Happy New Year!

We will be back with new challenges and ideas in 2010! Look for us starting January 4th!

Happy Holidays From Denise

On behalf of everyone at RESQ, we would like to say thank you to everyone who has been checking us out and playing along ...We hope to have new and fun things in store for you in the coming year! As always, we are open to suggestions and guest challenge hosts so please feel free to email us!

My holiday cards were made in bulk (I made about 50) and the ribbon goes all the way around the card so it can hold a check, cash or gift card. I just gave one to my UPS guy and he came back to tell me his wife loved it and wanted to know if I made it! (Of course I gave him a business card ;) !)

I used scraps of holiday paper I have accumulated over the years so each one has a different BG.

Thanks again for stopping by!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HAPPY HANNUKAH!

HAPPY KWANZAA!

HAPPY WINTER!

God Bless you all.....

Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings, Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank our players and followers for your support this year and to wish you the best of holiday seasons! We really enjoy your work and comments and hope you'll come back and play often in the new year! My Christmas wish is inspired by the work of Silke Ledlow. I borrowed her layout and basic design, changing the color scheme and image slightly. The image is stamped in brilliant blue by Stampin' Up and then versamark'd all over and embossing with holographic embossing powder. Thanks again for coming to the RESQ! See you in the new year!

Happy Holidays from Pat

Happy Holidays to all of our stampers!

Hugs, Pat

Happy Holidays! From Michelle

Happy holidays from Santa and me! I just wanted to take a moment to wish all of our fabulous Res-Q blog followers and challenge players a happy holiday season. I hope Santa brings you all lots of new stamping goodies for the New Year! Thank you all for participating with us each week in our efforts to Res-Q your stamping mojo!

About my project:
This Santa ornament was inspired by a similar ornament I spotted on SCS. You can see the original here:http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1160780
I used circle and scallop circle punches and nestabilities to create my version of Santa, using textured white cardstock for his beard to give it some texture. I also added rosy cheeks and some googlie eyes just for fun.

Thanks again girls. I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your families!
Michelle

Res-Q #27: Card emergency

I don't know about the rest of you, but for me, the holiday season can be hectic! I have a million things on my to-do list and never enough time to do them all. Then something unexpected comes up and I find myself in a card emergency! You know how it is - you get a holiday card from someone who wasn't on your list, and feel the need to reciprocate. Or you need a quick card to go with a hostess gift for a holiday party, or a thank you for your boss, but your stash has run dry because you haven't had much time for stamping! That's where today's challenge comes in!

Your challenge this week is to make one (or two, or six!) quick one-layer card to get you through a holiday card emergency!

In my sample, I cut one sheet of heavy weight white cardstock in half, stamped some simple snowflakes in bermuda bay and silver, a sentiment and some ribbon and silver cord. Keep the cards and a couple of envelopes handy and you're ready for any card emergency this holiday season!

Please use the keyword RESQ27 if you upload your project to Splitcoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so we can check out your creations! Thanks for playing along with us!

Tag....YOU'RE IT!

In the medical field tags are used on lots of things.....there are tags on IV bags, medication bottles, surgical instruments.....and oh yes, even toe tags on corpses! LOL

One of my favorite things to make for the holidays is gift tags. I know they may seem silly to spend time on something that is going to be ripped off in a rush of excitement but over the years my family has always commented on them and some (ok, my Mom) actually save them every year!

Gift tags can be simple on layer ones, personalized, or intricate pop up ones.

This week my challenge to you is to take some time and make a few gift tags for a few special gifts you will give this holiday. Go for the tri-fecta if you can.....

1. A simple one layer gift tag (I use these for my kids gifts since hey rip them off so quickly!) These are some I've done for the kids this year...

2. A more intricate tag you might put on a small gift to make it seem more important

These have some glitter, layers, paper piecing and the one on the far left that looks old is actually vanilla scented!

3. A very intricate, layered tag...this one may include a gift card, gift certificate or cash!

OK, well these aren't exactly tags....I use these little "purses" to dress up a simple gift card, cash or a check. But they do have tags ON them!

5. And don't forget you can package them up pretty and they make a nice gift for someone who likes to give pretty gifts to others! I sold a BUNCH of these at a craft fair a few weeks ago and still have people asking if I can make more!

Just add a clear pillow box, the cording separately and a nice ribbon. This medium pillow box from Gina K holds 20 gift tags and cording. I sold them for $5 each.

SO let's see how you Tag It!

Please use the keyword RESQ26 if you upload your project to Splitcoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so we can check out your creations!

Thanks for joining us this week....sorry it's late BTW!

Holiday House Call RESQ25

RESQ #25 Holiday House Call

Remember the Alka Seltzer ad from the 1970's - "I can't believe I ate the whole thing"? And, what about "Tums for the tummy". Well, it's that time of year...all that wonderful holiday food - what a feast of delights! With such goodies and sweets available during the holidays, who can resist trying "some of this" or a "dab of that". Mmmmmmmm. But don't overdo it or you'll wind up with a tummy ache! If you do, hopefully, it's nothing more serious than some minor discomfort. Luckily there are remedies out there that can make just about anything feel better. Keep some on hand just in case you over-indulge.

Your challenge this week is to make a card (or other project) that includes the following elements:

(1) polka dots to represent the effervescent bubbles of Alka-Seltzer (can be embossed, DSP, stamps, etc.),

(2) any shade of pink to represent Pepto-Bismol, and

(3) a round element to represent Tums/Rolaids.

Oh, and your project must also include a food element.

In my example, I used candy (stamp & DSP) as my food element, scalloped round nesties to represent the Tums/Rolaids, Swiss Dots Cuttlebug A2 embossing folder to represent the Alka-Seltzer (look closely...there are also little dots on the DSP), and SU! Pink Pirouette CS.

Please use the keyword RESQ25 if you upload your project to Splicatoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so we can check out your creations!

Thanks for playing along with the Res-Q Challenge, and happy stamping!

Res-Q #24: The podiatrist

Oh my aching feet! I spent a long day shopping last weekend, and my feet are killing me today! Since black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year, is this week, I thought I better make a call to my podiatrist and get some relief and make sure my feet are in top shape for more shopping.

The doctor suggested I pick up some felt at the drugstore. Podiatric felt helps to prevent your shoes from rubbing and blisters forming on your feet. I keep a role next to my shoe rack so it's handy when I want to wear my favorite shoes without worrying about blisters.

Felt is also a great prescription for an ailing card or papercraft project, so this week's challenge from the podiatrist is to use FELT. You can use felt as a background, as a layer behind an image, to help create a scene or as an embellishment. If you don't have any felt embellishments, you can use your die-cut machine and dies to create your own.

Check out what two rock star stampers have done with felt this week:

Jenn Balcer
Heather Nichols

Here's my sample. I kept is simple, adding two felt Hero Arts snowflakes to this holiday card. I love the softness and texture they add to the card.

Please use the keyword RESQ24 if you upload your project to Splicatoaststampers or another online gallery. And don't forget to link your blog or gallery back here in the comments section so we can check out your felt creations! Thanks for playing along with the Res-Q Challenge, and happy stamping and shopping!

Digital Imaging Center

The Res-Q crew is really excited about this week’s challenge. Please welcome Erin Bailey, and Doodle Palace Stamps, as our Digital Imaging Specialists on call! Here’s a little bit about Erin who designs for Doodle Palace: “Hi! I am Erin and I love stamping. My stamping journey began when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter and needed something to do! A friend brought over some stamps and I was hooked. Stamping fit perfectly into my schedule as a new mom. Now I have another daughter and work part time. Luckily, I also have an increasingly supportive husband who lets me ramble on about stamps, paper and copic colors and gives me some free time here and there to craft! I recently discovered the world of digi stamps! Each day I print out a sheet for my daughter and one for myself and we spend some time coloring together and creating our projects. Blogging and papercrafting has been such a fun part of my life over the past year or so. I've met so many wonderfully talented people, many of which I happily consider my friends. I draw inspiration from them everyday and sometimes am inspired so much I need to go right out and buy something new. Happy Stamping!” Doodle Palace has generously provided our players with the image for Erin’s challenge this week.

{To access the image, click on it, then right click and save to your computer, resize as needed.)

You are welcome to use this image for this Res-Q-challenge but we know you will honor Doodle Palace’s generosity and talents by using it just this ONE time. Only participants in the Res-Q-challenge may use this image. If you would like to purchase the image for further duplication or any of their great images, please visit their website, Doodle Palace Digital Stamps. Dee and Robin are great people! They’ve offered a prize as well. Upload your project using the Doodle Palace image, leave us a comment about its location below, and we’ll draw one lucky winner to receive TWO FREE images of your choice. All projects must be uploaded by Sunday, November 22nd at 6:00 PM EST. So here’s the challenge from our digital imaging specialist, Erin: Use the Doodle Palace image to create your project. Use any sketch you like for your design, but please incorporate glitter, embossing, a scalloped border, “pull-out” tag, and ribbon. You can use Erin’s sample for inspiration. Her card does not open. The embossed portion is actually the pull-out tag with a place for writing under the image and on the back.

If you upload to an online gallery, please use RESQ23 for your keyword or label and don’t forget to comment below to be eligible for the Doodle Palace free images! Thanks for playing!

Circulation!

The physiologist is back on duty with another sketch for you! A pretty easy sketch so I had to make a little twist for you....

In most Anatomy and Physiology textbooks the pictures are somewhat standard ...specifically colors of things, like internal organs. For some reason arteries (carrying oxygen filled blood) are always RED, and veins (carrying blood filled with carbon dioxide) are always BLUE. For example, take a look at this diagram of the heart and lungs...

So...in honor of your circulatory system, use this sketch ...

and the colors red and blue or any shades of them. You may also use as many neutrals as you like.

Use keyword RESQ22 when uploading in online galleries so we can all see your creations! You may even be featured here on Res-Q in our Res-Q'd gallery!

Thanks for playing!

Here is my sample:

Thanks for playing and Happy Veteran's Day!

A Breath Of Fresh Air!!!!!!!

You ever need some fresh air???? Feel like too much "stuff" weighing down your breathing??? Well........the Respiratory Therapist is ON CALL!!!!!!!!! And has just the breathing treatment prescription you need to clear the passages!!!! It's time to get rid of the excess and enjoy some clean air!!! What does that mean for your challenge??? It means ONE good, deep breath!! ONE.........and that means..........MONOCHROMATIC!!!!!! Yes.........create a monochromatic card with a holiday theme!!!! You can choose ONE color, ONE neutral and ONE holiday!!!!!!

• Stamps: GKD First Christmas
• Paper: GKD Pure Luxury White & Rocket Red
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Vivid Brick, Copics
  
• Accessories: Snowflake Brad, Ribbon, Rhinestones, Nesties
  

I chose a Christmas theme........well, I guess with all the snow we've had lately that was a natural choice for me!!! LOL I used this beautiful cardinal image from one of the new Gina K. Designs sets, First Christmas. I used red and white.........of course you may stamp your image in black ink if you'll be coloring!!

Please play along and post your card or scrapbook page in an online gallery or on your blog. If you post in a gallery, don't forget the keyword RESQ21. Then post a link to your card in the comments section below. I can't wait to see all the beautiful creations!!!!

~ Have A Creative Day! ~

Calling Dr. Stitch!

It's Dr. Stitch on call this week. I don't know about you, but whenever my mojo needs a little boost, I visit the button department of my local craft store. Buttons come in every color, every size, and many, many shapes. Buttons can be shiny or dull, pretty or cute, plastic, metal or wood. I find buttons inspiring.

So my challenge to you this week, to jump-start your mojo, is to make a card or scrapbook page using buttons. You can use buttons you have, or (better yet) you can go out and browse the button department at your nearest fabric or craft store. Find one or more buttons that inspire you and use them on your project. Then, post your card or scrapbook page in an online
gallery or on your blog. If you post in a gallery, don't forget the keyword RESQ20. Then post a link to your card in the comments section below. I can't wait to see your button creations!

Trick or Treats

Trick or Treat Containers

I love Halloween and I’ve already started looking at treats I might do for the neighborhood kiddos or co-workers. I thought I might share some of the ideas I’ve seen with you :

Sour Cream Containers
I’ve seen these done the traditional way, but at a recent stamping retreat, one of the stampers there did a similar treat by wrapping small candy bars (Kit Kats for example) with pattern paper and crimping the ends.

Triangle Treat Boxes
Look at these cute triangle treat boxes by Shelly Tapp. There is a good tutorial here by Barb Mulliken.

Broom Treat Bags
Carolina has come up with a very cute and creative use for brown lunch bags! She’s got more bags, boxes, and containers on her blog.

Envelope Treat Bags
Change the stamps and patterns to Halloween images in this video from ChicnScratch.

Halloween Treat Holder
Another video tutorial from ChicnScratch

Peek-A-Boo Boxes
Heidi did a really cute job with Qbee’s template here.

Halloween Treat Bags and Boxes
The ideas in the slide show from Parents.com were just so cute I had to share them.

Mr.and Mrs. Frankie Treat Boxes
Cambria Turnbow did such a cute rendition for Halloween of the 2-5-7-10 box found here.

Digital Treat Bag Topper
Here’s a blog freebie from Tracy Blakenship.

Batty for You Treat Topper
This particular design comes from Stamping Sharon, but I’ve seen punchies done like this for an owl topper like this here by Rebecca Wheeler

Stamped Recycled Candy Bags
Jennifer McGuire of Hero Arts does the BEST treat bags using the clear packaging from so many products! You have got to see her “Watch It Wednesday” episode on this!

Boo Treat Holder
One of our crew, poppy or casep, gave me this idea for a simple and quick treat holder made from an envelope. Read her description for the directions!

Sweet Treats
Stampin' Up has a cute "Sweet Treats" set that includes the clear adhesive containers for candy and this Halloween image:

So, in the spirit of the upcoming "holiday season," I thought I'd do a tutorial on another treat container for your ghoulish fiends!

Halloween Kiss Boxes

1. Cut a piece of cardstock to 5" by 5-1/2" as your project base (here I used black).

2. Score from the 5" side (see below) at 1-1/2", 2-1/2", and 4".

3. Turn the scored cardstock so that the 5-1/2" side with the two wider panels is at the top. You will decorate the second wide panel (see below).

4. Add "kisses" to the small panel with snail glue or glue dots.

5. Fold up into a triangle and adhere the flap with a little piece of double sticky tape or redline tape.

So, give it a try. If you make a Halloween treat bag or box, let us take a peek. Post the location here in the comments section. If you post in an online gallery, use keyword or tag RESQ19. Have fun!

The Answer Is. . .

Hello!  I'm back from my junket to Western NY and although I had fun with family, it is good to be back in the warm South. (Although I'm hearing that the cold weather may have followed us!)  The location for our Flight Medic Challenge was ACADIA NATIONAL PARK near Bar Harbour, Maine.  No one guessed the location correctly, although some of you were close.  So I put our commenters' names in a bucket and drew one out and the winner of the SIX CUTTLEBUG PUMPKINS is "Opthalmologist."  Email us with your real name and snail mail address and I'll get those out to you right away so you can use them for your fall cards.  Thanks to all of you who stopped by and played the challenge.  I'm off to look at your creations! 

Crackle paint Tutorial

Hi there! Today the Pharmacist

is in the house to give you the Rx!

Here is a fun "prescription" for a great Holiday decoration for your walls!

I have been making alot of frames lately and thought I would give you the how-to on crackle paint!

I made this Spooky Halloween Frame (that I found in the Clearance section at Michael's for $2!) using acrylic Paint and Crackle Paint.

Here are the supplies you will need:

1. 2 different colors of Acrylic Paint (one light and one dark)

2. Crackle Paint (I used Plaid Brand)

3. Foam brushes

4. Wood Frame

5. Assorted stamps (I used Boo To You and Spooky Sweets II from PaperTrey ink)

6. Assorted Embellishments

Directions:

1. Paint your frame with the color you want to see through the crackle (I used bright Yellow to show through black). Usually this is your darker color

2. Let it dry (or if you are impatient like me use your hairdrier!)

3. Paint over with an even coat of the crackle paint. This will be clear but will leave a shine on top of the color. Make sure you evenly cover it and try not to reapply or paint back and forth.

* see the shine?
4. Let it dry...try to let this coat dry a little longer....In the meantime, stamp out some embellishments to add on your frame. I stamped and cut out a bunch of things not knowing what I may want.

5. Be brave! Paint right over your nice shiny color with your top coat. Again, go for even strokes in one direction. DO NOT keep painting back and forth, you will lose the crackle effect. You will start to see crackles as it dries.

** after 5 minutes of drying....
***see the crackles! :)
6. Embellish your frame as you like!

The felt leaves were self adhesive...
I cut a circle for the moon and stamped the witch on it. Then, I cut a circle the same size out of clear acetate and inked the edges with white craft ink. I attached it behind the frame with a stapler. The other embellishments I added with craft glue dots.

Aren't my little Pirates adorable??

Hope you enjoyed this Prescription...See you next time!