stamping and musing

Christmas Potpourri

2009-11-14T16:56:00.000-08:00

No, it doesn't stink! It's a potpourri of cards for Christmas! Today I spent some time cleaning up some partial pieces and odds & ends that have been sitting around cluttering up my table getting in the way. I promised myself I'd get some of this stuff finished or throw it out. Yikes, did I really just say that???? I hope my hubby didn't hear me say that out loud. He'd be getting the garbage bags ready to catch all the stuff I'd have to throw out. Don't worry, it's not gonna happen today!

Ok, back to the cards. Each of these started out as something else that didn't quite make it. They've now been resurrected and finished to be added to the 'ready to mail' box. I can't believe just how many 'one of a kind' cards I'll be sending out this Christmas! There's no way I'll ever remember what I sent out this year when I start planning for next year. Oh well, that's too far in the future to worry about! Who cares anyway??

Bella Bleu Christmas -

Stamps: Sweet Season and Four the Holidays

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy and Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper

Ink: Not Quite Navy Classic and White Craft

Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Dimensionals, and a blue dew drop (non SU!)

Bashful Trees -

Stamps: Patterned Trees (Hostess Level 1)

Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, and Shimmer White

Ink: Bashful Blue and Rich Razzleberry

Accesssories: Big Shot with Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder, Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Ribbon, Wheel and Handle, Snowflake Punch (retired), Dimensionals, and stick-on rhinestone (non SU!)

Chocolate Dasher -

Stamps: Dasher and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Whisper White and Merry Moments Designer Series Paper

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Big Shot with Embossing Folder (non SU! - it was a gift! I had to use it, honest!!), Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Bold Bright Buttons (retired), and Dimensionals

Last one!

Stamps: Dasher and Sweet Season

Cardstock: Real Red, Garden Green, and Whisper White

Ink: Real Red pad, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, and Garden Green markers

Accessories: Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Wide Oval Punch, and Dimensionals

Ok, that's as far as I was able to get. There were other things that I had to get done too! I know, what could possibly be more important than finishing up some stamping??? For some reason, hubby thinks making meals just might be more important. And since I really, really like to eat too, I can't really argue with him about that.

Time to get back in gear here. Talk to you later...

Sharon

It Takes Two, Baby!

2009-11-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

At least it took two people to get the layout just right on this card anyway! I was really struggling with this. I wanted something really smashing for the Pals Paper Arts challenge this week. The theme is Christmas Cheer - that shouldn't be all that hard, now should it?? I mean, that's what we've all been working on defining for the last several weeks, isn't it? The idea was there in my head. I knew what colors I wanted to use. The main components were all embossed, stamped, punched, sponged, and whatever else was needed. Then.... it just didn't work out!!!! Waaaah My hubby looked at it and gave me his two cents worth (actually his ideas were worth way more than that!) Ok. Peel off some of the layers. Change this layer size..... hmmm, maybe change the color too! Maybe it needs another layer too while I'm at it. Try it again. Nope, not yet. Take it all apart again and turn it upright. Hey, I think we've finally got it! And after all that, none of the pictures really showed the Brushed Gold cardstock layer or the gorgeousness of the Shimmer Paint! Nuts... Ok, now for the really tough test.... What do you think???

Stamps: Short and Sweet

Cardstock: Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss, Brushed Gold, Real Red, and Very Vanilla

Ink: Always Artichoke

Accessories: Big Shot with both Finial Press and Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folders, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Sponge Dauber, Ornament Punch, Small Oval Punch, Sleigh Bells Ribbon, Gold Cording, Mini Glue Dots, and Dimensionals

I was disappointed that I couldn't get the rich look of the Brushed Gold cardstock layer to show up on the pictures. Very nice, but subtle.

Actually there is a little sponging around the Mellow Moss layer with the Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint that doesn't show up either. In real life it's just gorgeous!! I really wish I could send one to each and every one of you so you could see the shimmer! But I don't know if I'd ever get around to making quite that many cards anytime soon! So I guess you'll just have to take my word for it. Or better yet, why not make one for yourself??

Have a great evening! We'll be stamping over here!! What could possibly be better than that? Well, maybe having chocolate too!!

Toodles,

Sharon

CASEing the Master

2009-11-12T18:21:00.000-08:00

While browsing blogs late last night again, (no wonder I'm always tired!) I checked out the Master - Jan Tink. Oooh yeah! So many great ideas. But there was one delightful little ornament card that I thought I might CASE because it had such nice clean lines to it. I did most things just like Jan, but there was a thing or two that I had to tweak for me. What is it that makes me even think I can improve on greatness?? LOL I certainly don't know. But I can assure you that it's not an improvement, just a slightly different look. Thanks for the awesome idea Jan - it's a winner!

Stamps: Delightful Decorations

Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White

Ink: Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip Classic Pads, Whisper White Craft Pad

Accessories: Ornament Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Bashful Blue 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Cording, Sponge Dauber, and Dimensionals

Now wasn't I right about this being a delightful little card? I'm enjoying pairing Chocolate Chip cardstock and ink with so many different colors. It tends to soften the look nicely, but not be too dark and austere. The little bits of silver cording give this card just a touch of bling for an understated elegance.

Ok, it's back to the drawing board for me. I'm looking forward to having a group of ladies here tomorrow night for Joann's workshop. I've been designing the make & takes we'll be doing. I can hardly wait to show everyone!! I'm sure we'll have lots of fun stamping and sharing.

Don't forget about the Holiday Gift-Giving Guide! There's plenty of terrific gift ideas for the people on your list (maybe even something for you too!!). You can order directly online, or give me a call and I'll be happy to help you with your order. And you can always let me know what you'd like for Christmas and then send your hubby and/or kids over for me to help them order!! Either way, it's a win-win situation for YOU!

