INSPIRED BUTTERFLY OASIS

Oh, is it ever fun to be on summer break ... just stamping away, sleeping in, and taking a nap whenever I want! I could really get used to this! My card was inspired by Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #119. I used Flight of the Butterfly and Inspired by Nature with Island Oasis Designer Paper from the 2010 Summer Mini Catalog.

RECIPE
Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly, Vintage Labels ('10 SAB)
Paper: Island Oasis DP ('10 Summer Mini Catalog), Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Basic Black and Old Olive
Tools: Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Priceless Classy Brass Template, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Butterfly Punch, 1" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

Hmmm ... shall I stamp or sleep?

TO THE NINES with the BIRD PUNCH

I have thought about designing a card for this Colour Q Challenge #30 all week ... what stamp set would I use? what designer papers would work?, etc. Last night I finally had a chance to work with it. Needless to say, this "challenge" was just THAT! ... as this is my second card. I'm not even going to show my first attempt! Such a beautiful color combination ... don't know why I have so many problems with it! I guess that just happens sometimes.

Colour Q Challenge #30 uses the colors of Bravo Burgundy, Cameo Coral, Always Artichoke, and Sage Shadow. (Just an FYI ... Sage Shadow and Cameo Coral are retiring with the new upcoming catalog.) See more Color Renovation details HERE. Did you notice I used my handy dandy Bird Punch AGAIN?! Gosh, I love that thing! I never thought I'd use it as much as I have!

I also used a fabulous sketch from Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #111.

RECIPE
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: To the Nines Designer Paper, Always Artichoke, Cameo Coral, Bravo Burgundy, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Bravo Burgundy
Embellishments: Bravo Burgundy Buttons (retired)
Tools: Circle Cutter, Extra Large Two-Step Bird Punch, Scallop Border Punch, Corner Rounder
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

FRIEND. GOOD.

Yes, I'm jumping the gun here with a Halloween card, but couldn't resist using the new Cast-a-Spell Designer Paper! Frankenstein (Batty For You stamp set) is my favorite Halloween image, and this sentiment from the stamp set Smarty Pants always makes me smile! I used Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #76 Sketch.

After I had my card all put together, I realized that maybe I should have more thoughtfully cut the background designer paper with the pumpkins. It bothers me that the orange pumpkins in the print aren't seen on the right and bottom. Does it bother you like it does me?
RECIPE
Stamps: Batty For You, Smarty Pants
Paper: Cast-a-Spell DP, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Old Olive and Basic Black
Embellishments: 1/4" Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" and 1" Circle Punches, Modern Label Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

FALLING LEAVES, an AUTUMN TRADITION

Just a real quick post before the Catty Cruise begins ... so much excitement and anticipation! You're going to love it!

I created this card using Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #75, the new Falling Leaves stamp set, and the new Autumn Traditions Designer Paper.
RECIPE
Stamps: Falling Leaves
Paper: Autumn Traditions DP
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Soft Suede, Ruby Red, and More Mustard
Embellishments: 1/2" Soft Suede Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Scallop Border Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

TRUE FRIEND

Thanks for all the encouraging comments about my blog makeover! The polka dots really aren't my favorite but there's not a whole lot of choices when you're looking for FREE 3-column layouts.

This card uses Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration #55 of Basic Gray, Really Rust, More Mustard, and Very Vanilla ... along with Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #73. I used the stamp set True Friend with Autumn Vine Designer Paper. The sentiment is from the new stamp set Teeny Tiny Wishes found in the new '09-'10 Idea Book & Catalog. Again, I used the Scallop Edge Medallion technique to frame the main image. You can find a tutorial for this technique HERE.RECIPE
Stamps: True Friend, sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes ('09-'10 Idea Book & Catalog)
Paper: Autumn Vine (retired), Basic Gray, Really Rust, More Mustard, and Very Vanilla CS
Ink: More Mustard and Really Rust Stampin' Write Markers, Basic Gray Ink Pad
Embellishments: Basic Gray Corduroy Brads
Tools: Scallop Edge Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

DOTS & DASHES BIRTHDAY

Get your sunglasses on for this color combination! It comes from Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration Challenge #54 - Taken With Teal, Soft Sky, Pumpkin Pie, Green Galore, and Whisper White. I combined the color combo with this great sketch from Taylor VanBruggen's Cupckake Challenge #72.

Anyone recognize this designer paper? It's really OLD ... Stampin' Up! retired Dots & Dashes. It felt good to go back and use some of it up! It's so old that it's one sided!RECIPE
Stamps: Party Hearty
Paper: Dots & Dashes (retired), Taken With Teal, Soft Sky, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Green Galore and Pumpkin Pie
Embellishments: Pumpkin Pie Corduroy Brads
Tools: Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Circle Cutter, Cuttlebug & Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (non-SU), 3/4" Circle Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

GRADUATION

One more graduation card to check off my list! This one uses Taylor VanBruggen's Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #64. I used Allie's high school colors of Brilliant Blue, Gold (the school calls it Vegas Gold), with Basic Black accents.

What you don't see in the photograph is that I used the Classic Stars Jumbo Wheel and Versamark on the large Whisper White background piece for a subtle pattern. Also difficult to see in the photograph is the paper piercing done with the Priceless Classy Brass Template on the Basic Black Circle that backs the gold star medallion.
RECIPE
Stamps: Great Grads, Classic Stars Jumbo Wheel
Paper: Brilliant Blue Prints DP (retired), Brilliant Blue, Basic Black, Whisper White, and Brushed Gold Cardstock
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On
Embellishments: Gold Brads
Tools: Star Punch, 1/4", 1", and 1 1/4" Circle Punches, Priceless Classy Brass Template
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

LOVE BIG DEAL

This is so NOT my favorite card. I find it quite boring but no matter what I try to add to it doesn't work. Great sketch, not so great card. I used Taylor VanBruggen's Cupcake Challenge #49 with Big Deal Alphabet and Candy Lane DP.

RECIPE

Stamps: Big Deal Alphabet

Paper: Candy Lane DP, Riding Hood Red and Very Vanilla CS

Ink: Riding Hood Red

Embellishments: Antique Brass Build-A-Brad, Antique Brass Library Clip

Tools: 1 3/4" and 1/2" Circle Punches, Heart To Heart Punch

Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

Card Front Size: 5 1/4" x 5 1/4"

ANOTHER HAPPY HEART VALENTINE

This Valentine's Day card uses Taylor VanBruggen's Cupcake Sketch Challenge #48. Again, I used the stamp set A Happy Heart from the holiday mini catalog with Candy Lane DP from the Love You Bunch Promotion. The main tic tac toe image was stamped once in Close To Cocoa, and again in Riding Hood Red and Pink Pirouette (for cutting out). The center heart with the "love" is in a Build-a-Brad. The vertical stripe along the left side is from Candy Lane DP mounted on Pink Pirouette CS.

Here is a close-up of the button treatment. There is a piece of Candy Lane DP (the Pink Pirouette with white polka dots pattern) punched out with a 1" Circle Punch that backs the Clear Circle Button. I used pink embroidery floss to thread through the Riding Hood Red Button that is secured to the top of the Clear Button with Mini Glue Dots.Lately, I've been making a conscious effort to complete the inside of my cards. Many times, I simply add a strip of designer paper or simple stamped image. In this case, I covered the whole inside with a light colored, faint pattern of designer paper. I especially like to do this when the card base is a dark color. I chose a light color and faint pattern so as not to distract from the written message. The Candy Lane hearts were punched with the new Heart To Heart Punch from the Love You Bunch Bundle Promotion. I've been finding that I am more apt to mail or use my cards when the inside is done and pretty too!
RECIPE
Stamps: A Happy Heart (holiday mini catalog)
Paper: Candy Lane DP, Close To Cocoa, Pink Pirouette, and Very Vanilla DP
Ink: Close To Cocoa, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, and Very Vanilla CS
Embellishments: Clear Circle Button, Riding Hood Red Button, Build-a-Brad, Pink Embroidery Floss (non-SU)
Tools: 1/2" and 1" Circle Punches, Heart to Heart Punch (for inside)
Supplies: Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

BIRTHDAY CUPCAKE CHALLENGE #44

You can tell I'm feeling better .... I stamped today!!! I stamped only one card and had to lay down afterwards, but it's progress! I have so many birthdays in November and December and am low on birthday cards so hopefully you'll be seeing lots of birthday cards posted here in the next couple of weeks!

For this card, I used Taylor VanBruggen's Cupcake Challenge #44. As you can see, I again used the Celebrate You image from Party Hearty that fits perfectly in the Scallop Circle Punch (love that!). The overall card size is 4 1/4" x 4 1/14", and the polka dot Sweet Always squares were punched with the 1 3/8" Square Punch. The gift image in the center of the medallion and the Pumpkin Pie CS panel are raised on Stampin' Dimensionals.
RECIPE
Stamps: Party Hearty
Paper: Sweet Always DP, Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Pie Classic
Embellishments: Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Scallop Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, CM Custom Cutting System for Pumpkin Pie CS, 2" Circle, 3/4" and 1" Circle Punches, 1 3/8" Square Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

NEW RUBBER!

This weekend couldn't have come soon enough because I've had new rubber sitting here calling my name since Wednesday. This card came together rather quickly, but you would laugh if you knew how many times I tied and re-tied that ribbon! I just couldn't get it to look right, nor could I decide whether to use the Tangerine Tango, or the Kiwi Kiss 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon.

Taylor VanBruggen's Cupcake Challenge #31 seems the perfect fit for my new stamp set, Upsy Daisy, and a great opportunity to use Hawaii Papaya DP from the new 2008 Fall-Winter Idea Book & Catalog.

It's difficult to see in the photograph, but I added Diamond Stickles to the Upsy Daisy image for some sparkle and depth.
RECIPE
Stamps: Upsy Daisy
Paper: Hawaii Papaya DP, Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, and Whisper White DP
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Tangerine Tango 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Dew Drops (non-SU)
Tools: Horizontal Slot Punch
Supplies: Diamond Stickles (non-SU), Stampin' Dimensionals

FLOWER FUSION for CUPCAKE CHALLENGE

Oh boy did it ever feel good to stamp yesterday! I really should have been cleaning house but my foot is still killin' me (plantar fasciitis) so I thought I had better stay off of it. Lucky for me, I stamp sitting down! LOL!

This card uses Taylor VanBruggen's Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #29 (TECC29). I chose to use Stampin' Up!'s Flower Fusion for my circles on the sketch, and the "happy birthday" sentiment is from Think Happy Thoughts. It's probably difficult to see in the photo, but the Basic Black background panel was run through the Cuttlebug with the Swiss Dots embossing folder and mounted on a Whisper White base. The overall card measures 4 3/4" x 4 3/4". RECIPE
Stamps: Think Happy Thoughts
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Rose Red, and Old Olive CS
Ink: Basic Black
Embellishments: Flower Fusion, Black Brads
Tools: Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (non-SU), 3/4", 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches
Supplies: Pop-Up Glue Dots, Mini Glue Dots

ELEGANT EGGPLANT, TAKEN WITH TEAL, OLD OLIVE

If you're a frequent reader of my blog, you know I often lack confidence in my finished artwork, and am always saying something like "I almost didn't post this" ... "Not sure if I like it" ... "This didn't turn out like I had planned"? Well, this card didn't turn out like I had planned BUT I know that I like it !!! I've had this color combination in my head for quite some time, and had a chance to work with it last night ... ELEGANT EGGPLANT, TAKEN WITH TEAL, and OLD OLIVE. I've never had a favorite color, but am very much inspired by color combinations. I'm finding this color combination one of my favorites, and one that I can see myself using ALOT!

Besides the obvious, here are the details of my card ...
* I used Taylor VaBruggen's Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #24 ... and FLIPPED it.
* I also used the stamp set, TRUE FRIEND, and the "FRIEND" sentiment from FUNDAMENTAL PHRASES.
* The flowers were inked using Stampin' Write Markers ...stems in Old Olive, flowers in Taken With Teal, and the edges of the flowers in Elegant Eggplant.
* The small circle medallion image from the True Friend stamp set was stamped in Versamark onto the Elegant Eggplant CS background.
* The three dots scattered between the flowers are paper pierced holes. Long ago, when I scrapbooked regularly, I would make three dots randomly between stickers, die cuts, etc. Those three little dots, randomly placed, pulled the floating images together for a more flowing look.
* There is also a double paper piercing line on the horizontal Taken With Teal CS strip.
* The circle medallion was stamped twice (once in Taken With Teal, and once in Eggplant Envy) with an Old Olive background piece and Old Olive brad. The top circle is raised on stampin' dimensionals.
RECIPE
Stamps: True Friend, Fundamental Phrases
Paper: Whisper White, Eggplant Envy, Taken With Teal, and Old Olive CS
Ink: Old Olive, Eggplant Envy, and Taken With Teal, Versamark
Embellishments: Old Olive Brad
Tools: Paper Piercing Tool & Mat Pack, Word Window Punch, 1", 1 14/" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals