It Leaks? I'll Take It!

Happy Friday, Stampers!

Today's card project was created for Sharon Johnson's "Stamp Simply" challenge. This week, Sharon asked us to create a sympathy card. For all the challenge deets, and to take a look at Sharon's gorgeous card, clicky HERE.

If you decide to play along, and we certainly hope you do, be sure to link up your card in Mr. Linky, located HERE. If you upload to a public gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, please use keyword "ssnotime128."

Sadly, this is my last week Guest Designing for the Stamp Simply Challenge. Many thanks to Sharon and the Stamp Simply girls for a wonderful GDT experience. This group is such a great bunch of uber-talented artists and they've all been so friendly and kind to me. Thanks, Ladies; it's been a blast!

And here's my sympathy card:

Be sure to check out all the amazing projects created by the Stamp Simply Design Team:

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits,

Jennifer Buck: The Buck Stamps Here,

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat,

Tammy Hershberger: Stamp Happy,

Janine Orchard: 2bKrafty,

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden,

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color, and,

Barb Scharm: Explore. Dream. Discover.

I created my card loosely based on a sketch from Stamping 411's Saturday Sketch Challenge. For all the sketchy deets, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo.

I stamped my tree and sentiment, both from Stampin' Up's "Thoughts and Prayers" stamp set on Very Vanilla card stock with dye ink, then die-cut with a rectangular die. I left my card stock in the die, and sponged on Distress ink.

I matted the focal image on distressed Bermuda Bay card stock, added a scroll trim border created out of a vintage dictionary page, and tied on some old vintage raffia.

For all of the mind-boggling product info, check out the supply list, below.

Sooooooo, yesterday Sheila and I teamed up with her crazy fun sister Jill to look at houses. Because yes, she is going to move in with "Dreamy Jack" after just 1 month of dating. Yikes!

If you've been following my blog, you know that Dreamy Jack is Jill's new soul-mate, poet, and god ... even though this is a guy who regularly falls asleep in sandwiches. Yup, you read that right ... for details, clicky HERE.

The three of us met the real estate agent at the house ... a cute l'il fixer-upper on a beautiful lot.

"Wow, this is really cute! I love it! Wonder why it's so cheap?" Jill mused.

We were to soon find out. When she turned on the kitchen tap, water started leaking down from the ceiling.

"Well, look at the bright side, Jill; it's self-cleaning!" Sheila said.

So Jill made an offer ...

Thanks so much for stopping by today ... hope you have a fabulous weekend!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Paper Sundaes: Distressing
• Saturday Spotlight: Distressing
• Gingersnap Creations: 3 Colors (Orange, Teal, Chocolate Brown)
• Tuesday Taggers: Gettin' Messy Hands (Distressing)
• Practical Scrappers: Use Stamps
• Incy Wincy Designs: Use Texture
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Chocolate Chip," "Bermuda Bay," and "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Mocha Chica Collection by CHF
• Other Paper: Vintage (1948) Dictionary Page
• Stamps: Tree Image and Sentiment from "Thoughts and Prayers" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; Antique Linen Distress Ink by Ranger
• Accessories: Flat-Back Adhesive Pearls; Raffia
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Dies; Scroll Trim Border Punch by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE.

A Vintage Pick-A-Nick Basket ...

Happy Thursday, Imaginary Stampin' Friends!

Today's card project was created for my spring-like card stash following a fab sketch created by Karen Giron for her 'Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge.' For all the challenging deets, including a lookie at the sketch I followed, clicky HERE.

And here's a lookie at my card:

A l'il bright, huh? For the ginormous view, if you can stand it, clicky right on the photo.

I stamped my vintage pick-a-nick basket on a scrap of DP, and stamped the tulips image on a die-cut circle of Whisper White. I colored the tulips with Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol (OMS), and paper-pieced the pick-a-nick basket onto the tulip image. Clear as mud, yes?

I added some machine stitching, a twill ribbon and bow, a vintage button, a l'il die-cut tag, and finis. So easy, even I could do it!

For all the exciting product info, check out the supply list, below.

Soooooooo, since I didn't get to spend any time with Sheila or Reid-the-Wild-Child yesterday, I'll have to bore regale you with another computer-techie story. Believe me, there's no shortage of these crazy stories. Same DH as yesterday's "Control A" story, but a different client.

Client: "You've got to fix my computer. I urgently need to print a document, but the computer won't boot properly and I'm gettin' a weird error message."

DH: "What does it say?"

Client: "Something about an error and non-system disk."

DH: "Look at your machine. Is there a floppy or a CD inside?"

Client: "No, but there's a sticker saying there's an Intel inside. How do I get that one out?"

Thanks for swingin' by ... hope your day is fantastical!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Lots to Do: Use a Machine (Sewing Machine)
• One Stitch At a Time: Stitching
• All Sorts: A Tag, Ticket, Or a Label
• Stamp With Fun: Stitching
• Gingersnaps Creations: 3 Colors (Mint Green/Red/Kraft)
• Crafty Creations: Cut It Out and Pop It Up
• Stamp Something: A Touch of Spring
• Totally Gorjuss: Flower Power
• Crafty Ho's: Think Spring
• Tanda Stamps: Riots of Petals
• InStyle Stamps: Flowers
• Paper Minutes: Polka Dots
• Cute Daisy May: Flowers
• Jacksonbelle Tuesday Challenge: Flowers
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Kraft" and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Cosmo Cricket
• Stamps: PTI
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Color Medium: Prismacolor "Premier" Pencils
• Accessories: Twill Ribbon; Vintage Button; Vintage Bakery Twine; White Quilting Thread
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Circle Dies; Tiny Tag Die; Gamsol (Odorless Mineral Spirits), by Gamblin; Blending Stump; Sewing Machine; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Press "Control-A" ...

Happy Stump Day, Hampers!

Today's card project was created for a friend who has a long-standing love affair with San Francisco ... and all things San Fran. Since lately he has been mopin' around, wanting to go home, I thought I'd send him this:

Not that I'm tryin' to get rid of him or anything ...

I used my dusty old sewing machine to attach a square of vintage dictionary text then stamped the Golden Gate Bridge image and sentiment using Chocolate Chip dye ink. I added three antique copper metal photo turns and brads, and tied on an antique copper index frame with natural jute twine.

For the ginormous view of my card ... and to check out ALL that snazzy stitchin' ... clicky on the photo. For the 4-1-1- on all of the heart-pounding product info, check out the supply list, below.

Soooooooooooo, as you know, the DH is a computer tech and works on machines all over the world remotely. And here at home too, but ...

Yesterday he had a call from a customer in Canada who had a question about triggering menu commands.

DH: "Oh, yes, there are keyboard shortcuts for many of those commands. For example, suppose you want to trigger the 'Select All' command ...

Caller: "Yes, I use that one all the time! How do I do it?"

DH: "Well, you just press Control-A."

Caller: "Oh. Okay, wait. Nope, that's not working for me."

DH: "Do you have a text document open in front of you?"

Caller: "Yes, I sure do."

DH: "OK, now press Control-A."

Caller: "I am, but nothing happens."

DH: "The text isn't highlighted?"

Caller: "No, there's no change at all."

DH: "That's odd. If you press Control-A, the whole document should be highlighted. Try it again. Press Control-A. Tell me exactly what's happening."

Caller: "Listen. I'm pressing Control, eh? And nothing's happening, eh?"

Thanks for stopping by today ... have a good one!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Cute Card Thursday: Metal Mania
• Practical Scrappers: Stamps
• Lots to Do: Use a Machine (Sewing Machine)
• 365 Cards: Gloria's Style (Metal)
• One Stitch At a Time: Stitching
• All Sorts: A Tag, Ticket, or Label
• Stamp with Fun: Stitching
• Glenda's Random Amusing Challenge #55: Inspiration
• Tuesday Morning Sketches: Color (Chocolate, Orange, Ivory)
• All That Scraps: Use a Newspaper or Book Page
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Chocolate Chip" and "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: BasicGrey
• Other Paper: Vintage (1937) Dictionary Page
• Stamps: Unknown, Both Unmounted
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; Distress Ink
• Accessories: Antique Copper Metal, Hodgepodge Hardware (Retired), by Stampin' Up; White Quilting Cotton Thread; Natural Jute Twine
• Tools: Sewing Machine; 1/16" Circle Punch; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE.

Check Your Banana Bread ...

Happy Tuesday, race fans!

Today's card project was created for my "someone's-taking-a-trip-to-Paris" card stash. I kid. I never send cards to anyone when they're taking a trip to Paris ... they've already received the best. gift. ever!

When I do use this, I'll add a l'il tag to the button with an appropriate sentiment:

I stamped my focal image in SU's Chocolate Chip dye ink, double matted it, and added a couple of lengths of handmade vintage lace. The last in my stash.

A vintage button threaded with beading twine is all the embellishment I used. This simple card would even work for the Dreaded Man-Card. Best of all, it's easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes!

For all the exciting product info, check out the supply list below.

Sooooooooo, yesterday when I stopped by Sheila's for a quick second, she was baking banana bread.

"Ummm, that smells done, Sheila." I suggested ... 'cuz I bake by smell. You too?

Sheila answered that she had set the timer, and it was 'just fine, thank you very much.'

About 10 minutes later, I again said, "Sheila, I hate to tell you what to do in your own kitchen, but I really think that you should check your banana bread."

At that moment, Reid-the-Wild-Child piped up: "Aunty, Mommy has been burning that banana bread since I was little. I think she knows when to take it out."

Thanks for stopping by ... have a great day!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Stampin' Royalty: Masculine
• Cards for Men: Green
• Lexi's Creations: Anything Goes
• Gingersnap Creations: Lace / Fibers
• Gingersnap Creations: Romance (Paris, The City of Love)

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Chocolate Chip," "Pumpkin Pie," and "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Cosmo Cricket
• Stamp: Unknown, Unmounted
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Vintage Button; Handmade Vintage Lace; Beading Twine
• Tools: Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE.

Hate Your Job?

Another Monday ... already?!? Is it just me or are these things comin' around faster?

Today's card project was created for a dear friend who's currently going through a rough time:

The sentiment is from Stampin' Up's "Thoughts and Prayers" set, stamped in 'Rich Razzleberry' dye ink on 'Whisper White' card stock.

The dragonfly image has been in my collection for-evuh ... and I believe this is the first time I've used it! I stamped the winged-thing in 'Basic Black' dye ink and colored it with Prismacolor pencils blended with Gamsol (OMS.) I cut them out and mounted them on my embossed card stock using dimensionals.

For the 4-1-1 on the rest of the products I used, check out the supply list, below.

Sooooooooo, this Sunday Sheila and I were hangin' out when her insane sister, Jill, dropped by:

"I dread going to work: I hate my boss. I hate my commute. I can't stand the office manager. I despise the girls in the office. The guys in my office are all pigs. The benefits stink ... and the pay sucks." Jill whined.

"Ohhhhh, you poor thing ... you hate your job? Well, why didn't you say so? Listen: there's a support group for that. It's called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar." Sheila snapped.

Thanks for stopping by today; I hope your Monday is as good as ... a Monday can be!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Belli Challenge: Butterflies and Dragonflies
• Stamp Something: A Touch of Spring
• A Spoon Full of Sugar: Spring
• Crafty Ho's Challenge: Think Spring
• My Time to Craft: Green Plus One (Purple)
• The Corrosive Challenge: Wings
• Pile It On: Flowers (Embossed Flowers)
• Gingersnap Creations: 3 Colors (Purple, Green, White)
• Your Next Stamp: Spring Colors
• Inky Impressions: Think Spring
• Incy Wincy Designs: Texture
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Kiwi Kiss," "Rich Razzleberry," and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: Dragonfly by All Night Media; Sentiment from "Thoughts and Prayers" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Rich Razzleberry" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Color Medium: Prismacolor Premier Pencils (PC912, Apple Green; PC928, Blush Pink; PC931, Dark Purple; PC924, Crimson Red; Sharpie Paint Pen
• Accessories: "Stylized Flowers" A2 Embossing Folder
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Square Dies; Odorless Mineral Spirits by Gamblin; Blending Stump; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE.

Pull This ...

Happy Friday, Stampers!

Today's card project was created for Sharon Johnson's "Stamp Simply" challenge. This week, Sharon challenged us to create a card with a tab feature ... like a recipe card or file folder tab. For all the challenging deets, and a look at Sharon's amazing project, clicky HERE.

If you decide to play along, and we hope you do, please link to Mr. Linky on Sharon's post, HERE. If you upload to a public gallery, such as SCS, please use keyword: ssnotime127.

I based the layout of my card using this week's Saturday Sketch Challenge by Stamping 411, SSC138. For all the sketchy deets, clicky HERE.

Since I needed a gift card holder, I decided to create a card with a pull-tab feature:


I embellished an old chocolate brown coin envelope I found in my stash with patterned paper and a stamped image, and slid a kraft tag into the coin envie. My "pull" is the grosgrain ribbon. Here's a look at the gift card holder extended a bit:


Finally, I added an orange* plastic-coated paper clip to hold my gift card in place. So easy, even I could do it!

Check out the beautiful projects created by the Stamp Simply Design Team:

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits,

Jennifer Buck: The Buck Stamps Here,

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat,

Tammy Hershberger: Stamp Happy,

Julie Koerber: Out to Impress,

Janine Orchard: 2bKrafty,

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden,

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color, and,

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.

For a list of all of the exciting product I used in this project, check out the supply list, below.

Soooooooo, last night Sheila and I were discussing our pretend proposed trip to Las Vegas. For shopping, gambling, and miscellaneous carousing. And why not ... what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, right? Unless you're in Vegas with me ... then it'll be plastered all over the Internet! (I'm kiddin', Sheila ...)

"So, did you know that the big, high-roller casinos are now equipped with sophisticated defibrillators that deliver the precise level of shock needed to revive a heart attack victim?" I asked.

"Okay, I'll bite: why?" Sheila answer-asked.

"Well, it seems high-rollin' gamblers suffer an inordinate amount of heart atacks while gambling at the big casino's high stakes tables."

"So, if you're at a cheap-o casino downtown, what? They drag ya across the carpet and touch your finger to a doorknob?"

Dang, I would NEVER have thought to do that ...

Thanks so much for stopping by today ... have a fantabulous weekend!

*Ummm, the clip was white; I colored it orange with a Copic marker.

Today's Challenges:

• Createalicious Challenges: Create a Little Something
• Splitcoast Stampers, WT258: Orange Love
• Splitcoast Stampers, LSC260: A Ribbon and a Trim
• Our Creative Corner: Something Old (Coin Envelope)
• The Pink Elephant: Ribbon
• Cute Card Thursday: Metal (Safety Pin)
• Incy Wincy Designs: Punch It Out
• Just Add Ink: Just Add Dimension

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Chocolate Chip," "Kraft," "Tangerine Tango," and "Very Vanilla" Card Stocks by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Bloom & Grow" Collection by My Mind's Eye
• Stamps: Sentiment from "Fundamental Phrases" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up; Branch from "Thoughts and Prayers" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" and "Tangerine Tango" Dye Inks by Stampin' Up; Distress Ink
• Color Medium: Orange (YR68) Copic Marker
• Accessories: Orange Paper Clip; Orange Mini-Safety Pin; Grosgrain Ribbon by Stampin' Up; Dark Chocolate Coin Envelope by Bazzill
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; A2 Embossing Folder; Spiral Punch by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

Where Do YOU Wanna Go?

Happy Thursday, race fans!

Today's clean and simple one-layer card project was created for my card stash:

I stamped my chicken/duck image directly on my card stock base and did a l'il coloring with a couple of Copic markers. I stamped a sentiment, added a row of flat-back pearls, and tied on a grosgrain ribbon. Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes!

For all the mind-blowing product info, check out the supply list, below.

Sooooooooo, if you follow my blog ... and all of the Sheila craziness ... you know that she teaches Sunday School at our Church. Periodically, I'll sit in on her classes ... so I can bust on her at a later date.

This past Sunday, I decided to check out her lesson ... which was about being good and going to heaven.

At the end of her lesson, the review: "So, children, where do you want to go?"

"Heaven!" one of the girls called out enthusiastically.

"And what do you have to be to get there?" Sheila asked.

"Dead!" yelled one of the boys.

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

1. Cupcake Craft Challenge: Keep it Simple
2. Fab 'n' Funky Challenge: It's Childish
3. Pals Paper Arts: Keep it Simple, Sweetie

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamp: Chicken/Duck, Unknown; Sentiment from "Whimsical Words" Free Sale-a-bration Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Tuxedo Black" Dye Ink by Tsukineko
• Color Medium: Copic Markers
• Accessories: Flat Back Pearls by Mark Richards; 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Lost ... In a Sea of Goneness

Happy Stump Day, Hampers!

Today's card project was created for SCS's Clean and Simple challenge, CAS54, "Wishing for Spring." For all the challenging deets, clicky HERE. To go straight to the CAS54 card gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo:

To create my card, I followed a sketch on the "Just Christmas and Birthday Cards" challenge blog. To see the sketch I followed, or to play along, clicky HERE.

I created my card on a card stock base of "Pink Pirouette" and added DP from BasicGrey's "Blush" collection. I stamped my image on "Whisper White" card stock using dye ink, stamped a sentiment, and tied on a satiny bow. I stamped a second image to use for layering using brush markers, then popped 'em up on dimensionals over the first image.

For the rest of the heart-pounding product info, check out the supply list, below.

Soooooooo, last night Sheila and I met up with her psychotic sister, Jill, and Jill's friend Brittany, for coffee and dessert.

While we sat waiting for our Chocolate Mousse (yum!) cake, Jill and Brittany chatted:

"This whole Ben situation is really starting to tick me off." Brittany said.

"I know! I just don't know what his deal is." Jill answered.

"He called me like 12 times yesterday!" Brittany said.

"WoW! He called you!?! Ohhhhh, wait, you mean Ben-your-boyfriend called you." Jill said.

"As opposed to ... ?" Brittany asked.

"Ben from 'Lost.'" Jill replied.

Ummm, WHAT?!?!?

Thanks so much for stoppin' by ... have a great day!

~Hugs,

Today's Challenges:

1. A Spoonful of Sugar: Springtime
2. Pile it On: Flowers
3. Crafty Angels: Flowers
4. Cupcake Craft Challenge: Keep it Simple
5. Practical Scrappers: Flowers
6. The Pink Elephant: Ribbon
7. Little Red Wagon: Ribbon
   

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Pink Pirouette" (Retired) and "Whisper White" Card Stocks by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Blush" Collection by BasicGrey
• Stamps: Flower from "True Friend" Set by Stampin' Up; Sentiment from "Fundamental Phrases" by Stampin' Up
• Dye Ink: "Close to Cocoa" by Stampin' Up
• Color Medium: Sea Foam Green and Pink Brush Markers
• Accessories: Satin Ribbon by Stampin' Up
• Tools: 1/4" Circle Punch by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

'B' is for Birthday ...

Happy Tuesday, Stampers!

Today's card project is known as a "Tri-Fold Shutter" card. Even though this card looks difficult, it's super-easy to create and your recipient will think you're the craftiest. card-maker. ever! Best of all, this card will fold up to fit in an A2 envelope.

Since I haven't made one of these cards in for-evuh and was overcome with the desire to make long cuts with an uber-sharp craft knife, I did:

Wanna make one? Here's the Reader's Digest Condensed version:

1. Create your card base by scoring a 5 1/2" x 12" piece of card stock at 2", 4", 8", and 10".
2. Turn card stock a quarter turn, and measure in to 1 1/2" at the long edge.
3. Using a metal ruler, make a continuous slit with a craft knife between the score marks at 2" and 10" at 1 1/2" down.
4. Repeat on the opposite long side.
5. Fold card.
6. Trim patterned paper to fit each section. I don't measure ... I just cut and fit each section.
7. Embellish, and you're done!

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for the 4-1-1 on all the spring-like product info, check out the supply list below.

Soooooooooo, on Sunday while I was hangin' out with Sheila, Reid-the-Wild-Child slashed and burned his way into the room.

"Mom, since there's no school, will you take me to the Zoo tomorrow?"

"No," Sheila replied, "If they want you, they can come and get you."

Thanks for stopping by ... have a great day!

Today's Challenges:

1. All That Scraps: Tri-Shutter Card
2. Secret Crafter: Multifold
3. Pollycraft Monday: Double Up
4. Cute Daisy May: Bright and Cheerful
5. 365 Cards: Stacked Up
6. Stamp Till U Drop: A Square, A Bird, A Flower
7. Tanda Teaser: Quick and Cute
8. Stamp Something: Something Cute
9. Paper Play Challenge: Special Birthday Card
10. Jacksonbelle Embellishments: Try a New Fold
11. Practical Scrappers: Flowers

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: Mustard Textured Card Stock by Bazzill; "Bermuda Bay" and "Very Vanilla" Card Stocks by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Bloom & Grow" Collection by My Mind's Eye
• Stamps: "Party Hearty" and "Sheltering Tree" (Retired) Stamp Sets by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Kiwi Kiss," "Pumpkin Pie," and "Bermuda Bay" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Flat-Back Pearls by Mark Richards; Glitzy Brad Pitts by KI Memories
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Flower Dies; Large Bird Punch by Stampin' Up; Butterfly Punch by MS; Bird Punch by MS; Trefoil Border Punch by MS; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 12"
• Folded Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Road Trip!

Happy Monday, Stampers ... hope your weekend was love-ly!

Today's card project was created for the current Play Date Cafe, PDCC16. The challenge called for a color combination I found really difficult to put together ... and I'm sure it shows:


To check out all the colorful challenge deets, or to play along, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo.

For a list of all the challenges I've entered today, check out the list below. And for all the uber-exciting product info, check out the supply list, below ... but above the Challenge list.

Soooooooo, this weekend the DH and I and Sheila and her DH decided to drive up to the Orlando area for the day.

When they picked us up at the house, I asked Ken if he had everything we'd need for the trip.

"I'm all set, Deb. I have a map, a GPS, and a GPS override."

"What's a 'GPS override?'" I asked.

"Sheila."

Thanks so much for stopping by ... have a great day!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Lavender Textured Card Stock by Bazzill; "Real Red" and "Whisper White" Card Stocks by Stampin' Up;
• Patterned Paper: Silver and White DP by October Afternoon; Purple Digital Paper by SherrieJD
• Stamp: Inkadinkado
• Ink: "Dusty Concord" Distress Ink by Ranger
• Accessories: Silver Metal Photo Corners; Grosgrain Ribbon; Brad Pitt
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Square Die; Dotted Wave Border Punch by EK Success; Stamp-a-Ma-Jig by Stampin' Up; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

Today's Challenges:

Creative Inspirations: Left-Over Scraps
Dare U 2 Digi Stamp: Punches
Lexi's Creations: Spotted or Stripes

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE.

But You Can Call Me 'Sue' ...

TGiF, Stampers ... welcome to the weekend!

As you may recall ... or not ... I'm guest designing for Sharon Johnson's "Stamp Simply" challenge this month. This card was created for this week's challenge, to use the colors purple and green in your project. For all the colorful challenge deets, or to play along, and we hope you do, clicky HERE. If you upload your card to an online gallery, please use keyword ssnotime126 ... and be sure to post a link on Sharon's blog using Mr. Linky.

Check out the beautiful projects created by the Stamp Simply challenge team:

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jennifer Buck: The Buck Stamps Here;

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Tammy Hershberger: Stamp Happy;

Julie Koerber: Out to Impress;

Janine Orchard: 2bKrafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream In Color; and,

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.

To create this card, I used the sketch from this week's Splitcoast Stampers sketch challenge, SC267. For all the sketchy deets, including a look-see at the sketch I sorta followed, clicky HERE. To go straight to the SC267 card gallery, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky THERE on the photo.

I'm also entering the card into SCS's "Way to Use It" challenge, WT257, to use the "Rule of Threes" on your card. For all the odd challenging deets, clicky HERE. To go straight to the WT257 card gallery, clicky HERE.

This card was created with this week's Stampin' Royalty challenge in mind: SR6, to create a Valentine. All of the designers at Stampin' Royalty used this very same stamp set, SU's "I {Heart} Hearts," in their inspiration cards, so I thought I'd do the same. To check out the Stampin' Royalty challenge, or to play along, clicky HERE.

The bazillion other love/Valentine challenges I enter will be listed on the bottom of this post. Just in case you're interested. And for all of the heart-pounding product info, check out the supply list, below.

Soooooooo, as I'm sure I mentioned in the past, my DH is a computer geek technician and, with the ability to remotely access folks' computers, he works on home and office computers from California to Connecticut and from Wisconsin to Texas. The guy gets around cyberspace!

And I ... I am his uber-efficient secretary and receptionist. Hah! While he was out yesterday morning on a service call, he got a call from a customer in Texas.

"I'll be happy to have him return your call, Sir. Whom shall I say called?" I asked.

"This is 'Bubba,' Ma'am. He can reach me at 956-123-4567."

Later, the DH returned the call. A gentlemen answered, "Service. This is Dave."

"Hi. May I speak to Bubba?" the DH asked.

"That's me," he replied. "Dave's my nickname."

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me ... hope your weekend is long and lover-ly!!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Kiwi Kiss" Card Stock (Retired) by Stampin' Up
• Patterned Paper: Digital Files by SherrieJD
• Stamps: "I {Heart} Hearts" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Dusty Concord" Dye Ink by Ranger Industries; "Kiwi Kiss" Dye Ink (Retired) by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: White Quilting Thread
• Tools: Sewing Machine; Stampin' Dimensionals by Stampin' Up; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  

Today's Challenges:

Simon Says Challenge: All You Need is Love
Raise The Bar Challenge: Hearts
Crazy 4 Challenges: Valentine
My Time to Craft Challenge: Hearts & Kisses
Stamp With Fun Challenge: Hearts
Die-Cut Dreams Challenge: Have a Heart
Delightful Sketches Challenge: Love

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE.

Thank You For the Rooster:

Happy Thursday, all and one!

Today's card project is one of those projects that just gets ahead of you and then swerves off the charted path ... KWIM? It all started innocently enough: I wanted to do something with this ribbon, and before I knew it, I had ... this. You're speechless, right?

Because the card has the requisite ribbon, I'm entering into the Creative Belli challenge to use ribbon on your rooster card ... the older the ribbon, the better. For all the challenging old ribbon deets, clicky HERE. And Creative Belli gals? I've had this ribbon since ... always. This ribbon gives new meaning to the word, "vintage."

The rooster also qualifies for the Pollycraft Monday Challenge, "Things with Wings." For all the exciting winged-things challenge deets, clicky HERE.

For the rest of the product info, check out the supply list, below. If you dare ...

Sooooooooo, last night the DH and I were sitting out poolside with Sheila and her DH, just shootin' the breeze whilst enjoying the clear and balmy weather, sipping some yummy Red Roosters*. A perfect South Florida night under the stars. (The Red Roosters were in honor of ^the-blue-you-know-who^).

Sheila happened to mention that she'd applied for two jobs recently: one at a local shoe store, the other at the local branch of the Palm Beach County Library.

"Well, I hope you get the one at the shoe store. It would be nice to have employee discounts on shoes," Sheila's practical DH said.

Then he added, "Of course, if you get the job at the library, we'd get free books."

There's gotta be something in the water out here ...

Thanks so much for swingin' by ... have a great day!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamp: Rubber (Rooster) Stampede; Sentiment by Stampin' Up
  
• Ink: Cornflower Blue Dye Ink by CTMH
• Accessories: 1 1/4" Rooster! Ribbon; Vintage Button; Natural Jute Twine
• Tools: Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive Both by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

*In Connecticut, my preppy home state, a "Red Rooster" is better known as a "Madras." See the connection? Right ...

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE. But NEVER ask me about this card ...

And A-Weigh We Go!

Happy Stump Day, Hampers!

Today's v-e-r-y bright card project was created for the Pals Paper Arts color challenge, PPA28, to use my-new-favorite color combination, Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, and Basic Black ... or a reasonable facsimile thereof.

As luck would have it, though, this card got lost under a mountain pile of paper scraps and stamp sets strewn about on my desk ... so I'm actually too late to play in this challenge. Hah!

It's not too late, however, for the Crafty Cardmaker's challenge to use digital files in your card. For all the digi-deets, or to play along, clicky HERE. I've also entered my card in the Crafty Angels challenge, to use a favorite color combination. For all the colorful challenge deets, clicky HERE.

The card also qualifies for Danni's "Flutter By Wednesday" challenge to use a butterfly, fairy, or an angel on your project. For all the fluttery deets, clicky HERE. I've also entered this card in the Incy Wincy color challenge, to use pink and black in your project. For all the incy-wincy deets, clicky HERE. AND, the Pollycraft Monday Challenge, to use 'things with wings.' For all the winged deets, clicky HERE.

All of the patterned paper on this card was created using digital files and my font-a-licious stamp set is from SU's new "Whimsical Words" set, a Sale-a-bration item, available for free with any $50.00 purchase from Stampin' Up. Is there anything better than free stampin' products?!? I think not ...

For all of the colorful digital product info, check out the supply list, below.

Soooooooooo, last night I was hangin' out with Sheila debating the question: who's fatter than whom?

"The heck with this," Sheila said, "follow me."

And off we go to her bathroom to weigh ourselves ... in front of each other for authenticity.

"After you." I gallantly offered.

So, Sheila climbs on the scale. But when I tell her what it reads, she refuses to believe me.

"Go get my glasses, I refuse to confirm that number without 'em."

When I return, she plops the glasses on her face and bends down to take a look.

"Well, I'll be damned! These glasses weigh 20 pounds!"

Now, I'm off to a meeting run by the Florida Department of Health to find out why 98 men, women, and children in my neighborhood have brain tumors. And more importantly, what they plan to DO about it!

Thanks for stopping by today ... have a good one!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Basic Black" and "Melon Mambo" Card Stocks by Stampin' Up
• Patterned Paper: Patterned Background Paper by Sherrie JD; Solid Background Paper by Cuddlebeez Scraps
• Stamp: Sentiment from "Whimsical Words" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Melon Mambo" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Melon Mambo-ish Flat-Back Pearls by Mark Richards; 1/2" Melon Mambo-ish Grosgrain Ribbon
• Tools: MS Butterfly Punch; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE.

Say Yes Right Away!

Happy Tuesday, stampers!

Today's very distressed card project is a mini flash-back to yesterday's card project ... as far as the colors go, anyway. I used a more liberal interpretation of this week's Play Date Cafe Challenge, PDCC15, substituting this brighter orange for the deeper tone of the Dusty Durango.

To create this card, I followed the sketch from this week's Stamping 411 sketch challenge, SSC137. For all the challenging deets, or to play along, clicky HERE.

For my focal image, I used this vintagy row-house stamp which, sadly, shall remain unidentified ... it's unmounted and I haven't a clue, lol! The sentiment I recognize: it's from Stampin' Up's "Fundamental Phrases" set.

For the rest of the mind-blowing product info, check out the supply list, below.

Sooooooooo, yesterday I was hangin' out with Sheila when her psychotic sister, Jill, stopped by with EXCITING NEWS!

Turns out Jack, her latest Mr. Wonderful, has been hinting around that he'd like to pop the question. This, after only two weeks but, whatever ...

"So, can you believe it! Jack is already talking about getting married!" Jill said.

"Wow, isn't this a l'il too fast? Don't rush into anything, Jill. Marry in haste, blah, blah, blah." I cautioned.

"Oh, ignore her, Jill! If he does ask you, don't delay. Say, 'Yes!' right away!" Sheila advised.

"Why?" Jill asked.

"'Cuz men have very short memories when it comes to marriage. Sometimes they forget even before you can get your clothes back on!"

Wowza, Sheila knows everything!

Thanks so much for stopping by ... have a great day!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, and Very Vanilla Card Stocks by Stampin' Up; Textured Card Stock, Unknown Scrap
  
• Designer Paper: Stampin' Up (Retired)
  
• Stamps: Row-House, Unknown; Sentiment from Fundamental Phrases by Stampin' Up
  
• Ink: Chocolate Chip Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
  
• Accessories: 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon; Metal Index Frame from Antique Copper Hodgepodge Hardware Kit by Stampin' Up
  
• Tools: Distressing Tool; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
  

Do the Math ...

Happy Monday, Stampers! Hope you had a relaxing, creative weekend!

Today's card project was created for The Play Date Cafe color challenge, PDCC15. For all the colorful challenge deets, or to play along, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on my photo.

So, here's this week's color challenge:

Beautiful, huh? I jess love the inspiration photos The Play Date Cafe gals post every week. Very ... ummmm ... inspiring!

I created a top-folded card using Chocolate Chip card stock, then stamped the "Medallion" background stamp in Dusty Durango on Very Vanilla card stock. I matted the image on Garden Green and Dusty Durango card stock and added a "Build A Brad" fitted with Not Quite Navy card stock. I stamped my font-a-licious sentiment in Not Quite Navy dye ink and added three vintage bird images mounted on dimensionals.

For all of the colorful product info, check out the supply list, below.

Sooooooooooo, this weekend Sheila, our friend Barb, and I went to the Mall at Wellington Green to help Barb pick up some snazzy new outfits for her big promotion. WTG, Barb!!

Barb loves her some Coldwater Creek, so we started there. Sheila spotted a rack of beautiful business suits ... I noticed that they were on sale ... and Barb noticed the sign that read, "Instantly Hides Ten Pounds!" Interesting our different perspectives, huh?

"Oh, these are just great, Barb!" I enthused.

"Hmmmm, looks like you'll need to buy four of these, Barb." Sheila added.

Yikes!

Give it a minute, it'll grow on ya ...

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me. I hope your Monday is ... tolerable!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Chocolate Chip," "Dusty Durango," "Garden Green," "Not Quite Navy," and "Very Vanilla" Card Stocks by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: "Medallion" Background Stamp by Stampin' Up; Sentiment from "Well Scripted" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Dusty Durango" and "Not Quite Navy" Dye Inks by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: "Build A Brad Pitt" Kit by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE.

Blog Candy for Your Computer:

TGiF, Stampers!

Today's post was prompted by a visit to my friend Vicki's blog, "This ART that Makes Me Happy." Vicki's blog post today is all about birds and her love for 'em ... and features some pretty a-mazing bird projects Vicki's completed.

Suddenly, I remembered that I had this desktop calendar to share with you! Well, they say that short-term memory is the first to go! At least I think that's what they say, I don't remember ...

So, before February turns into March, I best share this desktop wallpaper with you. This is sized to fit your 1024 x 768 screen, but it will work on smaller and most larger screens.

Here's how to snag it: Click on the image, and when the new window opens, right-click on the calendar and choose "save" to your computer. Once it's lost somewhere on your hard drive, navigate to the image, then right click on it and choose, "set as desktop background." So easy, even I could do it!

Since I posted twice yesterday ... something unheard of ! ... this post will be short and tweet! I kill me ...

Have a great weekend, my Bird-Lovin' Bloggin' Buddies!

~Hugs,



Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE.

It's a Card!

Welcome to your weekend, Stampers ... and don't forget: while the DH's are glued to the pre-game, the game-game, and the post-game, you can go craft shopping. Dig out those 40% off coupons, Ladies!

Well, I had a very pleasant surprise this week: Sharon Johnson of the fabulous "No Time to Stamp" blog, and her equally fabulous "Stamp Simply" card challenge, invited me to Guest Design for the Challenge for the month of February! After I finished the Dance of Joy and climbed off my desk, I hurriedly agreed ... lest Sharon have a chance to change her mind!

So, today's card was created with this week's Stamp Simply Challenge, #125, in mind: to create a project for baby! A shower card, a new baby Congrats, an altered item, something for baby's room, a 1st birthday card ... ANYTHING goes -- as long as it's for BABY. For all the challenging deets, clicky HERE to visit Sharon's blog.

My card couldn't be any simpler ... well, it could: but only if someone else made it for me! I ran some Very Vanilla card stock through my die-cut machine in the "Argyle" embossing folder, double-matted it, then paper-pieced the little dress. I added a tiny silver bow, some luscious satin ribbon, a cute l'il baby carriage charm, and double matted my sentiment. Simply ... simple!

Be sure to check out the entire Stamp Simply Design Team blogs for their fabtastic Baby projects:

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jennifer Buck: The Buck Stamps Here;

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Tammy Hershberger: Stamp Happy;

Sharon Johnson: No Time to Stamp?;

Julie Koerber: Out to Impress;

Janine Orchard: 2bKrafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream In Color; and

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.

If you decide to play along, and we all hope that you do, just link up to Sharon's Stamp Simply Challenge #125, blog post. If you upload to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, use Keyword: ssnotime125. C'mon, play along ... you'll be glad you did! And, as a bonus, you'll finally have an emergency Baby card in your ever-expanding card stash!

For all the a-mazing product info, check out the supply list, below.

Sooooooooo, I stopped by Sheila's yesterday to say 'hi' and found her and her crazy sister Jill lounging out by the pool. Jill, a Walking Compendium of Useless Information, was babbling on about politics.

Then, something interesting:

"So, did you two know that more Americans can name the Three Stooges than the three branches of government?" Jill asked.

"Well, that's because the Three Stooges are more likely to get something done." Sheila replied.

And that would be Larry, Moe, and Curly. And, the Judicial, the Legislative, and ...

Thanks so much for swingin' by today ... hope you enjoy your shopping weekend!

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Chocolate Chip," "Pink Pirouette," "Rose Red," and "Very Vanilla" Card Stocks by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Nana's Nursery" by DCWV
• Stamps: Simply Chic
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Satin Ribbon by May Arts; Jump Rings by Junkitz; Silver Charms, Unknown; Brad Pitt
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangular Dies; "Argyle" A2 Embossing Folder; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE.

*... the Executive.

Eat This:

Happy Thursday, race fans!

Today's paper project was created for the Stampin' Royalty challenge, SR#5, "Anything but a Card," AND for the Everything But the Kitchen Sink challenge, "Around the House," to create a project using a box top or any part of a cardboard box.

For all of the Stampin' Royalty challenge deets, clicky HERE. For the Everything But the Kitchen Sink box toppy-type deets, clicky HERE. For the ginormous view of my project, clicky THERE on the photo.

Since the sponsor of the current EBTKS challenge is Kelleigh Ratzlaff, I thought it fitting to use one of Kelleigh's fun templates in my project. I chose Kelleigh's "Candy Dispenser Template," and created clipping masks using digital papers from Miss Cutie Pie.

Since I love me some sugar-free Fudgsicles, and always have a box or three in the freezer, I used a circle die to cut out the "Sugar Free" sentiment from a Fudgsicle box. (Note to self: Eat all the Fudgsicles immediately as the packaging is now seriously compromised.)

As advertised, I filled my Candy Dispenser with sugar-free almonds. Boring, but very heart-healthy. For the 4-1-1- on the rest of the 100% sugar-free product I used in the project, check out the supply list below.

Soooooooooooooo, Wednesday evening Sheila and I ... together with our respective DH's, went to a 50th Anniversary Tea party. Oh, yeah, need I tell you how much the guys did not love this?!?

Grace and Harold are the sweetest couple and a lot of fun to hang with, but Sheila and I really get a charge outta Grace. She's a pistol: she swears like a sailor ... can out-dance, out-drink, out-craft, and out-last any of us ... at anything. She also happens to be hysterically funny. We just love her.

All three of us disagree as to where we all met: Sheila says at Weight Loss class, I say at the World Fitness Park the day the 'gator chased us, and Grace ... well, Grace says we picked her up in Michaels. To be honest, that does sound like something we'd do ...

"So, 50 years! I can't even imagine!" Sheila kinda-sorta congratulated Grace.

"I can't believe it myself! It's a long, long time." Grace responded.

Then she smiled and said, "You know, I just thought of something: if I'd killed Harold the first time I felt like it, I'd be out of jail by now."

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me ... you da bestest!

Oh! And for those of you in the Great White North, the first ginormous flock of migrating robins landed in my yard today ... right on schedule! If history proves, you'll be seeing your first robin in six weeks. From today. Exactly. Go mark your calendar. You'll see ...

~Hugs,

• Card Stock: "Whisper White" by Stampin' Up
• Patterned Paper: Digital File by Miss Cutie Pie; HP Laser Photo Paper
  
• Other Paper: Fudgsicle Box
• Accessories: Various Ribbons; Various Silk Flowers; Heart-Healthy Almonds; Brad Pitt
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Square and Circle Dies; Candy Dispenser Template by Kelleigh Ratzlaff; Photoshop Software; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up products or stamping techniques, feel free to contact me HERE.