StampForJoy

Pansy Punch Art for PPA87

2011-03-31T12:14:00.003-04:00

This is another version of my previous pansy card but I used Summer Sun ribbon instead of Lavender Lace. The pansies were made with the Extra Large Butterfly Punch cut out of Shimmer White cardstock. Thus my entry for Pals Paper Arts Punch challenge. I video tutorial by Dawn Olchefske http://www.dostampingtypepad.com/ helped me create the pansies. This is her blog and you will have to navigate to find her You Tube video tutorial called Butterfly Pansies Punch Art. Hope you have as much fun as I have making these easy little spring flowers. Happy Spring...I think! (It snowed here yesterday!!)

Pretty Pansies

2011-03-29T16:46:00.004-04:00

I have wanted to make these little pansies and just got the Butterfly Extra Large Punch. After punching out some butterflies, I placed them on a thick layer of paper towels. Then I spritzed them heavily with water. With my Aqua Painter I picked up a drop of Lavender Lace reinker and dropped onto the outside of the butterflies. I then used another Aqua Painter and pulled out a drop of Summer Sun reinker and placed in the middle of the butterflies. All the color flows together. After they dried, I used a Black Stampin Marker and drew the stamens. 2 butterflies are put together with a rhinestone brad. This card uses Newsprint DSP for my background and some died satin ribbon in Lavender Lace. Can't wait to try some other colors for my pansies!

Pillow Top Valentines

2011-01-25T20:35:00.001-05:00

2011-01-25T20:31:00.000-05:00

The Pillow Box die makes a perfect little Valentine gift! There is room for 3 little candy bars. I put my Pillow Box die through my Big Shot using last years Stampin Up DSP in Pretty in Pink and Real Red. I punched out little tags and cut bows to wrap around the boxes. I found a pink basket and just punched out some Pretty in Pink and Real Red cardstock with the Heart punch and then embossed some of the hearts with embossing folders and glued them onto the outside rim of this basket. I am taking this to my coworkers ( my fun part time job at Coldwater Creek!)

Masculine Valentine

2011-01-23T17:30:00.000-05:00

All I can seem to do right now is crank out Valentines! So of course I needed to make one for my sweet hubby. The Pals Paper Arts Challenge sketch provided the inspiration because all I could see in that rectangle was the word "LOVE!" I should not justify buying anymore designer paper with all my retired Stampin Up! stash and that is just what I used for my background for this card. The Filled With Love stamp set provided the LOVE but I went back to Love You Much stamp set for the Feb. 14 sentiment punched out with the Round Tab punch. Real Red is my ink, ribbon and cardstock color and a sweet little cordory button adds a bit of interest.I gathered up the red ribbon by putting down a strip of sticky strip tape and just folding it a bit at the top and bottom of the white rectangle. Hope you have a wonderful week! After a week of snow, I am looking forward to a big melt!

Valentines for Friends

2011-01-17T19:25:00.000-05:00

Today I had two special friends come over to make Valentines and to have lunch. They were quite creative in the variety of designs we came up with using punches, retired DSP and ribbons. Thought you might enjoy seeing some of our creations. We will make very similar cards in an upcoming workshop! Love You Much is the stamp set I used here.

2011-01-17T19:20:00.000-05:00

Sunflower Wishes

2010-10-05T19:07:00.000-04:00

Well, this card was suppose to be for Pals Paper Arts, make a card with a button challenge, but I just missed it!!! I used the bird punch wings for the flower petals and distressed the edges with Basic Brown. Old Olive cardstock is the base for the embossed background using the Petals-a-Plenty folder. I used retired Summer Sun for my flowers and of course some retired cordoroy buttons with a skinny strip of Summer Sun through the middle. Tag punch is for my sentiment "wish" and this card goes to someone special this month of many birthdays! Hope you are having a great week so far!!

PPA #61 AUTUMN MIX

2010-09-27T17:57:00.002-04:00

For this Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge, I used my Leaves #2 die again and then embossed the leaves! I taped them down to the Brown cardstock then trimmed the edges so they would fit the base. I secured my ribbon first with sticky strip then folded and laid it down. A little cordoroy button with a strip of brown cardstock for the "thread" is safely secured with a little glue dot. Then the sentiment was stamped on this Cricut shape and popped up with some Dimentionals. The sentiment is from the Season of Friendship stamp set. It finally got "cold" here in Cincinnati and finally it feels like fall!!! Hope you have a great week! Blessings!

Curtain Call #48

2010-09-22T18:40:00.003-04:00

I wanted to use this new Leaves Die #2! So the Curtain Call Challenge provided the colors which are bright and fun! I also used the Bigz Two Tags Die for the sentiment and lined if with the DSP. The leaves are made from Hostess Level 1 stack and I distressed the edges a bit with my Rich Razzleberry. I love the textured Rich Razzelberry which provides the background, layered on top of the Peach Parfait textured cardstock as well. The new In Color ribbon tops off this card and a red rhinestone brad ads a bit of bling! If you can see, I stamped French Foliage leaves in the challenge colors on the little tag with the sentiment from the Holiday Mini "Seasonal Sentiments." This set will take me through every holiday this winter!

Paper Players #16 and SU Only Challenge

2010-09-22T18:24:00.004-04:00

My latest award!

Wow, I started my substitute teaching 2 weeks ago and I am pooped out by the end of the day, so stamping has gone by the wayside for awhile. But I am glad to be back to play along with The Paper Players and SU Only Challenges and the fun Leaves #2 die I just got! I have several ideas for this die and can't wait to use the fabric I purchased awhile ago for another project to share! This card uses last year's SU fall DSP which had the beautiful browns and Night of Navy colors in it. I cut out my leaves from that DSP and used my French Foliage for the background of the squares and Thinking of You sentiment and also stamped the middle leaf with some veins from the larger stamp...love this set because it seems so real! Adding the new Glitter Brights brads was fun and what you can't see is the Champaign Mist Glimmer paint that dazzles up the edges of the leaves and the squares as well. Thanks for stopping by and I would love to hear what you think! Are you enjoying the fall? Love this season sooo much! Blessings and Joy!

Curtain Call Act 46

2010-09-07T20:30:00.001-04:00

For this Curtain Call Challenge I chose the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set paired with the same embossing folder which I sent through my Big Shot using the Top Note Die. I stamped the flowers onto the challenge colors ( see sidebar )and gave them a rhinestone center. Some Tangerine Tango ribbon and some stamping on Whisper White with the same color and a bit of Wild Wasabi distressing added the depth I wanted to add around the edges. I rounded the edges of the card with my corner rounder for a softer finish too. This will become a birthday card to someone special I am sure! I hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for stopping by. I really appreciate your comments too!

A very special offer from Stampin Up!

2010-09-01T19:10:00.005-04:00

Sign up to be a Stampin Up! Demonstrator between Sept 1 and Oct 18 and receive a beautiful tote FREE~ Call me for details...what better time to become a demonstrator and be part of my team! Contact me soon and let's share Stampin Up! together! Just click the pink Stampin Up! words to view the Demonstrator Agreement.

Curtain Call Challenge (Act 45)

2010-09-01T18:20:00.004-04:00

I absolutely LOVE the colors for this Curtain Call Color Challenge...Pear Pizazz, Concord Crush, and Crumb Cake. So this card was created with 2 stamp sets I got at a Stampaway Convention last year. The flowers were colored in with SU markers and the cardstock and ribbon from the new In Colors. I put the Concord Crush through the Lattice embossing folder for my background. Love the texture it gives any card. I also sponged around the edges of each flower section with Crumb Cake to soften the white background. This will be my card entry for the CC Challenge, but I was on a roll and made 2 more cards with these colors because I thought the combo was so lovely. The other 2 cards are below...let me know which one you like best:) and thank you so much for stopping by. I am blessed by your blog friendship!

2010-09-01T18:14:00.000-04:00

2010-09-01T18:13:00.000-04:00

Pinwheel Pizzaz for Paper Players

2010-08-31T16:12:00.003-04:00

It's "anything goes" at the Paper Pl ayers challenge blog! So I will continue with my pinwheel obsession and offer my 3 pinwheel card! I love these happy little embellishments. This time I found some retired Razzleberry Lemonade DSP and made my pinwheels 2 inch squares to fit on the card. Little buttons, with a thin piece of cardstock in the center to look like thread, create a focal point and a scalloped circle punch in Melon Mambo sets them off. A strip of textured crushed curry and a sweet little sentiment popped up with a dimentional makes this card complete! Hope you are having a wonderful week! Blessings to you and thank you for stopping by!

Curtain Call and PPA

2010-08-26T21:44:00.002-04:00

For this challenge card I incorporated the color challenge at Curtain Call and the sketch challenge at PPA! I wanted to try this little pin wheel idea and thought the colors were great for this card! I used the Hostess Level 1 DSP pack for the pinwheel using the Poppy. My trusty little "A Flower for All Seasons" stamp set gave this card the light hearted feel I was going for. I think it will make a sweet Get Well card. The rhinestone brads add that bit of "bling." Thanks for stopping by and please leave a comment! I love hearing from my visitors! Have a wonderful weekend too!

Pals Paper Arts Challenge #56

2010-08-22T14:43:00.002-04:00

When I first saw this inspiration picture I was quite intimidated. There are so many elements going on here. But I decided to make my card in honor of the new "face" of Pals Paper Arts and so...the Lattice Embossing Folder for texture, the Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler and Gold for richness and depth, the beads for dimention, and the images to reflect more of the detail. The shoes and purse are adorned with a tiny rhinestone just for some "bling!" Thank you Pals Design Team for always challenging us to "design, create, and imagine!" And by the way, my little shoes and purse were "finds" at a local stamp convention, not SU products. Blessings and Joy!

Friends who are teacher cards

2010-08-18T21:12:00.001-04:00

Here are a bunch of the cards I made for my teacher friends~ I just sent them off and have a few more to make. They all came out a little differently but oh so fun with the ribbon and button embellishmeht. I guess I feel passionate about encouraging these women because I realized what a hard job it is at times after having done my long term 7th grade Reading sub job last spring! Aren't they colorful and happy? My kitchen is that apple green and it just makes me smile!

Mom Card

2010-08-18T21:08:00.001-04:00

This is the card I created for my neighbor's sons, aged 10 and 11 to give their mom~ I love this retired "Doodle Alphabet" set and just bought it from a sweet fellow blogger friend! You can see I just punched out the tags and stamped on them and colored in the alphabet with Pretty in Pink and Old Olive. A "Sweet Pea" felt flower and pink rhinestone brad tops off the embellishment. Adding a little ribbon to the tags makes it a bit feminine and the scallop punch created just the right touch. It says "Happy Birthday" on the inside. I rounded off the bottom edge for a soft look. As you can see, I am using my retired stamps and accessories alot~ It seems a shame to let them sit around!

Daisey Bouquet

2010-08-18T20:48:00.000-04:00

My neighbor asked me to make his wife 2 cards for her birthday! One from him and one from his 2 sons. This is the card I made for him to give his wife! I used an embossing folder on Certainly Celery and cut out several daiseys, 3 per flower, from the retired sizzlet, and taped them together then secured them with a little retired brad. The flowers are So Saffron and so is the ribbon. I created the leaves by just cutting out the shapes and giving them a little fold in the middle and some Crumb Cake sponging. I also sponged the flower petals in Certainly Celery. The greeting is cut from the Bigz Die Bitty Box. Hope the "Mrs." likes it and is impressed her hubby wanted her to have something made especially for her! Tomorrow I will post the card I made for her sons to give mom. Thanks for visiting and I would love your comments! Blessings and Joy!

Paper Players In Honor of Teachers!

2010-08-14T10:07:00.001-04:00

The Paper Players color challenge just reminded me of blackboards and late summer apples! I am creating some cards to send to my teacher friends as they go back to school to encourage their hearts as they step into the lives of children. They do make a difference. I can tell, because I am a substitute and I so admire each teacher as I attempt to cover their classes! So this card is in honor of all teachers heading back to the classroom. It is a retired "apple" set inked up in Cherry Cobbler with a touch of Crumb Cake for the stem and leaf. The fun punch adds a flavor of classroom and I created the little ribbon by cutting out a thin strip, adding some fake stitching, not very good cuz I wanted to get this card posted~ A strip of sticky strip holds the fake ribbon on. I used the new DSP Newspaper Print and Love Letter as well. A button adds a touch of homemade love! Have a wonderful weekend! Blessings and Joy!

Summer's End

2010-08-11T21:50:00.001-04:00

The theme of this card was inspired by the Curtain Call color challenge. The layout is inspired by Mojo Monday! Summer is winding down and the tips of trees are changing a bit...There is still a glimmer of time to have that last bit of summer fun, like swinging on a tire! This retired SU set, Branch Out, has always been a favorite. So this card is dedicated to the last couple weeks of our summer break before getting back to school daze...and for me, substitute teaching!!

Owl Punch Fun!

2010-08-09T20:57:00.000-04:00

I finally found some time to work with this fun little owl punch! I always like to use my DSP, even though this one is retired. Can't wait to send this off to somone special!

Inspired by Nature in Lavender

2010-08-09T20:54:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share a couple cards that were just for fun! This one I sent to a friend for her birthday...so fun to add a little shiny spritz to jazz it up and a bit of crochet ribbon and a new vintage brad! I guess I just needed an excuse to use some new stuff!

Vintage in Pink and Black - A Winner at Always Playing with Paper!

2010-08-04T11:17:00.003-04:00

It is always encouraging to be acknowledged for your creativity. Thank you Always Playing With Paper for the sweet honor of being one of your picks this week!

For this new challenge,Playing with Paper, which called for a "vintage" look card, I used my new Elements of Style set and Artistic Etchings sets. I am also using this card for the Stampin Royalty challenge to create your own background DSP. I created a "shabby chic" vintage look by using Pink Pirouette and black on Whisper White cardstock. You can see I used lovely pink roses for my background. I love how versatile this stamp set is going to be! With a bit of retired ribbon and a button plus the gorgeous new antique brads, I finished off this card with a bit of "pop!" ( A very thin cut of black cardstock creates the "thread" in the center of my button, a tip from the wonderful Mary Fish and her Stampin Pretty blog...see sidebar for link) Hope you are having a great week!

Presto Paper Experiment!

2010-07-26T15:40:00.000-04:00

I have been wanting try the Presto Papers for quite awhile. So I finally opened up the package and pulled out this grid paper...and decided to use Not Quite Navy as my color to brayer on...all for the Color Throwdown Challenge. Wow, is it fun to work with! I also brayered the smaller square in Not Quite Navy and a bit of Wild Wasabi. As an added experiment, I cut out the tag and inked up a retired punch stamp with the sentiment that added the greeting I wanted. A bit of Marina Mist DSP added the third color for the Color Throwdown. I added the Not Quite Navy brads and inked up the ginko flower from the Kind and Caring Thoughts set in that same color. The sketch is from Pals Paper Arts #52, always a fun spot to drop by and get inspired! This card seems to have a more masculine look, so saving it for the next male birthday. I think I will work with the Presto paper some more...it is so cool!

Stampin Royalty Stencil Challenge

2010-07-19T14:19:00.000-04:00

I just came across the Stampin Royalty stencil challenge and thought I would enter this card using the Stampin Up stencils. I originally had striped ribbon on this card, but it was a bit much~ Love the new Newspaper Print DSP from SU.. Cherry Cobbler is just the yummiest red yet and works beautifully for stenciling. This technique is fun and adds interest to a card.

Baby Carriage Card

2010-07-16T21:14:00.001-04:00

I adapted this card from Sandy McIver. It uses the Scallop Circle Bigz Die, Dotted Swiss embossing folder and Eyelet Punch along with some other circle punches. You cut out the circle leaving 1 1/2 inches below the scallop design to allow for the fold. Then you put one side through he embossing folder. You can embellish with any kind of punch. Iused the Cricut for the baby, but I have also used a circle punch as well. A friend and I stamped the other day and she made her card with 3 baby heads for a mother expecting triplets! It was SOOO cute! As you can see, the wheels are made out of 2 circle punches and I put a rhinestone brad in the middle of each. You could use a heart as well. For the stroller handle, I punched out a portion of the small circle scallop punch! I still love my Barely Banana cardstock for soft baby cards so that is what I used here. This card has been a hit when I have given it at baby showers! Guess is will be my staple now! Blessings and Joy!

Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge

2010-07-13T15:59:00.001-04:00

With the shipment of new stuff yesterday I have had such fun playing with new colors, stamps and papers. For this Mojo Monday sketch I decided to use the "Because I Care" set inking up the flower with Pretty in Pink, Rich Razzelberry and Old Olive markers. With a little "huff" I found the colors worked beautifully for this hydrangea. On a side note...I have a hydrangea and for the life of me, it grows a foot tall every summer, bloomed a couple small blooms this year, and then, dies off in the fall! I long for a big bushy hydrangea plant!!! Any tips? Anyway, hope you enjoy this Mojo offering, simple and elegant I think!

Daffodil Delight and Newsprint DSP

2010-07-12T20:34:00.001-04:00

The UPS man came today so I just had to try out the colors. I must say I think I will grow to love them! The newsprint DSP has so many options, from music, to maps, to numbers to ...newsprint! all so great for bold backgrounds. I used this Verve stamp and a retired SU butterfly and flower that I used my markers on. This Daffodil Delight cardstock is bold and beautiful don't you think?

Cherry Cobbler and Newprint DSP

2010-07-12T20:29:00.000-04:00

Oh I love this new Cherry Cobbler and the Newsprint DSP...I also love trying out the stencil on the newsprint! Perhaps a little busy, but it was fun to experiment! I keep using my retired stuff cuz it matches!

Color Throwdown #100

2010-07-09T08:38:00.000-04:00

For this Color Throwdown Challenge I used my butterfly sizzlet for the first time! Love these little guys! I created a framed mat using the required colors and embossed the outer frame. You can't really tell form the picture, but I brayered the Very Vanilla cardstock with the shimmer paint and then brayered some on the frame and butterflies as well. It really has a nice "glow" to it! Red buttons and a red rhinestone brand bring in the last color I needed and 3 little bow knots complete this card. Thanks for stopping by!

Pals and Mojo Merge!

2010-07-08T21:41:00.000-04:00

Basic Gray, So Saffron, and Chocolate Chip are the colors for this Pals Paper Arts project. Interesting combo, but fun too! I found some retired SU DSP and the Animal Stories stamp set along with the Little Angel salutation to make this card. It is also a Mojo Monday sketch! Some retired cordoroy buttons and So Saffron ribbon with a touch of silver cord top off this one today. My motto these days is "use what you have!" So I will be trying to find new ways to use retired SU products. I have some new SU products coming and am looking forward to incorporating the new Color Renovation as well. Are you having a good summer? I hope so! Blessings and Joy!

4th of July and Celebrating My Comeback!

2010-07-02T17:29:00.000-04:00

It took me awhile to recover from my long term sub job! Those 7th graders did me in, but I enjoyed teaching Reading for a couple months. But then vacation came around and time just got away from me. But my inspiration to post again came from Pals Paper Arts and their 4th of July theme. I feel blessed by family, friends and the freedom we experience because so many brave Americans fought and died for it. I love saying the Pledge of Allegience, do you? Anyway, this card is made of all retired Stampin Up designer paper, stamp set and embellishments. But the colors are current: Riding Hood Red and Baja Blue! After I put the card together I decided the mouse needed a little flag to wave! So I just glued some tiny little strips together. Isn't it cute? Happy 4th of July!

2010-03-21T12:34:00.003-04:00

Dear sweet blogging friends and followers, I am sorry for not posting regularly. I have just begun a teaching assignment which goes for the rest of the school year...7th grade Reading...stamping is now on the backburner and lesson plans have taken precedent! I will be back from time to time! Blessings and Joy!

My Flower Pins!

2010-03-13T21:45:00.008-05:00

Here are a few of the fun flower pins I have been making (instead of blogging!) with the wonderful Flower Folds Die....they are so easy and now I will be selling them on my Etsy shop...Posiepins, for $10 plus shipping. Thought you would enjoy seeing my latest obsession! They look really cute worn on a jeans jacket or attached to a fabric purse. I will create one with your favorite colors if you would like to order one! Just email me! The very special detail of these little sweeties are the vintage buttons in the middle!

Think Spring!

2010-03-05T10:38:00.002-05:00

Finally, time to think tulips, and birdies returning, and soft spring colors! Thank you Pals Paper Arts for a fun spring challenge. I used Pretty in Pink and Barely Banana as my base colors. A Flower for All Seasons is my focal point stamp, watercolored with my stamp pads. The Eggcellent Eggs kit provided my beautiful little die cut flowers and Bella's Bloom became my sentiment because it really is "Time to Bloom!" My new Scallop Trim Border punch gives a fancy touch, and some other non SU products finish off the texture of this fun spring card.

More Bird Punch!

2010-02-27T12:40:00.000-05:00

I guess I just can't get enough of this fun new punch and so, another card using it, this one for the Pals Paper Arts Challenge and The Color Throwdown Challenge. I love Pocket Silouettes right now too! It provides the background. I used Old Olive and Pretty in Pink and Basic Brown as my color scheme. The DSP is the oh so beautiful Sending Love Specialty paper in the spring mini. I colored the Pocket Silouette with my Pretty in Pink and Old Olive Marker and then used the Color Spritzer with my Old Olive marker for more depth. I also distressed my birdies with my sponge dabbers and a bit of Pretty in Pink. I am also in love with the satin ribbon from the mini...so many fun accessories from that little caddy! Have a joyful day!

