Birthday Card for a Friday

Here is a birthday using the In Colors from the 2010-2012 set.  I really love these colors and will be using them a lot as we come to the end of this catalog year.  Concord Crush and Pear Pizzazz have become a staple in my color rotation so I don't know what I'm going to do when they leave my professional palette!  I'll have to stock up for personal use down the road, I suppose.  In any case, here's that wonderful Bird in the heart from the Take it To Heart stamp set.  I also used the Happy Birthday from the Sale-a-bration set (free!) Elementary Elegance.  I used the old Subtles collection standby Perfect Plum as an additional accent color.  Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend.
Stamps: Take it to Heart (Occasions Mini Catalog), Elementary Elegance (Sale-a-bration!)
Ink: Concord Crush, Perfect Plum, Pear Pizzazz
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Concord Crush, Whisper White, Perfect Plum
Accessories: Big Shot, Framelits Dies Hearts, Textured Impressions Folder Vintage Wallpaper, Punches: Decorative Label and Curly Label, 3/8-in. Pleated Satin Ribbon in Pear Pizzazz, Sponge Daubers, Stampin' Dimensionals

Valentines Treats

Here are some cute Valentine treat ideas.  Who knew there were some many different colors of Candy Corn!  This is called "Cupid Corn" and for those of you who are local, I found them at Ann's House of Nuts.  These came together really quickly.  I'll post a single picture here, as well.  The 1"x8" Cellophane Bags that Stampin' Up! has been carrying since the Holiday Mini Catalog are really fun to play with.  I did a reindeer at Christmas time (with Reindeer Corn, naturally) and now I've got a Valentine treat, too.  The Cello bags have a self-adhesive top (love it!) and I attached a 2-3/8 inch Scallop Circle (punched out of Very Vanilla) to the top and folded it in half.  I then used some Pretty in Pink grosgrain ribbon for the handle.  The hearts are punched using the Framelits Dies Hearts Collection from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  Add a sentiment and you're ready to give them to family, friends or co-workers.  I can't wait to play with the Spring-Easter version using Bunny Corn!  Stay tuned...Here's the single picture:

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes.
Ink: Real Red Classic Pad
Paper: Red Glimmer Paper, Very Vanilla, Pretty In Pink, Real Red
Accessories: Big Shot, Framelits Dies (Hearts), Modern Label Punch, 2-3/8 inch Scallop Circle Punch, Crop-a-dile, Mini Brads (silver) 1/16-inch hand held punch, 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon in Pretty in Pink, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

A Friday Card

Here's another Valentine idea.  This one uses the Framelits Hearts Collection from Stampin' Up! along with some other fun products.  The card base is cut from the largest of the Framelits Hearts.  I overlapped the die on the edge of a folded 5.25x10.5 piece of Pink Pirouette cardstock and ran it through the Big Shot.  Next I took a Textured Impressions Embossing Folder from the Adorning Accents set of 3 and ran just the front of the card base through the Big Shot again to emboss those sweet little hearts.  I did the same to the smaller Pink Pirouette heart which was punched with the Full Heart Punch.  I like the way this punch coordinates with the Framelits collection, as well.  The smallest heart is punched from Red Glimmer Paper using the Heart to Heart punch and fits nicely on the oval accent piece.  Have a wonderful weekend!  Come back soon.
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Take It to Heart (Occasions Mini Catalog, 2012 p. 14)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Red Glimmer Paper
Accessories:  Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Framelits Hearts Collection, Punches: Full Heart, Scalloped Oval, Large Oval, Heart to Heart, Textured Impressions Embossing Folders Adorning Accents, 3/8-inch Taffeta Ribbon in Whisper White, Stampin' Dimensionals

Best laid plans...

So much for continuous posting...well, there is still some time and I still have some designs ready for posting.  Here's another card made using the My Friend stamp set and some fun colors: Early Espresso, So Saffron, and Pear Pizzaz.  I love the silhouette stamp in this set.  The leaves and flowers have a great line and look good in all different colors.  The designer paper is from the Pocket full of Posies grouping.  I used the Floral Fusion Sizzlits Die and distressed each flower so it divided into 2.  If you put the "fuzzy" side on the outside, you get a great textured bloom to put on the card.  Enjoy!
Stamps:  My Friend (clear mount)
Ink: Pear Pizzaz, Early Espresso
Paper: Early Espresso, Whisper White, So Saffron, Designer Series Paper Pocket Full of Posies.
Accessories:  Sizzix Big Shot, Flower Fusion Sizzlits Die, Punch: Scallop Trim Border, Brads Neutrals, Stampin' Dimensionals

Four More for Friday

Happy Friday!  Let's keep going on the whole One-Sheet Wonder designs.  This is design #4 from the original One-Sheet Wonder idea (with my own flighty little twist!).  That original idea, published first in a Make-Ten magazine, used an 8.5x11 piece of stamped cardstock.  As I mentioned yesterday, if you use an 12x12 sheet of patterned paper, you can get 14 cards and here are some more.  Again we feature the Four Frames stamp set.  This time, I added a punched border and the pretty butterflies from the Stampin' Up! Embosslit Beautiful Wings. 
Stamps: Four Frames, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Markers: Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler, Not Quite Navy stamp pad
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Marina Mist, Designer Series Paper Paisley Petals.
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border punch, Designer Label punch, Stampin' Up! Embosslit Beautiful Wings, Big Shot, Jewels Pearls, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Design #5:  This is a really simple design, but the elegance of the paper and the sentiment really make it a quick and easy card.  The stamp set is that wonderful Curly Cute set which could make this any type of card you want from Birthday to Congratulations.
Stamps: Curly Cute
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Whisper White, Marina Mist, Designer Series Paper Paisley Petals
Accessories: Nothing except adhesive! Enjoy!

Design #6 is another one of those Quick and easy ones.  In the original design, the element piece was torn, but, of course, I couldn't do that in my quest to use every scrap!  So, again, I added the torn accent piece underneath.  The ribbon (complete with bow!  Aren't you proud of me, Cindy W.?) is that luscious Organza ribbon.  Enjoy!
Stamps: Four Frames, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Marina Mist, Paisley Petals
Accessories: Designer Label punch, Whisper White Organza Ribbon, dimensionals.

Design #7 is not my favorite of the cards I made.  I might re-make this one using Cherry Cobbler as the accent color.  We'll see, though. And, oops!  I succumbed to tearing (shock), so I guess I did waste a bit of a scrap!  I'm ashamed. Here I thought I had done these completely with out being wasteful, but I forgot about the torn card until now.  My apologies. However, you could do it without the tearing if you wanted to avoid hypocrisy. You will note, however, that I'm using all the butterflies. :)  Hope you've enjoyed all the cards!  Have a great weekend.
Stamps: Four Frames, Teen Tiny Wishes
Ink: Marina Mist, Old Olive
Paper: Whisper White, Marina Mist, Old Olive, Paisley Petals.
Accessories: Designer Label punch, Crimper, Big Shot, Textured Impressions Folder Perfect Polka Dots, Beautiful Wings Embosslit

Snow Post Number 4

I think this is the final one for today.  Back to kid-wrangling, dinner prep and taxi-cab driving.  But it was a fun day.  All the samples posted this week will be available next Thursday to stamp.   This particular card I went to the Color Coach for inspiration.  Wanted to use something I hadn't used in a while, so I hit on River Rock.  It's a neutral with a hint of green (at least in the dye-lot I have) and it goes very well with the Not Quite Navy and Rose Red.  My flower need some leaves, so the best green turned out to be Always Artichoke.  Once a gain, it's pretty minimal in stamping and technique, but sometimes that is all you need.   Hope you've enjoyed the "Cyber Stamp with Me Day."  Have a great weekend.

Stamps: So Happy For You (Sale-a-bration), Build a Blossom
Ink: Always Artichoke
Paper: Naturals White (card base), River Rock, Not Quite Navy, Rose Red, Always Artichoke,  Designer Series Paper Patterns Pack Regals
Accessories: Designer Fabric Brads Sweet Stitches, Punches: 1-1/4 inch Circle, Blossom Petals, Eyelet Border, Textured Impressions Folder Perfect Polka Dots, Stampin' Up! Bigz L Die Fun flowers, Big Shot, Dimensionals

Snow Post Number 3

Punch Bunch again.  This time it's a single circle stamp the fits the 1 inch and 1/2 inch circle punches to make the center of the flower.  Embossed background is a Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Elegant Bouquet.  Fun Flower Bigz L Die for the paper flowers.  Add some vanilla satin ribbon and there you are.
Stamps: Punch Bunch (Sale-a-bration)
Ink: Rose Red
Paper: Very Vanilla, Wild Wasabi, Rose Red, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Folder Elegant Bouquet, Stampin' Up! Bigz L Die Fun Flowers, Punches: 1-inch and 1/2-inch circles, 5/8" Satin Ribbon Very Vanilla, dimensionals

Elegance in a Flower

This card is simple and elegant.  I think that a set of these would make a lovely gift for newlyweds.  The color scheme is Very Vanilla and Brushed Gold.  The sentiment is in Jet Black Staz On since it's stamped directly on the Brushed Gold paper.  The flower is made in two parts.  The base is cut from Very Vanilla using the Stampin' Up! Bigz L die "Fun Flowers" that just came out in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  The petals are punched from the new Extra Large Blossom Petals Punch, also found in the Mini, and curled with a stylus.  I attached them with mini glue dots and used my paper piercer to put a hole in the center for the Antique Brad.  The embossed border is the new Textured Impressions Folder Framed Tulips.  Enjoy the card and your weekend.
Stamps: Because I Care (Hostess Level I, clear mount)
Ink: Jet Black Staz On
Paper: Very Vanilla, Brushed Gold
Accessories: Big Shot, Textured Impressions Folder Framed Tulips, Bigz L Die Fun Flowers, Punch Extra Large Blossom Petals, Paper Piercer, Antique Brads, Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

Cheers for a Birthday!

This is a quick and easy birthday card for the Martini crowd.  The Cheers to You set is a fun set full of cool beverages.  The Beer/Root Beer mug also fits on this tag.  So does the Margarita (barely), so if you wanted a different look/drink you could make it work.  The triangle patterned paper is from Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper.  I used the Bigz XL die Tasteful Trim to get the Crumb Cake border.  I love that it matches the pattern on the paper.  And guess what?  You can use scraps to make these!  If you're cutting down a 8.5x11 sheet of paper to get trimmed-down 1/4 sheets (5.25 x 4), use the 1/2" scraps and cut some triangle trim! There's the fun scrap tip of the day.  Enjoy.
Stamps: Cheers to You, Curly Cute
Ink: Early Espresso (ink pad), Real Red and Old Olive Markers
Paper: Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Designer Series Paper Greenhouse Gala
Accessories: Stampin' Up! Bigz XL Die Tasteful Trim, Small and Large Tag Punches, Neutrals Brads, 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Daffodil Delight, 1/16" hole punch, Dimmensionals

Birthday Redux For Tuesday

Recognize this card?  It's similar to one I posted in July, but with a different color scheme and sentiment.  (Be sure to go back and look!)  This time I used the Designer Series Paper Woodland Walk.  I love those Garden Green and Very Vanilla bubbles on one of the patterns.  Nothing super fancy here, just Punches and the Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Elegant Lines.  Enjoy your Tuesday.
Stamps: Curly Cute
Ink: Garden Green
Paper: Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabii, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, Designer Series Paper Woodland Walk
Accessories:  Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Elegant Lines, Butterfly Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Christmas Card Number 2: The Bundle Works!

I made the second of my auction Christmas Cards using products from the Vintage Christmas Card Bundle and the Holiday Mini Catalog.  I was amazed at how this card came together quickly using the Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper to get the color palette.  I stamped the poinsettia in Jet Black Staz-On ink on Cherry Cobbler paper and on Always Artichoke.  Cut the entire image out from the Artichoke one and just the flowers from the Cherry one.  Then I used some bleach to bleach out the centers of the flowers (yes, bleach!). After it sets I'll go over it with a More Mustard Marker to add some deeper gold.  Background is the Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Petals-a-plenty.  Some pearls add a hint of bling on the corner.
Stamps:  Bells and Boughs, Christmas Greetings
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Staz-On Jet Black
Paper: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Designer Series Paper Deck the Halls
Accessories:  Aqua Painter, Bleach, Always Artichoke Seam Binding, Sizzix Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Petals-a-Plenty, Stampin' Up! Bigz Die Scallop Squares Duo, Jewels Basic Pearls, Dimmensionals.

Thursday Thank You

Here's a vintage look card.  I like playing with the Artistic Etchings set.  We're also showcasing two of the In Colors: Concord Crush and Pear Pizzaz.  Enjoy.
Stamps: Artistic Etchings, Fresh Cuts
Ink: Concord Crush, Pear Pizzaz
Paper: Naturals Ivory, Concord Crush, Pear Pizzaz, In-Color Patterns Designer Series Stack
Accessories:  Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Bigz Die Top Note, Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Vintage Wallpaper, Punches: Large Oval, Scallop Oval, and XL Decorative Label, Crochet Trim Victoria, Dimensionals

Note Card Folder

Here are some photos of the Note Card Folder that we'll be making on Sept 2 in the Note Card Folder class.  The outside dimensions are 5-1/2 x 5-1/2.  The folder holds 6 note card size (3x5) cards and envelopes.  I ran the outside of the folder through the Big Shot with the Vintage Wall Paper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder to get the texture.  The Stamp Set is the new Artistic Etchings which I used to make a collage on the front and then on the individual note cards.  I decided to highlight the individual images on the note cards to keep them simple and any-occasion.

This is the inside of the folder.  Three Note Cards in each pocket.

Stamps: Fresh Cuts, Artistic Etchings
Ink: Early Espresso, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Old Olive, Early Espresso
Accessories: 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon in Old Olive, 3x5 Note Cards and Envelopes, Small and Large Oval Punches, Decorative Label Extra Large Punch (avail. Sept. 1), Eyelet Border Punch, Big Shot, Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Vintage Wallpaper

Here is a close up of one of the Note Cards.  I used 3 different images on the cards.  Enjoy!

A Wedding and a Golden Anniversary

Here are two takes on the same style, but for two different occasions.  My neighbor's daughter got married this past weekend with lovely colors of Red and White.  Here's the card I made for the happy couple.  Immediately after the wedding, I was lucky enough to attend the surprise 50th Wedding Anniversary party of some dear family friends.  It was wonderful.  So here, also is the card I made for their Golden Anniversary celebration.  Enjoy.

Stamps: Kind and Caring Thoughts (retired hostess)
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red
Accessories: Big Shot, Texture Impressions Embossing Folder Manhattan Flower, Wide Oval Punch, White Organza Ribbon, Dimensionals

This one is the anniversary version, all in Gold and Vanilla.
Stamps: French Filigree, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Versamark
Paper: Very Vanilla, Brushed Gold
Accessories: Big Shot, Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Elegant Lines, Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Large Oval Punch, Scalloped Oval Punch, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Dimmensionals.

Owls, Owls, and More Owls!

I'm really enjoying my Owl Punch.  It takes a bit of practice, but once you've done a few, it's a fun addition to a card.  This first one uses Cajun Craze, Chocolate Chip and Old Olive.  I ran the tree through my Big Shot with the Basket Weave Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  The leaves are from the Birds and Blooms Embosslit set and.  Just a fun thank you for a Friday.  

Stamps: Short and Sweet

Ink: Cajun Craze

Paper: Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Cajun Craze Old Olive and Whisper White

Accessories:  Extra Large Owl Punch, Large Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch,  Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Extra Large Bird Punch, Birds and Blooms Embosslit Set, Lots of Tags Embosslit Set, Basket Weave Textured Impressions Folder, Big Shot

More Vintage Wallpaper

The photo is a bit off-center, but I think you can get a good idea.  This is another card using the Vintage Wallpaper die.  I really like the look on Navy.  Very elegant.  I'm really enjoying the folder.  Sassy ladies, we'll be using it next week, for sure.  The circle stamp is from the new set Artistic Etchings.  It's one of the more vintage-type stamp sets that are popular right now.  The pearls here are the old ones from the Pretties Kit.  I'm still waiting for the self-stick ones.  They should get here today.  My UPS guy is the best.  The color combination is the new Cherry Cobbler (a nice rich red) and Night of Navy (an old classic).  Thanks for checking in today.

Stamps: Artistic Etchings, Thank You Kindly
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Very Vanilla, Night of Navy, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  Big Shot Machine, Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Vintage Wallpaper, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Satin Ribbon Very Vanilla, Pearls from Old Pretties Kit.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my dear friend Cindy!  Welcome to the club, friend.  This one is for you.  (You can have the copy when I see you next!)  Celebrate Big.

Playing with my Elements of Style clear mount set.  What fun.  The pearls are from the Pretties Kit, attached with glue dots.  Guess what?  All you bling fans rejoice because the new half-pearls in the Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog (available July 1) are self-stick.  There are also some glitter ones, as well.  Can't wait.

Stamps: Elements of Style, Very Versatile (retired)
Ink: Basic Brown, Rich Razzleberry, Always Artichoke
Paper: Very Vanilla, Rich Razzleberry, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Big Shot Machine, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Movers and Shapers XL Bigz Die w/Punch Windows, Modern Label Punch, Small Oval Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Pretties Kit, 5/8" Satin Ribbon in Very Vanilla, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals.

Hey Hon!

For all you gals from Baltimore it's a Hon-of-a-Sock Monkey for you!  I couldn't resist this when someone suggested the Soft Serve Ice cream topper from the new Sweet Scoops Set looked like a hair-do!  Enjoy, hon!

Stamps:  Sweet Scoops, Sock Monkey, Calendar Alphabet and Numbers, Itty Bitty Birthday
Ink: Basic Black, Basic Grey, Real Red Marker, Creamy Caramel Marker, Pink Passion
Paper: Whisper White, Pink Passion, Basic Black
Accessories: Sizzix Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Medium Sizzlits Alphabet and Numbers Die, Stampin' Up! Textured Embossing Folder Polka dots, Black Grosgrain Ribbon, dimensionals,

Scrapping from last week

Had a few requests to post the page layout from last week's Scrapbook Break, so here it is.  It's a 12x12 school layout for my son's 2nd grade year.  Yes, I'm finally working on his book now that he's in high school.  Man, can I procrastinate, or what?   I used the new stamp set "First Day" which is great for all sorts of school-related projects from teacher gifts to bookmarks to scrapbooking.  I also featured the Designer Series Specialty Paper "The Write Stuff" which features all sorts of cool heavy journalling cutouts and some great paper designs.

Stamps: First Day
Ink: Soft Suede, Ruby Red
Paper: Designer Series Specialty Paper The Write Stuff, Old Olive 12x12, Crushed Curry Textured 12x12, Soft Suede
Accessories: Circle Punches (1/2 and 3/4 inches), Word Window punch, Sizzix Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Sizzix Bigz Die Top Note, Stampin' Up! Sizzix Bigz Alphabet Simple Numbers, dimensionals

Die Cut Day Projects!

Here are three of the featured projects for die-cut day.  There, of course, are always more than just three!  The possibilities are endless when the Big Shot comes out.  Remember, the colors can be changed on any of these.

The Boxes are all made using one of the XL Bigz Dies.  The accents are either with punches or stamps or more Die Cuts.  I like that I can turn out boxes and packaging so quickly with my Big Shot.  Here are the Recipes for the three.  I'll start with the Butterfly Box... No stamping needed!

Stamps: None needed here!
Ink:  I didn't use any, but some shading on the butterflies in Pink Passion could be fun!
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Pink Passion (retiring color!), Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper
Accessories:  Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Stampin' Up! Match-box XL Bigz Die, Stampin' Up! Bigz Die Beautiful Butterflies, Pretties Kit, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals

From My Garden Box:  This would be perfect for gifting extra seeds or dried herbs from your garden.   The base is made using the Movers and Shapers Curly Label XL Bigz die.  Orchid Opulence is another color that's retiring.  I'll miss this one. 
Stamps: Garden from the Heart
Ink: Going Grey, Certainly Celery (pad and marker), So Saffron marker, Orchid Opulence marker
Paper: Orchid Opulence, So Saffron, Whisper White
Accessories: Big Shot Machine, Stampin' Up! Movers and Shapers Curly Label XL Bigz Die, Stampin' Up! Top Note Bigz Die, Punch: curly label, Satin Ribbon in Certainly Celery, Natural Hemp Twine, 1/8" hole punch, dimensionals

Lastly, the Bag With Scallops.  This features our April Special Stamp Set, Awash With Flowers.  It's a preview of a new set that will be in the new Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog coming in July.  It's a nice two-step stamping set.  The Apricot Appeal and Sage Shadow are two more retiring colors. 

Stamps: Awash With Flowers
Ink: Going Grey, Apricot Appeal, Sage Shadow
Paper: Apricot Appeal, Sage Shadow, Whisper White, Nouveau Chic Designer Series Paper
Accessories:  Sizzix XL Bigz die Bag With Scallops, 1-1/4" circle, 1-3/8" circle, Scallop circle punches, Dimensionals