Keep Calm for Mom - Paper Players #94

It's Sunday and that is great for TWO reasons! Not only is it time for anther fab challenge over at the Paper Players...but it is also my husband's birthday! Happy Birthday, sweetie! But you came here for some stamping, right? So let's get to the challenge at hand. This week, the lovely Nance is our hostess and she has a Theme Challenge for us. It's all about MOM at the Paper Players, this week! 

For my project, I was inspired by my own Mom. Seriously, that lady loves to shop. Ha! Guess I know where I get it from! What better Mother's Day gift, then one centered around the "sport" of shopping? Give it up for some new Stampin' Up! goodies! Whoo hoo! As soon as I saw the new Keep Calm Hostess set from the upcoming catalog, I knew I had to have it. "Keep Calm and Shop On" is probably the best sentiment EVER! Paired with that sweet handbag image...ahhh, that is pure shopping bliss! I used the colors in the new Floral District DSP for the project, too. I am seriously, loving this new paper! 

After stamping those handbags, I remembered that I had the Petite Purse die which I bought a few months ago and never used. Hello there, coordinating gift box..with more bling, of course! All of the supplies I used are listed at the end of the post, but please feel free to email me if you have any questions. :) 

This bitty handbag can hold some chocolates or in this case, a piece of jewelry. The reverse side of the paper was NOT a coordinating color...so, I had to die cut a second purse in Lucky Limeade card stock and glued the patterned paper to it. This way, when the purse is opened, the inside matches the color-theme. 

Here is a shot of the inside of the card, which I turned into a gift card holder. With that sentiment, you almost have to add some spending power for the recipient, don't you? I simply added Sticky Strip around the sides and bottom of the Lucky Limeade card stock, to create a "pocket" for the gift card. It's a gift card holder, designed as a card! Super simple and can easily be adapted for any occasion! 

Thanks for stopping by! I sure hope you will join us over at the Paper Players and share your creations for Mother's Day. The challenge is open until Friday, May 11th until Noon (PST). Please stop by and visit the rest of the gals on the Design Team, to see their beautiful projects:

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile (you are here)

Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Lesley Croghan

Nance Leedy
Jenn Picard 
Heidi Boos 

Welcome our Guest Designer for May: 

Narelle Farrugia (GD)

Have a super Sunday! 
I'm off to spend the day with my favorite Birthday Boy! *grin*
Hugs, 



Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Keep Calm (NEW, Hostess), Teeny Tiny Wishes and You're a Gem (inside)
Paper: Floral District DSP (NEW), Lucky Limeade, Rich Razzleberry and Whisper White card stock 
Ink: Rich Razzleberry and Lucky Limeade Classic ink
Punches: 1" Circle punch, 1- 1/4" Circle punch, Scallop Trim Border punch, Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, 1/4" Circle punch, Bitty Punch Pack (flower on the handbag)
Accessories: Petite Purse Bigz die, Bitty Banners Framelits die (NEW) , Dazzling Details colored with Rich Razzleberry re-inker, Basic Rhinestones and Stampin Dimensionals
Non-SU! Accessories: Amazon Gift Card

Happy "Bird-day" for Paper Players #92

Hello and Happy Sunday to you! 

This week at the Paper Players, our very own Nance Leedy is our hostess 

with a super-fun sketch challenge to try.  

I decided to throw this challenge to the birds...well, not literally... but they were the theme of my card. I have completely neglected the Nursery Nest DSP over the past few months and decided that it was time to dig that paper out for this week's challenge. After a couple (*cough, cough*) stamped attempts with a few different images, I finally decided to go with a trusty punch for this one. I dressed up the bird with some embossed accents for texture along with a polka dot wing and some sparkle for good measure. This is the first time EVER that I was able to punch a banner sentiment with a 1- 1/4 Square punch. I usually snip the banners by hand...but I followed THIS TUTORIAL and finally achieved "punchy-success!" Thanks Mary Fish!! All of the supplies used are listed at the end of this post. 

Finally, here is a quick shot of the inside...with the "punny" sentiment that plays off the front of the card..."Happy *Bird* Day!":

Please join us this week at the Paper Players! If you have a chance, please stop by the rest of the Design Team blogs to see what they created with Nance's awesome sketch this week. The challenge closes at Noon (PST) on Friday, April 27th, 2012. 

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile

Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Lesley Croghan

Nance Leedy
Jenn Picard 
Heidi Boos 

Shirley Pumpkin - GD for April

Thanks for stopping by! :) 

Have a very HAPPY and creative day,  

Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: You're a Gem and Picture This (inside sentiment, retired)
Paper: Nursery Nest DSP, Subtles Collection DSP (for the bird wing), Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Perfect Plum and Whisper White card stock
Ink: Perfect Plum and Pear Pizzazz Classic ink
Punches: 1- 1/4" square punch (to create the banner sentiment), 1- 3/4" Circle punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Scallop Edge Border Punch and Bird Builder Punch
Accessories: Blushing Bride 1/2" Poly-Stitched Ribbon, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Stampin' Dimensionals and Basic Rhinestones
Non SU! Accessories: circle and scallop circle die cut

Button Smooches for The Paper Players

Hello there! It's Sunday and that means it is time for another fun challenge over at the Paper Players! This week, Nance is our hostess and she has a CAS (Clean and Simple) challenge showcasing buttons! 

I decided to break out the brand-new Bright Blossoms stamp set and Summer Smooches DSP from Stampin' Up! Both of these products will be featured in the new catalog later this year, and are not available to order yet. This is a little sneaky peek. The exciting news is...you can be one of the first to order it starting April 1st. Shoot me an email for more details!  I love, love, LOVE this paper and the fabulous color combo of Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Island Indigo and Lucky Limeade. It is so bright and cheerful! I dressed up the stamped image with a few Bitty Buttons backed with some more of this pretty paper, punched with the circle and flower shapes from the Bitty Punch Pack.

I just felt like those flowers needed a little bit more pizazz, so I dressed them up with a sparkly rhinestone center...because, let's face it, everything is better with some sparkle! I also added a bow using the new Daffodil Delight Seam Binding. (also coming soon!) The sentiment is from the You're a Gem stamp set and it just seemed fitting for these bejeweled blossoms.  I know there are quite a few layers on this card but it was CAS for me, in the sense that it was a fairly quick card to create. I let the punches do a lot of the work. That's always a good thing, right? All of the supplies I used are listed at the end of the post.

A quick shot of the inside, ready for a hand-penned thank you note: 

Please, bust out your buttons and join us this week at the Paper Players for Nance's  challenge.The challenge closes Friday, March 23rd at 12:00 (PST). The rest of the gals on the Design Team have created some awesome projects, as always. I hope you will stop by to visit and share some bloggin' smiles: 

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile

Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Lesley Croghan

Nance Leedy
Jenn Picard 
Heidi Boos 
Sherry Eckblad - GD for March

Before I go, I wanted to share a photo of one of my favorite deer from our backyard. This pretty doe visits regularly. She's not scared of my camera at all. I'm not sure if that is a good thing, or not.  

Thanks for stopping by today! :) 
Enjoy your day, 




Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Bright Blossoms and You're a Gem (sentiment)
Paper: Summer Smooches DSP, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight and Lucky Limeade card stock
Ink: Lucky Limeade and Island Indigo Classic ink
Punches: 1" Circle punch, Bitty Punch Pack (flower and circle)
Accessories: Daffodil Delight Seam Binding, Perfect Polka Dots embossing Folder, Basic Rhinestones, Lucky Limeade and Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Write Marker, Mini Glue Dots and a whole bunch of Stampin Dimensionals
Non SU! Accessories: oval and scalloped oval die cut

Hand Stamped Sentiments #82- Monochromatic Color Challenge

Hello there! I wanted to share my card for the new challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments. This week it's all about keeping it Monochromatic on your projects. Such a fun challenge! The details are listed in the photo below. We sure hope you will join us! :) 

For my card, I went with a color that I never seem to use a lot of, Perfect Plum. Yes, this card also marks the return of the infamous Button Buddies stamp set. Surprise! Looks like I'm back on the kick again...this is truly my most used stamp set from the new SU! catalog, I tell ya.


 My image was stamped in Perfect Plum Craft ink and heat embossed with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder. I also dressed up the button with a blinged-out center. I also realize that my gratuitous use of bling comes as no surprise to anyone. *wink, wink* 

I thought the "You're a Gem" sentiment, from the stamp set of the same name, fit perfectly for this pretty purple thank you card. I added one more button to the bow, for fun. 

I hope you like it! Please stop by Hand Stamped Sentiments to see what the rest of the super-fabulous gals on the Design Team whipped up this week for the challenge. Hope you have a chance to join us and link up YOUR creation! The challenge is open until 12:00PM (CST) on Monday September 5th. Thank for stopping by! Have a very HAPPY day today! :) 



Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Button Buddies and You're a Gem
Paper: Perfect Plum Subtles DSP paper pad, Perfect Plum and Whisper White card stock
Ink: Perfect Plum classic ink (for sponging around the edges of the paper) and Perfect Plum Craft ink (for stamping and embossing)
Accessories: 1- 1/4" Square punch, 1- 3/8'" Square punch, 1" Circle punch, 1- 1/4" Circle punch, 2-3/8" Scalloped Circle pnch, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Subtles Assorted Designer Buttons, White Baker's Twine, Whisper White 5/8" Organza Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones and Stampin' Dimensionals

Hand Stamped Sentiments #73: So Charming

Happy Tuesday to you! 

This week over at Hand Stamped Sentiments, we have a very "charming" challenge. 

For my project I made a gift set. I decorated a Pomegranate Lemonade 4oz. filled candle from Bath & Body Works and made a coordinating 3x3 gift card. I decided to use my Trinket Crown charms and from there my project morphed into a very "royal" theme. 

As I dressed up my candle with the new Flirtatious DSP, I couldn't help but want to give the candle lid the "royal treatment", too. I used the Eyelet Border punch to dress the lid up in sparkly style. The lid can actually be used to set the candle on while it burns, too. (*Note: I used Sticky Strip to adhere everything to the candle to give it some extra hold with the heat of the candle,)

For the coordinating gift card, I just repeated a lot of the same elements that I used on the candle. I used the "Enjoy" sentiment because this can be a fun gift for a friend's birthday, a congratulations gift, or simply a gift to tell your friend how truly wonderful they really are. Throw it all together in a pretty pink gift bag and you have a treat fit for a queen...or at least a "Queen for a Day"! 

We sure hope you will join us this week at Hand Stamped Sentiments with YOUR charming creations! Don't have any Stampin' Up! charms? Not to worry. We welcome you to use any brand of charms you have...we just want you to have some FUN! Thanks for stopping by and visiting! 

Have a HAPPY day today! :)


Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: You're a Gem
Paper :  Flirtatious DSP, Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White card stock
Ink: Melon Mambo Classic ink
Accessories: Eyelet Border punch, 1" Circle punch, 1 1/4" Circle punch, 1 5/8" x 7/8" Oval punch, Scalloped Oval punch, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing folder, Melon Mambo Pom Pom trim (ret.), Silver Elastic Cord (ret.), Trinket Crown charms, Basic Rhinestones, Sticky Strip and Stampin' Dimensionals
Non-SU! Accessories: Bath & Body Works 4 oz Pomegranate Lemonade filled candle

Butterfly Thanks for PPA 98

Two posts in one day is almost unheard of for me, but I wanted to post my card for the Pals Paper Arts challenge before the challenge ended. Also, I'm super honored and excited to share that last week I was chosen as a Pals Paper Artist Pick. :) You can view my card by clicking HERE. I am so inspired by the awesome creativity that is shared there every week, not only from their uber-talented DT but from everyone who plays along in the challenges. This week at PPA, they have a shared a great sketch:

I pulled out my NEW Just Add Cake DSP (coming out July 1st) and the Flower Fest set from the Summer Mini catalog for this one. There is just something about this paper that instantly makes me happy...which is odd because there isn't any PINK to be found in it, anywhere! I just love the mix of soft colors and the fun polka dots.  

I think I am one of the last people on the planet to discover the "cute-ness" of the Butterfly punch. I recently purchased it and can't seem to stop using it! :) I layered my butterflies for some dimension and heat embossed the little guys for added shine. I used Versamark ink and Clear Embossing Powder. You can see this better by clicking on the photo above. Their little "antenna's" were made with Silver Elastic cord. After adding the bling, I thought the "You're a Gem" sentiment seemed like a fun match. 

I used some scraps from the front of the card to decorate the inside, as usual. See how that sentiment is stamped on layered punches? That was NOT on purpose! It is covering up the VERY crooked sentiment I stamped the first time around. Oops! 


Thanks so much for stopping by! 
Have a very HAPPY day today! :) 


Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Flower Fest (Summer Mini Catty), You're a Gem and Sincere Salutations (inside)
Ink: Versamark and Wild Wasabi Classic ink
Paper: Just Add Cake DSP (New 2011-2012 catty), Wild Wasabi, Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Peach Parfait and Whisper White card stock 
Accessories: Butterfly punch, 1" Circle punch, 1 1/4" Circle punch, 1 3/8" Circle punch, Scallop Border punch , Decorative Label punch (inside), XL Oval punch (inside), Silver Elastic Cord (ret.), Basic Rhinestones, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing folder, Sticky Strip, Clear Embossing powder, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy and Stampin' Dimensionals

Paper Players Challenge #52-Jaydee's CAS Challenge

It's Sunday and that means it's time for another fun challenge over at the Paper Players. It is also Father's Day, so I'm wishing a great day to all the Dad's out there. :)  This week, the fabulous Jaydee is our hostess and she has whipped up another one of her awesome CAS (clean and simple) sketches. 

For this one, I decided to break open some of the NEW In Colors that Stampin' Up! will be releasing July 1st. I pulled out my trusty Color Coach to help out with the color combo. I can't say enough how much I LOVE this handy tool for inspiration.

The stamp set is a new Hostess set that will also be coming out on July 1st, called Simply Soft. It is a "two-step" set but I decided to use the outline stamp and color it in with Blender Pens and Classic ink pads. I really like "two-step stamping", but I get a little antsy when I can't get it to line up perfectly...even though I know it really isn't supposed to. It's just a quirk of mine. :) 

I also roughed up the edges with the 7-Sided Distressing Tool and then used the Color Spritzer Tool to add some detail using Wisteria Wonder and Lucky Limeade markers.

I sure hope you will join us over at the Paper Players this week with your take on this CAS sketch. Be sure to pop on over to visit the other Design Team members to see what they have created for your inspiration. 

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Lesley Croghan

Jaydee

Lauri Ingram

LeAnne Pugliese

Nance Leedy

Sandra Azzopardi

Cindy Beach GD

Thanks for visiting! Have a very happy day today! :) 

*Click HERE to order Stampin' Up! 24/7*

Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Simply Soft (new hostess set) and You're a Gem
Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Elegant Eggplant and Whisper White card stock
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade Classic ink
Accessories: Color Spritzer Tool, 7-Sided Distressing Tool, Finial Press Embossing Folder, Wisteria Wonder & Lucky Limeade Stampin' Write markers, Elegant Eggplant Grosgrain ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals and Basic Rhinestones

Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge #66: Color Splash

Hello and Happy Terrific Tuesday to you! Hope you are enjoying your day so far. It's time for another fun, weekly challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments. This week we are having some fun with a fabulous "Color Splash" challenge. Please check it out and play along! 

I knew what stamp set I wanted to use, but needed a little help putting it all together. I hopped on over to the Mojo Monday blog for some inspiration. How great is this sketch with all the layers and shapes?  :)

I used one of my favorite stamp sets, Kimono Kids, for the main image. (Click HERE for another card with this set) I just think this little gal is adorable and I really like all the details on her kimono. So sweet! 

There is a LOT of sparkle on this one! I got a little carried away, haha! Total bling count: 21...23 if you include the tiny pearls in the little gal's hair. As if that wasn't enough, I "smooched" the textured background with some Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz. I can't get enough of the Smooch. It's such an easy way to add some pizazz to any project. All of the supplies used are listed at the end of the post. 

 Finally, here is the dressed-up inside of the card, perfect for a handwritten note:

What do you think? I hope you will join us this week at Hand Stamped Sentiments with your color creation. If you need some inspiration for Mother's Day cards, be sure to check out all of the beautiful entries from last week's challenge, too. Thanks for stopping by to visit and I hope you enjoy the rest of your day today! :) 

Stampin' Up! Supply List:
Stamps: Kimono Kids and You're a Gem (sentiment, ret.)
Ink: Basic Black Classic ink
Papers: Pretty in Pink Patterned DSP, Delicate Dots DSP (SAB, ret.), Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery and Whisper White card stock
Accessories: 1 3/4" x 7/8" Oval punch, 1 3/8" x 5/8" Oval punch, 2 3/8" Scalloped Circle punch, Circle Scissors Plus, Paper Crimper, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz, Basic Rhinestones, Basic Pearls, Silver Elastic cord (ret.) and Stampin' Dimensionals
Non SU! accessories:  alcohol based markers, white ribbon and floral border punch

Friday Mashup Guest Designer-Sketch Challenge

Hi there! It's finally Friday and I'm so excited to share my card today! Last week, I was chosen as the "Mashup! Maven" over at Friday Mashup! for THIS card. As a special treat, their "Maven" is given the distinguished honor of being a guest designer, on the next week's challenge. How cool is that? This week they are sharing an awesome, sketch challenge. Please check it out and I hope you get the chance to play along! These gals are just so F-U-N! :) 

I used (another, really neglected set) Baroque Motifs, for my creation. I just love all of the flourishes in the main image. I decided to heat emboss the image then add some butterflies from the Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die. I finally ordered this die and am so happy I did. I layered the butterflies, folded them for dimension and added some pearl accents to dress them up. I'm still on my "Sponging  Streak" and am using my sponges to distress just about everything I create. I'm actually getting ready to "sponge" the walls in one of our bathrooms, this weekend, too. Nothing is safe!  Haha! 

The sentiment is from the You're A Gem set from the Occasions Mini Catalog. I seem to be using it a lot, lately. The ribbon is a retired Old Olive taffeta ribbon. There are quite a few Basic Pearls on this card, too.   

Finally, here is the inside....with more "butterfly-goodness": 

Before I wrap up, I wanted to share another photo. Yesterday, I spent the day with some amazingly, creative gals (for a much-needed, "girls day").  When I arrived home, I discovered that my sweet husband had a little spring surprise for me. He said that when he saw these flowers, they reminded him of me..."because they were so HAPPY"! This guy really knows how to put a smile on my face, I tell ya! :)

Well, that's all I have for today. Please visit Friday Mashup! and try out the sketch challenge, this week. Thanks for dropping by and before you go, please leave a comment and say hello. I love hearing from you and it gives me a chance to visit and share some bloggin' love, too. :) Tomorrow, I will finally be sharing some (much anticipated) BLOG CANDY! Want a chance to win? Be sure to come back on Saturday! 

Have a very HAPPY day today!