Everyday Life

{ 25th Anniversary }

2009-01-01T14:42:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone!

So I still haven't had much time to stamp. I have a bunch of half finished cards on my desk, but nothing completed lately. I just ordered a new laptop which will be arriving this weekend, so I'm cleaning out my files so I don't move any garbage onto my new computer. I came across these pictures of a project I never got to blog on so I thought I'd share them with you.

This is a coffee filter book I made for my mom for their 25th wedding anniversary. Actually, originally it was just a regular scrapbook, which got ruined when I moved, so I took all the pictures out and redid it. I absolutely love the way it turned out. I would have never thought about doing a scrapbook like this, but one of my friends was really ga-ga over these, so we made a couple together. I'm thinking I might do another with pictures of Ammi sometime soon, hahaha! Yeah like I"ll have the time for that right?

{ Dinner Thank You Notes }

2008-08-07T10:05:00.006-05:00

Some people from our church were kind enough to make us meals after the baby was born, so I needed to make yet some more thank you cards! They didn't turn out as I envisioned, partially because of lack of stamps. I can't believe with ALL the darn stamps that I have I don't have one of food! Fortunately I did have the tag set with the "Yum, Yum" stamp. I was definitely happy to find that stamp so I didn't have to go out and try to buy one.

Also pretty simple and explanation shouldn't be needed. I love how these cards turned out. In my opinion they are some of the best cards I've made. All the paper and ribbon was old scraps. So my color choices were somewhat limited. Also some of the cards open on the side and some on the top. The ribbon was adhered to the back of the tags, which are popped up with dimensionals. Anyway, hope you like!

Supplies
Stamps: SU- Too Terrific Tags
Paper: SU- Rose Red, Very Vanilla, Taken with Teal, Regal Rose, Ballet Blue
Ink: SU- Rose Red, Taken with Teal, Regal Rose, Ballet Blue
Embellishments: Primas, Snaps, Brads
Other: Cuttlebug Paisley Embossing Folder, Dimensionals, SU Ticket Punch
Techniques: Cuttlebug Embossing

{ Baby Thank You Notes }

2008-08-07T09:42:00.004-05:00

Hello Everyone!

Well it has been a LONG time but I actually had some time to stamp for a change. Of course it's all baby related though. She's sleeping right now, I have a bunch to post and not much time so I'm going to make all this quick.

In February I made a ton of thank you cards, but I ran out, so I had to make some more today.

I don't think much explanation is needed here. Due to lack of time I went super simple. The coloring was done with my watercolor crayons. I think the hardest thing about these cards were finding the supplies as I moved since I last stamped and I couldn't remember where I put everything!

Supplies
Stamps: SU Bundle of Joy
Paper: SU Whisper White
Ink: SU Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: SU Ribbon
Other: SU Watercolor Wonder Crayons
Techniques: Watercoloring

{ Introducing Ammi Joelyn Lauren Hartley }

2008-08-07T09:40:00.001-05:00

Ammi Joelyn Lauren Hartley was born yesterday, July 17th, 2008 at 1:15 in the afternoon. She weighed 8 pounds 15 ouches! at birth and was 21 inches long.

{ Oh no!! Where did I go? }

2008-01-03T12:36:00.001-05:00

It has been almost two months, I know. I promised a post and I never got it. I still haven't figured out why Photoshop won't work the way it use to before my computer crashed. But then again, I haven't had much time to try and figure it out. Shortly after my last post my brother-in-law came for a visit. It was his first time on the East Coast so we did a lot of site seeing in Boston and Manhattan. So needless to say I was busy.

About half way through the visit my husband and I found out I was pregnant! Yes it was planned, well pretty much. I stopped taking birth control a little over a year ago because we decided to leave it in God's hands if I was going to get pregnant and when. Right now I'm 12 weeks along.

Since we live in a one bedroom condo we are forced to move, very sad because I LOVE my home! We have rented out the condo and are in the process of finding a new place to buy. Currently we're in a hotel because our last place fell through, ugggh! No stamping stuff with me now.

So between all of this and the holidays I've been slammed. I've also been contemplating whether or not I'm going to continue my blog. With the move, the baby on the way, work and family obligations I just don't see how I can continue it at this point in time. I'm not going to take it down, since I may be able to continue sometime in the future, but for now I have to take a break, that I can pretty much guarantee will be for a long while. In the rare chance I may have some spare time I may post, but it won't be on a regular basis. So if you leave Feedblitz set up you may get a treat every now and then.

I want to thank all my loyal readers, I've had fun with this and enjoyed hearing your comments. Oh and happy stamping!

I'll leave you with the project I mentioned in my last post, as I am really proud of it... minus my water mark, guess I'll just have to take the chance since I want to leave you with something.

This coaster set was an anniversary gift for a friend I grew up with and his wife. I used cork board shelf lining paper on the back to make the rough tile easier on furniture. The hearts were done with a mask, sponge and Staz-On ink. I can't remember where the "love" stamp came from and since my stuff is packed and in storage I really can't find out.

The small lettering under the "love" image was done with one of those stamps where the individual letters roll to make a phrase or word of your choice. That was definitely the hardest part! I couldn't get it straight to match up w/the angle on the "love" image. Looking back I should have done the small lettering first since the "love" image was acrylic, but I had to do it the hard way, lol! Even with that little difficulty they were incredibly easy and I LOVE the way they turned out.

These coasters were also very inexpensive! At least if you already have the inks they are. The tiles were about a dollar a piece and the cork shelf liner was about five dollars for a roll that I understand will make about 60 coasters. Time wise I spent about an hour and most of it was on the design, I had some real duds the first few go arounds. Fortunately Staz-On cleans of very easily with cleaner from the tiles.

If you haven't tried making tile coasters yet I strongly suggest you do, they are so quick, easy and inexpensive... oh and don't forget make a wonderful personalized gift! Enjoy.

{ One Thing After Another }

2007-11-05T23:26:00.000-05:00

I decided to take a break from my housework and post some of the cards I've done this week. First I can't get a good picture. Then when I finally get something that I am happy with I go to put my watermark on them. Ummm yeah, last month my computer had a total melt down! So I had to reload Adobe. Okay no biggy.... now for the watermark, but it's missing. I can't find the file anywhere. So I try to make a new one, but for some weird reason Photoshop isn't working the same it use to. Don't know why because I never gave it any special settings or anything before my computer melt down. So, I've been doing working on this for hours and I'm tired and have to get up early tomorrow. I'm forced to give up. I'll try again tomorrow afternoon, maybe I'll have better luck then.

{ Creative Block.... Ugggh! }

2007-11-03T10:51:00.000-05:00

I've sat down to stamp dozens of times this week and all that comes out is junk! I'm so frustrated. I want to stamp so bad, but nothing and I mean nothing looks good.

{ PanAway Essential Oil }

2007-10-23T09:16:00.000-05:00

I've had a lot of questions about the oil I used for my wrist, so here's some information about it for those who are interested.

I've been using a therapeutic grade essential oil called "PanAway" produced by Young Living. It's a blend of wintergreen, helichrysum, clove and peppermint oils. I mix about 2-5 drops (depending on my pain scale) with about a dime sized amount of Vitamin E oil and rub it over my wrist and elbow. Normally all the pain goes away within a few minutes. If not I use a little more. I've never had to apply more than twice.

PanAway is $37.50 for a 5ml bottle. Young Living has V-6 oil to mix it with for $10.53 for 3.8oz. I don't use Young Livings V-6 oil though, I get a Vitamin E oil from Trader Joe's. I think it's $4 for 4oz.

One thing I do want to make clear is that what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for everyone. I would hate for anyone to go out and buy this product, have it not work then be upset with me. However, if you buy it and it works great, you are free to love me! LOL. I used the oil on my husband's back last week when he was having some pain and it worked great, but my mom used some on her neck for some pain she's had for years and it didn't help much. Essential oils work differently with different bodies. In my mom's case her neck pain was caused by stress, so she had to stop the stress problem to stop the pain. There are also other things that can cause essential oils to not work to their full potential, like using a lot of medications or consuming a lot of caffeine. My husband and I don't consume hardly any caffeine, we don't take any medications and we eat mostly organic and all natural foods so there isn't a lot of "junk" in our bodies. I'd be happy to talk more about this to anyone who is interested, just send me an e-mail.

More information on Young Living products can be found on their website.

You can't buy directly from Young Living since they are a wholesaler, so you have to find a distributor. I had trouble finding a distributor where I live so I signed up to be a distributor. You can find a distributor online or order through me if you wish using PayPal.

I'll be placing an order at the end of this month so if your interested or have any more questions send an e-mail to me at heartstampedart@yahoo.com.

{ Stampin' Again! }

2007-10-21T19:07:00.000-05:00

Good evening ladies!

Well, I'm finally stamping again... the first time in almost four months! I had some bad with drawls for a while there, but I'm doing good now.

If you don't know I had to stop stamping because of a problem with my wrist. I couldn't hold stamps, tools or other supplies with my right hand at all for a while. I also couldn't use my computer because it was too painful which is why I haven't posted much either. My doctor gave me some pain meds, but it only allowed me to use my hand for a couple hours a day which had to be used for working on the computer.

When I was in California my mom put this therapeutic grade essential oil on my wrist and all the pain went away almost immediately and stayed away for about 12 hours. I used more oil and I was completely pain free for the whole weekend. She gave me a little to take home, which I used up over the course of two weeks. I didn't have any pain for about a month after I ran out, then slowly the pain started to come back. I ordered some of the oil for myself and have been pretty much pain free since. I put the oil on every few days and have been trying to be more ergonomically correct with my computer and other things that caused pain. I haven't felt any pain at all for a few weeks now so I figure it's time to start stamping again!

This weekend I cleaned up my desk and started stamping, unfortunately for my faithful blog readers I made a gift for someone who knows about and has checked out my blog recently, so I can't post it yet. Don't worry, I'll be taking pictures and posting my project as soon as I can. Check back because it's a fun, simple project that everyone should try. In the meantime I'm sure I'll be posting some other fun new stuff... I have sooooo many stamp sets I purchased over the summer that I'm dieing to use!

If you carry a purse, read this!

2007-08-29T09:56:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I haven't stamped at all since I got back from California in July. This summer has been crazy busy! Hopefully things will be back to normal soon. In the mean time I wanted to share something important!

I caught a few minutes of a news show last night and heard about a new way thieves are stealing identities from women. Check out this video.

So lock your doors when your at the gas station!

A Little About Me

2007-07-17T07:51:00.001-05:00

I saw this on Melanie's blog and since I can't stamp right now I figured I'd post a little something this morning!

Yourself: Huh?

Your Partner: Wonderful! A true gift from God!

Your Hair: Short & LOVE it!!

Your Mother: The jury's out on that one, getting better though.

Your Father: Love him & miss him!

Your Favorite Item: I have a few things I treasure, a painting by my brother, a vase of my great grandmothers, painted plates my great grandfather gave me, a box my grandfather made that my husband has.... those kind of things.

Your Dream Last Night: Interesting! But I can't remember anymore.

Your Favorite Drink: Iced Tea all the way, that and water

Your Dream Car: I'd love another convertible

Dream Home: Out in the country

The Room You Are In: My grandpa's spare bedroom

Your Fear: Loosing my husband

Where You Want to be in Ten Years: In a bigger home, really settled down

Who You Hung Out With Last Night: My grandfather and Carmen

You’re Not: In any pain, woohoo!

One of Your Wish List Items: Some Essential Oils that made my wrist stop hurting for the first time!! Not stamps??? That's a change!

The Last Thing You Did: Checked the work e-mail, nothing, WOW!

You Are Wearing: PJ's, just woke up

Your Favorite Weather: Winter, thunderstorms, snow, cold!!

Last Thing You Ate: Mexican

Your Life: Great!

Your Mood: Content

Your Best Friend: Which one? Todd, Jill, Stephanie all wonderful and great

What Are You Thinking About Right Now: Work, uggggh... I hope it's slow today!

Your Car: Sierra 1500, my husband's truck I got it by default

What Are You Doing At The Moment: This survey then up to get ready

Relationship Status: Happily married

What Is On Your TV: Probably nothing, hubby's probably already left for work and I'm 3000 miles away. The news is on my grandpa's TV in the other room here though.

What Is The Weather Like: A little warm but not uncomfortable.

{ Tagged... }

2007-07-12T18:57:00.001-05:00

How come I always get tagged when I'm on vacation? Well technically I'm not on vacation right now, but I am out of state and I've been tagged twice since I left! One from Kathat & another from Mercy. They're both the same tag, to list 7 random facts about myself. It's going to be hard enough to come up with 7 different facts, so I'm just going to do this once for the two tags.

1. I'm an over the top perfectionist! I say it's to a fault because I get stressed out when things aren't perfect.

2. I looooooooooove macaroni & cheese! Minus the milk and use real butter, yummy! It's a guilty pleasure of mine!

3. I collect pencils. I have near 6000 of them right now and my goal is to break a world record. I now have more pencils that the current world record, but I'm waiting to get a good number more before I go for it.

4. I have declared Spring, Summer and Fall flip-flop season! I had surgery on my ankle about three years ago so I can't wear any shoes with height and I hate tennis shoes and boots, so the minute the weather is warm enough it's flip flop season!

5. I talk to my cats! Well mainly just the one, but I talk to her like she's a person.

6. My favorite place to shop is American Eagle.

7. I'm insanely clean! Except when it comes to my stamping desk the rest of my house is normally immaculate. I get stressed when it isn't!

I'm tagging Jilly Dreadful & Melanie (Batgirl)

{ Coffee Filter Book }

2007-07-12T18:08:00.000-05:00

So I promised a fun little project, so here it is! My friend, Stephanie, that I'm staying with here in California saw these at a scrap booking store a while back and we decided to give them a try. We used cone shaped coffee filters, covered them with card stock then decorated them as we liked. They are bound together with clips and there are little pull outs with more pictures and quotes inside each of the coffee filters. A little time consuming, but a lot of fun!

The finished book is 14 pages front and back. I only took a few pictures of my favorites.

I made the album for my mom and dad. Their 25th wedding anniversary was two years ago. I had made a cute little album for them which got ruined when I moved. So I figured this was a good way to redo it.

{ Monkey Invites }

2007-07-12T17:46:00.000-05:00

When I was a teenager I had a few pen pals, around 20 I think. One, Rheanna, I met through a homeschooling magazine and years later we ended up meeting each other by chance at the home school convention. Of all my pen pals Rheanna is the the only one I kept in touch with through the years. We've kept in contact through e-mail, myspace and instant messaging and we both went to each others weddings. She just has a baby last August and asked me to make the invitations for baby Brian's first birthday. This is what I came up with.

First I stamped the images on the background in different colors then I ran them through my Cuttlebug with the Happy Birthday embossing folder. The card opens up by un-tieing the ribbon. The heart and "1" were both made with my Cricut.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU Monkey Business
Paper: SU Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, So Saffron
Ink: SU Always Artichoke, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: SU Ribbon
Other: Provocraft Cricut & Cuttlebug; SU Pastels
Techniques: Rock & Roll

{ Something Fun in the Works! }

2007-07-11T00:13:00.000-05:00

I've have been busy stamping the last few days but I don't have much to show yet. I'm actually working on a scrapbooking project and I don't want to share it until it's done. Right now it's pretty slow going since I don't have full use of my right hand, which by the way is actually getting worst! It is extremely hard to type too, so I'm going to keep this short. But check back, I should have something fun posted in the next couple days!

{ Update }

2007-07-02T14:27:00.000-05:00

Well I got a hold of the Doctor and they said they could see me today if I was there in fifteen minutes. Good grief! Obviously I went. I found out the problem is not actually with my wrist, but with my Ulnar nerve (aka Funny Bone) in my elbow. Or so that is what the Doctor is speculating at this point. I have to have an x-ray done to rule out anything else and was given some pain killers. I was also told to relax it for a while. Kind of good timing since I am going out of the state on Friday. I have a lot to do the next few days so not being able to stamp will actually be a good thing, no distractions! I should be doing a lot of stamping while I'm gone, maybe even some of my first ever scrapbook pages! We'll see how it goes.

{ I Think I'm Going to Cry! }

2007-07-02T07:45:00.000-05:00

My right wrist hurts!

It has been bugging me for about a month, at least at the end of the day it does. When it starts to hurt I stop working on the computer and stamping, the two things that aggravate it. I put a brace on and wait till the next day to continue. But yesterday it started hurting around 10am and just got worst all day! That would be why you haven't seen anything new from me this weekend. By the end of the day it hurt so bad I had to take a Vicodin that was prescribed for something else. I couldn't sleep otherwise. Today I woke up and the pain is gone, but it is stiff and feels very uncomfortable. I'll be calling the Dr. as soon as the office opens.

If you don't see anything new work from me for a few while that is why. I can't stamp right now, I want to cry!

{ Waiting on Mr. Brown }

2007-06-28T18:18:00.000-05:00

I spent today stamping, while I waited for UPS to get here. I live in a condo complex where pretty much everyone works during the day so UPS never comes before 6pm. Frustrating when I know a delivery is coming. I've probably had 30 or so deliveries from UPS since I've lived here and only once did they come before 6pm... that was the one time I went out for 15 minutes. Yes, I came home and there was a tag on my door! So today, being anxious for a SU delivery I didn't dare leave the house. I stamped instead, so I'm not complaining. They finally showed up at 7:25pm, about two minutes after finishing my last card, so at least it was good timing. If they showed up before I finished I probably would have set the card aside and forgot about it being I wasn't really loving this card too much.

There really isn't much too this card. I stamped the flower first then masked it off and stamped all the doodles, which I then water colored. Actually I used rubbing alcohol, so alcohol colored! LOL. The ribbon was plain black organdy ribbon. I cut to a point on one end. I then held about three of the fibers in the middle tightly and pulled the edges slowly until it curled up to my liking. That's pretty much it. Let me know what you think.

Oh and this was for today's SCS challenge, using scallops.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU Pick A Petal, Lexicon of Love, Doodle This
Paper: SU Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi, Very Vanilla
Ink: SU Purely Pomegranate, Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi; Versafine Onyx Black
Embellishments: SU Hodgepodge Hardware, Ribbon
Other: SU Ticket Punch; Marvy Scallop Punches
Techniques: Water coloring (with Alcohol), Masking, Sponging, Rock & Roll

{ Three More }

2007-06-28T14:50:00.000-05:00

So I had to make some more of these cute cards.... here are three more I just finished.

Supplies:
Stamps: Studio G Rubber & Acrylic $1 Stamps
Paper: SU Whisper White, So Saffron, Purely Pomegranate, Bleu Bayou
Ink: VersaFine Onyx Black
Embellishments: SU Ribbon; Hemp
Other: Pop Dots; Prismacolor Pencils; Odorless Mineral Spirits; Ranger Stickles

{ Dollar Stamp Fun! }

2007-06-28T12:38:00.001-05:00

I've always loved Julie Ebersole's (JulieHRR) simple cards, but I've never been able to create something so simple and beautiful as hers. Last night I was looking at Melanie's blog, at these really cute little one 1x1 cards. It gave me a great idea. So I sat down at my stampin' desk and made one of these card (big flower). I absolutely loved it! So I made another (bubble bath). I absolutely love it, so again I made another (cherries)... until I had all six made. I have no reason for these. I ended up with six really cute cards with nothing to do with them!

All of the stamps, except the stick figure stamp, are dollar stamps. I finally put them to good use! I collect and collect and collect, but hardly ever use them. So I think I'll have to make some more sets like this! All the coloring was done with Prismacolor pencils and I added just a touch of Stickles to each card. The ribbon and hemp was an idea I got from a card made by corrinesumerville, a card I also CASED a few days ago.

So here they are, a cute little gift set. I would have finished them and posted them last night. But my husband was tired, and my stamping desk unfortunately is my bedroom so my stamping time was cut short yesterday! Hope you like.

Supplies:
Stamps: Studio G Rubber & Acrylic $1 Stamps; Rubber Soul Stick Love
Paper: SU Whisper White, So Saffron, Purely Pomegranate, Bleu Bayou, Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky
Ink: VersaFine Black
Embellishments: SU Ribbon; Hemp
Other: Pop Dots; Prismacolor Pencils; Odorless Mineral Spirits; Ranger Stickles

{ Paisley Thank You }

2007-06-27T14:30:00.000-05:00

Just a little something I threw together. The paisley took forever! All those little cute, uggggh.

I used a brayer to add a little ink to the cocoa layer. Both the Soft Sky layers are popped up with pop dots. Other than that, it's all pretty self explanatory and I gotta run so this post is short and simple. If you have an questions leave me a comment.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU Terrific Tags
Paper: SU Bleu Bayou, Pretty in Pink, Soft Sky, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla
Ink: SU Bleu Bayou, Close to Cocoa, Soft Sky
Embellishments: SU Small Tag Punch; MM Mini Snaps; Misc Rhinestones, Ribbon
Other: Pop Dots; Provocraft Cuttlebug & Paisley Die; Sizzex Embossing plate
Techniques: Sponging

{ From the Heart }

2007-06-27T11:16:00.000-05:00

I saw a gorgeous card on SCS by corrinesumerville which I just had to CASE. I don't do that very often, but I just loved her card! Is it a CASE when you copy it but change it up like I did? Or is that when your inspired by something? I don't know! LOL. Anyway, check out her card, it's just lovely!

For the base of the card I inked up my Linen stamp then kissed the flower from Pick A Petal. I did this multiple times to create the background. After that I sponged the edge with a little ink. I used my Linen stamp on the pink layer before I distressed it.

The flower on the top was cut out with a punch. I stamped the my Linen background on it as well and sponged the edges. I used my paper piercing tool to bend all the petals a little then used Basic Gray Precision files to sand distress the edges. Everything else is pretty self-explanatory.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU Pick A Petal, Linen
Paper: SU Bleu Bayou, Pretty In Pink
Ink: SU Bleu Bayou, Soft Sky
Embellishments: SU Ribbon; Misc Rhinestone Brad, Hemp
Other: EK Success Flower Punch; Basic Gray Precision File Set; MM Ribbon Punch, Paper Piercing Tool
Techniques: Kissing, Distressing

{ Happy Birthday Jilly! }

2007-06-26T15:38:00.000-05:00

My best friend that I pretty much grew up with is having a birthday next month. I'm going to be out of the state so I have to get this in the mail early.

Can I say I just LOVE these new colors! I especially love Bleu Bayou, Groovy Guava and Purely Pomegranate. Last year I didn't really like SU's In Colors. I might have liked them more if I had bought them and had some time to play. I didn't start stamping until around November of last year and I didn't want to buy them just to have them retire in a few months. Last night when I was at M's I found this beautiful ribbon. I actually put it back because it didn't match SU's colors. Since most of my card stock is from SU I try not to waste money on embellishments that I won't use because they don't match. After I walked away from the ribbon bin I realized that the color actually matched Groovy Guava so I grabbed it up quick! Now that I've actually seen the two together and how much they really do match I think I'm going to have to get some more!

If you click on the picture you can see a blown up version of this with much more detail. I used my Linen stamp on the Soft Sky layer which you can't see here. For the top layer I stamped the Guava flowers first. I then use my linen stamp again, after stamping off most the ink a couple times I stamped it over the flowers. After the I stamped the large flower with Blue Bayou ink, again after stamping off most the ink.

The scallops were done with my slit punch, oh how I love that!! I used two different sized circle punches to cut out the Riveting image which I secured with pop dots after I tied a ribbon through it.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU Office Accouterment, Riveting, Linen
Ink: SU Groovy Guava, Bleu Bayou, Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip
Paper: SU Groovy Guava, Bleu Bayou, Soft Sky, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: MM Mini Brads; Misc Ribbon
Other: SU Ticket Punch, Slit Punch, Mat Pack; EK Success Circle Punches; Misc Pop Dots
Techniques: Paper Piercing

{ My Wonderful Hubby & I }

2007-06-26T12:04:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend my husband, brother-in-law and I went to my aunt and uncle's house for a day in the pool and a bbq. I took this picture of my husband and I while we were there. I really like it so I thought I'd share.

{ I'm Dreaming of Stamping }

2007-06-26T11:32:00.000-05:00

One of my good friends is having a wedding anniversary later this week. I should have had this in the mail already, but well... I'm a little late. I got the idea for this card while I was sleeping. Yeah I'm serious. Let me just say I have bizarre dreams! It started off as a weird Dream involving Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, LOL. Then it ended with me making a card, just like this one. Hmmmm... is that a sign I need to make it?

I stamped the first layer with StazOn Jet black ink by masking off the centers and coloring them with all gray tones of Prismacolor pencils then using mineral spirits to blend them. I Did the same thing with the main flower except I used bright colors instead of grays. I dotted the scallops with an oil paint pen and added rhinestones to the corners and a beautiful rhinestone brad I found at Joann's yesterday on clearance, 12 for 97c.

I actually started this card two days ago but since I've been so busy I haven't been able to finish it until today. Hope you like!

Supplies:
Stamps: SU Pick a Petal, Birthday & Wishes
Ink: StazOn Jet Black
Paper: SU Basic Black, Whisper White, Purely Pomegranate, Going Gray
Embellishments: Misc Rhinestones, Crystal Brad, Ribbon
Other: Prismacolor Pencils; Pop Dots; Zig Oil Paint Pen; Odorless Mineral Spirits

{ Missing You }

2007-06-23T16:27:00.000-05:00

I don't really know what to think about this one. I started it yesterday and just finished it. Not that I was doing other things, but I was just staring at it a lot not knowing what to do. I think a lot of it was because I've been in a water coloring and pencil coloring mood lately and there wasn't really any of that here. I did color in a couple flowers with alcohol and ink, but it definitely wasn't like what I have been doing lately. I also had a heck of a time adding some kind of sentiment. Nothing looked right. I finally settled on the small "missing you." Maybe it's just because I've been looking at this card negatively for two days.... but for now I'm just not too into it!

Supplies:
Stamps: SU Fancy Flexible Phrases; Magenta Flower Image
Paper: SU Groovy Guava, Cool Sky; K & Co Happy Endings
Ink: SU Groovy Guava; StazOn Timber Brown
Embellishments: SU Ribbon
Other: SU Corner Ticket Punch, Small Oval Punch; Aqua Painter w/Alcohol, Pop Dots
Techniques: Water coloring, Sponging

{ Still Having Fun! }

2007-06-21T21:03:00.000-05:00

Have I mentioned how much I love my new toys! Pick a Petal is such a fun set. This is my second card using it. I'm also still stuck on using my fairly new Prismacolor pencils, they're pretty awesome too! IMO they are both must haves!

The background was done using StazOn Timber Brown ink by masking off the center of the flower and stamping the petals. I then masked off the petals and stamped the doodles, all of which I colored in with Prismacolor pencils and used odorless mineral spirits to blend them. The edges are sponged with So Saffron and Close to Cocoa ink.

For the sentiment layer I used Close to Cocoa ink and stamped off the first image on scratch paper to achieve a watermark like image. I also masked off the center of the flower for this one. I used pastels to lightly color in the petals. I then stamped the sentiment over the watermark like image and punched it out using a mega circle punch.

I used my SU Chocolate Chip marker to doodle the edges of both the Saffron layers. The top Saffron layer is raised using pop dots for some dimension. While this card was very time consuming, it was still a lot of fun! In the words of my wonderful husband, the card is, "freakin' awesome!" LOL! I don't necessarily think that, but I am happy with the finished product.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU Doodle This, Pick A Petal, Happy Everything
Paper: SU Purely Pomegranate, So Saffron, Whisper White
Ink: SU Purely Pomegranate, Close to Cocoa, So Saffron; StazOn Timber Brown
Embellishments: SU Ribbon
Other: Prismacolor Pencils & Odorless Mineral Spirits; Pop Dots; SU Pastels, Write Marker; Round Corner Punch
Techniques: Masking, Sponging

{ I Love My New Toys! }

2007-06-21T14:12:00.000-05:00

Oh how do I love the new stuff that came in the mail from Stampin' Up! last night! Amongst some other stuff I got all the new In Color and I gotta say, they are so much more beautiful IRL! I also got Pick A Petal and Happy Everything, two sets I've been dieing to have! So here is my first card with the new toys! It's for today's SCS challenge to make a square card.

This card looks complex, but it's not. More than anything it was a bit time consuming. For the petals that are stamped on the Vanilla card stock I used the rock and roll technique. The Guava petals are just plain two step stamping and the top petals I used the emerging color technique and two step stamping. The two layers of petals where adhered with crystal effects on the point under the center and the ends were adhered with pop dots to give some dimension. I think I used four of the six different petals to make the flower... what a great way to show off this set huh?! The edges of the Vanilla layer are sponged with Guava and Bleu ink. Other than that it's just a bunch of layers. Hope you like.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU Pick A Petal, Happy Everything
Ink: SU Groovy Guava, Soft Sky, Purely Pomegranate, Bleu Bayou; StazOn Timber Brown
Paper: SU Groovy Guava, Soft Sky, Purely Pomegranate, Bleu Bayou, Very Vanilla
Other: Pop Dots; Ranger Clear Fine EP; Versamark; Crystal Effects
Techniques; Sponging, Emerging Color, Rock & Roll

{ Bunches and Bunches of Blossoms }

2007-06-19T19:31:00.001-05:00

Well... I felt like doing a challenge today. The SCS challenge today is a color challenge. Real Red, Creamy Caramel and Barely Banana. I can defiantly say these aren't my favorite colors! Actually these are probably some of my least favorite and least used colors. Real Red is to bright (I'm not a Bold Brights fan). I normally go for a deeper brown than Creamy Caramel. I just like So Saffron so much better than Barely Banana, that is what gets picked when I want a lighter yellow. So today's challenge was perfect for me.... to use three infrequently used colors.

For the base of the card I used Creamy Caramel, yes that is the original color of the cardstock! I stamped it with my Linen stamp and sponged the edges. The Real Red layer also is sponged with a couple different inks to darken it more to my liking.

All the flowers are die cuts. Some are Cuttlebug and some are Sizzex. I just cut out a bunch of flowers in each of the colors with each of the three dies I was using then played around with different flower combinations. All the layers of the flowers are sponged with Close to Cocoa ink and Barely Banana ink. I used different brads and a large rhinestone for the centers. Some of the flowers have pop dots between the layers or under them to give some nice dimension.

The "Thinking of You" sentiment is stamped on vellum with StazOn Timber Brown ink.

Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to mail this! I'll probably have to send it in a box so not to ruin the flowers. Oh boy, this will be fun! LOL

Supplies:
Stamps: SU Warmest Regards, Linen
Paper: SU Creamy Caramel, Real Red, Barely Banana; Basic Gray Phoebe DP; Vellum
Ink: SU Creamy Caramel, Real Red, Barely Banana, Close to Cocoa; StazOn Timber Brown
Embellishments: Misc Brads, Rhinestone
Other: Provocraft Cuttlebug Flowers Dies; Sizzex Flower Die; Pop Dots, Sponge
Techniques: Sponging

{ Doodled Thank You }

2007-06-19T12:31:00.001-05:00

I needed a special thank you for some friends. Normally I just open my box of cards and find something, but nothing I had on hand seemed good enough! So I spent the morning stamping, something I rarely do! Normally I don't stamp till the afternoon after all the errands and chores are done. So I guess you could say I called in sick to work today!

When I first saw the 2007 SU Spring Mini I had to have this designer paper... have I used it yet? Once on two cards I made the day I got it and all it has done since then is sit in a file folder. I have seen some beautiful card where people used a brayer to cover the vanilla in other colors of ink. I did that here with So Saffron ink.

The main image was stamped with StazOn Timber Brown ink. I masked off the flower and stamped the swirls behind it. I used Prismacolor pencils and mineral spirits to color in the image. I'm having so much fun with that as you can tell since I use them on most my cards right now!

The edges of all the layer are sponged with Chocolate Chip ink. The top layer is also sponged with So Saffron and Gable Green ink as well.

I popped the main image and all it's layers up with dimensionals. It is hard to tell from the picture, but there is ivory organdy ribbon ran straight across the card with no tie under the grosgrain ribbon.

Well I hope they like it! Now I have to get to work and get this house in order! My youngest brother in law is staying with us for a month this summer. As you can imagine our lives and house are a bit messy with a 17 year old boy sleeping on our couch! So I have to go get things in order. Hopefully I'll have some time to stamp some more later on tonight because I'm really in the mood!

Supplies:
Stamps: SU Doodle This, Warmest Regards
Paper: SU Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Au Chocolat DP
Ink: SU So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Gable Green; StazOn Timber Brown
Embellishments: SU Ribbon
Other: SU Ticket Punch; Prismacolor Pencils, Odorless Mineral Spirits, Brayer
Techniques: Sponging, Masking

{ Jillian & I }

2007-06-17T19:39:00.001-05:00

I guess I'm having a creative block today on cards. I've been stamping for six hours and pretty much everything I've done ended up in the trash. So I decided to try something other than cards.

I bought this frame from Michael's a few weeks ago. I took it completely apart by unscrewing all the hardware attaching the chains to the frames. I took some beautiful Basic Gray paper I've been hoarding and traced the flowers onto it. After I cut them out I adhered them to the frames then used a sanding block to sand all the edges.

After I put the frames back together I put rhinestones around the edges of the top and bottom frames and attached a bow to the middle, all using Crystal Effects so I don't have to worry about them falling off.

While a bit time consuming this project was extremely easy! The hardest part picking out the pictures to put inside it! I ended up deciding on using pictures of a friend and I that I have known for around 16 years. We were best friends as we grew up together and have remained very close, even though we have lived 3000 miles apart for the past six or so years. The first picture was taken when we were roommates. The second one was at her wedding and the third was in Vegas.

Supplies:
Frame: Provocraft
Paper: Basic Gray
Embellishments: SU Ribbon; Rhinestones
Other: Crystal Effects

{ Grateful Doodles }

2007-06-17T16:12:00.000-05:00

My husband's younger brother is staying with us for a month, this morning he says he wants to go to a museum today. What was my response, "why don't you two go, I want to stamp today." LOL! Ends up we couldn't find anything he wanted to go see that was open so they went fishing and I stayed home and stamped. Scratch that... I went craft store hoping, then came home and stamped. I read a tip somewhere that odorless mineral spirits work great with Prismacolors. So I got a bottle of that and another aqua painter. AC Moore was also having a sale on stamps, so I picked up a couple of those too.

I didn't get to play with my new stamps on this one, but I did play with the mineral spirits and Prismacolor pencils. I tried using the aqua painter, but that didn't work too well. To much liquid came out to quickly. So I resorted to dipping a paint brush in a cup. None the less I love the way the coloring turned out using this method, I used it on all the coloring for this card.

The edges of the base and the top layer were sponged with multiple colors of ink, SU Brocade Blue, Ballet Blue, Going Gray and StazOn Jet Black. The "grateful" image was stamped with StazOn ink.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU Doodle This
Paper: SU Whisper White, Ballet Blue, Vellum
Ink: SU Brocade Blue, Ballet Blue, Going Gray; StazOn Jet Black
Other: Prismacolor Pencils; Odorless Mineral Spirits; Round Corner Punch
Techniques: Sponging

{ Karen L. Come On Down! }

2007-06-16T21:21:00.000-05:00

So today is the big day.... the winner of some yummy blog candy, as you can tell by the title is Karen L (KayellWY)! You can send me an e-mail with your address and I'll ship it you right away. Congrats! Hope you enjoy.

{ Thanks }

2007-06-13T18:08:00.000-05:00

I sat down today to stamp and I drew a complete blank! All I knew is that I wanted to use my new Prismacolor pencils again. So I jumped on SCS to see what the challenge was. Wednesday is sketch challenge day, I've never done one of those before so figured it was a great time to play.

I pulled out a Basic Grey pad I've never touched before and selected two sheets of designer paper. The crossed layer and the pink layer just below the top layer with flowers. Originally I put it together as is on a white card base, but I wasn't happy with the overall look. So i took it apart and played around. First I used my SU Linen stamp with Close to Cocoa ink. Then I sponged on pink chalk ink. I used a blue chalk ink and directly wiped it down the length of the card and again sponged it, this time with dark pink chalk ink. I'm really happy with the way it turned out, matches very nicely!

I stamped the flowers with StazOn ink and masking. The "Thanks" was cut out of chipboard with my Cuttlebug. The tag was made with my Cricut and the Tags, Bags, Boxes and More cartridge. I used Crystal Effects to attach it. Of course all the coloring on the top layer was done with Prismacolor pencils, I sure do love them!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Autumn Leaves Flowers, Flourishes
Paper: SU Whisper White, Close to Cocoa; Basic Grey Phoebe designer paper
Ink: StazOn Timber Brown, Colorbox Chalk inks Ice Blue, Warm Red, Rouge
Embellishments: Ribbon
Other: Provocraft, Cuttlebug & Olivia Die, Cricut & Tags, Bags, Boxes & More cartridge; Prismacolor Pencils; SU Write Marker

{ Look What I Did! }

2007-06-12T15:24:00.000-05:00

I installed this! Well kind of, my husband and I did this on Sunday. He worked over the weekend so he could take Wednesday and Thursday off since is brother is coming into town tomorrow morning. So I figured if he was going to work on his off day I would tag along. I've done this two other times and I actually enjoy doing it every once in a while.

The bad part... when we arrived one of the boxes of syrup had broken the prior and the crew couldn't be bothered to clean it up. So I had to start they day by cleaning it up. The picture only shows about half of the mess. Took me about an hour and a half to clean the floor and everything that was sitting in the syrup.

I almost had to get on top of the cooler to do something, but after we saw how much crawl space there was my husband decided to do it! Thank goodness because I would not have been happy if I had to crawl 15 feet on my stomach in a hot crawl space!

It took us all day to complete the job, but it was fun! I got to work in the backroom so I was able to listen to music without bothering the customers or crew so the time flew by. The only real downside? My hands still hurt from using the crimping tool. Yeah not as nice on your hands as our paper crafting crimpers are!

Yup... that's us!

{ Monica & Bree }

2007-06-09T22:09:00.000-05:00

I have a confession to make. I'm a perfectionist (sometimes to a fault) and a compulsive cleaner and organizer. If my house isn't perfect I go crazy, seriously. I get stressed out and can't think, or sleep. Bad huh? I've been called Monica (from Friends). I always thought I was like her, until Bree came along. Yeah I can be that bad! At least when it comes to things being clean and organized.
So today I sat down to stamp and I couldn't find a set I was looking for, I have around 200 so they get lost easy! I got frustrated and look what I did. I also mounted quite a few sets. Yes I stamped a box index for every SU set I own! It took me all day. But I still had time to stamp a few cards.

I just got some new Prismacolor pencils the other day and I had to try them out to see if they are as good as everyone says they are.... and let me say, THEY ARE! I don't know how long I stamped with out them.
This card was very easy, just time consuming due to the coloring. I stamped all the images with StazOn then colored them with, of course, Prismacolor pencils.

All stamps are SU, Doodle This, Doodle That, Doodle Alpha. The ink is StazOn Jet Black. Other supplies used were Prismacolor Pencils and Ranger Stickles. The ribbon is from SU.

I had a little fun with this one. It was done with some acrylic stamps I picked up at AC Moore a while back. I don't know who makes them unfortunately since I threw away the packaging. I'll have to check next time I'm at AC Moore. I covered the larger fishes with Crystal Effects. I used Stickles on the bubbles for a little extra sparkle. The front of the card is cut and the blue sponging is on the inside.

Stamps and paper are unknown. All ink is Color Box chalk ink, Bisque, Lipstick Red, Pink Pastel, Aquamarine, Lime Pastel, Orchid Pastel, Creamy Brown. Ranger Stickles.

Okay, this is the last one of the night. All the presents are glitter windows. I used different square punches to make the windows. I taped small strips of paper for the ribbon then applied packing tape and sprinkled on the glitter. The bows were done with markers using a present image from SU Let's Party. I used the same ink for the swirls one the bottom of the card as I did on the top, but I stamped off a little ink for the top half. I sponged Close to Cocoa ink around the edge of both layers of cardstock and a lot of So Saffron on the top layer.

All stamps are SU, All Year Cheer II, Let's Party, Background Basics. SU Close to Cocoa, So Saffron and Craft Taken with Teal inks were used as well as Write Markers. Paper is also all SU, Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa, So Saffron, Taken with Teal and Rose Red. The Eyelets are Making Memories. I also used fine glitter and packing tape.

{ No SCS }

2007-06-09T11:14:00.000-05:00

I hate when SCS goes down!

{ Stampin' Tip: The StazOn Cover that StazOn! }

2007-06-09T10:45:00.000-05:00

Here is a great little tip I learned at the show to help prevent loosing those pesky little protective covers from your StazOn ink pads.

~Open up your ink pad and put two thick pop dots/dimensionals of some sort on the cover like pictured.
~Close the lid and lightly squeeze the center.
~Open back up and the protective lid is secured in place so you don't ever loose it!

Tip: Make sure to use pop dots/dimensionals that are thick so the lid sits directly on the ink pad and not above it.

{ Floral Garden }

2007-06-08T18:02:00.000-05:00

There was a second stamp I was dieing to get at the show last weekend. Very similar to the the other image, but I guess I just couldn't live with out it! LOL.

Other than inking up the image this card was extremely quick and simple. I used Color Box Chalk inks to color the image. I have the cats eye spots so it's really easy to color the image as you would using markers. I sponged the edge of the top layer with a little So Saffron ink and after I taped it down I used Mellow Moss and sponged both layers. I don't have any plans for this card yet, so hopefully it will get used one day!

Supplies:
Stamps: Endless Creations Floral Garden; Stampendous TLC Blessing
Paper: SU Mellow Moss; Misc other
Ink: Color Box Chalk Inks, Pink Pastel, Orchid Pastel, Olive Pastel, Bisque
Embellishments: SU Ribbon
Other: Corner Punch, Sponges
Techniques: Sponging

{ Blog Candy! }

2007-06-08T14:35:00.000-05:00

Well this is something long overdue! So I went big! No real reason lets just say it's because I love my readers! So leave a comment on my blog somewhere and I'll put you in a drawing to be held 6/16/07. I'd love to hear about things you'd like to see on my blog!

