Just Give Me Stamps...

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

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

Pretty Pink Bundle...

Happy Friday!  You know what Friday means....another one of Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenges!!  :-)  I love the sketch this week!  I have several cards I need to make, so I plan on using this sketch several times this weekend.  :-)

I have a couple of friends expecting new arrivals pretty soon, and I will be needing cards for them.  I just received this sweet Clear Baby set from Rubber Soul, and couldn't wait to use it!  I started with a 3 1/8" x 6 1/2" card base, and layered on some Sahara Sand and Pretty in Pink c.s.  I added a little bit of polka dot ribbon, and some rhinestones (two of my favorite things :-). 

I've got a thank you card I need to make this morning...so I will be back later with another sample of this sketch!  This is one that I filed away in my sketch file...and will be using it often.  :-)  If you want to see some gorgeous samples right now...make sure to check out what Cambria, Charmaine, Jenn, Lori, Mary Jo, & Sharon have made...these ladies always wow me!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Recipe   Stamps: Clear Baby set (Rubber Soul)   Paper: Shimmery White c.s., Pretty in Pink, Sahara Sand, Basic Black   Ink:Versamark, White Craft   Other: Black detail e.p., Copic markers, Soft Pink gems, Circle punches, Scallop circle. Sewing machine, Paper piercer

Hi There, Fluffles!

Happy Thursday!  I've mentioned before that our weather had been nothing short of strange, this year!  Well, the unseasonal cold temps continue...  We had more snow, and our highs have been in the 40's.  I know...it's the middle of June...how crazy is that??!!!  Needless to say, we are staying in quite a bit!  LOL! 

I've been asking....ok, begging...Michelle (owner of Stamper's Dream) to start carrying some Fluffles stamps in her store.  I guess my persistence paid off (or, maybe it was just that she was tired of my begging??? :-), because Fluffles is now in "DA HOUSE"!!  LOL!!  I don't know what it is exactly about this cat, but I crack up every time I see him!!! 

I know, this is some wildly bright paper...but it has sparkles already on it!!!  You know how I feel about sparkles!!  LOL!  How can anyone resist "pre-sparkled" paper??!!?  I thought it would be perfect for this fun "Box of Fluffles" stamp!  I stamped the "Hi There!" (isn't that the funnest sentiment for this card??  :-) in Pink Passion ink and then used one of the dies (from the Spellbinder's Tag Trio die set) to create the tag.  I wanted to add a border along the bottom of the card...but felt like just regular piercing would get lost in all the bright colors and sparkles...so I used my 1/4" circle punch instead.

Here is a close-up picture...so you can see the Diamond Glaze that I added to the polka dots and bow.  I also outlined Fluffles with a Gold Spica glitter pen.  Mmmmm...love that bling!  :-)   Lastly, I added some Celery satin ribbon and white fibers.

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

Recipe   Stamps:Box of Fluffles (Stampendous), Thinking of You (Hero Arts)   Paper:Papertrey White, Green Galore, Pink Passion, Berry Sweet patterned paper (K & Co.)   Ink: Memento Black, Pink Passion   Other:Copic markers, Rectangle Nestabilities, Tag Trio dies, 1/4" circle punch, 1" Celery satin ribbon, White fibers, Diamond Glaze

Mmmmm, Cupcake!

Happy Sunday!  Every week I see Taylor's fun cupcake card that she makes for her Cupcake Challenge...and have every intention of playing along.  Then, life gets busy....you know the drill.  Well, with  my DH being housebound...and me needing to be here to take care of him...I'm getting more stamping time!  Hee!  So, I have finally been able to participate in the Cupcake Challenge!  Wooohoo!

 In the challenge guidelines, Taylor mentions that we don't have to use cupcakes on our cards....but since I have a lot of cupcakes stamps (everyone needs lots of cupcake stamps!!  LOL!), I didn't need anyone to twist my arm to use them!  Hehehee!  I chose this fun, swirly cupcake from the Stampendous set "Hey There Cupcake".  I added a Small Blossom Sparkle Gem (by Hero Arts) to the base...it fit right over the flower that was already there.  I felt like it needed a little bit more bling, so I added some Stardust Stickles to the frosting!  :-)  It might be hard to see this in the photo, but the circle that the cupcake is on is actually chipboard.  I just love the dimension it adds!  The paper is some I received from my sweet friend Tosh...it's by We R Memory Keepers from their White Out Collection.  Lastly, as embellishments I added some ribbon (Papertrey's Spring Moss polka dot ribbon) and some clear Dew Drops.

I just wanted to enable...err, mention....(LOL!), that Michelle (from Stamper's Dream), just got in some seriously FUN papers!  She has the new Memory Box papers Provence and Grove (this is absolutely gorgeous!!!) as well as some of the new Cosmo Cricket papers!

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Recipe   Stamps: Hey There Cupcake (Stampendous)   Paper: Shimmery White c.s., Spring Moss (Papertrey), Basic Black, We R Memory Keepers patterned paper (White Out Collection)   Ink: Memento Black ink   Other: Copic markers, Circle Nestabilities, Chipboard, Small Sparkle Gem Blossom, Papertrey Spring Moss polka dot ribbon, Black gingham ribbon, Dew Drops, Stardust Stickles, Fine tip black marker

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

Enjoying Pink...

I have been really drawn to pinks lately!  In fact, I've had to make a conscious effort not to stamp everything in pink!  LOL!  It might have something to do with the fact that Spring has finally came!!!  Wooohooo!  Yes, our snow has melted...and the green grass and leaves have shot up overnight it seems!  Since I'm always sharing pictures of it snowing...I thought I'd share a picture of the start of a (hopefully) very wet and green Spring (see below for the picture).

I decided to just let myself use as much pink as my heart desired...and this fun, bright card was the result!

I started with some Memory Box paper(Sugar Collection) as the starting point for my color selection.  I added some fun ribbon and ric-rac over a panel of patterned paper that I had covered with some vellum c.s. (I love the softness that vellum provides).  I felt like I wanted to define the edges a bit more, so I used my Ranger Inkssentials white gel pen to add some dots across the top and bottom borders of the vellum layer.  For my focal layer, I stamped the small open flower from the Sweet Momentsset (a Hero Arts small Sparkle set) and then layered three sundaes (also from the Sweet Moments set) on top (I added dimensionals under the middle one so it would pop up a little).  After the sundaes were colored (with Copics) I added some Diamond Glaze to the glass cups (so it would really look like glass), Liquid Applique to the whip cream (who doesn't love fluffy whip cream), and Stardust Stickles to the cherry on top!  Finally, I added a Celery flower (from the Spring Art Flowers Collection by Hero Arts).  After my flower was added, I still felt like it might need a little something more...but couldn't decide what.  I didn't want to add any more ribbon...paper layers...or even bling (I had some bling already with the pink rhinestone brad).  Then I saw some Celery c.s. shavings still sitting on my desk next to my paper cutter.  That was it!!  I adhered them under my flower using a mini glue dot.  The little enjoy tag was made by embossing the enjoy stamp with white emobssing powder, punching it out with my Word Window punch, clipping off the end to look like the end of ribbon, and adding a Pale Pink Gemstone.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!!  I hope you all enjoy the rest of your day!

Recipe  Stamps: Sweet Moments (Hero Arts)  Paper: Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Vellum c.s., Memory Box paper (Sugar collection)   Ink:Adirondack Pitch Black, Versamark   Other: Copic markers, Inkssentials white gel pen, Liquid Applique, Stardust Stickles, Diamond Glaze, Word Window punch, White e.p., Ribbon, Ric-Rac, Spring Art Flowers, Paper piercer, Pale Pink gemstone

Woooo Hooooo!

It's the 20th again...and that means it's time for another Dirty Dozen/Alumni Challenge over at Splitcoast!  This month's challenge is to use an owl image...incorporate texture...but we can't use any rhinestones, crystals, or Dew Drops.  Now, I know what you are thinking...."How in the world can she NOT use any rhinestones or Dew Drops"??  Well, it was tough!!  LOL!

I  used today's Color Challenge colors (Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Certainly Celery) on this card.  The owl and polka dot background is from C.C. Designs (available at All That Scraps).  I chose various ribbons, buttons, & Stickles as my texture.

This was the first card I made...but I was feeling guilty that I didn't actually stamp my owl, so I made another one!  LOL!  I found this owl pendant at Micheal's.  The handmade paper is some that I had in my "stash".  The sentiment is from Hero Art's "Thinking of You" set and the ribbon is from May Arts.  Both the ribbon and Thinking of You set is available from Stamper's Dream.

Click HERE if you would like to check out all of the Owl Challenge cards.

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

Lavender Roses...

Happy Sunday!  We are having such gorgeous weather...it really was worth the wait!  LOL!  Last Sunday, my friend Jennifer (aka LovetoStamp6) was the Featured Stamper over at Splitcoast!  I really wanted to participate...even if I am a week late :-).  Jennifer has a wonderful gallery and blog(with lots of yummy cupcakes :-).  I chose THIS beautiful card of hers to c.a.s.e.

I used the Aging Gracefully set by Inque Boutique (available at Stamper's Dream).  I embossed one of the swirly leaf stamps on the lavender background panels by first inking it with white craft ink and then embossing with Clear embossing powder.  The roses are stamped four separate times (with  Lulu Lavender Memento Dew Drop ink), cut out, and adhered together to create a more dimensional flower.  I then added a little bit of Diamond Stickles to the centers.  The Celery panel is embossed using the Swiss Dots Cuttlebug embossing folder and then rubbed with some white craft ink to soften the edges a bit.

To embellish my card I used some Green/Lavender reversible satin ribbon, white taffeta ribbon (Stampin' Up!), and a decorative brad (I cut the prongs off and glued it on the knot of the ribbon).

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you all enjoy the rest of  your weekend!! 

Recipe   Stamps: Aging Gracefully (Inque Boutique)   Paper: Shimmery white, Certainly Celery, Lavender Lace   Ink: Lulu Lavender & New Sprout Memento Dew Drops, White craft ink, Versamark   Other: Clear e.p., Swiss Dots Cuttlebug embossing folder, Green/Lavender ribbon, White taffeta ribbon, Decorative brad, Photo corner punch, Diamond Stickles

Potted Geraniums...

Happy Sunday!!  I hope you all are having a wonderful Mother's Day!  We've had a pretty quiet day here.  My daughter and I are trying to recover from yet another cold!  I don't think we've ever been as sick as we have this past four months...but I think it has to do with our very crazy weather (warm then cold then warm then cold again).  My DH did get me that Copic Airbrush kit..and I'm anxious to try it out!  He is also going to fix dinner..YAY!!

While my little guy was sleeping, I slipped away to my stamp room.  I've had this gorgeous Geranium stamp (from Northwoods) for a while now, and I really wanted to stamp my Mother-in Law a card with it!  My husband's parents still live in Switzerland...and one thing I always look forward to seeing during our visits over there, is the many, many geraniums!!  I have no idea what their National flower is, but it should be the geranium!  :-)  They have them in window boxes (you almost can't find a house without these displayed on their windows), in planters, & in gardens.  My Mother-in-Law is no exception...she has a beautiful collection of these wonderful flowers!

I embossed the stamp using Smoky Gray Versafine ink and Clear Detail embossing powder.  I then colored it in using my Copic markers.  After it was colored, I inked up my Linen (Stampin' Up!) background stamp with Sahara Sand ink and stamped it over my colored image.

I mounted the flower image on to Cameo Coral and Close to Cocoa cardstock and then layered it on to some Memory Box patterned paper (from their Flirt Collection).

The Merci sentiment is from Inque Boutique's French Fancy set.  I stamped the Merci onto Shimmery White cardstock and punched it out using my small oval punch.

Here's a close-up picture to show the sparkle I added to the bow.  Using my Sakura Stardust pen, I highlighted parts of the bow.  It tends to go on kind of strong (at leas for my taste), so after I apply it to my stamped image I take my finger and blot it just a little.  This not only softens the shine, it also blends it with my image better.

I've had many emails asking me how I shade/sponge my cards.  When I was making this card, I took a few pictures to show you.

There are two different ways I like to sponge/shade.  The first way is to "rub" in a circular motion (I usually use a lighter shade for this - here I am using Creamy Caramel ink).

I love the look this gives my stamped images...darker on the edges and fades slightly towards the middle. 

As you can see from the graph paper, I always start on my scrap paper and work in.  This gives me more control over how much ink saturation there is.  (As I mentioned above, I rub in a circular motion).

The second way I shade my edges is to sponge the edges directly.  I hold my paper at an angle (as seen in the photo) and gently "swipe" the sponge across the edge of the cardstock.  I tend to use a bit darker ink for this (here I am using Close to Cocoa ink).

Here is what it looks like when it is finished.  I really like the look of shading...and use it on a lot of my cards.  It adds warmth and depth...and usually helps my focal images pop out a bit.

The stamps, Memory Box paper, Versafine ink, Clear embossing powder are all available from Stamper's Dream store.

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

Recipe   Stamps: Geranium Pot (Northwoods), Linen background stamp (Stampin' Up!), French Fancy (Inque Boutique)   Paper: Shimmery White c.s., Cameo Coral, Close to Cocoa, Memory Box patterned paper (Flirt Collection)   Ink: Versafine Smoky Gray, Sahara Sand, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel   Other: Clear Detail e.p., Copic markers, Small oval punch, Corner rounder, Dew Drops, Sakura Stardust pen