Simply Colorful ...

TGIF hoarding card-makers welcome to the weekend! And, since it's finally another Friday, it's time for another "Stamp Simply" challenge!

As Sharon has previously mentioned, color challenges are her favorite kind of challenge. This week, Sharon has challenged us to create a paper project using green, yellow, white or ivory, and a pop of black.

Here's a photo to help get those colorful and creative juices flowing:

I was instantly drawn to the eye-poppin' chartreuse green and black color combination in this comfy bedroom. BTW, you can clicky on the photo for a larger image that you can either print or save to your hard-drive for reference.

These fabulous colors inspired me to create this:

To play along ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a card or other paper project using the inspiration colors, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery, then visit Sharon's blog, located HERE to link up your project in Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime150" so that we can find your project.

Need more inspiration? Don't miss the fabulous projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Sharon, Our Fearless Leader: No Time to Stamp?;

AJ: The Willow Garden;

Barb: Explore. Dream. Discover.;

Barbara: Paper Pursuits;

Deb: Dream in Color;

Janine: 2 B Krafty;

Jenny: One Krafty Kat; and our talented Guest Designer for July,

Clare: Clare's Creations.

If you'd like, you can see all of the Splitcoast Stampers gallery submissions, HERE.

We can't wait to see your green, yellow, white or ivory, and a pop of black creations!

Soooooo yesterday, Reid-the-Wild-Child called me up to ask me when I'd take him back to the Library to exchange his "Moth" book. If you're at all curious ... or if you missed yesterday's post and are a glutton for punishment, you can read all about it HERE.

"Well, I can't take you until Saturday afternoon." I replied.

"Oh. Well, how 'bout if I pay you to take me to the Library tomorrow?" Reid proposed.

"Pay me with what? You got a Trust Fund I don't know about?"

"Here's what: I hate to say it, Auntie, but your blog hasn't been funny AT ALL lately so you need a good joke. How 'bout I pay you with this fantastic, funny, wild, crazy, awwwwweeeee-some new joke I know?"

"Wellllllll, I don't know, how 'bout a test drive?" I asked.

"No way, Jose. You can trick Mommy with that stuff, but not me."

"Alright, okay. I'll take you to the Library on Friday. Spill the joke, Kiddo."

"Okay, here goes: 'What do Eskimos get if they sit on the ice too long?'" Reid asked.

"I give up."

"Polaroids."

Hahahahahahahahahahahahah, Reid can't breathe he's laughing so hard. After a minute or two, the coughing and choking subsides and he finally composes himself.

"So, whaddya think? Great joke, right?" Reid asked.

"Wellllllll, ummm, sorry, but I don't get it." I teased him. "Splain."

"Well, heck I DON'T know what it means! I'm just a kid! Geez, never mind, I don't wanna go to the Library with you now anyway."

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Crafty Sentiments: Embossing (Wet/Heat)
• Create 4 Fun: Flowers
• Creative Inspirations: Animals
  
• Donna's Den of Crafts: Green
• Dutch Dare: Anything Goes
• For Fun Challenges: Colors of Summer
  
• Flutterby Wednesdays: Open (Butterflies)
• Paper Play: Anything Goes
  
• Rosie D's Challenge: All Creatures Great and Small
• Stamp n' Doodle: Anything Goes
  
• Stampin' Royalty: Keep It Simple Sweetie (KISS)
  
• Whoopsi Daisy: Vibrant Colors
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Basic Black" Card Stock by Stampin' Up!
• Designer Paper: "Green Tea" Designer Paper from the "Mocha Chica" Paper Collection by Kim Hughes for Cornish Heritage Farms
• Stamps: Flower Spray from "Nature Silhouettes" Set by Cornish Heritage Farms; Sentiment from "Trendy Trees" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: Versamark Watermark Ink by Tsukineko; "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up!
• Accessories: "Mellow Yellow" Speciality Embossing Powder by CopperKate; Flat-Back Pearls by Mark Richards
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; "Beautiful Wings" Embosslit Die by Stampin' Up!; Heat Tool by Stampin' Up!; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up!
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Side-Folded)
  

The CAS-tastic "Bling It Up" Challenge Is Up!

Hi Clean and Simple Stampers!

Just a quick note to let you all know that the CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge Blog is back up and running.

Please stop by and enter your submissions to the "Bling It Up" challenge by clicking HERE.

And thanks so much for your patience and continued support ... you guys rock!

~Sending hugs,

Hittin' the Designer Paper Stash ...

Happy Thursday, crafty stampers!

Today's card project was created for the Order of the Opus Gluei's "Fun with Ephemera" challenge ... among others. The OOG challenge itself is pretty self-explanatory: use original ephemera in your project. For all of the exciting challenge info, clicky HERE.

I decided to create a vintage-inspired, collage-style card:

CHA has inspired me to actually USE some of the product I already have and, to that end, I cut into some of this Paper Love Designs designer paper that I've been hoarding ♥'ing for six years. It only hurt for a minute ...

I also used: a vintage French-English vocabulary card, circa 1955; a flattened bottle-cap; a distressed mini-doily; a "cameo" button; a typewriter key-style word tile; a compass sticker; and, a stamped image of the Eiffel Tower. For the complete product list, check out the Card Recipe, below.

I've made a vow to start using some of the gorgeous designer paper I have stashed away. Since I'm afraid sure you'd like to use up some of your stash, I'm challenging you to cut into some of the DP you're hoarding, too. I promise, you'll actually feel good about it. Or, do it if for no other reason than you've gotta make room for the new stuff! Either way, you'll be glad to be using some of the product you already own.

Sooooooo, yesterday Sheila needed some away-from-Reid time and recruited me to entertain him for an hour or two.

When I picked him up, he started yakkin' non-stop about moths ... not butterflies; moths. As he went on and on enthusiastically, I suggested that we go to the library and pick up a few books about moths.

When we go to the Public Library, Reid asked me to vamoose.

"I wanna pick out my books all by myself, Auntie."

"Are you sure? We could've been in the 'moths' section already."

"I'm sure. No help. I can do it alllllll by myself." Reid announced.

Alrighty then, so off I went to browse through some new novels.

Twenty minutes later Reid reappeared carrying a huge book and announced he was ready to check-out. Allllll by himself. And, since he has his own library card, I stood back and let him 'do it allllll by himself.'

The librarian took his library card, then picked up his book, entitled, The Comprehensive Guide for Mothers.

"Are you sure you want this one, Sweetie? Is this for your Mom?" the librarian asked.

"Nope. It's for me. I just started collecting 'em."

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Crafty Pad Challenge: Vintage
  
• Etsy Inspired: "EmenGee Designs" (Silhouette and Flower)
  
• My Sheri Crafts: Vacation (in Paris!)
• If the Shoe Fits: Take a Vacay!
  
• Order of the Opus Gluei: Ephemera
• Sweet Stampin' #36: Vintage
  
• One Stitch at a Time: Black, White, & One (Blue)
  
• Our Daily Bread Designs: Distress It
  
• Practical Scrappers: Seven Different Items
  
• Ready, Steady, Stamp: Travel / Map / Card Stock / Patterned Paper / Metal Embellishment
  
• Res-Q Challenge: Put Your Glasses On (Typewriter Key-Style Word Tile)
• Stamp Something: Something Flowery ('Paris' Postcard)
• Stampin' with the Dragon: Distressing
• Stamping Vacation Very Vintage: Paper Doily
• Terrifically Thrilling Thursday: Vacation Time (Paris!)
  
• Theme Thursday Challenge: Words

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Paris" by Paper Love Designs (No Longer Available)
• Stamp: Eiffel Tower Stamp by Diva Impressions ( No Longer Available)
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; "Old Paper" Distress Ink by Ranger
• Accessories: Bottle Cap; Typewriter Key-Style Tiles by K&Company (No Longer Available); Cameo Button, Unknown; Compass Bottle-Cap Sticker by Design Originals; Mini-Doily; French-English Vocabulary Card; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Paper Cutter
  
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Top-Folded)
  

Get Your Bling On ...

Happy Stump Day, hampers ... and welcome to another fantastic CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge!

ETA: Due to some unexpected technical difficulties, the "Bling It Up" submission/collection post is not appearing on the CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge blog. I'll let you know as soon as it's up and running and you can submit your fabulous entries. Thanks for your patience and understanding!

This week, we're inviting you to "Bling it Up!" Join us in creating clean and simple cards with bling! You can use rhinestones, stickles, and gems ... just keep your creation "clean and simple."

For my "Bling it Up" project, I used some three-dimensional stickers I've had forever, some alphabet squares, and a spray of impossibly-difficult-to-adhere rhinestones:

To play along ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a Clean And Simple card with bling!

Upload your project to your blog or online gallery and link your post to the CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge blog, located HERE, by 9:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, August 3, 2010. Please mention that you're playing in the CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge on your blog post. One random winner will win a fabulous prize from this week's fantastic CAS-tastic sponsor, "Whimsy Stamps."

Be sure to submit your link to the "Simply Linked" widget on the CAS-tastic Wednesday blog. If you upload your project to an online gallery such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please be sure to use Keyword: CWC014.

Need more inspiration? Check out the fabulous cards created by the rest of the CAS-tastic Design Team:

Agata: Under Construction;

Angie: Angie Cortes Designs;

Barbara: Paper Pursuits;

Bonnie Rose: A Life Unrehearsed;

Karen: The Bald Dragonfly;

Maylee: Maylee's Creative Corner; and,

Regina: Regina's Scrap Creations.

We can't wait to see your blinged-out clean and simple cards!

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Crazy 4 Challenges: Inspiration (Bright Colors, Circles)
  
• Createalicious: 3-D
• Creative Cottage: Touchy Feely
• Creative Inspiration: Anything Goes
  
• Mami Doodles: Anything Goes
  
• Pile It On: Stretch That Plastic (Plastic Letter Tiles)

Insert Witty Title Here ...

Happy Tuesday, stampin' card-makers! Hope you're having a fabulous day!

Today's card project was created for the Unscripted Sketches challenge, number 65. For all of the challenging deets, including a look at the sketch I followed, clicky HERE.

I flipped the sketch 90 degrees to the left:

I stamped my image in Distress ink and used some recycled corrugated cardboard to back my vintage buttons. For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for the rest of the sketchy product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooo as you may recall, Sheila was in Wisconsin all of last week, so this past weekend, her sister, Jill, and I teamed up to keep Reid-the-Wild-Child entertained for the day. After several exhausting hours at the Dreher Park Zoo, we decided to grab a quick bite to eat before heading home.

Reid was hot and tired and whined that we had to take him to eat at McDonald's. Okay, we can do that ... so off we went in search of the Golden Arches.

When the crankly l'il bugger finally got his Happy Meal, he was so unhappy with his toy that he threw it on the ground.

That's when Jill said, "Hey, you pick that up and play with that! There are starving children in China making those!"

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Allsorts Challenge: Baby/Child (Baby Shoes)
• Alphabet Challenge: 'M' is for Men
• Cowgirls Sunday Challenge: Anything Goes
• Crafty Ho's Challenge: Inspiration
  
• Creatalicious Challenge: Show Some 3D
• Creative Inspiration: Anything Goes
• Everybody Art: Blue and White
• Let's Capture Our Memories: Upcycle (Cardboard)
• Lots to Do: Shapes (Circles)
  
• Our Daily Bread Designs: Distress It (Edges of Brown Mat)
• Prairie Fairy Fun Friday: Lacing (In Shoes; Buttons)
• Raise the Bar: Distressed (Edges of Brown Mat)
  
• Speedy the Cat's Friends: Masculine
  
• Stamp With Fun: Card for a Boy/Man
  
• Unscripted Sketches: Sketch #65
• Wee Memories: Stamping
  

Card Stock:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Granola" Collection by BasicGrey
• Other Paper: Corrugated Cardboard
  
• Stamp: "Roses in Winter" by Diva Impressions (Out-of-Business)
• Ink: "Walnut Stain" Distress Ink by Ranger; Frosted White Fluid Chalk Ink by Clearsnap;
• Accessories: Vintage Buttons; Jewelry Cord
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Die; Sharp Scissors (For Distressing); Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Top-Folded)
  

Two's Company, Three's a Crowd ...

TGIF stampin' paper-hoarders and welcome to the weekend! And, since it's finally another Friday, it's time for another "Stamp Simply" challenge!

Is "two company, and three a crowd?" It is this week! This week, the Stamp Simply team is challenging you to use "2 of Something" on your card or other paper project. Some fun twosomes include: 2 different patterned papers, 2 stamped images, 2 brads, 2 flowers, 2 bows, or 2 charms. Be creative ... but don't add that third 'something' ... only 2 are allowed! Have fun with this one!

I created my card using: 2 different stamped images; 2 sets of 2 different patterned papers, 2 different inks, 2 different colors of card stock, and 2 ribbons:

To play along ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a card or other paper project using "2 of Something," upload it to your blog or online photo gallery, then visit Sharon's blog, located HERE to link up your project in Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime149" so that we can find your project.

Need more inspiration? Don't miss the fabulous projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat; (Jenny is on hiatus this week)

Sharon Johnson, Our Fearless Leader: No Time to Stamp?;

Janine Orchard: 2BKrafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.; (Barb is on hiatus this week), and our fabulous Guest Designer for July,

Clare Buswell: Clare's Creations.

If you'd like, you can see all of the Splitcoast gallery submissions, HERE.

We can't wait to see your "2 of Something" project!

Sooooo yesterday, Sheila's insane crazy sister, Jill, stopped by. Since Sheila is away, apparently I'm her go-to-shoulder.

"Jack and I had a huge fight. It was over such a stupid thing, too. And now I'm so upset ... and I can't stop crying ... what should I do?" Jill asked, sobbing.

"Oh, don't worry, Jill, these things happen. Just try and relax ... this will all blow over, just you wait and see. He'll be calling to apologize before you know it." I offered.

"No, he won't. He hates me now."

"He doesn't hate you ... you had a silly fight. He'll realize that it was silly, too, and then you two will kiss and make-up." I said.

"No, he won't. And he DOES hate me."

"Umm, yes, he WILL, Jill." I said, beginning to hate her a l'il myself.

"He won't. I know he won't."

"He WILL." I insisted, completely exasperated.

"No he won't. I know it. And even if I apologize to him, he won't forgive me. Men are good for only one thing!" She declared.

"Well, yes," I said, "but how often do you need to parallel park?"

Thanks so much for spending part of your very busy day with me ... hope you have a fantastic weekend!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Crafty Creations: Happy or Sweet (Sweet Sentiment)
• Creative Cottage: Touchy Feely (Ribbon)
• Creative Inspirations: Oldest in Stash (DP 5+ Yrs Old)
• Digi Doodle: Anything Goes
  
• Etsy Inspired: "Mermaid Tears" (Berry Brown Earrings)
• KL Stampin' N' Scrappin': Ribbon
• Let's Capture Our Memories: Use Your Stash (Designer Paper)
  
• Practical Scrappers: 1+ Year Old Stash (Designer Paper)
• Stamptacular Sunday: Ice Cream Colors (Hot Fudge Sundae)
  
• The Play Date Cafe #39: Color Inspiration (Black Text)
• The Stamp Man Challenge: Anything Goes
• Totally Stampalicious: For My Best Friend
  
• Whimsical Ink Sat Challenge: Two Different Patterned Papers
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Chocolate Chip" and "Crumb Cake" (f/k/a 'Kraft') Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Antique Document" and "Perennials" from the "Forget-Me-Not" Collection (Discontinued) by Daisy D's
• Stamps: Floral Border and Sentiment from "Vintage Vogue" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; "Chestnut Roan" Fluid Chalk Ink by Clearsnap
• Accessories: Vintage Seam Binding Tape
• Tools: Mini Glue Dots; Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, Perfect Layers Tool, and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

CAS-tastic Summer ...

Happy Stump Day, hampers ... and welcome to another fantastic CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge! This week, we're inviting you to join us in creating cards inspired by all things "summer."

I created my card following a sketch created by the Drunken Stampers for Drunken Stampers Challenge #25, which you can see HERE.

Here's my summer-inspired card:

To play along ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a Clean And Simple card inspired by summer.

Upload your project to your blog or online gallery and link your post to the CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge blog, located HERE, by 9:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Please mention that you're playing in the CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge on your blog post. One random winner will win a $10.00 gift certificate from this week's fantastic CAS-tastic sponsor, "Tiddly Inks."

Be sure to submit your link to the "Simply Linked" widget on the CAS-tastic Wednesday blog. If you upload your project to an online gallery such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please be sure to use Keyword: CWC013.

Need more inspiration? Check out the fabulous cards created by the rest of the CAS-tastic Design Team:

Agata: Under Construction;

Angie: Angie Cortes Designs;

Barbara: Paper Pursuits;

Bonnie Rose: A Life Unrehearsed;

Karen: The Bald Dragonfly;

Maylee: Maylee's Creative Corner; and,

Regina: Regina's Scrap Creations.

We can't wait to see your clean and simple summer inspired card!

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Allsorts: Summer Days
• Bunny Zoe's Crafts: Summer Days
• Cards for Men: Recipe
• Crafty Ann's: Sir Cliff Richard: "Summer Holiday"
• Crafty Calendar: Summer
  
• Crazy Challenge: Boys Will Be Boys
• Creative Craft World: Holiday
• Cutie Stampers: Summer
  
• Daring Cardmakers: Sea Related (Beach Scene)
• Delightful Challenges: Life's a Beach
  
• Donna's Den of Crafts: It's a Man's World
  
• Drunken Stampers, #25: Sketch
• Everybody Art: Blue and White
• Fab 'n' Funky: Reuse or Recycle (Cardboard)
  
• If the Shoe Fits: Take a Vacay!
  
• Iris: No Designer Paper
• La-La Land Crafts: Upcycle (Corrugated Cardboard)
  
• Mami Doodles: Anything Goes
  
• Papertake Weekly: Cutie-Patootie
• Prairie Fairy: For the Boys
  
• S2G's Twisted Thursdays: Water, Waves, Wetness
• Secret Crafter Saturday: Summer Holidays
• Sentimental Sundays: For Men
  
• The Town Scrapper: Anything Goes
• Wee Memories: Summer Fun
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Other Paper: Recycled Corrugated Cardboard
  
• Stamp: "Tin Can Mail" by Inkadinkado
• Ink: Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Color Medium: "Titan Buff" Acrylic Paint by Golden Industries
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rick-Rack Die by PTI; Fish Die by Provo Craft; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Simply Clean and Simple Sketch ...

TGIF stampin' paper-hoarders and welcome to the weekend! And, since it's finally another Friday, it's time for another "Stamp Simply" challenge!

This week, Sharon has provided a Clean and Simple sketch for you to follow. Feel free to go "clean and simple" or you can dress up this basic sketch:

If you click on the sketch, another window will open with a much larger version of the sketch. You can right click, "copy" or "save as" and save the sketch to your hard-drive. Or you can simply print the sketch from the open window.

Here's what I created following this fabulous sketch:

To play along ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a card or other paper project following this sketch, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery, then visit Sharon's blog, located HERE to link up your project in Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime148" so that we can find your project.

Need more inspiration? Don't miss the fabulous projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Sharon Johnson, Our Fearless Leader: No Time to Stamp?;

Janine Orchard: 2BKrafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.; and our fabulous Guest Designer for July,

Clare Buswell: Clare's Creations.

If you'd like, you can see all of the Splitcoast Stampers gallery submissions HERE.

Sooooooooo, I want to mention to everyone who's emailed me ... or expecting an email from me ... that my email service is out-of-order ... and has been all day. I don't know if it's Outlook, AOL, or a hardware failure. I've got the DH working on it, but he can only work on my machine when I'm not working, so who knows when it will be up and running normally. Thanks for your patience and understanding!

Thanks so much for spending part of your very busy day with me ... hope you have a fabulous weekend!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• ABC Challenge: You and Me
• Aly's Sunday Challenge: Red, or White, or Blue / All Three
• City Crafter Challenge: English Rose (Red, Blue, White)
  
• Party Time Tuesdays: Anything Goes Birthday
  
• Papercraft Star: Sports Team (NY Giants)
• Papertake Weekly: In The Garden
• Pile It On: Holiday Twist (4th of July Colors)
  
• Terrifically Thrilling Thursday: Layers (5)
  
• Theme Thursday: Something Round (Eyelets, Dots)
  
• Totally Stampalicious: Splash of Red (I Used Two Splashes)
• Wild Orchid Challenge: Say it With Flowers
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Night of Navy" and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Report Card" Collection by October Afternoon
• Stamps: Sentiment by Papertrey Ink; Image by Great Impressions
• Ink: "Night of Navy" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Color Medium: Copic Marker
• Accessories: Jumbo Eyelets; Bakery Twine
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; "Swiss Dots" A2 Embossing Folder by Provo Craft; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Top-Folded)
  

Trees Three if You Please ...

Happy Thursday, crafty stampers ... hope your week is flying by!

If you haven't guessed from the above photo, today's card project is a Christmas card. I have vowed to make 200 holiday cards between now and December 15 in an effort to actually get some of them in the mail. Yup, that would be a Christmas miracle!

Here's this week's clean and simple holiday miracle card:

This card was created with the wildly popular Stampin' Up set, "Trees Three." It's been retired for some time but people are still paying outlandish prices for these on eBay. Truth is, I think this set is more popular now than it was when it was originally released! By the way, if you're in the market for this set, I could be persuaded to sell mine ... just sayin'.

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

So, since Sheila left for Wisconsin, I've been pickin' up a few hours of babysitting with Reid-the-Wild-Child.

So, yesterday, when Sheila's insane wacky sister, Jill, stopped by with her equally insane wacky boyfriend, Jack, I figgered they were there to relieve me.

"Oh, no, Deb," Jill said, "we're just here for moral support."

Great. That's what I needed: moral support.

"Well, duh, don't forget about the gift for Reid." Jack offered.

At word of presents, Reid hurried into the kitchen to see what he'd scored.

"Here ya go, big guy," Jack said, handing over a small package, "hope you can use these!"

Reid tore into the package ... and pulled out a pair of 'C' size batteries.

"Umm, thank you very much. But ... what do I do with these?" Reid asked.

"Geez, I dunno, kid" Jack replied, "don't you have some toys that need batteries?"

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Cards for Men: Christmas in July
• Catch the Bug: Christmas in July
• Christmas Cards All Year Round: Anything Goes
• Christmas Stampin' All Year Long: Free Challenge
  
• Drunken Stampers: Water (Snow = Frozen Water)
  
• Fab 'n' Funky: It's Christmas!
  
• Freshly Brewed: Christmas in July
• Fussy and Fancy Friday: Christmas in July Part 2
  
• Little Red Wagon: Use a Tree
  
• Magical Crafts: Christmas in July
  
• Paper Cutz: Christmas in July
  
• Shabby Tea Room: Christmas in July
  
• Squigglefly: Christmas in July
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Buckaroo Blue" (Retired), "Chocolate Chip," and "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: All Stamps from "Trees Three" Stamp Set (Retired) by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Buckaroo Blue" and "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Satin Ribbon
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

A "Simple" Recipe ...

Happy Stump Day, hampers ... and welcome to another fantastic CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge! This week, we're inviting you to join us in a card recipe challenge. Curious? It's "S.I.M.P.L.E!"

Simply create a clean and simple card using at least 3 of the following:

• A stamped or printed image;
• Inked edges;
• Masking;
• Paper Piercing;
• Lace; and/or,
• Embossing.

For my card, I: Stamped a sentiment, paper-pierced the sentiment label, and embossed my card stock background:

To play along ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a Clean And Simple card using at least three of the qualifying items.

Upload your project to your blog or online gallery and link your post to the CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge blog, located HERE, by 9:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, July 20, 2010. Please mention that you're playing in the CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge on your blog post. One random winner will win a £10.00 gift voucher from this week's fantastic CAS-tastic sponsor, "One Stop Card Crafts."

Be sure to submit your link to the "Simply Linked" widget on the CAS-tastic Wednesday blog. If you upload your project to an online gallery such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please be sure to use Keyword: CWC012.

Need more inspiration? Check out the fabulous cards created by the rest of the CAS-tastic Design Team:

Agata: Under Construction;

Angie: Angie Cortes Designs:

Barbara: Paper Pursuits;

Bonnie Rose: A Life Unrehearsed;

Karen: The Bald Dragonfly;

Maylee: Maylee's Creative Corner; and,

Regina: Regina's Scrap Creations.

We can't wait to see your clean and "S.I.M.P.L.E." card!

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• A Passion for Papertrey: To Die For (Labels One, Square Die)
• Alphabet Challenge: 'K' is for Kids
• C.R.A.F.T. Challenge: Babies / Children
  
• Creative Inspirations: Oldest Thing in Stash (This Pinwheel)
  
• KL Stampin n' Scrappin: Dry Embossing
• My Sheri Crafts: Family
• Papertrey Paper Dolls: Color
  
• Practical Scrappers: Embossing
• The Crazy Challenge: Hip to Be Square
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: Card Stock by Papertrey Ink; "Corn Flower Blue" Card Stock by CTMH
  
• Stamp: Sentiment from Papertrey Ink
• Ink: Dye Ink by CTMH
• Accessories: Ancient Pinwheel Embellishment by Meri Meri; DMC Embroidery Floss
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Labels and Square Dies by Spellbinders; "Spots and Dots" A2 Embossing Folder by Provo Craft; Paper Piercing Tool by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Hey, Don't Look at Me ...

Happy Tuesday, crafty stampers wherever you are ... hope you're staying cool and happy!

Today's card project was created for the Finding Inspiration in a Layout Challenge in the Moxie Fab World. The challenge is to create a card based on a gorgeous scrapbook layout. Specifically, this layout:

I'm not a scrapbooker, but if I were I'd wanna create pages like this beauty!

For all of the challenging, Moxie Fab deets, clicky HERE to check out the challenge ... and there's still loads of time left to enter!

Here's my take on the challenge:

The color palette, paper strips, buttons, and round elements are taken right from the layout ... the cord running through the buttons was inspired by the white ropes in the photo, and the sentiment was inspired by the subject's willingness to try something new.

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

Soooooooo, yesterday I headed over to Sheila's to help her pack for her annual trip to her sister's in Wisconsin.

I couldn't help but notice how cranky, teary, and clingy Reid-the-Wild-Child was but chalked it up to Sheila's upcoming trip.

When Sheila's DH came home, I got the answer:

"Daddy, I have a loose tooth. If it falls out while Mommy is gone, do you know how to handle this tooth fairy thing?"

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• 2 Sisters Challenge: Anything Goes
• Ann's Creative Nook: Anything Goes
  
• Speedy the Cat's Friends' Challenge: Punch It (Circle Punch)
• Moxie Fab World: Finding Inspiration in a Layout Challenge
• Paper Playtime: Bubbles (Flowers Look Like Bubbles)
• Pollycraft Monday: Bold and Bright
  
• Practicing Creativity: Paulina's Sketch
• Going Grey with Scrap-Creations: Summer
  
• Whoopsi Daisy: Vibrant Colors
  
• Your Next Stamp: Flower Power
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Vintage Cream" Card Stock by Papertrey Ink
  
• Designer Papers: "Offbeat Collection" by BasicGrey; "Earth Love" Collection by Cosmo Cricket
• Stamps: All Stamps from "Simple Little Things" Limited Edition, First Anniversary Stamp Set by Papertrey Ink
• Ink: All Dye Inks by Stampin' Up!
• Accessories: Vintage White Bakery Cord; Vintage Buttons
• Tools: 1 3/4" Circle Punch by Stampin' Up; Mini Glue Dots; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top Folded)
  

Ahhhh, The Simple Things ...

Happy Monday hoarding card-makers ... hope your weekend was long and fabulous!

Today's card project was created for the Color Throwdown in honor of their 100th challenge ... congratulations CTD; here's to the next 100!

To help celebrate their 100th challenge, the team has come up with this fab color combination:

And here's my take:

There's still time to play along! Clicky HERE for all of the challenging deets.

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

Soooooooo, this weekend Sheila and I decided to head out to our favorite beach.

"Did you bring sunblock?" Sheila asked as we settled into our beach chairs.

"Of course. Need some?"

"What did you bring?" Sheila asked.

"SPF 45." I replied.

"Not strong enough. I wanna squeeze the tube and a sweater comes out."

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• City Crafter: Some Like It Hot
• Color Throwdown 100th Challenge: Color
• Corrosive Challenge: Sketch
  
• Cowgirls Sunday Challenge: Sherbet and Ice Cream
• Cupcake Inspiration #67: Colors
• Cute Card Thursday: Schools Out for Summer
• Delightful Sketches: Bright Summer Colors
• Easy Craft Projects: Summer
  
• Etsy Inspired: "Octavia Brown" (Art Deco Glass Compote)
• Fresh Brewed Challenges: Summertime
  
• Hanna and Friends: Unused Stamps (Cherry Stamps)
  
• Opus Gluei: Make Someone Smile
• Paper Sundaes: Lots of Layers
  
• Pile It On: A Holiday Twist
• Cupcards {2 Go}*: Something Fun & Fruity (Cherries)
  
• Terrifically Thrilling Thursday: Celebrate the Small Stuff
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Cherry Hill" Collection by October Afternoon
• Stamp: Cherry Images from "Fabulous Fruit" Stamp Set (Retired) by Stampin' Up; Sentiment by Hero Arts
• Ink: All Dye Inks by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Grosgrain Ribbon
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Long Rectangle Die; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)

*Thanks, Erin ;)

Simply Christmas ...

TGIF stampin' paper-hoarders and welcome to the weekend! And, since it's finally another Friday, it's time for another "Stamp Simply" challenge!

One week a month, Sharon turns one of the DT members loose and let's us pick the challenge. This time around, it's my turn! And since I ♥ Christmas ... and since most of the country is suffering a heatwave, I've chosen "Christmas in July." So, this week create a Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa project ... the more festive, the better!

Pop in a holiday CD and break out the snowflake dies! Why not get a jump-start on your holiday card-making and play along.

Here's my super-simple, punchy Christmas card:

To play along ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a holiday project, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery, then visit Sharon's blog, located HERE to link up your project in Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime147" so that we can find your holiday project.

Need more inspiration? Don't miss the fabulous projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Sharon Johnson, Our Fearless Leader: No Time to Stamp?;

Janine Orchard: 2BKrafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.; and our fabulous Guest Designer for July,

Clare Buswell: Clare's Creations.

If you'd like, you can see all the Splitcoast Stamper gallery submissions, HERE.

Sooooooo in keeping with the holiday theme, yesterday Sheila, her not-playing-with-a-full-deck fun sister, Jill, and I went out to our favorite tree nursery. We went looking for Foxtail Palms, but somehow ended up looking at baby pine trees.

"Oh, girls, I think we should get our Christmas trees now!" Jill exclaimed.

"Oh, Jill, I think NO." Sheila mimicked.

"But why not?" Jill persisted.

"Because Ms. Fruit-Loops, it's July ... and these are BABY trees, that's why." Sheila answered.

"Well, yeah, they're kinda small right now, but if we buy them now, they'll be huge at Christmas!" Jill replied.

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• ABC Christmas Challenge: Noel
  
• Cards for Men: Christmas in July
• Christmas Cards All Year 'Round: Anything Goes
• Christmas Stampin' All Year Long: Free Challenge
  
• Corrosive Challenge: Christmas in July
• Die Cut Dreams Christmas Club: Christmas Wreath
  
• Flourishes Timeless Tuesdays: Christmas in July
• Fussy and Fancy Challenge: Christmas in July
  
• Incy Wincy Designs: Punches (Pine Bough Punch)
  
• Meljen's Designs: Circles Galore (Wreath)
  
• Pile It On: My Favorite Things (Christmas!)
• Simple Doodles: Holiday Fun
  
• Stampin' B's Design Team: Polka Dots (On Wreath)
• Winter Wonderland: T'was The Night Before Christmas
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamp: Sentiment from "Christmas Foliage" Stamp Set (Retired) by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Real Red" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Red Satin Ribbon
• Tools: Bow Easy by Stamp Simply Ribbon Store; Pine Bough Punch by Martha Stewart; SAMJ by Stampin' Up; Tombow Mulit Mono-Glue from Stampin' Up; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up; Crop-a-Dile and Corner Chomper by WRMK'ers
  
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

A Very Grungy Birthday ...

Happy Thursday, hoarding card-makers ... hope your week is flyin' by!

Today's card project was created for my grungy/distressed/manly birthday card stash using a new tree stamp from CTMH, some old cardboard, and some vintage lace salvaged from an old crocheted table runner:

Pretty darn grungy, huh?

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

Soooooo, yesterday Sheila and I were flipping through one of Sheila's photo albums when her crazy fun sister, Jill, stopped by.

"Hey, Jill, look at this! It's a great photo of you!" I said to Jill.

"Oh, that. That's my passport picture." she replied.

"Really? Where did you go?" I asked.

"Walgreens."

Thanks so much for swingin' by today ... I ♥ it when you do!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• 365 Cards, Day 129: Aged Look
• ABC Challenge: 'Y' is For You and Me (2 Stamped Images)
• Ai Factory: Recycle, Upcycle, Reuse (Cardboard and Lace)
  
• Crafty Cardmakers: Inky Fingers
  
• Cowgirls Sunday: Celebration, Scallops, Embellies (Scalloped Lace)
  
• Cuttlebug Challenge: Doilies and Lace
• Lexi's Creations: Layers / 3D Decoupage
• Little Red Wagon: Nestabilities (Rectangle Dies)
  
• One Stitch at a Time: Lace, Ribbons, Bows (Crocheted Lace)
  
• One Stop Craft Challenge: Distressing
• Paper Playtime: It's a Guy Thing
  
• Stamping Vacation, Embellish It: Twine
• Stamping Vacation, No-No Challenge: Ribbon
  
• Wild Flower Wednesday: Grunge
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Chocolate Chip" and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Other Paper: Cardboard
• Stamps: Sentiment from PTI; Tree from "Treetops" Stamp Set by CTMH
• Ink: "Almost Artichoke" and "Close to Cocoa" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; "Vintage Photo" Distress Ink by Ranger
  
• Accessories: Mini Metal Library Clips by Stampin' Up; Natural Jute Twine; Vintage Crocheted Lace; Jump Ring
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Nestabilities Dies by Spellbinders; Tiny Tag Die; Distressing Tool; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)