Stamps, Paper, and Ink

Rustic Nostalgia

For today's card I pulled out the Countryside set, which is perfect for fall and masculine cards. I had the added challenge from SCS to use these colors in my creation: Calypso Coral, Cherry Cobbler, and More Mustard. The first two colors are similar families but using them together? Let's just say THAT was really a challenge!

I began by imagining a rustic old truck in More Mustard, but I wasn't sure I could pull it off. What do you think?

I added Calypso Coral to the shading of the truck, the sentiment, and the apples in the truck.

I spent WAY more time on this card than I'd like to admit and in the end, I wondered why I didn't just chose a floral theme. :->  It will be great having this card all ready to mail for my brother in law's October birthday.

Here's a little challenge for you - find the word Orchard on my card and have a chuckle. I couldn't believe finding that panel in the DP!

Stamps: Countryside, Teen Tiny Wishes, Woodgrain

Paper: More Mustard, Cherry Cobbler, retired DSP (forgot the name!)

Ink: Basic Brown, others for watercolor

Accessories: Blender pens, Oval punches, Button, Linen thread, Brads neutrals

Just a Few L'il Tears

I absolutely think this stamp from the Lean on Me set is the cutest!

 

I love the sentiment too, isn't is a sweet idea to catch Sad Suzy's tears??

Today when I realized just how long it's been since I played with my favorite challenge - The Paper Players - I got busy with my blender pens and inks to watercolor and join in Jaydee's sketch challenge.

This post really is about so many favorites - you know I'm crazy about the Domestic Goddess DSP. I had so much fun choosing the pattern with the sun's rays and placing that behind my image. I plan the message inside to say that I hope each new day is looking brighter.

I loved hunkering down during the dark days of the tropical storm, but how beautiful it was to see the blue sky and sunshine yesterday and today. I did get lots of stamping done and look forward to sharing my new cards this week.

I'd love to hear from you - won't you take time to leave a comment and let me know what you think of today's card? Have a blessed Monday!

 

  All supplies by Stampin' Up!

Stamps:  Lean On Me

Paper:  Domestic Goddess DSP, Whisper White, Pool Party, Calypso Coral

Ink:  Jetblack StazOn, Daffodil Delight, Pool Party, Calypso Coral

Accessories:  Tasteful Trim Die, Daffodil Delight 1/8" ribbon, In Color brads, 2-1/2" Circle Punch

Holly and Pines - a peek of Christmas!

What is it about unopened paper packs and brand-spanking-new stamp sets that just makes you crave a little crafting time? For me, they are even more enticing when they are peeks of what's to come from the Holiday Mini.

Oh, I had fun opening my brand new pack of Holly Berry Bouquet DSP and pairing it with the Pines & Poinsettias stamp set for today's card!

This gorgeous specialty DSP has two patterns of glitter papers in the pack. I love the glittery red polka dots and the rich colors of this paper. This sketch from MOJO Monday was a fun way to show them off.

 

 

  All supplies by Stampin' Up!

Stamps:  Pines & Poinsettias

Paper:  Holly Berry Bouquet, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Wild Wasabi

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi

Accessories:  Scallop Oval, Scallop Trim, and Decorative Label punches, Early Espresso satin ribbon, markers, Basic Pearls, Designer Original Buttons

Giveaway Winner

I am late in posting today, so with just a bit of fanfare, I'd like to announce the blog giveaway winner! On comment #18 DawnKathleen said...

Congratulations on your 500k hits! That is so awesome! You are an inspiration to not only me but many, many others! Thank you for sharing your creativity!

I love carrot cake or angel food cake with peanut butter frosting.

Thank you for a chance to win an awesome blog candy!

Now it's my turn to say Congrats to you, Dawn! Please e-mail me with your address so that I can mail your gift off to to you! I was really amazed, I'd never heard of angel food cake with peanut butter icing. Sounds yummy!

 To all who participated, I must say that my mouth was watering after reading about your favorite treats on your birthday celebration. I totally went off my Weight Watcher's plan this week just imagining these delights, lol! I sure enjoyed your many comments too, thanks so much for your kind support here on my blog.

Hurricanes and The Open Sea

 Well, that may seem like a funny title but it is what's on my mind this morning!

We live in NC and have experienced a hurricane hitting us before. (who remembers Fran?) I spent a good bit of time yesterday gathering some supplies, just in case. Seven cases of bottled water. Two jars of Peter Pan Peanut Butter.  THREE bags of chips (oh, you know that's basic survival food, right?) Hot dogs and mac and cheese from Kraft, not our own homemade. All of this was rather a pleasant surprise to my family since I usually bring home bags full of fruits and vegetables!!

Now that the storm seems to be heading east and may miss us I am relieved, and prayerful for those north. Truth be told I wish I could just hole up in my craft room to stamp until the food supplies run out. Say, 'til February!

I will begin as soon as I show you today's card. <G>

  

 I was inspired to try a pop up technique from the Workshop WOW DVD shared by Alison Solven. I took her ideas and designed my card using The Open Sea and Wordplay stamp sets. Have a look at the inside.

 

Do you see how the white panel forms a W, and some of the images pop out and the anchor in the middle pops in? Making this card was so much fun, I can't wait to work more with this technique. It basically involves visualizing where the vertical fold lines will be if you fold the panel in half and in half again, and centering your images over those lines.

I immediately gave this card to my dear dear husband. He was kind to put it on his dresser where every once in awhile I still have the fun of opening it.

Thanks so much for all your kind comments about my blog! I read and appreciate every one. I'm off to stamp something just for fun and I'll be back tomorrow to post the giveaway winner.

  All supplies by Stampin' Up!

Stamps:  The Open Sea, Wordplay, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper:  Night of Navy, Whisper White, Nautical Expeditions

Ink:  Night of Navy, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand

Accessories:  2-1/2" Circle punch, Baker's twine

I'm having an Easy Event today!

Easy Events is a super cute all occasion set that will be featured at my workshop tonight. Stampin' Up! convention attendees received a Workshop in a Bag kit containing everything we need to make these adorable projects!

There's a birthday card, a small gift bag of tags, and a Sending Love card with matching envelope. My favorite technique with these projects is the twine wrapped as a frame on the focal panel on the card.

 

I'll show you the back so you can see how I did that. I began by adhering the twine to a glue dot in one corner.

I wrapped the twine along the horizontal and vertical edges on the front, but from corner to corner in the back so it would stay taut. There's an easy accent for you!

If you'd like information about my events or how you can order the Easy Events stamp set (or any of the quality supplies from Stampin' Up!) contact me today. I'd be so happy to help you.

Tomorrow I have a fun pop up card to show you!

Beautiful Things

I am happy not only to have a card to share with you today - I also have a special reason to share it! 

I was asked to be the Guest Designer this week over at Our Creative Corner!  They have such fun and inspiring challenges and this week it's a terrific sketch.

I began with the Faith in Nature stamp set. I chose the pear image and the color combo of Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron, and Very Vanilla. The watercolor paper was embossed using the Designer Frames folder. The image is stamped inside the frame and instead of watercoloring the pear, I sponged it.  Sponging all the edges of the card stock adds depth and a vintage look. Although hard to see in the photo, the So Saffron panel was embossed with the Stripes folder for a subtle background texture.

I love the sentiment and set it off with a black accent.

I can't wait to see what the others have done with this sketch, make sure you pop on over to see the fabulous creations!

  All supplies by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Faith in Nature

Paper: Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait

Ink: Jetblack StazOn, Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, So Saffron

Accessories:  Stripes and Designer Frames embossing folders, Vintage Trinkets, Doily Lace and Corner Rounder punches

Blog Giveaway

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR NEW POSTS.

It's been way too long since I've had a blog giveaway, so today is the day! I'm close to 500,000 hits to my blog, and that's so exciting! But more special to me is that day by day we have shared some good times here, and I'm so thankful for you, my readers. You're the best!

I'd like to give away the Birthday Bakery clear stamp set, half sheets of card stock in the luscious 2011 In Colors, and a set of tab dividers for the Stampin' Up! catalog.

I'll randomly pick one winner on next Thursday, August 25. Just leave me a comment on this post. Here's what I'd like you to tell me: What's your favorite goody to eat on your birthday? Do you have a favorite kind of cake and ice cream? Or is it some other treat?  I've often enjoyed sampling Rhubarb Custard Pie. (mmm.... makes my mouth water to think about it!)

Of course, I'd also very much like to hear anything you think about my designs or my blog, if you'd like to share. When I began blogging in 2007, I never dreamed that I would have this many subscribers! I was also amazed to discover that I really enjoy the whole blog process, especially making wonderful new cyber friends. 

 

 

 

 

Up in the Air

The Up, Up and Away set is so cute and fun to work with!

Here are just a few things  I did to make this card special.

• The Wasabi balloon is embossed with WIld Wasabi embossing powder, so it looks slick IRL and just a bit shiny
• The Pool Party panel was embossed with the Houndstooth folder for added texture
• Although the set has heart images with the sentiment, I punched larger ones out of card stock for a bolder look

I stayed with a clean and simple card to let the sentiment stand out. The color scheme is Pool Party, Wild Wasabi, and Real Red. It has a bit more pop in person. I really look forward to getting to play more with this set, it has so many possibilities!

 

more Spice Cake With Love

One more card using the Spice Cake DSP, I just love pulling these pretty patterns together. The sets for today's card include one from the Summer Mini and a new one from the Holiday Mini called Hand-Penned Holidays. Don't you love this softly flowing script?

It's really a very simple layout with the boldness that comes from the 1/16" mats. Of course, I love the watercoloring, especially with this lovely bouquet. Less than two weeks left to order supplies from the Summer Mini, so don't wait!

Hope you are having a lovely day~

 

  All supplies by Stampin' Up! except noted*

Stamps:  On the Grow set

Paper:  Spice Cake DSP, Very Vanilla, Pool Party, Early Espresso, Watercolor paper

Ink:  Soft Suede, Black StazOn

Accessories:  Rhinestone Brad, Vanilla Seam Binding, Blender pens, Nestabilities*