dedicated to the use of ribbon is fantastic.  The first challenge was to create a masculine project using ribbon.  June is a busy month for birthdays and anniversaries in my family, so I took this opportunity to make a card for one of my male cousins.  I also used some new DSP that will be available in the new catty beginning on July 1!!  The base of this card is very vanilla and then cutout a recessed window...it's really easy to do (if you want instructions, please email me).  I used the new Newsprint DSP to cover the outer edges, except for the top edge which is done in basic black and then the greating is embossed in gold embossing powder.  The main image was embossed again with gold embossing powder on very vanilla.  I then tied that all important ribbon around the top using the black satin ribbon.  I don't think it looks too girly and I hope my cousin likes it.  Let me know what you think!

Supplies:

Stamp Sets:  On Your Birthday, Happy Birthday to You (retired)

Paper:  Very Vanilla CS, Newspring DSP

Ink:  Versamark

Accessories:  Black Satin Ribbon, Gold Embossing Powder

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Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #72

This is the first time I've ever participated in the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge...so here goes nothing.  I had a friend who's brother died suddenly and decided to make the sympathy card using this sketch.  I started with Not Quite Navy as the base of the card.  I then ran a piece of Barely Banana through the big shot using the polka-dot embossing folder and layered that with a piece of Crumb Cake (AKA Kraft) after I'd distressed the edges a little.  I added a piece of whisper white satin ribbon down the center and ran some Bella Blue DSP (which will be retiring at the end of June...I'm depressed!!!) through the big shot using the Island Floral Die.  The sentiment was stamped using the Thoughts & Prayers stamp set on whisper white and was sponged with Crumb Cake Ink and then distressed, and then layered with Barely Banana, Crumb Cake, and Not Quite Navy...distressed (of course).  I love how it turned out and hope it brings my friend some comfort during her difficult time.  Let me know what you think!!!

Supplies:

Stamp Set:  Thoughts & Prayers

Paper:  Not Quite Navy CS, Barely Banana CS, Crumb Cake CS, Whisper White CS, Bella Blue DSP

Ink:  Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake

Accessories:  Stampin' Dimensionals, Distressing Tool, Big Shot, Island Floral Die, Polka-Dot Embossing Folder, Whisper White Satin Ribbon, Circle Designer Brads

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Stacey's Curtain Call Color Challenge Act 33

The colors for this week's color challenge over at Stacey's Stamping Stage were Whisper White, Night of Navy, Certain Celery, and Bashful Blue (all returning colors in the new Idea Book & Challenge).  When I saw these colors, I thought they would make a great masculine card.  June is a busy month for birthdays and anniversaries in my family, so it was great to sit down with a color scheme in mind and create.  Here's what I came up with.  The card base is certain celery and then layered with bashful blue and night of navy.  I stamped the image from the King of the Grill stamp set (which is in the summer mini) using versamark and embossed it with black embossing powder...I like how it kind of pops off the paper rather than using just basic black ink (you can't tell very well in the pic though).  I colored the image using the main colors and the new In-Color blushing bride for the skin tone, then layered it onto bashful blue, night of navy, and certain celery card stock.  I added bashful blue grosgrain ribbon and tied it together on the side with linen thread...and of course had to add a button.  The sentiment was stamped on night of navy cardstock in versamark and then embossed with white embossing powder.  It was then punched out with the word window punch and layered on a piece of certain celery that was punched from the modern label punch.  I added bashful blue brads and there you have it.  I'm going to send it to my uncle who's birthday is next week.  Let me know what you think!!!

 

Supplies:
Stamp Set:  King of the Grill
Paper:  Certain Celery CS, Bashful Blue CS, Night of Navy CS, Whisper White CS
Ink:  Versamark; Certain Celery, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy
Accessories:  3/16" Corner Rounder Punch, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, White Embossing Powder, Black Embossing Powder, Soft Subtle Brads, Button Latte, Linen Thread, Bashful Blue 1" Double-Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon

My mom was over this morning while I was making this card and she sat down at my stamping table and made a birthday card for my sister.  I wanted to show it off because it is the first card she has every stamped by herself.  I thought she did a fantastic job and she said it wasn't as hard as she thought!!!  Maybe another stamper in the family???  She used some of the new In-Colors...peach parfait and pear pizzazz...along with not quite navy card stock and also new DSP from the new catalog called Greenhouse Gala.  She used the Flight of the Butterfly stamp set  and stamped the butterfly images on shimmery white paper (she even used the stamp-a-ma-jig for the butterflies!!) and then punched them out with the butterfly punch.  I'm so proud of her!!  Let me know what you think of her first card.

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Stacey's Curtain Call Color Challenge Act 32

This week's colors for my fabulous upline, Stacey Schafer's, color challenge were bright and summery.  The choices for this week are whisper white, rose red, regal rose, summer sun, apricot appeal.  I had so much fun creating this card with these bright colors.  The card base is regal rose and then layered with rose red.  I brought out the Pink Flamingo DSP (which I hardly ever use...don't ask me why because it's super cute).  I also brought out the sewing maching for this card...I added a piece of regal rose grosgrain ribbon using a thread that looks an aweful lot like rose red.  The images were stamped using the Manhattan Flower stamp set on glossy white card stock...which was then layered with apricot appeal and regal rose.  The greeting was stamped using the retired stamp set from the occassions mini Well Scripted.  Last, I added whisper white and rose red buttons to the ribbon to add to the cute factor.  I had someone in mind when making this card, but circumstances got in the way and now I can't send it to her as a congratulations...so I will just have to sit in my card box.  Oh, well.  Hope you enjoy this card as much as I did making it.  Let me know what you think and have a fantastic day!!!

Supplies:

Stamp Sets:  Well Scripted, Manhattan Flower

Paper:  Rose Red CS, Regal Rose CS, Apricot Appeal CS, Whisper White CS, Pink Flamingo DSP

Ink:  Rose Red, Regal Rose, Apricot Appeal

Accessories:  Distressing Tool, Stampin' Dimensionals, Button Latte, Fresh Favorites II, Linen Thread, Natural Hemp Twine, 5/8" Regal Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch

Thanks for stoppin' by!! 

P.S...I ordered my 2010-2011 Preview stamp sets, paper, and accessories yesterday; they should be here on Friday (along with my FREE copy of the catalog), so be sure to come back next week for some fabulous new projects using the new products!!

Sock Monkey Graduation

My last graduation card for the year features the Sock Monkey and Accessories stamp sets.  My cousin graduated from optometry school earlier this month and yesterday was his graduation party.  I only have the one graduation stamp set, Great Grad, and I was getting tired of using it; then I remembered that this adorable set has a graduation cap stamp.  He graduated from Indiana University, so I made the base out of riding hood red card stock to match school colors.  I stamped the sock monkey on water color paper and used the aquapainter to color him in.  I then stamped the pennant and graduation cap and cut them out and adheared with stampin' dimensionals to get it to pop off the paper.  I layered the monkey with basic black and used the distressing tool to distress the edges a little.  Then added the retired riding hood red ribbon and whisper white button, stamped the sentiment using the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, and there you have it.  He loved it!  To personalize it even more, I wrote Indiana on the pennant that the monkey is holding.  Let me know what you think!  Hope you are having a great memorial day weekend and check back tomorrow to see the card for this week's curtain call color challenge!

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Sock Monkey and Accessories, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper:  Riding Hood Red CS, Basic Black CS, Water Color Paper
Ink:  Black StatzOn, Riding Hood Red, Soft Suede, Creamy Caramel
Accessories:  Distressing Tool, Stampin' Dimensionals, Aquapainter, Linen Thread, retired Riding Hood Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Button Latte

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Elegant Graduation

The next graduation card I have to show you was made for my cousin's girlfriend, who just graduated from optometry school.  The inspiration came from one of the papercraft magazines that I subscribe to.  The base of the card is sage shadow (I'm going to miss that color come July).  It's then layered with a piece of kraft cardstock...but before it was adhered, I added sage shadow, tempting turquoise, and elegant eggplant ribbon.  The sentiment is stamped on very vanilla card stock using the Great Grad stamp set (which is retired).  She really like the card when she opened it today and hope you like it to.  Let me know what you think.  I'll be back tomorrow with the last of the graduation cards I have to share.

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Great Grad, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper:  Sage Shadow CS, Kraft CS, Very Vanilla CS
Ink:  Tempting Turquoise, Sage Shadow, Elegant Eggplant
Accessories:  Crop-A-Dile, 1/4" Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/4" Elegant Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/4" Sage Shadow Grosgrain Ribbon

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Great Grad!

So, I haven't posted the last two days as planned...but, oh well.  Life gets in the way sometimes.  On to the next graduation card I have to show you.  I made this one for my mom...she got invited to a graduation party for one of the kids I babysat in junior high.  When she told me he was graduating, I decided that I was definitely getting old.  His school colors are maroon and gold, so I made the base of the card using bravo burgandy.  I then used my big shot and the top note die (love that die) and then cute the die in half.  I used the retired set Great Grad and embossed the "GRAD" in gold embossing powder.  I added bravo burgandy grosgrain ribbon and a whiper white button to finish it off.  I made the inside with a little pocket for cash...what's a graduation card without cash?  Hope you enjoy and let me know what you think.  I promise to be back tomorrow with some other cards I have made for the graduation season.

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Great Grad, Pedaling Past
Paper:  Bravo Burgandy CS, Whisper White CS
Ink:  Bravo Burgandy, VersaMark
Accessories:  Big Shot,  Top Note Die, Gold Embossing Powder, 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Linen Thread, Sponges, Button Latte

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Curtain Call Color Challenge Act 31

'Tis the season for graduations.  My mom asked me to make a few graduation cards for her (along with a few I needed for myself), so I thought I'd post the next 5 days of the cards I came up with.  This first card was designed with Stacey's Curtain Call Color Challenge in mind.  This week, the colors are whisper white, night of navy, pretty in pink, garden green, and almost amethyst.  I made the card base in whisper white and on the side used the eyelet border punch.  I then used a strip of night of navy under the punched out border.  I used the Asian Aristry stamp set (which is a level 2 hostess stamp set)...I used the stampin markers in garden green and pretty in pink to stamp then image multiple times to make it look like a meadow.  Then I used the Big Shot and Beautiful Wings emblosslit die to cut out the butterflies...which are adheared with stampin' dimensionals to make them pop off the page.  Finally, I used the Teeny Tiny Wishes to stamp the graduation greeting.  This is definitely a girly card...so my plan is to have either my mom or me give it to my cousin's girlfriend...they both just graduated from optometry school.  I'm excited because they will both be working in the area so I can maybe get a discount on glasses???  Let me know what you think of the card.  Hope you're week is drier than mine (it's rained every day this week) and have a safe and great Memorial Day Weekend!!  Check back tomorrow for another graduation card idea.

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, Asian Artistry (hostess level 2)
Paper:  Whisper White CS, Night of Navy CS, Almost Amethyst CS, Pretty In Pink CS
Ink:  Garden Green, Pretty In Pink
Accessories:  Eyelet Border Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

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Shelli's May Creative Challenge

For the May Creative Challenge over at Stampin' Up Co-Founder and CEO, Shelli Gardner's, blog, the theme was weddings.  When I read this, I was so excited.  My brother is getting married in November, and I am doing the invitations, thank you notes, etc as their wedding gift.  Anything that will be made out of paper will be hand crafted by yours truly.  My future sister-in-law chose the colors of cream and platinum for the colors.  When I heard this, I was kind of scared because I wasn't sure what I could do with those colors to make everything look elegant.  This is what I came up with, and she loved it!!

For the Save the Date, I made a postcard...but sent it in an envelope so it didn't get ruined.  The base was made from the Bridesmaid Specialty Paper.  I then ran going gray and very vanilla thru the big shot using the top note die...then cut the edging off of the vanilla to give it a layered look.  I used the Wedding Sweet stamp set and embossed the flower image in silver embossing powder to give it the platinum look.  I also ordered the date of their wedding as a stamp set to use instead of printing it...it was also embossed in silver.

My next task was the bridal shower invitation.  I used the same paper and layout as the save the date but I wanted to add a little burst of color.  I sponged the edges with rich razzleberry.  I used the new stamp set Blissful Bride from the summer mini and then colored the flowers on the dress in rich razzleberry and added glitter and dazzling diamonds to the dress.  "You're Invited" was also stamped in rich razzleberry.

Next is the actual wedding invitation.  When Shannon first saw the Bridesmaid Specialty Paper, she fell in love with it and wanted me to use it as much as possible.  So for the invitation itself, I used the more decorative paper in the set for the base.  The inside portion where the actual writing will be was layered with going gray and very vanilla and then embossed again with the Wedding Sweet stamp set and their date stamp.  I created a slot on the folded-up portion for the RSVP postcard and Accommodations/Directions card.  As you can see, they have not been printed on yet, but I better get working on that quickly so I'm not waiting until the last minute!!!  I then put a belly band in going gray around the invitation to hold it together.  I embossed an M using the Lovely Letters Alphabet stamp set, punched it out with the 1 1/4" circle punch, layered it on the going gray punched with the 1 3/8" punch, and then added a piece of the Bridesmaid Specialty Paper punched with the circle scallop punch.

The Thank You cards came next.  These I made pretty simple...the base is made of going gray with very vanilla layered on top.  I embossed again with the Wedding Sweet stamp set using the flower image and then used the thank you image, which I punched out with the small oval punch and then layered with a piece of going gray punched out with the scallop oval punch.  I added a piece of the silver cord from the holiday mini to give it a little something more.  I didn't take a picture, but the inside has a piece of very vanilla CS attached that is embossed with the M from the wedding invitation.

My last item to show today is a place card for the reception.  Shannon hasn't seen these yet so I don't know if this is what they will use, but I thought they were adorable.  I stamped the bride and groom from the retired stamp set To Have and Hold in going gray.  I then took my hobby blade and cut out the form of the bride and groom.  I applied it to a small piece of going gray to make it sit up and look like a place card.  I then sprinkled glitter and dazzling diamonds on the lower portion of the dress, colored in the flowers, hair, and tux, and added the name of the guest along with which table they are seated at.  I think they turned out so cute...I hope she likes them because I had a blast making them.

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  To Have and Hold, Wedding Sweet
Paper:  Bridesmaid Specialty Paper, Very Vanilla CS, Going Gray CS
Ink:  Going Gray, VersaMark, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories:  Hobby Blade, Dazzling Diamonds, Clear Chunky Glitter, 2-Way Glue Pen, Big Shot, Top Note Die, Silver Embossing Powder, Sponges, Small Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Silver Cord, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch

Thanks for stoppin' by and let me know what you think!!!

Stacey's Curtain Call Color Challenge #29

Sorry it's been so long since I've last posted.  I had a shoulder injury a couple weeks ago (don't ask what happened, I was being an idiot) and it's been interferring with my stamping...and I'm NOT happy about it.  So, I made a quick and easy card for this week's color challenge.  The colors were ones that I'd not usually use together...bordering blue, tangerine tango, summer sun, and whisper white...but they do look good together in the end.  I was lazy with the design of the card and used one of the Fresh-Cut Note Cards for the base.  After punching out the flower portions, I sponge daubed the center with summer sun and along the edges of the flowers with tangerine tango.  To get the underneath look, I stamped with the Gratuitous Graffiti stamp onto glossy white card stock using bordering blue ink.  To finish it off, I added the "heartfelt thanks" greeting from the Sweetheart stamp set and a quick bow with the retired tangerine tango ribbon (what's a card without ribbon?).  Since you can't mail these adorable note cards, I took the opportunity to make a thank-you note for the doctor that I work for.  Last week was Nurse's Week and he get us gift cards to one of the local greenhouses...I can't wait to go shopping with it.  Hope you enjoy this created and let me know what you think!!!  I promise it won't be 10 more days before I post again.

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Gratuitous Graffiti, Sweethearts
Paper:  Glossy White CS, Fresh-Cute Note Cards
Ink:  Bordering Blue, Tangerine Tango, Summer Sun
Accessories:  Sponge Daubers, Tangerine Tango Ribbon

Thanks for stoppin' by!!!

Vintage Pedaling Past

Good afternoon!!  Well, my goal this week was to post every day, but I had a meeting last night and got home late...so it just didn't happen.  This card is a swap I designed for the monthly Stampin' Up meeting that I attend (that's where I was last night!!).  The swapping is optional, but I always like to participate because I get some pretty good swaps in return.  I used the Pedaling Past stamp set that is available in the new Summer Mini.  Originally, I was not going to buy this stamp set, but the more I saw it used, the more I fell in love with it (that's what usally happens!).  So, I decided to order it and when it came in the mail, I had accidentally ordered it in French!!!  I was able to send it back and Stampin' Up sent me the English version.  The card base is not quite navy...which I absolutely love.  It was then layered with kraft card stock, added a small strip of Bella Blue DSP, and then stamped the bicycle image on kraft.  I brought out the sewing machine and made a stitching border and used the cutter kit to distress the edges of the card stock to give it a vintage look.  I really love the way it turned out and am looking forward to using this stamp set more.  Hope you're having a great day and let me know what you think!!!

Supplies:
Stamp Set:  Pedaling Past
Paper:  Not Quite Navy CS, Kraft CS, Bella Blue DSP
Ink:  Not Quite Navy
Accessories:  Cutter Kit, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sponges

Thanks for stoppin' by!!!

Stacey's Curtain Call Color Challenge #28

Okay...here's this week's color challenge over at my upline, Stacey Schafer's blog.  This week's colors are rose red, not quite navy, kraft, and whisper white.  I absolutely love this color combination.  You can make it both feminine or masculine.  I chose feminine and made a Mother's Day card for my wonderful grandmother.  The base of the card is done in kraft card stock.  I used the Awash With Flowers stamp set that will be available in the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog.  I stamped the outline of the flowers in not quite navy and the filler portion with rose red.  I then layered the flowers onto a piece of not quite navy card stock...the bottom is punched with the scallop trim border punch.  Last, I tied some yummy rose red ribbon around the bottom of the card.  I think my grandma will really like it...she loves flowers and she is so excited when I give her a hand-made card.  Hope this card inspires you to make a hand-made card for the wonderful moms/grandmas/etc. in your life.  Let me know what you think!!!

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Awash With Flowers, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper:  Kraft CS, Not Quite Navy CS, Whisper White CS
Ink:  Not Quite Navy, Rose Red
Accessories:  Scallop Trim Border Punch, Rose Red 1" Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals

Thanks for stoppin' by!!!

Retiring Color Special

A couple weeks ago, Stampin' Up announced that they will be doing a color renevation in the new 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog.  While I'm not sad to see some colors go (only orange and yo-yo yellow), I will be sad to see certain colors leave us, mainly sage shadow...I love that color:(  The inspiration for this card came from my upline's upline (if you can follow that).  Every week she gives us a challenge to complete and then we get our name entered into a drawing for a special surprise.  This week, she challenged us to make a card using only retiring colors (but we could use whisper white and very vanilla).  So, I chose brilliant blue, pink passion, and green galore.  I actually like these colors, so I am a little sad to see them go, but they are being replaced by some even better choices.  I started with a brilliant blue card base and layered a small strip of green galore.  I used the A Little Bit of Magic from the new Summer-Mini that is now available...I stamped it in Black StatzOn Ink and colored it with my three main colors.  I then mounted it on green galore and then again on pink passion.  Finally, I stamped the greeting using the Look Who's Turning stamp set.  I think it turned out pretty cute...kinda girly.  I have a cousin who has a birthday this week, so I think I'll stick it in the mail for her.  Let me know what you think!!!

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  A Little Bit of Magic, Look Who's Turning
Card Stock:  Whisper White, Brilliant Blue, Pink Passion, Green Galore
Ink:  Black StatzOn, Brilliant Blue, Pink Passion, Green Galore, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa
Accessories:  Dimensionals

Thanks for stoppin' by!!!

Curtain Call Color Challenge #27

This week, my fabulous upline Stacey Schaffer, has an amazing color challenge.  When I saw the colors this morning I was super excited...melon mambo, pink pirouette, certain celery, and whisper white.  The first thing that came to mind was...these colors would make a wonderful mother's day card (it's only two weeks away...ahh!!!).  So, I sat down and this is what I came up with.  This is a 5" x 5" base card in pink pirouette and then layered with melon mambo and certain celery.  I then added Razzleberry Lemonade DSP and Bella Rose DSP, then layered the greeting.  Of course, the card would not be complete without a few embellishments...some certain celery ribbon and pink pirouette fleurettes with a certain celery button on top.  Let me know what you think and have a wonderful week!!!

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Flower Fancy, Well Scripted
Paper:  Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo, Certain Celery, Whisper White, Bella Rose DSP, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink:  Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo
Accessories:  Certain Celery Ribbon (retired), Pink Pirouette Fleurette (retired), Fresh Favorites I Colored Buttons, Linen Thread

Thanks for stoppin' by!!!

Stacey's Curtain Call Color Challenge #26

This week's color challenge over at my upline, Stacey's, blog was much easier for me to use...although I didn't have going gray card stock, so I had to do with one less color.  When the current Occassions Mini was released earlier this year, I was not that impressed with the bird punch, but the more I saw it used, the more I had to have it.  I finally ordered it...and then it was on back order.  It came UPS yesterday, so I just had to use it for this card.  This week's color challenge include whisper white, going gray (which I didn't use), basic gray, and crushed curry.  I loved just using one major color with other muted colors...it really makes the yellow pop.  Let me know what you think.

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Look Who's Turning
Card Stock:  Basic Gray, Whisper White, Crushed Curry, Crushed Curry DSP
Ink:  Basic Gray, Crushed Curry
Accessories:  Crushed Curry Polka Dot Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Extra Large Two Step Bird Punch

Thanks for stoppin' by!!!

Sneak Peak: Stampin' Up Summer-Mini

Spoiler Alert!!!  If you don't want to see the new stamp sets coming out in the Summer-Mini, don't scroll down.  My aunt recently asked me to make a set of birthday cards for her.  I love making cards for others to give out...it's a great way to attract business.  So, I made her a set of 12 different cards.  I decided to bring out some new stamp sets that I received in the mail last week from my pre-order (if you're a Stampin' Up Demonstrator, you can pre-order from the different catalogs a whole month before your customers)...and I can say that I'm in love.  The first card uses the Elements of Style stamp set.  It is such a versatile set that can be used for so many things.  The second card uses the Little Bit of Magic stamp set.  I originally wasn't going to order it, but decided to at the last minute.  And boy am I glad I did.  It is super cute to use for a little girl. 

Last week, Stampin' Up revealed that we will be going through a Color Renevation with the new catalog that comes out July 1st...so some of our favorites will be retiring.  I was sad to see some go (Sage Shadow, ALL the purples, Brocade Blue), but I know that it's a good thing.  Just wait until you see the new colors that will be available, and they're bringing back some of our favorite retired In-Colors!!!

So, I decided that I would try to deplete my stock pile of retiring colors by using them for these birthday cards.  I found it was a great way to use the card stock that I have and will not be able to demonstrate come July (and make a few extra dollars doing it).  Hope you enjoy and are having a great week!!!

For this card, I decided to use the color combination of Pretty In Pink and Sage Shadow.  I stamped the image on Water Color Paper and used the AquaPainters to blend in Pretty In Pink, Lovely Lilac, and Sage Shadow.  I then stamped the greeting in Pretty In Pink.  Let me know what you think!

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Elements of Style
Card Stock:  Sage Shadow, Pretty In Pink, Water Color Paper
Ink:  Black StatzOn, Pretty In Pink, Sage Shadow, Lovely Lilac
Accessories:  AquaPainter, Sage Shadow Grosgrain Ribbon

For this last card, I decided to get detailed.  I used an old layout from my upline Stacey Schaffer and made it my own with this adorable new stamp set.  I paired it with Very Vanilla, Old Olive, and Pink Pirouette (YES...it's one of the returning In-Colors!!!).  I even brought out the retired Bella Rose DSP that I've been dying to use the rest of.  I love how it turned out...so fun and adorable.  Tell me what you think!!

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  A Little Bit of Magic
Card Stock:  Pink Pirouette, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Bella Rose DSP, Tall Tales DSP
Ink:  Black StatzOn, Pink Pirouette, Old Olive, Regal Rose
Accessories:  1 1/4" Old Olive Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Blender Pens, Linen Thread, Modern Label Punch, Earth Elements brads

Thanks for stoppin' by!!

Stacey's Curtain Call Color Challenge #25

My upline, Stacey Schafer, does a color challenge over at her blog every week.  It's been awhile since I've participated, so I thought I'd give this week's a try.  She sure made up bring out bright colors...Pink Pixie, Green Galore, Yo-Yo Yellow, Only Orange, and Whisper White.  As soon as I saw the bright colors, the first stamp set that came to mind was Circle Circus.  I haven't used this one nearly as much as I should, and this was the perfect time to dust it off.  Here's what I came up with...hope you like!!!

Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Circle Circus, Whimsical Words
Card Stock: Whisper White, Pixie Pink, Yo-Yo Yellow
Ink:  Pixie Pink, Yo-Yo Yellow, Green Galore, Only Orange
Accessories:  White Organza Ribbon, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch

Stencil Mania

So, ever since I was introduced to our stencil collection (thanks to the creative challenge over at http://www.soshelli.com/), I have been in love!!!  They are so easy to use and are very versatile.  This card was actually made pretty quickly earlier this week.  Every month, my upline hosts a business with great topics, demonstrations, and make-and-takes.  Swapping is optional, but of course, I signed up...and then I completely forgot until early Monday morning (the meeting is on Tuesday nights)!!!  So I whipped these up pretty quickly Monday evening after work.  I thought they turned out pretty good and I got to show off my new love of stencils!!!  Enjoy!!!!!

Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Card Stock: Textured Melon Mambo, Textured Rich Razzleberry, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink: Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories:  Ticket Corner Punch, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Folk Art Decor Stencil

Baby Carriage Card

This is a card that I made for one of the nurse practitioners in our office...she's due any time and doesn't know the sex of the baby.  I have to admit that I saw the baby carriage on a blog, but I'm sorry that I can't remember the name of it!!!  It was for a baby girl, so I changed it around to be unisex.  Hope you enjoy it!

Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Well Scripted
Paper: Barely Banana, Whisper White, Tall Tales DSP
Ink: Old Olive
Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Circle Die, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Circle Designer Brads

Shelli's Stencil Creative Challenge

Hello Everyone!!!  Welcome to my blog.  My good friend Stacy informed me today that I needed to start a blog, so here it is.  I felt inspired to make my first post in honor of the Co-Founder and CEO of Stampin' Up, Shelli Gardner.  Each month at her own blog, http://www.soshelli.com/, she hosts a creative challenge and this month is all about stenciling.  So here's my entry...let me know what you think.

Supplies:
Stamp Sets: NONE (hard to believe)
Ink: Old Olive, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Versa Mark
Paper: Very Vanilla, Regal Rose, Old Olive
Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Die, Sponges, Regal Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, Glassy Gloss Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Folk Folks Decor Stencils
Technique: Cracked Glass