Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Goodbye Tart and Tangy!

Another favorite stamp set of mine, Tart and Tangy, is being retired in two days.  This was the perfect set for summer cards!

I started with Peach Parfait cardstock, followed by a layer of Poppy Parade, and then a layer of Whisper White which was run through my Big Shot using one of the retiring Texture Plates.  Layers of Sunny Garden DSP, along with Poppy Parade and Peach Parfait 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon were all added for a pop of color.  I also added one Photo Corner to the top left side, because it looked like it was missing a little something.  The sentiment is from the Apple Blossoms Level 2 Hostess set, which was punched with the Decorative Label punch.  I cut this punch down a little bit to make it fit better on the card.

A really fun set to have.  If you want to add it to your collection, you still have today and tomorrow to purchase it, and as always my on-line store is open 24/7 for your convenience.

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Peach Parfait #119794, Poppy Parade #119793, Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper:  Sunny Garden #119831*
Stamp Sets:  Tart and Tangy #111514*,  Apple Blossom- Level 2 Hostess - #118531 wood or #120139 clear*
Ink:  Poppy Parade #119782, Peach Parfait #119783, Daffodil Delight #119667
Ribbon:  Poppy Parade 1/2" Stitched Poly #119263, Peach Parfait 1/2" Stitched Poly #119264
Punches:  Decorative Label #120807, 1 1/4" Circle #119861, Photo Corners #119878*
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Texture Plates Kit #4 - #114531*
*Indicates retiring product

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Goodbye Fun and Fast Notes

It will be hard saying goodbye to Fun and Fast Notes.  It is one of the stamp sets I received in my Starter Kit when I signed up to become a demonstrator, and has eight stamps great for so many occasions. 

Pear Pizzazz cardstock and Pear Pizzazz DSP from the In Color Paper Pack (Level 1 Hostess), were used for the card base.  I cut the oval with the Big Shot using my Frame Oval Scallop Bigz Die, using only the inner oval, saving the scallop oval for another project.  I stamped the get well wishes in Crumb Cake Ink, and used the In-Color markers to fill it in.  Whisper White 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon was added for extra embellishment.   If you like the ribbon you better stock up in a hurry because all of the 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon is retiring June 30th.

For today's card I used the following:
Cardstock:  Pear Pizzazz #119795, Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper:  In-Color Paper Pack -Level 1 Hostess #121028
Stamp Set:  Fun and Fast Notes #113500
Ink: Crumb Cake #121030
Markers:  In Color Pack #119801
Ribbon: 5/8" Whisper White Grosgrain #114616
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Frame Oval Scallop Bigz Die #114521

Monday, June 27, 2011

Saying goodbye to some favorites this week!

I will be spending the next four days, until the end of June, posting projects made with some of my favorite retiring stamp sets and accessories.  If you see something you like, hurry up, because time is running out to purchase products from the 2010-11 Idea Book and Catalog.

Today's card was made with retiring stamp set A Flower For All Seasons.  It is a really cute set featuring four stamps that I used often for get well, thank you, and thinking of you cards.  I kept today's card simple by embossing the front with the Framed Tulips folder, and highlighting my stamped image by sponging a circle of Baja Breeze ink.  To create the template for the reverse mask, I punched a circle in a scrap piece of cardstock using the 2 1/2" circle punch, and sponged the ink inside. 

The following were used for today's card:
Cardstock:  Very Vanilla #101650
Stamp Set:  A Flower For All Seasons #111592 and Fresh Cut Notes #111634 - both retiring
Ink:  Early Espresso #119670, Baja Breeze #111833
Accessories:  Stamping Sponges #101610, Big Shot #113439. Framed Tulips Embossing Folder #121809 

Friday, June 24, 2011

Designing with punches!

I saw a pretty card posted by SU demonstrator Diane Oliver and was trying to figure out how she made her flower vase.  After looking at her card for a few seconds I realized that she took the Extra Large Oval Punch and snipped off the ends to create the vase.  Thanks Diane for your inspiration and creativity.  I shared my card with the ladies at Wednesday's Mystery Hostess night and they loved getting different ways to use their punches. 

My card starts with Whisper White cardstock, followed by a layer of Melon Mambo and Whisper White which were both embossed with different embossing folders.  Before I placed my punched vase down, I cut small strips of Old Olive cardstock to create the stems, punched the flowers with the new Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (Summer Mini), and then put them on the layers.  I used dimensionals for the vase to make it stand out.  The bird punch was cut with a piece of Old Olive Designer Paper from the Brights Paper Stack.  Small pearls were added for extra embellishment to the flowers and bird. 

After looking at the card I thought the vase looked a little plain, so I took a Sponge Dauber and added some Old Olive ink to the vase for a more weathered look.

For today's card I used the following:
Cardstock:  Whisper White #100730, Melon Mambo #115320, Old Olive #100702
Designer Series Paper:  Brights Paper Stack #117155
Ink:  Old Olive #102277
Punches:  Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer #122464, Two-Step Bird #117191, Extra Large Oval #119859
Embellishment:  Pearls #119247
Accessories:  Dimensionals #104430, Big Shot #113439, Square Lattice Embossing Folder #119976, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder #121809, Sponge Daubers #102892, Paper Snips #103579

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Saying goodbye to some of my favorite things!

Over the next few days I will be posting projects using some of my favorite retiring products.  While I hate to see them go, I am looking forward to creating with all that will be new July 1st when the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog will be available.  You still have a few days left though, to purchase retiring products.  Just check out the Last Chance List under promotions which will take you to my on-line store.  But don't wait too long, because time is running out and some of the accessories are already sold out!

I started today's card with Blushing Bride cardstock, followed by matte layers using coordinating cardstock and Designer Series Paper from the Love Birds Simply Scrappin' Kit.  Before putting on my stamped image, I tied on some Blushing Bride 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon.  I wanted the elephants to be two-toned, so I took my Blushing Bride and Certain Celery markers and colored right onto the stamp.  I added some rhinestones for the eyes, and used dimensionals to pop it up. 

The following products were used (*indicates it will be retiring):
Cardstock and Designer Series Paper*Love Birds Simply Scrappin' Kit #118707
Ribbon:  Blushing Bride 1/2" Stitched Poly #119267
Markers:  Blushing Bride #11901 (In Color Pack), Certain Celery #105106
Stamp Set*Baby Steps #117092
Embellishments:  Rhinestones #119246
Accessories:  Dimensionals #104430

Monday, June 20, 2011

Bold Bright Wishes

If this card looks a little familiar, you might of seen a birthday card I posted a few weeks ago with the same colors.  The original card was one I had prepared for my stamp class, and as always, when I have leftover materials, I just change it up a little bit to create another card using the already cut materials.  What a time saver, and an easy way to get a nice collection of cards made.

In this card I changed the way the card opens, and added the punched stars and buttons, along with a different sentiment.  I love the bright color family for summer cards, and the added embossing of the cardstock really adds a nice touch.

The following were used for today's card:
Cardstock:  Tempting Turquoise #102067, Pumpkin Pie #105117, Daffodil Delight #119683, Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper:  Brights Paper Stack #117155
Ink:  Tempting Turquoise #100814
Stamp Set:  Word Play #120308 wood or #120651 clear
Punch:  Star #119875
Embellishment:  Brights Designer Buttons #119747
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder #117335, Square Lattice Embossing Folder #119976, Dimensionals #104430

Note:  If you like the Star Punch but still don't have it you better hurry to purchase it.  It is on the Last Chance Accessories list and only available while supplies last, or the end of June.  You can purchase the punch and any other SU items 24/7 at my on-line store.  If you have any questions about the Last Chance Items, or anything you see posted on my blog, don't hesitate to send me an e-mail or leave a comment. 

Friday, June 17, 2011

Nancy's Graduation Cake


One of the ladies who comes to my  monthly stamp classes asked me awhile back for help making a birthday cake for a relative of hers.  I did some research and found a tutorial on how to make cake slices.  I made one slice to show her how to do it, and she has put me to shame.  This is the second cake she has made, and I never got any further than just making a slice.  She made this cake for a graduation party and filled the slices with trinkets and small gifts.   I asked her if I could share her creation with all of you, and she happily agreed.  So, thank you Nancy for showing us your creativity and sharing your talents.

I hope to post a cake of my own soon and will give details on what products were used. 


Thursday, June 16, 2011

Word Play for Father's Day

I love the sentiment on this card.  What a wonderful way to tell dad how much he means to you!

Not Quite Navy cardstock was used for the card base, followed by two pieces of Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper.  I punched two Extra Large Scallop Circles, one in Soft Suede to layer behind the Whisper White stamped image.  I also cut out the "world" and placed it on top with dimensionals to make it stand out. 

Note -  The Elegant Soiree DSP is on the Last Chance List and on sale at 25% off.  It is beautiful paper that coordinates with so many colors.

I used the following:
Cardstock:  Not Quite Navy #119933, Whisper White #100730, Soft Suede #115318
Designer Series Paper:  Elegant Soiree #117163
Ink:  Not Quite Navy #103008
Stamp Set:  Word Play #120308 wood or #120651 clear, Teeny Tiny Wishes #115370
Punches:  2 3/8" Scallop Circle #118874, Word Window #119857, Modern Label #119849, 3/4" Circle #119873
Accessories:  Dimensionals #104430

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Last Chance Happy Father's Day Card

The Star Punch, All Holidays Stamp Set, and Grosgrain Ribbon which were used for this card, are all on the Last Chance List.  If you would like these items you better hurry, because the stamp set is only available until the end of June, while the Star Punch and ribbon are available while supplies last, or until the end of June.

I made the card using Cajun Craze for the card base, followed by an embossed layer of Crumb Cake.  I added a strip of  5/8"  Night of Navy Grosgrain Ribbon, and some punched and embossed stars, along with my stamped sentiment.  A nice salute to dad for Father's Day!

The following supplies were used:
Cardstock:  Cajun Craze #119684, Crumb Cake #120953, Whisper White #100730, Night of Navy #100867
Stamp Set:  All Holidays #114916
Ink:  Night of Navy #102977
Punch:  Star #119875
Ribbon:  Night of Navy 5/8" Grosgrain #119954
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Square Lattice Embossing Folder #119976, Dimensionals #104430

Monday, June 13, 2011

Play Date Bookmark and Party Favor

Grab your Big Shot and the Two Tags Bigz Die to quickly make cute little thank you gifts for a child's birthday party. 

After I cut the Die with my paper, I just added an extra scallop circle punch and my stamped owl to make the bookmark.  I didn't add anything extra to the big tag except the lollipop.  This project could easily be made by the children themselves with a little guidance from you, and you can substitute any type of treat if you didn't want to hand out candy.

If this project was for older children or adults, just change the paper to fit the occasion.  These would also be cute for teacher appreciation gifts.  Add a nice pen or pencil to the tag, and use different DSP.

For today's project I used the following:
Designer Series Paper:  Play Date #117168
Stamp Set:  Forest Friends #113748
Ink:  Early Espresso #119670
Cardstock:  Certain Celery #105125
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Two Tags bigz Die #115954
Punch:  Scallop Circle #119854

Friday, June 10, 2011

Sunny Fun Gift Box

Gift Box Closed

Opened gift box filled with candy treats!


Yesterday I made the Sunny Fun Birthday card, and today I am showing you the matching gift box made with the Box #2 Bigz xl Die.

To make the box, I cut a piece of 6 x 12 cardstock, and ran it through my Big Shot using the Box #2 Die.  I assembled the box, and then added my stamped and layered image to the front.  A piece of Daffodil Delight 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon was used for the handle. I filled the box with M & M's and placed them in a small cello bag, tied with Whisper White  1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon.

I like making coordinating gift bags or boxes, and having the Big Shot makes it really easy.  Check out the Last Chance Accessories list and you can get some retiring Big Shot Dies at 25-40% off.  

To make the gift box I used the following:
Cardstock:  Old Olive 12 x 12 #119934, Whisper White #100730, Daffodil Delight #119683
Stamp Set:  Sunny Fun #123040 wood or #123042 clear (Summer Mini)
Ink:  Basic Black #101179
Ribbon:  Daffodil Delight 3/8" Taffeta #119766, Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain #109015
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Box #2 bigz xl Die #114518, Extended Cutting Pads #113478, Sticky Strip #104294 (for my ribbon), Stampin Pastels #120962, Blender Pens #102845, Small Cellophane Bag #103104

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Faux Silk Sympathy Card

Take a piece of tissue paper, crumple it up, and then smooth it on top of your stamped image.  Trim it to fit, and you have used the Faux Silk Technique on your project.  Something so easy to do, and yet it really creates a different image for your card.

I started with Always Artichoke cardstock for my card base, and added an embossed layer of Crumb Cake.  I colored my image with markers right onto my stamp and then stamped it onto Whisper White cardstock.  I used the Anywhere Glue Stick to cover the whole image, and then placed my tissue paper on top.  I smoothed it out using the Bone Folder, and trimmed it to fit and then placed it onto my card.  A piece of Always Artichoke seam binding and a Rose Red Flower Brad were added to the top of the card. 

For today's card I used the following:
Cardstock:  Always Artichoke #105119, Crumb Cake #120953, Whisper White #100730
Ink:  Always Artichoke #105219
Stamp Sets:  Just Believe #116948 wood or #120453 clear, Teeny Tiny Wishes #115370
Punches:  Word Window #119849, Modern Label #119849
Ribbon:  Always Artichoke Seam Binding
Embellishment:  Rose Red Brad #119721 (Subtles Pack)
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Finial Press Embossing Folder #115963, Anywhere Glue Stick #104045
Markers:  Always Artichoke #105113, Rose Red #100063

Monday, June 6, 2011

One Layer Get Well Wishes

I very seldom do a card without a few layers, but I feel that the stamp and sentiment alone were enough for these get well wishes.  The gentleman receiving this card really doesn't like people to fuss over him, but I still wanted him to know that our family was thinking about him.

I stamped my image on Very Vanilla cardstock, and to add just a bit of dimension I cut out my sentiment, punched the corners, sponged the edges with Always Artichoke ink and placed it on with dimensionals.  A really quick and easy way to send my wishes.

For today's card I used the following:
Cardstock:  Very Vanilla #101650
Stamp Sets:  Thoughts & Prayers #113252, Upsy Daisy #111710
Ink:  Always Artichoke #105219
Punches:  Small Corner #119871
Accessories:  Stamping Sponge #101610, Dimensionals #104430

Friday, June 3, 2011

Nautical Graduation Wishes

A few nautical punches seemed to be just what I needed to go with the graduation sentiments and wishes.  They give the sense of adventure, and after all, isn't life after graduation all about the adventures ahead!

I started with Crumb Cake Cardstock and added a layer of Chocolate Chip and Whisper White.  I stamped my wishes with Chocolate Chip ink, and then punched my Nautical Expedition DSP with the Postage Stamp Punch, both from the Summer Mini Catalog.  I also punched an additional piece of the DSP to be placed under my Happy Graduation. 

For today's card I used the following:
Cardstock:  Crumb Cake #120953, Chocolate Chip #102128, Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper:  Nautical Expedition #1223443
Stamp Sets:  Teeny Tiny Wishes #115370, Word Play #120308 wood or #120651 clear #120651
Ink:  Chocolate Chip #100908, Cherry Cobbler #119669
Punches:  Word Window #119857, Modern Label #119849, Postage Stamp #122344 (Summer Mini)
Accessories:  Dimensionals #104430