Layered Background Technique

I finally gave up and finished this card today.    It was totally not what I was going for, but that happens sometimes.   I was trying out this cool technique that I saw over on Carrie's blog; isn't it awesome?   I didn't have Sahara Sand, so I tried using the closest thing I had, a Crumb Cake marker.   Well...it separated out red instead of brown!  I was totally thrown for a loop, but tried to salvage it using the closest color I had, Riding Hood Red.   I am not good at distressing, nor do I like putting things on crooked and/or off-center, so this card is most definitely NOT one of my favorites.  I am putting the right colors on my next order and trying it again because I love Carrie's card and am determined to get that look.  :)

Stamps:  The Open Sea, French Foliage
Ink:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Not Quite Navy, Riding Hood Red
Paper:  Riding Hood Red, Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake, Nautical Expedition designer paper, watercolor paper
Accessories:  Baker's Twine, clear embossing powder
Tools:  cutter kit, sponges, sanding blocks, clear blocks

Introducing...Pool Party!

It is almost time for the new catalog!   Only one more week to go and let me tell you, I can't wait!   There are so fun new stamps and accessories that I can't wait to get my hands on.    This card uses one of the new in colors along with a set we'll soon be saying goodbye to.    I love how bright it is!   It is always great to make a card that makes YOU smile.  

Stamps:  Apple Blossoms
Ink:  Not Quite Navy, So Saffron, Pool Party
Paper:   Not Quite Navy, So Saffron, Pool Party, Whisper White
Tools:  Big Shot, Square Lattice embossing folder, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, stamp-a-ma-jig

June Creative Crew Challenges Pt. 2

I just realized that I never did post my other two design team cards for the Creative Crew!    If you haven't had a chance to play along yet, you still have the rest of the month to catch up.  .  

Challenge Description:  Stampin' Up! has flowers! Ribbon Flowers, Rub-on Flowers, Button Flowers, Brad Flowers, Crocheted Flowers, Paper Flowers, Die Cut Flowers, Stenciled Flowers! The challenge is to use any flower except stamped flowers!   Tags if you upload to Splitcoast:  CCREW0611CF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM 


If you follow my blog, I'm sure you've noticed that I love scallop circle flowers.   I couldn't resist making one from the awesome First Edition designer paper.   This color combination is just so elegant and the flower works perfectly with it.

Stamps: Word Play
Ink: Basic Black
Paper: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, First Edition designer paper, Neutrals designer paper stack
Tools: Big Shot, Top Note die, scallop circle punches, circle punches, little leaves die, framed tulips embossing folder
Accessories: Basic Black satin ribbon, antique brads

Challenge Info:  June is a time for iced tea, gardens bursting, and riots of color. This month we're going bright with Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, and Peach Parfait.  Tags if you upload to Splitcoast:  CCREW0611DF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM


The colors were those used in the Sunny Garden Designer Paper.  I didn't own any of it, so I improvised and came up with this.   I love my owl punch and he is adorable on this little note.

Stamps: Apple Blossoms, All Holidays
Ink: Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait
Paper: In Color Hostess stack, Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Clip-retired
Tools: Spiral border punch, Owl punch, Big Shot, Little Leaves die

I {heart} bird houses!

I love bird feeders and bird houses.  I spend a lot of time looking out my window watching the birds at my bird feeder.   I have some beautiful cardinals that love to visit throughout the day and it brings a smile to my face each and every time I look out and see them.    Our recent Stampin' Success (the magazine we get as demonstrators) had the most adorable article featuring bird houses and I had to make one!   This was my first attempt, so don't be too critical.   The first one is always the one where you learn what NOT to do when you make the next one.  :)

Stamps:  None
Ink: None
Paper:  Blushing Bride, In Color Hostess designer paper pack
Accessories:  Basic Pearls

Another Double Challenge

I had planned on making a card for the Inkspirations Color Challenge last night but time got away from me and I didn't get to make it.   As I was waking up this morning, I had an idea for a card and woke up ready to create.    As luck would have, my idea was a perfect match for the Paper Players Clean & Simple Sketch this week, so I have another double challenge card!

You can't really see it in the picture, but I colored in an h and an i with Melon Mambo to add a little hidden sentiment in the A to Z background stamp.  

Stamps:  Apple Blossoms, A to Z

Ink:  Basic Gray, Melon Mambo

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

Accessories:  Basic Pearls, Old Olive 5/8 grosgrain ribbon

Tools:  Big Shot, Beautiful Wings embosslit

Clean and Simple Mashup

This card is for the clean&simple sketch and the Friday Mashup challenge to use polka dots.   This week I received my copy of Stampin' Success, the magazine Stampin' Up! send out to demonstrators each month.  There was an article in there showing off the color combination of Basic Gray, Daffodil Delight, and Old Olive.  I found the gray and yellow to be striking when paired together, so I decided to try them out on a card this week.   What do you think?   

Stamps:   Nature Walk, Strength and Hope

Ink:  Versamark, Basic Gray, Daffodil Delight

Paper:  Basic Gray, Daffodil Delight, Neutrals designer paper stack, Whisper White

Accessories:  Clear embossing powder

Tools:  Big Shot, Beautiful Wings embosslit, heat tool, sponges

Two Challenges in One!

I'm trying to get back in the groove of doing daily challenges, so here's my card that I started last night and finished up this morning.   It uses the sketch from the Pals Paper Arts challenge and the inspiration picture from Stampin' Royalty.  I am slowly warming up to Delicate Doilies and getting a feel for how to use it.   I LOVE the new Flirtatious designer paper; it is gorgeous and has a nice range of colors to work with.

Stamps:  Delicate Doilies, Vintage Labels (retired Sale-a-bration set)
Ink:  Basic Gray, Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink
Paper:  Basic Gray, Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Flirtatious designer paper, Neutrals designer paper stack
Accessories:  basic pearls
Tools:  circle punches, scallop trim border punch, paper snips

PP51: Bright Colors!

I love the color challenge over at The Paper Players this week.  It is perfect for this time of year and I couldn't resist making a fun summer birthday card.   I love pinwheels and decided to try my hand at making a few.   Aren't they cute?  

Stamps:  Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  Wild Wasabi
Paper:  Woodland Walk designer paper, Bright designer paper stack, Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White
Accessories:  Bright brads, Bright buttons, toothpicks
Tools:  Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool