A Little Inspiration

Love

I'm in love with this paper.   I used the new Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper (DSP) with Botanical Gazette DSP (Occasions Mini Catalog) and the colors work together beautifully! 

The butterfly stamp is from the new Hope & Strength set (available May 1 - that seems so far away!) and is in the new Summer Mini Catalog - I received the catalog a few weeks ago and already have my wish list put together!

I added a flower from the Pretties Kit (now Paper Daisies) and a couple of embosslits butterflies.  Lastly, the 3/8" taffeta ribbon and a button from Button Latte (available in the Clearance Rack).

I started this card with the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge, but it just wasn't working for me, so I'll try to use that sketch later this week instead.

 

Supplies:

Paper: Early Espresso Always Artichoke, Paisley Petals & Botanical Gazette (121783)

Ink: Marina Mist

Stamps: Strength & Hope (MDS & Rubber)

Tools: Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (119275), 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (118874), 1-3/4" Circle Punch (119850), Embosslits Beautiful Wings (118138)

Embellishments: 3/8" Marina Mist Taffeta Ribbon (119965), Basic Pearls (119247), Button Latte (114333), Pretties Kit (119243), kite string (non SU)

Happy Stamping!

 

Another Peak

While I should be showing you the cute and easy project I made with free Ice Cream Parlour Designer Series Paper (thanks to Sale-a-bration!), I got busy playing with some new tools and browsing the new Summer Mini Catalog! 

One of the great perks about being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is the early access to catalogs, ability to pre-order items, and of course all of the great resources like the Success Magazine and Stampin' Connection on-line videos, samples, and discussions.

But, I wanted to show you something for today, so I put this quick card together using the new Paisley Petals DSP and Four Frames stamp set (available April 1st with a $20.00 order).

The card is 5-1/4" x 5-1/4" in River Rock with Not Quite Navy, Basic Gray & Baja Breeze.  I made the flower with Build a Blossom and the Blossom Petals punch.  Got to love those Basic Pearls for the center!

Once I figure out my new video editing software, I'll have a quick video for you too!

Supplies:

Paper: River Rock, Not Quite Navy, Basic Gray, Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke & Paisley Petals DSP

Stamps: Four Frames, Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370) & Build a Blossom (121994)

Punches: Blossom Petals (121808), Decorative Label (120907), &  1/2" Circle (119869)

Big Shot: Perfect Polka Dots (117335) & Tasteful Trim (120893)

You can still get these items from the Occasions Mini Catalog through April but Sale-a-bration ends March 31st.

Let me know if you have any questions. You can contact me here or leave a comment.

Happy Stamping!

 

Happy Easter Egg Hybrid (PPA84)

The challenge over at Pals Paper Arts this week is Inspiration Easter/Spring (PPA84).  We have a couple of days with warm weather which definitely enhances the mood!  I wish I was digging in my garden...  Instead, I'll play in my craft room and make some Easter projects :-)

Can you tell this is a Hybrid card (i.e. made with My Digital Studio and traditional paper crafting elements)?

• I printed the supersized egg and sentiment using Easter Blossoms and My Digital Studio.

• I cut the egg, layered it on some Hope & Strength Designer Series Paper (available May 1).

• Then, I created the flower with some bits & pieces from Fun Flowers, Baskets & Blooms dies and the Pretties Kit (now Paper Daisies).

• It seems like every time I open the Occasions Mini Catalog, I find something new.  On page 18, you'll find this Champagne Glass Glitter.

Tip: Put a little bit of Crystal Effects on the project, sprinkle with glitter and allow to dry.  The Crystal Effects becomes like cement and the glitter stays put.

I love that the glitter is 'chunkier' and doesn't seem to stick to everything but still gives some sparkle.  It also comes in Baja Breeze and Silver.  I just might have to get some more...

