Sweet Sunday Sketch #15

This week's sketch was a lot of fun. I love any card that I can use lots of designer paper on! You can see Karen's sketch here.

I used the hostess sets Goody Goody Gumdrops and Sweet Little Sentiments. I added a little glitter to flowers - I love the way they sparkle!

Tomorrow's the big day! Stop by and leave a comment on tomorrow's post and I will be choosing a random winner through Random.org. I'll choose the winner at 7am on Saturday morning, so make sure you have your comment in by then. The winner will receive a brand spankin' new Congrats stamp set and a pack of Delicate Dots designer series paper. Good luck! :)

Stamps: Goody Goody Gumdrops, Sweet Little Sentiments
Paper: Gable Green, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Green Galore, Rainbow Sherbet dsp
Ink: Black Staz-On, Tempting Turquoise, Apricot Appeal, Gable Green
Accessories: Nestabilities, Big Shot, Tempting Turquoise grosgrain ribbon, 3/4" circle punch, 2 Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Crop-A-Dile

2 for 1

I decided to tackle two challenges in one card - this week's clean and simple challenge and color challenge on Splitcoast.

The CAS challenge is to use little bits o' ribbon, which was kind of fun. I had to think about how I could use ribbon in a minimal way. The color challenge is Real Red, Old Olive, and Basic Black. After making this card, I decided that this could also work for a Christmas card. I almost put a Christmas greeting on it, but I just couldn't do it - not in April! :) I have to admit that I didn't feel quite right about all of the white space on this card, but it is supposed to be simple, right?

Have a fabulous Wednesday, and don't forget to check back on Friday for my blog candy give-away - more details tomorrow!

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly
Paper: Old Olive, Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Vintage Brads, Trio Flower punch, Mat Pack, paper piercer, Little Leaves Sizzlit, Nestabilities, Big Shot, black and white gingham ribbon

Pewaukee Mother/Daughter Workshop

We made these projects on Sunday at a mother/daugther workshop with my Pewaukee friends. What a wonderful bunch of moms and daughters! The girls were such good listeners and I think everyone had fun. A special thanks to Tanya and Emily for inviting me!

I case'd the card from Jenn Diercks, and the scallop treat bag comes from Rachel Durtschi. The third project is a lip balm holder. You can find dimensions for it here. I polled most of the girls and the favorite project was a toss-up between the treat bag and the lip balm holder. :)

Blogoversary means Blog Candy!

The month of May marks the one year anniversary of my blog. To celebrate, I'll be giving away some blog candy each Friday in May. Stop back for more details and be sure to stop by on Friday to leave a comment. You might be the lucky winner!

Chicks Challenge #5

I decided to play along with the Chicks with Inkpads Challenge this week. Click here to see the inspiration picture.
I thought those butterflies were so pretty! I used the colors from the picture in my card -purple (Almost Amethyst), green (Certainly Celery) and pink (Pretty in Pink). I pulled out some of my Tea Party dsp, since it has ALL of those colors - how perfect! :) (Plus I LOVE this paper, seriously). For my butterfly, I used my Beautiful Butterflies die with my Big Shot, layering two butterflies and adding a white flower button (from Button Latte) with a half-pearl set in the middle. The sentiment comes from a set called Hope Happens. I bought this set thinking I could use it for scrapbooking some of my daughter's pictures - the sayings are so sweet, and I love how this one coordinates with the butterfly in flight. The layout is Fall-t0-Layout #32 from Clean & Simple Stamping. The final card measures 5"x5".

I have a busy weekend ahead. My daughter's 3rd birthday party is on Saturday. It is a very small affair with just family, but I still need to do the cleaning and cooking. Enavi is SO excited - she's been talking about her party for about two weeks! On Sunday I'll be holding a mother/daughter class in Pewaukee, which I am really looking forward to. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend!

Stamps: Hope Happens
Paper: Almost Amethyst, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Tea Party dsp
Ink: Almost Amethyst
Accessories: Beautiful Butterflies die, Big Shot, Coluzzle, Mat Pack, paper piercer, Scallop Edge punch, Button Latte, Pretties Kit

Lovely Hyacinths

I don't have a card to share today, but I thought you might enjoy this picture I took yesterday. I found these hyacinths in the yard and I loved their bright, vibrant colors. Have a super day!

April Mother/Daughter Stamping

Here are the projects we made at this month's Mother/Daughter Stamping class. The projects included a bag-o-lope purse made with Carousel Notes and the coordinating envelope, a nugget box made with the Matchbox die and the Big Shot, and an adorable, springy birthday card. Rachel Durtschi designed the 3-D items and Karla Anders designed the card. I got to just sit and help the moms and daughters, chat, and eat chocolate, since I was stationed at the matchbox station. :) We had lots of fun! Want to join us next month? Check out my calendar on the right for dates and times!

Clean and Simple #11

The CAS challenge this week is an inspiration challenge, using something from JCPenney's kid's bedding as the inspiration. What fun color combinations and patterns! My mom is a quilter, so my kids have always had fabulous quilts and I've never needed to shop for any bedding, but I really enjoyed looking through all the bedding and accessories. I chose this set as my inspiration - it is called Garden Delight.

I wanted to add some texture to the background on my card, to mimic a quilting texture. I used my Score-Pal to created a scored diamond pattern, although it's kind of hard to see in the picture. I pulled out my Daisies #2 die, and ran Lavender Lace and Gable Green cs through my Big Shot on the largest and smallest daisies. I topped the flower off with a Tempting Turquoise button.

I also added a strip of Rainbow Sherbet dsp at the bottom, but I felt like it needed just a little more color. I used my 1/2" circle punch to make a few dots and placed them on the dsp, following the given pattern. Whisper White grosgrain ribbon finished off the card. The sentiment is from Wow Flowers and is stamped in Basic Black ink.

Stamps: Wow Flowers
Paper: Whisper White, Lavender Lace, Gable Green, Rainbow Sherbet dsp
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Score-Pal, Fresh Favorites I Buttons, Daisies #2 die, Big Shot, Whisper White grosgrain ribbon

Sweet Sunday Sketch #14

I feel like I am so on top of things, especially for a Monday! I was able to make this card yesterday and I *love* the way it turned out! This is for Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #14.

This color combo is simply yummy! I love this dsp - it is called To the Nines and it is a heavy weight designer paper that has texture. Love the texture! :)

I also played around with my new Matchbox Bigz XL die for the Big Shot. I used a scrap piece of Always Artichoke cs and the die to cut the label for the sentiment. I stamped the frame with Chocolate Chip ink two times - once on Sage Shadow cs and once on Very Vanilla cs. I trimmed each so that they would layer on top of each other, and I added the sentiment to the Very Vanilla. The frame and sentiment are from the Great Friend set, available in the Occasions Mini. Did you notice how I notched the ends of my ribbon? I love that little touch, it adds to the elegant feel of the card.

Have a great Monday!

Stamps: Great Friend, Polka Dot
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Sage Shadow, Very Vanilla, To the Nines dsp
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Matchbox Bigz XL die, Big Shot, Mat Pack, paper piercer, Chocolate Chip wide grosgrain ribbon, Vintage Brads, 1/4" circle punch

Last Minute Mojo

I'm really squeezing this one in at the last minute. I had some time to stamp this afternoon with my wonderful friends. We call our little group the Creative Consortium and we always have a ball at our monthly gatherings. I was able to put together a card for this week's Mojo Monday sketch.


Since I'm working on a deadline here, I'm going to post just the pic for now, but I'll add some more detail about how I made it later. Thanks for looking! :)

Stamps: A Little Somethin'
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Bella Rose dsp, Kiwi Kiss dsp
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Mat Pack, paper piercer, Button Bouquet, Basic Black grosgrain ribbon, Vintage Brads

Spring Fling - Great Friend

It's Saturday - yeah - and it's after 9am and I'm still in my pajamas. It feels so good to have a little time to relax this morning before I am off and running. My DH is home from his trip, I am recovering from strep (turns out that is why I was feeling so crummy all week) and it is beautiful day. Life is good!

This is a card we made at last week's Stamp-A-Stack. I used the set Great Friend from the Occasions Mini, along with the coordinating dsp, Walk in the Park. These colors are just lovely. They are soft and flowery and beautiful. I have to say that I am REALLY going to miss the In Colors when they are retired in June, sniff sniff, especially Baja Breeze.

I have my Cookie Sheet Calendar class (Session 1) this afternoon and stamping with the Creative Consortium tomorrow. Looks like a great weekend ahead - hope you have a wonderful, restful weekend as well!

Stamps: Great Friend
Paper: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Regal Rose, Walk in the Park dsp
Ink: Baja Breeze
Accessories: Scallop Edge punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, Scallop punch, Regal Rose wide grosgrain ribbon

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #13

I love Karen Giron's sketches - they are so much fun! I think that I like them so much because they leave a lot of room for interpretation. And that girl knows her way around Photoshop - she has some awesome watermarks for sale on her website. They are beautiful! You can check them out here.

On to the sketch!

My card:

I'm not really sure how I feel about this one... I've been under the weather, so I'll blame it on that - lol! It's very understated... yeah, that's it. :) I do like this color combo, which is fun and funky - Pumpkin Pie, Taken with Teal, and Elegant Eggplant. I also added some paper piercing, but it's hard to see in the photo. I have been trying to find a reason to ink up this new set - Sip by Sip - so I used my 1" circle punch to pop out the coffee cups and fit the sketch.

I made this card yesterday, while my parents were out with my little ones. Wow - I can honestly say that I can't remember when my house was that quiet during the afternoon. It was such a treat! I also laid on the couch and read a magazine - another luxury. My hubby returns today from his trip - yippee!

Stamps: Sip by Sip
Paper: Whisper White, Taken with Teal, Summer Picnic dsp (retired)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Taken with Teal, Elegant Eggplant
Accessories: 1/4" circle punch, 1" circle punch, Mat Pack, paper piercer, silver brads, Chit Chat rub-ons, Elegant Eggplant grosgrain ribbon

Spring Fling - Trendy Trees

Today's card is one from Saturday's Stamp-A-Stack. This color combo is so fun - Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango and Chocolate Chip. It's bright and happy and who doesn't need a little of that on a Wednesday?

I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the tree tops with the tree trunks. I tried stamping it by simply eyeballing it, but with little success. Love my SAMJ, being the perfectionist that I am!

My parents are coming today to whisk the kids away for the afternoon and give me a break - wahoo! What will I do with my two hours of freedom, you ask? Stamping desk, here I come! :)

Stamps: Trendy Trees
Paper: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss (textured), Whisper White
Ink: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Tangerine Tango striped grosgrain ribbon, Mat Pack, paper piercing tool, SAMJ

Spring Fling - Just Buzzin' By

A super quick post today, as I am not feeling my best. I think the cold that has been making it's way through the house has finally caught up with me. Ick! Plus, my DH is out of town until Thursday evening. Bad timing, huh?

This is a cute little card from Saturday's Stamp-A-Stack. I case'd the layout from my upline, Karla Anders. I did change the colors and dsp, and added a little glitter to the bee's wings. I love that little bee - she's so sassy! :)

Stamps: Just Buzzin' By
Paper: Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Tea Party dsp
Ink: Black Staz-On, Almost Amethyst, Blush Blossom (marker), Pretty in Pink (marker)
Accessories: Aqua Painter, Pretty in Pink grosgrain ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter

Sale-A-Bration Card Contest Winner!

Happy Monday! I hope that you had a blessed Easter holiday. My family enjoyed a pancake breakfast at church followed by and egg hunt and a wonderful Easter service. We sang Jesus Christ is Risen Today and I got goosebumps! We spent the afternoon at my aunt and uncle's house and had a fabulous meal. We visited with family, watched golf on TV, played with the kids and ate WAY too much food. It was a truly lovely day.


Speaking of lovely, what do you think of this gorgeous card? My good friend, Laurie Nelson made this card for my Sale-A-Bration Card Contest and she is the big winner! She wins a $25 gift certificate to spend on anything her little heart desires from the Idea Book or Occasions mini. Congratulations, Laurie! :)

Mojo Monday #81

I had a chance to finish up my Mojo Monday card. This is the Mojo sketch...


...and this is my card!

This was not an easy sketch for me! I really had to think out of the box. I think I changed my stamps and color scheme at least three times! I'm pretty happy with the finished product, though. :) This is a contest week, so I'm sure there will be LOTS of entries and the quality of the cards will be top notch. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else comes up with.

I need to get my cards planned for my Stamp-A-Stack this weekend - nothing like waiting until the last minute! I'm planning a "Spring Fling" theme - all things springy. Can't wait!

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly
Paper: Basic Gray, Regal Rose, Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Walk in the Park dsp
Ink: Baja Breeze, Basic Gray, Regal Rose
Accessories: 1" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, Scallop punch, Mat Pack, paper piercer, Regal Rose wide grosgrain ribbon, Button Bouquet, Button Latte

Shabby Chic Manhattan Flower

I created this card for this week's Clean and Simple challenge on Splitcoast. The challenge is to distress your card in some way.

I've been itching to use my new Texturz Impressions Die, Manhattan Flower. This embossing folder coordinates with the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set and it is gorgeous! As I started to play around with it, my mind was reeling with ideas for cards. I'll have to take some time to put those together, but this is the card I came up with for the challenge. After I ran the paper and embossing folder through my Big Shot, I ran my Whisper White craft ink pad over with embossed flowers. I wanted to highlight the embossing and add some dimension. Once the craft ink was dry, I sponged So Saffron classic ink over the flowers, creating even more depth to the images. I distressed the edges of the Barely Banana cardstock, sponged more So Saffron ink around the edges and added a little paper piercing. Next came the Whisper White taffeta ribbon and the sentiment, which I embossed with white ep and sponged around the oval's edges with more So Saffron ink. Looks kind of "shabby chic," don't you think?

I made up several more of these cards yesterday while stamping at the Verona Senior Center, but changed to greeting to Easter Wishes. I toned down the distressing a bit, but kept the rest of the card the same. I will send those out to some of the members of our church who are not able to get to church because of illness or mobility issues. I hope these cards brighten their Easter holiday.

I'm hoping to finish up my submission for the Mojo Monday challenge today. I've got the basics down, but I need to "mojo it up" a little. :) I should be able to get that ready to share with you tomorrow. Have a great day!

Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers
Paper: Whisper White, Barely Banana
Ink: Whisper White craft, VersaMark, So Saffron
Accessories: white ep, heat gun, Large Oval punch, Curly Label punch, Mat Pack, paper piercer, Whisper White taffeta ribbon

Sweet Sunday Sketch #12

I am back from the Minneapolis Regional - what fun! Saturday was filled with trading, techniques, make-n-takes and lots of talk about stamping. I was in heaven! :) I traded around 90 cards and 40 3-D items, so I came home with LOTS of great trades to inspire me.

Speaking of great inspiration, Karen has another fabulous challenge this week. This is her Sweet Sunday Sketch #12:


And here is my take on this week's sketch:

What a fun sketch! There were so many possibilities with this one. I really wanted to use some of my new dsp. I just received To the Nines, Walk in the Park and Tea Party. I also knew I wanted to use that adorable little girl from A Kind Word. So sweet! I chose the Tea Party dsp and the card just kind of fell together from there! I used my Aqua Painter and ink pads to color in the images and added a little piercing to finish it off. I think the end result is a super cheery card that you could use for so many different occasions. Since I always need thank you cards, I decided to add the sentiment from One Smart Cookies.

I'll be back tomorrow with another card for you. Tonight I get to stamp with my friends at the Verona Senior Center. I look forward to this all month, so I can't wait! Have a happy Tuesday!

Stamps: A Kind Word, One Smart Cookie
Paper: Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink, Whisper White, Tea Party dsp
Ink: Black Staz-On, So Saffron, Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink, Certainly Celery, Creamy Caramel
Accessories: Word Window punch, Mat Pack, paper piercer, silver brad, Aqua Painter, Pretty In Pink striped grosgrain ribbon

Trades for Regional

I've been working on my trades for the Minneapolis Regional. I am so excited! There about 12 of us going and my up-line will be one of the featured Workshop WOW! presenters - so cool! This will be one of my trades:

I had to buy this set from the Occasions Mini, as my son is a train fanatic. It is called Choo Choo. He was the first one to use the set! But I've been putting it to good use, too, as you can see. :)

Since this will be my trade for Regional, I ask that you do not case it for that purpose - thanks! :)

And remember - you can now begin ordering from the Occaisons Mini Catalog! See the link to the right, or feel free to visit my demo web site if you would like to place an order. Plus, from April 1-30, when you buy $40 in products from the Occasions Mini or host a workshop totaling $150 or more, you'll get one item from the "Under $10" page (p. 208) in the Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog--FREE! Gotta love free stuff! :)

Stamps: Choo Choo
Paper: Brilliant Blue, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White
Ink: Brilliant Blue, Kiwi Kiss, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black
Accessories: Large Oval punch, Scallop Oval punch, Chunky Glitter

Cookie Sheet Calendar Class

I will be offering this Cookie Sheet Calendar as a 3-part class, along with two other demonstrators. This is a perpetual calendar, and all the pieces are magnetic and interchangeable. Each month has it's own icon and there are several icons for special occasions, like birthdays and holidays.
Calendar front:

Calendar back:

The base of the calendar is a cookie sheet. The bottom of the cookie sheet provides the base for the calendar and the extra icons are stored on the back, or recessed portion, of the cookie sheet. There is also a hole at the top of the cookie sheet, which you can use to hang it on the wall.

Isn't this too darn cute? I love all the little images, and they are all made using punches or dies with the Big Shot. This would make SUCH a great gift - if you would like to make more than one, please let me know in your RSVP. Space is limited, so if you live in the Madison area and you are interested in attending this class, please let me know. You can e-mail me (see link to the right) or you can leave a comment here.

Part 1 - April 18, 1:30 to 4pm; Cost: $20
Part 2 - May 23, 9:30am to 12:30pm; Cost: $12
Part 3 - June 6, 9:30-12:30pm; Cost: $12
Make-up Day - July 11
Location: 121 Merlham Drive, Madison (Karla Anders' house)