Just Give Me Stamps...

OCC Color Challenge...

Happy Saturday!  I don't know about where you live, but here it is definitely starting to feel like Fall!  It was 31 degrees this morning ( - .5 degrees Celsius) and has barely warmed up to the lower 60's.  We now have all of our jackets unpacked...and it won't be long before we'll be needing our coats!  After such a short summer, I really should be complaining....but the truth is that I LOVE Autumn.  I love the slightly crisp feel to the air, the start of school and a regular schedule, and all of the amazing colors!  Speaking of Fall colors...today's OCC challenge is to use Ruby Red, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, and Chocolate Chip....all very Autumn-ish colors!  I love it!

Stamping for as long as I have...I have learned a few things about my "stamping style".  One of the things that I have learned is that I do better with fewer colors...which is probably why I love to make Monochromatic cards so much.  Don't get me wrong...I LOVE cards with lots of colors, I just can't seem to pull it off.  In fact, the more colors I add, the more of a disaster it is.  So, as much as I love all of the colors selected for this color challenge, I had to really think about how I was going to incorporate all of them.  I ended up using Chocolate Chip (shocker, right?  :-), Shimmery White, and Old Olive for my main colors...and adding Pumpkin Pie and Ruby Red only as accents. 

   

I have to say, I loooove how this turned out!!  It might have something to do with this stamp set (French Quarter), as it is my all time favorite Inque Boutique set!  I used one of the partial circle stamps (there are three different ones in the French Quarter set) to make my tone-on-tone embossed Chocolate Chip circle.  After the circle was stamped, I used my Coluzzle Circle Template to cut it out and then lightly sponged the edges with White craft ink.  I used Versamagic Dew Drops (in colors that match Old Olive, Ruby Red, & Pumpkin Pie) to create the variegated colors on the flower.  For the tag, I embossed the sentiment (from the Inque Boutique Birdie set) using Chocolate Chip ink and Clear Detail e.p. and then cut/embossed it by using one of the Spellbinder's Tag dies.  The pierced corners were make by using one of my Ornare Corner piercing templates (one that I've had for a while but haven't had a chance to use yet).   Oh, the rhinestones are all clear...I just used one of my Copic markers to dye the ones on the flowers.

You can see what the other girls made with these colors over at the OCC blog!  Thanks so much for stopping by today...I hope you enjoy your weekend!  ~Laurie

Recipe   Stamps: French Quarter, Birdies (Inque Boutique)   Paper: Shimmery White, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip   Ink: Chocolate Chip craft, Versamagic Dew Drops (Pumpkin Spice, Brick Red, Tea Leaves, Jumbo Java), White craft ink   Other: Clear detail e.p., Nestabilities, Spellbinder's Ribbon Tag Dies, Coluzzle, Ornare Corner piercing template, Dark Chocolate Satin ribbon (Papertrey), Clear Rhinestones, Copic marker (to dye the rhinestones)

White on White Embossed Vellum...

Have you all had a chance to check out today's Dare to Get Dirty Challenges yet?  It was so wonderful checking out everyone's cards so far!  In fact, I was so inspired that I had to go and make another card!  :-) 

This time, I used vellum as the card base...and many of the layers as well!  (I just got my new Linen vellum from Papertrey...and ooooooh, I am in LOVE)!!!  I really wanted my card to be just mainly vellum...but wanted to give it a little accent of color. 

 

The stamps from Inque Boutique's Birdieset were calling my name...and they really wanted to be embossed in white, I just know it!  LOL!  Seriously though, these stamps couldn't be more perfect for pairing up with vellum!  Even though this card looks detailed and time consuming...it was so quick and easy to put together! 

I wanted the sentiment to stand out just a little bit more, so I traced the words (on the back side) with my Pale Yellow Copic marker.  When it came time to add the embellishments, I wanted to keep the clean look of the white on white but still add something that would enhance the elegance of the stamps.  I decided to add a small piece of Lemon Tart satin ribbon (to match the Lemon tart c.s.) and a couple of small pearls.

Well, I'm off to chat some more in the DTGD08Laurie - Got Vellum? thread!!  Hope to see you there!  :-)

Recipe   Stamps:Birdie (Inque Boutique)   Paper:Linen Vellum, Lemon Tart (Papertrey)   Ink: Vellum   Other:White e.p., Nestabilities, Corner rounder punch, Paper piercer, Pale Yellow Copic marker, Lemon Tart satin ribbon, Pearls

Got Vellum?

Happy Monday!  What's so happy about this Monday, you ask?  (Well, just in case you didn't...humor me!  LOL!)  Today is the first day of the week-long "A Day in the Life of a Dirty Girl - Dare to Get Dirty 2008" Challenges!  Everyday there will be challenges hostessed by current/alumni Dirty Girls...and if you're a Fan Club member, you can play along!!  Oh...and I hear there are prizes!!  :-)  You can read more about that HERE. 

I have the honor of hostessing one of today's challenges...and you'll never guess what it has to do with?  LOL!  You KNOW how much I love vellum...and there are so many ways to use it!  If you get a chance, come over to SCS and join in the fun!  :-)  I will be chatting on the DTGD08Laurie Got Vellum? thread!  I can't wait to get to know you all better...and to see your vellum creations!!  :-)

Here's the sample that I made for today's challenge.  I started by stitching some Vellum squares over the top of the My Mind's Eye patterned paper.  I then stamped some swirls (from the Inque Boutique Petals set) over the top of the vellum.  The flower petals (from the same Petals set) are embossed two different times (first time directly onto the patterned paper...the second onto Vellum c..s) using Chocolate Chip ink and Clear detail e.p.  The 'Thank You' sentiment is from Stephanie Barnard's Thank You Mini Set (I embossed it in Chocolate Chip ink and Clear detail e.p. also).  Both of these sets are from The Purple Turtle Stamp Shoppe...they carry all of Inque Boutique's stamps and accessories (including the UBER cool 13 x 13 Stamping Mat)!

I do hope you get a chance to play along!

Have a wonderful day!  ~Laurie

Recipe   Stamps: Petals, Thank You Mini Set   Paper: Vellum c.s., Shimmery White c.s., Cameo Coral, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, My Mind's Eye patterned paper (Out & About No. 1 Collection)   Ink: Chocolate Chip (Craft and Classic), Close to Cocoa   Other: Clear detail e.p., Rhinestones, Brads, Decorative Brad, Aged Copper hardware, Taffeta ribbon, Leaf ribbon, Sewing Machine, Ticket Corner punch, Swiss Dots embossing Folder, Circle punches

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

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

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

A Soft Pink Thank You...

Happy Saturday!  Today, the Our Creative Corner group posted the second challenge for June - to use at least one brad and one button on your card.  Well, I love both buttons and brads so this was an easy one for me!  :-)

I'm not sure what's up with my complete fascination with Pinks lately...but I again made a pink card!  :-)  I mean, I do like pink...but lately I'm so drawn to it (more than usual).  I did start out intending to use different colors (some pretty blues), but I had this new Mini pack of patterned papers (Isn't it Romantic collection) sitting out on my desk.  It is full of these gorgeous pinks, sage greens, & soft yellows...I just couldn't help myself!  LOL!  I chose a pink plaid pattern to layer on my 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" card base (it's not a standard sized card so I needed to make my own envelope).  

To create the floral focal piece, I stamped this pretty bouquet (from Inque Boutique's Thank You set) onto Shimmery White cardstock and colored it in with Copic markers.  I then used my Nestabilities to create the layered ovals.  Before I glued them together, I sponged a little Sahara Sand ink onto the edges to create a "ever-so-slight-Shabby-Chic" look.  :-)  I added some white mini brads to the center of the flowers.  The crisp white looked so out of place on my slightly aged card, so I colored directly onto the brads with my Brick White Copic marker to soften the white a bit.

I stamped the dots (also from the Thank You set) onto a Shimmery White c.s. piece and covered it with some Vellum c.s.  (Doesn't the Vellum just add to the soft romantic feel of this card?)  I cut  my vellum piece a 1/2" longer than I needed it...so I could add a scalloped border along the bottom.  Before I added the button to the center of the Prima flower, I sanded the edge a little with a sanding block.  I loved the distressed look of it...but the sanded edges were too white.  I again, took out my Brick White Copic marker and toned down that white so it would match my card better.  I embossed the "thank you" sentiment directly onto the plaid patterned paper with white embossing powder.

 To see all the Challenge details, as well as the samples that the talented Our Creative Corner ladies created, you can check out the blog HERE.  I hope you get a chance to play along!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Recipe   Stamps: Thank You set (Inque Boutique)   Paper:Shimmery White c.s., Pretty in Pink c.s., Vellum c.s., Isn't it Romantic Mini patterned paper pad (Inque Boutique)   Ink:Adirondack Pitch Black, Regal Rose, Sahara Sand, Versamark   Other:Copic markers, Nestabilities, Paper piercer, Ric-Rac, Prima flower, Button, Mini brads (Queen & Co.), Thread, White e.p.

Taylor's Cupcake Challenge...Vintage Style!

I was so surprised and honored that Taylor asked me to be this week's Featured Cupcake Sampler!  Not only do I love cupcakes...but I love a good sketch as well!  :-)

I chose my colors from this yummy patterned paper (My Mind's Eye Tres Jolie).  This paper reminded me of an Old-Time Ice Cream Shoppe...gorgeous, soft muted colors!  For the strips on the side, I added some Vellum c.s. (I know...you all are shocked that I added Vellum, right?  LOL!!) and stitched along the edges.  For the main panel, I embossed the frame (from Inque Boutique's Boho Frames set) using Chocolate Chip craft ink and Clear embossing powder.  I backed it with some of the polka dot patterned paper, and trimmed around the frame.  I then stamped the corner flourish (that is also included in the Boho Frames set) in the bottom right corner of the frame, using Close to Cocoa ink. 

I paper pieced the cupcake (from the Party Cupcakes set) using the same Tres Jolie patterned paper, and used some foam mounting tape to pop it up a little.  Of course, I had to add some Cinnamon Stickles to the sprinkles (even vintage cupcakes need some sparkle :-)!  I also added some Diamond Glaze to the cherry.  Lastly, I made a little Happy Birthday "flag" to go across the top.

I didn't have the right color of ribbon...so I dyed my own using my Blush Copic marker!  I like using the Taffeta ribbon to dye with the Copics (I used the chisel end of my Sketch markers to do this)...as the color saturates quickly and spreads evenly.  After it was dry, I lightly sponged the now blush ribbon with some Antique Linen Distress ink to match the rest of the card (I used the same Distress ink plus some Close to Cocoa ink to sponge all of the edges). 

I was so excited to find these "Mini" sets from Inque Boutiqe!  I was a huge Inque fan already...but now I'm totally hooked!  These Inque Boutique Mini sets cost under $4 and come with quite a few stamps (as well as the black foam stamping mat that their larger sets come with)!!

I hope you all have a wonderful day!! 

Recipe   Stamps:Boho Frames, Party Cupcakes, Sentiments (Inque Boutique)   Paper:Vellum c.s., Chocolate Chip, Tres Jolie patterned paper (My Mind's Eye)   Ink: Chocolate Chip craft ink, Close to cocoa, Antique Linen Distress ink   Other:Clear e.p., Diamond Glaze, Cinnamon Stickles, Ivory taffeta ribbon, Blush Copic marker, Sewing machine

French Quarter Elegance...

I'm so excited to get to play in Beate's Inspiration Challenge this week!    The pillow she chose is absolutely gorgeous...and besides, I'm a sucker when it comes to Black & White!  LOL!

Black & White just speaks "elegance" to me...so that is the route I went with this card.  The shape and unique folds of this card were inspired by the French Quarter stamp set...which is my absolute favorite Inque Boutique stamp set! 

I embossed the ornate corner (which is actually three separate stamps...you can use them individually or together as I have done here) onto Shimmery White c.s. and trimmed around it.  I added a black scallop trim to add even more detail.  The flap didn't stay closed by itself, so I used a pewter heart charm (I secured the bottom part of the heart to the black c.s. using a couple of Glue Dots) and tucked the flap underneath the top of the heart.

Inside the top flap, I stamped one of the small flowers (from the French Quarter set...this set has TONS of stamps!) in a random pattern using Going Grey ink.  I then embossed "Congratulations" (from the Inque Boutique Sentiments set).  Here is where I have a little confession to make.  :-)  I actually smeared the flower stamp in the bottom right corner...and that is why I decided to add the embossed and cut out flower there!  I actually like it much better than before.  Sometimes our "accidents" really do turn out to be blessings in disguise!  LOL!  One of my favorite techniques, is to emboss "tone on tone".  I just adore the look...so classy...yet so easy!!  :-)  That is what I did on the black layers.  It reminds me of a luxurious jacquard bedspread!  :-)  To finish off the bottom of the middle layer, I added some black velvet ric-rac and some images (also from the French Quarter set) that I embossed and punched out with a circle punch.

I chose this lovely quote for the inside of the card (from the Sentiments set)...which I embossed onto Shimmery White c.s., matted onto a piece of black c.s. (it's hard to see the effect this has in the photo...but I love the finished look it gives it) and mounted it on the inside black layer.  I added some more tone-on-tone embossing, and some more of the circle images to tie everything together.

**Note:  Although it might seem time consuming to emboss everything (yes, everything on this card (well, except for the flowers I stamped in Going Grey ink) is embossed...it really is a quick process and in my opinion nothing compares to the beautiful, solid, & shiny results!

Thanks so much for visiting!

Recipe   Stamps:  French Quarter, Sentiments (Inque Boutique)   Paper: Shimmery White c.s., Basic Black c.s.   Ink:Versamark, Going Grey   Other: Black detail e.p., Clear detail e.p., Scallop scissors, Circle punch, Heart Charm

Inque Boutique Meets Everyday Blessings...

Happy Thursday!  Can you believe that it is the end of May??  I really can't believe it!!  Where did May go?    For us, spring is just beginning...and I am loving every minute of it!  I think that may be the reason that I am on this pastel color "kick"!  LOL!

I again, wanted to create a soft and springy card...but wanted it to look elegant.  I started with an Aqua Mist card base, and layered on a piece of patterned paper (from the Everyday Blessings collection by Papertrey).  I embossed this beautiful flower stamp (from Inque Boutique's Birdies set) with white embossing powder on vellum cardstock.  (I know, I know...I'm using vellum again...but I just can't seem to help myself!  LOL!)  I used the Ticket corner punch on each corner of the vellum and then added a small adhesive backed pearl.  To finish the card, I used some Aqua Mist satin ribbon and a small piece of Narrow White organdy ribbon to tie my Thinking of You sentiment (also from the Birdies set) that I had embossed onto a vellum tag (made with the Spellbinders Tag Trio dies).  The vellum tag by itself didn't show up enough against the vellum background layer, so I backed it with some Spring Moss cardstock.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!  Thanks for stopping by!  ~Laurie

 Recipe

Stamps:  Birdies (Inque Boutique)    Paper:  Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, Everyday Blessings (Papertrey Inc.), Whisper White, Vellum c.s.    Ink: Versamark    Other:  White e.p., Ticket corner punch, Aqua Mist satin ribbon, White organdy ribbon, Pearls (Hero Arts), Spellbinders Tag Trio dies