Making Valentines Already?

Can't believe it's been a week since I've had a chance to chat and share. And what a week it's been! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends. We had the dinner at our home so we were up early getting the turkey stuffed and in the oven. Our son was home from Louisianna where he's been working on the oil spill cleanup. It was good to have him around for a few days. Especially since his birthday was Friday and we were able to celebrate with him! Then our daughter and I spent time on Friday at a funeral home for a viewing and then the service on Saturday. This was a rather hard time for us. The young woman was only 33 years old and died of Huntington's Disease which is a horrible debilitating disease. So this past week has had so many ups and downs I feel like I've been on an emotional rollercoaster! But things are back to normal today with our grandson showing up here bright and early. Oh yes, I forgot another highlight of the weekend - he got his first tooth!

Alright, that's about enough of the personal stuff. On to the stamping part of this blog!! With making cards for the military every month and needing to send cards way ahead of the calendar, we've been working on Valentines already! It's so hard to think two holidays ahead all the time. Very confusing!! But I think you'll like this card and the two different versions we made.


Stamps: Pun Fun
Cardstock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, and Real Red with retired DSP
Ink: Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, and Rose Red
Accessories: Big Shot with Perfect Details Texturz Plate, AquaPainter, Small Heart Punch, and Owl Two Step Punch







Sorry I can't give you the names of the DSPs that I chose to use. Unfortunately I had some strips of different designs left over and they were all in the pink and red print families. I figured they would get used up for valentines so I just stuck them off to the side in a cello bag til they were needed. Now I can't remember where they came from!! I think one was from a Christmas set a year or two ago, not sure about the other one at all. No matter, they worked out well for this layout very nicely.

When you look at the next sample, you'll see it's slightly changed. The white cardstock has

different dimensions than the first one - shorter and fatter. This is me using up leftover cardstock from class projects or whatever. Anyway, I thought it would look better if the hearts were escaping off the card like steam.

That's also the rational behind the embossing on the Pretty in Pink layer. This is as close to steam as I could get.

Hope you like the ideas. They're very clean and simple, but everyone liked them. Hope the recipients like them too!

Ok, got to get back on track with my own Christmas cards. It's almost December so that means I can start making mine now. And then hopefully get them in the mail before the 25th!! lol

Sharon

Paisley Christmas

Two things in the Holiday Mini I thought were nice, but just wasn't sure about. That Deck the Halls fabric and the Paisley Prints stamp set. Could I actually figure out a cute way of using these two items? Well, maybe not cute, but could I really use them? Here's what I came up with. Please let me know what you think, but be nice...

Stamps: Paisley Prints and Christmas Wishes

Cardstock: Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla

Ink: Always Artichoke

Accessories: Deck the Halls fabric, Cherry Cobbler Seam Tape, Sticky Strip, and Dimensionals

Do you ever get that intimidated about something that you just can't visualize it used in any way shape or form? That chunk of fabric just paralyzed me! It's been sitting there staring me down for a couple weeks now and I figured I had to do something with it or go crazy. So this is it. So far anyway. Now that I've cut into it, maybe it won't be so daunting anymore. I mean, it is just fabric! Granted, it is quite nice fabric. And I like to sew. Sooooo, maybe I need to get out the sewing machine and whip something up with it instead of trying to finagle it onto my cards.

And maybe I'll try my hand at a few more ideas with the Paisley Prints stamps too. They really are cute and I like paisley. Just need to find some time to play around with them a little. That's it.

Thanksgiving is coming soon. Hope you're spending the holiday with people you love and care about. Our son will be back in town on Wednesday evening (tomorrow!) for a short 3-day visit. That means I'll probably not even make it down to the stamping cave over the weekend. Oh well, you'll probably be so busy trying to figure out what to do with all those turkey leftovers you won't be checking in here anyway.

Have a very blessed Thanksgiving and remember to thank God for all His many gifts!

Sharon

Gingerbread Couple

Oh, I have the absolutely cutest little card to share with you today! It just puts a silly grin on my face when I see it! :) I had seen a card made by Jackie Topa here that I fell in love with. But you know me, I just had to make a few changes here and there to fit what I wanted. Jackie had some little tiny "gingerpeople" (is that a word?) on her card, but since it's just hubby and me around here nowadays, I thought I'd only do a couple. Now isn't that cute?? I also changed around the clothes a bit too. Ah well, hope you like mine after you go check out Jackie's.


Stamps: Sweet Season
Cardstock: Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Real Red cardstock with Candy Cane Christmas Designer Series Paper
Ink: Real Red and Crumb Cake pads and Basic Black Marker
Accessories: Big Shot with Tasteful Trim Die, Fancy Flower Punch, Star Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch, Boho Blossom Punch, Two-Step Bird Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Sponge Daubers, White Gel Pen, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, and Dimensionals



Didn't I tell you that this card was cute? I just love these gingerbread people with their cute little clothes.

Don't you like the Candy Cane Christmas DSP? All the patterns are so cute. And this candy cane striped pattern is the absolute best. I can almost taste the peppermint! I just love candy canes!! That reminds me - they'll be in the stores soon. I'm gonna have to stock up for my holiday fix! Other times of the year chocolate is king, but at Christmas I need my peppermint candy canes!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed my take on Jackie's idea. Why not try this yourself and add your own twist to it? I'd love to see what you make!
Sharon

Joyful Snowflakes

My goodness! I can't believe how the days keep flying past and I seem to get farther and farther behind! I had hoped to get something posted every day last week, and that sure didn't happen. Guess that's gonna be my plan for this week again. Maybe I'll do better. We'll see!!!

Since today is Sunday, I thought I'd share something with a Christmas theme that is rather peaceful and serene. At least that's how it looks to me!

Stamps: Word Play

Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, and Shimmery White

Ink: Marina Mist Classic and Whisper White Craft Ink

Accessories: Big Shot with Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, Northern Frost Decorative Strip Die, Basic Rhinestones, Decorative Label Punch, Frost White Shimmer Paint, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Sponge Dauber, and Dimensionals

Hmmm, with all those accessories that were used, you'd think this card was hard to make. But that wouldn't be true at all. It's simple without being too plain. The shimmery paint sponged over the embossed snowflakes is a wonderful counterpoint to the Shimmery White cardstock used to diecut the elegant snowflake accents. Of course a few rhinestones and a touch of Dazzling Diamonds dress it up nicely too.

This card has been demonstrated at several workshops lately, and everyone ooohs and aaahs over it. There's just something perfect about shades of blue and snowflakes for winter. Hope you enjoyed this card. Thanks for stopping by today.

Sharon

Traditional Red and Green

Yes, I always have to make a few of the more traditional style of cards each year. And what could be more traditional than evergreen boughs and ornaments all done up in red and green. Yep, that's just spells Christmas to me! This year I was in a quandary about my lack of greenery stamps to use for a card like this, then I started seeing that others were co-opting the Lovely As A Tree evergreen to use for branches instead of a full tree. What a novel idea! That stamp set has been in my stamping arsenal for ages - probably since it's inception! And I've used it many times for many, many different cards over the years. But this is one idea I had never thought of, and probably never would. I love it when some creative person is thinking outside the box and comes up with a winning idea like this one! I have no idea who came up with this first, but I love it!! Hope you do too. Now go get that set off the shelf and dust it off. Time to give it a little love.

Stamps: Lovely As A Tree, Grateful Greetings, Tags Til Christmas
Cardstock: Real Red, Very Vanilla, and Brushed Gold
Ink: Garden Green, Real Red
Accessories: Ornament Punch, Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Pearls, and Dimensionals

Once the idea and layout are there, this is an incredibly clean and simple card to put together. This was one of the class projects the ladies made this month, and a couple decided on this one for their Christmas card this year. The CAS (clean and simple) lines make this a good choice for making multiple cards at Christmas time. I know we're all in a time crunch this time of year, so I like to give you lots of CAS cards to choose from for your holiday greetings. In fact, I'm sure I'll be sending out a few of these to my family and friends.


If you'd like to make this or any other of the many cards I've shared with you, you can get all your stamping supplies by ordering online. How quick and simple is that? Just click on the "Order Online Button" on the right side and you can get your shopping done in minutes! Of course if you ever have any question about any card I've shared, just leave a comment and I'll get in touch with you. Have fun stamping your Christmas cards this year. You can do it!

Sharon

Peaceful Deck the Halls

Just have a wonderful quick card for you today. Have I mentioned how much I love the Deck the Halls Designer Paper? The colors and prints are so very vintage and make it soooo easy to make lovely cards. Or use just little bits for accents on cards or other projects. Anyway you use it, you'll love it! Because it's so gorgeous, it makes for a super-quick card! For this card I'm sharing today, I used one of the designs that looks to me to be made for an elegant and quick scrapbook page. I hated cutting into it because it is so gorgeous, but it makes a great background layer for a card too, so cut away!


Stamps: Peaceful Season
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler with Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Sponge Dauber, Cherry Cobbler Seam Tape


After adding the DSP to the card, there really is very little else needed on this one! I love the soft look of the poinsettias as a backdrop for the elegant script sentiment. About the only thing extra was sponging with just a smidge of ink around the edges. (in fact, it's very hard to tell that I even did that!) Add on the awesome shimmery seam tape along the side, and you're done.

I'd say this was arguably the quickest card I've ever made in my whole stamping life of about 35 years. Now that's saying alot!!

Have a great day. Thanks for stopping by.
Sharon

Bells and Boughs Again

This has got to be one of my very favorite stamp sets in the Holiday Mini. Oh, what? Did I say that already about another set? Or two, or three maybe??? Yeah, I can't help myself! This mini has been the absolute worst one for my pocketbook in awhile! I just want it all!! Hey SU!, can you just ship me one of everything?? Ok, let's be serious now for just a moment. As much as I would like it, I really can't have one of everything. But I can sure have fun with what I did get, right?
While planning for class, I just hit a brick wall with the last card for them to make. Urgggghhh! I just hate when that happens! But ta-da!! Stampin' Connection to the rescue! There was a totally fabulous card there by Jennifer Weide that would be perfect for my ladies. Of course I had to give it a little tweak here and there, but the colors, design, stamps used, and layout was all hers. I just made it a bit simpler so my class ladies wouldn't lynch me and refuse to stamp anymore 'cuz they thought it was too hard for them. It still remains true to her idea. Thanks Jennifer - it's so lovely!

Stamps: Bells and Boughs and A Cardinal Christmas for the words inside
Cardstock: Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, and Very Vanilla with Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper
Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Wild Wasabi, and Crumb Cake
Accessories: Sticky Strip, Champagne Glass Glitter, Scallop Border Trim Punch, Aqua Painter, Mini Glue Dots, Sponge, and Dimensionals




Isn't it pretty? The changes I made were minor. Jennifer had stamped two of the poinsettia & pine images on the layer and I only did one. I added the scalloped edges on the sentiment. See, very minor changes.

You know I'm a sucker for anything with watercoloring, so I had to do this card. First touch with the Aqua Painter to the poinsettia, and yikes I thought I'd blown it with color way too dark. But as more color was added in, I loved the different depths of color on the petals. I'd love to get this whole card framed for a Christmas accent piece. Hmmm, I'll have to look into that....

This is the first time in ages that I'd done a strip of tape and glitter on a card. This Glass Glitter in the Holiday Mini is just beautiful. It's chunkier than normal, but didn't feel sharp. That sounds odd, but it was very smooth to the touch. And the Sticky Strip holds in onto the card like magic. Anyway, I'm now hooked on this stuff and I'll have to find more places to use it! Hope this glitter makes it into the catalog - it's the best!

Inside I added a light image of the holly and berries tucked over the sentiment. It seemed to be just enough to offset all the old-fashioned elegance of the card.

Well that's it for today. Maybe I can check in on one of the Challenges and get some stamping in today. Have a great Sunday!
Sharon

Another Bethlehem Card

There are so many new products available in the SU! Holiday Mini Catalog that I just didn't know what to try out first. I mean, you just can't put one of everything on a single card, now can you? Nah, probably not if you're older than 5 years old anyway. So I've been picking and choosing what to play with first. I had ordered the Waffle Paper Assortment early on 'cuz it looked so interesting, but then couldn't figure out what to do with the stuff. Finally there was a glimmer of an idea. And after a bit of tweaking, this is what we have..... Just elegant gorgeousness!! (Yep, that was me patting myself on the back a little, but I really am happy with it!)

