One Scoop or Two??

 Good day ladies and gentlemen (dad)!  I've got a quick two-scooper for ya!  LOL!  Over the weekend I found this wonderful stamper and spent most of my Sunday browsing her blog.  I copied many of her cards and projects to my "Cards to CASE" folder and actually copied one today already!  Well, I shouldn't say copied because I borrowed her layout and changed everything else.  Not that I didn't love everything else- I totally did, I just don't have all the products and... that's just how I CASE usually. 

Anyway, today's Clean & Simple challenge on SCS is to be inspired by the word "Delicious" and I immediately thought of my Sweet Scoops stamp set.  My first card is above.  I realized after I had it all uploaded that it is kind of an oxymoron because my sentiment says "One of a Kind" but none of my cones are identical.  Duh!  Cute anyway, but all those colors of ice cream were kind of bothering me anyway.  Not nearly clean enough for a CAS challenge so.....

I tried again.  This time all my cones are identical but one of them has a few little extras!  I changed the scallop at the bottom from the pinking hearts punch on my first try.  Both have "sprinkles" of chunky glitter, but this one has a cherry on top as well. 

The sentiment piece that I punched with the Designer Label punch is from an ancient set from 2006 called Designer Label.  I told you I never get rid of anything.  I though the style was perfect for this card.

Well don't leave without checking out my inspiration!  Her name is Jo Dumbleton and her blog is Stampin 'N Stuff.  HERE is just ONE of her amazing cards that I loved enough to save to my favorites file and CASE for this post.  Thanks Jo!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Sweet Scoops, Designer Label

Colors: Crumb Cake, Pretty in Pink, Daffodil Delight, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Peach Parfait, Whisper White

Accessories: Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, chuky glitter essentials, Designer Label punch, scallop border punch, pinking hearts border punch

Quirky, Cutesy & Clean

Thought I'd try a new challenge today... this one is called Embellish Magazine and the challenge is a combination color challenge with the requirement that it be quirky, cutesy and clean.  QUIRKY.  Don't ya just love that word?!

Well, here's what that means to me.  I think the colors are quirky all on their own- I rarely enjoy putting shades or orange with any shade of light blue.  Usually I just think YUCK... but this one really grew on me.  This stamp set, Love Bandit, is definitely what I'd call cutesy and quirky. 

This card isn't as clean as they come (as far as simple goes) but it's lacking layers and many embellishments but has some quick cute details. 

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great weekend if I don't see ya (have family coming to town tonight so I may not be back until Sunday or Monday). 

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Love Bandit, Well Scripted

Colors: Peach Parfait, Crumb Cake, Soft Sky (yes an oldie!)

Accessories: New large circle punch (Holiday Mini Catalog), Scallop Circle die #2, Big Shot, Dotted embossing folder, scallop border, kraft taffeta ribbon

Best is Yet to Be!

 My parents celebrated an anniversary this week and yes, I'm late sending a card.  Of course when I realized I was late I couldn't just pull something from my stash.  Oh no, I had to make something fresh and new.  Today's Diva Coffee Break Designs' challenge is a sketch this week so that's what I used here. 

Here's a picture of the inside.  I'm slowly starting to join the masses in prettifying the insides.  I usually do some stamping but this time I added some coordinating DSP from the front.  Hope you like it. 

Gotta run, getting together for some volleyball tonight again, finally!  Go join the Divas, why don't you!
~Kristin

Glimmer Berries

Have you ever used an embossing folder on vellum?  It is such a cool look but I rarely remember to do it.  Well this time I remembered and tried it out with the Elegant Lines folder.   Did you notice those awesome sparkly brads??  They are called Glimmer Brads and are also from the new Holiday Mini catalog.  I couldn't help myself and ordered them in every color combination (4 sets)!  These are actually in the set of Brights and are referred to as Real Red but I think they look great with the Cherry Cobler paper.  That's the nice thing about some accessories, they can nicely transition between shades.

For this card I was attempting to use last week's Color Challenge on Splitcoast.  The challenge was to use Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobler and Pretty In Pink.  If you're thinking I forgot about the pink, I really didn't.  If you look closely I painted some onto the vellum with an aquapainter.  It added some shading.  Not sure that it was needed except to qualify for the challenge.  I do like how it is a subtle detail though. 

If you have already started your list for the Holiday Mini (Sept. 1) you may just want to add these Glimmer Brads!  They will be available in Brights, Subtles, In Colors and Basics which are neutrals: black, gray, champagne, silver and gold!

Thanks for stopping by today!  Be sure to come back tomorrow to join me for another Diva Sketch challenge! 

~Kristin

Edit:  Forgot to mention that I used a sketch from the Clean & Simple blog sketch challenge 104! 

SUO Supplies

Stamps: All Holidays

Paper: Cherry Cobler, Vellum cardstock, Whisper White, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Big Shot, Little Leaves Sizzlit, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Glimmer Brads, Scallop Trim border punch, aquapainter

Pickin' Punkins

 You haven't seen a scrapbook layout out of me in quite some time.  Must be the cooler mornings, or kids being off to school, but I'm itching to scrapbook lately.  I love how this turned out.  For the left side here I used Valerie's Got Sketch 101.  If you aren't familiar with Valerie Salmon you have got to check out that link.  I subscribe to her via email and save every single sketch in a special folder in my email.  Then, when I am scrapping I flip through them and often find just what inspired me! 

 Did you notice my Greenhouse Gala DSP??  I just HAD to use it, the colors were so perfect for my pictures!  I borrowed a sketch for this side also, and boy was it harder than it looked.  I messed once or twice and was so stressed about wasting this beautiful paper, but don't worry, I didn't throw away my mess ups... I'll just save them for another day.  The sketch is from THIS amazing scrapbook page by Tanja at StampaMemory.com.  I've got this fantastic resource for using SU products on scrapbook pages in my list of blogs down there on the left, but I need to correct the link.  Use this one I just listed for now. 

Here is the spread as it looks together.  Everything I used on these pages is from Stampin' Up! with the exception of the pumpkin die, which I've had since the red Sizzix machine day and works wonderfully in my Big Shot, and the little swirl clip on the round picture at the right.  Not sure the brand of that but it was a gift from my friend Nicky!  The pumpkin ric rac ribbon and the green ribbon are both from retired Ribbon Originals that were on the Clearance Rack at some point: Pigtails and Jersey respectively.  The green viny swirl by the pumpkin die is actually from SU's Scribble Swirls sizzlit.

Thanks so much for stopping by and a special thanks to Nancy for selecting my Aviary card in her iPicks yesterday!  What an honor!  Be sure to check out her blog for all kinds of great finds from her exhaustive blog search!

Thanks for visiting me today,
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Paper: Chocolate Chip, PUmpkin Pie, Whisper White, Greenhouse Gala DSP

Accessories: Big Shot, Billboard alphabet strip, Pigtails & Jersey Ribbon Originals (retired), Scribble Swirls sizzlit, 1" circle punch, new Decorative Label punch.

Sanded Northern Flurry

Last but not least... here's my third card made with the fun new Northern Flurry embossing folder.  This time I embossed it onto a piece of this Concord Crush patterns paper (a Level 1 Hostess set) then gently went over it with my sanding block.  This technique reveals the white core of the paper to highlight the raised pattern.  I added some chunky glitter to the snowflakes and also to the main stamped piece for snow.  This round snowman tag is from the new stamp set Tags Til Christmas and actually has a "To: and From:" sentiment on it which I just covered up with the glitter and my own Modern Label punch with a stamp from Teeny Tiny Wishes. 

I have one more Christmas card I'll add either later today or tomorrow using the Elegant Lines embossing folder and new Glimmer Brads from the Holiday Mini Catalog that is available on September first.  After that I'll try to just sprinkle them in here and there.  No one wants to be sick of Christmas cards already in August! 

Thanks for stopping in!  I'd love to hear from you!  Let me know what you prefer- this XL photo or the Large from previous posts.
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Tags Til Christmas, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Colors: Concord Crush, Pear Pizazz, Whisper White (Poppy Parade for the snowman's scarf)

Accessories: Big Shot, Northern Flurry Textured Impressions embossing folder, Concord Crush ribbon, Chunky Essentials glitter, Modern Label punch, 1 3/4" circle punch

Northern Flurry Dasher

I'll try to make it short today and not mention the Holiday Mini Catalog more than once!  ;)  Here's the second card made with the new Northern Flurries Textured Impressions folder on Whisper White.  I used the reverse or "debossed" side and then brayered some Night of Navy ink over over the whole piece.  After I stamped Dasher in Navy I sponged some white at the bottom of the Top Note for a snowy effect, then added a few touches with the white gel pcn.  The sentiment piece is one of the labels on the Matchbox Bigz Die and the stamp is from Snow Swirled. 

That's it!  Have a great day and I'll see ya tomorrow!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Dasher, Snow Swirled

Colors: Night of Navy, Whisper White
Accessories: Big Shot, Northern Flurry Embossing folder, brayer, white gel pen, Matchbox die (label), Top Note die

Holiday Mini Catalog Sneak Preview

Hello!  Are you ready for Christmas cards yet??  I know I know, I'm not sure I'm ready yet, but at least I didn't make you look at them in July!  Anyway, today I played with my new Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Northern Flurries, which will be in the new Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini catalog.  Isn't it cool?!  I know, I say that about EVERY embossing folder... but seriously, I had so much fun playing with it that I will be showing you a few more over the next two days.   

So what do you think of this color combo, Basic Gray and Cherry Cobler??  The edges of my top layer of Basic Gray are sponged with a hint of Basic Gray ink for some added dimension.  I added a jewel basic pearl to the center of each embossed snowflake- they look so cool in person.  I love that there are 4 different sizes of those babies!

My sentiment label is actually a Short & Sweet sentiment punched out with the small oval, layered on top of a new stamp in the Holiday Mini from the set called Tags Til Christmas.  I covered up the "Dec 25" that is part of the stamp.  Finished off with some Cherry Cobler seam binding ribbon also from the Holiday Mini. 

Wondering what this Holiday Mini is all about?  Well, it comes out September 1st and lasts until January 3, 2011!  Want to see it?  Stop back here shortly after Sept. 1st and I'll get it linked to my sidebar. 

Did you notice my new sidebar gadget counting how many Christmas cards I've made so far?  I thought it might be fun to see how many I get made in the next few months.  When will you start?  Well, stop back tomorrow- I can't wait to show you the other two I've made. 

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Short & Sweet

Colors: Basic Gray, Cherry Cobler, Whisper White

Accessories: Big Shot, Northern Flurries Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Jewel Basic Pearls, Extra-Large Decorative Label punch, Small oval punch

Bundle of Baby Boy!

 Some friends of ours had a baby boy recently and I've been meaning to make a special card to send them.  Monday's Clean and Simple challenge on SCS seemed the perfect sketch to use for a baby card.  I wanted a sweet image but I don't have any stamp sets that are specific to babies- I guess they just don't appeal to me.  Besides it's always a challenge to make a themed card out of non-specific stamps!  Anyway, my color combo is one I just came up with playing around with my new Color Coach:  Marina Mist, So Saffron and Chocolate Chip. 

My Marina Mist strip has been embossed with the Dotted embossing folder (and Big Shot of course) and enhanced with a strip of Pinking Hearts border in So Saffron.  I love that the recipient may or may not notice the extra relevant details like the tiny hearts in this border! 

Just the other day, out of necessity due to having WAY more accessories than my Stack & Store Caddy (p. 193) can store, I decided to combine all my retired (but still way loved) designer buttons into one jar and all my gorgeous corduroy buttons into another jar.  I'll have to take pictures because they look so cute.  Anyway, that made me really want to dig out some buttons for this card.  I'll tell you a funny story at the end about what I found while combining buttons! 

Anyway, here's a quick picture of the inside.  I stamped the tree again- in Versamark for a subtle look- which I think symbolizes family and new life.  Then punched the sentiment out with my BRAND new Decorative Label punch from the Holiday Mini which will be out Septemeber 1st!  And added some of SU's awesome new jewel basic pearls to it. 

So onto my funny story- actually it's kind of amazing I think!  While sorting through my buttons and trying to decide what to do I picked up a very old bag of non-SU brads that look like paw prints.  They were in a tiny ziplock baggie and I hadn't used them in over a year probably.  While trying to decide if I wanted to combine any non-SU stuff (I didn't!) with my SU stuff I happened to notice a sparkle out of the corner of my eye.  So I dumped the bag of brads and found............... a DIAMOND EARING!  My sister lost it several YEARS ago at my house while scrapbooking one weekend!  I took a picture and emailed it to her and sure enough it is a match!  Can you believe it??  How often does something that tiny show up and in such a random place!  If it weren't for all the scrumptious new accessories I'd just gotten from the new Mini catalog I wouldn't have needed to reorganize and might have never found it. 

Well gotta run, I'm late for a hair appointment.  I'll stop back to post a supplies list for this card later today.  Thanks for stopping in!
~Kristin

Yummy Diva Color challenge & some fast and fun note cards!

Good morning ladies and gents!  Today is my kiddos' first day back to school.  I can't believe the summer is over!  More time to stamp now... I hope! 

Today's Diva challenge is a fun one- plenty of bright happy colors to work with here!  We've got Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry.  

I don't know what came over me this week, but I used 100% scraps from my desk and went crazy making this set of 4 matching notecards that will be super handy to grab on the go.  I like adding tiny little notes like this to my customers' orders sometimes but never seem to have one when I want it.  Mostly they would always say a simple thank you, but I wanted to do a variety for today's post.  Each of these was made with punches except the candles which were from the Big Bold Cupcake die (I think that's what it's called- doesn't sound right just now).  Anyway, the sentiments are all from a favorite set called Short & Sweet. 

Now make sure you take some time to go visit the Diva blog for fabulous examples- we have so many new Divas now that there are tons of yummy samples just waiting for you- and boy are they good!! 

Thanks for visiting me today!  I'd love to hear from ya.

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Short & Sweet

Accessories: Bitty punches, small oval punch, small heart punch, Word Window punch (to cover a boo boo!), BIg Bold Cupcake Sizzlit, Big Shot, Daffodil Delight narrow taffeta ribbon.

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

Live, Laugh, Love

I'm BACK!  Not feeling great (sinus infection I think) but I'm stamping at least... and posting, even better!  Had a fabulous week at my parents' place in Michigan- the highlight of the trip was teaching both my kiddos how to water ski.  At 8 & 10 they picked it up right away and loved it, going the length of the lake by day 3!! 

Today I played along with a sketch challenge on the Clean & Simple blog.  I think this is my first use of this pattern in the Greenhouse Gala DSP.  I just love it!  This is also my first use of the awesome new owl punch.  Seriously!  I have so much great new stuff that I just didn't know what to use first so it took me awhile.  Anyway, I paired up the owl and DSP with a little Marina Mist taffeta ribbon.  I like how I can interchange Baja Breeze and Marina Mist and they look great together.

That's all for now- gotta go blow my nose, AGAIN! 

See ya tomorrow,

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: On Your Birthday

Paper: Greenhouse Gala DSP, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze

Accessories: Two-Step Owl Punch, Marina Mist Taffeta ribbon, scallop border punch, paper piercing tools

DUDE!!

 

Guess What!  It's Wednesday, a Diva Challenge day again!  This week we've got an awesome sketch challenge for you.  I decided to break out my Extreme Surfboard and Extreme Elements sets for this card.  I also joined a color challenge on Color Throwdown last week.  The colors were Tangerine Tango, Old Olive and Daffodil Deilght.  

My surfer dude is embossed in black on white cardstock then sponged over with the challenge colors and a dauber.  My background Top Note is my version of homemade designer paper (a challenge I recall seeing somewhere) and the tangerine strip is crimped then attached with jumbo silver brads.  Hope you like it!  

I'm away from home again, visiting my parents and sister with her two little girls and my Aunt for the week.  It is our last hurrah before school starts a week from today.  I've got one kiddo ready to get back to school and one who is not!  I'm ready for a consistent (stamping) routine, but not ready for homework and early mornings.  

Anyway, see you with something new next week for sure if not earlier.  Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!

~Kristin

PS- Don't forget to go check out the Diva challenge!  

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Extreme Elements, Extreme Surfboard

Colors: Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White

Accessories: Crimper, jumbo silver brads, Top Note die, Big Shot, black embossing powder, SU alphabet die

Stack of Birds

I'm a bit late (again) but I did play along with the Diva Coffee Break Designs color challenge this week.  I just haven't had time to post it until now (and I really should be outside finishing up my painting but I'm exhausted right now). 

The color combo this week is Cherry Cobler, Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist and Early Espresso.  I believe I could enjoy Cherry Cobler with just about any combination.  I played around for awhile to come up with this card.  I thought it might be cute to stack the birds as if they are working together to reach a friend in the cage.  I actually wanted a "miss you" sentiment but couldn't find one even though I know I have one... I just didn't feel like looking very long I guess. 

Anyway, in case you are wondering, you are not imagining it, there is a row of punched circles in Early Espresso to the left of the main panel.  I layered them all then decided it was a little busy and the only way to tone it down was to make the circles tone on tone with the background.  It worked so well I had trouble getting them to show in the photo!

Hope you like it.  Go play along if you haven't already.  The Divas would love to have you!

Have a great day.  Hopefully I'll be back one more time before I leave for a week.  Then I'll be back for school and a routine again- ahhhh. 
~Kristin

SUO Supplies
Stamps: Aviary, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Colors: Cherry Cobler, Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist and Early Espresso

Accessories: Punches: Modern Label, Word Window, Eyelet border, 1" circle

Just Believe & Some Layered Ribbon

Ooh lala, I knew I'd like this color combo as soon as I read about it!  This week's Color Challenge on Splitcoast is to use Blushing Bride (In Color), Riding Hood Red, Early Espresso. 

My first attempt got pitched though, but the second one worked out better.  I attempted another use of my Smooch Spray, the Vanilla, just on the butterfly and like the added shimmer.  My ribbon is layered with the retired striped Riding Hood Red and some new Early Espresso Taffeta on top.  I actually taped them together in spots to make it easier to tie and realized that kept them together pretty well. 

Added a bit of extra dimension with the paper piercing around the circle and the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder on the left.  What do you think?  I'm pretty happy with it... even though I did completely forget about today's Diva challenge (and this card does NOT qualify).  I'm off to play along with my Diva pals now.  Why don't you come play too?! 

Hope you're having a great day!  Thanks for stopping by.

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Just Believe, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Colors: Early Espresso, Riding Hood Red, Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions embossing folder, Beautiful Wings embosslit, Striped Riding Hood Red grosgrain, Early Espresso taffeta ribbon, 1 3/8" circle punch

Masculine Soiree

Masculine Soiree almost sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it?!  Well, it's not.  This masculine-ish card is done up with nothing but Elegant Soiree DSP- a new favorite of mine.  The inspiration for this card came from THIS CARD by al_silver2 who was this week's Featured Stamper over on Splitcoast.  I used her very same layout but changed up the papers and colors. 

Thanks for stopping by today!  I've been painting all day yesterday and today with my daughter- shelves, a bedside stand and a few other "items" for her bedroom.  She's been patiently waiting since Christmastime!  Anyway, we're off to find some new drawer pulls to spice up the table.  Have a great evening!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps:  Watercolor Trio (sentiment)

Paper: Elegant Soiree DSP, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla

Ink: Baja Breeze

Accessories: Elegant Label punch, 3/4" circle punch

Long Fellow HB

I wish I had a stamp that said "Dude" because that's what comes to mind when I see this ultra cool alligator!  Can't you just hear a teenager saying "HB, Dude!"  OK, well maybe not.  I've got a few years before my kiddos hit the teens so I could be way off base here. 

In any case, I hope you like this card as much as I do.  It isn't quite typical and is a little bit funky- which is what I strive for often and only occasionally capture.  I know that a lot of stampers haven't learned to love these Long Fellows yet, possibly because of their long awkward shape but that's precisely why I love them (and 'cause they're adorable!).  I love every card I've made with them so far I think.  They provide a great opportunity to get creative with patterns, colors and embellishments. 

I totally have a hodgpodge of stuff here.  The black/vanilla piece is from the new Newsprint DSP, while the dotted Old Olive is from a, I believe, retired pack called The Write Stuff.  My card base is Marina Mist, which is really starting to grow on me... I almost never think of Ballet Blue any more! 

Did you notice the tiny scrambled letters stamped behind the bite??  That's a new set called Confetti that I basically designed this whole card around.  The "HB" is from an old favorite set, It's Your Birthday. 

I added the pinking hearts edge in Cherry Cobler for a bit of bold color which just happens to suit the Friday Free 4 All challenge on Splitcoast to so something to one edge of your card.  Of course I couldn't stop there and had to fringe up the edge of the alligator piece and of course a "chomp" from the corner is always a fun touch.  I didn't photo the inside but I stamped more of the tiny letters in a row across the middle then stamped a birthday sentiment on top of them. 

Have a great day!  I've got relatives from Virginia coming in today so I'd better go do some  picking up around the house.  Thanks for visiting today!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Long Fellows, Confetti, It's Your Birthday

Colors: Marina Mist, Old Olive, Cherry Cobler, Very Vanilla, Pear Pizzazz (to color the alligator)

Accessories: Newsprint DSP, The Write Stuff DSP, Pinking Hearts Border punch, Scallop Circle punch, small square punch, Marina Mist Narrow taffeta ribbon

Sweet Scoops

I've been wanting to get more use from this set, Sweet Scoops,  lately so I set out to find a good challenge to work with.  Since there is no lack of challenges to choose from on the internet these days I only had trouble narrowing it down.  The others I wrote down in my handy-dandy challenge notebook so I can come back to them quickly without wading through the internet and getting bogged down looking then not taking any time to actually stamp.  (Want a whole list of challenge blogs categorized by day of the week?  Just click the bottom of my sidebar for the blinky that says "Daily Dare".)

I chose to use the color challenge CC281 and sketch challenge SC291 both from Splitcoast!  The color challenge is to use Daffodil Delight, Concord Crush and Pear Pizzazz.  No problem- I loved these colors together as soon as I got them out.  They look good in about any combination. 

The striped Concord Crush paper is from the Level One Hostess pack of paper patterns in the In Colors.  I'm getting quite a bit of use from that paper pack- love that it is in the new In Colors!!  My sentiment is from the stamp set called Something Sweet (I love how those sentiments can work with the ice cream cones)! 

Did you notice my little bumble bee??  I always think of those bees buzzing around whenever I think of ice cream cones in the summer.  He is from the recent Sale-a-Bration set called Picture This that I've been using frequently.  I just use my markers to ink him up and color him in, then added him to a build-a-brad!

Thanks for visiting today!  It looks lovely outside so I'm off...
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Sweet Scoops, Something Sweet, Picture This

Colors: Pear Pizzazz, Concord Crush, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight (white for sentiment, Crumb Cake for cone)

Accessories: Stitched Poly Ribbon in Concord Crush, scallop border punch, Build-a-Brad, 1/2" circle punch

A Late Diva Post!

Sorry for the delay!  I know every Wednesday you are used to the Diva challenge post but today I'm late.  I've had it done but I let things distract me and then I was gone all evening.  Anyw

ay, here it is.  We had a sketch challenge this week which you can find on the DCBD blog.  It's very simple and straight-forward. 

For this card I used several new items including the Watercolor Trio stamp set and Fabulous Phrases, the punch from the Bitty set of three punches (the one that looks kind of like an X), new tiny pearl accents, narrow Pear Pizzazz ribbon and the new Level One Hostess pack of Designer Series Paper Patterns in the In Colors.

The flowers, which actually look so neat in person, were quite easy to do.  I layered three of those punches "X's" by gluing them (staggered) down in the center then just crushing and rumpling up the edges.  Worked like a charm!

These Fabulous Phrases are a perfect set to use with the Stamp-a-Majig!  They work every time. 

Had to include my flowers in the picture! I love to bring bouquets in!

I posted this picture just so you can see my lovely bouquet of flowers I picked yesterday from my flower beds.  Enjoy! 

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

~Kristin

Elegant Lines

Don't you just love using up scraps or parts of cards you start for something and end up not using? It feels so good to be resourceful and efficient! This embossed card was originally for a card I did a few days ago, but I was covering so much of the pretty embossing (plus it was supposed to be a clean & simple card). So I set it aside and decided to use it today.

This label stamp is from the new and popular Just Believe stamp set. Here I've stamped it in Rich Razzleberry and cut it out. My sentiment in Sahara Sand, is from the cherished old Fancy Flexible Phrases. Added a bit of my new narrow ribbon and called it done. Super quick and easy! Final card is 4.25"x4.25".


Hope you like it!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Just Believe, Fancy Flexible Phrases

Colors: Sahara Sand, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White

Accessories: Big Shot, Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Folder, Rich Razzleberry narrow ribbon

ETA: Thanks for your patience while I play around with new blogger designs.  I know it isn't perfect and it may take me some time to get it just so.  Thanks to Susan K for the input on the white background- good to know!!

Admire Nature

Well, I'm no Zindorf with my brayering sunset skills, but it'll do. This stamp set, Nature Silhouettes, is one that I've seriously neglected and have felt guilty about it. Do you ever feel guilty about certain stamp sets?? Sometimes when it occurs to me that I haven't used a set enough to justify having purchased it I'll write it down so that next time I am stamping I reach for it first... and it works usually.

Anyway, I used a Pals Paper Arts sketch for this card. It is funny how this card evolved! I started out with the intentions of using Blushing Bride and Early Espresso, then chose this stamp set (out of guilt) and decided to try my hand at a brayered sunset. Well, Blushing Bride is in there but you just can't see it. My sunset from bottom up is Bravo Burgandy, Cherry Cobler (same as card base- yummy!), More Mustard and Blushing Bride. My silhouettes are in Early Espresso (which I'd love to emboss in!).

My brads are from the new neutrals collection- did you notice them?? Black, Crumb Cake, White and Vanilla. I've always wanted white and vanilla brads. If only they had some Espresso brads it would be a perfectly complete collection!

So glad you stopped in to visit me today! Thanks for the comments you guys leave me- they always make my day and definitely motivate me to keep posting. Have a great day!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Nature Silhouettes, Woodgrain background

Colors: (ink mentioned above) Cherry Cobler, Really Rust, More Mustard, Early Espresso (all cardstock)

Accessories: Pumpkin Pie striped ribbon, neutral brads in Crumb Cake, brayer, sponde, Big Shot, Square Lattice textured impressions folder

Hi!

I think I may have mentioned that I love this stamp set, Aviary! Well, I couldn't resist trying it out again while stamping with my BFF Nicky yesterday. The color combo, Night Quite Navy, Crumb Cake and Baha Breeze is from the Stampin' 411 blog challenge.

For a bit of texture on the bottom I used the Square Lattice Embossing Folder. Also, "hi" is from the new Fabulous Phrases stamp set. I am starting to realize just how versatile this set is- it is a great font that can be elegant or casual.

Thanks for stopping by! I've got more to share tomorrow!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Aviary, Fabulous Phrases

Colors: Baja Breeze, Night of Navy, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note die, Square Lattice textured impressions folder, small heart punch, jumbo eyelet, vintage brad

Slightly Vintage Birthday

I don't know about you but this new Soiree DSP (designer series paper) really caught my eye in the new SU Catalog! I just think the colors are perfectly paired, whimsical but not cutesy patterns that are totally my style! And how they coordinate with so many products is just awesome in my opinion! See the new Antique Brad?? They are so neat! There are 5 different styles and I must admit that I like them all! Did you notice my bit of Chantilly Lace ribbon on there? I wanted some but knew it would be too much wrapped around the whole card. Actually, not too much but it would've hidden too much of the gorgeous papers.

There's my new favorite stamp set again (Aviary) with the bird cages- I think you might be seeing a lot of these images from me. Also in use here are the French Filigree background stamp (in Versamark) and another new stamp set that I think will be very versatile: Fabulous Phrases.

OK, that's all the chatter. Back to stamping! Have a great day!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Aviary, Fasbulous Phrases

Colors: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede ink, Soiree DSP

Accessories: Antique brads, Chantilly Lace ribbon, scallop trim border punch

ETA: I just realized I didn't mention the sketch challenge I used for this layout... and I totally forgot to link my card to their blog too. Bummer! Anyway, it is the SSC160 sketch on Stampin' 411. I enjoy their challenges because they are SUO- only Stampin' Up! products for the samples.

Just Believe

Just Believe is the name of this stunning new stamp set that seems to be all the rage already! I used this week's Clean & Simple sketch challenge on Splitcoast for this card. I tried to keep it simple- leaving off some of the embellishments I considered. I stamped the grass/flower image with vanilla ink on the Soft Suede piece then stamped the same image on the Sahara Sand card base with Versamark for just a hint of an image.

The bird is from the Extra Large Two-step Bird punch. The color shading was done with Daffodil Delight and Soft Suede and a sponge dauber. The sentiment piece is Rich Razzleberry ink on Sahara Sand then overstamped with the circle image from this set in Versamark.

Thanks for looking!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Just Believe

Colors: Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight

Accessories: Modern Label punch, distressing tool, Two-Step Bird punch

Another Diva Wednesday!!

Are you ready for another color challenge?? Well we've got one for you! This week we are using: Early Espresso, Melon Mambo, Pear Pizzazz and Tempting Turquoise! What fun- I always love a good combination of a good bright, a luscious subtle and a rich bold neutral!

I'm sure you could've guessed that I'd be using new goodies here real soon and you're right. When I got home from vacation on Sunday evening my father-in-law called to say I had a few boxes arrive that he took home with him. So even though I didn't want to see the inside of a vehicle for a very long time we hopped in the car and went to visit him.

One of the first sets that really called out to me in this new Idea Book & Catalog was this Aviary! I always had a pet parakeet while growing up and also have always loved a neat bird cage as a decorative element. They are so... I don't know, visual I guess. Anyway, Stampin' Up! did not disappoint with this new set which includes 4 different cages, 4 birds and a perfect stand to put them on.

For this card I not only used the Diva's color challenge but also found a fun layout from the Clean & Simple blog to use. In case you haven't figured out I'm not one bit shy about combining old and new SU products. My sentiment here is an old hostess set from the last catalog called Picture This. I initially thought I'd use the "Happy Bird Day" stamp with the obvious connection to the bird in the cage... but then I saw this one and decided I hadn't really had the opportunity to use it. So I added some music notes near the cage by only inking that part with my Early Espresso marker then added the whole sentiment to the bottom.

Are you a fan of a little bit of glitter and bling? If so then SU's new rhinestones might be for you! I was so impressed to see FOUR different sizes of rhinestones on the set that I ordered! They should last me a while, even at this rate!

I'm not sure if you can see it but I finally broke down and bought the French Filigree background stamp with my new catty order. I've always had an eye for it, but now with the new Soiree papers and other coordinating items (like the amazing Elegant Lines textured impressions folder!!!) I couldn't resist any longer. You might even see it again tomorrow! ;)

Thanks for visiting me again!! It's so good to be back to blogland! Now why don't you go visit my Diva ladies and see what they've come up with for you!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Aviary, French Filigree, Picture This

Colors: Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise

Accessories: Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Scallop border punch, Melon Mambo dotted grosgrain, Modern Label punch

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

Hello from Tennessee!

Hi there! I'm sitting in a hotel lobby in Tennessee and thought I'd post a quick update since it's been a while! I've been out of town with my family for a while which is why I haven't posted recently. We'll be home soon and there are a few cards on my desk that I'll post as soon as I get there. Hopefully I'll be able to post much more frequently soon! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are enjoying your summer as well!
~Kristin

Bashful Wasabi Roses

Well it took me all day to get it posted but finally, here is my Diva card for today. I thought I might struggle with these colors... and I did a little, but worked it out in the end. The Bashful Blue threw me for a loop but I squeezed it on there at the last minute. Initially I had the Bashful satin ribbon but it just rubbed me the wrong way so I switched it out for vanilla ribbon and a few Bashful square rhinestone brads- much better!

I can't believe I broke this stamp set out! It was a free gift from Stampin' Up! to current demonstrators who ordered something specific recently... and I've not been a big fan of it for some reason. However, I did enjoy the challenge of coloring it so it looked just right. To add some dimension and possibly cover up a few shading boo boos I ran it through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice embossing folder. I love that look- almost like a textile or something.

For the sentiment I used the Curly Label punch to coordinate with the Top Note. I'm not sure if you can see it but the Rose Red card base was in my stash of pre-cut and folded cards and it was already stamped with the old Floral background stamp.

Well I hope you like it and decide to play along with our Diva Color challenge! We'd love to have you join us!

Have a great day.

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Because I Care, Floral background

Colors: Rose Red, Vanilla, Wild Wasabi, Bashful Blue, Sahara Sand

Accessories: Big Shot, Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder, Square rhinestone brads, Curly Label punch, Top Note die, Vanilla Satin Ribbon

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