Dusty D, Stamping 411, & More

Looks like today's going to be a little bit of this, a little bit of that. Sort of a mish mash of stuff. Pastor's sermon today was really good and got me thinking about fighting, well actually boxing and wrestling. Doesn't that sound like an interesting topic for a sermon? It was surprising to me how he explained the two types of fighting - boxing is essentially pushing someone away from you, and wrestling is pulling someone in close to you. These two analogies showed us how we're to push away the bad things of the world, but pull people in close to us to show them our love and caring. It was such a novel way of thinking that I'm still mulling it over 8 hours later. Hmmm...

The next little tidbit of information I'm passing on to you, is the fact that today marked the 50th anniversary of a couple from church that I've know for years. (I had no idea they were that old!) Anyway, 50 years is such a milestone, I knew I wanted to make them a card to commemorate it. So before supper, I was down in my stamping dungeon going through my stash of goodies on the table and saw Dusty Durango and Blush Blossom cardstock laying there. Okay, that would work out fine.

Last night before bed I hopped over to the Stamping 411 Operators Challenge here to see what was the new challenge. It was a lovely layout with very clean and simple lines. Okay, that seemed to fit the requirements just fine. So I was off and stamping. But to make the stamp fit right for the card, I ended up turning the layout on it's side. And this is the result - ta da!

All stamps and materials by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes (new), Autumn Days (new), and Tres Chic BG

Cardstock: Dusty Durango, Soft Suede, and Blush Blossom

Ink: Blush Blossom and Dusty Durango

Accessories: Dusty Durango Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, Designer Label Punch, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Dimensional, and Sponge quarter

I am very pleased at how soft and elegant this card turned out. The words from Tres Chic fit the anniversary thoughts but aren't over-powering to the rest of the card. The couple this is going to will appreciate the colors (her favorites) and the thoughts that go with it! Happy Anniversary Bob and Doris! Hope you have many more happy years together!

Now on to the next little creation. While checking out the DT's creations at the Stamping 411 blog, Selene Kempton's card really struck me and I had one of those 'duh' moments. I hadn't done the technique of dry embossing on DSP and then sanding it to get the white core to show through and thereby emphasizing the embossed design. I also needed a sympathy card again, and thought this would look very nice. Since the Dusty Durango was out, I just worked with it. I had just gotten the DSP to match so it went together nicely.

All stamps and materials by SU!

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes and Autumn Days

Cardstock: Dusty Durango, Very Vanilla, and Blush Blossom cardstock, and Dusty Durango Designer Series Paper

Ink: Dusty Durango

Accessories: Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware, Designer Label Punch, Big Shot and Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder (new), Sanding Blocks, Dimensionals, and a Sponge quarter.

I just love the way this card turned out. Can you believe I used my Hodgepodge Hardware on two cards in a row?! I hardly ever use them myself, 'cuz then I'll never have enough on hand for classes. Wow, maybe I'll start letting some of these goodies leave my sticky little fingers. I just don't want to let go!! Or maybe I'll have to order some more so I'll have even more to hang onto ever so tightly!! LOL I know none of you out there in stampingland ever hoard your ribbons, or hardware, or buttons, DSP, or......

Hah, the secret's out! I'm not the only hoarder out there!

Have a great evening and remember - "it's better to give than to receive", so I better start using those goodies and sharing them with others.

Sharon

Bella Bleu Wedding

We received a wedding reception invite for later on this month. The couple was married out of state where she's been living for the last couple of years. They're coming to town to visit family and friends, and there will be a fun BBQ reception for them while they're here.
I had thought about making a BBQ card into a wedding card somehow, but all my thoughts had me either groaning or giggling. So instead I made just a regular old wedding card so I wouldn't offend anyone or otherwise cause a fuss. I had thoughts of two little piggies with BBQ aprons and one with a wedding veil and.... Oh well, you just have to take my word for it! It probably wouldn't be the best idea I've ever had! LOL


So this is the "normal" card I ended up with. Nothing spectacular, but then again, nothing to get me thrown out either!

All stamps and materials by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise stated.

Stamps: Fun & Fast Notes
Cardstock: Very Vanilla and Not Quite Navy cardstock and Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper
Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Not Quite Navy, Silver Encore Ink Pads
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, AquaPainter, Sponge Quarter, Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Latte' Buttons, Ice Round Rhinestone Brad, Dimensionals, and a Sakura Gelly Roll Pen in a champagne color


I wanted to at least keep the card from being too frilly and girly, which I think I managed quite well. The gelly roll pen was used on the flowers and scallops of icing on the cakes. It just didn't want to show up too well in any of the pictures. The cake stands were watercolored with the Silver Encore ink for just a smidgeon of shine.

Ok, now that the card is made, it's time to go shopping to find the perfect gift. I wonder if they like to grill outside? I could always get them all the tools and goodies needed to be the BBQ King of the Neighborhood! I think I really need to get off this BBQ kick and get back to reality. Maybe we should just plan on grilling tonight. That would satisfy this crazy bbq yearning I'm dealing with. Yeah, that's the ticket!

Have a lovely weekend!

Sharon

Inspiration Everywhere

So often I hear people saying that they find inspiration for their cards and scrapbook pages in store advertisements, and in the layouts and colors of food boxes, etc., etc. I'm so jealous because usually I just flit on by and never even notice them. But today, I received a circular from Bed, Bath, and Beyond that really caught my eye. The colors matched our colors, the print on the comforter reminded me of a stamp in the Friends 24-7 set. I just had to make a card to fit!

I'm so darned tickled with what I came up with. Very clean and simple lines that matched the comforter and bedding set that was advertised. I'm so mad at myself because I wanted to show it to you! But I threw out the flyer before making dinner and now there's gunk sitting on top of it in the garbage can! Yeah I know, way more info than you really wanted! lol Anyway, I'm proud of my simple card and wanted to show it off.

All stamps and materials by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Friends 24-7

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Green Galore, Melon Mambo, and Whisper White

Ink: Bermuda Bay

Accessories: Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Pewter Jumbo Eyelet, Ice Square Rhinestone Brad, Large Oval and Scallop Oval Punches, Melon Mambo Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, and Dimensionals

I've been checking back on cards I've posted, and noticed I always pop something up with Dimensionals. What did I ever do before these wonderful little wonders?! It seems like I can't even make a card without them anymore. Are you noticing the same thing with your creations? There's just something special about a little popped up accent that draws the eye and really makes the card stand out. Thanks to SU! for these little goodies, and all the other wonderful accessories they have for us!

I love reading all the wonderful comments you're been leaving for me. It just makes my day and I'm 'floating on air' for hours afterwards. It's great having some positive reinforcement, and I'm learning to leave comments for others more often now too. I used to be a quiet lurker and didn't realize how much those little comments mean to people. It means so much to know others are checking my creations and maybe finding a little inspiration for themselves. So thank you for any comments you leave. I appreciate every single one!

Sharon

Razzleberry Sweet Sunday Sketch

Yes, yes, I'm way late this week getting around to the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge here. But doesn't the saying go, "Better late than never"? So that should be my new motto - seems like I'm running just a little bit behind most of the time. Sooooo... on with the card for this sketch.

Actually I had the card made two days ago, but I didn't have my Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon yet. At first I thought this wouldn't be one of my favorite colors and I'd wait until later to get it. What was I thinking!?! As soon as I don't have something, that's when I really need it! Arrrggh! I had several cards all made except for the ribbon just waiting *impatiently* for the order to come in. My friend Janine was here when the box came this afternoon, and I was so rude! I just had to tear right into it! LOL It's all right though - she wanted to see what I ordered too!

Ahh, now I can share my very new favorite color combo - Rich Razzleberry with Pale Plum and either a dash of Old Olive or Always Artichoke. Glorious! They are just so very elegant together. So this card tries to capture that elegance.

All stamps and materials by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Always and Bella Toile BG

Cardstock: Pale Plum, Rich Razzleberry, Always Artichoke, and Whisper White

Ink: Rich Razzleberry Classic pad and White Craft pad

Accessories: Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Punch, Flower Trio Punch, Fire Round Rhinestone Brad, Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, and Dimensionals.

I changed the sketch just a little bit. (I seem to have trouble following directions exactly. lol) The main image layer of mine is a little smaller than shown. And the circle layer is pushed down a smidge. Otherwise it's pretty much the same. I think it's a terrific sketch to design a card. Simple and clean, but can be quite frou-frou depending on what you use. Just fun! Try it out and see what you can make with it. I'd be happy to hear your comments and see what you've made too!

Happy stamping,

Sharon

Juicy Inspiration

Hi there! What a beautiful day today! Just hot enough to feel good and breezy enough not to be too hot. I love days like today. The rest of the summer could be just like today and I'd be one happy camper. I have to tell you about my latest beverage craze - Cherry Limeade! Yum! It's so cool and refreshing. Now there's a reason for my mentioning this little fact. When I checked out the Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge here, the first thing I thought of was the Tart and Tangy stamp set. It is perfect for any card layout that has 3 images across it. But I've used the strawberry and cherry quite a bit, so it was time to try one of the other images. Then I spied the citrusy one - lemon, orange, lime, whichever you want! And my big icy glass of cherry limeade was sitting right there. Soooo.....

This is a combination of the sketch and my cold glass of limeade. What do you think? It has just a bit of pink like the color of the beverage, and has the juicy limes too. And what could be better on a hot summer day, but a cold beverage and a good friend to share it with. This card seems to cover all the bases.

All stamps and materials used by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Tart & Tangy, and Friendly Words Jumbo Wheel and Handle

Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Pretty In Pink, Whisper White cardstock, and Tea Party Designer Series Paper

Ink: Certainly Celery pad, and Garden Green marker

Accessories: Crystal Effects, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, and Dimensionals

I really like the Crystal Effects on the limes. It makes them so nice and juicy looking. Almost makes you want to pucker up! :-)

Hope you enjoy this idea. I like it so much it's made me thirsty! Now, off to get a refill on that cherry limeade. Bottoms up!

Sharon

Mojo Monday 94

Hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July holiday weekend. We spent time with our kids and had fun just joking around and spending time together. Of course, there was food on the grill and salads enough to make everybody gain another pound or two. Time to get back in the 'eating right' routine. I refuse to call it a diet 'cuz then I want to eat everything I know I shouldn't! Why is it as soon as you go on a diet your body is convinced you're trying to starve it and you start craving junk food that you don't even really like?? There's just no cheating when it's diet time. Gotta get my mind off the brownies and cashews. Boo hoo!

Okay, enough of this talk about food - it's calling to me! It's whispering my name and telling me just one teeny little bite won't hurt. Arrrggghhh! Get away from me! Let's talk about stamping instead. That has no calories (as long as you stay away from all that lovely chocolate!) and even makes you feel good when you make something pretty. I went to the Mojo Monday blog here this morning to see what they had for inspiration. Wow, the design ladies all had just gorgeous samples for us. You really need to check it out if you haven't already and maybe play along too.

As soon as I saw the layout, I thought of my Tea Party Designer Series Paper. I knew that would be the basis for my color choice and I'd go from there. After going to the London, Ont. Regional, I received the set On A Pedestal which is a new set in the new catalog. I figured it was about time to get it out and use it. :-)

All stamps and materials by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: On A Pedestal

Cardstock: Barely Banana, Certainly Celery, Whisper White cardstock and Tea Party DSP

Ink: Apricot Appeal, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, and Chocolate Chip Markers

Accessories: Soft Subtles Brads, 1 3/8" Circle and Scallop Circle Punches, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, and Dimensionals

This card was so quick and easy to put together because of the Designer Paper and Mojo Monday sketch. Once you have those two items worked out, the card almost makes itself! Give this one a try and see how easy it is for yourself.

I just wanted to mention the Stampin' Up! "Deal of the Week". You can get the Big Shot Bag at a 30% off discount! The bag is normally $69.95 but for this week only it's $49.99. That's an awesome price!

Okay, I guess that's it for this post. I'll be back tomorrow with more news and views for your viewing pleasure. Have a good one and keep stampin'!

Sharon

A Rose for You

It's taken awhile to figure out what to do with this rose. This one was actually made last week, but just sat on my table. My mind was percolating about it. I had originally done several with this brayering technique, but all used softer yellows or pinks. This one used the new Crushed Curry and Dusty Durango inks. I loved the way it looked, but couldn't quite come up with the right card to place it on. This now looks so rich and saturated with color! How cool! I've worked my way out of my pastel box and jumped into these richer colors with both feet. ;-)

All stamps and materials by SU!

Stamps: Oval All and Bella Toile

Cardstock: Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, Old Olive, and Shimmery White

Ink: Crushed Curry and Dusty Durango

Accessories: Big Shot with Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder, 5 Petal Punch (leaves), Large and Scallop Oval Punches, Brayer,Paper Snips, Dusty Durango Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, and Dimensionals.

I really hope you get inspired by this idea. Let me know what you think. It's very simple to do the technique. Just use the backside of your embossed cardstock, and slap on some of your darker color, then brayer on the lighter color to fill in. For this card, I only wanted the one rose, so I just trimmed off the partial one.

Enjoy your evening. If you want to relax, pull out some stamps and paper, grab a little chocolate, and have fun!

Hugs,

Sharon