July Class Cards

Wow, I keep forgetting to post the projects from July's classes. It was only 2 weeks ago. Well better late than never, right?

I found this card on someone's blog several weeks ago, and for the life of me, I can't find it again. If it's your's, please let me know so I can give you credit! I love how the colors remind me of sunshine and water - the perfect summer card. One of the ladies in class turned this one into a graduation card with a different sentiment stamp. That was a great idea. Wouldn't a teen really like the bright colors and retro look?

All stamps and materials by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Pick a Petal and Celebrate

Cardstock: Only Orange, Summer Sun, Bermuda Bay, and Whisper White

Ink: Summer Sun, Only Orange, Bermuda Bay, and Basic Black

Accessories: Bermuda Bay PolkaDot Ribbon, 1" Circle Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Fire Circle Rhinestone Brads, and Dimensionals

This next card I also used for my sister's birthday. Her 2nd favorite color is blue. This just wouldn't look right in purple! Anyway, I think she liked it.

All stamps and materials by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Cheep Talk, It's Your Birthday (retired), and Perfect Petals bkgd

Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Sahara Sand, and Whisper White

Ink: Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, and Certainly Celery

Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Bashful Blue Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Soft Subtle Mini Brads, Modern Label Punch, and Dimensionals

The other two cards from class were already posted before class time. You can find them here and here. Hope you enjoy all of these.

Hugs,

Sharon

What a week!

This week has been so jam-packed with things to do. I hardly know which end is up anymore! First off, we celebrated birthdays on Sunday. There was my sister, my daughter, my hubby, and lastly my new son-in-law. The birthdays are really spread out over a two week period, but it was easier to have one big celebration. Then I had my lovely Hostess Club ladies here on Monday night. I always enjoy having them here so much. Hi Brenda, Dawn, Penny, and Jean! All really great ladies and so very special to me. And this month they brought along some friends to join our fun. It was really nice to see Dalene again, and to meet both Jan and Anna. Actually Jan has been part of our Hostess Club this go 'round, but I hadn't met her yet. I was beginning to think she really didn't exist! LOL Then there were a couple doctor appointments, a haircut, trying to make swaps, figuring out what fits that I can pack clotheswise, and getting ready for my classes scheduled for the day after I get back from convention. Whew!! I'm really going to need to rest up before convention and get my strength back!

Oh yes, I really did have a card I wanted to share with you. This won't be all rant and no raves. Anyway, this card was made a week or so ago when I was on a kick of using Stem Silhouettes all the time. It's a nice clean card that goes together easily and can quickly be changed depending what sentiment you use. I love having versatile cards around so they're ready when you need them.

All stamps and materials by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Stem Silhouettes, Matchbox Messages,

and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Always Artichoke, Crushed Curry, and Very Vanilla

Ink: Basic Black, Crushed Curry, and Always Artichoke

Accessories: Big Shot and Texturz Plates (woodgrain), Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Gold Mini Brads, Crushed Curry Polka dot Ribbon (backside), Always Artichoke Grosgrain Ribbon, Sponge quarter, and Dimensionals

Once I finally tried that woodgrain Texturz Plate, I am totally hooked! It gives just the right amount of texture. If you want it to show up more, just sponge a little ink over it. Or you could even add ink with the direct-to-paper method. Any way you choose to use it, this Texturz Plate is definitely an asset to your stamping arsenal. If you don't have it yet, get in touch with me to order, or you can order directly from my website. Just click on the Online Ordering button on the right side of my blog and order away! Easy peasy!

Okay, that's enough blathering for one day. Actually I need to get back to finishing projects for my classes. I'm so looking forward to convention next week. Can't wait to see what we'll learn new this year!

Blessings,

Sharon

Another Autumn Treasure

Yes, we're still pretending it's fall over here. (It sure feels like summer outside today though!) I can't seem to get enough of the lovely prints in the Autumn Traditions DSP. They're just wonderful as far as I'm concerned, and just so much fun to use them!

