Almost there!

I'm sure you've not been holding your breath, but I'm getting closer to being back to blogging!  I ordered my new laptop on the 27th which was supposed to be delivered today.  It arrived approximately 16 minutes after I left the house for my son's birthday party... so instead of a fun new toy I got a slip from Fedex saying it won't arrive until Monday.  *sob*  (that's me sobbing, no cussing) 

Anyway, tonight I'll be stamping instead of ... well, you know.  But at least I'll have lots of projects to show you when I get back in 2011! 

Have a wonderful and safe New Years!!  My son turns 11 tomorrow so we'll be celebrating with a big family party.    See you next year!  Thanks for not giving up on me!
~Kristin

Bad News!

I'm sorry to say that I have some bad news... my computer crashed and is done for.  I am barely getting by working on this ancient mac laptop of my hubby's that seems to be on its last leg as well. My search for a new PC has begun, but in the mean time I have no way of uploading pictures here or anywhere.  I'm so bummed because I have lots to share and miss blogging! 

I hope you all have a wonderful and WARM holiday season and I assure you I'll be back as soon as I can! 

Stampin' Hugs,
~Kristin

Poinsettia Cardinal Christmas

Good morning!  I'm back with a lovely sketch from Mojo Monday today.  I just loved this sketch and actually did two cards with it.  I haven't photo'd the second one yet, so that will have to wait.  Here is the first one I did.  I'd gotten my A Flower for All Seasons stamp set out recently because I realized it's been awhile since I've used it.  My color combo, which I really like, is Cherry Cobler, Old Olive and Chocolate Chip (which I thought was Early Espresso until it was too late). 

I used the rectangle clearlit with the Big Shot to cut out my potted flowers.  The background is embossed with the Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder.  My sentiment is an old hostess set called Holiday Best. 

I hope you like it!  Thanks for stopping by again today!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Holiday Best, A Flower for All Seasons

Colors: Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobler, Old Olive, Whisper White

Accessories: Big Shot, Petals-a-Plenty Embossing folder, Rectangle clearlit, Cherry Cobler seam binding ribbon, Basic Pearls, markers

Long time no see!

Gosh, I've been a slacker blogger!  Sorry 'bout that.  The holidays have thrown my schedule for a loop... plus I've been reading a bit.  Can't help myself on these frigid Ohio days! 

Well, today I've got a new Diva challenge for you and I've got things planned to show you for the next 3 days too!!  This is a color challenge today, of course, to use Elegant Eggplant, River Rock and Melon Mambo.  It took some effort but since I'm a little short on Christmas cards I turned it into one.

I'm not sure if you can see the texture, it is quite subtle, but it was done with the Texturz Plates 1 set in checkers.  I thought it was ideal for a winter card because it reminds me of a warm thick sweater.  My little penguin friend is from the Punch Pals stamp set.  She also fits the Just Add Ink Challenge to "Just Add Critters"- what a fun challenge!  My snowflake is a felt flurry with an antique brad in the center. 

Thanks for visiting today!  I hope you'll go join the Divas for this challenge. 
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Holidays & Wishes, Punch Pals

Colors: River Rock, Elegant Eggplant, Melon Mambo

Accessories:  Big Shot, Texturz Plates 1, Felt Flurries snowflake, Antique brad, scallop square punch, markers, distressing tool

Home for Christmas!

Good morning ladies & gents!  Sorry I'm a bit late posting this- I've been fighting a virus (my computer has I mean, not me!).  Today is another great Diva Day and we've got a sketch for you. 

I took the sketch very literally and made it quite simple.  I also used the color challenge from Splitcoast yesterday:  Real Red, Old Olive & River Rock.  I haven't used River Rock in a while and I like it.  This time I made my three panels look like a door by using the Woodgrain background and sponging the edges for some depth. 

My wreath was fun to do.  I've seen somehing similar before, using the two-step Bird punch branch to make it.  I started with a circle frame made by first punching a 1 1/4" circle in some scrap Old Olive, then punching around it (on the scrap still, the circle is laying on your table by now) with the 1 3/4" circle punch.  Then I covered the whole thing with tape runner and started layering the leaves on.  Finally I added the three red rhinestone brads and the ribbon. 

What do you think of the antique brad doorknob??  Wouldn't you just love to have doorknobs like that in your house?!  I would!  Anyway, the sentiment on the outside is from the Home For Christmas stamp set.  On the inside I just stamped Season's Greetings. 

Thanks for visiting today and be sure to go check out the Diva Coffee Break Designs blog for more fabulous
cards with this sketch. 

