Watercolored Butterfly Card

Hello!

Today I have another card from my upcoming class at Scrapdoodles! I'll be teaching on April 21st and if you are in the NoVa area, I'd love to see you there! Please call the store at (540) 548-3788 to sign up. I can't wait to show you all this watercoloring technique using Tim Holtz's new Distress Markers. Here is my card:

And a closeup:

Nice and bright, isn't it? This class is sure to be a fun one!

I'm catching up with all sorts of things today so I'm going to keep my post short and sweet as to not waste too much time on the computer- hope you have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

-tessa

Raining Flowers Thank You Card

Hi There!

Looks like the week is going by fast for me again... We've been spring cleaning around our house. Yesterday I did my closet and today I worked on the girls' closets. I need to do a good cleaning of the walls tomorrow. lol! I'm sure you are all jealous of that! I am attending a great crop this weekend though so at least I've got something fun to look forward to after all this hard work!

Over the weekend I made a few cards- I created this one using Stampin' Up!'s Raining Flowers set:

And here is a closer look at the flowers:

Goodies:
All products by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Raining Flowers, Thank You Kindly
Ink: Basic Gray, Going Gray, Peach Parfait, Pool Party classic inks
Paper: Whisper White, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Pool Party cardstock; Basic Gray textured cardstock; First Edition DSP; Neutrals DSP; Farmhouse Collection by October Afternoon
Accessories: Victoria crochet trim, basic rhinestones, Scallop Edge punch, linen thread, antique brads

I love layering the flowers in this set. They look so nice all together. It really is one of my favorite stamp sets. This card came together pretty easily so there isn't too much to say about it!

Hope you have a great rest of the week and thanks for stopping by!

-tessa

Raining Flowers in Gray and Tangerine

Hello!

How is your day going? My littlest and I are organizing fools today- we've tackled the toys and hopefully the mess we've made while cleaning (lol!) will be all put away before everyone gets home tonight. Organizing is fun but when your helper is four and wants to keep every single toy we've ever gotten, it makes for a long day!

I thought I'd take a quick break from our organizing mess to share a card I made earlier this week:

Goodies:
All products by Stampin' Up! unless noted

Stamps: Raining Flowers set, Thank You Kindly set
Ink: Basic Gray, Tangerine Tango, Peach Parfait
Paper: Basic Gray, Whisper White, Naturals Ivory cardstock; Tangerine Tango and Peach Parfait textured cardstock; First Edition DSP: Paper Heart collection patterned paper by Crate Paper
Accessories: Spray Misting Tool, Dotted Scallop Ribbon punch, Labels Collection Framelits Dies, Linen Thread; gray button- craft supply

I love how the flower turned out with all its layers, especially the book print! I think this card would look great with reds and pinks instead of the orange, too- and it could be for Valentine's day with a little lovey dovey sentiment!

Anyways, better keep this short and get back to those toys! Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

-tessa

Inspired by the Moxie Fab World

Hi There! I'm posting a little late tonight- we had a busy day playing at the waterpark, eating ice cream, and shopping at Toys'R'Us with my sister and her little ones. You just can't beat that! :) I'm finally winding down and finding some time to play on the computer for a little while.

I created a bunch of cards over the weekend and thought I'd pop on and share one with you real quick. It was inspired by last week's Tuesday Trigger at the Moxie Fab World Blog. Thanks to Cath and this great image, I found my mojo again! I think I lost it after that last round of Paper Crafts Magazine Gallery Idol Contest. It was a doozie and unfortunately, I didn't make it through to the finals. Thanks for all your votes though! Your support means so much to me!

Here is my card:



Goodies:
All products by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Thank You Kindly
Ink: Wild Wisteria, Pear Pizazz, Pink Pirouette, Pool Party, and Basic Black classic inks
Paper: Pool Party, Whisper White, Basic Black cardstock; Basic Grey textured cardstock; 2011-2013 In Color patterns DSP, 2010-2012 In Color patterns DSP
Accessories: Subtles Buttons, Whisper White Baker's Twine, 1" Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Punch

The focal point is made with squares of my DSP. I rounded to corners on each square and built a sort of modern flower out of them. I used pop dots to pop the top layers up a little and curled the edges using my bone folder.

Anyways, bedtime is calling so I better keep this short and sweet! Thanks for taking a peek!

-tessa

Doilies and Bookprint

Good Morning! Two of my favorite papercrafting trends are working together in today's card-



Goodies:
All products by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Thank You Kindly
Ink: Basic Black classic ink; Versamark
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Basic Black cardstock; First Edition DSP
Accessories: Basic Black narrow grosgrain ribbon, Linen Thread, Filigree Designer brads, White embossing powder

So, you can really see the doily stamps in detail on this card- aren't they great! I love them embossed in white over a darker color. They just pop! And then the bookprint... I normally don't stamp over patterned paper but I am loving this look! Definitely going to try that again!

Well I hope you are enjoying your Monday- we are spending this hot day by the pool!


As always, thanks for looking!

-tessa

A new beginning...

Who's excited about the new Stampin' Up! catalog coming out! I am! I am! This year is an extra special launch for me because I am also launching myself into full business mode. I've been a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for over three years now but always thought of myself as a hobby demo. I love the products and I also love to teach so this year, I'm going to! I've been so inspired by other demonstrators who have earned free vacations and products- I want to be one of them!

I'll be adding classes, clubs, and workshops to my schedule so if you'd like to book one, just let me know! I'm also planning a great Kick Off party at my house on July 9th- make 'n' takes, demonstrations of some of my favorite new products, and of course, the new catalog! I'll be giving it away to anyone who books a workshop, signs up for a class, joins one of my new monthly stamp clubs, or makes a $50.00 order that night. If you'd like to join us, please don't hesitate to send me an email!

Also, if you are looking to join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator, please think of me- I have a small downline now and would love for it to grow!

I'm really looking forward to this new business venture! Really, I can't wait! I'll leave you today with two of the many samples I've been creating lately- these are the types of cards I'll be teaching at my upcoming classes. They are also sneak peaks from the new catalog! :)



Goodies:
All products by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Tiny Tags
Ink: Versamark; Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, Basic Black classic inks
Paper: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink textured cardstock; Flirtatious DSP
Accessories: Flirtatious Fabric, Antique brads, Clear embossing powder, Scallop Edge punch, paper piercer

I don't know if you can see the stamping well in this picture but I've stamped and embossed in clear on the background of this card. You can see a few of the new designs in the Flirtatious DSP in the diagonal strips- aren't they cute! I've had lots of fun with this so far- and the fabric, too! They match and it's so fun to add just a little texture to your cards with fabric. Here, I tore a strip and made it into a quick flower. Also, did you notice that pretty new purple color? It's called Wisteria Wonder and it's one of the new Incolors joining the pallet this year! It's a wonderful greyed-out lavender that pairs great with so many of our other colors.

Here's a clean and simple one showcasing my favorite new punch:



Goodies:
All products by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Pennant Parade, Thank You Kindly, Friendly Words Wheel
Ink: Basic Black, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake classic inks
Paper: Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Basic Grey, and Lucky Limeade cardstock; Very Vanilla textured cardstock; First Edition DSP
Accessories: Petite Pennants Punch, Floral Fusion die, Whisper White bakers twine, Clear round rhinestone brads

So, I love this color scheme! Rich Razzleberry is an old favorite of mine and it looks great with the new Incolor Lucky Limeade! Here, I grunged it up a little so you can't see it's true color but I feel like it's a little Old Olive with a splash of Kiwi Kiss... if you love greens, you'll love this one! What do you think about this new punch? I LOVE it! I felt like with the whole pennant craze, I'm surprised we didn't see one sooner- I have been on the lookout for this for over a year now! And, I've only used half of it here- it's a builder punch and has a coordinating scallop to go with it! I'll be sure to show you that soon.

OK! That's enough from me today! I'll be updating my calenders today and if you'd like to join me for any of my upcoming events or book your own, please don't hesitate to email or call!

Thanks for stopping by today! Like I said, I really can't wait for July!

-tessa

-tessa

Blue Skies on a Cloudy Day...

I woke up to icky weather today... it's rainy and cold- no fun after a week of sunshine! At least it's the perfect weather to stay inside, drink tea, and stamp!

Since it's yucky outside, I thought I'd share a card that is all blue skies and happiness... hee!



Goodies:
Products by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted...

Stamps: Party Hearty, Thank You Kindly
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze, Pear Pizazz, Peach Parfait, Blushing Bride classic inks
Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White cardstock; patterned paper by Jillibean Soup
Accessories: White Baker's Twine, Sanding Block

Out of the entire Stampin' Up! Summer Mini, the Baker's Twine was my favorite thing. I love twine and I am SO excited to see it in Stampin' Up! colors! Of course, I bought all 3 they are offering right now. How cool would it be if there was even more in the 2011-2012 catalog! I can wish, right? Speaking of the new catalog, I am desperately waiting for it! After working with the current stuff all year, I need something new! Especially paper... the mini's aren't cutting it for me! Anyone else super excited about the preorder in a month???

Anyways, this card is pretty straight forward... I stamped the hats from the set and cut them out to use as a banner. I popped them up and added the twine. I'm making Thank You's this week to give to my daughter's teachers. I already have another one to share with you tomorrow! :) Until then, I hope you have a great day and hopefully it isn't raining where you are!

-tessa

Snowy days mean time to play along...

Hi! Hope you enjoyed your weekend! We had a snow storm here in DC and I had such a good weekend just being snowed in! I forgot how much fun that can be... cocoa... video games... and card making for me! Love it! I played along with the most recent Embellish Magazine challenge...



Here is what I made:



Goodies:
All products by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: My Matryoshka set, Christmas Greetings set, Patterned Pines set
Ink: Crushed Curry, Bermudda Bay, Soft Suede, Ruby Red, Old Olive classic inks; Whisper White craft ink; Jet Black StazOn
Paper: Kraft, Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Whisper White, Confetti cardstock
Accessories: The Write Stuff DSP (diecut), Crushed Curry polka-dot grosgrain ribbon, Scallop Edge punch, paper piercer, Signo White gel pen, Aqua Painter, Blender pens, Icicle Rubons, Stamp-a-ma-jig

I created my stamped background using the snowflake from the Patterned Pines set. I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to line it up and just stamped it over and over again! I forgot how pretty white looks on kraft...

The little dolls were colored with a mix of the blender pens and the aqua painter- I love the look of watercolor but some of those spots are so darn tiny!

I made a couple other cards with the same color scheme... I really liked these colors together! Here they are:



Goodies:
All products by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Stamps: Wings of Friendship set, Patterned Pines set
Ink: Chocolate Chip classic ink; Whisper White craft ink; Versamark
Paper: Kraft, Bermuda Bay, Whisper White,Chocolate Chip cardstock; yellow and lighter turquoise paper by Bazzill
Accessories: Scallop Edge punch, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Heat and Stick powder, Clear embossing powder, Crushed Curry polka-dot ribbon, paper piercer, signo White gel pen

I loved how the background turned out on this card but I am not entirely pleased with the card over all... something about the snowflakes with the flowers just doesn't go...

Here is the last one I made:



Goodies:
All products by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Medalion, Thank You Kindly set
Ink: Crushed Curry, Creamy Caramel classic inks; Versamark
Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Kraft,
Accessories: Scallop Edge punch, Chocolate Chip wide grosgrain ribbon, half-back pearls (Prettys Kit), White embossing powder, paper piercer, White Signo Gel pen

I speckled the card a little by using some Creamy Caramel reinker and a toothbrush- it was just too clean with out it, hee!

I hope you are enjoying your Monday! It helps that it is the Monday before Christmas, doesn't it? Hee! I'll be finishing up my shopping and hopefully getting some presents wrapped.

Thanks for peeking!

-tessa

Thank You Cards

At my last workshop, the hostess asked specifically for thank yous as our make and takes so that is exactly what we did! Here they are:



Goodies:
All products by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Friends 24-7 set, En Francais background stamp
Ink: Soft Suede, Bashful Blue, Dusty Durango, Always Artichoke classic inks; Versamark
Paper: Soft Suede, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Dusty Durango cardstock
Accessories: Whisper White organza ribbon, Clear embossing powder, Scallop Edge punch, Aqua Painter, Dazzling Diamonds

I wrote in the sentiment after the card was finished because I couldn't decide where to put it with out taking away from the emboss resist background.

Here is the second card we made:



Goodies:
All products by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Season of Friendship set, Thank You Kindly set, Christmas Punch hostess set
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede classic inks; Versamark
Paper: Kraft, Ruby Red, Pretty in Pink, Sage Shadow cardstock
Accessories: Clear embossing powder, White Signo gel pen, paper piercer, Scallop Edge punch, half-back pearls from Pretties Kit, Dazzling Diamonds, Dimensionals

I had to use my favorite stamp set, hee!! I added the snow with the White gel pen and then added glitter to it for a special touch.

Today I'm catching up on cleaning up my stamp space... the mess has become out of hand and with people coming to visit tomorrow, I better get it picked up! Does cleaning inspire you? It sure inspires me- I think seeing all my stuff as I'm putting it away makes me want to use it. It's always nice to start with a clean pallet, too!

OK! Have a great day and if you are travelling, be safe!

-tessa

Butterfly Thank You Card

Good morning!! Today I'm in a great mood, despite the weather and despite having to go to the dentist today... I'm planning some shopping this afternoon- all by myself- which almost never happens! Hee!

Today I'm sharing a card I made using Embellish Magazine's latest challenge:



I sat with these colors on my desk for soooo long! I just couldn't decide what to do. Finally, I grabbed an old favorite that hasn't gotten to play in a while, my Simple Friendship set, and finally, the idea came! Here is what I made:



Goodies:
All products by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Simple Friendship set, Thank You Kindly set
Ink: Melon Mambo, Basic Gray Classic inks
Paper: Basic Black, Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Basic Gray, Whisper White cardstock; Going Gray textured cardstock; Walk in the Park DSP(retired)
Accessories: Top Note Die, Melon Mambo polka-dot grosgrain ribbon, White Signo Gel pen, paper piercer, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Fire Circle Rhinestone brads

Have you ever tried to pop the rhinestones out of the Fire and Ice brads? It's a toughie but I did it for my butterfly's wings. I also loaded her up with lots of Dazzling Diamonds glitter. I also flipped the ribbon so that the polka-dots wouldn't be seen- an easy trick for a totally different look!

