Happy Hour!

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Madison Avenue Thank You- FULL of Sale-a-Bration!

How's this for colorful?  I used a recent Mojo sketch for this one, as well as my new Designer Series Paper called Sycamore Street and stamp set Madison Avenue, plus the coordinating Petite Curly Label punch and stamp set Pretty Petites (all FREE during Sale-a-Bration!). 

Interested in earning any of these free products for yourself?  Just contact me to place an order of $50 or more, to schedule a Workshop Wow for you and your friends!

You may also notice some embossing along the edges there.  That is an embossing folder I borrowed from a dear friend Karen.  I forget what it is called, but it is not offered by SU.

Have a great day!
~Kristin

 

SUO Supplies

Stamps:  Madison Avenue, Petite Pretties

Colors:  Summer Starfruit, Island Indigo, Rich Razzleberry, Tangerine Tango

Accessories:  1 3/4" circle punch, Petite Curly Label punch

Blue Ribbon Birthday- a Mojo Sketch & TEXTURE!

Surprise!  Yep, I'm back to stamping.... at least for today.  Saw the weekly Mojo sketch in my email inbox and couldn't resist.  So between laundry loads and other things I managed to squeek this one out. 

Also decided to join the SUO Challenges to use texture.  Duh!  That's not too hard.  Gotta love those embossing folders.  I managed to use THREE on here!  Polka Dots, Stripes and the Chevron.  So fun! 

 

I had planned to join a color challenge somewhere but somehow these colors grabbed my eye from my own scraps and I HAD to go with them.  Basic Gray, Perfect Plum, Wisteria Wonder and Summer Starfruit! 

 

Besides the texture on here I spiffed things up with some Summer Starfruit stitched satin ribbon and some Filigree brads, and of course several punches! 

 

I also made a new necklace this weekend so if you're interested hop on over to my Beading and Jewelry page (link at top below my blog title).  Here's the sketch if you'd like to play along!

 

 Thanks for stopping by today! 
~Kristin

Reason to Smile

Good morning!  I had a chance to sit at my desk yesterday and play with some of my new stuff from the brand new Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog so I finally have something to share with you today.  See this stamp set?!  It is available this month for ONLY $5 with a $50 order.  It is valued at over $20!  HERE is a link to this awesome promotion!  If you'd like to place an order with me just shoot me an email and I'll be glad to get you taken care of!

Mojo Monday offered up this fabulous sketch to try out so I did, along with the beautiful color pallette from Color Q to use Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip and Pear Pizzazz (yes, there is a tiny bit of pear on there).  It is funny to me how warm and sunny More Mustard can look paired with the bright yellow of Daffodil Delight!  Finally, the ladies at SU-Only Challenges suggested we make a special thank you this week, so here it is.  How 'bout that, three challenges in one?! 

You would be ashamed of me how long it took to get this card figured out.  I tried nearly every combination of these colors, different patterns, angles, accents etc.  Geez- it's been WAY TOO LONG since I've stamped!  Hopefully now I'm on a roll, we'll see. 





Here are two of the challenges.  Don't they look awesome?!  Thanks for stopping by today.  Stop back tomorrow for a very natural, earthy, casual wedding card. 

~Kristin

SUO Supplies
Stamps:  Reason to Smile, A Fitting Occasion

Colors:  More Mustard, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Pear Pizzazz

Accessories:  Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, basic rhinestones, Polka Dotted embossing folder, Itty Bitty punch pack, 1" circle punch, Adorning Accents Edgelit, Big Shot, Alpine Ribbon Originals (from several years back)

Goodbye Pocket Silhouettes

Good evening!  Is everyone ready for a fantastic weekend??  I'm starting out right.  After several days of no stamping I enjoyed a few hours of pure stamping bliss... and since my hubby and kiddos will be turkey hunting all weekend I plan to continue stamping all weekend! Made 6 cards total.  First up is this one using this week's Mojo Monday sketch as well as the Color Throwdown challenge colors!!

Since Stampin' Up! unveiled their retirement list this week I decided to showcase some of my favorites sets that will only be available through the end of May.  I'd hate to have someone miss out on owning these! 

The retiring stamps I used here are Pocket Silhouettes and the French Filigree background stamp (embossed with Vanilla embossing powder).  Had to combine some of my current favorites with these oldies as well:  Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, bitty punches, the new Labels Collection Framelits and of course Rhinestones! 



Speaking of retiring stamps, don't forget to check out the list and make sure you grab what you've been eyeing! 

Thanks for stopping by!  I'll be back tomorrow with more from the retiring list. 
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps:  Pocket Silhouettes, French Filigree

Colors:  Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo, Very Vanilla

Accessories:  Bitty punch pack, Dotted scallop ribbon border punch, rhinestones, Vanilla EP, Boho Blossoms punch, Labels collection Framelit, Big Shot, distressing tool, sponge

Warmth & Texture and a Color Challenge

 So who's ready for another color challenge??  I don't know about you but I'm ready for those 75-80 degree days to stick around permanently so I had to come up with something WARM!  The Mojo Monday challenge was a perfect way for me to incorporate each of the three colors in the background.  Had some fun with texture and mixing a few different stamp sets. 

 I had fun experimenting with these colors and will be back again tomorrow with another one.  I hope you'll play along this time.  I've left the linky open a bit longer this time (a whole month).  Once it closes I'll pick a favorite or two to post here and share some love! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps:  Up in the Air, Fresh Vintage, Silhouette Sentiments

Colors:  Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White

Accessories:  Big Shot, Square Lattice embossing folder, stamp punch, mini silver brad, tiny tag punch, dotted Crushed Curry Ribbon, Scallop trim border punch, markers

Cheers for a new year!

Hello again and happy 2012!  I'm ready for a fresh new year and some new stamping projects.  So here goes:  a card and a challenge.  Hope you like!  I've used a new set that is a preview of a Sale-a-Bration set called Fresh Vintage.  Don't you just love those mini silver brads?!  The sentiment is a tried and true set called Well Scripted.  The sketch challenge is from Mojo Monday's sketch blog.  Always love their sketches! 

 Here's a quick shot of the inside! 

Thanks for stopping by again!  I've got another card I made today that I'll save for tomorrow. 

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps:  Well Scripted, Fresh Vintage

Colors:  Basic Gray, Pear Pizzazz, Lucky Limeade, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories:  Scallop Circl punch, Mini Silver Brads, Dotted scallop border ribbon punch, scallop border punch, Triple Layer punch

Bliss is...

...debossing, embossing and creating my own decorative paper with stamps!  For such a simple card I sure have a LOT of techniques going on.  This new FREE stamp set, Bliss, is ideal for making elegant cards with a beautiful demask background!  (maybe that's not what you'd call it)  Anyway, I used whisper white ink on that larger detailed stamp in the background- it shows up awesome on Black paper.  You could even use any light colored craft ink as well!  The main image with the bird on top are stamped with black craft ink then heat embossed with clear powder, then I dabbed a bit of Blushing Bride ink on the bird's belly. 

My circle piece, which is Pink Pirouette, was embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder and Big Shot, then flipped over and gently sponged with some ink.  I've also got a large silver brad, small rhinestone and some black satin ribbon on there to step up the bling!  Oh, almost forgot about the paper piecing around the circle- it looks neat if there is light showing through. 

Speaking of forgetting, I started out using the Mojo Monday sketch challenge for this but now am realizing I left off the verticle ribbon piece... may have to rework this so it fits and so I like it a bit better. If I redo it I'll be sure to add it to this post!  I also missed the deadline to enter this.  Oh well, still a fun sketch to use!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Bliss

Colors: Basic Black, Blushing Bride, Pink Pirouette

Accessories: white ink, 2 1/2" circle punch, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, distressing tool, rhinestone, clear EP, large silver brad, sponge, black satin ribbon, paper piercing tools

Get Whale Soon!

Delicate and sweet- that's what I was going for with this card.  I had in mind a classmate of my daughter's who is courageously battling leukemia right now.  My heart aches for her and her family and the only thing I know to do is, what else, make a card. 

Today's DCBD challenge is to use this soft but fabulous color combination of Night of Navy, Bashful Blue and Sahara Sand.  I've used blue tones often lately so thought I might be bored with this, but not the case!  The Sahara Sand is a perfect backdrop for the blues and the dots. 

Mojo Monday's sketch challenge was a good starting point for me.  I wanted this card to be just right so I had to start with a good sketch. 

Thanks for visiting me today.  I hope you decide to check out the other Divas and play along with our color challenge.  Also, if you are moved to brighten a little girl's day who could probably use it I'd be glad to pass along her contact information.  Just leave me a comment with your email address. 

~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

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

Two in Two!

 Happy Monday all!  I'm back today with two challenges in two different cards.  I was determined to stamp today since it's been a few days so I set out to find a few challenges to try.  First up is the Mojo Monday sketch challenge.  Second, is the Clean & Simple color challenge on SCS to use kraft, red, brown and vanilla.  This rarely happens to me but while brainstorming I had two totally different ideas and decided to do them both!

The first is more clean and simple.  I combined a sentiment from Whimsical Words (a Sale-a-Bration set from earlier this year) and I {(Heart} Hearts!  Did you notice the three clear buttons?  Did you notice the XOX connotation for hugs and kisses (in the buttons)??  Is it cheesy??  I wasn't sure. 

My second card is this Christmas Wishes card made with Gifts of Christmas.  The main image is embossed in Vanilla powder and the dove is painted with Lumiere which is an old pearl white paint that SU used to carry years ago.  My lid has a crack so it was fairly dry, but I just added some water and stirred and it thinned down nicely.

I'm sure you noticed the Glimmer Brads (available now in the Holiday Mini Catalog- pg. 36)- aren't they beautiful?!!  I also embossed the Vanilla piece with the Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions embossing folder.  Finally, the handmade poinsettia was done with the 5-petal flower punch and three black brads. 

I hope you've enjoyed these.  Next time you're trying a challenge, why not do it twice and see how different your cards end up?! 

Thanks for visiting!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts, Whimsical Words, Stitched Background, Gifts of Christmas

Colors: Crumb Cake, Poppy Parade, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Basic Black

Accessories: Big Shot, Embossing Folders: Dotted & Petals-a-Pleny; large heart punch, scallop trim border punch, scallop border punch, vanilla EP, Lumiere, Glimmer Brads, 5-petal flower punch, black brads, black narrow taffeta, bitty buttons, linen thread

Happy for Mojo Challenges!

I made this card using yesterday's Mojo Monday sketch challenge and the colors are from the Stampin' Royalty color challenge (Cherry Cobler, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Not Quite Navy).  My Holiday Mini Preorder arrived while I was gone last week so I've been anxious to play with all the new goodies! 

Today I included the new Cherry Cobler seam binding that I had to have as it's the only thing close to ribbon SU has in that fabulous color.  The stamped frame is from the new stamp set Tags 'til Christmas- I just omitted the Dec. 25 when I inked it with my Not Quite Navy marker then punched it out with the AWESOME new Extra Large Decorative Label punch.  You are gonna WANT this punch!

The layered flowers are new to me also.  They are from a level one Hostess set in the Idea Book & Catalog called Punch Potpourri.  I just stamped them in two colors, punched them out and layered them with an old Not Quite Navy brad from my retired stash.  I love that each of these stamps fits a punch that I already have!!

I've been wanting to use the musical score paper from the Newsprint DSP and decided to combine it with a musical score embossing folder that I've had for quite a while and hadn't used yet (this is not an SU item but it does work fabulously in our Big Shot!)  And yes, I am somewhat musically inclined and I know my embossed score is upside down... that's the only way I could make it work with this sketch. 

I also used the Dotted embossing folder on the Old Olive layer and finished off the card by piering a scalloped border along the top.  The sentiment is from an old favorite, Fancy Flexible Phrases.

Thanks for stopping by today!  Be sure to come back tomorrow for another exciting Diva Color Challenge!  I've got a quick and easy set of cute note cards that will be great to have handy for last minute notes and gifts.

~Kristin

SUM (SU Mostly) Supplies

Stamps: Tags 'til Christmas, Fancy Flexible Phrases, Punch Potpourri hostess set

Colors: Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobler (ribbon)

Accessories: Newsprint DSP, Big Shot, Dotted embossing folder, Musical embossing folder (by Cuttlebug), Cherry Cobler seam binding ribbon, Extra Large Decorative label punch, Boho Blossom punch, Not Quite Navy brad, Paper piercing tools

It's the Thought- a double take on a Mojo sketch

Good morning! I'm glad you stopped by today. I enjoyed playing along with the Mojo 146 sketch yesterday and have not one but TWO cards to share with you, as well as the inside for each! This is actually the second of the two that I made but while I was making the first one I flipped over the long piece of DSP at the left to add some adhesive and I just loved the way the pattern fell only at the bottom so I HAD to use it just like that! That is what made me decide to do 2 of the same basic card but reverse the patterns of paper.



The flower vase stamp I used is brand new to me- the level one hostess set in the Summer Mini catalog called It's the Thought. It's got 7 adorable images and I couldn't wait to put some ink to it! I added color to the image with my fabulous new In Colors markers, Peach Parfait and Pear Pizzazz as well as a touch of Cherry Cobbler to the centers of the flowers.

The Designer Series Paper (DSP) I used here is also new called Greenhouse Gala. It has so many beautiful patterns in some luscious colors.


Both card bases I used are Sahara Sand and the sentiments (from Define Your Life) are stamped in Sahara Sand as well.


For the insides I used Versamark with Pick-a-Petal, a stamp set I haven't used in ages it seems! For the top card my sentiment fit on NOT the modern label punch, but the matching outline shape to it that comes with the Movers and Shapers set that works with the Big Shot. It took some doing since I had to use the Stamp-a-Majig- but it fits perfectly! That sentiment is from Vintage Vogue. The sentiment on my "Favorite" card is from Wonderful Favorites, another set I have neglected lately. I guess you can tell who I'll be sending this one to!

So glad you decided to stop by! Thanks for the sweet comments- they always make my day!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: It's the Thought, Pick-a-Petal, Define Your Life, Wonderful Favorites, Vintage Vogue

Colors: Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Sahara Sand, Whisper White

Accessories: 1 1/4" square punch, Scallop Trim border punch, distressing tool, black brads, markers

Live, Laugh, Love

Guess what?! I think I'm back! Well, my stampin' mojo is back anyway. At least it was yesterday when I made this and another card that I'm happy with which I'll share tomorrow. It took me a while to find a few challenges that seemed to speak to me, then it was happy stamping. For this card I used the Mojo Monday sketch challenge (Mojo 142) in a simplified form. The glittery butterfly was punched from a sticky sheet then covered with glitter. I didn't actually peel off the backing since I wanted it to be raised with a Stampin' Dimensional.

What do you think of this color combo? It isn't for a challenge anywhere, but I came up with it on my own: Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry and my trusty favorite retiring Ballet Blue!

Did you notice the embossed dots around the edges of the Crumb Cake layer? Well you know me and my SUO mentality... but I just couldn't resist ordering a pack of these strip embossing folders a while ago while doing some shopping online (got myself a really cool portable Ott Lite in lime green to take on my crops and for a better light on my desk). Can't believe it has taken me this long to use one of them, but that's where those dots came from. They are just like SU's Textured Impressions Embossing Folders which I can't get enough of. The texture from just one pass through the Big Shot is amazing!

Anyway, I hope you like it. I'm tickled that I do since I've really struggled with my crafting lately. It might be that I've been reading too much instead- I'm "between" books right now so have energy to focus on card-making!!

Well, off to do 3 loads of laundry so ball uniforms get clean for games tonight. Have a great day!
~Kristin

PS- Gosh, I thought I'd gotten such a great picture but this one really doesn't show the glitter at all, and the colors aren't quite right. Guess you'll have to imagine!

SUO Supplies (except where noted)

Stamps: It's Your Birthday

Colors: Soft Suede, Crumb Cake (kraft), Rich Razzleberry, Ballet Blue, Whisper White

Accessories: Big Shot, Butterfly punch, sticky sheet, Superfine glitter, Heart to Heart punch, Scallop border punch, Dotted Rich Razzleberry grosgrain, Provocraft Embossing Borders With Love

Summer Butterflies today!

Hey all! I'm stopping by lickety split to post something for you before I have to run to yet another ball game! Made this this morning with the Mojo Monday sketch in mind, and the Summer theme for the CAS challenge... although, this isn't what I'd call CAS. Oh well, I had summer on the brain anyway. I hope you enjoy this color combo- it includes the luscsious new Cherry Cobler!!! along with Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron and Old Olive.

Thanks for stopping by! Stop back tomorrow for a Diva challenge!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Good Friend

Colors: Cherry Cobler, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron and Old Olive

Accessories: Pumpkin Pie striped grosgrain, scallop border punch, Beautiful Wings embosslit, Button Bouquet

From the Heart

Yippee! I'm stamping again! Not that I should be- my parents are coming to town and my house needs cleaned up... but I've got my priorities you know. I made this card yeterday for the Mojo Monday sketch challenge. This Designer Series Paper, Raspberry Tart, was on SU's clearance Rack a while back (might still be??) so I grabbed some. I liked this patterned piece featuring Cameo Coral and took my cues from that.

Once I had this card all done I decided to try some Log Cabin Smooch Spray for a soft splattered effect. Well, it's splattered all right, but not sure how soft or subtle it is. I am still learning with that stuff, for sure. Hope you like it! I'll be back after awhile with some monogram note cards I'm working on for the boutique coming up that I am a vendor for.

Hope you have a great weekend!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Watercolor Trio (Summer Mini catalog)

Accessories: Designer Label punch, Modern Label punch, Jumbo brads in Chocolate Chip, Ticket corner punch, Log Cabin Smooch Spray, markers, Raspberry Tart DSP

Welcome Baby!

Hello, and TGIF! Today I'm using the soft and springy color combination from the Color Throwdown (CTD87) to use pink, gray and soft olive. I think this counts! I've used two shades of pink, two shades of gray and I never pass up the opportunity to use Kiwi Kiss!

The sketch is from Mojo Monday (MOJO133)- isn't it great?!! Did you notice my Going Gray piece that is crimped? I think it unintentionally ended up being reminiscent of a picket fence.

This is my first use of the stamp set called Good Neighbors which was one of the last FREE sets I earned during Sale-a-Bration. First I stamped the house and trees but decided it was a little too bare so then I cut a template for a sidewalk, used temporary adhesive to put it in place, another piece of scrap paper over the house and sponged on some Kiwi grass. What do you think? It is supposed have a welcoming feel for the arrival of a new baby.

So do you think my "Welcome Baby" is bold enough or should I have stamped it in white? It is actually in Rose Red which is more obvious in person.

Well, gotta run. Off to watch the Fort Wayne Komets play tonight! Have a great weekend and I'll see you back here on Monday (hopefully!)

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Good Neighbors, Short & Sweet

Colors: Basic Gray, Going Gray, Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Rose Red

Accessories: Satin Kiwi ribbon, Pinking Hearts border punch, Heart to Heart punch, crimper

My first pleated ribbon!

Have you seen this Mojo Monday sketch from last week? I had a chance to stamp on Saturday so decided to try it out. It started out a horizontal card just like the sketch, but ended up being turned on it's side. I also really wanted to try my hand at this fun trendy technique of pleated ribbon. I know I'm a bit behind the times, and I really do like the look, but it was hard for me to use that much ribbon.

I also grabbed my color combo from the Color Throwdown challenge blog. I haven't been able to join them in a while so was happy to put these colors to use. I also added in black as an accent so I'm hoping that's OK.

Thanks for stopping by! I've got more to come, believe it or not!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Medallion background, Oval All

Paper: Basic Black, Baha Breeze, Very Vanilla, Certainly Celery

Ink: Baha Breeze, Garden Green, Black Staz-on, Certainly Celery

Accessories: Large oval punh, scallop oval punch, black striped ribbon