Oh, {Pennant}, how do I love thee!

One of the hottest things trending right now is the pennant...  They're all over papercrafts and so I thought I'd enter the 365 Cards challenge a few weeks ago with a pennant entry for a challenge using 10 (!) different pieces of patterned paper in our project.  Here are all 10:

The Designer Series Paper that I used for this project is called Everyday Enchantment and it's a Sale-A-Bration freebie available until the end of March.  With a $50 merchandise order, you could receive this package of 12 sheets (two each of six designs).  I'm going to need to order more before March 31, as it's fast become one of my ALL-TIME favorites (and once Sale-A-Bration ends, it's gone).  

I've paired it with Pool Party, Poppy Parade, and Whisper White.  To make the pennants, I simply used a square punch to take a "bite" out of each rectangle.  

 Here's a quick video:

To make my "friends" stand out a little more, I've drawn the card stock across my Pool Party Classic Ink Pad.  It's adhered to a tag punched using the Jewelry Tag punch.

The "heartfelt" sentiment is from the Fabulous Phrases set.  I used the same pennant technique from the video to make the tab...

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps:  Fabulous Phrases (W117002, C120501), Tiny Tags (W118091, C118592)

Inks:  Poppy Parade (119782) and Pool Party (122938) Classics

Papers:  Everyday Enchantment DSP (SAB 126154), Pool Party (122924) and Whisper White (100730) card stocks

Accessories:  Jewelry Tag (117190), 1-1/4" Square (119865), Word Window (119857), Boho Blossoms (119858), Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309), Crop-A-Dile (108362), 1/16" handheld (101227) punches, Stampin' Dimensionals (104430) 

{Monday: Mise en Place (Organization)} -- Getting Scrappy

And we're back... After a necessary hiatus from the studio, I'm back! We're finished with school for the year, my daughter's Girl Scout troop is on summer break and I completed my teaching job. Phew! Now it's time to get back on-track!


To start, I thought I'd use up some of my scraps of soon-to-be retired Designer Series Paper (DSP). For this card, I chose to use Kaleidoscope. Doesn't take much DSP to make a "chic" statement, does it? I love this set, Chic Boutique. Most of what I've created lately has used a retiring set, but I'm happy to report that I broke from that trend to make this card. Chic Boutique is in the next catalog!

Speaking of the next catalog, mine arrived last week and woo-wee! What fun! I'm lovin' it!



Now for the deets on this project:

--Get scrappy with your DSP, ribbon and card stock! I used little strips of
DSP, two-inch pieces of ribbon and a morsel of card stock for the flower (under
the pearl). I didn't even have to use a piece large enough for the entire Modern
Label Punch (with "merci!")!

--Retiring items = "graduating". Our "graduates" are: Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper, Pretties Kit (pearls), and Pixie Pink card stock.

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps: Chic Boutique


Paper: Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper (graduating!), Tempting Turquoise, Very Vanilla and Pixie Pink (graduating!) card stock


Ink: Tempting Turquoise Classic


Accessories: Scallop Edge Border, Modern Label, Word Slot and Itty Bitty Shapes Punch, Pretties Kit pearl (graduating!), Certainly Celery and Pretty in Pink 1/4-inch Grosgrain and Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Mini Glue Dot
Graduating Class: Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper, Pixie Pink card stock (ink, and etc), Pretties Kit

"Merci!" for joining me today! It's SO good to be back!

Celebrating Designer Series Papers... Part Trois

With tomorrow being the Occasions Mini Catalog's last day, I thought I'd share some projects using the Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Paper... I'm off to the city today to show my aunt and uncle around (who are visiting from Toronto). Enjoy!

The card above was made for a DIY Challenge in which I was to glitter some flowers. I chose the Sending Love Designer Series Paper, as it's a Specialty Paper, which includes pieces with glittered designs. There's a delicate shimmer on the pink design of this Designer Series Paper and I just used my VersaMark ink and embossed a little Iridescent Ice embossing powder on the edges of the flowers I punched in Real Red card stock using my Trio Flower punch...

Next, this pretty card was made using the Petal Card die and my Big Shot. I adhered it to the Chocolate Chip card stock and used a little Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon to hold it shut. It's a perfect little hiding place for a secret sentiment, photo, or embellishment. You choose! Shhhh... The stamp set I used with it is also an Occasions item: With All My Heart.
Nothin' like a White Space Challenge to force me to KISS (Keep It Simple, Stamper!) I just cut a piece from a scrap, used my With All My Heart set for the sentiment and mounted it all on some coordinating card stock (Real Red, Pretty in Pink and Chocolate Chip). The punches I used are the Scallop Edge, Word Slot and Modern Label. Wanna know how I got just the "thank you" sentiment, even though there's more to that stamp? Check last week's {Technique Video}. Voila! Simple!
Finally, I made use of my Extra Large Fancy Flower punch (which will be available after April 30, even though it's an Occasions item), Scallop Edge, Word Slot and Scallop Oval punches for this card. Tote-ally Tess is the stamp set I used for this little gal. I used the Paper Piecing technique to make her little tote bag and apron; I just stamped the tote and apron on pieces of the Sending Love Designer Series Paper and cut them out. A quick and easy way to add visual interest with a stamp!
Thanks for your visit today! I got my Summer Mini preorder in the mail and will be showcasing some of those items next week along with some Mom-worthy items. Take care!

{Tuesday: Technique Video (New Camera!)}

Hey, there! I've shot a new video (a tutorial on ribbon-tying), but the camera is giving me fits when it comes to uploading my video. As I type this, I'm downloading software updates and new drivers, so hopefully (today?!), I'll have something to show you!

In the meantime, I'll show you the card I'll be discussing:

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps: Short and Sweet

Papers: Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper, Taken with Teal, Chocolate Chip

Inks: Chocolate Chip and Rose Red Classics

Accessories: Chocolate Chip Wide Grosgrain Ribbon, Sweet Pea Stitched Felt, Word Slot and Modern Label Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

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

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!

I Heart Lists and Teeny Tiny Wishes

I've only *just* received these two new sets from the 2009-10 IB & C and I absolutely love the possibilities! I'm a fan of office ephemera and I look forward to using I Heart Lists for that reason. The Teeny Tiny Wishes set is one that I'll own and use forever. Talk about a ton of useful phrases!

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps: I Heart Lists and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Papers: Kraft, Bravo Burgundy, Very Vanilla and Apricot Appeal card stocks

Inks: Handsome Hunter, Bravo Burgundy and Creamy Caramel Classics; Bravo Burgundy Stampin' Write Marker

Accessories: 1/16-inch Handheld, Spiral, 1/2-inch Circle, and Word Slot Punches, Stampin' Sponge, Very Vanilla Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, Stamp-a-Ma-Jig and Linen Thread

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Welcome Home, Daisy!

Dear friends of ours suffered the loss of a dear dog earlier this year. She'd been with them for over 16 years and is a cherished member of the family.

We just received the happy news that they've welcomed a new (lucky!) puppy into their home, named Daisy. Here's the card I made to send to them:

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps: All in the Family and Short and Sweet sets

Papers: Very Vanilla and Pink Passion card stocks, Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper

Inks: Pink Passion, Tempting Turquoise and Basic Black Classics and VersaMark

Accessories: Scallop Oval, Scallop Circle, and Word Slot Punches, Tempting Turquoise Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon

Thanks for looking!

"Here's your sweet lavender..."

"...sixteen sprigs a penny,
that you’ll find my ladies
will smell as sweet as any."

Lavender Sellers’s Cry, London England CA 1900

Good Monday morning! For today's 365 Cards challenge, we were asked to create a lavender-colored card. I love the botanical lavender. I had a little time before Baby Anna woke up, so I popped outside to take some pictures of mine (they're almost ready to harvest).

Here's my card (which turned out a lot more blue in the photo than it looked in the Studio):
Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps: Short and Sweet

Paper: Almost Amethyst card stock and DSP (from a retired Hostess Pattern Pack)

Ink: Almost Amethyst

Accessories: Sizzix Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Backgrounds I Texturz Plate (Damask), Stampin' Up! Birds and Blooms Sizzlits die, Stampin' Up! Scallop Envelope Bigz die, Word Slot punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Here's another lavender quote: "There's a few things I've learned in life: always throw salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for good luck, and fall in love whenever you can." Alice Hoffman, Practical Magic (from http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/01/lavender-in-literature-quotes-about.html )

Lavender Sellers’s Cry quote from: http://www.lavendershoppe.com/lavender_quotes.php

Thanks so much for looking!

Always pocket card

I've combined two of my favorite things in this card: pocket cards and the Always stamp set. I like both because they're very versatile. I've used the pocket card for a birthday invitation and thank you note (I've still got one thank you note on my desk; maybe I'll post it, too), as well as for note cards like this or occasion cards (birthday, anniversary).

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamp Set: Always

Inks: Perfect and Pale Plum Classic

Papers: Whisper White, Perfect Plum and Pale Plum Card Stock

Accessories: ½-inch circle punch, 1/8-inch punch, Corner Rounder punch, Ticket Corner punch, Word Slot punch, Crop-a-Dile, Stampin’ Dimensional, Whisper White Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, Sponge, Linen Thread

Thank you so much for looking!

Simple Cards

Here are some simple cards I made for my moms group to stamp. The group consists of new and experienced stampers, so I have to be sure that everyone is successful and enjoys their final products. I also love to throw in a technique or two. There are two major constraints on my planning, though. First, the projects have to be simple because we don't have a lot of time and my supplies of scissors, punches, stamps, inks, etc, are limited. I want all of the moms to have time to complete our project. No one wants to go home with something she couldn't finish. Second, we really have to watch our pennies. I have to look to things like sueded card stock as lower-cost embellishments.

These projects are also good make-and-take projects for workshops, because the aforementioned constraints apply there as well.

Dreams du Jour card:

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Dreams du Jour

Inks: Chocolate Chip Classic

Papers: Kraft, Night of Navy, Baja Breeze and Very Vanilla Card Stock

Accessories: Stampin' Pastels; paperclip; Linen Thread

Special Technique: Using a towel (I'm a weenie), I repeatedly crumpled and smoothed out the piece of Baja Breeze card stock until the layers started to want to peel. I gently peeled them apart, leaving me with two pieces of "sueded" card stock, which adds visual and textural interest (**Excellent for scrapbooks!**).

Love You flower punch card:

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Short & Sweet and Boho Backgrounds

Inks: Gable Green and Basic Black Classic

Papers: Gable Green, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White Card Stock

Accessories: 5-Petal Flower punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Whisper White 5/8-inch Satin Ribbon

Lovely as a Tree card:

I wrote about this card in an earlier post (see "Happy Birthday, Uncle Brian"). I love this design and can't wait to play with it! I made a few changes for this group:

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Lovely as a Tree; Fundamental Phrases

Inks: Chocolate Chip

Papers: Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, and Whisper White card stock

Accessories: Whisper White Grosgrain ribbon; Linen Thread; Sizzix Big Shot; Top Note Bigz Die; Handheld rectangle and 1/16-inch punches; Word Slot punch