~Kristin

SUO Supplies:

Stamps:  Woodgrain background, Home for Christmas

Colors:  River Rock, Old Olive, Real Red, Early Espresso (ink)

Accessories:  Extra Large Two-Step Bird Punch, Red Rhinestone brad, Antique Brad, Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon, sponge

Frosty Treat Cup

My daughter and I spent an evening recently making a bundle of cards like this for teacher gifts.  We found the idea on-line and were inspired to use leftover treat cups we had here.  The ultimate goal is to print the Snowman Soup poem for the inside and include a packet of Hot Cocoa Mix and a little candy cane stirrer on the inside.  I gotta tell ya, it took a LONG time just to get the front done on four of these.  First we put together the snowman body, complete with his hat with sparkly band, face, black brads for buttons and his gingham scarf. 

Then adding the treat cup and making sure the holes lined up through three layers. We did that by first punching the 1 3/4" circle in the top layer (Baja Breeze) then lining it up on the Real Red layer and tracing it with a pencil.  Once that one is punched we then line up the inside layer and once again trace the circle.  I know that is clear as mud.  Without a tutorial it really takes some thought! 

Once I get the inside done I'll take some more pics and maybe attempt a tutorial... don't hold your breath though.  This is a busy holiday season coming up! 

Thanks for visiting!
~Kristin

Quick & Easy Santa

No Santa isn't easy, this card is easy!  Three silver glimmer brads on a Cherry Cobler layer, on a white layer on a Basic Gray card base with a black satin ribbon and some hodgepodge for a buckle.  Fun, easy!  Happy Thanksgiving!  Have a safe holiday weekend!
~Kristin

Using Punch Potpourri

Good Wednesday!  Sorry I've left you hanging ever since last Thursday with nothing to look at except that bragging post... how embarassing!  Life has just gotten in the way- in a good way though, nothing stressful really.  Although my husband's football team lost in the third round of the playoffs last weekend so that was a bummer.  But, it was a great game and really came down to the end.  The bright side is football season is now over.  Phew! 

I'm enjoying this first day of Thanksgiving vacation and have something to be thankful for.  I left my weekly volleyball night early last night (which I NEVER do) because I started feeling really sick.  By the time I made it home I thought for sure it was going to be the flu, but within an hour or so I felt much better and woke up this morning feeling fine.  I don't know about you, but I think avoiding the flu is definitely seomthing to be thankful for!! 

So, on to this card which is the main reason you are here!  The Divas have a color challenge again this week for you.  It is Rich Razzleberry, Pretty in Pink and Early Espresso.  Not a challenge at all in my book- pinks and browns always look lovely together.  I used the Punch Potpourri set for this card and combined it with the French Filigree and Elegant Lines embossing folder.  Can you see the French Filigree background?  It is embossed in clear powder on the white paper for a subtle elegant effect.  I wish my clear powder wasn't dirty though- it has flecks of darker powders in it I'm afraid.

I colored the flowers on the main heart image using my aquapainter and Watercolor Crayons- almost forgot I had those it's been so long.  Did you notice the frilly heart layer?  That is the embosslit called Scalloped Heart of Hearts.  Fits perfectly behind our large heart punch- love that! 

Other details include some tiny pearls, a bit of the scallop trim border and some Early Espresso narrow ribbon- that stuff is so dainty! 

In the end I decided to leave a sentiment off and just add it in the inside.  This could be a wedding card or valentine, love or even a miss you kind of card.  Hope you like it and you decide to play along with the Divas! 

Ooh, I almost forgot to mention that I used the wonderful sketch from Create with Connie & Mary... and yikes, I only have 12 minutes left to upload!  Gotta run!

Thanks for stopping by, I've got more planned for the next two days. 

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Punch Potpourri, French Filigree background

Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Early Espresso

Accessories: Early Espresso ribbon, Heart of Hearts embosslit, Big Shot, Basic Pearls, Elegant Lines embossing folder, clear embossing powder, scallop trim border punch, large heart punch, watercolor crayons, aquapainter

Kudos!!

ku-dos: statements of praise or approval

Oh boy, I'm so excited to have received such accolades recently!  I was a "PPA Pick" on the classy and stylish Paper Pal Arts blog with THIS CARD and again with THIS CARD!  I am always drawn to blogs that feature challenges especially when their gorgeous samples feature Stampin' Up! products!

And to compound my pleasure I also was named a Stampin' Royalty Goddess Pick at the Stampin' Royalty blog with THIS CARD for their sketch challenge.

Thanks ladies for the honors- I will display my badges with pride!

~Kristin

Butterfly Trio

Good Wednesday morning!  The Divas have a wonderful sketch challenge for you today... but I am still having trouble loading any images after my first... I'm sure it's a blogger problem because I never used to struggle with this.  Anyone else having this issue??

Anyway, you'll have to trust me on this and go check out the sketch on the Diva blog!  I've rotated it (as usual) but this card could easily go either way, especially since I decided to leave off a sentiment.  This actually came to me pretty quickly and came together even more quickly.  The card base and butterflies are all stamped with the Stitched background which I'd forgotten is retired.  The Designer papers I used are from the Newsprint collection.  And the color combo came from my handy dandy new Color Coach- LOVE that thing! 

Anyway, I hope you'll play along.  This sketch provides endless possibilities!  Make sure you go link your creation to the Diva blog so we can stop by and leave some comment love! 

Have a great day!

~Kristin

Stamps: Stitched

Colors: Rich Razzleberry, Pear Pizzazz, Tempting Turquoise, Black, Vanilla

Accessories:  Newsprint DSP, silver brads, butterfly punch, distressing tool

Confucius Says...

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart."  Yep, I like that.  Hope you like this card.  Used yesterday's CAS sketch and today's color challenge (Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz, Perfect Plum) on Splitcoast! 

Gotta run, hope you're having a great day!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Asian Artistry

Colors: Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz, Perfect Plum

Accessories:  Big Shot, embossing folder, Beautiful Wings Bigz Die, Basic Pearls, Striped Baja ribbon

Elegant Christmas

This week's PPA challenge is to find inspiration in the given photo for a card of your own.  To me the photo (which, once again Blogger will not allowe me to include) is elegant and refined and I noticed the lovely color combo of plum, gold and vanilla and white.  I tried to mimic both the feel and the colors in this Christmas card.  Also, the Just Add Ink challenge theme this week is Christmas.

The shimmery white cardstock layer was embossed with the Elegant Lines embossing folder then punched through with the ornament punch.  The Rich Razzleberry layer was also punched with the ornament punch.  I added a snowflake and gold glimmer brad on the inside to show through the ornament "window".  My final details were added with some white organza ribbon, narrow Rich Razzleberry ribbon, gold cord and some gold embossing powder.  The gold embossing powder was easy to apply just in specific areas by using the fine tip of the Versamarker!

My photo isn't the best, although I tried believe me, but the shimmer is really pretty in real life. 

Thanks for visiting today!  Hope you are staying warm wherever you are!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: All Holidays (embossed in gold inside)

Colors:  Rich Razzleberry, Shimmery White, gold

Accessories:  Big Shot, ornament punch, Elegant Lines embossing folder, Merry Details Sizzlit, white organza ribbon, gold cord, Rich Razzleberry narrow ribbon, versamarker, gold embossing powder

Simple Christmas

Boy this sure did not turn out as I had it planned in my mind.  Not sure what happened but it evolved into something totally different.  The only design element I stuck with was the color scheme of Pink Pirouette, Soft Suede and Vanilla.  I've used the Elegant Lines embossing folder for the background and the ornament is from Tags Til Christmas punched with the ornament punch.  Tied on some Chantilly ribbon and added a few basic pearls too.  The sentiment is from Many Merry Messages. 

I'm gonna have to trim the bottom of this card off.  This card was in my stash of precut and scored cards and it has a yellowish tinge at the bottom.  It is really bugging me! 

Hope you have a wonderful day! 
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Tags Til Christmas, Many Merry Messages

Colors:  Pink Pirouette, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla

Accessories:  Big Shot, Elegant Lines embossing folder, Ornament punch, Basic Pearls, Chantilly ribbon

Party Pieces Birthday Layout

Yes, I'm scrapping 2003 right now.  Have I mentioned that I noticed not too long ago that I skipped about a one year period in my family album??  Well, of course I had to go back and fill it in.  This is a layout from my daughter's 2nd birthday.  I used up most of the rest of my Party Pieces Simply Scrappin' Kit.

Everything except the brads and the ribbon came from this kit.  Oh, well, I also made my own title piece on the first page.  The ribbon came from the Pigtails Ribbon Originals that I picked up on the Clearance Rack at some point.

The journaling box also came with the kit but it said "Guests" at the top so I just covered that up with my own stamped label and listed fun details about my daughter at that age. 

Do I have any scrapbookers stopping by?  I've noticed I get far fewer comments on scrapbook pages so I'm assuming the interest just isn't for the pages.  Just wondering- I will continue to post them anyway, for my sake or for any "lurking" scrapbookers.  :) 

Thanks for visiting!
~Kristin

Fright Night- a Scrapbook Page

Good morning!  I'm back today with a few scrapbook pages I finished this week.  They are of two different subjects but are in chronological order so I've made them coordinate so they can be side by side.  I used the Simply Scrappin' Kit called Summer Home.  I adore these colors and patterns. 

I hope you like them.  Thanks for stopping by!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Newsprint Alphabet

Accessories:  Summer Home Simply Scrappin' Kit, Chocolate Chip Felt Ribbon

B is for Birthday

Good Wednesday morning!  Today the Diva's have a fabulous color challenge for you!  Don't be afraid- get out your Concord Crush, Old Olive and Tangerine Tango and see what you can do.  By itself Tangerine Tango is not one of my favorite colors- however, when paired with these two beauties in a small amount it can be a real standout! 

Initially when I made this the popped center of the B was in Tangerine.  However, it actually detracted from the bold focal nature of the star.  So I stamped the package in olive and just glued it on top.  Simple fix!  In case you are wondering, the Old Olive piece that is the mat behind the main image has been through the crimper for some texture and dimension.  When was the last time you pulled out your crimper??  That's what I thought- ages! 

The sketch I've used for my inspiration is this week's challenge on Just Add Ink!  Loved this sketch and see many possibilities with it!

When I had this mostly together I realized it just needed something.  I'm a fan of Clean & Simple but there still needs to be balance and interest.  So, out comes the white gel pens for a few dotted touches around the top 3/4s of the card.  Finally, I added a fun Concord Crush glimmer brad to the layered stars for a bit of bling! 

Such fun!  I just love stamping!  Thanks for visiting me today!

~Kristin

PS- Having trouble loading more than one image for some reason.  I'll try again later to see if I can get the 2 challenge photos to show up. 

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Party Hearty

Colors: Concord Crush, Old Olive, Tangering Tango, Whisper White

Accessories:  Crimper, In Colors Glimmer brads, Concord Crush twill ribbon, white gel pen, large & small star punches, Stampin' Dimensionals

*smile*

*Apologies if you got a sneak peek of tomorrow's post this morning.  I messed up the scheduled date.  It will return tomorrow!*

Hello and happy Monday!!  If you are in Ohio you are probably enjoying lovely 60 degree weather which is a welcome relief after the bitter cold of the weekend.  I should know because we sat through two football games and nearly froze!  The good news, besides that it is sunny and warm today, is that our high school team won the first round playoff game and my son's midget league football is OVER.  Not that I didn't enjoy watching, I truly did, but 6 hours of practice a week was really overwhelming our family schedule.  It was a great season and they ended up the champions of the league with only one loss.  Great job Sharks!

The card I'm sharing with you today puts to use the PPA67 Color Challenge to use Daffodil Delight, Poppy Parade and Basic Gray.  LOVE these colors together... but just not for Christmas.  Trust me.  I tried and it didn't work.  I've also used the sketch from the Stampin' 411 blog (SSC176) which I've tried to upload but am getting resistance from blogger for some reason. 

Now for details about this card...  the Poppy flower was made by using the bird's wing from the Two-Step Bird punch- 7 of them to be exact.  The Daffodil Delight center as well as part of the card base were both embossed with the Dotted embossing folder and the Big Shot.  Details were added with Filigree brads, Daffodil Delight narrow ribbon and the Modern Label punch.  The "smile" is from Fabulous Phrases, stamped in white. 

Hope you like it!  I had fun working out the details!  Thanks for stopping by today.  Be sure to stop back again on Wednesday for a fun Diva challenge!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases, For All You Do (for the flower stem)

Colors:  Basic Gray, Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight

Accessories:  Big Shot, Dotted embossing folder, Filigree brads, narrow Daffodil Delight ribbon, Modern label punch

Rolling Acorns

Quick post today... using the sketch FTL114 from the Clean & Simple Stamping blog and this week's color combo challenge from SCS CC2945 (Cajun Craze, Early Espresso and Peach Parfait) I came up with this card.  It's not quite as simple as the beautiful sample by Heather on the Clean & Simple blog... I just couldn't be satisfied for some reason.  But it is still pretty simple I think.  I used the acorn from my old set Autumn Fest (since I still had it out from the scrapbook page a few days ago) and decided to make it roll in the autumn wind. 

One is cut out by hand and popped up for some dimension and interest.  Cajun Craze card base is embossed with the Square Lattice embossing folder (you're seeing a lot of that from me lately, eh?!). 

Gotta run to an honor roll assembly that starts in 20 minutes.  Thanks for stopping by!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Autumn Fest, Fabulous Phrases

Colors: Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Peach Parfait, Very Vanilla

Accessories:  Big Shot, Square Lattice embossing folder, Pinking Hearts border punch, linen thread

Thanksgiving Trees

Wow!  It has been a LONG time since I pulled out Lovely as a Tree stamp set.  I know it's a classic, but I just don't reach for it very much any more.  Well, for some reason this sketch just called for a quick rotation and a reach for those trees! 

I started out with a Very Vanilla oval and embossed the trees with Early Espresso (by inking with Versamark first then the Espresso) and clear powder.  I was going for a fall look by dabbing some fallish colors into the trees, but the background looked so bare so I just kept layering and layering color until I was about to go overboard.  LOL! 

Today is another Diva Coffee Break Designs sketch challenge.  We'd love to have you play along with us and check out all the designers' creations! 

Thanks for stopping by and a hello to all my new followers from Stampin' Connection!  Great to have you!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies:

Stamps:  Lovely As a Tree, Holidays and Wishes

Colors: Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, More Mustard, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Clear EP, Big Shot, Lattice Embossing folder, Modern Label punch

Kiddos: A Scrapbook Layout

I'm excited to share these with you today!  It's been a while since I've scrapped but the weather is turning cooler and this is what I do during hibernate mode.  This is one of the FEW single photo pages I've ever done but I love it.  It is also one of the few times I've heavily edited a scanned non-digital photo for a page. 

 This photo was one of my favorites of the bunch (shown on the next page) but I wanted it cropped.  I lost some clarity when I cropped it but fixed that by changing it to a Sepia tone.  Have you played with your camera and printer options like this before? 

Can you believe I'm still scrapping some non-digital photos??  I started using a digital camera in 2004 (not exclusively though) and recently found a huge 1 year gap in my chronological albums.  Not sure why I skipped most of 2003 but I am determined to go back and fill in!

This layout was inspired by my most recent Stampin' Success magazine that Stampin' Up! publishes for all it's demonstrators.  It is full of beautiful examples of cards and scrapbook pages.

Here is the facing page.  I just had to get all these pictures on here, especially now that my kids are 7 years older than this!  I suppose I would be less sentimental if I'd scrapped this back then.  But it worked. 

Inspired by a magazine page from the Nov. 2009 Creating Keepsakes- I cropped each picture to a small rectangle and just haphazardly spread them across the Newsprint DSP.  Added a few stamped leaves (Autumn Fest) to coordinate the pages and some twill tape with an Antique Brad.  The other designer paper on both pages as well as the journaling boxes are all from the retired specialty paper called The Write Stuff which I got from the Clearance Rack recently. 

So here's the spread together.  I'm pretty happy with it.  The journaling, if you're interested, reads:  "One guess who sent you home with the glazed donuts today.  Yep!  I'm sure it was grandma Wandy's idea!  And look at those ornery kiddos with their pumpkin and their Roscoe (our dog)...  Too Cute!  Love mom"

Thanks for visiting today!  Be sure to stop back tomorrow for a fabulous Diva challenge! 

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Autumn Fest, Collage Alphabet (both retired), Confetti (tiny leaves in background on first page), office type date stamp

Colors: So Saffron, Ruby Red, Soft Suede

Accessories: Newsprint DSP, The Write Stuff Specialy Paper, Twill Tape, Chipboard K, Antique brads

Tea & Crumpets Birthday

Good morning folks!  Long time no see... I won't even bore you with my sob story of being busy- that's a poor excuse for not enjoying my craft more frequently.  However, I DO have this card to show you and even a 2-page scrapbook layout I managed to complete this weekend which I'll share tomorrow. 

Today's card is possible thanks to the lovely Stampin' Royalty Sketch shown below (click on the picture for a link to their blog post) as well as the Just Add Ink #41 challenge to do an "Out of the Box" card with a birthday theme.  Well, this isn't exactly out of the box, but all the fussy cutting and layering is for me kind of. 

Ooh, I just remembered another challenge that really got me started was Friday's Free For All challenge (F4A36) on Splitcoast to use stamped paper pieced images.  For me that meant stamping these Fifth Avenue Floral flowers onto the retired Tea & Crumpets DSP that I recently purchased from SU's Clearance Rack.  

I textured the card base, which is Mellow Moss by the way (have you missed that color??), with the Lattice Textured Impressions embossing folder and the Big Shot. 

The stems of leaves were super easy with the Two-Step Bird Punch.  Popped on a few pearls and some white taffeta ribbon, embossed the sentiment and layered it on a pierced mat then called it quits. 

Thanks for hanging out with me this morning!  I truly enjoy reading all your comments, so thank you. 

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps:  Fifth Avenue Floral, Well Scripted

Colors:  Mellow Moss, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White

Extras: Tea & Crumpets DSP, Basic Jewel Pearls, White taffeta ribbon, Big Shot, Lattice Embossing folder, paper piercing tool, distressing tool

I Love You This Much!

For today's Diva Coffee Break Designs Color challenge we are to use Poppy Parade, So Saffron and Baja Breeze in combination. 

I chose to use Build-a-Roo by stamping him on some Greenhouse Garden DSP.  I then grunged him up with an aquapainter and some Early Espresso ink like an old loved stuffed animal, and immediately regretted it.  He looked much nicer before but I'd already "fussy-cut" him so I wasn't about to start over. 

The hearts in his pouch are from the Heart to Heart punch and the larger heart is the Small Heart punch.  The background So Saffron paper is dry embossed with the Texturz Plates Kit #4 and the Big Shot.  YES, I finally found my Silicone Rubber pad that had been lost (fell behind my file cabinet). 

I hope you'll stop by the Diva Blog and check out the other designers and their great samples!  Then be sure to play along and let us know.  You might even be chosen as our weekly "Featured Artist"! 

Thanks for stopping by again today.  I'll be gone all day today on a field trip to see the Ohio State Band with my son's 5th grade band class.  He was thinking of wearing his Michigan jersey so it could be... interesting.  Wish me luck!  :) 

~Kristin

PS- I forgot to mention that our Annual Holiday Stamp-a-Stack last Saturday was a GREAT SUCCESS and so much fun!  We had 24 delightful guests and they did 12 fun projects and we were done in record time (2 hours earlier than last year!)

Boo!

No doubt this is not the first you've seen the owl punch used for a super simple and adorable ghost!  But, it's the first you've seen it here.   For the eyes, I punched out two 1/8" holes then put a scrap of black cardstock underneath.

I enjoyed using the Stamping 411 sketch for this card today.  It came together pretty quickly.  The colors (all In Colors) were all together in my In Colors bag of scraps and I immediately thought of Halloween.  I don't send many Halloween cards, but if I have one close by this week I'll be sure to send it! 

I used the Lattice Bigz die in Concord Crush on the dotted Peach Parfait card base.  The "BOO!" was cut with the Billboard alpha Sizzlit die and the Big Shot. 

Hope you like it.  I'll be back again tomorrow with an entirely different card with this same sketch! 

Thanks for stopping by!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: none

Colors: Peach Parfait, Concord Crush, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White

Accessories: Big Shot, Dotted embossing folder, Lattice Bigz die, Two-Step Owl punch, scallop border punch, Concord Crush twill ribbon

Birthday Sketch

Good morning!  Are you ready for another wonderful sketch from Diva Coffee Break Designs?  I had some time to play a few days ago and enjoyed whipping this clean & simple card out.  I exchanged one of the layers on the sketch for a "layer" of dry embossing with my Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder.  What do you think? 

The row of candles on the Concord Crush layer is from the single candle in the Party Hearty stamp set.  This color scheme was selected at random by flipping through my new SU Color Coach- love that thing!  Did you noticed the scallop rectangle that my sentiment is on??  That is the new Clearlit Scallop Rectangle die that is used with the Big Shot.  I totally thought it was bigger than that when I looked at it in the catalog but it is the perfect size for a nice sentiment piece I think! 

I topped it off with a flower from the Boho Blossoms punch (cut in between each petal) and a Concord Crush glimmer brad.  Hope you like it- I had fun making this one!  Go check out the other Diva's creations then play along, why don't you!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Party Hearty, Well Scripted

Colors: Crumb Cake, Concord Crush, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango

Accessories: Concord Crush ribbon, Scallop Rectangle Clearlit, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, In Colors Glimmer Brads, Boho Blossoms Punch

Glitter Window Snowflake

Good day ladies and gentlemen!  I've got another card for you today- I know, shocker!  I've got fall baseball behind me now, and only two weeks left of Midget League football then I'll be stamping much more frequently.  Also behind me is a birthday week and this week I'll be prepping for my upcoming Stamp-a-Stack.  Do you ever have a few weeks where each time you check something off your massive list you breathe a little bit easier??  That's where I'm at right now- I can see the end of the tunnel. 

Today's CAS challenge on SCS is a sketch challenge.  I decided to do the Glitter Window technique for the lower snowflake (put packing tape behind the cut out then sprinkle with Dazzling Diamonds!).  I do like how this turned out with the exception of my crooked sentiment *sigh*. 

This card also qualifies for this week's Just Add Ink challenge to use BLUE!  I think I've got that covered.  If you want some great challenges I highly recommend this blog. 

Well, gotta run get some dinner on.  Have a great week!

~Kristin

Non-Challenge Challenge!

I don't know about you, but it occurred to me the other day that I almost NEVER sit down to make a card without first scouring the internet for the perfect challenge that I feel up to!  Then I end up spending sometimes hours looking for the perfect challenge to fit my current stamp mood. 

In fact, that itself- designing without a given challenge- was a challenge.  I have been so stressed and overwhelmed lately with LIFE that I really needed to stamp (it might have had something to do with the 5-girl slumber party going on in the next room too).  So I pulled out my fabulous new SU Color Coach and was determined to close my eyes and pick a card... well, I closed my eyes and picked a few cards before I found one that really called to me. Then I got to work. 

A few times, like a recovering addict, I reached for my mouse to bring life to my computer screen, then I reprimanded myself and dug deep to actually design ON MY OWN!  If you are like me and haven't done this for awhile I highly recommend it!

So this is what a non-challenge challenge card looks like.  The color combo is Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive and Melon Mambo.  When I first sit down to make a card I always start with my basket of well-organized scraps.  Once my colors were chosen I found a full card base (prescored) in Elegant Eggplant but it had 2 small ovals punched from one corner.  Instead of putting it back I just tore off that corner and didn't look back.  That's how this came to be. 

The Old Olive layer is embossed with the Finial Press Embossing Folder.  I used the stamp set For All You Do just because.  I also used narrow grosgrain, the scalloped square punch and a build-a-brad.  Added a touch of Dazzling Diamonds to the center of the flowers then quit. 

So after you're done reading this shut off your computer and go stamp something- anything!  I CHALLENGE you!  ;)

Thanks for stopping in! 
~Kristin

SUO Supplies
Stamps: For All You Do

Colors: Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, Whisper White, Melon Mambo

Accessories:  Big Shot, Dazzling Diamonds, Finial Press EF, Elegant Eggplant grosgrain, Scalloped Squre punch, Build-a-Brad

Keeping Busy!

 Hello Hello!  Wondering where I've been??  Well, I don't even have time to type it all right now, but I have a few seconds before running out the door so I'm posting this card I made yesterday (I think it was).  This is for this week's Diva Coffee Break Designs color challenge to use Marina Mist, Crumb Cake and Cajun Craze.  Hope you like it!  More details later...  in the mean time, this new building is one of the reasons I've been so MIA.  It just arrived yesterday (the day after my daughter's birthday) and it was a chore keeping it a surprise!!  Phew!  Someday I'm hoping this will be my stampin' studio. 

Hugs!  Thanks for stopping by,
~Kristin

My Only Sunshine

I loved singing that song to my kids when they were little.  I'd rock them to sleep and sing You are My Sunshine over and over again.  Then one day my aunt taught me the second verse ("The other night dear, while I was sleeping, I dreamt I held you in my arms.  But when I woke up I was mistaken so I hung my head and cried")  When I sang that verse to them they suddenly made me stop singing it and didn't like that song anymore- still don't.  Too sad I guess. 

Anyway, I still like that saying "You are my sunshine" and had to use it on this card.  This is for today's Diva sketch which I really like!  I kept it pretty literal other than the banner style sentiment which I just hand cut.  Hope you like it!

Thanks for stopping by.  Now why don't you go check out the other Diva's samples then play along with us! 
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Aviary, sentiment from Something Sweet

Colors: Daffodil Delight, Craft, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Greenhouse Gala DSP, Antique Brads, Old Olive narrow ribbon, scallop border punch, markers

CAS Overboard!

This was supposed to be a clean & simple layout... can you tell I went a bit overboard?!?  The CAS challenge for this week is to do a faux letterpress technique by brayering ink onto a embossing folder before running cardstock through the Big Shot.  OK, started out fine.  Then decided to try to use the MOJO Monday sketch (159) which should have been easy enough, but then I made this flower carnation and it spiraled out of control from there.  This card actually was fairly simple (other than the time it took to make the carnation and having to use the SAMJ not once, but twice).  But not nearly enough white space to call it clean so I flunked that challenge! 

However, I did follow the MOJO sketch fairly well I think, and I also used a gorgeous color combination suggested by the Embellish Magazine challenge.  This challenge also calls for some background stamping which you may or may not agree I accomplished.  Let me explain- the carnation flower started as a large scrap of Daffodil Delight cardstock.  I stamped the French Filigree background in Basic Gray and the By Definition background in Whisper White on one side, and in Basic Gray on the other side.  So, that's my background stamping... then I punched out 8 flowers with my Boho Blossoms punch and called it a paper carnation.  So you tell me, did I fail that one too?? 

Anyway, since I was already over the top for the CAS challenge I decided to go for it and added the pearls details.  And don't forget the narrow taffeta ribbon.  Deep Breath!

Well, I'm really pleased with how it turned out even though it is a bit over-the-top for my normal style.  But who cares? 

Thanks for stopping by!  Be sure to stop in again tomorrow as I've got another Diva sketch challenge for you and some more Daffodil Delight.  It is much more clean & simple and I can't wait to show you!

~Kristin

PS- Gotta run, I'll add links later today.  Sorry!  *Links now added*

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Just Believe

Colors: Basic Gray, Basic Black, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight

Accessories:  Big Shot, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Basic Jewel pearls, Daffodil Delight narrow taffeta, brayer, circle punch, scallop circle punch, Boho Blossoms punch, eyelet border punch, Newsprint DSP

Birthday Treat

Quickie today... The Divas have a fun color challenge I dare you to try!  Here's my take.  I used a neto-me stamp level one hostess set called Birthday Bakery and the Big Bold Cupcake Sizzlit set with the Big Shot.

Have a great day!
~Kristin

Not Exactly Traditional

 Elegant, unique, not exactly traditional:  that's what I lean towards (strive for) when designing Christmas cards.  It is rare to find a straight-up green and red card from me- not sure why.  I suppose because I like thinking outside the box and by the time Christmas rolls around I'm about sick of the red/green combo in my face.  Now that's not to say I don't appreciate cards in those traditional colors- because I do, truly!  Even some of my favorites have been true red and green.

With that said, I've chosen Sahara Sand, Bravo Burgandy and Vanila with a touch of Early Espresso for these two designs.  What do you think of that color combo??  I love it and can see it for so much more than holiday cards! 

These are both quite simple as I'm working on designs for my upcoming Holiday Stamp-a-Stack.  Simple is always best for these events with 40 or so people wanting to do the same 12 cards in a limited time.  But simple doesn't have to mean boring or lacking that something special. 

So what do you think?  Would you be excited about making either of these two cards at a Stamp-a-Stack?  The first one entails sponging and a rectangle mask, with a rhinestone and some lovely narrow Espresso Taffeta topping it off.  The second one, which happens to use the CAS sketch challenge from yesterday on SCS, is a Sahara Sand base with monochromatic snowflakes and a portion of the tree showing from the set Snow Swirled.  The extra details include a few touches with the Bravo Burgandy marker on the tree and a rhinestone topper as well. 

Quick, simply and lovely is the goal.  What do you think?  Feel free to "vote" by leaving a comment- I'll let you know what I decide before the SAS on October 23.  If you are anywhere near Kenton, Ohio and are interested in joining me for this fun event I'd be thrilled to call you my guest!  Cost is $30 and that includes lunch and snacks, 12 holiday projects (all cards except one gift packaging idea) and lots of door prizes and fun!  Leave your email address if you're interested in getting the flyer.

Thanks for stopping by! I'm hoping to get some scrapbooking done today... we'll see what happens!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Snow Swirled

Colors: Sahara Sand, Bravo Burgandy, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Wide Bravo Burgandy grosgrain ribbon, narrow Early Espresso taffeta ribbon, Basic Jewel Rhinestones, sponge.

Peek-a-Boo!

Good morning!  I've got a card for ya today, believe it or not.  This sweet stamp set, Build-a-Roo just arrived on Friday and I had to get it inky right away!  I've always thought it is cute and fairly versatile.  This sketch is from the Pals Paper Arts (PPA61) challenge and the color combo is for the Color Throwdown (CTD111). 

For my circle element for the sketch I used a black jumbo grommet.  I have TIP for using those babies:  don't try to put the prongs through the paper, just bend them flat with an old eyelet hammer and attach it with glue dots.  It doesn't wrinkle up the paper and is much easier to attach. 

I colored the kangaroo with my blender pens and some River Rock ink then some touches of Soft Suede for some shading.  Yes, I know, my coloring skills aren't up to par with the masters! 

If you have a Stamp-a-Majig this is a great set to use it for to get the accessories in the kangaroo's pouch!  This set comes with not only the baby roo, but also flowers and hearts plus a few things to put in her hand and 3 different sentiments.

Have a great Sunday!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps:  Build-a-Roo

Colors: River Rock, Pacific Point, Whisper White, Basic Black, Melon Mambo

Accessories: Pacific Point striped grosgrain, Big Shot, Dotted Embossing folder, black Jumbo Grommet, Scallop border punch, blender pens

Diva Day, are you going to play??

 Good morning my loyal readers, how are you today?  I'm tickled to be stamping and that it's no longer 90 degrees here in my stampin' studio!  Ooh, speaking of Stampin' Studio (which you might know is really just one long wall in our master bedroom)- I might have a studio of my own in the next year or so!  Woohoo, I'll post details some other time.  You'll be so excited for me I'm sure!

Anyway, today is a Diva Wednesday and we've got a wonderful sketch for you which I've paired with a color combo challenge from Splitcoast that was much tougher for me than I expected.  I am late posting this today because it was one of those cards that just wouldn't come together- I tried and tried, cut and recut, scrapped idea after idea.  Well actually that's not true, I stuck with my original idea and just kept trying until it worked (which wasn't until this morning at 11am!)  Maybe I should've scrapped my idea last night and I would have come up with something much sooner.  Ah well, hindsight is always 20/20!

So it turned out fairly clean & simple considering how long it took me.  The tree was inked with markers, black and Wild Wasabi which takes a bit of time but I was anticipating a really neat look, especially since I've not used black for the tree before.  It was my layer colors that gave me fits but once I textured the Cajun Craze I liked it much better.  Somehow that texture helps it blend into the background which is what I wanted. 

Do you remember these felt flowers?  Well, it is one of those products that I love but completely forgot about until the box (with two full sets of flowers) fell off my shelf last night (while struggling with this card) and dumped everywhere!  Voila- using them!  I added a corduroy button in Baja Breeze to one and a black brad to the other. 

TIP:  Wondering how I made the layered sentiment?  Don't forget about the Big Shot die Movers & Shapers.  The Punch Windows set (page 209) comes with dies that layer perfectly with the punches: Scallop Oval, Modern Label (that I used here), large heart and the large star.  The idea behind this die is to be able to punch those shapes anywhere on your card, even where a standard punch wouldn't reach... but you can also use it like this and just cut out a layer for behind your punch.  Works like a charm!  I just lay a scrap of paper over the die and run it through the Big Shot. 

Anyway, I did up the inside a bit too so I'll leave you with that.  It looks a little plain to me, but keep in mind that the black striped ribbon actually ties in a bow on the inside of the card so that adds a little something too. 

Thanks for stopping by today!  I love having you visit!  Please go check out the other Divas and play along with the Diva challenge!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Colors: Baja Breeze, Cajun Craze, Wild Wasabi, Basic Black, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Big Shot, Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing folder, Felt Flowers, Corduory button, Movers & Shapers die, Modern Label punch, black brad, Black striped ribbon (phew!)