Happy Stamping Reunion

Today was a really long day, but such alot of fun! I was a vendor at an all-day crop at a Lutheran school on the east side of town. I've had some steady customers in that area for at least 7-8 years. But I hadn't seen them in the past year or so because so many of them had been laid-off (either themselves or their spouses) and money had been too tight for non-essentials. But several of them were at the crop, and we had a great time catching up on all the family goings-on and such. These ladies are so special to me! Just like family, and I've missed seeing them so much!! (Hi Linda T and Judy M!!!) I've found that the kindest and most caring individuals all seem to have a crafting bond. Stamping and scrapbooking seems to attract the very nicest people! Don't you think so?

So in honor of seeing these friends again, it seemed appropriate to share a card idea using the 'Hello Again' stamp set. This is a happy little card that's just right to send out to someone you've been thinking of but haven't seen in awhile...

Stamps: Hello Again, Dot Dot Dot

Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Mellow Moss, Ruby Red, and Whisper White

Ink: Ruby Red, Mellow Moss Markers, Bashful Blue Pad

Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Bashful Blue Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, and Dimensionals

I had been fiddling with this card and it just looked too plain until I spiced it up with the new Dot Dot Dot single stamp. It really adds quite a punch of pattern to the card! It was stamped randomly instead of full coverage to give it a little bit of a fun off-beat look.

I appreciate you stopping by today and it's been a pleasure to share this card with you. And when you're saying your prayers tonight, thank God for all the wonderful people He's brought into your life. I know I will...

Blessings!

Sharon

Birthday card my way

Hello to everyone this fine snowy day. Actually it is snowing this very fine icy crystals, so it really is a 'fine snowy' day! Did you like the pun?? Oh, it wasn't that bad, was it?? lol I guess it probably was that bad, but that's what happens when I've seen way too much snow too many days in a row. Now enough of that, let's get on with the stamping stuff.

This month during our downline meeting, we always have a card swap. (When do demonstrators ever get together and not swap!!) Anyway, my sister sent me her swap cards and I really liked her idea. I had a workshop coming up and thought I'd twist it up a bit and make it mine. Here is her card first...

Isn't this cute? It was made by Connie Seifert. I'd link you up to her blog, but she hasn't started one yet. Come on, Connie! Give it a try, it's fun!! Here's the info on her card:

Stamps: Whimsical Words

Cardstock: Rose Red, Bashful Blue, Apricot Appeal, and Whisper White with Welcome Neighbor Designer Series Paper

Ink: Rose Red

Accessories: Curly Label Punch, Scallop Border Trim Punch, Big Shot with Movers & Shapers Holiday Windows Die

Isn't her card cute? I loved the colors she put together and the layout too. Did you notice she cut out all her candles and flames individually? Good job Connie! Now on to my take of her card. First of all, I didn't want to cut out candles and flames at a workshop, especially when I have the dies that can do it for me - plus we sell them! My card idea also would be meant for a boy, so the colors needed to be adjusted a bit too. And I thought the sentiment layers looked a little feminine, so that got changed too.

Here's my version. As you can see, the layout is still the same, but that's about as far as it goes! It's so much fun taking a great idea and changing it around to suit your own purposes. Hope you like mine, Connie.

Stamps: Whimsical Words

Cardstock: Taken with Teal, So Saffron, Old Olive and Very Vanilla with Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper

Ink: Taken with Teal

Accessories: Big Shot with Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits, Tag and Small Tag Punches, Vanilla Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, and Dimensionals

Can you see the similarities to both cards? Both are a 4 1/4" square card - my new favorite size to make! And both use candles as a focal point, have a layered sentiment on the bottom half, and use a DSP to coordinate.

There you have it. Now you can take this same layout idea and create your own masterpiece with it. If you do come up with your own version, I'd love to see it. Please let me know in the comment section and give me a link to your card!

Happy stamping, and stay warm!

