Motorcycle Mania

Who would have guessed that a card featuring motorcycles would be a hit at my classes? There were a couple of ladies that I knew would be happy with my choice of topic, but I wasn't too sure of the rest! I'd been putting off making a card with a masculine theme, but it was time to face the challenge. My sister, Connie, came to the rescue by loaning me a couple of her stamps that fit the bill. I finally got around to using the motorcycle stamp (unfortunately it's already retired!)for the card, and it got rave reviews. Here's what the ladies made in class with it...

Stamps: Motorcycle (ret), Happiest Birthday Wishes, It's Your Birthday (ret), and Making Tracks Wheel (ret)
Cardstock: Naturals White, Basic Gray, and Real Red
Ink: Basic Black and Real Red
Accessories: Handle, Neutrals (black) Brads, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, AquaPainter, Cutter Kit, and Dimensionals

Isn't this fun? The ladies weren't sure about wheeling on the tire tracks, but once they got started, they were on a roll! grin There were tire tracks inside the card, the front of the envelope and the back too. One lady actually put the tracks all over the front and back of the card base! She was definitely 'making tracks'!

I loved the idea of using the Cutter Kit to distress the edges of cardstock too. It just makes it look more 'manly' with the roughed up cardstock, don't you think? And the bits of red makes it go from dull to 'zing'!


Thank you, Connie, for sending me this stamp to play with. It's wasn't the one that I had originally planned to use for class, but it worked out just perfectly. If you need the stamp back anytime soon, let me know. Otherwise I might be using this again a few more times. (And I haven't even gotten to the other stamps you sent me yet! Time to get stamping!)

Thanks for stopping by today for the latest card installment. Sorry so much of it is retired, but it was fun playing with some oldies. Now I wish I had ordered this stamp. Oh well, no matter how much I'd like to have it all, I just can't!! Thanks for sharing any comments you might have. I'd love to hear from you. Sharon

Happy Birthday Carson!

Yesterday was the big day for our grandson, Carson. He had his very first birthday! Hooray!! I had to make a special card for him of course. So far he isn't partial to any kind of toy, except maybe anything that really isn't a toy. Like cell phones, remote controls, boxes, ice cube trays, plastic bowls, and wooden spoons. Yep, that pretty much covers it, so it was hard to make a card that fit his likes. That left it wide open for my imagination. I love the little Choo Choo set and use it often, so that's what I grabbed to work with for his card. BTW - just a little warning that this is a loooong post with pics of Carson at the end, if you're interested in seeing the 'light of my life'! Ok, back to the birthday card....

Stamps: Choo Choo, All in the Family, God's Blessings, Right on Track Wheel, and (retired alphabet set and unknown sun)

Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Garden Green, and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Real Red, Bashful Blue, Daffodil Delight, and (Crushed Curry & Blush Blossom retired) Pads, and Garden Green Marker

Accessories: Wheel Handle, Sponge Dauber, Aqua Painter, Paper Snips, and Dimensionals

This was so fun choosing the different elements and then putting together. It seemed as soon as I decided on one color or stamp set, several other ideas popped into mind and the card just kept getting better and better. At first I had planned on using the tiny man from the Loads of Love Accessories set, but I wasn't happy with that and cut him right out of the window! Then I had the idea of a child's face sticking out of the window instead. It's way too big for the train, but I think that's why I like it so much!!

Here's Carson with his balloon and see the ice cube trays - I really wasn't kidding about that!! Honest! The balloon was a little tricky for him. He'd never dealt with one before and he just wasn't sure about it at all! He'd grab for it and then try to get rid of it! Just too funny to watch!

Thought you might enjoy a before and after the cupcake picture. He'd just finished dinner and was still nice and clean. But just wait...

Once he figured out you could actually eat the cake and not just squish through in your fingers, he was one happy little boy!

There was cake and frosting in his hair and everywhere else! Guess where he ended up next? If you guessed the bathtub, you're right. Funny thing was his hands still smelled like cake and frosting when he was all cleaned up. That just proves he's one 'sweet' little boy!!

All in all it was a very messy but fun experience and one that I'll treasure for a long time to come. Hope you enjoyed it a little too. Thanks for stopping by for the latest update. Your comments are always appreciated!

Sharon

More Chocolate

I used the Eat Chocolate set again. This time I wanted to make a box to hold chocolates to give to a friend. I used the Matchbox Die to cut the box out, and that makes it so quick to get these boxes together. Here's what I used to make these boxes....


Stamps: Eat Chocolate, and Daisy Dash Jumbo Wheel
Cardstock: Regal Rose, Early Espresso, and Very Vanilla
Ink: Early Espresso and Regal Rose
Accessories: Decorative Label Punch, Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Jumbo Handle, Big Shot and Matchbox Die XL, and Dimensionals







I was pleasantly surprised that 4 Nuggets fit inside nicely. Thought only 3 would fit in there. Of course, if you use the Dark Chocolate nuggets, 4 of them can't fit. They must be just a tad bigger, because no matter which way I tried, 4 just didn't fit. So that means I get to keep all the dark chocolate nuggets for ME! woo hoo!

Oh, ummm, sorry. Ah yeah, I was making these to share with my friends, wasn't I. Maybe I'll have to figure out another way to use these dark chocolates to share with others instead of keeping them all for myself. Guess I'll have to work on that later.....

Have a great week ahead. And get those stamps out and play!
Sharon

Tiny Gift Bags

It's been said that good things come in small packages, and I've got just the right sized package for some wonderful gift. One of the first things I learned to make when I became a SU! demonstrator fourteen years ago was a bag-a-lope. I was totally blown away that you could make a gift bag from a 10x13 envelope. How cool was that?! Fast-forward a bunch of years, and I'm making a little tiny version with a handle. And I still think they're cool!!

Stamps: A Cute Christmas stamp set and Christmas Chatter Jumbo Wheel

Cardstock: White Medium Envelope, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, and Whisper White cardstock with Jolly Holiday Designer Paper

Ink: Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, and Basic Gray pads with Always Artichoke Marker

Accessories: Aqua Painter, Jumbo Handle, Old Olive 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1/8" Hole Punch, Tag Punch, White Gel Pen

Sure seems like a lot of materials to make a tiny gift bag, but it's well worth it. And while you've got everything out to make one, why not make several more? This little bag is perfect for a gift card, or why not tuck in one of our Simply Adorned Charms and Chain for a truly Stampin' Up! Christmas gift?

Since we don't have any Always Artichoke ribbon of this style, you can just make your own. I ran a line of Always Artichoke ink with a marker right over the center portion of the taffeta ribbon. So easy and you've got whatever color you need.

If you haven't made one of these little bags yet, it's very simple. Start with an envelope, seal it well - it helps to use SNAIL adhesive along the edges of the flap. Wheel or stamp your background design. Score along both sides and the bottom at 3/4". Punch down along one side edge with the Tag Punch in as far as you can. Slide it out partially to take out the rest of that side. Do this again on the other side so you've created the handle. Fold and crease the score lines with a bone folder. Then it's time to manipulate the sides and bottom to make it look like a paper grocery bag. Add any embellishments you like and you're almost done.

The last touch is the crinkle shreds for the bag. Can you believe it's just the kraft packing paper from your SU! order boxes? I folded several layers of paper and cut skinny strips. Then I crumpled them up in my hands really tight. Shake them loose a bit and stuff your bag. Fun!!

Hope you give this idea a try. You never know when you're going to need one of those tiny little gift bags for something special! Thanks for stopping by today.

Sharon

Batty Halloween Card

It's still a little early in the season, but I've been doing lots of thinking about Halloween ideas. I'm not a huge Halloween fan, but like I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm a sucker for cute. Now this one isn't really cutesie, but I do think it falls on the cuter end of the Halloween "ghoulish meter". Wonder if there really is something like that??! Anyway, it was fun to make and that's what counts, right? BTW - Connie, this one's for you!


Stamps: All Holidays set, and Frightful Fence Jumbo Wheel
Cardstock: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, and Basic Black
Ink: Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, and Old Olive
Accessories: Jumbo Handle, Modern Label Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Round Tab Punch, Sponge quarters, Brights Brads, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, and Dimensionals

I didn't pre-order the new Bat Punch, so I made do with bats made from repeatedly punching the side of the Round Tab Punch. I love the look of these. They have this slightly sinister look, but totally harmless. Just the way I like my Halloween!

For the grasses on the bottom, I used the direct-to-paper technique with Old Olive ink. If you're not a fan of that technique, I think using a marker and just drawing in the grasses would work just as well. Without anything on the bottom it looked a little bare. I was lucky enough to get the spider web from the wheel onto the card front this time. Half the time it didn't make it, but this time it worked. Guess I've got to practice where to start my wheel on the paper better.

When I was working on the moon, I wanted to have it look rounded but then almost blending into the background. To accomplish that I sponged the circle with a good amount of Daffodil Delight ink about 1/2" in on all the edges, then went back with Peach Parfait and added a little more sponging on the edge. This starts to blend the edge into the Pumpkin Pie background, but still keeps it separate.

Anyway, hope you have fun with the idea. This was one of the cards in my Punchy Class today. If you're in the Detroit area and are looking for a fun class, come join us! We're always looking for people who like to have fun and love chocolate. Well, I guess the chocolate part is optional, but expect to meet some great ladies and have a good time. Just contact me and I'll get you the information for upcoming classes.

Have a great week!
Sharon

Fang-tastic!

Yup, I had decided not to get another Halloween set because every time I do it's retired right away. How frustrating! But I just couldn't help myself when I saw what Stampin' Up! was offering in the new Holiday Mini coming out in September. Oooooh, it's just too cute and I love cute Halloween stuff. You can skip the ghoulish and gory as far as I'm concerned. Just give me the cute little kids in their Halloween costumes, and I'm an absolute pushover! So when I had a chance to pre-order from the new mini and get some samples made, well, along came the guy in the brown truck with a box for me with Fang-tastic sitting right on top!!

I was even crazy enough to sign up for a swap using this set, so I had to get creating with it. Now I can't show you the cards I made for the swap just yet. (don't worry, I did remember to take a picture before sending them off, but I have to wait a bit to share!) But that wasn't the only card I made with the set. Here's a different idea using the cute little dracula kid.

Stamps: Fang-tastic stamps, Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel

Cardstock: Basic Gray, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, and Whisper White

Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: AquaPainter, Watercolor Wonder Crayons - Neutrals, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch (for the teeth marks), Distressing Tool, Jumbo Handle, Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, and Dimensionals

Now, wasn't I right? Isn't this just the cutest little kid dressed up like dracula? It was so easy to color him with the Neutral WWCrayons. All except for his vest - I had to use my Razzleberry ink pad for that.

How do you like the Vintage wheel design on the background? I had someone mess up their cardstock at class last week using the wheel in the wrong direction. So, since the inked, gray cardstock was just sitting there, I figured I might as well use it for something. Right?

Well, hope you like this idea using the very new

Fang-tastic set. Maybe I need to make another card or two with the set before it finds a home on my shelves. That cute little girl-witch is calling out to me! We'll see.....

Happy stamping,

Sharon

Love those Builder Wheels!

Ok, when you look at my sample card, you're going to know that I am a really big color wimp! What is that you ask? Well, when you have a fear of deciding what colors will work in the 3-Cell Cartridge, and can't make up your mind which color combo you might want to use in the future, and you 'just can't decide!!', then you know you're an official color wimp. I'm not sure if that's the medical term or not (maybe just technical), but it sure fits the bill for me! lol It took me three days to decide which colors to put into the 3-Cell Cartridge! I had the card idea in my head, but couldn't decide on colors. I mean, this was an earth-shattering decision to make. Once I put the refill to the cell pad, there would be no going back! Well, maybe I could rinse it all out if I really hated the look. But anyway, it was a tough choice, so I chickened out and used colors that I knew would work well together - So Saffron, Wild Wasabi, and Baja Breeze. And after all that debating with myself, I didn't even use the middle color of the cell!!! Oh well, I am happy with my card, even though it was a hard decision to make. Hope you like it too! Oh, btw, now that I've worked with the Builder Wheels, I've gone and ordered another 3-Cell Cartridge. Any ideas for color combos for the next one????? You know I need all the help I can get!

Stamps: So Many Stars and Candle Crazy Builder Wheels, Heard from the Heart, andCute by the Inch (level 2 Hostess set - love it!!)
Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, and Whisper White
Ink: Wild Wasabi and Baja Breeze pads, So Saffron and Baja Breeze refills
Accessories: Jumbo Handle, Wheel Guide, Builder Wheel Spindle and Spacers, Scallop Square Punch, and Dimensionals

It had been awhile since I'd used my Wheel Guide and I totally forgot how easy it is to use and how nice and straight it keeps my wheeled images! Wow! I used this for a make & take at a workshop. Usually this group really complains when I want them to use a wheel on anything they make. It was quite funny how everyone thought it did wonders for them and no one was grumbling about using wheels on their card. They even wanted to use it on their envelopes and got quite creative. Guess I need to remember to show some basics when I do workshops with some of my friends that have been my customers from the very beginning (almost 13 years!!). If I forget about some ideas, techniques, or tools, it stands to reason that they might forget about them too! Ah, always a good lesson to learn.

Have a good one...
Sharon

Black Magic

No, not the spooky kind that's all the rage right now. This is the fun kind that you do with stamps, white ink, and colored pencils. I've been wanting to try this ever since I first saw it. But life sort of gets in the way and the idea got relegated to the back burner and semi-forgotten. It was a pleasant surprise when Michelle Glennie had this idea for our shoebox swap on Saturday. Yippee - I was finally going to give this idea a try!

It was fun seeing everyone's cards when we were done because we each had used a different combination of colored pencils for our flowers, so each one was lovely, but also different! Now that's right up my alley - the same but different!! lol

Stamps: Greenhouse Garden, and Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel

Cardstock: Basic Gray, Basic Black, and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Gray (for wheel) and White Craft pad, Basic Black marker

Accessories: Heat Tool, Assorted Colored Pencils, White Gel Pen, and White Taffeta Ribbon

I love how she designed the card with the Very Vintage wheel as a counterpoint to the very bold flowers. Very interesting! And don't those flowers just pop! off the paper? So easy but very dramatic, dahling! It was fun blending the different colors of pencil on the white ink to get the color you want. And the wow factor when you overstamp your colored flower with the white-inked detail stamp is just tooooo coooool! Great job in coming up with this design Michelle. I definitely enjoyed making this card!

And speaking of enjoying, her hubby made some cute, little quiches for us. They were yummy and he's a real sweetie for doing that for us!!! Don't you just love guys that cook?

Ok, on with the day. Hope you find time to enjoy the day and get out those stamps - they need a little lovin' today!

Hugs,

Sharon

Patriotic Challenge

First of all, I just have to share some really great news with you. I love doing the challenges on Stamping 411 blog. These ladies always have a great sketch for everyone to use, and last week was no different. The great part is, the 411 Operators chose my card as one of their week's pick here. My card is the first one shown. You can check further into my blog for the particulars of the card. Thanks ladies, you really made my day today!!!

Now, let's get going on this week's sketch challenge. You can see it here. Since today is Memorial Day, I thought it appropriate to make a card that will be sent on to thank our soldiers.
It will be added to cards being sent to our troops through the From Our Hearts organization. In fact, the ladies from church will be meeting with me to make more cards for them tomorrow evening. So here is my thanks to the troops:


Stamps: Red, White & Blue Jumbo Wheel
Cardstock: Real Red, Night of Navy, and Whisper White
Ink: Night of Navy and Real Red
Accessories: Jumbo Handle, Paper Corrugator, Star and Large Star Punches, Real Red Gingham Ribbon, and Dimensionals













Hope the service men and women that receive this card like it and really understand how much we appreciate their sacrifice and service. I am in awe of each of the men and women in our military that give up time with their families, put their lives on hold, and sometimes make the ultimate sacrifice of laying down their lives for their country. God bless our service men and women, and God bless America!!


Hope you have thanked a soldier recently. If not, look around, thank God for your liberty, and then thank a veteran! Have a wonderful week.
Sharon

Cupcake Birthday

Happy Tuesday to you! It's turning out to be one of those snowy days here. There were big fluffy flakes coming down this morning that added up to about 2" or so around here. I was out shoveling before my punch class ladies came at noon. Imagine my surprise when they all left and the driveway was almost dry! That'll make it much better for the ladies coming tonight so they won't have to deal with any icy patches.

Today I have a really quick card for a friend's birthday. It is sized a little differently so it fits into our Open End Envelopes instead of the regular A2 size. Just a small difference, but I think making a card this size nicely shows off the wheel used for the background.

Stamps: Friendly Words Jumbo Wheel

Cardstock: Confetti White, Pretty in Pink, Real Red, and Close to Cocoa

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose

Accessories: Big Shot with Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits Dies, Jumbo Handle, AquaPainter, Crimper, Heart to Heart Punch, and Dimensionals

Like I said, this is one fast card to make, but it still looks cute. Adding just a bit of ink to swirl up the frosting makes it look almost good enough to eat! Using the crimper on the cupcake bottom really gives the look of the cupcake liners and hardly takes any added time at all. All in all, I think this is one yummy card. Now if I only had me a cupcake to eat for real.....

Enjoy the day and find time for your stamping fix today!

Sharon

Spring Fling

I'm lovin' these bright, wintery days we're having and making the most of them. And I'm also lovin' all the new Occasions and Sale-A-Bration stamps and accessories!! Woo Hoo! Stampin'Up! really outdid themselves coming up these new products. When I planned this card for class, I didn't think the new Beautiful Wings Embosslit would be here in time. The card looked a bit plain to me, but couldn't be helped. Lo and behold, my order came on Monday afternoon, so I promptly added a couple of embossed butterflies to the card. Oh, so much better! I couldn't believe how quick and easy it is to emboss and cut out those darling little butterflies all at once! It works just like magic!! Anything that enhances your paper-crafting experience is a good thing as far as I'm concerned. Here's what you need to make one of your own...

Stamps: Well Scripted (new!), and Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel (new!)

Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Apricot Appeal, and Whisper White cardstock with Bashful Blue Patterns Designer Paper 3 (Hostess Level 1)

Ink: Certainly Celery

Accessories: Big Shot with Beautiful Butterflies Embosslit, Jumbo Handle, Scallop Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Butterfly Punch, Buttons Latte', Soft Subtle Mini Brads, Bashful Blue Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Sponge Dauber, Distressing Tool, Mini Glue Dots, and Dimensionals

Isn't this a fun, little card with a real feel of spring. (for those of us that are having trouble waiting for spring!) I love all the extra texture that's added with the little embossed butterflies. Can you tell I'm just in love with this new product? lol

Just a little note for bookkeeping purposes. For those of you who placed an order through me in December and are wondering who won the drawing for that month, well wait no more. Roni picked a name for the drawing and the winner is Lynda Jones! Congratulations, Lynda!! Your sister will be bringing the stamp set to you! (missed you at class - hope you're feeling better!)

I'll be having a drawing again after the end of January. If you want to be part of the drawing, just place an order with me during the month of January either on line or give me a call. This is my way of thanking you, my wonderful customers and friends.

Enjoy the day and make sure you find time to stamp!

Sharon

Your assignment, if you choose to take it...

That's right. I'm having one of my 'Mission Impossible' moments here. I NEED HELP! Oh, sorry for screaming in your ears, but I really wanted to get your attention. Remember I had mentioned earlier that my friend (enabler) Janine had brought over some new stamps to play with the other day? Yes, well.... I'm stuck. I have a card all done, except.... Except, I don't know What! That's the problem. And this is where you come in.

This is your assignment if you choose to accept it. Give me some ideas about what could go on the bottom of the card. See, it's really boring along that fence. It needs something. But what, I ask. I keep seeing a big black cat punched out and sitting there. Only I don't have a punch, and

I don't even have a cat stamp that I could cut out after stamping. What to do?? Any and all suggestions will be thoroughly explored. Afterwards, I will adjust the card and repost the finished idea. OK? Let's start the ideas rolling...

All stamps and materials by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Twick or Tweet and Frightful Fence Jumbo Wheel

Cardstock: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Rich Razzleberry, and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Gable Green, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: Jumbo Handle, Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Black Gingham Ribbon, Sponge quarters, and Dimensionals

Alrighty now, any ideas? Will this be another card that hits the scrap heap because it just isn't quite good enough? Please save this card! Your suggestions are needed!

Thanks,

Sharon