The One's For Lily

Dear little Lily loves kitties, so I made this card for her. I love the Sweet & Sour paper, so decided to use it. Somewhere, sometime I saw a card with a circle backed by a square and thought I'd try that. This card requires very little in the way of supplies:

DSP--Sweet & Sour
Cardstock--Rose Red and Pumpkin Pie
Inks--Basic Gray, Black, Pumpkin Pie, and Rose Red
Nesties--Circles

--Lissie

Miss Beanie's First Birthday

My sweet Ellie Bean is a year old today. I can't stand it!  Where oh where has the time gone?!? 

A first birthday deserves a pretty special card, and seeing the layout the Paper Players had for a challenge this week, an idea immediately jumped into my head.

I adore the "Crazy For Cupcakes" stamp set and envisioned the big cupcake cut out and mounted on the decorative strip.  Lucky for me, it worked out. ;o)  I love CAS cards, so this challenge was right up my alley.

I found a hidden stash of "Rockabilly" DSP and decided the cherries would work well with the cupcake.  I really like the embossed look of the DSP and thought it added some nice texture to the card.

As I may have mentioned once or twice before :ahem:, I'm not too keen on snipping and cutting (again, I blame years of laminating cutting...).  But, I knew it would be the perfect touch for the card.  I wanted to give the cupcake a cute wrapper and this piece fit the bill.  I also thought a good cupcake should have sugary 'prinkles on top, so I used my two way glue and Dazzling Diamonds to give it some sparkle.

I finished it off with a piece of Whisper White satin ribbon, and a little tag from the "Tiny Tags" set. 

And, of course, I simply had to finish off the inside.  :o)  Anyone else miss Kiwi Kiss?  :sigh:

This card uses (all SU! unless otherwise noted):
*Stamp Sets: "Crazy for Cupcakes", "Happy Everything", "Tiny Tags"
*Paper: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, "Rockabilly" DSP (retired)
*Ink: Black Staz-On, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight
*Accessories: Scallop Trim punch, paper piercer, Whisper White satin ribbon

Sure, the card didn't make much of an impact with her now, but I'm putting it away in her baby book.  Maybe years from now, she'll look at it and think it's pretty special... Here's hoping!

--Rach

P.S.  A quick shout-out to the Paper Players--thank you SO much for selecting my Poppy Kids card as a "Cut Above"!  I always get such a small thrill when something I've created is chosen. :o)

Playing With A New Idea

I decided to see if I could make a card with a hole cut into the top layer with the stamped image peeking through from the inside of the card. I chose a cute bunny from the set called Merry Crittermas. I still love the old DSP called Razzleberry Lemonade, so used it on the front of the card. Here are the other supplies I used:

• Nesties to cut the circle, the scallop border, and the white butterfly
  
• Rich Razzleberry and white card stock
• Rich Razzleberry buttons
• Inks--Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, and Rich Razzleberry

--Lissie

Choo Choo

My father has been a train buff since he was a little boy and it seems that my grandson, Gabriel, has inherited this love. So, I ordered the stamp set, Choo Choo, to make cards for these fellows. While the set has four different train cars, the only way I could fit three of them on a card was to expand the card width to 6.5". Rachael loves things in Roy G. Biv order, so I asked her which colors to use that would give a rainbow effect. She chose Melon Mambo, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, and Wild Wasabi. I used my new Die-namics to cut scallops for the border and added Tangerine Tango rick rack at the bottom. Sadly, I cannot remember the name of the striped paper. I think it is from the recent Sale-A-Bration catalog.

--Lissie

Tiny Teacup Hello

And, here we have yet another card using that fabulous color combo from the Paper Players' challenge--Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Baja Breeze. 

I loved that teacup so much, and determined it needed a very CAS card to showcase it.  I used the Stamp-A-Majig to get the teacups straight and evenly spaced.  And, I'm falling in love with Baja Breeze (thank you, Jaydee!).  It took me a while to really warm up to the color, but once I did, wow.  It is such a lovely blue and so soothing. 

This card uses:
*Stamp Set: "Tiny Teacups"
*Paper: Whisper White, non-SU! linen white card
*Ink: Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Baja Breeze
*Accessories: Baja Breeze seam binding ribbon

--Rah

Tiny Teacups Color Challenge

Remember how I said the color challenge at the Paper Players really got my juices flowing?  Well, here's another one using that color combo, and I couldn't resist submitting it as well. ;oP 

I'd been wanting to play with the teacups for some time and inspiration struck.  I'm not one to enjoy cutting out and snipping of images (I think it stems from all the laminating I've cut out over the years...) but I just had to do it with these guys.  This card does indeed make me happy. :o)

This card uses:
*Stamp Sets: "So Many Sayings", "Tiny Teacup"
*Inks: Baja Breeze, Poppy Parade, So Saffron
*Paper: Whisper White, Baja Breeze

--Rach

Poppy Kids

 It was so wonderful to play around with stamps and paper again.  I have really been blocked for the past couple of months, and getting to Lissie's, and seeing the color challenge the Paper Players had going on, my mojo returned.  I haven't created a card, let alone participated in a challenge in forever.  I pulled out a stamp set I've always loved, but never purchased, and got to work.

Let me tell you, there is some heavy duty coloring on that card!  Not that I minded, though, since I find coloring so very soothing. :o)

I found the lanterns were a bit hard to see using Versamark alone, so I stamped in Versamark, then Poppy Parade, then hit it with the clear embossing powder and the heat gun.  I'm pretty pleased with the results. :o)

I have loved Poppy Parade since it debuted, but have had a much more difficult time using it than I thought I would.  It's just so stinkin' intense.

At any rate, the challenge really got me motivated, and I wound up creating two other cards using the colors as well!

This card uses:
*Stamp Sets: "Kimono Kids", "So Many Sayings"
*Paper: Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
*Ink: Black Staz-On, Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Baja Breeze, Pear Pizazz, Versamark

I'll post another one of the cards tomorrow--it is very different, quite CAS.

--Rach

A Third Stationery Box ... For Father's Day

Rachael convinced me I should make one of these stationery sets, and I'm glad she did. "To the Nines" is only heavy paper I have, so I used it. Because the look ended up being so masculine, I decided to give it to my father for Father's Day. I'll tuck a book of postage stamps in the little holder next to the note pad. I used antique brads on the note pad.
I included gift tags he can use.

And I added in 3" x 3" cards that he can use for gift enclosures or whatever.

Dad is a prolific letter writer, and he writes long, long letters. So, I decided to make thank-you cards so he won't have to buy any. I used the stamp, "Elegant Thank You" because it complements the paper.




Rachael has taught me that it is important to make the inside of the card elegant, too.

Best of all, everything folds up into this box.

--Lissie

Another Stationery Box

 Well, I had such fun with the first box, I had to make another.  Looking through Lissie's DSP, I found "Storybook" and decided I could do something with it.  Lissie had not intentionally purchased it, and had no idea what in the world she could do with it.  I figured it out. ;oP

 I made a stationery kit for a little girl, and think it is pretty cute. :o)

 I wanted to make cards a little girl or boy could color and add something of themselves to and then send. 

This kit uses:

*Paper: "Storybook" DSP (retired), Ruby Red (retired), Summer Sun (retired), Taken with Teal (retired)
*Accessories: large and small tag punches, scallop border punch, some retired So Saffron ribbon and I have no idea where it came from

So, what do you think, birthday present for Ella?  :o)

--Rach

I *FINALLY* Did It!

 I have had this tutorial sitting in my bookmarks since it was this tutorial.  Yes, I've been sitting on this project for close to three years, and I finally decided it was time. 

I'm visiting with Lissie, and, as always when we get together, the stamping commences.

 I found Mom's stash of "Parisienne Breeze" paper and got to work.  It gave me the opportunity to not only make a 3D project, it also allowed me the chance to make cards--by 4.25"x5.5" AND 3"x3"--something I've not done much of recently. 

 Address book and stamp holder.  I figure the address book could also be used as a simple note pad.

 I fell in love with the DSP and wanted to showcase it and made some very quick CAS cards.

 Of course, I had to line the inside as well.

 I made ten little gift tags.

 And, four 3"x3" cards. 

Isn't this too sweet?

Since it was Mom's paper I tea leafed, I gave the box to her. :o)  I then convinced her she needed to make one as well.  Look for her posting soon. :o)

This card uses:
*Stamp Sets: "Best Yet", "So Many Sayings" Both retired SU! Hostess sets
*Papers: "Parisienne Breeze" DSP, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
*Ink: Chocolate Chip
*Accessories: Scallop border punch, scallop punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, scallop trim border

I hope Mom enjoys it! :o)
--Rach

Daffodil Delight Makes me Smile

We recently had new carpet installed, and when we did, we moved my studio.  Everything was waiting in boxes and bags in the garage--for what felt like forever!  I had ideas--tons and tons of ideas--but no way to create them.

After a trip to IKEA, my new space was up and running (you can read about it here).  Best of all, I can make cards again!!  HOORAY!!

Last night I was just dipping my toes back in the card making pool.  You know I LOVE using yellow and black together.  :o) I wanted to make a sunny card, and I do believe this fits the bill. I know just the person I'm sending it to--they truly do make me smile. :o)

This card uses:

Stamp Sets: "Darling Dots", PTI's "Signature Greetings"
Inks: Daffodil Delight, Staz-On Black
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds

Oh the joy of stamping once more!
--Rach

Happy Valentine's Day!

When I first saw the "Blowing Kisses" stamp set in the 2011 catty, I fell in LOVE.  What a sweet sweet bunny!  I had to have him.  Oh how I had to have him.  I purchased him and then did nothing with him.  Poor little bunny. :o(

Then, Valentine's Day was quickly approaching and I needed a card for my sweetheart. I pulled out sweet bunny and got to work.  The card was coming together, but it still wasn't quite right.  I cut it down to a 4.25"x4.25" square and it was perfect!  I cut down a standard envelope to fit.   

A view from the front so you can see how the grass continues across at the same level.  There's no bow, nothing to make it TOO feminine (well except that Regal Rose card stock, of course ;oP).  I LOVE it--but more importantly, so does Brien. :o)

And, the inside.  Because, my honey does indeedy have my heart. :o)

*****************************
This card uses:


Stamp Set: "Blowing Kisses"
Papers: watercolor, Very Vanilla, Regal Rose, Real Red
Inks: Timber Staz-On, Real Red, Regal Rose, Wild Wasabi, Crumb Cake, Sahara Sand
Accessories: dimensionals

:o)
Rach

Another Happy Birthday

This is most definitely not the best card I've ever made, but it's not awful...

I used the same layout as I used for Gabriel's card and quickly made two for two more nieces--one for Gracie and one for Lydia.  January quickly became a very busy birthday month for us, lol! 

The giraffe would be better on the other side since he should be looking toward the middle of the card instead of off it.  I tried to offset that by having him "talk" to the lion on the lower right. 

At any rate, it's a fun stamp set and I do so like the contrast between the red and black.

This card uses:

Stamp Set: "Wild About You", "Stem Sayings"
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black
Ink: Black Staz-On, Real Red
Accessories: Real Red polka dot grosgrain 

Hoppy Birthday, Gabriel

 

 

Friday is my sweet nephew, Gabriel's, third birthday and I needed to get a card together for him.  Jessie told me green is his favorite color, so I immediately knew I was going to use my "Unfrogettable" stamp set.  Additionally, I wanted to play along with the Paper Players and this week's sketch challenge.  You see, while color challenges are difficult for some, sketch challenges are the ones that make me stretch my creative abilities. 

I absolutely struggle with sketch challenges...give me colors or inspiration photos any day of the week and I'm good to go.  I know, I know, bass ackwards, right? :shakes head:

But, I did it!  I'm pretty pleased with the results too. :o)

This card uses (all SU! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set: "Unfrogettable" (retired), Daisy wheel
Inks: Black Staz-On, Wild Wasabi, Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Crumb Cake
Paper: Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Basic Black
Accessories: Daffodil Delight taffeta ribbon, dimensional

Well, here's hoping Gabe-Man likes it...
--Rach

Pink Blossoms--Or as Brien Says, "Woah, That's Girly!"

This is the other card I made using the "Easter Blossoms" set.  I made an effort to color these more like apple blossoms, but still don't know how successful I was.  Oh well.  They're still lovely. :o)

I wanted to give the background some texture so embossed the paper.  And then, because I wanted that texture to "pop", I sponged it with some Rose Red.  And, who doesn't love a great big bow?  I mean, besides Brien? ;o)

This is another one of those cards that I think doesn't really need a sentiment.  I make those from time to time. This cards seems to scream "spring!".  :o)

This card uses:

Stamp Set: "Easter Blossoms"
Inks: Early Espresso, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette
Paper: Whisper White, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: dimensionals, Pink Pirouette ribbon

--Rach

Apple Blossoms?

I'm not certain what sort of blooms these are, whether they're apple, red plum, cherry, or some other fruit.  What I am certain of is I love this stamp. :o)  I made two cards using this stamp yesterday, one vertical, one horizontal.  Since I posted a horizontal card yesterday, I went with the vertical today. ;o)

Once again, I felt the white space was just a bit too white, so I used a background stamp to make it a bit more subtle. 

When I was younger, I really didn't care much for pink.  Now, I adore it!  Since I decided these were apple blossoms, I made an effort to color them as such.  Then, after coloring these, I realized I had colored them more like our purple plum tree blossoms than like an apple blossom.  Oh well. :oP  I used my blender pens to pick up Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink and Rose Red and tried to shade, laying on the darker color over the lighter ones. 

This card uses:
Stamp Sets: "En Francais", "Easter Blossoms"
Inks: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Early Espresso
Papers: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red
Accessories: Scallop border punch, Swiss dots embossing folder

This is such a sweet, feminine card, I have to find just the right girl to send it to. :o)

--Rach

Blue Blossoms

My box of new SU! goodies arrived the other day and also helped jump start my mojo a bit.  I had impulsively purchased "Easter Blossoms" from the Mini, having fallen in love with the sweet silhouette of the little girl.  Unfortunately, I wasn't sure what I was going to do with her...

I also rather impulsively picked up a pack of "Springtime Vintage" DSP--I have NO idea what possessed me, as "vintage" is not something I'm very good at--and it seemed to be made to go with the dancing sweetpea.  I loved the tiny little blossoms on the blue and determined that was the paper I was going to work with. 

From there, it all seemed to fall into place.  (I assure you, even though it looks as if the image has been mounted crooked, it is in fact straigt IRL.)  The only other hurdle I had to cross was the vast emptiness of white space in the background--it just seemed too bright somehow.  I picked up the apple blossom branch and stamping off, used Baja Breeze in the background. 

I think she's pretty sweet and can't wait to play with her a little more. :o)

This card uses:
Stamp Set: "Easter Blossoms"
Inks: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy
Papers: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, "Springtime Vintage DSP"
Accessories: dimensionals, Victoria lace

I'm not sure to whom I'll be sending the card, but I know it will be someone who likes blue. ;o)

--Rach

A Thank You for Sister Rose

Our girls were baptized two weeks ago, and my dear friend, Sister Rose was such an amazing help that day I wanted to send her a thank you note. 

Alas, I was stymied, I had no idea what to do, how to do it.  I have been out of the studio so long the ideas were stalled and NOTHING was coming to me.  OH NO!  My mojo was gone!

Thank goodness for Jaydee!  She posted her card for this week's Paper Players challenge--a color challenge--and I was immediately struck with inspiration.  :happy sigh:

The challenge was to use Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze, River Rock and Rose Red in a project.  I wanted the Rose Red to be a little "pop" of color to draw interest to the sentiment, so I stamped the sentiment in the Baja Breeze and then had a butterfly from my "Beautiful Wings" embosslit resting on it. 

But, then I worried, maybe the sentiment was lost?  Maybe it needed to have a little more "pop" to it? So, I created this card:

I'm not sure which one I like more.  I'm leaning towards the first one, as it is a bit more subtle, but this one is lovely as well.

I lined the inside of the card and added another butterfly to tie the front and inside together.

This card uses:

Stamp Set: "Short and Sweet"
Paper: Very Vanilla, River Rock, Baja Breeze and Rose Red
Inks: Baja Breeze, Rose Red
Accessories: "Elegant Bouquet" embossing folder, "Beautiful Wings" embosslit

I'm hoping this has now opened the floodgates and I'll be back to stamping once more.  :fingers crossed: