Old Supplies, New Card

Here's another Christmas card made with last year's leftovers, a new stamp set and my favorite Martha Stewart punch. Most of my Christmas cards will not have coordinated envelopes due to the high number (100) but this is one exception. The Swiss Dots strip is actually the reverse of a yellow piece of cardstock that I ran through the Cuttlebug awhile back. The "i" in Christmas is dotted with a tiny crystal.

Meanwhile, my SU order from the new catalog should be here soon! Here's what I ordered:

A Wish for Peace
Christ Is Born
Sock Monkey
Pocket Silhouettes
Heard from the Heart
Riding Hood Red cardstock
and matching Designer Series Papers

Ooooh, the anticipation...

Got the Catalog--Woohoo!

Now I'm just waiting for my order to come in, hopefully before the end of this week. I'll post some cards as soon as I get my hands on the new stamp sets--especially the Christmas ones!

See ya then!

While I'm Waiting for the New SU Catalog...

The new Stampin'Up catalog is taking so long, I've resorted to borrowing old sets and going back to leftover designer paper from last year. When you need to make 100 cards by Thanksgiving weekend, you need to jump start in July.


The first card uses a piece of black and white dp from a pack of Christmas designs I bought a year or two ago. The poinsettia stamp is from a set I borrowed from Mary this week. I used a Fiskars corner punch to highlight the burgundy paper on the bottom of the inside. Silver rhinestone stickers from Michael's add bling. I also used black Stickles for the flower center.

The next two cards feature designs I came up with using the new CB border folders.

The tan card features the dotted border which I criss-crossed and mimicked with the red twine. The polkadot paper also carries the theme. The gold beads in the flower center on the burgundy card are also from Michael's.

All the cardstock is from a package I bought several weeks ago on sale at Michael's. It has 50 sheets, which translates into 100 cards.

Since I'm working with scraps and leftovers, all the cards so far are one of a kind. Not bad, actually; but it's slow going. I'm looking forward to settling down to one design just as soon as I get my hands on a SU catalog!!!

Meanwhile, Back to Summer:

Here's a card using leftover scraps from my scrap drawer--once again, it pays to keep some handy! I even had some leftover purple-tinted gems to dress it up.

Variation on a Theme

Here's the same card recipe as the previous post in a different color scheme. I used the holly and berry peg stamps in place of the pine and pine cones, metallic gold paper in place of the brown and a different designer paper. Isn't it amazing how a change of color can make such a difference!!

Notice how the large button has the words "twenty-five" printed on it. How appropriate is that! (Unfortunately, it's the only like it in the whole assortment.)

I've done 10 of this design--90 cards to go--and working on a new design for the next batch of 10, so stay tuned!

1Down, 99 to go!

Christmas is coming! I'm late getting started this year because the SU catalog won't be coming out until Aug. 11; so in the meantime, I got started using my new Hero Arts postage set and my old Rubber Stamp Tapestry peg stamps for the pine and pine cones. This took awhile (too long for 100 cards) so I'll be switching to a simpler design later, say Aug. 12th??

Thank you, Anna Wight!

Just made my first card with my new Whipper Snapper Designs set, and I love what you can do with this one. The flowers and butterfly were painted with Twinkling H2O's. The leaves were stamped with Memories dye ink, Soft Leaf. I used gold Tw.H2O to highlight around the flowers to give them a sunny glow.

Looking for Depth...

...of color, that is. Even though I usually like to use pastel colors for summer, this poppy gave me the chance to make a summer card that has a little more punch, colorwise. Plus it brings back memories of the bright red poppies I saw growing wild in Tuscany.

(All stamps were from the Bloomin' Beautiful set by Stampin' Up with Icicle Stickles added to the bee's wings. Flower and leaves were painted with Twinkling H2O's.)

IT'S BEEN AWHILE

Now that we're getting a break from the heat and humidity, the Stamping Tower is comfortable for stamping again. (Even though we have central air, it doesn't keep up with the sun beating in the window upstairs on really hot days.)

Anyway, this card features some squares: the dp, the buttons and the brad. The flower was stamped twice so I could cut out the blossom portion and pop it out. The petals were watercolored with two shades of yellow/gold, with a little more contrast than shown here in the photo.

Speaking of dp, I love the Sizzix "Little Sizzles" pads of dp with matching cardstock sheets. Easy to coordinate, and takes up less storage space than full sheets. They have them at Michaels.

Stay cool!

New Hero Arts Stamp

Today, I took out my pad of "real" watercolor paper and tried out my new Hero Arts stamp. Using my watercolor crayons and an aqua painter brush (my favorite coloring medium) I chose to make this a vase of Peace roses. I started with yellow, then edged the petals with pink; next came the leaves in two tones of green.

...not sure if I like the bow where it is, or the rounded corners. What do you think?

P.S. I removed the floss and just re-mounted the bow in the same spot. It looks much better!

And the Winner Is...

Diane of Diane's Designs--Congrats! Check out Diane's blog when you get a chance. She does great work! (Click on link at right.)

Easy Card!

This card couldn't have been easier! I found the saying in my stash of pre-stamped images, already punched out. When I saw this designer paper in one of my Basic Grey Paper Pads (Lilykate) I cut it to size, made the slit around the goose's beak and mounted it on the green cardstock. Then I edged the oval with green ink, added blue the dots with a marker and slipped the oval into the slit. After adding the brad and lining the envelope, I had a quickie new card!

Does this count as a bird card for the SCS challenge???

Martha Stewart Punch a Hit!

I'm just lovin' this Zig Zag Martha Stewart punch. Not only does it cut, but also embosses.

Here are two cards I made yesterday. The chicks will go to someone for a birthday. Unfortunately, I needed to make the purple one for a sympathy card which will go out today.

Easy peasy...

Great Saves!

Here are two cards that required correcting for various defects. Both cards are done with the Hero Arts Patterned Butterflies (set of 4.)

The orange butterfly card started out with a miss-punched scallop, covered up by one of the butterflies. Then I stamped the greeting on the bottom, not realizing that it said happy "bird-day"--duh... So I covered up the word with a letter B for butterfly!

The blue butterfly card was even more complicated! First, I punched the bottom edge too high above the blue strip on the inside, so I had to attach an extra strip of blue beneath the top flap.

Then, I inked the bottom edge in dark blue, but when I laid it down, the ink was touching the blue underneath and left a faint mark across the bottom. So I got out my sewing stitches stamp and covered that up.

Next, I tied the blue check ribbon around and snipped the ends just right; but when I opened up the card, I discovered the ribbon was twisted on the inside. So I tied a piece of embroidery floss in a bow to make it look intentional. I think it looks better that way actually! (The message inside came out fine, but the scanner made it look uneven.)

Last, but not least, I stamped the word "celebrate" across the front. Can you see where I had to fill in with a pen?

Just goes to show that there are lots of ways to save a card! (BTW, all the blues match better than it looks here.)

A CHALLENGE FOR YOU!

Actually, I could use some help!

Here's the scoop: I just became an instructor for card crafting at my local AC Moore.

Here's what I've come up with so far: for the first class, they'll do "Versatile Versamark" making 3 cards with Versamark ink techniques (shown here.) I plan to do a follow-up class using Versamark again for more advanced techniques.

Here's the problem: since I can only use what they sell in the store (no exceptions!) and students have to pay for materials, the cards have to be kept very simple. This store sells no Stickles, self-stick crystal embellishments or plain white cardstock in bulk (I buy mine at Walmart--obviously a no-no for the class.)

Here's the challenge: create a card appropriate for all levels using simple designs. Keep in mind that I need to keep supplies to a minimum so they can afford the class!

Here's how: post your card on your blog and send me the link in your comment below.

Here's the reward: I will choose a winner at random from all your comments to receive a $10 gift card from AC Moore! I'm going to have one of my Wednesday stamping buddies pick the winning number from all those who respond.

Here's the deadline: Midnight (Eastern time) July 1st

Thanks for your ideas!

For Stampaholics Over 50

For those of you who expressed interest in learning more about Silver Stampers:

Silver Stampers is a wonderful, caring group of card makers from all across the country. I've been a member since 2002 and have made many new friends through the mail as we exchange birthday and holiday (or whatever) cards!

For more information, some card samples of our members and the person to contact should you wish to join, simply click on the Silver Stamper link to the right. You'll be glad you did--if you're "mature" enough, that is!

White on White Challenge

...and a challenge it was! There's still time to join in until June 15th, so click on Stampin' Granny's site (at right) for further details.

For the background, I used my Cuttlebug directly on the card front. Then I dry embossed the flower, added Stickles in the center and mounted it to the card (over the ribbon) with pop dots. For a little bit of bling, I added a clear crystal in the lower right corner.

Enjoy!

Successful Workshop

Last Saturday, Joyce, Lucienne, Ruth and Joan each made six cards using my Cuttlebug machine for some interesting embossed backgrounds. After proudly displaying their creations for the camera, Joan took another picture with me in it.

It was a good way to spend a hot and humid afternoon with air conditioning and lots of iced tea!

I've Been Tagged--Again!

At first I thought this was a "duplicate" tag, but the questions are slightly different. Here goes:

1. Ten years ago I was a star on Broadway and had my own TV show (gotcha!) Actually, I did do some Broadway tunes with an accompanist at local nursing homes for several years on a volunteer basis.

2. Five things on my "to do list": clean house in the morning before it gets too hot (there's a severe heat/humidity warning for tomorrow and Tuesday); go to Bible study on Tuesday morning; stamp here with friends on Wed.; visit my sister and parents on Long Island Thursday through Saturday this week; and plan a nice Fathers Day celebration for my husband.

3. My favorite snacks are (top 3 from a list of hundreds!): ice cream, cookies, and of course, chocolate!

4. If I were a millionaire, I wouldn't do anything differently than I do now except that I would enjoy having more to share!

5. Places I've lived: I grew up on the north shore of Long Island and married someone from the south shore. When our son was 2, we moved to Hawthorne, New Jersey. From there, we inched our way west all the way to northwestern New Jersey, where we are now--we were originally aiming for Montana!

For more on our adventures here in our little corner of New Jersey, check out my blog (at right) for Fox Mountain.

Now it's your turn! Here are the five bloggers (at right) I've tagged:

Toni at Inky Fingers
Amy G
Diane's Designs
Rochelle
Vivlyn Designs

Please post the answers to these 5 questions on your blogs so we can all get to know you better! Then choose 5 others to do the same! Meanwhile, the rest of us can click on the list at right to visit your blogs. TFS!

On the Subject of Smudges

The question came up on SCS about what to do with a smudge, otherwise known as a "creative opportunity." Can you find it on this card? (Click to enlarge.)

Somehow, I managed to get a tiny splotch of red ink in the upper left corner, so I stamped "What's New?" over it; but that wasn't enough. To balance it out and make it look "intentional" I got out my matching red marker and added dots around the tree and on the ends of the blossoms. Then I took the red ink pad and added a few more smudges on the edges--I think it's done now!

Monogram Card

Here's another example of correcting a minor flaw. By adding 3 dots at the end of the line, it's now centered under the monogram. That one was easy...

Stamping Suspended

For the past week or so, we've had painters in the kitchen and family room. Everything was piled up in the dining room while they worked, and now it is my intention to put back only the things we really need and use. While I take this opportunity to de-clutter the downstairs, there is little time (or energy!) to do any stamping.

However, Rick and I will be taking time to celebrate our 41st anniversary tonight over dinner at a local steakhouse.

See you back here in a few days!

Birthday Butterfly

Here's a card that was fun to make, complete with matching envelope and bookmark. The stamp I used was from Stampin' Up years ago and still in my stash. I cut off the antennae from the image and replaced it with purple wire. The wings are painted with Twinkling H2O's to give them a shimmer. The dp is from Michael's and is what I used for the coordinating envelope, using The Enveloper. I also used a strip on the bookmark mounted on purple cardstock with another piece of the yellow ribbon.

Not bad for someone who got konked on the head last week... (See previous post.)

First Card Since I Got Back

Things have been interesting around here since I got home. Monday night (after a 9 hour flight home) I got vertigo, went to bed at 7:30 and woke up an hour later on the floor--don't know how I got there. I was bleeding from a gash on the back of my head and throwing up. My DH came running upstairs to see what had happened and figured I hit my head on the corner of the night table on my way to the floor. What a mess! Being an Eagle Scout, he knew just what to do, cleaned me up and tucked me back in. After 2 days and nights of almost no sleep and feeling awful, I finally started to perk up on Thursday and even went grocery shopping. I know stamping withdrawal can be severe, but this was definitely over the top!

Finally, on Thursday afternoon I finished up this card I had started before I left. Now that I'm feeling almost normal (whatever that is!) there will be more cards to follow...

OWL Be Seeing You...

...when I get back from my trip to Prague. (For updates during my trip, check out the Fox Mtn. link to the right.) Meanwhile, here's another card I made using my new Hero Arts owl and branch stamps. The colors used give it a masculine look. It's still blank inside, so I may use it for Father's Day!

Thanks to Kristina Werner

Here is my CASE of the card that Kristina posted on her blog (noted below.) If you haven't visited her site yet, don't wait another day--she has such great ideas, and her videos for Make-a-Card-Monday are terrific!

My version of her MACM for today is a 4" square with matching envelope.

For the flower on the front, I used Versamark ink and chalk. For the one on the tag, I used markers directly on the stamp (Barely Banana and Really Rust) and spritzed the stamp with water for a water-color effect.

Thank you Kristina for your great design! (Check out her video at www.kwernerdesign.com/blog.)

Colorful Coffee Cups

Here's a card I made today with one of my new stamps from the Show in Allentown. I used lacquer on the cups to make them pop, but next time I think it would be better to emboss the image in black first. The colors are fun, though!

Judith Would Be Proud (I hope!)

At the Stamp Show yesterday, I purchased a DVD at Stamps By Judith. She's the lady who was seen many times on the Carol Duvall Show with her little peg stamps and huge talent. We got to meet her in person and watch her create at her booth. One of my purchases there was her 2-hour DVD. This card is the result!

In addition to stamping techniques, she stresses several ways to enhance stamped artwork, such as using a light gray marker to make the image pop. Another is the use of a stamp with little dots to fill in some of the open areas around an image. Both are shown here, though faintly. (Click to enlarge.)

I'm really enjoying her DVD and hope to incorporate more of her tips in future projects!

Stamps by TAC (which would NOT make Judith proud...)

ALLENTOWN STAMP SHOW

I just got in from the Stamp Show in Pennsylvania where Joan, Evelyn, Mary and I spent almost the whole day and spent our whole budget too (and then some!) My feet are killing me, but it was worth it. I got lots of new paper, a few new stamps, and tons of new ideas.

The Paper Cut had a make-and-take using their acetate and cardstock. The deer on this card is actually a photo that was printed on the acetate and mounted between black and tan cardstocks. I stamped the quote with gold metallic ink and assembled with brads and double-stick tape. Easy!

Last of the Dark Cardstocks...

...now that Spring is here! I just ordered assorted packets of cardstock from SU with lots of pastels and look forward to using them for flower themed cards over the next few months.






Meanwhile, I used the last few dark green cards with flowers as a hint of what's to come.






First, there's another fern card from the preparations for my workshop. I like the way it came out, but thought it may have too many steps for a class. (See posts below.)

The rose card was done with 2 stamps I bought used from a Silver Stamper friend, and I just love them both. The rose leaves look very realistic, and I anticipate using them often. I sponged the edges of the white cardstock to soften it. The rose was done with watercolor crayons directly on the stamp, then a spritz of water to give it a watercolor look. The crystal center added a little bling. I'll use the card to thank my friend for making such a nice pair of stamps available.

I'M BACK! (Finally...)

My computer went down (again!)this week, so I haven't been able to post. That doesn't mean I haven't been busy creating, though!

First, I put together a bunch of cards/kits for my workshop next Saturday. I'm calling it "Six on Saturday" for $10, which just covers my cost. I try to keep it affordable and fun. My idea for this one is to use The Enveloper to make 2 of the envelopes, one out of each 12x12" dp sheet. It'll be like a One Sheet Wonder, but since a large portion will go for an envelope, they'll just get 3 out of each sheet. Everyone will start off with a sheet of a fern design, but get a choice of designs for the next set. For those of you who'd like to follow, here's how it works:

1. Cut an 8x8" square for the first envelope. This will leave you with 2 strips: one that's 4x8" and one that's 4x12". Use the 8x8" to make an envelope with The Enveloper.

2. Cut the 4x8" strip in half to make 2 squares 4x4" to line the flaps of two standard white A2 envelopes.

3. Cut the 4x12" strip into 3 pieces as desired to use on the card fronts.

Shown are the 3 cards made from the fern design, which I hope will be simple enough for everyone to complete. One is vertical, one horizontal and the 3rd (shown on top)is a long top fold card.

Be sure to check out the next 2 posts from today!

Happy Bird-Day

Here's a super easy card to make, with a matching envelope! I think it speaks for itself...

Technique Tuesday Tile Card

Tuesday night at Cyndy's house, we made three cards using three techniques. One was with a Spirelli "flower", one using folds and tags, and this one using a faux tile technique. Here's the procedure:

1. Stamp an image on white cardstock and color it in. We used a blender pen and inks to keep the colors subtle.

2. Cut the card stock into 4 vertical strips, spaced unevenly. Then take each strip and cut it across at random intervals in such a way that when you put them together, they give a "brick" effect. The trick here is to cut them one strip at a time and place them on the cardstock (in this case Navy) BEFORE they get mixed up!

3. Sponge the edges of each piece, one at a time. When you finish all of them, begin pasting or taping them to the darker cardstock, also one at a time.

4. Tie matching ribbon around the image and mount to a card.

Very time consuming, a little bit tedious, but soooo worth it!

Rubber Stamp Tapestry Creation

After receiving my newest RST peg stamp set, I made this card using colors that would mimic the underlying designer paper. I'm really pleased with the results!

I'm also pleased that after purchasing a new basket to hold all the cards I've made that are ready to go at a moment's notice, I discovered that I had a stash of over 35 cards! So I guess it really pays to keep them all in one place. The basket is a white oblong with hoops for handles at each end and is just the right width to hold cards standing upright...plus it goes with the decor in my stamping tower. Thank you Michael's for the 50% off coupon!

Red Poppy

After making several cards using the hydrangea vase stamp, I turned to the poppy in the Bloomin' Beautiful SU set. This one reminds me of all the wild poppies that grow in Tuscany and is a pleasure to use. After embossing with black, the blossom and leaves were painted with Twinkling H2O's. A metallic gold pen added detail at the center of the flower.

The bee in the same set is also quite nice when popped out. Enjoy!

Two Cards Posted, Same Night

Here's another card made with the same stamp set (see card below.) Isn't it amazing how two cards using the same stamps can look so different! The top and bottom of the vase are embellished with a gold metallic ink pen, the flower centers with silver. The dots around the outside are done with a black felt tip pen.

After attaching the ribbon and scalloped circle, I added a tiny velcro closure underneath to keep the card from popping open. The inside is stamped with the flowers and leaves to frame the words "Happy Birthday." This stamp set is so versatile!

Matchbook Card

This was such fun! I used my new Rubber Stamp Tapestry set that just came in the mail for the vase and flowers. Before attaching the oval to the card, I stamped one of the SU "Definitely Decorative Ferns" twice--once in sage ink and again in Versamark. It will be mailed to someone special in another envelope made with The Enveloper, shown beneath the card.

After scanning, I decided to attach a photo anchor with a brad to secure the bottom flap.

Card on Card

Here's a card I CASED from another Silver Stamper. The little card on the front says "Thinking of You" under the flap. I sent it to let someone know she was missed at Bible Study. Inside is just a note. Isn't it a shame that hand-written notes are such a rarity these days? The card front made use of some scraps I kept from a class I went to over a month ago. Turquoise crystals embellish the floral designs... The fern, stamped with VersaMark, is from the SU Touch of Nature set.

TAGGED AGAIN--This time by Rochelle!

Here are 7 things about me never before revealed online:

1. I believe that what you DO isn't as important as what you ARE.

2. If I could live anywhere in the world, I would choose Tuscany--as long as I could still have all my friends and family nearby (and my stamping supplies, of course!)

3. I'm a Nascar fan and my favorite driver is Dale Jarrett, with Tony Stewart as my second favorite.

4. I've watched every episode of Murder She Wrote at least twice (but still forget who did it!)

5. My favorite month is October because of the mild weather and all the wonderful colors of Fall.

6. When I was a teenager, my family used to take our cabin boat up the Hudson River from Long Island, through the locks and canals, all the way to Lake Champlain and Canada.

7. I usually finish the Sunday Times Crossword by Sunday night.

It's your turn to reveal something of yourselves, whether you're tagged or not!

One Last Easter Card

I love the looks of this card, but not the way it's behaving. Because I water-colored the image (probably with too wet a brush,) it warped the paper; and now it just won't lie flat no matter what I do. I finally resorted to attaching it with brads so that it doesn't come apart completely. Sometimes you just can't win!

The designer paper is from a 6" pad of Basic Grey Lilykate, which works really well with the image and colors I used. Yellow Stickles are used for the flower centers.

Have a blessed and meaningful Easter. He is risen indeed--HALLELUJAH!

Hero Arts Owl

Here's a simple card using stamps from Hero Arts. The owl's eyes are enhanced with tiny "rain dots" that almost make him look like he's wearing contacts! (Click on card for detail.)

The branch was stamped with Versamark on both the cardstock and the scalloped oval, then chalk was applied on the oval. A brown marker was used for the dots on each of the scallops, then the oval was taped over the corresponding piece of the branch. Each of the two ovals are mounted slightly off center for balance.

Enjoy!

One of a Kind

The beauty of designing and making our own cards is that each one truly is one of a kind. Here's one I put together at Evelyn's house yesterday, using her Martha Stewart punch for bordering. I'm lovin' that lacy punch, but it's very hard to use. Anybody else have that problem?

Diamonds Cuttlebug

Here's a card made with the diamonds CB folder and coordinating cutting die. I love the nice clean lines of the various shapes. Of course, with my warped sense of humor, the inside reads "Obviously." stamped on another beige diamond. I added a Happy Birthday underneath, with a personal note. It will be sent to someone with an equally warped sense of humor...

I've Been Tagged--Again!

Thanks to Nancy Grant at Inkcicles. Here goes:

1. What were you doing 10 years ago? If I only had a memory...

2. What were you doing 1 year ago? Last year, both my parents (in their late 80's) were having health issues, and I was going back and forth to my sister's house on Long Island to help out. My mom was in the hospital, then my Dad, then both at the same time, then both recuperating at home. Thankfully, they're both doing well now.

3. Name your five favorite snacks: That's easy! Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, hot chocolate, chocolate ice cream and chocolate covered raisins!

4. Name five things you would do if you were a millionaire: Actually, I don't think I'd do anything different than I do now, except that when we travel, we would go first class! I've always enjoyed sharing my blessings with others, so it would be nice to have more to give.

5. Name five things you enjoy doing: Leading Bible studies, stamping, doing crosswords out in the sunshine on the deck, traveling, and watching TV with my favorite cat on my lap.

6. Name five things you would never wear again: Size 12 slacks (not that I wouldn't like to!) spike heels, bell bottoms, maternity clothes or eye shadow.

7. Name your five favorite toys: my computer, my digital camera, TIVO, the Tassimo machine, and my rug shampooer.

Five people I'm tagging: there goes that memory thing again...

BACK TO BASICS

Today, I just felt like doing something simple; so this is what I came up with. Getting out the light box and dry embossing with a stylus can be so relaxing--and it makes a card look fresh and bright. It looks better IRL!

HERE'S A TIP:

Ever have a card that came out so great you didn't want to part with it? By scanning all my cards and keeping them in a ring binder, I can keep track of what I've made (whether they were great or not) and to whom I sent it, along with the date it was mailed. This also keeps me from sending the same card to someone another time.

One Stamp Challenge

Isn't it amazing how one floral stamp can do so much! I stamped the flower on green Bazzill cardstock with black ink, then stamped it again on white cardstock. Green chalking highlights the leaves, shades of pink highlight the blossom, with brown chalk for the flower center. The blossom was cut out and attached to the card over the floral image. Add two buttons, a bow and a sentiment-- done!