Cheery Friend Card

I used the With All My Heart set quite a bit around Valentines Day, but it's so much more than a Valentine set. By choosing a different color scheme or sentiment this set is quite versatile.

Stamps: With All My Heart
Card stock: Certainly Celery, Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo & Whisper White
Ink: Certainly Celery, Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo & Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Bermuda Bay Polka Dotted Grosgrain, Scalloped Oval & Scallop Trim Border punches, Movers & Shapers Scalloped Oval die, Soft Subtle Brad

Thanks for all the nice comments and emails regarding my vacation to Hawaii (last post). You all are so nice! Enjoy your day!

Vintage Medallion Trio

Here is another trio of cards we made at my last card class. This set uses one of my favorite stamps...the Medallion Background.

Creating a beautiful card with the Medallion stamp is so easy. Combine it with the Vintage Label set available during SAB and the Very Vintage Jumbo wheel from the Occasions Mini for a winning combo. Its shown here in three different color combos: Perfect Plum & Vanilla, Close to Cocoa & Pretty in Pink and Sage Shadow and Blush Blossom.

Enjoy your day!

Fox & Friends Trio

Here's another set of cards we made at my card class last Sunday using the adorable new set Fox and Friends stamp set and Sweet Pea papers.

The ice cream & cake sentiment is from the Birthday Bliss which is a FREE selection during SAB. These cards are perfect for a childs birthday or to welcome a new baby. Images were stamped and punched out using the 1-3/8" Square and the 1-1/4" Circle punches.

Thanks for stopping by!

A Trio of Flowers for All Seasons

Yesterday I had one of my All Occasion Card Classes and it was so much fun! Thanks to everyone who came...I enjoyed seeing you all! At my All Occasion Card Classes we do twelve cards - 3 each of 4 different designs. I try to change up the colors or stamps a bit for each set so that there is a nice variety. Participants can choose which sentiment stamps they want so that they walk away with cards perfectly suited for their needs. My next All Occasion Card Class will be on March 28th, so if you missed out on this one, maybe I'll see you at the next one! I'm also considering offering it as a Class by mail, so let me know if you are interested. Here is the first set of cards.

I just love these sweet little images from A Flower for All Seasons set. (available FREE during SAB!) They punch out perfectly using the 1-3/4" Circle Punch. I paired this up with a couple of my fav new Big Shot accessories available from the Occasions Mini...the Perfect Polka Dot Textured Folder and the Beautiful Wings Embosslit. Sentiments stamped in a coordinating ink using Teeny Tiny Wishes and punched out with Word Window punch and matted on the Modern Label complete this first set of cards.

I'll be sharing more cards we made at my class in the next couple of weeks while I am gone on vacation. Being that I scheduled these posts in advance, I will not be able to answer any questions until I am back home. Thanks for stopping by!

Good Time Monkeys

I finally got a chance to play with the adorable new set Fox & Friends found in the Occasions Mini. I just love that cute little monkey, so that was the first stamp I inked up. I combined it with the Great Friend set to create this card.

The patterned paper is from the Sweet Pea pack. I also used a couple pieces of the Sweet Pea Stitched Felt...aren't they cute?! The felt pieces and the background embossed with the Perfect Polka Dot Impressions Folder adds nice textures and dimension to this card. The little label from the Great Friends set layers perfectly on one of the tags from the Matchbox Die.

We will be using this set to make a trio of cards perfect for children/baby at my upcoming All Occasions Card Class, so if you haven't registered yet, quit monkeying around...the deadline is soon approaching! ;-) Have a great day!

Step It Up Neighbor

When creating cards I plan to use as make & takes I really try to keep them fairly simple. I struggle with keeping things simple because I love so many products and the nice detail they create. Today I want to share two cards...on the left  is a card that I used for a make & take at a recent event. It is cute, but simple and quick to make. On the right is the same card, but by taking a little more time and using a few more products it is stepped up into a more detailed card.

As you can see, both cards use the same stamps and color scheme, but the second card uses more layers and textures.

Stamps: Good Neighbors & Vintage Labels
Card stock: Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, Taken With Teal and Sweet Pea DP
Ink: Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie & Taken With Teal
Accessories: Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder, Curly Label, Word Window, Boho Blossoms & Scallop Trim Border Punches, Rich Regal Brads & Rose Red grosgain

Have a wonderful day!

Sailing Into the Sunset

Here's a couple masculine birthday cards I created using retired stamps that feature a sailboat image. I created a sunset background on each one, but used two different techniques to acheive the backgrounds.

For the first one I used glossy cardstock and stamped my image in Black Stazon. I sponged on classic ink to create my sunset background. I also used the faux tearing technique to create the border along the bottom. To do this, you just need to tear a peice of scrap paper and lay it in place, masking the area you want to remain un-inked. In this case it was the bottom of my card. I inked my much loved, but retired, Canvas background stamp with Not Quite Navy ink and stamped the masked card front. With the mask still in place, I sponged on some more Not Quite Navy ink along the top of the torn scrap paper mask and on the sides of my card. After removing the mask I stamped my boat border. The name of the set I used is called Set Sail and the sentiment is from Teenie Tiny Wishes.

This next card also features a sail boat from a retired stamp set, but for the life of me I cannot remember what it's called. Anyone know? ETA: Thanks Karren for refreshing my memory! The name of this set is Ships Ahoy.

This sunset background was even quicker and easier to create. I used my Stampin' Pastels and easily blended several shades together. I also used the Vintage Label set (available during SAB) along with the Wide & Large Oval Punches to create the happy birthday label.

Thanks for sailing on in today. Have a nice weekend!

Vintage Neighbors

No...I'm not talking about Larry & Vi who live next door to us. I'm talking about combining two stamp sets offered during SAB...Vintage Labels and Good Neighbors.

The Good Neighbors set is such a fun little set. I enjoyed creating this bight cheery neighborhood. The scallopped "best wishes" sentiment was created using the Vintage Lables set. I love any set that can be used with my punches, so this one was a must have for me!

Colors used: Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie and Certainly Celery. The patterned paper is from the Sweet Pea stack.

Have a beautiful day in your neighborhood!

Vintage Birthday

Another busy weekend! It all started with the fabulous Catty Cruise. I sure enjoyed visiting all my crewmates blogs to see their fantastic creations using new products from the Occasions Mini. I also really enjoyed all the wonderful comments many of you left for me here regarding my projects using Vintage Vogue. Quite a few of you said you were visiting me for the first time. I hope you will continue to stop by and visit. Thanks to all who stopped by and took the time to leave me a sweet comment...I appreciate it!

Yesterday I held my annual Sale~A~Bration party. Thanks to everyone who came. I enjoyed stamping and visiting with you all! Here is the first make and take we made yesterday.

This uses a combo of my favorite new things: Vintage Vogue, Very Vintage Wheel, Vintage Labels, (sentiment) Beautiful Wings Embosslits & Scallop Trim Border. A party isn't complete without prizes, right!?

A couple lucky ladies had their name drawn during my Sale~A~Bration and they received these adorable matchboxes filled with embellishments. I am still waiting on a couple orders to draw the name of the winner of the free stamp set...so if you couldn't make it to my Sale~A~Bration but would like to place an order, let me know today and you can be part of the drawing as well.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Sending Love With All My Heart

Here's an easy Valentine card I created with all new stuff from the Occasions Mini and the Sale~A~Brations catalog.

I just love the Polka Dot Texture Folder and can't stop using it! I am also happy to say that even after tearing my hair out and having a few tantrums I am now really liking the Scallop Trim Corner Punch. Used along with the Scallop Trim Border Punch (available for FREE during SAB) you can created scallopped mats for all your projects. I have to thank Gretchen Barron for sharing her excellent instructions on how to get the perfect scalloped squares!


The large heart was cut out of the Sending Love Specialty papers. It is so pretty with it's embossed texture and sparkley shine.

Stamps: With All My Heart
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Card stock: Pretty In Pink, Chocolate Chip, Real Red & Sending Love Specialty paper
Accessories: Pretty In Pink Satin Ribbon, Real Red Corduroy Buttons, Polka Dot Texture Folder, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Modern Label & Word Window Punches.
Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to come back tomorrow to join me on the Catty Cruise!

Sweet Neighbor

Here's a bright, cheery card using the adorable SAB set Good Neighbors along with a few prints from the Sweet Pea paper pack.

The Curly Label punched tag with sentiment was created using the Vintage Labels set which is also available during SAB. I used two of my favorite new accessories...the Beautiful Wings Embosslit and the Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder. I just {LOVE} both of these so much!

If you live near me and would like to try some of these products, then you should plan to attend my Sale~A~Bration Party this Sunday, January 31st. I have two time slots available: 11:30 - 1 and 1:30 - 3:00. There will be prizes and make & takes. You just need to RSVP by this Friday.

I hope you will all climb aboard the Catty Cruise coming up this Friday the 29th! We will be highlighting products from the Occasions Mini catalog. I will be showcasing my favorite set, Vintage Vogue. I'm excited to share what I've created with this awesome new set. Here's a little sneak peek of one of the projects I'll be sharing during the cruise. Hope you'll join us!

May Your Layers Be Many...

(...and your frosting be thick!) I think many layers decribes this card well! Yesterday was my Mom's birthday, and that called for a special card. Ever since my friend sent me an awesome tri-shutter card at Christmas, I've been wanting to try one. I used her card for my pattern and inspiration. (thanks Rach!) Here's what it looks like closed.

I just love that little froggie stamp from the Flowers For All Season set and the fun colorful patterns in the Sweet Pea Paper Stack. With 48 different designs, it sure was hard to choose which ones to use! I think my favorite new accessory has to be the Beautiful Wings Embosslit all the cute little embossed butterflies make great accents. Here's what the card looks like opened up:

I may have gotten a little bit carried away, but it sure was fun to play with some new stuff and decorate this festive card. Along with A Flower For All Seasons I also used the Birthday Bliss stamp set. Both of these sets can be selected for FREE during SAB. I love that SU! added the "choose any catalog set under $15.95" as an option this year!

The blank circle with the "make a wish" tag is where I wrote a greeting and signed the card. The little cake image dangles freely from a bit of fishing line. I got that great idea from my inspiration card created by my friend Rachel. Isn't it cute?

Stamps: A Flower For All Seasons, Birthday Bliss, Lots of Thoughts (retired)

Card stock: So Saffron, Taken With Teal, Rose Red, Whisper White & Sweet Pea DP

Ink: Black Stazon, Taken With Teal & Rose Red

Accessories: Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon, Rich Regal Brads, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Tag Punches, Latte Buttons

If you think you would like to make a tri-shutter card for yourself, you should sign up for my Valentine Class on February 6th. We'll be make one with a Valentine theme.

Have a great day!

Cracked Glass Floral Sympathy

Here's a sympathy card I made last week for some dear friends. I used the cracked glass technique for the image. After cracking, I sponged on some reinker to the edges. The ink highlights the cracks and makes it look more antiqued. Using Crystal Effects, I glued on some small seed beads to the center of each of the flowers to add more dimension. Here's a close up look:
Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: VersaMark, Always Artichoke, Rich Razzleberry & Soft Suede
Card stock: Always Artichoke, Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede & Thoroughly Modern DP
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch (SAB), Glassy Glaze EP, Artichoke grosgrain, Word Window, Ticket Corner, Scalloped Oval, Small & Large Oval Punches, Mat Pack & Paper Piercer

Yesterday a big box of SU! goodies came for me, so today I plan to forget about everything until dinner time and do nothing but stamp! Hopefully I'll have some fun new creations to share with you tomorrow. Enjoy your day!

Time to Sale~A~Brate!

Woo Hoo! It's my favorite time of the Stampin' Up! year...Sale~A~Bration! This year SU! is giving us even more FREE options! In addition to the standard 6 FREE selections you may choose when you spend $50 on product, you may also choose from any $15.95 (or less) set from the Idea Book & Catalog! One of my very favorite sets is Spring Song, which could be yours for FREE during SAB because it is priced at only $15.95. How cool is that!?

See the detailed scalloped border on the Pumpkin Pie layer? That was created using the Scallop Trim Border Punch, which is also a FREE selection during SAB. This is the very first time that a punch has been offered as a freebie during SAB. There is also a coordinating corner punch offered in the Occasions Mini. Also available for free selections during SAB is: a 6x6 Designer Series paper pack and 4 stamp sets.

Stamps: Spring Song, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Card stock: Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Watercolor paper & Razzleberry Lemonade
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Black Stazon & various Classic Inks to watercolor
Accessories: Rich Razzleberry Polka-dot ribbon, Pumpkin Pie Corduroy Button, Linen Thread, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Word Window & Modern label Punches, Aqua Painter, Movers & Shapers die

I'm very excited about all the new items, and they are now available starting today! Click here to get more info on SAB and view the brochure.

Sending Love

I've been excited to create something using the gorgeous new specialty papers from the Occasions Mini called Sending Love. One side of each of the 12 sheets is printed with embossed glittery designs to add extra shimmer to projects...it's really pretty paper!

I stamped the heart image from Framed With Love and punched it out with my Full Heart punch. I punched a second heart from one of the prints from the Sending Love papers and layered those onto larger hearts punched out using the Movers and Shapers die and my Big Shot. I used a Clear Button and a scrap of matching paper punched with the 3/4" Circle Punch to embellish my bow tied from Vanilla Grosgrain and layered onto Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon. The Valentine sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes and I punched that using the Word Window Punch. The Pretty In Pink border at the bottom of the card was created using the new Scallop Trim Border Punch available for FREE during Sale~A~Bration.
Thanks for stopping by!

Bella Blue Dasher

Wow...here I am two days in a row! I feeling like I'm a little more caught up on Christmas things...shopping is done, most of the baking is done, my cards are sent...I don't know where the time went, but I didn't get as many Christmas cards made and sent as I usually do. Yesterday I showed you one of the designs I sent, this is one of the other designs that I made for our Christmas cards this year.
Dasher is embossed in Winter Wonderland EP on Shimmery White card stock so he looks so pretty & sparkly in real life. I dry embossed the background using my Big Shot and a snowflake texturz plate. On a few of the cards I even tried out my new toy...the Scallop Trim Border punch that will be available as a FREE selection during SAB starting next month. Since I was at crunch time trying to get these babies finished, I only used the punch on a few of the cards...but doesn't it add some nice detail? I'm going to love that punch! Here's close up view of the card.
Stamps: Dasher, Holiday Wishes
Card stock: Bordering Blue, Not Quite Navy, Shimmery White & Bella Blue DP
Ink: White Craft, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border, Not Quite Navy brads, Snowflake punch (Martha S), Coluzzle, Texturz Plate, Winter Wonderland EP, Heat tool, Scallop Nesties

I got my shopping all done, but haven't wrapped one gift yet...so it's time for me to get busy wrapping! Have a wonderful day!