New Birdhouse

Ever since I saw the new punch with the 2-step bird and branch, I've had this little idea floating around in my brain. Today it came home to roost. Or something like that anyway!! LOL I love birds and birdhouses as decorating accents, so I thought I would make a cute little birdhouse card. No problem - an easy afternoon project. It took me awhile to put together a card that would actually fit into an envelope that we sell. I didn't think that would be much of a problem. But when you're engineeringly (is that a word?) challenged, it's the little things that cause all the problems and take up all my time. A little trim here, measure again, another snip off that edge, measure again, and so on. Good grief! Almost 4 hours later I finally have a finished card! Hallelujah!!

And after all that, here's my masterpiece. Well at least it's my finished card even if it isn't quite a masterpiece! Hope you like it...

Stamps: Baroque Motif

Cardstock: Kraft, Taken with Teal, Sage Shadow, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Cameo Coral cardstocks with Welcome Neighbor Designer Series Paper (SAB freebie!)

Ink: Chocolate Chip for sponging, VersaMark pad, and Basic Black Marker

Accessories: Stampin' Pastels, Scallop Border Punch, Small Heart Punch, Extra Large Two-Step Bird Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, White Gel Pen, Dimensionals, and a sponge quarter

Well, what do you think? The final dimensions let the card just barely fit into a 5 1/2" square envelopes that Stampin' Up! sells so it can actually be mailed. So that's good.

The swirly design is so soft because I used the "poppin' pastels" technique. It's been ages since I cracked open my pastels, but they worked very nicely on this card. This is one of those techniques that seem to be forgotten most of the time, but always look lovely when used.

And in case I forgot to mention, half of the punches are all new ones from the Occasions Mini Catalog. I just love all the new products that are available. If you don't have the mini catalog yet and would like to see one, you can click on the button to the right to see it online right now, or contact me and I'd be happy to mail you one. Either way, you'll be impressed by all the new stamps and accessories that are now available!

Well, that's about it for today. I hope the next project I tackle doesn't take quite so long to finish. But sometimes what you get is worth all the extra effort. Thanks for stopping by. And leave a comment 'cuz I just love reading them!

Sharon

Sweet and Simple Rose

Hi all! What a terrific day and actually week this has been. I just love the weather this week - just getting to 80 degrees with sunshine and light breezes. Just a perfect day! This is what I think of when someone mentions summer. It could stay like this through September and I'd be one happy camper!

It's funny not doing a sketch today, because I've been doing so many lately. They're so much fun and really addicting. But today was more of a simple, straightforward stamping day. So that's what I did - a simple rose card. I just love the Fifth Avenue Floral set. You can do so much with it depending on what you're in the mood for, either sweet and simple or embossed elegance.

See what I mean with this one? Just straight stamping. I didn't even mask the flowers! Add a touch of color with my Stampin' Pastels (which have been sadly neglected of late), a snippet of ribbon, and a border punch, and you're all set! What could be easier? But still just as sweet as sugah!

All stamps and materials by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Basic Black, and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Stampin' Pastels, Eyelet Border Punch, Pink Taffeta Ribbon

Hope you enjoy this card. Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to leave me a note - they mean so much to me!

Hugs,

Sharon