Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge and SSINK Favorites: Blooming with Hope

Good morning!  It’s been such a beautiful week and despite my allergies playing games I’m really enjoying this time of year.  Also, this years retiring list was released and several of my favorites are on it so I’ll be showing them some extra love between now and the end of May so we can all enjoy.  Everything blooming was definitely the inspiration for my card today which plays double duty both as my Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge and Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog Friday Favorites by using the Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper as the foundation (this paper is stunning).

I started with Rose Red for the cardbase and then added a piece of Soft Sky cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Fancy Fans Embossing Folder (so sad it’s retiring).  I added a piece of Whisper White cardstock to the bottom and stamped the greeting from the Bloom with Hope stamp set (it’s a hostess exclusive so also retiring and my Friday Favorite item) using Pacific Point ink.  I wrapped a piece of Pear Pizzaz Chevron Ribbon (sniff, sniff, also retiring) around the center to hide the seam.

For the main focal piece I decided to let the DSP pattern be the star so I just matted it with Rich Razzleberry cardstock before attaching it to the cardfront.  For a final accent I took a Pacific Point Button from the Brights Button Pack and tied a bow using a piece of Strawberry Slush Thick Baker’s Twine (it’s a 2013-1025 In Color so we knew everything using this color would be retiring).

I love how this paper uses some of the bright colors but they’re not crazy and work so well together, plus since there’s variants in the coloring you can use other colors, such as Pear Pizzazz and Strawberry Slush and they coordinate well.  I know I’m coming late to using this DSP but it’s stolen my heart so be on the lookout as it will be making frequent appearances so you can fall in love as well!

 

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have a great weekend,

Diana

2015 Retiring List is Out - Products Available While Supplies Last!

We're saying goodbye to retiring products from the 2014-2015 annual catalog, but before we do, we're giving everyone an opportunity to order their favorites with discounts up to 50 percent off retail. Retiring products will only be available until June 2, or while supplies last, so now's the time to get them before they're gone!   We're also including the My Digital Studio list, with all products discounted 30 percent off retail.    CLICK HERE to download the 2015 Stampin' Up! Retiring Stamps & Accessories list   CLICK HERE to view/download the 2015 Stampin' UP! Retiring My Digital Studio list     Items to note: Order deadline:  Tuesday, June 2, 2015; 11:50 PM (MT)  Due to high demand for retiring stamps, we'll keep producing retiring stamps until May 26 (not accessories-accessories are only while supplies last). The lists of retiring products will be updated every business day by 4:00 PM (MT).  Here's a fun video showing projects using "Our Favorite 2015 Retiring Products". Mon, 20 Apr 2015 15:32:15

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog: Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Good morning!  With the come of spring it means the countdown has officially started for the end of the school year (I know Aidan’s looking forward to summer break).  As we look to the end of school year activities one thing that’s always on my “to do” list is teacher appreciation gifts so today over on the Stylin’Stampin’ INKspiration blog we’re sharing ideas perfect for teacher gifts.  We give Aidan’s teachers gifts all year long for all the holidays so this isn’t the first time we’ve let his teachers know we appreciate they’re service but I like to do something special at the end of the year.  When the Occasions catalog was released and I saw the Berry Basket die an idea immediately popped into my head and this is the result.  I made an uber cute berry basket to hold a set of coordinating note cards.

I used Wild Wasabi cardstock for the basket base and after cutting it out with the Big Shot and Berry Basket Bigz L Die I embossed it using the Delicate Dots Embossing Folder.  I used a piece of DSP from the Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper package for the trim of the basket and used the Mini stapler to assemble the box and attach the trim (the whole box comes together in just a couple of minutes, which is perfect!)  I added a bow using the Whisper White Organza ribbon. 

I made the tag for the box using My Digital Studio (I’m so going to miss this program) and started by using the Decorative Label Punch in MDS and creating the tag inside the punch so I knew when I printed the tag it would perfectly fit in the punch, then I just attached it to front of the box using dimensionals.

To make the matching note cards I started with the Crumb Cake Note Card set (these are perfect since they’re a little smaller than traditional A2 cards and already come precut and scored with matching envelopes.  All I did was add a piece of the coordinating Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper and a piece of Pear Pizzaz Chevron Ribbon.  The greeting is from the Lovely Amazing You and I stamped it in Rich Razzleberry and Pacific Point ink, punched it out with the 2” Circle Punch and then punched out mats using the 2 3/8” Scalloped Circle Punch.  I did use dimensionals to attach the greeting so it popped up over the ribbon.  The final touch was a few rhinestones for a little bling.  I decided to make thank yous for the basket since I’ve noticed we get a lot of notes from teachers so I thought they would get more use out of them.

These are too cute and I love the floral patterns in this DSP (do you know that the DSP was created based on actual watercolor paintings some of the artists in the home office created (awesome!)  Now I have one teacher gift ready to go, just a few more and we’ll be all set.  The designers are sharing more great ideas over on the SSINK blog so check them out for more ideas!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Happy crafting,

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration April Scrapbook Sketch Challenge

Good morning!  After a wonderful weekend it's time to start another week and see what's in store for us.  The third Monday of the month brings the scrapbook sketch challenge over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog so it's a great opportunity to get another layout completed.  As you may have heard Stampin' Up! will be discontinuing the My Digital Studio program after May 30.  I'm really sad about this as I use the program regularly so I've got some work ahead of me to try to get my 2013 and 2014 annual scrapbook albums completed so I can get them ordered and printed using the Stampin' Up! professional print services.




For this months layout I decided o  use a couple of pictures from when we spent the say at Kings Dominion back in 2013.  I used the Nobody's Business kit for the initial layout and most of the elements on the page.  It was fun playing with this layout and using lots of different elements and patterns of paper for fun.  I love looking back at pictures and seeing how we've change (especially Aidan!!) 

The other design team members have shared some beautiful pages for further inspiration so please go check them out and then play along.  When was the last time you scrapbooked?  It's been far too long for me, so I've got to get back at it to try to get these books finished.



Below is a list of the digital supplies used on today's layout:
   
Embellishments
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business - embellishments/Nobody's Business - flower 16

Stamps
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - triangles & dots, Color = 114,208,238
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - triangles & dots, Color = 114,208,238
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - dot tape, Color = 243,232,22
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - diangonal tape, Color = REAL RED 199,44,58
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - &, Color = 26,32,64

Punches
    Extras\Nobody's Business - punches\Nobody's Business - diamond,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Nobody's Business - designer series paper\Nobody's Business - 8
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = 225,225,224
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = 225,225,224
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Nobody's Business - designer series paper\Nobody's Business - 6
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\Small Polka Dot\Night of Navy Small Polka Dot
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Nobody's Business - designer series paper\Nobody's Business - 5
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Nobody's Business - designer series paper\Nobody's Business - 2
    Extras\Nobody's Business - punches\Nobody's Business - diamond,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Nobody's Business - designer series paper/Nobody's Business - 1

Have a great day!

Diana

Can You Case it? Design Team - Sketch Challenge CYCI #66

Happy Sunday!  These are the weekends I love, beautiful weather, family fun, and some relaxation (hopefully we have more of the same today)!  It’s Sunday, so you know that means it’s time for the weekly Can You Case It? Sketch challenge.  We were given complete freedom with this challenge so I decided to use lots of fun elements for a card that just makes me smile.  The Big News stamp set is one of my favorites in this years catalog and awesomeness is always something to celebrate!!

I started with Tangerine Tango cardstock for the cardbase and then added a layer of Night of Navy cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder.  I glued some sequins in two of the corners that are from a past Paper Pumpkin kit (love when you get a little extra in kits that you can use on other projects!).  Next I added a piece of Birthday Bash Speciality Designer Series Paper that has lots of confetti.   

For the greeting I used my Stampin’ Write Markers to color directly on the stamp from the Big News stamp set and then punched both ends with the Ornate Tag Topper Punch (this punch has quickly become one of my favorites since I can do so much with it and it’s great for attaching ribbon to cardstock.  I attached the greeting to the card by threading ribbon (in this case it was the SAB Best Day Ever Ribbon (didn’t realize I grabbed that ribbon when I was making it) but any similar ribbon will work).  I did also add a couple of dimensionals to the back of the greeting just so that it stays in place and pops up.

