I Totally Changed My Mind

When I first looked through the Occasions Catalog I saw the Spiral Flower Die and quickly passed it over.  I thought I didn't need to add to my huge arsenal of anything floral, but I have since changed my mind.  Yup, I reserve the right to change my mind--the Sprial Flower Die is AWESOME.  You could say I am addicted and may need an intervention.  I got my die in an order last month and I have not put it away.  Seriously, it has been sitting with my Big Shot this entire time.  So, I will be sharing lots of stuff in the next few weeks that includes these adorable spiraled flowers.

All SUpplies are from Stampin' Up!

Stamps - Perfect Pennants

Inks - Early Espresso

Paper - Sahara Sand, Blushing Bride, So Saffron, Soft Sky, Pear Pizzaz, and Whisper White

Accessories - Spiral Flower Originals Die, On Film Framelits, Bird Builder Punch, Basic Pearls, Large Pearls, Early Espresso Bakers Twine

I Heart Sketches!

That's right, I am in love with sketch challenges.  I like them much more than color or inspiration challenges.  Don't get me wrong I like those types of challenges, but sketches are my favorite.  For today I am giving you a look at what I made after being inspired by the sketch challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments.

For sketch challenges I always test myself.  First, I study the sketch and ponder some ideas.  Then, I shut my computer and create my card, which includes the sketch layout, from memory.  Sometimes I am right on the money with the sketch; every now and again I am way out to dinner.  For this one I think I am on the money!

Here is what I used:
1.  Card base:  6" x 6" Soft Sky folded in half.
2.  Sweet Sorbet DSP 2 7/8" x 5 7/8"panel.
3.  Punch (3) Triangles from Sweet Sorbet DSP.
4.  Ink See Ya Later image with Peach Parfait, Smokey Slate, Pool Party, & Summer Starfruit Stampin' Write Markers.
5.  Crop image using the 2 /12" Circle Punch.
6.  Layer punched focal image on a Peach Parfait Starburst Framelit & add to card with Dimensionals.
7.  Add Basic Pearls.
8.  Add wooden people pieces from the December Paper Pumpkin Kit.

Geometrical for Monday Montage

The time has come again for another Monday Montage Blog Hop. For my post I thought I would share a few things I love from the Occasions Catalog. First, and so fabulous, is the Ampersand TIEF. I started with a card base of Basic Black and then added a panel of Strawberry Slush Card Stock and used the Ampersand embossing folder which I pre-treated with Whisper White Ink. Next, I layered a black and white strip of Kaleidoscope DSP under my Whisper White banner strip. For the banner/focal point of the card I inked up one of the greeting images from Geometrical with Bermuda Bay, Strawberry Slush, Summer Starfruit, and Basic Black Stampin' Write Markers to perfectly tie in with the Kaleidoscope triangle embellishments punched with the Triangle Punch. It's the little and subtle touches that I like most on this card and those are the Watercolor Wonder Washi Tape, the Gold Sequins, and the Gold Bakers Twine. Enjoy!

from dara gloden

to julie warnick

Seriously Scrappy!

So you would think from the title this might be a post about scrap booking, but it's not. I have held onto some scraps for months now. I keep making a tidy pile thinking someday I'll make a card out of that and for many weeks it hasn't happened until the other day. Wahoo for me because I used up the entire scrap pile to make several cards. I seriously did not get out any other papers. To this card the only new non-scrap pile items I added were the wooden arrow and the Basic Rhinestones.

Are you lovin' my card? I'll tell you what really makes the card for me is the "love" greeting. The image comes from the Everyday Occasions Card Kit and is so SO charming. The font and the added flourishes are so eye catching and whimsical--a style perfect for a heart-filled love themed card!

Clean and Simple Stampin'

Are you ready for a color palette challenge?  This blend of cool toned hues is brought to you by Hand Stamped Sentiments and it's a perfect combination for the sleek stylings of "clean and simple stamping."  I had the Geometrical stamp set out and was stamping lots of different ideas on scratch paper and after about seven varying layouts, some of which got way too busy, my favorite was the simple look of repeating the same greeting.  To give some dimension to the card and in keeping with the non-cluttered look I took a bite out of the right side of the Whisper White card stock panel with the smallest of the Hearts Framelits.

Hexagon Hive Thinlit

Welcome again to another Monday Montage Blog Hop.  I thought it was time to tryout my new Hexagon Hive Thinlit so I put it to good use for this card.  I spritzed the cut out piece with different smooch sprays and then sprinkled Dazzling Diamonds glitter for added texture and interest.  Then I layered the honeycomb cutout on top of a piece of Sweet Sorbet DSP for a fast and completely cool look.  

From Dara Gloden

To Julie Warnick