Stampin' Garden

What a LONG absence! Colour Q #99

2011-08-28T01:29:00.001-05:00

Over six months! That's how long it's been since I've posted or even taken a peek at my Google Reader. It wasn't my intention, but the spring and summer were so busy the last thing I felt like doing was being on the computer. I didn't stamp either. Thankfully I have a big stash of cards to make it through! I do wonder if I'm ready to be back in full force, but in the last two weeks I've had the desire to stamp. So, why not post 'em!

The first challenge that caught my eye was Arielle's at the Colour Q. I love this color combination. Only the card started when I was playing around with a new flower die. I decided to cut out a bunch with plain tissue paper, just to see how it looked. Mmmm....nice! Reminds me of the white clematis on the south side of my garage (sorry no picture.)

So, it feels pretty good to be creative again! I hope it "takes."

Punch Pals - Christmas Card Challenge

2011-02-08T01:58:00.004-06:00

Your eyes are not deceiving you. I've gone from Valentine's to Christmas. Shortly after the New Year I stumbled upon a challenge thread on Splitcoast Stampers, a Christmas card challenge. Avoid the holiday crunch by pledging to make a set amount of cards each month, up until November. I committed to 6 cards a month, so if all goes as planned I should have 66 cards ready to go come December 1st. In January I made six more of THIS card I had already posted, but at the time, had one made one.

For February I decided to make a card for all my nieces and nephews. A shaker card using Punch Pals and the Folded Paper Frame technique. It really made the shaker card a piece of cake! The cello bag fits perfectly inside. The sentiment was printed from the computer.

Now wouldn't you know there is a challenge blog for Christmas cards year round? Stef and Lauren over at Jingle Belles are giving us a different Christmas card challenge EACH WEEK! Wow! Well, since I did all six of my cards at once I may not be participating each week, but boy what a great idea! Thanks gals!

I know this post is short, I'm up posting late! If you have any questions about this card, just give me a shout!

L-O-V-E Spells Love Banner

2011-01-24T11:58:00.002-06:00

This is a first for me. I am posting on both my blogs. Here and on Made or Found.

I have been wanting to make a banner for a few years now. I made it my mission to get one done this weekend....and that's what it took, the better part of a weekend. I will say I am happy with the results, though.

I contemplated every detail, over and over. I pulled out all the tricks in my bag. I used my Cricut, vintage trims and lots of Stampin' Up! paper. I tried a few new things along the way.

The red tulle on the "L" that came out of an auction box lot.

Using lots of pearls and scrunchy tissue flowers on the "O."

The glitter heart on the "V" that I topped with Crystal Effects so that no glitter flakes off.

The vintage seam binding on the "E" that I crinkled and made my bow.

Here's my mantel with my favorite vintage valentine's.

I'm in love.

Faux Tile Card - A Splitcoast Stampers Technique

2011-01-17T15:09:00.006-06:00

I have been wanting to do this card since this technique was featured on Splitcoast Stampers Wednesday Tutorial on January 5th. It's still on the homepage if you want to take look, but it probably won't last for long. It's the Faux Tile Technique. A simple matter of stamping and coloring your image, then cutting it apart into "tiles" which are then given a coat of Crystal Effects. I really thought my picture was better than this {SIGH.} My card base and grout look black, when in fact they are Elegant Eggplant. Plus, my tiles aren't shining through. {DOUBLE SIGH.}

Actually, this is my test card. I wanted to make sure the Crystal Effects wouldn't smudge my watercolored image like happened with the crackle medium on this card. All went well, so I have another card to make! Unfortunately I have to do some other chores first!

FYI- This card qualifies for the Crazy For Challenges ...make a Thank You card. If you want to take a crack at their challenge! I need to do some more blurfing...after those chores!

Show CASE - Upsy Daisy by Brenda

2011-01-15T23:57:00.005-06:00

As much as I have wanted to get into my craft room and create a card, it just hasn't happened. Even so, 2011 has been wonderful so far. I have been taking life at an easy pace and thoroughly enjoying everything I do. I never really made it a New Year's resolution but it seems like a good one now.

I've actually have a backlog of a few Show CASE cards. Older cards I had saved in my files. I haven't added many lately simply because I haven't been surfing as much. Still it's great to revisit some old favorites, like today's card.

When free time is in short supply, a card CASE (Copy And Share Everything) can be the perfect way to have a little fun!. Show CASE is my personal attempt have that time for stamping, without of the pressure to create something totally original. I want to pay tribute to the many talented stampers out in the blogosphere that are so inspiring to me. I hope you enjoy seeing my "take" on their creation.

Upsy Daisy by Brenda @ Card Scraps.

My changes:
I used a different flourish (from Priceless.)
I added brads and piercing instead of a second ribbon.
My sentiment, from Upsy Daisy.

Not huge changes. Seems you always have to make a few to accommodate the supplies on hand.

If you want to see Brenda's card it's HERE.

Show CASE - Patterened Pines by LeAnne

2011-01-07T10:45:00.000-06:00

With Christmas two weeks behind us I thought I'd better post this super cute card. It's been quite a while since I did a Show CASE card. A testament to how little time I had spent stamping the last half of 2010.

When free time is in short supply, a card CASE (Copy And Share Everything) can be the perfect way to have a little fun!. Show CASE is my personal attempt have that time for stamping, without of the pressure to create something totally original. I want to pay tribute to the many talented stampers out in the blogosphere that are so inspiring to me. I hope you enjoy seeing my "take" on their creation.

Today's card was inspired by LeAnne @ Wee Inklings.

My changes:
I didn't have the specialty DSP LeAnne used. I used Frost White Shimmer Paint for the background.
LeAnne did her wavy, pierced snow freehand. I used a punch.
The sentiment is slightly different.
I used a different inks for my trees.

If you want to check out her original card, it is HERE.

I also need to send a shout-out to Arielle @ ColourQ and Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage for choosing last weeks cards for their challenges. Thanks ladies! I'm honored and will proudly display your badges!

I have to say, I haven't stamped at all this week and I am chomping at the bit! I think I will HAVE to stamp today. I have too many ideas running through my head to ignore!

Just Believe ...Just Saw Ink

2010-12-31T10:47:00.000-06:00

I was lucky enough to make a trade for this stamp set a few months ago. I was all excited and there it sat! In the last 6 months there was very little card making going on at my house! With the New Year just around the corner I'm feeling confident that I'm back in the groove! It feels good! So, challenges are such a great motivational tool. I started out with an old, dear favorite! Stacey's Curtain Call Challenge!

A great color combo! I'm a sucker for analagous (neighbors on the color wheel) color combos! I'm not normally a blue person, but Baja Breeze has broke me! I love this color! Pair it with a green (my fave) like Pear Pizzazz and I can't resist!

I've been adding lots of challenges to my sidebar. One I had not participated in yet is the Cute Card Thursday. Well, this week is a Thank You Challenge...yahoo! I can do that! I love making thank you cards. I use lots of them and my stash is running low. Great challenge!

I also love Flourishes, I have a few, I need a few more. I need to use them more! None of their stamps here, but I did use Pearls. Their Timeless Tuesday challenge this week.

Now I may take a few days off...I'm heading to an auction tomorrow. The first one of the New Year! I'm pretty excited, so I may have to lay off the stamping. We'll see!

A Little Housekeeping with an Exciting Note!

2010-12-30T11:23:00.001-06:00

I have been meaning to post this card for sometime. It was the first Christmas card I worked on in December and somehow it kept getting neglected. I made 30 of these for dear hubby to send out to his co-workers and work related friends. It may seem obvious but these little buggers were time consuming...all that sewing! I have been missing my sewing machine, so I didn't mind too much!

Boy, do I love this die from PTI. The Big Shot got a workout, though. Running this die through 30 times. One thing you may not know about me... I hoard wool! So, I had a nice selection to make my trees. I love this color.

I guess my procrastination paid off too. The current Our Creative Corner challenge is Felt. Yeah!

I am also happy, tickled and pleased to announce my glittery, sparkly Snowman Card made the Top Pick over at Stampin' Royalty! I was lucky enough to be chosen earlier in the year, so I already had the badge, but I was pleased to add a little caption for my recent recognition!

Now that I appear to be on a roll...keep an eye out for more posts!

On The Green - Colour Q & Mojo

2010-12-29T00:29:00.000-06:00

I needed to make a card today. A card for a dear uncle that has to be in the mail tomorrow! Lucky for me, I had a few friends to help me out! I saw Arielle's color combo for the latest Colour Q and knew I'd be on the right track.

Isn't this a gorgeous scarf? Really this would be easy enough with a Big Shot, some wool felt and a few flower dies.

With the color combo in place, all I needed was a sketch to lend a hand. Julee's @ Mojo Monday was perfect!

I think my uncle will love it!

Bells & Boughs with Top Note & Texture

2010-12-18T11:16:00.003-06:00

Me again! I actually finished this card VERY late on Thursday. I wasn't up for posting at 2:30 AM so off to bed I went. Friday was filled with another day shopping. I was so tired (probably from lack of sleep the night before) that a movie and bed was all I could muster last night. Kind of pathetic. This is the year I had all my stamps and supplies early and I still managed to not get my cards done! This is what I came up with during my late night session.

I thought I liked it. I took the picture. I'm thinking, "Boy, that bow just doesn't look right."

So, after the picture, I changed it! Now I'm now sure which one looks best!

As luck would have it, I completed another challenge!

Our Creative Challenge - Dry Embossing with Ink.

Have a great day!

Oh Happy Day! A Card I Am Pleased With!

2010-12-16T13:22:00.009-06:00

I was beginning to think it would never happen. I've spent the better part of days...distracted...unable to create anything GOOD! Today was different. Funny how a looming deadline can either bring brilliance or disaster. I decided to start with the same basic design as I used for my Redwork card. Love that card! Same, embossing folder. Then, switch it up with Frosty.

What a great color combo, the Baja Breeze and Real Red. I finally got the chance to play with the Glass Glitter and Waffle Paper. Both are wonderful! I'm so happy they are both carrying over beyond the mini catalog. The ribbon came from a box lot at a recent auction.

We've all seen this kind of ribbon before. Not too impressive, but put it through the Big Shot with the Square Tile embossing folder and wow! That's pretty! Even the kinks in the ribbon (see them) came out, going through the Big Shot.

I actually managed to qualify for a few challenges, too!

Stampin' Royalty is hosting a Bring on The Bling Challenge! Yahoo!
The Pink Elelphant is hosting a Winter Wonderland challenge! Yipee!

PLUS....
Today's "Ways to Use It" challenge on SCS is GLITTER!

So I hope you like what I finally had to show you! I'm headin' back to the craft room now!

With Help From My Daughter

2010-12-11T16:00:00.000-06:00

Today is the day...finally I will begin to work on my Christmas cards. I plan to have them done and ready to go into the mail on Monday. Yeah...right! Not at my current pace! Luckily, fate has stepped in, to help me out. Maybe more accurately, my sweet daughter has stepped in to help me out. She was one of two in her grade (7th) chosen in the annual Christmas card contest at school.

This is her design. They where only given one requirement. They had to use cross-hatch or stipple techniques in their design. This is the second time she has been chosen. I'm one proud mama!

Being a card maker, I couldn't resist a little embellishment. So, with her blessing we added a sequin and bead nose, ribbon and a sentiment from PTI's Tree Trimming Trio.

Now I can't let her have all the fun, so I will be making my own cards, of course. Thankfully I won't require quite as many! Phew!!! Stay tuned!

Big Clip

2010-11-22T15:30:00.003-06:00

I didn't plan on posting today. I spent the morning trying to catch up on my mail and promised myself I would play in the afternoon. Although I didn't think I would accomplish anything! I was sure I would sit in my craft room for hours with nothing to show for it. Well, I did have a little help. These clips were on my desk. I had glued the base paper on them about a week ago.

So, it was just a matter of sprucing them up. It was a lot of fun deciding how to embellish them. Which one is your favorite? I have a favorite.

They are mostly Stampin' Up! products, with the exception of the ribbons, a few brads and the sentiment on the blue one (it's PTI.)

These clips came from an auction box lot. I bid because I wanted the basket they were in (an old wire locker room basket) so the clips were a bonus! I have five more I could decorate....and I think I will!

Scrappin'

2010-11-19T11:09:00.001-06:00

Two posts in one week. I may be on a roll! Thanks so much for the all the sweet comments. I haven't written back to each of you yet, but I will! You really make a girl feel great!

I have been a bit preoccupied this week. I'm having a big holiday sale (a cross between a garage sale and craft sale) at my house tomorrow so I have been preparing for that. No stamping, but I did promise to share some pages from last weekends scrapbooking. This is a big step for me. I haven't been scrapbooking for that long. My pages have not been great, but I do feel they are improving, so I thought I'd share my favorite two page layout.

Not a lot of embellishments or journaling yet. I add a little more to these pages at a later date, but I am fairly pleased with them as they are. To prove how far behind I am...in these pictures my son is between 8-10 months old. He just turned 16! Luckily, we have lots of video so pictures are a bonus and I don't have to scrap everything!

Happy Friday! I'll be back as soon as I can!

Jolly Old St. Nick

2010-11-15T12:26:00.002-06:00

I'll be honest, I have been sitting on this card for a while. I wanted to wait until I was ready to post a little more regularly. Hopefully this is the time!

I used Jolly Old St. Nick. Not too different from the card sample in the mini catalog but I just love the dialog bubble! I used my Scallop Oval punch and embellished with dots and curves using my fine tip black marker. The little comma is all me, just cut and glued to the back of my oval. Underlining the sentiment came after I had made about 5 other cards. I like this idea a lot. It really made it "pop."

So, I went to scrapbooking retreat this past weekend. I had a blast with my friend, Cathy. I still feel like a scrapbook newbie but this weekend I feel I turned a corner. I actually like about half my pages! So, I may share one of two of those this week, too! Hope to see you then!

Greeting Card Kids - Halloween

2010-10-06T10:50:00.000-05:00

Today's post will be a really quick one. This week has become unexpectedly hectic. Funny how that seems to happen a lot! To compound matters, I messed up my watermark setting on my Photoshop Elements and cannot figure out how to get it back to "normal." Yes, I am technologically challenged. I fear my last resort will be to uninstall it and reinstall and cross my fingers that I'm back in business!

So, here's another card using the cutie set Greeting Card Kids. The idea to crackle was my big inspiration. I thought it would fit right in with the vintage feel. I want to do more!!! Fun stuff! One note, my image was much deeper in color but the crackle medium washed it out a bit. So, next time instead of water coloring with the Aqua Painter I'm going to try full strength markers. I'll let you know the results. Again I embossed on DSP and sanded the tops to reveal the white core. Love that too! I went a little crazy with the spatter....it was fun to let loose!

So, that's it for today! Have a great one!

Christmas Redwork - Greeting Card Kids

2010-09-27T12:05:00.003-05:00

First let me say, I can't believe I took a month off! When I posted my last Curtain Call card I knew I would be taking a break but I didn't formally announce anything. I wasn't sure how long I'd be away. In hindsight I should have mentioned something! I am so surprised it ended up being so long. I only glanced at my Google reader twice during that time. Each visit I had 300+ posts to take a look at! So I apologize to each of you for not posting any comments, but I don't have it in me to take on such a HUGE task!

I finally got my fingers inky last Friday when my friend Deb took the day off and we stamped. We hadn't seen each other in over a month so there was a lot of conversation and SOME stamping. I've done a few CASE cards and a couple originals. So, if I can stay in the groove, I'll have cards to share this week.

I absolutely love the Greeting Card Kids set. I don't mind coloring at all, but this idea came via LeAnne @ Wee Inklings. She has done a few different "redwork" cards. I adore redwork but I have never learned to do it. I can sew a simple backstitch but good redwork takes practice to get the stitches uniform. So, why not cheat a little and do it with ink instead!

You can't really tell from the photo ( I slacked off and didn't get out my extra lights) but the image is embossed. I looks super in person. I also broke in my new Northern Flurry embossing folder on the retired gingham Bella Rose DSP. The snowflakes became more prominent when I used my sanding block to the reveal more of the white paper core.

Some habits are hard to break. I REALLY wanted to put a sentiment on the front, but I held myself back and committed to no sentiment. I love how this image looks with the gingham. I think I may have to play around with this idea some more!

Final Curtain Call Crew Post

2010-08-29T00:03:00.000-05:00

Boo hoo! So sad! My six month term with the Stacey's Curtain Call Crew is done with this submission. It has been a blast and a great experience! Thank you Stacey for the opportunity! Being on a DT was always something I was curious to do but never pursued, so I am especially grateful to Stacey for asking me. Thanks to all the girls in the Crew and the guest designers these past few months. A really great group. I received a lot of help (and friendship) from the Crew members.

So, what about this week's colors?

Pretty....no surprise there. Now I am STILL waiting on my In-Colors. I am expecting them next week, so I had to use Certainly Celery and Elegant Eggplant. Green is probably my favorite color, so I decided to play down the Crumb Cake (gasp!) and create a card focusing on the green. I love the result. This is my Mom's birthday card. I gave it to her today and she loved it.

I used a button from my EXTENSIVE stash for the flower center. It's iridescent and it's so yummy! I had another button in mind. A vintage carnival glass beauty...I couldn't do it. I'm hoarding those! But I'll give you a peek at it!

Please check out the rest of the Crew members this week! Send them off right! Also, check out the new Curtain Call Crew over at Stacey's blog! You will be blown away with the talented stampers she's got together for the next round!

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea Scrap - und Stampel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our August guest designer. Teresa Kline @ Enjoy the VA Sunshine

And our leader....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Remember, if want to join us, link to your creation on Stacey's post. At the end of the challenge period she will choose 5 great projects that will earn the Curtain Call Show Stopper badge. One talented person will get the Lead in this week's Curtain Call!

Halloween Fun

2010-08-23T18:41:00.000-05:00

I had to get some ink on this stamp right away! Last Thursday was the kids first day of school. I celebrated (not that I wanted them to go back) with a road trip to Mike's and a few quilt shops. This stamp was the first to catch my eye. Usually I can't resist buying a few of these cheap thrills but this day I stuck with the ONE that spoke the loudest.

I also happened to pick up an embossing folder on clearance, so I had two new toys to play with. I inked up my folder with a brayer and black ink before sending it through the Big Shot. I've done this before with mixed results. Today was no exception. I probably did 5 "tests" trying to keep the ink from smearing. Nothing totally fixed the problem, but once I started I had to include it in the card. It fit the card so well!

I still love stitching on my cards and I should do more of it because it is so much fun. So look out for more stitching!

Pun Fun - Curtain Call #44

2010-08-22T00:00:00.012-05:00

Another week...another Curtain Call challenge! Are you ready for a colorful challenge? Here's the inspiration photo Stacey chose for us this week.

Once I focus on a set to use for the challenge I rarely change my mind. I thought this little bird from Pun Fun would look cute with this color combo.

I used some flower-soft-like product on his belly, wings and tail. I was kinda of fun...but tight filling in those little areas. I had these three pieces of ribbon cut to use (originally in a different manner.) I was determined to use all three...which explains the floating turquoise down the center. Maybe I shouldn't mention these things....yeah, I planned it that way!

So what do the other girls have up their sleeves this week?

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea Scrap - und Stampel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our August guest designer. Teresa Kline @ Enjoy the VA Sunshine

And our leader....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Remember, if want to join us, link to your creation on Stacey's post. At the end of the challenge period she will choose 5 great projects that will earn the Curtain Call Show Stopper badge. One talented person will get the Lead in this week's Curtain Call!

Always - Curtain Call Challenge #43

2010-08-15T00:00:00.022-05:00

I'm back! I took a little longer with my card....but I'm pretty happy with the results.

How do you like the brights colors this week? I was surprised how much I liked working with them.

I really enjoy making all the yummy scalloped layers! Great impact!

Please check out the other Crew members....

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea Scrap - und Stampel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our August guest designer. Teresa Kline @ Enjoy the VA Sunshine

And our leader....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Remember, if want to join us, link to your creation on Stacey's post. At the end of the challenge period she will choose 5 great projects that will earn the Curtain Call Show Stopper badge. One talented person will get the Lead in this week's Curtain Call!

Great Friend - Curtain Call #42

2010-08-08T00:59:00.001-05:00

Oh my! It's been a week since my last post! Busy times! I guess it's the last flurry of activities before the kids go back to school. At the end of the week I treated myself to a day away at the antique flea market. That was a lot of fun. Saturday was our town's annual festival, Watermelon Days. So, I guess it's not surprising I didn't spend any time creating.

Now that we are beginning a new week, let's go straight to the Curtain Call Challenge!

Yummy, warm colors....reminds me of pre-fall days! Now believe it or not, I haven't bought the new In-Colors yet. So, some substitutions were in order. I used Certainly Celery and an old retired In-color, Groovy Guava.

I did struggle with this card a bit. I think it was sheer exhaustion from a busy week. The thing I like the least? My stitching through the butterflies. My curves aren't as smooth as I would have liked. Something that should come easily for someone that has sewn for as many years as I have! Oh well! Can't be perfect!

Now what will the rest of the Crew create?

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea Scrap - und Stampel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our August guest designer. Teresa Kline @ Enjoy the VA Sunshine

And our leader....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Remember, if want to join us, link to your creation on Stacey's post. At the end of the challenge period she will choose 5 great projects that will earn the Curtain Call Show Stopper badge. One talented person will get the Lead in this week's Curtain Call!

Dot Spot - Curtain Call #41

2010-08-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

After a busy week, Sunday came pretty quickly! Time for another Curtain Call Challenge! Here's our inspiration:

I immediately thought Dot Spot from PTI, so I didn't strain my brain and went with that! This will make the perfect birthday card for my brother-in-law come October. He loves blue and I think the dots will appeal to his analytical side (he has a P.H.D. in physical chemistry.)

Let's see what the rest of the Crew has for us this week!

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea Scrap - und Stampel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our August guest designer. Teresa Kline @ Enjoy the VA Sunshine

And our leader....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Remember, if want to join us, link to your creation on Stacey's post. At the end of the challenge period she will choose 5 great projects that will earn the Curtain Call Show Stopper badge. One talented person will get the Lead in this week's Curtain Call!

Show CASE - Punch Art by Julie

2010-07-30T22:22:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone! I survived the water park. In fact, it was a lot of fun. We got to experience our first water coaster and it was a blast! I'm sure feeling my age, though. After lunch I was so tired! Took a nap under the umbrella and I was done for the rest of the day! The kids had a great time, of course. The bonus for the day was that RAGBRAI (Registers Annual Great Bike Race Across Iowa) was coming through the area and the waterpark parking lot was a stopping point for the riders. This is a BIG deal in Iowa and really across the country. Lance Armstrong rode in it last year??? It's actually something I should add to my "bucket list" because it looks like so much fun!

Until then, how about something a little less labor intensive? How about a Show CASE card?

When free time is in short supply, a card CASE (Copy And Share Everything) can be the perfect way to have a little fun!. Show CASE is my personal attempt have that time for stamping, without of the pressure to create something totally original. I want to pay tribute to the many talented stampers out in the blogosphere that are so inspiring to me. I hope you enjoy seeing my "take" on their creation.

Today's card came from Julie @ Julie's Stampin' Spot.

My changes:
I had trouble with her rubber band rolled background, so I used DSP.
My fishies are slightly different color.
I used the small heart punch which wasn't available when Julie made hers.

Check out Julie's original card HERE.

See you soon for the Curtain Call!

Show CASE - Polka Dot Punches

2010-07-28T21:10:00.001-05:00

All of a sudden this week got really busy. I took on a few projects that I had been avoiding coupled with a last minute invitation to the waterpark. (Scary, I haven't been in a bathing suit in two years!) I hate having nothing to post until the next Curtain Call and I haven't done a Show CASE in a while...

When free time is in short supply, a card CASE (Copy And Share Everything) can be the perfect way to have a little fun!. Show CASE is my personal attempt have that time for stamping, without of the pressure to create something totally original. I want to pay tribute to the many talented stampers out in the blogosphere that are so inspiring to me. I hope you enjoy seeing my "take" on their creation.

I always give credit to the stamper who inspired my Show CASE Card. Well, this is one of these rare instances I did not keep a good enough record. So please feel free to point me in the right direction if you know where this card came from.

I do have a copy of the original (no watermark...no clues.)

Have a great day!

Follow Your Heart - Curtain Call #40

2010-07-25T16:47:00.001-05:00

I'm a little late with my Curtain Call submission. Last night and this morning I had some computer issues. I was beyond frustrated at one point and had to get away from the computer for a while. I spend the extra time making an extra card for the Curtain Call! So, I have two cards to share today.

Here is the inspiration photo Stacey chose for the week! Love the colors but for some reason black always throws me! So I decided to play down the black! HA!

I used my newest stamps! The prize I was lucky enough to win during the Color Throwdown #100th Challenge. They were the prize on Tammy Hershberger's blog and they were provided by Great Impressions stamps.

So, I haven't been online since my computer blow-out...it's time for me to check out the rest of the Curtain Call Crew! How 'bout you too?

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea Scrap - und Stampel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our July guest designer. Silke Ledlow @ My Life

And our leader....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Remember, if want to join us, link to your creation on Stacey's post. At the end of the challenge period she will choose 5 great projects that will earn the Curtain Call Show Stopper badge. One talented person will get the Lead in this week's Curtain Call!

Lattice Die

2010-07-23T13:56:00.018-05:00

I am avoiding some house and computer work today because I wanted to play in my craft room. Now that I've created a card I may have to do something else for a while. Hopefully this evening it will be back to stamping!

Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger

Just Add Ink - Sketch

I think it could use a little something, but I need to get goin'. I hope to back soon!
Until then....Happy Friday!

Wonderful Scraps

2010-07-20T22:37:00.001-05:00

Another day, another challenge! Today I decided to try a one I've never participated in before. The inspiration photo is easy enough, flowers, I can do flowers! I wasn't too sure about the color combo, though! It looks tropical to me...I was a little worried!

Create with Connie & Mary

Once again I started in my scrap file. Guess what? I only cut ONE of these pieces of cardstock! I used everything else EXACTLY as it came out of my scrap file. The exception? The So Saffron circle I cut and embossed it. Otherwise I used the pieces as they were! Kinda fun! Even the image was in my scrap file. It's a piece I was playing with last night. I stamped the foliage from Wonderful You in black Stazon. I went back with my Certainly Celery and Wild Wasabi marker to fill in and shadow my leaves. My last step was to spray the image with Champaign Mist shimmer paint mixed with rubbing alcohol. Not only did it give my cardstock shimmer but it blurred my markers some...just enough. I like it.

Friends 24-7 and Multiple Challenges

2010-07-19T22:05:00.000-05:00

Today was finally the day I could stamp with no guilt, I couldn't find a single pressing thing to keep me away. I did have to spend a fair amount of time researching the challenges out there. Currently I have about 40 saved in my favorites, I would like to add even more, but it's safe to say, going thorough that many sites took awhile.

I ended up with qualifying for three great challenges.

Fall to Layout - Sketch Challenge.

Pink Elephant Challenge - Use Brown.

The Color Cue - Color Challenge.

I find I've been using fewer and fewer embellishments on my cards. The practical side of me, thinking about them going through the mail. I could have used ribbon on this card, but I went with crumpled paper. I just wanted to play with my paper!

So, tomorrow is another golf day, but I am hopeful I won't be too tired once I get home and can get my fingers inky once again!

Water Color Trio - Curtain Call #39

2010-07-18T00:00:00.004-05:00

I love GREEN....every color of green. So this week's challenge really wasn't much of a challenge for me! Look at these colors! Great choice Stacey!

Being the frugal gal I am, the first place I go when starting a new card is my scrap file. It isn't too large, because I am always using them. Since I love green so much, the scraps were pretty slim. In my neutral pile along with the Kraft/Crumb Cake was a piece of vellum. That got me thinking about embossing the vellum. I had done it before, with mixed results. I wondered what it would look like with the new Square Tile Embossing Folder. That's what this entire card is built around.

Now I have to mention. I just got my Watercolor Trio. I owe it all to Silke. She has used this set so beautifully I just had to buy it! After just one use, I am so glad I did! It's wonderful! The sentiments are so elegant and the bonus? They all fit inside the large oval punch! I didn't use it with this card, but I was curious and sure enough, they fit!

So, how about the rest of the Crew? What will they create?

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea Scrap - und Stampel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our July guest designer. Silke Ledlow @ My Life

And our leader....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Remember, if want to join us, link to your creation on Stacey's post. At the end of the challenge period she will choose 5 great projects that will earn the Curtain Call Show Stopper badge. One talented person will get the Lead in this week's Curtain Call!

Show CASE - Flowers For All Seasons by Cambria

2010-07-17T09:17:00.000-05:00

While things have slowed down around here, I still find myself gone more than home. I am a homebody. I like puttering around the house, so you can bet I'll be home if it's at all possible. The only two things I choose to do rather than stay home? Activities with my kids and shopping for vintage (at either sales or auctions.) I did hit a few good auctions and sales the past two weeks, so I am guilty of not stamping because of that. If you're into vintage, check out my other blog: Made or Found.

In the meantime, how about a Show CASE card?

Today's card is inspired by Cambria @ Stamp A Little Love Baby!

I had to change the layout because instead of a square card, I made mine an A2.
I also changed the sentiment and ribbon.

Check out Cambria's card HERE.

Inspired By Nature - Curtain Call #38

2010-07-11T00:59:00.003-05:00

Oh, do I love the colors for this week's Curtain Call! Isn't this just beautiful? I love flowers and grow many kinds. How I would love to have some of these in my garden!

My first instinct was to use my Branch Out set. Hmmm, can't do that, my friend Cathy is borrowing it. Second thought, how about Season of Friendship? No, Debbie has that one. So, third choice...Inspired By Nature! Guess that's what I'm going with!

I haven't combined challenges in soooo long! Heck, other than the Curtain Call, I've done no other challenges! Well, I just had to participate in the Mojo Monday challenge! How I would LOVE to win me some Verve stamps!

What about the rest of the Crew? You must check them out!

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea Scrap - und Stampel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our July guest designer. Silke Ledlow @ My Life

And our leader....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Remember, if want to join us, link to your creation on Stacey's post. At the end of the challenge period she will choose 5 great projects that will earn the Curtain Call Show Stopper badge. One talented person will get the Lead in this week's Curtain Call!

Loads of Love - Color Throwdown #100

2010-07-08T20:52:00.003-05:00

You will not believe what kept me from stamping last night..........a bug! I'm not saying I was sick. I mean an actual bug! This has to be a first! About 6:00 pm I realize my air conditioning isn't cooling. It's getting uncomfortable in the house. I discover the outside compressor isn't coming on. Well, hubby is out of town, so I call my dad. He gives me several (time consuming) suggestions to try and remedy my situation. None of it works. So, tired and disgusted, I decide to call it a night. This morning dad comes over to try his hand with no luck. I run off the my son's baseball games while dear dad stays behind waiting for the serviceman. Turns out a bug, more precisely an earwig, had crawled between the electrodes in the compressor. I wouldn't have believed it but dad saw it with his own eyes. The serviceman was gone in about 15 minutes. I was out $72 bucks! I'm just thankful that's all it was! A new unit might have cost me some stamping supplies!

In the end it turned out that the extra time gave me the opportunity to think about card ideas for the Color Throwdown. It's their 100th challenge and they are celebrating! The girls are giving away over $1600 dollars worth of goodies! Check it out HERE and get all the details.

The final piece of this card came after I had time to think. I made my own clouds to place my sentiment. It was fun to do and I think they turned out pretty good!

Show CASE - Little Leaves by Nina

2010-07-06T23:41:00.002-05:00

Hello, hello! I am so excited. I feel I'm on the verge of some serious stamping time. My son's baseball games the last two days have been rained out. These rainy days at home have allowed me to do some house cleaning. It feels so good to get things back in order. My crafting room was messy WAY beyond my comfort zone! Even though it's not totally picked up it's good enough to have a little fun time. I want to do some challenges this week. So after my daughter's golf tomorrow, I plan to be playing with my stamps!

Until then, how about a Show CASE?

When free time is in short supply, a card CASE (Copy And Share Everything) can be the perfect way to have a little fun!. Show CASE is my personal attempt have that time for stamping, without of the pressure to create something totally original. I want to pay tribute to the many talented stampers out in the blogosphere that are so inspiring to me. I hope you enjoy seeing my "take" on their creation.

Today card is from Nina @ Deesigns by Nina Dee.

My changes:
Congrats stamp set
Cardstock (Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso & Cajun Craze)

I really wanted to use some of the new colors!

One thing about CASEing a card, you have to guess on measurements. This card is larger than an A2 because I couldn't make it work in that size.

If you'd like to check out Nina's card, it is HERE.

Green Thumb - Curtain Call #37

2010-07-04T00:40:00.000-05:00

Hey there Curtain Call stampers! It's Sunday. Are you ready for another challenge? Stacey has picked a yummy cupcake image as this week's inspiration.

I wanted to create a cheerful card to go along with these cheerful colors. I have a lot of gardening friends and decided this cute little boot from Green Thumb would be perfect.

BTW - Sorry this picture is so yellow, I couldn't use my normal set-up.

I am really anxious to see what the rest of the Crew will do with these bright colors. So, let's check them out!

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea Scrap - und Stampel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

Please help us welcome our July guest designer. The fabulous Silke Ledlow @ My Life

And our leader....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Remember, if want to join us, link to your creation on Stacey's post. At the end of the challenge period she will choose 5 great projects that will earn the Curtain Call Show Stopper badge. One talented person will get the Lead in this week's Curtain Call!

Good Friend - Curtain Call #36

2010-06-27T00:23:00.000-05:00

Welcome to this week's Curtain Call Challenge! Are you going to join us this week? I sure hope so. This week's colors could go masculine, patriotic...what will you do with them?

I decided on patriotic, not a real stretch with these colors, but I need to go with the easy things in life these days!

I am mostly pleased with this card. I do like my "sparklers" from the the set Good Friend. I'm also pleased with the Crumb Cake (formerly Kraft) ink stamped on the Crumb Cake cardstock. I'm not so pleased with the bottom and my tinsel and rick rack border. Originally I was playing with a striped ribbon treatment. It was OK, but very bulky so I took it off! I'm not convinced this is any better, but I went with it!

Make sure to check out the rest of the Curtain Call Crew this week!

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea Scrap - und Stampel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

Our June guest designer, Christina MacLaren @ Seaglass and Sentiments

And our leader....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Remember, if want to join us, link to your creation on Stacey's post. At the end of the challenge period she will choose 5 great projects that will earn the Curtain Call Show Stopper badge. One talented person will get the Lead in this week's Curtain Call!

Show CASE - Eastern Blooms by Beate

2010-06-26T08:14:00.001-05:00

Well, the abundant free time I had been hoping for hasn't materialized just yet. The kids and I are still busy with activities. My son with baseball and daughter with golf. I have been staying up later than sanity should allow just to keep up with daily life chores. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining in any way. I love spending time with my kids and in fact I crave time with them. Dear son will be off to college before you know it (3 years) and to this point he doesn't mind me being around Mom, so I'll take it. Today we will be wild raspberry picking. From the scouting we did last week, there will be tons ready to pick! I may have to make some jam....yum! So, until tomorrow when I have my Curtain Call card to share, we'll go with a CASE card.

When free time is in short supply, a card CASE (Copy And Share Everything) can be the perfect way to have a little fun!. Show CASE is my personal attempt have that time for stamping, without of the pressure to create something totally original. I want to pay tribute to the many talented stampers out in the blogosphere that are so inspiring to me. I hope you enjoy seeing my "take" on their creation.

Today's card is from Beate @ Fresh & Fun.

My changes:
Green Tea DSP
Petals & Paisley DSP
Ribbon
Sentiment (PTI - Green Thumb)

Really, my card is not much different than Beate's. Check out her's HERE.

Show CASE - Boatloads of Love by Tracey

2010-06-22T00:10:00.003-05:00

Since I used the puffy paint on Sunday's Curtain Call card, I decided it would be the perfect time to unveil a Show CASE card using these same puffs from Boatloads of Love.

When free time is in short supply, a card CASE (Copy And Share Everything) can be the perfect way to have a little fun!. Show CASE is my personal attempt have that time for stamping, without of the pressure to create something totally original. I want to pay tribute to the many talented stampers out in the blogosphere that are so inspiring to me. I hope you enjoy seeing my "take" on their creation.

Today's card comes from Tracey @ A Stampers Touch.

My changes:
Embossed and distressed background.
Cardstock (I was using up some scraps)

Tracey's card is HERE. Check out her blog. I have a few more of her cards to CASE!

Very Thankful - Curtain Call #35

2010-06-20T11:35:00.003-05:00

I'm back! Ready to show you what I did this morning. Here's the colors for the challenge.

I needed a birthday card for my soon-to-be 4, niece. So this colorful combo fit the bill!

Have you visited the other Crew members yet? I did. Some beautiful, creative stuff today!

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea Scrap - und Stampel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

Our June guest designer, Christina MacLaren @ Seaglass and Sentiments

And our leader....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Remember, if want to join us, link to your creation on Stacey's post. At the end of the challenge period she will choose 5 great projects that will earn the Curtain Call Show Stopper badge. One talented person will get the Lead in this week's Curtain Call!

Slight Delay With My Curtain Call Card

2010-06-20T09:33:00.001-05:00

I'm a little behind this morning. I started my card for the Curtain Call last night. It didn't take long for me to realize I was on serious brain-drain. The card was going nowhere. So, I decided get a good night's sleep and start fresh this morning. It's going MUCH better, but now I'm waiting on some puffy paint to dry! Oooooh, puffy paint! Doesn't that peak your interest? So please come back in a few hours! Maybe sooner! I'm terribly impatient waiting for this type of paint to dry!

Until then....check out the rest of the Curtain Call Crew! That's what I'll be doing during the wait!

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea Scrap - und Stampel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

Our June guest designer, Christina MacLaren @ Seaglass and Sentiments

And our leader....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Very Punny - For My Baby Brother

2010-06-18T20:05:00.000-05:00

OK, this is going to be late, but your baby brother only turns 40 once! Can you guess what it might say inside?

I really don't think there's need for anymore explanation....

It's simple...but it makes it's point! He won't be expecting it since I already wished him his happy birthday!

Show CASE - Button Card by Geneveive

2010-06-17T06:38:00.001-05:00

Well, the stamping time I am CRAVING still hasn't materialized. Today I am choosing to go plant shopping for the first time this year. I start my own annuals and some perennials from seed so I don't need a lot. I could use a shrub or two. I get stumped buying these, I know my flowers pretty well but shrubs and trees...not so much! Anyway, a lot of the stores are marking down the stock so I'm out to find some bargains!

In the meantime, how about another Show CASE card?

When free time is in short supply, a card CASE (Copy And Share Everything) can be the perfect way to have a little fun!. Show CASE is my personal attempt have that time for stamping, without of the pressure to create something totally original. I want to pay tribute to the many talented stampers out in the blogosphere that are so inspiring to me. I hope you enjoy seeing my "take" on their creation.

Today's card is from Genevieve @ Card `A La Carte. She created this card for the Curtain Call Challenge back in March. It was so cute and different, I had to give it a try!

My changes:
Buttons

Genevieve's card is HERE if you'd like to check it out!

Show CASE - Inspired By Nature

2010-06-15T08:22:00.001-05:00

I am so happy to report things have slowed down a bit around my house. Now keep in mind, I still have TONS of my son's baseball games to attend. Initially I thought it was "only" 8 this week. Then, I remembered in addition to their weekday games, they are playing in a weekend tournament this Saturday. So, I'm guessing...over 10? I will be at ball games everyday this week except Wednesday and Sunday. So, you see why I need Show CASE so much!

When free time is in short supply, a card CASE (Copy And Share Everything) can be the perfect way to have a little fun!. Show CASE is my personal attempt have that time for stamping, without of the pressure to create something totally original. I want to pay tribute to the many talented stampers out in the blogosphere that are so inspiring to me. I hope you enjoy seeing my "take" on their creation.

Today's CASE is from an unknown stamper. I'm sorry to say, this is one of the instances I didn't keep very good records. I found this on the Stampin' Up! Show and Tell portion of the demo site. Since I saved this card they have changed the site. So, if anyone knows who's card this is, please let me know, I'll give the credit to that person.

My changes:
Lovely Lilac cardstock
Ribbon

Here's the original card, for comparison.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow's free day!

Pocket Silhouettes - Curtain Call #34

2010-06-13T00:13:00.003-05:00

I am so happy this week is over and it's time for another Curtain Call Challenge! I have been so busy getting ready for my garage sale, but now it's over. It was a great success! So, I guess it was worth all the time I put into it. I did forget one little thing, though. We had a wedding reception to attend Saturday evening and I had not worked on my card for this week's challenge.

We didn't stay long...we were all very tired. When we got home, everyone else went to bed. I worked on this color combo!

This was a bit of a rush job. I wish I had a little more time to work on it. I may have changed the distressed look on the Whisper White....added/or changed a few details. Instead, I decided to let it be. I do like how the Sahara Sand adds an nice shadow effect.

So, what will the rest of the Curtain Call Crew create?

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea Scrap - und Stampel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

Our June guest designer, Christina MacLaren @ Seaglass and Sentiments

And our leader....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Show CASE - Crazy For Cupcakes by Nancy

2010-06-09T08:53:00.002-05:00

Well, I kicked it up a notched yesterday. I priced garage sale items all day. I still have more to do but I'm feeling pretty good for tomorrow's set-up. I anticipate having TEN 6 foot tables full of merchandise! Don't ask me how I accumulated so much in one year! I guess I could blame it on my love of auction box lots! Maybe there's a lesson to be learned here....

In the meantime...

When free time is in short supply, a card CASE (Copy And Share Everything) can be the perfect way to have a little fun!. Show CASE is my personal attempt have that time for stamping, without of the pressure to create something totally original. I want to pay tribute to the many talented stampers out in the blogosphere that are so inspiring to me. I hope you enjoy seeing my "take" on their creation.

Today's card is from Nancy @ Paper Smiles.

My changes:
DSP (Sending Love, Berry Bliss, Loves Me)

I hope you check out Nancy's original card HERE.

Show CASE - Punch Art by Connie

2010-06-08T07:44:00.001-05:00

My garage sale pricing is not going so well. I did spend one entire day pulling things out of the storage room and marking them, but I'm only about half done. Plus, I still have plans to comb the house. We are getting to crunch time. I need to be done by tomorrow. Thursday my son has baseball games and I need to set up. It will get done, even if I have to stay up late. Right now? I have another card to share with you!

When free time is in short supply, a card CASE (Copy And Share Everything) can be the perfect way to have a little fun!. Show CASE is my personal attempt have that time for stamping, without of the pressure to create something totally original. I want to pay tribute to the many talented stampers out in the blogosphere that are so inspiring to me. I hope you enjoy seeing my "take" on their creation.

Today's card is from Connie @ Inkspired Treasures

My changes:
Lovely Lilac, A Non-SU purple, Orchid Opulence, Garden Green, Night of Navy, Confetti White
Season of Friendship

Connie's card is HERE if you'd like to check it out!

Always - Curtain Call #33

2010-06-06T00:00:00.007-05:00

I try to spread the love when doing the Curtain Call challenges and use many different sets. Today when I started my card I had about five possibilities. I love Always...and was a little surprised it escaped the retired list, and decided to use it for this week's color combo.

I knew I wanted to use a circle and triangles (in a pennant or sunray fashion.) I find it so much easier to create when I have at least a couple elements in mind. It doesn't always work out or go the direction I intended, but it usually works out.

This card went in a different direction. Initially the top half of the card was Whisper White. I tried using Sticky Strip in a sun ray pattern. Then sprinkled with Dazzling Diamonds. It sounded good, but didn't look so good. So, I went with a simple DSP in Night of Navy. It's better. Am I totally satisfied? No, but unless I gutted the whole card, I considered it done.

For the month of June we have a guest Crew member joining us.
It's Christina MacLaren @ Seaglass & Sentiments! Please stop by and welcome Christina!

And as always....the fabulous Curtain Call Crew!

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea Scrap - und Stampel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our leader, of course....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Please join us and post your creation over at Stacey's using Mr. Linky.

Show CASE - Beautiful Wings Embosslit by Vicki

2010-06-04T10:11:00.002-05:00

I'll tell you ONE of the reasons I have struggled to find stamping time. I am in the midst of getting ready for our annual city-wide garage sale. A task I dread, every single year! I procrastinate, procrastinate, then procrastinate some more. Well, my back is against the wall. I have three completely free days before next weekend and I have to take advantage. I will be in my basement, where it's nice and cool....pricing away!

But, it's time for a break!

When free time is in short supply, a card CASE (Copy And Share Everything) can be the perfect way to have a little fun!. Show CASE is my personal attempt have that time for stamping, without of the pressure to create something totally original. I want to pay tribute to the many talented stampers out in the blogosphere that are so inspiring to me. I hope you enjoy seeing my "take" on their creation.

Did I mention it's a great way to use up scraps? Gotta love that!

Today's card is a very current one by Vicki @ It's a Stamp Thing.

My Changes:
Cardstock (Bermuda Bay, Rich Razzleberry, Night of Navy)
Love & Happiness Rub-Ons

So, please check out Vicki's original card HERE.

Show CASE - Enjoy The Moment (Sort of!) by Nancy

2010-06-02T08:51:00.002-05:00

When free time is in short supply, a card CASE (Copy And Share Everything) can be the perfect way to have a little fun!. Show CASE is my personal attempt have that time for stamping, without of the pressure to create something totally original. I want to pay tribute to the many talented stampers out in the blogosphere that are so inspiring to me. I hope you enjoy seeing my "take" on their creation.

Today's show CASE card comes from Nancy Riley @ iSTAMP.

I said "sort of" in my post title because I don't own the Enjoy the Moment that Nancy used. I improvised by using a alphabet stamp set and the scribble circle from Pick A Petal.

My changes:
Colors ( Pale Plum, Old Olive, Baja Breeze)
DSP (Cottage Wall, Sweet Pea, Green Tea)
Pick A Petal (For the "O")
Alphabet set

Nancy's original card is HERE. Please check it out!

Show CASE - Little Leaves by Mary

2010-05-31T23:27:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my first addition of Show CASE!

When free time is in short supply, a card CASE (Copy And Share Everything) can be the perfect way to have a little fun!. Show CASE is my personal attempt have that time for stamping, without of the pressure to create something totally original. I want to pay tribute to the many talented stampers out in the blogosphere that are so inspiring to me. I hope you enjoy seeing my "take" on their creation.

My first Show CASE card comes from Mary Fish @ Stampin' Pretty.

My changes:
Confetti White paper
The Right Stuff DSP
Warmest Regards sentiment
Black gingham ribbon

Mary's original card is posted HERE. Make sure to check it out!

Congrats - Curtain Call #32

2010-05-30T08:35:00.005-05:00

I have a confession to make. This week I took the easy route. When I saw this week's colors for the Curtain Call I was excited because these are pretty colors that I would never put together myself.

Well, the week got away from me and next thing I know, it's Saturday and I haven't made my card. We had made plans for a fire with my parents that evening, so time was tight. Additionally, I needed a card to give to my dad, to celebrate his retirement. The result? This week's card.

I let the designer papers and the decorative stitching do the bulk of the work. I used my stars die for the second time in a month! I've come to the conclusion I need some stars stamps...I like using stars and other than the die, I have none!

I wasn't going to mention it, but you see I used Real Red, instead of Rose Red? Chalk that one up to bad eyesight! I just totally misread it! I just discovered my faux pas this morning! Oooops!

I also want to mention, I will be posting lots of cards this week! It's no secret I have been starved for stamping time. I am missing that stamping time terribly! I need some fun! For years I have kept a card folder on my computer consisting of great looking cards from other bloggers. I recently looked at that folder and there were 140 files in it! So, about two weeks ago I started casing those cards. I am having a blast making them! I'm going to share these cards with you....giving all the credit back to the original artist (I keep pretty good track of these things!) Once I get started I hope you'll leave me some feedback. I was a little leery of starting this series...to CASE on such a grand scale. Then, I thought of my stamping friends that, like me, simply haven't had the time to stamp...these cards have been so fun, easy and stress-free to make!

In the meantime, how about checking out the rest of the Curtain Call Crew?

Bargello - Curtain Call Act #31

2010-05-23T00:03:00.001-05:00

Here we are, together again for the Curtain Call Challenge. As always, our stamping leader, Stacey has given the Crew a wonderful inspiration photo.

I was particularly excited to try the Bargello technique. It's simple enough. The effect is really great! I didn't want to cover up all that beautiful work so I kept my stamping to a minimum. The sentiment stamped on vellum also helped.

Are you thinking I missed a challenge color? Pretty in Pink? Well, I tried to work in more of it...it just didn't work out for me. However, it is in there! Just look closely at the Tea Party Designer Series Paper.

So, are you ready to check out the rest of the Crew?

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea's Scrap - und Stempel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our leader, of course....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Please join us and post your creation over at Stacey's using Mr. Linky.

A to Z - Curtain Call #30

2010-05-15T23:59:00.000-05:00

It's Sunday! Time for another edition of the Curtain Call Challenge! Our leader, Stacey, has chose a very interesting colors this week. I like using combinations I wouldn't normally gravitate towards, because it really does make it a challenge.

I thought about what I would do all week long. Nothing was coming to me. I was a bit preoccupied with gardening this week. So, when I sat down to create my contribution, I had no idea where I where it would take me.

I ended up using a new stamp A to Z, inked in Pink Pirouette. On top the sentiment "Hi" from a vintage stamp set I have. One interesting item? My flower is made of the packing material from a Stampin' Up! shipment. It's the perfect weight and it's already "pre-scrunched!"

Please check out the rest of the Curtain Call Crew....

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea's Scrap - und Stempel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our leader, of course....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Please join us and post your creation over at Stacey's using Mr. Linky.

Wonderful Mother - Curtain Call Act #29

2010-05-09T10:43:00.004-05:00

Even though this week's color combo is totally out of my element, it really worked in my favor. My mother loves yellow flowers. So, all along I had planned to use yellow to make her Mother's Day card.

Last year Mom commented on some big yellow zinnias I had started from seed. Immediately the light bulb went off, to start some of these next year for her Mother's Day present. The cultivar is Dreamland and I've never seen in them greenhouses, so really the only way to get them is from seed. This is a stock photo because mine don't look like this yet!

So, my gift and card coordinate! Yipee!

Make sure to check out the rest of the Curtain Call Crew....

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea's Scrap - und Stempel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our leader, of course....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Please join us and post your creation over at Stacey's using Mr. Linky.

A New Badge! Wahoo!

2010-05-03T12:30:00.002-05:00

I've sat on this for almost a week. I wanted to post a card along with the news. However, this is looking like another busy week. My son has 4 golf tournaments this week. This last month of school is just crazy! Between field trips, sports and the last few school events, it's just a flurry of activity at my house!

So, I was honored to receive this badge from the gals at Stampin' Royalty for my work on last week's card.

I will proudly display it in my side bar. (This could become an obsession!) It's fun being recognized!

I am hoping for a little R&R in my crafting room this week. I think I will have to ignore a substantial amount of "around the house" work to accomplish this!

How is your week stacking up?

Thanks For Everything - Curtain Call Act 28

2010-05-02T00:00:00.005-05:00

Here we are, another Sunday, another great inspiration photo for the Curtain Call. A very unique color combination this week. I welcome the challenge.

I contemplated a few different sets for this challenge before the idea struck me. This color combo could be used for a patriotic card. Memorial Day is only a few weeks away and our neighbor is a veteran. He has served in Desert Storm and more recently in Afghanistan.

I wanted to keep it simple. The layered star comes from the Stars Big Shot Die. The Not Quite Navy layer, followed by the Whisper White sent through my new Square Lattice Embossing Folder. The top layer is Sticky Cuts, then covered in Rose Red glitter. The sentiment is from Thanks for Everything and is stamped with Versamark with Clear Embossing Powder on top.

Let's check out the rest of the Curtain Call Crew.....

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea's Scrap - und Stempel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our leader, of course....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

And make sure to join us! Work your magic with this color combo and share it with us over at Stacey's using Mr. Linky.

Happy Birthday with Fifth Avenue Floral - Curtain Call #27

2010-04-25T00:00:00.007-05:00

Inspiration met desperation this week when Wednesday came along and I needed a card for my good friend Cathy's birthday. So, I took my inspiration from this week's Curtain Call Challenge and this great color combo!

I also took a little a little inspiration from fellow blogger, Tracey Old and the card she made a few weeks ago using the Fifth Avenue Floral set. I love this set and I'm always looking for great new ways to use it!

Isn't the dimension on this flower just spectacular? My third bit of inspiration came from the girls over at Stampin' Royalty and a simple sketch challenge.

In addition, I fulfilled this weeks requirements for the Our Creative Corner challenge of "blossoms."

This is one of those cards that the more I added the better it looked. That usually doesn't happen. The best part? Cathy loved it, so my mission was accomplished!

So, you know you wanna check out the rest of the Curtain Call Crew.....

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea's Scrap - und Stempel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our leader, of course....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

And make sure to join us! Work your magic with this color combo and share it with us over at Stacey's using Mr. Linky.

Bee-u-ti-ful Weather and Card! - Curtain Call #26

2010-04-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I had a FABULOUS Saturday! It was an absolutely beautiful day and I spent it out in my yard. The better part of the day was spent trenching a line for a new flower bed....by myself. Doesn't sound like fun? It went surprisingly quick and smooth, which was a pleasantly surprise! It left me time to mow, trim my roses and cage my peonies. It really made me happy. Now is it possible my euphoria had something to do with all the vitamin D that comes with all that sunlight? I don't know, but it was the shot enthusiasm I needed!

This week's colors for the Curtain Call Challenge? Sunny yellow with touches of gray.It's fitting that my card for the challenge is a sunny, bee-u-tiful, spring card!I was able to use my Daisy #2 Big Shot Die for the first time. Yeah! The bee and sentiment are from PTI set Honey Bees. I had to substitute Going Gray with Sahara Sand. In my anxiousness to rearrange my supplies according to the new Stampin' Up! color pallete I misplaced my Going Gray. I still haven't found it! Yes, my craft room is a little messy!

So, are you ready to give these colors a shot? Please do. Then, add your link to via Mr. Linky over at Stacey's! Make sure to check out the rest of the Crew, too!

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea's Scrap - und Stempel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our leader, of course....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Act 25 - Curtain Call Challenge....Finally!

2010-04-13T19:20:00.009-05:00

A little late, I know. I think I spent parts of FOUR days working on this card. I simply couldn't find enough time in one sitting OR I was incredibly tired. Oh, how I've been a runnin'! It's just that time of year with spring sports and lots of gardening to do!

Very spring-like colors this time! However, definitely out of my comfort zone!I had my doubts I could pull it off. I figured a Clean and Simple card was the way to go. However, my Clean and Simple cards don't always turn out clean OR simple. Sometimes I don't know when to stop. This one might be pushing those limits, but like I said, I'm pretty satisfied.
I'll mention again. Please stop and visit each Crew member. I know I will, now that I'm done!

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea's Scrap - und Stempel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our leader, of course....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Please join us and post your creation over at Stacey's using Mr. Linky.

Little Delay

2010-04-10T22:30:00.004-05:00

My card for Stacey's Curtain Call Challenge will be a little late. I discovered after a short conversation with Crew member Marisa, that I had made the wrong color combo for this week! Good news for me....I'm all set for next week. Bad news for you....no card to show! If I hadn't spent Saturday watching my son play 4 baseball games, I would have been a cinch to get it done. Already this Sunday morning, I'm taking him to golf. So, look for my card on Monday!In the meantime, check out the rest of the Crew and their creations!

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea's Scrap - und Stempel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our leader, of course....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Please join us and post your creation over at Stacey's using Mr. Linky.

Happy Easter - My First Easter Card!

2010-04-04T08:52:00.006-05:00

Happy Easter, everyone! As you may have guessed by my lack of posts, I have not been stamping much. Life is getting busier here and it's been hard to find time in my crafting room. I miss getting in there and goofing off for a few hours. You know what else suffers when I don't stamp regularly? My mojo! It took me quite a while to make today's card for Stacey's Curtain Call Challenge! Here are the colors. Lovely...and Kraft....this should be easy!Well, The only things I knew for sure were:
1) I wanted to use some Kraft sent through the crimper.
2) I wanted to use A Good Egg.
Usually with this set I use the chick image. Well, I decided to stretch myself and use the egg image this time. Embellishing my egg became the biggest challenge. I tried everything! Watercolor paper, crackle finish....no matter what I tried it looked BAD! Finally this idea came to me. I inked up the flower stamp with Versamark and topped with clear embossing powder. Then, I masked off sections and sponged on my ink. I can live with this!

To give it a little punch I used TRIPLE zig zag on my machine. I love this stitch, but I've never used it on a card. I like it! I covered up the "not so perfect" corners with my white brads.

I wanted to add the sentiment, "You crack me up!" from the set, but couldn't find a place for it. So, it will have to go inside the card. As my post headline suggested, this is my first Easter card for the year! UGH! Like I said, life's been busy!

So, what about the rest of the Curtain Call Crew? Let's see what they are doing with this color combo!

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea's Scrap - und Stempel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our leader, of course....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

I hope to see what you've created for this challenge using Mr. Linky over at Stacey's site!

I Love of Kraft!

2010-03-28T00:00:00.003-05:00

I love Kraft cardstock! Do you love it, too? It seems to go well with EVERYTHING! I can definitely go on a binge of creating Kraft cards. I have to stop myself! Well, not today. Stacey's color challenge for this week gave me permission to use my well-loved Kraft.

Aren't these colors just great? Neutrals with a bit of color. I was very excited to work on this card!I also got to use my herringbone paper from the Sweet Pea pack! Along with Love & Happiness rub-ons from SAB a few years ago. My sentiment is from the PTI set Green Thumb. The rick rack is vintage. PLUS...I got to try the squashed flower technique! I used tissue paper for mine. I love making flowers and trying EVERY type of flower embellishment.So, what kind of beauties will the rest of the Crew create? Let's go check them out....

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea's Scrap - und Stempel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our leader, of course....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

I hope to see what you've created for this challenge using Mr. Linky over at Stacey's site!

Sunday and the Curtain Call Crew

2010-03-21T07:45:00.007-05:00

Before I show my contribution to Curtain Call Challenge, I have a short story to share. Yesterday was the first day of Spring here in the Northern hemisphere and it snowed here in Iowa! The previous week had been gorgeous, with lots of sun and warm temperatures. All our snow was gone, which was quite surprising considering how much snow we had, and how quick the warm-up came. When my daughter saw the snow SHE CRIED! She wailed, "I'm so sick of snow!" Poor thing! I have to agree! I am SO ready for Spring weather!

So, onto my card. These are the colors for the week....very pretty purse for the inspiration.I'm not too sure I did it justice.....So I MAY take another stab at it this week. In the meantime, I'm anxious to take a look at the rest of the Crew's contributions.

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea's Scrap - und Stempel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And our leader, of course....Stacey @ Stacey's Stamping Stage

Please join us! And link to your creation over at Stacey's using Mr. Linky!

Lattice Cross - Act 21 SSS

2010-03-14T00:00:00.002-06:00

Update - I found the blogger that was the inspiration for this cross. It's Lauri Seago @ A Stampers' Perspective. Her original card is HERE. Check her out!

Wow, this week has been a blur for me! I don't know where the week went but here we are, time for another addition of the Stamping Stage! Stacey has an interesting color combo for us this week, almost monochromatic. I wasn't sure what direction the colors would take me. Initially I thought St. Patrick's Day card, but I don't have any stamps! That's when I turned to my Big Shot dies.I've had the Lattice Die for a while, but haven't used it much. I remember seeing this cross while blurfing, quite some time ago. Sorry I can't tell you where....I usually keep better track of these things. It's a great idea, though! It could make a great first communion card, too. Geez, the only stamping here is the sentiment from Well Scripted! Can't get much more simple, huh?So, now that you've seen my offering. Check out the other gals, too.

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea's Scrap - und Stempel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

I hope you take a stab at the challenge, too! Head over to Stacey's and post you link using Mr. Linky! I love seeing all the great ideas out there! Have a great day!

More Medallion Fun

2010-03-12T16:10:00.007-06:00

I've made it known how much I love the Medallion background stamp. I like trying to find new ways to use it. When I first saw Arielle's challenge photo over at Color Q I thought, "These colors will be a REAL challenge." After a second look I thought of the Medallion stamp. Doesn't this picture make you think of Spanish tile? So, that was the direction I went.
I wish I had taken a picture of the Tangerine Tango stamped with the Medallion on it. That image alone would have made a nice card! Really beautiful! I hated to cover it up! In the end, the result is pretty much what I had intended.
It was a happy accident this card fit Mary Jo's sketch challenge at Techno Stamper. I think it was in my subconscious because after I made it, I knew it was a challenge sketch!
So, it's been a quiet week on the blog. Not so much in my personal life! I'm looking forward to more stamping time! I'll be seeing you very soon with another card for Stacey's Curtain Call!

Wonderful Favorites - Curtain Call Crew

2010-03-07T00:00:00.003-06:00

Well, today is the day! I have been looking forward to this since the moment I was contacted by Stacey. I am so excited to be a part of the Curtain Call Crew from Stacey's Stamping Stage. Act 20 is a real showstopper! A beautiful inspiration photo and some of my favorite colors!I guess you could call this Clean & Simple. There isn't a whole lot going on here except for this gorgeous rose! The original came from Julie Williams over at Simi Stamper. She has a great tutorial and believe me it's not complicated. I will be making more, for sure.
The other notable element of the card is the stamped background. I used the En Francais background stamp, not with ink, but the Frost White Shimmer Paint. I applied the paint with Sponge Daubers. I worked pretty fast because I wasn't sure about the drying time. I'm pleased with the effect and I am excited to try this again with different stamps.If you're worried about applying paint to your stamps, no worries! Mine washed up with plain water. I even had an old toothbrush standing by, to work it out of the crevices, but it wasn't necessary.

I was so tempted to repeat the ribbon technique I used two cards ago, I love the ruffled ribbon look! I managed to refrain and went with a more simple approach. I don't think I've even done a ribbon this way, so that's three new techniques for me on one card. Gotta love trying new things!

I hope you've enjoyed checking out my addition to the Curtain Call! Please make sure you check out the other Crew members today! And join us! Post a card and use Mr. Linky on Stacey's blog so we can see YOUR creation!

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea's Scrap - und Stempel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

Have a great Sunday!

Season of Friendship....Think Spring!

2010-03-05T08:37:00.011-06:00

Today's card started with this inspiration photo. The Tuesday Trigger at Moxie Fab World. Such beautiful spring colors. How could you not be inspired? I was particularly drawn to the photo in the middle and to the right. It looks like a vintage tray. You may not know, I have another blog, Made or Found, that's is devoted to my love of vintage and my pursuits in home decor. So, I knew this would be the catalyst for my card.I used Season of Friendship with the colors: Sage Shadow, Real Red, So Saffron and Pretty in Pink. Very vintage feel, I think. The 3/4" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon adds to that feel. The button? You guessed it....vintage! What a fun card to make!This will also fit in nicely with the Paper Pal Arts challenge this week, "Spring." This is a challenge I can get riled up for....I am SO ready for Spring!
Plus, since I used the color green, I fulfilled The Pink Elephant challenge! My first time with this one! I've added to my list!I'm hoping to get a few cards made today. Remember, I will be posting my FIRST card for the Curtain Call Crew this Sunday! Please join us! Hope to see you then!

Clean & Simple with Fine Flourish

2010-03-03T09:29:00.006-06:00

Time to get to it! I've had 3 days to work on Stacey's Sunday challenge over at Stacey's Stamping Stage and it was about time to make it happen!I've had this Fine Flourish stamp for about a month now. So, when I saw Stacey's card it gave me a bit of inspiration. To mimic those beautiful fine color striations in the butterflies wings somehow. After stamping my Pink Pirouette cardstock I ran it through the Big Shot using my Bigz Beautiful Butterflies Die. I like the effect.I really wanted to keep it Clean & Simple, so I used the sketch for this weeks Stamping 411 challenge. I did change the sentiment placement, though. This phrase is from Always, in case you're wondering.
I did some sewing on my ribbon again. I just love sewing on my cards. This is a favorite technique, for sure. I also really like sewing down the butterfly. It gives it dimension without have to use and dimensionals. I have LOTS of thread, so I had a good match for the Rich Razzleberry! I think I miss sewing more than I realize, so I am going to schedule myself some sewing time this weekend. But today, I think I'll work on more cards!

Super Exciting News....

2010-02-28T00:00:00.011-06:00

I have a some news to share today. I have been sitting on this news for a couple weeks now. Boy, it's been HARD! I have been invited to be a design team member for the brand spankin' new, Curtain Call Crew over at Stacey's Stamping Stage!I am super excited to get started but I won't "officially" be participating until Act 20, which will be NEXT Sunday. Oh, I will doing this weeks challenge, you can count on that!

So maybe you're wondering who the other design team members are? A very talented bunch of ladies and a very worldly group of ladies. We are from all over the globe! And here they are!

Amy White @ Devlinwhite Designs
Andrea Roose @ Andrea's Scrap - und Stempel-Blog
Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) @ Random Acts of Creativity
Julie Smith @ Paper and Such
Lea Lawson @ Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine
Marisa Ritzen @ Rosemary Reflections
Melissa Hubert@ My Paper Obsession
Sue Kohler@ My Inner Reflection

And once again, our leader, Stacey Schafer @ Stacey's Stamping Stage!

I know I am excited not only to be a crew member but also to see all the wonderful cards created for the Curtain Call. So, please join us, make a card and become a Show Stopper!

What I Did Today Instead of Cleaning!

2010-02-25T12:07:00.010-06:00

Yes, my craft room is a mess! Between my scrapbooking, quilting, card making and vintage collecting, it is a down right disaster! I gave myself a little break so I could make ONE card. I decided to do some really current challenges.

Usually I'm a little behind the curve....but not today! I took a stab at three, count 'em THREE! Paper Pal Arts, Mercy's Sketch Challenge and Color Throwdown.

Even though I've been following all of these for some time I believe it's my first time for the PPA and Color Throw Down! Imagine that. They really are FABULOUS challenges. I really took my time on this card. I was in NO hurry to start my cleaning. So, instead of Clean & Simple I went full out! I stamped my image from Friends 24-7 and took some time masking off so I could sponge the bird's breast and the branch. I also sponged around the edge of my circle.

I took a little more time stitch around the edge. I contemplated, "Zig Zag or no?" I went with a simple straight stitch.

The sentiments are from Lots of Thoughts. I simply cut them apart to be little tags. Instead of letting them hang loose, I did use my Glue Pen to fan out the sentiments but I didn't glue them down the the card.

So, now that I'm done, it's off to clean!

Bloomin Beautiful - Sympathy

2010-02-22T10:30:00.010-06:00

My friend, Pam, called me this morning. She asked if she could come over and make a sympathy card. As fate would have it, I was working on this card for Stacey's challenge at Stacey's Stamping Stage. Instead of using the sentiment I had planned, I decided to go with a sympathy card. When Pam comes over later she can either duplicate this card....or we'll make another. I could stand to have a few on hand myself.I do love this image from Bloomin' Beautiful. I love to color it, too. It is really easy, I promise. I used my Ballet Blue marker and added ink where the shading was already stamped. Then, it was a simple matter of using my Aqua Painter to spread the color out. I used Sahara Sand for the vase, since Stampin' Up! doesn't have a Kraft marker. I used the Sahara Sand again for the shading around the outside of the vase, just a little more concentrated. Of course I stamped my image with Black Stazon onto Watercolor Paper. That's a must!

Remember last week I used my Perfect Details Texturz Plate? Well, this week I used the other side....two for the price of one! A tip for you Big Shot users, if you spritz your paper with water before sending it through on a Texturz Plate, you will get a deeper emboss.

I also have a little tip for the sentiment tag. I used my 1/4" circle punch on each end of my tag so that my Ribbon Slide from the Silver Hodgepodge Kit nestled in nice and tight. A different kind of use for the Ribbon Slides.I like the layering of the White Organza Ribbon under the Night of Navy 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon. It needed that extra width, but I didn't want it totally saturated with color.

I hadn't done much paper piercing lately, so I couldn't resist a few pokes at the top!

Pam is on her way....so I'd better run!

Thoughts & Prayers - Rich Gold Challenge

2010-02-18T11:28:00.007-06:00

Hello my stampin' friends! I'm guessing unless you live in Hawaii, you have experienced some cold weather and maybe even some snow! I heard the other day that 49 states have experienced some snow this year. Of course with snow, comes cold weather. No surprise here in Iowa, we've had plenty of both! So, when I saw Stacey's challenge over at Stacey's Stamping Stage I couldn't wait to work with these rich, warm golden colors!
My first thought was to make a card with Autumn Spendor, Lovely As a Tree or Inspired By Nature and any of those would have made a fine card. I wanted to go for a more sophisticated look, to reflect the mood of Stacey's inspiration photo. I think Thoughts and Prayers used along with the ornament punch accomplishes this. Doesn't it have an Asian flair? I really like it. The Happy Birthday from Well Scripted came about because I needed a birthday card for my sister-in-law.I added lots of dimension to my card with the flowers from the Trio Flower Punch. Along with the embossing of my vase with Perfect Details Texturz Plate Die. Finally a technique I love.... sewing down the gathered grosgrain ribbon and button.

To add more sparkle I sprayed my So Saffron cardstock with Champagne Mist paint combined with rubbing alcohol. I've done this before and it is subtle, but very pretty. If you click on the close-up picture it does give you a better look.I wish you sunny days filled with warm sun!

Simple Birthday & Sharing a Sewing Project

2010-02-03T12:16:00.005-06:00

Hi everyone! I've been on hiatus the past week. I knew I would be away for a few days. I had a sewing project to finish before the weekend. I didn't plan for those few days to turn into a week! So, I'll show you the reason I was away.
I made a bag for my Cricut Expression! The bag that Cricut sells is nothing more than a duffel bag with no real storage, so I thought I could do better. My bag holds the machine and eight cartridge boxes around the outside. I can slip the cords and mats inside with the machine. It has a rigid bottom for stability. I really like it. It is a bit heavy when it's loaded up, but I've made plenty of these types of bags before and they are VERY strong. Just to be safe, I made the handles long enough that it's only inches from the floor when I carry it. Also, I have the option to carry it on my shoulder and then use my arm to hold it from underneath. I prefer to carry it at my side, though.

Nice, but you want to see card, right? Well, Monday was hubby's birthday so I'll share the card I made for him. It's a simple one, my favorite these days!

The sentiment is from Birthday Whimsy.The Designer Paper is from Sale-A-Bration last year. The stamp set, Zoofari. I love this stamp for this card because the three birds represent the kids and me. I colored each bird our favorite colors, which he actually got! The only thing that fooled him is me, being red and the mama bird. Our son is actually taller than me and he thought dear son was the red bird!

So, I hope to get back with the program and make more cards! I did enjoy sewing, though. I might try and squeeze in a little of both. Never enough time!

Need Green, No More White!

2010-01-27T00:16:00.008-06:00

Hey stampers! Can you believe January is almost over? One month closer to spring here in Iowa! I am ready to see some flowers! Plant some veggies! I bought my seeds over a month ago, does that tell you how badly I want to see some green? No more white!

So, today I decided to cheer myself up with a flower card. You know I managed to do a couple challenges in the process. The first being Inspirations Colour Challenge by Makeesha Byl.It must have been subliminal but I was trying things out I noticed it was looking very close to Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch. My proportions are a little skewed but I didn't want to cover up too much of my embossing. So, I went with it.

I'm also on a mission to use up some scraps. My scrap file won't even close! So something had to be done. The flower was a left over from my daughter's invention for the science fair. I wasn't about to throw it out!
After looking at this posted you can't see the embossing unless you click on the picture. Plus, for some reason the color is funny!

My only stamping was done with Bloomin' Beautiful. This card went together fast! Gotta love that! Have a great day!

D is For Dog and C is For Challenges

2010-01-26T20:42:00.006-06:00

I was going to hold onto this card until tomorrow, when I could photograph it in decent light. Tomorrow I'll be on to others things. In fact, I have a sewing project I would like to start and finish by the weekend, so I'm not sure if I'll be posting or not. I'm haven't tired of doing challenges and making cards, so maybe I'll be able to squeeze in both!

I completed the sketch challenge at Our Creative Corner:Since I've been simplifying my cards, the sketch worked great for me.

And the color combo at Stamping 411:The color combo contains a few of my favorites, so that wasn't too tough.
You may remember a few cards back I stamped a Riding Hood Red bunny and liked it. So, why not a Bermuda Bay dog from D is For Dog? It's whimsical!

I would have liked to use the Woodgrain background stamp on this one, but I don't have it yet. It's on my wishlist. Using Sanded worked out fine.

No embellishments, so I did a little sewing (big surprise) and a little paper piercing and called it done!

Live Like You Mean It - Challenge

2010-01-24T13:57:00.007-06:00

Are you enjoying your Sunday? It's been pretty lazy around here. Hubby had a day trip to St. Louis, so it's just me and the kids today. I stayed up VERY late again last night. I am such a night owl. I think it was 3:30am before I went to bed. I was really goofing off in my craft room, until the inspiration to make a card came over me.

When I saw the Play Date Cafe challenge I knew where my card was going to start. I had this card base with two patterned papers of Tempting Turquoise already mounted on the Whisper White base. A card that was never completed.
I really like stamping onto patterned paper, I've done it a few times and I've always been pleased with the results. It's a perfect way to work in some black. The solid flower image from Live Like You Mean It really turned out well. A solid image, but not too much black. I covered my seam with 5/8" Bravo Burgundy grosgrain ribbon. I tried a new bow. Don't know what you call it. I don't know how others do it, but I used glue dots the wrangle the ribbon. Then, added my button with some embroidery thread. It was easy and there's not a huge "bump" to worry about if I mail it.

Now I'm off for a little football, helping daughter with her Science Fair project and hopefully more stamping!

Love, Always & Mojo

2010-01-23T19:42:00.007-06:00

Can you believe I almost for got to post today? I've been around the house, doing odd and ends, completely oblivious! I was talking on the phone to my friend, Pam and we started got on the topic of my blog and cards when it dawned on me!

So, the card I'm sharing today is for Mojo Monday. I played around with the sketch, just a bit. Really it was a mistake on my part! I'm going with it. I used the sets Always along with Lots of Thoughts. I like all the texture going on this card. The red really pops on the Pretty In Pink and Whisper White. I like that, too.I really enjoy making these Valentine's Day cards. I have no idea how many I've made to this point. I do plan to send more than my usual amount, so I'm going to keep making them! Hope you like seeing them!

One Layer Spring Cutie!

2010-01-22T21:19:00.009-06:00

I have another challenge to share today. Big surprise, right? I think I have almost over 2 dozen challenges bookmarked. Challenges are like cobwebs around my house, the more you find, the more you find! I love 'em though! A good challenge always gets me motivated.

So, today's challenge is from the girls at Stampin' Royalty. They called for a Single Layer Card. This is a tough one for me, but I have been trying very hard to simplify my some of cards. Surprisingly, it didn't take long for the idea OR the actually construction. Yipee!The stamp set is Flower For All Seasons, which I colored with my Blender Pen and Stampin' Pastels. The sentiment is from the retired hostess set, Baskets of Fun. The frame around the image is sticky tape, heated slightly and covered with Dazzling Diamonds. Love this! It was my first time trying it and it won't be the last! I want to point out that my card base is Stampin' Up! Naturals White cardstock. It works great as a card base because the weight is so much heavier than Whisper White. Plus, it had a little bit of visual texture (click to get a good look.) Sorry the picture isn't the best, I had to take it in the evening.

So, it should be a fairly quiet weekend around here. I will be helping my daughter with her Science Fair project, but you know they'll be some stamping going on, too! Have a great weekend!

All U Need Is Love

2010-01-21T09:29:00.006-06:00

Is it just me or is there crazy weather all across the country? Yesterday we had rain, freezing rain and snow...all in one day! Of course the kids had no school and I should have found time to stamp, but I did not! This morning I wake-up to find they have a two hour delay. Normally I take the opportunity to sleep in, but instead I got up and stamped!

I went right to Stacey's challenge over at Stacey's Stamping Stage. She posts them on Sunday, here it is Thursday, it's a color combo I love! Where has the week gone?
Anyway, I have been trying desperately to simplify my cards! Just a little! So, this is what I came up with:
I used the rub-ons Love & Happiness from Sale-A-Bration a few years ago. I still have TONS left! The sentiment is a dollar bin stamp. Then, I added my latest fetish, stitching on cards! You know I was a quilter LONG before I took up card making, so this really is a favorite of mine.

So, I hope I'm back on track for more posting. After that 10 day streak I needed a few days off, but I THINK I'm ready to go again!

Have a great day!

I'm a Curtain Call Show Stopper!

2010-01-19T19:46:00.003-06:00

Yahoo! I have an award to post! Stacey at Stacey's Stamping Stage had chosen my "Sneaky Little Love Bandit" card as a Curtain Call Show Stopper! I REALLY like Stacey's challenge, so it's never been hard to make a card for her. Finding the time is always the REAL challenge. I've been very lucky in that regard lately.I have to say, I am so excited to have another award. This could become a bit of an addiction! I really try to blog for the self-satisfaction, but when someone else recognizes your work, it really does give you a boost!

Look What I Did This Monday Morning

2010-01-18T11:50:00.005-06:00

Hello again everyone! Yes, my posting streak came to an end this weekend. I did go to my auction, but I left after a couple hours. I couldn't see waiting around for the one or two items I was moderately interested in. Instead I came home and attend to my house and family. My parents came over and went sledding with the kids and had dinner with us. Sunday was football. ALL weekend long I picked at my Christmas tree! I'm ALMOST done.

In fact, that's what I should be working on this Monday morning, but I had an idea and just had to work with it right away! My daughter received this GIANT Pokemon card for Christmas. She is 12 and Pokemon CRAZY! Since they don't make card protectors this big I decided to frame it for her. I used a frame we had lying around the house, along with patterned paper from the Sweet Pea pack. Also, some Tempting Turquoise and Orchid Opulence cardstock. The embossed swirls and stars on the corners are from Priceless. A fun and quick project. I hope she doesn't think it's too girly! I tried not to over do it!Anyway, I just had to share my project, even though it's a little out of the norm! I hope to be back with another card today and start a new streak. It will be tough.

Happy Heart Birthday

2010-01-15T00:40:00.006-06:00

I've been trying to make my niece's birthday card all week. Every idea I had went nowhere. Then, I was in a corner, I HAD to do it. I decided to try something really out of the box. In the process, I managed to accomplish three challenges.

Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge.Plus, Just Us Girls - Stitching Challenge.
Along with Crazy 4 Challenges - Birthday Challenge.My out of the box technique was to cut out my stamped and colored elephant image from Happy Heart Day and mount it onto a patterned paper. Have you noticed that three of the patterned papers I used is some sort of polka dot? What can I say, I like my polka dots! I think the color combo is bright and cheery. I allowed myself to play with my scraps and didn't over analyze my color choices. The colors I used are: So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Regal Rose and Rose Red. I did cut my ribbon a little short, wish I hadn't done that, but I decided to "let it go." After all my niece is two! Let's be sensible here!

I don't want it to happen my posting streak might come to an end this weekend. I'm going to an all day auction on Saturday. Plus, hubby keeps asking me about taking down our Christmas tree. We'll just have to see! Until then, have a great weekend!

"Whimsical" Little Gift

2010-01-14T16:29:00.006-06:00

Hello again, my stamping friends! Are you making it through the week? Just one more day 'til the weekend. I hope my little project today puts a smile on your face. I am pretty excited about this project!I used a Stampin' Up! Medium Square Envelope and the new Glassine Bags to create a treat bag for those yummy Valentine's Day candies. As you can see, it's the back side of the envelope that I embellished. So, you could write your "to" and "from" on the front side and even do more stamping, if you like. I started but cutting the back flap down to 1 3/4". As it was, the flap was just too big. Then, I cut the red Sending Love specialty paper to fit the entire flap, both width and length.

Both pieces on the bottom portion are cut 2 1/2" x 5 1/4" to allow for a little reveal on the sides and bottom. I punched through all three layers (front & back of envie and the DSP) at once. I used Chocolate Chip ink and the sentiment from Whimical Words next to my punched heart. The closure is a Real Red Corduroy Button along the red ribbon. The punched flower is from Boho Blossoms Punch. If I had the pink buttons I might have skipped this step. I tried using a velcro enclosure to seal my pouch with only fair results. In the end I used glue dots. The velcro would be been nice for resealing purposes, so I may still want to go that route.

I filled my treat bag with M&M's©. I did not cut off the excess bag, I simply folded it shut to fit inside the envelope.

One other idea to consider. A CD or DVD will fit in the Glassine Bag (it just fits.) Why not make your friends or sweetie and "love" mix. If you go this route be careful of your heart placement. It needs to be more near the corner, otherwise the spindle hole shows in the window.

So, I hope you liked what I had to share today! I don't make a lot of 3-D items, so this was kinda a big deal for me! I'd love to hear what you have to say, please consider leaving a comment!

See you again soon!

Sneaky Little Love Bandit

2010-01-13T16:51:00.006-06:00

As promised, new goodies to share today. My UPS man came about 10:00 a.m! Thankfully it wasn't a day he came late. Once in a while he doesn't come 'til the afternoon.

I went right to the challenges for the week and decided to start with:

Mojo Monday:

Stacey's Stamping Stage:
I really tried to come up with an original idea. I've seen quite a few cards out there with these stamps and paper. From what I have looked at, no one has stamped the sneaky little raccoon from Love Bandit in this way.Except for the solid cardstocks, the DSP are from the new Sending Love Specialty paper. The base of my flower is the one retired item, it's from Flower Fusion. I didn't have anything remotely close to Rose Red wool or wool felt. The Very Vanilla portion of the flower was cut with the Big Shot die Blossom Party and some wool I had on hand.

I am super happy with the new cling cushion mount stamps. I guess I'm a convert. It didn't take but using them once! I hate to give up my wood, but it looks like that's where I'm heading!

So, check back tomorrow. My project is done except for filling it! Hint, hint!

Many Forest Friends Bunnies

2010-01-12T16:08:00.007-06:00

Happy day to everyone! I am so excited to share this card with you today. Of course it's a challenge card! One I haven't participated in for quite some time. A Kristina Werner Color Inspiration Challenge!When I saw the colors my first thought was, "I always have trouble with these five color challenges." Luckily, it didn't take long for me to come up with an idea. I think I was channeling Andy Warhol. I don't know Andy Warhol ever worked with bunnies, though! Anyway, this is how I solved my dilemma!
Once I stamped them, I really began to like these colors together. I used the Forest Friends set. The Riding Hood Red bunny is may favorite, but I let the Cameo Coral one have the spotlight. Can you believe the other stamp set I used? Mini Borders! It's the oldest set I own. The first set I ever bought. It really did a nice job backing up my bunnies.

I printed the sentiment off the computer. Is it too cheesy? I say it's just sweet. Their tails are mini pom poms cut off some trim. I wasn't sure if giving them tails was a good idea. I didn't want to go TOO far. I think it turned out fine. The dialog box was done by me. The heart is from Big Bold Birthday. Of course about any heart would do. I used Versamark followed by Heat and Stick and then red glitter to express his/her "love."

So, thanks for stopping by again today! I hope to see you again tomorrow with a card showcasing my new stuff!

Cupcakes Are Always Good!

2010-01-11T23:02:00.006-06:00

I am hanging on to that streak by a thread! I couldn't get anything going in the stamp room today. Oh, I tried, just nothing worked out. I did have a headache for most of the day, so that didn't help.

So, I am sharing ONE MORE older, not posted card. I wanted to make a card with minimal stamping, more punch art. You can't go wrong with cupcakes, right? Everybody loves cupcakes. The sentiment, in fact, is from Crazy For Cupcakes.
I promise to have a really good card to share tomorrow. It's the one "trapped" inside my camera, which my mom has right now. I will see her in the morning and hope to have it posted by the afternoon.

Wednesday my new stuff arrives! If the UPS man comes early (and he usually does) I plan on playing with my goodies right away! Forget that my Christmas tree is STILL up in my loving room! Putting it away can wait one more day!

Keeping the Streak Alive!

2010-01-10T21:35:00.007-06:00

Ok, I have a bit of a streak going here. Four days straight of posting cards. I had a card planned for today. The problem is, I left my camera at my grandmother's birthday party. So, I'm going to show a card I did a couple weeks ago and had not posted. No challenge involved! Just me making a card to go with a baby gift.Isn't it just the cutest idea ever? I never get tired of making this card. The original came from Lauren Meader. She has a great tutorial over at her blog and this link will take you right to it, so check it out.

The lone stamp on this card is from Tart & Tangy. I inked the stamp in Rose Red, then removed the ink from the stem and leaf with a Q-tip. I used my markers to fill those in and stamped. All easy enough!

So, I am hoping to make a new card tomorrow. I have another birthday coming up, a little niece celebrating her second birthday. I want to keep my streak in tact!

Red, Red, Red Valentine

2010-01-09T13:22:00.008-06:00

I love red! So, Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to use LOTS of it! Today's card is red on steroids! OK, I did sneak in a little pink, but very little!

The challenges I tackled with this card are:

Our Creative Corner sketch.

Plus, Splitcoast Stampers Limited Supplies Challenge. Keyword: LSC254

I used the large heart from Always and embossed it in red. I don't have Real Red Kraft Ink or red embossing powder. So, I used my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, stamped in Real Red Classic Ink and without moving my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig stamped with Versamark Ink. Then, added Stampin' Emboss Clear Embossing Powder. It really pops! (Click on the image to get a better look.) The sentiment is a dollar stamp I just picked up this week.You may be wondering how I have a scalloped heart to mat the Always heart perfectly. If you'd like to know, e-mail me and I'll share my secret! It involves an image editing program and a certain cutting program.

So, I have an invitation to go scrapbooking down at the neighbors. I need to get my stuff together and go. Have a great day!

Second Post Today with More Challenges

2010-01-08T18:51:00.004-06:00

Time to share another card, my second today! I had to get a birthday card made for my grandmother who is celebrating here 87th birthday this weekend. She is recovering from a hip fracture and has spent the last six weeks in a nursing home healing and getting rehabilitation. She goes home tomorrow, one day before her birthday. I know she's glad to be going home.

So, I took a stab at another two challenges. The first, is Mojo Monday. A wildly popular challenge. The last time I looked there were over 300 participants and the deadline isn't until late Sunday.The next is Arielle's Color Q Challenge. These are some GREAT colors, although the Regal Rose was a little tricky working in. I'm pretty happy with the results.I did use Heartfelt Thanks, Warm Words and Wonderful Favorites to get the job done. Still waiting for my tracking number on my new stuff!Not much going on this weekend. We will visit my grandmother. I plan to go to a tag sale tomorrow (boy, it's going to be cold waiting, if I want to be at the front of line.) Of course I'm hoping to do more stamping or maybe scrapping!

You Guessed It, a Challenge and a Snow Day!

2010-01-08T09:21:00.013-06:00

I knew it was going to happen. No school again today. It didn't stop snowing until late last night and then the winds picked up. So, there was no way the plows would be able to open all our rural roads. The shoveling we did yesterday? All blown over again. My morning paper was sitting in a two foot drift. Do I sound unhappy? No, I STILL LOVE SNOW DAYS! I guess my attitude would be different if hubby or I had to fight out way to work each day. Thankfully for us, that's not the case.

I have one card, two challenges to share today. A great (but definitely not in my comfort zone) color combo from the gals at Stamping 411.The sketch is from Pals Paper Arts.I used the retired set Unfrogettable. In the end I struggled whether or not to put on the sentiment. In hindsight, I wish I had made it a pull-out. I had already put my dimensionals behind and couldn't make it work. If you're wondering, I really did plan on making the waves "wonky." I have no idea who this card will go to. It would be great for young boys, but in our family, we are stacked with all girls!As I'm looking at this, I really should take all my pictures during the day. Even with the color adjustments I made in Photoshop, the whites just aren't bright enough. Bummer!

I really should get the kids to help start taking down my tree today. I am not motivated AT ALL! I'm having too much fun stamping!

Another Day, Another Card, Another Snow Day!

2010-01-07T23:21:00.009-06:00

Yes, you read correctly, another snow day. I think this is our 4th. Already the school district has taken away every in-service day between now and Easter, PLUS shortened our five day spring break down to four. Still, I LOVE SNOW DAYS! I stamped all day except for the time I was shoveling!

I have tackled 8 challenges today! At this rate I will have to post more than one a day, since all the challenges only run about a week. Now to be honest, I did combine on most cards. So, a color challenge with a sketch challenge, etc. I have more to tackle so it's almost a prerequisite.
This sketch comes from Mary Jo aka Techno Stamper. I was immediately drawn to it because I love working with circles. I've been wanting to make this card for a couple years now. I had the image from Crab & Company all stamped, colored and ready to go. The thing I lacked was inspiration. This came to me pretty quick. I went with the same DSP I used a couple days ago. It's an oldie, but I LOVE Pink Passion, Pretty In Pink and Pumpkin Pie together. The sentiment I printed on the computer. The stacked hearts are from Loads of Love.I hope you don't mind seeing retired sets. I used a lot of them today. I want to give them some love before my order of new stuff comes next week! See you soon!

Splitcoast Inspiration Challenge

2010-01-06T19:58:00.007-06:00

I've made it no secret of my love of challenges. It gets me stamping when I could easily go do something else. So, I've been trying to do lots of them this week.

Everyday Splitcoast Stampers has some sort of challenge. On Saturday I happened to check out the Inspiration Challenge. It looked really good! Lots of great images to choose from. The inspiration came from the Etsy shop, Design Spirit's Studio.

I chose the piece HERE. And here's my card!The card was a pretty straight-forward interpretation. I started with a piece of Apricot Appeal cardstock. I sponged it with Apricot Appeal, Pumpkin Pie and Really Rust. I matted it on Basic Black, did my stitching and then mounted on my Pumpkin Pie card base. I didn't add any embellishments, but I was happy that at the end that I stitched around the outside twice. It really added something it was lacking.

I'm trying to get into my crafting room tonight for more stamping! Although so far, the computer is keeping me occupied!

Saying Good-bye to Branch Out

2010-01-04T21:26:00.006-06:00

Today is the last day to get one of my favorite stamp sets, Branch Out. Any color combo looks great with it. Plus, it makes any card look so classy! Don't be surprised if I still use it from time to time. I just can't let go of it so easily!I decided to use it today for Stacey's Curtain Call Color Challenge. You would think it wouldn't be that tough for me to make a card using one of my favorite colors, Old Olive. It did take me a little while to get going, though. Partially because I thought using Branch Out was a little too easy, it makes such a good looking card! I ended up not fighting fate and just went for it!I considered not putting a sentiment on the front. Let's face it, this card would work for many different occasions. I like to have a few cards on hand without sentiments. Then, when the occasion arises I can make my choice. That wouldn't "show" as well, so I stamped it! Do you ever set cards aside without sentiments? It's a great idea my friend Deb mentioned one time.

Oh, the ribbon. That wasn't where I wanted it to go. I snipped off a scallop sending it through the Big Shot so I felt I had to cover my mistake. Oh well!

Crazy For Cupcakes

2010-01-03T21:17:00.004-06:00

You know I was actually afraid to get on my blog and post today! I knew it had been quite a while since my last card, and boy was it ever! Three weeks! I don't know how other bloggers do it. Once I was done with my Christmas cards all my focus went to other holiday activities.

So here we are in the New Year and I am ready to go! I decided to get the mojo goin' by doing a challenge or two. First two cards were VERY so-so and I won't be sharing those......yet! I was much more pleased with my next two efforts. This one is from Taylor VanBruggen's Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge!
I just LOVE my Medallion background stamp (see last THREE posts!) and this sketch SCREAMED for it. I used some pretty bright colors, which I like a lot, but tend to use less frequently. I think Pink Passion and Pumpkin Pie look yummy together. I have a lot of birthdays coming up so Crazy For Cupcakes seemed like the perfect fit. I tried to be free with my coloring, not worrying if I completely filled in the lines. I'm particularly happy with the shading on the cupcake tops, using my Sahara Sand marker. It is a technique I've known about but never really used. It's a keeper!

It has been super cold here (-20°) in Iowa the last few days, so it's been great to stay home and STAMP! I have at least one more card to share soon and if this cold sticks around (and it's suppose to) I will have more posts coming!

Second Post! Medallion Wreath.

2009-12-09T14:51:00.005-06:00

What a awesome day it has been! I'm having a blast in my crafting room. The snow is still coming down and blowing all over the place. I told hubby, no way I am shoveling 'til the wind dies down. Yes, we shovel. We do NOT have a snowblower! Another consequence of living with a weather buff, he actually likes to shovel! I won't like moving the 12" that is on the driveway but I try to look at it as good exercise.

So, here's my second card today using Medallion. This time I've paired it with Berry Christmas.I think I like this one better than the last! That's usually what happens once I start creating. As I'm "working" I think of more and more ideas! My 12 year old daughter actually had a hand in this one. I told her my plans and we discussed what colors to use. Luckily, we were thinking the same and liked the combo of Garden Green and Certainly Celery. The little birdie is from the Sizzlet Merry Details (I used Riding Hood Red.) However, the berries were colored with the fine tip of my Ruby Red marker.

I'm still not done yet. I have more cards in mind. Stay tuned!

Snow Day! It's a Blizzard Out There!

2009-12-09T11:58:00.004-06:00

Yes, we are snowed in. It's a bonafide blizzard in Iowa today. Ok, I will clarify that. It's been blizzard conditions at times. My husband is such a weather fanatic he gets very technical when it comes to these things. He's a trained weather spotter and meteorology would have been his profession if he had not gone into baseball. Bottom line is even if we lose power, I can still stamp!

This one is hot of the press! It's embossed, both the Medallion and Dasher, so I thought I'd better get this done JUST IN CASE we lose power. It's not infrequent that we do.Really not a whole lot else to say about this one. I like the rounded corners, it gives it a more finished look, I think. The ribbon is one atop another. The knot is substantial...I hope it doesn't cost me extra postage!

I know I should be done with my cards, maybe you are and are tired of seeing Christmas, but I'm not ready to stop! So, I'll be making a few more. This week I'm done....I swear!

A Berry Christmas Topiary

2009-12-06T10:25:00.011-06:00

Good Sunday to all! I have another simple Christmas card to share with you today. It's not my idea, it's a card I saw on the Stampin' Up! demonstrator website. The original inspiration came from Dawn Byers (check out her blog, too!) Thanks Dawn!I really love this set Berry Christmas. It has proven to be very versatile. I haven't had nearly enough time to play with it. I have plenty of ideas I have yet to try. Now that we are down to crunch time, I'm guessing those ideas will be put on the shelf 'til next year. We'll see.

I know it doesn't show up in the photo at all, but I sprayed the entire cardstock base with my Champagne Mist and rubbing alcohol spray. I used about a half a teaspoon of paint and ounce of rubbing alcohol (91% not the lower percentage.) I didn't measure so this is approximate. I put mine in a small 2 oz. spray bottle from the dollar store. If you haven't tried it, it's AMAZING! I completely saturated my card and it a very short time it dries and lays flat! The results are incredible, so give it a try! One little tidbit, though. Give it a shake before you spray, the paint tends to sink to the bottom after a short while.

OK, I do have another thing to share. I was chosen as a featured designer on Our Creative Corner just yesterday! For my Ornament Punch card. I was so tickled! I was so excited! I was just bubbling with happiness! I don't recall what I was saying (out loud) but my husband overheard and wondered what all the commotion was about! So, thanks gals at the OCC for making my day!

Lovely As A Tree, a Christmas Favorite

2009-12-04T13:06:00.004-06:00

Lovely As A Tree. Will I ever get tired of this set? It is such a staple. It's great for so many occasions: masculine, sympathy and of course CHRISTMAS! In fact I used this same stamp last year for one of my cards. I have to say, I like this one better because it is so sparkly! Like I mentioned a few posts ago, I'm in love with my glue pen and Dazzling Diamonds this year! This was another great opportunity to use them.I used Rich Razzleberry to ink up my trees with a little accent of it in the corners as well. It is by far my favorite in-color this year and it makes a beautiful Christmas card. I paired it up with some Cottage Wall DSP and Mellow Moss on a background of Kraft. A super quick card and oh so cute, too! I will be making lots of these if I don't get all my cards done THIS WEEKEND!

Ornament Punch.....Priceless

2009-11-28T17:19:00.006-06:00

It took me a month or so to warm up to the Ornament Punch. I couldn't see buying a punch that I could only use at one time of the year. Well, all it took to change my mind was seeing a card using the punch out as a vase and that thought was out the window. I started to think of all the different ways I could decorate my ornaments and next thing I know, it's on my next order!Here's my first card using it. I didn't have a great branch to hang my ornaments from so I used the swirls from Priceless. The berries were added from Berry Christmas. It seemed a little bare and that's when I added the crimped, scalloped top. I always like to put a sentiment on the outside of the card, but it just didn't seem appropriate here, so I stopped.

Now I'm off to have a little leftover turkey dinner! It's me, my daughter and my mother-in-law tonight. The guys took a little jaunt to the Mississippi today to fish for walleye. They haven't returned yet, so they'll be picking up dinner on their way home. I guess they did OK, though. So, it was a good day for everybody. I hope it was the same for you!

Dashin' to Post Dasher

2009-11-24T07:47:00.005-06:00

I need to run this morning! My in-laws will be staying us with us the next week and they are arriving this afternoon. Today is my big errand day compounded by the fact I am shopping for Thanksgiving dinner, that will be at my house. So, without fanfare, here is my little Dasher card!A few little tidbits. I embossed Dasher then rubbed a little Close To Cocoa around him to give a little depth. It's subtle, but trust me, it makes a difference. I am in love with my glue pen and Dazzling Diamonds this year. I used it to accent my snow. I also used the sizzlet die Joyful but didn't have space for the dot on the "j. Other than that, I'm happy with how it turned out.

My in-laws sleep in my crafting room, so no more playing for a while. However, I did plan ahead, so I have more cards to share over the week! Stay tuned!