Birthday Card

My son, Ben, asked me to make a birthday card for his girlfriend Annie.  Below is a pic of the card I made and the recipe.  I hope she likes it!

Stamp Sets: Balloon Celebration, Work of Art
Inks: Basic Black, Melon Mambo, Pear Pizzazz, Crushed Curry
Papers: Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz, Melon Mambo & Pear Pizzazz DSP
Accessories: Big Shot, Hello You Thinlits, Large Numbers Framelits, Balloon Bouquet Punch, Confetti Textured Impressions EF, Rhinestones, Dimensionals, Mini-Staples/Stapler

Flowering Fields SAB

Yes, it has been way too long since I posted on this blog!  And I am lucky I can still post!  Some how this blog got linked to my son's old gmail address.  He stopped using the account and I couldn't get on the blog for the longest time.  Finally figured out how to access it, and here I am.  First post in forever!

This card is a very fast, simple and easy card to make using the SAB set, Flowering Fields.  I used Rose Red and Old Olive markers for the flowers.  Cut out the saying using the label die from the Gift Card Envelope & Trims Thinlits, distressed the edges, added some Baker's Twine and clothes pin, and there you have it!

Thanks for stopping by! #SABtime #Floweringfields #SU!

VC Rocks Blog Hop - Celebrate the Old!

Welcome to the VC Rocks Blog Hop!  Please click HERE for a complete list of all those who are participating and the links to their blogs.  Just click on the links listed to be whisked away to one of the blogs, then return back to click on another!

This awesome hop will be show casing products that highlight retiring and already retired products.   I am a really pack rat when it comes to keeping my retired stuff!  I find it hard to get rid of my ribbons, DSP, EF, and other retired product!  So being a part of this hop "forced" me to dig through my retired goodies, and below is what I came up!

For the Birds Card

For my first project, I am using the retiring stamp set, For the Birds.  This was a fun card to make and I like the different textures of the card.  It's a mix of already retired, soon to be retired and current products. I think that the diversity of the layout allows you to use different background EF, and colors.

Stamps: For the Birds
Inks: Blushing Bride, Pool Party, Soft Suede, Certainly Celery, Black Stazon
Papers: Whisper White, Blushing Bride
Accessories: Big Shot, Hearts a Flutter Dies, Cloudy Day EF, Needlepoint Border EF, Apothecary Accents Dies, Pool Party Bakers Twine, Pearls, Flower Trio Punch, Watercolor Brush, Dimensionals

Blooming with Kindess Cards

I love everything about this set and even though it's retiring, I will always keep it around!  For the card below, I stamped the flower image with Early Espresso ink, and the die cut the image/card stock using an Apothecary Accent Die.  I then used the Essentials paper piercing template to outline the die cut.  The edges were feathers using a sponge and Crumb Cake ink.  I then added some pearls and a bow, and did additional paper piercing.

Stamps: Blooming with Kindness
Inks: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Papers: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Big Shot, Apothecary Accent Die, Essentials Paper Piercing Templates, Lacy Brocade EF, Very Vanilla Ribbon, Pearls, Paper Piercing Tool, Dimensionals, Mini-Glue Dots

Blooming with Kindess Card made using the saying only:

For my last card I thought I would try tucking a piece of Rich Razzleberry satin ribbon under the lace I had left over from the Artisan Embellishments Kit.  I roughed up the edges a little using my distressing tool.  I like how it looks and the softness of the card.

Stamps: Blooming with Kindness (saying), Itty Bitty Backgrounds
Inks: Rich Razzleberry
Papers: Very Vanilla, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Big Shot, Apothecary Accent Die, Bitty Butterfly Punch, Artisan Embellishments Kit, Distressing Tool, Dimensionals, Sponge

Thanks again for stopping by...again, please click on this link HERE for a full list of blogs on the hop!

B-Day Card

It's Richard's birthday tomorrow, and to shock everyone I made a card!  Life has been a little on the crazy side and I had to step away from stamping and blogging from a while.  But I need to get the creative juices back!

Stamps: Perfect Pennants
Inks: Marina Mist, Crushed Curry
Papers:  Whisper White, Smoky Slate, Garden Green, DSP
Accessories: Big Shot, Deco Labels Die, Star Punch, Wild Wasabi Ribbon, Dots EF, Banners Die, Sequin, Sewing Machine/White Thread, Dimensionals, Circle Die

Creative Blog Hop!

I was challenged and inspired to be a part of the Creative Blog Hop by fellow Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Dee Tollaksen, and you can see her wonderful projects by clicking HERE!

I love how much the wonderful craft of stamping has evolved since I started stamping 16 years ago!  Back then, the majority of the projects didn't have a lot of dimension to them and embellishments (brads, ribbon, etc.) were used for small accents.  I get so inspired by others creations and spend way too much time on Pinterest, Splitcoasters, YouTube, and other stamping sites!

I hope this project will challenge and inspire you to made something festive for your home, or for others, this year!  I have made several collages for craft shows that I participated in, and thought it would be fun to actually make one for myself this year!

