Simply Well-Preserved ...

TGIF hoarding card-makers and welcome to the weekend! And, since it's finally another Friday, it's time for another "Stamp Simply" challenge!

This week, Sharon asks us, "is anyone out there still canning, or freezing, or drying your summer harvest? Is anyone preparing those previously preserved goodies for Thanksgiving or Christmas gifts? Today is all about preserving our fruits of the harvest. Take this food-related theme wherever it brings you ... use food stamps, papers, or embellishments on a card, decorate a jar of canned goodies, or even wrap and decorate a chocolate bar ... we're easy! Let's just see some lovely fruits, veggies, or any type of edible in today's creations!

I have a wonderful old wood-mounted cornucopia stamp that I only get to use at this time of year. It's beautifully detailed and so much fun to color:

To play along in this week's challenge ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a paper project featuring fruits, vegetables, or any type of edible. Then, upload your project to your blog or online photo gallery and visit Sharon's blog, located HERE and link your project up to Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime166" so that we can find your project.

Need more inspiration? Don't miss the fabulous tag projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Sharon Johnson, Our Fearless Leader: No Time to Stamp?;

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Janine Orchard: 2 B Krafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.; and our fabulous Guest Designer for November,

Claudia Rose: Pretty Pressings.

If you'd like, you can check out all of the Splitcoast Stampers gallery submissions HERE.

We can't wait to see your delicious creation!

Thanks so much for sharing part of your very busy day with me ... hope you have a fabulous weekend!

~Hugs,


Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Old Olive" and "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up; Yellow Textured Card Stock by Bazzill Basics
• Stamp: "Cornucopia" Stamp by Inkadinkado
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Color Medium: Prismacolor Pencils
• Accessories: Olive Silk Ribbon
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Spellbinder's Rectangle Die; Odorless Mineral Spirits by Gamsol; Paper Blending Stub; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Top-Folded)
  

Thanksgiving Paper Bag Album ...

Happy Stump Day hampers ... hope your week is flyin' by!

Today's quickie post is just a look at the front cover of my latest altered paper bag album. So, if you're not one of my regular buyers, feel free to look away!

For more details, or a look at the photos of the interior pages of this album, you can visit it where it currently lives: on eBay. To visit my eBay auction page, clicky HERE.

Thanks so much for spending part of your very busy day with me ... I'll be back on Friday with another fabulous "Stamp Simply" challenge; 'til then, stay safe!

~Hugs,

Simply Blessed ...

TGIF hoarding card-makers and welcome to the weekend! And, since it's finally another Friday, it's time for another "Stamp Simply" challenge!

This week, Sharon is reminding us to be thankful for all of our many blessings. And with Thanksgiving approaching, we are reminded to Count Those Blessings! Today's challenge is wide open, but it has to have an overall theme of thankfulness. Some ideas include a thank-you note, a small hostess gift, a project featuring our children, home, friends, etc. Create something that will, in some way, convey thanks for all our blessings ... and please tell us what blessings you're thankful for as you create your project!

I'm grateful for so many blessings, but mostly for a happy home and dear friends ... and rubber stamps, designer paper, and ribbons, of course! Here's my uncharacteristically bright and busy card:

I decided to create a "suspension" card for this week's challenge ... a fun effect that looks like it took forever but is really quite simple. Kid's love these cards!

I followed the directions provided by the l'il voices inside my head, but you can create your own suspension card by using Beate's Suspension Card tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers, HERE.

To play along in this week's challenge ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a card or other paper project following the theme of thankfulness. Then, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery and visit Sharon's blog, located HERE and link your project up to Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime162" so that we can find your project.

Need more inspiration? Don't miss the fabulously creative projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Our Fearless Leader, Sharon Johnson: No Time to Stamp?;

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Janine Orchard: 2 B Krafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden; (AJ is taking this week off)

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.; and our amazing Guest Designer for October,

Jerri Kay Jimenez: A Touch of Grace.

If you'd like, you can see all of the Splitcoast Stampers gallery submissions HERE.

We can't wait to see your thankful creation!

Thanks so much for sharing part of your very busy day with me ... hope you have a fabulous weekend!

~Hugs,


Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Indian Summer" Paper Collection by BasicGrey
• Stamps: Leaf Stamp by StampCraft; Sentiment from "Falling Leaves" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Really Rust" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Ivory Thread; Satin Ribbon; Rhinestones by KaiserCraft
• Tools: Bow Easy Tool; 1 5/8" Square Punch; Word Window Punch by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Stamp Simply ... Hard Rock Cafe

TGIF hoarding card-makers and welcome to the weekend! And, since it's finally another Friday, it's time for another "Stamp Simply" challenge!

This week, Sharon has us rockin' with "hard rocks!" Think metals and stones as added elements for your project including metallic pens, metallic papers, rhinestones, gold, silver, and diamonds. Feel free to use copper, rubies, emeralds, pearls, etc. Use these types of beauties to embellish and enhance your rockin' creation!

I decided to combine the beauty of fall foliage and the "hard rock" theme by heat embossing my stamped images with gold embossing powder, then coloring with an assortment of Twinkling H2O's:

To play along in this week's challenge ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a card or other paper project using "hard rocks" on your creation. Then, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery and visit Sharon's blog, located HERE to link up your project in Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime161" so that we can find your project.

Need more inspiration? Don't miss the fabulous hard-rockin' projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Sharon Johnson, Our Fearless Leader: No Time to Stamp?;

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Janine Orchard: 2 B Krafty;

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.; and our fabulous Guest Designer for October,

Jerri Kay Jimenez: A Touch of Grace.

If you'd like, you can see all of the Splitcoast Stampers gallery submissions HERE.

We can't wait to see your heavy metal creation!

Thanks so much for sharing part of your very busy day with me ... hope you have a fabulous weekend!

~Hugs,


Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: Sentiment Stamp by CTMH; Leaf Stamp by StampCraft
• Ink: Versamark Watermark Ink by Tsukineko
• Color Medium: Various Colors, Twinkling H20's by LuminArte
  
• Accessories: Metallic Gold-Edged Ribbon; Super Fine Gold Embossing Powder by Ranger
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle and Square Dies by Spellbinders; Heat Tool by Stampin' Up; Aqua Painter by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Top-Folded)
  

Shop the amazing deals on Stampin' Up's "Clearance Rack" ... HERE

Simply Back to Nature ...

TGIF hoarding card-makers and welcome to the weekend! And, since it's finally another Friday, it's time for another "Stamp Simply" challenge!

This week, we're being inspired by Mother Nature! Create something with a natural, earthy feel reflective of any season you enjoy. It's the natural/earthy element we're going for here ... not necessarily autumn.

I grew up in Connecticut and I really miss autumn in New England. My card is a l'il bit autumn ... and a l'il bit wildlife ... in a very clean and simple format:

To play along in this week's challenge ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a card or other paper project using Mother Nature for your inspiration. Then, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery and visit Sharon's blog, located HERE to link up your project in Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime160" so that we can find your project.

Need more inspiration? Don't miss the fabulously colorful projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Our Fearless Leader, Sharon Johnson: No Time to Stamp?;

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Janine Orchard: 2 B Krafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.; and our amazing Guest Designer for October,

Jerri Kay: A Touch of Grace.

If you'd like, you can see all of the Splitcoast Stampers gallery submissions HERE.

We can't wait to see your Back to Nature creation!

Thanks so much for sharing part of your very busy day with me ... I hope your weekend is fabulous!

~Hugs,


Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: "Just Vine" Stamp Set (Retired) by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Pumpkin Patch" Spectrum Dye Ink (Retired) by Stampin' Up; Fluid Chalk Inks by Clearsnap
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Sentiment Die by Provo Craft; Two-Step Bird Punch by Stampin' Up; Corner Chomper by WRMK'ers; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up

Check out the amazing buys on Stampin' Up's Clearance Rack! Click HERE to shop online 24/7.

Simply Inspired ...

TGIF hoarding card-makers and welcome to the weekend! And, since it's finally another Friday, it's time for another "Stamp Simply" challenge!

This week, Sharon has fallen in love! Oh, with a photo ... of an Indian bridal sari. Check out the fabulous colors, the texture, the shimmer of the fabric, the beading, and the patterns. WoW, this really is stunning, no?!?

