Owl Times Two

Several of my ladies that hang out in my stamp cave on a regular basis have been remarking about a card sample from Diane Tritz that I've had for months and months. They wanted to make one like it. Unfortunately, I didn't have the DSP that was used on the original sample - it was from a card swap, you know. Not to worry, let's just make some changes. Considering it was the owl that they wanted to do anyway, a few changes wouldn't matter too much. So here goes. I've got two versions for you to peruse. Let me know which you like better.

Stamps: Fundamental Phrases and Paisley Wheel with Handle

Cardstock: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White with Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Big Shot with Top Note Die, Scallop Border Punch, 2-Step Owl Punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, and Dimensionals (and Googly Eyes)

This was really fun to make. The wheel from the Holiday Mini that matched the other paisley items was used for the tummy. The punched heart was used for the beak. Everyone had all the components to make their card and then kind of did their own thing. This one was made with some left-overs. The second card was actually the first one I made.

On this card, I used the Elegant Bouguet Embossing Folder to accent the 2nd white layer to add interest. I also used Basic Pearls for the eyes to make it a little different. The ribbon was taken off because it looked a little too busy for me.

Isn't it funny how different a card can look with just a few minor changes. And when you change up the color and print of the DSP layer, you get a whole 'nother look altogether. Now that's what is so much fun about stamping! Even if you choose to case someone else's work that you admire but don't have all the same materials, you can always make changes to fit what you have on hand and make something just as nice!

Have a great Memorial weekend. I hope you've taken the time to remember those who've given their lives in the service of our great country. We wouldn't be a free country if it wasn't for theier courageous service. And a huge thank you to all members past and present of our Armed Services! We thank you for your willingness to protect and defend!

Sharon

Another Masculine Card

It's grandbaby's nap time, so I'm trying to get a post in here quickly!! Seems like this month I've been pushing myself to make masculine cards, both for classes and for personal use. And last night was no exception to that. I've got another birthday coming up - this time for my brother. After fooling around with several ideas that just didn't end up looking the way I pictured them in my mind, (in other words, yucky!) I decided to go to a basic sketch that I've used often and go from there. After that it was easy and the card fell into place quickly. That's the card I have to share with you today.

Stamps: The Open Sea and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Basic Gray, Sahara Sand, and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Gray, Not Quite Navy, and Marina Mist

Accessories: Cutter Kit, Vintage Brads, Word Window Punch, Sponge Dauber, and Dimensionals

The Open Sea is one of my new favorite stamp sets to work with lately. The images are all nicely detailed and can work in any number of combinations. To have a masculine set I like as much as this one is almost a minor miracle! lol

Like I mentioned earlier, this is a very basic sketch that I've used over and over. The reasoning being that is if you're comfortable with a sketch, it's easy to choose the components that go into making up the sketch. I don't always use diamond shapes to fit onto the layer going across the card. You can use any shape that will work, circles, butterflies, flowers, etc.

Even though it's an easy sketch to work with, I think my brother will like the card and appreciate getting it from his sister that has a horrible memory for getting cards mailed out in time. If it goes in the mail today (or tomorrow!) he'll have it by his birthday. Hooray! I've managed 3 whole birthday cards on time this year. And I'm not admitting to how many of them have been late!!!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you find some time to do some stamping today. If you're pressed for time, fall back on to one of your favorite sketches and make it quick. It'll give you a wonderful feeling of accomplishment that you got another card made for your own stash!

Sharon

Aviary Birthday

Good day to you this lovely Sunday. Today the sun was shining and the temps were balmy. I think we may finally get some nice spring days! It's been a long time getting here, but I was outside enjoying the day and very thankful for the nice weather for a change. Today I've used a new stamp set for me. It just came a week ago, but I've been wanting to get it since the catalog came out last July. About time to get it inked up and stamping, don't ya think?

Stamps: Aviary and Short & Sweet

Cardstock: Peach Parfait, Cajun Craze, Basic Black, and Whisper White with In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack

Ink: Basic Black, Cajun Craze, and Peach Parfait

Accessories: Big Shot, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, 1/4" Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon, (Nestabilities), and Dimensionals

I don't know why the colors are so off on my computer. No matter what I did with my camera, the Peach Parfait looks like More Mustard here and that really isn't too wonderful. IRL the card is all peach and Cajun Craze with a splash of Black to make it pop. Hope you can get a better look at this on your computer than I can on mine! Sometimes this whole computer thing just drives me nuts!

Anyway, I wanted to mention my reasoning for choosing this DSP. I loved the long legs on the bird and the tall birdcage. I figured the stripes on the DSP would accentuate all the lines. But I didn't want everything to be straight lines, so I added the scalloped trim to break up the lines.

Hope you like the card. Thanks for checking in today. Have a great week...

Sharon

Graduation Star

Today is one of those happy and sad days all rolled into one. I'm wishing I could be in Iowa right now watching my godson graduate from high school. He's had many challenges in his life, but he has a friendly personality and a bright future ahead of him. So instead of being there, I'm sitting here at home writing on my blog. After checking out all my options for getting to Iowa for all the festivities, I realized it just wasn't possible. (very sad!) But since I can't be there in person, I'm thinking of him and sharing with you the graduation card I made for him.

Stamps: Seeing Stars and Go, Graduate!

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist, Early Espresso, and Confetti White with Nautical Expedition Designer Series Paper

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist Pads, with Cherry Cobbler Marker

Accessories: Extra Large Star Punch, (Small Star Punch retired), 1" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, and Dimensionals

I've chosen to use a star theme throughout his card, 'cuz he really is a star in my book. To keep it more masculine looking I added stitching lines on some of the punched pieces. The addition of a layer of the new Nautical Expedition made the choice of colors to use very easy. There's a stamped line-up of tiny stars across the bottom edge of the card. Also there's a medley of different star sizes stamped inside the card with Sahara Sand, and off-stamped Marina Mist and Cherry Cobbler. I forgot to take a picture of the inside of the card, but you can get an idea of what I did by looking at the side of the envelope shown above. It really finished off the card nicely by having the envelope and card match like this.

Hope you like this very patriotic idea. It could easily be adapted to 4th of July party invitations or a masculine birthday card. Thanks for stopping by today. Enjoy your weekend!

Sharon

Happy Birthday Carson!

Yesterday was the big day for our grandson, Carson. He had his very first birthday! Hooray!! I had to make a special card for him of course. So far he isn't partial to any kind of toy, except maybe anything that really isn't a toy. Like cell phones, remote controls, boxes, ice cube trays, plastic bowls, and wooden spoons. Yep, that pretty much covers it, so it was hard to make a card that fit his likes. That left it wide open for my imagination. I love the little Choo Choo set and use it often, so that's what I grabbed to work with for his card. BTW - just a little warning that this is a loooong post with pics of Carson at the end, if you're interested in seeing the 'light of my life'! Ok, back to the birthday card....

Stamps: Choo Choo, All in the Family, God's Blessings, Right on Track Wheel, and (retired alphabet set and unknown sun)

Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Garden Green, and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Real Red, Bashful Blue, Daffodil Delight, and (Crushed Curry & Blush Blossom retired) Pads, and Garden Green Marker

Accessories: Wheel Handle, Sponge Dauber, Aqua Painter, Paper Snips, and Dimensionals

This was so fun choosing the different elements and then putting together. It seemed as soon as I decided on one color or stamp set, several other ideas popped into mind and the card just kept getting better and better. At first I had planned on using the tiny man from the Loads of Love Accessories set, but I wasn't happy with that and cut him right out of the window! Then I had the idea of a child's face sticking out of the window instead. It's way too big for the train, but I think that's why I like it so much!!

Here's Carson with his balloon and see the ice cube trays - I really wasn't kidding about that!! Honest! The balloon was a little tricky for him. He'd never dealt with one before and he just wasn't sure about it at all! He'd grab for it and then try to get rid of it! Just too funny to watch!

Thought you might enjoy a before and after the cupcake picture. He'd just finished dinner and was still nice and clean. But just wait...

Once he figured out you could actually eat the cake and not just squish through in your fingers, he was one happy little boy!

There was cake and frosting in his hair and everywhere else! Guess where he ended up next? If you guessed the bathtub, you're right. Funny thing was his hands still smelled like cake and frosting when he was all cleaned up. That just proves he's one 'sweet' little boy!!

All in all it was a very messy but fun experience and one that I'll treasure for a long time to come. Hope you enjoyed it a little too. Thanks for stopping by for the latest update. Your comments are always appreciated!

Sharon

Open Sea Ideas

Well, we're back in town and going a little nutty around here. This week is class week so that means people coming and going on a regular basis. Plus our sweet little grandson is turning one year old tomorrow, so I've been doing a little shopping for presents in my down time. Whew! But it's all fun and I'm lovin' every minute of it! Since most of the classes are finished now, I wanted to share another card the ladies are making. With Father's Day coming up quick, I chose to make a card with the new Open Sea stamp set and give them a choice of either Father's Day or birthday sentiments. Think everyone really liked this card. Hope you do too!

Stamps: Open Sea, Teeny Tiny Wishes, and Versatile Verses (retired)

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Confetti White, with Nautical Expedition Designer Series Paper

Ink: Marina Mist and Early Espresso

Accessories: Cutter Kit, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, 1/8" Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, and Dimensionals

Here's a shot of the detail on the card. I had seen ribbons layered like this and thought it would work nicely on this card. Don't you like the look?

I had decided against sponging the layers on this card, but still wanted it to look old and ratty. So as you can see, most of the layers all have some heavy distressing going on! The Cutter Kit really comes in handy for doing the distressing. Otherwise my fingernails would be a mess by now from doing all this roughing up!

I made two versions of the card. They're identical except for the piece of DSP that was used. Not really sure which one I prefer. As it was, some of the classes did the Cherry Cobbler version and some did the blue. Either version, this card is a knock-out. (yes, I'm so very modest too, aren't I?)

I figured you'd like to see the inside of the card too. It's very simple - no distressed edges, though I did consider that!! I've hung onto my old Versatile Verses set from years ago. So often one of the sentiments just fits the bill. (hey SU!, I really want more sentiments for inside of the card!!) Just added the anchor in Marina Mist for an accent and also for the envelope.

Everyone said this card was their favorite of the class. I know I liked it alot and hope you do too! Give it a try - even if you don't have a sailor to give it to!

Happy stamping. Thanks for dropping in to check things out. Stop by again soon. Hopefully I'll be getting more stamping in this week.

Sharon

Pink Strength and Hope Card

Just had to share a card using the new Strength & Hope set from the Summer Mini Catalog. I think the stamp set is just lovely. But the best part about this set is that Stampin' Up! is donating $2 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for each stamp set or digital kit that is purchased. It makes me feel good to know that purchasing a stamp set will be helping research a cure for breast cancer. I want to be a part in helping women all over the world, and this is a small way I can help! This really does have some great line-art that can go for many different occasions. I just have to figure out what I'd like to do with it next!


Stamps: Strength & Hope
Cardstock: Whisper White and Regal Rose
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, and Rose Red
Accessories: Cutter Tool, Paper Snips, Basic Pearls, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Bone Folder (for shaping the wings), and Dimensionals

I'm not sure you can see the wording stamped in the background with Pretty in Pink ink. Very soft and the perfect touch. Did you notice the rock & roll edging on the butterfly? Love having that darker color helping it to stand out. And the glittered edge doesn't show up very well in the pics. I thought about getting 2" away for a pic, but it looked horrid. Scratch that idea! So instead, you'll just have to imagine the glitter on the edge of the wings.

