Paper Crafters Sampler May Issue ~ Wooden It Be Lovely

Panels, planks, pallets.  What do they all have in common?  They're all made of wood.

 

Wood, be it recycled pallets, old fences or barnyards, has evolved into home décor and arts and crafts.  It's the later of the two in which the design team was given a challenge to create projects with a wood theme.

 

The May issue, "Wooden It Be Lovely" offers project ideas using stamps and textures resembling wood.  We've really come through with an array of ideas, each unique.

 

Keeping in theme with the wooden theme, the template of the month is a Garden Bench with a sweet Hardwood background stamp.

Sneak Peek at what I contributed!!!

papercrafterssampler.blogspot.com

Stop by and pick up the latest issue for just $12.99. You won't be disappointed!!!

The Paper Players Challenge #203 ~ Let's Go to the Beach!

Good Morning fellow crafting peeps! I've been up since 3 a.m. surfing all of my favorite blogs. I'm blessed with insomnia AND I'm a crafting addict so I have a lot of project plotting time, so thanks to good ole' Pinterest I have quite the list! I'm lucky I'm still married. Thankfully I have a very loving and patient hubby that understands I suffer from chronic crafting.

Among the many different blogs I follow, The Paper Player's is one of my favorite and they have a new {really fun} challenge this week!

I absolutely LOVE nautical themes, so I jumped right on this one. This card isn't exactly "beachy" but it's close. So, I decided to enter it into this challenge. If you recognize it, it's because I created it a couple of weeks ago. But, it is still a recent creation AND it's still hanging on my "Gallery" wall at home!

Click here for card details!

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

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)

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration ~ Friday Favorites!

Today is Friday Favorites at Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration! Once again, I've chosen {Hardwood} as my favorite. This card actually encases a lot of favorites for me. I really really love {By the Tide}. It makes for an easy masculine card. Something that is sometimes difficult to created. Another favorite is Tempting Turquoise. It is such a FABULOUS color! It was so much fun to put all of these "favs" together!

What is a great card without a great envelope? With the help of the Envelope Punch Board, I created this matching envelope. A big white envelope just seems boring to me, so I decorated it to match. Perfect!

What I Used:

Cardstock ~ Whisper White, Island Indigo

Ink ~ Smoky Slate, Tempting Turquoise, Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight, Pistachio Pudding, Cajun Craze, Calypso Coral

Stamp Sets ~ By the Tide, Hardwood, Something to Say, Gorgeous Grunge

Tools ~ Paper Trimmer, Paper Snips, Word Window Punch, Sponges, Dimensionals, All Purpose Liquid Adhesive, Glue Dots

Embellishments ~ Hemp Twine (non SU) 

A Ship in the Night ~ An Impressionistic Approach

Father's Day is quickly approaching. I know, you're thinking... no, it's next month. Well, I said that too, then I looked at the calendar and my busy schedule and decided I'd better get started or I'd never get them done I need THREE! One for my dad, one for my father-in-law, and one for the most wonderful Daddy of all...my hubby.

Masculine cards are one of my favorite things to make. Mostly because there isn't a lot of options out there to work with. I love pushing myself (a little).

This card was so much fun to create. It was actually pretty simple and quick to put together. Really, it was! Obviously I wanted to do a nautical theme. I'm addicted to them. I'm not really a fan of DSP, only because everyone has access to it. I wanted something very unique that you can't find anywhere. So, I decided to go with a Van Gogh theme. I think it worked out perfectly.

Sponges and markers were used to color the background.

I added a three dimensional look by cutting out the sails (from a second stamped image) and lifting them with dimensionals.

                            

I've recently started matching the envelopes to my cards. It's a simple way to add that unique, one-of-a-kind touch. I love it!

What I Used:

Cardstock ~ Whisper White, Basic Black, Island Indigo, Baked Brown Sugar

Ink ~ So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy, Night of Navy, Island Indigo, Soft Suede, Basic Black, Black StazOn

Stamp Sets ~ The Open Sea, Hardwood, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Tools ~ Paper Trimmer, Paper Snips, SU Markers, Sponges, Blender Pen, Water, Word Window Punch, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Liquid Glue, Anywhere Glue Stick, Paper Piercing Tool

Embellishments ~ Vintage, Hemp Twine (not SU)

Ahoy ~ A Birthday on the Horizon!

I really love making nautical cards, but I've been stuck in a rut lately and have been using the same things over and over. This time, I decided to do a kid theme. My son has a birthday party to go to in a few days and I thought this would make the perfect card for a wild boy party!

The pirates were so much fun to create. I hope you love this card as much as I do!

What I Used:

Cardstock ~ Night of Navy, Baked Brown Sugar, Whisper White, Basic Black

DSP ~ Fresh Prints (now retired)

Ink ~ Baked Brown Sugar, Crumb Cake, Real Red, Night of navy, Tangerine Tango, Crisp Cantaloupe, Basic Black, Craft White

Stamp Sets ~ Gorgeous Grunge, Banner Blast, Hello Sailor, Happy Watercolor

Tools ~ Paper Trimmer, Paper Snips, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Owl Builder Punch, Cupcake Builder Punch, Banner Punch, Corner Punch, Blender Pen, Sponges, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Sticky Strip, Anywhere Glue Stick, White Gel Pen

Embellishments ~ Vintage Brads, Toothpicks, Googly Eyes, Blue Satin Ribbon (not SU), Burlap ribbon (not SU)

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration ~ Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! Today at Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration we're sharing a few of our favorite Stampin' Up! products.

I am a hardcore fan of {Hardwood}. I use it on so many cards. It is so versatile, the possibilities are endless. I also am in love with {The Open Sea} and the new {Hello Sailor} stamp sets. I really really enjoy making nautical cards and these sets are just SO much fun to play around with. Another couple favorites are Coastal Cabana and Bermuda Bay... oh I better add Baked Brown Sugar to that too. 

I decided to incorporate ALL of these into one card. I am a HUGE fan of metal work and the Verdigris patina that sometimes goes along with it. My husband and I visited St. Augustine, Florida a few years ago and went to the Old City. Talk about AMAZING pieces of history! One of the things that really struck me was the patina on the old canons at Castillo de San Marcos. That is what sparked the idea for this card. 

I wanted to create a "rust" effect on the port hole. I started with Whisper White cardstock and sponged on Coastal Cabana and Bermuda Bay. I then used the Gorgeous Grunge stamps and added Baked Brown Sugar and Cajun Craze. I think it really worked out well!

Supplies

Cardstock ~ Baked Brown Sugar, Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Early Espresso Core'dinations, Coastal Cabana Core'dinations

DSP ~ Fresh Prints

Ink ~ Early Espresso, Baked Brown Sugar, Soft Suede, Cajun Craze, Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay, So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, Basic Black, Black Staz'On

Stamp Sets ~ Hardwood, The Open Sea, Gorgeous Grunge, Hello Sailor

Tools ~ Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Little Labels Punch Pack, Petite Curly Label,  punch, Modern Label punch, Banner punch, Circles Collection Framelits, Hearts a Flutter Framelits Paper Piercing Tool, Paper Snips, Paper Trimmer, Distress Tool, Sponges, Markers, Hot Glue, Window Sheet

Embellishments ~ copper brads, hemp twine

Finished Size ~ 3 1/2" x 7"

Punch Pack

$16.95

Little Labels Punch Pack

$16.95

Petite Curly Label Punch

$12.95

Modern Label Punch

$16.95

Circles Collection Framelits Dies

$26.95

Hearts A Flutter Framelits Dies

$24.95

Gorgeous Grunge

$24.95

The Open Sea

$26.95

Hello, Sailor

$20.95

Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack

$6.95

Banner Punch

$0.00

Hardwood

$17.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

Fish On ~ By the Tide

There is something very tranquil about fish. I am always mesmerized when I  see a beautiful fish tank, or better yet at the Aquarium. I could spend hours watching fish swim. 

I thoroughly enjoyed making this card. With my Audible book turned up, I set to work on this with only the idea that I wanted to use the {By the Tide} stamp set. I also wanted to use my Pacific Point ink. Shockingly, this is the first time I've used it. WHY is that? It's a gorgeous color! 

It was a pretty simple card to create. Only a little time consuming due to the hand cut fish. I really like the way it turned out. I decided to go with a neutral sentiment so it can go with any occasion. Now, I just have to find a manly man-person to give it to...

*The "Ombre" effect was created using a sponge

{Inside}

{Detail}

*I created the bubbles by mixing Pacific Point ink and Crystal Effects together, then used a toothpick to drop them onto the card surface.

Supplies

Cardstock ~ Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink ~ Pacific Point, Cajun Craze, Tempting Turquoise, Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie

Stamp Sets ~ By the Tide, Hello Sailor, Gorgeous Grunge

Tools ~ Paper trimmer, paper snips, 1" circle punch, Crop-a-dile, Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, Blender pen, sponges

Embellishments ~ Hemp twine, eyelets (retired su)

Stylin' Stampinn' INKspiration~ Masculine Monday

Today at Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration, we're showcasing Masculine cards. I actually have come to really enjoy making "manly" cards. Stampin' Up! makes it fun! With the use of {Hardwood} and {By the Tide}, I was able to make a go of it. 

If you haven't already used the {Hardwood} stamp, YOU SHOULD! I absolutely LOVE this stamp. I've used it on so many different projects. It is so versatile... and just plain AWESOME. I'm a big fan of the natural, rugged look anyway so this stamp just floats my boat.

I used some hemp twine to create a "net" for the Lobster to sit on. 

Lots and lots of Dimensionals were used to make these little sea critters JUMP out of the card. 

I used the Fancy Fan embossing folder to add texture to the Window Sheet behind the fish. I wanted it to really resemble water. 

I really like to decorate the inside of a card as well. This one was really fun. I just brushed the Whisper White cardstock with Soft Sky and Marina Mist ink pads and stamped the coral in Cajun Craze. 

Supplies 

Cardstock ~ crumb cake, basic gray, marina mist, basic black, whisper white

Ink ~ basic black, basic gray, marina mist, pool party, not quite navy, so saffron, cajun craze, lucky limeade, pumpkin pie, soft suede, soft sky, crumb cake

Stamp Sets ~ by the tide, hardwood

Tools ~ circle framelits, window sheet, big shot, paper trimmer, paper snips, dimensionals, 1" circle punch, sponge daubers, fancy fan embossing folder, bone folder

Embellishments ~ twine, 1/8" brads

By The Tide Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$19.95

Hardwood

$13.95

Circles Collection Framelits Dies

$26.95

1 Inch Circle Punch

$12.95

Big Shot Die-Cut Machine

$99.95

Bone Folder

$6.95

Silver Mini Brads

$5.50

Blender Pens

$9.95

Medium Window Sheets

$4.95

Sponge Daubers

$10.95

Stampin' Dimensionals

$3.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.