The New Medallion Stamp!

:: My newest FAVORITE stamp!..... Medallion #115223 OMG!.....This is the first thing I stamped with it and I already know I am going to use it till the rubber falls off the block!

(BTW- I CASED this first card from one of my favorites Jill Hilliard ....click on her name to check out her blog)
:: I used the new "In Colors" on both of these cards. I'm terribly excited to be stamping again! It seems like this summer just got away from me and its nice to have some time to be creative again. I have a bunch of new stamp sets that I haven't even cracked open the box on yet....yipes!

Still Here?

So I haven't fallen off the face of the earth....in case anyone was wondering :0)

What else can I say?......Summer Happened! Three kids and summer tend to keep a person away from the craft desk.

The new SU! Idea Book and Catalog has been released and available to order from....yippee! Also, the Holiday Mini Catalog will be available to order from starting September 1st. All I can say about the holiday mini is......WOW! That little gem hold lots of goodies to get us in the holiday spirit!

I hope all of you have been enjoying your summer. I will soon be getting myself back to the craft desk and making posts again.

Take care and keep stamping! :0)

Sneak Peek!

:: You are looking at stamped images from two of the new stamp sets from the SU 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog!!!! I'm giddy over the new book and I know you will be too once you see it! However, this sneak peek will have to keep your curiosity up for a few more days.....July 1st is when the new book will be released. 
:: Just wanted to show the different layers. 
:: Inside
:: Its not the most masculine card I could have made for Father's Day, but I'm sure my dad will like it. Its handmade by me....what's not to like?...right? 

:: The DSP used for the top card is Tea Party #113992 (which will still be available in the new 2009-2010 book), and for the second card Good Morning Sunshine #113966 (which will not be in the new book). 

Since the stamp sets are not quite available I'm not listing names and item numbers, but you can bet that after July 1st I will have many more samples with these sets and I'll post the info then. :0) 

:: I cased this cute card idea from a great blog www.stampwithsass.blogspot.com. I changed it up a little to make it my own. Check out the Sassy Stampin' page and see Denise's cute cards. 

Tool Nods and Tips!

:: Okay, here's my stab at a commercial....hee hee

If you're like me you use your SU scissors for everything from cutting Sticky Strip & Dimensionals on to cutting cardstock and ribbon. Well I'm sure you've noticed after time there is that sticky buildup that happens on the blades, which makes cutting ribbon especially difficult. At first my bright idea was to have one pair of scissors for adhesive cutting only and another for ribbon and cardstock.....well that's great in theory until you grab the wrong one and try cutting the ribbon with sticky stuck to your scissors! Are ya with me so far? 

One day my husband walked by my craft desk as I was having a little fit over the fact that my ribbon was stuck to my adhesive laden scissors and he said, ya know, I have something that would help you. I of course laughed at him for thinking he could enter my craft world and out do me.....but then I figured it was at least worth listening to his proposal. That's when he introduced me to GENERAL PURPOSE ADHESIVE CLEANER!  (I think I like him just a little bit more than I did before....hee hee) 

You dab a little bit of the adhesive remover on a towel and wipe your scissors clean.....its great stuff. 

So, if you're like me and frustrated with the goo on your scissors try some of the GENERAL PURPOSE ADHESIVE CLEANER. 

(And, no, I am not a paid advertiser....simply just a fan of a product that does what it says and thought I would pass the tip along). 
:: Okay and for my next product.....this is more of a nod than a tip.

OMG!.....FINALLY a paper trimmer that isn't huge, yet allows you to cut cardstock for the average 4  1/4"  x  5  1/2" card without needing the swing arm to do so. AND my friends.......there is no longer the gray area where the swing arm and the trimmer meet.....you know, the part where there are no measurement markings.  Yahoo and Thank you Fiskars! Its so nice that we can finally cut without guessing! 

I was so excited to get this posted that I neglected to take a picture of the swing arm to show you how this new and improved cutter has the measurements marked so there is no longer a blank area when you are trying to measure along the swing arm hinge thingy. The area where the swing arm folds up is clear now allowing you to see the measurements. This one little thing will change my card making for the better! There aren't enough words to express my excitement over this! You should have seen me yesterday when I happened across it in the stamp aisle at Joann's. Unfortunately its not an SU product, but even an SU diehard like myself was willing to go outside the box for this cutter. 
::Now, it could be that this trimmer has been around for a while and I just didn't know about it (I don't get out of the SU book much), but none the less, I thought I would pass along the excitement! 

Happy Cutting!

A couple more cards with Parisian Breeze

:: Notice how I tied the ribbon differently with the hodgepodge hardware (flower ribbon slide) on each card. Subtle little change, but I thought it was worth noting. 
:: Since I still had the Parisian Breeze Specialty DSP out from when I made the sympathy cards the other day I made a couple more cards with it. Parisian Breeze is not available in the new 2009-2010 Stampin' Up! idea book and catalog, so I've been trying to get it used up. I'm kind of bummed it won't be available, because I really love the Baja Breeze and Chocolate Chip together. However......there are some new fun In Color papers coming your way in the new book starting July 1st! 

With Heartfelt Sympathy

:: Not exactly the kind of card a person wants to send, but when its needed its nice to have them on hand so you can get them out to the person as quick as possible to show you're thinking of them. 

:: This is a pretty basic card, but considering the message, I thought the more simple the better. 

Items Used:: 

Stamp Set:: Close As A Memory

Cardstock and Ink:: Parisian Breeze Specialty DSP, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Sahara Sand (around the edges)

Embellishments:: Ribbon Originals Valet

Trendy Trees Cutout

:: Here's ANOTHER card with the Top Note Big Shot die.....if you have a Big Shot and don't have this die yet......you best get yourself one! 
::To get this look with the ribbon I wrapped the ribbon around like I was tying a knot to start a bow, but instead wrapped the ends around the back of the brown cardstock and secured with snail adhesive and the brads.

I have been wanting to use this Trendy Trees set since the day I got it months ago, and finally cracked it open today! At first I was trying to make a Father's Day card, but my "Happy Father's Day" stamp just wasn't cooperating so I moved forward! 

I woke up last night around 3:00am and this card popped in to my head. My first instinct was to jump out of bed and write it down so I wouldn't forget it (the whole keep the pen and pad of paper by the bed thing that you're supposed to do for moments like this), but then I went right back to sleep. Whoo hoo!.....I remembered the image I had in my head without writing it down, so there! 

Items Used::

Stamp Sets:: Trendy Trees #113258, Best Yet (which is an old hostess set.....sorry)

Cardstock & Ink:: Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, Good Morning Sunshine DSP

Embellishments:: Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon, Curly Label Punch, Small & Large Oval Punches, Top Note Big Shot Die, Old Olive Brads

Big Shot Purse

:: Use Big Shot Top Note Die for purse.....CUTE!
I swiped this idea from one of my favorite stamper blog girls.....Jill Hilliard. She does so many clean and crisp looking cards....I love her work! Click Here to see her version of this card and to visit her site. I am always amazed when someone comes up with yet another use for the Top Note die. 

Colors used:: Riding Hood Red, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White

Also:: Washington Apple DSP

Be Yourself

:: What a pretty little girly card with a great piece of advice ! :0) 
I've been looking at all of my DSP lately and thinking that I better get it used up before the next Idea Book and Catalog come out (eek.....July 1st!). I think you are going to hear a collective boo hoo when this Bella Rose DSP retires. (shhhh, listen....I already hear people crying over their paper cutters!) 

Items Used::

Stamp Set:: Smarty Pants #110980 (I used markers to color the image before stamping)

Cardstock & DSP:: Bella Rose #112041, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red

Embellishments:: Big White Flower from the Pretties Kit #109114, Circle Ice Brads, Fleurettes (crocheted flowers) #114019, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Little Leaves sizzlit die (BOY!...am I ever getting good use out of these)

Happy Birthday Birdy!

Look at this cheery little birthday card. I think the combo of the Brilliant Blue, Summer Sun, Old Olive and Chocolate Chip work great together. 

I used more scraps that I had left over from the Mojo Monday sketch. I think I'm FINALLY done with those scraps...hee hee.

Items Used::

Stamp Sets:: Petal Pizzazz #113417 and Cheep Talk #113204

Cardstock:: Brilliant Blue, Whisper White, & Good Morning Sunshine DSP #113966

One more with Good Morning Sunshine DSP

After finishing the Mojo Monday sketch cards with the Good Morning Sunshine DSP #113966 I had some scraps that I couldn't part with, so I came up with this card. 

Again, I used Petal Pizzazz #113417 stamp set. 

Mojo Monday Sketch

:: Check out the Basic Jumbo Grommet #114348(white).....adds some fun dimension to the card! 
Yeah, I know, its actually Tuesday, but the fact that I was actually able to do this sketch within the same week is something to be impressed by.....LOL! 

As always I kind of veer away from the sketch a little, but these sketches always give me inspiration to come up with at least one card design. 

I have had the Good Morning Sunshine DSP #113966 since it was first released and this is the first time I'm using it. At first I thought I wouldn't dig the colors (very 70's), but now I'm hooked! On the second card I punched out a couple of the flower designs from the paper....CUTE!....it looks like I used rub-ons.

The flower stamps used were::

Petal Pizzazz #113417 

Cheep Talk #113204

Live Laugh Love

I was going to save this card for tomorrow's post (since I may not have time this weekend to make anything new.....we are supposed to have sunshine so I hope to be out in the yard), but I just couldn't help myself....here's the card! So Summery don't you think?! It makes me happy just looking at it. 

I got a new Big Shot Die yesterday:: Daisy Flower #113442, Also used Little Leaves #114511

Colors Used:: Summer Sun, Real Red, Glorious Green, Only Orange, & Whisper White

Stamp Set:: On Your Birthday #111664 

I will often color the stamps with markers instead of stamp them on an ink pad....I like to have a few colors in the greeting. Also, I don't always use the entire stamp....for example:: the Live Laugh Love stamp I used also says Happy Birthday....I didn't want that on this card, so I only colored the Live Laugh Love part of the image and stamped it. Get it? 

Embellishments:: Jumbo Brads 5/8", Real Red Ribbon 1/4", Scallop Punch

More Circle Scallop Dresses!!

:: Riding Hood Red and So Saffron (Sweet Slumber Specialty DSP)
:: Wouldn't these make the cutest little invitations to a summer party on the patio with your girlfriends? Drinks, Appetizers and lots of laughter!   
:: Bella Bleu (that is the way its spelled) DSP

I told you there would be more of the Circle Scallop Dresses.......OMG....they are so fun! :0) :0) :0)

AND!....I just got a new stamp set yesterday that works PERFECTLY with this card.....I love it when that happens! 

Stamp Set :: Classy & Fabulous #113226

Scallop Dress

:: Use the Circle Scallop Big Shot Die. If you go to Patty's site (link below) she has a template you can print off. I customized the print size on my printer to 4.50 x 4.50. That will give you an image about the same size as the die cut. Or if you are the type that can eyeball things....count the scallops, and mark where to cut to make your own template. I put the image below so you can see what I mean. 
Okay, I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again.......This is my FAVORITE card! OMG! It is so cute! I CASED this card from Patty Bennett. 

Here is a link to her blog: www.pattystamps.typepad.com She is stamping idol to myself and many more! Good job Patty!

So anyways, back to the dress! How cute is this?! I've only made this one card so far, but there WILL be many more. Its like dressing your Barbie doll all over again! As I was making this card I felt like I had attention deficit disorder.....I kept wandering from one pretty DSP and Ribbon to the next! So many outfits! This is like retail therapy without spending a dime! (because I've already bought all of my paper and supplies) 

Items Used:: 

Cardstock & DSP:: Sweet Slumber Specialty DSP, Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze

Stamp Set:: Oval All #113790 (from Occasions Mini Catalog)

The Rest of the Stuff:: Circle Scallop Die, Scallop Oval Punch, Small Oval and Large Oval Punches, Not Quite Navy Marker (for stamp image), Circle Ice Brads, & Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon

THIS CARD SHOULD COME WITH A WARNING:........Once you start making it, you won't be able to stop! 

Color Inspiration #51

Here's another Kristina Werner Color Inspiration......just love this girl! 

Make sure and check out her site. She's a mac girl and a stamper....what's not to love?

I've attached a link to her site:

kwernerdesign.com

Color Inspiration #51

I am always so excited when I have time to do one of Kristina Werner's color inspirations! I feel like I'm getting away with something, because I should really be doing something like laundry. 

I used an older stamp set for this card and the next. Its one of the hostess sets from the Stampin' Up!Fall/Winter 2008 IB&C.

:: Live Like You Mean It #111588 (it was the first time I had even used this set .....its so cute!)

Color Inspiration #51

:: I don't post my creations on the kwernerdesign site, but I maybe should have with these...they turned out pretty cute! 

My Own Color Inspiration continued....

Okay, this post and the following are the other two cards I was saying I had in my head from the color inspiration I found from the cover of Country Living Magazine. I was excited to actually get them made and out of my head......lord knows there's enough in there....don't need unmade cards clouding things over!....LOL! 

My Own Color Inspiration continued....

Ask any quilter and they will tell you how important it is to cut precisely......I didn't exactly get things even on the bottom two squares, but didn't notice until after I had everything stuck down with double sided tape.....oopsie! 

Isn't this a cool card though? I thought so. I love quilting with paper...I've only done a couple cards with quilt blocks, but I'm sure there will be more. 

BTW-This is another card inspired by the Country Living Magazine. 

My Own Color Inspiraton

Well now, doesn't this just say a lot?!....I can't even look at a magazine anymore without seeing a card that needs to be made! LOL ! (my husband thinks I'm the only one with problems like this....I've told him otherwise...there are so many others out there just like me.....yea!...let's here it for the stamp, scrap, & color addicts of the world!) 

So far I've made the card below, but stay tuned....there are a couple more brewing in my head. 

My dear Kind & Wonderful Friend....

Colors Used:: Kiwi Kiss, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White, Basic Black