Lots of fun goodies here!
-5 different Studio G Acrylic Stamp Sets (aka $1 stamps!)
-5 different sets of EK Success stickers
-3 spools of ribbon
-7 balls of fiber... don't be fooled by their small size, they are 5 yards each!
-1 sheet of beautiful die cuts

{ Weed Patch }

2007-06-08T12:47:00.000-05:00

When I went to the Heirloom Stamp Show I decided to check out all the vendors first and write down everything I saw and wanted so I could decide at the end of the show what I had to have! If I didn't do that I could have easily spent thousands of dollars! For the most part I was more into getting tools and learning new techniques. I wasn't too interest in stamps. Mainly because they are so easy to find online. Where as shopping online shows you tools but you don't get to see them in action! However, the second I saw this stamp I knew I had to have it! But I was good. I wrote it down on my list and of course it was the first thing I went back for... and guess what happened, they were sold out! I was so bummed out! I was about to find out how to order one when one of the ladies happened to find one more. Talk about excited! I also picked up a grab back of unmounted stamps for $5 out of a big basket. I wanted the one on top that says "Hand Stamped, because e-mail just isn't good enough!" That stamp was well worth the $5. I ended up with about 15 really great stamps! There were a couple duplicates (size differance) which I didn't want so I sent a few to my stampin' buddy out in California. Probably the best deal I got that day!

The background was incredibly simple, something I saw at the show. You wad up a wet baby wipe and apply a few stripes of ink from your reinkers. Then just rub it over your glossy paper. Nice and easy huh? The weed patch image was stamped over the background with basic black craft ink. Make a few layers, add some ribbon and wala! A beautiful card is born!

Supplies:
Stamps: Endless Creations Weed Patch
Paper: SU Mellow Moss, Basic Black; Kodak Glossy Paper
Ink: SU Brocade Blue, Regal Rose, Mellow Moss Reinkers, Craft Basic Black
Embellishements: SU Ribbon; Misc Ribbon
Other: Baby Wipes

{ Fishing At Dusk }

2007-06-07T21:25:00.000-05:00

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Well had to make my father-in-law a nice card, especially considering everything that has happened the last couple months! He loves to fish so I pulled out my Angler set. I bought this set basically for cards for him, my husband and brother-in-laws so it was the perfect choice.

The first thing I did was make the fish medallion. I started off by using my Cuttlebug to make the circle shape with the holes on the edge. I then stamped the fish and used my SU WWCs with Future Floor Finish in my aqua pen. I love the look I achieve with it! I sponged a little Chocolate chip ink on the circle before water coloring the water. I think that helped to make the water look more realistic. Once I was done coloring it I taped it onto the die (face touching the die) and put it on some chipboard and ran it through my Cuttlebug again. I must say I LOVE how it turned out! I ran to the kitchen to show my husband and he loved it too! Once I was done getting a bunch of praise from my wonderful husband I went back and wove the hemp through it.

I then stamped the boat image and colored it in using the same method as the fish. I matted that to a piece of Chocolate Chip card stock which I stamped with my SU Canvas BG, distressed the edges and wadded up into a ball a few times. That was fun!

The fish medallion is popped up with dimensionals. The sign and rod are attached with Crystal Effects, oh boy I hope they don't come off in the mail! All the rest is pretty self explanatory. Hope you like!

Oh yeah and this is for the SCS challenge today to use chipboard.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU Canvas, Angler, All Year Cheer II
Paper: SU Always Artichoke, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Very Vanilla
Ink: SU Chocolate Chip, Craft Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke
Embellishments: SU Eyelets; Misc Hemp, Charms
Other: SU Crystal Effects, Watercolor Wonder Crayons; Provocraft Cuttlebug & Olivia Alphabet, Misc Future Floor Finish
Techniques: Water coloring, Distressing

{ Father's Day... I Know I'm Late! }

2007-06-07T18:19:00.000-05:00

All images Copyright Stampin' Up!

Can you believe I forgot about father's day? I forgot about Easter too. Really out of the loop huh?

I always have a hard time with masculine cards so this card was definitely a challenge. It started off looking to childish, but I'm happy with the way it turned out! First I sponged the the edge of the base card with a bit of Brocade Blue ink then I sponged the entire face of it with Chocolate Chip ink. After I cut the Close to Cocoa layer I stamped a bunch of baseball images. I masked them off then sponged Chocolate Chip ink over the entire top, thicker on the edges as you can see. I used my WWCs with Future Floor Finish to lightly color in the images with a matte finish. Oh yeah! I forgot to mention! Last weekend I went to the Heirloom Rubber Stamp & Paper Art Festival.

My husband was wonderful enough to take me since I don't have any stamping friends out here yet. I got so many fun new toys and learned some great new techniques. That's part of the reason I haven't posted anything recently. I've been playing a lot with the techniques I learned. Me being the perfectionist I am can't post the "junk" I've come up with so far! Anyway, I'm sure you'll see some fun new stuff I learned there and see some of the great new stamps and products I got in the near future! At one booth a lady was teaching the use of Lyra watercolor crayons (for those that don't know Lyra makes SU's WWCs). I had to see what she was doing of course! One of the things she showed was water coloring with Future Floor Finish. Just like you would watercolor with an aqua painter use Future Floor Finish. It's awesome! The finished product is more of a matte finish and it doesn't soak into the paper. It's also much easier to get the color much darker! Anyway, it's hard to tell that I even water colored on this card, but I did and that's how I did it.

The ball was made with a Marvy Giga Circle Punch. First I stamped the "So Very" & "loved" images, then I punched it out, drew the markers and sponged the edges. The ball is popped up with dimensionals. Last but not least I added the ribbon and charms. Oh almost forgot, if you look very closely at the bottom edge I used white craft ink and a dashed blade to create a faux stitched look in about 5 seconds! Hope you like... I'm sure my dad will as he's a big baseball fan!

Recipe:
Stamps: SU So Very and Sporting Goods
Paper: Brocade Blue, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White
Ink: SU Chocolate Chip, Brocade Blue, Craft Chocolate Chip, Craft Real Red, Craft Whisper White
Embellishments: SU Ribbon; Misc Baseball Charms
Other: SU Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Dimensionals; Marvy Giga Circle Punch; Future Floor Finish; Misc Sponges

{ Scarlett Gift Set }

2007-05-28T18:02:00.000-05:00

I was so excited when I walked into AC Moore the other day and found out they are going to carry the entire Basic Gray line! I love their designer paper! Since they were all on sale for 40% off I had to grab a few sheets to play with.

I've been wanting to make a set of cards for a long time friend for quite a while now but I haven't had much inspiration to do so. When I saw this paper I was instantly inspired. All the cards were pretty easy, no special techniques or anything here. Just a little heat embossing and a lot of die cuts. I put a layer of vanilla cardstock on the inside stamped with a single flower since you can't write on black nicely. Enjoy!

Recipe:
Stamps: Autumn Leaves Flowers, Swirls
Paper: SU Basic Black, Very Vanilla; Basic Gray Scarlett's Letter
Ink: SU Craft Basic Black, Going Gray
Embellishments: Misc Ribbon, Brads, Eyelets
Other: Stickles; Cuttlebug & Dies; EK Success Flower Punch, Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch; SU Ticket Punch
Techniques: Heat Embossing; Masking

{ Monkey Birthday }

2007-05-28T17:51:00.000-05:00

All Images Copyright Stampin' Up!

Earlier this week I made some invitations for a birthday party my friend is throwing for her one year old. One of the nicknames they have for her baby is "Monkey." So we decided to go with a monkey theme. I had a few sheets of the stamped background left over so I figured I should put it to good use. I'll post the invitations later when they are all done, but for now you can enjoy the birthday card I made with the scraps.

Recipe:

Stamps: SU Monkey Business

Paper: SU Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie

Ink: SU Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron

Embellishments: Misc Ribbon, Eyelets

Other: Cuttlebug & Embossing Folder; EK Success Scallop Oval Punches; Stickles; SU Ticket Punch, Pastels

Techniques: CB Dry Embossing, Sponging

{ Hot Potato, Hot Potato... }

2007-05-23T06:37:00.000-05:00

I just got a tasty little treat in the mail! Oh boy was it yummy! Thanks Melanie (aka Batgirl). See what all the fun is about!

Perfect timing too. I just got my stamping space cleaned up since the trip and I'm ready to go! I might just have some fun stuff to post later today!

Off to care for the little spuds!

{ We're Home }

2007-05-07T19:51:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update.

My husband and I finally got home early Sunday morning after a three week trip to California. Sadly my Mother-In-Law passed away two weeks ago. Considering all that is going on everyone is doing okay right now. The worst I think will be his little brother who doesn't really understand what has happened yet. Thank you all so much for your prayers during this time... as strange as it may sound there has been peace and comfort to the believers in the family.

I've been busy today trying to clean up three weeks of cat hair! I think a combination of cat stress, shedding season and the fact that I haven't vacuumed or dusted in three weeks are all to blame. I've never seen so much cat hair in my house! I still have a bunch of stuff to unpack and I go back to work tomorrow, well not "go back" as I work from home, but I have to resume my normal responsibilities starting tomorrow. My Uncle was kind enough to give me today off to try and get the house in order even though they leave in two days for vacation.

I probably won't get to stamp too much this week since I still have a bunch of things to get settled now that I'm home. I'm also in the mood to paint and I have lots of painting around the house to do so I think I'm going to take advantage of that while I can. I'm sure I'll be back to my normal routine by next week though.

Thanks again for all your support and prayers!

{ Update }

2007-04-17T00:03:00.000-05:00

Things aren't looking so good right now. I want to thank everyone who has messaged, called & has sent me text messages for support. I really appreciate it. I don't feel comfortable right now posting any specifics. I just ask that for your continued prayers for my mother in law and especially for the family. She has three sons (28, 25 & 17), her husband and mother who are really having a hard time right now. Thanks again.

{ Going to California }

2007-04-14T15:48:00.000-05:00

We're flying out to California tomorrow morning. I probably won't be around for a while. Thanks for all your prayers. Off to pack and prepare the house to leave for who knows how long.

{ Prayer Request }

2007-04-14T09:30:00.000-05:00

My father-in-law went to bed last night just in time to hear my mother-in-law gasp a few times for air then stop breathing. He tried to wake her up but she wouldn't move so he called 911. She went into cardiac arrest and they had to use a defibrillator to bring her back. She is in the Kaiser ICU right now and they don't know what is going on. Not a surprise since Kaiser is so horrible. Anyway.... we don't know what is going on right now. We are 3000 miles away, so there is nothing we can do but sit here, worry and pray for now.

{ Withdrawls! }

2007-04-13T06:13:00.000-05:00

No SCS, stamping, IM'ing, blogging or e-mail (because it enables SCS usage) for me today! I work from home and I've been very busy this week so unfortunately my work has fallen a bit behind and I have to get caught up today. I anticipate I will be working until late tonight, but we'll see how it goes. The worst thing about this is I just got my SU order yesterday night! If I finish my work I can go play. Okay, okay... off to work I go!

{ Yummy Turkey Stroganoff }

2007-04-12T20:25:00.000-05:00

Wow is this good... and to top it off this recipe is incredibly easy to make and pretty healthy compared to most stroganoff recipes. Try it out!

1 tb extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb lean ground turkey
1 package onion soup and dip mix
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp cornstarch
2 cups low sodium beef broth
1 cup milk
1 cup dry whole wheat rotini noodles
1/2 cup organic sour cream
1 cup grated Provolone cheese

Sauté the onions in olive oil over medium high heat for 2 minutes, add mushrooms stirring constantly until they give up most of their juice, about 10 minutes. Set aside in large bowl. Add ground turkey to skillet, turn heat down to medium and brown until cooked through.

While browning the turkey use a small bowl to mix the onion soup mix, pepper, salt, parsley and cornstarch. Once mixed well pour over mushrooms and onions with 1 cup of the beef broth, milk and dry noddles. Mix well. Once turkey is cooked through drain any fat and pour mixture from bowl into skillet. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. If necessary, you can add more broth as you go along.

Stir in sour cream. Serve topped with Provolone cheese.

Serves 4

{ Moving On Up! }

2007-04-12T11:06:00.000-05:00

In the blogging world that is! By special request I just added FeedBlitz to my blog so you can now recieve e-mail updates when my blog is updated.

{ Spots, Dots & A Silly Whale! }

2007-04-11T16:48:00.000-05:00

Some images Copyright Stampin' Up!

Just playing around with my new Cuttlebug folder and die. I love this little whale!

Like I normally do I rolled by brayer over all the dry embossing. I sponged the edge of the whale and the water spray and doodled on the artichoke and safforn borders. The designer paper was a bit to bright for this card so I altered it quite a bit. I stamped off my SU Crosshatch background stamp then stamped it over the designer paper. I heavily sponged the edges of the designer paper and lightly sponged over the rest of it. The first layer is vellum which I torn after adhering it to the artichoke cardstock. I find it pretty hard to adhere small items to dry embossed paper so I used Crystal Effects to adhere the starfish. I couldn't find a good place to add a sentiment, so I just stamped a birthday sentiment on the inside. The layout is from today's SCS sketch challenge.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU Crosshatch
Paper: SU Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke, So Saffron, Brocade Blue, Ballet Blue, Vellum; DCWV Retro Prints
Ink: SU Bravo Burgundy, Brocade Blue
Other: SU Write Markers Hodge Podge Hardware; Cuttlebug, Embossing Folder & Die; Misc Brayer, Sponge Daubers, Ribbon
Techniques: Sponging

{ Just Playing Around }

2007-04-11T13:57:00.000-05:00

Well I don't really know how I feel about this one. I like the background a lot. but I don't really card for the ribbon and the sentiment w/it's layers. I did this for today's SCS sketch challenge which is where I got the layout from. I've been playing with it for hours! Seriously. The background turned out exactly like I had in mind when I started and it didn't take too long. But I couldn't seem to do anything else with the card. I tried five different sentiments, set in different ways and I tried three or four different kinds of ribbon with different hardware. This is the best I could come up with. I was really discouraged and didn't feel like stamping anymore, but the mail man just came.... some new goodies just arrived! So my motivation to stamp is back!

The background was done with reverse masking. I used a piece of cheep cardstock and my scalloped square punch to make a template. I made it by punching the scalloped square out four times to make a larger square. I then lightly taped it to the card and applied pastels to the base of the card to make the large brown square. I then stamped the flourish images three time and colored parts of them in with watercolor crayons and went over that with Stickles- oh boy to I love my new Stickles! I also used the watercolor crayons and Stickles on the sentiment which I punched out with my scallop punch, sponged and layered onto a larger scallop punch. I also wrote over the sentiment with Crystal Effects to make the sentiment pop a little more. That may be difficult to see in the picture, but in real life it looks great! The base cardstock and the sentiment layer are sponged with chalk ink.

So the mail man dropped off two new embossing folder and a new die. The folders are from the new line, I got Spots & Dots & Traffic Jam. Looks like Provocraft fixed their folders this go around. So there are no more light squares that will imprint on the cardstock! I was so happy to see that! I know it's dumb and hardly noticeable, but it really bugged me! Anyway, off to play!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Autumn Leaves Flourishes; Stampendouos Sentiment
Paper: SU Very Vanilla, So Saffron
Ink: Color Box Chestnut Roan
Embellishments: SU Ribbon
Other: Marvy Scallop Punches; Ranger Stickles; SU Pastels, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pen, Crystal Effects; EK Success Round Corner Punch; Misc Sponge Daubers
Techniques: Sponging, Reverse Masking, Watercoloring

{ Support Bra }

2007-04-07T20:47:00.000-05:00

Some images copyright Stampin' Up!

I just got this "Support Bra" image and Primas yesterday and I just had to use them. I got the idea for the ribbon and round tab punches from some cards that are in the SCS gallery made for today's inspiration challenge. The colors and style of this card were also inspired by the challenge.

All the edges are sponged with either Bravo Burgundy or So Saffron ink and I colored in a few of the dots in the background and the main bra image with watercolor crayons. You can't tell by the picture, but the main bra image and the dark prima are both popped up with pop dots. Other than that I think it's all very self explanatory. Enjoy!

Supplies:

Stamps: SU Back to Basics; Rubber Stampede Support Bra

Paper: SU Bravo Burgundy, Regal Rose, Very Vanilla, So Saffron

Ink: SU Bravo Burgundy, So Saffron; StazOn Jet Black

Embellishments: SU Ribbon, Eyelets, Round Tab Punch, Slit Punch; MM Brads; EK Success Circle Punches; Misc Ribbon, Primas

Other: SU Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pen, Write Marker; Misc Pop Dots

Techniques: Sponging, Water Coloring

{ Designer Purse }

2007-04-07T13:42:00.000-05:00

Today's SCS challenge was an inspiration challenge. The item to be inspired by is a $2900 Valentino Purse. I saw the challenge last night before I went to bed and fell asleep thinking about what I was going to make. I haven't put my Cricut to any good use since I bought it (big waste of money!) and I knew there was a purse in one of my cartridges so I figured this would be the perfect reason to pull the Cricut out.

To make the purse I used a purse box from the Tags, Bags, Boxes & More cartridge on my Cricut. I selected the blackout option so I wouldn't have all the slits to put it together with. I then cut off all the tabs and stamped my flowers on it. I used the Tiny Bubbles embossing folder for my Cuttlebug with a rolling pin to give it a very light texture. It's really hard to see in the picture, but in real life it looks great! I cut a new handle out using the old one as a template in a little darker color which I also used for the center of the purse and the little tabs on the bottom. All the edges of the purse and tabs are sponged with the same chalk ink I used for the flowers. I'm not one for faux stitching but since I don't have any gold thread I used it here on the center and edges of the purse. I must say I am really happy with it in the case. I anchored down the tabs and handle with gold brads and used a gold charm that says "dream" in lieu of a "V" for the focal point. Not only do I have no use for a card with a "V" focal point, but this was the only gold item I had that would work. Actually ended up being perfect because I want to give this card to a good friend of mine who loves purses and I'm sure she's dreamed of having a beautiful, expensive purse like that used for the challenge picture!

The rest of the card was very simple. Just a lot of layers. The top one was obviously run through my Cuttlebug. The layer is actually to long for one run through so I had to do it twice. The seam is hidden by the ribbon. The purse itself is popped up pretty high with pop-up strips. I hope you enjoy this card as much as I enjoyed making it!

Supplies:

Stamps: AC Moore $1 Stamps

Paper: SU Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke, Regal Rose, Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink

Ink: SU Craft Always Artichoke; Color Box Rouge

Embellishments: SU Ribbon, MM Brads; Misc Dream Charm, Ribbon

Other: SU Ticket Punch; Cricut & Tags, Bags, Boxes & More Cartridge, Cuttlebug & Embossing Folder; MM Paper Piercing Tool; Misc Gold Pen, Pop-up Strips

Techniques: Sponging, Faux Stitching, Dry Embossing

{ Fluffles Fun }

2007-04-06T21:19:00.000-05:00

I wasn't going to post this card, but my husband insisted on it. In his words this card is "freaking awesome!" I think he likes the cupcakes! Looks yummy huh? Pretty much I was just playing with some of my new toys, the Fluffles stamp and Stickles.

Pretty straight forward. I used my yummy, somewhat new, designer paper and embossed it with my Cuttlebug. I sponged all the edges with Chocolate Chip Ink and ran my brayer over the designer paper and over the top layer to "dirty" it up. The image was colored with watercolor crayons and a blender pen, surprise, surprise! I did sponge a little over Fluffles though. I also used a touch of Stickles on the balloon and on the icing. Oh and one last note, I had to punch the image out of the largest scallop punch, so the layer under it is actually four scallop punches pieced together.

Nothing impressive, but I hope you enjoy it anyways!

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampendous Full Fluffles

Paper: SU Chocolate Chip, Pixie Pink, Whisper White;

Ink: SU Chocolate Chip; StazOn Jet Black

Embellishments: SU ribbon, Cord

Other: SU Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Ticket Punch; Cuttlebug & Embossing Folder; Marvy Scallop Punch; Ranger Golden Rod & Magenta Stickles; Misc Brayer

Techniques: Sponging

{ 3, 2, 1 Challenge; Part 2 }

2007-04-06T19:33:00.000-05:00

The second part of today's SCS challenge was to use the same layout but different stamps, colors and make one masculine and the other feminine. So here is my feminine challenge card.

The background was done the same way as my last card by running it through my Cuttlebug then using a brayer to apply ink for more texture. All the stamp work was done with StazOn ink and I sponged the edges of all the white layers with Sahara Sand ink. All the coloring was done with watercolor crayons and a blender pen. I changed up my embellishment for this card from eyelets to ribbon and instead of using crystal effects on the main image I used Stickles to make it stand out more.

Well, I just got my order from ScrapJazz today, lots of fun little goodies, so off to play so more for me!

Supplies:
Stamps: Michael's $1 Acrylic Stamps
Paper: SU Rose Red, Sage Shadow, Sahara Sand; Misc Vellum
Ink: SU Sahara Sand, Sage Shadow; StazOn Jet Black
Embellishments: SU Ribbon
Other: SU Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pen; Ranger Fruit Punch Stickles; EK Success Circle Punches; Misc Brayer

{ 3, 2, 1 Challenge }

2007-04-06T15:26:00.000-05:00

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Okay this card was made for today's SCS Limited Supply Challenge: 3,2,1 Birthday Cards; 3 stamps (not stamp sets), 2 colors of cardstock and ink (plus neutrals, no patterned paper), 1 embellishment. It is also for yesterday's Way's To Use It SCS Challenge. Yeah, I've already done three for that challenge, but it's a good one! Yesterday's challenge is to use stamps that haven't touched ink before. My husband's birthday is next month, so I figured it would be the perfect time to bring out this set. After all he is the reason I bought it!

The gray background was done with my Cuttlebug and embossing folder, I then used by brayer with Going Gray ink to give it some color and more texture. All the white layers and the base layer are all sponged with gray ink. All the coloring was done with watercolor wonder crayons and a blender pen. It's hard to tell in the picture, but the golf bag didn't stick out enough, so I painted on crystal effects to make it pop. Last but not least I added the eyelets. I would have liked to add another embellishment, but the challenge was to only use one. Can wait to give it to my husband! I'm sure he'll like it.

The second part of today's challenge was to make the same card with different stamps and colors, but the same layout and a feminine card. So I'm off to finish off the challenge!

Supplies:

Stamps: SU The Back Nine, It's Your Birthday

Paper: SU Brocade Blue, Not Quite Navy, Going Gray, Whisper White; Misc Vellum

Ink: StazOn Stone Gray; SU Going Gray

Embellishments: MM Eyelets

Other: SU Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pen, Crystal Effects; Cuttlebug & Embossing Folder, Brayer; EK Success Circle Punches

{ In My Thoughts & Prayers }

2007-04-05T21:45:00.000-05:00

Some images copyright Stampin' Up!

Okay so I totally love this card! I had so much fun making it and I just LOVE to look at it! I can't believe how great it turned out. When I started I didn't really have anything in mind, I just picked some designer paper I liked and it kind of evolved into what it is.

I stamped the Print Pattern and French Script in Going Gray first then stamped the flowers in Craft Basic Black then embossed them with black embossing powder. I didn't mean to emboss the Print Pattern image, the embossing powder stuck to it so I did it anyways. I liked the way it turned out, so it's fine with me! The sentiment was also done with Craft ink and black embossing powder which I attached with eyelets over the Cameo Coral layer. I used StazOn Jet Black ink for the flower behind the sentiment, then I masked it off, stamped the French script and sponged all the borders with Going Grey ink. Last but not least I added the ribbon, I really like the way the knot turned out with the ends going in the same direction as the rest of the ribbon. We'll see if I can ever duplicate it!

Supplies:

Stamps: SU Looks Like Spring, French Script, Print Pattern; Stampendous Thoughts & Prayers
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Cameo Coral; Autumn Leaves Scribbles; Misc Vellum

Ink: SU Going Grey, Craft Basic Black; StazOn Jet Black
Embellishments: SU Ribbon; MM Eyelets

Other: SU Ticket Punch; Misc Black EP

Techniques: Heat Embossing, Sponging

{ Thank You Vine }

2007-04-05T17:41:00.000-05:00

Some images Copyright Stampin' Up!

Another card I did for the challenge today. Not much explanation needed here, pretty straight forward. Enjoy.

Supplies:

Stamps: SU Just Vine; Misc Thank You Sentiment

Paper: SU Very Vanilla

Ink: SU Craft Always Artichoke, Craft So Saffron, Craft Bravo Burgundy, Craft Pumpkin Pie

Embellishments: Misc Ribbon

Other: SU Ticket Punch, Pastels

{ A Friend's Anniversary }

2007-04-05T17:12:00.000-05:00

Some images Copyright Stampin' Up!

I sure have been uninspired to stamp the last few days. Normally I have so many ideas running through my mind I'm having trouble deciding which one to start with, which is why I haven't posted anything for a few days. Every time I sit down to stamp I'm either drawing a blank on what to do or what I try ends up in the trash. I had to push that aside today. One of my good friends is having an anniversary in five days so I needed to make a card quick. Store bought definitely wouldn't do for this friend who I've been encouraging and teaching how to stamp for quite a while now!

It's hard to tell in the picture, but the image is stamped on a transparent plastic sheet with StazOn ink and held down by the brads. There are Stickles on the bouquet and in the hearts (a goodie that just came in the mail today!). Out of the near 150 stamps sets I have I can't believe I don't have a single anniversary sentiment!! So I went with the closest thing I could find, "Enjoy Your Day." I guess I'll just have to write "Happy Anniversary" on the inside. Guess what is going at the top of my wish list!

This card is also for today's SCS challenge, WT107.The challenge is to use a stamp or set that you haven't used before. I sure could do this challenge everyday, I have sooooo many stamps that have never touched ink! The bride & groom image is fairly new and more understandable that I haven't used it, but I've had the Riveting set for quite a while and have no excuses for not using it!

Let me know what you think, I hope you like it!

Supplies:

Stamps: SU Riveting, Rubber Soul

Paper: SU So Saffron, Whisper White, Mellow Moss; Autumn Leaves Designer Paper (Sangri-La); Misc Transparent Plastic Sheet

Ink: StazOn Jet Black

Embellishments: SU Ribbon; MM Brads

Other: Stickles; Cuttlebug & Die; EK Success Circle Punch, Flower Punch

{ Beautiful Things }

2007-03-30T04:31:00.000-05:00

Some images copyright Stampin' Up!

As I found I can't sleep, again.... I decided to check out the SCS challenge for the day. The challenge was to only use and do things from this list:

Flower stamps

Sentiments

Up to 2 backgrounds
(stamps)

Up to 2 colors/kinds of ribbons

Sponging, tearing, distressing

Faux stitching

Paper piercing

Punches – to make tabs only

Ink: soft subtles, rich regals,neutrals (brown is a neutral) – or similar if not SU

Paper: solid color cardstock – soft subtles, rich regals, neutrals

Immediately this card popped into my head. I've had this idea in my head for quite a while, but haven't had or felt the need to try it out. This was the perfect chance. I started at the top right hand side using Stazon ink to stamp the flowers. I masked them off and moved down toward the left hand side. I then cut the top edge out and colored them in by sponging. Once the flowers were done I masked them off and stamped the background. I finished it off with the sentiment and ribbon.

Here is an open view of the card. Enjoy!

Some images copyright Stampin' Up!

Supplies:
Stamps: SU In Full Bloom, French Script, Misc Sentiment
Paper: SU Very Vanilla
Ink: SU Bravo Burgundy, Elegant Eggplant, Brocade Blue, So Saffron, Craft Chocolate Chip, Stazon Jet Black
Embellishments: Misc Ribbon

{ Punched Bugs & Bees }

2007-03-30T04:17:00.000-05:00

I fell in love with this cute paper the second I saw it on someone's card in the SCS galleries. I was so excited when I happen to come across it at a Joann's, I just had to have it!

I sat down last night to make a card with this adorable paper and it started out by cutting some lady bugs from a Sizzix ladybug die I have. After looking at them with the paper I realized I had to make my own bugs. Perfect timing to being that the SCS challenge of the day was to make something with punches! Everything on the bugs is made from a punch. Even the antennas which I used the slit punch to make and the tails that were made from a snowflake! I ran all the pieces through my Xyron sticker machine first so they would be easier to put together. I couldn't find a cute enough sentiment for this one, so I figure I'll wait until I want to use it and hope I've picked something up that will work well with it. Hope you like!

Supplies:

Paper: SU Whisper White, Yo-Yo Yellow, Gable Green, Ruby Red, Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Misc Designer Paper

Embellishments: SU Ribbon

Other: Circle Punch, Hole punches, Rounded Corner Punch, SU Slit Punch, Cuttlebug & Embossing Folder

{ It's Your Day }

2007-03-29T22:48:00.000-05:00

Just playing around with some new dollar stamps I got from Michael's. I like the designs of the acrylic dollar stamps much better than the rubber ones. Plus you get 5 stamps for a dollar! I had fun making the bright cheery birthday card. All the coloring was done with a blender pen and water color crayons. I used Stazon ink so it wouldn't bleed with the watercoloring. The dots around the punched circle were done with a Basic Black Write Marker. This card is pretty straight forward, a simple one layer card. Hope you like!

Supplies:

Stamps: Michael's Acrylic Dollar Stamps

Ink: Stazon Jet Black

Paper: Misc Off White Confetti

Embellishments: SU Ribbon, Misc Ribbon

Other: 2in Circle Punch, SU Hole Punch, Pastels, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pen Write Marker

{ Emerging Thanks }

2007-03-29T20:58:00.000-05:00

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

So I learned a new technique today, emerging color. Simple, but a little time consuming, but I love the way it looks! Try it out, here's how:

1. Using two different colors stamp random images on white or vanilla card stock.

2. Using Versmark and clear embossing powder emboss a third image randoming over the card stock.

3. Using a brayer apply ink completely over the card stock. Wa-la!

I'm going to have to try it again soon, I want to use a bigger, stamp for the embossing part of it.

For the top layer I stamped the flower in Pale plum and colored in the center. I then stamped another flower over the first with Versamark and Heat & Stick Powder so I could apply some glitter. The "Thanks" cut out was done with my Cuttlebug. It was a die that came with an alphabet. I think that is about it, so enjoy!

Supplies:

Stamps: SU On the Spot, Polka Dots & Petals, Polka Dots & Paisley

Paper: SU Whisper White, Pale Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Perfect Plum

Ink: SU Elegant Eggplant, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum

Embellishments: SU Ribbon, Misc Eyelets

Other: Cuttlebug & Die, Heat & Stick Powder, Glitter, Heat Tool, Brayer, SU Round Tab Punch, Write Marker, Distressing Tool

Techniques: Emerging Color

{ Cuttled & Stitched Thanks! }

2007-03-28T21:33:00.000-05:00

Some images copyright Stampin' Up!

Okay one last card for the day. I actually did this one much earlier today, but had to leave before I could add the ribbon. For the background I used vanilla cardstock and stamped flowers all over the, then ran it through my Cuttlebug with the blossom embossing folder and ran the brayer over it to add some color and more dimension. I absolutely love using a brayer on embossed images, it always turns out nice and even. Much better than just running an ink pad over the cardstock. The flower, vase & "thanks" cutouts were done with my new Cuttlebug dies, oh how I love playing with new toys!

I'm really tierd right now from not sleeping last night, so I'm hoping to get a good nights sleep tonight! So I'm done with card making for the day. Laundry day tomorrow, so I probably won't have a chance to play more until tomorrow night or Friday. :(

Supplies:
Stamps: SU Polka Dots & Petals
Paper: SU Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Cameo Coral, Apricot Appeal, Mellow Moss, Ruby Red
Ink: Su Apricot Appeal, Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: SU Ribbon, Misc Fibers, Hardware
Other: Cuttlebug Embossing Folders & Dies, Brayer, Sponge Daubers, SU Ticket Punch

{ Yet Another Snappy Birthday }

2007-03-28T06:53:00.000-05:00

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

I finished another card for the night, actually, I guess you could say for the morning now. This one was very simple. I heat embossed the crab and masked him off to stamp the birthday hat which I also heat embossed. I then colored him in and punched him out. The background is done in So Saffron, which I stamped off first so the color would be very subtle. I sponged the edges of the crab punch and the edges of the card base. I also used pastels on the edge of the card base. So pretty straight forward. Enjoy!

Supplies:

Stamps: SU Crab & Company

Paper: SU Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip

Ink: SU Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Craft Chocolate Chip

Embellishments: SU Ribbon

Other: SU Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pen, Pastels, Marvy Scallop Punches, Sponge Daubers, Clear Embossing Powder

Techniques: Masking, Heat Embossing, Watercoloring

{ Made on a Sleepless Night }

2007-03-28T05:23:00.000-05:00

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Well, I couldn't sleep again tonight, so I decided to stamp. I was having a little trouble being creative though, probably because of the lack of sleep I've had the past few weeks. So I decided to check out today's SCS challenge, Wednesday is sketch challenge day, click here to check out the sketch.

I had so much fun coloring the doodles for a card I made the other I decided to use SU's Doodle This so I could play with them again. I didn't post my other card on my blog, so if you want to see it you can check it out in my SCS gallery. Even though I was using a blender pen for the color I didn't want worry about any bleeding in the ink, so I used Stazon for the doodles. Then the fun part, I used my Water Color Wonder Crayons (oh how I love those!) and my blender pen to color all the doodles. The flower behind the "friend" image was done with regular SU ink, then I lightly colored it and stamped the "friend" image in Stazon (to match the doodles) on top. The flower looks like a watermark, I'm really happy with how that turned out. I popped the scallops up using pop dots. A little ribbon and hardware, an wa-la! Another beautiful card is complete!

Supplies:

Stamps: SU Doodle This, Lexicon of Love

Paper: SU Elegant Eggplant, So Saffron, Very Vanilla

Ink: Stazon Jet Black, SU Going Gray

Embellishments: SU Ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware, Glitter Glue

Other: SU Water Color Wonder Crayons, Blender Crayon, Misc Pop Dots, Marvy Scalloped Punches

{ Another Snappy Birthday! }

2007-03-28T01:33:00.000-05:00

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

This set sure is fun! I love coloring it all in and playing with punches. The coloring was done with WCWC's and a blender pen. A new little trick I just learned! I can't believe I've been water coloring with a paint brush for so long... the blender pen is so much easier for me! I masked off the crab then stamped on the hat, as I can't stand the way the hat looks sitting on top of the eyes. The whole crab image is popped up with pop dots under the chocolate layer. The fastners and the brads look a little gold in the picture, but they are really silver. This sure was fun!

Supplies:

Stamps: SU Crab & Company

Paper: SU Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Mellow Moss, Very Vanilla

Ink: SU Craft Chocolate Chip, Mellow Moss, So Saffron

Embellishments: SU Ribbon, Misc Ribbon, Fastners, Brads

Other: SU Write Markers, Water Color Wonder Crayons, Blender Pens, Circle Punches, Square Punches, Fiscar's Circle Cutter, Sponge Daubers, Cuttlebug & CB Embossing Folder

{ A Little Something }

2007-03-26T20:03:00.000-05:00

While my husband played Madden with some guy online I was busy surfing the SCS galleries. I came across this really cute card by Kricki. My husband and I had to run out the door as soon as he was finished playing, but I was so inspired by it I had to go, wait run, to my stamping desk to play. With only four football mintues left I created this cute little card! So simple, as you can tell and a lot of fun. I got to put a bunch of my new toys to good use! And, what's that? No stamping? Yup! Just punches, die cut, dry embossing and doodling on this cute little 3x3 card. Enjoy.

Supplies:
Paper: SU Taken with Teal, Very Vanilla, Regal Rose, Rose Red
Other: Packing Tape, Glitter, Cuttlebug Embossing Folders & Dies, SU Write Markers

{ Spinach Fettuccine }

2007-03-26T17:32:00.000-05:00

My husband and I love to cook together and try new recipes. We found this one online somewhere and loved it! It's really quick and easy to make. Try it out sometime!

12oz Spinach Fettuccine, cooked (we used whole wheat linguine)
1tbs Olive Oil
1/2c Sliced Red Onion
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
2c Asparagus, chopped 1in long
1 Medium Carrot, quartered & chopped 1in long
14oz Artichoke Hearts, drained & chopped in quarters
1c Sliced Mushrooms
1/2tsp Salt
1/2tsp Pepper
1 28oz can Diced Tomatoes w/juices
1c shredded Mozzarella

Heat oil over medium heat, add onion and garlic, cook for 1 minute. Add asparagus, carrot, mushrooms and artichoke hearts. Cook until tender and crisp, about 5 minutes. Add salt & pepper. Stir in tomatoes w/juices and simmer until veggies are desired tenderness. Add noodles and simmer for two more minutes until nice and hot.

Serve topped with shredded mozzarella.

Approx. prep/cook time 25 minutes; Serves 4.

{ Snappy Birthday }

2007-03-25T14:34:00.000-05:00

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

I needed a birthday card for my cousin. He's turning eleven, which is an hard age for me to make a card for. I didn't want my card to be too childish, but I still wanted it to appeal to him. He practically lives on the beach so I thought SU's Crab & Company would be perfect!

I've played around with this set a lot and haven't been able to come up with anything I liked until today. My background was done using a Cuttlebug folder then I used a brayer to apply a little ink over the top. All the coloring is done with SU Watercolor Wonder Crayons and a blender pen. I don't like the way the birthday hat looks when it is sitting on top of the crabs eyes, so I masked the crab in order to put the hat on. I love the way this card turned out, so I'll probably try it again sometime. So what do you think?

Supplies:

Stamps: SU Crab & Company

Paper: SU Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron, Very Vanilla

Ink: SU Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip, Craft Chocolate Chip

Embellishments: SU Ribbon, Fastners

Other: Cuttlebug, Brayer, Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Circle Punch, Square Punches, SU Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pens, Ticket Punch

Techniques: Heat Embossing, Masking, Water Coloring

{ Sweet, Yummy Wishes }

2007-03-24T14:25:00.000-05:00

Some images copyright Stampin' Up!

Well I finally got around to doing some more stamping yesterday! I was at AC Moore yesterday and they clearanced most all their punches so I picked up all the punches that I have been wanting for a while. I also got this cute paper, I love how it matches SU's colors and images, so I just had to have it!

I wanted to use a big cupcake image, but I didn't have one, so I had to improvise. The base of the cupcake is half of SU's round tab punch. The icing is liquid applique with just a touch of glitter. I cut the candle out of scratch paper and used cord for the wick. The cupcake itself is popped up on the layers scalloped punches which are also popped up off the designer paper. The ribbon, cord and fibers kind of blend in on the picture, but IRL they don't. The So Saffron punched out circles that say "Sweet, Yummy & Wishes" are all popped up with pop dots over cupcake paper. For a final touch I added about 6 rhinestones in multiple different places. Doesn't it make you want to eat a cupcake?

Supplies:

Stamps: SU Seeing Spots, Fancy Flexible Phrases

Paper: SU Pink Passion, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Junkitz Designer Paper

Ink: SU So Saffron, Craft So Saffron, Craft Chocolate Chip

Embellishments: SU Cord, Ribbon, Misc Fiber, Rhinestones

Other: SU Write Markers, Round Tab Punch, Liquid Applique, Misc Pop Dots, Embossing Powder, Circle Punches, Cuttlebug, Scallop Punches

{ No Pretties Today }

2007-03-19T21:55:00.000-05:00

Sorry everyone, no pretty creations today. I got distracted unfortunatly. I'm doing laundry tomorrow so it will probably be a couple days.

{ The Mail Man Just Came!! }

2007-03-19T12:07:00.000-05:00

Okay so he probably thinks I'm a freak! I was confused at first because I thought the stuff would be delivered to my Aunt & Uncle's house. Then I realized what it was and I, uh, well I shrieked with joy! LOL. You can hear people talking on the other side of the door and the mailboxes are right there (I live in a condo). So yeah, the mail man probably thinks I'm a freak now!

Anyway, I got a new set, Office Accoutrement (I was just admiring a card someone made with that set on SCS too!), the Spiral Punch, a Cutter Kit and the Prep School Ribbon. I can't wait to go play. Gotta go exercise first!

Okay I'll post something pretty to look at later tonight!

{ Larry the Cable Guy! }

2007-03-19T11:25:00.000-05:00

I bought my hubby tickets to go see Larry the Cable Guy... he totally loves his comedy. I completely forgot about it till a few minutes ago, the show is this weekend... can't wait! Should be fun.... we looooooooooove comedy shows!

{ Happy Mother's Day.... Mother-In-Law }

2007-03-18T18:39:00.000-05:00

Well today was productive because I learned a new technique and I finished my Mother-in-law's mother's day card. However I went a step back with my New Year's Resolution!

The April issue of Stampin' Success just came in the mail yesterday and I took a few minutes to flip through it this morning. To my surprise there was a technique I hadn't seen yet that intrigued me. Faux metal. Normally I don't like the "faux" techniques. To me they are like shopping at Wal-Mart, poor quality! Why draw your stitching on your card when the quality shows through in your card by really stitching on it? In this case I don't really think the final product actually looks like metal, more like those wax seals you can put on the back of your envies. Anyway, I really liked the final product so I had to try it out!

It's probably pretty obvious, but the flower that is the focal point is what I used the faux metal technique on.

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

To try this technique follow these steps:

1. Cut out a piece of cardstock and apply versamark to the surface.
2. Melt multipule layers of embossing powder onto the cardstock.
3. Once the layers are nice and thick (about 3-6 depending on the EP) press your stamp very firmly on to the warm layers.

Oh and a little note, if you mess up or don't like the image just apply more Versamark and EP and keep going, no need to start over!

As for the rest of the card... I used my markers to do the background on the card base. I used the same stamp as I did on the focal point. Neat huh? I love how versatile stamps can be! Oh and before I forget.... I mentioned taking a step back on my New Year's Resolution, well... The set I used was in the "sell" pile, oh boy! Now I'm rethinking all the stamp sets that are in that pile, at least twenty sets.

Anyway, back to the card. On the artichoke layer I layered my SU Print Pattern stamp with my SU French Script, something I've seen in the SCS galleries quite a few times. Pretty much every layer on this card is sponged with Bravo Burgundy ink. I'm not really that great with sponging, actually, I normally don't like the way it looks, but in the case I'm really happy with the sponging on the card. Especially on the sentiment image which is heat embossed and sponged around. I also used my French Script stamp again over the entire layer. No need for masking, just used some tissue to wipe the ink clean from the EP. One last thing, since you can't see it too well in the picture, the main image is popped up under the scallops and all the layers are also popped up from the card base.

So what do you think?

Recipe:

Stamps: SU Print Patter, French Script, Thank You Blocks, All Year Cheer 2
Paper: SU Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy, So Saffron
Ink: SU Craft Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy, Versamark
Embellishments: SU Ribbon, MM Brads
Other: Misc Sponge Daubers, Gold Embossing Powder, Scallop Punch, SU Write Marker, Ticket Punch, Corner Punch, Slit Punch

{ I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! }

2007-03-17T18:16:00.000-05:00

Just got back from a nice trip to California.... well I've been back for a couple days but I've been busy getting things at home back to normal. I haven't had much inspiration to stamp anything the past few days either. Thank God for SCS! I've been sitting in front of the computer for about an hour now and I'm full of ideas again! Oh boy, gotta clean up the stamping desk now! Okay off to work.

{ This Lil' Piggy... }

2007-03-02T23:31:00.000-05:00

Once dreamed to be the star football in the Superbowl!

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

So my husband and I were out to dinner tonight and we started talking about some cards I recently made. I had mentioned that I saw some cards a while back that used the CB Tiny Bubbles embossing folder to make a card that looked like a football. He thought a pig stamp on a football would be funny.... then I remembered a stamp from Happy Harmony, "Dreams come a size too big so we can grow into them." I mentioned it to him and we both agreed it would be a hilarious card!

I think this would be a great Superbowl invite! My Aunt & Uncle throw a Superbowl party every year.. they don't watch football during the normal season, nor do most the people who show up. So I think it would be perfect, come see the pig that dreamt of being in the Superbowl one day! LOL

I wanted the football to look real so I did an image search on Google and I found this football. I obviously CB dry embossed the paper. The black outline is heat embossed which I did by using a paint brush with clear embossing fluid from a reinker and black embossing powder. The laces were made with SU grosgrain ribbon. I originally had a brown pig but as my husband pointed out, it didn't stand out enough. He suggested I make a pink pig, so I used pastels to create this lil' pig which is popped up with pop dots. I hope you like this card as much as I do! Enjoy.

Recipe:

Stamps: SU Very Punny, Happy Harmony

Paper: SU Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Vellum

Ink: SU Chocolate Chip, Craft Basic Black

Embellishments: Su Ribbon

Other: SU Pastels, Misc Pop dots, Brayer, Cuttlebug

Techniques: Heat Embossing

{ Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday! }

2007-02-24T17:38:00.000-05:00

So today was the day for the Mass Shoebox Swap I put together through SCS. It was so much fun! Other than a stamp camp I went to over a year ago back in California it was the first stamping thing I did outside of stamping on my own at home. I got to meet some fun new people too, which was really awesome since I don't really know anyone out here! There were a lot of great creations, I made an SCS album with everything we did. Along with all the really great cards I came home with so many new ideas and a list of toys I now have to have!

A couple of us made two projects since we had so many last minute cancellations. I brought my Hoppy for You card that I posted yesterday (I had no intention of bringing it when I posted it, otherwise I would have waited). Here is the other card I brought.

This is the open version of this card:

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

And here is the closed version of this card:

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Recipe:
Stamps: SU Polka Dots & Petals, Polka Dots & Paisley, Print Pattern, Tall Tales Alphabet
Paper: SU So Saffron, Very Vanilla, Tempting Turquoise
Ink: SU So Saffron, Tempting Turquoise, Cameo Coral
Embellishments: SU Ribbon
Other: SU Round Tab Punch, Kraft Edgers Scallop Scissors

{ Best Fishes }

2007-02-23T20:23:00.000-05:00

I really liked how my last card turned out I decided to do another, just a little different though. The background was made by running my paper through my Cuttlebug with the Tiny Bubbles embossing folder. Then I inked up my brayer and lightly ran it over the embossed paper. Aside from a change of colors and stamps I also popped the Saffron layer up with dimensionals. Well, I think that is about all I can say about this one. Enjoy.

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Stamps: SU Very Punny
Paper: SU Close to Cocoa, So Saffron, Tempting Turquoise, Very Vanilla
Ink: SU Tempting Turquoise, Craft Basic Black, Close to Cocoa
Embellishments: SU Ribbon, Misc Staples
Other: Cuttlebug, Brayer, SU Round Tab Punch, Write Markers, Dimensionals, Joann's Clear Embossing Powder, EK Success Round Punches (2 & 1 1/2 in)
Techniques: Heat Embossing, Dry Embossing, Doodling

{ Hoppy For You! }

2007-02-23T16:17:00.000-05:00

Just playing around a little today. I really need to cut all the paper for the Shoebox Swap I'm doing tomorrow... but I'm a procrastinator, so here is what I did instead. Oh and the ribbon was added for the SCS LSC104 challenge. Enjoy!

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Stamps: SU Very Punny

Paper: SU Close to Cocoa, So Saffron, Certainly Celery

Ink: SU Always Artichoke, Close to Cocoa

Embellishments: SU Ribbon, Misc Staple

Other: SU Write Markers, Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, Round Tab Punch, Brayer, EK Success Circle Punches (2in & 1 1/2in), Cuttlebug

Techniques: Sponging, Cuttlebug Dry Embossing & Die Cutting, Doodling (is that a technique?)

{ Candles Galore }

2007-02-23T10:49:00.000-05:00

Well the candles I was making for my brother's wedding are finally done and in the mail! Sorry for the not so great picture, I took the pictures then mailed the candles before finding out my pictures were that great. This was the best of the bunch, oh and yes, that is a cat sitting in a basket in the background. I thought that was pretty funny!

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Last Friday my Upline came over and helped me heat the vellum onto the candles. Yeah, vellum! I couldn't use tissue paper because I needed to run it through the printer, there was no way I could have stamped the wording onto the candles... not for nearly 150 candles that is! You can't see the vellum but it is a little harder to heat onto the candle, so I would only use it again if it were for these reasons.

Monday and Tuesday night my Aunt and I sat in front of the TV to watch General Hospital while we bagged all the candles. We used two layers of ribbon to tie them closed. The first one is a wide, shimmery organdy ribbon and the second, tied in a bow, is a narrow satin ribbon. Then we added a tag and they were done!

In the end I think there were 10-12 hours spent on them between three people. Defiantly not bad... and they only cost about $60 to make. Since they are working on a strict budget I was more than happy to help my brother and future sister-in-law out by making these as a gift for them. When Heather saw the samples she said they were gorgeous and just her style, so I'm sure she will be pleased when she sees the final product.

Recipe:

Stamps: SU Doodle This, Delight in Life, In Full Bloom

Paper: Misc Shimmery Vellum (Tag), Clear Vellum (Candle)

Ink: SU Craft Bravo Burgundy

Other: Misc Ribbon, Clear Bags, Heat Tool, SU Small Tag Punch

{ Polka Dots, Petals & A Nice Thank You }

2007-02-22T18:48:00.000-05:00

Well... this started off as a card I wanted to use for a shoebox swap, but it ended up being way to intricate and time consuming. Even though I'm a little strapped for time to finish my swap card I figured I better finish it, otherwise it may sit unfinished for a long time... if it ever got finished that is.

I tried a different fold compared to my other cards. I'm really happy with the way it turned out, so I'm sure you will see more of them from me in the future. This picture is the closed view.

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

This picture is a somewhat open view of my card. Unfortunately it is a pretty difficult card to get a good open picture of, even so I think the picture is good enough to figure out how it opens.

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Hmmmm... where to start. To stamp the "U" I inked it up with Craft Sage Shadow ink, then stamped the flowers on it in Craft Perfect Plum. I then masked the flower using a piece of SU cardstock. Because it is much thicker than the scrap paper I normally use it left the nice boarder. I did this to draw a little more focus to the flowers instead of the "U." I sponged the brown background and a little Sage onto the the images on the left side of the card and a little Plum on the right side. I think today's SCS challenge was something to do with sponging. Does it qualify for a challenge card if I had no intentions of it being one? Anyway, now all I have to do is figure out who to give this too! Enjoy... and let me know what you think!

Recipe:

Stamps: SU Polka Dots & Paisley, Polka Dots & Petals, All About U
Paper: SU Chocolate Chip, Perfect Plum, Sage Shadow, Very Vanilla
Ink: SU Chocolate Chip, Perfect Plum, Sage Shadow, Craft Chocolate Chip, Craft Perfect Plum, Craft Sage Shadow
Techniques: Sponging, Kissing, 2 Step Stamping, Masking
Other: SU Round Tab Punch, SU Ticket Punch, Kraft Edger’s Scallop Scissors

{ Au Chocolat }

2007-02-17T19:39:00.000-05:00

Oh how I love SU's new designer paper in the Spring Mini!! I haven't been too fond of their designer paper so far, but I absolutely love all three designs in the Spring Mini. Au Chocolat is defiantly my favorite of the three. These two cards were designed around the beautiful paper. I don't think much explanation is needed for these cards as there isn't anything out of the ordinary that I did here, just a lot of layers and a lot of punches! I used two different sized punches to create the squares under the vellum and I used my ticket punch on the larger squares under the designer paper. All the paper I used, except the designer paper was from my scrap bin, so I got rid of quite a bit of it. Same with the ribbon, all scraps. Well, I think that is all I have to say about these cards, so enjoy.

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Stamps: SU Doodle This
Paper: SU Au Chocolat (Designer Paper), Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Rose Red, Regal Rose
Ink: SU Craft Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: SU Ribbon, Misc Eyelets
Other: Joann's Clear Embossing Powder, Ticket Punch, EK Success 1 & 1 1/8 Inch Square Punches

Techniques: Heat Embossing

{ Spring Birthday }

2007-02-17T17:06:00.000-05:00

I should be working on a swap I'm participating in, but since I have no inspiration to work on what I need for my swap I've decided to play a little with my new stamps and paper. This is a little busy for my taste, but I really love the way it turned out. I love the colors and a few of the elements, like the eyelets, the round tab punch w/the flower on it, the large heart in the background and the small heart with the ribbon and flower. Well, I think that about covers everything on the card. I hope you like it as much as I do!

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

All the flowers are stamped with craft ink, then I colored them in with SU Write Markers, other than the one on the tab punch they are cut out and popped up with dimensionals. Both the hearts were cut out by hand; I stamped them then pierced the edges. Everything else should be pretty self explanatory. Enjoy.

Recipe:

Stamps: SU Polka Dots & Petals, It's Your Birthday

Paper: SU Rebbecca (Designer Paper), Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, So Saffron, Sage Shadow

Ink: SU Craft Close to Cocoa, So Saffron

Embellishments: SU Ribbon, Sage Shadow Eyelets, Misc Staple

Other: SU Write Markers, Dimensionals, Ticket Punch, Round Tab Punch, Paper Piercing Tool, Paper Crimper; Fiskars Scallop Scissors, Stapler

{ A Treat for Todd }

2007-02-17T13:11:00.000-05:00

My husband has been really stressed over the past few weeks. Mostly because he's been extremely busy with work and has a rough school schedule this semester, plus it doesn't help that I've been pretty stressed out over other things. I'm sure that wears on him as well. He has been trying to cut back on working a little so he has more time for school, but like normal, he's out working on a Saturday again. When he gets home this afternoon he'll have a bunch of school work he needs to start working on, so I thought I'd make a little treat for him.

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

I have a bunch of these boxes I received from a special SU was having last year. If you ordered a certain amount of stuff you got a free gift bag of overstock and retired products. I haven't touched them yet, so I thought this would be a great time to pull them out.

To make the circle I punched out a piece of scrap paper and traced it on the inside of the box then cut it out with paper snips. I then taped a piece of plastic to the inside of the box. The picture makes the circle look a little distorted, but in real life it actually is a nice smooth circle.

The stamp work is pretty self explanatory. Once that was done I taped up the box and rubbed ink heavily on the edges and lightly over the surface. All the tags came from the same SU box sheet. I used craft ink on one of the larger pieces, stamped the little phrases and cut them out. I then tied them all together and tied it to the box through small holes I punched on the top. As you can tell I punched holes on the top and tied the box shut. I really like this box, too bad SU no longer carries it, fortunately thought I have bunch of them right now, so you may see more from me in the near future!

Recipe:

Stamps: SU Polka Dots & Petals, Fancy Flexible Phrases

Paper: SU Confetti Box Kit

Ink: SU Night of Navy, Brocade Blue, Chocolate Chip, Craft Brocade Blue, Craft Night of Navy

Embellishments: SU Cord

Other: Hershey Kisses, Terrifically Tacky Tape

{ For The Bride }

2007-02-16T21:46:00.000-05:00

I love the swirl and flourish images from Autumn Leaves so much that when SU came out with Doodle This I knew I just had to have it! Of course I couldn't just buy Doodle This, I also had to buy Doodle That. I'm trying to talk myself out of the Doodle Alphabet & Number sets since I don't use alphabet sets all that often, but knowing myself I'll probably break down and buy them just before the Spring mini ends. Oh boy.

Anyway, I finally finished all the thank you cards I was making for my future sister-in-law and finished the candles for the wedding, well almost. I still have to put them in the bags, tie the ribbon and put the tags on, but that's the easy part. I have plans with my Aunt on Monday to finish the candles so I have the whole weekend free to stamp!

The bridal shower for Heather is on the 24th so I had to make her a card, of course I grabbed my new sets and this is what I came up with.

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

The card is sized to fit in a #10 envelope. This is the first time I made a card this size. I wanted to use a lot of the swirl stamps from SU's Doodle This so it worked perfectly. The color scheme is extremely simple, just two colors of card stock and two colors of ribbon. After taking the picture I realized I didn't like the flower on the tag so much, so I pulled it off and embossed the image so it pop's a little more now. I used pastels on the edges and over the swirls. After stamping a bunch of flowers on the card base I masked them off and stamped more, then used pastels over them, similar to what I did with the pastels over the swirls. I like the affect the pastels gave the flowers here. It seems to tone down the ink on the flowers so they weren't a focal point. Enjoy!

Recipe:
Stamps: SU Doodle This, Doodle That, Fancy Flexible Phrases
Paper: SU Rose Red, Very Vanilla
Ink: SU Rose Red, Craft Rose Red
Embellishments: SU Ribbon, Misc Fastener
Other: SU Pastels, Dimensionals, Ticket Punch
Technique: Heat Embossing

{ They're Almost Done! }

2007-02-16T14:20:00.000-05:00

I'm surprised how quickly we got done with the candles. It took two of use two hours to make 150 candles. Not bad at all! They still have to be bagged and the bows & tags added, but that will be much easier than heating the image onto the candle. I feel so good that we got them all done! I'll post some pictures when they are completed early next week.

{ What I've Been Up To }

2007-02-15T23:50:00.000-05:00

I sure have been busy with my creations this week. Nothing much to show you yet though. I've been working on the favors for my brother's wedding. I'm making near 150 votive candles. I finally came up with the design earlier this week and my future sister-in-law, Heather, loved them so I've been hard a work to get them done on time. So far I've printed all wording on the vellum (had to use vellum over tissue because of all the wording). I've stamped the images on the vellum as well and cut it all out. Tomorrow my upline is coming over and we're going to apply/heat the vellum onto the candles. Hopefully we can get them all done! Then on Monday my Aunt and I are going to wrap them all up. I also have to finish all the thank you cards I promised Heather. They're soooooo close to being done, thank God! I've got a couple swaps due and my first workshop coming up, so I've got a ton to get done! Maybe I'll have a sleepless weekend so I can get a lot done! Just kidding of course, if I can't sleep I won't be able to function. We'll see how this goes.

{ A Blossom & Doodles }

2007-02-11T18:39:00.000-05:00

I guess I'm addicted to these layer less cards, or one layer cards as some call them. I'm not really sure what they actually are called. Layer less seems correct since all there is to the card is a card base, no layers on it. But a lot of people call them one layer cards. Either way, I think I'm addicted!

A while back I made a personal challenge to myself to only make layer less cards until I was comfortable with them. I think that lasted a few weeks and I must have succeeded because now even though I'm not set on making them anymore I sure do seem to make a lot of them!

I'm pretty happy with this one. The rose background was made by masking the card off with a piece of scrap paper. I punched two scalloped squares out of to make one long rectangle. I used pastels for the coloring. The center of the flower is a stamp from SU's Little Pieces which I put a circle of dots around then covered with a page pebble and cut out. The stem is a stamp from SU's Simply Circles, the one with three small circles, I only inked on of them and stamped my stem. I put a bunch of dots around the flower, stem and leaves and drew the frame by hand. I finished it off by added the hardware and ribbon, if you look closely there is a brad on one of the dots for the stem. This one was a lot of fun. Enjoy!

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Stamps: SU Island Blossoms, Little Pieces, Simply Circles

Paper: SU Very Vanilla

Ink: SU Craft Rose Red, Craft Always Artichoke

Embellishments: SU Ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware Swirl Clip & Brad, Misc Page Pebble

Other: SU Pastels, Write Marker, Marvy Giga Scallop Square Punch

Techniques: Masking, Doodling

{ Some Workshop Cards }

2007-02-11T08:15:00.000-05:00

As you can probably tell from looking at most my cards, I'm not a simple card makers. Most all my cards have lots of detail and they all take a lot of time. Not all card making is this way, actually I've seen so many quick, simple, beautiful cards. It's just not my style.... actually I find it very difficult to stay simple. I always want to do more! Now that I've become an SU demo I do need to some up with some more simple cards using current SU sets. Yesterday I made three in under an hour and today I made one more in about fifteen minutes. I wasn't going to post them here, but I figured I should since everyone has a different style of stamping and I'm sure many of you ladies out there will love them, so they are worth sharing. All of these are just card fronts since they will just be used for examples for workshops I figured not reason to make a full card and waste cardstock.

I can't believe how much I like this set now. I really had no interest in owning it and if it wasn't free I wouldn't have it, but I love it now! The flowers and the sentiment are all done with SU Write Markers. I liked the more natural effect it gave the flowers. I did the sentiment the same way so it would match the flowers. I'm very happy with the way the stamp work turned out. All the background stamp work was done with Craft (Pigment) ink. I tend to use more Craft ink because I like the smooth matte finish. The down side to using Craft ink is it takes longer to dry, not a problem though, I dry it right up with my heat gun. I just bought the SU brand heat gun and I really like it over the other brand I had. It must be hotter because everything dries and embosses much quicker. I used my ticket punch on the corners of the Regal Rose layer but did not use it on layer just above that, I love this look! I first saw it on cards in Cindy Haffner's SCS Gallery. Worth taking a look at too, she is very talented! Anyway, I actually like this card a lot, I will probably make a few full size copies of this card.

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Stamps: SU Polka Dots & Paisley, It's Your Birthday

Paper: SU Taken With Teal, Rose Red, Regal Rose

Ink: SU Craft Taken With Teal, SU Craft Rose Red

Other: SU Write Markers, Ticket Punch

Embellishments: SU Ribbon

This card started off as a CASE from a Stampin' Success magazine, but in the end, it looks nothing like the card I was trying to CASE. It's pretty straight forward, well, except for the flower focal point. I used the same flower stamp that I used on the burgundy layer. I did the Rock & Roll technique on the flower with SU So Saffron & Bravo Burgundy then used my spring bouquet flower punch to punch out the flower and also punched out another flower in Bravo Burgundy. I then punched holes in all the layers (the top flower down to the first So Saffron layer) and secured them with a brad from SU's Hodgepodge Hardware. I also used the spiral clip from the hardware box with the ribbon attached to it. I've never really used So Saffron until the last few days, I really like it! Especially with these colors. Always Artichoke is one of my favorite colors and I think they work well together.

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Stamps: SU Seeing Spots, Print Pattern
Paper: SU Always Artichoke, So Saffron, Bravo Burgundy, Very Vanilla
Ink: SU Craft Always Artichoke, Craft Bravo Burgundy, Craft So Saffron
Embellishments: SU Ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware Spirl Clip & Brad
Other: SU Spring Bouquet Punch, Stamp-a-ma-Jig

This one is definitely a CASE from a Stampin' Success magazine (Oct. '06). I changed the colors and a little of the stamp work, oh and I didn't use a window sheet like theirs had. But overall it's pretty much the same. The placement of the ribbon was chosen because I smudged a little Craft ink with my finger... I love embellishments, great cover-ups! The row of flowers was done with the small flower from SU's Simply Said set. Then I used a SU Write Marker to make some dots around the flowers.

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Stamps: SU Simply Said
Paper: SU Brocade Blue, So Saffron, Regal Rose, Whisper White
Ink: SU Craft Regal Rose, Rose Red, Brocade Blue
Other: Staples, SU Ribbon, Write Marker
Techniques: 2 Step Stampin'

Well, my last card is definitely not my normal style! I wanted to do some thing a little different so all my example cards didn't look all the same! The flowers were colored in with SU Write Markers and I used the same SU Paisley background stamp on the Regal Rose layer as well as the well as for the main teal background. All three tags are popped up with dimensionals. Despite not being my normal style, this was fun and it was extremely quick and easy!

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Stamps: SU Paisley, Tag Time
Paper: SU Taken With Teal, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Very Vanilla
Ink: SU Taken With Teal, Regal Rose, Basic Black
Embellishments: SU Ribbon
Other: SU Dimensionals, Paper Piercing Tool, Small Round Corner Punch, Rectangle Punch

{ The Best Is Yet To Be }

2007-02-09T23:35:00.000-05:00

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

I have been pretty busy stamping today, but this is the last for the night... I think. Guess it depends on how well I can sleep!

I was so excited to get this set the first time I saw it used. I ordered it right away when it became available and mounted it the minute it arrived, but have yet to use it... pretty much due to lack of inspiration with it. I finally broke it out today.

The edges of this card were done with pastels and all the other coloring was done with SU Write Markers. To make the small flowers I used a SU Write Marker on the flower from the smallest heart from SU's Love Matters set. I didn't plan on the flowers, but I needed a little cover up a pesky fingerprint... Shhhhh, don't tell!

Recipe:
Stamps: SU Love Matters
Paper: SU Very Vanilla
Ink: SU Craft Basic Black
Embellishments: Misc Ribbon
Other: SU Write Markers, Joann's Clear Embossing Powder

{ Quick Pile of Cards }

2007-02-09T18:34:00.000-05:00

I finished all eight of these cards tonight while watching General Hospital. I Tivo'd it so after fast forwarding through commercials that leaves 40 minutes... can't beat a 5 minute card! These are all pretty straight forward. If you double click on the image you can see a bigger version with more detail. Some of the images have other images stamped behind them that you can't see on this smaller view.

While these weren't specifially CASED or inspired by anyone in particular I know I have seen simular cards in the SCS galleries.

All images Copyright Stampin' Up!

Stamps: SU Very Punny, Sweet Shapes

Paper: SU Rose Red, Pixie Pink, So Saffron, Certainly Celery

Ink: SU Craft Basic Black, Craft So Saffron, Craft Pixie Pink

Embellishments: SU Ribbon, MM Snaps

Other: SU Write Markers, Pastels, Joann's Embossing Powder

Techniques: Heat Embossing

{ My Brother's Birthday & LSC102 }

2007-02-09T13:01:00.000-05:00

I finally sat down today to make my brothers birthday card, since it is 6 days away now! I made a little extra something, he loves Starburst candies so I filled a Frap bottle with Starburst and used SU colors to match. I hope it doesn't look to "kiddish" for a 24 year old, OMG he's 24! I was thinking it was 22 or something. I can't believe it! He's getting married next month too, this is getting weird!

I actually played along with a challenge from SCS, LSC102. I normally am not to into the challenges. I have soooooo many ideas in my mind that I feel restricted by them. So far I have not really suffered from "stamper's block" but I'm sure the challenges will help to get the juices flowing when that day comes.

Anyway, everything is pretty straight forward here. The top of the Frap bottle also has a Fish stamped on it. I frayed the ribbon on the fish tag so it would match the card. I'm pretty happy with it being that it was my first attempt at covering a Frap bottle. The tag in this would obviously be the fish with the frayed ribbon on it.

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Stamps: SU Very Punny

Paper: SU Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Green Galore

Ink: SU Tempting Turquoise, Craft Basic Black

Embellishments: SU Ribbon

Other: Joann's Embossing Powder

Techniques: Heat Embossing

The card was fun, one big long tag for the focal point, wow, two challenges completed in one day! I normally don't use such bright & bold colors, they were chosen to match the Starburst wrappers. Overall, even though I'm not too thrilled with the colors, I am still very happy with the card itself.

Some images copyright Stampin' Up!

Stamps: SU Very Punny, Art's Hero "Enjoy Your Birthday"

Paper: SU Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Green Galore, Basic Black

Ink: SU Tempting Turquoise, Craft Basic Black

Embellishments: SU Ribbon

Other: Joann's Embossing Powder

Techniques: Heat Embossing, Distressing

{ Last One of the Day }

2007-02-08T22:37:00.000-05:00

Not much to say, but here it is. Enjoy.

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Stamps: SU Delight in Life, It's Your Birthday

Paper: SU Rose Red, Ballet Blue, Very Vanilla

Ink: SU Craft Rose Red

Embellishments: SU Ribbon, Misc Fastner

Other: SU Pastels, Dimensionals, Joann's Embossing Powder

Techniques: Masking, Heat Embossing

{ Birthday Blossoms }

2007-02-08T14:53:00.000-05:00

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

I have tons of inspiration to make cards, but none for the cards that I need to make.... hence the reason my brother's birthday card has not been completed yet.

This card was a lot of fun to do. To make the heart I cut a heart out of scrap paper and taped it down over the card stock. I then used pastels to make a pink background and stamped over that with the dots and small flower stamps from SU's Delight in Life set. The "happy birthday" is heat embossed and I edged the card with pastels. Really pretty IRL. Enjoy!

Recipe:

Stamps: SU Delight in Life, It's Your Birthday

Paper: SU Very Vanilla

Ink: SU Craft Rose Red

Embellishments: SU Ribbon

Other: SU Pastels, Joann's Clear Embossing Powder

Techniques: Heat Embossing, Masking

{ Hubby Love }

2007-02-05T19:45:00.000-05:00

I wanted to use SU's Letters of Love for my husband's Valentine and I had never attempted a quarter fold card, so I figured this was the perfect time to try it out. I really didn't have anything in mind when I started, other than I wanted to make it as masculine as possible. I don't think I succeeded. I did keep the color scheme good though, the only hit of pink is on the front of the envelope, I had to sneak that in there!

I wanted to keep the card as a whole uniform, which I did, each corner has a bg stamped on it, then a square die cut, stamp frame die cut then a smaller square die cut with the letter stamped on it. I changed it up by using all different bg stamps and techniques on each of the different layers. I stamped one, edged one with pastels, doodled on other, then in the end I added a different embellishment to each letter.... basically I just had fun! And I totally love the way this turned out!! I can't wait till Valentine's Day now to give it to my wonderful husband!

On the inside flaps I wrote a bunch of the cutsie nick names that I call him. I wrote them with my SU Write Marker in Night of Navy so they wouldn't stick out and be a focus point but be just a subtle addition to the card.

Anyway, I hope you like!

Here's the recipe:

Stamps: SU Letters of Love, Love Matters, Looks Like Spring, French Script, Beyond the Basics, Delight in Life, Misc Love BG

Paper: SU Night of Navy, Brocade Blue, Whisper White

Ink: SU Craft Night of Navy, Craft Whisper White

Embellishments: SU Cord, Ribbon, Misc Jumper, Wedding Set

Other: SU Dimensionals, Pastels, Write Marker, Misc