Stamps: Come to Bethlehem
Cardstock: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, and the Waffle Paper Asst.
Ink: Gold Encore, Cherry Cobbler, and Always Artichoke
Accessories: Heat Tool, Gold Embossing Powder, Piercing Tool and Mat Pack, Gold Mini Brads, Big Shot with Petals A Plenty Embossing Folder, and Victoria Crochet Trim

The gold embossing of this image just mades it so elegant. I love the simplicity of the design - not too much detail, but very recognizable. I chose to not emboss the sentiment so it would stand out a bit. And that Waffle Paper, what can I say?! It just adds a pop of wow to the whole look. There's so many layers of texture and richness going on, that it takes another look or two to really appreciate the whole thing.

I even added a little left over strip of Cherry Cobbler cardstock to the inside to give it a finished look. The words inside were stamped with Always Artichoke to contrast.

Yes, I'm happy with this one. Lately so little time can be spent on just creating that I'm so tickled when I come up with a good one! Just bear with me! I'll try not to toot my own horn too much tomorrow!

Find time for stamping - it keeps you sane and happy. And thanks for dropping by...

Sharon

Candy Cane Holidays

My goodness! What a week this has turned out to be! This was class week at the stamping cave, so we had ladies coming and going for the different class times and days. That always makes it hectic as far as I'm concerned, but lots of fun seeing everyone!! Add in the funeral and a workshop tonight, and I'm one tired little stamper. Can't believe all the ladies left already and it's not even 9:30. They all either have something major going on tomorrow or have to work later tonight. So that means the rest of my night is free and I get to catch up a bit on my blog.

Since it was class week, I need to share the projects that everyone made. I think there were some awesome cards this time around, and hope you enjoy them. Today's post is a fun, modern style card. This isn't usually the type of card I send out myself, but it went over really big with my students.

Stamps: Big on Christmas, A Cute Christmas, and Many Merry Messages
Cardstock: Whisper White, Wild Wasabi with Candy Cane Christmas Specialty Designer Paper
Ink: Stazon Jet Black pad, Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, Soft Suede, and Real Red markers
Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch, Jumbo Brads, Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, and Dimensionals









I've totally fallen in love with this striped DSP. The glittery red stripe makes it so darn cute - I wish I had a whole pack of just that one design!! Now I'm trying to figure out what to do with the other patterns so I can use them up and order some more! LOL Any ideas? Or anybody want to trade??? Oh well, not to worry, I'm sure I'll be thinking of different ways to use them up.

I always like to stamp a little something extra on the envelope and inside of the card. Had a little trouble finding something that would work, but I think these candy canes worked out just fine.

Thanks for stopping in today for a look-see. Hopefully, if all goes well I'll be back with another class installment. For now though, I think it might be time for an early night as we're getting the little munchkin (aka grandson) at 8:00am. I really, really need to catch up on my beauty sleep!!
Sharon

Sympathy for a Friend

Today was a sad day. The mother of a dear long-time friend of mine died from cancer. It had been a long fight, but now it was finished. Since my friend and I raised our kids together, I had to make a special card for her and one for each of the girls too. So that's what I did during baby's nap time today. He was such a good boy and let me actually get something done today!!

Here are two of the cards I came up with for them. The first one is for my good friend Linda....

Stamps: Charming, French Foliage, and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, and Very Vanilla

Ink: Bashful Blue, Sahara Sand, and Early Espresso pads, Marina Mist and Old Olive Markers

Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Kraft Taffeta Ribbon (retired), and Big Shot with Little Leaves Sizzlit Die

I didn't use the same color of marker as cardstock on the flowers because the Bashful Blue Marker was just too pale. And I also went with a darker ink for the sentiment because it's so tiny. I thought it might be easier to read if the ink was darker. You know, something funny happens to our eyesight as we get older and we just have the craziest time trying to read that little teeny tiny print!!

My second card is for one of my friend's daughters. She likes things bold and bright and has a very outgoing personality. I thought this next card would be something that she would appreciate. Hope so anyway!

Stamps: Autumn Splendor, Teeny Tiny Wishes, and Itty Bitty Backgrounds (retired)

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Rich Razzleberry

Ink: Cajun Craze and Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Aqua Painter, Sponge Dauber, and Orchard Originals Ribbon(retired)

Totally different look to this card than the last, but I think it will still convey my feelings. It's hard to say goodbye to a woman that was such a gregarious and fun-loving person who would be the first one there to help anyone in need. Grandma Kelly, you will be missed by many. God has called you home. Rest in peace.

Sharon

Christmas Greetings

First off I have to apologize for being out of commission lately. Seems like these past several months we've been having more than our share of computer snafus. Luckily none have necessitated buying a new computer yet. Just don't have the cash on hand to want to do that right now. Oh well, this computer stuff is crazy. It's funny how it invades your life so much you can't live without it! Now on to the good stuff that you came by to see.

For those of us that are lucky enough to be demonstrators, Stampin' Up! sends us a magazine with lots of ideas and useful information each month. This past magazine I loved the look of the front cover with about a dozen card ideas. Now I don't have all the stamps they used or all of the lovely embellishments. But after looking at the cover awhile, I was inspired to make a card. I went over to my work table and started playing around. Pulled this out, and grabbed some of that, no that didn't work. Fiddled around with materials, colors, and stamps some more. Hmmmm, that's better. Add a few snowflakes..... oh yeah, now I like it! And here's what I created...

Stamps: Serene Snowflakes, Grateful Greetings

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, and Shimmery White

Ink: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Big Shot with Northern Frost Die, Decorative Label Punch, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, and Dimensionals

Funny thing about this card is that it doesn't look like any of the cards featured on the front cover of the magazine! I love the look, but it sure isn't what I had started out making. Don't you love those happy occurrences? That's what keeps life interesting. Well, that and a whole lot more!! lol

I love the lacy look of the snowflakes from the Northern Frost Die. Much more detail than with a simple punch. In fact, I like them so much I've been tucking them everywhere - including inside the cards too! This is one of those accessories that I'm finding I can't live without.

Another new accessory used here is the seam binding ribbon. That ribbon is sooooo pretty! There's a bit of a shimmer to it, and it's so thin and pliable. It makes the prettiest knots or bows, and lays so nicely. It's definitely a winner! Now I need to get the other two colors it comes in!! You'd think with everything I own that I wouldn't need or want anything else. Ah, the lovely addiction of stamping!! Can I help you with your addiction? If you'd like to order anything, I'd be happy to help you.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you enjoyed your visit. Come back soon...

Sharon

Cherry Pie Birthday

When it gets close to Thanksgiving, I always start thinking about pies. Yeah, I also think about all I'm thankful for too, which is an unbelievable amount of things. But today we're talking pies. Cherry pie to be exact. Somewhere out in the blogosphere, I had seen this card and thought it was just too cute! I wish I had saved the website, but I didn't. The idea is pretty much intact from what I remember. When something is just about perfect, it's hard to make changes!

It uses a good number of punches and some cardstock weaving too, so it's a little different than what I usually attempt myself. Anyway, it makes me want a slice of that cherry pie for dinner!

Stamps: A Word for You
Cardstock: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, So Saffron, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze
Accessories: Big Shot with Scallop Circles #2 Die and Circles #2 Die, Extra Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Horizontal Slot Punch, White Gel Pen, Sponge quarters, and Dimensionals





The biggest trick to getting a nice look to this card is all the sponging I think. It really defines the different layers and brings them all in to a cohesive whole. It's surprising how the card really comes to life when the gel pen highlights are added to the 'slits' in the pie crust so the 'cherries' are showing through.

There was only one big, glaring problem with the card that I can see. I just couldn't figure out how to get a slice of the pie out of it with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!

Hope you're having a wonderful day with a cherry on top! Thanks for stopping.
Sharon