Back to School ...

My first "back to school" project.  The children in our Greeting Card Kids set are so precious, they just had to have be the center of attention.  I stamped them with Elegant Eggplant ink on Whisper White cardstock.  This time I decided not to add color to my image.

The schoolhouse is made of chipboard cut in the desired shapes.  I covered it with ModPodge and layered it with our "oh so sparkly" Fine Cosmo Glitter (Orchid).  The flower is crocheted white from Fleurettes II.
The postal note says "Important Message ... please return" - it's from a retired stamp set.  The orchid ribbon is retired SU grosgrain and the button was picked up somewhere along the way.  The pearls are new to our catalog this year and I love them.  They are self-adhesive and come in different sizes.

The background is paper from our Newsprint collection.  I layered that onto Soft Suede with my card base made from Crumb Cake.  My orchid and celery papers are scraps from the drawer. 

Inspiration was found at these blog challenges ... be sure to visit each and leave some love.
Truly Scrumptious has a wonderful sketch this week!
Paper Sundaes tells us it's time for "back to school" projects!
SP Color Combos challenges us to use Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, and Celery!
The City Crafter suggests the beautiful combination of purple, green, and white along with a Postal message!

Thanks for stopping by ... I hope you enjoyed your visit.

Supplies:
#119887 Greeting Card Kids - Wood Mounted
#120633 Greeting Card Kids - Clear
#105210 Elegant Eggplant Classic Ink
#100730 Whisper White cardstock
#117166 Newsprint
#120953 Crumb Cake cardstock
#115318 Soft Suede cardstock
#115604 Fleurettes II
#119247 Basic Pearls


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Joy ...

I was so inspired by some of the challenge blogs I visited this week, I just had to create another Christmas greeting.  After making Sabrina's banner (see earlier post) I wanted to play with my glitters and this time I had to use red ... it was calling to me.

I started with Whisper White cardstock layered with Old Olive.  My new Distressing Kit came in handy again to antique the edges.  My papers and ribbons are scraps from the drawer.  I think they are the perfect Holiday combination.  A little white button helps to visually balance the flower on the left.

The chipboard frame (from On Board Mix & Match) was first painted in red, then a layer of Mod Podge, and finally topped off with our delicous Chunky Essentials Glitter.  I love it!  I dragged the seam binding across my Chocolate Chip ink pad to give it a shabby look.  JOY was stamped in Cherry Cobbler and punched out with our perfectly petite Jewelry Tag Punch.  See it peeking out from behind the flower?  The flower was hand made with Whisper White cardstock.  I used three different punches - Fancy Flower Extra Large, 5-Petal Flower Extra Large, and a small flower punch for the center.  Misted with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz it really glistens ... click on the image for a better view!  I so enjoy creating these flowers!  What a perfect embellishment for a card wishing loved ones a joyous Holiday Season!

There is more to see at these challenge blogs.  Be sure to pay them a visit and leave a comment or two.

Simon Says Stamp has a terrific sketch to follow ... thanks for helping me put all this together!

ABC Challenge is on the letter Z and they are featuring Zig Zag .. it's not just a stitch!

Stamp Challenges is asking for flowers this week ... I don't think I could do a project without one!

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge is celebrating Christmas ... thanks ladies for the inspiration! 

Tuesday Throwdown is celebrating Christmas ... lots of Holiday spirit at this blog!

Tuesday Taggers another blog that's ringing in the Holidays ... be sure to visit!

I hope you enjoyed today's visit.  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ..

#100730 Whisper White cardstock

#100702 Old Olive cardstock

#118762 Distressing Kit

#108797 Chunky Essentials Glitter

#100908 Chocolate Chip Classic Ink

#119669 Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink

#117190 Jewelry Tag Punch

#118073 Fancy Flower Extra Large Punch

#119880 5-Petal Flower Extra Large Punch

#118772 Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz

#119240 On Board Mix & Match Chipboard

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Love the Tulle ...

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Hello everyone!  Today was my Christmas in July Stamp Camp!  Time spent with friends - talking, laughing, and creating our own works of art ... a perfect afternoon.

Here is a simple Holiday card we created today.  It uses Very Vanilla as a base and prints from our Jolly Holiday collection.  Aren't those papers just wonderful?  I've used them time and again as you can see from my earlier posts! 

The sentiment is from Christmas Classics and is stamped in Cherry Cobbler.  Simple red buttons with ribbon ... a few of my favorite things.  And the tulle - LOVE IT!  Ok, so maybe my bow is a tinsy bit big but hey - it's the Holidays and a time to celebrate!

Thanks for stopping by today and I'll see you again soon.

Supplies:
#111566 Christmas Classics
#119669 Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink Pad
#103683 Glue Dots
#117159 Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper


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Etsy Inspired

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Hello friends.  I have lots to share with you today so let me get started.

You may be aware of a fantastic website called Etsy.  It's a wonderful community of artist who use the site to sell their handmade items.  If you are not familiar with it, I encourage you to pay a visit...there are gorgeous works of art to see.

A challenge blog that I like to visit is called Etsy Inspired.  Just as the name suggests, the postings on this blog are inspired by the art you find on Etsy.  This week they are featuring Mermaids Tears Jewelry.  Mermaids Tears are also known as sea glass--and each piece of jewelry is made from this glass!! This shop carries all kinds of jewelry--necklaces, bracelets, anklets, earrings, and much more.  I've posted images of some pieces that inspired me this week ...

Isn't this the most beautiful shade of pink? 

Or how about green dangling from a silver crown?

Love those swirly designs on these pink beauties!

OK, so know you know my inspiration pieces.  Here is what I created to "dangle" in my daughters room. 

I used lots of pink, green, and black accents.  All papers are Stampin' UP and I'm sure you recognize quite a few!  Sabrina and I worked together to make the accordian folded "rosettes" from coordinating papers.  She painted the chipboard letters a yummy shade of pink and we used Mod Podge with Dazzling Diamonds glitter to give each one some bling.  Eyelets in the corners helped to tie the pennants together with ribbon.  Our wide Striped Ribbon in Old Olive decorates the ends.  Below are some detailed photo's of each letter to show the embellishments.

I just love the crown from our Artistic Etchings stamp set.  Stamped in Jet Black Stazon it's the perfect beginning for a princess.

This little charm "Be Yourself" says it all...with a cute swirl design at the top!

Our Scallop Circle punch is just the right size for a little layering.

Where did I ever get this button?  Its swirl design makes it a needed "accessory" with my inspiration piece!

Another stamp from our Artistic Etchings set....AMOUR.

Click on the image to enlarge the view. 

You'll see Dazzling Diamonds glitter around the edges of each rosette.

A handmade rose made from our Newsprint Designer Series Paper, sponged with Pretty In Pink ink, painted in Mod Podge and dipped in Dazzling Diamonds glitter ... I can't think of a better punctuation mark!

Thanks for stopping by today.  Be sure to pay a visit to the ladies at the Etsy Inspired blog and Mermaids Tears Jewelry.  So many wonderful things to see ... it makes me want to have an Etsy Shop of my own!  

Here is a short list of my supplies ...

#102023 - Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

#117166 - Newspaper Designer Series Paper

#101301 - Pretty in Pink Classic Ink

#105319 - Metallic Eyelets

#108342 - Jumbo Pewter Eyelets

#115618 - Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (Old Olive)

#119854 - Scallop Circle Punch

#101406 - Jet Black StazOn Ink

#118517 - Artistic Etchings (wood mounted)

#120573 - Artistic Etchings (clear mounted)

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Merry Christmas (in July)

Hello friends.  Another 90 degree day here today.  The news reported that this is the 18th hottest summer on record so far this year with a 2.6 degree above average temperature.  I'm not sure that 87.4 degrees would have felt that much cooler.  After the rain yesterday the garden is heavenly!

Today's post is another Christmas card that I hope you enjoy.  I used our new Greeting Card Kids stamp set.  Aren't they adorable?  Stamped on Watercolor Paper with Jet Black StazOn Ink, they are perfect for coloring with our Aqua Painters.  Something I haven't done in ages.  I thought this little lovely would prefer a soft Regal Rose coat.  Her tree is Old Olive and the wagon is our gorgeous new Cherry Cobbler.  The vintage look is created with our Distressing Essentials kit...it's a "must have".  I LOVE all the tools it has to offer ... inks, files, sanding block, and a flat stamp.  "What's this?", I asked.  Then glancing at the instructions ... "Oh, that's how you do it?!"  JOY!

