Fabulous Florets Delphiniums

I hope you had a nice long holiday weekend! I did. Well, I worked Saturday, but at least I had yesterday off! David and I worked in the yard yesterday, and then went to the movies last night. We saw the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie which I felt was a little disappointing. I love Johnny Depp's character - I just missed the characters of Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightly. But it was still fun. 

Now for my Stamping World: June 1st is a big day for Stampin' Up! demonstrators!! 

• The list of retiring stamp sets and accessories will be revealed so stay tuned for that!

• 5 New In Colors will be revealed!! Don't worry, the current 5 In Colors are staying. That means we will have 10 in all!

• Also, and even better, demonstrators, that would be me, will be able to preorder a few select things from the new catalog on June 1st! Woo Hoo!

• And best of all: not only can we preorder - we also get our own personal copy of the new catalog with that order!! You can bet I will be expediting my order so it will come quickly! I am super duper excited to see what Stampin' Up! has in store for us this year!

Customer copies will be available July 1st but once my preorder comes, I can give you sneak peaks so stay tuned for that too.

A bit about today's project: I can't stop using the Summer Mini set, Fabulous Florets! I love that it has both images that just use ink, and images that I can color! I have been trying different combinations just for fun.

Today's card was inspired by delphiniums. It is a card I made, and sent to an online customer. Thanks again Lynette!

I stamped the foliage first, then the flowers. My final step was to use an aquapainter to add Marina Mist ink to the flowers. 

The "Thanks" is from Happy Greetings. I selectively inked with a Marina Mist marker. You know how much I love those markers!

Stamps: Fabulous Florets, Happy Greetings

Paper: Marina Mist, Whisper White

Ink: Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz

Other: Marina Mist brad and 1/8" Taffeta ribbon, smallest oval punch, dimensional, aquapainter

If you would like to place an order and don't have a demonstrator, I would be happy to fill that spot. Just click here to order through me. 


Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the rest of May!

Graduation Owl

This weekend is graduation for some of our local high school kids and I needed a graduation card for a family friend. I had seen others use the Owl Punch for a graduation owl so I thought that would be fun to try! It was!

I added the diploma with the sentiment from Happy Greetings (Summer Mini) to give the card some dimension and to add interest.

The only reason I used a circle was because I had everything already cut from another project and decided to use it for this card. And I should add, the colors are the school's colors.

Stamps: Happy Greetings - Summer Mini 

Paper: Night of Navy and Whisper White (school colors); Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip, Night of Navy dsp

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories: Owl Punch, 2 step Bird Punch (foliage), brad, baker's twine (Summer Mini), Big Shot, Clear Circle bigz die

Take care and happy stamping!

Embossed White on White

I needed a wedding card this week and I don't really have any stamps that are "wedding stamps". Instead, I used the Fabulous Florets stamp set from the Summer Mini Catalog, and by using white on white, I was able to create a suitable card!

The bride's flowers are calla lilies but Stampin' Up! doesn't have a calla lily stamp so I thought the foliage stamp from Fabulous Florets was a good substitute.

Calla lilies sure seem to be popular wedding flowers this year. Every wedding we've gone to has calla lilies in someone's bouquet! Is this a trend where you live?

To make the back panel I stamped the line art flowers (from the aforementioned stamp set) randomly over the cardstock. I used White Craft ink and then embossed with White Embossing Powder. 

The next panel was stamped with the solid foliage stamp from the set. Once it was embossed I painted over the image with Frost White Shimmer Paint. I did this very carefully!

The sentiment, Happiness Always, is from Happy Greetings - another Summer Mini set. It too was embossed in White.

I am hoping for a Calla Lily stamp in the new catalog! 

If you are interested in placing an order from any of the current catalogs, just click HERE.

Stamps: Fabulous Florets, Happy Greetings - Summer Mini 

Paper: Whisper White

Ink: White Craft ink

Other: White Embossing Powder, Basic Pearls, dimensionals, Frost White Shimmer Paint

Thank you!

Happy Daisies!

A few more sunny days and the daisies in my garden will be blooming! Yay! I love my daisies - they are my second favorite flower.

Ok, I know you are wondering what is my favorite flower. Admit it. lol. Well, I absolutely love the wild purple violets that  bloom in the spring. You know. The violets that invade your lawns and seed themselves everywhere. At least that is how my husband feels about them!

