Punched Pumpkin Card

Every year I try to make at least one fall card with multiple leaves swirling around just like they are outside my window.  This year is no exception, and this is one of the cards I've made.  We got some pumpkins from the pumpkin patch and they looked so nice on the front porch.  Then came the attack of the hungry squirrels!  Oh my, what a mess!  Maybe I should make a card that's half eaten like the real pumpkins on my porch - NOT. 

Stamps:  Fall Fest, Good Greetings
Ink:  Mossy Meadow, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze
Paper:  Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White with Color Me Autumn DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot with Fun Fall Framelits, Decorative Dots TIEF, Extra Large Oval Punch, Mossy Meadow Stitched Ribbon, Sponge quarter, and Dimensionals

This is an easy card to make because of the stamp set and Framelits that coordinate so you don't have to hand-cut all the fun leaves.  That makes it so easy to have those leaves swirling about in the wind.

For this card I punched three ovals, embossed them, sponged them, then made them into a pumpkin.  Just love these types of pumpkins!  So fun and simple.  The stem on this pumpkin isn't a bit of cardstock like I normally would use.  Instead it's a short length of ribbon knotted and tucked under the pumpkin.  Easy peasy with a little added interest.

The sentiment is from the Good Greetings set that Hostesses can earn free with a $300 party.  This is above and beyond the regular benefits.  But there's a catch - the offer is good only until the end of October.  Let me know if I can help you plan a quick party, even a book party, so you can take advantage of this offer!

Thanks for stopping by today.  Hope you liked this clean and simple card idea.   Sharon

Hot Cider

One of the things I love about autumn is getting out to a cider mill and getting some fresh cider and a hot donut.  Didn't have a donut stamp, so today we have to just settle for the hot cider instead.  Such a hardship! lol  This card is my first attempt at using 2 new stamp sets.  At least they're new to me.  I thought the 'Perfect Blend' would be right up my alley because I love my coffees and Chai teas.  But since it is this time of year, we're changing things up a bit and going with hot cider.

Stamps:  Perfect Blend, Teeny Tiny Wishes, and Designer Typeset Photopolymer Stamp
Ink:  Soft Suede
Paper:  Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie, Crumb Cake, and Very Vanilla cardstock, Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper
Accessories:   Big Shot with Houndstooth TIEF, Large Oval Punch, Modern Label Punch, Brights Candy Dots, Sponge quarter, and Dimensionals

I chose my colors to go with the season.  All the warm Pumpkin Pie and Soft Suede are perfect at this time of year.  And you know the Sweater Weather DSP prints are all fabulous!  The Houndstooth embossing folder was chosen to mimic the DSP print.  I sponged all of the pieces with Soft Suede ink to keep it more like the cider color as well.

This is the first time for using my Designer Typeset stamps.  These photopolymer stamps are wonderful and easy to work with.  The lettering was small enough for me to stamp cider on the cup sleeve.  I just lined up all the letters on the block and stamped them all at once.  It's great being able to do it all at once instead of trying to line each letter up while stamping.

Hope you liked this idea.  You really need to try the Photopolymer stamps if you haven't yet.  Really cool and easy to use.  That's it for today.  This is class week here, so my ladies will be busy making cards tonight. 3 Christmas and a Thanksgiving flip card.  Think they'll love them and I'll be sharing them with you very soon.  Thanks for stopping here to see what's new in my stamping world.  Sharon

Falling Leaves Wreath

Today I have something to share with you that definitely isn't a card.  The idea started out last year and I started die-cutting some leaves for it.  Then I set it aside for a few months - well, more like 10 or 11 months!  Nothing like getting to it right away!!   But some friends and I were talking about it and decided to make them together.  So last week, there were 9 of us here rustling around in about a billion leaves.  At least that's what it seemed like.  No two wreaths ended up the same because everyone chose to bring whatever cardstock or DSP fit their needs.  Here's what I did for mine...

Stamps: Wonderfall
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede, Old Olive, and (ret)Baja Breeze
Paper:  Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, River Rock, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, (ret)Baja Breeze, and 2 ret DPS sheets - don't know the name
Accessories: Big Shot, Autumn Accents Bigz Die, Dimensionals
Other:   Corrugator(ret), Baja Breeze 1" Stitched Ribbon(ret), Hot Glue Gun, heavy jute twine, and 12x12 heavy cardboard from Specialty DSP packs

It was fun to see what everyone brought to work on.  There were so many colors and types of papers and cardstock.  It looked like we could open a store with all the different papers lying around!  And everyone was willing to share whatever treasures they had brought with them.  That's why I have several leaves made from a glittery, bronzy-brown corrugated cardstock that is gorgeous! 

I have some blues in my kitchen, so I added the Baja Breeze leaves to give it a touch of blue.  I thought it really made a wonderful contrast to all the earth-tone colors.  Some of the ladies used different embossing folders to give some texture while I went with an old corrugator I had from years earlier.  All in all, this was a great evening and we were all inspired from working together.  What fun!  Why not try something like this with a couple of your friends?  There's no right or wrong colors or designs with this, so you can't go wrong.  Have fun bringing the fall colors into your house - Sharon

Thankful for you

Yes, I am thankful for you!  I'm so glad you decided to stop in today and see what I've been up to down in my crafting corner.  It's been a crazy week and I can't believe I didn't get back to post quicker.  I've got a card today that I just love.  It's a little darker than I usually do, but some of these autumn cards are turning out that way lately.  I tried a new toy, I meant to say tool!  Yes, I tried a new tool this week that gave me a bit of a problem.  I checked on line to see what others had to say and got a terrific tip to help.  Love that everyone is willing to share their experiences so we can all benefit!  Anyway, here's the card...

Stamps:  Truly Grateful
Ink:  Stazon Jet Black, Crushed Curry, Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip
Paper:  Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, and Very Vanilla with Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper
Accessories:  Big Shot with Expressions Thinlits Dies,  2 1/2" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Aqua Painter, 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon, Sponge, and Dimensionals

First off, let me just say how much I love these Thinlits Dies!!  They're so awesome!  That said, I thought I'd go crazy trying to get the lettering out the first time.  TIP:  Lay a sheet of waxed paper in between the Thinlit and the cardstock.  This helps the lettering to pop out easily.  I can't wait to use this one again now that I know what works.

Secondly, this burlap ribbon is perfect for all the autumn projects you might be doing.  Great texture!!  I thought it was too wide for this card, so I just cut it in half and taped it down.  How simple it is to cut by just following the threads. 

Lastly, I want to comment on the Sweater Weather DSP - love, love, love it!!  I've used it so much I only have scraps left and need to order another pack.  The color combos and prints are great.  Some are really bold and some are softer like this one.  It reminds me of a cozy flannel comforter that I'd like to cuddle up in when the weather is cooler.  Anyway, I think it's gorgeous with that hint of blue and the browns.  Perfect for this time of year.

That's it for today.  I've still got more fall ideas to share with you.  See you soon...        Sharon

Grateful Leaves

Okay, I'm back with another fall card.  I'm just lovin' all these leaves that we have to stamp with right now.  Each of the leaf stamp sets can give you a totally different look and feel.  It's hard to decide which one to grab when I want to stamp!  Today it's the Wonderfall stamp set and die that coordinates with it that caught my imagination.  Hope you like it...

Stamps:  Wonderfall, Truly Grateful, and Gorgeous Grunge
Ink:  Pool Party, Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, and Crumb Cake
Paper:  Crushed Curry and Very Vanilla
Accessories:   Big Shot with Autumn Accents Bigz Die, 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon, and Dimensionals

What did I ever do before there was Gorgeous Grunge?  Seems like I'm using it on almost every card I make lately!  I love the little speckles and blotches in the set and they just add the right amount of filler on those open backgrounds. 

I added a smidgeon of Pool Party to this card to give it a pop of color.  The leaves were all stamped with at least two colors on the stamp.  The 2nd ink color is a little too heavy to be called rock 'n roll, so I'm not sure what to call it.  I really wanted to give an idea of the many colors on fall leaves, so I guess I had a heavy hand adding the extra layers of color.

The burlap ribbon was wider than I wanted on the card, so I just cut it in half.  Then I took off 2 strands of the burlap to give it a softer, slightly fringed edge.  Love it!!

Thanks for stopping in again today.  It's been a great week sharing with you and I've really been enjoying it!  Christmas ideas will be coming soon.  I promise!  Stay tuned...    Sharon

Magnificent Maple

I was checking around Pinterest earlier in the week when I had a little break.  Oh my, talk about sensory overload!  Whew!!  Tons of ideas and it got me thinking of different things I wanted to try out.  So yesterday I just sat and played with my stamps and papers.  What fun was that!!  I wish I had more time to play around and just try different ideas.  Usually I've got too many deadlines hanging over my head to just play around.  Not that I'm complaining about deadlines, you understand.  If I didn't have deadlines, that would mean I didn't have any business going on either - not fun.  Anyway, I've got a card to share today that's sort of a composite of several different ones.  A little of this, and a little of that.

Stamps:  Magnificent Maple, Gorgeous Grunge, and Sassy Salutations
Ink:  Soft Sky, Crumb Cake, Pumpkin Pie, and Chocolate Chip
Paper:  Very Vanilla and Soft Sky
Accessories:   Big Shot with Labels Collection Framelits, Linen 7/16" Trim, Sponge quarter, and Dimensionals

 This card has so much going on, it's hard to realize it's actually a one-layer card.  I don't usually have no layering on a card.  That's just a necessity when making a card, isn't it?  But this one is so special that it works.

Again, I added a little splash of blue to the fall colors.  It just makes the other colors almost glow.  I added the sponging around the outside of the card to give it a little more dimension.  And I love how the trim adds to the earthy look.

Here's the inside of the card.  I used the die-cut piece because I hated to throw it out.  Not sure if I'm happy with this as it is.  It might get something added later - if I can figure out what I'd like to add!

That's all for today folks.  I've got another one or two fall ideas I'd like to share with you yet before I move on to Christmas.  At least I think it's only one or two more.  We'll just have to wait and see what happens!  Come back soon!  Sharon

Thankful for times 2

Hi there!  What a fabulous weekend it's been so far!  I've been doing some creating today and that always makes me feel wonderful.  Today I have two versions of the same card.  The first was made during class week and I love it.  The second is a scaled down version that I designed for my friend who just had knee replacement surgery.  She wanted to make thank you cards for several of the hospital personnel that went above and beyond the call of duty.  But she wanted to make them herself but wasn't sure how much energy she had.  Hence the easier version.

Stamps:  Wonderfall, Gorgeous Grunge, and Truly Grateful
Ink:  Pool Party, Tangerine Tango, Crushed Curry, Sahara Sand, and Chocolate Chip
Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Pool Party, Very Vanilla cs, and Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper
Accessories:  Big Shot with Autumn Accents Bigz Die, Linen 7/16" Trim, Dimensionals and (ret)Neutrals Buttons, (ret)Black Hemp

I just love the Pool Party and these fall colors together.   They are such a wonderful compliment to each other.  This was a simple sketch that I have in my files.  The Sweater Weather DSP has such fun prints and it was heard to decide which ones to use.  Think these work well with the colors of the leaves.

Are you getting as spoiled as I am always having a punch, die, or Framelits to easily cut out the accent pieces for your cards and scrapbook pages?  It just makes it so easy to make multiples of whatever you need.

As you can see, this version only had 2 leaves instead of the original 3 on the first card.  I had almost run out of buttons and Anita wanted to make 20 cards so I needed to rethink the little accent.  I thought the little knot of retired Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon worked well.  She also didn't want the Linen Trim on the card, so we left that off too.

There you have it.  We spent several hours eating lunch, stamping, and laughing.  She needed to take a break in the middle of stamping, but that just gave us more time to visit and giggle.  It was a special afternoon that we shared together.  Glad I could be there to spend time with her and help her get her thank-yous made and ready to send out.  Thanks for visiting with me today.  Leave a comment if you like.  I always love to hear what you have to say.  Sharon

Gently Falling Leaves

I just love autumn with all the radiant colors of sky and leaves, crisp weather, and wonderful food associated with fall.  The card I have to share today reminds me of the many colors of the leaves.  This is another card the ladies made for our service personnel earlier in the month.  I tried to design something that was colorful, but still simple enough to make them quickly.  Now, if you ask the four ladies that were cutting out all these maple leaves, it wasn't quite as quick as it could have been!!  (We all really love our stamps that coordinate with punches or Framelits now and have gotten really, really spoiled!)  But anyway, on to the card...

Stamps:  Gently Falling, and Banner Greetings
Ink:  Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, and Soft Suede
Paper:  Very Vanilla and Cajun Craze and a retired DSP
Accessories:   Paper Snips and Dimensionals


Here's the card we made together.   Isn't it nice?  The layout is simple, but the colors and main leaf make it gorgeous.

All of us making these cards thought the colors on this card were fabulous - just as bright and glorious as the real thing!  If you  notice, the leaf that is cut and popped up has a little extra coloration to it.  I did a little rock & roll on each one with some Cajun Craze on one half and Soft Suede on the other half.  All of the extra leaves were stamped before we got together, so there was only lots of cutting and groaning to do.

Like I mentioned, there was a lot of cutting with needing 20 or these maple leaves - one for each card.  And then they cut out 20 of the little sentiment banner too.  Yikes!  There were a few sore hands after all that cutting.  But it was worth it for our soldiers!

That's it for today.  If you own this set, get it out and give it some love.  If you don't own it yet, why not?  It makes simple fabulous cards!  Happy stamping!            Sharon

Triple Layer Fall Card

I have to be honest here - I have absolutely no idea what this technique is actually called.  I've always thought the cards using this technique were stunning and beautiful, but I never really knew how easy they are to make.  So if you're like me and were too chicken to try this out, I'm here to tell you how to do it.  You're gonna love it!!  I'm so excited about knowing how to do this now!  I spent Sunday afternoon with a group of ladies in Toledo stamping, eating, and having fun.  What could be better than that, right?  Oh yes, learning a new technique made it even better!  Here's one of the cards we made...

Stamps:  French Foliage and En Francais
Ink:  Sahara Sand, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, and Old Olive
Paper:  Cajun Craze, Chocolate Chip, and Very Vanilla
Accessories:  1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Piercing Tool and Mat, Linen Thread, More Mustard 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), and Dimensionals

Don't you just love this?  The colors are perfect for fall, and this wonderful leaf stamp set is one of my all-time favorites.  With a generic sentiment dangling on it, this card is also very versatile and can be used for those dreaded "masculine cards" that most of us struggle to come up with.

So, here's the low-down on making it.  Get all your layers cut and ready to work with.  Stack all the Vanilla (or White, whichever you're using) layers in the proper order and tack together with a touch of removeable adhesive.  Stamp the background on all of them together.  Stamp your other images overlapping onto the different layers.  Carefully peel the layers apart.  Attach each layer to the contrasting layer that goes with it,  and then put them all together.  The skinny unstamped edges on the second and third layers are covered by the contrasting layers.  Understand?  Can you tell on the close-up along the top edge behind the first layers there is a small section that is unstamped?  When I put the card together, I didn't have my glasses on and didn't notice that it wasn't lined up properly.  (The joys of getting older, hmmmm)  If the layer was a smidge higher, that unstamped strip wouldn't be showing at all.

Hope this made a little bit of sense.  If you can't understand what I'm struggling to explain, just leave a comment and I'll try to give you a clearer explanation.  It's really an easy technique and looks so nice when it's done.  Give it a try and let me know what you think!  Have fun stamping!  Sharon

Wonderfall Leaves

Hey, I'm back.  Sorry for the hiatus.  Life got in the way of stamping and posting for awhile, but I'm here today.  Not sure about tomorrow, but that's the way it is with 2 grandkids - both with colds, and the little one teething on top of it all.  What fun it's been lately!  ( did you catch the bit of sarcasm?)  Anyway, I have a fabulous card for you today.  At least I think it is!  And it's using all kinds of new goodies that I had fun playing with.  And here you it is...

Stamps:  Wonderfall and Fabulous Phrases
Ink:  Cajun Craze, Soft Suede
Paper:  Soft Suede and Very Vanilla with Comfort Cafe DSP
Accesssories:  Big Shot with Autumn Accents Bigz Die, Summer Starfruit Stitched Ribbon, Brushed Bronze Buttons, Sponge Dauber, Paper Snips, and Dimensionals

Isn't this pretty?  I was so happy with how it all came together.  I chose to use two of the colors from the Comfort Cafe DSP for the ink on the leaves and tag.  Then decided that the Summer Starfruit Ribbon would be the perfect accent to brighten the card up. 

Just one more thing was needed - that Brushed Bronze button.  Oh, I just love it all together, don't you! 

It was easier than I thought it would be to die cut the leaves then stamp on them.  You can see exactly where you're placing the leaf on the inked up stamp so there's no problem.  Easy peasy!

tip: Even though the button has 4 holes, I just tied the ribbon through 2 and made sure the ends of ribbon covered the other two holes.  Otherwise, it would have all been rather bulky for going through the mail.   This way it's much flatter.

Hope you love this as much as I do.  The colors are perfect for fall.  Think I might try this again using another of the prints from Comfort Cafe - the one with the blue flowers.  What do you think about that??  Should I give it a try?  I will, but you never know exactly what it'll be until you start playing with it! 

Tonight the ladies are gathering at church to make cards for our military again.  If you're in the area, stop in and stamp with us!  Check in with me for directions.  The more the merrier!  Have a great week.  Hope to be back quicker this time!!   Rubber hugs, Sharon

French Foliage Revisited

I've been in love with the French Foliage stamp set ever since it came out last year. The sheer look of the images when they're stamped makes them fabulous for layering up in a collage type look. So I wanted to share a new card idea using one of the new In Colors to make a fall card. And instead of choosing a green or coral color, why not choose a soft blue? Here's my take on an updated fall color combo...

Stamps: French Foliage and Grateful Greetings

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Pool Party, and Whisper White

Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, and Pool Party

Accessories: Big Shot with Scallop Squares Duo, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Postage Stamp Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Early Espresso Quilted Satin Ribbon, and Dimensionals

I liked the crispness of the colored images so I didn't do any sponging on this card. And don't you just love this color combo for fall? The Pool Party blue reminds me of the skies on a not-quite-sunny day. Makes me feel it's almost time to get out there and rake leaves. Well, maybe not for another couple of weeks yet! And I'm sure I won't be so chipper about it when my back's hurting from all the raking!! LOL

Hope you enjoyed my card for today. Thanks for checking in. Hope you're having a wonderful day. Sharon

More Fall Leaves

I just can't seem to get away from these leaves! I know I need to get crackin' on the Christmas ideas, but for some reason I seem to be wallowing in fall leaves! Just love the crisp air and the actual smells of autumn. So bear with me a little longer while I roll around in the piles of leaves I've been making. lol I promise I'll get out some Christmas stamps and papers this weekend!! So if you're not too tired of fall leaves yet, come join me for another stroll in the leaves and kick a few around!

Stamps: Autumn Splendor, Grateful Greetings, and Bright Blessings Jumbo Wheel
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Naturals Ivory
Ink: Basic Brown (retired), Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Cajun Craze, and VersaMark
Accessories: Aqua Painter, Jumbo Handle, Paper Corrugator, Designer Label Punch, Curly Label Punch, Paper Snips, and Dimensionals

One of the things I like most about this card is how the cardstock curled up like crazy after it was watercolored and then cut out. All of the little edges are curled up naturally. It's just as curly as a real oak leaf!

I also like the Bright Blessings Jumbo Wheel. Sometimes I just wheel it on scrap cardstock and trim out words that I want to use. Ane there's a lot of nice words and phrases on that wheel! Just think of it as getting a whole set of words and phrases for a tiny price.






Just had to show you another view of that awesome leaf. Wouldn't it be cool to cover that leaf with Crystal Effects and make a pin out of it? And I've got just the jacket that this pin should go on. Wouldn't that be lovely? Hmmmm..... Doggone it, there those ideas go again! And it's another leaf idea!! Will they never end??

Oh well, maybe I'm not ready to give up my leaves just yet. Maybe next week, or ummm, how about the week after that??? Stay tuned, you may just be surprised! Have a great evening!
Sharon

Skeleton Leaves

Ooh, I just loooove autumn and all the wonderful sights and smells! Apple orchards with cider and donuts. And you can't forget the carved pumpkins and crunchy leaves underfoot. Can't wait to take the grandbaby to the pumpkin patch. Do you think 4 months old is too young for a visit??? We're not even officially in the fall season yet and none of the leaves have changed color here, but that doesn't stop me from creating my very own pile of colorful leaves!! The stamp set used is one of the fabulous new ones available in the Holiday Mini, and it's really one of my very, very favorite ones. It can be elegant or fun depending on how you use it, so it's one of those versatile sets I'll hang onto and use many times over in the coming years. Today's idea is more of the fun version. Hope it inspires you just a bit.


Stamps: French Foliage and Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Soft Suede, Always Artichoke, and Very Vanilla cardstock with Newsprint Designer Series Paper
Ink: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard, and Soft Suede
Accessories: Large Oval and Scallop Oval Punches, Clip (retired), Soft Suede Polka Dot Ribbon (retired), Sponge Daubers, Cutter Tool, and Dimensionals






This card uses every single stamp in the French Foliage set. That's something that I don't usually do, but for this card it just seemed right to have a little bit of each of the stamps on there. After using the Newsprint DSP for a background, I love the addition of the french script stamp used on the main layer. It just seems perfect to me.

The main layer is also heavily distressed. There's ripping, sponging, and using the distressing tool on some of the edges. Like I said earlier, there's "a little bit" of everything here.

Hope you enjoyed this idea and give it a try. And thanks for stopping by today. Have fun stamping!!
Sharon

Saturday Challenge

Hey it's Saturday, so there's a new Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge going on here. I truly cannot believe I'm actually checking it out, and stamping it on time!!! Woo Hoo!! I've been so behind the times lately that I've missed out on many of them. If you find the time today (or even later on in the week), why not give their challenge a try? The 411 ladies all have so much talent and come up with easily workable sketches that really do make up into lovely cards. Give them a try!

Since I've been working on designing cards for my ladies at church to make for our soldiers, my thoughts have been geared towards Halloween and Thanksgiving. I know, that's so far in advance I'm having a really, really hard time thinking pumpkins and ghosts! I got out one of my favorite sets for Thanksgiving though, and thought I could use it for today's sketch. Hope you like the finished product....

Stamps: Autumn Harvest

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie, and Old Olive

Ink: Basic Brown, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, and (the very new) Cajun Craze pads, and Chocolate Chip Marker

Accessories: Big Shot with Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Aqua Painter, Vintage Brads, Old Olive 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Log Cabin Smooch Spritz, Color Spritzer Tool, and Dimensionals

Ok, if you've checked out the sketch already you know that I didn't follow it exactly. After I had all the components together, I just didn't like the ribbon going across the card, soooo.... Yeah, I improvised just a bit. I tried several different things, but nothing worked for me until I hit upon the ribbon loop. And then I thought it needed the brads to anchor it. So, there goes another opportunity to follow a sketch that I've blown. It seems to be a disease with me - I just can't do a sketch or case another card exactly!

On another note, does anyone have any suggestions on using the Log Cabin Smooch Spritz? It sprayed so blotchy I was happy to cover most of it with the main image. Help!! What am I doing wrong with it???? I turned to the Color Spritzer Tool and a marker to add the speckles onto the main image because I didn't want the whole thing blotched with the dark spray. I know there has to be a trick to this, but I haven't found it yet. If anyone knows, please share with me and I'll pass on the info here. TIA

Have a happy stampin' day!

Sharon

Punchy Class

Yes, I finally did host a Punchy Class after getting several requests for it. Funny, many of the ladies requesting the class didn't sign up for it. Hmmmm..... That always confuses me. Maybe it was just a bad night for them. Who knows. Anyway, we did have fun last night and made four projects too. But I'm only going to show you two of them. And the candy bar cover was made by Brenda and Dawn - two ladies that came to class! They made one for everyone who came to class. Thanks guys - you're the very best!!! We had made pumpkins like these last year on one of the cards during the fall season. I'm glad to see they remember the different things we've done and actually re-use the ideas! Yay!

The very last card we made was this cute little crow sitting on a hay bale. He was the most involved so I saved him for last. We had to work our way up to this level! lol Here's the list of punches used:

Scallop Circle, 1 3/4" Circle, Large Oval, 1 1/4" Circle, Wide Oval, 1" Circle, Boho Blossom, Small Oval, 1/4" Circle, Word Window, and 1/8" Circle

Whee-dawgies! That's a lot of punches there.

Stamps: Sanded, Woodgrain, and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: More Mustard, Old Olive, Basic Black, Ruby Red, Close to Cocoa, and Summer Sun

Ink: Close to Cocoa pad, Basic Black and Close to Cocoa Markers

Accessories: Big Shot with Texturz Plates Kit #4, Black Hemp Twine (retired), Neutrals Buttons, Paper Snips,Dimensionals, and Mini Glue Dots

This was the first project because it was the easiest. This acorn is just so darn cute!!!

Punches: Ornament, Wide Oval, Large Oval

Stamps: Grateful Greetings, Sanded

Cardstock: Creamy Caramel, Soft Suede with Autumn Traditions Designer Series Papers

Ink: Soft Suede

Accessories: Sponge quarter, Piercing Tool and Mat Pack, Gold Mini Brads, and Dimensionals

Just loved making the acorns. I've made a few extras and I'm just looking around for a place to use them. Maybe I should try planting one to see if I get an oak tree out of it? lol

This is what Brenda and Dawn made. Very cute, right?? Shhh, don't tell anyone that they used some contraband DSP. I thought it was really cute though and quite looked nice even if it wasn't SU!

They used: Big Shot with Top Note Die, SU! Little Leaves Sizzlits Die, Designer Label Punch, and Small Oval Punch, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, and Chocolate Chip cardstocks.

Don't you agree that they did an awesome job on these? Thanks so much ladies - you're the very bestest friends!!

Well, that's it for today's post. Hope these ideas inspire you and make you get your punches out! On your mark, get set, start punching!!!

Think I'm getting a bit punchy here! (groan)

Sharon

CASEing an idea

Hi ladies! First I need to thank all the wonderful ladies who are leaving the kind words and get well wishes for me. I can't tell you how wonderful you are andd how much your words mean to me!! And I'm still working on the getting better part. It's killing my bottom line having to cancel workshops and classes. Bummer!! But this too shall pass, and life will be rosy again. At least, that's the plan. lol

But on to the CASEing part. For those of you that don't know, CASE means Copy And Share Everything. Earlier today I was down in the dumps so thought I'd peek at other blogs to get ideas. That always makes me happy and itching to stamp. And today was no different. Before today, I had never heard of Joyce Spears and her little blog, but luckily stumbled upon it. There was this cute color combo on some cards that just called out to me. Plus the cards used one of the Autumn Traditions papers that I hadn't figured out what to do with yet. So that took care of that little problem, now didn't it?!

Here it is! I just love how the colors work together on this card, don't you? The colors I chose to use are all part of this sheet of DSP. Can't get any easier than that!

Stamps: Trendy Trees

Cardstock: More Mustard, Elegant Eggplant, and Very Vanilla

Ink: Soft Suede, Ruby Red, Always Artichoke, and Soft Suede

Accessories: Stamp-a-ma-jig, and Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon

This design is different than the ones Joyce showed on her blog (she had several different ones), but the idea works pretty much the same. I can't believe how quick this card is to make - just a few minutes! Maybe I need to make a few more of these for different occasions since they go together so quickly. Not a bad idea.

Happy stamping and stay healthy!

Sharon

The Battle of the Bug

The FLU Bug, that is. Man it's been a few years since I've had a bout of the flu, and I sure hope it's a good long time before I ever get it again! Whew! You can't believe how worn out I am just walking down the stairs. I haven't even checked my email since Friday. Hmmm... maybe I should be doing that instead of blogging. Awww heck, this is so much better than hitting delete through all the junk mail. It's funny how I hate junk mail coming into my real mailbox, and now I get bombarded by junk email too! You just can't get away from it! And I'm going to really hate to see how many emails there are waiting for me. Oh, I'm too tired to deal with that now! Maybe later.....

I had mentioned to my hubby that he could go ahead and post for me while I was sick. He didn't think it'd be a good idea, because you'd all like his postings better than mine and want him to post all the time. Ya'll wouldn't go and desert me now, would you Naw, I didn't think so. Thanks for being patient with me while I was being an impatient patient. Oh well, that's the best I could do with my head all plugged up and not thinking right. lol

Anyway, this is a card I had finished earlier and hadn't had a chance to post yet. It is another one that uses the Autumn Meadow Designer Series Paper. Don't you just love it? I have such a hard time deciding which side of these papers to use, because I just love each one of the prints. Usually there is at least one or two prints I'm not crazy about in each pack (that's why 2-sided paper is such a treasure!), but it always has a reverse side that I do like. This pack of papers is an absolute winner on each side of every sheet!

Stamps: Holiday Best (Hostess level 1)

Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip cardstock with Autumn Meadows and Really Patterns Rust Designer Series Papers

Ink: Sahara Sand and Chocolate Chip pads and Really Rust and Chocolate Chip markers

Accessories: 1/2" Circle Punch, Build-a-Brad Brass, Large Oval and Scallop Oval Punches, Chocolate Chip Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, Sponge quarters, and Dimensionals

Well, I hope this keeps you going for awhile. If I continue to recuperate as planned, I should be back tomorrow. If not, pray for a speedy recovery for me. Oh, change that to just a 'full' recovery for me as it's already been too long to be a 'speedy' recovery. lol hack, cough, couch! No laughing now, it just makes me cough! And that really wears me out.

I think I'm going to drag myself back upstairs and lie down again. whew.....

Sharon

Dizzy Days

I wanted to apologize for being MIA the last couple of days. Allergies hit big time and I'm swimming in fluids. Oops, that's not quite what the doctor said - there's fluid in both my inner ears. Yeah, that's more like it. And it's made me sooooo dizzy. Maybe a little ditzy too! :-) I've been hanging onto walls when walking and actually scooted down the stairs on my butt yesterday. But once I got downstairs, I couldn't function 'cuz I was too dizzy! Oh woe is me!! I'm doing a bit better today. In fact, I have a card I was working on last Saturday and finished up just now. It uses two different stamp sets and a Deginer Series Paper - all from the new Holiday Mini Catalog. That little booklet is an absolute treasure trove of possibilities! Hope you like the card...

I just love, love, love the new Autumn Meadows Designer Series Paper that's in the new Holiday Mini. It is soooo pretty. Of course that's just my humble opinion, but you really need to get this paper and use it! This card uses some of the colors that are in the papers. The color combo isn't something I would have chosen to put together, but wow! They're really lovely together. Add a little gold embossing and brads for some glitz and you've got a super fab-u-licious card!

Stamps: Autumn Splendor and Grateful Greetings

Cardstock: More Mustard, Taken with Teal, Very Vanilla cardstock with Autumn Meadows Designer Series Paper

Ink: More Mustard Classic ink, VersaMark pad

Accessories: Heat Tool and Gold Embossing Powder, Chocolate Chip 1" Stitched Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Gold Mini Brads, Piercing Tool and Mat Pack, Paper Snips, and Dimensionals

Well, whadiya think about it? Don't the colors just play off each other and combine into something fantastic?

There are so many items in the Holiday Mini that I really love, and this card uses 3 of them! It's too hard to choose my favorites from the mini, but these all are right up there at the top of the list. Hope you like them as much as I do. Because we'll be using them this month at workshops and next month in classes. Get ready - here they come!

Happy stamping (and keep those inner ears dry!),

Sharon

Cool Friday

That is cool as in almost cold. Whatever happened to summer this year? It's been rainy and quite cool the last two days. I'm ready for just a little more summer before fall rolls around. I know, I know. I'm never happy with what the weather is outside. Well, that's not quite true either. Usually I don't mind whatever it is as long as I can go down to my stamping dungeon and create. And that's the truth, so there!
Anyway, today I've got a lovely fall card for your perusal. I seem to be dipping into my retired goodies much more often lately. This card uses some More Mustard DSP that was a Hostess Level 1 gift last catalog. I love the color for fall, and this just fit the design so well. Sure wish I could get my hands on more of this!


All stamps and materials by Stampin'Up!

Stamps: Autumn Days, and Refuge & Strength
Cardstock: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, and Very Vanilla cardstock, with More Mustard Designer Series Paper
Ink: Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, and Old Olive
Accesssories: Scallop Edge Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Sponge quarter, Old Olive Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, and Dimensionals

Just a reminder that ordering from the new Holiday Mini Catalog starts in just a few days. If you don't have one yet, just email me and I'll be happy to send one out to you or come on by and pick one up. You're gonna love all the new images and accessories that are available for you! They're fantastic! I'm really enjoying stamping with them and can't wait to show you more ideas!! If you're in the Detroit area and are interested in classes, check with me for information and come join the fun. We'll be making holiday cards again in September. I've got some absolutely lovely cards for you, but you'll have to either come to class or wait til after class when I post them. (what a tease!) lol

Hope you're enjoying the ideas. I love hearing from you and getting feedback. It just makes my day!
Sharon

Pumpkin Patch

Don't you just love autumn? One of my favorite things to do is go to an apple orchard and pick out our own pumpkins. Of course, the trip also necessitates having some cider and donuts while you're there. You know, it's really hard work picking out the perfect pumpkin!

And that's what we have today. A whole patch of pumpkins to choose from on a breezy, blue-skies, fall day. Can you feel the crispness in the air? Can you smell the cider? Yum!

All stamps and materials by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Autumn Harvest, and Wandering Words

Cardstock: Really Rust, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Brown, Really Rust, Pumpkin Pie, Not Quite Navy, and Old Olive pads, and Soft Suede marker

Accessories: Aqua Painter, Paper Snips, Sponge quarters, and Dimensionals

Hope you enjoyed today's post. Can you tell I'm ready for autumn? It's almost time to go swishing through the fallen leaves and hear them crunching and crackling when you walk!

Happy stamping,

Sharon