So, today's challenge is to use this photo for your inspiration and just run with it ... take what speaks to you from this photo and show us your fab creations! Be sure to share with us what spoke to you from this gorgeous photo:

Omigosh, where to begin with this beautiful image?!?

I was inspired by the rich, luxe colors of this fabulous sari and the amazing textures. So, with color and texture in mind, I chose faux textured designer papers from Cosmo Cricket's "Souvenir" collection and created a fall-themed card:

To play along in this week's challenge ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a card or other paper project using the photo of the Bridal Wedding Sari for your inspiration. Then, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery and visit Sharon's blog, located HERE to link up your project in Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime158" so that we can find your project.

Need more inspiration? Don't miss the fabulously colorful projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Our Fearless Leader, Sharon Johnson: No Time to Stamp?;

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Janine Orchard: 2 B Krafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.; and, our amazing Guest Designer for September,

Chrissie Stokes: Simply One of a Kind.

If you'd like, you can see all of the Splitcoast Stampers gallery submissions, HERE.

We can't wait to see your Bridal Sari Inspired project!

Thanks so much for spending part of your very busy day with me ... hope you have a wonderful weekend!

~Hugs,


Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Patterned Papers from the "Souvenir" Collection by Cosmo Cricket
• Stamp: Sentiment by PTI
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; "Old Paper" Distress Ink by Ranger
  
• Accessories: Antique Copper Index Frame and Brads from Antique Copper 'Hodgepodge Hardware' Collection by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Leaf Die by Spellbinders; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Side-Folded)
  

Simply Leaves ...

TGIF hoarding card-makers and welcome to the weekend! And, since it's finally another Friday, it's time for another "Stamp Simply" challenge!

This week, Sharon has challenged us to incorporate leaves into our projects -- any types of leaves, any type of card or project. Let's see some beautiful "Falling Leaves" this week as we transition info fall mode!

Here's my leafy card:

You can't tell from the photo, but I stamped my images using 'Walnut Ink' Distress ink, then clear embossed both the leaf and the sentiment.

To play along in this week's challenge ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a paper project using the Falling Leaves theme. Then, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery and visit Sharon's blog, located HERE to link up your project in Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime155" so that we can find your project.

Need more inspiration? Don't miss the fabulously leafy projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Sharon, Our Fearless Leader: No Time to Stamp?;

AJ: The Willow Garden;

Barb: Explore. Dream. Discover;

Barbara: Paper Pursuits;

Deb: Dream in Color;

Janine: 2 B Krafty; and,

Jenny: One Krafty Kat.

If you'd like, you can view all of the Splitcoast Stampers gallery submissions, HERE.

We can't wait to see your leafy creations!

Thanks so much for spending part of your very busy day with me ... have a fabulous weekend!

~Hugs,


I'm Entering This Card in These Challenges:

• ABC Challenge: 'C' is for Charms
• A Crafty Little Place: Anything Goes
• Allsorts: Garden or Park Inspiration
  
• Artful Inkables: Think Ink (Distress Inks)
  
• Belli Challenge: Old Stamps ("Autumn" Stamp Set, 2000)
• C.E.S. Challenges: Anything Goes
• Corrosive Challenge: For the Guys
  
• Digi Doodle: Write Me a Message
• Divine Diva: Inspiration
• Etsy Inspired: 'Caged Fairy' (Inspired by THIS)
  
• Papertake Weekly: Just the One (1 DP/1 Word/1 Leaf/1 Ribbon)
• Pollycraft Monday: Add a Little Nature
• Sentimental Sundays: Clean and Simple
  
• Stampin' B's: Use a Charm
• Stampin' Sisters in Christ: Metal (Metal Leaf Charms)
• Stamping Vacation: Fountain of Youth (Leaf)
  
• The Paper Players: Anything Goes
  
• The Shabby Tea Room: (Old=Stamp Set / New=Ribbon)
  
• The Three Muses: Back to Nature
• Wee Memories: In the Forest
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up!
• Designer Paper: BasicGrey
  
• Stamps: All Stamps from the "Autumn" Stamp Set (Retired), by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: "Antique Linen" and "Walnut Stain" Distress Inks by Ranger
• Accessories: Metal Leaf Charms; Grosgrain Ribbon; Thread; Clear Embossing Powder
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Die; Ink Tool; Heat Gun; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up!
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Simply Colorful ...

TGIF hoarding card-makers and welcome to the weekend! And, since it's finally another Friday, it's time for another "Stamp Simply" challenge!

This week, Sharon has a color challenge for us. These colors are rich and so pretty together as we transition from summer into autumn. And autumn comes earlier to some of us than other ... and some of us never have autumn :(

Today's color are turquoise and orange, with white or ivory as your neutral and you may add black for a little 'pop.' Here's a photo of an inviting boy's room to get your colorful and creative juices flowing:

Orange and turquoise has long been one of my very favorite color combinations so this challenge was especially fun for me. I did, however, take the 'autumn' concept one teensy step further:

To play along in this week's challenge ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a paper project using the inspiration photo, above, for your color palette. Then, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery and visit Sharon's blog, located HERE to link up your project in Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime154" so that we can find your project.

Need more inspiration? Don't miss the fabulously colorful projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Sharon, Our Fearless Leader:No Time to Stamp?;

AJ: The Willow Garden; (AJ is enjoying a vacation this week ... see you next week, AJ!)

Barb: Explore. Dream. Discover.; (Barb is also enjoying a vacation this week ... see you next week, Barb!)

Barbara: Paper Pursuits;

Deb: Dream in Color;

Janine: 2 B Krafty;

Jenny: One Krafty Kat; and, our fabulous Guest Designer for August,

Charlene: Paper and Ink Playground.

If you'd like, you can view all of the Splitcoast Stampers gallery submissions, HERE.

We can't wait to see your colorful creations!

Thanks so much for spending part of your very busy day with me ... hope you have a fabulous weekend!

~Hugs,


I'm Entering This Card in These Challenges:

• ABC Challenge: 'B' is For Blue
• Alota Rubber Stamps: Color (Brown on Leaves)
  
• Anything Goes: Time (Autumn)
• Aud Sentiments: Anything Goes
• C.R.A.F.T.: Milestones/Anything Goes (Thanksgiving)
• Crafty Catz: Orange, Blue, Brown (Brown on Leaves)
  
• Crafty Ho's: Inspiration (Colors)
  
• Creative Stamp Friends: Thanks
• Digi Doodle: So Distressing
• Etsy Inspired: Global Child Collection (You Are My Sunshine)
  
• For Fun: Ribbon
  
• Lexi's Creations: Emboss It (Dry Embossing on Leaves)
• Our Daily Bread Designs: Punches or Dies (Leaf Die)
• Speedy the Cat's Friends: Harvest
• Stampin' for the Weekend: Anything Goes
  
• Stars and Stamps: Leaf Die/Ribbon/Dry Embossing-Leaf
  
• Thoughtful Thursdays: "A" (Autumn)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Basic Black" Card Stock by Stampin' Up!
• Designer Paper: Turquoise DP from "Blush" Collection by BasicGrey; Orange DP from "Reflections - Fall in Love" Collection (No Longer Available) by Daisy D's
• Other Paper: Die-Cut from "Reflections - Fall in Love" Collection by Daisy D's
• Stamp: Sentiment Stamp by PTI
• Ink: "Vintage Photo" Dye Ink by Ranger; "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up!
• Accessories: Black Satin Ribbon by PTI; Black Flat-Back Pearls by Mark Richards
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Leaf Die by Spellbinders; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up!
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Side-Folded)
  

Time's Up! Back to School ...

Happy Thursday, crafty stampers!

Yup, it's me ... I crawled outta my Iron Lung long enough to post a card on my deserted blog. Between battling the never-ending case of pneumonia and my gone-missin' Mojo, stamping has been the last thing I've wanted to do.

That said, I did manage to regain consciousness long enough to create this l'il card for the new challenge blog, "Sketches, Challenges, Blog Hops, (Oh My!)'s "Back to School" challenge:

The cute l'il bookworm stamp, from Our Craft Lounge, is from one of the three stamp sets I won on the recent Color Throwdown Celebrating 100 Challenges challenge. For the rest of the a-mazing product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

And thanks so much for all of your emails and phone calls checkin' up on me ... I really appreciate it!

