Vintage Anniversary Card

Yes, I know I've been MIA for quite awhile.  The only excuse I can give is that I'm getting too old and not everything gets done when it should.  Watching grandkids is definitely taking it's toll on various parts of my life.  But I love being with them every day and don't really want to give that up.  So.... that means other things fall by the wayside.  All I ask is that you bear with me and I'll keep trying to do my best!  That said, I've got a lovely anniversary card (could easily be for a wedding) that will knock your socks off.  Well, maybe not off, but they should at least fall down to your ankles!  Here goes....

Stamps:  Field Flowers, Hello Doily, and A Word For You

Cardstock:  Confetti Cream, Early Espresso, and Very Vanilla

Ink:  Crumb Cake and Early Espresso

Accessories:  Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon, Sponge Dauber, Paper Snips, Dimensionals, and Gold Lame' Smooch Accent(ret)

This card looks so very elegant and I can't wait to use it!  My sister and I were discussing card ideas and she was explaining something like this.  Now I'm very visual so I wasn't too sure what her card would look like.  She was planning to use Basic Black instead of Early Espresso, but I thought this was a little softer and more antique looking.  I wish I could see her card to compare ideas.  Her's are usually better as she has a great eye for color and composition.

I'm not sure if you can see the gold dots that are added to the center of the flowers.  After making the card, it just needed a little bit of bling.  I didn't think glitter would work, but then remembered the Smooch Accent Inks.  The Gold Lame' was the perfect touch to add a touch of class to the card. 

Hope you enjoyed this idea.  After seeing this card again, I wish I would have ordered more square envelopes before they retired.  Oh well, maybe I'll rework this card to be the regular A2 size.  Sure, why not!  Hopefully I'll be adding more posts soon.  Don't give up on me yet!!    Sharon

Another CASED card

I think I've mentioned the fact that I've been struggling to get some inspiration lately. That hasn't changed yet. So instead of doing nothing with my stamps, I've been doing a little CASEing with a tiny twist of my own added. Today's post is inspired by Kristen Kortonick who posted a lovely card on Stampin' Connection here (not sure if this will work!). Her card is so lovely and soft looking that I fell in love with the total look. But I didn't have enough of the DSP print that she used, so I adjusted the layering to use what I had. Also changed up the yellow used to be a softer look. Here's what I came up with...

Stamps: Fabulous Florets and Happy Greetings

Cardstock: So Saffron, Pacific Point, and Whisper White with Beyond the Garden Designer Series Paper

Ink: So Saffron and Pacific Point

Accessories: Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Subtles Mini Brads, Dimensionals, and a retired So Saffron Ribbon

Here's the inside of the card. I can't begin to tell you where the sentiment came from as it's an unmounted stamp I purchased years ago. The font and the words seemed to fit nicely with the card, so why not use it.

With the change in the color of the cardstock and ink, and DSP print, the whole card seems to have a bolder look to it. It wasn't my goal, but now that it's finished I really like how it came together. Who knows, if I keep up this CASEing and changing, maybe my mojo will creep back in with a vengeance and I'll be staying up all night stamping again!! Well, that was fun. Let's see what else I can find to stamp.....

Sharon

Happiness Shared for a Wedding

The daughter of one of our long-time friends will be getting married next weekend. I knew I'd be making a card for them, and had been thinking about it for the last week or so. Yes, just thinking, not making. I was having trouble coming up with something that I really liked. That is until I checked in at the Stamping 411 Saturday Challenge here. They have a lovely sketch this week to challenge and inspire us, and it worked. After mulling over the idea this afternoon, I sat down and made my card. Hope they like the card and know that our best wishes are with this young couple as they start out creating their life together.

When I saw this set, Happiness Shared, I knew it was one that I had to have. It's one of those lovely sets that have great line art that can either be left as is or watercolored, whichever you prefer. And for this one, I felt that color was needed. Add some ribbon and rhinestones and lots of scallops and texture and you've got something special. At least I think so!

Stamps: Happiness Shared and A Word For You

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, and Melon Mambo

Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, and Always Artichoke

Accessories: Big Shot and Textured Impressions Finial Press, Ovals Die, 2 3/8" Scalloped Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Aqua Painter, 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Basics Rhinestones, Sponge Dauber, and Dimensional

I've seen others encircle the oval diecut with scallops from a circle punch, but I had trouble getting it to fit just right. If I'd been thinking better, I'd have stuck the slight overlap under the ribbon, but that thought came when I was taking the picture. Oh well, next time. And yes, I definitely will try this sketch again. I loved having all the curved edges in different sizes and overlapping each other. Definitely a good sketch to keep on hand. Why not try out this sketch yourself? I'd love to see what you make - I'm sure it'll be beautiful!

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday. We're taking it easy and just hanging out today. Watching movies and playing with my stamps. Sort of a perfect kind of day for me. Hope yours is just as nice.

Sharon

Wedding Circles

Just in case you're wondering, and even if you don't care at all, I feel a great need to keep everyone up to date on the baby status. And no, as I sit here writing this, le grand-bebe' has not made an appearance yet. We thought that last night was going to be the arrival, but contractions stopped and baby-momma was sent back home from the hospital. Soooo... the wait continues. Ok, with that out of the way, let's get down to business!







This was my week devoted to regular stamping classes. Since I gave you a sneak peak of one of the projects already, it's time to share another one. For this card, the ladies had a choice of using either a wedding or graduation sentiment depending on what they would need. I made the class sample using a wedding sentiment. Way back at last year's convention, I received a swap similar to this idea. (Yes, I just had to make some changes!!) I thought it was very elegant and would like to give the creator credit for it, but it was unsigned. Sorry!

Stamps: Circle Circus and God Bless II (retired)
Cardstock: Elegant Eggplant and Whisper White
Ink: Elegant Eggplant
Accessories: Big Shot with Finial Press Embossing Folder, 1" Circle Punch, Modern Label Punch, White Organza Ribbon

Now don't you agree with me that it's a very classy card? And of course, you can just change up the main color of the card and ink and it will look so very different. It was seeing this card that convinced me I needed this stamp set!

Hope you enjoy this idea and put it to good use yourself. Thanks for taking time out to stop by today. And yes, we're still waiting for the arrival of the baby!!! When he's finally hear, I'll be sure to let you know! LOL As if you could stop me from shouting it from the rooftops!!

Ok, have a great day!
Sharon

Inspired Wedding Card

I was just checking out the new 'Stampin' Connection' and saw a card by Scrappywonder that just blew me away. It was so pretty and delicate looking that I had to sit down and make one right away! lol Do ideas hit you like that? This one sure did. After I finished my card, I went back to the computer to look at hers again and started laughing. Only a few of the components remained unchanged - the embossing folder, the stamp set, and the basic layout. Other than those several items, it was all different! Isn't it fun to see a wonderful idea and then make it your own? Here's my version of Scrappywonder's card...

Stamps: Vintage Vogue (new!!) and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Whisper White, Pale Plum, Plum Perfect

Ink: Pale Plum, Plum Perfect, Certainly Celery

Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Word Window and Modern Label Punches, Soft Subtle Mini Brads, White Organza Ribbon, Big Shot with the Finial Press Impressions Folder

What do you think? My ideas were the look of a wedding cake and the lace on the bride's dress. Now that it's made, I need to find somebody that's getting married so I can use it!! lol

Hope you enjoyed this look. I love getting comments, so make sure you let me know what you think. Thanks for stopping by...

Sharon

Daisy Wedding Card

Today I have a lovely card to share with you that makes your Big Shot shine! The longer I have it and use it, I can't imagine how I spent all those years stamping without it! To me, it has become a necessity! The dies are so very versatile and so easy to use. It seems like I can find a use for the Big Shot on almost every card I make!! Watch out! Hold me back! It's invading all my cards and ideas!!

I believe I saw the inspiration for this card on Andrea Walford's blog. I went looking for it again and couldn't find it right off, so don't quote me on that. The colors are soft and have an elegant look to them, so they would be perfect for a wedding card.

All stamps and materials by Stampin'Up!

Stamps: En Francais, and Short & Sweet

Cardstock: Baja Breeze (retired), Very Vanilla, So Saffron, and Old Olive

Ink: Baja Breeze (retired), So Saffron

Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Large Oval and Scallop Oval Punches, Big Shot with Flower Daisies #2 Die, and Swirly Decorative Strip Die, Round Ice Rhinestone Brads, Kiwi Kiss/Vanilla Satin Ribbon (retired), Sponge quarter, and Dimensionals

Isn't the large daisy gorgeous? I love the alternating layers of colors. Using the Bone Folder to curl each petal really makes the whole image just pop! And the swirly vines just adds so much. It's so pretty I almost hate to give this card away. No, no! I can't be selfish and keep all my favorites for myself. Just what am I going to do with them all?!? LOL

Hope you have a Big Shot too! Aren't they wonderful to work with and so versatile? If you'd like your own Big Shot, I'd be happy to help you get one. Plus I'll give you one of the Sizzlits Dies on the top of page 106 Free when you purchase your Big Shot through me. Contact me for details. Soon you'll be adding Big Shot touches to all your creations too!

Happy Stampin'

Sharon

ps - don't forget to leave me your comments. I'll be explaining later.....

Bella Bleu Wedding

We received a wedding reception invite for later on this month. The couple was married out of state where she's been living for the last couple of years. They're coming to town to visit family and friends, and there will be a fun BBQ reception for them while they're here.
I had thought about making a BBQ card into a wedding card somehow, but all my thoughts had me either groaning or giggling. So instead I made just a regular old wedding card so I wouldn't offend anyone or otherwise cause a fuss. I had thoughts of two little piggies with BBQ aprons and one with a wedding veil and.... Oh well, you just have to take my word for it! It probably wouldn't be the best idea I've ever had! LOL


So this is the "normal" card I ended up with. Nothing spectacular, but then again, nothing to get me thrown out either!

All stamps and materials by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise stated.

Stamps: Fun & Fast Notes
Cardstock: Very Vanilla and Not Quite Navy cardstock and Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper
Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Not Quite Navy, Silver Encore Ink Pads
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, AquaPainter, Sponge Quarter, Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Latte' Buttons, Ice Round Rhinestone Brad, Dimensionals, and a Sakura Gelly Roll Pen in a champagne color


I wanted to at least keep the card from being too frilly and girly, which I think I managed quite well. The gelly roll pen was used on the flowers and scallops of icing on the cakes. It just didn't want to show up too well in any of the pictures. The cake stands were watercolored with the Silver Encore ink for just a smidgeon of shine.

Ok, now that the card is made, it's time to go shopping to find the perfect gift. I wonder if they like to grill outside? I could always get them all the tools and goodies needed to be the BBQ King of the Neighborhood! I think I really need to get off this BBQ kick and get back to reality. Maybe we should just plan on grilling tonight. That would satisfy this crazy bbq yearning I'm dealing with. Yeah, that's the ticket!

Have a lovely weekend!

Sharon

Terrific Tuesday

It might be raining elsewhere, and according to the Weather Channel it sure is! But it's simply, absolutely gorgeous here. I just love these beautiful days! I can't get enough of them. So I needed to do some happy stamping. For that, the set I chose is a new Hostess Set called Kind and Caring Thoughts. What lovely images and the sentiments work with them so nicely. This is definitely a must-have set as far as I'm concerned. So if you want this set, schedule your workshop eith me now so you can earn this set free and get a new catalog too! You'll love it.

Isn't it pretty? Simple, yet elegant. Just right for the birthday of a special friend or maybe even a summer wedding. I used markers to ink up the mums and the little bud border. This way you can get any color you want right where you want it!

All stamps and materials by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Kind & Caring Thoughts

Cardstock: Pretty In Pink, Regal Rose, Mellow Moss, and Whisper White

Ink: Rose Red pad and Regal Rose, Rose Red, and Mellow Moss Markers

Accessories: Striped Organza Ribbon, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Soft Subtles Mini Brads, and Dimensionals

The mum was inked with Regal Rose and then touched on the edges with Rose Red in a modified 'Rock & Roll' technique. I just love the addition of the ribbon - it looks like a dollop of icing on the card. Yummy!

If I get a chance, I'll be back later with another post. Gotta run for now. Seems like there's always errands to take care of. Oh well, have a fun day! And Stamp!!

Sharon

Stamping Afternoon

Hello, hello. Hope you're having a nice afternoon. I really didn't want to go out today, but there were errands to run. You know how that goes. If you want to eat, you really need to get groceries every once in awhile.

So now that the neccessities have been taken care of, on to the fun part of my day. I really loved this Green Tea DSP from the previous SU! Catalog and have an amount left. (You notice I'm not saying how much is left.) Anyway, I needed a couple of cards, so I thought I'd get it out and use a little bit of it. Sometimes I feel the need for hoarding papers because I know I can't get them anymore. Wah!

All materials used are by SU!

Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks and Really Retro

CS: Baja Breeze, Old Olive, and Whisper White

Ink: Baja Breeze pad and Not Quite Navy and Old Olive markers

Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch, Rectangle Punch, Word Window Punch, Old Olive Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, and Dimensionals

Have you used the 'Thumping Technique' yet? I really like the different effect it gives to solid stamps. First you ink with the lightest color, then use a darker marker(s) to lightly tap on the image to get a variation of colors. Next, huff on the stamp. The moist air you expel reactivates any ink that has dried in the process and gives you lovely results. You really should play with this technique again. It's fun and gives the image a fabulous new look.

The next card also used the Green Tea DSP, but a different print. I wanted a simple, elegant look for a wedding card and this monochromatic card seemed to fit the bill.

All materials by SU! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Fun & Fast Notes (love this set!!)

CS: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery

Accessories: Aqua Painter, Crafters Tool Kit, Narrow Organdy Ribbon(retired), Dimensionals, and a White Shimmer Gelly Roll pen by Sakura.

I like how the piercing on both the Green Tea paper and the Not Quite Navy cardstock really dresses up the card. But it still looked like it was missing something. As I was rooting around through all my goodies, I found the Shimmer Gelly Roll pen.

I'd pretty much forgotten it was even there. But as you can see from the 2nd pic, it was just the subtle touch of bling I wanted to add. IRL it is just the softest touch of glimmer.

Now wouldn't you want to get these cards in the mail? I hope you enjoyed them and they spark an awesome creative idea for you!

Have a great day and happy stamping...

Sharon