Simple {Summer Afternoon} Card for Challenges

This card was created for the Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #38 and the 365 Cards ABCs & 123s Challenge.  Summer Afternoon is a fun new Hostess Set.  I inked it in Early Espresso Classic Ink and then used my Crumb Cake, Perfect Plum and Cherry Cobbler inks and my Blender Pen to color in the design.

Tiny Tags provides quick and easy sentiments to personalize your projects.  I *LOVE* this set...  I punched the tag with the Jewelry Tag punch and sponged it with Cherry Cobbler Classic ink.

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps:  Summer Afternoon (W126425, C126427), Tiny Tags (W118901, C118592)

Papers:  Crumb Cake (120953), Cherry Cobbler (119685), and Very Vanilla (101650) card stocks

Inks:  Crumb Cake (126975), Cherry Cobbler (126966), Perfect Plum (126963) and Early Espresso (126974) Classic Inks

Accessories:  Big Shot (113439), Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (119976), Jewelry Tag (117190) and 1/16-inch Handheld (101227) punches, Perfect Plum Taffeta Ribbon (122987), Linen Thread (104199), Blender Pen (102845), Stamping Sponges (101610) and Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

{Stamp Set Spotlight} Home for Christmas: Day 2

Welcome to Day 2 of the Home for Christmas {Stamp Set Spotlight}! If you missed Day 1, click here.

Here's another example of how I didn't watercolor the ENTIRE image. I just highlighted a few parts...I love this simple treatment with the sentiment. Layering punches is such a quick way to add contrast between colors, texture and dimension. For this treatment, I used the Designer Label and Modern Label Punches.

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps: Home for Christmas

Paper: Old Olive, Real Red, Early Espresso and Whisper White card stocks

Inks: Jet Black Staz-On, Real Red, Early Espresso and Old Olive Classics

Accessories: Blender Pen, Early Espresso wide grosgrain, Designer Label and Modern Label Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals,

Thanks for your visit! As I said in Day 1, I hope you find yourself "Home for Christmas", whatever that means to you, this season...

Wake Up and SMELL the Coffee!

Good mornin'! This card was created for a challenge that was to be inspired by something we enjoyed smelling. As I type this, coffee's brewing...

I've used this stamp so much that the rubber is just about worn off! This cute cup comes from the Pun Fun set, which is a versatile set of images and sentiments. The sentiments are on the bottom of each image, but using the masked inking technique that I demonstrated in this video, you can choose whether to include them or not.

I thought I'd "turn up the volume a little" (to borrow a phrase from one of my faves, the Barefoot Contessa) and use some funky colors suggested by my new Color Coach. I'm having more fun with that tool! The Wild Wasabi paper (from the Woodland Walk Designer Series Paper) is beautifully offset by the Perfect Plum and So Saffron card stocks. I added polka dots using my Big Shot to coordinate with the dots on the DSP. Finally, I wanted to coordinate the ribbon with the project, but there's no Perfect Plum grosgrain. In a flash, I used my Classic Ink Pad to dye the Very Vanilla ribbon to match. Be on the look-out for a quickie video demonstrating this simple solution...

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps: Pun Fun

Papers: Woodland Walk Designer Series Paper (DSP), Very Vanilla, Perfect Plum and So Saffron card stocks

Inks: Perfect Plum and Wild Wasabi Classics

Accessories: Very Vanilla narrow grosgrain ribbon, Blender pen, Scallop Edge Punch, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Stampin' Dimensionals

Thanks for your visit! Hope your day gets off to a great start!

Because of You and a new punch idea...

The theme from "Welcome Back, Cotter" is playing in my head right now... Thank you for being so patient as we travelled about this summer, went camping, and then got back into the swing of school. While I was able to carve out a wee bit of time for stamping projects, posting about them has fallen by the wayside... Happy to say, as Jack would (but in a much less scary context), "I'm baaaack!" (Interesting side note: Stephen King wrote The Shining about a hotel in my hometown. While the Jack Nicholson/Shelley Duvall movie wasn't filmed there, a TV version was, as was "Dumb and Dumber".)

Anyhoo, on with the show...

This card was created for a 365 Cards challenge for which we were to use our favorite tool for adding color and our favorite technique for adding dimension. One of my favorite tools (as I have a couple) is my Blender Pen. I love to use them for watercoloring, as I did here. They're super easy to use, a tremendous value (not only do you get three for $9.95, but they last for a VERY long time) and they're quite versatile... Perhaps I'll write a future post as "An Ode to the Blender Pen"...

I simply squeezed my ink pad (Classic) with the lid closed to get some ink on the inside of the lid and then picked up that ink with my Blender Pen. To be sure my stamped image didn't run, I inked it in Jet Black StazOn first. I usually don't have trouble, but I wanted to be safe.

The technique I love that adds dimension and texture to every project is one I've used a lot here... It's what I call "Sueded Card Stock." I crumple a dry piece of card stock until the fibers are good and broken down and then I peel apart the two layers. I can then use the soft, "sueded" side of the card stock, or the outside of the card stock, which just shows the wrinkles. I chose the outside this time. I love the effect! Not only is it a "free" way to use what you've already got, but you get twice the mileage out of a piece of card stock. Your pieces can also be punched post-crumple, too! I have a card for which I did that and I'll post that soon...

Finally, I wanted to describe the embellishment in the upper left corner. I simply used the Modern Label Extra-Large Punch on a scrap of Perfect Plum, gently folded it around the corner of my bigger piece (be careful -- that Always Artichoke was pretty malleable), fed a piece of Linen Thread through two small holes (1/16-inch punch) and tied a bow. Voila! So easy and so cute! Love those versatile punches! I'll definitely be using that technique as I scrap -- talk about fun photo corners!

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps: Because I Care (A Hostess Freebie with any $150 merchandise order)

Papers: Sahara Sand, Perfect Plum, Always Artichoke and Whisper White card stocks

Inks: Pretty in Pink, Perfect Plum and Always Artichoke Classic Inks, Jet Black StazOn

Accessories: Modern Label Extra-Large punch, Blender Pen, 1/16-inch handheld punch, Linen Thread

It's so good to be back! Hope you've enjoyed today's project!

{Challenge! Card Recipe}: Easter Bunny

Happy April!


April is one of my favorite months (my mom and eldest daughter are April Babies). Add to it that Easter's in April this year, and I'm egg-specially enjoying the fact that it's April today! Tulips are ready to bloom (daffies are already blooming around here) and the trees are leafing out...


For a card recipe challenge last week over at 365 Cards, I created this simple one... I chose the Easter Bunny image from Eight Great Greetings. The stamp comes with "Happy Easter" on the bottom, but I cut the image apart from the sentiment and mounted them on separate sides of the wood block. This is a simple adaptation you can make as you mount your stamps to make them that much more versatile. I did this with my Fun and Fast Notes set, too.


The image was colored with watercolor pencils and a Blender Pen and the bunny's circle was sponged with So Saffron Classic Ink to make it stand out.


Stampin' Up! Supplies:


Stamps: Eight Great Greetings and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Papers: Brocade Blue, So Saffron and Very Vanilla card stocks

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Brocade Blue and So Saffron Classics

Accessories: Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pen, 1 3/4-inch Circle Punch, Brocade Blue and Very Vanilla wide grosgrain ribbon, Stampin' Sponge

Happy Easter, Stampers! Thanks for your visit!

{Sunday: Sketchy!} Easter Tulips

Hello and Happy Easter! Here's the sketch we were to follow at 365 Cards for the Super Sunday Sketch Challenge:

And here's my take on the challenge:
Have you seen my tutorial video about tying a simple knot? I used that technique here in the ribbon embellishment of this card...
A little sueded paper and watercoloring add to the softness of this card:

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps: A Flower for All Seasons, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Papers: Melon Mambo, Barely Banana, Certainly Celery and Whisper White card stocks

Inks: Basic Brown Classic

Accessories: Melon Mambo grosgrain ribbon, Whisper White and Pretty in Pink 1/4-inch grosgrain ribbons, Whisper White Designer Hardware, Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pens, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

Hope your week is a good one! We're on Spring Break around here, so we'll be having PJ Days and lots of scrapping and Easter fun... Thanks for your visit! Please drop me a line and let me know you were here!

Heart Blossoms

Happy Valentine's Day, Studio Visitors!


Here's a fun card that would work as a valentine for someone special or as a card for any special occasion!



I took the bird image from Fun & Fast Notes and inked it with black Stazon ink. Since I knew I'd be placing a paper heart on the stem instead of the blossom, I inked everything *except* the blossom. That technique sounds like a good post of its own (stay tuned)!



Next, I used my Blender Pen and Classic ink pads to watercolor the birds and their stems. For the middle bird, I used a scrap of sueded card stock (but used the smooth side). I just stamped it with the bird, cut it out with my Paper Snips (which make precision cutting like this a breeze), and used a Stampin' Dimensional to pop it up. I did the same thing with a teensy piece of Summer Sun for its beak.
For the hearts, I used my Big Shot and the Hearts and Brackets Bigz die. For some reason, I've never purchased a heart punch, so that was my only option. ;) I was still able to use scraps, which has been a recent mission of mine...
I finished it off with the Scallop Edge punch and a length of White Satin Ribbon tied in a knot. I also stamped the sentiment (a freebie choice from my Sale-A-Bration order!) in Bravo Burgundy at the bottom. For the first time, Stampin' Up! is offering items from the Idea Book and Catalog as freebies in addition to the limited edition Sale-A-Bration items. You & Moi had been a set on my wish list and now it's mine... for free!

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps: Fun & Fast Notes, You & Moi (SAB freebie)

Papers: Ruby Red, Apricot Appeal, Mellow Moss, Bravo Burgundy, Summer Sun and Whisper White card stocks

Inks: Black Stazon, Bravo Burgundy, Mellow Moss and Ruby Red Classics

Accessories: Big Shot, Hearts and Brackets Bigz die, Scallop Edge Punch, White Satin Ribbon, Blender Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

Thank you for your visit! Hope you have a great day!

Soccer Moms Unite!

Whew! Soccer is ov-ah! What a relief!

Don't get me wrong... Soccer has brought my husband and children much joy and good exercise. I will say, though, that it has been a challenge to have him coach the two older kids' teams and have a two-year-old in the mix. Plus we sure had some rainy days this season!

The kids were darling and all commented on how much fun they had this season. We hope to see everyone back next year!

To thank the fellow Soccer Parents who helped order trophies, set up our team party for the end of the season, bake treats for the party, etc, I came up with some simple "Thank You" notes. I love this design, as I can tweak it to use elsewhere...

I made this card in both Bravo Burgundy and Orchid Opulence (for the parents on Jordan's team; their team color was light purple).

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps: Short and Sweet, I Love Soccer (Retired)

Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Whisper White, Basic Black

Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Going Grey and Basic Black Classics

Accessories: Blender Pens, Basic Black wide grosgrain ribbon, Word Slot Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Coloring Page!

The challenge at 365 Cards for which I created this little guy was to color in a line image, using colored pencils or pastels. I used my Blender Pen to color with my Stampin' Pastels...

I had more fun adding little touches to this card. The stamps are from Snow Buddies, which is a Level 2 Hostess Set from the Holiday Mini Catalog. The flourish at the bottom of the card (and on the Bashful Blue oval) is supposed to be wind. I thought it would make fun ice skating tracks! I used my Stamp-a-Ma-Jig to help me place that on both the Crushed Curry and Bashful Blue pieces. I used VersaMark ink on both for a subtle touch.

The snowflake hanging from the "Merry Christmas" is from the Snow Buddies set and I was tickled to discover that it fit the Boho Blossoms Punch perfectly! I added a punch of Bashful Blue to make it pop and adhered the silver elastic cord to each side of the card stock with a Stampin' Dimensional.

I used a Stampin' Up! resource to choose my colors. When the New In Color choices come out each year, Stampin' Up! provides us with a variety of options for other colors to use with them, be they In Color or from the basic Color Families. I use this resource a lot. Contact me if you'd like a copy!

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps: Snow Buddies and Many Merry Messages sets

Papers: Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, Soft Suede (see his hat), Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Whisper White

Inks: Basic Black, Bashful Blue, and Old Olive Classics and VersaMark

Accessories: Blender Pen, Stampin' Pastels, Silver Elastic Cord, Boho Blossoms, Ticket Corner and Small Oval punches, Circle Scissor Plus, Hobby Blade, Glass Mat, Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stamp-a-Ma-Jig

I really appreciate the visit! Drop me a line; let me know you were here!

My Hat's off to You!

This sweet snowman is courtesy of a Hostess set I earned for an order I put together early last month. The name of the set is "Snow Buddies" and it can be found in the Holiday Mini Catalog. The challenge from the 365 Cards folks is to include a hat... Here's my take:

Studio Suggestion: I used the Round Tab Punch to punch the Basic Black card stock and snipped it in half to create the bowler hat for my snowman. The cute hat band is the Merry Moments Designer Series Paper.

Studio Suggestion #2: To make the snow effect on the ground, I tore a piece of Vellum and then dusted it with my Stampin' Pastels (blue).

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps: Snow Buddies, Fun & Fast Notes

Papers: Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Old Olive and Whisper White card stocks and Merry Moments Designer Series Paper

Inks: Basic Black Classic Ink and VersaMark

Accessories: Round Tab and Word Window Punches, Stampin' Pastels, Blender Pen, Paper Snips

Thanks so much for your visit!

Cat and Mouse

Over the summer, I had the pleasure of teaching some basic technology classes for the district in which I started teaching (before DD#1 was born). I had some overdue "Thank You" notes to send and the technology challenge at 365 Cards came at just the right time. The challenge was to be inspired by technology in your card. My additional challenge was to create cards suitable for men and women, as I had both to thank...

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps: Computer Quips, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Papers: Night of Navy, Baroque Burgundy, More Mustard, Bordering Blue and Very Vanilla card stocks

Inks: Night of Navy, Baroque Burgundy, and More Mustard Classics

Accessories: Blender Pens, Twill Tape, Linen Thread, 1/16-inch punch, Word Slot Punch, Paper Piercing Tool

Thanks for visiting! It feels good to be stamping again!

P.S. Oh, and what do you think of my header at the top of my blog? I'm trying to make one on my own that stands out and gives something interesting to look at... Thoughts? Suggestions? Tutorials to make it rock? :) Thanks!