Happy Birthday to my Mom

The other day my dad asked me to make a card for my mom for her birthday (from him, of course) and I said sure. :)  So I got busy looking at some sketch challenges.  I saw the one from this week's Hand Stamped Sentiments and had an idea pop in my mind right away.  This is what I came up with.  Can you tell what her favorite color is?  :)

Of course I needed to make her a card from me and my family so I got to work again and ended up using the same sketch challenge from Hand Stamped Sentiments and the SUO (Stampin' Up! Only) challenge.  This week's challenge is to use one of your favorite retiring sets on your card.  I have a couple of favorites and Elements of Style is one of them.  So so sad to see this one go. :(  

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

First Card

Stamp Sets:  Everything Eleanor & Perfectly Penned

Card Stock:  Whisper White

Classic Stampin' Pads:  Island Indigo & Baja Breeze

Ribbons:  3/8" Seam Binding in Baja Breeze & 5/8" Organza in Whisper White

Shimmer Paint:  Champagne Mist

Sponges

Second Card

Stamp Set:  Elements of Style

Card Stock:  Marina Mist & Whisper White

Classic Stampin' Pads:  Marina Mist, Gumball Green & Not Quite Navy

Stampin' Write Markers:  Not Quite Navy, 

Marina Mist, Gumball Green,

Wild Wasabi, Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight & Soft Suede

Punch:  1 1/4" Scallop Circle

Delicate Details Lace Tape

Shimmer Paint:  Champagne Mist

Blender Pen & Sponges

Elements of Style in Black and Gray

I know...the card I posted yesterday used this same stamp set, but I made this card for my April stamp a stack before I knew this set was on the retired list.  My daughter actually helped me come up with this card.  She said all of my cards use too much Very Vanilla or Whisper White card stock.  She's right...I use a lot of those colors! lol  I really like them though, and I'll still use them.  It was nice to make a card a little different from my norm though. 

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Stamp Set:  Elements of Style

Card Stock:  Basic Black, Basic Gray & Wisteria Wonder

StazOn:  Black

Ribbon:  3/8" Ruffled in Wisteria Wonder

Shimmer Paint:  Champagne Mist

So long to some of my favorites...

Today's card is inspired by this week's Paper Players Clean and Simple Challenge #142 - A one-layer card.    Now that's a hard one for me because I like to add a little dimension to my cards.  When trying to figure out what to use I decided why not use a bunch of things that are retiring since I won't be using them much longer.  Well, maybe I will for my personal stuff, but not for my stamp a stacks or card classes. :(  My favorite thing that is going is the Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint that I spritz on my cards.  I don't know what I'm going to do without it!  I use it on a LOT of my cards because it adds so much to them.  I think I'll keep using it as long as I have some on hand! :)   I also picked one of my two favorite sets that is retiring and colored it in with retiring colors (except So Saffron).  It's kind of hard to see in my picture, but I scored a rectangle and only colored on the inside of it, then spritzed only the outside of the card.

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Stamp Set:  Elements of Style

Card Stock:  Watercolor Paper

Classic Stampin' Pads & Reinkers:  Pretty in Pink, Baja Breeze,

So Saffron & Certainly Celery

StazOn:  Black

Shimmer Paint:  Champagne Mist

Simply Scored Scoring Tool

Chalkboard Technique with Elements of Style

Today's card is a technique I've never tried before that I saw over on the Friday Mashup...the chalkboard technique.  I was going to use this as one of my stamp a stack cards, but thought it would take me a lot more work to prep it than it would take the ladies to make it.  I've got to keep their cards at least a little challenging, right? ;)

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Stamp Set:  Elements of Style

Card Stock:  Basic Black, Primrose Petals & Whisper White

Versa Mark

Stamin' Emboss Powder:  White

StazOn Ink:  White

Embossing Folder:  Vintage Wallpaper

Ribbon:  3/8" Stitched Satin in Primrose Petals

RHSSC - Elegant Elements of Style

Well, I've been a little lazy this past week and haven't posted anything. :(  Actually I ended up hurting my back and I've been laying low for a few days...in other words I've been bored, bored, bored!  I managed to head to my basement yesterday afternoon to make sure I had a card ready for the next Red Hot Stampers challenge though. :)  It was good to get out of bed, but my back sure was letting me know it wasn't happy.   As I'm typing this up though I'm not feeling too bad.  Let's hope it stays that way. :)  Don't forget to head over to the Red Hot Stampers blog here to check out what the other ladies made with this week's sketch.  And if you're feeling a little adventurous why not give the sketch a try yourself.

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Stamp Set:  Elements of Style

Card Stock:  Elegant Eggplant & Whisper White

StazOn:  Black

Stampin' Write Markers:  Elegant Eggplant, Baja Breeze & Always Artichoke

Framelits:  Window Frame Collection

Punch:  1" Circle

Embossing Folder:  Vintage Wallpaper

Shimmer Paint:  Champagne Mist

RHSSC - Elements of Style

It's time for another Red Hot Stampers' sketch challenge card, and since it's been so snowy in our area I though I'd do something with flowers to remind me that spring is coming.  I must say though I do love snow!  Why I love it when I hate being cold confuses even me! lol   This is a pretty clean and simple card, but I can't take credit for the "Two-tone Tearing" idea.  I saw it over on France's blog here and had to give it a try myself.  So simple to do and I love the idea.  Don't forget that this is the last week of January's blog candy give away for those that make a card using our sketch.  Head on over to the Red Hot Stampers blog here to check out the other cards made with this week's design and see what you can win if you play!

 

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Stamp Sets:  Elements of Style & Teeny Tiny Wishes
Card Stock:  Crumb Cake & Very Vanilla
Classic Stampin' Pads:  Soft Suede & Crumb Cake
Shimmer Paint:  Champagne Mist
Sponges

Vintage Elements of Style

Today I was going to post the card I made for my niece's wedding last night and realized (once I was at the wedding, of course) that I never took any pictures!  So back to a card we made at my September stamp a stack.  I got the idea for my card from kellichan over on Splitcoast.  I love the vintage look and her colors, but I didn't have any ribbon in perfect plum, so I opted for some more fall like colors since that was kind of my theme for this  month's stamp a stack.

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Stamp Set: Elements of Style

Card Stock:  Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake & Very Vanilla

Classic Stampin' Pads:  Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze, 

So Saffron & Always Artichoke

StazOn:  Black

Punches:  Scallop Trim Corner & 1 3/4" Circle

Embossing Folder:  Lacy Brocade

Ribbon:  3/8" Seam Binding in Cherry Cobbler

Shimmer Paint:  Champagne Mist

Sponges

RHSSC 52

Welcome to Sunday!  That means it's time for another Red Hot Stamper's sketch challenge.  I definitely took a little creative freedom on this week's sketch!  First I turned it on it's side and changed some of the shapes.  I just didn't have room for a rectangle because the stamp wasn't big enough and I layered a few times.  I loved how it turned out though.  Hope you do too. :)  To see a few other cards with this sketch check out the Red  Hot Stampers blog here.

Just a closer view

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Stamp Sets:  Elements of Style & Blooming with Kindness

Card Stock:  Basic Black & Cherry Cobbler

Watercolor Paper

Classic Stampin' Pads:  Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze, 

Always Artichoke & So Saffron

StazOn:  Black

Punches: 1 1/4" Square, 1 1/4" Scallop & 1 1/4" Circle

Ribbon:  3/8" Seam Binding in Cherry Cobbler

Shimmer Paint:  Champagne Mist

Blender Pen & Sponges

RHSSC 42

It's Sunday and time for another Red Hot Stamper's sketch challenge.  I loved today's sketch and how this card turned out...hope you all like it too. :)  I must admit I had a few ideas going through my head, so it took me a bit to decide which one to do.  That's always a good thing.  Better than trying to come up with one idea and wishing it would pop in a little faster! lol  To see a few other sketches head over to the Red Hot Stamper's blog here.

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Stamp Set:  Elements of Style & Just Believe

Card Stock:  Rich Razzleberry, Always Artichoke & Very Vanilla

Classic Stampin' Pads:  Rich Razzleberry, Always Artichoke,

Crumb Cake & So Saffron

Blender Pens

Embossing Folder:  Vintage Wallpaper

Punches:  Modern Label, Word Window, 

Extra Lg. Tag & Lg. Tag

Ribbon:  1/2" Seam Binding in Crumb Cake

Shimmer Paint:  Champagne Mist

Cherry Cobbler Carnation

* I've added instructions at the bottom of this post on how to make carnations *

Well, carnations are my favorite kind of flowers and today's card was inspired by a red carnation my daughter gave me when she stopped by to visit last week...how sweet was that! :)  I figured this flower would be perfect for this week's sketch challenge from Stamping 411 because of the flower on the front of the sketch challenge.  I hope you enjoy the card...and the flower too. :)

I had to show the actual flower too, just couldn't get a very good pic. :(

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Stamp Sets:  Elements of Style & On Your Birthday

Card Stock:  Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler & Whisper White

DSP: Mocha Morning
Ink:  StazOn Black
Ribbon:  1/2" Seam Binding in Cherry Cobbler
Scissors:  Deckle
Shimmer Paint:  Champagne Mist
Circle Scissor Cutter

First I cut out 6 circles.  My biggest one was 3 ½”, then 3 ¼”, 2 ¾”, 2 ¼”, 2” and 1 ¾”.  If you want a smaller flower just start with a smaller circle.  I then cut around the edges with a deckle scissors (Stampin’ Up! sold these a long time ago).  When I cut the four biggest circles I didn’t just cut around the circle I weaved in out a bit.  Kind of like a wave going around the circle.  The last two I didn’t weave back and forth, just cut as close to the edge as possible.  

For the red carnation I sponged just a tinge of the edges with StazOn black ink so the ink doesn’t run. I did this sample with Stampin' Up!'s Classic Stampin' Pad in Marina Mist because I wanted it to run into the Whisper White.  Do it on both sides!

I then make sure I have a few layers paper towels and spray each of the flower pieces with water to get them wet...dab off the extra water.  

Next I crinkle crinkle all the pieces.  Note that if you're using Whisper White or Very Vanilla the card stock is not as thick as the rest of Stampin' Up!'s card stock.  The Cherry Cobbler does not rip as easily as the other two, so handle the lighter card stock with care.  

Now carefully open it back up and straighten the edges as best as you can, but don't pull too hard.  Now let it dry...or dry it with the heat gun because you're too impatient like me! lol  Notice how the ink bled.  You want that!

The final step before putting it together is to use your paper piercing tool to split each piece you have (yes, this is a little tedious, but your patience will pay off!), so you now have two of every piece making twelve pieces.  

Now you just layer them with the biggest on the bottom all the way to the top making sure you vary where the edges are at.  

Once you have them in place on the paper piercing mat use your paper piercing tool to put a hole through all of the layers.  Put a brad through it and close it.  

Now starting with the smallest piece in the middle pull it all up and pinch the piece together.  Do this with every piece. 

The final step is to pull the pieces back to your liking.  And if you like sparkle add a little spritz of Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint.  Hope the instructions were simple and you enjoy making carnations of your own!

  

RHSSC 35 - With Sympathy

It's Sunday and that means it's time for another Red Hot Stamper's sketch challenge.  I must say this challenge threw me a little! lol  I happened to see Stamping 411's Color Inspiration #170 post and decided to use their colors.  Then I needed to figure out what stamp set to use.  Well, I needed something big to cover the open side.  Ok, I got that part figured out, but then what to do for ribbon???  I didn't have any that was skinny enough to look good on what I had already done.  That's when I came up with the idea to twist the seam binding ribbon to make it smaller.  Voila!  I managed to come up with this pretty card.  I loved the soft colors and thought I would make it a sympathy for a fellow demonstrator who just lost a loved one.  

If you're in a crafty mood why not give our challenge a try.  You can head  here to see a few other samples too.

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Stamp Set:  Elements of Style

Card Stock:  Perfect Plum, Always Artichoke & Very Vanilla

Classic Stampin' Pad:  Sahara Sand

Stampin' Pastels:  Perfect Plum, Always Artichoke, 

Pink Pirouette & So Saffron

Ribbon:  1/2" Seam Binding in Very Vanilla

Shimmer Paint:  Champagne Mist

RHSSC28

Wow, I actually finished my card for the Red Hot Stampers a day earlier than normal, was about to climb in bed and realized I never scheduled anything for it on my blog!  I guess it could be because I was gone for part of my weekend helping cook for a group at a camp our church supports.  It's always fun to get together with friends and spend time working (and playing) together!  Anyway, since it's Sunday, that means it's time for another card for the Red Hot Stampers sketch challenge.  This was a fun card to do because I finally bought some watercolor wonder crayons that I've wanted to use with this set. I'll have to see what else I can come up with using them.  Check out some other cards using this design  here.  And if you're not having too much fun enjoying your summer weather when it's still really winter (at least in Michigan!) you can make a card too.

I even managed to do something on the inside for once! 

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Stamp Set:  Elements of Style
Card Stock:  Cherry Cobbler & Whisper White
Classic Stampin' Pad:  Cherry Cobbler
StazOn:  Black
Watercolor Wonder Crayons:  Real Red, Daffodil Delight & Wild Wasabi
Punch:  3/4" Circle
Ribbon:  3/8" Taffeta in Whisper White
Shimmer Paint:  Champagne Mist

RHSSC25

It's time for another Red Hot Stamper's Challenge.  When I first saw this sketch I had no idea what to do with it since the sketch is like an envelope.  Then I stared thinking about making a rose with the new Blossom punch just to see how that would turn out.  I must say this has been the most challenging sketch challenge so far, but I do love a good challenge. :)  Head on over to the Red Hot Stampers blog to check out a few other cards using this sketch.

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Stamp Sets:  Elements of Style & Curly Cute

Card Stock:  Rich Razzleberry, Wild Wasabi & Whisper White

Classic Stampin' Pad:  Rich Razzleberry

Punches:  Blossom, Scallop Trim Border & Scallop Trim Corner

Shimmer Paint:  Champagne Mist

Crimper

Stampin' Queen's Sketch Challenge 1

Today I am very excited because I am entering my card into Stampin' Queens first Sketch Challenge that heard about from my upline Glenda.  She is a member of the design team...congrats, Glenda!  I'm also excited because I finally bought some blender pens and have been wanting to use them with this stamp set.  When I saw the SQSC design, I knew I had the perfect opportunity to give them a try.

I must admit, it is a little bit of work coloring it in, but once you get the hang of it it goes pretty fast.  I will definitely be using this technique more...but only if I'm doing a few cards at a time. ;)

I had to put something on the inside after making the outside so colorful.

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Stamp Set:  Elements of Style

Card Stock:  Always Artichoke, Rose Red, Crumb Cake & Very Vanilla

Classic Stampin' Pads:  Always Artichoke, Baja Breeze, Rose Red & So Saffron (used on flowers)

Stampin' Write Markers:  Always Artichoke, Baja Breeze, Perfect Plum, Rose Red & Basic Gray (for bird)

Punches:  1 3/8" Circle & 1 1/4" Circle

Texturz Plate:  Backgrounds 1

1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon:  Rose Red

Stampin' Emboss Powder:  Gold

Shimmer Paint:  Champagne Mist

Growing Green ~ For You

Well, today is starting out sunny and bright, and that's a good thing because the fair is going on around my little part of the world.  We always look forward to it, but it also means summer is going to be coming to a close in just a couple of short weeks.  I'm not so sure I'm ready for summer to be done yet this year.  Seems like it just got here!  I did manage to get a few nice pictures of the sunset on my birthday, so that should help me remember we did have summer after all. ;)  

Anyway, Today's card is one that I made for my last stamp a stack and also for a card swap with The Red Hot Stampers.  

Not sure if you can tell or not, but I have shimmer paint on the flower.

Every now and then I like to make the inside almost as nice as the outside. :)

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Stamp Set:  Growing Green & Elements of Style

Card Stock:  Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Pretty in Pink & Whisper White

Classic Stampin' Pads:  Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry & Pretty in Pink

Punches:  Medium Oval

Ribbon:  5/8" Grosgrain in Rich Razzleberry (retired)

Stampin' Emboss Powder:  White

Shimmer Paint:  Champagne Mist

I used the emboss resist technique on the leaves and flowers.