Patriotic ATCs

Happy Memorial Day Everyone!

I have been playing with patriotic ATCs lately. I have been struggling with it, and I just haven't gotten the right feel that I am going for. Hence I never joined the ATC swap I had my eye on. In any case, to honor of those who have served our country, including my uncles, I'll share what I've created so far.

The first ATC uses a quilt pattern called Ohio Star, I think. Or Lone Star or Texas Star. Uh, take your pick! I used a 3/4" square punch to start, and I had to trim some pieces so they fit.

Stamps: Red, White, Blue wheel; Paper: Bayou Blue, Ruby Red, Whisper White, Western Sky DSP; Ink: Bayou Blue; Accessories: 3/4" Square punch, Hemp twine, Wood button.

This one I was trying to produce the patriotic half-circle banners that you see hung under windows. I used the accordion flower technique here (3/4 x 12" strip, scored every 1/4").

Stamps: Red, White, Blue wheel; Paper: Bayou Blue, Ruby Red, Whisper White, Western Sky DSP, Patriotic Scrapbook Paper by Creative Imaginations; Ink: Bayou Blue; Accessories: 3/4" Circle punch, Linen thread, Wood button.

I have been trying to capture the Patriotic Americana look, and I have more ATCs in progress. I may get them done in time to share for July 4th, perhaps? ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

MOJO140 - Thank You

This is the first time I've played with the Mojo Monday sketch challenge. What a fun layout!

I was in need of another thank you card, and I recently saw the sentiment from Pedaling Past used as a tag on Adriana Benitez's blog. What a perfect set for a masculine card! Plus the intended recipient also biked part way across America, so could I ask for more? :)

I used Watercolor Crayons to create the muted colors on the bike and the shadow. The sentiment is stamped inside a Curly Label punch. The edges of the Very Vanilla cardstock are sponged for an aged look, and if you click the picture for a close-up view, you can see the Sanded background stamp used on the Chocolate Chip cardstock.

Stamps: Pedaling Past, Sanded BG; Paper: Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Sweet Pea DSP; Ink: Black Stazon, Chocolate Chip; Accessories: Sponge, Aquapainter, Watercolor Crayons, Curly Label punch, 1/2" Circle punch, Crop-o-dile, Brocade Blue ribbon, Epoxy brad.

Thanks for stopping by!

SCIC #3 - Yummy Color Challenge

I was really running out of time to participate in the Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge, but the colors were so yummy, I couldn't resist! Better late than never, right?

I needed to create a thank you card, so why not give a paper cupcake? All the yumminess without the calories!

The cupcake was created using paper piecing. I used the Trio Flower punch to create the flowers, sponged and curled the edges, and punched a small circle for the flower center with the Crop-o-dile. The cupcake bottom was stamped and then crimped to give it more texture. And I added red glitter for the candle flame.

Stamps: Wagon Full of Fun, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Paper: Perfect Plum, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Very Vanilla, Sweet Pea DSP; Ink: Basic Black, So Saffron; Accessories: Sponge, 2-way glue pen, Crimper, Trio Flower punch, Scallop Trim punch, Modern Label punch, Word Window punch, Crop-o-dile, Elegant Eggplant ribbon, Fine Galaxy glitter.

Thanks for stopping by!

Syracuse Shoebox Swap

I really wanted to play some more with the new Sentimental Journey set, so I worked and worked so I could use it for my shoebox swap. I think I finally nailed it! :)

I created a collage ATC with Sentimental Journey images and Travel Journal DSP to mount onto an older passport background. I sponged the edges to make it look aged. The Cog punch-out was sponged with Platinum Shimmer Paint, and I stitched the ATC edges with a sewing machine.

But still, something was missing...

When I added the hemp twine as a key ring, then it felt "right".

I loved this set, Sentimental Journey, as soon as I saw it, but somehow I have been struggling with it. I'm relieved to make a card that has the right feel and balance. Awesome! LOL!

Stamps: Sentimental Journey, Key by Impression Obsession, Passport Background by Just For Fun; Paper: Naturals White, Kraft, Night of Navy, Very Vanilla, Night of Navy DSP, Travel Journal DSP; Ink: Soft Suede; Accessories: Sponge, 1" Circle punch, Cog punch, Scallop Border punch, Brad, Eyelet, Crop-o-dile, Craft knife, Hemp twine, Night of Navy ribbon, Pumpkin Pie ribbon, Platinum Shimmer Paint, Sponge dauber, Sewing machine, Thread.

Thanks for stopping by!

Poppies? Bluebells?

I've been playing with the sneak peek set Awash with Flowers, trying to decide what shoebox swap to bring to Syracuse. The little three flower image reminds me of a couple different flowers.

Poppies?

Bluebells?

I like how this one came out, but I am still undecided.

Stamps: Awash with Flowers, Inspired by Nature; Paper: Brocade Blue, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Crushed Curry DSP, Brocade Blue DSP, Old Olive DSP, Ink: Chocolate Chip, Brocade Blue, Kiwi Kiss; Accessories: Brocade Blue ribbon, Linen thread, button, Sewing machine, Thread.

Thanks for stopping by!

Versatility of Upsy Daisy

I love the Upsy Daisy stamp set. It is so versatile, and you can use so many different techniques with it. I did a workshop last week, where I used this stamp set, and I was able to highlight three different techniques. I thought I would share...

Stamp the daisy image with Black Stazon, and then using a clear acetate template with a rectangle cut out (this is easy to do with the paper cutter on pg. 191 of the catalog), sponge on the background in the color of your choice. This is a clean-and-simple, single-layer card with a wow effect (CASE of snoetzel on SCS).

Stamp the daisy image in Whisper White craft ink, and let it dry completely. Using a stamp-a-ma-jig, stamp again in Not Quite Navy a little bit off-center. This set is great for the shadow stamping effect!

Stamp the daisy image with Versamark ink, cover with white embossing powder, and heat. Then sponge over the embossed area with an ink color of your choice to make the image really pop. This image is also a great one to demonstrate embossing resist (CASE of mnfroggie on SCS).

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Good Luck, Jonathan!

One of our fellow swimmers on our swim team is competing at Nationals in Atlanta this weekend. Here is the card we gave to him to wish him good luck.

Jonathan is an awesome swimmer in our little pond, but I'm sure he will have his work cut out for him on the national stage, swimming with the big fishes. Can't wait to hear how he did!! (... I wonder if he'll get to meet Michael Phelps!?!)

Stamps: Very Punny; Paper: Naturals White, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Creative Imaginations patterned paper; Ink: Basic Black; Accessories: Pumpkin Pie ribbon, Coluzzle, 1-3/4" Circle punch, Small oval punch, Sweet treat cup, Water, Acetate, Hodgepodge hardware, Copic markers: BG01, BG05, YR16, Y38.

Thanks for stopping by!

Technique Page Swap

Good Morning, Everyone!

I've been working on my 6 x 6" technique page swap for Syracuse this weekend. I fell in love with a card by Kay Kalthoff, 'Speedystamper' on Splitcoast, and I thought it would make a great technique page. I mixed it up a bit, but the color scheme and main image are the same.

I stamped the Extreme Skateboard image in Whisper White craft ink and let it dry completely. I then stamped again in Not Quite Navy, a little off center to create a shadow. This looks so great on dark cardstock!

I'm also excited I got to use my new Cogs Punch for the embellishments (pg. 23 of the Summer mini). I punched out Kraft cardstock, and I then sponged on Platinum shimmer paint with a sponge dauber to create the gears. The shimmer paints, originally from the Holiday mini, are still available for purchase.

Stamps: Extreme Skateboard, Extreme Elements, Sanded; Paper: Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, More Mustard, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Kraft; Ink: Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, More Mustard, Whisper White craft, Not Quite Navy; Accessories: Coluzzle, Sponge, Sponge dauber, Platinum shimmer paint, Extra-large Cogs double punch.

Thanks for stopping by!

Alice in Wonderland ATC

Oh my goodness, creating this one was fun! I joined the ATC swap at the Syracuse Shoebox Swap on May 22, and I wanted to use my Card Games stamp set. I originally designed a card-game-type ATC, also using the Game Night stamp set, and then I was stumped on an embellishment. Typically my ATCs have at least one technique, two layers, and one embellishment. Searching around on Splitcoast, I came up with an idea in a completely different direction, inspired by a card by 'jdmommy'. Alice in Wonderland! Well, my daughter and I just had to get down to some background research, watching the movie. Hard work, I tell ya!.

So here is the fun challenge for me, the collage technique. I just haven't been able to perfect it. I basically spent an entire day working and reworking this. I am happy with the way this one turned out! How many scenes from the movie can you identify? Who's been painting my roses? Off with your head! LOL!!

Stamps: Card Games, Forest Friends, Spring Garden, Watch by Inkadinkado, Coffee Cafe by Elemental Doodles; Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Ruby Red, Creamy Caramel; Ink: Chocolate Chip, Bravo Burgundy, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Real Red, Versamark, Chocolate Chip marker; Accessories: Black embossing powder, Sponge, Brad, Alice image from web, Texture Plates Kit #4, Big Shot.

Thanks for stopping by!

Witch's Shoe

I made a little papercrafting gift for a friend's wife, who is really into ghostly and haunted things. She likes to visit the cemetery in Sleepy Hollow, NY, the location of my absolute favorite story since I was a kid, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. In fact, I did once drag my husband and kids down there for an afternoon as well. A witch's shoe isn't quite the same as ghostly things, but certainly the same genre. Donna's little haunted website can be found here.

I used a template by Ellen Hutson, which can be found here. Attach the template with temporary adhesive, and cut and score your template.

Paper: Basic Black, Ghostly Greetings DSP; Accessories: Dotto temporary adhesive, Tombo glue, Hodgepodge hardware, Pumpkin Pie ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by!

Another Big Shot Quilt Block

I had almost forgotten I had cut all the items for this quilt block and put them aside when I had a lot of events coming up. I came across the rick rack today and wondered if I had ever finished it. So it was a good thing to do while hubby fixed my computer.

The flowers and leaves are die-cut with the Scallop Circle and Scallop Circle #2 dies, and the butterfly uses the Beautiful Butterflies die. This block goes along with the other flower block I made, and now I had enough blocks to create a wall hanging. Now if I could just reserve some time with my mother to help me!

Supplies: Scallop Circle die, Scallop Circle #2 die, Beautiful Butterflies die, Big Shot, Rick Rack, Fabric, Thread, Sewing machine.

Thanks for stopping by!

Paper Pin Tutorial

I went back to my post earlier this year with a paper pin gift. I couldn't remember how many layers I used, and I couldn't find my notes. And, dang it, I didn't write a tutorial for it! Ugh! Ok, so I guess I better do it...

Punch your main image and 4 layers of cardstock backing with the Wide Oval punch.

Glue all layers together with Mod Podge.

Apply pin backing with Crystal Effects, and let dry completely. It is a great adhesive, if you have the time to wait.

Push paper pin front into Versamark ink, cover with Iridescent Ice embossing powder, and heat. It is easier to do this last, since you will have the pin backing as a handle.

Add a tag. This little gift is for my niece's daughter (grand-niece?), who's birthday is today. Happy Birthday, Kylie!

Here's my previous post, for additional ideas for you.

Stamps: Sweet Scoops, All Holidays; Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Very Vanilla, Basic Gray; Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Cameo Coral, Melon Mambo, So Saffron, Versamark; Accessories: Wide oval punch, Iridescent Ice embossing powder, Eyelet, Crop-o-dile, Linen thread, Crystal Effects, Pin backing.

Thanks for stopping by!

6 x 6" Recipe Swap

Our local stamping group had a 6 x 6" recipe swap this week. We got together to also make a few projects, and some brought samples of their recipe - the best part! It was really fun!

My recipe swap wasn't even the one I had originally picked. But there was an event cancellation earlier in the week, and I had a bunch of pumpkin bread on hand and my recipe pages weren't done yet, so I zigged instead of zagging. No problem-o! So I can't wait for another swap where I can use my original idea!

Stamps: Autumn Harvest, Comfort Food; Paper: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Autumn Vine DSP; Ink: Black, Stazon Brown, Chocolate Chip; Accessories: Aquapainter, Earth Elements watercolor crayons, Scallop Trim punch, Raffia, Copics.

Thanks for stopping by!

What To Do With Those Stamps That Are Trimmed Badly?

This weekend, Hubby, Daughter, and I went to spent the day with Thomas the Tank Engine. You should have seen her eyes light up when she got on the train!

In the gift shop, we bought her a Thomas rubber stamp.

The rubber was deeply-etched (a good thing), but it was not trimmed around the image. It covered the entire wood block (bad thing!). This extra rubber can cause you to "pick up an edge" when you ink it. I didn't take a "before" picture, but here is what it looked like when we stamped.

So here is a little trick, if you need to trim your wood-mounted stamps. Stick them in the microwave for 20 seconds, peel off the image, trim, and reapply to the wood mount. In this case, the existing glue was a little sparse, so I used my Tombo Multipurpose liquid glue to reinforce the stamp on the wood block. Good as new and perfect for stamping!

Now my daughter can use her Thomas stamp and the Right on Track Stampin' Around wheel (pg. 83) to create train pictures to color and remember her day!

Thanks for stopping by!

More Sweet Thank You's

Another little thank you notecard with my new favorite set, Sweet Scoops. Here I used inspiration from Lisa Young (genesis) to create an ice cream bowl.

Gingham paper from Bella Rose gives the card an ice cream shoppe feel. The bowl is created by using the Wide Oval punch and sponged. I applied Crystal Effects to the cherry. These Sweet Scoop cards are great fun to make!

Stamps: Sweet Scoops, Something Sweet, Dinner Party; Paper: Rose Red, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Very Vanilla, Bella Rose DSP, Sweet Pea DSP; Ink: Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow, Real Red; Accessories: Wide Oval punch, Sponge, Coluzzle, Crystal Effects, Taffeta ribbon, Scallop Circle #2 die, Big Shot.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sweet Thank You's

You never know when a stamp set is going to work for you, until you sit down and try it. Sweet Scoops is not the typical stamp set I would buy, but I received it for free from Stampin' Up (demo perk, *wink*), and I was so excited when it arrived. Is it because it was free?!? My daughter and I have been having lots of fun with it.

Here is a little thank you notecard I created, using the same color scheme I have shown earlier. These colors are just so sweet! Since a single ice cream cone is smaller than a typical main image, the eye can still be drawn to the image by using off-center circles. For the Cameo Coral background, I inked up the texturz plate and ran it through the Big Shot. Love it!

Stamps: Sweet Scoops, Something Sweet; Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Very Vanilla, Cameo Coral, Sweet Pea DSP, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP; Ink: So Saffron, Rich Razzleberry, Cameo Coral; Accessories: Coluzzle, Scallop Trim punch, Grosgrain ribbon, Texture Plates Kit #4, Big Shot, Dimensionals.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Mother's Day

As Hallmark likes to remind fellas, don't forget your mother this weekend! Me? I usually pick activities with the kiddo that my husband would normally not agree to attend. This Sunday we are taking my daughter to ride the Thomas the Tank Engine train. Should be fun! And she doesn't know about it. Of course there will still be time to squeeze in a bike ride...

Here's a card I created for my mother. (Mom, if you see this, it will be waiting for you when you get home!)

This card uses the Awash with Flowers set from the upcoming main catalog, which my mom earned last month and is letting me "borrow". This card is almost a complete CASE of one by Lisa Young (genesis). I needed to practice my Copic marker coloring for a class I am taking, but I have to say I much prefer the watercoloring she did!

Stamps: Awash with Flowers, All Holidays; Paper: Regal Rose, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Thoroughly Modern DSP, Sweet Pea DSP; Ink: Black, Black marker, Copics; Accessories: Small tag punch, Coluzzle, Button, Linen thread, Satin ribbon, Color spritzer.

Thanks for stopping by!

Birthday Thank You's

It's been a busy couple of weeks. My daughter is behind schedule with her birthday thank you notes. Here is what "she" came up with, to go along with her pirate and Tinkerbell theme.

She's good for a three-year-old, don't you think? ;) If you haven't gotten yours yet, they are in the mail. I swear!

Stamps: Beware Pirates, Tinkerbell by EK Success; Paper: Very Vanilla, Kraft, Soft Suede, Wild Wasabi DSP; Ink: Soft Suede, Basic Black; Accessories: Sponge, Circle and Scallop Circle punches, Eyelet, Rope Twine, Copic markers.

Thanks for stopping by!

Buffalo Shoebox Project

It is hard to find enough supplies for 20+ card kits, and I don't want to wimp out on things that make the card special. This shoebox project has been a struggle for me. Well, I knew what main image I wanted, but for the rest? Here's how it came out.

I love this dandelion image from A Happy Heart set, and it was on my wish list for so long. My daughter and I have been stopping to blow the "dandelion fuzz" lately, so it's a perfect choice for my project. I used my coluzzle to cut out the main image, and then used a acetate template and sponged the inside of the oval with Creamy Caramel - my favorite feature! The Not Quite Navy background was texturized with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. I tried forever to tie a bow, but it just wasn't working for me, so a knot it was. Hopefully the other ladies have better luck than me! Sew a button on with linen thread, and there you have it! Once I read the sentiment, and look back at the image, it made me kinda sad. I'll have an assortment of sentiments, so each stamper can choose their own card "feeling".

What do you think?

Stamps: A Happy Heart, Warmest Regards; Paper: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, Bella Bleu DSP; Ink: Not Quite Navy, Creamy Caramel; Accessories: Coluzzle, Sponge, Scallop Trim edge punch, Modern Label punch, Linen thread, Button, Organdy ribbon, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Big Shot.

Thanks for stopping by!

Buffalo 3-D Swap

This is my 3-D swap for the Buffalo shoebox swap - coordinating covered notepad, accordion envelope, and pen. I've always been a sucker for hip and trendy office supplies. Doesn't it make work or school a little more tolerable? ;)

To create, I altered a Thoroughly Modern file folder ($10.95 for 12) using this tutorial on SCS. The coordinating envelopes are available in the current catalog ($5.95 for 3). And I altered an RSVP pen following this simple tutorial, using Thoroughly Modern DSP.

The cover was embellished using diecut labels from the Matchbox die, Short Order Alphabet stamp set, and Bermuda Bay grosgrain ribbon. The covered notepad is closed with velcro.

Here's a view of the inside.

Thanks for stopping by!

National Scrapbooking Month

May is National Scrapbooking Month, and to celebrate scrapbooking, Stampin' Up is offering a FREE pack of Designer brads with the purchase of selected stamp sets or My Digital Studio (MDS). Both the selected sets and MDS are perfect additions to your scrapbooking tools!

Qualifying Stamp Sets:

Page	Description	Wood-Mount Price	Clear-Mount Price
81	Extreme Elements	$26.95	---
119	Framed with Love**	$27.95	---
128	Certified**	$27.95	---
129	Circle Circus	$28.95	---
12*	Elements of Style	$27.95	$19.95
13*	Mementos	$27.95	$19.95
13*	Elements de style	$27.95	$19.95
14*	Rough Type	$26.95	$18.95
22*	Sentimental Journey	$23.95	$17.95
25*	First Day	$23.95	$17.95
25*	Camino a la Escuela	$23.95	$17.95

*From Summer Mini Catalog
**Last Chance stamp set!

Choice of Designer Brads:

Page	Description	Item	Retail Price	Price with Qualifying Purchase
179	Flower Designer brads	112579	$5.95	FREE
179	Filigree Designer brads	112577	$5.95	FREE
179	Circle Designer brads	112571	$5.95	FREE
179	Star Designer brads	112572	$5.95	FREE

Make sure to stock up on all your scrapbooking needs by clicking on "Order Online" on the right margin.

And don't forget that the Summer Mini catalog is now available! The new stamp sets, accessories, and color schemes are just beautiful! There is a lot of vintage flair in it (just my style!). You can see the entire mini catalog by clicking on catalog picture on the right margin.

Thanks for stopping by!