Delicate Doilies {Fancy Fold} with a Belly Band

Here's a Fancy Fold card featuring the retiring stamp sets, Delicate Doilies and Sweet Essentials.  Click {HERE} for a list of Retiring Stamps and click {HERE} for Retiring Accessories.  Everything (including stamps this year) is only available while supplies last.

I scored my So Saffron card stock at 2.75 inches and 4.25 inches.  I didn't want the card to be open exactly in the middle.  I cut a piece of Epic Day This and That DSP to allow for a little border along the right side in which to stamp the sentiment.

Here's a shot of the card open.  The Belly Band is created using the fabulous Scalloped Tag Topper Punch, found in the Occasions Catalog.  I've fed the punched piece through my Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots TIEF.

The Belly Band is tied shut with the Silver 1/8-inch Ribbon.

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps:  Delicate Doilies (W128541, C122592) and Sweet Essentials (W132085, C126457)

Inks:  Smoky Slate Classic (131179) and Pool Party Classic (126982)

Papers:  So Saffron (105118), Pool Party (122924) and Smoky Slate (131202) card stock and Epic Day This and That DSP (130814)

Accessories:  Perfect Polka Dots TIEF (117335), Big Shot (113439); 2.5 Circle (120906), 1-3/8" Circle (119860), 2-3/8" Scallop Circle (118874) and Scallop Tag Topper (133324) Punches; Silver 1/8" Ribbon (132137), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246), Stampin' Trimmer (126889)

Spring-y Easter Card for a Mojo Monday Challenge!

Spring is here and Easter is one week away...  I created this sweet card for the Mojo Monday #340 challenge this week.  I have to say that this card is one of my favorite projects of late.

I used my 2013-15 In Colors Designer Paper Stack to guide my color scheme.  I used Pistachio Pudding, Crisp Cantaloupe, Coastal Cabana and Baked Brown Sugar.  The Coastal Cabana is embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots TIEF.  

I watercolored the sweet bunny with my Aqua Painter and the paint from the inside of my ink pad's lid.

Coastal Cabana Ruffle Stretch Trim adds easy texture.  It's so easy to work with!

The sweet detail in Crisp Cantaloupe is the Boutique Detail, mounted on a small scalloped circle of Calypso Coral.

Hope you've had a taste of spring where you are.  We are due to see rain again on Monday night, but the trees are blooming, the tulips and daffodils are in their glory and I know that we're slowly bidding winter "Good-bye!"  

{12 Weeks of Christmas 2013: Week Two}: Same Card, Five Ways

This post starts with a simple Christmas card.  Real Red Classic Ink is used with Brushed Silver, Whisper White, and Real Red card stocks.  The Chalk Talk Framelits make a quick and easy project of cutting out the Christmas stamp and my Scallop Circle punch takes care of the Brushed Silver piece.  A snip of Whisper White Stitched Grosgrain finishes the simple look.  Overall, I am happy with this quick and sweet Christmas greeting.

But what if I wanted to step it up a notch (or five)?  Here are some variations on the same card.

First, I used Pool Party Classic Ink to add an unexpected contrast of color to the card.  Not your "typical" Christmas color, but that's part of why I think it is so effective.

In addition, I inked the Santa image in Real Red and snipped him out using my Paper Snips and mounted this piece with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Quick and easy way to add contrast to the stamped image (Stampin' Write Markers would work here, too).

How about a little piercing?  Here's a quick and inexpensive way to add texture and interest to your project.  I used the Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack (126199) (as an added bonus, until October 14 at 11:59 PM, this pack is available as one of the Weekly Deals and is 25% off!).

This next project uses the negative space created by the Chalk Talk Framelit.  I used the Framelit on the Real Red piece and snipped closely around the stamped Whisper White piece.  The Real Red piece is bumped up with Stampin' Dimensionals and the piece of grosgrain is fed through the negative opening.

This tweak didn't cost a thing, but added another twist to this project...

Here's another way in which to utilize your Big Shot.  I love the Textured Impressions Embossing Folders.  Here I used the Perfect Polka Dots to pick up on the dots in the Pool Party portion of the image.  Quick and highly effective for a bit of texture...

{12 Weeks of Christmas} Week 8 -- Woven Ribbon Wreath Tutorial Video

Hooray!  I've finally mastered my first Apple video!  My iPhone captured the video (nice and crisp, if I do say so) and I've uploaded and edited it on my Mac.  Whew!  For a PC girl, this was quite a learning curve.  Still at it, but I'm thrilled with my first video (in *way* too long).

Pour yourself a cuppa, get comfy and enjoy the video (and please let me know what you think!)!

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps:  Beautiful Season (W122680, C122682)

Papers:  Basic Gray (121044), More Mustard (100946), Cherry Cobbler (119685), and Very Vanilla (124301) card stocks

Inks:  Basic Gray Classic Ink (126981)

Accessories:  Big Shot (113439), Perfect Polka Dots TIEF (117335), Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die (123126), 1-1/4" Circle Punch (119861), Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon (122988), Linen Thread (104199), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579)

A Little Mojo and Some Birdsong

Today's project was an entry for the Mojo Monday MOJO246, 365 Cards "Word of the Week:  Music" (think birdsong), and Dynamic Duos (Always Artichoke and River Rock) Challenges.

I used my Language of Friendship set, because I love the little songbird (punched out with the Bird Builder punch) and I thought the three elements in the Mojo sketch would be fun with the blooms from that set, as well.  Notice that I stamped one of the flowers and punched it, using the Boho Blossoms punch, popping it up with a Stampin' Dimensional.

The Dynamic Duo challenge allows us to use a neutral in our project, so I chose Crumb Cake (aka "Kraft").  I also ran my piece of Always Artichoke through my Big Shot for some added texture. 

Stampin' Up! Supplies:


Stamps:  Language of Friendship (W122750, C122752)

Papers:  Always Artichoke (105119), River Rock (108640), Crumb Cake (120953) and Bashful Blue (105120) card stocks (*as I went to link this entry to the Dynamic Duos blog, I see that I was to only use the two colors highlighted -- I'll follow the directions better in the next challenge!)

Inks:  Always Artichoke (126972) and River Rock (126977) Classics


Accessories:  Boho Blossoms punch (119858), Bird Builder punch (117191), Big Shot (113439), Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (117335), Very Vanilla 1/8-inch Taffeta Ribbon (119960), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

A Graduation Card in {Gumball Green}

I created this card for a couple of young women graduating this spring.  I also entered it in the 365 Super Sketchy Sunday challenge and the Cute Card Thursday "Water, Water Everywhere" challenge.

This fun, eye-catching color combination is made up of two new In-Colors:  Gumball Green and Midnight Muse. 

The pennant flag is achieved using my square punch (just about any size will do!).

I popped my Gumball Green piece through my Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and then added three silver brads...  What a snap!  

I colored the image using my Blender Pen and a bit of Midnight Muse Classic Ink.  Whisper White Organza "ties it all together" (wink, wink).

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps:  Kidoodles (W122865, C122867)

Papers:  Gumball Green (126840), Midnight Muse (126843), and Whisper White (100730)

Inks:  Gumball Green (126861), Midnight Muse (126860), and Basic Black (126980)

Accessories:  Big Shot (113439), Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (117335), 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (118874), 1-3/4" Circle Punch (119850), 1-1/4" Square Punch (119865), Mini Silver Brads (122941), Whisper White Organza Ribbon (114319), Blender Pens (102845), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Baby Shower Card with {Fussy Cutting}

Peek-a-boo!  This sweet stamp set, Baby Bundle, was used to make a card for an upcoming baby shower gift.  It was also a CardPatterns entry for their sketch and an entry at 365 Cards for "Feeling Fussy" (fussy cutting).  I didn't get the irony until now (baby card = fussy?)  Ha!

Studio-Sara Suggestion:  Use the Stampin' Up! Paper Snips (super sharp -- I've cut myself before!) and with the jaws wide open, slowly make your cuts.  If you do repeated snips, it's harder to get a clean edge on your cutting.

My Stamp-a-Ma-Jig made it easy to place the baby *just so*.  My Blender Pen (dipped in Pink Pirouette) and my {new} Summer Starfruit Stampin' Write Marker made coloring in the carriage a snap.  I used my Blender Pen with the Basic Gray ink to do the tires (after the Pink Pirouette, just to be sure the pen was super-clean). 

The piece of Whisper White with the image was backed on a piece of Primrose Petals, another {new} In Color.

The Top Note die, fed back through my Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, plus a snippet of Whisper White Organza Ribbon add a bit of class to this project.  

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps:  Baby Bundle (W118525, C120576)

Papers:  Pink Pirouette (111351), Basic Gray (121044), Primrose Petals (126841), Summer Starfruit (126839), and Whisper White (100730) card stocks.

Inks:  Pink Pirouette (126956), Basic Gray (126981), Basic Black (126980) and Primrose Petals (126858) Classics and Summer Starfruit Stampin' Write Marker (126856 for the 2012 In Color set)

Accessories:  Big Shot (113439), Top Note Bigz die (113463), Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (117335), Paper Snips (105379), Stamp-a-Ma-Jig (101049), Blender Pens (102845), Whisper White Organza Ribbon (114319), 3/4-inch Circle Punch (119873), 3/16-inch Corner Punch (119871), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

"Hello!" and a Birthday with a Bit of Bling and Sparkle

How 'bout a little bling on this fine Wednesday?  I created two of these cards this weekend...  One was a birthday card for my dear sister-in-law and then I made another with the "hello" sentiment from Tiny Teacup because I knew I could use another card of this design in the future.  The birthday card used the sweet sentiment from the Hostess set, Happiest Birthday Wishes that says "happy birthday dear you!"  I love that...

Anyhoo, I was enjoying my Color Coach this weekend and it helped me select the palette for these bright cards.  Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, and Pacific Point.  Bright and fun!

The background on the Real Red piece was achieved with the Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and my Big Shot (as was the polka-dotted piece in the lower left corner).  I punched out the Pacific Point piece using my Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (soon to be retired, by the by) and then ran it through my Big Shot using the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  The Pumpkin Pie piece layered over it is also from the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch.  I'll be sad to see that one go...

The sentiment, "hello" is inked in Pumpkin Pie and then punched with the Modern Label Punch.  I used a Stamping Sponge and my Pacific Point Classic ink to make it stand out a bit more.  White Organza Ribbon adds a touch more class.  Finally, for the bling, I added the Basic Rhinestones.

*HERE* is another look at Tiny Teacup and THIS ONE, as well.  Oh, and THIS POST, too!

Do you still need the {2012-2013 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog}?  Here's how to earn one for FREE...

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps:  Tiny Teacup (W118086)

Paper:  Pacific Point (111350), Real Red (102482), Pumpkin Pie (105117) and Whisper White (100730) card stocks

Ink:  Pacific Point (111837), Real Red (103133), and Pumpkin Pie (105216) Classics

Accessories:  Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (119277), Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (117335), Modern Label Punch (119849), Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (122464), White Organza Ribbon (114319), Basic Rhinestones (119246), Stamping Sponges (101610)

A Spot of Tea for a Friend's Birthday

Hello, Studio Sara Visitor!  Welcome back...  For today's project, I started with a card for a good friend for her birthday (she is my BFF I made through stamping).   

Once the 365 Cards challenges were published last week, I realized that with a little tweaking, I could enter my friend's birthday card.  The challenge was "The 3 Cs" and we were asked to make it colorful, classy and add coffee.  

My friend once told me how much she liked how (on my Christmas card) I had threaded the Cherry Cobbler seam binding through the circle (cut with my Perfect Pennants Bigz L die).  I wanted to replicate that for her here.  

The teacup is from the A la Carte stamp, Tiny Teacup, which retires at the end of May.  It includes "hello" underneath, but I just inked the teacup.  

Since I was going to use my Cherry Cobbler again, I needed to find colors that would coordinate, but still *POP*.  I used my Color Coach and came up with the palette of Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze, Soft Suede and Chocolate Chip.  Colorful without being glaring...

Finally, I used the Scallop Edge Border punch and a sliver of card stock to make the border along the opening of the card.  Simple, but I think it finishes the card while drawing your eye back to the main elements.  

That sweet sentiment?  From the retiring hostess set, Happiest Birthday Wishes.  Place a merchandise order of $150 and you can choose this set with your shopping spree $$!  It'll also earn you the new Stampin' Up! 2012-2013 Annual Catalog!

Stampin' Up! Supplies:


Stamps:  Happiest Birthday Wishes (W122615, C122617), Tiny Teacup (W118086)

Papers:  Baja Breeze (111352), Chocolate Chip (102128), Soft Suede (115318) and Whisper White (100730) card stocks

Inks:  Baja Breeze (111833) and Cherry Cobbler (119669) Classics

Accessories:  Big Shot (113439), Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (117335), Perfect Pennants Bigz L die (123126), Scallop Edge Border (119882), 1-3/8" Circle (119860) and Modern Label (119849) punches, and Cherry Cobbler 1/2-inch Seam Binding Ribbon (120992)

Stampin' Up! Supplies Basket for Preschool Donation

Tonight's the Spring Sing at my child's preschool and for the silent auction that accompanies this performance, I prepared a basket of card-making supplies.  I've cut, punched, stamped and prepared items that one could use to create a dozen cards.  I've also used My Digital Studio to create some sketches of ideas for possible layouts.

Here's a variety of punched shapes to use as embellishments.  I've also stamped a few sentiments and punched them out...

Finally, here are three "spools" of ribbon, wrapped and ready for use as well as the card bases, envelopes and pieces of cut Designer Series Paper from the Subtles Patterns Stack.

Since I used the Subtles Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack, I wanted to use colors that one could find in those papers.  I've included Marina Mist, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, So Saffron, Bashful Blue, and Pretty in Pink.  For added interest, I've included Early Espresso (it's not visible -- I ran pieces of that through my Big Shot, using the Vintage Wallpaper and Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folders).

I hope someone has a lot of fun with this!

Stay tuned -- last weekend was my son's First Communion and I've got the invitation and Thank You notes to share with you... 

A Little Peace, Love, and Happiness (and a 365 Cards Challenge Winner)!

Things have been busy around here with Easter and our dear daughter's birthday on Tuesday.  She is a big fan of peace signs and while I don't have one of those, she helped to inspire this card, which was made for a 365 Cards Challenge a couple of weeks back (we were to show "peace, love and happiness" on our cards).

I used the word "peace" from the Christmas set, "Snow Swirled."  It's inked in Pacific Point and then punched from the Whisper White with a 1-inch Circle.  The circle was drug across my Rich Razzleberry pad to give it a little oomph before it was popped up with a Stampin' Dimensional.  I tied a little bow through the Daffodil Delight Lace Ribbon Border punch using the Whisper White 5/8-inch Organza ribbon.

The heart and sun images come from the "Every Little Bit" set.  I punched the solid image from the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch in Rich Razzleberry to make that Daffodil Delight Lace Ribbon Border piece stand out more.

I wanted to make the "peace, love and happiness" a wish or sentiment, not just a theme for my card, so I inked "wishing you" in Rich Razzleberry, punched it with the Word Window and mounted it on a snipped piece of Daffodil Daffodil that was punched using the Modern Label punch.  The flower comes from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (I used a circle punched using my Crop-A-Dile for the inside of the flower).  As you'll notice, I fed the card body through my Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  Super easy and I love what it adds to the project!

I wanted to add a little surprise to the inside of the card, so I punched the same "flower" from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack from the Whisper White insert so that the Pacific Point showed behind.  I also used a scrap of cardboard punched with the Lace Ribbon Border punch as a stencil with the Pacific Point ink on the envelope.  I love adding a little extra to the envelope and inside of a card; I'll be posting about that idea soon...

So the happy news about *THIS* card is that I won Spotlight Designer at 365 Cards with it!  :)  Thanks, guys!  So many great cards get entered in their challenges, it's an honor to be selected!

Stampin' Up! Supplies:


Stamps:  Snow Swirled (111690), Every Little Bit (W117096, C120558)

Papers:  Pacific Point (111350), Daffodil Delight (119683), Rich Razzleberry (115316) and Whisper White (100730) card stocks

Inks:  Pacific Point (111837), Daffodil Delight (119667) and Rich Razzleberry (115658) Classic Inks

Accessories:  Big Shot (113439), Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folders (117335), Word Window (119857), Modern Label (119849), Lace Ribbon Border (122362), Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer (122464), Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309) punches, Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)