Blushing Pizzazz

Boy, I really pulled out some neglected goodies for this one!  This color challenge is from the Color Throwdown to use Pear Pizzazz, Crumb Cake and Blushing Bride and let me tell ya, Blushing Bride is very underused in my color collection!  I love it with this combo though.   Also squeeed in there a Stitched Felt Sweet Pea flower (leaf actually) which I'd completely forgotten I had until I found them recently.  It is Old Olive, but look how nice it coordinates with the Pear Pizzazz.  That's one thing I love about Stampin' Up!  Finally, this stamp set, Pick a Petal- wow!  Can't remember the last time I used it! 

The sketch I used is for yesterday's challenge on Splitcoast Stampers.  Lots of possibilities with those panels in the background! 

Hope you like it!  I had fun playing along today.  Having our second snow day in a row but my hubby (bless his heart) has the kiddos out  rabbit hunting so mama is enjoying some quiet time.  :)  I'm hoping to do some scrapbooking the rest of today, tomorrow evening with my friend and neighbor, then again next weekend with my mom, sister and aunt!  Fun things to look forward to!

Have a great day!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps:  Pick-a-Petal, Just Believe (sentiment)

Colors: Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz

Accessories: Pear Pizzazz narrow ribbon, Basic Pearls, Modern Label punch, Stitched Felt Sweet Pea Flowers, Big Shot, Dotted embossing folder, distressing tool

Suede & Saffron Birthday Wishes

This week's DCBD challenge is a sketch just for you!  I enjoyed putting htis Suede and Saffron number together for you.  I hope you don't mind that I've added the retired Floral background to the Soft Suede card base.  I didn't have that there at first and knew it needed something.  I love how the Floral background looks- the perfect feel to coordinate with this stamp set Watercolor Trio.

Better run, I've got loads of ironing to do.  Have a great day and I hope you'll join us Divas for our challenge this week!

~Kristin

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

Thank you Thank you Thank you!

 I won't mention any names, but recently someone told me she didn't really think Thank You notes were necessary for gifts and she certainly didn't expect to receive them.  Well, first of all, when I was growing up and thank you notes were mandatory and I still do my best to write them and make my kids write them.  Second of all, I'm a card maker.  SO, needless to say that certain someone is getting the most THANKFUL thank you note I could come up with.  LOL!  Don't worry, she'll see the humor and will also know she is appreciated. 

My large Thank You stamp that I repeated on the background is a very old retired set called Word on Word.  I always liked this set because the way the rubber on the stamp is designed it makes the shading on the bigger letters so the smaller ones on top can be easily read, plus it only needs to be inked in one color! 

Anyway, the yellow circle was initially going to be on the inside but changed my mind.  The sentiment is from the stamp set Full of Life.  Added some ric rac ribbon and a glimmer brad to finish it off. 

Thanks for stopping by today! And be sure to stop by my new facebook page if you'd like! 
~Kristin

Winter Thank You Notes

I needed some thank you notes for after Christmas so my leftover Felt Flurries snowflakes came in handy.  These were so simple to do, using only Baja Breeze and Whisper White.  Dotting the top layer with the Big Shot and embossing folder then adding two layered snowflakes with either a rhinestone brad or a glimmer brad.  Easy!

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!  Hope you like them. 

~Kristin

Newsprint Valentine

Well, I've got another Valentine for you today.  This time my little owl punch got some use with a Newsprint belly!  This sketch is from the Splitcoast Stampers sketch challenge for this week (posted on Wednesdays). 

There is also a fun new set of Stampin' Up! Demonstrator challenges on Splitcoast and this month we are challenged to use hearts of any form (punches, stamps, dies etc.) as well as the color scheme Riding Hood Red, Vanilla and Black.  These new challenges are only visible to demos, but YOU are welcome to play along as well.  The keyword for the color challenge is:  CCREW0111DF, Creative Crew.  Keyword for the theme is:  CCREW0111HF, CreativeCrew.

Also, today I'm proud to share an award that I was given by Nance!  She has given me a great compliment with this award and her sweet comments.  The best part is I love her style so this is an honor! 

One of the responsibilities of a stylish blogger is to share 8 things about myself.  Let's see what I can come up with...

1. My dad & I enjoy critiquing cards together- not really critiquing, but pointing out our favorite aspects, like balance, color, craft, design. 
2. He critiques mine too, but only says good things.  :)
3. My mom says my artistic ability does not come from her... but she scrapbooks, makes amazing jewelry, and fabulous pillows!  (She really needs her own Etsy store!)
4. I did quite poorly in the only art class I took in college, Graphic Design.  My teacher was mean!
5. I worked up a sweat reorganizing my closet yesterday.  (as if you really wanted to know that)
6. I help coach 3rd-6th graders in volleyball on Sunday afternoons and love it!
7. I just found out a few days ago that we have a 4th dog.  My hubby and kids coluded to hide this fact from me for nearly a week!  Kids still don't know I know... and I'm keeping it that way because they keep volunteering to go out and feed/water them without my asking.  They know that I would NOT be happy about yet another hunting dog.  Not only am I using this fact so I don't have to traipse out in the cold, I am also tormenting them daily by suggesting I might go out and take one of the dogs for a walk.
8. I don't even know this new dog's name.

Well, how's that for random facts??   I believe I get to pass this award along as well...  Here are a few Stylish bloggers that you really shouldn't miss (and be sure to go visit Nance too- she does great work!)

Chat Wszelaki

Erica

Tessa Wise

Tina

Ilina

OK, I've got to quit there.  Not that there aren't so many more Stylish bloggers, but I've spent too much time already seeking out the perfect blogs to post here.   I need to go do some cleaning! 

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

~Kristin

An Early Valentine

Good morning!  I've got something new for you today!  I needed a good challenge yesterday and decided to play along with the PPA Color Challenge as well as Connie & Mary's cool sketch!  I thought the Scalloped Envelope would work perfect for the sketch and was happy to fill it with punched hearts from the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set.  Love how one of the stamps coordinates with the Heart to Heart punch! 

Did you notice the inside of the envelope (barely showing) was wheeled with the new Music Notes wheel?  That wheel is new to me- I decided I couldn't live without it any longer since I've always had a bit of a musical background. 

Hope you like it!  Tomorrow I'll be back with another Valentine that is completely different!  Thanks for stopping by today!  It is so good to be back to blogging regularly and reading your sweet comments.  They make my day!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts, Well Scripted

Colors: Perfect Plum, Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White

Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Envelope Bigz Die, Heart to Heart punch, Decorative Label punch, Basic Pearls, White Organza Ribbon, Music Notes Wheel

2010 In Review

I've done a Year in Review post the last two years I believe, so thought I'd better stick with tradition this year!  I don't feel like I stamped quite as much this year due to getting busier and busier as my kids get older.  But I bet once I start looking back on all I've done I'll realize I did quite a bit.  Enjo!

So, here we go, a few of my favorites from 2010: 

January

February

March 

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

That's a wrap- thanks for joining me for this walk through 2010!

Here's to more great things to come.

~Kristin

Another Diva Day!

 Happy Wednesday to you my surfing friends!  Today is a Diva Wednesday and we are bringing you a sketch challenge.  Since we celebrated my son's birthday recently I decided to make mine a birthday card for him.  The colors are from last week's color challenge on SCS to use Old Olive, Daffodil Delight and Night of Navy.  I also added in some Crumb Cake for my neutral. 

Here's a quick shot of the inside.  Had to get some stars in there to coordinate with the front.  They are from Extreme Elements stamp set. 

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you'll check out the Diva Blog and consider playing along! 

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: On Your Birthday, Extreme Elements

Colors: Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Night of Navy, Crumb Cake

Accessories: Big Shot, Lattice Textured Impressions folder, large & small star punch, wide Old Olive grosgrain ribbon, Decorative Label punch (inside)

Ready for Spring?!

I know it's a bit early for spring thinking, but I can't help myself.  I can't just make wintery cards all winter!  I made this one a few weeks back actually, I think for a MOJO challenge or something like that, but never had the time or capability to upload it. 

I've always liked this stamp set but don't use it as often as I should.  It is A Flower for all Seasons.

Thanks for stopping by!  Stop back again tomorrow for a Diva challenge. 

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: A Flower for all Seasons, It's Your Birthday

Colors: Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Night of Navy, Daffodil Delight

Accessories:  Big Shot, Square Lattice Textured Impressions folder, Itty Bitty Buttons, Daffodil Delight narrow ribbon, rectangle clearlit, markers

Black Magic

Good morning!  I promised a few Christmas thank you note ideas and here they are.  I used the Black Magic technique I learned from Splitcoast Stampers.  Even though it is some work, it does turn out quite pretty. 

For this technique you stamp an image with white craft ink then let it dry (or dry it with a heat tool).  Then you color over the various areas with colored pencils and in my case I also used the old Metallic Pencils from SU- they have an amazing shine.  Finally, top it off with white gel pen details. 

So will you try it?  Here's a link to the tutorial for a few more specific details.  Thanks for stopping by!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps:  Serene Snowflakes, Short & Sweet

Accessories: Modern Label punch, white gel pen, Metallic pencils, colored pencils, Scalloped Trim border punch, Big Shot

Final Merry Christmas

Found another one.  This might be my last Christmas card I post for this season... but I do have a few Christmas thank yous coming soon.  And Wednesday I'll be back with a new Diva Coffee Break Designs sketch challenge! Can't wait- I've been away far too long. 

If this is your last day before getting back to your normal routine, enjoy!! 

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Serene Snoflakes, All Holidays

Colors: Marina Mist, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss (ribbon), Cherry Cobler, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Kiwi Kiss ribbon, Decorative Label punch, white ink, DSP

Happy New Year 2011!!!!

Hello and welcome back to my humble stamping blog. I'm happily adjusting to my new laptop (that arrived just yesterday) and anxiously awaiting fun filled posts in this new year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and enjoyed your New Year's Eve. I bet many of you are ready to get back into your regular routine by now. Without further rambling I'm going to post several of the last Christmas cards I whipped out just in time, which I was unable to share with you before.

Thanks for stopping by,

~Kristin

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