A Touch From the Heart

Thanks a Bunch

TGIF!!!!  This week seemed to drag on forever!!!!  How about for you?  

I am very excited for the weekend as the weather is supposed to be in the 70s tomorrow and the 80s on Sunday!  Woo hoo!!!

My weekend always starts with debuting my Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge card.  

This week I made a card for a very good friend who did me a favor.    I don't get to see her that often, but when we get together, we have a grand 'ol time!  

My base card is Lucky Limeade.  It measures 4 1/4" x 8 1/2", scored down the middle and folded.  

My Pool Party cardstock layer measures 4" x 4".  I ran it through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice embossing folder.  This layer is matted on a 1/8" larger piece of Chocolate Chip cardstock.  

My circles are all punched using the 1 3/4" circle punch.  The dsp comes from the Sale-a-bration Everyday Enchantment pack.  I love each and every pattern in this pack.  And, that's no "lion". ...ha ha!

Enough of the "lions" because this cutie patootie card is all about the monkeys!  They come from the Kidoodles stamp set.  Oooohhh.....how I love this stamp set!!!  

The monkeys are inked with Jet Black StazOn ink.  I colored in the monkeys using my Aquapainter and markers scribbled on a stamp set case.  Just pick up the ink and swirl the ink onto the cardstock.  Keep the darker color closer to the lines and blend into the center of the image.  

I kinda deviated from the sketch with my center circle element, but it needed something to pull it all together.  I punched a 3/4" circle from So Saffron cardstock and added a brad from the Sale-a-bration Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad pack.  I think it just ties everything all together!!!!

So, did you go bananas over my card?  I know...I know....Patti enough of the animal humor already!!!

Well, I am off to start the weekend.  I hope you all have a fabulous one and maybe can play along with this week's Stamping 411 sketch.  

See ya later alligator............(sorry, couldn't resist)!!!

Saturday Sketch Challenge

How's the weather in your neck of the woods?  It's pretty glorious here in MN.  In fact, Dimples and I have been enjoying walks together on the days when it's been warm and sunny. 

The warm weather naturally makes me think of all things that come with Spring.  Pretty flowers are one such thing!  In fact, they were the inspiration for this week's card.  I used my beloved Field Flowers stamp set for this week's challenge.  I also picked a bold color combination for my flowers:  Rich Razzleberry and Peach Parfait.  I've seen a bouquet of cone flowers with these colors, and it was just exquisite. 

My base card is Crumb Cake....it's a color I find myself using over and over. 

Layer #2 is Rich Razzleberry that's been run through my Big Shot using the Finial Press embossing folder. 

For my focal image, I chose to stamp on some First Edition dsp.  Seriously, what did I ever do before this paper became available?  I just love it to pieces.  The leaf/stem are inked with Lucky Limeade ink.  The flower (two step stamp) is inked first in stamped off Rich Razzleberry followed by the same ink at full strength.  The center of the flowers are colored with a sponge dauber and some Peach Parfait ink. 

The edges are heavily sponged with Crumb Cake ink and distressed with my fingernail before matting onto a 1/8" larger piece of Basic Black cardstock. 

My banner is created with a strip of cardstock.  I easily made the banner edges by inserting the end of the strip into a corner of my square punch.  Easy peasy!  I sponged and added some dot work to add some visual charm!

The card's final touches are created with my punches.  The large oval punch cuts a scrap of Peach Parfait cardstock while my Modern Label punch creates a beautiful place to nestle a Basic Pearl.  So pretty!!!!

Is it really safe to assume that there won't be any more snow?  Probably not.  You never know what you're going to get these days!!!!  But, I can stamp my pretty flower creations anytime I want to!!!

I wonder if any of the other Stamping 411 operators were inspired by this week's weather.  I'm going to check them out at the Stamping 411 blog.  Care to check them out with me?   You might even be inspired to play along with us.  I sure hope you do!

Card Recipe

stamps:  Field Flowers, Thank You Kindly
paper:  Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black, Peach Parfait, First Edition dsp
ink:  Rich Razzleberry, Peach Parfait, Lucky Limeade
accessories:  Finial Press embossing folder, sponge daubers, Basic Pearls, Modern Label punch, Large Oval punch

 

More Twists and Turns

Oh boy!  The Stamping 411 has created a monster!  

Can you believe that I am making another "twisted" card?  I know!!!!!  Scary!!!!

This card all started with a leftover project pack from a recent class.  I thought I would take the pieces and make a different design!!!

My base card is Island Indigo.

Layer #2 is some Baja Breeze dsp from the Just Add Cake dsp pack.  

Layer #3 is a strip of Pear Pizzazz cardstock.  I used one of the brand new Edgelits to cut the left edge.  I just love this funky scallop!!!  I wrapped a length of Certainly Celery narrow grosgrain ribbon around the cardstock before adhering it to the base layer.  

Let's start building the focal layer.  It all started with the Real Red cardstock.  I matted it on a 1/8" larger piece of Basic Black cardstock.  

I stamped the "thanks" (from the Outlined Expressions Sale-a-bration stamp set) with Black StazOn ink.  I colored in the image using my Stampin' Write markers (Baja Breeze, Real Red and Pear Pizzazz).  The image was cut out using one of the new Labels Framelits.  I sponged the edge with Baja Breeze ink before adding to the focal layer.  

I added two In Color brads before tucking the focal layer under the ribbon.....with a twist!  I just love the whimsy of these brads.......they are such fun!!!!  

Wow!  I feel so liberated!!!  I made two "non-Patti" cards in the same week!!!!  What will I come up with next?  Hmmmmmm....you're going to have to come back and check it out, huh?

If you've fallen in love with today's project, all of the items used to make it can be ordered from my ONLINE STAMPIN' STORE.  Thanks for choosing me as your demonstrator!!!!

Old Favorites

When you first started stamping, what colors were you first attracted to?  I was definitely a Bold Brights girl.....followed by the Soft Subtles.

Now that I have aged (I like to think like fine wine), my color preferences have also changed.  I am now a Regals type of girl with a sampling of earthy tones brought in.

For this week's color challenge, I am actually going to pick some colors that could've easily be used on a Christmas card.......but they are so rich that they work with a plethora of other occasions too!

This week's colors are Riding Hood Red, More Mustard and Always Artichoke.  Definitely rich and regal!!!

I made some beautiful red roses.  My wedding bouquet was made with 2 dozen red roses.  Man, that sucker was heavy.  I thought my matron of honor was going to hit me with it.....her arms were quivering due to the weight.  Good thing we didn't have an hour long mass, huh? 

I really love this new Baby Blossom stamp set.  It reminds me of a retired set called Watercolor Minis.  I still have that stamp set, but I really like this one better.  The images are less Monet-like.....much more defined! 

It's a two step stamp set......but with the Clear Mount, I've found that I don't need the Stamp-a-ma-jig.  If you want exact placement, by all means use the SAMJ.  But, if you are the "close enough for government work" type......just eyeball it like I do.  It looks great either way!

My roses are made with just Riding Hood Red ink.  The bottom, bolder image is stamped off once to get the more subtle shade.  The top defined image is stamped with the same ink but full strength. 

My sentiment comes from my beloved Sincere Salutations stamp set.  It's stamped with Chocolate Chip ink onto More Mustard cardstock and punched with the Wide Oval punch.  I sponged the edges to warm it up a bit more!

Well, I am off to enjoy the start of Stampin' Up's Leadership Conference.  I do have my laptop with me....so if you have any questions about today's card or the products I used, just let me know!

Card Recipe

stamps: Baby Blossoms, Sincere Salutations
paper:  Riding Hood Red, More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, More Mustard from Regals Patterns dsp stack
ink:  Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip
accessories:  Photo Corner punch, Wide Oval punch, sponges

Click on flower to order your Stampin' Up! products 

Exploring "Build a Blossom"

When a new catalog is introduced, I feel it is my demo duty to test as many products as I possibly can.  Really, I am just helping y'all out......giving you my advice, likes and dislikes, etc....  Did you buy that line?  Dennis didn't either!  Who am I kidding?  I love new toys just as much as any other person would.

Today I am going to explore the Build a Blossom stamp set and its coordinating Blossom Petals punch.

My first card using this stamp set is very simple.  I only made one row of petals, but let me tell you......the next project I make is going to be SO poofy because this stamp set/punch rocks!  I think I am going to decorate a plain gift bag and make it into something extraordinary.  

For all of you who save your scrap pieces of cardstock, this is THE stamp set for you.

Tip of the Day:   I've found stamping a row of petals along a strip of cardstock works best.  Make sure to punch them out from left to right to avoid punching into the next petal.

This stamp set is a Two Step Stamp set....which means that you can layer your stamps to create a more detailed flower.  For my first card, I only used the more defined petal image onto Pink Pirouette cardstock.   I did the same for my leaves.  

This card also features some other new items as well.  For example, the embossed frame is created easily with the Framed Tulips embossing folder (I dragged my Whisper White Craft pad along the raised portions to make it stand out more).  Although the stamp set comes with a flower center, I wanted to play with my Sweet Buttons embosslit.  It cuts and embosses the button shapes all at once.  I covered the die cut with Crystal Effects to make it look shiny like a real button.  Such a fun look!

We made this card at my Just Cards class last week, and it was a hit.  They loved making a 3D flower card without having to hand cut a thing!  I love making my stampers happy!  Thank you Stampin' Up for making that job so easy!

I will leave you with the card recipe.  If you have any questions, just leave me a comment or send me an email!!!  

Card Recipe

stamps:  Build a Blossom, Thank You Kindly
paper:  Rose Red, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Pink Pirouette
ink:  Regal Rose, Old Olive, Whisper White Craft
accessories:  Blossom Petals punch, Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain, Framed Tulip embossing folder, Big Shot, Sweet Buttons embosslit, Crystal Effects 

 Click flower to purchase your Stampin' Up! products

Thank You.....

 I make a lot of thank you cards.  Every customer who places an online order receives a handstamped card from me.  I can't hug them in person and thank them for their business.  So, I send a beautiful card that I like to call a "hug with a fold down the middle".

Most of my thank you cards are one of a kinds.  I really dislike repetitive stamping....so everyone gets something different. 

I made this thank you card for a very special online customer.  I'm not saying who....so she can be surprised when she opens her envelope. 

I used some more sneak peek goodies on this card. 

Can you spot all the new items?

• Greenhouse Gala designer series paper
• 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch
• Pear Pizzazz cardstock (brand new In Color)
• Occasional Quotes stamp set (level 3 hostess set)

All the new items will be available on July 1st (unless you sign up to be a demo.......then you can buy your new stuff NOW!!!  You can sign up to be a demo for as little as $99.  I would love for you to join my team!!  Let me know if you're interested because I would love to chit chat with you)!!!!

I also used Baja Breeze which was an In Color back in 2008 but is now being brought back as a new core color.  Woo hoo!!!!

Of course, my all time favorite Chocolate Chip cardstock had to be part of this card too!

I love making thank you cards.........so what are you waiting for?  Place your online order today to receive a "one of a kind" card of your very own!!!

Placing an online order is easy.......just click here to go to my demonstrator website and click on "Shop Now".  Then just shop by category......check out the retiring items.....or the Clearance Rack items.......or items from the Summer Mini.

There's just so much to love about Stampin' Up!

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

 

Monochromatic Magic

 

Can you believe this is the 25th week of the Stamping 411 Color Inspiration?

Time sure flies when you're having fun!!!

For this special occasion, I thought we would try something different......a monochromatic card.

This week's colors are Chocolate Chip (my favorite), Kraft (soon to be called Crumb Cake) and Very Vanilla (a neutral).

This week, my sample card using these colors was SO easy to make!!! I used one of my favorite new stamp sets: Watercolor Trio.  Since it's a monochromatic card, the ink pads did all the work!!! Don't get me wrong.....I love coloring this set with different color markers, but using this stamp set with just ink pads was so easy peasy!!!



Isn't it pretty? 

The base card is Chocolate Chip.

The next layer is Very Vanilla cardstock which measures 5 1/4" x 4".

The top portion of the focal image is some of that magic paper.  What?  You've never heard of magic paper?  Well, actually it's called Presto Patterns Specialty paper.  But, it sure works like magic.  It's thick white paper that has clear embossed designs on it.  For my card I just sponged on some Chocolate Chip ink.  It exposes the white grid design.  SO COOL!!!!

The bottom portion of the focal image is Kraft cardstock which measures 3 3/4" x 5".  The leaf image is stamped with Sahara Sand ink.  The flower image is stamped with Chocolate Chip ink.  The top edge is torn.   The edges are sponged with Chocolate Chip ink.

The finishing touch is the sentiment (stamped on Very Vanilla cardstock with Chocolate Chip ink) that has been punched with the 1 3/8" circle punch.

The finishing touch is some Chocolate Chip satin ribbon tied into a classic knot.

Not too many steps, right?  Easy peasy?  Yes!  Elegant?  Oh, Yes!

Told you it was monochromatic magic!!!!

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

Order your Stampin' Up! products through my demonstrator website

Card Recipe
stamps:  Watercolor Trio
paper:  Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Very Vanilla, Presto Patterns Specialty paper
ink:  Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand
accessories:  Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, 1 3/8" circle punch, sponges

Simply Said

Wow!  This card photographed all wonky, huh?  It looks like it's looking at itself in one of the mirrors in a fun house!  LOL!!!

Anyway, if you are looking for a quick and cute card to make, this one might fit the bill. 

The base card is Chocolate Chip. 

The next layer is Taken with Teal that has been embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder (still available for purchase).

The horizontal layers are Certainly Celery and Apricot Appeal.

The flower image (from Simply Said) was stamped three times on Whisper White cardstock.  I punched different portions of the image using the 1 1/4" square punch.  The flowers are colored in with my Taken with Teal, Certainly Celery and Regal Rose markers.  The centers of the flowers are dotted with my white gel pen.  The squares are matted on Regal Rose cardstock punched with the 1 3/8" square punch.

The finishing touch is the sentiment (also from Simply Said) stamped on Apricot Appeal cardstock.  It's been punched with the Large Oval punch prior to being matted on a piece of Whisper White cardstock that has been punched with the Scallop Oval punch.

I have a gut feeling that Simply Said is going to be retired when the Last Chance list is announced on June 1st. 

Place your Stampin' Up! order through my demonstrator website

Card Recipe

stamps:  Simply Said
paper:  Chocolate Chip, Taken with Teal, Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
ink:  Basic Black
accessories:  Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder, square punches (1 1/4", 1 3/8"), oval punches (Large, Scalloped), Stampin' Write Markers, White Gel Pen

Stamping 411: Saturday Sketch

 

My oh my.......isn't this sketch fabulous?  Selene comes up with some great ones that we can use over and over.  I am so proud to call her one of my BFFs.  Love ya Selene!!!!!

May 1st is the official start date of the Summer Mini Catalog.....so I just HAD to use one of the brand new stamp sets for my project.

 
I have to admit that I've been experimenting with my cardstock to make different backgrounds. 

The base card is Garden Green.

The next layer is.....belive it or no.....So Saffron......with a whole buncha stuff done to it.  The photo doesn't even do it justice.....it's just so flippin' cool in person!!!

Here's what I did.......

First, I dragged my So Saffron ink pad down the cardstock.  I then stamped it with my Woodgrain background stamp with Close to Cocoa ink.  I sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa ink.  Then I used my Log Cabin Smooch Spritz.

Now onto the focal image.....it uses a stamp set called Bouquet Bunch. 

I stamped the tree trunk onto some Kraft cardstock using Basic Brown ink.  I tore a piece of Certainly Celery cardstock, sponged it with Garden Green ink and added it to the bottom of the focal image to resemble grass.

I stamped the tree top using Basic Brown ink.  Using my aquapainter and ink from my ink pad lid, I colored in the leaves.  I cut it out and sponged heavily with Garden Green ink.  It's popped up on dimensionals.

The little squirrel is stamped with Basic Brown ink on Whisper White cardstock.  I colored him in with a Creamy Caramel marker and cut him out.  I popped him up on a portion of a dimensional (because he is teensy weensy).

Now, the sketch calls for some horizontal layers.  So I used the widest twill tape (sponged with Close to Cocoa ink to dirty it up) and some Chocolate Chip wide grosgrain.  I tied off the right side of the chocolate chip ribbon to balance out the card. 

The finishing touch is the sentiment.......from Teeny Tiny Wishes.  I use that stamp set ALL the time!!!!

Are you ready to take the Saturday Sketch Challenge?  We hope so!!!  Be sure to link your project to the Stamping 411 blog using the Mr. Linky widget at the bottom of the post.  It's easy!!!

Card Recipe

stamps:  Bouquet Bunch, Woodgrain, Teeny Tiny Wishes
paper:  Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
ink:  Basic Brown, Close to Cocoa, Garden Green
accessories:  Twill Tape, Chocolate Chip Wide Grosgrain, Linen Thread, Log Cabin Smooch Spritz

  
  

Awash with Flowers

Can you believe that April is almost over?  Unbelievable!!!

When April ends so does a couple of Stampin' Up! promotions and catalogs:

Awash with Flowers sneak peek stamp set .  This stamp set is HUGE.....it has 18 stamps!!!!  If you don't purchase it by the end of April, you will need to wait until the new Idea Book and Catalog arrives on July 1st.  This stamp set is available in Wood Mount (item 117062....$39.95) and Clear Mount (item 120549....$27.95).

The Two Step into Spring promotion also ends.  The following stamp sets are on sale for 20% off:

• Trendy Trees
• Fifth Avenue Floral
• Flower Fancy
• Greenhouse Garden

The Occasions Mini Catalog also ends on April 30th.  Be sure to purchase your favorites before they are gone!!  I am sure going to miss that adorable Chocolate Bunny stamp and Well Scripted stamp set.  They are definitely my faves from this mini.  We won't know until July 1st if they carried over to the next big catty.  So, if you love them like I do, be sure to purchase them before April 30th.

Now, onto today's project........

I used the Awash with Flowers stamp set.  I chose mine in Clear Mount......it really helped lining up the stamps since this a two step stamp set.  

I stamped the flowers in the forefront using Ruby Red, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie and Brocade Blue.  The line stamps are inked with Chocolate Chip ink.

Now, I also wanted to create flowers in the background.  If I used too much color, the card would've been WAY too busy.  So, I stamped everything with Creamy Caramel which creates a shadow effect.  Of course, I love things all weathered.....so I sponged the image with Close to Cocoa.

The base card is Chocolate Chip.  The panel on the left is Pumpkin Pie cardstock.  I dragged my ink pad along the length of the cardstock.  This technique is called Direct-to-Paper, and I've been using it a lot lately.  It really tones down the brightness of the paper while adding a touch of texture without the bulk.  

The rest of the card is pretty easy to figure out.........

If you have any questions, you know just to leave a comment or send me an email.  I'll be happy to help!

Place your Stampin' Up! order through my demonstrator website

Card Recipe

stamps:  Awash with Flowers, Teeny Tiny Wishes
paper:  Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, So Saffron
ink:  Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Summer Sun, Ruby Red, Brocade Blue, Close to Cocoa
accessories:  Vanilla Hodgepodge, Small Oval punch, Scallop Edge punch, sponges, Color Spritzer Tool, Chocolate Chip marker