Decisions, Decisions

Ok, I thought I had a card to share with you today, then decided I really wasn't happy with the way the colors worked together on the card.  So, back to the drawing board and chose a different color palette to work with.   Hmmm, thought I had it, but just not quite.  Do over time with slight adjustments, and there I think I finally have it.  I guess I'd be smarter to not put the card together until I'm sure I have what I really want, but each time I thought it would work.  Oh well!  You're going to see each of the cards and the little changes I made each time and then you can decide which you like better.  Here's what I started with, and each successive card as I made them...

Stamps:  Oh, Hello
Ink:  Baja Breeze and Not Quite Navy pads with Not Quite Navy and Old Olive markers
Paper:  Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, and Baja Breeze
Accessories:  Big Shot with Chevron TIEF, Daffodil Delight Stitched Ribbon, Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Stamps:  Oh, Hello
Ink:  Pool Party and Island Indigo pads, Tangerine Tango and Old Olive markers
Paper:  Whisper White, Tangerine Tango and either Island Indigo or Pool Party
Accessories: mostly same as above with Tangerine Tango ribbon from the Sycamore Street Buttons and Ribbons Bundle from Sale-a-bration

This is the final card, I think.  I changed the color palette from the first card and wasn't sure I liked the rhinestones so took them off when making the second card.  The placement of the sentiment and flower accent also switched sides. 

I thought the Island Indigo cardstock strip looked a little too dark so switched to Pool Party for the 3rd card.  And liked the layout of the first card better, so it was switched back to the way it was originally.  Whew!!  That was one evening of playing around to get just one final card. 

Now, I wonder what other changes can I make?  Maybe a different color palette again???  Yikes, I've got to leave this idea alone for awhile and give it a rest.  Maybe next week sometime?  Have a great day and thanks for stopping in today.  Hope I haven't driven you crazy yet!    Sharon

A Little Bloomin' Marvelous

I've been having fun using two cute little Sale-a-bration sets lately.  The idea I have to share with you today uses both of them on the card along with several other Sale-a-bration goodies.  What's not to like when you can make a darling little card using mostly items that are free?  Gotta love it!  This card is also one of my little square cards too.  Love the smaller size, but it still packs a punch!

Stamps:  Bloomin' Marvelous and Madison Avenue
Ink:  Island Indigo, Tangerine Tango, and Pool Party
Paper:  Whisper White
Accessories:  Big Shot with Vine Street TIEF, Scallop Squares Duo Bigz Die, 1 1/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Brights Buttons, Island Indigo Bakers Twine, Sycamore Street Ribbon and Button Pack, Sponge quarters, Glue Dots, and Dimensionas

This is a surprisingly simple card to put together.  It only takes a little time, a little embossing and stamping, and some of those free items from Stampin' Up! during Sale-a-bration.  If you're interested in getting some of these items for yourself, check out my website to place an order or contact me.  I'd be happy to help you place an order, or host a party if you'd like.  Either way, you can earn these stamps and accessories when you place an order.  Can't get easier than that!

Thanks for stopping in today.  Hope you had a fun and restful weekend.  My weekend was so much fun at a party with a new friend I just met - Darlene.  We had a great time at her party!  But now it's almost time to get back watching the grandkids in the morning.  Have a great week!!  Sharon

A Bit Late

I thought I'd get this posted while it was still relevant, but I guess I'm a day late and a dollar short - or maybe a couple days late. I had so much fun with the two specials Stampin' Up! had for all of us the first part of January.  And if you're like me, you might have a few pieces from Sealed with Love Simply Sent Kit left over.  There's still some odds and ends left, but here's what I did with part of my left-over pieces.  Hope they give you an idea of what else you can do with it too.

Stamps:  Word Play and My Little Valentine
Ink:  Real Red
Paper:  Whisper White, Pool Party, Real Red, and 2011-2013 In Color Designer Series Paper Stack (Calypso Coral stripe), and the Sealed with Love Simply Sent Kit
Accessories:   Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon, Scallop Trim Corner Punch

I just love how soft and spring-like this card is!  The print from the envelope is perfect with the Pool Party layer on the card.  I just cut off the two larger flaps and made two cards like this from them.  The white sentiment layer is really the little note to go inside the envelopes in the kit.  Isn't it perfect for this little tucked-in layer on the card-front?

Instead of using the envelope as intended, I folded 3 corners inside and left one up.  I wrapped a Hershey bar with some Calypso Coral DSP, wrapped it with the included Baker's Twine, and made a little tag to tie onto it.  When finished, (the making, not the eating!), I tucked the candy bar inside the envelope pocket and tied around some of the pretty ruffled ribbon.  Pretty cute, right? 

Ok, that's it for today.  Wish I had another of these Simply Sent Kits to play with - one just wasn't enough.  Thanks for stopping in to see what's new.  I'll quit playing with 'old stuff' and get my new toys out to play with next.  Have a wonderful week.  And try to stay warm - we've been dealing with singe digit weather this week and I'm COLD!  Warm hugs, Sharon

Sneak Peek Vintage Phone Booths

To be very honest with you, this set, Feeling Sentimental, was not one of the first Sale-a-bration sets I had considered getting.  But you know how it goes.  You see what someone else has made with it and you just have to have it right now!!   In this case, my sister Connie showed me this fabulous card she made and I knew it was a winner.  So I followed her instructions and made my own card.  When I finished making it, I was impressed.  Connie - this card is even classier in person than in a photo!  Thanks for sharing.  Now, are you ready for this?  You're gonna love it too!

Stamps:  Feeling Sentimental
Ink:  Real Red and Stazon Jet Black
Paper:  Glossy White, Basic Black, and Whisper White
Accessories:  Big Shot with Honeycomb TIEF, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Real Red 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, and Dimensionals

Considering the number of materials and tools needed to make this card, it's quite simple.  But it really packs a punch because of the many textures and layers used here.  One of my new favorite tools is the Honeycomb embossing folder.  It leaves such clean, crisp lines and is generic enough to be used on many different cards.

Glossy white cardstock was used for the card base so the embossing on the card looks like white ceramic tiles.  Really kind of a cool look.

With the three image panels being long and skinny, I liked the look of the ribbon cutting across them and bringing them together. The added border-punched strip just finishes it all off nicely.  Again Connie, you came up with a winner here.  You sure convinced me that I needed this set.  I hope it will convince others that it's just what they want too!

Thanks for stopping in today.  Hope you got a bit of inspiration here.  Check back soon for more goodies.  Hugs,  Sharon

Another Paper-Pieced Heart Card

Ok, this is the last card I'm going to show you using this paper-pieced heart look.  I'm having so much fun working with all this paper-piecing idea.  And this card uses the cute little "My Little Valentine" stamp set (#132242 for $9.95) that is only available until January 21st.  Each of the 4 images are perfect to tuck onto a card as a little accent sentiment.  Plus when you order this set, you get the "Sealed with Love Simply Sent Kit for FREE!  If you're interested, just click on my Stampin' Up! button to the right and get it ordered before it's gone.  Ok, enough of the commercial and on to the card...

Stamps:  My Little Valentine
Ink:  Real Red ink pad, Real Red and Pool Party markers
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Pool Party, Real Red and More Amore' Designer Series Paper
Accessories:   Big Shot with Hearts Framelits, Stripes TIEF, Small Oval Punch, Jewels Basic Pearls, Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Sponge Dauber, Glue Dots, and Dimensionals

This is a really clean and simple card.  I used the Stripes TIEF to give the background some texture and interest.  On this card, the paper-pieced heart is the fabulous prima donna focal point.  The Real Red stripe of cardstock, little bow, and string of pearls are all bit players on this production. 

That's all for today.  I should have another card to share tomorrow.  Hope you find time to wander on back here to see what's new.  Have a great day.  Sharon

Hearts and DSP Card

Back on January 2nd, I mentioned making a card for card class this month that resulted in a left over paper-pieced heart too pretty to throw away. At that time, I shared an idea to use up those extra hearts.   So I thought today I'd share the original card idea that produced these left over hearts.  The idea comes straight out of the 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! Catalog.  Just check out the top of page 180 and there's the card.  Oh yeah, I did change a few items, like colors, stamps, accessories, etc.  This is one of the cards I chose for my January class - a softer version of your regular Valentine.  Anyway, here's my version of a SU! Catalog card... 

Stamps:  Delightful Dozen
Ink:  Primrose Petals
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Pool Party, Primrose Petals, More Amore' Designer Series Paper
Accessories:  Big Shot with Hearts Framelits, Primrose Petals Stitched Ribbon, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, and Dimensionals

I am absolutely lovin' this Designer Paper!  The colors are wonderful together and the prints are just plain fun!   Since I wanted to showcase the DSP, the focal point of the card is almost plain in comparison.  I like the hearts layered on each other with no color in between.  Several ladies in class preferred to add a little Primrose Petals sponging on the edge of the smaller heart.  It's always interesting to see what "adjustments" my class ladies like to make to the projects.  Sometimes I even like their ideas better than my own.  That's one of the very best parts of stamping - sharing ideas!!

Hope you enjoyed this softer version of the normal red and white Valentine.  Go check out your catalog and see which idea you want to CASE and make your own.  Whatever you do, keep stamping and having fun being creative!    Sharon

Assorted Card Ideas

For the past week I've been working on the cards we put together last Tuesday evening at church.  It was our regular stamping get-together to make cards for our military.  We send on the cards to the wonderful "From Our Hearts" ladies, who then separate and re-box hundreds of cards to be sent on to our military personnel serving in the Middle East.  It's been great being part of this undertaking and I can't tell you how much doing this ministry means to me.  So, since I've only been working on these cards and nothing else, I thought I'd give you a quick look at the variety of cards we made.  It's a strange mixture of new and retired stamps, ink, and cardstock.  And even some odds and ends that ladies have given to me to use specifically for these cards.  So here goes...

This is from a retired Simply Sent Kit from ages ago just revamped with what was available.  Remember those metal edged tags?  I had a bunch left, so they were put to good use here.

 The stamp set here is current and called Everybunny.  Not sure what the DSP is from as it was donated to the cause.

Another blast from the stamping past.  This was remade from a retired Simply Sent Kit also.  It was a good layout, so why not reuse it? 

Wow!  This card is completely made with current stamps, cardstock, inks, and punches!!  That doesn't happen too often.  The sets used are Everybunny, Distressed Dots, and Teeny Tiny Wishes.

 This card uses retired Marvelous Magenta and another purple cardstock that I can't even remember the name of, also donated to the cause.  The stamp is from a retired set.  The embossing folder is Elegant Lines and the butterflies are Beautiful Wings Embosslit - both of these items are current.

 

 

This card uses two different retired stamp sets with current cardstock and a Nestability set for the sentiment layer.  Little pearls were added to the butterfly.


This is just a representation of the cards that were made Tuesday night, but it gives you a really good idea of the variety. There were a few more styles of cards made.   Each of these designs had anywhere from 12 to 42 cards made from them, depending on the amount of materials I had on hand to complete them.

Thanks for checking in today.  Hope you find something here that inspires you and gets you stamping.  If you have any questions about a particular design, I'd be happy to give you more info.  smile    Happy stamping, Sharon

Pieced Paper Heart

Have you ever started out to make one thing and then totally ended up with something else altogether?  Well, that's what has happened today.  I made a card using the new More Amore' Specialty Designer Paper yesterday and used the Hearts Framelits to die cut the center of it out.  That card will be one that the ladies will be making in class this month.  (It turned out really cute too!)  But that's not the point of this post.  This is about that die cut heart - what to do with it!?  After playing around with a couple different ideas, here's what I ended up making.  I liked it more after I left it and ate dinner and then came back again to look at it.  Still not sure about the little layered accent on the bottom right corner.  Not sure what I could have done instead. Any comments would be appreciated!

Stamps:  Mixed Medley (ret) and My Little Valentine (sneak peek)
Ink:  Primrose Petals and Crumb Cake pads, Pool Party, Primrose Petals, and Real Red markers, and Whisper White Craft Ink
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Real Red, and Pool Party with More Amore' Specialty DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot with Hearts Framelits and Framed Tulips TIEF, 1 1/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Small Oval Punch, Small Heart Punch, Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz, Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Pearls Basic Jewels, Sponge quarter, and Dimensionals

Loved the addition of the Smooch Spritz adding some shimmer to the little punched heart and the scalloped circle layer.  It brightened the card up a little.  The other last minute change I made was to sponge a little White Craft ink on the raised tulip border on the red layer.  That made it really pop nicely.

Just want to give you a little reminder that tonight, January 2nd, is the last night to order from the Holiday Mini.  And tomorrow is the 1st day you can order from the new Spring Catalog!  If you're like me, you've already got your list made out and you're just waiting impatiently!!  You're going to love working with the new stamps and accessories.  And don't forget to check back about two promotions Stampin'Up! has running starting tomorrow!  Woo Hoo!!

OK, that's all for now.  For some reason I'm really worn out tonight.  Oh yeah, today was the first day back babysitting our two grandkids, and  6:30 sure came around awful early this morning!  grin  Hope you're enjoying your new year so far.  I know I am!  See you soon.  Sharon

Happy New Year!

Well, another year has finally ended and we're starting off fresh with a brand new year ahead of us!  Isn't that exciting?  And what a really lazy day it's been today.  I  loved watching the Rose Bowl Parade from pre-start to finish.  The floats were simply gorgeous and the bands and others were great.  What a fun way to begin the new year.  Last night instead of going out anywhere to celebrate, we stayed home and had a quiet evening.  And what do you do on a quiet night at home, you ask?  Well, you stamp, of course!  At least I did, and talked with my sister who is also a demo and that's what she was doing too!  I got inspired to work on a Valentine 'cuz it's right around the corner, you know.  Here's what I made last night.

Stamps:  You Are Loved
Ink:  Regal Rose pad, Basic Gray and Rose Red markers
Paper:  Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Baja Breeze, and Whisper White
Accessories:   Big  Shot with Apothecary Accents Framelits, Fancy Fan TIEF, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Essentials Paper Piercing Pack, Piercing Tool and Mat, Vintage Faceted Buttons, Regal Rose 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Sponge quarter, Glue Dots, and Dimensionals

Isn't this card just gorgeous?  I'm almost shocked that I did this all myself with no casing what-so-ever!  Every time I look at it, it still surprises me!  Hmmm, I don't suppose I should actually be admitting to that, huh.  But it really is pretty!

Ok, enough of the pats on the back or I might just fall over!  I had seen a video on making the die-cut piece smaller so the regular die can frame it nicely, so I had to give it a try.  It's just so easy to reposition the framelit and run it through the Big Shot the 2nd time.  How easy it that?

For this card, I chose a stamp set that was introduced last year, but I didn't really do much of anything with it.  To get this look, I inked the stamp with Regal Rose, then went back with markers and added the lettering and touches of Rose Red on the butterflies and flowers to make it stand out.  As I was putting the card together, I thought the white embossed layer needed just a touch of color, so I sponged on a little Regal Rose very lightly on the edges just to help the texture show up better.  When the card was finished (I thought), it still looked a bit plain, so I started thinking about what little bit could be added.  I was going to stay with the  pink tones, but that just didn't get it!  When I added the Baja Breeze tiny butterflies, it was just perfect.

So there you have it.  The first post for the new year.  This one's going to be hard to live up to.  Maybe I should have posted something a little more boring to start out the year!   Wishing you and your families a very blessed year in 2013.  Sharon