Just Give Me Stamps...

Cupcake Gift Set...

Remember a while ago when I posted THIS photo holder that I altered?  Well, during that same "Dollar Bin" shopping spree at JoAnn's I scored THE most adorable cupcake towel gift!!  It's been sitting on my desk...all pink and SUPER cute...just waiting to be dressed up!  When I ran into a friend the other day that happens to love pink (and cupcakes :-) as much as I do, I knew I had found a home for this sweet cupcake gift!

Of course, no gift is complete without a matching card, right?!!?!  :-)  I pulled out my Downtown Diva cupcake set from Taylored Expressions and got to work!

  

Doesn't it make you CRAVE a cupcake??  :-)  I colored the cuppies with my Copics (forgot to take a picture of them before I put them away....I'm sooo sorry!!), then used my Nestabilities to frame the image.

I used some Brown Polka Dot ribbon to dress up the towel cupcake a little.  The tag was made by first stamping the "thinking of you" sentiment (from A Year of Sweet Sentiments) in Rich Cocoa Memento ink then cutting/embossing with the medium tag die from the Spellbinder's Tag Trio set.

For the card, I chose this wonderfully pink patterned paper from K & Co (yes, I use their paper A LOT...because, well...I'm a complete K & Co. junkie...I can't get enough!!!)!  Just because I wanted to, I added some Diamond Glaze to the heart and some Stardust Stickles to the cuppies' cherries!  :-)

Thanks so much for stopping by!  ~Laurie

Recipe   Stamps: Downtown Diva, A Year of Sweet Sentiments (Taylored Expressions)   Paper: Choice Buttercream c.s., Dark Chocolate, Pretty in Pink, K & Co. patterned paper   Ink: Rich Cocoa Memento Ink   Other: Copics, Nestabilities, Brown Polka Dot ribbon, Buttons, Sewing Machine, Tag Trio dies, Diamond Glaze, Stardust Stickles

My MIL's Mother's Day Card...

If you saw my last post, you will know why I was so determined to create a soft and Springy card!  :-)  When I saw Amber's Viva La Verve Challenge for this week, I knew immediately what I wanted to do!  I almost always mail my Mother In Law's Mother's Day cards late (I know...I'm baaaad).  In order to get them to Switzerland on time, I actually have to think about this ahead of time...you know, make the card, prepare her gift, and actually mail it BEFORE the first of May!  Well, thanks to Amber's sketch :-), I may actually make it this year!!  Woohooo!!! 

   

I used Verve's Because of You set combined with some K & Co. Madeline paper (this is my all time FAVORITE paper, I think).  I added some Pink Crochet ribbon, Pink taffeta ribbon, a heart charm, and some Pink Rhinestones for embellishments.

Before I go, I want to ask you if you've been receiving the update emails from Feedblitz?  Several people have already emailed me saying that haven't been getting them (or if they have, they've been sporadic and very late).  I'm just trying to get a sense if this is just an issue for a few...or if it's everyone before I email Feedblitz.  Thanks for your help!!  Hugs, Laurie

Recipe   Stamps: Because of You (Verve Stamps)   Paper: Neenah c.s., Dark Chocolate (PTI), K & Co Madeline Collection   Ink: Pretty in Pink, Pixie Pink, Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip craft ink   Other: Clear detail e.p., Oval Nestabilities, Pink Crochet ribbon, Pink taffeta ribbon, Heart charm, Pink Rhinestones, Paper piercer, Corner Rounder punch

Spring in Montana...

Happy Wednesday!  I don't usually post non-stamping related posts...but I just had to share the following pictures!  I have a soft Spring card to share with you in a post right after this, so make sure you refresh your page!

 

Our boys got up early this morning...just so they could run around in the snow before school!  It's not unusual for us to get snow in the Spring...but not this much (not to mention it sticking around for as long as it has)!

 

Going "potty"...a necessary event made much more difficult by the deep snow!  It's tough to be a small dog in Montana!  LOL!  (This is Cody...my daughter's Puggle (Beagle/Pug cross).

 

Maggie was playing it smart...hanging out with me on the porch!  LOL!

I hope you all have better weather!!  Hugs, Laurie

You Brighten My Day...

Happy Tuesday!  Nothing too exciting going on around here (unless you consider getting hit with snow and ice storms everyday exciting).  In a way, the yucky weather has been a benefit to us...because the kids are staying focused on school (instead of daydreaming about going outside)!  LOL!  Just a few more weeks left!!  I can tell you, we ALL are ready for the summer break!  LOL!

Last night I made this card for a friend of mine.  We don't see each other very often, but when we do she really does brighten my whole day!  She is the kind of person that **always** looks on the bright side of things...one that after spending just a few minutes around her my whole outlook on life gets better!! 

 

I paired the Chandelier set (by Inkadinkado) with this goooooooorgeous Gypsy Market paper (by 7 Gypsies).  I outlined the embossed chandelier with a couple of my Copic markers ...just to add a bit of color and framed it using the Labels One dies (by Spellbinders).  I then added just the tiniest bit of Diamond Stickles on the lights...you know, a girl's gotta have her bling, right?!!?!  :-)  The sentiment is from Verve Stamp's Thoughtful Florals set. 

 

For embellishments (my favorite part :-), I used the Easy Brad Maker (by Chatterbox) to create the ornate matching brad, adhered a few mini rhinestones, and added some Brown Crochet Trim and Brown Sheer ribbon as finishing touches.  :-)  These dark, vintage colors are SOOOO me!!  I love them!!  :-)

Well, I'm off to finish the laundry that I didn't do yesterday!  I must be the BIGGEST laundry procrastinator this side of the Mississippi!!  I would clean toilets to get out of doing laundry...  LOL!!

I hope you have a wonderful day!!  ~Laurie

Recipe   Stamps: Chandelier (Inkadinkado), Thoughtful Florals (Verve Stamps)   Paper: Pearlized Cream, Dark Chocolate, Gypsy Market paper (7 Gypsies)   Ink:  Chocolate Chip craft ink (Stampin' Up!), Antique Linen Distress Ink   Other:  Copic markers, Diamond Stickles, Labels One dies,Mini Rhinestones, Brown Crochet ribbon, Brown Sheer ribbon, Word Window Punch, Clear Detail e.p., Sewing Machine, Easy Brad Maker, Paper Piercer

A Fun Flowery Gift...

   Happy Monday!  Today it was my turn to post on the Stamp a Sweet Impression blog...and I created a flower filled gift basket! 

I hope you go and check it out!  :-)  Hugs, Laurie

Praying For You...

Happy Wednesday!    I recently found out that a very sweet friend of mine has got a long health battle ahead of her.  I can't even tell you how heavy my heart is for her.  I thought that I would make her a card to let her know that our whole family will be constantly lifting her up in prayer!  Our family knows first hand what the power of prayer can do...

I normally don't participate in the Splitcoast Sketch Challenges.  I don't know why I don't though, because they're a lot of fun!!  I am really going to try to participate in more of them...  I thought today was a good time to start!  :-)  I used the SCS Sketch Challenge #225, some K & Co. papers, & the Stampin' Up! sets Thoughts & Prayers and God's Beauty (a Hostess set) to create this card.   

I really wanted to keep the colors soft...yet "happy" at the same time.  I think I might have gone a little "embellishment crazy"...but I had fun making it!  :-)

This is going to have to be a short post today as we are supposed to be leaving right now!  LOL!  I hope you have a wonderful afternoon!  ~Laurie

Recipe   Stamps: God's Beauty, Thoughts & Prayers (Stampin' Up!)   Paper: Pearlized Cream, Vellum c.s., Aqua Mist, K & Co. patterned paper   Ink: Versamark   Other: Antique Ivory e.p., Rhinestones, Dew Drops, Copic marker, Buttons, Labels 4 Nestabilities, Aqua Mist ribbon, Sewing Machine

Gift Card Holder & a Tutorial...

Happy Tuesday!  Today, I sat down and created a little gift card holder for a girl that has been babysitting our boys for us.  She has refused to let us pay her anything (we've tried...MANY times), so we got her a couple of iTunes gift cards (something every teenage girl can appreciate, right?)!  :-) 

I used this Music Player stamp from A Muse to decorate the outside of the gift card holder.  For embellishments, I added just a *hint* of Stickles on the music player, some ribbon, & a Jumbo Grommet (from the new SU! Occasions mini catalog).  The paper is some that I found in my stash (I couldn't find a brand name on the back, sorry). 

As you can see, my colors were taken directly from the gift card (they are definitely not my normal go-to colors!!) LOL! 

 

After I made this, I got to thinking how useful this template is going to be (with all of the weddings and graduations coming up - not to mention birthdays!)!  So, I thought I'd share the directions on how to make this quick little gift card holder!

 

I started with a piece of cardstock (here, I used Raspberry Fizz) measuring 3 3/4" x 7" and score it at 2 7/8" and 5 3/4".

 

I then used my Stampin' Up! Scallop edge punch and created a decorative border along the 1" side of the c.s. as shown in the above picture.

 

To secure the "gift card pocket", I stapled each side of the scallop border flap very closely to the edge (you need enough room for the gift card).

 

To hide the staples (and make it prettier :-), I added a strip of patterned paper (measuring 3 3/4" x 3/4") across the scallop edge flap.  I also added a a black backing (that made with my largest scallop Rectangle Nestabilities) to hide the back of the staples as well as cause the colors to "pop" a little.  If you don't have Nestabilities, just cut a piece of c.s. slightly larger than the closed gift card holder.

Well, that's it from me tonight...  Hugs, Laurie

Sweet Friend Bookmark & Card...

Good Morning!  I hope your week is off to a good start!  :-)  We've got a busy day ahead of us, but I like busy days...it always feels so good to get a lot accomplished (that is an outlook that I definitely acquired from my Type A, Swiss husband!!)!  LOL!

Today, part of the Baker's Dozen DT is participating in a challenge...using the Key Ingredients Subscription Goodies!  What is a Key Ingredients Subscription?  Well, this month it's a whole kit of coordinating patterned paper (20 sheets of 6 x 6), cardstock, ribbon, glitter, & flower rhinestones...all delivered to your door!  You can read more about it on Taylor's Blog.

This month's challenge focus is to use the glitter (that comes in the kit), but the restricted element is that it can't be a regular A2 sized card (4 1/4 x 5 1/2).  Well, using glitter...so NOT a problem for me!!  The more sparkle...the better!  LOL! 

   

I chose to make a tall and skinny card (I LOVE to make these), which measures 3 1/8" x 6 1/2".  I thought the size was perfect for this image of stacked cuppies (from Sweet Celebration - one of the first sets released by Taylor).  The patterned paper (did you see the glitter I added to the turquoise flowers?), cardstock, ribbon, glitter, & flower rhinestone are all part of this month's KI Subscription. 

 

To hold my bookmark, I stitched on a vellum "pocket".  I like that you can still see whole image through the vellum!

  

Here's a picture of the bookmark.  Aren't those cuppie's faces the CUTEST??  :-)

Want to see more KI Subscription inspiration??  Then you will definitely want to check out what Dawn, Denise, Jen, Karen M.,Sankari, & Taylor have created!!

I hope you all have a wonderful day!!  ~Laurie

Did You See...

...all the NEW Verve Stamps?!!?!  Friday night was the release party, and believe me, Julee and Mr. Verve (Julee's DH) know how to throw a party!!  :-)  There were TONS of prizes given away...and the DT members shared all of their cards that they made with the new sets (there is some SERIOUS talent on the DT...WOW!!)! 

In case you missed the party, I will share the cards I made here.  :-)      

 

This first card uses the Wishful Elegance set.  It has this amazing background stamp in the set...and I think it is my absolute favorite Verve stamp...ever!!  (I know, I say that a lot...but you'll see why when you see it!)  I don't know if you can see it in this picture, but I stamped the background stamp on the sentiment layer...very lightly using Almost Amethyst ink.  The paper I used is from a DCWV paper pad called Latte (I know...this really doesn't remind me of coffee either...but I liked it anyway **grin**)!  The die cut leaves was made from the Stampin' Up! Sizzlit die called Little Leaves.  I get a lot of questions about my charms...and where I get them.  I have gotten them from several places...but my favorites include:  StarlitStudio, Impress Rubber Stamps, & Michael's...in the jewelry making aisle.  The cool metal corner is from a set of Metal Corners from Tim Holtz.  I also used both Nestabilties Labels 1 and Labels 4 (I thought they looked fun together)! 

 

I just love all of the beautiful sentiments included in the Because of You set!!  Not only are they perfect for Mother's Day (which I need to get busy creating for :-), but for "Just Because" cards as well!  Now that my mom has moved to a different state...and I have this great set,  I really don't have ANY excuse not to send her cards!  :-)  So, this is just a quick "Just Because" card.  It's a small 4 1/4" square card.  The flowers and sentiments are from the Because of You set, and I bet you can't guess where the background in from?  LOL!  Yep, my new favorite background is from the Wishful Elegance set.  :-) 

 

For this last card, I used Wishful Elegance (for the sentiment...and YUP, the background :-), and Because of You (for the pretty floral image) and paired it with some FAB paper from7 Gypsies.  I stamped the background stamp onto Prism Tawny Light c.s. (it's a little lighter than Kraft c.s.) using Vintage Cream ink.  Both the sentiment and floral image were embossed using Versamagic Black ink and Clear Detail e.p.  The vibrant red color on the flowers was achieved by painting on some Siren Smooch (loooooove this stuff, and the name cracks me up!!)!  The beautiful Black Lace Trim that is layered over the Black Organdy ribbon was a gift from my sweet friend Tosh.  (You're the best, Tosh!!)

 

This last picture is one that I found in my PILE of pictures that I took at CHA...one that I can't believe I forgot to share!  In case you're wondering why there is a sock monkey in this picture...*snicker*...then read THIS post.  Anyway, when I saw the Smooch (and got to play with it a little), I knew I was going to have to have it!  You can do so many things with it...paint it directly on to your paper...or your stamp!  I can't wait to play around a little more with it.

Ok...that's it from me today!  I hope you all enjoy your Sunday!  :-)   Hugs, Laurie

Hand Over the Coffee...

Happy Saturday!!  I'm happy to report that our icicles are all melted...and so is the snow for that matter!  Wooohoooo!!  The kids and I have been out cleaning up the yard (while DH got all the bikes out and fixed them up)...and just plain enjoyed the sunshine!  :-)  While my littlest guy was napping, I slipped away into my stamp room to make a card for a friend (who happens to love coffee *almost* as much as I do LOL)!

I know I've mentioned it here before, but this is definitely worth repeating....Fluffles the Cat is the CUTEST cat....ever (and I'm not even a huge cat fan)!!  He cracks me up!!  So, when I saw this Morning Fluffles stamp, I couldn't pass it up!  :-)  After seeing Jen's Sketch For you to Try, I thought it would perfect for this coffee deprived guy...

  

After watercoloring Fluffles, I layered him on top of some bright (can you believe I went with "bright" papers???) patterned paper from Cosmo Cricket's Lil' Man Crafting Kit (and mounted on Prism Blush Red Dark).  I added some Natural Burlap Woven String, and some stitching inside.

 

I popped up the alarm clock, added some Diamond Glaze to the clock part and used a Spica Silver pen on the bell.

 

 

Isn't that Mini safety pins the cutest thing ever?  I loooove it!  To tie in some more reds, I added some red beads to the pin before attaching it to the ribbon.

 

To the upper left corner, I added Paper Fasteners (from 7 Gypsies).

I couldn't let a funny image like this one go by without adding a sentiment, now could I?  :-)

 

I used my JustRite Brayton Complete Font set to create this saying on the inside of the card.  The fun bracket paper is included in the Lil' Man Crafting Kit (along with the patterned papers), and the chipboard star is from Grungeboard Swirls Collection.

Well, I'm off to play games with the family!  I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!!  ~Laurie