Pool Party and Starfruit and Grey Oh My!

I just love this color palette of Summer Starfruit, Pool Party, and Basic Grey with Very Vanilla.  It's warm and inviting and great for anyone any age!  This is one of those just sit down and create for the thrill of paper crafting.  I had an indulgent time adding more and more and more.  In the end I love the look but have to say that for a card this thing weighs a ton.

• Stamps: You're Amazing, Pennant Parade
• Inks: Summer Starfruit, Pool Party, Basic Grey, Whisper White
• Paper: Basic Grey, Summer Starfruit, and Very Vanilla CS, Comfort Cafe DSP
• Accessories: Soda Pop Tops, Sycamore Street Buttons, 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Pennant Builder Punch, Flower Trim, Basic Grey Stitched Ribbon, Island Indigo Bakers Twine, Stampin' Dimensionals, Pool Party EP

From Scraps to Elegance

From the scraps leftover on my table I put this card together in just a few minutes.  I grabbed the typewriter image from Established Elegance to create a focal image.  As for the scallop border strip, linen thread, and printed brad they were all hanging out on my table waiting to get put away.  To create the flag I dug through my drawer and found the hat pins from last year and was jazzed with how one pin made a cool flag.  

• Stamps: Established Elegance
• Ink: Early Espresso
• Paper: Lucky Limeade CS, First Edition DSP, Summer Smooches DSP
• Accessories: 1" Circle Punch, Scallop Border Trim Punch, Linen Thread, In Color Designer Printed Brads, Silver Designer Buttons, Inkworks Art Air Gun, Hat Pins (retired)

More Hand Cut Arrows

I so wish you could see this card in person it's super cool.  There is a misting of Gold Smooch Spritz that makes it look fabulastic!  I have to tell you am having too much fun making my own sizes and shapes of hand cut arrows.  For my Hand Stamped Sentiments sketch challenge #158 I decided to use a jumbo arrow to set the stage and follow the diagram.  

You can see from the sketch I put a bit of a spin on the challenge.  Instead of an oval panel overlapping the upper larger rectangle panel I opted for a greeting.  Let me give you a quick rundown of the details for my hand cut arrow card.

• Sand a piece of Basic Black card stock with a sanding block.
• Use the "direct to paper" technique with a Whisper White ink pad.
• Hand cut a jumbo sized arrow using a square punch and a piece of This and That Epic Day DSP.
• Hand cut an arrow using a square punch and a piece of Lucky Limeade card stock.
• Stamp the geeting from Word Play with Whisper White ink and emboss with White EP.
• Assemble pieces to the card.
• Add Epic Day This and That washi tape.
• Add a Silver Designer Button with Bakers Twine from the Boutique Boxes kit.
• Spritz with Gold Glimmer Smooch Spray.

Do be sure to hop over to the Hand Stamped Sentiments site and check out all the super cool takes on this challenge.

Papaya Collage Petal Cone

Today is the last day of Card "Create"tions and each of the designers are sharing a party favor of some kind which showcases their stamp set for this past week.  My set was Papaya Collage which you see here on my Petal Cone Die cut box.  If you click over to the Create with Connie and Mary blog you can see each all of the favors.

Here is a quick run down of what I did:

• Cut (2) Whisper White Petal Cone Bigz L Die pieces.
• Using Gumball Green stamp the foliage image from Papaya Collage in an ombre fashion on the cut cone pieces.
• Sponge with Gumball Green ink to intensify the ombre.
• Fold the stamped cone pieces on all the scorelines and glue together.
• Cut (2) Gumball Green Designer Series Paper Stack 1/2 scallop circles from the Petal Cone Bigz L Die.
• Layer and adhere the scallop pieces behind the (2) opposing flaps of the cone.
• Punch holes and tie flaps shut with Midnight Muse Stitched Satin Ribbon.
• Stamp the ornate frame image from Papaya Collage on a scrap of Whisper White and punch the center out using a 3/4" Circle  Punch.
• Punch out the ornate frame using the Designer Label Punch and sponge the edges with Midnight Muse.
• Layer a 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch behind the ornate frame using Stampin' Dimensionals.
• Stamp the butterfly image from Papaya Collage using Primrose Petals ink on a scrap of Whisper White and cut out the image.
• Adhere to the middle of the frame using a Mini Glue Dot and add Basic Rhinestones.
• Tie ornate frame tag to the ribbon using White Bakers Twine.

Hand Punched Arrows

For today's color challenge hosted by Connie and Mary I have opted for a totally different look from my usual style.  In keeping with the phrase of the greeting on my card I made some quick hand punched arrows.  I almost always use a square punch on an angle to create a fishtail so, why not use a square punch to make a point.  You can do it by slipping a strip of paper through the bottom of the punch and in between the punch blades.  No fussy hand cutting needed!

From my blog click on over to Create with Connie and Mary to see the fabulous takes on the Gumball Green, Summer Starfruit, and Midnight Muse color challenge.

All SUpplies from Stampin' Up!

• Stamps - Word Play
• Inks - Gumball Green, Summer Starfruit, and Midnight Muse Stampin' Write Markers
• Paper - Gumball Green (lining the DSP), Whisper White, Summer Starfruit, and Midnight Muse card stocks with 2012-2014 In Color Designer Paper Stack
• Accessories - Chevron TIEF, 1 1/4" Square Punch, Silver Designer Buttons, Island Indigo Bakers Twine, Stampin' Dimensionals

Stampin' the Chalkboard Look

With black card stock, a white ink pad, and a sponge you can create the chalkboard look in no time at all.  Simply sponge erase marks with white ink and then stamp with white ink.

Supplies:

Stamps - Oh, Hello

Inks - Whisper White Ink Pad, Primrose Petals and Lucky Limeade Stampin' Write Markers

Paper - Pretty in Pink, Basic Black, and Whisper White Card Stock

Accessories - Doily, Wide Oval Punch, Primrose Petals Stitched Satin Ribbon, Sponge, Stampin; Dimensionals

How to Create Perfect Paper Bows Tutorial

Want to make a perfect paper bow?  Keep reading for a step-by-step tutorial complete with photos.

It's the end of Week 2 at Card "Create"tions over at Create with Connie and Mary which means each of the designers are sharing a trinkety favor type goodie.  This past week we featured celebration themed stamp sets from Stampin' Up!  My stamp set for this week was Patterned Party.  I made a suite of cards (seen in the subscription series) and my dressed up treat perfect for spring and summer.  My box of blowpops has been wrapped up with Floral District DSP paper bow and a simple tag stamped with images from Patterned Party.

Cut (4) ovals any size from designer paper or card stock.
I used the smallest of the Oval Framelits set.

Hold (2) of the ovals together and "fishtail" the ends with any size square punch.

Use a bone folder to curl (2) ovals.

Use mini glue dots to adhere the ends of each oval in half being sure not to
crease and flatten the curled oval.  These will make your bow loops. 

Use mini glue dots to adhere each of the bow loops to a "fishtailed" oval.

Assemble the (2) sides on your project and add a button, brad,
or flower to the center to look like the knot.

Hand Made Crepe Paper Flower

Over the past few years we have seen coffee filters used for all sorts of hand crafted projects.  Well I have to say I haven't bought any coffee filters and jumped on that band wagon of fun.  However, with the addition of Crepe Paper to Stampin' Up!'s Spring catalog I have made my own variation of puffy (coffee filter) flowers in an array of sizes and they whip up in no time at all.  Yesterday, I made a giant crepe paper flower the size of a grapefruit, which I added to a package, and an itty bitty flower the size of a peanut M&M (it's so cute).  

For this card, sketch hosted by Create with Connie and Mary, I embellished with one of my puffy crepe paper flowers and here is how I made it:

1.  Fold a rectangle sheet of crepe paper in half and in half again for a total of eight layers.
2.  Use a 1 1/4" Scallop Circle punch to punch eight layers all at once.  Trust me it will punch with ease.
3.  Spritz with Baja Breeze and water mix.
4.  Add a Mini Brad to the center to hold all eight layers together.
5.  Fluff each layer in toward the center.  
6.  Ta done!

SU!pplies for this card:

• Stamps:  Feel Goods
• Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, Basic Grey, and Baja Breeze Stampin' Write Markers
• Papers:  Baja Breeze and Whisper White card stocks, Twitterpated DSP
• Accessories:  1 1/4" Scallop Circle punch, Basic Rhinestones, Mini Brad, Stampin' Dimensionals

Have you heard about Create with Connie and Mary Card "Create"tions for All Occasions, it's not too late to join!  What's Card "Create"tions for All Occasions all about?

• 3 weeks of FABULOUS card ideas - 18 different sets (not including our two Preview sets). 
• Each SET is presented with 4 cards...one based on the weekly sketch, one the designers choice then one simple and one 'stepped up' version of the same card...so 4 cards for EACH set - 72 EXCLUSIVE card ideas NOT SEEN ANYWHERE ELSE!
• Each Saturday we will each do a small favor using the same set we use during the week as a bonus item.  These WILL be displayed publicly but only subscribers will see the cards!

AND...are designers are:  Connie Babbert, Mary Brown, Elizabeth Price, Melissa Davies, Debbie Henderson, and Deb Currier.

The Create with Connie and Mary Card "Create"tions mini session started March 31 and runs thru April 20!

Perfect Placement with a Stamp-a-ma-jig!

It is time for a color challenge hosted by Hand Stamped Sentiments and this one reminds me of the Ziploc commercial.  You remember the one where they would say "yellow and blue make green."  To meet this challenge you have to include Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight, and Lucky Limeade.  My own personal challenge for this card was to create my own miniature subway art to fit a tag.  So, I pulled out my Petite Pairs stamp set and my trusty Stamp-a-ma-jig.  

Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig is the ONLY way to line up multiple stamp images for perfect placement the first time.  A long time ago I used to think I was good enough to eyeball it, but I have to admit I learned better and now I use the tool always!  

Here is a rundown of what I did for my tag:

• Stamp the "to make it better" image on a piece of Whisper White card stock.
• Align the imaging sheet in the corner of a Stamp-a-ma-jig and then stamp the "sending a kiss" on the imaging sheet being sure to also keep the stamp lined up in the same corner of the Stamp-a-ma-jig.
• Reink the "sending a kiss" image and set it aside.
• Position the imaging sheet over the "to make it better" and then aligned the Stamp-a-ma-jig on the corner of the imaging sheet and keep it firmly in place.
• Remove the imaging sheet, huff on the reinked "sending a kiss" stamp, align it in the corner and stamp.
• Walla--perfect placement!

Seriously, if you don't have a Stamp-a-ma-jig you need to get one as it will take your hand stamped cards and creations up a whole bunch of notches!

Get Your FREE Project Sheet

We hope you will join us for a FREE LOOK to see exactly what "Create"tions by Create with Connie and Mary is all about and download a free project sheet.  Today, Mary Brown has designed a project sheet of four cards using the Baby Boutique stamp set.  Take a look at her download as it will give you an exact idea of what our subscription is like.  Also, Mary is offering Blog Candy on her site today only...so hop on over. 

For the three week "Create"tions subscription, all of the designers have and will share AMAZING card suites...each featuring a different stamp set!  Last week we shared six "occasions" themed stamp sets.  This week it's all about "celebrations" and next week will feature everything to do with "nature."  My set for this week is Patterned Party.  Let me say this set is addicting--it is so much fun.

For an added bit of inspiration we are all playing along with a special sketch.  I love this clean and easy layout as it lends itself to so many types of styles.  The minute I saw it I knew just what I was going to create.

For my card:

• Stamp Set - Patterned Party
• Inks - Rich Razzleberry, Tangerine Tango, and Lucky Limeade Stampin' Write Markers (my favorite way to ink)
• Card Stock - Whisper White (for a fresh look)
• Accessories - Floral District DSP, Oval Framelits, Calypso Coral Bakers Twine, and Stampin' Dimensionals

Hand Stamped Thank You Gift Gone Bananas

You might think I have lost my mind and gone a little bananas with this hand stamped funky favor/thank you gift.  Our Saturday challenge for Card "Create"tions at Create with Connie and Mary is suppose to be a fun favor featuring the stamp set for which we created a suite of cards for the subscription series.  My set this week was Kidoodles.  It's a cute all occasions set with a sweet look that is sure to bring out the kid in you.  And since I like to think a bit outside the box and thought a bunch of bananas would be a fun and memorable thank you gift that I could make a special tag for.  So, I grabbed the adorable monkey image and went to work making a decorative tag for a yummy bunch of bananas.

And now for a few details about the tag:

• Two doilies to provide some sense of scale to the overal size of the tag
• 1 3/4" Circle - Ivory Naturals card stock
• 2 3/8" Scallop Circle - Summer Starfruit card stock
• 2 1/2" Circle - Lucky Limeade card stock
• Jet Black Staz On ink pad with Summer Starfruit (a perfect banana color), Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Basic Grey, and Lucky Limeade markers
• For the greeting:
• a 3/4" Circle - Lucky Limeade card stock
• 7/8" Scallop Circle - Whisper White card stock (to match the doily)
• Two-toned Basic Grey/Basic Black Ribbon from the Spring Occasions Catalog

Free Shipping on All Orders For Three Days

FREE SHIPPING ON EVERYTHING FOR THREE DAYS

Stampin' Up! is offering FREE shipping on EVERYTHING April 6-8 (excluding expedited orders).  That's right, there are no minimums or limits and all order types qualify.  Did I mention that the free shipping is on everything?

Free shipping starts:
Saturday, April 6, 2013 @ 12:00 AM (mountain time)
And ends:
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 11:50 PM (mountain time)

Visit my online store and click "shop now"

My Own Dahlia

Dahlia season is almost here, so for now while I wait I made my very own dahlia bloom.  Over the past few years my taste for dahlias has changed.  It used to be that I REALLY liked the rounded perfect dahlias, but now I am much more drawn to the shabbier varieties.  With the Pop Up Posies kit I made my version of a shabby dahlia bloom.  I should also let you know that I painted the white fabric covered brad with Calypso Coral ink and an Aqua Painter.

I drew the inspiration for the palette of my card from this week's color challenge hosted by Connie and Mary.  I love the way the coral and the indigo complement each other, while the red and the coral colors are analogous. Together they make for a rich and whimsical combination.  For lots more card inspiration be sure to check out our latest subscription series offered by Connie and Mary.  See the details below.

Card "Create"tions has started but it's not too late to join.  Sign up now for three weeks of and "All Occasions Edition" using occasions, nature, and celebration stamp sets from the Main and Spring Mini catalogs!

* Over 72 EXCLUSIVE cards with 18 stamp sets featured! 
* March 31 - April 20
* Printable supply lists, measurements and DIRECTIONS!
* 24/7 access
* Perfect for classes or personal cards!
* Designers Connie Babbert, Mary Brown, Elizabeth Price, Melissa Davies, Debbie Henderson, and Deb Currier!

Create with Connie and Mary
Card "Create"tions for All Occasions Edition
Only $19.95 US

Simply Starfruit

This card is simple and stunning with the Summer Starfruit and Island Indigo pattern pieces of Sycamore Street DSP.  With a quick and easy greeting and an addition of crochet ribbon and a dahlia embellishment the card was done lickety split.