Supplies:

Paper: Early Espresso, Strength & Hope DSP (Available May 1), In Color Pack (Hostess Level 1), Elegant Soiree DSP(117163), Blushing Bride, Baja Breeze (MDS) & Always Artichoke

Stamps: Easter Blossom (MDS) (122057)

Ink: Early Espresso (MDS)

Big Shot: Fun Flowers (121812), Baskets & Blooms (113484)

Punches: Butterfly (119848), Blossoms Petal (121808), 1-3/8"x 5/8" Oval(119863), Scallop Trim Border (118402), & Scallop Oval (119856)

Embellishments: Early Espresso Satin Ribbon (119753), Button Latte, Pretties Kit, Champagne Glass Glitter (120997), Pretties Kit (now Paper Daisies 119243).

Other: String (non-SU), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430) & Glue Dots (103683)

I'll have more details on the Strength & Hope DSP & Stamp Set for you soon (available May 1).

 

To learn more about My Digital Studio, click here.  To see more 'hybrid' projects, click here.

Happy Stamping!

A Little of This & That (MOJO181) Hybrid

I put together this quick card using the MOJO Monday Sketch Challenge (MOJO181) and bits and pieces of paper leftover from last week's projects.

I started with a layer of Very Vanilla and Always Artichoke.  I layered some leftover Springtime Vintage along with some Very Vanilla (embossed with Elegant Lines) and then a couple layers of Springtime Vintage edged with Baja Breeze.

The cute little bird is an old set, Spring Song that I just can't part with - it's so cute.  For the flourish, Little Leaves and for the flower, a little 1/2" Seam Binding in Baja Breeze with a Chocolate Chip Corduroy Brad in the center.

I'm working on a Petal Cone Tutorial for you and some fun Easter Goodies as well as a 'sneak peek' of a project I'm doing as a guest designer for craftprojecentral.com.

Supplies:

Paper: Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Springtime Vintage DSP

Stamps: Spring Song (retired)

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Punches: 1/8", 1 3/4" Circle & 2 3/8" Scallop Circle, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Pinking Hearts Border, and Build a Blossom Punches

BigShot: Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Little Leaves

Embellishments: 1/2" Baja Breeze Seam Binding & Chocolate Chip Corduroy Button

I hope your week is off to a great start. 

Happy Stampin'!

Punch Bunch Lip Balm Holder

Not only would this be a really cute card but it's a Lip Balm Holder!

I saw this idea over on Brenda's Blog Qbee Quest and just had to make some.  I think they will be prefect for an upcoming Craft Fair I plan to attend this spring.  They would also be great for a grad gift, baby showers, bridal showers, teacher thank yous, oh the list goes on! :-)

She put together a wonderful tutorial with great photos giving all the details on how to make these. 

If you plan to make a bunch, I recommend 12x12 card stock.  You'll get more per page (6).  Otherwise you have to adjust for 8 1/2 x 11 to get 4 per page.

Measurements for 8 1/2 x 11:

• Base & Cover: 5 1/2 x 3 1/2

• Score at : 2 3/8 & 3 1/4

Complete the rest as per her instructions.

• I used the Punch Bunch stamp set that I earned for free with the Sale-a-bration promotion that is going on through March.

• The leaf is from the Build a Blossom punch and the paper is a Hostess Level 1 gift for a $150.00 order or Workshop.

Supplies:

Paper: So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, In Color Designer Seris Pack (Hostess Level 1), Whisper White & Pear Pizazz

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Tangerin Tango, Wild Wasabi Stampin' Write Markers

Stamps: Punch Bunc (Sale-a-bration!)

Punches: 1 3/4" Scallop Circle, 1 1/4" Circle, 1 3/8" Cirlce, Build a Blossm and Butterfly

Other: 1/4" Real Red grosgrain ribbon, 2-Way Glue Pen

 

To view the online Catalog, click here.

 
Hope your Monday is off to a great start. 

i'm so sorry (PPA83)

I don't know if it's the color challeng over at Pals Paper Arts (PPA83) or the cloudy skies that made me feel a little melancholy this morning as I put this card together with the "i'm so sorry" sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes.

I like the 'art nouveau' look of the Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper (DSP) and wanted to keep the card clean and simple.

I used a 5x5 card base.  (Did you know Stampin' Up! has 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 inch square envelopes?  #107289)

The Nature Walk stamp set seemd to fit the look.

Supplies:

Paper: Whisper White (textured), Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, & Elegant Soiree DSP (117163)

Stamps: Nature Walk (121997) & Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)

Ink: Soft Suede

Punches: Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border (119275), Word Window (119857) & Decorative Label (120907)

Embellishments: Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon & Brads

I hope you have a great weekend!

Happy Stamping!

Create a Cupcake Birthday

Here's a quick post today using another punch that seems to be collecting dust with all the Petal Cone fun I've been having.

I started with Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White & a touch of Early Espresso.

I added a little extra by using two layers of the top (just trimmed the bottom a bit).

A quick card with the Perfect Polka Dots and Framed Tulips embossing folders.

Supplies:

Paper: Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo, Early Espresso & Whisper White

Stamps: Create a Cupcake (121982)

Ink: Crumb Cake & Melon Mambo

BigShot: Framed Tulips (121809) & Perfect Polka Dots (117335) Embossing Folders

Punches: Decorative Label (120907) Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border (119275) & Build a Cupcake (121807)

Embellishments: Basic Rhinestones (119246)

Get these while you can during the Mini Occasions Catalog and Sale-a-bration! period.

 

So Into You Ice Cream Cone (HSS57) Tutorial

The gals over at Hand Stamped Sentiments (HSS57) have a fun color challenge this week.

I saw the colors and immediately thought of three things.

1. Ice Cream (almost neapolitan)

2. Petal Cone Die

3. How can I make it even more fun?

I pulled out my In Color card stock and the In Color Designer Series Paper (DSP) Pack (Hostess Level 1) and started to experiment.  Here is the result. 

The card base is Whisper White with a layer of Pear Pizazz on top.

The next layers are from the DSP pack.

Then, I made the Ice Cream Cone using the DSP paper and the Petal Cone die for a hidden message.

How fun is that?

To make the cone:

1. Cut one petal cone using Crumb Cake and remove the half circle from the top along the score lines.

2. Run the paper through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.

3. Fold into the cone shape (tucking the flap inside).

4. Trim the top off at 1 3/4" (or to your preferred size).  Adhere the flap inside and sponge the edges for added depth if you like.

The Ice Cream:

1. Cut another petal cone using Whisper White and cut along the score lines.

2. Insert the card stock into the cone and mark along the top side edges.

3. Use the 1 3/4" circle punch to round the top of the ice cream at the marks.

4. Make the scoops using the 1 3/4" circle punch and the Scallop Edge Border so that there are four scallops along the bottom edge (I punched once along the bottom edge of the circle and then lined up the scallops and punched again.)

5.Layer the first scoops on the insert using dimensionals (1 stacked 2 for greater height), then layer the remaining scoops.

6. For the cherry, cut a 1/2" circle and cut out a "stem".

And of course you can decorate the inside as you please!  I used Teeny Tiny Wishes.

Supplies:

Paper: Whisper White, Pear Pizazz, Designer Series Paper Pack - In Color (Hostess Level 1), Blushing Bride & Crumb Cake

Ink: Pear Pizazz, Crumb Cake & Poppy Parade (sponged the cherry)

Stamps: Punch Bunch (Sale-a-bration) & Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)

Big Shot: Petal Cone Die (121810) & Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976)

Punches: 1 3/4" Circle, 1/2" Circle, Scallop Edge Border, Scallop Square & 1/8" Circle

Embellishments: Pear Pizazz 1/2" Seam Binding (122330 Occasions Mini Catalog), Blushing Bride Button (Holiday Mini) & Kite String (stash)

Other: Dimensionals, Glue Dots, & Sponge Daubers (102892).

Thanks to Hand Stamped Sentiments for choosing this entry as one of last week's picks!  There were so many wonderful projects using dies.  Be sure to check them out here. You can seel all the details of this project, using the Petal Cone die here.

Scroll down as there are two projects in that post.

Remember: There are only 4 weeks left of Sale-a-bration! Be sure to place your order before the end of March to take advantage of the sale.  A free stamp set for every $50.00

And, it's the best time of the year to Join Stampin' Up! if you are thinking about becoming a Demonstrator, I welcome you to join my team. You can get more details and join here.

Happy Stamping!

Hybrid Easel Card (MOJO180)

Every once in a while, this labor of love that we call stamping can actually be frustrating.  I love the concept of this card and creating an easel card is so much easier than it looks.  But, when attempting to make a circle card, one should really have the right tools or be prepared, patient, and inventive.

I got inventive but I have to admit, a little frustrated.

Note to self: get the Circle Scissors Plus :-)

This card uses the MOJO Monday Sketch Challenge (MOJO180) and can be done in a circle, square or any other shape.

Have I mentioned how much I love the Springtime Vintage Designer Sereis Paper (DSP)?  I have the paper as a My Digital Studio (MDS) download and I recently downloaded the Easter Blossoms stamp set that came out about a week ago.  It's so nice to be able to alter the DSP by reducing the opacity and then layering a "stamp" on top.

So, to create the card, I started with Chocolate Chip as the card base.  Then layered Whisper White and then various paper from Sprintime Vintage DSP.

The bird is Two-Step Bird Extra-Large (117191) and the center of the 'flower' is a pearl from the old Pretties Kit.

I used the Basic Pearls on the top circle and the inside sentiment. (119247)

I will definitely try my hand at more Easel cards and if you would like a tutorial, just let me know.  They are surprisingly simple and great fun!

Supplies:

Paper:Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Springtime Vintage DSP (121782)

Ink: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, & Early Espresso

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes & Eastern Blossoms

Big Shot: Scallop Circle (113468), 3" Circle (122125), & 3 1/2" Circle (121811)

Punches: 2 3/8" Scallop Cirlce Punch Extra-Large (118874), 1 1/4" Circle Large (119861), 1 3/8" Circle Large (119860), Scallop Oval Extra-Large (119856), & Decorative Label Punch (120907)

Embellishments: 1/2" Seam Binding in Baja Breeze (122331), Half Pearl old Pretties Kit, & Basic Pearls (119247)

Remember with every $50.00 in purchases, you receive a free stamp set from the Sale-a-bration Catalog!  (Be sure to check out the last page of the catalog for stamp sets from the most recent Idea Book & Catalog.) 

Need a catalog?  View and download them here.

Want to learn how to make this card?  Download the tutorial for $3.95.

De-stress with Distress (OCC)

The challenge over at Our Creative Corner this week is to Distress to De-Stress using this sketch.

I wanted to use the Blossom Punch - I just love it - but I've been so busy playing with the Petal Cone Die that it has been sitting on the shelf.

I started out with Concord Crush but felt that it was just too strong to be the focal point.  Instead I combined Blushing Bride, Concord Crush, and Crumb Cake using Build a Blossom, Bliss & Something to Celebrate.  All of these are from the Occasions Mini Catalog and Sale-a-bration Catalog.

I also used some Basic Pearls (119247) that have an adhesive back and come 150 per package in three sizes plus strips of pearls for borders.

First, I stamped the background paper (Designer Series Paper Pack - In Color - Hostess Level 1) with the butterfly from Bliss and added some Crumb Cake and then distressed the edges with my fingernail.

Then, I layered more of he DSP paper that I stamped with the Bliss Stamp Set in Blushing Bride and Crumb Cake and smeared and sponges some Crumb Cake on the edges and top.

To create the first layer of the flower, I stamped the petal in Blushing Bride on Crumb Cake and then stamped the second petal image on top of it.

For the second layer, I only stamped the second petal image in Blushing Bride on Blushing Bride (but there were remnants of Rose Red on the stamp affecting the outcome :-) and sponged the edges with Crumb Cake.

I used two different size Basic Pearls in the center of the flower and then stamped the leaves in Always Artichoke on Always Artichoke and adhered the leaves with dots.

Finally, the sentiment was stamped in Concord Crush and finished with the large Basic Pearls.

It sounds like a lot of work, but I think it takes me longer to create the blog post than the card!

Supplies:

Paper: Blushing Bride, Concord Crush, Crumb Cake, & Always Artichoke

Ink: Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride & Concord Crush

Stamps: Build a Blossom (121994), Bliss (Sale-a-bration) & Something to Celebrate (Hostess Level 2)

Punches: 3/4" & 1" Circle & Blossom Petals (121808)

Embellishments: Basic Pearls (119247)

  

To order these and any other supplies, visit my store 24/7!

Have a great day,