A Touch From the Heart

Saturday Sketch Challenge

Happy Memorial Day weekend!!!!   Although this weekend will be filled with BBQs, pool parties and celebrations, I must not forget the reason for this holiday.  We give thanks and remember those men and women in the military who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms.  

I kick off every weekend with my Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge card.  What's a better way to celebrate Memorial Day than with a.......Christmas card?  Yup, you're pretty much thinking I fell off the deep end.  But, as soon as I saw this sketch, a vision of this card popped into my head!!!!

Here is this week's sketch:

and here is this week's card.......

I played with some new goodies and some old favorites while making this card.  

The dsp is a sneak peek from the new catalog.  It's called Be of Good Cheer, and all of the patterns have wonderful Christmas themes.  The colors are Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green and Very Vanilla.  

See how crisp and clear my ornament is?  That's because I used my new Basic Black ink pad.  The firm foam design allows me to stamp solid images without any bald spots.  Love that!  

I'll leave you with the card recipe in case you want to make this card.  Hey, it's never too early to start your holiday cards!!!!

I wish each of you a safe and wonderful holiday weekend!!!!

Card Recipe

stamps:  Tags til Christmas, Curly Cute
paper:  Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Crumb Cake, Be of Good Cheer
ink:  Basic Black, Crumb Cake
accessories:  Ornament punch, Crumb Cake Seam Binding,  Basic Pearls, sponges

Happy Day!

It's an emotional weekend here at our house!  Amanda is a senior this year, and this weekend is her last dance recital.   This last recital includes the senior dance and a father/daughter dance.  I am definitely bringing a boatload of tissues with me!!!  

Although Amanda won't be doing her own dancing anymore, I am thrilled that she will be on staff at the dance studio teaching young ones how to dance.  This makes my heart happy!!!!  

My weekend always begins with the unveiling of my Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge project.  

This week, I am playing with some sneak peek items too!   On this one card, I've managed to play with all five of the brand new In Colors.  The 2012-2014 In Colors are Midnight Muse, Raspberry Ripple, Gumball Green, Primrose Petals and Summer Starfruit.  

I'm also playing with two new stamp sets!!!  

My card all begins with a Midnight Muse base card.

Layer #2 is Raspberry Ripple, and its been run through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice embossing folder.

My focal layer is stamped with the images from Betsy's Blossoms.  The smaller flowers are inked with Summer Starfruit.  The larger flowers are inked with Primrose Petals, and the leaves are inked with Gumball Green.  I love how I can create my own background paper using my stamps and ink pads!!!!  The focal layer is matted on a 1/4" larger piece of Gumball Green.

For my sentiment, I grabbed the sneak peek stamp set called Layered Labels.  All of the images in this stamp set coordinate with a brand new framelit.  Not having to cut something out by hand is a VERY good thing!!!  I inked up the image with my brand new Basic Black ink pad.  Stampin' Up! has redesigned their stamp pads.  They now have a firm foam base that allows for better inking.  I love that my stamped image doesn't have any bald spots.  Yes!!!!

I inked up the image again and stamped it onto some Summer Starfruit cardstock.  I then punched out only the "for you" using my Large Oval punch.  I traced over the letters using my Signo White Gel Pen.  I just love the whimsical touch this gives!!!!

All that's left is adding some bling.  A rhinestone here and there adds just the right finishing touch!

This Card Takes the Cake

Happy Friday!  Wow!  This week has gone by fast!  It feels like I just posted last week's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge.  I know I haven't been posting as much over the past few months, and I really hope to correct that once the summer arrives.  Thank you for still checking back here to see when I do post.

I did spend more time in the Stampin' Studio this week.  My favorite UPS man delivered a big 'ol box containing my pre-order goodies!  The new catalog was also in that box.  Oh my word!  Wait until you see it folks!  It'll blow your mind!!!! 

This week I am holding a "Birthday Bash" class....that's right......all birthday cards!!!! 

One of the cards we are making uses this week's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge sketch.

While it does have lots of layers, it's not overly busy.  Using demure patterns helps make this card a success.  I tend to shy away from bold patterns anyway.  It's just part of my signature style. 

While I shy away from bold patterns, I am not afraid of color.  I think a big 'ol "pop" of color is a beautiful thing.  

The colors on this card are Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait and Pear Pizzazz.  The Basic Black helps define all that color and pull it all together. 

Once again, I am playing with a retiring stamp set.  Crazy for Cupcakes has been a beloved stamp set for a number of years.  I had a feeling it would be on the retired list, but it's still never going to leave my Stampin' Studio because I truly love, love, love it to pieces!!!

 

 

Fun with Fabric

One of the perks of being a demonstrator is receiving free merchandise from Stampin' Up!  I love that!!! 

When that freebie is fabric, I do get a little scared.  You see, me and my sewing machine don't get along.  I have a much better relationship with paper and glue. 

So, what to do with my fabric that doesn't involve a sewing machine?  I know!  I'll cut it in my Big Shot.....and glue it.....on some paper!!!  Voila!  Problem solved!!!

For today's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge, I made a flower card.....using my pretty fabric with not one stitch of sewing involved.  YES!!!!!

Now, I did get a little emotional while making this card because my beloved flourish from Baroque Motifs will be retiring soon!  You see my stamp......boy is it inky and well-loved!  It's going into my private stash of stamps to cherish forever!!!!

What stamp set will you never get rid of?  I'd love to hear your answer!!!!

I'd also love for you to play along with this week's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge.  Just make a card and link it to the Stamping 411 blog using the Linky Tool at the bottom of the post.  It's fun and easy!

 

Minnesota Pretties

Oh my!  The weather in MN for the past two days has been delightful!  We're wearing shorts and opening all the windows!  Now, there's usually a bunch of snow still on the ground for a good portion of May.  This is definitely a strange Spring.  But, I will take it over the cold and snow any day!

When the weather is this nice, I am tempted to plant my flowers.  But, I learned my lesson the first year we moved here when I lost all my flowers to a frost.  Not good!  So I will wait until closer to Memorial Day to do all my Spring planting. 

Until then I can pretties using my stamps and paper.  Today's card uses the latest Stamping 411 Color Inspiration Challenge.  The colors are Perfect Plum, Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke and Pink Pirouette.  

I decided to play with some stamp sets that have been ignored for a while.  They are Nature Walk and Delicate Doilies.  

I simply colored the flower stalk stamp with my markers to create my focal image.  The center image is stamped at full-strength  while the others are just stamped without reinking the stamp.  It's called the Generation Stamping technique!

My layers all have something done to them that add texture to the card.  The Perfect Plum layer is sponged and stamped with the Delicate Doilies stamp set using Perfect Plum ink.  The Sahara Sand strip is dragged with the Sahara Sand ink pad (this is called the Direct-to-Paper technique).  I also added a strip of Pink Pirouette cardstock that's been punched using the retiring Eyelet Border Punch.  Just a little bit if peeking out, and I love the look!!!  My Always Artichoke layer is embossed using the Square Lattice Impressions Folder.  

You know me!  I love lots of layers, but this one's not over the top.  It's just pretty!!!!

I'll leave you with the card recipe in case you want to make it yourself!  If you need any Stampin' Up! products, I hope you'll shop from my Stampin' Up! store.  

Card Recipe

stamps:  Nature Walk, Delicate Doilies
paper:  Perfect Plum, Always Artichoke, Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke
ink:  Perfect Plum, Sahara Sand
accessories:  Square Lattice Impressions Folder, Stampin' Write Markers, Always Artichoke Seam Binding, sponges 

 

Bye Bye Upsy Daisy

Hey everyone!  How was your week?  I am SO glad that it's Friday.  It's prom weekend at our house.  The nails are done, and Amanda's hair appt is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon!  I'll post pics of her in her dress on Sunday!

Anyhoo, the reason why you stopped by was to see a card.  Every Friday I post my Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge card.  This week I chose to feature one of my beloved retiring stamp sets:  Upsy Daisy!

My base card is Early Espresso.

Layer #2 is Crumb Cake that's been sponged with Soft Suede ink and then spritzed using the Color Spritzer tool and two different colors of marker:  Early Espresso and Soft Suede.

The Soft Suede strip has been embossed with the Adorning Accents Impressions Folder.  I just love the subtle swoops.  I highlighted two of those swoops with a Basic Pearl.  I also added a length of Soft Suede Taffeta ribbon prior to adding this layer to my base card.

My focal image begins with a piece of the First Edition Specialty dsp.  I am THRILLED that this paper hasn't been retired!!!!  I use it all the time.  On this card, I inked up the daisy silhouette with Soft Suede ink and stamped it onto the dsp.  I grabbed my sponges and sponged the edges with Soft Suede ink.  I swirled the ink in towards the center of the card.  For the "glow" in the center, I grabbed my So Saffron ink pad and a sponge.  A bit of subtle sponging adds just the right vintage touch to my image!  Of course, my Color Spritzer Tool got another workout!  This layer needed some serious spritzing too!

To complete my card, I stamped the sentiment (also from Upsy Daisy) onto a scrap of Crumb Cake.  I punched it with the Large Oval punch and sponged the edges with some Soft Suede ink.  After popping it up on dimensionals, my card is complete!  Voila......my monochromatic vintage card is finis!

Well, this mama is off to family pizza night and then a trip to the mall for some last minute prom items.  Can we all say cha-ching at Sephora?  Oh boy!!!

Retiring Accessories Announced

Good morning!

Are you ready to grab your catalog and your highlighter?  Stampin' Up! has announced its retiring accessories list.  Please note that all retiring accessories are available on a WHILE SUPPLIES LAST basis. 

Click HERE to view the retiring accessories list

When viewing the list, you will notice a few things.  Let's talk about those, shall we?

- you will see that ALL Classic Ink Pads are being retired.  Please note that the ink pads are being redesigned.  The new ink pad design has a foam ink pad so inking your stamps is easier and yields better results.  The only colors going away are the 2010-2012 In Colors (Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz and Concord Crush).

- 12 x 12 Textured Cardstock has been discontinued

- some 12 x 12 Smooth Cardstock colors are being discontinued in individual color packs.  They will still be available in color collection packs.

- some individual colors of Stampin' Write markers have been discontinued.  They will still be available in the Color Collection packs.  

- The Definitely Decorative (Decor Elements) line of products have been discontinued.

- The Simply Adorned jewelry line products have been discontinued.  

- items marked with a single asterisk (*) are being reconfigured (i.e heat tool, paper piercing tool, etc...)

 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to send me an email, leave a comment or give me call!

To purchase your retiring products, I encourage you to place an ONLINE ORDER from my demonstrator website.  Don't forget to check out the Clearance Rack while you are there!

Full of Hot Air

Do you know someone who likes to talk just to hear the sound of their own voice?  C'mon.....fess up.....I know you do!!!!  My grandmother would say that the person is full of hot air. 

Well, wouldn't the perfect card for a talker like that be this card.... because....well....a balloon is technically filled with hot air, right?

My Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch challenge card begins with the Calypso Coral base card.

Layer #2 is Chocolate Chip.

Layer #3 is a strip of patterned paper from the Summer Smooches dsp pack.   Isn't this pattern fun?

I added a length of Old Olive Satin Ribbon to the Chocolate Chip layer as per the sketch.

I then started working on the focal image.  It all started with a 2" a 2 1/2" piece of Pool Party cardstock.  I stamped some clouds using Pool Party ink.  The hilly, grassy area is a torn piece of Lucky Limeade cardstock.  The balloon is inked with Calypso Coral and Chocolate Chip ink.  I cut it out and popped it up on dimensionals.  This layer is matted with some Calypso Coral cardstock. 

For my finishing touches, I added an Old Olive Satin Ribbon bow and three Chocolate Chip 3/8" Neutral Brads. 

The card wasn't balanced enough for me.....so I grabbed my Photo Corner Punch (retired) and added a Lucky Limeade photo corner in the upper left corner of the dsp layer!  Ahhhhhhh (not hot air......but a breath of relief that my "Full of Hot Air" card is now complete)!!!! 

Let the weekend begin...................toodles!

Razzleberry Cheer

The forecast for the weekend is looking mighty rainy and gray.  We need a little brightening up, and the best way to do that is to make a cheery card!

This week's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge sketch has lots of layers.  So, my card is definitely requiring extra postage!

This card features quite a bit of the Direct to Paper technique.  I just love how it adds a leather-like texture without adding any extra bulk.  Believe me...this card doesn't need any additional bulk!

The cheeriness of the card grows exponentially when using the Mixed Bunch stamp set and it's coordinating Blossom punch.  Pretty flowers always make me happy!!! 

If you picked up the Brights Designer Buttons as one of your Sale-a-bration freebies, they work perfectly nestled in the center of the flower!  Don'tcha think?

I'll leave you with the card recipe in case you want to make this card!

I hope you all have a bright and cheery weekend.....regardless of the weather!!!

Card Recipe

stamps:  Mixed Bunch, Teeny Tiny Wishes
paper:  Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Pear Pizzazz, Summer Smooches dsp (don't remember the exact name...sorry!)
ink:  Rich Razzleberry, Pink Pirouette, Daffodil Delight
accessories:  Blossom punch, Whisper White Baker's Twine, Brights designer buttons, Word Window punch, Pear Pizzazz Pleated Satin Ribbon, Blossom Builder punch

 

Everything Eleanor

I am such a self-confessed Stampin' Up! geek!  As soon as I hear that Stampin' Up! releases a new catalog in another country, I rush right over to the SU website to check out all the fun things they have.

Upon browsing the United Kingdom's latest catalog, I immediately fell in love with a stamp set called Everything Eleanor.  It has flowers that I can watercolor, a fabulous new flourish and a shabby chic plaque.  So, so pretty!

Well, when I attended Leadership in January, guess what stamp set they surprised all the attendees with?  You guessed it!  Everything Eleanor!  Whoopee!  It's going to be in the next big catty!

As soon as I saw this week's Stamping 411 sketch, I knew Everything Eleanor was the perfect stamp set to play with.  

My square card all starts with Early Espresso cardstock.  The cardstock measures 5" x 10".....scored and folded in half.

Layer #2 is some lined dsp from the Beau Chateau dsp pack.  I sponged the edges with some Crumb Cake ink.

Layer #3 is a strip of Soft Suede cardstock.  The left edge has been punched with the Scallop Trim border punch.  I wrapped a length of Soft Suede Taffeta ribbon before adhering this layer to my base card.  

Layer #4 is a 3 1/2" Crumb Cake circle (cut with my Big Shot).  I stamped the flourish and sponged the edges using Crumb Cake ink.

The plaque stamp is inked with Blushing Bride ink and stamped onto Blushing Bride cardstock.  I cut out this image and lightly sponged the edges with Early Espresso ink.  For my sentiment, I grabbed my Bring on the Cake stamp set.  I inked up the greeting with Early Espresso ink and stamped it onto some Blushing Bride cardstock.  I punched it with the Wide Oval punch and lightly sponged with Early Espresso ink.  Two pearls adorn each side of the plaque.  

The flowers are inked with Jet Black StazOn and stamped on Very Vanilla cardstock.  I watercolored the flowers using my Aquapainter and my Blushing Bride ink pad and reinker.  After allowing the flowers to dry, I carefully cut them out and added some pearl centers.  They are nestled upon some leaves cut with the Little Leaves Sizzlit.   

Ahhhhhh......this card is a perfect little piece of vintage prettiness and that makes me happy!

Well this Stampin' Up! geek is off to check out what the other Stamping 411 operators have made!   I bet there's some more pretties on there!

I'm not sure if I'll be checking back before Easter....so I want to wish everyone a wonderful weekend!!!!  

Card Recipe

stamps:  Everything Eleanor (available 6/1/12), Bring on the Cake
paper:  Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Beau Chateau dsp
ink:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso
accessories:  3 1/2" circle Bigz die, Basic Pearls, Soft Suede Taffeta ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Wide Oval punch