Blogger's Challenge Week #23

Wow...these weeks are really zipping by! Seems like I just posted the last challenge! This week's challenge was to create two cards using the same stamps, but with a different point of view. This gives us the opportunity to see different ways to use the same stamps. My set of choice is Snow Flurries. The six different snowflakes in this set are so much fun to use.

The first card, I used the pointed snow flurry stamp to create a wreath. I punched a 1-1/4 size circle, then used that as a template to create the wreath around it. When I removed the punched circle, I have a uniform wreath! I went looking for a small saying that would fit in the center of the wreath, and found Very Merry in the Holiday Tag Team set. Christmas came from the All Holidays set and I did marker omit in order to just color the word "Christmas". Once again, Dashing designer paper is used...I need to make sure to order another pack today! I'm almost out of this fun paper...AND the sale ends today!

The second card I used the pointed snow flurry stamped in Soft Sky all over the background. The verse comes from Solemn Stillness and is stamped in Night of Navy Navy and then layered on Night of Navy cardstock. I wrapped the Soft Sky Double Stitch ribbon around the bottom and added a couple punched circle scallops underneath the focal point.

Be sure to check out the other Blogger's playing this week! I'm sure you will be inspired, too! I'll be at the Women's Expo most of the weekend, so will try to check in...I have a stacking box that I made for the Expo display to show you!

Peaceful Wishes

Two of my sideline demo friends are joining me in working a Women's Expo this weekend...they are expecting between 5000-7000 people to walk thru. We are hoping for lots of new leads! We've been working on our display for the past few weeks. One of things we are doing is offering a chance to win a basket of stamping goodies if they sign up to be on our email list. We've included several stamp sets, paper, ink pads and I made these two finished projects to include using one of my favorite go-to stamp sets, Peaceful Wishes. One item is a Memory book or journal, and the other is a wrapped decorated candle. Details include gold embossed words, Brushed Gold cardstock, and Stampin' Up!'s wonderful 5/8" grosgrain ribbon! That ribbon is SO easy to tie! Love it! I've wrapped up all this in a basket with cello and a BIG bow! I'd like to win it myself! lol!

I'm going to try to post the Blogger's Challenge in the morning if I get everything packed up tonight. We are setting up for the Expo tomorrow afternoon. I'll be glad when this is over! lol!

Party invitations

Every year, my husband asks me to make party invitations for his work group. We always invite them over for dinner/drinks at Christmas time to thank them for the work they've done throughout the year. Everyone brings a "white elephant gift" and we play that exchange game after dinner. I've been so busy that I'm just now getting around to doing them.

I was browsing Kristina Werner's Blog today and saw a cute card she made...perfect! I could convert it into my invitation! Hers was a round card with a bow at the top...I converted mine into a paper ornament by adding the Round Tab punch at the top and tying gold cord into a bow! I think they turned out great...can't wait until my hubby hand delivers them tomorrow to everyone!

This is the outside of the first one I did. The inside has two round layered white circles. The bottom circle holds the invite, the top circle the directions and info about the white elephant exchange.

Hmmm, I just realized there is NO stamping on this anywhere! lol! But, I love the Wintergreen Double Sided Designer Paper from Stampin' Up! The letters were cut with my Cricut and the George cartridge. My bow isn't showing up well, either...sorry!

C/S: Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Whisper White, Wintergreen DSP

Other: Round Tab punch, Gold stretch cord, Round Coluzzle

Ginormous Flowers

Once again I am pulling out this set! I need some quick and easy birthday cards and this set and layout is so fun! Combine it with Darling Doodles designer paper and it is a WINNER! Don't forget...the Buy 3, get 1 free Designer Paper ends November 30th...make sure to EMAIL me with your order before the sale is over!

This card in Certainly Celery is cut lengthwise (4 1/4 x 11) and folded in half, then the top flap is folded back on itself. I added the Darling Doodles designer paper to this top section. The Ginormous flower is stamped with Groovy Guava on a separate piece of Whisper White and layered on Groovy Guava...I used the ticket corner on each edge. I punched a 1-1/4 circle of Certainly Celery for the center along with a stamped and punched (1") small flower...adding a mini brad in the center. When you place the layered piece on top of the base card, don't forget that you only want to adhere the left 1/2 of the layered piece...then pull to open and close! Fun!

And yes...the last thing I stamped was Happy Birthday and it is crooked...I'm going to need to see how I can fix it...grrrrrr....I just figured I'd show it to you anyway.

Supersize Snowflake

Sorry I've been neglecting my Blog a little the past week. But, after today things should be back to normal around here.

I loved this Supersize Snowflake the minute I saw it in the Holiday Mini Catalog...especially when it is a TWO for ONE stamp! You have a solid image (as shown) and an outline imagine to stamp. I have plans to stamp a few and cut them out, then hang them in my side view windows at the front door! I think it will look fun! This card is one that I designed for my Stamp Club this month. I'll be sad when it goes away at the end of November. (So...this week is your last chance to order it!)

I stamped the large solid Snowflake with Bashful blue slightly off-center and off the cardstock. I cut off "Winter Wishes" from the stamp and mounted it on the side of the wood block...this made it easy for me to stamp the saying separately using Night of Navy ink. You can see the detail using the paper piercer and mat in each corner. I also made up some Faux Diamond Dust with Ballet Blue paper and punched the Snow Blossom out of it. A little added bling with the blue brad to secure the Snow Blossom to the white cardstock. This would make a great Christmas card...pretty easy, yet it has a lot of impact! The white is layered on Night of Navy and then Bashful Blue.

Have a good evening!

Blogger's Challenge Week #22

Sorry I'm posting late...I finally finished my Display Maker projects yesterday, photographed them and MAILED them out! I'm so excited to be done. This has been a HUGE undertaking! Although I love the creation and design process...doing so many in just a few weeks is exhausting! I spent the rest of yesterday re-charging my "batteries" and anxiously watching the LSU/Arkansas game! Because we are HUGE Ohio State University fans, we were wanting LSU knocked off...and they did lose! That moves us one step closer to playing in the Championship game.

Anyway...this week's Blogger's challenge was to find something that inspires you. Again, the Pier One catalog appeared in my mailbox and I flipped through to find this awesome holiday display! To me the colors are represented by Stampin' Up!'s Gable Green, Tempting Turquoise and Wild Wasabi with metallic gold accents. Very FRESH! And, have you seen the colored Christmas trees in the stores? Almost every color! I love this Turquoise tree! Hard to see in this picture, but the circles along the left all sparkle with Irridescent Ice EP, along with the garland and centers of the tree. The star is punched from Brushed Gold cardstock. It is a very unusual colored holiday card! Enjoy!

Hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving! Ours was wonderful...

Happy Turkey Day!

I made this card to send to my niece and nephew for Thanksgiving! I totally CASED it from someone online and for the life of me I can't find my note with their name on it to give them credit. I absolutely LOVED their idea! Too clever.

The body is done with the small oval punch and the "feathers" are made from two Scallop Circle punches from Apple Cider paper. The diamonds are individually cut in a row from the Apple Cider paper, too!

I'll be brief here...lots to do to get ready for Turkey Day tomorrow. I'm grateful to all of you checking my Blog! Hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Lovely as a Tree

I am rearranging my black presentation board in preparation for a Women's Expo show I am doing in a couple weeks. I ran across this card posted on the board. Lovely as a Tree is one of my most favorite sets. I made this card for convention swap back several years ago (and my Christmas card that same year!) I can't even count the number of people who contacted me AFTER convention and asked how I made it. I'm amazed, except for the Merry Christmas greeting (which could be easily substituted), it still is current!

For this card, I stamped the tree with Black Stazon on clear acetate window sheet. I flipped it over and added touches of Liquid Glue and Dazzling Diamonds glitter. The Night of Navy background is stippled and sponged with silver Encore ink. The top layer is Brushed Silver, cut with the oval coluzzle, and I stamped Merry Christmas with Black Stazon. At the top I punched the two holes for the black eyelets and added a bow with Silver Cord.

I think it is fun to run across old cards I've made. It is amazing to see how your style changes over the years. Since I've been stamping over six years now, I've seen a lot of trends come and go. Do you have any of your first cards sitting around?

Blog Candy Winner!

My husband chose the random number 25 to be the winner of my 40,000 hits Blog Candy! Michelle, please send me an email with your address! If I receive no response within 48 hours, I will choose another number. Thanks everyone for participating! Be looking for more coming soon!


Michelle M said...
Congratulations on 40,000 hits. You have a very inspiring blog and I love to sneak a visit now and then.I am thankful to find out that I am pregnant with my first child. I am grateful that everything is going smoothly.
November 13, 2007 4:28 PM

Today I finished my Christmas cards (I had run out of Basic Grey paper), stamped the greeting and my name on the back...all I need to do now is address them and write our Christmas letter. Yes, I'm one of those that does a letter to fill everyone in on the Babbert happenings during the year. So many of our relatives live out of town or we only see once a year, it is nice to get them caught up all at once!

Tomorrow I have free to stamp ALL day! Yeah! I'm finishing up my Display Maker work for Stampin' Up! Soon will have that task off my desk..yeah!

Lovely as a Tree ornament

Yeah, Buckeyes! Ohio State beat Michigan! Woohoo!

A few weeks ago when I posted my Challenge ornaments, I promised to find the ornament that was featured in Rubber Stamp Madness a couple years ago. I finally located it on my computer. Sorry the image is so small...this scan was made way before I started blogging! lol!

The beveled glass ornament is stamped with Ultramarine Blue Stazon on the front, turned over and applied liquid glue with Dazzling Diamonds to add a lot of sparkle. I used the large tree from Lovely as a Tree. The edges were wrapped with Sticky Strip and dipped into Blue and Silver microbeads (purchased at Pennywisearts) The ribbon is 7/8 Blue organdy and Silver metallic ribbon from Stampin' Up! (both retired, sorry!)

We'll be stamping one of these beveled ornaments at my Last Minute gifts class...don't forget to sign up!

Blogger's Challenge #21 - Color Challenge

Posting this a little early since I'll be gone all day tomorrow. This week's Friday Blogger's challenge was to use the colors of Brocade Blue, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie and Chocolate Chip. I must admit...I would never have tossed in Brocade Blue with that combination! But, I guess that is why it is called a "challenge"!

I haven't used this set, With Gratitude, very much, even though Earth Elements and the fall colors are my favorites. I like the veins that are apparent in these leaves...makes them very realistic looking. The layout of this card I borrowed from Cambria...I liked how she added the little tag up in the corner. I added the Jumbo eyelet (love them!) and ribbon in the lower left to her layout design.

The background on the Pumpkin Pie layer is stamped with the smaller leaves in this set, with Pumpkin Pie ink. Then I over stamped Sanded with Chocolate Chip. The Old Olive layer is also stamped with the smaller leaves in Old Olive, then I used my Old Olive direct-to-paper. The large leaf is stamped with Pumpkin Patch Spectrum Pad on Confetti Cream paper. I realized after I put it all together that the wide Brocade Blue ribbon would have been awesome...but it was already adhered together and I wasn't going to mess with taking it apart.

Check out the rest of the Blogger's to see what they did with this challenge! Have a great weekend!

Sets: With Gratitude, Sanded

C/S: Brocade Blue, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Confetti Cream

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Patch Spectrum pad

Other: Jumbo Eyelet, Crop-a-dile, Brocade ribbon (retired), Distressing tool, Round Tab Punch

Cracked Glass snowman

Just a quick post here...I'm still busy finishing up my Display Maker items...just a few more things to make. I'm also getting ready for my Stamp Club on Friday, plus pulling together things for a Women's Expo I'm doing the beginning of December. My mom called and wants to get her Christmas shopping done for my family TOMORROW! It has become a tradition for us to go shopping together...and it is fun, just a really busy time for me. Actually, it didn't have to be tomorrow, but between her "retired" schedule and my schedule, there was not another available day until after Thanksgiving...and she likes to be almost done by then!

This is always a fun technique...cracked glass...although it does make a mess! That Glassy Glaze embossing powder blows all over the place! We did this at my technique class last week and it always is a huge WOW! No one can believe you actually put it in the freezer and then crack it! Fun.

This is a simple card, using the Snowman from Holiday Tag Team. Great for making a lot of cards because it isn't too involved. I've gotten a lot of mileage out of this little guy...he just seems to be the perfect size. Something a little different, I tied 3 knots in the ribbon before I wrapped it around the back of the Bashful Blue layer to secure...just a little extra texture on the front instead of a knot.

Don't forget to comment on the 40,000 hits post for Blog Candy! I'll be picking a winner on Sunday!

BLOG CANDY!!!! 40,000 hits!

Oh my gosh, everyone! We FLEW by 40,000 hits on my Blog! I can't believe it...thank you SO much for visiting. I hope I'm giving you lots of ideas. It is the season for being thankful, so I'm going to put together a Blog Candy package to give away! Now...to be honest...I knew I was getting close to 40,000, but I have procrastinated putting any thought into what I would give away. I promise I'll put together a sweet little package for you! Hopefully I can get a picture up tomorrow. But, in order to win this blog candy, I'd like you to post a comment about something that you are grateful for...I'll choose a random winner on Sunday, November 18th!

Here is another Star Box I made...this one a little shorter than yesterday's box. I happen to like it a little shorter. Someone asked if I would make a lid for them when I gave them away. No, I probably won't make a lid, but I will stamp some tissue paper to hang out above the box. I used Cutie Pie paper on this one (I HOPE this stays in the new catalog!) The DSP is layered onto the Saffron Cardstock...making it less bulky than the one I made yesterday. These are a LOT of fun to make!

I used Ginormous Flowers in Purely Pomegranate, punched with the 1 3/8" circle, then punched the Scallop Circle punch from Wild Wasabi, and used the Round Tab punch to make my circle for behind the Scallop punch...in the center is a little pink Rhinestone brad! Enjoy!

Dashing Star Box

I made a couple of these Star Boxes at the Retreat last weekend! I'm planning on making up several of these as packaging for gift cards this Christmas. It seems that everyone likes gift cards and that is something easy for me to get...especially when my great nieces and nephews have SO many toys I wouldn't have any idea what they already have. And the older ones always need cash/gift cards for gas, clothes, CDs, etc. I'll tuck in some homemade goodies to go with the gift card. Funny thing, both my boys put "suit" on their Christmas lists...I can tell they are getting older and out in the business world. lol!

I love our Designer Papers, especially for projects like these Star Boxes...they are a very nice heavy weight paper. This was, my first one, was layered onto base white cardstock as suggested, but the following ones I used colored cardstock as one of the layers and I actually liked that a little better...not so bulky. Too bad you can't make these bigger...it would be great for a bottle of wine if the paper size came larger than 12x12!

Again, don't forget our Pretty Paper November sale...Buy 3 paper packs and get 1 Free! I put a link up on my sidebar where you can click to see all the paper patterns!

An additional Stampin' Up! special is in honor of Dave Abbott, the General Manager of Stampin' Up! Australia, who passed away from a rare blood disease, leaving behind a wife and 3 young children. 100% of the proceeds from the stamp set, All in the Family, purchased in November will be donated to Dave Abbott Family Fund. I'm proud to be a part of a company that cares so much about their employees and customers. My personal goal is to sell at least 10 stamp sets to help. Please contact me to order your set.

Bloggers Challenge #20 - Photos or Magazines

This week's Bloggers' Challenge was to use photos or magazines on our cards. I was wondering what to do for this challenge until I remembered a technique called Faux Cloisonne...it was on an old Carol Duvall show I watched a few years ago. I had done a Technique class using it and everyone enjoyed it! (New class members be watching...we'll be doing this next month!)

So, my teddy bear from Bundle of Joy is actually cut from a piece of magazine...if you look closely, you can see the polka dots on his body from the photographed fabric. I thought the pattern paired nicely with Cutie Pie stripe DSP in the colors of Bashful Blue, Purely Pomegranate and Wild Wasabi. (Don't forget the SALE this month on Designer Series Paper!)

Be sure to check out the other talented ladies doing this challenge by visiting their Blogs!

Sets: Bundle of Joy, Circle of Friendship

C/S: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi

Inks: Purely Pomegranate, Bashful Blue, Versamark

Other: Gold EP, 1-1/4, 1-3/8 and Scallop Circle punches, Small oval punch, paper piercing tool and mat, gold mini brads

Faux Layers Technique

Woohoo! Grey's Anatomy is on tonight! Can't wait to see it...the one show I simply CAN'T miss! But, I recorded last week's since I was gone and just remembered that I needed to watch it before tonight's show! So, today I get a DOUBLE dose of Grey's!!!

This will be a quick post...I'm still frantically working on Display items for Leadership. Any stamping time I get I am working on that assignment. I haven't even had time to photograph the things I did over my Retreat weekend!

This is another card my Techniques Class made the other night! This technique is called Faux Layers...a quick and easy way to add some depth to your card. On this card, I tore a piece of cardstock longer than my cardfront, then used the torn edge as a mask, covering the side I didn't want colored. I used a sponge with So Saffron to color. Then inked up the Paisley BG with More Mustard and stamped over the colored area...leaving the mask in place. Once removed, the "torn" edge resembles another layer on the card! I stamped the flower and tag with Blue Bayou and cut them out. The center is a Faux button...More Mustard punched with a 1/2 circle and tied with hemp!

Sets: Be Happy, Paisley BG

C/S: Very Vanilla, Blue Bayou, More Mustard

Inks: So Saffron, More Mustard, Blue Bayou

Other: Natural Hemp, 1/16 punch, 1/2 circle punch, dimensionals

Summer by the Sea

As we are winding towards winter, I wanted to capture one more glimpse of summer (even though there were snow showers here yesterday!) My technique class did this card last night using a technique called Watercolor Wash. When I was looking for a beach scene type of stamp, I remembered Summer by the Sea that is on the Dormant List at Stampin' Up! Basically that means it is still available to order, but that it does not appear in the Fall/Winter catalog. I also need a Wedding card, so this one will do double duty!

To do Watercolor Wash, I scribbled 3 different colors of Watercolor Crayons (Tempting Turquoise, Apricot Appeal, Creamy Caramel) on Shimmer cardstock. You can also substitute Watercolor paper or Confetti/Naturals paper. Then I took my Aquapainter and brushed across the scribbles to soften and blend them into each other. After it dries, you stamp your image on top using Black Stazon ink and you are done! However, in this case, I wanted the man and woman to come to the foreground a little...so I did an additional step by watercoloring them in using Night of Navy, Taken with Teal, Garden Green and Creamy Caramel watercolor crayons. This makes them pop forward and the background recede. Pretty cool technique, I think! I kept the rest of the card simple with clean lines so it wouldn't detract from the stamped image.

Sets: Summer by the Sea, Warm Words

C/S: Soft Sky, Apricot Appeal, Chocolate Chip, Taken with Teal, Shimmer White

Inks: Black Stazon

Other: Watercolor crayons, Aquapainter, Piercing tool and mat, Silver mini brads

Late Blogger's Challenge #19

Yes...I am back. Actually I returned last night, but I've been SO tired! I think I averaged about 4 hours sleep each night. We all had a WONDERFUL time, though. So much creativity in one room is very awesome.

Last Friday's challenge was to use embellishments...well, I love these little Rhinestone brads! I find I use them on almost everything I make anymore. This is a little two pocket treat purse that I made at the retreat. I used one of the Rhinestone brads in the center of the scallop on the front. These purses are SO much fun...be looking at my classes...we'll be doing one soon, I promise! Tuck in some hot chocolate and a gift card for a sweet little treat!

Not going to stay on here...I'm still recovering and have to get ready for a Technique Class tomorrow. Don't forget!!! The Designer Paper is on sale this month at Stampin' Up! Buy 3 packs get 1 free! Email me today to take advantage of this wonderful sale! I'll be featuring Designer Paper throughout the month on my Blog!

Sets: In the Spotlight
C/S: Very Vanilla, Wanted DSP
Inks: Really Rust
Other: Slot punch, Scallop Circle punch, Rhinestone brad, sponge, Chocolate Chip wide grosgrain ribbon