Coffee and Friends

I hope you have gotten a head start on your holiday shopping.  I have, and I have most of it done.  However, I still feel 'behind'.  I don't know why.  Maybe its because I saved the hardest few people for last, and I don't have any idea what to get them.  It's a struggle.

Today, over @ Nacho Average Challenge they have a creative sketch challenge for you to try.  I love the simple lines and the large degree of potential.

here is what I created

I used soft suede card stock as my card base.  I like the soft, creamy brown color.  I used soft sky card stock for the main panel.  I used the Postcard stamp set to create the postcard, and inked it in soft suede classic ink.  I used Sweater Weather DSP for the trio of banners, and for the coffee cuff.  I just love the soft cozy colors and patterns in this collection {smile}.  I did a quick and not straight machine stitch along the left end of the banners.  I added a few pearl jewels, to help soften the whole look.
I used the Perfect Blend stamp set, for the main focus of the card.  I am a huge fan addict of coffee, so it only seems fitting to have coffee with and for everything.  I stamped the to go coffee cup in soft suede classic ink onto very vanilla card stock and then used my detail scissors to fussy cut it out.

I created a button for the coffee cuff out of clay and the button & blossom mold.  I stamped the sentiment in chocolate chip classic ink, where the address goes.   I created my postage stamp with daffodil delight classic ink, and the Postage Due stamp set.

Thank you for stopping by.  Now, it's your chance to create something wonderful using our sketch @ NAC.  Can't wait to see what you create!

Sew Creative

Welcome back, for another look at a card I have created.  The lovely ladies over @ Nacho Average Challenge have a beautiful color challenge for you to work with, this week.  I always struggle with color challenge.  But, as you can see, the colors for this challenge are more my style, so it was a bit easier.

here is what I created

I started with a card base in Island Indigo card stock.  I used the same sheet of pattern paper from the Etc DSP collection.  One side, as those beautiful calypso coral polka dots, and the other side, pool party seamstress-ledger pattern.  I added a quarter of a tea doily to the side of the banner piece.

I used Creative Elements stamp set to create the 'label' and sentiment stamped cluster on the lower left side of the card.  I stamped the label in island indigo classic ink.   I stamped the sentiment in basic black classic ink.

I used Notable Notions stamp set, to create the buttons and button card.  I stamped the button card in island indigo classic ink, onto very vanilla card stock.  I used my detail scissors to fussy cut this piece.  I stamped the large button in calypso coral classic ink, and the tiny button in island indigo classic ink.  

To create my 'buttons', I stamped the image onto card stock.  Then I used a 1/2" circle punch and a 1" circle punch, to punch 3 circles out of the chipboard that accompanies each DSP packet.  Stacking the circles, I used my tape runner to 'hold' the circles together.   I adhered my punched, stamped image to the top of each stack. 

I also used dimensionals to pop up the button card.  I didn't want my card to look too 'flat'.  Finally, I tied a piece of pool party seam binding into a simple bow, at the top of the button card.

Now, it's your turn!  Let's see what you create with our colors this week @ NAC!

Black and Tan

First let me thank all of those who have sent warm wishes to a speedy recovery. Thank you! your thoughtfulness has really touched my heart {smile}.  

I did get a chance to finish my card for uhm, last week's color challenge over @ Nacho Average Challenge.   Basic Black, Crumb Cake, and Soft Suede.

If nothing else, that mishap in my life has really made me thankful for what I have: family, friends, and a desire to get back on my feet, as well as a well stocked craft room.  So, without further ado, here is last weeks card.  My apologizes for the tardiness.

I finished my card yesterday.  But, I can't get my photoshop program to open, so I can't add a water mark.  So, this image is 'naked'. heehee.

I hope everyone has been inspired by the super talented team @ NAC.

And on another note, my Etsy shop is now open!  I have added several clear mount and wood mount stamp sets!  If ordering between 11/24 and 12/24, and you purchase $25/+ in products, use coupon code: BLACKFRIDAY, to receive free shipping!

Post Card Christmas

Howdy.  Hope this post finds you well.  It's hard to believe that we are already into double digits of November.  Where has the time gone?  And before you know it, I fret that I will be scrambling for that last minute Christmas gift.  You?

Well, before I get too carried away, I wanted to share a card I made.  The wonderfully talented ladies over @ Nacho Average Challenge have this fun sketch for you to play with.

It looks pretty plain and simple, right?  Well, it actually lends itself to a lot of potential of creating an absolutely gorgeous card!  The simplicity of the sketch is actually a creative license.

I used the large 'empty' space to my advantage.  One of my favorite stamps is this 'postcard' stamp.  I don't really know why, but it calls to me.  And it was very easy to use it with this sketch.  {smile}.

I stamped the postcard in crumb cake classic ink, onto very vanilla card stock, and then cut close to the lines with my scissors.  I used my distressing tool, to rough up the edges.  

I stamped the winter tree in always artichoke classic ink.  Then I stamped the snowflakes randomly over the tree.  I stamped the little pinecone branch in crumb cake classic ink, on two opposite corners of the address side.  To 'decorate' the tree, I added three rhinestones and three pearls.

For my sentiment, I used the new holiday clear stamp set.  I stamped the 'christmas'  in always artichoke classic ink, and the other words in crumb cake classic ink.  Instead of adding a postage stamp, I added some seam binding.  The center of the bow, looked a bit bare, for me, so I tied some linen thread to the bow and created another bow.

I matted my post card onto always artichoke card stock.  Then added a sparkle-y border with champagne glitter paper.  Finally, matting this whole piece onto soft suede card stock.  The card base in crumb cake card stock.

Well, thank you for stopping by to see what I have created.  It's always nice to have company.  I hope you get a chance to create something with this sketch, and play along with us!  We'd love to see what you create for the NAC!

Dash of Cheer

Whew, this week, is almost as busy as last week.  But, I'm grateful for the work, and the paper craft requests.  But, before I go back into my craft room, I played along with the lovely ladies over @ Nacho Average Challenge.  They have a color challenge this week, and I struggle with those.  So, I kept my card 'clean and simple' (CAS).

here is this week's colors

here is my card:

I used Marina Mist as my main color.  Then added splashes of Melon Mambo and Early Espresso.  The card base is marina mist.  I added a panel of marina mist dsp.  I used my scallop trim border punch to create the decorative border out of early espresso card stock.  I added a strip of plain melon mambo card stock across the front of the card.  

I hand dyed some very vanilla seam binding with my marina mist re inker.  To add a little pizzazz, I tied a vintage faucet button onto the seam binding bow with some thin silver ribbon.

I created my sentiment label with the four frames in marina mist classic ink.  I stamp the sentiment in both early espresso and melon mambo classic inks.  I adhered the frame onto the card front with dimensionals.  But, I felt the card was missing a little something, so I added a trio of half pearls along the right lower edge of the melon mambo card stock strip.

I hope you have been inspired to play along with us @ NAC.  We would love to see what you create.

Now, I need to get back to some chores and crafts.  I'll post a photo of these sweet little gift tags I have made for my 'exclusive' gift for folks who received my holiday craft fair schedule.

Take care, and take some time out of your busy schedule to create something beautiful!

Thinking of You

Happy Tuesday!  I hope you had a good weekend, and that Monday was not too brutal.  Me, I had a fabulous weekend!  I spent three days crafting with two very wonderful ladies; Valerie and Nichole.  But, now it's back to work, back to the daily grind.  It's Tuesday, and that means that it is time for another challenge from Nacho Average Challenge.  This week, we have a color challenge.  And boy, color challenges are just that for me, a challenge.

here is what I made

I used daffodil delight cardstock for the base.  I used a pattern paper from the Gingham Garden DSP collection.  I also used the Kind and Cozy stamp set for this card.  I did a bit of machine stitching, to hold the banner piece to the card front, with a zig zag stitch.  

I cut a paper doily in half and used that to break-up the empty space.  I wrapped a piece of daffodil delight seam binding around the card front and tied it in a multi-loop bow.  I added a simple bow of white bakers twine.

The sentiment circle is stamped in primrose petal, and the sentiment is stamped in daffodil delight.  I used markers to color the floral images.  The  sentiment banner is stamped in midnight muse.  

I hope we have inspired you to play along with us @ NAC.

Happy Sketch

oh my, not sure what happened, but this didn't post.

Howdy!  Glad you could stop by today.  It's nice to see what folks are creating and I have a pretty pink Birthday card to share with you.  The lovely ladies over @ Nacho Average Challenge, have a creative sketch, that will allow you do alot with this week's sketch.

See what I mean?  You can layer papers, add patterns, stamp, embellishments, the world is your oyster, so to speak.

I paired one of my favorite color combos together: pink and brown: Blushing Bride and Soft Suede.  I wanted to make a girly card for a very special friend.  She is celebrating her birthday this weekend, while we are at the rubber stamp retreat.  How exciting, huh?

I used shimmer white cardstock, instead of flat white.  Love the added shimmer.  Also, I punched some leaves with the 2 step  bird punch.    The blossoms were made with the shimmer white, pink pirouette and blushing bride card stocks.  I stamped the sentiment in soft suede classic ink, onto blushing bride cardstock.  I tied some of the new chevron stripe ribbon around the card front, and made a simple knot.

Let see what you create with this very user friendly sketch!  Who knows, you could be the next top nacho!  So, come, and play along with us @ NAC.

Flower in October

Can you believe that we are already in the second week of October?  This month is quickly leading the way to Christmas.  But before we get to Christmas, lets first think of Halloween!  The lovely ladies over @ Nacho Average Challenge, have a color challenge for you to try this week.  Once, I saw the colors, I instantly thought of Halloween.  Ugh, and I don't own any Halloween themed rubber stamps.  So, I tried to go a different direction with the color challenge.

here is what I did:

When I was crafting for this color challenge, I also realized that I don't own any dsp with these colors in it.  So, to say the least, this challenge was a bit frustrating.  But color challenges, are the hardest for me.

I randomly inked the Ex Libris background stamp in basic black classic ink.  I inked two wheels I have, one in summer starfruit classic ink and the text in pumpkin pie classic ink.  I made them into banners.  I cut a paper doily in half and added it to the left side of the card.  I stamped my blossom in the same colors, and did the 'rock and roll' technique.  I dyed my vanilla seam binding with pumpkin pie re-inker, and then did a zig zag machine stitch.  I added two tickets, stamped with the That's the Ticket stamp set.  And tucked in a sprig of leaves from the 2 step bird punch, using silver glitter paper.

I know that you will see some fabulous creations from the other ladies, and be inspired to play along with us @ NAC!  So grab you stamping supplies, and share with us what you create!

Collage of Autumn

Happy Tuesday!  I hope your week is off to a good start.  Me? it's doing ok. (smile)

I want to share a card with you today.  The lovely ladies over @ Nacho Average Challenge have the cutest sketch.  And the weather here is turning cold.  It was 48 degrees yesterday when I left the house to drive to work.  YUK!

here is the sketch:

and here is what I created:

A bit different.  A collection of various elements.  But, I kinda like it!  I wanted to use colors that are easily found this time of year: green, cajun craze, daffodil delight, slate, kraft, and soft suede.

I used crumb cake cardstock for the card base.  Always good to have a common color used, to help ground the card.

I stamped the flourish in smoky slate.  I love how soft this color is.  I added a green stripe pattern paper from the Etc. dsp collection.  I machine stitched the pattern paper on.  

I stamped the leaves in cajun craze and soft suede, using the gently falling stamp set.  I fussy cut around the leaves and sponged the edges.  I cut a simple tag shape from very vanilla card stock, and layered the leaves behind the tag.  

I cut a scallop circle from the perfect pennants die, using daffodil delight cardstock.  I sponged the edges also.  For the center, I stamped the aspen background in crumb cake classic ink.  I didn't want anything to compete with the print.  I then stamped the acorn in soft suede classic ink, right over the aspen image.  I used my 1 3/4" circle punch to create the center.  I sponged the edges.

For the banner piece, I stamped the banner stamp in old olive classic ink, fussy cut it with my scissors and used foam tape to elevate the banner off the card front.

I hand dyed the vanilla seam binding with my basic black re inker.  I made sure I used just a few drops, so it wouldn't come out too dark for me.  Dried the hand dyed seam binding with my heat tool, and strung it at the top of my tag.

For the sentiment tag, I stamped the aspen background in crumb cake classic ink, and then the sentiment over it, in soft suede classic ink.  I used the decorative label punch to create the fancy piece.

I hope that we have inspired you, and you get a chance to play along with us over @ NAC.  

Hope you have a wonderful start to your week!

Pumpkin Latte #56

I am a huge fan of starbucks.  So much so, that I am a re-occuring Gold card member.  Each 'year' I purchase more than enough coffees to keep my card.  And this time of year, their famous Pumpkin Spice drinks are available.  These drinks were what was on my mind, when I saw this weeks color challenge over @ Nacho Average Challenge.  I don't do very well with color challenges.  I find the whole process a bit frustrating.  And I'll add, this was not my first attempt with these colors (smile).

here is what I created:

For those who are familiar with my work, this card is pretty clean and simple for me.  In that, there aren't layers, machine stitching, buttons, and various different little trinkets (smile). 

The card base is early espresso cardstock.  For the matt, I layered a piece of cajun craze card stock, and a scrap piece of pool party dsp.   I wrapped some early espresso bakers twine around this matt and tied it in a simple bow.

I stamped a text leaf in cajun craze classic ink, onto very vanilla cardstock.  I don't own the dies to cut out the leaves, so I used my scissors and fussy cut the leaf by hand.  I stamped the coffee cup in early espresso onto very vanilla cardstock, and fussy cut that out too.  I stamped the cup onto pool party dsp and cut out the cuff.  I stamped a button in cajun craze onto very vanilla and used my 1" circle punch to get the shape.  I layered the button onto the coffee cuff, and layered the coffee cup onto the leaf.  

I stamped my sentiment in early espresso classic ink, onto pool party cardstock.  I matted the sentiment banner onto a scrap piece of cajun craze cardstock.  I stapled the sentiment banner to the lower corner of the card.

I hope we have inspired you, and given you alot of creative ideas to help get you started in participating in our color challenge this week @ NAC.

Grateful Heart

This Tuesday, the talented ladies have a new sketch over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday have a new sketch for you to play with.  This special design team has created some very pretty and clever cards.  So please stop by the blog and let us help you find some inspiration.

this week's sketch:

here is what I created:

For those who know me, Halloween is not a favorite holiday.  Don't get me wrong, I love passing out candy to the little trick or treaters.  I love to see what the children dress as, on this fun holiday.  However, I don't decorate my house, or typically create Halloween specific items.  

I ordered this new Sweater Weather DSP, and these colors make me think of autumn.  Also, if you looked through the holiday mini catalog from Stampin' Up!, the beginning of the catalog, has some very creative Thanksgiving crafts, to Thank those who you are grateful to.  And, that was my inspiration for this card; a Grateful Heart.  I also added a small strip of Modern Medley DSP and silver glitter paper.  I did use some of the yellow seam binding to continue the summer starfruit color.  I added a simple zig zag machine stitch to the seam binding.  

Use our sketch, to create something beautiful! something creative! something crafty! and share your creation with us! we would love to see what you create @ NAC!

#54 notes

Welcome.  The lovely ladies over @ Nacho Average Challenge have a color challenge this week.  And, I really struggle with color challenges.  Don't really know why, but they always throw me for a loop.  I first look at the colors.  Then decide what I think of when I see the colors.  Try to figure out what Stampin' Up! products I have to create what I think of.  And then try to put it all together without looking blah.

here are this week's colors:

and here is what I created:

When I saw the colors, the first things I thought of were green foliage, blue blossoms and using soft suede for the sentiment and distressing.  (I also used my distressing tool to all the edges.)

Island Indigo is not a widely used color for me.  And so, I have very limited card stock.  But, I do love the soft gentle green color of pear pizzazz.

I used the postcard background stamp and soft suede classic ink to create the main panel.  And that led me to the idea of creating an old mail correspondence.  Something you would find in your grandmothers attic.  vintage, pretty, and delicate.  (I hope I succeeded in that.)

I wanted to add some type of writing, so I inked the text stamp from the background builders stamp set and masked the borders of the post card.

I made a postage stamp with the postage due stamp set, and pear pizzazz classic ink.  I used the postage stamp punch to create the 'torn' edge.  I adhered the stamp the to postcard front with a dimensional.

I matted the postcard to my last scrap of island indigo cardstock.   I adhered a doily half to the postcard.  I used very vanilla seam binding and dyed it with pear pizzazz re-inker.  I wrapped the dyed seam binding around the center of the postcard and did a zig zag stitch with my sewing machine.  I tied a multi-loop bow with some of the dyed seam binding.

To create the blossoms, I stamped the floral images in island indigo classic ink onto very vanilla cardstock.  I used the flower shop punch to create the blossom images.  I wanted to add some interest to the blossom centers, so I made some buttons out of clay and used the blossom and button mold.  I adhered the clay buttons to the paper blossom centers.  I adhered the blossoms to the front of the post card.

I was thinking about tucking a sentiment label within the seam binding/blossom clusters, on the front of the post card.  But, I couldn't think of what to stamp, or where exactly to add the label.

Well, thanks for taking the time to see what I have been creating.  I hope this new design team has inspired you to play along with us @ NAC.  I'd love to see what you create with this week's colors!

Coffee and Friends

Today, is the big day!  The Nacho Average Challenge site is back from our summer hiatus.  Personally, that was a welcome break.  The summer time is always super busy for me and my family.  It was very nice to focus on them.  Now, before we get to the new challenge, I'd like to welcome our new members.  Howdy, and welcome!  We have a sketch for you to try.  But don't forget to stop by our challenge site for some inspiration!

challenge #53

I have to admit, when I first saw the sketch, I instantly thought of a floral sprig.  But then, I thought that was too predictable.  I love the banner piece.

I have an infinity for distressing, and machine stitching!  The card base is crumb cake.  You aren't surprised are you?  I used some of the new fall themed DSP - Sweater Weather.  I love the soft, comfortable colors and patterns.  I distressed the edges of the soft sky polka dot pattern paper with whisper white craft re-inker and a brush.

For the chevron pattern piece, I used this beautiful blue plaid paper.  I matted it with soft sky card stock.  I used my distressing tool on all the edges, then sponged some crumb cake classic ink.  I tore the upper right edge, and then scrunched the lower left corner.  I added a scrap piece of the text paper under the imperfections.  I machine stitched the plaid and soft sky cardstock together.  I purposely didn't stitch those areas, to keep with the distressing.

For my banner piece, I matted a yellow pattern paper with crumb cake cardstock.  I distressed the crumb cake with whisper white craft re inker and a brush.  I stapled the banner piece to he plaid pattern paper.  I felt the metal embellishment added a grunge look, so to speak.

I stamped the coffee to-go cup in early espresso classic ink, onto very vanilla card stock.  I fussy cut the to go cup out and used dimensionals to lift the cup off the card front.  I stamped the coffee cuff onto the yellow plaid pattern paper.  I stamped the sentiment right onto the pattern paper.

Thank you for stopping by.  Now, hurry to your crafting supplies, and lets see what you create!  Don't forget to upload your creation to the NAC site.

Oh, Hello

A sad day.  On this particular Tuesday, in June, is the last challenge for the Nacho Average Challenge, #52.  At this point in time, the current design team is taking a break.  We are planning on re-starting, possibly seeking new design team members, and maybe changing the format.  Alot of decisions to be made, and some plans to be hammered out.  So, please check back and visit the Nacho Average Challenge site, to see what changes have been made.

Ok, onto the current challenge.  This week (#52) is a color challenge.  I was completely at a lost as to what to create with these colors.  But, all in all, I am happy with what I created {smile}.

when I saw the colors in this week's challenge, 

I knew that I wanted to use Melon Mambo as an accent color.

my card:

The card base is Bermuda Bay cardstock.  This teal color blue is rich and beautiful.  I inked my en francias background stamp with bermuda bay classic ink, and stamped onto whisper white cardstock.  I did the tap technique, because I wanted a random-ness.  I matted the text with bermuda bay cardstock.  

I cut a piece of subtler DSP (pool party) polka dot pattern paper and matted it with a solid piece of pool party cardstock.  I added some machine stitching along the border.  I wrapped a piece of pool party seam binding to the polka dot pattern piece.  I machine stitched this ribbon to this polka dot piece.  I tied a multi-loop bow.

For this round sentiment piece, I stamped the sentiment in bermuda bay classic ink.  I stamped the flower in melon mambo classic ink.  I used the 2 1/2" circle punch to create the round shape.  I really wanted to add a scallop trim, but SU! doesn't make a large enough punch/die.  So, I did it 'old school'.  I punched several 1/2" circles from the silver glitter paper and adhere circles around the circles.

Thank you for stopping by.  Please take a moment to create something beautiful and enter our last current challenge site @ NAC.

Classic

My apologies, for this being tardy.  There has been a bit of a jumble in our household, and it has thrown me off my schedule.

This is week #51 for the talented ladies over @ Nacho Average Challenge.  I know what you are thinking . . . #51, what's the significance.  Well, at this point in time, #52 will be our last challenge.  Sad, huh?  There have been some real gorgeous challenges to play along with, and some real tuffys!  So, all in all, it has been wonderful, challenging, and full of creativity!

this week's challenge:

Oh yes!  a card full of banners!  Yahoo! what a gorgeous sketch, if I say so myself.  And yes, I had to add a little bit of my style to my finished card.  Here it is!

I have a girlfriend who just adores black and white, with a splash of color.  Any color, she doesn't care. And so, with her in mind, I created this card to go with this week's sketch!  And I have to admit, that the splash of color really makes this card look classy and elegant!  Thank you, Nichole {smile}.

The card base is basic black cardstock.  I wanted to add a splash of a soft, pretty color, so I added soft sky cardstock.  But the blue became over powering, so I matted a piece of very vanilla cardstock on top of the soft sky cardstock.  I cut my banners from the Modern Medley DSP.  Love this paper.  The possibilities are endless.  I made the banners in various widths.  The middle music sheet is 2 inches wide.  There are two @ 1 1/2" and two @ 1 1/4" wide.  I stacked, layered and staggered them.  There is a tiny piece (1/2" wide) of soft sky card stock at the top of the banners.  I cut a strip of silver glitter paper with my scallop edge.  That piece is butted right up to the soft sky cardstock.  I didn't have the energy to dye my seam binding with soft sky re inker, so I left it vanilla.  I machine stitched a strip across the card front.  I made a multi-loop bow.  (love those bows!)  I also added a new subtles button to the center.  I used a skinny strip of vanilla card stock as my 'thread', and adhered it to the center of my bow.

The sketch doesn't have a sentiment 'spot', so I improvised.  I created a label with my four frames stamp set.  I stamped the frame in basic black classic ink.  The sentiment comes from a new hostess stamp set, 'Express Yourself'.  I really love the font in this stamp set, and can you really have too many sentiment stamp sets?

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you find some inspiration to play along with our challenge over @ NAC.  I know we would love to see what you create with our sketch!

Have a wonderful day.  Stay cool, and see you soon {smile}.

this card is for sale in my Etsy shop, here