A Touch From the Heart

I Get By with a Little Help from My Friends

 Yup....that's me.....quoting a Beatles tune for my post title.  I guess I was inspired by my 19 year old son, Christopher, who just happens to love the Beatles.  I was checking out his iTunes collection, and boy, that kid has some awesome music.  I guess that explains why he loves receiving iTunes gift cards at the holidays!!!  He's a music junkie just like my dad and brother!!!

My friends mean the world to me.  My BFFs live in New York, but they're always in my heart.....no matter the number of miles between us. 

Today's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge card celebrates those friends that hold a special place in your heart! 

My base card is Riding Hood Red.  It measures 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4" and then folded. 

Layer #2 is Chocolate Chip.  It measures 4" x 5 1/4". 

The two patterned paper vertical panels are made with the gorgeous Everyday Enchantment designer series paper pack.  This paper is one of the Sale-a-bration freebies, and I think it's one of the prettiest paper packs Stampin' Up! has come up with.  Each panel measures 1 7/8" x 3 7/8". 

The Chocolate Chip heart is cut with the new Heart Framelits.  I used the linked pearls to trace just inside the heart.  I love how rich and elegant this little addition makes to this card. 

The stamped heart comes from the stamp set I {heart} Hearts.  The stamp is inked with Riding Hood Red ink and stamped onto Very Vanilla cardstock.  Now, what I love best about this stamp is that I don't have to hand-cut it.  The Full Heart punch is coordinated to punch it out perfectly.  Yay!

While I was punching, I grabbed some Chocolate Chip cardstock and punched it with the Full Heart punch too!  I cut the heart in half width-wise and matted it to the back of my stamped heart.  As you can see on the card, the Crumb Cake Seam Binding bow hides the seam......which allows me to use this secret tip to make my cardmaking a heck of a lot easier!!! 

All that's left is "dotting the i" with another Basic Pearl.  I think it's the perfect way to marry the two hearts together!!! 

I think any friendship can by symbolized by a pearl.  All pearls start with something that irritates the oyster (a grain of sand).  I'm not saying that friendships start with an irritation, but friendships have their struggles along the way, right?  The pearl grows over time......just like a friendship.  And in the end, it's a truly beautiful thing!!!  Is it perfect?  Nope, a true pearl is often funny-shaped.  But, it's beautiful nonetheless......just like a friendship! 

Speaking of friendships, I just love the Stamping 411 girls.   This great group of stampers come up with the prettiest projects around!!  Let's check out what they've made this week, shall we?  I'm heading off to the Stamping 411 blog to do just that!!!

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

Card Recipe

stamps:  I {heart} Hearts
paper:  Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Everyday Enchantment (SAB)
ink:  Riding Hood Red
accessories:  Hearts Framelits, Full Heart punch, Basic Pearls, Crumb Cake Seam Binding

Shakey, Shakey Valentine

Wow!  Another week has come and gone.  I've been fortunate to take a few afternoons off from work this week to spend some precious time with the family.  We've shopped at Mall of America, played arcade games at Dave & Busters and visited with friends who we haven't seen since the summer.   Whew!  I get tired just thinking about all we've done.  But, it's been SO MUCH FUN!!!!

 

Wanna know what else is fun?  Why it must be this week's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge card.  This time I decided to make a card you can play with.  It's a shaker card!!!!  In fact, I had to photograph this card flat on a table because the hearts within the shaker box would shift to one side if I had it standing up like I usually do when photographing my cards.  So, I hope you'll forgive me for the quality of the photo.  

My base card is Real Red......the perfect color for any valentine!

Layer #2 is some Pretty in Pink polka dotted patterned paper that I picked up on the Clearance Rack.  It's the same patterns as in the Patterns Stacks, but you just get the dsp in Pretty in Pink and Real Red.    This layer measures 4" x 5 1/4".

I wrapped a length of Real Red Satin Ribbon before gluing this layer to the base card.

Layer #3 (the shaker box) is made with two pieces of Whisper White cardstock cut to 3 1/4" x 4 1/4".  One of those pieces is cut with the brand new Labels Framelits.  I just love how I can see exactly where I want to cut my window.  This makes for a very happy stamper!!!!  I used my Real Red marker to dot around the window.  On the back side of the window I attached a 3" x 4" piece of Window Sheet.   The hearts that make up the shaker pieces are made out of Real Red cardstock, Pretty in Pink cardstock, Silver Glimmer Paper and Red Glimmer Paper.  I've used the new Fashionable Hearts embosslit to cut the cardstock hearts, and the Heart to Heart punch for the glimmer paper ones.  Aren't the embossed patterns wonderful?  

To make the shaker box, use the edges of the dimensionals to build a barrier for the hearts to be contained in.  Place the second piece of cardstock directly on top of the first.  Then you just need to shakey, shakey away.  Fun, fun, fun!!!!  

My shaker box fits onto a 3 1/2" x 4 1/2" piece of Real Red cardstock.  

Rather than adding a bow and a button (as depicted in the sketch), I chose to stamp a heart from the I {heart} Hearts stamp set.  It coordinates with the Full Heart punch.....which makes cutting it out easy peasy!!!!  I dotted the "i" in the word friend with a Basic Rhinestone.  

All that's left to do now is to play with it.  Shakey, shakey, shakey!!!!!  LOL!!!

Card Recipe

stamps:  I {heart} Hearts
paper:  Real Red, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Pretty in Pink dsp, Silver Glimmer Paper, Red Glimmer Paper
ink:  Real Red
accessories:  Full Heart Punch, Heart to Heart punch, Labels Framelits, Fashionable Hearts embosslit, Real Red Satin Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, Real Red marker 

 

Spreading the Love

Happy Friday before Christmas!!!  I must say that I played quite a bit of catch-up this week.  I had the presents purchased and wrapped by Wednesday.  Most of my Christmas cards are done and mailed.  But, I haven't baked as much as I would've liked.  That's also making it easier on the weight loss journey.  I'm just like my dad....I love me a good cookie!!!  I asked Dennis and the kids what treat they HAD to have this season.  For Christopher it's Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies.  Amanda chose Christmas Cut-Out cookies (a recipe dating back three generations).  Dennis is craving my lemon cookies.  The first two wishes have been fulfilled.  I'll make Dennis' lemon cookies tomorrow afternoon. 

As much as I would love to show you a Christmas creation for this week's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge, I was inspired by love!!!  So, I made another Valentine's card. 

For this card, I chose to make a homemade frame.  They are SO incredibly simple to make, and they always seem to generate a "wow" from whoever sees them.  Let me teach you how to make them.....

1.  Start with a 3" x 3" piece of cardstock
2.  Punch the center of each side of the square with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch.....only once per side.

That's it!  I told you it was simple. 

For the center of my frame, I inked the flower spray from the You Are Loved stamp set using Pink Pirouette ink.  I grabbed my Regal Rose marker and colored some of the areas before stamping onto Whisper White cardstock.  I cut out the image and popped it up on dimensionals. 

The frame even fits the sentiment (from Teeny Tiny Wishes).  Love that!

My card is dazzled up with some ruffled Seam Binding, an antique brad and some pearls.   Oh la la!

Well, I still have some preparations to make.  Tomorrow is the annual Chesky Christmas Eve Pizza Picnic.  It's a smaller crowd this year as my brother and his family rotate between the families.  I am thankful that we have them for Christmas dinner this year.  Oooohhh!  I have plans to make cute namecards for the kid's table.  I better get right on that, huh? 

I'm not sure if I'll be posting again before Christmas.  If I don't, I want to wish each of you a wonderful Christmas.  If you do not celebrate Christmas, I wish you a wonderful day. 

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. 

{{{{{hugs}}}}}}

Valentine's Piggy

So, it's the week before Christmas and panic mode is setting in.  Guess who encourages her customers to get their holiday cards done while procrastinating about her own?  Yup, that would be me!!!!  

Besides my Weight Watcher's meeting on Saturday morning, I don't have one single place that I need to be.  That means I am going to get some serious cardmaking, baking and wrapping done!!!!

Do you think I made a Christmas card for this week's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch challenge to add to my measly stash?  Nope!!!  

 

I made a Valentine's piggy card instead!!!!  

Isn't it cute?????

Let's chit chat about this happy little card......

My base card is Whisper White.  

Layer #2 is some fun pink patterned paper from the Flirtacious dsp pack.  

Layer #3 is a 1 1/2" x 5 1/2" strip of Melon Mambo cardstock.  I attached some of the Pretty in Pink Dotted Scallop grosgrain ribbon to the back of the cardstock before adhering it to my card..

Another length of the same ribbon is tied into a classic knot.  

My piggy (from Button Buddies) is stamped with Pretty in Pink ink onto Whisper White cardstock.  I used my Basic Black marker to dot his eyes, and grabbed my Chalk Pastels to blush his cheeks and darken up his cute little ears.   I love how this simple touch really gives him some personality!!!!

Now, I am all out of pink buttons......so I punched a 1/2" circle from Pretty in Pink cardstock.  I drew in little heart shaped nostrils using my Pretty in Pink marker and shaded the edges of the circle with the Chalk Pastels.  His little piggy nose is popped up using a dimensional.  

My piggy is matted on some Basic Black cardstock.  It truly makes the image "pop" especially when placed on dsp with so much detail.  

All that's left is my banner.  I stamped the greeting (from Teeny Tiny Wishes) using Basic Black ink onto Pretty in Pink cardstock.  To get the banner edge, I inserted the strip into the Photo Corner Punch (currently on the Clearance Rack).  I love this technique to getting perfect banners every time!!!

Well, that's about it for my pink piggy card!!!!  But, I would love to see what you make with this week's sketch.  If you do make a project, please link it's web address to the Stamping 411 blog using the Linky Tool at the bottom of the post.  

I guess I am off to stamp my holiday cards.  Maybe I can make holiday piggy cards with Santa hats on.   Hmmmmmmmm...............

Card Recipe

stamps:  Button Buddies, Teeny Tiny Wishes
paper:  Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Basic Black, Flirtacious dsp
ink:  Basic Black, Pretty in Pink
accessories:  Pretty in Pink Dotted Scallop ribbon, Photo Corner punch (clearance rack), markers (Basic Black, Pretty in Pink), 1/2" circle punch, Chalk Pastels 

Love, Love, Love

Even though it's December, and the holiday season is in full swing, I just couldn't bring myself to make a Christmas card this week.  I've been designing them since July, and honestly, I just wanted to play with something new.  

So, I decided to make a Valentine's Day card instead.  It would work equally as well as an anniversary card, a wedding card or an "I'm sorry for what I did, but I really do love you" card.

The Stamping 411 sketch this week was pretty simple.  I like that....especially this time of year!!!

I did tweak the sketch a little to make it match my vision.  Sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

My base card is Poppy Parade. Oh, how I love this color!!!!  It's bright but not obnoxious.  It's just refreshing!!!  

Layer #2 is Pink Pirouette.  It's just pink enough to work with the brightness of the poppy.  

Layer #3 is Poppy Parade.  I inked up the floral spray image (from the "You are Loved" stamp set in the Holiday Mini) with Versamark ink.  I sprinkled on some white embossing powder and heated it with my heat gun until melted.  

The Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon is wrapped on the diagonals of the focal image layer.  I just love this look.  It reminds me of the fancy gift wrapping from the high-end department stores from my childhood.  

My sentiment is stamped twice.  First it's inked up with Pink Pirouette ink and stamped on Whisper White cardstock.  I punched this with the Decorative Label punch.

Secondly, I cleaned the stamp and inked it up with Poppy Parade ink.  This time, I stamped it onto some Pink Pirouette cardstock.  I punched just the center portion with the Large Oval punch.  I popped this layer on a dimensional and added a rhinestone in the center of the flower.  

A very simple sketch and an equally simple card.  Just because it doesn't take hours to make doesn't mean it's not beautiful!!!  I just love that!

What would you do with this sketch?  Well, I know everyone is busy, but if you find some time, we at the Stamping 411 would love to have you play with this sketch.  When you post your project, please link your project's web address to the Stamping 411 blog.  You never know....your project might be one of those selected for the Stamper's Showcase.  

Card Recipe

stamps:  You are Loved
paper:  Poppy Parade, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
ink:  Versamark, Poppy Parade, Pink Pirouette
accessories:  Whisper White Taffeta ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, Large Oval punch, Decorative Label punch 

Sweets for My Sweet

I mentioned the other day that I recently received a big 'ol box of stamping goodies.  I ordered so many things, but I was most excited about receiving the new Petal Cone Bigz die.  I've been eyeing all the wonderful projects on my friends' blogs.  

One of my favorite uses of the die is to make a heart pouch.  It's very easy to make....just don't fold on the score lines.  

Of course, this time of year, the heart pouch is perfect for a Valentine treat.  But, just think of the other possibilites.......wedding favors, shower favors, anniversary cards and let's not forget the "just because I love you" treat!!!

The die comes with the pouch shape (you'll need to cut two to make a completed pouch), a scallop to decorate the pouch and a banner.  I used the banner on my project too.  I just curled it with my bone folder and added some folds for a touch of whimsy.

Decorating the pouch was a delight!  I used my Perfect Details Texturz Plate for some subtle texture and then got busy with my Big Shot, stamps, punches and ink.  

This was also my first opportunity to play with the Vintage Flower Adornments.  Oh, what an amazing touch these little beauties give to a project!  Love it!!!

Although the Hershey Bars won't last, this gorgeous pouch is going to be part of a Valentine's Day vignette in my family room.   

Project Recipe

stamps:  Greeting Card Kids,  Celebrate Something (level 2 hostess set)
paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Glimmer Paper, watercolor paper
ink:  Black StazOn, Chocolate Chip
accessories:  Big Shot, Petal Cone die, Perfect Details Texturz Plate, 3" circle Bigz die, Full Heart Punch, Scalloped Heart of Hearts embosslit, Very Vanilla Seam Binding,  Heart to Heart punch, Basic Pearls, Vintage Flower Adornments 

Have you fallen in love with today's project?  All of the items used to make it can be purchased from myONLINE STORE.

 

P.S.  There's three ways to Sale-a-brate to earn FREE products

1.  Order (for every $50 of your order, you get to choose one Sale-a-bration item for FREE from theSale-a-bration brochure)

2.  Hostess (for every $300 of your workshop sales, you get to choose one Sale-a-bration item for FREE from the Sale-a-bration brochure)

3.  Join (when you sign up to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator during Sale-a-bration, the Starter Kit is 15% off and you also receive an additional FREE product bundle which includes over $50 in Stampin' Up! product)

 

Place your order or join my team on my demonstrator website

Sweet Treats

I don't know about you, but I always find it fun to make something ordinary into something extraordinary.

For example, take a look at what you can make with a plain old wooden clothespin. 

Isn't this the cutest way to present someone with some mini Hershey bars? 

This was one of the Stamp Club projects we made last weekend!  After the chocolate is gone, I would add a little magnet to the back to hold notes on my fridge. 

Project Recipe

stamps:  Greeting Card Kids
paper:  watercolor paper, Red Glitter Paper, Love Patterns paper pack (item 124156)
ink:  Black StazOn
accessories:  Big Shot, Scalloped Heart of Hearts embosslit, Full Heart punch, Love Impressions rub ons, Heart to Heart punch, Real Red 1/8" Taffeta, Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Write Markers (Blush Blossom, Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip), wooden clothespin

Have you fallen in love with today's project?  All of the items used to make it can be purchased from my ONLINE STORE.

 

P.S.  There's three ways to Sale-a-brate to earn FREE products

1.  Order (for every $50 of your order, you get to choose one Sale-a-bration item for FREE from theSale-a-bration brochure)

2.  Hostess (for every $300 of your workshop sales, you get to choose one Sale-a-bration item for FREE from the Sale-a-bration brochure)

3.  Join (when you sign up to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator during Sale-a-bration, the Starter Kit is 15% off and you also receive an additional FREE product bundle which includes over $50 in Stampin' Up! product)

 

Place your order or join my team on my demonstrator website

Lovin' the Simple Life

TGIF!!!!  It's been a long week, and I am really looking forward to the weekend!  Nothing starts the weekend better than the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge.

This week's sketch is AWESOME!  I loved it so much that I decided to use it for my general swaps for next week's Leadership conference in Nashville.  

The card is simple to make....not too many steps.....but looks really elegant!  It's the perfect card!!!  You'll noticed that I flipped the sketch to match the lines of the embossing folder.  

 The hardest thing to do was trying to adjust my colors on the photo to capture it's true beauty.  I did my best.....but it's still not perfect!!!

My base card is Basic Black.  Does it make the card look thinner?  tee hee (bad humor...told you it was a LONG week at work)!!

Layer #2 is Rose Red.  It measures 4" x 5 1/4".  I ran it through my Big Shot using the Elegant Lines embossing folder.  

At the bottom of layer #2 I added a 1 1/4" x 4" strip of River Rock cardstock.  This is the color that I can't get right in the photo.  

The seam is covered with a length of Basic Black Satin Ribbon.  This stuff is SO luxurious!!!!  

Rather than adding a bow and a sentiment(as shown on the sketch), I took some creative liberties and stamped a larger image that has a sentiment on it.  The heart is from the I {heart} Hearts stamp set.  I inked it up with Rose Red ink and stamped it onto Whisper White cardstock.  This stamp coordinates with the Full Heart punch.  Using my punches to cut things out sure beats the heck out of cutting them by hand with a scissor.  

See the cute little scalloped black heart behind the stamped heart?  Yup....my Big Shot cut that too using the Scalloped Heart of Hearts embosslit!  Woo hoo!  No hand cutting for me!!! 

Since this card screams simple elegance.....it needed just a touch of bling.  Dotting the "i" on the word "friend" does just the trick!  

That's it.....finis!  My general swap card was born.....and I made a bunch of them to exchange with fellow demonstrators in Nashville.  If you're a demo and heading to Nashville, I'd love to swap with you!!!!  

Well, I am off to check out the blogs of the other Stamping 411 operators.  I am always amazed at their talent.  The same sketch can be interpreted in so many ways!!!  

Be My Valentine

Happy New Year's Eve!  Whether you celebrate the coming of the new year quietly or you love to live it up at a crazy party, please know that I wish you the best!!!  May you find lots of health and happiness in the coming year.

As I reflect on the past year, I truly treasure the friendships I have made with the Stamping 411 operators.  I've been friends with Robin and Selene since we met at Convention in Denver.  Was that 2007?  Boy....time sure flies when you're having fun!

I spent some serious quality time with Tiffany at Leadership last year.  Oh, how that girl makes me laugh!!!  I can't wait to spend more time with her at this year's Leadership (we arrive on January 12th)!!!

I had lunch with Lee Conrey last year at Leadership.  Although I didn't get to spend enough time with her last year, I hope to rectify that this year!!!

Connie and I met briefly at Leadership.  I also hope to spend more time with her this year too!  

I haven't met Gretchen yet in person.  She's coming to Leadership this year.....so, I need to give her two years worth of hugs.  Can't wait to officially meet you, Gretchen!

I also haven't had the pleasure to meet Kerin in person yet either!  Kerin is my posting buddy.  We take turns posting on Thursdays to keep you stamping.  Kerin posts the Technique Challenges while I post the Color Challenges.  Kerin won't be at Leadership this year.....so I have to figure out a way to meet my new friend!  Hmmmmm.....maybe Dennis will let me fly out to Selene's......who sorta lives by Kerin......we could do some SERIOUS stamping!!!

As you can see, I {heart} all my friends at the Stamping 411.  

This week's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge card is all about LOVE!  It's a valentine card....and it uses some items from the Occasions Mini Catalog which starts on January 4th.

Here's the sketch.......

 

My base card is Chocolate Chip.........reminds my of a yummy chocolate candy!

Layer #2 is Pretty in Pink.  It measures 4" x 5 1/4".  I didn't do anything extra to this layer because the rest of the card is so detailed.  Don't want the card to be too busy, know what I mean?

Layer #3 is made with the new Glimmer Paper.  It's pure glitter and no mess!  It doesn't rub off on your fingers and get all over your face like real glitter does.  It stays put!  Woo hoo!  This strip measures 1 1/4" x 5 1/4".  It's flanked with two borders.  The top one is created with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch.  The bottom one is just a strip of Whisper White cardstock.  Before adhering it onto my card, I tied on a length of Linen Thread.  At the end of each string, I glued on a Chocolate Chip heart punched using the Heart to Heart punch.  A beautiful little adhesive pearl sits in the center of each heart.

Layer #4 is my focal image.  It features the brand new Be My Valentine stamp.  It's an a la carte stamp.  I stamped this image onto Whisper White cardstock using Real Red ink.  I then cleaned my stamp, inked it up with Chocolate Chip ink and stamped it again onto Crumb Cake cardstock.  Using my paper snips, I cut out just the banner portion and glued it on the Whisper White image.  After sponging the edges with Chocolate Chip ink, I matted it on some Chocolate Chip cardstock.

All that's left on the sketch is the tab element.  Using my Word Window punch and some Crumb Cake cardstock, I created my tab.  I lightly sponged the edges with Chocolate Chip ink and added an adhesive pearl!  

Voila.......it's a work of heart!!!!!  

I am now off to check out what my dear stamping sisters made using this week's sketch.  They are always so beautiful!!!!

It's time to bid you farewell.......Happy New Year!!!!

Card Recipe

stamps:  Be My Valentine
paper:  Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Glimmer Paper
ink:  Real Red, Chocolate Chip
accessories:  Heart to Heart punch, Basic Pearls, Word Window punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch, Linen Thread, sponges 

Cutie Patootie

My good friend, Selene Kempton, LOVES this stamp set!!!  It's called Greeting Card Kids, and after seeing all the lovely projects she's been making with it, I just HAD to buy it!!!

This card all started with a scrap piece of Cherry Cobbler designer series paper that was sitting on my desk!  I really did try cleaning my desk......but my mojo screamed at me to stamp!!!

My base card is Early Espresso.  I glued on my patterned paper and added a length of fabulous Victoria Trim lace to cover the seam.  I'm on my 3rd roll of this lace......it adds just the right touch to my shabby chic cards!!!

The focal image is stamped using Black StazOn ink onto Very Vanilla cardstock.  I watercolored the image using my markers and my Aquapainter.  

Now, here's something to remember about watercoloring with markers.  If you are using watercolor paper, you can color directly onto your paper with the markers and then blend.  If you are using Whisper White or Very Vanilla, you need to scribble the markers onto a plastic stamp case and pick up the color with the Aquapainter.   Those two papers absorb the ink too quickly to allow the markers to blend.  

Here are the colors I used:

skin tone:  Blush Blossom
dress/hair bow:  Regal Rose
heart:  Cherry Cobbler
hair:  Crumb Cake followed by a touch of Chocolate Chip
fluff under the dress:  Frost White Shimmer Paint

The sentiment comes from my Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.  It's stamped using Early Espresso ink and Very Vanilla cardstock.  It's punched with the Word Window Punch and matted on Regal Rose cardstock that's been punched with the Modern Label punch.  I added two teeny Basic Pearls to finish off the card perfectly!!!

I had a blast making this card.  Watercoloring is like yoga for the creative side of your brain.  No matter what kind of day you're having, watercoloring just changes your state of mind.  You can gather your thoughts while swirling and blending little bits of color!!!  

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

All of the items used on today's card are available from my Online Store.  Here's the card recipe so you know exactly what I used.....

Card Recipe

stamps:  Greeting Card Kids, Teeny Tiny Wishes
paper:  Early Espresso, Regal Rose, Very Vanilla, Regals Patterns dsp stack
ink:  Black StazOn, Early Espresso, Chocolate Chip (sponging)
accessories:  Stampin' Write Markers, Frost White Shimmer Paint, Basic Pearls, Victoria Crochet Trim, Aquapainter, Word Window Punch, Modern Label punch