Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Soar Confidently


 I purchased the Soar Confidently set (Jan-June 2021 mini catalog,
page 70) because I always need masculine images.  As you
will see in future posts, these images also lend themselves
to many techniques.  In this example I used the smoke stamp from 
the Geared Up Garage set (page 29) to add a vintage look.
Then I roughed up the edges to enhance this look.  The 
Braided Linen Trim (page 160) was colored with a 
Stampin' Blend.

Monday, December 28, 2020

Simply Succulents

Beginning January 5th, 2021, we will enter the two month
SAB (Sale a-Bration) time, accompanied by the upcoming 
January-June 2021 Mini catalog. 
It is an opportunity to get both new and FREE
rubbah!  You can't beat that!

This card features a new set; Simply Succulents on page 39.
It is a great set to color with your Stampin' Blends.
Simply Succulents is bundled with Dies, so it is easy
to cut out your flowers or sentiments.
 

Friday, December 25, 2020

Stamp Off Challenge Merry Christmas



Welcome to our final Stamp Off Challenge of the year.
Susan, Buffy and I are featuring Christmas cards.
Merry Christmas!


Many of these products will retire January 4th.  
These elements include:

Plaid Tidings 6x6 DSP on page 57
Merry Moose set on page 27

I used the Pine Tree Punch on page 166, to create 3 trees
out of the retiring Brushed Metallic 12x12 cardstock 
on page 45.  I used the Stitched So Sweetly dies on page 179,
to frame the sentiment.

I hope that you and yours have a very safe and happy
Christmas.  We look forward to seeing you, in 2020!
Enjoy Buffy and Susan's Christmas projects!



 

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Wreath Builder Merry Christmas


 The Arrange a Wreath set (page 127), with the 
coordinating Wreath Builder dies (page 173) are the 
perfect combo for creating Christmas cards!

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Merry Moose on Plaid Tidings


 I decided that another metallic Moose was in order, given
how enjoyable it is to craft with the Brushed Metallic cardstock
(Holiday, page 45).  The Merry Moose set (page 27), with
coordinating Moose punch will be retiring at the end of the year.
The moose is placed over and oval, cut out of the 
Plaid Tidings 6x6 DSP (page 57).

Monday, December 21, 2020

Word Wishes Merry Christmas


 This is a quick project, because I let the accessories do the
work.   It is a card that can be mass produced quickly.  I used
the slimline format folding a 6x6 card in half.  This means that
6x6 or 12x12 DSP can be used with minimal waste.
It was difficult to take a picture of this project, because of
all the sparkle!

Here are the products, from the 2020 Holiday catalog, that I used:
 Plaid Tidings DSP pack on page 57
Snowflake Splendor 1/4" Ribbon on page 37

Word Wishes on page 183 of the annual catalog.
I used glue dots to fasten the ribbon down, and then
taped the ends on the back of the DSP.

Friday, December 18, 2020

SAB Darling Donkeys with Approaching Perfection


 This is a bit of a sneak peak, paired with the
Plaid Tidings DSP from the Holiday Mini.
This cute critter is called Darling Donkeys and
appears in the Sale A-Bration catalog (due out January 5th),
on page 4.  This darling combo of 3 different donkey poses
will make you smile for sure.  The sentiment is another SAB
item, Approaching Perfection, on page 6. 
Sale A-Bration items are free, with either a 
$50 or $100 product purchase.  Look
for more info when they are released, in 2021.

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Wreath Builder with Layered Squares.




 This is another card that I made for the Foiled Again
Stamp Off Challenge, but went with a different project.
I saw the technique here you take strips of cardstock 
or DSP to make a square, and then cut the squares in half
and make your design.  


I used In Good Taste DSP (page 148) and the
Brushed Metals Cardstock from the Holiday catalog.
The center heart comes from the Wreath Builder Dies
on page 173.

Monday, December 14, 2020

Have a Hoot with Wreath Builder


 Yes, indeed, it is another card featuring Christmas owls,
from the Have a Hoot Stamp Set with coordinating
Peek-A-Hoot Dies on page 62 of the Holiday Catalog.
I attached them to the wreath from the Wreath Builder
dies on page 173.   Those elements are layered on
a piece of Plaid Tidings DSP (Holiday page 57).

Friday, December 11, 2020

Stamp Off Foiled Again with Well Written


 Welcome to another Stamp Off Challenge, with Susan,
Buffy and I.  Today, we are doing a challenge called
"Foiled Again" with emphasis on the Stampin' Up!
Foil Cardstocks.


For this challenge, I used this circle technique.  Sorry but
I can't remember what it is called.  I die cut circles, cut them
in half and then off set them as shown below.

I used a combination of Early Espresso cardstock, Gold Foil
(page 153) and the In Good Taste Designer Series Paper
(page 148).  I like all of the "earthy" elements because they 
make for a great masculine option. 
The sentiment, which is in foil, was cut out 
with the Well Written Dies on page 183.

Now please click on over to see what Buffy and Susan
have foiled up!

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Snowman Season


 Here's another card featuring the Snowman Season set

on page 63.  I decided to go with a circle motif, since the

snowman is a perfect fit and is circular in shape.  The 

Plaid Tidings DSP (page 57 of the Holiday Mini Catalog)

provided a perfect color scheme.  I love being able to

use the Stampin' Blends! to pull everything together.

I also colored some enamel dots with Stampin' Blends,

to coordinate these embellishments.

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Year End Sale


 The Stampin' Up! Year-End sale is 
happening now!

Monday, December 7, 2020

Have a Hoot Shaker Card


 Today, I decided to post another Have a Hoot (Holiday page 62)
card.  During our recent Stampin' Up! On Stage event,
they demonstrated a quick and easy shaker card, using the
Clear Medium Envelopes on page 153.  You just put DSP into
the envelope, add sequins, and tape the edges.  Afterwards,
you can attach whatever images and embellishments you want
to the front of the shaker.

I used the sentiment from the Have a Hoot set, and cut
it out with the die from Hippo and Friends on page 176.
I added the gold hoop and some gold branches to
finish it off.

Friday, December 4, 2020

Have a Hoot Bundle


 The little owls in the Have a Hoot bundle (Holiday page 62)
is one of my favorites.  The Have A Hoot stamp set can be
used alone, but makes a wonderful impression when the images
are cut out with the Peek-A-Hoot dies.  The dies literally
animate the owls.

The Brushed Metallic 12x12 Cardstock (page 45) helps
frame the images and adds a little embellishment.
The Plaid Tidings DSP (page 57) forms the perfect backdrop.

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Gnome for the Holidays with Nothing's Better


 Gnome for the Holidays, on page 23 of the Holiday Mini,
reminds me of the Keebler Elves.  I wanted to make it look 
like an elf hideaway, so  I decided to place the house behind 
the Garden Gateway gate (page 181).
I added cookies from the Nothing's Better Than Bundle
(set on page 91 and dies on page 176).  I colored the elf with
Stampin' Blends and fussy cut it out.  The background 
was run through the Absolutely Argyle 3d 
Embossing Folder on page 184.


Monday, November 30, 2020

Stitched Rectangles with Butterfly Duet


 Sometimes dies can be used to create an unusual
background.   I've done this several times, since buying 
the Stitched Rectangles dies on page 183.  I placed them
on a Whisper White Stitched So Sweetly (page 179)
and then added butterflies from the Butterfly Duet Punch
on page 165.

The Plaid Tidings DSP on page 57 (Holiday Mini)
and Brushed Metallic Cardstock on page 45 make
great options for bringing color and metallics 
to this project.

Friday, November 27, 2020

Stamp Off Thankful Wreath Builder


Hey stamping friends.  Susan, Buffy and I are stuffed,
but ready to share some stamping inspiration with you.
Today, we are featuring "Thankful" cards.

Even though we were apart this year, I am so thankful
for family, and the ability to have "text conversations"
with one whole side of the family!  Of course,
much of our conversation was about FOOD.
Most of us exclaimed at the one sister who was cooking
the entire meal herself, including Mac and Cheese and
Candy Cane Pie (yum!).  She is a
culinary overachiever.


When I think about being thankful, I love using a wreath.
It reminds me of welcome, warmth and completion.
That is one of the reasons I frequently pick up the 
the Arrange a Wreath set (page 127) with coordinating
Wreath Builder Dies (page 173).  This combination offers
seasonal components and great sentiments.

Speaking of sentiments, I pulled out my Country Home set
(page 89) and then cut it out with the Stitched Rectangle Dies.
The last bit was to layer everything on to a piece of 
In Good Taste DSP (page 148).  

Thank you for swinging past my blog, and please
check out the offerings from Buffy and Susan!
Oh, and enjoy those Thanksgiving leftovers!
 

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Forever Fern Sneak Peak


Two of the things that I am grateful for right now, are
friends and family.   Note to self; I need to let friends know,
by sending them cards!

This card is a bit of a sneak peak, featuring a 3D embossing folder,
called Painted Texture, that will be available in January.
It is a wonderful texture to color with the new SU 
Blending Brushes (available in January).

The card features the Forever Fern Stamp set (p 110),
Forever Flourishing Dies (p 175).
The sentiment from the Forever Fern stamp set was cut 
out with a Potted Succulent Dies (page 39), from the 
January - June 2021 Mini Catalog.

 

Monday, November 23, 2020

Arrange a Wreath Christmas Gift Pack


One gift that I often give others, are packets of cards.
My Pilates teacher is a dancer.  In fact, this image
looks a great deal like her.  So I made a package
of cards for her to use at Christmas time.
 
All of the products used for this card are retired,
except for the Christmas sentiment from the
 Arrange a Wreath set on page 127.
I hope that she likes them!

Friday, November 20, 2020

Merry Moose and Moose Punch


 I was so glad that the Merry Moose and the Moose Punch,
on page 27 of the August-December 2020, was available
again this year.  As long as you have the moose,
your Christmas card is going to be a good one!

I added a couple layers of the In Good Taste DSP
on page 148 of the annual catalog and cut out the
sentiment with Stitched So Sweetly dies on page 179/

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Snowman Season with Wreath Builder Dies


 This is another snowman card, using the 
Snowman Season set on page 63.  I wrapped him up
in a wreath from the Wreath Builder dies on page 173.
The Plaid Tidings DSP makes a great backdrop for
these elements.

Monday, November 16, 2020

Moose and Pine Tree Punch Christmas

 


Some of my favorite Christmas elements are the
Moose and Pine Tree.  They remind me so much
of Christmas up in Wisconsin/Minnesota. 
These punches work so well because all you have
to do is select your papers for layering and your
card comes together!

I added some of the In Good Taste DSP (page 148)
and ribbon from the August -December 2020 catalog.

Friday, November 13, 2020

Stamp Off Snowman Season Inspiration Challenge


 Hello crafting fans!  Today Susan, Buffy and I have an
Inspiration Challenge!


This picture gives lots of options for creating.  I even
see a heart in the background!

I picked out the snowman as my inspiration.  I love the
snowmen in the Snowman Season Stamp set on page 63.
I created a slim-line card (3x6), which works really well
with an oval focal image, that has been cut out with the 
Stitched Shapes Dies (page 183).   I colored the snowman
with Stampin' Blends and Wink of Stella.


Balmy Blue Glimmer paper was used for the sentiment,
(page 37 of the August -Dec 2020 Mini)

created with the Word Wishes Dies on page 183, as
well as some snowflakes.

Finally, I added a layer of Plaid Tidings DSP (page 57
of the August -Dec 2020 Mini).  This card would be awesome
for mass production, because much of it is cut out using dies.

I hope that you are enjoying our Inspiration Challenge
and can't wait for you to see the cards created by

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Flight of Fancy on Plaid Tidings DSP


 I've mentioned before, that the Flight of Fancy 
(page 59 of the August - December 2020 Mini) is a
cute and versatile set.  Pairing it with the Plaid Tidings DSP
(page 57) is a natural combination and gives you the
Stampin' Blends coloring choices.  I added a strip of 
Brushed Metallic 12x12 Cardstock (page 45) and a bit of
Wink of Stella to glitz it up.

Monday, November 9, 2020

Stampin' Up! On Stage Cards


 This past weekend, Stampin' Up! held it's Online convention,
called OnStage.   Although we couldn't gather together in person,
it was a well organized event, with lots of stamping
demonstrations.  We also saw the upcoming Jan-June 2021
Mini and SAB catalogs.  I CANNOT WAIT!!

We were given card measurements and invited to stamp at home, during one of the demonstrations.
I didn't have any of the product recommended, so substituted
what I had.  In the sample above, I used
the Daisy Punch on page 166,
Plaid Tidings DSP on page 57 of the Holiday Mini,
and the Hippo and Friends Dies on page 176.



My second card features:
Peony Garden DSP on page 149,
Butterfly Gala set on page 79,
Butterfly Duet Punch on page 165,
Stitched So Sweetly Dies on page 179



Friday, November 6, 2020

Peony Garden with Stitched So Sweetly


 Recently, Sara Douglas, Stampin' Up!'s CEO, did a demonstration
of how she creates quick cards.  This card is a variation on
the technique, using the Peony Garden DSP on page 149.
You can use DSP for your focal layer, adding a sentiment
and a couple of embellishments.  This sentiment comes
from the So Sentimental stamp set on page 74, and 
coordinating Stitched So Sweetly dies on page 179.  
Embellishments included some Silver foil and Enamel Dots
colored with Stampin' Blends. 

If you want a different look, you can sponge the 
DSP or color the flowers with Stampin' Blends.


Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Under My Umbrella With Peek-A-Hoot Dies


 This card uses the Under My Umbrella set, found on page 20.  
I paired it with a die from the Peek-A-Hoot Dies on page 62,
of the Aug - Dec 2020 Mini Catalog.  They really pair
up well.  I colored the images with Stampin' Blends
and recessed them using Stampin' Dimensionals.

Monday, November 2, 2020

Birds and Branches with Wreath Builder


 I tend to need two different kinds of cards; birthday and
thinking of you.  The Wreath Builder Dies (p 173)
are my go-to for this occasion.  I created the bird with 
the Birds and Branches set (p 120) and cut it out with the
Birds and More Dies (p 174).   The bird was placed on
a piece of Braided Linen Trim, which is so easy to unbraid
in order to create frayed ends.

I used the Pinewood Planks 3D Embossing folder on p 185
to add texture, and then sponged this layer.   The sentiment comes
from the Butterfly Gala stamp set on p 79.

Friday, October 30, 2020

Stamp Off Have A Hoot Bundle


Today Buffy, Susan and I are doing a Fall Challenge.
That means anything from leaves, to witches!  
Since we all have different product, I think you will see 
some variety.


 I've done two versions of this card, with different color 
schemes.  The Have A Hoot Bundle (page 62 of 2020 Holiday)

gives you tons of options for layouts.  The images are 
animated, with dies that make layering easy.  It covers both
Halloween and Christmas.   In this example, I colored the owl and spider with Stampin' Blends!

For the colored layers, I used the  Plaid Tidings 6x6
DSP (page 57) and a strip of Black Glitter Paper (page 53).
The Cobwebs 3D Embossing Folder (page 53)
adds texture to the background layers.

Thank you for swinging by.  Please don't forget to
check out Buffy and Susan's Fall samples.


This is a "gray version" of my Fall challenge card.



Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Christmas Layers with Peony Garden DSP


 Sometimes you need a quick card for a
difficult situation.  Detailed dies can be your friend,
when it comes to creating the focal image,
by using the negative part of the die cut.

For this card, I used a die from the Christmas Layers
set on page 180.   I feel that these Christmas dies can work for
a variety of situations.  I removed the die cut image and placed
a strip of Peony Garden DSP (page 149) behind.  The 
sentiment comes from the So Sentimental set on page 74.
I added a twine bow and the card was complete.  
To make a quick Christmas card, you can use a different
sentiment and put green cardstock or DSP behind the image.

Monday, October 26, 2020

Flight of Fancy Halloween


This cute set is Flight of Fancy on page 59 of the
2020 Holiday Mini.  I often go for sets that cover 
multiple holidays, so this one fits the bill.  I colored the
focal image with Stampin' Blends and then cut it out
with the Hippy and Friends Die (page 176).
I added some Plaid Tidings DSP (page 57) and
Black Glitter Paper (page 53).


Friday, October 23, 2020

Layering Peony Garden DSP Circles


 Sorry, but I'm just going to have to say it.  
That darn Susan.  She posted a wonderful card here,
and I was compelled to try this layering circles technique.
I will admit that I didn't follow the directions
precisely, but then I never do.

I had just purchased the Peony Garden DSP
(page 149).  I know this looks a bit busy, so that is why
I kept the background plain.  I liked this arrangement
of patterns because it reminded me of looking down into a shell.

I knew that I needed a long sentiment for this technique,
and love the "You've been on my mind" stamp from the
Butterfly Gala set on page 79.

I couldn't tell you what circles I used, but I stuck
with only 4.  Then I just alternated them for the 
matching layers.

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Have a Hoot Pumpkin


I've been using the Have a Hoot Bundle (page 62 of 2020 Holiday),
because it is so darn cute.  I realized that I had not used this
image, so needed to get busy.  I colored the image
with Stampin' Blends and cut it out with the Stitched Shapes
Dies on page 183.

I added two circles from the Plaid Tidings DSP pack
(page 57 of the 2020 Holiday).  The background layer,
which is hard to see because it is black, was run through
the Cobwebs 3D Embossing Folder (page 53).



 

Monday, October 19, 2020

Have a Hoot Bundle


 I think that the Have A Hoot Bundle (page 62 of 2020 Holiday)
is just the cutest product grouping.  The images are so
animated, that you can't help but smile.  It covers both
Halloween and Christmas, so you get a lot of bang for your 
buck.  You could also use some of the owls for general
winter cards.  The images are great fun to color with 
Stampin' Blends!

In this example, I used a layer of the Plaid Tidings 6x6
DSP (page 57) and a strip of Black Glitter Paper (page 53).

Friday, October 16, 2020

Stamp Off Color Challenge



Hey creative friends, it's time for another Stamp Off
Challenge with Susan, Buffy and I.
Today we have a color challenge, to include 3 of 4,
of the following colors:
Granny Apple Green 
Bermuda Bay
Crushed Curry and
Smoky Slate


I normally don't create vintage style cards, because they
are not really in my wheel house.  Today, I just felt like
making a butterfly card!

On the background layer, I used the Basic Pattern
Decorative Masks (page 146).  The sentiment comes from
the Butterfly Gala set (page 16), and butterfly from the
Butterfly Gala set (page 79).  The Hippo and Friends Die
was used to cut out the tiled layer, and Stitched So
Sweetly (page 179) Dies, the sentiment.  I colored 
rhinestones with Bermuda Bay Stampin' Blends,
to perk up the butterfly.

I appreciate your visit to my site and hope that you will
click on over to visit Buffy and Susan.