A Touch From the Heart

Jolly Old St. Nicholas

 

Can I just say how much I love this image?  I am going to totally date myself here, but do any of you remember those Santa pins where you pulled the strings and his nose lit up?  This Santa TOTALLY reminds me of that pin!!!!  Dontcha think?

This card is for the Friday Blogger's Challenge.  This week it's a sketch challenge.  Here's the sketch we were given:

 It's a very simple sketch.....so it's definitely a keeper in your sketch book!

Now, I did take some creative liberties with it to make it work on my card.  For the horizontal element, I chose to use ribbon.....making sure it hung over my focal image a bit (as indicated in the sketch). 
 
Here's some items to note on my card:

• Santa is colored with my Stampin' Write Markers (scribbled on a stamp case and picked up with my Aquapainter)
• created my own background paper by stamping "Wishing You a Merry Christmas" onto the Real Red layer
• after cleaning my sentiment, I inked only the "Merry" with a Night of Navy marker and stamped onto Whisper White cardstock.  I punched it out using the Jewelry Tag punch and hung it from the ribbon using Linen Thread.
• to make Santa's beard more noticeable, lightly watercolor just inside the edges with Sahara Sand marker
• to distinguish the fur on this hat, I used Moonlight Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink

What a fun card to make!!!!  I've been looking forward to purchasing this stamp set, and it did not disappoint!!!

If you would like to order any of the products used on this card, they are available for purchase through my demonstrator website.  Simply click on "Shop Now" to enter the online store.  Take a peek at the "Holiday Mini" category to see all the wonderful new goodies from this new catalog!

Card Recipe

stamps:  Jolly St. Nick
paper:  Night of Navy, Real Red, Whisper White, Celebrations
ink:  Real Red, Basic Black
accessories:  Aquapainter, Stampin' Write Markers, Moonlight Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink, Ticket Corner Punch, Basic Pearls, Real Red Satin Ribbon, Linen Thread, Jewelry Tag Punch

Back to School

Do you remember the office store commercial where the dad is gleefully prancing up the aisles buying school supplies while "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" is playing in the background.  The kids are following him all droopy and depressed because they don't want to go back to school.  I LOVE that commercial. 

It's hard to believe that my kids will be going back to school on Sept. 7th.  That's also my first day back at work!  I'm not sure how I feel about that one!  I really enjoyed my summer off!

This week's Blogger's Challenge was to make a "Back to School" project.

I re-arranged the Stampin' Studio this week.  Guess what I found?  Some 2-4-6-8 box project packs.  Well, I pulled one of those babies out and made this.........

I wheeled the bottom edge of the box with the Dotted Lines jumbo wheel.  It sorta reminds me of the paper the younger elementary school kids practice their letters on.

I used my Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch on some Daffodil Delight cardstock and glued it to the center of the box.

The adorable little school bus is part of the Every Little Bit stamp set.  This stamp set has little stamps representing different seasons/holidays/times of the year and so much more!  It's perfect for adding just a little something!

The school bus is watercolored with my Aquapainter and my markers (scribbled onto one of my plastic stamp cases).  Make sure to use a Sahara Sand marker to outline the outside of the bus.  It just makes the image "pop".

The bus is punched with the 1 1/4" Circle punch and matted on an Old Olive 1 3/8" circle punch. 

The top of the box is adorned with a folded 2 3/8" Scallop Circle (using Pacific Point cardstock).

I punched two holes with my Crop-o-dile and threaded some Daffodil Delight 1/4" grosgrain ribbon.  I tied it into a bouncy bow!   All that's left is the little tag.  I used the "hello baby" stamp from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.......but I used my marker to only ink up the "hello" part.  I punched it with the Jewelry Tag punch, added a hole and tied it onto my bow using some Linen Thread.  

Wouldn't this make a sweet gift to a teacher or bus driver on the first day of school?  Hey, a little chocolate or coffee bribery will get you everywhere!

If you've fallen in love with today's project, all of the products are available for purchase through my demonstrator website.  Simply click on Shop Now to enter my online store.  Thank you so much for your orders......I truly appreciate it!

Box Recipe

stamps:  Every Little Bit, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Dotted Lines jumbo wheel
paper:  Real Red, Pacific Point, Old Olive, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight
ink:  Real Red (jumbo cartridge), Black StazOn
accessories:  Stampin' Write markers (Daffodil Delight, Sahara Sand, Real Red, Basic Gray, Bashful Blue), Aquapainter, Daffodil Delight 1/4" grosgrain, Crop-o-dile, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, jumbo handle

Whoo's Birthday is it?

 
Is it your birthday today?  If it is.....Happy Birthday, my friend!

This week's Blogger's Challenge is to make a birthday card.  I was tempted to pull out a traditional birthday stamp set, but decided to take a different route.

This little owl always makes me smile.  Whoo could imagine how easy it would be to make him using the new Two Step Owl punch?  His body and little eyeballs are Chocolate Chip.  His belly is some dsp from the Greenhouse Gala paper pack.  I tuck in a little piece of Pumpkin Pie to make his beak.  His eyes are Crumb Cake and Whisper White.

The branch is cut using my Big Shot and the Little Leaves Sizzlit.

See the scalloped square?  It's a sneak peek of a new Bigz die coming in the Holiday Mini catalog.  Love it.....it's the perfect size for adding to a card.  Bonus....there's a smaller scalloped square on it too that coordinates with the Scalloped Square punch.  Woo hoo!

This amazing color combo (or most of it) came from the Color Coach.  The coach told me to use Cajun Craze, Old Olive and Baja Breeze together.  I added the Not Quite Navy as the base card.  I love how this all looks together!!!!!

This card is really easy to put together.....so I'm not going to get into the nitty gritty details.  I'll leave the card recipe at the bottom of the post so you know exactly which products I used. 

You know that if you have a question, just shoot me an email or leave a comment on this post.  I'll be happy to explain anything you need! 

I'll be back tomorrow with the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch challenge project!  It's very elegant!!!

P.S.  Do you love using ribbon like I do?  There's still room in my Ribbon Shares if you're interested. 

Until next time.....Happy Stamping everyone!

If you've fallen in love with this project, you can order the items used to make it through my demonstrator website.  Just click on "Shop Now" to enter my online store.  Shopping is fun and easy......available 24/7. 

Card Recipe

stamps:  Teeny Tiny Wishes
paper:  Not Quite Navy, Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Pumpkin Pie, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Greenhouse Gala dsp
ink:  Early Espresso
accessories:  Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Bigz Scallop Square (coming Sept 1st), Two Step Owl punch, Small Oval punch, Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Early Espresso 1/4" grosgrain, Little Leaves Sizzlit

Blogger's Challenge

It's been a few weeks since I've been able to participate in the Blogger's Challenge.  It feels SO good to be back.

This week was a color challenge:  black, white and a color of our choice.

I chose to make a holiday tag for this week's challenge:

 
I decided to use Baja Breeze as my third color.  I am so thrilled that this color has been brought back. 

Now, the patterned paper I used on this tag is retired.   But, there is some fabulous Baja Breeze patterned paper in the Subtles Patterns DSP Paper Stack.  It would equally as well.

Did you see my patterned paper and ribbon shares?  It's a great way to get a sample of each without having to buy full packs or rolls.

The little penguin comes from an adorable stamp set called Every Little Bit.  This stamp set contains 28 stamp sets with stamps representing different holidays, seasons, animals, girlie stuff, etc......  It's so stinkin' versatile!!!

The penguin is stamped with Basic Black ink, and then I shaded him like I used to when I painted ceramics.  Penguins have some yellow shading on their bellies.....so I used my aquapainter and So Saffron ink to add this special little shading.

Want to hear another trick about watercoloring?  Use your aquapainter and make a shadow outside the image.  I use my Sahara Sand marker (scribbled on a stamp case) to accomplish this!!

The little snowflake is highlighted with some of the Illuminate Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink.  This stuff is amazing.......it's clear with some gorgeous glimmer.  If you like glitter, but hate the mess.......this is the stuff you've been dreaming of!!!

Love Stampin' Up?  Me too!!!  Place your order for Stampin' Up! products through my demonstrator website

Tag Recipe

stamps:  Every Little Bit
paper:  Basic Black, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Baja Breeze dsp (retired)
ink:  Basic Black, So Saffron, Baja Breeze
accessories:  3/4" circle punch, Scallop Square punch, Ticket Corner punch, Stampin' Write markers (Pumpkin Pie, Sahara Sand), aquapainter, Illuminate Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink, Metallic Eyelet, Silver Cord (retired), Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, 1/4" White Grosgrain Ribbon

Kiwi, Blue and White

My Blogger's Challenge entry is a few days late.  Sorry about that!  But, better late than never, right?

This week's challenge is a color challenge:  Kiwi, Blue and White. 

The colors I've chosen to work with is Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point and Whisper White.

I haven't played with my Sweet Scoops stamp set nearly enough.....so some lime sherbet seemed to be in order for the day!

 I love to make square cards!  This one measure 4 1/4" square.

My Kiwi Kiss layer is embossed with the Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder.  It's matted on a 1/8" larger piece of Whisper White cardstock.

I am loving the new 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch.  I can fit so many great things in the center....like this lime sherbet ice cream cone.....which is all sparkled up with some Dazzling Diamonds.

See those three little dots in the center of each scallop.  Those are rub ons from the retired Eggcellent Eggs kit (was in the Occasions Mini).  I've been using these rub ons to decorate my painted toe nails too!  Just seal with a clear top coat and you are good to go!

I may have to dig out the ice cream maker and my Ben & Jerry's cook book tonight!  I'm in an ice cream mood now!!!

Love Stampin' Up?  ME TOO!!!!  Order your products today through my demonstrator website

Card Recipe

stamps:  Sweet Scoops, Teeny Tiny Wishes
paper:  Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss (retired), Whisper White, Basic Black
ink:  So Saffron, More Mustard (rock-n-roll the cone), Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Basic Black
accessories:  Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Scallop edge punch, 2 3/8 Scallop circle punch (coming July 1st), Dazzling Diamonds, 2 way glue pen, Kiwi double sided ribbon (retired), Eggcellent Eggs kit (retired), sponges, dimensionals 

Blogger's Challenge

It's been a couple of weeks since I've been able to participate in the Blogger's Challenge.  It's amazing how life just seems to sweep you off your feet and throw your schedule completely out the window!

This week, the challenge is a sketch challenge.  I tweaked the sketch a bit to fit my focal image (ahem, I go downstairs to play....without my laptop.....and I remember the sketch differently in my head than Lisa designed it).  Ah, living with CRS is a burden!!!

Well, would you like to see my card?

I really love the way it turned out.  I used a bunch of sneak peek colors on here:  Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight.  I also added some Dusty Durango (retiring In Color) in there for good measure!

The base card is Cherry Cobbler.  

I dragged my Daffodil Delight ink pad along the Daffodil Delight cardstock.  

The Pear Pizzazz layer has been "oomphed-up" (today's new word) with the sneak peek Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder.

The focal image comes from my well-loved Elements of Style stamp set.  I inked it up with Black StazOn ink and stamped it onto a 2 1/2" Whisper White circle (cut with my Circle Scissor Plus).  It's matted on a 3 1/4" x 3 1/4" square of Early Espresso cardstock.  I used my Color Spritzer Tool and an Early Espresso marker to add some vintage spattering.

 This is all matted on a 3 3/8" x 3 3/8" piece of Whisper White that has been dirtied up with Chocolate Chip ink.  

Following the sketch, I added two small half-back white pearls (from the retiring Pretties Kit).

I added a sentiment.  I used my Teeny Tiny Wishes (seriously, this stamp set NEVER leaves my stamp desk).  It's stamped with Early Espresso ink onto Daffodil Delight cardstock and punched with the Word Window punch.  This is matted on Dusty Durango that's been punched with the Modern Label punch.  Both layers are sponged with Chocolate Chip ink.

Whew!  I am so glad I was able to play this week!  Now, I am off to see what my other BC buddies have made with the sketch.  If you want to check them out too, just click on the Blogger's Challenge icon on the right sidebar of my blog. 

Until next time.....Happy Stamping everyone!

Place your Stampin' Up! order through my demonstrator website

Card Recipe

stamps:  Elements of Style, Teeny Tiny Wishes
paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso (all available starting July 1st), Dusty Durango (retiring June 30th), Whisper White
ink:  Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler (all available July 1st), Chocolate Chip
accessories:  Dusty Durango marker, Pretties Kit (retiring June 30th), Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder (available July 1st), Circle Scissor Plus, sponges, Modern Label punch, Word Window punch
 

Red, White and Blue

This week's Blogger's Challenge was to create a project using red, white and blue.

At first I was going to make a patriotic card, but then I thought a graduation card might be in order (especially since the kids have been to invited to a bunch of grad parties).

This card is so super simple.  

The base card is Real Red.

The Brocade Blue cardstock has been grunged up using the direct to paper technique (using a Brocade Blue ink pad).

The Whisper White cardstock has been stamped with the stars from Starring You using Real Red ink.  I love this little stamp set.....so versatile!!!

The focal image (Happy Grad from the Summer Mini) has been inked with Brocade Blue ink.  I sponged the edges with Brocade Blue ink.  It's double-matted.....first on Real Red....then finally on Night of Navy.

Before adhering the focal image to the card, I added one of the Star Designer Brads.  Do you see the detail work on the brad.  So easy to do when you own some fine tipped Sharpie markers. 

Well, I told you it was super simple.  I just need to bang out about 10 more of these babies for all the grad parties!!!!

I am off to check out the other red, white and blue cards........just click on the Blogger's Challenge icon on the right sidebar of my blog to get a list of links.

Wishing each of you a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend!

Until next time......Happy Stamping everyone!

Card Recipe

stamps:  Starring You
paper:  Real Red, Brocade Blue, Whisper White, Night of Navy
ink:  Brocade Blue
accessories:  Star Designer Brads, sponge

Color Challenge

This week's Blogger's Challenge is a color challenge:  teal, red and curry.

These colors are so vibrant, and I automatically thought of using it for a "congratulations" card.  This card would also be fabulous for a graduation card.....dontcha think?

The base card is Bermuda Bay.  I sponged the edges with Bermuda Bay ink.

I added two strips of Real Red (1 1/2" x 5 1/4") that have been run through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice Impressions Folder.

The next layer is Crushed Curry.   This color is not an easy color for me!!!  I stamped the stars from Starring You (love this stamp set to pieces) using Crushed Curry ink.  I also sponged the edges with the same ink.  Adding the Basic Black mat helps ground the brightness of the Crushed Curry.

I stamped the sentiment with Basic Black ink on some Whisper White cardstock.  I punched the sentiment with the Wide Oval punch and sponged the edges with Bermuda Bay ink.

To finish off the card, I added a Real Red photo corner and small star (with a silver brad placed in the center).

This card is already out in the mail to someone who has accomplished something wonderful, and I am so proud of her!!!!!  Just wanted to tell her "WAY TO GO"!!!!!!

Now, it's time to check out what the other stampers have done with this awesome color combo.  Click on the Blogger's Challenge icon on the right sidebar of my blog to check their projects out!

Until next time.....Happy Stamping everyone!

Click here to place your Stampin' Up! order through my demonstrator website

Card Recipe

stamps:  Starring You
paper:  Bermuda Bay, Real Red, Crushed Curry, Whisper White
ink:  Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Basic Black
accessories:  Big Shot, Square Lattice Impressions Folder, Star punch, Photo Corner punch, Silver Brads, sponges, dimensionals 

Happy Mother's Day

 This week's Blogger's Challenge is "Mother's Day".  I chose to make a Mother's Day card with one of my favorite stamp sets from the Summer Mini catalog.  It's called Elements of Style, and it was given to each demonstrator who attended Leadership Convention back in January.  What a fabulous surprise we were all gifted with!!!!  I love being a demonstrator!!!!

I wanted to work with a unusual color combination for a woman, but I really love the way it came out.  The colors are so striking together.....even more so in person than in this photo.

The base card is Brocade Blue whose edges are heavily sponged with Brocade Blue ink.

The next layer is Kraft cardstock that has been embossed with the Square Lattice Impressions Folder (that has been brayered with Brocade Blue ink before placing the cardstock inside).  This technique was inspired by my friend, Robin Merriman. 

The flower spray is inked with Black StazOn onto Very Vanilla cardstock.  I used my Aquapainter and reinkers to color in this image.  The reinker colors are Pumpkin Pie, Brocade Blue and Always Artichoke.

Now, if you are scared of watercoloring, this stamp set is perfect to alleviate your fears.  All of the guesswork is taken away.  Use the aquapainter to apply an even layer of color in the flowers.  Once this is dry, add more reinker with the aquapainter only in the areas with the heavy black lines.  Voila.....instant shading and highlighting.  You will be amazed!!!

The focal image is sponged with Close to Cocoa ink and matted on some Chocolate Chip cardstock. 

The sentiment is stamped on So Saffron cardstock, punched with the Designer Label punch and sponged with Close to Cocoa ink.  The sentiment is nestled inside a Vanilla Hodgepodge label holder.  I think it finishes this off nicely,

Now, I am almost done.  It's not easy to see in the picture, but this card has been "smooched".......with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz.  Oh my.......this stuff is SO much fun to play with.  By far, the vanilla color is my "go to" color!!!

I wish you all could see how pretty this card is in person.....it's so vibrant while shimmery at the same time.  What mom wouldn't love that?????

Have I convinced you to purchase this Elements of Style stamp set yet?  Well, here's more to tempt you.  During the month of May, when you purchase this stamp set, you get to select a pack of Designer Brads for FREE!!!!  Oh yeah!!!!

I can't wait to see what the other Blogger's Challenge stampers have been up to.  They always amaze me with their talent!!!  If you would like to check them out, click on the Blogger's Challenge icon on the right sidebar of my blog!! 

Until next time.......Happy Stamping everyone!

Place Your Stampin' Up! order through my demonstrator website

Card Recipe

stamps:  Elements of Style
paper:  Brocade Blue, Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, So Saffron
ink:  Black StazOn, Close to Cocoa, Brocade Blue, reinkers (Pumpkin Pie, Brocade Blue, Always Artichoke)
accessories:  Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz, Big Shot, Square Lattice Impressions Folder, brayer, Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware, Designer Label punch, sponges, aquapainter

Embossing Challenge

This week's Blogger's Challenge is to emboss something.  Any kind of embossing will do......heat embossing, dry embossing......I think you get the point!!!

I chose to do dry embossing.  I thank my lucky stars that someone invented the Big Shot.  I would never dry emboss if I had to rely on a light table, brass stencils and a stylus.  I tried it....didn't like it......moved on!!!! 

With the Big Shot, all I need is an Impressions Folder and some old-fashioned muscle to crank the handle.  That counts as exercise, right?

Here's my card for the week.......

Doesn't it make you want to book a tropical vacation?  

This was my swap card for Robin Merriman's GoDiva Summer Mini Swap.  The talent in that group of stampers leaves me speechless (and that doesn't happen often).

This card uses a whole buncha new goodies from the Summer Mini Catalog (starts tomorrow May 1st).

The embossed background is from a brand new Impressions Folder called Square Lattice.  It embosses so deeply that it actually changes the feel of the cardstock......it's hard to describe it.....but it's almost like magic!

The patterned paper comes from a new dsp pack called Island Oasis.  It's so decadent......almost as decadent as that drink on my focal image.  Pina Colada, anyone?

The new stamp set is called Tropical Party, and it is so much fun.  Our pool area is nicknamed Buffoon Lagoon.........definitely a party zone.  So, this stamp set was a natural for all the party invitations and scrapbook pages we're going to make this summer!!!  Splash!!!!

Well, the rest of the card is pretty self-explanatory.  If you have any questions, just leave me a comment, and I will get back to you!!!

Reminder......the Occasions Mini Catalog ends today!!!  If you've fallen in love with any of the products, don't forget to order them before they are gone forever.

Place your Stampin' Up! order through my demonstrator website

Card Recipe

stamps:  Tropical Party
paper:  So Saffron, Tempting Turquoise, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Island Oasis DSP
ink:  Chocolate Chip, Rose Red
accessories:  Stampin' Write markers, Crystal Effects, Silver Brads,  Square Lattice Impressions Folder, Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain