Purple Autumn Trees

Hello again!
Late post today but this one is short and sweet. Card #4 from my latest class was also short and sweet!
I am really loving Fresh Fig! I think it lent itself very well to this autumny card. I also discovered today how I'm going to incorporate Fresh Fig into Christmas cards, so that's exciting, haha!
This card was so simple- we stamped the background and the tree using Sahara Sand ink, then sponged the Fresh Fig leaves! Couldn't be quicker!
There absolutely are purple trees- I call them apartment cherry trees. I swear every apartment complex I have lived in has them. The cherries are no good, only good for staining everything they come in contact with... And the leaves are purple. That's what I thought of when I gave this a try. It is also not a 'thank you' card, the way I'd planned the class, but this phrase works so nicely on the card that everyone went ahead and used it too!

Supplies:
Stamps: Hardwood, Lovely As a Tree, Thoughts & Prayers
Ink: Sahara Sand, Fresh Fig
Paper: Sahara Sand, Fresh Fig, Whisper White card stocks
Accessories: Fresh Fig ribbon, Stamping Sponges

Cards In the Mail!

I have mentioned before, I love being a part of this swap group! I love getting beautiful cards in the mail and seeing so many fun and lovely designs! Last week I got a bunch in the mail and I don't have anything that I created to share today, so here you go!

Aren't they all so beautiful??

Something Cheerful

Today I had some time to stamp and I thought I'd make something to send a sick friend.
I used the latest sketch from the Clean & Simple blog, and pulled out Thoughts & Prayers since the sentiments all apply to people who need to heal... I picked the yellow stripes for a cheerful spin on the card and a dose of sunshine! Then I inked the flower image a few times, some with Crushed Curry ink and some with Blackberry Bliss.

Supplies:
Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers
Ink: Always Artichoke, Blackberry Bliss, Crushed Curry
Paper: Blackberry Bliss & Whisper White card stocks, Sweet Taffy DP
Accessories: Blackberry Bliss stitched satin ribbon, Oval Punch, Dimensionals

What is retiring from today's project?

• Sweet Taffy DP
• Blackberry Bliss stitched satin ribbon

Sympathetic Lotus Blossom

"I needed a sympathy card" is how all my posts about sympathy cards start. But when else do you want to make that kind of card?? Exactly never, in my opinion. Which means I needed a sympathy card...
One of my favorite school teachers passed away, and he happens to be the person who took me to Germany when I was 15, with an exchange program I just learned he created. I wanted to send his wife something to thank her (and him...) for the time he spent on his students and I'm really glad this turned out so nicely for her.
I used the current Freshly Made Sketch and the beautiful Lotus Blossom flower to make this:

Supplies:
Stamps: Lotus Blossom, Thoughts and Prayers
Ink: Soft Suede, Soft Sky
Paper: Pool Party & Whisper White card stocks, Park Lane DP
Accessories: Soft Sky seam binding, Dimensionals

I did attend the viewing, and spoke to his wife...now I just have to figure out what on earth to write.....

Blog Hop: Using Our Words!

Welcome back to another fun blog hop!

Words are powerful, aren't they? I've actually thought about that a lot lately...with all sorts of things in my life. And it fits our September Blog Hop theme perfectly because today we are using our words! Our stamped words! I have a few word sets and I wanted to feature as many as I could, haha.....

This one might be my favorite of the bunch...or it might be too busy...but I love that DP and the colors together! For this card, I used the latest Freshly Made Sketch and I kept the words as the main image!

Supplies:

Stamps: Yippee-Skippee, Summer Silhouettes

Ink: Blackberry Bliss, Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede

Paper: Soft Suede & Whisper White card stocks, Park Lane DP

Accessories: Hexagon punch (to flag the end of the strip), Dimensionals

This fun and simple card uses the colors from the Nacho Average Challenge blog, but the sketch comes from the Clean & Simple blog, and yes, this sketch intended for big words to be the focal point! Perfect!! 

Supplies:
Stamps: Feel Goods
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Bermuda Bay card stock, Sweet Taffy DP
Accessories: Petite Petals Punch, Brights Candy Dots

And finally, I have a completely neutral card - I was actually picturing it differently, but this is how it ended up! haha... And I like it, so that's okay. I used a recent Retro Sketch.

Supplies:
Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers
Ink: Basic Black, Crumb Cake
Paper: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Very Vanilla card stocks
Accessories: Banner Punch, Neutral Buttons, Linen Thread

So here you have seen three different word stamp sets in action. There are so many more! If you turn to page 245 of your newest catalog you might find a surprise, certainly those who haven't made their catalogs all dog-eared like mine is, haha! This year Stampin' Up! provided a photo index of ALL the word sets in the catalog! (the ones that are all words or very close to it) How handy is that? No matter what kind of event you're creating for, you can flip to the back and see exactly which set to use- or order!
And right now- anyone who hosts a $300 workshop before Oct 31st, will get the limited time Good Greetings stamp set!

How's that for a complete set of words?! And you can only get it FREE, for hosting! 

Now go see Cheryl's word creations and hop thru the rest of the blogs and see how our Words inspire you!

Blog Hop: Get Well!

Welcome to our December Blog Hop!

This time it was Michelle's turn to pick the theme, and since its cold and flu season, she picked a winner with Get Well!

However...that's a little tricky for me...I don't really do "get well" gifts. I don't take things to people with colds or flu, and people with more serious issues....don't always need/want a "get well", ahem... I had decided to make some kind of kit to take someone who is sick, I even bought those little tissue packages that are super handy in purses, but I couldn't think of what to do with it...

But then!! A family member gave me the solution! We have a relative battling cancer, and has to travel a fair distance for chemo treatments. His sister in law is going to surprise them when they come home from their last chemo trip with a huge sign and notes from loved ones, so they asked for anyone interested to send something to her. Now that is something I can do! *grin!

So I used the latest Clean & Simple sketch to make this card for him, to welcome him home:

Supplies:
Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Crushed Curry
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Sweater Weather
Accessories: Linen Thread

And I can't think of any better way to say "Get Well" than that!
Now go on thru the hop and check out every one else's ideas for Get Well greetings and gifts! 

Double Sketch

I wrote out all the sketches I could find to maybe work on today, and I ended up using the same sketch twice! It comes from the Freshly Made Sketches blog, sketch # 109
First I thought I'd make a simple card and play with this tree and fall leaves! Pretty sure I've never done that, haha...

Supplies:
Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers
Ink: Raspberry Ripple, Calypso Coral, Crushed Curry, Chocolate Chip markers
Paper: Raspberry Ripple, Crushed Curry, Chocolate Chip & Very Vanilla card stocks


Then I made this card. I used MDS to find a color combination to go with Gumball Green! How handy is that?? Also, I just love (ha!) that both my greetings came out crooked.... niiiice.....

Supplies:
Stamps: Wonderfall, Six Sided Sampler
Ink: Cajun Craze, Gumball Green, Early Espresso
Paper: Gumball Green, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze & Very Vanilla card stocks
Accessories: Big Shot, Woodgrain Embossing Folder

CASE from the Catalog

CASE means Copy And Share Everything. Sometimes we change it up a bit and make it our own, sometimes we make exactly what we saw! Today its a bit of a change up, but the stamping is the same. Open your catalog to page 93 and see if you can find my inspiration...

Supplies:
Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers
Ink: Gumball Green, Calypso Coral
Paper: Calypso Coral, Very Vanilla, Epic Day DP
Accessories: Neutral Button, White Bakers Twine

This card is going to be made at my Neutral Accessories class. I rather liked the chevron pattern going across the bottom there, beneath the tree. And the little flag at the top is pretty cute too! What do you think?

Something pretty

Happy Memorial Day to my American readers! There is also a birthday in my house, and school ended Friday so we are going to relax and enjoy this day!! But I also had to start the week off with a new post for you! *grin

I've been working on filling up my display board, just like I do every spring, haha, and here is a card I came up with the other day. I used several different things but its really a very, very simple card. I just wondered what it would look like with collage type stamping over this big flowery, flourishy image. I really, really like how it turned out!! Four simple stamps on one sheet of DP and that's really all there is to it!

Supplies:
Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers, Creative Elements
Ink: Calypso Coral, Basic Gray
Paper: Epic Day DP, Basic Gray card stock
Accessories: Pearls, Iridescant Ice embossing powder, Heat Tool

Its a bit of a challenge to see the butterflies I embossed over it, but this close-up helps. Isn't that nifty?

Hope your day is happy!

Pink and Flowers!

Today we're back to the cards on the display board!
This card is the product of this sketch along with my need to use the set Button Button. I really wanted it on my display board but wanted a creative way to use it. Also I noticed my board was lacking in pinks so I fixed that! {ahem}...this is what I came up with!
I did clear emboss and punch holes in the button that I have tied with white Bakers Twine. You can't tell at all in the photo but its shiny IRL.

Supplies:
Stamps: Button Button, Thoughts & Prayers
Ink: Melon Mambo, Versamark
Paper: Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Accessories: White Organza Ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder, Mat Pack, White Bakers Twine, Dimensionals

Sympathy Flowers

Today is my New Catalog workshop! Are you coming? I have a pretty and quick make and take for you to create, retired stamps for sale, cards for sale, a full display board with plenty of cards you haven't seen yet, and pretty, new catalogs for you to peruse! I also made my yummy lemon bars!

The card I'm sharing today's is a sympathy card, and its NOT for my display board, its to send to someone, later than I intended. I used this sketch and the set I purchased for sympathy, but then I used different sympathetic words, lol. Its simple, but I think its pretty.
Too bad that second word stamp came out crooked again.... I don't think the recipient will mind....

Supplies:
Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers, Petite Pairs
Ink: Chocolate Chip & Regal Rose markers
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Early Espresso & Whisper White card stocks
Accessories: 1/2 inch punch, White Stitched Grosgrain, Dimensionals

Another Sympathy...

Today I got a little time to craft but am now feeling quite subdued. I tell myself all the time that I should just make a stack of sympathy cards so I don't have to when I need one...and I don't ever do it. I hate sympathy cards. But, I needed one today so this is what I put together.

I used the August SFYTT Jen posted and went for softer, muted kind of colors. I don't know if a butterfly is quite...what I wanted here, but its a pretty and peaceful image sooo I suppose it works. also, I only used one retired product on the card so there you go.

 I even added a touch to the inside...because I do not know what I am going to say....

Supplies:
Stamps: Strength & Hope, Thoughts & Prayers
Ink: Baja Breeze, basic Gray
Paper: Baja Breeze, Basic Gray, Whisper White
Accessories: Basic Rhinestones, retired ribbon

In other news, don't forget that you only have until the 31st to buy this lovely butterfly set and send $2 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

A class that's perfect for anyone!

Here are 12 cards I will be offering at at class in August. I used almost half of the Playful Polka Dots Simply Scrappin' Kit (found on page 15 of the Summer Mini!) to make them all. These are such fun, summery cards, perfect for any occasion!

If you attend, or host this class I will provide five word sets and 4 coordinating ink colors for you to use as you like. However, if you live far away, you can still participate! I can prep the cards, give detailed instructions with photos, and mail it to you as a kit. All you need are word stamps and ink! I can suggest a word set to purchase, and even just one coordinating ink will work, if you'd like to place a small order!

The price of the class is only $12, and you get to keep what is left on the sticker sheets! If you are participating long distance, I will charge you for shipping, but you can do it any time you like!

A Catalog CASE

You do know the catalog is really called the Idea Book & Catalog, right? This is becuase it is bursting full of ideas! Today's card is based almost entirely off the card found at the top of page 168. I left off a layer of card stock, because I used textured Old Olive and liked it. I also swapped the bird image for the cage, and changed the "strips" across the top, but its darn close!
I stamped the bird onto the Pool Party card stock, and then stamped it on white to color and cut out. ...I've mentioned before that I dislike cutting...I still do. hee hee....!

Supplies:
Stamps: Nature Walk, Thoughts & Prayers
Ink: Old Olive, Basic Black
Paper: Pool Party, Whisper White and Textured Old Olive card stocks
Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Linen Thread, Corner Rounder Punch

Quick Thanks

Here are a couple more quick cards.

This first one has a Bitty Button you can see if you try! LOL!

Supplies:
Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes
Ink: Perfect Plum, So Saffron
Paper: Perfect Plum, So Saffron, Whisper White
Accessories: Bitty Buttons, Mini Glue Dot

Supplies:
Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers, Sincere Salutations
Ink: Regal Rose, Pear Pizazz
Paper: Pear Pizazz, Regal Rose, Whisper White
Accessories: Always Artichoke seam binding

Masculine Birthday Cards

Just in case I haven't mentioned (giggle) that I had a big event in October and had a lot of left over cut card supplies, let me re-iterate. I had plenty of extra left overs but used all the bases that applied to my Christmas cards from the left over pile. But I still had the same extra focal pieces. So, see this card?

I used that same bit for the focal image and created these cards:

Supplies:
Stamps: Uncharted Territory, Upsy Daisy, Thoughts & Prayers, Sentimental Journey (retired), Happiness is A Journey (retired)
Ink: Night of Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi
Paper: Bashful Blue, Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi, Night of Navy, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Neutral Brads, Mat Pack

Thank You x 3

Happy Labor Day! What are we celebrating exactly? That my husband and children are home? Oh good. We could use a little down-time.

Anyway, I was in need of a few thank you cards. Okay a lot. And I ran out of my whole stash! So I pulled up some go-to sketch sites and created these!

This card is based off of Mojo Monday #154. I left off a few edges and the corner bit, but its close. Supplies:

Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers, Occasional Quotes

Ink: Always Artichoke, So Saffron

Paper: So Saffron, Perfect Plum, Always Artichoke, Whisper white card stocks

Accessories: Artichoke seam binding ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8 in circle punch, Scallop edge punch

~~~~~

This card used Jen's SSFYTT for this week, and this seriously sweet new set. Goodness I love it. I have so many plans for it! tee hee!

Supplies:

Stamps: Greeting Card Kids, Tart & Tangy

Ink: Basic Black, Real Red, Certainly Celery

Paper: Real Red, Certainly Celery & Whisper White card stocks

Accessories: White Grosgrain Ribbon, Real Red grosgrain ribbon, Bold Brights Buttons, watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pens

~~~~~

and this card uses the OCC Sketch Challenge. The problem? Um...I love this one a leeeetle too much. I can't part with it quite yet and it is going on my display board. Now I gotta make another thank-you card!

Supplies:

Stamps: Uncharted Territory

Ink: Basic Black, So Saffron, Night of Navy

Paper: Whisper White & Night of Navy card stocks, In Color Patterned Paper Pack

Accessories: Watercolor Crayons, Blender Pens, Sponges, White grosgrain ribbon

~~~~~

tip for the day: I don't yet have the circle cutter. So how do I make circles? stamp the image you want in the circle and set a button case lid or ribbon spool on top of it, then trace and cut your circle!

The Card Class

These are the cards for my card class this past weekend. I did two children's birthday, two feminine birthday and two masculine birthday cards.

Supplies: Stamps: Pun Fun, Teeny Tiny Wishes Ink: Basic Black, Real Red Paper: Real Red, So Saffron & Whisper White card stocks Accessories: Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pens, Black Gingham Ribbon, Real Red striped Grosgrain ribbon

Supplies: Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Teeny Tiny Wishes Ink: Craft Basic Black, Rose Red Paper: Rose Red & Basic Black card stocks, Watercolor paper Accessories: AquaPainter, Black grosgrain ribbon

Supplies: Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers, Teeny Tiny Wishes Ink: Old Olive, Close to Cocoa Paper: Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla card stocks Accessories: Jumbo Brads, Mat Pack

This weekend is a scrapbook class!! $10 for 3 double-page-layouts (6 pages), my house!

Upcoming Class

I've got a class this Friday {my house} where we'll be making some birthday cards.

heeere is the sneaky peek!

A girls night out, plus six cards and treaty snacks for only $10!

And if you don't want birthday cards, stamp a different greeting!

Couple cards...

Yep, I got a chance to sit and stamp for a change! yeay!!! So I combined challenges and came up with these...

The first one uses Julee's Mojo Monday #122, and a color combination from Splitcoaststampers.

Supplies: Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers Ink: Soft Suede Paper: Bashful Blue, Ruby Red, Suede Prints DP Accessories: Square Fire Rhinestone Brads

And this next one uses SASSC49 sketch from the OCC, with a different Splitcoast color challenge!

Supplies: Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers Ink: Dusty Durango, Basic Gray Paper: Barely Banana, Basic Gray, Dusty Durango, Whisper White