Hello Blossoms DivaSC138

Happy Weekend and welcome to sketch #138 with the Utah Divas!  If you would like to play along with this challenge, be sure to link to your project in a comment here or at the Utah Divas site so we can visit you and check it out! You can see more ideas by following the link provided below or at the Utah site.

This week, I turned the sketch on it's side to come up with this blingy example:

This Hello Blossoms stamp from the Summer Mini catalog is just so cute. Here, it is simply inked using Stampin' Write Markers and then stamped. I love the mix of colors and this way you can see the "hello" message in it's fun mixture of fonts. Other options might include topping the flowers with die cut/punched flowers, adding some bling to the center or maybe some embossing? It will be fun to see how many different ways we can use this stamp.

Decorating the card base is a length of organza ribbon that runs through a slit in the fold of the card. The ribbon runs through the inside of the card allowing you to tuck in photos or a gift card. The cut ends are tucked behind the main panel (on the front) to secure. For 2 additional samples made using this technique and to see how-to photo detail, see this previous post.

Thanks for stopping by! To see more ideas using this blog, please visit the UDI blog for a complete list of this week's participants. Enjoy!


Stampin' Supplies: 

Jewels Basic Rhinestone/$4.95

Stamps: Hello Blossoms
Ink: Stampin' Write Markers in Old Olive, Melon Mambo and Basic Gray
Paper: Melon Mambo (textured), Basic Gray, Whisper White
Tools: Hobby Blade, Ticket Corner punch,
Embellishments: Organza Ribbon, Jewels Basic Rhinestone
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)

Inlaid Embossing How-to

Last month's workshops focused on a technique called Inlaid Embossing. It's a fun way to use texture and shapes together and create something new!

For those of you who have not tried it, here is this simple but eye-catching technique.

Supplies:

card stock layer for card (mine is 4" x 5.25")
additional card stock to use with dies or punches to create shapes
embossing folder (with a tight/busy design)
Big Shot (die cutting machine)



Step 1: Punch or cut your shapes. The picture above shows the Sparkle sizzlit used in the sample at the top of this post. The remaining pictures were taken while creating the second card (below), which features buttons die cut using the Button #5 sizzlit.

Step 2: If your shape calls for it, remove any extra pieces. For example, the Sparkle sizzlit has a center dot to remove; the buttons have 2 or 4 button holes to remove. A stylus is helpful for this.
Step 3: Attach to your shapes to your card stock layer with adhesive. (Tombow liquid used here.)
Step 4: Trim shapes if they extend outside the base layer.  (not photographed)
Step 5: Place in embossing folder and run through the Big Shot to emboss.



And here is sample #2. I added a little sentiment just for kicks :)

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed this technique and, if it wasn't new to you, I hope you at least enjoyed the samples. Have a great day,


Stampin' Supplies: 
Both Samples were created using Naturals Vanilla, Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler and Baja Breeze card stock.
Embossing Folders: Perfect Polka Dots, Square Lattice
Button card also uses 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" circle punches, Linen Thread. Stamp set (Think Happy Thoughts - retired), Soft Suede Classic Ink
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Fabulous Circle Circus & CD102

Ok, let's get inky! Today's color challenge at the Color Dare is sure to inspire a variety of ideas. I can't wait to see what everyone has created! This week's colors are:

I don't know about you, but I'm diggin' it! :)
Do you like the words framing the panel? In case you are wondering, here's how to create the look in a few easy steps.

1. First determine where you want the stamped layer to go on your card front.
2. Put it in place on the card  - without adhesive - and use a pencil to lightly trace the top and left edges.
3. Move the stamped panel aside and stamp your words in place. 
4. Let the ink dry and erase the lines. (I use a white art gum eraser - no smudges and the lines come right off!)
5. Adhere your stamped layer with Stampin' Dimensionals.

click to enlarge photo

Using our Clear-Mount stamps made it easy to see where I was stamping. However, for perfect placement with these stamps and especially with our Wood-Mount, I recommend using a Stamp-a-ma-jig. Once you get the hang of it, this tool will be one of your BSF - Best Stampin' Friends.

Thanks for stopping by! To see more ideas using this color combo and to link to your own creations, be sure to visit the Color Dare site linked above. The Design Team members are also linked here (in the side panel) for your convenience. Enjoy!


Stampin' Supplies: 

Stamps: Circle Circus, Fabulous Phrases
Ink: So Saffron, Concord Crush
Paper: Whisper White
Tools: 1 1/4" circle punch, pencil, eraser
Embellishments: Jewels Basic Rhinestone
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)

Vintage Greetings DivaSC137

Hi folks! Welcome to another weekend and Diva Sketch! This one is number 137 and as always, you can see more ideas based on this sketch by visiting the Utah Divas Int'l blog or following the link below.

For my card, I started out with the sketch and somehow ended up altering the size of the boxes within the card front. It's okay, our sketch Diva Carol is cool with that :)

How I ended up making such a FALL looking card when it feels like summer outside is beyond me. We'll just pretend I'm ahead of the game...

One of the fun things about making cards is decorating the inside of the card and the envelope to match. I didn't get a good photo of the envelope, but here's a look at the inside:

Thanks for stopping by!
To see some great ideas using this sketch, you can visit this week's Diva participants, linked below. Trust me when I tell you that my card was the lamest of the bunch. You really need to visit these sites :) Enjoy!

Alisa
Barbara
Elizabeth
Ruthie



Stampin' Supplies: 
Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Happy Greetings
Ink: Cajun Craze, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake
Paper: Cajun Craze, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Woodland Walk Designer Series Paper
Tools: 1" circle punch, Designer Label punch
Embellishments: Brads (metallic)
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)

Reinkers - not just for pads

Today in class we will be using an "oldie but goodie" technique for using re-inkers. We will be creating our own multi-colored ink pads! I'll also be sharing a couple of other ideas with them; can't share them here because that wouldn't be fair 

But I can share our sample card. The main technique was used to ink up this butterfly from our stamp set, Flight of the Butterfly. On a side note: I think I'm going to have to pay Tanya some sort of users fee. Her way of adding an outline to layers really adds a certain little somethin'-somethin' to some cards. I can't stop doing it ;)

If you live in the Melbourne, Florida area and would like information about future classes, be sure to contact me for the details. If you don't live around here but enjoyed this post, you can get free updates by mail or RSS. Either way, Thanks for stopping by!


Stampin' Supplies: 

Flight of the Butterfly (item#111564)

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly
Ink: Early Espresso Classic Pad and Stampin' Write Marker, Reinkers in Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Peach Parfait 
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Peach Parfait, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Tools: Big Shot, XL Pennant Die, 1 3/4" circle punch
 Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

On the Grow and Color Dare 101

Ready for a color challenge? Today, Riley at The Color Dare has challenged us to share projects made using:

11:39 AM  - edited above link, it works now!

This challenge was the perfect excuse to ink up a new stamp set On the Grow. Pinks and greens always work for flowers, right? And why not make the scooter delivering them fun, too?

My original intent was to color in the scooter but then I thought how cute it would be to have a patterned seat. And then, you know how it is - one thing led to another and before I knew it the entire scooter ended up being paper pieced instead of colored. I am not completely convinced anyone would want to be seen on such an original scooter in real life but at least it's fun on paper!

Note: Both sets of flowers were colored using a Regal Rose Stampin' Write Marker.  The poppy looking flowers were colored in with the pen end of the marker and look very vibrant. For the tulips, I pressed a Blender Pen directly to the brush tip of the marker and then used the ink that transferred onto it to color them in. This gave a much softer look, similar to Pretty in Pink.

I also added a little bit of Crystal Effects to the flowers, seat and lights of the scooter to give them a little dimension and shine. Here's a close up of the flowers and the seat to show you how they pop.

To see more ideas using these colors, don't forget to visit the Color Dare site or visit the other Design Team members (links are now in my side bar). If you decide to play along you can share your work by linking to your project either in a comment here or at the main site. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Thanks for stopping by!


Stampin' Supplies:

On the Grow (Available in Summer Mini)

Stamps: On The Grow
Ink: Basic Black, Stampin' Write Markers in Regal Rose, Old Olive, Cajun Craze (for the pots)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Regal Rose, Sweet & Sour Specialty Designer Series Paper
Tools: Punch Border Dotted Scallop Ribbon, Modern Label punch
Embellishments: Brads (metallic), Crystal Effects, scraps of 5/8" Satin Ribbon (Old Olive) and Crochet Trim
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)

Use It Tuesday - Paper Scraps

Recently, Paula shared a great sketch challenge with the group at Stampin' Addicts. This is one of those sketches you'll use again and again. Not only is it easy to work with, it looks good when done and can use up a bunch of paper scraps.

First the sketch:

Now the card:

 

This is going to be one of those "go-to" sketches when I'm in a hurry or when I'm stamping away from home and don't want to take a bunch of supplies.  Change the image (different image? paper flower? large star?) and sentiment and this card could be just about anything!

 

Thanks, Paula and that YOU for stopping by!


Stampin' Supplies:

Slice of Life (Hostess)

Stamps: Slice of Life (Occasions Mini catalog Hostess Level 1), A Word for You (117032, c120528)
Ink: StazOn Black (101406), Stampin' Write Markers for coloring
Paper: Delightful Daffodil (119683), Old Olive (100702), Real Red (115320), Pumpkin Pie (105117), Whisper White (100730)
Tools: Wide Oval Punch (119859)
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Cute By the Inch DivaSC136

Happy Weekend and welcome to another great sketch & challenge with the Utah Divas!

I'll be sharing one idea with you today using this sketch; to see more either follow the link below or visit the UDI blog for a complete list of participants. (If you are reading this early Saturday morning, please note that some participants post their projects later in the day...)

So it's mid-May already. Can you believe it? Aside from the school year ending and the temperatures heating up, it's also time to start thinking about the end of the Stampin' Up! year. Two things that always get updated with the release of the new catalog? Our Designer Series Paper and our Hostess-only stamps. Today's card uses one of each.

It may have been the noise going on in the background (the boys have summer-itis and well, they're boys...) but the stripes on the base layer were bugging me somehow. Dominating too much attention, maybe? So I added a layer of Very Vanilla; but now that I see this on-screen I wondering if I should have just left it alone. Or sent the boys outside so I could think straight before committing to adhesive. Or maybe it's a just a dark chocolate deficiency?

To see more ideas, here's the link to Barbara's blog. She is using a new punch and stamp set from the Summer Mini. Enjoy and Thanks for stopping by!


Stampin' Supplies:

Cute by the Inch (Hostess only)

Stamps: Cute by the Inch
Ink: Stampin' Write Markers in Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Play Date Designer Series Paper, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Tools: Paper Piercing Tool
Embellishments: 5/8" Satin ribbon (Old Olive), Glimmer Brads (Brights)
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Free Printable Calendar - June

Enjoy this free printable calendar for June. Feel free to share it, too!



Just FYI - I'll have a coordinating desktop background ready for you later this month.
Thanks for stopping by!


Created using My Digital Studio.
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

The Color Dare 100 - I dare ya!

In looking to improve this blog and inspire my loyal readers, I've been working to adjust the mix of information shared. If you have visited before, you may have noticed that I enjoy sketches as a creative launch pad. I was leaning a little too heavily on those and, although I will definitely continue to share more, it's time to add something else to the mix.

Another fun way to be creatively inspired is with COLOR.  I'm thrilled to have been chosen to participate this season on The Color Dare Design Team. Each Wednesday, the team will present you with a color combination we just dare ya to try!

This week, our challenge colors are:


Keep in mind that you can also use other neutrals along with the chosen colors; for example, my sample card also includes Whisper White (card stock) and Early Espresso (ink).

Thanks for stopping by! To see more ideas based on these colors, be sure to visit The Color Dare site where the entire team's projects are shared. In the future, you will also be able to visit individual team members by using the links provided in my side bar. *If you are reading this post in a reader, click the title to access the blog and see what you've been missing, lol*



Stampin' Supplies:

Aviary (#116956/$24.95 or #120462/$17.95)

Stamps: Aviary
Ink: Early Espresso, Baja Breeze
Paper: Baja Breeze, Sahara Sand (textured), Rose Red, Whisper White
Tools (eek, went a little crazy!):  Big Shot, Lots of Tags sizzlit, Scribbles & Swirls sizzlit, Top Note die, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Wide Oval punch
Embellishments: Jewels Basic Pearls
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Learn how to scrapbook

HI folks,

I know I already posted today, but I ran across this article today in my reader and knew I should share it right away. When I've approached people about making greeting cards or scrapbooking, a common response is "But I'm not crafty." I might have said something similar 8 years ago, but have learned that it just takes a little time and you'll find a hobby that does wonderful things for your life and those around you. Well, I should say it takes time and information..... as in HOW-TO info.

Debby's article today is the perfect HOW-TO for putting together scrapbooks. Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Debby Hodge - How to start a scrapbook page

Thanks for stopping by!


Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Make a quick greeting card

Ever go out to the mailbox expecting to see nothing but junk bulk mail and instead found a greeting card from a friend? Good feeling, isn't it? Don't wait for a special occasion or illness to send a greeting. Create a quick and easy card and send it just to say HI!

Use some of your paper scraps to create this quick card. Use a Big Shot or punches to create 4 circles and the word "hi". Here, a punched heart dresses up the bottom circle, but you could also use it to top the "i". Quick, cute... and even if they can see your glue it will still be better than a bill :)

Thanks for stopping by!


Stampin' Supplies: 

Paper: Red Glimmer paper (121790) , Build-a-bear Workshop Pawsitively Prints II (117396), So Saffron card stock (105118)
Tools: 1 3/8" circle punch (119860), Small Heart punch (117193), Big Shot (113439), Alphabet Simple Letters (115960)
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

 

Greeting Cards for Abuelita

My grandmother (Abuelita in spanish) is one of my most loyal fans :) She is the one who taught me to crochet, first taught me to sew and to this day brags about my beautiful family and anything I create. She glosses over things we're still working on, lol.  I'm pretty sure I also got my love of chocolate from her, but these days she's very careful about how many sweets she eats so my gifts usually revolve around her other favorite things: clothing with a nice feel, perfume and of course, greeting cards!

Yesterday I sent her a batch of some of my latest cards. The following two cards (created based on sketches at Stampin' Addicts) were included in the mix. The first one is one I should make more of considering we have a lot of guys in the family who don't mind hugs and kisses from Abuelita.

And this one is for one of the girls.

 Lastly, here's a closeup of the little flower. It has a little bling hiding in the center :)

Thanks for stopping by and letting me share with you today!


Stampin' Supplies:
Card One:
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Whisper White, Nursery Suite Designer Series Paper
Tools: Big Shot, Paper Piercing Tool and Mat Pack, Headline Alphabet die
Embellishments: Glimmer Brads (Brights)

Swirls & Curls Verses stamp set (Hostess only)

Card Two:
Stamps: Swirls & Curls Verses (Hostess)
Ink: Basic Black
Paper: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, So Saffron, Play Date Designer Series Paper
Tools: Big Shot, Scribbles & Swirls Sizzlit, Top Note die, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, 1.25" circle punch
Embellishments: Basic Jewels Rhinestone

Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online