A Valentine & Cricut Vinyl Wall Decorations

This week I have my Bi Monthly swap with friends...
We each make 10 cards and then swap them, lately it been harder to get everyone together but I got my cards made over a week ago becasue I have been craft challenged since. For instance I cut Vinyl with my cricut and forgot to take a picture for my blog...and basically have been busy being a mom instead of blogging...

Here is the card I made for my swap on Thursday. I picked up some Decorative paper with cute words and little hearts last year after Valentines clearance...so I used the colors to help me decide what to do. I choose to use the red from my Michaels Valentines pkg to emboss in my cuttlebug. and I matted with Black to help pop the image and teh embossed piece. I used a red gingham I picked up at walmart. the embossed piec and the heart image are mounted on dimensionals. the Heart stamp is a Michaels dollar stamp from a few years ago. I colored it with my SUmarkers and I used my white gel pen to add a little high light. I think it turned out very cute. I really need to get on the ball and make more valentines. I hope I get over my funk and feel like stamping Cards soon.

My BIL and SIL moved in to their new home this last weekend and so I made their kids some wall vynil signs for their rooms. Now remember I forgot totake the one before I covered it with the transfer tape, so You'll have to use your xray vision to see it.

I used my Paper dolls cart and Opposites attract to cut the words for the princess one. the white will all be removed it is just the backing. For my Nephew I used my Mickey & Friends cart because I was told he liked airplanes. The airplane is red with a yellow propeller and the his name was cut with Mickey Font in blue and everything was shadowed in black.

I was pleased with how they turned out, but have been told my FIL never made the delivery after he picked up and dropped off my nephew. I might have to chase them down...

Thanks for looking Until Later ... Happy Stamping!

Christmas Duo

I made the following two cards for different swaps on SCS. The first is a simple Snowflake card. I embossed using my Snowflake A2 folder on Vellum and then trimmed the edges of the vellum and white cardstock with Fiskers decorative scissors. I attached the vellum to the white cardstock using Creative Memories "Frosted splits". I totally intended to use this card for my SC148 challenge and forgot about it while making the cards. I got kind of caught up in the design. The blue cardstock is SU Bordering Blue. I stamped with "snowflurries" in "VersaMark" Ink, after I heat embossed with silver embossing powder"Holiday Greetings" from SU Sincere Salutations set. I used a fuzzy cord ribbon (lighter than it appears here) and wrapped it around the white snowflake layer and then added a silver snowflake with a clear gemstone brad, and 3 small hero arts clear gemstones. A very simple card but I like how it turned out.

The second card uses one of my tag stamps form the original SU Tag Punch Box. I stamped with Bashful Blue and then colored just the Real Red marker over joy and stamped it on a separate piece of cs and then trimmed it down and adhered it to the tag, after coloring it with Green Galore, Only Orange, YoYo Yellow and Basic Black SU markers. I used a small piece of Red Cardstock to mat the tag. I tied the red checked gingham ribbon around the D'vine swirl embossed retired SU Light blue cardstock. I used my QuiKuts Snowflake Die in my Cuttlebug and cut on White cardstock. After cutting themout I put through my Xyron "X" sticker maker and then adhered glitter to the snowflakes. They were mounted on the card using dimensionals.

I think they both turned out cute I just love snowflakes and Blue cards, in the winter. I really loved the card posted by Jill in this post on her blog "Inkgenius" , It is so beautiful, Check It Out.
Until Later ...HappyStamping!

Christmas Trio!!!

I have been making a few cards the last few days. I decided to go with my SC147 first. I used Night Of Navy for matting and Bordering Blue for the image stamping.
I decided I definately was not going to use the cuttlebug tonight. I Embossed alot the base and secondary layer I embossed with clear embossing powder the top i embossed with SIlver embossing powder, because I wanted a few more silver embellishments. I followed the SC147 sketch pretty closely. I used my Paisley, Print pattern and Cross hatch backgrounds. Paisley & Print Pattern were embossed using versa mark. I stamped Night of navy over the embossed image and then wiped the excess ink off the embossing. I then added a little shimmer using my Sakura clear stardust pen. Have I said, "I love that pen"! I Do! I used my marvy scalloped corner rounder on two of the bordering blue layers, and my EK small corner rounder on the Night of Navy layers. I like the look. I used my double circle punch to punch half circles in the NoN edge to hold the navy and silver cording in place. I used silver button brads on the sentiment and the corners. I silver embossed an astrik snowflake from "Snow Flurries". I stamped "sparkle" from "Warm Words" on the bordering blue small layer with NoN ink. I like how it turned out.

My next card is only possible because of a RAK I recieved. The Blue and Red snowflakes(spoked circles) layered on the card were made with "Accent Essentials" on a Cricut Expression. I want the cart but it only comes with the E-bug. I want it so bad, so my friend sent me some diffent cuts form it in the mail. The background is some left over card stock I had stamped for a Christmas Swap I am in, so I used it here. The inks are bordering blue stamped three times before reinking, Night of Navy and Real Red, and Brilliacne Paltnium Planet. The gemstone stars are some I picked up on clearance at my local scrapbook store(LSS). I thought they added to the center of the large cut spoke circles, that I am using as snowflakes. The small snowflake stamps come from "Snow Flurries" and "Cold Play". I matted the sentiment with NoN and the base image with pieces of Real read left over from my swap card. I used a ticket corner punch on both. The "be Merry" is from "Warm Words". the white it is stamped on was sponged with Platnium Planet also. The ribbons were scraps and the brads MM silver for a finishing touch.

My last card is a second card I made for my Christmas Swap I signed up for on SCS. I used "Cold Play" and "Snow Flurries" stamp sets. The previously mentioned Cardstock and Ink colors.

I used the markers of Bordering Blue, Night of Navy and Real red to color the Scarf stamp and fill in the hat band and flower after stamping it with Versamagic "Midnight Black".

The Snowman was stamped with "Basic Gray", the arms with "Close to Cocoa" and the carrot nose with Pumkin Pie". I masked the circle of the snowman as I stamped them using Post its, starting with the small circle. I sponged the Night of Navy background with Brilliance Moonlight White after embossing it with my D'vine Swirl Folder. The hat is mounted on Dimensionals, and the red strips are pierced. The three White brads are the finishing touch. I am happy with how it turned out.

Until Later ... Happy Stamping!

Pink & Brown Baby Zoorific

Okay, This was a simple card, but has lots of little tips for fun things I did when I made it. I hate when it takes longer to explain something than it should so I took pictures.

Originally I was going to use my air brush, so I took pictures of how I mask the image to show you. I ultimately chose to sponge two colors but the masking technique is the same. First I stamp the image on White cardstock, Iused Timber brown for this because I am going to watercolor the image. After the first stamping I stamp the same image on a Post it Note type pad. Since I choose the zebra I stamped it sideways on the pad so that more of the image would be over the sticky edge. I repeated 6 times because this was for a swap. I trim close but I do not worry about the mane and tail becasue I need the sponging to mix in with it. I sotre the masking with the stamps after like shown in a previous post. For this swap I sponged heavily with Pretty In Pink and lightly with Close to Cocoa. After removing the mask the image looks like this. I painted the zebras with close to cocoa Ink pad and an H2O fine tip painter.

Then I trim them down to size 2" by 2 1/16". I used my Double circle punch to punch to holes around the image to tie my ribbon through. Next I made the tags. I used my Word Window punch for "baby" from SU Noteworthy SAB set, and shortend it by repunching the end. I left enought room for it to hang down below welcome and punched a 1/8" circle punch so I could attach it to the ribbon . The SU Word Window was to small for "Welcome" so I had to be more creative. I punched out "welcome" with my Cuttlebug rounded top mini tag Die. I didn't like the flat edge. So I tried the 1/2" circle punch(too Small) and the 3/4 circle punch(too big) to get the other end rounded. Finally I pulled out my Marvy scalloped corner rounder and it fit just right. I put the punch upside down and inserted the tag and centered it then pushed down to punch. I use down word pressure with out punching to help hold the tag inplace while I position it in the center of the punch so that the little corners were all that was punched off. I tied the Chocolate and Pink 1/4" and Pink organza ribbon and tags around the zebras neck attaching the tags with the organza ribbon. I used my Cricut and Mini Monograms to cut a 3" scalloped sqaure and I sponged it with Pretty in pink on the edges. I cut a 3" Chocolate square from a chocolate Square weave Paper I picked up at Michaels. I used my ticket corner punch to add an extra touch to the sqaure. All the levels of the focal image are mounted on 1/16" dimensionals. The Light Pink card stock was embossed with D'vine Swirl in my cuttle bug and then a piece of the same Choc and Pink gingham was attached with Zots Dots and then adhered with the same dots to the card base of White cardstock. THe focal image was then attached lining upthe ribbon on the neck withthe ribbon onthe fron of the card, and attached with Med Zots glue Dots also.

This was a fun card to make I hope you enjoy all the extra pictures I hope you enjoy the card also. I need to get them bith in the mail now for my Pink & Brown/Black swap on SCS.

Until Later ... Happy Stamping!

PINK & BLACK HARMONY SC146

I had fun making cards today for a few swaps I am in. The card I am showing was made using the SC146 sketch challenge as a layout. I like the LO, because it is quite basic and simple. I am using it for a Black and Pink Swap I am doing on SCS so color choice wasn't an issue. It was hard to decide what image to use.

I settled on Happy Harmony because I was looking for a flower and I loved the "Give Thanks" sentiment and thought it would be appropriate for the coming Thanksgiving Holiday. Would you mind getting a Pink and Black Card for Thanksgiving?

The pink and black cardstock is from a baby girl package and an all black package of cardstock at Michaels. I used a white base for the card and image. I embossed using the "Textile" and "Stylized Flowers" in my Cuttlebug. I sponged Moonlight white brilliance on the Black base because I wanted the black mat on the focal image to stand out. I punched the slit tool punch on the matting at about 1/8" in and 1/4" up from the bottom, then adhered the stamped image under the tab created. I stamped the "flower" stamp on the Pretty In Pink Ink pad and then drew with Mellow Moss on the stems with my SU Markers. I then stamped the image on the cardstock. I stamped the "Give Thanks" stamp over the top using versamagic Midnight Black. I really like the softness of this black when I stamp over lighter colors. I used black picture hangers and brads I bought in a set of twelve each from starlite studio some time ago. I' cant remember the manufacturer. The center of the flowers was punched out using my 1/16" circle punch, and I used 2 matte black brads by Creative Imaginations. Lastly I tied black and pink gingham ribbon on the hanger. I like how it turned out.

I will post another card on Monday. Have a great weekend.

Until Later ...Happy Stamping!

Christmas swap card

I made this card for a swap on SCS. I had fun doing it, but I cannot get a nice picture. I think the brilliance Galaxy Gold Ink is interferring with the flash, and you can't even read "Holiday Greetings" on the Whisper white one piece. Thesee definately look better in real life.

The colors I used are close to Bravo Burgandy, Old Olive and More Mustard. They are from an assortment I got a while ago. Whisper white was the base for the stamped images. I stamped using Timber brown stazon since Iused my watercolor pencils and aqua painters to color the images. The saddles were actually colored withthe red and purple colors so they could blend to get a burgandy color. I used Moonlight white Brilliance dewdrop to sponge the Mustard and Burgandy strip, after embossing with the "snowflake " cuttlebug folder. D'vine swirls was used to emboss the olive. I tied a small strip of gold ribbon. Since these are christmas cards I kept the embellishing to the rembossing to make them more mailable. Hope you like them, sorry I cant get a better picture. I used SU Sincere Salutations and Festive Favorites(?)(I'll mke sure this is correct in the AM I need to get to bed,LOL!)

Until Later ...Happy Stamping!

Swap Cards

Today I finally got in my craft room and I cleaned it up enough to play a bit. I dont like the results on the two cards I made so I am opting to tweak them a bit more tomorrow. Hopefully they'll get better. I thought I would share a few cards from the other swap I recieved back recently the Mourning Marigold and Mixed Bouquet swap. All the cards used the Retiring incolor07 Morning Marigold and the retiring Mixed Bouquet Stamp set.





The swap hostess was Lindsay(Chaikitty) on SCS and she threw in an extra little thank you card to match her card for the swap. I love the colors she used and how she put the card together.

The next two cards were unsigned. They were

both georgous so if you know who made them let me know so I can give them credit. I like that they both used similar colors and yet produced such a different look. I love the cuttlebug use and the black and white gingham with the polkadot ribbon.

















I dont know about you but I also like to find great buys. In the Target Dollar section they have some scrapbooking items. I wouldnt use them for scrapbooking , but I would use them for cards and especially for inexpensive stuff your children can use to make cards. I used some of the stuff on the cards I worked on tonight that need tweaking a bit. Here is a picture of what I picked up. The "icons" are self adhesive rhinestones and I got them in the scrapbooking craft area they were 1.99 each. I cut the rhinestone objects apart and use them individually on cards. I wanted some red and yellow and buying them this way is less expensive and the only way I have found bright yellow and red. The binder clips 50 to a package, I found them in the office section for 1.67. I picked them up because its the first time I have seen all silver ones. The rest is from the 1$ section. The ribbon is cute , but it is printed so it needs to be stuck down so that the white background doesn't show, 6 yrds for 1$ though, works for me. It is a satin white ribbon. The brads are thin but they are colorful and cute. The plastic coated pictures of leaves and apples looked like they would be fun for the fall. I took them out of the packaging but I havent worked with them yet. The cork lettering is cute and worked quite nice. they had the clear pebble letters also, but for fall and halloween the cork looked like I needed to try it.

Until Later... Happy Stamping!

Swaps to Share and Organizing(ugh)

Today I am hoping to organize my craft room again so I can play in it properly. I hope to have a card I made to post this evening. Have a great Labor day!



Here are a few cards from a swap I participated in on SCS it was called "Brand Spankin New" Swap. It required using new stuff in the current SU catalog including the new in colors. There were alot of fabulous cards that I intend to case. The three I chose to share will probably be cased soon


This first one is gorgeous, It made me look at Baroque Motif in a whole new way. The embossing looked fantastic and the white really added a great touch. It was made by Amber Cambell, and it is quite beautiful.



The 2nd card is very nice also. To be honest I havent been to impressed with the new "Pick a Petal" stamp set, but I really like what Amber Hoard did with it on this card. The Black got all washed out in the picture, but the Dark Black with the red and WHite on this card looks great. With all the warm WOrds and other stamp sets you could make this card for many different occassions. It has me debating getting Pick A Petal, a few more cards and I am sure I'll be pushed over the edge.


The last card I wanted to show you from this swap is by Allison Ellibee. I just love the card and the colors it is so cheerful and I need to order some of this SU stuff, the new in colors and the flower punch. I also wanted to say I love Allisons work everytime I swap with her I just love what I get. This was another fun swap by the Stampin Ninja at SCS.

Now to organize so I can Play today...
Until Later... Happy Stamping!

One Last Snow in July

For the last three days I have been making cards for a Swap on SCS called Brand Spanking New.

This swap is about using new colors or stamps from the new SU Catalog. I haven't bought too much from the new catalog yet, and this being the third card I was struggling to come up with a card. I really wanted the card to be mono chromatic in greys and blacks. In my brainstorming I remembered that Snow flurries made it into the new catalog. I also had some of the new Basic Grey cardstock and ink pad. I have the going grey ink pad but let me just say I love this new color alot. It's a lot more rich and deep. I used Basic Grey, Basic Black and Pretty in Pink for this card. I also wanted to use this pink and black gingham ribbon, in fact I used it all up and I hope I can find more. The check is larger than some you can find and it has pink on the edge instead of black. It is much prettier than what I was able to find today.

I used Ultra Smooth Cardstock in white from SU, and Pretty in Pink and Basic Grey ink. I punched the snowflakes with a 3/4" punch after stamping them, and then some pink cardstock into a 1" circle for matting the grey snowflakes. I used light pink Mini brads from Queen & Co. I ran the pink, cardstock and snowflakes, through my Zyron X to add adhesive to the back and then punched the center of the grey ones, attached the brads, and then adhered them to the pink mat with small Zots glue dots.

After trimming the Basic Grey cardstock I ran it through the Cuttlebug with the D'vine swirl Embossing folder. After seeing this Card by Debbie Olsen a month ago, I thought I could trim the swirls close to look like wind. After trimming the swirls I tied the Ink and black ribbon to the grey swirl embossed cardstock. When I mounted it on a piece of Black cardstock I tore the paper close to the grey edge. I pierced the black following the curves in the grey free hand at about 1/8th inch apart. Lastly I mounted it on the Pretty In Pink making sure to leave room to stamp the "let it snow" sentiment from SU "Cold Play" with the Basic Grey Ink. I then placed the snow flakes on the card where I thought they worked the best.

Until Later... Happy Stamping!

4 A's Three for You

This is the second of three Swap cards I made for a Swap on SCS. Why 4 A's , the cardstock SU's Always Amethyst, and Apricot Appeal. I just couldn't get the purple color to look right in the picture of the card. I think the Kaliedescope irridesent Embossing powder was interferring, with the camera getting the color right. The irridesents show up nice in their varied colors. This card really is simple and turned out very cute. I used my large SU Circle punches to cut the circles out of Appricot Appeal 1-3/8" and Always Anethyst 1-1/4". The flower and center from Three For You Punch Box, were stamped on Whisper White cardstock and then punched with my 1" circle punch. I used the "Just For You" sentiment from the same set as well as the Wild Wasabi Stamping spot to put the sentiments on the white circles by the flowers. The circle pieces were then assembled. I used a white organza ribbon, and wished I had purchased some Apricot Appeal ribbon with my Su order. To add color I added a little green petit dot ribbon(Wal mart). I used my standard "little bits" wheel from stamping up to roll embossing glue onto the Always Amethyst paper and then sprinkled kalidescope embossing powder to add some sparkle. I thought of adding brads, and dimensionals under the circles, but decided it would take away from the sparkle. I hope you like my simple card.

Until Later... Happy Stamping!

Caramel & Teal Motifs

I purchased this striped ribbon several weeks ago at wal-mart. I've been wanting to use it, but never picked the right colors to use it. Tonight I was staring at paper trying to find inspiration for 3 swap cards I need to make and get in the mail soon. I finally looked at the ribbon and decided I am going to make a card so I can use it. I chose SU Whisper White, Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip for cardstock and inks and added Taken With Teal ink to bring in the blue.
My Demo Loaned me her SU Baroque Motifs Stamp set.
I think I need to get it, Their is so much I want to get.

I stamped off the teal ink once to lighten it to go with the ribbon more each time I used it, except when I stamped "Cherish". I felt the carmel cardstock need the ink darker. The large flower is stamped with Creamy Caramel and then sponged with Chocolate Chip, A teal brad from MM tropics was added to the center and the flower is mounted on dimensionals.

I stamped the square shaped stamp 3 times and then trimmed them into leaves for the large circle flower. The smaller flowers are stamped on Whisper white and then I colored the centers with a Chocolate Chip marker. Next I punched them out with my 1" circle punch, and then sponged them and the card base with Creamy Caramel. I trimmed 1/2" off the Creamy Caramel cardfront and then marked about 3/4" off center using a ruler and double slot punch. I then stamped the Brocade background with Chocolate Chip. I then stamped "Cherish", and threaded the ribbon. I did loop and cross the ribbon in the back to try to puff and bunch the ribbon better. It does look prettier in real life. I wished I had a little teal gemstone to stick on the dot of the "i". Should I add a clear one?

I made 6 of these tonight for the "Brand Spankin New" swap on SCS. I need to make 2 more sets because I signed up for three spots. I get the loveliest cards in this group.

Until Later... Happy Stamping!

Guess What, A Few More Swap Cards

This card by Marie, scs name & gallery "VABVA" uses "Roses in Winter", on Whisper white cardstock and uses Mellow Moss and Always Artichoke for matting. I love the way she punched with the double rectangle Punch and threaded the ribbon(white Polk Dot Spring Green grosgrain. The sparkles on the roses are oh so pretty, she used a glue pen and Dazzling Diamonds. The roses are stamped in So safron and More Mustard. The little flowers are stamped in Ruby Red, The foliage is Mellow Moss & always Artichoke.


This next card is by Sharon, SCS name & gallery link "sreynolds". She used the Nice and Easy notes set. The image was stamped with Black Versa Fine and clear embossed then she colored with prismacolor pencils, and used a blending marker to blend. She also used crystal lacquer to give it a clear embossed look. She also used the Marvy Mega nad Giga scalloped circle punches to punch out the image and the black matting. I just love her decorative paper and ribbon choice also. Wouldn't this card just perk you up if you were sick?

Lindsay, scs made the next card using "Fun Filled". She also has a swap going at SplitCoast, Heres a LINK I know she's looking for a few more swappers, a friend and I have both signed up for this one. I know there will be cute cards in this swap also. You can get to her gallery there. I just love how happy this card looks, To me is Says HAPPY BIRTHDAY...I love the color choices and the way the presents seem to be jumping up and down saying open me. Taken with Teal and Certainly Celery seemed to be the color choices for the base and matting. Tempting Turquoise and Mellow Moss were additional colors used for stamping. I like how she used the Make a wish from the candle stamp to add a sentiment. I do not know what stamp set she used for the little stars and dots if you recognize it let me know. I think its one of the Itty Bitty backgrounds but I didnt look it up.

I know I should be posting my own cards but I was so pleased with this swap and I wanted to share with you what could be done with these marvelous retiring stamp sets from Stampin Up.

If you dont have a demo I am sure mine would be happy to help you out, Shari's Web site. If you email her she can take credit card orders etc. and SU ships direct to the customer. If you want to schedule a work shop and need a local Demo you can find one through the Stampin Up Website, You can aalso find their catalogs here and special offers. I love their products. I am finding out I love everyones products, me winking! Can you believe I still have a few more cards from this swap! Now I am off to stamp and cricut...

Until Later... Happy Stamping!

More Swap Cards

The next three cards I want to share are by Kathi127 & MollyDR the links go to their galleries at SCS.

The first two are made by Kathi.

Kathi's first card uses Rose red and Regal Rose with a touch of Taken With Teal. She also used a white gel pen to add the white dots to the background. The teal on these rose colors really pops. She used the "All the Best" stamp set. I love the sponging and the spattering on the main image, I love the use of the decorative paper. The teal grograin ribbon and the alternating colored brads are really cute.

Next she used "Warm Words" for the sentiment and "Delight in Life". I think she used Marigold Morning cardstock and stamped "French Script" Background on it in Old Olive to match the cardstock used on the base. She stamped the images on Very Vanilla and added red stickles or similar to the flower for shimmer both Images are matted with Buckaroo Blue and the vanilla is sponged with Marigold Morning also. The color could be More Mustard but I think it is Marigold Morning.




Molly's used "Blooming with Happiness". I believe she used Always Amethyst, and Barely Banana cards stock and Always Amethyst Ink. she also used a little light purple Stickles, or glitter glue to sparkle up the candles, "Curvey Verses", was also used for the sentiment. This is a very simple and quick to make card.I am telling you I got some really cute cards with this swap; I love swapping with these ladies!


Until later...Happy Stamping!

Cards by Isai I recieved

The first card in this set uses the "A Little Love" set. This is another versatile set that can be used in many ways. I like the way Isai, Vela Creations on SCS


used it here on a strip of More Mustard cardstock as a closure for the card. I often for get you can close a card this way. The base of the card is Cranberry Crisp and the image is matted with Cameo Coral.

The next card uses "Basket Full of Fun". I love the way she chose to use green apples. I always forget their are a lot of colors for apples whenever I color mine. I also like how she rounded the corners on this card.

Her last card uses
"Snowflakes"
It is really hard to see in the image, but she used 3 colors of Blue to form a wreath from the snowflakes, she also added gold glitter to dot the centers. This card is very pretty and the snowflakes look very delicate. The cool blue colors just remind me of snow. I believe the colors used were; Not Quite Navy, Bordering Blue and Brocade Blue though Buckaroo Blue the retiring color might have been used instead of Bordering Blue. Isai did very nice work and I was glad I was in a swap with her.

You can see this swap has some very talented ladies in it. I will post again later.
Until Then .....Happy Stamping!

"Goin Out in Style" Swap Cards from Sam

In the Swap I participated in This Month on SCS several people made cards that used Stamp sets that will be retiring on June 30.
I started posting some cards I recieved last week, starting with Allison's. Today I would like to Share Sam's and some others later in the day today and tomorrow.
The first card used, "Little Somethings" I really like this set I have it and I use it. I believed she used So Saffron, Always Amethyst and Whisper White. The images were colored with colored pencils. The clip is purple and I believe picked up in Targets office supply section. I was able to pick up some in various bright colors, bright pink , and a turquoise blue, and the purple shown. A SU pink gingham ribbon was tied to the clip. This is a very sweet card.



The second card uses "Pretty Princess". I believe Pink
Passion and Tempting turquoise cardstock and the matching markers and a Yoyo Yellow marker were used to make this card. This would be a very cute set for anyone with little girls. The holes for the ribbon were punched into the base and then the ribbon threaded through and tied. I believe this ribbon is SU grograin also. The sentiment image was also sponged.







The last card used " Love Ya Bunches".

The image was stamped on confetti white paper, and the
swirl stamped on Whisper White.
I love the way Sam put this card together with the little strings and the swirl dangling tag. The rivets make the image stand out from the Real Red cardstock. I believe the other cardstock is Ballet Blue and Lovely Lilac. The love defintition sentiment stamped on the Ballet Blue adds to the card also.

There are a lot of little effects put into this card. It is simple and yet nice.



Hope you enjoy these cards I will be back later today to post some more very nice cards from this Swap.

Until Then ....Happy Stamping!

Papertrey Card Update

Well I took some time this morning and finished up the card I started and asked for help on last week.

The first thing I did was take apart the old card front and flip the verse over. I played around trying to color some of the dots and decided that was a frustrating task and thought better of it. I also tried cutting the stamped piece thinner removing the sentiment. Nothing was working the way I invisioned it. Finally I added some trim on the sides of the verse using Ruby Red and Pumpkin Pie cardstock. I liked this, but it needed something else.

I then stamped and punched out the large orange flowers planning to just add one. Then the imagination kicked in and I stamped the three differnt flowers sizes in the three Color choices. Using various sizes of circle punches ranging from 1/2" to 1-1/4" I punched them out, and some Chocolate Chip cardstock for matting out. I raised the flower images on dimesionals, except the yellow one by the sentiment. I sponged them with Chocolate Chip mostly because the small yellow flower was too big to punch with the 1/4" circle and left too much white when being punched with 1/2". After I sponged them I had to remove the orange and red trim of card stock and sponge the Ribbon Sentiment strip, I had hoped for a more clean crisp card but I am happy with how this turned out. I think if I knew I was going to sponge it from the beginning I would have used a vanilla or off white cardstock for the stamping and embossing.

I used Papertrey's Little Lady for the Flower images and Faux Ribbon for the Ribbon/Sentiment. The ink colors and cardstock are all Stampin Up. Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun, Ruby Red and Pumpkin Pie.

Until later... Happy Stamping!

Bella Cards, finally

I know you have seen the images before, but finally you get to see the card. I am so glad they are finished.

The coloring of the image I covered last week. I just used some GinaK blending solution(odorless mineral spirits) to diffuse the colors and help blend them together. I also used a Loew-Cornell Flesh color to add a thin line along the arms and slight color to the face. Having 6 different brands of colored pencils for me is almost like having one multicolored expensive one, except the colors aren't always labeled diferrent. For instance I have several colors labeled "Peach" and they are all slightly different in color. The Blending Solution and multiple colors helps to make even my coloring jobs look more professional. I think the main thing a Blending solution does is melt the lines of the coloring together so it looks more like markers but has the shading more like pencil.

I chose to use SU So Saffron for the base. I thought it really set off the Light Teal color well. I chose to mat the image 1/4" with WorlWinPaper color match "Medium Lovely Lilac" cardstock that I distressed the edges of. To accentuate the slippers, I used the purple colored pencils and matting. Does anyones slippers ever really match their PJ's? Aren't they the most comfortable part of our sleep ensambles anyway?!? I trimmed WorldWinPaper colormatch " Light Terrific Teal" to 4" x 5 1/4" and then embossed it with my D'vine Swirl Folder in my Cuttlebug. I used my cricut and its Fabulous Finds cartridge on this card. I cut the round tab10 at 1-1/4" in the lilac and it's insert in white. I have only just begun to discover all the uses of this cart. After cutting the Tab I put it through my Xyron 150(the X) and then adhered the insert and then lined up the holes and pressed it all together to make the tab. I then attached 2 ,Doodlebug Buttercream mini-flower,"i-lets" using my silent setter. After the tab was assembled I stamped it with my sweet spot stamp set , "sweet" in lovely lilac, and the "dotted flower" in Tempting Turquoise stamped off three times. I cut the Offray shear dotted Orchid ribbon to about 7.5". I threaded the two ends through the eyelets to the front of the tab and tied a knot, and trimmed it at an angle. When I attach ribbon I am always conscious of how bulky it is and I try to use as little as possible. There fore, I always tie the knots or bows on just enough ribbon to span the space I am using, then I cu tthe loop based on where I want it's placement ont he card. For this card I cut it a little over 1" to the right of the tab. I measure down and mark the teal piece from the top of the card 1-1/2 " and place a small Zot glue dot on each side of the card. I find glue dots hold and adhere ribbon well. I attach the short end of the ribbon while holding the Tab in position, then I attach the other end of the ribbon. After I attached the ribbon I used a dimensional to attach the Tab to the front of the card. If I didnt use the dimnsional I usually attach the knot down with a glue dot. Lastly, I secured the Teal piece to the So Saffron Base with medium sized Zots glue dots. I find the embossed pieces of cardstock hold better if I used glue dots also. The Bella image with the matting is mounted to the card using dimensionals, remember those packages of foam squares I picked up in the Target dollar section a few weeks ago.

The absolute hardest part of this card was trying to come up with a sentiment to use. I was originally going to use sweet dreams, but who gives people cards at bedtime. I settled on Sweet, because it could be used for a friend, as a thank you, etc. Its a very versatile sentiment.

Until Next time... Happy Stamping...

My Chocolate Themed Swap Card

I made this card for a swap a few months ago. I always intended to make a tutorial of it. For me a picture is worth a thousand words....SO I took quite a few as I made the card and template.

If you are interested in supplies for this card please visit my SCS Gallery Posting #1 or Posting#2. All the inks papers and stamps are listed there.

This View--->

is to help you see the candy bar decoration when the ribbons are pulled to get the treat.

When making this card I wanted to include chocolate bars, because after all it had a chocolate theme.

The main thing I wanted to share in this post is how I made the candy bars pop up, and how I covered them. I used the same technique I had seen used in full size candy bar holders.

The paper was cut to 2.5"x7 1/2, I stamped , and cut the red strip to cover the fronts and sides and over lap the back by 1/4 inch this red strip was not scored but bent to match after the brads were attached later. The box strip was then scored at: 1-1/2"; 1-7/8"; 4-7/8"; 5-1/4" .

Holes were then punched with a 1/16th in circle punch, into the 3" section at 1 1/4" depth: at 3/4"; 1-1/2";

2-1/4" between the scored lines that make the 3" section.

The red strip was held in place and then punched again.

Next, The red strip and the ends of the ribbons were secured by the brads.

The sides of the box were then glued together, and the horizontal slot tool was used to cut the slots for the ribbon directly accross from where the brads and ribbons this does not have to be exactly across but at least above the half way mark on the card.

So you can see easier how the ribbons are threaded. I will show the box open with the ribbons, threaded through the slots. I how ever do thread the ribbon after the box is assembled.

At this point the box should look like this---->

Making sure there are no twist or turns in the ribbon.

The last step is to secure the box securely to the front of the card.

I used an unknown brand I purchased online at the "Taylored Expressions Blog", (but it is similar to, Art Accentz Terrifically Tacky Tape the 1/4" width., by Provo Craft, Stampin Up also has their own), to hold the box securely on the card because the ribbon will be pulled to eject the candy bars from the top it is important to adhere the box well. Do not skimp on the tape for this.

Next adhere the box to the card front. Be careful not to stick the ribbon to the tape. the ribbon should go down behind the box between the rows of tape, and out at the bottom. I trimmed the ribbon after I got the candy bars installed.

The candy bars are inserted into the box with the two side ones facing front and the middle being backwards if you are looking at the candy bar, packaged by the manufacturer.

Therefore the red and green strip of paper though both cut at 1.5"x3" are scored differently.The two outside pieces , in my case red, is scored at 1/2";7/8";1-5/8";2" where as the center piece,green, is scored at 1/2"; 7/8";1-7/8";2-1/4". I used zots Zip strips to adhere these around the candy bars. The seams should all be facing the back of the card. I stamped the papers with "sweet" from the sweet spot set and cut out flowers and leaves and adhered the flower to the center andthe leaves to the side. So it looked very presentable before placing it in the boxed front.

When they are inserted in the box the ribbon acts as the bottom and holds the candy bar in place. When the ribbon is pulled it raises the candy bar up. The ribbon should be adjusted until the candy bars sit behind the box unseen and then should be trimmed a little longer then the bottom of the card. I always pull and loosen the ribbon a few times to make sure it is functioning properly.

I hope this tutorial is helpful and instructive. If you have questions feel free to ask I will try to answer them. ... Happy Stamping...K

Morning Marigold & Mixed Bouquet Swap Card

Okay less than 24 hours until I post the winner of my blog candy.

Please comment to that post If you want to be in the Drawing.

(HINT...it's right below this one)

I just needed to make a post. It was a very busy weekend. I Finished Planting the garden, My DD#1 had a ton of friends over Fri. Evening,and a HS Graduation Parties for my nephew. Not a lot of time to make something to post. Part of the reason I chose to do blog candy.

I have been dying to post this little card I put together on Thursday evening.



I made it for a SCS swap " 'Mourning' Marigold and Mixed Bouquet". We are still looking for swappers if you're interested, in making a card with these retiring products.



I used my Cricut on this card to cut a few things. First I used my George cart to cut 1-1/2" sqaures in the 2" strip of Chocolate chip cardstock . I wanted to make something that looked like a window. I used the Zoobaloo cart to cut a 1-1/2" vine in Certainly Celery. And I used the Mini Monograms Cart to cut the circle Foundation on a Half sheet of White cardstock, I had previously stamped. I used SU More Mustard, and Creamy Caramel all Stamped off once and more spread out. The scalloped circle foundation was cut twice once as a shadow in Cranberry Crisp, and once regular in Morning Marigold at 2-1/2". I assembled the Scalloped and circle pieces using my Xyron 50. I stamped the "Get Well Soon" Sentiment from the retiring Mini Mates Stamp set, in the center of the flower using Chocolate Chip. While the Pad of Ink was out I stamped the retiring "Crosshatch" Background on the Morning Marigold Base.

Hint: I have really become fond of quite a few off the retiring background stamps from SU. I think if you are interested you should find a demo and order them before they are gone the end of June. This Crosshatch one is really handy to use in combination with other Backgrounds.

I stamped the mixed Bouquet randomly over a 8-1/2 x 11" piece of White cardstock, using More Mustard, Ruby Red, Certainly Celery and Chocolate Chip, and Only Orange(stamped off once). This was cut into 2" strips and adhered to the Back of the Chocolate Chip Window with the Certainly Celery cardstock vine attached in between. I faux stiched the vine with the fine tip end of a SU Mellow Moss marker making very tiny stitch marks. I cut a strip of Cranberry Crisp cardstock at 1-1/2 inches wide and put it throught my Zyron 150( the little X sticker maker) Then cut it into 1/8th inch strips on my paper cutter after removing the top layer of plastic. This enabled me to just peel'nStick the strips to the card front. I added faux stiching to it, with a SU Chocolate Chip marker using the fine tip.

When the window strip was assembled, I used my paper piercing Template to mark three hole for the rivets at the top. I used my PC silentsetter to cut the openings and mount the rivets. The mustard colored rivets are the ones that came with my Provo Craft Silent setter so I am not sure of the exact color name. The red rivets I got a few years ago in a christmas card making tin from Making Memories,... I told you I hoarded embellishments, so I am using my stash!!! Making these cards for the swap.

All in all I was delighted with how this card came out. I hope you like it also.

Until tomorrow be sure to enter a comment for the Blog Candy Below!

Mixed Bouquet & Cheesecloth

Please read my announcement at the bottom of this Post.

I am definately a glutton for punishment, and this time I went full steam ahead straight at it. I signed up for one more card in the "Goin' Out in Style Swap"(There were still 4 spots open when I last checked). Making a total of five cards I have made for this swap. Then to make it even better I made this card. Cutting out a total of 9 flowers for each of the 7 cards.

This card took a little bit of time to make, but to me the beauty of it makes the effort worth while. In real Life you can see all the glitter, shine and dimension of the card.


To start I made the base of the card using Perfect Plum, trimming the corners with a small corner rounder. Next I cut the Certainly Celery & Elegant Eggplant layers and trimmed their corners with the ticket corner punch.

I cut the white layers at 5.5x4.25 then stamped it with SU Certainly Celery Ink using the SU Cheesecloth Background.(retiringthe end of June) After stamping it I trimmed it to its finished size 4.5x3.25, Then trimmed the corners with the ticket corner punch.
After trimming it I stamped "happiness" in Elegant Eggplant ink, and mounted it to the Elegant Eggplant cardstock. I tied the Celery grosgrain ribbon, I got at my Michael's, around this and secured it with one small "Zot" glue dot on back of the knot. I then mounted it to the Certainlt Celery card stock.

I next stamped the Large rose, daisies , circle blooms and the leaves with "Timber Brown"Stazon ink. I usually paint with reinkers, but I hate that this tends to waste a lot of ink.
I have a hard time pressing the lid and getting enough ink to paint a project,so I have developed a method of using my ink pads that I prefer. I press the ink pad onto a large piece of foil. Then I use my aqua painter and wet it up then dab it onto the inked foil. I start with the lightest color and re-ink the foil if I need to. Today I started with barely banana and used it to paint the center of the daisies, and then Certainly Celery to paint the leaves. next, I used Pale Plum to paint the daisy petals. After painting all the daisies, I used Aleens Paper glaze to dot over the daisy centers to make them shiny. I set this aside to dry while I painted the other flowers. Perfect plum was used on the circle flowers and Ellegant Eggplant on the large roses, I would probably reverse this the next time I make these cards.

I used an old paper piercer to get the top off of my Stickles so I could paint with them. I used "diamond"on the petal outlines of the large rose images, just to add some shine. A paint brush seemed to work better then the tip for me.

**Help** I have had a lot of difficulty using Stickles, everyone uses them and loves them, but the tip is constantly clogging for me, I find it very frustrating. Please, If anyone has any hint on how to use Stickles or make them work better leave a comment and let me know.


After everything was dry I cut all the flowers out. The leaves and circle flowers were mounted direct to the background of the card using mounting tape. Next, I mounted the large Rose using a large Therm O Web foam square(1/8" thick). The daisies were mounted next using a small (1/16"thick) EK 3-D Dots. Last,but not least, I added a little bit of bling using a purple HeroArts self stick Gemstone to dot the "i" in Happiness.
This card it was fun to make, and it makes me "Happy" to share it with you!


In honor of being so close to 500 on my hit counter, I am going to post some blog candy at Midnight Thursday.

I think I should hit post 500 by then!

So please come back and check it out.
Thanks for visiting!!!