Now that I've gotten the 'pink' card out of the way, I need to start working on other color combos for this set. This set really does have some great line-art that will work for many other occasions. Of course, it's perfect for cheering up someone dealing with cancer. But why stop there? There must be dozens of other reasons for using this set and I aim to find as many as I can!

Thanks for stopping over today. If you haven't got it yet but would like to order one, just click on the 'order now' button on the right and go for it! You can have it shipped to you in no time at all and be happily stamping away while helping to find the cure for breast cancer. It's definitely win-win for everyone! Looking forward to hearing any comments you might have for me.
Sharon

Bold Blossom Thanks

Thought I'd share one of the cards that will be made in class next week. I don't usually show them ahead of time, but since I'm not home to make any other cards, this is what you get today. Oh well... This little set, Bold Blossom, was one I really didn't use much when it came out in the Occasions Mini. There were just too many other sets that needed to be used first. You know how that goes. You see a set and know it'll be easy to use, but then there's that other one that so intrigues you and just calls out to get it inked right away. So the easier one gets put on the back burner til further notice. And then it showed up in the Summer Mini - hooray!! So now it's getting a little bit of the luvin' it so rightly deserves!


Stamps: Bold Blossom
Cardstock: Whisper White and Baja Breeze with In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack
Ink: Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, and Peach Parfait
Accessories: Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Basic Pearls, and Dimensionals

This is a very simple card with clean lines and minimal layers. I find that so many of the newer ladies at workshops, classes, etc really like this style of card. It's easy to duplicate when they get home, and they feel this is something they can easily handle. Plus it just looks nice.

On this card, the colors are what really set it apart. The shades of the green, blue, and peach all blend so well together. I think they just look made for each other. I did make up a bunch of these in other color combos to send out for thank-yous this month. Already there are a couple in the mail - love those orders!!

That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by the blog. I'd love to hear from you, so leave me a comment if you'd like. Have a wonderful day... Sharon

Four Frames Birthday

Yes, I know I've been holding out on you and not showing things when they get made. Sometimes there just isn't enough hours in the day to get it all done. Plus I wanted to have a few posts set aside for posting while I was enjoying family and (hopefully) warmer weather during our trip. So here's a card I made during the April Sneak Peak. I wasn't too sure about the big, bold prints in the Paisley Petals Designer Series Papers, but as I used them... You know how it goes. All of a sudden you decide that you should have gotten another pack while you had the chance because you're not going to have enough for all you want to do. But that's ok 'cuz it'll be available in July when the new catalog comes out. Yah!! Here it is... Cute, right?

Stamps: Four Frames and Sincere Salutations

Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz and Whisper White with Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper

Ink: Baja Breeze and Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Decorative Label Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Basic Pearls, and Dimensionals

This design would fall into the CAS (clean and simple) category, even though with all the prints it really doesn't look that way. I used two of the prints in the pack to coordinate. The thin strip with the green mini print was ripped along the edge to give it more visual appeal.

I love the tiny accent of flower and pearl on the sentiment. It just adds a little extra pop to the card. And the shiny touch of the seam binding adds a bit of elegance.

This card is going to my sister for her birthday this week. Since she actually got the card earlier today, I felt it was safe to post here. I'd hate for her to see the card posted before she gets it. Now that would be really tacky, wouldn't it? Hope she likes it.

And I wish we could spend more time together Connie! But this past weekend will have to do for awhile. Best wishes on this birthday! I won't say how old you're going to be considering you're younger than me. So there's no point in sharing your age and just making myself feel older. Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you enjoy the card and get inspired to do some stamping yourself! Have a great week.

Hugs, Sharon

Vintage Balloons

Hopefully as this is posted we're almost at our destination in North Carolina. So looking forward to seeing family and having a great time! Ok, back to business. My daughter needed another quick birthday card again. Seems like all their friend's kids are having their birthdays right now! Since it was for a little 3 year old, I thought I'd dig out a real moldie-oldie from my stamp stash. I think this set first came out in 2001. But I still love it and it sure comes in handy for those last-minute cards she always needs!

