Cheer Up - Animal Fun

Sorry for the sporadic posting again. I was on vacation with no internet access. *insert crying here* Seriously - it was tough to not be online each night, but I did have my phone to check emails, so I wasn't totally without. It was nice being at the beach and relaxing though as well. So, we are home now and back to reality!

I made this for an online friend's son who broke his leg recently. The poor little guy is only 2 1/2 yrs old, so I'm sure it's tough on him not being able to run around and play this summer. Heck - I know what it's like for my 3 yr old little guy on a normal day!!! Yikes - not sure I'd make it through one day.

Things to Note:
-- the only stamping is the Enjoy greetng
-- the Tall Trees DSP is the main image
-- Scallop circle is up on dimensionals

Now I know - you are probably wondering why I stamped Enjoy! on the front for a little boy who can't do a whole lot. Well, I included a little goodie inside for him - a gift card to McDonalds. I figured his mom could pick him up lunch or ice cream for just him to enjoy at least.

Supplies:
Stamp Set: On Your Birthday
CS: WW, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Tall Trees DSP
Ink: Old Olive
Other: Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8 Circle Punch, Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Diva Inspiration Challenge #53

This was actually a tough one for me. I wanted to do something with the rainbow, but just couldn't get anything to happen. Instead I went with the waterfall and nature theme. I really think this is a beautiful and serene picture - love it.

Here is my take on it. I used the new In Color Bermuda Bay to represent the 'water' theme and then of course, flowers for nature. I decided to go with a monochromatic color scheme then as well. I just got the Bermuda Bay DSP in the mail today from a trade (thanks Marisol!) and had to open it right up!

Things to Note:
-- The stamp was inked with the Bermuda Bay and Soft Suede markers
-- New Bermuda Bay Polka Dotted Grosgrain Ribbon

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Eastern Blooms
CS: Bermuda Bay, WW, Bermuda Bay DSP
Ink: None
Other: Bermuda Bay & Soft Suede Marker, Bermuda Bay Polka Dotted Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Hope you are enjoying the new In Colors as much as I am!! Be sure to stop over at the Utah Divas Blog to see what the other Inspiration Team members came up with.

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Diva Inspiration Challenge #51

This week our inspiration was to come from the picture below. I loved the scroll-like look in this picture and decided to go with that. So, I grabbed my Baroque Motifs set because there is none better with the scroll design!

Below is the card I made. I used a sketch from Stampin' Addicts - SASC17. It was a nice simple design that allowed the scroll to be the main focus, which is what I wanted. I used some of the NEW In Colors as well.

Things to Note -
-- Crushed Curry and Rich Razzleberry In Colors used
-- New Razzleberry Lemonade DSP used
-- Edges sponged of the main image with Crushed Curry
-- Main image is lifted with Stampin' Dimensionals for added dimension

Supplies:
Stamps: Baroque Motifs, On Your Birthday
CS: Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry, WW, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Inks: Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry
Other: Stamping Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

I added links to the items that were used to make the card above. So, if you are interested in making this card, or just like the products - then just click on the links and it will take you to my website for ordering information.

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Final June Stamp Club Project

I've seen these on other people's blogs before, but this was the first time I decided to give it a try. I thought these would be cute for gift cards. Sorry again for the bright picture. Again - I focused on a retired product -Bella Rose DSP. Unfortunately, before I could put the order in - this DSP was already sold out.

Things to highlight -
-- Top Note Die used to create this card
-- Inside contains the 'pocket' to use for the gift card/money
-- Quick and Easy

Inside of the card

Supplies:
Stamps: On Your Birthday
CS: Pretty in Pink, Bella Rose DSP
Ink: Rose Red
Other: Top Note Die

Hope you enjoyed these club projects. Thanks for stopping by!!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

June Stamp Club 2nd Project

Here is the 2nd project that was made for my June Stamp Club. Sorry for the bright picture - not sure why it looks that way. I'm having some photoing issues - I'll need to mess around when I have a bit of time to see what the deal is. Anyway - back to the card.

I CASEd this card from one I saw on SCS. The card I saw was actually CASEd from another stamper as well. So, you can see the card HERE that I CASEd - I changed the colors out and used a different element on the ribbon. I really love this set - I had withheld from purchasing it because I really didn't need another floral set, but after seeing what everyone kept doing with it - well I HAD to have it then!! I just received the coordinating embossing folder as well - can't wait to play with that now!!

Things to highlight -
-- Filigree Designer Brads was used
-- Overlapped my stamped flower images (a bit hard to see that in my photo)

Supplies:
Stamps: Fifth Ave Floral, On Your Birthday
CS: Lavender Lace, Elegant Eggplant, WW
Ink: Lavender Lace, Elegant Eggplant, Pretty in Pink
Other: Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon, Filigree Designer Brads, 1/16" Circle Punch

I'll be back tomorrow with the final project of my June Stamp Club. Wishing you a wonderful and safe 4th of July!!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

June Stamp Club Projects

The next couple posts will be of the projects we made at my June Stamp Club. I tried to highlight some things that were retiring in case any of the club members wanted to purchase them before they were gone.

I liked this particular set for kid cards - mainly birthday cards. I'm sad to see it go, but have already purchased the new set that seems to have replaced it - Animal Stories. It doesn't have as many options, but it is just as cute!!

I copied the sketch from a card I received for my birthday from another stamper (Janice RR). It came at the perfect time when I was searching for what to make and then I opened her card and I knew right then that I was going to use it for a card.

Things to highlight -
-- Sizzix Texturz Plates (SU Backgrounds) Small (kraft cs) & Large Dots (close to cocoa cs)
-- 2 different sizes of the Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads (Pumpkin)
-- Scallop Edge Punch (SU Deal of the Week until 7/5)
-- Wild About You set now retired

Supplies:
Stamps: Wild About You
CS: Close to Cocoa, More Mustard, Kraft, WW
Ink: None
Other: Sizzix Texturz Plates (SU Backgrounds), Scallop Edge Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8 Circle Punch, Markers - Close to Cocoa & More Mustard, Stampin' Dimensionals (under the scallop circle)

Check back tomorrow to see another project that was made.
Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Utah Divas Inspiration Challenge #50

Our challenge this week was to use the image of our flag below for inspiration. With the July 4th Holiday right around the corner - this picture is perfect!

Now that said, you would think my card would have something to do with Stars and Stripe or even Red, White, and Blue. Right? Well, me being me, I went a different route. I went with the stripes of the flag for inspiration. I don't own any Patriotic stamps (gasp!), so I couldn't do that. I thought of doing a R,W, and B card, but kept associating that with Patriotism - which I don't have anything for.

So, instead below is a picture of my card. :) I chose to use a new stamp set and new DSP from the NEW 2009-2010 SU! Catalog. The sketch is from this past Sketchy Saturday #36 over on the Utah Divas Blog.

Supplies:
Stamps: Animal Stories, On Your Birthday
CS: Old Olive, WW, Tall Tales DSP
Ink: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip
Other: Stamping Sponge (the WW and DSP layers were sponged with Choc Chip ink), Stampin' Dimensionals

I have a couple more cards to show from my stamp club this past week.
Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

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