SIM #4

This is the last of my 4 scheduled posts.  I can't even guess at this moment with all that I have going on the next couple of weeks if I will have gotten some time to stamp between now and when this posts actually is published.  I hope so!  I guess you'll have to tune in on Tuesday to find out ;)  I post on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  Sometimes all three days, sometimes only one or two, but those are the days I publish posts.  It's fun to see that some of you are taking advantage of "following" me so that you don't have to guess as to whether I've posted or not.  You get a pretty little e-mail with my post every time I post :)

The card below is a CASE of Ilina Crouse.  Her card is HERE.  I changed the colors up a bit because I can't ever just totally copy someone else's card.  I'm curious how all of you are about that?  Can you just copy everything, or do you have to tweak even just one little thing to make it more your own?

Well, have a great weekend and hopefully I'll "see" you soon!!

All items used are SU!

Stamps:  Funky Four and Just Believe
Ink:  So Saffron, Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and Real Red Stampin' Write markers, Chocolate Chip classic ink
Paper:  So Saffron, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and Real Red CS, Play Date DSP
Accessories:  Old Olive brads (Brights assortment), Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border (say that three times really fast!  LOL) punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, clear-mount blocks

Another One...

This card is another case of myself.  Here is the card that I cased.  I REALLY like this color combo and the use of the Rhinestone Brads.  What do you think?

I should be back from Kentucky now, maybe we have a house lined up - I sure hope we do.  When I get back to posting and it's not scheduled in advance, I'll let you know.  I'm sitting here writing this a week ago.  :)

Have a lovely day!

All items used are SU!

Stamps:  Funky Four, Just Believe
Ink:  Old Olive classic ink
Paper:  Old Olive, Crumb Cake and Whisper White CS
Accessories:  3/8" Crumb Cake Taffeta ribbon, Ice Circle Rhinestone Brads (in green), Stamp-a-Ma-Jig, clear-mount blocks, Stampin' Dimensionals, mini glue dots

CASE'ing Myself

I CASE'd this card I made that won Shelli's Creative Challenge back in August to use in my Stamps-in-the-Mail (SIM) program.  I hope that they like it.  The change in colors was to go along with the Play Date Designer Series Paper color scheme that we used for this SIM kit.

I am still in Kentucky but hope you're having a great day wherever you are!! :)  Thanks in advance for your comments!!!

All items used are SU!

Stamps:  Funky Four, Just Believe
Ink:  Old Olive, Real Red, So Saffron and Tempting Turquoise Stampin' Write Markers, Chocolate Chip classic ink
Paper:  Real Red, Crumb Cake and Whisper White CS
Accessories:  3/8" Old Olive Taffeta ribbon, Basic Pearls Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals, mini glue dots, clear-mount blocks, 1/4" Circle Punch (retired)

CASE'ing Jen

When I saw this card by Jen Timko, I just knew that I had to CASE it.  I changed the colors up a bit, added some of the FABULOUS new glimmer brads, and tried out something I've never done before - put a lighter CS behind a darker one, as a mat.  To be totally honest, I don't think I like the light behind the dark that much, but it was fun to try something different.  I hope you like my card, and if you check hers out you can see where the sketch came from (Stamping 411) and all of that.  Leave her some love - I am sure she appreciates your kind comments as much as I do :)

As for me - this post, and the next three, are all scheduled while I am out of state house-hunting.  My stamping has been sparse, and it doesn't look to get much better.  I will do my best though, and at least you've got 3 more posts coming!! :)

Have a great day!

All items used are SU!

Stamps:  Funky Four, Just Believe
Ink:  Real Red, Tempting Turquoise and Old Olive Stampin' Write markers, Black StazOn
Paper:  Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron, Real Red and Whisper White CS, Play Date DSP
Accessories:  Real Red and Tempting Turquoise Glimmer Brads (Brights assortment), 3/8" Real Red Taffeta ribbon, Old Olive Designer Button (Brights assortment), Stamp-a-Ma-Jig, clear-mount blocks, Stampin' Dimensionals, white thread

Woo hoo - sounds like fun!!!

Canadian? Click here for more information.

Dates: October 1-November 15, 2010

Stampin' Up!  invites YOU to participate in its first ever digital design contest using My Digital Studio and Stampin' Up!'s digital downloads! The My Digital Studio Design contest was created to recognize the amazing digital design skills of our talented, creative customers and demonstrators! The contest is open to all customers and demonstrators who have access to My Digital Studio in the US and Canada; five customers and five demonstrators will be selected to win.  To enter the contest you will need to design one digital card and two single-page layouts using ONLY My Digital Studio product and Stampin' Up downloads.  Submit all samples along with an official entry form and photo release form (if applicable) to MDSContest@stampinup.com.
Winners will receive free My Digital Studio digital downloads from Stampin' Up valued at approximately $400! You will also receive a digital pin for your personal blog.
Don't own My Digital Studio or want to purchase new Stampin' Up! digital downloads? Click here!
Our panel of judges can't wait to see your digital artistry on display, so submit your project today!
Ready, Set, Create!

1. Read the complete official rules.
2. Read the My Digital Studio Designing contest FAQ's.
3. Download an official entry form and photo release (if applicable).

As Clean and Simple as it Gets

For those of you that know me, you know that I really like Clean and Simple (CAS) stamping.  It is how I would describe my stamping style.  Well, these little 3x3's are about as clean and simple as CAS can get! :)  I really enjoy making single-layer cards.  It can be very challenging, and I think that if you haven't made any in a while (or ever) you should give it a try!  Have a lovely day!

All items used are SU!

Stamps: Silhouette Sentiments (hostess level 1), Curly Cute
Ink:  Daffodil Delight and Early Espresso classic ink
Paper:  Whisper White CS
Accessories:  Clear-Mount Blocks

Funky Mojo

I finally got a chance to use this week's Mojo Monday sketch, which you can check out HERE.  I had fun using one of my favorite new stamp sets, some fun new papers, and the Glimmer Brads that are in the Holiday Mini Catalog - which I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!

I hope you are having a great weekend!!!

All items used are SU! unless noted

Stamps:  Funky Four and Apple Blossoms (level 2 hostess)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Old Olive and So Saffron Stampin' Write Markers
Paper:  Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Real Red and Whisper White CS, Play Date DSP
Accessories:  Glimmer Brads (Tempting Turquoise), Flower Brad (Tempting Turquoise - Brights Assortment) Designer Buttons (Real Red - Brights Assortment), Scallop Edge Border punch, So Saffron 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Janome Sew Mini, White Thread, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stamp-a-Ma-Jig

Long Story Short....

So, it's a rather long story, but I will condense it for you.  About a month ago, we were told that we would be moving next spring/summer, on schedule.  My husband was also told that he would have normal duty until then which consists of typically 2-3 weeks gone each month flying missions on the C-17.  Well, last week he was stopped by his Commander and was told that he is deploying to Afghanistan, will be flying a new jet, and it will all start to happen (training followed by the deployment) in February.  This sounds like a long time from now, but when he's gone at least half of the month each month, that leaves us with 2 months where we'll be together to get packed up and ready to move me and the kids to Kentucky for the nearly 16 months that we'll be separated.

I can't go into details about his deployment, nor do I probably even know them all (for security reasons), but suffice it to say it's not "as" safe as his last deployment. It also was a shock, plain and simple, that he got it.  Of course in the military we all know that deployments happen - that's a fact of military life.  BUT, when you're told you won't be going on one, and then your wife takes that to heart and gets comfortable, it's a shocker when she hears one day when you come home for lunch that you'll be leaving.

We are getting down to business though now, already, preparing to move a whole house.  I also have to wrap up my Master's classes for now.  Because I am seeking certification to teach, I have to have a mentor at a local school and moving will throw a kink in that and set me back a semester or two.  Not to mention that I now have to decide what to store, what to take, what to throw away, and what to give away in order to pack.  I thought I had until next spring!!!!!

Your kind words, thoughts, and prayers are appreciated.  It is what it is, and we will get through it like we always do. I can tell you that I have such a strong testimony of the purpose of families and the roles of parents, and being apart only strengthens it. I know that my Heavenly Father will not give us more than we can bear.  As part of Psalms 2:12 says, "Blessed are all they that put their trust in him."  I know that Peter will be safe, and we will make it through this difficult time.  We are doing all that we can together - trying to build some memories - as a family during the days/weeks that Peter is actually here in town before we move in February.  That will explain my sparse stamping.  Not to mention that the kids have school, soccer, I have my Master's classes, volunteer work, and we have all of our other normal obligations to meet that don't "care" if we're going to move in a few months.  Packing up a 4-bedroom house is going to be fun - or NOT!! ;)  Ha ha ha.

So....have a wonderful day and a fabulous weekend!

PS - thanks for "following" me!! I think the most fun about having some followers (in my sidebar) is that I can "see" who you are :)

Yellow...Really?

This card was extremely quick to make, and I was playing around with a new stamp set and punch.  I have realized that I am really enjoying Daffodil Delight, and I am totally not a yellow person.  I am more of a blues and greens gal.  Anyway, I love sentiment stamps too, and when I saw this one in the new Idea Book & Catalog back in July, I just had to have it.  The punch is the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch.  Isn't it fun!?!?  The circle was pierced using my SU! Piercing Tool, Template and Pad.  It's so fun to make circles with it!

I hope that you are having a great day!!  Thank you so much for stopping by and for the kind words that many of you either posted or e-mailed me with after my last post.  The news is to come, shortly.

All items used are SU!

Stamps:  Curly Cute
Ink:  Early Espresso
Paper:  Early Espresso, Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White CS
Accessories:  Daffodil Delight 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, Piercing Tool, Template and Pad, mini glue dots, Clear-Mount Blocks

FTL 107 and...

This will be a quick post because there are some big changes happening for my family in the next several months.  I am going to try really hard to keep posting several times a week, but soon I will share with you what is going on and I think you will understand why I may not be stamping as much as usual.  But, NO, it's not a baby.  It's actually not really "good" news, but it is what it is and we're making sure family hears from us first ;)  Have a great day!

This layout comes from the FTL 107 sketch.  Check it out!

All supplies used are SU!

Stamps:  Funky Four, Apple Blossoms (level 2 hostess)
Ink:  Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron (colored part that ended up under the brad - oops!) and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers
Paper:  Poppy Parade (doesn't coordinate with the DSP, but I wanted it a tad lighter than Real Red so that the card would be "lighter" in general), So Saffron, Old Olive and Whisper White CS, Play Date DSP (Designer Series Paper)
Accessories:  Paper Piercing Tool, Template and Pad, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Glimmer Brad (Real Red - Holiday Mini Catalog item), Clear-Mount Blocks

Simple Card Box

I saw a box like this as one of the items made at a past SU! Convention - not even sure which one, I can't remember.  I saved a photo that I nabbed on the internet of the directions for it, since I'm not even sure if I went to that particular Convention (or if I did, I didn't have my own photo) and made this fun box for my August SIM kits to hold the cards that we made using the Just Believe Stamp set.  It was easy to make, and I love using my Big Shot and the Top Note Bigz die is one of my absolute favorites!!  Enjoy!!

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope that you have a fabulous day!!

All items used are SU!

Stamps:  Just Believe
Ink:  Marina Mist classic ink
Paper:  Whisper White and Marina Mist CS
Accessories:  Big Shot, Top Note Bigz Die, Marina Mist 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Marina Mist brads (from Subtles assortment), Filigree Designer Brad, Clear-Mount Blocks

Sweets for a Sweet Girl

I made this card back in August and forgot to share it with you.  It uses the really fun stamp set from the Summer Mini Catalog called Sweet Scoops.  Unfortunately for the stamp set, it hadn't seen ink when I pulled it out for this card, but I know that my girls' friend, Savannah, deserves the sweetest blessings that life has to offer, and I thought she would think that this card was fun to receive for her 6th birthday.  The color combination was inspired by Shelli's (then current) Creative Challenge to use color combinations from the wonderful SU! Color Coach.  This color combination comes from the back of the Blushing Bride card, and includes Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz and Early Espresso.  Love it!

I hope that you are having a fabulous day, and I am thrilled that you stopped by to visit my blog.  Thank you so much for your sweet comments - I truly do appreciate each one of them!!!

PS - If you have a blog, make sure that when you comment you link to it (if it's not linked to your profile that you comment with) so that I can check yours out.  I enjoy returning the love!! :)

All supplies used are SU!

Stamps:  Sweet Scoops, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper:  Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz and Whisper White CS
Ink:  Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride and Early Espresso classic ink
Accessories:  Dazzling Diamonds glitter, 2-way Glue Pen, Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta ribbon, Stampin' Sponges, Scallop Edge Border punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Clear-Mount Blocks

{Thank You} Just Believe

I made this card after being inspired by one that Lynn Put made, which you can see by clicking HERE.  Hers is gorgeous and a lot more elaborate, but that's the beauty of a CASE - you don't have to exactly copy everything :)  I have a hard time doing anything not CAS (Clean And Simple), so this my version of her lovely card.  It also uses the Mojo Monday 151 sketch for the LO.  Hope you like it!

Thanks for stopping by - I appreciate it!  I hope you are having a lovely week!!!

All supplies used are SU!

Stamps:  Just Believe
Ink:  Certainly Celery and Marina Mist classic ink
Paper:  Marina Mist and Whisper White CS, Marina Mist Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack
Accessories:  Blender Pen, Modern Label Extra-Large, Word Window, Scallop Trim Border, 1-3/8" Circle and 1-3/8" Circle Large punches, Silver brads, Marina Mist 5/8" Grosgrain ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

FTL106 - With Ribbon

Well, first I must say that this "followers" thing is kind of fun.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, see THIS post.  Now I just have to figure out where I want you to "follow" me to ;)  I'm wondering - do you get updates of new posts like in Google Reader or some other kind of subscription method when you "follow" a blog?  Do I want to start doing it, instead of subscribing to your blogs via Google Reader?  Shari's comment on my post makes me think that following doesn't really give you any kind of notifications.  If that's so, why follow?  Enlighten me.... :)

On to the card...As soon as I saw THIS sketch over at clean&simple stamping, I knew I wanted that horizontal piece of the LO to be a piece of large ribbon.  I feel like this card pretty much turned out how I wanted it to, and I used the SU! Color Coach to come up with the combo off of the Basic Black card of {Basic Black, Daffodil Delight and Old Olive}.  Isn't it a great combo?!?!  I used Crumb Cake as my neutral.  Boy oh boy does Crumb Cake have a lot of fibers in it!!  Take a close-up look at the card and you'll see what I mean.  I love it!!

Well, I hope that you are having a fantastic weekend, and I certainly appreciate you stopping by to visit my blog. Take care!!


All items used are SU!

Stamps:  Punch Potpourri (Level 1 Hostess), Occasional Quotes (Level 3 Hostess)
Ink:  Black StazOn, Old Olive Classic Ink
Paper:  Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White CS
Accessories:  Butterfly Extra-Large and Corner Rounder punch, Basic Black 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Basic Black Brads (from Neutrals assortment), Daffodil Delight flower Designer Button (from Brights assortment), Stampin' Dimensionals, Clear-Mount Blocks

{Just Believe} in FTL 99

When I saw FTL-99 I tucked it away for future use.  I didn't actually see it when it was the current week's sketch challenge, because I was on a bit of a self-imposed blog-surfing hiatus, but my Google Reader helped me not miss a thing out there in blog-land when I made it back to my computer.  As I was coming up with the three cards in my August Stamps in the Mail, I just knew that this sketch would work lovely, and I envisioned a monochromatic card in my head.  I love the balance of the rounded corners in the sketch!  Without further ado...what do you think?

 
Thanks for stopping by, and I appreciate the time you take to leave comments on my blog.  Have a beautiful day!

All items used are SU!

Stamps:  Just Believe
Paper:  Certainly Celery and Whisper White CS
Ink:  Certainly Celery classic ink
Accessories:  Certainly Celery 3/8" Taffeta ribbon, Basic Pearls, Corner Rounder punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Clear-Mount Blocks

Followers?

Well, I don't know who would actually want to, but I finally got "with it" and added the "Followers" widget-thingy to my sidebar (about half-way down my sidebar) if you would like to somehow make it easier to "follow" me.  I have no idea what it does, or how it works - I personally use Google Reader.  Apparently, however, many people use this method to keep track of blogs.  Well, you asked, so now it's there ;)  Hopefully I'll have at least one person follow me so it's not an empty, sad little box!! LOL

{just for you}

I made this card using the 100th sketch over at clean&simple stamping.  I had saved it for my Stamps in the Mail program because I had chosen to use the Just Believe stamp set, and when I saw this sketch, I knew it would be PERFECT for this stamp set.  It highlights one of the main images in the set well, and lets you use a sentiment too.  Plus, I was able to do a fun technique with this card, that I call the blender pen outline technique.  I use a blender pen to drag some of the color of the image around the outside of the image.  I'll post a picture "up close" of the image below the card for you to see.  If you click on it, you can see it in it's gigantic (but not perfect up that close!!!) glory ;)  It's a really fun technique though that adds some softness to your stamped image.  What do you think?  Have you ever done this before with a blender pen?  *****A note: sometimes your image may not allow the blender pen to pull as much color as you would like as you outline your shape, so you might have to just barely dab your blender pen in some of the appropriate ink color as you trace.****

So, up close, you can tell that it's not too exact, or perfect, but I didn't want it to be.  You have to know by now that I'm a perfectionist, so if I had really wanted each little leaf and stem outlined, I would have done it ;)

I would love to hear your thoughts, and appreciate each and every one of you for visiting my blog!!  Have a wonderful day!

All items used are SU!

Stamps:  Just Believe
Paper:  Whisper White and Certainly Celery CS
Ink:  Certainly Celery and Marina Mist classic ink
Accessories:  Scallop Edge Border punch, Certainly Celery 3/8" Taffeta ribbon, Blender Pen

Oh...my...WOW!!!

Well, I must say that when I checked my e-mail today after getting home from church, my first thought was, "somebody is playing a trick on me!!!"  In my inbox was an e-mail from a gal saying that Shelli Gardner (Co-founder and CEO of Stampin' Up!) had picked one of my little cards as a winner for her August Creative Challenge!!!  I'm sure that the e-mail is "real" now (because I checked on Shelli's blog ;) LOL), but I was definitely a bit doubtful and very much surprised! 

I was inspired by her color challenge and shared my cards thinking that maybe someone would come visit my blog and be inspired by them.  I never thought I would actually win!  Well, I just had to share the news with you because I think it's so neat (and my last name is spelled wrong on her site so some of you might not realize it's me, he he he). 

I don't ever send stuff in for contests.  I consider myself a clean-and-simple stamper that doesn't cause many  to say "wow!!!" when they take a look at my stuff, but it makes me happy to create my cards and other projects and give them to others to brighten their day.  So... pretty neat, right?  :)

Click here to see my card that she picked.

Click here to see the other August Creative Challenge winners.

Congrats to everyone else.  I know I enjoyed looking at all of the submissions, and recommend that you do too if you would like some fabulous inspiration.

I {Heart} Marina Mist

Marina Mist is definitely a new favorite of mine. This card is rather CAS, but instead of my normal linear paper piercing, I wanted a circle. I love using my paper piercing template to make circles! It's not that hard, either. You pierce one hole and before removing the paper piercing tool, you pivot the template to where you want the next hole, and so on, until you've got a circle (or something pretty close - LOL!). Hope you enjoy the card and have a lovely weekend!!!

All items used are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Just Believe
Paper: Marina Mist and Whisper White CS
Ink: Marina Mist classic ink
Accessories: Curly Label and Modern Label Extra Large punches, Subtles Brads (Marina Mist), Paper Piercing Tool, Template and Mat, Stampin' Dimensionals, Clear-Mount Blocks

friends

This card was inspired by one that is found on the workshop invitation postcards and is on page 140 of the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog as well. I just love all of the ideas and inspiration that can be had from things as little as the postcards, the samples found online on the demonstrator websites, those in the mini catalogs and of course those in the Idea Book & Catalog. I challenge you to use them for inspiration the next time you get stumped, and I promise that you won't be stumped for long!

Some of you are aware that I was a falconer while in college, and I really like birds of prey. I ADORE owls, so when I saw this set I just HAD to get it. I love it!!

All items used are SU!

Stamps: Aviary, Just Believe
Ink: Concord Crush and Wild Wasabi Stampin' Write Markers
Paper: Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White CS
Accessories: 3/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta ribbon, Scallop Edge Border punch, Paper Piercing Tool and Mat, Clear-Mount Blocks

It's Here!!

This FANTASTIC Holiday Mini Catalog is now available to order from. I'm placing my first order from it soon, and can't wait for the items to arrive. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any help ordering!!

Click the catalog to download in .pdf format!

TOTE-ally Awesome!!

 

Imagine sharing your love of Stampin’ Up! with this stylish and practical tote, patterned after our Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper and large enough to carry 12" x 12" card stock and a Paper Cutter, as well as punches, ink pads, and accessories. And with two Starter Kits to choose from—Standard and Digital+—at a brand-new lower kit price, there’s never been a better time to join the Stampin’ Up! family.

Craft Tote Recruiting Promotion

Dates: September 1-October 18, 2010, or while supplies last 

Details
New recruits who join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator during the promotion period will receive a FREE craft tote (valued at $39.95) with the purchase of their Starter Kit.

Greenhouse Gala Craft Tote Description

• 100% twill nylon exterior; 100% nylon interior
• Dimensions: 15-3/4" x 7-5/8" x 8-7/8"
• Includes attachable shoulder strap for easy transport
• Center section fits 12" x 12" card stock, Craft Keepers, and Paper Cutter
• Outside pockets fit extra-large punches perfectly
• Outside flap pockets offer secure spot for accessories
• Back zipper pocket holds up to seven Stampin' Pads

Things to Remember:

• This incentive is available to all new recruits, including first-time joins, rejoins, etc.
• Free Craft Tote will automatically be added to Starter Kit and shipped at the same time, but in a separate box.
• Free Craft Tote will also be shipped for free.
• Free Craft Tote is not substitutable. 

Contact me for more information or to become a demonstrator!

Color Blocking and the Color Coach

When I saw the Stampin' Addicts sketch challenge last week, I had an idea pop into my head and for once, I really feel like what I envisioned is what ended up happening on the card.  I decided to use Shelli's Creative Challenge for this month once again to come up with my color combination.  If you want to check out SASC 64 over at Stampin' Addicts, you can see it HERE.

My color combination came from the back of the Concord Crush card in the Color Coach.  It is Concord Crush, Pear Pizzazz and Peach Parfait.  You can see in the close-up (you'll want to click on it to enlarge it) that I actually sponged the edges of the punched flowers to give them a little more depth.

I hope you like the card!

All items used are SU!

Stamps:  Funky Four, Apple Blossoms (Hostess Level 1)
Paper:  Concord Crush, Peach Parfait and Whisper White CS, Pear Pizzazz Textured CS
Ink:  Concord Crush and Pear Pizzazz Stampin' Write Markers, Peach Parfait Classic Ink
Accessories:  Itty Bitty Shapes punch, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stamp-a-Ma-Jig, Concord Crush 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon, Corner punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Clear-Mount Blocks

FTL 104 #2

I made this card back on the 20th along with the card you saw in my last post (hey, I have to stretch out my posts if I want to appear to be a regular blogger!! ;)  LOL), and after making that first card I had the desire to make the spot where the bow is in the sketch to be a torn paper flower. I've done them in the past with good success in making the flowers but not the best success at utilizing them on the card. I am pleased with how this one turned out. For once, I had to stop myself though. I was going to add some Dazzling Diamonds to all of the rough edges on the petals. I think it would have looked pretty, but maybe a bit much. I settled with just the bling (I LOVE THE SELF-ADHESIVE JEWELS THAT SU! HAS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) in the center of the flower. This card also uses the FTL 104 sketch, found HERE.

All items used are SU!

Stamps: Because I Care (Level 1 Hostess)
Paper: Pear Pizzazz and Whisper White CS, Greenhouse Gala DSP
Ink: Pear Pizzazz Classic Ink
Accessories: Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 3/8" Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, White Thread, Janome Sew Mini, Clear-Mount Block

FTL 104 #1

Here's a card that I made fairly quickly using the FTL 104 sketch from over at clean&simple stamping. Go check out the sketch HERE.

All items used are SU!

Stamps: Because I Care (Hostess Level 1)
Paper: Pear Pizzazz and Whisper White CS, Greenhouse Gala DSP
Ink: Pear Pizzazz Classic Ink
Accessories: Neutrals Designer Button (Whisper White), 3/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta ribbon, Clear-Mount Block

FTL 103

It has been a while since I have been able to play along with the gals over at clean&simple stamping. I was so glad to be able to use one of their more recent sketches for this card. If you want to check out the sketch, you can go see it HERE. I usually use a CAS myself, and I always love the sketches that are posted there.

All items used are SU!

Stamps: Funky Four, Just Believe
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Cherry Cobbler and Whisper White CS
Ink: Cherry Cobbler classic ink
Accessories: Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 3/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Clear-Mount Blocks

Mojo Monday 153

When Mojo Monday Sketch 153 came through in my Google Reader, I stopped what I was doing, grabbed some card stock, my SU! Color Coach, and came up with what I wanted to do. I have been inspired to use my Color Coach a lot since I've been able to start stamping again. Shelli even issued a Creative Challenge using it this month, and you should check it out! So, I came up with the color combination of Pear Pizzazz, Tempting Turquoise and Rich Razzleberry. Well, there are four "squares" in the sketch, as you'll see below, so I had to add in another color and decided to go with Not Quite Navy. I hope you like it, and I hope you have a fabulous Monday!!



All items used are SU!

Stamps: Just Believe
Paper: Pear Pizzazz and Whisper White CS
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Rich Razzleberry, Not Quite Navy and Tempting Turquoise classic ink, Black StazOn ink
Accessories: Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 3/8" Whisper White Taffeta ribbon, Designer Button Brights (Tempting Turquoise), Stampin' Dimensionals, Clear-Mount Block

The Stampin' Up! Color Coach

I wonder if I am the only one? When I was younger and my mom would get one of those rings with all of the color cards on it, for kitchen counter tops I think, I really wanted to HAVE one. She also would have the paint swatch ones that have the different hues, and I would fan it out and play with it. Well, the new SU! Color Coach has an aesthetic similar to those nifty little things that my mom used to have, and I LOVE it!!

With the NEW SU! Color Coach, you can pull out one color here, another color there, and make up your own color combinations. OR, flip it over and you can look at the suggested color combinations on the backs of the cards. Each color has two color combinations on the back and about 97% of the colors also have a dynamic duo listed on the back as well. So far, I haven't noticed any duplicate color combinations either, so when you like a color in one combo and look up that color and flip it over, the combos on the back of it are not the same as the one you just came from.

You can see the SU! Color Coach in 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog on page 165 or online by visiting my SU! website by clicking HERE.

Where am I going with this? Well, I use the color coach all of the time when I need some color inspiration, and this month Shelli Gardner's Creative Challenge was to use the color coach to come up with a combination for a project. You can check out Shelli's Creative Challenge HERE. Next, I thought I would explain the evolution of the card and then share the picture with you.

I decided that I wanted to use one of the new colors, and when I had my Color Coach in front of me with the colors all fanned out, my eyes gravitated to Cajun Craze. It's kind of the "replacement" for Really Rust, and I really like it, but didn't have any ideas in mind so I flipped it over and looked at the combinations listed on the back of the card. It listed: Cajun Craze, Old Olive and Baja Breeze, or Cajun Craze, Perfect Plum and Always Artichoke. The dymanic duo that it showed was Cajun Craze and Tangerine Tango. So...as I sat there and looked at the combinations, I really gravitated towards the top one which was Cajun Craze, Old Olive and Baja Breeze. Any of you that have followed my blog for a while know that I LOVE Baja Breeze. So much so that my walls in my living room and family room are painted in it (you can see it sometimes in the background of some of the pictures I take of my cards). I didn't have any Old Olive handy though, and being lazy I decided to substitute Wild Wasabi for it. Next, I made my stamp choice, and I decided to use the Funky Four stamp set. As the name indicates, there are four little mushrooms, so I just had to add in a fourth color - Daffodil Delight. I didn't count the Crumb Cake (card base) as part of the combo because it's from the Neutrals family ;)

As for the details of the card, I colored the mushrooms with my Stampin' Write Markers. I colored an extra flower that is one the second mushroom from the left, stamped it, punched it out and added a little pearl for some bling. I added the little flower embellishment to the side of the sentiment and think it looks pretty cute, if I do say so myself ;) The recipe is below and I hope that you have a fabulous weekend!!!

All items used are SU!

Stamps: Funky Four, Apple Blossoms
Paper: Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake and Whisper White CS
Ink: Baja Breeze, Cajun Craze, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi and Early Espresso Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: 3/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Pearl Jewels, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals, Clear-Mount Blocks

Just a little hoot....

I just love the new 2-Step Owl punch from Stampin' Up! It makes for really quick, cute embellishments on cards, scrapbook pages, gift items, or whatever you want an owl on! I kept this one simple, but as usual there had to be some paper piercing.

Just to let everyone know, I'm not going to be unrealistic and say that with all that I have going on I'll be able to post every day, but my goal is to post Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday each week. I don't know if more than 2 people even still check my blog, but hopefully this will give you your "Marie fix" :) He he he.

Hope you have a great Friday!

All items used are SU!

Stamps: Apple Blossoms (Hostess Level 2)
Paper: Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White CS, Concord Crush Textured CS, Brights (Daffodil Delight) Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack
Ink: Black StazOn
Accessories: Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker, ruler, Paper Piercing Tool, Template and Mat, 2-Step Owl Extra-Large punch, Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin Dimensionals, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Mini Glue Dots, Clear-Mount Blocks

With Sympathy...

This isn't a traditional sympathy card, but I really liked that phrase that was in the Occasional Quotes (Hostess Level 3) stamp set. My husband's cousin recently lost her 4-year-old son in a tragic drowning accident. I wanted to send her a note to let her know that she and her family are in our prayers. I wasn't able to attend the funeral, but have heard from family members that the mother spoke at her son's funeral, and that she has shown such faith and a testimony in her Savior and Heavenly Father that everyone is comforted to know that even in such grief, she is strong and has the knowledge of the loving arms wrapped around her by her Father in heaven. I can't even imagine what she is going through. My own children are 7, 6 (well, in 2 weeks anyway!) and 3. I just can't imagine.....

I decorated the inside with a VERY subdued image that perhaps you can get the idea of in the picture below. I was inspired by a card on Stampin' Connection made by Ilina Crouse where she made her own interpretation of a card that SU! Convention 2010 participants got to make.

All items are SU!

Stamps: Just Believe, Occasional Quotes (Hostess Level 3)
Paper: Concord Crush, Old Olive and Whisper White CS
Ink: Concord Crush Stampin' Write Marker, Old Olive classic ink
Accessories: Clear-Mount Blocks, Concord Crush 1/2" Stitched-Poly ribbon, Basic Pearl Jewels, Paper Piercing tool, template and mat

I'm Baaaaack.....

Sort of :) I actually stamped two cards the other day (one is below, but I'm "hiding" it beneath a long post). I am sharing one of them today and then the other I'll share in my next post. I made this card for a very good friend for her birthday. I looked at my calendar at 11:20 pm last night and realized that I had lost track of what day it was with the hubby gone, the kids still on summer break, and my Master's class in full swing. I don't really have any need to know the actual date. So, after looking at the calendar I realized that her birthday (and mine - the day after hers) are in the next day or two. So unfortunately I am a terrible, slacker friend and she won't get the card in time. Sorry Melissa!! Oh, and don't continue reading if you don't want to see your card ;)

To tell you a bit about the card, I really wanted to use the new Apple Blossoms set and THIS old card of mine kept popping into my head as a potential rough layout to use. I also wanted to use only "new" colors (you'll see why I put "new" in quotes in a second), so I used Marina Mist, Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight and Cherry Cobbler. As the card base and on the little punched out shape behind the sentiment, I used the "new" Crumb Cake (which to me looks just like the old Kraft CS, but I haven't actually compared the two side-by-side yet to see but it does for a fact replace the former Kraft CS in the SU! inventory).

Anyway, as you'll see below (sorry, I am typing a lot so that Melissa won't see the card right away if she checks my blog and hasn't gotten the card yet) it's a fairly simple card. The pattern on the Marina Mist CS at the bottom of the card was made using one of the stamps in the Apple Blossom set.

I tried out something new and used SU!'s glue-stick to adhere the ribbon to the CS. I REALLY like how flat it lays on the card using the glue-stick, and none of the glue goes through the ribbon, and you don't see little glue dot shapes, or anything like that. I recommend this technique to those that want their ribbon to really lay flat. It works well with the stain ribbons. I don't know that it would work as well with grosgrain or other more bulky/textured ribbons though.

So, without any more stalling, here it is:


All supplies are SU!

Stamps: Apple Blossoms
Paper: Marina Mist, Crumb Cake and Whisper White CS
Ink: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist and Daffodil Delight Classic Ink
Accessories: Modern Label punch, Word Window punch, Clear Acrylic Blocks, Marina Mist Satin ribbon, linen thread, Stampin' Dimensionals

Stamps in the Mail...

...is coming to a mailbox near you! Don't miss out on this great program!

Stamps in the Mail (SIM) is something that I have been doing for several years (click HERE to see some of my past cards/projects), and this year I have established a price of $50 per kit ($35 in merchandise, and $15 for shipping from SU! to me, and me to you, and the cost of some of the consumables) for this round. The round will go from Aug-Nov.

You will need to sign up by e-mailing me, and I will send out all the details to those who join on August 2nd. Your check will need to be in my hands by August 15th. The kit will then arrive in your mailbox no later than the end of the first week in September (it all depends on how quickly the items get to me from SU!), and this will continue all the way through November (with November's kit arriving no later than the end of the first week of December).

I will include some pictures in the next couple of weeks of some cards I make using the stamp set we will be using for August's kit. They are NOT what will be in the kit, but will give you an idea of some of the ways we might use the stamp set. It is a STUNNING stamp set. What is it, you're wondering? Well, the stamp set is "Just Believe" (pg. 109, item # 120453, $25.95 for clear-mount) which is pictured below.

The contents of the kit are flexible. If you already have any of the items on the list for a particular month's kit, simply substitute for like-priced merchandise. You don't even have to go with the clear-mount stamps that I list and can add the difference to purchase the traditional wood-mount stamp set if you would prefer.

Build your supply of stamping items. Each month you will get approximately $35 (could be more) worth of stamps, inks, card stock, papers, and other embellishments and tools. It's a great way to slowly add to what you have.

Creativity at your fingertips! Are you ever stumped and need help getting inspired? Use the kit contents to create the 4 projects included for that month, and then take the provided sketches, directions, photographs, tutorials and tips to create even more projects with your new Stampin' Up! products!

Organized and ready to stamp! All of the items that you need to recreate the four projects are individually packaged and other than common supplies (certain ink colors, adhesives, cutting tools, etc.) you will be able to open up a bag, stamp and assemble the contents, and you're done!

The more, the merrier! Get your friends to join and have a girls' night of stamping fun. Not only will it make it more enjoyable to get together with your friends, but you will also get a FREE Classic ink pad of your choice for getting a friend to join (who is not on my SU! mailing list).

What are you waiting for?!?!? E-mail me today (mariemc01@gmail.com) and get on the list for the next round which begins in August. The checks will be due to me by August 15th and I will place the order that day. I expect the turn-around to you to be that you have your SIM kits no later than one week after I receive the order from SU! More instructions and kit contents will be e-mailed out to those that sign up on August 2nd.

I look forward to sharing the beauty of this and other stamp sets with you over the next 4 months!!

July Projects

Well, I hope to do some stamping soon, but tweaked my back today moving some furniture with my husband. I guess that's what a 1-foot height difference does to you when you're on the "short end of the stick" and you're lifting heavy furniture with a person that's not short ;)

So, for now, enjoy these featured July projects from SU!

Happy Stampin'!





Thanks to Michelle Laycock for putting the code to these (along with a lot of the side-bar buttons that I use!!). She designs fabulous layouts for blogs, if you're a blogger....