This card will certainly brighten anyone’s day and let them know how truly awesome you think they are.  You can also use this same layout and swap out colors, DSP, and greetings from the same stamp set (or others) and make equally fabulous cards in no time.  Make sure to check out the other design team creations for further inspiration and then come play along, we love to see what others create.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have an enjoyable Sunday!

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge: Hello Life Tidbits

Good morning!  We made it through another week and looking forward to the weekend.  Aidan has a birthday sleepover so we have almost 24 hours of kid free time, what are we to do????  Haha!  I was a little behind this week and forgot about my card for this weeks Sketch Frenzy Friday sketch challenge that Patrice designed for us (I know you’re shocked!) So I had to come up with something quick that you would still enjoy, enter the Hello Life Simply Created kit.  I had a pile of miscellaneous pieces left over from the project kit (you get lots of extra pieces which is fabulous) so I pulled out the four punched out hearts and started with that as the inspiration for this card.   

I started with Smoky Slate cardstock for the base and then added a piece of Marina Mist cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Tiny Triangles Embossing Folder before matting with Basic Black.

I attached the four hearts and used the heart stamp from the Hello Life stamp set to stamp the white heart on the Black Chalkboard heart.  I also added a Vintage Faceted Button tied with some Basic Black Baker’s Twine for some added bling.  The greeting is from the And Many More stamp set and was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink on Smoky Slate cardstock and punched out with the Word Window Punch and attached with dimensionals.

I love how we can make a really pretty card in no time and not using a ton of products and still come up with something that will impress!  Also took some liberties with this layout and flipped and turned it to suit what I needed, but it all works in the end.  Make sure to check out the other design team creations for further inspiration and then play along.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Have a great Friday and enjoy your weekend!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Kids Birthday Cards: Be the Star

Good morning!  I haven’t purchases a card in the store for several years, I love how you let people know how much you appreciate them by giving a handmade card.  In order to do that however I have to have a wide selection of cards available because, let’s be honest we all have those last minute occasions and you need to be able to send a card out right away.  Today over on the Stylin’ Stampin’ INKspiration blog we’re focusing on kid’s birthday cards and providing some fun ideas for the kiddos.  I decided to do something a little outside the box and make my card a little more open so I could use it for different occasions and just right inside all the birthday greetings and used lots of stars to really make it fun. 

I started with Crumb Cake for the cardbase and then added a piece of Maritime Designer Series Paper (love that this has stars on the DSP to go along with my star theme) and matted it with Night of Navy cardstock.  I used a different pattern from the same DSP package for the circle and punched it out with the 2” Circle Punch.  Next I stamped two different size stars from the Be the Star stamp set and cut them out with the Big Shot and Star Framelits.  I also cut out two different sized stars using the framelits and Silver Foil Paper.  The greeting is from the same stamp set and after stamping it in Night of Navy ink I punched it out with a 1” Circle Punch and then sponged around the edges with Real Red ink.  To finish the card all I needed to do was glue down the pieces in an arrangement I liked and I used dimensionals on the greeting and small silver star.  The final touch was to add a rhinestone to the center of the Real Red star for just a little extra bling.

This card as a very organic, free flowing feel to it which is lots of fun.  Now I’m all set for the next kid’s birthday (usually last minute of course) that comes up so we’ll be ready to head off to the fun.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Happy crafting,

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Card Sketch Challenge: One Tag Fits All

Good morning!  It's time for another Monday, where did the weekend go?  It was another race weekend and due to some issues it basically monopolized all of the weekend but it was absolutely beautiful in D.C. and the Cherry Blossoms were in full bloom so it was quite the site to see.  Today it's time for another edition of the
Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog sketch challenge.  We were given a really fun challenge this month so I decided to use it for a baby card.

I started with So Saffron cardstock for the cardbase and then took a piece of Coastal Cabana cardstock and embossed it with the Big Shot and Lucky Stars Embossing Folder.  Next I added a strip of Lullaby Designer Series Paper.  I added another pattern of the DSP that I matted with Hello Honey cardstock and wrapped a piece of Pistachio Pudding Thick Baker's Twine around this DSP layer.

For the main stamped image I stamped the baby greeting from the One Tag Fits All set using Tuxedo Black Memento Ink and cut it out with the Big Shot and Circle Collection Framelits.  I used the 2" Circle Punch to create a small mat for the greeting with Baked Brown Sugar cardstock.  I stamped the ducky image a second time on a scrap of cardstock so it could be colored in with Stampin' Write Markers, cut out with Paper Snips and then attached to the cardfront with dimensionals.

This card turned out so cute and I really like this DSP since it has colors not just for boy and girl baby cards, but the patterns aren't crazy baby so you can use it for all sorts of occasions, a real multi-taker.  Make sure to stop by and check out the other design team cards, they're fabulous an then play along and share your creation so we all can enjoy!



Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have a great day!

Diana

Can You Case it? Design Team - Sketch Challenge CYCI #65

Happy Sunday!  What a beautiful morning!  It’s time for another race, this morning I’m running the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler with some friends down in D.C.  I’m excited that the cherry blossoms will be blooming this year so it should be a beautiful race.  It’s time for another card for this weeks Can You Case It? Sketch challenge and this week we were given 10 minutes and two layers to see what we could create. 

I started with Crumb Cake cardstock for the cardbase.  For my first layer I took a piece of Soft Suede cardstock and stamp the World Map background stamp in the same color ink.  Then I crumpled up the cardstock and then flattened it before sponging all over with Soft Suede Ink.  Before attaching the cardstock to the cardbase I distressed around the edges for texture.

For the main stamped image I started by cutting a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock with the Big Shot and Party Pennants BigzL Die.  I stamped the train from the Traveler stamp set in Soft Suede Ink.  I used the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set to stamp the splatters in Crumb Cake ink.  The greeting is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set using Mossy Meadow ink.  I used the ¼” Handheld Punch to punch two holes before threading some Mossy Meadow 3/8” Stitched Satin Ribbon.

It’s fun to see how much you can do with not a lot of time or supplies and still turn out fun card.  And it’s a guy card which is even better!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

 

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge: Lovely Amazing You

Good morning!  What a rollercoaster of a week, not just getting back to work and school but this weather is crazy, at least we’re looking forward to a nice weekend so that’ll be good.  It’s Friday, which means it’s time for this weeks Sketch Frenzy Friday sketch challenge and this one is special as I have a friend at work who’s leaving today so this is for her.  I’m sad to see her go, but so happy for her and the new opportunity!

I started with Crisp Cantaloupe cardstock and then added a piece of the Gold Soiree Specialty Designer Series Paper (can you believe this is the first I’ve opened the package but boy this this paper beautiful, love all the gold accents!!).  I decided to stamp the greeting directly on the DSP so I heat embossed it using the Lovely Amazing You Photopolymer stamp set, Versamark, Heat Tool, and Gold Embossing Powder (awesome!!!)

For the fun accents I used another piece of the DSP and used the Ornate Tag Topper Punch on the top and tied some Crisp Cantaloupe Thick Baker’s Twine and on the bottom I punched the edges using the Project Life Corner Rounder Punch.  Next I used the Artisan Label Punch to punch a piece of Garden Green cardstock and embossed it with the Big Shot and Fancy Fans Embossing Folder before attaching it behind the tag so it peaks out the side.

Close up of the Greeting

For the main stamped image I used the Bloom with Hope Stamp set stamped it with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink and used my Stampin’ Write Markers to color in the image.  Then I punched it out with the 2” Circle Punch and used the 2 3/8” Scallop Circle Punch to create the mat using Calypso Coral cardstock.  I used lots of dimensionals to pop the different layers up for add height.

This card is so bright and cheery I really hope it expresses how happy I am for my friend.  And now that I know how beautiful this paper is, watch out I’m going to be using it a lot more! 

 

 

 

B
elow are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Have an enjoyable weekend!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog Hop: Washi Tape Fun

Happy Thursday, it’s time for this months Stylin’ Stampin’ INKspiration blog hop and the design team has decided to share our love of Washi Tape for this months projects!  I love how pretty and easy to use this tape is, and the fact that you can reposition, it makes me happy as I usually need to tinker with elements on my projects until I’m happy.  As you hop along, please be sure to comment and show some love on every blog! We are always excited to hear from our followers! You should have just left stop number (2) on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog Hop - (Breelin at Craft-Somnia Momma). If so, you are in the right spot. If a link doesn't work or you get off track, you will find the full blog hop lineup below.

While I like the look of the washi tape it can sometimes have a “flat” effect on cards so I decided I wanted to use lots of layers, textures, and accessories to help add the dimension that I like on cards.  I started with Baked Brown Sugar for the cardbase and then added a piece of Coastal Cabana cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Honeycomb Embossing Folder.  Next I used the On Film Framelits and some Gold Foil Cardstock to cut the polaroid picture frame.

For the insert I used the Retro Fresh Washi Tape and added two pieces on the top and bottom.  The greeting is the Watercolor Thank You (love some of our single stamps) and was stamped in Tangerine Tango ink.  I used some Baked Brown Sugar and Coastal Cabana Thick Baker’s Twine to tie around the bottom of the picture frame.  For a final fun element I used the third print of Washi Tape in the package and attached it to a scrap piece of Whisper White cardstock and then used the arrow framelit from the On Film Framelit set to cut out a perfectly matching accent and attached it with a dimensional.

I always love how you can use some simple accessories to really help elevate a card and don’t have to use lots of crazy techniques and stamping (although that is fun at times as well)!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s projects:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Make sure to check out the rest of the blog hop for lots of other great ideas.  If you click the “Next” button, you’ll go to Jenn’s site but you can also access any of the hopper’s site from the full blog list below.

Blog Hop Participant List:

1. Jenny at Jenny G Paper Crafts
2. Breelin at Craft-Somnia Momma
3. Diana at Stampin Fun with Diana
4. Jenn at Happy 2 Scrap 4 Life
5. Shellie at Craft Smashup
6. Kim at Stamping with Kim

Enjoy and have a great day,

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Color Challenge: Bravo

Good morning and Happy Monday!  After a wonderfully relaxing week and holiday it's time to head back to the usual routine.  Since it's the first Monday of the month, it's time for the usual color challenge over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog.  This month we were given some great, soft colors that were really fun to play with. 

I started with Lost Lagoon for the cardbase.  For the next layer I used a piece of Soft Sky cardstock and started by stamping with the Backgrounds Rule stamp set in Pool Party ink.  Next I started layering several of the stamps from the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set using Pistachio Pudding and Lost Lagoon ink.

The greeting is from the Bravo stamp set I stamped one piece using Crumb Cake cardstock and Lost Lagoon ink, sponged it with Crumb Cake ink and then trimmed the corner using just the corner of the Ticket Builder Duo Punch.  The "You Did It" was stamped on Very Vanilla cardstock, cut out with the Big Shot and Project Life Cards and Labels Framelits before sponging with Crumb Cake ink. 

Next I just added lots of little embellishments, a Paper Doily that was sponged with Pistachio Pudding ink, some Venetian Trim Ribbon, Neutral Chevron Trim, an Antique brad, and a sequin from the 2013-2015 Sequin Package.

This was definitely a fun little tinkering card, I had lots of fun using lots of elements that all work together for detail and texture.  This is perfect to let someone know how proud you are of their accomplishment and any different color combination will change the look and feel of the card.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Starting today, for one week Stampin' Up! is offering FREE shipping on all orders, no matter the value so now's the perfect time to grab all the fun little elements you need to make lots of pretties of your own.

Make sure to check out all the other design team cards and then play along and share what you create.

Enjoy!

Diana

Can You Case it? Design Team - Color Challenge CYCI #64

Happy Easter!  I don't know about you but I love this holiday as we get to spend time with our family and remember what's really important.  Before we head off to enjoy the day I wanted to share the card I made for this weeks Can You Case It? color challenge.  This color combo is so fresh and spring like but I decided to not make an Easter card (let's admit it I've been sharing a lot of those recently).  The Hello Life stamp set (that coordinates with the fabulous kit) is so fun and I love the main saying from the set I decided to use it has the focal point for this card.

I started with Crisp Cantaloupe for the cardbase and then added a piece of DSP from the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack and wrapped a piece of 5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon.

For the main stamped image I stamped the greeting from the Hello Life stamp set using Tuxedo Black Memento Ink on Whisper White cardstock.  Next I used the flower image from the Bloom with Hope stamp set and stamped it randomly in Crisp Cantaloupe and Pistachio Pudding ink (some of the flowers were stamped off and others were full strength for different dimensions to the flowers).  I used a piece of Pistachio Pudding cardstock to mat the stamped piece and then attached it to the cardfront with dimensionals.


This is a nice and simple card that really lets the message be the focus and I love how the Black really pops against the other colors.  The Crisp Cantaloupe and Pistachio Pudding are two of the 2013-2015 In Colors that will be retiring at the end of June and all the products using these colors will definitely be on the retired list when it's released on April 21 and will only be available while supplies last so make sure to stock up on all your favorite colors (including ink refills) while they're still available.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have a wonderful Easter!

Diana

Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge and Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog Stamp Set Focus: Sheltering Tree

Happy Easter!  We’re wrapping up our vacation and heading home today (always the sad part) but we’ve had such a fun and relaxing time with lots of memories to cherish.  Today’s card is a combo using this weeks Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch challenge along with the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog stamp set focus, using Sheltering Tree.  This stamp set is so fun, you can create a beautiful card for any season or occasion using the different stamps included in the set. It’s a builder set so you can use any of the pieces necessary and colors to build the image you want.  With the arrival of spring, and Easter only two days away, I used that as inspiration for this card, as well as a memory of when I was young. 

When I was a child my grandparents gave us decorative sugar eggs for Easter and they were so pretty, they looked like sugar eggs on the outside and were hollow and had an oval opening and showed a fun Easter scene inside the egg (of course these were all made of sugar) but I decided to use this memory as inspiration for this card.

For this card I started with a cardbase of Blushing Bride and then added a layer of Chocolate Chip cardstock.  I stamped the image on a piece of Whisper White cardstock using the Sheltering Tree stamp set.  I built it using lots of the stamps and colors so I had a pretty spring scene.  Next I took a piece of Coastal Cabana cardstock and cut an opening out using the Big Shot and Oval Collection Framelits, then embossed it with the Delicate Dots Embossing Folder and then added faux stitching using a Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker.

I created the flowers using the flower punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack and Blushing Bride and Strawberry Slush cardstock.  After punching out the layers I curled the petals using a bone folder and then attached little pearls in the center of each.  The final touch was to add the greeting, I decided to get a head start on Mother's Day and used the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set and punched out the greeting using the Modern Label Punch and attached with dimensionals.  For a final bit of bling a colored a couple of pearls using a blendabilities marker before attaching them to the greeting piece.

This card has lots of elements that really add to the beauty and elegance of the card.  It really does remind of those Easter eggs from my childhood and I love it!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have a wonderful Easter Sunday and enjoy time with your family!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Funny Cards: Just Kidding

Happy April Fools Day!  We've been having a wonderfully relaxful week which is just what we've been looking for.  We always like to have a little good natured fun so we'll see what the day holds.  Today, over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog we're sharing funny cards in honor of April Fools Day.  Last month Stampin' Up released the lastest photopolymer stamp set, Just Kidding, and it's got some great cheeky humor that's perfect for today.

I started of with Soft Sky for the cardbase and then added a piece of Basic Gray cardstock that's embossed with the Big Shot and Delicate Polka Dots Embossing Folder.  Next I added a piece of Cherry Cobbler DSP from the Regals Designer Series Paper Stack that I punched out with the 2 1/2" Circle Punch.

For the main stamped image I stamped this sassy little lady from the Just Kidding stamp set in Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Whisper White cardstock.  I colored in the image using blendabilities markers before punching it out with the 2 1/2" Circle Punch.  The greeting was stamped on Smoky Slate cardstock, punched out with Decorative Label Punch and then sponged around the edge with Cherry Cobbler ink.  The final touch was to add a Bermuda Bay button from the Brights Decorative Buttons and tied a bow using Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine.

Sometimes you really need a fun card, for those special friends and this stamp set is perfect for just those very occasions.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Diana