Friday, December 23, 2011

Merry Christmas!

I hope that you have a lovely holiday and a blessed new year. I'll be back in 2012 with new projects - see you then!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

A Simply Festive Thank You

Here's another festive thank you card for your viewing pleasure. I was inspired by a lovely card made by Dawn Olchefske and I tweaked it just a bit. I do love the sparkle of the Silver Glimmer Paper behind the punched snowflake. It adds just the right touch, making this thank you card extra special.

You can put this whole card together in about 2 minutes - seriously! And it would make a great Christmas card, too. Speaking of Christmas cards, I'm getting my photo cards ready to mail out to family and friends, and I thought I'd share the pic of my kiddos.
Oh, don't you love the traditional holiday photo shoot? I took 85 pictures of my kids and I got ONE decent picture. I am NOT kidding! Does that happen to anyone else? Sheesh! I finally bribed them with a treat from the store (shameless, I know) and I was able to get a picture I could proudly send out. :)

Stamps: Thank You Kindly
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink: Real Red
Accessories: Snowflake punch, Real Red satin ribbon, Cherry Cobbler/White Baker's Twine

Monday, December 12, 2011

Thanks a Million!

Happy Monday! I'm starting the week off with another card using the Just Add Cake designer paper. I'm starting to make some thank-you cards to use after the holidays, and this is one of the cards that we made at my last stamp-a-stack.

Fun colors and layout - a great way to use up all those little scraps of designer paper you're hanging on to for the "special" project. I hope it brightens up your Monday - have a super day!

Stamps: Word Play
Paper: Poppy Parade, Whisper White, So Saffron, Peach Parfait, Just Add Cake dsp, 2010-2011 In Colors dsp stack
Ink: Poppy Parade
Accessories: Big Shot, Stripes embossing folder, Poppy Parade stitched-poly ribbon

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Just Add Cupcakes!

A super quick post today, sharing the card I made from the most recent Freshly Made Sketch. Enjoy and have a super day! :)



Stamps: Create a Cupcake
Paper: Whisper White, Poppy Parade, Just Add Cake dsp
Ink: So Saffron, Basic Black
Accessories: Cupcake Builder punch, Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack, Subtles Designer Buttons

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Let Earth Receive Her King!

I have an easy, ultra-elegant Christmas card to share today. I wanted to make something fast, and I came up with this lovely goody:

Gorgeous! Love that big bow and the rhinestones... a perfect card to celebrate the wonder of Christmas.

Stamps: The Sounding Joy
Paper: Basic Gray, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Gray
Accessories: Big Shot, Northern Flurry embossing folder, Basic Gray satin ribbon, Basic Rhinestones

Monday, November 28, 2011

Easy Events Birthday

We're back from our holiday travels and I'm catching up on laundry and all of that household stuff that doesn't take a vacation, even when we do. I'm slipping this card in just before the deadline on the Freshly Made Sketches blog. I needed a little inspiration to get my creative juices flowing, and I found it with this sketch.

This is the card I made this morning. I stayed pretty true to the sketch and kept the card very simple. I did add a little glitz to the cupcake (using Dazzling Diamonds glitter and a Basic Rhinestone) which you can see more clearly in the bottom photo.


I hope you had a wonderful weekend and are ready to start your week. Have a great day!

Stamps: Easy Events
Paper: Pool Party, Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Brights Designer Series Paper Stack
Ink: Basic Black, Pool Party and Pretty in Pink markers
Accessories: Big Shot, 3" Circle die, Scallop Circle #2 die, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, Whisper White satin ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds, Basic Rhinestones

Monday, November 21, 2011

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Easy Elegance with Delicate Doilies


It doesn't get much easier than this! And what a rich color combo - Rich Razzleberry, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade. Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Friendly Phrases
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Basic Black
Accessories: Basic Rhinestones

Monday, November 14, 2011

FMS 10: You are Simply Wonderful!

























Happy Monday, all! I'm playing along with this week's Freshly Made Sketch. I love the clean lines and layout of this sketch. When I saw it, I immediately thought of stars. Not sure why, but sometimes, you just have to go with it, you know?

Have a super day!


Stamps: Friendly Phrases
Paper: Whisper White, Island Indigo, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder, Stars #2 die, Whisper White grosgrain ribbon

Monday, November 7, 2011

Christmas Countdown Advent Calendar Class

I'm offering this class later this month for anyone in the Madison, Wisconsin area. The original idea for this adorable Advent calendar comes from Qbee (aka Brenda).

I had so much fun making this calendar - I'm planning to make a few more as gifts and I want to make one for each of the kiddos. My finished calendar measures approximately 5 3/4" x 10 1/4" and the boxes are about a 1" cube. You can see in this photo some ideas of what you can put in the boxes.

Some other ideas include Hershey's Kisses, small coins, little pieces of jewelry or hair trinkets, Silly Bands, bubble gum... The lists goes on and on! I love how the little boxes open! Here you can see a close up of one of the boxes:

If you live in the Madison area, and are interested in attending this class, please see the class info on my calendar to the right. Contact me to reserve your spot. Thanks!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Get your free digital downloads!


It's time to celebrate Digital Scrapbooking Day! Visit mydigitalstudio.net between November 4th and November 7th and you will receive four free digital downloads after filling out a short survey. The downloads are brand new and include the following sets:
* So Typefelt Stamp Brush Set
* Neutral Delightful Digital Tape
* Home for the Holidays Ensemble
* Delight in the Day Photobook Template

Visit the link above to find out more!

Spice Cake Candles Gift Set

Here's a beautiful fall-themed decoration made with the Spice Cake designer paper:

I made this candle gift set for a local silent auction and I love the way it turned out. It would look lovely on any Thanksgiving table.

Stamps: None
Paper: Early Espresso, Spice Cake dsp
Ink: None
Accessories: Big Shot, Tasteful Trim die, Lace Ribbon Border punch, Basic Pearls, Very Vanilla satin ribbon

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Fluffy Snowflakes are Falling

Happy Thursday, everyone! I'm a little later in my posting today, but better late than never, right? As promised, I have another card for you using the current Fall-to-Layout. I shared a card yesterday using the same layout, but I wanted to make another card, this time with a Christmas theme.

Look at that gorgeous fluffy felt snowflake! Don't you love it? I know I do! It was the perfect touch for this super sparkly (yet simple) holiday card. Here's a closer look:

You can find this felt snowflake in the Winter Wishes Stitched Felt in the Holiday Mini. I may have to stock up on these babies before they are gone on January 3rd!

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Pacific Point, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink: Pacific Point
Accessories: Winter Wishes Stitched Felt, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Basic Rhinestones

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

FTL 164: Simple Spice Cake

I had a little stamping time yesterday and I wanted to make a card using this week's Fall-to-Layout. I decided to make something with an autumn theme, so I went with my go-to designer paper for fall, Spice Cake.

Gorgeous! I liked this layout so much that I also made a Christmas card, but you have to wait until tomorrow to see that little lovely. See you tomorrow!

Stamps: Three Little Words
Paper: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Spice Cake dsp
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Big Shot, Fun Flowers die, 1" circle punch, Neutrals Designer Buttons, Linen Thread

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Cool In-Color Holiday Greetings

Hi there, and happy Tuesday to you! I hope you had a fun Halloween holiday yesterday. My kids sure made a haul of candy, and they are happy to share, which means that I will be on a chocolate high most of the day. :)

Amazingly, I still have Christmas cards to share! Today's card is cool and serene, with a bit of sparkle, thanks to the Silver Glimmer Paper.

I was inspired by a card by Lori Salzman, which I saw on Stampin' Connection a resource web-site for SU! demos. This a fun and simple layout - great for mass producing for Christmas cards. I love these icy colors (Pool Party and Island Indigo), and I always like it when I can pull out some of my older stamp sets and put them to good use!

Stamps: Delightful Decorations, Sincere Salutations
Paper: Pool Party, Island Indigo, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink: Pool Party, Island Indigo, Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot, Snow Burst embossing folder, Basic Rhinestones

Friday, October 28, 2011

Spooky Halloween Pencil Treats

I've been working on some little goodies for my kiddos to share with their classmates on Halloween. My favorite thing about these fun little pencil gifties is that they won't even give you cavities!

The 1"x8" Cellophane Bags in the Holiday Mini hold two pencils perfectly. I added those funny little googly eyes to the "Spooky" sentiment (from Wicked Cool) and tied on a little bat ring.

I think the kids will love them, even if they aren't candy! FYI: I found the pencils and bat rings at Target. Have a fantastic weekend!

Stamps: Wicked Cool
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: 1"x8" Cello Bags, Large Oval punch, Scallop Oval punch, Basic Black grosgrain ribbon, googly eyes, pencils, bat rings

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Retro Noel

I have a fun and funky Christmas card for you today, using the Warmest of Wishes hostess set from the Holiday Mini catalog.

I'm playing along with this week's Freshly Made Sketch. I am loving all of the fun designs and sketches these ladies come up with! That's all for today. See you soon!






Stamps: Warmest of Wishes
Paper: Lucky Limeade, Whisper White, Real Red, Christmas Lane Simply Scrappin' Kit
Ink: Real Red
Accessories: Designer Label punch, Basic Rhinestones.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

FTL 163: Fruit and Flowers Thank You

I love the simplicity of this week's Fall to Layout! It doesn't get much cleaner than this.

I adore these sweet little cherries in the Fruit and Flowers set and they worked perfectly with this sketch. Just in case you were wondering, this card measures 3" x 6". Have a fantastic day!

Stamps: Fruit and Flowers, Three Little Words
Paper: Whisper White textured cardstock, Whisper White, Real Red
Ink: Basic Black, Real Red, Kiwi Kiss
Accessories: 1" circle punch

Friday, October 21, 2011

Elements of Style Center Step Card

I have another center step card to share today.

I combined the Elements of Style stamp set with some of the Spice Cake designer paper - gorgeous! Have a fantastic weekend!

Stamps: Elements of Style
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Spice Cake dsp
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso
Accessories: Very Vanilla seam binding ribbon, Neutrals Designer Buttons, Large Oval punch, Scallop Oval punch, Basic Pearls

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Delightful Decorations Center Step Card

I've been itching to make one of these center step cards, which I've seen all over the place lately. I found a wonderful tutorial on Julie Davison's blog and followed her instructions. I came up with this Christmas version, using Delightful Decorations.

I have to warn you, these are kind of addicting! I made several more, which I'll share soon. 'Bye for now!

Stamps: Delightful Decorations, Pennant Parade
Paper: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler,
Ink: Lucky Limeade, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Ornament punch, Jewelry Tag punch, Vintage Trinkets, Basic Rhinestones, Lucky Limeade ruffled ribbon

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Embossed Sounding Joy

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Today's Christmas card is super simple, but still has that "Wow!" factor, thanks to embossing.

I recently saw a card in Stampin' Success, a magazine for Stampin' Up! demonstrators (one of the perks of being a demo!) and I was inspired to create today's card. This card features both heat embossing and dry embossing (with an embossing folder). I embossed the background on my card with the Elegant Lines embossing folder. For the focal image, I stamped the star in Real Red and then heat-embossed the "Joy" with gold embossing powder. Simple, elegant, and easy to put together.

Stamps: The Sounding Joy
Paper: Shimmery White, Real Red
Ink: Real Red, VersaMark
Accessories: Big Shot, Elegant Lines embossing folder, gold embossing powder, heat tool, Real Red satin ribbon

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Welcome, Christmas Swap Card

I am such a lucky girl. I got to stamp most of the weekend away with friends and fellow demonstrators. One of the stamping events I attended was a downline meeting and I made this card for one of my swaps.

This is also my entry for the latest Freshly Made Sketch. I really enjoyed working with this sketch and I am realizing that I am addicted to this color combination for Christmas cards. Sorry if you're tired of seeing Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla together, but I can't seem to help myself. One kind of nifty thing I tried on this card was stamping the Netting background stamp on my panel of Cherry Cobbler before running it through the Big Shot in the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder. This gives the cardstock a really unique dimension, and if you look closely at the picture, I think you can see it. That's all for today - I'll have a few more Christmas cards to share this week, as well as some non-Christmas goodies. 'Bye for now!

Stamps: Welcome, Christmas, Petite Pairs, Netting
Paper: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso
Ink: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Dotted Ribbon Scallop border punch, Cherry Cobbler seam binding, 1 1/4" Circle punch, 1 3/8" Circle punch, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Basic Pearls, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack

Friday, October 14, 2011

Cute Christmas Cheer with Stitched Stockings

Can I get a "Yay, it's Friday!"? Man, this has been a long week - more sick kiddos and big stampin' events to prep for make for one slightly stressed mama. But never fear, I have another fantastic Christmas card to share!

Don't you love this combination of Pear Pizzazz and Melon Mambo? What a fun (and different) color combination for a Christmas card! And you gotta give those adorable mini jingle bells some appreciation, too. This would be a fun card to send someone a little Christmas cheer.

Stamps: Stitched Stockings, Short & Sweet
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Melon Mambo, Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot, Tasteful Trim Bigz XL die, Stocking Builder Punch, Mini Jingle Bells, Whisper White grosgrain ribbon

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Easy Events Merry Christmas

Happy Thursday! Here's another very simple Christmas card, made with the Easy Events set.

The hardest thing about this card is waiting for the Crystal Effects on the little holly berries to dry!

Stamps: Easy Events
Paper: Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Ink: Early Espresso, Old Olive (marker), Cherry Cobbler (marker)
Accessories: Big Shot, Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder, Chocolate Chip satin ribbon, Brights Designer Buttons, Linen Thread, Crystal Effects

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Hand-Penned Holidays Christmas Card

Check out this elegant Christmas card made with the Hand-Penned Holidays stamp set.

I case'd today's card from the Holiday Mini Catalog, page 15. I swapped the fall-ish colors in the sample for these rich purple tones (Elegant Eggplant and Wisteria Wonder) and switched the sentiment to "Merry Christmas." Add some Basic Gray satin ribbon, and you have a lovely Christmas card to send to someone special.

Stamps: Medallion, Hand-Penned Holidays
Paper: Basic Gray, Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Basic Gray
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border punch, Basic Gray satin ribbon, Boho Blossoms punch, Basic Rhinestones

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Winter Wishes Stitched Felt

I think these little mittens from the Winter Wishes Stitched Felt accents are so sweet! They are a fun addition to a quick and clean Christmas card.

I decided to add a little sparkle to the mittens with some Basic Rhinestones.

I've been looking forward to using these adorable little felt embellishments and when I saw this week's Fall-to-Layout, I knew those mittens would fit perfectly. I hope you like it! More Christmas cards to come - see you soon.

Stamps: Serene Snowflakes, Petite Pairs
Paper: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink: Whisper White craft, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Winter Wishes Stitched Felt, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, Basic Rhinestones, Mini Clothespin

Monday, October 10, 2011

Get your Christmas groove on!

Get ready! I've got some fantastic Christmas cards to share this week. If you need some ideas for some fun, simple Christmas cards that you can make in big batches, you've come to the right place.

One thing I love to do with Christmas cards is move beyond the traditional red and green color combo. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas cards that have red and green, but I like to do something a little unique. That's where today's card came from. I really like the vintage feel to this card and that little bit of sparkle from the Basic Rhinestones on the snowflakes. I hope you like it, too!

I have to share some adorable pictures of my little cuties. The weather was just gorgeous yesterday and I talked them into some pics.
Classic Enavi grin:

Jevin, flashing his baby blues:

"Oh, Mom! Not another one?!?"

Me with my little sweetie:

I know, I know, they are just too cute! :) Thanks for stopping by - have a super Monday.

Stamps: The Sounding Joy, Serene Snowflakes
Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Basic Black, First Edition Specialty dsp
Ink: Basic Black, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Accessories: Corner Rounder punch, Scallop Border punch, Basic Black satin ribbon, Basic Rhinestones

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Life is Sweet

Gotta love these cherries from the Button Buddies stamp set!

I made this card using the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge for this week. These colors are a little retro and very fun, but I didn't have buttons in the right color, so I made my own using my Sweet Buttons Embosslit. Don't you love it when a card comes together just how you planned? It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's good to revel in the {sweet} moment.

Stamps: Button Buddies, Fabulous Phrases
Paper: Pool Party, Whisper White, Cheerful Treat dsp, Flirtatious Specialty dsp
Ink: Basic Black, Pool Party
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Sweet Buttons embosslit, Crystal Effect, 2 1/2" circle punch, Jewelry Tag punch, Corner Rounder punch, Vintage Trinkets, Pool Party ruffled ribbon

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

The Sounding Joy

I'm posting a little later than usual today because we've been busy with a run to the doctor's office. That's right, I'm home with a sick kiddo again. This time, it's strep, so here's hoping no one else in the house comes down with it! Until then, here's a lovely Christmas card for your viewing pleasure.

This is such a gorgeous set! This is the kind of set that you see it, and it makes you think that maybe, just maybe, you should make all of your Christmas cards this year. Or is that just me? Anyway, that's what I thought when I saw it in the Holiday Mini! This card was inspired by Freshly Made Sketch #5, as you can see. Are you starting to think about Christmas? It's hard to get into the holiday card-making mood with our little warm up here, but it's always nice to get started early, mostly because your kids might get sick again, which will leave you with even less time than you anticipated!

Stamps: The Sounding Joy
Paper: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Big Shot, Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder, 3 1/2" Circle die, Tasteful Trim Bigz XL die, Crumb Cake seam binding ribbon, Basic Rhinestones

Monday, October 3, 2011

CAS 138: I Dig You

Here's a quick and cute card to brighten your Monday! I'm playing along with the CAS challenge on Splitcoast.

This stamp set is so sweet - it was one that I knew I had to purchase as soon as I saw it in the catalog. I love the diggers and funny little sentiments, which are perfect for cards and scrapbooking. My son has had his eye on it as well, so I'm sure once he sees this card he'll want a turn using it.

Stamps: I Dig You
Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Brights dsp stack
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Silver Mini Brads, Big Shot, Tasteful Trim Bigz XL die, Clips Assortment, Corner Rounder punch, Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon (retired)

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Happy World Card Making Day!

In celebration for World Card Making Day, I thought I would share this card with you. I used the most recent Fall-to-Layout for my inspiration.

I hope you are able to do some creating today!

Stamps: Kindness Matters, Creative Elements
Paper: Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Flirtatious Specialty dsp
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Early Espresso
Accessories: Whisper White grosgrain ribbon, Modern Label punch, Large Oval punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch, Basic Rhinestones

Thursday, September 29, 2011

CAS 137: Sending You Love

I'm playing along with this week's Clean and Simple Challenge on Splitcoast, which is to use paper piecing. I whipped up this super simple (and super cute) card this morning using the Easy Events set.

Even though the over-all design is really clean, I love adding little extras that make the card special, like the mini clothespin and the Crystal Effects on the little heart. Sweet, huh? All of the images in this set are so fun - can't wait to play with it some more. Just in case you were wondering, this card measures 4 1/4" x 4 1/4".

Stamps: Easy Events
Paper: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Pear Pizazz dsp
Ink: Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Pear Pizazz
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, 2 1/2" circle punch, Mini Clothespins, Melon Mambo Scallop Dots ribbon, Owl Builder punch (mini heart), Crystal Effects

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Cheerful Treat

I love this layout! It is such a fun way to combine coordinating designer papers, and a great way to use up some of the scraps you may have floating around your craft room.

I shared a card I made last week with this same layout using Spice Cake dsp. For this card I used the Cheerful Treat designer paper, which is one of the hostess options in the current SU! catalog. I adore the bright and fun colors in this paper collection!

Stamps: Friendly Phrases
Paper: Pear Pizazz, Cheerful Treat dsp
Ink: Concord Crush
Accessories: Scallop circle punch, Neutrals Designer Buttons, Whisper White grosgrain ribbon

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Queen for a Day!


I am so excited and honored! My Love & Sympathy card was chosen as the winner for Sketch #3 on the Freshly Made Sketches blog. And thanks to all of you who left comments and kind words - they are truly little rays of sunshine to me. It's good to be queen!