Some Chunky Essentials glitter was added to her coat with a 2 Way Glue Pen.  The background paper is from the Jolly Holiday collection - it's wonderful!  The Basic Pearls Jewels gave just the right touch in the lower left.  Our Old Olive ribbon provides the perfect spot for my crocheted flower from Fleurettes II - precious with a little rose colored button in the center.  My "Merry Christmas" is from our Star Punch set and stamped in Cherry Cobbler.

You will find this card at a couple of my favorite blogs.  The layout is from the ladies at Sketch Saturday.  Thanks for helping me get all this arranged in such a beautiful way!  Debbie at The Shabby Tea Room is celebrating Christmas this week...be sure to send some love in her direction!  Winter Wonderland is all about Angels and Glitter - what little girl isn't an angel?  Another visit you'll want to make is to Pear Tree Designs where everything sparkles this week!  Good night everyone and thanks for stopping by ...

#119887 (wood) - Greeting Card Kids
#120633 (clear) - Greeting Card Kids
#111566 - Star Punch
#105019 - Watercolor Paper
#101406 - Jet Black StazOn Ink
#103954 - Aqua Painters
#117159 - Jolly Holiday DSP
#119247 - Basic Pearl Jewels
#115604 - Fleurettes II
#109054 - Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon
#101650 - Very Vanilla Cardstock
#119685 - Cherry Cobbler Cardstock
#119669 - Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink
#100702 - Old Olive Cardstock
#102277 - Old Olive Classic Ink
#105211 - Regal Rose Classic Ink
#118762 - Distressing Essentials


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Pink and Peachy

 

Good Saturday morning to you.  It's a glorious day and I may just have the chance to finish my book on the porch later!  So a quick post for you today, OK?

Two new challenges really tested me to put together a color combination that I would NEVER have dreamed of in a million years...Baby Pink, Peach, and Black.  WHAT?  That's exactly what I thought until I scrolled down and looked at this yummy photograph.  Gorgeous, don't you think?

I've been itching to dig into our new In Color package and here was my chance.  Everyone ... meet Peach Parfait.  It served as my card base so you don't see much from the front.  I've included an image of just the cardstock. 

On to my project for today. 

The printed papers are old but they look wonderful for this project.  The flower was created using different punches ... Fancy Flower Extra Large, 5-Petal Flower Extra Large, and an old retired punch very much like Boho Blossoms Extra Large (that gives you THREE small flowers).  The paper I used was Pretty in Pink to keep with the "Baby Pink" requirement in this challenge.  The pearl in the center is self sticking and available with our Basic Pearls Jewels.  I'm so excited that we offer these embellishments now ... I go through them like crazy!  After the flower was dry, I misted it with our Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz to add a shimmer.  Click on the photo to enlarge the image - you'll see the subtle glitter.  Isn't it wonderful?  Here's a link  to a fantastic tutorial on creating this little bundle of goodness.  It's so fun ... I hope you try it!

The black was brought into the project with our rich 5/8" Satin Ribbon.  It comes in 13 colors and ties beautifully ... I don't have them all (yet).  I keep a little stash of black and white checked ribbon just for detailing such as this.  The buttons and pearl are on a pin with my message included.  It's the first time I've used my new Jewelry Tag Medium punch.  Perfect size for this project and I can see many more little tags in the future!

I'm so pleased you were able to stop by today.  Thanks so much for coming.  I encourage you to visit the ladies at Colour Create Challenge to see other gorgeous examples of Baby Pink, Peach, and Black.  Thanks ladies for the challenge!  Over at Cute Card Thursday they are celebrating summer with bright cheery colors.  I thought this card with it's handmade flower fit the bill!  I hope they agree.

119794 - Peach Parfait cardstock

118073 - Fancy Flower Extra Large

119880 - 5-Petal Flower Extra Large

119858 - Boho Blossoms Extra Large

100459 - Pretty in Pink cardstock

119247 - Basic Pearls Jewels

118772 - Vanilla Smooch Spritz

117285 - 5/8" Satin Ribbon in Basic Black

117190 - Jewelry Tag Medium Punch

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A Merry Little Christmas ...

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Boy, what I wouldn't do for a little snow right now.  Just a very little snow ... like a dusting that has melted by tomorrow morning.  You know the kind - soft little flakes drifting through the air (sigh).  I just checked - it's 93 degrees here in Michigan ... something is wrong with that.  Michigan isn't suppose to get this hot ... we're in the "north" aren't we?

I have a "Christmas in July" event at the end of the month so I'll be "Christmas-ing" the next few days/weeks.  Here's the first wintery post I have to share with you.  I'm in love with the richness of our new Cherry Cobbler color - I used it here with both cardstock and ink.  Distressed around the edges with our Cutter Kit adds a little shabby vintage look.  Our Whisper White cardstock is gorgeous dry embossed and layered with that sweet cherry color.  My tree and oval greeting are from retired stamp sets however, as substitutes I would suggest our Sweet Season and Season of Joy stamp sets.  I embossed the tree in Silver Embossing Powder using a VersaMark Ink Pad and Heat Tool.  Our Oval Extra Large Punch was perfect for this greeting and will be for the Sweet Season greeting too. 

My older star and heart punches came in handy and I would encourage you to look at our Heart to Heart Extra-Large Punch.  Three hearts of different sizes in one punch - it's wonderful.  Now for the wings ... don't you just love them?  I stamped the dove from our A Wish For Peace stamp set and cut out only the wings.  Stamping with StazOn Jet Black ink made sure that the image would not bleed while I used my 2-Way Glue Pen to apply the Dazzling Diamonds glitter.  I absolutely ADORE the flying heart!

It was nice of you to stop by and I hope to see you over at The Shabby Team Room.  Debbie's theme this week is "embossing" and I can't wait to see the glorious works of art that will be posted there!  Be sure to pay her a visit ... it's pure inspiration!

The ladies at Fussy and Fancy are celebrating "Christmas in July" ... be sure to stop by and see all the winter wonder!

The letter of the day is "Y" for "You and Me" at the ABC Challenge blog ... A Merry Little Christmas to YOU on my card!


Supplies:
119669 Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink
119685 Cherry Cobbler Cardstock
106958 Cutter Kit
100730 Whisper White Cardstock
116471 Sweet Season
110384 Season of Joy
109131 Silver Embossing Powder
102283 VersaMark
100005 Heat Tool
119859 Oval Extra Large Punch
119881 Heart to Heart Extra-Large Punch
111614 A Wish for Peace
101406 Jet Black StazOn
100425 2-Way Glue Pen
102023 Dazzling Diamonds glitter

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Pretty in Pink ... and Black

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Good HOT day to you, my friends!  It's the third day in a row that we will hit the 90 degree mark.  My garden is suffering terribly.  The sprinklers ran this morning and I'll run them again at the end of the day - but honestly it doesn't do much good.  My poor sweet flowers ...

Here's a post that will hopefully perk everyone up.  I love this greeting ... "My Dear, Kind and Wonderful Friend".  Doesn't that say it all?  It comes with our All Holidays stamp set.  Pink and Black is always chic and perfect for this card.  I'm also lovin' the Newsprint Designer Series Paper!  The Basic Black Striped ribbon is a favorite of mine and you'll see it frequently.  The best news is that we now carry this gorgeous stripe in more colors ... Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Rich Razzleberry, Night of Navy, Marina Mist, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Early Espresso, and Basic Black.

(Click on the picture ... you can see it sooo much better!)

My Butterfly Punch added my winged friend.  I punched her out of a pink print and again out of acrylic with black polka dots then layered the two with a Glue Dot.  The black button with ribbon floss is attached with a Dimensional.  So cute - don't you agree?

I want to point you towards these terrific challenge blogs this week ... thanks for the inspiration ladies!
Crazy 4 Challenges who required two ribbons on my project - be sure to visit them!
Crazy Challenges featured an "up in the air" theme this week - see my butterfly?
Torendi provided gorgeous inspirational images of Japan.  Here are the two that inspired me the most!

Thanks for stopping by today - I hope you stay cool.  I'll be back soon with my Christmas card ideas!

Supplies:
114916 All Holidays
117166 Newsprint Designer Series Paper
121045 Basic Black Cardstock
101179 Basic Black Classic Ink Pad
101650 Very Vanilla Cardstock
119848 Butterfly Punch
103683 Glue Dot
104430 Dimensionals


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Retired Sets for Sale!

