Belated Valentine

So sorry I never got any of my valentine cards posted.  I only have one left here, and thought it might still be worth showing because it could easily work for an anniversary card or even a wedding card.  So the idea is still valid and useful even though it's a little late.

Stamps:  Field Flowers, Peaceful Petals, and Countless Sayings 2(Photopolymer)
Ink:  Real Red, Garden Green, and Stazon Jet Black pads with Real Red, Garden Green, and Daffodil Delight markers
Paper:  Real Red and Whisper White
Accessories:  Big Shot with Adorning Accents and Fancy Fan TIEFs, Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit, Hearts Framelits, Oval Punches, Corner Rounder, Real Red Stitched Ribbon, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, and Dimensionals

Whew, lots of different products were pulled together to make this card.  Don't you love the two different embossing patterns used together here?  The little hearts are adorable and the fan embossing looks sort of Victorian.   Love how the die-cut print paper fits right on the Heart of Hearts embossed piece.  The tiny scalloped edge peeking out is a perfect touch.

Changing up the sentiment to Mr. & Mrs. would make this a great card for a wedding.  Of course, you'd be changing the sentiment on the inside of the card too.

Speaking of the sentiment, have you used one of the new Photopolymer stamp sets yet?  They are so easy to use!  I put all three stamps together on the block and stamped all at once.  How easy is that?  It's great to see exactly where you're placing the stamp so there's no mistakes.   And these stamps give you a nice clean image.   Hooray for Stampin'Up! for making stamping this easy!!

OK, gotta run.  I'm on my way to stamp with some friends in Toledo that love to stamp.  What a great way to spend an afternoon!  I've missed the last couple of months, so I can't wait to get there and see everyone.  Hope you can get some stamping in this afternoon too.  Have a great, relaxing Sunday.  Chill out and stamp!    Sharon

So Sorry...

Oh dear, it's really been over 2 months since I've hung out here in the blogosphere.  And what have I been doing you ask?  Well, it started out as a nasty cold in November, went to another cold, got more run down, got the flu over Christmas, and then another cold.  I really don't think I have any kind of an immune system when it comes to my grandsons and colds.   I'm still hacking and coughing on a regular basis, but my hubby said to get downstairs and get stamping!  So here I am (cough, cough).  I put together a card class last week. (It was in-between colds)  The ladies that were scheduled to come on Thursday night didn't want to get out in the snowy weather, so it was put off til tomorrow night.  Thought I'd get back blogging by sharing cards from class.  That's a safe place to start off new again, right?  The card tonight is actually two versions of the same card -  just a change in stamps used.

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Stamps:  Tags 4 You  (Best of Birthdays 2nd card)
Ink:  Pool Party  (2nd card- Stazon Jet Black pad, Pool Party, Pink Pirouette, Smoky Slate, and Cherry Cobbler markers)
Paper:  Pool Party, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White with Quatrefancy Specialty DSP, and Silver Glimmer Paper
Accessories:  Trimmer with Scallop Rotary Blade, Label Bracket Punch, Owl Builder Punch, Glue Dots, and Dimensionals

On both cards, I wanted a layer of silver glitter paper behind the sentiment to accent it.  To do that, simply cut the silver glitter paper in half after punching it out.  Then spread it a little to the sides and it give the illusion of another full layer behind the sentiment.

I love the added teeny tiny hearts from the Owl Builder Punch.  That's such a necessary punch to have on hand.  You never know when you're going to need a tiny heart or two to fill out a design.

On the 2nd card, I layered the DSP on the Cherry Cobbler cardstock in the center and then layered it in from the left edge a little onto the card.  I was surprised how much of a difference that little change made in the looks of the finished card. 

Ok, that's it for the night.  I'm beat and it's time to start heading for bed.  God willing, I'll be back again tomorrow.  Blessings and my grateful thanks for coming by to see it I'm still here!

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

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

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

New Year's Eve

Yes, the hours are counting down to the end of another year.  Have you taken time out to review 2012 and consider changes you might want to make to the coming year?  Sometimes that can be a really gut-wrenching situation, but it can also be very enlightening on how you want to live the next 12 months.  Whew, that's getting pretty deep there.  Hope I haven't lost you yet!  Instead of being too introspective, let's look ahead to the coming year with Stampin' Up!  The new Spring Mini Catalog is coming up in just 3 days!  How exciting is that?!  Today I have a card to share using some of the new products, and boy do I love them!  Hope you do too.

Stamps:  En Francais, Hearts a Flutter, and Happy Valentine Heart
Ink:  Real Red, Crumb Cake, and Early Espresso
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Real Red, and Crumb Cake
Accessories:  Big Shot with Honeycomb TIEF, Hearts a Flutter Framelit Dies, Full Heart Punch, Small Heart Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Crumb Cake 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Sponge Daubers, and Dimensionals

So, whatdya think?  Some pretty cool new products there, right?  Don't you just 'love' the new heart stamps?  And I'm so tickled that the lacy heart stamp has a Framelit to match - along with a bunch of other Framelits to match all the Hearts a Flutter stamps.  That just makes the stamping so much easier!  What card doesn't look better with a few popped-up accent pieces?

And did you notice the cool Honeycomb embossing folder?  It's so versatile.   I can see that's going to be getting quite a workout with my stamping.

Now we're going to have to talk on January 3rd about that cute little Happy Valentine Heart stamp.  It comes as a bundle with some cello bags to make quick and easy treat/gifts.  You'll just love it!

Ok, this is it for this year.  Full Steam Ahead in 2013!  Wishing you a creative, happy new year!!

I Dig You card

Yes, I know it's the day after Valentine's Day, but I just couldn't get a decent picture of this card yesterday and I just gave up trying. So you get it a day late instead. So sorry about that, but you should know by now that I do everything at the last minute - or even later sometimes! I'd planned to make my little grandson a valentine, but was stuck on an idea. He's just lately gotten into "Bob the Builder", so Monday night I had an idea and quickly made up the card. Then no matter how I took a picture, the little stamped loader didn't look right. But anyway, here it is. Hope you like the idea and maybe try it out yourself for your favorite little guy!

Stamps: I Dig You
Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red, Melon Mambo, and Brilliant Blue(retired)
Ink: Real Red and Brilliant Blue(retired)
Accessories: Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, and Dimensionals

I wanted to use bright colors for his card, so pulled out some of my retired Brilliant Blue cardstock and ink. Since I wasn't planning on lots of layers, I didn't want the loader to be too dark so it was off-stamped before stamping on the white cardstock. This is where I ran into a problem- it just doesn't show up as bright in the pictures as in reality. Here it looks so washed out and almost not even there, but that's not the way it really is. Trust me on that!

It was fun punching all those hearts and layering them up to look like they were being scooped up, tumbled, or pushed by the loader. He thought it was fun and kept pointing at it. And what more could a grandma possibly want?

Hope you're having a great week. I'll be done with classes tomorrow and get back in the swing of things again. Have fun! Sharon

Happy Valentine's Day to You

Hope your loved ones are showering you with love today! And I'll send along my hugs too! Just think of this as my Valentine to You!! Today's card was inspired by one I saw on Tory Bray's blog here. She has some fun ideas that she shares. The inspiration comes from a class she's having. Of course, I tweaked it to make it my own as usual. Hope you luv it!

Stamps: PS I Love You

Cardstock: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, and Rose Red

Ink: Rose Red Pad and Rose Red and Early Espresso Markers

Accessories: Big Shot with Adorning Accents Edgelits Dies and Adorning Accents Embossing Folders, Full Heart Punch, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Blushing Bride Smooch Spritz, Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details, and Dimensionals

This little card seems to have just a little bit of a lot of little things on it, and it all adds up to a pretty punch! I'll admit I was a little intimidated about using the coordinating Adorning Accents die and embossing folder together, but they are so simple to use and look wonderful!! What was I so worried about??

Have you heard about coloring directly onto your stamp using the Smooch Spritz? Well, that's just what I did on the heart of hearts. Just a pretty shimmery look altogether! And then I added a bit of the new Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details on just one of the hearts to give it a little more glitz. Oooh, more shimmer!

I am a bit frustrated about how the different types of ink tended to look so off with this picture! IRL the marker on the chocolate-dipped strawberry and the cupid look the same. Funny how the camera makes thing look so different. All in all, I thought the card turned out really cute and I'll be passing it on to my daughter this afternoon. And just for my hubby - please be mine!! Hugs, Sharon

Soft Floral Heart

Hey people! Hope you're having a good week. Somehow I got a bit behind again as usual. I know, you're not surprised by that anymore!! But I've got a gorgeous card to share with you today. Last night my Hostess Club ladies made this card and another one. Lots of good comments here! Hope you like it too.

Stamps: Bordering on Romance, and With All My Heart

Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Early Espresso, Rose Red, and Whisper White

Ink: Blushing Bride, Rose Red, Wild Wasabi pads, and Early Espresso and Rose Red Markers, and Basic Brown pad(retired)

Accessories: AquaPainter, Big Shot with Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder and new Framelits Hearts Dies, Blushing Bride Pleated Satin Ribbon, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Modern Label Punch, Large Oval Punch, Dazzling Details, Sponge Dauber, and Dimensionals

I just love the soft look of these colors together. But they aren't too bland because you've got the pop of Espresso and Rose Red to offset all the paleness. The addition of the Dazzling Details to the flower centers adds some understated bling without it overpowering the rest of the card. Is there such a thing as "understated bling"?

And that new pleated satin ribbon? Oh, so very yummy! I know I'm gonna need some more colors of that!!

Hope you enjoyed this idea. I'll try to get back to you a little quicker next time. Have a great week... Sharon

Double Hearts

Hope you're having a great week so far. The ladies at class today were really crazy and having a good time. They always make me feel happy and very blessed to have them in my life. Ok, on to the good stuff... If you like anything to do with love, Valentine's Day, etc., you're gonna love the P.S. I Love You stamp set from the new mini catalog. It has several solid images and lots of little phrases and words that are so much fun to play with. This is definitely a must-have set as far as I'm concerned. The card I'm sharing today uses a couple of these images along with a lovely print from the Twitterpated Designer Series Paper. Here it is...

Stamps: P.S. I Love You

Cardstock: Whisper White and Cherry Cobbler with Twitterpated Designer Series Paper

Ink: Real Red and Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Big Shot with Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit, Full Heart Punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Marina Mist 1/8" Satin Ribbon, Sponge Dauber, Mini Glue Dots, and Dimensionals

My friend Phyllis D. was over Sunday and we got a chance to play around with some ideas. This card ended up being a collaboration between the two of us. I'm still thinking of other options for how it could have gone together, but this is how it is for now. Maybe I'll try another version when I get a chance next week. We'll see how that goes.

Don't you just love this print of DSP paper? It's so soft and feminine looking. All of the prints from this set are very versatile and will be a pleasure to use. The colors are so pretty together. Hmmm, think I'd better consider getting another pack of this before too long! he he he

This is another card that could easily be changed into a wedding or anniversary card. It's always good to have a few anniversary cards on hand. And on that note I'll leave you for today. Hope to be back soon. Sharon

Truckload of Hearts

Hey, I'm back! Can you believe it - three days in a row! Alright, the class has finished for the night, so it's time to get back to blogging. Today I want to share a new look for an old stamp set. Seems like I've had the set Loads of Love just about forever. It's always good for a more masculine take on Valentine's Day card, instead of all the lace, glitter and other frou frou stuff that my hubby doesn't care for at all. And I got out my trusty Pastels that I haven't used in ages. Seems like this was turning into an oldie, but I added a new twist with a strip of the new Twitterpated Designer Series Paper to give it a bit of a facelift.

Stamps: Loads of Love
Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Gray, and Riding Hood Red with Twitterpated Designer Series Paper
Ink: Stazon Jet Black
Accessories: Stampin' Pastels, Basic Black Colored Pencil, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, and Dimensionals

Here's a closer look at the images. Loved how the print looks rather geometric and more masculine so I thought it would go nicely with the truck. I still might tuck in a stamped lady in the truck window from the coordinating stamp set. Just couldn't decide if I really wanted a person in the window or not.

