Versatile Strawberry Slush Card

Today's card is another one that has a springtime feel to me.  I love the Strawberry Slush color - it's just the right amount of warm pink.  It reminds me of popscicles (or a Strawberry Slushie) on a hot summer day.  If it wasn't so cold out today, I might even wish I had one!  Then add the Baked Brown Sugar into the mix and it's like a cookie to go along with the slushie for a snack.  hmmm, must be getting on supper time if I'm talking food here!  Ok, let's get this show on the road and see what we've got today...

Stamps:  Love You to the Moon, Hello Lovely, and Yippee-Skippee!
Ink:  Strawberry Slush and Baked Brown Sugar
Paper:  Whisper White and Baked Brown Sugar, with 2013-2015 Designer Series Paper Stack
Accessories:  Big Shot with Arrows TIEF, Chalk Talk Framelits, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, and Dimensionals

I love the new Arrows embossing folder.  It's a good versatile background generally, and when you want to emphasize an arrow on the card, it's just perfect. Plus it's fun using new toys, I mean tools.  The arrow comes in handy to emphasize a special word or sentiment on your card.  In this case, I wanted to emphasize 'you'.

The dotted ribbon punch coordinated nicely with the dotted DSP to tie those in together.  And I liked the Taffeta Ribbon kind of tying the whole card together.

Here's another version of the card using the sentiment from  the Yippee-Skippee! stamp set to make a Valentine card.  I've also done a version using the 'make a wish' stamp from the Perfect Pennants stamp set and another using the little cake stand from the Best of Birthdays stamp set.  It's fun seeing what different stamps will fit into the Chalk Talk Framelits die to easily change the card to fit what you're looking for.

Ok, I need to get started on supper.  It's that time of day and for some reason I always like to eat meals.  Hope you've had a blessed and relaxing Sunday.  I'm hoping to do a little more stamping this evening so I've got more ideas to share with you.  Happy stamping, 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

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

Autumn Accents

Wow!  Can you believe it's September already?  We're getting our oldest grandson ready for preschool starting on Thursday.  Oh my, I'm not sure I'm ready for that!  Didn't think this would be a problem with grandkids, since I'd already done all this before with my own kids.  But it's funny how this is dredging up those memories and I feel I'm reliving them all over again.  Those grandkids are sure growing up fast!  But I guess that's what it's all about.  And since it's autumn time again, I've been focusing on Thanksgiving for the cards the ladies will be making tomorrow night for our soldiers.  Since Thanksgiving is one of my very favorite holidays, it hasn't been a problem coming up with ideas.  Thought I'd share with you...

Stamps:  Tags for You
Ink:  Pumpkin Pie, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, and Gold Encore
Paper:  Really Rust(retired), Always Artichoke, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Cherry Cobbler, and Very Vanilla
Accessories:  Big Shot with Autumn Accents Bigz Die, Holiday Frame TIEF(retired), Label Bracket Punch, Corrugator(retired), Champagne Shimmer Mist Paint(retired), Sponges, Copper Cording(retired), and Dimensionals

Did I ever mention how much fun it is to design these cards because I can use all kinds of current and retired materials together.  Just play around with whatever looks good together and not worry about whether it's current or not.  It's good to get out the retired items that I couldn't bear to part with and give them a new chance to be special again.

On this card, I love the leaf accents that are corrugated and then sponged to bring out the texture.  And with this card, it seems to be all about texture with the embossed layer, the leaves, and the punched sentiment with a tiny bow embellishment. 

Hope you enjoyed this look at some current items and a little blast from the past.  Thanks for stopping in today.  Come back soon.  There's more I'd love to share with you.  Sharon

Paper Flowers

I'm in love!!!!  I finally tried using the Creped Filter Paper that's in the Mini Catalog.  What was I waiting for?!  This paper is just fabulous and so easy peasy to work with!!  Can you tell I'm just a little bit excited about this product?  Here's my first attempt with using this paper...
 

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  Early Espresso and Calypso Coral
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Calypso Coral, Tea for Two Designer Series Paper, Creped Filter Paper
Accessories:   Big Shot with Blossom Party Originals Die, Delicate Details Lace Tape, In Color 2011-2013 Designer Printed Brads, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Sponge Dauber, Piercing Tool and Mat, and Dimensionals

This card has so much going for it with all the lacy and feminine details.  It all starts with the vintage-looking rose DSP.  That's where my inspiration came from.  I wanted to add the lace tape, but it needed the strip of cardstock behind it to make it show up nicely.

 Then comes the flower accent.  I wasn't sure how it would punch or cut, so I gave it a try.  I used all four layers and die-cut them together.  Used 3 sizes of flowers to make this one.  So all together I think there are 8-10 layers here.  The edges were very softly sponged with Calypso Coral to define them a little.  Loved the printed brad holding the flower together and adding a little more color.  Gotta tell you that even after being scrunched in my suitcase, the flower fluffs up so pretty.  I think these cards should come with a note to "play with the flowers - it's good therapy and makes them pretty!"  Squish, scrunch, fluff...

