Dazzling White Christmas

If it has to be cold out it might as well be white outside as well, at least that's my theory! And it works for today's Limited Supplies Challenge as well. Today's challenge is to use only white cardstock and one color ink, plus only white accessories. It was a struggle, let me tell ya, but you're probably getting used to hearing that from me.

Anyway, this turned out way better than I had hoped, so I'm pleased. The main panel is shimmer white cardstock that was sent through my Big Shot not once, not twice but THREE times! Once with the Snowflake Sizzlit, once with the Texturz Plate and once with the Top Note die. I don't think I've ever BS'd the same paper 3 times before. LOL!

I chose the red dots as the background hoping more of them would show up behind the glittery snowflake but it would've had to be off center and tilted to get more to show up so I just left it centered. Speaking of the snowflake, I used the Glitter Window technique for it which is extremely laborous and intensive: place packing tape behind the cut out then sprinkle with glitter. Phew! (did you catch my sarcasm?) If you've been a customer of mine you're probably familiar with this technique. I haven't done it in a while which is why I've been wanting to try it with this snowflake die!

Well, I don't know what's gotten into me but this is the second day in a row to show you glitter on a card and I've got yet another tomorrow! Each time I use it I get bolder and bolder so you won't want to miss tomorrow's card. It is a little bit out of the ordinary for my style too (if I even have a style).

OK, that's enough chatter I'd say. Thanks so much for stopping by. OH WAIT! I almost forgot! Today I found out that I have been selected as one of the three members of the Winter Design Team for the Clean & Simple challenges on Splitcoast! Seriously- they chose me! I'm so excited about it and hope I don't totally hit a mental mojo block come Sunday night.

See ya tomorrow!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Home for Christmas, Polka Dot background

Colors: Whisper White, Real Red

Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, Big Shot, Snowflake Sizzlet, Texturz Plates, Top Note die, White organdza ribbon, packing tape

ETA: To answer a question that has been asked, I believe I remember actually stamping after I had run this through the Big Shot several times... my plan was to just cover it if it didn't work. How's that for planning ahead?! LOL!

Girlie Girl Christmas

I've never been real big on "Girlie Girl" as a style, but I can handle elegant, sophistcated femine from time to time. The Limited Supplies Challenge on Splitcoast on Friday was to do a "Girlie Girl" card with no patterned paper. As yesterday, I made this with really little direction- I wasn't even consciously going for the LSC challenge. To get started I went to my Favorites folder in my gallery on Splitcoast (which I use add to frequently, but rarely remember to go back and use the ideas I loved so much) and just searched for something that "spoke" to me at the time. This card did it- I decided I loved the monochromatic layer on layer look. Mine started out that way, but in the end I caved and added the silver mat. I know, these cards look nothing alike... that's kind of how I CASE stuff.

After stamping the snowflake in Pretty in Pink on this Pink Pirouette paper I then embossed the same snowflake in silver on vellum and cut parts of it out. Attached the two together with a square rhinestone brad then embossed the sentiment, tied some ribbon with silver cord and trimmed the edge with my favorite 10-year old decorative scissor called Sunflower.

Hope you like it, and thanks for stopping by!
~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Serene Snowflake, Fancy Flexible Phrases

Colors: Pretty in Pink, Pin Pirouette, Silver

Accessories: Vellum, silver EP, Silver ink, silver elastic cord, Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon, Sunflower scallop scisor.

It's a STRE-------TCH!

Yesterday's Limited Supplies Challenge on Splitcoast was interesting, to say the least! Basically you could use whatever you wanted, but it had to be outside of your norm, a stretch for you creatively... you get the idea! Well, it was fun. I struggled at first because I'm not sure what my "typical" style is- I love color, lots of different colors, and I adore all embellishments equally (mostly) so I went to my SCS gallery to try and figure out what direction I should go. The thing that came to mind is that I, as you know, primarily stamp in SUO (Stampin' Up! Only). I love it, I sell it, I use it! So my personal stretch is to use non-SU.

So, that's where I went. I can honestly say there is almost NOTHING on here that is from SU. The 2 exceptions are the retired wide organdy ribbon and the use of the Wide Oval Punch. That's it! Oh wait, I also used Tango Tangerine cardstock- my least favorite of the In Colors.

I had to dig deep for everything else. The stamps I used were in the gift at the SCS dinner at Convention last year- I have no idea who makes them, but they are my ONLY clear stamp and I've never used them. The page pebble is from a set I bought years ago that included Rub-ons (that were all stuck to their paper backing and ruined) by EK Success. The only rubon that wasn't ruined is the Get Well Soon one that I put right on top of the pebble.

The scallop vanilla note card is by The Paper Company (found these on clearance at the grocery store, believe it or not). The satiny rope is by Wrights and was found at Walmart. Last but not least, I used the Dotted embossing folder by Cuttlebug in my Big Shot. How's that for stepping away from SUO?!! A real stretch for me!

Well, I couldn't resist going with my second idea as well. Although I love it, I haven't used my Pacific Point all that much, and just yesterday while I was organizing I realized that I don't use my microbeads all that much (or any beads for that matter).

I don't know how the idea popped into my head, but I am SO glad that it did! The flower from my new set Fifth Avenue Floral was stamped in Vanilla, then I applied heat & stick powder, heated briefly then added my green microbeads!! WOWZERS- I really had no idea if it would work! I am disappointed in my photo because the green in the beads really pops in real life- they almost look like a million little lights. So sorry I can't get it to picture better.

The sentiment here is from the Botanical Blooms set which is one of the FREE Sale-a-Bration choices! And if you hadn't already noticed, the tiny flowers in this set are the same fabulous style as Fifth Avenue Floral and make a great duo!

Anyway, I'd love to have you try this out- adding beads via heat & stick powder- then SHOW ME! I must tell you though, that the beads aren't stuck like cement- too much handling will shake the loose ones free. Keep that in mind when designing your card!

Thanks for stopping by! I'm at a wedding today so not sure if I'll have something new to show you tomorrow or not... we'll see!
~Kristin

Happy Valentine's Day!

Stampin' Up! Supplies

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Botanical Blooms

Paper: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss

Ink: Very Vanilla, Pacific Point

Accessories: Top Note Die, Big Shot, green Microbeads, kiwi kiss satin ribbon, Styled Silver Hodgepodge

Put to good use!

Friday's challenge to re-use something on a card got me going so I did another one to show you. I haven't had time to upload until now, sorry!

My downline, Jennifer, is getting married Dec. 27th and her invitation was a beautiful piece of velvet paper with some organdy ribbon and the announcement layered on top. I used to save all things like this but one day realized I had no more room for filing cabinets and had to quit. I couldn't throw it away, so I decided to repurpose that gorgeous velvet paper into a wedding card for her! I wish I'd taken a before picture, but I didn't think of it so you'll just have to trust me that this is what I did!

The velvet paper was easy to punch through with my new heart punch, and I also used it to mat the main image and the sentiment. I also reused some of the ribbon since it matches so great!

The card base I had stamped for another project and decided not to use, so I started with that. I used the Paisley background (which is retiring by the way) and either white or vanilla craft ink, I can't remember which. The vanilla paper is confetti cream I believe, also old scraps. I also used an old stamp set for the sentiment called Word on Word.

TFL! Sorry in advance for posting irradically over the coming weeks. I just know it's going to happen but I'll be back in full force in January.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

That's the theme for today's Limited Supply Challenge on SCS (SC198)! I love the idea of recyling, even if I'm not great at it. In fact, at 6 my DD even begged me to start her own recycling business (I may have mentioned this in the past). We made up business cards and passed a few out, but never got started. She mentions it periodically and I am racked with guilt that I haven't helped her get it going. I promised recently that we will try it in January. I want to support her young efforts at taking care of our earth!

Anyway, I was ready to stamp again today and need a few birthday cards for my sister and niece. The recycled part of this card is the shiny mirrored flowers- they fell off a headband of my daughter's that I was throwing away. Before I added them, this card was a bit lacking for me, but I think they added the perfect finishing touch. The main image was in my reject pile from a few weeks ago and I keep looking at it thinking I should use it... so today it was saved. The sentiment is from On Your Birthday set which is fairly new to me. Hope you enjoy, and thanks for stopping by. Hope you are all healthy!

Chocolate & Chateau Bella Rub-ons!

Ooh, my two favorite things! Yes, I love rub-ons, there I said it! I especially love them in my scrapbooks because of the possibilities with them! So I made these two cards for today's Limited Supplies Challenge on SCS. Also, since rub-ons are currently 20% off with a $20 order from SU I just had to play around with them and show some samples! This first card is using a layout from Becky Carafa- she has perfected the clean and simple style on cards and is often inspiring me! The focal point sentiment which fits perfectly in our Curly Label punch is a rub-on in the Chateau Bella collection, as well as the flourish thingys on the white part, and the rows of dots below the ribbon!

The second card is using rub-ons from this same collection, which just happen to perfectly coordinate with the Bella Rose Designer Series Papers in the SU catalog! This time I wanted to emphasize that all SU rub-ons come in more than one color. In this case, chocolate and white. The oval sentiment and the chocolate rose at the bottom are both rub-ons. Notice how the chocolate rose overlaps the edge of the pretty patterned paper? That's one of the reasons I like them so much- they can go nearly anywhere.

Inside this card I also used the white rose and leaves (next pic). On this I also used the felt ribbon in the current Mini Catalog as well as the Top Note die with the Big Shot. I've been getting more use out of that Big Shot than I ever dreamed, and I only have TWO dies so far!

These rub-ons come in 12" long packages so some are designed in long strips which are perfect for edges and borders on 12x12 scrapbook pages. I recently purchased the school set (can't remember name right now?!) and will do some pages with it before long- I can't wait because I really don't have much school themed stuff otherwise.

OK, that's enough blah blah blah. Hope you like! Go pull out your rub-ons if you haven't in a while. What? Don't have any? Then don't forget to check out the promotion that is going on right now! Thanks for stopping by!

~Kristin

TWO Great Swaps Girls challenges coming right up!

So I'm a bit behind since last week was crazy, but I've finally managed to participate in the first two GSG challenges... (look here to find them and join in yourself- anyone can and you are welcome to!)


The first card was for Color Challenge (GSGC01): Regal Rose, Certainly Celery & So Saffron. I also combined this color challenge with the SCS Limited Supply Challenge from Friday (LSC165) which gave us a list of requirements for the card... namely:

1. Make a square card. (Any size)

2. Use only scrap pieces of paper. (The base card doesn't have to be a scrap.)


3. Use ribbon or fiber scraps.

4. Use only ONE other embellishment.

5. Use any colors, stamps, and tools.

For this card I also used my brand spankin' new Stitched background. I thought I could live without it, but alas, I could not!

Supplies (All Stampin' UP!)

Stamps: For a Friend, Stitched background
Paper: Certainly Celery, So Saffron
Ink: Old Olive
Accessories: Style Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, ribbon scraps in rose, saffron, celery, metallic art pencils, clear EP, sponge, Crafter's Tool Kit

This card was for Wednesday's Featured Swapper Challenge on GSG. Jackie Pedro (strappystamper) was chosen as the first honored member. She is a fabulous stamper and her gallery is amazing! Here is the card of hers that strongly inspired this one!

I used the same colors, and layout just changed the stamp set and greeting. I also eliminated the ribbon (mostly because I didn't see hers until it was too late) and I used dew drops instead of brads.

(enabler alert!!) The Style Silver Hodgepodge is beautiful in any setting- if you don't already have it I highly advise it! TFL!!

Supply List (almost entirely SU)

Stamps: Friendship Blooms, All Holidays, Stitched background
Paper: Basic Gray, Whisper White, Soft Sky
Ink: Basic Gray, Soft sky, Whisper White
Accessories: white EP, Swiss Dots Embossing folder (Cuttlebug), dimensionals, Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, dew drops (unsure of brand), label punch, small & large oval punches, distressing tool

PS- I know my spacing is going to be all boogered up in this post and I am just not sure how to avoid it, and running late so no time to fix now... sorry!

Happy Friday!

I hear there is good weather right around the corner... cross your fingers! (I'm in Ohio by the way, for those of you already enjoying nice weather... good for you... not intended to sound snarky... or was it?! LOL)



So, finally got to play with the Splitcoast Challenges today. Here is one for today's Limited Supplies challenge: What's your color? Use white and only one other color (not a neutral). Fun! My color is Blue Bayou! And crazy as it sounds, I also used TULLE on my card (had to look that word up for spelling purposes)- if you know me I am SO NOT a tulle girl, but found it in my stash (I have no idea where it came from!) and decided to use it. It actually looks pretty cool IRL. Not sure the pictures shows it real well.

This card was also for the Featured Stamper challenge from Sunday featuring Laura (stampnesxtras). No, she didn't use Tulle, but she did use this Pretty Petals background stamp as a focal point- very pretty!

OK, back to work on my swaps... I've taken all morning (and some of the afternoon) off!
TFL!

Supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Pretty Petals background, Priceless, Warm Words
Paper: Whisper White, Blue Bayou, Glossy White
Ink: Whisper white, blue bayou
Accessories: Styled Silver hodgepodge, Diamond stickles, tulle, white gel pen, DS blue bayou ribbon

Yippee for Metallic Art Pencils!

What, you don't have metallic art pencils? Well, I whipped mine out for stamp camp this past weekend and decided I love how they look on darker cardstock. My ladies enjoyed making this card Friday...

The stamped images and greeting are all from the same set called Embrace Life. They were stamped in basic gray (same as the paper) then colored in with the metallic art pencils. I just tried to choose shades that matched the barely banana and basic gray paper. Here the basic gray panel is two layers of the same color, with the top layer being outlined in a hand-drawn line with the pencils. The greeting is embossed in gold. The banana card is stamped with the Floral Background stamp in So Saffron.

Very simple, yet sophisitcated looking. The ribbon, sadly, is the retired wide organdy in ivory. Love that stuff! Thanks for looking!!

Supplies are all SU!

Stamps: Embrace Life, Floral Background

Cardstock: Barely Banana, Basic Gray

Ink: Basic Gray, So Saffron

Accessories: Metallic Art Pencils, Wide Organdy Ribbon (ivory) and gold EP.