Peaceful Hostess Set

Oh, I just have to tell you, I am sooooo excited!! There's only a few more days to wait before you can order out of the new Holiday Mini Catalog! I'm excited because I'm dying to get my hot little hands on a new hostess set!! This set is called Peaceful Season and I'm lovin' it! The font is so elegant and Victorian and the images of the holly and dove are going to be great to stamp. Over a week ago my downline got together for a meeting to discuss all that went on at convention, and of course we stamped!! lol Jan Tink brought the idea for the card that we were priviledged to make. Jan always has fabulous card ideas, and this one was just as wonderful as expected. I can't wait to get my own set so I can make more of these cards!


Stamps: Peaceful Season
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Always Artichoke, and Very Vanilla with new Deck The Halls Designer Series Paper
Ink: Early Espresso pad and Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, and Early Espresso Markers
Accessories: Gold Brads, Early Espresso 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Ticket Corner Punch, Sponge Daubers, Cutter Kit, Gold Lame' Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink, and Dimensionals






I had to take some extra pictures to show you how gorgeous this whole card looks. All of the elements work together so nicely to give such a look of elegance. (can you tell I love this???)

The new Deck The Halls DSP is fabulous in and of itself. The colors and prints, just yummy! But when you add these images - oh my! I like how the holly isn't a totally solid image so it looks softer. That makes it easier to overlay the sentiment onto it without the fine lines of the sentiment getting lost.





This was the first time I had used the new Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink. Nice stuff! The applicator is similar to a marker tip and fairly easy to use. I have to admit I should have had my glasses on to see what I was doing a little better. The little dots on the berries were fine, but the first accent to the G was a bit heavier than I would have liked. The 2nd stroke was just what I wanted. So let me say, a little practice is always a good thing!!

All in all, Jan you came up with a gorgeous card and I can't wait to make more of these. And then I'll have to do a little creating myself to see what else can be done with this lovely Hostess set. Now I'm off to see about getting some orders so that I can earn this set FREE!! Yippee!
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

Witchy Girl

Have I mentioned lately how much I like SU!'s cute little kids? They have some of the cutest ones available, and I'm such a sucker for them! Today I have another sneak peak of a set coming out in the new Holiday Mini Catalog. (If you don't have one yet, I'd be happy to mail one out to you - just contact me about it!!) Anyway, the cute little witch in the Fang-tastic set is my muse for today. She might be a witch, but she looks pretty darn cute and not scary at all.


Stamps: Fang-tastic
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, and Very Vanilla
Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Not Quite Navy, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, and Blushing Bride
Accessories: Neutrals Watercolor Wonder Crayons, AquaPainter, Sponge quarters, Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Champagne Shimmer Paint, Large and Small Oval Punches, Paper Snips, and Dimensionals





Thank heavens for those Paper Snips. It's the only way to cut out all those little pieces, especially that little girl. Her arms and legs are so skinny and then there's her hair and her broom. Whew. I think I need glasses that are a bit stronger to see that little detailed stuff now that I'm getting a little bit older. Notice I didn't actually say I was old, just getter older. There's a big difference there that I want to make very clear!!

Anyway, back to the card! The background was sponged on, just using different styles for the sky and grass. The grass was just sponging in from the edge, but the sky was lightly sponged all over and then layers of darkness built up. Still sponging lightly, just more layers.

Just a little side note here. When I heard SU! was taking away Blush Blossom and giving us Blushing Bride instead, I was really unhappy. But now that I've been using the Blushing Bride color for all skin tones instead, I'm so very happy with the new color! It works out just great. For my little girl, I used the Blushing Bride ink for both her skintone and the blush! It's really a great color and I have to say "kudos" to SU! for this new color.

I wish the picture showed the smidgeon of Shimmer Paint on the buckle of her hat. IRL it adds just a cute touch of glimmer. Hmmm... maybe I just might go back and add a touch to those stars on her little dress. That might be nice.

Hope you like my little witchy girl today and maybe get your Halloween stamps out to play. You know, time's running out to get these made and in the mail on time. Thanks for stopping by. Please leave your comments on my little witch - they are very appreciated.
Sharon

Another Butterfly Redo

Hey peeps! Hope you're having a terrific week! The weather has been a bit cooler and more comfortable this week. (great sleeping weather!!) It's been wonderful having the windows open and feeling the fresh air flowing through the house again. Yesterday I shared a CASEd card of a butterfly that my Hostess Club wanted to make. Since we were doing butterflies, I just stuck with the theme and CASEd a card from the Summer Mini that's only going to be around another few days. It's a simple card with nice clean lines. Of course, I did my usual changes to fit what I wanted to use that evening. And here's what I did..... (You can look for the original on page 19 of the mini.)

Stamps: Elements of Style, Tea House background, and Extreme Elements

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, and More Mustard

Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, and VersaMark Pads, Poppy Parade and Old Olive Markers

Accessories: Vanilla and Gold Glow Smooch Spritz, Big Shot with Beautiful Butterflies Die, Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, and Square Fire Rhinestone Brads

Have you checked the original card yet? One of the biggest changes I made was using the Tea House background stamp on the main card. I love how this gives a subtle difference to the background instead of the plain background on the original. Isn't this a lovely vintage looking stamp? It's turning into one of my favorites! I chose that stamp to coordinate with the swirls on the butterfly and More Mustard layer too.

The next change was not using Crystal Effects on the butterfly. With the number of ladies making the card, I was worried that the Crystal Effects would get smudged on the butterflies before they dried enough to put on the cards. There's no reason to set the stage for failure, so I changed it to the two spritzes instead. With the heavier spraying, we still got a little of the marker colors bleeding that we tried to match on the original card. Plus we got a lovely shimmery sheen on the butterflies. How pretty!

Well, that's it for today. Short and sweet without too much rambling on for you. Hope I can get back to the stamp cave and get a few more ideas to share with you tomorrow. Have a great day!

Sharon

Butterfly Redo

Have you ever looked in the catalog and been inspired? I know, every single time I look at it I find something new that inspires me!! But unfortunately, I don't own everything in the catalog (yet), so I can't always copy the idea exactly. This week I was stuck on butterfly ideas. My Hostess Club was last night and they had asked to make the butterfly card on page 101. That's always an interesting plan, but it usually turns out somewhat different than the original no matter how hard I try. Here's the card the ladies made last night. I'll fill you in on the changes.

Stamps: Dreams Du Jour

Cardstock: Soft Suede, Melon Mambo, Not Quite Navy, and Naturals Ivory with Neutrals Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack and Newsprint DSP

Ink: Soft Suede, Bashful Blue, Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi Classic Pads, and Basic Black Craft Pad

Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Vanilla Smooch Spritz, Curly Label Punch, Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Aqua Painter, and Dimensionals

Have you opened your catty yet to check what the original looks like? Hmm? Okay there are two major changes. For the striped bottom portion of the card, I used the new Neutrals DSP and the original used Naturals Ivory cardstock and the Solid Stripes stamp. I thought the printed paper layer would be so much quicker to do and easier also. Especially when you have half a dozen ladies all using the same stamps!

The other major change is the Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon instead of the lovely Chantilly Crochet Trim. Mine isn't here yet (like I said - I don't have everything yet), so we had to improvise a bit. I really think the crochet trim would be nicer on the card, but when in need - improvise!

Tomorrow I'll share with you the other butterfly card we copied and made, but with a few changes to that one also. See, I really can't help myself! I just have to make changes - even to the fabulously creative ideas that Stampin' Up! gives us in our catalog! It's a disease I tell ya, all this need to put my own stamp on things! he he he (oh what a bad pun that was!!)

On that note, I'll be leaving you for today. Be back tomorrow for the continuing saga of the Butterfly Redo.....

Sharon

Thoughtful 411 Challenge

Hey people! How is everyone this fine rainy Saturday? I've been busy today trying to get caught up on things around the house and then hit the 'stamp cave' for some S & M - that's Stamping and Musing you know!! First up was a visit to the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge here. They always have a great idea to start the creative process, and today was no different. Whenever they have a large circle as a component of the sketch, I usually get intimidated. I never seem to know what to do with those pesky circles. Hopefully I've managed to work that circle into my layout today. I think I'm happy with the finished card at any rate. Hope you like it too.
Stamps: Word Play
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, and Certainly Celery
Ink: Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, and Early Espreso
Accessories: Big Shot with Petals Aplenty Embossing Folder, Scallop Circles 2 Die, and the new Tasteful Trim Die, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Pearls Jewels, and Sponge Daubers







One of my very favorite accessories are the self-adhesive pearls (and the rhinestones too!). I loooove the tiny ones especially, and they are soooo easy to use!! I can see I'll be needing to order more soon 'cuz I've just been sticking those little darlin's everywhere! Aren't they just the cutest?

Actually there are alot of things I like about this card, and all the textures and curves are right there at the top. I added sponging on the embossed flowers to make them stand out. And I kept using the curvy punches and dies to accentuate the circle image on the sketch. Hope I didn't overdo it!

Anyway, hope you're inspired by the sketch too and give it a try. It's always fun to play along with the ladies at Stamping 411. There's always a great sketch to try and a chance to be inspired. Enjoy your weekend and make sure you find time for stamping along the way.
Sharon

Cute Hoot Owls

When perusing different blogs a week or two ago on one of those rare days when there were absolutely no commitments staring me in the face, there was this funny card with owls looking at each other with those cute big eyes of theirs. I just had to make one similar cuz it made me smile just to look at it. Aren't they just a hoot??! (sorry, I couldn't help myself!) Anyway, I can't believe how easy it is to make owls using the new 2-Step Owl Punch we have! You can make a whole barnful of owls in just minutes. It doesn't get too much more fun than that!

Stamps: Woodgrain and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Garden Green, Whisper White, and Basic Black and 2 retired DSP's

Ink: Soft Suede

Accessories: 2-Step Owl, 1 3/8" Circle, Word Window, and Pretty in Pink Grosgrain Ribbon

It didn't take too many supplies to make these little guys - just scraps of different colors and some retired Patterns DSP to match the cardstock. What did take the longest was punching out all those little pieces in the different colors I wanted. Especially those teensy black eyes cuz I needed extra for the little buttons on his vest. Isn't that just the cutest?

All right, I think I've exceeded the cute-o-meter today and it's time to move on. Hope you enjoyed these little guys (oops, sorry, one is a girl you know!) and give them a try soon. If you don't have your owl punch yet, just hop on over to my website and you can place your order online. Easy peasy and quick as a wink. And don't forget the Woodgrain background stamp so you can make this card too! Thanks for stopping by. All comments are appreciated!!

Sharon