Nature Silhouettes

I don't have too many stamp sets that I would consider 'masculine'.  In fact I have almost none!  Oh dear!  So my sister came riding to the rescue!  She sent me a couple stamp sets more than a month ago and I was able to make a few cards while I had them.  Unfortunately, the Nature Silhouettes stamp set is on the retired list, so I needed to get them back to her so she could use them one more time in her classes.  So, this is the last one I'll be sharing with you.  If you like this set, you can still order it until May 31st.  After that, they'll be gone for good.

Stamps:  Nature Silhouettes, On Your Birthday
Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Basic Black, Bravo Burgundy, and Very Vanilla cs with Well Worn Designer Series Paper
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Cajun Craze and More Mustard pads, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, and Garden Green markers
Accessories:  1 1/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Metallic Brads, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, and Sponge Daubers

The images of the tree and grasses were all colored on the stamp with markers.  The leaves were colored on with More Mustard marker then tapped or thumped with the other markers to varigate the colors. 

The outside edges were all sponged with either More Mustard or Cajun Craze, or in some cases a mixture of both colors.

The sun was sponged on through a Post-It Note that had a 1 1/4" circle punched out of it.  For not making too many masculine cards, I think this one turned out nicely.  Not too girlyfied (is that a word?) and no ribbon or frou frou on the card.  That bit of scalloped border doesn't count, does it?  I love this DSP for manly cards.  The colors are dark and rich and go well with all those manly things!  At least, that's what I think!!

Thanks for stopping in today.  Have a great week, and find some time for stamping.  Sharon

A Card for Mom

Today's card is geared for Mother's Day.  Yeah, I know, it's a little early, but time seems to fly by.  So for me, this is the right time.  The card looks so bright and happy to me, so I thought it's be a good one to share with you all.

Stamps:  Loved Ones, Friendly Phrases

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, and Island Indigo cs with Beyond the Garden Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Old Olive pad and Island Indigo marker

Accessories:  Scallop Trim Border Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Basic Rhinestones, and Dimensionals

The lines of this card are very clean and simple.  Not too much going on, but still enough interest to catch your eye.  Lately I've been having fun adding the linework to emphsize the shape of this stamp with markers is a contrasting color.  Somewhere in my high school art classes I remember some rule about using colors in three places to make it work.  If that's the case, I guess I have a problem, 'cuz there's only 2 places with the Island Indigo.  But it was the perfect solution to make the card pop.  It was just too bland without that added color. 

Hope you enjoy this idea.  It's pretty and simple.  Two good reasons to give it a try.  Thanks for stopping by today.  Have a lovely week!  Sharon

Textured Birthday Card

Today I have another idea from my sister Connie Seifert.  She has awesome ideas and is much more of an artist than I ever could be.  That's why I like stamping so much!  I can't draw a straight line very well, but I can stamp up a storm when I have the time.  So, this is her basic idea that I changed up just a bit.  The ladies in class this month could make either a Mother's Day card or this birthday version.

Stamps:  Sincere Salutations, and On Your Birthday (Mom's Day used Loved Ones set)
Cardstock:  Wisteria Wonder, Pool Party, Very Vanilla, and Perfect Plum
Ink:  Perfect Plum and Pool Party
Accessories:  Big Shot with Square Lattice and Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folders, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, 2 3/8" and 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punches, Basic Rhinestones, 2-Way Glue Pen and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Sponge Dauber, Mini Glue Dots, Multi-Purpose Glue, and Dimensionals

This card has so many different textures on it that your fingers just itch to touch it!  I punched the scallop circles out of the Very Vanilla cardstock layer before embossing it to get a nice clean edge.  Since we had these lovely scalloped circles, we had to put them to use, right?  So the sentiments inside the card were stamped on them and sponged before attaching.  Doesn't that make the inside of the card more appealing and now it matches the outside better too.

I found that it was much easier to attach the two layers of embossed cardstock together by using the Multi-Purpose Glue.  It holds together very nicely and didn't squash any of the embossing that can flatten if alot of pressure from adhesives is applied.  

Hope you like the ideas shared here.  Hopefully there will be more where this one came from soon.  Have a great day!  Sharon 



Bright Blossom Choices

Today's card idea is using the new Bright Blossoms stamp set that's available this month as a sneak peak to what is coming in the new catalog. It's a cute set with lots of little stamps to make vases or bouquets of modern flowers. There's pretty much nothing realistic about this set, but it sure is lots of fun to use! We made some cards for our soldiers using this set and that went over big, so the set was used again for class last week. Here's the card the ladies all made...

Stamps: Bright Blossoms and Sweetly Said
Cardstock: Whisper White and Pacific Point with Twitterpated Designer Series Paper
Ink: Pacific Point pad, and Riding Hood Red, Garden Green, and Pacific Point markers
Accessories: Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Word Window Punch, Silver Brads, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, and Dimensionals

Oh, yes. And a lot of hot air was used too! There sure was alot of huffing and puffing going on around here. But that's part of the fun of having ladies over to stamp together. They always find something to laugh and tease each other about. If you're around the Detroit area and are looking for classes, email me so I can send you particulars. We'd love to have you join us.

Ok, back to the card. I chose the Twitterpated DSP and particularly this print because I thought it went nicely with the images. I wanted an overall geometric print that wasn't too bold, but bright and happy. This one seemed to be just right without being overpowering. And the corner punch coordinated nicely with the print too for a cute accent.

Now about those choices I mentioned in the title. I chose to make a get well card, but there were stamps available to choose birthday, thinking of you, sympathy, and thanks. All of them worked well with this layout, and I think each of them was chosen by someone and used. Don't you just love cards that can be so very versatile?

Ok, that's it for today. Gotta get going and get something done before I'm mobbed with grandsons! Oh, but I can hardly wait!! Have a great day... Sharon

More Ice Cream Please!

That's right, I've got another 'Mouthwatering' card to share with you today. I sure hope this set makes it into the next catalog. I've made several bright and happy birthday cards with it. Only problem with working with this stamp is that I keep getting this powerful urge to grab the carton of ice cream in the freezer and make a pig of myself! Did anybody else hear that little oink in the background? Anyway, this card uses the Stamping 411 Sketch for last Saturday that you can see here. Hope this fits with your ice cream cravings...

Stamps: Mouthwatering and Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Soft Suede, and Red Glimmer Paper, with Sweet Shop Specialty Designer Series Paper
Ink: Soft Suede pad, and Calypso Coral, Real Red, and Soft Suede markers
Accessories: Owl Builder Punch, Brads & Ribbon from Sale-a-bration



Yes, I know Sale-a-bration is past, but I've got some extra ribbon and brads and they go with these colors so perfectly. Besides, the card is for a friend that loves bright, fun cards so it was just the right accessories to use. It was really hard to cover the backside of the DSP, because the rows of cupcakes look so yummy, but again, this side with all the cherries worked better for what I had in mind for this card.

I admit I changed the dimensions of the sketch card a bit, but don't I usually? This is a really great sketch that I'll probably use often. I love going back and using the same sketch and seeing how totally different the card can look. It's all about the stamps and colors you choose and how you put them together. The possibilities are endless.

Well, thanks for stopping by on this chilly, blustery day. My daughter and I were out running errands together with the kids. If it was nicer out, we had planned on a stop at the DQ. But the weather wasn't cooperating today. Oh, well. There's always another day to get some ice cream! Hope you have a great week. Make time for stamping - it's fun! Sharon

Monkeying Around

Ok, don't let anybody kid you, two kids under 2 years old are a lot more crazy than just one at a time. My hubby went out of town this week and I got to handle both grandsons by myself. Whew! Nothing like staying busy and totally collapsing when they leave. Of course, it was classes this week too, so needless to say it's been a bit harried around here. But let me add, I just love both my little grandsons to pieces!!! The 6 week old baby is so very precious, and the 23 month old is a non-stop little boy that's full of fun and curiosity. Am I bored? Not a chance!! Anyway, I do have a few class samples that I'd like to share with you in the up-coming days. The first one was inspired by the little guy whose 2nd birthday is coming up next month. I made this card for him, then thought the class ladies could probably use a card like this too. Here it is.....

Stamps: Fox & Friends
Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White with Cheerful Treat Designer Series Paper (hostess)
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: 1 1/4" Square Punch, Decorative Label Punch, and Dimensionals

When I was planning this card, I went pawing through all of my word stamps to get the sentiment that would really go with the card and couldn't find anything that I thought would do it justice. There was nothing that really went with the idea of monkeys jumping on the bed - which is one of his favorite books. So after giving it alot of thought, I decided to just make up a sentiment and then printed multiples for everyone to use on their cards too. Don't you think the sentiment works for the card??

When I was making the first card, I tried using the larger 1 3/8" punch for the backing layer, but it got too big and crowded looking for my taste. Then I tried a 1" punch for the monkey layer and that seemed a little too small. So I cut out all the square at 1 1/8" for the monkeys and that worked out just right. (hmmm, maybe this should be about Goldilocks and the 3 Bears instead) Ooops, too many kids stories here!

I chose the Cheerful Treat DSP for the card because it made it more universal instead of just boyish, since some of my students have little girls or grand-daughters. And one of the ladies said she'd be giving it to her niece who is 13 and loves monkeys. Anyway, the cards made us smile when they were done, and that's what mattered. Hope you like the idea too. You're more than welcome to use the sentiment I decided on. I'm sure somebody would just love to get this card! Have a great weekend - Sharon

Happy Easter

On this blessed Easter day, I want to extend my caring and best wishes to you and your family. I pray God would bless and enrich your lives with His abounding love and unmerited grace.

I should be back in the swing of things in the the next day or two. Thanks for stopping in to see what's been going on. Today I'm spending Easter with my sister and my kids and grandkids. What could be better than that? Hope your day is wonderful.

Alleluia! He is Risen!!

Easter Blessings, Sharon

Mouthwatering Ice Cream Cone

Oh yummy! Just thinking about ice cream cones makes me think of summer. I can hardly wait for those warm days of being outside with a creamy, cold ice cream cone. Doesn't that sound wonderful? But since the weather has dipped down to colder temps again, it's gonna be awhile before we're sitting outside with our cones. Until then, we just have to make do with the images in our head and the ones on our cards!!

Stamps: Mouthwatering, and On Your Birthday
Cardstock: Whisper White, Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade, and Pool Party, with Sweet Shop Specialty Designer Series Paper, also Red Glimmer Paper
Ink: Lucky Limeade pad, and Soft Suede, Calypso Coral, and Real Red markers
Accessories: Big Shot with Perfect Details Texturz Plates, Owl Builder Punch (cherry), small oval punch(ret), Sweet Shop Jelly Bean Brads, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, and Dimensionals


There are so many aspects to this card that I really love. Everything from the embossed texture on the espresso layer that mimics the waffle-weave of the cone, to the colorful little hearts sprinkled on the brad that perfectly match all the wonderful, luscious ice cream desserts shown on the DSP. And don't forget about that sparkling cherry topping off that yummy cone.

Umm, 'scuse me a minute.... lick, mmmm.... Gee whiz, looking at all that ice cream was really starting to be a problem. But now that I've got my bowl of chocolate with chocolate covered cherry chunks ice cream I'm all set now. Mmm-mmmmm, that's just soooo gooooood!! Looks like I'm gonna be busy for awhile, so I'll be signing off now. Catch you later. Sharon

Easter Basket Card

Have you seen the cute punchie basket card that looks so real? I just love all the texture it has, but it's so easy to make. Just get out your Big Shot and a few dies and punches and you're done. What could be quicker than that? Here's what it looks like when I made it...


Stamps: Solid Stripes, Fine Flourish, and Dot,Dot,Dot
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Certainly Celery, Pretty In Pink, Bashful Blue, and So Saffron
Ink: Regal Rose, Peach Parfait, Marina Mist, and Crumb Cake
Accessories: Big Shot with Scallop Oval Frame Die, Tasteful Trim Die, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Extra Large Oval Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Dazzling Details, Paper Snips, Sponge, and Mini Glue Dots

Whew, lots of little goodies went into making this awesome piece of punch art. But all of the items together add up to a card with lots of texture and layers for a child to touch. The components of the basket are all sponged to make the details stand out. The stamping on the eggs was added to give them more appeal. I originally tried punching DSP for the eggs, but didn't like it as well. Give it a try and see which way you prefer your eggs!

This is my grandson's card for Easter. I hope he likes it, because it was made specially for him! I don't know though - he might still be too young to care about baskets and eggs at all. We'll see. Hope your week is going great. Did some grocery shopping so I'm all set to do some cooking on Saturday for Easter dinner at my sister's house. It'll be nice getting together for the day with her, and our kids will all be there too. I'll try to get another post in before Sunday, but don't hold your breath, okay? Sharon

Another Birthday Cupcake

I don't know where the days have gone, but it's almost Easter and I'm soooo far behind again. Yikes, gotta get a move on!! I do have a soft and pretty birthday card to share with you today. And it has a cupcake on it, of course! I just love all the different cupcake choices at the bakery nowadays, so I keep stamping birthday cards with them! Yummy! Ok, so this one probably wouldn't taste too good, but it looks yummy anyway! Here's how it's made...

Stamps: Easy Events
Cardstock: Very Vanilla and Baja Breeze, with Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper(SAB)
Ink: Basic Black and Sahara Sand
Accessories: Big Shot with Scallop Circle #2 Die, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, AquaPainter, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Brights Brads, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, and Dimensionals

First off, I need to apologize for sharing a card using the no-longer-available-but-still-gorgeous Everyday Enchantment DSP. I'm glad I was able to get an extra pack of this lovely paper, so I'll be able to continue using it for my personal enjoyment. I'm sooooo very happy about that, cuz I love it!! But you could use any two vintage-looking coordinating prints to make this card. Just keep the colors soft to get the same look.

Did you notice the paper piecing on the cupcake liner? I stamped the cupcake on a snippet of DSP and cut out just the liner part to add to the card. Cute, isn't it? To make the cherry on top, I used a Real Red brad. Easy peasy. Then to make that frosting look even yummier, I just added a swirl of 2-Way Glue Pen to it and sprinkled it with love in the form of Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. Almost good enough to eat, but not quite. I think I still prefer the real thing!

Have a wonderful week! Enjoy all the prep to get ready for Easter. Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow with an Easter card for any of you last minute ladies out there. Hmmm, or am I the only one??? Sharon