Just a tip when using the Pastels, don't try to dig into the chalk and really load up on it to color. I tend to use surgical qtips for coloring with Pastels and always use a light touch. You can always add another layer or two of color if you want it more intense. On some of the hearts I added a second layer of Riding Hood Red chalk to make them stand out more.


Thanks for stopping by today. I plan to share another class project tomorrow if all goes well. Toodles, Sharon

Valentine Madness

Where does the time go? Seems like I just finished making all my last minute Christmas gifts and now I'm going full tilt towards Valentine's Day. Whew! It's just been a whirlwind around here. Last week I had a full crew at church making cards for our soldiers. We were able to finish almost 150 cards that night. Since that project is behind me, I've been focusing on what the class projects will be this week. The first one I'm sharing is a rather clean and classic looking card. Hope you like it.
Stamps: Sweetheart, You Are Loved (just retired), and Lighthearted (just retired)
Cardstock: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, and Real Red
Ink: Real Red
Accesssories: Big Shot with Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder and the Scallop Squares Duo Bigz Die. Ticket Corner Punch, Full Heart Punch, Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, and Dimensionals


Ok, I know there isn't any new stuff from the new mini catalog here, but I guess I wasn't thinking correctly before Christmas. I was so excited to get beyond Christmas and to use the Valentine stamps from the Holiday Mini (that's retired now, thank you very much), that I wasn't watching the dates properly. Good grief, did I really do that?? So my ideas sort of went down the drain. Except for this one. I just had to still do this one because I like the classic look so much. Of course, it would be easy to change the wording on this card to make it a wedding or anniversary card too.

Well that's it for tonight. I'll have another class project to share with you tomorrow. Hope you come back for that. Have a great week... Sharon

Lacy Valentine

I got a chance to check out this week's challenge over at the Stamping 411 blog here, and thought I could manage this one with no problem. And then it actually took me two days to get what I wanted from my imagination down to paper. How crazy is that! But now that it's finished, I really do like it and hope you do too. And can you believe it's a Valentine card when it's still 13 days til Christmas? What was I thinking???

Stamps: You Are Loved (Holiday mini)

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Rose Red, with Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Series Paper

Ink: markers-Wild Wasabi, Rose Red, and Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Lace Ribbon Punch, Big Shot with Fashionable Hearts Embosslit Die(sneak peek), Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Basic Rhinestones, and Dimensionals

Did you notice those cute little hearts? They have all this wonderful texture just like our butterfly embosslit die. And just in case you're wondering, they were made with a new embosslit that will be available January 4th in the new Occasions Mini Catalog along with lots of wonderful new items. I can hardly wait!!

Instead of a diagonal banner with words like the original sketch, I used the pretty Lace Ribbon Punch to make it more feminine. Couldn't find a matching ribbon to weave through the paper lace, so I ended up cutting a skinny strip of cardstock to fit through it. Worked out just fine!

Well, that's it for today. Why not play along with the Stamping 411 Operators on the sketch this week. It's always fun and gets you thinking and creating. Have a great week. Gotta run - the class ladies will be here any minute. In the next couple of days I'm hoping to get their projects posted for you. Keep your fingers crossed! Sharon

Cheep Talk Sweet Talk

Hi there! Hope you enjoyed your weekend. I've been running around trying to catch up after being under the weather all last week. My Hostess Club ladies are meeting on Tuesday and I've been having a little trouble thinking up something cool for them to do. Guess I'll work on that again tomorrow. But in the mean time, I have a cute little card for you today that I've made up as a valentine. It certainly doesn't have to be a valentine though. By changing the sentiment, you could turn it into just about anything you needed. But since Valentine's Day is right around the corner, why not make another card to share with family or friends?

Stamps: Cheep Talk and Short & Sweet
Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, and Whisper White with Love Patterns Designer Series Paper
Ink: Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, and Rose Red
Accessories: Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

The inside of the card featured a retired sentiment from the Best Yet stamp set. I also added a partial branch on the top and one of the birds on the bottom. (I added the bird after the photo was taken. Thought it was needed!)

Tomorrow is the last day to order the Love Patterns DSP from Stampin'Up! Too bad it won't be available any more because I've been using it for everything lately. Those red and pink patterns have been coming in handy for the seasonal cards right now.

Don't you just love these cute little birds? Adding the heart between them makes them look like lovebirds. Using one bird alone just makes a card look bright and cheerful. And who can't use a little cheering up when the winter doldrums hit? The temps have been in the teens for the past week and I feel like I might never thaw out! My hubby promises the weather will warm up this week and I hope he's right.

Stay warm and stamp a card or two to brighten someone's day!

Sharon

Lots of Hearts

Ok, I think it's officially going to be one of those days! Ooops, make that one of those weeks, or maybe even months!!!! Will I ever be able to get back on track with my life? (weak little sigh) Can you believe I actually started this post exactly one week ago today? I got as far as the title, first line, and the pictures. At that point I was interrupted by my younger sister walking in the door. My hubby had run to the airport to pick her up and I was going to do a quick post. Instead there was a phone call that had to be taken care of, a few last minute items to pack, etc., etc. Then the baby woke up and needed changing from a reeeeeally messy diaper, and feeding, and visiting with my sister, and, and...... Then it was time to leave to go an hour to pick up my older sister, then on another two hours to get farther up north for my dear aunt's viewing Friday night and then the funeral on Saturday. Definitely rushing around like a mad woman, but loved visiting with both of my sisters which doesn't happen very often. And then seeing my cousins and their children and grandchildren too - how wonderful is that?! Why do we only meet from all corners of this country when there is a funeral to attend? I enjoy spending time with my cousins so much! It's a shame we're all so very spread apart geographically.

Oh yes, on with the saga. (You can fast forward here to get to the good parts beyond the story if you want!) On the way home late afternoon on Saturday, I started feeling rather queasy. For those of you that know me personally, you're probably thinking "oh oh, car-sick"! Ah, so was I, that is until we got back to my sister's house and it was all over for me. There was no way I could go any farther at that point. I know, only another hour to get back home and into my own bed, but I just couldn't. Then my younger sister came down with the flu too!!! Oh yuck! So that was two of us that were heaving at my older sister's house. Not a pretty sight - or sound either. Sunday morning my hubby and daughter drove up there together to rescue us and drive us home again. My poor sis had to get on a plane to fly home again that afternoon, and I went straight to bed. Later that afternoon, my hubby came down with it too. This whole week has been spent just trying to feel normal again. Not exactly fun by any stretch of the imagination! Just a final update, my younger sister, hubby, and I are all doing better, and my older sister never did get the flu. Lucky for her!!

Ok, time to move on from that yucky story on to more pleasant topics. And what could be more pleasant than stamping? Today I have a different technique to share with you. When I saw this done, I was blown away with how cool it was. Hope you like it too! It's called embedded embossing. Here's what it looks like...

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White, with Love Patterns Designer Series Paper (on special right now!)
Ink: Real Red
Accessories: Full Heart Punch, Small Heart Punch, Bit Shot with Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Glue Stick, Sponge Dauber, and Dimensionals




Can you see how the punched DSP and cardstock pieces look embedded into the white cardstock layer? The look is as easy as 1, 2, 3 to achieve, but gives such a different look. Here's how you do it:

1. Punch whatever shapes you want to embed. Use a glue stick liberally to attach punched pieces to the white cardstock.

2. Enclose the white cardstock inside the embossing folder and run through the Big Shot.

3. Take out of folder and admire your work!!

Go on! Give it a try! It really is quite fabulous and I know you'll love it. After it's done, you can go ahead and add some sponging to the edges and put together in your card.

Well, that's it for today. Hope I'll be back to post again tomorrow. Stay warm, stay well, and find some time to relax with stamping!
Sharon

More Filled With Love

Ok, two days in a row!! I'm on a roll now, look out! I told you I'd share a card that uses each one of the components from the Filled With Love Bundle that's on sale right now until the 24th of January. And yes, I'm loving this bundle! The stamps and crisp and bright. The printed paper has great designs. And those Bitty Buttons are just the cutest little things and can be used just about anywhere.

Stamps: Filled With Love
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Wild Wasabi, and Whisper White with exclusive Love Patterns Designer Series Paper
Ink: Real Red pad, Real Red and Garden Green Markers
Accessories: Eyelet Trim Border Punch, Bitty Buttons, Linen Thread, Heart to Heart Punch, Mini Glue Dots, and Dimensionals






I haven't used that lacy eyelet border punch in awhile, so had to get it out for this one. Thought it fit the card nicely. I love how the green layer just seems to 'pop' the other colors used to make the card.
And the best part of this card? That tiny heart in the Heart to Heart Punch fits behind the heart Bitty Button just perfect!!

That's all for now. Thanks for stopping by again! Any comments you might leave are greatly appreciated. I love hearing from you!

Hugs,
Sharon

Filled with Love Bundle

Oh my! Can't believe it's been over a week since my last posting! Yikes!! So much for planning on being more regular with my posts. So sorry!! Hope the rest of the year isn't as crazy as the first 11 days of the year has been. We got together at church last week to stamp cards for the soldiers for From Our Hearts. We had a great time and finished 155 cards that evening. Then it was time to get ready for classes this week. I guess that's how I messed up on blogging this early in the year. Too many deadlines. So, that means I'd better get a move on with this blogging since you've been waiting so long. OK?

This is one of the cards my wonderful ladies are making during classes this week. It uses the stamp set and Designer Series Paper that are bundled for sale right now at SU! When you get the stamp set and paper, you get the tiny buttons free. The card I'll share with you tomorrow will be using all of those items together. Just love the stamp set and papers. It makes it so dog-gone easy to get your Valentine cards made in no time at all. Here's the first one....

Stamps: Filled with Love and Seasonal Sentiments

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Whisper White, and exclusive Love Patterns Designer Series Papers

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Full Heart Punch, Sponge quarter, Basic Rhinestones, Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

With the heart punch that fits the heart stamp in this set you can finish this card in just minutes. But I love how clean and simple the look is. Just my style! This card features 2 of the patterns of the DSP. There are 2 more prints to play with, so you can find just the right one for your design.

Anyway, that's it for tonight. Only half of the ladies came for class tonight. The weather outside is icy cold and snowing those fine little diamond snowflakes. It looks pretty, but the roads are the pits so no one wanted to come out tonight. So there's a snow-date make up class next Tuesday. Hopefully the weather will settle down for tomorrow's classes! Have a great evening. And thanks for stopping by again!

Sharon

Latte Love Remake

Last month I was working on a Valentine card for our stamping night at church. I posted the card for you here, but thought I'd do a remake on it. Sort of caseing myself I guess. I liked the layout, but wanted to punch it up a little. I had just read an article in a stamping magazine that said that gray was the new black. Soooo...... Why don't you check the two and let me know what you think. Which one do you like better? The original, more traditional colors and look, or a more updated version??

Stamps: Pun Fun

Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Basic Gray, and Very Vanilla with Lap of Luxury Designer Series Paper

Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Blushing Bride, and Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Aqua Painter, Two Step Owl Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Basic Rhinestones, Very Vanilla 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Subtles Flower Brads, Piercing Tool and Mat Pack, and Dimensionals

So what do you think of the changes? I have to admit I like them both myself and I'm having a horrible time choosing which I like better. They both have their good points. Awww shucks, guess I just can't choose! I can like both of them!!

Well, that's it for tonight. I have to get cracking on the last project for classes next week. I seem to be hung up on the last project. Nothing seems to be coming together. Who knows, after playing around with this card, maybe something might click and everything will fall into place. At least that's what I'm hoping for anyway!! When I get the class projects taken care of I'll be back to share them with you.

Take care out there! We've got a winter storm heading this way later tonight. Hope it's not too bad out there in the morning and I can get to church. Stay snug!!
Sharon