Fun & Fabulous Color Combo!

If you know me at all you know I adore fabulous color combinations and experimenting to come up with them! Well, the new In Colors Rich Razzleberry and Soft Suede are turning out to be great for this experimenting!

First up, this card using the awesome new Sizzix Bigz die called Lattice. Ooh, this is the first time I've played with it and man did ideas start swirling! Wish I had time to do them all at once.

For this card I used the largest of SU's circle punches, the 1 3/4" which fits nicely under the lattice with an edge showing. I just chose some fun colors I'd be eyeing together and put it together so quickly. These colors are: Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay, Soft Sky (old In Color) and Kraft. Just added some vintage brads, used the new Modern Label punch and a phrase from my new favorite sentiment set Teeny Tiny Wishes. Popped it up on some dimensionals and it was done- so quick! Imagine this very same layout in YOUR favorite colors!!
This card uses this week's Splitcoast sketch... and some fun new things. The DSP is from the new pack called Autumn Traditions. Also used a new set called Paradise with some fabulous tropical leaves great on their own or for combining with so many other sets. THe background is textured with SU's Texturz Plates and the Big Shot. Again used the Modern Label die with my Teeny Tiny Wishes sentiment and added a corduroy button in Kraft with a tiny sliver of Rich Razzleberry paper tied on.

So glad you decided to stop by today!

Up tomorrow: A remake on a recent card. Have you ever finished a card and just kept coming back to it thinking something just wasn't right? Well I do that all the time, and often I opt to just tear 'em apart and move things around (rather than starting over- that's no fun). I'll show you what I mean tomorrow.

Have a great day!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Paradise

Colors: Rich Razzleberry, Bermuda Bay, Soft Suede, Soft Sky, Kraft, Very Vanilla and Whisper White

Accessories: Big Shot, Texturz Plates, Lattice Bigz Die, Kraft Corduroy button, Vintage Brads, 1 3/4" circle punch, Modern Label punch

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it! I'm about to lose control and I think I like it!

Yes, I get that excited over a card every now and then! This card just might be my favorite card that I've ever made to date... I can't wait to send it to someone, but then again I think I'd like to hold onto it. This textured cardstock which is VERY near SU's new Soft Suede was a gift from my friend Lisa. She sent me a sampler of a variety of these papers that have an awesome lighter colored core so when you sand a raise portion the other color comes through (yes, I'm finally getting around to trying it out Lisa- thank you!!). Guess what color this core most closely matched?! Soft Sky! Remember Soft Sky, an In Color from '07-'08?? Add a hint of Taken With Teal and some Bermuda Bay dotted grosgrain and ....yum!

The raised part is that new Textured Impressions Embossing folder I mentioned yesterday. I just embossed then sanded over it with one of my SU sanding blocks- and voila! Ooh, guess what- these dew drop thingys were from Lisa too. I just adore those things and can't wait for SU to start offering them in our luscious colors!

The sentiment panel is made with the large and wide and scalloped oval punches. The wide is punched through the outer layer of the card so the sentiment can be adhered inside and seen through the window. I enjoyed using the awesome In Color markers to ink up this image from Oval All!

So, I will apologize that this isn't SUO to my followers that appreciate my 100% SUO posts... BUT, this can give you an idea of why SU colors and stamps are so awesome and versatile.

Well, thanks for stopping by! Hope you like it as much as I do... or if not, at least tolerate my excitement. ;)

~Kristin

Supplies are SUO except where otherwise mentioned

Stamps: Oval All

Paper: Soft Sky, Taken With Teal, Non-SU textured cardstock (sorry, I have no idea of brand)

Accessories: Textured Impressions Elegant Bouquet, Bermuda Bay dotted grosgrain ribbon, Wide Oval, Large Oval, Scallop Oval punches, corner rounder, scallop edge punch, distressing tool, non-SU dew drops

New Big Shot goodies!!

Ooh I can't wait to show you this new Textured Impressions Embossing folder called Elegant Bouquet!! Thank goodness this week's Diva challenge is to use the Big Shot because I couldn't wait to use this any longer!

The Apricot layer has been embossed using the Big Shot and this new folder. The Melon Mambo butterfly was done with the Big Shot also!

So what do you think of my sentiment? I used the new Modern Label punch as well as two of the large silver filigree brads. I am thrilled to have thought of this because I have a bunch of those bigger ones left and hadn't put them to good use.

The sketch for this came from the Mojo Monday sketch for this week... I'm in a huge hurry or else I'd link it here. You can find them on my sidebar!

I'll update this with supplies and links after noon... I've got someplace to be this morning!
Thanks for stopping by and ignoring all my typos I'm sure I've made in my haste!

~Kristin

ETA supplies list...

SUO Supplies:

Stamps: For All You Do, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Colors: Always Artichoke, Apricot Appeal, Melon Mambo

Accessories: Filigree brads, Modern Label punch, Beautiful Butterflies die, Big Shot, Elegant Bouquet Textured Impressions

Hello!

Guess what- I took a little bit of time yesterday (while our Australian guests were visiting- hi Joseph, June and Hyde!) to play along with the Coffee Break Designs sketch challenge and of course my NEW stamps!

I was in a hurry and distracted by lots of activity so to make an easy card I grabbed a recent color scheme (CC227) from Splitcoast's awesome color challenge every Tuesday. I love this color scheme... it is Lavendar Lace, Barely Banana, Black, White and it was supposed to be Going Gray which is lighter, but I goofed and used Basic Gray. Oops!

Anyway, The background is the new Medallion stamp stamped in Barely Banana craft ink- isn't it great on the gray?!! The flowers from the new set Greenhouse Garden are a lovely 2-step stamp with these awesome bursts for centers that look so real I just couldn't resist them. They are done in the Lavendar Lace and Banana with black and gray centers. The sentiment is actually from a third new set called For All You Do.

Can you see the tiny touches of Dazzling Diamonds glitter on the larger flowers? I haven't done that in a long time, but felt this card really needed it.

So thanks for stopping by again! Have a great day!

~Kristin

SUO (Stampin' Up! only) Supplies

Stamps: Medallion, For All You Do, Greenhouse Garden

Colors: Lavendar Lace, Barely Banana, White, Basic Gray, Basic Black

Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds

It's Another Diva Wednesday!

...but sadly I probably won't be able to play along. I've been out of town on a camping trip since Sunday and am not coming home until today! If I get a chance I may try to play along this evening, but in the mean time here is your sketch challenge:

Please go visit the Diva blog for more inspiration and to find links to all the other Diva's creations! Then play along and post your creation to the Diva blog via Mr. Linky!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Kristin

Scrap Stash

I did some organizing yesterday and found several packets of precut cards and ribbon leftover from workshops and classes. It is fun to try and piece them together for new designs and see where you end up- sort of a new kind of challenge: Use Your Scrap Stash. The thin ribbon is so old I don't even remember what kit it came in, but it is SU!

I hadn't used this set Branch Out in a while so decided it was time! Thanks for looking, see ya tomorrow!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Branch Out, Curvy Verses

Colors: Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Melon Mambom Close to Cocoa

Accessories: Key tag punch, Button Bouquet, Pink Gingham ribbon, Curvy Label punch, Rose Red marker, Eyelet border punch

{Another Diva Challenge}

Oh boy am I in trouble... I am a whole day late for the Diva challenge. Yesterday was just one of those days... I got my card done but couldn't get it uploaded. I am in the market for a new external hard drive (seriously considering a 1TB- that's Terabyte if you're like me and didn't know what is bigger than a GB. A TB = 1000GB!!) because my computer is 100% FULL! Yes, FULL! And I have 100s of pics on my camera that I can't upload without deleting something that is already there.

Anyway, that's my excuse for this week.

So our challenge this week was to this color combination:

I usually struggle with this many colors so I decided to kind of take an easy route by using one image and stamping it in all the colors... although now I'm seeing that I didn't use any black- crud!

The image I used is from the new Circle Circus, and the sentiment is from the new Teeny Tiny Wishes. I also used the Polka Dot background which I just now realized is retired. My bad! I put garage sale sticker dots on all my retired sets so I can remember what is current, but somehow I missed that stamp when I did my dots recently.

Hope you like it and decide to play along with the Diva's! Your card just might get featured on the Diva blog! Also stay tuned for the announcement of the three new Diva's to join our team!!!


Thanks for hanging with me this summer, even if I am posting sporadically!

~Kristin

SUO SUPPLIES
Stamps: Circle Circus, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Polka Dot Background

Colors: Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Crushed Curry, Tempting Turquoise

Accessories: Horizontal slot punch, Old Olive wide grosgrain, linen thread, My Way punch, Button Bouquet, SAMJ

Razzleberry Trio

The other day I was playing around and happened to see these colors: Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede and Sahara Sand near each other and thought how nice they look together. I decided to use them for the next card I did which just happened to be this week's Mojo Monday challenge 94. I had fun with this sketch and finally feel like I've stamped something I am really happy with... three somethings actually. Once I got done with this one I had lots of scraps left over from figuring out just which layers I liked best for my medallion. So, I used all those scraps to make 2 more cards. OK, I added a few things also- they aren't entirely made up of scraps, but I didn't waste anything that's for sure!

For each of these I used the Boho Backgrouns set which I felt was perfect for these colors- don't they just say "Boho" to you?! For this one I added a Pale Plum card base- I think Pale Plum is a great compliment to Rich Razzleberry- plus, that's what white ink on Razzleberry paper comes out looking like (notice the medallion?).

Most of the pieces on this card were leftover from the layered medallion on that first card. I did stamp a few extras though. For the sentiment I used Think Happy Thoughts (a perfect set for cards with circles like this!) complete with the Soho Designer Hardware for the center.

Anyway, instead of dragging these out over three days I thought I'd post them all at once since you've all been so patient with me while being absent so much this summer. So what do you think? Can you think of another color combination that these would work great in? It's fun to crank out three cards at a time focusing on mostly all the same colors and stamps. Go see what you can come up with!

Thanks for stopping by!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Boho Backgrounds, All Holidays, Think Happy Thoughts

Colors: Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry, Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Pale Plum

Accessories: circle punches (lots of them!), scallop circle punch, scallop edge punch, Soho Designer Hardware, Razzleberry dotted grosgrain, Stampin' Dimensionals

Have You Seen??

In case you haven't seen it, I am posting here the new Definitely Decorative brochure, which is just totally amazing in my opinion!!!

For some reason everytime this brochure comes out I want to do an extreme makeover on one of the rooms in my house! Unfortunately, I am more of a dreamer than a doer. LOL!

Anyway, CLICK HERE to browse this stunning catalog then let me know what your favorite item is! (Hint: I might even send one of you a card!)

Have a great day!

~Kristin

A couple of RAKs and Blog Awards

Since I'm still catching up on blogging, surfing, emails and paying bills on-line I haven't actually stamped yet... so thought I'd share these two very sweet cards I got from a few very sweet gals I know.

First up, this from Lisa Henke. I just happened to be the first to answer a question correctly on her blog so she sent this card as my reward! Isn't it striking?!! Lisa is so creative in finding funky and fabulous new color combos! not to mention her awesome layout design. If you want to see some good scrapbook pages be sure to check Lisa's blog!




Color combos and a CAS style happen to be some of my favorite things about Becky too! Look at this adorable birthday card she sent me back in April! (all the little dents at the top are from me having this hung up above my desk for so long!) I love how Becky made this little snail glossy and dimensional.

Thank you to PattyB for nominating me for this blog award recently:

How sweet of you to think of me!

And a special thanks also to Elizabeth for sending me this blog award way back in May!! I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to respond!!

Blog awards are always a treat to recieve and they are appreciated. Someday I may even pass them along!

~Kristin

Thanks so much!

Gosh I haven't played along with any challenges in what seems like forever! Today I was able to crank one out, although it took me forever to get started and then to finish it. This is for the sketch challenge on the Clean & Simple Stampin' blog.


I combined In Colors from 2007, 2008 & 2009 for this with True Thyme, Baha Breeze and Soft Suede. I don't know why I just can't stamp anymore without pulling out those old In Colors! So glad I've hung onto them.

Hope you like it!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Autumn Days, Sincere Salutations, Itty Bitty Backgrounds

Colors: Soft Suede, True Thyme, Sahara Sand, Baha Breeze, Whisper White

Accessories: Key tag punch, spiral punch, True Thyme stitched ribbon, Antique Brass Hodgpodge

Whale Wishes: a disappearing post!

Here is the post that disappeared this week while I was away from home. I loosely cased a sample in the new catty (don't have mine here to tell you the page number right now). I say loosely cased because the colors and stamps are all totally different- the part that inspired me was the general layout of the main image in the center with little accents trailing off the corners of the card.

My whale was stamped on Tea Party DSP and raised on SU dimensionals. He was also stamped on the white layer in Rich Razzleberry. Circle Circus was used for the rest of the detail- in Rich Razzleberry, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum and Almost Amethyst (yes I was experimenting with color again). I added a few of the 5/16" jumbo brads in white and popped up a few more details and done.

As I mentioned the first time I tried to post this, I had several moments while making this card that I doubted how it would turn out... but I stuck with it and am happy I did. It isn't a work of art, but I think it is worthy of sending anyway.

Off to do some raspberry pickin' and some yardwork before it gets too hot... then I'll be back in to play!

Thanks for stopping by,

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Pun Fun, Circle Circus

Colors: Rich Razzleberry, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum and Almost Amethyst, Whisper White, Black Staz-On

Accessories: 5/16" jumbo white brads, Tea Party DSP, SU Dimensionals

Take a coffee break!

Sorry for the delay (geez, I feel like I'm always saying that!)- I had this scheduled to post at midnight but obviously that didn't happen. I'm finally home only to find that none of my scheduled posts worked, and one disappeared completely. Lovely...
Guess what?! It's time for another Coffee Break Design Challenge! This week we were given this interesting sketch to work with. I really wanted to show the three panels as a color gradation in pink (Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo)- and combine these with Cocoa and Chocolate (yummy!). I saw a similar color combo in the new Stampin' Up! catalog that I just loved (p. 71).

I hope you like it to and decide to play along! Please visit our Diva blog for more inspiration for this sketch!

Thanks for visiting!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Forest Friends, Think Happy Thoughts

Colors: Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Circle punches, Chocolate felt flower, jumbo vanilla brad, Pink Pirouette grosgrain ribbon, scallop edge punch

NOTE TO BLOGGER: Could you get your act together on these scheduled posts?? Geez!! I mean it's summer- when are scheduled posts more utilized than summer for crying out loud?!! OK, vent over.

Whale Wishes- Another catty inspired design!

Well, this is a loose CASE at best, but I sure liked the card on the bottom of page 107! (Same page my DD copied yesterday.) Obviously mine is a different color scheme and uses totally different stamps, so the only thing I really copied is the design concept. First stamped the whale from Pun Fun (what a fun set!) on the white and also on a pattern of Almost Amethyst from Tea Party DSP, then I randomly stamped images from Circle Circus on a diagnal patern across the card.

I was experimenting with color combos, as usual, so this ended up with Almost Amethyst, Pale Plum, Perfect Plum and the new Rich Razzleberry. Added in a few jumbo white brads and good to go. At some point while making this card I had the sinking feeling that it just wasn't going to work out... but I stuck with it and am reasonably pleased with the results- not a work of art, but worthy of sending I think.

The moral of the story is, when you're lacking inspiration go straight to the Stampin' Up! idea book and catalog- especially this newest edition- it is just full of stunning examples that are easy to use for inspiration (or exact copies if you're so inclined!).

Hope you are having a great day! I'll be home soon,
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Pun Fun, Circle Circus

Colors: Almost Amethyst, Rich Razzleberry, Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Whisper White

Accessories: Jumbo White brads, Stampin' Dimensionals

She did it!

My daughter made this card the other day while stamping with me... we were both getting inspiration from the fabulous samples in the new catalog! She is so happy with it, and I can say I agree, that she asked me if I would post it to my blog.

Everything she used is by Stampin' Up! (like mother like daughter) except the wire and the scissors. The scissors she used on the ends of the Kiwi piece were to mimic the new Modern Label punch that we don't have YET. She strung the beads herself and only needed a little help twisting the antennae.

So what do you think of her color combination? I just love it and you might be surprised to know that it is combining THREE different years of In Colors! Cool Caribbean (07), Kiwi Kiss (08) and the new Bermuda Bay (09)!! Aren't they lovely together?! Just another reason to hang on to those old colors and scraps of paper for future use.

Here's a closeup view of the details.

Thanks for stopping by! Still out of town, but I've got another post I'll try to schedule for tomorrow and then don't forget Diva Day on Wednesday.

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Colors: Cool Caribbean, Bermuda Bay, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White

Accessories: green beads, Beautiful Butterflies die, Big Shot, wire

Hello deer baby

Yippee, finally got some time to stamp yesterday after getting back from camping. Leaving again today for a few days so I'm going to try and schedule a few posts... we'll see if it works this time (come on Blogger!!).

I found a card in the New Idea Book & Catalog (which YOU can now order from as of July 1st- woohoo!!!) on page 141 that I just loved- a unique layout and beautiful color scheme. I copied the layout and the monochromotic idea just in different colors. The deer is from Forest Friends and the sentiment is from the new fantastically versatile Teeny Tiny Wishes!! This set is a must have, let me tell ya!

Don't you just love how the rhinestone brad looks with the new In Color Bermuda Bay?!! The softer shade of aqua is an older In Color Soft Sky- I just love experimenting and mixing up all the fabulous In Colors from the past with the new ones just for fun!!

Well, that's what I've got for now but stay tuned for more... coming up: a card my daughter designed herself (and it's cute!) and another new catty inspired card.

If you don't have your hands on the new catty yet I'd be glad to get one to you- only $5 plus shipping.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you're having a fabulous summer!

~Kristin

PS- Don't miss it!! This month SU is offering a new "Deal of the Week" each week starting now! To find out how to get a favorite product for 30% off click HERE! If you'd like to order through me please email me (I will be checking while I'm gone) so I can place it for you.

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Forest Friends, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Colors: Basic Gray, Whisper White, Bermuda Bay, Soft Sky (retired In Color)

Accessories: Round Tab punch, Bermuda Bay dotted grosgrain ribbon, scallop edge punch, corner rounder, white taffeta ribbon, distressing tool, Square ice rhinestone brad.