Blue Re-do

Here's my card for today's clean and simple challenge on SCS. The challenge was to re-make one of your own cards by either changing elements in a clean and simple card or by simplifying a more elaborate one. I picked this blue baby card to re-do as a more seasonal holiday one.

I used a similar blue color scheme, but this time reversed the placement of the colors so the darker shade of blue was the card base. Instead of stamping an image on the large panel on the cardfront, I used a snowflake embossing folder on a piece of shimmery silver paper.

I exchanged the baby sentiment for the "happy holidays" one from Papertrey Ink's Holiday Tree set. I'm getting a lot of use out of this set! I put a glittery snowflake, embellished with a blue rhinestone, at the center of the sentiment panel. It's layered on a light blue scalloped circle with some blue Liquid Pearl dots as an accent.

Materials Used:

Holiday Tree stamp set, Enchanted Evening ink, Enchanted Evening cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Bashful Blue and Whisper White cardstock, 1 3/8" and scallop circle punches (Stampin' Up!); silver paper (Target); acetate and glitter snowflake (Me & My Big Ideas); Baby Blue Liquid Pearls (Ranger); Snowflake embossing folder (QuicKutz); foam tape

(2 Sketches 4) You Rock!

Starving Artistamps is sponsoring this week' s sketch challenge at 2 Sketches 4 You. Here's my bright and fun version of the sketch, featuring an image from the DoodleFactory Final Frontier stamp set.

I made the robot Dash my focal image. Dash is colored with Copic markers. I added some gold glittery accents, too. There was just enough room left along the left edge of the panel to squeeze in the "you rock" sentiment from the Urban #2 sentiments set.

I used a bold piece of patterned paper from October Afternoon's Night Light line for the top portion of the card. I pulled colors from the patterned paper for the remaining panels that cross the card. Each one has a different texture to add interest--grosgrain ribbon, embossed circles, and an irregular edged star border. The busy pattern at the top really does tie it all together!

The final element was a large star punched a from a piece of yellow cardstock and added to the card with a piece of foam tape. The star works nicely with all the graphic elements in the patterned paper and is a perfect fit with the final frontier theme.

Materials Used:

DoodleFactory Final Frontier stamp set, Urban #2 sentiments (Starving Artistamps); white cardstock (Gina K Designs); Tuxedo Black ink (Memento); markers, gold Spica glitter pen (Copic); Real Red Classic ink, Real Red, Pacific Point, and Crushed Curry cardstock, large star punch (Stampin' Up!); Classic Stars border punch (Martha Stewart); green grosgrain ribbon (Michaels); foam tape

Pale Pastel Thank You

Here's a quick card for today's SCS featured stamper challenge. My card is loosely based on this one.

I tried to recreate the look of the embossed image with stamps. Papertrey Ink's Turning a New Leaf stamp set was still on my table from yesterday, so I used the set's largest leaf image to stamp along the edges of two sides of a kraft panel. I added in some flowers are from the Everyday Classics set (last year's PTI anniversary set) for a little burst of color. The images are stamped in PTI's new pigment inks--I love how these inks look on kraft cardstock! I stamped one of the sentiments from the Signature Greetings set in Soft Suede ink in the empty space, stamping off first for a lighter look like the pale inks on the rest of the card. I sponged some Soft Suede ink along the edge of the kraft panel to add a little depth and to include a little more of the elements from the original card.

I layered the kraft panel on a Sweet Blush card base, resisting the urge to add some ribbon around the top of the card. Instead, I settled on dots of Pink Petal Liquid Pearls at the center of each flower.

Materials Used:

Turning a New Leaf, Everyday Classics, and Signature Greetings stamp sets, Sweet Blush and Spring Moss inks, Sweet Blush cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Soft Suede Classic ink, Kraft cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Pink Petal Liquid Pearls (Ranger)

Peaceful Wishes for CPS

Clear & Simple Stamps is sponsoring this week's sketch challenge at Card Positioning Systems. I tried my hand at this week's sketch using the seasonal Peaceful Pines stamp set.

I stamped the set's foliage images multiple times on a cream panel in Ripe Avocado ink to form a branch shape. I inked the edges of the panel using a sponge and some brown ink, then stamped the set's "peaceful wishes" sentiment along the bottom of the panel. I wrestled a piece of red grosgrain ribbon through the loop at the top a small silver bell and knotted the ribbon ends. The bell is attached to the top of the leafy branch image with a glue dot for a fun, seasonal touch.

I combined a pair of glittered My Mind's Eye patterned papers for the panels on the cardfront. The pieces are layered on an aqua card base for a slightly non-traditional twist on holiday card colors.

Materials Used:

Peaceful Pines stamp set (Clear & Simple Stamps); Ripe Avocado ink, Aqua Mist and Spring Moss cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Close to Cocoa Classic ink, Very Vanilla cardstock, sponge, Real Red grosgrain ribbon (Stampin' Up!); designer paper (My Mind's Eye); circle dies (Nestabilities); bell

Outdoor Inspiration

The big Black Friday sale is still going on over at i {heart} papers--you don't want to miss out on all the great deals! You can find all the details about the sale here. I made this card for this week's sketch challenge at Paper Craft Planet using some IHP supplies. The sketch came from my fellow PCP and IHP DT member, Lynn--how lucky am I to get to work so much with this talented and amazing lady??

My card for the sketch ended up with an outdoorsy look and feel courtesy of the combination of images, colors, and patterned paper. I started by stamping a solid leaf image from Papertrey Ink's Turning a New Leaf set randomly on a kraft panel in green ink. I cut the panel in thirds (hint--make the panel a length that's easily divisible by three--I went with 3 3/4"), then layered it on a coordinating green panel. The image panel is wrapped in a piece of olive silk ribbon. This stuff is so luxurious!

I cut a piece of trendy woodgrain patterned paper from the Cosmo Cricket Nutmeg Mini Deck to cover most of the cardfront, then layered the stamped panel on top. The green color of the paper looks great with my kraft and green stamped image panel. I strayed away from the sketch just a bit in the end, adding a round sentiment panel. I chose a sentiment from Unity's Bevy of Butterflies kit, stamped it on a pair of Nestabilities circle panels and attached it to the card with foam tape.

If you get a chance to give the sketch a try, be sure to use the keyword sk112809 so it can be added to this week's gallery.

Materials Used:

from i {heart} papers: Cosmo Cricket Nutmeg Mini Deck, Creative Impressions 1" light olive silk ribbon, Unity Stamp Co. Bevy of Butterflies kit, Nestabilities circle dies

other: Turning a New Leaf stamp set, Spring Moss and Dark Chocolate inks, Spring Moss cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Chocolate Chip and Kraft cardstock (Stampin' Up!); foam tape

Stamping, Not Shopping

Instead of battling the crowds at the mall, I spent a quiet day at home yesterday with Cosmo the crazy dog, who's still suffering some side effects from all the medicines he's taking. This left me with plenty of time for stamping, so I was able to get to three of Verve's Blog Party challenges.

This first card combines this week's Viva la Verve sketch challenge with the first challenge to use olive, turquoise, black, and white. I used one of the floral images from Verve's Believe set to stamp a random pattern on a turquoise panel in matching turquoise pigment ink. A dot of White Opal Liquid Pearls is at the center of each flower for a pop of white.

I used one of the background images from Verve's Bountiful Backgrounds to stamp another turquoise panel. Both turquoise panels are matted with a slightly larger black panel. I paired the stamped turquoise panels with an olive dotted paper from a retired SU! paper pack. The "thanks" stamp was one of the images that Julee enclosed as a thank you with one of my Verve orders. I love the font it's in! I added a simple black satin button embellished bow, too. Everything's layered on a turquoise card base.

Materials Used:

Believe, Bountiful Backgrounds, and thanks stamp (Verve Stamps); Tempting Turquoise Craft ink, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black, and Whisper White cardstock, Petals & Paisleys designer paper, circle punches (Stampin' Up!); black satin ribbon (Target); button (Making Memories); twine (Papertrey Ink); White Opal Liquid Pearls (Ranger)

The second challenge was a combination sketch challenge and thank you challenge. There's not much stamping on this one, just the words "thank you" from Verve's Thankful Blossoms stamp set. It's stamped in Enchanted Evening ink on a cream panel to match the blue in the patterned paper panel on the cardfront.

Instead of using another paper strip underneath the sentiment, I used a strip of cream lace. A green Prima flower painted with some Shimmerz is at the end of the lace. I added a blue button to the flower's center to bring in just a little more blue. This turned out a little more vintage looking than what I usually do, but I think I like it!

Materials Used:

Thankful Blossoms stamp set (Verve Stamps); Enchanted Evening ink, Enchanted Evening and Spring Moss cardstock, Enchanted Evening button, twine (Papertrey Ink); Very Vanilla cardstock (Stampin' Up!); designer paper (DCWV winter matstack); flower (Prima); Angel Wings paint (Shimmerz); lace (?)

And, finally, here's a clean and simple holiday card for the challenge to use elements beginning with the letters in the word "Verve." I started by partially embossing a vellum panel (covering both E and V here!) with a snowflake embossing folder. I added a piece of velvet ribbon with a pretty button embellished bow (V and R!) just above the embossing. The ribbon hides where the vellum is adhered to the aqua card base. I stamped the "winter wishes" sentiment from Snow Wonderful just above the ribbon to complete the card. Another design to consider for my holiday cards . . .

Materials Used:

Snow Wonderful stamp set (Verve Stamps); Dark Chocolate ink, Aqua Mist cardstock, Dark Chocolate button, twine (Papertrey Ink); vellum (The Paper Company); velvet ribbon (Michaels)

Bellarific Friday: U Did It!

Here's my card for this week's Bellarific Friday. This week's challenge was a sketch challenge. I got my latest Stamping Bella order earlier this week, so I pulled out one of the newest additions to my Bella collection, Jackson the Champion, for my card.

Jackson is colored with Copic markers. I stamped the soccer ball a second time on a scrap of paper, cut it out and attached it to the colored image panel with foam tape. The "U did it" sentiment is stamped in blue ink at the lower left corner of the image panel.

I paired the image with some green patterned paper from October Afternoon's Night Light collection. The panel along the right side of the card is embossed with a circle pattern to coordinate with the pattern on the designer paper. I covered the seam between the two different papers with a masculine feeling twill tape. A bunch of blue Dew Drops are attached to the twill using tiny glue dots.

Materials Used:

Jackson the Champion image, sentiment (Stamping Bella); white cardstock (Gina K Designs); Tuxedo Black ink (Memento); markers (Copic); Pacific Point Classic ink, Pacific Point and Kraft cardstock, dimensionals (Stampin' Up!); designer paper (October Afternoon-Night Light line); Spots and Dots embossing folder (Cuttlebug); twill tape (Martha Stewart); blue Dew Drops (Robin's Nest)

Blogger Challenge: Week 127

This week's blogger challenge was to create an altered item. I have a bunch of these plain metal CD tins in my collection, so I thought I'd use one of the tins and some supplies from i {heart} papers to make a fun winter themed paper doll set.

I used a pair of patterned papers from the My Mind's Eye Colorful Christmas Collection Kit to cover the outide of the tin. To shorten the time I spent on the project, I used tape from my ATG to adhere the papers (instead of a wet glue like Mod Podge) and it seemed to work fine.

The seam where the two patterned papers meet is covered with a bold pink strip of faux suede ribbon. I accented the ribbon with one of the snowflake die cuts that comes with the My Mind's Eye kit. A blue glittery snowflake dresses up the die cut.

I used some different colored letter stickers to spell out "snow fun" on the bottom section of the tin. The stickers have a fun textured look to them that helps them stand out against the paper's bold stripes.



Inside the tin, I created a simple snowy scene using more patterned paper from the kit and some white paper embossed with a snowflake embossing folder. I attached the patterned paper first, then layered on some of the embossed papers, using foam tape between layers to add dimension.

I punched out a few more of the kit's die cuts and added magnetic tape pieces to the back sides. This allows the figures to be moved around and to stick to the tin, too.

For more altered project ideas, you can visit the rest of the challenge players. Links to their blogs are in the sidebar on the right. And, be sure to check out my post below for info about this weekend's big Black Friday sale at IHP.

Materials Used:
from i {heart} papers: My Mind's Eye Colorful Christmas Collection Kit, May Arts light fuschia faux suede ribbon, Petaloo Dazzlers-Snowflakes, Daisy D's Chloe Marie Alpha cardstock stickers, QuicKutz snowflake embossing folder

other: CD tin, magnetic tape, foam tape

Black Friday Sale at i {heart} papers

It's time for the annual i {heart} papers Black Friday Special. Here's what you need to know before you run off to start shopping:

* FREE SHIPPING on US orders $25 or more ($75 or more for Canadian orders)

* For every $50 spent, you will receive a $10 gift certificate towards a future purchase. Orders do not combine however they are incremental, meaning, a single order of $50 earns you one $10 gift certificate and a single order of $100 earns a $20 reward certificate. You cannot however place one order for $20 and another for $30 and qualify for the gift certificate. Additionally at $45 order and $55 order does not qualify for you for a $20 reward.

* Qualification amount does not include shipping total – it is merchandise total only.

* Following the sale, on December 1, you will receive a one-time use $10 gift certificate for every $50 order you place during the qualification period. Minimum order amount for qualification is $50.

* Gift Certificate purchases are not included in the sale.

* Rewards certificates are valid for redemption beginning December 1, 2009.

* Reward certificates are transferable.

* Sale runs 12:01am (EST) Friday November 27 – 11:59pm (EST) Sunday November 29.

* You must enter Coupon code 10for50 at the time of ordering.

* Cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other discounts/coupons.

Okay, now go shop! I'll be back in a little while with a post featuring some IHP products . . .

Sparkly Merry & Bright

I made this almost no stamping card using this week' s sketch from 2 Sketches 4 You. It's fun and seasonal with lots of sparkle.

The focal image is the big sparkly acetate snowflake. I accented it with a red button with a twine bow before layering it on the card. The panel underneath the snowflake is a piece of glittered My Mind's Eye paper. I added a coordinating pleated ribbon border along the left side of the panel, held in place with some sewing machine stitching.

The sentiment from Papertrey Ink's Holiday Tree set is stamped in bold red ink. I added a scallop edged accent to the upper right corner of the card in matching red. A dot of Silver Liquid Pearls is on each scallop for a little more sparkle and shine.

Materials Used:

Holiday Tree stamp set, Aqua Mist cardstock, Pure Poppy ink, Pure Poppy button, twine (Papertrey Ink); Real Red and Kraft cardstock (Stampin' Up!); snowflake (Me & My Big Ideas); blue seam binding tape (Martha Stewart); Silver Liquid Pearls (Ranger); sewing machine

Snowbody

My Unity November Stampin' Store kit, Believe in Fairytales, arrived the other day with my i {heart} papers order and I had to try it out. I used Mercy's latest sketch challenge as the inspiration for this sweet card.

The snowman image is embossed in white on a white panel. I used a sponge inked with some Baja Breeze ink to rub ink on to the panel, revealing the embossed snowman. Easy, but a very cool look. I added the sweet sentiment beneath the image in rose ink.

I picked the colors to coordinate with the My Mind's Eye designer paper I used to cover the cardfront. Yes, it's from last year's holiday line, but I love the pattern and colors. A rectangle Nestabilities die cut is layered beneath the snowman. I ran it through my Big Shot with a snowflake embossing folder to add some interest, then gently rubbed it with a shimmery white ink pad to highlight the flakes a bit more. A bit of satin ribbon finishes off the card.

Hope all of my readers have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with their family and friends. Your visits warm my heart! Be sure to stop by tomorrow for all the details on the big Black Friday sale at IHP . . .

Materials Used:

from i {heart} papers: Unity Stamp Co. November Stampin' Store Kit, My Mind's Eye Be Merry-Snowball Fun designer paper, QuicKutz Snowflakes embossing folder, May Arts light blue/white reversible satin ribbon, Nestabilities scalloped rectangle die

Other: Baja Breeze and Regal Rose Classic inks, Baja Breeze, Regal Rose, and Whisper White cardstock, white embossing powder, sponge (Stampin' Up!); Fresh Snow ink (Papertrey Ink); Moonlight White ink (Brilliance); foam tape

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop: Holiday Gift Bags and Tags

The theme for this month’s Papertrey Ink blog hop is quick gift packaging and tags. With the holiday season fast approaching, everyone needs a few of these on hand.

I made a few different kinds to share tonight. First, I used a plain brown paper bag—like the kind you might pack a lunch in—to make this decorated gift bag. I cut a few inches off of the top of the bag to make the scale work better for me. The bag is covered with a piece of Ripe Avocado cardstock. I stamped the top and bottom of the panel with one of the polka dot strips from Polka Dot Basics in matching Ripe Avocado ink.

I used images from the Holiday Tree set to create a simple winter scene for the center of the bag. The snowflakes were sprinkled with some sparkly embossing powder before the ink dried, then heat embossed for extra sparkle. I added the “celebrate the season” sentiment on a curved edge strip embellished with a matching button. After attaching the decorated panel to one side of the bag (and a same-size plain Ripe Avocado panel to the other side), I used a punch to make a simple handle.

Materials Used:
Holiday Tree and Polka Dot Basics stamp sets, Ripe Avocado, Dark Chocolate, Spring Moss, and Fresh Snow inks, Ripe Avocado, Spring Rain, and Kraft cardstock, Ripe Avocado double stitched grosgrain ribbon, Spring Rain button, twine (Papertrey Ink); word window punch, Iridescent Ice embossing powder (Stampin’ Up!); brown paper bag

This second gift bag is even simpler to make. You could do a bunch of these at a time, mass production style, and be all ready for the holidays in no time at all.

I used the largest Marvy Uchida snowflake punch to punch out a snowflake shape from a piece of Enchanted Evening cardstock. I placed a piece of shimmery white cardstock behind the negative space and added a rhinestone at the center. This panel is attached to the center of a brown kraft gift bag. I added a strip of matching Enchanted Evening grosgrain ribbon to the top and bottom of the panel as a simple border.

I made a matching tag for the bag using the snowflake that I had punched out. It’s layered on a piece of shimmery white cardstock. The “celebrate the season” sentiment is stamped in matching Enchanted Evening ink. I added a piece of ribbon to the back of the tag, then attached a slightly larger coordinating circle panel behind it to keep the ribbon in place.

These tags were so easy to make that I made a few more to have on hand. I kept the layout the same but changed up the colors. A few of these packaged up nicely would make a great holiday gift!

Materials Used (gift bag and tags):
Holiday Tree stamp set, Enchanted Evening, Pure Poppy, Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, and Dark Chocolate inks, Enchanted Evening, Pure Poppy, Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, Kraft, and shimmery white paper, Enchanted Evening, Pure Poppy, and Aqua Mist grosgrain ribbon, Dark Chocolate Swiss dot satin ribbon, Sweet Blush double stitched grosgrain ribbon (Papertrey Ink); snowflake punch (Marvy Uchida); circle dies (Nestabilities); self-adhesive rhinestones (Darice); foam tape; kraft gift bag

You're So Sweet

I made this sweet card using this week's Mojo Monday sketch and some supplies from i {heart} papers. Speaking of IHP, you won't want to miss the big Black Friday sale at the store. I'll have more details about that very, very early Friday morning . . . I might even have to do some shopping in my pajamas!

I used the gingerbread image from the Our Craft Lounge Gingerbread Fun stamp set as my focal image. The bow was stamped first, then masked with Eclipse tape before stamping the gingerbread shape. I colored the image with Copic markers and added some sparkle to the bow with a Spica glitter pen. Some Zva Creative pearls made the perfect buttons for this yummy-looking treat. I carefully cut the image out and placed it on a cream panel using foam tape. I had just enough room at the bottom of the panel for the "you're so sweet!" sentiment.

I used the swirly patterned paper from the new My Mind's Eye Be Loved Collection Kit for the large panel on the cardfront. I paired the patterned paper with embossed scalloped panels in red and melon. An ivory faux suede ribbon is tied around the top of the scallops to finish the card.

Materials Used:

from i {heart} papers: Our Craft Lounge Gingerbread Fun stamp set, My Mind's Eye Be Loved Collection Kit, May Arts ivory faux suede ribbon, Zva Creative self adhesive pearls, Copic Lipstick Spica glitter pen, Eclipse tape

other: white cardstock (Gina K Designs); Tuxedo Black ink (Memento); markers (Copic);Riding Hood Red Classic ink, Riding Hood Red, Creamy Caramel, and Very Vanilla cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Melon Berry cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Embossed Curve border punch (EK Success); foam tape

Baby It's Cold Outside

Well, here it’s not so much cold as it is damp. It’s rained a lot over the past few weeks and everything’s soggy and squishy—yuck! I haven’t even pulled out my gloves yet, but Cosmo the crazy dog has found them anyway. He likes to chew on them (and unfortunately, lots of other things, too), so I'll probably need a new pair before too long--maybe even before it gets cold enough to need them . . .

I made this wintery card using the latest Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge. I love these cute mitten images from Papertrey Ink’s Snowfall set. The mittens are stamped in bold red ink and carefully cut out. A silver snowflake is stamped on each one and a tiny sparkly gem is set at each flake’s center. I used a piece of silver cord to connect the mittens, then layered them on a shimmery white circle.

The colors for the card came from the sparkly striped My Mind’s Eye paper I used at the top and bottom of the card. It matches nicely with SU!’s retired Kiwi Kiss and Baja Breeze papers. I stamped the sentiment in red on a narrow Baja Breeze strip and squeezed it in on the bottom of the card.

Materials Used:
Snowfall stamp set (Papertrey Ink); Real Red Classic ink, Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, and Shimmery White cardstock, scallop edge punch, silver cord (Stampin’ Up!); silver ink (Encore); silver paper (Target); designer paper (My Mind’s Eye); circle and scalloped circle dies (Nestabilities); foam tape

Time for Hockey

Here’s a pair of clean and simple cards featuring combinations of images from the new Hockey stamp set from Clear & Simple Stamps.

This card uses the set’s block sentiment background as part of the focal image panel. I started out by stamping the hockey mask image in the center of the white panel, then masking it with a sticky note and stamping the block sentiment in red ink to surround the mask. When I was done, I decided I wanted the mask to stand out a bit more, so I ended up stamping it a second time on a scrap of white paper. I colored the mask just a bit, then cut it out and added it to the panel with dimensionals.

The rest of the card’s pretty simple. The stamped panel is layered on a red mat with distressed edges. I wrapped a piece of coordinating grosgrain ribbon around the square kraft card base, then layered the panel over the ribbon at on an angle using dimensionals. The “hockey” sentiment is stamped in the lower right corner of the card using red ink.
Materials Used:
Hockey stamp set (Clear & Simple Stamps); white cardstock (Gina K Designs); Tuxedo Black ink (Memento); markers (Copic); Real Red Classic ink, Real Red and Kraft cardstock, Riding Hood Red striped grosgrain ribbon, silver brads, distressing tool, dimensionals

This card features the hockey stick and puck images. Here, I stamped the hockey stick image on a white panel and colored it with Copic markers. The set’s smaller puck image was stamped in black on a scrap of cardstock, cut out, and added to the stick’s blade with foam tape.

I covered a navy card base with a piece of red patterned paper, then zigzag stitched a layered navy and red panel over it using my sewing machine. The “play like a champion” sentiment is stamped on the panel in black ink and accented by a single silver brad. The image panel overlaps the strip at an angle. I added a navy ribbon tab as a simple embellishment.

Materials Used:
Hockey stamp set (Clear & Simple Stamps); white cardstock (Gina K Designs); Tuxedo Black ink (Memento); markers (Copic); designer paper (Scenic Route); silver brad (Making Memories); navy grosgrain ribbon (Michaels); foam tape; sewing machine

Single Jingle

***Scroll down to see my post from earlier today.***

Here's a simple, easy to reproduce holiday card that's only one piece of cardstock--and my favorite kraft at that! I used a layout suggested by the Clean and Simple Stamping blog for this one.

I stamped three different snowflake images from Papertrey Ink's Rustic Snowflakes set in their white pigment ink on a kraft base. I'm not a big rustic image kind of stamper, but something about these images really captures my eye. After the ink had set just a bit, I went back with a sponge inked with some brown ink and sponged along the edges of the cardstock to add some depth and interest to the single layer design. The centers of the flakes are embellished with some tiny super-sparkly rhinestones.

I fit the "jingle all the way" sentiment from Snowfall Additions in the center of the card to finish it off. If I'd had a tiny silver bell, I would have added it across the top of the card with a piece of ribbon . . .

Materials Used:

Rustic Snowflakes and Snowfall Additions stamp sets, Fresh Snow ink (Papertrey Ink); Close to Cocoa Classic ink, Kraft cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Tiny Twinkles (Taylored Expressions)

Crazy for This Elephant

I think the cute elephant image just might be my favorite one in the new Chicken Girl Design Birthday Wishes stamp set from i {heart} papers. I used it again, this time on this card for this week's sketch challenge from Crazy 4 Challenges.

The elephant is colored with Copic markers. It's hat is colored to match the cardfront, then coated with a Turquoise Spica pen for extra sparkle.

I used some bright striped paper from the new My Mind's Eye Love Me Do Collection Kit for the panel that runs the length of the card. I love the fun, bright colors and patterns in this collection! A strip of yellow velvet ric rac is along the edge of the patterned paper. I thought about using a border punch, but decided the texture of the ric rac would be fun for a change.

The blue in the paper coordinates nicely with SU!'s Bermuda Bay cardstock. I embossed a piece of the cardstock with a polka dot embossing folder to match the pattern on the elephant's hat, then layered it on a lemon card base. I stamped the sentiment in Bermuda Bay ink on an aqua panel, then layered it on a lemon panel with some paper piercing, adding just a few more dot elements to the card.

Materials Used:

from i {heart} papers: Chicken Girl Design Birthday Wishes stamp set, My Mind's Eye Love Me Do Collection Kit, May Arts yellow lime velvet ric rac, Copic Turquoise Spica glitter pen, QuicKutz Polka Dots (small) embossing folder

other: white cardstock (Gina K Designs); Tuxedo Black ink (Memento); markers (Copic); Bermuda Bay Classic ink, Bermuda Bay cardstock, mat stack and paper piercing tool (Stampin' Up!); Lemon Tart and Aqua Mist cardstock (Papertrey Ink); foam tape

Live Out Loud

Here's my card for today's SCS featured stamper challenge. I was inspired by this clean and simple card.

My card uses an image that's similar to the one in the original card from the Clear & Simple Stamps Life Life set. I stamped the image in white pigment ink on a brown panel and instead of embossing, I dusted on some pearly chalks for a shimmery look. So pretty IRL! I re-used a used dryer sheet to wipe away the excess chalks--good thing my washer and dryer are so close to my craft room--LOL!

Instead of placing pearls along the bottom of the panel, I added a trio along the left side of the image panel. The panel is matted on coordinating cardstock and attached to the cardfront with foam tape.

I replaced the white card base in the original version with a Sahara Sand one that's an almost perfect match for the color of the chalk I used. The set's "live out loud" sentiment is stamped in matching brown ink beneath the image panel.

Materials Used:

Live Life stamp set (Clear & Simple Stamps); Fresh Snow and Dark Chocolate inks (Papertrey Ink); Chocolate Chip and Sahara Sand cardstock (Stampin' Up!); shimmer chalks (Pebbles inc.); self-adhesive pearls (KaiserCraft)

TV Time

I made some time this weekend to try out some of the current challenges at StampTV using images from Gina K Designs.

For this one, I combined the current Potluck Friday challenge with this week's sketch from Taylored Expressions. I came up with a clean and simple--and bright-- split panel card.

The divided panel was stamped with two of the solid flower images from the Bold Flowers set before cutting it apart. I went with a monochromatic look here, using Sweet Blush and Berry Sorbet inks on a Sweet Blush panel. I used a new pencil eraser dipped in glue to stamp a center for the smaller flowers. While the glue was still wet, I sprinked on some glitter for a bit of sparkle.

I wrapped a matching satin ribbon around the divided panel before attaching it to the card base. For the sentiment, I stamped a solid flower image on a circle punch, then added the "my best bud" across the center. The flower panel is layered on a scalloped circle, then attached to the card with foam tape. Each of the scallops is dotted with a tiny dot of Pink Petal Liquid Pearls for a fun touch. I set the flower panel on a matching Sweet Blush card base, stamped with one of the polka dotted strips from the Ribbon Stripes set.

Materials Used:

Bold Flowers and Ribbon Stripes stamp sets (Gina K Designs); Sweet Blush and Berry Sorbet inks, Sweet Blush and Berry Sorbet cardstock, Sweet Blush satin ribbon (Papertrey Ink); 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop circle punch, Dazzling Diamonds (Stampin' Up!); Pink Petal Liquid Pearls (Ranger); foam tape

This one's for the current sketch challenge. At first, I wasn't sure how I was going to tackle this one! I ended up using a trio of patterned papers from My Mind's Eye and ended up with a sort of vintage feeling card, which is definitely out of my norm. I pieced the three papers together on a kraft card base.The papers are all sparkly, which unfortunately didn't show up well in my photo.

I stamped the "warm winter wishes" sentiment from the Warm Winter Wishes stamp set in red ink on a vanilla panel and inked along the edges with some brown ink. I layered it on a kraft panel before putting it on to the card. I played with a few different colors before settling on a trio of red buttons to embellish the top section of the card.

Materials Used:

Warm Winter Wishes stamp set (Gina K Designs); Riding Hood Red and Close to Cocoa Classic inks, Kraft and Very Vanilla cardstock, Kraft taffeta ribbon, sponge (Stampin' Up!); Aqua Mist cardstock, Pure Poppy buttons, twine (Papertrey Ink); designer paper (My Mind's Eye); Snowflake border punch (EK Success)

Vanilla Chocolate Plum Birthday

Here's my card for this month's final Viva la Verve challenge. The twist to go along with this sketch was a color challenge--vanilla, chocolate, and purple. It took me a while to figure out how to balance the colors and decide on images, but in the end, I like what I came up with for this one.

I inked up part of one of the sentiments from Verve's Wishing You set for the large sentiment panel using Elegant Eggplant ink. The edges of the vanilla panel are inked with Chocolate Chip ink for a more distressed, vintage look.

I found a piece of purple on purple striped paper in a DCWV paper pad to use for the cardfront. A piece of plum paper, edged with a punched daisy border goes across the cardfront with a Chocolate Chip ribbon knotted around it. The sentiment panel is layered over the bottom edge of the plum panel, just underneath the ribbon. I stacked a trio of American Crafts felt flowers, securing them with a sparkly brad, and added that to the card at the corner of the sentiment panel. I've had these flowers on a shelf for a while now--it's about time I used some of them!

Materials Used:

Wishing You stamp set (Verve Stamps); Elegant Eggplant and Chocolate Chip Classic inks, Perfect Plum and Very Vanilla cardstock, Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon, sponge, rhinestone brad (Stampin' Up!); designer paper (DCWV's Nana's Nursery Baby Boy); Daisy border punch (Martha Stewart); felt flowers (American Crafts)

Anniversary Medallion

It’s time for a new sketch challenge at Paper Craft Planet and this week, Kim is the hostess. Her sketch is pretty basic, but is open to lots of possibilities.

When I first saw the sketch, I thought about doing some dry embossing with an embossing folder and highlighting the raised areas with some chalks—something along those lines. I ended up going a completely different direction and used a large stamped image instead. I inked up my SU! Medallion stamp for the very first time for this one. The stamp was inked with Soft Suede ink, then stamped off once before stamping the image on a kraft panel. I really like the muted look here. I added a single flat-backed pearl to the center of the image.

The “happy anniversary” sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set. I stamped it in full-strength Soft Suede ink for some contrast. The stamped panel is layered on a Soft Suede card base. I added a pretty piece of knotted kraft taffeta ribbon to complete the card.

If you play along with this week’s sketch, upload your creation to the Paper Craft Planet gallery with the keyword sk112109 so it can be added to the gallery.

Materials Used (all from Stampin’ Up!):
Medallion and Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp sets, Soft Suede ink, Soft Suede and Kraft cardstock, Kraft taffeta ribbon, Pretties kit (flat-back pearl)

iPodabella Rocks

Here’s my card for this week’s Bellarific Friday from Stamping Bella. This week’s theme was anything Bella, so I pulled out my iPodabella image and got to work. I used this week's Mojo Monday sketch as inspiration and my starting point.

I colored iPodabella with Copic markers and added some white flock embellishments. The iPod is colored with a silver gel pen and some black Glaze pen.

I used both sides of a piece of Jillybean Soup designer paper for the panels on the cardfront. The combination seemed a little busy and bold to me at first, but it’s growing on me. I added a star embossed panel, too, and I think that helped to tone things down. The image is layered over the different panels. I inked around the edges with some Apricot Appeal ink to make the white panel less bright against the busy background. The “you rock” sentiment fit nicely on a punched out star.

In non-stamping related news, Cosmo the crazy dog is now being treated for a possible case of Lyme disease. He's been chewing on his front and hind legs near his joints and we've worked our way through several other treatments to try and stop this. Treating for Lyme disease is a logical next step since we live in an area that is a tick hot spot. Hopefully he'll start to have some relief from the discomfort he's been feeling once he starts the treatment.

Materials Used:
iPodabella image and sentiment (Stamping Bella); white cardstock (Gina K Designs); Tuxedo Black ink (Memento); markers (Copic); Apricot Appeal Classic ink, Chocolate Chip and Riding Hood Red cardstock, Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon, large and small star punch, dimensionals (Stampin’ Up!); Dark Chocolate ink, Summer Sunrise cardstock (Papertrey Ink);designer paper (Jillybean Soup); Stars embossing folder (Cuttlebug); white flock (Stampendous); silver gel pen, black Glaze pen (Sakura)

Blogger Challenge: Week 126

This week’s blogger challenge theme is giving thanks. I went with a 3D item that would make the perfect table centerpiece for upcoming Thanksgiving celebrations.

I used a new sleigh template, available as a free download at the Clear & Simple Stamps site (click here for the template). Sue Berker designs fabulous new templates to share there each and every month.

The sleigh was easy to assemble, using only 1 sheet of cardstock, plus a little bit extra for embellishments. I made the sleigh base from a piece of Soft Suede cardstock. The sides are covered in some pretty flocked paper I’ve had in my stash for quite a while. I used a sturdy shimmery silver cardstock for the sleigh’s runners and attached them to the base with large brown brads.

On the back of the sleigh, I added a brown double stitched felt ribbon bow, embellished with a wooden button for a rustic feel. I combined images from the Clear & Simple Stamps Peaceful Pines set for the pinecone image, then added a sentiment from the Autumn stamp set underneath. I used a tag punch to punch out the images, then attached it to the bow. The sleigh is filled with some pinecones I picked up in the holiday floral section at the craft store. They’re one of those floral pick kind of sets and I just cut them apart with some wire cutters so I could easily arrange them.

And, for more project ideas with a theme of giving thanks, you can visit the rest of the challenge players. Links to their blogs are in the sidebar on the right.

Materials Used:
Peaceful Pines and Autumn stamp sets, sleigh template (Clear & Simple Stamps); Rich Cocoa ink (Memento); Soft Suede and Very Vanilla cardstock, large tag punch (Stampin’ Up!); Ripe Avocado ink, silver cardstock, wooden button, twine (Papertrey Ink); flocked paper (Target); felt ribbon, pinecones (Michaels); brads (?); ScorPal, ScorTape

Clearly You Warm My Heart

I made this sweet card for a pair of challenges to use acetate--this week's Crazy 4 Challenges and this week's Stampendous Back 2 Basics lesson at Paper Craft Planet. Acetate is fun to work with even if it can be a little challenging to use and even more challenging to photograph.

I paired an acetate cardfront panel with Polar Love, a cute wintery image from My Favorite Things. The bear pair is colored with Copic markers. The "you warm my heart" sentiment fit nicely underneath the pair. I layered the image on an acetate panel stamped with a trio of snowflakes from the Baby It's Cold Outside set. The snowflakes are stamped in white StazOn and embellished with just a little Stickles, too.

To hide the adhesive on the card, I placed the red mat for the image underneath the acetate and centered the colored image over the mat, on top of the acetate. The top of the card is punched with a snowflake border punch. I used some red line tape along the fold of the blue card base to secure the acetate underneath the border punched edge.

Materials Used:

Polar Love and Baby It's Cold Outside stamp sets (My Favorite Things); white cardstock (Gina K Designs); Tuxedo Black ink (Memento); markers (Copic); Real Red Classic ink, Real Red and Bashful Blue cardstock (Stampin' Up!); snowflake border punch (EK Success); white ink (StazOn); Rock Candy Distress Stickles (Ranger); sticky strip

An Apple to Thank You

Here’s my sweet card for Mercy’s latest sketch challenge. I love these Pure Innocence images from My Favorite Things and I had to try this one out, too. I scaled down the sketch just a bit to use it on a standard sized card instead of a long one, but I think it still works.

The Apple for You image is stamped on white cardstock and colored with Copic markers to coordinate with the apple patterned paper. I fancied up her shoes with some black Glaze pen for a shiny, patent leather look. The “thank you” sentiment is stamped along the side of the panel in Vivid Straw ink.

The rest of the papers for the card were chosen to match with the colors of the apples on the patterned paper. I matted the image on a Scarlet Jewel panel, then added a More Mustard panel underneath. A matching strip of Scarlet Jewel grosgrain ribbon is machine stitched across the cardfront, between the image panel and the larger mat beneath it. I added a Scarlet Jewel button-embellished bow to the top corner of the image panel, then set everything on a Fresh Asparagus card base. So sweet—and a great way to thank a special person, too.

Materials Used:
Apple for You image (My Favorite Things); Fresh Asparagus and white cardstock (Gina K Designs); Tuxedo Black ink (Memento); markers (Copic); Scarlet Jewel cardstock, Scarlet Jewel grosgrain ribbon, Scarlet Jewel button, twine (Papertrey Ink); More Mustard cardstock (Stampin’ Up!); Straw ink (Vivid); designer paper (Scribble Scrabble); black Glaze pen (Sakura)

Chip off the Old Block

Here's my space-themed card for today's SCS sketch challenge featuring images from the DoodleFactory Final Frontier stamp set from Starving Artistamps. The two different sizes of the Dash image were just perfect to use with the "chip off the old block" sentiment from the Woods Sentiments set!

I stamped big Dash and little Dash on white cardstock in black ink and colored them with shades of blue Copic markers. I used some green glittery accents (Stickles and a Spica pen) on the images, too. The sentiment is stamped in coordinating blue ink just below the robot pair.

In keeping with the space theme, I set a piece of star patterned paper on a blue card base to serve as a background for the image. I layered a soft blue strip across the cardfront and added a pair of blue star-shaped brads and a twill ribbon tab as accents before putting the image panel in place.

Don't forget that you can always use the code savetenLT to save 10% on your DoodleFactory and Starving Artistamps stamp purchases at Starving Artistamps . . .

Materials Used:

DoodleFactory Final Frontier stamp set and Woods sentiment set (Starving Artistamps); white cardstock (Gina K Designs); Tuxedo Black ink (Memento); markers, Lime Spica glitter pen (Copic); Enchanted Evening ink, Enchanted Evening cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Bashful Blue Classic ink, Bashful Blue cardstock, Certainly Celery twill, sponge (Stampin' Up!); designer paper (Scenic Route); Lime Green Stickles (Ranger); blue star brads (Making Memories)

Leafy Thanks

This week’s Unity Addicts challenge is an inspiration challenge based on a photo from the Pier1 website. I took my inspiration from the colors in the photo (green, blue, brown accents) and the texture on the bedspread.

I randomly stamped the leafy branch image from the October Stampin’ Store Kit, {wonderful you} (I got mine here at i {heart} papers), in green ink on a matching green panel. I set the stamped panel aside while I used my ScorPal to create a diagonal grid pattern on an aqua cardstock panel, like the textured look of the comforter in the inspiration piece. The stamped panel is layered across the center of the gridded panel.

I used my sewing machine to stitch a piece of pleated light blue seam binding tape in place at the bottom of the stamped panel. This is such a pretty detail! I stamped the “thanks” sentiment from the Thank You Words kit on the green panel, stamping off first for a softer look. Everything is layered on a kraft base to finish off the card.

Materials Used:
{wonderful you}-October Stampin’ Store Kit, Thank You Words kit (Unity Stamp Co.); Spring Moss and Dark Chocolate ink, Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, and Kraft cardstock (Papertrey Ink); aqua seam binding tape (Martha Stewart); ScorPal; sewing machine

Snowflake Blues

***Scroll down to the post below to see my card for this month's i {heart} papers DT challenge.***

Here’s my card for this week’s Viva la Verve challenge. The twist for this week’s sketch was to make a holiday card.

I went monochromatic on this one and it came together really fast. I stamped the snowflake images from Verve's Christmas in the Air and Frosty Flakes on a light blue panel in blue ink (full strength for the outline, stamped off once for the solid image). Once I’d filled the panel, I cut it into four squares and glued three of the four squares in place on the blue card base. I added a dot of sparkly Stickles at the center of each snowflake (and actually managed to not smear any of it before it dried!). The sentiment from Snowflake Splendor is stamped in silver ink in the open space.

I used a snowflake border punch to create a decorative edge for a strip to place across the bottom of the card. A coordinating blue satin ribbon is tied along the top edge of the strip.

Materials Used:
Christmas in the Air, Frosty Flakes, and Snowflake Splendor stamp sets (Verve Stamps); Enchanted Evening ink, Enchanted Evening cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Bashful Blue cardstock (Stampin’ Up!); silver ink (Encore); Baby Blue Stickles (Ranger); Snowflake border punch (EK Success); blue satin ribbon (Michaels)

Let's Party with i {heart} papers

This month’s i {heart} papers design team challenge features a sketch—and boy, was it a challenge! The sketch's trio of triangles was definitely trying. After some thought, I ended up flipping the sketch on its side. After that, all of the pieces fell right into place.

My version of the sketch features images from the latest Chicken Girl Design release, Birthday Wishes. I stamped the cute dachshund image at the base of a white cardstock triangle and colored the image with Copic markers. The party hat’s embellished with some pink glitter, courtesy of a Spica pen. The “let’s party” sentiment is stamped in rose ink above the image. A small piece of knotted pink satin ribbon is at the top of the triangle.

I covered the card base in some My Mind’s Eye designer paper. I used both of the paper’s patterns, cutting a narrow strip to run across the card, underneath the triangle pieces.

When the sketch is oriented like I turned it, the two smaller triangles look kind of like pennants you might hang at a party, don’t they? At least that’s how I envisioned them—LOL! Here, I embossed the triangles with a QuicKutz polka dot embossing folder before adding them to the card.

Be sure to visit the rest of the IHP DT to get their take on this sketch. Here’s where you can find them:

Carolyn
Cathleen
Deb
Gretchen
Lynn
Megan
Tracy
Kendra
Amber
Kate

Materials Used:
from i {heart} papers: Chicken Girl Design Birthday Wishes stamp set, My Mind’s Eye Whirlybird "Friends Forever" Perfect Plaid designer paper, QuicKutz Polka Dot embossing folder, Spica Pink glitter pen, May Arts light pink/pink reversible satin ribbon

other: white cardstock (Gina K Designs); Tuxedo Black ink (Memento); markers (Copic); Rose Red Classic ink, Rose Red, Taken with Teal, and Pink Pirouette cardstock (Stampin’ Up!)

Monochromatic Mixed Bouquet

***Scroll down to the post below for all the info on today's Chicken Girl Design stamp set release.***

Here's my card for today's clean and simple challenge on SCS. It doesn't get much simpler than this one!

I took my inspiration from bold floral pattern and bright colors in the Vera Bradley Millie purse. When I saw the purse, the images from the retired SU! Mixed Bouquet stamp set immediately came to mind.

I stamped the large outline flower image in Berry Sorbet ink on a Sweet Blush panel. The leaves were stamped off once to vary the intensity of the color. I added the "happy everything" sentiment from the coordinating Mixed Greetings stamp set to the panel along with a matching satin ribbon. The stamped panel is layered on a Berry Sorbet card base. Wouldn't this be a great design to reproduce in multiple colors for a gift set?

Materials Used:
Mixed Bouquet and Mixed Greetings stamp sets (Stampin' Up!); Berry Sorbet ink, Berry Sorbet and Sweet Blush cardstock, Berry Sorbet satin ribbon (Papertrey Ink)

Birthday Wishes from Chicken Girl Design

The latest Chicken Girl Design stamp set, Birthday Wishes, is now available exclusively at i {heart} papers. Here's your first look at all of the cute images and sentiments in the set. Be sure to visit the rest of the Chicken Girl Design Team to see more of this set over the next few days . . .

Judy ~~Kendra ~~Loretta~~Merry

Natasha ~~Shelly ~~Kate


Here's a fun card using the Birthday Wishes stamp set along with Karen's latest Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge.

I made the cute elephant and matching sentiment the focal image here. The elephant is colored with Copic markers and embellished with a bit of Stickles on the party hat.

I used some patterned paper from the Eye Candy line from GCD Studios for the large circle panel. The bold patterns in this line scream "party," so I thought the paper would be a perfect match for a birthday card. I layered the circle on a coordinating scalloped circle panel, then on a bright pink panel.

I embossed a strip of cardstock with a QuicKutz Polka Dot embossing folder and set that across the cardfront. A small piece of knotted fuschia faux suede ribbon is at one end of the strip and the elephant image, along with two matching buttons, is at the other.

Materials Used:
from i {heart} papers: Chicken Girl Design Birthday Wishes stamp set, GCD Studios designer Eye Candy-Candy Charms paper, May Arts light fuschia faux suede ribbon, QuicKutz Polka Dots embossing folder, Ranger Turquoise Stickles, Nestabilities circle and scalloped circle dies

other: white cardstock (Gina K Designs); Tuxedo Black ink (Memento); Hibiscus Burst ink, Hibiscus Burst cardstock, Hibiscus Burst buttons (Papertrey Ink); Rich Razzleberry and Tempting Turquoise cardstock (Stampin' Up!)

Pure Innocence Pair

***Scroll down to the next post for all the details about today's new releases at Clear & Simple Stamps.***

I broke out my new compressor today along with some new images from My Favorite Things for these two sweet cards. The images in the Pure Innocence line are absolutely adorable and fun to color, too.

This one is for today's featured stamper. The super talented Dawn was the stamper highlighted today and I picked this card from her gallery to work with. I replaced the image she used with the My Balloon image. The image is colored with Copic markers. After I finished coloring, I hooked up the compressor and airbrush to add the grass and sky. They're a little more heavy-handed than I would have liked--I definitely need more practice.

I layered the colored image on a red scalloped panel, then placed it on the white card base with foam tape. Instead of adding multiple bright ribbon tabs, I added one single wide red grosgrain ribbon tab to the image panel. The "birthday girl" sentiment is stamped in red ink and accented with a simple row of paper piercing.

Materials Used:

My Balloon image (My Favorite Things); white cardstock (Gina K Designs); Tuxedo Black ink (Memento); markers (Copic); Real Red Classic ink, Real Red cardstock, mat pack and paper piercing tool (Stampin' Up!); white cardstock (Georgia Pacific); rectangle and scalloped rectangle dies (Nestabilities); red grosgrain ribbon (Michaels); foam tape

Here's my second Pure Innocence card. This one uses the layout from Mercy's latest Tuesday Sketch challenge. I flipped the sketch on its side to accommodate the orientation of the image.

Again, I colored the image with Copic markers and added an airbrushed background. I used a lighter marker this time, so it looks less splotchy. I added some glitter to the snowballs, then matted the image on a rose panel. I layered the image on a piece of coordinating DCWV designer paper. A piece of light blue grosgrain ribbon is machine-stitched along the left side of the image. I added a super sparkly snowflake accent to the lower left corner of the image, then stamped the sentiment directly on the patterned paper to finish the card.

Materials Used:

Snow Day image (My Favorite Things); white cardstock (Gina K Designs); Tuxedo Black ink (Memento); markers (Copic); Regal Rose and Brocade Blue cardstock, Dazzling Diamonds (Stampin' Up!); designer paper (DCWV-Holiday Collection The Winter Matstack); rectangle die (Nestabilities); light blue grosgrain ribbon (Morex); snowflake (Me & My Big Ideas); pink self-adhesive rhinestone (Darice); sewing machine; foam tape

Winter Days Collection Release at Clear and Simple Stamps

Today is the release of the Winter Days Collection at Clear & Simple Stamps. If you've visited here over the last two weeks, you've already gotten some sneak peeks of the collection's sets--Peaceful Pines and Hockey. Here's what you need to know about today's release:

• The complete collection includes 8 great sets. You can purchase them all with a single click right here.
• The Stamp of the Month is the Fall Studio set. You can use the code DTBlog1109 for a $1 discount on this set.
• November’s featured Copic marker bundle is the Copic Trio Set: Yellow Green 1 (YG01, YG03, YG07). You can combine the Copic Marker Bundle with the SOTM for the bargain price of $26 - that's a $15 stamp set and $15 Copic Marker Trio set combined at a $4 reduction in price - you won't find a better bundle anywhere! (HINT HINT...it will will be $25 if using the DTBlog $1 Discount too).

Here's another sample using the Peaceful Pines set. It's a simple tent topper card that I dressed up with some elegant paper.

The outline pinecone image is stamped in brown ink. The solid image was stamped off once, using the same color ink, before filling in the outline. I masked the pinecone, then used the set's foliage stamps to add a leafy base underneath the pinecone. The pinecone is coated with some glitter for a sparkly, snowy look.

The kraft card base is covered with some pretty flocked paper. I stamped the "peaceful wishes" sentiment in brown ink on a cream panel and added a cream satin ribbon below it, then set the panel on the cardfront.

Be sure to check out the rest of the design team for more CSS inspiration. Here's where to find them:

CSS Blog
Beth Matson
Jen Tapler
Kim Howard
Maria Levine
Neva McMullen
Robyn Weatherspoon
Sue Berker

Materials Used:
Peaceful Wishes stamp set (Clear & Simple Stamps); Rich Cocoa ink (Memento); Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Kraft cardstock, Dazzling Diamonds (Stampin' Up!); Ripe Avocado ink (Papertrey Ink); flocked paper (Target); circle and scalloped circle dies (Nestabilities); cream satin ribbon

Berry Best Birthday

Here's a sweet and almost stamp-free birthday card. It's based on this week's Mojo Monday sketch.

I came across these dimensional fabric strawberry stickers in my collection and decided that one of the berries would be the perfect thing to place on the sketch's circle panel. The berry is paired with two different patterned papers from October Afternoon's Farm Fresh collection. The country look and feel of the red gingham pattern was a nice match for the strawberry and the green paper picked up the green in the berry's stem.

I stamped the birthday sentiment from Papertrey Ink's My Punny Valentine stamp set on the gingham pattern in black ink. It stands out just enough against the pattern. Since there is a lot going on with all of the different patterns on the papers and the strawberry, I went simple on the embellishments. I knotted a piece of red twill and added it to the end of one of the gingham panels.

Materials Used:

from i {heart} papers: October Afternoon Farm Fresh 8X8 designer paper pad, Nestabilities circle and scalloped circle dies, Palette Noir Black ink, May Arts red twill

other: My Punny Valentine stamp set, Vintage Cream cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Real Red cardstock (Stampin' Up); strawberry sticker (Martha Stewart)

Play Like a Champion

It’s time for a new sketch challenge at Paper Craft Planet and this week, I’m the hostess. I drew up a pretty simple one for you to try. In fact, it might even look familiar if you checked out my post from last night--LOL!

This version of the sketch features images from the new Hockey set from Clear & Simple Stamps, available on Sunday along with the rest of the Winter Days Collection. I stamped the mask, stick, and puck on white paper, colored the images, cut them out, and arranged them on the light blue circle. I left room to stamp the set's "play like a champion" sentiment on the circle, too.

I paired the images with some bold patterned paper from Scenic Route. Since the card has a masculine feel, I kept the embellishments simple, adding just a matching grosgrain ribbon tab under the image panel.

If you get a chance to play along, upload your card to the PCP gallery using the keyword sk111409 so I can add it to this week’s album.

Materials Used:

Hockey stamp set (Clear & Simple Stamps); white cardstock (Gina K Designs); Tuxedo Black ink (Memento); markers (Copic); Enchanted Evening cardstock, Enchanted Evening grosgrain ribbon (Papertrey Ink); Real Red Classic ink, Bashful Blue cardstock (Stampin’ Up!); designer paper (Scenic Route-Liberty line); circle die (Nestabilities); foam tape

Bellarific Birthday

Here's the clean and simple card I submitted for this week’s Bellarific Friday challenge at Stamping Bella.

It features the cute KiloWatt image. I’m always in need of little boy birthday cards and this image is a perfect fit! KiloWatt is colored with Copic markers. I added a yellow-y glow around him, too.

The colors for the card were chosen to coordinate with the patterned paper from Cosmo Cricket’s Boyfriend line. The card base is a soft aqua. I added a bold pop of yellow with the panel that goes across the card. Not my ordinary color combination—but it works with the designer paper! The sentiment fit on the bottom edge of the patterned paper panel, but it could have easily curved around the top edge of the image panel, too. Since this card was designed with a boy in mind, I kept the embellishments simple, just a pair of shiny silver brads.

Materials Used:
KiloWatt image, sentiment (Stamping Bella); white cardstock (Gina K Designs); Tuxedo Black ink (Memento); markers (Copic); Aqua Mist cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Crushed Curry cardstock (Stampin’ Up!); silver brads (Making Memories); circle die (Nestabilities)

Blogger Challenge: Week 125

This week’s blogger challenge theme is Happy Fall, Y’all. I turned to one of my favorite all-season Stampin’ Up! sets for this pretty fall card.

Branch Out is such a versatile set—it works for all seasons and many occasions! Here, I stamped the tree in Close to Cocoa craft ink on a kraft panel, then added leaves to the tree and on the ground using Pumpkin Pie and Apricot Appeal craft inks. I love the look of craft ink on kraft cardstock! The “thank you” sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set fit nicely under the tree in matching brown ink. I used Close to Cocoa Classic ink to sponge around the edges of the cardstock panel for some depth.

I punched a slot in the image panel with my horizontal slot punch and threaded a scrap of twill through the slot. The twill is tied with some twine and decorated with a wood button. The natural textures of the twine, twill, and button go nicely with the feel of the image.

For more fall project ideas, you can visit the rest of the talented challenge players. Links to their blogs are in the sidebar on the right.

Materials Used:
Branch Out and Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp sets, Close to Cocoa Classic ink, Close to Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie, and Apricot Appeal Craft inks, Chocolate Chip and Kraft cardstock, More Mustard Patterns designer series paper, sponge, horizontal slot punch, dimensionals (Stampin’ Up!); wood button, twine (Papertrey Ink); twill (Martha Stewart)