I am so glad that people post challenges like this that make me use products I haven't in a while... it is like a little breath of fresh crafty air! I think tonight I'll pull all my stamps out and grab another I haven't used in awhile for my next card!

Hope you all have a great Thursday! It's almost Friday!! Yeah!! Thanks for stopping by today, too!

-tessa

Thank You Deer Card

Hello!
Today's card was inspired by a card I found yesterday on a favorite blog of mine, Stamp-In-Style. Amanda Reddcliffe's designs are really cute and fun! I just loved here card with the little deer on it so last night, I made my own version of her design! Here it is:



Goodies:
All products by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Forest Friends set, Thank You Kindly set
Ink: Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay classic inks
Paper: Sahara Sand, Whisper White cardstock; Dusty Durango textured cardstock; Thoroughly Modern DSP
Accessories: Scallop Edge punch, Soft Suede polka-dot grosgrain ribbon, paper piercer, White Signo gel pen

I think I am in love with the Soft Suede polka-dot ribbon... I ordered one spool and split it with two of my friends but I think I am going to need one just for me! Hee!

Thanks Amanda for the inspiration!!

-tessa

Sweet Birdie Thank You

Good morning!

I was up early today to help my hubby and daughter get up and to the airport... Nana and Jordan are coming for a visit and thier plane came in pretty early! I can't wait to see them!! I am also too excited to sleep in today... I get to go on a road trip to CKC up in Valley Forge, PA! I am excited to be getting away for the weekend before the big move! We just bought our new house so next week, we are moving! All my stuff is packed... including my stamps! I squeeked out one last card yesterday before packing them all up! Here it is:



Goodies:
All products by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Stamps: Season of Friendship hostess set, Thank You Kindly set
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo, Soft Suede, Pretty in Pink classic inks
Paper: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo cardstock
Accessories: Melon Mambo polka dot grosgrain ribbon, Dimensionals, Scallop Edge punch, Stamping Sponges; Stickles by Ranger

I cheated on my Dazzling Diamonds by using Ranger's stickles... I have a nice brown color in them and don't have that beautiful Chocolate Chip glitter that SU! sells. Brown went nicely in the middle of my flowers!

I am loving this color combo right now. I've used it on my last two cards!

Also, if you've been following me in the Gallery Idol Contest over at Paper Crafts Magazine, we should find out tomorrow who the big winner is! Voting ends today at noon Mountain time. My competition is pretty tough so if I don't win, it is OK... I am happy just getting to play along through out the entire contest!! Thanks again for all of your votes and well wishing comments! They really do mean a lot!

OK! Enjoy your weekend!

-tessa

Fifth Avenue Floral Card

Today I'm posting a card I made using Dawn McVey's latest Raspberry Suite Color Challenge as my inspiration. The colors she chose were very interesting and nothing that I would ever put together! I thought it was going to be a real challenge to use them but once I had them all on the table together, it wasn't so daunting! Hee! Here is what she challenged us with:



And here is the card I made:



Goodies:
All products by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral set, Thank You Kindly set
Ink: Melon Mambo, Bravo Burgundy, Certainly Celery Classic inks
Paper: Very Vanilla, Melon Mambo, Bravo Burgundy, Certainly Celery cardstock
Accessories: Melon Mambo polkadot grosgrain ribbon, Dimensionals

I saw this card on Teneale Williams' blog earlier in the week and loved the simple design of it. I totally cased it! Hee! I also used my Fifth Avenue Floral set, which has been sadly neglected since I bought it... I had such plans of using it but every time I get it out, I have a hard time... I think the key is to keep it simple with this set... less is more! Hee!

Anyways, we are up for a busy Saturday! We are closing on our first house early next week so we are off to get some paint samples at Home Depot! I can't wait to decorate my girls' rooms! Hee! Then it's down to Scrapdoodles in Fredericksburg, VA for some shopping and to check out the new Quickutz machine- the Epic 6- they received theirs last week! I can't wait to get mine now! And after that, I get to go to dinner and crop at my good friend Dawnette's house... she is the most amazing cook! I'm excited to see what she comes up with tonight!

OK! Have a great weekend and I'll be back on Monday with some button inspired card- a special assignment for the Paper Crafts Gallery Idol- I actually made the Top 10!!!

-tessa