Back to the daisies though. This is a birthday card that I made using the Every Moment stamp set.

I made them white by first stamping with Versamark, embossing with White Embossing Powder and then filling in the petals with a White Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen. 

To make the centers, I colored with a Versamarker, then embossed with Gold Embossing Powder. Little Basic Pearls accent each flower.

I think this card is such a fun, feminine card - perfect for a birthday!

If you would like to order any of these, or other Stampin' Up! products from me, you can do so by clicking HERE. And by way of saying thanks, I will send you a hand stamped card (not this one though). :)

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Every Moment, Sincere Salutations

Paper: Certainly Celery, Whisper White

Ink: Versamark, Versamarker, 

Other: White Embossing Powder, Gold Embossing Powder, White Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen, Basic Pearls, Scallop Oval Punch, White Organza Ribbon, White Brad, Eyelet Border Punch

Thank you for taking the time to visit. I hope you will come again! 

Control Freaks Blog Tour - Masculine and Father's Day!

Welcome to this month's Blog Tour courtesy of the Control Freak Swappers! "For he's a jolly good fellow" - Masculine and Father's Day projects are the theme!

The Tour officially starts May 20th so please come back once all the kinks are worked out.

If you arrived here from Barb Mullikin's Blog, then you are in the right place! If you just joined the Tour - that's excellent because I am the first of the 9 stops on the tour!

Now if you are like me, you know how difficult it can be sometimes to make masculine cards and gifts. Guys don't always appreciate flowers and frills. lol. If the men in your life are like mine, they appreciate the simple things.

The inspiration for my first project came from an old, but popular project I did years ago. It is one of those that incorporates a gift right into the card. I call it a Car Freshener Card because tucked behind the front panel is a car freshener!

I wanted to keep this fairly simple with only a few embellishments - metal of course! First, I used the Big Shot and Lots of Tags Sizzlit for the front panel. Then I stamped the bird from Enjoy the Moment stamp set on the front and watercolored it with masculine colors. Some sponging and the Color Spritzer Tool gives it depth.

This is how it looks separately. The Car Freshener comes in its own plastic encasement so to make it fit better I folded back the top and bottom and adhered them with adhesive. Then I just added a tab at the top with a Jumbo Eyelet and Baker's Twine.

Stamps: Every Moment, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Naturals Ivory

Ink: Black Stazon, Night of Navy, Early Espresso, Always Artichoke

Other: Big Shot, Lots of Tags Sizzlit, Early Espresso Brads, Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Jumbo Eyelet, sponge, Color Spritzer Tool, Aquapainter, Round Tab Punch

Don't let this "briefcase" deceive you. It isn't real crocodile leather - I know, you are shocked! It was actually made with the faux leather technique which is one of those easy, but wow techniques. 

Tucked inside is a pad of sticky notes and golf pencil. I knew if I made it to open with a flap, my husband would never use it so I made it to open from the bottom. It just flips up, and because the faux leather is so stiff, the "briefcase" stands alone. 

Stamps: none but you could easily stamp a sentiment on the inside.

Paper: Early Espresso

Ink: Versamark

Other: Bone Folder, Clear Embossing Powder, Silver brads, Corner Rounder Punch, Sticky Strip- a must because the embossed cardstock is so slippery

That is all I have for today's tour but there is lots more to come! Next stop on the tour is Connie Babbert's Blog. Enjoy, have fun, and be inspired!

Petal Cone Puppy

Reminder: The Control Freaks Blog Tour is this Friday, May 20th and the theme this month is Masculine and Father's Day projects!   


I have to admit, I have been slacking lately with my stamping. It's not because I haven't wanted to stamp though! David and I took some time off to go out to Ohio to spend some time with our daughters. It was one of the best Mother's Days ever! After we left the girls we stayed a few extra days in Pennsylvania with my mom and other family members. Good times!


Today's project is one I had submitted to Stampin' Up! for a monthly contest. I think the Petal Cone bigz die and Blossoms Petal Punch are still available to order - I can't find the information anywhere. If you know, I would love to hear! ETA. Yes, the Petal Cone die is still available. Thanks for the feedback!

I used the Awash With Flowers stamp set for the spots. Various punches were used for his eyes, ears, nose, and paws.

And this puppy isn't just for looking pretty. I created a flap so it is really a box with a purpose. 

This would make a great gift box for a dog lover!

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Awash With Flowers, D is For Dog

Paper: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette

Ink: Early Espresso, Versamark

Accessories: Big Shot, Petal Cone Bigz die, Silver Embossing Powder, 1/8" Real Red Taffeta Ribbon, Petal Blossoms Punch, Modern Label Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Brads, Linen Thread

Thanks for stopping! I hope you can come back for the May 20th Blog Tour.

Blossoms Bouquet Triple Layer Punch

   

  Today's card is a Summer Mini combination. It combines the Touch of Kindness stamp set and the new Blossoms Bouquet Triple Layer Punch. When I say this, I always think of ice cream. I know that is really weird but doesn't it sound like some kind of ice cream flavor or an ice cream sundae? Today's card - ice cream. The last card - popsicles. I am reeaaallly looking forward to Summer! lol.

  These new Triple Layer punches are awesome. You get 3 punched shapes from one punch depending on how much pressure you use. Pictured on this card are 2 of the 3 shapes.

  Note: I used a Certainly Celery Marker to extend the stems.

All supplies are Stampin' Up! and can be purchased by clicking here.

Stamps: Touch of Kindness (Summer Mini)

Paper: Certainly Celery, Whisper White, So Saffron, Poppy Parade

Ink: Black Stazon, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Poppy Parade, Baja Breeze Markers

Other: Basic Rhinestone, Certainly Celery Striped Ribbon, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Basic Rhinestone, Blossoms Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (Summer Mini)

Bring on the Summer!

Spring is here, Summer is on its way

  

  This another swap that I did for Stampin Addicts. And it is another stamp set from the Summer Mini Catalog. This is the same Flower Fest stamp set that I used for these projects found here.

  It is one of those sets that can be used with a variety of techniques. For this card I embossed with Clear Embossing Powder and then added the color with a sponge.

  What do I like about the Flower Fest stamp set? It uses punches! Almost all of the images coordinate with a punch! As stated above, it can be used with a variety of techniques. Try it with Poppin Pastels. And best of all, it is flowers. lol.

   The Beyond the Garden designer paper is also from the Summer Mini. It uses bright, cheery, summery colors. When I look at this card I think citrus, popsicles, refreshing. I really do!

All supplies are Stampin' Up! and can be purchased by clicking HERE.

Stamps: Flower Fest and Happy Greetings (Summer Mini)

Paper: Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Beyond the Garden dsp

Ink: Versamark, Tangerine Tango, Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight

Other: Clear Embossing Powder, Basic Rhinestones, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, XL Flower Punch, Circle Punch, dimensionals, sponges

Thanks for stopping!

Touch of Kindness Swap

  

  Today's card is a swap I made for the Summer Mini Swap over at Stampin Addicts. It features the Summer Mini stamp set, Touch of Kindness. 

What do I like about this set? It comes with several sentiments - all useful. It can be colored. It has a cat image and a bird image! And you know what else? It has a flower image - all favorites of mine!

 I added some glitter to the fountain and a Basic Rhinestone to the cat for some "ta-da". 

 All supplies are Stampin' Up! and can be purchased by clicking HERE.

Stamps: Touch of Kindness (Summer Mini)

Paper: Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White

Ink: Black Stazon, Tangerine Tango, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze

Other: 1/8" Old Olive Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Rhinestone, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, XL Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Big SHot, Elegant Lines tief, blender pen

Have a wonderful day! Thanks for stopping.

Directions for the Apron/Seed card

    Who knew my garden apron with seeds would be so popular?! If you are just tuning in, this is the culprit - from the Stampin Addicts Summer Mini Blog Hop. It is not too late to Blog Hop, just follow the links and enjoy!

Garden Apron that holds a packet of seeds in the front pocket.

And here are the directions - simplified and hopefully correct!

1. Cut the cardstock as shown. Do not stamp or add adhesive yet!

2. Fold the card in half and lining up the punch as shown, punch ONE corner. 

3. Using the punched corner as a template, trace it on the other side of the card and punch that corner as well.

4. To measure the White cardstock layer, center it on the front of punched colored cardstock. Do not adhere! Then turn the entire thing over so the white cardstock is underneath as shown below. Trace the curve of the apron.

5, Move the punch in about 1/8" beyond the pencil mark as shown. Punch both corners. Do this with both pieces of white cardstock - one will go on the inside, one on the outside.

6. Stamp the White pieces of cardstock that will go on the front of the card. 

7. Once they are stamped, adhere to the colored cardstock. 

8. Add the trim to the pocket and the top of the apron. Add brads to the pocket. Refer to my sample.

9. Adhere the pocket to the front of the stamped card. Do not add adhesive to the top of the pocket though!

10. On the inside of the card, adhere the 16" piece of ribbon to the cardstock. Layer the white cardstock right over the ribbon.

11. Tie the ribbon in a knot and then a bow. 

12. Add seeds to the pocket. 

Go to this post for the list of supplies. If you would like to order the supplies, you may do so by clicking here.

Thank you for your interest in my projects! I hope you enjoy this tutorial. I do humbly ask though that if you do post this project to a blog or gallery that you would link to me with credit. I hope you understand. :)

 If you have any questions on this, or any of my projects, feel free to email me. I will try to help!

Happy Stamping!

Directions for Flower Cart

Reminder: Summer Mini Catalog is now live! click HERE to see it. 
Also: May is National Scrapbooking Month and Stampin' Up! has selected some products at 30% off (including some stamp sets)!! click HERE for information.



  I typed up some basic directions for the Flower Cart that I made for the Stampin Addicts Summer Mini Blog Hop.

  

 Today, I pictured the cart only. If you would like to view the complete gift set, just click HERE. If you would like to Blog Hop, just follow the links on that blog post. The ideas are outstanding!

The cart.

The cart with the lid off.

I am completely out of Pear Pizzazz cardstock so I used Daffodil Delight for the sample. 

And I had to go back and do all of the measurements so I hope, hope, hope, everything is correct. I would suggest that you use cheap paper and make a trial one before you cut into the good stuff! ETA: See my correction below. Sorry about the mistake!

1. The base of the cart: Cut and score the cardstock according to the measurements given. Once it is scored, you will need to trim off the edge at the top and bottom plus cut into the score line as shown.

Edit: The dimensions on the largest piece are incorrect. (Thanks Norma, for pointing this out!)

Cut 1 piece 7-1/2" x 11" (not 10-1/2"). The score measurements are correct.

2. These are the layers for the front, back and side of the cart's base and the circles you will need for the 4 wheels. Not pictured is the trim. 

3. Lid of the Cart: . Cut and score as shown. Once the lid is cut and scored, cut into the score line as shown. I will explain the handle further along.

Base of the cart.

1. Stamp the Whisper White cardstock as desired. Refer to the sample for how I stamped mine.

2. Layer the stamped white cardstock onto the Marina Mist cardstock. The bottom edges will be even. That is ok because it will be covered up with the Crumb Cake cardstock and the trim (not shown).

3. Adhere the layers from step 2 to the base of the cart (before it is assembled). The Crumb Cake cardstock and trim are added after it is assembled.

4. Assemble the cart (see picture below) by folding in on the score lines and applying Sticky Strip.

5. Sticky Strip is applied to the edges and then the back piece (5" x 6") is carefully attached.

6. Once the cart is assembled to form a box, adhere the Crumb Cake cardstock by wrapping it around the bottom of the cart. ETA: This should be even with the bottom of the box and will go all the way around.

7. Add the trim ETA: on all 4 sides.

8. Make the wheels by layering the circles and adding a Jumbo eyelet in the center. Adhere with 2 dimensionals per wheel. Note: The wheels are level with the bottom of the box giving the box stability.

Lid of the cart.

1. Stamp the Whisper White cardstock as desired. Refer to the sample for how I stamped mine.

2. Layer the stamped white cardstock onto the Marina Mist cardstock.

Handle: Either cut the center of the handle by hand or use a paper cutter. Once it is cut, attach it to one of the side layers with brads. Refer to my cart above.

3. Adhere the layers from step 2 to the lid of the cart (before it is assembled).

Assemble the lid by folding in on score lines and applying sticky strip to the tabs.

That should be everything except for the cards and envelopes! Please feel free to email me if you hit a snag. 

And I would humbly ask, that if you do post your project to a blog or gallery that you would link back to me with credit. I hope you understand. :)

I plan on posting the directions for the Apron and seed project tomorrow. And don't forget - if you have a chance - take the Stampin Addicts Summer Mini Blog Hop!