Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Painted Harvest Birthday - #hsssh295

Happy Tuesday stampers and hello from Pacific City, OR.  We escaped the heat back home and headed to the Oregon coast for a little family fun vacation.  We have been vacationing along the WA and OR coasts for as long as I can remember.  It's not a summer if we don't make it there at least once!

I may be on vacation, but that doesn't mean I'm not stamping. There are very few trips we take where I don't take some sort of stamping with me!   Thankfully I was able to this trip so I could participate in this weeks Hand Stamped Sentiments Sketch Challenge.  I love how open this sketch is...you can do just about anything with this!

My friends sister will soon be celebrating her birthday and she asked me to make her a card. I know she loves to work in her flower beds and put together her own flower arrangements, so I pulled out an old favorite, Painted Harvest.  I used Melon Mambo and Powder Pink for the flowers...oh my!  Aren't they pretty?!?
Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Whisper White, Crumb Cake
Ink ~ Melon Mambo, Powder Pink, Granny Apple Green
Stamp Sets ~ Painted Harvest, Happy Birthday Gorgeous
Other Supplies ~ Linen Thread, Iridescent Sequins, Subtle Embossing Folder

That Subtle embossing folder...I'm pretty sure it's my favorite!  And when you rough up the edges of the card stock (I use an older pair of paper snips), it gives it some amazing detail!

Thank you for stopping by today!  I hope you are having a great week!  I may be stamping on my vacation, but I don't know how much blogging I will be doing...but I'll be back soon!

Happy Stamping!


Sunday, July 29, 2018

Make a SPLASH ~ Monday Montage





Welcome back to Monday Montage!!!  We are back with another fabulous hop!  Make sure you click on the links below so you don't miss any of the creations...you are sure to love them all!

My summer boy turned 7 on Sunday and we had fun celebrating his birthday all weekend long!  We had a pool party with his buddies on Saturday, which was perfect for a 100 degree day!  Since he's still not too cool for a "mom-planned" birthday party, we went with a fun pool party theme :-) And when there is a theme party, you know I had to make him a card that went along with the theme!

Thanks to my dear stamping friend Pam, I was able to borrow her Layering Alphabet Edgelits to create a bright and colorful SPLASH!  With a cute beachball and a cannon-ball-splash of a background, this was the perfect way for Mr. Owen to splash in to 7!
 Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Whisper White, Basic Black, Glossy White, Granny Apple Green, Lovely Lipstick, Grapefruit Grove, Balmy Blue
Ink ~ Balmy Blue, Coastal Cabana, Soft Sea Foam
Stamp Set ~ Labeler Alphabet, Broadway Birthday
Other Supplies ~ White Embossing Powder, Glitter Enamel Dots, Layering Alphabet Edgelits

I can't believe my baby is already 7!!!  Where in the world does the time go?!?!  This boy of mine is a ball of endless energy, full of smiles and is my favorite little slumber party buddy when is dad is at work.  Happy Birthday Mr. Owen!



Next stop on the hop is Cathy...I can't wait to see what she has for us this week! Or if you want to hop backwards, you can hop on back to the amazing Amy...I just love her style!

Thanks you for stopping by today!

Happy Stamping!


https://amyoneillblog.com/2018/07/29/mondaymontage121/

https://sugarshackdesigns.com/2018/07/29/mondaymontage121/

Friday, July 27, 2018

Repeat After Me - #tgifc170 Inspiration Challenge

Oh my goodness...how can it be Friday again already?!?  My days of summer break are coming to an end so quickly!  I am blessed beyond all measures to have been able to spend a better part of summer off with my boys.  We haven't gone on any big trips, but we have made lots of memories right here at home.  While I am sad for my summer break to come to an end, I am also looking forward to going back to work and getting my boys back into their school routine in just a few weeks.

Speaking of school, this weeks TGIF Challenges Inspiration Challenge helped me to create a cute back to school card for Owen's teacher.  This weeks challenge is "Repeat After Me"...so we could stamp the same image multiple times without re-inking your stamp or use the same image multiple times for a repetitive look.

I chose to stamp the same image multiple times in different colors, using the amazing new Picked For You stamp set.  I was so happy to see a stamp set that was geared towards teacher appreciation!  We don't thank our teachers often enough and this set gives us an excellent reason to do so any time of year.
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Brights DSP
Ink ~ Real Red, Blushing Bride, Soft Seafoam, Granny Apple Green, So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso
Stamp Set ~ Picked For You
Other Supplies ~ Real Red 1/8" Solid Ribbon, Basket Weave Embossing Folder

These apples are too much fun to stamp!  It's fun play with different color combinations to come up with the perfect apple.  

Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope that you'll play along with us at TGIF Challenges this week too!

Happy Stamping!


Thursday, July 26, 2018

Freshly Picked Blueberries

Hello stampin' friends!  I hope you are having a terrific week and have some fun plans for the upcoming weekend.  I've been trying to squeeze in as much stamping this week as I can, and I am LOVING it!  In addition to making some cards for upcoming design team posts, I've been playing around with this Month's Picnic Paradise Paper Pumpkin kit.  Don't forget you can save 50% off your first kit when you subscribe between now and August 10th!

This weeks Freshly Made Sketches challenge immediately made me think of a fun alternative card with this months kit!

Aren't these blueberries fun?!?!  They remind me of the time we found an unattended patch of blueberries at a dog park in Portland.  We filled as many bags as we could and made the BEST blueberry cobbler...yummy!  I may have to get some to make another cobbler while we are at the beach next week!
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Blueberry Bushel, Granny Apple Green, Poppy Parade, Wood Textures DSP
Ink ~ Soft Suede
Stamp Set ~ Picnic Paradise Paper Pumpkin July 2018
Other Supplies ~ All other supplies included were from the kit  :)

Isn't this fun?  I was also inspired by my amazing friend Andrea Tucker...her Paper Pumpkin alternatives this month were so good!

Sadly, my stamping time is over for this morning...I must get out and mow before it gets too hot!  Triple digit temps are rolling in this week...I'm ready to escape the heat next week!

Happy Stamping!



Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Delightfully Detailed Smiles

Hello stampers and welcome to Tuesday!  We are back to triple digit weather again, so I'm spending lots of time in my craft room.  It's too dang hot to do much of anything outside, unless it's swimming!  I'm not going to complain about extra stamping time!

I am NOT a frilly, flowery girl...what do you expect for a momma of 3 boys?!?!  But I stepped out of my comfort zone this morning and decided to play with the beautiful Delightfully Detailed Laser-Cut Specialty Paper.  This was introduced to us at OnStage back in April and it is amazing!  But my, oh my...it is so delicate.  I was a little freaked out to cut in to it, but once I did, I fell in love!  My favorite thing about this paper is that it is Very Vanilla on one side and Whisper White on the other...perfect!
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Very Vanilla, Blackberry Bliss, Grapefruit Grove, Mint Macaron, Nature's Poem DSP, Delightfully Detailed Laser-Cut Speciality Paper
Ink ~ Black Berry Bliss
Stamp Set ~ Detailed With Love
Other Supplies ~ Layering Ovals Framelits, Detailed Trio Punch, Faceted Dots, Very Vanilla Bakers Twine, Petals & More Thinlits

I am SO happy that Blackberry Bliss has returned to our color line-up...it's one of my most favorite purples ever!  And it's pretty amazing paired up with Grapefruit Grove and Mint Macaron.

Thank you for stopping by today!  I hope you are all beating the summer heat and getting some stamping time in too!

Happy Stamping!

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Be Strong

Happy Sunday stampers!  I hope you have all had a great weekend so far!  We had a yard sale yesterday...I forgot just how much work goes in to those things!  I was exhausted by the end of the day, but we had a successful sale, so it was well worth all of the work.  I decided this morning when I got up that today was going to be a chill day...which started with some stamping after my morning walk with my pups.
I decided on a pretty simple design this morning based around one of the sentiments from Rooted In Nature.  Be Strong...Be Happy...Be You.  I LOVE this!  After a trying day with a couple of my kiddos on Friday, this sentiment spoke to me.  Paired up with the big, strong tree in this set, it makes for a perfect simple, yet strong card.
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Whisper White, Crumb Cake
Ink ~ Memento Tuxedo Black, Stampin' Blends in Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight
Stamp Set ~ Rooted in Nature
Other Supplies ~ Subtle Embossing Folder, Nature's Roots Framelits, Linen Thread, Leaves Trinkets

Each time I used the Subtle Embossing Folder, I love it more and more.  It gives just the right amount of texture that is absolutely perfect with a stamp set like Rooted in Nature.  And do you see the embossed leaves on the tag?!?!  Those are part of the Nature's Roots Framelits...they are amazing!

Thanks for stopping by today!  I'm headed out to do a little bit of yard work before it gets to hot.  I know that sounds like work to some, but I love working in my yard.  It's a constant work in progress, but I am finally seeing some of the results I have been dreaming of since we bought our house 2 summers ago.

Happy Stamping!

Friday, July 20, 2018

Hello Friend

Happy Friday stampers! How is it Friday already?!?!  Why is it when you want things to slow down, they speed by at lightening speed?  I am down to my final two weeks of summer break and I'm not quite ready for my carefree days to come to an end.  It's a good thing I love my job and everyone I work with :-)  I have certainly been blessed!
I have SO much to do today...and I am doing everything I can to avoid doing all that I need to do.  I should be getting things ready for our yard sale tomorrow, but stamping sounded like a MUCH better idea!  
I've kind of been on a watercolor background kick...have you noticed? HA!  I made a quick and easy background today by inking up my E Block in a rainbow of colors, spritzing it with water and stamping it right on my paper.  I added a few splatters of color, then topped it off with a colorful HELLO! 
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Whisper White
Ink ~ Flirty Flamingo, Mango Melody, Pineapple Punch, Granny Apple Green, Coastal Cabana
Stamp Sets ~ Lined Alphabet, Apron of Love

This would be a great technique to use for a class...easy to do with a fun end result!

I hope you all have a great weekend!  I have procrastinated long enough...I must get to work and get my yard sale stuff done and {maybe} clean my house!

Happy Stamping!

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Animal Expedition with Max

Hello stampers!  How are all of my stampin' friends doing today?  I can't believe we are almost through another week!  We have had a lot of fun so far this summer, but it is going by much too fast for me.  I am savoring every last moment until I go back to work.

One of my favorite parts of being off for the summer is having more time to stamp and not feeling rushed!  Stamping truly is my therapy :)  My friends grandson will soon be turning 3 and she asked me to make a card for him, which I was so happy to do.  I have made him a card each year for his birthday and am honored to create another one.  This weeks Freshly Made Sketches sketch gave me just the inspiration I needed for a cute card for the birthday boy!  
If you'll notice, I flipped the sketch a bit to accommodate the rhino...I didn't want to chop his tail off :-)
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Crumb Cake, Shaded Spruce, Whisper White, Velum, Animal Expedition DSP
Ink ~ Lemon Lime Twist, Berry Burst, Shaded Spruce
Stamp Sets ~ Lined Alphabet, Picture Perfect Birthday
Other Supplies ~ Starburst Punch, Circle Punches, Large Numbers Framelits (retired), Glitter Enamel Dots

This sketch is a great way to showcase DSP...you can add different patterns with just a few circle punches!  Don't forget select DSP is on sale, buy 3 get 1 FREE until the end of July!
Happy Stamping!


Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Flamingo Inspiration ~ HSSIC 294

Hello stampers and welcome to an all new Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge!  This week we have a summer fun inspiration challenge for you to play along with.  I can't wait to see what you are inspired to create!

I am loving the flamingos in the photos, but sadly, I have no flamingo stamp sets :-(  I think I need to fix that problem!  But there is so much more to these photos than flamingos...look at all of the beautiful colors!  That is where I drew my inspiration from today!

Since I still had the Blended Seasons stamp set out, I inked up the floral image again and got got to coloring with some of the fabulous new Stamping  Blend colors...Flirty Flamingo, Lovely Lipstick, Call Me Clover and Pineapple Punch.
Green is one of my favorite colors and I am LOVING Call Me Clover! It's a great green, especially with some bright pinks!

Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Whisper White, Call Me Clover
Ink ~ Memento, Stampin' Blends (see colors above)
Stamp Set ~ Blended Seasons
Other Supplies ~ Stitched Seasons, Iridescent Sequins

I had fun creating the background by smearing ink on my silicon mat, then spritzing it with water and "smooshing" my paper on top of it.  It's an easy way to create a watercolor background with very little effort!

Thank you for stopping by today!  I hope you play along with us at Hand Stamped Sentiments and share how you were inspired to create!

Happy Stamping!

Sunday, July 15, 2018

Blended Seasons Swap ~ Monday Montage





Welcome back to Monday Montage!!!  We are back with another fabulous hop!  Make sure you click on the links below so you don't miss any of the creations...you are sure to love them all!

Here we are at Monday again!  How in the world did the weekend go by so fast?!?  It is so very true when they say time flies when you are having fun :-)  We had some weekend summer fun at Farmers Market and the swimming pool...AND I had some time to stamp!

I was asked to participate in a swap with the soon to be released Blended Seasons bundle and I couldn't say no.  I sat down with the stamp set to create my swap, but I couldn't decided which season to choose.  So...I decided to make one of each to help myself decide.  I think I know which one I'm going to use, but I may need your help to make the final decision!
Will it be Option #1...the pretty flowers colored in some of the beautiful new Stampin' Blend colors?
Or Option #2...a thank you card full of warm fall colors?
How about Option #3...a simple and fun Christmas card.  Who doesn't love plaid, right?!?
Or will it be Option #4...a bright and cheerful summer wheat harvest card? 
I need to hurry up and decide because I need to get the swaps all made and shipped out by the end of this week!  Be sure to leave me a comment with your favorite!

 Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Whisper White, Coastal Cabana, Highland Heather, Night of Navy, Granny Apple Green, Under the Mistletoe DSP
Ink ~ Memento, VersaMark, Coastal Cabana, Stampin' Blends
Stamp Set ~ Blended Seasons
Other Supplies ~ Stitched Seasons Framlelits, Linen Thread, Gold Metallic Pearls, Iridescent Sequins, Basic Black Bakers Twine

Mark you calendars...the Blended Seasons Bundle will be averrable to customers August 1st!  Don't miss out!

Next up is my stampin' friend is Dani...I can't wait to see what she has for us this week! Or if you want to hop backwards, you can hop on back to the amazing Amy...I just love her style!

Thanks you for stopping by today!

Happy Stamping!
https://amyoneillblog.com/2018/07/15/mondaymontage120/



http://danidziama.blogspot.com/2018/07/mondaymontage120.html
We've added links to all of our home pages as well so you can hop along in any order you'd like!


Thursday, July 12, 2018

#tgifc168 Sketch Challenge

TGIF stampers!  We made it through another week and have the weekend ahead of us!  Friday means it's time for an all new TGIF Challenges and this week we have a fun sketch for you.
You would think that being a mom of 3 boys would mean I would make a lot of boy friendly cards.  Unfortunately, this doesn't happen nearly enough and I am always reminded this time of year that I need to have more boy friendly birthday cards on hand.  I feel like we have a birthday party to go to every weekend and I am always scrambling to get a card made.  Thanks to this fun sketch, I have a boy card waiting for the next birthday party!
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Mango Melody, Blueberry Bushel, Gray Granite, Whisper White
Ink ~ Mango Melody, Blueberry Bushel, Gray Granite, VersaMark
Stamp Sets ~ Better Together, Itty Bitty Greetings
Other Supplies ~ Stitched Shapes Framlits, Whisper White Bakers Twine, Oh My Stars Embossing Folder, Balloon Boquet Punch

It's always fun bringing an older stamp set to new life with new colors!  This was my first time using Mango Melody and I kind of love it!

I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and an amazing weekend!

Happy Stamping!

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Celebrating the Good Stuff

Hello stampers!  I hope everyone's week is off to a good start so far!

I had big plans yesterday of getting some chores done around the house after a doctors appointment, but thanks to a power outage, I had to leave some of my chores behind and had some time to stamp!  I checked out the latest Fab Friday Challenge and decided to pay along with their latest sketch. 
I got a little off track with the sketch when I added the cute little flag banners, but I just rolled with it!  I won the Pick a Pennant stamp set at OnStage in April and thought I had bought the coordinating framelits, but I thought wrong.  It's a good thing I love fussy cutting!
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Whisper White, Tranquil Textures DSP, Garden Impressions DSP
Ink ~ Balmy Blue, Calypso Coral, Petal Pink
Stamp Sets ~ Pick a Pennant, Picture Perfect Birthday
Other Supplies ~ Layering Circles Framelits, Whisper White Bakers Twine

I kind of wish I would have used an embossing folder on this, but simple is good, right?!?!

I'm off to get my Christmas in July class supplies all cut and ready.  And I supposed I better do a little bit more yard work before I head back to my craft room to create.  I'm not gonna lie...it's going to be really hard to go back to work at the end of my summer break!  I'm loving my time off and somewhat unstructured days.

Happy Stamping!

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Stampin' Blends Sunday

Hello stampers and happy Sunday!  What a week it has been!  Between a visit from my stampin' BFF, Wendy, 4th of July celebrations and time with family, it has been a week full of fun times.  Sadly, Wendy and I didn't get any time to stamp together...BOO!  And I didn't have much to stamp the rest of the week as well, but I did manage to get in a little stamp time this morning while everyone was still sleeping.

I got all of the NEW Stampin' Blend colors at the beginning of the week and they have been sitting on my desk just waiting to be used.  So, I inked up my favorite coloring stamp set, Animal Outings, and got in a little color therapy this morning. One of the new Stampin' Blend colors I was excited to get was Poppy Parade.  I was so happy to see this color return and even more so when I saw that there would be a Stampin' Blend in this color too!
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Poppy Parade, Whisper White, Basic Black, Animal Expedition DSP
Ink ~ Memento, Poppy Parade, Stampin' Blends: Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Crumb Cake, Smoky Slate
Stamp Set ~ Animal Outing
Other Supplies ~ Tailored Tag Punch, Animal Friends Thinlits, Leaf Ribbon

I am hoping to sneak in a little bit more stamping time later today.  But first, I promised my youngest a bike ride and then I have to get our yard mowed before it gets too hot.  And with the heat wave that we have going on, a visit to the pool will likely happen this afternoon as well!

I hope you all have a fantastic Sunday and get in a little of your own stamping time!

Happy Stamping!

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Celebrate Independence Day

Happy 4th of July stampers!  Do you have any fun-filled plans for today?

I'll fill you in on our amazing plans in just a bit.  But first, I have a festive card to share with you!  In honor of Independence Day, I have a fun card to share with you today.  A few weeks ago I saw this painting on Pinterest and was inspired to pull out my Waterfront stamp set.  I have seen several other similar cards as well...I love all of our creative minds!

Supplies Used:

Paper ~ Blueberry Bushel, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer
Ink ~ Blueberry Bushel, Lovely Lipstick, Memento, VersaMark
Stamp Set ~ Waterfront
Other Supplies ~ Celebrate You Thinlits, White Embossing Powder

I LOVE the Waterfront stamp set!  I have seen so many amazing creations!  

Today is guaranteed to be a fun day of celebrating our country's independence!  My stampin' BFF, the amazing Wendy Weixler, and her hubby flew in yesterday in their awesome Clifford plane for a little visit for the holiday.  Wendy and I are kicking the day off with a little fun outdoor Jazzercise class and will then head over to my parents for their annual neighborhood 4th of July parade.  Kids decorate their bikes, scooters and strollers and wear their favorite red, white and blue clothes and parade through the neighborhood.  The local Union fire truck leads the parade and we have ice cold popsicles for the kiddos at the end...so much fun!

We are also gearing up for a big bbq later this evening.  Lots of family and friends will join us for a night of back yard baseball, hide and seek and, of course, fireworks at the end of the night.  This is our second year hosting a party for the 4th of July and I can't wait for everyone to get here!  It fills my heart to the very top having a yard full of so many amazing people and making fun memories!

Wishing you all a very safe and Happy 4th of July!

Happy Stamping!

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Simple Kindness ~ HSSCC293

Hello stampers!  Here we are at Tuesday again and that means it's time for an all new Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge.  This weeks challenge is all about color!
This is a fun color combo that can be used for so many different creations. Just look at all of the amazing projects from our design team!!  I decided to keep things simple with my card today and pulled out the super cute Seasoned with Kindness Hostess stamp set.  I love the little pots and plants!
Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Whisper White, Smoky Slate, Pool Party, Brights DSP
Ink ~ Smoky Slate, Basic Gray, Pool Party, Daffodil Delight
Stamp Set ~ Seasoned with Kindness
Other Supplies ~ Linen Thread, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Subtle Embossing Folder

Aren't those little flower pots the cutest?!?  

I'm off to take on the day!  My stampin' BFF Wendy and her husband are flying in today to celebrate the 4th of July with us.  I can't wait for her to get here!  We are hoping to get some stamping in during her visit, so stay tuned!!

Happy Stamping!

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Twinkle Twinkle Little One ~ Monday Montage





Welcome back to Monday Montage!!!  We are back with another fabulous hop!  Make sure you click on the links below so you don't miss any of the creations...you are sure to love them all!

Since my boys are older and we don't have a lot of friends having babies at the moment, I always seem to glance over any baby related stamp sets or suites.  But when I saw the Twinkle Twinkle suite, it was one that I had to have.  Sure, it's mainly for little ones, but it would also make for a great anniversary or just because card for your significant other.


I made a few cute cards with this suite to share with you today.  The first one is a sweet little card using the new Petal Pink card stock.  I'm really liking this color, especially with the other great colors in the Twinkle Twinkle DSP.  This card will make it's way to our neighbor who just had an adorable baby girl last week.  I can't wait to go buy her a cute little girly outfit!
 Next up is a card that I plan on giving to my hubby, just because.  I don't leave him little notes or cards as often as I should and this sentiment is perfect!  I used some of the Glossy White cardstock and added a little Pool Party watercolor background.  I stamped the heart shape in the awesome new Gray Granite and added the sentiment in Night of Navy.  I added a few splatters of Pool Party and stamped a few Gray Granite stars.  With a few of the Twinkle Sequins, this card is complete!
 My last card is a cute one that could be used for any occasion for your favorite little person.  I love the Twinkle Builder Punch and all of the patterns in the DSP. I added a little bit of the Sparkle Glimmer paper behind the punch out stars and moon for just a bit of bling. This suite kind of reminds me of a sweet storybook I used to read my boys when they were younger.   
 Supplies Used:
Paper ~ Whisper White, Petal Pink, Gray Granite, Soft Sea Foam, Night of Navy, Glossy White, Twinkle Twinkle DSP, Sparkle Glimmer Paper
Ink ~ Gray Granite, Night of Navy
Stamp Set ~ Little Twinkle
Other Supplies ~ Twinkle Adhesive-Backed Sequins, Silver & Pool Party Bakers Twine, Twinkle Builder Punch, Metallic Silver Thread

Don't forget that select DSP is buy 3, get 1 free right now. The Twinkle Twinkle DSP happens to be one of the papers available during this promotion!  Get yours today!

Next stop on the hop is Cathy...I can't wait to see what she has for us this week! Or if you want to hop backwards, you can hop on back to the amazing Amy...I just love her style!

Thanks you for stopping by today!

Happy Stamping!


https://amyoneillblog.com/2018/07/01/mondaymontage119/

https://sugarshackdesigns.com/2018/07/01/mondaymontage119/