Rejoicing in Christmas

Finally have a few minutes today to chat with you and share the latest card. Life's been busy around here, but I imagine all of you feel the same way. Life is just busy no matter who you are and what you're doing in your life. At least, that's what I've been hearing from so many people lately. Just the way life is. So since everyone is so busy, let's do something simple today.

One of my very favoritest stamp sets right now is the Rejoicing in Christmas set. Very simple with clean lines and words that fit nicely. I seem to be stuck on the blue and white color scheme for the set lately. Maybe next time I'll work on a different color scheme altogether and see how I like it.

Stamps: Rejoicing in Christmas
Cardstock: Marina Mist, Naturals Ivory. and Very Vanilla, with Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper
Ink: Early Espresso, Marina Mist, and Crumb Cake
Accessories: Big Shot with Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder and Top Note Die, Antique Brads, Gold Lame' Pearlized Accent Paint, and Victoria Crochet Trim

Sponging the edges and embossed areas on the Naturals Ivory layer adds so much depth and contrast to the embossed layer. The Top Note layer was trimmed about 1/3 off because there simply wasn't enough room for the whole piece, and the image filled the smaller piece nicely. I didn't do any coloring on the image except for adding the Gold Lame' halos. That seemed to be all it needed to draw attention to it.

The little snippet of crochet trim was sponged with Marina Mist to give it a touch of color. And I love the small Antique Brad as an accent on the side. It is just the right accent piece for the card.

Hope you like this idea. I've got more ideas floating around up there in the gray matter, just haven't had time to see how they look in reality. Hopefully later today I'll have a little more time for stamping. Thanks for stopping by.
Sharon

Here Turkey Turkey

Okay, I think I've turned the corner on Halloween ideas and now we're moving on to turkey time! Yeah, my very favorite dinner - turkey and stuffing and all the trimmings, expecially that pumpkin pie! oooooh yummmmmy!! Wow, I think I've gained a few pounds around the middle just thinking about it!! So let's get our minds away from the loaded Thanksgiving table and on to a card idea.

I've seen some cute turkeys floating around out there in the blogosphere, and just played around with some ideas to get this chubby guy. Can't decide if he needs some tweaking or not. Usually there's a problem somewhere if I'm not satisfied and it's bugging me. I'll keep thinking on it and if you have any suggestions, they would be welcome. Maybe I could even send you a drumstick as a thank you for your help! lol


Stamps: Grateful Greetings (love this set!!!)
Cardstock: Peach Parfait, Chocolate Chip, Naturals Ivory, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, and Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories: lots of PUNCHES! Scallop Circle, Scallop Border, Ticket Corner, Boho Blossom, Horizontal Slot, 1/4" Circle, 3/4" Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, 1/4" Square, Owl Punch, White Gel Pen, Sponge quarter, Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), and Dimensionals





What a mess! It looked like most of the punches I owned were strewn across my table by the time this was made.

Looking at him, I'm thinking maybe the head is too big on this turkey. Okay, I know the head is too big for a realistic turkey, but is it too big for this one??? Maybe that's what's throwing me off on him?! I guess that's one I'll have to think on for awhile longer it seems. Or maybe I'm just making way too much out of this turkey altogether and I need to get over it!

Anyway, thanks for stopping by and sharing a few minutes of your day with me. See you soon!
Sharon

A Different Type of Ghost

Yes, Halloween is almost upon us (only 8 more days if you're counting) and I'm trying to share everything with you all before it's too late. Well, I guess it's never too late to share an idea, but I'd prefer to share the ideas before the holiday has come and gone. So without further ado, on with the sharing! This card is a punchy ghost. He's almost completely punched with the large oval punch. Hope you like it...

Stamps: All Holidays

Cardstock: Naturals White, Whisper White, Basic Black, and Elegant Eggplant

Ink: Elegant Eggplant

Accessories: Big Shot with Top Note die, Large Oval Punch, Modern Label Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, White Gel Pen, and Dimensionals

This scary dude was fun to put together. Once you got the pieces punched and everything sponged with the Eggplant ink, it was a snap to put together. By changing the placement of the eyes and eyebrows, you can get all kinds of expressions! Everything from mad, to scared, to surprised.

One little trick I especially liked was attaching the top of the nose directly to the card, but using a Dimensional under the end of the nose to make it stand out a bit. Just a little extra bit of whimsy to make someone smile.

