Let it Snow....

This is the card I made for my Christmas cards this year. Using some Stampin' UP designer paper, along with doing some embossing with the Cuttlebug snowflake folder, it created the entire background. I just offset it with a piece of Stampin' UP's red grosgrain ribbon.

Stamps: Big on Christmas

Ink: Black Stazon

Paper: Real red,Whisper white, Always artichoke

Various Stampin' Up markers were used to color in that cute little snowman and fill in the letters.

Holiday stamped gift

As much as I love making cards it's fun to occasionally make other things as well using stamps. This is a candle I stamped as a Christmas gift for my daughter. Don't you think it looks perfect sitting on the table in it's berry wreath ring?

Stamps: Unknown manufacturer

Ink: Black Stazon

Also used were various colored markers, tissue paper and a heat tool.

It's Snow much Fun!

I needed to make a card for a "snowman swap" and thought how perfect it would be to make the card using these little guys having some winter fun. The background was made using the Cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder with white pigment ink sponged on the snowflakes.

Stamps: Snowy Play
Ink: White, black Stazon
Paper: Brilliant blue, Whisper white, Ballet blue

Also used was the ticket punch, royal grosgrain ribbon, blender pens and various watercolor crayons.

ALOHA!

ALOHA!

I've recently returned from a wonderful vacation in Hawaii. We flew into Honolulu and the following day left on a 10 day cruise to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. We went to Volcanoes National Park, a luau, Waimea Canyon, The Road to Hana, Pearl Harbor, Kannapoli, the beautiful ocean beaches in Maui, a rainforest, Fern Grotto, we took a steam engine train ride through some of the countryside, visited the Black Sandy Beach, Maui Ocena Center, and so many other places just too numerous to mention. I took lots of photographs and have set up a slideshow on the right side of my blog to share a few of the photographs with you....

Happy Halloween!

My favorite holiday of the year, Halloween! I just love seeing the little ghosts and goblins going door to door yelling "trick or treat". Their excitement fills the cold evening air!

This is my Halloween card for this year. The background is a wonderful raised flocked paper, made by Making Memories, called "Flocked Spider". It's a perfect background with it's raised flocked cobweb!

All paper and inks used are from Stampin' UP except the cobweb background.

Stamps: Tricky Treats
Paper: Flocked Spider, Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink: So Saffron, Black Stazon, Sahara Sand

Also used were various markers and colored pencils, along with sponge daubers.

Have a spooktacular Halloween!

Autumn

When I hear the word "Autumn" the first thing that comes to mind is the beautiful fall foliage we have here in New England. I had to make an autumn themed card and thought this set would be perfect with the little girl raking up the colorful leaves. The image is from one of the first SU sets I ever bought called "Fall for All".

Stamps: Fall for All, Seasons by Season
Ink: Versamark, Black Stazon, More Mustard
Paper: Really Rust, Whisper White, More Mustard, Non SU red

Also used were sponge daubers, various colored pencils, and a small leaf punch from an unknown manufacturer.

HAPPY FALL!

Happy Fall

It's hard to believe that fall has already arrived! But the beautiful days, cool nights, and changing leaves here in New England, are proof that Autumn is here!

Another disappointing photograph of a card that has nice, vivid colors. I'm going to have to do some experimenting with my camera and lighting I think. This card was made using the shaving cream technique for it's background. To get a nice fall colored background, I used Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive and More Mustard ink refills. I also used an Aloe scented shaving cream which turned out to be a nice, light scented cream.

Stamps: Season by Season, Carved & Candlelit, Canvas

Ink: Black, Really Rust, Old Olive

Paper: Really Rust, Confetti White, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Old Olive

Also used were 2 bronze colored brads

Pomegranate Bird

The photograph of this card was disappointing....the colors are much more vivid then what it shows here. I recently had a workshop and this was one of the cards we made.

Stamps: Aida Background, Fun & Fast Notes

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Black Stazon,

Paper: Purely Pomegranate, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, SU designer paper

Also used for making the card was SU stitched grosgrain ribbon, Signo white gel pen, Stickles, Marvy punches, and various watercolor pencils and markers.

Cherish

This card also looks great when done with Regal Rose paper. Such an easy card to make, and for so many different occassions! Just change the greeting to Congratulations, Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary..... this card would be great for any of those, and for lots of other occassions as well....

Stamps: Baroque Motif

Ink: Basic Black, Lavender Lace

Paper: Whisper White, Black, Lavender Lace

Also used was the ticket punch, dimentionals, and SU's new Rhinestone Brads.

Our Souls Blossom

In looking at the cards I like the most, I've noticed they all have something in common..... a background added. The background on this card brings it all out.... Stampin' UP's Flannel Plaid background is an awesome background with it's "worn" look to it.

Stamps: Flannel Background, All in a Row, Sidekick Sayings

Ink: Black Stazon, Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand

Paper: Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand, Night of Navy, Whisper White

Also used was the spiral punch, silver wire embellishment, and watercolor pencils used with a blender pen.

The Road To A Friends House...

I thought this was such an appropriate little saying for this card.... "The Road To A Friends House Is Never Long". I admit, this is the first time I've actually made a card using my AMUSE stamps that I liked! I really like the simple, little images, but they just don't work that well for me. I guess I've got to keep working with them....they've got some really cute, fun images!

The only other stamp used was my SU Aida background. Always Artichoke, white, and Purely Pomegranate paper was used, and a piece of designer paper I found in a cardstock bundle I had.... Also used were various markers, colored pencils, Signo white gel pen, and the Marvy square scalloped punch. Oh... can't forget the Purely Pomegranate stitched ribbon (I just love stitched ribbon!)

Red High Heels

Having a great pair of red shoes is as important as having that little black dress! I just couldn't pass up the shoe stamp.... it's another one of the $1.00 stamps from Michael's!

Stamps: The phrase stamp is an unmounted one that I found a few years back at a stamp convention. I have no idea what company makes it, but thought it was a great phrase!

Ink: Black Stazon, Red & Black markers

Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black

Other: Cuttlebug template, Stickles, jewel embellishment

I really like "fun" cards....

Baby shower invitations....

I know it's been about 3 weeks since I've been able to post anything... life just sometimes gets in the way of our hobbies.... and it certainly did to me! But I do want to share the invitations I just finished making for the baby shower I'm having for my daughter. Can you tell by looking at the cards that the baby is a girl????? Actually, it's for my sweet grandbaby Lily, who has already blessed us with her arrival.

Stamps: Sweet & Simple Salutations, and the "It's a Shower" stamp is one from the $1 bin at Michael's.

Ink: Black Stazon

Paper: Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, and non SU designer papers.

Also used were SU Watercolor Crayons, Marvy oval scallop punch, and pink stitched ribbon.

Happy 4th of July!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

Photo by K. Onozato

God Bless America

It's hard to believe that we're already into the month of July....what happened to June??? The main image used on this card is a stamp that SU issued right after the tragedy of 9/11. The entire purchase price of the stamp was donated to the fund created to provide services for the victims and their families.

Stamps: God Bless America, Stars & Swirls, AYC II

Ink: White craft ink, Real Red, Brilliant Blue & Real Red Markers

Paper: Whisper White, Brilliant Blue, Real Red

Also used was a star brad, and polka dotted grosgrain ribbon, both non-SU items.

Hello, Mr. Sunshine!

Doesn't the smiling sunshine just turn this into such a cheery little card? I first saw this little sunshine on a card made by Joan Hajek and couldn't resist making it for one of my cards too. This little sunshine would look great on a kids birthday card, a get-well card, or even an invitation for a pool party. Hmm, lots of possibilities!

Stamps: Sparkling Summer, By the Sea wheel, Snap Stamps by Karen Foster

Inks: Close to Cocoa, Black Stazon, various markers

Paper: Creamy Caramel, Only Orange, Yo-Yo Yellow, Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Brocade Blue, Bordering Blue

I also used a sponge dauber, Marvy Mega & Jumbo punches, and a Cuttlebug template

Thanks for stopping by today. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think of Mr. Sunshine! :-)

My Birthday Girl!

I've always loved birthdays! We all share many of the same holidays, but everyone has a special day called a birthday....it's like a personal holiday just for you! It's a day to celebrate YOU! Today, June 20th, is my daughters birthday...... it's a special day for a very special person!

Stamps: Looks like Spring, Bitty Bouquets, Hugs & Wishes
Ink: Almost Amethyst, Black Stazon, assorted markers
Paper: Almost Amethyst, Whisper White, SU Palette of Paper
Also used: White grosgrain ribbon, Marvy mega & jumbo punches, SU slot punch, Signo white gel pen

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOCELYN! :-)

It's Baseball Time Again....

I've always liked the set called "Toy Box". It was one of those sets that I couldn't bear to let go once it retired. I needed a birthday card for my son-in-law and thought this image of a baseball glove would be great, because tucked inside the card, is a pair of Red Sox tickets to Fenway Park....

Stamps: Polka Dots & Paisley, Toy Box

Ink: Black Stazon, Chocolate Chip

Paper: Very Vanilla, Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Bordering Blue, non-SU designer paper

Also used were watercolor crayons, sponge dauber, chocolate grosgrain ribbon, Cuttlebug template. I used the dauber to rub chocolate chip ink on the raised design made from the Cuttlebug template to give it an uneven textured look.

I'm sure he'll appreciate the card that I took time to make for him. But something tells me he'll be more excited about the Red Sox tickets... :-)

It's arrived!

Well... today's the day! I've been waiting impatiently all day for Mr. Brown to deliver my pre-order of new product from the upcoming new Stampin' UP catalog.... and I've finally got it in my hot little hands! I just love the Zoofari set... and the Purely Pomegranate, one of the temporary new colors, is just wonderful..... can't wait to start using all my new stuff and make some new samples to share!

Happy Father's Day!

Yay, I finally finished my card for Father's Day. I knew what I wanted to make but it just wouldn't come together.... One of the secrets here is to use paper that's not too heavy for the shirt. Your results will be disasterous if your paper is too thick....just like mine first were! A big thanks to Cambria Turnbow for her template instructions.

Stamps: AYC III
Ink: Basic black
Paper: Brilliant blue, Whisper white, Black, and assorted matching designer papers

I also used a silver brad and circle clip, black grosgrain ribbon, and cuttlebug embossing template.

Happy Father's Day to all dads everywhere!

Sweet Delights

My sister's birthday is this week. She's worked in the restaurant business her entire life, so I thought this would be the perfect image to use on her birthday card....along with the fact that she loves little desserts! :-) My friend Kimberly just bought this little stamp called "Sweet Delights" and was kind enough to stamp some images of it for me... Thanks Kimberly! :-)

Stamps: Stampendous, Hero Arts

Inks: Black Stazon, various markers

Paper: So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, watercolor paper, designer paper by Stampin' UP

To add the finishing touch, I used some turquoise grosgrain ribbon.

Happy Birthday Bev!

Congratulations Kelly & Mark!

I really make very few baby cards, but when I do, I really enjoy working on them. My niece Kelly, had her baby yesterday and this is the card I made for her. Actually, I was in the process of making it.... when my sister sent a txt to my cell phone with a picture of the happy parents holding their new little one. Great timing, huh?

Stamps: The main image is unknown. It's an unmounted image that I bought at a convention a few years ago. The little welcome image is from Stampin' Up's Riveting set, along with Aida for the background.

Paper: Brocade Blue, watercolor paper, Certainly Celery

Ink: Black Stazon, Certainly Celery

Other: Diamond Stickles, various Watercolor Crayons, Aqua Painter, Bluebird grosgrain ribbon, button

Congratulations to Kelly & Mark on the arrival of their little boy, Reid.

I'VE GOT A NEW GRANDBABY!

I'd like to introduce to all of you, my new grandbaby!

Lily Clara was born on May 11th, 4 weeks early. She's such an adorable baby and we all just feel so blessed that she is healthy and finally here with us.

I certainly do have a great new subject for my scrapbooking! And with a little time, I think Lily is going to be a great stamper... yes, gramma has big plans for this girl! (wink)

Happy Day!

What fun this one was to make! I love using the two different Cuttlebug embossing templates to create the background, separating it by the gingham ribbon.

Stamps: Word image by Amuse. Icecream cone is one of the $1 stamps at Michael's

Ink: Black, various markers

Paper: Lovely Lilac, Basic black, Whisper White, Green Galore

Also used were Marvy punches, SU white Signo gel pen, SU gingham ribbon, snaps, dimensionals, Cuttlebug embossing templates.

Summer Fun!

Here's another fun, summer card....this one was soooo easy!

Stamp:Vippies

Paper: Black, Whisper White, Pixie Pink
Ink: Black, and various markers

Also used was grosgrain ribbon, Marvy scalloped punch, and a Cuttlebug embossing template for the background.

Sending you a Smile!

I wanted to design some fun cards with a summery look to them. I decided to use bright colored card stock, along with some cute, fun, images! As I started making them, I also decided to use my Cuttlebug embossing templates to make the backgrounds on all three cards.....

The little fishes are from the recent Stampin' UP SAB set called "Very Punny". It's a single little fishy stamp that I stamped three images of, because I think it's more fun to hang out with your friends! :-) The phrase stamp is by Endless Creations.

Paper & Inks: Tempting Turquoise, Yo-Yo Yellow, Whisper White, and Black

Also used was polka dotted grosgrain ribbon bought from a local outlet store, Cuttlebug embossing template, and a buckle made with a punch from EK Success

Vacation time (or is it "The Great Escape")

Well, I'm back............... It's great to vacation and get away, but it's always nice to be back home and sleep in my own bed! I came home to oodles and oodles of snail mail, and an email from AOL saying I'd reached my email limit of 1000 emails!! I guess I need a laptop to take on vacation with me, so this doesn't happen again..... yikes! Anyway..... we vacationed at Cape Cod, and had wonderful weather. We just took everything day by day.... did some shopping, and took the scenic ride through all the little towns on Rte 6A where all the quaint little stores are. I love lighthouses, so we went to Falmouth where the Nobska lighthouse (constructed in 1876) is. We then spent the afternoon at Woods Hole, visiting the aquarium and the museum. Of course I just HAD to visit the stamp/scrapbook store in Hyannis called Colorful Creations, located at 388 Main Street. It's well worth the drive if you're visiting that area of Cape Cod.

Just for You

I bought the new spiral punch as soon as it was available because it was so different, and it's been just sitting on my table, unopened, ever since! Well, I decided this morning to play around with it to see what all the commotion was all about. Oh my goodness... it's an awesome punch, and so easy to use! I can't wait to make more cards using it.... try it... you'll love it too!

Stamps: Flannel Plaid, Canvas, Just for You (Penny Black)Ink: Rose Red, Old Olive, Black. Paper: More Mustard, Old Olive, Rose Red

A silk daisy flower, button, black rick rack, and the spiral punch were also used to make the card.

Bloom where you find room!

Several years ago Steven had given me some orange tulips for Easter. Tulips are my favorite flower, and orange has been my favorite color since I knew what colors were! Unfortunatley, tulips don't last very long and after they had died back, Steven had planted them down in the back yard thinking they'd get a second chance... and that was the end of them....or so we thought! Well, low and behold, yesterday I was down in the back yard and spotted in the leaves and overgrown brush....my orange tulips! They sure did inspire me.... their struggle over the past few years to return, growing through the brush. They'd look great in a glass vase on the dining room table... but I think they deserve the fresh air and sunshine this time around.

Au Chocolat

What a perfect name for Stampin Up's newest designer paper.... Au Chocolat. My newest, favorite color lately is dark brown. It's richness in color brings out whatever you put with it! How sensational it looks here with both Pretty in Pink, and Certainly Celery... ooh la la... I love it!

This card was made using all Stampin Up supplies.

Stamps: Doodle That, Best Blossoms

Inks: Black, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink

Paper: Designer Au Chocolat, Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery

I also used the fabulous watercolor crayons, celery grosgrain ribbon, decorative scissors, 1/16" punch, and a sponge dauber in making the card.

Asian Art Simplicity

I love the simplicity of Asian art! Since I've recently been dabbling in the faux metal technique, I decided to make a card mixing the two! The supplies are all from Stampin' UP!

Stamps: Asian Art, Bamboo II Background
Paper: Sage Shadow, Vanilla, Forest Green
Ink: Black, Sage Shadow, Versamark

The brads, embossing powder, and cording were all done in copper.

Another example using the Faux Metal Technique

Thinking of You.... another example of this great technique!

Supplies:

Stamps: Warmest Regards, Good Things Grow, Polka Dots and Paisley

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Versamark

Paper: Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand, Designer Paper, Cameo Coral

Copper Embossing Powder, Chocolate Grosgrain Ribbon, Spring Bouquet Flower Punch, 1/4" punch, Marvy Scallop Punches, Stickles Glitter

It's always fun to learn a new technique!

I spent the entire evening playing with one of the newest techniques....Faux Metal. I had embossing powder everywhere... everything felt gritty like I was in a sandbox, and I loved every minute of it! What a fun technique.... I made a couple of cards to share with you using copper embossing powder. This "bird card" would make a great card to send to a guy... or to dad for Father's Day.

Stamps: Natural Beauty
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Versamark
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, More Mustard, Designer Paper

I also used Copper embossing powder, Cuttlebug template, Copper clip, Sponge

Christmas flowers in April???

Just when I think spring is here... my Christmas cactus decides to blossom! I'm not sure if it's me or the plant that's messed up..... sure does look like I've got a green thumb though, huh???

Designer series paper....

Today I decided to use some of the new designer series paper called Petals & Paisleys from Stampin' UP! So Saffron, Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, and Whisper White card stock was also used. The flowers come from Polka Dots & Paisley, and the greeting is from Blossom Abound. Can't forget to mention the Marvy mega scallop punch was used, along with the Marvy jumbo circle punch for a perfect fit. Rose grosgrain ribbon pulled it all together, along with the final touch of adding some dimensionals to raise up the scallop piece, and white dots made with the Signo white gel pen....

Clear Stamps bought at Michael's

Just a heads up for those of you that have bought the clear "Studio G" stamps from Michael's. This particular set has one of the words spelled incorrectly.... the second "L" in the word LITTLE is missing. Yikes!! I hadn't even noticed.... a friend of mine brought it to my attention (thank you Kimberly) as she had also bought this clear set. If you've purchased it too.... here is the phone number where you can call and they'll replace it for you as soon as the new ones are ready. Ohhhh....imagine how many they have to replace???

1-800-229-1019.

It's finally spring!

Well, spring has finally sprung in Massachusetts! So many people were out this weekend with the wonderful weather we had. People were out buying flowers and gardening tools, and many parents brought their little ones to the parks and playgrounds, where there were lots of smiles to be seen, and laughter to be heard. My little grandbaby enjoyed the playground but seemed to enjoy the walk in the park with her daddy even more! I think they were talking about the Red Sox and Yankee games this weekend....can you tell they're both big Red Sox fans?

I just love buckle cards...

I have no clue who designed and created the first buckle card, but they sure were clever! I don't make them very often but I really like them. Here's one I made using Stampin' UP's "Doodle This" stamp set from the spring mini catalog. The scan doesn't show it well, but both the center and the dots on the flower have glitter on them.

Our newest family member!

Say hello to Wilma! She's the newest member of our family, and just turned a year old. She needed a new home, and I had decided I wanted another cat after my sweet Priscilla, a.k.a. Mrs. Pussycat, went over the Rainbow Bridge. Wilma is still learning the "house rules" but is fitting in and FINALLY ignoring Daisy, our dog. I didn't think that would ever, ever, happen! The first day she came to live with us, I was looking everywhere for her... and finally found her here.... I think she was trying to hide from the dog at the time. I couldn't resist taking this picture.... and I'm glad I did, as she hasn't been in the sink since... and that's good thing!