Stamps, Paper, and Ink

Welcome, baby!

 I was pretty busy over the weekend, but I had a little time to stamp last night. I needed a baby card, and the challenge at Our Creative Corner gave me the perfect chance to make one using these required items: the color kraft, ribbon or lace trim and at least one button.

 

I pulled out a little set to explore, which is appropriately named "So Cute." This little bunny just called my name! Don't you think he is so cute? The yellow squares of the the Nursery Suite Specialty DSP were stamped with the Postage Stamp Punch and matted with Whisper White card stock.

For the ruffled ribbon, I used Very Vanilla taffeta seam binding that I dyed with Regal Rose reinker to match the patterned paper. I added a pin from the Vintage Trinkets and a bit of Victoria Crochet Trim.

Speaking of Crochet Trim, I had a chance to use some on a pretty elaborate card that I'll post this week, here's a peek. I hope you'll check back to see it. :->

Have a great day!

 

  All supplies by Stampin' Up!

Stamps:  So Cute, A Word for You

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Nursery Suite Specialty DSP

Ink:  Basic Black

Accessories:  Postage Stamp Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Designer Buttons, Victoria lace trim, Vintage Trinkets. cotton thread, markers

 

Honor

Here's a card from my past creations for the Dirty Dozen to honor the true heroes~men and women who serve in our military. Many of you may not know that my husband is retired military and our home is near Ft. Bragg. I really enjoyed crafting a card on this theme.

I used the Hero Jumbo Wheel on the very vanilla panel and then embossed one of the words on the wheel to highlight for the sentiment.

Happy Memorial Day!

 

Stamps: Hero (Jumbo Wheel), Solid Stripes

Paper: Very Vanilla, Night of Navy, Bravo Burgundy, Sahara Sand, Whisper White

Ink: Sahara Sand, Night of Navy Craft, Versamark

Accessories: Star punch, silver cord, Brushed silver brads, piercing tool, machine stitching

 

Bashful Bouquet

I've had a chance to do lots of stamping this week! I'm happy to have a second post to share with you today that I made for the CASE study challenge. The challenge features cards by talented artists and we are to draw inspiration from their work and then create a project with our own spin on that.

The amazing designer for this month has been Sarah Martina Parker, and here is her gorgeous card.

 

I loved her subtle layers and soft colors, the lace and seam binding bow, and the beautiful way she incorporated stripes, script and flourishes in her design.

Here's my card.

Don't you love those flowers from the Fabulous Floret set? I stamped them in Basic Brown ink on white card stock, and using Blender Pens, I colored them with ink. The large blossom was inked in Bashful Blue, then I added shading with a Marina Mist marker.

My favorite part of this card was creating the background papers. I stamped the script from the Strength & Hope set on Crumb cake, and then sponged with Soft Suede to add depth. For the soft blue layer, I began with Presto Patterns DSP which is white with an embossed design that shows up when you sponge over it. I stamped the flourishes in Crumb Cake ink and then sponged Bashful Blue.

I have to tell you that all the work that went into this card was very satisfying and I love the result. I also loved thinking about the dear friend that I'll be sending this to today.

As for my dear blog friends, I just want to tell you how much I appreciate you stopping in each day!

<p><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Stamps: </strong></span><br /><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Paper:</strong>&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>and Ink:</strong> </span></p>

<p><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Accessories:&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></span><strong><br /></strong></span></p>

<p><span style="color: #111111;"

 

 

 

<p><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong><span style="color: #111111;">Supplies</span></strong>~&nbsp; <em>all supplies by Stampin' Up!</em></span></p>

<p><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Stamps: </strong></span><br /><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Paper:</strong>&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>and Ink:</strong> </span></p>

<p><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Accessories:&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></span><strong><br /></strong></span></p>

<p><span style="color: #111111;"

 

 

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Happy greetings, Fabulous Florets, Hope & Strength

Paper: Presto Patterns, Bashful Blue, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Print Patterns DSP, Old Olive, Whisper White

Ink: Soft Suede, Bashful Blue, Marina Mist

Accessories: Tasteful Trim Die, Crochet lace, Krumb Cake taffeta ribbon, markers, sponges, Antique brads

Garden of Get Well Wishes for Friday Flashback

 Welcome to Friday Flashback! where I share a stamp set or accessory that deserves to be in the spotlight even though it often gets overlooked or has retired. I began this feature to encourage myself and all of us to dust off those horded supplies and give them a new look!

Today's card features the Thoughts and Prayers set and Beyond the Garden DSP.

 I stamped the image using Wild Wasabi, then stamped it again using Pacific Point ink and cut the tiny bloosoms out, adding them to the first image. The layout features 3 circles. This was easy to create using one flower cut from the DP, and punched circles.

I think the soothing colors are just right for a get well card, and it's fairly flat to mail. As a matter of fact, I'm putting this out in the mail today. At least that's one less card I'll have filling my shelves in the craft room!

I hope to get a bit more done on my craft room re-do toay, I have lots of sorting out still to accomplish! Weeding out will happen soon, as the catalog year comes to an end and I get ready for my big Rubber Rummage sale and new stuff!

<p><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong><span style="color: #111111;">Supplies</span></strong>~&nbsp; <em>all supplies by Stampin' Up!</em></span></p>

<p><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Stamps: </strong></span><br /><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Paper:</strong>&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>and Ink:</strong> </span></p>

<p><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Accessories:&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></span><strong><br /></strong></span></p>

<p><span style="color: #111111;"

 

 

 

<p><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong><span style="color: #111111;">Supplies</span></strong>~&nbsp; <em>all supplies by Stampin' Up!</em></span></p>

<p><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Stamps: </strong></span><br /><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Paper:</strong>&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>and Ink:</strong> </span></p>

<p><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Accessories:&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></span><strong><br /></strong></span></p>

<p><span style="color: #111111;"

 

 

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers

Paper: Beyond the Garden DSP, Pacific Point, Whisper White

Ink: Pacific Point, Wild Wasabi

Accessories: 1/8" ribbon, Designer Buttons (Brights), 2-1/2" circle punch, Scallop Circle punch

 

Touch of Kindness

The Color Challenge at SCS was inspiring and there were so many gorgeous samples using Baja Breeze, Perfect Plum, and Soft Suede. I couldn't wait to play along, and I came up with a card, but I almost hesitate to show it to you. Somehow I think the colors were just not quite right with the set I used.

On top of that, I couldn't really get a good photo. Oh well, I guess I'm not the first blogger to post a card I'm not sure I really like!

What I DO really like is the darling Touch of Kindness stamp set with so many pretty images to watercolor. I know I'll be back with another card to show you from this set soon. :) You can bet it will be in bright bold colors *wink** Hope the simple things in your life make you smile today.

   

<p><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong><span style="color: #111111;">Supplies</span></strong>~&nbsp; <em>all supplies by Stampin' Up!</em></span></p>

<p><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Stamps: </strong></span><br /><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Paper:</strong>&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>and Ink:</strong> </span></p>

<p><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Accessories:&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></span><strong><br /></strong></span></p>

<p><span style="color: #111111;"

 

 

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Touch of Kindness

Paper: Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla, Daffodil Delight, Print Patterns DSP (Subtles)

Ink: Basic Brown, Baja Breeze, Perfect Plum

Accessories: markers, Blender Pen, Scallop Circle punch, 1-1/4" circle punch, Baja Breeze seam binding, Scallop Border Punch, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Big Shot, Flower Brad

 

MOJO goes Masculine

I hope you're not tired of nautical themed cards yet because I have another one to share! I really wanted to use my new set, The Open Sea and I combined it with the lovely MOJO Monday sketch.

I went for a collage stlye with muliple images and casual layering. I stamped several images on Very Vanilla card stock and then sponged to add distressng with Sahara Sand ink. The Baja Breeze layer was embossed with the Square Lattice die, then I lightly brayered just the raised portion with Soft Suede ink.

The sentiment is from the Word Play set, it's on sale this month and it a great deal! You can find out about this special at my online store HERE. I stamped it twice and popped up the arrow for a focal point.

The Baker's Twine wraps around the Postage punched DP embellished with a Build-A-Brad and a key. I love using the keys, and discovered that using a glue dot to adhere it worked so well because I could tuck it under the postage stamped piece and it lays flat.

Hope you enjoy my creation and have a great day!

   

<p><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong><span style="color: #111111;">Supplies</span></strong>~&nbsp; <em>all supplies by Stampin' Up!</em></span></p>

<p><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Stamps: </strong></span><br /><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Paper:</strong>&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>and Ink:</strong> </span></p>

<p><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Accessories:&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></span><strong><br /></strong></span></p>

<p><span style="color: #111111;"

 

 

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: The Open Sea, Word Play
Paper:  Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Nautical Expeditions DSP
and Ink: Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Cerry Cobbler

Accessories:  Postage Punch, Top note, Square Lattice Die, Big Shot, Baker's Twine, Build A Brad, 1/2" circle punch, sponges

 

 

Hello, friends!

It was SO GOOD to be back to stamping! My inspiration for today's card began when I studied the dress of a cute little girl when we stopped to eat on the way home. I couldn't believe the pattern of orange red, bright pink and green colors together, but they looked great and I decided they might just work for my card.

What do you think?

  

The flowers were stamped on Whisper White card stock and colored in with Regal Rose and Poppy Parade ink. The card front and Regal Rose circle were embossed using the Square Lattice folder. It's been my go-to choice for texture, I love the way it just thickens up the card stock and adds a subtle design. Anybody out there remember the Canvas BG stamp? I used to love that too, it was also so very versatile.

The terrific sketch at The Paper Players inspired my layout. I switched the embellishments to fit better with the floral image, but it wasn't until I went to post that I realized that I put the sentiment in the wrong place too.  Here's the sketch, hope you can play along too!

   

My sentiment comes from the Happy Greetings set in the Summer Mini. I stamped with StazOn and used a marker to add a hint of pick to the HELLO in the center. If you don't have a demonstrator and would like a copy of the mini mailed to you, just send me an e-mail. I'd be happy to send you one.

Your comments are SO VERY welcome, I'd love to hear from you, take the time if you can to write a few words and let me know what you think. 

<p><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Accessories:&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></span><strong><br /></strong></span></p>

<p><span style="color: #111111;"

 

 

 

<p><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong><span style="color: #111111;">Supplies</span></strong>~&nbsp; <em>all supplies by Stampin' Up!</em></span></p>

<p><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Stamps: </strong></span><br /><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Paper:</strong>&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>and Ink:</strong> </span></p>

<p><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Accessories:&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></span><strong><br /></strong></span></p>

<p><span style="color: #111111;"

 

 

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Because I Care, Happy Greetings, Tiny Tags
Paper:  Regal Rose, Whisper White, Poppy Parade
and Ink: Jetblack StazOn  

Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch, Designer Buttons, White Taffeta Ribbon

 

Home Again

Hi everybody!!

I'm back from a wonderful and restful vacation, and I couldn't wait to get my blog back in motion again! We always have such a hugely busy May, and this year was no exception, but being MIA from the blog was a bit tough. I've never just shut it down before and it was for longer than I intended. 

I'll begin with a few pics of where I've been and be back tomoorow with a card to share, how does that sound?

We had a wonderful week in the mountains of West Virgina.  Almost heaven, have a look!

Here's the cabin we stayed in. It may not look rustic, but believe me, it came complete with a mouse! Hopefully there was just one. I'd rather not talk about that...Instead I'll tell you about the gorgeous sunsets we saw from our screened in front porch.

We overlooked a golf course, here's the view...

and the view down the hill from the house.

We spent most of our days outside,

but I still caught a few moments to work on my swaps for convention.

Now you know what I've been up to!

Thanks so much for visiting! See you tommorrow!

 

 

 

Happy, happy smiles!

Dear friends,

I have needed my blog break because so much has been going on and I just couldn't resist popping in to share a quick update with you about how it's going. I don't want to dwell on the details, but I've had some medical issues and on Thursday I had a heart cath procedure and found out that my heart is all clear! That was great news that I am so relieved to hear, and now the stress of all that is behind me. I am so grateful to God for my continued good health and His healing grace.

Now for the news that's got me just about to pop! What a happy day we had yesterday with our precious daughter's college graduation. As parents, it's such a proud moment! We had a wonderful day of celebration and I thought you'd like to take a peek. Emily's smile says it all!

Now you know what's been keeping me busy, and I appreciate your patience as it will still be a few more days until I'm back to regular posts. I WILL be back soon!

   

<p><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong><span style="color: #111111;">Supplies</span></strong>~&nbsp; <em>all supplies by Stampin' Up!</em></span></p>

<p><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Stamps: </strong></span><br /><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Paper:</strong>&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>and Ink:</strong> </span></p>

<p><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: #00bf00;"><strong>Accessories:&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></span><strong><br /></strong></span></p>

<p><span style="color: #111111;"

 

 

Organization and celebrations!

Dear friends,

I'm just letting you know that I'll be taking a break from my blog for the next couple of weeks. We have some wonderful family celebrations coming - our daughter completed college in three years and will graduate soon! We are so proud of her! We are going to enjoy some very special days together.

I also have a few other projects going on this week. Here's a hint!

It's a redo of my craft rooom! Most of you know that for my 22 years of home-schooling four kids our bonus room was a school room. It's now getting the complete overhaul to craft room. The desks are out, (I'll say that was a sentimental moment...) new spacious shelving is moving in and I'm getting to be quick on the draw with a wieldy screw driver. A different kind of creativity but so much fun.

In other chatty news, we have a special birthday at our house. Today our beagle puppy, Josie turns 1!

Please check back for me later in May!