Happy stamping and shopping!

Sharon

Joy Times Two

2009-11-11T17:32:00.000-08:00

What an unbelievably busy week this is turning out to be! This is class week for me, so that means class on Monday night, two on Tuesday night, and Wednesday at noon. Throw in a doctor's appt on Tuesday, with just a wee bit of shopping at Christopher & Banks on the way home! And then our son moved out today and back in with his sister to help conserve money with a son-in-law not getting steady work. Whew!! I'm just about wiped out for today!

But before I give up for the night, I wanted to share a class project and a second version too. First the class version - I saw this lovely card while blog hopping late one night instead of sleeping, and then couldn't find it the next morning. This is what I remember of it:

Stamps: Delightful Decorations

Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White, and Christmas Cocoa Designer Series Paper

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Big Shot with Texturz Plate SU! Backgrounds #1, Silver Cording, Mini Glue Dot, Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, and Dimensionals

Everyone seemed to like this card - very clean lines and pretty in just red and white. And I have a hard time keeping my fingers off the flocking!! It just feels so cool!

Now, since there were some extra cardstock and layers cut for class in case of mistakes (or leftovers from people not showing up!), I thought I'd finish them up tonight and add them to my stash of Christmas cards ready to send. So far, so good. The problem comes in that I ran out of the gorgeous flocked Christmas Cocoa Designer Series Paper for one of the layers. So it's time to improvise. Here's what I did.

I changed up the Real Red layer by using the Finial Press Embossing Folder to give it a more defined overall texture. Then I spritzed the smaller red layer with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and Frost White Shimmer Paint. Oo-la-la! Just love that look!! I'm not sure you can tell in the photo, but it adds such a pretty shimmer to frame the ornament. It needed something to define the two red layers and separate them without adding another color. What do you think?

Stamps: Delightful Decorations

Cardstock: Real Red and Whisper White

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Big Shot with Finial Press Embossing Folder, Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Cording, Frost White Shimmer Paint, Mini Glue Dot, and Dimensional

So that's about it for tonight. Seven more cards made for the Christmas stash. Hope I get enough made in time to send out! LOL Then maybe I'll get some extra sleep to make up for the crazies today!

Hope you have a restful night and have lots of energy to create tomorrow.

Sharon

Favorite Things

2009-11-09T20:19:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know there are probably hundreds of things that I think are my favorites. But for right now, right this very minute, one of the most favorite things is my Big Shot. There's just so many things that you can do with it. And I've been trying them all lately. But right now, I've got a card to share with you that uses only two of the many aspects of it.

I just love using the Embossing Folders in my Big Shot! You can achieve such elegantly gorgeous effects by just adding embossing to a layer on your card. It's just an instant ooohhhh effect! You can have a very simple card, but the embossing raises it to another level. And it's just so easy to do. Maybe that's why I've been adding it to just about everything I make lately?! lol

The 2nd accessory for the Big Shot, is the Movers and Shapers Die and the add-on dies for it. I love how SU! has made each of the dies just a smidgeon larger than the coordinating punch. Now was that smart, or what?!!! Don't you just love that tiny sliver of Real Red showing around the Garden Green and Whisper White on this card? It's just enough to make it pop, but still be very subtle. I want to try this on everything and try using all 48 colors too! But for now, this one will do.

Stamps: Christmas Punch

Cardstock: Garden Green, Real Red, and Whisper White with Merry Moments Designer Series Paper

Ink: Garden Green

Accessories: Big Shot with Finial Press Embossing Folder and Movers & Shapers Die, Curly Label Punch, Whisper White Organza Ribbon, and Dimensionals

This card goes together so easily that I'll be making multiples of these to send out for us. I'm lucky my hubby doesn't really care which card we send out for Christmas - as long as I get it done! lol This way I don't get bored making just one style of card and can have fun while getting the cards all made!! It's a win-win situation as far as I can tell.

Have a great week. Hope to be back posting tomorrow. :-)

Sharon

Oh, I feel so inspired today!

2009-11-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful feeling!! Thank you Lord!! The shot yesterday and meds the doctor now has me on must be doing the trick. I woke up early today (for me anyways!!) and couldn't wait to start creating. Yes, that's a 'capitalized creating' today! I've already made a project for my Christmas Bags and Tags class in December. Whoa, don't hold me back, 'cuz I'm on a roll.

I stopped for lunch and was browsing blogs to help in the digestion of this food I was eating. But that didn't work too well. My first stop was Gretchen Barron's blog and it was sketch time. So much for actually eating my lunch after that! Her sketch challenge for this week got me so inspired I had to stamp while the idea was hot! lol By the time I was done with the card, my work table was so covered with stamps, inks, punches, ribbons, etc. there wasn't any room left for me! And aren't you just dying to know what I came up with? I thought so! Here it is....

I'm so happy with this, that either it's really good, or my meds are playing with my mind. You decide. lol

Stamps: Dasher, Snow Swirled, and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand, Ruby Red cardstocks and Holiday Lounge Designer Series Paper

Ink: Ruby Red and Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Square Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Fire Round Rhinestone Brads, and Dimensionals

There are so many leftover and discarded partial pieces to this card I'm going to have to do something with them! I tried sponging on this, but I really preferred the clean edges this time around. And that little sentiment layer thingy, all I can say is - it was tried in many different color and punch combos. This was the winning choice.

Let's have a little feedback on this. Should I have skipped the snowflake and rhinestone? It sort of looked too empty there and needed something. Any suggestions on what might have worked better??? Since I have so many extra pieces, I'm sure the next one will be different. So why not give me your two cents worth?!

Stamp your heart out today! I will be!!! ;-)

Sharon

The latest in the 'bug battles'

2009-11-05T19:57:00.000-08:00

And no, I don't think I'm winning the battle at this point. Just in case you've been worrying about my state of health, I saw my doctor this afternoon for the 4th time in 6 1/2 weeks. She promptly sent me to the hospital to get a chest xray to check for pneumonia. Yup, that's the latest mutation of this bug. I'm just not sure how much more I can take of this! Arrrgghh!!!! Just what's it gonna take to land a 'knock-out punch' to this bug? I promise you that this blog is a bug-free zone. I washed my hands and sprayed disinfectant all over so there should be no lingering germs here trying to sneak out!

But other than that, life does go on. The five ladies who were available for stamping all got together last night to make the cards for "From Our Hearts". We enjoyed making the cards and really enjoyed eating the wonderful Pumpkin Roll that Shirley made. Oh, it was sooooo yummy!! And we were able to get 50 cards made in less than 2 hours. They are all packaged up with envelopes and clear envies too!!!! What a terrific accomplishment ladies! I'll start planning the projects for the next stamping night out.

Anyway, with all that's been going on, I haven't had too much time to do my own designing. When I was cleaning up the other day, I came across a leaf that was all watercolored up and just sitting there all by itself. It really needed to be joined with a card after all this time by itself. So this is exactly what I proceeded to do. I think it's much happier now, don't you agree?

I chose to use the swirled Texturz Plate and Big Shot to give the card some interest. It reminded me of leaves swirling down from the trees. Also the complete card was cut from the Scallop Square Die. Doesn't it make a really cute card?

The leaf still looked a little lonesome, so I stamped up the acorns from Autumn Splendor and colored them to coordinate. Added the greeting from Grateful Greetings set and a bit of Kraft Taffeta ribbon, and that's about it. It was really quite quick to put together. I need just a few more Thanksgiving cards, so maybe a couple more of these would do the trick.

Have a great day - whatever is left of it anyway!
(stomp, stomp) Hey, I think I got another one of those bugs!
Sharon

Making new out of scraps...

2009-11-03T16:37:00.000-08:00

I've been really trying to get a little (stress a little) bit more organized. If it ever happens while I'm still walking this earth, I'll be totally amazed! But anyway, I need to keep trying and chipping away at my many piles of stuff. One of the things I was doing today was going through stacks of partially worked on ideas. A couple of the ideas (whatever they were originally!) were in multiples. So I thought they'd be great to add to the stash of cards for our soldiers.

There were enough pieces from this card idea to put together six cards. So they've been added to the stash of cards we'll be making on Wednesday night.

Stamps: Heard From the Heart

Cardstock: Creamy Caramel and Chocolate Chip cardstock with Autumn Vine DSP and Juntos DSP (both of these DSP's retired)

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Creamy Caramel Gingham (retired) and Neutrals Button (retired)

I always liked the look of quilting with cardstock, and this is a very easy look to accomplish. When you have little bits of DSP prints left over, cut them into 1" squares and start 'quilting'!

On this card, I had been playing around with watercoloring this gorgeous moth. For some odd reason, I had four different moths colored and hadn't done anything with them. hmmm... So I just finished them off with this look, but each was a bit different to match the moth's colors.

I'd like to give you a run down on the sets used, but they're all retired and I'm just too tired right now to try to figure them out. You'll just have to either look them up yourself, or just find something similar to work with. Your choice. Of course, you probably want me to look them up, but I'm back to coughing again and bone tired.

That's going to have to be it for tonight. Hope you like the ideas. If you really, really need to know the sets I used, leave me a comment and I'll look them up for you.

Stay healthy and happy,

Sharon

More Cards for From Our Hearts

2009-11-02T18:21:00.000-08:00

Hey it's shaping up to be a crazy week again. Yesterday the 3 of us were outside raking and trying to find the lawn underneath the piles and piles of leaves. The scary part is that our trees are only about half-way shed of their leaves. That means we get to do it all over again. Whew, I'm tired and sore just thinking about it! Maybe I'm just too old for this?! Not!!!

This is so strange sharing Valentine cards with you and it's just barely November today. But the cards going out to our soldiers need to be ahead of the season. So, we're starting early! A group of ladies from my church are meeting on Wednesday to get started on Valentine cards. This time I've planned out the cards ahead of time and cut everything ready to stamp, assemble and send. Last time it was much more loosely organized and 7 of us only managed to make 30 cards. This time there will be fewer ladies, but I've got supplies ready to make 50 cards. So I'm really pushing the ladies to keep working this time - such a task-master!!

Since I have Designer Papers that are lovely but sadly retired, I planned cards around what I had on hand. This first one uses some of the lovely Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper. I don't have any Kiwi Kiss cardstock left, so I used Certainly Celery instead. On the computer the difference is very obvious, but in real life it works.
Stamps: Love You Much and Short & Sweet
Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Rose Red, and Whisper White, and Raspberry Tart DSP
Ink: Rose Red and Certainly Celery Markers
Accessories: Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Soft Subtles Mini Brads and Dimensionals

This second card is lots of fun to make. Again very quick and easy, but it's still cute.

Stamps: Love You Much

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Real Red, and Whisper White, and Candy Lane Desighner Series Paper

Ink: Basic Brown, Pretty in Pink

Accessories: Aqua Painter, Mat Pack and Piercing Took, Soft Subtles Mini Brads, Bold Bright Button (retired), Pink Gingham Ribbon (retired)

I'm so glad we're getting together to make cards for our terrific soldiers who are putting their lives on the line on a daily basis. It just feels so good to be able to do something to make their lives a little bit brighter! If you're interested in learning more about this worthwhile cause, just click on the icon on the right. I'm sure you'll be impressed with all these wonderful people are doing. Come join us in stamping for the soldiers!!

Have a great week...

Sharon

Friday Sketch

2009-10-30T18:13:00.000-07:00

Still working on the class projects, and still can't show them to you yet! Sorry!!! I tried a few more ideas. I really, really liked one, but think my ladies would string me up if I had them make it! Just too many pieces, too much cutting and putting through the Big Shot, just too much everything!!! I wish they were a bit more adventurous, but they usually want something quick and easy. Most of my ladies all have full-time jobs and very little extra time. So I'm glad they take the time to come and hang out with me, and I try to give them what they want!

Thought I'd take a break from class projects and work on a sketch challenge instead. Pals Paper Arts has some interesting sketches, so that's what I went with today. This week they're focusing on Breast Cancer Awareness, so the sketch challenge is PINK! I couldn't even think pink today after thinking Christmas so long. Instead I went to my trusty SU! Catalog and Idea Book and got inspired by a layout on page 107 and then tweaked it a bit.

Stamps: Great Friend

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, and Whisper White

Ink: Always Artichoke, Regal Rose

Accessories: Modern Label Punch, Paper Snips, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Siver Wire (retired), Silver Bead Duo, Soft Subtles Mini Brads, and Dimensionals

This is just a simple, clean card I needed to make after everything else I'd been working earlier. Hope you enjoy this quick card! And don't forget to peruse the SU! Catalog on a regular basis for some inspiration. It's all in there for you to use, and it's awesome! If you don't have your own catalog yet, I'd be happy to send you your very own inspiration book! It's priceless!!

Happy stamping,

Sharon

Holiday Best Ornament Card

2009-10-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

Great day today! I feel like I got lots accomplished. You know it's a constant job planning projects for each month's classes. Today the first of 4 cards for November's classes has been finished! Hooray! I always feel good when the projects start to come together. But I'm nowhere near being finished, so it's back to the 'stamp mines' for me. Sorry I can't show you that card just yet. I need to keep some surprises for my class ladies! Hope they like it!!

I did take time out to work on a sketch challenge today. That was my fun for today!! Gretchen Barron has a lovely sketch here that I thought I'd try. Here's my take on her idea:

This is a pretty straight-forward card to make. What really makes it a bit different is using the Ornament Punch to make a reverse mask and sponging in the ornament shape. This gives a very soft image behind the wording. It's a nice way to use a smallish size stamp as your main focal point and not have it look too small.

Stamps: Holiday Best (Hostess Level 1) and Delightful Decorations
Cardstock: Real Red, Always Artichoke, Old Olive, and Very Vanilla cardstock with Merry Moments Designer Series Paper
Ink: Old Olive and Real Red pads, Real Red and Always Artichoke markers
Accessories: Scallop Border Punch, Ornament Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Sponge quarter, White Gel Pen, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Silver Mini Brads, Dimensionals, and Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon (retired)

Hope you like this card idea and play along with the challenge. It's always fun to see what others do with the same basic idea!

Happy Stamping!!
Sharon

BOO Hanger

2009-10-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems to be that time of year when all the ghosts and ghoulies are out and about. I myself, much prefer a sweeter, gentler Halloween. I know - I'm such a wuss!! Anyway I made a Boo Hanger for my wall that is cute, and definitely NOT scary! lol It uses lots of fall colors and a few images to perk it up.

Stamps: Twick or Tweet
Cardstock: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Lovely Lilac with coordinating Prints Designer Series Papers
Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, and Lovely Lilac Classic Pads
Accessories: Chipboard Basics, Big Shot with Scallop Square Die and Serif Essentials Dies, AquaPainter, Circle Brads, Earth Elements Brads, Pumpkin Pie Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, both Basic Black and Old Olive 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, purple ricrac from Ribbon Originals, Distressing Tool, Multi-Purpose Glue, and Paper Snips, and Glitter Pen (unknown)

This was so much fun to put together. My daughter and I spent time getting them together after I had gotten everything measured, cut, through the Big Shot, etc. We wanted to make several of these for family. This was a great way to spend an afternoon together. All totalled we made five of these. (Sorry I'm so late mailing yours Connie! You'll be already to use it next year!!)

It was fun to decide what accents to place on each letter. I loved how the ghosts look like they're floating up the side of the O. And the little witchy pumpkin fits perfectly inside the 2nd O.

We did disagree on whether to distress the edges of cardstock and Designer Paper. So some are distressed (mine) and some aren't (Heather's). In many ways our tastes are very similar, but we do differ on some things. And distressing is one of those things. She really doesn't care for it at all!! And on a project like this, either way works just fine.

Hope you enjoyed this project. Why don't you try one for yourself? Ooops, one tip I should have mentioned. We found it's so much easier to adhere the cardstock to the chipboard before you run it through the Big Shot. No sense in making more work for yourself having to line up the scallops of the chipboard and cardstock when gluing. So much easier when done ahead of time!

I had gone on some of my favorite challenge sites this morning and found one at Pals Paper Arts here that was "Anything But A Card". Is this project perfect for that or what!? Go check out what wonderful ideas people had for this challenge. Maybe you'll take up the challenge too!

Have a happy and productive Wednesday!
Sharon

Christmas Shaker Card

2009-10-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

Hi there! It's been one heck of a week (almost) since my last post. Everything I put off and rescheduled when I was sick has been happening NOW! Whew! I'm so tired I can hardly function when I'm not teaching a class, having Hostess Club, doing an all-day crop at church, grocery shopping, and running errands. Gosh, I'm getting tired just writing about it. And the bronchitis is still hanging on so that makes everything just a little harder to do. (mumble, grumble, whine and complain!)

I was looking for some way to use the Sweet Centers stamp set and Cups, but I was having a teensy problem. Nothing was turning out as it should. So I switched the idea around a bit. I still used the plastic cups, but changed the stamp set and turned it into a shaker card. Doing a shaker card this way is so much easier than the old way with lots of dimensional tape, window sheets, etc. It's pretty much just punch and stick with the Sweet Treat Cups. You should give it a try!

Stamps: Season of Simple Grace, Sweet Centers, and Snow Swirled

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Old Olive cardstock with Merry Moments Designer Series Paper

Ink: Chocolate Chip and Old Olive

Accessories: Sweet Treat Cups, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Sleigh Bells Ribbon (love this!), Sponge Daubers, Chunky Glitter, Dimensionals, and Coluzzle set

By the way, did you notice the ornament hanger from the set used to make this into a snow globe? It's just the perfect size and shape for this!

I love how easy it is to work with these Sweet Treat cups because they have adhesive already on them! It's just a matter of filling the cup, peel and stick onto the backing cardstock. It can't get any easier than that. When was the last time you made a shaker card? Maybe it's time to try making another!

Happy stamping and stay away from the germs!

Sharon

Girlie Scrap Page

2009-10-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

This has been a hard week for me. Seems like I haven't gotten over all the bugs I've been hosting this past month. Halfway through each day I run out of steam and really struggle to keep going. Not all that much has been getting accomplished because of this huge lack of energy. It's very frustrating when there's so much going on and I just can't keep up with it all!

The last two days I've been designing some scrapbook pages. The one I'm sharing today uses the Pick A Petal stamp set. At first this set looks so straight-forward - just flower petals and centers. But it's been lots of fun using those petals for out-of-the-box ideas the last couple of years. This time I opted to go back to the basics by making flowers! Wow, what a concept!! lol

Here's the first page. Whaddya think? It's a little bit out there, but my daughter thought it would be perfect for a little girl playing dress-up. The flower petals were embossed with white over Pretty in Pink cardsock. The centers were white embossed over Apricot Appeal. The 'leaves' are lengths of ribbon (maybe Green Galore??) that has been retired for awhile. (See, can't throw anything out - you never know when it'll be just what you need!!)

Stamps: Pick A Petal and Flight of the Butterfly

Cardstock: Gable Green, Pretty in Pink, Apricot Appeal, Regal Rose, and Vellum Cardstock

Ink: Green Galore Classic, Whisper White Craft

Accessories: Winter White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Big Shot with Go Go Boots Alphabet Dies, Sponge quarter, White Gel Pen, Clear Rhinestone Brads, Scallop Edge Punch, Paper Snips, and Dimensionals

One of my friends saw the page and was all excited until she realized all the elements were cut out and not punched. Sorry, no petal shaped punches here! She just hates cutting things out! But I don't mind the cutting at all. It's really kind of calming and gives you time to think of other things. Like what else needs doing before an all-day crop on Saturday!!

Back to work for me. Hope you're having a great week. Drink plenty of juice and take those anti-oxidants so you don't get sick. It's the pits getting back on your feet!! ;-)

Sharon

Punchy Class

2009-10-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, I finally did host a Punchy Class after getting several requests for it. Funny, many of the ladies requesting the class didn't sign up for it. Hmmmm..... That always confuses me. Maybe it was just a bad night for them. Who knows. Anyway, we did have fun last night and made four projects too. But I'm only going to show you two of them. And the candy bar cover was made by Brenda and Dawn - two ladies that came to class! They made one for everyone who came to class. Thanks guys - you're the very best!!! We had made pumpkins like these last year on one of the cards during the fall season. I'm glad to see they remember the different things we've done and actually re-use the ideas! Yay!

The very last card we made was this cute little crow sitting on a hay bale. He was the most involved so I saved him for last. We had to work our way up to this level! lol Here's the list of punches used:

Scallop Circle, 1 3/4" Circle, Large Oval, 1 1/4" Circle, Wide Oval, 1" Circle, Boho Blossom, Small Oval, 1/4" Circle, Word Window, and 1/8" Circle

Whee-dawgies! That's a lot of punches there.

Stamps: Sanded, Woodgrain, and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: More Mustard, Old Olive, Basic Black, Ruby Red, Close to Cocoa, and Summer Sun

Ink: Close to Cocoa pad, Basic Black and Close to Cocoa Markers

Accessories: Big Shot with Texturz Plates Kit #4, Black Hemp Twine (retired), Neutrals Buttons, Paper Snips,Dimensionals, and Mini Glue Dots

This was the first project because it was the easiest. This acorn is just so darn cute!!!

Punches: Ornament, Wide Oval, Large Oval

Stamps: Grateful Greetings, Sanded

Cardstock: Creamy Caramel, Soft Suede with Autumn Traditions Designer Series Papers

Ink: Soft Suede

Accessories: Sponge quarter, Piercing Tool and Mat Pack, Gold Mini Brads, and Dimensionals

Just loved making the acorns. I've made a few extras and I'm just looking around for a place to use them. Maybe I should try planting one to see if I get an oak tree out of it? lol

This is what Brenda and Dawn made. Very cute, right?? Shhh, don't tell anyone that they used some contraband DSP. I thought it was really cute though and quite looked nice even if it wasn't SU!

They used: Big Shot with Top Note Die, SU! Little Leaves Sizzlits Die, Designer Label Punch, and Small Oval Punch, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, and Chocolate Chip cardstocks.

Don't you agree that they did an awesome job on these? Thanks so much ladies - you're the very bestest friends!!

Well, that's it for today's post. Hope these ideas inspire you and make you get your punches out! On your mark, get set, start punching!!!

Think I'm getting a bit punchy here! (groan)

Sharon

Love Those Ornaments!

2009-10-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, I really, really do! This is one of those awesome SU! stamp and punch combos that just makes me happy!! (doing the happy dance here!) Both items are great by themselves, but when you put them together, it's magic! So I just have to keep going back to the combo and creating something new with it. This time I used the Petals a Plenty embossing folder to add some texture to the background. Then for a touch of bling, I sponged on just a bit of the Champagne Shimmer Paint. It really makes the embossing look so pretty and elegant. Adding the layer of Brushed Gold cardstock and the ornament punched from the gold cardstock too are the finishing touches.

Stamps: Delightful Decorations
Cardstock: Real Red, Very Vanilla, and Brushed Gold
Ink: Real Red
Accessories: Ornament Punch, Big Shot with Petals a Plenty Texturz Impressions, Champagne Shimmer Paint, Sponge quarter, Gold cording, and Dimensionals

Did you happen to notice the tiny strip of gold cardstock on the card? It's just one of those skinny strips that get discarded when trimming layers. You just never know when those little strips of cardstock will be just what's needed on a card. Honestly, I don't save all of the little scraps, just the specialty paper ones like this Brushed Gold. It's just too pretty to throw in the garbage. What a horrid thought! But if I saved everything, there wouldn't be room in the basement for me anymore! LOL
Hope you enjoy the idea. It really doesn't take much time to put together once you have the idea! I just might be doing a few more of these for sending out myself.

Have a great week,
Sharon

Patterned Trees card

2009-10-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it's Thursday already. This week is just flying by and I've been trying to play catch-up all week. There's just so much to do and definitely not enough hours in the day to get it all done! But somehow I always find time to get some stamping in, don't you? It's really my business, my passion, and my therapy all rolled into one! LOL

Well, one of the things my hubby would love for me to do is get organized and throw out stuff I don't use. Now for me, that is almost an impossible task. You just never know when you might need that 4" strip of ribbon. Or I just might figure out what to do with that half-finished card(s) that's sitting there. Anyway, I've been teaching classes for awhile (like maybe forever!). When someone cancels at the last minute, there's a packet with nicely cut cardstock layers with envelopes, ribbons or other doo-dads, instructions, etc all leftover. I always think I'll get around to making up the extras, and sometimes I actually do!! But that still leaves a huge pile of packets that seems to be growing when I'm not paying too close attention to it! So I've been trying to reduce the mountainous pile of packets. Hence today's card:

Do you remember Cranberry Crisp? I just loved the color and somehow have a bit extra sitting around. But these pieces were for a card that I don't even own the stamp set that was originally planned for it. Oh well, that just means improvising - a little old, a little new.

Stamps: Patterned Trees (Hostess Level1) and sentiment from A Cardinal Christmas

Cardstock: Handsome Hunter, Cranberry Crisp, and Very Vanilla

Ink: Handsome Hunter and Cranberry Crisp

Accessories: Cranberry Crisp Stitched Ribbon, Sponge quarter, and Dimensionals

I still have more Cranberry Crisp cardstock and ribbon left, so you never know when they just might pop up again. But I feel really good that I remade 6 new cards with leftover cut cardstock and ribbon. Now that's an accomplishment! Of course, that is also such a tiny pebble from the mountain of card class packets that's staring me in the face. LOL But it's a start!! And I'm going to continue to feel good about getting started!

Time to get working on whatever mountains you've got staring you in the face. It feels good!

On to climbing my Mt. Everest of cardstock!

Sharon

Anniversary Blog Candy #1

2009-10-14T18:04:00.000-07:00

Hi there! It's me again. I didn't think I'd make it through classes yesterday, but I did! Hooray!! It sure took it's toll though. I was about numb by the time everything was finished. Now, where is that energy fix? I'm still hacking and wheezing away and get tired so darn quickly. But that's not why you're here. Last month I kept mentioning that October is my big anniversary with Stampin' Up! I've enjoyed being part of this terrific company for 12 full years, minus a couple of weeks. Hmmmm... That came out just a tad skewed there. I've really enjoyed being part of the company and in a bunch of days I'll be celebrating the actual date. There that's better.

Anyway, I mentioned numerous times about a drawing for blog candy to help me celebrate. It was easy to enter the drawing - just leave comments for me. And so many of you did and I appreciated every single comment left!! Here's a picture of a tag-holder packet that I'd like to send out the the lucky lady! It's made with Garden Green cardstock and the Merry Moments Designer Series Paper. The tags fit inside two Word Window punched slots and are an assortment of anything and everything that I thought would make into a cute tag. This should help you get ready for Christmas!

So who's the lucky lady? drumroll please..... On Sept 10th

jaydee said...
Sharon.... the colors are gorgeous and I love the way you added texture to the card with the corduroy button in the middle of the medallion and tied it to the ribbon. great job. btw... thank you for visiting my blog and congrats on your upcoming anniversary.Peace and hugsJaydee

So Jaydee, please contact me at:

scstamper@comcast.net so I can send out your gift! I loved hearing from you and really appreciated your comment!! I'll need an address to send it on to you.

Thanks so much to all of you that have been watching my blog lately and all the wonderful comments you leave. You really lift me up when I'm sitting in the bottom of the barrel. Watch for another drawing next week to continue the celebration!! (horns blowing and confetti raining down!)

Back to stamping and musing for another day,

Sharon

Not Quite Back to Normal

2009-10-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

Of course, I'm never too sure just what constitutes 'normal'. lol But whatever normal is, I'm not quite there yet. The doctor assured me I wouldn't be contagious anymore which is always a good thing. She didn't tell me that I'd still be feeling lower than zero percent energy levels though. Where is my energy? I went looking for it today, but got tired before I found it. lol This is supposed to be class week. And already the calls have been coming in to cancel because ladies have the flu bug themselves, or bronchitis, or one or more of their children are home sick. Yuck. This is soooo depressing! This looks like it's turning out to be one of the sickest autumns ever around my group of family and friends. How about you out there? Are you still feeling ok? Not sick yet? No fever and chills?? I sure hope you're all doing perfectly well and stay that way!

So to cheer us all up, I thought I share a lovely Christmas card with you. I made this one several weeks ago, but just had too many other things more important to share instead.

Stamps: Winter Post

Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Brown, Tempting Turquoise, Blush Blossom, Taken with Teal Classic and White Craft

Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch, AquaPainter, Gold Mini Brad, Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, and Dimensionals

I really like the looks of these colors together. I guess I've been moving away from the more traditional Christmas colors lately. Now that doesn't mean I'm tired of the 'tried and true' red and green. It just means I've become a little more adventuresome. Try putting some new colors together to make some card samples and see what you come up with. I'd love it if you'd share your ideas with me too. We all grow and expand our horizons when we share with others. Right?

And right now it's time to get finished for classes. Hope you all have a wonderful evening.

Stay happy. Stay healthy.

Until next time..

Sharon

Is Soft Suede the New Black?

2009-10-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, I swung by Gretchen Barron's website to check out her latest challenge sketch. She always has nice sketches and I needed something to get me going again. I liked the looks of it, but was just too tired to manage it at the time. After thinking about it a couple days, I came up with an idea I wanted to try. Not too sure what you'll think of this one 'cuz the colors aren't what you'd expect. Give me a holler and tell me if it works or not.

This is it! Tell me, tell me! Does it work or was it a crazy idea?

Stamps: Punch Pals

Cardstock: Kraft, Whisper White, and Soft Suede with Christmas Cocoa Specialty Designer Series Paper

Ink: Stazon Jet Black and Soft Suede pads, and Real Red, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Soft Suede Markers

Accessories: Big Shot with SU! Backgrounds Texturz Plates, Soft Suede Polka Dotted Ribbon, AquaPainter, and Dimensionals

I really love the color you get when you watercolor with Soft Suede ink. It's so yummy and warm - just like cocoa! So then, what could be better for a wintery Christmas card? I asked my hubby about the color for a Christmas card, and he thought it looked 'all right'. I guess it's ok then if he says so! Normally he doesn't say too much about my cards one way or the other. So I have to be happy when I get any kind of a compliment like 'all right'. lol

Still snifflin' and coughin',

Sharon

Many Serene Snowflakes

2009-10-09T10:32:00.001-07:00

Well, I just got back from seeing my favorite doctor again. Good news! I don't have pneumonia! Hooray! Since I was feeling so tired and short of breath lately, this was a worry for me. Now for the bad news, I've now got a sinus infection and bronchitis. Yuck. These germs just keep changing around into something else. She says I don't have the flu bug anymore, but she's giving me an antibiotic for the sinus infection, etc. I'll be so thrilled when this is all over and I have some energy again!!!! I am just soooooo tired!

Yesterday I was making some cards for the From Our Hearts group. I had pulled out some old retired DSP (maybe called Sassy or something like that?) and thought I'd make some all occasion cards for them. I did get 10 cards made. Not as many as I'd like, but better than none. It was so odd making cards with papers I'm not used to. Very weird! Anyway, after I gave up on that I made two very quick and simple cards using Serene Snowflakes. These were so quick to make, and not too many accessories were used. Trying to keep the cards simple enough for anyone to copy. Here they are:

Stamps: Serene Snowflakes and Four for Christmas
Cardstock: Handsome Hunter and Whisper White
Ink: Handsome Hunter
Accessories: Big Shot and Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder, Silver Jumbo Brads, and Dimensionals
Sure can't get too much simpler than this one.

Unless you make this one! This might be even simpler than the last one. But I think it's still very nice looking.

Stamps: Serene Snowflakes and four for Christmas
Cardstock: Whisper White, Ballet Blue, and Night of Navy
Ink: Ballet Blue and Night of Navy
Accessories: Square Ice Rhinestone Brads, Night of Navy Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, and Dimensionals

That's it for today I think. I still need to get back to the drugstore for my antibiotics and then it might be time for a nap. I'm not kidding, I never take naps, But I am really, really, really tired!

Take care and stay well. Maybe I'll feel more like myself tomorrow. Hope so...

Sharon

You just never know...

2009-10-07T21:19:00.000-07:00

Most of today was spent getting projects planned, cut, and packaged for classes next week. Usually this is an ongoing thing, but because of the battle of the bug, I'm really running behind in the planning phase. And if you don't have the projects planned, it's really hard to cut cardstock, write instructions, and package it up! lol

There's been this idea for a Christmas card percolating in my brain for the last several days. Today was going to be the day it would finally come to life. NOT. It just didn't seem to work out the way it was planned in my brain. Hmmm... it must be all the sinus pressure that's messing up my planning. It certainly couldn't be that it was a lousy idea now, could it??! Naw, I didn't think so either. Anyway, the card was salvaged. It's not at all like the planned idea, and I have absolutely no idea when or where I'll use the card. But it is done....
That's about all I have to say for it. lol

This is it. Not too bad, but not fabulous either.

Stamps: Medallion and Tres Chic
Cardstock: Ruby Red, Basic Gray, and Whisper White
Ink: Ruby Red, Basic Gray, and Basic Black
Accessories: Sponge quarter, Pretties Kit (half pearl), Basic Black Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, and Mini Glue Dots

Like I mentioned earlier, I'm not sure what this card will be used for so there are no words inside yet. Maybe I'll keep it for an anniversary card. The words seem like they would fit that nicely. Do you have any suggestions for an occasion to use the card? Well, what do you think of it?!? Be gentle with me now. Remember my brain's all clogged up and I'm not thinking too clearly. (I think that's a darn good excuse and I'm sticking to it!) Hopefully this bug will clear up some day soon and I won't have it for an excuse anymore! Now that would really be something to celebrate!

Happy stamping, stay well and happy,
Sharon

CASEing an idea

2009-10-06T16:04:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies! First I need to thank all the wonderful ladies who are leaving the kind words and get well wishes for me. I can't tell you how wonderful you are andd how much your words mean to me!! And I'm still working on the getting better part. It's killing my bottom line having to cancel workshops and classes. Bummer!! But this too shall pass, and life will be rosy again. At least, that's the plan. lol

But on to the CASEing part. For those of you that don't know, CASE means Copy And Share Everything. Earlier today I was down in the dumps so thought I'd peek at other blogs to get ideas. That always makes me happy and itching to stamp. And today was no different. Before today, I had never heard of Joyce Spears and her little blog, but luckily stumbled upon it. There was this cute color combo on some cards that just called out to me. Plus the cards used one of the Autumn Traditions papers that I hadn't figured out what to do with yet. So that took care of that little problem, now didn't it?!

Here it is! I just love how the colors work together on this card, don't you? The colors I chose to use are all part of this sheet of DSP. Can't get any easier than that!

Stamps: Trendy Trees

Cardstock: More Mustard, Elegant Eggplant, and Very Vanilla

Ink: Soft Suede, Ruby Red, Always Artichoke, and Soft Suede

Accessories: Stamp-a-ma-jig, and Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon

This design is different than the ones Joyce showed on her blog (she had several different ones), but the idea works pretty much the same. I can't believe how quick this card is to make - just a few minutes! Maybe I need to make a few more of these for different occasions since they go together so quickly. Not a bad idea.

Happy stamping and stay healthy!

Sharon

Good Evening Ladies!

2009-10-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

It's me and all my germs coming for a visit! It's been a long day, but I actually got a few things done today - like visit the doctor! Again!! And I'm still contagious, but I'm getting better. Honest, I am!! After that visit and a load of laundry, I had had enough for today. But then I got a 2nd wind or something late this afternoon. And trundled downstairs to see if I had any mojo left, or if it had all been coughed and sneezed out of me! I really needed help, so I checked out the Stamping 411 blog for some inspiration. After many tries, I actually finished something. And it's not too bad. Not wonderful, but it's gonna do for today.

Here it is. The layout was great to work with, but my problem was I wanted to do Christmas and to use the Christmas Moments Designer Series Paper. That seriously narrowed down all my options. Guess this will do for today.

Stamps: Season of Joy and Christmas Punch sets

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Garden Green, and Real Red cardstock with Christmas Moments DSP

Ink: Garden Green pad and Real Red and Garden Green markers

Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Round Fire Rhinestone Brad, and Dimensionals

Once I decided to put the red rhinestone brad on the tree, I needed to change the layout just a tad. I think the card still pretty much follows the layout as shown on the blog.

Hope you enjoyed today's card. I love this paper and this card really shows it off nicely. It's a great layout to use for so many different cards. Maybe I'll try another style tomorrow.

Have fun stamping and get out the Lysol spray to disinfect everything! Do you think I need to wipe all my stamp boxes and ink pads off before class next week??? lol Maybe I should...

Sharon

Still Hanging Out...

2009-10-04T14:52:00.000-07:00

Just laying on the couch, that is. I think I've made a permanent dent in it! lol When is this bug going to leave??! I'm so tired of feeling tired! It's a shame, when you really want to stamp, that you just don't have the energy. Oh woe is me!

My big accomplishment for the day was making a big old pot of chili. I just needed some comfort food, something that would warm me up from the inside out. Yummy. It really worked - in fact it's gotten my sinuses running too now! Oh, sorry!! I suppose that was really more than you wanted to know. But now I'm exhausted again. whine, whine, whine. Enough of that! Because I didn't stamp again today, it's back to the archives! Let's see what we can find this time around..... hmmm... Oh, how about this one?

Yesterday afternoon my daughter ran by to pick up a couple of sympathy cards from my stash. Seems like I've been needing a lot more of these than normal as my friends all get older. (Of course, I'm not getting any older at all! lol) Anyway, everytime I make a sympathy card, I try to make two or three at the same time to add to the stash. So luckily there were some for her to choose from. But that reminded me of one I had taken a picture of and never got around to posting here. So you're in luck today!

Stamps: Embrace Life and Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Pale Plum, Old Olive, and Whisper White
Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Rich Razzleberry, and Old Olive
Accessories: AquaPainter, Big Shot with Texturz Plates, Scallop Edge Punch, Trio Flower Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Silver Mini Brads, Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, and Dimensionals

This card is clean and simple, but gets some pizzazz from the punched flowers and added brads. The petals of the flowers were curled up a bit to give more dimension. Interest also comes from the two different texturz added to the different layers. That is a great way to add interest to a large expanse of paper without any more stamping.

This is a great card to make in multiples, and can also be made in different color combos if purples and greens aren't your favorites. For some reason, I love using these colors for sympathy cards. They're pretty and soothing, but not too overly sweet. Just right in my book.

Well, the archives are geting a bit empty. Looks like I'll have to stamp someday soon. Oh, there's always tomorrow.