The main small squares are 2"x 2", and the large square is a base of 5" x 3".  I used the same designs that I used in my other collages, and it came together pretty quickly.

Here is a list of what I used to create this college:

Stamps: Wishing You, A Banner Christmas, Itty Bitty Backgrounds
Inks: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Mossy Meadow, Marina Mist
Papers: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Mossy Meadow, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Silver Glimmer Paper, a variety of current and retired DSP
Accessories: Big Shot, Wonderful Wreath Framelit Die, Star Die, Scallop Punch, Bird Builder Punch, Owl Builder Punch (heart), Neutral Buttons, Whisper White and Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Small Jingle Bells, Branch Punch, Dimensionals, Mini-Glue Dots, SAMJ, 8" x 10" frame

The following are some questions related to the Creative Blog Hop:

1.  What are you working on?

I am currently working on making some fun holiday home decor items for my house.  The collage and wreaths (shown in an older post) are a few items.  I am also making some tagged treats for my co-workers.

2.  How does your work differ from others in your genre?

When I see something that I really love and would like to case, I try to figure out how I can put my own spin on my project.  But I really think we really see a bit of each other in our projects, and that's why this wonderful craft is so awesome.  We all love to share what we make to inspired, share and challenge others!

3.  Why do you create what you do?

Simply because I love it!  I fell in love with stamping 16 years ago, and it's a big part of my life.  I find so much joy in using the gifts and abilities that God has given me to create something for others.  I also love sharing my love of stamping with my customers and friends through the stamp camps I do at my house.

4.  How does your creative process work?

That's a hard one to answer as I process things different ways........sometimes it's seeing something online that makes me wonder how it was created, or through seeing a sketch challenge.  There have been many nights I wake up designing a card in my head when I should be sleeping!

Front Door Wreath

One more wreath for the front door made using the Under the Tree DSP from the SU! Holiday Catty!  It dresses up the front door, and I love that it was super easy to make!

 I

Addicting Wreaths!

I saw a YouTube video that Rhonda Wade did on how to make wreaths by simply using DSP, scissors and a mini-stapler which you can watch by clicking HERE!

I have a ton of retired DSP and made two practice wreaths.  Two using 6" x 6" squares, and one using 4" x 4" squares.  Using a mini-stapler really makes a difference and I would highly recommend using one versus glue dots or a glue gun.  What do you think?  They are so fun and addicting - good thing that I am a paper hoarder!!

4x4 squares

 First attempt

Snowman Dove Chocolate Treat Bags

I saw these adorable treat bags that Becky Roberts did, and knew they would be so cute to put Dove Chocolates in.  To see her treat bags on her bog, Inking Idaho, please click HERE!

And here is my version of the treat bags.  They are so easy to make; below is a list of all the punches and dies that I used (hopefully I remember them all)!

Stamps: Happy Holiday saying
Inks: Cherry Cobbler (saying), Basic Black Marker for the eyes and mouth
Papers: Whisper White, Basic Black, Crumb Cake, Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, retired DSP (no clue what the names are since I have had the paper for many years - remember, I'm a paper hoarder!)
Accessories: Big Shot, Tag Die, Lucky Stars Textured EF, Curvy Keepsake Box Thinlit Tag Die, Large/Small Star Punches, 1-3/8" Circle Punch (head), Modern Label Punch and retired SAB Pennant Punch (scarf), Petite Pennants Builder Punch (nose), Large Oval Punch (body), Oval Punch, Gold Baker's Twine, Pearls, Dimensionals, Mini-Glue Dots, Small Cello Bags, Dove Chocolates

Happy Holidays Gift Tags

Starting to work on gift tags for the Holiday Boutique I will be participating in on December 6th.  I have a ton of natural c/s that I am using for the base of the tags, and have to admit that I am a cardstock hoarder.   This one of the tags I just got done designing; what do you think?

Stamps: Happy Holiday stamp
Inks: Cherry Cobbler
Papers: Natural, Early Espresso (tree trunk), Silver Glimmer paper, retired Christmas DSP (remember, paper and DSP hoarder)
Accessories: Big Shot, Lucky Stars EF, Sizzix Tag Die, Scallop Punch, Window Punch, Star Die, Silver Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, VersaMark, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Silver Brad, CAD, Dimensionals, Mini-Glue Dots, Stamp-a-ma-Jig

Mustache Card

I had a fun stamp camp all planned out for today, but unfortunately I got hit with one heck of a cold/sinus congestion and had to cancel.  We were going to do Clean and Simple Christmas cards using a lot of punches and dies.  I can't tell you how bummed I am, but really didn't think anyone would like to come over and have me sneeze and cough on them.  It's incredible the amount of stuff going around school, and I knew it was only a matter of time before I got something!

This is one of the cards we were going to make today, and below is a list of what I used to make the card.

Stamps: None
Inks: None
Papers: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, Silver Glimmer Paper
Accessories: Big Shot, Mustache Die, Star Die, Serif Essentials Die, Confetti Stars Punch, Stripes EF, Dimensionals, Mini-Glue Dots

LNS Fall/Halloween Challenge

It has been way too long since I have posted anything on my blog.  Life got way too busy since my last post between getting Ben ready to head off to college, football and other stuff!  I now am thankful that things have calmed down and I now have time to start stamping and posting.

LNS is doing monthly challenges now, and the challenge this month is do a Halloween/Fall themed project.  I decided to make a fall candle using punches and twine, and then I placed inside a pumpkin candle holder I found at a store.  When you are done with your project, you can simply load it: HERE

Here's a list of what I used:

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Wasabi, Whisper White
Inks: Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Soft Suede
Accessories: Big Shot, Woodgrain EF, Large Oval Punch, Bird Builder Punch, Twine, Dimensionals, Candle, Sponges

Technostamper Monday Lunchtime Challenge

It's been way too long since I have posted on my stamping blog, and for that I apologize!  Life has been a way too crazy this summer and then I fell off my bike and my left hand and arm took the brunt of the fall.  I am right handed, but it still made it very hard to hold cardstock, etc., with a couple of swollen fingers and a really sore arm!

So I thought I would give it a try to do this week's Technostamper Monday Lunchtime Challenge!  It felt so good stamp and actually create something!  So how about it, ready for this week's challenge?  The sketch is found below, and when you are finished with your project you can simply load it HERE!

This week's sketch:

Who remembers Button Bear?  This is one of the first sets I got when I first started stamping back in 1998, and I will probably always keep this set around!  I stamped bear image onto a piece of watercolor paper using a StazOn inkpad.  I watercolored the bear in using Soft Suede, Mossy Meadow and Tangelo Twist inks, and then cut the image out.  The paw prints were stamped using Mossy Meadow and Tangelo Twist, and then I distressed the edges of the Very Vanilla c/s using a distressing tool.  Below is a list of what I used, and my card.

Stamp Set: Button Bear

Inks: Black StazOn, Soft Suede, Mossy Meadow, Tangelo Twist

Papers: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Watercolor Paper

Accessories: Watercolor Brush, Distressing Tool, Dimensionals, Sponge, Scissors

Techno Stamper: Monday Lunchtime Challenge

It is a beautiful day here and I have 2 more days of work left until school gets out.  It's been a long year made longer by an the 5 added snow days!

We have another fun challenge for you over at the Techno Stamper Blog, and the sketch is shown below.  You can load your awesome creation HERE when you are finished.

I used the new Cherry Cobbler and Daffodil Delight Blendabilities Markers to color in the flower.  I have to admit that I was a little intimated to try them at first, but after playing around with them for a bit, I think they are the bomb!!  After the colors set for a minute, I cut out the flower and then spritzed it with some Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz to give it a little more shimmer.  Below is a list of what I used to make the card.  Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Bloom With Hope (Hostess set)
Inks: Memento Ink Pad, Cherry Cobbler
Blendabilities: Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight
Papers: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Watercolor Wonder DSP
Accessories: Big Shot, Window Frames Framelits, Bitty Banners Framelits, Decorative Dots EF, Needlepoint Border EF, Vintage Brads, Whisper White Baker's Twine, Cherry Cobbler Ribbon, Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz, Dimensionals

Techno Stamper: Monday Lunchtime Challenge

We had another fun family wedding this weekend, and I am so running behind on getting this post up!  So I have to keep it short and sweet as I am heading off to work in a few minutes.....this week's sketch is shown below, and you can load your work of art: HERE.

And the following is my card using the fun sets, Wetlands and Work of Art.  Have a great day everyone!

Stamps: Work of Art, Wetlands
Inks: Blackberry Bliss, Hello Honey, Lost Lagoon
Papers: Whisper White, Blackberry Bliss, Lost Lagoon
Accessories: Big Shot, Deco Labels Framelits, Banners Framelits, Decorative Dots EF, Button, Silver Metallic Baker's Twine, Dimensionals

Techo Stamper: Monday Lunchtime Challenge

It is a beautiful Memorial Day today, and I am so thankful for all my family members that have served or are presently serving.  My dad, uncles and my father-in-law all served during WWII.  I have 2 nephews actively serving in the Marines, and 1 in the Air Force.

To all who have served or are currently serving, I thank you!

We hope you have time to play along for this week's Monday Lunchtime Challenge.  The sketch is below, and you can load your card: HERE.

I used the new stamp set, Work of Art for my card, and it can be found in the upcoming 2014/2015 SU Idea Book.  Samples of this set have been all over PI, and all of the samples have been amazingly creative!  Lots of fun opportunities with the fab stamp set!  I also used the new In-Colors to create the background on the bottom of the card.  Here is a list of what I used:

Stamps: Work of Art
Inks: Blackberry Bliss, Hello Honey, Mossy Meadow
Papers: Whisper White, Mossy Meadow, Hello Honey
Accessories:  Big Shot, Deco Labels Collection Framelits, Decorative Dots EF, Gold Sequin Trim, Dimensionals, Mini-Glue Dots