It was so nice of you to stop by today ... I'll be back tomorrow with this week's edition of the "Stamp Simply" challenge!

~Hugs,


This Card Also Qualifies for These Challenges:

• Catch the Bug: Let's Go Back to School
• Anything Goes: Three Layers
  
• Creative Belli: Round and Metal (Clock, Hands, Brad, Eyelet)
• Delightful Sketches: Back to School / Primary Colors
  
• Etsy Inspired: "Lover Dover's" (Retro Minnie Mouse Dress)
  
• For Fun: Recipe (1 Ribbon/2 DP's/3 Embellies)
  
• I Did It Challenge: Anything Goes
• Kah-Wink-E-Dink: Back to School
• My Favorite Things WSC: Hit the Books!
• Oh-La-La: Spots and Dots
• Order of the Opus Gluei: Move It (Scrabble Tiles, Ghost Clock, Clock Hands, Library Circulation Card)
  
• Our Creative Corner: Back to School
  
• Paper Cutz: Back to School
• Pixie Dust Studio: Go Crazy with Polka Dots
• S2G's Twisted Thursday: Fall / Twist of Yellow
  
• Sketches, Challenges & Blog Hops: Back to School
  
• Stampin' For the Weekend: Back to School
  
• Stampin' Royalty: School Days
• The Wild Flower Patch: Polka Dots
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Basic Black" and "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Report Card" Collection by October Afternoon
• Other Paper: Library Circulation Card
• Stamp: Bookworm from "Bookworm" Stamp Set by Our Craft Lounge
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Vintage Seam Binding Tape; Vintage Alphabet Tiles; Ghost Clock by Heidi Swapp; Clock Hands, Eyelet, and Brad Pitt from Stash
• Tools: Tag Punches by Stampin' Up; Ticket Corner Punch by Stampin' Up; Crop-a-Dile by WRMK'ers; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Try It; It Really Works!

Happy Monday, boy and girls!

Today's card project was created for SCS's "Ways to Use It" challenge, WT240, "Autumn Leaves."

For all the challenging deets, clicky HERE. To go straight to the WT240 card gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo.

I stamped my sentiment, from Stampin' Up's "Falling Leaves" stamp set on SU card stock, then die-cut a frame from Stampin' Up designer paper. I added two velvet leaves in fall colors and a knotted length of twine and mounted them in the center of the frame.

I ran some "Pumpkin Pie" card stock through the 'Bug in the "Distressed Stripes" embossing folder, then adhered it to my card base. I added some Stampin' Dimensionals to the embellished frame and adhered it to the embossed card stock. So easy, even I could do it!

Soooooooooooo this weekend, Sheila and I and the DH's went to a mutual friend's dinner party. As all of us girls were hanging around the kitchen, the subject somehow turned to marriage counseling.

"Oh, we'll never need that! Ken and I have a great relationship," Shelia explained. "He was a communications major in college and I majored in theater arts. He communicates really well and I just act like I'm listening. Try it; it really works!"

Thanks for swinging by and have a great week!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Chocolate Chip," "Pumpkin Pie," and "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Stampin' Up (Retired)
• Stamp: Sentiment from "Falling Leaves" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Velvet Leaves; Brown Twine
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; "Distressed Stripes" A2 Embossing Folder; Spellbinders Frame Die; Stampin' Dimensionals by Stampin' Up; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  

It Was, Wasn't It?

Happy Stump Day, Hampers!

Today's card project was created using a sketch from Clean & Simple's "Fall-to Layout," FTL63, and stamps from Stampin' Up's new "Falling Leaves" stamp set. For all the challenging deets, clicky HERE. To see the rest of this gorgeous stamp set, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky right on the photo.

I stamped my background panel with Dusty Durango, Pumpkin Pie, Almost Artichoke, and Crushed Curry dye inks, mounted the panel on Dusty Durango card stock, and adhered it to my card base.

I stamped the sentiment in Dusty Durango dye ink, added a Stampin' Up Filigree Designer Brad, and mounted it on my card base using foam dimensionals. Clean and simple and ... fast!

So, yesterday Sheila and I took a ride out west to visit a mutual friend. Sue lives w-a-y out in the boondocks ... much more boondocky than where we live.

Sheila drove and insisted on taking a "short-cut." I find that Sheila's "short-cuts" are notoriously NOT short but she grew up out here so it's hard to argue with her.

On one dirt road, we saw a "Bridge Out" sign.

"Better turn around." I advised.

"Oh, no, I was out here last week, the bridge isn't out." Sheila countered.

We continued on but a few miles later, we came to a stop: the road was completely barricaded.

Sighing heavily, Sheila turned around and retraced the route. That's when we saw this sign on the back of the first: "It was, wasn't it?"

Thanks for swinging by ... have a great day!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Stampin' Up
• Stamps: "Falling Leaves" Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: Dye Inks by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Filigree Designer Brads by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  

What Width?

Happy Monday, Campers ... hope your weekend was wonderful! Or, if your workplace is closed today for Columbus Day, I hope it's still wonderful!

Today's card project was created using the Cuttlebug "Autumn Type" embossing folder and rubber stamps from Stampin' Up's retired "Seasonal Whimsy" stamp set.

I stamped my focal image and the individual leaves using SU's "Dusty Durango" dye ink on SU card stock. I embossed the background card stock, cut my stamped images out, triple-matted the focal image, added some grosgrain ribbon, popped the leaves up on dimensionals, and finis! So easy even I could do it!

For the rest of the mind-boggling product info, check out the supply list, below.

Sooooo, this weekend, Sheila and I went shopping at Jerry's Art-A-Rama, a very cool art supply store. I wanted to pick up a couple of yards of artists' canvas, Sheila wanted ... hmmmm, what did Sheila want?

In case you didn't know, artists' canvas comes in two widths: 36 inches or 48 inches. I only mention it 'cuz ... it helps if you know this.

Anyway, I finally managed to find a store employee and asked her to cut me two yards.

"Certainly. What width?" she asked.

Before I could answer, Sheila piped up sarcastically, "Duh. SCISSORS!"

Okay, she's stayin' home next time ...

Thanks so much for swingin' by today!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Stampin' Up
• Stamps: "Seasonal Whimsy" Stamp Set (Retired) by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Dusty Durango" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: 3/8" Grosgrain Ribbon
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Cuttlebug "Autumn Type" Embossing Folder; Perfect Layers Tool by Stampin' Up; Craft Knife; Foam Dimensionals by Stampin' Up
  
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  

Happy Harvest ...

Happy Monday, Stampers!

Today's card project was created for my Thanksgiving card stash using stamps from Papertrey Ink's "Vintage Picnic" set.

I stamped my image and sentiment in one of SU's new In Colors, "Dusty Durango," colored it using Copic markers, then cut out the focal point using a Spellbinders die.

For all the fall-like product info, check out the supply list, below.

Sooooooooo, this weekend I was over Sheila's, sitting in her kitchen leafing through a magazine. As I was flippin' through it, I noticed an article entitled, "Men's Secret Fear About Their Working Wives."

I slid it across the table to Sheila for her take. As her DH just happened to be nearby rooting through the fridge, she decided to get a first hand account.

"So, Ken, what's your innermost fear about my working?" she asked her husband.

"That you'll quit." Ken replied.

Thanks for visiting and have a great day!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics Textured Card Stock; PTI; Stampin' Up!
• Designer Paper: "Ambrosia" Collection by BasicGrey
• Stamps: "Vintage Picnic" Set by Papertrey Ink
• Ink: "Dusty Durango" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up!
• Color Medium: Copic Markers
• Accessories: Vintage Buttons; Satin Ribbon; Heart Stick Pin; Vintage Twine
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Spellbinders Dies; Scotch ATG 714 Adhesive; Foam Tape
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  

Something New, Part Two ...

Hey! Is it just me, but have you noticed that poetry is my strong suit? Nah, me neither ...


So happy Monday all and one! Did you know? Today is "National Brandied Fruit Day" ... kinda like a liquid fruit-cake ... with a built-in buzz. Ipso facto, MUCH better than a fruit-cake!

Since I don't have a card project to show you, I thought I'd show you this paper bag album I created. This ^ is, obviously, the cover ...


This ^ spread is pages 2 and 3 ...

This ^ spread is pages 4 and 5 ...



This ^ spread is pages 6 and 7 ...



This ^ spread is pages 8 and 9, and ...



This ^ spread is pages 10 and 11.

There's lots more to see (like the back cover and the album inserts), of this album on eBay. If you'd like to take a look, clicky HERE. And if you'd like to bid on it, I promise not to try to stop you!

I have out-of-state house guests this week, so I'm not sure how much creatin' or postin' I'll be getting to, but I'll do my best, okeedokee?!? Plus I promised on my eBay listing that I'd reveal the super-secret-surprise "treat" contents of the three paper bag album pockets on my blog. 'Course, NOT doing so could constitute the "trick" part of "trick or treat," but ...

Soooooooooo, this weekend the DH and I drove up to St. Lucie County to visit some friends we haven't seen in for-evuh.

As we were about to leave Palm Beach County, we saw a large sign that read, "LAST CHANCE FOR $3.25 GAS!!"

We still had more than a quarter of a tank left, but figured we'd take advantage of this opportunity to fill-up the tank.

As the DH was getting his change from the attendant, he asked, "So, how much IS gas in St. Lucie County?"

The attendant replied, "$3.10 ..."

Seriously.

~Hugs,

Can't Help it I'm Fall-Fall-Fallin' ...

Hey, there you are! And not a minute too soon 'cuz it's "Dictionary Day" and I wanted you to read my post and try to find all the misspelled words. Can you bare it?!?

ONward H-C-M:

Today's card project was created for no good reason using one of my most favorite stamp sets. So, if you've seen it used before here, you're now officially excused. But go straight home.

I loaded my stamp with Versamark, then tapped on dye ink, and stamped my fall images. I sprinkled on clear embossing powder and heat set with my gun ... hey, did I ever tell you I won a quick-draw contest? Prolly not ... 'cuz I didn't.

Using Versamark, I randomly stamped my card stock with this cute l'il leaf image, tied on some natural jute twine, made a jute twine bow, and finis!

So, last night, I popped in for a quick visit with Sheila.

Her DH was sitting in 'his' chair reading The Palm Beach Post.

He turned to Sheila and said, "You know, honey, I think there might be some real merit to what this article says: that the intelligence of a father often proves a stumbling block to the son."

"Well, thank heaven," Sheila responded, "at least our son has nothing standing in his way."

Seriously.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: NONE (Shocking!)
• Stamps: "Fall" Stamp from "The Seasons" Collection by Hero Arts; Small Leaf by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: Versamark; "Spiced Marmalade" Distress Ink by Ranger; "Autumn Terracotta" Dye Ink by Close to My Heart
• Accessories: Natural Jute Twine
• Tools: Heat Gun; Clear Embossing Powder; Dimensionals

Time for Y.K.Y.R.'s Halloween "Rock the Cover" Challenge!

Hey, there you are! So, today is, among other things, "White Cane Safety Day." I'd like to go on the record right now and state firmly and emphatically that keeping white canes safe is a top priority of mine. Wait. No. That's not right. It's keepin' white CANDY canes safe that's a top priority of mine ...

ONward Hoarding-Card-Makers:

Being that it's the 15th of the month, it's also time to post up another Y.ou K.now Y.ou R.ock challenge! This time around, we're asking that you create a card inspired by an album/CD cover of your favorite Halloween-ish musical group. I chose The Smashing Pumpkins' self-titled CD:



And here's my take:


I stamped my images, two from the "Crow About" Collection by Green Pepper Press, and the bare tree by Victorine Originals, twice ... once on my card stock base and once using Versamark on matching card stock.

I heat embossed my images with "Ultra Deep Snow Fall" embossing powder, cut out the images, trimming closely, then used a million slivers of dimensionals to pop them up over the original image.

TIP: Always save the ... well, 'holes' left when you finish a packie of dimensionals. Use these leftovers to create itty-bitty dimensionals for use on smallish projects.

Finally, I added some grosgrain ribbon, and punched out some leaves with a craft punch. Easy-peasy-crows-make-my-tummy-queasy!

If you'd like to participate in this month's Y.ou K.now Y.ou R.ock challenge, and I'd LOVE it if you would, simply create a card inspired by an album/CD cover from one of your favorite spooky groups!

Post a photo of your inspiration CD cover and your finished card on your blog, and leave a comment on Y.K.Y.R.'s October 15th blog post letting us know. We'll do the rest!

If you don't have a blog, well, don't let that stop you! Just let me know and I'll get your photo uploaded to our gallery. If you'd like to post your creation on SCS, please use Keyword YKYRo4. And remember to provide photos of both your card project and the inspiration CD cover.

To get you started, here's a couple of quick suggestions: The Smashing Pumpkins (duh), Cheap Trick, or The Black Crows. The only requirement is that your musical groups' name reflects some aspect of Halloween, KWIM? Consider: costumes, trick or treatin', skeletons, graveyards, black cats, ghosts, witches, spells and potions, and so on.

The best way to track down a CD cover image is by doing an image search on google.com. When you arrive on the site, click on "image search" in the upper tool bar and type in your search query. Easy!

You have until midnight, Friday, November 7th, to post your card; voting will begin a 12:01 AM on Saturday, November 8th. Jewels and I can't wait to see what kind of spooky kewlness you brew up!

Soooooo, coincidentally, and while we're celebrating "White Cane Day" together, I've got to share with you a snippet of a conversation I had with Sheila:

"Say," I asked Sheila, "what would you do if you caught your husband with another woman?"

"Another woman with MY husband?" Sheila asked. "Well, let's see; I'd break her white cane, shoot her guide dog, and call a cab to take her back to the institution she escaped from."

And this is a girl who could do just that ...

Seriously.

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; DCWV
• Designer Paper: NONE, Shocking, huh?!?
• Stamps: "Crow About" Collection by Green Pepper Press; Large Bare Tree by Victorine Originals
• Ink: Versamark Watermark by Tsukineko
• Accessories: Embossing Powder by Comotion; Grosgrain Ribbon
• Tools: Heat Gun; Leaf Craft Punch; Dimensionals

Give Thanks ... Or Cash ... What's Easiest for You?

Hey, guess what?!? Today is my most favorite day of the whole year ... it's "National Dessert Day!" What's not to like about today?!? Well, yeah, the calories, and the fat, but otherwise ... what?

ONward H-C-M's:

Today's card project was created for my Turkey Day card stash, so if any of you are on my card list, you should leave now. Or close your eyes, one.

I stamped my image on Vintage Cream card stock, and colored it in with Koh-I-Noor pencils blended with Gamsol.

I used my spiral punch to create a mat, then used dies to create my sentiment. I matted the whole shebang to the card base using DP from Daisy D's, punched and pierced a photo corner, and tied on some twill ribbon. Easy-peasy-pumpkin-squeezy!

So, in honor of "National Dessert Day," Sheila and I attended a weight-loss seminar.

Not surprisingly, the group leader was extolling the merits of the program's prepared-food products. She raved about the rich, delicious flavor of the imitation chocolate fudge and the non-dairy pops, assuring us that we could eat them without the least fear of ruining our diets.

Sheila raised her hand, and when the speaker acknowledged her, Sheila volunteered, "And they're even better when you spread peanut butter on them!"

That's my girl!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; Papertrey Ink
• Designer Paper: "Gypsy Harvest" Collection by Daisy D's
• Stamp: #H140 by Great Impressions
• Ink: "Timber Brown" Staz-On by Tsukineko
• Color Medium: Koh-I-Noor Woodless Colour Pencils
• Accessories: Twill Ribbon
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine and "Olivia" Alphabet Die Set by Provo Craft; Photo Corner Punch by Stampin' Up!; Spiral Punch by Stampin' Up; Mat Pack by Stampin' Up!; Paper Piercing Tool by Making Memories; Dimensionals; Scrap Fusion PA by Ivy Hollow; Gamsol by Gamblin; Paper Stump by Dick Blick

PS: Just a few hours left to vote in Y.ou K.now Y.ou R.ock's "Background Muzak" challenge. Hurry over and vote ... someones whole future depends on *it!

*I kid ...