More Bears

Here is a similar card from my last post. My last post was done using the boy bear from the "Beary Best Friends" stamp set. This paper is also from the "Pawsitively Prints"! See what I mean how it is versatile and has great patterns for boys and for girls. I love really like this paper. I think it would also be great for baby cards. The balloons were done the same way as the previous card. I also used the Eyelet Border Punch for the lacy piece on the card. Just to make it a little more girly girl. I hope you enjoyed the card.

Midnight Madness

I'm back with the Midnight Madness Challenge! I do enjoy these challenges but just have not had the time to keep up with them the last week or so. But it feels so good to be doing them again. But I feel so out of practice and out of the groove. These bears are in the new Mini which starts September 1st. They are Build A Bears and are adorable! I have been trying to think what I could do with them and thought he might be good for this challenge. The DSP is also in the new mini and goes with Build A Bear grouping. I love the paper because it can be used for boys and girls. The paper coordinates so well to create a variety of looks. When you receive your mini, you will understand what I mean and I know you will love it too. The supplies that I used with this card were:

STAMP SET: Beary Best Friends

PAPER: DSP, Whisper White, Night of Navy, Only Orange, Ballet Blue

INK: Black Staz-on

ACCESSORIES: Sherbet Buttons, Gold Brads, Blender Pens, Linen Thread, Dimensionals, White Gel Pen, Earth Elements Wonder Crayons, Bold Brights Wonder Crayons

For the balloons, I stamped the balloons into three different card stock colors and then cut them out and attached them on top of the stamped balloon image with a dimensional. To color the bear and his clothing, I used the Wonder Crayons with the blender pens. I enjoyed making this whimsical card. I hope you enjoy it!

Mojo Monday 101

Mojo Monday! I'm back! I have been so busy with my daughter moving and other events that have been going on here. I finally got a chance last night to do this weeks challenge. I had an idea in mind and knew which stamp set I was going to use. Before starting my card , I was checking out different blogs. As I was going through the blogs, I saw the idea that I had sketched out earlier! So that threw me off completely! And I had to start thinking of something different. So this is what I ended up with. I like it but I also see where I can enhance it. The circle on the sketch just made me think of a moon or sun. I originally was thinking of a Christmas card. So after many tries, I went with the sun with the pheasant walking in front of the sun. I used the "Thumping" technique to add color to the pheasant. The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SET: Autumn Days

PAPER: Autumn Harvest, Soft Suede, More Mustard, Dusty Durango, Whisper White

INK: Soft Suede, Dusty Durango

ACCESSORIES: Very Vanilla 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Bermuda Bay and Dusty Durango Markers, Dimensional

I enjoy doing these challenges. They help relax me after a busy day, week or month. Now I have to go and figure out my swaps for Regionals. Enjoy your day!

Zoe and Elmo

One night at one of my technique classes, we were talking about some of my posts on my blog. I had taken a picture of one of my friends Decor Elements that she had placed on her son's wall and she was wondering why it had not made my blog. Well, the truth was I had forgotten to put in the memory stick and could not get the picture onto my blog. So my friend started to look on my camera to see if she could find it. While going through my camera, she saw pictures of Sesame Street characters that I had taken at a downline meeting at Pennie's. She asked me if I would come up with some cards with the characters on them. I came up with this one. I wish I could give credit to the person who came up with the characters but I only have pictures of the items she made, no names. Sorry. These cute little characters were on a memo pad. I took the characters and came up with a Joy Fold card and placed them on the front. My friend loved it. By her telling her friends, I ended up holding a stamp camp which was very well attended. The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SET: Enjoy Every Moment

PAPER: Pixie Pink, Pretty in Pink, Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Pie DSP, Real Red, Whisper White, Basic Black

INK: Pixie Pink

ACCESSORIES: Scallop Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 1/4" Circle Punch, Glue Dots, Big Shot, Texturz Plate Polka Dots

I some texture on the Pretty in pink card stock by running the card stock through the Big Shot using the polka Dotted Texturz plate. I took the small flower stamp from the stamp set "ENJOY EVERY MOMENT" and stamped flowers all over the white card stock on the front to make it more interesting and more girly. I know that it is hard to see that detail on this picture. I tried to make this card more girly since Zoe was on it. This stamp camp was so unexpected but it worked out well. My friends and customers were surprised what you were able to do with punches. They can't wait until we do another one. It is funny how sometimes we plan things and they don't work out but something unexpected can turn into a really good thing. Have a great day!

Sweet Treat Sneak Peek

This is a sneak peek of what you will see in the Holiday Mini which you can order from beginning Sept. 1. Isn't this just the neatest idea? This stamp set "SWEET CENTERS" has a stamp fro a number of occasions not only Halloween. The clear cups are available from Stampin' Up also which you can fill with candy, glitter, or a number of other things. I think that this is the cutest idea that Stampin' Up has come up with! Stampin' Up is also providing you the opportunity to purchase padded envelopes so that these cards can also be mailed! The designer paper will also be available in the Holiday mini. The supplies that I used for this project were:

STAMP SET: Sweet Centers

PAPER: Night and Day DSP, Basic Black, Only Orange, Whisper White

INK: Lovely Lilac

ACCESSORIES: Sweet Treat Cups, Scallop Edge Punch

I think if I would have bought the M&M's first and realized that they had green in the bag also, I would have added a green strip next to the orange scallop. It probably would have had a little more punch to it. I can't wait for you to see the new mini. You will be totally blown away! Enjoy the rest of your day!

Close As A Memory

This summer has been a difficult one for losing friends and also friends losing their loved ones. I feel that these things often happen in cycles. This summer has been one of those down cycles. I have attended too many services and sent out too many of this type of card this summer. This is one of the cards that I sent out. It is a simple card but I feel that a simple card is often the best to send for this occasion. I used the Pulled Pastels technique for this card. I took Whisper White card stock and covered it with pastels. I then took my stamp, covered it with Versamark, and then stamped it onto the pastel covered card stock. It then pulls the pastel off of the card leaving a subtle image. I think stamped the sentiment using Elegant Eggplant. the card was made using a Z-fold technique. I used Sahara Sand for the base of the card and Elegant Eggplant with Old Olive to frame the stamped image. I used the stamp set "CLOSE AS A MEMORY" for this card.

I had made this card a few months ago for a technique class. I had made a few more after class with the extra pieces that I had left. I always feel it is a good idea to made more than one when stamping. You can always find an occasion to use the extra cards later and it is good to have extra cards on hand. Hopefully, I will be able to find some time today to make a few extra cards. You never know when you will need a card. Have a great day!

Oldie But Goodie

I have been so busy the last few weeks that I have not been able to try out my new stamp sets. So instead of posting something that I have done recently (no time), I decided to post a card that I did last year. That is why this post is titled "Oldie but Goodie". It might be an older card but I still like it! It is so hot here today that I purposely chose this card. I decided that if I looked at this card for a while that I might cool off. This is a Shaker Card that my technique classes did two winters ago when I first started doing my technique classes. I can't remember what stamp sets I used but if you did that card today, you could use the single tree from "Lovely as a Tree". I tore Whisper White for the snow and stamped snowflakes onto the Brilliant Blue card stock using White Craft Ink. I used Bashful Blue for the base of the card. I used Christmas Snow from a craft store for the stuff inside the shaker.

It is fun to look back at cards that you have made in the past. I look at them now and think what I would do now to change or improve the design. I think that thinking about this snow card has helped cool me down. Unfortunately, I have to start making my dinner after I post this blog. So being cool will not be lasting that long! Hope you enjoy the rest of your day, wherever you are if it is hot or cold. Just enjoy!

Moving Day Part 2

No posting of a new card today. I am leaving for part two of moving my daughter. Today we are moving Living Room furniture, books, and the rest of her clothes plus a fan. We also have to take my brother-in-law to the airport. I am on my way and no time to make a new card. Tomorrow is looking promising for a clam, relaxing day with plenty of time to work on my projects. Have a great day. I will be a busy bee today so you enjoy your day for you and me!

Technique Class- Card 3

This is the third and final card for my August Technique Class. This was Color Gradation. I again used a stamp from the stamp set "FRIENDS 24-7". I won that set at Leadership and use it over and over. A really great set! Very simple card to make. I took 3 markers and colored in each 1/3 of the stamp set with each of the three colors. I used a sponge dauber to blend the colors together, huffed, and then stamped the image. It looks great with this color combination. For this card I used:

STAMP SETS: Teeny Weeny Wishes, Friends 24-7

PAPER: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP

INK: Rich Razzleberry

ACCESSORIES: Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Brads, Sponge Daubers, Summer Sun, Melon Mambo and Rich Razzleberry Markers

This is a very simple card but I think it looks very elegant. Well my week continues to be hectic. I am going outside now to relax for a while until it is time to make dinner. Enjoy the rest of your day!

Technique Class- Card 2

Things have been crazy around here with the move and everything. Hopefully, things will start to settle down. When I finally had time to take pictures of the cards, my batteries were dead and I had to find my charger which I had packed away when my daughter moved in last month. So here I am with recharged batteries ready to post. This is the second card from my technique class. The background is what I worked on. I ran the card stock through the Big Shot using the Damask Texturz plate. After it was embossed with the design, I took three different classic inks and ran them over the top of the raised surface. I then took sponges and filled in the areas to create a gradual coloring on the card stock. I used the "FRIENDS 24-7" stamp set which I love and stamped the bird image with Close to Cocoa on the card stock. I also stamped that image in Bordering Blue. I cut the bird out from the Bordering Blue card stock and with Dimensionals adhered it on top of the Close to Cocoa bird. I like the way this card turned out. The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SET: Friends 24-7

PAPER: Night of Navy, Bordering BLue, Mellow Moss, Whisper White

INK: Mellow Moss, Bordering Blue, Ballet Blue, Close to Cocoa

ACCESSORIES: White Organdy Ribbon, Dimensionals, Big Shot, Texturz Plate-Damask, Eyelet Border Punch

This was not a difficult card to make but the added texture in the background help make this card more interesting. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Quick Post

Just a quick post today before I go and help my daughter and her husband move into their new apartment. This is one of the cards we made last week when my friends and I got together to stamp. I used the stamp set "Close As A Memory ". I need to stop and go now or everyone will leave without me. Have a great day today. I will post again soon.

Good Morning

After being stuck in a color rut, I decided to break out and try something different. The group of friends from work that I stamp with, felt the same way. We all felt that we were all in a rut, I was asked if I could come up with something that was a departure from the colors we always seemed to go back to. So last week, I came up with this card. Everyone in the group said how this color combination was very different from what we usually do, but it was a nice change. This stamp set is a level 1 hostess set. The checkered napkin in the basket, gave me the inspiration for the colors and choice of ribbon for the card. To color the rooster, I used colored pencils and a blender pen. Because we used black cardstock for the base of the card, I embossed the salutation with white embossing powder. The supplies that I used for this card are:

STAMP SET: Good Morning

PAPER: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White

INK: Versamark, Black Staz On

ACCESSORIES: White EP, Colored Pencils, Black Gingham Ribbon, Blender Pen, Heating Tool, Scallop Edge Punch

My friends and I made this card last week when we all got together for lunch and stamping. Soon they will be back at work, teaching again, while I will be home stamping alone. I will enjoy the last few times we can all stamp together before they all go back. Have a great day today. Hope the weather is better where you are today. It is raining here. I have a family reunion to go to today. I hope it clears up by then.

Scrapbook Crop

Last night I was a vendor at a new place in town which is a computer center but also has scrapbooking crops twice a month. It was the first time that I was there. The people therewere very nice . As a vendor, you are asked to do a small make and take. This is what I did for my make and take. It is a 6 x 6" page for the Fall. I used the new Autumn Harvest DSP and the new In Color, Dusty Durango. Both papers just scream Fall. I wanted to show a variety of SU products. I also showed them how you can make a paper using punches. I think that people will buy punches more readily if they see how many different uses for them there are. It was a cute and simple page. I heard one of the women say they were going to place a pic there and then frame it instead of using it in their pages. All in all, I really enjoyed myself. I hope to be invited back soon. Enjoy the day. It is beautiful here today!

Midnight Madness #13

I am just looking back on my last few posts and it looks like I am stuck on a color scheme. I promise for the next post

I will change colors! When I started working on the layout on the background, it seemed so busy. That is why I chose the simple salutation for the stamped image. It seems to balance the card. The background looked so much like a quilt, I decided to pit buttons on for the embellishments. I wanted to keep that handmade feel. All in all, I feel good about this sketch challenge. I used the Cottage Wall DSP again. Just really love the colors and design of the paper! The supplies used for this card are:

STAMP SET: All Holidays

PAPER: Rich Razzleberry, Orchid Opulence, Old Olive, Whisper White, Cottage Wall DSP

INK: Rich Razzleberry

ACCESSORIES: Sherbert Buttons, Linen Thread

I am keeping this post short because I have to get my supplies together to go stamping this afternoon with my friends I used to work with. It is so relaxing to get together with them. Soon they will be back at school and I will be left at home stamping by myself again. But for now I am just enjoying their company again. Have a great rest of the day!

Mojo Monday 98

I really like the stamp set "CLOSE AS A MEMORY" but for some reason do not use it as much as I should. But it is a good stamp to use markers on to get the flowers to be different colors. This card, I think, as a very calm feel to it even though I used the vibrant new In Colors-Rich Razzleberry and Melon Mambo on it. the designer papers that I used on the card came from two different packages of designer paper. The polka dotted paper is from "COTTAGE WALL" DSP and the other designer paper came from a package of "RAZZLEBERRY LEMONADE". They combine nicely on this card. I used the Melon Mambo Polka Dotted Ribbon on this card but I turned it over so that it was solid. The other way, made it look to busy with all the Polka Dots. Although in the sketch, it did not show any extra embellishment on the circle, I felt the butterfly complemented the flowers in the circle. The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SETS: Dreams Du Jour, Close as a Memory

PAPER: Old Olive, Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, Cottage Wall DSP

INK: Rich Razzleberry

ACCESSORIES: Old Olive, Melon Mambo and Cameo Coral Markers, Melon Mambo polka Dotted Ribbon, Circle Cutter

It was very simple but I like the look of it. Well I am off to my friend's pool this afternoon. It is very hot here today and I plan to cool off this afternoon with my friends. I hope that you enjoy the rest of your day as well!

Technique Class- Card 1

Just a quick post to let you know what is coming up in the August Technique Classes. This is the first card and I used the Cut and Fold technique. I think it is a cute card with great colors. I am using the new In Color, Rich Razzelberry with this card. The color is really fantastic! I also used the new Designer Series Paper, Cottage Wall. That is one of my favorites. If you would like to make this card along with two other techniques, please contact me. the dates are: August 15 -Saturday, @ 9-11:30 am, August 18-Tuesday, @9-11:30 am or August 19-Wednesday @7-9:30 pm. As always, the cost is $10 or $5 with a purchase of $25 worth of product. Have a great day today.