Peaceful Hostess Set

Oh, I just have to tell you, I am sooooo excited!! There's only a few more days to wait before you can order out of the new Holiday Mini Catalog! I'm excited because I'm dying to get my hot little hands on a new hostess set!! This set is called Peaceful Season and I'm lovin' it! The font is so elegant and Victorian and the images of the holly and dove are going to be great to stamp. Over a week ago my downline got together for a meeting to discuss all that went on at convention, and of course we stamped!! lol Jan Tink brought the idea for the card that we were priviledged to make. Jan always has fabulous card ideas, and this one was just as wonderful as expected. I can't wait to get my own set so I can make more of these cards!


Stamps: Peaceful Season
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Always Artichoke, and Very Vanilla with new Deck The Halls Designer Series Paper
Ink: Early Espresso pad and Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, and Early Espresso Markers
Accessories: Gold Brads, Early Espresso 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Ticket Corner Punch, Sponge Daubers, Cutter Kit, Gold Lame' Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink, and Dimensionals






I had to take some extra pictures to show you how gorgeous this whole card looks. All of the elements work together so nicely to give such a look of elegance. (can you tell I love this???)

The new Deck The Halls DSP is fabulous in and of itself. The colors and prints, just yummy! But when you add these images - oh my! I like how the holly isn't a totally solid image so it looks softer. That makes it easier to overlay the sentiment onto it without the fine lines of the sentiment getting lost.





This was the first time I had used the new Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink. Nice stuff! The applicator is similar to a marker tip and fairly easy to use. I have to admit I should have had my glasses on to see what I was doing a little better. The little dots on the berries were fine, but the first accent to the G was a bit heavier than I would have liked. The 2nd stroke was just what I wanted. So let me say, a little practice is always a good thing!!

All in all, Jan you came up with a gorgeous card and I can't wait to make more of these. And then I'll have to do a little creating myself to see what else can be done with this lovely Hostess set. Now I'm off to see about getting some orders so that I can earn this set FREE!! Yippee!
Sharon

Happiness Shared for a Wedding

The daughter of one of our long-time friends will be getting married next weekend. I knew I'd be making a card for them, and had been thinking about it for the last week or so. Yes, just thinking, not making. I was having trouble coming up with something that I really liked. That is until I checked in at the Stamping 411 Saturday Challenge here. They have a lovely sketch this week to challenge and inspire us, and it worked. After mulling over the idea this afternoon, I sat down and made my card. Hope they like the card and know that our best wishes are with this young couple as they start out creating their life together.

When I saw this set, Happiness Shared, I knew it was one that I had to have. It's one of those lovely sets that have great line art that can either be left as is or watercolored, whichever you prefer. And for this one, I felt that color was needed. Add some ribbon and rhinestones and lots of scallops and texture and you've got something special. At least I think so!

Stamps: Happiness Shared and A Word For You

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, and Melon Mambo

Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, and Always Artichoke

Accessories: Big Shot and Textured Impressions Finial Press, Ovals Die, 2 3/8" Scalloped Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Aqua Painter, 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Basics Rhinestones, Sponge Dauber, and Dimensional

I've seen others encircle the oval diecut with scallops from a circle punch, but I had trouble getting it to fit just right. If I'd been thinking better, I'd have stuck the slight overlap under the ribbon, but that thought came when I was taking the picture. Oh well, next time. And yes, I definitely will try this sketch again. I loved having all the curved edges in different sizes and overlapping each other. Definitely a good sketch to keep on hand. Why not try out this sketch yourself? I'd love to see what you make - I'm sure it'll be beautiful!

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday. We're taking it easy and just hanging out today. Watching movies and playing with my stamps. Sort of a perfect kind of day for me. Hope yours is just as nice.

Sharon

Witchy Girl

Have I mentioned lately how much I like SU!'s cute little kids? They have some of the cutest ones available, and I'm such a sucker for them! Today I have another sneak peak of a set coming out in the new Holiday Mini Catalog. (If you don't have one yet, I'd be happy to mail one out to you - just contact me about it!!) Anyway, the cute little witch in the Fang-tastic set is my muse for today. She might be a witch, but she looks pretty darn cute and not scary at all.


Stamps: Fang-tastic
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, and Very Vanilla
Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Not Quite Navy, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, and Blushing Bride
Accessories: Neutrals Watercolor Wonder Crayons, AquaPainter, Sponge quarters, Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Champagne Shimmer Paint, Large and Small Oval Punches, Paper Snips, and Dimensionals





Thank heavens for those Paper Snips. It's the only way to cut out all those little pieces, especially that little girl. Her arms and legs are so skinny and then there's her hair and her broom. Whew. I think I need glasses that are a bit stronger to see that little detailed stuff now that I'm getting a little bit older. Notice I didn't actually say I was old, just getter older. There's a big difference there that I want to make very clear!!

Anyway, back to the card! The background was sponged on, just using different styles for the sky and grass. The grass was just sponging in from the edge, but the sky was lightly sponged all over and then layers of darkness built up. Still sponging lightly, just more layers.

Just a little side note here. When I heard SU! was taking away Blush Blossom and giving us Blushing Bride instead, I was really unhappy. But now that I've been using the Blushing Bride color for all skin tones instead, I'm so very happy with the new color! It works out just great. For my little girl, I used the Blushing Bride ink for both her skintone and the blush! It's really a great color and I have to say "kudos" to SU! for this new color.

I wish the picture showed the smidgeon of Shimmer Paint on the buckle of her hat. IRL it adds just a cute touch of glimmer. Hmmm... maybe I just might go back and add a touch to those stars on her little dress. That might be nice.

Hope you like my little witchy girl today and maybe get your Halloween stamps out to play. You know, time's running out to get these made and in the mail on time. Thanks for stopping by. Please leave your comments on my little witch - they are very appreciated.
Sharon

Another Butterfly Redo

Hey peeps! Hope you're having a terrific week! The weather has been a bit cooler and more comfortable this week. (great sleeping weather!!) It's been wonderful having the windows open and feeling the fresh air flowing through the house again. Yesterday I shared a CASEd card of a butterfly that my Hostess Club wanted to make. Since we were doing butterflies, I just stuck with the theme and CASEd a card from the Summer Mini that's only going to be around another few days. It's a simple card with nice clean lines. Of course, I did my usual changes to fit what I wanted to use that evening. And here's what I did..... (You can look for the original on page 19 of the mini.)

Stamps: Elements of Style, Tea House background, and Extreme Elements

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, and More Mustard

Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, and VersaMark Pads, Poppy Parade and Old Olive Markers

Accessories: Vanilla and Gold Glow Smooch Spritz, Big Shot with Beautiful Butterflies Die, Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, and Square Fire Rhinestone Brads

Have you checked the original card yet? One of the biggest changes I made was using the Tea House background stamp on the main card. I love how this gives a subtle difference to the background instead of the plain background on the original. Isn't this a lovely vintage looking stamp? It's turning into one of my favorites! I chose that stamp to coordinate with the swirls on the butterfly and More Mustard layer too.

The next change was not using Crystal Effects on the butterfly. With the number of ladies making the card, I was worried that the Crystal Effects would get smudged on the butterflies before they dried enough to put on the cards. There's no reason to set the stage for failure, so I changed it to the two spritzes instead. With the heavier spraying, we still got a little of the marker colors bleeding that we tried to match on the original card. Plus we got a lovely shimmery sheen on the butterflies. How pretty!

Well, that's it for today. Short and sweet without too much rambling on for you. Hope I can get back to the stamp cave and get a few more ideas to share with you tomorrow. Have a great day!

Sharon

Butterfly Redo

Have you ever looked in the catalog and been inspired? I know, every single time I look at it I find something new that inspires me!! But unfortunately, I don't own everything in the catalog (yet), so I can't always copy the idea exactly. This week I was stuck on butterfly ideas. My Hostess Club was last night and they had asked to make the butterfly card on page 101. That's always an interesting plan, but it usually turns out somewhat different than the original no matter how hard I try. Here's the card the ladies made last night. I'll fill you in on the changes.

Stamps: Dreams Du Jour

Cardstock: Soft Suede, Melon Mambo, Not Quite Navy, and Naturals Ivory with Neutrals Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack and Newsprint DSP

Ink: Soft Suede, Bashful Blue, Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi Classic Pads, and Basic Black Craft Pad

Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Vanilla Smooch Spritz, Curly Label Punch, Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Aqua Painter, and Dimensionals

Have you opened your catty yet to check what the original looks like? Hmm? Okay there are two major changes. For the striped bottom portion of the card, I used the new Neutrals DSP and the original used Naturals Ivory cardstock and the Solid Stripes stamp. I thought the printed paper layer would be so much quicker to do and easier also. Especially when you have half a dozen ladies all using the same stamps!

The other major change is the Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon instead of the lovely Chantilly Crochet Trim. Mine isn't here yet (like I said - I don't have everything yet), so we had to improvise a bit. I really think the crochet trim would be nicer on the card, but when in need - improvise!

Tomorrow I'll share with you the other butterfly card we copied and made, but with a few changes to that one also. See, I really can't help myself! I just have to make changes - even to the fabulously creative ideas that Stampin' Up! gives us in our catalog! It's a disease I tell ya, all this need to put my own stamp on things! he he he (oh what a bad pun that was!!)

On that note, I'll be leaving you for today. Be back tomorrow for the continuing saga of the Butterfly Redo.....

Sharon

Thoughtful 411 Challenge

Hey people! How is everyone this fine rainy Saturday? I've been busy today trying to get caught up on things around the house and then hit the 'stamp cave' for some S & M - that's Stamping and Musing you know!! First up was a visit to the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge here. They always have a great idea to start the creative process, and today was no different. Whenever they have a large circle as a component of the sketch, I usually get intimidated. I never seem to know what to do with those pesky circles. Hopefully I've managed to work that circle into my layout today. I think I'm happy with the finished card at any rate. Hope you like it too.
Stamps: Word Play
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, and Certainly Celery
Ink: Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, and Early Espreso
Accessories: Big Shot with Petals Aplenty Embossing Folder, Scallop Circles 2 Die, and the new Tasteful Trim Die, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Pearls Jewels, and Sponge Daubers







One of my very favorite accessories are the self-adhesive pearls (and the rhinestones too!). I loooove the tiny ones especially, and they are soooo easy to use!! I can see I'll be needing to order more soon 'cuz I've just been sticking those little darlin's everywhere! Aren't they just the cutest?

Actually there are alot of things I like about this card, and all the textures and curves are right there at the top. I added sponging on the embossed flowers to make them stand out. And I kept using the curvy punches and dies to accentuate the circle image on the sketch. Hope I didn't overdo it!

Anyway, hope you're inspired by the sketch too and give it a try. It's always fun to play along with the ladies at Stamping 411. There's always a great sketch to try and a chance to be inspired. Enjoy your weekend and make sure you find time for stamping along the way.
Sharon

Cute Hoot Owls

When perusing different blogs a week or two ago on one of those rare days when there were absolutely no commitments staring me in the face, there was this funny card with owls looking at each other with those cute big eyes of theirs. I just had to make one similar cuz it made me smile just to look at it. Aren't they just a hoot??! (sorry, I couldn't help myself!) Anyway, I can't believe how easy it is to make owls using the new 2-Step Owl Punch we have! You can make a whole barnful of owls in just minutes. It doesn't get too much more fun than that!

Stamps: Woodgrain and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Garden Green, Whisper White, and Basic Black and 2 retired DSP's

Ink: Soft Suede

Accessories: 2-Step Owl, 1 3/8" Circle, Word Window, and Pretty in Pink Grosgrain Ribbon

It didn't take too many supplies to make these little guys - just scraps of different colors and some retired Patterns DSP to match the cardstock. What did take the longest was punching out all those little pieces in the different colors I wanted. Especially those teensy black eyes cuz I needed extra for the little buttons on his vest. Isn't that just the cutest?

All right, I think I've exceeded the cute-o-meter today and it's time to move on. Hope you enjoyed these little guys (oops, sorry, one is a girl you know!) and give them a try soon. If you don't have your owl punch yet, just hop on over to my website and you can place your order online. Easy peasy and quick as a wink. And don't forget the Woodgrain background stamp so you can make this card too! Thanks for stopping by. All comments are appreciated!!

Sharon

Greeting Girl in Blues

Did I mention lately how much I like cute little kids? And watercoloring too?? Well, I had a little bit of extra time on my hands yesterday, so I thought I'd get in a little stamping just for me. Not for a class or swap, or for a birthday that someone wanted a card for 'right now'. Just-for-fun stamping. Haven't had too much of that lately, so it was a real pleasure just perusing my stamps and trying to decide what to play with first. Since I had used the Fang-tastic set a couple times with that cute dracula, I thought it would be fun to change the season but stick with the kids. So that was my inspiration for my wintry old-fashioned little girl. I love these vintage-looking images. They make me feel so nostalgic (but sorta old too!) She's a real lil' charmer and so much fun to do.

Stamps: Greeting Card Kids, Snow Swirled, and Occasional Quotes (hostess level 3 set)
Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Bravo Burgundy, Whisper White and Night of Navy DSP
Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Bashful Blue pads, and Night of Navy marker
Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, AquaPainter, Snowflake Punch, Large Oval and Scallop Oval Punches, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Basic Rhinestones, and Dimensionals



Isn't she a real cutie? Seems like I ended up using just a smidgeon of this and a little of that. When she was all finished I had a real mess on my table and lots of stuff to put away. But I think it was worth it all and I'm very pleased with how it turned out.

Don't know if you can tell from the picture, but the shimmery snowflake really turned out cute on this. I had tried a bow and brad in that corner, but it just didn't work for me. Thank goodness we still have that snowflake punch. I think it's a wonderful accent on winter cards.

For the sentiment, I ended up using only part of the stamp and inked it with the Navy marker. The whole sentiment seemed too big for the layout of this card.

Ok, that's all for today. So far it's been a good week and I've been able to post several days in a row. Hope to keep that up. At least that's my plan. We'll see how the week continues to unfold. Hope you're having a great week yourself.
Sharon

Batty Halloween Card

It's still a little early in the season, but I've been doing lots of thinking about Halloween ideas. I'm not a huge Halloween fan, but like I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm a sucker for cute. Now this one isn't really cutesie, but I do think it falls on the cuter end of the Halloween "ghoulish meter". Wonder if there really is something like that??! Anyway, it was fun to make and that's what counts, right? BTW - Connie, this one's for you!


Stamps: All Holidays set, and Frightful Fence Jumbo Wheel
Cardstock: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, and Basic Black
Ink: Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, and Old Olive
Accessories: Jumbo Handle, Modern Label Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Round Tab Punch, Sponge quarters, Brights Brads, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, and Dimensionals

I didn't pre-order the new Bat Punch, so I made do with bats made from repeatedly punching the side of the Round Tab Punch. I love the look of these. They have this slightly sinister look, but totally harmless. Just the way I like my Halloween!

For the grasses on the bottom, I used the direct-to-paper technique with Old Olive ink. If you're not a fan of that technique, I think using a marker and just drawing in the grasses would work just as well. Without anything on the bottom it looked a little bare. I was lucky enough to get the spider web from the wheel onto the card front this time. Half the time it didn't make it, but this time it worked. Guess I've got to practice where to start my wheel on the paper better.

When I was working on the moon, I wanted to have it look rounded but then almost blending into the background. To accomplish that I sponged the circle with a good amount of Daffodil Delight ink about 1/2" in on all the edges, then went back with Peach Parfait and added a little more sponging on the edge. This starts to blend the edge into the Pumpkin Pie background, but still keeps it separate.

Anyway, hope you have fun with the idea. This was one of the cards in my Punchy Class today. If you're in the Detroit area and are looking for a fun class, come join us! We're always looking for people who like to have fun and love chocolate. Well, I guess the chocolate part is optional, but expect to meet some great ladies and have a good time. Just contact me and I'll get you the information for upcoming classes.

Have a great week!
Sharon

Fang-tastic!

Yup, I had decided not to get another Halloween set because every time I do it's retired right away. How frustrating! But I just couldn't help myself when I saw what Stampin' Up! was offering in the new Holiday Mini coming out in September. Oooooh, it's just too cute and I love cute Halloween stuff. You can skip the ghoulish and gory as far as I'm concerned. Just give me the cute little kids in their Halloween costumes, and I'm an absolute pushover! So when I had a chance to pre-order from the new mini and get some samples made, well, along came the guy in the brown truck with a box for me with Fang-tastic sitting right on top!!

I was even crazy enough to sign up for a swap using this set, so I had to get creating with it. Now I can't show you the cards I made for the swap just yet. (don't worry, I did remember to take a picture before sending them off, but I have to wait a bit to share!) But that wasn't the only card I made with the set. Here's a different idea using the cute little dracula kid.

Stamps: Fang-tastic stamps, Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel

Cardstock: Basic Gray, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, and Whisper White

Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: AquaPainter, Watercolor Wonder Crayons - Neutrals, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch (for the teeth marks), Distressing Tool, Jumbo Handle, Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, and Dimensionals

Now, wasn't I right? Isn't this just the cutest little kid dressed up like dracula? It was so easy to color him with the Neutral WWCrayons. All except for his vest - I had to use my Razzleberry ink pad for that.

How do you like the Vintage wheel design on the background? I had someone mess up their cardstock at class last week using the wheel in the wrong direction. So, since the inked, gray cardstock was just sitting there, I figured I might as well use it for something. Right?

Well, hope you like this idea using the very new

Fang-tastic set. Maybe I need to make another card or two with the set before it finds a home on my shelves. That cute little girl-witch is calling out to me! We'll see.....

Happy stamping,

Sharon

CASEd Grunge

No, the total grunge look really isn't my style. But I've seen so many cards and 3d objects with the 'grunge technique' that intrigued me. Guess it was time to give it a try. So when my sis Connie emailed me a card idea she made with that look, I decided to use hers as a jumping off point and try my hand at it. It really helps to have a basic plan to work with when you're waaaaaaaaay out of your own comfort zone! LOL Of course, there were a few tweaks along the way to accommodate what I had on hand, but it does look quite similar.


Stamps: Grunge Rock, Extrme Elements, and Friends Rock
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz, and Baja Breeze
Ink: Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze, and Soft Suede
Accessories: Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Log Cabin Smooch Spritz, Metallic Brads, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, and Distressing Kit






It was interesting layering all the stamps and ink colors onto the Baja Breeze cardstock. The hardest part was distressing it and then crumpling it up. Once you add just a smidgeon of the Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint on with little dabs from a sponge, it changed the look immensely and started pulling everything in together. The last touch was adding a spritz from the Log Cabin Smooch Spritz. Yep, that did it. Then just a couple of brads and the ribbon to complete the look. Not too bad. Then I took another look at Connie's card, and I think I might have used a different green color - not sure about that. But I am happy with the results.

So there you have it! I tried something new and way out of my comfort zone and lived to tell about it. Why not give it a try yourself? I can see why teens and tweens would like getting a card like this. It is kind of fun. Maybe I should give it another try since all those stamp sets are strewn over my table. Just a thought - isn't it silly that I had purchased 3 different 'grunge' style sets and had never made a card in this style??? Guess I just needed a bit of a nudge. Thanks Connie!

Have a splendid day today! Since it's sputtering rain outside, I think I just might spend some more time creating....
Sharon

Happy Anniversary to us!

That's me and my hubby I'm talking about. It's 36 years today! Wow, that's a lifetime of living together with my best buddy. We went out Saturday together to celebrate. For 13 years we worked at the street fair in town selling whatever I was making at the time. Many of those 13 years we worked on our anniversary. So this year we decided to walk the fair and have some gyros just like we used to do. It was a fun evening, there was a nice breeze, and the food was good. I didn't even spend too much money either. I did find a baby's 1st Christmas ornament and got it personalized for Carson. Now I've got to hide it away til Christmas. And then the hard part is remembering I bought it and where I hid it come December! lol Anybody else out there buy things for Christmas or birthdays way in advance and then forget you bought it and buy something else??? One Christmas was so bad my son asked me why I forgot to give him a gift he had already found!

Anyway, back to the anniversary business... I wanted to make my hubby a card and wasn't getting inspired. I checked in on the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge and saw a great little layout. The card came together easily after that little nudge. Hope he likes it. The card isn't the normal mushy anniversary type I usually do, but it gets the idea across anyway.


Stamps: Sense of Time, Extreme Elements
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard, and Whisper White
Ink: Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler, and More Mustard
Accessories: Scallop Square Punch, Big Shot with Clearlits Scallop Rectangle die, Metallic Brads, Sponge Dauber, and Dimensionals

It was a little tricky figuring out how to use the words for the design element in the challenge sketch, but after playing around with a few different options, this is what I came up with. I think it worked out pretty well.

Well, I'm off to spend a bit more time with my hubby tonight. Hope you all have a great evening.
Sharon

Joy Filled

Happy Sunday to you! My used stamp sale yesterday didn't go too well. I still have way too many stamps left that need to be stored away somewhere. When I set the date for the sale, I totally forgot about the big stamp convention about an hour away from here. And that's where all my customers went. bummer! I've been getting updates from some of my ladies about going there instead of coming here. Oh well, maybe I'll give this a try in another couple of months. Something has to leave this basement, or I won't be able to cram anything else in here without busting out the walls! Wow, what an idea!! I wonder, could we excavate out from the walls and add another storage room on the back of the house? hmmmm.... Ah, no, I'm pretty sure my hubby wouldn't go for that idea!!! LOL

Anyway, I have a Christmas card idea to share with you today. I know Christmas is still a long way off, but we need to get the cards finished for the soldiers extra early so they can send them home. I mentioned how I try to use retired items to make these cards, and this one is no exception. The Merry Moments Designer Series Paper and Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon used for this card have both been retired, but the main image comes from a great new set called Perfect Punches.

Stamps: Perfect Punches

Cardstock: Old Olive, Real Red, Very Vanilla with Merry Moments DSP (retired)

Ink: Old Olive

Accessories: Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, and Dimensionals

So never think that you have to use only new products with new, and old products with old. Stampin' Up! does a fabulous job of making things coordinate on so many different levels. Get out your old favorites and pair them up with something fresh and new. You'll like what you come up with and fall in love with your old favorites all over again!!

And just to keep you thinking Christmas, there are only 138 days left before Christmas! Start thinking about what cards you want to make to send to all your family and friends to wish them well. This card design is super-simple and goes together in a jiffy. Just find a lovely printed paper, and go to town with it. Make sure you check back later to see the terrific new Designer Papers that Stampin' Up! will be showing in September! I have them pre-ordered and I can't wait to start creating with them and sharing with you! I know you're gonna want to get some for sure!

Oh, I almost forgot, in a couple of days my hubby and I will celebrate our 36th anniversary! Since I've been so busy babysitting and not doing as many workshops as usual, anyone that places an order on my website will be getting an extra-special thank-you from me! I've made several sets of cute owl note cards with a little holder for them. I'd love to share one of these sets with you. So go ahead and place your order online and I'll get one of these in the mail to you pronto!

Ok, I'm off to have a little stamping time since there's no baby here to keep an eye on. Hope my mojo hasn't up and left me because of lack of use! lol Have a restful day. Take time to dwell on all God's grace and goodness to us!!

Sharon

Country Blessings

Ok ladies, I have a couple versions of a Thanksgiving card for you today. One is the original I made for the ladies to make on Tuesday night, and the second one is using up an extra stamped piece from Tuesday night. Got that? And I also need to apologize for the carpet background on the pictures. I'm all set up for a used stamp sale and there's not an inch of table space left anywhere! (where have all those stamps come from??? YIKES!) I haven't done a sale for the last 4 years, and it sure looks like it! I sure hope some of these sell so I can get a bit more organized. But I digress....

I did find two of the cards from Tuesday that missed the box that was mailed out, so I thought I'd share with you. One of my main plans with making these cards for the soldiers is to use up retired cardstocks, DSP, and accessories that I have on hand and just fill in with current products. Plus this gives me a chance to use some of my favorite retired stamp sets too! All in all it is a win-win situation for me and the soldiers, don't you think??

So for this first card, I used a special set we were able to buy from SU! and also get a magazine subscription too. Needless to say I was rather shocked when I looked at the copyright date to see how long ago it had been - 2006!! But I still love the artwork of this set and will probably keep it forever. Oh yeah, I was going to show it to you, wasn't I???

Stamps: Country Blessings, Holidays and Wishes, Itty Bitty Backgrounds, and Canvas (miss all of these so much!!)

Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke

Ink: Basic Brown, Always Artichoke, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, and Sahara Sand

Accessories: Aqua Painter, Metallic Eyelets, Crop-a-dile, Linen Thread, and Sponge Dauber

So on this card, about the only things current are the two cardstocks, most of the ink, and Linen Thread. The other goodies are all retired, but you can use this idea using current stamps quite nicely.

Now the 2nd card was just put together with a left-over stamped piece from Tuesday and extra cardstock I have sitting around. The ladies used one of our retired naturals cardstock - I think this one is the white tone. I had just a small strip of Always Artichoke and put the card together differently to utilize what I had. The background was changed to the current Sanded set. Not bad for using up what was available, was it?

I think the soldiers will enjoy using these cards to send Thanksgiving wishes home to their families. At least I hope they do! And speaking of Thanksgiving, I want to take a minute to thank you for stopping by and checking in with me. I'll try to be a little more consistent with my posting. Now, you noticed I said 'try', didn't you? Some days I'm just to 'fried' to get down to the stamp cave and try to create something. But I'm sure you all know how that goes in your own lives too. So take a bit of time to relax and enjoy the weekend.

Sharon

Halloween Favorite

Oh my! Another week seems to have come and gone since I checked in last. I'm just a bit overwhelmed here lately. Seems like the days are totally focused on our grandbaby, and evenings I've been cramming in everything else that needs doing. Last week I was planning on the cards the church ladies would be making for the soldiers this week. And yes, we had a great turnout on Tuesday evening - 15 ladies and 2 preteen girls. Everyone worked like crazy to get as many cards made as possible. They actually finished 115 cards in 2 hours!! Now that's really hustling! And after finishing all those cards Tuesday night, I spent time Wednesday getting them all counted, packaged up, and then dropped at the Post Office. Whew!! Now for the duh part - I forgot to take pictures of the 6 different cards the ladies made!! How dumb is that?? I was so intent on getting them mailed out, that I totally forgot the pics. What can I say? (shrug) Anyway, I have some pics of one of the cards the ladies made for the soldiers last month. Here goes...

Stamps: Itty Bitty Backgrounds, Pumpkin Patch

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, and Old Olive

Accessories: 1", 1 1/4", and 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Paper Snips, and Dimensionals

Isn't it fun having the pumpkin peeking from inside a hole in front of the card? It's just so darn cute in person! I just wish the colors showed up better in the pics. The colors in the 2nd picture are much more realistic than the top one. The ribbon came from one of the craft stores and is pumpkin on one side and black on the reverse side. So cute and matched so well with the cardstock, you'd think it was made for it. Don't you love it when you have just the right ribbon or accessories for the right card??

Hope you enjoy the idea and it jump-starts some card ideas for you! See you soon (I hope!)...

Sharon