That's it for today.  Hope I can find time to post again tomorrow.  Hope you're all having a fabulous week.  I know I sure am enjoying the slightly-warmer-than-home weather down here.  And of course the visits with family members.  Happy stamping!  Sharon

Another Wonderfall Card

I can't seem to leave this awesome stamp set and die combo alone.  I keep grabbing it and making cards in all kinds of different color combos and layouts.  This layout today is similar to the earlier card posted, but there are definite differences.  Can you spot them?

Stamps:  Wonderfall and Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard, and Chocolate Chip
Paper:  Very Vanilla, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, and Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:   Big Shot with Autumn Accents Bigz Die and Woodgrain TIEF, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, and Dimensionals

Don't you just love the woodgrain TIEF?  It is so fabulous and gives this card the perfect background.  And the different prints on the leaves are so much fun!!  It really makes the card special.

The background here is very simple.  Just a layer of More Mustard, then add sections of Cherry Cobbler and Chocolate Chip then run it all through the Big Shot.  Instant fabulous!

Hope you have fun trying something like this.  If you'd like to order any of these products to be able to make this card yourself, just click on the ordering button on the right and place your order.  In a little over a week, you'll get all these fun products delivered right to your door and then all you need to do is find the time to play!  Let's get started right away.  Happy stamping, Sharon

Mistletoe Christmas

What a week it's been around here!  Seems like there's been a sleep-deprivation epidemic going on here.  Not only aren't the grandkids getting enough sleep(teething and colds), but neither is my daughter, or myself for that matter either.  Seems like I've been walking around like a zombie this week and just not getting anything accomplished at all!  But I crashed last night and got 8 1/2 hours and was raring to go today.  So far I've changed bed linens, done laundry, run the dishwasher and unloaded it, made 2 projects for next week's class, and actually stamped for fun today!!  That stamping for fun thing hasn't been happening too often lately, so it was especially wonderful.  I spent a little time checking out other people's stamping projects and got totally inspired by Connie Babbert and this card.  I pretty much copied her card 'cuz it was so darn cute, but I let my main object hang off the card to give it a different look.  Hope this inspires you too!  Thanks for the fabulous idea Connie!

Stamps:  Christmas Blessings
Ink:  Stazon Jet Black and Gumball Green with Cherry Cobbler marker
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla with Be Of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper
Accessories:   Big Shot with Delicate Doilies Sizzlit, AquaPainter, 1/8" Real Red Taffeta Ribbon, and Dimensionals

Isn't it cute?  I love having a small 4 1/4" square card and then having components of the card attached outside of the square.  Just makes it stand out a little more than a regular sized card.  And it still fits into a regular envelope so there's no extra cost to mail.  When you're sending out bunches of cards at Christmas, that's a major consideration!

I think mistletoe berries are actually whitish, but they didn't show up enough so there was some artistic license used here.  Hope you don't mind too much!

That's it for tonight.  It's already close to 10:30 and I'm beat again.  I need to step away from the stamping or I'll never shut down tonight.  Besides, the book I'm currently reading is calling to me!  he he  Happy stamping and have a fab weekend - 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

Snowflake Glamour

As I was laying in bed the other night, I couldn't seem to turn my mind to sleep mode.  I'd been stamping before bed and that is a problem.  Instead of sleeping, the gray matter is still clicking along with color ideas, stamps, and all sorts of creative thoughts and isn't ready to settle down yet!!.  One of the ideas that was percolating around in there was using the new snowflake die with Silver Glimmer paper and making a totally glitzy Christmas card.  I usually go for more of an understated look, but that sure doesn't fit this card at all!  Here's what I came up with for my over-the-top-glitz card...

Stamps:  Greetings of the Season
Ink:  Bravo Burgundy
Paper:  Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper
Accessories:   Big Shot and Snow Flurry Bigz Die, Framed Tulips TIEF, Piercing Tool and Mat, and Antique Brads

Can you feel the glitz and glamour?  Pictures never do Glimmer Paper justice, but I'm sure you get the idea.  I wanted something a little substantial for the center of the snowflake, so went with the Antique Brads. This one has a pewter tone to it, so it goes nicely with the silver.  But it's dark enough to stand out and not get lost in the glitter.

I wanted to keep things really simple, so the only other adornment is the Framed Tulips embossing around the edge of the cardfront.  I did this on a separate layer so it would be a little sturdier holding up the snowflakes. 

Hope this puts you in the mood for the upcoming holidays.  It sure got me thinking about it!  Have a fun week.  With babysitting, Hostess Club, and meeting at church this week, it's gonna be just a little crazy.  Hope I can squeeze in a little time for stamping too!  Sharon

Fancy Favor Butterflies

I needed a little something real quick this afternoon, so I took a peek at Stampin' Connection (which is a sight just for demonstrators) to get a cute idea.  Right away I saw the perfect little gift holder that Susan Haddad had made.  Of course I didn't have everything to copy it outright, so I used what I had and got it made in no time at all.  Want to see what I made?  Here it is...

Stamps:  none
Ink:  none
Paper:  Twitterpated DSP, Neutrals Collection DSP Stack, Basic Gray, and Rich Razzleberry
Accessories:   Big Shot with Chevron Embossing Folder, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Blossom Punch, Elegant Butterfly Punch, Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, Brights Glimmer Brads, Sticky Strip, and Dimensionals

I can't imagine what I'd do without my Big Shot.  It was used for three different applications on this one project alone!  From die-cutting the favor box, to embossing it, to using an embosslit to both cut and emboss the larger butterfly.  It's such a versatile tool and, in my humble opinion, everybody needs one!  But like I said, that's just my opinion.

I love all the textures and layers on this little bag/box.  (What do you call these little containers anyway??)  All of the flower and butterfly layers have been slightly curled with a bone folder to give them some extra dimension.  And with adding Dimensionals under the butterflies and under the flower too, there's lots of 'pop' to this. 

The colors are a bit darker than I would normally reach for, but the goodies in the container are some lovely Raspberry & Dark Chocolate M&M's.  Or should I just say mmmmmmmmm's.  Yes, they are yummy, and you know stamping goes great with chocolate!  Ok, that's it for today.  Again thanks to Susan Haddad for a great idea.  I'm so glad I found your original to get me started today.   Sharon

Inspired By Nature Final Showing

Here's another stamp set I'll be missing a lot.  It has worked out well for so many different styles of cards and different seasons too.  So long, I'll miss you!!

Stamps:  Inspired by Nature, Petite Pairs
Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Old Olive, and Daffodil Delight
Ink:  Early Espresso and Old Olive pads, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, and Old Olive markers
Accessories:  Big Shot with Scallop Oval Frame Die(ret) and Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Large Oval Punch, new Daffodil Delight Seam Binding Ribbon, and Dimensionals

The Scallop Oval Frame Die is another one of those items that will be leaving the SU! Catalog.  I love the look of the oval framing the flowers - soft looking, even though the colors are quite bold.  And the texture of the Square Lattice embossing adds so much to the overall look of the card.

Don't you love the new Daffodil Delight seam binding ribbon?  It's bright and shiny and has such a nice feel to it.  The different seam binding ribbons are so easy to tie that I seem to be putting one of them on all my cards lately!  If you haven't tried these yet, you don't know what you're missing.

I chose to use an oval punch for the sentiment to follow the oval theme going on here.  The flowers were colored with markers and stamped twice to fill the background in a little more.

That's it for today.  Need to get over to help my daughter get ready for the party tomorrow.  Thanks for stopping in.  Hope you enjoyed this idea.  Sharon

Easter Basket Card

Have you seen the cute punchie basket card that looks so real? I just love all the texture it has, but it's so easy to make. Just get out your Big Shot and a few dies and punches and you're done. What could be quicker than that? Here's what it looks like when I made it...


Stamps: Solid Stripes, Fine Flourish, and Dot,Dot,Dot
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Certainly Celery, Pretty In Pink, Bashful Blue, and So Saffron
Ink: Regal Rose, Peach Parfait, Marina Mist, and Crumb Cake
Accessories: Big Shot with Scallop Oval Frame Die, Tasteful Trim Die, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Extra Large Oval Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Dazzling Details, Paper Snips, Sponge, and Mini Glue Dots

Whew, lots of little goodies went into making this awesome piece of punch art. But all of the items together add up to a card with lots of texture and layers for a child to touch. The components of the basket are all sponged to make the details stand out. The stamping on the eggs was added to give them more appeal. I originally tried punching DSP for the eggs, but didn't like it as well. Give it a try and see which way you prefer your eggs!

This is my grandson's card for Easter. I hope he likes it, because it was made specially for him! I don't know though - he might still be too young to care about baskets and eggs at all. We'll see. Hope your week is going great. Did some grocery shopping so I'm all set to do some cooking on Saturday for Easter dinner at my sister's house. It'll be nice getting together for the day with her, and our kids will all be there too. I'll try to get another post in before Sunday, but don't hold your breath, okay? Sharon

Get Well Lacy Card

Just wanted to share today a get well card that my sister Connie sent to me. I thought you'd like to see it too. It uses the delicate Paper Doily Large Sizzlits Die that's in the Occasions Mini Catalog. I've used it a few times myself, and think it's wonderful. Here's what my sister made for me...


Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers
Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, So Saffron, Naturals Ivory, and Very Vanilla
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot with Paper Doily Sizzlits Die, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, and Dimensionals

I need to put in a disclaimer here. I'm guessing on which colors she used. I think I've got them right, but you never know. But I'm right about how pretty the card is, right?

Thank you for sending me the card, Connie. I'm still fighting this sinus/cold thingy and it's not any fun. It's been over three weeks now. I think it's going away, then I get hit with a horrible day again. Ugh! So this card really brightened my day. Thank you, thank you dear sis! Sharon