Love the Bird Punch!

2010-02-21T13:17:00.002-05:00

I needed to make an anniversary card and thought the Extra Large Two Step Bird punch from the occasions mini would be fun. The sketch challenge is for My Creative Corner and the colors are for Scrapmaster's Paradise, my first time entering this one. The Razzleberry Lemonade DSP became my background and the Pocket Silhouettes became my little box design to add a subtle image. Green Galore, Only Orange and Summer Sun ( I substituted Crushed Curry) are my color palette. A strip of Crushed Curry grograin ribbon adds a dash of fun and this little creation is ready to send. ( I try to send all the cards I make, do you?)

K.I.S.S for Pals Paper Arts

2010-02-20T22:05:00.003-05:00

Keep it Simple...that is the challenge! So I'm thinking Irish right now. Garden Green is the cardstock. Serif alphabet provides the sentiment. Embossing folder creates some interest on the white background. And the heart punch created my clover. A little sliver of Garden Green finished off the clover stem and there you go...simple but festive for Saint Paddy Day coming up.

Razzleberry Mojo!

2010-02-16T11:46:00.000-05:00

It's time to bring out the Razzleberry Lemonade DSP. I need some color in my life after snow after snow here! For this Mojo I incorporated a new Verve stamp with my wonderful "Pocket Silhouettes" stamp set. I colored the flower buds with the In Color markers which match the DSP. My new scallop punch goes well with the round scallop punch and a little distressing with Soft Suede around the sentiment and flowers, and some Melon Mambo ribbon complete the look. But, I couldn't resist that little rhinestone brad in the corner of the rectangle. I'm a sparkly girl at heart!

Stampin Royalty Challenge

2010-02-15T15:25:00.001-05:00

I got in at the end of the wire for this challenge. Even though Valentine's Day is over...I had fun making this card, though it will have to wait until next Valentine's Day to get sent!

"Sweet Pea"

2010-02-15T14:57:00.000-05:00

Isn't this little pea pod the cutest? I couldn't wait to get the "Little Angel" stamp set to use for this idea. I traded a similar card at our SU regionals in the fall, but there was no name on the card to give credit to her creativity. My card used "Baroque Motifs" for the vine background. I used the oval punch to create the pea pod and the 1/2 inch circle punch for the peas. Lavender Lace and Old Olive are my focal colors and the wonderful white Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen brings the pod and peas to life! (this is the best white pen out there by the way...I have tried lots of others and this one never fails!) You could also make the pod and peas bigger using the Wide Oval punch and the 3/4 inch circle punch.

Punches Rule!

2010-02-15T13:44:00.000-05:00

After a brief hiatus from blogging and a wonderful visit with my daughter in Florida last week, I am back to trying some challenges and excited to use some new Stampin Up products. This Pals Paper Arts Simple Sketch Challenge also incorporates the color combo from the Color Throwdown Challenge: Sage Shadow, Blush Blossom and Riding Hood Red. I used some retired DSP as my background and this qualifies for another challenge to use something "old" from my stash of supplies. My buttons and ribbon have been wanting to be used! But the sweetest thing about this card is the new Extra Large Two Step Bird punch. I love this little birdie and her wing and leaf.

Have a good week and a great day off if you don't have to work on President's Day. I am just staying put today because we are getting MORE SNOW!

There is a reason for my blogging absense!!

2010-02-11T17:14:00.003-05:00

My daughter Laurie and my grandson Isaac headed to Orlando Saturday to visit my daughter Lindsey! We spent Monday at Disney World and had the best time! Isaac loves Mickey and of course they met face to face..no tears, just smiles. We got back last night. I will be back to blogging soon! Blessings and Joy!

Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge: Tic Tack Love Valentine

2010-02-05T17:25:00.000-05:00

For this Pals challenge I brought out the Happy Heart stamp set, one of my Valentine favorites. I stamped in Basic Black and just colored in a few images and put the new epoxy pink brad in the middle. Textured Melon Mambo is my background color and a little layer of Pretty in Pink plus ribbon creates a simple Valentine!

Mojo Simplicity

2010-02-02T21:25:00.000-05:00

For this Mojo sketch I wanted to incorporate my new Two Step Bird Punch that lends it self to lovely dimention! The wonderful new Sale A Bration Scallop Punch is so subtle but sweet. Pretty In Pink cardstock and Sahara Sand combine with Whisper White to make a clean and simple statement. The "Love Always" sentiment is a rub on. Three pink brads balance the print rectangle I think. No stamping needed for this card, which I might add a few hearts to if I need a Valentine card! Blessings and Joy!

Valentine Sweet Treats

2010-02-01T20:12:00.000-05:00

These little Valentines were made from the Sweet Centers Stamp Set, and the Treat Cups that hold the candy. I stamped the images on Whisper White and punched out the middles with the 11/4 inch round punch. The little taps at the top pull up the magic door that enables you to get to the candy without tearing up the card! They are only 31/4 by 31/4 square. Very easy little Valentine to put together! I used Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Pink Passion and Green Galore (to go with the Sweethearts!)

A Blizzard of Snowflakes for PPA27

2010-01-31T21:39:00.001-05:00

Sometimes a camera just doesn't do justice to a little card! I tried to create a "blizzard" with the Swirls embossing folder on Bashful Blue, then I brayered over it in White Craft. I also sprinkled on some Dazzling Diamonds, but, alas, it doesn't show the lovely sparkle this card has in person! The cute little snowflakes are sizzlet Snowflake Die #2, and the brads are Filigree with a clear rhinestone brad in the middle. The Warm Words stamp set creates the "sparkle" sentiment. A little layer of silver cardstock sets off my little "blizzard" which I hope we won't have any more of this winter! I am headed to Florida on Saturday with my daughter and grandson for a visit with my oldest daughter. Thoughts of snowflakes will be left behind in Ohio for sure!

Bigz Die Table Setting: PPA26 Artist Pick!

2010-01-25T17:49:00.006-05:00

Wow, thank you Pals Paper Arts, for picking me as one of your featured Artists this week! You make stamping so fun!!!

For this Pals Paper Arts Challenge: Anything but a Card, I knew right away I wanted to showcase the Table Setting Bigz Die. I have had such fun using my Big Shot with fabric, and this napkin ring holder is made with felt and fleece! The rosettes are made from fleece and the actual napkin ring is made from felt which is textured with a scroll pattern. The leaves and flower centers are made from the Sweet Pea Felt Flowers in the Spring Mini. The nameplate is cut out of Pixie Pink and is also part of this Bigz Die. I discovered this idea on Christie Daugherty's blog: http://www.stampshacklady.blogspot.com/ where she has a video tutorial. It is put together with the glue gun! How easy is that?!! I bought 1/8th yard of 2 colors of fleece for about 67 cents each piece! And the felt is usually only about 25 cents a square. The tiny little rosette on the place card is my invention. I just used a small part of the rosette piece and cut out some felt leaves and a felt center. The dot in the center is with a brown marker!

This die is still available even though it was in the Holiday Mini. It is 116819 and you can order it from me when you go to the Order Online button!

Thanks for stopping by!

Sweet Centers and M and M's!

2010-01-19T19:34:00.000-05:00

I have just been waiting to show this sample of how to use the Sweet Treats heart stamp! So simple to just stamp on cardstock, punch out the center with the 1 3/4 " punch. I cut out a square of Pretty in Pink cardstock to mount the heart on. Just before mounting, I filled the plastic cup with M and M's and took the sticky off the back, then secured onto the pink cardstock. The envelopes can be purchased as well and make for a fun Valentine's Day surprize for someone special!

Matchbox Die Valentine Gift Boxes

2010-01-19T19:28:00.000-05:00

These little Matchbox Die boxes work perfectly for sweet Valentine gifts! I just just used various designer series papers and ribbons to cut them out. The chocolate nuggets are covered in some DSP too. 4 little chocolates will fit in a box. We will make one of these at my Valentine class this Sunday!

Stampin Royalty Challenge #1

2010-01-10T15:07:00.000-05:00

Stampin Royalty's first challenge was to create a birthday greeting since they are "birthing" a new blog challenge site. I brought out the newly retired "Branch Out" stamp set because it lends itself to any season or occasion! Inking the tree in Basic Brown, I also used the Love You Much stamp set, coloring the little heart with Pretty in Pink marker and applying around the tree. Some new Pretty in Pink satin ribbon sets off a simple design, and some paper piercing on the left top and bottom brown cardstock adds some interest. I love rhinestone brads, so a square pink one is at the top of the card give a bit of balance. My "heartfelt wishes" to Stampin Royalty as they launch their new challenge blog!!

Shabby Chic in Pretty in Pink and Brown: PPA #24

2010-01-08T16:06:00.006-05:00

How can you go wrong with a sketch by Margaret Moody and some beautiful DSP? The yummy (and sparkly) "Sending Love" Specialty Designer paper creates the background for the "Dreams De Jour" stamp set using the "Love you" stamp. The new Chocolate Brown satin ribbon sets off this card with a simple knot rather than a bow. Textured Pretty in Pink cardstock and Textured Chocolate Chip cardstock are layered for some dimention, and don't forget the little Pretty in Pink brads. The square punch and scalloped square punch were also used. I distressed the edges of the pink square a bit by dragging the edge of the scissors around the cardstock to give a "shabby chic look! A little coloring with my markers give the sentiment some a dash of color to tie the card together. Notice my Valentine theme cards just keep comin!

117153 - Sending Love Specialty Paper, 117287 Chocolate Chip 5/8" Satin Ribbon, 118659 Soft Subtles Textured Cardstock, 108697 Earth Elements Textured Cardstock, 106954 Soft Subtles Brads, 104400 1 1/4" Square Punch, 112081 Scallop Square Punch

Remember, with every $50 order you receive a free SU product from the Sale A Bration mini catalog...and at the very back of the caddy are items from the main catalog that are FREE options as well!! It's a great time to get some new stampin supplies!!! Order 24/7 from me! Just go the Order Online Button, click, and go to "Shop Now," or email me with your order!

Valentines for Stamp a Stack Class!

2010-01-07T14:16:00.000-05:00

Look closely and you will see that this little Valentine has a surprize hidden image, revealed after the Love Bandit bookmark ( made from the Two Tags Big Shot Die) is removed from the pocket! Using Real Red and Pretty in Pink, and some beautiful ribbon and punches, this Valentine card will be fun to assemble and we get to use the new "Love Bandit" stamp set from the Spring Occasion Mini Catalog. Just a little stamping and alot of punching: Scallop Edge Punch, Round Scallop Punch, Heart to Heart Punch and 3/16 Corner Rounder Punch, give this card some life. Added to the bookmark are the new Epoxy Brads in Valentine colors. I love the Two Tags Die...very adaptable to all kinds of projects. Come and "stamp a stack!" See my Stampin Up! web site for details!

Pals Paper Arts: Anything but a Card: ARTIST PICK!

2010-01-06T13:58:00.002-05:00

I accidentally deleted this post!!! But if you finally found me, thank you for the visit to see my Big Shot pin cushions!!! This was so easy too! I ran my fabric and batting through my Big Shot using the Top Note and Scallop Circle dies. I saw this on Angie Kennedy Juda's blog, so she gets all the credit! You can see her video tutorial at http://www.chicnscratch.typepad.com

Clean and Simple for Our Creative Corner

2010-01-05T20:07:00.000-05:00

For this little Valentine I had to refrain from multiple layers and embellishments in order to remain "clean and simple." So, I cut out a heart with my Cricut, and stamped my cute and new little love bandit then cut him out with with my scallop punch. The Love Bandit stamp set is now available in the Occasion mini catalog. I love the new DSP specialty paper Sending Love. It has those lovely browns and pinks! My heart punch came in handy for a few more little hearts. Very Vanilla is my base and cardstock. Gosh I wanted to add ribbon and other goodies, but my hubby will get this one anyway! He won't miss the lack of layers and treasures!

Valentine Mojo #120

2010-01-05T15:30:00.002-05:00

Another Valentine's Day card for someone special. This time I used two of the new products found in the Spring Occasions Mini. Notice the fun polka dot brad in the middle of tic tac toe? Love these things! The rick rack punch is also a new product and adds a sweet touch to any card. Basic colors are Real Red on textured card stock and some Night and Day DSP. In my "stash of stuff" I found some little white heart brads to follow the sketch. The sentiment is a rub on that I didn't rub on very well but every card I make has some kind of flaw!! Oh, and the stamp set is "A Happy Heart" which is still available in the big catalog. Happy Mojo!

Mojo Monday #119

2009-12-29T15:53:00.000-05:00

It is vintage valentine time! Using Pretty in Pink Night and Day DSP plus the Holiday Best set from Stampin Up! I created a vintage look Valentine for someone special! The heart punch created a little dimention and I love my cordoroy buttons! Happy Mojo Monday!

Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge

2009-12-29T15:06:00.000-05:00

It didn't take long to get the stampin "itch" back after a brief time away from my studio for Christmas celebrations! But Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and while I am waiting for some new Valentine's Day supplies to arrive soon, I wanted to get started on my cards! I LOVE to send out Valentine's Day cards. So the "Love You Much" stamp set created the images for this Pirouette Pink and Close to Cocoa color scheme. I did a little background stamping with "Filigree" and some retired DSP created a little color variation.
Adding some Dazzling Diamond glitter on the scroll background gives this card a little "wow" in person. And a rhinestone brad and bow were a must! Happy New Year of stampin joy! Thanks PPA for another great challenge!

2009-12-24T21:29:00.006-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS!

MAY YOU FIND JOY TODAY AND ALWAYS!

Mojo Monday #118

2009-12-23T14:55:00.000-05:00

I had to do one more Mojo Monday before Christmas and this one looked easy and fun! I havn't used Mr. Twigster since last year and ...boo hoo, he is retired! But I am making some cards to send this winter to brighten someone's winter day! I think I have 3 or 4 now. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year of stampin for the joy of creativity!

Winter Wonderland and PPA #21 Artist Pick!

2009-12-20T21:33:00.006-05:00

It took me awhile, but as I was putting away some stamps, I came across my Christmas Punch set, and there was the snowman punch! All I could see was 3 little snowmen faces peeking in a window on a snowy winter day! It took a little retired DSP, but that's ok, cuz this happy little card just came together easily! So Pals Paper Arts, there you go and Our Creative Corner too! Since we just had our first snow and snowmen popped up all over our neighborhood, I had some relevant inspiration! Bermuda Bay, Only Orange, and Baja Breeze cardstock created the layers and I stamped the little guys on Whisper White...of course. The sentiment is from retired set, Happy Winter.

About being named Artist Pick#21...I am so surprized and yet delighted! This was a Christmas treat. Thank you Pals Paper Arts Designers. You inspire me. And all the other amazing stampers give me so much joy with their creativity! Thank you for even taking the time to visit Stamp for Joy. I pray a blessed Christmas to you and yours!

For some reason my comment button did not post here. Email me at tparrott@go-concepts.com for your thoughts about this card!!!

Mojo Monday #117

2009-12-16T21:22:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so for this Mojo sketch I brought out this Simply Scrapping kit and pulled off the elements I wanted and stuck them on Kiwi Kiss textured cardstock! A little ribbon and "voila" an easy Valentine.

Paper Dolls Birthday

2009-12-16T20:40:00.000-05:00

I have two sweet little nieces turning 3 within a week of each other so I made them each a little birthday card using the Paper Dolls Cricut cartridge. I had never used it before but I think she turned out so cute! I used my dotted swiss embossing folder for the background on Taken With Teal and mounted on Blush Blossom cardstock. The sentiment was stamped using retired Just B. Three is such a sweet age! Happy Birthday Abrianna and Sydney!

Pals Paper Arts Christmas Vintage Challenge

2009-12-03T22:31:00.001-05:00

I love vintage! Just wish I had more Christmas vintage stamps! But with a little creating I combined a retired background stamp and the Hostess I Holiday Best and the ever so vintage Winter Poste to set the mood. Old Olive and Ruby Red were my color combos. I had some fun with the rivets. After I set them I put a rhinestone brad inside. Aren't jewels a bit "vintagey" too?! I don't think you can really tell, but I used a Nestability to cut out the scallop oval and the Old Olive layer is mounted on dimentionals for the raised look. The skaters are stamped on Very Vanilla and mounted on the Red cardstock underneath. I sponged on some Close to Cocoa to vintage it up some more too.
Some ribbon to garnish my card and a scrap of antique crazy quilt for the background completes this PPA challenge!

Featured Stamper: Our Creative Corner

2009-12-03T08:10:00.004-05:00

Scoll down to the punch ornament card and you will see I am the featured stamper this week! I am so sweetly surprized! I always feel reluctant to enter my cards in any challenge, but do it anyway just to keep the creative juices flowing and to see the beautiful and creative entries of so many amazing stampers out there! Thank you OCC!

Mojo Monday Christmas Blessings!

2009-12-02T21:05:00.000-05:00

Just a sweet little card to keep me in the true Christmas Spirit! Love this retired stamp set called "Baby Jesus is Born." With a little watercoloring and the snowflakes from "Branch Out" this card was simple to complete. A little button adds to the whimsicle feel and that is it for today! Hope your week is going well and that you have a peaceful heart this Christmas season!

Mojo Monday Sketch

2009-11-28T17:25:00.000-05:00

This little Mojo card was created with my Berry Christmas stamp set. Using Real Red, Dusty Durango and Chirstmas Cocoa specialty papers, I carried out a simple color scheme. I stamped the wreaths in Real Red 3 times and then stamped another in Dusty Durango, stamping some cute Real Red berries and a birdie! I punched out the circles with the large circle punch and hand cut out the wreath. The middle was punched with a 1 1/4 punch. Make Merry is the happy greeting with a holly branch stamped on it to add a bit of contrast. I hope you have had a wonderful holiday. My grown kids have been in town since Tuesday. But they will all be gone by Monday morning. May your Christmas season be blessed with lots of creativity!! Thanks for visiting!

Our Creative Corner Challenge: Featured Stamper!

2009-11-28T16:14:00.002-05:00

This sketch was perfect to use the Ornament Punch and the beautiful Christmas Cocoa Specialty paper. I paired it with the rich Bravo Burgundy cardstock and some White Taffeta ribbon. Of course, last year's sweet Felt Flurries helped to embellish the ornaments and a the clear rhinestone brands add to some Christmas sparkle! My Christmas Punch stamp set created the sentiment stamped in Bravo Burgundy as well. Thank you Our Creative Corner, for this simple, but lovely sketch challenge. Enjoy the Christmas season sweet stampers! It's our time of year!

K.I.S.S. for PPA!

2009-11-27T12:35:00.000-05:00

After a week of preparation for Thanksgiving, I finally made it back to my Stampin Studio feeling a little rusty but ready to try the new PPA challenge of Keeping it Simple! I love penquins and this retired set called "Polar Pals" has just been waiting to be stamped! So black glossy cardstock is the background cut out with my Big Note die and a little Real Red and Whisper White cardstock just needed to be stamped with my black stazon. Add a touch of ribbon and this card came together simply for sure. Winter in Ohio is just around the corner. Too bad we didn't get those outdoor Christmas lights up 2 weekends ago:( Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Let the Christmas season begin!!! As for me, I am still enjoying family here at home and can't seem to ever brave Black Friday!

Online Holiday Extravganza!

2009-11-25T22:14:00.002-05:00

Don't miss this fantastic sale! Get up to 50% off Stampin Up products! Click on my website to shop! Offer good until November 30th!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pals Paper Arts #17 Flower Power

2009-11-19T21:12:00.000-05:00

For this PPA sketch I brought out some beloved DSP with my favorite Kiwi Kiss color! Adding some Rose Red cardstock , for the background and the boxes gave me just the bright color palette I was looking for to show off the stamped Kiwi Kiss flowers from the Season of Joy stampset. A bit of Rose Red grograin ribbon ties it all up and my greeting, from Upsy Daisy stampset, makes this card ready to go! Thanks Paper Pal Arts, for the fun sketch!

Our Creative Corner Inspiration Challenge

2009-11-10T15:23:00.000-05:00

What's gotten into me? 3 challenges in 2 days...wow! Anyway, Our Creative Corner has this fun inspiration challenge and I will use any excuse to make a fall card! Love the colors of this season! I just could never part with this retired Stampin Up set though and I simply stamped the images with Versamark, and used some shiny black embossing powder. I watercolored the images with More Mustard and Pumpkin and a little Soft Suede. Cutting out the little leaves and mounting them on dimentionals creates a bit more whimsy. Being "grateful" ...for family and friends and so many blessings.

Mojo Monday #112 and Pals Paper Arts

2009-11-09T19:55:00.004-05:00

For this Mojo Monday sketch and Pals Paper Arts, I brought out last year's fun Felt Flurries~ I love these things! My beautiful DSP is Christmas Cocoa Specialty with Soft Suede and retired Baja Breeze cardstock. Rub ons creates the greeting and a jumbo eyelet creates a little spot for the Baja Breeze ribbon. Love those clear rhinestones...my abosolute favorite brad. It's all about the bling on this card. Maybe I can brighten someone's day this winter with this one! Thanks for stopping by and have a great week! Blessings!

Pals Paper Arts #15 Color Challenge

2009-11-09T19:46:00.001-05:00

For this PPA challenge I had to use 3 colors: Taken with Teal, Going Gray and Ruby Red. I opted to use Riding Hood Red instead! My stampset is retired Fabulous Flowers which I inked up in Riding Hood Red and cut her out...I also made a second stamp of the flower and cut out the middle then put Taken With Teal cardstock behind it. Walk in The Park is the background gray, another retired DSP. A little ribbon from the holiday mini, and a strip of Teal pops some more accent color and stamping and cutting the two smaller flowers created the triplet of flowers that balances this card. Do you ever just run out of creativity? I did this past week and just now felt like creating again!!! These colors were a challenge too! As a number of my friends and I are headed into a new age bracket...I am sure this card will find a beautiful friend to encourage! I have had this motto over the last 30 years....fit at forty, foxy at fifty and sexy at sixty!!!
I worked hard at the first two but am wondering if I can live up to the last one!!!

Vintage Mojo

2009-11-04T20:47:00.000-05:00

It's Mojo Monday and Wednesday is already here! I also combined this sketch with The Color Throwdown. My colors were to be Dusty Durango, Almost Artichoke, Soft Sky and Kraft. Well, not sure about this one, but usually I can picture the stampset I want to use in a sketch. Thi was tough for me. But I got out a set I havn't used in awhile: Fresh Cuts. I used markers to ink it up...and then cut out the leaft at the bottom and reapplied. I alterd the designer paper a bit and tried to give a little vintage feel. My creative juices need to get going again! Tomorrow is Pals Paper Arts Challenge...if you don't succeed the first time always try try again...and I will!!! Thanks for looking anyway. You know, I started out in this craft with so much more stamping on the cardstock than all these embellishments and specialty papers. Those were the good old days! Blessing to ya!

Think Pink: PPA Challenge

2009-10-29T11:12:00.000-04:00

I have been wanting to send my sister Dayna a pink card since she is a breast cancer survivor. The PPA design team had just the perfect challenge! I am so proud of my sister for walking through her cancer diagnosis and treatment with grace and determination. She is truly an inspiration to me. Melon Mambo and Pink Pirouette are my pink colors for this card. I could not find the plain pink M&M's anywhere, so I used pink jelly beans for the fun Sweet Treat Cups set in the heart Sweet Centers stamp. A little Melon Mambo ribbon, a few swirls and my sentiment mounted on a Cricut label says just the way I feel about Dayna. I have several other friends who have battled this disease with faith and determination. I am inspired by them as well.

White Christmas

2009-10-27T22:14:00.000-04:00

This card was created for the Mojo Monday #110 sketch and Our Creative Corner which challenged us to create a card using our favorite holiday movie theme. I chose "White Christmas." I've been watching this movie since I was a teenager and always love the ending with the wonderful Christmas tree and the stage opening up to snow coming down in the background. So white and silver cardstock became my two color choices. I embossed the white cardstock with two different Cuttlebug folders. The tree and greeting are from the"Season of Joy" and retired "Star-Studded Season" sets. I embossed the tree and snowflakes in silver. I only wish the beautiful shimmer showed up better! Hope you are having a great week! Blessings to you!

Thanks Be for Thee!

2009-10-20T21:35:00.003-04:00

For Mojo Monday #109 I brought out a very retired stamp set that wanted to get out of the box! I guess I just like the salutation!! Plus I wanted to try out my new watermark! (It was a learning curve for me to learn how to apply it!) Anyway...the new In Colors provided my color palette of Dusty Durango textured cardstock, Crushed Curry, Soft Suede and Bermuda Bay for some pop! Rhinestone brads, ribbon, my one and only "Nesti" and some punches did the rest. I used the Blender Pens from my ink pads to color in the pilgrim couple. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy this season of thanks!

Christmas Wreath and PPA #12 Winner!!

2009-10-15T15:23:00.001-04:00

For this Pals Paper Arts Challege #12 I just saw a Christmas wreath in the sketch! So I got out the "Autumn Days" stamp set with the pine and pinecone stamp. I used Dusty Durango and Old Olive markers to color the stamp, then, after stamping on Whisper White,cut them out. With my Circle Scissors I cut out the Old Olive circles and made a base for my wreath. I sponged some Old Olive ink on the pine to add some color, and punched out the little berries and glued them on. A bit of Dazzling Diamonds glitter adds some wow to the overall effect, though it doesn't show up in the picture. The center salutation is from the Level 1 set, "Holiday Best." I also used markers to color it in, then added a rhinestone for a little bling~ The ribbon is "Mistletoe," from the Holiday Mini. The DSP is "Christmas Cocoa Specialty." This card was fun to make! Thanks PPA for the challenge!

Night and Day!

2009-10-13T21:04:00.001-04:00

I wanted to try out the new "Night and Day" specialty paper...just blacks and whites. And I love the "Friends 24-7" stamp set. Add the new In Color "Crushed Curry" and a simple but bold card seemed to come together with the Mojo Monday and My Creative Corner sketch! I am finding the Circle Scissors cutter is turning out to be a wonderful addition to my stampin tool box!!!

A Folk Art Card!

2009-10-11T15:13:00.000-04:00

For this PPA and Mojo Monday Challenge, I chose the fun and "folksy" stamp set, Razzle Dazzle. Using the PPA colors: Perfect Plum, Pumpkin Pie, and Old Olive, I used the respective markers to color the stamp, huffed on it and down it went on Very Vanilla. I colored the flower circles with the Pumpkin Pie marker and punched them out with a 1/2 inch punch, and put an Old Olive brad in the middle of the flower. The mat pad and paper piercer really helped with the spacing of the circles. Some retired DSP helped bring out some pattern interest and a strip of Old Olive ribbon topped off my strip going down the middle of the card. I left off a sentiment so I could use this one for the future!

Pals Paper Arts: Being Grateful

2009-10-04T17:50:00.000-04:00

I am making lots of cards to send to family and friends next month at Thanksgiving time. This challenge helped me add one more! I used my new fall favorite stamp sets, "Gobble, Gobble" and "Autumn Splendor." Using the new In Colors, Dusty Durango and Rich Razzleberry, and a great fall color, More Mustard, I stamped my leaves. I also used Veramark on the More Mustard, hard to see here.
My turkey was colored with my In Color Markers and More Mustard on Very Vanilla. I used my Nestabilities to create a frame for my little Gobbler. The fun Button Sizzix Die created my button and the Rich Razzleberry ribbon pulled this card together. I am thankful for sooo much, but right now I can't get over the fun of having a little grandson..so thankful for his sweet life of 5 months!

For all teachers!

2009-10-04T16:28:00.000-04:00

As a substitute teacher, I see the hard work and dedication of so many wonderful educators. When I sub I try to leave an encouraging little stamped note! I loved this sentiment and I use it often. Gifts of the Earth is the only current stamp set on this card. The cardstock is retired Summer Picnic...but I couldn't resist the apple background. Some retired ribbon also embellishes the circle, and Ruby Red is my contrasting color. For any teacher who visits my humble little blog, thank you for all you do to "reach a child's heart!"

Autumn Harvest for Mojo and PPA

2009-09-29T19:44:00.000-04:00

For the Mojo Monday sketch and the PPA Inspirational Challenge, I chose the new stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog, Gifts of the Earth. Old Olive and More Mustard cardstock pulled out the colors for PPA and worked well with the images. I stamped the pumpkin in Basic Brown and used my aqua painter on my stamp pads to bring out the colors, then cut her out and popped her up with some dimentionals. I stamped the large image in Basic Brown as well. You can barely see, but I spritzed both squares with a little Old Olive too! With a few Earth Element brads and some Old Olive ribbon and a strip of retired DSP, this card came together in a simple design. It feels like fall here in the southwest part of Ohio! Bring out the sweatshirts and lets take a trip to the pumpkin farm!!!

Up Up and Away!

2009-09-22T09:29:00.001-04:00

I just love the different ways you can use this "Sweet Centers" stamp set! I havn't even worked on the Halloween set...that is next! but for Our Creative Corner challenge I needed to use pink, white and brown. I stamped the base of the hot air balloon in Basic Brown on Whisper White cardstock, then punched out the circle with the new 1 3/4 inch punch. I then punched out a pink polka dot and brown polka dot circle. I mounted the balloon base on my Chocolate Chip cardstock. Folding the pink and brown circles in half, I glued them together and created the dimention to the balloon. They got glued down and after adding some Pretty in Pink brads I adhered the entire balloon image. Embellished with a little circle punch and some scallop edging, I think this card is going to "blow" someone away when they receive it!

Mojo Monday #105 -Thanksgiving

2009-09-21T15:44:00.002-04:00

This stamp called "Gobble, Gobble," from the holiday mini catalog, is a steal at $6.95 and becomes the centerpiece for this Mojo Monday sketch! I used markers to color the stamp itself, pulling out the More Mustard, Ruby Red, and Close to Cocoa and after "huffing" on the stamp, layed it down on Very Vanilla. The base of this card is More Mustard cardstock. I cut out the circles with my 1 1/4 inch punch from my favorite paper right now, "Autumn Meadows." The brown background is some retired DSP! The scallop edge punch gave me some more Ruby Red accent and another strip of my "AM's"pulled my color scheme together. The sentiment "give thanks" reminds me I need to be thankful each day for so many blessings. Today I will be thankful for my wonderful husband!

p.s. the first card is my "redo"....I added the brown strip to make the card "flow" better into the scallops...I knew something was missing when I uploaded!!!

Masculine Cards

2009-09-21T14:06:00.000-04:00

Masculine cards can be difficult, but not with the new "Autumn Meadows" designer paper from the Holiday Mini! My brother and brother-in-law both have birthdays this week...on the same day! So I brought out my retired "Winds of Grace" stamp set. The lighthouse was stamped on the designer paper which was already shaded in beautifully! Just layering some strips of this paper created the masculine background I was looking for. The sailboat was stamped on Very Vanilla which I had stamped up with the background stamp, "Sanded." I also used "Sanded" on the sentiment and sponged on a bit more Bermuda Bay. The sailboat is colored with the aqua painter with some Bermuda Bay from the lid of my stamp pad. A few brads, and a sentiment created a fast and easy solution for the men in my life! Love the colors and variety of more rustic designs on this paper!

K.I.S.S. Paper Pal Arts Challenge

2009-09-20T13:06:00.000-04:00

The challenge: "Keep it simple sweetie!" So this card, which I made at the Cincinnat Regionals just seemed to fit that bill. Using the stamp set "Berry Christmas" I stamped the modern wreath image with Certainly Celery and the little bird in Close to Cocoa. A strip of Close to Cocoa cardstock and another wider strip of Certainly Celery balance the card and the bit of 3/4 inch polka dot Real Red grograin ( using the plain side) peaks out at the bottom of this sweet little card. I stamped the berries in Real Red, punched them out with the 3/4 inch circle punch and mounted them with dimentionals. A little peak of the envelope shows I stamped the wreath again because I love a stamped envelope!

Christmas Tags

2009-09-17T20:28:00.001-04:00

Aren't these adorable? This is one of the most inexpensive Christmas stamps in the catalogue! A little layering, a rivet, some wonderful striped ribbon and you have one of the cutest Christmas tags ever! Another swap from the Cincinnati Regional...

Sweet Centers...an edible card!

2009-09-16T17:04:00.000-04:00

I was excited to get this stamp set called Sweet Centers! I also ordered the plastic cups and the 1 3/4 circle punch to make these fun cards! This particular card is for the Color Throwdown #60 using Bermuda Bay, Green Galore and Barely Banana. I put my Green Galore through my Big Shot using this embossing folder, then punched out my circle. I stamped my hot air baloon on some Very Vanilla with the Bermuda Bay inkpad. I added a strip of Bermuda Bay cardstock, textured Barely Banana, and my coordinating ribbon to create my color scheme. I found some Skittles in similar colors and added them to the little plastic cup. It has sticky on the back to adhere to my vanilla cardstock base. A few Green Galore brads and a "happiness" sentiment completes this fun little card I am anxious to send soon!

Cincinnat Regional Swaps

2009-09-16T15:32:00.000-04:00

I love this little treat card, envelope, treat container, party favor. It is simply a 4" by 4" envelope, with the 1 3/4 circle punch creating the window an window sheets covering the circle. She stamped the image from Sweet Centers stamp set, then punched out the center and used the inside for her layered circle tag. A touch of Pumpkin Pie 1/2 " striped grograin ribbon tops it off. This Sweet Centers set is ready to use for any season or celebration. Go to my website to order!!

Cincinnati Regional Swaps!

2009-09-16T15:24:00.000-04:00

Isn't this card great? I love how she used Rich Razzleberry and black using the Branch Out Stamp set! So simple. If you want a simple Halloween card this is it. Just add a sentiment. ( So sorry not to give credit to this wonderful stamper, but I had run out of swaps to trade with her, so I just took a picture!)

Cincinnati Regionals: A basket full of pencil swaps!

2009-09-15T14:04:00.001-04:00

This demonstrator created some darling pencil swaps out of the Daisey Die! They were layed on the eraser of a pencil and simply thumbtacked to the eraser~ So cute and what a pretty basket they made! Stayed tuned, tomorrow I will start posting some of the beautiful swaps I received.

Cincinnati Stampin Up! Regionals Pictures

2009-09-15T14:01:00.000-04:00

This was my first ever Stampin Up! major event and about 500 were in attendance at the Duke Energy Center this past Saturday, Sept. 12
One of the first people we met was this man who had all his swaps in this apron! He was here with his wife, who was just enjoying talking with attendees as her husband swapped their cards! There were actually a couple men in attendance who were demonstrators.

Cincinnati Stampin Up! Regional: Meeting Shelli!

2009-09-14T19:32:00.002-04:00

I never expected Shelli Gardner, founder of Stampin Up! to be at our regional meeting...but voila, there she was standing around with a few people getting their pictures taken with her before it all began. So...I got in line too! It was a fun day with lots of stamping projects, business tips and technique demonstrations. Starting tomorrow I will show off some of the swaps I got and fun sights of this event I shared with about 500 other fellow Stampin Up! demonstrators.

Autumn Splendor

2009-09-14T19:20:00.000-04:00

This card combines 2 challenges: Mojo Monday and Color Throwdown. My colors are Close to Cocoa, More Mustard and Ruby Red. The background paper, called Autumn Meadows, really is Close to Cocoa...but doesn't seen to photograph cocoa does it?! I just got my Autumn Splendor Stamp set and this beautiful coodinating designer paper. I stamped the leaves and little chestnuts in Versamark and embossed with a beautiful glitter embossing power I happened to have on hand. Love the autumn colors of this time of year, so rich and warm. Thanks for popping over to my blog. Have a joyful day~!