When I first checked the sketch on Karen Giron's blog, I thought it might be hard to come up with an idea for it. The sketch was for a square card which I seldom do. My card's dimensions are 4 1/4" x 5". Not quite square, but close. It's definitely different, but I really liked the look. An idea popped in my head late last night, and surprisingly it was still there this morning! (That's a miracle all by itself!) I had to run down and see if there was a print that could pull off what I was planning. And I think this pinecone print is just perfect for this card. Whadiya think??

I Love It!! I hope you do too. Every once in a while I surprise myself, and this was definitely one of those times. There's lots of texture, some layers, and some bling too. What more could I add, I ask you?

All stamps and materials by SU!

Stamps: Autumn Days and Always

Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, Old Olive, and Naturals Ivory cardstock with Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper

Ink: Old Olive and Soft Suede pads, and Old Olive and Soft Suede markers

Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, 1/2", 1", and 1 1/4" Circle Punches, Circle Scissors Plus, Soft Suede Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (backside), Build-a-brad, Sponge quarters, and Dimensionals

Do you like it? I think it'd be perfect for either Thanksgiving or even a masculine birthday card. Could even be a rustic Christmas card!

Anyway, I'm happy with it and hope it starts your creative juices flowing. Have a great day and get those stamps out. Their calling out to you.... Can you hear them???

Sharon

ps - I love to read your comments! It just makes my day. Hope someday I can meet all you lovely, talented people. It would be such a treat for me.

Stamping 411 Fall Card

Yes, I'm still working with an autumn theme here. Since the colors and DSP are sitting out, I might as well keep using them. This card came about after seeing a striped strip (say that 3 times in a row!) on a card that I'd done several months ago. I liked the way the strip had all those short little bursts of color. Thought it would go well with the Stamping 411 Sketch this week. I pulled out an oldie, but goodie that I haven't used since last winter. Hope you like it and don't mind all the fall colors. Sooner or later I'll get back to summer - probably next fall!

All stamps and materials by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Lovely As A Tree, Sanded, and Of The Earth (Level 1 Hostess set)

Cardstock: Soft Suede, Sahara Sand, Ruby Red, Always Artichoke, Naturals White cardstock, and Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper

Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Sahara Sand, Ruby Red, Always Artichoke, More Mustard

Accessories: Piercing Tool and Mat Pack, Cutter Kit (for distressing cs), Sponge quarters, AquaPainter, 5/16" Neutral Brads, and Dimensionals

I think it's really fun to color fall leaves with multiple colors. I just keep dipping from one color to the next and give the leaves all the colors I love. Hope you get some fall leaves to color too. The beautiful colors of nature never last long enough around here. About the time they're at their best, we get a heavy rain and they all come tumbling down. Now I can enjoy these just as long as I want!

Have a great day!

Sharon

24-7 Autumn Looks

Happy Friday to you! Today has been soooo weird. My husband's birthday was this week, so he was able to take today off. With having him around the house today, it seemed like Saturday! I was checking out the sketch for Saturday (too early), thinking about getting another order in tomorrow for some friends who wanted to take advantage of the 'Deal of the Week' that SU! is having (too soon), etc. I'm just all off kilter! Do you ever have a day like that? It seems like no matter how many times I tell myself it's really Friday, I keep thinking it's Saturday! Even though my mind wasn't firing on all cylinders today, I did get some paperwork out of the way and got around to making another card. Lookie....


It seems like the last several cards I've posted have all been dark and more fall-type cards. And here's another one to join the crowd. The weather's been so cool and damp that it feels more like October than the middle of July! How weird!
Anyway, I still had this lovely Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper on my work table and just couldn't resist playing with another print or two. I just love these prints! Hope you give them a whirl. The colors are vibrant and rich - just perfect for fall.



All stamps and materials by SU!
Stamps: Friends 24-7
Cardstock: More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Naturals Ivory cardstock, and Autumn Traditions DSP
Ink: Basic Brown, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Always Artichoke, and Sahara Sand
Accessories: Piercing Tool and Mat Pack, Soft Suede Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Vintage Brads, Aqua Painters, Sponge Daubers, and Dimensionals

Yes, I'm happy with this one and think it's a keeper. Hope you all like it too! Let me know what you think...
Sharon

p.s. getting ready to really have a Saturday tomorrow! Is it a good thing having more than one Saturday in a week??

Another Sunday Sketch

Well, it sure took awhile, but I finally finished the 2nd Sweet Sunday Sketch that I started. Yesterday was crazy for starting cards and not quite being able to finish them up. I have a few more to finish yet! Some days it's hard to figure out just what is needed to finish a card properly. But I think this one came out quite lovely after a few false starts. Hope you enjoy...

All stamps and materials by Stampin' Up! of course.

Stamps: Always and Autumn Days

Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Rich Razzleberry, Always Artichoke, Naturals White cardstocks, and Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper (yes I'm in love with this DSP!)

Ink: Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke, and Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: Buttons Latte', Sponge quarters, and Dimensionals

Can you see the berry branch stamped on the right side of the card? It's stamped with Sahara Sand after being off-stamped to soften the coloring. And everything but the main heart was sponged to enhance the edges.

The strip with the words was the hardest part to do on this card for me. I couldn't figure out what to put on it accent-wise. Everything I tried looked either clunky, too big, too small, or boring. When I added the teeny strip of Razzleberry cardstock for the tie, it all came together. Who knew that a microscopic piece of cardstock could pull a card together? You just never know until you play around with everything else you own, and nothing works! That is what you call frustrating!

Well, it's off to seeing what can be done with a few other 'partial cards' that are sitting on my table from yesterday. See you later...

Sharon

Just a Quickie

Can you believe it? Missing several days, then posting twice in one day? I know, makes no sense whatsoever. But that's the way it is...

After posting last time, I ran to the Post Office to send a box of finished cards to From Our Hearts (info button on right side of blog) and another of swaps to some of my downline in Maryland. Hi guys, the cards are finally coming to you! Afterwards, there were a few more things to get done, then a quick jog down to my dungeon to try another sketch. I'm so addicted to these things now! This time it's the sketch from Stamping 411. These are simple sketches with lots of information for newer stampers, but the sketches are really nice to work with. Sometimes simple is actually harder when you get used to lots of layers and embellies.

Anyway, I liked the sketch and thought I'd do something quick with it before I get cracking on dinner. Looksie...

All stamps and materials by Stampin'Up!

Stamps: Falling Leaves

Cardstock: More Mustard, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Naturals Ivory cardstock, and Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper

Ink: Not Quite Navy

Accessories: 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Old Olive Wide Grosgrain Ribbon, and Dimensionals

That's it, short and sweet. Don'cha just love this DSP? It's so cool. And this card sketch is a great one to use when you're in a hurry and need something that is easy to put together. I love using the punches to add your focal point instead of cutting out each leaf. Sometimes quick is really better.

Enjoy your evening,

Sharon

Nature Inspired

Hey, I'm finally back! It's amazing what a few crisis can do to your life. But it's so good to be back stamping and then sharing with you! I got up this morning and checked in on Karen Giron's blog for her Sweet Sunday Sketch for a good place to start. Had some ideas and started pulling cardstock, inks, and stamps out to make this fantastic idea I had. ha, ha I didn't get too far before I hit a roadblock and fell on my face. Well, not literally! I couldn't quite get something I liked, so put that aside and started on another idea that came to mind. Well, that idea sort of fizzled and I got stuck. But then there was this mini brainstorn that hit and I had an idea for the first card - back to that one! Whew! Are you with me here? I don't know about you, but I'm already worn out!

And I actually finished a card! Hurray!! And even more important, I like how it turned out. I hope you do too!

All stamps and materials by Stampin'Up!

Stamps: Inspired by Nature

Cardstock: Soft Suede, More Mustard, Sahara Sand cardstocks, and Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper

Ink: More Mustard, Always Artichoke, and Soft Suede Markers (yes, we have In Color Markers this time!!)

Accessories: Crop-a-dile, Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelets, More Mustard 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Big Shot with the Ovals Originals Die, Sponge quarters, and Dimensionals

The small portion of the stamp used was colored with markers. Then it was spritzed with water and stamped. This was done twice to get the two Brown-Eyed Susans for the main image. Spritzing with water softened and darkened the images nicely.

The sentiment tag was also colored with markers to keep the same colors, and then 'huffed' on to stamp. It took awhile to create, but all in all I'm happy with the results. Hope this inspires you to get out your markers and give them a good workout!

So, it's back to finish the other partial card that's laying around. I'm sure I can come up with the finishing touches that one needs after a little refreshment (maybe chocolate, he he). Now don't tell anybody, 'cuz I'm really trying to lose weight! It'll be our little secret, OK?

See you soon...

Sharon

Sweet and Simple Rose

Hi all! What a terrific day and actually week this has been. I just love the weather this week - just getting to 80 degrees with sunshine and light breezes. Just a perfect day! This is what I think of when someone mentions summer. It could stay like this through September and I'd be one happy camper!

It's funny not doing a sketch today, because I've been doing so many lately. They're so much fun and really addicting. But today was more of a simple, straightforward stamping day. So that's what I did - a simple rose card. I just love the Fifth Avenue Floral set. You can do so much with it depending on what you're in the mood for, either sweet and simple or embossed elegance.

See what I mean with this one? Just straight stamping. I didn't even mask the flowers! Add a touch of color with my Stampin' Pastels (which have been sadly neglected of late), a snippet of ribbon, and a border punch, and you're all set! What could be easier? But still just as sweet as sugah!

All stamps and materials by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Basic Black, and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Stampin' Pastels, Eyelet Border Punch, Pink Taffeta Ribbon

Hope you enjoy this card. Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to leave me a note - they mean so much to me!

Hugs,

Sharon

Get Whale Mojo Monday

What a great week this has been so far. This has been class week for me so I'm running a little behind on things. I enjoy having classes here so much. It's really a thrill seeing so many friends each evening. (Roni and Diane, hope you're both feeling better! I missed you Monday!) Because of summer there are fewer ladies coming, but that gives me a chance to really sit down and chat much more than normal. Usually I'm hopping around trying to make sure everyone has what they need and understands my directions. So the last several nights have been extra fun for me. I love you ladies! You're the very best!!

So with classes going on, I haven't had a chance to check on the Mojo Monday sketch until late last night. I didn't get started then, but let the ideas percolate. I woke up this morning with an idea for a card that was needed. It would be perfect for the sketch. So it was off to the stamping dungeon and pulling out more of my excess retired DSP. I had in mind the stripe from Treehouse DSP. Do you remember it? It's been awhile, but it was just what I needed for this get well card for a younger boy. See what I mean....?

Is this something an 10 year old boy would get a kick out of? I sure hope so! Anyway, it was fun working with the retired papers again. I really need to do it more often so my stash gets a teeny bit smaller, or else it just might take over the whole shelf!

All stamps and materials by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Pun Fun and Think Happy Thoughts

Cardstock: Brocade Blue, More Mustard, Soft Suede, Whisper White cs, and Treehouse Designer Series Paper (retired)

Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Brocade Blue

Accessories: Blender Pen and Stampin' Pastels, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, 3/4" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches, Linen Thread, Kraft Corduroy Button, and Dimensionals

One of the things that has surprised me with this lovely new catalog is the fact that so many of the new In Colors work well with printed papers we've had in the past. The Soft Suede little circle of cardstock on this card really coordinates quite well with the greenish/brownish stripes in this paper. I'm going to have to get more of my papers out to see what works with what. Of course, I'll be fitting this in between my workshops, the downline meeting Thursday, and getting swaps made for convention trading. Sure I can do all that (as my head is spinning around trying to figure what should be first on the priority list)! Maybe I better quit talkin' and start stampin'.

See ya later...

Sharon

Sweet Sunday Sketch on Tuesday

Okay, by now you should be used to me being a little behind on things. I finally got a chance to get over to Karen Giron's blog for her Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge this morning. What a cute little sketch it is. You really need to try out some of these sketches! They are such a big help coming up with the layout, so you just need to find components that fit. As soon as I saw this one, I thought of the Thoughts & Prayers set that I've used so often for my own personal cards. And I have soooo much leftover DSP that's been retired, I thought "why not?" Since this will go into my personal stash, I figured I could do whatever I liked. So there's a mix of new and old, circles and squares. Here's what I came up with...
I really liked this Georgia Peach Designer Series Paper, so I have, umm, yes ah, well, a 'little' bit leftover. It's so happy looking - it seems to be perfect for 'thinking of you' and 'get well' type of cards. Plus it's fun finding retired paper that will work with our new In Colors, so it looks fresh and new! Don't you like the Melon Mambo splashes of color on here?

All stamps and materials used by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers

Cardstock: So Saffron, Old Olive, Melon Mambo, and Whisper White cardstock, and Georgia Peach Designer Series Paper

Ink: Always Artichoke, Regal Rose, and Melon Mambo Markers (yes, we have In Color Markers this year!!)

Accessories: Melon Mambo Polka Dot Ribbon, Distressing Tool, 3/4" Square Punch, 5/8" Neutral Brad Assortment, and Dimensionals.

There was really nothing hard about making this card. The part that took the longest was trying to decide what two accent pieces would work here. I tried rhinestone brads, Styled Silver brads, flower brads, flower punches, just the cardstock pieces, etc. In other words, I tried everything! I'm happy with the way the components all came together finally. Adding the large round brads on top of the square cardstock pieces kept both the round shapes from the sketch challenge, but also coordinated with the background squares.

I hope this inspires you to get out your stamps and have some fun. Remember, stamping brightens your day. And when you send it, it brightens someone else's day too! It's a win-win situation!

Happy stamping,

Sharon

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

Fancy Flowers Today

Hey there! What a great day for stamping! Of course, that's after spending lots of time looking through the new catalog and figuring out just what I couldn't live without and needed to order today! Oh yes, that's part of this stamping addiction I have - the need to have all the latest and greatest stamps and accessories ASAP! I talked with my friend Jan Tink about our lists and watching the clock for the ordering time to arrive. And then my son came and wanted to talk... and talk some more. Yikes, I love you kiddo, but I just got to get this order placed. Ok, my order is finally placed, so I could get out my stamps and new In Colors to do some creatin'. One of the new color combos that I think is just gorgous is Blush Blossom, Dusty Durango, and Old Olive. What do you think of them...?

All stamps and materials used by Stampin' Up! of course

Stamps: Flower Fancy and Short & Sweet

Cardstock: Blush Blossom, Dusty Durango, Old Olive, and Very Vanilla

Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Dusty Durango, Old Olive, and Blush Blossom

Accessories: Big Shot with the Texturz Plates, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, AquaPainter, Dusty Durango Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Large, Wide, and Scallop Oval Punches, Sponge quarter, and Dimensionals

Don't the colors work nicely together? I just luv them!! It's great how SU! has color coordinated so many of their products and make it so easy for us to put together a great looking project.

The texture on the Dusty Durango layer was just enough to give it some character. The ribbon pulls the design together. And the piercing in the corners is just 'frosting on the cake'. It was fun to make the card, and it'll be fun to give it to someone special too.

Hope you enjoy the idea and come on back for more!

Have a good one - Sharon