Sunday, December 31, 2017

2017 Review

Thank you 2017, for blessing me with
friends, family, peace and joy.

Here is a little review of 2017.











May your 2018 be happy and peaceful.

Friday, December 29, 2017

Stamp Off Rainbow Builder with Beautiful You

Welcome, welcome, to our final Stamp Off Challenge
of 2017.  Buffy, Susan and I totally appreciate the fact
that you check in on our efforts to inspire each other.


This week, we are enjoying a sparkly challenge.  Now I 
did not go with the "expected" New Years option,
and we will see if I am the only one.


I continue to need sympathy or "get better" cards, so
decided that this would be a good place to put my sparkle.
The sentiment from Beautiful You on page 141 works well
for a variety of difficult life events, which makes it
extremely useful.  

For the sparkle, I used Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer
paper (p 194), to create clouds with the Rainbow Builder
Framelits Dies on page 33 of the Occasions 2018
catalog that will be released next week.  

I hope that you enjoyed this bit of Friday sparkle.
Now please check out what Susan and Buffy
did to shine in the final days of 2017!

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Santa's Sleigh Reindeer with Embossing Paste

Even tho this is a Christmas card, it could also
be reinvented as a winter or Christmas thank you card.
The gray panel features Embossing Paste (p 201) and the
Pattern Party Decorative Masks.  The deer comes from the 
Santa's Sleigh set on page 119 with coordinating 
Santa's Sleigh Thinlits Dies on page 214.  
Of course I used my go-to favorite paper stack, 
Wood Textures, on page 187.  I think that this Designer 
 Series Paper looks good with anything and everything!

Monday, December 25, 2017

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!


Friday, December 22, 2017

Night in Bethlehem

As Christmas approaches, I am drawn to the authentic
message, captured in images of the star and a young
couple.  For me, the Night in Bethlehem set on page 26,
with coordinating Bethlehem Edgelits dies, captures
the feeling of Joy and Expectation.  The shiny sparkles,
paired with dark, human figures say it all.
We bring our humanity down the road that we travel,
keeping our eye on a bright star ahead.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Colorful Seasons with Christmas Pines

Sorry, but I really do need to find a better way to
take pictures of cards that I blog.  Maybe that will
be my New Year's resolution!

This card also signals that fact that although I have
readily embraced metalics on my Christmas cards, 
I continue to have an issue with using Black
on these cards.  I do, however, like other nontraditional
color combinations.  In this example, Blushing Bride
and Sweet Sugarplum.  I used the snowflakes and 
thinlits from the Colorful Seasons set (p 147) and
Seasonal Layers Thinlits.  What a lovely combination!
The sentiment comes from Christmas Pines, on page 120.
Add a bit of 1/4 inch Copper Ribbon and I'm good to go!

Monday, December 18, 2017

Seasonal Chums Deer on Ovals

Seasonal Chums, with the coordinating Seasonal Tags
Framelits Dies, on page 47 of the Holiday catalog, is an
incredibly sweet collection of product.  They are designed
to be used as tags, but you can also separate the images and
mount the front or back of the images individually.

In this example, I used the Layering Ovals Framelits and
Stitched Shapes Framelits (p 214) as backdrops for the
deer image.  These ovals were placed on a layer of 
Color Theory Designer Series Paper stack on page 187.
I added a bit of linen thread to pull the card together.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Bird Banter with Sparkle

Welcome back to our Stamp Off fun, sponsored by
Buffy, Susan and myself.

Today we have a fun color challenge.  It will be interesting
to see if we go with non-traditional Christmas colors, 
or steer away from Christmas for this challenge.


For my part, I could envision only one set to go with
these colors, and it is a sneak peak.  This card was made with
Bird Banter (p 42), from the upcoming Stampin' Up! 
Occasions catalog, due out in January.  The little birds 
absolutely lend themselves to bright color combinations,
that can be used for masculine (or feminine) events.
In this example, I covered the parrot with Wink
of Stella, to give it some sparkle.

I used a couple other items that will be released with
this catalog, including the Myths and Magic Glimmer Paper
(p 37) and Petal Passion DSP on page 23.  I am very fond of
black and white patterned paper because it can be used
for almost any card, or colored to help it coordinate with
other product.

So now that you have been kind enough to check out my
challenge project, please click on over to see what
Susan and Buffy have done with their color challenge.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Starlight meets Swirly Scribbles

This card combines Swirly Scribbles Thinlits with the 
Starlight Thinlits, both found on page 216.   They are
layered on the Bundle of Love Specialty Paper on page 189, 
to take advantage of all of that wonderful golden bling.

Monday, December 11, 2017

Color Me Happy with Lift Me Up

Here's one more Color Me Happy card.  I colored the
image with Stampin' Blends and added the sentiment
from Lift Me Up on page 58.  This layer was place on
a piece of Color Theory DSP (page 187).

Hope that you have a happy Monday!

Friday, December 8, 2017

Watercolor Christmas with Snowflakes

I love the Watercolor Christmas set on page 34 of the
Holiday catalog.  It coordinates with a Project Kit, but
I often look at these coordinating products as separate
components, because they can work well separately, too.

This is all Copper, Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive.  I'm pretty
partial to Copper and snowflakes.  These snowflakes, made out
of Copper Foil Sheets (p 194), come from the 
Seasonal Layers Thinlits on page 216.  I like the fact that
these Thinlits offer 3 different sizes of snowflakes, 
so that you have options for any Christmas card.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Lift Me Up Cookie Cutter Santa

First off, don't ask me how I came up with this card.
I was shuffling through my sets and for some reason,
the Lift Me Up set (p 58) paired itself with Cookie Cutter
Christmas (p 116).   Like if the reindeer go on strike, 
Santa can parachute into town.  At least that's the story
and I'm sticking to it.

Santa was colored with the new Stampin' Blends (LOVE) and
layered on to some Only Olive Color Theory DSP (p 187).
The Seasonal Layers Thinlits (p 216) snowflakes were
made with Silver Foil (p 194).  The candy dots were
colored with a silver Sharpie to coordinate with the snowflakes

Monday, December 4, 2017

Painted Harvest Christmas Wreath

I am overjoyed because Painted Harvest, on page 49 of the Holiday catalog will carry over to the upcoming 2018-19 annual
catalog. This is such a versatile set, that is easy to use.

In this example, the sunflower component is used to
create a Christmas wreath.   The sentiment comes from
Christmas Pines on page 120.  I love layering the wreath
on a piece of Wood Textures DSP stack, because it
resembles a wooden door.   This is a really quick and easy
Christmas card for friend or family!

Friday, December 1, 2017

Santa's Sleigh Stamp Off Sketch Challenge

Hey stamping friends.  Welcome to our Stamp Off
Challenge, hosted by Buffy, Susan and me!

This week, we are doing a sketch challenge, provided by Susan.
I feel that sketch challenges are kind of like paint by number
 kits; they guide you on the creative process.

I "sort of" followed the sketch, which works for our 
challenges.  I stamped the deer from Santa's Sleigh (p 119),
and colored it with the Stampin' Blends.  The sentiment comes
from the Star of Light set on page 122.  The rest of this
card was picking colors and layering.  The Rhinestones
are colored with the Stampin' Blends, which is a 
wonderful means to coordinate card elements.

Now make sure that you check out what Susan and Buffy
have created for this sketch challenge! 

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Cookie Cutter Colored with Stampin' Blends

Here is one more Cookie Cutter Christmas card, colored
with the Stampin' Blend alcohol markers.
I stamped the image with Memento Ink, colored it
and then cut it out with the Cookie Cutter Builder
punch on page 208.

I added texture, using the Seaside and Brick Wall
Textured Impressions Embossing Folders (p 210).
The Rhinestones are colored with the Stampin' Blends,
because alcohol markers can color many different
materials.

Monday, November 27, 2017

Cookie Cutter Christmas in Hearth and Home

Given the new Stampin' Blends alcohol markers, I often
pull out coloring book sets, so that I can play.  There is
no better Christmas set to color, than the 
Cookie Cutter Christmas set on page 116.  The coordinating
Cookie Cutter Builder Punch (p 208) makes it quick
and convenient to punch out your image.
I positioned the reindeer inside the Hearth and Home
Thinlits Dies (p 213) window, with a Seaside Textured
Impressions Embossing Folder (p 210) layer behind.
I decided to add a few branches and bow from the
Pretty Pines Thinlits Dies on page 216.

He's a pretty cute reindeer, especially when framed
within his little window. 

Friday, November 24, 2017

Merry Little labels with Snowflakes

I hope that you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I for one am happy that I did not have to travel,
although it sounded like planes, trains and cars
were able to get where they were going.

I decided to post one more Merry Little Labels (p 12) card.
I really like this particular stamped image.  The snowflakes were created with the Swirly Snowflakes Thinlits Dies on page 35. 
 The background
layer was run through the Seaside Textured Impressions
Embossing Folder to add a bit of texture.  

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Colorful Seasons Happy Thanksgiving

As I thought about Thanksgiving stamping, I was only
thinking about one set; Colorful Seasons on page 147.
I'm tickled to have a set that works for cards throughout
the entire year.  In this example, I created copper embossed
leaves, that I then sponged with Crushed Curry,
Peekaboo Peach and Calypso Coral.  I attached the sentiment
from Painted Harvest (p 49 in the Holiday catalog),
adding a Crushed Curry Baker's Twine bow.
I colored candy dots with a Copper Sharpie.

There is so much in life that I am thankful for, including
friends, family, church and a vibrant neighborhood.
I wish you a most wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday,
filled with the things that are important in your life. 

Monday, November 20, 2017

Merry Little Labels on Quilting

Some time ago, I posted a Merry Little Labels card
using this same layout.  With the addition of the 
Foil Snowflakes on page 37, it really works.   I also 
love the Quilted Christmas Textured Impressions
Embossing Folder on page 5.   The Holiday catalog is
just packed with wonderful stamping goodies!

Friday, November 17, 2017

Stamp Off Butterfly Basics with Painted Harvest

Welcome to another Stamp Off Challenge with Susan,
Buffy and myself.  It's really good to have stamping
enthusiasts checking in with us every other Friday!

This week, Buffy set us up with a lovely color
challenge.  These are wonderful, bright colors, so feel
free to locate your sunglasses.

For this challenge, I went sort of vintage.  I did a watercolor smoosh (on watercolor paper), using a piece of acetate.  These colors blend together to make a lovely backdrop.    
Then I stamped ferns from
Butterfly Basics (p 149) and Painted Harvest (p 49 of the
Holliday Mini) in each color.  The sentiment comes from the Sorry 
For Everything set on page 98. 

I love Linen Thread (p 199) with almost anything, but
it really gets the job done when paired with leafy images.

I thank you for stopping by, and suggest that you
click on, to see what Buffy and Susan did with these
lovely colors.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Santa Christmas Sweaters

The Christmas Sweaters stamp set is another real cutie.
The images are darling, and so much fun to color
with the new Stampin Blends.  I just added a bit of 
Wood Textures DSP to affirm that it's cold enough
for us to pull out those crazy sweaters.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Introducing the Stamparatus!!

Introducing.... Stamparatus stamp positioning tool
 from Stamping' Up!



It’s big news when something breaks the mold and changes everything. The Stamparatus will change the way you stamp, and before long, you’ll wonder how you crafted without it!
Why do YOU need one? You’ll fall in love with stamping all over again when you learn everything you can do with it!
  • - Make multiples with ease 
  • - Consistently stamp crisp, clean images
  • - If you want a darker impression, apply more ink and restamp—no need to start over
  • - Make fewer mistakes, saving time and money
  • - Easily create 2-step, 3-step, and 4-step stamped images using reversible plates
  • - Develop new and specialized stamping techniques with adjustable stamping plates and precision placement
I need product details!

  • Compatible with Stampin’ Up!’s red rubber and photopolymer stamp
  • Foam mat to use with photopolymer stamps
  • Rulers and gridlines for quick measuring
  • 2 open sides so you can stamp on larger paper
  • 2 reversible plates: a total of 4 surfaces to work with
  • 2 magnets to hold the paper in place
  • Magnet storage areas
  • Retail Price–$49.00 USD/$65.00 CAD

How to Order:
With the launch of this tool, we’re trying something different: testing a new reservation system. It acts like a true preorder: you reserve your spot and we guarantee shipment as soon as the product arrives in our warehouse. Demonstrators and customers will place reservations and receive their product at the same time. This system will allow us to get the product to market as soon as possible while avoiding backorders and efficiently managing inventory. 
The global launch will feature three reservation windows. For each window, please note the following:
  • Reservation quantities are while supplies last.
  • Limit is 3 tools per demonstrator and 1 tool per customer per reservation window. (Note: The Stamparatus is not a Cash-and-Carry item.)
  • You and your customers may participate in multiple reservation windows.
  • In order to reserve your Stamparatus, you are required to provide your credit card information.
  • Credit cards will not be charged until the Stamparatus ships from our facility. When you close your order, be sure to verify that your credit card and shipping information is correct.
RESERVATION WINDOWSAVAILABLE TO SHIP
November 16–30, 2017Approx. February 1, 2018
December 5–30, 2017Approx. March 19, 2018
January 15–30, 2018Approx. April 15, 2018

Monday, November 13, 2017

Celebrate Color Me Happy with Lanterns

Here's one more Color Me Happy card.  The sentiments
in this set are great and work well with the images!

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Color Me Happy Celebration

I'm going to post Color Me Happy samples over the
coming days, because I'm not sure how long this lovely
stamp set will be available.  It works so well with our
dandy new Stampin' Blends!

In this example, I layered the focal image over a 
piece of Bundle of Love Specialty Designer Series Paper,
found on page 189.  I sponged the DSP with Calypso Coral
ink, to help it coordinate with the lantern.  Don't you love
it when a plan comes together?!!

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Night in Bethlehem Behind a Cut Out

The Night In Bethlehem set on page 26, with coordinating
Bethlehem Edgelits dies, enables a lot of different looks.
This bundle allows you to build scenes and create depth.
In this example, I simply cut an oval out of the top layer
of cardstock and placed the city behind.  Add a couple of
 images and the card comes to life.

Monday, November 6, 2017

Color Me Happy Bird on a String

I really enjoy coloring images from the
Color Me Happy set (limited availability) with the
new Stampin' Blends.  It is so relaxing to color and
these alcohol markers are just dandy!!  The set
contains really strong images, that stand out on
a simple card.  That adds to the coloring enjoyment
because you don't have to get "fancy"!

This set is only available while the Color Me Happy
Project kit supplies last.


Friday, November 3, 2017

Stamp Off Challenge Colorful Seasons Sketch

Hey friends.  Thank you for joining Susan, Buffy and
myself for another Stamp Off Challenge.  This is our
first for November.  Time sure is flying.

This week, we have a wonderful sketch challenge.
Sketch challenges are my favorite, and I prefer "simple"
sketches, so that you have a good base to build on.

I tried to orient this card vertically, but the elements 
worked better on a horizontal orientation.  I wanted to
create a fall card with some glitz, so used a lot of gold components.
The leaf images from Colorful Seasons (p 147) were spritzed and stamped in different colors, on watercolor paper.  Once dry,
I gold embossed the leaf images over top.  I gold embossed
the sentiment from the Flourishing Phrases stamp 
set (p 24) on to black c/s, to create some drama.

These components were layered on to a strip of 
Bundle of Love Specialty DSP on page 189.  Finally, the
card base was run through the Brick Wall Textured
Impressions Embossing Folder.  I colored candy dots
with a gold Sharpee Marker

I hope that you liked our sketch.  Remember to check
out the lovely projects created by Buffy and Susan.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Stampin' Blends You've Got This

Welcome!   Happy day after Halloween.


Today is a good one.  The Stamping' Blends go on sale!
The Stamping' Blends are alcohol markers that are a 
blast to color with.  We have a set of 12 available for 
your coloring pleasure.

This is a sample of coloring with the Stamping' Blends,
with the flower from You've Got This on page 101.
I used Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie and 
Calypso Coral on Whisper White.  They blend beautifully.

If you want more information on the Stamping' Blends,
Please check out this video from Stamping' Up!


Also be sure to check out this video on the 
Color Me Happy kit and set, available while supplies
last only.



Monday, October 30, 2017

Stamping Blends meet Colorful Seasons

Since the Stamping Blends are going to be released on
November 1st, I thought that I'd share another card
with you.  This is a very simple card, given the right tools!
I used the Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie Stamping' Blends
to color in the leaves.

The Colorful Seasons set on page 147, paired with the Seasonal
Layers Thinlits on page 216 will get the job done for you,
in any weather.  The Old Olive layer was run through the
Woodland Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (p 211).
The strip of Woodland Textures Designer Series Stack on page
187 is a great backdrop for the leaves.

Friday, October 27, 2017

Ship in a Bottle

I realize that I often use the word "cute" to describe stamp
sets, but I can't help it.  There are a ton of
CUTE sets in the annual catalog.  Message in a Bottle,
on page 52 is one of them.
The images and coordinating sentiments in this set make
it quick and easy to create a card for ANYBODY.

I layered the focal image on card stock that I had run through 
the Garden Trellis Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.
It was fun to make and will be a great card for a
birthday dude in my life. 


Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Cookie Cutter Eskimo with Swirly Snowflakes

As I've mentioned, making Christmas cards just makes me happy.   I put effort into them because hand made Christmas cards
bring joy to friends and family.
Stampin' Up offers so many wonderful Christmas products.
You can pick a cute/sweet card making product,
 or a traditional theme.

The Cookie Cutter Christmas set on page 116, with 
coordinating Cookie Cutter Builder Punch (p 208) is one
of the CUTE product suites.  The images are so darling to
color (with the new Stampin' Blends), or you can stamp them
and avoid coloring altogether.  

In this example, I added
the lacy border from the Swirly Snowflakes Thinlits Dies
on page 35 of the Holiday catalog.  The snowflakes come from 
the Seasonal Layers Thinlits on page 216.  The eskimo is
layered on an Always Artichoke oval created with the
Stitched Shapes Framelits on page 214.