Just Give Me Stamps...

Hello Friend...

Happy Monday!  We've had a whirlwind of a weekend, and are just now getting caught up!  Our kids won't be starting school until after Labor Day weekend (next weekend), so we are trying to enjoy every last minute of Summer! 

Today I've got a fun card to share with you.  It feels kind of "scrappy" to me...even though almost everything is stamped.  Not sure why that is, but I do really like how it turned out regardless!  :-)  

 

 

I pulled out my Lemonade Pretty Bird set (by Basic Grey).  I couldn't really decide on a color combination...so I just wen with "eclectic"!  LOL!!  I stitched the stems, added some buttons to the flower centers, a tag (using Nestabilities Label Four die) with some Burlap String wrapped underneath it, and some ribbon.  I used a couple different patterns from my Cherry Hill patterned paper pad (from October Afternoon) and offset them a bit.  The sentiment on the tag is from the General Sayings set (from Whiff of Joy).  What the photo doesn't' show is the embossed horizontal lines on the kraft cardstock (I think you can see the bottom one and maybe part of the top one...but they are spaced 1/4" apart and continue over the whole card base).  I love the subtle texture it gives!

Well, I need to go figure out what we are having for dinner!  :-)  I hope you all have a wonderful evening!  ~Laurie

 Stamps:  Lemonade Pretty Bird (Basic Grey), General Sayings (Whiff of Joy)
Paper:  Kraft c.s., Whtie c.s., Cherry Hill Patterned paper (October Afternoon)
Ink:  Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo (Stampin' Up), Moulin Rouge (Palette), Aspen Mist & Sage Versamagic Dew Drops
Accessories:  Spellbinder's Label Four Nestabilities die, Burlap String, Buttons, Sewing Machine, Clear detail e.p., Scor-Pal, Circle Punch

A Year of Leaves...

Today, I am honored to share some projects I made using Melanie Muenchinger's newest set A Year of Leaves!  

I have been so drawn to the more clean style of cards lately!  Not that I'm ready to give up on all the layers, embellishments, & dimension I so love to add to my cards..but it's nice to change things up once in a while!  I stamped the acorn (and sentiment) in Rich Cocoa Memento ink and then colored it in with Copics.  I used the largest die from the square Nestabilities and embossed it to create the "frame".  I added some stitching, piercing, and a button for accents.

This next project is a definite departure from my regular style, but I had a specific person in mind while making this...

 

When I first saw this set (A Year of Leaves), I kept thinking how beautiful the leaves were...and really could stand alone.  So, that is exactly what I did for this set!  :-)   

I had some of these specialty watercolor cards (and matching envelopes) in my stash and thought they would be perfect to create a notecard set using the leaves as the main image! 

Just like in my first card, I used my Nestabilites dies (oval) to create an embossed frame around each of the leaves.

I just love how Melanie included some smaller sentiments (there are some gorgeous larger ones as well), as they were perfect for these small note cards!

I embossed the leaves and sentiments with Gold detail embossing powder then watercolored the leaves using reinkers.

Melanie Muenchinger's newest set "A Year of Leaves" is now available for purchase! (You can see the full set under "What's New!" at Gina K Designs.) This is a year round set including an assortment of leaves and nature images with coordinating quotes and greetings to suit any occasion.

You can see more samples today using "A Year of Leaves" on Melanie's blog, and from the lovely and talented Sharon Johnson,  and Geri Utterback!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  ~Laurie

Missing You Card
Stamps:  A Year of Leaves (Gina K Designs)
Paper:  Kraft c.s., Vintage Cream c.s., Jenni Bowlin patterned paper
Ink:  Rich Cocoa Memento Ink, Chamomile Vintage Ink
Accessories:  Button, String, Sewing Machine, Nestabilities, Copic markers

Note Card Gift Set
Stamps:  A Year of Leaves (Gina K Designs)
Paper:  Watercolor Note Cards, Dusty Durango, Clear Acetate
Ink:  Versamark, Various Classic Pads for watercoloring
Accessories:  Nestabilities, Gold Detail e.p., Raffia

Extreme Blog Makeover!!

Wooohooo!!  Check out my new "digs"!!  I am over the moon excited...I just love it!  I still have a little rearranging to do...and I plan on "finally" updating my blog roll, but I couldn't be happier with how this all turned out! 

A HUGE thank you to Veronica (from VK Deisign Company) for all her hard work!  She is extremely talented, so fun to work with, and I think she might be part mind reader!!  LOL!  Seriously, I wasn't able to articulate very well what I wanted but had vague ideas.  Not only did she give me exactly what I wanted, but did it in record time!  Thank you SO much, Veronica!!

I emailed her the below photo of a coffee cup (one I picked up in Seattle - LOVE that place :-) and told her that I didn't necessarily want the image on the cup (even though it IS gorgeous), but I wanted more the "feel" the cup has!  I know, I know...could I be any more specific?!!?  LOL!! 

Anyway, I just wanted to share how excited I am!!  :-)  ~Laurie

Let Heaven and Nature Sing...

Hi!  I'm back today with another Christmas project featuring the new Christmas Treasures set from JustRite Stampers!   

 

I think this may be the earliest I've ever gotten some of my Christmas cards made!!  (said while patting myself on the back...LOL!)  Now, if I can keep it up I think I may actually get them out in time for Christmas this year!  Woohooo!

When I first started making this card, I knew that I wanted it mostly white with the bird and holly berries being the only pop of color (well, I ended up adding a bow too).  The berries have some Red Stickles on them for a bit of sparkle.  I created the glittery ice look (on top of the birdhouse) by first applying some Diamond Glaze then sprinkling on some chunky white glitter and then some ultra-fine glitter.

You won't want to miss the Christmas projects that Kimberly, Michelle, & Tosha have created!

 Thanks for stopping by!  ~Laurie

Recipe
Stamps:  Christmas Treasures (JustRite Stampers)
Paper:  Choice Snow White c.s., Kraft
Ink:  Rich Cocoa Memento Ink
Accessories:  Copic Markers, Circle Nestabilities, Ribbon, Diamond Glaze, Chunky White glitter, Ultra-fine glitter, Red STickles, Sewing Machine, Fiskars border punch, Copic Air Gun

A Little Peek...

Hi!  This is my second post for today, so if you are here looking for my JustRite Christmas project scroll down or click HERE!  :-)

I have just a little peek of a project I posted over at the Stamp a Sweet Impression blog to share with you!  One hint...it's not what you think!  LOL!

If you have a chance, pop on over and take a look!  :-)

~Laurie

Old Fashioned Christmas...

This week the Stamper's DreamDT is featuring all the new JustRite Stampers Christmas sets! 

After seeing the Old Fashioned Christmasset I couldn't wait to ink it up!  I embossed the Kraft background layer using my snowflakes Cuttlebug embossing folder.  I rubbed a little White craft in over the embossed flakes to make them pop a bit.

Here's a close-up picture so you can see the Diamond Glaze that I added to the sleigh. 

You can see more JustRite Christmas inspiration over at Amy, Charmaine, & Michelle's blogs!

Thanks for stopping by!  ~Laurie

Recipe
Stamps:  Old Fashioned Christmas Borders & Centers (JustRite Stampers)
Paper:  Prism White c.s., Kraft, K & Co Patterned paper
Ink:  Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, Chamomile Vintage Ink (PTI), White Craft ink
Accessories:  Nestabilities, Copics, Diamond Glaze, Spica Glitter pens, Dew Drops, Sewing Machine, Ribbon, Button, String

Coffee House Chic...

Happy Monday!  Today I'm sharing a card I made with Verve Stamps's Delightful & Delicious set.  This is probably my favorite card that I made for this release!  During our many trips to Seattle this past year I was able to visit several wonderful coffee shops!  I was definitely in my element there...in fact, if my DH said "hey, I think we should move to Seattle" I think I could have our whole household packed and ready to go in no time!!  I just adore Seattle and the surrounding area!  Ok...back to coffee.  :-)  This card was inspired by the "urban chic" style that many of the coffee houses there were decorated in.

I combined several different patterned papers (Crate Paper and October Afternoon) as well as a variety of embellishments.  I just looooove these colors together!!  So fun!

I also wanted to share some family pictures with you.  Saturday we took a day trip to the Old Prison Museum in Deer Lodge Montana and the Grant Kohrs Ranch (also in Deer Lodge).  The Prison Museum is the actual old prison...where you get to walk through many parts of it and read about several "interesting" characters that spent their lives there.  The kids thought it was pretty cool to see, but I thought it was a bit creepy.  LOL!  Even though we live on a ranch and experience daily the lifestyle we saw at the Grant Kohrs ranch, it was fascinating to read about the rich history this ranch (which is now a National Park) has! 

They had this fun "photo op" type of board set up outside the museum.  When J went to "pose" for me, D couldn't help himself...he had to go and see if it was really J in there!  LOL!

I love these kids!!!

Here's Ali...looking happy and healthy!  Woohooo!

DH showing B the "ropes"!  LOL! 

J showing off his mad roping "skillz"!  :-)

D swingin' a rope bigger than he is!  LOL!

B & D taking a much needed rest!  :-)

"Sheriff" D!

On this old tractor is where my two little guys spent most of their time!!

Well, I better go and tackle the mountain of laundry that is waiting for me!  Thanks for stopping by...I hope you enjoy your day!  ~Laurie

Recipe 
Stamps:  Delightful & Delicious (Verve Stamps)
Paper:  Vintage Cream (PTI), Basic Black (Stampin' Up!), Crate Paper patterned paper, October Afternoon Cherry Hill Collection
Ink:  Versamark, Kiwi Kiss (Stampin' Up!), Smokey Shadow (PTI), Antique Linen Distress Ink, Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Accessories:  Black Detail e.p., Color Spritzer & More Mustard Marker(Stampin' Up!), Prima flower, Olive Twill ribbon, Black striped grosgrain ribbon (Stampin' Up!), String, Buttons, Sewing Machine, Martha Stewart border punch, Taylor's Tiny Twinkles

Eat Something Cute...

Woohooo for Friday!!  For today's Weekend Sketch Challenge, I thought I'd make a birthday card (I've got several birthdays to make cards for this month).  

I pulled out my Sweet Celebrationset (Taylored Expressions) and used one of my all time favorite images...this cuuuuute cuppie with the birthday cake! 

I had to pair the cuppie with the BEST cuppie sentiment of all time!  East something cute...hehehee!!  I LOVE it!  :-) 

All of the paper (except the Snow White Choice c.s.), c.s. cut outs, and borders are from the Ooh La Lafor her kit (MyMind's Eye).

For more Weekend Sketch inspiration, check out the creations of Beate, Cambria, Charmaine, Lori, Mary Jo, & Sharon!

Have a great weekend!  ~Laurie

Ten Minute Cards....Me???

Happy Thursday!!  Did you chuckle when you read my title?  I know, I know...the very thought of me making a ten minute card IS funny, right?  Well, not only did I DO it...but I made FOUR of them!!!  Waaahooooo!!!

Today is the release of Taylor'sAugust Key Ingredients kit, and let me tell you it is my hands down my favorite kit so far!!  I loooove it!  Pebbles patterned paper (some of my favorite), matching Prism c.s., coordinating rhinestones, ribbon, and the funnest rub-ons ever...all in one kit!  

I have to admit, when I first started I *might* have been whining...just a little.  :-)  See, Taylor has challenged the Baker's Dozen to keep our cards quick and simple...ten minute cards!  GASP!!!  What??!!!  I wasn't sure I had it in me..  LOL!  Well, once I pulled out all the goodies from the kit and got to work I couldn't stop!!  How's that for irony!!  LOL!

 

Except for the sentiments (which are from Faith & Hope, Branching Out Coordinates, & A Year of Sentiments) all of the images are from the rub ons included in the KI kit!!

This month Taylor is adding a great new feature to theKey Ingredients subscription!!  You still sign up for a 3 month or 6 month term...but she is now billing monthly instead of having to pay it all up front.  It's a great way to get new and coordinating supplies every month...at a discount!  For those that sign up for the 6 month subscription before August 25th, you will receive 2 Perfect Package Card Boxes Free!  Gotta love free stuff!  :-)

Want more inspiration?  Check out what Dawn, Denise, Jen, Karen M., Sankari, & Taylor have created using this month's Key Ingredients!

Thanks for stopping by!  ~Laurie

So Blessed...

Happy Tuesday!!  I actually had to check my calendar after writing that!  I thought, "no way it could be Tuesday already!!"!  Man, time is zooming by...

I have a Autumn card to share with you today.  Fall is my absolute FAVORITE season!  I love everything about it!  The warm colors, the crisp feel of the air, the starting of school (which also means a regular schedule YAY!), and that certain "something" that seems to linger in the air.  You know, like the promise of winter...  I just love it all!!

  

I used this new Fall Corn stamp (wood mounted stamp by Inkadinkado) that I received the other day.  I paired it with a sentiment from Verve Stamps (So Happy).  The colors I used are Kraft, So Saffron, & Dusty Durango.  For embellishments, I added a button (Basic Grey), some raffia, and a couple of Dew Drops.

Ok, I'm off to town with a friend!  Have a wonderful day!  ~Laurie