For Ethan

Pink Cat Studio is releasing these new digital stamps today to raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation in honour of Ethan Wieman. Little Ethan passed away on June 12th from Neuroblastoma Cancer. Ethan was a true cowboy, loved horses, balloons and knock knock jokes. By purchasing these digital images, you will help brighten the day of a sick child as the money that is raised, will go toward making one of their dreams come true. You can follow this link to Pink Cat Studio to contribute to this worthy cause in Ethan's memory and to read about this remarkable little boy.

Please help me spread the word of this very worthy fundraiser.

-- To be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate for Pink Cat Studio - go to Vicki's blog here. She is offering the gift certificate drawing to those who help spread the word on this worthy cause.
-- Another gift certificate drawing for Pink Cat Studio - go to Heather's blog here. She is offering the gift certificate drawing to those who help spread the word on this worthy cause.
-- One more offering for those who spread the word - go to Lauren's blog here.

Thanks so much for Supporting the Make-a-Wish Foundation in Ethan's memory.

CAS (Clean and Simple) - Hugs for Janessa

I made this for a challenge over at the Sweet N Sassy Stamps (SNSS) yahoo group. We were challenged to make a Clean and Simple card. This is my version of a CAS card. I tend to think of them as one layer type cards. My finished card is below.

This is the inside of the card. I used my Scallop Square Nesties to make the hole in the front, so this little cutie can peek through.

Here is a close up of the front of the card. I sponged the scallops with Pretty in Pink ink. I then dotted around the scallops with Cotton Candy Stickles.

Hope you liked my card today. Have you tried your hand at a CAS card? If you take on this challenge, be sure to post a link in the comments here so I can hope over and check it out!!

Until next time - Happy Stamping!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Hugs for Janessa (SNSS)
CS: WW
Ink: Palette Noir, Pretty in Pink, Basic Gray, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue
Other: Blender Pen, Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Square Nesties, Cotton Candy Stickles

Diva Inspiration Challenge - DivaIC48

It's Thursday, so that means it is Diva Inspiration Challenge over on the UDI Blog. Today's challenge was to use the picture of the purse below for our inspiration. Well, I really liked the bold design to it. I tried to do that here, but my brain wasn't quite functioning right tonight. Not sure if I really like this card or not. I'll be mailing it in the morning though to my best friend regardless. :)

For the card, I used Eastern Blooms and Garden Whimsy (the sentiment). I picked out my DSP first (Brocade Blue), which is part of the Level 1 hostess DSP pack. I wanted a touch of bold brightness, so I grabbed the Rose Red. After I started stamping and putting it together - I realized how Patriotic it looked. That's ok though. I used a sketch from Stamping 411 - SSC103.

Above is the picture of the purse - isn't it a cute purse! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Eastern Blooms, Garden Whimsy
CS: Brocade Blue, WW, Brocade Blue DSP
Ink: Brocade Blue, Rose Red
Other: Brocade Blue marker, Rose Red marker, Stampin' Dimensionals (under the flower)

Just a short post today - I've been super busy this week with some personal family things, so I'm going to head to bed now. Be sure to check out the UDI Blog for the other Divas take on this challenge!

Late Night Stampers Design Team

Have you joined the Late Night Stampers yahoo group yet?? If not - then you should! It is free and the ideas that are shared there are spectacular! They have challenges each week that the DT take part in, as well as, the rest of us on the group. The talent is amazing!

To join our group - go here. If you are a SU demonstrator, you can also join the Demo Only group - go here.

Here is the list of the LNS DT (most likely you will recognize some, if not most, of them) - be sure to check out their blogs!!

1.Gretchen Barron gbarron56@comcast.net http://gretchenbarron.typepad.com/

2. Barbara Dondero barbaradondero@gmail.com http://barbsstampingspot.blogspot.com/

3.Tammy Fite stampinmama@comcast.net http://www.stampwithtammy.com/

4. Judy Jackson JudyStamper@verizon.net

5. Mary Brown mary@stampercamper.com http://stampercamper.com/

6.Sarah Wills sarahwills@austin.rr.com http://sarahsinkspot.blogspot.com/

7.Selene Kempton e.selene@verizon.net http://stampinfunwithselene.blogspot.com/

8.Virginia Killmore vkillmore@gmail.com http://virginias-website.blogspot.com/

9. Elizabeth Sloman sloman4100@bellsouth.net http://www.mamastamper.com/

10.Marisol Gutierrez atouchof_sol@yahoo.com http://atouchofsol.blogspot.com/

11. Dawn Bullock Dbullock28@comcast.net http://www.stampincreations.blogspot.com/

12.Sandi MacIver sandi_maciver@comcast.net http://www.sandimaciver.com/sandi_maciver/

13.Stephanie Sullins stephenandsteph@earthlink.net http://owlwhimsy.blogspot.com/

14.Susan Shields blestmomof6@cox.net http://createdwithlovebysusan.blogspot.com/

15. Rebekah "Becky" Jensen becky@stampthat.com http://www.stampthat.com/

16. Heidi Michel heartfeltblessings@gmail.com http://www.heartfeltblessings.blogspot.com/

17. Barb Slaughter stamper0910@yahoo.com

18. Lisa Milliron uniquedesignsbylisa@windstream.net http://www.uniquedesignsbylisa.typepad.com/

19 Connie Babbert iluvstamping@columbus.rr.com http://inkspiredtreasures.com/

20 Nancy Dawson nancy@centralva.net http://creativewishes.blogspot.com/

21 Bethany Keeney bethanykeeney@hotmail.com http://keeneyfarm.blogspot.com/

22 Kirsten Brown stampinsilly@gmail.com http://imstampinsilly.blogspot.com/

23. Mary Jo Price-Williams technostamper@roadrunner.com http://technostamper.blogspot.com/

24. Elizabeth Hurst stampwithelizabeth@gmail.com http://www.animalscraps.blogspot.com/

Utah Divas Inspiration Challenge #47 (DivaIC47)

Today's challenge can be seen over on the UDI blog. I went with the color scheme - purple and also the dots.

I used the Big Shots Texturz for the dots to make my background. On the raised portion, I took a q-tip and colored them with the Basic Gray ink. The flower was stamped twice on WW card stock. The first one I only colored the edges of the flower, since I layered another flower on top. The second one was colored and cut out. I adhered it with Stampin' Dimensionals for added dimension to the card. The message was also adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals. I colored the flower with a Blender Pen and the ink pads (just squeezed the pad to the lid and dipped my blender pen in the lid then to pick up the ink).

This is the inside of the card. Since I used Basic Gray card stock for the base of my card - I decided to add a piece of WW card stock inside, so my message can be easily seen. I stamped the flower in Pale Plum ink.

This is just a close up of the flower, so you can see (hopefully) the dimension. It isn't the best picture, but hoping you can get the jist.

I had fun with this challenge! Hope you take part and make something using the image for #47 as inspiration. If you do, be sure to post back here, so I can check it out and leave ya some love. If you post to an online gallery, be sure to use DivaIC47 as a keyword.

Thanks for stopping by!! Be sure to stop by the UDI blog and check out what the other Inspiration Creative Team made for the challenge!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Fifth Ave Floral
CS: Basic Gray, Pale Plum, WW
Ink: Basic Gray, Pale Plum
Other: Blender Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals, Big Shot Texturz Background, q-tip

You're Special

I made this card for a friend of mine whose birthday was this past weekend. Yes - it's late, but isn't it the thought that counts. :) Seriously - I'm always behind, but the thought is no less meaningful from me.

I also made this for a color challenge on the Sweet N Sassy Stamps (SNSS) yahoo group. It was to make a card using your favorite colors. Well, my two absolute favorite colors are green and blue. So, I used Brocade Blue and Certainly Celery. This image was sent to me from my friend, Deedee. Be sure to check out her blog - she makes beautiful cards and is an awesome artist. She designs Digi Stamps for SNSS as well - they are great!!

It is from SNSS set Elly & Friends. I only have 2 or 3 SNSS sets. Well, one day in my mailbox was a HUGE assortment of SNSS images from Deedee.
Supplies:
Stamps: Elly & Friends
CS: WW, Brocade Blue, Certainly Celery, Brocade Blue DSP (from the SU Level 1 Hostess DSP)
Ink: Palette Noir
Other: Copic Markers, Stampin Dimensionals, Green Glitter Brads (Target $1 Spot)

Hope you had a wonderful Monday! It was a hot and humid day here - I'm trying not to complain though because it surely beats the alternative! :)

Sympathy Card

Unfortunately, I needed a Sympathy card recently for a friend. Her husband passed away unexpectedly, so I thought I'd send this to her to let her know that she is being thought of.

I just got this stamp set from my last club order. It is Fifth Ave Floral from SU. I kept telling myself not to get it - I really didn't need another floral set did I?? Well, sample after sample brought me to order this set. It is a beautiful set and different from my other floral sets - this one is a bit more 'classy' or 'elegant' - at least I think so.

I also combined this card with a challenge over on the StampinUpLNStampers yahoo group - embossing. The background on the card is done using one of the Big Shot Texturz - Flourish. I then took the Always Artichoke ink pad and swiped it across - I tried to just hit the raised portion, but I don't think it looks bad even with ink in spots I didn't want. *wink*

Supplies:
Stamps: Fifth Ave Floral, Thoughts & Prayers
CS: Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, WW
Ink: Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Always Artichoke
Other: Big Shot Texturz Background #1 - Flourish, Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, Pink Grosgrain Ribbon, Stamping Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!! Hope you'll stop back by to visit me!!

Not the Best Picture...

but I wanted to get it posted. I used a new to me set Branch Out. I haven't gotten a whole lot of new stamps lately. I've been trying to use what I have instead. Well, I decided to get a couple here and there and this was one of them.

To make the background, I just used the one stamp in the set and randomly stamped it - both in Amethyst and Celery.

Supplies:
Stamps: Branch Out
CS: Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery, WW
Ink: Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery, Close to Cocoa, Bashful Blue, Palette Noir
Other: Scallop Edge Punch, Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin Dimensionals

That's it for tonight - I'm a little tired. I'm going to try to take some pictures of the other cards I have to post. Hopefully - those will turn out better than this one did.

It's Been Too Long...

since my last post. Have you ever gone through a slump where you just don't feel like doing anything? Well - that was me the past couple weeks. Seems like these 'slumps' come more often than I'd like. I have cards to post, but just taking the pictures and loading them seems more effort than I felt like dealing with.

So, I told myself to get going and do what I need to do. So, here is my first post for May. I hope to be posting on a more regular basis. I love checking out other blogs and seeing the updates, so I want my blog to be like that. :)

Now on to the card....

This card we made for stamp club one month. I saw this design on SCS - I think. It's been awhile, so I'm not exactly sure. I really liked how it looked and wanted to do it. The colors are a bit off in the picture here though.

Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers
CS: Certainly Celery, Orchid Opulence, WW, DSP (from SAB)
Ink: Orchid Opulence
Other: Stamping Sponge, Celery Ribbon (SAB), Stampin' Dimensionals, Orchid Opulence Marker, Certainly Celery Marker

Unfortunately, I needed to use this card. A friend's SIL was in a really bad accident over the weekend, so I gave this card to her brother. He cleans the store where we work, so I had all the workers sign it to let him know we are thinking about him and his family. We're hoping all the prayers work for her!!

I'll have more to post - just need to get some good photos taken of the cards. :)
Karen

TRC - Floral Swirl

Here is my second card for TRC that I wanted to share. This one is the Floral Swirl. It is a great flower stamp. I colored the flowers in again with my Copics trying to match the colors in the paper.

I then took the SU Only Orange marker and the Spritzer Tool to add some *orange bursts* over the image. It's had to see here in the picture, but the 'splotches' on the white are supposed to be there. *wink* I matted the image on Only Orange card stock and pop dotted it. The patterned paper is the Basic Grey Marrakech - can be purchased through TRC - I used 2 of the patterns in the pack. The ribbon is an orange satin that came in the DT package.

Supplies:
Stamps: Floral Swirl (The Rubber Cafe); Love Always (The Rubber Cafe)
CS: Only Orange, GP White, Basic Grey Marrakech
Ink: Palette Noir
Other: Copic Markers, SU Only Orange Marker, Spritzer Tool, Orange Satin Ribbon, Pop Dots

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you have a great Wednesday!!
Karen

TRC - Floral Sprig

I made this card for The Rubber Cafe (TRC). Not exactly sure of the name of this stamp, but Floral Sprig sounded good to me. :) I colored the image in with my Copics. The main image is pop dotted for some depth. I used the flowers that were sent as part of the DT package we received. I layered 2 of them and put a brad in the center. Then I put a pop dot under that as well. Supplies:
Stamps: The Rubber Cafe
CS: Bashful Blue, Close to Cocoa, GP White, Basic Grey Marrakech
Ink: Palette Noir
Other: Copic Markers, Prima Flowers, Silver Brad, Pop Dots

I have another TRC card I'll be posting tomorrow as well. The Basic Grey Marrakech paper can be bought through TRC as well.

Starving Artistamps - Blog Candy

Ok - I know I haven't posted in a bit, but thought I'd spread the word about Starving Artistamps - DoodleFactory Stamp Collection Blog Candy. To enter you need to head over to the Starving Artistamps Blog and enter your comment there. Comments left here will not be counted - sorry, but I don't have the goods. :)

I do have some cards to share, but thought I'd post this while I'm loading them to my laptop. This is the part that always takes me the longest.

So, be sure to check back for some cards. I have some SU! and The Rubber Cafe ones for sure. Who knows what other ones I'll find on my camera!! :D

Karen

Sketchy Sm Swirl Butterfly

Another card done using a sketch. This time I used SC219 over at SCS. It worked perfect for the smaller butterfly image. This Sm Swirl Butterfly can be bought from The Rubber Cafe and is the smaller version of the one I used for this card. I went with a brighter color scheme since Spring is here.

A bit about the card. I stamped the butterfly image onto the Only Orange card stock with Only Orange ink. I used Copic markers to color in the butterfly. The buttefly image is pop dotted for a bit of dimension as well. I also rounded the corners of the stamped image.

Supplies:
Stamps: Sm Swirl Butterfly (The Rubber Cafe)
CS: Only Orange, GP White, Barely Banana, Basic Grey Marrakech
Ink: Palette Noir, Only Orange
Other: Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Corner Rounder, Copic Markers

Thanks for stopping by!!
Karen

StampTV Woodgrain Challenge/Technique

Ok - here is the card I worked on last night. It isn't the best - happens when you're getting tired, but determined to finish!! :) Over on StampTV, Gina did a video on the woodgrain technique. Then posted a challenge to make a card using this technique. So, I decided now was the time to do it! BTW - if you haven't checked out StampTV - you really need to!! I LOVE it!!

A bit about the card. I started with a piece of Baroque Burgundy card stock (retired SU). I then used the Vanilla Craft pad and swiped it down the card stock. Then I took Palette Burnt Umber pad and swiped it directly over top of the Vanilla. To see how it is done -check out the video...StampTV Woodgrain. I colored the flower in with SU markers. Sponged the edges of the main image. My sentiment is stamped in Vanilla (and stamped crooked :). I wanted to add more, but wasn't sure what to add. Plus my eyes were getting heavy. :D

Supplies:
Stamps: Elegant Flowers part of the StampTV stamp kit (GinaK Designs - StampTV)
CS: GP White, Baroque Burgundy (SU retired), Mellow Moss
Ink: Vanilla Craft, Palette Burnt Umber
Other: SU Markers (Bravo Burgundy, Mellow Moss, Summer Sun), Stampin' Dimensionals, Striped Moss Ribbon (from my stash), Stamping Sponge
Technique: Woodgrain

You won't believe this, but I have yet ANOTHER card to post!! It involves yet another challenge (sketch). Told ya - I love the sketches and what a better way to keep stamping when half the 'guesswork' is done for you.
Karen

Unity's 4 Cupcakes

I made this card for a color challenge over on StampTV to use Black, Pinks, and Reds. Not the easiest for me to do, since that combo makes me think of Valentine's Day. I recently got some Unity Stamp Co stamps and decided to try them out. This image is one of them. The sentiment is from GinaK Designs Elegant Flowers set (StampTV kit item).

Some information on the card - I colored in the images using Copic markers (colors listed below in the supply list). I used a Sakura Glitter Pen on the 1st cupcake's swirls. A Pink Sakura Souffle Pen on the 'sprinkles' on the 2nd cupcake. A Pink Sakura Gel Pen on the lines on the 3rd cupcake, along with a pink adhesive gem on top. This whole panel is pop dotted. The patterned paper is from Basic Grey Cupcake.

Supplies:
Stamps: 4 Cupcakes (Unity Stamp Co); Sentiment (GinaK Designs - Elegant Flowers)
CS: GP White, Pink Passion, Basic Grey Cupcake
Ink: Palette Noir
Other: Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Pink Adhesive gem, Sakura (Glitter, Gel, Souffle) Pens, Stampin' Dimensionals, Copic Markers (RV02, RV29, RV10, RV04, R29, Y00, E35)

Stop back by - I have another card to post from another challenge that I participated in on StampTV again. I love doing challenges to help me get started.
Karen

Swirl Butterfly Sketch

I got new goodies from The Rubber Cafe and got a chance to play this weekend. I used a sketch from the UDI Blog that can be found here - Sketchy Saturday (#20). The below is my interpretation of the sketch.

I used the Lg Swirl Butterfly from TRC and the Love Always from TRC as well. I stamped the butterfly onto Basic Grey Marrakech paper. This can also be bought through TRC. Then I cut the butterfly out. I added some silver adhesive balls and then pop dotted under part of the wings. The love always is stamped on white, matted on Mellow Moss, and then pop dotted as well.

Supplies:
Stamps: Lg Swirl Butterfly (The Rubber Cafe); Love Always (The Rubber Cafe)
CS: GP White, Mellow Moss (SU), Basic Grey Marrakech
Ink: Palette Noir
Other: Stampin Dimensionals, Silver Adhesive Balls

Thanks for stopping by today!!
Karen

Many Marvelous Markers Special

One of the many products I can not live without when stamping or scrapbooking is my set of Stampin' Write Markers. So, I have put together this very special offer. Purchase the Many Marvelous Marker set (Item #105541) for $125.95 (plus shipping and tax) before March 31st and you will receive FREE:

Your color choice of 12x12 cardstock ($7.50 value)
Envelopes ($6.50 value)
Neutrals marker set ($10.95 value)
3 Sale-a-Bration products (priceless)
$15.00 in merchandise of your choice
1 Level One Hostess exclusive product (priceless)

That's approximately $115.00 in FREE MERCHANDISE! Now that's a deal! Email me today to place your order!

When you buy the Many Marvelous Markers, you'll have all the colors you need and you'll save money!

Dual tipped markers: .5 mm fine point and flexible brush
Collection of all 4 color families, packaged in a rigid plastic case with individual compartments and a handle (set of 48)
Odorless, water-based dye ink
Coordinate with Classic Stampin’ Pads and exclusive Stampin’ Up! card stock
Finger grips on cap aid in easy cap removal

Email me (do not order online, as this special needs to be placed by me directly to qualify for the FREE items) before March 31st to take advantage of this amazing offer. Do not forget to include which 12 x 12 pack of cardstock you would like as well as 3 Sale-a-bration sets, $15 in free merchandise and one level one hostess set to be added to your order for FREE.

This offer is only valid through me (Karen Foltz, SU! Demonstrator) and not SU! directly.

Heart Strings

I created this card for Valentine's Day for The Rubber Cafe. I didn't realize that I never posted it though. It was right around the time when my dad went into the hospital, so it slipped my mind. This is such a cute image too! I made this card using goodies that Melissa sent to all the DT members.

I colored the image with Copics. That was layered onto a piece of Ruby Red cardstock that was popped with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Be sure to check out The Rubber Cafe store. Melissa has been adding new things!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Heart Strings (G-779 The Rubber Cafe); Greeting (The Rubber Cafe)
CS: GP White, Ruby Red, Cosmo Cricket DSP
Ink: Palette Noir
Other: Copice Markers, Ribbon, Metal Ribbon Slide, Silver Balls (adhesive backed), Stampin' Dimensionals

I really liked how this card turned out. Simple, yet just enough added extras too!
Until next time.....Karen

Another Sketch and More Floral Frenzy Digi Paper

I'm loving being able to print my own paper. Is it cost effective? Probaby not in the scheme of things, but it is still fun. :) Actually, I had searched for paper in my stash to go with this Luna Moth - a digi image from SNSS, but couldn't find any.

I went with another sketch for today's card. I absolutely love sketches - they are perfect way to get you jump started if you are in a rut. This sketch is from the SNSS group on PCP, which can be found HERE.

Supplies:
Image: Luna Moth (digi image from SNSS)
Stamps: Baskets of Happiness (GinaK Designs)
CS: GP White, Close to Cocoa, So Saffron
Ink: Chocolate Chip

Other: Copic Markers (Y17, Y06, E37, YR20), Stampin' Dimensionals, Vintage Brads, Floral Frenzy Paper - digi from GinaK Designs

Goodness 2 posts in a row to start March off!! I'm on a roll! LOL!!
Karen

StampTV Sketch Challenge - STVSC1

I was finally in the stamping mood and had the energy to actually sit down and do it! Yeah me!! I was browsing through StampTV (GinaK Designs's new web site for webisodes) and saw a sketch challenge. It was fairly simple, which is just what I needed. To find the sketch, you can go here STVSC1.

I printed the designer paper from GinaK - it is a free download. It is the Floral Frenzy - Yellow and Pink Floral design. There are other designs in the 2 paper pack download. It coordinates with the first StampTV Kit, which I would love to get.

I used GinaK's set Baskets of Happiness for this card. The main image panel is up on pop dots, but it is hard to see that in the picture. I colored in the flower pot with my copics - shown in the picture and listed in the supplies.

So, if you haven't joined StampTV - why don't you?!?!! It is another fun spot to hang out!

Supplies:
Stamps: Baskets of Happiness
CS: GP White, Close to Cocoa
Ink: Palette Noir
Other: Copic Markers (G21, G99, E37, E35, RV42, YR20), Stampin' Dimensionals, Floral Frenzy Digi Paper (from GinaK Designs)

Sorry for the lack of posting!! I'm trying to get better at my posting. Maybe that will help me in stamping on a regular basis too! Until next time.....
Karen