Stamps: Birthday Balloons

Cardstock: Whisper White, YoYo Yellow, Only Orange, Brilliant Blue, and Green Galore

Ink: Only Orange, Brilliant Blue, and Green Galore and also Basic Black Marker

Accessories: Scallop Square Punch, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Ice Cream Parlor Ribbon (SAB)

I didn't realize this right away, but there's not a single current color on this card. Ooops! But it is a great way to utilize some of those retired colors up. And I always thought these bright primary colors were perfect for children's cards. Don't you agree?

And I always loved the look of these balloons. They're just the right size and can be any color you choose. Add a sprinkle of glitter, and you're ready to get to that party!

Now if you're checking, you've probably noticed that the ribbon has different colors than were used on the cardstock and ink. Yes, you're right. They aren't the same. But after deliberating back and forth with my daughter, we couldn't find any ribbon we liked better. So there you have it. Doesn't match, but in person it works quite nicely. I guess that means - don't be afraid to improvise. You never know what will work together until you give it a try. OK?

That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by again. I hope to have more ready to post while I'm away at a family wedding and then several days at a beach house right on the ocean. Hmmmm, now that's the life. Take care....

Sharon

Build A Blossom Mothers Day

What a week it's been. More ups and downs around here than a roller coaster lately! But I guess that's the new normal at our house now. After the fun of the sump pump water disaster, things were semi quiet. Then I did some laundry. Now that doesn't seem like it should be cause for alarm, does it? But somehow during the last crisis the water outlet hose from the washer didn't end up back in the tub to drain. Instead it was sneakily hiding behind the washer. So when the water started draining, look out! There I was on my hands and knees sopping up 3 buckets of soapy laundry water. Now doesn't that sound like fun??? Then our grandbaby came down with an ugly yeast infection - we thought it was a diaper rash and were trying everything to remedy that. Oh boy, it sure looked like it hurt like crazy. But he's actually been really good about it all and hasn't been too fussy at all. Thank God for that! He went to the doctor on Monday and it's clearing up fairly quickly now. Ok, that's almost the whole week. And that would have been bad enough. But today my hubby came down with a queasy stomach (you know where that leads, don't you?) and a fever. He's been sick and running to relieve his stomach of all it's contents for the last 7 hours. Oh Yuck!! And we're supposed to be getting ready to go on vacation early Friday morning. Sure - what great timing!! Wonder what else is going to happen?

Oh, you actually came by for a card idea? Well, I wouldn't want to let you down now would I? I saw a similar idea several weeks ago before life got out of hand. I thought I'd bookmarked it to give the creator credit, but I've looked all over and can't find it. If it's yours, please let me know so I can add your link and give you credit. So sorry!!!!


Stamps: Build a Blossom, Four Frames, and Wonderful Favorites
Cardstock: Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla with Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper
Ink: Always Artichoke and Baja Breeze
Accessories: Big Shot with Perfect Polka Embossing Folder, Decorative Label Extra-Large Punch, Blossom Petals Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 5/8" Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon, Sponge Dauber, and Dimensionals

Here's a closeup of some of the detail. I chose the polka dot embossing folder to mimic the dots on the DSP. The lines on this card were kept fairly clean and simple. Even with a lot going on with this card, I think it still looks very elegant. I wish I could tell you what I changed from the original, but I can't 'cuz I don't remember. Too many things have been going on and my brain has just gone on the fritz.

I've actually made another card that's similar for my daughter's 1st Mother's Day card. How wonderful it is to be able to give her a card this year to celebrate her being a mom!!! It's been almost a year already. Boy the time has sure flown by. In another week or two I'll be able to show you the invitations she designed for Carson's 1st birthday party. I think they turned out cute, but I can't share them just yet because I don't have one yet!!

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you like the idea and you find time to stamp too.
Sharon