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With the release of our exciting new catalog, I need to make space for all the wonderful goodies on my Wish List!  I have many new and gently used stamp sets that have retired...I'd love to see them go to new home.   Prices are 50% off the original cost.  If you find something of interest, please EMAIL ME directly so that we can arrange payment/shipment.  Orders will be treated on a first come, first served basis. 

 

How Things Work: 
•  Shipping will be calculated depending on your order. Domestic U.S. only.
•  Sales Tax is included in the price
•  Your order will be mailed USPS within 2 business days of confirmed payment.
•  No returns.
 
$3 (Three Dollars) - Beautiful Baby

 

$6 (Six Dollars) -

• Background Basics
• Birthday Whimsy
• Bitty Basics
• Bitty Birthday
• Itty Bitty Backgrounds
• Lots of Thoughts x 2
• Merci
• Sweet Dreams 

$8 (Eight Dollars) -

• Country Morning
• Four Square
• Halloween Frights
• Holiday Best
• Twick or Tweet
• Wonderful Words 

$9 (Nine Dollars) -

• Botanical Bloom
• Canvas
• Live Like You Mean It
• Love Bug
• Patterned Pines
• Print Pattern
• Totally Tabs
• Voila to Go
• Weathered
• Wings of Friendship
• Yummy 

$10 (Ten Dollars) -

• Bronc Buster
• Game Night
• Hit the Road
• Rustic Rooster
• To You and Yours 

$11 (Eleven Dollars) -

• Only Ovals
• Simple Shapes
• True Friend 

$13 (Thirteen Dollars) -

• Block Party
• Christmas Punch
• Doodle This
• Embrace Life
• Seasonal Whimsy
• Touch of Nature
• Voila 

$15 (Fifteen Dollars) -

• Big Pieces
• Cold Play
• Certified
• Greetings Galore 

$16 (Sixteen Dollars) -

• Office Accoutrement
• Wagon Full of Fun
• Wildlife Reserve

Happy Fourth of July!

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Hello friends ... Happy Fourth of July!  We have a busy holiday weekend ahead of us as I'm sure you do too.  So, I thought it best to send you greetings for our Independence Day a bit early! 

I'm sure you're like me ... when anyone says "Red, White, and Blue" you think of our grand old flag ... and I think of Betsy Ross.  See the thread spool?  I added it in her honor.  The background papers are scraps from various retired collections.  Two blog challenges this week suggest these glorious colors as our palette ... ColourQ and Wee Memories ... thanks ladies!  Another blog tells all visitors to "Check it Out" and use checked or plaid paper - what a great idea!  Visit Simon Says Stamp to see more!  (Cute name, huh?)

A large chipboard number took center stage for this project.  I added Fine Cosmo glitter to the chipboard letters because every card needs some bling.  Don't you agree?  The stitching is inspired by Papertake Weekly Challenge.

For the spool I wrapped navy blue floss around a ... well, I don't know what you call these!  Paper spool?  You can get packages of them at any fabric store.  I stamped mine with a word stamp using Sahara Sand ink.  It's mounted on Dimensionals to give it the attention it deserves.

The ribbon is seam binding dyed with Bashful Blue ink.   This time I dragged it across my Chocolate Chip ink pad for an aged look.

And last but not least, I do love that tag!  My newest addition ... Because I Care stamp set.  It's a wonderful new Hostess Set and the script is just perfect!

Be sure to stop by the challenge blogs linked above .. there is so much to see!  If you would like your own copy of our new Idea Book and Catalog - please contact me directly and I'll get one mailed out right away.  It's filled with glorious goodies!  You can also view it online (see link below).  To order Stampin' Up merchandise  ... CLICK HERE 24/7!

Supplies ...

Whisper White Cardstock #100730, Sahara Sand Classic Ink Pad #105208, Dimensionals #104430, Bashful Blue Re-inker #105221, Chocolate Chip Classic Ink Pad #100908, Because I Care Hostess Set #118384 (wood), #120118 (clear), Fine Cosmo Glitter #108796

       2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog.  

Thanks for visiting - have a safe and happy holiday!

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