Simply Inspired ...

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

This week, Sharon has fallen in love! Oh, with a photo ... of an Indian bridal sari. Check out the fabulous colors, the texture, the shimmer of the fabric, the beading, and the patterns. WoW, this really is stunning, no?!?

So, today's challenge is to use this photo for your inspiration and just run with it ... take what speaks to you from this photo and show us your fab creations! Be sure to share with us what spoke to you from this gorgeous photo:

Omigosh, where to begin with this beautiful image?!?

I was inspired by the rich, luxe colors of this fabulous sari and the amazing textures. So, with color and texture in mind, I chose faux textured designer papers from Cosmo Cricket's "Souvenir" collection and created a fall-themed card:

To play along in this week's challenge ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a card or other paper project using the photo of the Bridal Wedding Sari for your inspiration. Then, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery and 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: "ssnotime158" so that we can find your project.

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

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

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Janine Orchard: 2 B Krafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.; and, our amazing Guest Designer for September,

Chrissie Stokes: Simply One of a Kind.

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

We can't wait to see your Bridal Sari Inspired project!

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

~Hugs,


Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Patterned Papers from the "Souvenir" Collection by Cosmo Cricket
• Stamp: Sentiment by PTI
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; "Old Paper" Distress Ink by Ranger
  
• Accessories: Antique Copper Index Frame and Brads from Antique Copper 'Hodgepodge Hardware' Collection by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Leaf Die by Spellbinders; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Side-Folded)
  

Have a Witchy Halloween ...

Happy Stump Day, hampers ... hope you're enjoying a fabulous Wednesday!

Since I'm currently trying to earn a l'il money, as opposed to just spendin' it, I'm still making ... and selling ... altered paper bag albums. Since I've been a l'il lax in the card-making department of late, I thought I'd share my latest album with you.

That big, brown thing in the top photo is the front cover. And,

this ^ spread is pages two and three. Check out the bottled "Swamp Fog" ... carefully collected for you from the greatest of all living swamps, the Florida Everglades. I've also bottled up some "Bat Skeletons" and a goodly collection of nicely-yellowed "Vampire Fangs" ... just for you. And that's a real, working monocle you see on the left ... tucked in with those original prescriptions from the 1930's.

Have you noticed that I have a pile of the weirdest. things. ever?!? Moving onward,

this ^ spread is pages four and five; and,

this ^ spread is pages six and seven ... notice the v-e-r-y old (1920's) photos of authentic, haunted houses. No, really! Would I kid you?!? Which brings us to

this ^ spread ... pages eight and nine; and, finally

this ^ spread ... pages ten and eleven. Check out that rare photo, circa 1918, capturing the images of members of one of the largest Covens of Witches in Boston. True story!

This was such a fun album to create ... for one of my most favorite holidays! Hope you enjoyed looking at my photos. And if you're a true glutton for punishment, you can click on the photos for the ginormous view.

This album is currently up for auction on eBay, so if you're interested in seeing tons more photos of this album ... including lots of detail shots ... and a close-up of that precious commodity, Swamp Fog, clicky HERE. Honestly, it's worth the trip just to see my super-cool Halloween auction template. TIP: When you get to my auction, mouse-over the header photo. And turn your speakers on ... isn't that super-spooooooky!?!

Since I really love this album, I won't be too sorry if it doesn't sell. BUT, if it does sell, I'd rather see this go live with you. So, if you're interested in purchasing this OOAK, altered art Halloween album chock full of original, vintage ephemera, simply contact me directly. And despite what my eBay listing says, I will ship internationally. The only caveat is you'll need to make arrangements through me. You can shoot me an email by clicking HERE.

I'll be back on Friday with yet another exciting Stamp Simply challenge ... 'til then, stay safe and keep smiling!

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

~Hugs,

Cracked But Not Broken ...

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

This week, the fabulous Deb Saaranen is in the driver's seat and Deb's challenge is to create a card or other paper project using the "Cracked Glass" technique. This technique works particularly well on vintage or wintry creations, but feel free to use it in any way that strikes your fancy.

If you've never done the technique ... or need a quick refresher, click HERE for a terrific tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers. If you prefer, there's also a video tutorial available on the very same page.

I stamped my vintage image on a spectrum-style paint sample card:

My card contains all of the requisite "vintage" elements: an image of a vintage child, the color brown, something that dangles, the color brown, a collage image, the color brown, walnut ink stained fabric, the color brown, and grungy/antiqued/brown patterned paper over-stamped with text using second-generation brown Distress ink.

To play along in this week's challenge ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a card or other paper project using the Cracked Glass technique. Then, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery and 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: "ssnotime157" so that we can find your project.

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

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

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Janine Orchard: 2 B Krafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover. (Barb is not feeling well and is sitting out this week ... feel better, Barb!); and our fabulous Guest Designer for September,

Chrissie Stokes: Simply One of a Kind.

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

We can't wait to see your amazing "Cracked Glass" project!

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

~Hugs,



Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock (Brown) by Stampin' Up!
• Designer Paper: "Antique Light" (Brown) by Pebbles 'Real Life'
• Other Paper: Gradient Paint Sample Card
• Stamps: Collage Style Tag Stamp by Tuscan Rose; Vintage Girl Stamp, Unknown (Unmounted); "Definition" BG Stamp by Stampin' Up!
  
• Ink: Versamark Watermark/Embossing Ink; "Timber Brown" Solvent Ink by Tsukineko; "Vintage Photo" Distress Ink by Ranger; "Soft Suede" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up!
• Accessories: Melt Art "Clear" UTEE; Vintage Seam Binding Tape; Double-Ended Swivel; Walnut Ink Stained Seam Binding Tape
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Labels Die by Spellbinders; Corner Chomper by WRMK'ers; 1/16" Circle Punch; Small Tag Punch; Heat Gun; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up!
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Boo to You, Too ...

Happy Stump Day, hampers! Hope you're having a fabulous day!

So, I'm still paper bag album-making and I thought I'd share my latest album with you. This is a "waterfall" album and consists of just two brown paper bags.

The first photo ^ is the cover and a look at the "falls."

This ^ spread is pages two and three;

This ^ spread is pages four and five; and,

This ^ spread is pages six and seven. The end.

If you'd like, you can clicky on the photos for a larger photo.

This album is currently up for auction on eBay. If you're interested in seeing tons more photos and my not-to-be-missed-uber-kewl Halloween auction template, clicky HERE. TIP: When you get to my auction, mouse-over the header photo. And turn your speakers on .... super-spooooooky!

I'd love to see this album go home with one of my bloggin' friends, so if you're interested in purchasing this baby, please contact me directly. And despite what my eBay listing says, I will ship internationally, but you must make purchase arrangements through me. You can shoot me an email by clicking HERE.

I'll be back again soon ... life, the never-ending-case-of-pneumonia-complicated-by-seasonal-allergies-further-complicated-by-a-possible-mold-problem, and maybe a move ... is keepin' me hoppin'. Rhetorically speakin' ...

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

~Hugs,

Simply Masculine ...

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

This week, Sharon has challenged us to create The. Dreaded. Man. Card. This week, let's come up with some great 'guy-cards' ... for any reason: birthday, thank you, get well, thinking of you, etc. Just make a card that is more suited to sending to the guys in our lives. Uh, oh, one teensy-tiny stipulation: NO BOWS! You may use ribbon or string ... but only in a "manly" fashion.

Here's my take on a bow-free, stringy masculine card:

You might not be able to tell from my photo, but I stamped my beloved fern background stamp using watermark ink, then embossed with 'Topiary' embossing powder.

To play along in this week's challenge ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a masculine card following the ribbon-or-string-but-no-bows guidelines. Then, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery and 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: "ssnotime156" so that we can find your project.

Need more inspiration? Don't miss the fabulously manly 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: 2BKrafty; and,

Jenny: One Krafty Kat.

We can't wait to see your manly creations!

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

~Hugs,


Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up!
• Stamps: Fern Background Stamp by Peddler's Pack; Sentiment from "Sincere Salutations" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: Versamark Watermark Ink for Embossing; Sentiment Stamped with "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up!
• Accessories: Hemp Jewelry Cord by Elements; 'Topiary' Embossing Powder by Stamp-N-Stuff
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Oval Die by Spellbinders; Heat Gun; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up!
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Side-Folded)
  

Now, Something Completely Different ...

Happy Stump Day, hampers ... hope your Wednesday is fabulous!

Today's paper project is a vintage-inspired, paper bag album I currently have up for auction on eBay. You can clicky HERE to see additional photos and information on all the original, vintage ephemera packed inside this album. Some of these items date back to 1895 ... hope I look this good at 115!

If you're interested in purchasing this baby, please contact me directly ... despite what my eBay listing says, I will ship internationally, but you must make arrangements through me. You can shoot me an email by clicking HERE.

Here's a few shots of the interior of the album:

Pages 2 and three ^ ...


Pages 4 and 5 ^ ...


Pages 6 and 7 ^ ...


Pages 8 and 9 ^ ...


Pages 10 and 11. The end. Well, not really ... there's stuff on the back cover ... but I didn't post those photos here.

For the ginormous view, clicky on the photo and a new window will open with a much larger size photo.

I've been feeling a l'il bit better, but I wake up just exhausted. So, I'm basically sick and tired! I hope to be back to full-time blogging soon ... and I will get to your blog and leave some love as soon as possible. Promise!

Thanks so much for spending part of your very busy day with me ... and for checkin' out my p.b. album! Stay well and keep smilin'!

~Hugs,

Simply Leaves ...

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

This week, Sharon has challenged us to incorporate leaves into our projects -- any types of leaves, any type of card or project. Let's see some beautiful "Falling Leaves" this week as we transition info fall mode!

Here's my leafy card:

You can't tell from the photo, but I stamped my images using 'Walnut Ink' Distress ink, then clear embossed both the leaf and the sentiment.

To play along in this week's challenge ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a paper project using the Falling Leaves theme. Then, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery and 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: "ssnotime155" so that we can find your project.

Need more inspiration? Don't miss the fabulously leafy 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; and,

Jenny: One Krafty Kat.

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

We can't wait to see your leafy creations!

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

~Hugs,


I'm Entering This Card in These Challenges:

• ABC Challenge: 'C' is for Charms
• A Crafty Little Place: Anything Goes
• Allsorts: Garden or Park Inspiration
  
• Artful Inkables: Think Ink (Distress Inks)
  
• Belli Challenge: Old Stamps ("Autumn" Stamp Set, 2000)
• C.E.S. Challenges: Anything Goes
• Corrosive Challenge: For the Guys
  
• Digi Doodle: Write Me a Message
• Divine Diva: Inspiration
• Etsy Inspired: 'Caged Fairy' (Inspired by THIS)
  
• Papertake Weekly: Just the One (1 DP/1 Word/1 Leaf/1 Ribbon)
• Pollycraft Monday: Add a Little Nature
• Sentimental Sundays: Clean and Simple
  
• Stampin' B's: Use a Charm
• Stampin' Sisters in Christ: Metal (Metal Leaf Charms)
• Stamping Vacation: Fountain of Youth (Leaf)
  
• The Paper Players: Anything Goes
  
• The Shabby Tea Room: (Old=Stamp Set / New=Ribbon)
  
• The Three Muses: Back to Nature
• Wee Memories: In the Forest
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up!
• Designer Paper: BasicGrey
  
• Stamps: All Stamps from the "Autumn" Stamp Set (Retired), by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: "Antique Linen" and "Walnut Stain" Distress Inks by Ranger
• Accessories: Metal Leaf Charms; Grosgrain Ribbon; Thread; Clear Embossing Powder
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Die; Ink Tool; Heat Gun; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up!
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Simply Colorful ...

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

This week, Sharon has a color challenge for us. These colors are rich and so pretty together as we transition from summer into autumn. And autumn comes earlier to some of us than other ... and some of us never have autumn :(

Today's color are turquoise and orange, with white or ivory as your neutral and you may add black for a little 'pop.' Here's a photo of an inviting boy's room to get your colorful and creative juices flowing:

Orange and turquoise has long been one of my very favorite color combinations so this challenge was especially fun for me. I did, however, take the 'autumn' concept one teensy step further:

To play along in this week's challenge ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a paper project using the inspiration photo, above, for your color palette. Then, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery and 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: "ssnotime154" so that we can find your project.

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

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

AJ: The Willow Garden; (AJ is enjoying a vacation this week ... see you next week, AJ!)

Barb: Explore. Dream. Discover.; (Barb is also enjoying a vacation this week ... see you next week, Barb!)

Barbara: Paper Pursuits;

Deb: Dream in Color;

Janine: 2 B Krafty;

Jenny: One Krafty Kat; and, our fabulous Guest Designer for August,

Charlene: Paper and Ink Playground.

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

We can't wait to see your colorful creations!

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

~Hugs,


I'm Entering This Card in These Challenges:

• ABC Challenge: 'B' is For Blue
• Alota Rubber Stamps: Color (Brown on Leaves)
  
• Anything Goes: Time (Autumn)
• Aud Sentiments: Anything Goes
• C.R.A.F.T.: Milestones/Anything Goes (Thanksgiving)
• Crafty Catz: Orange, Blue, Brown (Brown on Leaves)
  
• Crafty Ho's: Inspiration (Colors)
  
• Creative Stamp Friends: Thanks
• Digi Doodle: So Distressing
• Etsy Inspired: Global Child Collection (You Are My Sunshine)
  
• For Fun: Ribbon
  
• Lexi's Creations: Emboss It (Dry Embossing on Leaves)
• Our Daily Bread Designs: Punches or Dies (Leaf Die)
• Speedy the Cat's Friends: Harvest
• Stampin' for the Weekend: Anything Goes
  
• Stars and Stamps: Leaf Die/Ribbon/Dry Embossing-Leaf
  
• Thoughtful Thursdays: "A" (Autumn)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Basic Black" Card Stock by Stampin' Up!
• Designer Paper: Turquoise DP from "Blush" Collection by BasicGrey; Orange DP from "Reflections - Fall in Love" Collection (No Longer Available) by Daisy D's
• Other Paper: Die-Cut from "Reflections - Fall in Love" Collection by Daisy D's
• Stamp: Sentiment Stamp by PTI
• Ink: "Vintage Photo" Dye Ink by Ranger; "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up!
• Accessories: Black Satin Ribbon by PTI; Black Flat-Back Pearls by Mark Richards
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Leaf Die by Spellbinders; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up!
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Side-Folded)
  

Simply Pleated ...

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

Pleated ribbon seems to be all the rage of late, so today Sharon is challenging us to make creations with pleated ribbon. You may use purchased pleated ribbon or you may pleat your own by hand or on a sewing machine or with tape. Whatever you can dream up -- show us some fun pleats! And for the purpose of this challenge, we will equate 'gathers' to pleats -- either/or is fine!

For those of you who'd like a l'il guidance, click HERE for a simple pleat mini-tutorial by Michelle Woerner.

Since Hallowe'en is just around the corner, and since I send out dozens of Hallowe'en cards, I decided to create a Hallowe'en card. This card is a CASE of a project featured in last year's Holiday Mini Catalog from Stampin' Up:

TIP: I created the 'cemetery' background using a jumbo wheel stamp from Stampin' Up ... but I don't own a jumbo wheel handle. So, should you fall in love with a jumbo wheel stamp but don't want to invest in a handle and several ink cartridges, do like I do: Unmount the stamp from the wheel, and remount it on your preferred mounting system, (I use Original HALOS or cling-foam).

The biggest benefit to un-mounting your wheeled stamps is that you can stamp your image(s) in any color ink you have in your collection. And they store perfectly in a Clear-Mount Stamp Case by Stampin' Up. Give it a try!

To play along in this week's challenge ... and we hope you do! ... simply embellish your paper creation with pleated ribbon, 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: "ssnotime153" so that we can find your project.

Need more inspiration? Don't miss the fabulous "pleated" 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 August,

Charlene: Paper and Ink Playground.

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

We can't wait to see your pleated ribbon creation!

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

~Hugs,


My Card Also Qualifies for These Challenges:

• Aud Sentiments: Anything Goes
• Charisma Cards: Die-Cuts (Labels One Die)
  
• Craft Your Passion: Anything Goes
• Just Scraps: Open House
  
• Kaboodle Doodles: Add a Little Metal (Typewriter Key Word)
• Paper Romance: Metal Heads (Metal Typewriter Key Word)
  
• Papertake Weekly: Sketch
  
• Sentimental Sundays: Ribbon or Lace
  
• Simple Doodles: Let's Celebrate (Hallowe'en)
• Stampin' B's: Die Cut: Labels One Die/Circle: Typewriter Key-Style Word/Flower: In Cemetery ... I Think)
• Stamping Vacation, Clear As Mud Challenge: Candy
• Sweet Stampin' Challenge: Favorite Stamp (Is Currently "Twick or Tweet" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Basic Black," "Tangerine Tango," and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: "Haunting Hill" Jumbo Wheel Stamp by Stampin' Up; "Twick or Tweet" Stamp Set (Retired) by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Color Medium: Copic Markers
• Accessories: Orange Gingham Ribbon; Metal Typewriter Key Word by K&Company
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Corner Chomper by WRMK'ers; Labels One Die by Spellbinders; 1/4" Double-Sided Adhesive; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  

Time's Up! Back to School ...

Happy Thursday, crafty stampers!

Yup, it's me ... I crawled outta my Iron Lung long enough to post a card on my deserted blog. Between battling the never-ending case of pneumonia and my gone-missin' Mojo, stamping has been the last thing I've wanted to do.

That said, I did manage to regain consciousness long enough to create this l'il card for the new challenge blog, "Sketches, Challenges, Blog Hops, (Oh My!)'s "Back to School" challenge:

The cute l'il bookworm stamp, from Our Craft Lounge, is from one of the three stamp sets I won on the recent Color Throwdown Celebrating 100 Challenges challenge. For the rest of the a-mazing product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

And thanks so much for all of your emails and phone calls checkin' up on me ... I really appreciate it!

It was so nice of you to stop by today ... I'll be back tomorrow with this week's edition of the "Stamp Simply" challenge!

~Hugs,


This Card Also Qualifies for These Challenges:

• Catch the Bug: Let's Go Back to School
• Anything Goes: Three Layers
  
• Creative Belli: Round and Metal (Clock, Hands, Brad, Eyelet)
• Delightful Sketches: Back to School / Primary Colors
  
• Etsy Inspired: "Lover Dover's" (Retro Minnie Mouse Dress)
  
• For Fun: Recipe (1 Ribbon/2 DP's/3 Embellies)
  
• I Did It Challenge: Anything Goes
• Kah-Wink-E-Dink: Back to School
• My Favorite Things WSC: Hit the Books!
• Oh-La-La: Spots and Dots
• Order of the Opus Gluei: Move It (Scrabble Tiles, Ghost Clock, Clock Hands, Library Circulation Card)
  
• Our Creative Corner: Back to School
  
• Paper Cutz: Back to School
• Pixie Dust Studio: Go Crazy with Polka Dots
• S2G's Twisted Thursday: Fall / Twist of Yellow
  
• Sketches, Challenges & Blog Hops: Back to School
  
• Stampin' For the Weekend: Back to School
  
• Stampin' Royalty: School Days
• The Wild Flower Patch: Polka Dots
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Basic Black" and "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Report Card" Collection by October Afternoon
• Other Paper: Library Circulation Card
• Stamp: Bookworm from "Bookworm" Stamp Set by Our Craft Lounge
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Vintage Seam Binding Tape; Vintage Alphabet Tiles; Ghost Clock by Heidi Swapp; Clock Hands, Eyelet, and Brad Pitt from Stash
• Tools: Tag Punches by Stampin' Up; Ticket Corner Punch by Stampin' Up; Crop-a-Dile by WRMK'ers; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Stamp Simply: One-Layer Cards

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

This week, our challenge is brought to us by team member Barbara Anders. Barbara is challenging everyone to create a one-layer card. That means only the card base ... not the card base + one other layer ... NO layers allowed.

Embellish your card however you'd like ... ribbon, buttons, bling, scoring, anything goes but no layers! C'mon, give it a try: OLC's are fast and fun!

Here's my one-layer card:

I used a Nestabilities die to create a debossed frame in the card stock, then stamped my image inside the frame using Versamark embossing ink. I heat embossed the focal image using black embossing powder, stamped my sentiment, and tied a satin ribbon around the front of the card and into a bow. Quick and easy!

To play along ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a one-layer card, 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: "ssnotime151" 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 fabulous Guest Designer for August,

Charlene: Paper and Ink Playground.

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

We can't wait to see your one-layer card!

Sooooooooooo yesterday, Sheila and I took a trip to Michaels to oohhhhh and ahhhhh over stamps, and punches, and patterned paper. You know, the usual attractions.

As we wandered aimlessly around the store, Sheila spotted a familiar face. Being the one-woman Welcome Wagon that she is, Sheila dragged me over to say hello.

"You look like Helen Brown!" Sheila exclaimed.

"Well," the woman snapped back, "you don't look so great in blue, either!"

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Cute Card Thursday: Whateva
  
• Dutch Dare: Anything Goes
  
• Lollipop Crafts: Anything Goes
  
• Meljen's Designs: Clean and Simple
  
• Pals Paper Arts: Masculine KISS
• Papertake Weekly: White and Bright
  
• Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge: Anything Goes
• Practical Scrappers: Just One Embellishment (Ribbon)
  
• Really Reasonable Ribbon: Black and White / Ribbon
• Sparkle Creations: Favorite Embellishment (Ribbon)
  
• Stamp n' Doodle: Birthday Card
  
• Tuesday Taggers: Lots of Lovely Black
• Your Next Stamp: Birthday
  
• Wild Flower Wednesday: Embossing (Heat Embossing)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: White Card Stock by PTI
• Stamps: "Floral Tile" Stamp by Stampendous; Sentiment by PTI
• Ink: Versamark Watermark Ink; "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up!
• Accessories: Black Satin Ribbon; Super-Fine Detail Embossing Powder by Ranger
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Die by Spellbinders; Heat Gun
  
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Hittin' the Designer Paper Stash, Week 2

Happy Thursday, paper hoarders ... hope you're havin' a fabulous week!

Today's card project is No. 2 in my terrifying courageous plan to actually use some of the beautiful designer paper I already own. I'm saving some money, slowly reclaiming a l'il storage space, and remembering why I had to have these papers in the first place. Why not join me? It only hurts for a minute ...

This week, I'm bravely cutting into designer paper from DCWV's stunning "La Creme" collection:

That wasn't so bad ...

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

Sooooooo yesterday, Sheila was helping out her neighbor, Jennifer, by watching her toddler while she went on a job interview. Naturally, she called me to come over and 'help.'

"And bring your bike; we're gonna take the l'il one out for a bike ride. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking ... but it was actually Jennifer's idea. She brought over her bike with a baby seat and the cutest l'il helmet you've ever seen!" Oh, joy.

By the time I arrived, bike and all, Sheila already had the baby sun-screened, helmeted, and strapped into the baby seat.

But, we weren't quite ready to leave: Sheila had to go through a tedious 12-point safety check of her equipment, double-check the baby seat lock and straps, re-adjust the baby's helmet, and squeeze the tires.

Finally, we were ready to ride! Sheila cautiously wheeled the bike to the end of her driveway, paused and carefully looked both ways for traffic. Then, she swung her leg up and over the crossbar ... and kicked the baby right in the face.

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Alphabet Challenge Blog: 'N' is For Nature (Birds)
• Alota Rubber Stamps: Distressing
  
• Bee Crafty: All About the Image / Digital
  
• Crafting with Deedee's Digis: Very Vintage
• Crafty Creations: Anniversary Card
  
• Cowgirls Sunday Challenge: Animals and Bugs (Birds)
  
• Cupcake Craft Challenge: Distressing (Inks)
• Delightful Challenges: Distressing
  
• Ellephantastic Challenge: Distressing
• Lots to Do: The Scenic Route
• Polka Doodle: Generic Male or Female
  
• Simon Says Stamp: Sing It Baby (Songbird, Fleetwood Mac)
• Stampin' Sisters in Christ: Birds
  
• Stamping Vacation: Animal Applause Challenge
• Stamping with the Dragon: Distressing
  
• Stars and Stamps: Stash Challenge (Patterned Paper)
• Whimsie Doodles: Friday Night Lights (Palm Beach Central, Black & Gold)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Basic Black" and "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up!
• Designer Paper: "La Creme" Collection by DCWV
• Other: Digital File
  
• Stamps: All Stamps from "Tiny Tags" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up!; Distress Inks by Ranger
• Accessories: Vintage Seam Binding Tape; Eyelet; Jump Ring
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Tiny Tags Die; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up!
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Top-Folded)
  

CASE'ing the CAS-tastic Design Team ...

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

This week, we're challenging you to CASE a CAS-tastic Wednesday Design Team member. Simply create a project inspired by one of the Design Team members' cards. You can find links to each blog below or you can see all of the cards in one place by visiting the CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge blog, located HERE.

Here's the card I created for you to CASE ... should you decide you'd like to:

This card is super-simple to recreate ... and don't feel that you have to duplicate the handmade vintage dressmaker's tissue pattern paper flower. Say that 5 times fast ...

Feel free to use any type or kind of flower; the choice is yours. 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.

Upload your completed 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 10, 2010. Please mention that you're playing in the CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge on your blog post. One random winner will win his or her choice of four fabulous images and a package of handmade buttons (15 buttons in assorted colors), from this week's fantastic CAS-tastic sponsor, "Jane's Doodle for Squigglefly."

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: CWC015.

Choose your Design Team member to CASE from this list:

Agata: Under Construction;

Angie: Angie Cortes Designs;

Deb: Paper, Ink, Scissors, & Stamps (You Are Here!)

Karen: The Bald Dragonfly;

Maylee: Maylee's Creative Corner; and,

Regina: Regina's Scrap Creations.

We can't wait to find out who you're CASE'ing and see your clean and simple "CASE-a-Design-Team-Member" card!

As always, thanks so much for spending part of your very busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• A Passion for Papertrey: For a Friend
• Craftalicious Challenges: Make Your Own Flower
• Crafty Sentiments: 2 Embellishments (Flower, Ribbon)
  
• Creatalicious: Show Some 3-D (Flower)
• Fab 'n' Funky: Spotty, Dotty, and Stretchy Stripes (Brad)
  
• Glenda's Random Amusing Challenge: Hardware (Metal Brad)
  
• Party Time Tuesdays: Summer Birthday
• Practical Scrappers: #1 Favorite Product (Kraft Card Stock)
• Prairie Fairy Designs: 3-D (Flower)
  
• Sentimental Sundays: Switch it Up (New Technique: Created My Flower with Vintage Dressmaker's Tissue Pattern Paper / Sentiment
• Stamp and Create: Flower(s)
  
• Stamp, Scrap, and Doodle: Clean and Simple
  
• The Alphabet Challenge: 'N' is For Nature (Flower)
• The Crafty Pad: Ribbon and Flower(s)
  
• The Shabby Tearoom: (Inspired by Color Palette)
• The Stamp Man Challenge: 2 Colors (Brown / Turquoise)
• Treehouse Thursday: Seeing Dots (Brad)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Crumb Cake" Card Stock by Stampin' Up!
• Patterned Paper: Digital File, Unknown
• Other Paper: Vintage Dressmaker's Pattern Paper
  
• Stamps: Sentiment by PTI
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up!
• Accessories: Pebble Brad by Making Memories; Twill Tape by Stampin' Up!
• Tools: Corner Rounder Punch by Stampin' Up!; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up!
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)