Use It Tuesday - 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon

I missed a week... I know. With the promotion going on at Stampin' Up! and the short school week I got a little off track! But I didn't forget about you! Here's my latest attempt at using those oh-so-lovable goodies we have stashed in every available drawer. (C'mon... you know you do...)

This week, I'm focusing again on ribbon with a guest appearance by Felt Flurries Snowflakes. With Christmas season rolling up on us soon, I thought it would be fun to try a ribbon tree. If you don't have much time to spare, you will be happy to know that it only took about an hour from start to finish.

Basic instructions:

1. Cut ribbon into 2" lengths. (Cut about 12 of each color to begin with, then cut more as you go.)

2. Start near the bottom of the foam cone. Fold one piece of ribbon in half. Using a flat head push pin, insert the pin through the cut ends of the ribbon into the cone.

3. Repeat with a second piece of ribbon. Very slightly overlap the edge of the ribbon so that you hide the foam underneath.  Repeat all the way around the cone.

4. Start a second row. You'll want to pin this one so that the loop that hangs down covers the pin of the ribbon in the lower row. Repeat and complete this second row.

5. Repeat, going a row higher each time until you are near the top of the cone. Some samples found online use a tiny tree topper to cover the top of the cone and further embellish the tree. I wanted to use items already on-hand, so I used additional ribbon and Felt Flurries instead.

6. Cut the ribbon long enough to cover the top of the cone and leave a loop on both sides, pinning into place (where it will hold the loop). Repeat until the top of the cone is covered.

7. And then wrap a piece of coordinating ribbon around the loops and pin in place.

8. The very last step was to pin the snowflakes in place for decoration - including one to cover a "bald spot" on my tree!

So there you have it, ribbon trees! Easy and oh-so-cute. Now I have to decide: keep it or put it on a tray with cookies for a gift. Better go look at my naughty/nice list one more time....

If you'd like to give this a try, here are some options to consider:

• Alternate colors of ribbon on the same row.
• Use one color of ribbon for a monochromatic look.
• Cut longer lengths and separate the rows a bit more for a more elongated look.
• Adhere Rhinestone or Pearl Jewels (stickers) to resemble ornaments.
• Use decorative push pins instead of the flat head kind used here. Separate your rows a bit more so that the pins show; they'll look like tiny ornaments!

Thanks for your patience and thank you for stopping by! I hope you've been inspired to dig into your stash!

Supplies:
Felt Flurries Snowflakes (ret.)
5/8" Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Soft Sky Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, (Certainly Celery) Ribbon Bundle from past Sale-a-bration promotion
Other (items from the craft store): Flat-head pins, Foam Cone 
Need ribbon. Last day to save with our On-line Spectacular Click to SHOP NOW Thank you!

Gift Idea - Monogram Cards Part Two

Last Friday, I shared four card cards received in a recent Stampin' Addicts swap. This is such a great gift idea that I'm excited to share the rest of these with you. (If you missed the first batch, you can click here or scroll down to see them.)

 Sandy Carlson employed Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper and our Lovely Letters Alphabet to create this beauty. Love the layout, ribbon and Scallop Trim Border!

Shelley Zarling created her own decorative paper using Circle Circus and coordinating inks. She also used Lovely Letters - isn't it neat to get different looks/feels from the same set?

Stephanie McKinnon created this stylish card using Elegant Soiree DSP, Lovely Letters and our Vintage Vogue stamp set (the flower swirls). Love this color combo!

Last, but certainly not least:

Isn't it gorgeous?! Kim Bolzenthal created this lovely monochromatic card.

The layered background stamp creates such a beautiful backdrop and I love the ribbon, tag and pearl details.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed the cards shared here and are inspired to make some of your own, either to keep or as a gift. This would be such a great gift for the holidays or for birthdays, Mother's Day, a wedding, a get well.... or really any day :)

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by tomorrow for Use It Tuesday!

  Only one day left for the Online Spectacular - don't miss it! Click to SHOP NOW Thank you!

Too cute not to share

Blog surfing can turn up some incredible ideas! Some can't wait - I was prepared to save this for a future post, but it can't wait... but before I get to that - lookie here:

I recently ran across this Advent calendar made out of tiny matchbox boxes on the Martha Stewart website. It is, of course, an adorable Advent calendar - but it would also be adorable as a little jewelry box or a little embellishment storage system, or ..or.. okay. Get a grip.
Now, you may have a bunch of boxes laying around just waiting for the perfect project; but, what if you don't? Ah, ha! Well, Stampin' Up has this great Sizzix Bigz matchbox die that will cut and score a for you all in one pass.

Matchbox Die (#114890)

Like I said, I was all excited about this project and it's many possibilities so I knew I had to share it with you right away. And then I went to look up the Matchbox die so that I could give you all of the deets and I noticed something even more exciting. It's on sale! EEK! Check it out!




Just in time, too. My hubby just walked in and offered to take me and the boys out to eat. No cooking this afternoon - hooray! Gotta run before he finds out there's already good food to eat in the fridge :)

  Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

DivaSC111 A Cardinal Christmas

 So it is officially after Thanksgiving now. You know what that means, right? No - not shopping in stores and fighting the crowds! I encourage escaping from the madness of life - not running towards it! What I meant is: It's time to finish up those holiday cards and get them in the mail! That's right....create, relaaaaax and prepare a "hug-in-an-envelope" for your loved ones!
Today's sketch with Utah Divas Int'l was so easy to work with. I hope you'll give it a try. Don't forget to follow the link below so that you can follow along in the hop and get a few ideas!

The stamp set used here, A Cardinal Christmas, has everything you need in one set. The cardinal image is gorgeous colored or simply stamped. It also includes the sentiment shown here along with a greeting and a separate leaf image. And for you digi people out there - guess what? This set was just released as a digital set. It is now available for only $1.95!! (Item # 123966) How's that for putting some Happy in your Holiday ?!
To create the background panel, the leaf was stamped repeatedly with So Saffron onto Very Vanilla card stock. All of the card stock panels and pieces were sponged along the edges to soften the edges and thereby soften the overall look of the card.
Now, let's take a look-see at what the other Divas have in store for us. To visit Alisa's blog, click here. To visit the Diva blog and see a list of all participating Divas, click here.
Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Supplies:

Stamps: A Cardinal Christmas
Ink: So Saffron , Early Espresso and Stampin' Write Markers for coloring
Paper: Riding Hood Red , Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Watercolor paper
Tools and Embellishments: Modern Label punch, Metallic Brads, Paper Piercing tool
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter , Paper Cutter, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner, Stampin' Scrub  Need supplies? Click to SHOP NOW Thank you!

Gift Idea - Monogram Cards Part One

Last month, several of us at Stampin' Addicts forum participated in a monogram card swap. This swap was particularly well timed because this type of card makes such a great gift for either a person or a family.
Note: I googled etiquette regarding monograms to discover whether it is proper to use the initial of the first name or the last name for the monogram. The generally acceptable to use a woman's first name for her cards, but use the last name initial for a family gift or for a masculine one.

These are just a few of the samples, be sure to stop by Monday for more!

Amy Hackett used our Manhattan Flower embossing folder and Rich Razzleberry card stock as the base of this gorgeous card. Stamp set: Lovely Letters Alphabet

Ellen Pruett used the Square Lattice embossing folder for the background along with a die cut from the Serif Essentials Alphabet. And don't you love the punched Eyelet Border strip?

Renee Hunzie made this beautiful creation using our Just Believe and Lovely Letters Alphabet stamp set. There are so many beautiful details on this one including the Vintage Wallpaper embossed background. Wow!

And this was my card. I also used the Vintage Wallpaper folder and my favorite embellishments, ribbon and rhinestones! (What a girl....) I've shared it before - you can click here for details.

Thank you for stopping by!

Four days left for special prices and free shipping for qualifying online orders. Need supplies? Click to SHOP NOW Thank you!

Creative Sketches Challenge 8

Today's challenge with Creative Sketches involves a sketch and the added twist to make it a holiday project. Now, it can be any holiday including, but not limited to, the ones we often celebrate this time of year: Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanakkah perhaps.
How about a little fun? Not to detract from the importance of Thanksgiving, but did you know that today is National Parfait Day? Yes, really!
Even though it is officially an ice cream dessert, when I think "parfait" I think of creamy yogurt with berries and yummy granola. Yummy goodness that can even be healthy if you do it right. I put the colors of those images to work in this card created for another holiday - the day of Love, Valentine's Day.

What can I say? Just thinking of dessert I thought of love.
Here's the parfait translated into my card stock colors:

• Creamy Goodness of yogurt (smoooooth): Naturals Vanilla and Very Vanilla
• Granola (crunchy!): Crumb Cake (aka Kraft)
• Berries (sweet.....ummmm... drool): Rich Razzleberry and Real Red (strawberries, yum)
• Chocolate syrup or chips (sigh): Chocolate Chip, what could be better?

All topped with a cute little girl who looks like she couldn't possibly be the one who stuck her finger in the dessert!
Thank you for stopping by today. I wish you a very Blessed Thanksgiving (and Parfait Day)! If you would like to see additional projects posted with this challenge, please click here to visit the Creative-Sketches blog.

Resources: holidayinsights.com

This stamp set is available as a Digital Download for only $3.95
Stamps: Greeting Card Kids, Blowing Kisses
Ink: Chocolate Chip and assorted markers for coloring
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Rich Razzleberry, Real Red, Naturals Ivory and Very Vanilla
Tools and Embellishments: Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack and 1/4" circle punch
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Paper Cutter (104152), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642) Need supplies? Click to SHOP NOW Thank you!

Did you know?

I didn't know this, did you?

If you order directly through my demonstrator website you can receive the best shipping rates and be eligible for Stampin' Rewards (with qualifying order).

If you order through www.stampinup.com instead of ordering directly through a demonstrator's business website--even if you choose a demonstrator--you will not receive the best shipping rates and will not be eligible for Stampin' Rewards (even if the order meets the $150 minimum).

Don't miss out on your Rewards or pay too much for shipping. Be sure to order through my Demonstrator Business Web Site or give me a call for assistance!


Stampin' Supplies: Stamps: Ink: Paper: Tools and Embellishments: Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Paper Cutter (104152), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642) Need supplies? Click to SHOP NOW Thank you!

Time to say Hello

Today is Saturday (yes, already) and so it's time for sketch challenge with the Utah Divas. If you have visited my site before, you probably already knew that ... but did you know that tomorrow is World Hello Day? I kid you not. Check it out.
Sounds like the perfect holiday for card-making, doesn't it? So lets get to it!

Remember that I am just one stop on our blog hop today. Click the blog link provided below to visit our next participating Diva.

My card today represents the 3rd most popular occasion to say hello with a card: Christmas!

This adorable image is from our Greeting Card Kids stamp set. This set has images for throughout the year in a nostalgic "Dick and Jane" style.

Project Notes:

• Image is stamped with StazOn onto watercolor paper. (Good choice for adding a lot of color. With this type of paper you can add several layers of color without worrying about causing the paper to "pill".)
• The sky behind her: I used the negative from the die cut snowflake (top, right) as a stencil. Bashful Blue ink on a Stampin' Sponge made it easy to lightly tap the ink through the opening and onto the background and leave some very subtle snowflake images. 
• My favorite embellishment, Basic Rhinestone Jewels - one for the snowflake and 3 small ones for the scalloped edge. 
• Less obvious - a smattering of Dazzling Diamonds lines the snowbank and the tips of the little tree. Easily adhered with our 2-way glue pen.
• One of these days I might be able to stop adding textured backgrounds...obviously not today...polka dots are perfect for any Hello!

And just in case you are wondering, birthdays are the #1 reason people send cards with Mother's Day running in second. :)
To see additional projects made with this sketch, click HERE to visit Alisa's blog or HERE to return to the Utah Divas Int'l blog. Thank you for stopping by today!

Stampin' Supplies: 
Stamps: Greeting Card Kids (s119887, c120633)
Ink: Stazon Black (101406), Stampin' Write Markers to color
Paper: Watercolor Paper, Bashful Blue (105120), Whisper White (100730)
Tools and Embellishments: Big Shot (113439), Northern Frost Decorative Strip die (120901), Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder (117335), Scallop Edge Border punch (119882), Jewels Basic Rhinestone (119246) 
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Paper Cutter (104152), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642) Need supplies? Click to SHOP NOW Thank you!

Need gift ideas for a group?

Often we need to create gifts for a group of people. Whether it be for a Bible study group or a classroom full of kids, we often comb our resources for an attractive gift that is also affordable.
This bookmark is an idea shared by Stampin' Up! at one of our conventions. It is made using a frame from our Hodgepodge Hardware kit, a stamped image, a ribbon and a button. For a more masculine feel, simply change the image and use a round button instead of the flower.
If you are familiar with our Hardware than you know that there is usually a little loop on both sides of the frame. This is where a brad or ribbon would go to attach the frame to your project. In this case, the artist at Stampin' Up! used Craft & Rubber scissors to cut one off (it would be on the top here). The bottom one stays in place so that you can run the ribbon through. Sewing the button onto the ribbon, through both folded layers, will hold the ribbon in place.

Thank you for stopping by today! I'll be back tomorrow with a Utah Divas sketch challenge and a fun holiday to celebrate.

Stampin' Supplies: 
Stamps: Bella's Bloom (retired, click here for purchasing info)
Ink: Markers to color 
Paper: Whisper White
Tools and Embellishments: Hodgepodge Hardware (silver), button, linen thread, 5/8" Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon 
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Paper Cutter (104152), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642) Need supplies? Click to SHOP NOW Thank you!

Polished Stone and a sketch!

You're in for a treat today! Today's challenge with Creative-Sketches is a double! Part one is to use the Polished Stone technique; part two is to use this sketch.
I got a little lucky with this challenge - My friend Martha shared this technique with the team at a previous meeting and I was selfishly holding on to one of my samples. But no more, this challenge made me put it to work!

Although it doesn't show so well in the photo, the technique uses a metallic re-inker along with the colors. IRL (In Real Life) the polished stone area has a gorgeous shimmer to it.
The hydrangea was stamped with VersaMark ink. I then added color with Stampin' Pastels. For those of you who have been stamping a while - how long has it been since you used that technique? I know, it's an oldie but goodie!

Thank you for stopping by (or zooming by in your reader application). To see additional projects made with today's challenge, don't forget to stop by the Creative-Sketches blog and see what the other designers have created for your inspiration. Want to join in? Link in a comment here or at the CS blog and let us see what you've created!

Stampin' Supplies: 
Stamps: Because I Care (Hostess Level 1)
Ink: Elegant Eggplant (105210) + re-inker, Old Olive (102277) + re-inker, VersaMark (102283), Silver Encore re-inker
Paper: Elegant Eggplant (105126), Old Olive (100702), Very Vanilla (101650), Glossy White (102599)
Tools and Embellishments: Stampin' Pastels (120962), Sponge Daubers (102892), Scallop Trim Border punch (118402), Jewels Basic Pearl (119247), Rubbing Alcohol, Felt and application tool, Coluzzle
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Paper Cutter (104152), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642) Need supplies? Click to SHOP NOW Thank you!

Will you be there?

It's Wednesday and there's still time to RSVP for our class on Friday!
If you are on the mailing list for this series of classes, please check your e-mail for a message from me detailing the class. Be sure to reply to me no later than tomorrow Noon.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Supplies: Stamps: Ink: Paper: Tools and Embellishments: Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Paper Cutter (104152), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642) Need supplies? Click to SHOP NOW Thank you!

Use It Tuesday - Clear-Mount Blocks

So you already know how wonderful it is to use Clear Mount Stamps and their coordinating blocks right? They save money and save precious storage space while still providing the fantastic quality of images for which Stampin' Up! is known. Today, you'll also discover that there is another, new way to use your blocks.

Use your Clear-Mount blocks and your ink pad of choice to create a blocked image!

• Simply press your block (Block C shown here) directly onto your ink pad. 
• Tap it a few times for more ink coverage.
• Then "stamp" your block directly to your paper.

 And of course, even with this you have a few options.

Lightly mist your block with water before stamping. 

The water will cause areas of the ink to "pool" and spread a bit providing you with a mottled image. (Bottom right block)

Repeat your block stamping to create a base for your background. This is layer 1 for the background for the card on the top left.

So are you ready? Go grab a block and show me what you can do!
Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral (w113734), D is for Dog (w115784) 
Ink:  Pink Pirouette (111838), Baja Breeze (111833), Early Espresso (119670), Not Quite Navy (101722), More Mustard (103162)
Paper:  Baja Breeze (111352), Early Espresso (119686), Whisper White (100730),  Not Quite Navy (100867), More Mustard (100946), Naturals Ivory 101849)
Tools and Embellishments: Block C (118486), Jewels Basic Rhinestone (119246)
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Paper Cutter (104152), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642) Need supplies? Click to SHOP NOW Thank you!

Diva SC 109 - A colorful, fun Merry Crittermas!

Hi folks - it's Saturday and for those of you who visit my blog.. you know what that means! It's time for a new sketch challenge with the Utah Divas International! Carol has provided yet another great sketch for us this week and I hope you'll give it a try!
If you are new to this blog, welcome! This is just one stop along our blog hop today. Each of us have used this same sketch for a unique creation. To visit each blog, just follow the links embedded in our posts or click HERE to be directed to the UDI blog and complete listing of particpants.

 So, what do you think?
To create this card, I turned the sketch on it's side and then used a series of punched circles in place of the lines shown above. It's a little busy, I know, but oh, so colorful! And, you'll love this, the circles were all punched from scraps of card stock and our Celebration Designer Series Paper. Imagine how many of these you could make with full sheets!

Now, let us get ready to travel across the globe and visit the next stop on our hop - Alisa in Australia. I can't wait to see what she to inspire us today!


Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps: Merry Crittermas (w120855, c 121181)
Ink: Stazon Black (101406), Stampin' Write Markers to color
Paper: Celebration Designer Series Paper (117164), Bashful Blue (105120), Real Red (115320), Old olive (100702), Whisper White (100730)
Tools and Embellishments: Jewels Basic Rhinestone (119246), circle punches ranging from 3/4" to 1 3/4" 
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Paper Cutter (104152), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642) Need supplies? Click to SHOP NOW Thank you

Are you ready for a color Challenge?

Today's card was inspired by the Creative Sketches color challenge shown here. To see other creations inspired by this challenge, don't forget to stop by the Creative Sketches blog. Because this sketch is all about the colors, you are likely to see a number of different projects (not only cards).

Now, when I saw the Garden Green in the swatch, I immediately thought of leaves and the rest "bloomed" from there. (Get it... bloomed? Okay, no more jokes... promise!)

Technique notes: 
To start card:

• Background - stamp with VersaMark. Apply Stampin' Pastels with a Sponge Dauber or cotton balls. (Both More Mustard and Tangerine Tango chalks added here.)
• Add additional color to the edges of each layer by either flicking against an ink pad or rubbing with a Sponge loaded with ink.

Flower:

• Stamp flower with waterproof ink. 
• With an Aqua painter, pick up ink from the lid of a More Mustard ink pad and apply color the outer edges and stamen area of the flower.
• Rinse Aqua Painter and load it with Tangerine Tango. (For more vibrancy,  add a drop of re-inker to the T.Tango lid so that you can pick up more color.) Color rest of flower and then cut out.
• Optional: add a bit of shimmer (Crystal Effects + Dazzling Diamonds or stickles). 

Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Supplies: 
Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Sanded (background), Sincere Salutations
Ink: So Saffron, Tangerine Tango, StazOn Timber Brown, VersaMark
Paper: So Saffron, Watercolor paper, Garden Green, Very Vanilla, Patterns Designer Series Paper stack (Regals)
Tools and Embellishments: Big Shot, Scribbles Swirls Sizzlit, Little Leaves Sizzlit, Stampin' Pastels, Aqua Painter, Punch XL Decorative Label, Punch Lg Oval
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Paper Cutter (104152), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642) Need supplies? Click to SHOP NOW Thank you!

Use It Tuesday - Ribbon

Tis (almost) the season - can you believe it?!
This year, consider using your left over ribbon to decorate your gifts. Or, in this case, use ribbon to help you decorate!

This shadow box uses some of our retired stitched ribbon and rub-ons along with three trees from our currently available Merry Trees Decor Elements. Simple AND cute! And when the season is done, all of the elements will be easy to remove so that I can reuse the frame/box for other seasons. Don't you love it when decor is thrifty!?

Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Supplies: 
Paper: Real Red, Wild Wasabi
Tools and Embellishments: Ornament Punch, (can't remember the official name of the ribbon or rub-ons, sorry!) Merry Trees Real Red Small
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Paper Cutter (104152), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642) Need supplies? Click to SHOP NOW Thank you!

Another Stamp-a-stack

Due to some scheduling difficulties, we've had to move our November class up a week. Here are our choices for November.

Elegant Eggplant card stock and Always Elegant stamp set. Aren't they elegant together? *grin*

An option for the guys on your mailing list!

Make this season's greetings the Jollies ever! Thank you Jessica T. for loaning us this adorable stamp set!

And one more for those of you with loooonng Christmas lists. This card has a few more steps than the others, but who can resist the bling?
To my ladies on the class mailing list - please be sure to read the e-mail along with notes about this month's class. Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!

  Need supplies to make any of the cards shown here? Contact me for project notes and ordering information or Click to SHOP NOW Thank you!

Dasher and sketch 108

It's Saturday and time for a sketch challenge with Utah Divas International.
In case you are new to my blog, I take part in a sketch challenge with this group each Saturday. I am just one stop along a blog hop of cards and projects all using this sketch. I'll provide a link to the next Diva below so that you can visit each stop along the hop and see more ideas. To see a complete listing of participants, click here to be directed to the UDI blog.

Well, it's November already - can you believe it? So that means it's time to get started narrowing down the choices for this year's Christmas card. Today's sketch provided one idea:

Project Notes:

• The main image was stamped with VersaMark then rubbed with Stampin' Pastels in both Soft Suede and Marina Mist. 
• The twill tape was stamped with Soft Suede Classic Ink. It reads "Oh, tidings of comfort and joy" (from our Angelic Joy stamp set).
• The gold embossed sentiment in the upper left corner reads, "May the wonder and peace of Christmas be yours" (also from Angelic Joy).

To improve on this card (aka - where I could have done better!):

• Use a Stamp-a-ma-jig to ensure that your sentiment is straight instead of slightly wonky. (Unless your family is slightly wonky...lol)
• After rubbing the Pastels onto your image, rub it lightly with a used dryer sheet to remove the haze of extra chalk. (I knew that if I went to the laundry room to get it I would get sidetracked... so keep a sheet handy!)

So that's it for me today. Thanks for stopping by and putting up with my sense of humor :)
For our next stop CLICK HERE to be directed to Barbara's blog. Have a creative weekend!

Stampin' Supplies: 
Stamps: Dasher, Angelic Joy
Ink: VersaMark, Soft Suede
Paper: Soft Suede, Old Olive, Marina Mist, Very Vanilla
Tools and Embellishments: Twill Tape, Gold embossing powder, Heat Tool, Big Shot, Petals-a-plenty embossing folder
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Paper Cutter (104152), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642) Need supplies? Click to SHOP NOW Thank you!

Stampin' Addicts and a birthday wish!

 Last week, Paula at Stampin' Addicts provided us with a fun sketch challenge based on a card she received. This sketch was the perfect excuse to use this adorable hostess (Level 1) stamp set as well as one of my favorite embellishments - ribbon!

Isn't this stamp set adorable? Well, it's only for hostesses so you know what that means... contact me and lets set up a fun time with friends. You'll create a fun project (maybe the card you see here?), have some girl time and earn some Stampin' Up! merchandise!
-->Check this out<--
Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Supplies: 
Stamps: Birthday Bakery
Ink: StazOn black and markers for coloring
Paper: Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi
Tools and Embellishments: 1/4" Whisper White grosgrain Ribbon, Clips Assortment, Big Shot and Perfect Details embossing plate
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Paper Cutter (104152), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642) Need supplies? Click to SHOP NOW Thank you!

Creative Sketches Aviary

It's Thursday and time for a challenge with Creative Sketches!


Today's challenge is the sketch shown here. No additional challenges this week for color or technique; just create a project (card, sb page, 3d.... anything) based on today's sketch. Remember to visit the CS site (linked above and below) to see what the other designers have shard this week!

Let your patterned paper do the work! Here this sheet from our Sunny Garden Designer Series Paper dresses the card from top to bottom. A strip of punched card stock and a bit of ribbon add detail to the center and set a base for our bird cages to rest. Although difficult to capture in a photo, the center cage shimmers with gold embossing and provides our main focal element.
A rub-on sentiment and Pearl jewels invite us to "delight in the day", a good sentiment for us all to remember!
 To see more projects from the CS team, CLICK HERE. To join in the fun, add a link to your project either here or using the link application at the CS site. Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Supplies: 
Stamps: Aviary
Ink: Early Espresso, Peach Parfait, VersaMark
Paper: Sunny Garden Designer Series Paper, Whisper White, Early Espresso, Peach Parfait
Tools and Embellishments: Gold embossing powder, Heat Tool, 5/8" Organza ribbon, Jewels Basic Pearl, Scallop Trim Border punch, Chat Room rub-ons (retired)
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Paper Cutter (104152), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642) 

Has your bot lost a cog ?!

Well this one has!
Join us in class this Friday to make this fun Get Well card. We will be reviewing a couple of coloring techniques and learning some tricks for figuring out sketches. Contact me to RSVP.
Where: Hope Lutheran Church, Melbourne FL
When: 9:30 - 10:30 this Friday (Nov. 5)
Materials fee $5. Includes materials necessary to make 1 card (including envelope)
Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Supplies: 
Stamps: Lots of Bots
Ink: StazOn black plus markers to color
Paper: Naturals Ivory, Pumpkin Pie, Sweet & Sour Specialty Designer Series Paper
Tools and Embellishments: XL Double Punch Cogs
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Paper Cutter (104152), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642) Need supplies? Click to SHOP NOW Thank you!