It's Saturday morning and, as always, I'm up and at 'em early, ready to take on the day.  But not before I get in a little stamping :) 

It's the end of another great week of Create with Connie & Mary New Catalog Edition 2012.  I am so happy I joined...so many great project ideas from their awesome design team.  If you haven't checked them out, DO IT TODAY!!!!  You won't be sorry!  

http://www.createwithconnieandmary.com/create-with-connie-and-mary/

At the end of each week, a fun new challenge is given.  Here is this weeks challenge:



CCMC-NC2



It's been awhile since I've played with Bright Blossoms and Summer Smootches.  Today's challenge inspired me to pull it out and have some fun.  I love all of the bright, summery colors in the DSP!  I added a little flower on the inside of the card, along with the coordinating sentiment "That makes you one in a million!" from the One in a Million set.

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Island Indigo, Summer Smootches DSP

Ink ~ Rich Razzleberry, Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight

Stamp Sets ~ Bright Blossoms, One in a Million

Other Supplies ~ Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Itty Bitty Shapes Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Square Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch

Now it's time to get my family up and head out to Farmer's Market.  Hope  you all have an awesome weekend! 

Happy Stamping!

Ok, I'll admit...when I first saw the colors in the CCMC208 Color Challenge, my crafting creativity disappeared!  I drew a blank, had no idea what stamp set to use, what paper to use...totally blank!  But, as always, my Craft-somnia kicked in during the middle of the night and I came up with some ideas.  So, early this morning I sat down with my coffee and started creating. 

Here are the colors for the challenge:



http://www.createwithconnieandmary.com/create-with-connie-and-mary/

And here is what I came up with:

I am quickly falling in love with the Polka Dot Parade DSP!  It gives that added POP to a card.  I chose to use it with the Happy Hour set because I thought the polka dots tied in well with the cute little drinks.  And speaking of drinks, after making this card, I'm anxiously awaiting 5 o'clock so I can create a fun little cocktail of my own :) Happy Friday! 

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Basic Gray, Whisper White, Polka Dot Parade DSP

Ink ~ Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Gray

Stamp Set ~ Happy Hour

Welcome to Wednesday!  My schedule is crazy today, but I did manage to sneak in a little bit of stamping time early this morning.  I hopped on over to Freshly Made Sketches for a little inspiration and came with a clean and simple, yet elegant card.  And I didn't use the Patio Party DSP...how about that!!  :)

Be sure to check out their site for weekly sketch ideas and get the creative juices flowing! 

http://freshlymadesketches.blogspot.com/



I had some fun using the International Bazzar paper along with the Apothecary Accents Framelits...they tied together well!  And I stepped outside of my crafting OCD box with this!  Even though the Raspberry Ripple is not a coordinating color with this DSP, I went a head and used it and it still worked out just fine! 

FMS41

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Chocolate Chip, Raspberry Ripple, Very Vanilla, International Bazaar DSP

Ink ~ Chocolate Chip, Raspberry Ripple, Lucky Limeade

Stamp Sets ~ World Treasures, Language of Friendship

Other Suppies ~ Apothecary Accents Framelits, Modern Label Punch, In Color Dahlias (in Raspberry Ripple)

Until next time...Happy Stamping!

First off, I want to say THANK YOU to the design team at Hand Stamped Sentiments for choosing my pleating technique card as one of the Artist Picks!  There were a ton of great entries last week and it was an honor to be chosen!!!

Now, on to this weeks HSS challenge...Quilting!  I have absolutly NO ability to sew, but give me some paper and a punch and I can give you a card that looks like a quilt :) 

http://www.handstampedsentiments.blogspot.com/

HSSIC#124

I'm sorry if you are getting tired of all of my projects with the Patio Party DSP, but I just love it!  And I love the coordinating colors...I just can't stop using them :)  I decided to use the postage stamp punch for this challenge in hopes that it would mimic the stitches in a quilt.

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Midnight Muse, Primrose Petals, Summer Starfruit, Whisper White, Patio Party DSP

Ink ~ Midnight Muse, Primrose Petals, Summer Starfruit, Pool Party

Stamp Sets ~ My Friend, Petite Pairs

Other Supplies ~ 1" Circle Punch, Postage Stamp Punch

Oh how I love my Saturday mornings!  Still up before the sun to get in a good run but without any of the time restraints of the week.  After getting a few things done around the house, I still had some time to play with the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge.

http://stamping411.blogspot.com/

The DSP I used is retired, but still one of my favorites.  It is from the Timeless Portrait DSP pack and I thought it tied in well with the stamp I used from the Just Believe set.

SSC261

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Island Indigo, Timeless Portrait DSP (retired)

Ink ~ Basic Black

Stamp Set ~ Just Believe

Other Supplies ~ Antique Brads, 1/2" Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon

Now on to the rest of my day with my family.  Have a wonderful weekend and as always...

Happy Stamping!



With a little extra "help" from my 10 month old assistant, I was able to get a few projects done today.  He was quite proud of his masterpiece! 

My little assistant

I have a few workshops coming up and needed to get my hostess thank you projects taken care of.  Here is a peek at one of them!  It's a fun little treat bag that you can use for any occasion.  I've included the directions below. 

For my June workshops, I have been using a lot of the Patio Party DSP in hopes of getting my guests excited enough to purchase their very own starter kits and join the Stampin' Up! family. 

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit, Primrose Petals, Patio Party DSP

Stamp Set ~ Itty Bitty Banners

Ink ~ Midnight Muse

Other Supplies ~ Bitty Banners Framelits, Neutrals Brads, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch, Raspberry Ripple 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon, Word Window Punch

Treat Bag Directions:

1 ~ 4 1/2" X 3 1/2" piece of card stock, scored at 1" on all sides.  Assemble to create the box for the inside of the treat bag. 

1 ~ 3 1/8" X 11" piece of card stock, scored at 4 3/4" and 6 1/4".  This will be the wrap for the box.

Using Sticky Strip, adhere the bottom of the box to the inside of the wrap. 

Punch the handle using the Word Window Punch.

Now it's time to get creative!!!  Decorate with any DSP, stamps or embellishments.  Great for party favors, thank you or teacher gifts...the possibilities are endless!

Happy Stamping!



Have your cake!

Now is the perfect time to purchase your Stampin' Up! starter kit for just $99.  The new kit is totally customizable...this means you can pick any items YOU want up to $125 for just $99! But wait...it gets better!  When you purchase your Starter Kit in the month of June, you will get the Patio Party Suite for FREE!!!  This includes the Make a Cake Set (clear or wood mount), Patio Party Designer Series Paper and the Patio Party Digital Collection DVD.   

Visit my Stampin' Up! website today for more details:

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/craftsomnia/

You can be just a few days away from making this cute card.  Don't let the month get away from you...get your Starter Kit today!

This sketch challenge came from Create with Connie and Mary.  If you haven't visited their site yet, don't wait any longer.  They have tons of great ideas and tutorials just waiting for you!
http://www.createwithconnieandmary.com/create-with-connie-and-mary/

CCMC207

Supplies used:
Paper ~ Raspberry Ripple, Whisper White, Patio Party DSP
Ink ~ Midnight Muse, Raspberry Ripple, Pool Party
Stamp Sets ~ Make a Cake, Curly Cute
Other Supplies ~ Raspberry Ripple 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon, 1 3/8" Square Punch

Happy Tuesday!  I love a challenge that gives me a new technique to use!  I've never used paper pleating in any of my creations, but now I can say that I have with this weeks Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge.  If you haven't had a chance to visit their page, you should!  They have great challenges every week to get your creativity going! 

http://www.handstampedsentiments.blogspot.com/

My mom asked me to make a wedding card for an upcoming wedding she will be attending.  The pleated paper was just what this card needed! 

HSSTC123


Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, International Bazaar DSP, Neutrals DSP Stack in Basic Gray
Ink ~ Basic Gray, Daffodil Delight
Stamp Set ~ Love & Laughter
Other Supplies ~ 1/4" Daffodil Delight Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Rhinestone Basic Jewels
I found a great tutorial for the paper pleating at Splitcoast Stampers

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/paperpleating/
Happy Stamping!

I will admit, when I got my first peek at the 2012-2013 In Color Collection, I wasn't too fond of Summer Starfruit.  But I've been using it more and more and I am really starting to like it!  I am in love with the Comfort Cafe DSP and Midnight Muse, which go together beautifully with the Summer Starfruit.  I had the opportunity to put these colors to use this morning for my Monday Mojo Sketch design. 

MOJO246

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse, Very Vanilla, Comfort Cafe DSP

Ink ~ Midnight Muse

Stamp Set ~ Just Believe

Other Supplies ~ Scallop Trim Border Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Midnight Muse 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon, In Color Dahlias

And don't forget, you can have your cake and eat it too!!!  Join Stampin' Up! for just $99 and get up to $125 in products that YOU chose as well as the Patio Party Suite for FREE!! 

Visit my Stampin' Up! Web page for more details:

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/craftsomnia/



It's Saturday morning and I'm up and at 'em early!  Just had to get to the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge before I took on the rest of the day!  Betsy's Blossoms is still one of my favorites from the new catalog...so much fun to be had with this set! 

SSC # 260

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Lucky Limeade, Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight, Floral District DSP

Stamp Set ~ Betsy's Blossoms

Ink ~ Lucky Limeade, Rich Razzleberry

Other Supplies ~ 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon in Daffodil Delight & Rich Razzleberry, Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Have a beautiful weekend and Happy Stamping!



Nothing better than a warm Summer Afternoon...

This new hostess set is so pretty and perfect to demo at summer parties!

I love the paper selection in the new Comfort Cafe DSP pack...so many different uses with this one!  And I finally broke out the new Naturals Designer Buttons for this card...love them. 

 Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Comfort Cafe DSP, Water Color Paper

Ink ~ Midnight Muse, Jet Black StazOn

Stamp Set ~ Summer Afternoon

Other Supplies ~ Naturals Designer Buttons, Linen Thread

I made a card similar to this a few weeks back for a friend of my boys.  Some of my Club Members saw it and begged me to have this as one of our June club cards.  I do not normally used retired sets for my club, but gave in on this one!  It's such a cute set and so fun to use.  The tri-fold shutter card allows you to use so many of the stamps in this set!

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Gumball Green, Island Indigo, Perfect Plum, Brights Collection DSP Stack, Basic Black

Ink ~ Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Gumball Green, Island Indigo, Perfect Plum, Basic Black

Stamp Sets ~ Bugs & Kisses, Happiest Birthday Wishes

*both retired sets*

Other Supplies ~ Circle Treat Cups, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Large Oval Punch (used on the handle of the magnifying glass)



I love clean and simple designs!  This weeks {Freshly Made} Sketch was just that..clean and simple!

My color choices came from the colors in my shower curtain (of all things!).  It's fun to play around with different colors and come up with your own combo.  I had a lot of fun using the Circle Circus set along with all of the coordinating punches.



FMS#39

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Basic Gray, Whisper White, Comfort Cafe DSP

Ink ~ Melon Mambo, Pool Party, Pumpkin Pie, Island Indigo, Basic Gray

Stamp Sets ~ Circle Circus, Petite Pairs

Other Supplies ~ Circle Punches

Happy Tuesday!  I'm always looking for new challenges to boost my creativity so I decided to give Hand Stamped Sentiments a try this morning.  Let me just say...I was so excited to see that theme challenge this week was peacock or bird related!  I've been itching to use the new World Treasures set!

 

HSSTC #122

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight, International Bazaar DSP

Ink ~ Midnight Muse, Stampin' Write Markers: Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight, Rich Razzleberry

Stamp Set ~ World Treasures

Other Supplies ~ Apothecary Accents Framelits, Petals-a-Plenty Folder, Pearl Basic Jewels, 1/4" Rich Razzleberry Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon

I love the new International Bazaar DSP...it has so many great colors!!! 

Happy Stamping!

I told myself last night that I would focus on finishing up my son's 1st birthday invites this week, but I just can't resist Mojo Monday!  I love the Four Seasons Hostess set...so many different cards to make with this!

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Whisper White, Lucky Limeade, Floral District DSP

Ink ~ Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral (the DSP pairs with Tangerine Tango, but I sadly do not have that Stampin' Pad...this worked great as a back up!)

Stamp Set ~ Four Seasons

Other Supplies ~ 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 3/16" Corner Punch, Basic Rhinestones, Itty Bitty Banner Framelits



It seems as though Mother Nature has forgotten what summer is.  It's 53 degrees and pouring rain...blah!  So, since we can't be outside playing, I'm in my craft room playing! 

I fell in love with Bootiful Occasions as soon as I saw it in the 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! catalog.  Who doesn't love a cute pair of rain boots??? 



Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Bashful Blue, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Summer Smooches DSP, Floral District DSP

Ink ~ Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Bashful Blue

Stamp Set ~ Bootiful Occasions

Other Supplies ~ 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 1/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon, Brights Designer Buttons, Cuttlebug Border Embossing Folder



After an early morning run, I sat down with a cup of coffee and had some fun with the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge.  Again, I used The Open Sea set.  I think I need a vacation at the beach :)

Saturday Sketch Challenge #259

Stamping 411

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Very Vanilla, Night of Navy, Nautical Expedition DSP

Ink ~ Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy

Stamp Set ~ The Open Sea

Other supplies ~ Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

Thank you Stamping 411 for getting my creative juices flowing this morning! 

~ COME SAIL WITH ME ~

I have really been drawn to this set...there is just something about it that brings a sense of calmness to me.  Maybe it's my love of the ocean and the Open Sea...

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy, Very Vanilla, Nautical Expedition DSP (discontinued)

Ink ~ Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Night of Navy, Cherry Cobbler

Stamp Set ~ The Open Sea

Other supplies ~ Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine

It's the last day of school!  All of you stay at home Momma's know what this means...time to indulge in Happy Hour :)  Timing couldn't be more perfect to create a card with the fun new Happy Hour set from Stampin' Up! 

I am submitting this card for the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge ~ CCMC205-Sketch Challenge

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Gumball Green, Whisper White, Summer Smooches DSP

Ink ~ Gumball Green, Rich Razzleberry

Stamp Set ~ Happy Hour

Other supplies ~ Curly Label Punch, Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon, Bitty Banners Framelits

Time has gotten away from me!  I realized last night that the stamp club I attend is quickly coming up next week and I haven't done my swap cards!  I wanted to do something with the new colors and one of the new sets, but I knew it would need to be something simple and easy to put together since I was short on time.  Here's what I came up with: 

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Whisper White

Ink ~ Gumball Green, Raspberry Ripple, Midnight Muse

Stamp Sets ~ Betsy's Blossoms, Friendly Phrases

Other Supplies ~ 1" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Basic Rhinestones

Nothing fancy...just clean and simple and EASY to put together! 



Everyone loves FREE stuff, right???  Well, Stampin' Up! has a great deal for you!

For just $99, you can create your own customized Starter Kit and get up to $125 worth of Stampin' Up! products that YOU choose.  And during the month of June when you purchase the Starter Kit, you can also get nearly $50 in FREE products from the Patio Party Suite. 

Click on the link below to be directed to the flyer with all of the great items available in the Patio Party Suite. 

http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Flyer_RecruitPromo_Demo_June0112_US.pdf

With this great offer, you can have your cake and eat it too!!! 

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Whisper White, Midnight Muse, Primrose Petals, Summer Starfruit, Baja Breeze, Patio Party DSP

Stamp Set ~ Make a Cake Set

Ink ~ Midnight Muse, Primrose Petals, Baja Breeze

Other Supplies ~ Petite Pennants Builder Punch, White Bakers Twine, 1/8" Mini Brads

Don't miss your chance to get the items in the Patio Party Suite!  Visit my Stampin' Up! page today to order your Starter Kit!



http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/craftsomnia/

2 1/2 more days of school left!  My boys are sad to see the school year end (as am I) but they are also very excited about the fun summer we have planned.  I couldn't have asked for better Kindergarten teachers for my boys and am so thankful for all that they have learned this year.  It was fun making these cards for each of their teachers.

Happy Summer Break!!!

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Blushing Bride

Stamp Set ~ Delightful Dozen

Other Supplies ~ Corner Punch, Extra Large Tag Punch, Adorning Accents Edgelits, Simply Scored, White Bakers Twine, Diamond Plate Embossing Folder



Monday again...I used to dread them, but now I can't wait to start my Monday with some Mojo!  Here is my creation for today's Mojo Monday sketch.  This was a great design to put one of the new Christmas sets to use ~ Chock-Full of Cheer.

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Be of Good Cheer DSP

Stamp Set ~ Chock-Full of Cheer

Ink ~ Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green

Other Supplies ~ 3/8" Gumball Green Stitched Satin Ribbon, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Modern Label Punch



My cousin will be in town this weekend and the family will finally get to meet her newest addition...so excited!  Since we don't get a chance to get together very often, we decided to do a birthday party for all of our kiddos.  We've got a fun little party planned for all of them :)  And of course, you can't have a birthday party with out presents and with that present you must have a cute card!

Magical Birthday Wishes for Lily

I borrowed this cute little set from my bestie...such a fun stamp set for a little girl.  In fact, I had so much fun with it, I placed one last order from the 2011-2012 Stampin' UP! Catalog just so I could get it!

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White, Raspberry Ripple**

Ink ~ StazOn Jet Black, Stampin' Write Markers-Elegant Eggplant, Raspberry Ripple**, Primrose Petals**

Stamp Set ~ Pony Party*

Other Supplies ~ Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch, 1/2" Elegant Eggplant Scallop Dot Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones 



Happy Dirtday Dear Kasen

Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade
Ink ~ Stampin' Write Markers: Real Red, Midnight Muse, Basic Black, Gumball Green, Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo
Stamp Set ~ I Dig You
Other Supplies ~ Circle Punches (1", 1 1/4", 1 3/8"), Cuttlebug Diamond Plate embossing folder, tin foil.

I loved using the tin foil with this embossing folder.  I simply wrapped up a scrap piece of card stack with the tin foil and ran it through the Big Shot.  Easy peasy!

Today is the big day that so many of us stampers have been waiting for...the new catalog out and items are officially for sale! WOOHOO!!!  In honor of the new catalog, I put together a card with one of the new hostess sets. 

I was asked to make a graduation card with a bicycle and this set couldn't have been more perfect!

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Very Vanilla, Midnight Muse, Comfort Cafe DSP, Watercolor paper

Ink ~ StazOn Jet Black, Midnight Muse, Watercolor Wonder Crayons

Stamp Set ~ Summer Afternoon

Other Supplies ~ Antique Brads, 1/2" Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon