Thinking of You!

Here is a card that I had stamped but not assembled until recently.  It features the 2011-2013 In Colors Pool Party and Calypso Coral as well as the 2010-2012 In Color Pear Pizzaz.  For the stamped images I colored directly onto the stamps with my Stampin' Write markers and then "huffed" on them before stamping onto the Whisper White layer.  Since I wanted some "grass" at the bottom to cover up my uneven stamping of the stems, I used some Pear Pizzaz Seam Binding, gathered and adhered using sticky strip.  I used the Big Shot to emboss the Pool Party card background with the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  I cut out the button shapes with the Sweet Buttons Embosslit Die in Calypso Coral and Pool Party, layering them with Stampin' Dimensionals.  With a Crumb Cake Stampin' Write Marker I drew in the thread line on the top button. 

Stamps:  Best of Everything

Ink:  Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Pear Pizzaz, Daffodil Delight, Crumb Cake

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Pool Party, Calypso Coral

Accessories:  Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Sweet Butons Embosslit Die, Pear Pizzaz Seam Binding, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

Calypso Coral Cutie

Here is another little love note I made.  I found that the Extra Large Oval Punch image layers perfectly inside the Oval Designer Frame!  I colored directly on the rubber stamp image with my Stampin' Write markers and then re-moistened it by "huffing" on the image before stamping it onto the cardstock.  The 2011-2013 in colors I used remind me of flamingos and my trips to visit Florida.  I miss this stamp set that retired the end of May as it had so many cute images that could be used for a variety of occasions.

Stamps:  Clearly for You

Ink:  Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Calypso Coral

Accessories:  Whisper White Baker's Twine, Big Shot, Oval Designer Frame Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Extra Large Oval Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Love Notes

Earlier this spring I was playing with some of my "toys" and made these cute little 3 x 3" Love Notes.  The retired hostess all-occasions stamp set Ain't Love Grand had such cute images!  This picture shows the group of cards I finished.  I added texture using my Big Shot and the Textured Impressions Embossing Folders:  Square Lattice and Perfect Polka Dots.  I added a faux "Sweet Button" on the corner of the baby card for an accent.  I used the 2011-2013 In Colors Calypso Coral and Pool Party.  In this picture you can see how well they coordinate!

Here are pictures of the cards individually:

Stamps:  Ain't Love Grand

Ink:  Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, Pool Party

Cardstock:  Pool Party, Whisper White

Accessories:  Circle Punch, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Blender Pen

Stamps:  Ain't Love Grand

Ink:  Basic Black, Island Indigo, Calypso Coral

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Calypso Coral

Accessories:  Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Blender Pen

Stamps:  Ain't Love Grand

Ink:  Basic Black, Pool Party

Cardstock:  Pool Party, Whisper White

Accessories:  Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pen, Big Shot, Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Sweet Buttons Embosslit, Linen Thread, Needle, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Birthday Dad!

Here is the card I made for my Dad's birthday on Saturday.  When I first saw this image in the 2011-2012 Hostess set Tagtastic I knew I had to have it!  I love bears and I thought this "little" fellow was so cute trying to ride the tricycle!  I also used a product from the brand new 2012-2013 Stampin' Up Catalog:  Apothecary Accents Framelits.  To get the various colors on the bear image I colored directly on my stamp with Stampin' Write markers and then "huffed" on it to moisten the ink before stamping.  (I added a little more "brown" to the bear's fur with my watercolor pencils, too.)   I used the star image from Itty Bitty Bits and the starburst image from Pennant Parade to make the festive background.

Stamps:  Tagtastic, Pennant Parade, Itty Bitty Bits

Ink:  Pacific Point, Real Red, Chocolate Chip

Cardstock:  Naturals White, Real Red, Pacific Point

Accessories:  Big Shot, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Silver Brads, Decorative Label Punch, 1/16" Handheld Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Watercolor Pencils, Pacific Point Striped Ribbon (retired)

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!!!

Happy 53rd Anniversary to my Mom & Dad!!!   I thought this image from the Occasions Mini  stamp set Take it to Heart would be perfect for a card for them since it has a cute couple on it and some hearts for love, too!  This card features some new Big Shot products:  Hearts Collection Framelits Die and Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folders.   I made this card with some patriotic colors since they were married on the original Memorial Day:  Cherry Cobbler, Naturals White, and one of the new 2012-2014 In Colors, Midnight Muse!

Stamps:  Take it to Heart, Loving Thoughts

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler

Cardstock:  Cherry Cobbler, Midnight Muse, Naturals White

Accessories:  Hearts Collection Framelits Die, Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folders, Big Shot, Stampin' Sponge

A Christmas Case

I made two versions of the card pictured on page 45 of the 2011-2012 Stampin' Up Idea Book & Catalog featuring the stamp set Beautiful Season.  This first version is just like the card in the catalog with one exception... no pearls as I needed to mail this card to Florida and wanted to keep it fairly flat.

This version of the card includes the pearls.  I did emboss the base card layer using my Big Shot and the Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  I think the embossing really made the card more elegant. 

Stamps:  Beautiful Season

Ink:  Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizzaz, Soft Suede, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie

Cardstock:  Soft Suede, Pear Pizzaz, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla

Accessories:  Curly Label Punch, Big Shot, Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Stampin' Dimensionals, Blender Pen, Basic Pearls

 

Christmas Stockings Galore!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!!  Better late than never, here are my Christmas cards for 2011.  As you can see I made 5 versions of the same layout using the Stocking Builder Punch and Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder from the Holiday Mini Catalog and the rectangular Designer Frame Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and the Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine from the 2011-2012 Stampin' Up Idea Book & Catalog.

Stamps:  Stitched Stockings

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Soft Suede

Accessories:  Big Shot, Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Dazzling Details, Stocking Builder Punch

Stamps: Stitched Stockings

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Cardstock: Whisper White, Soft Suede

Accessories: Big Shot, Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Mica Flakes, Crystal Effects, Stocking Builder Punch

Stamps: Stitched Stockings

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizzaz

Cardstock: Whisper White, Pear Pizzaz

Accessories: Big Shot, Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Stocking Builder Punch

Stamps: Stitched Stockings

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Cardstock: Whisper White, Soft Suede

Accessories: Big Shot, Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Mica Flakes, Crystal Effects, Stocking Builder Punch

Stamps:  Gift Givers

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede, Basic Black

Cardstock: Whisper White, Soft Suede

Accessories: Big Shot, Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Stocking Builder Punch

So, which stocking is your favorite???  By the way, you only have until January 3, 2012 to purchase the Stocking Builder Punch as it will retire when the Holiday Mini Catalog ends!

 

Birdie on a Branch

While this new stamp set is actually called Best of Everything, the little birdie image is my favorite!  I was inspired by the sample on page 103 of the 2011-2012 Stampin' Up Idea Book & Catalog as well as cards I've seen made by many other demonstrators.  I used touches of the new In Colors Lucky Limeade and Calypso Coral to accent the Daffodil Delight birdie.  I used the Mat Pack & Paper Piercer on the Lucky Limeade layer and the new Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder on the Soft Suede card base.

Stamps:  Best of Everything

Ink:  Soft Suede, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade

Cardstock:  Naturals Ivory, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Soft Suede

Accessories:  Mat Pack & Paper Piercer, Big Shot, Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Stampin' Dimensionals

 

Sweet Ice Cream Cone Card #2

Here is the other ice cream cone card I made.  As you can see, the layout is identical to yesterday's card but I switched up a few of the elements.  For this card I used Lucky Limeade as my card base and the new Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  I love how these embossing folders in the Big Shot really add a LOT to a card!  My scoops were punched out using the Cupcake Builder Punch and the new In Colors of Wisteria Wonder and Lucky Limeade this time.  The chocolate chips were added courtesy of the Cupcake Builder Punch, as was the cherry on top.  I like both cards and how just changing a couple of elements can yield such different results!

Stamps:  Pennant Parade, Sweets for the Sweet

Ink:  Crumb Cake, Wisteria Wonder

Cardstock:  Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder, Soft Suede, Whisper White, Poppy Parade

Accessories:  Cupcake Builder Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Linen Thread, Mat Pack & Paper Piercer, Big Shot, Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Sweet Ice Cream Cone Card #1

I was inspired to make an ice cream cone card after visiting a fellow demonstrator's blog last week (thanks Yapha!).  Actually I ended up making two cards similar in design but with different color combinations.  I'll be posting the other card tomorrow so be sure and check back to see that one! 

To make an ice cream cone card, you just need the Pennant Parade stamp set for the cone (which you could even punch out using the coordinating Pennant Builder Punch if you wanted to) and the Cupcake Builder Punch for the scoops and cherry.  For this particular card I added some sprinkles to the Blushing Bride scoop using the Stampin' Write Marker of the same color.  I always love the color combination of Soft Suede and any "pink".  I wanted to add a little message at the bottom of the card and found the word "sweet" in the new stamp set, Sweets for the Sweet.  I was thrilled to discover that it fit perfectly in the Jewelry Tag Punch, too!

Stamps:  Pennant Parade, Sweets for the Sweet

Ink:  Poppy Parade, Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride

Cardstock:  Blushing Bride, Soft Suede, Whisper White

Accessories:  Linen Thread, Ticket Corner Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch, Mat Pack & Paper Piercer, Big Shot, Polka Dot Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Cupcake Builder Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

 

Sending Love Your Way

Ain't Love Grand is a stamp set that went on my wish list immediately upon seeing it in the new 2011-2012 Stampin' Up Idea Book & Catalog.  This is one of the new sets that can be purchased with hostess dollars when you have a qualifying order.  I love the versatility of the images in this set.  I used a couple of other new items on this card as well.  I embossed the Crumb Cake card base with the new Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder in my Big Shot.  I thought the card still needed a little something at the bottom but didn't want to add a lot of bulk.  I cut my pieces of Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon and criss-crossed them, then added a Poppy Parade Small Heart Punch in the center.  I added some sparkle with the new Dazzling Details from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  Dazzling Details is a type of glitter glue that also adds dimension to a project.

Stamps:  Ain't Love Grand

Ink:  Poppy Parade, Basic Black, Crumb Cake

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Poppy Parade

Accessories:  Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Eyelet Border Punch, Small Heart Punch, 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, Dazzling Details

 

Welcome!

You may recall that last week I showed you a card I made for my co-worker who was leaving our school?  Well, the new gal who is replacing her started today, so I wanted to make a card to welcome her.  I dug through my retired stamps and found the First Day set from last year's summer mini catalog.  I just love this little worm reading a book!  I used the In Colors of Poppy Parade and Pear Pizzaz to make this card bright and cheery, accenting it with matching glitter brads.  I also took this opportunity to play with the new Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and my Big Shot.  All I can say is "WOW"... I think I am going to be using this embossing folder a LOT as I love the depth it gave to the cardstock.  I also attempted to print "SPEECH" on the cover of the book, as that is our field of expertise.  I hope she likes it!

Stamps:  First Day

Ink:  Basic Black, Pear Pizzaz, Poppy Parade

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Pear Pizzaz, Poppy Parade

Accessories:  Ticket Corner Punch, 1/16" Circle Punch, In Color Glitter Brads, Big Shot, Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Stampin' Dimensionals

Come back tomorrow to see what else I created to go with the card!

 

A Slice of Peach Parfait

This little card is approximately 4" square and is packed with lots of little elements!  The card base is Peach Parfait, embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder in the Big Shot.  At the bottom of the card front is a strip of Peach Parfait Patterns Deisgner Series Paper and a strip of Pear Pizzaz punched with the Lace Ribbon Border Punch adhered to a strip of Whisper White cardstock.  The focal image is from the A Slice of Life stamp set.  (It was a hostess set from the 2011 Occasions Mini Catalog which means that it is no longer available.)  I used the Blender Pen to color in the coffee cups and punched it out with the 1 3/4" Circle Punch.  I wanted a layer of Pear Pizzaz to mount this on but nothing I could get my hands on was fitting right so I improvised with an idea that I've seen on other card samples.  I punched a bunch of 1/2" circles and adhered them around the 1 3/4" circle.  The large punched Whisper White circle that is behind the focal image was an experiment I made earlier in the day.  It started as a 2 1/2" circle.  Then I took one of the Itty Bitty Shapes Punches and punched out a border around the large circle.  I used the 1/16" Circle Punch to punch between the Itty Bitty Shapes.  If you look closely you'll notice this specific shape is in the DSP and the Lace Ribbon Border Punch, also.  I think this card turned out really cute and light-hearted!

Stamps:  A Slice of Life

Ink:  Basic Black, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzaz, Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzaz, Peach Parfait Patterns Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  1/16" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Stampin' Dimensionals

Pacific Etchings

I wanted to make a card using the Artistic Etchings stamp set and I had a scrap piece of Pacific Point that was already embossed using the Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder .  So, I decided to use some shades of "blue" instead of "red" for this card.  I have found that I really like the monochromatic/dynamic duo look of Pacific Point paired with Baja Breeze.   I ruffled the Baja Breeze Seam Binding, a look that is so awesome.  I thought that the small butterfly image from the Clearly For You stamp set would make a nice accent without adding the bulk of a bow or knot.  Then I had to dress up the little fellow with some tiny Basic Pearls.  It's pretty cool how the embossing folder kind of mimiced the design in the medallion image that I stamped for the background on the Crumb Cake card base.  Don't you just love how Stampin' Up's products are so coordinated!?! 

Stamps:  Artistic Etchings, Clearly For You

Ink:  Pacific Poing, Basic Black, Garden Green

Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Naturals White

Accessories:  Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Small Oval Punch, Basic Pearls, Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Glue Dots

Sympathy with Style

I needed to make a sympathy card for a friend this week.  Her grandmother passed away.  In my book, grandmas are very special people.  After 13 years I still miss my own grandma.  We spent a lot of special times together over the years.

For this card I chose the stamp set Elements of Style.  These roses remind me of a flower that a grandmother would like.  I colored the image using my Blender Pen with Rose Red and Old Olive.  The Rose Red cardstock base was embossed using the Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and accented with a Rich Razzleberry strip that I punched using the Lace Ribbon Border Punch.  Afterall, the doily-look of this punch reminds me of "days gone by" and doilies were popular back when my own grandma was young.  I ruffled some Always Artichoke Seam Binding and layered it along the left side of the card.  The sentiment in the ovals came from the Thanks for Caring stamp set from a previous mini catalog (unfortunately that stamp set is no longer available).

Stamps:  Elements of Style, Thanks for Caring

Ink:  Rose Red, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Early Espresso

Cardstock:  Naturals Ivory, Rose Red, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories:  Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Always Artichoke Seam Binding, Brights (Old Olive) Brad, Blender Pen, Stampin' Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Dots

 

Just Believe... Kicked Up a Notch

I was blog surfing last night to get some ideas and was reminded of this card we made at the 2010 Stampin' Up Convention:

 

So, I used the 2 1/2" Circle Punch to make my template and sponged lines of color on Whisper White cardstock, specifically Pear Pizzaz, Peach Parfait, and Poppy Parade.  Then I stamped the same image from the Just Believe stamp set with Basic Black in the circle of blended colors and ran the piece through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder to add some depth.  I really like how it turned out!  I stamped the sentiment with Pear Pizzaz and punched it out using the Curly Label Punch, sponging the edges.  I mounted this on a Poppy Parade Modern Label Punched piece that I paper pierced.  I dug out my favorite punch of all time, the Ticket Corner Punch, to trim the corners of the large Poppy Parade layer.  I think this card looks like a beautiful sunset full of inspiration.

Stamps:  Just Believe

Ink:  Basic Black, Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzaz

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzaz

Accessories:  Big Shot, Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Modern Label Punch, Curly Label Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Stampin' Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals

 

Purples and Pearls

Have you noticed all of the pennants and flags featured in the samples in the 2011-2012 Stampin' Up Idea Book & Catalog?  Well, I decided to try my hand at making a card with the notched pennant accent.  I am loving the color combo of Concord Crush and Wisteria Wonder, accented with Lucky Limeade!  Once I had picked out the color scheme and stamp images, I knew that the card background needed something special to do the pennant and tag justice.  So I got out my Big Shot and chose the Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  Can you hear me "Oooooh" and "Aaaaah" as I looked at the result!?!  I had seen others add the Basic Pearls to the small circle impressions.  I couldn't believe how easy these embellishments were to work with and they really added the "PoP" I was looking for!

Stamps:  Clearly For You

Ink:  Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder

Cardstock:  Concord Crush, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Naturals White

Accessories:  Big Shot, Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Decorative Label Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, 5/8" Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Stampin' Sponge

I think I'll probably send this card to my aunt in Florida for her birthday next month.  She loves "purple" and the bird image on the tag looks like he would live down there.

Ornamental Fish

I have seen many other demonstrators use the Ornament Punch to make fish but this is the first time I have attempted this myself.  I CASEd Sandy Hancock's fish from this card.  While Sandy's card was just adorable, I wanted my fish to be swimming in water made out of the new In Color Pool Party.  I added some bubbles to their pool with the Circle Circus stamp set and used my Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder to add more texture.  I mounted the fish pool on Island Indigo and used my Crop-o-dile to add the embossed dots across the bottom.  A little 1/8" Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon covers the border where the dynamic duo colors meet.  I think these little fellows turned out cute!

Stamps:  Delightful Decorations, Circle Circus

Ink:  Pool Party, Pumpkin Pie

Cardstock:  Island Indigo, Pool Party, Pumpkin Pie, Confetti White

Accessories:  Ornament Punch, 5-Petal Flower Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, 1/2" Circle Punch, 1/8" Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Crop-o-dile, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Glue Dots

 

Sweetheart Love Note

This is a 3 x 3" "Love Note" card that I made for a friend.  In editing the photo I found that it came out nice and bright, but the Fancy Flower Punch looks more like Tangerine Tango than Peach Parfait.  See the little lacy flower-like punches on the petals of the flower?  Those were cut out of the Lace Ribbon Border Punch which I punched out of Concord Crush.  I like how versatile this new punch is!

Stamps:  Sweetheart, Tiny Tags

Ink:  Tempting Turquoise, Pear Pizzaz

Cardstock:  Pear Pizzaz, Confetti White, Concord Crush, Peach Parfait

Accessories:  Fancy Flower Punch, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Border Punch, 1/16" Circle Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch, Big Shot, Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Stampin' Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

 

Hello Teacups

This is a card I made with last year's In Colors from Stampin' Up.  I think the Tiny Teacup stamp is so cute!  Remember these In Colors are available for one more year!

Stamps:  Tiny Teacup

Ink:  Pear Pizzaz, Concord Crush, Peach Parfait

Cardstock:  Pear Pizzaz, Concord Crush, Peach Parfait, Naturals Ivory

Accessories:  Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder