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

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)

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

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

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration ~ June Color Challenge

It's color challenge time over at Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration! These challenges are usually the toughest for me. I have no idea why. You'd think it would be easier not having to come up with your own color scheme. I think it's difficult because I usually take things so literally. Luckily with this color scheme, it was fairly easy. 

I instantly thought of flowers when I saw this color combination. Since Happy Watercolor has the BEST flower, I decided to go that route. I really love this flower. It is so fun to make it three dimensional. Which is one of my favorite things to do to a card. I like things that stand out!

My take:

Supplies

Cardstock ~ Blushing Bride, Soft Suede, Whisper Whtie

DSP ~ Lullaby

Ink ~ Blushing Bride, Daffodil Delight, Baked Brown Sugar, Soft Suede, Black StazOn, Basic Black

Stamp Sets ~ Happy Watercolor, Something to Say

Tools ~ Paper Trimmer, Paper Snips, Oval Framelits Collection, Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Sponges, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Sticky Strip, Dimensionals, Anywhere Glue Stick, All Purpose Liquid Glue, Crystal Effects, Blender Pen

Embellishments ~ Pearls Basic Jewels, Satin Ribbon (not SU)

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration ~ Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day!

Soldiers gave their lives - Enormous price for freedom - Gray clouds in morning

Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer with a long weekend of barbecues, fun and friends but we should all take a few moments to remember the real meaning of Memorial Day. I am truly blessed to call this country mine. All because of them. To all the men and women that have fought bravely for our country. Thank you, and God Bless!

Today at Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration we are celebrating Memorial Day by sharing our own creations. Make sure to stop by to check out some wonderful work!

I am a total fan of the {Hardwood} stamp. I think it will be one of my all-time favorites. I am also a fan of the chevron stripe. I've been wanting to decorate a wall in my living room with barn wood in this design. Since that project requires the help of one busy hubby, I decided to make my own on paper. I am in love with the way this turned out. I hope you like it too!

Supplies

Cardstock ~ Real Red, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede

Ink ~ Real Red, Night of Navy, Baked Brown Sugar, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Early Espresso

Stamp Sets ~ Hardwood, Chalk Talk, Everything Eleanor

Tools ~ Paper Trimmer, Paper Snips, Ruler, Sponges, Dimensionals, Anywhere Glue Sticks, Glue Dots, Liquid Glue

Embellishments ~ Denim Ribbon, Basic Metal Buttons, String

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration ~ Teacher Appreciation

I can't believe that this school year is almost over. Where has the time gone? My little ones are growing up way too fast! This fall I will have a Kindergartner and a 3rd Grader. What? 

As this year comes to an end, we wanted to celebrate our wonderful teachers. What comes to my mind when I think Teacher? Apples. I didn't want to wrap up just any apple, so I wrapped up a caramel apple. Perfect! Stampin' Up! What else do I think of? Chalkboards! So, I combined the two. This was a simple, quick project that I think their teachers will love.

Stop by Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration to check out some other wonderful Teacher Appreciation gifts!

*Chalkboard Technique

Using a sponge and Stampin' Up! Craft White ink, very lightly sponge the background in swirling motions till you're desired look is achieved. So simple!

Supplies

Cardstock ~ Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink ~ Craft White, White StazOn, Black StazOn, Cherry Cobbler

Stamp Sets ~ Chalk Talk

Tools ~ Chalk Talk Framelits, Paper Trimmer, Paper Snips, Big Shot, Dimensionals, Sponges, Gusseted Cellophane Bag

Embellishments ~ Cherry Cobbler Chevron Ribbon, Doilies 

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration ~ May Color Challenge

Woo Hoo it's Color Challenge time at Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration! Today's challenge is FABULOUS. I absolutely love this combination. Midnight Muse and Summer Starfruit are magnificent together, then you add Crumb Cake to the mix and it's to die for!

I personally feel that this combination is perfect for a masculine card. Something that I don't have a lot of. I went with a generic greeting. One that could be used for several different occasions. I'm still quite addicted to arrows, so naturally they had to be included.

Curious about the Dots? I just drew them with a Midnight Muse marker, then applied a spot of Crystal Effects over the top. 

Supplies

Cardstock ~ Crumb Cake, Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit, Very Vanilla

Ink ~ Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit

Stamp Sets ~ Hello Lovely, Gorgeous Grunge, Off the Grid, Peachy Keen

Tools ~ Dimensionals, Anywhere Glue, Glue Dots, Decorative Label punch

Embellishments ~ Summer Starfruit twine (Sale-a-Bration catalog), Crystal Effects

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration ~ May Day Basket

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration

May Day is right around the corner. I can't believe we're already a quarter of the way through the year. WHAT? I am still in the flowery Easter mood, so I decided I would make a flower basket. I used a simple box pattern, but added a few special touches.

When I think of baskets, I think of basket weave. So, I decided to make my own, and it was actually pretty easy! I love how this little basket turned out. I think it's a perfect little decoration to celebrate the 1st of May!

How To Basket Weave:

*Basket weave strips are 1/2" wide. Each piece has been sponged with Baked Brown Sugar on the edges.

*Glue each piece down so it doesn't unravel when you run it through the Big Shot.

Add some flowers! Thanks to the Stampin' Up! Spiral Flower Die, I was able to make lots of cute little roses to add to my basket. I wanted a lot of variation in color, so I sponged ink onto Very Vanilla cardstock instead of using colored cardstock. Yes, it's a lot more work, but I really like how it turned out!

Supplies

Cardstock ~ Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Whisper White, Coastal Cabana

Ink ~ Strawberry Slush, Calypso Coral, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Pink Pirouette, Bermuda Bay, Baked Brown Sugar

Stamp Sets ~ Ciao Baby, ABC - 123 Sketch Alphabet & Numbers

Tools ~ Big Shot, Paper Trimmer, Paper Snips, Deco Labels Collection Framelits, Designer Frames Embossing Folder, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Paper Piercing Tool, Stampin' Piercing Mat, Sponges, Dimensionals, Hot Glue, Petite Curly Label, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Sticky Strip, Spiral Flower Die, Floral Wire, Floral Block, Floral (Easter) Grass

Embellishments ~ Pearls, Chevron Ribbon (Calypso Coral)

I really really enjoyed creating this basket and I hope I've inspired you to create your own little basket of flowers. Don't forget to stop by Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration to see some more April inspired creations!