Mother's Day

 Mother's Day is this weekend. What??? I realized this this morning. So... since I work best under pressure, I whipped these up. Yes, I totally rolled my eyes as I typed "whipped" because these two cards took me most (and I mean like 7 hours) of the day to create. Life would be so much easier if I set out with a plan. Instead, I sit and ponder about colors, stamps and fancy embellishments. I am far too indecisive of a person to just make a quick decision and stick to it.

~ For my Mother-in-Law ~

This first card is for my mother-in-law. She is such an amazing person. I honestly do not know what I would do without her help and guidance. She is my farm mom. She is simple and happy and a generally "sunny" person. I think this card is totally fitting for her. Plus, she loves Hello Honey.

*I cased this card from Janeybell Designs.

Supplies

Cardstock ~ Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake

DSP ~ Birthday Bash

Ink ~ Baked Brown Sugar, Hello Honey, Strawberry Slush, Old Olive

Stamp Sets ~ Delightful Dozen (retired), Kinda Eclectic, *misc. script background stamp

Embellishments ~ Natural Chevron Ribbon, Very Vintage Designer Buttons, Linen Thread, Pearl Basic Jewels, Tea Lace Paper Doilies (colored using Brayer tool).

~ For my Mama ~

This card is for my own mama. She is in love with flowers and gardens and Crisp Cantaloupe. I absolutely have fallen in LOVE with this stamp set. I love any stamp that can have dimension added to it. I was able to add three layers to the large flowers. THREE! The photos truly do not show off the happiness of these layers.

Supplies

Cardstock ~ Crisp Cantaloupe, Whisper White

Specialty Paper ~ Gold Foil Sheet

DSP ~ this paper is retired. I'm so sad :(

Ink ~ Hello Honey, Crisp Cantaloupe, Old Olive, Pink Pirouette, Baked Brown Sugar

Stamp Sets ~ Chalk Talk, Indescribable Gift

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

Under the Sheltering Tree

Sympathy cards are never fun to make, but I am really happy with the way this one turned out. It actually turned out EXACTLY like what I had pictured in my head!

I really like the Sheltering Tree stamp set. It's a photopolymer, which is quickly becoming my favorite type to work with. They CLING very well to the stamping blocks!

The background was one big experiment. I started off by sponging on the colors, then I splattered water on it, then I covered the wet surface with salt and let it dry. I really like how it turned out. It almost has a Bokeh look to it.

Supplies

Cardstock ~ Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink ~ Night of Navy, Marina Mist, Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise, Black StazOn

Stamp Set ~ Sheltering Tree

Also used ~ white embossing powder, dimensionals, window punch

Embellishments ~ Silver Sequins (from the holiday catalog), 1/8" Silver Ribbon

Make a Wish ~ Out of this World

Okay, so I'm kind of having to eat my words from a previous post. I said something like "I don't do cutesy cards" or something like that Well, I have to admit that I actually really enjoyed putting this one together.

I purchased the Circle Thinlits a while ago. I quickly decided that it wasn't something I'd use, so I packed it up. I got it back out today to give it another shot, and realized that I might actually like it. Especially for kids cards. They add a fun little element that a regular card doesn't have. My son is going to a birthday party next weekend, so I needed a card. I thought the center focal point would make a fun theme for this Alien card. It worked perfectly!

Supplies:

Cardstock ~ Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Night of Navy

Ink ~ Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Calypso Coral, Real Red, Tangelo Twist, Daffodil Delight, Black StazOn

Stamp Sets ~ Make a Monster (retired), Perfect Pennants

Tools/Other Supplies ~ Big Shot, Circle Thinlits, Paper Trimmer, Dimensionals, Liquid Adhesive, Blender Pen, 1/2" Circle Punch, small hole punch

Some Old and Some New ~ A Perfect Marriage

My mother-in-law called me this morning and asked if I could put together a card for a wedding they are attending this weekend. EEEEK! One... this weekend is crazy busy. Two... I really struggle with wedding cards. And three... I still haven't made a birthday card for my hubby and his party is in two days! Could I tell her no? Heck no! I will take any chance I can get for creative time. Especially since she offered to take the kids for a couple of hours. Score!

I really don't have much in the line of weddings but thankfully I hung on to this {Mr. & Mrs.} stamp. I just couldn't get rid of it. It's far too far too beautiful! I scrounged around and found this GORGEOUS ribbon. I knew I had to use it. It came from an Occasions Catalog a while ago. Last year maybe? I have a bad habit of hoarding supplies and then not getting to use them until after they're retired. I'll have to work on that.

The color scheme is pretty simple and (I think) a classy one. I used Basic Grey, Pink Pirouette and Silver Glimmer paper with a little bit of that amazing new Fancy Foil Designer Vellum. I topped it off with this fabulous bow and a few rhinestones. Yep, I'm happy. A perfect marriage. I wish I would have done a few more of these!

Where did I use {Stippled Blossoms}? It's underneath the Vellum. I think it gives it a really soft look. It was perfect for this project and added a little extra "oomph" of color.

Supplies

Cardstock ~ Basic Grey, Whisper White

DSP/Specialty Paper ~ Silver Glimmer Paper, Fancy Foil Designer Vellum, Vellum

Ink ~ Pink Pirouette, VersaMark

Stamp Sets ~ Mr. & Mrs., Stippled Blossoms

Tools/Other Supplies ~ Paper Trimmer, Big Shot, Beautifully Baroque Textured Embossing Folder, Heat Gun, Embossing Buddy, Silver Embossing Powder, Hot Glue, Bone Folder, Glue Dots, Liquid Adhesive

Embellishments ~ Rhinestones, Wide Satin Ribbon (retired)

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

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

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

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