Mama Mo Stamps

Butterflies & Leaves

2012-02-13T14:52:00.005-05:00

Happy Monday, I hope your week is off to a great start!

I had just a little bit of time this afternoon to play along in today's PTI Challenge: To use butterflies & leaves. I have had a blast with the PTI Anniversary Challenges and will be sad when it is all over in a few days! I knew exactly what I wanted to do for this challenge and was pleasantly surprised that it turned out just as I had planned :) I love when that happens!!!

Thanks for stopping in!

Stamps: Spring Tags (WPlus9), Happy Trails (PTI)
Ink: Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade (SU!)
Paper: Whisper White, Lucky Limeade, Bright dsp (SU!)
Accessories: Circle Stackers 1 Die (WPlus9), Ribbon (retired), Whisper White Bakers Twine (SU!), Raspberry Fizz Button (PTI)

Heart 2 Heart Challenge

2012-02-11T09:24:00.002-05:00

Luckily I have quite a stock pile of cards in my stamp room, because my cold is in full swing today . And, I just so happen to have a card that fits the PTI Challenge; a project that incorporates hearts in it. I had submitted this card to the last Paper Crafts call, but it wasn't accepted. That's ok though because two others were, woohoo!!!

I used several different PTI sets to create this CAS Anniversary card. I started by stamping the doves from Happy Trails in Fresh Snow ink. The sentiment from Fillable Frames was stamped in Early Espresso & the heart from Sweet Baby in Cherry Cobbler. I added some sponging around the die cut Mat Stack to make it pop. Bakers twine was added as a finishing touch.

This is such a versatile layout and perfect for CAS stamping. Scroll down and you will find another card using the exact same layout, but the colors give it a whole new look!

PTI Sketch Challenge

2012-02-10T11:46:00.004-05:00

Hello there. So, I'm a bit under the weather today. We've been battling a bit of a cold here and it finally caught up with me. I couldn't let that stop me from taking part in the PTI Sketch Challenge today though. I had wanted to make a card with every sketch, but that isn't going to happen.

This is the one I chose...

And, here's my card.

Usually at this point I write about my card, however today, I'm going to end my post here! Thanks for stopping by.

Stamp: Happy Trails
Ink: Basic Black
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Baja Breeze
Accessories: Happy Trails Die, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Rhinestones

Pinterest Inspiration

2012-02-09T10:56:00.004-05:00

The Papertrey Anniversary festivities are continuing and I am playing along in today's challenge; to be inspired by a photo on Pinterest.

I chose this photo:

The bright yellow and oranges make me happy, it feels like Spring to me. Although we've had little snow (yay!) it has been bitterly cold this Winter. I'm longing for the warm sunshine of Spring and Summer.

I was inspired to make a happy, bright card using these beautiful colors.

My card uses more green than the inspiration, but yellow or shades of orange as a card base are a bit outside my comfort zone. I'm sure you can understand :)

Stamps: Flower Fusion #6, Happy Trails
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade, Lucky Limeade, Basic Black
Paper: Lucky Limeade, Whisper White
Accessories: Mat Stack #4, Rhinestones, Lucky Limeade Bakers Twine

PTI Anniversary Day 2

2012-02-06T10:55:00.003-05:00

I'm back today with another PTI Anniversary Challenge. Today's challenge was to make a card using one of the free download images that each of the 2012 Papertrey Ink Stamp Designers contributed to. Because I am not much of a colorer (is that a word?), Melissa's image popped right out at me. I admire the bright, fun color combos she always uses, just like she did on her image!

Because the image itself is so beautiful, I didn't have to do all that much to make my card. I started with a Kraft cardbase, that I sponged with Fresh Snow Ink. Then I wrapped a 1 x 4 1/4 inch piece of Raspberry Fizz cardstock with the 1/4 inch White Satin Ribbon and adhered it to my cardbase. I layered the digital image over Aqua Mist cs, then placed that on an angle over a doily I had in my stash. I finished off my card with a Raspberry Fizz Button all tied up with White Satin Ribbon and a single rhinestone.

I can't wait to see what other PTI fanatics do with these images :)

Don't forget to check out my stamps for sale above or click here.

PTI Favorites

2012-02-05T10:22:00.004-05:00

Today is the first day of the Papertrey Ink Anniversary festivities. The challenge this morning is to be inspired by the Papertrey DT's favorite projects. Well, how do you pick just one? It seems a no brainer to think I'd be inspired by Maile's favorite, amazingly though, I chose a card by Melissa Phillips. I love her vintage-y, shabby chic style, something that doesn't come easily for me. I never seem to know what to do with this stamp set and her project simply oozed with creativity & class. I tried to add my own touches and not straight out CASE her. This was definitely a fun card to make. I didn't feel like the images needed to be perfect, the uneven stamping of some of the elements adds to the charm of the intended style.

I'm looking forward to seeing more as the Papertrey festivities continue :)

Stamps: Polka Dot Basic, Bundle of Love, Fancy Flourishes
Ink: Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso
Paper: Very Vanilla
Accessories: Sponges, Basic Pearl

A Pocketful of Love & more

2012-02-03T10:03:00.006-05:00

Happy Friday!! I don't know about you, but this has been one l-o-n-g week. I'm not sure what I've been doing, but it certainly hasn't been stamping. Since I've gotten more involved in my scrapbooking lately, I'm having a hard time getting my card mojo going. So yesterday I went on a search for some challenges to help me out. I came across Color Throwdown and decided to play along there. I haven't done a color challenge in FOREVER. So off I went to my stamp room with thoughts of Black, White & Melon Mambo-ing in my head :) A little stamping joke, ok...not so funny.

This is what I came up with. A CAS Valentine. I love how you can add just about anything to the outside (or inside) of that pocket. I was daydreaming yesterday about all of the different things I'd love to have coming out of the pocket. I had come up with what I thought was an amazing idea a few months ago, but I guess the PaperCrafts peeps didn't think so because my card wasn't accepted :( Honestly, with all of the submissions they get, I don't know how they ever choose!

I may as well share it here. I'm going to hang on to this card and send it with one of the boys on their first day of school next year. OH, or, Conner has the PSSA's in March, maybe he'll get it then.

I used A Pocketful (WPlus9), Happy Trails (PTI) and Rainbows & Clouds (Lil Inker).

That's all for today. I hope you have a fabulous weekend! I'm going to head back up to my stamp room and try to get a couple more cards done for the current PaperCrafts call.

Don't forget to check out my Stamps for Sale.

Stamps for Sale

2012-02-02T16:16:00.001-05:00

I have just listed a bunch of stamp sets and accessories for sale. You can visit my "Stamps for Sale" tab above or click here. I'll be adding more, so check back later!

HYPERthyroid

2012-02-01T13:30:00.005-05:00

Yup, a layout! Are you surprised? I've actually been doing a lot of scrapbooking lately. I have a goal of 36 layouts for 2012 and I've already completed 9. Woohoo!

My thoughts about scrapbooking have changed thanks to my friend Catherine. Scrapbooking has been a hot topic at StampNation where Catherine has stressed the importance of a story. In the past, I would have scrapped this pretty picture of my baby girl "Izzy" (Yes, I am a crazy cat Mom, but I only have one cat!) and titled the layout "Sleeping Beauty" or something similar, made it pretty and left off journaling. Instead, I titled it "Hyperthyroid", which she's recently been diagnosed and told the story about that. See what I mean, it's the story that is important.

**Edited to add- Izzy is just fine. Her thyroid levels will be maintained daily through twice a day meds.

If you love to scrapbook, you should consider joining StampNation, click here to learn more.

Less is More

2012-01-30T11:45:00.003-05:00

I don't think I've ever played along with the Less is More Challenges. I'm not sure why, it's right up my alley! The challenge was a sketch and quite similar to the layout of the card I posted yesterday. See why I should be participating in these challenges!! Less is more is my mantra when it comes to cards. I think I'll be hanging out there more often!

Thanks for stopping in! Have a great day :)

Stamps: Awash with Flowers, Raining Flowers, Word Play & Polka Dot Basics (PTI)
Ink: Baja Breeze, Wisteria Wonder, Basic Black
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black
Accessories: Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon, Corner Rounder

Melting Pot Challenge

2012-01-29T17:21:00.003-05:00

Sorry I am coming to you a bit late today with The Outlawz CAS Challenge. We had some modem issues this morning that have all been taken care of. And, it only cost us $45, not too bad, it could have been much worse considering my computer is headed downhill quickly, that will be a much more costly fix. Sorry, I digress...

So, are your wondering what on earth a Melting Pot Challenge is? Leave it to Pryn to come up with the most creative challenges.

All you need to do is mix at least 4 different things to create a CAS project. For example, you can use a stamp, patterned paper, twine and a button.

How many things can you use in your pot while still keeping it CAS?

I used stamps, ribbon, embossing and a button on my card. Why don't you join us, I'd love to see what you come up with!

Fresh Vintage - Day 3

2012-01-27T13:06:00.002-05:00

As promised, a third card using Fresh Vintage! This time I used the Faux Fabric Technique.
To do this, simply stamp your cardstock, then emboss it. The Square Lattice Folder is fabulous for this technique!!

I hope you liked Fresh Vintage, 3 ways! Have a fabulous weekend!

Stamps: Fresh Vintage & Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Pool Party & Crumb Cake
Paper: Very Vanilla & Pool Party
Accessories: Modern Label & dotted Scallop Ribbon Punches, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Sponges, Basic Pearls

Fresh Vintage - Day 2

2012-01-26T11:17:00.003-05:00

I'm back with another Fresh Vintage card. To give this set a whole new look, I made my own washi tape using my new favorite color combination (Poppy Parade, Pool Party & Luck Limeade) and added it to my card to wish someone a bright & cheery birthday.
I stamped the sentiment and punched it so that it was off center, leaving room for me to stamp the flower image from the set. A little Bakers Twine & a Basic Rhinestone, finished this card off perfectly.

I'll be back tomorrow giving this set yet another whole new look!

Stamps: Fresh Vintage & Elementary Elegance
Ink: Poppy Parade, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade
Paper: Crumb Cake, Poppy Parade, Pool Party, Whisper White, Twitterpatted dsp
Accessories: Perfect Pennants, Decorative Label Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Sticky Strip, Lucky Limeade Bakers Twine, Basic Rhinestones

Fresh Vintage - Day 1

2012-01-24T14:07:00.003-05:00

While snowed in this weekend, I got the chance to play with the new SAB set from SU!, free with a purchase of $50, called "Fresh Vintage". I used it three different ways, each a different style & each using a different technique.

For this card first card, I went for more of a vintage feel. I used the Collage Technique, which is simply layering on the different elements. The focal image was colored with markers, then stamped onto the cardstock. In addition to sponging, I added a single pearl & embossing for a bit more depth and interest.

Tomorrow I'll share another card using Fresh Vintage. You'll be amazed how some different colors can give this set a whole new look. See you then!

Stamps: Fresh Vintage & Tiny Tags
Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink & Old Olive Markers
Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Old Olive
Accessories: Jewelry Tag Punch, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Linen Thread, Sponges

Queen for the Day

2012-01-23T09:04:00.004-05:00

My card today was inspired by the very talented, Lisa Lara, Queen for the Day (QFTD96) at Splitcoaststampers. Lisa and I were on the CAS DT together last Spring and I really admire her style. Her creations are colorful & simple, bound to make anyone smile. She is also the Guest Designer this month for The Outlawz CAS group!!! I couldn't make a card in honor of Lisa without using a rainbow of colors.

Tip: To keep my ink splotches straight, I drew a faint line with a pencil. I erased it once my images were stamped.

Stamps: PTI Hapy Trails
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Indigo Island, Elegant Eggplant and Basic Black
Paper: Whisper White
Accessories: Happy Trails Die

Quick & Easy Card Set

2012-01-21T16:53:00.004-05:00

Just popping in on this snowy Saturday with a quick card set I made yesterday inspired by yet another creation by Jennifer McGuire. She is one talented lady! The Clean and Simple Card Making Class has been so inspirational, my head is spinning with ideas!!! I made these three cards in under 10 minutes. I used PTI's Flower Fusion & Fillable Frames, placing a different sentiment on each card. This is a great little set to keep on hand or to give as a gift. With these bright colors even young girls would like them! I'm hoping to make a few more sets, a bit more involved, so stay tuned!

Butterfly birthday

2012-01-20T15:56:00.003-05:00

As I mentioned the other day, we have been talking a ton about CASE-ing and how to make a project your own at StampNation. One of the videos Catherine shared with this week was how she modified one of her own cards and came up with something completely different. It's amazing how the same basic design can change so much with a few different colors & details. I decided to take her sketch and make a card all my own. I had originally thought of changing the orientation, but decided I liked it better this way.

I started with a Pink Pirouette cardbase and a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch layer of Very Vanilla cardstock with I embossed with the Elegant Lines Embossing Folder. Then, I punched out 3-1 1/4 circles & 3- 1 3/8 inch circles of Beau Chateau dsp. I die cut the butterflies with the Beautiful Wings Embosslit and adhered them with a glue dot, then embellished them with a Basic Rhinestone.

The layout of this card is also quite similar to one of the sketches from Day 1 of the Clean & Simple Card Making Class, only with larger embellishments.

Do you want to take the challenge? Head over here to join or learn more about StampNation.

Color Blocked CAS Sketch

2012-01-19T06:40:00.003-05:00

I'm on a color blocking kick! The Splitcoast CAS sketch (CAS153) this week led me right there. I started by stamping my background using an acrylic block in Crumb Cake, Pool Party & Lucky Limeade inks. Then, I stamped a flower from Awash with Flowers & my sentiment in Basic Black. I rounded the top corners & adhered the focal panel on dimensionals. It really doesn't get much easier than that.

Day 7 of the Clean & Simple Card Making class focused on "Plainly White" cards. Julie joked that when people hear that, they run :) I happen to LOVE plain white and have found myself using it more and more. Actually I need to stop using it a bit so I can order more before I run out!!! This card is an ode to plainly white cards, a CAS stampers staple!

Stamps: Awash with Flowers, Elementary Elegance
Ink: Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Basic Black
Paper: Whisper White
Accessories: Acrylic Block, corner rounder

Color Blocking- Card Making Class Day 7

2012-01-18T12:48:00.003-05:00

Wow, did I really last post on Sunday? My goodness, I have so many projects to share I don't know where I am going to start. I think starting with my "So Grateful" card is a good place!

This CAS card was inspired by a video tutorial by Jennifer McGuire from Day 7 of the Clean & Simple Card Making Class. I started with 3 different dsp and cut them into 1/2 inch strips, then adhered them on a diagonal to a piece of 5 x 5 scrap paper. Once all of the papers were in place, I cut the 5 x 5 square into 1 inch strips, like you see on my card. I have quite a few that I can use later on other projects or to make this particular card into a set.

I am absolutely loving this color combo: Poppy Parade, Pool Party & Daffodil Delight. Expect to see it again, it makes me smile :)

This card is also part of a challenge we have going at StampNation...Using Trends in your papercrafting projects. Color Blocking is really big in clothing & home decor, so why not translate it into card making. Makes sense, right?! To learn more about StampNation, or to join in some of our topics (Scrapbooking & TV are all over the forum right now), view the gallery (over 5,500) OR watch one of 150+ videos, click HERE!

Stamp: Apothecary Art
Ink: Poppy Parade
Paper: Naturals White, Pool Party, Sweet Shop & Everyday Enchantment (SAB) dsp
Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslit,

Bakers Twine Challenge

2012-01-15T16:41:00.003-05:00

The Outlawz challenge for this week is to use Bakers Twine. I thought it would be cute to pair it with the new Sweet Shop Designer Stickers & a birthday sentiment. I love all of the colors of bakers twine available now. It's too cute. I use it way more than ribbon, it's just the perfect addition to any card. Some of the DT samples are really creative this week, so be sure to pop in and take a peek.

Stamp: Elementary Elegance (SAB)
Ink: Pool Party
Paper: Whisper White, Pool Party, Lucky Limade
Accessories: Bakers Twine, 1 1/4, 1 3/8 & Scallop Circle Punches

Clean & Simple Card Making - Day 3

2012-01-14T15:34:00.003-05:00

(click on picture for a better view)

I'm skipping around a bit in making samples inspired by the Clean & Simple Card Making class that I am taking. I'm just about caught up on the videos, now I just need a huge chunk of time to get some of these ideas out on paper!

Today's card was inspired by a video done by Jennifer McGuire on making tone-on-tone backgrounds to make CAS cards. She also shows how to layer die cut shapes to create dimension. For my card, I started with a sheet of Very Vanilla Cardstock. I trimmed it to 4 1/4 x 11, scored & folded it at 5 1/2. Then I cut another piece to 4 x 5 1/4 to use for my layer. Using another sheet of Very Vanilla, I die cut 12 flowers from the Fun Flowers die by SU! Three of these flowers were embossed using the Houndstooth Embossing Folder, also by SU!, then the others were stacked under the embossed flowers. This gives the flowers some dimension when added to the layer, a faux chipboard look. To finish my card, I simply stamped the sentiment & flower centers in Basic Black ink.

Here's a close up...

Pretty neat, huh?

*The design of my card is a direct CASE of Jennifer McGuire's sample!

CASE-ing

2012-01-13T15:52:00.012-05:00

We've been talking about CASE-ing cards lately at StampNation. I've had my eye on the card pictured in the center above from the Stampin' Up Catalog and decided to CASE it. If you don't know what CASE means, Copy And Share Everything. Usually when you CASE a card, you change the colors or design a bit to make it your own. When you "copy" or don't change anything, it's nice to give the original designer credit.

On my card, I used the same idea, however, my card keeps the design in the bottom portion while leaving white space at the top. I layered two butterflies that were die cut using the Beautiful Winds Embosslit. I also punched out my sentiment using the Modern Label Punch.

This is an awesome card for mass producing. I made three different colors while my supplies were out. It will make a nice gift set, don't you think?

Want to know more about how to CASE a card? Stop in at StampNation where we have a whole discussion on it. StampNation just celebrated its 1st birthday :) There are over 145 videos now, a gallery with over 5,500 cards & projects, challenges and much MORE!

Stamps: Creative Elements, Apothecary Art (sentiment)
Ink: Rose Red, Wisteria Wonder, Baja Breeze
Paper: Whisper White, Rose Red, Wisteria Wonder, Baja Breeze
Accessories: Beautiful Wings, Basic Pearls, Modern Label Punch

Clean & Simple Card Making - Day 1

2012-01-12T14:59:00.003-05:00

After much debate, I decided to sign up for the Clean & Simple Card Making Class. Two of the girls at The Outlawz were just raving about it and just about every stamper on my blog roll is either taking the class OR designing for it. I was feeling left out :( I'm a few days behind, but I was able to make a card using one of the sketches from Day one. I've never taken an online card class and it's quite fun. I'm excited to see what I learn over the next two weeks!!!

PS- I am having a terrible time getting good photos of my cards this winter, any tips?

Die Cut Sketch

2012-01-09T11:52:00.002-05:00

December through January is jam packed with birthdays for us...my SIL, BIL, sister, Mom & a close friend. Oh yes, and then put Christmas right in the middle! So today I have yet another feminine birthday card. I used the Beau Chateau dsp and the Fun Flowers die to make this card. I love that patterns in the paper paired with the font in the sentiment from Perfectly Penned.

Do you notice a tiny bit of dsp on the INSIDE of my card? One of my goals this year is to complete each card inside & out. After what I went through this Christmas with my cards, I am not going to let that happen again. It's so much easier to complete the inside while everything is out. Expect to see more of that!

*I was inspired by CPS250 sketch & CAS152.

Stamp: Perfectly Penned
Ink: Soft Suede
Paper: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Beau Chateau dsp
Accessories: Fun Flowers Die, Neutrals Button, Linen Thread

Tag, your it!

2012-01-08T07:26:00.005-05:00

It's time for The Outlawz Clean and Simple Challenge. Our challenge to you is to use tags. You can make a tag to add to a gift or project OR use a tag on a card! The DT girls got SO creative this week, you really need to head over to the CAS Group and see what they did with their tags, wowzers!

My card takes CAS to the extreme. I'm really loving just a white card base lately, the crisp clean look really appeals to me. So, this is where I started. I used Cherry Cobbler ink and an image from Winter Wishes that I stamped in the lower right corner. I die cut my tag and stamped it using the Tiny Tags stamp set, then embellished it with a single pearl and a bow made of bakers twine. At that point, I thought about calling this card finished, but it was a bit too blah. I thought to myself, "What would Maile do?" (In my eyes, Maile Belles is the Queen of CAS. I want to be her one day :) And, "ding", the light bulb went off...a simple strip of Cherry Cobbler Cardstock on the left. Perfectly balanced!!

Head over to The Outlawz and play along with the CAS Group, I'd love to see you there!

Stamps: Winter Wishes (WPlus9), Tiny Tags (SU!)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Sizzix tags, Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine, Basic Pearls

2012 Easel Calendar

2012-01-07T11:16:00.005-05:00

Hello there, happy weekend to you!

I started out my Saturday morning making this 2012 easel desk calendar. One of my stamping goals for this year is to step outside my comfort zone a bit and attempt more 3-d projects. There are so many resource available online, I don't know what has held me back! I followed the instructions for an Easel Card & replaced the card front with a calendar which I printed from the Resource section at SCS! Easy Peasy.

For today's project, I used products from the upcoming SAB catalog. I love the color palette. The stamp is from "Fresh Vintage" and was stamped first in Peach Parfait, then rolled in Pool Party
(Rock & Roll). The butterfly clothes pins are removeable, so you can attach notes etc as well.

I'll be back tomorrow with an Outlawz CAS challenge. See you then!

Clean & Simple Sketch

2012-01-06T16:30:00.008-05:00

It's been a while since I've played along with the Clean & Simple Sketch Challenges. I made this card using the first sketch of the year, FTL172! This beautiful paper is from the new Twitterpatter dsp pack. I love the colors and feminine designs. I paired that with some Sweet Shop dsp and the Fun Flowers die to make a birthday card perfect for young girls & women alike!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a fabulous weekend!

Stamp: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Island Indigo
Paper: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Twitterpatted & Sweet Shop dsp
Accessories: Fun Flowers Die, Basic Pearls, Modern Label Punch, Corner Rounder

Etsy Shop Updated!

2012-01-03T13:37:00.004-05:00

A quick note to let you know that my Etsy shop, Inspired Card Designs has been updated!!!
And, you can be looking for more updates later in the week!

Focus on Sympathy Cards

2012-01-02T11:39:00.003-05:00

Sympathy cards are some of the hardest to make, especially when you NEED one. So I thought it would be a good idea to make one now, while, thankfully, I don't need it. I'm thinking of making a few more like this one in a variety of colors to have on hand, just in case.

While creating sympathy cards, I try to keep a few things in mind... simple, soft, floral or inspired by nature (trees, leaves, etc).

This card is also for the StampNation challenge, which happens to be "Sympathy Cards". Hop on over and check it out!! Now is the perfect time to join, the Occasions Mini Virtual Open House starts on Wednesday!!

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Apothecary Art (Available 1/4/12)
Ink: Poppy Parade, Crumb Cake
Paper: Very Vanilla, Everyday Enchantment dsp (SAB)
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Modern Label Punch, Basic Pearls, Poppy Parade Stitched Poly-Ribbon, Sponges

A Pocketful of Sunshine for 2012

2012-01-01T07:47:00.002-05:00

Happy 2012!!!
I can't think of a better way to start off the new year than with The Outlawz and a CAS Challenge.
Here's our challenge for you...

Welcome in the New Year with a fresh clean start and a fresh clean card.
Use a white base and no patterned paper.
(You may use other colors of card stock and embellies.)

I used Wplus9 A Pocketful on my card today. I thought filling my pocket with a bit of sunshine would be the perfect way to start off the new year. For me, the sun represents a positive attitude, happiness & good things to come.
It makes me smile and I hope it does the same for you :)

Head on over to The Outlawz and join us today!

Stamps: Images from A Pocketful (Wplus9), Sentiment (Lil Inkers)
Ink: Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black
Paper: Whisper White
Accessories: Whisper White Bakers Twine

The Best of 2011 - Part 2

2011-12-31T06:35:00.009-05:00

I'm back with the second half of my "Best of" post...

July 2011

August 2011

September 2011

October 2011

November 2011

December 2011

Other tidbits about my year in stamping...

I posted the most during January and December of 2011.
I posted the least in November.
My most commented on post was The Outlawz Blog Hop post on October 3, 2011.
I was published four times in Paper Crafts Magazine (happy dance!).

I'm looking forward to a creative 2012. I can't wait to see what the new year has in store for me!!!
Thanks for taking the time to visit me here & for leaving me wonderful comments that make keeping this blog worth it!

Have a safe and Happy New Year!!

The Best of 2011 - Part 1

2011-12-30T07:24:00.014-05:00

As we approach the end of the year,
I thought I'd take a look back at my favorite cards from 2011.

January 2011

February 2011

March 2011

April 2011

May 2011

June 2011

Stop by tomorrow for the second half of my "Best of 2011".

Christmas Thank You's

2011-12-28T10:20:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I threw together a few thank you cards for my kids to send out to some friends and family for Christmas. I used the same layout as this card I made for The Outlawz "Glitter it on" challenge. I made a few slight changes and used this weeks SCS color challenge as my inspiration.

I started by die cutting the Mat Stack 4 from Papertrey with Whisper White cardstock. Then I stamped the trees in Not Quite Navy and the snowflakes in Baja Breeze. Using my 2 Way Glue pen and Dazzling Diamonds, I glittered up a snow bank! I also embossed the cardbase using the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Masculine Motifs, Peace Be Still
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze
Paper: Whisper White, Baja Breeze
Accessories: White Bakers Twine, Mat Stack 4, Perfect Polka Dots, 2 Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds

New life

2011-12-26T06:42:00.006-05:00

I hope you had a wonderful holiday, we sure did. It's hard to believe with all of the preparations that it comes and goes SO quickly!!!

This weeks CAS Challenge at The Outlawz went live a few days ago and I forget to post it here...

It's Christmas week!

This week's challenge is to celebrate the birth of a new life.

Make a CAS baby card to honor this wonderful miracle.

Head on over to join us, I'd love to see you play along!!

Stamps: Button Buddies, Word Play

Ink: Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy

Paper: Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy, Marina Mist

Accessories: Neutral Button, Whisper White Bakers Twine, Basic Pearls, Paper Peircer & Mat Pack

From our family to yours...

2011-12-24T07:25:00.002-05:00

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!!

Maureen, Doug, Conner & Ethan

Last Christmas Cards...

2011-12-23T07:17:00.007-05:00

This is the card I mass produced, although I didn't need half of them.
Looks like I already have a stack ready for next year!!!
This card uses PTI Stocking Prints & Wreath for All Seasons.

Another card featuring A Wreath for All Seasons.

This ornament was die cut using Spellbinders and then stamped with images from Wplus9 Fair Isle Backgrounds, Winter Wishes & Christmas Wishes.

This card features SU! Delicate Doilies used as ornaments.

I made this card a LONG time ago and I don't think I ever shared it here.
I stamped the tree using SU! Holiday Happiness then stitched over it with Early Espresso Bakers Twine.

That's all I have for you this holiday season. I hope you've found some inspiration here over the past couple of months. I'll be back tomorrow with a holiday message. If you don't get a chance to check in again, enjoy and have a safe, and very Merry Christmas!!!

Maureen

Origami tree

2011-12-22T06:58:00.003-05:00

Isn't this tree so fun? It looks like it would take a lot of work, but it literally took minutes! I kid you not!!! This is yet another project inspired by StampNation!! The reasons to join are endless. Click here to learn more!

More Christmas...

2011-12-20T16:27:00.003-05:00

A little inspiration for you today!!!

Mitten Inspiration

2011-12-18T09:37:00.003-05:00

The above is photo is our inspiration challenge at The Outlawz this week!

Here's my take on the inspiration:

As soon as I saw the inspiration piece I knew exactly what I wanted to do for my sample! Little mittens hung on a snowy mantle :) I know you don't usually find a snowy mantle, but just go with it!

I started by replicating the idea of a mantle using my Top Note die, dsp, some greens from Christmas Lodge and Mica Flakes. Then I stamped the mitten images from Warm Wishes and adhered Linen Thread as if the mittens were actually hung. Cute, right?! I finished this CAS card with the perfect sentiment and some distressing.

If you get a minute to stamp, head on over to The Outlawz and play along. As always, we have fabulous sponsors and new challenges posted daily!!!

Have a happy day :)

Stamps: SU! Christmas Lodge, Wplus9 Warm Wishes
Ink: Early Espresso, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Frostwood Lodge dsp
Accessories: Linen Thread, Mica Flakes, Top Note Die

Moxie Fab Trigger

2011-12-17T14:13:00.004-05:00

***This is my second post today, scroll down to see my One Layer Card.

I'm always inspired by the Tuesday Trigger at Moxie Fab World,
but this one especially spoke to me.

Here's how I interpreted the inspiration piece.

Thanks for the inspiration Cath!!

Stamp: So This is Love (Ippity)
Ink: Basic Gray & Baja Breeze
Paper: Naturals White, Baja Breeze, Basic Gray
Accessories: Circle Scissors Plus, Seam Binding, 2 Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds

One Layer Peace

2011-12-17T13:59:00.003-05:00

Today, I decided to take a break!!! I baked this morning and then gave myself a bit of time in my stamp room before I need to get showered and go!!! I was actually surprised that I was able to come up with anything at all!! It feels like forever since I stamped, just to stamp!!! I was inspired by the One Layer Wednesday challenge...a card that says peace. I chose this image because I love the calm quiet of nature.

I hope you get some time to yourself today!!! Enjoy :)

ps-I never noticed how often I use exclamation points, it's a bit excessive today huh?

A Special Christmas Card

2011-12-16T19:24:00.003-05:00

My Mom asked me to make a Christmas card for her sister (my Aunt). She didn't give me any ideas or guidelines, she just gave me free reign to create. I love that!!! My Aunt is a girly girl and I was close to making a non-traditional Christmas card with pink as the focal color, but somehow I wound up with this? It's funny how that happens sometimes, right?! I combined quite a few sets here...PTI Peace Be Still, Stocking Prints, Fancy Flourishes & wplus9 Fair Isle Backgrounds.

I love the flourishes in Crumb Cake with pops of red that look like poinsettias. I added a bit of bling (what girly girl doesn't love bling) to the snowflake and Dazzling Diamonds to the center of the Fair Isle images. I also added some sponging to the edges of the Top Note and embossed background.

I sure hope she likes it!

All dressed up!

2011-12-15T16:34:00.006-05:00

I purchased this adorable tin of chocolate covered pretzels for my sons teacher for Christmas. The tin is too cute to cover with wrapping paper or to put it a bag, so I dressed it up a bit to make it ready to deliver.

(view from top)

I started with a long length of 3/8 inch grosgrain ribbon which I tied in a big bow at the top of the tin. Then, using 3/4 inch x 6 inch pieces of dsp, I made a cute flower/bow, a technique I learned from StampNation. I also made a tag with the same paper which I tied around the bow with Linen Thread. So quick and easy and really dresses up this gift perfectly!!!

Thanks for stopping in!

Christmas Prep

2011-12-14T16:10:00.002-05:00

My list of things to do right now is SO long that I don't have room to add anything else to it! I worked all day on my Christmas cards today, just the insides!!!

**Note to self- start completing cards inside & out!!!!

Since this took all day, I didn't even get to check anything off of my list, ugh!!!

One thing checked off yesterday was writing letters to Santa. I won this cute stamp set a few months ago from wPlus9 and had fun making these for the kids to send to Santa. I kept them very simple, just the stamp and drew lines every 1/4 with markers. I always have the kids write a letter saying good things they did during the year. They come up with the cutest things!!!!

That's all for now. I'll try to pop back in tomorrow with an adorable tin I embellished!

December Layout

2011-12-13T20:27:00.002-05:00

I mentioned last month that I am making layouts to display in my house seasonally and for holidays. This is my December layout...I came across this adorable photo recently and had to scrap it. I stamped the background paper using Always Artichoke ink with the Bells & Boughs stamp set on Naturals White Cardstock. Then I used my aquapainter to fill in the holly berries with Cherry Cobbler ink. I also used one of the self adhesive die cut strips from the Christmas Lane Simply Scrapping kit. I added some Basic Pearls to it to make it pop a bit more! The stockings (Stocking Prints-PTI) were die cut and stamped in the same colors.

I love, LOVE this page and will be sad to put it away after the holidays!!!! Those little faces are too cute :)

Chill Out!

2011-12-12T11:55:00.002-05:00

I decided to step away from holiday cards again, just for today, to play along with the CAS challenge at SCS. The challenge is to be inspired by the phrase "Chill out!". I have many ideas brewing on this one, but my first thought was to make a card using "Have a Seat". I often tell my kids to sit down and chill, so that's where my thinking came from.

I have yet another busy week starting here, I wish time would slow down a bit!!! My kids reminded me that there are only 13 days left until Christmas. Anyone know where I can find a Rock Zurafa or Cyclone Herculeo Beybalde? LOL, I didn't think so :)

Stamps: Have a Seat, I {heart} Hearts, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Basic Black
Paper: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Beau Chateau dsp & First Edition dsp
Accessories: Basic Pearls, Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon

Glitter it on!

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

(Click photo for a better view)

Sunday's here on my blog mean a new CAS challenge at The Outlawz. This week we are challenging you to use your glitter. Not just a little, but a lot!!!! I started my card by stamping a winter scene. It kind of looks like my backyard right now! Then I took my 2 Way Glue Pen and filled in the entire area below my stand of trees and sprinkled Dazzling Diamonds all over it!!!!
To finish off my card I tied some Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine. Easy Peasy!

Join us, I'd love to see you play along!

Buttons!

2011-12-10T10:25:00.002-05:00

If you've followed me for a while, you might remember that at one time my blog was titled "For the Love of Buttons & Bows". I may have changed the name, but the love remains!

The challenge in the Paper a la Mode group at The Outlawz is to use buttons, how could I pass that up? You should see what those gals have done with buttons, holy smokes!!!! They went above and beyond a card...trees, advent calendar, bird house... WOW!

I wasn't quite sure where I was going with this one and to be honest, I don't love the outcome. Something with the layering just doesn't seem right to me? I love the classic color combo and the beautiful label, but I think it has something to do with the blank Cherry Cobbler space beneath the threaded buttons...any suggestions on how to improve this card? I'd love your input!

Have a happy Saturday!

Winter Blues...

2011-12-09T11:47:00.002-05:00

No, I don't have the winter blues (yet), but admittedly, I am a bit cranky...my kids constant bickering, you know the he did this and he said that, back talk, whining, moaning, throwing sneakers, slamming doors, stomping...and that was just this morning, it's driving me crazy! And, I haven't stamped ALL week!!! I think I was going through withdrawal, so today, I decided to forget about the treadmill and the laundry, the cleaning and errands and I stamped. It felt good!!!!!

Sorry, I had to get that out! Moving on...

I received my January/February issue of Paper Crafts Magazine yesterday and was inspired by the "Cure for the Winter Blues" section. I thought I'd pull out some of my Ippity stamps and try to create a holiday card in blue, why not, right? I started by stamping the trees with Versamark ink and heat embossing them with clear embossing powder. Then, I used a sponge and Pool Party & Island Indigo ink and made the background. I used a tissue to wipe the ink off of the trees. I love how the trees pop! I didn't want to take away from the scene I created, so I simply stamped the sentiment and tied a bow at the bottom of the card.

I hope you have a good weekend. I'll be back this weekend with some cards for The Outlawz AND if I can clean REALLY fast today, I may be back with another card. We'll see...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2011-12-08T17:05:00.004-05:00

We woke up to a winter wonderland! Enough snow to make it look magical, but not enough to be a nuisance. The kids had a delayed opening, so I took advantage of my time with them and we started to decorate the Christmas tree. As a family tradition, the boys get an ornament every Christmas, just like I did (and still do from my Mom). We line them up by year and hang them one at a time starting with the oldest ornaments. I love it!! It reminds me of sitting on the floor with my sister doing the exact same things. I don't line up my ornaments anymore though, geez, the kids would never get a chance to go!!!

In one of the bins we found the kids Santa hats. They both wanted to wear them to school :) Their teacher let them wear them all day (I was surprised). Ethan said, a bit annoyed, "All of the kids were calling me Santa ALL day long!" huh, I wonder why, lol!

I hope you liked my family post. It's been a while and well, I haven't had a chance to stamp all week.

Thanks for stopping in!!!

One more Dasher...

2011-12-07T14:08:00.003-05:00

Hello! Happy hump day to you!

I have one more Dasher card for you. I will be returning this fabulous set soon & had to play with it one last time! I kept the Card Patterns sketch (144) & the Splitcoast CAS Challenge (twine) in mind while I was creating this card. Another very CAS card for the holidays. I jazzed it up a bit by adding a few rhinestones to Dasher's antlers!

An observation I made the other day...every year I start making Christmas cards in September. By November I'm done, not actually finished, but bored of Christmas and longing for bright summer colors and flowers. For some odd reason, this year, I'm not. I keep thinking it will be time to switch gears soon and I think I'm going to miss the festive card making :( There are lots of Christmas card challenges that go throughout the year, so maybe I'll have to join in on them!!!

Have a good one!

Stamp: Dasher, Holiday Happiness
Ink: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Basic Rhinestones, Library Clip, Cherry Cobbler Twine

Color it in!

2011-12-06T16:00:00.003-05:00

The newest challenge was just posted over at StampNation! The challenge, "Color it in!", is definitely a challenge for me. I usually stick to bold stamps, but have tried branching out a bit. I have really enjoyed watercoloring Bells & Boughs lately, so that's exactly what I did for my sample!!!

I started by stamping the holly image in Staz-on ink on watercolor paper. I used pooled ink from my Cherry Cobbler & Old Olive ink pads and picked it up with my aquapainter to do the watercoloring. The rest just came together :)

Have you checked out StampNation yet? Did you see the sneak peek I posted last week? What are you waiting for? I hope to see you there!

All supplies SU!
Stamp: Bells & Boughs
Ink: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Watercolor Paper, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive
Accessories: Perfect Pennants Die, Decorative Label Punch, Old Olive Taffeta Ribbon (retired), aquapainter

Marshmallow World?

2011-12-04T08:46:00.005-05:00

hmmm...are you wondering what my title is all about. Well, our very talented and creative DT member Pryn at The Outlawz came up with this challenge...

"Oh, it's a Marshmallow World in the winter....when the snow comes to cover the ground"...sing along with us if you know the words :) We are caroling here at CAS to get into the spirit of the season. This week's challenge requires you to create a CAS project with a white card base (this will be our snow) AND pop dots to raise an element (these are our marshmallows). Any theme you want :)

Break out the hot chocolate and let the creativity fly...oh...and don't forget the marshmallows ;)

I wasn't exactly sure where to go with this challenge, because really, you could make anything. I decided to stray from Christmas cards for a bit and used my Happy Trails stamp set which has gotten a lot less attention than it deserves! I started by die cutting the clouds (Lil' Inker) and the birds that coordinate with the Happy Trails stamp set. Next, I stamped the bird image in Pool Party and then rolled it in Island Indigo (Rock & Roll technique). I arranged the clouds and birds then stamped the trails & sentiment. My birds acted as the marshmallows and were popped up on dimesionals.

Join us in this fun challenge, I'd love to see how you interpret it!!!

Stamps: Happy Trails
Ink: Pool Party, Island Indigo
Paper: Whisper White
Accessories: Clouds Die, Happy Trails Die

Paper a la Mode

2011-12-03T15:31:00.003-05:00

Have you stopped by The Outlawz lately? I'm playing along with the Saturday challenge in the Paper a la Mode group. The challenge today is to make an ornament or use an ornament on your card or layout. My friend, the same one that loaned me Dasher, just purchased the Spellbinder Ornaments which means I got to play with them too!! I used the medium sized die and cut a piece of the Beau Chateau dsp. I hung it from a row of Basic Rhinestones and embellished it with them as well. I tied a Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon and adhered it to the top of the ornament. Easy Peasy.

Do you still have holiday cards to make? Then head on over to The Outlawz and play along. I'll be back here tomorrow to post The Outlawz CAS challenge. So, make sure you come back!

Stamps: A Wreath for all Seasons (PTI)
Ink: Marina Mist
Paper: Marina Mist, Very Vanilla, Beau Chateau dsp
Accessories: Basic Rhinestones, Corner Rounder

Snowy Dasher

2011-12-02T17:58:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday all!!! Although it was a short week, it felt really long. I'm so glad it's the weekend!

This card is a CASE of a members card on StampNation. We recently started a "Consider it CASEd" thread and it's a hit. CASEing (Copy And Share Everything) others cards is a great way to grow as a stamper! I had never thought to put Dasher in the woods & I love it!!!! I changed the layout slightly, but kept pretty close to the original colors & design.

I started by stamping the tree from Christmas Lodge in Old Olive and then immediately stamped it again in white craft ink. It gave the tree a frosted, almost snow covered look. Then I stamped Dasher and did sponging sponging around the Top Note and cardbase. Lastly I add some Dazzling Diamonds. You can't have a snowy forest without snow, right?

Stamps: Dasher, Christmas Lodge, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Old Olive, Early Espresso
Paper: Crumb Cake
Accessories: Modern Label Punch, sponge, Linen Thread, Top Note

Dasher!

2011-12-01T19:41:00.005-05:00

I have had my eye on this sweet stamp for a long time, Dasher by Stampin' Up! But somehow he has never made it onto an order. Luckily, my friend purchased him and I got to play with him yesterday! Don't you just love his scrolly antlers?!

My card design was inspired by the SCS Sketch Challenge (SC361). I used some scraps of the Frostwood Lodge dsp and Dasher inked up in Early Espresso. Then I tied a mini jingle bell with some bakers twine and wa-la, finito!

Stamp: Dasher
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Frostwood Lodge dsp
Accessories: Mini Jingle Bell, Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine, corner rounder

Folded Circle Tree Tutorial

2011-11-29T14:51:00.002-05:00

These cute little trees are not my original creations. I've seen a lot of these out and about in stamping communities and thought I'd give them a try. They are perfect additions to CAS cards, as well as tags and scrapbooking layouts.

Follow the steps below to make your own...

Supplies:
Bone Folder
3 inch circle cut from double-sided patterned paper
Brown scrap paper

Step 1

Cut your circle in half.

Step 2

Using your bone folder, folder the rounded edge of your circle across the straight edge.

Step 3

Fold again in the opposite direction.

Step 4

Fold again.
You will have some extra toward the top, fold that behind your tree and snip the extra.

Step 5

Trim a 1/4 x 1 inch strip of your brown scrap and adhere to the back of your tree.

CAS146- Warmest Wishes

2011-11-28T08:54:00.005-05:00

Now that we've made it past Thanksgiving, it's the final stretch to Christmas! YIKES! I'm not sure how many more cards I need to make to finish up, but I know that I'm not close yet!!! Expect lots more Christmas in the coming weeks!

Using this weeks CAS Sketch (CAS146) at Splitcoast, I came up with this adorable Christmas card using a non-traditional color combo of Baja Breeze, Pretty in Pink and Crumb Cake. The Fair Isle Background combined with the mittens from Warm Wishes reminds me of baby blankets and sweaters my Gramma used to knit. To add a little more softness to the overall feel, I did some sponging on the card base using Fresh Snow ink.

I hope you feel inspired to create today :)

Stamps: Wplus9 Warm Wishes, Fair Isle Backgrounds
Ink: Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Pretty in Pink, Fresh Snow
Paper: Whisper White, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Fillable Frames #4 Die, White Bakers Twine, Sponge

Accentuate the Negative

2011-11-27T15:15:00.002-05:00

This is my favorite technique lately, using the negative portion of a die cut or stamp!! It just so happens to also be this weeks CAS Challenge at The Outlawz.

I started my card by die cutting the frame from Fillable Frames #4. I then stamped the front and adhered a 4 x 5 1/4 inch white panel to the interior. With the card closed, I stamped the frame and sentiment, then attached the stocking. The addition of the white satin bow was the finishing touch!

Stamps: Fillable Frames #4, Peace Be Still, Stocking Prints
Ink: Fresh Snow, Not Quite Navy
Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White
Accessories: Fillable Frames #4 Die, Stocking Die, Whisper White Satin Ribbon

Sneak Peek at StampNation

2011-11-21T07:02:00.003-05:00

Do I ever have a treat for you today! I get to share one of the StampNation Holiday Card Videos with you right here on my blog. If you've been wondering what it is all about, here it is!!!

This video, along with over 100 more, is what you get at StampNation. Not only that, but over 5,000 samples in the gallery and tons of chatter. I am telling you, NOW is the time to join.

Click here to learn more!

Abundance of Gratitude

2011-11-18T17:42:00.005-05:00

Seems like I took an unexpected vacation from blogging. After a fabulous weekend of crafting, this week has been insanely busy with no time to photograph my projects or blog until now. All I can say is TGIF!

On to my project...this sweet pair of boys belong to me, I'm so blessed. I took this photo last fall for our Christmas cards. I paired it with some Spice Cake dsp and the stamp sets Autumn Abundance & Day of Gratitude. Instead of putting this right into an album, I have it displayed for Thanksgiving. I am attempting to make a new layout for each season/holiday to display in my house. I think it will help me to reach my scrapbooking goals for 2012, which I've talked about on StampNation. Myself, Catherine and some of the members are encouraging & supporting each other to get scrapping in 2012!!! Want to join us? It's an awesome time to join! Catherine has absolutely flooded the forum with Holiday projects, so many that I haven't gotten a chance to watch them all yet. I think it's creeping up to 120 videos in all! Wow!

Stamps: Autumn Abundance, Day of Gratitude
Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Paper: Early Espresso, Pool Party, More Mustard, Spice Cake dsp
Accessories: Decorative Label Punch, Linen Thread

Favorite Patterned Paper

2011-11-13T09:53:00.004-05:00

Have you been over to The Outlawz yet today? The new CAS challenge is up and it's sure to get your mojo flowing on this Sunday morning...Use your favorite patterned paper on a CAS card. The hardest part of this challenge is going to be choosing your favorite! For me, the decision was a no-brainer! I'm loving the Frostwood Lodge dsp right now. I used several of the patterns and made my background panel!

Now, grab your favorite paper and get crafty!

Stamps: Tiny Tags, Stocking Prints (PTI)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Whisper White, Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Jewelry Tag Punch, Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine

CASE Study times two

2011-11-11T10:03:00.007-05:00

Happy Veteran's Day! If you have the day off, I hope you are doing something fun :)

All of this mass producing I have been doing has been stifling my creativity!!! Last night I finally got some time to be crafty. While my supplies were out I made 2 cards using the CASE Study #65 as inspiration!

My first card uses Wplus9 Winter Wishes. I love those mittens!

My second card uses SU! Holiday Happiness and Button Buddies! Notice the snowmen holding ornaments? They are so darn cute :)

I'll be back later with all of the nitty gritty details!

Stamping on dsp for StampNation

2011-11-08T14:25:00.004-05:00

I know I said I was too busy to check in here this week, but SURPRISE, I'm here :) We posted the newest challenge today on StampNation...Stamp on dsp! I used my beloved Christmas Lodge and Frostwood Lodge dsp for this. Don't you love the tree in the foreground and the lodge in the background? This is not my original idea, I did see this elsewhere and filed it away for inspiration! My husband thought it was brilliant, I fessed up to him too!!!

Have you checked out StampNation yet? No????? What are you waiting for? We are in the middle of the Holiday Card Series, so far 7 new videos have been added!!! And, we are up to 106 total videos!!! Talk about inspiration!!!! Here's a peek of what you'll see...

Click here to join us at StampNation!
If you join, don't forget to say hi! My screen name is MamaMo.

All supplies SU!
Stamp: Christmas Lodge
Ink: Crumb Cake, Old Olive & Early Espresso
Paper: Early Espresso, Frostwood Lodge dsp
Accessories: Linen Thread, 2 way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds

40th Birthday Invites

2011-11-07T09:47:00.002-05:00

I am in major mass production mode here...Christmas, Engagement & now 40th Birthday invites! Yikes!!! I'm not going to be around much this week, at least not until I get all of these cards assembled and delivered. I did want to drop in quickly though and share this card.

I'm making these invites for a coworker of my husband's. She asked for something with a race car theme...hmm, in the stamping world, I had a hard time finding something appropriate for a grown man. So, I used some of the other info she supplied me with...the colors of his race car, strips & tire tread. I was SO excited when I discovered that one of the Fair Isle Backgrounds kind of look like tire tread, do you see it?

I am off to my stamp room, wish me luck! I think I'm going to need it :)

Fair Isle Birthday

2011-11-06T07:36:00.003-05:00

Why is it that every time I say I'll be back tomorrow, I never am? I should stop saying that, maybe my posting would be more consistent!!! I'll share the card I spoke of yesterday tomorrow.

Today I have a card I made for the CAS Challenge at The Outlawz. Our DT member Pryn challenged us with a "Mission Embossible", she's so creative with her challenges. This card wound up being a triple challenge for me. Not only is it embossed for The Outlawz, I also challenged myself to use Fair Isle Backgrounds to make a non-holiday/winter card. I've used it here to make a masculine birthday card instead. That strip of "patterned paper" was handstamped using Fair Isle Backgrounds and the masculine color combo of Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake & Not Quite Navy. I think I'll make another one, changing the colors, to make a feminine birthday card too. Gotta love versatility!

Oh, and it just so happens my card also fits into the "Over the Edge" challenge at CAS-ual Friday's.

Have a happy Sunday, enjoy the extra hour today.

Christmas Mittens

2011-11-04T14:45:00.004-04:00

TGIF!!! Woohoo!!! We made it!!!

I had a fun morning stamping with friends, working on 40th birthday invites for a coworker of my husband's. I took a quick break to play around with this weeks Clean & Simple Sketch (FTL165). It's a bit of a loose interpretation. I changed the orientation and added some extras! I used my wplus9 stamps again...Fair Isle Backgrounds, Winter Wishes and Christmas Wishes. I had the coolest discovery with Fair Isle Backgrounds yesterday while designing samples for the 40th anniversary invites I mentioned, I'll share that tomorrow :) See you then!

Maureen

Snowy Lodge

2011-11-02T06:54:00.004-04:00

Does this card look familiar? The layout is based on THIS card I made using wplus9 Christmas Wishes.

Christmas Lodge is quickly becoming a favorite. The images are stunning alone and with just a bit of dazzling diamonds, this lodge just pops! I also used the Houndstooth Embossing Folder & Frostwood Lodge dsp which add to the whole country feel.

Gosh, I wish that was my house :)

Stamps: Christmas Lodge, Christmas Greetings
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Frostwood Lodge dsp
Accessories: E. Espresso Bakers Twine, Neutrals button, Corner Rounder, 2 Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds

Raining Flowers for Engagement

2011-11-01T11:16:00.003-04:00

I hope you all survived the chaos of Halloween. My two guys had a blast. The little one did NOT want to go to school today, he was all pooped out :)

I think I've mentioned before that I make cards for a local party store. The owner asked for some blank engagement cards that she could fill the inside with the services she provides. Since she asked for 20, I knew I had to come up with something simple for mass production! I think this card fits the bill. I made a few more in different colors in no time at all.

I hope she likes them. I'm sending an email over for approval, wish me luck :)

One Layer Christmas

2011-10-31T07:24:00.002-04:00

While we were snowed in this weekend I played along in a bunch of challenges. One of them was the One Layer Wednesday Challenge (OLW70), to make a one layer card using red & white (or vanilla). I used a few of the stamps from Fair Isle Backgrounds to stamp the bottom of my card. Then added a simple sentiment, also from wplus9, Christmas Wishes. That's it :)

I think I may make a few more of these. I think I'll stamp each one in a different color and make the group a set.

Hope you have a happy Monday :)

CAS Christmas Lodge

2011-10-30T12:01:00.002-04:00

Hello from snowy PA! We got about a foot of snow yesterday and lost power for about 12 hours. It was cold, brrr. I'm happy to be warming up with a HOT cup of coffee. Coming so soon after Irene, this was a bit much. We are hoping to get our hands on a generator so that we can at least run our pellet stove to stay warm. My card seems to fit in with the general feel here at our house. It certainly looks a lot more like Christmas than Halloween!!

I used Christmas Lodge (my new favorite) to make this card for The Outlawz CAS Challenge, which happens to be Anything Goes. So head on over and link up a CAS card. Awesome monthly prizes, as always, from our generous sponsors.

I have tons of cards to share, make sure you come back soon! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in my stamp room :)

All supplies SU!
Stamp: Christmas Lodge
Ink: Old Olive & Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive
Accessories: Basic Rhinestones, Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine

Halloween Prep

2011-10-28T07:25:00.004-04:00

There hasn't been a whole lot of crafty time lately. I've been busy planning Ethan's classroom Halloween Party. I thought I'd share some pics from the prep...

I filled a jar with candy corn and had the children guess how many. The guesses ranged from 7-5,000, LOL!!! The closest guess was 105 and the lucky winner took home the jar. I decorated it using the Button Buddies & Tiny Tags Stamp Sets.
How many do you think are in there?

Ethan and I made these cute little ghost cookies using Milano cookies, white chocolate melting chips and mini chocolate chip. Adorable, right?

We also made a ghost craft that the children loved, but I don't have any pictures of those. I should get a chance to get back to my stamp room today. Hopefully I'll be back with a card soon!

Frostwood Lodge & StampNation Holiday Card Series

2011-10-25T18:57:00.006-04:00

Of all of the new products in the SU! Holiday Mini, the Frostwood Lodge Suite is my favorite! I love the woodsy/outdoorsy feel of the entire line. It's perfect for scrapbooking too, especially for boy pages, camping, hiking...just about everything we do!!!

The Frostwood Lodge dsp is perfect for cards too, even the larger scale plaids, like the one I used here, works wonderfully. This is a fabulous card to mass produce, you could whip up a bunch of these in no time at all!!!

Speaking of easy to mass produce cards, today was the kick off of the StampNation Holiday Card Series. 12 videos on mass-producible cards AND cards with a bit more "oooomph" are coming to SN.

One of these videos will be the 100th Video Tutorial. Imagine that! 24/7 access to 100 Online Classes, for 9 bucks a month! You can’t beat it! Here's a sneak peek:

Click here to join StampNation now, you don't want to miss this.

All supplies SU!
Stamp: Word Play
Ink: Stazon Jet Black
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Marina Mist, Frostwood Lodge dsp
Accessories: Decorative Label Punch, Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine, Mini Jingle Bells, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Perfect Pennants Die

The Outlawz CAS Challenge

2011-10-23T08:13:00.003-04:00

I'm checking in this morning with this weeks CAS Challenge at The Outlawz; to use a leaf as your focal point. To make my card, I first stamped the A to Z stamp in Crumb Cake ink. Then I inked a leaf from Autumn Splendor, first in Pumpkin Pie ink and then rolled it in Cherry Cobbler. I added some distressing with Soft Suede ink. For a little more interest, I curled the top right corner.

I hope you'll play along!

Hope You Can Cling To...Again!

2011-10-22T13:58:00.003-04:00

Happy weekend :) We just got home from Sports Day at the Primary School. What fun! The kids are good and tired out, so maybe they will go to bed early tonight ? (Here's to hoping!)

Now that I've started the Hope You Can Cling To challenges, I can't stop. Today I combined HYCCT1109, 1110, 1111, 1113. The colors are a bit off because, well, it's cloudy, AGAIN! There weather here in NEPA is pitiful, I can't remember the last time it was sunny!!!! Anyway...

I started with a Naturals White cardbase and 3 Mambo Melon Beautiful Wings Embosslit butterflies. I added a basic pearl to the center of each. Then I stamped the sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes. I finished off my card with some Early Espresso bakers twine.
It doesn't get more simple than that!!! The layout of my card was based off of this weeks Clean & Simple Sketch (FTL163).

Have a great afternoon!

Hope You Can Cling To...

2011-10-21T14:00:00.005-04:00

Splitcoaststampers is once again holding their Hope You Can Cling To campaign to honor those with Breast Cancer. I think it's safe to say that all of us have been affected by breast cancer in one way or another. I chose to make a simple card, with a simple sentiment, something right from my heart...

"While I breath, I hope."

I hope that one day our world is cancer free. Enough said.

This card was entered into the Ippity Challenge and SCS HYCCT1101A, HYCCT1109

Layered Frames

2011-10-20T10:50:00.004-04:00

Wow, this week is FLYING by. At least for me it is :)

I hope you don't mind, I am taking a day off from posting holiday cards. The Make-it-Monday video this week really intrigued me, I had to see what I had in my stash that I could use too make my own layered frames. I decided on a Spellbinders Label 8 die & the Fillable Frames #4 die. I love it. The possibilities with this technique are pretty much endless.

The layout of my card was inspired by CASE Study Challenge #62.

Thanks for visiting, come back soon!

Holly Jolly

2011-10-19T07:44:00.002-04:00

Hello there! Thanks for coming by today. As promised, another holiday card for you :)

Today's card uses the wplus9 Fair Isle Backgrounds and Winter Wishes! I had so much fun building my background here. I used a more traditional color palette of Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive & Crumb Cake on Very Vanilla cardstock. Those cute little mittens were trimmed and attached with a mini library clip.

I love the endless possibilities of the Fair Isle Backgrounds. My next challenge for myself is to make a non-holiday/winter card using this background. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Have a great day :) Maureen

Doily Wreath

2011-10-18T06:45:00.003-04:00

I was trying to come up with some new ways to use Delicate Doilies and had an ah-ha moment while looking through the Nov/Dec issue of PaperCrafts!!! A doily wreath...

To do this, all you need is the large doily image from Delicate Doilies, some ink, removeable adhesive and a punched 1 1/4 inch circle.

First, ink your doily in Old Olive ink (or ink of choice). Then, with removeable adhesive, attach the punched circle to the center of the doily. Huff and stamp!

Try this with other stamps too and see what you come up with!!!

All supplies Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Holiday Happiness
Ink: Old Olive Basic Black
Paper: Whisper White & Real Red
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine, Real Red Button, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack

Monochromatic Holiday Cards

2011-10-17T13:10:00.002-04:00

Oh dear! Here I went and told you on Saturday that I'd be back daily with holiday cards for the next week and I didn't post anything yesterday...bad, bad blogger! I'll TRY not to let that happen again!

I have for you today a card I made for this weeks CAS Challenge at The Outlawz: Make a monochromatic holiday card. I used shades of blue: Baja Breeze, Marina Mist & Not Quite Navy and made this holiday card. It's perfect for friends that may not celebrate Christmas.

Come on over and join us! I'd love to see your CAS Holiday creations!

Bells & Boughs

2011-10-15T09:48:00.005-04:00

I have been having a blast with this Bells & Boughs stamp set that my friend loaned me last week! I love the timeless images.

For my first card, I went with a vintage feel. I love combining the music notes wheel with my holiday images!!! I used the square lattice embossing folder and some dazzling diamonds to add a little sparkle to this beauty!

For my next card, I stayed more traditional using Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler paper & ink. It was a bit time consuming since I watercolored my images, but it can easily be transformed into a quick & easy card to mass produce by adding a strip of dsp instead!

Another holiday card tomorrow, see you then!

Ringing in the Holidays

2011-10-14T09:32:00.004-04:00

Have you noticed me switching gears from Autumn to Christmas? I am totally in the holiday card making spirit. JUST card making, I can wait for everything else that goes along with the holidays.

I'm using another stamp set that I won from wplus9, "Christmas Wishes". The label stamp is simply gorgeous and comes with interchangeable sentiments and decorations. I love the versatility!!! Did you see the mini jungle bell? Love them, they even ring!!! Fun, right?!

Want to see more? I'll be back with holiday cards daily through next week, woohoo!

Fair Isle Inspiration

2011-10-13T09:12:00.008-04:00

(The weather here is terrible, I'll add a new picture when the sun returns!

You can click the photo for a better view.)

As I mentioned yesterday, I won the entire October Release from WPlus9. Woohoo!! While (im)patiently awaiting the arrival of my new stamps, I came across this gorgeous dress in the Hanna Andersson catalog. It spoke to me & immediately started my mojo flowing again!

Check it out:

One of the stamps I won happened to be a Fair Isle Background set. I knew exactly what I was going to do with the stamps when they arrived. I LOVE building my own backgrounds and this set is no different! Inspired by the above photo, I paired the Fair Isle Backgrounds in Basic Gray, Basic Black and Cherry Cobbler with mittens & a sentiment from Winter Wishes to make my card. I love it, it makes we want to snuggle up and drink hot cocoa!

Thank you Dawn for the stamps! They most definitely played a HUGE part in getting my creativity flowing again!!!

Have a good one everyone!

Favorite Stamp Challenge

2011-10-12T12:07:00.002-04:00

I'm happy to announce that I have come out of my stamping funk :) I won the entire October release from WPlus9 Design & have been a stamping fool since my new stamps arrived yesterday. I can't wait to share what I've made :)

But, first things first...I can't believe I forgot to post this card! It's for the CAS Challenge at The Outlawz: Use your favorite stamp to make a CAS card!!!! Hmm, I don't have a favorite stamp. My favorites change by the season, month, week, sometimes daily...but lately I've been LOVING Autumn Splendor & Perfectly Penned, so I decided on them.

Do you have a favorite? A stamp you've been inking up a lot lately? Then head over to The Outlawz and play along!

All supplies Stampin' Up!
Stamp: Autumn Splendor, Perfectly Penned
Ink: Soft Suede
Paper: More Mustard, Spice Cake dsp
Accessories: Dotted Ribbon Punch, Linen Thread

The Outlawz 1000 member blog hop winner is...

2011-10-11T14:11:00.002-04:00

Congratulations Syd! You won the Faith in Nature stamp set!!! Please email me your snail mail address so i can send you some happy mail!!!

Mojo-less

2011-10-09T14:07:00.003-04:00

I'm having a bit of an issue here, it's called "lack of mojo". I have been quite busy for the past couple of weeks while battling 2 different illnesses. I spent the majority of last week trying desperately to catch up on housework. In the mean time, I was left with NO stamping time. I spent a couple of hours last night and some time today trying to get my mojo back. I don't think I've found it just yet :( I turned to the Clean & Simple Stamping Blog for some inspiration and I'm afraid my card has fallen flat!!! I'm going to keep my chin up and keep at it, I know eventually it will return. I just hope it's sooner, rather than later!

Stamps: Just Believe & Perfectly Penned
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Only Artichoke, Basic Black
Paper: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Newsprint dsp
Accessories: Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Linen Thread, Decorative Label Punch

Joyeux Noel

2011-10-06T16:04:00.003-04:00

**If you are hopping by as part of The Outlawz Blog Hop, please see my post entitled
"The Outlawz Blog Hop."

Hi, thank you for visiting me today. I hope you are having a fabulous week. Let me just tell you, I am SO happy tomorrow is Friday!!!!

My card today was inspired by the SCS CAS Sketch Challenge this week (CAS138). I did a bit of flipping and adjusting to make it fit my design. I'm actually wondering if I went beyond CAS. There are quite a few layers here. It is uncluttered with a clear focal point, hmm...what do you think?

I have to say, I bought this stamp set almost a year ago and this is the first card I have made with it that I actually like. I saw a card recently where a die cut tree was stamped with music notes and thought I'd try it on the dove from this set. I LOVE it!

Don't forget about The Outlawz 1000 member party & Blog Hop, there are still a few more days to join!!!

Inspired by Fall!

2011-10-04T18:56:00.004-04:00

**If you are here for The Outlawz Blog Hop, scroll down!

(But feel free to read on and stay awhile)

Hello! First, I'd like to thank everyone who has left me comments over the past few days! I love to read your kind works. You keep me inspired :)

Today I'm sharing a card I made for the latest challenge posted at StampNation, to be inspired by Fall. That leaves the playing field wide open, right?! I love Fall, the foliage mostly and the overall feeling of the season as we prepare to be thankful for our blessings. So, that is the direction I chose to go in.

I used the Day of Gratitude stamp set to make a CAS (almost OL) card. I started by stamping the largest image in Crumb Cake on my Very Vanilla card base. Then I stamped two leaf images, one in Soft Suede and the other in Pumpkin Pie (even the names sound like Thanksgiving :) on a scrap of Very Vanilla Cardstock. I trimmed them out and adhered them to the card. I added a 1/2 inch strip of Soft Suede cardstock, as well as a button, to the left side of the card to create better balance and flow! Lastly, I stamped my "Happy Thanksgiving" from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set in Soft Suede ink.

I'd love if you played along with us! This challenge runs until Oct. 31st and one randomly chosen participant will win a stamp set...check out StampNation to find out more!!! This is a perfect time to join because tomorrow starts the StampNation Halloween Party!!! If it's anything like the Holiday Mini Virtual Open House, we are in for a treat. Check this out...

All supplies Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Day of Gratitude, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Crumb Cake, Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede
Paper: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede
Accessories: Brights Buttons, Linen Thread

The Outlawz Blog Hop

2011-10-03T00:01:00.003-04:00

Welcome to The Outlawz 1000 Member Party Blog Hop!!!

We have quite a line-up for you filled with great tutorials! The Design Team has been busy! Today we present to you techniques and awesome inspirations! Be sure to comment on all of the blogs along the way to be eligible for 9, yes 9, prizes!

Each blog is giving away a prize and one random grand prize will be drawn at The Outlawz for those of you who have commented on every blog and entered your name into Inlinkz here.
There are also 7 challenges posted for the party!!! Each challenge will be open for one week and each challenge has FOUR prizes!!!!! Don't we have awesome sponsors!!!

_____________________________________________________________

The blog hop order is:

The Outlawz Host: Colleen Holmes

CAS Host: Maureen Merritt ---------------------- {You are here!!!!}

Greetings Host: anaRy Baumgarth

Color Host: Brenda Ogle

Sketch Host: Sandi Huggett

Twisted Thursdays Host: Sharri Steffens

Copic/Promarkers Host: Jo Ham

Paper Ala Mode: Rona Mallard

Good luck and see you at the party!
_______________________________________________________

Today I am sharing with you this sweet "Box in a Bag."

Adorable, right?! I filled my Box-in-a Bag with tea bags. This would make a great gift for someone who is under the weather!!!

The best thing about this project is that it is quick and easy! It takes longer to embellish it than it does to make it. Read on to find out how to make one yourself...

Materials:
1- 5 1/2 x 11 sheet of Patterned Paper
1- 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 piece of cardstock
Scoring Tool
Double Sided Tape

Step 1
Score 1 inch on each side of your 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 cardstock

Step 2
Score diagonally in each corner.

Step 3
Crease on all score lines and fold corners as shown.
Adhere with double sided tape.

Here's your finished box.

Step 4
Now we move on to the bag part of our project.
Flip your patterned paper on to the side you do not want to see on your finished project. Next, line the long side & one short side with double sided tape.
Remove the backing on the long side only.

Step 5
Flip the box on it's side.
Starting with your patterned paper midway though on one side of the box, start adhering your paper to the box.

Start rolling your box while adhering the patterned paper.

Step 6
Now remove the backing on the short side of your patterned paper and adhere!
Put your hand inside the bag and make sure all sides are good and secure.

Your Box-in-a-Bag is now complete.
Embellish as you wish!!!
I'll be back to post this finished Box-in-a-Bag later.

The ideas on how to use this Box-in-a-Bag are endless!
Fill it with candy, tea, coffee, 3 x 3 cards, popcorn, trail mix, tealights or votive candles, potpourri, biscotti, baby gifts...like baby socks or rolled up onsies.

I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial and that you will try one of these yourself.
Amy Beaver, a member of The Outlawz CAS Design Team, made a sample to share with you too.

Isn't this SO much fun! Perfect for Thanksgiving favors or a new neighbor!!!

Phew, I think this is my longest blog post EVER. If you made it all the way here, head on over to the next stop on the hop....

anaRy Baumgarth

Don't forget to leave comments along the way!!!

One lucky commenter on my blog will be receiving this stamp set...

One comment per person please.
Comments on THIS post will be the only comments that count!!!
Comments must be left by 11:59 pm on Sunday October 9th.
I will be posting the winner here on Monday, October 10th!
Good luck & enjoy!

All supplies Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Autumn Splendor, Tiny Tags
Ink: Pool Party & Soft Suede
Paper: Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Spice Cake dsp
Accessories: Jewelry Tag Punch, Eyelet border punch, linen thread, Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon

15 years...

2011-09-30T12:37:00.003-04:00

*ALERT...I try to keep my blog posts light and about my crafts, rather than my life. Today's post is a bit different. I do have a life and today I am talking about. Feel free to skip over my words if you'd like to just see what I've made. I won't be offended, I promise!!!!

Scrapbooking is a life journey. It's a way to tell your story, document your life, your children's lives. It's a process of looking into your family heritage and writing it all down, so that future generations know about their past. At least, this is why I scrapbook. I want my future grandchildren to know what their father's were like as children, what we did as a family and how much we love them.

Today, September 30, 2011 marks 15 years since my father passed away unexpectedly at 49 years of age. It was 4 days after my 22nd birthday, which also happens to be the last time I talked to him. I think about the things he missed. My Dad never got to see my sister & I as adults. He didn't see me find a career that I loved or become the teacher he always urged me to be. He didn't get to met my husband or walk me down the aisle at my wedding. He never met my children. There have been so many times in the past 15 years that I have wondered what my Dad would have thought about how I turned out. I think he'd be proud of me, of us.

Over the past month, knowing this date was upon me, I started thinking about my Dad's story. I thought, "If I don't write his story, who will?" I want my children and future generations to know my father. I decided, it's time to write his story! Up to this point, I haven't scrapped a single layout about my father. It seemed too painful. It's easier to keep all of those feelings shoved down real deep where they don't hurt so bad. Hopefully the journey will be therapeutic. Maybe I'll even come to terms with my unresolved feelings about his passing.

I started this layout about a month ago. It lay unfinished in my closet for about 3 weeks. I honestly didn't know if I would be able to finish it. Until I thought "I HAVE to do this!" This IS important!! My children and my husband deserve this, my Dad deserves this!! And out it came...

I chose a photo of my father from when he was a little boy. I figured it would be easier to scrap & tell these stories first, before I can delve into him as my father and the person I knew.

This is not going to be an easy journey, but I'm ready.

Thank you for sharing in my first step!

xo! Maureen

Day of Gratitude

2011-09-28T12:47:00.004-04:00

Happy hump day :)

Today I have a card that was based off of our first StampNation challenge back in January. An awesome sketch I fall back on time and time again! I used strips of Spice Cake dsp and adhered them to a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock. Then I die cut the with the Top Note die. Because the paper is so beautiful, I added just an image from Day of Gratitude, sentiment and button. I didn't feel like there was much more that was needed!

I hope you like it! Join StampNation for more fun challenges & inspiration!

All supplies SU!
Stamp: Day of Gratitude
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Spice Cake dsp
Accessories: Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon, Linen Thread, Neutrals button

Black & White

2011-09-26T19:13:00.003-04:00

Hello! Today I have for you this weeks CAS Challenge at The Outlawz...Black & White only!!
I embellished my card with just a few pearls to add to the elegance.
Come join us!

Don't forget that we are having a HUGE party to celebrate 1000 members!!!

Stamps: Friends Never Fade, Perfectly Penned
Ink: Basic Black
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black
Accessories: Basic Pearls, Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon

Frosted Masculine Birthday

2011-09-24T14:13:00.003-04:00

**This is my second post today. Scroll down for my StampNation challenge card.

I was so inspired by the Make-it-Monday video this week on Frosted Images. I don't know that mine worked exactly the way it was supposed too, but I love the outcome! I think my ink dried too fast, so I wound up with more of a overall cloudy look. But it almost reminds me of looking out a window on a foggy morning.

To do this technique, simply stamp your image, then quickly stamp over it with white craft ink (I used Fresh Snow) and rub with your finger to smear the white ink. That is it. I also sponged the edges with the same ink!

Thanks for coming by today. I hope you are having a great weekend!

Nature, torn edges OR both!?

2011-09-24T07:34:00.003-04:00

Happy weekend stamping friends!!! Every other Tuesday we post a new challenge at StampNation. I know, it is Saturday, but I've been a creating fool lately and I have SO much I want to share with you :)

Back to the challenge...this week the challenge is a bit different, it's your choice. What does that mean? Well, you pick a theme of nature, a technique of torn edges OR challenge yourself by using both, which is exactly what I did!! I started my card by stamping some of the images from Nature Walk and embellishing the one image with some flowers and pearls. I had been seeing a lot of folded dsp like I used on the top portion of my card around the blog world, so I gave it a try. To do that, I simply ran a bit of adhesive along the Vanilla cardstock and then scrunched my dsp as I went along. Next, I tore the edge and added a little bit of Daffodil Delight dsp to the back and tore that as well! At that point I was ready to start putting it all together and thought that it was a bit blah. So, I stamped 2 frames on either side of the card using the Four Frames stamp set and added a sentiment from Ting Tags. Now, it was ready to be assembled. I added a few more layers than normal, but was able to maintain an overall CAS look!

If you have checked out StampNation yet, what are you waiting for? I'd love to see you there!

Stamps: Nature Walk, Four Frames, Tiny Tags
Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Old Olive Daffodil Delight
Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, First Edition dsp
Accessories: Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Jewelry Tag Punch, Basic Pearls, Linen Thread, Old Olive Button

Thankful Paisley

2011-09-22T18:55:00.003-04:00

It's almost Friday, phew! This has been a long week! Here's another card I made for the Ippity "Fall" Challenge. Paisleys always remind me of fall!

To make this OLC, I masked the top and bottom of the card so that I could stamp only a small strip. Next, I stamped my sentiment and then tied up two pieces of Linen Thread. Easy Peasy!!!

Sponged Leaf

2011-09-21T08:26:00.006-04:00

Can you tell I'm switching seasons here? Moving toward more autumnal & winter themes?

This weeks SCS CAS challenge (CAS136) is Ways to Use It: Leaves. I went with a very CAS design, making my leaf the focal point. I started by stamping this leaf image from "Autumn Splendor" in Early Espresso ink on Very Vanilla cardstock. Then I sponged the center of the leaf in Pumpkin Pie ink & the edges with Cherry Cobbler. I love how life-like it turned out. Instead of simply adhering the leaf to my card base, I curled up some of the edges to give this card a bit more dimension. I also sponged the edges of my card with white craft ink for even more added interest!

Thanks for visiting :)

All supplies SU!
Stamps: Autumn Splendor, Thank You Kindly
Ink: Early Espresso, Pumpkin Pie, Cherry Cobbler, White Craft Ink
Paper: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Sponges, Linen Thread

Rustic Christmas

2011-09-20T09:39:00.003-04:00

'Tis the season to start making Christmas cards!! The holiday's will be here before you know it. Wouldn't it be nice to get your holiday cards finished before Thanksgiving, giving you more time to make cookies, gift wrap and decorate. Sounds wonderful to me, however, for me it's definitely wishful thinking :)

Using this weeks Clean & Simple Stamping Sketch (FTL158) and A Wreath for all Seasons, I made this rustic Christmas card. I love that I made my Christmas cards using this set last year and here I have a totally different look! This is the perfect card for mass producing and I think that is exactly what I am going to do with this one! I'm making some for a local party shop & I'm thinking about making some for you too!!! See a holiday card here that you like and I'll make you a few OR a lot!! Email me for more info.

Well, I hope your week is off to a great start!!! Thanks for stopping in :)

Ethan's 7th Birthday

2011-09-19T09:49:00.005-04:00

Today my baby Ethan turns 7. I can't believe it! Above is his birthday card. A different color combo for me: Real Red, Daffodil Delight and Basic Black...these happen to be Ethan's favorite colors and I was determined to make them work together on his bday card! He loved it, so I think it was a success :)

Here are some pictures of our birthday celebration:

Ethan, 7 years old

Me & E

Blowing out the candle!
My kids never ask for a regular cake, we've had blueberry muffins, brownies and this year was crumb cake, whatever makes them happy :)

No stamping!

2011-09-18T06:50:00.006-04:00

How pretty is this?! If I had a girl, she would need to have this dress!!! I love pink & brown together :)

I made this card for The Outlawz CAS challenge this week - No stamping except your sentiment!!! I started with a template from Paper Crafts and embellished it using the Beau Chateau dsp, Basic Pearls & a ribbon sash! I also used theTiny Tags stamp set and Jewelry Tag Punch to make my "price" tag.

This card is SO different for me. It was so much fun to make.

Head over to The Outlawz and play along. I'd love to see what you create!

Also, we are just about to hit 1000 members at The Outlawz! There is going to be a HUGE party, BIG prizes, so save the date!

All supplies Stampin' Up!
Stamp: Tiny Tags
Ink: Soft Suede
Paper: Very Vanilla, Beau Chateau dsp
Accessories: Basic Pearls, Sponges, Jewelry Tag Punch, Linen Thread, Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon, Circle Punch

Template from Paper Crafts!

Lunchbox Notes

2011-09-15T16:28:00.003-04:00

I saw this cute little stamp set & coordinating dies by Lil' Inker and I knew I had to have them. They make fabulous little lunchbox notes for the kids, perfect when they have a test or just need a little pick me up! Seeing all of those rainbows make be smile :)

I hope you are having a sunshine-y day!