Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Always Be Yourself; Everyone Else is Taken


Happy Stump Day, Hampers ... hope your week is flyin' by!

Today is the final day of Stampin' Up's! Sale-a-bration ... if you've been waiting to take advantage of the FREE product with your $50.00 purchase, today's the day. Just sayin' ...

Today's dotty card project was created for no good reason ... other than my fervent desire for some beach weather ... using a cute l'il digital image by Bee Crafty:

I colored this "Whimsical Girl" image with Prismacolor pencils blended with OMS, added some dotty DP, stamped a silly sentiment, added some twill tape and two photo corner punchies. Easy-peasy-ocean-breezy! Here's hopin' ...

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo; for all of the heart-pounding product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooo, yesterday Sheila and I were hangin' around yakkin' about diets ... and dieting ... when her dippy sister, Jill, stopped by.

"Okay, well I think women gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren't heavy, we are enormously educated, well-informed, and well-adjusted." Jill posed.

"Oh, good news, Einstein!" Sheila sneered, "'Well, then, beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, 'you go girl, lookie how smart you am.'"

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

Card Recipe:
  • Card Stock: "Real Red," "Summer Sun," and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
  • Designer Paper: Cosmo Cricket
  • Digital Image: "Whimsical Girl" by Bee Crafty
  • Stamp: Sentiment by CTMH
  • Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
  • Color Medium: Prismacolor Premier Pencils; Copic Marker
  • Accessories: Twill Tape
  • Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Dies; 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches by Stampin' Up; Photo Corner Punch by Stampin' Up; Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits; Blending Stumps; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  • Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Sale-a-bration ENDS TODAY! Don't Miss Out: Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 25 comments

Labels: ,

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Happy Easter L'il Tulip Bunny


Happy Tuesday, Crafty Stampers!

I simply cannot believe that Easter is this weekend ... how did we get through March so quickly?!? Dang, time flies whether you're having fun or not!

Today's Easter card project was created with a cute digital image by Digi Kitty and some digital patterned paper files:

Isn't this l'il guy just adorable?!?

I stamped the sentiment using Basic Black dye ink, colored my bunny image with Copic markers, added some yellow rick-rick, and a doily-punched border. Easy-peasy-Easter-please-y!

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo; for all the egg-citing product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooo, yesterday Sheila and I went out with her certifiably insane fun sister, Jill. While we were out and about, Jill's car died on us.

We got the car towed to her service station and settled in for a long wait.

After a bit, the mechanic comes out and tells us that the car's fine, purrin' like a kitten, and we're all set to go.

Sheila, not trusting Jill's mechanic for one minute asks, "So, what's the story?'

Bill, the Trust-Worthy Auto Technician replies, "Just crap in the carburetor."

So Jill asks, "Oh my, how often do I have to do that?!?"

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

Card Recipe:
  • Card Stock: "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
  • Patterned Paper: Digital Files by The DigiChick
  • Digital Image: "A Tulip For You Bunny" by The DigiKitty
  • Stamp: Sentiment by CTMH
  • Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
  • Color Medium: Copic Markers; Spica Pens
  • Accessories: Yellow Rick-Rack
  • Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Circle Dies; Large Label Die; Doily Lace Border Punch; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  • Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Sale-a-bration Ends Tomorrow! Don't Miss Out: Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 28 comments

Labels: ,

Monday, March 29, 2010

Let's Do Lunch!


Happy Monday, Crafty Stampers ... hope your weekend was absolutely fantabulous!

Today's bright card project was created using a digital image from Bee Crafty:

I colored the image with Copic markers, added a stamped sentiment, some sweet designer paper from Cosmo Cricket, and three threaded vintage buttons. So easy, even I could do it!

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo; for all the fabulous product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooooo, this weekend Sheila and I and our respective DH's decided to double-date. My hubby, The Man-Who-is-Never-Late, drove and so we arrived at Sheila and Ken's right on time.

As usual, Sheila wasn't ready yet. As we waited, Ken hollers up to Sheila: "Honey, are you ready yet?"

And, as usual, Sheila yells back:

"For crying out loud, Ken, I've been telling you for the last half hour: I'll be ready in a minute!"

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

Card Recipe:
  • Card Stock: "Kiwi Kiss," (Retired), "Real Red," and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
  • Designer Paper: Cosmo Cricket
  • Digital Image: "Whimsical Girl" by Bee Crafty
  • Stamp: Sentiment by PTI
  • Ink: "Real Red" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
  • Color Medium: Copic Markers
  • Accessories: Vintage Buttons; Vintage Bakery Twine
  • Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Oval Dies; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  • Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
Sale-a-bration Ends in Just THREE Days! Don't Miss Out: Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

on Monday, March 29, 2010 36 comments

Labels: ,

Friday, March 26, 2010

Simply Easter ...


TGIF, Crafty Stampers!

Today's card project was created for this week's "Stamp Simply" challenge. This week, our challenge is to create Easter-themed projects. These could be projects that are specific to the Christian celebration of Easter itself ... or, more generically, to spring and the new birth of flowers, grasses, and fresh new life.

This challenge is not limited to cards -- anything goes -- so have fun!

To play along, and we certainly hope that you will, clicky HERE to go to Sharon's blog for all the challenging deets ... and for a look at her fabulous Easter project!

After you've posted your Easter project, be sure to leave a link on Sharon's Mr. Linky, located HERE. If you upload your project to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, please be sure to use keyword: "ssnotime132."

I decided to create a simple Easter card:

To offset my very simple focal point, I used lots of layers in my card ... five of 'em ... and added some beautiful satin ribbon for some shine.

My crocus image is a FREE! digital file from The Paper Garden, printed out on HP Laser Photo Paper and colored with Copic markers. I stamped my sentiment, matted it, and adhered it to my focal frame. Easy-peasy-Easter-pleasey!

Be sure to check out the beautiful projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" 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;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.; and,

Marlene Bender: Heart-Spring, March Guest Designer.

For the ginormous view of my card, you can clicky on the photo ... and for all of the egg-citing product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Soooooooo, if you follow my blog ... you don't?!? ... you know that Sheila teaches Sunday school at our Church. Periodically, the Diocese sends out literature ... in the form of brochures ... to all of the religion teachers.

Yesterday, while hangin' out at Sheila's, I noticed the current brochure on her counter. I picked it up and read:

"Coming up—Theological Open House. We discuss thought-provoking topics. Your opinions are hardly welcome."

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

Card Recipe:
  • Card Stock: Stampin' Up
  • Textured Card Stock: Bazzill
  • Lavender Mat: Digital File by The DigiChick
  • Crocus Image: The Paper Garden
  • Sentiment: CTMH
  • Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
  • Color Medium: Copic Markers
  • Accessories: Satin Ribbon
  • Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Dies; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  • Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Sale-a-bration Ends in Just Five Days! Don't Miss Out! Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

on Friday, March 26, 2010 56 comments

Labels: , , ,

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Thank You x 2 ...


Happy Thursday, Stampers!

Today's card project was created for my 'Thank You' card stash. I go through a ton of 'Thank You' cards and never seem to have enough. I try to make a 'Thank You' card at least once a week to keep up with my demanding thanking-you needs!

Here's a looky at my second 'Thank You' card of the week:

This beautiful Cornflowers image, from the "Spring Blooms" collection, is a FREE! digi-file available from The Paper Garden. The scallop-edge lavender background mat is also a digital file; this one is from a FREE! collaboration kit from the DigiChick.

I colored my vase and flowers with Copic markers, and stamped my sentiment with "Tuxedo Black" dye ink. I used DP from BasicGrey, and three l'il green Dew Drops. Doesn't get any simpler that this!

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo. For all of the heart-pounding product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooooo, yesterday Sheila and I teamed up to run a couple of errands. But first, we needed to stop at the local Quik Mart for fuel ... and, of course, the requisite Diet Pepsi's for the road trip!

Sheila gassed up her car and somehow in the process managed to spill some gasoline on her jeans and sneakers. Good thing neither of us smokes!

As we entered the store we couldn't help but notice the woman behind the cash register wrinkling her nose.

So Sheila says to her, and everyone else within twenty feet, "I'm sooooo sorry, but if you smell gas, it's me."

Thanks for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

Card Recipe:
  • Card Stock: "Whisper White" by Stampin' Up
  • Designer Paper: "Euphoria" Collection by BasicGrey
  • Digital Image: The Paper Garden
  • Digital Paper: Lavender Mats by DigiChick
  • Color Medium: Copic Marker
  • Ink: "Tuxedo Black" Dye Ink by Tsukineko
  • Accessories: "Grape Leaves" Dew Drops by Robin's Nest
  • Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Dies; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  • Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Don't Miss Out: Sale-a-bration Ends in Just Six Days! Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

on Thursday, March 25, 2010 38 comments

Labels: , ,

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Easter Holiday Wishes ...


Happy Stump Day, Hampers! Hope your week is flyin' by!

Today's Easter card project was created using a cute l'il digital Bunny image ... and not much else.

You do 'get' that it's an Easter card ... what with the "holiday wishes" sentiment, yes? My DH caused me to way over think using this sentiment as it's traditionally a winter-holiday greeting. But I'm wild and crazy ... and stubborn ... so I've used it anyway:

The cute l'il digital image, from Bee Crafty, was lightly touched with color using Copic markers and Spica pens.

My card base is Kraft card stock and the white dotted background was created in an A2 embossing folder. The sentiment was stamped in "Basic Black" dye ink and both images were mounted on "Melon Mambo" card stock. So easy, even I could do it!

For all of the the fun-tastic product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Soooooooooo, Sheila's DH, Ken, is a Travel Team soccer coach here in West Palm ... and a good one. This season, he's having his best year ever: his team is undefeated and they've been invited to play in a ton of Invitational meets across the state.

So yesterday, while I was hangin' out at Sheila's, she took a phone call for Ken.

"Ken, phone! It's 'Sports Illustrated!'" Sheila called out.

Ken, figgering that his 15 Minutes had arrived, rushed down the stairs in his stocking feet to answer the phone. But because the stairs were slippery from a recent waxing, Ken fell halfway down.

"Omigosh," Sheila and I breathed, "are you okay?!?"

"Sure, sure, I'm fine. Where's the phone?"

"Well, still in the kitchen, Ken, I haven't had it moved." Sheila retorted.

"Good; outta my way please Deb. And you too Miss Smart-Mouth."

"Careful, the dishwasher is ........" Sheila started to say.

And crash! Sheila had left the dishwasher door open ... to air-dry the dishes ... and Ken fell over the open dishwasher, crashing to the floor.

"I'm alright, I'm okay." Ken panted, pulling himself up off the floor.

As he made his final approach to the phone, poor Ken took a huge flyin' leap off an area rug, launched himself into air, and landed flat on his butt.

Normally, after watching someone fall down the stairs AND crash over the open dishwasher door, Sheila and I would have been doubled over in hysterics. But it was KEN for goshsakes and that final flight in mid-air from the area rug launchpad wasn't exactly funny. Alright, a little funny ...

"Omigosh, Ken, are you okay?" Sheila cried, "Should I call an ambulance? Do you need a hot pad, or bandaging, or something?"

"No. I'm fine. Please just let me get to the phone in one piece to talk to the Sports Illustrated people." Ken pleaded.

As he reached for the phone, Ken mouthed, "This is gonna be huge! I'm puttin' it on speaker phone, okay ladies?"

Okay?!? Well, sure! Of course we wanted to hear his conversation with SPORTS ILLUSTRATED!!!

Ken puts the phone on speaker, and answers in his most professional, good sportsman like-voice, "Hello, this is Ken L. speaking."

And so we hear:

"Hello, Mr. L. This is Sports Illustrated calling to offer you a full YEAR of Sports Illustrated for the low, low price of just $1.00 per issue!"

And as he went to hang up, his sock got caught on a l'il nail head in the floor under the counter and he fell down ... again. But this time, on top of the cat ... who screamed like a banshee before clawing the be-jesus outta him. He's fine, really, a little sore and a lot embarrassed. But dang, where's a video camera when you need one?

Thanks so much for swingin' by ... hope your today is w-a-y less dangerous than Ken's yesterday was!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

Card Recipe:
  • Card Stock: "Kraft," "Melon Mambo," and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
  • Stamp: Sentiment by PTI
  • Digital Image: Bee Crafty
  • Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
  • Color Medium: Copic Marker; Spica Glitter Pen
  • Accessories: Grosgrain Ribbon; Twill Ribbon
  • Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Dies; Swiss Dots A2 Embossing Folder; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  • Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Sale-a-bration Ends in Just 7 Days!! Shop now for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 52 comments

Labels: , , ,

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Thank You for ... the Willow Tree?


Happy Tuesday, Crafty Stampers!

Today's card project was created for a recent "May Arts" ribbon contest ... which I promptly lost ... so I thought I'd share it with you today.

Here's a look at my losing entry:

The card was created with an eons-old primitive-style tree stamp, a retired SU sentiment stamp, buttons, embroidery floss, an embossed background, a metal frame hanger, and some beautiful ribbon.

For the rest of the heart-pounding product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Soooooooo, yesterday I was hangin' out with Sheila when Ken, her poor, unsuspecting DH, wandered into the kitchen.

"So, Ken," Sheila says to her DH, "That young couple that just moved in across the street seem like such a lovey-dovey twosome. Every morning, when he leaves the house, he kisses her goodbye, and every evening when he comes homes, he brings her a bouquet of flowers. Now, why can't you do that?"

So Ken replies, "Why? I hardly know the girl."

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

Card Recipe:
  • Card Stock: "Bermuda Bay," "Chocolate Chip," and "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
  • Stamps: Primitive Tree; Sentiment by Stampin' Up
  • Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
  • Accessories: Grosgrain Ribbon; Buttons; Embroidery Floss; Antique Copper Brad and Metal Frame Hanger from Hodgepodge Hardware by Stampin' Up
  • Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Square Dies; Rectangle Dies; Distressed Stripes A2 Embossing Folder; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  • Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Sale-a-bration Ends in Just Eight Days!! Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 29 comments

Labels: , ,

Monday, March 22, 2010

Fun With Vicki's Shadow-Box Dies ...


Happy Monday, Stampers ... hope your weekend was full of fabulousness!

A few weeks ago, my uber-talented bloggin' friend, Vicki Chrisman, of "This Art That Makes Me Happy," announced that she had created a free-standing, shadow-box style die for Accucut. Well, WoWzA, this turned out to be one terrific die! Later, when Vicki sent out the call for stampers interested in playing with her new die-cuts, I immediately volunteered.

I'm here to say that playing with these ingenious die-cuts was more fun that one person should be allowed to have with paper! I only have about 200 more ideas for fun projects to create with these fabulous die-cuts.

Here's a lookie at my vintage-inspired shadowbox assemblage:

For the ginormous view of my project, just clicky on the photo. If you're so inclined, you can check out the rest of the exciting product info below ... but really, nothing's more exciting than these ^ die-cuts.

To create my shadowbox, I used some ancient Paris/travel-themed die-cuts from Provo Craft, a couple of vintage-inspired images from Crafty Secrets, a sentiment stamp from PTI, a vintage key, and a metal index frame. To create a distressed, vintage look, I sponged lots of fluid chalk ink on all of the die-cuts. Easy-peasy and too much fun!

Vicki is sponsoring a blog hop today featuring projects created by crafty bloggers using her die-cuts. Just clicky HERE to go to Vicki's blog. You will be simply amazed to see the variety of cool projects that can be created with these die-cuts!

Soooooooo, this weekend I got stuck err, ... asked to babysit for Reid-the-Wild-Child. How could I say no to my dearest friend? Right. Well, I tried, but she wouldn't let me off the hook.

For lack of anything better to do fun, Reid and I challenged each other to a "Whaddya Call A Guy With No Arms and No Legs" Joke-Off. Based on all (one) of your emails, I know you guys really miss the Wild-Child's stupid cute jokes. And since business was slow, Reid's decided he won't be charging me $$$ anymore to use his jokes ... drat the luck.

Here's a few of our favorites:

Reid: Whaddya call a guy with no arms and no legs on your front porch?
Me: What?
Reid: Matt!

Me: Whaddya call a guy with no arms and no legs on your wall?
Reid: What?
Me: Art!

Reid: Whaddya call a guy with no arms and no legs in your pool?
Me: What?
Reid: Bob!

Me: Whaddya call a guy with no arms and no legs standing in a hole?
Reid: What?
Me: Phil!

Reid: Whaddya call a guy with no arms and no legs with a car on his head?
Me: What?
Reid: Jack!

And the winning "Whaddya Call A Guy ..." joke ... my very own handiwork, I'm not proud to say:

Me: Whaddya call two guys with no arms and no legs on your window?
Reid: What?
Me: Curt and Rod!

I know, they're really dumb ... but you laffed, right?

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

Project Recipe:
  • Card Stock: Unknown
  • Designer Paper: Unknown
  • Free-Standing Shadowbox Die: Accucut by Vicki Chrisman for Crafty Secrets
  • Other Paper: Heartwarming Vintage by Crafty Secrets; Chipboard Die Cuts
  • Stamp: Sentiment by PTI
  • Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; Chestnut Roan Fluid Chalk Ink
  • Accessories: Vintage Key; Jump Ring; Vintage-Inspired Metal Index Frame
  • Tools: Corner Chomper; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  • Finished Size: Approximately 11 1/2" x 6"

on Monday, March 22, 2010 56 comments

Labels: , ,

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Have You Seen "Craft Critique?"

Is Craft Critique one of your favorite sites? If not, it should be! Craft Critique is my favorite resource for reliable, current craft product info and so-much-more.

Right now, Craft Critique is hosting a "Spring Blog Carnival," showcasing a ton of fabulous blogs loaded with inspiring spring projects ... some complete with step-by-step tutorials.

Clicky HERE to check out all the Spring Blog fabulousness!

Have a great Sunday with Craft Critique ... I'll be back tomorrow with something very different!

~Hugs,


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

on Sunday, March 21, 2010 6 comments

Friday, March 19, 2010

Simply Textured ...


TGIF, Crafty Stampers!

Today's card project was created for this week's "Stamp Simply" challenge. This time around, Sharon asked that we create a project with lots of texture. Texture can come in any form, such as embossing, distressing, adding embellishments for dimension -- whatever you like -- to create some fun texture in your creation.

To play along, and we hope that you will, clicky HERE to go to Sharon's post for all the challenging deets ... and to view her simply amazing textured project.

After you've posted your textured project to your blog, add a direct link to your project using Sharon's Mr. Linky, located HERE. If you upload your project to a public gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, please use keyword: "ssnotime131."

Here's a look at my card:

This card is a lot simpler than it looks: my vintage-inspired collage stamp has done most of the work for me! All that was left for me to do was to create some texture.

I created most of the texture using A2 embossing folders; once on my background DP, and again on my distressed flower. I added a bit of machine stitching, a vintage button, and lots of recycled natural jute twine. Easy-peasy!

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo. For all of the lumpy product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Now, prepare to be wowed by the projects created by the rest of the Stamp Simply 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;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.; and,

Marlene Bender: Heart-Spring, our March Guest Designer.

FYI: Barb is feeling poorly today and will be taking tonight off. Hopefully, she'll be feeling better soon and will be able to join in. Get well soon, Barb!

Soooooooo, yesterday I was hangin' out with Sheila and since we both received our Census forms, we simply had to talk that up.

"Whaddya think about all those prison questions on the form?" I asked Sheila.

"I wonder. You'd think the government would know how many people they have in their prisons. Or maybe they know something we don't. Or, maybe they don't know something and hope we do!" Sheila responded.

Uh. Oh. That can't be good ...

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

Card Recipe:
  • Card Stock: "Blue Bayou" (Retired) and "Chocolate Chip" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
  • Designer Paper: Cosmo Cricket
  • Stamp: Vintage Collage by Diva Impressions (Out of Business); Sentiment by PTI
  • Ink: Chocolate Chip Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; Fluid Chalk Ink by Clearsnap
  • Accessories: White Quilting Thread; Vintage Button; Natural Jute Twine
  • Tools: Sewing Machine; Die-Cut Machine; Tag Die; Flower Punch by Stampin' Up; Numbers A2 Embossing Folder; Dots A2 Embossing Folder; Distressing Tool by Tim Holtz; 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

on Friday, March 19, 2010 42 comments

Labels: , , ,

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Congrats; You Survived St Paddy's Day!


Well, it appears we both survived all of the St. Paddy's Day festivities: and by "festivities," I mean green beer ... or Guinness ... or Newcastle Ale ... or all of the above. So, congratulations!

Today's card project features a super-simple technique called the "Letterpress technique." It's easy, fast, fun, and creates a really unique background:

To create this background, I inked up the inside (ink the top flap - the side with the printing), of an A2 embossing folder with "Chocolate Chip" dye ink. Use the direct-to-paper/folder technique to ink up your folder, and try to get the ink down as evenly as possible on the folder.

Then, simply insert your card stock, run it through your die-cut machine and voila! Just be sure to clean your inky folder as soon as possible with warm, soapy water ... or a cool, wet baby wipe.

An easy, fun, and interesting background created with something you already own ... all of this AND ready in just 15 Minutes!

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo; for the rest of the cool, easy, and interesting product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooooo, I wanted to mention that my email address was hijacked yesterday and everyone in my address book got a link to some truly glorious spam. I didn't send this ... and I certainly wouldn't ... but I'm issuing the blanket apology here to any of you who may have received this l'il treasure from me.

Well, not me-me, but some-spammer-who-pretended-to-be-me. I believe I've stopped the spammer ... 'til the next time someone decides to hijack my email addy. But, hey! Wanna know how many zero-spam-tolerant group lists I was tossed off yesterday?!? All of 'em ... so, there you have it: every cloud DOES have a silver lining!

Thanks so much for swingin' by today ... especially with that awful headache you've got!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

Card Recipe:
  • Card Stock: "Bermuda Bay," "Chocolate Chip," and "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
  • Designer Paper: None
  • Stamp: Sentiment from "Well-Scripted" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
  • Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
  • Accessories: Twill Tape Ribbon by Stampin' Up
  • Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Die; Cuttlebug 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

on Thursday, March 18, 2010 20 comments

Labels: , , , ,

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

An Irish Easter Card ...


Happy Stump Day, Hampers! And a very happy St. Patrick's Day to all ... especially my Irish *PSF's*!

Today's card project was created using a cute, free! digital image by DigiKitty. For all the challenging deets, including info on how you can get your own free image, clicky HERE.

Here's what I created using this fun image:

I colored my image using markers, added some St. Paddy's green DP, some vintage paper lace from my vintage paper lace stash, a satin bow, and a stamped sentiment. Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes ... and that's no blarney!

For all of the exciting product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Soooooooooo, yesterday Sheila and I were hangin' out when her absolutely bonkers crazy sister, Jill, stopped by.

"Okay, girls, I have a problem," Jill said, "I'm on the road a lot, and my clients are complaining that they can never reach me."

"Don't you have a phone in your car?" I asked.

"No, that was too expensive .. so I did the next best thing. I put a mailbox in my car."

"A mailbox? Does that work?" Sheila asked with a straight face.

"Actually, I haven't gotten any letters yet." Jill replied.

"And why do you think that is?" Sheila asked.

Jill paused for a moment, then replied, "Well, maybe it's because when I'm driving around, my zip code keeps changing."

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me ... and Erin Go Bragh, y'all!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

Card Recipe:
  • Card Stock: "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
  • Designer Paper: Cosmo Cricket
  • Digital Image: Bunny Spring Flower by DigiKitty
  • Stamp: Sentiment by CTMH
  • Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
  • Color Medium: Copic Markers
  • Accessories: 5/8" Satin Ribbon; Vintage Paper Lace
  • Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle and Circle Dies; 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

*Pretend Stampin' Friends*

on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 48 comments

Labels: , , ,

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Twisted Cheshire Cat


Happy Tuesday, Crafty Stampers!

Today's card project was created for the current S2G challenge, Twisted Thursday, Cheshire Cat:

I followed their optional sketch, and used the optional stripes in my creation. For all the challenging deets, a look at the sketch I followed, AND a free download of this very same image, clicky HERE.

I colored my Cheshire Cat using Prisma's blended with Gamsol, added some DP, a couple of buttons, and some ribbon. I stamped my birthday sentiment on the same panel and finis! Easy-peasy-kitty-squeezy!

For all of the absolutely fabulous product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

*Bawdy Alert:

Soooooooo, yesterday I stopped by Sheila's for a minute and found her certifiably insane crazy sister, Jill, babysitting Reid-the-Wild-Child.

I wasn't there five minutes when Reid burst through the kitchen door and asked, "Aunt Jill, what's that called when two people sleep in the same room and one is on top of the other?"

"Oh, well, that's called 'sexual intercourse' Reid." Jill answered ... before I could stick a dishcloth down her throat.

"Oh. Okay." Reid said, and ran back out to play.

Not three minutes later, the kitchen door burst open, and here comes the Wild-Child once again.

"Aunt Jill, it isn't called 'sexual intercourse' ... it's called 'bunk beds.' And Sean's Mom wants to talk to you. Right now."

Thanks so much for visiting ... hope your day is fantabulous!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

Card Recipe
  • Card Stock: "Real Red" and "Tangerine Tango" (Retired), Card Stock by Stampin' Up
  • Designer Paper: Cosmo Cricket
  • Stamp: Sentiment from "Upsy Daisy" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
  • Digital Stamp: "Cheshire Cat" by Shirley's 2 Girls
  • Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; Sky Blue Fluid Chalk Ink
  • Color Medium: Prismacolor 'Premier' Pencils
  • Accessories: "Tangerine Tango" (Retired) Ribbon by Stampin' Up; Grosgrain Ribbon; Vintage Buttons; Vintage Bakery String
  • Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Die; Dotted Wave Border Punch; Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits; Blending Stump; Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits; Acetate Cloud Template; 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.

on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 30 comments

Labels: , ,

Monday, March 15, 2010

Playin' with Paint Sample Cards


Monday already?!? WowZa, this weekend flew by!!

Today's card project was created for The Play Date Cafe color inspiration challenge, PDCC20. For all of the challenging deets, or a look at the gorgeous inspiration photo, clicky HERE.

Here's the card I created for this challenge:

I stamped my bird collage image on a paint sample card using Staz-On solvent ink. I added some DP, a punched border, some ribbon, and a cute l'il threaded button. Easy-peasy; this stamp did all the work for me!

One thing to note when using paint sample cards for stamping: only solvent ink will ever truly 'dry' on these slippery things. Set your stamped paint sample card aside to dry ... preferably overnight ... or, blast it with your heat gun for a minute or twenty.

TIP: a quick way to determine if your it-looks-like-its-dry paint sample card image is dry, is to stamp a duplicate image, or part of the image, using the same ink on a similar paint sample card and periodically check it. With your finger ... or, someone else's finger. If you're fingerless, a Q-Tip works too.

For all of the heart-pounding product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

And while we're on the "heart-pounding" subject, we've been havin' a TON of rain here in So. Florida ... 12 inches to be exact, and when it finally stopped late on Sunday, Sheila and I decided to swim run out to do some grocery shopping.

As we were leaving the store, we noticed that a thick fog had rolled in. We couldn't see a thing a foot in front of us and we both noticed it was eerily quiet. Kinda spooky, kwim?

We gave each other a "well, this is weird" look and then headed over to where we thought we had parked the car. After loading the groceries in the trunk, I started the car and put it in gear. Nothing. The car didn't budge. Okay. So, I put it in park again and then in drive and ... nothing. Weird. I tried again. Still nothing.

Suddenly, I began to recall John Carpenter's, "The Fog," and Stephen King's "The Mist." My mind filled with images of murderous undead pirates, deadly giant insects, and scary monsters from some bizarre dimension that man was not meant to discover.

I hate to admit it, but I began to panic. With my heart-pounding, I think, "omigosh, we're trapped for-evuh in the Twilight Zone!"

It was right about then that Sheila said, "Deb, you're an idiot: you've got it in neutral."

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

Card Recipe:
  • Card Stock: Bazzill
  • Designer Paper: Unknown Scrap
  • Other: Paint Sample Card from Lowe's
  • Stamp: Bird Collage by Oxford Impressions
  • Ink: "Jet Black" Staz-On Solvent Ink
  • Accessories: Grosgrain Ribbon; Mini Button
  • Tools: Heat Gun; Arch Lattice Border Punch by MS; 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.

on Monday, March 15, 2010 51 comments

Labels: , , ,

Friday, March 12, 2010

Simply Pink and Green ... in 15 Minutes!


TGIF, Crafty Stampers!

It's another fabulous Friday and time for this week's "Stamp Simply" challenge! Since Sharon loves color, she asked us to create a project using one of her favorite color combinations: pink and green. Anything goes, as long as you use pink and green. And, as a bonus option, you can also add the color brown.

If you decide to play along, and we hope that you do, please link your project to Sharon's Mr. Linky, located HERE. If you upload your card to a public gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, please use keyword "ssnotime130" so we can find your entry.

We can't wait to see your pink and green ... and maybe brown ... projects!

I optioned out of the bonus option ... here's a look at my-pink-and-green-minus-brown creation:

Be sure to clicky HERE to see Sharon's gorgeous pink and green beauty ... and don't miss the rest of the beautiful projects created by the Stamp Simply 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,

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover., and,

Marlene Bender: Heart-Spring, our March Guest Designer.

This card couldn't have been simpler to create! I stamped my flourish using brush markers on Whisper White card stock, then stamped my font-a-licious sentiment on the same panel.

I created a 'path' using my Scor-It board, and adhered a ribbon slide tied with a pin grosgrain ribbon on the 'path', then punched a scalloped border using Stampin' Up's Scallop Trim border punch. So easy, even I could do it!

For all of the colorful product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooooo, I was hangin' out with Sheila yesterday when her 16-year-old nephew stopped by to share some good news with her.

"Aunt Sheila, I got a job! It's fantastic and I love it!" her nephew enthused.

"That's terrific, Ryan, I'm so glad to hear it." Sheila responded.

"Yeah, and I get two weeks paid vacation! I can't wait to find out where they send me!"

It must run in the family ...

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me ... have a great weekend!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

Card Recipe:
  • Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up
  • Stamps: Flourish by Hero Arts; Sentiment by Stampin' Up
  • Color Medium: Brush Markers
  • Accessories: Pink Grosgrain Ribbon; Ribbon Slide from Hodgepodge Hardware Set by Stampin' Up
  • Tools: Scor-It Board; Scallop Trim Border Punch by Stampin' Up; Mini Glue Dots; 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.

on Friday, March 12, 2010 42 comments

Labels: , , ,

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)