Sharon

Sweet Little Lamb

I don't know about you, but I've had just about all I can take from this snowy winter. And after all the snow we've been getting here lately, I need some kind of cute, springy project to work on. I'm really trying to think SPRING! Ok now, concentrate, concentrate!!

Ahh, spring! I just love using little chickies, bunnies, or lambs for my Easter cards. They're always so darn cute and I just want to give them a little cuddle! Don't they just make you want to smile? So let's get out those pastel colors! Get out all those punches! Let's get busy creating something for spring!!


Isn't this little lambie-pie a real cutie? So darn fluffy and she even has a little ribbon in her hair too! (or is that fur? wool?? oh, whatever! You know what I mean!!)

Stamps: All Holidays
Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Barely Banana, Certainly Celery, and Whisper White
Ink: Bashful Blue and Certainly Celery Pads, Certainly Celery and Basic Black Marker
Accessories: Scallop Circle, Word Window, Wide Oval, Scallop Oval, Large Oval, 1/2" Circle, 1/8" Circle, and Trio Flower Punches, Sponge quarters, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Tombow Multi-Purpose Glue, Black Gingham Ribbon, and 2 non-SU! punches


I thought this was one of the cutest little punchies I've ever made. And this was one of the cute projects made in the Punchy Class held here this month. If you're in the area, you really should try to come to these classes. You never know what you'll be making, but I think the projects are all cute and creative! And I'd love to show you how to make them so you can make more for yourself and your friends! The next Punchy class will be held March 16th. You can email me for more details about these classes and all the other class options I have available. Come and create with me!

Hope you're staying warm and dry in this wintry weather! Keep thinking spring - it's bound to get here sooner or later!! ;-)

Sharon

Thinking a Little Green

I have a friend who is Irish, and every year about this time she hosts a workshop for me. We always have lots of fun, and absolutely have to make something green. This year was no exception for us! Her workshop was fun, and yes, we did stamp a little green. I thought she'd really like the 'Go Green' single stamp so that's what I started out with. Then I realized that I don't have anything with a shamrock on it! What to do? Hmmmm...... Let's get that thinking cap on and play a little. We're sure to come up with something that works! What do you think of this??

Well, it's definitely got a lot of green going on!!! There's no way you could take this for anything other than a St. Paddy's Day card. So here's how it was made....

Stamps: Go Green

Cardstock: Green Galore, Glorious Green, and Whisper White
Ink: Glorious Green

Accessories: Big Shot with both the Perfect Polka Dot and Finial Press Embossing Folders, Wide Oval Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Black Satin Ribbon, 5/16" Neutral Brads, Sponge Dauber, and Dimensional

If you're looking at this trying to figure out where I used the 1/2" Circle Punch, it's behind the points of the heart to hold them together and pierce the brad through. Can you just see it peaking out there on this picture? It seemed to be the best way to hold it all together while working with it.

Also, the brad was sponged with a bit of Glorious Green ink, but it really doesn't show up on the picture. Don't know why that is, because you can see it in real life. Hmmm, another one of those strange anomalies in life that I may never figure out. But that's ok. It just keeps me guessing.

Hope this card gives you some ideas for St. Paddy's Day. It's nice to have a bazillion stamps that cover every holiday, but you don't always have to have a holiday specific stamp set. You can use a little creativity to come up with something that still works. And have fun too!!

Wishing you some green inky fingers today! Have fun stamping

Sharon

Forgetful Birthday

It's been so long since I had taken part in a challenge, and I've really been missing it. So this morning my plan was to check the Saturday Sketch challenge on Stamping 411 blog. This looked like a great sketch, but the crossed elements on the left side would be a challenge for me. I don't think I've ever done something like that on a card before. So today would be a good day to give it a try. When I was trying to figure out what I wanted to make, it hit me that I had forgotten to make a birthday card for my camping friend. How could I have possibly forgotten that?? Oh, this is really bad, so I thought I'd work this sketch around the belated birthday card. Hope you like what I came up with. (Hope she does too!!!)

This whole card was a bit strange for me, but she'll get a kick out of it. When we get together I'm never sure which one of us laughs more than the other, but my sides always hurt after spending a couple of hours with her.

Stamps: Under the Stars

Cardstock: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, and Very Vanilla with To the Nines Designer Series Paper

Ink: Basic Brown pad and Chocolate Chip Marker

Accessories: WaterColor Wonder Crayons, AquaPainter, Champagne Shimmer Paint, Vanilla and Chocolate Chip Narrow Grosgrain Ribbons, Chocolate Chip Corduroy Button, Paper Snips, Dimensionals

Since I wanted the bear to have a clock instead of a compass, I used the marker to color in only the portions of the stamp I wanted. Then went to the stamped image to add the numbers. Adding a bit of Shimmer Paint to the 'watch case' seemed to fancy it up just a bit. I hope the finished card isn't too masculine for her. It just seemed to be the right combo of colors and DSP for my bear. She does like paisley, so I guess that helps too.

Anyway I hope my forgetful bear brings a smile to your face and maybe a small chuckle too. Thanks for taking the time to check in over here! Have a great Saturday.

Sharon

Lookin' Very Feminine

That's my theme for today - going frilly, girlie soft, and feminine! I just love making cards that are very feminine, but you've probably figured that out already! lol But I'm just going to reinforce that idea with today's offering. When you take Almost Amethyst with lots of 'white space' and add a lacy punched border and Tea Party DSP, that's it -it's officially girlie girl feminine. (Hey, even the name 'Tea Party' is feminine!!) I've got a friend who is the epitome of feminine and her birthday is coming up, so this card was made with her in mind.



Stamps: Vintage Vogue and Vintage Labels
Cardstock: Whisper White, Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery with Tea Party Designer Series Paper
Ink: Certainly Celery and Almost Amethyst
Accessories: Big Shot with Beautiful Butterflies Embosslit, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Certainly Celery Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, and Dimensionals






Now didn't I tell you it was girlie?? But I think this will be just perfect for my friend's birthday card. Don't you think so? Hopefully it will work for one of your family members or friends too. If you like it, go ahead and copy til your heart is content! Or until you get tired of it! Either way, it's a good basic card to have on hand when you need something at the last minute, because it's so quick to make too. Hmmm.... Maybe I should go ahead and make a couple more while everything is sitting out on my table. Gotta go....

Happy stamping,
Sharon

Refuge and Strength for Easter

The Refuge and Strength set is one I go to very often when I'm in need of sympathy cards. In fact I had just made up a couple with the set and looking at the finished cards thought they would be nice for Easter. (after the sentiment was changed of course!) So that's what I did! I really wasn't going to share it here because some of the parts are either retired, not available yet, or not even SU! Oh my!! Did I just hear a gasp?! Yes, every once in a great while, I do use contraband merchandise. Yikes! Will I be banned?? Is this allowed??? Oh well, here's the finished card. You decide. Hope you like it...
Stamps: Refuge & Strength, Elements of Style(new next July!), and All Holidays
Cardstock: Whisper White, Pale Plum, and Perfect Plum
Ink: Pale Plum and Perfect Plum
Accessories: Big Shot and Ovals Die, White Gel Pen, Plum Organdy Ribbon (retired), Dimensionals, and a non-SU! Oval Punch

I love the soft colors and look of this card. Wish we'd get that great organdy ribbon back again. It's so sheer with just a hit of shimmer to it - just lovely!

And if you look at the background carefully, you'll get a sneak peak of a new set coming out in July. Each person that attended Leadership in Phoenix last month received this set from Shelli. It is soooo pretty and vintage looking. I know, so Shelli!! You can bet you'll be seeing lots more of this set in another few months. It's so me!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day and make sure you find some time to stamp...
Sharon

Cupcake Birthday

Happy Tuesday to you! It's turning out to be one of those snowy days here. There were big fluffy flakes coming down this morning that added up to about 2" or so around here. I was out shoveling before my punch class ladies came at noon. Imagine my surprise when they all left and the driveway was almost dry! That'll make it much better for the ladies coming tonight so they won't have to deal with any icy patches.

Today I have a really quick card for a friend's birthday. It is sized a little differently so it fits into our Open End Envelopes instead of the regular A2 size. Just a small difference, but I think making a card this size nicely shows off the wheel used for the background.

Stamps: Friendly Words Jumbo Wheel

Cardstock: Confetti White, Pretty in Pink, Real Red, and Close to Cocoa

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose

Accessories: Big Shot with Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits Dies, Jumbo Handle, AquaPainter, Crimper, Heart to Heart Punch, and Dimensionals

Like I said, this is one fast card to make, but it still looks cute. Adding just a bit of ink to swirl up the frosting makes it look almost good enough to eat! Using the crimper on the cupcake bottom really gives the look of the cupcake liners and hardly takes any added time at all. All in all, I think this is one yummy card. Now if I only had me a cupcake to eat for real.....

Enjoy the day and find time for your stamping fix today!

Sharon

After Valentine Blahs

Well, after a crazy and sad week, I'm finally back here sharing with you. Sorry for the long absence. Last week was class week for me, and when you throw in a workshop and a memorial service for a very much-loved pastor, it turned out to be a very emotionally draining week too. I shared some of the projects already, but not the last one. And this one might be my favorite too!

I know somewhere out there I saw something that inspired this card. Not sure where, but if it is your card that inspired me, let me know so I can give you credit.

I just love this new punch from the Occasions Mini Catalog. Isn't it darling? So much fun to punch a bird, branch, and wing out to make a lovely dimensional addition to your card. I had to add the little heart from the I {Heart} Hearts set to top it off!

And the new paper pack, Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Stack is just the greatest! All those lovely prints and stripes in luscious coordinating colors! They're positively yummy!! It was so easy to choose what colors of cardstock to use just by picking colors from the paper designs.

Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts, Whimsical Words

Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Taken with Teal, Old Olive, Whisper White cardstock with Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Stack

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Extra Large Two-Step Bird Punch, Designer Label Punch, Small Heart Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Sponge quarter, and Dimensionals

My advice here is to get this paper pack if you don't have it already. There are so many different color combos and styles of prints in this pack, it will keep you happy for a long time. And did you notice in the close-up that the stripe has a lovely floral over-print in white on it? Very subtle, but it adds just an extra special touch to it. When you use a dsp like this, the card almost seems to make itself!

Hope you like this card and thanks for looking! Your comments are always welcome and appreciated!

Sharon

Tip of the hat to Jan Tink

Why, you ask? Because this design is all Jan Tink's! Can't you just see her creative fingers all over this? Last December we had a Christmas Brunch and Shoebox Swap. This was her lovely creation and I thought it would be perfect for classes. Yes, my lucky class ladies will be making this card in just another day or two to help them get a head start on their Easter cards. Isn't it just adorable? Can't you almost smell that wonderful chocolate? mmmmm Yum! Oh, you didn't come here to smell chocolate? You want some particulars about the card instead? Oh, ok. I'll quit sniffing (and dreaming about eating chocolate!) and get back to work....


Stamps: Chocolate Bunny, Fine Flourish, and All Holidays
Cardstock: So Saffron, Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Almost Amethyst, and Certainly Celery with Tea Party Designer Series Paper
Ink: Chocolate Chip Craft Ink, and Chocolate Chip and Lavender Lace Classic Ink
Accessories: Heat Tool and Clear Embossing Powder, Pinking Heart Border Punch, Large Oval Punch, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Gold Mini Brads, Sponge Quarters, Pretty in Pink 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Paper Snips, and a Dimensional



See how realistic this chocolate bunny looks??? Don't you just want to take a little bite? Nobody will notice. Go on, take just a little nibble....

Hah, had you really thinking about it, didn't I?


Now, where did I hide that chocolate.....?


Sharon

Easter Daffodils in Snowy February

Sure wish these same daffodils were really blooming outside my front door instead of on my card! Actually my in-laws had daffodils just like this growing along a fence on their farm. That was years ago, but I can still see them blowing in the breeze every spring and it makes me feel so young again. Isn't it funny how a memory can suddenly crop up and bring all kinds of feelings with it? Hope you have some wonderful memories of spring and you enjoy this card too.

Stamps: Abundant Hope and Eggcoutrements

Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Lavender Lace, Whisper White cardstocks with Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper

Ink: Basic Gray, Lavender Lace, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Creamy Caramel pads, and Dusty Durango Marker

Accessories: Scallop Border Punch, Modern Label Punch, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, AquaPainter, Certainly Celery 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, and Dimensionals

This card was full of surprises for me. First of all, I didn't think the Scallop Border Punch would fit this border stamp. So I was very pleasantly surprised to find it's a perfect fit. Of course, why would I be surprised when I know Stampin'Up! is always looking for ways to coordinate their products! Woo Hoo!!

My second surprise was how much I like the saffron and white print used on this card. I've gone through most of 2 packs of Bella Bleu DSP and I'm working on the 3rd. And this is the first time I've used this print!! I could never find anything I really liked with it and it just ganged up on me. Now that I see how nice this looks, I'll have to either make a bunch more of these Easter cards to send out or be on the look-out for some other idea I like as well.

Hope you find time to stamp this weekend. When you're reading this I'll be off on a road-trip to Lansing with several of my stamping friends. We thought it was time to check out a few other stores - including a quilting store. I'll be looking for some fun fabrics that I can use my Big Shot and dies to make quilt squares. This is something very new to me, but a beautiful craft I've wanted to try my hand at for quite some time. Since I have several friends that do quilt, I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to learn myself and have them try something new too!! So that means we'll all be learning together. If anything actually comes of this, I'll share it with you if it's not too horrible!

Happy stamping and have a glorious (not too snowy) weekend,

Sharon

I love Love!

Oh, I really, really do! Anything romantic and 'schmoozy' is right up my alley! So it's no wonder that I really enjoy making valentines and look forward to Valentine's Day and anniversaries each year. And with the great stamp sets, wheels, and Designer Papers available from Stampin' Up! this season, I've been having sooooo much fun!

This card is the first time I've used this red pattern from the 'Sending Love' Designer Series Paper, and I just love it! Now I'm going to have to order myself some more because it's all been used up for class projects next week. This will be one of the four projects the ladies will be making. Hope they like it, and hope you do too!

Stamps: Love You Much, I (Love) Love Jumbo Wheel

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Bravo Burgundy, and Real Red cardstocks with Sending Love DSP

Ink: Real Red, Bravo Burgundy

Accessories: Heart of Hearts Embosslit with Big Shot, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Full Heart Punch, Small Heart Punch, Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Jumbo Handle, and Dimensionals

Thought I'd give you a side shot so you can tell how items are layered here. That's just in case you'd like to make your own version of this Valentine for your honey.

Don't the two different prints of Designer Paper go nicely together? It's just so hard to decide which side to use when you like them all!! And did you notice how the Full Heart Punch layers perfectly onto the heart embosslit? It's a nice touch having that little bit of 'ruffle' peaking out behind the pretty print paper.

How about this surprise inside of the card? I pulled an older set for the inside sentiment and did a bit of watercoloring to let the 'love' be the focal point. And I had to add another little heart inside just to make sure the recipient knows for sure that I love him. lol (Just in case he doesn't know that already!!)

Anyway, there you have it. The latest in the Valentine series. There still might be more since it isn't February 14th yet. We'll see......

Happy stamping, and keep spreading the love!

Sharon