A Little Rusty ~ Retro Sketches Challenge #121

I am obsessed with anything rusty. I'm a junk collector so the rustier the better! I was totally inspired today while surfing Pinterest. The colors are absolutely gorgeous. I love how they contrast and compliment each other. So, I set out on a mission to create my own rusty card.

Here's my Inspiration...

The sketch came from Retro Sketches for challenge #121. It's a fun one that really worked well for this card. 

Here's the Sketch!

My initial idea was to make a gate with rusty hardware, but it didn't exactly turn the way I had it pictured in my head. I just plain ran out of room for hinges. Oh well, I really like the way the coloring turned out. I hope you like it too!

Here's my Creation!

Supplies Used:

Cardstock ~ Early Espresso, Baked Brown Sugar, Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Cajun Craze

Ink ~ Soft Suede, Baked Brown Sugar, Sahara Sand, Cajun Craze, Tangelo Twist, Hello Honey, Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay, Tempting Turquoise, Soft Sky, Early Espresso

Stamp Sets ~ Hardwood, Chalk Talk, Gorgeous Grunge

Tools/Other Supplies ~ Sponges, Big Shot, Circle Framelits, Chalk Talk Framelits, 1/4" Circle punch, Paper Trimmer, Paper Snips, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Paper Piercing Tool, Piercing Mat, Liquid Adhesive, Dimensionals

Embellishments ~ Antique Brads, misc. brads

A Lullaby in the Forest ~ Retro Sketches #120

Oh, Baby!

This baby card was so fun to make. I rarely make a "cutsie" card, but I do enjoy them every once in a while. I purchased this {Life in the Forest} stamp set when it came out in the spring catalog. This is the first time I've gotten to use it. I know it's really not baby related, but it was the only stamp set I have that either wasn't retired or wasn't too mature. Paired with the new {Lullaby} DSP, this made the best card! Plus, it's not gender specific so it's a good one to keep on hand!

The inspiration for this card came from the Card Concept for challenge #13. I really like this blog. They are a bunch of very talented designers that come up with a weekly challenge. You may chose from Clean & Simple, Clean & Layering, Clean & Graphic, Shabby Chic, Freestyle Collage, and Classy & Elegant. Normally my style would fall into the Shabby Chic category, but this time I chose to go with the Clean & Layering category. I hope it fits there. 

The sketch came from Retro Sketches for challenge #120. It was a great one for layering DSP!

What I Used:

Cardstock ~ Whisper White, Baked Brown Sugar

DSP ~ Lullaby

Stamp Sets ~ Life in the Forest, Label Love

Tools/Other Supplies ~ Paper Trimmer, Paper Snips, Artisan Label punch,7/8" Scallop Circle punch, Arrows & Delicate designs Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Dimensionals, Liquid Adhesive, Blender Pen, Black StazOn, Glue Dots

Embellishments ~ Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons, Crisp Cantaloupe Thick Baker's Twine

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration ~ Art Inspired

Today at Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration, we've been inspired by art. I personally am inspired by Van Gogh and his amazing ability to create with little teeny tiny strokes. I wanted to recreate something of his, but not copy it in it's entirety. I also wanted to add this amazing stamp {Blended Bloom}. Since I live on a farm, I thought it was a great idea to create a sunflower. This stamp is really versatile and fit the bill perfectly.

The "brush strokes" were created free-hand using SU Markers. Just scribble away!

I've really gotten into making matching envelopes. It is a fun way to take it an extra step further in creating a very unique, one of a kind card.

What I Used:

Cardstock ~ Whisper White, Basic Black

Ink ~ Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Tangerine Tango, Gumball Green, Soft Sky, Lagoon, Not Quite Navy, Night of Navy, Early Espresso, Basic Black, Black StazOn

Stamp Sets ~ Blended Bloom, Something to Say

Tools ~ Paper Trimmer, Paper Snips, Dimensionals, Bone Folder, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Sponges, Blender Pen, Crystal Effects

Let's Celebrate... Tuesday?

No, I'm not celebrating Tuesday, but I am gearing up to celebrate Independence Day. Yes really, July is just around the corner. HOW did that happen? The kids have been out of school for two weeks already! Since the 4th is quickly approaching, I wanted to create a fun little card to celebrate. Obviously it needed to be red, white and blue. That's a no brainer, but I didn't want to use such bright colors. So, I muted them down a bit.

I added a little extra pizzazz to this card by making it into a shaker. These are so much fun to make! 

What I Used:

Cardstock ~ Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Night of Navy

Ink ~ Night of Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Baked Brown Sugar, Soft Suede, Basic Black

Stamp Sets ~ Hardwood, Gorgeous Grunge, Chalk Lines, Memorable Moments

Tools/Other Supplies ~ Paper Trimmer, Paper Snips, Dimensionals, Double Sided Foam Mounting Tape, Hot Glue & Glue Gun, Window Sheet, Sponges, Big Shot, Deco Labels Collection Framelits, All Purpose Liquid Adhesive, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack

Embellishments ~ Basic Metal Buttons, Essentials Hardware Clips, misc. red ribbon, seed beads

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration ~ Masculine Monday

It's Monday folks! At Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration, that means it's Masculine Monday! Once again, I've created a card with a nautical theme. I am addicted to them! I really need to jump out of this rut, but it's such a fun one. Since this card has such a fun summertime look, I decided to submit it to SU-Only for Challenge #99! 

Usually when I create a card I start from the base and work up. I rarely set out with a plan. I like to see where the paper takes me. Yes, it takes about ten times longer to create something this way... but that's how I roll. So, I get all the way to the end and then try to decide what embellishments to use. But with this ribbon, I knew it was going to be a nautical themed card. How could it be anything else? Okay, maybe that's just an excuse to get to do another nautical card.

I am extremely obsessed with creating things in a trio. I stamped the fish, colored them, and cut them out only to realize I didn't do three of them. Oops! But I was in a hurry and didn't have time to make another one so I added the cute little chevrons instead. I really really like the new SU Wooden Elements embellishments! Since there were only two fish, I decided to break my rule and put only two Antique Brads on the bottom. What?!? I guess it doesn't look too bad. I'll let it go this time. he he

What I Used:

Cardstock ~ Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler

Ink ~ Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana, Cajun Craze, Pear Pizzazz, Night of Navy, Black StazOn

Stamp Sets ~ World Map, By the Tide

Tools/Other Supplies ~ Paper Trimmer, Paper Snips, Sponges, Blender Pen, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, All Purpose Liquid Adhesive, Sanding Block, Sticky Strip, Bone Folder, Paper Piercing Tool & Mat

Embellishments ~ Grosgrain Ribbon (Cherry Cobbler), Antique Brads, Essentials Wooden Elements, misc brass brads

Stylin' Stampin INKspiration ~ Technique Tuesday {Shaker Frames}

Now Go Change the World!

This stamp {World Map} has totally changed my world. I've always loved the more masculine stamps and this one definitely floats my boat! One of the things that I really like about it is that you can color it. That leaves it WIDE open for creativity! So, I set to work with my blender pen and ink. 

Since we're playing around with Shaker Frames at Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration, I thought this stamp would work perfectly for my vision. I wanted the shaker frame to resemble water. Since it's not like the treat cup and you can't put liquids in it, I chose to use beads instead. This was perfect!

Have I mentioned that I'm totally in love with this new cross grain ribbon? Well... I am! I like it so much that I ordered it in every color and this is the first time I've actually gotten to use it. I'm so glad that I have a whole rainbow of it!

What I Used:

Cardstock ~ Basic Black, Whisper White, Bermuda Bay

Stamp Sets ~ World Map, Something to Say, The Open Sea, From My Heart

Ink ~ Black StazOn, Cajun Craze, Baked Brown Sugar, Bermuda Bay, Pacific Point, Coastal Cabana, Lost Lagoon, Pear Pizzazz, Island Indigo

Tools/Other Supplies ~ Blender Pen, Apothecary Collection Framelits, Big Shot, Hot Glue, Glue, Sticky Strip, Dimensionals, Sponges, Paper Snips, Paper Trimmer, Shaker Frame, Window Sheet, Paper Piercing Mat, Paper Piercing Tool, Brayer

Embellishments ~ Antique Brads, Wooden Essential Elements, Bermuda Bay Cross Grain Ribbon, Baked Brown Sugar Twine, Seed Beads

One Man's Junk ~ Is This Woman's Treasure!

For years (okay most of my life) I have teased my dad about all of the things he accumulates. His response was always "You never know when you might need it". Well, he passed on his gift to me. Except I don't collect things that could be useful. I collect things that other people think of as junk. 

If it's rusted, dented, cracked, or just plain dilapidated... it catches my eye. Much to my husband's dismay, I bring it all into the house. He just can't understand WHY I insist on raiding the barn for home decor items. Unfortunately for me, he draws the line at putting up rusted corrugated metal on the walls. Though I have plans of completing that project the next time he goes out of town. {Insert evil giggle here}

For now, I'm keeping myself busy with the things he will (reluctantly) let me drag inside. I went to a junk show over the weekend. Note to self... take more money next time. Boy did I make a haul! I did notice that 90% of what I brought home was old galvanized metal items. I think I have a slight obsession.

One of the things I found was an adorable 3' long vintage galvanized chicken feeder. I didn't know what I would do with it, but I had to have it. Once I got it home and situated, I decided to fill it with my handmade paper succulents. PERFECT! Plus, I don't have to water it! I really love the way it turned out. Another great way to use Stampin' Up! products!

How-to instructions on paper succulents coming soon!

A Wonderful Life ~ In the Forest

My family went camping quite a bit when I was growing up. I remember it being nothing but fun! Now that I'm a farmer's wife and our busy time is in the summer, we don't get to go camping very often. In fact, I don't know if our kids have every slept in a tent outside the backyard. Kinda sad. Mental note... make it happen.

On the bright side, I created this cute little camper card using some of my favorite Stampin Up! products. Today at Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration we're focusing on our favorite items from the new catalog. First off, how the heck do I narrow that list down? Second, how do I fit it all in one card? And third, I can only make one card for this post. Boo! 

I tried to do my best with just a few items. I really really love the new Lullaby Designer Series Paper. It has some of my absolute favorite colors in it. The main one being Crisp Cantaloupe. I think it's the best color (okay one of the best) in the catalog and the second one (which surprises me) Hello Honey. I wasn't sure if I'd like this color or not, but so far I love it!  I also incorporated embossing with the Arrows Folder. Finally, I topped it off by using a stamp from the Perfect Pennants set.

This is my very first attempt at a pop up card. Not sure if I like it or not. It seems to me that it might not be perfect after it's mailed and opened. I know, I know.. there are worse things to worry about.

What I Used:

Cardstock ~ Coastal Cabana, Whisper White, Hello Honey, Basic Grey

DSP ~ Lullaby

Stamp Sets ~ Perfect Pennants, Life in the Forest

Ink ~ Coastal Cabana, Baked Brown Sugar, Hello Honey, Black StazOn

Tools/Other Supplies ~ Paper Trimmer, Paper Snips, Scallop Edge Punch, Oval Framelits, Arrows Embossing Folder, Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder, 3/8" Circle Punch, Big Shot, Apothecary Collection Framelits, Blender Pen, Glue, Glue Dots, Petite Petals Punch, Sponges, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack

Embellishments ~ Baked Brown Sugar Twine, Pearls Basic Jewels

So Long Hello Sailor ~ You're my Best Mate!

~So Long Hello Sailor~

I have to admit, I'm very upset that Stampin' Up! discontinued this stamp set. I really really love it and didn't get enough time to play with it. Yes, I could keep it... But I'm a current, in-the-now kinda girl.

This card was a blast to create. I know I've just about worn out the whole ship/nautical theme thing, but I just HAD to do it again. I love love love making these port holes. Especially the verdigris ones. 

I filled the shaker with blue beads that I picked up at the local craft store. I think it makes it look like water, which is perfect for this theme!

I built this port hole in 3 layers using the Circle Framelits Collection. I colored them with sponges and {Gorgeous Grunge}. SO EASY!

What I Used:

Cardstock ~ Whisper White, Bermuda Bay

Ink ~ Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay, Crumb Cake, Smoky Slate, Cajun Craze, Island Indigo

Stamp Sets ~ Hardwood, Gorgeous Grunge, The Open Sea, By the Tide, Hello Sailor, Perfect Pennants

Tools ~ Paper Snips, Paper Trimmer, Hearts a Flutter Framelits Collection, Banner Punch, Circle Collection Framelits, Clear Window Sheet, Sponges, Early Espresso Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Paper Piercing Tool, Shaker Frames (largest)

Embellishments ~ Brads, Hemp Twine (non SU)

Paper Crafters Sampler ~ June {Betrothed}

For those who may not know, I participate in a monthly crafter's blog. We design projects using Stampin' Up! materials and provide step-by-step instructions on how to recreate them. You can purchase these fabulous instructions each month.

I strongly recommend you take a look at what June's issue has to offer. This month we featured wedding theme'd projects. For anyone tying the knot or just simply attending a wedding, we have a lot of fun ideas to share. There are cards, invitations, table numbers and tablescapes.

Here is a sneak peak of what I contributed. I really REALLY wish I could share it here, but I can't. So if you'd like to see it... Just click HERE to visit Paper Crafters Sampler. You won't be sorry!

Paper Crafters Sampler

Kinda in Love with Kinda Eclectic

Today is Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration's New card sketch challenge. It's a fun sketch with a LOT of room for creativity. I like room!

Here's the Sketch!

The new Stampin' Up! catalog is out! Yippie!!! Along with over half of the new catalog, I fell in love with this stamp set the moment I saw it. It strays a little from my style of stamping, but I really love how soft and girly it is. What is happening to me? First it's flowers, now it's butterflies?

Here's my Creation!

What I Used:

Cardstock ~ Crumb Cake, Crisp Cantaloupe, Whisper White

Ink ~ Crisp Cantaloupe, So Saffron

Stamp Set ~ Kinda Eclectic

Tools/Other Supplies ~ Paper trimmer, Apothecary Framelits, All Purpose Liquid Glue, Versa Mark, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, Banner Punch

Embellishments ~ Essentials Wooden Elements, Natural Chevron Ribbon

A Crisp Thank You Card

I finall had time to play with my pre-order goodies! I'm a long-time fan of Crisp Cantaloupe, so I was tickled pink that it went perfectly with the new Lullaby Designer Series Paper! 

I paired Crisp Cantaloupe with Silver Glimmer Paper and Silver Emboss powder for this look. It turned out to be a fun combination. I wasn't too sure at first. 

Wondering where I got the silver antique brad? It's just covered with silver emboss powder. So easy! All you have to do is heat the brad with your heat gun for a few seconds and dip it directly into the emboss powder.

What I Used:

Cardstock ~ Crisp Cantaloupe, Whisper White

DSP ~ Lullaby

Ink ~ Crisp Cantaloupe

Stamp Sets ~ Postage Due, Chalk Talk, Petite Petals

Tools/Other Supplies ~ Paper trimmer, vellum, versamark, silver embossing powder, heat tool, dimensionals, glue dots, liquid adhesive, hot glue, petite petals punch

Embellishments ~ Silver baker's twine, antique brads, basic metal buttons, vintage faceted designer buttons, white satin ribbon, crisp cantaloupe thick bakers twine

Blackberry Bliss Meets Mosaic Madness

Blackberry Bliss has to be the BEST color in Stampin' Up! history!!! I've always been a purple fan, but this one really strikes my fancy. I love how vibrant and pigmented it is. It has a very broad spectrum of color and I love that because it makes it so versatile. I don't do monochromatic cards very often, but with this color, I just had to!

What I Used:

Cardstock ~ Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Ink ~ Blackberry Bliss, Black StazOn

Stamp Sets ~ Mosaic Madness, Petite Petals, Gorgeous Grunge, Curly Cute (retired)

Tools ~ Paper trimmer, paper snips, mosaic madness embossing folder, dimensionals, mosaic punch, vellum, adhesive, glue dots, petite petal punch, rounded corner punch

Embellishments ~ Silver Baker's Twine

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration ~ Happy Father's Day!

Today at Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration, we're celebrating all the fabulous Dads out there! I've been busy creating Father's Day cards for some time. I don't have just one wonderful dad in my life, I have THREE! This card is special because it's for my hubby. He's an avid hunter so I'm sure he'll enjoy the rugged manliness of this design. This is the first time I've gotten to play around with this {Walk in the Wild} stamp set. I think it was a success!

What I Used:

Cardstock ~ Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Crumb Cake

Ink ~ Smoky Slate, Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Marina Mist, Soft Sky, Soft Suede, Black StazOn

Stamp Sets ~ Hardwood, The Open Sea, Gorgeous Grunge, Walk in the Wild, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Tools ~ Paper trimmer, paper snips, distress tool, deco labels collection framelits, word window punch, dimenisonals, adheisive, sponges

Embellishments ~ Black ribbon