Just Give Me Stamps...

A Blue Rose Thank You...

Happy Monday!  I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday weekend (and for those of you not in the U.S.A., I hope you all had a wonderful weekend as well :-)! 

I was in need of a thank you card, and I remembered the elegant "Thank You" script in the Aging Gracefully set (by Inque Boutique) and thought it would be perfect for my intended recipient!  I chose the colors from this gorgeous patterned paper (more of the 29th Street Market by My Mind's Eye I talked about the other day :-).

To create the layered rose, I stamped the rose image onto watercolor paper using London Fog Memento ink.  I then added just a bit of watercolor using my Stampin' Up! Classic pads, a watercolor brush, & some water.  After cutting each of the four layers out, I sponged them all very lightly with Antique Linen Distress Ink.  Once I had all the layers glued together, I added just a little bit of Diamond Glaze to parts of the flower, then sprinkled on some Clear Micro beads.  I don't know why, but I always forget about Micro beads...but I really like them and should use them more!  :-)

A quick note about the sentiment:  I embossed the Thank You using White embossing powder (but it was too white for my card) and then "aged" it a bit by highlighting (or low-lighting...hehehehe) parts of it with my Sand Copic Marker.  Also, the top piece is just something that I hand drew out of some DP scraps that I had (you know the scraps that are left on the table after cutting your various layers??).

I hope you all have a fantastic Monday (no...that is not an oxy moron...LOL!!)!! 

Recipe   Stamps:Aging Gracefully(Inque Boutique)   Paper:Watercolor paper, Spring Moss, White Prism paper, 29th Street Market patterned paper (My Mind's Eye)   Ink:London Fog (Memento ink), Antique Linen Distress ink, Versamark, Classic pads for watercoloring (Soft Sky, Sahara Sand, & Taken with Teal)   Other:White e.p., Oval Nestabilities, Ivory taffeta ribbon, Butterfly brad, Dew Drops, Micro Beads, Diamond Glaze, Copic markers, Sewing machine

Celebrate!

Happy Saturday!  :-)  I hope you all had a wonderful (and safe) Fourth of July!  We enjoyed a quiet day here just with our family.  Our littlest munchkin is now old enough to really enjoy everything...the games, food, & fireworks...so it was especially fun watching him really experience these things for the first time!  :-)

Today's OCC challenge is a Sketch created by Jennifer Meyer (Jennifer's Sweet Designs). Today is also Charmine's birthday...and a few of her friends are throwing her a Virtual Birthday Party!  I'm bringing...you guessed it...the cupcakes!!!  :-)   You can see more of the virtual party fun at the following blogs:

Carolina http://creativepad.typepad.com/
Christie http://www.littlepinkflowers.typepad.com/little_pink_flowers/
Colleen http://www.creative-expressions-papercrafting.blogspot.com/
Danielle  http://www.fatcatstamper.blogspot.com/
Donna http://stampamaniac.blogspot.com/
Jana  http://www.stampwithjana.blogspot.com/
Jackie  http://www.stampingsister.blogspot.com/
Jackie P. http://www.thescallopededge.typepad.com/
Jessie  http://www.canyousayaddictedtostamps.blogspot.com/
Jodi  http://www.stampingalatte.blogspot.com/
Julie  http://www.stampinwithjulie.blogspot.com/
Michelle: http://michellerodgers.blogspot.com/

I was inspired by the "lemony" color and the beautiful red flowers.  The colors also were a perfect match to some paper I've been wanting to use!  I just received a package from a very sweet friend of mine, Tosh, and it contained some of the prettiest papers I have ever seen!  Some are from brands that I'm familiar with...but she also included papers from a couple of companies that I had not heard of before.  The paper I used here is from 29th Street Market (Bouncy Ball paper)...and let me tell you it is sooo pretty...and the weight and texture is just fantastic!!  You will definitely be seeing more creations with gorgeous patterned paper in the near future! 

I chose to use this fun swirly cupcake from Inkadinkado's Clear Cupcake set (one of my all-time favorite cupcake sets).  After stamping it in Memento Rich Chocolate ink, I colored it in using my Copic markers.  Because I then added someDiamond Glazeto the frosting for a shiny and dimensional look.  The cupcake liner is paper pieced using the same rich burgundy Prism cardstock as I used for the frame (made with my rectangle Nestabilities) and card base.  I added some vellum behind the cupcake so that my cupcake would show up better but not cover up as much of the patterned paper.  For the Celebrate! "flag", I just hand drew a little wavy flag and cut it out. 

 

Make sure to check out the OCC blog to see all the cards the designers created...they are all gorgeous!!

Oh...I just have to add that Michelle (owner of Stamper's Dream) is now offering FREE shipping to all orders over $75!!!  Wooohoo!!!  I love it when I get a good deal on shipping!! 

I hope you all have a wonderful Saturday!!

Recipe   Stamps:Cupcake Clear set (Inkadinkado)   Paper:Prism c.s., Vellum c.s., 29th Street Market patterned paper (Bouncy Ball)   Ink: Rich Chocolate Memento ink, Burgundy, Creamy Caramel   Other:Copic markers, Rectangle Nestabilities, Brad, Hemp, Diamond Glaze, Sakura Stardust pen

Happy Thoughts...

Happy Thursday!  I've been super busy these last couple of days (running the kids to town for various things, working on mountains of paperwork, & helping DH set up a website to help sell our raised horses).  I think I was going through stamping "withdrawals", so I slipped into my stamp room this afternoon and whipped up a card based on this week's SCS Sketch Challenge.

I normally don't do "Clean and Simple" very well ( I like it...it's just hard for me to do)...but I am so pleased with how this card turned out!  I think these beautiful papers really had something to do with that!  :-) 

I received some new stamps the other day...and I just had to ink them up!  I stamped the small flower and "happy thoughts" sentiment from Wordsworth's Everyday Whimsyset in Adirondack Pitch Black ink onto Shimmery White c.s.  I outlined/colored everything with my Copic markers.  I popped the flower up to add a little extra dimension.  I also added just a little bit of Stardust Stickles to the flower's center.  I used an Aqua card base and layered  on some patterned paper (from the Meadow's Edge Collection).  For embellishments, I added some White grosgrain ribbon and a button....oh, and a little stitching along the bottom!  :-) 

Thanks for stopping by!

Recipe   Stamps: Everyday Whimsy (Wordsworth)   Paper: Aqua card base, Meadow's Edge Collection (Rubber Soul), Shimmery White c.s.   Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black   Other:Copic markers, Stardust Stickles, White grosgrain ribbon, Button, Sewing machine, Nestabilities (rectangle)

Star-Spangled Birthday Wishes...

Happy Tuesday!  I've got some exciting news to share with you!  Verve Stamps is now a SCS Member Company!  To "kick" things off, Julee has issued a fun stamping challenge...and there are some PRIZES involved!  :-) 

Just make a card with a star on it...you can interpret that any way you'd like (i.e. stamp, embellishment, text etc.)!  Two winners will be randomly picked and will receive $15 if Verve Bucks!  When you upload to SCS, just use the keyword VSCSTAR!  Oh...did I mention the FREE shipping special???  No?  Well, head on over to the brand spankin' new Verve forum to check out the details!

Here is my sample for the Star-Spangled challenge!  I admittedly have a tendancy to "loosely" interpret the challenge rules (you know...pushing the envelope a little but without "breaking" the rules).  This time though, I stayed well within the challenge "boundaries"...LOL!! 

I have a friend that has a birthday coming up on July 4th...and she happens to love all things "Americana".  In fact, the more "vintage Americana" looking, the better.  :-)  I chose Verve's Seeing Stars set..mainly because I felt these stars could be "Antiqued" nicely with a little sponging.  :-) 

To make the embossed River Rock background piece, I rotated my cardstock a little and then used my Scor-Pal to create "scored" lines every 1/4".  When I first placed the Double Stitched Blue Bayou ribbon on my card, it really looked out of place (the stitching was bright white..which contrasted too much against aged rustic colors of the card).  I quickly sponged some Antique Linen Distress ink on to the ribbon (especially the white stitching)...which made it a perfect match!  :-)

I stamped the "Birthday Wishes" sentiment (from the Wonderful Wishes set) in Blue Bayou in the right bottom corner of my focal piece.  Even though I had sponged the edges...and distressed them a little...it still needed something.  My little Janome Mini sewing machine is acting up again (it is ALL the machine's fault...and no user error, I'm sure LOL!!!), so I just added some piercings around the edges.  Even though the stamping is fairly simple on this card, I just really love how this turned out...and even more importantly, I think my friend will like it as well!  :-)

I'll be on and off SCS (checking out all the action in the Verve forum) the rest of the afternoon...so if you have a minute, stop by and say hello!  :-)

Recipe   Stamps: Seeing Stars, Wonderful Wishes (Verve Stamps)   Paper: River Rock, Blue Bayou, Ruby Red, Patterned Paper (My Mind's Eye), Shimmery White c.s.   Ink: Blue Bayou, Ruby Red, River Rock, Antique Linen Distress Ink   Other: Blue Bayou Dbl. Stitched Ribbon, Antique Brass hardware (brads and swirl clip), Scor-Pal, Paper piercer

Flora Doodles...

Today, I finished up a project that I've been working on.  I've actually been meaning to make one of these for quite some time (I've had the supplies for...well, longer than I care to admit LOL!).  I'm not sure, exactly, why I've been putting it off...it was so fun and quick to make!

 I've had this Flora Doodles set by Inque Boutique sitting on my desk for a few days.  My daughter, Alison, came in to my stamp room...saw the Flora Doodles set...and was instantly smitten!  She then goes on to remind me of the "cork board that I was supposed to make her for her room...but haven't yet...one that will match the colors in her room...and OH won't this set be perfect for it...and don't you have all the stuff already?"!!  LOL!!  Isn't it amazing how good their memory is when it comes to stuff like that...but how easy it is to forget to say...do the dishes?  LOL!!!  That was all the convincing I needed...

I found these cork board squares (5 3/4") at the Dollar store, believe it or not!  I originally was planning on making a trio..or even a quartet of these, but only one will fit by Ali's desk.  Although, now that I'm not "putting it off" anymore...I just might make one for myself (except I would probably make four as they are a bit small).  I started by painting the cork board white.  I then stamped the swirls from the Petals set (also an Inque Boutique set) using some bright green acrylic paint.  I masked around the edges, and painted them a bright pink to somewhat resemble a frame.  I don't think I masked well enough, becase a little bit of pink paint leaked under the tape.  That is why this now has some black grosgrain trim!  :-)

I wanted to make some cute covers for the Quilter's tacks that I had, but I didn't think cardstock would hold up very well.  So, I brought out my white shrink plastic.  :-)  Using the same flower I did on the paper one (in the top corner), I stamped it onto the shrink plastic (which I lightly sanded first) using Pallet Noir ink.  I actually tried several different inks...and none of them worked better than the Palette (I needed it to not smear on the plastic and be permanent enough that I could use my Copics on it after it was shrunk).  The first one I tried, I did not sand the shrink plastic...and my Copic markers just smeared...making quite a mess...so, if you want to try this and use Copics to color...make sure you sand first!  :-)

After I shrunk my flowers (it is SO much fun to watch..I don't think I will ever get tired of it :-), I used E6000 glue to adhere the flowers to the top of the tacks.  I then added some pink Dew Drops to the centers of each of the flowers.

I stamped the flower twice onto Shimmery White c.s. and colored them in with Copic markers.  I cut them both out (one I only cut out the inner part) and used mounting foam to adhere them together.  After it was all together, I "outlined" the flower with Stardust Stickles.  (I always add my Stickles last...that way I don't smear it :-).

**I also want to remind you of the "Everything Inque Day" sale!  Everything (and I do mean everything...stamps, patterned paper, chipboard, stickers, acrylic blocks, the 13" stamping mat (a.k.a. Stephanie's Secret Weapon), ink pads, felt embellishments, brads, etc.) is 20% off of their already great prices!  And...if you order through The Purple Turtle Stamp Shoppe, the sale is extended through Monday!  Just make sure you use the coupon code AWESOME at check out! 

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

Recipe   Stamps: Flora Doodles, Petals   Paper: Shimmery White c.s.   Ink:Palette Noir, Adirondack Pitch Black   Other: Copic markers, Shrink Plastic, Corkboard square, Dew Drops, Rhinestones, Ribbon, Acrylic paint, Stickles, Decorative brad, Quilter's tacks

An OCC Challenge - Stella Ruby Style!

Today is another OCC (Our Creative Corner) challenge!  I was able to only peek at a few of last week's challenge cards (I had the craziest week I think I've ever had!!), but this week promises to be quite a bit slower and I can't wait to check out all of your amazing creations!  :-)

This week's challenge is to use Basic Grey paper.  I was thrilled when I saw this, because not only do I LOVE Basic Grey stuff...but I have a ton of it!  LOL!!!  If you play along this week, there is an extra treat in store for you!  Just link up your card to THIS post on the OCC blog, and you will be entered into the drawing to win a $15 Gift Certificate from Jacksonbelle Embellishments!

I just received this Friendship clear set (by Inkadinkado) and couldn't WAIT to ink it up!  I thought this dress would be a perfect match to Basic Grey's Stella Ruby collection!  After stamping the dress onto Cream Pearlized c.s. and coloring it in with my Copics, I used my Copic Air gun (after first masking the dress) to add a subtle blue/green color to the background.  (I know...I got this Air Gun for Mother's Day...and I'm just now writing about it!  LOL!  I have used it...but not very well..as I have needed a lot of practice.)  While the dress was still masked, I stamped the Sanded background stamp (lightly inked with Sahara Sand ink) over it.  I also stitched around the edges of the Stella Ruby paper.  I know what you're thinking...and YES, I did wear my glasses!  LOL!!!  It's supposed to be wavy!

In this close-up picture, you can see the subtle sparkle I added (with my Sakura Stardust pen) to the dress.  You can also see just a little bit of the shimmer on the cardstock.  I LOVE this shimmery cardstock and use it quite a bit.  Honestly, I have to consciously choose not to use...as I just adore the yummy shimmeryness!  :-) 

I embossed the sentiment and then used the Spellbinder's Tags 5 die to create the oval tag.  I wanted the ends of the ribbon (on the tag) not to stick straight up, so I used my Heat Tool to ever so slightly curl them.  This is something I like to do with Organdy ribbon quite a bit...and is easy to do.  Just remember, it does not take much heat to get it to curl....and if you're not careful you can actually melt your ribbon (don't ask me how I know this!  LOL).  I added some more ribbon, flowers, & pearls as embellishments.

Make sure to check out Stamper's Dream Store today!  Michelle has a bunch of new stamps in...as well as having a great sale going on today! 

Thanks for visiting!  Have a fantastic Saturday!

Recipes   Stamps:Friendship (Inkadinkado), Sanded   Paper:Cream Pearlized c.s., Sage Shadow, True Thyme, Basic Grey's Stella Ruby patterned paper   Ink: Adirondack Espresso, Sage Shadow craft ink, Sahara Sand   Other: Clear e.p., Spellbinder's Tags 5 die, Copic markers, Pearls, Flowers, Sewing Machine, Wide & Narrow Ivory Organdy ribbon, Sakura Stardust pen, Copic Air gun, Nestabilities

Everything Inque Day!

Happy Saturday!  I'm sorry I'm posting so late today...I've had "technical difficulties" this morning.  I want to thank those of you that have emailed me that my blog wasn't loading for you...it seems to have happened quite a bit lately.  Hopefully, It's all fixed now!  :-)

Today, Inque Boutique is having an incredible SALE!!!  Before I tell you all the details, I want to share with you a little oval card I made with the French Fancy set.

I created the oval shape using my oval Nestabilities (I used the largest scalloped oval die for the base).  I used several of the "background" type stamps included in the set to create my "vintage" type background.  To add to the vintage feel, I stitched around the edge of the Almost Amethyst layer using a dark Ivory thread.  To make the frame, I first embossed it (all the stamps I used are from the French Fancy set) using Chocolate Chip craft ink and Clear e.p. onto Almost Amethyst cardstock.  I then cut the frame out (for the inside, I used an exacto knife) and adhered a small piece of Shimmery White c.s. (that I had first stamped and shaded) to the back side. 

Aren't these flowers gorgeous???  I have to admit though...I have NO idea what kind they are!!  I am so inept when it comes to flowers, plants, and all things "gardening"!!  I just know that when I saw these, they reminded me of some lavender colored flowers that I saw in France!  So...that's how I colored them!  LOL!  Speaking of coloring...I colored the flowers using my Copics (see picture below).

Here is a close up picture...so you can see the dimension I added.  You can also see the embellishments I added...specifically the pearls in the center of the flowers.  I did not have the right color for this card...only bright white.  So, I took my E43 Copic marker (Dull Ivory) and colored directly onto the pearls...and VOILA!  I had the perfect color for my card!!  :-)

It's no secret how much I am LOVING my Inque Boutique stamps!  Not only are they gorgeous stamps...but they are so reasonably priced!  Their large sets (and believe me, you get a LOT of stamps) only costs $11.99!  Well, today through Monday June 30th...they are ON SALE!!  For the Everything Inque Day sale (which is extended through Monday if you order through The Purple Turtle Stamp Shoppe, you will get 20% off everything!  Just use the coupon code AWESOME during checkout!  On top of the great discount, there is FREE shipping if you order over $50...and only $3 if your order is under $50!!  (There is discounted shipping rates to Canada as well...make sure to check out the details at The Purple Turtle site). 

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I have a fun project to share with you tomorrow!!  :-) 

Recipe  Stamps:  French Fancy   Paper: Shimmery White c.s., Almost Amethyst, Clost to Cocoa   Ink: Almost Amethyst, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip craft ink   Other: Clear e.p., Nestabilities, Narrow Ivory Organdy ribbon, Pearls, Sewing machine, Copic markers

Mmmm, Chocolate!

Happy Thursday!  This is going to be a super quick post, as I'm on my way out the door very soon!  :-)  I wanted to share this fun pocket card I made for today's Ways to Use It Challenge (we were to use a bird image) over at Splitcoast!  I used the new Sweet Expressions set from Whipper Snapper.

I stamped the images onto Papertrey white cardstock using Adirondack Pitch Black ink...and then colored them with my Copics.

I added some Crystal Effects to the chocolate cupcake icing...it looks good enough to eat!  :-) 

And...what would a cupcake be without a cherry on top??!!?  :-)

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Recipe   Stamps: Sweet Expressions   Paper:White Papertrey c.s., Soft Sky, Close to Cocoa, My Mind's Eye patterned paper   Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa   Other:Ribbon, Buttons, Crystal Effects, Sewing Machine, Nestabilities, Rhinestone, Copic markers

Groovy New Stamps!

Today is the release date of four brand new Verve stamp sets!  Julee has also launched a whole new line of stamps that she is calling "Plain Janes"!  There is just so much going on over on the Verve site (including a fresh new look)!

Here are some of the samples I've made:

You're Still the One

Stamps: Feeling Groovy
Paper: Pearlized Cream, Spring Moss, Aqua Mist (Papertrey)
Ink: Cool Caribbean, Soft Sky, Spring Moss
Accessories: Swiss Dots embossing folder, Aqua Mist grosgrain ribbon (Papertrey), Dew Drop, Corner rounder

Groovy Notebook

Stamps: Feeling Groovy (Verve), Polka Dots background (CC Designs)
Paper: Whisper White, Pink Passion, Basic Black (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, Versamark
Accessories: Copic markers, Paper piercer, White gel pen, Black detail e.p., Ribbon, Corner Rounder, Notebook

Smile  (I'm not sure what's up with me and bright colors lately...but I'm lovin' em!)

Stamps: All About You (Verve)
Paper: Whisper White, Certainly Celery (Stampin' Up!), Berry Sweet Patterned paper (K & Co.)
Ink: Pink Passion (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Lg. Prima flower, Oval punches, Corner Rounder punch (Stampin' Up!), Ribbons, White gel pen, Rhinestones

Delight  (This uses the new "Plain Jane" stamp)

Stamps: Delight {Psalm 37:4} (Verve)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Creamy Caramel (Stampin' Up!, Patterned paper (K & Co.)
Ink: Creamy Caramel craft ink, Creamy Caramel Classic (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Clear e.p., Coaster, Sewing Machine, Ivory taffeta ribbon, Dew Drops, Nestabilities

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you have a wonderful day!

 

 

"Just Give Me Goodies" Winners...

Sorry I'm late posting!  We had some friends come over for dinner tonight.  It was fun to visit...and fun for our kids (they have kids very similar in age to ours)!  I hope you all had a great weekend as well!  :-)

Without further babbling on my part (LOL!), the winners of the "Goodies" (according to random.org) are...

Tanja (winner of the goodies pictured below) wrote:

"What great tips everyone gave! Congratulations! I can't believe you've only been at this for a year, either! Yours was one of the first blogs I found when I discovered there was such a thing!
My tip is so ridiculously simple - Throw away as you go into a bowl like Rachael Ray's trash bowl. I don't know why - it just makes me feel more in control of my mess :)"

and....

Amy Johnson (winner of the $15 Stamper's Dream Gift Certificate wrote:

"I really love your blog and read it everyday. I especially enjoy your odd weather stories---except I still have no idea what state you live in that explains such odd weather. Where exactly do you live? Anyhow I would love to win these goodies. Stampin tip? Mmmnn I don't have anything to original. My only tip is to avoid wasting cardstock, always stamp on scrap paper first to see if the image leaves any marks or stamps evenly. Thats about it."

I have emailed both ladies...and am anxious to send them their goodies! 

I want to thank ALL OF YOU for the awesome tips!!  If you haven't read some of them...please do!  I've learned quite a bit!  There is one that I just have to share with you!   I laughed so hard when I read it...because it is something that I do ALL the time!!      I am so challenged in this area!!  LOL!!!!

Diane Van Horn wrote:  "I'm so happy for you as you celebrate your anniversary. You never stop inspiring me on a daily basis. My favorite tip is: Alway remember to check where your fold is before you start adhering things. I'm not ashamed to admit that more times than I want to mention, I have assembled my card only to realize that it is upside down......Come on...you know you have done it too."

Diane, YES...I do that also!!  I have ruined more cards because of this!!  LOL!!  You must have know I needed this reminder!  Hee!

Again, thanks so much for the great tips!!