30 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 30

Good morning and Happy Wednesday!  We've reached the end of the month and the last day of this years gratitude challenge.  I've had so much fun, been really productive, and I hope have inspired you a little.  For the last card of the challenge I decided to use the Proverbial Stampers November Color and Sketch challenges as inspiration for today's card that mixes Holiday catalog items for a fun everyday card.

I started with Crumb Cake cardstock for the cardbase and then added a layer of Cherry Cobbler cardstock as a mat for the Very Vanilla cardfront.  On the cardfront I used the A World of Thanks background stamp set for the background (and greeting at the same time) and stamped it in Crumb Cake ink.  I took a piece of Always Artichoke cardstock and cut a flag and then embossed it with the Big Shot and Boho Chic Embossing Folder. 

For the main stamped image I used the Basket of Wishes stamp set and stamped the berry basket and berries in Chocolate Chip ink before coloring them in with a blender pen and Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, and Always Artichoke ink.  Once I was finished coloring I cut the image out using the Big Shot and Layering Circles Framelits and then used the same framelits to cut a scallop circle mat out of Always Artichoke cardstock. 

Of course you've seen I've had a thing for Copper Foil Paper lately and I decided to use it again on this card as an accent, this time cutting a circle out using the new Stitched Shapes Framelits for a beautiful edge.  I used dimensionals to attached the smaller circles to the foil circle for a little extra dimension.  The final touch was to tie a double bow using the Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine from the Baker's Twine Trio Pack (love getting three coordinating colors in one package!!)



This card makes me think of summer and all the fun times in the sun and love that you can get so many looks with this one stamp set, so versatile (I have to admit I really hope this set carries over to next years catalog)!

Below are easy ordering links for the product's used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana

SSINKspiration Masculine Monday: Going Global Father's Day

Happy Memorial Day!  Today we remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting us and the rights we enjoy.  We've been enjoying just a wonderful relaxing weekend with family fun, a great way to kick of summer.  Today over on the SSINKspiration blog it's time for Masculine Monday and we're doing a Father's Day edition since Father's day is just a few weeks away.

I started with Lost Lagoon cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Mossy Meadow cardstock.  Next I took a piece of Sahara Sand cardstock and embossed it with the Big Shot and World Map Embossing Folder (retiring) and sponged all over the embossing with Sahara Sand ink to detail the image.  I added a piece of Going Places Designer Series Paper (retiring) along the bottom and a piece of Hello Honey 5/8" Stitched Cotton Ribbon (retiring) along the seam.

The stamped compass image is from the Going Global Stamp set (retiring) and it was cut out with the Big Shot and Circle Collection Framelits (retiring), along with the Lost Lagoon mat before being attached to the cardfront with dimensionals.  I added a Black Candy Dot from the Neutrals Candy Dots (retiring) to the center of the compass.  The greeting is from the same stamp set and after stamping it with Basic Black ink on Very Vanilla cardstock and punching it out with the Washi Label Punch (retiring) I sponged around the edge with Lost Lagoon Ink and attached it with a dimensional.

For a final touch I added a Silver Metallic Button (retiring) and used some Silver Baker's Twine (retiring) to tie a bow in the button before attaching it with a glue dot.

I love how this card turned out, lots of texture and dimension, which is great for a "dude" card.  Remember items on the retiring list will only be available for purchase through the end of May, which is tomorrow so if you haven't already ordered your favorite items do it soon!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana

Hand Stamped Sentiments Sketch Challenge: Bravo

Happy Holiday Friday!  We’re almost ready to start the holiday weekend and for once we don’t have lots of things planned so we can just relax and enjoy!  Today I decided to play along with this weeks Hand Stamped Sentiments sketch challenge and made this really fun card using lots of retiring products and extra special touches that help celebrate a special accomplishment.

I started with Cherry Cobbler cardstock for the cardbase and then added layers of Island Indigo and Whisper White cardstock behind the Gold Foil Vellum Paper (retiring).  On the vellum I stamped the greeting from the Bravo stamp set (retiring) using Versamark ink and then heat embossed it using Cherry Cobber Embossing Powder (retiring) and the heat tool.  Note:  when you heat emboss on the foil vellum it does cause the foil to bubble so I just used the heat tool all over the piece of vellum so the bubbling was consistent all over the vellum (it doesn’t come off, it just adds a little texture).  I used a piece of designer series paper from the It’s My Party DSP Stack (retiring) to make the frame for the greeting and cut the window out using the Big Shot and the Squares Collection Framelits (retiring) and used dimensionals to attach it to the cardfront so it pops up.

