Summer challenge

Hi Stampers!
Over at the SU-Only blog is a challenge for summer.  After 10 days of summer weather on the east coast I'm feeling it (here in the redwood forest, as I have said before, weather is subtle.  Your average day is 55, your hot day is 60, your cold day is 50, 'nuf said).  I even wore SANDALS last week!  When summer starts heating up, well, when it gets into June anyway, we leave the coast and  go camping.   Our family tradition is to go camping on the first Sunday after school gets out- we call it "overpack the car and go on a long, hot drive on a windy road"day, most everyone else calls it Father's Day.  I wonder why my husband is not usually his most chipper on his special day...
Anyway, camping is summer to me so here is my card:

It becomes more special when you see the inside:

I think I'm going to send this over to the SoShelli blog for her creative challenge as well
I'm going to miss the Under the Stars stamp set that I used for this card.  I also used Family Reunion and Teeny Tiny wishes.  I'm going to have to challenge myself to go a week without using Teeny Tiny wishes.  Do you have this set?  Well you should!  And if you need to order it right now you can go here.  It is clearly a good value.
My husband is a great dad and husband, even on overpack the car day, so I'm happy to make a special card just for him.
Thanks for stopping by!
Shop 24/7 by clicking Here!
Get $125 in products for $99 by clicking here!

I'm so excited!

Hi Stampers!
I AM so excited because when I saw this challenge over at Stampercampers blog I pictured exactly what I wanted to stamp.  I rushed to my stamp room and got right to it!  Here is the sketch:

And here is my card!

I've been visualizing making pillows for my couch for 4th of July, which is funny because I never decorate for the holiday EVER, but I have been hooked on making quilted pillow covers for all my pillows.  This is what I envisioned for some reason so I applied it to my card and this is it.
Let me tell you about it, although it looks quite simple I added some interesting touches.  First off, the cherries look puffy and shiny because I applied Crystal Effects on top of the red.  I was too impatient for it to dry completely before I took my photo so the Crystal Effects is still a bit opaque, but trust me that they are shiny and clear by now!  The stitching I have shown you all before- you can look for the tutorial in my blog.  The "ribbon" is an idea I got out of the new catalog.  It is stamped card stock that I fashioned into a bow.  Is that not the coolest thing ever?  So simple and yet so effective, I love it.  The stamp set is Button Buddies and Teeny Tiny Wishes (of course) and the colors are Real Red and Night of Navy.  When is the last time you used Night of Navy?  I think the last time for me that I can remember was Christmas '10!  Surely I've used it since then but I can't remember- how funny is that.
Thanks for stopping by!

A Simple Thanks

Sometimes less is more.  Sometimes more is more.  Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.
I wanted to make a thank you card and I knew I wanted to use the Thank you Kindly set.  All I wanted to use was this set so here is what I came up with:

I stamped away just lining up the words as best I could, not really worrying to much about it.  I of course used the soon to retire Poppy Parade, Concord Crush, and Pear Pizazz stampin' pads and card stocks as there are only 3 more days!  I used a myriad of punches, omitted the "kind" on "Kind thanks" for my focal point, threw in a banner and voila!  I hope you like it.
Thanks for stopping by!

Sweet Centers Again

Hi Stampers!

Just a quick post to show you another card I made using the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge last week.  I used the Sweet Center stamp set and the Teeny Tiny wishes stamp set as well.  Hope you like it!
Thanks for stopping by!
Shop 24/7 by clicking here!

Everything but the kitchen sink

My stamping friend Elizabeth does an activity on her blog Seeing Ink Spots where she uses the scraps on her work table to make up a card.  I had some interesting scraps on my worktable so I thought I'd try it out.  Here is what I came up with:

Are you tired of the retiring in colors yet?  I love them and will be sorry to see them go.  What I found on my table is something I haven't really used- one of our paper flowers.  I found them on the retired list and put one on my table last week to inspire me.  I've been saving them for something really special, and what that means is that they've been sitting in my drawer not getting used and now they are retiring!  Why am I such a hoarder?  Why oh why?
The Peach Parfait circle was an experiment for another card I made.  I used the Simply Scored tool to make hash marks in both directions and used the white gel pen at each intersections.  I like the effect so much I used it again on the Concord Crush circle, except that I used an embossing folder for the texture on this circle.
The Daffodil Delight button is from the Button, button embosslet.  I have a whole cello bag full of the leftover buttons from when I cut out buttons.  Makes it fun!
The scallop along the bottom uses a die and embossing folder set from the occasions mini- luckily it will be in the new catalog!  Yea!  I added some white dots to this as well.  I can't remember why I cut this out but it works well here.
In case I didn't have enough I found the ribbon and added that, and ran the nice piece of leftover Pear Pizazz through the sizzix (I didn't even have to cut it down to size), added a banner, and here you go!  The best part?  SUO challenge this week is dimensional flowers so I am going to add this card to their challenge!  This is SUO Challenge #45.

Happy Graduation!

Hi Stampers!
Today my youngest graduates from graduate school.  To say I'm proud would be an understatement- she has worked so hard and done so well- I amazed.  I stamped her a card that I'm going to show you today because she will see it first!

I made a little purse too, just because.  Do you ever do that?  Just because?  I hope so!
This little card stands up like an easel and I will do a tutorial on it in the future.  Because I will be busy with family over the next week or so posting may be sporadic if at all, so please bear with me!  I will return!
But back to this project.  As you can see I used Concord Crush as a base.  I am redundant this week using the rest of the retiring in colors as well, Poppy Parade and Pear Pizazz.  I used Teeny Tiny wishes Stamp set and Family Reunion- I love when I stamp "to my daughter" because they are so special to me.  My daughters, not the stamps ;O).  For texture I used an embossing folder which gave the purse a fabric look that I really like.  I matched the card to the purse (obviously), adorned it with punches, ribbon, brads, a rhinestone, and anything I could fit on a 3 x3" area!  Did I maybe over do it a little?  I hope so!
Thanks for stopping by!
Shop 24/4 by clicking here!

A new Challenge

Hi Stampers!
I loved this challenge sketch this week over at Create with Connie and Mary

CCMC201- Sketch Challenge

 so I was so excited to join in!  Here is what it looked like:



The base of this card measures 41/4" square but with the little banner hanging out the side the actual measurement of the card ends up 4 1/4" x 5 1/2", just the right size for our envelopes.  Did I say I love this sketch?
Here is my card:

I have a confession to make.  I found a stamp set in my cabinet that is retiring that I have NEVER used!  That is so WRONG!  I think I may have received it at a Stampin' Up! event such as convention or something.  It is called Sweet Centers (116521) and it is designed to go with our little treat cups (116802).  Anyway, it is high time I pulled this set out and used it.

Back in the day I worked in Aspen, CO during the summer and one morning I got up early and watched a balloon festival over in the Snowmass Valley.  It was amazing to see all the beautiful balloons floating up in the air with the mountains in the background, breathtaking!  I knew my balloon had to have some Designer Series Paper to capture that effect.

I only have a couple more weeks with the retiring In colors so I used my favorite, Concord Crush, for the base.  I accessorized with Peach Parfait and Pear Pizazz.  I added some texture to the banner with the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder (#115694) and used the square punch (of course) to make the ends.  I added a little Pear Pizazz scallop to decorate the basket, and a bright brad to top it off.

My balloon was just hanging there so I decided to make some clouds.  SU used to sell the cutest cloud stencil but it has been retired for many years and I couldn't find it so I made my own.  This is what it looked like:

Not very pretty but quite effective.  I punch some circles of varying sizes and attached them to a piece of scratch card stock- voila!

Thanks for stopping by!
Shop 24/7 by clicking HERE!
Get $125 in merchandise for $99 by clicking HERE

boxes to match

Hi Stampers,
I made a quilt looking card for a mojo monday challenge a few weeks ago, and now that I want to use it I need a matching box to go with it.  Here is what I did:

Do you remember the card?  Here is what the set looks like together-

It's so fun to have the card and gift box match!  I'm giving this set to my youngest daughter's Mother-Out-law, whose birthday falls on the same day as the same daughter's graduation from grad school.  I love birthdays so of course we need to celebrate!  Especially because the lovely woman is spending her special day with all of us!
Here is how I made the box:
I decided that I wanted to my box to be 3"x 3"x 3/4".  I measured my card stock to be 4 1/2"x 4
1/2" and scored, using my Simply Scored (#122334) tool at 3/4" on all sides.  Do you have Simply Scored?  If you don't you should!  I clearly use mine a LOT!  On opposite sides I cut the score lines to the fold and assembled the box.  Here is what it looks like:

To make the lid I cut the card stock 1/8" larger and assembled it the same way.  I then decorated the top to match the card.
I have a nice little gift to tuck into this cute box and off we go!
The colors I used were Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, and Basic Black.  I put a sparkly rhinestone on one of the hearts to add bling!
Thanks for stopping by!
Shop 24/7 by clicking Here! 
 Do you want to get $125 in merchandise for $99?  Click HERE!

sympathy

Hi Stampers!
Today I'm delivering on the promise of a tutorial!  I want to show you how to make the little stitches on a card without using a sewing machine.  This is such an easy fun technique you will want to try it!
The first step is to pull out your mat pack and paper piercing tool-

These are such great tools- they work great for punching holes for your brads and things and for rows of punching for special effects.  I like to use them for this stitching technique.  So, line up your card stock along the grid-

Next, punch your holes-

This is what it looks like-

Next, use this nice gel pen to make your stitches!

You need to look closely.
Here is my final project-

I stamped this card for the Technostamper monday sketch TSSC220.  I used the C is for Cat stamp set (soon to be retired) with the Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper.  The soft colors are soothing for a sympathy card- Marina Mist, Pirouette Pink, Soft Suede, and Very Vanilla.  The card came together with the addition of pearls and rhinestones, what could be better!
Thanks for stopping by!

Shop 24/7 by clicking HERE!
Check out the retiring stamps and accessories.
Want $125 worth of stamps and accessories for only $99?  Click here for more information.

Mother's day gift card holder

Hi Stampers!
I made this gift card holder that can be used for any of the many occasions happening this month- graduation, Mother's day, one of the million birthdays, teacher appreciation, you name it.  Here is the photo and then I will tell you about it-

Oh, I guess I should show you the inside as well!

Isn't this sweet?  I wanted to use up some of the retiring DSP and the retiring stamp sets before they go away at the end of the month.  Please check the retiring lists HERE so you don't get caught unawares!  The last day of May is the last day of the current catalog!  It is retiring a month early this year to make way for a new catalog cycle, and I'm so excited about the new catalog!  Do you want to get it for free?  Just order from me before the end of the month and I will send you the new catalog!  It's that easy.  Just go HERE to place an order!
About this project:  I used the Beyond the Garden DSP and let the colors dictate the palette.  Pacific Point is the main color and I may have cheated by using Pear Pizazz instead of Wild Wasabi for the green.  To watercolor the flower from Growing Green I first stamped it with Pacific Point ink and then bled the ink into the body of the flower with aqua painter (103954).  It has such a nice soft effect don't you think?
If you look closely you can see a "stitch line" across the bottom of  the DSP.  I used my Mat Pack (105826) and Paper Piercing tool (116631) to punch the holes and then drew a line through them with the Uni-ball signo Gel Pen (white 105021) to look like stitches.  I will make a tutorial tomorrow so check back!  I also used the gel pen to make the white dots on the scallops.  This is not just an ordinary Gel Pen.  I have had it for a few years now, it hasn't dried up and it leaves a nice color on the dark card stock- I highly recommend this pen!
Thanks for stopping by!
Shop 24/7 by clicking Here!

Happy Derby Day

Hi Stampers!
This isn't what I was planning to post today but sometime life happens and you go with it.  The first Saturday in May is always the running of the Kentucky Derby and because my sister worked in the horse racing industry in Kentucky she hosts an annual Derby Party.  Hats are a must for those in attendance and over the years we have made it an outrageous, over-the-top, use materials you have on hand, the more recycled the better, competition.  Some people, who shall remain nameless, are quite competitive.  This year, for the second year running, I've used Stampin' up materials for my creations.  I can't say I'm winning in the recycled content category, but suffice it to say here is my hat base:

 

Doesn't this inverted applesauce cup scream hat base to you?  I forgot to mention it is almost imperative that you don't start to make the hat until hours before the event so there is no pre-planning, no pre-purchasing materials, very little engineering, hence the recycled materials angle.  I was thinking mini pillbox.  What actually transpired was this:

Carmen Miranda meets mini pill box!  I attached a mini elastic to hold it on so it will sit at a jaunty angle.  I would post the photo but I promised my children I wouldn't embarrass them...

My horse today is Daddy Long Legs- wish me luck!

Thanks for stopping by!

Paper Pal Arts color Challenge

Hi Stampers,
I was looking for inspiration and found this color challenge over at Paper Pal Arts (ppa134) that looked interesting, and I'm always up for a challenge, so here are the parameters:

 
All I have to do is use these colors- no problem!

Perusing my stamp sets I immediately zeroed in on the little duck stamp in Easy Events.  The colors are perfect for a baby card, the Calypso Coral giving a bit of boldness to an otherwise soft color palette.  I love the way the scallop punch mimics the wave action of the swimming duck!  How fun is that?  I also have to tell you about the button.  I've been buying buttons for years  because they are so cute, but let me tell you, they are not so cute at the post office.  Have you seen a card that's been mailed with a real button?  They are not always so forgiving in the postal service- although I love my postal workers!  Anyway, this button is from the Sweet Buttons Embosslit die, hence made from cardstock and not plastic, and is a bit less intrusive.  The best part?  I can make it ANY color I want!  There are several sizes on the embosslit as well so you can choose what works best for you.  Check out the Sweet Buttons Embosslit.  The little hearts are from Adorning Accents Textured embossing folders that were in the Occasions mini catalog that recently retired.  The good news?  This little embossing folder is going to carry over into the NEW CATALOG!  How great is that?
Give this color palette a try- I think you'll like it too!
Thanks for stopping by!
Shop 24/7 by clicking HERE!
Easy Events Stamp set #116958w 123225c
Calypso Coral card stock#122925
Calypso Coral stampin' pad #122939
Pool Party card stock #122924
Pool Party stampin' pad #122938
So Saffron card stock#105118
So Saffron stampin' pad #105213
Jet Black Stazon Ink pad #101406
Sweet Buttons Embosslit#121813
Adorning Accents Textured embossing folder #125601
Blender Pen #102845
1 1/4" circle punch#119861
Scallop edge punch #119882
Stampin' Dimensionals #104430
Snail Adhesive #104332

The Outlaws are Coming!

No, not THOSE Outlaws- our Outlaws!  That's what we call my daughter's significant other's parents (who are also our neighbors and dear friends).  We are so lucky to have them in our lives, parents of "the boy next door" almost literally!  Anyway, they have been in Chile visiting their new granddaughter for the last several weeks and we have missed them.  To welcome them home I baked our favorite coffee crisp cookies, packed it in a cute tin and made them a card-

I made this quick and easy card using the soon to be retired Trendy Trees stamp set.  Why haven't I used this more?  It is such a cute set!  My excuse is that it is a tiny box that gets pushed behind everything else.  Don't let that happen to you!  I also used the soon to be retiring in colors- Concord Crush, Pear Pizazz, and Poppy Parade.  These colors play well off of each other I think.  If you look closely you can see I add grass to my little orchard with the Pear Pizazz marker.  A Teeny Tiny greeting and I'm ready to go.  Do you think they'll like it?  I hope so.
Thanks for stopping by!
Shop 24/7 by Clicking HERE!
Trendy Trees Stamp set #113258
Teeny Tiny wishes Stamp set #
Concord Crush card stock #
Pear Pizazz card stock #
Pear Pizazz stampin pad #
Poppy Parade card stock #
Chocolate Chip stampin' pad #
Basic Black stampin pad #
1" circle punch #
Eyelet border punch #
Word Window Punch #
Snail Adhesive 3