Wednesday, November 14, 2012

FMS #61 A Bushel of Thanks

I have so much to be thankful for, and as we approach Thanksgiving, I am reminded of the many blessings in my life. Thanks to all of the design team members at the Freshly Made Sketches blog who have made my time as Guest Designer so fun - it really has been an amazing experience! This will be my last week as a Guest Designer, but I know that I will be playing along with future challenges.

Jennifer T. has a wonderful sketch for you this week. There's lots of room to make this sketch your own.
I went with apples - I am still on a fall kick, not quite ready for winter or Christmas. :) I also pulled out my Orchard Harvest dsp (I am so in love with these colors and patterns).
Those little apples are just so cute (from the Perfectly Preserved set), stacked all in a row. Be sure to stop by the Freshly Made Sketches blog and visit the rest of the design team members. 'Bye for now!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Ever have one of *those* days? Yeah, you know the kind I'm talking about... The kind of day where it feels like it's over before it's even started. It's been one of those days for me... Just not enough hours to get everything done... which is why I'm posting this so very late.

All is well that ends well, however, and this day ends with a fabulous sketch!
I love the clean lines of Tui's sketch - lots of possibilities here, people. I decided to give a flip-a-roo, and here you go:
Quick, clean and easy-peasy! Take a couple minutes to stop by the Freshly Made Sketches blog to check out the rest of the DT inspiration - you'll love 'em. Hope to see your card this week!

Stamps
: Lacy & Lovely, Sweet Essentials
Paper: Whisper White, Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade
Ink: Pool Party, Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot, Fancy Fan embossing folder, 2 1/2" circle punch, Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons, Pool Party Baker's Twine

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

FMS #59: Key to My Heart

This week's brings a super cute sketch from Cindy, which I'm sure you'll love.
I wanted to play around with a few of my retired goodies, including the heart trinket and the You're a Gem stamp set. These little square have all kinds of possibilities. You can dress them up, or go super simple with some pieces of designer paper. Either way, I'm sure you'll have fun with your creation.
Thanks for stopping by today and make sure you check out the other fab samples on the FMS blog. 'Bye for now!

Stamps: You're a Gem
Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Real Red, First Edition Specialty dsp, Storytime dsp
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Big Shot, Adorning Accents Folders, Postage Stamp punch, Small Heart punch, linen thread, Real Red stitched grosgrain ribbon, heart trinket (retired)

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

FMS #58: When all else fails, eat a cupcake!

Welcome to another fabulous challenge from the Freshly Made Sketches team! This week's sketch was designed by our guest designer, Narelle Farrugia. This is a great way to use some of those little strips of scrap designer paper that you've been saving for *just the right project* - or am I the only one who does that? :)
I had approximately 9.2 minutes to stamp this week, and I knew that I needed something quick and easy. I decided on a pink cupcake because, seriously, can you go wrong with a pink cupcake? I think not.
I pulled the embossed panel from my stash and, as I mentioned before, I pulled the designer papers from my scraps. Throw in a cupcake, a cute little flower and a rhinestone and voila! A sweet little birthday card. Please stop by the Freshly Made Sketches blog to see the other lovely works from the rest of the design team - you are sure to be inspired!

Stamps: Easy Events
Paper: Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Floral District dsp
Ink: Staz-On, Melon Mambo marker
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch, 2 1/2 circle punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Basic Rhinestones

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

FMS #57 Rich Razzleberry Birthday Wishes

Check out this week's sketch from our guest designer, LeAnne! She calls it her "go to sketch" and I think you'll have fun with it.
I decided to pull out some of my Rich Razzleberry papers that I've been hoarding. I haven't used this color in a while and I wanted to put it to work.
I made that big, bold flower with coffee filters and my Fun Flowers Bigz die. So easy and so fun! I love the fluffy look the flower has. I used four layers of coffee filters to create my flower.

I hope you enjoy this week's sketch from Freshly Made Sketches. Make sure to check out the other wonderful works by the rest of the design team and share your creation, too!

Stamps: Blooming with Kindness
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Basic Black, Polka Dot Parade dsp
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot, Fun Flowers Bigz die, coffee filters, Brights Designer Buttons, 1 1/4" scallop punch, Rich Razzleberry satin ribbon (retired)

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

FMS #56 Summer Starfruit Thank You

It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another sketch! This week's sketch comes from Rita Wright.
I went with a tone-on-tone look for this card, using Summer Starfruit as my spotlight color. I paired it with Very Vanilla and River Rock. I really like the soft, elegant look to this card.
I had fun using a Brushed Bronze Designer Button as a way to add a little interest with my bow. I hope you get a chance to play along with this week's sketch. Hop on over to the Freshly Made Sketches to blog to be inspired and share your creation. Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Flowering Flourishes, Blooming with Kindness
Paper: Very Vanilla, Summer Starfruit, River Rock
Ink: Summer Starfruit
Accessories: Big Shot, Lacy Brocade embossing folder, Brushed Bronze Designer Buttons, linen thread, Paper-Piercing Tool, Stampin' Pierce Mat, Essentials Paper Piercing Pack, Scallop Trim Border punch

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

FMS #55 A Little Holiday Cheer

It is really starting to feel like fall around here, which makes me think of Christmas cards! I decided to make a Christmas-themed creation for this week's sketch from Jen Mitchell.
I used my Delightful Decorations set - an oldie, but a goody! :) I paired it with the Be of Good Cheer designer paper and I added that adorable mini jingle bell for a touch of whimsy.
I hope you enjoy today's card. Stop by the Freshly Made Sketches blog to see the other fabulous creations from the rest of the design team and share your project, as well. Have a super day!

Stamps: Delightful Decorations, Greetings of the Season
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Be of Good Cheer dsp
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Ornament punch, Paper-Piercing Tool, Stampin' Pierce Mat, Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, linen thread, mini jingle bell (retired)

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

FMS #54 Butterfly Memories

Greetings and happy Wednesday to you! How about a great sketch to start off your day?
This week's sketch comes from the talented Jen T. I changed my card up just a bit from the sketch, but still followed the basic lines. I wanted to make a sympathy card to send to a friend and I pulled out my Blessings from Heaven and Papillon Potpourri sets.
I was inspired by a color challenge from the Fab Friday blog. These colors are so serene and work perfectly for a sympathy or thinking of you card.
I wanted to keep my butterflies muted, but I decided to add a few delicate Basic Pearls to add some dimension. I also pulled out some of my retired Whisper White satin ribbon, which gave this card just the right touch of understated elegance.

Stop by the Freshly Made Sketches blog to be inpsired by the rest of the design team and to share your creation. 'Bye for now!

Paper: Basic Gray, Sahara Sand, So Saffron, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Gray, So Saffron
Stamps: Papillon Potpourri, Blessings from Heaven
Accessories: Big Shot, Fancy Fan embossing folder, Finishing Touches edgelits, 2 1/2" circle punch, Elegant Butterfly punch, Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Paper-Piercing Tool, Stampin' Pierce Mat, Basic Pearls, Whisper White satin ribbon (retired)


Wednesday, September 19, 2012

FMS #53 Happy Hello

I love this week's sketch from Tui! This is such a fun way to use up some scraps you have laying on your desk.
I decided to use some designer paper (from International Bizarre) along with some ribbon for all of those strips behind my sentiment panel. I had so much fun picking out these colors. I was looking for something bright, happy and warm.
I wanted to add a little pop of color, so I created a little flower embellishment using my Floral Frames Framelits and an In Color Dahlia. I also added a little paper piercing using my Stampin' Pierce Mat and Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack - so easy and it added just the right touch.

Thanks for stopping by today! Hop on over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog to see the other wonderful creations from the design team. 'Bye for now!

Stamps: Lacy & Lovely
Paper: Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade, International Bizarre dsp
Ink: Midnight Muse
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Floral Frames Framelits, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Boho Blossoms punch, In Color Dahlias, Paper Piercing Tool, Stampin' Pierce Mat, Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Denim Jean Ribbon

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

FMS #52 Pick a Sketch!

Happy one year anniversary to Freshly Made Sketches! This week we've cooked up something special.
It was really hard to pick a sketch - there have been SO many great sketches over the past year. I decided to go with sketch #9:
I created this classy Christmas card, featuring the Snow Flurry Bigz Die.
I just had to use one of those gorgeous Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons. I also gave my snowflakes some extra sparkle by applying a layer of Dazzling Details to each snowflake. I hope you get a chance to join in the anniversary fun! Stop by the Freshly Made Sketches blog to see which sketch the other DT members chose. 'Bye for now!

Stamps: Greetings of the Season
Paper: Baja Breeze, Midnight Muse, Shimmery White
Ink: Midnight Muse
Accessories: Big Shot, Snow Flurry Bigz Die, Argyle Folder, Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons, Basic Pearls, Whisper White taffeta ribbon

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

FMS #51 - Beautiful Butterflies

Happy September! School has started and we're beginning to adjust to our new schedule. The kids both had a great first day at school and I was able to get a handle on some things here at home - yeah! :) As for stamping, I whipped up a card for this week's sketch.
I decided to pull out my much-neglected Beautiful Butterflies die and I put together a happy, cheery card that I hope will make you smile.
I am in love with these Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons. They are so elegant and add that special touch these butterflies were calling for. This is such a great sketch from Cindy Hall - I hope you get a chance to play along. Stop by the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out all of the great inspiration from the rest of the design team Have a super day!

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases
Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, So Saffron, Floral District dsp
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies die, Finishing Touch Edgelits, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Jewelry Tag punch, Vintage Trinkets, Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons, Whisper White Organza Ribbon, linen thread

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

FMS #50 - Daydream Medallions Take 2

I'm back with another fabulous Freshly Made Sketch! This week's sketch comes from Lesley and I know you'll have fun with it.
I decided to use the Daydream Medallions set once again - it's just so pretty!
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to enjoy the other works of inspiration at the FMS blog - you won't be disappointed!

Stamps: Daydream Medallions, Blessings from Heaven
Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Raspberry Ripple, First Edition Specialty dsp, Natural Composition Specialty dsp
Ink: Early Espresso, Raspberry Ripple
Accessories: Big Shot, Lacy Brocade embossing folder, Floral Frames Framelits, Dotted Scallop ribbon border punch, Neutrals Designer Buttons

Monday, August 27, 2012

Daydream Medallions

I had a chance to do a little stamping yesterday and I pulled out some of the new sets that I haven't had time to ink up. I've been itching to play with my Daydream Medallions set and the coordinating Floral Frames Framelits. I put together this vintage beauty.
I had so much fun making this shabby-chic card. I hope you enjoy it and have a super Monday!

Stamps: Daydream Medallions, Blessings from Heaven
Paper: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Natural Composition Specialty
Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Big Shot, Lacy Brocade embossing folder, Dotted Scallop ribbon border punch, Bitty Buttons, Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack, Crumb Cake seam binding ribbon, linen thread

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

FMS #49 - When You Wish Upon a Star

It hit me the other day that it is almost the end of August - can you believe it?!? Less than two weeks to go and the kiddos will be back in school and we'll be running around to a new routine. This fall also brings a change for me - I'm going back to work. I'm actually pretty excited - I get to work with 3- and 4-year-olds while teaching them early literacy, math, science and writing concepts all under the guise of playing. :) Teaching preschool will be so much fun, but I know that those little bundles of energy are going to wear me out! I'm not really sure what all this will mean for my stamping life, but I plan to take it one day at a time and have as much fun as possible. I think that is an attitude that will serve me well in the next few months, which I'm sure will be very busy. That's enough rambling for today, let's get on to this week's sketch!

Jen Mitchell has put together another fabulous sketch for us this week. So many possibilities with this little beauty - what will you create with it?

I wanted to make something with stars and this is what I came up with:
I kept it super clean and simple, and these colors are perfect for a guy's birthday card, but it could also work for a child. Change up the colors to pink, purple and silver and you have a sweet card for little girl. Check out the other design team creations at the Freshly Made Sketches blog. I hope you get a chance to share your design as well. Happy stamping!

Stamps: Sweet Essentials
Paper: Whisper White, Summer Starfruit, Gumball Green, Midnight Muse
Ink: Midnight Muse
Accessories: Big Shot, Chevron embossing folder, Midnight Muse ribbon, star punches (retired), paper-piercing tool, Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

FMS #48 Up & Away

This week we have another fun sketch from Tui!
I flipped the sketch around and used the You're Amazing set and Summer Smooches dsp. I love the whimsical feel to this card!
Check out the other gorgeous creations from the rest of the design team at Freshly Made Sketches. See you soon!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

FMS #47

Check out this super fun sketch from Jennifer T.!
I can't get enough of this Wonderfall set - I just love it! I think I am ready for some fall-like weather. :)
Thanks for stopping by. Stop over at the Freshly Made Sketches blog to share your creation with this week's sketch.

Stamps: Wonderfall
Paper: Naturals Ivory, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Orchard Harvest dsp
Ink: Raspberry Ripple, Island Indigo
Accessories: Big Shot, Woodgrain embossing folder, Autumn Accents die, Brushed Bronze designer button, linen thread

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

FMS #46: Evergreen

Happy Wednesday! The Holiday Mini is finally here, so I thought I would work this week's sketch with one of the new Christmas sets, Evergreen.
Love, love, LOVE this new set! The images are simple and elegant and will make some classy Christmas cards. Here I stamped the solid tree image with Midnight Muse and then stamped the outline image with Platinum Shimmer Paint. It looks so shiny and pretty - I don't think the picture really does it justice.
I finished the card off with some Silver Glimmer Paper and an embossed panel using the new Lacy Brocade embossing folder. I hope you get a chance to stop over at the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out the other lovely works of inspiration from our design team members. Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Evergreen, Greetings of the Season
Paper: Midnight Muse, Basic Gray, Whisper White, Silver Shimmer Paper
Ink: Midnight Muse, Basic Gray, VersaMark
Accessories: Platinum Shimmer Paint, Whisper White taffeta ribbon, Neutrals Designer Buttons, Big Shot, Lacy Brocade embossing folder, heat tool, silver embossing powder

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

FMS #45 - Wonderfall

Check out this week's sketch!
I am LOVING this new set (Wonderfall) from the Holiday Mini. I can't wait to play with it some more.
Visit the Freshly Made Sketches blog to see some wonderful inspiration from the design team. Have a super day!

Stamps: Wonderfall, Sweet Essentials
Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Riding Hood Red, Orchard Harvest dsp
Ink: More Mustard, Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red
Accessories: Big Shot, Woodgrain embossing folder, Autumn Accents die, linen thread, Brushed Bronze designer buttons

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

FMS #44: By the Seashore

Happy Wednesday! We have a new sketch to tickle your card-making fancy. This week's sketch comes from Jen M. - be sure to check out all of the fabulous inspiration from the other members of the Freshly Made Sketches design team.
I went ultra clean with this week's card. I love the neutral tone paired with the seashell images in this set (By the Seashore).
I think this would make a lovely sympathy card, too. I hope you get a chance to give this week's sketch a try - make sure to share your work at the FMS blog. 'Bye for now!

Stamps: By the Seashore, Sweet Essentials
Paper: Sahara Sand, Basic Gray, Whisper White
Ink: Sahara Sand, Basic Gray
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Neutrals Designer Buttons, Linen Thread

Friday, July 13, 2012

Blooming with Kindness

How 'bout a lovely card to kick-start your Friday? This is one of the cards we'll be making at my stamp-a-stack today, using the set Blooming with Kindness.
This. Set. Is. GORGEOUS. There, I said it. :) This is definitely one of my favorites new sets from the catalog. I especially love how it looks with these warm colors. Have a great weekend!

Stamps: Blooming with Kindness
Paper: Soft Suede, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Very Vanilla, First Edition Specialty dsp
Ink: Cajun Craze, Soft Suede
Accessories: Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, Neutrals Designer Buttons, Linen Thread

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

FMS #43: Moving Forward

I think the title of today's post perfectly sums up my life this summer: moving forward! I feel like we are constantly on the go, with fun summer activities, swimming lessons, gymnastics, soccer, family trips and I'm training for a half marathon. Whew! It's a busy time in our house, and not much stamping has been getting done. I'm so glad that I have these sketches to look forward to each week - they give me a reason to dust off my stamps and do something just for me.

I love this week's sketch from Tui - a perfect way to show off some of your favorite designer papers. Stop by the Freshly Made Sketches blog for some more fantastic inspiration from the other design team member.
As I mentioned, I used the set Moving Forward for today's card. This is such an adorable set and it is this year's Ronald McDonald House Charities set - when you purchase it, SU! will donate $3 to RMHC.
Do you see those little mini brads in the centers of the tires? So cute! :) Thanks for stopping by today - I'm off and running again. 'Bye for now!

Stamps
: Moving Forward
Paper: Whisper White, Pacific Point, International Bizarre, Polka Dot Parade
Ink: Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade
Accessories: Big Shot, Chevron embossing folder, mini silver brads, Daffodil Delight stitched grosgrain ribbon

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

FMS #42: Papillon Potpourri

Happy Indedpendence Day to all of you in the U.S.A! We have another great Freshly Made Sketch for you this week.

I decided to try out my new Papillon Potpourri set along with the coordinating punch and the International Bazaar dsp. I love these colors together! Stop by the Freshly Made Sketches blog and play along - I'd love to see your creations.

Stamps: Papillon Potpourri, Lacy and Lovely
Paper: Whisper White, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, International Bazarr
Ink: Pacific Point, Pool Party
Accessories: Big Shot, Fancy Fan embossing folder, Elegant Butterfly punch, Basic Rhinestones

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

You're Amazing

It's Wednesday, and that means a new sketch from the team at Freshly Made Sketches! This week's sketch is from Cindy and I know you are going to have fun with this one.
I decided to make this card for my husband, as we are celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary today. He truly is amazing, so I thought this image worked perfectly.
When I received this stamp set (You're Amazing)I decided to cut the sentiment out from the surrounding frame, giving me a little more flexibility with both images. I was a little hesitant at first, but now I'm really glad that I did as I feel like I actually gained an extra stamp - yippee! I went with masculine colors, knowing it was for my hubby, combining Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Midnight Muse and Summer Starfruit. I hope you get a chance to play along with this week's sketch - stop over at the Freshly Made Sketches blog and share your creation.

Stamps: You're Amazing
Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit, First Edition Specialty dsp
Ink: Early Espresso, Midnight Muse
Accessories: Big Shot, Argyle embossing folder, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Jumbo Brads (retired), Small Star punch (retired), linen thread

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Happy Dirtday!

We have another great sketch for you to play with this week at Freshly Made Sketches!



I love that wide open space with the oval, just crying out to be filled with a stamped image and embellishments. I decided to flip the sketch and worked up a cutie-patootie birthday card using the I Dig You stamp set.

Fun, don't you think? I hope that you get a chance to play along this week. 'Bye for now!

Stamps: I Dig You
Paper: Pacific Point, Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black, Brights Designer Series Paper Stack
Ink: Basic Black, Real Red, Pacific Point
Accessories: Big Shot, Chevron embossing folder, Tasteful Trim die, silver brads

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Betsy's Blossoms Meets the In Colors

Today I have a card that shows off some of the new In Colors. I think these three work surprisingly well together: Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse and Raspberry Ripple.

This is another one of the cards we made at this month's stamp-a-stack. I paired these colors with the Betsy's Blossoms stamp set and used the new Elegant Butterfly punch, which I ran through the Fancy Fan embossing folder. I also put my Apothecary Accents Framelits to use on the sentiment. Nothing like pulling out lots of new stampin' goodies. Thanks for stopping by today - see you soon!

Stamps: Betsy's Blossoms, Blooming with Kindness
Paper: River Rock, Very Vanilla
Ink: Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse, Raspberry Ripple
Accessories: Big Shot, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Fancy Fan embossing folder, Elegant Butterfly punch, Very Vanilla seam binding ribbon, Basic Pearls

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Freshly Made Sketch #39: Lacy and Lovely

It's Wednesday and that means another fun sketch to play with from the gals at Freshly Made Sketches. This week's sketch is from Jen Mitchell and I love how clean and simple it is - there's lot of potential with this beauty!


My card uses one of the new stamps sets, called Lacy and Lovely. This is one of my favorite new sets - the images all coordinate really well and I love the font of the sentiments.

I am digging this bold color combo as well - Gumball Green, Midnight Muse and Real Red. Kind of retro, don't you think? I hope that you get a chance to play along with us this week!

Stamps: Lacy and Lovely
Paper: Whisper White, Gumball Green, Real Red
Ink: Gumball Green, Midnight Muse
Accessories: Big Shot, Fancy Fan embossing folder, 2 1/2" circle punch, 1" circle punch, Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack, Basic Rhinestones, white baker's twine