Gum Wrapper

I may have an order for 80 of these! I thought I would share! When you pull the ribbon up (while holding the wrapper part), you expose a pack of Eclipse gum. This is a gift for teachers during their "Teacher Appreciation" week in February. I am waiting to see if this particular layout will be approved.

It's one of the things I made for the recent Craft Fairs that the customers couldn't get enough of. I have made others too... I will post a little later as hubby wants some quality time.

Recipe:

Stamp set(s): Year Round Fun,
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Real Red, Kraft, Whisper White
Ink: Stazon, Versamark
Accessories: Watercolor Crayons & Aqua Painter, Real Red Ribbon, Crop-A-Dile, Scallop Punch, 1/16" hole punch, and my computer to print out the "black board"

Valentine's box

Need a new way to store your cards? How about this adorable box, just in time for Valentine's Day Cards? You can store your cards in this box, displaying your favorite up-front, of course.

I think it's adorable!

I used my computer to print out the banner. I stamped the scene with the new Happy Heart Day stamp set. I stamped all the flowers and cut them out...

Recipe:

Stamp Set(s): Happy Heart Day
Paper: Really Red, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Stazon
Accessories: Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Watercolor Crayons & Aqua Painter

It's been awhile...

I swear I am alive! I have been stamping my little heart out getting ready for 3 craft fairs. One thing that I have found... I sold out almost every time! Here's one project for you. I am planning on creating a website so people can actually order my projects.

I did a class with Kimberly. She did an Advent Calendar. At another class, a lady brought her "inspiration" from the Advent Calendar Class. It was a little different then this... but the concept was the "tree" and taking magnets off of it when the day was over. I wanted to use other types of materials to stamp on but the store I frequent was out of the wooden circles in the right size. Anyway, you can see I did use mirrors and wooden squares.

This was not only a fun project to do, it sold super fast at my last craft show. I will be making more of these in the future!

Happy 50th, Bro!

Well, If you know me at all, you know that I am the youngest of 4 kids. My sister is 57, my oldest brother is 55, and my youngest brother turns 50!! Woo Hoo!! I am so excited about this. This is the card I am sending him. I just love the fact that he is the big 5 - 0! I also love, rubbing it in!!!! LOL!!

Recipe:
Stamp set: Crab & Company and Itty Bitty Backgrounds
Ink: Whisper White Craft, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Really Red, Blue Bayou
Paper: Kraft, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black, Whisper White
Accessories: Glitter Glue, Metallic Brad, Dimensionals, White Gel Pen, Aqua Painter and Sponges

Holiday Gift Tags

Wow, how stinkin' cute is this tag! I got the idea from a good friend. She did it a little different but the concept is the same. I am going to try a few more of these later on this week. I will post them when I can.

Recipe:
Stamp Sets: Punch Pals
Paper: Whisper White, Buckaroo Blue, Cool Carribean
Ink: Basic Black, Stazon Black, Wild Wasabi, Cranberry Crisp, Buckaroo Blue
Accessories: Glitter Glue, Ticket corner Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Circle Punches, Horizontal Slit Punch, Dimensionals, Aqua Painter

Birthday Wishes

I swear I have not fallen off the Earth. I have been stamping so much I barely have time to post. I will post some of the goodies I have been doing. Some I can't... *bites her lip* I will at some point, just not right now. Here is my first lovely. Now I totally CASEd this card from this wonderful artist! Visit this blog:
http://inkingalong.blogspot.com/2007/09/just-playing.html

What I learned most is that the background NEEDS to be light! I would suggest dabbing the image with a paper towel, wetting it again and dabbing it again before using a heat gun on it. Once you use a heat gun, you can't get any more ink off of it. This card turned out so beautiful! Thanks Jen, for sharing!! You have inspired me!

I used basically the same stamp sets. Here's my recipe:
Stamp Sets: Floral (background), So Swirly Jumbo Wheel (background) and Garden Silhouettes (hostess set)
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Chocolate Chip, Bravo Burgundy
Paper: Watercolor Paper, Purely Pomegranate, Bravo Burgundy
Accessories: Spray bottle (with water), Ice Circle Rhinestone Brads, Word Window Punch, Paper Piercer and Sponges.

Autumn Fest

I have so much more to post... I am determined to find more time for posting! At any rate, here is a card I created for a swap.

I recent attended a techniques class. This technique, Joseph's Coat, was demonstrated. I really ... REALLY... like it. I had envisioned this card the moment I saw the technique. If you need more info on it, see SCS. They are a great resource!

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Autumn Fest and All Holidays
Ink: Spectrum Pad - Pumpkin Patch and Basic Black
Card Stock: Glossy, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie(textured), Old Olive and Basic Black
Accessories: 2 Brayers, Gingham Ribbon, Paper Piercer, Linen Thread, Clear Embossing Powder, Tag Punches - lg & sm.

My Family

*grins*... so here we are. Too bad the All in The Family set doesn't have a hamster stamp. LOL!! That's the only thing we are missing!!

So Kind...

Wow, it's been crazy busy over here. I just wanted to put a couple of postings up today. I have been meaning to post them for a long time now.

This was a swap that was taken to Convention for me. This is also the prototype as I forgot to keep one for myself... LOL! I started out using 1 1/2" squares. I dropped it down to 1 1/4" squares and it looked so much better!

It's such a simple card. It's also a pretty cool looking card... I LOVE when that happens!!

Recipe:
Stamp set: Priceless
Card Stock: River Rock, Always Artichoke, Simply Scrappin' Kit - Secret Garden
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: 1" Circle Punch, Paper Piercer and Dimensionals

Card for a Friend

I have a friend that loves Stampin' Up! She also loves the color Chocolate Chip. I had to give this card to her!!

Now, I totally CASEd this card from Scor-pal.com. It is the Accordion folds tutorial. The only difference is that I used the stamps from the Simple Delights - Simply Sent kit. I also used different patterns from the same paper pack. I really liked the way it came out too. Throwing in some River Rock Textured Paper really sets all of it off nicely.

Simply Sent - Simple Delights

Well I thought that might grab your attention. :)

I just got my first Simply Sent kit. I have to say that I love it! I got the Simple Delights version because I am very much into the Baroque-type stamps. It is so versatile and elegant.

Now, I am not the type of person to do EXACTLY what the directions tell you to do. I did model this card after the example but I did do some different things to it. I created the background on the Soft Sky, made the card open vertically, added the sentiment on Very Vanilla & Choc. Chip paper, and I sponged all around the card and sentiment. I will post the "other" card later on... I hope you like this one!

Scrapbooking

I was a Creative Memories Consultant for 4 years. I have a hard time even thinking about stamping in my scrapbooks. I did my Scraps in the Mail pages. I have to say, I am tickled with the way they came out. I won't post them here though. I will post the 12 x 12 pages I had done after my Scrapbook U! classes, since Kimberly posted the originals on her blog. (See my first post for today for the link)

This page has yet to be titled. I will call it, "Beauty Happens Here." I am leaving the space open for some journaling. My favorite type of photography is landscapes. I tend to take pictures of things that are "interesting" to me. LOL! That is a broad subject though. It could be the curve of a tree, a rock formation... etc.

The other page we did at Scrapbook U! is this one: I love the colors on this one. Wild Wasabi - Purely Pomegranate... mmmmmm mmmmmmm.... it is just yummy! Kimberly is such a talented artist.

I am still having a hard time stamping and scrapbooking. Though, I am feeling the need to scrap more. I have a few more pictures I really want to scrap. The 12 x 12 pages are for me... the 8 1/2 x 11 pages are for the kiddos and hubby.

You will see an 8 1/2 x 11 page from me soon. Maybe tomorrow!

Tissue Tea Invites

The school colors are red and blue. The mascot of our school is the comet. Now, while Stampin' Up! doesn't have a comet stamp, yet... hehe. I decided to use the Love It Hostess set from last year's catalog. It's a 3 x 3 card and it's cute as a button. I must have smeared the Glitter Glue... the other invites didn't look like that! LOL! Oh well!

Recipe:
Love It, Priceless, and Hugs and Wishes Stamp sets; Buckaroo Blue, Cranberry Crisp, and Very Vanilla card stock; Buckaroo Blue and Cranberry Crisp ink pads; Accessories: Glitter Glue (I think I used Stickles).

Tissue Tea Bags

Here is a simple gift bag. It's a white lunch bag stamped with Big Deal Letters and Priceless Stamp sets. I used Buckaroo Blue and Cranberry Crisp ink pads.

What do you think?

I have stuff to post!

Ok, so this is what I have learned! You can't keep this stamper down! LOL!!! I have a few things to post. I bought a new camera this weekend so I can take photos of the 12 x 12 scrapbook pages I did. None of the layouts are my own. They were part of a class I took at Kimberly's House! She has the pages on her blog.

I also did some goody bags for a "Tissue Tea" the Odyssey PTA had (an elementary school in Colorado Springs) on August 7th. I will scan the invite too.

Anyway... I will post all this stuff today. Check back in a bit!

I am going insane!

On Tuesday, I was coming out of Karate, I stepped off a curb, took one additional step over a puddle (while holding my 3 yr old's hand) and wham! My shoe turned in an I went down on one knee. People turned around and asked if I needed help. I am totally embarrassed and say, "oh no, I am fine." Turns out: I was not fine. I get the kids home, I walk up our steps and realize: I can't put any weight on my foot! I call the husband near tears. He leaves work and comes home to take me to the ER on base.

So, how well did I do? I broke one bone in three places, the 5th metatarsal. It's called a Jones Break. I haven't stamped in 3 days. I was told to sit on the couch and put my feet up! For a lot of people, it sounds like heaven... to me, HELL!!! I can't stand being on the couch. I have to stamp, I just have to!

I did however, receive me Scor-pal in the mail. I started to make nugget boxes with it. I have to admit, it is MUCH easier with the Scor-pal! All the other ways that I have been scoring aren't as accurate! I highly recommend this product if you are going to do any scoring!

I will post my finished box soon.

Note Cards...

I am on a note card kick. We have lots of relatives that have everything they could possibly want and need. Getting cards for people like this can be a pain. However, I know they would get a kick out of note cards. This one is has that added UMPH! I used Crystal Effects on the heart after coloring it with a Real Red marker... this card makes me happy! hehehe.

Recipe:
Vases in Vogue stamp set; Elegant Eggplant ink pad; Very Vanilla card stock; Real Red Stampin' Write Marker. Accessories: Crystal Effects.

So simple... so elegant... love it!

We've Moved

No, No, We are not moving yet!!! hehehe... Although, anything is possible. We are due to leave at some point. We don't want to but you go where the military sends you!

Anyway, here is that color combo again! I like this layout though! There is just something about it. Anyway, I have created "packs" of cards. I have put 5 of these together, painting the chair different colors. I think if I make these again, I may do something to the corners - ticket corner them, maybe.

Recipe:
Right at Home, Sanded, Cross Hatch Stamp sets; Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise and Stazon Jet Black ink pads; Marigold Morning, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive and Confetti White card stock; Watercolor Crayons and Aqua Painter. Accessories: Word Window punch and More Mustard Brads

Male Birthday

I have been trying to make more masculine cards. I have a brother's birthday coming up soon. Words by Wilson is a great set. The wit is right up my alley!

I purchased the Make and Take Doodle This Thanks Card Kit. It came complete with pre-scored cards, thre other colors in various sizes, brads, ribbon, etc. I still have a few of these so if the colors are repeated often, it's because I am determined to use everything I have purchased! hehe

Recipe:
Words by Wilson Stamp set; Stazon Jet Black and Old Olive ink pads; Marigold Morning, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive and Whisper White card stock; Watercolor Crayons and Aquapainter. Accessories: Ticket Corner punch, Crafter's Tool Kit, More Mustard Brads and Crystal Effects.

Here Comes the Bride!

Here is the other Wedding card. I tried a technique called Spotlighting. I also made the white of the card, the card. The black background is in the back. Does that make sense? To open the card, you open the white portion of the card...

Recipe:
Happily Ever After stamp set; Basic Black, Whisper White and Lavender Lace card stock; Stazon Black Ink; Watercolor Crayons and Aquapainter; Accessories: Black Organdy Ribbon, Ice Circle Rhinestone Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Crafter's Tool Kit and 1" circle punch.

Thanks for looking!

Lots to share

I have lots to share over that two week hiatus that I didn't mean to take. I was stamping up a storm... LOL... I am cranky if I don't stamp... Anyway, here is a wedding card that I made.

Recipe:
Happily Ever After Stamp set; Stazon Black ink; Lavender Lace, Basic Black and Shimmery White Card stock; Watercolor Crayons and Aqua painter; Accessories: Crafter's Tool Kit, Giant Scalloped Circle Punch (Marvy), CM CCS, White Organdy Ribbon, Sponges and Ice Circle Rhinestone Brads.

I like how striking it is... Something is missing... Not sure what it is...

So Simple... So Elegant

Remember from an earlier post, I needed a fabulous birthday card for my niece? Well, this is what it started out like. I used the French Flair. I looked at it... i looked at it... and i said, "I can't stamp over this!!!" Then, I thought, "well, if i can't stamp over it, maybe i can put something in the upper corner." I looked at it, i tried covering up part of it... i rearranged things, i moved things... finally... defeated... i said, "fine! If I can't cover it, I am just going to stamp next to it!"

Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever felt like: This is way to pretty to cover, stamp on, etc? I don't know how i am ever going to use this stamp set! LOL!!! I may add glitter or rhinestone brads later on but I really like the way it looks right now.

Recipe:
French Flair and Hugs and Wishes Stamp Sets; Bordering Blue ink pad; Whisper White card stock; Accessories: none

Priceless Birthday....

I needed a fabulous birthday card for my niece. I love her so much and the card had to be outstanding... so... I totally admit that this card is NOT my design! hehe. I CASEd this card from a Stamp-a-stack I went to - I'm pretty sure that Kimberly Van Diepen was the originator of this card but not positive (it's her style though for sure!). However, I changed the colors and (most) stamp sets used.

Wow, that card is crooked... LOL! My full intention was to emboss the butterfly in white... well, it only works when you have white embossing powder; clear embossing powder doesn't work as well... however, popped up like this worked pretty well!

Recipe: Priceless, Hugs and Wishes, French Script and Floral Stamp sets; Whisper White and Lavender Lace card stock; Lavender Lace Ink pad; Accessories: Ice Circle Rhinestone brads, White gel pen, Stampin' Dimensionals, White Narrow Organdy Ribbon

Since I have posted...

Wow! It doesn't seem real! I haven't posted in nearly two weeks. I want to keep you posted on what's been going on. First, I was working on cards for a craft show. Then, I took a bunch of classes. Finally, I worked on swaps for Convention. No, I am not going... I am totally bummed about it too! I have been stamping up a storm though!! WOO HOO!!

Anyway, here's an invite I created for a Labor Day party we are going to have. It figures I grabbed the prototype! I actually cut down on the number of ants, put eyes on the ants and generally made the right side of this card less busy.

Recipe:
Backyard BBQ and Bugs & Kisses Stamp set; Black Stazon, Cranberry Crisp, Chocolate Chip, Going Grey, Creamy Caramel and Basic Black ink pads; blender pen and Basic Black marker; Creamy Caramel, Whisper White and non-SU! pattern paper (CM paper - Cottage Grove- NLA); Accessories; 1 1/4" & 1" Circle Punch, Stickles (glitter glue - crystal effects and dazzling diamonds can be used instead) and Stampin' Dimensionals.

Happy Halloween!

Yes, I know it's a bit early on this card. I made it for a swap coming up here next week. I really wanted to use the Year After Year Stamp set. This was a fun one to watercolor. I am really loving the watercolor crayons, too!

Recipe:
Year After Year, Everyday Flexible Phrases, and Flannel Plaid stamp sets; Rough Texture Jumbo Wheel; Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie and Shimmery White card stock; Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi and Black Stazon ink pads; Watercolor Crayons (Earth Elements) and aqua painter; Accessories: Crafter's Tool Kit, Sponges, Black Grosgain, Round Tab Punch, and Cutter Kit.

Double Trouble

Hi All,

I know it's been a while since I have posted. I do have lots of things I could share... but... I can't. They were part of classes that I have taken... However, I do have some originals to show.

This is another lesson in color changes... AND... a lesson in chalks vs. markers. I personally like the look of the chalks. Although, at second glance, this is not chalks entirely. My 3 year old tried to be like mommy when mommy wasn't around. He used my blender pen and wrote all over a copy of this stamped image. So... how do you fix a partially ruined image? Easy!

Cut the image apart and lay it over the original image. Use Dimensionals to pop the image up off the card. (See Blue Bayou card to see what I mean) I just love the way it looks. It gives the card an added UMPH!

Recipe (River Rock):
Right At Home and Soft Swirls stamp sets; River Rock, Wild Wasabi and Confetti White card stock; Stazon and River Rock ink; Earth Elements Markers; Accessories: Non-SU! Heart Punches, Non-SU! White Brads; Crafter's Tool Kit; Cutter Kit and White Organdy Ribbon.

Recipe (Blue Bayou):
Right at Home & Pick a Petal Stamp sets; Blue Bayou, Soft Sky and Stazon Ink pads; Blue Bayou, Soft Sky and White Confetti Card stock; Earth Elements Watercolor Crayons and Aqua Pen; Accessories: Non-SU! Heart Punches, Non-SU! heart brads, sponges and White Organdy Ribbon.

Birthday Funny...

Afternoon!

Last night, I found out it was one of my Karate Instructor's birthday. I knew my son would be going to Karate today... it had to be a funny card! I LOVE THIS SET! Ok, it was the first time I had ever used it, of course. But the humor is right up my alley. I love anything that is smartass-ishness... Hahahaha! I just made up a new word! Anyway, I had my husband help me make this card... hehe

Recipe:
Words by Wilson and Itty Bitty Backgrounds Stamp Sets; See you around Jumbo Wheel; Very Vanilla, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky and River Rock card stock; Stazon, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky and River Rock ink pads, Stampin' Pastels and Blender Pen; Accessories: Earth Elements Brads (Navy?), Crafter's Tool Kit and Sponges.

Eeeewwwww!

Have you ever come across this situation? You have a card that you had so carefully planned in your head. You can see it, you can feel it, and you know it will be so stinkin' cute. Then you do it and you are less than thrilled with it.

Well, here it is! I can tell you want I don't like about it. I don't like how thick the grass is. I should have made it thinner. Then I could have moved everything down and the dragonfly would be in the "sky" instead of flying low to the ground...

Now, I tried to turn around and make 3 x 3 cards with this set... and I am less than thrilled with them as well... I don't think it's the set, I think it's me! LOL When I redo this card, i will post the recipe to go with it. I really like that the grass has Crystal Effects on it to give it a dewy effect! I even put a drip on a couple of the blades...

I have been stamping up a storm but because someone posted on her blog that she needs her stamp set back *giggles uncontrollably* I stamped all the images I could so I could return the sets to her today! *looks up and whistles as if she were trying to look innocent* I have only had them less than a week! Sheesh!! LOL!!!

I am working on "moving", "Welcome to the neighborhood", and "Thank you for your hospitality" cards. Being a military wife, you tend to need these cards a lot. Since we are NOT moving for a while (hopefully a long while - hubby only has 5 years to go before he retires!!!!), these cards are being made for a craft fair on a military base at the end of the month!

Ok, enough rambling... i gotta return these stamps. hehe

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

As I said in an earlier post, I am determined to use the stamps I have and the products I have bought. Not really sure if these cards work or not but hey... I am still a novice.

When Stampin' Up! offered the Make 'n Take Kit, I bought two, thinking I would make lots of cards with it. Well, I made the first set of Thank You cards. Now I have one pack left. So the first card is my version of what I did to change things up a bit. Besides, I bought the Notched Corner punch and just had to use it too! I have them products... I need to use them! Right? hehe. I am in a chatty modd today. Hmmm... must be all the sleep I got last night. I actually got 8 hours! Whoo Hooo!!!! LOL!

The second card is my precious Hedgehogs. I realized just how cute these little darlings are and couldn't resist them. Stampin' Pastels give them that warm and fuzzy look without even trying too hard. Love me some Hedgehogs... ahhhhhh! I have the stinkin' stamps I have GOT to use them!! On the Hedgehog cards that I did make this past weekend, I cut the watercolor paper in half and had all this extra on one side. Perfect place for a ribbon! I also used some scraps that I had. I punched those squares for something, I never used them. They look pretty good on the card, I think!

The final card was just me playing. I used some of the products that I got in the Make 'n Take Kit...

Recipe (Marigold):
Petals 'N Paisley, Fancy Flexible Phrases and Wonderful Words Stamp sets. Tempting Turquoise, Stazon and Marigold Morning Ink Pad; Marigold Morning, Confetti White, Tempting Turquoise and Old Olive Card stock; Accessories: Mustard Brads, Moss Grosgain (should have been Olive), Non-SU! Hodgepodge type circle clip, Non-SU! glitter glue (Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds could be used), Notched Corner Punch.

Recipe (Hedgehog):
Hedgehog Happiness stamp set; Regal Rose, Rose Red & watercolor card stock; Stazon and Versamark ink pads; Stampin' Pastels and Blender pen; Accessories: Rose Grosgain, Rhinestone Square Brads, Non-SU! Hodgepodge type circle clip.

Recipe (Turquoise):
Petals and Paisley, Fancy Flexible Phrases, and Itty Bitty Backgrounds Stamp sets; Tempting Turquoise, Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive and Confetti White Card Stock; Stazon, Versamark, Elegant Eggplant and Marigold Morning Stamp pads; Accessories: Bold Bright Brads (Turquoise), Spiral and Round Tab Punches, Crafter's Tool Kit, White gel pen and Non-SU! glitter glue.

More to come later!

Prego cards

I did about 15 cards this weekend! These cards are pregnancy cards. There are 4 here. I sit back and look at these and even though it's the same stamp, changing the hair, skin and clothes colors really makes the cards look different. Having the tools rather than the stamp sets is so much more important. You can take a really great stamp set and make them look completely different with the right tools!

When I decide to build my business (not yet, I am having way to much fun and the timing just isn't right for me), I will definitely show my customers just what I discovered. Tools are where it's at! With all the great tools in the Stampin' Up! arsenal, you can make such beautiful things with few stamp sets.

Recipe (Blonde):
Swell News stamp set; Pretty in Pink and Stazon ink pads, Stampin' Pastels and blender pen; Pretty in Pink marker and Color Spritzer tool; Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink and Confetti White Card stock: Corner Rounder punch (with guard taken off to achieve the scalloped edge), 1/16" punch; Accessories: Rhinestone brads, Crafter's Tool Kit, White Organdy (Narrow) and sponges.

Recipe (Brunette): Swell News and Fancy Flexible Phrases Stamp sets, Petals Jumbo Wheel; Marigold Morning, Old Olive and White Confetti Card Stock; Marigold Morning, Tempting Turquoise and Stazon ink pads; Stampin' Pastels and Blender Pen; Accessories: Turquoise Grosgain, Linen Thread, a Tag from Purse Boxes & Tags, sponges and white gel pen.

Recipe (Black hair):
Swell News Stamp set; Pretty In Pink, Confetti White and Lovely Lilac Card stock; Versamark, Stazon and Pretty in Pink stamp pads; Stampin' Pastels and Blender Pen; CM 12" Decorative Trimmer; Accessories: Word Window punch, Sponge Daubers, Sponges, Rhinestone brads (pink)

Recipe (Red Head):
Swell News and All Year Cheer II stamp sets; Close to Cocoa, White Confetti and Sahara Sand card stock; Stazon, Versamark and Close to Cocoa stamp pads; Stampin' Pastels and Blender pen. Accessories: Chocolate Grosgain, Hodgepodge circle clip (pewter), Crafter's Tool Kit, Sponges and double Rectangle Punch.

Isn't it amazing. Yes, all the cards are similar but they are all different! I have even more cards to post... holy cow! I was a busy girl. I am not sure if I will post more today or not... probably later on tonight, will be the next time I will get to post. I am working on 4 hours of sleep so who knows when I will wake up... LOL

Stampin' like crazy...

I know I haven't posted in a few days but that doesn't mean I haven't been stamping! I sure have! My purpose was to dig out some old sets that I haven't used in a while. The hedgehogs are my absolute favorite old set I have. I bought these quite a few years ago because they were so stinkin' cute. I never even used them! My plan until the end of the month is to use all the sets I currently own! Ummm... maybe that's an unrealistic goal.

So, I am trying to make some very simple, fun cards that go the extra mile. I think both of these fit that mold. I stink at making holes... LOL. On my red card the brads are a little crooked.

I even tried using pearl ex on the blue card. I LOVE IT on the Hedgehog holding the balloon but don't care for it much on the background balloons.

Recipe (Red):
Hedgehog Happiness stamp set; All About Birthdays Jumbo wheel; Real Red & watercolor card stock; Real Red & Stazon ink pad; Stampin' Pastels & blender pen. Accessories: Red grosgain ribbon, silver brads, corner rounder punch & 1/16" hole punch, non-SU! Hodgepodge type circle clip silver.

Recipe (Blue):
Hedgehog Happiness & Birthday Best Stamp sets; Tempting Turquoise & Brilliant Blue card stock; Stazon and Versamark; Stampin' Pastels and blender pen. Accessories: Pearl Ex & Future Floor wax in the aqua painter, Ticket Corner punch, Turquoise Grosgain, non-SU! Hodgepodge type buckle (trying to get rid of the old before I use the new) and Bold Bright Brads (Brilliant Blue)

More cards to come soon!

Scrap cards...

Ok... so as you may know, my block is over. I only had an hour of stamping time before I went off to Karate. I was determined to get two cards done in that hour. I felt the pressure... my brow started to glisten... my palms started to get clammy... my heart was pounding hard in my chest.

Here's what I came up with... They are 3 x 3 Note cards... I had imagined punching a hole in the envelope and hanging this card on a gift basket/gift bag with some ribbon. Better still, save the envelope punch the hole in the card and hang it from a basket/bag, etc... Hmmm... Do you smell that? *sniffs the air, looking intently around*... Oh never mind, I am just thinking too much... LOL

Recipe (baby boy):
Swell News Stamp Set; Bashful Blue, Brocade Blue and Very Vanilla card stock; Versamark; Stazon Jet Black; Stampin' Pastels and Blender pen. Accessories: Fresh Favorites II eyelets (brocade blue), Crafter's Tool Kit, Prep School Ribbon.

Recipe (baby girl):
Swell News stamp set; Pretty in Pink, Lavendar Lace and Very Vanilla Card stock, Versamark, Stazon Jet Black; Stampin' Pastels and Blender pen. Accessories: Fresh Favorites II eyelets (rose red), Crafter's Tool Kit, Sweet Shop Ribbon.

As you can see, they are cute and simple... Just the way I like it! I am off to make more cards! I think I am on a roll. LOL!

6 cards made...

Well, I have broken the stamper's block. I decided to work on some cards for an upcoming Craft Fair. So, I thought about what might sell... I got out all my stamp sets that had multiple purposes.

One of the sets is Greetings Galore. The other set is Feathered Friends. I have 2 more sets I plan on using for "Baby" cards... Now, as I am making these cards, Ms. Peggy calls and tells me that the Catalogs are in! Luckily, I was able to go to Ms. Kimberly's house to get one as mine has yet to arrive in the mail! UGH!!!

OMG! The catalog is sooooooo cool and has such cute new things in it... But that's for another post!

Recipe (Baby Boy):

Riveting and Greetings Galore Stamp Sets; Whisper White and Bashful Blue card stock; Bashful Blue Ink Pad; Stazon; Versamark; non-SU scalloped circle punch (can't wait for the new one) & CCS (Creative Memories) circle cutter; Accessories: Hodgepodge Pewter, White Grosgain Ribbon, Sponges, Stampin' Pastels (to color the image) & Blender Pen, Baby Wipe; 1/16" punch; Crystal Clear Embossing Powder.

I made the same version of this card using everything the same but using Pretty in Pink Card stock, ink, etc. for the Baby Girl card.

Recipe (Baby Girl):

Feathered Friend Stamp Set; Flitting By Jumbo Wheel; Stazon; Pretty in Pink Ink Pad; Stampin' Pastels with Blender Pen; Confetti White, Pretty in Pink and Certainly Celery card stock; Accessories: Hodgepodge Pewter, White Organdy Ribbon, Rhinestone brads (pink), Crafter's Tool Kit and Sponges.

I made a baby boy card similarly to this one. It didn't turn out as well but it is still cute. I will have to post it some other time as I am dying to look at the new catalog again for the third time... LOL!! BBL - It's dinner time here in our house... mmmm smells good!

Another Note Card

Here's another note card for an aunt. I am making 10 each of two different styles for this particular aunt. This stamp set is wonderful! The verses are generic enough for a project like this!! I am debating whether or not I will monogram these cards... It would personalize it, letting that person know it was made just for them... I just like how clean and simple this card is... UGH!!

Ok, what do you think? Should I or shouldn't I? I will let your votes count! hehe. I sure can't decide on what to do...

Recipe:

Vases in Vogue stamp set; Very Vanilla card stock; Purely Pomegranate ink pad.

Recipe:

Vases in Vogue Stamp set; Very Vanilla card stock; Blue Bayou ink pad.

Resist Embossing

So, I am gearing up to make gifts for family members this year. I have a few aunts (everyone has someone in their family like this) who have everything they could ever need or want. So, I decided to make them some note cards.

Here is a sample of the card I have made. It is so simple yet so elegant. I used black embossing powder on the Baroque Motif's swirl then used the baby wipe background technique, leaving part of the card lighter than the others to really give the swirling effect... I will probably give 15 - 20 of these cards with envelopes to this particular aunt.

Recipe:
Baroque Motifs and Big Deal Alphabet; Very Vanilla card stock; Soft Sky and basic black ink pads; Accessories: Black embossing powder and baby wipes

BB #3 - Thinking of You!

Here is a card that I have CASEd from everyone... too many to mention... LOL! At any rate, this was a fun card. You can use any sentiment you want and that's what makes this card so versatile.

Stampin' Dimensionals are a must! They pop up the each petal and flower center. It just looks so lovely and classy. Wow, I just noticed I didn't sponge around the card in Old Olive... I almost never do that!

Recipe:
Sincere Salutations and Floral stamp sets; Old Olive, Summer Sun, Kraft and Very Vanilla card stock; Summer Sun and Old Olive ink pads. Accessories: Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals, Distressing Tool (from the Cutter Kit) and the Tearing Edge.

BB #2 - Olive You!

Here's a card I did a short time ago. I love this set. Being Italian-American, olives have a special place in my heart... hehehehehe.

I did use some non-SU items. The heart-shaped brads were bought at Joann's and the circles were cut using Creative Memories CCS (Custom Cutting System).

The template for this card was on the SU! website. I am sure I will do this type of card again. Things I would change: Cut the partial circle out using the CCS instead of cutting it from the template. I am completely anal about straight lines... sorry, I am trying to get over my affliction but it's hard!

Most of my sets are now retired or they are so new most people can't get them yet. For that, I can't apologize.

Recipe:
Olive You and Soft Swirls Stamp sets; Summer Sun, Close to Cocoa and Whisper White card stock; Close to Cocoa, Real Red, Old Olive and Chocolate Chip ink pads; Chocolate Chip Marker; Accessories: Color Spritzing Tool, Aqua Painter, Sponges, Chocolate Grosgain Ribbon, Horizontal slot punch; exacto knife; and heart-shaped brads.

BB Cards

Good morning... OK by the time I finished this post it was afternoon. I had to stop mid-blog and go off to Karate. Whew, I am tiiiiiiiiiiiiiired! hehe.

I have "stamper's block." I was working on a double slider. I am so frustrated (yes, because I am a perfectionist). I was looking through the Stampin' Success when I saw the double slider (no not for the first time) thinking it would cure my "stamper's block."

Now... BB stands for Before Blog. Here are a few more cards that I have made... This one in particular was CASEd from Beate's Blog. I love the Gatefold card and with this stamp set, it is oh so elegant! I basically made it exactly the way she did because I have never tried a Gatefold. Plus, it was the first card I made with the Baroque Motifs stamp set.

Recipe:

Baroque Motifs Stamp set; Groovy Guava, Purely Pomegranate and Wild Wasabi ink pads; Purely Pomegranate, Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi and Shimmering White card stock; Accessories: 3/4" and 1" circle punches, sponges, Fire & Ice Brads (Circles, red).

Slit Punch Frame

I got this idea from Maria Bell... It was a lot of fun! My only suggestion is that if you use it as a frame, be sure you sponge EVERYTHING before assembling the card. After I put it together, I wished I had sponged more... I can't stop sponging... hehe

Here I used another non-SU product. Creative Memories Custom Cutting System (CCS). It's a personal choice whether you want to use the Coluzzle from SU! I "grew up" using the CCS. Anyway, I cut a 3" Circle with the CCS right out of the middle of my card front and used the slit punch starting inside the circle I had cut out...

Recipe:

Three for You Punch Box, Hugs and Wishes, & Year After Year Stamp Sets; Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi and Shimmering White card stock; Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi and Groovy Guava ink pads; Bashful Blue Stampin Pastel Chalk. Accessories: Large Oval Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Sponges and Daubers.

Before the blog...

I have a bunch of cards to put up. A little at a time i will add to my collection, however, i will only add my own ideas... I am not saying that I didn't get the card ideas from somewhere... especially this card... but I alter all ideas I get to make them a little more me... I did the Shirt Fold Tutorial from Cambria.

The original card I did was in the red/burgandy of the POP paper pack... I love this paper... I only have two sheets left, the Celery (seen here) and the Rose Red (the one I gave away). When July 1st hits, I am SO getting this paper again!

Recipe:
All-Around Argyle Stamp Set; Always Artichoke card stock; Pallet of Prints Argyle print paper (celery); Always Artichoke ink pad; Always Artichoke Marker; Accessories: non-SU mini buttons and a sponge. Quick and Easy! The way I like it!

Weathered Zebra

I was playing with the Black Embossing powder a few weeks ago. This card sat there all embossed waiting for something to make special. I thought and thought and thought... I was trying to go for a more marbleized effect and this came out so bold...

Finally, I thought... a zebra is black and white! So, keeping the colors simple and bold, I used Basic Black, Whisper White and Real Red.

Recipe:

Wild About You, Zoofari and Weathered Stamp Sets, Basic Black ink pad; Versamark; Basic Black, Whisper White and Real Red card stock; Accessories: Black Embossing Powder; Bold Brights Brads (Real Red); Sponge; 1/16" hole punch, Spiral Punch

I am working on some cards today. I am sure I will post something tomorrow morning... until then... Happy Stamping!