FMS Fun Flower

Quick post for me as my allergies are totally kicking my butt today.    This is my card for this week's sketch at Freshly Made Sketches and also for the MFT Monthly Color Palette challenge. I seem to be addicted to my Fun Flowers die again, so someone might want to sneak over and hide it before you guys get sick of it. ;)




I love the colors and love Jen's awesome sketch!   I need to use it again with a star since I love those too.  :)

Laila was stuck inside with her under-the-weather momma today, so she got inventive to keep herself from being bored. :)  Trying on shoes and walking around in them was super fun I guess.  lol

Stampin' Up! Sweet Essentials

I wanted to do a bit of fun stamping today, so I looked over the current challenges and fell in love with the sketch at Create with Connie and Mary.  They always have great challenges over there and I love when I get time to actually play along! I felt like using my elegant color combo of black, red, and vanilla.   I love adding the Fun Flowers die in with them too.   Pretty simple card, but fun to make and I like how it turned out. :)

Now on to important things...  Laila!  lol  I didn't realize that my picture didn't add to my post yesterday until I saw a few comments that people had missed Laila.  Sorry guys!   

We've been playing a lot outside lately.  She says shoes on, outside.  She definitely knows what she wants these days!  We had a run in with some fire ants the other day which wasn't so good, but I did a quick online search and dabbed apple cider vinegar on them.  It seems to have helped because she didn't complain much about the bites.  She had quite a few on her hand/arm and leg/foot.   Poor dear.  I'm just glad she was able to come tell me that something was bothering her before it was worse than it was.  We had a great day today.  Bed time was a bit rough, but Jason made it home in time to help out.  It's always nice when that happens. 

Cards, cards, CARDS!

Did you survive the time change?  It's rough when you have a little one in the house.  No extra hour of sleep here for sure!   We've had a busy day, but I found a bit of time to stamp and then blog tonight.   I have a few days worth of Hope You Can Cling To cards to share.  This first one is for Kathleen's challenge to honor our elders.  I tried to do a vintage card with gold... I don't like vintage OR gold, but I do like doilies and Fun Flowers.  :)

This simple shaker card was for Judy's challenge to use acetate.  I still love this snowman and am sad that he's retired.  He's too cute to not use! 

Joyce's challenge was a subway art one.  I used the So Many Thanks photopolymer set and some Gorgeous Grunge splashes for this one.  Simple, but we won't discuss how many times my tired self smeared it and had to start over.

This last one is for Holly's challenge to make a holiday card with glitter.  I used my old snowflake die and some silver glimmer paper to add some sparkly snowflakes mixed in with some Midnight Muse ones stamped with the Endless Wishes photopolymer set. 

Whew...that's a lot of cards.  

My little mischievous pumpkin.  

Stampin' Up! Camo?

Well it's pink, so you know it's another HYCCT card.  :)   This one is for Lee's challenge:

Yes! We can fight cancer and we can WIN! And we can show our strength in PINK CAMO !!!! Pink is not only my favorite color...but the color of October...and a camo version is inspirational to fight, fight, fight!! I'm inspired by so many who I know are currently battling breast cancer as well as other types....and THEY ARE MY HEROES!!! So let's show them that we'll be fighting with them side by side!!! 

You can use pink camo ribbon, patterned paper, digital paper....or you can even make your own camo paper!!! I made my own background paper by stamping a solid image repetitively in many shades of pink ink!! It's that simple! You can also use a pink and black re-inker and swirl it on white ribbon or white flowers and make your own pink camo design!! 

I didn't have anything that even resembled camo, so I tried to use Gorgeous Grunge to make a camo background.  I hope it is passable.  I added my favorite, a Fun Flowers die flower! 

Stamps:  Too Kind, Gorgeous Grunge

Ink:  Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Blushing Bride

Paper:  Basic Black, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Old Olive

Tools:  Big Shot, Fun Flowers die, Boho Blossoms punch, Oval punch

Accessories: Brights Glimmer Brads

Laila hasn't been napping long in her crib, but she'll go back to sleep just fine in our arms.  I don't know what's going on with that, but I make sure my Nook is handy so I can snuggle with her and read.   She crashed on me today after sleeping about 35 minutes in her crib.  I wish she'd sleep in it so I could stamp.  lol  Mommy needs downtime! 

Stampin' Up! Another Thank You

I decided to try stamping again during nap time today and almost got a card made before she woke up.   It was another trying morning and it definitely helped to give my brain a break to create!   I played along with the sketch challenge over at Create with Connie and Mary for this one.

 

Stamps:  Another Thank You (photopolymer)

Ink:  Melon Mambo

Paper:  So Saffron, Melon Mambo, Gingham Garden DSP, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White

Accessories:  Subtles glimmer brads 

Tools:  Big Shot, Stylish Stripes EF, Fun Flowers die, Boho Blossoms punch, oval punch

She was so tired at lunch.   She finally went to sleep not long after this, but she would not earlier when I tried.  We are down to just an hour nap each day if we are lucky and it's not really enough.   She's been working on walking more so I am hoping it's just that and things will sort themselves out soon.   

Stampin' Up! Oh Hello

I'm doing this post without my glasses, so forgive any typos, misspellings, or anything that doesn't make sense.  I took them off to get Laila to sleep and then forgot them in her room.   No way was I going back for them and taking a chance on waking her up!  lol   This card took three nap times to make, but I finally managed to finish it this morning.   It is for a couple challenges, the sketch at Create with Connie and Mary and the colors at Stampin' Royalty.   

   

Stamps:  Oh Hello

Ink:  Bermuda Bay, Crumb Cake

Paper: Crumb Cake, Bermuda Bay, Brights DSP stack

Accessories:  Brights Designer buttons, White Baker's Twine, Basic Pearls

Tools:  Big Shot, Fun Flowers die, Circle Framelits, Chevron embossing folder

Laila is OBSESSED with peek-a-boo.   She seems to always have her hands or a toy covering her face these days.  I had to run to the craft store the other day for some wood letters and she tried to play with everyone we crossed paths with.   It's hilarious...and exhausting.  Silly girl.   

FMS87: Coral Fun Flowers

Yikes!  How has it been a week since my last post?   It's good that Freshly Made Sketches keeps me posting at least once a week, right?!   ;)   Our sketch this week comes from Jennifer Timko, a lovely lady who has been a bit costly to me.  She's always forcing me to buy stamp sets by making awesome cards with them!   I won't start a list, but I'm sure half my collection are her fault.  

My card is pretty simple this week.  I haven't used much of my Tea for Two DSP and thought it might be time to do that since it retires soon.  I paired the Calypso Coral with some Early Espresso and Very Vanilla. Easy Peasy!    

We finally received our display stamper supplies last week, so I have a lot of stamping to do in the next two-and-a-half weeks.  My lack of posts are due to me working on those cards.  I'll be taking pictures of my projects to share with you after Convention is over, so don't worry!  

We've also had a crazy few days with no water.   That's been hard, but we finally got it fixed today.   Our home warranty company was a joke and we are a bit upset with how they handled (or didn't handle) our issue.   We'll not be renewing that this year!  I was so thankful to finally get a shower today.  

Duo Sketchy Flower

     

Howdy!  Finally checking back in with a little stamping.  I've had this card on my desk for a few days and never really got it to work out.  I finally gave up today, but wanted to share it anyway.   It combines the colors from Dynamic Duos with the sketch at Sketch Frenzy Friday.

Stamps:  NONE

Ink:  NONE

Paper:  Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight, Brights DSP stack, Greenhouse Gala DSP (ret)

Accessories:  Subtles glimmer brads, Basic Pearls

Tools:  Big Shot, Fancy Fan EF, Fun Flowers die, Boho Blossoms punch, Scallop Edge border punch

Someone moved into their big girl car seat today.  Sigh.  She's just growing up too darn fast.  She hasn't been sleeping well for the past few days and it is getting quite exhausting for all of us.   Her legs and arms just want to keep moving and she is waking herself up a lot.  I hope it settles down fast because not even Starbucks can keep me going much longer!

My mom wanted me to be sure to thank all of you who sent cards her way.  She received 7 of them on Saturday.  They came at the perfect time too.  She got them as she was on the way to granny's to help clean up the house.  When things got overwhelming and she needed a break, she went out to the car and opened them all and read them.  She was so touched by your kindness and thoughtfulness.  I don't think they went by the post office today and she has no idea that even more are coming.   So thank you.   And thank you to those who sent cards to me too.  I got several in the mail today and was very surprised. 

Fresh Fun Flower

Time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches!  Jen B. is our hostess with the mostest this week and she gave us a challenge sketch!   I wasn't sure what to do with it at first, but when in doubt, go with Fun Flowers!

My friend Lisa used a similar color combo last week and I tried to remember to try it out.  My card doesn't showcase them even close to as good as hers, but they still look nice together.   I think I should have left off the Pool Party. ;)

Stamps:  NONE

Ink:  None

Paper:  Island Indigo, Soft Saffron, Pool Party, In Colors DSP stack, Tea for Two DSP

Accessories:  In Color Polka Dot brads

Tools:  Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Fun Flowers die, Boho Blossoms punch, Scallop Edge border punch

FMS70: Spiced Flower

Today at Freshly Made Sketches I am the hostess!   I created this fairly simple sketch with the idea that it would work with a wide range of styles.  Even though I'm in a bit of a clean-and-simple mode, I added in some layers and went more for just clean. 

This card is one of those special cards that was made with someone in mind.  :) A few months ago I received an email in the middle of the night from one of my readers, Andrea.   She noticed that Stampin' Up! had updated the Clearance Rack and that the Spice Cake DSP was on it.  She knew I was hoarding what I had left and wanted to make sure I was able to get some.   Sweet, right?   I wasn't able to order because of bills and holiday spending, but I soon got an email that she was sending a pack my way.  I'm pretty sure I cried a bit.  It's amazing when someone you've never met does something so nice for you and I feel lucky that my blog has brought her and other sweet people like her into my life.  

Andrea says I inspired her to purchase the Fun Flowers die, so I thought it was only fitting that I use it on the card I made for her.  :)   It is probably my favorite die and if you don't have it yet, I'd highly recommend it.  Now that Sale-a-Bration has started, it is the perfect time to get it too!   

And speaking of Sale-a-Bration, I thought I'd share another card made with the one set that I have on hand.  I wanted to have something to link up to still addINKtive's "Spot the Sale-a-Bration stamps".  I loved Annette's color scheme and used it for my card.  I think it is going to be a new favorite for sure.  :)

It's a little different than my sketch, but the idea is still there.  

I love how peaceful she looks in her sleep.  Lately it's the only time she's quiet!  lol   

Blue Flower

    

Since I've decided to work on some CAS skills, I thought it might be fun to try out a couple of challenges that are just for that!   I am combining the sketch at clean&simple with the cue at CASology.

I guess I should have printed out the sketch instead of doing it from memory. :)  I guess my brain can't even handle something that simple these days.  I am having a second cup of coffee, so maybe that will help me the rest of the day.  I used one of my favorite tools, the Fun Flowers die, and two of my favorite colors.  Simple, but sometimes simple is good, right?  

I just love this girl.  We are having such a good week!   

Purple Fun Flowers of Hope

Here's the second card I started yesterday for the HYCCT challenges.  This one was presented by Giovana and here is what she asked us to do:  My challenge to you is to make a project that uses 3 or more dies/punches or an electronic cutting machine and a sentiment.You can use stamp images, but let your dies and sentiment be the Star!!   I love making cards with little to no stamping, so this was a great challenge for me.  I did do a little more with stamps than I normally do on a challenge like this because I felt like the white background was too stark without a little something.  Plus a distressed card needs some splatters, right?!  And did you notice, no pink?!  I needed a break!

The cool thing about this card is the sentiment.  Did you know that Stampin' Up! is now offering single stamps?   It's a trial for now to see how it goes, but you can get individual sentiments from three different sets right now!   This is one of them from Word Play.   To see the list, visit my online store and see if there's one that catches your eye.  

Stamps:  Word Play, French Foliage

Ink:  Concord Crush, Wisteria Wonder

Paper:  Concord Crush, Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White, 2011-2013 In Color DSP stack

Tool/Accessories:  Big Shot, Fun Flowers die, Boho Blossoms punch, Itty Bitty punch pack, Cutter Kit (retired), Basic Pearls, sponges

Check out those eyes!   I am so hoping that they stay that color as they are GORGEOUS!

Razzleberry Fun Flower for FMS

Jen T. (we have a lot of Jen's at FMS) designed this fun sketch for us this week at Freshly Made Sketches.  I was boring and went with a flower for mine, but I did use one of my favorite color combinations!   

Looking back I wish I had thought to use Quint-Essential Flower or maybe my much neglected Raining Flowers.  I was making this while Laila was playing on her little mat in my room, so it was hard to focus on designing it when she was being so cute.   :)   I still think it's cute and I love the layered flower and the colors so much!   It's always fun to make a card with no stamping and NO WHITE!  Ha! 

Stamps:  NONE

Ink:  NONE

Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie, Brights DSP stack, Perfect Polka Dots DSP

Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Fun Flowers die, Lacy Brocade embossing folder, Finishing Touches edgelits, Boho Blossoms punch, Brights Glimmer brads

LOL  I don't think she knew what was going on here.   I just love that she is wearing "real clothes". :)  

Dynamic Sketch!

Don't pass out because I've posted a few days in a row!   I might even have something else for you tomorrow too, so maybe you can fall over then.  Ha!   I wanted to share another card that I made yesterday morning.  Getting up at 4am really allows for some serious stamping time, especially when the husband has already informed you that he's sleeping in until 1pm!   I fell in love with the sketch at clean&simple this week and couldn't resist the colors at Dynamic Duos.

I had to pull out Fun Flowers for that sketch!  It was just too perfect, right?  I love making cards that have little to no stamping on them.  I find that it's pretty easy to do that with this die.   The sentiment is from Kindness Matters, but everything else is just paper, punches, dies or embossing folders.  I love all the layers and texture and seriously?  Those colors just rock when you put them together!   

Stamps:  Kindness Matters

Ink:  Basic Black

Paper:  Daffodil Delight, Basic Black, Whisper White, Brights DSP stack

Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Fun Flowers die, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Boho Blossoms punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, Basics Glimmer Brads

One sketch, three cards!

If you are looking for my Friday Mashup post, please click here or scroll down.  

Yesterday I had a wonderful lunch with two of my club ladies and we came back and stamped a bit afterwards.  I wanted to show them the versatility of a sketch, so I made up three designs for us using this sketch from Papered with Love.  I knew one of them had recently purchased the Top Note die and thought this one would be a perfect way to show her how to use it.  :)  

Our first card was the feminine version!  I used the same colors from my Freshly Made Sketches card this week because I am really loving them!  (I know, PINK!)    I kept it fairly simple, just added a bit of stamping on the card base with a small stamp from Raining Flowers.  

Stamps:  Raining Flowers

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade, Pretty in Pink, Subtles DSP stack

Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Top Note die, Tasteful Trim die, Fun Flowers die, circle punch, Blossom Builder punch, crimper, Neutrals glimmer brads

Our next project was the masculine version and of course I had to use The Open Sea!   The Color Coach gave me this gorgeous color combination; it has two of my favorites, Crumb Cake and Not Quite Navy.   For this one we used a background stamp on the card base, the Netting stamp.  It adds a bit of interest without taking away from the main image.   We also embossed the Top Note with the Houndstooth embossing folder. 

Stamps:  The Open Sea, Netting background

Ink:  Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy, Riding Hood Red, Naturals White

Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Tasteful Trim die, Top Note die, houndstooth embossing folder, circle punch, Neutrals buttons, White Baker's Twine

Our final project was the child version!   For some reason I just love this one; it seems fun I guess?  We left the card base plain this time, but embossed the Top Note with the Stripes embossing folder.   Button Buddies was being neglected, so I thought it would be the perfect image for this one.   I used the pennant stamp set and punch to give Mr. Piggy a party hat with a bit of bling.    Isn't he cute?

Stamps:  Pennant Parade, Button Buddies
Ink:  Real Red, Pacific Point
Paper:  Pacific Point, Real Red, Whisper White
Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot, Top Note die, Tasteful Trim die, Stripes embossing folder, circle punch, Pennant punch, Itty Bitty Punch pack, Brights buttons

If you like this concept, we'll be doing it again next Friday night!   I'm having a Girls' Night Out stamping event where we'll take a sketch and do 3 cards each of 3 different designs.  It starts at 6:30pm and is only $20!   You can check out the details and RSVP on my website.  I hope to see you there.  :)