I added a piece of Cherry Cobbler Designer Series Paper from the Regals DSP stack to the bottom left corner below the second sentiment piece that uses a stamp from the same set and was punched out with the Washi Label Punch (retiring) after being stamped in Cherry Cobbler Ink and sponged around the edge with Island Indigo ink.  The final touch was to add a bow I tied using Island Indigo ¼” Cotton Ribbon (retiring) and it was attached with a glue dot.

Sometimes it’s really fun to add some foil and embossing to projects since it really gives a “WOW” factor and it’s really not that hard.  This stamp set is so great and the sentiments are nice and big, perfect to let that special person how they did good.  The retiring items will only be available through the end of the month so don’t miss out!

 

 

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s card:

 

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend!

Diana

Fab Friday Sketch Challenge: That Thing You Did

Good morning!  It's looking like we may actually get a break from the rain with some sun (yeah!!) so I decided to channel those bright and cheery vibes for my card for this weeks Fab Friday sketch challenge.  I'm using another great retiring stamp set, That Thing You Did, for this fun card using a greeting a friend pointed out to me.  Don't you aways need a card that says "But not in a creepy way??"  Haha!!

I started with Mint Macaron cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Sahara Sand cardstock.  In the bottom right corner using Basic Black ink I stamped the fun saying and I also use a stamp from a new set coming next month, Painter's Palette for the splatter of Mint Macaron (if you want to make this card right away you could also use Gorgeous Grunge.

I added two pieces of designer series paper from the It's My Party Designer Series Paper Stack (retiring).  The main image is also from the That Thing You Did (retiring) stamp set and was stamped on Melon Mambo cardstock and Basic Black ink before being cut out with the Big Shot and Circles Collection Framelits (retiring) and then attached to the cardfront with dimensionals.  The final touch was to add a black button  from the Neutrals Designer Series Buttons (retiring) and I used the Baker's Twine Combo Pack (retiring) to tie the bow in the button.



Between the bright cheery colors and the fun greeting this card really makes me giggle. This designer series paper stack is one of my all time favorites and I love that there are so many different patterns and colors I'm sad that it's retiring but am happy I still have some for my stash for future projects (I completely admit that I love to collect DSP so I can continue to use it.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana

SSINKspiration Mystery Challenge #SSINKMC33: The Open Sea

Good morning!  It was another cold, rainy weekend here (this really is getting old) but at least this was the perfect opportunity to relax at home and spend some time in the studio (time spent creating always makes me happy, and relaxed) and I'm excited to share some of what I came up with.  Today over on the SSINKspiration blog it's time for this month's Mystery Challenge (I always have fun with these) and was able to incorporate 5 of the 6 listed items for this fun, masculine card that is packed full of retiring items getting some last love before we say goodbye at the end of the month.

I started with Lost Lagoon cardstock for the cardbase (this is one of my favorite of the retiring In Colors) and then added a piece of Basic Black cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Elegant Stripes Embossing Folder (retiring).  Next I added a piece of designer series paper from the Going Places Designer Series Paper Stack (retiring) and matted it with Hello Honey cardstock.  I took a piece of Gold Foil Paper and cut it out with the Big Shot and Circles Collection Framelits (retiring) and then embossed it with the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder (retiring).

For the stamped image I used The Open Sea (retiring) stamp set and stamped the ship image on Very Vanilla cardstock using Basic Black ink.  Then I took the log image from the same stamp set over the ship using Crumb Cake ink (I stamped off twice to get a nice light effect) and then cut it out with the Circles Collection Framelits (retiring) and sponged around the edges with Basic Black ink.  For some decorative touches I took a piece of 1 3/8" Burlap Ribbon (retiring) and cut it in half (I actually decided to make two of these cards at the same time so I didn't have any waist left.  Next I took a piece of Hello Honey 5/8" Stitched Cotton Ribbon (retiring) and attached it to the cardfront with Fast Fuse adhesive and then added a couple staples with the Mini Stapler.

The final touch was to add the greeting which is from the And Many More stamp set and after stamping it was punched out with the Word Window Punch (retiring).  I punched a second layer out of Basic Black cardstock to offset behind the greeting.  Dimensionals were used to attached the ship circle and the greeting to the cardfront to finish off the card.

I really love these stamp sets and DSP, they really do make it easy to make masculine cards, which can always be a struggle.  The other design team members are sharing some great cards using the same mystery challenge so go check them out and then come play along and share what you created, can't wait to see it!!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Enjoy,

Diana

Proverbial Stampers Color Challenge Meet SSINKspiration Retiring Products: Banner Greetings

Good morning!  So the rain continues here in VA (at least the grass and flowers are certainly enjoying all this water).  I decided I needed to add a little cheer so I decided to use the Proverbial Stampers May Color challenge along with the SSINKspiration blog retiring products to share some great retiring products that I'm going to miss going forward.

I stared with Wisteria Wonder cardstock or the cardbase and then added layers of Whisper White cardstock and then a piece of designer series paper from the Have a Cuppa Designer Series Paper Stack (retiring).  To overlay the DSP I took a piece of Soft Suede cardstock and cut it out using the Big Shot and Hexagon Hive Thinlit Die (retiring) and then stamped all over it with the script image from The Open Sea (retiring) stamp set using Soft Suede ink.

I decided to add a couple banners that were cut with the Big Shot and Banners Framelits, one using Wisteria Wonder cardstock which was embossed with the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder and a second that had the greeting using the Perfect Pennants (retiring) stamp set that was inked up using Stampin' Write Markers and attached to the cardfront with dimensionals.  The final touch was to add a double bow that I tied using Whisper White Baker's Twine.

I had so much fun making this card and both of these stamps sets I've had so much fun with and will definitely be keeping around for future projects.  Make sure to check out the SSINKspiration blog for other ideas the design team is sharing using their favorite retiring products, you'll have fun!

Below are easy ordering links for products used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana

Hand Stamped Sentiments Color Challenge Meets Paper Craft Crew Theme Challenge: Everything Eleanor

Good morning!  What a fantabulous weekend!  The sun finally came out and Aidan was able to get his baseball game in before it started raining and then a relaxing Sunday with some great ladies at stamp class.    This morning I decided to do a mix and combined the Hand Stamped Sentiments Color Challenge with the Paper Craft Crew theme challenge Craft Crew theme challenge for this pretty card that continues my ongoing showcase of retiring items.  These colors were perfect for the flower theme so it really seemed like the perfect combination and I decided to use the Everything Eleanor stamp set (retiring) that hasn’t had any love for awhile.

I started with Pool Party cardstock for the cardbase and then added a layer of Whisper White Cardstock.  On this piece I used the large swirly image from Everything Eleanor and Calypso Coral ink for a great base for the flowers before adding a piece of Smoky Slate Designer Series Paper from the Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack (so glad these patterns are sticking around!!)  Next I had a little strip of White Corrugated cardstock (retiring) from a class project sitting on my desk so I inked up using a sponge Dauber and Calypso Coral ink and attached it along with a piece of Pool Party Glitter Ribbon (retiring and awesome!!) around the center of the cardfront.

 

Next I stamped the scalloped circle label image from the same stamp set using Pool Party Ink and Whisper White cardstock and punched it out using the 2 3/8” Scallop Circle Punch (retiring) and then was able to stamp the greeting from the A Whole Lot of Lovely Hostess Stamp set (retiring) using Stampin’ Write Markers to ink the image and able to get a great alignment on the stamp the first time (whoo hoo, doesn’t always happen!!) and attached this piece to the cardfront with dimensionals.  

 

For the final flowery touches I stamped and small and large flower images from Everything Eleanor and hand cut them out with Paper Snips.   I added a Pool Party Enamel Dot from the It’s Your Party Enamel Dots (retiring) to the center of the Calypso Coral flower and attached with a dimensional.  Tiny pearls were added to the center of the large Pool Party flower for all the little filaments.  After attaching the flowers to the cardfront I gently folded the petals up to add some dimension to the card.  

The soft and pretty colors really work with the flowers and Smoky Slate is a great neutral color to let the softer colors shine.  I love these stamp sets and am sad to see them go (but great things are coming) and this saying is perfect to send someone just to let them know you’re thinking of them.  Just another reminder to make sure to order your retiring favorites soon so you don’t miss out if they sell out!

 

Below are easy ordering links to the products used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana 

SSINKspiration May Blog Hop: Flowers, Flowers Everywhere!

Good morning!  Blog hops are one of my favorite times of the month since we designers get together to share a whole bunch of great projects using a fun theme.  This months theme is all about flowers and given the cold, rainy weather we've been having the past few weeks (and we're not in the pacific northwest) I'm looking forward to this bit of spring.

 

As you hop along, please be sure to comment and show some love on every blog! We are always excited to hear from our followers! You should have just left stop number #5 on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog Hop - Heidi at Stuck on Stampin'. If so, you are in the right spot. If a link doesn't work or you get off track, you will find the full blog hop lineup below. 

 

 

 For my project I decided to use a mixture of retiring products along with some items carrying over.  I started with Mint Macaron cardstock for the cardbase and then took a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock and stamped it using the Hardwood stamp set and Crumb Cake ink, before cutting it out with the Big Shot and the Hexagon Hive Thinlit die (retiring).  For a fun effect I added a piece of Typeset Speciality Designer Series Paper (retiring), it gives a fun antique look.  Next I used the Big Shot and Botanical Builder Framelits (so happy these are carrying over) to create  several different coordinating flowers, sponged them and even used the Woodgrain Embossing folder to add texture to one of the leaves.  In the center of the flowers I used pearls, Metal Rimmed Pearls, and It's My Party Enamel Dots (retiring) for fun accents.

 

The greeting uses the And Many More stamp set (retiring) and was stamped on Very Vanilla cardstock using Mossy Meadow ink and punched it out with the Word Window Punch (retiring).  Of course I add to add some more texture so I added a strip of Blackberry Bliss 5/8" Stitched Cotton Ribbon (retiring) and a bow out of Basic Black 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon (retiring).

 

Sometimes there are cards you make and you want them nice and easy, other's you like to fuss and play with and just make it over the top and this card definitely fits the second type and I love it.  Someone very special will be getting this card and hope they appreciate it half as much as I enjoyed making it.

 



 

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card: 

Make sure to check out the rest of the blog hop for lots of other great ideas.  If you click the “Next” button, you’ll go to Darcy’s site but you can also access any of the hopper’s site from the full blog list below. 

 

Blog Hop Participant List:

1. Diana at Stampin Fun with Diana
2. Darcy at Dj's Stampin Place
3. Kim at Stamping with Kim
4. Darla at Stampin with Darla
5. Heidi at Stuck on Stampin'

Enjoy!

Diana

Fab Friday Color Sketch: Oh, My Goodies!

Happy Wednesday!  I've been having a little extra play time in the studio lately (yeah) so I've been enjoying making some cards using some of the stamps that will be retiring.  For this card I decided to use the Fab Friday color sketch and this was great since Lost Lagoon has been one of my favorite recent In Colors and it's retiring this month as well.

I started with Lost Lagoon cardstock for the cardbase and then used Crumb Cake cardstock for the cardfront, which I embossed with the Big Shot and Brick Wall Embossing Folder (and then sponged all over with Soft Suede ink to highlight the embossing).  I added some sequins from the Metallics Sequin Assortment, as well as the In Color Sequins (retired).

For the stamped image I used the Oh, My Goodies stamp set (retiring) and used Stampin' Write Markers to color in the image before stamping on Very Vanilla cardstock.  I used the Big Shot and Deco Labels Framelits (retiring) to cut out the greeting along with the mat using Soft Sky cardstock.  For the mat I embossed it with the Big Shot and the Softly Falling Embossing Folder and then sponged around the edges with Lost Lagoon ink.  I wanted some extra texture so I added a piece of ruffled Hello Honey 5/8" Stitched Cotton Ribbon (retiring) along with some tags of Pool Party 3/8" Glitter Ribbon (retiring, this stuff is awesome!!)

This saying is so great and something we should all strive for.  I love how these colors work together and you can "antique" the look by just adding a little sponging, and of course sequins and glitter make everything better!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Card Sketch SSINKCS33: Words of Truth

Good morning!  I hope you all enjoyed your Mother's Day weekend.  Mine was nice and quiet, which was perfect.  Today over on the SSINKspiration blog it's time for a new sketch challenge.  This was a really fun layout and I decided to use it for a card to give Aidan later this week when he starts his standardized testing (always makes him a little nervous).  I also decided to continue my showcase of retiring products and trying products for unusual uses.

I started with Basic Gray cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Basic Black cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Honeycomb Embossing Folder (retiring).  Next I added two pieces of designer series paper from the Have a Cuppa Designer Series Paper stack (I'll admit this wasn't tops on my list of must have's and this is my first time using this paper but found these prints that would work well for a guys card).  On the smaller piece I did stamp using Bermuda Bay ink  the "I'm proud of you" sentiment from the Words of Truth stamp set (retiring).

I used the same stamp set for the "remember" and stamped it using Basic Black ink on Bermuda Bay cardstock and then sponged all around the edges.  Of course this cards needs a little bling and stars are the perfect compliment so I used the Big Shot, Star Collection Framelits, and Silver Glimmer Paper to make a large star outline.  The smaller accent star was made using the star punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (retiring) and some Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper and that I colored using a sponge dauber and Bermuda Bay ink.

This card is so fun and I think Aidan will enjoy finding this card in his lunch bag the day of one of big tests.  The other design team members have made some great cards using this months sketch so go check them out and then play along and share what you create, can't wait to see them!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Enjoy,

Diana

SSINKspiration Mother's Day: Timeless Textures

Happy Friday!  After an eventful week I'm definitely looking forward to a quiet weekend, the guys are doing camping so I'm a single gal and the guys will get home Sunday morning, just in time for Mother's Day.  Speaking of Mother's Day today over on the SSINKspiration blog we're sharing some ideas for Mother's Day, just in case you're not quite ready.  This past weekend I hosted a kid's class where they got to make Mother's Day and Father's Day cards and this was one of the ideas I created for the class but it was fun to see how the kid's all put their own spin on their cards!


I started with Hello Honey cardstock for the cardbase and then added Mossy Meadow cardstock behind the Whisper White cardfront.  On the cardfront we started by stamping using the Timeless Textures stamp set, using Basic Black for the grid image and Hello Honey for the filigree image (stamped off once for a lighter color).  The greeting is from a retired stamp set, Something to Celebrate, but I was a little short on Mother's Day stamps that worked.  Next I took a piece of Botanical Gardens Designer Series Paper and matted it with Cajun Craze cardstock.

I used the Botanical Builders Framelits and the Big Shot to cut out all the flowers, using Hello Honey, Cajun Craze, Mossy Meadow, and Basic Black cardstock.  To add a little bling I used an Iced Rhinestone in the center of the largest flower and then a small rhinestone in the center of each of the Cajun Craze little flowers (you know my love of bling!!).  The final touch was to take a piece of Mint Macaron 1" Dotted Lace Trim and tied a knot and attached it to the cardfront with a glue dot.

I love these flowers since you're really able to fold up the petals so the flowers have a lot of texture and dimension.  I precut all the pieces, even all the flowers for the kids to make it easy for them and wow them moms.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Have a great weekend and a Happy Mother's Day!

Diana

SSINKspiration Teacher's Appreciation: All Boxed Up

Good morning!  As we're rushing into the spring we're rapidly approaching summer and the end of the school year and with that comes Teacher Appreciation and ideas we can do to show appreciation to our teachers and school staff.  Today over on the SSINKspiration blog we're sharing ideas for just this occasion to help you get ready and not be stressed with last minute projects.  Several months ago I saw this great project idea shared by Erica Cerwin shared this great tutorial for a gift box and as soon as I saw it knew it would be perfect for teacher's appreciation.  Here's the information on Erica's creation HERE.

I used the Shine on Speciality Designer Series Paper (retiring) and Simply Scored Board to create the boxes and used the File Label Framelits (retiring) to cut the notch on the top.  I used the Schoolhouse Designer Series Paper (retiring) to wrap a piece around the top of the box.  I used the Be the Star stamp set (retiring) and coordinating framelits to make the large star.  The small star was cut out of Silver Glimmer Paper and the star punch from the Itty Bitty Accent Punch (retiring).  For the greeting I used the All Boxed Up Stamp set (retiring) and cut a coordinating piece of Schoolhouse Designer Series Paper that looks like notebook paper.

For the decoration on the top I used a Metallic Mini Clothespin (retiring) to attach the name tag that I created using my computer and then punched it out with the Washi Label Punch (retiring).  I used some retired Baker's Twine to tie a double bow but we have lots of coordinating baker's twine that would also work.

These  boxes are really easy to make and are so cute (thanks Erica!!).  I filled mine wit Tic Tacs, Yogurt Covered Raisins, and some lemonade packets (perfect to help the teachers get through these last weeks of the school year).  Make sure to check out the other items the design team is sharing, they're so fun!  Don't forget several of the items used on today's project are retiring so make sure to order them soon if you want to ensure they are in your crafting toolbox for future projects.

Below are easy ordering links to the products used on today's project:

Have a great day!

Diana

SSINKspiration Mystery Challenge #SSINKMC32: Crazy About You

Good morning!  What a beautiful weekend, we were busy as usual but enjoyed being able to enjoy the nice weather throughout everything.  Today over on the SSINKspiration blog it's time for this months Mystery Challenge and we were given another fun list of items to see what we could come up with, I was able to incorporate 4 items (1, 3, 5, 6).  We made this beautiful Mother's Day card earlier this month, and while it's a little over the top it was fun and certainly a hit. 

I started with Sahara Sand cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Whisper White cardstock for the cardfront.  I cut a circle out of Vellum cardstock using the Big Shot and Circles Collection framelits and then embossed it with the Zig Zag Embossing Folder and then sponged all over it with Mint Macaron ink.  I used two pieces of coordinating DSP from the Botanical Gardens Designer Series Paper.

For the flowers they were a breeze using the Big Shot and the Botanical Builders Framelits using Crushed Curry, Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Old Olive, and Mossy Meadow cardstock.  I did add some sponging to the flowers using Cajun Craze ink and Mossy Meadow ink to the leaves.  I added pearls to the small flowers and a Metal Rimmed Pearl to the center of the large flower.

For the greeting I used the Crazy About You stamp set and coordinating framelits and cut the "happy" out of Basic Black cardstock.  The "Mother's Day' was punched out with the Washi Label Punch, sponged around the edge with Mossy Meadow ink, and then attached with dimensionals. The final touch was to add a knot tied using Mint Macaron Lace Trim.

This card has so much texture and dimension, it really is stunning and you can certainly change up the greeting for whatever you need.  Make sure to check out what the other designers are sharing for this challenge and then play along and share your creations, we would love to see them!

Below are easy ordering links to the products used on today's card:

Enjoy,

Diana

SSINKspiration Birthdays: Party Pop-Up Thinlits

Good morning!  One of the things that I love celebrating all year long is birthdays and this years Occasions catalog has so many fun products perfect for birthday greetings.  Today over on the SSINKspiration blog it's all about birthdays and this is a fun birthday card we made at this months card class.

I started with Crushed Curry cardstock for the cardbase and then took a piece of Tip Top Taupe cardstock and embossed it with the Big Shot and Confetti Embossing Folder.  Have you seen the new Party Pop-Up Thinlits in the Occasions catalog?  I love them and not just to make 3-D cards but it makes a fun focal point for a card that's super easy.  I used a piece of It's My Party Designer Series Paper and ran it through the Big Shot with the Party Pop-Up Thinlit and then trimmed it down to remove the card connector pieces.  To help the words pop up I added a piece of Mint Macaron cardstock behind the DSP piece.

I added a small "Happy Birthday" greeting using the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set and punched it out with the Word Window Punch.  The final touch was to add a bow using the Melon Mambo Baker's Twine from the Baker's Twine Combo Pack (I used two pieces of twine for a double bow).

I love how easy the tools make this card but it really packs a punch, perfect to celebrate a special day!

Below are easy ordering links for the product's used on today's card:

Enjoy,

Diana

SSINKspriation Occasions Catalog Bundles: Sunburst Sayings

Good morning!  As you know, one of the things I love about Stampin’ Up! is our coordinating products, stamps, punches, framelits/thinlits, papers, etc. when it is designed to work together it really helps take a lot of the guess work out of crafting for us and now Stampin’ Up! offers some of these coordinating products as bundles so we get to save 15% when we purchase the items that naturally go together (bonus!!)  Today over on the SSINKspiration  blog we’re sharing projects made with our favorite product bundle items from the Occasions Catalog.  There are so many great bundles to choose from but I decided to use the Sunburst Thinlit and coordinating stamp set (one, it’s a recent addition to my studio, and 2, the framelit is currently one of the weekly deal specials so if you didn’t want the stamp set you could purchase just the framelit and save some money this week!!)

I started with Crumb Cake cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Soft Sky cardstock to mat the Typeset Specialty Designer Series Paper and wrapped a piece of Hello Honey 5/8” Striped Cotton Ribbon around the bottom with a knot.

For the main image I used the Big Shot and Sunburst Thinlits Dies and cut a piece of Hello Honey Cardstock.  I used the coordinating stamp set, Sunburst Sayings and stamped the dotted lines on the sunburst using Hello Honey ink. Next I took the Square Framelits collection and some Very Vanilla cardstock and used two framelits to create a frame (and rubbed around the frame with a sponge and Crumb Cake ink.  Next I took a piece of Soft Sky cardstock for the background of the sunburst and aligned it in my frame the way I wanted and trimmed off the excess.

For the center of the sunburst I stamped the greeting also from Sunburst Sayings, using Basic Black ink on Crumb Cake cardstock, punched it out with the 1 3/8” Circle Punch and sponged around the edge with Soft Sky ink.  I used the Circle Collection Framelits and Big Shot to cut a mat for the greeting out of Gold Glimmer Paper and attached both circle pieces to the sunburst with dimensionals (lots of them!!)

This card turned out so bright and cheery (but I’ll admit I stamped the dotted lines on the sunburst after I attached the frame, if I had remembered I would have done it before so it was easier.  Sometimes you just need to let people know that you’re thinking of them and care and this card is perfect for that!  the other design team members are sharing some great cards using their favorite Occasions bundles so make sure to go check them out!

Below are easy ordering links for the current products used on today’s card:

Have a great day!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Color Challenge SSINKCC32: Feel Goods

Good morning!  What a crazy weekend, that weather really impacted our weekend activities, from Boy Scout Trout-a-ree to the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler the weather and particularly the wind really was a force to be reckoned with.  It's time for another color challenge over on the SSINKspiration blog and I decided to focus on some products from the Annual catalog that may be overlooked at times.

I started with Marina Mist cardstock for the cardbase and then layered a piece of Pear Pizzaz cardstock behind a Whisper White cardfront.  On the cardfront I started by stamping the swirl design from the Chalk Lines stamp set in Pear Pizzaz ink and then took the Clear Wink of Stella glitter pen to outline the swirls for a little sparkle (see the close up picture).  Next I took the splatter stamp from the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set and stamped in both Marina Mist and Pear Pizzaz ink.  I used some Fast Fuse adhesive to attach a strip of Marina Mist 1/4" Cotton Ribbon across the center of the cardfront.

For the greeting I stamped this saying (one of my favorites!!) from the Feel Goods stamp set and stamped on Whisper White cardstock and punched it out with the 2 1/2" circle punch before sponging around the edge with Pear Pizzaz cardstock.  For the mat for the circle I started by cutting a piece of Crushed Curry cardstock using the Big Shot and Deco Labels Framelits and then embossed it with the Brickwall Embossing folder (and then sponged all over with Sahara Sand ink).  I used dimensionals to attach the greeting piece to the cardfront.  To finish things off I took strip of pearls and colored them with a marker (use a sharpie or Blendabilities marker) before attaching them to the card.
 

I had lots of fun with this card and was really feeling this message this weekend, which we all need.   Make sure to check out the other cards the design team is sharing for inspiration and then play along with use, would to see what you come up with. 

 

 

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana

SSINKspiration Mystery Challenge #SSINKMC31: Perfect Pairings

Good morning and happy Monday!  We had a great weekend that started out busy and ended nice and relaxing.  The guys helped get my birthday week festivities started by taking me shopping and to dinner on Friday since our weekend was full.  I had birthday's on my mind when I started working on today's card for the SSINKspiration blog for the mystery challenge.  I have to admit this challenge really stumped me but I was able to used items 2, 3, 4, and 5 to create this simple looking one layer card that used lots of different stamps to build the look of texture.

My card is made using Whisper White Thick cardstock (this is really great for cardbases).  I Decided to use blues for my color scheme and started by stamped the splatter using the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set and Bermuda Bay ink but stamped off twice before stamping so it was lighter.  Next I used the Timeless Textures stamp set and stamped the floral image several times using Bermuda Bay (stamped off once) and Pool Party ink (stamped off once).  I also stamped the grid stamp from the same stamp set using Pool Party ink (at full strength). 

The greeting is from the Perfect Pairings stamp set (remember this is a Sale-a-bration FREEBIE and is only available through the end of the month so if you don't already have this set place your order soon.  I embossed it using Versamark ink and Pool Party Embossing Powder and the Heat Tool.  Next I took a sponge dauber and rubbed around the greeting using Bermuda Bay ink for emboss resist.  Since I only have one layer of cardstock I decided to add an embellishment so I took a Bermuda Bay button from the Brights Designer Buttons package and tied a bow using three strands of baker's twine, both Whisper White and Bermuda Bay baker's twine).

It was fun to see how many different shades of blue I could add to this card to help add dimension since I couldn't add paper layers.  The other designers are sharing their own takes on this challenge so go check them out and we would love for you to play along with us.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Enjoy your day!

Diana

Happy Easter: Suite Sayings

Happy Easter!  I hope you are enjoying a wonderful day full of family and traditions.  We're enjoying a nice and relaxing day, which is perfect!  I wanted to share a quick and pretty Easter card (and it could easily use other greetings for whatever you need.

I started with Soft Suede cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Birthday Bouquet Designer Series Paper (this was my first time using this paper and it's so soft and pretty, stunning) and let it be the focus of the card.  I wrapped a piece of Watermelon Wonder 1" Stitched Satin Ribbon around the DSP.

For the greeting I used the Suite Sayings stamp set and stamped it using Soft Suede ink on Pool Party cardstock and cut it out with the Big Shot and Oval Collection Framelits.  To frame the greeting I used some Soft Suede cardstock and cut it with the Big Shot and the Lots of Labels Framelits.  The greeting was attached with dimensionals and for a final touch I used a couple of pearls at the top and bottom.

These flowers are so pretty, it really makes me think spring which is perfect for Easter wishes.

Have a happy and enjoyable Easter Sunday!

Diana

SSINKspiration Friday Favorites: Party Wishes

Happy Friday!  It’s been a busy week, Aidan has been enjoying the week of from school and Chris came home from his business trip last night so we’re looking forward to some quality family time this weekend (an hopefully a little stamping!!).  Today for the SSINKspiration blog we’re sharing some of our favorite items.  I fell in love with the It’s Your Party Product Suite from the Occasions Catalog (yes, everything in the suite) and we made this fun card earlier this month in card class.

 

I started with Mint Macaron cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Whisper White cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Confetti Embossing Folder (and sponged all over the embossed parts using a sponge dauber and Mint Macaron, Melon Mambo, and Crushed Curry ink) and matted this with Basic Black cardstock before attaching it to the cardbase.  Next I took a piece of  It’s My Party Designer Series Paper and cut an oval to fit inside the embossed design using the Big Shot and Oval Collection Framelits. 

 

For the stamped image I used the Party Wishes stamp set and stamped the greeting using Basic Black ink on Vellum Cardstock (make sure to give it a little bit of time to fully dry) and then attached the vellum to another strip of designer series paper using glue dots.  I didn’t want the glue dots to show so I used a couple of the It’s Your Party Enamel Dots to cover the glue dots.   The final step was to attach the greeting piece to the cardfront using dimensionals.

This product suite is so fun and the colors are sure to brighten anyone’s day and I love that this card has a huge WOW effect but really isn’t difficult to make.  The It’s My Party Designer Series Paper Pack is huge and has so many fun designs it’s one of my favorites of all time and  you’ll find something for anything you need, not just birthdays.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below are easy ordering links for the current products used on today’s card:

 Have a great weekend,

Diana

Hand Stamped Sentiments Color Challenge: Tin of Cards Birthday Greetings

Good morning!  Another fun-filled weekend and a great way to start spring break.  Even though we're staying home we're looking forward to a little break from the crazy busy spring activity schedule.    I have several friends with March birthdays so I decided t use this weeks Hand Stamped Sentiments color challenge as the inspiration for this card for a friend.

I started with Crumb Cake cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Whisper White cardstock for the cardfront and started my stamped the grid image from the Timeless Textures stamp set in Pear Pizzaz ink.  Next I took a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock and cut a circle out using the Big Shot and Circle Collection Framelits, embossed it with the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder and then sponged all over it with Crumb Cake ink to highlight the embossing.

Next I used the Fun Frames Embossing Folder and after embossing the So Saffron cardstock I used Paper Snips to cut out the frame.  The greeting is from the Tin of Cards stamp set and I stamped with Calypso Coral ink on Whisper White Ink before attaching it the frame.  The final touch for this piece was to add a rhinestone for bling.

Next I used the Botanical Builder Framelits and cut out several flower and leaf pieces to build up the flower and added a Subtle Candy Dot to the center (these framelits are so fun love how you can make the flower have lots of height and dimension.  I had a little piece of Natural 5/8" Chevron Ribbon on my desk so I added it to the cardfront using the Mini Stapler to ruffle up the ribbon.

I haven't used these colors together recently but they really work and help me think of springtime weather (which helps since we decided to get a little snow this weeks, crazy, I know!!) and know it will brighten up my friends day when it's opened.


Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Enjoy!

Diana