It's a GOOD MORNING!!

Good morning to you! I am back from my six state trip in seven days (PHEW!) and have gotten my laundry started and getting some things back to normal from being gone almost all of July... Had a huge box of new goodies waiting for me when I got back, so NOW I am ready to stamp and share some cards with you!

When I first get my new Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog every year I notice all the gorgeous and very unique samples ideas the artists come up with and always think that I will copy some of my favorites, but it seems I never end up doing it. Well this time that's what I did FIRST! It is a great way to really "see" the catalog, a great way to find ideas for stamps that you might already own and an even better way to get yourself out of a stampin' slump!

This first card I made is a replica of a lovely sample on page 138. I tried to use similar colors and the same layout, but my papers and stamps were different than those shown. I still love how it turned out and am so glad I took the time to copy it! The papers I used for my patterned butterflies and the navy stripes down the edges are from an OLD hostess patterns paper pack. My flourish behind the butterflies, from Vintage Vogue, isn't symetrical but it works in a pinch I think.

This one is a close copy of the sample on page 113. You'll notice I did a number of things different but still ended up with the same look. I didn't have that lighter striped ribbon so changed my colors to work with the olive stripes that I do have.

My card base is the new color Marina Mist which I've paired with Old Olive and Sahara Sand. The leaves in the sample appear to be hand cut- but I knew I could get a very similar look without all that tedious work (leave it to me to find a more efficient way!).

Also, I believe in the sample each of the tiny flowers is sewn on with thread... well, can you imagine how long that took? It was tedious enough gluing them all on there so I wasn't about to start sewing them. Anyway, mine all have a dot in the center from the Sahara Sand marker- MUCH faster!!

I added a spritz of Smooch Spray to my card base and left offf the sentiment for now since I like it as is.

So next time you get into a slump, grab your most recent SU Catalog and start browsing for your favorite sample... then get to work copying it as closely or loosely as you prefer and your supplies allow!

Stop back tomorrow for a new Diva Color Challenge and a peek at several more new goodies (can you say rhinestones?!!)! I've got another post ready to go for Thursday as well for your viewing pleasure... a little bit of vintage with some Chantilly Lace, some Soiree papers and maybe a little tweet!

Have a great day and thank you for remembering me even though I've totally neglected my blog baby this month! I'm back to stay- for the most part!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Card 1:

Stamps: Vintage Vogue

Colors: Crumb Cake, So Saffron, Night of Navy

Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Basic Pearl Jewels

Card 2:

Stamps: Paradise

Colors: Marina Mist, Old Olive, Sahara Sand

Accessories: Itty Bitty Shapes punch, Log Cabin Smooch Spray, Old Olive striped grosgrain, linen thread, Sahara Sand marker