FM65 Your Favorite Animal

It is time for Lili's first challenge on the Friday Mashup.  She's got us thinking about our punches...

 

Photo Courtesy of Mary Fish  

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

1. Make a project using "Punch Art ".
2. Or Create a project featuring "Your Favorite Animal ".
3. Or "Mash it Up" and create a "Favorite Animal using Punches."

I'm prescheduling my posts, since I will be away when this challenge arrives. There has been a huge rash of kiddo birthdays recently (I wonder what all my friends were doing nine months prior to June... hmmmm).  I need to knock out some cards so I can get out of dodge (which also explains why you have been seeing several kiddo birthday cards from me).  For this challenge, I skipped the mashup and went for my daughter's favorite animal.... the pony!  Wait... I used punches.  Does that count?  This one is for her very bestest friend Breanna.

I was pressed for time, so I remade a card I had made previously... but it counts as new since I didn't share it here.  I wish they hadn't retired this Pony Party stamp set.  Isn't it the cutest?  Here's a close-up of the coloring and glitter.  Don't all 5-year-old girls love glitter?

Stamps: Pony Party, Sincere Salutations; Paper: Wonder, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Flirtatious Specialty DSP; Ink: Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Wisteria Wonder, Black Stazon; Accessories: Neutrals & Subtles Collection Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Aquapainter, Lace Ribbon border punch, Large Oval punch, Scallop Oval punch, Itty Bitty punch pack, Sponge, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Rhinestone jewels, Whisper White ¼” Grosgrain ribbon, 3” Circle die, Big Shot, Circle Scissors Plus, Sewing machine, Thread, Two-way glue pen.

Thanks for stopping by!

SUOC48 For the Birds

Today's challenge at Stampin' Up Only Challenges is to create a project using any of Stampin' Up's many bird images, punches, or die-cuts.

I thought I would give a new stamp set, Serene Silhouettes, a try.

I kept the layout rather simple to focus on the main image.

Stamps: Serene Silhouettes; Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White; Ink: More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, the new Basic Black (yum!); Accessories: Basic Black grosgrain ribbon, Silver brads, Brayer, Post-It Notes, Large Scallop Square die, Big Shot.

Thanks for stopping by!

FM64 Angry Birds, The MDS Edition

Amanda's first challenge to us on the Friday Mashup is to create a party invite, thank you, favor or decoration, or mash it up by also making a Box in a Bag.

Image Source 

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

1. Make a project using the " Party Time " theme.
2. Or Make a project using the " Box in a Bag " tutorial.
3. Or "Mash it Up" and create a "Box in a Bag with a Party Time theme."

Well, now I opened a can of worms.  I made one Angry Birds card, and then I heard, "I like Angry Birds."  "I like Angry Birds too."  In addition, an upcoming 6-year-old birthday party is also Angry Birds-themed.  I have no choice but to make another Angry Birds card, but this time, I pulled out My Digital Studio to see if I could make some punch art via MDS.  Here is a Box in a Bag to hold some Angry Birds fruit gummies Little Missy and I found at the store, along with a coordinating card.

I think it worked out pretty nicely, and the good news... I can print this multiple times as needed.  :D

Paper: Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White, Just Eat Cake DSP; Accessories: Real Red striped grosgrain ribbon, Petite Pennants punch, Tab punch, Scallop Trim border punch, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Big Shot, Sewing machine, Thread, Dimensionals; MDS Elements: Circle punches, Heart punches, Square punches, 5-Petal Flower punch, Tasteful Trim Shape 1; Colors: Old Olive, Real Red, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Gray, Basic Black, Whisper White.

Thanks for stopping by!

VSN Journeys: Lavender

There is nothing that kick-starts my <3 for stamping like challenges, particularly Virtual Stamp Night on Splitcoaststampers.  I was feeling uninspired, so I turned to my old friend VSN.  I'm playing with an older challenge, but that don't matter none!  ;)

This challenge is to create a card with international flair. My card features lavender, which are prevalent in Southern France. We visited there in the Fall of 2010.

I also played along with an older SCS Clean and Simple challenge, the three panel technique.  As I write this, I'm currently undecided... but if I run out of time to revisit, this might become my shoebox project for a local event.

Stamps: Herb Expressions, Friendly Phrases; Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black; Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Concord Crush; Accessories: White baker's twine, Sponge, Perfect Polka Dot EF, Big Shot, Dimensionals.

Thanks for stopping by!

The Great Outdoors Projects

So, if you were here this weekend, you had a chance to click through the Stampin' Addicts New Catalog Blog Hop. Thanks for coming back today for a little more info on my projects featuring The Great Outdoors.

I just love these pop-up stage cards!  They make great scenes, but they can be labor-intensive!  Here is the front -  

And the inside -

ETA: I neglected to add the tutorial to the pop-up stage card I used.  Please refer to the tutorial for measurements.

Stamps: The Great Outdoors, Elements of Style; Paper: Marina Mist, Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Polka Dot Parade DSP; Ink: Marina Mist, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Old Olive, Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie, More Mustard, Riding Hood Red, Soft Suede marker; Accessories: Cupcake builder punch, Blender pen, Sponges, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Circles #2 die, Big Shot.

"In a Jar" mixes are very popular for affordable, handmade gift giving.  The coordinating tag and designer fabric make such nice touches!  I mentioned on Friday, I used the hot dog image and a Soft Suede marker to create marshmallows on Very Vanilla card stock.

For this project, I used a simple s'mores bars recipe by Paula Deen.  I printed the baking instructions on the back of the tag.

Stamps: The Great Outdoors, Fabulous Phrases; Paper: Summer Starfruit, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Comfort Cafe DSP; Ink: Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie, More Mustard, Riding Hood Red, Soft Suede marker; Accessories: Summer Sunfruit satin stitched ribbon, Comfort Cafe designer fabric, Blender pen, Sponge.

  

And this stamp set is a natural for traditional scrapbooking.

My Project 52 totals: Week 24, pages 16.  Yep, I've got some catching up to do.  I plan on doing some digital scrapping when traveling this summer.

Stamps: The Great Outdoors, Daring Adventures, Woodgrain BG; Paper: Marina Mist, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Old Olive, Pacific Point, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Natural Composition DSP; Ink: Marina Mist, Garden Green, Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie, More Mustard, Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Early Espresso, Black Stazon, Marina Mist marker, Cherry Cobbler marker, Soft Suede marker; Accessories: Natural wood button, Linen thread, Silver mini brads, Scallop Trim border punch, Itty Bitty punch pack, Spritzer tool, Sponges, Blender pen, Petal Cone die, Big Shot, Sewing machine, Thread.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Addicts New Catalog Blog Hop

Welcome to Stampin' Addicts New Catalog Blog Hop, featuring a selection of stamp sets to get you revved up for the new catalog season. Love the look of the new catalog?  But you don't have so many new sets on your list because you haven't seen them used yet?  Well, hold on!  Make sure you have those wish lists near by, because my fellow Stampin' Addicts will knock your socks off! 

If you have been following the blog hop in order you've just seen Sara's wonderful creations featuring Bug Me. Today I have stamped samples from the set The Great Outdoors for you.

I tend to be drawn to stamp sets that I can make a cute scene out of... and this one is no exception.  I hope you won't mind if I share another pop-up stage card.  Here is the front -  

And the inside -

You may be wondering what to do for teachers' gifts, maybe a summertime party favor, or even inexpensive holiday gifts for friends and neighbors.  "In a Jar" mixes are very popular, and a s'mores mix goes naturally with this set.  After mixing some ingredients together, all I did was create a tag for my jar.

  

But wait... there are no marshmallow images in this set.  I used the hot dog image and a Soft Suede marker to create marshmallows on Very Vanilla card stock.

I'm sure many of you have pictures of camping trips with your family.  This set is a natural for making adorable scrapbook pages.  Here is a two-page 6 x 6" layout I made.

Don't forget to come back on Monday for more pictures and details on how to make these projects.  If you aren't yet a member of Stampin' Addicts, you can sign up here. Make sure you check out the next stop to see what Tanya has created for you using Serene Silhouettes. Her projects are always amazing.

 
Blog Hop Order:

1) Twila (tjdstampsalot) -- Chock-Full Of Cheer
2) Kim (s1itcher46) -- For the Birds
3) Adriana (escape2stamp) -- Two by Two
4) Carmen -- Blast Off
5) Sara (lilyinkpad) -- Bug Me
6) Heidi (hlw966) -- The Great Outdoors
7) Tanya (tanya27) -- Serene Silhouettes
8) Debra (WebDeb) -- Fine Feathers
9) Rhonda (rhondag) -- Horse Frontier
10) Yapha -- A Fitting Occasion
11) Mickey (MickeyRoberts) -- Layered Labels
12) Betty (kittystamp) -- Clockworks
13) Paula (scrapshappen) -- Moving Forward

Enjoy your trip, and thanks for stopping by!

FM63 Piecing with Colors

This is Tara's first challenge as a design team member at the Friday Mashup, and she brings us a technique and color combo.

image © OVG Photography (source)

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

1. Make a project using the " Paper Piecing " technique.
2. Or Make a project using " Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight & Pool Party ".
3. Or "Mash it Up" and create a " Paper Piecing Project using the above colors."

I love paper piecing, and the color combo in the photo is great, but for some reason, the mashup of the two gave me all sorts of trouble.  After much thought, and searching around for inspiration, here's what I came up with.

I would say it is closer to paper tole than paper piecing, but it passes, IMO.  I used the reinker spreader technique for the flower.

For this challenge I used Retro Sketch #14.

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Itty Bitty Banners; Paper: Daffodil Delight, Rich Razzleberry, Pool Party, Whisper White, Shimmery White, Floral District DSP; Ink: Pool Party, Black Stazon, Daffodil Delight reinker;  Accessories: Corner Rounder punch, Aquapainter, Framed Tulips EF, Little Leaves die, Bitty Banners framelits, Big Shot, Sewing machine, Thread, Dimensionals.

Thanks for stopping by!

3-D Thursday: A to Zebra Celebration

Every month I try to play along with the Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge.  This month's theme is totally not me.  I'm definitely not pink and animal prints... but that's why it is a challenge, right?

My eye was drawn to that dress.  I decided to pull out my Paper Crafters Sampler template for the Glamour Girl Dress box. This favor box a great idea for a bridal, prom, Mother's Day, tea or garden party, or other girlie gathering that you need some table favors.

But how did I get the zebra print?  I saved a jpeg file off the internet, loaded it up in My Digital Studio, sized it to a card front, then printed. I just couldn't commit to hand-creating the print like the fabulous design team did; that was just too much for me.

I think I'll put some chocolates in the box and send it to my sister for her birthday.  The Glamour Girl Dress box template is part of the discounted past issues available in the Paper Crafters Sampler Library, May 2010 issue.

I showed this box to my daughter, and her mouth dropped open, and she said, "Do you have paper like that??"  I guess this style totally is her.  :)

Paper: Melon Mambo, Basic Black, Whisper White; Accessories: Melon Mambo grosgrain ribbon, Scallop Circle punch, Adorning Accents edgelits, Big Shot, My Digital Studio.

Thanks for stopping by!

PCS June issue: Penned Post

The June issue of Paper Crafters Sampler is up and running.

Penned Post was generated to take a break from the fast-paced world of email to remember the joy of sending a hand-written letter.  Elegant cards and beaucoup stationery fill the pages of this Sampler.

Here is a glimpse of my project,

and all the wonderful projects.

The template of the month is Nib and Well Writers Box and fashions an "Old World" charm.  While the Nib and Well Writers Box is designed to hold bottled ink, nibs and pens for calligraphers, it can be use for letter-writing purposes.  You'll find the Writers Box and others stationary sets in this issue a GREAT idea for Father's Day gifts.

Thanks for stopping by!

SUOC47 Fancy Fabric Frills

Today's challenge on Stampin' Up Only Challenges is to make a project with fancy frills.  Use something frilly, including doilies, stamps or die-cuts.  Well, frilly to me means lace.  I've been meaning to make a fabric coffee sleeve for a friend for a while now; in fact, I am quite late with it.  This challenge will be a good push.

This is the first time I made one, and it got a lot more complicated when I was determined to include lace.  But overall, it suffices for a first pass.

I loosely followed this tutorial.  My big mistake was to not increase the size of my pattern to compensate for seam allowance.  Doh!  Keep calm and carry on....  :)

I added a big button from Candy Cane designer button pack and a fabric yo-yo too (love these!).  It didn't take nearly as long as all my procrastinating would make one believe.

Supplies: Twitterpated designer fabric, Brights Collection button pack, Candy Cane designer button pack, Victoria lace, White baker's twine, 3" Circle die, Big Shot, Sewing machine, Needle, Thread, Batting, Elastic band.

Thanks for stopping by!

Table Saw for Dad

Hi Everyone,

I spent Saturday morning putting together a 3-dimensional table saw gift card holder for Dad.  This project was created by Amanda Corbet, and you can get a copy of the tutorial at Craft Project Central, May 2012 issue.

Here's the backside.  When you push the wood through the table saw, a gift card slides out the back.  My project isn't as polished as Amanda's, but I forged on.  I love all the little details!

Stamps: Woodgrain BG; Paper: Marina Mist, Real Red, Crumb Cake, Basic Gray, Basic Black, Brushed Silver; Ink: Early Espresso, Soft Suede marker, Basic Black marker; Accessories: Silver brad, Word Window punch, Large Oval punch, Scallop Circle punch, Itty Bitty punch pack, 1/2" Circle punch, Simply Scored, Thin Cardboard, Sticky Strip.

Thanks for stopping by!

FM62 Sketching with Birds... Angry Birds

It is Lisa's turn to challenge us on the Friday Mashup.  I'm completely out of the Angry Birds loop, since I have a "dumb" phone, but my daughter knows what they are.  She was very supportive of trying some Angry Birds punch art.  In fact, the story today is that she would like to have an Angry Bird 7th birthday party, which is nearly two years away.  Then she told me we better start making some invitations.  *eyeroll*  Anyway, on to the challenge...

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

1. Make a project using " the Sketch ".
2. Or Make a project featuring " Birds ".
3. Or "Mash it Up" and create a " project using the above Sketch featuring Birds ".

Of course I mashed it up with the sketch and some birds.  I put together a birthday card, which is also a gift card holder on the inside.

I followed Niki's tutorial to make these birds.  Why are they so angry anyway?  That's alright; I don't need to know.

Stamps: Up, Up & Away; Paper: Old Olive, So Saffron, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Crumb Cake, Basic Gray, Basic Black, Whisper White, Ice Cream Parlor DSP;  Ink: Basic Black, Basic Black marker; Accessories: White gel pen, 1-3/8" Circle punch, 1-1/4" Circle punch, 1" Circle punch, 1/2" Circle punch, Full Heart punch, Heart-to-Heart punch, Tiny Heart punch, Itty Bitty punch pack, Boho Blossom punch, Petite Pennant punch, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Big Shot, Sewing machine, Thread, Dimensionals.

And it is time again for the Fan Favorite, a challenge picked by YOU, the fans!  If you are a regular at the Mashup, make sure you join in the fun!!

Here's how it works: 

1. Between June 4 to June 10, write a post on your Blog describing what your Mashup Challenge would be!

2. Come back here and Link up! 

3. The Fans will vote for their top 3 from all the Entries on June 11-15.

4. Voting for the TOP 3 will be June 16-20.

5. The winner will be announced on June 21st

6. The winning Challenge will be hosted here on Friday June 29th.

Thanks for stopping by!

3-D Thursday: Mini Petal Box

Little Missy has her preschool graduation coming up.  I asked her, "What do you think you would get someone who is graduating from school?"  She told me jewelry.  She went on to tell me she is very careful and wouldn't lose jewelry.  "What makes you think I was talking about you?", I ask.  :)

May's Paper Crafters Sampler, Sweet Treats, includes a mini petal box template.  It is quick to put together, and it comes out so tiny and cute!

I love the top-down view of this box... just love the peek-a-boo look of the "petals" lined with different paper.

I may just use this box to hold a little trinket for Little Missy.

Paper: Blushing Bride, Island Indigo, Twitterpated DSP; Accessories: Island Indigo baker's twine, Scallop Dotted Ribbon border punch, 1/16" hole punch.

Thanks for stopping by!

Spider Girl

Who knew there was a Spider Girl?  I didn't!  My daughter was invited to a Spider Girl party, and this is the card I put together.

This card used Mojo Monday sketch #242.  The spider embellishment was stamped on Basic Gray paper and coated with Crystal Effects.

All Superheros were invited; the kids were adorable!  Little Missy went as Bat Girl.

Stamps: Piece of Poison; Paper: Ruby Red, Night of Navy, Basic Gray,Whisper White, Ghostly Greetings DSP; Ink: Basic Black, Whisper White Craft; Accessories: Crystal Effects, Pinking Hearts border punch, Spider Web EF, Big Shot, Spider Girl image from Internet.

Thanks for stopping by!

More New... Layered Labels

Morning Everyone!  I purchased the Apothecary Accents framelits from the new catalog, and I had to get the matching stamp set, Labeled Labels.  How can I stand between them playing together?

This is a shoebox project I put together for our recent team meeting.

I am loving this Comfort Cafe paper!  Might have to get myself some more of it.  This card started with Mojo Monday sketch #188, but I did stray a bit.

Edit to add: The larger layers were created with the Apothecary Accents framelit.  For the Cajun Crazy layer, I cut one framelit shape, cut it in half horizontally, and layered it behind the Whisper White. I then just cut two more "point" shapes, the ones on the east/west sides of the shape, and layered those behind.  For the Midnight Muse and Very Vanilla ovals, I just stamped and cut by hand.

Stamps: Layered Labels; Paper: Midnight Muse, Summer Sunfruit, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Whisper White, Comfort Cafe DSP; Ink: Midnight Muse, Summer Sunfruit; Accessories: Gold brads, Pearl Jewels, Itty Bitty punch pack, Scallop Trim border punch, Framed Tulips EF, Apothecary Accents framelits, Big Shot, Dimensionals.

Thanks for stopping by!

New Catalog Open House

Hi Everyone,  I wanted to share the projects we are making at today's New Catalog Open House.

For the Floral District suite, I really wanted to use the In Colors, but I also wanted to use the DSP.  What's a girl to do?  So some familiar colors and new DSP it is.  We also got a look at the new stitched ribbon.

I created a cute, dimensional flower with the stamps in the set.

I used Sweet Sunday Sketch #158.

Stamps: Betsy's Blossoms, Petite Pairs; Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Floral District DSP; Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight; Accessories: Daffodil Delight stitched ribbon, Circle Scissors Plus, Perfect Polka Dots EF, 3" Circle die, Big Shot, Dimensionals.

The Comfort Cafe suite reminds me of those restaurants we visit on vacation... sitting at the table by the window with the curtains, having pancakes on Sunday morning... Cozy!

Check out the new wood buttons!

Stamps: Forever with You; Paper: Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Comfort Cafe DSP; Ink: Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke markers; Accessories: White taffeta ribbon, Linen thread, Wood button, Scallop Trim border punch, Framed Tulips EF, Big Shot, Dimensionals.

Thanks for stopping by!