Well, that's it for today. Thanks for dropping by and saying hi to my little scary dude!

Sharon

Winter Skaters in Reds

Well, after perusing my stamp shelves, I realized I've have been ignoring many of my Christmas stamps. It was really time to get busy and get them down from those cobwebby shelves. Today's plan was to use the Winter Post set. Ah, yes, those vintage skaters. You remember them, right? I decided to do something simple without a lot of fuss and little touch of the old fashioned to it. Here's what I came up with.....

Stamps: Winter Post

Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla

Ink: Riding Hood Red

Accessories: Scallop Border Punch, Victoria Crochet Trim, Antique Brads, and Striped Red Ribbon

As you can see, there just isn't too much fussing around with this card. Pretty straight forward, but interesting looking anyway.

Last year a stamping friend, Terry Makelim used this frame idea for a card swap. I thought it was really classy looking and thought I'd use it for this. If you want to make something similar, the biggest challenge is gettting the size of the red frame right so the punching and the stamped image all works together. If you want to try this, the red cardstock measures 3" x 3" and the Vanilla piece is 2" x 2". That simple. Now go out and give this idea a try. It's always a classy look to frame up your main image like this.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope to be back soon!

Sharon

Scaredy Ghosts

A while back (when I had more time on my hands), I was blog surfing and saw such a cute idea that I had to case it. The creator of this cute idea is Carrie Gaskin. I remembered to get her name, but I omitted to get her blog address so I can't send you there - sorry! Needless to say, my card is similar to hers, but I did make a few changes like omitting the ribbon (I didn't think they needed any ribbon), changed the cardstock colors, and I changed the stamps I used. The ghosts are totally her idea though, and aren't they just the cutest?

Stamps: Circle Circus and All Holidays

Cardstock: Naturals White, Pear Pizzazz, Elegant Eggplant, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, and Whisper White

Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Basic Black Pads and Basic Black Marker

Accessories: Big Shot with Leaves #2 Die, Paper Snips, 1/4" Circle Punch, Dimensionals, and tiny googly eyes







Didn't I tell you they were cute? I wouldn't steer you wrong here. When I realized the ghost shape was the leaf die, that was a real 'duh' moment for me!! How quick and easy to get a great ghostly shape! All you need to do is get those cool eyes and just add the little lines around the mouth and eyes to get the bestest ghosties yet!



Hope you enjoy them. There's still time to make some of these quick cards for Halloween. Thanks for stopping by today.

Sharon

Get Well Owl

While at church on Sunday, we prayed for several people I know that have been ill. Thought it was time to get another batch of get-well cards made as my stash was pretty well depleted. I wanted an idea that would be quick and also could be used for either a man or woman. I think this little card is just the thing I needed and was quite happy with the results. What do you think??

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Early Espresso, Whisper White, and Basic Black, with Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories: Big Shot with Square Lattice Embossing Folder, 2-Step Owl Punch, 2-Step Bird Punch, and Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon

Well, I think I nailed the card on all the guidelines I set - quick and simple, gender neutral. And I replenished my stash of cards for the near future too! Now I hope nobody is in need of one of these cards for awhile. It's nice having them on hand, but I feel bad when I have the need for them!

I just have to mention how much I like the Elegant Soiree DSP that's used here. That little hint of Baja Breeze on the DSP really makes it cute. And the paper design makes it look like feathers! Just the perfect paper design for these little owls.

Hope you enjoyed this idea. Thanks for stopping by. You know I really appreciate all of your comments. (especially you Rhonda - you always make me smile!) Have a terrific week. And the grandbaby is awake so it's time to get back to work!!

Hugs,

Sharon

Cheery Dasher

My goodness! Here it is already the middle of October and I haven't had Dasher off the shelf yet! Remember him - that cute little reindeer? He's still around you know. Last year I couldn't stop using the stamp, and this year he's been languishing on the shelf. Poor little reindeer!! Well, that means it's time to dust him off and ink him up. I'm sure he'll be much happier with a fresh coat of ink on him. And there's new Designer Papers to use, and new colors. That's just what he needs to freshen him up a bit. So off we go....

Stamps: Dasher, Snow Swirled, and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, and Whisper White with Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper

Ink: Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso

Accessories: Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Scallop Square Punch, Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding, Basic Pearls, and Dimensionals

This card looks very festive in an understated vintage way. I don't always want glitzy, bright cards. In fact, I usually go much more for the clean and simple look like this card.

If you haven't tried the new Seam Binding ribbon, you really need to give it a try. It's so soft and supple, you can easily make a nice bow. Too bad this card didn't seem to have enough room for a full bow, so it just has a little knot instead. And don't all these colors match nicely? From the ink and ribbon, to the cardstock and DSP, all of the Cherry Cobbler pieces look wonderful together. Stampin' Up! makes it so easy for all of you 'picky color people' to be satisfied and happy with the results! Come on, I know there's lots of us out there that just have to have everything match up just right!! lol So get your supplies out and start stamping. You're going to have fun and make a masterpiece, I'm sure of it!

Happy stamping!

Sharon

More Fall Leaves

I just can't seem to get away from these leaves! I know I need to get crackin' on the Christmas ideas, but for some reason I seem to be wallowing in fall leaves! Just love the crisp air and the actual smells of autumn. So bear with me a little longer while I roll around in the piles of leaves I've been making. lol I promise I'll get out some Christmas stamps and papers this weekend!! So if you're not too tired of fall leaves yet, come join me for another stroll in the leaves and kick a few around!

Stamps: Autumn Splendor, Grateful Greetings, and Bright Blessings Jumbo Wheel
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Naturals Ivory
Ink: Basic Brown (retired), Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Cajun Craze, and VersaMark
Accessories: Aqua Painter, Jumbo Handle, Paper Corrugator, Designer Label Punch, Curly Label Punch, Paper Snips, and Dimensionals

One of the things I like most about this card is how the cardstock curled up like crazy after it was watercolored and then cut out. All of the little edges are curled up naturally. It's just as curly as a real oak leaf!

I also like the Bright Blessings Jumbo Wheel. Sometimes I just wheel it on scrap cardstock and trim out words that I want to use. Ane there's a lot of nice words and phrases on that wheel! Just think of it as getting a whole set of words and phrases for a tiny price.






Just had to show you another view of that awesome leaf. Wouldn't it be cool to cover that leaf with Crystal Effects and make a pin out of it? And I've got just the jacket that this pin should go on. Wouldn't that be lovely? Hmmmm..... Doggone it, there those ideas go again! And it's another leaf idea!! Will they never end??

Oh well, maybe I'm not ready to give up my leaves just yet. Maybe next week, or ummm, how about the week after that??? Stay tuned, you may just be surprised! Have a great evening!
Sharon

Leafy Challenge

It's been such a busy week so far. Why does it feel like it should be Friday already? I finally got a chance to look in on the Stamping 411 ladies and see what the challenge was for last weekend. I know, I'm late again, but at least I'm trying to stay involved with the challenge. They always have nice sketches to work with, and this one was no different. You can see the sketch here. This one was very simple so I gave it a whirl tonight. After playing around with leaf colors, this is what I came up with....

Stamps: French Foliage and Grateful Greetings

Cardstock: River Rock, Pear Pizzazz, Naturals Ivory

Ink: Soft Suede, River Rock, Pear Pizzazz, and Old Olive

Accessories: Big Shot with Finial Press Embossing Folder, Old Olive Taffeta Ribbon, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Sponge quarter, and Dimensionals

My intention was to have a very soft leafy color card that could be used for almost any occasion. I think this fits the bill. The colors of ribbon and cardstock look more compatible in person. I'm not sure what the camera and/or computer does with colors every once in awhile, but it's a little frustrating.

The embossed background was first sponged with River Rock, but looked too pale, so Soft Suede ink was sponged on over that. These soft leaves just keep calling to me and I keep using them over and over. I love it when I have a stamp set that's versatile enough to be used for different occasions and it can give you so many different styles too. This one's a definite keeper!!

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate any and all comments you might care to leave. They really make my day. And make sure you stop by the Stamping 411 blog to see what lovely creations the operators and other "challengers" have made. There's always something there to challenge you and get the creative juices flowing! Have fun stamping!

Sharon

Faux Copper Thanksgiving Card

Wow, what a week it's been trying to get our little grandson back on some sort of a schedule after vacation. Can't say I got much accomplished this week other than getting the Christmas cards made to send to our soldiers. The ladies made 174 cards on Tuesday night. It was an absolute stamping marathon!! And now that everything is in envelopes with a label and packed up to mail, I realized that I never took any pictures of all the different cards that we made. So sorry! One of these days I'll get everything done in the correct order - like taking pictures and then packaging up to mail! lol

Oh well, I still have something to share with you though. I'm getting ready for stamping classes next week, and have a card to share that we'll be making next week. The idea came from Marie Shaughnessy and I was thrilled with her idea. She used our Brushed Gold cardstock and altered it to be more like the lovely Copper cardstock we used to have a couple of years back. I sure miss that rich color for fall cards, so Marie's idea was a winner as far as I'm concerned! Here it is...


Stamps: Autumn Splendor and Grateful Greetings
Cardstock: Old Olive, Cajun Craze, Naturals Ivory, and Brushed Gold
Ink: Basic Brown (retired), More Mustard, Cajun Craze, and Old Olive
Accessories: Big Shot with Finial Press Embossing Folder, Styled Vanilla HodgePodge Hardware, Designer Label Punch, AquaPainter, Early Espresso Satin Ribbon, Spritzer Tool, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Sponge, and Dimensionals




After dry-embossing the Brushed Gold cardstock, it was sponged with layers of Cajun Craze ink. This gives it the vintage look of pressed copper. Next time I might try using a bit of turquoise and/or green inks on it to give it more of an aged feel. Anyway, I love the look and intend to use it again!

I also sponged a bit of Cajun Craze and Early Espresso inks onto the HodgePodge Hardware piece and wiped it down afterwards. Unfortunately, the camera didn't really pick up much of the antiquing on the vanilla finish. It's funny how sometimes the camera picks up every little nuance of color, and then the next time the image looks so flat. Oh well, just another bit of proof that I'm not a professional photographer!

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you like this idea and give it a try. It's really worth the effort to make this lovely cardstock! Have a great day!
Sharon

Comfort Cards

We're back from our wonderful vacation in Tennessee and I'm thrilled to be home. It's funny how excited I get about going away, but I get even more excited about coming home again! There's something so comforting about being home and having everything you need right there where it belongs and having your own bed to crawl into at night. Mmmmm, yeah, it's good to be home. And the best part of home is my stamp cave in the basement! Oh, you don't know how much I've missed my stamps, paper, and other goodies!!! I spent some time this evening working on cards for the soldiers that we'll be stamping tomorrow night at church.

One of the ladies in the group, Diane Wallace, brought me some cute little fabric squares that she had finished with a touch of batting and backing. She wanted me to use them on cards if we could find a way. This is just one example of the ideas I made this evening. It has a homespun quality to it and looks like it was inspired by our trip to Tennessee.

Stamps: none

Cardstock: Naturals Ivory, Garden Green, Brushed Gold

Ink: none

Accessories: Big Shot with Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Sponge quarter, and Adhesive

Because of the lovely gold accents on the fabric pieces, I thought the Shimmer Paint lightly sponged on the raised embossed snowflakes would be pretty. Then I tried different colors of cardstock to add some definition under the fabric piece. Unfortunately, none of the reds seemed to be the right color for it and really clashed. After some consideration, I remembered we had a Brushed Gold cardstock. I added a layer and it showcased the fabric accent very nicely.

I'm hoping that the soldiers choosing this card will be reminded of maybe a grandmother or favorite auntie that quilted and feel the cozy comfort of a homemade quilt around them.

Thanks Diane for these wonderful little bits of homespun Christmas that we can share with others. Hope you enjoyed this slightly different idea for a Christmas card. In the coming months, I'll have more ideas using these mini quilt blocks. Diane made well over 60 of these with a Christmas theme, plus a big bunch of them with hearts that we'll be using for valentines.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you enjoyed this slightly different idea for Christmas.

Sharon

Beary Scary Halloween

Just wanted to quickly share a pair of scrapbook pages I made. They were so much fun! The Build A Bear dies were used to make the little witchy bear and her fashionably witchy clothes. The lettering was made using the Go-Go Boots Alphabet Sizzlit Dies. The harvest moon was made with the Circle Scissors. And other assorted dies, decorative scissors, and punches were used to finish off the pages. Everything used was hiding out in my stash - some current, some retired, but all perfect for these pages.

The background was made using the direct-to-paper technique to give it a very uneven look. Now I just have to get some pics of my little grandson in a Halloween costume to finish off the pages. Five months isn't too young for a costume, is it??

Hope you enjoyed this little break from cards. I actually do make things other than cards once in a while!! lol

Sharon